Upcoming Events & News

What’s Next…

The Return of the Olive Oil Celebration April 16

Many of our regular patrons have become big fans of Mediterrano’s olive oil. So much so that we could never keep enough of our take home bottles in stock. The decision was made to import it ourselves. Setting this up is quite a process, but now the premium product is finally coming. In honor of this event, we invite you to join us for a dinner focused on the oil itself. John Roumanis will give a talk on this substance that is very near and dear to his heart. Chef Robert Underwood’s creations will delight, and maybe even surprise you.

Make your reservations now. You won’t want to miss this one!

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week January 17-22

Why slog through the snow to get to a great deal when you can utilize our close and ample parking and pull right up to Mediterrano!! We will be offering some great lunch and dinner specials during this week.

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week Lunch $12 per person

Hor d’oeuvre / Mezes Tapas /Antipasti
Soupe au Pistou
Today’s Soup
Small Caesar Salad
Small Insalata Gorgonzola

Main Course
Spanakopita…spinach and feta in crisp baked phyllo
Turkish Vegetable Burec…baked vegetables, cilantro in crisp baked
phyllo
Chicken Manestra…orzo pasta and Valbreso French feta with grilled chicken breast
Chicken Jerusalem…white wine poached chicken breast, mushrooms and artichokes
Chicken Porchetta…herb & citrus roasted pulled Miller’s Farm dark meat chicken, gemelli pasta
Michigan Butternut Squash Ravioli…sherry, fresh cream, caramelized onion, pecans
Penne al Pomodoro e Fresco Basilico…penne pasta, tomato, our own extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil
Salmon ala Grecque…grilled salmon, olive relish, lemon roasted potatoes
Baked Double Cheese Panini…toasted challah with Portobello mushroom, roasted poblano chili, genuine Gruyere & aged provolone cheese
Sweet Things
Baklava
Cannoli
Berry Sorbet
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week Three Course Dinner Menu $22 per person

Hor d’oeuvre / Mezes Tapas /Antipasti
Hummus bi Tahini
Tapenade
Satziki
Soupe au Pistou
Today’s Soup
Small Caesar Salad
Small Insalata Gorgonzola
Fennel and Citrus Crusted Warm Chevre Salad… walnut raisin bruschetta, cranberry conserve
Grilled Country Style Polenta… house made garlic-fennel sausage
Main Course
Spanakopita …spinach and feta in crisp baked phyllo
Turkish Vegetable Burec… baked vegetables, cilantro in crisp baked phyllo
Chicken Manestra …orzo pasta and Valbreso French feta with grilled chicken breast
Chicken Jerusalem …white wine poached chicken breast, mushrooms and artichokes
Chicken Porchetta …herb & citrus roasted pulled Miller’s Farm dark meat chicken, gemelli pasta
Michigan Butternut Squash Ravioli…sherry, fresh cream, caramelized onion, pecans
Penne al Pomodoro e Fresco Basilico…penne pasta, tomato, our own extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil
Salmon ala Grecque…grilled salmon, olive relish, lemon roasted potatoes
Roast Gunthorp Farm Chicken Breast… winter squash risotto
Lamb Moussaka…ground lamb, cinnamon roasted eggplant, Yukon potatoes, Greek kefalograviera
Tortillitas de Camerones…shrimp cakes spiced with cilantro & serrano chili
Sweet Things
Baklava
Cannoli
Creme Brulee
Berry Sorbet
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

New Year’s Eve 2009

Pasta/Fideous/Makaronia/Nouilles

MICHIGAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI
Ravioli stuffed with Michigan grown roasted butternut squash, sage, red bell pepper, maple syrup & parmesan cheese. Tossed with a sauce of fresh cream, caramelized onion, garlic, pecans, oregano & dry sherry 18
WINTER MUSHROOM LASAGNA
Porcini & oyster mushrooms. Fresh egg pasta, ricotta & aged provolone. Truffle olive oil & balsamic vinegar 21
FIDEOS al a MALAGUENA
Extra thin pasta, shrimp, Manilla clams, tomato, bell pepper, fava beans, artichokes, saffron 24

