CHA Spirits & Pizza Kitchen

by Kim Schneider | Feb. 23, 2015 | 5:00 AM

We tend to order a pizza when we're pinched for time and our fridge is empty. But sometimes we need to slow down and really savor what we're eating. CHA Spirits and Pizza Kitchen in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood gives us a chance to do just that. Since its October opening in the former Battery Park Wine Bar spot, the kitchen has been firing up pies with creative toppings in the laid-back warehouse space. Kick back with two of our favorites: the eggplant pizza ($17) piled with house-made ricotta, roasted garlic, Kalamata olives and tender pieces of roasted eggplant, and the Gorgonzola pizza ($15) layered with Gorgonzola, roasted garlic, caramelized onions and perfectly toasted pistachios. The paper-thin crust is made with panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal so each bite has even more crunch. There's more than just pizza here — the menu is full of fun appetizers, hearty entrees and plenty of vegetarian options. We love the playful Backward Artichoke Dip ($8), a small casserole of spinach and cheese fondue served with breaded artichoke hearts. It's a nice reminder to stop and enjoy the creativity happening in kitchens around town.