Enjoy Some Local History at Plymouth Crossing Restaurant

423669_10151375824385510_1524375894_nPlymouth’s city center has enjoyed the arrival of many new restaurants and bars over the past several years. But just outside of downtown along Main St. at the level crossing, you’ll find the Markham Building and Plymouth Crossing Restaurant.

DSC01815The Building dates from 1885 when the Markham Manufacturing Company began producing wooden tanks and cisterns.  The company soon switched to manufacturing wooden air rifles while across the tracks, the Plymouth Iron and Windmill Company began producing a metal BB gun known as the ‘Daisy’.  And so began Plymouth’s page in history as the birthplace of the Daisy Air Rifle. Ultimately, the two companies became one and while the Daisy Buildings are gone save for a section of wall, the Markham Building remains.20130204_123937

 

The restaurant itself is a calming, traditional setting with a fireplace and plenty of wood tones, exposed brick walls, brass, and red, tufted leather booths.  The service is friendly and relaxed.  And the food is hearty and satisfying.  For a dining experience unique in the City, Plymouth Crossing is definitely worth a visit.

The Garage Grill and Fuel Bar Now Open in Downtown Northville

garage

With a fresh coat of paint and much, much more, the work on Downtown Northville’s Garage Grill and Fuel Bar is now complete and dinner guests are enjoying the completely updated former fuel station and Chrysler dealership. Renovating this brown field site and former gas station in the heart of downtown has required some effort but the results are beginning to show.  You can learn more about the history and design of this new restaurant at their website. Converting old gas stations into dining establishments is garage interiorsomething we love in the Metro Detroit area with so much automotive history around us.  Consider the recent re-opening of the Vinsetta Garage as a restaurant in Royal Oak.  This place is now a destination for automotive enthusiasts – especially during Dream Cruise weekend. To learn more about the repurposing and renovation of Northville’s Garage Grill and Fuel Bar, here is a great video showing the work in progress from earlier this yearGarage Grill and Fuel Bar is located at 202 W. Main St in Downtown Northville. The menus is extensive featuring sandwiches, pizzas, seafood, and beef. There is usually a wait so you should call ahead (248-924-3367).  We really enjoyed our dinner there – the food, service, and setting were all excellent! What a great example of honoring the past while repurposing for the present.

U.P. Pasties now OPEN in Downtown Plymouth!

So what is a Pasty you are wondering? This Upper Peninsula speciality is pronounced “PASS-tee” and not “Paste-tee”.  It’s essentially a savory meet pie packed with selected meats and vegetables.  They come in diffferent sizes as well.  We’ve tried them and the food is wholesome, simple, filling, and well worth a taste.  Owned and operated by a local couple, UP Pasties is located at 810 S Main St in downtown Plymouth.  734-927-4422.

(UPDATED) Greek Islands Coney Restaurant NOW OPEN in Downtown Plymouth MI

(Updated – August 11, 2012) We had a chance to try out the latest addition to the Plymouth downtown restaurant collection – Greek Islands Coney Restaurant.  Located at the corner of Main and Penniman in the old bank building, this new family friendly dining establishment occupies perhaps the best real estate in the entire city!  The interior is very bright with tall windows and a 2 story ceiling.  The service was quick and friendly, and the food staightforward and plentiful – everything you would expect from a Coney Island style restaurant.

Opening soon in the old bank building on the corner of Main and Penniman in Plymouth will be the new Greek Islands Coney Restaurant.  They have replaced all the windows on the historic building (and maybe soon – even the doors) with work progressing rapidly. The Kids Play Cafe will be missed as a fun spot to take the kids in downtown.  But the new owners seem to be investing in some major improvements to the building.  And with the new Sardine Room restaurant nearing completion, Plymouth will have a couple of new dining options in time for the summer.

Zin Wine Bar Now Open in Downtown Plymouth MI

(Update – Zin has closed Barrio has opened) Zin Wine Bar and Restaurant is now open in downtown Plymouth taking over the former premises of Grape Expectations Wine Bar.  Inside, the restaurants offers a quieter and more refined environment along wiht an exceptional menu and wine list.  There’s are outdoor sidewalk patio tables along with an indoor second floor loft area ideal for small gatherings and parties. We haven’t been there since the ownership and name change but look forward to stopping by soon.  You can find Zin Wine Bar at 555 Forest Avenue just off Ann Arbor Trail.  734-455-WINE (9463).  www.zinwinebar.com

The Sardine Room NOW OPEN in Downtown Plymouth MI!

