Walking down the Streets of Detroit, You spend your time on a wide variety of crimes. After a long day you find yourself famished. With a full wallet and an empty stummoch you go in search of a decent place. Only finding derelict buildings in your wake. Disappointed you look down, when you look up again you find yourself standing in front of a revolving door looking up at the sign the words read in bold “L'esperienza di Detroit Italian Restaurant” Wondering if its open you see a man and woman walk inside “Jackpot” you think as you realize the place is open. You smile as you walk thru the doors, you find yourself in a lobby staring at a beautiful marble fountain. You feel at home when the doorman offers to take your coat and hat. Placing them on the racks for you, you walk up to the hostess who smiles. Before you can say a word she says.

“Welcome to L'esperienza di Detroit a Restaurant right here in the heart of Detroit., We are a five star dining establishment we have a complete list of spirits that I am sure you will enjoy. The area in front is the dining area, where only the finest food gets served. Shall I mark you down?"

You nod, smiling the hostess takes you to your table. The hostess smiles at you as she hands you a menu. Picking it up you begin to scan through it as she begins to speak.

“When you are ready to order, a waiter will be ready to take your order, please enjoy your meal sir. Its been a real pleasure meeting you.”

The hostess parts, leaving you to decide what you want from the menu below

Bevande (Drinks)

 Alcoholic Beverages

• Imported Beer (Imported From Germany
• Local Beer (Not imported)
• Red Wine (Imported from Sicily)
• House Wine (Imported from the House of Mancini (Sicily))
• Champagne (imported from France)
• Port (imported from Portugal)
• Brandy (Imported from Italy)
• Gin (imported from England)
• Scotch (imported from Scotland)
• Whiskey (Imported from Canada)
• Rum (imported from The Caribbean Islands)

 Non Alcoholic

• Soda (Root beer, Cola, Cream Soda, Ginger Ale, Club Soda)
• Coffee (Colombian, Decaff)
• Espresso
• Cappuccino

 Menù

We only use the freshest ingredients in our cuisine, from our garden picked vegetables to our finest cuts of meat...

Antipasto (Appetizers)

Classici  Italiano (Italian Classics)

Antipasto Italiano: A taste of Italian meats including salami, mortadella, pepperoni, prosciutto, sopressata, Kalamata olives, grilled eggplant, Italian cheeses, peppers and, upon request, anchovies!

Bruschetta: An authentic Italian dish, it consists of grilled Italian bread rubbed in garlic with Basil procuuto (Italian ham) and Mozzarella on top.

Italian Stuffed Mushrooms: We only use the freshest if ingredients for this dish two large portabella mushroom caps, filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs onions bell peppers, and the right amount of seasonings toped off with a coat of diced bacon.

Carpaccio: A very popular dish, which consists of think slices of raw beef in a zesty
mustard sauce.

Insalate  (Salads)

Caponata: A popular Sicilian appetizer, it's a cooked vegetable salad, made with only the finest selection of celery seasoned with sweetened vinegar, and capers in a sweet sour sauce. Olives, carrots and green bell peppers

Cesar salad: We use the finest vegetables for this classic, Lettuce, red onions, green pepper with our creamy Cesar dressing with a side of crew tons

Sicilian salad: An authentic Sicilian recipe passed down from generations We use the
freshest garden vegetables in our salad, Lettuce, onion, fresh ripe tomatoes, red pepper, and olives, with our zest Italian dressing its everybody's favorite

Garlic Bread - See above, add fresh mozzarella and it's baked.... makes the best even better!

Fruttidi mare antipasto (seafood appetizers)

Calamari Fritti - Our famous fried Calamari served with roasted red pepper and garlic aïoli, and cocktail sauce.

Clams Casino: This has been a favorite, little necks stuffed with onions, sweet peppers and herb stuffing and topped with the winning combination of bacon.

 Entrées

Pizzas

Combination Pizza: Pepperoni, sausage, salami, mushrooms, green peppers, yellow onions and shrimp.

Pepperoni Pizza: a classic we only use our finest vegetables on top of out homemade dough and tomato sauce, with some mozzarella cheese and only our finest slices of pepperoni.

Vegetariano Pizza: Artichokes, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, red and green onions, chopped garlic, black olives and bell peppers

Hawaiian Pizza: Pineapple, crispy bacon pieces and juicy ham, a classic

Quattro Fromaggi Pizza: Smoked gouda, mozzarella, fontina, asiago and fresh Italian herbs

Authentic Sicilian pizza: A Sicilian classic we start with a home made dough, with our delicious tomato sauce with our freshly picked garden vegetables, Onions red peppers, green peppers, with a nice blanket t of Mozzarella cheese, and to top it only our finest cuts of pepperoni and Sicilian sausage, makes this a must.

Pasta

Tortellini Alfredo: Traditional Meat tortellini in a Parmesan cream sauce.

Manicotti: Ricotta cheese wrapped in Italian pasta covered with Marinara sauce and topped with Mozzarella cheese.

