metro >> Out To Eat

ownsen. Hotel's ea•rec or, Laura Klein, reflects on a decade
of elegant occasions.

S

April Shower
he is sworn to secrecy
— naming names
In April, a group of about 40
could cost her her
people, including out-of-town
job — but the Townsend Hotel's
guests, gathered for a bridal
tea director, Laura Klein, 50,
shower tea for Brigit Gottlieb,
40, who recently married Dan
of West Bloomfield can say
she's met presidents, rock stars,
Gottlieb, 35. The couple live
A-list actors and actresses,
in Detroit. The bride is the
and superstar athletes who've
marketing director for Detroit-
Robin S chwartz
stopped to sip Earl Grey and
based luxury watchmaker
Contri buting
raspberry tea in the lobby of
Shinola; the groom, known as
the upscale Birmingham hotel.
Wri ter
"Yoga Dan:' is a vinyasa yoga
In March 2011, the Queen
instructor. Brigit has lived in
of Soul, Aretha Franklin, was seen on
New York City, England and other world-
television chatting with talk show host
class locations and says the Townsend's tea
Wendy Williams over tea at the Townsend
stacks up to the best of them.
(Williams ordered raspberry). Klein says
"We had a wonderful experience. The
a rock band even invited her to join them
service was superb:' she emailed from
her honeymoon in Hawaii. "Exuding Old
once during a concert tour swing through
Metro Detroit.
World charm, the Townsend was the per-
"I've met tons of famous people she
fect place to host my wedding shower:'
said. "They've all been so cordial:'
The traditional English tea takes place
Klein also has witnessed romantic mar-
seven days a week from noon to 5 p.m.
riage proposals; she's helped set up beauti-
In addition to the staples, green cherry
ful birthday parties, baby showers and bat
blossom tea and other specialty flavors
mitzvah gatherings. Just a few weeks ago,
are available. Guests are served scones
for Mother's Day, at least 70 families cel-
with lemon curd and mascarpone cheese,
ebrated at a special tea.
a variety of tiny, flavorful sandwiches
"I'm like a caterer:' she explained. "I take including smoked salmon, pear and ricotta
reservations and handle all the details —
and chicken salad, and miniature pastries
the food, beverages, staffing, serving. I like from a key lime tart to a raspberry cheese-
to be there when the parties are happen-
cake pyramid. The cost is $36 a person.
ing as well as being part of the celebration
"We'll add champagne punch, soup or
with those guests:'
salad, fresh fruit and a torte of the day for

Tea at the Townsend Hotel is always special.

Laura Klein

Dan and Brigit Gottlieb

$60 per person:' Klein said. "There's also
a $25 children's menu (for children 12 and
under), and we can make special arrange-
ments like tea in a private suite or private
room for an additional charge:'
Klein, who is single, started out manag-
ing a restaurant and working in banquets
at the Townsend. This year, she'll mark her
10th year overseeing tea.
"I really like to socialize. I love the
guests who come in:' she said. "We have
generations of people who come to tea. We
can even arrange to have the staff deliver

roses, gifts and other surprises. Each event
is unique and so much fun!" ❑

To learn more about tea at the
Townsend or to make reservations,
go to www.townsendhotel.com or
call (248) 647-2196.

rants offer the finest in outdoor dining.

W

ho wants to be cooped up in
Where is the patio? Side
a restaurant's dining room
What's it got? An awning over 12
when dining al fresco can be
tables, enough seating for 60, tall
chairs in all-weather vinyl,
so darned delightful?
flowering plants, dim light-
With the return of summer
ing at night, piped-in music,
breezes, nearly every restaurant in
live evening entertainment.
sociable downtown Royal Oak is
offering street-side dining, where
7-10 p.m. Wednesday-
people can see and be seen. This
Saturday. BONUS: Patios at
roundup focuses on other pos-
Andiamo and its Joe Muer
sibilities, presenting a snapshot of
Seafood inside the RenCen
Downtown offer sparkling
local patios worth knowing about.
Detroit River views.
The al fresco season is limited
Esther Allweiss
in Southeast Michigan, so don't
Ingber
miss the chance to tell your nice
ASSAGGI
Contributing
MEDITERRANEAN
hostess, "I/we would rather eat
Writer
BISTRO
outside:'

ANDIAMO
6676 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Township, MI 48301
(248) 865-9300
www.andiamoitalia.com

330 W. Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 584-3499
www.assaggibistro.com
Where is the patio? Back
What's it got? Tree-enclosed, secluded

Out To Eat on page 36

The patio at Assaggi Mediterranean Bistro in Ferndale

June 5 • 2014

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