Regional Mediterranean Entrees

LAMB MOUSSAKA
Ground lamb, cinnamon roasted eggplant, golden raisins, tomato, Yukon Gold potatoes, red chili pepper, Kefalograviera 18
SMALL BIRD TAGINE
Quail & merguez sausage simmered with cinnamon, honey, green chili, tomato, black mission figs, sweet potatoes 23
VENISON EMPANADA
Parsnips & rutabagas. Carrots & onions. Spinach sautéed with pine nuts, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, fino sherry. Romesco 22
WINTER TRUFFLE and CHEVRE RISOTTO
Butter roasted root vegetables, leek confit, crispy shallots 21

Steaks / Chops / Roasts

HERB and DIJON MUSTARD ROASTED RACK of LAMB
Yukon Gold potatoes mashed with leeks & roast garlic 30
GRILLED FILET MIGNON
Lemon roasted potatoes & broccolini. Caramelized onion-veal jus 29
NORTH AFRICAN GRILLED LAMB CHOPS
Grilled lamb chops marinated with preserved lemon, cumin, coriander & fennel 27
ROAST FREE RANGE GUNTHORP FARM CHICKEN BREAST
Winter squash risotto, roasted black mission figs, balsamic vinegar, hazelnuts 21

Denotes Menu Items Cooked to Your Specification. Consuming Raw or Undercooked Foods May Increase Your Risk of Food Bourne Illness

Seafood
Mediterrano

GAMBAS al AJILLO
Sustainably farm raised black tiger shrimp sautéed with garlic & shallot. Fresh cream, white wine & lemon juice 21
OVEN ROASTED ATLANTIC COD
Wrapped with pancetta. Kalamata olives, sun dried tomato & broccolini. Mashed Yukon potatoes. Light shellfish- citrus broth 22
SALMON ala GRECQUE
Hearts of palm, caper, roasted red pepper & olive relish. Tomato-basil coulis &
lemon potatoes 20
NOVA SCOTIA SEA SCALLOPS
Seared rare on the plancha. Ras el hanout, roast sweet potatoes with cinnamon &
“burnt” honey 25
CHERMOULA ROASTED CHILEAN SEA BASS
(Patagonia Tooth Fish))
Wild sea bass fillet roasted with the traditional Moroccan sauce of cilantro, chili, garlic, lemon & cumin. Dried fruit-almond c ouscous 27

Half off bottles of wine every Thursday with the purchase of at least one entree!

2009 Summer Events

BEER TASTING on THE PATIO! Thursday, August 27th at 7pm
We are teaming up with Arbor Brewing Company to bring you one of the most unique wine tastings available in Ann Arbor this summer. We can’t wait to see what Mediterranean fare Chef Rob is going to pair with these amazing beers. It’s going to be a casual walk around tasting out on the patio, so round up a group of friends and enjoy the last days of Summer! There will be approximately eight different beers available for tasting including strawberry blonde and all of your other hard to find favorites. Owners of Arbor Brewing Co., will be here to educate you on how to be the best brew master you can be! Reservations call 734-332-9700. $35 per person, $65 per couple and $30 per person for groups of 3 or more.

Summer Nights, 3 Course Menu for $17.99!
Available Friday and Saturday Evenings 4pm to 6pm

Choice of Soup or Salad
-Field Greens & Gorgonzola
-Classic Greek
-Caesar
-Soup au Pistou
-Today’s Soup Selection

Choice of Entree
-Field Greens & Gorgonzola Salad with grilled chicken breast or Grilled Salmon
-Classic Greek with grilled chicken breast or Grilled Salmon
-Turkish vegetable Burec
-White Fish Special
-Penne Al Pomodoro e Fresco Basilico, available with grilled chicken breast
-Butternut Squash Ravioli
-Chicken Jerusalem
-Grilled Lamb Souvlaki
-Grilled Chicken Kebab

Choice of Dessert
-Creme brulee
-Tiramisu
-Berry Sorbet
-Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

THE SUMMER MENU HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED!!
Stop in for one of your favorites…
Pappardelle ala Diable
Grape and Halloumi Salad (a huge hit last summer!)
Creekstone Ranch All Natural Black Angus Beef
Some New Panini for Lunch
Great Seasonal Seafood (Alsakan Halibut, Great Lakes Yellow Perch)
Plus More…

ANNOUNCING OUR JULY VEGETARIAN FEAST
• July 31st, Friday.  ARE YOU TRYING TO BE HEALTHY AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?
You can accomplish both by attending the VEGETARIAN WINE DINNER! A few facts: 1. Women who consume meat on a daily basis has 3.8 times the risk of developing breast cancer than women who eat meat less than once a week. 2. A man who eats meat has a 50% greater chance of dying from a heart attack. 3. With the water used to produce a single hamburger, the less fortunate could take a luxurious shower every day for two and a half weeks. Be Healthy and Save the Planet all at the same time! Attend the VEGETARIAN WINE DINNER. Perfect for Date Night with the Neighborhood, Entertaining Clients, Birthday Celebrations. It’s always a relaxing, fun filled way to start your weekend and meet new people. Register Now, Call 734-332-9700.
Time:7pm Price: $55/singles $100/couple $45 per person for groups of 3 or more.

