Patrick Liebler and Kathleen Hart & Anthony Dalupan

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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The calamari at Andiamo, where Patrick Liebler enjoys the outdoor seating on the Detroit River. Photograph by Joe Vaughn

Patrick Liebler of The Whitney says his dining-out preferences when away from his restaurant are also in Detroit. “For lunch, I like Sala Thai in the Eastern Market,” he says. “I usually go with a fried-rice dish.” Another favorite is Mudgie’s Deli in Corktown for “corned beef with creamy cole slaw, Swiss cheese, and housemade Thousand Island dressing on an onion roll.” Another sandwich fave is at Honest John’s on Selden in Detroit, where he orders “a great vegetarian sandwich called a Pocket-O-Joy — it’s a pita with hummus, cucumber, spinach, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette.” And since outdoor dining has such a brief season, “If I can’t be in The Whitney gardens, I like Andiamo with outdoor seating on the river.” Guilty pleasure? “Lafayette Coney Island, of course.”

Kathleen Hart and Anthony Dalupan, until recently the proprietors of Bamboo at the Art Gallery of Windsor, love the Gourmet Emporium at 1799 Wyandotte St. East in Windsor. “A beautiful, trendy restaurant, formerly an old bank,” Kathleen says. “We love the tapas-style menu, the staff, and the atmosphere. This is a great place to unwind after a busy day.” Another choice for the couple is Big Tony’s at 911 Walker Rd. in Windsor. “We enjoy his lasagna, and his brick-oven pizzas are to die for. Our daughter, Hannah, who is 6, asks to go there for his Alfredo bowties.”