Layover In The Motor City
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Cuisine Style: American
Average Price: $
Overall Rating: 3/5
Dined in September 2017
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
**A full article and index glossary of restaurants, wines, recipes and travel for
Wine Dine and Play are in the pages section above, or by following these links:
The Reflections Bar and Grill and DEMA Lounge inside the Westin Hotel are attached to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and is advertised as the ultimate dining convenience at the Detroit airport, and though it is a great place to indulge in some well prepared upscale American cuisine, convenience needs reflection. To enter the Westin from the airport you have to go pass DHS airport security which entering the hotel is not a problem, but getting back to the terminal is not convenient. So give yourself lots of time before your next flight as the DHA will take their time.
Reflections; nestled amongst an indoor pond with 5,000 square foot hotel promenade with an 80-foot atrium with a bamboo grove providing a sleek and dramatic atmosphere. Reflections DEMA lounge is also a cozy meeting spot that serves cocktails and wines to satisfy any travelers palette.
Menu:
- Appetizers
- From the Brick
- Soups and Salads
- Between Two Pieces of Bread
- Main Entrees
- Sides
- Desserts
As it was a short layover I grabbed a few bites to eat with some wine, starting with an Argentinian Malbec from Alamos Gallo their flagship wine from Uco Valley, incredibly concentrated fruit flavors of plum and blackberry blends the deeply concentrated plum flavors of the country’s signature variety of Malbec with small portions of Syrah and Bonarda to add dark cherry and blackberry flavors. Well-integrated hints of brown spice and vanilla contribute layers of complexity. A full structure, firm tannins, and a long finish create an expansive palate that is hard to forget. The 2014 vintage according to the winemaker was filled with cold, wet days that led to wines with heightened acidity, lower sugar levels, and concentrated aromatics. Although yields were lowered by the cooler weather, the excellent acidity and tannins of the wines of 2014 from Mendoza grapes produced enhanced vibrant color and flavor concentration.
 |
| Brie dish |
From the robust appetizer and brick selections, I ordered the side Caesar salad and the baked brie with toasted basmati bread, apple-cranberry jam, and water crackers. They also had a meze plate, wild mushroom toast, rustic pizzas, Rueben's, assorted seafood and steak options
Dessert:
I did not have time for dessert, especially with the hold up trying to get back into the terminal but some of the selections on their menu were a creme brûlée, tiramisu teardrops, and Hudsonville Ice Cream, a Midwest Crafted Creamery from Holland, Michigan.
Please see these guidelines for Tipping in Restaurants and on following proper etiquette, customs, cultures, and avoiding assumptions when you dine out.
Other Noteworthy American Bar Articles and Restaurants:
Charleston’s Restaurant Casual American eatery; reviewed in Indianapolis, Indiana
Cypress Refined creative American fare in Charleston, South Carolina
Panfilo’s Bar and Grill Bar and Grill with hotel buffet at the Sheraton East, Tampa, Florida
Regatta on Avon Bar, pub grub and New Zealand cuisine in Christchurch, New Zealand
The Biltmore Dining Room Seasonal American cuisine in Asheville, North Carolina
The Dickens Inn 1800s warehouse dockside style British pub, in London, UK
The Zink Kitchen + Bar Modern and sleek American cuisine in Centennial, Colorado
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary”
Final notes, review basics, observations and more pictures:
Overall from this experience, and the score factors outlined in the ‘about page’ section, based on my individual experience and rating, I give Reflections a 3 out of 5 stars, meaning that they exceeded my expectations in a dining experience.
Scores are detailed in the factor chart below:
Formula Factor Conclusions and Overall Ratings
|
Max Points Possible:
|
Total Points Awarded:
|
Total Points deducted:
|
Ambiance
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
Food quality
|
9
|
7
|
2
|
Plate presentation
|
7
|
6
|
1
|
Customer service
|
6
|
4
|
2
|
Alcohol and other beverages
|
10
|
7
|
3
|
Total regular points awarded
|
42
|
33
|
9
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Total percentage — less the Bonus
|
0.785714285714286
|
||
“Wow” factor BONUS
|
5
|
1
|
0
|
Total bonus percentage
|
0.0238095238095238
|
||
Total percentage and bonus for final star rating
|
0.80952380952381
|
||
Stars Awarded (see chart below)
|
0 - 5
|
3
|
**A full break down and explanation of the observations and point disbursement is available in the linked article above. To receive a detailed copy of your score, feel free to contact me at any time and I will provide it to you.**
***
Overall Star Rating:
|
3 of 5 Stars:
81% Rating with a 1 point “wow” bonus
Exceeded All My Expectations
|
Corkage fee’s:
|
This Restaurant does not list any corkage fee’s however, most American restaurants charge
$25.00 per bottle
|
Restaurant style:
|
Casual dining
|
Cuisine Style:
|
American
Allergen or dietary accommodations:
Gluten Free, Low Carb, Pescatarian, Vegetarian Options
|
Reservations:
|
Not Required
Walk-Ins:
Accepted
|
Dress code:
|
Smart casual to Casual attire,
|
Child policy:
|
The Restaurants reviewed on this site may have a kids menu or cater to them; however, for full enjoyment of food and wine, it is recommended that kids not to be in attendance, unless they have been trained in proper etiquette.
If not then:
Hire a Babysitter!
|
Experiences:
|
Contemporary, Modern, Trendy, Lounge, Great bar, Upscale, Tourist grabber, and a Neighborhood Gem.
|
Payments:
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Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
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Parking:
|
Public Lot
|
Wifi
|
The restaurants reviewed on this site may have Wi-Fi, but do not require you to go online, because the excitement of the food and wine alone will keep you too entertained instead of checking your social media and emails.
|
Noise level:
|
Low
|
Smoking:
|
Nonsmoking restaurant
|
Patio or terrace:
|
No
|
Food Prices
(excludes, alcohol, taxes & 20% gratuity’s)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00 (pricy)
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major travelers, restaurant, or wine connoisseur’s**
Currency:
|
Price
|
United States Dollar (USD)
|
$
|
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
|
£
|
Canadian Dollar (CAN)
|
$
|
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
|
¥¥¥
|
European Union (EUR)
|
€
|
Alcohol prices:
$13.00 USD
Reflections:
The Westin
2501 Worldgateway Place
Detroit, Michigan
48242, United States
Contact Information:
Restaurant website:
|
|
Maître d or host:
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+1 734-942-6500
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Serving hours:
Eastern Standard Time
(GMT, Zulu, or UTC - 5:00)
|
Mon-Sun
06:30 am - 10:00 pm
|
Social Media
&
Accolades:
|
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****
The worlds best restaurants is a subjective list of who is writing it and changes on a regular basis. The Wine Dine and Play best experiences is based on my highest rated stared restaurants, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. From cafés, chains, mom + pops, hole in the walls, to fine dining including a few Michelin spots. Visit the Top 100 page to see the entire list.
A few to tease you with…
|
Creatively presented high-energy Mediterranean Fare
Denver, Colorado, USA
|
Farm-to-fork upscale local chain for Southwestern cuisine
Austin, Texas, USA
|
Upscale eatery with butchery at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Tampa, Florida, USA
|
Other Pictures:
Who is John Galt?
TTFN
