Standby Serves Up 'Surprises'; GoGo's Brings 'Novelty' to Park Bar

— Mark Kurlyandchik has an early word (Read: not full review) on GoGo's in the Park Bar: The Hawaiian-inspired eatery, which officially opened this week is a "rare bird in the greater Detroit dining scene," the critic remarks. The musubi is "sizable" with Spam "seared for a satisfying outer crunch." However, the "the rice was too wet and the whole thing fell apart when I tried to eat it by hand." Tasting the holo dog with shiitake miso chili, Kurlyandchik notes that he could "imagine myself ordering one with a side of fries in a late-night attempt at sobriety." Can GoGo's recreate the success of Bucharest in the Park Bar? "Conceptually, I'm not convinced," he writes. [Freep]

— Molly Abraham takes Standby for a spin: The Belt Alley bar and restaurant "is definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but for those who appreciate the hideaway feeling and a menu that is far from traditional, it's a haven," she writes. "Unlike many of the new downtown establishments that appeal to a broad audience, Standby is a niche spot. You'll either like it a lot or fail to appreciate its attractions." While the restaurant does serve several standards including beef tartare and a bacon cheeseburger, others dishes offers "surprises" including sturgeon wrapped in chicken skin. Three stars. [Detroit News]

— Serena Maria Daniels dines out at The Peterboro: Cass Corridor's new Chinese American establishment is an "intimate gathering place." She was "instantly delighted" by the "delicate" scallop crudo and the "fatty cumin lamb ribs, soy braised and coated in five-spice powder, had our dining partner reaching for second helpings." Chef Brion Wong succeeds in updating the almond boneless chicken. "The result is a juicy, tender, flavorful take on the otherwise bland staple." [Metro Times]