xyz-tavern.jpg

It’s all but guaranteed, says Randy Kelley: XYZ the Tavern will open its doors next Friday (February 18) at 5 p.m.

“It was a loooong time coming, I’ll tell you what,” Kelley said with a sigh of relief. The final inspections took place this week, finally clearing the way for the Detroit Shoreway restaurant’s opening.

Along with Linda Syrek and Alan Glazen, Kelley also runs the popular ABC the Tavern in Ohio City. XYZ (http://www.xyzthetavern.com) takes the place of the long-defunct Perry’s Family Restaurant on Detroit Road, near W. 65th Street. The restaurant will feature affordable and creative comfort food, craft beer, and one of the most extensive whiskey selections in town.

The “soft opening” that will run next Friday and Saturday (February 18 and 19) will treat walk-in visitors to free samples of the kitchen’s upcoming menu. There will be a regular cash bar. The official opening will follow the following week.

“It’s gonna be great,” adds Kelley.

This article appears in Feb 9-15, 2011.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.