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. I 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. E 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 ■ ■ 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." ❑