Hey friends, Jer here.
If there's something I've learned over the last few years of doing this, it's that people want more looks at affordable spots.
Of course, I'm all for the latest culinary concept or James Beard Award–winner, but just as important is what a British friend of mine calls "cheap and cheerful" — where there's a ton of value for money.
Running errands, I've had my eye on what's happening at the former McDonald's spot at Mack and Conner next to the Chrysler plant (I know it's properly named the Stellantis Jefferson North Assembly Plant, but it'll always be Chrysler to me).
In a world of ever-increasing prices, where fast food and slop-bowl chains can easily hit $20, I was interested — especially since I pay my own way for these things.
The very practically named "$10 Meal" reminds me of "Daily Detroit," as we say what we do on the label.
My friend and I tried the Chicken Fingers and Double Cheeseburger meals. Both came with fries and a drink.
The chicken tasted fresh and had a nice but unobtrusive seasoning. You get a dipping sauce with Thousand Island vibes, and that's the key to this whole thing.
Also in the box was a slice of bread or Texas toast, which was good — though I would have preferred a bit more garlic. I know that's not standard.
The cheeseburger was solid, with onions and lettuce on a sesame seed bun. It felt substantial, and I could tell it was cooked on a flat top.
The fries were well-executed — crisp on the outside, soft on the inside in a classic fast-food way. You get ketchup, but if you have the dip, we dip.
The menu is simple — and I like that: chicken sandwich, tenders, burgers, milkshakes. I wish more places would do a few things really well. It keeps their costs down and honestly is a better experience.
There are only a few places in town that can pull off a biblical-sized menu anyway, and usually they've been doing it for so many decades it's like clockwork.
And I need to mention that $10 Meal has real Coke — including Coke Zero — mixed correctly. That doesn't always happen.
The meal prices ranged from $5.99 to $10.99. So… it just barely counts for the $10, but these days, I'll give it to them.
So yes, it's "cheap and cheerful," and for under $20 for two people to eat out — in this economy? I'll be back.
You'll find it at 3975 Conner in Detroit. [Website] [Instagram]
🇲🇳 It looks like it's the end of the line for BD's Mongolian Grill in Michigan. We're hearing that the Canton location has now "closed indefinitely" according to a sign on the window. [Westland Community News]
🛑 Time is running out fast for Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q in Detroit's North End. It's sad to hear that after more than six decades, a Detroit legend is closing up shop, and there's some real story to it you'll want to read. You still have a chance to make it down in person if you do it before February 8. [Michigan Chronicle] [Crain's Detroit Business]
🌴 The last Bahama Breeze restaurant in Michigan is set to close. It's on Haggerty Road in Livonia. The Caribbean-inspired restaurant will continue to serve customers through April 5, as the owners — Darden Restaurants — shut the doors on the brand. [Source]
Livonia did not make the cut to be converted to another concept. Darden also operates Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, Season 52, Eddie V's, and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen.
🍽️ A now-closed Olga’s Kitchen in Westland is at the center of a six-figure rent fight over a single lease typo — “if any both.” [Crain's Detroit Business]
The mall’s owner says Olga’s owes more than $100K; Olga’s argues it actually overpaid and wants $53K back. The location had been open for 45 years. Now I want Snackers. Who else remembers those?
🥐 There's a pretty decent bake sale happening this weekend. Over at Decent Detroit on the city's east side, Death By Pastry is doing a pre-Valentine's event on Saturday, February 7 from 12p-4p. [More]
If you don't know, Death By Pastry is a project of former Mabel Gray pastry chef Kristina Conger, who has international experience.
On offer in-store will be heart brownies, cookie bundles, challah, and more. Plus, you can pre-order some special items for Valentine's Day, like a Cookies n' Cream cheesecake.
🚢 One more thing before I let you set sail: Above is a timelapse of the trip from River Rouge, through the Detroit River, and up to Zilwaukee on the freighter Algoma Buffalo.
My suggestion would be to watch this on the biggest screen possible at the highest resolution; I swear I'd want it as a screensaver.
But that's not all! Some of us of a certain vintage will remember Pop-Up Video by VH1; this video has little captain's notes throughout the trip that I found totally cool.
So if you're a boat nerd, a city nerd, a water nerd, or any kind of related aficionado of interesting trips, check it out.
And we're done for today. I owe some of you emails from the last edition, and I'll catch up real soon. Thanks for the feedback and support — it means a lot.
The most-clicked link from last time was the Terrence Parker video I shared. I'm glad so many people got into it!
If you can swing it and would like to join as a Patreon member to help keep us afloat, that'd be awesome.
Until next time — I'm reminded of the art my Indian Village grandma had on her wall: “‘Tis the set of the sails, / And not the gales, / That tells the way we go.” [Ella Wheeler Wilcox]
-Jer
