arts & life the b e s t o f e ve r y t h i n g The Wonderful Whitney Dine in luxurious elegance in this beautiful Midtown mansion. P OTPOURRI … AMONG LOCAL at selling fish or neckties. Taking over a restaurant that has STALWARTS, Star Deli con- Among the better performers, enjoyed mediocre success is not usu- tinues to quietly go about its and I do mean better, is Max ally considered to be much of a challenge daily business of being one of Pellicano, who again showed … But if it’s one that had previously been America’s finest little carryout- why he is considered among blessed with a great reputation, it provides a only delicatessens … Still, at its America’s foremost impression- dare that many times proves to be too much small, total 1,200-square-foot ists of the complete Elvis Presley. to overcome. building on West 12 Mile, just Those folks who couldn’t get in This does not seem to be the case with west of Telegraph, Southfield, or missed Max at the recent one- the Whitney on Woodward at Canfield, owned by Sid Neuman, Star’s man cabaret show downstairs at Danny Raskin Detroit, where Bud Liebler has many times reputation has never wavered. Andiamo Bloomfield Ristorante, Senior Columnist been commended for his and son Patrick’s Only different face might be failed to catch another wonderful extreme efforts in maintaining the restau- the presence of Shirah Farber, performance by him. rant’s exalted status. granddaughter of Sid and his late wife, Rose But they can fret not … Max Pellicano Back in 1894, when … She is the daughter of will soon appear again … This time in a lumber baron David their daughter Miriam complete Las Vegas-style extravaganza at Whitney lived amidst Farber. the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, next its luxurious sur- From the diminutive door to Andiamo Ristorante, 14 Mile, roundings, there was Star Deli building may between Mound and Van Dyke, Warren … little thought that one come some of the best for Valentine’s Day weekend … on Saturday, day his house would delicatessen sandwiches, Feb. 13 … Also for those who want to see become one of the most carryout and tray catering more of Max’s show in all its lavish Las elegant restaurants in products in this region Vegas finery … Tickets will start at $25-$45 this region. … Through the years, its … For reservations, call (586) 268-3200. When the Whitney customers listed some WHEN NEW OWNERS take over an opened in 1986, cyni- of the community’s fin- established ethnic restaurant, it is consid- cal and critical persons est names … Mike Ilitch, ered most important that its customers maintained that no way The Whitney’s Bud Liebler and son Mickey Shapiro, Eugene receive the same dishes they have enjoyed could the restaurant live Patrick Liebler Applebaum, Sid Forbes, the on previous visits … Also, as an added up to its historic ornate late David Hermelin and incentive, owners like Arthur and Ava Fung, surroundings … How the late William Davidson, at Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant, wrong they were! etc., in a list that would Orchard Lake Road, north of 15 Mile, Sugar To speak of the Whitney solely as a for- do proud to any of America’s communal Tree Plaza, West Bloomfield, make many mer elegant mansion would be the more stalwarts. comeback friends with new dining items romantic thing … But original entrepre- Star continues to cook its corned beef, pas- not seen there before. neurs Dick Kughn, John McCarthy and Ron trami, tongue, roast beef, etc. … and makes Further price reductions on 20 dinner Fox, and now Bud and Patrick Liebler, have its own albacore tuna fish salad, coleslaw, entree combinations that include egg roll done much more than that. potato salad, seafood salad, pasta salad, rice and chicken fried rice, Thai selection addi- The same wood as its original is still pudding, fruit salad, etc., in a large list of tions, and now appetizer seafood rolls of there, every type imaginable, with out- homemade delicatessen products. crab, cream cheese and shrimp, and new standing craftsmanship … After all, David THROUGHOUT THE YEARS there dinner entree of crispy chicken and mixed Whitney did make his fortune as a lumber have been many performers who have done vegetables make it even better. tycoon … Other beautiful appointments vocal impressions of celebrities, like Rich REARVIEW MIRROR DEPT. … Oscar, throughout are coupled with excellent food Little, etc., but not that many extra good the 3-pound lobster in the tank at the for- and service to provide wonderful lunch, ones who do complete impressions of that mer Crabbie Joe’s in Dearborn, swam lei- dinner and Sunday brunching experiences. person’s act … Many of the latter are better surely without a care to interrupt his restful Sweeten T H I S VALENTINE’S DAY CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 248.737.7463 WEEKEND FEBRUARY 12 TH -14 TH LIVE MUSIC FEAT. JOANNE ROACH A CLASSIC&SOOTHING AMBIANCE 56 February 4 • 2016 CHEF’S FEATURES EXCLUSIVLEY OFFERED VALENTINE’S WEEKEND ONLY ELITE SERVICE DEDICATED TO CREATING A MEMORABLE DINING EXPERIENCE life … After all, Oscar was treated as king of the tank by customers young and old and by Crabbie Joe owners Joe and Nan Bird … Everyone made a fuss as they watched him swim with head held high. But happiness one day turned to sadness … Nobody told a new waitress about Oscar … and he was the dinner one evening for an unknowing customer and his wife. WEEKLY EVENING SPECIALS are now a feature at Triple Nickel, South Woodward, Birmingham … Mondays, Burger Night with fries and domestic beer, $12 … Tuesdays, Rib Night offerings of half slab, coleslaw, fries and glass of house wine, $16 … Wednesdays, Pasta Night with chef ’s choice and glass of house wine, $16. OLDIE BUT GOODIE … Three sons leave their homeland, prosper abroad and discuss the gifts they have been able to give their aged mother. The first one says, “I built a big house for our mother.” The second says, “I sent her a Mercedes with a driver.” David, the youngest, says “Remember how our mother enjoys reading the Bible? Now she can’t read very well, so I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the whole Bible. Mama just need name the chapter and verse.” Soon a letter of thanks came from their mother. To the first son she said, “The house was built too big. I live in only one room.” To the second son she said, “I am too old to travel. I stay mostly at home and rarely use the Mercedes. The driver is a pain.” But to David she said, “Thank you. The chicken was delicious!” CONGRATS … To Chuck Bennett on his birthday … To Luciano Del Signore on his birthday … To Sherry Shanbom on her birthday … To Jay and Marion Grant on their 73rd anniversary. * Danny’s email address is dannyraskin@sbcglobal.net.