Fine dining reimagined

Even though Pernoi – 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, in the former home of Cafe Via – will be the eleventh restaurant Chef Luciano DelSignore has opened, that doesn’t mean he’s any less excited. “Building what we created is fun – but it’s more fun to operate what we created,” said DelSignore, owner of Bacco in Southfield, who partnered with Chef Takashi Yagihashi on Pernoi. “Getting to the finish line is great.” Once they do open – they are shooting for mid-August – guests can expect a contemporary, modern, fine-dining experience. The space itself will have two concepts, brought together by menus full of French, Italian, and Japanese flavors, like saffron capellini with caviar, a dish that proved popular at pop-ups they have hosted around town. On one side will be an a la carte menu, with prices ranging from $10-$40, and a come-as-you-are casual setting. The other will have a multiple-course tasting menu – currently set at nine – that will be reservation only and have a dress code. DelSignore said the menus will change weekly, with plans to use some of the best ingredients in the world.

Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.