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FeedDue Venti and Smoke & Spice
Restaurant veteran Molly Abraham noshes around town, tracking down some top spots
Due Venti: This L-shaped room seating just 50 and done up in sunny colors is the domain of the husband-wife team of David Seals and Nicole Pichan-Seals, who present a northern Italian menu refreshingly free of clichés, as the appetizer list quickly affirms with its cauliflower fritters and savory basil-scented ricotta cheesecake. Main dishes are typified by chicken simmered in Marsala and olives, and braised veal shank with pan-fried polenta. Accompanying the fare is a small list of house wines from Michigan’s Fenn Valley winery. 220 S. Main St., Clawson; 248-288-0220. D Tue.-Sun. $20 H
Smoke & Spice: The space that had been the wine-centered Bin 151 has taken a completely new direction with proprietors Ryan and Tina Odette serving pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs from the massive Southern Pride smoker, along with house-made sides of potato salad, greens, and macaroni and cheese. The woodsy feeling of the room, with its uncovered windows framing the street scene, adapts well to the new approach, which includes the caring service typical of Windsor. 1515 Ottawa St., Windsor; 519-252-4999. L & D Mon.-Sat. $15 H
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Reader Comments:
Due Venti is a very nice, small restaurant with very tasty dishes, but be prepared for very small portions. Very pricey for the size of the portions. If you are looking for a filling meal, this is not the place to go to. Portions are not very generous at all...which is disappointing for an Italian restaurant.
If you are looking for a meal that will leave you feeling "bloated", Due Venti is probably not your fare. If you are interested in an incredible fine dining experience with interesting northern Italian dishes prepared by world class chefs and brought to your table by a very professional wait-staff in a very warm and inviting atmosphere, this is it! The only complaint I ever hear about this place is in regard to meal portions. The amount of food is plenty sufficient but will not satisfy patrons accustomed to food served up in very large bowls. Due Venti = quality versus quantity.