arts & life the b e s t o f e ve r y t h i n g Asian Infusion Mon Jin Lau adds more fun and fusion to its Chinese fare. W hen this eatery opened about 47 Then there is the annual the Corner Bar that was intro- years ago, residents of the area Chinese New Year in February, duced with the building of a were thrilled that a Chinese res- which gets bigger and better second tower of guest rooms … taurant with such an honored and respected each year at Mon Jin Lau … The Corner Bar is being done reputation had come to their Troy neighbor- This year again saw a human away with. hood … But they never expected it to gradu- dragon dance among fireworks, The site will be divided into ally make slight dining changes that would etc., on one of the always much- two separate rooms, one for vault it high on the list of ethnic favorites. awaited Shanghai Wednesday private dining for 10-40 persons Mon Jin Lau, 15 Mile and Stephenson evenings at Mon Jin Lau. and the entrance to it somewhat Highway, continues to be a beloved Chinese The excellent Shanghai of a meet-and-greet area for Danny Raskin restaurant for many … But more so a Wednesday night fun tradi- cocktail parties and receptions Senior Columnist Chinese restaurant with added complements tion has gone over with heavy that will accommodate about 50 that constantly pushed it far into the Asian acceptance by folks of all ages people … The 2,000-square-foot and then-some fields. enjoying much musical entertainment and Corner Bar will no longer be available for The Chinese and more fusion din- joyous frivolity. everyday public use, with bookings made ing themes at Mon Jin Lau so far include “They were begun almost 10 years ago through the Rugby Grille or the Townsend Japanese sushi and Korean, Thai, to give customers a place, midweek, where Hotel’s catering or sales teams … Projected Vietnamese, etc., dishes. they could enjoy our food, listen to music opening is for September of this year. And, as another touch, there is delicious and take a break from the stress of the work The “fresh look” presence since Steve Italian gelato ice cream made by General week,” says Bryan … The first Shanghai Kalczynski became Townsend’s managing Manager Anthony Pannacotti, who first Wednesday night was such a success that director in 2012 has been nothing short of learned to make his lus- now more than 200 amazing. cious dessert as a 9-year- people come to revel TIME AGO WAS when someone would old youngster watching in the fun festivities ask where they could get an authentic French his uncle in Palermo, Italy … Varied themes are meal, I would tell them about places like Allo … He may be recognized many times given Paris or Aliette’s Bakery, among perhaps very by many … from his for- to the Shanghai few others, and be assured of their having mer days at Cafe Cortina Wednesdays … like authentic cuisine of that country. and Bacco. its annual Yelloween Today, it would certainly include French Certainly, Mon Jin Lau Halloween Party, Gourmet on Woodward, Ferndale, which, is still a very good Chinese Shanghai Christmas, in my opinion, might be among the best … restaurant … but so much Chinese New Year, and Asking for assistance from owners Lina and more with fusion of other once-a-month Ladies Marvin Bernstein would be heartily wel- Asian dishes that have Night, with women comed. continued the excellent receiving one-half off If not on the menu, assurance might no Bryan and Brandon Chin tradition by young broth- food after 6:30 p.m. doubt be that Lina could make it … Lina was ers Bryan and Brandon that evening. highly trained on the job at many restaurants Chin, working together with parents A Chinese restaurant to be sure … But in Paris and is many times considered on a Marshall and May Chin. even more so now, with a much-regarded par or even better than many true French Even some American-style dishes, like filet fusion dining reputation along with fun chefs themselves. mignon with Asian zip sauce … Japanese nights that continue to gain more positive MAIL DEPT. … From popular Gary sushi such as few full-service sushi places recognition every year. Cochran, owner of the former Beau Jack’s res- serve, like a Caribbean Roll, Arugula Roll, FURTHER CHANGES THAT continue taurant … “Retired? No way! I’ve been work- ginger garlic eggplant rolled with Vietnamese the prestigious presence of Birmingham’s ing with someone on a new restaurant con- rice noodles, etc. Townsend Hotel on Townsend Ave. include cept for a place on Torch Lake in Northern 58 March 31 • 2016 Michigan. Design, menu layout, etc. “Mary Lou and I recently went to the newly located Pepino’s (in Sylvan Lake). The place was packed, and we ran into a ‘ton’ of our old customers. As expected, the food and service were excellent.” MAKING ROUNDS … To Pars, Farmington Hills, for skewered charbroiled filet Persian-style … To Franklin Grill, Franklin, for homemade meatloaf … To Beverly Hills Grill, Beverly Hills, for crab cakes. MORE KUDOS FOR the Andiamo Restaurant Group … Joe Vicari’s eatery at Detroit Metropolitan Airport beat out four other finalists to win nationwide Food and Concept award by Airport Revenue News … Quite a national honor. OLDIE BUT GOODIE Dept. … Harry appeared before the Heavenly Court at the pearly gates. “What have you done to merit entering Heaven? We do not see in our books anything special.” “Well, I can think of one thing,” he said. “On a trip to the Black Hills, I came upon a gang of tough-looking bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn’t listen. So I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring and threw it on the ground. I yelled, ‘Now, back off! Or you’ll answer to me!’” The angels were impressed and asked, “When did this happen?” “Just a couple of minutes ago,” Harry said. CONGRATS …To Sid Neuman on his birthday … To Sue Maniloff on her birthday … To Roslin Katzman on her birthday … To Martin Diskin on his 87th birthday … To Marvin Slof on his 88th birthday … To Al and Marilyn Frommer on their 56th anniversary. * Danny’s email address is dannyraskin@sbcglobal.net.