Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

As we wrap up another year here at The Whitney, I would like to take a minute to remember some great times had at the restaurant over the past 12 months.

This year was the first year for our Motown Mimosa Brunch on Sundays which turned out to be a huge success. Guests enjoyed the musical stylings of Detroit's classic Motown artists, bottomless mimosas and fabulous food prepared by The Whitney's chefs.
Our brunch attendance jumped from 40 per Sunday to over 100 on average with the introduction to the Motown sound.

It was also a successful year for our Pre Theatre Menu and DSO Package (these are still offered throughout the winter). The Pre Theatre is a four-course menu offered at a fixed price of $45 per person and can be enjoyed before your show. The DSO Package includes two floor seats to a DSO show of your choosing and dinner for two with us, all for just $180! Thank you all who took advantage of these great deals over the year!
If you were around during the summer, you would remember our "oasis in the city" a.k.a garden patio. We hosted Rain or Shine Happy Hour, Twilight Tuesdays, Thursday's 89x Garden Parties, and Detroit's premiere DJ's on the weekends. Whether rocking out to the 89x bands or dancing into the night on Tuesdays with DJ Capnt 20, the garden was the hottest place to be this summer (as I type this, I am looking out the window at the furious blizzard and wishing that it was summer in the garden).

We also had the opportunity to host fundraising events here at the mansion. Early in the year we hosted several current Channel 56 donors as well as a number of key prospects for the station. Then in September we kicked off our “Flora’s Tea Room” service with an event featuring Mr. Song Millinery, the world-famed designer of the “Aretha” hat from President Obama’s Inauguration. Mr. Song’s "Day of Fashion" at the mansion in September was a great success with beautiful women in beautiful chapeaux, all for the benefit of Susan G. Komen for The Cure. The day was split into two events: a high tea debuting the launch of The Whitney's High Tea service and a cocktail garden event in the evening, both featured a fashion show by Mr. Song. Fashionable hats were encouraged and definitely represented!

Another successful fundraiser was a special Sunday Brunch for the Michigan Opera Theatre in October which raised over $7,000 for Michigan’s premier opera company.

And we have one more benefit to go – this Thursday evening’s New Year’s Eve celebration featuring members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra plus “The People’s Choice” band, a popular, upbeat band that will rock loose around the midnight hour.Proceeds from the New Year’s Eve gala, which will feature three individual dinner seatings as well as an exclusive “after party,” will go to the DSO.

There have so been many good times spent here over the past year, (including more than 30 weddings which took advantage of the mansion’s opulent settings and surroundings!), and just this last month of holiday cheer has been our best yet. We have been jammed packed every week with Detroiters and visiting out-of-towners looking to celebrate the wintery season. We had the opportunity to welcome a bunch of new faces into the restaurant and hopefully they were surprised and delighted by their experiences here and will come back soon.

We now go into the New Year with hopes of having another successful one. Speaking for all of us here at The Whitney, we wish you and your family all the very best this holiday season and a New Year full of only good and positive things!

People are talking and they are saying some great things about The Whitney. Don't want to be left out? Search The Whitney at www.opentable.com and post your reviews. We appreciate all your comments!

"I have been to The Whitney twice within the past 2 months for dinner. I love this place. It was quiet, the food and service was awesome and the entire staff are warm and friendly. The place has lots of history and the staff love talking about it. Don't miss this place if you have the opportunity to dine there."

"The Whitney is a gem that truly shines, especially during the holiday season. The beauty of the architecture transports you back to a time of elegance as soon as you open the doors. The grand staircase is particularly gorgeous when festooned with garland, and you expect your dining experience to be grand based on the immediate ambiance. Our food was a delight to the eye, exceptionally well presented, and prepared to perfection. The atmosphere was both festive and romantic, truly a perfect evening."

"Waitress was amazing-very attentive and friendly."

"I was already impressed after the soup!!!"

"The Whitney is always an amazing experience every time I go, and this time was no exception."

"Overall we were very pleased with out dining experience. The ambiance is beautiful and the food was scrumptious. The Whitney provides a very romantic setting perfect for that special occasion."

