December 3, 2009

Happy Hour…and a Half!

 

Good until:  Indefintely for all Pistons Home Games

The other guys may have a Happy HOUR but when you come to the Palace before a Pistons home game, we’ll give you Happy Hour… and a Half!  That’s right!  You get an extra half hour of time to enjoy one of our great drink specials at any one of our premium bars or restaurants including Canadian Club Terrace, Red Bull Bar, Old No. 7 Club and the Palace Grille.  Happy Hour and a Half features 16 oz. Bud and Bud Light drafts for $3.50, all varieties of house wine for $4.00 a glass and a different drink feature every game at a reduced price.

Specials start an hour and a half before tip off so make sure you get here early to enjoy those extra 30 minutes.

 For information on all your dining options at the Palace please visit http://www.palacenet.com/dining

Happy Hour and Half
Who: You! (if your are of legal drinnking age of course)
What: $3.50 Bud and Bud Light drafts, $4.00 house wine (glass), drink features
Where: Red Bull Bar, Canadian Club Terrace, Old No. 7, Palace Grille
When: 1 1/2 before game until tip off
Why: More importantly – why not?

December 2, 2009

Holidays at the Palace

As the holiday’s approach, the beaten and bruised economy threatens to sap our holiday spirit like the famed Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  And like the Grinch’s heart,  funds appear to be two sizes too small in regards to holiday parties.

In response, people are getting creative and we are here to help. There is still time left for celebration and the Palace has economical options to choose from.

Be it a Piston’s Game, a reception or both – we want you to know it’s not too late to appreciate your employees, family or friends with an event at the Palace.  The Palace Grille is an excellent place to gather for a delicious lunch with your coworkers before the New Year.

Call Catering Sales Coordinator Catherine Wright at (248) 371 – 2059 or email at cwright@palacenet.com for more information or to book an event today!

Visit www.palacenet.com/dining for spaces available for booking.

October 30, 2009

“Let’s Go to Work for a Cure”

Breast Cancer

Piston’s Home Opener.

It’s a night traditionally filled with excitement.  Radio stations set up shop at the Palace – some arriving as early as 3 am – and spend the day pumping fans up for the game.  Employees, anxious to see their hard work come to fruition, are busy preparing for the 20,000 guests who will cheer on our beloved team.  Fans will try to make it through the work days as their tickets wait patiently in their wallets, confident in their ability to provide a great night out.  There is a palpable buzz in the air as all the possibilities of a new season dance through peoples’ heads.  Could this coach to bring us all the way?  Could the new free agent be the missing link to a championship team?  Will our rookie be the next league superstar?

While this year is no exception,  there is a little something more to cheer for at the Palace of Auburn Hills.  Tonight’s pink-ribbonHome Opener is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness with all fundraising proceeds going to the Karmanos Cancer Institute.  Employees will be wearing ribbons and T Shirts in support of the cause and our usual red and blue linens have been traded in for pink.  Fans will have the opportunity to make donations and buy shirts. 

The usual buzz and excitement of Opening Night will now include a bigger purpose.  The possibilities that will race though people’s minds will have much greater implications.  Could I help save a life?  Will my money aid in research?  Will we find a cure for breast cancer?

For more information on opening night and our focus on Breast Cancer Awareness please go to follow the below link.

A Push up the Mountain

October 6, 2009

Meet the Team: Allayna Schadel

Dining Services Manager Allayna Schadel in the Caesars Windsor Club

Dining Services Manager Allayna Schadel in the Caesars Windsor Club

Great “Guest”pectations

In 1985, a teenage Allayna Schadel never imagined that her summer job as a
Allayna holds a staff meeting before and event with a few of the bartenders

Allayna holds a staff meeting before an event with a few of the bartenders

parking attendant at Pine Knob Music Theatre was a precursor to bigger things at the venue.  But after years of following her career around the country,  Allayna returned home to become a part of the Palace of Auburn Hills management team who now ran DTE Energy Music Theatre – the venue formerly known as Pine Knob.

