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