Norm and Bonnie LePage have been part of the Detroit-area food/restaurant scene since the 1970s 鈥 but just never in听Detroit. Until now, that is.
The LePages, who also own Big Rock Chop House, Griffin Claw Brewing Co., and Clubhouse BFD, have partnered with DTE Energy to develop Lumen 鈥斕齛 鈥渓ight-themed鈥 brasserie/beer garden which opened Tuesday听in the Beacon Park space downtown.
According to Norm, the couple have been toying with opening a Detroit space, and 鈥渃ame close鈥 two or three times, but finally signed on when they were approached about the Beacon Park space by DTE last year.
鈥淭his place felt right,鈥 Norm says. 鈥淲e love the vision they had.鈥
Lumen鈥檚 4,000 square foot footprint includes indoor and outdoor seating 鈥斕齣ncluding a 鈥済reen鈥 rooftop space with a panoramic view of city. The main floor鈥檚 ground-to-ceiling windows look out over Beacon Park. Notable structures near the thoroughly modern space are a study in contrasts: Right across Grand River Ave., is the Grand Army of the Republic 鈥渃astle鈥 that鈥檚 now home to the Republic and Parks & Rec eateries. And the soaring canopies of the Rosa Parks Transit Center are spotted by looking down Cass Ave.
Lumen will initially serve dinner only, with plans to add lunch and weekend brunch later in the year. The menu was developed by Big Rock鈥檚 executive chef Gabby Milton, along with Bonnie LePage. But don鈥檛 expect to see many copycat items from their other locations. Lumen will serve what they鈥檙e calling 鈥渆clectic American fare that pairs well with beer and craft cocktails.鈥 Most of the beer selections, naturally,听come from Griffin Claw.
Entrees听include steak and frites with b茅arnaise butter; three versions of Pei mussels (arabiatta, white wine and chorizo, or green curry); and a German-inspired Michigan-sourced pork chop served schnitzel-style with a side of red cabbage. Appetizers听range from chicken wings with 鈥渆verything鈥 bagel seasoning to crab cakes, smoked trout, and mac and cheese.
1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit. . D Tues.-Sun.听
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