EARLY WEEK EATS

Start your week off right with these culinary gems

BY CARLOS PARISI

MONDAYS OR TUESDAYS have traditionally been the service industry’s night off, but that doesn’t mean you have to cook at home. Here are some of our favorite haunts, as well as tips to find your own go-to spots.

La Palapa del Parian

OPEN DAILY

In Southwest Detroit, a massive trompo (a vertical rotating spit of al-pastor meat) is as attentiongrabbing as a shining beacon of light — even if you’ve already eaten. It’s a signal that a taco spot is legit and must be sampled. At La Palapa — the prep kitchen turned restaurant for El Parian, known to be one of the best and most consistent taco trucks around, especially for al pastor you will find that beacon of savory meat delight. La Palapa has become the go-to restaurant featuring the full taco truck menu with the addition of many other Mexican dining favorites and a full bar. 1633 Lawndale St., Detroit, 313749-7143, facebook.com/ LaPalapaDelParian

Oak & Reel

OPEN THU-MON

Celebrate Monday in style at Hour Detroit’s 2022 Restaurant of the Year. Chef Jared Gadbaw and team consistently present diners with flavorful, stunning dishes alongside impeccable service. Pairing wine with a fish-forward dish or any of their flavorful creations makes the palate dance, so as an added bonus for the Monday diner, they have created “Wine Mondays.” Here, it’s encouraged to enjoy halfoff bottles of wine (under $100) through the end of March. Tip: Follow a chef on social media and you’ll likely be in for some insider knowledge. 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 313-2709600; oakandreel.com

Eddie’s Gourmet

OPEN TUE-SAT

Over 20 years, Eddie Hanna has made an unpretentious Oak Park diner into a delicious destination. It’s clear that Eddie’s is in a league of its own when it comes to the quality, flavors, and overall vibe. This diner has everything from breakfast and Coney Island favorites to veal marsala, filet mignon, and whitefish. With a full bar and keno, it’s a unique dining hangout the whole family can enjoy. Also — do yourself a favor and order the Hawaiian chicken bites. Tip: If a trusted friend in the food world says you need to try something, move hell and high water to make it happen. This is one of those things you have to try. 25920 Greenfield Road, Oak Park, 248-968-4060; eddiesgourmetmi.com

Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips

OPEN TUE-SAT

Fish and chips. And not just good fish and chips the best fish and chips. This classic, wood-paneled family-run operation has been a staple of Detroit’s Brightmoor community for over 70 years. A meal at Scotty Simpson’s is a journey through time in which simplicity and hearty flavor share the arena with nostalgia and kind service. Tip: Every time you pass by an older establishment with multiple generations of well-fed patrons pouring in and out, take note and make sure to stop in sometime.

22200 Fenkell Ave., Detroit, 313-533-0950; scottysfishandchips.com

Hamido Restaurant

OPEN DAILY

As many know, Dearborn is home to some of the greatest Middle Eastern cuisine outside of the Middle East. Among a sea of treasures such as Dearborn Meat Market, Al Chabab, and Foul w Fatteh, Hamido is known for its unmatched shawarma sandwiches. If you ask around, you’ll find that Hamido is paramount in the world of Lebanese dining. As a sandwich spot, it hits even harder. 13251 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-0660; hamidorestaurant.com

Saffron De Twah

OPEN FRI-MON

TIP:

While the restaurant is nationally recognized as a dining gem, it’s possible many Detroiters have never experienced Saffron De Twah’s warm hug to the palate. Chef Omar Anani opened this off-the-beatenpath modern Moroccan restaurant several years ago to critical acclaim. Offering affordable, quality dishes bursting with flavor, he immediately rose the bar for Detroit dining, winning over many who may not have considered the city a culinary destination. When you drive through the Gratiot-Grand neighborhood, the aroma alone can lead you to this brilliant, communityfocused establishment and an astonishing meal that’s sure to start your week off with fireworks. 7636 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 586-359-6138; saffrondetwah.com

Le Petit Dejeuner

OPEN THU-MON

Breakfast, brunch, and hearty Southern cuisine with a French twist. This Jefferson Avenue institution of taste has been a favorite for many locals on the weekends, but on Monday, it’s even better because you can enjoy the big portions with a smaller crowd. Once you sample the cuisine, euphoria takes over. Whether it’s the mimosa or the butter, it doesn’t matter. Imagine starting a week off in total bliss, away from the everyday pressures of life. Not sure what place we’re talking about? It’s the one you may have seen en route to Belle Isle; it’s impossible to miss the smiling folks walking out of Le Petit Dejeuner, carrying loads of carryout boxes and exchanging big hugs. 6470 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; 313-725-0257; facebook. com/lepetitbreakfast