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Photo courtesy of Cacao Tree Cafe
When the hotter months settle in, our appetites often change, steering us towards lighter fare that satisfies without weighing us down. Metro Detroit is home to a diverse culinary scene that offers plenty of refreshing options perfect for hot days. Whether you’re craving a fresh salad, a simple sandwich, or a fruit-based dish, these light meals will fill you up without leaving that heavy feeling afterward.
BROME MODERN EATERY
22062 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
5250 Auto Club Drive, Suite 150, Dearborn
Brome Modern Eatery combines quality ingredients with a flair, making it a prime spot for satisfyingly light meals. Known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, Brome offers a menu full of flavorful and nutritious options, with an emphasis on its responsible sourcing from local farms. You can certainly find a range of burgers and fries, but you can also find ones with organic vegan patties, wild mushrooms, and field greens. The vibrant salads stand out, with mixes of artisan greens, kale, and lettuce available, and toppings ranging from fresh fruit to crispy veggies, and more. For a light breakfast option, the avocado toast is a must for a savory choice, or one of the refreshing juices, smoothies, or bowls from Split, full of fresh and good-for-you ingredients for a sweeter option.
CACAO TREE CAFE
204 West 4th Avenue, Royal Oak
Nestled in Royal Oak, Cacao Tree Cafe is a cozy retreat offering nourishing, plant-based meals. From wraps and housemade sauces to custom organic smoothies, Cacao Tree is all about good ingredients that are good for you. The Chickpea Salad sandwich, Rainbow wrap, Sesame Spinach Power Bowl, and Foodie’s Favorite salads are all popular choices, and smoothies range with a variety of flavor combinations. If the delicious food wasn’t enough, the atmosphere of Cacao Tree Cafe is so welcoming. Rae, the manager, shares, “I have worked with Amber, the owner, for over four years now. Amber has been the driving force behind Cacao Tree’s unique approach. Her dedication to ethical sourcing and creating meals with genuine love and care is the core of what we do…Amber’s vision extends beyond just serving food; it’s about nurturing a community and fostering connections through every meal we provide. Her leadership has not only shaped our values here at Cacao but has also cultivated a loyal and supportive customer base that feels like family. We’re deeply grateful for this cozy little cafe and all the love that flows in and out of here each day. If you have never been to Cacao Tree Cafe, come hang with us and enjoy a nourishing meal or smoothie, and if you have been here, thank you, we love you!”
COMMONWEALTH CAFÉ
300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham
Commonwealth Café offers a menu filled with fresh ingredients and light meals. This neighborhood favorite is known for its simple yet sophisticated approach to food, providing guests with dishes that highlight seasonal flavors. Their all-day menu includes light breakfast options, ranging from house-made yogurt with local honey and homemade granola, toast with housemade almond butter or local jam, fried egg sandwiches, and even their own Light Breakfast, with 2 eggs prepared your way, grape tomatoes, sunflower seed, grilled sourdough, mixed greens, and a roasted shallot vinaigrette. As for more lunch choices, the Chopped Kale Salad with lemon vinaigrette and crumbled feta is a great one, as is the Tandoori Chicken Salad Wrap, with cilantro hummus and mixed greens. Whether you’re stopping in for a morning bite or a light afternoon meal, Commonwealth Café is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the taste of the season.
CHOMP
200 South Main Street, Rochester
Chomp is a cozy eatery and juicery offering a diverse menu that caters to all dietary preferences. From hearty salads and grain bowls to creative sandwiches, this family-owned and operated spot provides meals with locally grown veggies when seasonally available. The menu features items like the Salmon Quinoa Wrap, loaded with wild-caught salmon, quinoa-lentil salad, asparagus, and cucumbers in a spinach wrap, and the Green Goddess bowl, with steamed quinoa, zucchini, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula, and avocado for a refreshing and flavorful meal. It also has a vegan menu, with sandwiches, bowls, and more. For a liquid treat, check out the fresh smoothies and raw juices here too.
BIG MOE’S KITCHEN
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
Big Moe’s Kitchen offers a unique blend of American and Middle Eastern cuisine, providing an array of flavorful dishes to choose from. With a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Big Moe’s menu includes options like grilled chicken shawarma wraps and falafel rice bowls, each served with crisp vegetables and tasty sauces. The refreshing salads, like the Michigan Salad, with fresh apples, grapes, and a raspberry vinaigrette, are perfect for a light lunch or dinner, making Big Moe’s a popular destination for those seeking satisfying yet light meals in the heart of the city.
DIME STORE
719 Griswold Street, Detroit
6920 North Rochester Road, Rochester Hills
Dime Store is renowned for its inventive dishes and cozy atmosphere. Owner/Operator Ann-Marie Murphy shares, “While our menu has a variety of options to choose from, we’re known for our more creative dishes like the Duck Bop Hash. Our seasonal Chef’s specials are also great options and change regularly so there’s always something new to try. To complement a menu made nearly entirely in-house, we offer a full bar with craft beer, wine, and classic cocktails.” For lighter fare, check out the B.L.T.E. sandwich, a spin on your favorite BLT with an added egg, the chicken caprese sandwich, or the grilled salmon salad, with mixed greens, fresh veggies, and an aged sherry vinaigrette. These unique offerings provide a refreshing twist on traditional brunch fare, perfect for a lighter brunch outing.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on August 5, 2019.
