Shawnda Moye doesn’t identify as a chef but rather as someone who enjoys feeding people. After honing her skills at Lucky’s Cafe in Tremont and Cleveland Bagel Co. in Detroit Shoreway, she does just that at the The Roaming Biscuit, which started in 2019 and launched a brick-and-mortar in 2023.
Brunch: Juneberry [Table] for brunch. The food is always phenomenal. What they do with local ingredients is amazing. The coffee cake? You will dream about it.
Pizza: “This is tough because pizza is my favorite food. Right now, Cent’s Pizza [+ Goods] and Harlow’s [Pizza] are phenomenal. I like a woodfire oven, that thinner crust and just the freshness of the ingredients.”
Beer: “Noble Beast [Brewing Co.] The beer is going to be awesome, but also their food is awesome.”
Brazilian Food: “Batuqui. When I go there — yes, the service is great, the food is good — but the owners, the husband and wife who own it, they make you feel like a part of the family. It’s not just me, I’ve seen it with other customers [too], it’s a very welcoming and relaxing environment.”
Cocktails: You can find me at Jukebox, Astoria or Prosperity. Their lists of cocktails are creative and rotating. They take a lot of time and do a lot of research to make delicious cocktails for folks.
Asian:Han [Chinese] Kabob [& Grill] and Banana Blossom [Thai Cuisine]. Banana Blossom is definitely my go-to for Thai. The food is great and always consistently delicious. The service is awesome as well.
Good Deal: Prosperity [Social Club] in Tremont. Especially on Tuesday nights for steak night. It’s a great deal on a very tasty steak. They also make a very good Aviation [cocktail].
New Favorite: Patron Saint. They are so creative and delicious — they will just surprise you with the flavor. The flavors they are coming out with are phenomenal. Beautiful atmosphere. Great staff.
Longtime Favorite: “Fat Cats, Lucky’s Cafe and Jukebox are always consistently good. I’m big on service as well, and their service is always going to be great.”
Date Night: “I’m going to Poppy or Batuqui on Larchmere [Boulevard]. Food is great. Service is great. Both places are just nice, cozy environments.”
Who Inspires Her: Chef Karen Small. Heather Haviland. Ramat Wiley from Adun Spice [Co.] Melissa Khoury from Saucisson. Caitlin [Shea] from Philomena Bake Shop — she is a baking magician. There’s so much talent out here, [but] definitely those folks for sure.
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