The Best Of Everything
Slice Of Deli Life
THE LETTERMEN
April 27 & 28
A show of greatness with
the wonderful talents of
an American favorite.
A good counterman could go places.
lE09
AUBURN HILLS
Lelli's of Auburn Hills, 885 Opdyke
Road,Auburn Hills, (248) 373-4440.
The second of Lelli's traditionally fine
M
high school. Alex Winkler (Pickle
AIL DEPT... from
Barrel and now Bread Basket of
David Raben ... "While I
Bloomfield Hills, Livonia and Redford)
enjoyed your article
also worked briefly for me around 1964
about Matt Prentice, I
or '65.
was disappointed at the inaccuracy of
"In the late 1960s, Ben Epstein and
how Matt became a business owner.
George Fink (Ben & George's in
"To my knowledge, Matt Prentice
Detroit) both worked for me.
never knew, nor did he have
So did my first boss, Joe
any business dealings with
Mosten (Nate's Deli on
Dick Lichtman.
Dexter) who worked for me at
"I purchased Northgate
my place on Maple and
from Dick. I operated
Telegraph ir. 1965 or '66. So
Northgate as a 24-hour-a-day
did Harry Boesky.
operation. I also owned a deli
"I bought one-half interest
at Nine Mile and Coolidge in
in 1962 at a deli on Seven
the Park Place Center. Matt
Mile, west of Greenfield,
worked at Nine Mile and
DA, NNY
called Loewy's. I bought out
Coolidge for me. He was not
RAS KIN
Lou Loewy's half, which then
happy working there and I did
Columnist
Local
made me a one-half partner
not want to lose him because I
with Earle Mostyn. A few
was well aware of his talent
years later, Lou Loewy worked for me
and potential.
at my Maple and Telegraph deli, which
"I offered Mart the opportunity to go
was then known as Dinty Moore
to the Northgate Delicatessen to manage
North, but I changed it to Bloomfield
it for me. He said he would do it if I
Deli in 1964 or '65. That was the first
allowed him to rewrite the entire menu
time ever in Michigan that the termi-
and change the name to Deli Unique.
nology 'Deli' appeared on a sign or
"I complied and registered the new
menu.
name and thus began the Deli Unique
"When I called Marty Weinstock at
with me as owner and Matt as manager.
Radiant Signs, and asked him to
After a short time, Matt made it known
change the sign to Bloomfield Deli, he
to me that he was going into business
asked, 'Bloomfield what?' I said, 'deli'.
for himself. He was considering a place
The
rest concerning the word deli in
on Michigan Avenue. I think it was
Michigan is also history.
Corky's. I asked him to reconsider and
"The word deli WaS in use in
to buy me out instead. He took my
California long before I transplanted it
advice and the rest is history.
to Michigan. I personally have never
"Matt is not the only successful per-
been able to truly focus my attention to
son to work for me. In the early 1960s,
a single endeavor. However, delis have
I hired Ron Forman (Bread Basket
been a major part of my life. I have
Deli) who at the time was still a kid in
WAYNE NEWTON
May 17 & 18
"Mr. Las Vegas" is
"Mr. Magnificent!"
as a showman!
JERRY VALE
Wednesday, June 6
The Silver Fox brings his soft,
velvety, romantic voice for a
wonderful evening.
DANNY MARONA
Fri. & Sat., June 22, 23
Hilarious comedian, inspiring
singer, virtuoso pianist, 7-time
Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year.
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.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Steve's Deli, 6646 Telegraph Road,
Bloomfield Hills, (248) 932-0800.
Award-winning chicken soup is fea-
tured.Also serving corned beef, fresh
roasted turkey, sandwiches, salads and
traditional dishes. Party trays and cater-
ing too at this NewYork-style deli.
Carnegie Deli cheesecake and Steve's
Brownies are among the desserts.
FARMINGTON HILLS
Bangkok Sala, 27903 Orchard Lake
Rd., Farmington Hills, (248) 553-
4220. Noted for making its own tra-
ditional Thai cookies and own style
of fried rice, it is a consistent restau-
rant with exclusive Thai specialties
among the authentic servings.
Desert Sands, 29222 Orchard Lake
Road, Farmington Hills, (248) 855-
122. Middle-Eastern dining is fea-
tured by Mike. Salamey, former
owner/chef at prominent mideastern
eateries. Daily specials at lunch and
dinner. Full menu carryout with cater-
ing available. Complete liquor service.
Hong Hua, 27925 Orchard Lake
Rd., Farmington Hills, (248) 489-
2280.True Hong Kong autenticity is
in the dishes not seen anywhere
else.A bit more expensive than
other Chinese restaurants, but a lot
of value that makes the price differ-
ence worth it with exciting prepara-
tions of rare dishes and many not
seen elsewhere.
Leo's Coney Island
(Farmington Souvlaki Coney
Island), 30985 Orchard Lake
Road, Farmington Hills, (248) 626-
9732.This and nine other Leo's
Coney Island operations are highly
4/13
2001
0966 Eea
Roa
st Fourteen
tw
110
(Betw een Mound &Van Dyke)
I Q) 265-320
•
78 110411111101110111141110111410411410
The deli counter has served as a training ground and a springboard into the business.
DINING GUIDE on page 84