■ social lights / sally gerak ■ VIP Opening of Zazios
VIP Opening of Zazios
Above, left to right: Bob (left) & J.J. Benkert of Bloomfield with Greenleaf Hospitalty CEO Ron Elenbaas of Richland and Rosemary & Mike Cotter of Bloomfield. Birmingham mayor Rackeline Hoff (left), Barbara Balow of Bloomfield and Birmingham mayor pro tem Gordon and Geri Rinschler.
Clockwise from upper left: Bob (left) & J.J. Benkert of Bloomfield with Greenleaf Hospitalty CEO Ron Elenbaas of Portage and Rosemary & Mike Cotter of Bloomfield. Gail Barnhart (left), Sue Canvasser and Karen Clancy of Bloomfield. Zazio’s chef Matt Schellig (center) with his parents Sue Ann and Doug Schellig of Bloomfield. Greenleaf Trust’s Bill Johnston (left) with clients Kelli & Robert Dipilla of Birmingham. Margie Christopher (left), Yan Stewart, and Suten Hilf of Birmingham with Karen Kligman of Bloomfield. Amy Kanarios and Rich & Joan Jamo of Bloomfield with Jerry Hutcheson of Birmingham. Alexandra (left) and her mother Linda Lipa of Birmingham. Dr. Carl Clavena (center) with Susan & Tom McDaniel of Birmingham. (Dr. Clavena did eye surgery on Tom earlier the same day.).
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Nearly four weeks following the opening of Zazios, the very personable general manager Fadi Achour reports that business at the newest Birmingham restaurant has been “great.” He also estimates, based on chatting with the diners, that a good 80 percent of them are from the immediate Birmingham area. They report eagerly awaiting the opening as they watched the construction of the Greenleaf Trust building which houses the contemporary Italian eatery. Some of them were among the 300-plus that attended the spirited VIP Opening Party on July 22, where guests not only devoured the modern Italian cuisine, they could also see it prepared through the big kitchen window. The kitchen is directed by Bloomfield native Matt Schellig, who also presides over Zazios trademark Chefs Table. Although this stadium-like area can seat up to 24 diners and is a perfect setting for special occasions, Achour assures that any number, including a single, will also be accommodated for the interactive and educational five-course dining experience that has proven to be very popular in the Zazios Kalamazoo restaurant. Hmm. This could add delicious excitement to dining alone. Check out the menu at www.zazios.com. You’ll notice that many dishes are offered in two sizes/prices. The Birmingham Zazios opens daily at 5 p.m. for dinner only.
Angels’ Place Golf Fore Life Angels’ Place’s 17th annual sporting fundraiser moved to Pine Lake Country Club this year and attracted 170 golfers plus 26 tennis players for the second annual tennis mixer. More than 200, including many of the players, convened on the terrace for the very social cocktail hour, enhanced by the music of Hans vonBerhthal’s Mystic Knights of Jazz, and dinner. Honorary chair Duke Scarfano thanked the dedicated committee and announced that the winning foursome was comprised of Al Steele, Paul Ciaverella, Mark Bucchi and Tom Ciavarella. Thanks to lots of sponsors, the event raised more than $110,000 to support the 18 homes and other lifetime programs AP offers adults with disabilities. AP supporters and residents will reconvene for the Family Fun Day (see the Ahead List in this column) and all have marked their calendars for the annual dinner Thursday, Dec. 11, at which Ford CEO Alan Mulally will be the guest speaker. THE PAPER
SEPTEMBER 2010