Allayna’s interest in the hospitality industry was first sparked at age 15 as a server at Hickory Hoovies in Lake Orion, MI.  “The owners let me to run the whole business,” she said.  “I’d hostess, cook, serve and cashier.  I loved it!  I recognized at an early age how much I enjoyed enhancing a guest’s experience.”  After more service oriented jobs, including the summer stint at the Pine Knob, Allayna found a home at Max & Erma’s while attending college.

Allayna spent 13 years with Max & Erma’s, working her way up from server, to store manager and eventually to General Manager.  At age 27, she became the chain’s youngest Regional Manager in company history.  Her territory included the Louisville, and Lexington, Kentucky markets.  Allayna opened two Louisville restaurants from the ground up and oversaw every aspect of the restaurants opening from building plans to hiring.   Eventually she longed for Michigan and returned to her hometown of Lake Orion. 

In 2002, she was brought on to the Palace of Auburn Hills as a Dining Services Manager.  Allayna’s main area of responsibility was the venue’s fine dining a la carte restaurant The Palace Grille, which she ran for 6 years. During her tenure at the Palace, Allayna has managed several other areas including suite catering but now calls the Caesars Windsor Club and the Ameriprise Financial Club her home base.  Allayna answers a few of our questions about her experiences, dining out, and the future of the restaurant business in a tough economy.. 

 Palace Eats:  How do you find ways to keep things fresh and exciting for guest?

Allayna works closely with Sous Chef Jason Smith

Allayna works closely with Sous Chef Jason Smith

Allayna Schadel:  We do quite a bit.  In the Caesars Windsor and Ameriprise Financial Clubs, we will do theme nights which are always fun for the guests.  We’ll match the food and drink to a particular theme and we’ll decorate and let the staff dress up as well.  For example, we did an “Around the World” theme that was really fun.  Our menu reflected different cuisines from difference cultures such as American, Caribbean, German, French, Italian, Asian, and Mexican.  We do lots of drink specials & featured menu items.  I’m always open to suggestion and new thoughts on ways to keep it fresh.  I like moving things around and the chef’s are great about changing menu options.  I think it’s just about going outside the box and always realizing that our guests really want something new & great every time they are here.

 PE: What are some of the most important things a server can do to take care of a guest?

AS:  Listen!  Listen to what the guest wants.  I encourage the staff to pay attention to the reason that a guest is here.  Is it a fun night with friends?  Are they entertaining a client?  Is it a special occasion?  Find out and then do something special based on it.  Our servers really care about guests and I encourage them to assist in creating an experience.  In our clubs, we have a guest the entire night, from beginning to end.  It’s really in our hands to make the experience memorable. 

PE: What do you look for in a staff member?

Every shift, the staff gathers for a pre event meeting

Every shift, the staff gathers for a pre event meeting

AS: Someone with an easy smile.  Someone who is engaging.  Someone who will represent us well as the face of Levy Restaurants at the Palace of Auburn Hills.  You don’t necessarily have to have a ton of restaurant background.  Serving drinks can be taught, but a look in the eye, a fire in the belly, the love of the game – you can’t learn that. 

PE:  Where are some of your favorite places to eat?

AS:  Aside from the Palace Grille of course! (laughs)  Sagebrush Cantina in downtown Lake Orion is a favorite of mine.  It’s comfortable, and everyone knows my name. Also, Gene and Georgetti in Chicago.  I’ve been there twice and I loved it!  It felt like family….oh yeah and the food was great too.  But that’s what it was about, the service.  That is what it is always about, especially with what is going on with our country right now. 

PE:  How does being in the restaurant industry shape your dining experiences?

AS:  Interestingly enough, I try not to be so critical.  Obviously I see things others don’t.  My expectations are naturally high, be cause I expect that of my staff.  But I try to squash the manager in me when I dine out so that my dining companions aren’t uncomfortable. My husband will always say, “What are you looking at?”  I will admit that I’m a stealer of ideas.  I will incorporate something service-wise if I see that it works at another restaurant. The goal is always to be better than we were yesterday.

PE:  How do you balance family life with this schedule?

AS: I have a great support system. My husband is amazing and everyday his support and love are very evident to me.  My son is crazy about him. My extended friends and family are life savers too!  It’s different everyday and some days are harder than others, but in the end I do this for my family. 
Allayna strives to provide a welcoming atmousphere to every guest.

