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.