There have certainly been some closures in the Downtown eating and drinking scene of late. (PROOF) shut its doors in December 2009 and Au Bon Pain and Seldom Blues followed suit this month.
The good news is that this spring, Campus Martius Park will debut a new American bistro style cafe in the Au Bon Pain location, according to Bob Gregory, president of the Detroit 300 Conservancy, the organization that operates and manages the park. Similarly, rumor has it that there are a couple of contenders for the riverfront space vacated by Seldom Blues in the Renaissance Center.
Ambiance Restaurant and Ultra Lounge will open March 27 at 211 W. Congress at Shelby. Here's hoping that Ambiance breaks the curse of the former bank building, which has been the site of several closures, including Confidential, Congress and The Bank.
The restaurant will serve steak, pasta, seafood and chicken from lunch until late: 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The public is welcome at the grand opening, but reservations are recommended for booths and the private VIP room, which can accommodate up to 40. Call 313-486-1500.
In Greektown, both Five Guys Burgers & Fries and Red Smoke Barbeque are headed to Monroe St. We'll let you know what we know when we know it.
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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