Neighborhood Spotlight: Downtown Ferndale

Over two decades, the once quiet town of Ferndale has transformed into one of Metro Detroit’s most desirable places to live and work. Much of this is owed to the development of Nine Mile Road. For about half a mile west of Woodward Ave., both sides of the street bustle with businesses; some brand new and others bonified institutions that have withstood the test of time. For this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, we focus on some of Ferndale’s new kids on the block, along with those who have stuck around to welcome them.

Assaggi

For twenty years, Assaggi Bistro has provided tasteful elegance and unparalleled quality to the Nine Mile strip. A unique combination of rustic Italian, country French and Lebanese, Assaggi prides itself on using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. After two decades, every menu item is a staple.

Try a flatbread pizza from the first wood-fired oven in Ferndale. Or the house-made gnocchi with wild mushrooms, cream, demi and truffle oil. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, nothing beats the pan-seared day boat scallops. And if you want to go straight for the classic, try the chicken francese. Don’t forget dessert. Yes, the tiramisu is out of this world, but if you’re looking for a truly unique aperitif, try the chocolate hummer. Maybe share with the table if you’ve already enjoyed a bottle from their expertly-curated wine list.

No matter what you order, expect to be blown away. There’s a reason they’ve stuck around for so long.

Blue Nile

A little past the main Nine Mile drag, you’ll find another institution that has endured years of constant change. Blue Nile is one of Metro Detroit’s only Ethiopian dining destinations. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food before, you’re not only missing out on a delicious cuisine, but an entire culinary experience.

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll be inundated with savory aromas that may seem unfamiliar. Get right to the source. Step one: try the Ethiopian tea. It’s naturally sweet, spicy and totally decaf, so you don’t have to worry about pairing it with a late dinner. Step two: order the feast. Then sit back at your mesob (a round, Ethiopian table) and await full platters of cooked meats and vegetables served atop (and beside) heaping mounds of your new favorite food vessel – injera. Injera bears the appearance of a crepe or thin pancake with the flavor of sourdough. It is the center of all Ethiopian cuisine, used in place of silverware to handle and consume pretty much everything. Enjoy the magic that occurs as the bread absorbs the rich, buttery sauces of your feast. Expect to eat well beyond your typical meal and achieve a level of fullness unbeknownst to you prior. But that won’t keep you from seeking it out again and again.