Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/718539
H e was only 18 years old when coming to America from Capriolo, Italy, 56 years ago … But it was to eventually be the beginning of another American dream … Benito Mautone discovered that his new country did not have streets of gold but, instead, opportunities for those who would work and sweat to attain the benefits of wonder- ful opportunities. In the early days, Benito worked at various restaurants making pizza … The experience was like stepping stones to his dream to someday have a restaurant of his own … In Belleville, he worked with Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan in 1969, when Benito became one of the first franchisees of Domino's Pizza … But that wasn't enough … His complete dream was to own a restaurant with his own name … Ten years later, it was fulfilled when in 1979 he opened his first Benito's Pizza, also in Belleville. Today, Benito and his three sons, Mauro, Jason and Michael, operate a company that includes 20 locations as it celebrates its 37th year. Benito initially developed all his flavor- ful recipes and, along the way, son Michael joined him in the kitchen to also create original recipes that are today waitperson- served at the Novi sit-down flagship restaurant, called Benito's Cafe, on Novi Road, just north of 10 Mile Road. Benito's insistence on using only the highest- quality products is important … and every menu item is made fresh from the pizza, pasta, calzones, salads and bread … to oven-baked subs and homemade soups developed in the Novi Road restaurant by Michael …The flagship Novi location dining room seats 50 people and an outdoor patio holds 20 more. Plus round, thin crust or deep dish pizza, a signature 24-inch Big Benito serves 8-10 people … Popular subs include the Italian followed by Steak and Cheese … Best-selling pastas are the Fettuccini Alfredo, followed by the Mostaccioli … If folks are looking for a healthy option, the Benito's Pizza whole wheat with loads of vegetables and thin crust has much popularity. The Novi location (Benito's Cafe) is Benito's Pizza chain's only waitperson site … Six have tables to dine in … The others are carryout only … People may call in their order and, after arriving to pick it up, they can sit down and enjoy it at one of the tables or take it out. Benito's Pizza is most certainly a beau- tiful dream come true in a big way … Much larger than hoped for when Benito Mautone came to America … Nine are corporate-owned, including the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz., and 11 are franchises … Indeed, a wonderful heart-warming story on this fine pizza group's 37th anniver- sary. I KNEW THERE was a catch to it … $6 per person for a complete meal at any of the Andiamo restaurants … VIP Package deal by call- ing the restaurant includes appetizer, soup, salad, choice of six entrees and dessert prior to the appearance of Sophia Loren, Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Detroit Opera House, by Andiamo owner Joe Vicari … Plus theater seating in the first 20 rows … is $150 per person … Tickets for the show only at Detroit Opera House box office are $144 per person … The catch … no Confederate money is accepted. REARVIEW MIRROR DEPT. … When going to the former Excalibur restaurant on Northwestern at 12 Mile, it was fun watching Manager John Cetrone doing tricks for custom- ers … Wonder why John didn't have a Trick Night segment where guys and gals would watch him do his magic like Marty Horowitz did for the young kids at his for- mer Marty's Delicatessen on Greenfield. READER MINI REVIEW … from Dennis Green … "Feeling like having a good old-fashioned burger, Sharon and I headed for a new place, Burger 21, on Novi Road, across and down the street from 12 Oaks Mall. "The menu was packed with a large selection of fresh Certified Angus burg- ers. Mine was the plump Cheesy Burger with Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun, perfectly cooked to my medium specification and very soft and delicious. It reminded me of the won- derful Biff 's burgers that were so popular a generation ago. "Sharon opted for its new Monterey Chicken Burger, featuring lettuce, tomato, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, avocado, Applewood smoked bacon, sundried tomato aioli on a brioche bun. She elected to not have the jalapeno peppers and raved about the unique combination of flavors. "Our milk shakes were outstandingly rich and creamy. I had a delicious Creme Brulee Shake with added malt powder. Sharon enjoyed the Chocolate Malted Milk Ball shake and raved about the smoothness and flavor. We split an order of sweet potato fries, sliced thin and deep fried to perfection. Our orders were served with a unique and creamy side of apple cider sauce." QUESTION & ANSWER DEPT. … "Do you know of any people who were married in Las Vegas?" … Shirley Mittleman. [I don't recall their names, but one time in Las Vegas I met a couple of former Detroiters who said they had been mar- ried at a drive-through at the Little White Chapel there. Another couple, not from the local area, told me about their being wed at the Little Vegas Chapel where an Elvis impersonator sang a couple of his hits, and they were given a copy of Elvis and Priscilla's marriage certificate.] OLDIE BUT GOODIE … The older Jewish gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to receive the anesthetic, he asked to speak to his son. "Dad, what is it?" asked the son. The man looked up from the operat- ing table and said, "Don't be nervous. Do your best and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife." CONGRATS … To Bernie Moray on his birthday …To Laurie Novetski on her birthday … To Dr. Cindy Atler on her birthday. * Danny's email address is dannyraskin@sbcglobal.net. For The Love Of Pizza! Using many of his own recipes, Italian immigrant created successful Benito's chain. 74 August 25 • 2016 Danny Raskin Senior Columnist arts & life t h e b e s t o f e v e r y t h i n g 2117870 32418 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills 248-862-5747 M-Thurs 10a-10p; F-Sat 10a-12mid; Sun 11a-8p Visit us at CorkandRye.com Lunch Delivery Available Wine Tasting Every Thursday 5pm-8pm Shiva Trays, Dairy Trays, Deli Trays, Candy & Nut Trays, Fruit Trays, Custom Specialty Trays made upon request. $ 5.00 OFF All Trays (One coupon per order) CORK & RYE LIQUOR Honoring All Competitors Specials (bring in ad) Now taking orders for the High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur BLOOM'S Jewish Cuisine Now Available ORDER A ROSH HASHANAH TRAY RECEIVE A FREE QUART OF KREPLACH OR MATZA BALL SOUP OR CHOPPED LIVER LARGE ORDERS OF 12 OR MORE RECEIVE A FREE CHALLAH Deli Sandwiches or Shawarma Buy One Get One ½ OFF 3pm – till close Exp. 10/15/16 Exp. 10/15/16 Exp. 10/15/16