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(313) 826-0111 info@saydetroit.org
June 27

It’s Time to

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EAT Detroit showcases our city’s diverse culinary scene with a one-of-a-kind experience benefitting our most underserved citizens, all in one night. Enjoy featured dishes and craft drinks from top restaurants while helping SAY Detroit provide pathways to success for Detroiters in need through learning, health care, and housing. 

While wearing your official event wristband, you’ll get access to participating restaurants, each serving a tasting menu of 3 specialty dishes and 1 signature drink, and no bill ever arrives. Attendees are also welcome to dine from Waka by Baobab Fare food truck and enjoy a free water ice dessert — at any time during the event!  — at the Detroit Water Ice Factory. 

Walk between restaurants, or hop on shuttle buses for longer distances between Downtown, Midtown, and Corktown. Greeting you at each restaurant — and on the shuttles and route stops — will be our EAT Detroit volunteers, who’ll be eager to answer your questions. You’ll recognize them because they’ll all be wearing our official 2023 EAT Detroit apron. 

EAT Detroit is modeled (with permission!) after World Central Kitchen’s Dine-N-Dash from chef José Andrés.

FAQs

Sponsors

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Presenting Sponsor

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Presenting Sponsor

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Transportation Sponsor

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Media Sponsors

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Foodie Sponsor

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Foodie Sponsor

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Foodie Sponsor

Cynthia & Edsel Ford

Foodie Sponsor

Restaurants

Bar Pigalle Restaurants 2

Bar Pigalle

Located in the perfect location — inside The Carlton Lofts in the heart of Brush Park (once  known as Little Paris), Bar Pigalle is a fresh, new dining option serving French inspired cuisine and a mélange of playful cocktails with a fantastic wine list.

Restaurants 5 Restaurants 4

Cork & Gabel

Cork & Gabel, a restaurant fusion of Irish, Italian and German cuisine, opened in 2018 in Detroit’s Corktown district in a light-filled, industrial space with a full bar. They are known for their use of modern techniques on old school classics.

Restaurants 8 Restaurants 7

Ima Izakaya

From the team behind award-winning Ima Noodles, Ima Izakaya in Corktown features a robata (short for robatayaki) grill, which references the fireside cooking style typical in Japanese izakayas, a vegan/vegetarian-friendly menu and a full bar.

Restaurants 11 Restaurants 10

Jolly Pumpkin

Jolly Pumpkin Detroit is a funky brewpub in mid-town with award-winning wild oak-aged beers and deliciously unique food.

Restaurants 14 Restaurants 13

La Feria

Driven by the passion for all things Spain — food, drink, music & culture — La Feria offers some of Spain’s best food and drinks in the heart of the University District. With the expansion introducing Cata Vino, La Feria added international wines, sherries, a mercado and more.

Restaurants 17 Restaurants 16

La Lanterna

La Lanterna offers a menu of Neapolitan-style brick oven pizzas, salads, paninis, pastas and other classic Italian entrees. A full marble bar, anchored by a selection of affordable wines from California and Italy, are also available.

Restaurants 20 Restaurants 19

Leila

With a menu rooted in the savory yet simple flavors that define Lebanese cuisine, and an experience that evokes the simple pleasure of great food enjoyed in good company, Leila sits at the crossroads of sophisticated style and old-world hospitality.

Restaurants 23 Restaurants 22

Lumen Detroit

Chef-driven American cuisine with an extensive bar, large outdoor patio, and rooftop that provides incredible views of Beacon Park and Downtown’s skyline. Celebrating the theme of Beacon Park, Lumen is known for its beautiful, contemporary atmosphere and electric energy.

Restaurants 26 Restaurants 25

Mad Nice

At Mad Nice, discover an unexpected, modern Italian menu, surrounded by coastal chic decor and mid-century design with smooth, sophisticated service in midtown Detroit.

Restaurants 29 Restaurants 28

Mercury Burger Bar

Flipping classic burgers with a little something extra, Mercury Burger Bar offers a couple dozen items between bread along with craft beers, poutine, and old-school milkshakes.

Restaurants 32 Restaurants 31

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar is the only authentic New York pizzeria in the heart of Detroit, offering a relaxed atmosphere with just under 100 seats, a full bar, a patio, and a “by-the-slice” counter which is open late and located next to the main restaurant with its own entrance.

Restaurants 35 Restaurants 34

PAO Detroit

PAO Detroit is a Vibe Dining restaurant located in Downtown Detroit. It uniquely offers a pan-Asian inspired menu curated by Executive Chef Alex Farhat and his culinary team. Patrons can expect a dining experience that transcends beyond just a meal as live music, entertainment and bottle service make it a hotspot.

