Celebrating 40 at Michael Symon’s Roast – Detroit, MI
My husband and I went to Roast in Historic District Downtown Detroit for my 40th birthday. We are huge fans of Michael Symon and regretted not trying a little harder to get in to Lola’s when we were in Cleveland a few years back.
We don’t live super close to Detroit so I made sure to make my reservations early. I was a little bummed when I could not make my reservation for my actual birthday because they had a private event in the works. So, I went the evening before, which meant giving up the chance to see my favorite band Shinedown on their latest tour ( I know, right?!?!?!?) I swung by the website and used the Open Table service. It was really easy to set up and they even called me a few days prior to my reservation to confirm. So, top-notch service there.
My husband and I checked the menu many times before taking the 1+ hour drive to Detroit. What can I say? We are natural-born foodies and wanted to know what they had to offer. I am not kidding when I tell you we talked about this menu for weeks.
We left over 2 hours early because we knew at some point we would hit the 5 o’clock rush hour traffic.
And, we did. And it was gridlock for quite some time. Since we had already checked the menu, we knew what we were going to try as well as what sort of pricing we were going to be dealing with so we were quite certain once we got there we could order right away.
For example, the steak I ordered was $45. No, that is not a typo and yes that is just for ONE steak. That is generally what we pay for the both of us when we visit a regular steakhouse. And that includes appetizers, sides and desserts. For Symon’s restaurant, everything is al a carte, meaning, your steak comes with nothing.
For our appetizers we ordered the roasted marrow; which was simply amazing. It comes out with sort of a pesto topping and some super buttery crackers made out of homemade bread. If you were a kid who fought for the bone to suck out the marrow, this is a treat for you. You get 2 bones (1 sawed in half) and a nice stack of crackers. $10 and I would order this again.
We also ordered the crispy pork belly. This was simply heaven for me. If you are someone who loves hot wings with blue cheese then this is a burst of flavor you will enjoy. You get three sort of small pieces, in squares. They sit on top of a blue cheese and hot sauce mix. Hot with the blue cheese is amazing. The pork belly was nice and crispy. If you have a meat / fat texture issue, you might want to pass this. I do, but the flavor was so amazing I didn’t even notice. On top of the crispy pork belly is this really chunky salad mix like a cole slaw. So, you get all these creamy southern-like flavors in one small bite. 3 pcs for $12. It was a great experience to taste, but I am not sure I would order again.
My husband ordered the citrus salad. He has never had a citrus salad before and he wanted to try something new. He loved it. He seriously wanted to ask for seconds. $10 for a nice sized plate.
I had originally planned on ordering the Salmon. But, this is a steakhouse and the moment I saw the dry aged ny strip had a blue cheese fondue, I knew that was what I wanted. It was amazing. I can’t even sum it up into words. Cooked to perfection. Melted in my mouth. $45
My husband ordered the dry aged ribeye. He is the big steak eater in our family and he said this was the best steak he had ever eaten in his life. Their was a nice mix of lemon and garlic. $46
For a side, and the sides are meant to be shared, we ordered the cheese grits. I grew up in the south so I wanted to see how someone else made grits. You could tell they used an aged cheddar, which my husband was not a fan of – because he doesn’t like aged cheddar. Good for me, more for me. YUM! $6
You do get a very nice portion size. So that was pleasing. We sat and ate very slowly and enjoyed every bite. ( Hard for us ! LOL )
We did order a dessert and since it was my birthday, they brought mine out with a special birthday treat and a candle. I ordered the stone fruit strudel. Man oh man. It reminded me a lot of a rhubarb treat. It was so good and just what I needed after the meal. $11
My husband ordered The Bar which was a lot like a fancy s’mores. The pieces where broken in to 3. It wasn’t a lot, but it was just enough for him. $11
So, our bill with tip was way over $200 (ordered wine and drink, we even had some coffee before dessert.) for two people. Not budget friendly but it did make for a nice meal.
To top off my night, I told them I was a food blogger , turning 40, and would really like to meet the chef if he had some time (yes, I know its not Symon) and while he didn’t have time to stop and meet with us, one of his sous chefs were able to come out and do a bit of a meet n’ great, we got a chef introduction as he plated and a tour of the kitchen.
We were even given a tour of the meat lockers down in the basement where they cure and age their meat. And even filmed a little video.
So, I want to thank the entire staff at Roast that helped to make my birthday a very special one. Especially this guy right here. Now, don’t shoot me, I am terrible with names. Mr. YUM says it was Austin, however, our kick-ass (she seriously rocked) waitress referred to Austin as the grill guy. So, I am confused. Either way, this guy took time out of his night to show us around, answered all of my husbands questions and did it all with a smile. You could tell his love for food and his career.
It was a foodie dream come true. Seriously. I gave up Shinedown for you.
Until next time, Detroit. Peace, out.
PS – Those of you on Yelp, I’d love to be friends! Also, all photos were taking with my new iPhone 6 Plus and not my dslr. I am quite pleased at how great the table photos turned out, despite the dim lighting.
Disclaimer – No affiliate links. No freebies. I went there all on my own. No compensation for this post. Opinions are 100% my own.
That food looks amazing. I wouldn’t mind a birthday meal there, myself!
