Jannie Teitelbaum’s retirement project, making pot pies out of her home, has grown into a statewide pot pie company, with a kitchen and store in Clawson and hundreds of Michigan stores that carry the frozen pies. Chicken pot pie is the favorite, but there’s also beef, Italian meatball, vegetarian and even some gluten free options. Try out Great Lakes breakfast pies and desserts too. They have cinnamon sugar pie chips, cookies, apple pies and more.
Amy Jean Thompson and her husband Matt Lange are from-scratch cooks at heart. They operated Ideal Bite Catering and the Ideal Bite Kitchen in Farmington Hills for years, but after the pandemic, they shifted gears to open Olive Thyme. The catering company operates out of a commissary kitchen on 11 Mile Road and offers catering for all occasions, plus seasonal pick-up items for the holidays (Cinco de Mayo is coming up). Olive Thyme also participates in Farmington events like the Harvest Moon Festival and some Farmers Markets, bringing along treasures like ground cherry jam and a special Farmington egg breakfast.
Throughout 2021, Shawn MacDonell and Ryan Kavanagh worked on renovating the old Page’s Food & Spirits building in downtown Farmington, and the co-owners were finally able to open in February 2024. The brewery and restaurant features all gluten-free food and some gluten-free beers. Stop by for smoked meat specialties like pulled pork sandwiches, sliders and shredded chicken meat bowls or sandwiches. You can also enjoy gluten-free macaroni and cheese, and Ocorn bread, which Shawn said is a crowd-pleaser. Heights also has 11 beers on tap, with ciders and seltzers joining the mix in the next few weeks.
If you’re looking for a gastropub experience in a fun atmosphere, head to Birmingham Pub. Offering craft cocktails like Pretty in Pink and others made with fresh squeezed juices, along with from-scratch dishes like pierogi and Grey Goose shrimp penne, the pub in downtown Birmingham is a popular destination for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. Blendi Suvaria, general manager of Birmingham Pub, described a diverse brunch menu that includes everything from lemon ricotta pancakes to omelets and a healthy acai bowl. As it gets warmer, the upstairs bar windows will open up to add to the celebratory atmosphere. Online reservations are available through Open Table.
Lizabeth Hanks is a MIchigan State student studying computer science who also likes to bake. She’s experimented over the years and researched recipes, and last year she founded Batter Up, a home-based baking business in Farmington. She likes making decorated sugar cookies the best, but she can do cakes and cupcakes for special events, and is even planning to make a wedding cake and cupcakes this August. Contact Liz via phone or Instagram to discuss baked goods for a special occasion or just for fun.
Melissa Lavender opened Uma’s Market & Cafe in downtown Mount Clemens as a way to offer something the area was lacking – a place to get affordable yet healthy to-go items like sandwiches, soups, salads, fruit and more. Named for her bulldog pug, Uma, the cafe is open for a late breakfast, lunch or early dinner. There are a couple tables for seating, or you can grab and go. Stop in and try one of Uma’s unique Red Bull mocktails.
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