Restaurants 38 Restaurants 37

Parc

Parc offers an iconic fine dining experience in the heart of Downtown Detroit’s Campus Martius, voted the nation’s best public park by USA Today. Our sophisticated fare, vast wine list and specialty cocktails, and expansive views of the city provide every guest with an amazing visit they’ll always remember.

Restaurants 41 Restaurants 40

San Morello

Inspired by the spirit and piazzas of southern Italy and Sicily, San Morello is Chef Andrew Carmellini’s urban Italian neighborhood restaurant in downtown Detroit serving authentic wood-fired dishes, pizzas, and housemade pastas using local, seasonal ingredients. San Morello will be serving in the Shinola Hotel’s Birdy Room (use Farmer St. entrance).

Restaurants 44 Restaurants 43

SavannahBlue

Tucked away upstairs at 1431 Times Square in Downtown Detroit, SavannahBlue features contemporary northern soul food and tasty cocktails delivered with authentic Detroit style. Whether in the living for dining room, you will find your place at SavannahBlue.

Restaurants 47 Restaurants 46

Second Best

Second Best is a neighborhood hangout for the everyman and woman, engrained with a steadfast devotion to producing a high caliber product that’s derived from reminiscence and delivered with swift, impassioned service in a casual, approachable environment…Blue Ribbon quality with a Red Ribbon tag.

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar Restaurants 49

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

SheWolf creates contemporary Italian cuisine, focusing on house-made pasta from flour that’s milled on-site fresh daily. We also offer aperitivo cocktails, and a carefully curated selection of Italian wines. It’s like modern Rome in Detroit.

Restaurants 52 Restaurants 51

Slows Bar BQ

Slows Bar Bq in Corktown is Detroit’s award-winning barbecue destination since 2005.

Restaurants 55 Restaurants 54

Supergeil

Supergeil is inspired by the energy and food of Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. Not unlike Corktown, it is a neighborhood on the edge of center, a multicultural place where artists, students, and Germany’s largest Turkish population live together. A cocktail menu features vibrant colors, spices and punchy flavors.

Restaurants 58 Restaurants 57

Takoi

Takoi, located in Corktown, offers unique Thai fusion plates, as weill as delicious craft cocktails. Nominated for the James Beard “Best New Restaurant of 2017.”

Restaurants 61 Restaurants 60

The Statler

Nestled in the center of Detroit’s entertainment district is The Statler French-American bistro. The Statler offers classic French-influenced cuisine with a slightly modern twist, crafted by Certified Master Chef Daniel Scannell, one of only 72 Certified Master Chefs® in the United States.

Restaurants 64 Restaurants 63

The Whitney

An iconic turn of the century, romanesque revival mansion turned restaurant retains all of its charm and refinement while appealing to contemporary tastes. At The Whitney you will find award-winning cuisine, unique presentation and flavors to never be forgotten.

Restaurants 67 Restaurants 66

Vicente’s

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine gives Detroit’s palette an authentic taste of Cuba! Our recipes have been handed down through generations of the Vazquez family. The romantic milieu of Havana effortlessly transports you with extraordinary scents of exotic dishes and the rhythmic sounds of salsa music.

Restaurants 70 Restaurants 69

Waka by Baobab Fare

Waka is a food truck, catering service, and togo spot that serves the flavors of Baobab Fare in an accessible way. Through a more curated menu larger groups will be able to enjoy a variety of changing dishes that are commonly served on the streets of East Africa, while highlighting the local fare found in and around Detroit.

Menu

VIP Benefits

  • In an exclusive dining experience at Mad Nice, one of the most anticipated new offerings from Heirloom Hospitality, VIP patrons will join SAY Detroit founder Mitch Albom and other special guests at a pre-event reception at 5 p.m.
  • Check in and get your wristband at the VIP reception, or at the Help Desk at 1001 Woodward Ave after 6:30 p.m. if you can’t make it to the pre-event reception.
  • Your VIP experience ends with dessert: Starting at 9 p.m., enjoy a final course of flaming desserts and miniature pastries in the iconic Ghostbar at The Whitney. Relax in the hauntingly beautiful and classy space featuring an ornate wood bar and antique decor.

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Mad Nice - VIP reception

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Mad Nice

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The Ghostbar

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The Ghostbar at The Whitney

FAQs

How do I buy tickets?

VIP or General Admission (GA) tickets may only be purchased online through Freshtix.com

PLEASE BE AWARE OF DISCOUNT TICKET SCAMMERS! We do not allow resale, and if any special ticket discounts are made available, they will be listed as official on this website.

I can’t find my tickets – what do I do?

Ticket buyers: your tickets were generated and emailed automatically at purchase at Freshtix.com. Please check your email – including your SPAM/junk folder – for an email from greenlight[at]freshtix.com. You can also log in to the Freshtix account you created at the time of purchase to have your tickets sent to you again. Instructions are here.

