I’ve written some reviews putting down Americanized Chinese and hailing the authentic places. However, sometimes you just need a solid sweet and sour chicken, or hanker for an almond chicken done just the way you remember from your childhood. And when you do have this craving, it can be very difficult to find a place that does it right- not too much grease (though not too little), with the flavors you remember and fresh quality that won’t offend your adult foodie sensibilities. LC’s Kitchen accomplishes these checkpoints well, and even though I discovered them because my mom ordered take-out (they live a couple of blocks away), I’ve been back on my own and will drive a little farther to enjoy the goodness over the other Chinese places by my house.
LC’s has a few characteristics I have to laud: First, when I asked for extra spicy, they actually added extra spice that I could detect. This is incredibly rare in a Chinese restaurant, and wins points and return visits from me in its own right. Second, their vegetables are fresh and their meat tastes tender and high quality. Even their fried food isn’t swimming in grease, which makes their Americanized choices a fine way to go instead of an afterthought, like many more authentic Chinese restaurants. I usually enjoy the Szechuan chicken, and share with my friend who gets the almond chicken. Egg drop soup, wonton soup and egg rolls- usual suspects, but still necessary accompaniments (all good). If it’s in your neighborhood, go for your next craving. LC's Kitchen Website
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It’s a little bit of a shame that I’m reviewing this place AFTER my actual trip to Thailand, but also a testament to the quality that I know I’ll return. Thai food is on most foodies “constant craving” lists, and I’m no different. It’s hard to find a place that sets itself apart, because I’m sorry, but a lot of pad thai tastes exactly the same. And red curries, though always good, are pretty standard. I must add that the best I’ve had in all categories are all blown away by my actual trip to Thailand, a foodie’s paradise. However, Sy Thai just does these items better than most in the Detroit area. I don’t usually order pad thai anymore, but it’s hard to visit Sy Thai without getting theirs because they have the flavor balance down: Spicy enough without being too spicy (rare to find a “medium spicy” that is consistently that, every time!) Sweet, nutty and citrusy rounds out the profile. I always add veggies. My only comment is about the meat- there never seems to be enough chicken and/ or shrimp, which is essential because the next day I find myself eating a bunch of veggies and wishing for more shrimp.
Their menu has lots of items others don’t: Crispy fish being on the list of things I’d like to try that I loved in Thailand. I have to mention their Hot and Sour soup- included when you sit in instead of take out. It’s divine. I was really sad when I realized that this soup is alternated with their cabbage soup, which I haven’t tried… but I will only sit in on Hot and Sour soup days because it’s that delicious. To sum up- Sy Thai is a chain, and it’s more expensive than most Thai restaurants. But you will notice the freshness and flavor balance, and the fact that you still have leftovers, which is a requirement of any Thai restaurant. And you might have to come back as a result, which is also true of me. Sy Thai's Website Hippies love Mudgies and so do I!!! Are you vegetarian, gluten free, or a meat craving carnivore? Do you love salads, Michigan booze and homemade soups? In the mood for a greasy, perfect Rueben or on a health kick? Do you love a good deli or are you looking for a spot that could easily do well in Berkley, California? Mudgies is for all of you. Located in a non-descript location in Detroit (not many other businesses around, so you have to know about it ahead of time), it’s always hoppin’ with a good scene for people watching. And you know you’re gonna get good food. You’ll see words like “Michigan, Detroit, local, farm” all over the menu, which is ALWAYS a good sign. Their soups ALWAYS sound good and rotate daily, and their salads (such as the Fajita chicken salad) are packed full of flavor and unique ingredients. There are a couple of famous sandwiches you can’t go wrong ordering. First off, the Mudgie: Grass-fed beef and turkey with cream cheese and veggies on warm onion Kaiser. And the Gutty V. 2.0: Salami, pastrami, bacon, beef, corned beef, cheddar and veggies on a warm Kaiser. If that didn’t hook you, you’re probably a vegetarian- but don’t worry, they have every kind of roasted red pepper, sprout, mushroom or hummus option for you also (and me, when the occasion calls for it). Sometimes I drive the D just to go to this place, and sometimes I pair it with a skate around Campus Martius on a snow day. But either way, Mudgies fills me with a little bit of awe every time. And it makes up for the fact that I don’t live in California or Ann Arbor when I’m wishing that I did. Enjoy!
Mudgie's Website What to say about Café Zola, other than it’s perfect, and worth every expensive cent/ Located in Ann Arbor right in the downtown area, every time I make the drive I either go here or consider going here. Though this is for brunch nine times out of ten, I’ve had a couple of outstanding dinners here also (on those nights you think: F%$@ it! I’ll pay for perfection!) Here’s why.
Brunch: My two favorites: Turkish eggs: Two eggs surrounded by organic spinach, a block of feta, and marinated vegetables. And the Artichoke Omelette, which also happens to include green beans, potatoes, roasted red pepper, red onions and cheddar. It says a lot that I don’t add anything to either dish as I am a frequent customizer: But these dishes are PERFECT as they are. I can’t order anything else, even though they have crepes and homemade bread/ jam baskets and a whole host of other culinary delights. If you know Ann Arbor, then you know that Café Zola is enhanced by serving many options from Zingerman’s, the local farm/ restaurant. Ann Arbor is really unique because many restaurants cater to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and locavores by sharing between businesses. And almost anything with Zingerman’s on the menu will have a fresh and local quality that can’t be beat. But back to breakfast: You’ll get a fresh bread basket, and you need to get their house made ketchup on the side even if you don’t like ketchup. Don’t worry, it’s more of a preserve that tastes of apples and a variety of spices, and I put it on everything from bread, to potatoes, to omelettes. I’d buy a gallon if it would keep! Dinner: The lamb and filet are the two I’ve tried here, and they are pitch perfect. Think presentation, taste, and quality of ingredients and preparation. If you’re going for dinner, you already know you want to splurge, and also that it will be worth it. I’ve never had a bad meal here, and out of town guests are always impressed no matter where they’re from. So it’s a safe option when you have a little extra cash and someone to impress. Even when you’re on a budget, I’ve been perfectly happy splitting the omelette with a friend and getting a couple sides (add bacon and potatoes!) It’s my ‘to go’ place in Ann Arbor, and probably on most other people’s short list as well. Cafe Zola's Website Mission's Table is one of those places you read about and you plan and make sure you get there. I have attempted to go here many times and they were closed, it wasn't the right season, so on and so forth. So, when I finally made it there with some friends I was sooooooo excited. They are located in the same building adjoined to Jolly Pumpkin in a beautiful spot located on the peninsula. It's a great drive on sunny summer day. The water glows of blues and turquoises and you wonder how you ever lived your life not being there.
Mission's table is a more upscale dining establishment. I wouldn't wear my flip flops and bathing suit here, but I doubt they would turn you away. They are used to having summer vacationers I'm sure, but this is a place where you get course meals and it just seems like bad etiquette to show up like you just came off the beach. We ended up getting a bottle of wine and sharing small portions. Every single thing that we order was absolutely amazing. Cooked to perfection! We ordered the following: Risotto - summer squash, leeks, serrano ham, wisconsin parmesan Arugula salad - apples, feta cheese, dried cherries, white balsamic Roasted red potatoes Duck (which was amazing! And doesn't look like it's on the men currently) Soup - I can't remember what kind If you are in Traverse City and it's the right season AND you are foodie you should get here. You will not be disappointed in the food or the sights. :) It's $$$$ so bring your big bills. Mission's Table Restaurant |
Giving you a taste of what I taste. From gourmet to everyday. No pretentious bull - just good food.
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