There is a new seafood restaurant opening in Ferndale tomorrow. Voyager is owned and operated by Eli Boyer and co-executive chefs Jennifer Jackson and Justin Tootla.
Jackson and Tootla relocated to Detroit from Chicago. However Tootla grew up in Bloomfield Hills, and Jackson grew up in Athens, Georgia.
The restaurant will have a raw bar that will offer diners a selection of ceviches, crudos, and oysters from around the country. The selection of oysters will differ each day, and they could be served on the half shell, fried, dressed or grilled.
The oysters have been procured by Jackson and Tootla from seaside shellfish farms like Island Creek in Massachusetts, Murder Point in Alabama, Taylor Shellfish and Hama Hama in Washington.
If a raw bar does not interest you there are other selections on the menu like Marrow and Mussels, Shrimp Toast, Chowder, Beef Tartare, and Steak with Crab Louie.
The duo has made a large effort to source as locally as they can, the beef will come from the Ferndale butcher Farm Field Table. The seafood will be from around the Great Lakes region (well, unless we’re talking about the oysters) and there will be sustainable options.
The restaurant will also have a bar which will feature wine, beer and cocktails that will compliment the seafood menu. There are only four house cocktails available on the menu including the Voyager Mai Tai. The Mai Tai will be made with Jamaican and navy-strength rums, homemade hazelnut orgeat syrup and tangerine liqueur.
“The name ‘Voyager’ points to a fresh frontier for seafood in metro-Detroit. I’d like our diners to be transported to a new place with our food, beverage and hospitality, says Boyer. “This restaurant is a truly a labor of love for all of us. I’m so proud and thankful to have Justin, Jennifer and our incredible opening team.”
The 1400 square foot restaurant was designed by the local firm five/eighths architecture.
The restaurant is bright and inviting with the a white interior with accents of aqua and coral. There is a 13 seat bar, and 28 seats in the dinning room.
If you are thinking that you are going to have to battle for a parking spot downtown, don’t worry. Voyager is off the beaten path on Vester and Burdette Street. If you’re having a tough time figuring out where that is, its behind the tire shop on 9 Mile right before you get to the train tracks.
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m and Friday and Saturday 4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Voyager is located at 600 Vester in Ferndale.
