Experiencing Detroit, United States (US)

Think of US, first thing came on was premium outlet shopping. I had the opportunity to visit Detroit back in Sep 2013. It was my maiden trip to the far west and certainly excitement is an understatement.

Detroit is the most populous city in the US state of Michigan, the 4th largest city in the Midwest and the largest city on the US-Canada border.

When we speak of Detroit, we think of it as a automotive city. It is also well known for their American Football, Michigan Go Blue.

So next time, if you happen to wear a T-shirt with the word Michigan printed, do not be surprised when someone walks past you and shout out “Go Blue”. 😃

I flew via Delta Airlines with a transit stop over at Narita Airport.

Enjoying sky dining from SIN-NRT & NRT-DTW.

Pit stop charging at Narita Airport.

The first thing that caught my attention was this outlet at the Detroit Airport. Couldn’t help but snigger at it for a while.

My bad if you find the joke stale.

I stayed at the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel during my stay in Detroit.

Room is spacious and love the softness of the bed mattress.

Want to make an intelligent guess on why the American Flag was flying at half-mast?

Other than premium outlet shopping, food is the next most important item on my checklist.

Awesome breakfast served at Sheraton Club Lounge.

Typical western meal at the hotel on-site restaurant, Twenty-One-One-Eleven. The food portion is enormously huge.

Before my travel to US, I was strongly recommended to try out the Cheesecake Factory when I am in US.

I must be lucky when I saw this outlet in 12 Oaks Mall Novi. As an avid foodie, this was the opportunity not to be missed. However, the happiness was short-lived and I almost fell off the chair when I was told the waiting time was 4 to 5 hours. Sadly, I had to give this meal a rain-check. 😭

Enjoying a BBQ Chicken & Ribs at Ginopolis BBQ Smokehouse, Farmington Hills.

A great chinese luncheon meal at Hong Hua Fine Chinese Dining Restaurant (鸿桦), Farmington Hills. I am totally surprised that I can find such a good standard cantonese cuisine in US. The Peking Duck & wanton noodle soup deserves some attention.

Having a great Japanese meal at Ajishin restaurant especially in the cold weather.

Enjoying crab at Joe’s Crab Shack. Similar to Dancing Crab where you dispose the shells onto a pail provided and hear the “tong” sound from the pail upon throwing.

An awesomely nice french onion soup at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Livonia.

When you are in a superb steakhouse, it is a must to pay homage to their steak. I had their medium-rare fillet mignon perfectionately cooked and blends extremely well with a glass of red wine. The whole experience was simply beyond description.

Visited Mitchell’s Fish Market for their seafood delicacy.

New England Clam Chowder was marvellous with the exception of the oyster cracker which is kinda salty.

Grilled Atlantic Salmon + Pan Seared Tilapia + Sea Scallop

Fisherman’s Platter – Cod, Shrimp, Wild Sea Scallops

Grilled Sea Scallops

After a satisfying hearty meal, it will be most ideal to end it with the 7-Layer Carrot Cake. Word of caution; you need to share this out, its ridiculously huge to down it on your own.

To give you a good perspective, the height of the carrot cake is as tall as the pepper dispenser.

Experiencing fresh Mediterranean cuisine at 2Booli, Farmington Hills.

Meat lovers, you need to go for the Gaucho Experience. Gaucho is an authentic 4 star Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse).

Five Guys Burgers and Fries serves freshly made burgers and fries and it is one of the best fast food places in US. Portions are big and food is served fast and pleasant. It is a bit more expensive than other fast food places, but in exchange, you get fresh food made to order. Definitely worth it.

Enjoying a bowl of steaming kimchi ramen and a salmon maki roll @ Sushi & Rolls Japanese Restaurant, Farmington Hills on a freezing cold night seems to be the only option for tummy warming.

Another nice Chinese Restaurant, P.F. Chang, Livonia serving authentic Hunan cuisine.

Had a good rib eyed steak at T.G.I. Friday’s with a glass of margarita.

Managed to try out Thai cuisine at Thai Fresh, Livonia. Food quality not too bad but does not have the authentic thai flavours.

Chilling out at the Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery, Novi.

Guess I am really happy to cover most of the food grounds. Leaving no regrets behind.

Premium outlet shopping comes next. There are 3 premium outlet shopping that you can visit while in Detroit.

1st being Birch Run Premium Outlet. It is about 2 hours drive from Farmington Hills.

2nd will be Great Lakes Crossing Premium Outlet. This is an indoor shopping outlet making it perfect for winter shopping. It is about 45 mins drive from Farmington Hills.