Menagerie opens Friday, plus more dining news, events

Restaurant briefs

Menagerie Lounge opens: Lounge, restaurant and jazz venue Menagerie Lounge is set to open 4 p.m. Friday at 155 N. Saginaw in Pontiac. Executive chef Marcus Ware is on board, and the new spot is owned by James and April Forbes, who developed the restaurant from a pop-up dining concept. Menagerie is open 4 p.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat. and 4-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. Lunch and Sunday brunch hours are expected to be added later. Visit menagerielounge.com.

Estia expands to Warren: Estia Greek Street Food is readying to open a Warren location this summer at 5753 12 Mile. The fast-casual Greek restaurant started with a Troy location three years ago. Built-out is expected to take 3-4 months, and the the 3,000-square-foot restaurant will be open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

Caucus Club adds Brunch: Fine dining destination Caucus Club Detroit has added brunch service. Menu includes $2 refills on mimosas, bellinis, Bloody Marys and bullshots. New Sunday hours are 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for brunch and 3-8 p.m. for dinner. Caucus Club is at 150 W. Congress in Detroit. Call (313) 965-4970.

Food and beverage events

Dining Out for Life: Metro Detroit restaurants have signed on to help raise funds for Matrix Human Services’ Community Healthy Division, supporting those who are high-risk for or are infected with HIV or AIDS. On Thursday, dine at Kola in Farmington Hills, Axle Brewing Co. in Ferndale, Brady’s Tavern in Beverly Hills, La Palma in Detroit, Mudgie’s Deli in Corktown, and others. Visit DiningOutForLife.com/Detroit for a full list.

Cocktail dinner at Takoi: This special cocktail dinner will feature products from Maison Ferrand brand spirits crafted by Takoi’s Drew Pompa. 7 p.m. Thurs. $100. 2520 Michigan, Detroit. exploretock.com/takoidetroit.

Subtleties of Scotch at Village Workshop: Spirit expert Michael Schafer will host a class discussing elements of Scotch whiskey. 7-8:30 p.m. Thurs. $45. 455 E. Cady, Northville. (248) 667-7157.

Saartj at Bank Suey: From chef, writer and activist Tunde Wey comes Saartj, a pop-up restaurant that aims to shed a light on racial wealth disparity. The menu is African, and the cost, menu and experience are “tailored to your privilege.” Sun.-May 5. Price varies. 10345 Jos Campau, Hamtramck. saartj.com.

Spring Lamb Roast at Cellarmen’s: Lamb roast buffet by Felony Provisions and cocktails from Nick Britsky including meadmosas. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. $25. 24310 John R, Hazel Park. (586) 413-4206.

Chef’s Schoolyard Dinner at Great Lakes Culinary Center: A benefit for Detroit Prep, this first annual dinner is a collaboration between local chefs John Vermiglio, James Rigato, Anthony Lombardo, Brad Greenhill, Joe Giacomino, Andy Hollyday, Kate Williams and Alex Clark. 6-9 p.m. Mon. $250. 24101 W. Nine Mile, Southfield. detroitprep.org/schoolyard.

USBG “Make it Exotico” Cocktail Competition at Tequila Blue: Watch regional bartenders compete in this cocktail competition featuring Exotico tequila. One winner will advance to the finals in New Orleans to compete for the grand prize. 6-8 p.m. Tues. No cover. 526 S. Main, Royal Oak. (248) 591-9002.

A Taste of Italy at Bentley Banquet Center: Sample Italian cuisine from local businesses like Antonio’s Restaurant, Sibley Gardens, Andiamo, Frank’s Restaurant and more. Event is a fundraiser for Penrickton Center for Blind Children. 6-8 p.m. May 9. $35. 646 Biddle, Wyandotte. (313) 565-0671 or (734) 379-9491.

Sausage Fest at Eastern Market: Gourmet sausages, hot dogs and brats, plus beer and games. Tickets include food and beverage samples. 6-10 p.m. May 11. 425. Shed 5, 2934 Russell, Detroit. facebook.com/sausagefestdet.

Frita Feast at Frame: Chef Eve Arnoff will host a series of dinners at Hazel Park pop-up kitchen Frame. She’ll serve Cuban-inspired street food, family style. 6 p.m. May 12 and 4 and 7 p.m .May 13. $50, plus tax and service fee. Frame is located inside Joe Bar at 23839 John R, Hazel Park. framehazelpark.com.

Tavolata in Umbria at Cafe Cortina: Enjoy wine and food of the Umbria region, including Urbani black truffles. 5:30 p.m. May 20. $135. 30175 W. 10 Mile, Farmington Hills. (248) 474-3033 or (917) 770-3589.

Kendall-Jackson Wine Dinner with James Rigato at the Root: Chef James Rigato comes home to the Root Restaurant & Bar for a Kendall-Jackson wine dinner with Tim O’Halloran. 7 p.m. June 11. $100 per person plus tax and tip. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake. (248) 698-2400.

Nine Course A5 Japanese Wagyu Dinner at Grey Ghost Detroit: Chef Steve Brown joins Grey Ghost chefs John Vermiglio and Joe Giacomino in offering a dinner featuring A5 Satsuma Wagyu and True Hyogo Kobe Beef from Japan. 6 p.m. June 12. $225. 47 E. Watson, Detroit. chefstevebrown.com/cosecha.

Detroit Sushi Festival at Eastern Market: Food from local sushi restaurants and vendors of Japanese of culture. Aug. 24. $27, $54 VIP. Shed 5, 2934 Russell, Detroit. detroitsushifest.com.

Michigan Jewish Food Festival at Eastern Market: Vendors, caterers, speakers, live music, chef demos and more will celebrate Jewish food. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 26. Sheds 5 and 6, Eastern Market, Detroit. hazon.org/detroit.

Melody Baetens