Chef’s Tasting Dinner At Iridescence!

This review is way overdue, and I don’t know what to say… everything has already been said. This was the best Unilocal event I have ever been to. Everyone at Iridescence was so nice and knowledgeable. All of the food was delicious and carefully prepared, and I still can’t believe I got to taste it at this event. Favorites included the yellowfin tuna carpaccio (the bursts of lime and jalapeño were fantastic), tribute to the cheeseburger (perfectly tender and medium rare), and the tropical sampler dessert (I forget what it was called… but really, I loved all of the desserts). The ambience was great; I loved the glass fixtures hanging from the ceiling and the expansive view of the city at sunset. Also, the wine kept flowing… to the point where I had to refuse it. :)
I am so going back for a special occasion!
Many, many thanks to Annette and the chefs, servers, and staff at Iridescence for putting on such a wonderful event.

P-​H-​E-​N-​O-​M-​E-​N-​A-​L-​!
View the full review here:

A free dinner at my favorite upscale restaurant experience — don’t mind if I do. I am not sure why they changed up the menu and cooking staff here, but I am new to Detroit and have not been around long enough to get bored. It was really awesome to meet the cooking staff, even the guys who are not the top chefs. Limiting the gathering to a few tables kept it really intimate and keeping the wine coming helped lubricate the conversation. Dessert was where they really brought the heat — the new pastry chef decided that she would make everything she new how to make it and put it in front of us, No complaints here. This experience did nothing to change my opinion of this place; it remains my favorite upscale experience in Detroit.
Thanks, Annette!

If any Unilocal Eliter is wondering if they should attend an event, the answer is YES! That evening was truly an experience and we were treated fabulously. All the prep work by Unilocal and Iridescence staff gleaned through the welcomes, chef presentations, and the presentation and flavor of the food.
I can only image the level of interest for this event and how several of us were disappointed that it was not a +1 event. However, it made us all venture from our protective bubbles and quickly meet new friends. I met several new people at our table that I probably wouldn’t have and now will continue to follow them on Unilocal.
Both staff went above and beyond and I felt as though I was participating in Top Chef. We had a menu printed specifically for us and the chef’s greeted us as well, explained all the dishes in great length and detail. I kept thinking that the other tables throughout the restaurant are probably looking over and seeing the Executive Chef presenting to us and saying, «What is going on over there? I want that!» The servers, Unilocal staff, and Chef’s have now set extremely high expectations for future events.
In addition to the chef’s presentations, I also appreciated that the Executive Chef along with his two colleagues, asked their Line Chefs, Grill Chef, Decorative Chef (I think was the title), Expediter, and dish washing staff, to all come out. We appreciated all their hard work and I think we were very happy to have the chance to thank all those that assisted.
The food was spectacular. Each dish was extremely unique, flavorful, and beautiful. They really only need to make a few minor adjustments to each one to elevate them from spectacular to unforgettable, but that is really splitting hairs.
I really look forward to other Chef Tastings and hope that other restaurants partner with Unilocal for similar events. However, it is really going to be difficult to compete with Iridescence on their level of service, food, presentation, and professionalism. I dare them to try though.

This Unilocal Elite event, by far, was the best I had ever been to! When the invite came through, I was super excited to accept. It wasn’t until I got to the bottom where I was told that I couldn’t bring a +1 that I started to think about declining. See, I’m very confident, sometimes full of myself, and when put around the right people, even I am amazed by how open I am and by the ridiculous things that come out of my mouth that should never be shared with people I hardly know. However, I am awful at small talk and get nervous around people I just met. After about 5 seconds of thinking about declining the invite, I realized that this is an intimate dinner at Iridescence, which I have been wanting to try for a few years now. I got over my fear of small talk and decided to accept. I am so glad that I did!
I was very excited, but not surprised, that all other Unilocal members at the table were friendly and easy to talk to. I will never be afraid to go to an event by myself again, it was that great! I actually even started to appreciate the fact that everyone was there without the +1 because I got to know some awesome Unilocalers sitting around me and I am glad I was selected to be part of the intimate group.
The second I sat down, the wine started flowing, the conversation started, and my wine glass was never empty again due to the super attentive wait staff. The service here is the best. I have never been to a restaurant where my napkin is laid on my lap by a server. And at many Elite events, the service staff usually tries a little too hard to make the Elites happy. I’ve been to events where I am bombarded by wait staff who seem to be on rotation to clean up plates before you’re done, fill your water glass to the brim even though a different server just filled it 2 minutes ago, or ask you 10 times if you are enjoying everything or need anything else. The service at Iridescence was completely different. They are attentive, but not annoying. You almost forget they are there as they easily clean your plate and fill your wine glass without interrupting your conversation with others at the table. It was perfect.
Another thing that I appreciated about this event was that we had a lot of face time with all of the chefs that cooked the amazing meal. Each one came out and was introduced to all of us. I felt like a judge on Top Chef as each plate was brought out because we received a brief description of each dish from what was on it to how it was cooked.
After taking one bite of the yellow fin tuna dish, I decided that I would be coming back to Iridescence just to eat this again. It was my favorite dish of the night with a hint of spice but a cool finish. And as other Unilocalers have mentioned the dessert spread blew us away. My favorite– passion fruit crème brûlée. Oh. My. Gosh. I usually don’t love crème brûlée, but this one was fantastic.
Thanks again to Annette for planning this night and including me in it! Another big thanks to the chefs, the waitstaff, and all of the managers who helped make the evening so great. I will be back, regardless of winning the $ 150 gift certificate.

