Episodes

  • Inside Vecino: The Award-Winning Mexico City-Inspired Restaurant by Adriana Jimenez

    Inside Vecino: The Award-Winning Mexico City-Inspired Restaurant by Adriana Jimenez
    Mar 25 2026
    March 24, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Adriana Jimenez, owner of the awarding-winning Vecino, to discuss her journey into Detroit’s restaurant scene and the inspiration behind her Mexico City-inspired concept. Jimenez shares how her transition from the automotive industry to hospitality has shaped her approach to creating an elevated dining experience that stands apart in the market. The conversation offers insight into Vecino’s vision, the nuances of modern Mexican cuisine and how the restaurant is contributing to the continued evolution of Detroit’s culinary landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • From Top 10 New Restaurants to Restaurant of the Year: A Critic’s Perspective

    From Top 10 New Restaurants to Restaurant of the Year: A Critic’s Perspective
    Feb 24 2026
    Feb. 23, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Lyndsay Green, restaurant critic for the Detroit Free Press, for an inside look at the restaurants defining the year in Metro Detroit. Green breaks down her Top 10 New Restaurants, along with her selections for Restaurant of the Year Classic and Restaurant of the Year, sharing insight into the trends, talent and dining experiences that stood out. The conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on where Detroit’s culinary scene is headed and what it takes to rise to the top in an increasingly competitive market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • MI Great Plates: Crafting Detroit’s Culinary Identity with Sandy Levine

    MI Great Plates: Crafting Detroit’s Culinary Identity with Sandy Levine
    Jan 30 2026
    Jan. 28, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with restaurateur Sandy Levine to explore the vision behind some of Metro Detroit’s most acclaimed dining and cocktail destinations, including Freya, Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, The Oakland, Dragonfly, and Dirty Shake. Levine shares how his team balances fine dining and innovative bar concepts, discusses the evolution of the city’s food and beverage scene, and offers insight into building chef-driven, hospitality-forward experiences that continue to shape Detroit’s modern culinary landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • MI Great Plates: Natural Wines & Late-Night Bites at Bar Chenin + Detroit’s Ping Ho on Marrow’s Big Move

    MI Great Plates: Natural Wines & Late-Night Bites at Bar Chenin + Detroit’s Ping Ho on Marrow’s Big Move
    Dec 24 2025
    Dec. 23, 2025 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, we’re spotlighting two culinary innovators redefining Detroit’s food scene. Nick Arone, founder of Bar Chenin inside The Siren Hotel, shares the story behind his intimate 10-seat wine bar, inspired by travels through Paris and Japan. From natural wines and house-made sourdough to the cult-favorite Mortadella sandwich and late-night service until 2am, Nick reveals how he’s creating one of Detroit’s most unique dining experiences. Then, we sit down with Ping Ho, the powerhouse behind The Royce, Marrow, and Mink, as well as the rapidly growing retail brand Marrow Detroit Provisions. Ping takes us inside her mission to build a better meat industry through local sourcing, nose-to-tail practices, and transparency - culminating in her groundbreaking new Eastern Market facility that combines a restaurant with a state-certified processing plant. From curated butcher boxes to signature burgers and Detroit Breakfast Sausage, Ping explains how her team is scaling sustainably while staying true to their values. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • MI Great Plates: Holiday Cocktails at Hotel Walloon + Detroit Dining with Restauranteur Nico Gatzaros

    MI Great Plates: Holiday Cocktails at Hotel Walloon + Detroit Dining with Restauranteur Nico Gatzaros
    Nov 29 2025
    Nov. 28, 2025 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, we’re serving up conversations with two leaders helping to shape Michigan’s dining and hospitality scene. Owen Chestnut of Hotel Walloon shares what makes the resort magical during the holidays - including their signature seasonal cocktails - and we chat with Nico Gatzaros, co-owner of London Chop House, Ostrea and Fishbones, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at three of Detroit’s most iconic restaurants and what’s new across each concept. A perfect listen for food lovers, holiday travelers and anyone who enjoys discovering Michigan’s best plates and places. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • MI Great Plates: From Grain to Greatness: The Philosophy of Anthony Lombardo’s SheWolf

    MI Great Plates: From Grain to Greatness: The Philosophy of Anthony Lombardo’s SheWolf
    Nov 1 2025
    Oct. 31, 2025 ~ Host Justin Near sits down with Executive Chef Anthony Lombardo of SheWolf to explore how one of Detroit’s most celebrated kitchens bridges the gap between ancient Roman tradition and modern innovation. From hand-milled grains to the precision behind SheWolf’s acclaimed pasta program, Lombardo reveals the philosophy and process that transform every dish into a story of craft, culture and passion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • MI Great Plates: Michigan Made, Nationally Praised: James Rigato

    MI Great Plates: Michigan Made, Nationally Praised: James Rigato
    Sep 24 2025
    Sept. 23, 2025 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near is joined by James Rigato, chef and owner of Mabel Gray. They discuss his culinary journey, the evolving Detroit food scene and the inspiration behind his nationally acclaimed restaurant. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • MI Great Plates: Innovating Breakfast and Elevating The Steak

    MI Great Plates: Innovating Breakfast and Elevating The Steak
    Aug 27 2025
    Aug. 26, 2025 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near welcomes two culinary powerhouses: Josh Beckett of Anna’s House and JB Caillet of Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse. From breakfast innovation to steakhouse sophistication, hear how these leaders are shaping Michigan’s dining scene with passion, purpose and unforgettable flavors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins