Today, we’re eating — or at least talking about where to eat. First up in this week’s culture and community roundup is a review of the new Black-owned food hall in northwest Detroit, followed by even more ideas for your next lunch and other quick headlines to bring you all your culture news needs.
There were no guesses for last week’s mystery spot, but that’s probably because it’s new! Muralists Fel’le and Trae Issac finished this musical mural in September across from In Harmony Café Sweets & More, as part of Detroit’s City Walls program. It has funded 200 murals around town.
Speaking of murals, there’s a new series of eye-catching pieces on buildings in and near downtown. But local artists told us they weren’t included in the city-funded project, sparking an effort to push the city to create pay and equity guidelines for public art commissions.
As for this week’s mystery spot, we’re moving away from murals (for now) to a new-ish neighborhood gem. Want bragging rights? Email me at samya@outliermedia.org if you know this one!
Onto this week’s culture and community highlights…
Made here
Before you even walk into Detroit’s first Black-owned food hall, all you smell is food. The scent of burgers, chicken and barbecue wafts onto the sidewalk in front of the gray and black building, and the name of the restaurant asks you what your stomach wants to know: Whatcha Wanna Eat?
Whatcha Wanna Eat Food Hall opened Sept. 8 in northwest Detroit. Outlier Media, Detroit Documenters and members of The Outlier Collective got together this month to taste-test each of the nine businesses.
Restaurant recs?
Looking for other spots to get your food and drinks fill? Here are some top picks from Outlier’s hungry staff.
Trap Vegan on the Avenue of Fashion has a complete vegan-friendly menu of burgers, açaí bowls, smoothies and salads… A short walk away, Petty Cash pairs Southern culinary traditions with northern African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for an upscale casual dining spot… Beloved neighborhood bar Kiesling features classic and original cocktails, beers and wine… Sandwich lovers might enjoy chef Greg Beard Jr.’s Soul “N” the Wall, and feast on the restaurant’s version of the Boogaloo Wonderland sandwich… The Kitchen by Cooking with Que in New Center is another vegan-friendly spot with gorgeous culinary creations, plus you can take a cooking class (and it may have a second location soon)… SuperCrisp in Midtown has fried sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and sugary funnel-cake fries (you have to use the caramel sauce!)… The Charlevoix in Grosse Pointe Park has amazing house cocktails — and their happy hour prices can’t be missed.
Speaking of sweets, try Good Cakes and Bakes for cakes, breads and (my favorite) vegan cinnamon rolls… Avalon Cafe and Bakery has daily specials like Mimosa Mondays and Fresh Cookie Fridays… Warda Pâtisserie introduces a touch of Algerian, French and Asian culture to the city with madeleines, quiches and lemon tarts (and owner Warda Bouguettaya won a James Beard Award for her pastries in 2022).
(VegOut, Detroit Metro Times, Detroit News, Eater Detroit, Detroit Free Press, Click on Detroit, Avalon Breads)
More to explore
🚲 The delightful new Uniroyal Promenade gives Detroiters an uninterrupted riverside path from downtown to Belle Isle — it just took just took 42 years. (Detroit News)
🤝 Fuqua Bey and a team of volunteers work to feed Detroiters in need through Moorish Blessed Hands Food Pantry on the westside. (CBS Detroit)
🌭 Corner Boyz and Dollar Wings N’ Things don’t have a storefront or food truck, but they and custom grill-builder Don Smith still keep Detroit’s outdoor BBQ culture alive. (WDET)
🐦 Earlier this year, the National Audubon Society voted against changing its name after grappling with its namesake’s history, a slave owner. Our local chapter, however, is changing its name to Detroit Bird Alliance to separate from the problematic legacy. (NPR, Metro Times)
👻 Some spooktacular Halloween home decorations around the city, just for fun. (City of Detroit)
Can you guess this secret spot?
Our art enthusiasts have had their fun, but let’s see what our local business lovers can identify. This Black- and woman-owned coffee spot is on Grand River Avenue in Grandmont Rosedale.
Where is this week’s mystery spot?