We dined at Mabel Gray in Ferndale and opted for the tasting menu. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience. Ajay, our waiter, was fantastic—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. The entire team worked seamlessly and made us feel well taken care of throughout the evening. The meal started beautifully with excellent oysters, followed by a Belgian endive salad, then a tuna crudo that was clean and well-executed. A creamy polenta with pecorino cheese was comforting and rich, and the apple chai sorbet was a refreshing and creative palate cleanser. The final course was Wagyu beef with watercress and curry. While the quality of the food was undeniably high, the only thing I questioned was the overall flow of the menu—it felt like a journey from Italy that ended with curry, which was a bit abrupt stylistically. That said, every dish on its own was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. Because of the strong service and clear talent in the kitchen, this is a place I’ll definitely give another try. Mabel Gray is doing a lot right, and I’m curious to see how the menu evolves.
Mabel Gray
Excerpts
We dined at Mabel Gray in Ferndale and opted for the tasting menu. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience. Ajay, our waiter, was fantastic—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. The entire team worked seamlessly and made us feel well taken care of throughout the evening. The meal started beautifully with excellent oysters, followed by a Belgian endive salad, then a tuna crudo that was clean and well-executed. A creamy polenta with pecorino cheese was comforting and rich, and the apple chai sorbet was a refreshing and creative palate cleanser. The final course was Wagyu beef with watercress and curry. While the quality of the food was undeniably high, the only thing I questioned was the overall flow of the menu—it felt like a journey from Italy that ended with curry, which was a bit abrupt stylistically. That said, every dish on its own was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. Because of the strong service and clear talent in the kitchen, this is a place I’ll definitely give another try. Mabel Gray is doing a lot right, and I’m curious to see how the menu evolves.
I heard from multiple people that Mabel Gray was amazing, I was excited to finally check it out for myself. Yesterday morning a reservation opened up for 7pm and we couldn't say no. The atmosphere was fun, lots of different types of art and textures everywhere. We sat on the bar side, which gave us a view of the kitchen. It was loud but not too loud, loud enough to not hear the conversations around us, but quiet enough to still be able to talk without shouting. We both ordered the tasting menu and some drinks to go with it. If you enjoy a sweet drink - the Bada Bing was really good (yes, it's a Sopranos reference). The service was amazing! We had Collin and he was a delight!! He was funny and prompt, everything was so quick, he moved with such an ease between all his tables. Helping him, i wish I got her name - she has blonde hair and a septum piercing- I LOVED how she described the food! You could tell it was a lot of passion & she was fun. Now the food- Our tasting menu was exquisite! Started with oysters one raw with Adam's chili crisp and the other baked with tallow emulsion. I've had oysters 3 other times- was not a big fan (normally they have a booger like texture) but not these! These changed my mind and may have ruined me for all other Oysters! They were so good!! We were still talking about them at the end of our meal & this morning. (One thing to call out- the oysters are served sitting on salt. Don't eat the salt. Haha!) Followed by the oysters was a potato and leek bisque with crispy shallot, barbed sour cream, smoked cheddar, scallion and bacon. It was so smooth and hit all the right notes! Then was the scallop- I wish I wrote more down, it may have been my favorite dish of the night. I could have licked that plate clean. It had this incredible sauce, cilantro, jalapeño - make sure you get all the things in each bite! It will make you melt! ... If I haven't convinced you yet to get the tasting menu.. you are missing out. Each dish was incredible! Highly recommend and can't wait to return!
I heard from multiple people that Mabel Gray was amazing, I was excited to finally check it out for myself. Yesterday morning a reservation opened up for 7pm and we couldn't say no. The atmosphere was fun, lots of different types of art and textures everywhere. We sat on the bar side, which gave us a view of the kitchen. It was loud but not too loud, loud enough to not hear the conversations around us, but quiet enough to still be able to talk without shouting. We both ordered the tasting menu and some drinks to go with it. If you enjoy a sweet drink - the Bada Bing was really good (yes, it's a Sopranos reference). The service was amazing! We had Collin and he was a delight!! He was funny and prompt, everything was so quick, he moved with such an ease between all his tables. Helping him, i wish I got her name - she has blonde hair and a septum piercing- I LOVED how she described the food! You could tell it was a lot of passion & she was fun. Now the food- Our tasting menu was exquisite! Started with oysters one raw with Adam's chili crisp and the other baked with tallow emulsion. I've had oysters 3 other times- was not a big fan (normally they have a booger like texture) but not these! These changed my mind and may have ruined me for all other Oysters! They were so good!! We were still talking about them at the end of our meal & this morning. (One thing to call out- the oysters are served sitting on salt. Don't eat the salt. Haha!) Followed by the oysters was a potato and leek bisque with crispy shallot, barbed sour cream, smoked cheddar, scallion and bacon. It was so smooth and hit all the right notes! Then was the scallop- I wish I wrote more down, it may have been my favorite dish of the night. I could have licked that plate clean. It had this incredible sauce, cilantro, jalapeño - make sure you get all the things in each bite! It will make you melt! ... If I haven't convinced you yet to get the tasting menu.. you are missing out. Each dish was incredible! Highly recommend and can't wait to return!
After trying a few other similar spots in metro Detroit, we decided Mabel Gray would be next on our list. While making the reservation, we noted a dietary restriction as requested. However, when we arrived for dinner they had no knowledge of the restriction. This resulted in a delay so our server could ask the chef about accommodating it, but our drink order was not taken. We sat sipping water for too long and it started things off on a sour note. I was worried it was a sign of things to come. Luckily this wasn't the case. Everything after that was perfect. The service was stellar and the tasting menu was delicious. My wife had the drink pairings and felt they were all nicely chosen. The portions are generous for a tasting menu, so by the time we finished the eighth course we were stuffed. The standout for me was the quail over coconut curry and my wife loved the braised lamb and lentil stew. The only dish of the eight that didn't hit for either of us was the endive, mortadella and pistachio. The venue was nicely lit and had a good decor/vibe for the experience. The music was perfect, thanks to a long run of Sade :)