Firing it up — The crowd-pleasing burritos, tacos and salads of award-winning chain Chipotle Mexican Grill will come to Royal Oak this week. Before opening their doors to the public on Friday, Chipotle will team up with Royal Oak High School to sponsor a 5-8 p.m. fundraiser Wednesday, April 23. Come in and pay $5 for a burrito, bowl, tacos or salad and your choice of soft drink. All proceeds to benefit Royal Oak High School Athletics. Come on Thursday for a "free burrito day" for a complimentary burrito and drink, no strings attached. Finally, come Friday, April 25, for the grand opening, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. At 32824 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; 248-658-3100.
Build it Better — A burger lover's lunch deal at Lazybones Smokehouse gives you the chance to build your own custom burger for $6.49. Every Monday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., if you order either a 10-ounce Angus beef burger or the house-blended "Lazyburger," you can top your creation by hand, choosing from the 20 free trimmings at their "burger bar." What better way to ease into National Barbecue Month? At 27475 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville; 866-671-0221.
EAT THE PAGE
Affable, zany Alton Brown's latest book Feasting on Asphalt: The River Run (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $27.50) chronicles his motorcycle journey — initially marred by a nasty spill — from the Gulf Coast to Minnesota, more or less following the great Mississippi. He tells of the big-city eateries and small-town chat 'n' chews, as well as markets, inns, ice cream parlors, museums and barbecue joints — even an alligator farm. (Natch, there's a recipe for barbecued alligator.) Other recipes reflect the regional foods of the folks he meets as he gets to know the people who spend their lives preparing and serving it.
A TASTY BEVERAGE
Known to embody the essence of Taiwan's mountains and rivers, Dongding oolong tea immediately engages with a nose of sultry blooms, mown grass and water crackers. Grown in Nantou County of central Taiwan, Dongding is the most popular tea on the island. Only partially oxidized and lightly roasted, the tight, curled leaves expand several times and last through numerous steepings. A cup is clear, pale yellow touched by green. A fullish and gently sweet body belie the tea's delicate appearance. Get your Zen on and grab a pot at the new Goldfish Tea in Royal Oak.
IT WORKS
If you love the crunchy, caramelized, toasty edges of a brownie, this pan is for you. No more gooey centers — every serving has two edges, thanks to the patented interior sidewalls on this pan. This pan's unique design improves baking performance by allowing heat to circulate evenly. You'll bake exceptional brownies, bar cookies and breads — even lasagna will be perfectly cooked. Made of heavy-gauge cast aluminum with a nonstick finish. Includes a custom spatula for serving. Use with boxed mixes or recipes that call for a 9-inch-by-13-inch or 9-inch-square pan. See tinyurl.com/2mj9jd.
Know of any new restaurants, special dinners or food-related events? Let us know. Send materials two weeks in advance to Food Stuff, Metro Times, 733 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226 or e-mail [email protected].
