Around Town

Find Steak, Seafood, Salads and Friendly Service at Lucky's Prime Time

It opened earlier this month in the former Sero's on Walton in Rochester Hills.

For me it was the homemade roll that sealed the deal. I was at Lucky's Prime Time for the first time this week and there was plenty to impress me. First off: the service. Lucky's is clearly a restaurant filled with regulars, but the great thing about the staff is that they make everyone feel like a regular, even if it's their first time there.  The redecorated space, in navy and brick with dark wood, has been opened up, with booths around the edges and tables in the middle. A glass divider etched with "Lucky's Prime Time" separates the cozy new full-service bar from the dining area. Four flatscreen televisions hang in the corners of the restaurant. And then, of course, there was the food. In the booth behind me, a regular customer was …

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What is Rochester's Restaurant of the Year?

We asked; here's what you had to say.

On Sunday, the Detroit Free Press featured Bacco Ristorante in Southfield as its 2013 Restaurant of the Year. Soon after, a discussion began on the Rochester Patch Facebook page: "What would you say is our 'Restaurant of the Year' here in Rochester and Rochester Hills?" we asked. The nominations ran from date night favorites (Rochester Chop House and Silver Spoon) to the newbies (Lucky's Prime Time and The Meeting House) to fast food (Lipuma's Coney Island and even Taco Bell).  Kruse & Muer took the most votes in our unofficial poll. Here's a look at the restaurants you offered up as tops in Rochester and Rochester Hills: Here's what you had to say about some of the nominees: "The Meeting House should win...or at least give it Rookie of …

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It's Friday: Where's the Fish, Rochester?

Here's a guide to fish dinners around Rochester and Rochester Hills.

The Lenten season is upon us, and for many, that's a good enough reason to eat fish on Fridays. Every year, the Knights of Columbus hosts a Lenten Fish Fry from 5-7:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Rochester Community House.  The Moose Lodge on Livernois Road in Rochester Hills also has a Friday night fish fry starting at 5 p.m. Here are more options: Other restaurants that Patch readers say have tasty fish options on the menu:  Where is your favorite place for fish in Rochester and Rochester Hills?

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Around Town

At Downtown's Newest Restaurant, a Happy Hour Is Born

Here's what else is going on at The Meeting House.

What kind of town is Rochester? After two months of doing business at the corner of Main and Third streets, owner Jason Mood from The Meeting House thinks it's "kind of a Happy Hour town." Today at 4 p.m. The Meeting House puts Mood's theory to the test with the restaurant's first Happy Hour. The Meeting House Happy Hour will be held daily from Tuesdays through Fridays, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Happy Hour specials include the Burger Plate for $5 and the Truffle Chicken Wings for 50 cents each.  "We'll also have deals on house wines, draught beers and other food and beverage features," Mood said. Downtown's newest restaurant opened Dec. 4. Owners Chris Johnson and Jason Mood spent nine years working together as chef and manager at the Beverly …

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Happy Fat Tuesday: Here Are Your Favorite Desserts, Rochester

We asked Patch readers about their favorite desserts around town; here's a look.

Patch Readers Share Their Favorite Rochester Desserts

In honor of Valentine's Day this week, we asked readers about their favorite sweet treats around town. Here's a roundup of answers.

Last week we asked a simple, sweet-sounding question on the Rochester Patch Facebook page: "What's your favorite dessert around town?"  Patch readers responded with some ideas that will make you hungry — or give you inspiration for a Valentine's Day or Fat Tuesday treat. Here's a roundup of answers and ideas: What's your favorite dessert around Rochester and Rochester Hills? Tell us in the comments!

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Laura Cassar

9:28 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I'm loving the partnership between Knapps and Holy Cannoli! Pure Rochester!!   more ›

The Big Salad — and 5 More Restaurants Coming Soon to Rochester

All of these restaurants are in the works in Rochester or Rochester Hills.

We've told you about a few restaurants that have closed in the past month (Chapman's Mill and Flat Top Grille). Now, here is some news about the restaurants that are coming soon. Which one are you most looking forward to? Every time Rochester Patch asks readers which restaurants they would like to see come to town, this fresh-made-salad cafe is often mentioned. The Big Salad, a franchise that started in Grosse Pointe Woods in 2008, indeed has plans to open in Rochester this year. "Currently, we have a franchisee ready to open in Rochester but we have not yet secured a location," said John Bornoty, president and CEO of The Big Salad, in an email message to Rochester Patch." On the company's website, it lists a Rochester location as opening …

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Citing 'Perpetual Road Construction,' Rochester Hills Restaurant Closes

A sign in front of Chapman's Mill indicates it is for sale.

Chapman's Mill, a restaurant created to honor the area's industrial era history by paying homage to the woolen mill, has closed. A sign posted on the front door of the Rochester Hills restaurant blames the economy and ongoing road construction for the closure. "I am sad to report that Chapman's Mill has CLOSED," the sign reads. "We had over three years of great fun and great food, but sadly, the economy and perpetual road construction put us in a position where we can no longer serve you. Thanks for your patronage." A sign on the marquee outside the restaurant says "Restaurant For Sale." Chapman's Mill, located at Crooks and Hamlin roads, endured two summers of construction. In 2011 the Crooks Road bridge over nearby M-59 detoured north-…

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Debbie

3:42 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013

Needed something new to draw people in, like eye catching gas fire pits in the nice gated outdoor space they created. This would have caught the eye of those driving down crooks. A circle bar with no wall in-between so one could enjoy the view of the whole restaurant and bar seat choice for enjoying entertainment without having to turn their chair around.   more ›

You Can Still Get Your Tower Pizza at Downtown's Blackbird Bistro

The name has changed, the decor is new but the pizza has remained the same; a new menu debuts today at the former Tower Pizza.

A lot has changed at 334 North Main.  The storage room has become a beautiful dining room. The dining room has become a hip bar. The name has changed, twice. And today, a brand new menu is being introduced. But there is one thing that will never change, according to owner Shelly Anderson. "We still serve, and will always serve, the one and only Tower pizza." Blackbird Bistro spent nearly 50 years doing business as Tower Pizza. When Anderson took ownership she wanted to make sure the restaurant did at least 50 more. She applied for a bistro license, which would allow her to serve liquor.  "Everyone was asking me for a beer with their pizza," Anderson said, "I'm happy that people can now have their favorite beer with their favorite pizza." …

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