Bakery, Brunch and Coffee Shop is worth a stop
Welcome back to another Spotlight Series with Sarah!
The series where the writer gets to know the city more personally, while the readers get to know the writer better in the process.
If there’s anything you should know about me, it’s that I love food. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Burgers, pasta, pizza, or seafood. Doesn’t matter, I don’t discriminate. I’ll eat it all.
For years now I’ve been a big fan of breakfast foods. Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, French toast, an omelet, biscuits and gravy? Yes, to all. And the best part about breakfast food is that it’s good anytime of day. Breakfast in the morning? Classic. Breakfast in the afternoon? Of course. Breakfast for dinner? Delighted.
So when I heard about a new bakery and brunch shop in Wayne, of course I had to give it a try and review it for my readers.
On Thursday, September 5th, my boyfriend and I stopped by Mike & Mona’s Bakery Brunch and Coffee Shop.
Mike & Mona’s Bakery is a separate room located inside US 12 Bar & Grill. Upon opening the door to Mike & Mona’s Bakery, you are greeted by the bakery display first.
If you recall from one of my previous Spotlights, my boyfriend and I have a sweet tooth. That being said, we decided to order some sweet treats from the bakery first. My boyfriend got a cherry chip donut and cheese danish, while I ordered a peanut butter brownie and cookie cannoli.
The cookie cannoli was smooth and creamy on the inside, and had what appeared to be Oreo crumble on the ends of it. It was a light and refreshing treat.
The peanut butter brownie was gluten free and dairy free. I am not a gluten or dairy free person (so I was not sure what I was expecting) but I was pleasantly surprised with how good the brownie tasted. The brownie was soft and the peanut butter frosting was light and not overbearing.
Out of the two sweet treats I ordered, I actually preferred the brownie.
My boyfriend is one of those humans that isn’t a fan of breakfast foods or eating earlier in the day, so he just stuck with his sweet treats. I, however, had every intention of ordering some food from the brunch menu.
For brunch, I ordered an avocado omelet with house hash and a black coffee. The avocado omelet consists of bacon, avocado, and jack cheese topped with pico.
I was brought a glass of water and my cup of coffee first. Again if you recall from one of my previous Spotlights, I am someone that drinks their coffee black, so the actual quality of coffee matters. The coffee was hot and fresh, and had a strong, solid coffee taste.
A while after, my food was brought out too. It had a beautiful presentation and I was excited to try it. The omelet was thick and had a good cheese pull. (Who doesn’t love a good cheese pull?) There was a strong bacon taste that complimented the avocado well. The tomato in pico tasted fresh.
The house hash (thinly sliced potatoes) were crispy on the edge and soft in the middle. They were honestly my favorite part of the meal.
The food was so filling, I had to get a box to take the leftovers home. (I never have leftovers, so this was new to me). I was very satisfied with my meal and overall experience. I already plan on going back to try the lobster omelet that caught my eye on the menu. Mike & Mona’s Bakery Brunch and Coffee Shop soft-opened a few months ago, but had their ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 16th.
They offered complimentary coffee and donuts while celebrating with the Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor, and city leadership.
“Thanks for showing up and supporting what we’re trying to do – bring a bakery back to Wayne,” said John Goci, Mike & Mona’s Bakery Brunch and Coffee Shop owner, and local real estate agent. “Wayne hasn’t had one in 40 years. Johnson’s was the last bakery.”
However, it was completely accidental how Goci ended up here. He bought Heritage Bakery in Livonia by circumstance and ended up partnering with a 83 year old baker.
“I fell in love with the whole bakery business and loved the customers that came in. I decided I wanted to bring a bakery to Wayne,” said Goci.
Mike & Mona’s Bakery – named after Goci’s parents – partners with Heritage Bakery and receives products from there. Due to the partnership, customers are able to place orders (like donuts) in advance with Mike & Mona’s Bakery.
“If you’re a fan of Heritage, let us know what you want in advance and we’ll have it here for you waiting,” said Goci. The bakery not only offers donuts, but items like: lemon cakes, brownies, banana cake, peach cobbler, coffee cake, cupcakes, and more. It depends on the day.
“If anyone is looking for something, I’m happy to do it,” said Brenda Dawson, Mike & Mona’s Bakery barista/head server.
After going gluten and dairy free over two years ago, Dawson started coming up with her own recipes and creations. Dawson is now passionate about making sure there are gluten free and dairy free options available for Mike & Mona’s Bakery customers.
“So many people have restrictions and there’s nothing close by that offers options for that. We have an option for everyone,” said Dawson.
The bakery also offers espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes (dairy free options included).
“There are not a lot of places that are catering to people with dietary restrictions. We’re testing the waters and seeing how the public supports it,” said Goci. “People need to support their ecosystem. It’s up to them if we make it or not.”
Some of the popular brunch items are: the potato bowls, lobster omelet, and the breakfast special.
The $6 breakfast special is available 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Wednesday – Sunday, and is: two eggs your way, four choices. 1st choice: ham, bacon, sausage, or turkey bacon (+$1.50), 2nd choice: house hash, redskin potatoes, or fries, 3rd choice: mix greens or fruit, and 4th choice: toast – white, wheat, or rye.
“This is a hand-crafted kitchen, so if you’re in a hurry, we’re not your place. Everything is prepared from scratch, so it does take a little bit longer,” said Goci. While you wait for your food, you can enjoy art. Mike & Mona’s Bakery Brunch and Coffee Shop proudly displays local artwork.
“If we run into an artist or they come in, we’re happy to work something out to display their art. If they want to sell it, we’ll sell it for them,” said Goci. “It’s really a cool concept and gives local artists a place to showcase their work. Art was meant to be seen and discussed. We always try to support art, whether painters or musicians.”
US 12 Bar & Grill has been a staple in live music since the 60s.
“If you haven’t been here, you need to come at least once and try it out. If I’m doing something wrong, let me know. I’ll correct it,” said Goci. “We remodeled the patio, so come enjoy Fall eating out here.”
Gluten free bread and bun options will be added to the brunch menu soon, and the bakery hopes to add sugar free options in the future.
Mike & Mona’s Bakery is located at 34824 W. Michigan Ave, and is open 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday, bakery open till 10PM.
For more information about Mike & Mona’s Bakery, call (734)722-3170. You can find them on Facebook by searching “Mike & Mona’s Bakery”. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for specials and updates. Call ahead to pre-order any baked goods/large order.
The space can be utilized in the afternoon for private events such as: baby showers, birthday parties, company parties, and more.
Be sure to check out Mike & Mona’s Bakery Brunch and Coffee Shop, and be on the lookout for the next Spotlight Series with Sarah!