Danny Raskin Senior Columnist raskin the best of everything A Sparkling Establishment T he ability to offer varied innova- tions in food has many times saved numerous restaurants from an unwanted dread … the sudden lack of cus- tomers … Among the reasons could be an inability to change or add to their menus … Even the best of dining spots must make alterations that change with the times … Especially when the kitchen has the ability to offer that change if needed or wanted. Restaurants like Diamond Jim Brady’ s Bistro in Novi’ s Town Center on Novi Road off I-96 have no problem … Particularly not when it enjoys the kitchen magic of two executive chefs whose culinary expertise is beyond reproach … The capabilities to change the menu if needed would be and are old hat for executive chef/partners Mary Brady and Sharon Juergens. It is now celebrating its 65th anniversary, if in name only, from its start in 1954 on 7 Mile Road … to its present site of nine years on Crescent Boulevard in Novi … where so many customers continue to lav- ish wonderful comments on Diamond Jim Brady’ s Bistro … with its bevy of blissful foods, classic libations and all the exquisite charm of a bistro with the neighborhood feel of your local bar. In the priceless culinary hands of Mary and Sharon, items such as potato-encrust- ed whitefish, crispy flat bread with chevre cheese and prosciutto, large pots of spicy mussels or its famous age-old DJ Burger are readily available … along with appetizers like a beet hummus (yogurt-based with roasted beets, tahini, garlic and lemon, served with cucumber bites) and its grilled feta cheese with a basil chili oil, olives and tomato on a grilled baguette. Diamond Jim Brady’ s Bistro, with its chefs of many talents, also makes its own rolls and breads … along with desserts like pecan cinnamon bread pudding, key lime pie, chocolate chip pretzel blondie, vanilla crème brulee and classic cream puffs. Best sellers on the menu include its pan-roasted Scottish salmon over sautéed fingerling potatoes topped with fresh aru- gula, pistachios, mint and shaved parmesan cheese tossed in lemon oil … and the Steak Diane, a 6-ounce filet mignon with a mush- room and shallot brandy demi-glace over buttermilk mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. It is easy to see why customers return for the warm hospitality and wonderful food … Especially the excellent custom-ground half-pound DJB Big Burger of yesteryears … and the house-made Diamond Jim Brady’ s Caesar salad version topped with Boursin cheese-filled chicken breast … along with its variety of chalkboard features. Seating capacity is 130, including a cov- ered patio and bar with 12 stools … Open Monday-Thursday lunch and dinner, 11-10, Friday and Saturday, 11-11 and Sunday brunch 11-4 and dinner 4-9. It is little wonder why, seated among antiques from the original 1954 location on 7 Mile Road, that Diamond Jim Brady’ s of today is so high on the list of restaurants to cherish. REAR VIEW MIRROR … Villa Venice enjoyed its own reputation as a favorite Italian restaurant back in the 1970s, even though being near the almost-always- packed original Lelli’ s Inn on Woodward in Detroit … Villa Venice, where the owner, Arminio Beltramett, was his own employee, too … He played the piano, waited on cus- tomers, worked in the kitchen, was a fun host, etc. … But always Villa Venice seemed to play second fiddle to the nearby legend- ary Lelli’ s Inn … Almost like it was with the Hy Horenstein Deli in Oak Park, where Hy was somewhat like Arminio, but didn’ t play the piano. TICKETS CAN ALREADY BE bought for the Monday, June 15, appearance by Bob Anderson doing his Frank the Man impersonation of Frank Sinatra again … Only this time at the much more spa- cious Fox Theatre … It was a huge sell- out last year at Detroit Opera House … also brought then by Joe Vicari and his Andiamo Restaurants. OLDIE BUT GOODIE …Two elderly ladies were discussing their husbands over tea. “I do wish that my Ernie would stop biting his nails. He makes me terribly ner- vous,” said one. The other lady replied, “My Sol used to do the same thing, but I broke him of the habit.” “How?” her friend asked. “I hid his teeth!” CONGRATS … To Dr. Scott Sircus on his birthday … To Lily Ann Kormen on her birthday. ■ Danny’ s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com. Creative chefs keep Diamond Jim Brady’ s Bistro shining bright. 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