Danny Yu of Hong Hua and Christian Borden of 24grille

Cravings: 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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> DANNY YU, one of four proprietors of Hong Hua in Farmington Hills, says fresh fish is what he appreciates most — both at his own restaurant and when he gets away for “a nice dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere.” When he’s in the mood for sushi, he heads for Sharaku in West Bloomfield Township. “China Café in Novi is another very good place for fresh fish and Chinese meals,” he says. He says he’s also partial to spaghetti in clam sauce at Bacco Ristorante in Southfield and, “once in a while, I will splurge and enjoy a Piedmontese burger at Redcoat.” Typically, though, he says he doesn’t order from the menu but, instead, will “ask the chef to prepare something special for me.” At home, he says he eats “lightly, usually some fruit and veggies or Chinese noodles with soup with a nice glass of wine.”

> CHRISTIAN BORDEN, of 24grille in the Westin Book Cadillac is pretty much a city kind of guy. When he gets away from his duties, he likes to “visit Paul [Grosz] at Cuisine,” where he’s likely to order the charcuterie plate. He also appreciates the “freshened up” Caucus Club in the Penobscot Building. “I like the way the place feels now,” he says, since proprietor Mary Belloni has made some improvements. When going farther afield, he’ll head to Royal Oak and the Redcoat Tavern for a burger.


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