Happy New Year! 2013 was a great year for vegan restaurants. Detroit and Ann Arbor both had vegan restaurants open, and Macomb County saw it’s first all-vegetarian restaurant open.
However, first, a sad adieu to Greengo’s, on the east side in Grosse Pointe. They had great smoothies and tasty breakfasts. Best of luck to the owners, whose updates can be found here.
Next, I just can’t believe that Seva in Ann Arbor is moving. While they’ve been on Liberty Street since the 1970s, high rent prices has made the owners look for a new location. Opening verrry soon on Jackson Road in the Westgate Shopping Center, the long-time vegetarian eatery has been on Liberty Street for almost 40 years. While I hope the best for their new location, I wonder if it will have the same stained-glass and macrame-inspired charm as their first.
On to the good news: after serving up lunch in Mark’s Carts, The Lunch Room opened this summer in Ann Arbor. This place is outstanding for having simple yet delicious food: fresh ingredients, solid recipes and well balanced spices. I love following their specials (sushi night, pizza night, Indian night.) The staff is super friendly, and the atmosphere wonderful. A review from the Metro Times (penned by yours truly) is here.
After attention for its food as a pop-up and catering service, unique new-comer Detroit Vegan Soul opened its doors in Indian Village in Detroit. With recipes based on family dishes and quality ingredients, this place is a must-try. All the food I’ve had has been excellent, and the recipes are a refreshing change from a lot of vegan standards. Also, the cafe is in a wonderful eastside neighborhood that I’ve somehow been overlooking. My review can be found here.
And finally, sneaking in at just the end of 2013, The Clean Plate is blazing new trails in Shelby Township in Macomb County. While veggie-friendly places abound in Ann Arbor and Oakland County, Macomb still seems home to more carnivorous fare. And when I heard that the Cacao Tree’s dessert chef would be making the sweets, I had to try this place out. With great salads and sandwiches, this cafe is a great spot for lunch. Wishing them the best of luck in the upcoming year!
Detroiter in Poland 
How yummy looking! And I’m glad more healthy options are creeping into the Midwest 🙂 Though it`s sad to see old friends move away.
I’m very happy to see Detroit’s midwestern-y food becoming more healthy and diverse— not to mention vegetarian-friendly. Thanks for reading!