OC Restaurant Quest: Coeur in Downtown Ferndale
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 19, 2024)
Ferndale, MI – I finally had the chance to experience the fancy Downtown Ferndale restaurant Coeur. Coeur is French for “heart,” and the creative menu items are clearly made with it.
A friend and I enjoyed dinner at this simple, yet elegantly designed restaurant with large windows looking out at the bustle of Nine Mile. There is also a lovely outdoor dining area in the back with beautiful plants creating a garden of delights for visitors.
Coeur is known for its wine selection. I am not an expert in this area but my friend had a glass of Marietta, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Mendocino County, California. I opted for a Watermelon Lemonade mocktail made with fresh watermelon and lemon juice, mint, and sugar.
We started with warm mixed olives and potato and comte croquettes with bunt leek dip. The croquettes were basically balls of extra creamy mashed potatoes with a crispy outer layer, and the burnt leek dip added a smoke-like flavor.
For the main course my friend opted for the scallops which came beautifully presented with Belgian endive, orange, tarragon, and pistachio. I picked the Short Rib served with sunchoke, watercress, and red wine jus. The delicate meat had a robust flavor and it’s companions on the plate added earthy goodness to the meal.
Both creations were beautiful. And the dessert was even more so.
My friend had the stone fruit tart which came filled with vanilla mousse, with slices of plums and nectarines, plus a cherry, as well as ginger sable and candied hazelnuts.
I picked the smadeleines, which was a rind of graham madeleines with a center of chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
The menu at Coeur changes seasonally to highlight seasonal food options. Currently on the menu are other tasty choices like black cod, gnocchi, octopus, and American Wagyu steak tartare. Chef Jordan Smith is the person behind these, and other, great dishes.
Coeur is located at 330 W. Nine Mile Road in Downtown Ferndale. Learn more and make reservations at https://coeurferndale.com.
Oakland County Times is on a QUEST to enjoy every local restaurant in Oakland County. This long-term project is a labor of love, supported by our friends at White Castle. White Castle is a family-owned company that is proud to be one of only 20 large employers to make the Fortune Best Places to work list in 2022. With steam-grilled sliders, crispy golden french fries, fantastic slides like onion chips or fried clams, and the best chocolate shakes, White Castle is a by far our top choice for a fast food meal. Check out their website at www.WhiteCastle.com.
Do you have a suggestion for our OAKLAND COUNTY RESTAURANT QUEST? Join in the conversation on Facebook and leave your recommendations.
For all reviews, listed by city, Click HERE.
