meet him or her "under the clock at Kern's." Well, sort of. You see, the restored piece of Detroit retailing his- tory, where generations of Detroiters never missed a date, sits at street level in front of The Woodward, rather than over the mezzanine of J. L. Hudson's worthy competitor. But nonetheless, a new generation of downtowner is adopting this icon as their own. On the avenue's western flank, the Detroit Breakfast House and Grille @ Merchant's Row (1241 Woodward, 313-961-1115) will make the most dedicated night owl eager for the sun to rise. Even on the cloudiest of days, the sunny demeanor of the staff and a backdrop of almost-glowing miniature colored tiles infuse the dining room with vibrancy. That the breakfast entrees are first rate only adds to a perfect morning. And a block away, the "greening" of Detroit continues now that Salad Creations (1043 Woodward, 313-963- 5800) has sprouted, offering a menu of healthy, yet satisfying mealtime options. Also in the immediate neighbor- hood, but not directly on Woodward, are a host of restaurants — new con- cepts and old favorites — that prove Detroit is a great food town. The list is long and includes the traditional Cuban tastes from Vincente's (1250 Library, 313-962-8800) and the nibble-and-nosh concept at the stylish Small Plates (1521 Broadway, 313- 963-0497), to classic "big city" fare at the clubby, aptly named Caucus Club (150 W. Congress, 313-965-4970). There's also a trio of restaurants calling the Renaissance Center home: Andiamo Riverfront (400 Renaissance Center, 313-567-6700), Seldom Blues (400 Renaissance Center, 313-567-7301) where an inno- vative menu complements the luscious river view and stellar live-jazz per- formances, and Coach Insignia (100 Renaissance Center, 313-567-2622), floating above the city on the 71st floor of the Marriott. North of Grand Circus Park, the glorious Fox Theatre anchors the appropriately dubbed Foxtown. And it's here, flanking the Art Deco movie palace, where Da Edoardo's Foxtown Grille (2211 Woodward, 313-471- 3500) serves contemporary and traditional Italian specialties, and the '50s-inspired Johnny Rocket's (2239 Woodward, 313-471-3446) dishes up thick malts and juicy burgers. The hardscrabble neighborhood to the north shouldn't be overlooked, as a true diamond in the rough, the Atlas Global Bistro (3111 Woodward, 313- 831-2241), truly shines with its sunlit dining room and "worldly" specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the Midtown/Wayne State/ Cultural center area, legendary haunts like Mario's (4222 Second, 313-832- 1616) and the recently revamped Whitney (4421 Woodward, 313-832- 5700) still draw the crowds with their classic Italian and Continental special- ties, respectively, while the scene is a little more casual in both atmosphere and cooking style at the always popu- lar Union Street (4145 Woodward, 313-831-3965), where the "anti pasta" salad is a must, and the industrial chic Majestic (4120 Woodward, 313- 833-9700) for Mediterranean-infused dishes. Quietly sitting in the shadow of the Fisher Building, a block north of the Boulevard and a few in from Woodward, the lovely, sublime Cuisine (670 Lothrop, 313-872-5110) is aptly named, as food is not merely prepared, it's celebrated and savored. Finally, just north of Six Mile, La Dolce Vita (17546 Woodward, 313- 865-0331), newly invigorated and spilled up on the inside, plays a hide- and-seek number on those driving by, DETROIT ON PAGE 52A elebrating its 7th year of service to Metro Detroit. Located across from Comerica Park, in The Fabulous FOX', DaEdoardo proves itself through the finest culinary sophistication. From spicy Calamari Arrabbiata,Veal Chops, Steaks, Salmon & Succulent Shrimp — to Pastas, Rustic Oven Pizzas, Soups, Sandwiches and DaEdoardo Salads and more. FOXTOWN GRILLE call 513.471.3500 hird generation restaurateurs Chef Eddie Barbieri and Anne Barbieri-Kolinski infuse every dish with passion. A happening near-downtown site. Available for private parties and catering. 2203 Woodward Ave. Across from Comerica Park, In The Fabulous FOX The Perfect Dinner Spot before The Game or Theatre! VIA \ V E OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY Now FEATURING NEW MENU BANOUET FACILITY AVAILABLE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS FERNDALE RESTAURANT & BAR ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR TlIg iflinta Broiled Whitefish S. Shrimp Dinner Fria tim SPECIAL 1: IA 10oz Lobster Tail Dinner 519.00 515•D° 344 WEST NINE MILE FERNDALE 248,336.9936 WWW.VIANOVERESTAURANT.COMI W ea /: facover 'ii ancitesa Famous for our... Dover Sole, Lake Perch, Pancho Burger, Medallions of Beef. the $10 00 OFF Any purchase of $50.00 or more. Excludes tip, liquor & tax. With this ad exp. 11/15/07 -; * Caucus 4 . Club 01 loc . 150 West Congress Detroit • 313-965-4970 • Main Floor Penobscot Bldg. main OCTOBER • 2007 51A