European breakfast and lunch

John Hanselman and the team behind the recently opened Essen on Main – 205 S. Main Street, Royal Oak – are doing something not often seen in the area, having their restaurant focus solely on breakfast and lunch. European cuisine, primarily French and German, is on the menu, and so far, the German Farmers breakfast, Croque Madam breakfast sandwich, crepes, and schnitzel have already proven popular. Chef Brian Kraemer, formerly of Bistro 82, has taking charge in the kitchen. There’s also a full espresso and coffee menu. Despite their defined focus, guests are repeatedly asking if they’ll be expanding to dinner. “It’s flattering that people would like that, but I want to be excellent at what we’re doing now before we expand,” said Hanselman, who owns the restaurant with his mom, Katheleen. ­Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.