Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Summer is here and the living is easy


I have had the good fortune of working in Birmingham for the past 20-plus summers. I love how the town comes alive with festivals, concerts, outdoor dining and, of course, the Village Fair hosted by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber.

There are so many great things to see and do that it is sometimes difficult to decide how to spend your lunch hour or evening and weekend free time.

Looking to spend some quiet time with nature? The grounds of Manresa, Cranbrook’s campus or Birmingham’s Shain Park are great options.

Want to dine alfresco? Downtown Birmingham offers plenty of great spots, along with the Franklin Grill in downtown Franklin.

In the mood for some entertainment? Jazz on the Patio at The Community House,  the Concerts in the Park series in Shain Park, the Birmingham Farmers Market and the outdoor movie series in Booth Park are sure to please.

And then there is golf. Anyone who knows me is keenly aware that I enjoy golfing much more than the number of times I actually get to play, or the quality of my game. Still, I cherish every round, and I don’t have to go far to find a quality track.

We are very excited about hosting this year’s BBC golf outing on Monday, July 16, at the beautiful Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield. Guests who have never had the opportunity to play this venerable course are in for a real treat.

Growing up in Southfield, Plum Hollow has special significance to me and I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with this very challenging yet accessible track. I had several opportunities to play the course over the years, and remember as a kid sledding there in the winter.

Reservations for the outing are going fast. As in past years, the day includes complete use of the club’s locker rooms and practice facilities, a great barbecue lunch, beverages on the course,  and post-golf Afterglow with heavy hors d’oeuvres  and networking.

Details and registration for the golf outing are available at the BBC Web site at www.bbcc.com or call us at (248) 644-1700. I hope to see you on the links on July 16.

Joe Bauman is president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber. He welcomes feedback at joeb@bbcc.com



Wednesday, June 13, 2012

HYDE PARK PRIME STEAKHOUSE REVEALED

Owners Thrilled to find Prime Location in Birmingham Birmingham, MICH., June 13, 2012 – Great friends and co-owners of Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse have sought a Birmingham location for over 18 years and the culmination of their search is celebrated with the grand opening of the first Michigan restaurant in the company’s chain with a Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber ribbon-cutting. Hyde Park Prime is a blend of traditional city club sophistication, with a comfortable, modern style, specializing in creative preparations of classic dishes such as Beef Steak Au Pouivre, Filet Mignon A La Oscar and Steak Dijon. Featuring Dry-Aged & Waygu "Kobe-Style” beef along with daily blackboard fresh seafood selections. Rate among "America's Best Steakhouses" - Zagat Guide, and perennial recipient of the Wine Spectator - Award of Excellence. Private dining & event rooms available from 8 - 60. Steakhouse Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is located at 201 S. Old Woodward Ave. in downtown Birmingham and is open for dinner. Call (248) 594-4369 for reservations or visit www.hydeparkrestaurants.com for additional information. Photo credit: Doug Ashley Pictured from left: Joe Bauman, president, Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber; Paul Taros, Taros & Associates; Gordon Rinschler, commissioner, City of Birmingham; Sunny Connolly, Patterson Bryant; Bob Kupfer, Tiffany Florist; Kelly Fenske, Director of Operations, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse; Daniel Cosenzi, general manager, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse; Mark Nikita, mayor, City of Birmingham; Robert Brunner, city manager, City of Birmingham; Corinne Khederian, director of district affairs, State Senator John Pappageorge

Friday, June 1, 2012

May Ribbon Cutting Photos

Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Welcoming New Business
Platinum Imagery celebrated its ribbon-cutting May 10. Fine Art Boutique Photography Studio specializing in Wedding, Family, Seniors, Newborn and Boudoir photography in the metro Detroit area. (From left to right): Alicia Green of Aqua Advantage; John Pfeiffer of Sir Speedy Printing; Larry Ribits of Birmingham-Bloomfield Lifestyle Magazine; Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber President Joe Bauman; Melissa Tremblay; Sunny Connolly of Patterson Bryant and Nancy Varbedian of Absolute Home Organization.
Avis Budget Car & Truck Rental celebrated its ribbon-cutting on May 9. (From left to right): Paul Taros of Taros and Assoc. CPAs; Avis Budget district manager Mark Grillo; Avis Budget’s Terri MacDonough; Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner; Judy Calabro; Ken Klussman; Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber President Joe Bauman; Tracie Brey of Tracie Brey Landscape Design; Bob Kupfer of Tiffany Florist, Art Babian of Arthur Babian Insurance Agency; and Kim Robinson of Bank of Birmingham.