Hidden eats, just a walk away

If you’re a Wayne State student on a limited budget and without access to transportation, you can still go out to eat at a nice restaurant with your friends. There are several food stops within walking distance that present a variety of dining options.

With these alternatives, students can also save money on gas and avoid the debacle of paying pesky parking fees. Being able to use your two feet to get you to your food is a massive convenience for WSU students.

Wasabi (0.2 miles, 4 minute walk)

15 E. Kirby St., Detroit, 48202

Wasabi is a Korean and Japanese restaurant located next door to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Students who are craving freshly made sushi do not have to go far for satisfaction.

Sushi rolls such as the California roll, tuna and spicy salmon are classics, however, vegetarian alternatives are also provided, such as the cucumber roll; these staples are served alongside nigiri and sashimi. However, specialty rolls include the caterpillar roll, dungeon dragon roll, rainbow roll and hulk roll.

“We serve traditional Japanese and Korean food with a little bit of fusion,” said John Kin, head sushi chef.

Kin said the bento boxes for under $10 and Korean soup in hot stone bowls are the two menu items are specifically in demand during lunchtime.

Bento boxes come in the following varieties: chicken, hot & spicy chicken, beef bulgogi, hot & spicy pork, salmon, shrimp tempura and kalbi. These lunch box specials are served with miso soup, fried rice, fresh fruits, gyoza and three California rolls.

When asked about his favorite menu item, Kin said that he’ll happily make anything because he likes making everything.

“I love what I do, I get to come here and play with the food,” Kin said.

If customers ever feel unsatisfied, Kin said he will personally attend to them and try to make things right. They should always feel free to talk to him if they need to do so.

“If you want good food, it’s a relaxing environment,” Kin said. “We like to treat everybody as equals and just give out good food.”

For more information and hours of operation, please visit http://www.wasabidetroit.com/.

Seva Detroit (0.4 miles, 8 minute walk)

66 E. Forest Ave., Detroit, 48201

There are only two Seva restaurants currently operating in Michigan. One in Ann Arbor and the other right here in Detroit. Seva Detroit is a vegetarian restaurant that features freshly made imaginative cuisine.

“We prepare things in house, just like a normal restaurant,” said Daniel “DJ” Mataczynski, a front of house manager. “Everything is fresh. Everything is made to order. It’s just all vegetarian.”

Despite the absence of meat, the menu includes dishes that are wholly satisfying and healthy.

“General Tso’s Cauliflower is the best-selling appetizer,” Mataczynski said. “Our sweet potato and yam fries go well with every sandwich. As far as entrees go, the best-sellers are the cilantro peanut stir fry and the pad thai.”

Seva is tucked onto the street corner of East Forest Avenue and upon arrival; guests are treated to the sight of their picturesque outdoor seating options. Lights have been spun around posts that frame a well-kept garden.

Mataczynski describes the restaurant as eclectic with a laid back vibe. He appreciates that Seva has a diverse staff and that together they are able to cater to a diverse population.

“Everybody has different backgrounds, our staff comes from all different walks of life," Mataczynski said. "Everything just flows naturally, nothing’s really forced here.”

Happy hour at Seva is from 4-6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Appetizers, draft beer, and wine are half off. For more information and a detailed menu, visit http://www.sevarestaurant.com/.

Mid City Grill (0.5 miles, 10 minute walk)

51 W. Forest Ave., Detroit, 48201

Mid City Grill opened its doors on March 31, and WSU students are able to receive 20 percent off their bill using their OneCard.

Owner Joey Perkovic has a continued passion for the restaurant business and to serving Detroiters.

“This is Midtown,” Perkovic said. “I know Detroit is in its big renaissance, and I do believe it’s coming back. I choose to be here.”

Perkovic proceeded to take the lead in designing his own restaurant, choosing everything from the tables to the fireplace. He takes pride in the fact that he has made his vision come to life.

“People should enjoy the cozy ambience,” Perkovic said. “The booths are comfortable; they’re not stacked next to each other like most other restaurants. If guests ask to extend hours, I’ll extend hours. Basically, I’m in business for my customers. The food is good and reasonably priced.”

Restaurant specialties include both the corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Their menu is comprised of a variety of soups made from scratch, salads, sandwiches, wraps and pitas. Notable salads on the menu are the Mid City Salad, Greek salad and the strawberry chicken salad.

Perkovic’s favorite meal is corned beef and pastrami sandwich mixed with Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and coleslaw.

“Our breakfasts are awesome,” Perkovic said. “The omelets and hash browns are good. We shred and cook our own potatoes. It’s all homemade and the customers can tell the difference.”

They are currently looking for college students who are interested in working as either a host/hostess or waiter/waitress. Contact information can be found on their website: http://www.midcitygrilldetroit.com/

Falafill (0.5 miles, 10 minute walk)

4206 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48201

Falafill was originally a family-owned business in Chicago, but Kassem and Maya Fardoun have brought the first franchise to Detroit. Maya Fardoun took the time to introduce Falafill to The South End.

Fardoun said all of their meat is halal, and they get many of their ingredients from local sources. More meat is grilled fresh as soon as they run out, which is typically every 45 minutes to an hour.

“It’s all made from scratch every morning,” she said, “Nothing is canned but the pickles. Nothing is frozen.”

Falafill has been referred to as the “Mediterranean Chipotle” as a result of their style of serving. Upon entrance, customers are able to choose their food from a lineup. There are options to create platters or wraps.

“We’re known for our falafel because we have the classic type, and we have this seasonal falafel which is a little bit different, it has a little bit of curry in it,” Fardoun said.

Main entree items include chicken, steak and sujuk kufta. Some of their many sides are the Armenian salad, hummus and baba ghanoush. Guests can treat themselves to baklava for dessert while they can choose between soft drinks or mint and rose lemonade.

“I always have the seasonal falafel with the Armenian salad and the chickpea salad. That’s my favorite,” Fardoun said.

For WSU students who are looking for jobs, they are currently in the hiring process. Applicants should know how to work the serving line, cut food or take cash.

Hungry students can receive upwards of up to 20 percent off of their purchase with use of their OneCard or the presentation of a Falafill postcard.

“We opened at this location on purpose because we wanted to be near a college campus and hospitals,” Fardoun said, “We love dealing with students, and we know that they are on budgets, so we think it's fantastic that they can come here and get a full meal for under $10. A lot of times people have to take their food home with them because we put a lot on the plate.”

For contact information or an online menu, visit http://www.eatfalafill.com/.

Contact Reporter, Aleanna Siacon at (586)354-5040 or fv7748@wayne.edu. Follow her on Twitter: @Aterese11.

http://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/arts_and_entertainment/article_86778e0e-831e-11e5-9476-6f52118d75ed.html