Royal Oak, MI
An organization that serves an alternative way for singles to meet compatible people has opened its doors in Metro Detroit--Just in time for the fall season.

Table for Eight, a dining and social club geared toward single professionals in their 30s and 40s, pairs groups of four women and four men together for dinner at local restaurants. The group is appealing to singles who are tired of the conventional ways of trying to meet somebody and would like to do something different.

"We have found (that) people ages 30 plus have a difficult time finding others to sit down and have dinner and a meaningful conversation with," says Stephanie Puertas, who is helping with the club's marketing. "We offer a personal touch and care about the people involved. It is a great way to build friendships, relationships and business contacts," she says.

In an effort to match up compatible dinner guests, the Table for Eight has membership applicants fill out a questionnaire and undergo an interview by club employees. After the forms are reviewed, members are scheduled for dinner.

Once members arrive for dinner, a table captain from the club introduces everyone, typically over cocktails. Everyone is then seated and their evening of fun and dining begins.

"It's really a great way to meet others in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere," says Regina Stocco, president of the club.

Upcoming events for the group include a dinner theatre at Detroit's Gem Theatre; Burn the Floor at the Fox Theatre and a wine-tasting dinner at Morel's in Bingham Farms.

Table for Eight, which has been based in Boston since 1986, sponsors theme dinner parties, progressive dinners/table hops, wine tastings, cocktail parties, and travel opportunities that are open to all singles.

The club celebrated the opening of their new location last week with a progressive dinner party, with over 104 single professionals participating at the Birmingham Community House. Guests enjoyed a four-course dinner, visited four different tables and had conversation with other singles.