Zazios Comes to Birmingham: Grand Opening July 23

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 23, Greenleaf Hospitality Group, a division of Kalamazoo-based Greenleaf Companies, will officially launch their newest Zazios restaurant in Birmingham. The restaurant features modern Italian cuisine along with an extensive wine list and an interactive Chef's Table. Conveniently located at 34977 Woodward Avenue (at Maple Rd. and Woodward Ave.) in downtown Birmingham, Zazios is a fresh new addition to the city's bustling dining scene. The 10,000-square-foot space boasts a bi-level kitchen, seating for 210, thermoelectric wine cellars, the Z Lounge, a 40-seat bar with an extensive martini list, private dining and a rich color palette brought to life by the intricate Italian tile work found throughout. The Birmingham location is the group's first restaurant venture in Southeast Michigan. The other location is in Kalamazoo.    

"We are excited to have the opportunity to bring Zazios' unique flavor to Birmingham," said Fadi Achour, General Manager of Zazios Birmingham. "Our commitment to providing diners with a one-of-a-kind experience is at the heart of every aspect of the restaurant, from the lavish design to our extensive menu."    

Executive Chef Matt Schellig, formerly of the Matt Prentice Restaurant Group's Shiraz, is overseeing the menu, which offers a blend of modern Italian fare infused with a Mediterranean influence. Among some of the highlights are brick-oven pizzas, an assortment of small plates including seared sea scallops, polenta with telaggio fonduta, fritto misto featuring crispy calamari and shrimp served with lemon-mint maionese. An extensive dinner menu describing the assaggini tastings, classic Italian entrees and much more can be found on the Zazios website. The Chef's Table, however, is the essence of the Zazios experience.  

"The Chef's Table will really drive the restaurant," said Schellig. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to engage people in the process, interact with our diners and make their experience a personal one. As a chef, I find nothing more exciting than the notion of talking to and learning about the people for whom I'm preparing these meals. I can't wait to get started."

The table is complete with stadium seating for up to 24, a five video camera set-up feeding live footage of the Chef to six flat screen televisions and a two-way audio visual component.  Seats at the Chef's Table cost $65 per person with optional wine pairings at $30 additional, and include a signature five-course, "off menu" meal prepared by Schellig. The executive chef will also offer recipes and tips of the trade on the "Chef's Blog" at www.zazios.com.

To make a dinner reservation or to find out more, please call 248.530.6400 or visit www.zazios.com. Become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter@zazios.

About Greenleaf Hospitality Group

Greenleaf Companies is a Kalamazoo-based, privately held company which includes Greenleaf Trust, a venture capital, asset and wealth management firm, Greenleaf Hospitality Group and other holdings. Today Greenleaf Hospitality Group owns and operates The Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, The Holiday Inn West and Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo.

SOURCE Greenleaf Hospitality Group