Spaghetti ai Funghi: A beautiful, rich mushroom and Marinara sauce smothered over spaghetti.

Fettuccine alla Tequila: Chicken breast strips sautéed with roasted peppers, red onions, and sun dried tomatoes in a tequila cream sauce tossed with fettuccine.

Rigatoni Speciale: in a red sauce with sautéed mushrooms and a blend of Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese.

Cannelloni: Special meat filling wrapped in Italian pasta covered with Marinara sauce and topped with Mozzarella cheese.

Fettuccine Alfredo: A deliciously creamy dish, the way it is served in Rome.

Fusilli Contadina: Chicken breast strips, sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, rosemary and a cream sauce tossed with corkscrew pasta.

Penne alla Puttanesca: A fresh tomato, Kalamata olive, caper, anchovy, and olive oil sauce tossed with penne pasta.

Ilpollo e bovine piatti (chicken and Veal dishes)

Chicken or Veal Parmigiana: Chicken breast or veal tenderloins breaded and sautéed, then topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and baked

Chicken or Veal Piccata: Tender pieces of veal or chicken sautéed in butter, lemon, capers and white wine sauce.

Chicken or Veal Marsala: Tender pieces of chicken or veal sautéed in sweet Marsala wine with mushrooms.

Vitello Milanese: Breaded veal sautéed in lemon, butter and white wine sauce

Fruttidi mare (seafood)

Halibut: Grilled Halibut steak served with pasta and a side of vegetables.

Red Snapper: Fillet of Red Snapper dipped in egg batter sauteed to a golden brown with lemon.

Scampi Pomodoro: Prawns sautéed in a fresh tomato sauce served over linguini.

Linguine con Cozze: Mussels in the half shell sautéed in a tomato sauce served over linguini

Frutta(Dessert)

Apple Frittelle: a delicate fried dessert.

Coffee Spumone: a light and tasty spumone to eat with biscuits.

Classic Tiramisu: Ladyfingers dipped in liqueur laced espresso, layered with sweetened mascarpone

Cannoli: Sweetened ricotta cheese in a nice shell, an Italian favorite.

The Waiter returns several minutes later ready to take your order.

Moonshine stands outside L'esperienza di Detroit. She is a little nervous and smoothes her black dress. She feels her necklace to make sure it is straight. Looks at her shoes to make sure there are no scuffs. She looks at her bracelet and smiles. She checks her reflection in the door as she enters.

The hostess is immediately attentive to Moonshine, but she is busy looking at the decor. After a few minutes of looking around Moonshine finally looks at the hostess and says

I would like to speak to the owner please.

As the hostess walks off looking confused, Moonshine smiles, her eyes sparkling

Danny stands in the center of the kitchen, supervising his staff. Not wasting a single opportunity to showcase his mothers cooking technique from the old country. Proud of what he has accomplished here in the fine city of Detroit. A conversation sparks between himself and th hostess, resulting in Danny going to talk to a "unhappy customer" Surprised when he discovers it is really Moonshine. Pausing for a moment to soak up hr beauty feeling his insides grow warm me walks over to her quickly slipping his arms around her looking in her eyes

Your here so soon, you as I said on the phone look ravishing, of course the phone dosn't do the eyes justice. My you are breathtaking,perhaps you would like a tour?

Moonshine smiles and gives Danny a hug. She quickly apologizes to the hostess who was visibly shaken.

Thank you Danny. You look fine this evening yourself. I got here quickly, I wanted to see you before you got too busy. Certainly, I would like a tour. I must say it smells really good in here.

Moonshine wraps her arm around Danny's, giving it an extra little squeeze

What would you like to show me first?

I could give you a little tour, this isn't a big place, right now this is the reception area, where the guests wait to be seated. I had that fountain flown in directly from France.  allot of people call me crazy for the amount I spent into this place but its lik what my Grandfather use to say. "you either do it and put 100% into what your doing, or you don't" Ill take you through the dining area.

Danny smiles walking Moonshine past the fountain into the dining area.

This is obviously where we will spend most of the evening, Its got what your standard fine dining establishment has, with a little originality too it. Its always good to add a part of yourself in everything you do. What do you think?

I think I have to agree with that she smiles

I like the decor. I have always liked the sound of a little running water in the background, and the fountain is beautiful.

So do you have a hand in the cooking as well or do you just come through and give it all a taste once in awhile?

Moonshine puts her arm around Danny and gives him a little squeeze

This is wonderful. I know that chicken marsala is your favorite so if you didn't have that dish what would you consider your best one?

She stops for a moment realizing that she is excited for Danny and talking a little fast.

Laughing she says and finally, are you going to be able to join me for dinner?

