My godother and aunt (I call her Zia which means aunt in Italian) has spoiled my sister and I by “culturing us” with invitations to musicals, plays, concerts, etc. I had never shown much interest in the opera, but when my sister moved to Portland, OR for the summer to work in a research lab, my aunt had an extra ticket and pretty much told me I was coming, whether I wanted to or not!
Now I’m always willing to try something new, so I figured I’d give this opera thing a shot. Who doesn’t like getting snazzy and going downtown for a night out? Oh and my favorite part… a great dinner!
Zia & her Polenta and Eggplant Torre
Zia had made reservations at Angelina’s Bistro in Detroit, located at 1565 Broadway right across from the Detroit Opera House. We were meeting my aunt’s friends, Tom and Teresa, at the restaurant at 5:30. Surprise Surprise we were late, as Zia tends to be, but Tom and Teresa were understanding as they always are. Angelina’s was pretty packed on a Sunday, and the volume was at a comfortable level. The tables were very close together, which made me feel a little crowded at first.
Teresa & Tom at Angelina's
Tom decided on the Whitefish (Herb Pine Nut Crusted Lake Superior Whitefish / Cous Cous / Spinach / Feta Cheese / Basil Oil 21) and Teresa the steak special. The menu didn’t blow my mind away but there were a good amount of options. Most of the dishes were rather basic except what Zia ordered (Polenta and Eggplant Torre / Grilled Portobello / Goat Cheese/ Arugula / Balsamic Reduction 13.5). My Nonna makes the best polenta so I wanted to put it to the test, but when Zia decided on it (and I never get the same thing as someone else) I had to move on.
Angelina's Half Roasted Amish Chicken
I was debating between the Gnocchi (All Night Tomatoes / Cippolini Onions / Asparagus / Garlic / Extra Virgin Olive Oil 15) and the Half Roasted Amish Chicken (Italian BBQ Sauce / Mashed Red Skin Potato / Broccolini 18). After considering how heavy pasta is and that I’d be sitting for three hours in a fitted dress, I decided to go with the chicken.
The portion of chicken was very large, two well sized pieces, along with (my favorite) mashed potatoes and broccoli. The “Italian BBQ Sauce” was essentially regular BBQ sauce–well I couldn’t tell the difference anyway. The chicken was moist and well cooked, the potatoes were tasty but nothing out of the ordinary. I only finished one piece of the chicken because, as always, I had to save room for dessert. Overall I’d give my dish a B+, it was good, but I don’t think I’d get it again.
Tom, Teresa, and Zia all enjoyed their meals, look for their comments below on their review of Angelina’s.
We ordered the Apple Tart (michigan apples / calvados / caramel sauce / vanilla ice cream 7) and the Chocolate-Amaretti Cake (crushed almonds / chocolate sauce / whipped cream 7) to split between the 4 of us. This was by far the my favorite part of the meal 
The apple tart was baked fresh and I love the warm & cool sensation. The chocolate cake was extremely rich and moist, a chocolate lover’s dream.
Grade: B+
Angelina’s Bistro – 1565 Broadway – Detroit MI – 48226
Apple Tart
This picture does not do it justice! What was left after we devoured it... The Chocolate-Amaretti Cake
First of all, let me say my “nipota” (niece in Italian) is adorable. I love this “blog.” Lia was genetically destined to get her “hungry tummy.” Even tho’ she’s technically only a half-breed, she’s all Italian when it comes to food. When Italians were surveyed about their favorite past time, the conclusion was that it was eating, cooking, growing, talking about…FOOD!! (imagine my surprise!)
Now down to business. I would definitely go back to Angelina’s Bistro, even tho’ my polenta/eggplant torre was a bit of a disappointment. It was tasty, but I didn’t “love” it. They were skimpy on the polenta, and the eggplant was tough. Eggplant can be tricky…it can turn into a piece of rubber or a piece of mush if not cooked properly. Personally I like to make it in a “stew” type of dish, since frying it really adds the calories–it soaks up oil like a T-shirt soaks up sweat on hot & humid day in Detroit.
The apple tart was truly yummy. I’m a pie person, so this was up my desert alley. I’m not a huge chocolate fan…but the chocolate cake was excellent…very, very rich. There were looks of rapture from the “chocalista’s” at the table–you know who you are!!
The service was very good, and it was crowded & a bit noisy. However, the way things are going in Detroit these days, I’m happy to see a restaurant stay open and do well. I think Angelina’s should stay open and do well. I’m willing to head on back.
Best of all, was the dinner company…my beautiful niece (who, tho’ she didn’t mention it, appeared to truly enjoy the opera, “Carmen,” and my good buds, Tom and Teresa. What a good evening. Hope we all can do it again!