ceptions, rehearsals, b'nai mitzvah, etc. Dishes from the Veneto region of Italy are prepared with choice ele- gance. Hakata, 32443 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills, 737-7220. The ring of authenticy is always pre- sent when enjoying an interesting ex- perience at this well-received Japanese restaurant. The menu and ambience of Hakata, with its private rooms, slippers, sushi bar and open dining room are gracious attributes of this honorable food emporium. It is open seven days a week, featur- ing all the exciting dishes that come with authentic Japanese dining. Marvin's Marvelous Mechan- ical Museum, 31005 Orchard Lake Road, 626-5020. Only the huge clock at its outside entrance is backwards. Everything else at this good time emporium spells fun for the entire family. Owner Marvin Yagoda was crazy like a fox when he came up with the idea, but it has become one of very few like it in the nation, winning awards and ap- pearing in magazines and the Gui- neas Book of World Records. Video games, pinball machines, antique games, unique posters, etc. include an old-time photo booth. The party favorite also has 24 tables for lunch snacks. Vineyard's Cafe & Catering, 32418 Northwestern Hwy., Farm- ington Hills, 855-9463. Traditional Jewish dishes prepared by Shirlee Bloom in her own separate kitchen are standouts at this popular cafe where all the homemade food is in cases for customers to see. At lunchtime, the booths and tables are filled with happy folks who select from many fresh salads, sandwiches and other goodies. All are available for carry-out as well. Shirlee is also well- noted for her masterful catering of weddings, bar mitzvahs, showers, etc. LATHRUP LaFendi, 27060 Evergreen, Lath- rup Landing, Lathrup, 559-9099. An elegant atmosphere, where all areas are a different decor, make up this popular Middle Eastern restaurant. Many of the dishes are not found in too many dining spots of its type. Fresh squeezed fruits and vegetables make up the raw juice bar which peo- ple enjoy seven days a week at all hours. OAK PARK Bread Basket Deli, 10 1/2 Mile and Greenfield, Lincoln Shopping Center, Oak Park, 968-0022. A fa- vorite of many people for breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-theater, this has the aura of a modernistic deli- catessen so apparent with colorful decor. A children's menu is featured along with party frays. The Bread Bas- ket Deli is open Tuesday through Sun- day 10 c.m. to 10 p.m. Golden Bowl, 22106 Coolidge at 9 Mile, Oak Park, 398-5502. The knowledge of Chef Frank Eng is wide- spread in Chinese dining. Golden Bowl is open seven days, Mon.-Thurs. from 11 a.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. serving Szechuan, Mandarin and Cantonese food. Carry-out ser- vice is available plus banquet facili- ties. ORCHARD LAKE The Sheik, 4189 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, 865-000. The famous Mideastern and Lebanese recipes of Esther Michaels, whose Sheik restaurant was a downtown Detroit standby for many years, are featured along with small pita breads served hot directly from an open hearth. Esther's many Mideastern and Lebanese favorites have not been forgotten, and present an in- teresting array of popular dining at- tractions. PONTIAC "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." Bistro 313 Restaurant, 313 E. Walton, Pontiac, (248) 332-9100. This is a double-header place for good times. The indoor and outdoor dining, fine wines and cocktails, bot- tle beers galore, 4,000 square foot deck, etc. is coupled with 18 holes of golf and on regulation putting courses. The grass is real, lights are at night, sand traps, waterfall and 75 yard pitching range. The second part of Bistrol 313 restaurant is called The Short Game only because it is golf in miniature but not miniature golf. Live entertainment is Tuesday through Saturday. ROYAL OAK Chick N Ribs, 118 S. Woodward, Royal Oak, 544-1211. Much has been said about this dine in and car- ry-out restaurant whose specialities of broasted or bar-b-q chicken and bar-b-q ribs have received much at- tention, but as regular customers say, the proof is in the tasting. It's open seven days, Sun.,-Thurs. 11-10, Fri. & Sat. 11-11. - - Phyllis C. Richman The Washington Post "The national reputation of The Capital Grille has crowds beating down the doors." "The Capital Grille is the place to see and be seen." "Great steak, fancy bar, swank trappings-everything a steak house should be." SOUTHFIELD Empire Szechuan Garden, 29875 Northwestern Hwy., Apple- gate Square, Southfield, 353-7890. Consistency has become a fine point for this Oriental restaurant serving Szechuan, Hunan and Chinese dish- es. It has beome a popular place to dine at both lunch and dinner times and is open seven-days-a-week, with everything on the menu available also for carry-out. The clean atmos- phere and efficient service are plus- es to go along with the food. Excalibur, 28875 Franklin Road, Southfield, 358-3355. When former owner Pat Archer passed on, peo- ple said Excalibur would also go. However, they didn't reckon with Marty Wilk, owner/chef who has made it one of metropolitan Detroit's markedly popular dining and danc- ing spots. It's Frank Sinatra's favorite while in the local area., Entertainment is Tues. thru Sat. and complete cater- ing at Excalibur plus homes, halls, etc. Gateway Deli, 21745 W. 11 Mile, Harvard Row, Southfield, 352- 4940. Try the veal marsala or veal parmesan at this popular deli- catessen-restaurant whose gourmet dishes are brought from owner Pe- ter Bershaj's former Larco's days. They are combined with familiar tra- ditional homemade Jewish dishes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, party trays and outside catering are Gateway Deli standouts. McVee's Sports Bar & Grill, 23380 Telegraph Road, Southfield, 152-8243. This is more than just another sports bar and grill restau- rant. Veteran restaurateur Herman Yagoda features charbroiled steaks, fresh seafood, large burgers, baby- back ribs and lamb chops that he defies others to beat. Also home- made soups are daily specials at both lunch and dinner with moder- continued on page 90 2800 West Big Beaver Roca Troy, Michigan • (248) 649-5300 PROVIDENCE • BOSTON • CHESTNUT HILL CHICAGO • WASHINGTON, D.C. • MIAMI 7itgri UNIQUE AMONG MICHIGAN'S LARGEST AND MOST SPECTACULAR RESTAURANTS & BANQUET CENTERS The perfect lakeside setting for elegant bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. Call (810) 463-9660 for complete assistance to make your wedding a memorable occasion. North River Rd., just east.of 1-94 expressway.