Chef Tom Keshnishian knows a good idea when he hears one. As owner of the Berkley Bistro and Cafe in Berkley, Mich., he jumped at the chance to host a locally-produced television show that turns the cameras on some of the finest restaurants in metro Detroit.
Dining in the D premieres at 7:30 p.m. tonight – Sept. 14 – on CMN-tv. The premiere episode is packed with delicious dishes from Clawson’s Due Venti like Pollo Con Olive to a mouth-watering Butter Burger at Mae’s in Pleasant Ridge. Get step-by-step instructions for a traditional Chicken Paprikash at Ellie’s Euro-American Grill in Berkley and go from garden to wok for a fresh vegetable stir fry at Golden Gate Cafe in Detroit.
Michael Whitenack, executive producer, welcomed guests to a preview screening and premiere last night at CMNtv’s Troy headquarters. “It’s been a real labor of love,” he told the crowd. Every three weeks, the producers expect to deliver a new episode. That marks an accelerated schedule but one the cast and crew are committed to keeping.
Jessica McCarthy, who co-owns Mae’s with her husband Sean, was pleased with the show. She said they really made an effort to choose local restaurants, and those people love.
Keshnishian said there were three specific criteria in choosing restaurants to highlight – they had to be smaller, not affiliated with a chain and very unique.
Nicole Seals, of Due Venti Restaurant, found it to be entertaining and fast-paced. “We were happy to be a part of it,” she said. Filming took “a good part of an afternoon.” She hopes audiences are excited to see restaurants featured that are accessible.
The show represents the culmination of a joint effort that started in January with a conversation over lunch at the Berkley Bistro that’s become a reality. Keshnishian beams with pride when he talks about Southeast Michigan. “My parents moved here. They lived in Detroit. I’m from Detroit. I believe in this area. It’s always taken care of us.” The show is his way of giving something back, of showing people the amazing food that exists right in their own backyard.
“These really are hidden gems,” said Keshnishian. He’s certain you don’t have to travel to New York, Paris or Singapore to experience amazing food from around the globe. It’s right here, created by master chefs who, like himself, have been classically trained and brought their own flair and family recipes with them.
Catch Dining in the D this week on Channel 18 on WOW or Comcast. The first episode is set to air at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14; 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17; and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18.
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