By Pat Sorenson
DETROIT – Sweet Lorraine's, the popular restaurant and bistro in Southfield and Livonia, recently opened their third restaurant in the Millender Center's Marriott on Jefferson, directly across the street from the GM World Headquarters. Their signature style and eclectic menu is a welcome addition to the downtown dining scene.
We have been there twice since they opened in mid-December. The first time, just before the holidays, we had a Sunday afternoon dinner that was as pleasant as it was delicious. The service was excellent and the staff welcoming. I asked our waitperson if she had worked at the Southfield restaurant, as was surprised when she said she had not because she was such an expert on the Sweet Lorraine's menu and style.
I had the pecan chicken, Lorraine's signature entree, and it was excellent. My guests had the salmon, which they said was grilled to perfection. There were no signs of beginner's blips, either on the service or the food. On our second trip in mid-January we had an equally delightful experience. Great food, wonderful service in a relaxed and classically hip environment.
Lorraine and Gary Sussman, owners of the Sweet Lorraine's, may be just getting started in their relationship with The Marriott. Their first Marriott partnership in Livonia opened in 1998 in the hotel on 6 Mile Rd. at I275. This new 250-seat restaurant is their second restaurant in a Marriott, but it may not be their last. The Sussman's might take this format on the road and open restaurants in other Marriott locations in the mid-west, bringing their high quality dining to other sites in the hotel chain.
It's my view that Marriott is the winner in this deal. Sweet Lorraine's has so far figured out how to maintain their funky personality and high quality dining experience within the confines of a large hotel chain's management structure – no small feat. This restaurant is a great place for a romantic meal on Valentine's Day, and it is the perfect spot for a power lunch with that client you've been trying to impress.
All three Sweet Lorraine's have the same menu, with moderately priced entrees. The Lorraine's special salad is the perfect addition to any meal, and can be ordered in a larger version as an entrŽe if you're eating light. The bar features a sophisticated collection of premium wines, and the menu can help you make the right choice even if you're not a connoisseur.
