By Chefs John Vermiglio and Joe Giacomino
Photograph courtesy of Grey Ghost Detroit
“The biggest misconception about Detroit is that there aren’t many places to eat. But it is flourishing. There are so many hidden gems in this city and surrounding areas.”
Photograph courtesy of Grey Ghost Detroit
About Chefs John Vermiglio & Joe Giacomino
Chefs John Vermiglio and Joe Giacomino are partners in the Four Man Ladder Management group and co-owners of Grey Ghost Detroit and the newly opened Second Best. The menu at Second Best features elevated bar snacks like Fried Bologna Elote and Pulled Pork Hush Puppie.
Previously, Vermiglio and Giacomino worked together in Chicago at A10 Hyde Park Eatery and Bar. Vermiglio also worked with chef Art Smith at Table Fifty Two and chef Graham Elliott at his eponymous restaurant and GE Bistro. He was also the culinary director at Billy Sunday, A10, and Yusho.
Photograph courtesy of Grey Ghost Detroit
Grey Ghost Detroit
At Grey Ghost, we like to think we deliver Midwest hospitality and an elevated dining experience in a comfortable setting. Some of most popular dishes include: fried bologna with sharp cheddar fondue, smoked whitefish with everything bagel seasoning, and a dry-aged New York strip steak. Oh, and cocktails too.
47 Watson Street, Detroit, MI 48201
T: 313.262.6534
www.greyghostdetroit.com
Seven Layer Deviled Egg | Photograph courtesy of Second Best
Second Best
It is named Second Best as a place that recognizes and celebrates that on some nights, you don’t need to be at the best or fanciest spot in town; sometimes the “Second Best” will do just fine. Drink cocktails and inspired shots from when Jager Bombs and Kamikazes were still cool. Snack on deviled eggs, pork rinds, popcorn, and chicken wings, as well as a fried chicken sandwich and a Chicago-style Italian beef.
42 Watson Street, Detroit, MI 48201
T: 313.315.3077
www.secondbestdetroit.com
CHEFS' DETROIT GUIDE
Coffee
Photograph courtesy of New Order Coffee
New Order Coffee
Their cold brew is killer and most definitely an essential coffee drink before a busy night of service.
3100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
T: 313.784.9164
www.newordercoffee.com
Breakfast
Fly Trap
Order the Huevos Rancheros -- spicy!
22950 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220
T: 248.399.5150
www.theflytrapferndale.com
Shopping
Detroit souvenirs | Photograph courtesy of City Bird.
Gifts @ City Bird
They have unique and locally-sourced gifts for wives, girlfriends, and family.
460 West Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48201
T: 313.831.9146
www.citybirddetroit.com
Mexican Food @ Honey Bee Market
Come here for the best guacamole and Mexican food items.
2443 Bagley Street, Detroit, MI 48216
T: 313.237.0295
www.honeybeemkt.com
Farmer's Market
Photograph courtesy of Eastern Market
Eastern Market
One of the biggest farmers' markets in the Midwest -- we pay a visit twice a week.
2934 Russell Street, Detroit MI 48207
www.easternmarket.org
Lunch
Photograph courtesy of Mudgie's Deli & Wine Shop
Mudgie’s Deli
For a fried bologna sandwich in Corktown.
1300 Porter Street
Detroit, MI 48226
T: 313.9612000
www.mudgiesdeli.com
Al Ameer
Go to Dearborn and get chicken shawarma sandwiches (order a few).
12710 West Warren Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48126
T: 313.582.8185
alameerrestaurant.com
Taqueria El Rey
It is located in southwest Detroit. Order the half chicken and steak burrito.
4730 Vernor Highway
Detroit, MI 48209
T: 313.357.3094
taqueria-elrey.com
Sweets
Photograph courtesy of Tringali's Bakery
Tringali's Bakery
We can't pass up a trip to Warren for their Edise (a Cannoli-filled pastry).
29100 Schoenherr Road
Warren, MI 48093
T: 586.777.9010
www.tringalisbakery.com
Detroit Cookie Co
We are really into this place. You have to get the blueberry donut cookies.
23421 Woodward Avenue
Ferndale, MI 48220
T: 248.246.8060
www.detroitcookieco.com
Selden Standard
Pastry chef Lena Sareini is absolutely killing the dessert game here.
3921 2nd Avenue
Detroit, MI 4820
T: 313.438.5055
www.seldenstandard.com
Dinner
Photographs courtesy of Scotty Simpson's
Fish & Chips at Scotty Simpson's
Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips
It's a Detroit staple -- their fried fish is incredibly tasty. It's a little off the beaten path but absolutely worth the trip. Must order: Scotty's famous 3 piece cod with potatoes, slaw, and tartar.
22200 Fenkell Avenue
Detroit, MI 48223
T: 313.533.0950
scottysfishandchips.com
Giovanni's Ristorante
Old school Italian red sauce joint that's unapologetically authentic and rustic. The owner, Fran, works the host stand every night and spends time chatting with every guest who walks in the door. Also, Sinatra paid a visit many moons ago. Order the Chicken Parm and a glass of red.
330 Oakwood Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48217
T: 313.841.0122
www.giovannisristorante.com
Bars
Photograph courtesy of Standby | Photo Credit: Sal Rodriquez
Standby
Everything is second-to-none -- the location in The Belt, the drink list, and the decor and environment. We love the hospitality and consider owner Joe Robb a close friend of ours. They also have awesome cocktails. Must order: the Dog Days Negroni.
225 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
T: 313.736.5533
www.standbydetroit.com
Bumbo's Bar
We really like Bumbo’s Bar in Hamtramck. It's low lit, dark red, and unpretentious -- the best place in the city for a chill beer.
3001 Holbrook Avenue
Hamtramck, MI 48212
T: 313.285.8239
www.bumbosbar.com
Tony's Sports Bar
It's similar to Bumbo's with low key vibes. The bartenders are super friendly and it's conveniently found in our neighborhood, Ferndale. Order a High Life.
23500 Woodward Avenue
Ferndale, MI 48220
T: 248.545.2920
Late Night
Photograph courtesy of Lafayette Coney Island
Lafayette Coney Island
Hands down -- two coneys, cheese fries and a root beer or spring for a milkshake.
Open until 3am, 4am on weekends
118 W Lafayette Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48226
T: 313.964.8198
Live Music
Photograph courtesy of the Magic Stick
Magic Stick
On many of our days off, you'll find us at a concert at the Magic Stick.
4120-4140 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
T: 313.833.9700
majesticdetroit.com/magicstick
Detroit Souvenirs
Vernors Ginger Ale
It's a crisp, flavorful, quintessential ginger ale with Detroit roots.
Sanders Hot Fudge
This iconic ice cream topper has been around since 1875 with their first shop downtown Detroit. It's great warmed up over ice cream or straight from the spoon (or finger).
www.sanderscandy.com/milk-chocolate-hot-fudge-dessert-topping.html
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