Elanah's writing
<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0><script> (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-47423994-1', 'fortunecity.ws'); ga('send', 'pageview'); </script> <center> <br> <div> <script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="http://ad.broadcaststation.net/ads/show_ad.php?width=728&height=90"></script> </div> </center> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#A6CAF0" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="132cdbd3.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Elanahs Resume"><U><B><IMG SRC="072893e0.gif" border=0 width="137" height="62" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="resume.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Elanahs Resume"><U><B><IMG SRC="0d3616e0.jpg" border=0 width="97" height="110" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="hobbies.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Elanahs Hobbies"><U><B><IMG SRC="163933e0.jpg" border=0 width="147" height="62" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="portfolio.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Elanahs Portfolio"><U><B><IMG SRC="16559810.jpg" border=0 width="89" height="129" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:ladyelanah@hotmail.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:ladyelanah@hotmail.com"><U><B><IMG SRC="16643430.gif" border=0 width="67" height="67" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#A6CAF0" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12f00cc0eezzsc.jpg"> <div> <B> </B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>WRITING.</B></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#A6CAF0" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12fd7ca3.jpg"> <bR> <div> <I><B>Real Detroit</B></I></div> <div> The following are articles I wrote for <I><B>Real Detroit Weekly</B></I>. They appear here as I submitted them, <I>before</I> they were edited and published.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Lafayette Coney Island</B></I></div> <div> <I>118 West Lafayette, Detroit (313) 964-8198</I></div> <bR> <div> One has to wonder if, in 1914, when the Keros family originated Lafayette Coney Island, they had any idea that this fine establishment would become a cornerstone of Detroit culture. It is definitely one of my favorite places; in fact, it is one of most people's favorite places. Why? Why is this Coney Island different than other Coney Islands? What brings people back again and again despite the abundance of other restaurants in the area? </div> <div> (So, I have finally found my mission - <I>To Take Over The World </I>hehehe. No, no, no, I mean - <I>To Discover Why Lafayette Coney Island Rocks. </I>Yeah.)</div> <div> I began my research at LCI itself. I walked in to the long, narrow restaurant and sat down (quite far down) on a small orange stool at the counter and looked around. The walls have a once was a light blueish with maybe a touch of a vaguely green colored Formica type paneling on them, with picture frames all over them. Somehow, without really trying, it has this look that some people try very hard to achieve (usually without much success). It is a comfortable atmosphere with lots of friendly faces (Avdiya, Faisal, Fatmir, Sam, Ahmed, Bill and Demo) all very happy to assist in whatever way they can. So I asked them to help me with my mission. What makes Lafayette Coney Island so great? The whole group starts talking at once, "Ask Demo, Ask Demo." "Demo why?" "Demo tell her." So Demo tells me. "…We are better because of quality. Meat, bun, everything." Faisal Ali chimes in "Yes, quality. We make the chili here. Me and Avdiya." (They have, I'm told, their own special blend.) "Only the best meat." Bill adds.</div> <div> While we were talking, someone put in front of me a piece of wood with a screw in it and twelve nails with a rubber band around them lying on top. I couldn't begin to imagine what I was supposed to do with it. I looked up and all those smiling faces were staring at me. They must have sensed my confusion because they all started to explain (at the same time) what the goal was… Place all twelve nails on the head of the screw, all at the same time. When I finally achieved the objective, it sounded like the Wings had just won the Stanley Cup for the first time. I really don't believe I have ever heard such a loud cheer and so much clapping.</div> <div> "Do `famous people' come in here a lot?" I asked. Once again the reply came in the form of seven voices answering at the same time "Jeff Grand with Stanley Cup" ("See, see the picture?" Faisal) "Frank Sinatra, Coleman Young, Spencer Abraham, Gary Witbeck" ("See, see pictures? Two pictures of Gary Witbeck, with us too in pictures!" Avdiya this time) It went on like that for awhile… Soupy Sales, Danny Thomas, Tim Allen ("Tim Allen, Tim Allen lives by Gary Witbeck!") Dennis Archer, Carol Channing… You get the point.</div> <div> An hour and a half later, I was finally ready to leave. I had gotten my answer, accomplished my goal, and this is what I learned. Though their quality may very well be "the best", it really has very little to do with food. It is the smiling faces, the laughter, the jokes and games and the pictures (the ones they draw and the ones on the walls). It is the relaxed atmosphere, there is no pressure here to do anything at all (except, of course to eat "more food? Chili cheese fries? More Coney dogs?"). There is nowhere like it, no group of people like them, and no feeling like being there. </div> <div> Oh and by the way, Demo's Forty-year anniversary of working there is on April 12th. In case anyone wants to know.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Pike Street Restaurant</B></I></div> <div> <I>18 West Pike, Pontiac, (248) 334 - 7878</I></div> <div> Time to play "dress up". Put on your snazzies, grab your favorite girl (or guy, parent, sibling, etc. Sorry, no pets…) and head to the Pike Street Restaurant in Pontiac where an evening of grandeur awaits. When you pull up, (a fashionable 5 or 10 minutes late for your reservation) a valet parker will come over, open your door and pretend that you are important as you get out. As you are led to your table, you will feel your back and shoulders straighten, and your walk become more pronounced, deliberate. As if you really are a VIP. Pike Street's low lighting, dark wood and hushed atmosphere combine to make you feel as though you are in the most exclusive of private clubs. Settle in comfortably and prepare for the night to get even better. Fifteen years of practice has certainly produced a gem in this case. The wait staff are polite (you will feel like nobility), knowledgeable and prompt, and they won't forget your ketchup. (But <I>dahling</I>, <B>never</B> put ketchup on your filet in public!) When you excuse yourself from the rest of your party after the meal to sneak a cigarette, indulge your habit in the Tavern, Pike Street's smoker's haven. Perhaps bring your after dinner espresso or Campari with you for your brief interlude, trust me, you'll never want to leave. Better make tomorrow's reservation on your way out.