A jaunt to Brooklyn Street Local on a sunny Sunday in late November had my heart bursting with happiness!
I’m not a winter person; the transition to frigid, light-deprived days is never an easy one for me. Choosing to deliberately infuse my days with joy – à la visits to new places! – helps, as does the occasional sunny day. So when my visit to Brooklyn Street Local lined up with gorgeous blue skies, it felt especially auspicious.
The restaurant based in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit is a cozy, hipster-retro diner I would’ve loved to dine inside in normal times. And was I tempted to plunk down at a seat on its inviting brick-paved patio with its profusion of planters overflowing with still-green vines? Absolutely, even in those chilly November temps!
I’d planned on eating my carryout order at home, but as it were, I ended up scarfing part of it in my car parked behind Brooklyn Street Local. Self-discipline went right out the window with one glimpse of the Poutine I’d ordered! With its rich beef gravy and creamy organic cheese curds, it was utterly delicious – and I felt wholly justified in shoveling half of it into my mouth right then and there.
I was able to compose myself enough to wait to eat the rest of the Poutine and the main of my meal, the Pork Belly Sandwich, at home. With its fatty pork belly piled with peppery arugula, apple cabbage slaw, and spicy gochujang sauce nestled in a fresh-made brioche bun from Avalon, the sandwich was a flavorful treat.
It wasn’t solely the tasty food and sunny skies that made my heart a happy one that day. The staff I interacted with during my visit to Brooklyn Street Local were so welcoming, I felt a jolt of joy from my interactions with them. How we’re treated by a business colors our experience of it – and the good vibes of the Brooklyn Street Local staff colored my experience of that establishment in rainbow sparkles. Warmth goes a long way – especially in these days of limited in-person interaction!
Brooklyn Street Local’s menu includes an array of breakfast items (examples are the Banana Walnut Pancakes, Spinach and Feta Omelette, and Smoked Trout Benny), plus a selection of soup, salads, sandwiches, sides, and baked goodies. Many options are vegan or vegetarian, such as my almost-choice of the Kale Quinoa with its roasted beets, apple slices, shredded carrot, and toasted almonds.
While I didn’t pay attention to the Sozai Pan on Brooklyn Street Local’s menu when I perused it prior to my visit, now I’m wishing I did; it’s described as a “Japanese deli bread . . . a soft bun with sweet, savory and vegan filling options.” One of those filling options? Miso Coney. I need to know what that tastes like. And Beef Curry and Bacon and Gouda are also choices? OK, if I wasn’t already convinced, a revisit to Brooklyn Street Local is definitely in order!
1266 Michigan Ave.
Detroit, MI 48216
100 Places in the D 