42 January 24 • 2019 jn continued from page 40 I knew in the evening I’ d be going to a lot of restaurants. Some- times, I’ d go to three restaurants in one night. I didn’ t eat at all of the restaurants. At the beginning, I thought being a restaurant critic would be great. But, I remember one critic started out at 190 pounds and wound up more than 300. I made sure not to eat a lot. I learned to push away. People think I get all these free meals, but I never wanted to be obligated to a restaurant. If I am obligated, it means I have to write about them and I’ ve got to be nice. I don’ t want that. One thing I will not do: I’ ll nev- er bum-rap a restaurant because I know how much it costs just to put that damn key in the door! People don’ t realize it, but when you go into a restaurant, there’ s a lot of money just for him or her to open up that door. Insurance, licenses, gas, fi xtures, employees — it costs a lot of money. If I had a bad experience, I would tell the owner what to do to fi x it. But I would not write about it. And then, I’ d come back again when it’ s all fi xed up. And if it’ s done properly, I tell them I’ ll see if I can get something in the paper. To this day, I still try to help out. You’ re well known around town. You’ ve given your time and ener- gy to myriad worthy causes. What’ s it like being a Jewish Detroit institution? Many times, readers come up and say hello. Th at comes with the years, and I like the respect. It means I’ ve lived good — people have nothing bad to say about you. It’ s so important. I don’ t want anyone talking bad about me. People read my column and write to me, not only from here, but also from all over the coun- try. A lot of people get the Jewish News in other states. It’ s not just a local paper. Many times, a part of my column is nostalgia for them. It brings back good memories. I’ m like a representative of their memories. What’ s special about Detroit delis that your readers who have moved elsewhere still rave about? Detroit Jewish delis were an entity in themselves. At one time, inside of a few blocks you had seven Jewish delicatessens. Down-to- earth delicatessens. Everyone talks about New York City. I can only think of a few good ones there. But, that’ s strictly my opinion. People who move from Detroit long for the old delis. Th ey were mom-and-pop operations. Th ey had someone in the kitchen who knew how to make the mamalo- schen type of food — stuff ed cabbage, stuff ed peppers, beef goulash. Looking back on your career, would you change anything? No, I don’ t think so. I enjoyed the days then, and I enjoy the days today. It’ s a good ride. I try to have a lot of fun. ■ Peter Farago, CEO Farago & Associates, JN Account Executive Annette Kizy, Danny Raskin and Denise Kizy. 100 years young! Best wishes for Danny’s 100th birthday! 3251 Orchard Lake Road, Keego Harbor, MI 48320 248-682-0320 info@theharborsteakhouse.net Wishing Danny, a Wonderful Happy 100th Birthday! – Szatmari Family and the entire Hungarian Rhapsody Team H appy 100th Bir thday, Danny! From The Detroit Jewish News