Monday, February 4, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Eccentric Article
Chefs add new spice to Restaurant WeekBy Jay M. Grossman STAFF WRITER
Jeorge Swanson and Andrew Craig are the new chefs on the block.
Swanson runs the Maple Leaf Cafe that opened its door in October. Craig is the chef partner of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, which opened in March.
They're participating in the third annual Restaurant Week, Feb. 4-8, in which customers can enjoy a three-course meal at some of Birmingham's finest restaurants at bargain prices - lunch for $15 and dinner for $25.
Both chefs are at the top of their game, but they play in vastly different arenas.
A candle-lit environment of mahogany and white linen greet customers at Fleming's, located on the first floor of the Burton-Katzman building at 325 N. Old Woodward. From the expansive wine collection to the signature dessert tray, every detail in the dining room is decidedly posh and swanky.
Craig, 29, spent his entire career with Fleming's, joining the franchise in 1997.
"I love this area," he said about Birmingham. "I come from Ann Arbor and the two areas are very similar ... it's that downtown feel where the residents support their community very well."
Blue jeans and organic food rule the day at the Maple Leaf, at 297 E. Maple Road. Historic photos grace the walls, while a customized countertop created by Swanson himself features old vinyl LPs from the Stones and Zeppelin, baseball cards, comic book covers, floating scrabble pieces and the Three Stooges.
The menu is just as eclectic, offering Voodoo French Toast and Five-Star Meatloaf. All the meals are prepared with organic or natural ingredients, a wholesome approach that Swanson said was inspired by his parents.
"My dad's a holistic medicine man and my mom's an astrologer," he said, smiling. "My parents are hippies."
He knows the area well. While growing up in Royal Oak, he held a part-time job at the old Harmony House store in downtown Birmingham. He even owned his own record shop at one time, in the Caribbean.
Behind the grill, he's a master. Before opening the Maple Leaf, Swanson, 42, held court at Sweet Lorraine's in Southfield, the Big Fish Seafood Bistro in Madison Heights and Lily's Seafood in Royal Oak.
"I feel comfortable in any restaurant situation," he said.
Visit http://www.enjoybirmingham.com/ for more information about Restaurant Week, including all the menus.
Zoom PhotoMaple Leaf Cafe owner Jeorge Swanson shows off the Voodoo French Toast.
Jeorge Swanson and Andrew Craig are the new chefs on the block.
Swanson runs the Maple Leaf Cafe that opened its door in October. Craig is the chef partner of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, which opened in March.
They're participating in the third annual Restaurant Week, Feb. 4-8, in which customers can enjoy a three-course meal at some of Birmingham's finest restaurants at bargain prices - lunch for $15 and dinner for $25.
Both chefs are at the top of their game, but they play in vastly different arenas.
A candle-lit environment of mahogany and white linen greet customers at Fleming's, located on the first floor of the Burton-Katzman building at 325 N. Old Woodward. From the expansive wine collection to the signature dessert tray, every detail in the dining room is decidedly posh and swanky.
Craig, 29, spent his entire career with Fleming's, joining the franchise in 1997.
"I love this area," he said about Birmingham. "I come from Ann Arbor and the two areas are very similar ... it's that downtown feel where the residents support their community very well."
Blue jeans and organic food rule the day at the Maple Leaf, at 297 E. Maple Road. Historic photos grace the walls, while a customized countertop created by Swanson himself features old vinyl LPs from the Stones and Zeppelin, baseball cards, comic book covers, floating scrabble pieces and the Three Stooges.
The menu is just as eclectic, offering Voodoo French Toast and Five-Star Meatloaf. All the meals are prepared with organic or natural ingredients, a wholesome approach that Swanson said was inspired by his parents.
"My dad's a holistic medicine man and my mom's an astrologer," he said, smiling. "My parents are hippies."
He knows the area well. While growing up in Royal Oak, he held a part-time job at the old Harmony House store in downtown Birmingham. He even owned his own record shop at one time, in the Caribbean.
Behind the grill, he's a master. Before opening the Maple Leaf, Swanson, 42, held court at Sweet Lorraine's in Southfield, the Big Fish Seafood Bistro in Madison Heights and Lily's Seafood in Royal Oak.
