Bistro Newsletter

Bistro New Newsletter
January 20, 2023
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Greetings friends,

One of my favorite things to do on my day off is to discover new places. So last Saturday my husband, Michael, and I headed to Detroit. I love our city; I grew up near 8 & Telegraph not far from Edgewater Park. I can barely remember the park, as it was on its last legs when we lived there. However, I do remember the small jerky roller coaster Mouse Trap and I swear I could hear the screams from the park late at night in my bed on Archer Street. My dad was a Detroit Firefighter, so we had to live in the city even though in the 70s and 80s the neighborhood already appeared to be crumbling all around us. Firemen work odd shifts so, as the youngest in my family, and no babysitter, I did everything with my dad while my older sisters were in school. He would take me to Eastern Market, we fished in the Detroit River for Blue Gill and went to afternoon games at Tiger Stadium. We would run around the different fire houses on the West Side; he worked odd jobs all over the city, like most firemen do to earn extra cash, and he loved hanging out with his buddies. I even remember going to a few bars with him on occasion… shhh don’t tell my mom.

So to celebrate my 51st birthday, we rambled around Detroit like dad and I used to and the sun was kind enough to hang with us.​

Our first visit was a walk through the Cass Corridor with a stop at Engine 17, Seasons Market & Cafe and Warda Patisserie, a James Beard award winning pastry shop. The Corridor is loaded with new hip shops and still has that artist vibe.

We then hit Dragonfly, a new cocktail bar in Milwaukee Junction off East Grand Boulevard, where the drinks were as cool as the music, the chill vibe and the friendly bartender. It’s next to Freya, which is on my list to visit, and Oak & Reel, one of my favorite restaurants in the city. ​

Our night really got started at The Dakota Inn Rathskeller. This legendary German Bar, since 1933, is on John R. between 6 & 7 Mile. I have always wanted to check out The Dakota and my first visit did not disappoint. If you have never been, I absolutely recommend. The current owner Karl, whose family has had the bar & restaurant for three generations has stood the test of time. The sing a-long piano player is the highlight as is the good German beer. The building is full of German art, mounted deer, and many historical items (look for the matching Blatz Skater guy that is behind our bar here at the Bistro) and everyone there is having a good time… especially the staff. Our server Karen was outstanding, she handled our large group like a seasoned pro. She smiled and SANG the entire night. The dishwasher, Leigh, if I recall correctly, is 87 years old. 87!!!! Please check out this historic place as I know they have struggled to regain their footing since the pandemic. Karl said the neighborhood has completely deteriorated around them (they have safe gated parking) and he fights every day to keep his family’s traditions alive. Grab a beer, eat a tasty hot pretzel and get ready to sing… you might even end up doing the chicken dance with complete strangers and dancing on a table. That may or may not actually have happened…

Cheers!
Sharon

~ Chalkboard Features January 20 & 21, 2022 ~
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DRINK SPECIALS

Maison Darragon Vouvray 2019 Chenin Blanc   9/36

   Playbook Hail Mary Premium Lager 16oz can brewed in Novi  8

Pear-fecto Pear & Rosemary Infused Vodka, Pear Juice, Prosecco  13

BISTRO PLATES

All Bistro Plates are served with a choice of Caesar or DJB House Salad

Max’s Meat Pie Ground Sirloin & Ground Lamb Slow Simmered with Leeks, Carrots & Portobello Mushrooms in a Meaty Worcestershire Gravy under a Puff Pastry Lid Baked until Golden Brown.  26

~ Suggested Brew: Cheboygan Lighthouse Amber ~

Florida Grouper Pan Roasted with Garlicky Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus & Citrus Infused Hollandaise.  26  

~ Suggested Wine: Maison Darragon Vouvray ~

Linguine & Clams Littleneck Clams (in the shell & chopped) Steamed with White Wine, Shallot, Garlic, Celery & Old Bay Buttery Cream Tossed with Linguine & fresh Parsley.  24

~ Suggested Wine: Maison Darragon Vouvray ~

Crusty Mustard Chicken a DJB Classic; All-Natural Chicken Breast Marinated in Basil, Rubbed with Dijon & Crusted in Basil Breadcrumbs. Presented over Cheddar Mashed Potatoes with Southern Style Stewed Collard Greens.  25    

~ Suggested Brew: Playlist Hail Mary Premium Lager ~
~ Chalkboard Features January 20 & 21, 2022 ~
 
 
DRINK SPECIALS
Maison Darragon Vouvray 2019 Chenin Blanc   9/36
   Playbook Hail Mary Premium Lager 16oz can brewed in Novi  8
Pear-fecto Pear & Rosemary Infused Vodka, Pear Juice, Prosecco  13