Shiro 43180 W. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-348-1212; shiro-restaurant.com; $$: Shiro attempts to balance the opposing cuisines of Japan and France — Japan with its stark simplicity, France with its rich excess. Open 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Friday, 5-10 p.m. Saturday, and 4-10 p.m. Sunday.

Steve & Rocky's 43150 Grand River Ave.; 248-374-0688; steveandrockys.com; $$: Desserts are some of the best features of this upscale yet casual fish place. Try the warm chocolate cake with ganache if you've got time to wait — it takes 20 minutes to prepare. Excellent salads. A lower-priced lunch menu makes it an affordable treat. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday.

Toasted Oak Grill & Market at the Baronette Renaissance, 27890 Novi Rd.; 248-277-6000; toastedoak.com; $$: A hotel restaurant that's a cut above, such charcuterie as terrines, patés and rillettes are excellent, served among bare tables, a mirrored ceiling, vintage signs and posters. Don't miss out on their Sunday brunch. Open for breakfast 6:30-10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday, 7-11 a.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Lunch runs 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Dinner hours are 5:30-10:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Special thanks to editorial intern Ryan Felton for his assistance compiling this column.

See any mistakes? Any omissions? Let us know! Call 313-202-8043 or e-mail mjackman@metrotimes.com.

> Email Michael Jackman