Menu -

First Course
Chilled Michigan Balaton cherry soup with cherry balsamic vinegar

Second Course
Stuffed olive deep dish pizza

Third Course
Gigantes baked in tomato sauce with cinnamon scented sweet corn cakes and carnaroli rice stuffed squash blossoms

Fourth Course
House made Greek style yogurt semifreddo with local heirloom tomatoes and our own extra virgin olive oil

Ffth Course
Baked kritharaki with vegetables…Greek semolina orzo with roasted eggplant, fennel, summer squash and tomato

Sixth Course
Wild raspberry and cocoa baklava

• June 12, Spring into Summer! A wine dinner with local, fresh, & refreshing food and wine pairings. This dinner will get you excited about planning your upcoming events this summer! 5 courses all paired with wine.  Single: $55pp,  Pairs: $100  Groups of 3 or more: $45pp.   Menu…..

• First Course: Warm Michigan Morel Parfait
• Second Course: Upper Peninsula Wild Leek and White Asparagus Paella
• Third Course: Dill Roasted First Run Wild Pacific King Salmon
• Fourth Course: T-Bone Lamb Chop
• Fifth Course: Strawberry Gelato in Brioche
• July 15-18 Ann Arbor Art Fair / Special Discounts for Hotel Guests
• August date TBD, Oceans Lakes & Streams – Summer Aquatic Dinner
• August date TBD, The Beer Feast – Beer with Appetizers, Beer with Dinner, & Yes…Beer with Dessert!

2009 Fall Events

• September 4, U of M Move in Week - Special Discounts for Hotel Guests
• September 16, Tail Gate Mediterranean Style…Join us out on the Patio!
• October 7, Autumn Harvest Dinner
• October 29, Ghosts, Goblins & Spirits – Master class in distilled beverages
• November 11, Autumn Game Dinner – Big Bold Food with Big Bold Wine!
• December 2, Christmas/Hanukah Dinner – Kick off the holiday season by learning new recipes and seeing how to prepare the perfect table.

2009 Spring Events

• April, 2009. Mediterrano teams up with the American Cancer Society for “The Passport to Fine Dining Program” Passport members receive a Complimentary Entrée with the purchase of another Entrée of equal or higher value for the month of April.
Go to www.passportannarbor.com to purchase yours today.
• April 9, 2009. The Ann Arbor Art Center will hold one of their Annual Wine Dinners at Mediterrano. Stay tuned for more information.
• April 12, Easter Sunday Brunch! Make Your Reservations in Advance, this is the place to be. All of your Mediterrano favorites and MORE will be on display at Easter Brunch. More details TBA.

Easter Sunday Grand Buffet

Adults - $19.99 Children Age 5-11, $10.99 Children under 5yrs, Free

MENU
HOT MEZZE
Soup au Pistou
Tuscan Style Warm Flatbread
House Made Fresh Ginger and Sage Pork Sausage

ENTREES
Paella with chicken & chorizo sausage, Provencial vegetable stew, Lemon roasted potatoes, Salmon en escabeche chilled, Egg scallion and aged provolone strata, Pasta station with penne al pomodoro e fresco basilico and butternut squash ravioli, Carving station with dearborn honey glazed ham.

COLD MEZZE
Hummus, satziki, and tapenade. Mediterranean marinated olives. Gigantes. Antipasto. Fresh Fruit. Tomato and mozzarella. Dried fruit cous cous. Salad Station with Organic Field Greens, Hearts of Romaine, Gorgonzola Cheese, Feta Cheese, Romano Pocarino Balsamic Vinaigrette, Greek Dressing, Caesar Dressing, Bell Pepper, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Peperoncini, Cucumber, Ciabetta Croutons, Toasted Walnuts, Dried Cranberries.

SWEETS
Baklava, Flan, Tiramisu, Rice Pudding, Carrot-raisin-spice Cake, Bourbon-Pecan Miniature Chocolate Tarts.

