FOOD: From Tarts to Tacos

Moving to America opened up an whole new world of cuisine, especially Mexican food. Whether it's cheap and cheerful fast food or authentic dishes from Mexicantown, Mexican food has found a special, and happy place in my stomach. 

We were looking for a new place to try out for date night and the idea of platters of tacos I admit was what won me over in trying out Ferndale's Imperial a fully serviced bar and all things Mexican restaurant.

To picture Imperial, think of California street tacos in a bar playing Johnny Cash.

It's bare bones, it's simple, it has a touch of rock n roll.

And tequila. Lots of tequila.

Hot dogs and tacos.

Up front you're greeted with a communal seating arrangement, with long wooden tables to share, make new friends and chat the night away. If a more private, darker feel is your jam there's the same but small wooden tables over looking the patio.

Food is presented family style - everyone's order on the same place adding to friend making atmosphere. Perfect too for a date night, perhaps a little awkward those not too comfortable with sharing their grub off of the same dish. 

While the menu is on the small side, what they do do, they do it well and also have separate menus for late night and brunch. The Sororan hotdogs (particularly the Bakersfield being my favorite bite of the night). While many may be put off paying for chips and any of the salsas they do, for around $2 - $5) they are well worth the pennies.

Detroit Tart (left) & Whiskey Sidecar Cocktails

In comparison to their food menu, they have an extensive drinks list particularly when it comes to beers and liquor. But with a great selection of $8 - $10 cocktails I was happy to try them out. And if tequila is your liquor of choice, you'll find some great picks. My favorite being the Detroit Tart - great in name and taste.

Imperial : 22828 Woodward Ave, Ferndale MI 48220 

Rachael

FOOD: Fish n Chips at the Grand Trunk Pub

Finding decent fish n chips that live up to the expectations of a Brit living in the US isn't an easy task, it's certainly enjoyable trying to many versions, but not easy. Finally after two years of searching, I've found some that makes me and my stomach, happy. 

Down in Detroit there stands the Grand Trunk Pub housed in a building which if the walls could talk, could probably share some interesting tales. Built in 1879, the buildings first occupants was the Traub Bros jewellery store, but by 1911 it became a ticket office for the Grand Trunk Railway. The company removed the second floor and installed 25 foot high vaulted ceiling, reminiscent of the Railway Stations the passengers would come across on their travels. While it ended it's days as a ticket station in 1935, it began it's new life after the Metropole Hotel turned it into a bar, which it has remained to this day, now with a railroad theme.

Being a fan of all things railway related, eating inside of a railway themed pub has always been on the cards and I'm glad to say we finally got to try it ourselves. Arriving just a little after 5pm, we certainly saw just how quickly the pub fills up on a Friday evening, city workers, students and young couples & friends drinking, eating and being merry. While the menu is small they have a great selection of burgers, sandwiches to main dishes, they and also serve 170 bottled craft beers, with many Michigan varieties to boot.

We started with the crab sliders comprising of a lovely thick rich crab cake which had a delightfully spicy after-taste from the habanero and lime sauce. While Joe went for the Rock 'n' Rye Pulled Pork sandwich (Faygo barbecued pork served with cheddar on Texas toast and served with coleslaw and chips (oh see I'm turning American calling crisps chips again ...) which I have on very good word that it was delicious, I opted for the fish n chips. The Ghetto Blaster beer batter was lovely and crisp, the fish so flaky and delicate, and while the fries were of the skinny variety (rather than you know good thick British style) they were seasoned and set the meal off perfectly. We were still on the hungry side and after hearing great things about their desserts, we finished the meal off with a slice of the Mud Pie - the best brownie pie I've eaten, ever. Made of a Ghiradelli brownie, Michigan's Guernsey ice cream and topped off with Detroit's own Sander's hot fudge, I could of licked that plate clean.

This place is all about the details - everything is served on enamel dish ware, old trunk carts divide the eating area, chandeliers hang, railroad memorabilia and history surrounds you. The pub is narrow, it's not overrun with seating and it fills up fast but its certainly worth stopping at whether it's for a drink or a piece of that Mud Pie. I'll certainly be back for those fish and chips.

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Grand Trunk Pub can be found at;
612 Woodward Avenue,

Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Where's your favorite place to grab fish n chips?