Southfield/Lathrup Village/
Beverly HiIIS:Southfield Road

C outhfield Road is a micro-
cosm of metropolitan
Detroit in that its claim to
fame is not so much being a
center of any one place, but
rather a collection of dis-
parate pieces connected
solely by a common address.

And as one of the busiest
roadways in the region,
Southfield Road — specifical-
ly between Nine Mile and 14
Mile — can make for a bur-
densome ride pretty much
any day of the week. So to
even consider it as a place to
discover some fine food and
interesting shopping is sure
to draw the attention of
skeptics. Pay them no atten-
tion.

There's certainly a lot to
choose from along this
bustling ribbon of asphalt
and concrete, whether you're
in the mood to sit and relax
or in need of something on
the run.
Between 13 Mile and 14
Mile, Beverly Hills Grill
(31471 Southfield, 248-642-2355)
remains a hands-down favorite
for its remarkable consistency,
interesting but uncomplicated
menu, and efficient service.
Those in the know — and there
are plenty — arrive early or late
to avoid the dinner rush, or
they'll simply skip the guesswork
and go for breakfast or lunch.
Regardless, though, of time of
day you go, you're guaranteed a

STAFF P HOTO B Y AN GIE BAAN

DINING

great meal. And if there's a cob-
bler on the menu, make sure to
save room for dessert.
Nearby and closer to 13 Mile,
Brady's (31231 Southfield, 248-
642-6422) is the spot for burgers
and fries washed down with a
cold pint or two.
And around the corner on 13
Mile, a sleeper of sorts in that it
tends to get overlooked, what
with newer entrants hogging the

limelight, Flying Fish Tavern
(17600 W. 13 Mile, 248-647-
7747) casts a wide net, so to
speak, serving entrée salads,
burgers and hearty sandwiches in
addition to seafood specialties.
There are certainly more scenic
drives in town, but the Coffee
Beanery Cafe (27411 Southfield,
248-552-9607) does an admirable
job of softening the harsh sur-
roundings with its handsome and

open storefront, and easy-on-the-
eyes landscaping.
So it's not on Southfield Road
proper. But Le Petit Prince (124
W. 14 Mile, 248-644-7114) is a
short detour worth taking for its
authentic French confections
that are nothing short of sub-
lime.

SOUTHFIELD on page 36

MainStreets • October 20, 2005 • 35