"I feel comfortable in any restaurant situation," he said.
Visit http://www.enjoybirmingham.com/ for more information about Restaurant Week, including all the menus.
Zoom PhotoMaple Leaf Cafe owner Jeorge Swanson shows off the Voodoo French Toast.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Sick
YIKES!!!! Our whole house has been sick this week. Jack was the one who was hit the hardest. He started the week with an inner ear infection and pink eye and then he developed a horrible chest cold. We found out the hard way that he is allergic to amoxicillin because he broke out with the worst rash I have ever seen all over his body. We had to take him to the pediatric after hrs clinic because he was miserable. Luckily, his reaction did not impair his breathing. I am happy to report he is almost back to 100%. James had an inner ear infection with a fever, but he is well now. Jeorge has bronchitis but is on medicine and doing good. I am just tired from taking care of everyone all week. I am looking forward to watching the superbowl tomorrow. I haven't decided who I want to root for. Jeorge wants the Pats to win because he wants Brady to go down as best qb ever, because he was a Wolverine. That way, all the sports radios guys can't knock the Big 10 because we would have the greatest Qb of all time from our conference.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Veggie Update
thank you all for your suggestions in the veggie department. I broke out my juicer the other day and decided to try carrot/apple/orange juice on Jack. I juiced the carrots before he came in the kitchen and as he walked in was putting the orange in the juicer. He immediately wanted to help so we juiced together. He was so excited that he drank his juice right up. Now, I need to get some good recipes for veg/fruit combos. Anyone have any suggestions to offer? I am still serving veggies on his plate every night. I will win this battle!!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Latest
We had a fun day today. I went to my parents because I had a gift card from Old navy that I wanted to use.Jack, my mom, and I went to get a few things. It was really hectic there because they are having a HUGE sale. It is so funny to see summer clothes when you are freezing your ass off in 12 degree weather. I also noticed the new trend with teens , not wearing any kind of winter gear at all! I at least wore a coat when I was in my teens! Jack started to fuss while we were in line so I told my mom to meet us at Petco. It happened to be adopt-a-pet day there so we were treated to an array of dogs and cats. I am always saddened when I see these animals without loving homes. We adopted our dog from the humane society and wish we could adopt more. We unfortunately cannot because we don't have the space or the time to devote towards new pets.
The restaurant has been doing very well since our great review from Sylvia rector!! We are going to send her a Thank you card this week! It is incredible how much business has increased since her column. I stopped by the other day to get a carry out at 2 pm and the whole restaurant was jam packed so I decided to go to my parents for a bite. I did not want to bother Jeorge while he was busy!! I saw some old friends from Seaholm( Matt Pollard and Brian Pistor) that I had not seen in yrs. It was great to catch up and hear the latest on some other people.
The restaurant has been doing very well since our great review from Sylvia rector!! We are going to send her a Thank you card this week! It is incredible how much business has increased since her column. I stopped by the other day to get a carry out at 2 pm and the whole restaurant was jam packed so I decided to go to my parents for a bite. I did not want to bother Jeorge while he was busy!! I saw some old friends from Seaholm( Matt Pollard and Brian Pistor) that I had not seen in yrs. It was great to catch up and hear the latest on some other people.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Bob's 60th
Susie Weed ( my 2nd mom) asked if we would have Bob's 60th bday at our restaurant and we were delighted!! Jeorge brought his A game to the menu and everything was divine!! He made chicken skewers with a peanut sauce and crab stuffed shrimp with a thai chili glaze. We had amazing tomato gorgonzola soup and a beautiful green salad with an array of veggies and toasted candied pecans. The main course was Chicken Piccatta with fresh asparagus or Salmon Rockefeller ( spinach, bacon, breadcrumbs and crab baked on the fish) with fresh asparagus!! Everyone had a grand time!!!! Kelly's husband Erik took some beautiful photos that show the inside of our place!! I liked the one of our mixer so I added it on there too! I added it twice by mistake but too much of a pain to delete it!! Thank you Weeds, we love you!!!
