The restaurant group Union Joints, which also owns and operates numerous eateries including Clarkston Union, Union Woodshop, Gran Castor and Vinsetta Garage, has opened what they are deeming their flagship restaurant – Union Assembly at 2131 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Spanning two stories, this 14,800-square-foot mega establishment has seating for 500, which includes a second-floor lounge, indoor/outdoor bar and a three-season terrace that overlooks Woodward and Comerica Park.

Speaking of Union Joints, there is an update on their long-anticipated opening of Lincoln Yard and Little Yard in Birmingham’s Rail District. Curt Catallo, owner of Union Joints, says the time off from COVID-19 has given their team time to fine-tune the project and secure their liquor license. He anticipates an opening in 2022. His wife and business partner, Ann Stevenson, owner of Ann Stevenson Studio, is leading the design plans for the interior space. “The challenge is tur

Oak & Reel is a contemporary seafood-focused Italian restaurant where Chef Jared Gadbaw combines local ingredients with bright, clean, bold flavors to offer a high-end dining experience in a welcoming setting. Gadbaw, who is a graduate of the renowned French Culinary Institute, captured two Michelin Stars for Marea in New York City and maintained a two Michelin Star ranking for nine straight years. He moved back to his native Detroit to open Oak & Reel, and after a year of op

Sam Abbas, president of restaurant group Afor Concepts, describes The Great Commoner as “a boutique break café that’s affordable and easy – designed as a comfortable everyday spot that will keep you coming back.” And that being said, there’s certainly plenty to come back for – from French pressed coffee featuring locally roasted beans from James Oliver Coffee, to an amazing array of delectable pastries and gourmet-style breakfast and lunch fare. The menu is a collaborative ef

The 2021 celebration of the James Beard Awards was held September 27 and was entitled “Stories of Resilience and Leadership.” This year’s event saluted the independent restaurant community by showcasing some of the organizations, leaders, and businesses that have made a significant impact in the industry and their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in this special tribute was Chef Omar Anani, owner of Saffron De Twah, Detroit. Saffron De Twah is no stranger t

Clawson has added another unique restaurant to its already lively restaurant scene. Newcomer Sozai offers sustainable sushi and is owned and operated by Chef Hajime Sato. Sato was born and raised in Japan. His sense of adventure led him to leave Japan for a year as an exchange student in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He later relocated to Seattle, where he opened his award-winning restaurant Mashiko in 1994. In 2009, Sato became one of the first sushi chefs to commit to using only su

Craft beer aficionados can rejoice! Eastern Market Brewing Co (EMBC) will add a third taproom at 330 E. Lincoln Avenue, Royal Oak, joining their flagship location at Eastern Market and the Ferndale Project in Ferndale. The new space was the former home of Roak Brewing Company which closed in late 2020. The property was initially acquired by EMBC as a warehouse for their Peddler delivery service, a venture that was launched to bring craft beer directly to consumers’ doors duri