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Friday, July 1, 2011

Bites Nearby: The Fly Trap

Ferndale's 'blunch' joint serves intriguing dishes at affordable prices.

The Fly Trap, 22950 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-399-5150 The only joint in Metro Detroit serving "blunch," The Fly Trap is one of Ferndale's quintessential diners. With a menu that is as eclectic as it is accessible, the focus is on fresh, made-from-scratch cuisine that is also playful and delicious. In conjunction with the menu, a daily specials board announces what's exciting. The Fly Trap's home page is updated each day with specials information on the Daily Buzz section. During my most recent visit, the milkshake of the day was mint stick, a cool and refreshing peppermint shake that couldn't be more perfect on a hot day. Breakfast choices range from sweet to savory. From oatmeal with dried cherries and vanilla ice cream (!) to huevos …

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Bites Nearby: Bagger Dave's

Bagger Dave's is a family-friendly burger and a beer joint.

Bagger Dave's is not a run-of-the-mill burger chain. The Ann Arbor-based company, whose first location was in Berkley, is passionate about burgers and Michigan beer, with more than 10 varieties available. But, Bagger Dave's is definitely family friendly. The train theme will mesmerize kids and Sunday is Family Day, where children get half off their meals. All diners get $1 off all burgers on Legendary Tuesdays. Burgers are made fresh daily. Several signature burgers are available, but don't be afraid to build your own using ground beef, turkey or a vegetarian-friendly patty. Fries and sweet potato chips are hand cut, making them ideal burger companions. There are plenty of other options, too. Salads, sandwiches and turkey black bean chili …

Friday, June 10, 2011

Bites Nearby: Rust Belt Market

"Handmade" extends to food at Ferndale marketplace open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Rust Belt Market has been open for about a month now. Basically, it is a place for purveyors of handmade and/or vintage goods to set up shop and sell to the public each Saturday and Sunday. As its website says, "Ever wish that Etsy existed offline? So did we."  Etsy, of course, is an online marketplace where people can buy handmade and vintage goods from around the world. The fundamental problem with Etsy is you have no idea who you're buying from. No matter how dolled up a virtual storefront may be, it is still virtual. Rust Belt Market brings the sellers from behind the keyboard into a public space where buyers can discuss any issues they may have before purchasing an item. When we talk about handmade goods, foods are sometimes …

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Bites Nearby: Amici's Pizza & Living Room

The green-certified Berkley establishment serves not only pizza but also a full line of martinis and other libations.

There is something especially satisfying about Amici's.  Not only is the pizza interesting and somewhat healthful, but Amici's was one of the first local restaurants to "go green." "In 2007, Amici’s Pizzeria was awarded the Certified Green Restaurant mark from the national nonprofit Green Restaurant Association. The GRA was founded in 1990, and its program is the national standard for Certified Green Restaurants," Amici's website says. Not many places in Metro Detroit can claim that distinction.   For those trying to live a healthful lifestyle, Amici's uses organic products whenever possible. Vegan and vegetarian pizzas are available with soy cheese and with gluten-free crusts. The gluten-free crust costs a little more than traditional or …

Linda Baker

10:59 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011

This has been a favorite place of ours for years - we customize the #2 pizza by subbing spinach for the chives, adding Feta cheese and yellow bananna peppers - their pecan crusted chicken is great as well - and their whole wheat crusts an breadsticks are great - the only problem is now the parking since other business owners don't want to "share" their parking lots with their neighbors even if …   more ›

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Bites Nearby: Pete's Place

This quaint diner on Woodward Heights serves high quality, made-from-scratch cuisine.

Pete's Place (The Broadway Cafe) is one of those rare places that makes nearly everything on its menu well.  Open for late lunch and dinner during the week with brunch added to the weekend festivities, it is quite easy to find something on the menu that will please even the most picky eater.   For those with dietary restrictions (i.e. gluten free, vegetarian, nut allergy), the menu has clearly displayed colored boxes next to items for easy ordering. The atmosphere is laid back and fun. Posters from Broadway shows are hung on the walls, giving playful historical twist to the decor. With an ecclectic menu focused on made-from-scratch fare, options are plentiful.  For starters, the breaded zucchini is lightly battered and cooked just enough …

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Bites Nearby: Howe's Bayou

Find Ferndale's taste of house made New Orleans food on Woodward Avenue.

Howe's Bayou has been serving its unique style of New Orleans and Creole cuisine on Woodward Avenue since 2000. The restaurant has a unique shotgun space (longer than it is wide), constructed with festive woodwork, making Howe's reminiscent of the classy joints down in the Big Easy. Nearly every thing on the menu is made in house. For those not familiar with Creole, it's rustic, of the sea, sometimes spice, but always bold. Shrimp, andouille sausage and red beans and rice are staples at Howe's. With the warm weather, try out the classic Southern gentlemen's cocktail, the mint julep. Refreshing, slightly sweet and minty – just like a piece of gum, but with bourbon. Recommended dishes: Voodoo Chicken Po'Boy, mustard fried catfish, red beans …

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Bites Nearby: Mae's

This year-old Pleasant Ridge diner has plenty of local flavor and homemade style.

On April 10, Mae's celebrated one year of business. Take one step inside and it is no secret why it has been successful. From the quirky retro decor to the from scratch cooking, Sean and Jessica McCarthy have built a warm and welcoming atomposhere similar to your favorite family member's place – if your favorite family member was an incredible cook who made baked goods fresh every morning.  Open for breakfast and lunch, you can't miss with anything on the menu. Plus, at the tucked-away diner, there is a focus on Michigan made products such as Faygo, Better Made, Great Lakes Coffee and more. Something that isn't necessarily from Michigan are the Æbleskivers, a Danish puffed pancake breakfast treat. And, get this: Mae's is one of the only …

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Bites Nearby: what crêpe?

This week's Bites Nearby takes us to what crêpe, Royal Oak's only creperie.

what crêpe? is the brainchild of Paul Jenkins Jr. With no previous restaurant experience, Jenkins opened the eatery after a memorable crepe experience in Toronto.  Since opening, what crêpe? has expanded once with a second expansion on the horizon. Jenkins was recently granted a bistro license by Royal Oak, which allows him to serve alcohol, so cocktails and craft beers are available for sipping with, before or after crêpes.  Crêpes are more than enough for a normal appetite. If you are dining with another person, one savory and one sweet crêpe would be a perfectly satisfying meal.   Recommended dishes: Signature Ribeye Truffle, The Italian, The Revolution, Nutty Monkey, What Crispies with Black Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna, Asian Vegetable …

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