  Atperry Member Username: Atperry Post Number: 244 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.137.219.205 |
Will the tables turn? Boom in downtown dining has some waiting for shakeout http://www.detroitbusiness.com /cgi-bin/article.pl?articleId= 29066 | ||
Drm Member Username: Drm Post Number: 919 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.220.69.40 |
What a surprise, people in Detroit prefer unique restaurants rather than Friday's/Red Robin's/Chi-Chi's cookie-cutter bullshit. Go figure. | ||
Sticks Member Username: Sticks Post Number: 73 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 69.136.142.60 |
But I like it when they sing to me on my birthday! {/sarcasm} | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 23 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
OMG! Coach is doing $4m in sales!!!! That is amazing. Now if that doesn't sell DETROIT I don't know what does. To give you all a figure of what that number is in comparison to the New York Bar I manage (Stone Rose) A Rande Gerber bar, that is right where we are. And we are the hottest bar in New York and part of the hottest upscale lounge chains in America. Check us out at (WWW.MOCBARS.COM). I may have to hint to Rande that the time is right to invest in DETROIT. Hopefully the Book-Caddy will open soon. I need a view of Washington Blvd. 313 | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 654 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
yes, u need to hint to Rande that nows the time to invest in Detroit!!! and did u see that Seldom Blues is over 6 million in sales? | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 24 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
OMG! Yes I will. I have to get the figures but after we open the Stone Rose LA in may I will put a bug in his ear. Thankx 313 | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 655 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
Great!! I hope you are successful in putting a bug in his ear!! Then perhaps you could manage the new downtown Detroit Stone Rose, and move back here yourself!! Adding to the population one at a time!  | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 27 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
INDEED!!! | ||
Naturalsister Member Username: Naturalsister Post Number: 561 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.169.65 |
How'd they forget 'The Woodward'? I was there St. Patrick's (evening). I had a great time, service was excellent. I like how the decor was very swanky, yet the environment was relaxed because of the Piston game on the flat screen of the dining area I was in. The back of my seat on the State/Gratiot side of the building. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 30 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
Any Pics? The Woodward wasn't open last time I was there? | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 396 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 35.11.210.161 |
Those are some very cool looking places 313. Good luck in trying to bring one to Detroit What's been encouraging about the last few years it seems even when one restaurant closes another replaces it fairly quickly. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 32 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
That happens in New York all the time. The turnover is like that in most popular hot spots. Don't worry DETROIT will be the spot in the coming years. I think it will easilly rival New York and Chicago in a couple of years, especially around the waterfront, for hot nightspots. Check out another nighthawk making his way to the DETROIT scene at KINGARTHURSPASSPORT.COM. 313 | ||
Collective Member Username: Collective Post Number: 332 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.30.21.181 |
OK...not to hijack the thread but that mocbars website is SWEET...good stuff and the music mix is a great touch. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 33 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
You should check out the bars itself. The nearest is in Chicago. I am going to pitch it to Rande that if the Book-Caddy gets the go ahead I would like to see a MOC Bar on Washington Blvd. The Company is very open to new establisments and it is a great company to work for/with. We will be opening one in L.A. Atlanta, Madrid and Las Vegas. 313 | ||
Tomoh Member Username: Tomoh Post Number: 134 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 71.227.90.8 |
"There have been some notable closures. Duet, a fine-dining restaurant that was in Orchestra Hall, closed in May 2003 and Intermezzo, an Italian restaurant in Harmonie Park owned by Nick Apone, closed in June 2004." (still dunno how to quote.) What's the deal here, I swear I ate at Intermezzo the week before the Superbowl. Anyways, I fear the scenario where even some good restaurants being managed well downtown closer faster than new ones come in if people don't start dining out more outside of the weekends. Maybe warming weather will help. Does anybody know of particular restaurants that are near the brink of thinking of throwing in the towel? | ||
Erikd Member Username: Erikd Post Number: 566 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.242.214.106 |
Intermezzo was leased out temporarily for the Superbowl. There was also some kind of event held there last week, but it has not been open on a regular basis since late 2004. | ||
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia Post Number: 460 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.228.2.254 |
Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp's point about a downtown restauraunt assoc. is a good idea. The more that the full group of locations can market together, the greater chance of success for all. Traffic is the key. | ||
Wazootyman Member Username: Wazootyman Post Number: 36 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 68.75.220.9 |
I love dining downtown. It's a very different experience from the chain restaurants in the 'burbs. I'm considering going to Coach Insignia this weekend, as I've really been itching to see the city from 72 stories up, and I've got an out-of-town couple visiting. Anybody know about how much dinner for two runs on average (minus drinks)? Just trying to get a feel for what's affordable. As an aside, I've never understood how Atlas Global Bistro survives. I know it gets great write-ups in Hour magazine, but the neighborhood it's in strongly contrasts fine dining, at least visually. | ||
