MAINSTREETS Now TakingOrders for your upcoming occasions 84- holidays! Order online: www.alsfamousdeli.eom 4 4okf . ott!. .744, 4 ,o Rated **Irks by the Oakland Press 10 person minimum expires 12.31.07 248-549-FOOD (3663) • 32906 Woodward Ave. (1 block south of 14 mile - East side of Woodward) 1310980 g9c649 ce0 90 (,t)eet gsenttaeg Handmade hoeolateg & onfeetiong "or Former Candy Makers of Sydney Bogg Since 1975 • v Boxed Chocolates • Glazed Nuts & Much More Mint Wafers Customized for Your Special Occasion Wedding • Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Bris/Baby Naming Anniversary • Birthday Batches Made Daily ... SHIVA Order by Phone 248-398-7933 TRAYS 1210820 42A 3233 12 Mile, Downtown Berkley Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm - *Delivery Available OCTOBER 2007 main Berkley I n our "been there, done that" world, we always seem to be on the lookout for the next best: shop, restaurant, automobile, vaca- tion locale, hairdresser — anything to show that we're in the know. Wanting to be one step ahead of the rest, we wear this knowledge like a badge of honor, that all should defer to us when it comes to planning shopping excursions or dinner with friends. For years, those truly in the know have bypassed the more familiar neighborhoods for places off the beaten path, those formerly drive-through towns connect- ing one place to another. Berkley, hemmed in by Royal Oak, Southfield, Oak Park and Huntington Woods, is one such spot. It's the shy, quiet type to its more outgoing neighbors. What's most interesting about Berkley, though, is that after many false starts to remake itself, specifically its two busi- ness districts (along 12 Mile and Coolidge), it appears to be on the verge of being "discov- ered." And when it does, good luck finding a place to park. But in the meantime, get a good look now at the places in Berkley that have people — and you know who you are — talking. Acting as anchor to both the 12 Mile and Coolidge commercial strips, O'Mara's (2555 W. 12 Mile, 248-399- 6750) is Berkley's unofficial welcome mat, what with its prime corner spot. And like all good hosts, it promises boatloads of hospitality and a menu sure to please everyone in the group. Live music is also part of O'Mara's longstanding appeal. A few blocks west of O'Mara's is Alex's of Berkley (2685 W. 12 Mile, 248-545-3710), a true neighborhood haunt if there ever was one. In this case, though, the neighbors vie for tables with folks from surrounding communities who swear by Alex's fresh-made fare. And what would any business district be without a spot — or two in the case of Berkley — to grab a pizza? At Amici's Pizza (3249 W. 12 Mile, 248-544-4100), the atmosphere is as casual, and friendly, as your best friend's, well, living room. Most likely, though, your best friend can't make as fine a pizza pie or soft bread sticks as Amici's. Seating is limited, so there might be a wait, but it's definitely worth the time. Slightly more dressed up than Amici's, but every bit as relaxed, is Sila's (4033 W. 12 Mile, 248-548-3650), where the extensive menu of tradi- tional Italian specialties never fails to satisfy. The flavors get a little more exotic at Passage to India (3354 W. 12 Mile, 248-541-2119), and the vest pocket- sized Nippon Grille (2959 W. 12 Mile, 248-544-6247) for sushi and other expertly prepared Japanese cuisine. Of course it's hard to miss the shocking green facade of the always- hopping Blarney Stone Pub (27253 Woodward, 248-541-1881) on Woodward just north of 11 Mile. In addition to sating the hungry crowds with traditional bar munchies, sand- wiches, burgers and ribs, the Blarney Stone dishes up a big portion of nostalgia serving the original Susie Q fish-and-chips dinner. SHOPPING ifs home to many storefront offices and an array of service-type Because BERKLEY ON PAGE 44A