“The Essence Room” offered at former Grove location
(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – Leading West Michigan restaurant collection Essence Restaurant Group today announced plans to expand its private dining offering to include five unique private event spaces in time for the holiday season, with the reassurance that proper safety guidelines are being met. All spaces offer high-quality menu items from Bistro Bella Vita and can accommodate small and large groups. In addition, The Essence Room, located in the former Grove location in East Hills, will offer favorites from The Green Well and a former Essence pop-up eatery that featured gourmet roasted chicken.
The effort to provide unique private dining options was spurred by Essence patrons’ desire to experience the high-quality food, service and ambiance that Essence establishments are known for.
“We’ve had many patrons inquire about having the Essence experience in a more controlled setting, like what private event spaces offer, so we decided to make some adjustments and add more unique options for corporate and personal events,” said Essence Restaurant Group managing partner James Berg. “We’re essentially providing the ‘best of Essence’ with our menus, kitchen team and service staff, while also showcasing some intimate spots at our locations.”
The five locations include:
THE ESSENCE ROOM
Located in the former Grove Restaurant at 919 Cherry Street in East Hills, this private event space currently accommodates up to 50 people. The space offers guests the ultimate dining experience and flexibility with a variety of menus featuring the best dishes from each Essence restaurant, as well as former favorites. Capacity has been adjusted for COVID-19 safety protocols from the regular 100-person capacity. The Essence Room provides a full restaurant set up with individual tables and booths that can be arranged in a variety of settings.
BISTRO BELLA VITA PRIVATE DINING ROOM
Bistro’s Private Dining Room, one of West Michigan’s hottest locations for private events, currently accommodates up to 40 guests in a beautiful private dining space adjacent to Bistro’s main dining room. Regular capacities of 80 for seated events, and 120 for standing, will resume post-COVID. The flexible space can accommodate receptions, corporate meetings, parties and more with a range of menu items from small plates, buffet style, custom courses and kids' items.
VIP CELLAR TABLE
Bistro’s VIP Cellar Table is a unique, intimate setting where hosts can entertain up to 14 guests in their own private corner of the restaurant—ideal for dinner meetings or groups out for a night on the town. Guests can order directly from Bistro’s menu or create a custom menu for the event, and there is no minimum menu charge or room fee.
THE WOODRICK ROOM
Located in the building that houses Bistro Bella Vita, the Woodrick Room (a nod to the Woodrick family, the founders of Bistro Bella Vita) is a multi-level private event space with a reception area and a dining or board room that can be set for dinners, corporate meetings, personal events or retreats. The space can accommodate 40 guests in varying arrangements. Bistro’s private dining menu or a custom menu are available.
THE OFFICE
As the name suggests, The Office is quite literally a newly renovated office space transformed into an intimate, private boardroom featuring gorgeous sunset views. The Office accommodates up to 10 guests with selections from Bistro’s private dining menu or guests can create a custom menu.
Along with the thrill of experiencing a private Essence experience, guests can also feel reassured about a safe dining environment, as Essence has strict safety guidelines for guests and staff.
“Our priority at Essence Restaurant Group is to maintain the safest possible spaces for our guests to enjoy,” said Berg. “Regardless of event size, we ensure strict attention to our safety guidelines for guests and staff, along with top-notch performance, aesthetic presentation and ultimate flexibility.”
People wishing to know more about Essence Restaurant Group's COVID-19 policies can click here.
All culinary items offered at the private event spaces are led by executive chef Jeremy Paquin and his culinary team, while front-of-house operations are led by event manager Alanna Grant. Alanna can also arrange optional services including floral, decorations, A/V, photography and more.
Anyone interested in learning more can contact alanna@bistrobellavita.com or (616) 222-4600.
Additional information also is available at https://bistrobellavita.com/private-events.
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