News Summary
Detroit is set to welcome a new Filipino bar named Calamansi at 4458 W. Vernor Highway. Aiming to celebrate Filipino culinary traditions, the bar will offer a unique menu created by Marcee Sobredilla and Tyler Olivier. With affordable cocktails and contemporary takes on traditional dishes, Calamansi is expected to enrich the city’s growing interest in Filipino culture. A preview event is scheduled before the grand opening, further showcasing the flavors of the Philippines in a modern dining atmosphere.
Detroit is welcoming a new addition to its culinary scene with the upcoming opening of a Filipino bar named Calamansi at 4458 W. Vernor Highway. Set to replace PizzaPlex, Calamansi is part of the Piquette Partners group that also includes Shelby and Leña. The bar is expected to launch by the end of 2025.
Owner Tarun Kajeepeta announced the expansion plans, highlighting the bar’s focus on creating an exciting menu that will reflect Filipino culinary traditions. The menu will be crafted by Shelby’s beverage director, Tyler Olivier, alongside his wife, Marcee Sobredilla. Sobredilla, who is known for her affiliation with Ann Arbor-based Katherine’s Catering, aims to bring her Filipino roots into the dishes served at Calamansi.
The name Calamansi is derived from a beloved citrus fruit commonly used in Filipino cuisine, which signifies the bar’s dedication to honoring its cultural roots. While specific cocktail details have yet to be revealed, there will be a significant focus on offering affordable cocktails, making it accessible to a broader audience.
The food menu is set to feature small bites that showcase traditional Filipino flavors but will do so in a contemporary way. This approach aims to attract food enthusiasts who are keen to explore the flavors of the Philippines while enjoying a modern atmosphere.
The Filipino diaspora in Detroit has been increasingly influential in the city’s culinary landscape, highlighted by the emergence of restaurants and cafes like JP Makes and Bakes, Isla, and the popular Jollibee. This trend supports the local community’s growing interest in Filipino cuisine and culture.
Prior to Calamansi’s anticipated opening, PizzaPlex, the previous tenant, briefly offered Filipino dishes and even launched a Baon subscription service before closing its doors in 2023. This service, introduced by co-founder Alessandra Carreon, aimed to cater to those seeking convenient access to Filipino meals.
Kajeepeta’s earlier venture, Shelby, made waves in the beverage community, earning a James Beard Award semifinalist spot for Outstanding Bar in 2022. This prestigious recognition adds to expectations for Calamansi as Olivier implements his expertise from Shelby into this new endeavor.
A preview event for Calamansi is scheduled to run from July 9 to August 2 of this year. The event will be open from Thursdays to Saturdays, giving locals a taste of what to expect before the full opening. Meanwhile, Coffee Down Under, another establishment within the Piquette Partners group, has been rebranded as Streetside @ Shelby. This venue will also offer cocktails and operates from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
In addition to its beverage offerings, Shelby will host a series of pop-ups featuring local chefs, broadening the local food community and providing a platform for seasonal, creative cuisine. These events are being promoted through social media channels, ensuring that the community remains informed and engaged.
As Calamansi prepares to join the diverse culinary lineup in Detroit, it promises to be a place where patrons can enjoy traditional Filipino flavors in a modern setting, further enriching the city’s vibrant dining scene.
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Additional Resources
- Eater Detroit: Calamansi Filipino Bar
- Wikipedia: Food in the Philippines
- Eater Detroit: Best Paczki Day
- Google Search: Filipino cuisine
- Detroit Free Press: Valentine’s Day Restaurants
- Google Scholar: Filipino cuisine Detroit
- Detroit News: Filipino American History Month
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Filipino Cuisine
- Seattle Refined: Moto Pizza
- Google News: Detroit cuisine