If you need help with your Freshtix.com account, please contact Freshtix directly here.

Guests of SAY Detroit and sponsors: your tickets were generated by SAY Detroit and emailed to you directly from the Freshtix.com platform. Please check your email – including your SPAM/junk folder – for an email from greenlight[at]freshtix.com. If you cannot locate them, please email eat@saydetroit.org to request your tickets be sent again.

Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?

YES!

Each GA attendee must bring their print-at-home ticket or show their mobile ticket in order to check in, pick up their wristbands, and enter the previously selected restaurant on your ticket to begin your dining experience.

VIP attendees must bring their print-at-home tickets or show their mobile tickets at the VIP Reception.

NOTE: Ticket buyers must distribute tickets to their guests.  If you purchased more than one ticket in your order, please distribute a print-at-home or mobile ticket to the guests who will be joining you before the event so each attendee can check in and pick up their wristband individually. EVERY ATTENDEE NEEDS A TICKET AND EACH TICKET MAY ONLY BE SCANNED ONCE. More here and here.

Should I plan what restaurants I’d like to visit in advance? Will I be able to dine at all 20+ restaurants?

YES! And we’ve got an app that will help you do that (2023 updates to it are forthcoming). Use the digital map and the menu to create a custom tour based on your starting restaurant, preparing for when you’ll be walking and we’ll you’ll be taking a shuttle for longer distances. Most attendees are able to visit 7 – 10 locations comfortably throughout the night.

What is the dress code?

While this isn’t a black tie affair, we encourage you to choose at least smart casual attire. Be tasteful, be neat, and most importantly, be comfortable on your feet. You’ll be standing, strolling, and wherever possible – dancing! – so you’ll want to make sure you’re able to do so without being hindered by footwear.

When should I arrive? Where do I go?

If you’re GA, please arrive at your starting restaurant – it’s on your ticket – at 5:30 p.m. with your ticket printed or a digital copy ready for scanning on your phone.

If you’re VIP, please arrive at Mad Nice after 4:30 p.m. with your ticket printed or a digital copy that can be viewed by our volunteer staff. After the VIP reception, you will walk or hop on a shuttle bus to the restaurant of your choice to begin the tour.

What if I arrive late?

If you’re GA, your wristband will be waiting for you at the starting restaurant you selected until 6:30 p.m. After 6:30, please check in at the Help Desk at 1001 Woodward Avenue.

If you’re VIP, your wristband will be waiting for you at the VIP reception at the Shinola Hotel until 6:30 p.m. If you arrive after 6:30, please check in at the help desk at 1001 Woodward Avenue.

Where do I park?

We’ve outlined several options below for your convenience but are not guaranteed. We suggest parking near your starting restaurant or near the last restaurant you plan to visit — do plan carefully for what you’re most comfortable with.. Please contact garages directly to confirm availability and pricing (subject to change).

Flat-rate parking for $10 for the evening (beginning after 4 p.m.) is available at the following list of parking garages. Please note these garages are self-serve and accept debit/credit card payment only. Cash will not be accepted.

The Z

1234 Library St, 48226

(888) 300-9833

One Campus Martius Deck

1188 Farmer St, 48226

(313) 227-4866

Greektown Garage

1001 Brush St.

(313) 961-8322

1001 Woodward Garage

35 State St.

(313) 965-8059

Bricktown Garage

419 E. Fort St.

One Detroit Center Garage

200 Larned St.

(855) 487-6727

Two Detroit Garage

160 E. Congress St.

(313) 963-2599

Financial District Parking Garage

730 Shelby St.

Buhl Parking Garage

525 Griswold St

Additional parking options include:

  • Ford Employee Lot in Corktown – FREE – 1941 Fisher Fwy (entrance will be off of Michigan to Vermont)
  • The Whitney: $5 parking in lot across the street (corner of Canfield and Woodward)
  • Cork and Gabel: private lot
  • Opera House Parking Center, 1426 Broadway, (855) 487-6727
  • Parking Lot 71 (Wayne State University), 410 W. Canfield: Open courtesy of a contract agreement with Midtown Detroit Inc. from 5pm until 1am. First come, first-served
  • Parking Lot 72 (Wayne State University), 4510 Cass Avenue, $8.50 pay station, credit card only. Enter off of Cass.

Do I really have to dine at the “starting” restaurant I chose when buying my GA ticket?

PLEASE HELP US HELP YOU: To help the night run more smoothly, we ask that you honor your first restaurant assignment and meet up with other parties afterwards. Our distribution is intended to ensure that your first dining experience is not overcrowded, and help guide the rest of your traveling path accordingly.

It just makes sense to try the restaurant at which you’ll pick up your wristbands!

Can I order from the restaurant’s menu?