• April 13-19, Greek Week! The Greeks Celebrate Easter for a full week, culminating on Sunday the 19th. Experience traditional Geek food found literally nowhere else in Ann Arbor! Greek food is the new “up and coming” cuisine, being featured lately in many food magazines and gaining considerable notice from culinary professionals.
• April 22, Administrative Professional’sDay. Life wouldn’t be the same with out them! Treat them to a Special Lunch at Mediterrano. We will wine them and dine them like they deserve. Please call for reservations…734-332-9700. At the very least, make sure you give them a gift card if your calendar is already booked up.
• May 2, Saturday. University of Michigan Spring Commencement. Make your private party reservations in La Piazza NOW! Space is limited. Reservations available in the main dining room, featuring a special menu. Parents if you are staying at a local hotel near Briarwood Mall, please see your front desk associate for specials and or discounts at Mediterrano.
• May 10, Sunday. Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner! Don’t you dare let your mother cook this Sunday…surprise her and make reservations at Mediterrano. She will be thrilled with the variety of choices and best of all, she doesn’t have to do the dishes! All mom’s will receive a fresh cut flower.

Mothers Day Grand Buffet Sunday May 10, 2009

10:30 AM to 2:30 PM Adults $21.95, Children Age 5-11 $11.95, Children under 5yrs Free

COLD MEZZE
Hummus, Satziki, and Tapenade
House Marinated Olives
Gigantes (giant lima beans baked in tomato sauce)
Antipasto
Sliced Fresh Fruit
Tomato and Mozzarella
Dried Fruit Couscous and Toasted Sarda Fregola with Tomato
Organic Field Greens and Hearts of Romaine Lettuce

HOT MEZZE
Soup au Pistou
Assorted Panini
House Made Fresh Ginger and Sage Pork Sausage

ENTREES
Paella with Chicken and Chorizo Sausage
Vegetable Yiouvetsi
Berry Stuffed French Toast with Michigan Maple Syrup
Egg, Scallion and Aged Provolone Strata
Penne al Pomodoro e Fresco Basilico and Michigan Butternut Squash Ravioli
Salmon en Escabeche (chilled)
Brown Sugar & Spice Glazed Dearborn Ham

SWEETS
Baklava, Flan with Port Wine Caramel Sauce
Tiramisu, Rice Pudding
Carrot Raisin Spice Cake
Cookies, Cannoli, Brownies

Mothers Day Dinner Sunday May 10, 2009

3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

April is Pink Drink Month!

One dollar of every drink sold will be donated to breast cancer research.

Victorian Pink Lemonade :Mediterrano signature summer cocktail. A unique blend of Absolute Citron Vodka and Dani’s Signature Lavender – Hibiscus Syrup. You won’t want to miss this one.

Strawberry-Basil Martini: This mouth watering blend of Grey Goose Vodka and Tanqueray 10 Gin muddled with the freshest strawberries and basil and is best enjoyed by those who just cant wait any longer for summer to start.

Mediterrano Punch!: A simple little rocks drink that offers just what it promises. Careful, this one goes down a little too smooth.

10 Cane Pomegranate Mojito: For those of you that have not yet experienced the Pomegranate Mojito you picked the right place to start. This one is just packed full of flavor. Our unique blend of Mint, Lime, Cane Sugar, Pomegranate Juice and 10 Cane Rum makes our version unforgettable

Berry Cheesecake: Why not end the night right with a simple blend of Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Vanilla Stoli and Chambord served with a Graham Cracker Rim.

2009 February & March

• Stretch Your Dollar on Sundays! Complimentary Entrée with the purchase of another Entrée of equal or higher value. Begins Sunday, February 1st

2009 Winter Events

• February 14th 2009, St. Valentines Dinner. Reserve A Romantic Table Now! Special dinner menu featuring heart warming mid-winter hor d’oeuvre, pasta, seafood, beef, lamb, and vegetarian entrees. SELECT WINE PAIRINGS! Complimentary “Amuse Bouche” and “Chocolate Mignardise” Dinner Reservations start at 5pm. Surprise your Valentine with a split of Chandon Rose and a long stem red rose for $14.99. Please request in advance when booking your reservation. Call 734-332-9700 or make a reservation on-line.

