April Food to Date

My first entry should actually fall into March, but since it was dinner at Diamond Jim Brady's in Novi to celebrate my 40th birthday with my husband and parents - and my birthday is technically in April. But we had a great dinner as always. The menu at DJB's in not overly large, but I've never had anything that I wouldn't recommend and the four of us always find something we really enjoy. I finally ordered the vegetarian burrito (very yummy) stuffed with sweet potatoes and topped with black bean chili. I've been eyeballing it for years. Visit Diamond Jim Brady's at www.djbistro.com

Now, it wouldn't be my birthday without a trip to Little Italy in Northville. One of my favorite restaurants ever - a can't miss. My husband (otherwise known as the perennial dining companion) had the filet and it was perfect. I ordered my traditional ravioli ales (sausage ravioli in a light spicy tomato cream sauce). It never disappoints. Visit their website (www.littleitalynorthville.com) and then visit in person. Wonderful atmosphere, service and food.

The day after my birthday, we visited Assaggi in Ferndale with two of our best friends. Our first time there, but not theirs. Wonderful food and service. I ordered an appetizer and a salad in lieu of an entree (wild mushroom gnocchi - a must have) and left happy and satisfied, but not stuffed. We were all thrilled with our meals and had a great waiter. We will visit again. You should too. www.assaggibistro.com/atmosphere.htm

Then, on to Seva in Ann Arbor on Saturday (pre-concert snacks before Opus 21 at the Kerrytown Concert House). Seva, as always, was tremendous. Vegetarian food at it's finest, but surprisingly without an online presence to share with you.

The next weekend we only went out to lunch, but it was worth noting. Back to Sidetrack in Ypsilanti, where my Perennial Dining Companion and I split a litre of lemonade and I had a wonderful spring salad (with roasted asparagus, grilled chicken and wonderful greens). My dining companion had a special (the meatloaf sandwich) and was very happy with it. Always a good choice. Closer to Canton than you would think. www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com