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A Neighborhood Gem

Sposita's Ristorante is true to the tradition of Mama's luscious goodies.

S

ome of your better neighborhood restau-
potatoes, etc., that accompany entrees ... but,
rants that were not expected to stay open
in no small measure, for the close camaraderie
for any length of time have fooled many ...
among employees and customers.
by having years and years of success.
Culinary operations such as Sposita's
One of them is Sposita's Ristorante on 14 Mile,
Ristorante, with folks like excellent General
east of Farmington Road, West Bloomfield ... It
Manager John Flynn, who assists Joe and Lois,
has more than weathered a business separation
are among those very choice, ultra-clean Italian
and is now celebrating its 16th anniversary as a
neighborhood eating establishments that are
culinary standout among the area's better neigh-
held so dearly by those who consider them
Danny Ra skin
borhood Italian eateries.
almost invaluable.
Senior Col urnnist
Chances of its original continuation may have
A WONDERFUL DINING LEGEND comes
been small ... But fate had stepped in decades ear-
to an end as Mark and Susan Larco close their
lier when little Joe Sposita Jr. would watch his mother cook
Big Beaver Tavern (the former Larco's), Troy, on Nov. 25
and marvel at the food she put on her family's table.
... The many memories of Larco's are strong ... with fond
Or later, when he grew up, married Lois, and they would
remembrances of Mark's dad, Pete, and uncles Mike and Nick
visit his parents and, of course, eat his mother's wonderful
on Six Mile and San Juan, Detroit ... Mark has done proud
food.
by them ... His and Susan's retirement will
The years rolled by and, like so many
have them missed by many ... The site will
other women, Mary Sposita had con-
become the area's third Crispelli's Bakery
stantly been told that she should have her
and Pizzeria.
own restaurant ... Mary never did open
THE NEW L'CHAIM menu of noted
one, but instead plied her cooking magic
Jewish dishes now available along with
at places remembered for their great
the usual good Italian food at Andiamo
food, Blue Lantern, Monk's Cellar and
Bloomfield, Telegraph, just south of 15
Ginopolis'.
Mile, by owner Joe Vicari and Executive
As destiny would have it, Joseph Sr.
Chef Bill Hall, has gone over in a big way
and Mary had a son who, in 2001, would
... The number of people who have offered
retire as a high-ranking official in the
more
"to life!" menu suggestions would
Lois and Joe Sposita
International Plumbers Union to devote
take over a lot of dining space.
his full-time efforts with Lois as owners
READER RECOMMENDED
of the restaurant that would bear the family name.
RESTAURANTS Dept. ... from Theresa Rich ... New
It had previously been the small Envoy Cafe, which was
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Park Shelton, Kirby, Detroit
enlarged by his takeover of the empty space next door ... and ... and Stuffed Bun breakfast and brunch, E. Walton Blvd.,
the building of an additional 80-seat dining room next to the
Pontiac.
lounge with its booths, tables and 12 stools at the L-shaped bar.
WEARING GLOVES by persons handling food in restau-
Sposita's hours are Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday
rants is most important ... But many people do not realise
lunch and dinner, 11:30-11; Saturday, 4-11; Sunday, 4-9 ...
that numerous employees evidently don't know the difference
with excellent service and its highly acclaimed steaks, lamb
between continuous use or not ... So many such employees,
chops, ground sirloin, pasta dishes galore, often-ordered
particularly in the kitchens, never change their gloves all day
chicken dishes, seafood, veal, etc.
... Even after continually wiping their covered hands on dirty
Sposita's Ristorante today holds a special niche in the
aprons which they do not seem to change.
hearts of many folks ... Not only because of the food, quan-
IN ANSWER TO MANY queries as to what women
tity, service and price, to go with its raved-about homemade,
restaurateurs in this area are considered to be most knowl-
award-honored minestrone soup, full antipasto tray, salad,
edgeable when it comes to questions about Italian dining,

PRIME29

STEAKS • SEAFOOD • COCKTAILS

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON'S

LUXURY DINING
DESTINATION

SIGNATURE MENUS • ELITE SERVICE • EXTENSIVE AMENITIES

g

6/11. 19/

248.73.PRIMEC77463)

76

its food preparation or presentation, it would be a toss-up
among many ... But three may stand out ... Rina Tonon of
Cafe Cortina, Farmington Hills; Frances Truant of Giovanni's,
Detroit; and Rita Rugiero of Roman Empire, Dearborn ...
among others.
ALONG WITH ITS regular daily menu, a big seafood
mark is being made by Maria's, Walnut Lake Road, West
Bloomfield ... Fresh fish offerings now include Lake Superior
whitefish, whitefish piccata, Atlantic salmon florentine, char-
grilled salmon and Dover sole almondine ... Regular daily
fish specials are rainbow trout, Chilean sea bass and sauteed
frog legs.
MAKING ROUNDS ... To Uptown Parthenon, Orchard
Lake Road, West Bloomfield, for double-bone lamb chops ...
To Santorini Estiatorio, Monroe, Detroit, for lemon chicken,
Greek style ... To London Chop House, Congress, Detroit,
for Pancho Burger ... To Ginopolis' Bar-B-Q Smokehouse, 12
Mile, Farmington Hills, for Montgomery Barbecue Ribs.
DREAM CRUISE recently no doubt brought memories of
yesteryears to many ... People like former Detroiter Herman
Kramer, who came here from California and was among the
more than a million standing, sitting, lying down, etc., to
catch glimpses of the vintage cars ... He kept looking, but
never did see his De Vaux.
Herman couldn't stay the entire weekend ... He and Bess
had to get back, but Herm is the only person I know of who
had a De Vaux ... It was my first car, too ... Yes, it was that
long ago ... Herm didn't remember much of it either.
My De Vaux was a used job, and gas then was so cheap,
maybe about five gallons, more or less, for a dollar.
QUICKIE OLDIES BUT GOODIES ... Doctor says,
"You'll live to be 70!" Patient, "I am 70!" Doctor, "See! What
did I tell you!"
A doctor held a stethoscope to a man's chest. The man
asks, "Doc, how do I stand?" The doctor says, "That's what
puzzles me!"
A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, "You've
been brought here for drinking." The drunk says, "OK, let's
get started."
CONGRATS ... To Daniel Kuchersky on his birthday ...
To Yvonne Kuchersky on her birthday ... To Joe and Lois
Sposita on their 61st anniversary. *

Danny's email address is dannyraskin@sbcglobalmet.