https://simplecast.com MI Great Plates is your passport to Michigan's vibrant culinary landscape, showcasing the hottest restaurants, food and beverage-focused brands, and the passionate people behind them. Hosted by Justin Near, the region's top food and beverage publicist, this monthly show explores the state’s booming food scene, where new delights pop up weekly and reservations are a coveted prize. With exclusive insights from hospitality-driven news media and food influencers, MI Great Plates brings you the stories, flavors, and trends that are transforming Michigan into a foodie paradise. Tune in at 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month to experience the culinary magic that makes Michigan a great place to eat! 2025 ~ Cumulus Media en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:00:00 +0000 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:00:12 +0000 https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/51e42878-f1e7-4a15-8016-b011524d9dac/88d89235-de1e-4a7a-88cc-102cbf34f664/3000x3000/migreatplates1080x1080042425.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com episodic MI Great Plates is your passport to Michigan's vibrant culinary landscape, showcasing the hottest restaurants, food and beverage-focused brands, and the passionate people behind them. Hosted by Justin Near, the region's top food and beverage publicist, this monthly show explores the state’s booming food scene, where new delights pop up weekly and reservations are a coveted prize. With exclusive insights from hospitality-driven news media and food influencers, MI Great Plates brings you the stories, flavors, and trends that are transforming Michigan into a foodie paradise. Tune in at 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month to experience the culinary magic that makes Michigan a great place to eat! Cumulus Media Detroit false https://feeds.simplecast.com/pgZsGuK9 food and beverage Cumulus Media curtis.paul@cumulus.com 8fbd303d-770b-40dd-b202-fe7be11504dd Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/luxury-discipline-and-scale-the-jeremy-sasson-standard-u94Jn2_B Luxury, Discipline and Scale: The Jeremy Sasson Standard Cumulus Media 00:37:50 April 23, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Jeremy Sasson, founder of Heirloom Hospitality, to discuss the strategy and vision behind a growing collection of restaurant concepts, including Townhouse, Prime & Proper, Mad Nice and Mad Nice Coffee. Sasson shares insight into building scalable brands, maintaining consistency across locations and the operational discipline required to succeed in today’s competitive hospitality landscape. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create restaurants that resonate - and, for the first time publicly, Jeremy unveils his upcoming concept, Heiress.  April 23, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Jeremy Sasson, founder of Heirloom Hospitality, to discuss the strategy and vision behind a growing collection of restaurant concepts, including Townhouse, Prime & Proper, Mad Nice and Mad Nice Coffee. Sasson shares insight into building scalable brands, maintaining consistency across locations and the operational discipline required to succeed in today’s competitive hospitality landscape. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create restaurants that resonate - and, for the first time publicly, Jeremy unveils his upcoming concept, Heiress.  false full 14 aa5e1077-eb37-4663-b8a7-2b6b1682b6c3 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/inside-vecino-the-award-winning-mexico-city-inspired-restaurant-by-adriana-jimenez-HR_M_MIw Inside Vecino: The Award-Winning Mexico City-Inspired Restaurant by Adriana Jimenez Cumulus Media 00:37:50 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. 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. false full 13 f763474d-7a9c-4668-a7e7-ca72f6dcee04 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/from-top-10-new-restaurants-to-restaurant-of-the-year-a-critics-perspective-w30Tp4G_ From Top 10 New Restaurants to Restaurant of the Year: A Critic’s Perspective Cumulus Media 00:37:50 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. 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. false full 12 9180c07e-e5d4-4d06-9502-cbef9a3a6d73 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-crafting-detroits-culinary-identity-with-sandy-levine-7cgmklj_ MI Great Plates: Crafting Detroit’s Culinary Identity with Sandy Levine Cumulus Media 00:37:50 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. 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. false full 11 31b9b1a9-61a5-4a85-a657-d5d67cf25adc Wed, 24 Dec 2025 02:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/natural-wines-late-night-bites-at-bar-chenin-detroits-ping-ho-on-marrows-big-move-Y_cNmCjg MI Great Plates: Natural Wines & Late-Night Bites at Bar Chenin + Detroit’s Ping Ho on Marrow’s Big Move Cumulus Media 00:37:50 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. 