Local Heroes 2017
We are proud to announce this year’s Edible WOW Local Heroes, chosen by you, our readers, in an online poll
Chef | Allie Lyttle of Parks & Rec Diner
Combine a chef dedicated to local ingredients with a castle setting, and you’ve got a winning restaurant. Parks & Rec Diner has made a name for itself in Detroit by offering from-scratch breakfast and lunch. Chef Lyttle sources ingredients from local vendors and makes almost everything in house. Read more about the chef and the restaurant in this issue.
Beverage Artisan | Gina Maria Westfall of The Mulefoot Gastropub
Little did we know when we included bartender Gina Maria Westfall in our summer issue that she had such a devoted following. Once the votes started coming in, we realized that, for the first time, our readers had chosen a bartender for the beverage artisan award. Although Westfall may have started her career in a “dive bar,” she is in a first-class restaurant now.
Farm | White Lotus Farms
With a creamery, bakery and certified organic produce, White Lotus Farms has it all. Their products are used by area chefs, and their CSA is in high demand. The Buddhist community that runs the farm follows the goal of Right Livelihood, which means caring for the land, animals and all living creatures. The farm welcomes visitors with tours, classes and special dinners.
Farmers’ Market | Eastern Market
One of the oldest and largest markets in the nation, Eastern Market has been called “the market that nourishes Detroit’s soul.” More than four and a half acres offer fresh fruits and vegetables, specialty foods, food trucks, art, community programs and wholesale vendors. Last summer Edible WOW devoted an entire issue to Eastern Market.
Nonprofit | Rising Stars Academy
Founded in 2012 by Mark and Deb Prentiss, Rising Stars Academy trains special needs students ages 18–26 in culinary and farming skills. Young adults learn to farm on the academy’s six-acre urban farm and in the state-of-the-art aquaponics facility. They learn culinary skills in a full-service working café and woodworking skills in the workshop.
Food Artisan | Scotty O’Hotty Hot Sauce
Dearborn natives Scott and Suzi Owens are the masterminds behind this brand of hot sauces. Their gluten-free, low-sodium, all-natural sauces come in such flavors as Beer-Bacon Chipotle, Premium Habanero and Roasted Pepper. The couple is proud of the many awards their sauces have earned, including a world championship at the World Hot Sauce Awards in 2015.