Wow the food looks to die for! How fun… If I ever get to Detroit I would have to take a trip here!
Jeanine, meet me at the Sarnia border and I’ll drive you there myself! 😉
Girl! If I can find a way to that border I would be there in a flash!:)
It looks like you had a great birthday. What a traffic jam good thing you left early . All the food looks amazing.
The food looks so amazing. I would love to eat here if i am ever in the area.
That food looks amazing. The price did scare me a bit though. I would still love to try it out. Glad you were able to celebrate your birthday there. 🙂
Sometimes you just have to splurge and not worry about a budget, especially if you’re celebrating a milestone birthday with amazing food. Sidenote – It is always nice to see another lady with a chest piece!
This all looks amazing. We don’t spend much on dinner all the time but it is nice to treat ourselves time to time. This sounds like a great place to do it.
This sounds like a great place to celebrate a birthday. The food all looks great!
That New York strip looks incredible. You guys picked an awesome restaurant for the occasion. It’s so cool that you even got a little tour!
Wow, looks like an awesome place to eat. That bone marrow looks delicious.
Wow. Just look at that food. Awesome.
Quite fancy. I would love a nice evening of wining and dining in a nice restaurant like this
Very nice! I’ll have to check it out next time I’m at home for a visit. Cool that you were able to get a tour!
Bone marrow is one of my favorite things to order in restaurants!! LOOKS AMAZING!
What a lovely night out! Everything looks divine. I could definitely use a night out with my husband.
This looks like a fun night! I would love to work up the courage to try bone marrow one day.
It looks like you had a fantastic time! Roast looks like a wonderful restaurant. The food is amazing!
That food does sound amazing, but, wow, those prices! It does look delicious for a special birthday dinner!! Happy belated 40th!
that food looks to die for. I’m sitting here with Michael Symon on my tv right now. I had no idea he had so many restaurants.
Now that sounds like an experience. I wish I was near or at least visiting soon. I’m not a big steak person but it looks really good. Very cool that you got a tour and everything.
HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY!!!
How awesome! Belated happy birthday to you. I can tell how much you guys enjoyed the food.
The food looks amazing! Yes, $45 is a lot for a steak, but it’s your 40th birthday so it’s worth it. Happy belated birthday (mine was the 27th). I’d love to check this place out if I’m ever in Detroit.
I would LOVE to eat at one of Michael Symon’s restaurants. I’m such a foodie and sometimes you just have to throw caution (and the prices) to the wind. Hey, it’s your birthday! You’re worth it!
All of these pictures look so good! The food looks amazing and it sounds like you had a great time. The grits sound delicious to me!!
That traffic looks brutal but the meal totally looks like it was worth it! What a delicious place to eat!
Never been there . but i am so excited for my birthday and can’t decide where to go
What a great experience and thank you for sharing it with us all today! That steak has my name on it NOW!
You had an awesome foodie birthday! Ribeye steak for $45 dollars thats a lot but its your birthday and you traveled for this so its justified!! Everything looks real good!
That was really pricey, however, it looked like everything was delicately prepared. You guys looked like you had a special dinner and thanks for letting us know about the place.
Wow, all the food looks great. Too bad, you didn’t get to meet Symon. Even if their prices are expensive, I would love to experience this.
Wow, I can’t imagine spending that much on a meal for only two people. That’s nearly my entire grocery budget for a month 🙂
I have been dying to go to this restaurant!!! A ton of my friends have been and had rave reviews about the local and the food!
I love Michael Symons larger than life personality. It looks like his food is as flavorful as he is!
I like Symon too. I’d love to visit the restaurant. Everything looks wonderful. And what a good early birthday present too. 🙂
The food looks marvelous. I typically don’t spend that much dining out. I’m not a huge steak eater though. I do find it odd that they make everything a la carte.
Happy 40th! What a great way to celebrate!
Being the total foodie that I am, I’m pretty much drooling over my computer at these food pics!!!! Everything looks delicious!
Wow…a $45 steak…and an a la carte menu – Symon’s does not play with the prices, does it? Good to hear that the food was worth the price. It’s nice to splurge on a birthday. It looked like you also had a wide-ranging selection of food to eat, and found a few favorites.
That marrow appetizer is so interesting. I’ve never had anything like that! I can tell your photos were better – awesome that you got an iphone 6!
It looks like you had an fantastic birthday meal for sure. By looking at the food it seems it was with the price. I have never tried bone marrow before but it looks good the way they served it. . Happy Birthday!!! :D. Thanks for sharing.
Congrats on your birthday! The dessert at the restaurant looks AMAZING.
Happy Birthday to you =) Looks like you had a nice time out on your birthday. My birthday is coming up next week. =) Would love to go there for my birthday too.
Happy Belated Birthday! You look so happy in these photos. That traffic photo made me go yikes but looks like it was all worth it 🙂
What a great birthday treat for you and your hubby. I would cringe at the price but I totally get treating yourself for your birthday. It all looks delicious.
This food looks so amazing. It would be a nice treat to go there for dinner. I would try the steak first.
Glad you spoiled yourself for your birthday! I think your meal was a perfect way to celebrate
WOW!! What a great birthday meal! You know we don’t mind paying for nice meal every once in awhile. This was truly a special occasion.