Newsworthy Notes

Kalamazoo Gazette, Monday, January 28, 2008
Black Swan hire former country-club, Idler Chef

"Edmond Mazur is now the executive chef of the Millennium Restaurant Group's Black Swan restaruant. Mazur, who took the job in October, was previously a chef at the Kalamazoo Country Club and worked at the Idler in South Haven, part of the restaurant company Mixed Grill Inc., which has ties to Millennium. He's also been a sous chef at Black Swan under two previous chefs, Helmut Kelett and Michael Wegrzyn...."

Kalamazoo Gazette, Monday, January 07, 2008
NEW CUTS, NEW TOPPINGS;Epic Bistro slices deeper into steak territory

"As a good steak remains the most desired item for people who want dinner out, Epic Bistro has upgraded its steak offerings.

The steaks, from Cedar River Farms, have no hormones or added ingredients. The cows the steaks are cut from are grain fed, not for 90 days before harvesting but for 340 days. A diet of grain yields a slightly sweet character to the beef.

``This summer, I was at a family gathering and we decided to go out and get some steak,'' said Matthew Burian, Food and Beverage Director for Millennium Restaurant Group, which owns Epic Bistro. ``I was talking about that steak for a week. That's when I decided on the upgrade. ``When people get a steak, it ought to be something they can talk about, not a boring steak,'' he said...."

Kalamazoo Gazette, June 28, 2007

Tramps and Thieves pen political tune on debut DC

"Temp, Ariz.'s Tramps and Thieves are know more for their fun-loving shows than making political statements, but on the band's debut album, "Spittin' Into the Wind," Songwriter J. Scott Howard had something to say...."

Kalamazoo Gazette, June 18, 2007

FOOD BITES: Cityscape banquet hall open

Millennium Restaurant Group has opened Cityscape, a 300-seat banquet facility on the second floor of the City Centre on the Kalamazoo Mall. The Union Cabaret and Grill, located below Cityscape, will function as the kitchen for the facility. The space has a bar.

Cityscape can be divided into two rooms, one that seats 180 guests and the other that seat 120 guests. The movable divider that separates the room into two smaller spaces looks like a wall and has opaque glass windows. The tables are square rather than round, as is common with banquet facilities, and the chairs are made of wood in a contemporary style. Handsome brown pillars inside the room and at the entrance of the facility offer a distinct presence. For bookings, call 375-1193.

Kalamazoo Gazette, June 4, 2007

"Picture This: Contest for Restaurant Customers In an effort to get better photos of its restaurants and create fun for customers, the Millennium Restaurant Gorup is offering a contest that encourages people to take photos as they dine....Patrons are being asked to take candid shots of themselves and of the dining rooms of Millennium's restaurants....The contest began Friday and runs through August 31. Contestants can submit photos taken in the restaurant group's dining establishments vefore June 1."

Coldwater Reporter, County Life Section June 1, 2007

"It's easy to miss one of the best dining delights to come to Coldwater. That's because it's hidden on a golf course...." (click for full article)

Kalamazoo College News

"Kalamazoo College and Loaves & Fishes Will Fill Empty Bowls
Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, together with the many willing hands of bowl-makers and soup chefs throughout greater Kalamazoo, are coming together to fill the empty bowls of the hungry in our community while raising awareness about hunger worldwide...All attendees will also receive a complimentary $5 gift certificate from The Millennium Restaurant Group for use at a Millennium restaurant. Coordination of the entire Empty Bowls project is the responsibility of Kalamazoo College’s Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Institute of Service-Learning."

MLive.com (Kalamazoo Gazette Live)

"Downtown Kalamazoo is getting a new catering business and banquet hall on the second floor of the City Centre, on the Kalamazoo Mall....The 300-seat facility, to be called Cityscape, will be owned and operated by Millennium Restaurant Group...

The Union, located below Cityscape, will function as the kitchen for the new facility. Cityscape clients will be able to select cuisine from any of the restaurant group’s eateries, said Shelly Pastor, a Millennium Restaurant Group partner.

Cityscape will seat 300 guests in a single room or can be divided into two rooms, one seating 180 guests and one seating 120. The rooms will be separated by a movable divider of wood and etched, opaque glass."

Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated

"It's a broad based approach when it comes to attracting students downtown," says Kenna Bridges, Vice President of Community Relations for Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated. She also says the presence of the Union Cabaret and Grille has attracted more students downtown. "[We are] always looking to find ways to benefit a wide spectrum of people."

Restaurants and Institutions

"Each restaurant's general manager also is a co-owner in this 4 year old company led by Principal Partner Ken Miller. Comprising four restaurants in its southwest Michigan hometwon, Millennium's latest addition is Fieldstone Grill, a casual spot scheduled to open this month. Both menu and decor will reflect the tastes and feel of the Pacific Northwest, with a floor to ceiling fieldstone fireplace and hearth as the focal point of the dining room."

SW Michigan Business Review

"For an upper-crust college atmosphere feel, the Union Cabaret and Grill has tall ceilings, darkly stained wood paneling and intimate, comfy seating areas. It has photographs of university students and past and present school presidents shaking hands with various dignitaries. The difference between the Union and the usual college hangout? The food is definitely better."