OC Restaurant Quest: Ford's Garage in Novi

OC Restaurant Quest: Ford's Garage in Novi

(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 20, 2023)

Novi, MI – Fans of fast cars, classic trucks, and the shine of chrome might enjoy the recently opened Ford's Garage restaurant in Novi. The restaurant is part of a chain with licensing to use the Ford Motor Company branding, paying homage to automotive history and the brand that helped it all begin.

A friend and I cruised in for a Sunday Brunch, and found lots to see in the lively space.

Bathed in blue light, the bar takes center stage with a Model A – Ford's second mass-produced vehicle – suspended from the ceiling. The walls are adored with old timey-signs, vehicle parts, and historic photographs. Instead of napkins on the table, guests use shop rags with metal hose clamps in lieu of napkin rings. And in the "Rest Stops," the walls shine with chrome and the sinks are made of tires with faucets shaped like gasoline nozzles.

I had the Crispy Pork Belly Eggs Benedict, which was a "Thick Griddled English Muffin, Crispy Pork Belly Slabs, Tomato, Avocado and Sunny-Side Up Eggs, Topped with Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce, Served with Breakfast Potatoes." It was a spicier twist on a classic dish that revved up my taste buds and helped fuel me up for a busy day of reporter stuff.

My dining companion had Ford's Original Nachos topped with Grilled Chicken, Topped with Bourbon BBQ Sauce, Ford's Beer Cheese and Pico de Gallo on White Corn Tortilla Chips.

The menu is full of interesting choices, but since I had brunch I’ll start with those. Visitor's to Ford's Garage might enjoy the Spiced Belgian Waffle, the Garage Skillet, the Monte Cristo or more.

For lunch and dinner there are a number of burger choices, each with a bun seared with the restaurant's logo.

The burgers are 1/2 lb of Black Angus Beef shaped by hand and never frozen. Any burgers can also be made with a Veggie Burger as an alternative. The High Octane Burger, for example, has Tillamook Pepper Jack Cheese, Guacamole, Chipotle Ketchup, Chopped Romaine, Tomato, Red Onion, and Fresh Jalapeño Peppers on a Brioche Bun."

The Ford's Signature has "Tillamook Sharp Cheddar, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Bourbon BBQ Sauce, Chopped Romaine, Tomato, and Red Onion"

At this location, the Mushroom and Swiss Burger is named after Novi Mayor Bob Gatt and the Patty Melt is named for Novi High School Principal Nicole Carter.

The drinks are called "Ford Fusions," and they have names like Model Tea, Lincoln Bunch, and Back Seat Driver. My friend had the Mustang Mary.

Appetizers include a Giant Funnel Tower of Jumbo Piston Onion Rings, and Famous Firestone Shrimp which are battered, tossed in Boom Boom sauce, and topped with scallions. A Mac Bar has a variety of mac and cheese options, and there are also salads on the menu.

Ford's Garage has locations in the Midwest, plus Texas and Florida. The Novi location is at 44175 W. 12 Mile. Learn more at https://www.fordsgarageusa.com/locations/novi/.

Oakland County Times is on a QUEST to enjoy every local restaurant in Oakland County. This long-term project is a labor of love, supported by our friends at White Castle. White Castle is a family-owned company that is proud to be one of only 20 large employers to make the Fortune Best Places to work list in 2022. With steam-grilled sliders, crispy golden french fries, fantastic slides like onion chips or fried clams, and the best chocolate shakes, White Castle is a by far our top choice for a fast food meal. Check out their website at www.WhiteCastle.com.

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