arts & life
DESTINATION
O.W.L. ... All-Night Diner With A Tasty Twist
t is not fast food, but it is also not a place to go for a lei-
surely meal. It is small, occupying the once iconic Onion
Roll Deli space on the east side of Woodward just north
of 11 Mile Road. The recognizable outline of the Onion
Roll signage remains, sporting a curious new owl figure.
The sign is the only thing that hasn't been renovated in the
1,000-square-foot space.
Open 24 hours a day, six days a week, closing at 10 p.m.
on Sundays, the O.W.L. is a diner that offers patrons a dine-
in or take-out option to fast food with an emphasis on com-
fort food and a creative Mexican-American menu.
A steady stream of hungry customers keep the kitchen
bustling. Many are repeat customers who know exactly
what to order without gazing at the menu. Many also know
to place their order before taking a seat, which is the proper
protocol at the O.W.L.
A prominent black-and-white mural adorns the wall of
the Owl and captures the rich history of Woodward Avenue
BY MARY MELDRUM SPECIALTOTHE JEWISH NEWS
locations both present and past (including the Onion Roll
Deli).
You'll find some familiar Mexican favorites like tacos and
chilaquiles, but wings and burgers can be teed up as well for
patrons with late-night American cravings. I chose the avo-
cado, lettuce and tomato egg sandwich, one of several egg
sandwiches on the menu. The Three Taco dish with a side
of fries was also served, and all were devoured. *
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THE DISH
Our server reported that the Double Layer Nachos and
Chicken Fried Chicken are favorites. After we were served
the Three Taco dish, I saw the nachos get served to another
nearby patron. It looked like a big yum! Yep, gonna have to go
back for those.
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THE CONCEPT
The brain child of the Bongionanni brothers, Larry and Joe,
and Joe's wife, Kristin, O.W.L. was originally going to be a clas-
sic hamburger stand. Once Pedro Nunez, an immigrant from
Mexico, was put in charge of the food, the theme shifted to
accommodate his heritage. Thanks to that shift, you can order
your curly fries with poblano cheese sauce, if you prefer.
THE VIEW
Wood-topped stools line the sleek counters on both sides of
the galley-style diner with one row facing out the window
onto Woodward Avenue and the other facing the open kitchen
space. Even the venting on the ceiling is modern and cool.
(MI. 127302 Woodward Ave. Royal Oak I (248) 808-6244
It's time for something new ...
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Young Jewish
professionals discovering
2.79.4611
As we approach our 75th birthday, we decided to look to the future with a new
look, new content and a new attitude!
This isn't your bubbie's JN (although she will still love reading it, too!)
Watch for our makeover in January.
56
December 15 2016