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The Right Place from page C18

The Gem Theater's Colony Club ballroom

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and type of party. The Caucus Club in
Detroit provides a classic intimate set-
ting for weddings and other celebra-
tions. It combines fresh and creative
cuisine with old world service and
elegant decor, including a baby grand
piano and a dance floor.
"We have third-generation customers
who come for the food and the personal
service,' said owner Marry Belloni."Our
appetizers are very popular, especially
the mini Caucus burgers."
When Suzanne and Steve Levine
of West Bloomfield learned that the
Parade Company, which builds and
houses the floats used in Detroit's
annual Thanksgiving parade, was
available for parties, they knew at once
that it was the perfect choice for their
son Zachary's bar mitzvah celebration.
"It had a double meaning for us,"
said Suzanne. "Since he was a baby,
Zachary has gone to the Thanksgiving
parade with his dad every year. Plus,
we had been looking for something
that was a little out of the box. When
you walk into the Parade Company,
you can't help but smile. It's a very
magical place."
The Levines hired buses to take
their guests to and from the down-
town Detroit location, where they
enjoyed amusement park-style games,
popcorn, snow cone machines, Coney
dogs and a table piled high with
Hostess Twinkies, Snowballs and other
childhood goodies. Zachary gave his
speech from inside the cup on the
Detroit Red Wings float.
"It was a magical night," said
Suzanne Levine. "People who have
traveled the world told us they'd never
experienced a party like this before."

The city of Detroit offers some other
unique venues, including the Gem
Theater and Century Grill and the
newly restored, historic Colony Club.
The Gem includes a fully equipped
theater, with an intimate outdoor
patio and attached parking garage.
It can accommodate parties of up to
250 people. The Colony Club, located
behind the Fox Theatre, features a
two-story ballroom in the style of
Louis XVI, providing an elegant set-
ting for as many as 400 guests.
The Boogie Fever disco in Ferndale
provided an innovative setting for the
bat mitzvah party of Eliana Herman,
the daughter of Judy and Bruce
Herman of West Bloomfield.
In keeping with their theme, "Get
Wicked with Eliana," from the hit
Broadway musical Wicked, their decor
included green twinkle lights, witches'
hats and green and black candy.
"We knew we wanted a dance party
and what better place to have it than a
disco," said Judy Herman. "It was such
a fun venue and the staff was very
easy to work with."
Party givers agree that it's important
to have a good rapport with the staff
members, especially the key contact
person.
"You want a catering director who
will listen and is open to suggestions,"
said Cherkasky."If you're getting a
negative feeling, then maybe you need
to consider switching locations."
"Chemistry is important:' said Keith.
"You want to be comfortable with the
person who will be managing your
party." She also recommends asking

The Right Place on page C22