Hour Detroit: 10 Best New Restaurants in Metro Detroit
Saffron De Twah
Saffron De Twah has established itself as a leader in the local food scene since it opened just a year ago, pioneering culinary territory new to metro Detroit. When it launched on the city’s east side as a carryout spot, it became Detroit’s only Moroccan eatery. Chef and owner Omar Anani says it was his intention to introduce a cuisine not yet represented in Detroit. He hopes doing so will help people learn the distinctions among foods that, despite their significant differences, are often homogenized as Mediterranean.
Unlike generic Mediterranean restaurants, Saffron De Twah focuses on modern Moroccan dishes such as Cauliflower Shawarma Batbout — soft Moroccan pita bread stuffed with veggies and green tahini — and Lamb Tagine with couscous, seasonal vegetables, and tzatziki.
After introducing an enclosable patio this coming summer, Saffron De Twah plans to continue its innovative streak by adding to its year-round seating space with Detroit’s first dry bar. The restaurant bought its own still for producing zero-alcohol elixirs. The resulting halal mocktails will be served out of a vintage Airstream trailer.
Anani, who is of Palestinian and Egyptian descent, says ordering virgin drinks while out with friends has sometimes made him the butt of jokes. “This place is clear of that judgment, and people who’ve never been able to try elevated, thoughtfully crafted drinks will now have that opportunity,” he says. Another debut in 2020 will be a larger, more refined dessert menu. “I started as a pastry chef,” Anani says. “I have strong opinions on dessert.” —Ashley Winn
DRINK EXTRA: Saffron De Twah has acquired a still and started developing zero-alcohol elixirs for its soon-to-come halal beverages, which will be served on the patio out of a 1963 Airstream trailer. Options will include house-made sodas, such as the Spiced Orange Carrot, and mocktails including the Shomander, with orange, beet, honey, cocoa, and allspice.