"Everything was wonderful- like a dream. Waiter "Ruis" was excellent. Highly recommend this for special occasions"

"Was looking forward to this experience and chose it as part of my wife's 30th Birthday celebration. The Whitney definitely did not disappoint! The service was excellent. From confirmation calls for my reservation to them even ensuring that the flowers that I ordered were in fact delivered on time. Perfect romantic setting and ambiance for the occasion. I earned many "cool points" with the misses. Thanks Whitney!!!"

"This was a wonderful experience for us! We will return in the future."

"Gorgeous restaurant and good service. After dinner walk around the whole mansion to see the three historical floors. Probably would be a good place for a small wedding reception."

"Wonderful setting, great food, and a marvelous wait staff that are very knowledgeable about the restaurant."

"Place has lots of character; charming and romantic. Food was very good. Weeknight PrefixedHarvest Menu is a steal."

New Years Eve Diner Menu

Wondering what kind of delicious menu we have lined up for New Years Eve?? Well here it is!

First Course

Caprese

Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Roasted Beet

Mixed Greens, Haricot Vert, Goat Cheese, Crispy Potatoes, Pancetta and Truffle Vinaigrette

Second Course

Soup

Smoked Tomato Bisque, Blue Cheese Cracker

Crab Cake

Wonton Chips, Roasted Corn Salsa, Avocado Cream

Short Rib

Braised Beef, Cheddar Grits, Spinach, Tomato Chutney

Third Course

Salmon

Spinach, Bacon and Gruyere Quiche, Herbed Tomato Galette, Beurre Blanc

Sea Scallops

Sunchoke Puree, Braised Brussels Sprouts, Tomato and Lemongrass Chutney, Balsamic

Risotto

Butternut Squash, Leeks, Fennel, Wild Mushrooms

Fourth Course

Lamb

Braised Shank, Parsnip Puree, Creamed Mushroom, Haricot Vert, Crispy Leek

Filet

Japanese Pumpkin Tart, Chanterelles, Cranberry Beet Chutney, Bourbon Demi

Gnocchi

Mushrooms, Spinach, Grape Tomatoes, Madeira Cream Sauce

Fifth Course

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Chocolate Mousse

Whitney Carrot Cake

Don't forget to make your reservations today!!

Ring in the New Year with The DSO at The Whitney

10, 9, 8, 7…HAPPY NEW YEAR!! This year, The Whitney will partner with The Detroit Symphony Orchestra for a very special night of great food and fabulous music provided by musicians of the DSO. A portion of the proceeds will benefit one of Detroit’s most treasured cultural organizations: the DSO!

Dinner service for the night will include a four-course menu with wine-pairings and will be offered at three separate times (5p.m., 7p.m., and 9p.m.). If you’re looking to celebrate the midnight hour with dancing and a traditional New Year countdown, stay for the elegant after party that will take place throughout The Whitney mansion after the 9p.m. seating. The countdown to midnight will be displayed on The Ghostbar’s plasma TV’s and passed hor d’oeuvres, a premium bar and musical entertainment will be offered to party-goers.

WHAT
Four-course Meal
Wine-pairing
Formal Attire (Black Tie Optional)
Dancing & Live Music by the DSO (Three floors of music – various styles)

WHEN
· Dinner @ 5p.m., 7p.m., and 9p.m.
· Beyond Dinner the Party Continues 10:30p.m-4a.m.

PRICING
Dinner - $100 per person
Dinner & Party - $150 (9p.m. seating ONLY)
Party ONLY - $65

BENEFIT
20% of proceeds donated to the DSO

RSVP Now!!!

A Night of Fashion and Substance!

The fashion brigade of Detroit was welcomed into The Whitney last Thursday for William Malcolm’s ‘Man of Style’ gala. In attendance were friends, family, community supporters and press who enjoyed eight individual art exhibits set up throughout the mansion, as well as a multi-media gaming room. There was also a private viewing of the spring/summer collections of celebrity designer Katerina Bocci and William Malcolm, himself.

The night’s sole honoree was the much anticipated winner of the William Malcolm’s ‘Man of Style’ contest. The contest focused on the young men of Michigan and their attributes of style, sophistication and humanitarianism. Malcolm sought to highlight these young men and honor their attributes with a $25,000 prize package for the winner.

