I Wish I Weren't So Gullible!

I really believed that I was going to have an out of sight eating experience this weekend when my wife and I went out for a dinner.  We decided to check out a new place that is a chain restaurant.  They like to call it a corporate restaurant, but that is just a fancy name for chain.  We had been given gift cards to this place, so we decided that we would go and check it out. 

Flemings was the place and steak is their specialty; although, they do have some seafood options.   I really thought that I was going to experience something unique, even though this is a chain.  If you have read past posts, you know how I feel about chains.  I was giving them the benefit of the doubt that this chain experience was going to be different.  After all, I have seen great reviews of this place on line and in magazines, and they really seem to have it together.  I was impressed as well, when I went online to make a reservation and they sent me an email that stated the following;  "Dear Friend of Fleming's,  Thank you for choosing Flemin's Livonia.  We are please to confirm your dining reservation.  If you have a change of plans and need to cancel or reschedule, please contact our guest staff at...  We look forward to welcoming you!" 

Classy, right?  This is part of what drew me in and gave me the expectations that I had.  I thought, "This place is really going to know how to do customer service."  Just as a rule of thumb; if a place cares about their customers they will usually care about their food.  

It is true. The one thing that Flemings really does right is customer service.  From the moment that we walked in the door we were greeted my the Flemings staff.  Coats were checked, and we were immediately seated.  Soon a waiter was at the table asking us for drink orders, and informing us that our server was occupied, but he would get us started.  Servers were always there throughout the meal; not to badger us, but just there hanging in the wings if we needed  anything.  The operating partner and his assistant were constantly on the floor as well.  Both visited our table throughout the evening, and they were more than willing to engage in conversation answering any questions that we had.  The over all service, and staff really was excellent and gave the kind of attention that we all expect from any establishment we walk into.  They understand hospitality.

The food however, was a different story.  This was not something that they understand nearly as well as they understand hospitality.  My wife order Petite Fillet with a bake potato.  I ordered Tuna Mignon and sauteed spinach.  When I asked our server what kind of Tuna was used in this preparation, she said to me, "Grade A".  I laughed to myself and did not pursue this question any more with her because she had just given me the pad answer for their steaks.  Grade A has nothing to do with fish.  Latter during the meal the floor assistant came by and I asked him about the fish, again inquiring about the type of Tuna they were using.  It appeared to me to be Yellow Tale, but now I wanted to see what kind of answer I would get.  He said that he did not know, but would ask the chef.   He was gone a few moments and returned to tell me that it was, "sashimi 2+."  Again I laughed to myself and gave up on the question.  The real answer seemed to be, "Its the kind of fish corporate tells us to use for this dish."  For all they knew it may have been Scrod as long as it was sashimi grade.  The dish over all was encrusted in poppy seed and crushed pepper corn, and then dressed with a "tomato sherry vinaigrette."  The "vinaigrette" turned out to be more of a tomato salad or relish.  Over all I was really not impressed with the flavor and found that toward the end of the meal, it seemed to finish with an alum-esk feeling on my pallet.

The steak was a very well prepared piece of meat, but did not have exceptional flavor.  I was quite surprised by this, especially when Flemings specializes in steak. When I was a child, my family joined with some very close friends for Christmas eve dinners. Fondue was the main course.  Chunks of meat were cooked at our tables in open pots of oil.  As soon as I put the Fillet in my mouth that memory flooded my mind.  The flavor was exact.  Now I appreciate childhood memories, and I enjoyed those meals with my family very much.  However, I did expect more from this Fillet. 


What I am most sad to say is that my wife's bake potato and the sauteed spinach were actually my favorite part of the meal.  The sauteed spinach simply consisted of baby spinach, soften red onion, and a little salt and pepper sauteed in a little oil.  When I ask the assistant about it, he told me of the simplicity of this dish.  He went on to say that corporate had been working to lower salt and sugar content in foods.  He said, "now you can really taste the ingredients.  Even the deserts taste better, you can actually taste the vanilla."  This seemed to be some kind of eureka moment for him, and really is a testament once again to the "affected-ness" (See; "That's What You Get From A Chain") of chain food.


We ordered their molten lava cake for desert.  It was a good desert, but it was not special.  We both agreed that one of our good friends makes a better one.  Presentation was very nice on this desert, but the flavor of the cake was just there, rather flat and unimpressive.  
 
