Tropical terrace

With an atmosphere created to feel like you’re in Miami or Los Angeles – think lots of greenery, including real palm trees – Pinky’s Rooftop is quickly becoming the busiest restaurant for the Adam Merkel Restaurants group. Since opening in late April, dishes like their short rib wonton tacos, black truffle ramen, and sashimi have all proven popular. “Those seem to be on every other table,” Merkel said. The descriptions on the menu aren’t too detailed on purpose, because they want guests to be slightly surprised by the items that appear in front of them, like a three-foot-tall cotton candy dessert or a drink served in a Buddha ceramic. Pinky’s – located at 100 S. Main Street (formerly Red Fox Rooftop) in Royal Oak – began a brunch service in early May. That menu – as well as their regular one – was made to encourage guests to get a few things and share. Brunch items include rainbow ricotta toast, short rib omelette, and egg white frittata. There’s also a pretty wild Bloody Mary bar, which has just about anything you could think of, Merkel said.

­Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.