Media Contact:  J. Michael DeAgostino
PR Manager
Direct Phone:  (231)534-6352
Toll Free:  (800)748-0303
Email:  publicrelations@gtresort.com


- Design & Menu Reflect Northern Michigan Flair -

ACME, Mich. June15, 2007 -  As part of its massive $14 million renovation, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, near Traverse City, is excited to introduce Aerie™, the new, unique and spectacular restaurant that replaces the Trillium on the 16th Floor of the Resort’s Tower. The long-awaited new restaurant is now open to the public.

In March, the popular 900-acre resort announced a statewide naming contest for the new restaurant.  Over 3,000 entries were received.  The name of the new restaurant was selected from among the Top 10 Names and was announced during an invitation only VIP grand opening reception held June 14. 



The Top 10 Names, alphabetically, were:  Aerie, Aurora, Compass, Dreamcatcher, Pinnacle, Sakura, Summit, Turquoise, XVI, and Zia.  Persons who were the first to submit each of those names were invited to attend the grand opening reception.
 
The contest winner, from Traverse City, received a Deluxe Resort Package that includes two nights of premium accommodations at the Resort, golf on the Resort’s championship golf courses, delectable meals at the new restaurant, and relaxing treatments at Spa Grand Traverse.



The new restaurant is the latest in property-wide renovations to transform Grand Traverse Resort & Spa into a grand, new, and inspiring destination experience.  Aerie offers a premium casual dining experience like none other in Northern Michigan.  An inspiring restaurant setting designed by Chicago-based Simeone Deary Design Group incorporates the natural beauty of Northern Michigan and highlights the breathtaking views that made the former restaurant, the Trillium, a landmark restaurant for over 20 years.

The Resort’s new Executive Chef Ted Cizma, who was named Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef in 2000, created the menu.  It expands the Northern Michigan theme by focusing on regional American selections that highlight local produce from the world-class orchards, vineyards and artisan bread and cheese makers throughout the region. The wine collection is expansive and was designed to suit every taste and budget.  The new restaurant also features a lounge. Both the restaurant and lounge are smoke free.



“We’ve created an extraordinary, regionally inspired restaurant, unlike any other, with a contemporary menu and design that reflects the flavor of our area,” commented Grant Channing, the Resort’s Executive Vice President and General Manager.  “We invite everyone to experience Chef Cizma’s spectacular locally driven menu that is truly representative of Northern Michigan.”

Open seven days-a-week for dinner, reservations for Aerie not required, but are highly recommended, and there is no dress code.  For dinner reservations call 231-534-6800. 



- Experience Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Anew -
With $14 million in renovations throughout the property, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is a new experience.  The 900-acre property is located along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay.  One of the Midwest’s finest full-service, year-round, golf, spa, vacation and conference destinations, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa offers 600 Hotel and Tower guestrooms and suites, as well as studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom Condominiums, 85,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, and 54 holes of championship golf including The Bear, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, The Wolverine, a Gary Player signature golf course, plus the Jim McLean Golf School.

Additional features include a full-service spa with cherry services, comprehensive tennis program with indoor and outdoor tennis courts, 100,000-square foot health club with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, children’s center, plus a shopping gallery, diverse restaurants and lounges and year-round recreation.

An award-winning destination resort, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa has been ranked among the Top 20 Mainland Resorts and Top 50 Travel Destinations and Services worldwide by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.  Additional accolades include honors from Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, Family Circle, Successful Meetings, and many other respected organizations.

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is proudly owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.  For further information about specials, rates, and packages or to make reservations, please call 800-748-0303, or visit the Resort’s Web site at www.grandtraverseresort.com.

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