Gastronomy restaurant re-opens today as Epic Café Southfield, a casual concept that features chef-inspired comfort fare. The rebranding initiative followed a focus group that polled participants about desired menu offerings.
“Although nearly every person loved the quality and creativity of Gastronomy, it was not something most of our guests desired on a routine basis,” said Eric J. Djordjevic, president of The Epicurean Group. “In addition, there was an overwhelming request for simpler, faster, and less expensive food, along with traditional bar offerings.”
Entrees on Gastronomy’s dinner menu ranged from $28 to $42, and included dishes such as seared scallops. Under the Epic Café brand, the new menu includes breakfast and lunch options, with sandwiches and entrees — including chicken and waffles and classic deli sandwiches — ranging in price from $8 to $12.
This doesn’t necessarily signify the end to the Gastronomy brand, however. “We still have confidence in the Gastronomy brand, and will be looking at sites for a possible re-opening sometime in the future,” Djordjevic said.
Epic Café Southfield — located on the ground floor of the Baker Tilly building in Southfield (formerly Morton’s The Steakhouse) — will operate Monday through Friday. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the bar will stay open until 8 p.m. for happy hour and food service.
This is the company’s third Epic Café location — the other two are located in Troy, at the MET Hotel and the Michigan Design Center — with additional openings planned for the future.
In other news, in April, the company will team up with Atwater Brewery to open Atwater in the Park in Grosse Pointe Park. Located in the former Grace United Church of Christ, at 1175 Lakepointe, the biergarten/restaurant will offer a full menu and feature 40 beers on tap.
Epicurean also recently relocated its Northern Lakes Seafood Restaurant to I-75 and Crooks in Troy, in the former Charley’s Crab space next to the MET Hotel.