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First Taste: SaltWater at the MGM Grand Detroit

Fresh ingredients melded with fresh interpretations

By VATO

Special to Metromix
September 15, 2009

First Taste: SaltWater at the MGM Grand Detroit

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina at MGM Grand Detroit

Address:: 1777 Third, Detroit, MI, 48226

Phone:: 313-465-1646

Overall User Rating:: (1 rating)

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Hours:: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sun., Wed., Thu., 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Official Web Site:: http://www.mgmgranddetroit.com/

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Fresh is the probably the best word one could use to describe the food at SaltWater. By its name and marquee design, SaltWater can easily be interpreted as a seafood restaurant, but -- as Chef de Cuisine Daniel Campbell explained -- the real foundation for this latest Michael Mina venture is fresh ingredients melded with fresh interpretations.

Interpretations on classic and iconic entrees is something you will easily find here. Here, an otherwise simple American fish house classic (such as a shrimp cocktail) is not simplified, but rather, refined and re-invented. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kevin Hee, and with the structure and design from a James Beard Foundation rising star Michael Mina, SaltWater offers its guests a chance to revisit the classics of seafood cuisine while leaping into new contemporary varieties.

But fresh is what is lauded as the king of the sea in this establishment (located in the MGM Grand). If the menu says that they are serving Alaskan king crab, then it's brought in fresh from Alaska. Maine lobster, fresh from Maine. Freshwater fish varieties? Yep, you guessed it, straight out of Michigan’s back yard from our Great Lakes.

With SaltWater, guests are treated to premiere cuts of fish and shellfish while enjoying an extensive selection of wine and beers. The wines themselves can be seen garnishing entire walls in what is already an awesome decorative sight.

Although SaltWater participated in the Detroit Restaurant Week pricing and menus, there are alternatives offered on the menu that don’t fall under the term “market price” where fish can be purchased for under $25.

While you are here, enjoy the benefit of one of the freshest raw bars you may come across, perhaps by trying the Louie Salad.

As with any seasonal restaurant, though, there are signature dishes. When the seasons and weather changes so will the menu.

Dress is a smart casual and dining hours are Tuesday through Thursday 5:30–10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday 5–11 p.m. Reservations are recommended.