Photo courtesy of Detroit Vegan Soul.
’Tis the season for sweet potatoes. Whether you like ‘em baked whole, sliced and roasted or inside a flaky crust, Metro Detroit’s restaurants provide ample opportunity to get your yam on. Here are a few of the best sweet potato dishes around town.
For a new take on a classic…
Bigalora Wood-Fired Cucina
With five locations throughout Metro Detroit, Bigalora has quickly become a favorite among locals who simply refer to it as “Biga.” Known best for their wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas, Biga also features a sweet potato dish perfect for the winter months. The Wood Roasted Sweet Potato is sliced, topped with a balsamic glaze and garnished with parsley. If you’re not feeling pizza and pasta, try pairing the dish with some of their other spectacular appetizers, including fried shishito peppers, crispy brussels sprouts and calamari.
For your health…
Detroit Vegan Soul
With two Detroit locations, Detroit Vegan Soul has established itself as a hub for the plant-based eating community of Detroit. Along with vegan takes on classic soul food cuisine (think biscuits and gravy, fried okra, collard greens and gumbo), they are known for their delicious candied yams. The best part of all? A serving costs just four bucks.
Seva
In 2011, Seva set up shop at their flagship Detroit location, and three years later, expanded to Ann Arbor. Their vegetarian menu provides healthy, clean-eating options to both communities. Along with all-day breakfast, Seva features several sweet potato-based dishes. Perhaps their most famous is the African Peanut Soup, a hearty dish made with ground peanuts, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and kale, seasoned with ginger, garlic and a touch of cayenne. It’s warm, filling and perfect for cozy winter nights.
For your sweet tooth…
Sweet Potato Sensations
For 30 years, Sweet Potato Sensations has provided Detroit with exceptional sweet potato pies, cookies, ice cream and other treats. In recent years, they have expanded their menu to include savory options including sweet potato pancakes, Belgian waffles, cornbread and grits. No restaurant has perfected the balance of sweet and savory quite like this Detroit institution. Try the Chop Meal, featuring a fried turkey chop with sweet potato pancakes and grits, or the Black Eye Pea and Collard Green Soup served with their homemade sweet potato cornbread.
Sister Pie
Located in Detroit’s West Village, Sister Pie offers up fresh-baked pies to their community. The seasonal menu adapts based on whatever ingredients are most fresh, and during the Fall/Winter months, the sweet potato pie is in high demand. If you’re eager to develop a new skill in the kitchen, their cookbook is available online and provides the knowledge necessary to craft your own masterpieces from home.