By Crysta Coburn • Photography by Rachel Everheart
Blazin’ Burgerz
While we were perusing the innovative takeout menu of Ypsilanti’s new halal gourmet burger restaurant, Blazin’ Burgerz, my husband’s eyes landed on “The Heart Attack Itself” (because of course they did!).
“If you need someone to throw themselves on that grenade,” he said, “I volunteer.”
“It’s a good thing they’re located right down the road from St. Joe’s,” I quipped back.
The Heart Attack Itself is a single burger patty topped with macaroni and cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and spicy mayo sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Yes, the grilled cheese sandwiches act as the bun. I felt my arteries clogging just looking at it nestled in its to-go box, and I wasn’t the one about to eat it. I have been assured by both my husband and a friend who just had to try it after we told him about it (a completely sane reaction) that the Heart Attack Itself is delicious and totally worth ordering.
I had to get a taste of the mac and cheese because it looked so rich and creamy, and it did not disappoint. To stay away from the burger bun, I ordered a burger bowl (bowls alternatively come with grilled chicken or chicken tenders). Using a bed of mac and cheese rather than the more conventional rice is downright brilliant in my book, but if you can’t have that, you can choose French fries instead. (As always, if you have food allergies or sensitivities, call the restaurant before ordering.) If fries are your thing, I highly suggest those seasoned with Jamaican jerk and Cajun spices. They surprised me by how flavorful they were, and the heat level was pretty low.
Blazin’ Burgerz advertises themselves as being 100% halal, so no more driving to Dearborn for those in need. They are also located conveniently close to Cravings Dessert Lounge, a Middle Eastern bakery that I previously covered in this column. Although, the dessert options at Blazin’ Burgerz are impressive and include seven different varieties of cheesecake.
Other menu items of note are the Bacon Egg and Cheese Burger, Mac and Cheese Squeeze Burger, and Garlic Puree Burger, all of which are as advertised in their names. If burgers aren’t your thing, you can also order chicken sandwiches, bowls, and hot dogs. Worth highlighting on the hot dog menu is the Glizzy, a bacon-wrapped hot dog with mac and cheese, pickles, and melted cheese.
Whoever designed this menu clearly had a lot of fun, and from what I’ve tried myself, as well as heard from friends, the unique flavor combinations come together brilliantly. I’m really excited to have Blazin’ Burgerz in my neighborhood.
Blazin’ Burgerz is located at 2593 Ellsworth Road in Ypsilanti Township, three miles due south of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Find them online at blazinburgerz.com. Blazin’ Burgerz hours are Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. For more information, call (734) 905-7480 or contact them through their website.
Gora’s Grill
Gora’s Grill is the new all-vegetarian fast-casual restaurant that took over when Veg-O-Rama closed earlier this year. For customers of Veg-O-Rama, the menu may look a little familiar, but the new owners have added their own offerings and distinct flair, many of which are made in-house. Most of the menu items are vegan (there are a few dairy options), and everything is gluten free.
The heart of the menu is to build-your-own. You will find burgers, wraps, bowls, fries, sides, desserts, beverages, and a few specials. You start with a base, such as burger bun, bowl or wrap, including the Great Beyond, which is a Beyond Burger on a toasted bun with cheese and peppers. Next, select your protein: black bean, bird’s nest, coconut chana, grilled chik’n, or grilled jackfruit. Lastly, choose your sauces, sides, and a drink. If you don’t know what will taste good together, there are six classic combos to get you started.
I built my own bowl that started with basmati rice. My protein was the bird’s nest, consisting of fresh carrot and cabbage that is then fried in a “hearty batter” blend of chickpea flour and secret spices. I had it all topped with tzatziki, one of my favorite sauces. The bird’s nest was so thick and crispy and delicious! I was torn between getting this and the jackfruit, which I guess I will just have to return for in the future.
My husband ordered the Miranda classic combo, a white flour (as opposed to spinach) wrap with rice, grilled chik’n, and tamarind barbecue sauce. He had no idea that the chik’n was a vegan meat substitute (until I told him) and raved about the barbecue sauce. I tried a little of the sauce myself, and it was packed with flavor. Maybe I will order that for the sauce when I go back for my grilled jackfruit.
For lovers of French fries, there are multiple delectable options: regular, masala, sweet potato, and cheese. You cannot go wrong picking the masala fries! I don’t know why I never thought of making these at home, but I am more than happy to let Gora’s Grill make them for me. Their spice blend is on point.
With the endless combinations of the build-your-own menu, it’s easy to keep things fresh and new. This is a restaurant that will keep me busy for a while as I make my way through its delicious menu.
Gora’s Grill is located at 533 West Cross Street in Ypsilanti, kitty-corner from Eastern Michigan University. Find them online at gorasgrill.com. Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed on Sunday and Monday. For more information, call (734) 544-9707 or email gary@gorasgrill.com.
Detroit Cookie Co.
Like most people, I love cookies. Especially ooey gooey chocolatey cookies. Recently, downtown Ann Arbor got a significant upgrade in the cookie department with the opening of the Detroit Cookie Co. I was familiar with the original Ferndale location via friends in that area, so I was excited to see the familiar logo pop up near Nickel’s Arcade.
Detroit Cookie Co. is known for unusual cookie flavors. Here you will find things like the Mad Mix (a cookie made with crushed Better Made™ Sweet BBQ potato chips and Butterfinger), the 8 Mile (their original dough cookie containing M&M’s, Reese’s cups, and pretzels), and the Banana Pudding (per the website, “banana pudding and Nilla Wafers slammed into a cookie”). But there are more conventional finds as well, such as the Chocolate Chunk, Oatmeal Raisin, Ultimate Peanut Butter, and Double Chocolate Coffee Toffee. (Okay, maybe that last one is a bit unusual, but it sounds delicious.)
Don’t worry, gluten-free friends aren’t left out! There is a perfectly delightful and gluten-free chocolate chip cookie (“Our classic chocolate chip cookie, just without the gluten!”) that is guaranteed to soothe your sweet tooth. And I can’t forget the gluten-free Salted “Carmel” Brownie, which was so rich that I had to eat it in two separate sittings. Mixed in with the brownie batter are chunks of chocolate for an added chocolate fix. It claims to be “the best brownie you will ever have,” and it might be right.
The blondie flavor combinations seem to get changed up. My husband got the incredibly sweet Breakfast in Bed (a blondie with a layer of soaked buttermilk pancakes topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch and maple glaze). He liked the flavor, but he wasn’t as big a fan of the texture the pancake offered. When I checked the online menu a few weeks later, the Breakfast in Bed was gone, and some new ones had appeared. The Netflix N’ Chill blondie (made with Oreos and rainbow sprinkles) made me giggle.
It’s clear that a number of items on the menu have a Michigan theme (8 Mile and the use of Better Made chips). But did you know that Blue Moon ice cream is also unique to this region of the country? It was one of the things I missed most about Michigan while I was living in California. Detroit Cookie Co. offers its own twist on Blue Moon—in cookie form, of course. This limited-edition cookie is flavored with blue raspberry and hints of sweet marshmallow. There was another limited-edition cookie put out for Easter, so keep an eye on the menu around the time of your favorite holiday to see what they come up with next.
The Detroit Cookie Co.’s Ann Arbor location is found at 609 East Williams Street, between Maynard and State Streets. Find them online at detroitcookieco.com. They are open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information call (734) 412-0104 or email sales@detroitcookieco.com.
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