If this pandemic were a Greek goddess I’d call it “Nemesis.” If this pandemic were a hurricane I’d say that we’re in the eye. If this pandemic were an insect, I’d urge it to get on with metamorphosis. If this pandemic were a song I’d call it “What’s Going On?” If this pandemic were a movie, it would star Bela Lugosi. If this pandemic were a business, I’d give it a 1* Yelp review. If I were to sum up my feelings about this pandemic I’d say “Enough already!”
On January 22, with COVID cases declining throughout the state, Governor Whitmer gave the green light for indoor dining to resume on Feb 1. That announcement came six days after the first case of the new B117 COVID variant was detected in Washtenaw County. Shortly thereafter, a dozen or so U-M athletes tested positive for the new variant. As of yesterday, there were 21 cases of the B117 in Washtenaw County, seven in Wayne County, and for the first time, one in Kalamazoo County. "If this variant becomes more common, as national experts predicted it would, we could see a very rapid rise in cases, more hospitalizations, and deaths,” stated Michigan's top medical executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. And CDC officials are bracing for this new strain of coronavirus to become the dominant one in the country.
The good news is that people are starting to get vaccinated – albeit at a disappointingly slow pace. As for restaurant workers, we are not yet even in the queue. And now many restaurant workers are sharing their indoor work space with unmasked patrons. That is not the case here – we are sticking with carryout and delivery. Our focus remains: the safety of our employees and our community.
Progress in the midst of pandemic
But even as we stay the course with our service style, we are moving ahead in other areas -- namely improvements and additions to our menu and our physical space.
The Del Burger
Speaking of menu upgrades: Have you heard about the Del Burger? You probably have, since we’ve been making such a big deal about it. This burger, after several weeks in the R&D phase, debuted four days ago and has quickly become our top seller. There’s good reason for that – it’s really good! Named for the former legendary townie bar The Del Rio, the Del Burger shares some characteristics with the Del Rio’s signature Det Burger. Namely: the patty is beer-steamed and toppings include grilled onions, mushrooms, poblano peppers, and olives. Our Del Burger also has melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato and herb aioli. At the heart of the burger is the tempeh patty- made by our friends at The Brinery. And the oat-wheat bun is made with love by our own bakers.
The Lunch Room Bakery & Cafe
Speaking of bakers, the talented crew at our north-side Huron Towers outpost continues to produce mouth-watering baked goods and top-quality breakfast and lunch items. They make the breads and desserts for Detroit Street as well as for the Bakery/Cafe. This crew is lean, focused, driven, talented, and good-looking. (Pro tip: Try Kathryn’s soups!)
Savory baked goods at Detroit Street
And speaking of bakers, it turns out that two of our cooks at Detroit Street are accomplished bakers themselves. Have you noticed the pot pies, shepherd pies, pasties, samosas, empanadas, spinach pies, and cornbread on the menu in recent weeks? You can thank Jessica and Kim for that!
Plants keep us happy
I should speak for myself, the plant freak, on this one. In two recent trips to Sparr’s Greenhouse in Plymouth I picked up a total 110 succulents for sale on our online store, plus a Norfolk Island Pine! The 6 foot tree, which must overwinter indoors, provides oxygen and comfort in a dining room that can feels lonely without guests. Where it’s going next winter is anyone’s guess!
The little bar that could
Our bar also remains a busy place… remarkably. Lately, the non-alcoholic drinks have been the stars of the show. Bubble tea, horchata, and fruit sparkler sodas are the big sellers, thanks to Cameron and Erika. Dominic’s tropical sangria is a delicious way to stave off the winter blues. My personal favorites are the apple cider old fashioned and the spiked (with dark rum and amaretto) horchata. For a decadent treat, try a hot cocoa with Bailey’s!
Mural in progress
Although there is no formal competition, let it be known that we are vying for the distinction of “coolest bathrooms in town.” You may have seen the beautiful mural in the women’s room. And as of this writing, the unisex bathroom’s mural is in progress.
North Star Lounge
I will leave you with this teaser: the next-door space that we leased in November now has a name: The North Star Lounge. Stay tuned for details!
Till Next Time…
Deep breaths everyone. Be patient and vigilant. Take care of each other. If you or someone you know needs food, send them to us and we will provide it. Chins up. Spring will come.