Put your appetite in gear with this guide to Dream Cruise dining

Melody Baetens
The Detroit News
Culantro, a Peruvian restaurant in Ferndale. Betty Shuell, whose maiden name was Manuyama-Portocarro, recently was able to bring the small Peruvian community in Michigan a taste of their native cuisine, something she has dreamed of doing for years.

All that gawking at hot rods and classic chariots at this Saturday's Dream Cruise will work up an appetite. Here's what hungry people need to know about noshing on Woodward this weekend. 

One of the newest watering holes in Oakland County's Woodward corridor is Port behind the Woodward Avenue Brewers (22646 Woodward). The open-air patio bar specializes in craft beer and rum drinks. It's tucked a bit behind the WAB, which has streetside dining and drinking real estate. Both are rented out for private events until 6 p.m. Saturday and are open to the public after. 

Another new Ferndale spot is Culantro, a Peruvian restaurant serving dishes from that region plus inventive nonalcoholic drinks and dessert like tres leches cake. Take a break from the fumes to soak in the aroma of Culantro's pollo a la brasa, marinated chicken cooked in a charcoal rotisserie oven. 

Culantro (22939 Woodward) also serves salchippas, a Latin American street food that blends perfectly with American car culture: it's pan-friend hot dogs and french fries mixed together. 

Let's cruise north into Birmingham. You can't have a Dream Cruise eats story without a mention of Hunter House Hamburgers (35075 Woodward). While Birmingham as a city is only just recently officially a part of the cruise, this white tile burger joint has always been a hub. The menu is simple: sliders, fries, chili, shakes and a few other treats. 

Hunter House Hamburgers in Birmingham.

Recently celebrating its one-year anniversary, Joe Muer Seafood Bloomfield Hills (39475 Woodward) has a great view of Woodward and indoor and outdoor seating. The 280-seat spot serve a variety of seafood, from shellfish to sushi, plus steaks, sandwiches and salads. Live music starts at 6:30 p.m., too. 

Toward the tail end of the cruise route in Pontiac, Exferimentation Brewery is just a short walk from Woodward loop at 7 N. Saginaw. This casual brewpub has a variety of craft beer including IPAs, ales, wheats, stouts and porters. The beer-friendly menu has lots of shareables like meat and cheese board and nachos, plus quick cheap bites like $3 sliders. Order food from the bar. 

While we're talking about Dream Cruise and food, a pre-Dream Cruise party is set for Friday night at Duggan's Irish Pub (31501 Woodward, Royal Oak). Titled Crusin’ for Zero Hunger, the 5-9 pm. party is a fundraiser for Gleaners Community Food Bank. 

Tickets are $30 at the door, or $70 for two people and valet parking. Get a small discount for purchasing in advance at dreamcruiseparty.com. Tickets include food, one beer or glass of wine and some swag. All of the proceeds benefit an initiative by Gleaners and Kroger to end hunger by 2025. 

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @melodybaetens