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Molly Abraham takes Forest for a test drive: Birmingham's updated Forest is "spare and understated" with dim lighting ("...you might need a flashlight to read the menu") and a "monotone" color scheme. "No spashes of color or extraneous details distract from the main event — well-prepared food from executive chef Nick Janutol and his staff behind the glass," the critic writes. "I don't know if that is going to be enough for some people. Often the distractions are what give a place personality and seduce diners into wanting to return." Abraham gives Forest three stars, which — per her newly transparent rating system — stands for "excellent." [Detroit News]
Serena Maria Daniels grabs a bite at El Caribeño: "For those familiar with Puerto Rican food, the concept at El Caribeño is similar," writes the critic. "Heavy on the starchy plantains, daily specials of chicken, pork, and beef, a variety of street food that one may only appreciate if they're from the D.R., plus fresh juices and shakes." The critic recommends the mofongo, a plantain dish that's "mashed with garlic and bits of chicharon" and then " formed into a ball and accompanied by a variety of meat or shrimp, as well as a cup of melted butter with garlic." In place of booze find "a variety of tropical juices and shakes." [Metro Times]