Demario S. Tucker was announced as ‘The Man of Style’ at the close of the evening after a long deliberation by the high profile judges, including Bud Liebler , owner of The Whitney. Tucker received a prize package that includes an all inclusive trip for two to Hawaii, a feature in Ambassador Magazine, a wardrobe that will be designed by William Malcolm, a furniture package from IKEA furniture, autographed sports memorabilia from Curtis Granderson of the Detroit Tigers, custom Ford apparel provided by the Fairlane Ford Dealership of Dearborn, a luxury watch provided by Tappers fine Jewelry, a two day photo shoot by world renowned photographer Shawn Lee of Shawn Lee Studios, several custom art pieces that were commissioned by William Malcolm for the winner from local and national artists as well as several other stylishly sophisticated gifts – Can you say WOW!

Holiday Fun!

Garlands and wreaths and bows oh my….The Whitney is officially decorated for the holidays (inside and out)! If you haven’t had the chance to visit The Whitney yet, now is the time to stop by.
Holiday festivities will include The Whitney’s Signature Santa Brunch which will be on Sundays (and some select Saturdays) from 10:30am-3:00pm and will start the first week in December. Santa is scheduled to come clattering down the chimney on these days to merrily greet all of Metro Detroit’s nicest boys and girls! The cost of the Brunch will be $29 per person, children 5 to 12 pay their age and ages four and under eat free. But wait there’s more…bottomless mimosas are also included!

New Billboards!!

We have had many “firsts” here at The Whitney: first kisses, first dates, first anniversaries, “First Fridays”, first ghostly encounters, AND first advertising via BILLBOARD!!! That’s right, The Whitney has not one, but TWO new billboards that may have caught your eye while driving along Woodward Ave. One of the billboards is located on the corner of Canfield and Woodward just next door to us (it can be seen from the third floor of the restaurant) and the other is right down the street. So while you’re driving, walking, catching the bus or just hanging out on Woodward, turn your eyes to the sky and CHECK THE OUT! Who knows, it might just get you in the mood to stop by for a bite to eat or a little something to drink.

Cub Scouts and Ghost Stories!

What do you think of when you think of The Whitney restaurant? Elegance…great food….an amazing atmosphere…yes. Cub Scouts? Probably not. But, this past Saturday, October 24, uniformed members of Cub Scout Pack 1916 and their families congregated at The Whitney for an exciting afternoon at the stately 1894 mansion.

The scouts, ranging in age from 6 – 11 years old and mostly from the Warren area, had a chance to tour the mansion and develop an appreciation for the craftsmanship and detail of the home and their favorite part....the ghost stories! Our favorite history buff/server guided the tour while telling tales of The Whitney's haunting.

I stood and listened to the young boy's stark skepticism about the so-called haunting in the house. Given that Halloween is just a few days away, I decided to tell them a little about our experiences here. After the story, the boys were not so skeptical after all.

My ghostly encounter:

I have worked here for quite some time now and have always felt comfortable in the house by myself...up until a few months ago. One bright, sunny morning I was opening the restaurant by myself (the chef's were here but in the kitchen) and as I sat in the third floor office returning messages, I looked up and saw a figure walk past the open door. I called out in question of who it was and no one responded to me. Racking my brain of every possible solution to what I saw, I came up simply that it was David Whitney paying me a morning visit. Since then, I have yet to be alone on the third floor by myself!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

The DSO is Calling My Name

Being young and loving to explore everything that Detroit has to offer, I've come to realize that I have missed a few crucial aspects of the city. One of these being - The Detroit Symphony Orchestra. I was thinking the other day, if a guy were to ask me out tomorrow and I could have dinner anywhere...I would love to have dinner at...well...my work (The Whitney) and follow that up with the musical beauty that is the DSO. Thankfully, The Whitney and the DSO have come together once again to offer a package deal that is a perfect solution for a romantic date. The package includes a three course dinner prepared by our amazing chefs and two premium seats to the show of your choosing for just $180 (not including tax or gratuity). I don't know about you, but that's a great way to impress your lady...or man! Make your reservations today because the holiday nights fill up fast!

New Season at The Whitney!

