JANUARY 7 • 2021 | 37 R epublica, a Berkley neighborhood restaurant-bar in the Woodward corridor, is making the best of the state’s current pandemic ban on indoor din- ing. The restaurant’s front patio facing Coolidge Highway, so enjoyed during the warm weather, was partially enclosed during Thanksgiving week. On the patio, heavy white panels with faux window inserts are hung up shower curtain-style. When guests leave any of the seven multi-sized tables, staff in masks disinfect the patterned tabletops. For greater warmth, sit near one of the two propane-fu- eled heaters. Bright flames soar inside the pyramid tower-shaped cages. Combined with tiny red lights strung overhead, there’s enough visibility for a solo diner to read at night. That would be me, having my first dinner par- tially outside during December. Republica is a family opera- tion employing 13. Co-owners since 2015 are Petro and Alexis Drakopoulos, and her parents, Keith and Georgia Omand. Besides the patio dining, “we provide full-service catering, ” Georgia Omand said. “That’s kept us afloat. We’re trying to keep our staff employed. Unfortunately, this [latest] shutdown came at our busiest season. ” I’ve dined happily before at Republica. My favorite on the Small Plates list is Flower Roast, a whole roasted cauli- flower served with an incredibly yummy walnut-garlic spread. As identified with other menu items, Flower Roast is “G” for gluten-free and “V” for vege- tarian. More small plates are Plato’s Potatoes, “award-winning fries tossed with Feta, lemon and oregano, ” and Turnip the Wings, five chicken wings topped with honey, lemon and rosemary, and served over braised turnip greens. Republica offers Vegi Chili and Tomato Fennel soup in two sizes. Among four salads, I most liked the Beet & Arugula Salad. Other ingredients are blue cheese, pistachios, red quinoa and red onion. The list of burgers and sand- wiches is extensive, with glu- ten-free bread/buns for an extra $3. Choices include Sweet & Heat Fried Chicken, the Berkley Brisket and two types of lamb burgers. For Village Burger, the burger toppings are Feta, dill, green onion and Greek yogurt. The six listed entrees are Ma’s Meatloaf, Pumpkin Mac, Paul’s BLT Pasta, Mitch’s Famous Ribs, Fish & Chips and my choice, Chicken Parm & Spaghetti Squash. The dish appealed to me because squash is a vegetable I rarely see on menus. I was less pleased with my pepita-crusted chicken, covered with a slab of melted and salty Mozzarella. I just wanted to try something new. Six vegetable sides are $5, and the Kids Menu includes Grass- Fed Hamburger. Republica, offering curbside pickup, opens at 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 11:30 a.m. on other days. Republica ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER REPUBLICA FACEBOOK NOSH DINING IN THE D REPUBLICA 1999 Coolidge Hwy. Berkley, MI 48072 Phone: (248) 268-3175 Republicaberkley.com **½ out of **** On Star’s beautiful already low-priced trays $5 OFF Expires 02/28/2021. One Per Order. Not Good Holidays. 10 Person Minimum. With this coupon. DELIVERY AVAILABLE “…one of America’s finest carryout-only delicatessens! Star’s reputation has never wavered!” — Danny Raskin STAR STAR DELI DELI COMPARE OUR LOW PRICES WITH ANY DELICATESSEN IN TOWN! SALAD TRAY $14.99 per person per person DAIRY TRAY $23.99 SALAD TRAY W/ LOX & CREAM CHEESE $18.99 per person MEAT TRAY $13.99 per person Best Deli Trays In Town! TEMPORARY HOURS: 8AM-7PM EVERYDAY Carry-Out, Delivery & Curb Side Available Prices subject to change 24555 W. 12 MILE ROAD Just west of Telegraph Road • Southfield 248-352-7377 www.stardeli.net Support Local Businesses LET US HELP YOU MAKE LIFE SEEM MORE NORMAL — STOP IN OR CALL AHEAD Call Today! 248.919.1244 synergyhomecare.com/oaklandcounty Care for Everyone Mom gave you her best - now she deserves the best! Call Jeanne Atkinson for the best home care in Oakland County! Discreet, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, running errands, transportation, companionship and personal care.