raskin the best of everything A Long-Awaited Opening Danny Raskin Senior Columnist Station Square Kitchen & Bar opens its doors in Troy. George Lukaj, Goni Bardhi, Anton Lukaj and Jennifer Lukaj A family and general public love of informal elegance are wrapped up beautifully in the opening of Troy’s casually fine new Station Square Kitchen & Bar restaurant that has met with much acceptance … following its lavish four-day pre-opening and opening last week … Between an excellent and all-you-can eat abundant display of food, almost 700 people attended the two-day extravaganza. Both days were generous and strikingly beautiful fulfilments by George Lukaj in partnership with his son and daughter-in-law Anton and Jennifer Lukaj, and friend Goni Barhi. The beautiful Station Square Kitchen & Bar, which opened at the former site of Papa Vino on Coolidge and Maple, Troy, joins sister eateries Georges, West Bloomfield; Fifth Tavern, Bloomfield Hills; Grand Tavern, Rochester; and Village Palace, West Bloomfield, as another family dream come true with its many amenities. It is located fronting the Midtown Square Shopping Center … and Troy Transit Train Station that no doubt will bring countless people to the newest of Troy restaurants with so much eagerness and appeal. Station Square’s large sprawling beauty includes dishes enjoyed with much relished comment … Good solid selections that include lamb chops, filet, beef short ribs, Norwegian salmon, lake perch, Celebrating our 20 th :FBSJO 8FTU#MPPNåFME whitefish, shrimp and crab cake combination, barbecued baby back ribs, chicken choices, etc. … Plus an array of wisely selected appetizers, burgers, pastas, home- made soups and desserts … and even four styles of pizza … from a most easy-to-read and sumptu- ous menu with choice selections …. The smartly styled interior surroundings, with compliments from so many visitors, seats about 350 at tables and booths, plus an excellently stocked bar with almost 20 stools and a strik- ingly large outdoor patio. Many will also remember the one-time, six-year man- ager at Georges restaurant on Northwestern … Suela Makla, now dining room manager at Station Square … and its highly touted Executive Chef Chris Hessler, former innovative dining stalwart at Golden Mushroom, Southfield, and Rochester’s fine Kruse and Muer. The Station Square Kitchen & Bar, with its many amenities, good food, beautiful surround- ings, excellent smiling servers and cordial eager-to-please service, brings a much-accepted down-to-earth and beautiful res- taurant to Troy. AN AUDIENCE OF more than 1,500 saw a miracle … Frank Sinatra had returned … Well, almost as former Detroiter Bob Anderson, world-class impres- sionist, assisted no end by Academy award-winning makeup artist Kazu Tsuji (Churchill) was Joe Vicari’s and his Andiamo Restaurants’ big gift to a many- times standing ovation of Bob in his one-man performance of “Frank, the Man the Music” at Detroit Opera House. Of all the Sinatra impres- sionists I have seen, plus the real thing, Bob Anderson by far comes the closest with his exact gyrations, gestures and vocal intonations …The eerie feelings of an impersonated reincarna- tion of Frank Sinatra by the many attendees who listened to his two-hours of singing and exact impressions will attest to an unforgettable closeness. READER MINI REVIEW … From Jerry Naftaly … “I recently met my niece and nephew, Lisa and Howard Brown, for brunch at Anna’s House, a new place for breakfast and lunch on Northwestern Highway, south of 14 Mile, Farmington Hills. Lisa ordered the ‘Twilight French Toast,’ baked French bread topped with Crème Brulee sauce, fresh berries and raspberry melba. Howard and I enjoyed the ‘Candied Pecan and Banana-Stuffed French Toast’ filled with mascarpone cheese, candied pecans and grilled bananas topped with a house- made banana sauce, served with a choice of meat or vegetarian patty. “Howard also noticed a nearby diner enjoying some tater tots, and we ordered a side of those old memory favorites for our N OT T I N G H I L L of W EST B LOOMFIELD RESTAURANT 10% OFF KIDS EAT FREE TOTAL FOOD BILL Each free meal from children’s menu valid with purchase one meal from regular menu With Coupon. Not good with other offers. Dine-in Only. Expires: 7/19/18 (12 and under) .0/%" 0/-: : With Coupon. Not good with other offers. Dine-in Only. Expires: 7/19/18 4301 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD 8&45#-00.'*&-%t$30448*/%41-";" 248-538-6000 Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm Sunday 12pm-9pm www.uptownparthenon.com R edefining E xcellence in Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Notting Hill of West Bloomfield offers both short-term rehabilitation and skilled care for residents in a serene setting while receiving unsurpassed high quality care. We take a team approach to patient care, ensuring that all disciplines work together to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of our patients. Our goal is to help you or your loved one regain independence and return to life, family and community. table. Neither Howard nor I could finish our orders and got a box to go. Being our first visit, we found ourselves pointing out varieties and portions at nearby tables for future visits. Exiting diners com- mented about our choices as they walked by our table. Half-orders can be gotten. We were thrilled to know that Anna’s uses only cage- free eggs, all-natural meats and even though not completely glu- ten-free, it includes gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan alternatives on its menu.” OLDIE BUT GOODIE DEPT. … The man’s business was in such big trouble he thought about committing suicide but decided to ask his rabbi what to do “Go to the beach and read the Bible,” the rabbi said. “A wind will come. Rustle the pages and stop. The answer will be on top of that page.” A year later, the businessman visited the rabbi in a new tailored suit; his wife wore a long ermine coat;and he gave the rabbi a very sizeable gift for the synagogue. “You did what I told you?” asked the rabbi. “Yes,” said the man. “What were the first words you saw?” asked the rabbi. “Chapter 11,” said the man. CONGRATS … To Sara Lindeman on her birthday … To Jules Abrahams on his 35th birth- day. • Danny’s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com. 6535 Drake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 phone 248.592.2000 | www.cienafacilities.com AMENITIES : % 68 Private Rooms % Gourmet Chef on site full-time % Room Service % Formal Dining % Happy Hour % Medical Spa % Personal Telephones with private numbers % Personal Televisions % Massage Therapy % Luxury Transportation % Tablets available for use jn Customized Upscale Dining Program Spacious Sitting Areas for Socializing July 5 • 2018 49