Top 10 Takeover dining series: Tickets for Willow go on sale Friday
For diners who have not yet had the opportunity to approach the golden door at Willow, the Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 Takeover dinner and cocktail series offers a chance to experience the whimsical entrance and the majestic interior behind it.
On April 24, guests have the opportunity to visit Willow, which landed the No. 10 spot among the Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers 10 Best New Restaurants and More. The Black-owned speakeasy just downstairs from 2017 Best New Restaurant No. 10 Savannahblue, serves up craft cocktails that pay homage to African American pioneers of the bar industry and dons décor that celebrates Black culture.
Here, one of the venue highlights is a faux willow tree twinkling with string lights that cascades over a dimly lit bar. The space’s focal point nods to the weeping tree that brings shade to warm cities in the American South.
For the event, diners will experience a four-course tasting of small plates curated by Savannahblue with a selection of three stirred, shaken or nonalcoholic cocktail pairings from Willow. A vegetarian menu will be available to those with dietary restrictions and preferences.
Related: No. 10: Willow speakeasy in Detroit is time capsule for Black culture
Related: Best in dining: Metro Detroit's top 10 restaurants, pop-ups, cocktail bars
For Free Press subscribers, tickets for the event are available today, Thursday April 6, while tickets for the public will follow at noon Friday, April 7. Tickets are $68 per person.
Detroit free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 Takeover at Willow Menu
First Course: Watermelon & Arugula Salad
Watermelon with arugula feta and balsamic reduction
Second Course: Mini Lump Crab Cakes
Lump crab with Cajun remoulade
Third Course: Dry Rubbed Wings
Tossed rubbed wings w/ mango habanero salsa
Fourth Course: Braised Oxtail w/ White Cheddar Risotto
White cheddar risotto saffron and pulled braised oxtail
Vegetarian Menu:
First Course: Watermelon & Arugula Salad
Watermelon with arugula feta and balsamic reduction
Second Course: Roasted Cauliflower
Berbere spice, crushed salted peanuts, cardamom yogurt
Third Course: Black-eyed Pea Hummus
Fourth Course: Flavorful Hoppin Johns
Cocktail Menu:
Amuse: Cold brew Jameson milk punch
Stirred Cocktails:
#1 Willow Old Fashion
Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Maple, Bitters, Smoke cinnamon
#2 Her Majesty
Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Citrus Ole, Bitters, Rosemary
Shaken Cocktails:
#1 Michigan Blossom
Anteel Repo, Montelobos Mezcal, Amaro Nonino, Oatmilk, Lemon, Strawberry
#2 Love Me Love Me Not
Botanist Gin, St Germaine, Lemon, Pink Pegua Rose
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails:
#1 Spice of Summer
Seedlip 94, Ginger, Pineapple, Lemon, Lime, Slice of Habo
#2 Dreamsicle
Lyre's Amaretti, Mango Anise Simple, Lemon, Whole egg
Visit freep.com/top10 for tickets. Bonus! For the 2023 Top 10 Takeover dinner series, the Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers are offering a chance to win two tickets to each event. Head to chevydetroit.com/top10 to enter.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Top 10 Takeover: Tickets for downtown Detroit speakeasy Willow on sale
