EM opens in Birmingham

The wait is over! The outdoor seating at Birmingham’s EM was set to go in May and tempted customers all summer long – yet the eatery didn’t officially open its doors until late October. The establishment is the newest addition to the Bongiovanni family’s restaurant portfolio which includes Sal’s, (formerly known as Salvatore Scallopini) and Market North End in Birmingham; Luxe Bar & Grill, in Birmingham and Grosse Pointe Farms; and O.W.L. in Royal Oak. The initialism “EM” stands for employee meal and represents the fact that, next door at Market North End, the kitchen staff prepared an employee meal twice daily for staff. According to EM’s website, “For an employee meal, anything goes… but throughout the years, the consistent highlight amongst our staff has been the Mexican cooking. When the kitchen cooks from their hearts and shares the items that they grew up on – the items their moms taught them how to make.” The menu is eclectic Mexican, inspired by the coast, with an emphasis on fresh seafood.  Popular dishes include grilled fresh fish of the day or whole fish, fried crispy with pickled onions & cilantro; chicken quarters chargrilled with Morita salsa; lamb ribs which are dry rubbed with lemon & garlic; and an array of tacos, tortas and tostadas. EM is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday.  470 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham embirmingham.com