Taques Bar and Grill

Taques Bar and Grill

Miguel Arzate, general manager of Taques Bar and Grill in downtown Farmington, spoke passionately about this new restaurant. Designed with some “pizzazz” for date nights and celebrations, as well as casual nights out, the authentic Mexican eatery features enchiladas, street tacos and more unusual dishes like the al ambres, Taques’s version of fajitas; and the tampiquena, a combination plate with steak, an enchilada and a taco. Don’t forget to try the house margarita and signature drinks like the lemon drop martini and Oaxaca old fashioned.

North End Taproom

North End Taproom

We spoke with Katheryn and Jon Stoia, co-owners of a new type of self-serve bar and eatery in Royal Oak called North End Taproom. Stop in and enjoy the casual atmosphere as you get your wrist band, which unlocks and tracks the 40 taps on the wall. Choose from unusual brews like Splcy Pickle Monster, IPAs, wines, ciders, non-alcoholic beers and even cold brew coffee. If you’re hungry, use your phone to order the Royal Oak burger with cheese, fish tacos, tachos, chicken wings or other items. There’s no tipping at North End, so the checkout process is simple.  

Elwin & Co.

Elwin & Co.

Elwin Greenwald, owner and chef for Elwin & Co. in Berkley, told us about his long-time business, which opened in 1991. Located in Berkley since 1991, Elwin & Co. started out offering scones – the business’s claim to fame – but has branched out to include soups, lasagna and more. Try the popular raspberry white chocolate scone or savory scones like onion poppyseed, or grab meatloaf or chicken soup to heat up at home. You can find Elwin’s items at Nino Salvaggio and Westborn Markets, plus small Meijer stores and many other retailers.  

Chive Kitchen

Chive Kitchen

Suzy Silvestre, owner and chef for Chive Kitchen in Farmington, described her journey from a vegan restaurant to a large-scale, off-premises caterer that specializes in vegan and gluten-free food but offers a wide range of dishes. Silverstre and her pastry chef, Sarah, cater weddings, corporate events and more, and offer specialties like vegan lasagna, meatball sliders, mushroom gnocchi, bake-at-home cinnamon rolls  and more. Order online to pick up in Chive’s downtown Farmington location, or contact Chive for full-service event planning and catering.

Barb’s Pizza and Pasties

Barb’s Pizza and Pasties

Kevin Sell, one of six sibling co-owners of Barb’s Pasties & Pizza in Clawson, described how his parents’ legacy came about. The carryout restaurant offers Upper Peninsula-style pasties:  original beef, ground chicken and veggie. Over the years, Barb’s added pizza, stuffed cabbage, stuffed pepper, salads and desserts, all homemade with Barb’s recipes. Now celebrating 40 years in business, the eatery also enjoys giving back to the community and beyond through charities like Barb’s scholarship fund for catering students in Kenya. Order online or call; you can get pasties hot, cold or frozen for your convenience.