We were also very surprised by the noise level of the restaurant. Flemings is a large open dining room, and they boast of serving over one hundred bottled wines.  The open room + glass of wine = loud environment.  Really not what I expected from a place that proclaims, "where evenings out become memories."  I think it should be slightly modified to say, "where evenings out become memories, if you can remember them."

Over all we were very impressed with the service a Flemings. They know how to take care of people.  We gave their service a 4.5 out of 5.  You really won't find much better service without going to Grandmas house.  The food however we gave a 3.  It was just there.



Once again I would tell you.  Go to a chain restaurant if you want but don't expect more than a chain experience.  You will just be disappointed if you expect something more.  You can find much better food and the same service from privately owned and operated eateries all around the metro area.

Thats What You'll Get From A Chain!

When you make a decision to step into a chain restaurant, you should expect chain restaurant food.  Today was no exception.  We decided that we wanted to go someplace that had fish and for at least one of my companions I know that means fried fish.  So we took off toward Livonia to Mitchell's Fish Market.  This is  a nice place where a lot of business folk go for lunches.  Mitchell's does have a reasonable lunch menu for the quality of food that they proclaim so I thought this would be a good choice.

The problem that we found at Mitchell's is the problem that you will find in any chain restaurant.  The food has been what Simon Cowell would call an American Idol contestant who was trying to imitate their favorite artist, "affected".  Simply meaning that they have worked so hard at being just like the original that they have lost all their creativity and they are just repeating what they have heard.  In the case of Mitchell's, I am sure that the creator had very good intentions of initially making food quality and standard very high.  Their website says as much, proclaiming "fish any fresher would still be in the ocean".  But through the "affected"ness of duplicating the Mitchell's brand you end up with what we had today;  improperly cooked foods that lack pizazz or creativity, and a wait staff that is just there to get the job done.  It is really what I have come to expect from any chain experience.

Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of things that Mitchell's appears to have done right, but not today.  The moment that we walked in to Mitchell's we smelled fish.  That is the first rule in any fish restaurant.  If it smells like fish you probably want to move on.  In my generosity, I said to myself, "everyone has a bad day, they are likely cleaning something out and that's why we smell fish". 

You may think, "Hey! Its a fish place, it should smell like fish", but that is only half true.  Any "fish" place that smells like ocean is fine, but any fish place that smells like a dead fish laying in the hot sun is just wrong.  Mitchell's smell was faint, but it was there.  Floors were not clean, but it has been a rough winter with lots of salt.  The greeter was nice enough, but our waiter was not interested.  To top it all off, there were boxes of wine stacked in the hallway.  None of this is what I would expect from a restaurant of the caliber that they proclaim.

I ordered salmon prepared Shang-hai style, which is steamed Atlantic salmon served on a bed of rice, ginger, and spinach in a light, sweet rice wine soy sauce then topped with scallion.  This is a dish that I have had before, and is always something that I enjoy. Today the rice was undercooked, and the fish was just pale and unappealing.  The flavor was good, but we eat with our eyes first, and it just did not look that appetizing today.  The other guys with me all ordered fish and chips and loved the fish, but were not impressed at all with the fries or the hush puppies.  One said of the fries, "They remind me of Steak and Shake."  A bowl of seafood gumbo was also ordered.  It was more of a spicy gumbo-esk soup.  It had little if any okra or corn, a smidgen of rice, and the tiniest pieces of sausage you could find.  This is not gumbo, and should not be called gumbo.  It really is an insult to the gumbo name.

Now you would think that after everything that I have just said, that we would have rated this with very low numbers this week.  For what you should expect from a place like Mitchell's, 2.5 out of 5 is a very low number.  For a place that boasts the kind of experience that they do, you should expect better than 4 every time you walk in the door.  This is really why I was so disappointed with today's experience.

The moral of the story is that you will often find very predictable food in any chain that you step in to. So dine at any of them that you like, but don't expect to be wowed by the experience even if it is more money than you would like to pay.  You just have to know that you will be eating affected food and it will not likely be a memorable experience.

Masks, Middlebelt, and Mo Shu: A Chinese Excursion

Today was one of those soggy, dreary, cold, foggy, wet,--did I say cold?-- days in Metro Detroit.  So when one of the guys suggested that we go for Chinese, hot and sour soup and a fresh Egg Roll sounded like a good idea.  We headed for a little place that we go to on occasion on Ford road not far from Middlebelt called New Pe King.

