Tag Archives: Shawn McClain

Highlands Detroit to open atop GMRENCEN

An experience. That is what awaits you at Highlands – a vibrant, multi-concept culinary destination soon to be located on the 71st and 72nd floors of the GMRENCEN. Moving into the space once home to Coach Insignia and the revolving restaurant The Summit, Highlands is redefining the top of the tower dining experience.

 

Though Highlands doesn’t open until November 2019, here is what you can expect from the latest restaurant at the GMRENCEN:

 

An Award-Winning Partnership

James Beard Award-winning Chef Shawn McClain, along with his partners Sarah and Richard Camarota, have found the ideal location for McClain’s first hometown project, at the very top of Detroit and the tallest building in Michigan, the GMRENCEN.

 

 

Long before Detroit, McClain graduated from the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College in Chicago. From there, he perfected his craft across the country, opening three award-winning and iconic restaurants in Chicago, then moving on to launch destinations in Las Vegas with partners Sarah & Richard Camarota. He won a James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest in 2006 and even appeared (and won!) on Food Network’s Iron Chef America with Richard Camarota (business partner) and Scott Garthwaite (Executive Chef at Highlands) by his side.

 

Most recently, the partners at McClain Camarota Hospitality have grown their presence in Las Vegas, parlaying one restaurant to three starting with upscale culinary gem Sage, then moving onto pizza with FIVE50 PIZZABAR, both at Aria Resort and Casino. Finally, the third restaurant is Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay, the group’s fun, eclectic gastropub. McClain, his wife Holly and partners have been looking for the right project to take on in McClain’s hometown of Detroit; after a lengthy search the group decided GMRENCEN to be the ideal fit. “There’s really nothing that can compete with this iconic space and the legacy of the building. We are honored and excited to become the social clubhouse and comfort zone for all those who work and visit GMRENCEN,” said McClain.

 

One iconic destination, three unique concepts, endless ways to experience it all

Highlands will be three unique concepts and epic private event space in one iconic destination.

 

“Our goal was to create a spot that’s not only for special occasions, Highlands is about living it up daily, for any occasion. This is what led us to develop three distinct concepts, each with their own vibe, culinary experience and style,” McClain said.

 

 

  1. Highlands Steakhouse – Creative Riff on a Classic

Highlands Steakhouse blends tradition with innovation for a bold re-imagination of the steakhouse. Come for the vibrant, urban atmosphere, stay for the quality ingredients and epic wine list curated by Master Sommelier, Nick Hetzel.

 

  1. Hearth71 – Vibrant and Fun

Hearth 71 celebrates a simpler form of dining, emphasizing open-fire cooking, craft beer and rock ‘n’ roll. At the center of it all is a roaring fire to create sensational dishes like fried walleye with cornmeal crust, bacon potato salad and brussels sprout slaw.

 

  1. High Bar – The Happiest of Hours

High Bar encourages one to indulge in the arts and the finer things. You don’t have to wait until happy hour to order a dainty dessert, a perfectly crafted cocktail or whiskey from every corner of the world. In fact, you shouldn’t.

 

Highlands Events – Events as Unique as You

Planning an event? Those seeking customizable events should look no further than Highlands Events. Guests will have direct access to event curators, chefs and the beverage team to create personalized menus for any occasion.

 

So, raise a glass, feed your soul and lift your spirit when Highlands arrives in November. In the meantime, visit highlandsdetroit.com and keep an eye on Highlands’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

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!