^{Image credit: Max Ortiz, The Detroit News}

This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

A dream come true for lucky fans in Detroit when the rap legend himself showed up unannounced at the opening of his restaurant on 29th September. Fans queued up hours prior to the opening time, hoping to get a taste of mom’s spaghetti. For fans who know the significance of ‘mom’s spaghetti’ in Eminem’s hit song “Lose Yourself”, it was well worth the wait.

If you’re looking for something gourmet, this isn’t the pasta place for you. Curt Catallo, co-owner of Union Joints, said “It’s scratch sauce that’s designed to taste like it’s from a jar”. He also added, “It’s great pasta that we cook the night before, and reheat in a wok, like you’re reheating it on a stove the next day”.

The entire concept of ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’, down to the interior design of the place, is pretty much described as a bodega vibe. All of which was intentional, from the scratched windows to the Bic lighters and candies for sale.

It’s a simple no nonsense menu – Mom’s spaghetti (USD$9), Mom’s spaghetti with meatballs (USD$12), Mom’s spaghetti with vegan meatballs (USD$14) and S’ghetti Sandwich (USD$11).

Situated above his restaurant is the rapper’s merchandise store called The Trailer. “It’s made to mimic the trailer-esque upbringing of Marshall and (Eminem’s “8 Mile” character), B. Rabbit,” said Ian McManus of Huntington Woods, who helps run The Trailer.

Brb, cooking myself some Indomie since ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’ ain’t available in Singapore :’)