Jeff Condit and Diana Walsh

Their stylish menus are enticing enough to attract a loyal clientele of discriminating diners, but no matter how expert they are, restaurant people like to take a break from their own kitchens for a taste of someone else’s cooking
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Jeff Condit and Diana Walsh
Mike’s Famous Cheesecake, from Brio Tuscan Grille, a favorite place of Diana Walsh Photograph by Joe Vaughn

Jeff Condit, the chef/proprietor of Gala, a New American Bistro, in downtown Farmington, says that between duties there and at home with two small children, going-out time is limited. “My wife, Dana, and I like to go to Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant on Orchard Lake Road when we do get a chance. They have a beautiful space, nice sushi bar, gracious service, and private rooms.” Condit also likes Da Edoardo Foxtown Grille before a game at Comerica Park (which is across the street). “I love the bar, the layout of the room, and all the glass that lets in so much natural light. For the money, the food is pretty good, too!”

Diana Walsh, proprietor of the Commerce Grille in Commerce Township, doesn’t hesitate when asked her favorite. “Bacco. I lo-o-ove Bacco,” she says. Her preferred dishes are two pastas: cappelletti porcini and tagliatelle with meat sauce. “My other favorite — when he has it — is fish. Luciano [Del Signore] does [European sea bass] so well. And if Valentino the bartender is there, it’s wonderful.” Walsh always sits in a booth in the bar at Bacco. When she goes to Somerset Collection, it’s either Capital Grille or Brio Tuscan Grille. “Those are the only three places I hit,” she says.