M

uch has been writ-
ten about an Italian 
restaurant that 
has weathered many years in 
becoming an institution of such 
culinary goodness as Giovanni’
s 
Ristorante, now honoring its 
52nd year anni-
versary.
That it is many 
times considered 
as one of the fin-
est Italian dining 
eateries of all 
such ethnic insti-
tutions is a credit to its good-
ness in numerous references as 
a hidden gem.
Located on South Oakwood, 
between Fort and Schaefer in 
Detroit, it continues to receive 
wonderful accolades in true 
authentic 
Italian dining 
... So much 
so that per-
sons of show 
business and 
other world-
wide repute 

have made it a must-stop when 
opened again in this area.
Signature dishes like the 17 
layer lasagna, Veal Saltimbocca, 
Scampi Giovanni, etc., are true 
delights in the mingle of dishes 
seldom, if ever, seen at other 
Italian eateries ... Braciole di 
Manzo, Veal ala Giovanni, Pollo 
ala Trentina, etc., etc., in their 
own goodness delights.
Giovanni’
s makes its own 
cream puffs, tiramisu, chocolate 
tortes, lemon cake, cannolis, 
cheesecake, bread pudding and 
even seasonal desserts ... as the 
walls seem to speak with old 
pictures of family members 
and numerous celebrities of 
show business among others 
... Including the room named 
after the late Frank Sinatra who 
made Giovanni’
s a must-go-to 
place whenever in this region 
... The main dining room is 
probably the best place to 
people watch ... There is also 
the Godfather Room with its 
fireplace, the Wine Room of 
handcrafted wrought iron from 

Italy and the private Speak Easy 
Room in back of the restaurant 
for celebrities and executive 
and others wanting to hide 
away.
Giovanni’
s seats 125 with 
four stools at the bar ... Its 
hours (once reopened) are 
Tuesdays through Thursdays 11 
a.m.- 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-10 
p.m. and Saturday 4-10 p.m. … 
Carry-out is currently available.
Truly authentic Italian dining 
is a distinct dining dream ... 
and in the gracious and excel-
lent hands of owners Frances 
and Randy Truant, it is the 
magnificent Italian restaurant 
that culinary lovers look for ... 
and are so delighted to visit.
MAIL DEPT. … From 
Evelyn Menser ... “I am thrilled 
about Joe Vicari opening a new 
restaurant in Detroit where my 
husband now works, but cer-
tainly am pretty sure that they 
must come and go. How many 
of the 21 places he has are still 
in business?”
(All of them, Evelyn, 20 in 

Michigan and one in Las Vegas. 
 
No. 22 will be the Statler Bistro 
next year in the former Statler 
Hotel in Detroit.)
OLDIE BUT GOODIE 
… Two religious Chasidic 
young men wearing yarmulkes 
are riding a motorcycle and 
stopped by a bigoted cop after a 
long ride.
Frustrated, the cop says, “I’
ve 
been following you for a long 
time and watching to see if you 
do anything to break the law, 
but you seem to be perfect. 
How do you do it?”
One of them replies, 
“HaShem is with us.
”
“That’
s it!” exclaims the 
policeman. Three people on a 
motorcycle!”
CONGRATS … To Michael 
Layne on his birthday ... To Dr. 
Joel Kahn on his birthday ... To 
Linda Nudell on her birthday ... 
To Sharon Green on her birth-
day. 

Danny’
s email address is 

dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.

Danny Raskin
Senior Columnist

Giovanni’
s Ristorante
celebrates its 52nd year.

Detroit’s 
Italian Gem

PHOTOS VIA GIOVANNI’
S FACEBOOK

the best of everything
Raskin

 JUNE 11 • 2020 | 53

Frances Truant

Audi Sylvania 
5570 Monroe St. | Sylvania, OH 
www.sylvaniaaudi.com

• Loaners • DealerRater 
• Free Pickup & Delivery 

Kelley Blue Book KBB.com 
Best Buy Award Winner 

2020 Audi Q5 45 Quattro Premium Special Lease 
$4
2
9mo*
36 mo. 
lease

$4,574 due 
 at signing

Magna Society

*Based on MSRP of
 $44,295 (including destination charges). $4,574 due at signing, plus taxes, title, options & 
dealer charges. $0 security deposit. For qualif
ied customers who lease through AFS. Lessee responsible f
or 
25¢/mi. over 32,500 miles. Subject to credit approval. Expires 6/30//20. See Audi Sylvania f
or complete details.