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Last Updated:
Feb 2nd, 2010 - 13:42:13 |
SaltWater
Inside MGM Grand
Casino Detroit
Some restaurants make memorable life moments. That rare, perfect combination of an artistic meal with a sophisticated ambiance ... a place that somehow makes you feel special. SaltWater in the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit is just such sheer fabulousness.
Since opening its doors in 2007, the elegantly decorated, Michael Mina-helmed venture has provided its customers with classic American seafood dishes that manage to be simple, unique and high quality ... it couldn't be any fresher in Michigan, what with the seafood flown in straight from the crashing oceanic and lakeside shores each day. With that, Chef de Cuisine Daniel Campbell has helped create a menu that pulls together coastal and regional tastes of the highest caliber.
To start, we suggest trying something from the ice-cold raw bar, as SaltWater makes it a priority to keep several types of oysters available, along with clams and a variety of seafood cocktails. If you find it difficult to choose a dish (as well you should — indecisiveness is a byproduct of a winning menu), try the seafood platter. Available in two sizes, the platter comes with oysters, clams, mussels, poached shrimp, Alaskan king crab and half a steamed lobster. This selection is a particularly popular choice for parties.
Since appetizers and smaller options make up more than half of the menu, it can be tempting to order several items. One great choice is the steamed mussels. After being steamed to perfection, the fresh, tender shellfish are garnished with fennel, red onion and absinthe, then served together with grilled sourdough. Also, be sure to try the crab cake sliders. The signature Michael Mina Peekytoe cakes are layered on Brioche buns and topped with red onion, caper sauce and a corn relish. They also have classic fish fare like Oysters Rockefeller and clams casino. Entrees include SaltWater’s take on shrimp scampi (gulf shrimp, house made fettuccini, garlic butter and herb bread crumbs) and several types of grilled fish. SaltWater also boasts a fruitwood fired grill in the kitchen, ready to cook everything from Atlantic swordfish to Pacific ahi tuna.
Another dish not to be missed is Mina’s signature Lobster pot pie. Made with two-and-a-half pounds of lobster, vegetables and a lobster truffle cream, this meal will keep your taste buds sated.
And don't ignore the steaks and organic chicken. At the end of your meal, try one of Chef Randolph’s desserts, especially the Pumpkin Cheesecake Deconstructed — an irresistible combo of house-made pumpkin bread with a cream cheese mousse, topped with toasted pumpkin seeds, brown sugar and jelly and accompanied by a scoop of ice cream. SaltWater also offers an extensive wine and specialty drink list like oyster shooters to go with your meal.
Don’t be a chicken of the sea, treat yourself to a fabulous evening of impeccable service, a stunning setting and one of the most interesting menus in town — well worth the visit to MGM. | RDW
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