Is fine dining dead? New restaurants are opening up (and some are re-opening), plus an interview with the family behind some of the most beloved restaurants in Detroit! That’s what’s on the menu for the 23rd edition of the Dine In The D Newsletter. (Hi, I’m Michelle!)
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🍿 Appetizers
- 🍬 Sweet lovers rejoice! Sugar Factory American Brasserie is coming to downtown Detroit in late spring. The chain is known for its retail candy store and Instagrammable decor.
- 🐟 Speaking of restaurants opening, Smith & Co. has plans to re-open this month after a long hiatus due to the pandemic! Executive Chef Greg Antioho informed me their target date is February 10th, but with the snow, it may be delayed. Watch their social media for up-to-date details.
- 🍕 Want to get paid to pick up your own pizza? Domino’s is offering $3 off your next carry-out order if you choose pick-up instead of delivery.
- 🥕 After 4 years, the popular Vegan pop-up, Street Beat, is calling it quits. The founders are ready to move on to their next chapter. If you want to try their food before they close, they will be at 3rd Street bar in Midtown Feb. 9-13 and 16-20.
- 🥩 Local chef, Sarah Welch, will be on our TVs this March competing to be “Top Chef” on Bravo. She is known for making phenomenal dishes at Detroit’s butcher’s shop/eatery Marrow.
-🌮 The popular Southwest Detroit eatery, Taqueria El Rey, had to close due to a fire. Luckily no one was hurt but there is a lot of damage. You can donate to their Go Fund Me account to help get this family-owned business back up and running.
- 🍗 Business is heating up for two brothers serving up soul food in the D. Detroit Soul is planning to open a second location with the help of the Motor City Match program.
🍽️Is fine dining dead?
Hello Fellow Foodies,
So as I was putting together the list of restaurants to take your Valentine (the list is further down in the newsletter), it got me thinking about fine dining restaurants - you know, the places with white tablecloths, where men are expected to wear a suit, and it costs an arm and a leg. I began to wonder, are fine dining restaurants dying out? I’ve seen less and less of them throughout the years as they quietly close their doors, and the ones that are still open have been there for ages. I can’t think of a restaurant that has opened up recently that fits the bill for a traditional fine dining restaurant... but that’s just the thing, I think fine dining has changed.
No more is it white tablecloths, and an overly formal atmosphere. Modern diners tend to find that stuffy rather than chic. Instead, restaurants are opting for a more relaxed atmosphere with a sophisticated and modern style. You’ll see fine art on the walls, marble or wood tables, and leather chairs. Most people will be dressed nice, but no suits are required, and yes, you may even see people in jeans (gasp! 🤯). Exceptional service is still expected, but they aren’t hovering in the same way they used to.
Recently I dined at San Morello, the Italian restaurant in the Shinola Hotel. As Google describes it, it is a “Hip, trendy Italian restaurant prepping wood-fired pizza & handmade pasta with seasonal ingredients.” To me, however, this is modern fine dining. The service was top-notch, they switched out your plate and utensils after every course. There was a sommelier on hand to help you pick out your wine, and you are asked to sample it before your glass is poured. Not to mention the food was amazing, definitely to the standard (and price) of a fine dining establishment. The only real difference is the more relaxed atmosphere. And to be honest, I am not mad about it.
Dining should change as the times do. If you are going to pay that much money for a nice night out, you should be comfortable with what you are wearing. The more chill atmosphere makes the whole night less intimidating and more approachable. It’s really easy to know which utensil to use when that’s the only one on the table. It allows you to better focus on the important things of the meal - the flavors, and who you are with.
This is not to say traditional fine dining places don’t have their appeal, they do, and now they also have that extra draw of them being a rare spot with lots of history, but I am glad fine dining is diversifying and becoming more modern.
Eat well, my friends!
-Michelle Oliver
Reporter on the 10 AM show, “Live in the D.” Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest stories I am working on.
👨🏿👩🏿👧🏿👧🏿The family behind some of the most beloved restaurants in Detroit
In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to introduce you to a family that has been a part of Detroit history for quite a while, starting many dining favorites, and even developing a whole block of the city. I spoke with Stephanie Byrd, part of the family that gave us Flood’s Bar and Grill, The Block, and the Garden Theater. Here’s what she had to say:
Q. Your family has been involved in the restaurant industry for a long time. Tell us how it all began.
A. My parents have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Over 30 years ago they began exploring entrepreneurship opportunities and purchased FBG, an existing business. They were intrigued by the restaurant business, although they had no prior experience, and it was a business our extended family could become involved with, and it was one of the few existing businesses they found that welcomed Black ownership. Very quickly we became a restaurant family, everyone was fully immersed in the business. My first job was counting payphone change, eventually moving up to processing credit cards and coat checks.
Q. You and your family also have a large hand in real estate development. Why did you guys want to invest in Detroit?
We are a pro-Detroit family. We’re very intentional about living in the city and owning businesses in the city. After owning a successful business (and having a landlord), it was only natural for us to grow into real estate development. We wanted to expand in a new area and bring more to a city that has given so much to us.
Q. Restaurants frequently come and go, but you have been in the game a long time. What do you think contributes to your success?
Our staff, our guests, and our ambiance have contributed to our success. Some of our staff have been with us since we opened years ago and have been incredibly loyal through the ups and downs. Many of our guests, mostly Black Detroiters, have supported FBG for decades. Our ambiance and Cheers-style vibe, where everyone knows your name, is one of the reasons our guests and staff continue to support us.
