clarkston cache

by Megan Swoyer
photography by Angie Baan

Two restaurants in one. That's what the Clarkston Café now offers with both its refined new supper club, as well as a casual wood-fired pizza pub among close tables and the din of toasting beer mugs. Owner Curt Catallo, 38, and wife Ann Stevenson, 39, recently renovated the downtown landmark to create both a well-dressed supper club and a "Cheers"-style pub.

"The name Clarkston Café now is the umbrella under which are the supper club (where hometown chef Aaron Cozadd impresses) and Pizza Coco, the bar named after my daughter," explains Catallo, a Troy-based BBDO Detroit creative director who also owns the nearby Clarkston Union eatery, and, adjacent to that, the Clarkston General store. The couple named their restaurant enterprise Cash Bar Inc. after son Cassius. Recommended for dinner at the elegant Clarkston Cafe: Ahi Wellington, "a beautiful dish on a white-bean puree," enthuses Catallo. "There aren't many independent restaurants anymore. We're proud to have a couple of them." 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 248-625-5660.

Rookie restaurateurs Al Irish and Rachel Stern hit it out of the park with their new Northville hotspot, NOMI. Sweeping front windows, splashy red walls and a glowing bar top add to this place's appeal. Visitors can choose between privacyÑthe booths are semi-enclosed by drapes - or company - there is ample bar seating with a full menu available. Friday and Saturday nights offer live music (mostly jazz and blues) with appetizers and dessert served until midnight. A variety of meals are served for lunch and dinner, ranging from chicken shumai spring rolls to seafood etouffee. Starters are large enough to share, while entrees are served small-plate style. Luckily, prices are reasonably small, too, with nothing over $15. Reservations recommended. 133 W. Main St., Northvile, 248-449-3200, www.nomionmain.com. - L.auren Maiman