Foodist: Zagat’s Names Top 10 “Detroit” Restaurants Including Three in Ann Arbor

Zagat’s has come out with its list of top spots where diners are sure to enjoy a great meal in Detroit. The list, however, includes only one restaurant that is actually in Detroit, and the top honors went to The Lark, a restaurant that focuses on continental dining and is located in West Bloomfield, Michigan. According to Fodor’s Travel Intelligence: “The Lark’s 50 seats are always filled with diners feasting on the restaurant’s signature rack of lamb “Genghis Khan” or the medallions of curried rabbit loin.” Oddly enough, some of Zagat’s own readers disagree vehemently with the opinion of the publication’s editors. A June 2011 Zagat reader review of The Lark includes this zinger:

They should close the place. First the waiter Bruce had food dried up on his tux, the first wine was turned, the bread was fried in bad oil, the appitisers were 1950, service was the worst i have ever had, food was mediocre at best, awful.

Be that as it may, 96 percent of the readers who rated the restaurant liked it as did Zagat editors. Interestingly, the number two restaurant on the Zagat list released on November 7, 2011, is Bacco Ristorante, a spot that specializes in Italian and vegan food. A vegan (pronounced VEE-gun) is someone who, for various reasons, chooses to avoid using or consuming animal products. While vegetarians choose not to use flesh foods, vegans also avoid dairy and eggs. In southeast Michigan, restaurants that cater to vegans are few and far between.

The third best restaurant in Detroit is in Chelsea, Michigan. The Common Grill specializes in new American cuisine. Of the Zagat reviewers, 98 percent liked the restaurant. The most recent Zagat reader review of the Common Grill, from July 2011, is short and to the point: “Perfect. Simple, elegant and done well. Service is great. Chef Craig has found a great niche.”

The three Ann Arbor restaurants that appear on the Zagat list are Zingerman’s (4), West End Grill (8) and Logan (10).

Of the three Ann Arbor eateries that made Zagat’s Top 10 list, all had relatively clean reports with the Washtenaw County restaurant inspection department. The most recent inspection for Logan, done on May 3, 2011, revealed one critical violation (a violation that can sicken diners) and six non-critical violations. The West End Grill, most recently inspected on April 4, 2011, turned up no critical violations and seven non-critical violations. Finally, Zingerman’s Next Door, last inspected on July 27, 2011, was tagged for one critical violation and two non-critical violations. Zingerman’s Deli, inspected on the same day was tagged for six non-critical violations, an improvement over its July 2010 inspection that turned up two critical violations and six non-critical violations.

The Common Grill, conversely, was the Washtenaw County Zagat restaurant with the best record from the county’s restaurant inspectors. Last visited on August 2, 2011, inspectors cited the Common Grill for just two non-critical violations. In fact, going back over the previous year, Common Grill has never been cited for more than two non-critical violations by county restaurant inspectors.

So what was the one restaurant actually in Detroit that was included in the Zagat list of Best Detroit Food Restaurants? Saltwater (7) located in the MGM Grand, specializes in seafood, and is the only Detroit restaurant on the list. This is how OpenTable.com describes the restaurant:

Michael Mina’s opulent seafood dining experience at MGM Grand Detroit, SALTWATER, features contemporary seafood and refined American cuisine set in an elegant design that celebrates the richness of the sea. SALTWATER uses only the highest quality ingredients, fresh seafood and seasonal produce to showcase Mina’s classic dishes, including Lobster Pot Pie & Tartare of Ahi Tuna. We also feature a fresh Raw Bar featuring East & West Coast Oysters, fresh King Crab, Lobster & other classics. While first-rate components are essential, it is Mina’s creative approach to cooking that has made his name.

The most recent diner review posted to OpenTable.com on October 25, 2011 gives Saltwater 5 stars and lavishes praise on the eatery:

This was my first time here. I didn’t know what to expect, but when all was said and done, I was very, very impressed. Everything from the crabmeat cocktail to the linguini to the butterscotch pudding to the wine list to the service was superb. This may have been my first dining experience at SALT, but it most definitely will not be my last.

The most recent review from a Yelp.com foodie was equally glowing:

Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic!  My wife and I decided to try this place after hearing some pretty good things about the Saltwater.  We were in for a relaxing dinner and started with some cocktails.  She enjoyed her pair martini, it was fresh and blended perfectly.  I had a Westmalle Belgian Tripel (which I was pleasantly surprised to see on the menu).

We noted how elegant the atmosphere was and how helpful our servers were.  We were fortunate enough to get a private booth as we had made our reservations in advance.  Having that small separation from the rest of the dining room did wonders for our experience….I would highly recommend this place.  Lovely atmosphere and very good food.

It’s somewhat disingenuous, and certainly insulting to the many restauranteurs in Detroit, to include Chelsea and Ann Arbor in a round-up of the 10 best restaurants in the Motor City. In Zagat’s list for Columbus, Ohio, a city just about the same size as Detroit,  six of the top 10 restaurants are in Columbus, as opposed to nearby suburbs. However, like any top ten list, Zagat’s list of “Detroit” eateries is a great way to get the party started.