Category Archives: Dine

Celebrity Chef Shawn McClain to Reinvent Iconic GMRENCEN Dining Space

Welcome to Detroit

 

Detroit-based James Beard Award-winning Chef, Shawn McClain will soon occupy the top of the GMRENCEN as the location for his first Detroit restaurant.

 

Shawn is a celebrity chef with three operations in MGM-owned Las Vegas casinos. As an Iron Chef victor, Shawn has attracted his own cult following, but more importantly, he is based out of Metro Detroit. As Detroit builds its reputation as an exciting tourist and culinary destination, Shawn decided to join the cultural renaissance with the addition his 20,000 square-foot GMRENCEN restaurant.

 

Shawn’s dynamic vision that features multiple concepts is in line with the GMRENCEN’s goal of establishing the space as Detroit’s culinary crown jewel. His acumen for redefining established genres to win both critical acclaim and establish, smart, sustainable businesses is the hallmark of his career.

 

Holly McClain, Shawn’s wife and a native Michigander, brings extensive front-of-house service and training experience that will be instrumental in developing the hospitality DNA of the space. When the incredible opportunity to take over the 71st and 72nd floors of the landmark GMRENCEN presented itself, the McClains felt this was the right entry into the city’s dynamic culinary scene.

 

The McClains are also drawing on the experience of culinary and operations lead Richard Camarota, and brand experience lead Sarah Camarota, to headline this project.

 

 

 

Q & A with Shawn

We recently sat down with Shawn to discuss his career and soon-to-be restaurant.

 

Q: What’s the most exciting part of opening a new restaurant in Detroit?

 

A: The most exciting part of opening a new restaurant in Detroit is really twofold. First, Detroit is home for my family so I have been looking for the right opportunity and something special to call home. Secondly, I am finally able to be a part of the incredible culinary scene that is unfolding before my eyes!

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to in the new restaurant?

 

A: My vision is to create a paradigm shift in the traditional top of the tower experience. We are basically turning the whole idea of “it’s all about the view” inside out. Our goal is to create a multi-faceted experience that is about ALL occasions and not just special occasions.

 

Q: What are you most proud of in your career, before deciding to open a restaurant at the top of the GMRENCEN?

 

A: There are so many proud moments that my career has brought to me, but if I had to pick just one, I would say it was when I was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as Best Chef Midwest for my work in Chicago-it was the equivalent to winning an Oscar in our profession.

 

Q: Where does your passion for cooking and creating dynamic meals come from?

 

A: I love the creative process.  Not only in creating food and menus, but also how that experience is shaped from start to finish.  From the overall design of the space to the programming of menus and uniforms all the way to plateware and finally how the food comes to life.

 

Tell us what you’re most looking forward to with this new restaurant experience in the comments below!

Happy Treat Yo’ Self Day!

The NBC show Parks & Recreation invented a holiday that’s all about giving in to your inner luxurious self. Want a new sweater from the mall that you’ve been eyeing for a month? Treat Yo’ Self. Have you been looking at a GoPro camera for that vacation around the corner? Treat Yo’ Self.

 

 

Oct. 13 is all about going out of the way to make yourself feel better and the GMRENCEN is in the holiday spirit. Here are several ways to Treat Yo’ Self around the building.

 

Enjoy dinner and cocktails at Andiamo Detroit Riverfront

 

 

A beautiful setting overlooking the Detroit River, you’ll love anything from this award-winning restaurant. Enjoy a variety of dishes featuring veal, steak, chicken, fish and pasta with a glass of wine or seasonal cocktail at Andiamo Detroit Riverfront.

 

Buy a bouquet of flowers from Ashley’s Flowers

 

 

If you’re a fresh flower lover, Treat Yo’ Self to Ashley’s Flowers on Level 2 in the Millender Center. Their fall bouquets and excellent customer service are sure to brighten your day!

 

Treat Yo’ Self to jewelry from Costa D’Oro Jewelers

 

The holidays are coming up soon and there’s no better way to step up your look than with a new piece of jewelry. Treat Yo’ Self to perfectly cut diamonds, or wonderfully crafted gem stones for an extra-luxurious day from Costa D’Oro Jewelers.

 

Splurge on teeth whitening services at Great Expressions Dental Centers

 

Have you always wanted to brighten up your smile? Now’s the time! Dr. Joe Abbate of Great Expressions Dental Centers has been servicing the GMRENCEN for more than 30 years and he knows how to make your smile glow. Call his office today to Treat Yo’ Self this this life-changing procedure.

 

Indulge in a coffee treat

 

 

The GMRENCEN has several restaurants that either specialize in coffee or serve coffee within their businesses. Skip the office coffee today and head down to one of our two Starbucks’, Coffee Beanery, Gourmet Deli,  Panera Bread or to Joe Muer, Volt or Andiamo to sit down and drink some.

