Yearning for something off the beaten path? Something charming and local? Something gourmet, but not expensive? Something unique in a homogenized world?
Then look no further than downtown Oxford’s own quaint European-inspired neighborhood bistro ? Victoria’s Delights.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since Victoria’s Delights opened as a lunch cafe at 12 S. Washington Street. During this decade Victoria’s has evolved from a popular lunch destination to the warm, charming, full service restaurant it is today.
Victoria’s eclectic menus include bistro style breakfast fare, her signature lunch specialties, and wonderful dinner entrees. Her meals are complemented by an exciting array of wines, beers, and spirits from around the world.
The freshest produce, seasonal ingredients, and ever-changing specials are what separate Victoria’s Delights from other eateries, along with extra touches like fresh flowers and linen napkins at every table, and a 100 percent smoke-free environment.
The restaurant’s success is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and courage of owner Victoria Connolly. ‘I truly believe the key to our success is our ability to adapt to our customers needs. They ask and we respond,? she said. ‘With their input we have expanded our menu to include well received entree specials as permanent menu selections ? Pecan Encrusted Rainbow Trout, Santa Fe Chicken, and Roasted Vegetable Crepes ? to name a few.?
New menu additions also include a focus on organic produce, made in Michigan products, and goods purchased from local vendors.
Shortly after opening Victoria’s Delights, the demand for her fabulous cuisine prompted her to expand her venture to include catering. She has had the honor and pleasure to cater events that have included prominent people, such as the Governor of Michigan, United States Secretary of Energy, Ambassadors, dignitaries and most recently the Prime Minister of Italy. From an intimate dinner in your home to weddings and corporate events, Victoria’s catering service can accommodate banquets up to 300 people.
Victoria’s Delights has contracts utilizing the facilities of the Rochester Community House, City of Auburn Hills, and Eagle Creek Academy, where she recently had the privilege to provide her services for the Orion/Oxford Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. The more than 130 sportsmen and sportswomen dined on Caesar Salad, Char-grilled Salmon, Bistro Style Roast Beef, Pasta Prima Vera, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Carrot Cake for dessert.
With the catering business firmly established, Victoria’s Delights has ventured into the world of upscale concessions, operating her ‘Bistro to Go? for a variety of specialty shows and expos at the Southfield Civic Center. Victoria’s also operates concessions at many outdoor festivals throughout the summer. Her fresh and tasty offerings are a welcome change from the run of the mill hotdog and hamburger stand.
Look for her at the Southfield ‘Modernism/Art Deco Antique Show? in April.
Victoria’s Delights hosts wine tastings, high teas, and theme meals. On April 15 from 1-5 p.m. Victoria’s will be featuring ‘An Afternoon in Paris?- a four course meal with our without wine pairings. In early May, the bistro will showcase a meal featuring all organic foods and organic wines.
There is always something new and exciting going on at Victoria’s Delights from exotic specials like Paella and Jambalaya, seasonal favorites like Gazpacho and Key Lime Pie and the recent addition of family style carry-out dinners for four. The meals which change daily include entree, side dish, salad, and bread.
Customers can pick them up either hot or oven ready, a perfect dinner solution for the busy family on the go. To keep up with it all, Victoria’s offers a bimonthly newsletter to its regular customers.
In the midst of all these exciting things, two things that will never change at Victoria’s Delights are Connolly’s commitment to healthy foods and supporting her local community.
Victoria’s menu will continue to contain absolutely no trans fats, ‘never had them, never will,? a choice she made to help her customers to live longer, healthier lives. She has expanded her healthy eating crusade locally to Kingsbury School in Addison where she serves students a healthy lunch every Friday.
Victoria’s Delights? hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
The bistro is closed Sundays, but can be made available for showers and private parties. For more information or to be added to the mailing list please call (248) 969-3477.
Come dine at Victoria’s Delights and help celebrate this exciting milestone. See and taste for yourself what many loyal customers have been enjoying and raving about for the past 10 years and will be for the next decade.