Host Utica is Opening a Romeo Location
Host Utica is quite a unique restaurant — rotating chefs, daily brunch, a cocktail lounge, a co-working space, and even on-site childcare services so parents can enjoy a private date-night. And now, it’s getting a second location in downtown Romeo at 209 N. Main Street. Expected to open in early summer, Host Romeo will offer a 49-seat “refined bistro experience” for diners, along with a private event space.
Raising Cane’s Opens in Canton
The fast-food chain known for crispy chicken fingers finally made its metro Detroit debut Feb. 4. Metro Detroit’s first Raising Cane’s is located at 44218 Ford Road in Canton. Another new location is planned for May 13, near the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus at 1116 S. University Ave.
Echelon Kitchen and Bar Opens in Ann Arbor
The wood-fired, farm-to-table restaurant helmed by Chef Joe VanWagner is now open for dining and drinking in downtown Ann Arbor. To learn more about the concept, check out our January article. Reservations can be made on exploretock.com/echelon.
Mabel Gray named a USA Today Restaurant of the Year
Shortly after Hour Detroit announced it as our 2025 Restaurant of the Year, the much-lauded Hazel Park eatery also made USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year list. USA Today’s write-up, penned by Detroit Free Press restaurant critic Lyndsay C. Green, praises Mabel Gray for keeping “its staying power by striking a delicate balance of consistency and imagination.” And it’s not the only Michigan restaurant honored — Howell’s Tomato Brothers also made USA Today‘s list.
Michigan Senate Passes Bill to Amend Minimum Wage Law
A new bill passed by the Michigan Senate would amend current minimum wage law, if it’s passed by the House and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Senate Bill 8 would increase Michigan’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2027 and continue to adjust it yearly for inflation, but sub-minimum wage for tipped workers would be preserved, rather than phased out as is under the 2024 Michigan Supreme Court ruling. The 2024 ruling dictates that tipped wages will be 100% of the minimum wage by 2030. However, under Senate Bill 8, the minimum wage for tipped employees would increase until being capped at 50% of the minimum hourly rate in 2031. A recent article from WZZM provides a more in-depth breakdown.
Upcoming Food and Drink Events
Stir, Sip and Savor: Black History Month
- When: Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 27-28
- Where: IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge, Corktown, Detroit
- Cost: $40/ticket
The Godfrey Hotel’s “Stir, Sip, and Savor” is a monthly pop-up in which a team of professionals teaches guests how to create specialty cocktails. For Black History Month, the instruction will focus on Black pioneers in the world of spirits. Guests will work with Uncle Nearest whiskey, named for Nathan “Nearest” Green, who taught his distilling techniques to a young Jack Daniel, and was the first known Black master distiller in U.S. history. For more information, visit the event page on Tock.
Royal Oak Whiskey Festival
- When: Feb. 22
- Where: Royal Oak Farmers Market
- Cost: $34-$68/ticket
Sample bourbon, rye, scotch, Canadian whiskey, Japanese whiskey, and more at this annual event for those who love the barrel-aged beverage. Plus, grab a bite from one of the food trucks and listen to the sounds of cover band Cosmic Groove. 21+. For more information, visit the Eventbrite page.
Far Niente Wine Dinner
- When: Feb. 25
- Where: Sexy Steak, Detroit
- Cost: $165/ticket (not including gratuity)
Sexy Steak is welcoming special guest Far Niente, a renowned Napa Valley winery, for a wine pairing with five course dinner from Chef Martin Attisha. Enjoy selections like scallop and tuna ceviche with Post & Beam Chardonnay or Wagyu Pastrami paired with Branding Iron Cabernet Sauvignon. Additional drinks are available for an extra charge. Reservations can be made on OpenTable, or by calling the restaurant at 313-403-1000.
Leña X Shewolf Dinner DFA – Supper Club Collab
- When: March 5
- Where: Leña, Brush Park, Detroit
- Cost: $200/ticket (beverage pairing available for additional cost, plus tip)
The talented teams at Leña and Shewolf are collaborating on a multi-course dinner in support of Detroit Food Academy, a nonprofit that provides youth programming with a focus on culinary and entrepreneurship skills. Only 70 seats are available, and tickets may go fast. For more information, visit the event’s Resy page.
Poggio Antico Winery Wine Dinner
- When: March 6
- Where: Aurora on the Lake, Commerce Township
- Cost: $75/ticket (plus service fee)
The newly-opened Aurora on the Lake is debuting its Waterfront Wine Dinner Series, which features a five-course dinner and four wine pairings with views of Union Lake. Tuscan wines will be the beverage focus, presented by special guest Riccardo Bogi from Italy’s Poggio Antico winery. The wines will also be available for purchase by the bottle. The event is limited to 50 guests, so tickets may go fast. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit the OpenTable page or call 248-360-6650.
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