Loui's Pizza in Hazel Park, Mi

Every region of the US seems to have their own spin on pizza and Detroit is no exception. The most recognizable brand in Southeast Michigan is Buddy's but to experience a true Detroit original you must visit Loui's in Hazel Park, Michigan. Loui's (yes, this is the correct spelling) is the “brother” of Buddy's and Shield's. They offer the same style of thick square pizzas but I feel that Loui's is superior.

Not much has changed at Loui's over the last few decades. My family has been loyal customers for years and they can testify to this. From the outside it looks like a bowling alley. It's actually pretty easy to drive right by it. That is unless your aunt is yelling at you to slow down from the passenger seat. The restaurant isn't in the best area but don't be afraid; this adds to its mystique. The staff of Loui's is what you might expect at a traditional pizza place. Many have worked there for years and treat you as if you are family. By this I don't mean that they are overly sweet or will ask you “how is everything tasting?” It is closer to going over to your aunt's or mom's house where they want to make sure you eat and enjoy yourself.

When you walk in the first thing you'll probably notice is the hundreds of empty Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling. It's a long standing tradition to order a bottle of wine, drink it and sign it so it can be hung with the others. I personally usually skip this tradition and order a soda or a local Michigan beer.

Loui's menu is all about the pizza. They do offer other Italian staples but the pizza and maybe the antipasto are the stars. We usually go simple when ordering the pizza; may be just pepperoni or onion. It is so rich that you don't need a lot of toppings. When I stated that not much has changed in several years, I wasn't just referring to the decor or the staff. The pizza recipe is exactly the same as when my grandma used to eat there long before I was born. I also suspect that the pizza pans are of the same vintage and this adds to the flavor.

The crust is thick as Detroit-style pizza is but the flavor and texture is unique to Loui's. It is buttery, crispy and chewy. The corner pieces are worthy of a family feud. The other component that is noticeably different than other pizzerias is the cheese. Loui's doesn't use mozzarella on their pies.They use a combination of cheeses that I can't quite identify. It is very tasty and very gooey. The sauce is also a bit different from Loui's competitors. It is distinctly peppery and the use of oregano is apparent. I appreciate this because most pizza sauce is fairly flavorless and doesn't use the herb.

There are a couple things to keep in mind before you head out to Loui's. They are not open on Mondays and Tuesdays. I'm not sure why this is but I made the mistake once of trying to call in an order and was left feeling disappointed. The other item worth mentioning is that this place is beyond busy on weekend evenings. I recommend bringing your patience with you or heading out before the dinner rush. You can also pick-up a half baked pie and finish cooking it at home. This is a good option but it isn't quite the same as dining in. If you do pick up a half baked pie, finish baking it at a fairly high temperature, at least 425 degrees, this will help crisp up the crust.

Loui's pizza is a true representation of Detroit and should be experienced by any pizza lover.

Location:
23141 Dequindre Rd.

Hazel Park, Mi 48030 

Hours
Wed and Thurs : 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday : 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Saturday : 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Sunday : 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Carry Out Orders
248-547-1711   
Loui's Pizza

Biercamp Artisan Sauage & Jerky - Ann Arbor, MI

It has been ridiculously warm this winter. There have even been days where I have forgotten that it isn’t actually spring heading into summer. I began to think about summer, working out in the garden and the scent of barbeque in the air. Every weekend during the summer my next door neighbor fires up his smoker or barbecue. This results me leaning over the fence to ask George what he is preparing this time. Usually he’s smoking a turkey, brisket or a barbecuing some ribs. Even though summer is still months away, I was able to pretend it was here with a recent trip to Biercamp in Ann Arbor.

Biercamp is located in a renovated storefront that is welcoming and strangely hip. This place has a very unique feel with lots of wood and windows. They produce artisan sausage and jerky as well as other items such as bacon, cheese spreads and house made pickles. The selection is large and varied but I was there for one simple reason. I’d seen on their website that they offer smoked brisket sandwiches. (To be more precise, 12 hour slow smoked brisket sandwiches.)

I ordered my sandwich and was offered some of Andouille sausage to sample while I waited. It was very balanced with just the right amount of heat. I would have spent more time sampling but my sandwich was ready to go almost instantly. I decided to hit the road but there is a counter with a few stools located under the front window for those wanting to hangout.