On a side note.... I lost the superbowl in my fantasy football league:(
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Free Press Article
We are very excited because we got some more press!!!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Maple Leaf Café
***
out of four stars
297 E. Maple, Birmingham
248-723-1222
Fare: Creative, hearty, comfort-food breakfast and lunch dishes prepared from scratch with organic and natural ingredients. Good value. Vegan-vegetarian friendly.
Scene: Local flavor and retro touches create a friendly, off-beat atmosphere in a tiny place with an open kitchen just inside the door. Extremely casual.
Service: Friendly servers make you feel at home.
Price: Breakfast mostly $5.50-$8.95. Lunch $7.25-$9.95.
Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m-3p.m. Sat-Sun
»
Entertainment
»
Dining Out
Maple Leaf Café is all about creativity
Chef cooks from scratch at 40-seat Birmingham restaurant
January 3, 2008
BY SYLVIA RECTOR
FREE PRESS RESTAURANT CRITIC
You don't usually expect the chef to greet you when you walk in for breakfast.
But at Maple Leaf Café, Jeorge Swanson often does, saying hello from the tiny open kitchen just inside the front door.
Advertisement
OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1');
His new breakfast and lunch place on Maple Road in downtown Birmingham is quite simple and small -- just 40 seats -- with an attitude that's more cool than quaint.
The oilcloth on the tables is retro green. The white walls are hung with enlargements of old Birmingham streetscapes and high school teams. And the clear resin countertop, which Swanson made, enshrines an array of collectibles, from Three Stooges and baseball cards to political buttons and Scrabble pieces.
But what really sets the Maple Leaf apart from dozens of other small cafés and diners is its fresh, interesting, from-scratch menu, created with almost all organic or natural ingredients.
The meats and poultry are naturally grown without hormones, Swanson says, while the eggs, dairy products, multigrain bread and as much produce as possible are organic.
The sweeteners for coffee are natural, and the beans used to brew it are fair-trade organic from the Rainforest Alliance. The sodas are all-natural, too; you won't find any Coke or Pepsi products here.
You will, however, find a varied collection of appealing dishes, served in Midwest-sized portions and loaded with flavor. The menu may be socially conscious, but that doesn't mean it's boring, bland or skimpy.
The breakfast lineup features a dozen creative entrees.
Among the sweet choices, my favorite was the wonderfully light and fluffy sweet-potato pancakes ($6.25), topped with a scoop of pecan-laced honey butter and served with a side of real whipped cream -- a dreamy combination.
If eggs are more your style, order the Apachee ($8.95), a three-egg scramble with Southwestern spices, peppers and Jack cheese and an unusual but memorable side of spicy rice cakes -- moist and creamy inside with a crisp, crumb-coated exterior.
The delicious crab cakes topped with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce with a side of excellent house potatoes is the most expensive breakfast dish at $13.95 but worth the price.
The fluffy three-egg omelets -- served with toast, homemade jam and those tasty spuds -- are a good value at $8.95 with your choice of three fillings from a list of 20.
Lunch offerings range from sandwiches on thick, fresh bread to juicy half-pound-plus burgers and four hot entrees.
The aptly named Five-Star Meatloaf ($9.95) is sliced, grilled and kicked up with a sweet, peppery barbecue sauce. Fresh broccoli and smashed redskins, deliciously laced with green onions and cheddar, come on the side. For meatloaf fans, it doesn't get any better than this.
The Gold Medal Grilled Cheese ($7.50) will appeal to grownup tastes with its combination of provolone, Gruyere and feta cheeses, baby spinach, red onion, toasted almonds and lemon-oregano aioli on thick slices of grilled challah bread. It's one of the restaurant's several hearty, well-conceived vegetarian options.
And the extra-large, juicy burgers made with Certified Angus Beef come with generous toppings and some serious fries ($8.25-$9.25).
The Maple Leaf is Swanson's first restaurant but clearly not his first kitchen. His resume includes top jobs at Sweet Lorraine's and Lily's Seafood.
This little place won't impress you with expensive décor, but if you appreciate good food, you'll like its style.
