Reporter Food: Pub Burger & Poutine under a Palm Tree at M-Brew
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 26, 2018)
Ferndale, MI – Yesterday I had the good fortune to sit in a shady corner of a wrap around porch, sipping a fruity drink and writing with a view of a palm tree.  This experience is often reserved for dream vacation advertising, yet it was actually right here in Ferndale.
M-Brew, located at 177 Vester Street, is known for their “up north” decor and cabin-like feel.  Plus the basement has an arcade full of old school games and pinball machines. But yesterday they added something Michiganders don’t often get to see – a 25 foot tall palm tree.
Owner Dean Bach said the tree is to help people “feel like they’re on vacation” through the summer.  Survival through the winter is a gamble, but with a mild winter and proper care it could survive.
In addition to the novel view, I had a lovely lunch.  M-Brew is known for their Michigan-made beer, but for those who don’t want alcohol there is a 1950’s refrigerator full of Detroit-made Towne Club soda flavors.  The cashier was super excited to see that Strawberry Melon was back in stock.  She told me it was the best so I decided to give it a shot. I am more of a Michigan Berries fan, and I think Honolulu Blue would also have been a good choice given the tropical setting.
I ordered a pub burger, which had a crispy grilled surface and a flavorful juicy center, served on a bakery bun with lettuce tomato and cheese. 
It also came with thick cut fries.  I didn’t notice this when I ordered so I did end up with a potato fest on my table, since I also decided to try the tater tot poutine.  Ooops.  No regrets though because the poutine was absolutely amazing.  Crispy golden tater tots had soaked up the gravy, while the cheese curds melted inside a delectable breading. This was the perfect food to nibble on between emails and social media posts.
M-Brew has been an advertising sponsor of Oakland County Times since they opened in 2014. Lean more about their menu at www.mbrewonline.com.
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