it from the size. And everything is home- made: tole slaw, potato salad, chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad and much more. Star cooks its own corned beef and pastrami, and the 7-day operation includes a major specialty—beautiful tray catering. WALLED LAKE Key Largo, 142 E. Walled Lake Dr., Walled lake, 669-1441. Much tropical fun is included in the dining experiences at Key Largo, which is considered by many as a Northwest premier in wa- terfront dining. Especially so with the fine culinary talents of Executive Chef Patrick Dunn, noted for presentation of colorful and imaginative dishes. The large menu also features new style pastas, pizzas, ribs, sandwiches, salad and daily fresh fish specials. Its banquet room is avail- able for all events. Szechuan Empire North, 39540 14 Mile Road, Walled Lake, 960-7666. This is the second of owner Tome Lin's fine Chinese operations. His other Szechuan Gardens is on 5 Mile Rd. and Middlebelt in Livonia and a popular spot. The Szechuan Gardens North restaurant has also become a fast fa- vorite, and includes the traditional Chi- nese style of dining where expected side dishes are not a la carte, but present- ed with the complete meal ordered. WARREN Andiamo Italia, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, 268-3200. OwnerJoe Vicari's growing dining empire can con- sider this East Side gem as the flagship restaurant. Its Italian food, coupled with the kitchen sense of veteran Italian din- ing chef Aldo Ottaviani, range on the superb, along with pastries homemade on the premises. A banquet hall next door seats over 400 and is receiving bookings because of the ambiance and a prime factor... food as is served at An- diamo Italia. WEST BLOOMFIELD Big Daddy's Parthenon, 6199 Orchard Lake Road, 737-8600. This big favorite is considered a phenome- non in the restaurant business. It is busy every evening, seven days a week and lunches are big also. Opa! came to the suburbs in 1993 and tie flames have been blazing even larger ever since. The Greektown in West Bloomfield is the pride of Rick Rogow and Tom Peristeris, whose large, expertly-cut Iamb chops, special salads like Tommy's New Idea Salad, traditional Greek favorites, etc. are winning huge amounts of return cus- tomers. Jazz with Millie Scott and Kevin Crosby is featured on Thursday and Fri- day evenings. Envoy Cafe, 33210 W. 14 Mile Rd., Simsbury Plaza, West Bloomfield, 855-6220. This new and distinctive cafe, featuring nouvelle cuisine, presents a din- ing room of warmth and charm. Each plate is a beautiful arrangement of col- or. Musicians perform Fridays and Sat- urdays from 9 p.m. and food served until 11 p.m. Specials with touches of inno- vation are offered daily. Golden Phoenix, 6257 Orchard Lake Road, Sugar Tree Shopping Cen- ter, West Bloomfield, 855-3570. Now serving beer and wine, Golden Phoenix, specializing in Chinese, Cantonese and Szechuan food, is the same fine restau- rant that had previously been a long-time favorite on Maple and Telegraph. Both dining in and carry-out are available in a wide assortment of Oriental dishes for culinary consumption. Hoa Kow, 4301 Orchard Lake Road, Crosswinds Mall, West Bloom- field, 932-3133. People from all walks of life and most parts of Detroit and met- ropolitan areas enjoy the many styles of Chinese dining put out by Gene Woo. Whitefish in all cooking varieties is big feature, with almost 1,000 pounds served each week. This is together with Cantonese, Szechuan and Mandarin dishes, plus a Chinese Buffet at lunch and dinner to go with its regular menu. DRY AGED STEAKS, CHOPS & FRESH SEAFOOD Mai Thai, 6635 Orchard Lake Road, "Not only is the menu beefy, but the portions are gigantic... these steaks, with some bite to them, have a full meaty flavor...the wine list is enough to keep you entertained for many visits." Old Orchard Shopping Center, West Bloomfield, 626-6313. Those who like the real thing will enjoy Mai Thai with its very spicy or non-spicy foods con- cocted for authentic and traditional tastes at lunch or dinner. It presents a casual atmosphere with seating around 100 and is open seven days a week. Phyllis C. Richman, Feb. 5, 1995 The Washington Post Stage & Co., 6873 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 855-6622. The dominant consistency of this highly-ac- claimed critic's choice restaurant is in its menu selection and food preparation. But it is also proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Although in existence since 1962, Stage & Co. also features items it has never had before, along with homemade Jewish dishes and dietary restricted delights to satisfy all appetites. "Best WINDSOR "The national reputation of The Capital Grille has crowds beating down the doors." of Award of Excellence" The Wine Spectator "The Capital Grille is the place to see and be seen." "Great steak, fancy bar, swank trappings-everything a steak house should be." The New York Times, March 13, 1996 Boston Magazine Blue Danube, 1235 Ottawa Street, Windsor, Ontario, 519-252-0246. Spe- cialties with old world authenticity are prepared at this charming Hungarian restaurant. It is a family operation serv- ing European, Canadian and American cuisine over 20 years. Gypsy musicians from Hungary stroll and serenade cus- tomers at tables Thursdays through Sun- days. The husband and wife team of Zota and Sam Popadic serve both lunch- es and dinners at their seven-day-a-week operation. Somerset Collection, North CAPITAL® G•R•I•L•L•E 2800 West Big Beaver Road Troy, Michigan • (810) 649-5300 Dining Guide For information on how to be part of this weekly Dining Guide feature, please contact Danny Raskin or Heidi Brandemihl (810) 354-6060 PROVIDENCE • BOSTON • CHESTNUT HILL WASHINGTON, D.C. COMING SOON TO MIAMI. Sihri • p RES TA URA NT Perfect for the theatre and for Sweetest Day! Before or after the theatre or forSweetest Day, Mario's is ihe fines' Ilcilicili dining experience in Metropolitan Detroil. A wondedill way to express your pride and gratitude to the people important to you. Lunch or Dinner at Mario's tells your guests they are special. Attending PHANTOM? — Mario's provides a COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE to and from all major Metropolitan Detroit events. Music and Ballroom Dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. Meeting, party and banquet facilities available for on and off premise. 4222 Second Avenue Between Willis and Canfield 832-1616 VALET PARKING 101