Now I have to confess that the first time that I was taken to this restaurant, I was deeply concerned.  A friend of mine told me that he wanted to take me for some, "great Chinese" one day.  In order to avoid offending him I agreed despite the fact that I was seriously skeptical about any, "great Chinese" existing in the state of Michigan.  I had been to several places and had all but given up on the fact that any, even good, Chinese food existed in the Metro area let alone the state.  As we pulled up in the drive my skepticism was still heavy.  The sign.  The store front.  None of it was silencing my fears, but I did not want to offend my companion so I tried to act excited about the experience.  I really thought I was about to get another bad Chinese buffet with gaudy decor.

When we stepped inside, I was pleasantly surprised.  There was no buffet table anywhere to be found, and there were actual Asian people eating the food, and not just a few, but my friend and I were the minority!  Eureka!  This place could have potential!   The hostess seated us and almost immediately hot tea was being poured in our cups and the waiter left the pot on the table.  After we ordered soups came right out and then our meals, and everything was really good.  Half way through the meal, I told my friend that I had been really skeptical about coming here, but he had made a great choice.  This place had far exceeded my expectations.

In the years since, I have made many trips back for lunch and I am never disappointed with what I have ordered.  The lunch menu is quite diverse and inexpensive.  Lunches include soup, and an Egg Roll.  None of us are in agreement on the Egg Rolls.  Some of the guys like them here, and others don't.  Personally, I think they have a great flavor.  Mine could have been a little crispier today.

The four of us ordered:

• Sweet & Sour Chicken- Yup, you know this one
• Yu-Shan Chicken-Marinated slices of chicken & shredded bamboo, water chestnut and woodear mushroom sauteed with a tangy vineger & sugar in a spicy hoisin sauce
• Schezuan Chicken- Marinated sliced breast of chicken with shredded celery, carrots, woodear, in Szechuan and a spicy brown sauce. 
• Vegetable Lo Mein- You know this one too.

Yu-Shaun

Vegetable Lo Mein

Wonton Soup

We also had Hot and Sour soup, Egg Drop, and a bowl of Wanton.  The Wanton was the winner of all of these today, but all of our soups were warm today, not hot.  That was a real disappointment on a rainy, cold day.  A couple of the guys said that their food was not hot, it was only warm.  This may have been because they were waiting on my dish because it was so hot I had to wait to eat it.

Our server was outstanding, very friendly and attentive.  He took the time to explain the use of, "Woodear" mushrooms in their dishes.

I can't say that today's experience was one of the best that we have had, but New Pe King does serve excellent Chinese food.  Their dinner menu is impressive, one of the guys loves the crispy duck.  Over all we gave today's experience a 2.5 out of 5.

Take the time to check it out, you will not be disappointed that you did.

Detroit Meets Mexico City

A while back I was in Mexico City with a close friend of mine and every time I am with him he is pushing me toward a new experience or flavor that he has found.  We all need a friend like that.  As we walked around the city, he took me for Tortas in a small famous place that only serves one kind of wonderful little sandwich. Specifically one turkey sandwich.  After sampling one I understood that there was no need to serve anything else.  Whole Turkey's roast on a spit over open flame and the man asks you two questions.  How many? With salsa?  After you have had one of these small simple sandwiches made of fresh bread, turkey, and avocado, you understand why he asked you how many. 

Awaking one morning, my host announced that we were going to his favorite taco place for lunch. We would be sampling a few tacos of various kinds.  Beef, chicken, tongue, and even tripe were a part of our selection.  Some were great others were ok, and still some I would not eat with your mouth.  Its the experience that counts right?  Then we were given the authentic, Mexico City, "Taco Al Pastor".  This taco's creation is really all about the meat.  Pork leg is sliced thin and  marinated in a blend of garlic, chili, pineapple juice, and other spices and the placed on spit to roast.  When the meat is ready, it is carved of the spit gyro style and served on fresh tortilla with toppings of fresh herbs and salsas.  This is, this was, the taco of all tacos and was an incredible experience.

One stop here in Detroit brought me back to these memories.  A diamond in the rough is what you will find if you drive down Dix road toward downtown Detroit just past central avenue.  As you drive passed run down buildings, tire stores, and railroad tracks, you will suddenly run in to a nicely decorated brick building with a sign out front that says Taqueria Mi Pueblo.  Yes, this is considered to be in Mexican town, but this "off the beaten path" location is really not a place where you would expect to find a restaurant that is clean, well staffed, and serving authentic Mexican delights.

