MAINSIRLE S
Farmington & Farmington Hills
IN4
- uch like their western neigh-
bors of Northville and Novi,
- Farmington and Farmington
Hills are proud foils to one another.
For example, in the smaller, historic
cities of Farmington and Northville, the
pace is a little less hurried compared to
that of their bolder, brasher offspring of
Farmington Hills and Novi, respectively.
In Farmington, like Northville, delight-
fully restored, clapboard-sided homes
line tidy, tree-shaded streets leading to a
charmingly quaint downtown of specialty
shops and green spaces, while bucolic-
named subdivisions of newly constructed
brick manses reshape the landscape in
Farmington Hills and Novi.
And that a friendly rivalry exists
between old town and new makes explor-
ing both cities, in this case Farmington
and Farmington Hills, a worthy endeavor
any day of the week.
DINING
No matter your craving or budget, the res-
taurateurs in Farmington and Farmington
Hills aim to please both palate and wallet,
despite the proliferation of chain restau-
rants multiplying at quite a clip.
At the low end of the gastronomic
and economic restaurant food chain, if
you will, is the charmingly retro Green's
Burgers (24155 Orchard Lake Rd., 248-
474-7980) serving grilled-to-perfection
sliders. Burgers of bigger proportions can
be had at Jaws Jumbo Burgers (29216
Orchard Lake Rd., 248-855-2228), which
bills itself as the world's "one and only
movie tribute restaurant:' In addition to
Jaws memorabilia, the decor includes a
185-gallon aquarium.
Both stand in stark contrast, though, to
the award-winning, high-styled, sublime
Tribute (31425 W. 12 Mile, 248-848-9393),
where the only sliding going on is that of
the well-heeled swells easing into comfy
chairs in the dramatic dining room.
Another spiffy place, but certainly not
as high end as Tribute, is Gala, A New
American Bistro (33316 Grand River,
248-478-2355) in downtown Farmington.
Gala serves tapas-style, contemporary
bistro fare in a rustically chic atmosphere
with a full copper bar, handsome dark
wood and exposed brick.
If it's comfort food you crave, the aptly
named Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
(32407 Northwestern, 248-626-6767),
where the namesake dishes, done up in a
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October 23 • 2008
mar,
variety of guises, share menu space with
such all-time favorites as macaroni and
cheese, and meatloaf, is a must.
Likewise, a region-wide favorite,
Buddy's Pizza (31646 Northwestern,
248-855-4600), serves its classic square
pies without fuss or fancy toppings.
Satisfyingly good pretty much sums up a
meal here.
Other pizza proffered in the neighbor-
hood includes two locations of Tomatoes
Apizza. The Halstead Road location
(24369 Halstead, 248-888-4888) cooks
its mouth-watering (za in a brick oven,
while the 14 Mile-Middlebelt restaurant
(29275 14 Mile, 248-855-3555) powers its
ovens with coal. Either way, this pizza is a
standout.
For pizza with a decidedly California
twist — think toppings like mangoes, tan-
doori chicken, caramelized pears, grilled
steak and Japanese eggplant — the obvi-
ous choice is California Pizza Kitchen
(31005 Orchard Lake Rd., 248-737-5912).
No worries, though, if you're not feeling
adventurous. A pepperoni pizza can still
be had.
More comfort food, and a comfortable,
convivial setting, can be found at John
Cowley & Sons Pub and Coolhenry
Restaurant (33338 Grand River, 248-474-
5941). Coolhenry, by the way, is the name
of the Cowley ancestral home in Ireland.
In addition, the aromas and aesthetics
of Asia and the Indian subcontinent can
be found in the strip centers throughout
the area. For starters, there's Hung Hua
(27925 Orchard Lake Rd., 248-489-2280)
for an updated spin on traditional favor-
ites, attractively presented in a sophisti-
cated setting.
Ranging in cooking styles and vary-
ing in atmosphere and price, the piquant
flavors of India are expertly prepared at
Bombay Grille (29200 Orchard Lake
Rd., 248-626-2982), for Indian and Indo-
Chinese cuisine; Udipi Vegetarian Indian
Cuisine (29210 Orchard Lake Rd., 248-
626-6021); and Priya (36600 Grand River,
248-615-7700), for both north and south
Indian specialties.
Look, too, for Thai Peppers (29402
Orchard Lake Rd., 248-932-9119) and
Kabuki Sushi (28972 Orchard Lake Rd.,
248-538-0664), as well as Pars (30005
Orchard Lake Rd., 248-851-8200), which
specializes in Persian food and hospitality.
Denizens of, and visitors to, Farmington
and Farmington Hills apparently have
a hankering for spare ribs, what with
Ginopolis (27815 Middlebelt, 248-
851-8222), serving the world famous
Montgomery Inn Ribs; Brass Point
(24234 Orchard Lake Rd., 248-476-1377);
and Bone Yard (31006 Orchard Lake Rd.,
248-851-7000), all slathering secret sauce
on succulent, smoked ribs and chicken a
few short miles from one another.
Finally, indulge your sweet tooth with
the luscious, mouthwatering cakes from
Mrs. Maddox Cake Shop (24071 Orchard
Lake Rd., 248-427-9422), or try something
simpler, like a thick malt or old-fashioned
sundae from Captain George's (22840
Orchard Lake Rd., 248-427-1700).
Also check out the Sunflour Bakehaus
at the historic Farmington Bakery (33250
Grand River, 248-442-2360), where the
bakers prepare traditional breads, cakes
and pastries, as well as goodies made from
whole grains, nuts, fresh fruits and other
good-for-you, but no less tasty, ingredients.
SHOPPING
As the big chains trade on the major thor-
oughfares, downtown Farmington offers a
collection of interesting boutiques proving
FARMINGTON ON PAGE B20