Detroit's
Barbecue Legend,
Now Open in
Pontiac!

8 N. Saginaw St. Pontiac

248.409.5329

slowsbarbq.com

10% OFF
Entire bill

Expires 8.31.17
Pontiac location only

8 N. Saginaw St.
Pontiac, MI

We offer Call Ahead Carry-Out and Catering Services

2192400

CHINESE PEOPLE

EAT HERE

MIDTOWN
4710 Cass Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201

UPTOWN
6407 Orchard Lake Road
(15 Mile & Orchard Lake)

313.974.7669

248.626.8585

DAILY DIM SUM & SUSHI

DAILY DIM SUM

uptownshangri-la.com

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August 3 • 2017

jn

nosh

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park. After visiting several around the U.S., they felt ready to
start their own.
Tye happened to stumble upon Detroit Fleat’s current head-
quarters, formerly known as the Wing Hing Inn on 9 Mile. He
and Picard purchased the site and completely revamped the
space.
The outside area is filled with sturdy picnic tables and color-
ful umbrellas, creating an ideal setting for big groups and even
four-legged companions.
Inside, visitors will find a warm and
inviting atmosphere. A bright neon
painting displaying the Faygo logo
frames the back wall, creating a local,
fun vibe.
On busier nights, diners can put their
name down for a table inside while
others prefer relaxing at the spacious
bar. Beverages are aplenty at Detroit
Fleat, with 16 beer taps, wine pours,
cool cocktails and spiked slushies,
known as slooshies.
The patio area offers first-come
seating at various communal tables.
Visitors eager to sample food truck fare
order dishes from their truck of choice,
paying them individually. Food truck
samplers are still greeted by servers for
beverage orders.
“The concept is new and different
— everyone comes in excited to learn
what it is,” Picard says.
As people become accustomed to
the flow at Detroit Fleat, they’ll notice
that each truck has its own specialty.
The Pita Post is known for homemade
pita bread, shawarma and falafel while
the Mac Shack dishes up wild varieties
everyone’s childhood favorite. The
Detroit Fleat Food of
Delectabowl truck, founded by Picard
Truck Park & Boozery and Tye, features comfort food bowls
1820 E. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale layered with rice or cornbread, freshly
(248) 607-7611 grilled and smoked meats, veggies and
www.detroitfleat.com cheese.
During the week of July 11, the guest
Monday: Closed
star
was the Hero or Villain truck,
Tuesday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-midnight
known
for dishing up gourmet deli
Happy Hour: Tuesday-Friday 3-6 p.m.
sandwiches. The notorious blue vehicle
with a comic strip feel is often spotted
at Eastern Market, Campus Martius
and the Royal Oak Food Truck Rally.
While frequenters can easily catch the fourth food truck,
foodies are also getting a kick out of the Detroit Fleat in-house
menu. Both Picard and Executive Chef Brian Brickner collabo-
rated on dishes that mimic street-food fare, featuring primarily
tacos and sliders.
“I definitely wanted it to be food truck food-inspired,” Picard
says. “The response is something we did not expect — it has
been unbelievable,” she adds, referring to the positive feedback
received from diners.
While the food trucks will likely stay put until November, the
dynamic Detroit Fleat menu will always be available. Picard
and Brickner foresee the menu changing with the seasons, so
new offerings will be plentiful.
As a brand-new locale, there are bound to be uncertain-
ties, but Tye and Picard aren’t afraid to take risks and make
changes.
“In the winter, if we see a major need for food trucks and
people want them, we’ll make it work,” Picard says with assur-
ance.
So far, Detroit Fleat is having no trouble keeping their trucks’
engines running and the crowds bumping. Chances are, this
one-of-a-kind spot is bound to stay hot all year long. •