What is Marrow? By definition, it’s the choicest of food; the inmost, best, or essential part. In Detroit, it’s all that- in a hot new restaurant.

Actually, it’s a butcher shop by day, restaurant by night. Rachel and I happened to stumble upon Marrow on a trip to the Detroit’s West Village after frequenting a local pie shop. When we saw “hot birds” on the window sign we, being from The Nest, thought “that’s us.” Of course, they were advertising rotisserie chickens.

The Detroit Free Press had just bestowed Marrow with the honor of No. 2 in Detroit’s Top 10 Best New Restaurants as we moseyed our way in. Oh sure, their cameras might have been bigger, but they had nothing on our appetites. It was like being a kid in a candy store for these carnivores, and we couldn’t wait to take things home for our families to try too. We grabbed sausages (spicy, summer, and pork), Lebanese bologna, and pepperoni. If only we would have brought a cooler, we could have taken home some steaks- or a shank. (Next time…)

Marrow’s butcher shop offers a lunch special every day, we were serendipitous enough to come on a Corned Beef Reuben day. I am not exaggerating when I say the thin slices of corned beef melted in my mouth. Honestly, it melted like a good prosciutto, except with the flavor of a delicious mild corned beef. The sandwich bread was a soft and hearty wheat from Zingerman’s (an Ann Arbor favorite); the Russian dressing was flavorful, but not overpowering; and the crunch from those sweet pickles, mmmm… Let me say that again, those sweet pickles from Coriander Kitchen and Farm of Detroit, were a star in their own right. And FYI, we heard that Coriander is going to be opening a Detroit restaurant in the near future. Oh yeah!

Rachel felt baller sitting at the bar next to the dry ager full of meat (it was a little early for her cognac and cigar). Marrow emanates a great vibe. It’s local-butcher-shop-esque with their impressive displays of meats and charcuteries- complete with meat-carver in apron for day-comers…

And urban chic-meets industrial bar for the night crowd. “The neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant hybrid serves as a community gathering place.” I wish I lived across the street, because I could see me hanging out there regularly.

But I think what I loved most about Marrow, okay, besides the friendly and knowledgable staff- (shout out to the Executive Chef Sarah, who shared a sample of a prototype seasoning blend)…

What I loved most, was the sense of community. #DetroitProud Marrow is supporting local business, who in turn support them. It’s a real grassroots effort that is contributing to the Detroit comeback. Business owners and community members alike are working together and supporting one another for the betterment of the city at large and those who live there. Shelves are stocked with Michigan made goods, and the names of local farms who supply the meats, cheeses, and such are visibly listed on the back wall.

There are great things happening in the D. And it’s contagious- because of businesses like Marrow who take pride in giving their community quality products and services. The vision of founder Ping Ho is to “inspire a return to old world practices of buying direct and supporting small local producers.” There are strength in numbers, and Detroit business owners working together, along with the backing of local patrons, is a movement that is gaining momentum. Although, being excellent at what they do, it’s no wonder that Marrow is getting due recognition for being outstanding.

Thanks to Marrow for letting us spend time perusing your establishment. Our lunch was delicious; and we’ve been enjoying our products, such as Graham’s Organics breakfast pork sausage, at home too!

We can’t wait to get back for dinner at Marrow soon, and a word to the wise: reservations are recommended. (And they are closed on Tuesdays)

Marrow is located at 8044 Kercheval Ave, 1B  |  Detroit, Michigan

For more information check out their website at www.marrowdetroit.com