May 30 • 2019 53
jn

Danny Raskin
Senior Columnist

raskin
the best of everything

Rebirth of a Legend
I

t has often been noted that a new 
restaurant is many times a difficult task 
when opened by one or more who have 
never done it before … And maybe also 
when it is a dining legend being reopened.
However, it is not so with the husband 
and wife togetherness of George and 
Alicia Shoukas … as they celebrate the 
second anniversary of the reincarnation of 
the Caucus Club in Downtown Detroit’
s 
Penobscot Building on Congress.
His being a 20-year partner in the 
Chesterfield, Mich., Louis’
 Chop House 
gave George an idea of what to look for 
and correct if necessary … Should there 
be a problem, George and Alicia would 
be on their toes for its correction … As it 
turned out, former owners Sam and Les 
Gruber and Mary Belloni left little if any-
thing to be corrected.
It might be considered the new Caucus 
Club although many memories still 
undoubtedly cling within its walls … 
Neither George nor Alicia previously 
knew much of its wonderful history … but 
were thrilled at the thought of owning a 
prestigious restaurant in Detroit.
Being his own executive chef and with 
the many abilities of wife, Alicia, George 
was able to bring back some of the 
excellent specialty dishes along with the 
numerous steak and seafood selections 
… tableside Caesar salad, Bananas Foster, 
Osso Buco, etc. … Also the best-selling 
filet mignon steaks and dry-aged steaks … 
Doing their own baking of the breads and 

making many desserts like chocolate torte, 
key lime pie, cheesecake, crème brule, tira-
misu, chocolate mousse, braised pears, etc. 
The new Caucus Club is open seven 
days a week … Monday through Friday 11 
a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, 5-11 p.m., Sunday, 
4-7 p.m. … With seating for 155 and 13 
bar stools.
Enjoying the rebirth of a wonderful 
dining legend with a great history that 
dates back to 1952 … and enjoying its 
excellent food again … so many dishes 
that will always be remembered … and 
never changed … a thrilling memory 
… on the rebirth of a great dining name 
now celebrating the second anniversary 
of what is once again a fine upscale din-
ing adventure 
WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS … Well, 
not exactly, but Mark Zarkin did in a way 
with his new venture … His sons Ari and 
Michael are at Mark’
s Steven Lelli’
s On the 
Green while he pursues another dining 
venture … Like so many youngsters, a 
childhood hope to someday maybe own 
a circus almost came true, even if just 
the name of another restaurant … Mark’
s 
Grand Circus Diner may not have a grand 
opening yet, but folks are still coming in at 
all hours for his dining goodies … It’
s on 
Witherell and Woodward in Detroit … on 
the ground floor of the Broderick Tower, 
where the Flaming Embers restaurant used 
to be … Balloons and circus artifacts and 
who knows what’
s to come… Maybe a 
baby elephant someday to greet the folks 
who come in for its burgers, fries, hoagies, 

Cincinnati chili spaghetti, etc. 
THERE WERE TIMES years ago when 
simplicity played an important role in the 
dining lives of many people … Numerous 
eateries with items on the menu that 
people were familiar with and folks could 
relate to … In many cases though, simple 
dining has stayed in the picture but taken 
a large dip in known items … Little mom-
and-pop dining spots played a big role … 
but there are not too many around these 
days … It has taken new restaurants like 
Empire Kitchen in Detroit and others to 
bring back simple dining when desired.
OLDIE BUT GOODIE … (Repeated 
by many requests) … The senior citizen 
drove his new car past the speed limit … 
Looking into his rearview mirror, he saw 
a state trooper’
s flashing blue light and 
floored the pedal. Suddenly he thought, 
“What am I doing? I’
m too old for this!” 
And pulled over. 
The trooper walked up to the car, 
looked at his watch and said, “Sir, my shift 
ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you 
can give me a new reason for speeding, 
one I’
ve never heard before, I’
ll let you go.” 
The elderly gent paused and said, 
“Three years ago, my wife ran off with a 
state trooper. I thought you were bringing 
her back.” 
“Have a good day, sir,” said the trooper.
CONGRATS … To Hedy Blatt on her 
birthday. ■

Danny’
s email address is 

dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.

The new 
Caucus Club 
proves itself 
worthy on second 
anniversary.

George and Alicia Shoukas

thejewishnews.com

For all the breaking news and 
Online Exclusives

Go to
 

32906 Middlebelt Rd (at 14 Mile)
(248) 855-0007

Please see our menu at 
www.johnnypomodoros.com

DAIRY TRAY
FRUIT TRAY
MEAT TRAY

Johnny Pomodoro’
s is your ONE STOP SHOP for all of your needs!

MEDITERRANEAN TRAY
MARTY'S COOKIES

Delivery Available
Shiva Trays, Deli Nosh Dairy & Deli Trays, Marty’
s Cookie Trays, Johnny’
s Signature Fruit & Veggie Trays

CALL JOHNNY’S FOR TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL SHIVA TRAYS. 

