Steak House Digs In At Annie's Dugout

Steak house digs in at Annie's Dugout

Amazing transformations are in progress at Knight’s Bar and Restaurant, 2324 Dexter Ave., at the former Annie’s Dugout. The sign still says Annie’s, but the restaurant has become a steakhouse under the guidance of its new owner, beef connoisseur Ray Knight, who also owns Knight’s Market.

A new dinner menu, just introduced, highlights prime New York strip steak, prime filet, veal forestier, chicken cordon bleu and boneless pork chops. Big eaters aren’t the only appetites accommodated, however.

“Customers can spend $15 or $2, day or night. A family with kids can enjoy prime steaks for parents and the kids can have a hamburger,” Knight says. “I’m simple American cuisine. I’m not much on sauces. I don’t like to cover things up. I put out the best meat money can buy - good, solid food. Our crowd is everyone from working people to millionaires. That’s what I’m shooting for.”

Knight’s runs two specials a day, such as prime rib, prime beef baby back ribs and Canadian whitefish. An upstairs dining room for 60 will be open soon. The main floor seats up to 190. A new automated bar will serve the outdoor beer garden, where renovations are also underway.

Hours for the restaurant were listed incorrectly in the recent News Dining Guide. Knight’s is open Monday through Saturday,11 a.m. until midnight (the kitchen closes at 11 p.m.), closed Sunday. On home football Saturdays, brunch is served from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30p.m.

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The University Club, which hosts football Saturday brunches listed in last week’s Crumpets column, is open only to members, although the definition of members is quite broad.

University of Michigan students, current and retired faculty members, staff, alumni upon application and at no charge, spouses and widowers of faculty members, and guests accompanied by members may use the University Club facilities.

Guests, however, may not order beer, wine or cocktails; their libations must be purchased by their host or hostess.

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The Lord Fox has a new head chef, Kevin Thomas, and a new dinner menu. Thomas is a graduate of Hyde Park’s Culinary Institute of America and worked for Detroit culinary wonderwoman Yvonne Gill for several years before joining the Lord Fox.

Saffron mussels, seafood Wellington and rack of lamb are among the varying special dishes that join old Fox favorites like steak, prime rib, trout, Dover sole and stuffed flounder on the new menu.

Downstairs, the Foxes Den is scheduled for renovation within the next few weeks. The fireplace will be the focal point of the lounge, say managers Marie Coppa and Betty Strimech.

The Lord Fox is in Dixboro, 5400 Plymouth Road, two miles east of U.S. 23. For reservations, call 662-1647.

Gollywobbler sailed into the old Flaming Pit restaurant site in the Holiday Inn East last week. With a menu filled with seafood and fish, Gollywobbler is under the same management as The Whiffletree.

Shellfish appetizers like mussels Bourguignonne, clams casino, shrimp cocktail, soups, salads, ribs, steaks, fish and chips, mesquite-broiled catch of the day, burgers, sandwiches and desserts make up the menu.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. until 2 a.m., Sunday 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. For reservations, call 971-3434.

Across the road, Bimbo’s on the Hill/The Little Rib House has been sold to Michael and Bridget Roddy, owners of The Red Bull, who are waiting for transfer of the liquor license (expected shortly) to put plans for a second restaurant into place.

- By CONSTANCE CRUMP

What's Cooking, appearing weekly, keeps track of the changing Ann Arbor area food, bar and restaurant scene. Items for publication may be sent to the Ann Arbor News, c/o CONNECTION Desk, Box 1147, Ann Arbor, Ml. 46106