Lenny Miller & Diamond Jim Brady’s Sharon Juergens

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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LENNY MILLER’S

Lenny Miller, chef/proprietor for 23 years at Lenny Miller’s in Dryden, says when he gets away, his “little favorite haunt is Bangkok Cuisine in Rochester,” a 25-mile drive from his home base. “I like Thai food,” he says, especially drunken noodles with shrimp and pork. Another favorite destination in Rochester is Kabin Kruser’s, where he and his late wife used to enjoy “sitting at the bar surfing our way through appetizers. They also made me mussels stew, which is not on the menu.” Other dishes he enjoys there are fish tacos and coleslaw. Miller says that although he doesn’t get there often, he loves eating at the Perry Hotel in Petoskey. “One of the more memorable breakfasts is smoked-duck hash with poached eggs and a side of veal sausage” in the rustic dining room that overlooks Little Traverse Bay. And he fondly remembers Wong’s Eatery in Windsor for its snails in black-bean sauce. “Whenever Raymond Wong was there, the meals were fabulous,” he says.

 

DIAMOND JIM BRADY’S BISTRO

“Michael and I like to go to places that are run by passionate people,” says chef/partner Sharon Juergens of Diamon Jim Brady’s Bistro, referring to her husband, Michael Korn. “We love Due Venti in Clawson. Nicole and Dave put tons of love into every tasty morsel. We also love places where we’re treated like family. Boodles’ [in Madison Heights] staff is always happy to see us, and Bruno makes the best tableside Caesar.” When stopping for a carryout to take home, they go for intense flavors: “El Guanaco Latin Foods in Troy or Moti Mahal Indian in Royal Oak.” And when it’s time to relax with a cocktail, Juergens says she loves the Oakland Art Novelty Company in Ferndale.


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