APACC 1st Restaurant Week - Discover Detroit's Culinary Gems: Leña's Spanish Flavors and Shelby's Speakeasy Charm

If you're in Detroit, you've gotta check out Leña and Shelby!
 
Leña: A Warm and Inviting Spanish-Inspired Experience
 
Located at 2720 Brush Street, it's open Wednesday to Friday from 5 PM to 10 PM, and from 4 PM to 10 PM on Saturdays, and 3 PM to 9 PM on Sundays.
 
This Spanish-inspired restaurant, opened by Tarun Kajeepeta just recently, brings the flavors and traditions of the Basque and Catalan regions to Detroit. The open kitchen with its wood-fired hearth creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for a meal with friends or family.


Owner: Tarun Kajeepeta / Credit: Christopher Lau

What we tried:
 
The Steak Escaliva was amazing—30-day dry-aged Michigan T-bone steak served with hearth-roasted peppers and onions in a rich Pedro Ximenez jus. We also loved the Patatas Bravas and the Ensalada Verde. The bravas sauce was so delicious that we kept dipping and enjoying each bite.


Credit: Christopher Lau
 
Though we didn’t try everything, the staff recommended the Gambas a la Plancha—whole jumbo prawns cooked over fire with house hearth butter—and the vibrant selection of pintxos, a staple of the Spanish bar-hopping experience.
 
Oh, and don't miss the unique Porrón experience—they pour the wine directly into your mouth from a distance, adding a fun, festive vibe to the evening.
 
Shelby: A Unique and Intimate Speakeasy Experience
 
After our delicious dinner at Leña, we headed to Shelby for a unique date night experience.
 
Located at 607 Shelby Street, it's open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 PM to 12 AM, and from 5 PM to 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
 
The contrast between the cute coffee shop front and the mysterious entry behind a closed metal door sets the stage for an extraordinary evening. Walking through the door, we found ourselves in a speakeasy-style bar, and further in, we discovered a restored 1920s bank vault, blending Detroit’s rich history with a modern, intimate vibe.


 Credit: Christopher Lau

We tried the Beef Carpaccio and Whitefish Dip, which paired perfectly with our drinks—a Lynmar Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, and a House Call, a cocktail with floral and spice-forward notes of cinchona, gentian root, grapefruit, orange, lemon zest, black and pink peppercorn, cardamom, anise, and lemongrass.


 Credit: Christopher Lau

The bustling and unique vibe at Shelby made for a memorable end to our night. Sipping cocktails in a historic bank vault added an extra layer of intrigue and charm to our evening. Shelby also offers private event space inside the bank vault that can host up to 30 people, making it an ideal spot for special occasions.
 
Ending AAPI Heritage Month strong by supporting these fantastic local businesses! Check out Christopher Lau’s YouTube vlog for a full review, showcasing the vibrant dishes at Leña and the unique ambiance of Shelby, as well as other carefully curated restaurants and cafe.
 
If you've been to Leña or Shelby, we'd love to hear about your experiences! Share your favorite dish, dining photos, and any recommendations for other AAPI-owned restaurants. Your photos will be featured in our next newsletter!