Dearborn's TRIA Offers High-End Dining in a Hotel Setting

When Dearborn's Ritz-Carlton Hotel was sold and became last year, the owners began a multi-million dollar renovation, revamping every aspect of the hotel, from the lobby to the rooms to the hotel's main restaurant.

The revamp has earned them a AAA Four-Diamond Award designation, as well as recognition from visitors to the Dearborn-Detroit area looking for an upscale yet affordable place to stay during a trip.

TRIA, The Henry's new restaurant, has been soft-launched over the past month. The official opening to the public happens April 28–so start saving some room in your stomach.

"In June of 2010, this property became The Henry, An Autograph Collection Hotel," explains General Manager Bill Quiseng. "We have embarked upon a multi-million dollar renovation which includes bringing a modern and artistic look to all 308 guest rooms, our public spaces and TRIA."

TRIA is truly the crown jewel of the project and Quiseng said The Henry hopes the restaurant will change the way people think about hotel dining–making it a community destination rather than just a convenience for hotel visitors.

Todd Cummins, restaurant supervisor, says so far the response has been extremely positive, especially from a family and friends event held earlier this month.

"We passed out evaluation sheets for ladies and gentlemen who attended so they could rate us," he explained. "The feedback was phenomenal."

The restaurant is decidedly eclectic in clientele. A typical weeknight might include a lone businessman or businesswoman getting in a quick bite, a family of four with grade-school-age children, a flock of women enjoying drinks and appetizers and a couple having a romantic anniversary or birthday dinner.

The restaurant also has free wi-fi for guests and high-top tables with outlets meant for laptop use–perfect for networking dinners and meetings.

The fare is equally diverse at TRIA.

Billed as American cuisine, TRIA is open all day, beginning with a breakfast buffet and ending with lighter options for late-night diners. An extensive wine list of more than 50 offerings pairs up with a full dinner menu that ranges from classic salads and cheese plates to made-for-sharing large plates of meats and unique takes on typical meals such as hamburgers and mac 'n' cheese.

Some notable dishes:

• The Angry Seafood Cocktail, which comes with an optional shot of Michigan-made Valentine Vodka so guests can make their own miniature Bloody Mary
• Sage and Gruyere Grilled Cheese, served with marinated tomato, caramelized onions and tomato cream soup
• A lamb plate for sharing with braised shoulder, roast loin and a white truffle risotto

Overall, dishes point to originality and plate-sharing–a concept normally foreign to fancier eateries. There's no $30 filet mignon, no unpronounceable dish names or plates that are more presentation than taste. Never will you leave TRIA hungry, or broke, or confused about what you just ingested.

But happy? TRIA and The Henry hope so.

The April 28 official opening day event will also include beer tastings from Detroit-based Atwater Brewing, including the debut of a special beer made specifically for The Henry's TRIA called The Henry Amber Ale.

To make a reservation at TRIA, call 313-253-4475, or confirm via Open Table. To learn more about the restaurant or hotel, visit www.behenry.com.