While my sandwich wasn’t pretty, it sure was delicious. I can say that this sandwich was one of the best I’ve eaten in a while. It was served with pickles and finely sliced onion; which cut though the richness of the meat perfectly. The brisket itself was super tender and the sauce was flavorful but not overwhelming. The bun served its purpose beautifully. Good stuff and for a good price. ($7) I should also mention that Biercamp sells pulled pork sandwiches too. I plan on going back and giving it a try and at the same time I will most likely pick up some brats for the grill.

The owners are friendly and offer a great product. It is clear that they love what they do and this makes Biercamp a place worth of supporting.


If you have visited Biercamp, let me know what you enjoyed so I can give it a try.

Biercamp Artisan Sausage and Jerky

1643 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Phone: 734-995-BIER(2437)
bier-camp.com/

Polish Comfort Food in Melvindale

I recently had to drive to the Downriver area to take my aunt to an appointment. She insisted that we stop at Sabina's in Melvindale for some Polish food. According to her; "they make the best pierogis." As usual, Aunt Rose was right.

Sabina's is family owned and operated restaurant that makes some of Detroit's best Polish food. They offer all of the old time favorites like stuffed cabbage, city chicken or pierogis. This place feels like you are visiting someone house. It is bare-bones kind of establishment. White walls with tightly packed tables and chairs. The only bit of flare in the decor are the lace curtains in the front window. Please don't let this scare you away because you will miss out on some tasty home cooking.

During our visit, I noticed the clientèle and found the folks to be pretty diverse. Of course, the older folks were represented with several tables of grandparents and their grandchildren. What I found surprising was the large number of younger people dressed in business attire having a bowl of soup or a sandwich while on their lunch break.

After taking a while to decide on what to order, Aunt Rose settled for a combination plate (which really wasn't a decision as it had a bit of everything - including pierogis, meatballs, sauerkraut, boiled potatoes and corn) and I ordered the kielbasa sandwich. In addition, we both ordered a cup of mushroom soup. It was creamy but not too thick and it contained barley. This won me over instantly. Our meals arrived in no time and Aunt Rose proceeded to put potato pierogis on my plate and give me half of a meatball. After sampling her food, I was ready to try my sandwich. It contained a link of smoked kielbasa, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on grilled rye. The cheese was gooey and lovely. The sandwich was simple but great. I'll offer you one piece of advice; make sure you ask for mustard.

Even though we were stuffed, Aunt Rose ordered some berry crumb cake to go. It was hard to pass up for the price of 75 cents. I ate it the next morning with a cup of coffee and enjoyed it very much. The also sell their pierogis by the dozen. They freeze really well according to Aunt Rose.

If you are looking for comfort food at a very reasonable price, Sabina's is your place. 

3840 Oakwood Blvd
Melvindale, Mi 48122

313-388-5171

 

Boule Artisan Bakery - Downtown Plymouth MI

I have been stopping by Boule in Plymouth weekly for the last few years. I can't recommend this bakery enough. The fresh baked loaves in the front window only gives you a small taste of what they have to offer.


On a daily basis there is roughly a dozen different varieties of bread to choose from. They have the best baguette in the area. The crusty outside is perfect and the inside is tender. You are not going to find a loaf this good at the local high-end grocery store. Another favorite of mine is the Honey Lover's Wheat. It is wonderful for toasting or making a simple turkey sandwich.

I suppose that I should also mention that the price of their bread is reasonable. It is about the same as what you would pay for a loaf of "Aunt Millie's" and about half of what you would pay at a certain bakery in Ann Arbor.

Boule also bakes amazing cookies, croissant and scones. My personal favorite is the lemon ginger scone. It is just sweet enough. The crystallized ginger cuts through the buttery scone in a way that is delightful. These scones are flaky and flavorful. They are not like the usual dense and dry scones that are offered around town.

The bakery is family owned and is truly a part of the community. The owners and staff are friendly and seem to know everyone that walks through the door.


I will offer one piece of advice. You must order ahead of time during the holidays. Boule is so busy during Thanksgiving and Christmas that they only bake special orders.

If you are looking for something to go with your breakfast coffee this weekend, swing by Boule. You won't be disappointed.

Boule Artisan Bakery
(734) 354-6980
880 W Ann Arbor Trail
Plymouth, Mi 48170

Note: The bakery was recently purchased but have no fear; their product is still very consistent and remains to be of the highest quality.

Neehee's Indian Vegetarian Street Food - Canton MI

NOTE: 8/12/2012- Neehee's is currently closed for remodeling.


