Vegetarian Detroit

How are Detroit chef's helping Detroiters access healthy food during the pandemic? Ederique Goudia, Head Chef for Make Food Not Waste talks with Jewell Dziendziel on how Detroit chefs are helping the community during the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the pandemic changing the way Detroiters are growing vegetables? Tepfirah Rushdan, Co-Director of Keep Growing Detroit talks to Jewell Dziendziel about how the pandemic is affecting the way Detroiters are growing vegetables. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens to all the excess food from restaurants and food suppliers? 30-40% of food is wasted in the U.S. Darraugh Collins, the Site Director and Founder of Food Rescue US's Detroit Chapter talks to Jewell Dziendziel about how Detroit is handling food waste during the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is the pandemic affecting Detroit grocery stores? Raphael White, Owner of Neighborhood Grocery, talks with Jewell about the lack of fresh, healthy food in Detroit grocery stores. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are Detroiters getting fresh fruits and vegetables during the pandemic? Patrice Brown, Senior Food Access Manager for Eastern Market talks with Jewell Dziendziel about how the pandemic is changing the way Detroiters are accessing fresh, healthy food. Eastern Market is the nation’s largest, year round, open air, historic market and is a central hub for many Detroiters for groceries and local products. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is pandemic affecting Detroit's restaurant scene? Mark Kurlyandchik, the former restaurant critic for the Detroit Free Press chats with Jewell Dziendziel about the impact the pandemic has on Detroit restaurants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What impact have past events had on Detroit's food system today? Billy Wall-Winkel, Assistant Curator & Oral Historian with the Detroit Historical Society talks to Jewell Dziendziel about the history of Detroit's access to fresh, healthy food. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are Detroiters getting fresh fruits and vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic? In season two of the podcast, Jewell Dziendziel explores the effects of the pandemic on Detroit’s food system, including its impact on local grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manal Hussein, Owner and Baker of For the Love of Sugar, the sweet and decadent bake shop in Brush Park, Detroit, talks to Jewell about her vegan desserts. For the Love of Sugar was awarded Best Dessert 2020 by Hour Detroit Magazine. Manal gives a peak inside her creative process, how she incorporates her culture into each of the recipes, and how she comes up with each delicious menu item. Manal discusses the menu, the top selling items and some new flavors that we can all look forward to.  Manal Hussein’s love of sugar and her passion for baking led her to open the bake shop. As soon as you walk through the doors, you are faced with gold and teal decor, beautifully framed cakes, and gorgeous display cases filled with even more baked goods. The smells and sights excite your senses and you are immediately taken back to your childhood in a whimsical dream. If you love sweets, you won't want to miss this episode. Listen in to hear Manal's food pet peeve! For the Love of Sugar is located at 100 Erskine St in Brush Park, Detroit. Visit the website for the latest info and hours as they can change. At the time of this post, hours are 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-6pm Sunday. For the Love of Sugar is currently offering carryout and curbside pick up. There is limited dining inside and outside and customers can call in their orders up to an hour before pick up day of or come into the shop and order. Custom orders are still available, but are booking out 1-2 weeks. Current hours are 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-6pm Sunday. Gift cards can also be purchased via phone or in person. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brad Greenhill, Chef and Owner of Magnet and Takoi in Detroit, talks with Jewell Dziendziel about his vegetarian dishes. Magnet was awarded Design of the Year 2019 by Eater and Takoi was awarded Best Restaurant 2018 by Metro Times. Magnet, a “veggie centric” restaurant with a heavy Mediterranean influence is different from Takoi's Thai fusion focus. Guests will experience Brad’s passion for cooking with live fire and incorporating science into each dish at Magnet. Brad discusses Magnet’s concept, the design of the space, and the feedback they’re getting from the tip free policy. Brad talks about how Magnet achieves simplicity with just two pieces of equipment, a wood fire grill and a wood fire hearth. With his own diet, Brad “flirts” with vegetarian and vegan dishes, but doesn’t fully commit and this has led him to create a restaurant where veggies are the spotlight.  Brad and I also chat about the struggle with vegetable options while dining out and the trends of vegan food that aren’t necessarily healthy. Brad explains Magnet’s use of mold spores and fermentation to add extra umami to each dish. And let’s not forget, Brad reveals his food pet peeve!  