There’s a lot of nostalgia for days gone by, and many people like to reminisce about the good old days. Most of the time, these memories have to stay just that – memories. But other times, if we’re lucky, we can experience these magical moments once again.
We’ve been seeing a resurgence of the old being made new again. Popular television programs like Sex in the City and Saved by the Bell are being given new life, and past fashion trends such as leather jackets and flared jeans are once again coming into vogue. But that’s not all; places we’ve frequented and where some of our best memories were made are being revamped and reopened.
In Grosse Pointe, Joe Vicari and brother John Vicari of the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group (JVRG) have teamed up with Anthony Soave of Soave Enterprises to bring back a truly iconic place in Grosse Pointe Farms history.
“From the 60s through the 80s the Bronze Door was a place where Grosse Pointers would go for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries,” says Joe Vicari. “Young people went there for homecoming or for their prom.” It was simply the place to be and to be seen.
Back then, it is said, waiters would be fitted out in black tie, and the menus they handed out were not just the industry standard, but instead had fancy gold tassels hanging from each one. Eating at the Bronze Door was a total experience.
I’ve also been told that there was an outside doggie bar for the neighborhood’s four-legged friends, which had running water so pups could refresh themselves while on a walk or waiting for their owners to finish a meal. It had lots of tails wagging, that’s for sure.
Now, the Bronze Door at 123 Kercheval Avenue is back, and it’s better than ever. “I felt that the restaurant needed a new beginning and people who are old enough to remember the Bronze Door liked the idea of us using the name,” says Vicari. “And people who are too young to have known it can just appreciate a new restaurant.”
Vicari also really liked the name, and in honor of it, he had a contractor make an actual 10-foot bronze door for the front of the restaurant. “We looked for the original bronze door, but it’s not around anymore,” says Vicari.
The building itself has undergone quite a few iterations over the years. Until recently, it was Hill Seafood & Chop House, also run by the Vicari Restaurant Group. JVRG has quite a few restaurants in its portfolio, including the popular Andiamo, The Country Inn Restaurants, BarleyCorn’s Public House, and Joe Muer Seafood, which was also revived from the past.
“Joe Muer Seafood was around for almost 79 years and they closed their doors in 1998; I resurrected the name in 2011,” says Vicari. “Another restaurant I did that with was called Brownie’s on the Lake. Brownie’s was closed for 20 years, but before that it was a great place to go on the water. We took the place over and it’s become very popular again.”
Although the Bronze Door name is once again proudly displayed on the outside of the building, the inside underwent a total renovation. “We spent about $300,000 on the remodel and it has a completely different look than it did before - people seem to really like it,” he says. “The bar, with its handcrafted cocktails, fine selection of wine, and tap and bottled beers, is a popular place to hang out.
“We’ve taken craft cocktails from our different restaurants and incorporated them into this menu. People love their craft cocktails and we’re using all fresh ingredients such as freshly squeezed fruits.” With names like Phantom of the Farms, Strawberry Boost, and Black Orchid, they do sound very enticing.
“The bar has a very nice vibe - it’s active and fun,” says Vicari. “It has always been a popular spot and now with the new menu, the bar and the dining room are quite busy. Since it can get somewhat boisterous, we’ve separated the bar area from the dining room with a wall with a fireplace.”
The banquet room is still there on the lower level. In addition to being a great place to hold parties, Vicari says they are also setting up a speakeasy down there. “We revamped and remodeled it and have an area that holds about 40 people,” he says. “It’s cool – it has couches and chairs and it’s just different. And when there are parties we can move those out of the way.” Beer, wine, cocktails and appetizers will be served in the speakeasy.
Of course, no matter how great a restaurant looks, it all comes down to the food. With Master Chef Daniel Scannell crafting the meals, the Bronze Door has amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts that will keep people coming back. Many of the seasonal ingredients are sourced from local farms at the peak of their freshness.
“Chef Daniel did a menu for us in Birmingham at a restaurant we opened there called the Birmingham Pub, and that menu has been embraced by the clientele,” says Vicari. “I asked Chef to come up with a different and unique menu and he certainly did. Diners love the menu and they love the variety.” So, he thought, why not bring it to Grosse Pointe via the Bronze Door?
“We made a few minor changes – there are probably four items that are different, but for the most part it’s the same menu,” he says. “And we are getting the same response from people in Grosse Pointe. The menu is very friendly – you can come in for a hamburger, you can come in for a corned beef sandwich, and just feel comfortable. Sometimes when I go out to dinner, I just want a good cheeseburger and my wife may want a salmon dish, so that’s what we have here.”
One of the menu offerings that has become very popular is the fried chicken dinner. There is also a vegan black bean and walnut meat taco appetizer which Vicari boasts tastes almost like a real beef taco. “At Andiamo, we’re sort of famous for our sausage and pepper appetizer, so we put that on the menu as well but with Chef Daniel adding a little twist to it.”
The menu also includes steamed mussels, escargots, truffle parmesan fries, lambchops, steaks and all sorts of burgers and salads. There is literally something for everybody. And the dress code is very flexible – from suits and ties to tee shirts and shorts, people can wear what makes them happy.
Upon opening in August, it was serving dinner only, but Vicari says there are plans to serve lunch as well starting this fall. In order to provide their clientele with high-quality service and an overall unforgettable dining experience, they need to first ensure they have the best staff on board.
So, for those of you who had dined at the Bronze Door years ago, here’s your chance to revisit those old memories and to make new ones too. For those who have never been to this popular spot, this is your opportunity to make your own memories that will last throughout the years. But don’t expect your pooch to also be able to grab a drink; alas, the doggie bar is no more, so these days, all beverages are for the two-legged clientele.
For more information, or to view the entire menu, go to www.bronzedoorgp.com. Bon Appétit!
The Bronze Door is located at 123 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms, 313.886.8101.