July 25 • 2019 57 jn raskin the best of everything Danny Raskin Senior Columnist If Walls Could Talk A lthough the closing of Ginopolis’ Bar-B-Q Smokehouse on 12 Mile, Farmington Hills, will occur at the end of July, the family name will live on in continued glory with it being operated by Peter Ginopolis and his family … as Ginopolis’ Smoke N Pit BBQ on West Main Street in downtown Brighton. When Johnny and brother, Peter, pre- viously bought Capraro’ s restaurant in Redford Township with their dad, the brothers immediately established a reputa- tion of communal goodness … On the sale of their Farmington Hills site to become a retirement home, their Ginopolis’ Bar- B-Q Smokehouse will be long remembered for its legendary Montgomery Inn ribs and superb sauce, both of which no other restaurant could boast of having … World- famous ribs that their uncle, Ted “The Rib King,” owner of the Montgomery Inn in Montgomery, Ohio (near Cincinnati), supplied them as the only other restaurant in the nation to have them … And now already a favorite again at the Brighton location. At the Farmington Hills site, many will recall being seated next to local personali- ties and national names that are easily rec- ognized … Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Muhammad Ali, etc. But with all the noted persons and varied luminaries that came to the Farmington Hills eatery, Johnny and Peter were always quick to say that the biggest celebrities were their customers. If walls could talk, they would have told many stories of interest … And of its solid oak bar being as strong as the person in whose memory it was built, their dad, George … Or about the tall four- sided clock that stood on a corner of the Farmington Hills property that was erected by Johnny and Peter in memory of their mother and father as a reminder that their mom and dad were watching over them every minute of the day. All the collectors’ items and photos accu- mulated since Johnny and Peter opened the doors on 12 Mile Road … Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, hockey stars, film stars, etc., will be fondly remembered. With Peter, his wife, Melissa, and son, Nicholas, working at the Brighton location, you may be sure that every detail will be observed to continue the magnificent name that Ginopolis has gotten with much pride at their Brighton location. As for Johnny … he has contemplated retirement … But who knows … Stay tuned. REARVIEW MIRROR … A big favorite of local personalities like television and radio favorite Dick Purtan, among many others, Sammy’ s Corned Beef and Rye on Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, a favorite stomp- ing ground for its bevy of deli sandwiches and delights … Owner Sam Sandler used to have “Tea Time At Sammy’ s” from 3 to 5 p.m., serving his customers then in pure bone china cups from a china tea pot. HOUSEHOLD TIPS … When frying fish, meat or latkes, a strainer turned upside down and placed over the pan will permit the steam to escape and prevent grease from splattering over the stove … Think twice before throwing away a candle stub … It corks any bottle since you can readily melt it to fit. OLDIE BUT GOODIE … A balding white-haired man walked into a jewelry store with a beautiful, much-younger woman at his side. He told the jeweler he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend. The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a $5,000 ring. The man said, “No, I’ d like to see something more special! The jeweler went to his special stock and brought out another ring. “Here’ s a stun- ning ring at only $40,000,” said the jeweler. The lady’ s eyes sparkled, and her whole body trembled with excitement. The old man seeing this said, “We’ ll take it!” The jeweler asked how payment will be made and the man said, “By check. I know you need to make sure my check is good and that I have enough money in the bank, so I’ ll write it now and you can call the bank to verify the funds. I’ ll pick up the ring Monday afternoon.” On Monday morning, the jeweler angrily phoned the old man and said, “Sir, there is no money in that account.” “I know,” said the old man. “But let me tell you about my weekend!” CONGRATS … To Mary Lou Zieve on her birthday … To Rabbi Jason Miller on his birthday. ■ Danny’ s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com. Ginopolis’ to close on 12 Mile, but BBQ is still in the family. Brothers Peter and Johnny Ginopolis 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. THE GALLERY RESTAURANT Senior Citizen Appreciation Mondays! All Senior Citizens get 10% of their check after 3:00 PM on Mondays! (Beverages not included). Just mention Jewish News Coupon. “For 40 years, Gallery Restaurant has served up masterpieces” ~ Danny Raskin www.galleryrestaurant2.com OPEN 7 DAYS: Now Serving Beer & Wine