Raw deal — To mark its second anniversary, Dylan's Raw Bar & Grille will offer a host of specials on everything from crabs to lobster to sushi, starting July 16. Perhaps the best value is on Tuesday, July 21 and 28, when they'll serve two lobster dinners for $22. But act quickly, as the specials only run until the end of the month. At 15402 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe; 313-884-6030.
Sip for less — D'Amato's & Goodnite Gracie have a Wednesday night wine deal: Half off any bottled wine to bring you in, and DJ Josh Adams spinning funk to keep you there. At 222-224 S. Sherman Dr., Royal Oak; 248-584-7400.
To the manor reborn — The kind folks at the Whitney want to remind folks that it isn't the staid old place it used to be. New menus, reduced prices, a spruced-up garden, faster service and entertainment that's spicier than the chamber music they used to have. Come to see the allegedly haunted Ghost Bar upstairs, or bask in their sunny outdoor buffet brunch on Sundays. At 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com.
FOOD/THOUGHT
Here's a book written for people who love food, but have neither the inclination nor the time to toil in the kitchen. Nigel Slater's Real Fast Food: 350 Recipes Ready-to-Eat in 30 Minutes (Overlook TP, $17.95) proves that fast food doesn't mean mediocre food. Tuna with cannellini beans, tomato and chili can be served hot or be prepared earlier and eaten cold. The chapter on chicken includes a half-dozen "sublime chicken sandwiches," such as chicken with basil mayo or hot garlic butter. Plenty of the desserts utilize summer's fresh fruits.
BOTTOMS UP
If it weren't for the short reign of Austrian Archduke Maximilian, all Mexican beer might taste like the popular lime-drenched swill we've come to dread. Fortunately, Max brought his brewing posse with him, and, 140 years later, we can revel in the taste of quality, south-of-the-border suds. Modeled after Old World pilsners, Bohemia is smooth with a touch of fuzz, balanced and seriously drinkable. Radiating a bouquet of biscuits and honey, it is our first choice at finer Mexican dining establishments. Salud!
THE WORKS
Sipping spoons let you mix a drink, stir it and drink it conveniently with one utensil. They're kinda kitschy and good-looking, long, sleek and made of stainless steel. Use them for everything from stirring iced tea to making a refreshing Bloody Mary. Combine tomato juice, vodka, lime juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco and a touch of horseradish. A slice of dill pickle tastes great; if you like it hot, add a slice or two of jalapeño. (Of course, you could use the sipping spoon to drink iced tea, but ...)
