• • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • 11 !LI 1 • • Celdnitl Showroom • Brings You Its • Great 2000 • Parade of Stars! • • 7‘e 9,teatea Zfrged, • eot ..wtoro e.,__ Dear:acad. • /0* ear rex tie • Eeelatekei Acideeusto. •edater,,, .54,„../ • • 3/24 2000 96 411) Insider shares memories of Detroit's most famous restaurant. Chop House, and personified an el Ball spent many aspect of this world-renowned restau- evenings at the London rant that could not be denied,' " I told Chop House restaurant them. " 'It towered in size and stature in downtown Detroit ... above the other tables, and took "During the mid-'70s and most of precedence over the more modest but the '80s, I performed at the London still prestigious Booth Two. Chop House. Although I fre- Booth One was saved only quently meet people who have for the creme de la creme, shared my Chop House experi- and symbolized the epitome ence, I haven't thought about of elitism and pretension. the place for quite some time. Yet, regardless of whatever it That is, not until last Friday represented, I loved being when my wife, Gail, and I had seated there, basking in the dinner with our two grown artificial atmosphere and children at Ristorante di jealous stares, while enjoying Modesta in Southfield. Jason is some of the best food served in his second year at Boston DAN NY anywhere! University, and Lauren is com- RAS KIN pleting her first year at DePaul Local Co lumnist "like Booth One, the London Chop House was University in Chicago. an enigma and a mass of "Ristorante di Modesta was contradictions. It was inconspicuously packed as owner Manuel Chavez located in a large basement off busy greeted us at the door. Manuel was Congress Street, in downtown flabbergasted when he saw Jason and Detroit. But it was the most conspicu- Lauren. He had not seen them since ous place anywhere, shining like a he was a waiter at the London Chop beacon that virtually lit up the city - House. At that time, Jason and and suburbs. The London Chop Lauren would sit proudly in their high House was a private club that was chairs as they were being weaned on open to the public. Everyone who Chop House food. walked down the long stairway and "'I have a booth for you,' Manuel entered this cavern would immediate- exclaimed, as he ly feel the cama- escorted us to our raderie throughout seats. 'Not quite the room. It was Booth One at the mystical how the Chop House, but energy flowed in a enjoy!' he said, perpetual loop laughing. between the patrons "Jason looked at and the secrets that me in a strange way, were hidden within trying to figure out its walls. why we weren't sit- "`I was told that the ting at the more London Chop comfortable adja- House was fashioned cent table. 'What's Inside the London Chop House. after 21, the New with this booth bit?' York landmark he asked. restaurant. Perhaps there was a physi- "'It's a connection to the London cal resemblance between the two Chop House, I replied, as Gail smiled restaurants; however, there was only knowingly. one London Chop House. It stood "Lauren stared incredulously, 'What alone, as an icon with its own identity are you talking about?' "This was start- that was vital and alive. ing to get a little heavy, but I enjoyed was born at the "'The word eclectic the booth reference, for it released a Chop House. Upon entering the floodgate of memories that had lain see the restaurant, one would first dormant for quite some period. huge wooden bar that ran across the "'Booth One was synonymous with width of the room, stopping just short the heart and soul of the London liff ma\ • The Band Leader ' Celebritv.Shoroom w WIT la, The Best Of Everything 7096 East Fourteen Mile Road (Between Mound &Van Dyke) • (810) 268-3200 • AUBURN HILLS Lelli's of Auburn Hills, 885 Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills, (248) 373-4440.The second of Lelliss 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. Reservanons are accepted for any evening except Saturday. BERKLEY 4033 W. 12 Mile Road, Berkley, (248) ,There is nothing like a consistently borhood family restaurant. IOW SAmerican menu is one that miexKlich confidence in casual dining.The ound and square pizzas, fish, -are served seven days a week ' mner. Everything is also avan- t. egfx: BLOOMFIELD HILLS 's Deli, 6646 Telegraph Road, I,s, (248) 932-0800. Award - win- is featured.Aiso serving :.0404it.ish roasted turkey, sandwiches, salads anriVitifbnal dishes. Party trays and catering too at this New York-style deli. Carnegie Deli cheesecake and Steve's vmies are among the desserts. eVpptip ts of ;,.. Detroit, 7618 Woodwa.rd , Detroit, has _been an Italian vorite since 1939, with traditional dishes served daily.The varied menus of Italian spe- cialties 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, 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. Intelligent Chicken, 32431 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills, (248) 855-4455.The - wide variety of specialty items are together with a complete menu of charbroiled or rotisserie chicken for both dining in the 40- eater area, and carry-out, seven days a week. Soups, chili, salads and side dishes are home- kInade.Also homemade are the popular cook- es and brownies. arvelous Mechanical 5 Orchard Lake Road, 248) 626-5020 One mag- place like it in •*WWIStAikeaBook of Records titishments. Lunch and n th table seating *ntiques, nostalgic e airplanes, entertain- all machines, etc. It is ttrittio'ns cers seven days a Week. Vineyards Cafe & Catering, 32418 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills, (248) 855-9463,This is a many-faceted type of operation. Nibbles and Nuts at the Vineyards, DINING GUIDE on page 100