The Best Of Everything Freshened Decor AUBURN HILLS Contemporary look complements dining at Meriwether's in Southfield. With The Fabulous Sounds of trophies ... instead of oil paintings. modernized English country Its Medieval Dining Hall is com- manor ... might be a better plete with a Ron Rea interpretation of description of today's heraldic banners in huge bold paint- Meriwether's on Telegraph, ings that hang high overhead. north of 10 Mile, in Southfield. Meriwether's now enjoys a contem- But a new contemporary look porary color palette to contrast with would probably be more appropriate. the period architecture of Whoever would have this dining favorite ... But believed that those dark beams more important, it now has in its main room would a fresh look that extends become brown and tan zebra- throughout the entire striped as they are now ... Or restaurant. that the striking colors would Freshened ambiance plays be bright enough to seemingly a very meaningful role in light up what many had previ- good dining ... Nobody ously considered to be a rather wants continued drabness dingy appearance. when out for a relaxing meal The outside is the same DANNY ... The good looks of a English country inn fashion, RASKIN complete with its own lookout Local Columnist restaurant makes eating out a pleasurable adventure. tower, as at such gracious- This has been coupled looking and historic places in with Meriwether's good food to bring England that still charm so many visi- out the added qualities that have tors year after year. made it a Chuck Muer favorite. Meriwether's has its own history, Also important are dedicated too ... A landmark restaurant original- employees like Linda Kincaid-Files, ly purchased by the C.A. Muer The Corporation in 1983 original concept of it being a one-of-a-kind restaurant has been retained ... with each room having its own personal decor. The famous teacup bread, a Meriwether's original, is baked and served at the restaurant in a bowl ... Also made there is its own cinnamon butter. This is the only C.A. Muer restaurant that has the teacup bread and cinnamon butter ... It is also the only Muer restau- rant in the entire chain of 21 restaurants in five states that has stir-fried items on the menu. Two large woks in the refur- bished kitchen prepare the much-asked-for Seafood Stir Fry of shrimp, scallops, fish and fresh vegetables in a ginger sauce ... and Oriental Stir Fry with chicken and fresh vegeta- bles in a sweet and sour sauce, topped with cashews. The Hunt Room at Meriwether's is its former Tower Room ... now display- Meriwether's general manager Amy Feutz, left, ing actual mounted hunting and hostess Linda Kincaid-Files. A Coming ov.18 8g19 ... 100 "•••••••. , Z•t•:•.•;;;•2"••••••• Dec. 14,15,16,17 All seats $30-$35 ,,if* Reservations Now A,' Accepted For New Year's Eve Andiamo West of Bloomfield Hills (248) 865-9300 Andiamo Osteria of Royal Oak (248) 582-9300 Andiamo Osteria of Rochester (248) 601-9300 See Below for Andiamo Italia ITALIA 7096 East Fourteen Mile Road Oust west ofVan Dyke in Warren) (810) 26&3200 1.115 1999 Selected "Best Italian Restaurant" by Gourmet Magazine '96. '97, and '98 visit us at: www.andiamoitalia.com 100 Detroit Jewish News ••• • • •• t , • • 4: • t" •. rrl 7 * I • IV f 114 T 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 family since 1939. Reservations are accepted for any evening except Saturday. BERKLEY Sib., 4033 W 12 Mile Road, Berkley, (248) 548- 3650.There is nothing like a consistently dependable neighborhood family restaurant. The Italian and American menu is one that evokes much confidence in casual dining.The chicken, ribs, round and square pizza, fish, salad, pasta, etc. are served seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Everything is also available for carry-out. BLOOMFIELD HILLS Andiamo West, 6676 Telegraph Road, West Bloomfield, (248) 865-9300. Favorite Italian dish- es are excellently prepared by Executive Chef Lee Sharkas, and served in an upscale atmosphere. This is the former Machus Red Fox site, and has also become a northwest meeting place for din- ing, cocktails and live entertainment seven evenings a week. Lunch and dinner specials are featured. Steve's Deli, 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, (248) 932-0800. Award-winning chicken soup is featured.Also serving corned beef, fresh - roasted turkey, sandwiches, salads and tradition- al dishes. Party trays and catering too at this New York-style deli. Carnegie Deli cheesecake and Steve's Brownies are among the desserts. Lelli's of Detroit, 7618 Woodward, Detroit, (313) 871-1590. Lelli's has been an Italian favorite since 1939, with traditional dishes served daily.The varied menus of Italian special- ties provide regular and light presentations by the Lelli family. FARMINGTON HILLS Desert Sands, 29222 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, (248) 855-1122. Middle- Eastern dining is featured by Hassan Bazzi, for- trier maitre d' at the Original Sheik in down- town Detroit. Daily specials at lunch and din- ner. Full menu carryout with catering available. Complete liquor service. intelligent Chicken, 3243 I Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills, (248) 855-4455.The wide variety of specialty items are together with a complete menu of charbroiled or rotis- serie chicken for both dining in the 40-seater area, and carry-out, 7 days a week. Soups, chili, salads and side dishes are homemade. Also homemade are the popular cookies and brownies. Sushi Ko, 30703 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, (248) 475-4363. Daily specials include tempura and teriyaki in the very important fea- ture of extreme cleanliness.The sushi chefs have been at this locale for years, preparing excellent Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.Also featured is a delightful little sushi bar that puts out a lot of interesting DINING GUIDE on page 104