Sharon Maher of Sterling Heights and five of her cousins meet for lunch twice a year and it’s always at Filippa’s Italian Restaurant and Banquets in Shelby Township.

“We love the food and I think you get a lot for your money,” said Maher, who ordered the chicken picatta, a house favorite featuring a white wine butter sauce with capers, artichokes, garlic and lemon over tender breaded chicken filets, served with potatoes and vegetables along with the soup of the day and a salad.

“It always tastes fresh,” said Shirley Roberts of Troy, who joined Maher’s group on the patio for lunch.

“I also like that it’s homemade,” she said, echoing the words of many who look forward to the food and classic ambience of the popular eatery whose staff are celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Twice a year t

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