Bites Nearby: Bambu Cafe

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Grosse Pointe Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice: Bambu Cafe.

Overview: Chef Brandon Kahlich has changed what it means to serve pizza, salad, and sandwiches.  With a focus on local and/or organic ingredients, Bambu is a truly elegant yet comfortable restaurant good for couples as well as families.

Decor:  Simple yet classy.  Nice enough to bring a date, but casual enough to wear jeans.  

Drinks: No liquor license.  Bambu lemonade is infused with lavender.  Bangkok style iced tea and fruit smoothies are also available.  

Small Plates: Meze Plate ($7.95): hummus, baba ganoush, and three olive compote served with warm flatbread.  Perfect for sharing.  Vietnamese Summer Rolls ($6.95) are stuffed with chicken and vegetables.  A refreshing appetizer.

Sandwiches and Salads:  Classic sandwiches taken to the next level with fresh ingredients and different flavor profiles.  Pesto Chicken Panini ($8.75) has grilled chicken, basil pesto, provolone, tomato, and artichoke hearts.  Sonoma salad ($12.95) is organic greens topped with goat cheese, cashews, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sun dried tomatoes (order the house made vinaigrette).

Pizza: All dough is made by hand daily.  Pizzas are topped using fresh and organic ingredients whenever possible.  Margherita ($9.95) with fresh mozzarella, marinara, and basil is kicked up with the addition of pesto and garlic oil.  Steak & cheese ($13.95) is over the top with kobe beef short ribs, balsamic mushrooms & onions, mozzarella, and garlic aioli.  

Don't Miss: Organic coconut ice cream is absolutely heavenly.  Cupcakes are moist and beautifully decorated.

Bambucafegp.com

Address: 75 Kercheval Ave

Chef: Brandon Kahlich

Cooking classes scheduled once a month

Cost: $