ALL'S FARE
*cppa*E3*C1
IN THE CITY
Oak City Grille's American fare
draws diners off the beaten path.
BY DAVID MOSS I PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGIE BAAN
oyal Oak diners are well aware of the fare
which were first class. In addition to wine by the glass,
to be found along Main Street. A leisurely
bottles are offered in a comfortable $20-$35 range.
stroll might guide you past the cuisines
The steaks did not disappoint — they are a treat.
of the Middle East, Japan, Italy, Mexico, Belgium,
Seasoned and grilled to your liking, the 8-oz filet and
Thailand and Cuba. There's even some American fare
the peppercorn sirloin are both served with a vegetable
to be had, and a handful of destinations for ice cream
and chive-mashed potatoes. We also tried the Pecan
or coffee afterward.
Encrusted Trout, which was delicious but served at
Recently, though, I decided to veer off the beaten
too high a temperature. After my first bite, I nibbled
path and take a walk down Sixth Street. In the build-
at my al dente green and wax beans before returning
ing formerly occupied by Woodruff's Supper Club
to the trout; it was then that I could actually taste the
(and Kyla's before that), I discovered Oak City Grille,
subtlety of the pecans, the richness of the white wine
the latest venture from Mike Sophiea, who owned the
sauce and the fresh, succulent meat of the fish.
now-closed Rumors.
Other choices include the
On a warm summer
Oak City Chicken, featuring
evening, passersby are
twin breasts grilled with sau-
treated to the aroma of
teed mushrooms and Marsala
expertly grilled steaks
wine sauce; the grilled
wafting through the
Atlantic Salmon; and Penne
opened front windows that
Pasta with grilled chicken and
separate the patio diners
a vodka tomato cream sauce.
from those who prefer air
For a lighter meal, try one of
conditioning.
several entrée salads, including
If that doesn't beckon
a Caesar, Maurice or Spinach.
you in, consider the happy
The dinner-only restau-
Dine outdoors at Oak City Grille (top) on warm chocolate
hour from 4-6 p.m. with
rant's decor is simply done,
lava cake (above) and peppercorn sirloin (right).
half-price martinis and
accented with a tin ceiling
discounted glasses of wine
and votive candles atop white
and beer, as well as half-price appetizers. Try the
paper tablecloths. It's a relaxed place, evidenced by the
roasted red pepper stuffed with herbed goat cheese or
wait staff's khakis and polo shirts and the ballgame
the Portobello mushroom caps marinated in balsamic
under way on two wide-screen televisions — but don't
dressing to whet your appetite for a limited but tasty
mistake it for a sports' bar. It's more of a friendly, casu-
selection of entrees.
ally upscale spot for dinner and drinks or late-evening
My group's friendly bartender poured us a Vixen,
grazing over satisfying appetizers. With patio dining
mixing raspberry-infused vodka, Chambord, Midori
and live music Thursday through Saturday nights, Oak
and pineapple juice, and a Key Lime Martini with
City Grille is a perfect destination for a date or meet-
Vanilla Stoli, key lime juice and pineapple — both of
ing up with friends on a warm summer evening. ❑
R
Continued on page 10
8 •
AUGUST 2006 • JNPLATINUM
Oak City Grille
212 W. Sixth St.
Royal Oak 48067
(248) 556-0947
Hours:
Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
Monday-Thurst, 4-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.
Price Range:
11111111111.111
Soups, salads and sandwiches,
$3-$9.95; appetizers, $5.95- 4010
$10.95; entrees, $10.95-$21.95