This year was probably one of the weirdest times going to Detroit, and not being able to view a Detroit Tigers game in person. Luckily, when there isn’t a Tigers game to witness, then one can either hit up Detroit’s food scene, or they can visit one of the many museums that Detroit is known for (I recommend the Motown Museum). After month’s of seeing other foodies from the Detroit area fearlessly visit food establishments in Detroit, Brittany and I thought it was time to pay Brittany’s birth place a visit. Brittany and I decided to divide up our list of places and equally visit two establishments that we have been dying to go to because (a) the food looks amazing and (b) other foodies have raved about these locations. With that said, let’s dive into our Detroit foodie adventure from this past weekend!
Gateaux Patisserie has been a staple in Dearborn, Mi. This boogie french themed patisserie has been creating some of the most delicious and fanciest mini desserts in Detroit. What is even more impressive are their Harry Potter themed desserts and styled interior. Gateaux has decided to not only highlight Harry Potter month in July, but continue to feature their Harry Potter creations until the beginning of October. This cafe has a lot of fun creating Harry Potter themed desserts, which range from the famous Butterbeer, to the Deathly Hollows cream filled Eclairs. Brittany ordered the Biscoff Milkshake, which was absolutely amazing! I wanted to visit again before we left the D to get my own Biscoff Milkshake, it was that good!
The next morning we woke up starving! After looking up the best brunch restaurants, I came a crossed the Rochester Brunch House. Our plan was to drive the 40 minutes to Rochester, and then visit Yates Cider mill. What caught my eye about this breakfast staple were the crazy and creative pancake flavors and extensive menu. Their fun “sweet breakfast” dishes ranged from the Pebbles Pancakes, Tiramisu Pancakes, and Nutella Pancakes. The features of the day consisted of Pumpkin Pancakes and an Apple Cider Mimosa. Yum!
Brittany and I decided to each get our own individual plate, but to split the Pebbles Pancakes. I opted to try the Apple Cider Mimosa also. Okay- so I had to order two of these because it was so good! Perfect for a fall brunch. I ordered the Avocado Toast, which consisted of avocado, tomato, bacon, over medium egg, goat cheese, and Challah toast. Brittany ordered the Southern Biscuits, which consisted of homemade biscuits, sausage (pork) gravy, bacon over medium eggs. Both were very good and fresh in flavor. It wasn’t until we each took a bite of the Pebble Pancakes that we knew we found a new favorite brunch spot. The pancakes were layered with a fresh cream glaze, three good size circle pancakes, fruity pebbles baked into the pancake batter, and topped with sprinkled fruity pebble cereal on top.
Not going to lie, but when we got back to Brittany’s condo, we both took a 2.5 hour nap. We were both so full and content, that we had to pass out. But, that’s what Saturday brunch days are for, right?!
After our nap and some must needed rest, it was time for dinner! We were going to get tacos and margs, but because I am so indecisive, a good milkshake and hamburger was what I was craving. My boyfriend would be shocked to hear me say that out loud because I ALWAYS say yes to tacos. The Mercury Bar is an upbeat grill with a modern diner vibe. This place turns out creative burgers, hot dogs, fries, and decedent classic and boozy shakes.
Brittany and I were shocked to find out that it was an hour wait, so we put our name in and decided to go for a little stroll around the neighborhood. Across the street from the Mercury Bar is an amazing cocktail bar called, the Sugar House. This cocktail bar is prized as one of the top cocktail bars in Detroit featuring over 100 cocktails. Rumor has it that this is where a lot of bartenders get their start in the industry. Instead of waiting for a table at the Sugar House, we decided to walk around the neighborhood.
Brittany and I found a cool Ramen restaurant, located right next to Mercury Bar. We kept walking and found MotorCity Wine Shop and Bar. Walking in, we found several unique wine bottles from around the world. Germany, Spain, California, and more were stacked around the dark wine bar. Brittany and I both agreed that these are unique wines that you will not find in Meijer. Temped to get a bottle to go, but not have to carry it around, we decided to sit down for a glass of wine. Our server took us out a back door way that led us outside in a backyard oasis. Glittery string lights wrapped around trees and hung in the air. Picnic tables filled with people laughing and enjoying their wine. I was glad to find a wine bar in Detroit that still gives me Northern Michigan vibes.
After dinner at the Mercury Bar, we decided to take a drive to another wildly popular dessert cafe called, Cheat Treats. Based in Dearborn, this dessert shop sells a variety of vegan and high protein cheesecakes, fried donuts, cookies, and milkshakes. They have a huge variety of cereal milkshakes that range from fruity pebbles, cocoa puffs, captain crunch and more. Cheat Treats features a whole other level of milkshakes called, “freakshakes”. The freakshakes costs $12, and the regular shakes costs $7. These shakes are topped with a variety of candy, and an actual slice of cheesecake or pie. Brittany opted for the Fruity Pebble Milkshake (this girl is obsessed with fruity pebbles), and opted to try the new seasonal shake, Pumpkin Pie. Both were very flavorful, but they were a little too much for Brittany and I. We both wished that we would have split one shake. We will definitely be back!
The next morning, I was craving a good cup of Joe. After reviewing multiple coffee shops in Detroit, I found the perfect coffee shop that offers breakfast items (sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and cocktails). It was really hard to find a coffee shop because a lot of coffee shops are just offering take out at the moment due to COVID. Plus, the weather was really chilly that morning, so we did not want to sit outside.
The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting and Co. offers an ambience that was very unique. When reading about the many locations that the Great Lakes Coffee Roasting has, their Midtown location stuck out to me the most. “Imagine it’s 2010. You just finished dinner at Union Street in Midtown Detroit and are headed two blocks south for a night with what most critics agree is a world-class symphony orchestra.” That description is definitely what Brittany and I needed for a Sunday coffee date. I appreciated the variety of coffee bean origins and flavors that were featured. Drip or a pour over options were available. I noticed that a popular latte is the Vanilla Latte, as the barista probably made about 10 of these while we waited to order. I opted to try the avocado toast and the newly released Autumn Mornings blend. This Ethiopian seasonal blend coffee held a depth of floral and fruit flavors. Both were delicious! My new favorite coffee shop.
In a nutshell, those were some of the most highlighted foodie finds of our adventure to Detroit. Some honorable mentions are the Butchers Grille, the Candy Bar, and Imperial Tacos. If you’re a foodie and know of any more burger and milkshake establishments that Brittany and I should discover, drop us a comment below. We are always looking for new foodie finds in Michigan!
Love,
Rachel
MiFoodChronicles 