James Beard Awards 2018 Detroit Nominees
These restaurants and chefs are making their city proud
Detroit isn't just a dining destination to talk about in the context of its pizza. And no one is proving that more than the crew of James Beard Award-nominated restaurants and chefs, which were announced at the end of last week. Meet the 2018 contenders, and then make a reservation before everyone else does. See the full list here.
Lady of the House: Best New Restaurant
Chef Kate Williams cooked a dinner at the James Beard House in January, so we'll consider that to have been a good predictor of this well-deserved nomination. Her zero-waste mind-set, use of local producers and deft culinary hand all make her a shining star—as do the light-as-air potato doughnuts that nod to her Irish roots.
Lisa Ludwinski: Outstanding Baker
Ludwinski was also nominated last year for her seasonally focused bakery, Sister Pie, so here's hoping her red hot chocolate pie and "Double and-By-Double-I-Mean-Triple Chocolate" cookies do the trick this time around.
Standby: Outstanding Bar Program
Whether you're going to take advantage of the new-age cocktails made with the aid of a centrifuge or just sticking to a classic, everything that comes from behind the bar is refreshing and innovative.
Lena Sareini: Rising Chef
Sareini spearheads the pastry program at Selden Standard, a reliable neighborhood place that just makes you feel at home. Try her mango coconut sundae, which comes with white chocolate chile ice cream and crispy rice.
Thomas Lents: Best Chef, Great Lakes
The Detroit Free Press recently named Lents's restaurant, Chef's Table at Detroit Foundation Hotel, the Restaurant of the Year. Sometimes you just want an excuse to get fancy, and this fine dining experience is the way to do it.