My daughter has an interest in nostalgia and family history. So for the past year I have been driving around the metro area showing her the houses I grew up in and the places I hung out with my friends as well as restaurants I went to as a kid with my family. One day Samantha and I took a long drive down Jefferson ave. We started at Metro Beach and followed it all the way thru the Pointes and into downtown Detroit.
We were hungry so we stopped for an early lunch at Sinbad’s on St Clair Ave right by the Roostertail. Now I remember Sinbad’s from over 40 years ago. I was delighted that it was still open and was dying to show Sam a restaurant that had such great memories for me. I immediately regaled her with how great the food was and what a great view the restaurant had on the water. When we went in, the place had the same sort of kitchy decor, resembling an old wood sailing ship. It hadn’t changed much if at all. We were seated very close to the window and had a spectacular view of the parking lot that butts up against the marina. boy what a rip off, not the scenery I remember.
Sam ordered a salad that was garnished with fruit and came with a raspberry vinaigrette. I ordered some escargot and calamari. The server also brought some fresh rolls for the table as well. Sam’s salad was fresh but she wasn’t a fan of the dressing. I thought it was very good. The escargot, which Sam tried (very proud of her) was good but not great and the calamari was just okay nothing special. The rolls however were top notch and we enjoyed them as I told her about how I used to come here on special occasions with my folks and my sister.
My daughter listened intently to my stories and we had fun but ultimately the meal and the experience was a let down. Now do not get me wrong, most of my disappointment was not the fault of Sinbad’s but it lies with me. Even though Sinbad’s hasn’t changed, I have. What I remember as a kid just didn’t quite translate to me 40 years later. Is Sinbad’s a great dining experience? Nope, it isn’t. But let me tell you why you should go there and experience it for yourself. Sinbad’s is a family owned restaurant that has been around for over 60 years. It is a Detroit icon. When I looked around, I could see there were regulars there and people who the owner/manager personally took care of. There were families, young couples, old couples, people of all backgrounds all enjoying a Detroit landmark and that doesn’t always happen. So even though I could not journey back home again, I still tip my hat to Sinbad’s. Till we meet again old friend.