Our first night in Detroit, we met with some other journalists covering the Auto Show, and had a quick "how-to" session on covering the show, all over some great food.

We couldn't decide on an appetizer, so we went all-out and got the appetizer platter. We had Alligator Voodoo (deep-fried alligator), Catfish Beignet (catfish fritters), calimari, and two kinds of hot wings--one set sweet and another spicy. My pick of the litter was the catfish, but I tried each option--except the calimari. The platter was a $30 smorgasbord.

Believe it or not, we were still hungry after that, so we each ordered an entrée. I had a 6-ounce filet mignon and some redskin potatoes. With a little bit of cajun spice, the meat had an incredible taste. In addition, it was very tender, and was well-complemented by the redskin potatoes. That rang up another $16 on the bill.

The total bill for four people at the table, was $104. The service was good--our waitress was on the ball with refills and so forth, but was a little slow on the first approach to the table. The atmosphere was okay. We were not seated in the restaurant itself, but in the breezeway between the restaurant and the hotel, so I didn't feel like I got the full experience of Fishbones.

We also got to try Fishbone's breakfast menu--again because the restaurant was next to our hotel. The blueberry pancakes were pretty good, and there was also a continental breakfast offered. Per person, you could do a decent breakfast for under $10

Overall, here's how I'd rate Fishbones on a scale of 1-10: food an 8, service a 7, atmosphere a 7.

Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe is in Greektown, though it is decidedly not a Greek restaurant. Walking into Fishbone's is a little like walking into a restaurant by the French Market in New Orleans, except the accents are different. This restaurant has a fine funky feel to it, with mosaic tile designs on the floors and walls, and a stamped tin ceiling. Upon entering, you are invited to pick a string of Mardi Gras beads from a big tin tub. The color of the beads is supposed to tell your fortune.

I visited Fishbone's with six other people. We were greeted and seated promptly. This was a Monday night, and the place does get more crowded on weekends. Our server took the request for separate checks in stride (which would never have happened if the place was actually in New Orleans). We were served drinks quickly, and complimentary bread and garlic butter appeared right away.

The menu relies heavily on seafood with a Cajun flair: Crawfish Etoufee, Seafood Gumbo, and four, count 'em four, different oyster appetizers. Chicken, ribs, steak, and pasta are also available. Sandwiches are huge, and are easily a meal in themselves. Entrees range in price from $8.95 for Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage, to $25.95 for Five Lamb Chops with two side orders.

Sandwiches cover a wide variety, from BBQ Pork to Chicken Caesar to Soft Shell Crab. Price are between $6.95 and $8.95. All sandwiches come with fries. They also have a Muffuletta sandwich, a New Orleans staple, for $8.25.

Our meal was a bit slow coming, but considering the size of the group and the variety of orders, the wait was not out of line.

I had the Grilled Chicken Caesar Po-Boy sandwich, and it was OK. It consisted of a whole (not half) chicken breast with lettuce and Caesar dressing on crusty bread. The chicken was a little dry, but the dressing was tasty. This was accompanied by pretty good steak fries, and was more than I could eat.

The rest of my group had roast beef sandwiches, which were universally pronounced good, or a seafood entree, which was also agreed to be good. The only dish that was not particularly well received was the Chicken with Andouille Sausage, but that was more due to the preferences of the diner.

Our bill was brought in good order, and every one left here feeling full and flush.

Recommendation: The food is good, if not outstanding, and there is plenty of it. The ambiance is wonderful. This is the place to come with friends or colleagues, not for a quiet romantic dinner. They understand diners on expense account, and don't mind separate checks. Fishbone's is in walking distance of the RenCen and Cobo Hall.

Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen Cafe
400 Monroe Street
Detroit, MI
313-965-4600