The Napoli Is Gone

Every week I get an email in my inbox from Model D, an online magazine about Detroit. Its fairly new, and a bit commercial, but not annoyingly so. Unlike the many worthwhile Detroit blogs, Model D has a more news magazine feel to it. Does that make sense? Basically, it's less like the gossip on the forums of Detroityes, and more like the professional news style of the Metro Times online. But it's not all serious, and it certainly isn't very diverse. In fact, it's entirely about Detroit and written by professional and semi-professional journalists.

The goal of Model D is to "connect you with the latest growth and investment news about Detroit’s neighborhoods." That sounds a little boring, but it really isn't.

Anyway, there was an article in last week's edition titled "Detroit Myths Debunked." You can read it here. There are some interesting points made like the lack of a single good grocery store in the downtown area, which is made up for by several specialized shops as well as Eastern Market. But one myth bothered me. The author stated that the only brunch in Detroit can be had at 'greasy spoons'. She then goes on to tell us about two newly opened restaurants: The Detroit Breakfast House & Grill and Mosaic. The former is a newer hoity-toity brunch spot with a dress code, and Mosaic is an upscale joint in Greektown. Most Detroiters who go out to brunch regularly don't want to spend more than $20 for their Eggs Benedict, but these two places are the sort that do just that. What the author fails to realize is that there are many places in the city and just outside of it where you can get breakfast without polishing your spoon on your napkin before using it.

I understand that the point of the article was most likely meant to push two newer Detroit restaurants, but I'm irked that the author glossed over all the other brunch options in town, generalizing them as "greasy spoons."

I also find it hard to believe that no one has referred her to the new brunch at Union Street in Midtown. Or maybe she isn't considering that part of the city 'downtown'? It sure as hell is to all the people who hang out around there but live in the 'burbs. What about brunch at Atlas World Bistro on Woodward just north of Foxtown? Maybe it wasn't expensive enough for her. I'll take their Turkey Benedict for under ten dollars any day over an over-priced Crabcake Benedict at a restaurant with a dress-code (Detroit Breakfast House & Grill).

And if she's explored Eastern Market so thoroughly, has she not noticed the Russell Street Deli (and their almost-too-good vegetarian sandwiches)?

Up until last weekend, she could've checked out Sidestreet Cafe in Hamtramck, which I know isn't Detroit proper, but close enough. In my opinion, they had one of the best Saturday and Sunday brunches in the area. Unfortunately, the store next door to it burned last weekend and took down the Cafe with it.

Speaking of Cafes, the author could also check out the Majestic Cafe on Woodward in Midtown where you can get eggs with cheddar and chorizo served with warm flour tortillas as well as items from their regular menu including mediterranean specialties.

Of course, there's also La Dolce Vita on Woodward just north of McNichols. LDV's Sunday brunch is purely indulgent without being obscenely expensive. And, while their normal menu attracts a slightly upscale crowd, the Sunday brunches are so informal that one day out of the month is designated as the Pyjama Brunch. Their service is impeccable, the coffee is usually served with a cinnamon stick, the bottomless bloody marys just don't quit, and the food is good.

Oh, and yes, that's in Detroit, too. Model D, I suggest you hire a new fact-checker, if in fact you have one.