Molly Abraham

Northville's new Table 5 should have a long life

It's big news in any small, close-knit community when an ambitious restaurant opens -- in this case, Table 5 in downtown Northville. The neighbors have been flocking in since it opened a couple of weeks ago in the space that for years housed Mackinnon's. But this handsome spot has enough potential to draw from a much wider area than its own ZIP code. - 10/02/2008

Restaurant news

Schoolcraft College restaurant open for lunch, dinner

Chef Shawn Loving juggled two jobs until a few months ago, when he closed his Loving Spoonful restaurant overlooking Copper Creek golf course in Farmington Hills to concentrate on his work as department chair and instructor in culinary arts at his alma mater, Schoolcraft College. Now he's hoping that some of his old patrons will find their way to the American Harvest Restaurant at Schoolcraft, where he oversees the ambitious menus at both lunch and dinner produced by the students. - 10/02/2008

Dining out

Oktoberfest fun started on Friday, but there's still plenty of time to partake in the celebration at Rochester Mills Beer Co., 400 Water St., Rochester, where today the party continues from 1-11 p.m. under a huge tent. - 09/27/2008

Molly Abraham

Palm Palace serves Middle Eastern fare with style

When La Shish restaurants closed, Palm Palace -- the first of what are expected to be several of the Middle Eastern restaurants -- stepped in, needing only a few touches to make the space its own. - 09/25/2008

Restaurant news

The Brewery in Clinton Township toasts its 28 years

The Brewery Restaurant is one of those "hidden gem" places. Even though it's well known to its Clinton Township neighbors, its fame isn't far-flung. - 09/25/2008

Business plan

Chocolate Bar Cafe ups personalization

The Chocolate Bar Cafe is a Grosse Pointe Woods eatery and chocolate shop. Owner Lisa Corbin, who specializes in cake decorating, purchased the sweet shop known for Alinosi's ice cream in December 2007. - 09/20/2008

Dining out

One of the best deals around is the lunchtime buffet at Indian restaurants all across town. Even better is the spread they put out on Saturdays and Sundays, usually $1 more than the weekday price, but well worth it. - 09/20/2008

Molly Abraham

Spring's in the air at innovative Due Venti in Clawson

It may not be spring, but something just blossomed that makes it feel like it. Due Venti, the new and charming Clawson restaurant, is like a breath of fresh April air, and you don't even have to go inside to notice it. - 09/18/2008

Dining news: Restaurant fundraiser, Baile Corcaigh and Windsor barbecue

For many years, Share Our Strength, the restaurant industry's prime mover in trying to erase hunger, has held big, splashy benefits in top-rated restaurants across the country. - 09/18/2008

Patrons delight in Woodbridge Pub

DETROIT -- Nearly every seat in Woodbridge Pub is filled as diners dig into the "You-got-smoked" chicken pizza, "cheese to the seventh power" sandwich and the "Detroit Hipster" burger at the hand-hewn spot across from Wayne State University's athletic field. - 09/13/2008

Dining out

Time is getting short to take advantage of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar's special deal. - 09/13/2008

Local spotlight

Barbecue franchisee out to grow in Mich.

NOVI -- Sharon Byrd figures she can yank people away from their customary burgers, subs and pizza with the lure of a pulled pork barbecue sandwich with sides of collard greens and mac and cheese. - 09/12/2008

Molly Abraham

Bustling Bastone: Appealing menu keeps Royal Oak spot hot

It's true here, as it is at so many restaurants, that many of the most appealing dishes are the lighter ones, including appetizers, salads and pizzas -- tartes in the Bastone vernacular. - 09/11/2008

Andiamo celebrates Sicily

It's not surprising that a restaurant group as big and wine-savvy as Andiamo would offer customers a wine bearing its own Andiamo label. Nor that owner Joe Vicari would turn to the country of his own family roots to carry out this project. - 09/11/2008