When I lived out of state and thought of my childhood in Detroit and the suburbs, it was the summertime memories that stayed with me the most. They were not only visual recollections but also full-blown sensory experiences.
I remembered how hot and sticky it was watching a Tigers game in our living room, splayed out on a vinyl beanbag chair in a house without air conditioning, or how the breeze felt if you stood up in the top row of the bleachers at Tiger Stadium during a night game. The sound my wheels made when I rode my bike after I’d woven streamers through the spokes to prepare for Clawson’s Fourth of July parade. The smoky smell of burgers grilling in our yard or our neighbors’, that first taste of late-summer corn, and the vibrant, haphazard colors of a picnic table filled with a smorgasbord of food.
That multisensory spirit is what we hoped to capture in the 2025 Food Issue’s chef feature. We wanted to do something that showcased the craftsmanship, creativity, and diversity of our local food and drink creators. So, we invited about 30 chefs, sommeliers, and other restaurant industry folks to join us in the ultimate summer potluck — and to bring their favorite dish. I guess it sounded as inviting as we had hoped: without much delay, 22 said, “Yes! I can be there.”
It wasn’t an actual party (technically, it was a photo shoot), but it sure felt like one. People met for the first time and reconnected with old friends, and yes, someone even jumped in a kiddie pool fully clothed. (His name starts with a “G.”) I couldn’t stay for the whole shoot, but I know the food was abundant — with plenty to enjoy after the photos were taken.
I hope the feature inspires you to have some fun with the menu at your own backyard get-together or muster the energy to say yes to someone else’s party, including Hour Detroit’s GrillFest on Aug. 17 at Eastern Market. And if you’d prefer your fine dining or casual fare with a side of air conditioning, turn to our Iconic Restaurants feature.Either way, summer’s magic lies in the same recipe: great food, authentic people, and moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.
This story originally appeared in the August 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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