Reporter Food: Antihero in Ferndale
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 3, 2019)
Ferndale, MI – I recently joined Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce Board President Dale Vigliarolo and his wife Karin at one of Ferndale’s newest and most unique restaurants – Antihero.
This Japanese Izakaya (aka pub) is the latest creation of Jeff King who also owns Imperial and Public House. Antihero opened at the end of 2018 to rave reviews and lots of hungry diners.
Many of the items were made to share, so that’s what we did. We ordered a bunch of stuff and had a big delicious feast while tucked away in a beautiful, brightly lit booth set back into the walls for a quieter, more intimate setting. The restaurant has murals, artful lighting, large community tables, and a corner in the front for the spinning of records.
Our meal began with ridiculously delicious smoked pork ribs made with caramelized fish sauce, herbs and lime. Dale said they were the best ribs he ever had.
There was also “chicken fried” tofu which was delightfully crispy on the outside and a meaty texture inside. This is made with mayo, soy-maple caramel, jalapeno, furikake, and cilantro. We also had fingerling potatoes and baked avocado.
To drink, Dale and Karin had wine and I ordered a Ume Fizz Highball made with plum brandy, St. Germain, lemon and orange bitters. Antihero is also known for their selection of Sake and Japanese whiskey, with flights of Sake available.
For the main course Karin and Dale had the kinchi carbonara made with udon, pea tendrils, spam crumbs, scallions and a sunny side egg. Dale ordered an a la carte piece of tuna that looked amazing. I had the pork ramen made with an amazing tender serving of pork belly, bok choy, shiitake mushroom, seaweed, scallion, chili salsa and egg.
The food was impeccably wonderful, full of creativity and flavor. Antihero is definitely something wonderful, and I hope people get a chance to try it.
Antihero is located at 231 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220. Find out more at www.antiheroferndale.com.
White Castle is the Reporter Food sponsor of Oakland County Times, supporting our quest to explore restaurants throughout Oakland County. Find White Castle locations, and more information about all their menu options, at www.whitecastle.com.
Do you have a suggestion for our Reporter Food column? Join in the conversation on Facebook and leave your recommendations.
Check out other Reporter Food columns HERE.