The moment I stepped in to Taqueria Mi Pueblo the aromas coming from the kitchen and the food that was coming out immediately took me back to Mexico City.  This place is authentic Mexican food served in a style that takes me back as well.  If you are looking for "On the Boarder", "Taco Bell" or some "Texmex" joint then skip the drive, but if you want an authentic Mexican food experience, this is the place for you.  All kinds of tacos, tortas, and other Mexican favorites are there.

Check out the menu before you go, but if you enjoy authentic Mexican, you are going to enjoy this place.

Good Food Down River? Second Edition: Sammy's Cucina

Back in the summer I became friends with a retired Italian business man who grew up in Wyandotte.  He and I went out for nine holes of golf one day.  We enjoyed some great conversation, and I was especially intrigued as he began to tell me about growing up during WWII.  Conversation quickly lead to his mothers Italian cooking .  When I asked him what he liked to eat when he was a kid, he described to me all kinds of Italian favorites.  Then I asked, "Where do you go now for good, authentic, Italian food"?  He responded, "Right around the corner is a place called Sammy's Cucina".

Wild Mushroom Wrap

I already knew the place well.  At that time it had only been open a few months, but I had been there on more than one occasion.  I had enjoyed entrees,  sandwiches, pasta, and frequently, Sammy's pizzas.  In a word, incredible!  A month earlier I had been in Sammy's with some friends.  One was always telling me about how wonderful his Grandmothers sauces were.  He took one bite and said, "This is every bit as good if not better than my Grandma's".  He then said, "I would never tell her that".  I have to say that I think Grandma would be honored to have her food compared to Sammy's. The ingredient list is fresh, its quality, and not overly seasoned allowing the natural flavors of the food to stand on their own.

Chicken Sicilian w/ Ammogghio

If you formerly liked "Sammy V's" in Wyandotte, you will love Sammy's Cucina.  Sammy has been working in the restaurant business since 1987 and he has perfected a great menu and a great list of ingredients for people to enjoy. His staff are friendly and will treat you right.  Although the store front is small Sammy's gives you as much or more of the quality, value, and satisfaction of his bigger competitors.  The restaurant is located in the Kroger shopping center at the corner of Telegraph and West Road.   Seating inside is limited to 24 but Sammy has chosen to focus on the carry out and catering crowd in this location.  This does not change the quality or presentation of the food. 

Stop in and dine or check out Sammy's menu on line along with weekly specials and call to pick up your order.  You will not be disappointed that you did.

Good Food Down River?

Is there good food Down River?  The answer is yes.  There are good restaurants serving quality eats all over the Metro area.  Flat Rock might be better known for its speedway than its dining establishments, but there are a couple of restaurants serving excellent food and quality ingredients.

Kate's Kitchen has had its write ups and is a well known establishment.  Kate's is one of those places that you would likely drive right on by unless you know what it is.  Its off the beaten path, next to the river, right by the railroad tracks.  I do mean right by the tracks.  When you step inside, if there is not a line, don't expect frills.  Kate's looks like a small local diner, and it is, but it is much more.

Kate's cranks out an incredible variety of baked goods every morning including awesome cinnamon rolls, fresh biscuits, and a variety of pies that we bring a tear to your eye.  The coconut cream is amazing if you like that sort of thing.  French toast made from their cinnamon swirl bread is great.  The gravy is right, bacon is thick, and you won't be disappointed with anything put in front of you.

If you pursue a good cup of freshly ground premium coffee, this is not something that Kate's specializes in.  Its standard diner coffee at Kate's.  This should not stop you from the incredible edibles you will find here.

Kate's is on the map for breakfast. While they do have a variety of lunch items available, breakfast is their thing, and the doors are closed at 2pm.  You should take time to go off the beaten path and have breakfast at Kate's.

Look for more good food Down River in the next post.

To Sushi Or Not To Sushi

One of these does not sound like the others.

I have been in many a crowd where I have just uttered the word Sushi only to see nostrils flare, and pained looks on faces.  Sometimes I say it just for fun, (Sushi!) just to see what will happen.  Unfortunately the word Sushi has come to mean raw fish to many an American.  While Sushi can include raw fish as part of its ingredients, this is not always the case.   There are many Sushi items that include cook meats and vegetables along with a variety of sauces.

The term Sushi comes from the way that the rice is prepared.  Rice is cook and then allowed to cool.  As it does a sugar/vinegar mixture is sprinkled over the cooling rice.  It absorbs the liquid and becomes a flavorful wonder that people seek out.  Often Sushi places are known by how good their rice is.