Not as part of EAT Detroit. Chefs are preparing a special menu that is a minimum of 3 specialty small plates and 1 signature craft cocktail.

Is it OK to go back to the same restaurant several times?

During the event? No. And with 20+ restaurants to choose from, why would you want to? Anytime after EAT Detroit? YES, please do!

EAT Detroit is a great opportunity to try many different hot spots and cuisines.Please help us make sure that your fellow attendees also have a good experience by not overstaying during your visit. Please listen to volunteers and restaurant staff when they recommend moving on to a new location or adhere to recommended capacity limits as instructed by our EAT Detroit volunteers.

We encourage you to visit these restaurants again for a full night of dining after your EAT Detroit experience, keeping in mind that they are adding this special dining service during our event to help support SAY Detroit’s mission.

Is there alcohol on this tour?

Yes, each restaurant is offering a minimum of 1 specialty craft cocktail to EAT Detroit attendees. Please make sure you have your proof of age with you.

What’s for dessert?

Diners can enjoy refreshing water ice at the Detroit Water Ice Factory any time during the night. After 9:00 p.m., VIP diners can enjoy a final course of flaming desserts and miniature pastries in the iconic Ghostbar at The Whitney. Relax in the hauntingly beautiful and classy space featuring an ornate wood bar and antique decor.

 I have food allergies / special diets — will I be accommodated?

All diet/allergy considerations are addressed individually by each restaurant in accordance with their policies and regular menu considerations. While we encourage restaurants to consider variety and inclusion for all patrons when creating their EAT Detroit tasting menu and signature cocktail (and non-alcoholic beverages), we cannot guarantee accommodation and substitutions cannot be requested on the day-of. You can view the menu for all restaurants here.

How do I get around?

Restaurants are primarily located in “clusters” or neighborhoods that are walkable – enjoy the summer stroll! Special shuttles will help get you between the clusters. Review shuttle lines and stops before you arrive.

You’ll receive a printed map with all restaurant addresses and shuttle stops, but you can star and save this this digital version to Google My Maps on your smartphone (you must have Google Maps installed or log-in to your Google account on your browser). The map can also be found in the official EAT Detroit App.

Are your shuttles ADA-accessible? Are the restaurants?

The event requires walking from restaurant to restaurant within “clusters” or neighborhoods, with shuttles providing neighborhood-to-neighborhood transportation only. Due to a high volume of rentals for various events, we have found a limited availability of private shuttles overall.

If you or anyone in your party requires an ADA-accessible van with adjustable seating for a mobility device (wheelchair or scooter), please indicate “YES” at the time of purchase. A representative from EAT Detroit will follow up directly for details and determine accommodation options.

Currently, all but one restaurant has a  wheelchair-accessible entrance, and vary in providing seating or standing-room only for event attendees. The following locations have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms: Bar Pigalle, Cork & Gabel, Ima Izakaya, Jolly Pumpkin, La Lanterna, Leila, Lumen, Mad Nice, Mercury Burger Bar, Mootz Pizzeria + Bar, PAO Detroit, Parc, San Morello (inside Shinola Hotel Birdy Room), Second Best, SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, Slows Bar BQ, The Statler, Supergeil, Takoi, Vicente’s, and The Whitney

If you require ADA-accessible shuttle transportation and did not indicate at the time of purchase, please contact us immediately at eat@saydetroit.org with your reservation number.

What if I need help during the event?

Greeting you at each restaurant – and on the shuttles and route stops – will be our EAT Detroit volunteers, who’ll be eager to answer your questions. You’ll recognize them because they’ll all be wearing our official 2023 EAT Detroit apron. Volunteers hail from our A Time to Help group, generous fellow citizens, and our local charity partners with whom SAY Detroit works to provide services and support to Detroiters in need throughout the year. Ask them about their work. You can also stop by the Help Desk at 1001 Woodward Ave.

I need help with my Freshtix.com account and my emailed tickets.

For all ticket-related issues, please contact Freshtix:

How can I volunteer?

Sign up to volunteer here, or email susan@saydetroit.org with interest.

Is there a group sale price?

We do not have a group rate.

What’s the refund policy?

There are no refunds. This is a rain or shine event. (We’re using concert rules.)

Is my ticket tax-deductible?

SAY Detroit is a fully-formed 501(c)(3) charity (EIN 20-4786626). Your ticket purchase is tax-deductible, and your confirmation email is your donation receipt. Your federal income tax deduction for your contribution through the purchase of a ticket is the amount of your contribution minus the value of the premiums you receive. We estimate the deduction value for each General Admission ticket is $115 and for each VIP ticket it is $225. Please contact us at eat@saydetroit.org if you have any questions or concerns.

I’ve got questions, who has answers?

Please email us at eat@saydetroit.org with comments, questions, and tips.