Contact SYLVIA RECTOR at 313-222-5026 or srector@freepress.com.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Maple Leaf Café
***
out of four stars
297 E. Maple, Birmingham
248-723-1222
Fare: Creative, hearty, comfort-food breakfast and lunch dishes prepared from scratch with organic and natural ingredients. Good value. Vegan-vegetarian friendly.
Scene: Local flavor and retro touches create a friendly, off-beat atmosphere in a tiny place with an open kitchen just inside the door. Extremely casual.
Service: Friendly servers make you feel at home.
Price: Breakfast mostly $5.50-$8.95. Lunch $7.25-$9.95.
Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m-3p.m. Sat-Sun
»
Entertainment
»
Dining Out
Maple Leaf Café is all about creativity
Chef cooks from scratch at 40-seat Birmingham restaurant
January 3, 2008
BY SYLVIA RECTOR
FREE PRESS RESTAURANT CRITIC
You don't usually expect the chef to greet you when you walk in for breakfast.
But at Maple Leaf Café, Jeorge Swanson often does, saying hello from the tiny open kitchen just inside the front door.
Advertisement
OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1');
His new breakfast and lunch place on Maple Road in downtown Birmingham is quite simple and small -- just 40 seats -- with an attitude that's more cool than quaint.
The oilcloth on the tables is retro green. The white walls are hung with enlargements of old Birmingham streetscapes and high school teams. And the clear resin countertop, which Swanson made, enshrines an array of collectibles, from Three Stooges and baseball cards to political buttons and Scrabble pieces.
But what really sets the Maple Leaf apart from dozens of other small cafés and diners is its fresh, interesting, from-scratch menu, created with almost all organic or natural ingredients.
The meats and poultry are naturally grown without hormones, Swanson says, while the eggs, dairy products, multigrain bread and as much produce as possible are organic.
The sweeteners for coffee are natural, and the beans used to brew it are fair-trade organic from the Rainforest Alliance. The sodas are all-natural, too; you won't find any Coke or Pepsi products here.
You will, however, find a varied collection of appealing dishes, served in Midwest-sized portions and loaded with flavor. The menu may be socially conscious, but that doesn't mean it's boring, bland or skimpy.
The breakfast lineup features a dozen creative entrees.
Among the sweet choices, my favorite was the wonderfully light and fluffy sweet-potato pancakes ($6.25), topped with a scoop of pecan-laced honey butter and served with a side of real whipped cream -- a dreamy combination.
If eggs are more your style, order the Apachee ($8.95), a three-egg scramble with Southwestern spices, peppers and Jack cheese and an unusual but memorable side of spicy rice cakes -- moist and creamy inside with a crisp, crumb-coated exterior.
The delicious crab cakes topped with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce with a side of excellent house potatoes is the most expensive breakfast dish at $13.95 but worth the price.
The fluffy three-egg omelets -- served with toast, homemade jam and those tasty spuds -- are a good value at $8.95 with your choice of three fillings from a list of 20.
Lunch offerings range from sandwiches on thick, fresh bread to juicy half-pound-plus burgers and four hot entrees.
The aptly named Five-Star Meatloaf ($9.95) is sliced, grilled and kicked up with a sweet, peppery barbecue sauce. Fresh broccoli and smashed redskins, deliciously laced with green onions and cheddar, come on the side. For meatloaf fans, it doesn't get any better than this.
The Gold Medal Grilled Cheese ($7.50) will appeal to grownup tastes with its combination of provolone, Gruyere and feta cheeses, baby spinach, red onion, toasted almonds and lemon-oregano aioli on thick slices of grilled challah bread. It's one of the restaurant's several hearty, well-conceived vegetarian options.
And the extra-large, juicy burgers made with Certified Angus Beef come with generous toppings and some serious fries ($8.25-$9.25).
The Maple Leaf is Swanson's first restaurant but clearly not his first kitchen. His resume includes top jobs at Sweet Lorraine's and Lily's Seafood.
This little place won't impress you with expensive décor, but if you appreciate good food, you'll like its style.
Contact SYLVIA RECTOR at 313-222-5026 or srector@freepress.com.
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