Sashimi is what Americans are really afraid of .  Sashimi is the raw fish that turns stomachs and makes noses wrinkle.  But some of my favorite meals have included or were exclusively Sashimi.

One of my personal favorites is a place that does not look the part, but serves excellent Sushi.  If you happen to be in Southgate, MI stop by The Black Pine Tree.  It is a small store front building next to a boot store.  The inside is small, but chef Yan is a man to get to know and trust.  He is skilled with a knife and makes some excellent creations.  He is tall and thin, and will tell you everything that you need to know about what you are eating.  If your a first timer, he will help you out.  If you would like a little more adventure, he can help you with that as well.

If you are a frequent sushi eater, you may find that their rolls are a little larger than most places, and I have also found that the quality of presentation is not as high at BPT than it is at other places.  None-the-less, the food is great and the staff are friendly and helpful.

Most of all don't fear the Sushi.  Its a great experience, try different things and you can find something that you like.

Lets Talk Thai... Again

A good friend of mine has pointed me to many restaurants in the downtown area.  So when she told me about a Thai restaurant called Oslo I was intrigued.  We headed for Woodward to a small understated store front building.  The building is no frills. It has a white front with simple black letters that just read, Oslo.  Tinted windows wrap the building and a neon sign that reads, "sushi".

It was a rare bright sunny day in Detroit.  I was the first in the door, and it was early so when I stepped in I saw no customers and it was quite dark.  This may have been the sunny/inside transition, but it seemed dark.  The guys step in behind me, and no one was there to greet us.  I began to be a little uneasy and cast nervous glance to one of them that really was saying, "lets get out of here". When a gentleman greeted us, it was to late.  We were in, and now I was nervous.  As my eyes adjusted, I discovered an attractive restaurant with dark woods and a sushi bar with great looking ingredients.

I am a big fan of sushi, but we were here for the "awsome Thai" that I had been told about so we order three dishes from the Thai menu.

Let me just say!  My friend had it right!  Oslo serves authentic Thai food prepared by an older lady who knows what she is doing.  The food was great, and in a few  minutes people began to pour in to the restaurant.  Spring rolls, Sushi, Sashimi, and Thai plates all coming out of the kitchen and looking as pleasing to the eye as they were to the palate.

Yes, Oslo's initial impression to me was a little scary, but it is really a great addition to the D.  Go, be adventurous and try something you have never eaten before and you will enjoy the experience.

Metro Detroit...BBQ?

Some of my family have come in to town for the weekend.  We always have a good time when people come to visit.  After making a trip to the north side of town we ended up on I75 south in a complete mess of traffic.  Several snow squalls made the roads just bad enough to cause problems.

As we came upon the I75 south exit or 375 downtown option, traffic was backed up for nearly a mile.  I decided that I would skip the mess and just go right through downtown.  On to Jefferson, then Woodward, and on to Fort street.  The Down town area in all of its Holiday decor really looked pretty.   I was reminded of several really great experiences that I have had in the down town area.  Dinners with friends and family at various restaurants.  Excursions up to the top of the Ren-Cen to look over the city.(They will let you in for free just to look.) Taking a day to go to the auto show, or catch a ball game, even something at the fox, or a stroll through the DIA.  Detroit really has a lot to offer all of us including a rich history.

As I turned on to Fort street and then headed toward 75 again, we took a look down Michigan Avenue and I told everyone about the revitalization that is happening in Corktown.  Then we saw it!  A round red sign with a locomotive in the middle hanging out over Michigan Ave.  Yes, that little sign means good Bar-b-que!
Slows is the place and meat is something that they know how to treat with T.L.C.  Some of the best BBQ meats that I have had anywhere, and the atmosphere is just best stated as cool.  The first time I was there I had to search for the door and finally found it when someone stepped out.  But inside is a clean, comfortable, old style bar and beautiful wood throughout the place.  The people are friendly and helpful with any questions you might have.

You should not expect anything quickly there.  The name is Slows and they don't rush much.  I am not incredibly overwhelmed with any of the sauces, but I grew up in driving distance to Kansas City so it is just not the same.  The sauces are ok, but don't let that stop you from trying them all.  You will likely find something you will enjoy.  I personally like their mustard sauce on a Sandwich called the, "Yard Bird".

Take the time some time soon to enjoy Downtown and some "Slow" cooked meats.  You will love it!

The Wonders of Thai

If you are looking for flavors that dance on your tongue, make you squeal with like a school girl with delight, and cause you to sweat like you have been in a sauna, Thai food is just the ticket.