It's officially Fall here at The Whitney! There is a nip in the air outside and we've turned on the fireplaces to take the chill out of your bones.
I was just talking with the others around the mansion today about our different holiday decorations soon to be put up. The excitement is popping with all seasonal change so come try our new Four -Course Harvest Menu or join us in a few weeks for the Grand Re-opening of the Ghostbar. If that's not enough, just stop in for a hot toddy and stand by the blazing fires!

Detroit Restaurant Week 's Success

Whether you heard it through the grapevine or you were here to witness it for yourself, you know that Detroit’s Restaurant Week was a great success!!! And not only for The Whitney, but for all of the restaurants that participated.

With every seat in the house filled, Chef Dan Maurer's delicious creations had guests licking their lips and patting their tummies. For those of you who experienced all that Restaurant Week had to offer at The Whitney (and even for those of you who didn’t) we have news for you – The Whitney will be offering a four course Harvest Tasting menu for only $35. This menu starts tonight and will run through this month, Tues.-Thurs. from 5-9 p.m. Make your reservations today because this is bound to be a great opportunity for you and for us!

Turning Over the Reigns

To my devoted blog readers- wherever and whomever you are:

Even though I have had a wonderful time telling all of you about my beautiful restaurant and the fabulous events that we've had here, I have decided to retire from my blogging career and turn the reigns over to a young and bright-eyed blogger waiting in the wings. The changing seasons give way to new and exciting endeavors here at The Whitney and our new blogger is very eager to tell you all about what's happening around the mansion - holiday events, Flora's Tea Room, and so much more! Thank you all for reading and please stop by The Whitney to say hello.

INTRODUCING FLORA'S TEA ROOM

We are, yet again, putting the "class" back into "classic" at The Whitney by introducing Flora's Tea Room. David Whitney's wife, Flora, was the epitome of class and always enjoyed a cup of tea in the afternoon. To honor her, and the historic surroundings of The Whitney, we will offer tea Tuesday-Friday from 12-3pm and on Saturday afternoon for private parties. Flora's Tea room is located on the 2nd floor in Mrs. Whitney's cozy Bedroom and Sitting Room. Once seated, guests will be offered an array of The Whitney's Signature blend in one of a kind hand-painted china. Our afternoon tea also includes a delicious four-course meal individually plated for each special guest and prepared by our renowned chefs.

In honor of the launch of Flora's Tea Room, The Whitney hosted our first Afternoon Tea event- 'A Day of Fashion' featuring a hat fashion show by Mr. Song Millinery, creator of the famous "Aretha" hat, which was seen at President Obama's Inauguration. The event was a great success and made headlines at The Detroit Free Press!! Check out our pictures at:
http://detroit.metromix.com/events/photogallery/a-day-of-fashion/1463005/content

Be a part of all the fun and class by making your reservations today!!
Please contact Kim Piskos, Director of Tea Services, at 313.384.0880.

INTRODUCING RESTAURANT.COM AT THE WHITNEY

There are many things that bring our community together such as parks, schools, businesses and the most important...food! There being so many local restaurants, including The Whitney, it's sometimes hard to decide where you want to wet your whistle and satisfy that hunger.
Our beautiful historic home and delicious cuisine creates a destination that can not be missed and so we have teamed up with Restaurant.com as a solution!
By visiting Restaurant.com guests can get our location, prices, menus, dress attire and lots of other information that you may need to know. The best part is that you can purchase gift cards to our restaurant at a reduced price!! We are really excited to have started this program and hope that you will join in on all the fun! Search for us at Restaurant.com and purchase your Whitney gift certificates today! Our garden oasis is still open and what a better time to bask in the remaining summer weather than at a reduced rate.

The Cool Breeze Bids 89X Thursdays a Farewell

The cool weather has already made its way into Michigan and we are starting to wrap up our summer garden parties, but don’t worry, we have plenty planned for Fall. We've had a great season hosting the 89x Thursday night garden parties, but tonight we will be bidding them farewell (well at least for this summer). Join us tonight for some great LIVE music - three bands (we could tell you who, but we would rather you come hear for yourself), happy hour drink specials and delicious food! The party starts at 5pm so don't be late!!!