Cravings: June 2015

Their stylish menus are enticing enough to attract a loyal clientele of discriminating diners, but no matter how expert they are, restaurant people like to take a break from their own kitchens for a taste of someone else鈥檚 cooking.
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顿别惫辞苍听贵辞濒濒产补耻尘 and Anton Veliu shared chef听duties at Streetside Seafood in Birmingham,听耻苍迟颈濒 Veliu moved to sister restaurant Town Tavern in Royal Oak. Follbaum says because she鈥檚 a single mom of a 5-year-old, 鈥渕y time outside of the restaurant is usually spent with him. I am a big believer in teaching my son about food and where food comes from. We spend a lot of time going to Eastern Market, Honey Bee Market in Mexicantown, New Yasmeen Bakery in Dearborn, and other local markets and farm stores. My son is my little sous chef.鈥 When they dine out? 鈥淲e on occasion go to Al-Ameer in Dearborn (best shawarma ever!), Bangkok 96 in Dearborn for amazing Thai, and 惭颈濒濒别谤鈥檚 burgers can鈥檛 be beat.鈥 Taqueria Lupita鈥檚 in Mexicantown is their destination for street tacos, 鈥渁nd his personal favorite is Buddy鈥檚 Pizza.鈥 On her metro Detroit restaurant bucket list are 鈥Gold Cash Gold, Republic, Selden Standard, and Torino, to name a few.鈥

Veliu didn鈥檛 have to ponder long when asked about his favorite: Thuy Trang in Madison Heights. 鈥淭he place is a complete hole in the wall but they make the best rendition (of pho) in the area,鈥 he says. Veliu learned to love the dish while attending culinary school in New York. 鈥淚 would eat pho at least three times a week. For some reason it is as comforting as my mother鈥檚 cooking.鈥 Pho is a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of a rich broth served with rice noodles. 鈥淵ou can add the ingredients to your liking, making it the perfect custom dish, adding spice or more texture as you go.鈥