MO

ArtWor s is the first annual art exhibition, fundraiser and silent auction
the mission and impact of the Anti-Defamation League
(ADL). ArtWorks features artwork by today's leading and emerging
artists that is reflective of one or more aspects of ADL's missio
All of the artwork will be part of a silent auction at the even
This event is generously underwritten by the Buckfire an
Elconin families in memory of David Buckfire.

Ark

100

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Imagine a World Without Hate -

Anti-Defamation League
100 Years of Impact
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-Antler 17 • 2013

metro >> dining around the d

1917 American Bistro

M

y husband, Mike, and I
recently took in "Light Up
Livernois:' a Detroit Design
Festival-sponsored evening offering art,
shopping, design and entertainment on
Livernois Avenue, in the general area of
Seven Mile Road and West Outer Drive.
Much credit for the new
vibrancy in Livernois' business
district, long known as the
"Avenue of Fashion:' belongs
to the Detroit Economic
Growth Corporation and its
Revolve Detroit collaborative
program. Through partner-
ing with community leaders,
building owners, entrepre-
neurs and artists, the avenue
looks better than it has in
years with a mix of tenants
reclaiming some formerly
vacant storefronts.
On what became a wet evening, we
bypassed a Mexican food truck and some
pop-up stands to have a relaxing, sit-down
meal at 1917 American Bistro.
No newbie, this solid business owned
by Donald Studvent, his wife, Katrina, and
his brother Anthony "Tony" Studvent has
brightened Livernois for more than three
years.
The restaurant's name comes from
its location in Detroit's Sherwood Forest
neighborhood, founded in 1917. Also
close to the Green Acres, Palmer Woods
and Bagley neighborhoods in Detroit, this
gem of a bistro is only a short drive from
Oak Park and Ferndale.
Large windows welcome guests into
the restaurant. The long, narrow dining
room's subdued decor is brightened by
a gallery of colorful, folksy paintings.
Stairs at the back provide access to the
fern-filled, rooftop terrace. Live jazz filled
the air this summer, and now continues
inside on Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m.
Holding a full Class C liquor license, the
bistro features $3 martinis.
"My passion is food:' said Donald
Studvent, a native Detroiter who previously
worked as a chef at Amway Grand Hotel in
Grand Rapids. Back home, and following a
downturn in the auto industry where he'd
been working, Studvent chose to open this
restaurant, and "Tony [Studvent] came
along with me for the ride:'
Donald said his brother, formerly a
kitchen manager with TGI Friday, does
75 percent of the cooking, "while I do 25
percent and run the restaurant:' Katrina
Studvent helps out when possible. She's
co-chair of Komen Detroit Race for the
Cure, presented by the Barbara Ann
Karmanos Cancer Institute.
At 1917 American Bistro, "the menu
was created to be altered:' Studvent said.
Guests "mix and match the food prepara-
tion, as they like," choosing from grilled,

fried, baked, blackened and Cajun-style.
The proteins include salmon, shrimp,
farm-raised catfish, chicken, steak and
baby-back ribs.
"Our most popular dishes are blackened
catfish, chicken Alfredo and vegetarian
stir-fr y; ' said Studvent, adding "we also
sell a ton of lamb chops:'
On the night we stopped by,
chicken quesadillas was a daily
special.
Steak and chop entrees
come with house salad and
either smashed potatoes, rice
or fries. Other entrees bring a
choice of two sides, but garlic
bread only accompanies the
Alfredo and stir-fry dishes.
Studvent said the most pop-
ular sides, when available, are
sauteed spinach, and sauteed
zucchini with squash. There are bar-style
appetizers and other salads, too.
The grilled chicken sandwich Mike
tried featured a large, tender chicken
breast. He chose brown rice and the sau-
teed spinach — "really good:' he said —
for a balanced meal.
I liked the sweet-tangy teriyaki sauce
over my chicken, stir-fried with a bounty
of fresh vegetables: squash, zucchini,
sweet red pepper, mushroom, purple
onion and more. Studvent picks up pro-
duce and most food for the restaurant
every morning at historic Eastern Market
in Detroit.
When it comes to dessert, "our rum cake
outsells everything else, 3 to 1," he said.
Yeah, it's good! The other selections are
deep-dish cheesecake, sweet potato pie,
ice cream and Chocolate Obsession.
Health-conscious customers like the
raw juice drinks and smoothies made on
premises. As the weather turns cooler,
vegan chili and turkey chili will become
regulars on the restaurant's menu, along
with a rotating daily soup. ❑

The popular sauteed spinach at 1917
American Bistro

1917 American Bistro

19416 Livernois

Detroit, MI 48221
313-863-1917
$$ 1/2 out of $$$$$
www.1917americanbistro.com