MAINSTREETS Berkley I n our "been there, done that" world, we're always on the lookout for the next best shop, restaurant, automo- bile, vacation locale, hairdresser — any- thing 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 ahead of the pack have bypassed the more familiar neigh- borhoods for places off the beaten path, those formerly drive-through towns con- necting one place to another. Berkley, hemmed in by Royal Oak, Southfield, Oak Park and Huntington Woods, is one such spot. Consider it 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 business districts (along 12 Mile and Coolidge), it appears to be on the verge of being "discovered:' And when it does, good luck finding a place to park. But in the meantime, take a look now at the places in Berkley that have people talking. DINING 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 hos- pitality and a menu sure to please every- one in the group. Live music is also part of O'Mara's longstanding appeal. On the opposite corner is probably one of the area's most popular takeout restau- rants in the most unusual setting. In fact, you'll be able to refuel you car while fuel- ing your appetite. You see, tucked inside the convenience store at the Sunoco ser- vice station, Mr. Kabob (3372 Coolidge, 248-545-4000) serves up freshly prepared — and award-winning — Middle Eastern favorites to a legion of fans who praise the menu's freshness and quality. 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 B10 October 23 • 2008 main And joining the Berkley dining scene earlier this year, Bagger Dave's (2972 Coolidge, 248-543-3283) serves thick burgers — create your own, or choose from among its signature burgers, including something called the Train Wreck which is topped with super sharp cheddar cheese, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, mayonnaise, fries and an egg — hearty sandwiches, Belgian-style double-fried and sweet potato fries, turkey black bean chili and hand-dipped shakes. Plus, Bagger Dave's is entirely smoke-free. be without a spot — or two in the case of Berkley — to grab a pizza? At Amici's Living Room (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 exten- sive menu of traditional 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 pre- pared Japanese cuisine. Of course, it's hard to miss the bright green facade of the always-hopping Blarney Stone Pub (27253 Woodward, just north of 11 Mile, 248-541-1881). In addition to sating the hungry crowds with traditional bar munchies, sandwiches, burgers and ribs, the Blarney Stone dishes up a big portion of nostalgia, serving the original Susie Q fish-and-chips dinner. SHOPPING Because it's home to many storefront offices and an array of service-type estab- lishments, a shopping trip to downtown Berkley is generally a quick affair. That's not to say, though, that the area should be overlooked. In fact, a handful of mer- chants are making a name for themselves and the neighborhood. A stylish spot on the 12 Mile strip is City Style (3017 W. 12 Mile, 248-548- 2489), a decidedly upscale boutique for women's and men's shoes, casual apparel and accessories, including the popular Made in Detroit brand. Shop-a-holics make a habit of spending time browsing the expansive collection of colorful fashion and home accessories at Catching Fireflies (3117 W.12 Mile, 248-336-2030), which dubs itself a "whim- sical gift gallery:' while musicians of all skill levels compare prices and selections at McCourt Music (3063 W. 12 Mile, 248-546-4300) and The Berkley Music Company (3039 W. 12 Mile, 248-543- 3900). Shopping for food is apparently a favor- ite pastime in this neck of the woods. Elaine's Bagels (2847 Coolidge, 248-546- 8411) and Elwin's & Co. (2971 Coolidge, 248-547-1620) are known region-wide for their sublime bagels and scones, respec- tively, while those with a sweet tooth will find themselves in a state of bliss once inside Sweet Essentials (3233 W. 12 Mile, 248-398-7933), where the public can catch a glimpse of the candymakers hard at work in a storefront kitchen. Talk about the ultimate in window-shopping! Look up "gourmet fruit market" or "specialty store" in a dictionary and you're likely to see a photo of Westborn Market (27659 Woodward, 248-547-1000), over- flowing with a bounty of produce, flowers,