The Sub-Zero and Wolf brand Living Kitchen at Specialties A cooking class at Specialties with Chef Charles Keeps Cooking Up A Party Jenn and Benji Gene hold their wedding reception in a building full of kitchens. Shelli Liebman Dorfman Contributing Writer I dmittedly "non-traditional; newlyweds Benji and Jenn Baker Gene flew 1,100 miles to hold their wedding reception in a massive show- room filled with kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. The party was the second of two recep- tions. The first followed their June 3, 2012, wedding in Delray Beach, Fla., not far from their home in Boca Raton. For Benji, 31, who grew up in West Bloomfield, and Jenn, 36, who wanted to celebrate with her new family and friends in Michigan, a second party at Specialties Appliance and Plumbing Fixtures in Berkley was the perfect fit. A high-end appliance and plumbing showroom by day, on weekends and eve- nings Specialties often fills with guests attending parties, events and charity func- tions. "We found a small venue that we loved in Florida, but also wanted to celebrate with everyone in Michigan so two receptions was a great solution:' said Jenn, the daugh- ter of Merrily Baker of Boca Raton and Dr. Willson Baker of Fremont, Ohio. Jenn also has a Michigan connection, having gone to high school in Okemos. The suggestion of the unique party site came from the owners of Specialties who happen to be Benji's mom's sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Eddy Barak, and Karen and Ken Goss, all of West Bloomfield, and their families. "Our amazing Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Eddy offered it, and we couldn't think of a better place to celebrate," Jenn said. "After all, a wedding is all about family and our family built Specialties. "When they offered to host a reception for all our Michigan friends, we jumped at the chance said Benji, whose parents are Sharon and Marty Gene of Boca Raton. The final decision to use the venue came A 26 May 22 • 2014 after Ken Goss spoke with the couple. "After he told us they hold char- ity events, cooking classes and showers there all the time, our hearts were set on being the first wed- ding reception:' Jenn said. parts of the meals are set up at differ- ent stations, like one for salads, one for carved foods, another for protein:' Dorothy said. "The food stations can be sur- rounded and a lot of / people can be served at the same time:' There is space at From Kitchen Specialties for 125 To Kitchen people at a sit-down Parties at Specialties affair and 250 at a strolling dinner. are typically catered — often by Annabel The 100 guests at Cohen or Charles the Genes' reception Keeps. But for the were seated at tables Jenn and Benji Gene at their wedding Genes' event, held whose centerpieces reception at Specialties Appliance and on July 15, 2012, were designed and Plumbing Fixtures in Berkley favorite family assembled by family recipes were pre- members. pared by Benji's mom, Sharon, her sisters "Every niece and nephew helped; Dorothy and Karen, and their sister-in-law Dorothy said. "We used hydrangeas, like Doris Blechman of Bloomfield Hills. the ones in the bouquets and on tables at Hors d'oeuvres were served on the Jenn and Benji's Florida reception, along countertops and islands of the nine with baby roses and other flowers that showroom display kitchens, complete all came from Karen's garden and mine with appliances built into professionally Dorothy said. designed cabinetry. Eddy Barak piped in background music "One of the beauties of having these through the company's sound system and vignette kitchens is that guests can move played a video montage from Jenn and Benji's wedding in Florida. through the showroom, going from one to "Setup, errand-running and shlepping the next for foods that are presented in dif- ferent areas:' Dorothy said. were done by all members of the extended "Bar stools and chairs at the counters family:' Sharon said. "We are blessed to allow the guests to sit for a moment before have such a wonderful family to help make moving onto the next vignette," Sharon our simchahs so memorable:' added. The main course at functions like Parties And More Parties Jenn and Benji's reception is served in Specialties became a party venue seven Specialties' Living Kitchen, a 1,000-square- years ago when the Living Kitchen space foot enclosed space that houses the high- opened. end Sub-Zero and Wolf brand appliances in "First we held low-key cooking classes:' a real kitchen setting. Dorothy said. "Instead of a large buffet table that takes From there, the 20-year-old Specialties guests a long time to get through, different began to branch out into everything from corporate bonding functions and Iron Chef competitions to events hosted by Jewish organizations and agencies like Yad Ezra (a next-door neighbor), Jewish Federation, Hadassah, ORT and the Mesivta of West Bloomfield. Bridal showers have included the fun of a sushi cook-off. Like the Genes' celebration, kosher par- ties can be arranged. In addition to being open six days a week for customers to shop and experience the interactive kitchen appliances, plumbing fixtures, outdoor appliances and gas grills, Specialties Showroom is often the site of charity events. The owners host the annual Team Alex Kickoff event for riders in the Make-A- Wish Michigan, Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour. Charitable involvement includes the frequent donation of a culinary class for 34 people. "Over the years, there have been many celebrations, birthday parties and show- ers held in the showroom, and we have seen how well it has worked out," Sharon said. "We decided to use Specialties for our reception because it has a warm and homey feeling as you move through the various kitchens:' "We were fortunate to have all of our family help in putting the event together; Benji said. "This made it an extra special day for us. And if it helped to sell a few Sub-Zero or Wolf appliances, all the better:' he joked. Jenn and Benji, now the parents of 7-month-old Sophia, agreed both the venue and the party were perfect. "The showroom was decorated so beauti- fully and the food was made with love by our family:' Jenn said. "We were surround- ed by family, friends — and beautiful appli- ances. What more could we ask for:' ❑ Specialties Appliance and Plumbing Fixtures is located at 2800 W.11 Mile Road in Berkley, (248) 548-5656, www.specialtiesshowroom.com .