The heartland of America

Coeur has opened in the space that was the former home of Ferndale’s Assaggi Bistro. Coeur is a New American small plates restaurant with an optional tasting menu that tends to lean French. The eatery is owned by Chef Jordan Smith, who hails from Toronto. Smith’s family moved to Chicago when Jordan was a child and later to the Detroit area, where they lived for several years until he graduated from Cranbrook in 2007. He went on to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America and also holds an MBA. Smith notes that “Coeur” means heart in French and said the inspiration for the name comes from the restaurant’s location in the heartland of America. The menu rotates frequently based on seasonal ingredients sourced from curated purveyors. Coeur offers small plates, large plates, and five-course prix fixe options, which showcases themed pairings of flavors and textures. The interior design aesthetic is simple and warm, using relatively unmodified materials – polished concrete floors, wood and leather, giving the space a Scandinavian vibe. “We are thrilled to be in Ferndale where the community has made us feel so welcome. We’ve partnered with some small farms and local purveyors right here in town. At the end of the day, I’m a food and beverage nerd, and my goal is to share my passion and appreciation for food and wine with customers, family and friends – and have them enjoy just as much,” said Smith. 330 W Nine Mile Road, Ferndale  coeurferndale.com