metro >> Out To Eat
Gastronomy Becomes Epic Cafe
On March 10, the Epicurean Group rebranded its property at 1
Towne Square in Southfield from Gastronomy to its new casual
concept, Epic Cafe. The Southfield property will be the third lo-
cation for Epic Cafe, joining Troy (MET Hotel) and the Michigan
Design Center. Additional openings are planned for the future.
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Esther Allweiss Ingber
Contributing Writer
W
ith spring comes the holiday of Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heri-
tage and pride that's observed in the United States and, of course, south of the
border. The holiday is not Mexico's Independence Day. Instead, it commemo-
rates the Mexican army's unexpected victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla
[Mexico] on May 5,1862.
As warmer temperatures and Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, a few Metro
Detroiters shared where they like to go for Mexican cuisine.
Hogan's Is Not Closing
The rumors of its closing have greatly been exaggerated, said
Hogan's restaurant owner Rick Bochenek. The restaurant on the
corner of Maple and Telegraph in Bloomfield Township is in talks
with a proposed Walgreen's to lease its property, but it could be
months before a decision is made, Bochenek said. The proposed
sale is part of the city's plans to improve access to all the busi-
nesses on that corner, including the former Beau Jack's, which is
closed for renovations before it re-opens as Beau's. "I hope Beau
Jack's customers will give Hogan's a try during the remodeling:'
Bochenek said. Hogan's has half-off appetizers daily between
3:30-5:30 p.m. It's also planning a special Mother's Day brunch.
Find out more at its website, www.hogansdining.com.
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New Treat At Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin' Donuts introduced Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Squares,
now available for a limited time at participating Dunkin' Donuts
restaurants throughout Metro Detroit while supplies last. Smooth
and creamy like chocolate, Dunkin' Donuts' Coffee Squares are
made with real Dunkin' Donuts' coffee and cocoa butter. Prepared
with quality ingredients, they make for the perfect treat for coffee
fans, chocolate fanatics or dessert lovers, while offering guests
a new way to enjoy the rich, bold and smooth taste of Dunkin'
Donuts' coffee. The suggested retail price for Coffee Squares is
$2.99 for a box of six individually wrapped squares — perfect for
sharing with a friend or loved one.
EL NIBBLE NOOK
27725 W. Eight Mile Road 2750 Haggerty
Livonia, MI 48152
West Bloomfield
(248) 474-0755
48323
www.elnibblenook.com
(248) 669-3344
GRAND AZTECA
321 W. 14 Mile Road
(248) 733-9662
www.grandazteca.com
6041 Haggerty
(248) 669-7555
Hours: Monday -Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.;
Who likes it and why? Steve Levin of Oak Park
"They have a few locations [five area res-
taurants in all], but I like going to the Grand
Azteca that's across from Oakland Mall. It
helps to speak Spanish because it seems like
everyone working here is Hispanic. It's not a
fancy place, but the food is good. I usually get a
L
Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday; noon-
10:30 p.m.; Sunday noon-9:30 p.m.
Price Range: $11-$30
Takes Reservations: Yes
combo plate. Everything I've had I really liked. I can't pick a favorite."
XOCHIMILCO RESTAURANT
3409 Bagley
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 843-0179
Who likes it and why? Elissa Schwartz of
Southfield
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Price Range: Under $10
Takes Reservations: No
"I don't like most Mexican restaurants because
they have more of the Tex-Mex-style food. I think
•• ■ •••=1,441/4
Xochimilco [in southwest Detroit's Mexicantown]
is more authentic than those other places. For breakfast, I like their chilaquiles
[scrambled eggs, diced tomatoes, onions and green peppers with cheese on top, served
with a side of rice and beans]."
ZUMBA MEXICAN GRILLE
3014 N. Main
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 542-1400
www.zumbagrille.com
JN
Price Range: $11-$30
Takes Reservations: No
Madison Heights, MI 48071 West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Detroit Restaurant Week
April 3 • 2014
Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10
p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
of the combination plates. My favorite items on the menu are tacos, flautas and
burritos."
The spring edition of Detroit Restaurant Week takes place
Friday, April 11, through Sunday, April 20. The signature three-
course dinners will be available for either $20 or $30 per person,
depending on the restaurant. A full list of participating restau-
rants including exciting new additions will be announced soon.
Detroit Restaurant Week is presented by Shinola, the Detroit-
based manufacturer of premium Detroit-built wristwatches,
bicycles and other consumer products.
Visit www.DetroitRestaurantWeek.com for the latest updates
about menus, upcoming events and to sign-up for the exclusive
Detroit Restaurant Week e-newsletter. "Like" Detroit Restaurant
Week on Facebook and follow @dineDRW on Twitter.
38
Hours: Monday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday-
Who likes it and why? Janet Schwartz of
Southfield
"I got engaged there! I usually like to order one
The Bird & The Bread Debuts In Birmingham
The Bird & The Bread launched in downtown Birmingham (210
South Old Woodward) last month.
"The Bird & The Bread is a fun, food-focused dining concept
with an extensive and aggressive beverage program:' said owner
Kristin Jonna.
The menu is created by Executive Chef Jim Leonardo, also
executive chef at Jonna's Vinology Wine Bar and Restaurant
in Ann Arbor. "I set out to create a southern European inspired
menu that calls to mind French brasseries, Italian trattoria and
Spanish tapas restaurants:' Leonardo said. "The menu features
simple 'hearth oven' cuisine with pure flavors and less ingredi-
ents. Think slow-cooking dishes:'
The Bird & The Bread serves dinner from 5-10 p.m. Monday-
Saturday and 5-9 p.m. Sunday. Limited menu items are available
10 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday. Lunch is offered 11 a.m.-3
p.m. Monday-Friday. Find happy hour specials from 3-6 p.m.
Monday-Friday with drink and food specials. Sunday brunch is
served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Four recommendations for
Mexican restaurants from JN readers.
Who likes it and why? Julie Tschirhart of Oak
Park
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10
p.m.; Sunday, noon - 9:30 p.m.
Price Range: Under $10
Takes Reservations: No
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111.1 1.1111
"I started coming to Zumba's before they moved
next to the Emagine Theater. Everything is really
fresh here, and the quality is consistent. I like the burrito in a bowl without a tortilla.
There are a lot of choices in Zumba's serve-yourself salsa bar, so I can drench every
bite in salsa." ❑