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Streetside Seafood</B></I></div> <div> <I>273 Pierce, Birmingham, (248) 645 - 9123</I></div> <div> Tucked in between the Varsity Shop and Elie's on Birmingham's Pierce Street, Streetside Seafood hosts a warm, inviting space to fill your tummy with treats. Chef Luis Reyes presents daily specials based on whatever water creatures are available fresh, as well as a set regular menu encompassing all sorts of yummys like coconut shrimp, (NOTE: one is not required to eat the shells or tails of the shrimp, however, Mike-the-bartender does recommend it) lobster pot pie and Sous chef Sharon Jeurgen"s favorite, oyster Rockefeller. (Now, do we think that Rockefeller himself came up with this dish?) The décor is bright and airy during the day due to the big picture window up front and the lovely new(ish) skylights above the dining room. In the evening, however, the upscale industrial style restaurant takes on a warmer, glowing tone, making one feel at ease and comfortable. (Of course if one happens to be sitting at the bar, this could be because of Mike-the-bartender's relaxed, friendly manner) Although four or five marriage proposals have taken place in this little restaurant, take note that one should not attempt such a thing unless one doesn't mind one's neighbors joining in this special moment. Streetside has a friendly and relaxed regular clientele, as well as those who come from far and wide (either due to Sharon's incredible talent in her field or Mike's sense of humor) including Steven Tyler, Mickey Rooney and several random Red Wings. Why not join them, Streetside Seafood is a treat not to be missed.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>Sweet Lorraine's</B></I></div> <div> <I>29101 Greenfield, Southfield, (248) 559 - 5985</I></div> <div> Tuesday night blind date crisis? Head to Sweet Lorraine's on Greenfield where soft jazz mixes with the upbeat contemporary décor, resulting in a wonderfully upbeat atmosphere. Alma Smith alternates Tuesday nights with Johnny and Al adding sweet music for one's ears while one's eyes feast on bright colors and interesting art. <B>Note: </B>the little tightrope walkers hanging above the tables of the main floor dining room would make a perfect conversation starter… One wonders if they ever get tired. Or bored perhaps? Choose a roomy booth on the first floor for a more private "getting to know you" evening, or a little table for two by the band on the second floor to spice things up a bit. <B>Note:</B> In the latter case, make sure any people watching comments are kept to a whisper so as not to upset one's neighbors. Turn to the menu for the next pleasant surprise - No matter how picky an eater one's date may be, they are sure to find something appealing. Owner Lorraine Platman offers an eclectic selection of food, adding exciting twists to classic dishes that will appeal to herbivore and carnivore alike. From the "Spicy Paradise Vegetarian Burger" (even sounds yummy to me, and I LOVE meat…) to the "Certified "Angus" Special Steak", just reading about Sweet Lorraine's concoctions is enough to commence the salivation process. The beverages section of the menu is also impressive, imparting a broad selection of alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic thirst quenchers. (Including some that seem more like dessert!) Owners Gary Sussman and Lorraine Platman have truly covered all their bases in this fine tribute to the restaurant world. So in a scary situation (like a blind date) Sweet Lorraine's will offer a bit of security.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>The Plaza Deli</B></I></div> <div> <I>29145 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, (248) 356 - 2310</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I> </I>A deli is a deli is a deli, right? Wrong. While a person who is ignorant in the ways of the deli might believe this to be the case, a true deli connoisseur knows otherwise. There are lists of qualities to be taken into account, some of these qualities being fairly obvious, where others are only discernable to a Specially Trained Eye. The Plaza Deli has quite a few of both. From the Star bakery which is connected to the deli (and loaded with all the right yummys) to the cool picnic style tables out front, it is an A+ deli all the way. The cafeteria style service allows one to place an order at one end of the counter and pick it up just minutes later at the other end (unless of course one orders a swanky franky or some such thing, in which case it will be brought out to you). Snag a booth before approaching the counter and then feel free to make the order as difficult as possible… With cheese, without onions, more cheese please, oh and beets on the side. Whatever it is, they gotcha covered. Those of you who have fond memories of going to the Plaza Deli on lunch break or with bobe after shul on Saturday, serious renovations are anticipated in the not so distant future so, better take a trip down memory lane soon.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Trini and Carmen's</B></I><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B> </B></I></FONT></div> <div> <I>1019 West Maple Road, Clawson, (248) 280 - 2626</I></div> <div> <B> </B>It is just like walking out of Metro Detroit and into a little cantina in Tijuana. The dark vestibule leads up a few steps into the dimly lit dining room. Slide into one of the large, comfortable booths that line the long, side wall and get ready for some of the best hangover food around. (You already feel like hell, might as well indulge! The bar, by the way, is just a few short steps away… Some nice, cold soda water should help a bit.) To be honest, I hated Mexican food for the longest time until a friend helped ease me into the wonderful world of grease and salt with a dollop of sour cream. Since then I have experienced quite a variety of Mexican eating establishments and Trini and Carmen's is a prime representation of its food style. The wait staff is helpful (I can never remember which different "bread" goes with which different meat or filling), the atmosphere is conducive to a relaxing meal, and the food is completely satisfying. Take home leftovers, it will still be satisfying at 3:00 a.m.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>