Restaurant of the Year 2011: Iridescence

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Detroit’s skyline stands testament to shifts of power and culture across the decades.

Buildings standing shoulder to shoulder — from the stunning 1920s Guardian to the ’70s-era Renaissance Center that was envisioned as a symbol of hoped-for rebirth — illustrate the city’s life cycle.

Today, downtown’s architectural huddle includes casinos, like it or not. And nothing dominates the skyline quite like the MotorCity Casino Hotel.

From whichever angle you approach downtown, MotorCity Casino Hotel stands in all its LED-illuminated glory, looking like a giant toaster with its name glowing across the top in a retro automotive-style script.

At night, up near the purple arch at the top, massive 40-foot-high windows provide a view of the high-rise beauties that came before it. Inside is one of the most posh dining rooms in town and Hour Detroit’s choice for its 2011 Restaurant of the Year.

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Grilled 22-ounce rib-eye with Brussels sprouts, mirepoix, bone marrow, and Iridescence steak sauce.

Sashimi of yellowtail hiramasa — watercress and daikon salad, ginger, cilantro, and sweet-onion vinaigrette.

Onion Soup Gratin — cipollini, Vidalia, and pearl onions, with Bell's Porter beer and Comté crostini.

Salad of baby beets with arugula, goat cheese, caramelized onion, chestnuts, fennel pollen, and orange-white balsamic vinaigrette.

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