■ platinum plates

ventures In Dining

Break out of your gastronomical rut with unique dining destinations.

BY LISA BRODY

The change in seasons is a great time to break out of our sum-
mer eating patterns — and discover new, and interesting, dining
destinations. It's always fun to set out on a culinary adventure, and
heading out while the weather is still nice is an opportunity for a
pleasant experience. Find friends with daring palates, and seek out
a special meal while the temperature is still on our side!
Offering a curiously satisfying combination of authentic
Mexican and Italian cuisine, El-Barzon, at Michigan and
Junction near the old Tiger Stadium in Detroit, definitely fills

the bill — and at moderate prices to boot. Love Middle Eastern
food? Head to Dearborn's Al-Ajami, on West Warren, which
serves extremely flavorful Middle Eastern fare, with a nod to tra-
ditional dishes not typically found at many other restaurants. On
Woodward in Detroit, Oslo (left), always a favorite for its elec-
tronic music downstairs and sushi (far left) upstairs, has reopened
and expanded its menu to include Thai dishes as well. In
Ferndale, Maria's Front Room has a new owner who has refur-
bished the restaurant. It has a similar Italian menu to the previ-
ous incarnation but with a strong vegetarian emphasis. Also in
Ferndale, on Woodward Heights, Peter Mel, the former owner of
the old Backstage Deli, Footlights Bar and Salute, has opened
Pete's Place, a 50-seat cafe serving breakfast all day, as well as
lunch and dinner. A trip to Spain isn't in your immediate future?
Head instead to Canton, where Tasca de Plata on N. Canton
Center Road makes paella to order and tapas, plus many dishes
made with ingredients brought in from Spain. The trip to Dexter
is worth it for Bistro Renaissance, an American bistro featur-
ing steaks, chops and seafood in an intimate setting. Finally, on
S. Washington in Oxford, try Jon Marx, which offers an upscale
menu of steaks and seafood. Bon appetit!

A UNIQUE ITALIAN DINING

W hether it's Intimate gatherings or large celebrations...

Let La Bistecca make it a truly memorable occasion...

Entire restaurant available Saturday and Sunday afternoon

We can accommodate any large party for any special occasion.

Panini sandwiches,
brick oven pizza, entree salads

THE MONTI

RISTORANTE

1695 E. Big Beaver in Troy

39405 Plymouth Road

(Between Haggerty & Newburgh)
Plymouth • 734-254-0400
www.labistecca.net
Open at 11:30am, Mon.-Fri. 5:00pm, Sat.

behind San Marino Club

www.tremontitroy.com
248-680-1100

Step out
of rush
hour and
into
happy
hour

Half off

appetizers

Weekdays: Lunch 11:30-2 PM
Happy Hour 2-5

and drink
specials

1423360

B 1 0 •

SEPTEMBER 2008 • MT

platinum