Sue Selasky – September 17, 2020

Steamed Sake Clams from Ima

Shawarma and falafel. Ramen bowls. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork.

An array of culinary diversity is embedded in Madison Heights and the city is kicking off its first week-long celebration of it.

Madison Heights Restaurant Week begins Sunday and runs through Sept. 26, with restaurants offering pre-selected menu specials or discounted meals on dine-in or carry out options.

Restaurant weeks are designed to give customers new to the restaurant a taste of its offerings. They’re also a reminder of old favorites and a way to explore the area.

“Madison Heights Restaurant Week will shine a spotlight on the city for the dining town that we are,” Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein said in a statement. “It’s the best kept secret of the area but we want to share the news of our global diversity for everyone to explore and indulge.”

Sixteen restaurants are participating in the debut event, according to the list at madisonheightsrestaurantweek.com. Included is newcomer Lao Pot, which opened in December on John R and serves up trendy Chinese hot pot dishes.

A spread of dishes ready to cook for hot pot at Lao Pot in Madison Heights, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.

Lao Pot, which was listed at No. 10 of the Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Best New Restaurants 2020, will have special offers based on the amount spent.

The participating list also includes Ima, the Detroit Free Press 2019 Restaurant of the Year. Ima, lauded for its deftly crafted menu of udon and ramen noodle bowls with additions like butter-poached lobster tail and soft-cooked egg, is offering a 15% discount off your bill during restaurant week.

Other participating restaurants offer cuisines ranging from Japanese fusion to Lebanese to Italian favorites, as well as pub fare and classic American homestyle and bar and grill favorites.

“What most people don’t realize is that Madison Heights is the most global dining town in Oakland County,” Ricky Dong, owner of 168 Asian Mart and Fuji Japanese Buffet on John R in Madison Heights, said in a news release. “With so many different types of food to offer, the city has something for everyone to enjoy, and we look forward to welcoming them to Madison Heights this September during Restaurant Week.”

At 168 Asian Mart, the restaurant week special includes spicy noodle soup for $9.99 and 10 steamed pork buns for $5.99.

At nearby 168 Crab Cajun Seafood & Karaoke on John R, its whole lobster, typically listed as Market Price on the menu, is $14.99. Its lobster po boy sandwiches, typically $17.99, will be offered for $14.99.

Diners can also enter an online contest for a chance to win $50 dining gift certificates, sponsored by the city. Here’s how it works: When at one of the participating restaurants, post your dining experience on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #MHRW2020contest. One gift certificate will be given out each day during the week of event.

Contact food writer Susan Selasky: 313-222-6872 or sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.