June 20 • 2019 45 jn raskin the best of everything Danny Raskin Senior Columnist Improving on a Classic Deli I t had many names from which to choose, but preferred to keep it as is … However, they believe the words in a name do not always mean goodness … Rather than change title, the new owners preferred to keep the name and let their food and surroundings do the answering. This year will be the second anni- versary of Siegel’ s Deli’ s changeover of ownership … One that also exemplified ownership with immediacy in becoming known as a true family delicatessen with features of a New York-style Jewish deli … Like making its own desserts along with strudels, brownies, cookies, cakes, knishes, etc. … and best-sellers like the New York Reuben, Siegel’ s Salad, Gantzah Magilla and others. The modification from a quiet-like atmosphere has seemingly been changed into a more home-like feeling … Bigger windows, soft Frank Sinatra singing in the background and a much cleaner look that always brings a sight of welcome. Another prime factor is the constant addition of new items to the menu … like the Reuben Egg Rolls or Chicken Hummus Pita, which immediately became big favorites that border on the true Jewish traditional delicatessen feeling. But still, the new owners of Siegel’ s Deli … brothers Edison and Elvis Vushaj, who, with their mother, Vicki Vushaj, bring the all-important feel of family dining … so needed for satisfaction … Slowly remod- eling their delicatessen, which has hardly had any style of upgrade to the dining room in more than 30 years. Also, a delivery service now that makes deli desires in offices or homes easier to satisfy.. Siegel’ s Deli seats 52 persons … and is open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Taking over a previous eatery that was set in its own particular ways is rarely easy …The addition of needed qualities with desired family styles is priceless. SOME PEOPLE MIGHT say that hav- ing two excellent executive chef owners at one restaurant is dangerous because of conflicting personalities, among other rea- sons … As might be by Bacco owner/chef Luciano DelSignore and former Tribute chef Takashi Yagihashi at their new Pernoi on East Maple in Birmingham. But a great example of this being very false thinking is right here in Novi … It is at Diamond Jim Brady’ s Bistro where its worth has been mightily proven by Mary Brady and managing partner Sharon Juergens, both also executive chefs … In so many ways a restaurant having two executive chefs is a huge asset … Like the case where Luciano and Takashi agree that they will always work together until everyone is fully trained and that Luciano will certainly not neglect his Bacco … Remember, an executive chef’ s duties may also include much more than those of a regular chef or cook … And through the years, many restaurants have hired two executive chefs whose duties are separate … New York, Las Vegas and Chicago have been noted for this … Remember, a true executive chef’ s duties are also much more than those of a regular chef! OLDIE BUT GOODIE … She awakes during the night and finds her husband not in bed. She goes downstairs and sees him at the kitchen table in deep thought while drinking coffee. She watches as he wipes away a tear. “What’ s the matter, dear?” she asks. The husband looks up from his coffee and solemnly asks, “Do you remember 20 years ago when we were dating, and you were only 16?” “Yes, I do,” she replies. The husband pauses. “Do you remem- ber when your father caught us in the back seat of my car?” “Yes, I remember,” said the wife, lowering herself into a chair beside him as the husband continued. “Do you remember when he shoved the shot- gun in my face and said, ‘ Either you marry my daughter or I will send you to jail for 20 years?’ ” “I remember that, too,” she replied softly. He wiped another tear from his cheek and said, “I would have been out of jail today and a free man!” CONGRATS … To Rosanne Liners on her birthday … To Ed Rapaport on his birthday … To Gladys Sabin on her birth- day … To Irwin Dickstein on his birthday … To William “Bill” and Carol Nosanchuk on their 66th anniversary. ■ Email Danny at dannyraskin2132@gmail.com. New owners of Siegel’ s Deli prove their worth. Edison Vushaj, Vicki Vushaj and Elvis Vushaj SIEGEL’ S DELI FACEBOOK Monument Center Inc. Monuments and Markers Bronze Markers Memorial Duplicating Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning “Same Location Over 80 Y ears” www.MonumentCenterMichigan.com 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! CANDY & NUT TRAY MARTY'S COOKIES Delivery Available Shiva Trays, Deli Nosh Dairy and Deli Trays, Marty’ s Cookie Trays, Johnny’ s Signature Fruit & Veggie Trays CALL JOHNNY’S FOR TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL SHIVA TRAYS.