Critics: Antietam Is 'Spectacular,' Batch Brewing Co's Food Is 'Surprisingly Good'

Christopher Cook raves about Antietam: Like the critics who have come before him, this reviewer does plenty of gushing over this Eastern Market gem. "Everything that comes to the table from executive chefs Brion Wong and Jestin 'Jessie' Feggan has the distinction of floating at a level above any previous dining experience," he proclaims, praising in particular the "soulfully delicious" foie gras, oxtail terrine, and whole Cornish game hen. In summation: "This is not exactly a level of dining common to the wider Detroit area. This is something new." [Hour Detroit]

Stephen Katz ate at Motor City Soul Food: For reliable Southern cooking, this carryout-only spot on the northwest side reigns supreme. "There's not much in the way of decoration or personality, giving Motor City the ambience of a Secretary of State branch," but the food makes up for it. Standouts include collard greens, mac and cheese ("dressed in a creamy, peppery cheese blend that's almost a sauce, then dusted with a layer of paprika"), fried chicken, and turkey wings "as big as a baseball bat." Prices can be "a little high," but portions are generous.

Molly Abraham tries out Batch Brewing Co.: This Corktown nanobrewery is "something out of the ordinary." The critic proclaims the food "surprisingly good, fresh, well-prepared and much more creative than what might be expected." Housemade soft pretzels "served with a dark Belgian mustard and a cheese dip the house calls Vienna munster fondue" come highly recommended; other dishes include a Caesar with grilled romaine and a ribeye sandwich, risotto balls, and blueberry bread pudding with anise-hyssop cream. Wash it all down with one of 12 housemade beers on tap, "such as the interesting Cerveza de Tamarindo, a delicious wheat beer flavored with tamarind pods." [Detroit News]