Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/807429
74 April 6 • 2017 jn nosh read cookbooks when I was a little boy. It was more out of necessity at first, and then I decided that I really liked to cook." The original idea for the restau- rant was a food preservation theme. Behind the bar would be the stan- dard alcohol and beverages, as well as jars of anything and everything — pickled and canned items and different charcuterie techniques and desserts. Conserva would pro- vide the bread, and the guests could select and build the meal experi- ence themselves. The space inside Conserva is not that big, putting some restric- tions on the very small kitchen, so they pivoted away from that idea and shifted to a revolving, sharable menu of medium-sized meals. Because of the small kitchen, the menu is short and tight, updated with new items weekly and with minor changes throughout the week. The high variety turnover on the menu creates a lot of intrigue for the guests as well as the staff. Despite the changing menu, some favorites have emerged already. There is an octopus dish that has remained on the menu since the opening in December. There was also oxtail pasta that was very popular, and it will be returning to the menu soon. "The best way to enjoy the menu is to order a couple of things and share them," Matt says. Conserva already has a follow- ing of mostly local foodies and many Ferndale residents. Being on Nine Mile Road just east of Woodward, tucked up under the Lofts on 9 Condominium Complex, Conserva gets instant patronage from the residents above as well as from the homes in the surrounding neighborhoods. "The menu is designed by flavor profile and the weight of the dish," Matt says. "On the kitchen side of it, the heavier items usually come out last because they take a bit longer to cook, and you want to finish with your steak not your beet salad. Sharing is the best way to go with this menu." The menu is nimble, brief and rich with flavor, fea- turing only eight to 10 items; while there is a 45-day dry-aged New York strip, there is also crispy chicken liver and champagne cream poached oysters on this week's menu. The goal is to keep the guests and staff excited. The cocktails, beer and wine lists are all as enticing as the food menu. The Conserva is a venue with the focused niche of a small footprint. With experience that grew at Cliff Bells in Detroit and pop-up dinners, Matt, Jared and Steve bring a variety of skill and knowledge to Conserva's space. • e Conserva 201 E. 9 Mile, Ferndale (248) 291-6133 www.theconserva.com FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: A dish featuring prawns, artichoke hearts, lemon and capers. A selection of craft drinks are avail- able for happy hour. Look for the artwork and murals inside the restaurant. continued from page 73 Moms Deserve ! Gift Cards Available! BUY 2 GET 1 FREE * ! $ 48 FREE HYDROLUXE MASSAGE WITH PURCHASE Consists of a 50-minute service and time for consultation and dressing. Normal rate $89. First time customers only. See spa for details. Expires 5/31/17. 1 HOUR MASSAGE OR FACIAL $ 100 REVIVE SPECIAL 1 Hour Standard Massage 1 Hour LuXe Facial Eye and Scalp Treatment *Massage/facial each consist of 50-minute service and time for consultation and dressing. See spa for details. Expires 5/31/17. WEST BLOOMFIELD 248-716-7760 6563 Orchard Lake Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322 NOVI 248-826-2629 43296 11 Mile Rd. Novi, MI 48375 *See spa for details. Gift cards must total $150. Free massage or facial certificate ($74 value) must be redeemed at the location which it was purchased. Now Awarding Franchises Nationwide, Visit MassageLuXe.com. THE GALLERY RESTAURANT Daily Special to choose from for lunch & dinner… Dinner specials come with complimentary rice or chocolate pudding or jello "For 40 years, Gallery Restaurant has served up masterpieces" ~ Danny Raskin #MPPNGJFME1MB[Bt5FMFHSBQI3PBEBOE.BQMFt www.thegalleryrestaurant2.com OPEN 7 DAYS: .0/4"5BNQN 46/BNQN Now Serving Beer & Wine #ROOKS 2D .ORTH OF ,ONG ,AKE 2D 4ROY -) s 0QFOEBZTBXFFLGPSMVODIBOEEJOOFS4BUBOE4VOEJOOFSPOMZtPrivate room available for up to 85 people OFF 15% TOTAL FOOD BILL Expires 4/30/17 UP TO $30.00 $BUFSJOHGPSBMM0DDBTJPOTt$BSSZ0VUt0VS4QFDJBMJUZ-PX$BSC3JCT$IJDLFO-BNC3JCT Try Our New Boneyard Beef Ribs! Orchard Lake Rd. South of 14 MiletFarmington Hills 248-851-7000 10 % OFF TOTAL BILL &YDMVEJOHUBYUJQBOECFWFSBHFTt8JUIUIJTBEt$BSSZPVUPS%JOFJOt&YQJSFT+/ /PUWBMJEPO)PMJEBZT