Restaurant Review: Ellen's Bakery & Cafe

Foodies,

Everyone who loves food has their own favorite spot to dine. Whether it be the quality of the food, the atmosphere, or maybe even the staff, there's a reason you keep going back. When I find a place that meets this criteria, I honestly don't mind spending my hard earned money to support the local businesses within my community.

One of my favorite dining spots happens to be Ellen's Bakery & Cafe. This locally owned gem happens to be a favorite for many, and you can certainly tell anytime you enter the building. Owned and operated by Ellen and her husband George, this eatery has hardly touched its potential. Ellen's Bakery & Cafe is currently open until 4:00 pm everyday besides Sunday, with plans of opening up for Dinner come fall.

Ellen's features exquisite lunch items, as well as many pastries and desserts. A few menu items that always stand out include:

 

Seared And Chilled Salmon Salad

tender salmon served over a bed of greens with asparagus, artichokes, tomato and balsamic vinaigrette 

Chicken Panini On Ciabatta

with asparagus, provoline, roasted peppers and lemon-garlic mayonnaise 

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pita

with lettuce, tomato, provolone cheese and ranch dressing

Above is my favorite breakfast item, Shrimp & Grits w/ Poached Eggs

Located in Sylvan Lk, Michigan, this Cafe & Eatery should be a must try for all. 

If you enjoy home-made, locally produced food, then this is the spot for you. 

Check out their Facebook page for more information!

This is not a paid review, and all images are retrieved from ellensbakeryandcafe.com/

Restaurant Review: The Root Restaurant & Recipe: Asparagus and Brie Tarts

Foodies,

Time for another quest into another great restaurant amongst the Metro Detroit Area. I bring you "The Root Restaurant", the hidden gem tucked away in White Lake, Mi. Not only do they have a bold culinary presence, but this new innovative restaurant brings a new meaning to the word "gourmet". Whether it be the local grown product, or the autumn feel when dining, the Root Restaurant will leave you wanting more.

The feeling of excitement this restaurant brings is unlike that of any other. Executive Chef James Rigato style of experimental techniques brings forth top quality food. From the presentation to the final bite left on your plate, this restaurant does a fabulous job displaying efficient knowledge and adding value to your entire experience.

The Root offers several types of menus from tastings, for those who like to share, or traditional, for those who want to savor each and every bite. Either way you will experience some of the freshest, most delicious local product that money can buy.









Some of my favorite menu items included the Walleye, and the Fried Oyster. For any more information you are going to have to go check out this 2012 Michigan Restaurant of the Year winner, I promise you will not regret it. Check out their Facebook for more information. Enjoy!

This was not a paid review.

All pictures from The Root Restaurants Facebook.

 Recipe:  Asparagus and Brie Tarts

Components:

5 Puff Pastry Squares

1/3 Cup Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

20 Asparagus Spears

10 Red and Yellow Pepper 2" Chunks

10 Grape Tomatoes Sliced in Half

5 Slices of Brie

Procedure:

Place a tbsp of pesto on each puff pastry square

Place remainder of each ingredient creatively on each square

Bake at 400 F and cook until puff pasty is golden brown and cheese is melted

Enjoy!!