Detroit Love and the James Beard Awards

It's that time of the year again, and the James Beard semifinalists for 2018 have been announced. While you won't see any food trucks on this list, there is a whole of Detroit love on the list this year. We wanted to take the time to recognize the amazing Detroit chefs and restaurants who are semifinalists for this year!

First up, we have Lady of the House nominated for Best New Restaurant. This modern American restaurant, located in Detroit's Corktown, comes from the mind of Chef Kate Wiliams. The restaurant's menu has a bit of Irish influence, and truly focuses on sourcing from Michigan farms. And the best news? Lady of the House is now serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays! Be sure to check out.

Next, we have Lena Sareini of Selden Standard. She is nominated for Rising Star Chef of the Year, which is an award specifically for chefs under the age of 30. Selden is located in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood. Their menu focuses on sharing good food with good friends, and they do it beautifully. Located near Wayne State's campus and the Fisher Music Center, it is certainly a great way to end a night on the town.

For Best Restaurant in the Great Lakes Region, Thomas Lents' Chef's Table at the Detroit Foundation Hotel is in the running. Set in the Apparatus Room, the Chef's Table provides guests with an 8-12 course experience. And, while not in Detroit, James Rigato's Mabel Gray in Hazel Park is also nominated in this category. There is no set menu, and every experience is unique and one to be remembered.

And last, but certainly not least, we have Lisa Ludwinski of Sister Pie, nominated for Outstanding Baker. It's a great little spot for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie - which they make entirely from scratch. Not a pie person? Try their buckwheat chocolate chip cookies. They're life changing.

There are so many new restaurants popping up in Detroit this year, and we can't wait to see where they will go. River Bistro will be providing us with Caribbean inspired cuisine, and Prime + Proper has that luxurious Las Vegan steakhouse feel. Detroit will even be welcoming Senegalese food with Maty's African Cuisine.

The Detroit food scene is certainly a force of nature, and we are proud to be a part of it in (in our own special way!) Don't miss out on any of these awesome restaurants, and congratulations again to Detroit's James Beard semifinalists!