Wah-hoo Chinese Sushi and Cocktails, Detroit, MI

Having recently opened at the beginning of April 2010, Wah-hoo has become a hot, new place for sushi and Chinese food. The small restaurant is located off of Shelby Street, about a block away from Jefferson Avenue. There is a convenient public parking garage close to the location and Wah-hoo delivers, but only if you live in their 3-block radius. This may be inconvenient for people looking for delivery, but from what I have heard, the food is worth going to the restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is very chique and modern; it has a clean bar area that overlooks part of the kitchen area. The kitchen provides a variety classic and specialty sushi rolls and also many classic Chinese dishes. One of their most popular rolls is the Godzilla roll, and their Chinese dishes include: almond chicken, fried rice, dumplings, springrolls, and rangoons. The sushi is fresh and made to order, which is always a must for complete satisfaction of the customer. The waitstaff is always friendly and attentive, which will boost Wah-hoo's reputation once more people visit the restaurant.

Bourbon Steak, Detroit, MI

Straight from the pallets of New Orleans, this elegant steakhouse, located in the MGM Grand Detroit, is a highly sophisticated dining location. Bourbon Steak is a modern American steakhouse, but it does hold some influences from New Orleans; hence, bourbon in the name. First and foremost, the dishes here are very expensive and one may return back to Bourbon only once in awhile because of the prices. The food, on the other hand, is beyond what you would expect to receive for paying a high bill...$30-$80 per entree. Many of the dishes were created with seafood in mind: oysters, crabs, caviar, lobster, and prawns. And of course, being a steakhouse there is a wide selection of entrees with different meats and cuts. There is also a menu of "bar burgers" in which you order a burger and then any assortment of toppings and condiments you would like. The dessert and alcohol list is long and elegant, as would be expected. With the pricing of the meals, Bourbon Steak would be considered a once-in-awhile or special event restaurant for most people, but should be enjoyed to its fullest when given the opportunity.

Laikon Cafe, Greektown, Detroit, MI

An authentic Greek restaurant, Laikon Cafe holds its name as the one of the best Greek restaurants in Greektown. I haven't traveled to Greektown in awhile, nor have I been to Laikon Cafe, but I have always loved Greek food. Family and friends have high acclaims for Laikon, they say their food is great and authentic and their service is sociable and attentive. Most of the staff speaks Greek, and if you're lucky enough to come to Laikon Cafe on your birthday, baklava and a Greek happy birthday song may be in store for your visit.
The food at Laikon has many of the traditional Greek dishes: saganaki opa cheese, lamb, hummus, lemon rice soup, spinach pie, gyros, and many other dishes. The opa cheese is highly praised, just as it should for an authentic Greek restaurant. Their seafood salads, such as the octupus salad and the tarama salata, are delectable and truly Greek. The prices are affordable...$10-$15 per entree, especially for the authenticity and taste of the food.
Hope you enjoy your experience at Laikon! Opa!

Z's Villa, Detroit, MI

Z's Villa in Detroit is a true historic home bar and grill that offers a dining experience with the comfort of a small-home atmosphere. The first level has a bar and some tables for seating. The upper level of the house is full of tables and the outdoor patio has tables, a volleyball court, and even horseshoes. Also, if you catch Z's on the right weekend in the summertime, you may be able to enjoy live music while you eat. Z's Villa provides a shuttle service, with a free parking lot, all over the Downtown and New Center area, which is convenient for sporting events and other events.
The food Z's offer is truly excellent and homemade-tasting. They offer a variety of pizzas, fish, sandwiches, salads, and burgers. I have heard that the Zuper Vegetarian Delight pizza is their best pizza...and they do have quite a bit of pizzas.

La Gloria Bakery, Mexicantown, Detroit, MI

Tucked away on Bagley and 23rd Street, La Gloria Bakery is a hidden gem for authentic Mexican pastries. Although I have never personally visited the bakery, I have eaten many of their pastries. A few of my favorites are las empanadas, las orejas, and los churros. All are pastries that are loaded with butter, but I don't care once I start eating them. Las empandas are generally filled with fruit and La Gloria Bakery has empandas without homemade filling and I believe they also have some with homemade filling...not too sure, but they are good nonetheless. My next favorite are las orejas, or "the ears." One could say that this Mexican pastry is a parallel to the American pastry, elephant ears. The Mexican orejas, however, are not loaded with powder sugar or any other toppings besides cinnamon and sugar. Las orejas are also much smaller and fluffier than the American elephant ears. Los churros that are sold at La Gloria Bakery are amazing and are probably my favorite. These churros are nothing like the ones that are sold at stadiums and other generic places. These are homemade churros, and everything tastes better homemade, right? I have also heard great things about La Gloria's tres leches cake, or three milk cake, and their tamales, tortillas, and cookies.
The prices at the bakery are very reasonable, each pastry is generally under $1. The bakery itself is set up cafeteria style...the customers carry a tray around the store and pick up any and all pastries that they want.

Cliff Bell's Restaurant, Detroit, MI

Located on Park Avenue between Elizabeth and Adams, Cliff Bell's is a must see restaurant of Detroit. The current jazz club has had a rough past, but after being closed down and then reopened, the bar is up and running like never before. The restaurant serves a 1920s jazz and blues theme, with a jazz or blues band constantly playing live music. The architecture plays a big role in the 1920s atmosphere as well. I have never been to Cliff Bell's, but I have heard that the food there is excellent. Most of the food is French-inspired, but there are American items on the menu as well. The menu has items from steak to duck and soups to oysters. The food has great taste, but when the club gets busy, the service gets slow. I guess you could expect a popular restaurant to have slow service with large crowds, but they should be able to manage. I have also heard that meals are more likely to be undercooked or overcooked when the tables are filled. That's common sense, but there is no excuse for it. So, I suggest that if you want to experience your Cliff Bell's experience fully and flawlessly, then go to the restaurant during its less popular hours. But if you do prefer the hustle and bustle of a hype jazz club, then be sure to stop by during the later hours of the evening.

Los Galanes, Detroit, MI

Spanish for "the gallants," Los Galanes is a super-restaurant located in Mexican Town, Detroit. Based on opinions, Los Galanes is one of the top super-restaurants in Mexican Town today. The restaurant has plenty of room for parking, plenty of dining space, and plenty of authentic Mexican dishes ready to be served. Galanes also has an outdoor patio that is very popular in the summertime. As for the food, seafood and Al Pastor tacos seem to be popular items on the restaurant's menu. Galanes has an open seafood bar in which the seafood dishes are prepared, and they also prepare handmade tortillas right in front of you. The atmosphere of the restaurant really gives off an authentic Mexican feel, along with the Mexican music and Spanish speaking staff. The staff is attentive and getting a table quickly is no problem since the restaurant is large and has plenty of seating. If you're looking for a new and delicious Mexican Town experience, I suggest dining at Los Galanes to be your choice.