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. false full 10 9437be14-544a-4dd7-aba2-3d20e262b8b1 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/holiday-cocktails-at-hotel-walloon-detroit-dining-with-restauranteur-nico-gatzaros-jAUl02N9 MI Great Plates: Holiday Cocktails at Hotel Walloon + Detroit Dining with Restauranteur Nico Gatzaros Cumulus Media 00:37:50 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. 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. false full 9 0d49e19c-f168-4ffa-b39e-0397cce09536 Sat, 1 Nov 2025 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-a-culinary-colosseum-in-modern-day-midtown-DcBeHnPh MI Great Plates: From Grain to Greatness: The Philosophy of Anthony Lombardo’s SheWolf Cumulus Media 00:37:50 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. 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. false full 8 c128e521-5e16-4bc0-82fc-87a25bdb5617 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-michigan-made-nationally-praised-james-rigato-4B2VNpqt MI Great Plates: Michigan Made, Nationally Praised: James Rigato Cumulus Media 00:37:50 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. 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. false full 7 518eab6b-f802-45fc-919a-04b9e1d2863f Wed, 27 Aug 2025 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-innovating-breakfast-and-elevating-the-steak-biZuqDpJ MI Great Plates: Innovating Breakfast and Elevating The Steak Cumulus Media 00:37:50 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. 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. false full 5 65665766-eeac-4f88-9b7e-4104ba95be52 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/justin-near-previews-augusts-mi-great-plates-on-jr-afternoon-877vWfS4 Justin Near Previews August's “MI Great Plates” on "'JR Afternoon" Cumulus Media 00:08:08 August 26, 2025 ~ Near Perfect Media founder Justin Near visits “JR Afternoon with Ryan Ermanni” to preview the August edition of his program, "MI Great Plates.” It’s the show that shares the stories behind the state’s most innovative restaurants, with a look this month at the allergy-friendly brilliance of Anna’s House and the globe-trotting life of JB Caillet, general manager of Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse. This, plus, a heartfelt tribute to legendary Detroit restaurateur Sameer Eid. August 26, 2025 ~ Near Perfect Media founder Justin Near visits “JR Afternoon with Ryan Ermanni” to preview the August edition of his program, "MI Great Plates.” It’s the show that shares the stories behind the state’s most innovative restaurants, with a look this month at the allergy-friendly brilliance of Anna’s House and the globe-trotting life of JB Caillet, general manager of Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse. This, plus, a heartfelt tribute to legendary Detroit restaurateur Sameer Eid. false full 6 3fa06b38-e0d7-4115-81a2-fd8533e3b50e Fri, 25 Jul 2025 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-from-sauce-boss-to-burger-king-gus-brings-the-heat-oA3020Y0 MI Great Plates ~ From Sauce Boss to Burger King: Gus Brings the Heat Cumulus Media 00:37:50 July 25, 2025 ~ Detroit Wing Company’s Gus Malliaras dishes on his saucy empire, from garlic parm classics to a margarita BBQ masterpiece, and then teases his crave-worthy new burger joint, Chaos Burger. After, The Detroit News Restaurant C ritic, Melody Baetens, joins to spotlight the city’s hottest new eats — from tacos with a twist to James Beard Award–winning pastries. Come hungry, leave inspired! July 25, 2025 ~ Detroit Wing Company’s Gus Malliaras dishes on his saucy empire, from garlic parm classics to a margarita BBQ masterpiece, and then teases his crave-worthy new burger joint, Chaos Burger. After, The Detroit News Restaurant C ritic, Melody Baetens, joins to spotlight the city’s hottest new eats — from tacos with a twist to James Beard Award–winning pastries. Come hungry, leave inspired! false full 4 9cd94d88-df17-4a44-a096-3c7cae5e8333 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-the-critic-the-creator-and-the-cravings-rui9N8jj MI Great Plates ~ The Critic, The Creator and The Cravings Cumulus Media 00:37:50 June 26, 2025 ~ Host Justin Near welcomes two culinary powerhouses: Yumna Jawad of Feel Good Foodie, whose viral recipes (hello, TikTok pasta!) have married the Middle East to the Midwest, and Lyndsay Green, the Detroit Free Press dining and restaurant critic and a two-time James Beard Award winner. From crispy feta croutons to the politics of poultry in Detroit, this episode is a flavorful journey through