• February 19th 2009, “THE CHILL ZONE” A master class in late harvest and ice wines, All from Michigan! This is your opportunity to tour Northern Michigan’s finest wineries on a Budget and Help Support our Beautiful State! Classic and not so classic food pairings provided to help you understand these delightful wines. Chili heads take note…sweet wine equals spicy food!!! Start your weekend a day early! Join us at 6:30pm…A Great Idea for Girls Night Out, Date Night, or a Birthday Celebration! Reserve Your spot Now!

WINES AVAILABLE FOR TASTING…
Black Star Farms: A Capella Riesling Ice wine, Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling, and Artisan Red
Leelanau Cellars: Late Harvest Riesling and Select Riesling
Chateau Grand Traverse: Riesling Ice Wine and Late Harvest Riesling
Chateau Chantal: Riesling Ice Wine and Late Harvest Riesling
L. Mawby: Blanc de Blanc and SEX

HOR D’ OEUVRE, CHEESES AND DESSERTS AVAILABLE
CHEESE AND FRUIT: Valdeon Picon Blue, Kefalograviera, Manchego, Marcona Almonds(fried and salted),Black Mission Figs, and Chermoula Grilled Super Sweet Pineapple.
CHARCUTERIE:Hot Capicolla Ham, Hot Sopressata, Crespone Salami, and Proscuitto.
TAPAS: Lamb Chops grilled with preserved lemon, cumin, coriander and fennel. Merguez sausage with dried fruit couscous. Medjool Dates roasted with chorizo and apple wood smoked bacon. Gulf Yellow Fin Tuna seared with Middle Eastern spices.
DESSERT: Flan(Calder Dairy cream line milk, organic eggs and Demerara sugar) Walnut, Pistachio and Almond Baklava with Greek mountain thyme honey citrus syrup.

• March 19th 2009, Giro di Ombra “Italian Wine Dinner” Four to Five courses of amazing Italian inspired creations, all paired with wine. Mark the date on your Calendar NOW, you won’t want to miss this one! Giro di Ombra ~ [‘dziro di ‘ombra] phrase lit. trans. ”journey of the shadows” Ref. To ancient Venetian drinking/eating ritual where a group of friends follow the shadow of the campanile around St. Marks piazza eating food and drinking wine throughout the day. Perfect for a Special Birthday Dinner, Anniversary Celebrations, or Date Night with the Neighborhood! Reservations Required 6:30pm $65 per person. Group Discounts!

Menu and Wine Pairings
First Course:
Wine ~ Villa Rabini, Friuliano (white, nice acidity, lush fruit, formerly known as “Tocai”)
Food ~ reception of appetizers; fried ravioli, sweet, sour baby octopus, prosciutto ham, marinated eel, cheese, poached shrimp

Second Course:
Wine ~ Perusini, Ribolla di Galla (white, from Fruili region of Italy, very mineral almost salty, strong acidity, little fruit, a red drinkers white wine)
Food ~ risotto with raw Malpeque oyster & sturgeon caviar

Third Course:
Wine ~ Merk Treuve (red, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Refosco blend. Oak aged, refined and focused)
Food ~ roast Indiana Amish chicken breast with white polenta, goat cheese

Fourth Course:
Wine ~ Olim Bauda, Barberra d’ Asti “Nizza” (classic red wine from Piedmont region of Italy. Full & round, chewy. Oak aged with power and tannin but not over the top. BIG WINE!)
Food ~ rosemary grilled leg of lamb, spicy lamb sausage, tomato sauce, potato gnocchi, rapini

Fifith Course:
Wine ~ Convento Cappucini, Brechetto d’ Aqui (blush wine, slightly sparkling, sweet, refreshing and floral)
Food ~ chocolate semifreddo with strawbeery-balsamic preserves & chocolate-hazelnut Foam

2008 Fall Events

• December 31st 2008, Ring in the New Year with a Special Dinner at Mediterrano! Call 734-332-9700 for details & reservations. Private Dining Rooms are Available.
• Sister Restaurant, Carlyle Grill, offers Game Day Special! Enjoy a 1/2 Rack of Ribs and a 22oz Draft for only $13.99 every U of M Home Football Game. Special runs 2 hours before the game, during and two hours after the game.
• Mediterranean Tasting Dinner in La Piazza. (Wines paired with each course) October 20th, 2008, 6:30 P.M. Four Courses.
The Menu…
Warm Parfait of Roasted Winter Squash Soup with Michigan apple cider and biscotti

