Haab's named finalist in QVC network restaurant contest
One of Ypsilanti’s favorite historic restaurants will join four other eateries from across the country in the June Road Trip Contest put on by "In the Kitchen with David."
Haab's will be announced as one of five finalists in the "In the Kitchen with David" competition Wednesday night.
The show will announce Haab's as one of five finalists at 8 p.m Wednesday on the QVC network.
Haab's has been an Ypsilanti staple since the mid-1870s and offers a variety of dishes — including its famous Chick in the Basket dish.
Viewers of the show were asked to submit a restaurant they believe makes their hometown worthy of being called a "must-see foodie destination."
After getting wind of the contest, regular patron of Haab's and Ypsilanti resident Dwight Burdette did just that and nominated the eatery for the QVC competition.
Out of the submissions, the five finalists will be visited by the show so host David can eat a meal at the restaurants as a part of the show and to determine which of the five contenders deserve to win.
According to Haab's co-owner David Kabat, a date for the recording of this portion of the competition has not yet been set.
“It’s really exciting for us,” Kabat said. “It’s always nice to be recognized and it will be interesting to watch them announce our restaurant tonight.”
Kabat said they were informed of their nomination, as well as selection as a finalist, on Tuesday.
“I think this will be a positive thing for the restaurant,” Kabat said. “We’ve got a long standing tradition serving Ypsilanti so we’re well known here, but it will be nice to get national attention.”
If Haab's wins the competition, "In the Kitchen with David" will consider filming an episode from the restaurant, which likely would air in August.
Comments
jns131
Sat, Jul 13, 2013 : 4:54 p.m.
June road trip? This is July. Something is totally wrong here. Otherwise, Haabs is too rich for my blood. Plus it is not on a list of favorites for me either.
Newmarket
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 12:58 p.m.
We love Haab's and are regulars there. The food is always good (love their house salad dressing & their prime rib), staff is efficient and courteous. Go Haab's!
Murf
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
Darn it. I was going to nominate Aubrees but I just got busy and forgot about the June 30th cut off for this contest. That must've been an impressive entry that he wrote to make Haab's look that enticing. I hope David Venable likes pewter!
jns131
Sat, Jul 13, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
Fried brownie bites? O man. Anyone who does this has my vote.
Murf
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 11:40 p.m.
Thanks obvious! Shoot! Now I'm really kicking myself. I had taken pictures of their amazing margherita pizza and their out of this world fried brownie bites to attach to my email nomination.
obviouscomment
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.
Agreed 100%! I always hear people raving over Haab's but I was not that impressed the couple times I tried it. Aubrees is definitely more deserving in my opinion.
Linda French
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
Congrats Haabs!
Elan
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 10:28 a.m.
Happy for David Kabat, his cooks, support and friendly staff. A down to earth favorite restaurant! Whether you win or not, the place remains a class act! Thanks!!!
brian
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 2:26 a.m.
I love my Ypsi, Congrats to you Haab's.
jns131
Sat, Jul 13, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
I love Ypsi but not Haabs. Give the Da Latte my vote any day of the week.
YpsiDipsy
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 1:38 a.m.
Congratulations to Haab's! My suggestion: invite the judges in early and have them partake in Haab's Happy Hour. It's the best in the area, and I inevitably leave it in better spirits than when I arrive.
Laura
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 1:20 a.m.
Woohoo! This is a great example of the positive stuff going on in Ypsi! I should have read further before commenting on the other article. Please continue with the feel good stories as we can all use it and I for one enjoy reading about it. Thank you!
MorningGirl
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : midnight
Nobody loves Haab's more than I do, but I think you mean mid-1930s, not mid-1870s. :)
Little Patience
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 11:51 p.m.
Never been to Haab's. Guess we should wander over there one of these days. It is always nice to see a local place get some positive exposure.
jns131
Sat, Jul 13, 2013 : 4:56 p.m.
You won' t be happy. But try it anyways. It is your money.
Cash
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 11:24 p.m.
Wow! Congrats, Haabs! Well deserved. In the Kitchen with David Venable is probably QVCs highest rated show. That's great!
tom swift jr.
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 9:45 p.m.
two words... chicken livers
treetowncartel
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
@ tom, you only needed one word, Ramaki, mmmmm
Hugh Giariola
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 10:53 a.m.
My thoughts exactly!!
Jim Fink
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 2:10 a.m.
Exactly!
Indymama
Thu, Jul 11, 2013 : 12:37 a.m.
They are Fantastic!!
CountyKate
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 9:44 p.m.
Well deserved, Kabats! You run a fine place. (Which I know because I go there a lot.)
treetowncartel
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 9:26 p.m.
Good for Haab's. They have a great staff and serve some good dishes.