Cafe Via

This week, I went to eat at Cafe Via, one of Birmingham’s finest four star restaurants. It is a unique American bistro that looks like an elegant cafe you would find in Europe. At cafe Via you will fine an atmosphere that is intimate yet sophisticated as well as comfortable and relaxing. It is a rather large restaurant that consists of four dining areas, a bar, and a cozy court yard patio that also has tables. On the menu, you will find delicious meals that are “elegantly simple” such as , grilled salmon, roasted chicken and my personal favorite, the crab cakes. (There is also much more offered on the menu). Stated in the Detroit Free Press, that “smart bistro menu, elegant interior, & secluded patio are winning big crowds.” I went there with my very best friend Tim, and my sister Courtney. We couldn’t decide on what we wanted to have for dinner that night, and we stumbled upon Cafe Via as we were walking in downtown Birmingham. This seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. Once we walked in, we were quickly seated by a friendly hostess. Our waitress came and brought a variety of bread that was delicious. While Tim and Courtney were looking at the menu, they had some trouble deciding on what to get because they are both vegetarians. The waitress was a vegetarian herself and helped them pick out some good items they had to offer. Tim and Courtney ordered tomato bisque which looked amazing. I was completely torn between the tomato bisque or the crab cakes. Everything on the menu looked so good! I ended up ordering the crab cakes and I was not disappointed. Even though there wasn’t a lot on my plate, they were very filling and extremely tasteful. They came with a creamy sauce on top called corn salsa. My total came to about sixteen dollars. Not bad! Although I must say, the pastas tend to be on the more expensive side. I highly recommend Cafe Via to go to for dinner or even lunch with some friends or family. The hours are Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM and Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM.  The bar hours are Monday through Saturday 11 AM to closing and Sunday 4 PM to closing. Reservations are accepted for lunch but are on a limited basis for dinner. According to Hour Magazine, "Cafe Via... has the feeling of a small European inn ...The food is simple and simply elegant." My experience here was great! the next time you find yourself strolling down the bustling streets of Birmingham, I strongly recommend you eat at Cafe Via. You will not be disappointed!

Osaka Steakhouse

On Friday, I went to Osaka Japanese Steakhouse in Shelby Township with a friend. There, you can have the chef cook in front of you ( which is called teppanyaki) or you could sit at a regular table. If you choose to have the chef cook in front of you, you would have a course meal where you would enjoy a fantastic show of knife handling, fire, and flying shrimp. First, you get a plain soup that consists only of onion and seaweed but it is still very good. Also, you get the  house salad that contains fresh lettuce, sliced carrot, cabbage,and it comes with ginger dressing which is truly amazing! Next, The chef fries noodles with soy sauce which is my favorite item on the menu! And finally, you have a choice of getting chicken, steak, or shrimp for the main part of your dinner. This would be perfect for a party, because the tables are large, and the chef definitely knows how to entertain a crowd and because of the fun atmosphere. Inside and out really looks like you are in a traditional Japanese restaurant. The decorations, music, and Japanese staff make you feel like you are really in Japan and occasionally you will hear the gong which is a japanese instrument. However, when I went to Osaka on Friday, for the very first time I did not eat teppanyaki. I sat in the regular dining area, and my friend wanted to get sushi. I was excited yet a little nervous to try the sushi because I wasn’t sure if I would like it. I have had the California rolls that you can buy at a grocery store, and I didn’t like them very much. You can order off the “special” sushi menu which allows you to order your sushi exactly how you would want it. You can even get raw fish. Ordering raw fish in your sushi could cause it to taste very fishy. So we kept it simple and ordered sushi with crab, avocado, and another type with shrimp, crab, and avocado. I loved it! It was so fresh, and it didn’t taste fishy at all. We dipped the sushi in soy sauce for some extra flavor. We also ordered a cucumber salad that had only cucumber and crab in vinegar. That too was delicious. Our waitress was very attentive and nice. If you like Japanese food  then I strongly suggest that you dine at Osaka. If you have never tried sushi or Japanese food before then I still recommend that you go Osaka for dinner. It is so much fun and totally different than other restaurants. I can’t wait until I go back!

Sagebrush Cantina

This week a group of friends and I dined out at Sagebrush Cantina in downtown Lake Orion. It is by far the best Mexican food in Michigan, let alone the best I have ever had in my entire life.  As a matter in fact, Since 1996, Sagebrush Cantina has earned a reputation with those in the know as the best Mexican restaurant in Michigan!  Something you would find interesting about Sagebrush is that several years ago, on a dark, early morning, Sagebrush burnt down. Everything was lost. Finally, two years later Sagebrush reopened, and it was bigger and better than ever! People couldn’t wait for it to return for it was truly missed by Mexican food lovers throughout Michigan. The enlarged space was definitely an improvement  because of the restaurants growing popularity.  Upon arrival, we always wait for quite some time, no matter what day of the week it is, or what time of day.  Therefore, I would recommend you to call ahead and have your name put on the wait list before you head over (no reservations are allowed!)  Sagebrush has  such a great atmosphere, it’s fun, upbeat, and extremely kid friendly. You can be as loud as you want, and no one would notice because there’s so much going on there all the time.-waiters clustered together singing happy birthday, or someone running by with a sizzling plate of fajitas. Upon entering Sagebrush, you feel as if you are in Mexico. The paintings on the wall are fun to  look at, and The chandeliers are made from beer bottles. There is a large bar and several flat screen TV’s throughout the restaurant.  Once we were seated, They immediately offered us chips and salsa which were amazing. The staff was efficient, and extremely friendly. For my main dish, I ordered the combo which includes 2 burritos and a choice of soup or salad. I chose to get the soup. It is a chicken and vegetable soup with melted cheese over it. It’s to die for! I got “wet burritos” meaning that they come with a tasteful sauce over them. The burritos come with beans and rice. If you want to get a combo, you have the choice of a single item, double item, or triple item combos.  You get so much to eat for such a cheap price! My total came to $9.49, and I don’t think I have ever been so full in my entire life. For dessert, I highly recommend the fried ice cream as it is my all time favorite, you even get it for free if its your birthday! ¡Disfrute de!