While Thai food is not all hot, that seems to be the dominant thought that comes to mind any time that you hear someone mention it.  The Thai experience will give you a wide variety of flavors, colors and textures.  Many dishes include meats and brightly colored fresh vegetables.  Rice is also a staple of nearly every meal.

Bangkok 96 in Dearborn is a hands down favorite for many.  Get there before 12, or you will stand in line to wait for a table.  However, the food is well worth any time that you will end up waiting at Bangkok.  You will walk in the door and likely be met by the owner who will greet and seat you immediately.  One thing you should not expect is frills, or a lot of space.  Bangkok will put as many people in the building as possible.

Order anything you like, its all good.  My personal favorite is just labeled N1.  This is a noodle dish with chicken or beef, egg, and onion, in a sweet, spicy, creamy sauce.

Calder's Dairy

I grew up in a small farming community in Missouri and spent most of my life with people who were not family, but were the closest thing to Grandparents that I had.  They owned a small dairy and several hundred acres just south of the Osage river.  Rural life was the norm for me so 10 years ago when I heard about a dairy you could visit, I really was not very intrigued.

Now as a young father I am always looking for things to do with my daughter so I planned a trip to Calder's one afternoon.  If you go to Calder's and you are expecting a zoo for cattle you are going to be profoundly disappointed.   Calder's is a working dairy.  That means it looks like a dairy, smells like a dairy, and you may not want to wear your best shoes that day, if you know what I mean.  Calder's is full of farm animals of all kinds, cattle, chickens, rabbits, even a goat named Molly that acts more like a dog than a goat, but she is friendly.  You can see how the dairy works, run through a bale maze, and finish the day with fresh ice cream.

What you should know about Calder's is that every drop of milk they produce is processed right in their facility in Lincoln Park and becomes the Ice Cream, Egg Nog, and Milk products that we all know and love.  They even make fresh butter, which is processed in another location.  Calder's is a great place to visit and is a wonderful part of the Metro community.

Bread Pudding Waffle

Bread pudding is not something that many people will drive across town for, so as I sat in Mudgies for lunch one day, the server asked us if we would like desert.   Deserts are always a curious treat so we asked what was available.   I was not incredibly drawn to the "bread pudding waffle".

The server began describing deserts like the, "Fudgie Mudgie" and cheese cake.  Then suddenly she described what she called, "Sweet Ruth".  Yes mam!  Sweet Ruth is a dessert that will make your head spin.  A generous portion of freshly made bread pudding batter is poured in a hot waffle iron along with diced apples and cooked to order.  When it comes off the iron it is topped with Calder's Ice Cream, butter scotch caramel, fresh whip cream, walnuts, and a little cinnamon.

This dessert is not heavy, or over the top on the sugar(although the caramel is obviously very sweet) but will leave you wanting to lick the plate.  Mudgies also serves a great local coffee.

Vicentes Cuban Cuisine

Yes!  Vicente's has become one of my personal favorites in all of Metro.  When you walk in the door, you will be greeted by friendly staff in an open concept dinning room.  The restaurant is elegant and inviting, but not pretentious.  We have had the same waiter every time I have been and all of the staff have been very helpful.

The food is best described as fabulous.  We have had several dishes on the menu and everything from the Cuban sandwiches to the lamb shank are incredible.  Go ahead and pass on the fries, they were not good.  Tres leche cake and Cuban coffee were also very satisfying.

If your looking for an excellent lunch, or an excellent place to take a significant other.  Vicentes is a wonderful place to plan to enjoy.

Union Street Eats

We recently happened upon Union Street which is a great restaurant bar right on Woodward.  Suburbanites with fear of the city should fear no more.  Once you happen upon a place like Union Street you see the diverse mix of people that make up Detroit, and you discover that all of us are looking for the same thing.  Great food, great atmosphere, and friendly service.  That is exactly what we found at Union Street.

We walked in and experienced a warm, inviting, old style bar with lots of dark wood, but loaded with personality.  The staff was friendly and helpful with the menus, even brought us samples of the soups which   were excellent and not over seasoned. Portions were generous, and all the ingredients were fresh.  My dish was the only one that was sub-par.  It was an Ahi sandwich. It just ended up pretty flavorless.  One of our entrees was BBQ Chicken sandwich with an excellent hickory flavored sauce.

 Over all the food and service was excellent and I look forward to eating at Union Street again and again.