Where is the Best Upscale Casual Dining in Detroit, Michigan?
Kiernan’s is a place where one can go to have quiet conversation and privacy. Most of the smaller tables are either in nooks or tall-backed wrap around booths. The nooks are cozy but not cramped. My only complaint about them is that the perception of privacy can let voices get a little loud. Not annoying but you can often hear the conversation next to you clearly. The atmosphere is dim but not dark. The small tables have Victorian lampshades which cast good light to the table but prevent it from spilling out into the common areas. The tables are set for four and would seat them, albeit a bit cozy. The last time I was there we had three and found that to be perfect. The food is amazing. The prime rib, which is what I almost invariably get, melts in your mouth. The raspberry chicken is wonderful as are most of the dishes. Service is outstanding. Water glasses are always full and empty plates disappear quickly. The wait staff is attentive and friendly without being obtrusive.
Lunch started off well: great atmosphere–calm, soothing decor. Elegant, even. We were served an excellent fish broth with vegetables while we read the menu. The crispy rolls with tamarind sauce were good, but subtle. AHA! Subtle seems to be the Magic Word, as the rest of the meal was….very, very subtle. I split the curried seafood and marinated chicken entrees with a friend. The curry was…..subtle to the point of being bland, but there were several mussels, small bits of squid, a few shrimp (good flavor there!) and fish ball-a round, gelatinous thing. The marinated chicken was tasty and moist but the vermicelli was stuck together in a glop. Maybe the food is supposed to be subtle, so if you want to try Annam, don’t expect gang-buster flavors.Pros + AmbienceCons – Flavors are subtle
If you have been to other REAL Churrascarias you will be greatly dissappointed with this one. The food bar was grossly inadequate, only offering half of the items you normally see. The hot side dishes were only lukewarm and of poor selection (redskin potatoes, sauteed kale and black beans). They served us fried bananas instead of plantains and the breads were no better. To top it all off, the Gauchos had very little knowledge of the meats they were serving and how to slice them. The meats themselves were quite good, the only saving grace of the evening. Also, the desserts were done well, but I do not go to a Churrascaria for dessert! Service was mediocre, which was too bad, since there were only 4 tables in the whole place, including our table of 10.Pros + NoneCons – service, variety, knowledge
After spending several weeks in Madrid and surrounding area, I have to say that the tapas and paella herejust doesn’t measure up to Spain. The paella at Sangria tastes like that packaged safron rice you buy at the grocery store. When I had it in Spain, I was shocked at how much tastier it was. I had both the seafood and chicken paella in Spain. The tapas here was ok but not inspired. As the other reviewer stated, there were some Spanish staples missing. One last thing, the pitchers of sangria were so small at Sangria, that with 10 people at the table, I didn’t even get a half a glass. We each paid about 30.00 or 35.00 dollars on top of that for our meal. The atmosphere was not like a true tapas bar but more like a Royal Oak yuppie hangout. Oh well….
