Splurge: 4 Cheap Detroit Eats Go Fancy

Splurge: 4 Cheap Detroit Eats Go Fancy: "

A sandwich, a slider, a Coney dog, & a corn dog.

These should be simple, cheap eats, right? They should only cost a couple of bucks. Not this time. I went out and found the fancy pants versions of these staples in Detroit.

Chefs, especially the top notch ones, can interpret food in many different ways. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m here to tell you if it’s worth the extra money. Is it a party in your mouth or did you just waste your hard earned cash?

So, it’s not just a sandwich, it’s a lobster roll. We’re not talking White Castle or Telway; this is Kobe beef with Boursin cheese. Michael Symon reworks Detroit’s beloved Coney dog with the addition of pulled pork and cheddar cheese. Lastly, you’re not picking up this corn dog at the State Fair; this one has Maine lobster.

You know what? Most of them work.

Kobe Sliders ~ $16 & $21 ~ Ronin Sushi, Royal Oak

Menu description: ginger, smoked bacon, sriracha, lettuce, tomato, boursin cheese

Verdict: They are teeny tiny, as sliders are, but the Boursin cheese made these extra special. The mound of shoestring fries will keep you munching for hours and fill you up. I’ll be going back.

Tip: The Kobe sliders are $16 on the happy hour menu (everyday 5-7pm), otherwise they’re $21. Totally worth it at the lower price.

Maine Lobster Corn Dog ~ $17 ~ Coach Insignia, Detroit

Menu Description: Napa Cabbage Slaw & Whole Grain Mustard Hollandaise

Verdict: The mustard hollandaise was rich and the lobster melted in your mouth. I cheated and went in for happy hour where you can get a mini-version for $4. The full sized lobster corn dog appetizer would be great to share with the table but too much for one person. I’d go back for the happy hour morsel.

Roast Coney Dog ~ $9 ~ Roast, Detroit

Menu description: pulled pork, jalapeno, cheddar, red hots

Verdict: Michael Symon takes Coney dogs seriously and he handcrafted his version to perfection. The dog itself has a nice bite and the pulled pork and cheddar take it over the edge. Beware: it has a spicy kick. This is a big plate of food and the side of fries was a nice surprise. Totally worth the $9.

Lobster Roll ~ $20 ~ Café Via, Birmingham

Menu description: claw meat, citrus aioli

Verdict: This is a big sandwich with a ton of lobster meat and a few greens. That’s it. I get that lobster is expensive but this roll had no bang for twenty bucks. Café Via is a beautiful setting with interesting rooms but next time I’ll order something else off the menu. Save your money.

Most of the time you want cheap food to be cheap. Once in a while you need to splurge and try something different. Have you seen any other cheap eats around Detroit that have received an expensive makeover?

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