arts & life

the b e s t o f
e ve r y t h i n g

For The Love Of Pizza!

Using many of his own recipes, Italian immigrant created successful Benito’s chain.

H

e was only 18 years old when
coming to America from
Capriolo, Italy, 56 years ago …
But it was to eventually be the beginning
of another American dream … Benito
Mautone discovered that his new country
did not have streets of gold but, instead,
opportunities for those who would work
and sweat to attain the benefits of wonder-
ful opportunities.
The early days when he worked at vari-
ous restaurants making pizza and side-by-
side with Tom Monaghan, founder later
of Domino’s Pizza, at Monaghan’s Kitchen
in Ann Arbor, were like stepping stones to
his dream to someday have a restaurant of
his own … It came in 1969 when Benito
became the first franchisee of Domino’s
Pizza, but that wasn’t enough … His com-
plete dream was to own a restaurant with
his own name … Ten years later, it was
fulfilled when in 1979 he opened his first
Benito’s Pizza in Belleville.
Today, Benito and his three sons,
Mauro, Jason and Michael, operate a
company that includes 20 locations as it
celebrates its 37th year.
Benito initially developed all his flavor-
ful recipes and, along the way, son Michael
joined him in the kitchen to also create
original recipes that are today waitperson-
served at the Novi sit-down flagship
restaurant, called Benito’s Cafe,
on Novi Road, just north of
10 Mile Road.
Benito’s insistence on
using only the highest-
quality products is
important … and every
menu item is made fresh
from the pizza, pasta,
calzones, salads and
bread … to oven-baked
subs and homemade soups

developed in the Novi Road
six entrees and dessert prior
restaurant by Michael …The
to the appearance of Sophia
flagship Novi location dining
Loren, Wednesday, Sept. 14,
room seats 50 people and an
at Detroit Opera House, by
outdoor patio holds 20 more.
Andiamo owner Joe Vicari …
Plus round, thin crust or
Plus theater seating in the first
deep dish pizza, a signature
20 rows … is $150 per person
24-inch Big Benito serves
… Tickets for the show only at
8-10 people … Popular subs
Detroit Opera House box office
include the Italian followed
are $144 per person … The
Danny Raskin
by Steak and Cheese …
catch … no Confederate money
Senior Columnist
Best-selling pastas are the
is accepted.
Fettuccini Alfredo, followed by
REARVIEW MIRROR
the Mostaccioli … If folks are looking for
DEPT. … When going to the former
a healthy option, the Benito’s Pizza whole
Excalibur restaurant on Northwestern
wheat with loads of vegetables and thin
at 12 Mile, it was fun watching Manager
crust has much popularity.
John Cetrone doing tricks for custom-
The Novi location (Benito’s Cafe) is
ers … Wonder why John didn’t have a
Benito’s Pizza chain’s only waitperson site
Trick Night segment where guys and gals
… Six have tables to dine in … The others would watch him do his magic like Marty
are carryout only … People may call in
Horowitz did for the young kids at his for-
their order and, after arriving to pick it up, mer Marty’s Delicatessen on Greenfield.
they can sit down and enjoy it at one of
READER MINI REVIEW … from
the tables or take it out.
Dennis Green … “Feeling like having a
Benito’s Pizza is most certainly a beau-
good old-fashioned burger, Sharon and
tiful dream come true in a big way …
I headed for a new place, Burger 21, on
Much larger than hoped for when Benito
Novi Road, across and down the street
Mautone came to America … Nine are
from 12 Oaks Mall.
corporate-owned, including the Marine
“The menu was packed with a large
Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz., and 11
selection of fresh Certified Angus burg-
are franchises … Indeed, a wonderful
ers. Mine was the plump Cheesy Burger
heart-warming story on this fine with Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato on
pizza group’s 37th anniver- a toasted brioche bun, perfectly cooked
sary.
to my medium specification and very soft
I KNEW THERE
and delicious. It reminded me of the won-
was a catch to it …
derful Biff ’s burgers that were so popular a
$6 per person for
generation ago.
a complete meal at
“Sharon opted for its new Monterey
any of the Andiamo
Chicken Burger, featuring lettuce, tomato,
restaurants … VIP
Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, avocado,
Package deal by call- Applewood smoked bacon, sundried
ing the restaurant
tomato aioli on a brioche bun. She elected
includes appetizer,
to not have the jalapeno peppers and raved
soup, salad, choice of
about the unique combination of flavors.

ORDER A ROSH HASHANAH TRAY

Honoring All Competitors Specials (bring in ad)

RECEIVE A FREE

Now taking orders for the High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur

Shiva Trays, Dairy Trays, Deli Trays,
Candy & Nut Trays, Fruit Trays,

LARGE ORDERS OF
12 OR MORE RECEIVE A
FREE CHALLAH

Custom Specialty Trays made upon request.

5.00 OFF All Trays

$

Exp. 10/15/16

32418 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills

(One coupon per order)
CORK & RYE LIQUOR

248-862-5747

3pm – till close

M-Thurs 10a-10p; F-Sat 10a-12mid; Sun 11a-8p
Visit us at CorkandRye.com

Exp. 10/15/16

Lunch Delivery Available

74 August 25 • 2016

Danny’s email address is dannyraskin@sbcglobal.net.

Wine Tasting Every Thursday
5pm-8pm

Exp. 10/15/16

Buy One Get One ½ OFF

*

BLOOM’S Jewish Cuisine Now Available

QUART OF KREPLACH OR MATZA BALL SOUP
OR CHOPPED LIVER

Deli Sandwiches or Shawarma

“Our milk shakes were outstandingly
rich and creamy. I had a delicious Creme
Brulee Shake with added malt powder.
Sharon enjoyed the Chocolate Malted
Milk Ball shake and raved about the
smoothness and flavor. We split an order
of sweet potato fries, sliced thin and
deep fried to perfection. Our orders were
served with a unique and creamy side of
apple cider sauce.”
QUESTION & ANSWER DEPT.
… “Do you know of any people who
were married in Las Vegas?” … Shirley
Mittleman.
[I don’t recall their names, but one time
in Las Vegas I met a couple of former
Detroiters who said they had been mar-
ried at a drive-through at the Little White
Chapel there. Another couple, not from
the local area, told me about their being
wed at the Little Vegas Chapel where an
Elvis impersonator sang a couple of his
hits, and they were given a copy of Elvis
and Priscilla’s marriage certificate.]
OLDIE BUT GOODIE … The older
Jewish gentleman was on the operating
table awaiting surgery and insisted that
his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the
operation. As he was about to receive the
anesthetic, he asked to speak to his son.
“Dad, what is it?” asked the son.
The man looked up from the operat-
ing table and said, “Don’t be nervous. Do
your best and just remember, if it doesn’t
go well, if something happens to me, your
mother is going to come and live with
you and your wife.”
CONGRATS … To Bernie Moray on
his birthday …To Laurie Novetski on her
birthday … To Dr. Cindy Atler on her
birthday.

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