out to eat

"Much-heralded Star Deli slow-cooks
its own tender temptations"

— Danny Raskin

Order
Trays for
Your Summer
Picnics!

•

Menu combines art, music and conversation.

COMPARE OUR LOW PRICES WITH ANY DELICATESSEN IN TOWN!

MEAT TRAY

DAIRY TRAY

SALAD TRAY

$10.49grrs—

$21.49 P",.„

$11.49/Z.„

SALAD TRAY W/ LOX & CREAM CHEESE

$14.99 =..„

0 F F

Potato Latkes * Handcut Lox
Our Regular Tuna & Fat-Free Tuna Can't Be Beat!
Vegetarian Chopped Liver
Homemade Potato Salad & Coleslaw

HOURS: MON-SAT 7AM-9PM • SUN 7AM-8PM

24555 W. 12 MILE ROAD

Just west of Telegraph Road • Southfield I

248-352-7377

I

On Star's beautiful already,
low-priced trays

Expires 9/4/14. One Per Order. Not Good Holidays.'
I
10 Person Minimum. With this coupon.

DELIVERY AVAILABLE

www.stardeli.net

1930300

ONG H

FINE CHINESE DINING

"A wonderful adventure in fine dining - — Danny Raskin

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[Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner
Catering and carryout available
Gift certificates
27925 Orchard Lake Rd., North of 12 Mile, Farmington Hills
248-489-2280
www.honghuafinedining.com

1931

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2014 FALB -

SNHL PLAYOFFS

NBA PLAYOFFS

RAISING THE

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spurts enthusiast

EXPERIENCE

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WEST BLOOMFIELD

7170 ORCHARD LAKE RD. @ 14 MILE

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HAPPYSPIZZAPUB.COM Mom

42 ,ugust 7 • 2014

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS OR COUPONS • DINE IN ONLY
520 MINIMUM PURCHASE • EXCLUDES ALCOHOL • EXPIRES 8/31/14

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(248 )406.5555

WE DELIVER • CATERING AVAILABLE

PUB HOURS: 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-2AM

1875420

C

hef Matthew Baldridge has
left the typical chef's large
kitchen experience and set
out, along with two talented partners,
to create something entirely new in
the Detroit area: a communal dining
experience of the highest quality, one
that not only is affordable, but also
uniquely memorable. And it's working.
To date, since Baldridge picked up
his own culinary gauntlet, every din-
ner event that the three have created
has been sold out, with patrons asking
for more.
The "Dinner Club Pop Up" is a
series of one-of-a-kind events, each
with its own unique
taste offerings. The
dinners are served in
a communal setting of
only 20 guests at one
large table, with two
seatings per night, on
Monday evenings.
Menus include such
creative courses as
cilantro risotto, quail
egg, smoked pork
stock, peanuts and
lime zest; the loaded
potato with soft egg
yolk, caviar, creme
fraiche and bacon;
peppers stuffed with
orange coriander-roasted pork with
potato pearls and mojo sauce; and
delectable desserts.
Each meal is completely unique
from the one before. The overwhelm-
ing success of the club lies in the fact
that people are looking for something
new and interesting to savor at the
affordable price of $35-$45 a plate.
Baldridge is joined in the venture
by visual artist Janna Coumoundouros
and gallery owner and musician Derek
John, each bringing their own indi-
vidual flavor to the collaboration.
The dinners have taken place in
various venues, including John's quaint
Storefront Gallery in Ferndale, where
patrons find that they not only have an
artistically prepared meal to enjoy, but
can also take in revolving art exhibits
curated by Coumoundouros along
with fine soundtracks chosen by John.
John is also an independent film-
maker who adds audio visual flair to
the evenings, ranging from silent Kung
Fu movies to a surprise showing of
wedding photographs for two diners
sharing an anniversary.
"Dining is not only about suste-
nance; it's about the entire experience.

It should be the food,
drink and the people
you share this with.
Then incorporate
art, music and great
conversation and that
is the experience we
are striving to achieve
with this dinner club:'
Baldridge says.
Baldridge's 15-year
history in Detroit
includes serving as
the executive chef of
the upscale Cliff Bell's,
chef de cuisine at
the Rattlesnake Club
and executive chef at
Seldom Blues. He also worked side by
side with James Beard award-winning
chef Jimmy Schmidt. His meals exhibit
a French influence with a modern
twist. He also confers with local grow-
ers and urban farmers to develop the
best cuisine possible based upon the
season.
His first independent dinners began
at Revolver, a restaurant that features
local chefs, and where Baldridge
has been deemed one of the venue's
favorites. Since preparing meals at the
Storefront Gallery, the chef and his
team have been on the road in Detroit.
Baldridge's down-to-earth approach
to fine dining (he comes out to your
table clad in jeans and Converse) and
his calm, kind demeanor has gained
respect and fostered a genuine cama-
raderie with his patrons. Becoming
known around town as the "Pop-Up
Kid:' Baldridge doesn't mind the cute
name, but eschews attention for him-
self. The culinary joy he shares, defi-
nitely, is the star.
Times and places are listed at
dinnerclubpopup.com, where tickets
can also be purchased. ❑

