FALL 2015
OCTOBER 5-9
Hour Detroit magazine’s Savor Detroit is a five-night dinner series featuring custom menus developed by the city’s most celebrated chefs. Each night, a duo of chefs prepare a one-of-a-kind four-course meal complete with thoughtfully selected wine pairings. Guests also enjoy a cocktail hour, light appetizers, live entertainment, and unique art installations for the ultimate culinary experience.
FEATURED CHEFS
Monday, October 5
James Rigato
James Rigato is the chef and owner of Mabel Gray located in Hazel Park, MI. He has been in the restaurant business since age 14, but has always had a love for cooking that stems from his Italian grandparents. The influence from his grandparents, as well as his time spent studying in France, have shaped his outlook as a chef and allowed him to create unique, handcrafted cuisine at Mabel Gray.
Mei Lin
Born in China, Mei Lin and her family immigrated to the United States when she was 3 months old. Her family planted roots in Dearborn, and Lin grew up working alongside her father at their restaurant. There she learned the fundamentals of being a well-rounded cook and how to run a restaurant.
Tuesday, October 6
Derik Watson
Voted Best Chef of 2015 by the readers of HOUR Detroit Magazine, Derik has spent much of his career working with famed chef Takashi Yagihashi at many awarded Metro Detroit and Chicago area restaurants, including Iridescence, Tribute, & The Rugby Grille prior to taking the helm at Bistro 82.
Derek Harris
Derek Harris, executive chef of The Hill Seafood and Chophouse in Grosse Pointe Farms, has had a passion in the culinary field since he was 14 years old. Harris was born and raised in Warren. He learned a lot of his culinary skills while spending time with his grandmother from Germany and his southern grandfather.
Wednesday, October 7
Brion Wong
Brion Wong
Formerly from Antietam
Kate Williams
Chef Kate Williams specializes in nose-to-tail, whole animal preservation and utilization, as well as highlighting local farms. She has honed her skills around the world including New York City, Chicago, and Copenhagen. Williams recently opened and operated Republic Tavern in Detroit and left to open her own restaurant, coming to Corktown in Spring 2016.
Thursday, October 8
Matthew Fitchet
Chef Matthew A. Fitchett began his culinary journey at age of 14, washing dishes and
preparing toast at Johnson’s Family restaurant located down the road from his home in
Canton, Michigan. He knew at an early age he had a love for the art of food and began
taking steps early to ensure his bright future in the culinary arena.
Marc Casadei
Executive Chef Mark Casadei’s interest in cooking began at a very young age, making pasta with his nonna, a Sanmarinese immigrant. He attended Northern Michigan University, graduating at the top of his class with a degree in Hospitality Management and has delved into a number of different cuisines over the last 18 years, eventually choosing to specialize in the Italian cuisine.
Friday, October 9
Doug Hewitt
Doug Hewitt is the executive chef at both Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails and Freya. 2023 James Beard Semifinalist, Outstanding Restaurateurs, Hewitt has worked at various restaurants and establishments all over Michigan before ending up where he is now. He enjoys utilizing local ingredients to create seasonal and innovative dishes. This year Freya was named one of The New York Times 50 best restaurants.
Jeff Baldwin
Chef Jeff Baldwin is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. He has been the executive chef of several fine dining restaurants in the area, including Van Dyke Place, The Whitney restaurant, and Mac and Ray’s. In 2004, Baldwin opened his own restaurant, J. Baldwin’s in Clinton Township, featuring his award-winning stone-fired pizzas.
FEATURED ARTIST
Tyree Guyton
Through his art Tyree Guyton has drawn attention to the plight of Detroit’s forgotten neighborhoods and spurred discussion and is recognized as a pioneer of what is known today as Creative Placemaking. He continues to live and work in the city, but after nearly 30 years of focus on The Heidelberg Project, Guyton is entering a new chapter in his life.
CHARITY PARTNER
