I won’t go into how this is an unprecedented time in human history because everyone else is saying it. But it has changed the dining dynamic, certainly limiting options for those who enjoy having someone else do the cooking for a change. And since atmosphere and service is a big part of dining out, we’ll have to make do with candles on the kitchen table or a blanket by the riverbank as our environment for the next little while.
Our favorite restaurants are hurting but most are stepping up to the challenge and making incredible changes to keep their clientele. One such establishment locally is Diamond Jim Brady’s Bistro. A third-generation establishment that started on the east side of Detroit nearly a century ago, DJB’s relocated to Southfield, and thirty years ago came to Novi, and we have been regular patrons ever since. Certified Executive Chef Mary Brady is the proprietor and Sharon Juergens runs the kitchen side, and they turn out terrific food, from the tried-and-true to the fresh and fabulous. Their takes on the classics deserve an article to themselves, and maybe someday I’ll share some of our favorites. After operating for a couple weeks in a take-out-only mode, the restaurant closed completely. But a month or so later, Mary and Sharon put their heads together, headed back to the kitchen, and are doing twice-weekly menu selections by advance order. The customer orders online during the weekend, Mary and Sharon get the ingredients and prepare everything, and the customer picks up on Wednesday for a midweek dinner or Friday for a weekend feast. The menu changes each week and is chosen from their traditional favorites to specials depending on what’s fresh and available. Mary and Sharon have an incredibly diverse repertoire and can make anything taste fantastic. They’re limited by time (two working in the kitchen can only do so much) and refrigerator space, and they frequently sell out. It’s comforting to have their food on our table.
Also in our town is a branch of a corporate chain of finer dining houses, Bonefish Grill. They’ve changed to a strictly take-out system with a limited menu, same day ordering, and a unique approach – the “family bundle”. It’s hot, fresh food in portions for four or five people and includes the entree, a side, salad, and dessert. Options vary and specials come up from time to time – this weekend’s is a lobster and shrimp roll – and delivery is available.
Most of our other favorite places have adapted, even traditional takeout/delivery spots like Benito’s Pizza and Cafe. Benito’s is a local chain with a varied menu of pizza, salads, subs, and pasta dishes, all prepared fresh to order. They’ll take your order over the phone along with payment information, and bring it to you car when you arrive.