Ringing a bell

Bell Bistro, the latest concept from Bloomfield Hills-based Cicero Hospitality Group, has opened at 185 N. Old Woodward Avenue, occupying the former Mad Hatter space in downtown Birmingham. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the original building owner, Samuel Oliver Wylie Bell, and features a new American-style menu crafted by executive chef Gabriel Botezan. Botezan, a Le Cordon Bleu-certified chef, has been a prominent figure in the metro Detroit dining scene for years. Currently also at Adelina in downtown Detroit, Botezan continues to work alongside chef Marco Dalla Fontana, with both serving as co-executive chefs. Bell Bistro’s menu offers dishes for all tastes, with highlights including a Wagyu meatball starter, rigatoni alla gricia, steak frites, Bell smash burger, and more. “At Bell Bistro, we offer a unique blend of ingenuity and quality, making it perfect for a quick mid-week dinner or formal, private events,” said Randy Dickow, managing partner and food & beverage director for Cicero Hospitality Group. “We’ve designed this space to feel comfortable yet elegant, ensuring that every guest feels welcome.” Designed in partnership with Ann Arbor-based Bowers + Associates, the 3,000 square-foot space offers an inviting atmosphere for casual dining and intimate gatherings. “In order to highlight the cuisine, the owners wanted a modern bistro environment that emphasized warmth through soft, earthy tones and gentle lighting,” said Ursula Skoczylas, senior interior designer of Bowers + Associates. “The neutral wood finishes, subtle botanical touches, and graceful arches create an inviting atmosphere that feels both contemporary and organically comforting for social connection, from an early dinner to evening cocktails.” 185 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. bellbirmingham.com