 

Snack on a Potbelly Sandwich Works chocolate chip cookie

 

If you’re in the mood for something tasty and sweet, look no further than Potbelly Sandwich Works. Treat Yo’ Self to a fresh, perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie that is just waiting for you to scoop up and enjoy.

 

So go on, find that special item or service inside the GMRENCEN and Treat Yo’ Self!

 

What is your favorite way to Treat Yo’ Self? Let us know in the comments.

100 Reasons to Love the GMRENCEN

We’ve reached 100 posts on the GMRENCEN blog and to celebrate we’re sharing 100 different reasons why we love the GMRENCEN.

 

We love…

 

  1. Guests who visit the GMRENCEN.
  2. All of the food choices inside the GMRENCEN.
  3. When Holiday Headquarters takes over in December.
  4. The wide variety of Michigan-made products inside the GMRENCEN.
  5. Working out with RenCen fitness.
  6. Entertaining performances that grace our On the Plaza stage.
  7. All of the eco-friendly practices that help reduce our environmental impact.
  8. Detroit’s unofficial start to summer, GM River Days.
  9. The GMRENCEN security dogs who work to keep us safe.
  10. That the Detroit Riverfront is only a few steps away.
  11. How much the building has changed since construction began in 1971.
  12. Our close proximity to the North American International Auto Show (and obvious connection).
  13. The GMRENCEN because Detroiters are continuously creating change and #ReflectingDetroit.
  14. When our restaurants change-up their seasonal menus.
  15. Celebrating New Year’s Day in downtown Detroit.
  16. That the GMRENCEN keeps us warm from a renewable source: an underground pipe that delivers process steam in the winter.
  17. Finding seafood options in every corner of the building.
  18. The GMRENCEN’s hotel, the Detroit Marriott.
  19. Spoiling loved ones with romantic gift ideas found in the building.
  20. The seemingly unlimited coffee options the GMRENCEN offers.
  21. All of the fresh and healthy food options from Panera.

 

 

  1. Rockin’ on the Riverfront!
  2. Our exceptional tour guides.
  3. The GMRENCEN’s very own Detroit People Mover
  4. The Wintergarden and its fresh and innovative updates.
  5. Scheduling eye appointments with Henry Ford OptimEyes.
  6. All of the different opportunities to take selfies with the GMRENCEN.
  7. How close the GMRENCEN is to other Detroit holiday festivities.
  8. That the GMRENCEN is an integral part of Detroit’s skyline.
  9. The 14 acres and 5.5 million square feet of office, retail, dining and lodging space that make up the GMRENCEN.
  10. This custom crossword puzzle the GMRENCEN challenges everyone to do.
  11. The wonderful Thanksgiving activities to participate in during November.
  12. Meaningful landmarks that make up the Riverfront and GM Plaza.
  13. Finding the GMRENCEN in other Detroit brands. Here’s proof!
  14. The recent renovations to the GM Plaza; right on the Detroit River.
  15. That the GMRENCEN has been a landfill free facility since 2003.
  16. All of the conventions, and visitors, that call the GMRENCEN home for a few days.
  17. The three miles of spectacular walkways and bikeways along the Riverwalk, right next to the GMRENCEN.
  18. The new Wayfinder app that helps tenants and visitors navigate the building with ease.
  19. All of the beautiful artwork around the GMRENCEN.
  20. When LEGOLAND Discovery Center featured the GMRENCEN in a model as part of Detroit MINI LEGOLAND.

 

 

  1. Our bees that pollinate our rooftop garden, as well as other Detroit gardens!
  2. Exciting building upgrades that will create more open and inviting gathering spaces for people to work and socialize.
  3. The various activities to do after 5 p.m. in the GMRENCEN.
  4. How and why the GMRENCEN participates in Earth Day all year long.
  5. That breakfast-lovers have several options if they want to eat inside the GMRENCEN.
  6. That the name “Renaissance Center” was chosen in a contest to name the building where 141,537 names were submitted.
  7. The 73 stories that make the GMRENCEN the tallest building in Michigan.
  8. RenCen Fitness because they are always offering new and exciting ways to stay fit and healthy.
  9. The complimentary gift-wrapping provided by Holiday Headquarters in December.
  10. When fall arrives, and so does everything pumpkin-spice flavored in the building.
  11. That the building can sway up to 30 inches in strong winds!
  12. That we can look back and see what the Detroit skyline looked like before the GMRENCEN was built.
  13. Celebrating our mothers in the GMRENCEN on Mother’s Day.
  14. That there are several ways to stay safe and healthy inside the GMRENCEN.
  15. The GMRENCEN’s Wildlife Conservation
  16. When Towers 500 and 600 opened in 1981.

