Toast for supper? Toast with drinks? Why not?
Toast -- one of Ferndale's most popular breakfast and lunch spots -- plans to pop up in Birmingham in June with a dinner menu, a bistro liquor license and outdoor seating on a front deck extending to the street.
Co-owner Thom Bloom says the new place at 203 Pierce, across the street from Simply Wine, will be "funky and quirky and cool" like the original but "a little more upscale," with contemporary and bistro influences.
"It'll be Toast 2-point-0," he says.
And yes, vintage toasters will still be part of the décor.
The menu of small plates, salads and large plates will expand on the restaurant's original American, French bistro and Southwest fusion approach.
Their objective is food that's fresh, approachable and affordable, "not $50 a meal."
A large selection of wines by the glass, suggested wine pairings printed on the menu, weekly cheese platters and weekly wine features all figure into the concept.
Bloom's co-owner is his wife, Regan, "the brains of the company," he says. Their restaurant chef is Le Cordon Bleu graduate Ruben Griffin.
The Blooms have begun work on the space. "We're excited. The reception we're getting is beyond our expectations," Thom Bloom says.
The Ferndale location, opened in 2001, will continue to operate at 23144 Woodward. Call 248-398-0444.
Seldom Blues in Detroit is stretching Administrative Professionals Day, April 23, into a weeklong event April 21-25, with lunch promotions all week and a special happy hour on April 23.
As a bonus, administrative staffers whose bosses bring them to the restaurant that week will get $20 gift certificates toward a Seldom Blues dinner.
The happy hour will feature free hors d'oeuvres and wine from 5 to 6 p.m. and entertainment until 8 p.m.
The restaurant and jazz supper club is in Tower 400 of the Renaissance Center. For reservations, call 313-567-7301.
Owner Matt Schellig has revamped the menu at his Aunt Olive's Good Food 2 Go gourmet shop in Birmingham.
Working with holistic health counselor and consultant Cheryl Heppard of West Bloomfield, Schellig has added more vegan and vegetarian soup offerings, a self-service salad bar and a cappuccino bar with both organic milk and rice milk.
Although comfort-food items are still available, the changes balance the menu to give calorie-conscious shoppers more options. The shop is at 525 N. Old Woodward. Call 248-593-0364.
Contact SYLVIA RECTOR at 313-222-5026 or rector@freepress.com.