Canton is made up of a fairly diverse population and that diversity has paid off once again. There are some really excellent Asian restaurants in the area and Neehee's is a member of that list. I have been a fan of Indian food for a long time so when I saw a place serving vegetarian street food had opened I was beyond excited. I wasn't sure what to expect so I talked to some folks and checked out Neehee's website.

Neehee's is counter service restaurant who's menu is made up of mainly small plates. It is not what you would expect to find in the average Indian restaurant. I went with a friend and we decided to share a few different things to get a good feel for the menu. We ordered Aloo Tikki (Pan fried potato patties with yogurt: pictured), a Samosa Pav (samosa sandwich: pictured) and a plain Dosa (crispy crepe). I have to say that the Aloo Tikki was excellent. The combination of soft patties with the fresh red onions was delicious. There was a good amount of heat so the yogurt was very refreshing. If you go to Neehee's make sure to order this dish. I believe is #12 on the menu. The other items were equally as enjoyable. Most offerings range from $3 to $8 so it is affordable to try a few items at a time.

I highly recommend that you try Neehee's when you are in the area. Even if you aren't it is worth the trip. Before my first time eating here a friend offered me some advice and I will share this with you.

•  The Menu is huge and can be overwhelming. Either look at it online before you go or sit down with a menu before ordering at the counter.

• Keep in mind that if you decide to order take out that the Dosas don't travel that well. Everything else holds up fine.

• The food is spicy. Not insanely spicy but probably equivalent to medium level.

• As with most Indian restaurants Neehee's is closed on Tuesdays.

One last thing...I have yet to try the Ice Cream but I have heard that it is fantastic. Now that spring is here I will have to swing by for a scoop.

Neehee's is located at 45490 Ford Road in Canton MI 48187
Phone: 734-737-9777

Website: http://www.neehees.com
Hours: 11am - 9pm Mon-Sun

Weldon's Pasties - Serving Up Michigan Tradition in Livonia

If you are from Michigan or Wisconsin you are probably familiar with the concept of the pasty. It is simple as it gets. Meat and veggies wrapped in dough. When a pasty is made poorly it sits like a brick in the belly. When is it made well it becomes a perfectly balanced winter supper. Satisfying and sometimes sentimental.

I have driven past Weldon's Pasties in Livonia a thousand times but have never stopped by until today. The store sits in a strip mall and is the size of a walk-in closet. There is an empty bakery case, a soda cooler, cash register and wall mounted menu. The prices are fair and what you would expect. (about $4.50 each) There isn't any place to sit and eat so your pasties are best enjoyed at home or if you can't wait, in the car. I placed my order with Weldon's owner and she returned with a bag that weighed at least as much as my 6 month old nephew. She was very friendly and smiled when she said that they have been open for roughly 22 years.

When I got home I sat down and unwrapped the pasty. I decided to sample it cold and it was fantastic. (There are instructions for reheating right on the wraper if you prefer.) The dough was tender and buttery. The filling was flavorful and the perfect texture. It was probably the best pasty I have had in years and I didn't have to travel to the U.P. to get it.

Next time you are in the area of Merriman and Seven Mile stop by Weldon's.

19161 Merriman Livonia, MI 48152 248-471-1680

Exotic Cuisine & Bakeries: North Campus Ann Arbor

I recently visited this place and forgot how much I like it. I know that southeast Michigan is not lacking in Middle Eastern restaurants but Exotic Cuisine and Bakeries is just a bit different. They offer all of the traditional foods you might expect but they are done really well. Everything is very fresh, light, bright and tasty. This establishment (tucked in the Courtyard Shops near North Campus off of Plymouth Rd. in Ann Arbor) is worth seeking out.

Exotic Cuisine is a deli style restaurant that has been family owned since the 80's. You can sit and have a sandwich or pick up some Syrian specialties to go. Almost everything is sold by the pound such as zucchini babaganouj and shawarma (chicken). They also offer a ton of vegan and vegetarian options. Lots of freshly baked items such as meat pies and Oozee (rice and ground beef in puff pastry) as well.

I highly recommend the lentil soup. It has a wonderful flavor and texture. I usually have it served with fried pita strips and freshly sliced onion. You may want to take a pass on the onion if you are going to be spending time with other people.

Any of their desserts are recommended but the baklava is a must.


Info:

1721 Plymouth Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1800
+1 734-665-4430‎
exoticbakeries.com