A

ppetizers brought to the 
table before I dined at the 
refined, contemporary 
Joe Muer Seafood restaurant in 
Bloomfield Hills recalled the deli-
cious legacy of the original Joe 
Muer Oyster Bar, founded in 1929 
on Gratiot Street in Detroit. 
I enjoyed my vinegary white 
bean relish, delicately smoked 
bluefin crab pate and house-made 
butter with a basket containing 
crusty rye and pumpernickel bread, 
California lavash and crunchy 
cranberry walnut crostini. After 
that fine repast, I was fueled for 
some serious eating!
Such is the smart thinking 
of Joseph Vicari, owner of two 
Joe Muer Seafood locations — 
one overlooking the Detroit 
River in the Downtown Detroit 
Renaissance Center, the other 
within Doubletree Hotel by Hilton 
on Woodward, south of Long Lake 
Road. 
Vicari retained favorite “Muer 
Traditions” from the beloved seafood 
restaurant. The entrees are accom-
panied by a choice from two classic 
sides: creamed spinach or stewed 
tomatoes. The restaurant’
s brand is 
better than ever, plus Metro Detroit 
diners enjoy Joe Muer “Modern 
Classics” and other items, including 
freshly prepared sushi.
Dominic Vicari is the managing 
partner here and also at his family’
s 
latest Andiamo Italian restaurant 
in Fenton. He joined Joe Vicari 
Restaurant Group after graduation 
from Michigan State University.
The always-fresh seafood at Joe 
Muer can be broiled, grilled or sau-
téed. Vicari said diners especially like 
whole-roasted Mediterranean branzi-
no (seabass). They also go for oven-
roasted Barramundi, served with lob-
ster and crab stuffing. 
In the Raw Bar, the half-pound of 
sweet king crab legs from Alaska is 

a popular choice. More best-selling 
items include mixed seafood ceviche, 
marinated with lime, cilantro and ser-
rano pepper, and the “Raw Bar Plateau 
Platter.
” 
A 16-page padded book lists the 
bar’
s extensive selection of wine, liquor 
and beer. 
My lunch also included Boston clam 
chowder, perfectly seasoned and thick 
with potatoes, root vegetables, bacon 
and Quahog clams. The broth was 
creamy and white, not red, and poured 
into my bowl from a small pitcher. 
I had a deviled crab ball, almost 
totally crabmeat rolled in light cracker 
crumbs, served with stone-ground 
mustard sauce. I also loved classic 
shrimp Ilene, three jumbo shrimp 
baked in toasted almond casino butter. 
I was glad to have bread for finishing 
the extra sauce. Finally, I tried a bat-
tered lobster corn dog on a stick in a 
Pommery hollandaise sauce, plus fresh 
Napa cabbage slaw.
Special desserts are Joe Muer’
s tradi-
tional coconut cake and Vicari’
s favor-
ite: carrot cake. Several house-made 
sorbets are lighter choices. 
Ron Rea designed the décor of this 
beautiful 243-seat restaurant featuring 
multiple seating areas. Parties of up 
to 100 can be accommodated. Sunday 
brunch begins at 10 a.m. Jazz or clas-
sical piano music is performed nightly. 
Upcoming is a Mother’
s Day buffet 
brunch on May 12. ■

52 April 4 • 2019
jn

dining around the d
nosh

Joe Muer Seafood

ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

 JERRY ZOLYNSKY

Grilled Scottish salmon succotash

JOE MUER 
SEAFOOD
39475 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills
 (248) 792-9609
www.joemuer.com
$$$$ out of $$$$

Mon-Thurs: 4pm-10pmFri: 11am-11pm
Sat: 4pm-11pmSun: 4pm-9pm

OUR PETITE FILET DINNER
IS HAPPENING AGAIN!

Sunday, April 7th thru Thursday, April 11th

33210 W. 14 Mile Rd, in Simsbury Plaza, 
just east of Farmington Rd., West Bloomfield

(248) 538-8954

SPOSITA’S
 RISTORANTE

$22.95

15% Off food bill

Includes Petite Filet, antipasto plate, side of pasta, 
salad, soup, potato and vegetable. 
Dine-in only, not valid with any other offer.

Offer Good Monday-Thursday, dine-in only and entrees only. Not 
valid with any other offer. With coupon only. Not valid on holidays.
Expires 4/30/19

10% Off food bill
Offer Good Friday-Sunday. Dine in and entrees only. 
Not valid with other offers. With Coupon Only. Not valid on holidays.
Expires 4/30/19

Fine Italian Dining in a Casual Atmosphere

Our philosophy is simple... Mangia Bene” (Eat well).

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST I NEVER MISS AN UPDATE 

Hours: Monday - Thursday 11am - 10pm I Friday 11am - 11pm 
Saturday 12pm - 11pm I Sunday 12pm - 9pm

Please Inquire About Banquets and Private Parties.

CIAO Italian Bistro & Wine Bar

6199 Orchard Lake Road,
West Bloomfield, MI 48324
T / 248-862-6374 F / 248-862-6389
www.ciaoitalianbistro.com

20% OFF

Food only.
Not valid with any other offer. 
Max discount $20.
Expires 4-28-19

Daily Special: Soup and Salad or Sandwich and Salad for $8

4/30/19

4/30/19