I posted a non-​event specific review on the Iridescence listing directly, as I hope more people will read my input there, if they are contemplating a visit, than at this specific event. After Wednesday night, I can’t stop talking about Iridescence, the chefs and sharing the experience and pictures.
First off, thank yous:
James for hosting and hanging with us for dinner!
Chef Benjimen: I wanted to kiss you after the tuna service (my fav)
Chef Nash: Wow. To you and your ‘kids’ — I will be back if not only for a dessert craving.
Chef Don: You are just cool. I can’t wait to experience more of your genius.
My take on the evening:
Walking in the entrance, I recall thinking that if St. Peter had a favorite hang out, this would be it. On the 16^th floor of the MotorCity hotel; walking into Iridescence sky high dining room was ethereal. The white décor, accented with soft lights and backlit stained glass, had more of a modern elegant feel than walking into a church and the view topped it off. Over looking downtown and the river at sunset set the mood for the evening.
As we were seated we were offered a selection of wine (for which I had to try each of them, of course). As we chatted, the servers brought a delicious assortment of crusty breads with oil for dip or a choice of a chilled sweet cream butter. I don’t usually partake in the customary table bread, as I like to save precious stomach real estate for the good stuff, but I am glad I didn’t pass this time. Ah snap! If the table bread was this good and well thought out, I knew we were in for something spectacular.
After being introduced to the chefs, the first of the 7 courses began. We began with a simple dessert and ended with a dessert lover’s fantasy. I cannot begin nor would I attempt to describe each service but the bottom line is that our whole party was a mass of oohs and ahhs with each bite. (check the pictures posted and other reviews for plate-​specifics) From the filet to the scallops, all was cooked perfectly, and the imagination of chefs’ translation to the plates was mind blowing.
This sampling event showed me that this is a place you can trust to put anything in front of you and it will be creative, palate pleasing, well presented and crave-​inducing layers of flavors.
I posted a few grainy pictures that does not do justice, but gives you an idea.
I won’t be able to stop talking about this experience for probably years.

First off, a huge thank you to all the chefs and staff at Iridescence for a perfectly choreographed evening of delights! You’ve earned your 5 stars in spades.
I’ll leave most of the food plated last night to the rest of the events guests but the highlights for me personally were the croque madame and grilled cheese duo and the deconstructed cheeseburger with mornay sauce.
The whole shebang was exquisite and I’m looking forward to returning for an evening at Iridescence sooner than later. The entire evening was amazing including the view that you’ve heard so much about, which was only accentuated by the almost full moon last night lighting the city’s magnificent skyline. Great job!

One word *AMAZING*. I have never felt so special at a restaurant in all my life. The ambiance was fantastic, overlooking the skyline and all it’s wonder (I was hoping for a thunderstorm to watch while I was up there). The staff, they went over and above to be welcoming and professional. The chefs, every one of them had something to share about our dining experience, they broke it down for us, what we were eating, what they were thinking when they created the dish and you could tell their heart was in it and they loved what they did.
My chair was pulled out and the napkin was placed on my lap for me. My wine glass was never empty and my water glass was always full-​excellent service in my book. I loved getting to know the other Unilocalers and a big thank you to Annette for helping to organize this amazing night.
I loved each course for different reasons: The tuna melted in my mouth, as it should. The mushroom ravioli had a comforting taste to it. The buffalo mozzarella sandwich hit the spot. The Transparent Mary shot, peppery and made me want another one real, real bad. The tribute to the Cheeseburger (I rarely ever eat meat and I made an exception for tonight) was cooked to perfection, I may have to jump on the meat bandwagon more often. The dessert… Oh the dessert. I don’t even know where to start. Every single dish was absolutely scrumptious. Chef Patricia Nash outdid herself on all of them, the entire table was raving about the desserts.
I left there feeling giddy as a schoolgirl. A big thank you to you all for giving me this wonderful memory :)

