the best of everything Diamonds Are Forever It's been six decades of bliss at Diamond Jim Brady's. A prestigious family name that is used by another family member is usually only as good as the restaurant itself. Diamond Jim Brady's Bistro Bar con- tinues that name with a deserving pride ... Although only a few items from the original tavern remain, they, neverthe- less, blend in nicely with delights from today's dining repertoire. Another milestone in fine dining lon- gevity is reached with the attainment of year No. 61 by today's Diamond Jim Brady's. Back when restaurateur Jim Brady opened the original spot on West Seven Mile Road, Detroit, there probably might have been little thought that it would still be around in the year 2015 ... Now known as Diamond Jim Brady's Bistro Bar, with the "bistro" added four years ago, and "bar" when it recently moved but continued to be a large favor- ite at its present location within the Novi Town Center on Crescent Boulevard. Diamond Jim Brady's has come a long way since those days on Seven Mile, later in the Prudential Town Center, Southfield, and today, Novi ... But it is noteworthy that to so many, it has got- ten better than ever before ... This is saying a lot because the bar has always been a beloved choice of countless folks Mary Brady and Sharon Juergens who speak of it glowingly. wine list. Times and menus change, Diamond Jim Brady's and so should restaurants Bistro is open seven days for ... New dishes are highly lunch, dinner and brunch welcomed, especially in the ... Monday-Thursday, lunch hands of a family member 11-4, dinner 4-11; Friday- like Jim and Grace Brady's Saturday, lunch, 11-4; din- daughter-in-law, Certified ner, 4-midnight; Sunday, Executive Chef Mary Brady, brunch, 11-4; dinner, 4-9 ... and her executive chef/part- Seating, including patios, is Danny Raskin ner Sharon Juergens. 130 plus 12 stools at the bar. Under their cooking, prepa- Senior Columnist Yes, as Diamond Jim rations and all-around watch- Brady's Bistro, it has come a ful eyes, today's excellent menu contains long way in six decades ... From those a goodness that certainly blends in with days when first opened in Detroit and the favored items of yesteryears ... A ladies had to wear skirts and be escorted menu that includes bestsellers like pan- by a gentleman ... to today, when more roasted Scottish salmon over sauteed than 50,000 people have been served, fingerling potatoes topped with fresh each regardless of their garb ... be it arugula, Steak Diane, a 6-ounce filet informal, business or whatever. with mushroom and shallot brandy over "IT'S OUR FAVORITE PLACE!" buttermilk mashed potatoes, etc. exclaimed Dr. Stephen and Sandra Folks are also hard-pressed to find Wittenberg, who were reiterating the items anywhere else like Boursin cheese- same words of others who have been filled chicken breast Caesar-salad to Clawson Steak House on South style, lamb meatballs and vegetarian Rochester Road, corner of 14 Mile, sweet potato burrito ... And come back Clawson ... Oodles of good reasons why again and again for the half-pound excellent evenings of nitery delight have Diamond Jim Brady Big Burger along been pleasing so many for so long ... with selections from the Seven Mile And bringing back countless memories days that include its noted chili, She- of those wonderful places of yesteryears. She Hodgepodge (chopped greens, blue The food of Executive Chef Jim Polk cheese, scallion, egg, bacon, herb but- and his many years at Clawson Steak termilk), etc. ... plus fine daily features House are standout presentations ... Full listed on a chalkboard. meals at reasonable prices for steaks, Mary and Susan have their dining veal dishes, chicken, salmon, prime rib, knowledge carefully attuned to prepare liver and onions (yes, the real thing), casual, trendy food with all the charm whitefish, lamb chops, ribs, etc. ... and of a bistro, offering the comfortable pastry delights made by Jim's wife, Jodie, atmosphere of informal relaxation ... whose wonderful key lime pie, chocolate This, while thoroughly enjoying a famed peanut butter mousse pie, creme brulee Diamond Jim burger, potato-encrusted and hot caramel on a brownie sundae whitefish, crispy flat bread with chevre are standouts. cheese and prosciutto or a big pot of Just like so many nightspots of past spicy mussels ... along perhaps with a years ... Live music and dancing to handcrafted cocktail, Michigan draft rhythms of the Mark James Band on beer or selection from the affordable Wednesdays-Saturdays, cleanliness and so much more ... amid many reasons why loads of diners revere Clawson Steak House as "our secret:' WHEN THE FIRST P.F. Chang's China Bistro was opened in 1993 by Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang (changed to Chang) much thought was given to serv- ing nothing but Chinese and American food ... However, the menu today now includes sushi, dim sum and Thai along with Chinese fare. A recent visit revealed these additions, although the original owners wanted only upscale Chinese and American ... It is under different ownership and has retained its original good offerings. FOR WHATEVER REASON, Joni and hubby Neil Satovsky may be one of the few couples who have the strange desire to try new restaurants almost immedi- ately after opening ... Who knows, being a good cook herself, Joni might enjoy saying, "I can make it better!" ... and Neil may graciously agree. OLDIE BUT GOODIE ... Three elderly men are complaining ... talk- ing about their aches, pains and bodily functions. The first man says, "I have a problem. I wake up every morning at seven and it takes me 20 minutes to tinkle. The second man says, "My case is worse. I get up at eight, and I sit there and grunt and groan for half an hour before I have a BM:' The third man says, "At seven, I wee- wee like a horse." "So what's your problem:' ask the oth- ers. "I don't get up until nine." CONGRATS ... To Dennis Green on his birthday ... To Myron "Mynie" and Jacqueline "Jackie" Milgrom on their 65th anniversary. * Danny's email address is dannyraskin@sbcglobal.net. Caring is at the heart of everything we do. Orchard Lake Rd. South of 14 Mile • Farmington Hills 851-7000 We are available for a few hours a day to 24 hours, 7 days a week and including holidays. A few services provided: AlzheimerlDementia Care; Companion Care; Light Housekeeping and Personal Care FREE Excluding tax, tip and beverages • With this ad • Carry out or Dine in • Expires 11/20/15. JN Not valid on Holidays Catering for all Occasions • Carry-Out • Our Speciality "Low Carb Ribs & Chicken & Lamb Ribs" annah s IN-HOME ASSESSMENT ' HOME CARE, INC. (248) 312-0040 www.hannahshomecare.com 2007210 50 November 5 •2015