It’s a Detroit classic with a twist! A new Coney Island is sparking curiosity amongst foodies. Detroit and Coney Island go hand-in-hand.
It’s a Motor City classic, dating back to the early 1900s, but this is not your average coney dog.
“It’s Detroit. It’s a Coney Island,” said Chef Pete LaCombe. “But it’s vegan.”
LaCombe is opening "Chili Mustard Onions." It is a 100 percent vegan Coney Island restaurant.
“We grew up eating at National Coney Island. We always ordered coney with chili, mustard, onions," he said.
Everything in the restaurant is vegan, even the drinks.
“A lot of wine is filtered through egg whites and our wine distributors were very accommodating finding us a full vegan wine list.”
So, what exactly is in the “meaty” part of the coney? It is a pea and soy protein hot dog.”
Pete runs the business with his wife and daughter. The family has been vegan for only a few years, so Pete is familiar with all the tasty foods with meat in it.
That’s why he created a menu that non-vegans will love. Try a “beetball” sub or a gyro and save room for dessert.
Pete says one of his favorites: the “Big Mock.”
“Which is just like a Big Mac. I don’t fake anything. I wanted to be what I like, unfortunately, I didn’t eat the best.”
Pete says of all the coneys he’s ever eaten, he thinks his is the best.
“I’m very confident in my food, very confident.”
Pete has gotten some backlash, but he welcomes the naysayers because they are spreading the word.
“Oh absolutely! Talk all you want, I could care less.”
Pete says to give his menu a chance.
“Try it, just try it. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.”
The restaurant opened Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Brush Park