 

 

  1. That we can eat at Granite City Food and Brewery any time.
  2. When we schedule dentist appointments at Great Expressions and don’t have to leave the building.
  3. Rooftop Yoga on top of the Beaubien Place Garage.
  4. That we’re constantly welcoming new employees to work in the building.
  5. Our short walk to the CoboCenter, and all they do as an integral part of Detroit.
  6. All of the dessert choices that satisfy the sweet tooth of our tenants and visitors.
  7. The Washingtonian palm trees that highlight the Wintergarden space.
  8. Doing all of our shopping at one stop: Calumet Market and Spirits.
  9. That you never have to eat at the same restaurant twice in the same month at the GMRENCEN.
  10. The newly-opened GM Company Store.

 

 

  1. The water fountain that was incorporated into the GM Plaza in 2005.
  2. AT&T, for all of our emergency and non-emergency technology needs.
  3. The two new restaurants that are coming to the building soon, Applebee’s and IHOP.
  4. All the family friendly holiday events to enjoy in the winter.
  5. That the GMRENCEN is so large it has its own zip code!
  6. That you can find several salad varieties and choices in the GMRENCEN.
  7. The delicious Mexican cuisine from Salsarita’s.
  8. When we can satisfy our cheese cravings at one of the several restaurants in the building.
  9. That the GMRENCEN provides ways to incorporate health and wellness into your daily life.
  10. John Portman, the architect of the original five towers.
  11. Our close proximity to all of our favorite winter activities.
  12. That you can find Maven vehicles, GM’s ride-sharing program, at the GMRENCEN.
  13. All the love that happens inside, and on the property of, the GMRENCEN.
  14. All the catering options the GMRENCEN restaurants offer.
  15. That the GMRENCEN and its partners have several helpful apps to use inside the building.
  16. When the GMRENCEN celebrates our beautiful city as part of 313 Day.
  17. That the GMRENCEN recognizes everyone’s love of potato chips.
  18. The workplace wellness tips that the GMRENCEN provides.
  19. The Glass Circulation Ring that was created in 1999 and is a 1/8 mile long.
  20. That the GMRENCEN participates in Earth Hour and works to reduce our carbon footprint.
  21. That the building recently turned 40 years old, and age is just a number.
  22. How close the GMRENCEN is to other cool businesses in Detroit.
  23. That you can find a Pure Detroit store inside the building.
  24. That the GMRENCEN supports other Detroit businesses, like Detroit Experience Factory.

 

 

  1. Our short commute to the new QLine.
  2. The Borealis glass sculpture in the Jefferson lobby that contains 1,250 pieces of glass.
  3. How the GMRENCEN plays a role in Detroit’s spring activities.
  4. That we can consult licensed real estate agents at RE/MAX Reserve, right inside the GMRENCEN.
  5. Rockin’ Wars and the opportunity the GMRENCEN and Chevrolet gives to local bands.
  6. The GMRENCEN’s tenant Joe Muer Seafood!
  7. The 14,000 tenants and visitors who come through our doors, daily.
  8. That you can order custom promotional products from the GM Company Store.
  9. When Eastern Market visits the GM Plaza!

 

What do you love about the GMRENCEN? Let us know if the comments!

Tenant Profile: Joe Muer Seafood

Joe Muer Seafood is a paradise for the true seafood lover and if you haven’t been, you have to experience their delectable food for yourself. Voted Hour Detroit’s Best Seafood Restaurant of 2016 and 2015, we’re proud to have this Detroit-based restaurant right here in the GMRENCEN.

 

Joe Muer has a Bloomfield Hills location but nothing beats the Detroit River view the GMRENCEN location offers. The restaurant is located on Level 1 in Tower 400 and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 4 p.m. to midnight and Sunday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. To find out more about this Detroit gem, we spoke to Lee Wasik, manager of Joe Muer.

 

What products and services do you offer?

 

Lee explained that, since 1929, Joe Muer consistently provides classic and gourmet seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy fresh shucked oysters at the Raw Bar, hand rolled sushi at the Sushi Bar or socialize at their one-of-a-kind Piano Bar. For a more private dining experience, Joe Muer offers three exclusive dining spaces perfect for parties or business meetings.

 

 

What is your favorite dish?

 

Joe Muer has an expansive menu, including lunch, dinner and Happy Hour specials Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For a posh dinner affair, Lee suggests trying the Dover Sole a la Meuniere – a classic French fish pan fried in butter and served in a brown butter sauce with parsley and lemon.

 

Seating at Joe Muer Seafood.

 

What is your favorite part about being in the GMRENCEN?

 

Lee loves how close the restaurant is to the Detroit River. She encourages everyone to enjoy at least one meal on their patio to soak in the beautiful view with a tasty cocktail and homemade dish.

 

 

How are you reflecting a new Detroit?

 

Lee says Joe Muer reflects a new Detroit everyday by offering modern and classic dishes to everyone who walks through the door. Joe Muer has provided gourmet meals to Detroiters for more than 80 years and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

Visit Joe Muer for happy hour, dinner or try their new weekly Sunday brunch. What is your favorite dish at Joe Muer? Tell us in the comments below!