food, culture and creativity. Whether you're craving inspiration or just a great dining destination, this one’s worth a listen! June 26, 2025 ~ Host Justin Near welcomes two culinary powerhouses: Yumna Jawad of Feel Good Foodie, whose viral recipes (hello, TikTok pasta!) have married the Middle East to the Midwest, and Lyndsay Green, the Detroit Free Press dining and restaurant critic and a two-time James Beard Award winner. From crispy feta croutons to the politics of poultry in Detroit, this episode is a flavorful journey through food, culture and creativity. Whether you're craving inspiration or just a great dining destination, this one’s worth a listen! false full 3 6af837c2-b4fd-43d1-84d5-a07875b80219 Fri, 23 May 2025 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-detroits-first-family-of-mideastern-fare-3NVd_BCV MI Great Plates ~ Detroit’s First Family of Mideastern Fare Cumulus Media 00:37:50 May 22, 2025 ~ With it’s nationally-recognized Phoenicia, Chickpea Hospitality has been serving up exceptional and unforgettable experiences since 1971. In this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Sameer and Samy Eid, the father/son duo behind Michigan’s beloved Phoenicia, Forest, Leila and Wilder’s. Take a delicious dive into the ribs, rituals and legacy that will leave you inspired - and craving a rack of those legendary Samy Spice ribs! May 22, 2025 ~ With it’s nationally-recognized Phoenicia, Chickpea Hospitality has been serving up exceptional and unforgettable experiences since 1971. In this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Sameer and Samy Eid, the father/son duo behind Michigan’s beloved Phoenicia, Forest, Leila and Wilder’s. Take a delicious dive into the ribs, rituals and legacy that will leave you inspired - and craving a rack of those legendary Samy Spice ribs! false full 2 04e16dd1-3629-4f04-a70f-fd67d5608e7e Fri, 25 Apr 2025 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-method-co-at-book-tower-0y4LPfNG MI Great Plates ~ Method Co. at Book Tower Cumulus Media 00:37:50 April 24, 2025 ~ In the debut episode of "MI Great Plates," host Justin Near chats with Scott Sadoff and Patrick Jobst from Method Co., revealing the secrets behind their six sensational restaurants in Detroit's Book Tower. Also on the episode, food writer and comedian Danny Palumbo shares his unique take on Detroit's hidden Lebanese treasures, while also offering some insight on the pitfalls of pasta making. Listen to experience the stories, flavors, and trends that are transforming Michigan into a foodie paradise! April 24, 2025 ~ In the debut episode of "MI Great Plates," host Justin Near chats with Scott Sadoff and Patrick Jobst from Method Co., revealing the secrets behind their six sensational restaurants in Detroit's Book Tower. Also on the episode, food writer and comedian Danny Palumbo shares his unique take on Detroit's hidden Lebanese treasures, while also offering some insight on the pitfalls of pasta making. Listen to experience the stories, flavors, and trends that are transforming Michigan into a foodie paradise! false full 1 05214f57-865f-4224-9faf-bf48bc35bf8a Wed, 23 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://mi-great-plates.simplecast.com/episodes/mi-great-plates-premiers-thursday-april-24-2025-etfDMuiq MI Great Plates ~ Premiers Thursday, April 24, 2025 Cumulus Media 00:00:31 MI Great Plates is your passport to Michigan's vibrant culinary landscape, showcasing the hottest restaurants, food and beverage-focused brands, and the passionate people behind them. Hosted by Justin Near, the region's top food and beverage publicist, this monthly show explores the state’s booming food scene, where new delights pop up weekly and reservations are a coveted prize. With exclusive insights from hospitality-driven news media and food influencers, MI Great Plates brings you the stories, flavors, and trends that are transforming Michigan into a foodie paradise. Tune in at 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month to experience the culinary magic that makes Michigan a great place to eat! MI Great Plates is your passport to Michigan's vibrant culinary landscape, showcasing the hottest restaurants, food and beverage-focused brands, and the passionate people behind them. Hosted by Justin Near, the region's top food and beverage publicist, this monthly show explores the state’s booming food scene, where new delights pop up weekly and reservations are a coveted prize. With exclusive insights from hospitality-driven news media and food influencers, MI Great Plates brings you the stories, flavors, and trends that are transforming Michigan into a foodie paradise. Tune in at 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month to experience the culinary magic that makes Michigan a great place to eat! false trailer