Danny smiles and nods

Of course Im going to join you, I can't let you eat alone. Besides sitting across from you gives me an excuse to gaze deeply into your pretty eyes, But on to your question, each menu Item was hand selected by myself, from my mothers recipe book. But if I were to select a dish it would be Fettuccine alla Tequila. Delicious truly delicious. As for my hand in the kitchen, I never waste an opportunity to cook something myself. I have a little reputation amongst the staff as "Danny "tries to do everything" Mancini. In several cases the head chef kicked me out of the kitchen

Laughing as he guides Moonshine to the kitchen

No, Mario, is a good chef, very open to criticism and help, one of the best in my mind. Before were seated id like to show you the kitchen, just finished a few days ago state of the art cookware. I think you will be impressed

Danny takes Moonshine to the receiving end of the kitchen.

This is obviously where the food gets sent out, we got several ranges going, fresh bread being baked in the ovens. Busy busy work

Moonshine looks at the shiny new kitchen and all the activity. She inhales deeply The aroma is spectacular.

Moonshine holds Danny's hand I am so proud of you, carrying on your family's recipes.

She thinks of all the work he has had put in to open this place and his regular daily job You must be exhausted. All this work.

Moonshine gazes at Danny and smiles.

Danny smiles back leaning in he kisses Moonshines lips softly, before taking her back into the dining area. Walking to an empty table he pulls Moonshines seat out for her, before retiring in his own chair smiling he picks up a single flower from the table baquet smelling it before placing it back. Within a few moments the waiter arrives. Danny orders himself a drink, as you order yours the drinks arriving back immediately with the menus.

Take your time hun I already know what I'm having, hows your drink? hopefully how you like it

Moonshine sips her drink

Ah vodka with a twist of lemon. It is very good.

I think I will try the manicotti. Of course we need some fresh baked bread. I think I would like a small salad to start.

Moonshine places her hand on the table for Danny to hold

Are you going to be able to relax enough to enjoy our meal? she laughs

Danny laughs reaching over the table gently caressing Moonshines hand before holding it, looking up at the waiter he gives him a little nod. Smiling squeezing Moonshines hand.

I don't think there going to take long, I hope not...ahh..your right I should relax this is our date. So how was your day? Did you do anything exciting I can say for myself I spent mine missing you,  the softness of your skin and those sparkling eyes. ? 

I look at you hand on mine and smile

Oh you know how the days go, a little of this and a little of that. Trying to get done quickly so you can get to where you really want to be.

She rubs her thumb over the back of Danny's hand

Yes you should relax. It is nice to slow down once in awhile and enjoy the moment.

Moonshine picks up her drink and takes another sip

Sounds interesting, whats little to one may be big to another, and I agree with you, but I assure you I am enjoying this moment between us, like I always do. This place its not easy to run but at the end of the day its worth it. But your right must relax.

Danny takes a sip of his drink, the waiter returning placing a basket of fresh steamy bread on the table, within a few short minutes he returns again with Moonshines salad. Also placing a small antipasto platter on the table as well. Danny hands his employee a generous tip of $100 before taking eating a piece of perfectly aged salami

Moonshine slices of a piece of hot bread and places it on the side of her salad. She takes a bite of her salad. Chewing for a few moments

Moonshine takes a sip of her drink and pushes her salad aside and rips off a small piece of her bread and pops it in her mouth

Moonshine covers her mouth and says Oh this bread is so good. She rips off another piece placing it in her mouth

Danny watches occasionally taking a little refreshment from the platter, taking his glass he puts it to his lips taking a sip the cool liquid sliding down his throat warming his stomach. Looking at Moonshine

Your thoughts? you can be honest now hun tell me how it is do you like it? is it fresh enough? Damn!

Danny laughs for a moment

So how is everything?

Moonshine swallows the third piece of bread and grins embarrassed

Well lettuce is lettuce, but this bread she laughs

The vodka twist is good. I am looking forward to the main part of the meal. Of course the company is wonderful.

She reaches over and pats your arm as she gazes into your eyes and smiles

Danny smiles taking a piece of prosciutto ham, eating it savouring the salty flavour chasing it down with a couple of olives. Picking up his drink taking a sip he nods.

The company is amazing, the main course shouldn't be long now. Ive personally made and tried everything on the menu your in for a real treat.

Moonshine smiles.

I guess I need to stop eating this marvelous bread, or I will have no room for the main course.

She picks up her drink and takes another sip

Did you spend all day here, or did you have other things to attend to today?

Moonshine asks while eyeing the bread.

I'm free if you want me to be, I don't have to be here all day if I don't wish too, Im here because I enjoy seeing the smiles on each satisfied customers face, Mafioso or not. I did have some things to do with Lauren but they were taken care of. 

within a few moments the waiter walks out placing a heaping plate of Manicotti in front of Moonshine. Danny smiles looking at his magnificent dish of Veal Piccata, Sinking his fork into the veal cutting a small tender piece he holds his fork to Moonshine.

Try it hun i bet you'll like it

Moonshine looks at the fork for a moment. She takes the offered bite.

She savors the flavors , the butter, lemon, capers, the sauce

Very good She cuts a piece of manicotti and places it in her mouth mmmmmmmmmm Chewing and swallowing but not as good as this.

She smiles as she cuts another piece