Vertical Detroit: Detroit’s New Wine-Centered Restaurant

By: Amber Ogden | October 28, 2015

There’s a new high-end, wine-centered restaurant in town.

The first of its kind in the city, Vertical Detroit, located in The Ashley apartments, opened its doors on Oct. 19, and combines culinary expertise with wine to create a dining destination unlike any other for food and wine enthusiasts.

“Many restaurants serve wine and can provide suggestions for pairing options, but our entire menu and service revolves around the values and ideals behind each bottle that we serve,” Remy Lutfy, co-owner of Vertical Detroit, said.

Lutfy and her father, James (who co-owns the restaurant), are also co-owners of Livonia’s Fine Wine Source, so this father-daughter duo knows a thing or two about vino.

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Vertical Detroit

(Photo courtesy of Emily Berger)

Patrons will find about 500 different wines available for purchase and 52 by the glass, along with appetizers, small plates and shareable dishes.

“We have combined locally sourced ingredients with international cooking techniques from types of influential wine spots,” Lutfy said.

The Vertical Grind burger is a crowd-pleaser, with bacon, tempura avocado and lemon truffle aioli. The restaurant’s take on traditional Steak and Eggs consists of beef tenderloin with quail eggs served over pommes Lyonnaise (sliced, pan-fried potatoes and onions).

Starting this Sunday, Nov. 1, Vertical Detroit will debut happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with specials including discounted menu items, $5 glasses of select wines and $1 off specialty cocktails. You can hear live jazz music at the restaurant every Friday and Saturday night, and by the end of the year, Prime Rib night on Tuesdays.

If you find wine intimidating, don’t fret: Vertical Detroit plans to host educational seminars and etiquette training, so you’ll be at sommelier level in no time! Classes will include industry professionals speaking on his or her area of expertise, from basic wine 101 to glassware.

“We believe that in order for the city to grow, there needs to be a reason for people to visit, and our hope is that our contribution to the hospitality scene will benefit even more surrounding businesses and we’re really excited to be a part of this,” Lutfy said.

For more information on Vertical Detroit, visit the official website.

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