One couple with Romanian roots is showcasing their new restaurant in the suburb.
The Detroit News recently reported on a new concept called Bar Gabi set to open at 23839 John R Road in Hazel Park. It’s described as a ‘modern Romanian bistro.” Co-owner Gabriela Botezan told What Now Detroit there is not a set opening date yet, but it will be sometime in October.
Botezan is opening the restaurant alongside her husband Gabriel Botezan. Gabriela is from Transylvania, Romania, and Gabriel is from Bucharest. The two lived in Italy and became knowledgeable on Italian cuisine before moving to the Detroit area. Their first pop-up restaurant was at Frame in 2019 in the private dining room, which they are occupying.
“I fell in love with doing pop-ups at Frame because I am able to express my roots in a way that showcases my heritage,” said Gabriel in an article from Frame’s website.
The restaurant will serve cuisine like pork belly, octopus, classic Romanian schnitzel and octopus. There may also be cevapi served, which is a grilled meat dish with garlic and other spices, grilled in skinless sausages.
Inside, the space will have a “moody” vibe, with the help of Detroit designer Colin Tury who worked on Vecino in Midtown. Bar Gabi is near the center of Hazel Park, which is a suburb north of Detroit. Next to the new restaurant is Mabel Gray, and it joins other dining establishments along John R Road.
Botezan said there will be more information released on the bar and restaurant next week.