Hand Rolled Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi with pumpkin butter, cashews, autumn greens & pickled cipollini

Citrus-Spice Grilled Lamb Chop and Merguez Sausage with butter bean tagine

Roasted Farmer’s Market Autumn Pear and Gingerbread with zabaglione gelato, salted caramel and pomegranate

• New fall menu is available September 12, 2008

2008 Spring & Summer Events

• Mediterrano sponsors Ann Arbor Public Schools Education Foundation Annual Golf Outing
• Patio opens April 21st
• May 11th, Mother’s Day Brunch (Early Riser Special $15.95, After 11:45 AM $17.95)
• June 1st, 2008 Taste of Ann Arbor - Mediterrano is looking to make a repeat performance and win the category for “Best Entrée” for the second year in a row.

Mediterrano is Selected to Host WineMakers Dinner Second Year in a Row

Mediterrano Restaurant has been selected for the second year in a row to host the annual WineMakers Dinner, a lavish feast designed to showcase select wines in the Ann Arbor Art Center’s WineFest 2004. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on items featured exclusively in the Showcase Preview auction, which will be held at La Piazza, Mediterrano’s exclusive banquet center.

Featured this year will be wines Iron Horse Vineyards, which has been named several
years in a row as Sparkling Winery of The Year by Wine & Spritis magazine, and named
as one of the top 50 most popular, best selling wines according to a national poll of 1,000
restaurants. It has also been selected among the top 100 wines of the year by both the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Iron Horse sparkling and still wines have been served at White House state dinners going back three administrations, when the Reagans chose Iron Horse for the historic summit meetings with Gorbachev in Washington, D.C. and Geneva. The Executive Residence also served Iron Horse at their gala 2000 New Years Eve Millennium party.

Designing a banquet with courses perfectly paired with elegant wines is an art form in itself. The chefs at Mediterrano have spent weeks selecting the finest, freshest ingredients to create the ideal synergy and balance between wine and food. A few examples of the many courses are Fennel and Ginger Pan Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras served with a Blanc de Blancs, Rabbit Loin and Duck Confit Paella paired with a Cuvee R, and Crusted Roast Rack of Lamp served with a T-Bar-T Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests will start this annual rite of spring on the outdoor terrace and move from there into
the elegant, yet relaxed and free-flowing atmosphere of the central dining room. Over one hundred and fifty connoisseurs from around the country found the 2003 WineMakers Dinner to be such a spectacular success last year that the Art Center immediately committed to Mediterrano for the 2004 dinner. Notes owner, John Roumanis, “It is a pleasure for me and my staff to host this event, which gives us the opportunity to be truly creative for a very discriminating clientele.”

The Ann Arbor WineFest is a nationally recognized event that attracts wine and food enthusiasts from all over the country. The Ann Arbor Art Center uses the proceeds to fund community outreach through classes, programs and special exhibits. For more information go to www.winefest.org.

La Piazza Swings Into the New Year as Ann Arbor’s Top Choice for Business and Social Events

La Piazza, which opened its doors in October of 2003, was the inspiration of local restaurateur and entrepreneur John Roumanis, who noted the cookie-cutter quality of Ann Arbor’s standard meeting spaces and decided that the community needed a banqueting center that served stylish cuisine in a rich setting by a staff knowledgeable about the needs of an upscale clientele.

With its cleverly designed space, La Piazza accommodates all types of private events, from family gatherings to large corporate conferences. It’s fully equipped with all the latest technology, and is wired for video conferencing, PowerPoint presentations and internet access. La Piazza is Ann Arbor’s leading choice for both corporate and social events.

It’s a great deal, too: once the minimum headcount is met, the room is free of charge. And gorgeous rooms they are, invoking the feel of northern Italy with vaulted ceilings, a warm marble fireplace, Murano chandeliers and wall frescoes. Columns, partitions and specially designed lighting allow the space to be as intimate or spacious as the event calls for. And the food is spectacular: no warming trays, everything fresh, prime, healthfully Mediterranean, and perfectly made to order in a kitchen specifically designed for catered events.

Notes Roumanis, “Most private conference and banqueting rooms are dull and lifeless, which it seems to me would produce dull and lifeless proceedings. My vision for La Piazza was to create a beautiful atmosphere where it would be possible to hold truly extraordinary events.” La Piazza is adjacent to Roumanis’ flagship restaurant, Mediterrano in the Concord shopping plaza on South State Street in Ann Arbor.