Homer Member Username: Homer Post Number: 44 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 69.242.221.113 |
For all you sandwich hounds out there, Eph McNally's will be opening a second location on Woodward across from Compuware soon.... oh, and a double bread pudding to go, thanks. | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 1541 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.61.187.234 |
Atlas is generally hopping, and also gets a decent bar crowd. They get a lot of people pre-show for the Max, the Fox, etc, and they also get a pretty busy Sunday brunch crowd. The did cut back from doing breakfast during the week, but lunch can be busy there as well. The neighborhood doesn't seem to play a huge factor. | ||
Drm Member Username: Drm Post Number: 933 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.248.54.146 |
Link to Coach Insignia website, including menu: http://www.mattprenticerg.com/ urc/coach.asp | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 399 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 35.11.210.161 |
The joint marketing idea is a very good one. It would be good to include retailers it's been mentioned before that downtown retailers should stay open late once week. There should be coordination and cross marketing between the two. Maybe with retailers open til 9 and restaurants 10% off every Tues or Wed | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 571 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 194.138.39.54 |
an example of how the neighborhood doesn't matter: Giavani's. This place is out of the way in a semi-industrial neighborhood in SW Detroit. Absolutely, the BEST Italian Restaurant in the Region of Detroit. Fabulous! | ||
Hagglerock Member Username: Hagglerock Post Number: 215 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 12.219.76.215 |
Drm thanks for the link, any idea if Slows BBQ has a website. I plan to go there and hear it gets crazy busy during weekends and such. wazootyman I'm in the same boat, my wife and I are driving to Detroit from Florida next week to see her folks and I plan to take her to Coach Insignia for our anniversary. I'm also hearing good things about Small Plates on Broadway. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7146 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.251.22 |
Wazooty/Haggle - If you take your families to Coach INsignia I would suggest that you have a pre or post dinner drink at Seldom Blues. | ||
Slows Member Username: Slows Post Number: 123 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 69.246.28.200 |
Hagglerock, its www.slowsbarbq.com however it's terribly outdated. We have a new one being developed. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Weekends have been pretty crazy with some Friday's and Saturday's getting up to a 1-hour or more wait. If the party is over six people you can always call ahead for a reservation. | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 595 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.60.177.56 |
Is this a good place to remind people to go to Lola's? Beautiful room, delicious food. Keep small restaurants alive, the food will always be better and more unique. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 695 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 68.42.170.20 |
Hagglerock, for an anniversary dinner I'd suggest Cuisine in the new center. It's small and WONDERFUL (priced high like coach but worth it...better food than coach I think) Small plates is far less formal...but good too. Depending on your price point...it's probably Cuisine, Coach then Small Plates (most to least expensive) http://www.cuisinedetroit.com/ We go there for special occasions. | ||
Ilovedetroit Member Username: Ilovedetroit Post Number: 2205 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 63.149.5.130 |
I agree Cuisine is VERY nice. | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 597 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 68.60.177.56 |
I went to Cuisine for my birthday last year, it's special. Decent wine list too. | ||
Blondy Member Username: Blondy Post Number: 1001 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.252.70.118 |
I have heard some great things about Lola's lately, a friend was raving about the Lobster BLT. I'd love to see Harmonie Park full of great restaurants! How is the food at the Rhino there? | ||
Sharmaal Member Username: Sharmaal Post Number: 772 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 136.1.1.101 |
The Rhino is pretty good. I haven't eaten there in a few months, but I had a Salmon dish that was pretty good. | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1437 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
Have you ever been to Il Posto? Nothing wrong with Giovanni's - great place, great experience, but in no way does it compare to Il Posto. Food - IP Presentation - IP Service - definately IP Setting - IP Choice for dinner on a random Thursday night? definately Giovanni's | ||
Naturalsister Member Username: Naturalsister Post Number: 566 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.169.65 |
I love Cuisine 2! I took my Mom for Mother's Day. Great food. Excellent service! later - naturalsister | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7149 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.251.22 |
Are you talking about Il Posto that used to be where Cuisine is? | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1438 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
Jt1 - That was Il Centro. Il Posto is in a god foresaken suburb on NW highway, so I know for a fact that you would not visit it. But, it is, by far, the best Italian food in between NYC and Chicago. And I would say it rivals anything in Chicago. | ||
Restoretheroar Member Username: Restoretheroar Post Number: 679 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 199.67.138.75 |
The idea of a restaurant association would be great downtown. A branch of that idea could be something that recently worked well in Birmingham - an "Enjoy Birmingham's restaurants" week. About 12 different restaurants offered a selection of their dinner menu for $15 for an entire week. This allowed people to spend all week discovering a different restaurant for a very reasonable cost. This would be a great way to expose some downtown restaurants to the after work crowd during the slower work-week. | ||
Tomoh Member Username: Tomoh Post Number: 136 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 71.227.90.8 |
