Please Pass the Peas

Detroit and environs: a lot of good eateries and watering holes, so one can be picky. Places with a history and a story are always worth checking out in my book. And types range from Coneys to Middle Eastern to soul food to Latino and Asian. A brief selection here, all with something good to offer in way of ambience and choice:

American Coney Island (114 West Lafayette) -- since 1917, the year of American entry into the First World War; and right next door is its peer and rival, Lafayette Coney Island.

Greektown: all sorts of places (mostly Greek) in this formerly German area. New Parthenon Restaurant (547 Monroe Street) is one I really like because of its open multi-floor interior design and lively workers. Newer and swankier: Mosaic (501 Monroe).

Bucharest Grill (2040 Park Avenue). Romanian and Middle Eastern styles:

http://www.bucharestgrill.com/ 

Beirut Palace (since 1990). Lebanese and Mediterranean in general: http://www.beirutpalace.com/

Mario's -- since 1948 (4222 Second, just north of Mack Avenue) and Roma Café (3401 Riopelle, Eastern Market) -- begun in 1890!  Both great Italian -- old school style.

Jacoby's German Biergarten -- opened in 1904 (624 Brush Street). Before that it was Jake's: http://www.jacobysbar.com/

Baker's Keyboard Lounge -- open since 1934 as a jazz club, serving food since 1933. Soul food, really good, and generous drinks, with perfect ambience.

Vicente's Cuban Cuisine (1250 Library Street, off Gratiot Avenue) -- since 2005.

Today's Rune: Wholeness.