An Opus for One and All

An Opus for One and All
By Contributing Writer Elena Kerasiotis

It's Wednesday afternoon at the Opus One, Detroit's premiere dining location. The paneled oak walls shine invitingly with the deep luster of attention, the bar is bustling. Guests chat quietly as they slowly unwind from their hectic endeavors of the day. In the background, music can be heard soulfully performed at the imposing grand piano, which dominates the room. Old familiar standards are being played, songs that are easy to listen to, easy to hum along to during lulls in the conversation. The performer is a young man, a recent graduate of Grosse Pointe South, Michael Malis. His face glows with satisfaction as his hands move efficiently across the keyboard, his passion to be a jazz musician being fulfilled, if only for that moment in time.

The restaurant begins to fill, and a group of 10 gather to the right of the piano. Obviously, beaming parents, George and Alexis Malis, Grandmother, Koula Pervanis, Evelyn Inempolidis, and Dr. Anthony and Carol Malis, Helen Haskin and cousins, Georgeanne and Athena Inempolidis and Julie Malis, as well as sisters Katina and Cassandra, all are there to support Michael's musical endeavor.

Owner Jim Kokas, approaches the group, and welcomes them. His belief in Michael's talent is obvious. Kokas' pleasure was apparent when greeting the family. He thanked them for their patronage, from one Greek another. Lex shares that when Michael was asked what his performance fee should be, Michael responded with a figure, and then added, "But I have worked for less." His offer was accepted and Jim Kokas can now pronounce himself a patron of the arts, as well as, a food affectionato and connoisseur.

Michael confides, "I learned a lot from this gig… I learned how play in moderation. I love playing whatever I want to play, whenever I want to play it, but at Opus they hire you to play in certain style. The experience helped teach me maturity in my music, and self control," a lesson to be certain from which many of us could benefit.

He further acknowledges that he identifies with both of his parents. "I am similar to my mom in the way that I approach creative situations: with an open mind, and my father and I are similar in the way we approach life in general: from a rational point of view. Both are a huge influence on me." Michael will enter the U of M School of Music this fall in the Jazz Studies program.

The cordial waiter approaches the table and offers a wine list for scrutiny. The selection is limitless. The menu boasts several house specialties. The bar menu offers a scrumptious hors d'oeuvre platter that features, calamari, lamb chops and filo-wrapped shrimp, a definite showstopper.

The Opus mission is to create a one of a kind dining experience using the freshest of ingredients, original recipes, and gracious professional service in a comfortable setting. The cuisine is contemporary French and American with global influences and seasonal spontaneity. It is located in Downtown Detroit within walking distance from the Renaissance Center and Greektown at 565 East Larned Street, Detroit, MI 48226. The three dining rooms showcase wine themed etched glass, and beveled mirrors and luscious oak paneled walls.

Opus One has been a Wine Spectator winner every year since the restaurant opened in 1987.

Reservations are recommended. Opus offers event packages and which include shuttles to nearby venues. This feature is one not to be overlooked. It means only one valet and door-to-door service. The bottom line is service, so when planning your next special dining experience, or casual after work getaway, consider Opus One, you won't be disappointed.

Malista!