raskin

the best of everything

Say Hello To Ciao

Danny Raskin

Senior Columnist

New Italian

fi ne-dining spot

worth a visit.

Robert Lulgjuraj and Mike Vulaj

A new restaurant takes over
the former location of five previ-
ous eateries as it now becomes
Ciao Italian Bistro … on Orchard
Lake Road, West Bloomfield …
the previous sites of Sign of the
Beefcarver, Chuck Daly’s Great
Northern, West Bloomfield’s
Great Northern, Big Daddy’s
Parthenon and Huerto.
No. 6 has already attained
high grades in serving good
Italian fare in the completely
remodeled atmosphere with
its clean, elegant look of white
tablecloths on both tables and
upholstered booths … The only
sight remaining is the ever-
present fireplace, there through
all decor changes.
First impressions are almost
always a most welcomed key
to smiles … and this is readily
obtained upon entering and
being greeted by the famil-
iar beam of hostess/waitress
Senada Suknaj, who many may
recall seeing from other dining
locales.
And there is Robert Lulgjuraj,
on premises at all times,
owner/partner with brother
Nick Lulgjuraj, brother-in-law
chef Mike Vulaj (also making
Mike’s own choice desserts like
Tiramisu and Crème Brulee) and
brother-in-law Tony Vulaj … at
their Tallulah’s in Birmingham,
Ciao Amici’s in Brighton
and Fenton, and Americus
in Brighton and Milford …
Certainly no slouch operations
in desired dining.

N OT T I N G H I L L

of W EST B LOOMFIELD

Robert was a former 10-year
general manager for Joe Vicari
at his Andiamo restaurants …
and, at one time, no stranger
to the new Ciao location, being
an easily recognized previous
server at the former Big Daddy’s
Greek eatery … and before that
a busboy and then waiter at
Larco’s of Troy … My server at
the new Ciao, Rafael Parida,
was also a former Big Daddy’s
busboy.
The strikingly fresh look is
coupled with a good sensible
menu of numerous much-want-
ed Italian selections … including
a lamb shank bestseller that
easily may be classed among
the best to be had … together
with a wine selection of more
than 1,000 choice vinos … in a
most relaxed atmosphere of soft
elegance … without the higher
cost as might be expected with
such fine dining.
Seating in the main dining
room is for more than 300 … a
striking banquet room of 120 in
a relaxed setting, plus long bar
with 20 stools … and a 70-seat
outdoor patio.
The first two weeks Ciao was
not open for lunch … However,
it has since been added to
the hours … Monday through
Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to
11 p.m., Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
The addition of Ciao Italian
Bistro brings another welcomed
addition to West Bloomfield’s
culinary goodness reputation.

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THANK-YOU DEPT. … “I
want to share an uplifting
experience my wife, Sue, and I
recently had at 5th Tavern on
Telegraph Road, Bloomfield
Township.
“We regularly dine there and,
recently, with friends Dr. Ed
and Laura Cohn, we enjoyed a
sumptuous dinner and excellent
service.
“Returning home, and over
an hour after leaving the restau-
rant, I realized my wallet was
gone. In indescribable distress,
a frantic search followed then a
desperate phone plea to a host-
ess. Not 10 minutes later, one of
the managers, John Winkworth,
called back. Under the table
where we were seated, he found
the wallet and secured it safely.
“You cannot believe how
relieved I was and how elated to
find its very important contents
100 percent intact.
“We were thrilled at such
goodwill and professionalism
and heartily applaud the 5th
Tavern restaurant’s wonderful
employees, most notably John
Winkworth.
“Compliments were mailed
to the owners, but I wanted
to share my almost disastrous
experience” … Joel Seidman,
M.D.
MAIL DEPT. … from Ernest
Borden… “We had a great sea-
food meal on the way to our cot-
tage Up North. The restaurant
was a little spot that didn’t serve
many options, but this one sure

hit the spot. Wish I would have
had it when I owned Ernie’s
Chalet, years back. It was cov-
ered from top to bottom with
scallops, shrimps and mussels
in a juicy tomato and dill sauce
that was terrific. Our two sons
Jeremy and David had two help-
ings each. My wife, Sarah, and
I helped them, of course; there
was so much.”
THAT WONDERFUL
14-ounce prime rib super spe-
cial … $14.95 … Saturdays from
5 p.m. (until they run out) at
Georges Family Restaurant on
Northwestern, north of 14 Mile,
West Bloomfield, includes soup
or salad, potato and vegetable.
OLDIE BUT GOODIE … The
young couple was engaged in
an affectionate embrace when
there came the sound of a key in
the front door. The young lady
broke away at once, eyes wide
with alarm and cried, “It’s my
husband. Quick, jump out the
window.”
The young man, equally
alarmed, made a quick step
toward the window, then
stopped. “I can’t,” he said. “We’re
on the 13th floor.”
“For heaven’s sake!” cried the
exasperated young lady. “This is
no time to be superstitious!”
CONGRATS … To Pamela
“Pam” Turner on her birthday
… To Mel Seffinger on his 90th
birthday. •

Danny’s email address is
dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.

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June 7 • 2018

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