When it comes to food in Metro Detroit, it’s impossible to get stuck in a rut. While we all have our favorite go-to restaurants, there are so many different culinary pursuits happening on a daily basis, exploring southeast Michigan through food is essentially a must.
That includes, but is not limited to, pop-up dinners, special dinner events, food workshops and food classes. Whether you want to be in the kitchen yourself, learning skills that you can wow your friends and family with, or you’d rather attend an exclusive one-time-only event, there are plenty such opportunities cooking up over the next few weeks. Let’s take a look!
Salt + Acid, a pop-up dinner, is taking place at Chap Lofts, 2843 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, on Thursday, Jan. 22. The two seatings begin at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and include a four-course dinner prepared by co-executive chefs Reva Constantine and Elijah Smith.
Dinner goers will find Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad, Lamb Bolognese, Braised Veal Cheeks with Celery Root Puree and “Chicken” and Waffles (crispy maple chicken skin ice cream!) presented to them for each course. Salt + Acid is a BYOB event, but for an extra fee, the chefs will serve a beverage pairing if you so choose. Tickets cost $50 per person and can be purchased here.
There’s no better time to eat a hearty meal than during the winter, is there? On Sunday, Jan. 25, head to the Grand Trunk Pub, 612 Woodward Ave., Detroit, for a special Scottish Beer Dinner at 7 p.m. The four-course meal will feature a Michigan craft beer pairing with each dish.
The evening will begin with a passed appetizer of Black and White Puddings with Cream Crackers, paired with a special Scottish themed cocktail. Balmoral Steak and Cider Ale Stew (with Fraoch Heather Ale), Fresh Kelp Salad with Blueberries, Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans and Scottish Bonnet Dressing (with Kelpie Seaweed Ale) and Meat Pie, Small Sausage Roll, Haggis Mashed Potatoes and Minted Peas (with Schmoz Kiss My Scottish Arse Scotch Ale) are the first three courses. The fourth and final course is Millionaire Shortbread with Whiskey Whipped Cream (with Schmoz Short’s Happy Jack Scotch Ale).
Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased online or at the bar.
If you’re still committed to eating well and are learning how to better prepare meals for yourself and others, you and your sweetheart might enjoy participating in a cooking class. Try the Fresh Start Flavorful Cooking Class Dinner Date Night, offered at Cellar Door Wine Academy, 1091 Centre Ct. Ste. 150, Auburn Hills, on Friday, Jan. 30. During the class, you’ll learn how to prepare a delicious and healthy meal from start to finish, while having the opportunity to ask questions along the way, and sample your creation at the end!
In this particular class, participants will learn how to prepare Quinoa with Corn and Scallion, Salmon Tacos with Jalapeno Cream and Chocolate Avocado Mousse. Participation costs $69 per person, and you’ll be on your way to cooking healthy meals in no time!
Dr. Sushi’s DIY Sushi Workshop, an event led by Dr. Sushi himself, will take place at the Great Lakes Culinary Center, 24101 W. 9 Mile Rd., Southfield, on Thursday, Feb. 5. Have you ever wanted to learn how to roll sushi like a master? Take this class, and you will!
Throughout the class, Dr. Sushi will teach participants how to roll maki, futomaki and temaki style sushi, and at the end, everyone gets to chow down on their project. Whether you’re an omnivore, vegan or eat gluten free, there will be sushi ingredients available to suit your dietary needs and restrictions. The class costs $40 per person, and there will be a cash bar on site. You even get to take home your own sushi rolling mat!
While there is another super cool dining event happening in the D this month, it is unfortunately sold out. Chef James Rigato (of The Root and Bravo’s “Top Chef: Boston” fame) is hosting his sixth Young Guns Dinner with other “Top Chef” contestants on Sunday, Jan. 25 at Bacco Ristorante, 29410 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield. It should come as no surprise that there are no tickets left.
If participating in a cooking class or workshop will get you out of your comfort zone, sign up for one! And if you’ve been longing to attend a pop-up dinner or special dinner event in the area, now is the time to do it. You won’t regret it.