DINING IN HOTEL RESTAURANTS - THE STIGMA IS GONE

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Oct. 18, 2009, Birmingham, Mich. - Whether diners in the United States admit it or not, they're often wary of choosing a hotel restaurant to complete their culinary experience. The school of thought is such that a restaurant can't possibly be all that good (or worth the expense) if it's in a hotel. But, does this supposed "fact" actually hold water? Not in the least bit.

Michigan is blessed with a fantastic array of culinary prowess - from world-famous chefs to award-winning beverages and entrees. And, unbeknownst to some, many of these chefs and awards belong to none other than well known and respected upscale hotels.

For example, the Rugby Grille, located conveniently inside the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Mich., is the recipient of numerous accolades. Zagat's Restaurant Guide has recognized it as one of the "Top Ten Best Restaurants in the United States" and the "Best Restaurant in Michigan." In 2004 and 2005, the Detroit Free Press named the Rugby Grille one of the "Top 10 Tables". It has also won the coveted AAA Four Diamond award. With dishes ranging from the popular Dover sole prepared tableside to Pasilla marinated Colorado lamb, this culinary masterpiece is one you can't afford to miss.

There are other Michigan hotel restaurants (in alphabetical order) that go a long way in putting the hotel-dining stigma to rest:

Saltwater, The MGM Grand, Detroit Celebrity chef affiliation: Michael Mina Cuisine: Seafood Awards: In 2009, Saltwater was awarded AAA Four Diamond status. Saltwater also has been named Hour Magazine's "Best of Detroit Casino Restaurant" and the Detroit Free Press' "Restaurant of the Year" and "Top 10 Table."

Shula's Steak House, The Marriott, Troy Celebrity affiliation: Don Shula Cuisine: Steak house Awards: Winner of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Shula's custom center cuts of Premium Black Angus Beef® steaks are accompanied with a unique aging process, which makes up its award winning SHULA CUT®, the best beef money can buy. Shula's custom cuts and aging process are the highest in the industry.

The 1913 Room, The Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids Cuisine: Classic with French influence Awards: The 1913 Room has won many awards and honors, including Grand Rapids Magazine "Restaurant of the Year" seven times in the past 10 years, and recently was named the magazine's "Restaurant of the Decade." In 2002, it was awarded the AAA Five Diamond rating, the first and only in Michigan.

The Grill, The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn Cuisine: American grill with strong regional influences Awards: The Grill is a winner of the Detroit Free Press' "Best Restaurant" award, and also one of its "Top 10 Tables." The Grill boasts an award-winning wine list as determined by Wine Spectator Magazine & Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Since The Townsend opened in 1988, it has received numerous awards and accolades including Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond designations as well as a perennial position on Conde Nast's "Top 100 Gold List," and Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Hotels." The Townsend's Rugby Grille has been recognized by Zagat's Restaurant Guide as one of the top 10 restaurants in the United States. In 2009, Hour Media - Magazine recognized the Townsend as the "Best Special Event Venue" and the "Best Hotel". THE TOWNSEND HOTEL, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is located at 100 Townsend Street in downtown Birmingham, Mich. For more information, contact the hotel at 248-642-7900 or 800-548-4172. Additional information is also available at www.townsendhotel.com.

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