Troy’s Ocean Prime celebrates 10 years.
Some call it a seafood restaurant … Others say steak restaurant … Both win … plus a smattering of Japanese delicious favorites tossed in three years ago … This is the Ocean Prime eatery … built in all its splendor from the ground up … at Coolidge Hwy. and Big Beaver, Troy … and celebrating its 10th anniversary … opening June 4, 2008, the first of a Cameron Mitchell concept that today numbers 14 units around the country.
Before telling you about Ocean Prime’s food, I’ll tell you I was shockingly pleased no end when our waiter brought over a huge favorite of yesteryears … a hot towel service that I was told is provided after any raw bar item … A truly missed feature.
It was for sure a wonderful surprise after a very popular Somerset Roll with tempura shrimp, cream cheese, scallion and topped with beef carpaccio and a delightful vegetable roll with its combination of delicious flavors.
And you must have the 10-layer carrot cake with cream cheese icing and pineapple syrup or the warm butter cake with fresh berries, house-made vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce.
But make no mistake about it, seafood and prime steaks come first to many at Ocean Prime … all fresh seafood, like the blackened red snapper, etc., is delivered daily, and those steaks are aged for maximum tenderness and flavor … The lobster bisque at dinner is in another world … and few restaurants can boast of Alaska halibut where the chef filets the whole fish into individual portions cooked to order.
Troy’s Ocean Prime is open for lunch Monday-Friday, 11:30 to 4 p.m.; for dinner Monday to Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4-11 p.m., and Sunday 4-9 p.m. … Happy Hours, Monday-Friday, 2-7 p.m. and Saturday 2-6 p.m. in the lounge.
Total seating is 345 inside plus 20 bar stools in an ultra-beautiful setting, including private rooms … with musical entertainment Friday and Saturday, 6:30-10:30 p.m. … amid stunning settings, a vibrant energy and exceptional hospitality … An outdoor patio for 100 more is wrapped around the side of the restaurant in elegant style.
All this from a onetime dishwasher and line cook … Cameron Mitchell attended the Culinary Institute of America at age 23 and became an executive chef at 24 … to president and founder of one of America’s highly regarded fine-dining chains … Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, honoring its highly deserved 10th anniversary of sheer elegance.
READER MINI REVIEW … By Dennis Silber, Boca Raton, Fla. … “Although there are, literally, dozens of places for breakfast and brunch in South Florida, one in particular, Flakowitz Bagel Inn, 1999 N. Florida, Boca Raton, has become Debbie’s and my favorite. So much so that we’ve assembled a group of friends we meet with several times a week.
“Flakowitz of Boca (not to be confused with Flakowitz of Boynton Beach) is an everyday meeting place for so many ‘regulars,’ all gathering for wonderful food, and a warm and family-like staff of waitpersons. From opening each day, there is usually a line to get in, even during the summer. Whether large, generous 5-egg omelettes, smoked fish platters, Belgian waffles, blintzes or matzah brei, the breakfast menu is truly impressive. Lunch offers mile-high sandwiches, wonderful homemade soups-of-the-day, and an array of salads and wraps of all kind.
“Flakowitz is the place-to-go, meet, chat, eat and feel right at home.”
MAIL DEPT. … From Norm Miller … “Your bit on The Bowery brought back memories for me. My grandfather, Benny Resh, was the bandleader there for some time. I was only a young kid, so my recollections are very vague. My grandfather later carried on at Club 509 on Woodward. I spent many Sundays as a young teen at Club 509 where its orchestra leader and wife, Benny and Ethel Resh, and many acts would come to our house to hang out and eat. Don Rickles used to call himself Glasshead, so he must have lost his hair early.”
GRAD TIDINGS … Reunion weekend for all Paul L. Best students, parents and teachers is Friday, Aug. 17, at CG’s Upper Deck in Waterford, 6-9 p.m. Call Eve Silberman, (734) 663-8756 or email evesilberman2@gmail.com … School tour is Saturday, Aug. 18 … Big celebration is Saturday, Aug. 18, at Farina’s, Berkley … free admission and refreshments … Call Jonathan Nachman, (248) 390-3768.
OLDIE BUT GOODIE … A husband and wife entered the dentist’s office. “I want a tooth pulled,” said the husband. “I don’t want gas or novocaine because I’m in a terrible hurry. Just pull the tooth as quickly as possible.”
“You’re a brave man,” said the dentist. “Now show me which tooth it is.”
The husband turns to his wife and says, “Open your mouth and show the dentist which tooth it is.”
CONGRATS … To Bernie Moray on his birthday … To Sid Alterman on his birthday … To John and Judy Marks on their 55th anniversary.
Danny’s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.