Grey Ghost may have only been open for a couple months now, but the buzz surrounding it has been strong from the very beginning. So strong in fact that Mom, Dad, and I had to meet our friends on a Sunday night because we couldn’t get Saturday reservations.
Luckily, it was a beautiful early November night and we headed out to downtown Detroit. Parking was a bit of an issue and the restaurant wasn’t even packed, so I can imagine at other times it is almost impossible to park.
Once inside, the small restaurant had a welcoming vibe and our waiter Scott greeted us and was incredibly helpful throughout the meal.
We ordered our cocktails (bourbon for me) and then some appetizers. Our guests had been to Grey Ghost numerous times and fell in love with the butternut squash salad. It is thinly sliced and layered with apple, pomegranate seeds, and green mole and garnished with mint. The colors are so striking and it is a celebration of fall that reminded me once again how much I love mint in dishes.
I went in knowing I had to try the cheeseburger, but eating a whole one sounded like a lot. So Mom, Dad, and I split it for an appetizer. It was great with a soft bun and tons of melty cheese, though it’s not the best burger I have ever had.
Entrees arrived before long. The waiter informed me that they had a chocolate doughnut, so to be on the safe side, I shouldn’t eat anything from the fryer. I really appreciated him being on top of my allergy, but it was definitely a bummer that I couldn’t try the fries or Mom’s steak since he forgot about the fried onions on top that were not listed on the menu.
Everyone raved about that steak. It was cooked perfectly and seared so well. One of our guests had the pork schnitzel which was super crispy and he said tasted just like schnitzel should. The other guest had the scallops with panko breadcrumbs on one side. They practically melted in your mouth and other than dessert (which we’ll get to in a moment) were my favorite bite of the evening.
Dad had the sweet potato agnolotti with grilled broccoli and enjoyed it greatly. I had the whitefish salad. It was a nice dish and was heartier than I imagined. The flavors of mustard, dill, onions, and the irresistible creamy sauce mixed wonderfully.
We also had the Brussels sprouts with chicken skin, that the waiter had the chef roast instead of fry and the shishito peppers with candied oxtail. While I always love sprouts, the peppers surprised me in their extreme tastiness.
But let’s get to dessert. The aforementioned doughnut was out of the question but the peanut butter and jelly sundae and kuri squash pie were not. The sundae was very good. I didn’t love the jam which read a little too sweet but I still can’t get over the perfection of the peanut butter ice cream. It was silky smooth and tasted just like peanut butter.
And then there’s the pie. Have you ever eaten something at a restaurant and wanted more? And most of the time you tell yourself no. you guys, I wanted another piece of pie and I ordered it. My defense is that I’d had a crappy day (week, month, whatever – agents and Hollywood, ya know) and I knew I’d never have another chance to eat the pie.
Plus it was that good. The crust was perfection with a flaky, crunchy texture. I feel like there was something nutty in it, but I don’t know. The filling was creamy and just slightly spiced and the whipped cream, oatmeal crumble, and rosemary on top made me fall head over heels in love. I have never ever had a pie other than one I have made that I love so much and I doubt I will again.
There are plenty of reasons to check out Grey Ghost, but maybe their pie (in always changing flavors) is my favorite.
oooh this place looks extra incredible!
Sounds like a wonderful place! You guys had some good eats. Fun review — thanks.
So many good things!! Sounds like it was a big hit and the pie is to die for apparently! Glad the new restaurant was a keeper. Great review!