Allayna strives to provide a welcoming atmousphere to every guest.

PE:  What trends have you seen in the restaurant industry with this economy?  Where do you see the future of the industry going?

AS:  More than ever people want value for every dollar spent.  If they are going to reach into their pocket, it better be one heck of an experience.  Every day, every game, every staff member, every detail.  As far as the future goes, honestly, I’m not sure.  I look at the future as ‘How can we be better today than we were yesterday?’  I’ve always looked at it like that but now more so than ever.  Never plateau.  The guest will always have high expectations and it’s up to us to exceed them. 

 PE:  What is the best part of your night?

 AS:  I very much enjoy making people happy.  The best part of my night is recognizing that happiness in a guest’s face or getting a hug from a regular.  From the grand scale to the smallest detail, the goal is to make every single guest feel like a VIP.  That’s why we’re here.

October 5, 2009

2 More Games Added!

See below post! Now you can see the Pistons play on Sunday, Oct 11th vs. Atlanta or on Thursday, Oct. 22nd vs. Minnesota for free!

Like to get a closer view?  Lower level tickets are just $25 with redeemed voucher. 

www.pistonsspecials.com

username:  preseason
password:  pistons

October 1, 2009

See the Pistons for FREE!!!

Redeem online at the link below or click on picture.  (this picture will not be accepted as a voucher)

Redeem online at the link below or click on picture. (this picture will not be accepted as a voucher)

Hot off the presses! The Pistons are offering free upper bowl tickets to the first 2 preseason games. Even better, you can upgrade these vouchers and redeem for $25 lower bowl seats (normally $65 or $80).

To redeem these vouchers please go to:
http://www.pistonspecials.com/mycompanyoffer/home.jsp
Use Name: PreSeason
Password: Pistons

PISTONS PRIMARYWith free tickets and easy redemption, there is not excuse not to come and support your Detroit Pistons as they play Dwayne Wade & the Miami Heat on Monday and former member of the Michigan State NCAA Men’s National Championship Team, Charlie Bell with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
We have a new coach John Kuester & new players Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon.  With Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins   making their return to Pistons uniforms, it’s going to be a season to watch.  Don’t miss out on the chance to see them in action first!
Spread the word!

September 25, 2009

Levy Restaurants at the Palace is Hiring

ThePalace(300-CMYK)1095687v1v1Levy Restaurants at the Palace of Auburn Hills is actively looking for Picture 018energetic, fun-spirited, hardworking people to join our team. Our primary needs are for servers, server assistants, cooks and warehouse/purchasing positions although we continue to accept applications for all positions.
Levy Restaurants starts by hiring nice people who are passionate about taking care of the guest and provide them with a happy career home, sweet home to realize their dreams. Sound right for you? Click on the link to learn about our heritage and the people we call family. http://www.levyrestaurants.com

HOW TO APPLY
Please apply in person at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Application are being accepted at the administration entrance between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or at the Palace Grille between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm. The Palace is located on Lapeer Rd./M24 off of exit 81.

WHO ARE WE?
Levy Restaurants
P1010731We are a family of passionate restaurateurs. 30 years ago, we started as two brothers, their mom and a deli. Our passion was ignited to celebrate food and guest experiences. We embrace guests with heartfelt hospitality and are intent on exceeding their expectations. We still love what we do and it shows!
Sports and Entertainment dining represents a foodservice specialty pioneered by Levy Restaurants — providing unique restaurant quality dining experiences at sports facilities, entertainment venues and convention centers. Since developing the niche in 1982 at the home of the Chicago White Sox, the Company has grown the business and currently works in 75 stadiums, arenas, convention facilities and music/performance venues in Picture 021markets across the U.S. and abroad. The Sports & Entertainment Group is the only such operator to have received Restaurants & Institutions’ “Ivy Award,” the dining industry’s Academy Award, bestowed upon the group in 2003.
Levy’s Restaurant offerings include the four-star Spiaggia, Bistro 110, as well as several restaurants at Walt Disney World: Portobello Yacht Club, Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Fulton’s Crab House, one of the highest grossing restaurants in the U.S. Most recently, Levy Restaurants opened Fulton’s on the River, a steak and seafood concept, in Chicago. Today, Levy restaurant locations have been recognized with every major dining award and includes 19 locations, ranging from fine dining to casual dining, as well as managing foodservice operations for many major retailers including the Hershey Store in Chicago and Build-A-Bear flagship store in New York. IMG_19172JPG

