Creative Conserva opens Saturday in Ferndale

A well-known area chef and his artistic partners will debut a new restaurant with an art gallery vibe in Ferndale Saturday. 

The Conserva, 201 E. Nine Mile just east of Woodward, is in a space formerly occupied by fine dining restaurant Torino, which closed in summer of 2015 because the concept was too big for the notoriously small kitchen. 

Conserva’s chef Matthew Baldridge has a concept that works around this. His menu will be rotating and small, and he’ll focus on food that doesn’t require a lot of on-the-spot cooking, and instead uses an “new-to-the-era European food preservation technique,” according to Baldridge. 

Diners can expect shareable “medium plates” with dishes like zatar-rubbed octopus with garlic, cucumbers and fresh herbs or smoked pork belly with rum-soaked raisins, toasted chick peas and candied garlic. Another expected dish features melted goat cheese, cranberries, bee pollen and rosemary served with toast points.

Baldridge, previously the executive chef at Cliff Bell's, says that a snack bar menu is also being planned featuring tin fish like Portuguese sardines, French tuna belly and caviar. 

A bar menu curated by bartender Jarrod Kassis, formerly of Great Lakes Coffee, includes craft cocktails, beer and wine. 

Conserva’s sophisticated and bright interior was designed by artist Janna Coumoundouros, who is Baldridge’s wife. She’s used fine art, photography and contemporary lighting to create a look that is hip and clean. Some of the art work is from the operations manager Steve Baldridge, Matt’s brother. 

After Saturday’s opening, Conserva’s hours are 4 p.m.-midnight Wed.-Sat. For now, reservations are being taken for parties of six or more by calling (248) 291-6133 or e-mailing theconservaferndale@gmail.com. Reservations for smaller groups may be granted in the future. 

mbaetens@detroitnews.com
(313) 222-2402
Twitter: @melodybaetens