MARIO'S from page 83 Market Bas zet of Franklin Unlike most of my friends and the local movie review- ers, I was proud of how Detroit was represented in the movie 8 Mile. Not only was it realistic, but also it had that raw, urban landscape that I grew up with in Detroit, and that frankly still gives my personality some of its edge. So when the movie credits listed that 8 Mile was catered by Mario's (I always stay for the credits), I reminisced about the good times and overstuffed feeling I had when we used to eat there on special family occasions. I knew that Mario's had also opened a popular suburban location, but I was determined to find a night that I could revisit the downtown Mario's of my past. So, on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving (hard- ly a night to overeat), I schlepped my family down to Mario's. Upon entering the front room and bar, I was struck by the tired, worn feeling of good times gone by. A few smokers sat at the edge of the bar and the TVs, along with Christmas decorations, provided flashes of light. But once seated in the main (of three) dining rooms, I discovered that the place was hopping and that I actu- ally knew close to half the crowd. Families celebrating with their out-of-town relatives in for the holidays and large groups of (mostly) men on their way to the hockey game that night filled the room. The dress code ranged from suits and fur-trimmed sweaters to Red Wing jerseys and blue jeans. But no matter, the waiters were all wearing their customary tuxedos and were in the business of getting the food out fast. When we were seat- ed, our table was already crowded with silver changes and that memorable antipasto assortment of salami, Diners at Mario's in Detroit mortadella, anchovies, pepperocini, large celery stalks and scallions. Although we told our waiter we were not in a hurry, our meali continued to be served quickly. The entrees still include the same host of sides and our waiter (who had probably been there forever) had no patience for people who weren't familiar with the "Mario's way." When asked if I could have marinara instead of meat sauce on the customary pasta, I was told, "Don't worry, I'll ask you later." The salad was just how I remembered it — bathed in Mario's classic olive oil dressing. I added the salty anchovies from the antipasto, mixed them with the hard boiled eggs and garbanzo beans dotting the otherwise iceberg lettuce and went to town. Next (and quickly) came the minestrone. Another throwback flavor, we enjoyed the overly thick, slightly gummy soup mostly as a dipping sauce for the crusty Italian bread. The assembly line service continued and, as prom- ised, I got my choice of pasta marinara, Bolognese or The dress code ranged from suits and fur-trimmed sweaters to Red Wing jerseys and blue jeans. even lasagna, a dense layer of noodles and cheese with a choice of sauces. Our entrees came soon after, and the filet was not to disappoint. In fact, the buttery meat with zip sauce was so tasty that I forgave the overcooked veal marsala with its coagulated sauce, the soggy cannoli I ordered for dessert, my 10th grade boyfriend and even the Pope. And as I looked around at all the men, I noticed that, like me, they had all finished large portions of meat, had shiny mouths and were now sitting in a somewhat reclined position. When we finished our meal, drank the last of our thick coffee and waddled to the door, we were reminded of the ballroom dancing available on Friday and Saturday evenings. Some of the game goers were using the free shuttle service to catch rides to Joe Louis. And I thought that the next time I was coming down to the theater, symphony or a sporting event, I'd probably come back to Mario's — maybe even return after the show for some dancing. After all, how often do you get to have that proud Detroit feeling? Or was that feeling just from being overstuffed with too much food? P.S. Neither Mario's nor the film distributor could confirm that they had actually catered the movie 8 Mile. But no matter, it clearly generated a good idea. There is also a Café Mario's at 1477 John R. in Troy, (248) 588-6000. 32654 Franklin Road in the Village of Franklin 248.626.2583 Fax 248.626.9275 Market Basket's Village Pizzeria ii6paemide, gyteutitt fib, * Traditional Pizza • Barbeque Chicken Pizza • Blue Cheese Pizza • Shrimp Pizza • Pesto Pizza • Artichoke/Sun Dried Tomato Pizza • 3 Cheese Pizza • Greek Pizza • Goat Cheese /Eggplant Pizza • Many More! Gait Your Ord.trW 30 Minute Pick-up 248.626.2583 title/ Gaterfirtifh, cua flutie "Through Our Doors Come Only the Finest" 671700 1/10 2003 85