MI Great Plates

June 25, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with internationally renowned chef, entrepreneur and author Matthew Kenney to discuss his journey from New York's restaurant scene to becoming one of the world's leading voices in plant-based cuisine. Matthew shares the story behind his latest venture, BESOS in downtown Birmingham, reflects on the evolution of consumer...

May 28, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Tasso and George Teftsis of Astoria Pastry Shop and Blue Goat to discuss building a multi-generational family business, preserving tradition and growing brands that continue to resonate with customers across decades. Then, Justin welcomes Ivana Kalafatic, founder of DetroitIsIt and organizer of The Business of Food...

April 23, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Jeremy Sasson, founder of Heirloom Hospitality, to discuss the strategy and vision behind a growing collection of restaurant concepts, including Townhouse, Prime & Proper, Mad Nice and Mad Nice Coffee. Sasson shares insight into building scalable brands, maintaining consistency across locations and the operational...

March 24, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Adriana Jimenez, owner of the awarding-winning Vecino, to discuss her journey into Detroit’s restaurant scene and the inspiration behind her Mexico City-inspired concept. Jimenez shares how her transition from the automotive industry to hospitality has shaped her approach to creating an elevated dining experience...

Feb. 23, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Lyndsay Green, restaurant critic for the Detroit Free Press, for an inside look at the restaurants defining the year in Metro Detroit. Green breaks down her Top 10 New Restaurants, along with her selections for Restaurant of the Year Classic and Restaurant of the Year, sharing insight into the trends, talent and di...

Jan. 28, 2026 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with restaurateur Sandy Levine to explore the vision behind some of Metro Detroit’s most acclaimed dining and cocktail destinations, including Freya, Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, The Oakland, Dragonfly, and Dirty Shake. Levine shares how his team balances fine dining and innovative bar concepts, discusses the evoluti...

Dec. 23, 2025 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, we’re spotlighting two culinary innovators redefining Detroit’s food scene. Nick Arone, founder of Bar Chenin inside The Siren Hotel, shares the story behind his intimate 10-seat wine bar, inspired by travels through Paris and Japan. From natural wines and house-made sourdough to the cult-favorite Mortadella sandwich and late-night service until...

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, we’re serving up conversations with two leaders helping to shape Michigan’s dining and hospitality scene. Owen Chestnut of Hotel Walloon shares what makes the resort magical during the holidays - including their signature seasonal cocktails - and we chat with Nico Gatzaros, co-owner of London Chop House, Ostrea and Fishbones, giving listeners a b...

Oct. 31, 2025 ~ Host Justin Near sits down with Executive Chef Anthony Lombardo of SheWolf to explore how one of Detroit’s most celebrated kitchens bridges the gap between ancient Roman tradition and modern innovation. From hand-milled grains to the precision behind SheWolf’s acclaimed pasta program, Lombardo reveals the philosophy and process that transform every dish into a story of craft, cultu...

Sept. 23, 2025 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near is joined by James Rigato, chef and owner of Mabel Gray. They discuss his culinary journey, the evolving Detroit food scene and the inspiration behind his nationally acclaimed restaurant. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advert...

Aug. 26, 2025 ~ On this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near welcomes two culinary powerhouses: Josh Beckett of Anna’s House and JB Caillet of Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse. From breakfast innovation to steakhouse sophistication, hear how these leaders are shaping Michigan’s dining scene with passion, purpose and unforgettable flavors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.ad...

August 26, 2025 ~ Near Perfect Media founder Justin Near visits “JR Afternoon with Ryan Ermanni” to preview the August edition of his program, "MI Great Plates.” It’s the show that shares the stories behind the state’s most innovative restaurants, with a look this month at the allergy-friendly brilliance of Anna’s House and the globe-trotting life of JB Caillet, general manager of Rudy’s Prime Ste...

July 25, 2025 ~ Detroit Wing Company’s Gus Malliaras dishes on his saucy empire, from garlic parm classics to a margarita BBQ masterpiece, and then teases his crave-worthy new burger joint, Chaos Burger. After, The Detroit News Restaurant C ritic, Melody Baetens, joins to spotlight the city’s hottest new eats — from tacos with a twist to James Beard Award–winning pastries. Come hungry, leave inspi...

June 26, 2025 ~ Host Justin Near welcomes two culinary powerhouses: Yumna Jawad of Feel Good Foodie, whose viral recipes (hello, TikTok pasta!) have married the Middle East to the Midwest, and Lyndsay Green, the Detroit Free Press dining and restaurant critic and a two-time James Beard Award winner. From crispy feta croutons to the politics of poultry in Detroit, this episode is a flavorful journe...

May 22, 2025 ~ With it’s nationally-recognized Phoenicia, Chickpea Hospitality has been serving up exceptional and unforgettable experiences since 1971. In this episode of MI Great Plates, host Justin Near sits down with Sameer and Samy Eid, the father/son duo behind Michigan’s beloved Phoenicia, Forest, Leila and Wilder’s. Take a delicious dive into the ribs, rituals and legacy that will leave yo...

April 24, 2025 ~ In the debut episode of "MI Great Plates," host Justin Near chats with Scott Sadoff and Patrick Jobst from Method Co., revealing the secrets behind their six sensational restaurants in Detroit's Book Tower. Also on the episode, food writer and comedian Danny Palumbo shares his unique take on Detroit's hidden Lebanese treasures, while also offering some insight on the pitfalls of p...

MI Great Plates is your passport to Michigan's vibrant culinary landscape, showcasing the hottest restaurants, food and beverage-focused brands, and the passionate people behind them. Hosted by Justin Near, the region's top food and beverage publicist, this monthly show explores the state’s booming food scene, where new delights pop up weekly and reservations are a coveted prize. With exclusive in...