The Palace of Auburn Hills
auburn-hills-palaceThe Palace of Auburn Hills is home of the Detroit Pistons (NBA), Detroit Shock (WNBA) and numerous concerts, family shows and special events. The Palace has been nominated “Arena of the Year” 10 times by Performance magazine and won the award 7 times. Since its inception in 1988, the Palace has hosted almost every major touring concert act.
The Palace’s scope of management extends to DTE Energy Music Theatre and Meadow Brook Music Festival. DTE has been named the “Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue” for 11 consecutive times by Pollstar readers and Meadow Brook has received a “Prime Site Award” in 2003 and 2004.arena pic fire
With 6 Championships under our belt including one from The Tampa Bay Lightning under the management of Palace Sports and Entertainment, the Palace has seen it’s share of great moments. The Palace has long been recognized as an industry leader in guest experience and service and at 20 + years old, the Palace continue to remain a state-of-the-art facility, due to our on-going program of venue enhancements.

September 11, 2009

Recipe: Gazpacho!

The kids are back in school & the weather (which never really warmed up!) is starting to cool. If you are already feeling nostalgic for summer, our gazpacho recipe gives you the opportunity to get in one last summer treat before they start adding pumpkin to everything!
A little background….
Gazpacho is a raw vegetable soup served chilled. It has Spanish and Latin roots and is considered the quintessential summer treat due to it’s refreshing qualities. Though you can vary the ingredients based on your preferences, you rarely see a gazpacho without tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers. !Buen provecho!

You may garnish with croutons if desired

You may garnish with croutons if desired

 Gazpacho
all vegetables should be diced spoon sized for eating
2 1/2 cups tomatoes, med diced
4 c. tomato juice
3 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, diced
1 red pepper, 1/2″ diced
1 green pepper, 1/2″ diced
1 c. yellow onion, 1/4″ diced
1 c. red onion, 1/4″ diced
1/2 c. chopped parsley
1/3 c. fresh minced basil
Try adding yellow peppers for color!

Try adding yellow peppers for color!

1 lime, juiced
2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Tabasco sauce to taste
 
Italian Vinaigrette:
1 c. olive oil
1/2 c. white wine vinegar
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp ground cumin

In a large bowl combine all the ingredients for the vinaigrette except the olive oil.
Take a damp cloth, place on the countertop and put the bowl on the cloth to hold in place. Slowly pour the olive oil in the bowl while whisking until all the oil is thoroughly combined.
Add the rest of the vegetables & toss well. For best results let refrigerate overnight.
Mix again before serving.

August 24, 2009

Recipe: Cocktail Calorie Makeover

Let’s be honest, most people prefer not to drink all of their daily calories. Most of us would rather put them towards an Angus burger with bleu cheese or a creamy piece of key lime pie or maybe some macaroni and cheese with buttercrumb topping.  But I digress…
Here are a couple of lower cal swaps for your favorite cocktails.

MargaritaMargarita on the Rocks
2 oz tequila
1.5 oz triple sec
3 oz of limeade (bought or homemade with limes, water and sugar substitute)
Lime for garnish or to squeeze extra juice

Mix all ingredients and pour over ice.
Regular Margarita = 425 calories
New Margarita = 185 calories
Calories saved = 240 per drink!

daquiri

 

Strawberry Daquiri
1.5 oz light rum
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (frozen should be dethawed)
1 Tbsp lime juice
Ice

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Regular Strawberry Daquiri = 300 calories
New Strawberry Daquiri = 120
Calories saved = 180 per drink!

 

cosmopolitainCosmopolitan
1 oz raspberry vodka
3 oz light cranberry juice cocktail
Squeeze of fresh lime

Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a lemon or lime twist or berries
Old Cosmopolitan = 400 calories
New Cosmopolitan = 100 calories
Calories saved = 300 per drink!

Enjoy safely and go ahead and help yourself to that second helping of artichoke dip!

August 14, 2009

Poll: Which concert?

Give us your opinion!