Pure Michigan, Pure Eats
My eating experiences while in and around Detroit reflected the ways in which I expect the city has been transforming over the past few decades. From the fare of the workers and businessmen of the Ford-era to the vibrant new-age renaissance spurred on by Detroit's newest generation, the wealth of good food was endless. Allow me to share with you some of my greatest experiences.
Roma Cafe was old school, like the type of old school that isn't hip or the least bit trendy, just a thoroughbred classic. So old, that apparently it's Detroit's longest-standing Italian restaurant, coming in at an astounding 127 years old. Our waiter put on a show and everything was made into a spectacle, from presenting the fourth plate of Calamari to offering his wine recommendations. The dishes were straightforward, American-Italian fare. I ordered the shrimp scampi and the prawns I was served were each the size of a lobster tail. In the style of true American decadence, portion size was as a matter of practice too large (thank goodness). To me, dining at Roma Cafe felt like taking a step into the world of the bustling, decadent, thriving Detroit of years gone by. It looked as if the interior hadn't been altered since the restaurant's founding and the charm certainly hadn't been either.
But then standing in utter contrast was Toast, an absolute reflection of the newer Detroit that is taking hold. It was ecclectic and high end but offered the most delicious comfort food you could imagine. The fried chicken I was served on top of my waffle was some of the best I've ever had, like something out of a dream and so naturally, it has now become my new standard for all other fried chickens.
Even so, the most significant of my time in Michigan were the hours spent far from the city, while my boyfriend and I drove around to re-discover his childhood stomping grounds. For refreshment, we landed at the Woodshop, a BBQ joint where they serve you slabs of meat on cookie trays. The beverages served in mason jars sweetened the atmosphere all the more. This is a non-food related aside, but after lunch, we took a walk towards the Union, an old church that had been converted into a restaurant and general store. There's just something about browsing through the wares of independent artisans and creators. It was inspiring and exciting and I somehow convinced myself to buy one too many candles.
Michigan's food culture offered me an amazing look into its different identities. Although I only sampled, even if heavily, I was able to experience Detroit's old world renaissance, it's burgeoning creative culinary scene, and finally, what I took to be Michigan's heart - the small towns with its family tables. I'm absolutely sure that there's more to discover and certainly more to eat.
