Granite's second city — Granite City Food & Brewery, the national chain brewpub, is opening its second location in Michigan. It has already operated the Troy outpost for three years, and now unveils a location in Northville that's brand-spanking-new.
The 10,000-square-foot restaurant will have seating for 300, and an outdoor patio will accommodate another 80. Expect dark wood, granite accents, and a menu of burgers, flatbreads, steaks, salads, and a "pulled pork waffle sandwich," as well as a selection of the beers that have made the company a nationwide success. Drop in starting today at 39603 Traditions Dr., Northville; 248-662-3400.
New World meets Old World — It's a novel concept: uniting the cuisines of Europe with those of Latin America. It's been done before, and with great success. One need only look at chef Norberto Garita's El Barzón in Detroit, where Mexican and Italian have harmonized side by side on a menu for years now. This time, it's Garrido's Bistro & Pastry in Grosse Pointe Woods, a cozy eatery that offers carry-out or dine-in breakfasts, fixed-price lunches, appealing brunches, and fine dining in the evening, as well as fresh, house-made pastries. Garrido's rotating seasonal menu starts off spring with dishes from Spain, France, and Italy, and Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil. Many entrées are available as tapas plates, allowing the roving palate to cover more culinary ground in one meal. Garrido's is at 19605 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods; 313-466-3042; call for seatings and reservations evenings and weekends.
Katoi's pre-opening buzz — Big things are ahead for Katoi, the Thai-inspired food truck that's opening a brick-and-mortar eatery in a former garage a stone's throw from Two James Distillery. If you haven't tasted the flavors created by Katoi chef Brad Greenhill, there are plenty of chances to nibble before the opening, among them a pop-up event at POP, the venue above downtown's Checker Bar. POP events have quickly become something of a rite of passage for up-and-coming culinary endeavors, and Katoi's small but flavorful dishes should be an excellent fit. The menu will include charred edamame, crispy chickpea tofu, khao soi, and more. It happens at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at 124 Cadillac Square, Detroit; 313-961-9249. For reservations, check the bottom of the Checker Bar page at checkerbar.com. For Katoi's other pop-up events in April, see katoidetroit.com. (Next Thursday at POP, it's the whimsically titled event "Dr. Sushi's Wonderful Food Evening," featuring traditional izakaya-style fare.)
Midtown gets Jolly — Normally, we talk up a new place, mention what's on the menu, what's on tap at the bar, and what people can expect. But when a local brewery is as well-known and internationally respected as Jolly Pumpkin, why bother? Needless to say, the menu is upscale, inventive pub fare, and the Belgian ales are so darn good they sometimes outclass the actual Belgians in international competitions. And, starting April 11, Detroit's mid-city neighborhood gets its very own Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery. Oh, happy day. See if you can get a seat at 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; jollypumpkin.com.
Higher and higher — Just when we think all the long-anticipated drinking and dining spots downtown have just about opened, we're given a new place to eagerly await: Vertical Detroit, a wine bar and sophisticated cocktail stop going up in the old Milner Hotel. It's scheduled to be open by summer, although we hear there will be opportunities to get a sneak preview as early as next month. Stay tuned.
More at Mudgie's — A little birdie tells us that Mudgie's is almost set for an expansion that will allow it to amp up its seating capacity. Not that we've minded dining elbow to elbow in the cozy diner; anything that allows more of the public to enjoy the delights of that kitchen is reason to rejoice enough. Keep your eyes peeled on 1300 Porter St., Detroit; 313-961-2000.
Brew, chew, and view — For years, one of the best regular events at any tavern is also one of the best chances to buy affordable art from Detroit artists. It's Motor City Brewing Works' "This Week in Art," and it has featured some of the better-known local artists selling works with prices much lower than what they usually can fetch. It's also a great chance to meet the artists, and for other artists to gather, chat, eat Motor City's locally sourced pizza, and drink beer. This coming Wednesday, the featured artists is cartoony provocateur Carl Oxley III. The fun starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-832-2700. Oh, by the way, congrats to Motor City for being named official craft beer of the Detroit City Football Club.
Tax break — We know: Tax Day is no fun. But the good people at Bruegger's Bagels have an offer that should make the run-up to the big filing deadline a little more bearable. From April 11 to April 15, the store's Big Bagel Bundles will go for just $10.40, a "deduction" of $3.50, for guests who sign up for the chain's email club by Thursday, April 9, at brueggers.com. There's another deadline you don't want to miss.
Bikes and beer — Congratulations to Detroit Bikes: The bicycle company has partnered with New Belgium Brewing in one of the most unusual beer-bike ventures since the pedal-powered pub. (Google it.) The bicycle company will manufacture 2,000 special "Fat Tire" bicycles, based on the iconic bicycle on the beer label. The bikes will be given as gifts to employees, and as prizes for fundraisers and other giveaways. It's good news for the cycle factory, which expects to add 10 positions to do this unusual job of work. More jobs in Detroit? We'll drink to that.
