Fried Chicken, Pizza & Cocktails: Take a Break From Leftovers

By: Toni Cunningham | November 29, 2013
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This time of year is all about the food. Thanksgiving is now over, and your kitchen is likely stockpiled with more turkey and stuffing leftovers than you know what to do with. Christmas is less than four weeks away, and it’s probable that several of those days will be packed with holiday parties. Where there will be more food.

And those are just the occasions in which you’ll be dining in—we haven’t even gotten to the dining out options yet. If you’re an avid In the D reader, you know that we’ve given you numerous dining out options that are specific to cold weather, including soups, comfort foods and savory pies, to name a few. In case you took a short break and missed out on any articles (and thus, great dining options), allow me to recap.

If you’re looking to spend the afternoon in a cozy café reading or working, we’ve got the complete list for you. Now’s the time to buckle down and finish that last chapter! Who knows, you could be the next J.K. Rowling (please, don’t forget to thank me in the dust jacket since I just gave you the final push you needed). These cafes have some of the tastiest snacks and drinks around, so that might help your productivity, too.

Say sayonara to bland and flavorless good-for-you food. These vegan and vegetarian comfort food restaurants kick things up a notch. And just because you’re an omnivore doesn’t mean you can’t eat green every once in a while. It’s good for both your body and the environment.

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Soup is one of my personal favorite cold weather dishes. Whether you prefer minestrone or clam chowder, this list of restaurants will provide you with the perfect meal in a bowl. If you choose something made with seasonal fall or winter produce like pumpkin or beets, even better.

It’s happened to the best of us. You’re running around getting things done, and all of a sudden you realize you haven’t eaten lunch. And you’re ravenous. These gourmet ready-to-go lunch items from the likes of Holiday Market and Papa Joe’s will save the day. Just realize that you’ll probably spend about half an hour wandering around with a glazed look in your eye, because there are so many great options.

There’s just something about chicken pot pie that says “comfort.” Instead of whipping up dinner tonight, grab the family and hit one of the restaurants on our list for a delicious savory pie with a flaky crust. We’ve also found you great Shepherd’s pie and veggie pot pie options, too.

The year is coming to a close, but several local eateries made their debut before the end of 2013. Burgers, brisket, tapas and pizza are all on our radar of new restaurants in Metro Detroit. I will put my official seal of approval on Royal Oak’s recently opened Blaze Pizza. I recommend that you stop whatever you are doing and run there immediately.

Appetizers are an overlooked and important aspect to any meal. You need to get your evening off to a good start, don’t you? If you’re heading out to eat with your honey, take a look at our compilation of the tastiest appetizers in the D. Does the phrase “sticky bacon” with Michigan maple glaze not make you salivate?

There are plenty of comfort foods out there besides chicken pot pie. Some such items include mac n’ cheese, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, grilled cheese, pasta and, of course, cinnamon rolls. Lucky for us, the Metro Detroit area is packed with all of the above comfort food dishes in droves.

After spending hours or days in the kitchen preparing a Thanksgiving feast, don’t you think you deserve a night out? Yes, you do, so head out to dinner with a friend or your spouse. Our list of exquisite local eateries features establishments with both excellent food and drinks. No one wants subpar of either!

Sometimes all you need while you’re out shopping or on your way home from a long, stressful day is a cup of coffee. And I’m not talking coffee from any ‘ol chain, either, I’m talking about a fresh cup brewed to perfection by a local coffee roaster—there are plenty around.

Enjoy the holidays, and the food (and drink) that comes along with it!

 

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