Update – the Sardine Room is now officially open for business just in time for summer.  All reports so far are very positive!  We’ve had the opportunity to go there a couple of different times and were impressed by the food, interior, and service.

The restaurant scene in downtown Plymouth will soon have a new addition.  From the owners of Fiamma Grille and Campari’s, comes the new Sardine Room.  Located on Main St. opposite Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth, the location couldn’t be any better!  In addition to the imminent opening of Panache 447, the Sardine Room will help further elevate downtown Plymouth as a dining destination.

Brick’s Restaurant Now Open in Historic Downtown Northville

We finally managed to try out Brick’s in downtown Northville and came away with a fairly positive first impression. The design, service, and food were all quite good and appropriate to the sports bar genre in this downtown location. For warmer months, there’s a spacious elevated, outdoor seating area as well. Inside, there’s plenty of TVs which provide the ‘ambiance’.

Located at 133 West Main St., the restaurant is directly across from Re-Purpose made famous by HGTV’s Cash and Cari.  Look for more HGTV activity soon in nearby downtown Plymouth….

For more informatin about Brick’s, call them at (248) 924-2135 or visit their website at www.bricksofnorthville.com.

Construction Commences on New Commercial Building in Downtown Plymouth

Ground has been broken on the new commercial building at the intersection of Main St. and Ann Arbor Trail. Located at one of the town’s main intersections, this prime piece of real estate and former gas station will now to be home to a number of restaurants and retail spaces on 2 floors.

Yogurt Palooza Now Open in Downtown Plymouth Michigan!

Yogurt Palooza has been open now for several weeks and we had the chance to stop by recently on a very HOT summer day.  Located right on Main Street in the Mayflower Center next to other restaurants and coffee houses like  Panera Bread and Starbucks, Yogurt Palooza offers a multitude of different yogurt flavors and toppings that you mix yourself.  The concept is a self-serve yogurt bar where you build your treat and pay by the pound. There are even sugar-free options too. For something besides your typical soft serve ice cream cone, you may want to give this new place a try the next time you are downtown.

What Happened to the old Amoco Gas Station in Downtown Plymouth? Proposed New Building at Ann Arbor Trail and Main Street – 789 W. Ann Arbor Trail

I attended a highly charged Planning Commission meeting last night at Plymouth City Hall. The developers of the above new construction commercial building presented their plans while the residents and business owners of Plymouth voiced their concerns. The corner of Ann Arbor Trail and Main Street where the old Amoco gas station used to be has been vacant for some time.  The old station has just been demolished and the new building above is planned. The space will be used for restaurants and potential retail too. Some of the issues raised include the size and density of the building and the split level concept of the interior. A motion was passed to postpone further discussions until the applicant decides to resubmit updated plans.  There was a lot of emotion and passion about the project – all part of the give and take required to preserve and grow a vibrant downtown of a great American small town!

Le George Mediterranean Bar and Restaurant Now Open in Downtown Northville, MI

Le George Northville

Updated January 13th, 2010: it’s been several months now and Le George continues to impress. We stop by there for lunch quite often and the service is always top notch.  Ask for the recommended specials which we do or just go for a sandwich. 

Update August 13, 2010: Le George is now open!  If you are looking for an upscale bar/restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, Le George might be worth a try. The interior is very nicely decorated and there’s even an outdoor seating area! We had lunch there today and the place was very busy. There is also a convenient take-out menu if you are on the go. For more information, call Le George at (248) 924-2016.

Le George Bar and Restaurant, Northville MI

Walking in downtown Northville today, we noticed the new Le George Mediterranean Bar and Restaurant under construction. The sign on the window suggests a Spring 2010 opening so let’s look forward to a new business downtown. le George is located at 124 E. Main St. in downtown Northville.

Addis Ababa Ethiopian Restaurant Now Open In Downtown Plymouth

Update April 10th, 2010: We took the family there last weekend and although the place was a little under-staffed, the food did deliver on the promise of the exotic. As a new restaruant, we like to reserve judgement until things settle down.

It’s official, Plymouth has an Ethiopian Restaurant! Located in Charlestown Square Plaze, the new Addis Ababa promises to add an exotic flavor to the restaurant choices offered in downtown Plymouth. We haven’t had a chance to try the Zilzil Wat or the Defen Yemisir Alecha but we are looking forward to it! You can find Addis Ababa at 273 N. Main St. or call them at 734-414-9935. There’s no sign yet so look for the name on a door on the right hand side of the plaza as you enter.