Magnet is located at 4842 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48208. Magnet is taking time off in August to recalibrate and refocus their next moves, but Takoi is offering carryout, delivery, and casual patio dining in Core City park. In the meantime, you can visit the website to purchase gift cards and for up to date info on when Magnet will reopen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lamar Farhat, Executive Sous Chef at Leila, a modern Lebanese restaurant in Capital Park, Detroit talks to Jewell Dziendziel about the vegetarian dishes. Leila was named Restaurant of the Year for 2020 by the Detroit Free Press. Leila, which opened in late 2019, is described as modern Lebanese cuisine and is the third restaurant from the Eid Family. Lamar and I talk about the concept of Leila, what they are doing differently that sets them apart, and what Modern Lebanese cuisine means to him.  Family is very important in Lebanese culture and Sunday meals are a tradition. Leila is exactly that. Each meal is designed as if you were inside Leila’s kitchen, eating with the family. From the influence of each menu item, to how the dishes are prepared, Leila sets the bar high for not only being a new upscale Detroit restaurant, but a superior Lebanese restaurant.  Leila isn’t cutting any corners. They ditch the food processor and make their baba ghanouj by hand, make fresh yogurt in house, and bake pita in the restaurant’s bread oven to order, “pillows of love” as Lamar describes it. Lamar dishes about the coolest thing he’s done as a chef, sharing champagne with Jermaine Jackson, and let’s not forget his foodie pet peeve!  Leila is located at 1249 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226, Capital Park, Detroit, MI. Leila reopened their dining room for dinner service July 29, 2020. Visit the website for up to date hours and to book your reservation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quiana "Que" Broden, Chef and Owner of the Kitchen, a place where meat eaters and vegans coexist, in New Center, Detroit talks to Jewell Dziendziel about her vegan dishes. Que is featured on the cover of Hour Detroit Magazine for the 2020 Taste Makers award. The Kitchen, which opened in July 2019, is set up like an actual kitchen (hence the name), with a long counter being the focal point of the space and Que behind it singing and dancing as she cooks up meals for her guests. You will find a healthy balance of whole foods, vegan versions like the impossible burger, and meat and seafood options. You feel like you're on the set of a Food Network show. It’s a pretty live experience!  In addition to the concept of the restaurant and Que’s journey, this episode dives into the “Eat to Live” program, meal prep, cooking classes, and the After Work Wine Down. We also talk about vegan cheese and meat substitutes, the good, the bad, and the ugly, gardening, and why there should be more fruit trees grown in Michigan. Que also discloses her favorite vegan spots in the area and her food pet peeve! You definitely, don’t want to miss it. Give it a listen!  The Kitchen is located at 6529 Woodward Ave suite a, Detroit, MI 48202, New Center Detroit MI. Stop by for curbside pickup. The Kitchen is open for lunch Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm and for vegan brunch. Saturday 12-3PM. Visit the website for up to date hours, details on cooking classes, meal prep, events, etc. Currently,  Chef Que is offering meal prep and holding cooking demos prerecorded as well as live.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Ransom, Chef and Owner of Ima, the Japanese inspired noodle powerhouse with locations in Midtown and Corktown, Detroit, and Madison Heights, talks to Jewell Dziendziel about his vegetarian dishes. Ima was awarded Restaurant of the Year 2019 by the Detroit Free Press.  The episode kicks off with Mike Ransom talking about how Ima Midtown differs from his other locations in Corktown, Detroit and Madison Heights. Ima Midtown has a bar which is unique to this location and strategically positioned as soon as you walk into the restaurant. Staff is shaking up creative cocktails which are named after Mortal Kombat characters and include fun, festive garnishes. With the added space, Ima Midtown was able to add a pasta cooker, fryer, and dessert station.  Mike also lays out the difference between udon, ramen, and yaki udon noodles and discusses the current trends in vegetarian cuisine. Mike talks umami rich components and how he achieves bold flavors with vegetarian ingredients. And let’s not forget about dessert! Ima is doing some creative flavors of ice cream along with unique confections that are used to decorate the sweet treats. Tune in to catch this awesome episode, you don’t want to miss Mike Ransom’s food pet peeve! Ima Midtown is located at 4870 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 near Wayne State. Ima Midtown's dining room is opened 12-10PM. Carryout, curbside pickup, and delivery is offered at all locations. Visit the website to purchase gift cards and for up to date hours on all Ima locations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vegetarian Detroit explores the city's premiere eateries from a vegetarian and vegan point of view. Hosted by Jewell Dziendziel of The Bite Tonight food blog, this podcast features mouth-watering interviews with Detroit's most popular chefs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.