Dining Guide AUBURN HILLS Lelli's of Auburn Hills, 885 Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills, (248) 373-4440.The second of Lelli's traditionally fine Italian ristorantes is located across from the Pontiac Silverdome. Besides elegant surroundings, it features the same excellent food served by the Lelli fami- ly since 1939. Reservations are accepted for any day except Saturday. BERKLEY Sila, 4033 W. 12 Mile Road, Berkley, (248) 548-3650.There is nothing like a consisten- tly dependable neighborhood family restau- rant.The Italian and American menu is one that evokes much confidence in casual din- ing.The chicken, ribs, round and square piz- zas, fish, salad, pasta, etc. are served seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Everything is also available for carry-out. BLOOMFIELD HILLS Steve's Deli, 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloom- field Hills, (248) 932-0800. Award-winning chicken soup, corned beef, fresh roasted turkey, sandwiches, salads and traditional dishes. Party trays and catering a specialty in this New York-style deli. Carnegie Deli cheesecake and Steve's Brownies are among the desserts. DETROIT Lelli's of Detroit, 7618 Woodward, Detroit, (313) 87 I -1590. Lelli's has been an Italian favorite since 1939, with traditional dishes served daily.The varied menus of Ital- ian specialties provide regular and light pre- sentations by the Lelli family. FARMINGTON HILLS Cafe Cortina, 30715 W. 10 Mile Rd., Farm- ington Hills, (248) 474-3033. Family recipes, homemade and graciously served in a romantic atmosphere have made this inti- mately elegant but casual Italian ristorante an award-winning dining experience. Its Garden Room with adjacent patio for appe- tizers and hors d'oeuvres, is used for pri- vate events. Dishes prepared in Cafe Corti- na's kitchen are from Italy's Veneto region, and have been recognized by many national magazines. Desert Sands, 29222 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, (248) 855-1122. Middle- Eastern dining is featured by Hassan Bazzi, former maitre d' at the Original Sheik in downtown Detroit. Daily specials at lunch and dinner. Full menu carryout with catering available. Complete liquor service. Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Muse- urn, 31005 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, (248) 626-5020. One magazine said that there was no place like it in the coun- try.The Guinness Book of Records has fea- tured its accomplishments. Lunch and snacks are available with table seating amidst vido games, antiques, nostalgic 9/10 1999 28 Detroit Jewish News posters, flying miniature airplanes, entertain- ment attractions, pinball machines, etc. It is open seven days a week. New King Lim's, 30701 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, (248) 474-2781.An Oak Park pioneer stalwart for years, it is still owned and operated by Harold Horn. Authentic Cantonese, Szechuan and Man- darin food are served daily at lunch and din- ner, with complete carryout available. Vineyards Cafe & Catering, 32418 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills, (248) 855-9463.This is a many-faceted type of operation. Nibbles and Nuts at the Vine- yards, and traditional Jewish dishes prepared by Shirlee Bloom, using only kosher prod- ucts in her separate kitchen, makes it much more than just a cafe and catering setup. Homemade salads, sandwiches and entrees are available at booths and tables. Every- thing can also be gotten for carry-out and tray catering. Shirlee Bloom's outside cater- ing is popular for all occasions. LATHRUP VILLAGE La Fendi, 27060 Evergreen, Lathrup Land- ing, Lathrup Village, (248) 559 9099. Numer- ous dishes at this popular Middle-Eastern restaurant are not found in many dining spots of its type.The diversified menu also includes all traditional items as per Old World recipes.The various exotic cocktails made at the juice bar from fruits and vegeta- bles are available seven days a week. OAK PARK Bread Basket Deli, 10 1/2 Mile Rd.& Greenfield, Oak Park, (248) 968-0022. Ranked among the top delicatessen-restau- rants in the Midwest. Former Detroiters who now live in various parts of the coun- try also extoll the many virtues of this great favorite with its huge sandwiches, double- baked bread, children's menu, breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-theater. It is open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and for carry-out Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. to II p.m. A smoke-free restaurant. ORCHARD LAKE The Sheik, 4189 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, (248) 865-0000. Menu attrac- tions of Middle-eastern and Lebanese dining are featured along with individual pita breads that are served hot from an open hearth. Many of the dining favorites are guarded family recipes not found elsewhere. Outside catering is available for anything on the menu. ROYAL OAK Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island, 32832 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, (248) 554-8600.This is much more than a Coney Island operations. Both Greek spe- cialties and Coney Island favorites are com- bined at this attractive restaurants for casu- al dining and carry-out. Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island restaurant are under the ownership of Rick Rogow &Tom Peristeris of Big Daddy's Parthenon, and Daren McCarty, Detroit Red Wings, and Bob Probert, Chicago Blackhawks. SOUTHFIELD Excalibur, 28875 Franklin Road, Southfield, (248) 358-3355. Fine dining takes on an added dimension with its menu ranging from region- al to contintental.The Billy Rose Quartet plays for dancing Tuesdays through Fridays; the Gary Rose Quartet is Saturday evenings. Gateway Deli, 21745 W. 11 Mile Road, Southfield, (248) 352-4940. Veal marsala and veal parmesan are among the favored, gourmet-like dishes that make this a special- ized delicatessen-restaurant.Traditional homemade Jewish foods are combined with expected deli fare for much eating goodness. It is open Mondays through Saturdays for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Specialties also include outside catering and party trays. Little Daddy's Parthenon & Coney Island, 29649 Northwestern Hwy., South- field, (248) 358-1700.This has become a busy meeting and eating place for workers in the area and residents at breakfast, lunch and din- ner. At lunch time, a lot of pride is also taken for the rapid carry-out availability, with orders ready in express time.Ten Coney specials, eggs anytime, chili, burgers, pita wraps, gyros, etc. are on the menu seven days a week. Ristorante Di Modesta, 19400 North- western Highway, Southfield, (248) 358- 0344. Noted for its varied Italian menu, fea- tured are many favorites and a choice wine list, with fine dining excellence. Outside catering highlights the same elegant cuisine served in the restaurant. Star Deli, 24555 W. 12 Mile Road, South- field, (248) 352-7377.This is acclaimed as one of the best little carry-out only deli- catessens in America. Star is just a little place, with little room to move about when crowded. Homemade taste has also been one of the trademarks for its success. Fat- free and regular tuna salad, egg salad, potato salad, cole slaw, and more. Star's lox is cut by hand. Beautiful trays are a standout. WARREN Andiamo Italia, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, (810) 268-3200.This is the flagship of the fast-growing chain with the Andiamo name (Italia West, Bloomfield Hills; Lake- front Bistro, St. Clair Shores; Trattoria, Grosse Pointe Woods; and Osteria, Royal Oak and Rochester). The Warren location site has "name" entertainment in the Andi- amo Celebrity Showroom. Comedian Don Rickles is featured Sept. 15 and 16; call for other shows and dates. WEST BLOOMFIELD Big Daddy's Parthenon, 6199 Orchard Lake Road,West Bloomfield, (248) 737- 8600. Always a Greek dining favorite for celebrities, personalities and notables from the worlds of entertainment, sports and politics, this dining phonomenon never seems to quiet down. If anything, it is bigger now than ever, with the award-winning Tommy Salad, Greek specialties, lamb chops, etc. Live entertainment is Thursday and Fri- day. Next door banquet facilities accommo- dates around 300. Gazebo Café, 6393 Farmington Road, West Bloomfield, (248) 539-8846.This fami- ly restaurant with home cooking and Euro- pean menu features daily specials at lunch and dinner. No charge for children under 8; discount for senior citizens. Russian-style catering available. Open six days for break- fast, lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays and holidays. Hoa Kow, 4301 Orchard Lake Road,West Bloomfield, (248) 932-2133. Cantonese, Szechuan and Mandarin dishes are expertly prepared by Hong Kong chefs whose dex- terity in preparations are authentically pre- sented. However, the large amount of white- fish served is an amazing statistic.Whitefish is prepared 15 different ways, with about 1,000 pounds sold every week. La Fendi, 6123 Haggerty, West Bloom- field, (248) 668-1800. Old World recipes are responsible for the diversified Middle- eastern menu that includes all traditional delights and many not seen at any other restaurant. Cocktails and wine are served as well as juice bar favorites. Open seven days a week. Mai Tai, 6635 Orchard Lake Road.,West Bloomfield, (248) 626-6313.The Thai dishes served are authentic with a number of them originating at this restaurant.Traditional taste buds will enjoy the variety of preparations from very spicy to spicy to medium to mild at both lunch and dinner. A casual and pleas- ant restaurant open seven days. Shangri-La, 6407 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, (248) 626-8585. Creative dishes make this a different type of gourmet-style Oriental dining experience that is easily recognized by aficionados.The Hong Kong cooking preparations are authentic and served seven days a week. This is one of the few restaurants that spe- cialize in Dim Sum at lunch, with a vast vari- ety from which to choose. Stage & Co., 6873 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, (248) 855-6622. Stage & Co. and Stage Delicatessen are the same. The present one on Orchard Lake Road features favored homemade Jewish tradi- tional dishes along with good delicatessen favorites.When its original counterpart, Stage Deli in Oak Park, opened years before, its menu did not include many items that are now obtainable.The separate carry- out department is chock full of goodness. Liquor service is available. The Dining Guide is a weekly advertising feature.