Big Al's Firehouse Restaurant in Shelby Township, MI - REVIEW

We were passing through Shelby Township at lunchtime and the DIVAS were hungry. As we reached the corner of Schoenherr and 22 Mile Rd. in northern Macomb County, we noticed Big Al's Firehouse in the strip mall. Lots of cars in the lot so we decided to stop and try something new.  

We were greeted at the door, and directed through a bar area where people were having a good time watching a Detroit Tigers game on the TV. The hostess led us to the main room to be seated. There was a small salad bar on the back wall and firehouse memorabilia decorated the room. It was a bit past lunchtime and there were still lots of customers. Our waitress brought us a “bag” of hot rolls and an assortment of butter and a ranch spread for the bread, they were very tasty.  

There were a number of lunch plates on the menu, but I decided to try a daily special, which was a half slab of BBQ ribs with Big Al's special sauce ($11.00). The rib plate came with two pieces of Texas Toast, and the Texas buttered toast was almost as good as the ribs. The rib plate included a trip to the salad bar. The other DIVA had a BBQ Brisket and Cheddar sandwich with fries. It also included either a trip to the salad bar or a bowl of homemade soup ($10.00). The ribs were mouthwatering, and the brisket was delicious.

Big Al perfected his rib recipe cooking for the guys at a firehouse when he was a fireman. With his refined skills, he opened Big Al's Firehouse Restaurant. The tender meaty bones of these ribs are smoked with his secret dry rub. I was glad I ordered the ribs because they were really fall-off-the-bone good, with his signature sweet sauce.

Service was quick and friendly. The food was really good, portions were large and prices were reasonable. Everything from the salad bar to the sandwiches were fresh and appetizing. Big Al's Firehouse Restaurant is located at 49035 Schoenherr in Shelby Township, Michigan. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.  

Redsmoke Barbeque in Greektown, Detroit, MI - REVIEW

Hi Diva friends, it's Annod from The Undercover Divas with another hit when it comes to restaurant reviews. All three of us Divas decided we needed a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We were on our way to the Greektown Casino and decided to check out some of the restaurants in the district of Greektown. I don't know about you but I never have any luck when it comes to slots, but oh boy did we win when we chose Redsmoke Barbeque.

We decided to take a walk through Greektown as it was such a beautiful day. We wanted to try Redsmoke because we could smell the great smells from down the block. When we walked in, we were greeted by a nice young lady who ushered us to our seats. The smell of Hickory and Applewood smoke filled our lungs. Gini was smiling from ear to ear and Suse couldn't wait to order.

We received our drinks, and noticed that Redsmoke has Michigan Draft Beer, and as they say, “only in Pure Michigan.” Suse and Gini ordered the 6 piece Smoked Whole Jumbo Wings ($9.99), that looked so yummy on the menu. I couldn't resist the smell of the BBQ so I chose the pork back ribs that were slowly smoked over Hickory wood, ($26.99) full rack, with just the rub on it. We wanted to sample the different barbeque sauces they had to offer. Suse didn't get a side but Gini and I chose the Mac & Cheese, which had breadcrumbs on top and the Jalapeño Cheddar corn muffin, yes, Jalapeños in our muffins. The food came quickly and was served with a smile.

The wings came out smelling so awesome, but just a little too hot to eat right away. My ribs looked inviting and were just right. The ribs would have fed all three of us. Sauces available were Redsmoke, which was hot & spicy (habanero and jalapeño pepper accents), Michigan Cherry Molasses (sweet Michigan cherries in a tangy vinegar base), Honey Mustard, and Roasted Poblano, with a blend of Memphis Mud and Michigan Cherry Molasses. I tried them all and decided on the Redsmoke. (I love my food hot and spicy.)

The chicken wings had finally cooled enough that my dear friends were able to start eating. The wings were smoked whole and very big and meaty. We all thought that the Jalapeño Cheddar corn muffins were a little too dense and somewhat greasy. The Mac & Cheese proved to be a good choice, smooth and creamy. Redsmoke has a variety of menu choices, from Pit Smoked meats, such as the ribs I chose, to pulled pork and Texas beef brisket and Apple smoked chicken. Blackeyed peas with spinach over rice, candied sweet yams, and collard greens, are also a few offerings. House, Caesar and Greek salads were also available. 

When we were done indulging, we asked for a doggy bag.  We had heard there were a few homeless guys that play jazz music around and about.   Leaving Redsmoke, we handed a gentleman who had been playing his horn, our bag, and said "enjoy."  He was very thankful, and for us, besides the great food, it was the best part of the whole visit.

Redsmoke offers carryout service and catering. They are open Sunday-Thursday from 11am to 11pm. Friday and Saturday, until Midnight. They are located on Monroe St. in downtown Detroit, Michigan, which is located across from the Greektown Hotel, in a beautifully restored, two-story building. Our visit to Redsmoke made losing money at the casino not quite so painful. We enjoyed our visit.

Famous Dave's BBQ in Roseville, MI, - Review

The Undercover Divasneeded to try out some BBQ.  Off we went to Famous Dave’s in Roseville.  We have visited this country-style restaurant a few years ago, and when the quality of the food started to go south, we were gone.  It was nice to discover the quality has returned.   

We arrived a few hours past the dinner hour on Friday night.  People were waiting everywhere, outside, inside on benches, and just standing around.  The place has lots of tables and booths and all were not taken.  Hostess seemed to be confused on how to make things work.  The bar area was hopping and full of happy TGIF patrons watching the Detroit Tigers baseball game on the surrounding televisions.  When we were finally seated, our server came over almost immediately, and cheerfully went over the menu and took our orders.  Then we waited and waited.  It took forever for the food to come out of the kitchen.  It was quickly placed on our table by a kitchen worker, and then no contact at all throughout the dinner. 

The food was very impressive. It’s a great place to pig out on some great BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken and lots of other choices.  The ribs, chicken, etc. had a seared crispy outside and a tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone quality.  We Divas all agreed that the ribs were our choice and they are best ordered without sauce.  There is an impressive assortment of BBQ signature sauces on each table that are delicious. 

Rib dinners are ordered by how many ribs you want.  They come with a corn muffin and a choice of two sides.  Wilbur beans, corn on the cob, Mac and cheese, coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, waffle fries, and broccoli (my personal favorite), were some of the choices.  We each ordered the half-slab, had enough extra to take home for another meal, and our individual bills were all under twenty dollars. 

Luckily our food was great, and we did not need anything.  Our rib choices were all perfectly done and very delicious.  The sides are smaller than they used to be, but very good.  Two of us substituted a baked potato with the “works” for a side for $1.75 more.  It was well worth the extra cost.  The ribs were perfect, but the sides are shrinking and the wait staff was stretched too thin to give this more than a three-diva rating.  Famous Dave's is located on 13 Mile, east of Gratiot, in Roseville, MI.