PICANO’S ITALIAN GRILLE
Domenic Picano arrived in Michigan from Cassino, Italy, in 1949, armed with a passion for food and the dream of a future in the restaurant industry.
On a cold, snowy day in January 1985, Picano realized his dream. He opened Picano’s Italian Grille in Troy with one goal: “To provide an authentic Italian dining experience with Old World recipes using only the finest ingredients,” he says. This Valentine's Day, share in his passion with someone special — bring them to Picano’s for an evening of time-honored Italian cuisine.
Walk into Picano’s Italian Grille and you'll notice something different — everything is made by hand. The pasta. The sauces. The house-made ravioli, gnocchi, lasagna and more, created by chef William Hall. Even the smallest details, from the menu to the table linens, reflect a commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way.
The wine list reads like a journey through Italy’s vineyards, with stops in Napa Valley and beyond. Whether you know exactly what you want or prefer a recommendation from someone who’s tasted every bottle, the staff will help you find something that elevates your meal.
Buon appetito.
3775 Rochester Road | (248) 689 - 8050 | picanos.com
KONA GRILL
Treat your loved one to a memorable Valentine’s Day dining experience at Kona Grill, offering a unique combination of upscale American food freshly prepared in a scratch kitchen — resulting in a fusion of global flavors, lively atmosphere and a commitment to fresh ingredients. Savor creations from the award-winning sushi bar, featuring the fan-favorite Picasso Roll, the signature Kona Filet or the Passion Fruit Margarita. Spoil your date and dig into scrumptious carrot cake, decadent double-stack brownie topped with vanilla and caramel cream or butter cake with raspberry sauce and ice cream.
30 E. Big Beaver Road | (248) 619-9060 | konagrill.com
BENIHANA
In postwar Tokyo, samurai descendent Yunosuke Aoki opened a coffee shop with his wife, Katsu. Their son, Rocky, brought teppanyaki to America in 1964, opening the first Benihana on West 56th Street — pioneering the concept of communal dining around a Japanese hibachi grill. Trained chefs performed intricate knife work tableside, delighting diners with both theater and flavor. After a rave review from critic Clementine Paddleford, the restaurant paid for itself in six months.
Gather up a group for a fun-filled, high-energy — and delicious — Galentine’s that brings Japanese tradition to life with teppanyaki favorites, from premium steak and chicken to fresh seafood and vegetables.
1985 W. Big Beaver Road | (248) 519-4994 | benihana.com
MELTING POT
Want a uniquely romantic, and retro, Valentine experience? Share fondue at Melting Pot — an upscale venue known for its lively and communal atmosphere, where guests can savor a variety of foods dipped into cheese, chocolate or other warm, melted treats. Want to up the romance? Request a table adorned with rose petals and a floating candle, one of the restaurant’s wide array of enchanting options for special occasions, including a five-course Valentine’s Day dinner.
888 W. Big Beaver Road | (248) 362-2221 | meltingpot.com