Restoretheroar, good idea. There is also the Detroit Synergy Supper Club and the Strolling Supper Club. It's been on hiatus for a few months but I hear it'll be starting back up soon. It's a chance to try out some upscale restaurants for a set price ($30 including everything). Lola's is great. I was really impressed with the food (try the salmon dish if you like salmon). Even on weeknights they have live music so it can be a good scene. There are some restaurants that seem to struggle even on weekends. One of them is Bangkok Crossing, the new Thai place on Woodward by Vinton/Foran's/Red Squared. Been there three times now and I think it's the best Thai in the metro area (Sala That is up there on the list) but I've never been there when we weren't the only ones dining or just one other table, and this is on Saturday and Sunday evenings (I know Sundays aren't really the 'weekend'). But maybe Thai just isn't expensive enough to feel like a night out on the town. I notice that the Crain's list doesn't include Bangkok Crossing, Orchid Thai, nor Banh Thai (not sure if that one was within the past 36 months or not). Erikd, thanks for the info about Intermezzo. I wouldn't have dropped my money there if I knew it wasn't planning on staying open. | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 574 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 194.138.39.54 |
Ah. Il Posto out in BFE suburbs. No wonder I hadn't heard of it. eh. if I ever happen to be out that way (which is rare) I'll stop in. Thanks for the suggestion, though. I LOVE Italian food. Besides, these days, I can get the REAL thing! :-) | ||
Belleislerunner Member Username: Belleislerunner Post Number: 247 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 198.204.133.208 |
Is it good because you've experienced it or because Hour Detroit told you it was Restaurant of the Year? | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1440 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
Yeah, that's funny. Really, never actually been. You caught me. I'm a poseur. Right. | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 779 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.77 |
Yeah, and you're probably a f'ing renter. | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1441 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
Renter? How dare you. There are no renters in Oakland Township. | ||
Rrl Member Username: Rrl Post Number: 462 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 71.213.227.199 |
Another restaurant that needs to be considered in the newcomers group that I haven't heard mentioned much is Mosaic in Greektown. Great atmosphere, service, food, and I'm telling you, the bathroom is the cleanest I have ever seen in ANY restaurant. Great attention to detail in every respect. | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1063 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 136.1.1.33 |
Seriously? That would be nice. Fill up some more of those Woodward storefronts, and tasty sandwiches to boot. | ||
Oliverdouglas Member Username: Oliverdouglas Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 69.209.181.108 |
If you want a downtown regular hangout (food good enough and cheapenough to stop a couple times/week), try Detroit Beer Co. next to Small Plates. Casual, clean, friendly. | ||
Metrodetguy Member Username: Metrodetguy Post Number: 2465 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.248.3.110 |
Wazootyman, thanks for the apples and oranges comparison. Independent city restaurants vs suburban chains. Looks more like the typical city vs suburbs antagonizing. I've found chain restaurants in both the city and the suburbs to be the same, likewise with the independents. Drm, "people in Detroit prefer unique restaurants " or (much more accurately) Metro Detroiters enjoy dining at restaurants in the city (as well as the suburbs). | ||
Erikd Member Username: Erikd Post Number: 573 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.242.214.106 |
I hate to nit-pick and criticize, but this article is written in a slanted fashion, and it also ignores the fact that many of these new restaurants are replacing voids left by closures due to the downtown reconstruction. For example: The headline reads: "Will the tables turn? Boom in downtown dining has some waiting for shakeout"... and then..."Over the past two years at least 26 new restaurants have opened in or near downtown Detroit. Is the city’s restaurant market strong enough to support all the newcomers?" The headline presents a scenario of people expecting mass failures on the horizon. The lead-in then asks if the market can support all of these new restaurants. The negative slant of this article is strong enough to worry even the biggest downtown supporters. It begs the question... How will downtown support 26 new restaurants? The answer is simple... these are NEW restaurants, not ADDITIONAL restaurants, and not all of them are downtown. Let's cut through the slant, and look at the list... 1. Louie’s Ham & Corned Beef Restaurant- Eastern Market 2.Baile Corcaigh- Corktown 3.Slows Bar BQ- Corktown 4.Twingo’s Euro Café- Cass Corridor (this isn't new, it was reopened under new ownership) 5.Grand City Grille-New Center 6.Currents- Rivertown Out of 26, we have 6 that are not downtown, and some of them are simply replacements for previous establishments. Let's look at the rest of the list... 7.Sweet Lorraine’s... This is the hotel restaurant at the Courtyard. They replaced the previous tenant. 8.Hunter House... Sorry, but Hunter House isn't new. They moved across the street when the new Hilton was built. 9.Coach Insignia... This is the replacement for the Summit. 10.Buzz Bar... This is the relocation of the Music Menu. 11.The Rhino... The Rhino is the newest name in the Harmonie Pointe/Park Bar/Cayanne space. I won't go through the rest of the list, but I think the point is made. Downtown has added quite a few new places, but the fears of a grossly overserved market have little basis in fact. | ||
Wazootyman Member Username: Wazootyman Post Number: 37 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 71.65.15.68 |
Metrodetguy - What are you talking about? It was a compliment to the restaurants in the city. I enjoy the restaurants in the suburbs, too. It wasn't meant to antagonize either. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 35 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
DETROIT beer Co. I love that place.313 |
