BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Diners will have the opportunity to sample the newly renovated Mesquite Creek restaurant and help local seniors get a new place.
The Senior Center Extreme Makeover Fundraiser is set for 6-9 p.m. on March 12 at the restaurant, 7228 N. Main Street in Clarkston.
It will also serve as the restaurant’s grand re-opening.
When new owners Tony Vitale, his father Jerry Vitale, and Joe Vicari, bought the restaurant, they shut it down for a month.
In the project, coincidentally also titled Extreme Makeover, local photographer and designer David Savage redesigned the interior.
The project took 22 days to complete.
‘This type of project would normally take 60-90 days,? Savage said, saying crews were working night and day to get the job done so quickly.
Gone are the wooden columns and high-backed booths. The decorative theme is granite and flagstone, and photo diaramas and paintings of mountain ranges decorate the walls. Savage said he was looking to give the place a more elegant look but keep the western feel.
‘I was inspired by a painting I own of wild mustangs running in the desert,? he said. ‘We think this was appropriate for the people in the community.?
Savage said he intended the changes to be dramatic, removing the low ceiling and the rough looking wooden furniture, Savage expanded the windows and designed the new entrance way with a fireplace.
‘It’s like night and day.,? said Tony Vitale. ‘It’s very exciting. It’s a thrill coming here every day.?
‘It’s a whole different place. We’re very pleased,? Jerry said. ‘Dave did a great job.?
Even with the new look, the atmosphere is still intended to be relaxed. There is no need to dress formal, people are still welcome in jeans and t-shirts, Vicari said.
‘We wanted to make it approachablefor people,? he said. ‘Not too formal or just for special occasions.?
‘It’s finally what Clarkston needs,? said Katie Olsen, who has worked at Mesquite Creek for more than two years. ‘We bring a little bit of Birmingham and Royal Oak hipness to the area.?
Mesquite Creek has also introduced Andiamo menu items, with the price averaging around $15, while keeping popular items from the old menu. Items include pasta dishes, fish, chicken pot pie, and meatloaf.
‘We added some fun things, comfort foods,? Vicari said.
An express takeout counter will offer the entire Mesquite Creek as well as Andiamo menu items, including a wide assortment of pasta, sauce, and bread.
‘Customers can place an order and wait in the bar while it is prepared,? Tony said.
The renovated, Red Dragon granite bar offers 12 beers on tap and a new wine list, he said.
New Mesquite Creek
Monday, March 12, 6-9 p.m.
Tickets are $35 –
at least $15 will be donated
to the Senior Center project
Call 248-620-9300 for tickets
Ticket holders will be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival. Food stations will be located throughout the restaurant. Displays of photos of the current Senior Center and the proposed alternative site, which may become the ‘interim? home of the Center after renovation.
Checks for the tickets should be made payable to ‘Charter Township of Independence Senior Center,? and the funds will be deposited into a special account for the Center at the Clarkston State Bank.
Call Maralee Cook, 248-623-7370, or Tom Stone, 248-625-8193.