Q. How have you and your family used your businesses to support other Black-owned businesses?
We are intentional about supporting Black-owned businesses. We support Black businesses because BOB’s are one reason we’ve been successful and we want to recirculate money in our community, foster job creation, and celebrate Blackness. We buy Black services and goods whenever possible. We are constantly sharing our connections and resources with our fellow Black-owned businesses, we want to help wherever we can. We also make financial investments in other BOB’s. This year we want to focus on using our platforms to help increase visibility for BOB’s.
Q What do you like about running a restaurant? What drives you?
Although running restaurants and venues can be a challenge, I enjoy the variety each day brings. Every day is a new journey filled with opportunities and obstacles that I get to navigate. And the flexibility is a great incentive too. I’m driven to continue the family legacy by our staff, our community & of course my family - they all drive me. My family built the foundation and passed the baton and our staff and community continue to support & uplift us.
🥰 8 places to bring your sweetie for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is 10 days away, and if you haven’t made a restaurant reservation yet, now is the time! As the holiday is on a Monday this year, many restaurants are offering special menus and deals for the weekend before. Here is a list of romantic restaurants to take your sweetie.
Cafe Cortina - 30715 W 10 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
When I think of romantic restaurants, this one is always towards the top, and I am not the only one who thinks so. They have been voted “Most Romantic Restaurant” by several publications since they first opened in 1976. While their lushly green patio is the stuff of dreams, their cozy and intimate interior has a similar vibe with fireplaces and candlelit tables. They have a special Valentine’s Day menu they will be running the 12-14th that is $98 per person. (Though it is not on their Valentine’s Day menu, one dish to get at another time is their cacio e pepe, a traditional Roman pasta dish they make tableside in a giant wheel of parmesan.)
The Dixboro House - 5400 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
The much-awaited fine dining concept that is a part of The Dixboro Project is finally open! With wall-to-ceiling windows looking out on the forest, the atmosphere is sure to be breathtaking. According to their website, “Dixboro House, is launching Valentine’s Day weekend and will remain open weekly every Friday through Sunday. Menus and reservations will be released on the 1st for the following month. ” Their special menu is $185 per person and requires a reservation. For the full story on the Dixboro Project, click here.
Madam - 298 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
Located inside the Daxton Hotel in Birmingham, this chic restaurant is a great place to take a date for Valentine’s Day. You can even make a full weekend out of it and stay at the hotel, enjoying their beautiful gallery of fine art. They are running a couple of promotions including the “Daxton: A Declaration of Love” promotion, which includes a box of chocolates and pink bubbles or sparkling wine for each table. Couples can also take advantage of the hotel’s Date Night Package that includes “in-suite decorations, such as bubble baths and roses, and turn down service for Valentine’s Day, providing a relaxing and opulent experience full of romance.” Use the code “DINE” when booking. For the full story on Madam, click here.
Apparatus Room - 250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226
Keeping with the hotel restaurant’s theme, the gorgeous Foundation Hotel in downtown Detroit is offering a package for a special Valentine’s Day weekend. According to their PR team, the offer includes a two-night stay over Valentine’s Day weekend, access to the hotel’s Lincoln Navigator with a chauffeur driver to tour the city, a daily delivery of a dozen red roses from Maison Farola, chocolates from local chocolatier Bon Bon Bon, an intimate candlelit dinner at The Apparatus Room with a special dessert and bottle of champagne, and breakfast in bed. The whole package is $5000 and must be booked by February 8th.
Toria - 115 E Main St, Northville, MI 48167
This cozy and chic date-night restaurant is offering a special tasting menu for Valentine’s Day. It’s named for Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and has a European flair to the menu. Their 4-course prix fixe menu costs $75 per person and includes Beef Wellington! You can see all your course options on this Instagram post. For the full story on this romantic restaurant, click or tap here.
Feast - 30400 23 Mile Rd, Chesterfield, MI 48047
This chef-driven eclectic eatery is bringing sophisticated Detroit-style dining to the ‘burbs. Chef Jared Bobkin, a “Hell’s Kitchen” alum, is using his expertise to create a special menu for Valentine’s Day. While normally closed on Mondays, they plan to open specially for the holiday from 4 pm to 10 pm. You can order off their regular menu or choose the chef’s special couple’s menu. Reservations are recommended. For the full story on Feast, click here.
Berkley Common - 3087 Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072
Cozy up in one of those romantic igloos, or dine inside the rustic industrial chic interior. The restaurant is known for its small plates, shareable, and cocktails. They have a special menu planned for Valentine’s Day including sea scallops, braised pork shank, mushroom ravioli, and a chocolate strawberry panna cotta for dessert. Yum! Plates range in price from about $10 to $30. If you want an igloo, there is an additional price to book that depending on the day and size of the igloo.
M Cantina - 13214 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
If you love tacos and want to try something new and sophisticated, check out M Cantina in Dearborn. The Executive Chef, Junior Merino, is known as the Liquid Chef because he is a master mixologist as well. They will be serving up a bevy of specialty drinks and desserts for the day of love. Seriously, save room so you can enjoy a bit of everything this restaurant has to offer. Reservations are required, and you can book online. For the full story on M Cantina, click here.
✍️Can I take your order?
Hello! My name is Michelle Oliver. I am a reporter, and the resident foodie on our 10 AM lifestyle show, Live In The D. Every Friday I will take you to “Dine In The D” at a different local restaurant, so make sure to watch.
Thanks for reading this newsletter! I’d love to hear about the restaurants you love in your city -- click here to submit an idea or email me directly here.
By the way, we have a Facebook Group for our Dine In The D foodies! Check it out here and join the conversation.
