Peek Inside Ferndale’s Dreamy New Sandwich Oasis #DetroitFood

GB in Detroit

Spicy mortadella sandwiches in crunchy semolina batards, thick-cut turkey with herby mayo, and comforting soups

Frigid temperatures couldn’t stop the throngs of spicy mortadella sandwiches fans who showed out just before the new year to get a peek inside the highly anticipated Tall Trees Cafe at 817 Livernois in Ferndale. The brainchild of longtime hospitality worker Mike Finsilver, the cozy shop offered a line of customers who snaked outside the spot on a dreary, late-December afternoon a chance to preview the space during Detroit Sandwich Week, before the space officially opens to the public on Wednesday, January 8.

Tall Trees Cafe is situated in a petit 700-square-foot space next door to another popular spot, Secret Bakery helmed by Maxwell Leonard. The bright, open interior is accented with light wood tones and forest green and features the woodworking talents of Trever Long, a friend of Finsilver who also works in the local dining scene. Currently, there’s seating available for 10 to 12 diners and Finsilver tells Eater that Long is working to construct built-in furniture that will increase seating to about 20.

Crowds showed up on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Tall Trees Cafe at 817 Livernois in Ferndale to preview the mortadella sandwiches during Sandwich Week Detroit.

Finsilver brought on Malgorzata Bitel, who previously worked with Finsilver as manager of the Tall Tree’s founder’s former Belt Alley cart, Hell Yeah Dog. Finsilver began popping up with his picturesque sandwiches about a year or so ago, but had been a fixture in Detroit’s restaurant and bar industry for nearly 15 years at establishments like the now- closed speakeasy the Keep speakeasy, Mudgie’s Deli & Wine Shop, and the formerly-named PJ’s Lager House in Corktown. In addition to running Hell Yeah Dog, he previously co-owned Satellite Food Truck, which is in the process of opening its own space in Clawson. Malgorzata also did stints at several other Detroit area hotspots, including Selden Standard, San Morello, and Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro in Birmingham.

The spicy mortadella, made with crunchy semolina batards, and the Clong, a thick-cut turkey sandwich in focaccia bread are two specialties of Tall Trees Cafe in Ferndale, Michigan.

On the menu is Finsilver’s popular mortadella sandwich — which played a starring role during December’s Sandwich Week festivities — along with a rotating handful of other sandwiches. The mortadella comes with thinly sliced mortadella, a fiery house-made bomba calabrese spread, chopped iceberg lettuce salad in a preserved lemon buttermilk dressing, and crunchy semolina batards topped with sesame seeds. Another offering that’s already proving to be a fan favorite is a thick-cut turkey sandwich that Finsilver calls the Clong, featuring turkey raised on the west side of the state, provolone cheese, an herby mayo, a roasted cherry tomato spread, pickled shallots with dressed greens on focaccia bread. Proof Bakery prepares bread for the shop; Finsilver describes Proof as a freelance operation out of Birmingham that can fulfill wholesale orders. Occasionally, he’ll turn to his neighbor at Secret Bakery for collaborations. Deli meat is being supplied by local cheese and specialty food distributor R. Hirt Jr., Co. To drink, Tall Trees offers locally roasted drip coffee, bottled drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition, during the colder months, diners can enjoy a variety of soups, like a roasted mushroom gumbo, influenced by Finsilver’s early education in Creole and Cajun cuisine, and a dill pickle soup, informed by Bitel’s Polish American upbringing. During the warmer months, a line of salads will also be available, and Finsilver hopes to source ingredients from local farms.

Tall Trees Cafe is at 817 Livernois in Ferndale, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, starting Wednesday, January 8. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday.

from Eater Detroit - All