My first elite event in Michigan and it was probably one of the best elite events I have been to. I love how it was intimate and everyone was so nice especially since I am still new to the state. It is so great to meet people who share my love for food. =]
The food was amazing! I wish I didn’t snack beforehand since I didn’t know we would start at 7!
Here was the menu:
Crème Fraiche Cream, Vanilla Bean Strawberries
Yellow Fin Tuna Carpaccio
chili vinegar, mango coulis, rice crisp, kafflir lime foam
Our favorite Sandwiches
croque madam verses DY spindini
speck and Gruyère verses buffalo mozzarella
and lemon butter
Coquillie Saint Jaques
potato and mushroom ravioli, bay scallop, enoki, lobster crème
Intermezzo
Transparent Mary
A Tribute to the Cheeseburger
Sweet potato, tomato nage, romaine, sauce mornay
A Dessert Dampling– Family Style
Everything was delicious. My favorite was probably the shot and the tribute to the cheeseburger. The shot is savory, reminded me of chicken soup. I can probably have 10 of these.
I like how you get a bit of elegance but also a bit of down to Earth in the food. You can tell they worked really hard in combining the flavors and the presentation. This is definitely not one of those restaurants where you need to stop at McDonalds afterwards because you are still hungry. Also everyone who works here loves food and are so friendly!
The atmosphere here is just lovely! I love how the bulbs of lights reflex off the huge windows. It is like starring at stars! They have pretty nice bathrooms by the elevators and there is always someone there to open the door for you to enter back into the restaurant.
I just want to give a special shout out to Annette and John for arranging this Unilocal event.

I’ve been to a lot of Unilocal elite events. You see, I’m a bit of a nomad. While Unilocal Elite, I’ve lived in San Antonio TX, New York City, and now Detroit. I can easily say that the Chef’s Tasting Dinner at Iridescence was, by far, the best event I’ve ever been to.
Let’s start with the size. I feel lucky to be one of the 24 folks who were selected for this event. The exclusive size, paired with the intimate seating, allowed lots of Unilocaler-​Yelper interaction. I got to meet a ton of cool folks!
Moving on to the venue itself — Iridescence is gorgeous. It’s open and airy, and the 30 foot ceilings are complimented by colored glass on the walls and hanging lights in globes. On one wall, there’s a million dollar, custom made wine rack paying homage to the mechanical side of Detroit. The kitchen and prep area are open, and it’s really cool to watch all the chef hats bouncing up in down in the kitchen.
We were served Mountain Valley Spring water, which is damn fine water. At my last company, it was the only water that my megalomaniac CEO drank. After he was fired by the board, we stole his stash (and everything in his wine fridge) and drank on it for weeks. That started the night off on a good note. Along with water, we were offered a choice of three wines — a merlot, a cab, and a chardonnay. Our waiter (also a Unilocaler! Yaay!) gave us great descriptions of the wines. I selected the cab, and wasn’t disappointed. Throughout the night, the wine kept flowing (to the point where I just sipped it to make sure I wasn’t given another full glass!)
I’m a pescetarian. I made a last minute «this would be awesome if you could accomodate» about noon on the day of the event, and when I arrived, our server informed me that they had made special preparations for me.
The amouse bouche was a small paring of a cream fraische with strawberry and vanilla beans and a strawberry sorbet with pistachios. It was very cleansing and light, and neither very sweet (good thing, I wanted my palate in tip top shape!)
The highlight of the evening for me was the tuna appetizer. It was a thin slice of tuna that had been rubbed in oil and covered in thai som tam sauce, lime foam, crispy sushi rice, mango sauce, and micro greens. Apparently, the chef explained, the fish was rubbed in oil to prevent it from cooking in the vinegar based sauce. It was. phenomenal. In fact, I could eat piles of it for a main course. I will be going back to do so.
The other dishes were well executed, thoughtfully planned, and beautifully plated. I could have easily been at a fancy restaurant in NYC or SFO. IIRC, there was a dry packed scallop with root vegetable ravioli, a lycopene removed bloody mary shot with tomato foam (another highlight, and slight buzz inducing moment), and a homage to the hamburger (made with tofu for me).
Dessert was also a highlight. I think they brought one of everything and we passed them around the table. SOME may have had more than others… but definitely not me and that peanut butter thing… no way. *wink*
The service was attentive, but not stuffy. The chefs explained everything, walked around and met us, and eventually introduced the entire line of cooks and the dish washer. It was a great way to applaud all those in the back working hard for such a delicious dinner — folks that would normally be name and faceless to the normal diner.
The CIO was hilarious. He stopped by and told some great jokes. I’ve gotta come back for their PB&J sandwich. Also Josh, their director of interactive communications, was awesome. He sat at our table and was a good chat al night.
Either way, Iridescence really rolled out the stops for us. I felt like a truly honored and special guest dining with them. I’m coming back for a special dinner (and that has nothing to do with the $ 150 gift certificate I won!)
Pro-​Tip: The parking lot is huge. There’s one on the hotel side and one on the casino side. Do yourself a favor and note which FLOOR you’re on, not just your relative parking location. I may or may not have spent 20 minutes looking for my car (and this had nothing to do with the wine I may or may not have consumed!)!
Thanks, Iridescence! Thanks, Motor City Casino! Thanks, Unilocal