arts & life
out to eat
Benstein Grille -
A Dining Destination
Allison Jacobs
Special to the Jewish News
ooking for a new restaurant on your
weekly rotation? When it comes to
top-notch dining in Metro Detroit,
Commerce Township is far from the first
place you'd consider. But, times are chang-
ing, and this lakeside town is offering more
than just your basic dock-side eats.
Brand new and already bustling with
patrons, Benstein Grille is a classy, yet
casual restaurant. The comfortable dining
atmosphere is both family-friendly and
upscale enough for date night.
Glenn Kaplan, who co-owns Benstein
Grille alongside experienced restaurateur
Mike Richardson, won the property during
an auction and set his mind on building a
food lover's destination. "If you think about
it, there's nowhere right around here that
people go for good food and a nice drink,"
says Kaplan.
Since the birth of Benstein Grille, Kaplan
and Richardson have been on the ground
floor of the architectural design and menu.
They selected Ron Rea, well-known for his
work on Detroit restaurants such as Mex,
Social and Beau's, to create a welcoming
ambiance.
For a little play-on-words, Rea carefully
chose wall photos of famous Bens, along-
side pictures of a beer stein, outdoor grill
and the famous clock, Big Ben.
Initially, Kaplan was a bit skeptical of Rea's
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In Commlearnhar
Detroit Restaurant Week takes place
Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept.
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54 September 3 • 2015
Succulent lamp chops
A 98-year-old customer named Ben
Stein meets Glenn Kaplan, co-owner of
Benstein Grille.
quirky photo arrangement, but it quickly
became one of his favorite features. "It's a
conversation starter," he says with a smile.
In addition to a talented architec-
tural designer, Kaplan knew he needed
a top-notch executive chef. Kaplan hired
Steve Toomey, who has longtime experi-
ence serving quality dishes at Brio/Bravo
Restaurants.
While creating the menu, they made
certain to appeal to a variety of palates.
Customers can opt for a lighter meal, such
as a colorful salad or fresh Lake Superior
whitefish, or go bold with their succulent
lamb chops and lobster mac and cheese.
Plus, youngsters don't have to settle for
just grilled cheese and French fries. The
kid's menu has sophisticated, yet healthy
options, such as potato-crusted chicken,
steak bites, salad and fruit.
Menchie's Opens
in Farmington Hills
Menchie's, the friendliest place on Earth
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Road. Offering high-quality, delicious
self-serve frozen yogurt, Menchie's is sure
to become a local favorite. Guests can
choose from a variety of rotating yogurt
flavors and delicious toppings for unlim-
ited combinations, ensuring happiness
in every cup. Menchie's is open Sunday
through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11
p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11
a.m. to midnight. For more information,
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Benstein Grille also accommodates
families within 5 miles of the restaurant by
offering home delivery. As an additional
benefit, locals can also take advantage of
their catering service.
A family man himself, Kaplan resides
with his wife and children in Commerce
Township and is a longtime member of
Temple Israel.
True to his Jewish roots, he and the
Benstein Grille crew take part in regular
mitzvot. "It's important for us to give back:'
says Kaplan, who is passionate about sup-
porting local schools and nonprofits.
Between their generosity and fine food, it
is no surprise that Benstein Grille is already
generating a crowd of regulars. While it
is certainly convenient for Commerce
Township residents, Kaplan is finding that
people are trekking from near and far for
dinner or a relaxing lunch on the weekends.
"We're a destination," Kaplan says.
"Unless you live right around here, you're
going out of your way. But when the food is
rolahrafinn
good, people are willing to make the drive."
Kaplan himself also has a lot to do with
the sizable crowd — he typically walks
around the restaurant, greeting customers
and making sure they are satisfied with
their experience.
During my visit to Bernstein Grille,
Kaplan stopped by my table and met my
grandpa, who happens to be named Ben
Stein and was celebrating his 98th birthday.
Kaplan was thrilled, and immedi-
ately snapped a photo with "the Original
Ben Stein" and gave him a souvenir hat.
According to my grandpa, it was the best
98th birthday he could have imagined.
So, take it from me — when you're din-
ing at Benstein Grille, you're more than just
a customer — you're family.
❑
Rancid:bin (rills
2435 Benstein Road
Commerce, MI 48390
www.bensteingrille.com
(248) 624-4100
Vaare
On Sept. 12, 1985, Hector & Jimmy's
served their first guest at 780 N.
Milford Road in Milford. In the ever-
changing world of the restaurant indus-
try not necessarily known for survival
and stability, Hector & Jimmy's, and
original owner Jim Eggl, still stand
strong.
"You do not last 30 years in any busi-
ness without a loyal customer base."
said Eggl.
"Our commitment to friendly ser-
vice, a welcoming atmosphere and our
award-winning menu serve as a testa-
ment to Hector & Jimmy's success:'
The casual, family-friendly restaurant
serves Milford and the surrounding
communities, offering several tradi-
tional favorites, BBQ and Mexican fare,
a few seasonal options and great daily
NO WE DONT
PAY IN BURGERS