raskin the best of everything Turning 21 A n eatery celebrating a 21st birth- day is talked about so much it has become old hat to many … This is called restaurant togetherness … Few restaurants realize if they have this. Such as one like Andiamo West on 15 Mile and Telegraph, Bloomfield Township Danny Raskin … It has become more or less a standard Senior Columnist of prime togetherness that is great in the restaurant business. Andiamo West Wonderful food is an absolute must, but demonstrates this should go for almost any restaurant … Good food may not be enough … Yes, it is restaurant important … Excellent service, too … Both togetherness. are combined to provide restaurant/customer togetherness, which is what you feel when you sit at an Andiamo West table. I’m not talking about hand shaking togeth- erness … but a true closeness between cus- tomers and the restaurant … An excellent eatery like Andiamo West has a silent har- mony that seems to meld between the dining establishment and its clients. At the beginning, 21 years ago, it was originally touch- and-go when owner Joe Vicari bought the former Machus Red Fox locale from the Harry Machus family … It was a fine establishment, but at too many times only another fair restaurant … However, as the years rolled by after it became Andiamo West, a sort of fellow- ship continued to build. People kept coming back for the Dover sole, house-butchered Rocky Mestari, Bill Hall and Joe Vicari steaks, summer salads, creamed spinach, etc. … Andiamo West had arrived … It developed a dedicated closeness with many other regulars who continually came back in silent camaraderie. Joe Vicari and his staff provided the food and service demanded of a stalwart dining spot once he obtained the services of his late Corporate Chef Aldo Ottoviani for his growing empire … But Aldo certainly could not be everywhere … So, fine executive chefs like today’s Bill Hall became wonderful assets to Andiamo West’s kitchen … Chefs like Bill are priceless additions with uncanny ability with dishes that include the Jewish favorites on Andiamo West’s L’Chaim menu … along with stalwart managers … and servers … All actually silent givers of what it takes to make a good solid restaurant. Andiamo West had to grow up from the stained, lookers-only reputation of the dis- appearance of UAW’s Jimmy Hoffa from its property … While there, many lookers would grab a bite to eat … and become reg- ulars. Andiamo West became noted as a show- place of wonderful food, service and ambi- ence … not just another restaurant … The years have brought more and more strength … The group of fine-dining establishments like Andiamo West, celebrating its 21st anni- versary, kept growing into what today is a fine number with true restaurant together- ness. THE NEW ULTRA-lavish Sunday brunch at Station Square, Coolidge, one block south of Maple, Troy … is introduced for two Sundays at $13.95 … Sunday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 9 … 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. … All- you-can-eat … More than 50 items, including prime rib, shrimp, salmon, chick- en, pasta, ham, bacon, sausage, French toast, pancakes, omelets, excellent house-made desserts, etc. … then back to the regular $17.99. READER MINI REVIEW … from Dennis Silber, Boca Raton, Fla. … “One of our favorite go-to restaurants in Boca Raton is synonymous with the name Renzo for over 25 years. Dating to 1990, the original Renzo’s, with a 150 person-capacity, is the place to go for its food and many celebrities. “Faced with family entanglements in 2015, Renzo split away from the original facility into a different kind of dining facility a few miles away, Renzo’s Pizzeria Restaurant, Bar & Grill, 6900 N. Federal Highway. It is small- er, more casual, with great recipes from the original Renzo’s at comfy pricing and with a piano room. It features various chicken vari- eties … parmesan, marsala, gorgonzola, fresh seafoods, Liverness, Francese or branzino, veal dishes and fresh daily-made pastas along with steaks and chops and its 25-year famous ricotta cheesecake.” OLDIE BUT GOODIE QUICKIES … “Waiter, would you please get your thumb out of my soup?” … “So sorry, sir. But I have a boil and the doctor told me to keep it warm.” … “Waiter, this soup tastes funny! … “Then why aren’t you laughing?” CONGRATS …To Esther Ingber on her birthday … To David Barr on his birthday … To Dr. Fred Bernstein on his 90th birthday. ■ Danny’s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com. “When we are no longer able to change a situation — we are challenged to change ourselves” - Viktor Frankl 32906 Middlebelt Rd (at 14 Mile) Please see our menu at www.johnnypomodoros.com Specializing in Adult and Adolescent Psychotherapy To make an appointment call (248) 855- 0007 Johnny Pomodoro’s is your ONE STOP SHOP for all of your needs! Shiva Trays, Deli Nosh Dairy & Deli Trays, Marty’s Cookie Trays, Johnny’s Signature Fruit & Veggie Trays Delivery Available CALL JOHNNY’S FOR TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL SHIVA TRAYS. Monica K. Goodwin, L.L.M.S.W. Adult & Adolescent Psychotherapist 5777 West Maple Road, Suite 175 West Bloomfi eld, MI 48322 MKGoodwin24@gmail.com P: (248) 932-4325 F: (248) 932-4326 DAIRY TRAY MEAT TRAY FRUIT TRAY MEDITERRANEAN TRAY jn MARTY'S COOKIES November 29 • 2018 65