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Photo courtesy of Summertown Fresh Bar
Gourmet toast has transformed from a simple breakfast staple into a culinary canvas, becoming one of the most deliciously creative dishes around Metro Detroit. Local cafes and restaurants have elevated slices of bread into stunning, flavorful masterpieces with toppings ranging from creamy avocado and artisanal cheese to gourmet vegetables and premium meats. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, these Metro Detroit spots are satisfactory.
Avalon International Breads
1049 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
224 South Main Street, Ann Arbor
Avalon International Breads is a staple in the Metro Detroit food scene, known for using quality ingredients and crafting dishes with care. Woodward’s General Manager Kelly VanderEyk shares, “At Avalon, we like to think of toast as simple, feel-good food that brings people together. Whether it’s our wild mushroom toast with smashed avocado and roasted red pepper purée or a classic slice of sourdough with butter, we put care into every layer.” At both locations, you can find Avocado Toast with tahini, cucumber, chili flakes, sea salt, and olive oil, all atop farm bread. In Ann Arbor, Avalon also offers an indulgent Smoked Salmon Toast with creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomato basil spread, and a perfectly sunny farm egg, beautifully garnished with fresh dill. With multiple locations throughout Metro Detroit, Avalon International Breads makes gourmet toast a great experience.
BESA
600 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
BESA in Detroit offers a Mediterranean twist on the loaded toast trend. While many consider gourmet toast for breakfast, their Roasted Eggplant Toast is a sophisticated dinner appetizer featuring earthy roasted peppers, creamy gjizë cheese, and aromatic herbs, perfectly balanced atop crisp toast. Beyond this, BESA’s menu delights with creative dishes like Lion’s Mane Mushroom Kabobs and Sweet Corn Cacio e Pepe, proving that their appetizers are just the beginning of a memorable meal.
Ondo Bakery
324 South State Street, Ann Arbor
At Ondo Bakery, creativity meets simplicity with their elegant selection of open toast. Their Savory Duo toast combines house-made beef butter and house-made olive tapenade with cherry tomatoes and olive oil for a delightful balance of flavors. On the sweeter side, the Very Berry toast is loaded with blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, peanut butter, cream cheese, and honey. The Garden Prosciutto toast is just as impressive, pairing delicate prosciutto with house-made carrot rapees, ricotta, cream cheese, and strawberry jam for a savory and slightly sweet combination that’s irresistibly gourmet. Other options include Eggplant Feta with balsamic vinegar and Green Brie, combining apple and honey with ground pistachios and arugula. These pair exceptionally well with a Greek yogurt parfait, a signature latte, or a fizzy refresher.
Thee Old Fashioned Gentleman
50768 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township
Thee Old Fashioned Gentleman takes a classic approach to toast with unique touches. Their Smashed Avocado Toast is beautifully presented on toasted rye, enhanced with tangy pickled red onions, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Additionally, their Hummus Toast delivers Mediterranean flair featuring Boar’s Head hummus, creamy feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, oregano, and olive oil. Paired with one of their specialty coffees, like a Peanut Butter Cup Mocha or a Lavender Blackberry Latte, or a pastry, it’s the perfect toast destination.
Summertown Fresh Bar
2015 Michigan Avenue, Detroit
Summertown Fresh Bar specializes in vibrant dishes, bringing freshness and vitality to toast. Their Vegan Avocado Crunch features ripe avocado plus edamame hummus, accented by spiced pepitas, basil, and a dash of cumin lime seasoning. Those seeking a sweeter option will enjoy the Nutella Nana-Berry Toast topped with banana slices, fresh strawberries, almonds, dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, and a touch of sea salt, which is truly an indulgent treat. Pair either with a specialty coffee, like the Cloud Nine with cardamom and cane sugar, a fresh juice, like the Pear-Hibiscus, or a refreshing smoothie, which range from Michigan Peach to Berry Basil.
Loaded, gourmet toast in Metro Detroit has blossomed into an exciting time, offering diverse flavors and imaginative combinations that excite the palate. Whether enjoyed as a quick bite, brunch indulgence, or elevated snack, these creative toasts prove there’s much more to this simple staple than meets the eye.
