arts & life LAST COLLECTION BEFORE THE SALE! out to eat Donate your gently used books and media at this drive-thru and drop-off location: It’s Simply Good Food At Steve And Rocky’s Jewish Community Center Loading Dock, West Bloomfield Sunday, April 10, 2016 11 am - 1 pm For further information regarding donations: bookstockmi.org 248-645-7840 ext. 365 Allison Jacobs | Special to the Jewish News S facebook.com/BookstockMI @BookstockMI Tweet with us using #BookstockMI THE D E LTA K A P PA GAMMA SOCIETY I N T E R N AT I O N A L FOR KEY WOMEN E D U C AT O R S Remember To Shop Our Sale May 15-22, 2016 Laurel Park Place, Livonia 2018270 Hidden Treasure Discovered in Oakland County Elegant estate jewelry and beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces can be yours for less than you would imagine & R Estate and Fine Jewelry R Since 1956 at David Wachler & Sons 112 South Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 248.385.0100 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-5:30pm Thursday, 10am-7:30pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Closed Sunday and Monday 46 April 7 • 2016 imple food done well” describes the essence of the Novi restaurant staple Steve and Rocky’s. For 18 years, Steve and Rocky’s has put itself on the map as a favorite among Metro Detroiters, especially when it comes to fresh seafood. From its beginnings, owners Steve Allen and Chuck “Rocky” Rachwitz immediately set out to create sophisti- cated, yet no-frills seafood and American classic dishes. They are adamant about serving only freshly caught fish, live oysters, lobsters and mussels. Chef Steve even has his own micro-farm, which allows him to provide organic produce. Not only do Steve and Rocky take pride in the food they serve, the two also took great care in the design of the restaurant. They hired renowned local architect Ron Rea to create a spacious interior with deep blues and soft peaches and pinks. The dining space is vast and open, suitable for both intimate and large groups. Along with the aquatic atmosphere, the interior features rooster sculptures and artwork as an essential add-on to the decor. While dining in, after being seated, you can expect water glasses to be filled promptly. The waitstaff aims to please and is more than willing to make sugges- tions about the fare. General Manager Duane Brady can often be found at the front of the house, greeting guests and ensuring that every- thing is running smoothly. Steve and Rocky’s also offers an exten- sive wine list — the Chianti is an espe- cially tasteful option for those who enjoy their vino from the grapes of Italy. Among the starters, the Burrata is soft and luscious, framed with house-smoked tomato, dollops of pesto and a balsamic drizzle, and topped off with a crisp, par- mesan wafer. While certain menu items are sustain- able classics, their “Just for Today” menu features are worth exploring. The chefs take pride in featuring daily specials, from hearty soups to the latest catch of salmon or swordfish. Despite plenty of new menu items, diners keep coming back for their Lake Perch Saute, an elegant spin on this seafood staple. Steve and Rocky’s ver- sion features tender perch filets topped with a warm, brown butter vinaigrette. Or if you prefer your sauce on the side, the well-seasoned perch can easily stand alone. Accompanying the perch is a generous portion of basmati rice and wilted spin- ach, sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts. The nutty flavor perfectly complements the savory elements of this dish. For those less inclined to order some- thing from the sea, the Lightly Smoked Roast Range Chicken will instantly warm your belly on a chilly night. Served with a side of fingerling potatoes and plenty of seasoned, roasted vegetables, this dish is a Midwest favorite. For more adventurous eaters, the Chicken Scaloppini Oscar is a popular entree, offered strictly during lunchtime. This dish features tender, sauteed chick- en, Jonah crab and shrimp cake, topped with a decadent bearnaise sauce. This flavorful meal is a great option for those conflicted between chicken and seafood. While restaurants come and go every month in Metro Detroit, Steve and Rocky’s has survived and thrived for nearly two decades as a result of expe- rienced staff and a passion for serving high-quality food. The roosters displayed throughout the restaurant are considered to be a sign of strength and good fortune. For Steve Allen and Rocky Rachwitz, this symbol perfectly sums up this Novi eatery’s suc- cess story. * Steve & Rocky’s 43150 Grand River Ave., Novi (248) 374-0688 steveandrockys.com