A red carpet premiere for the Detroit PBS documentary, “Detroit: The City of Chefs,” will take place on Monday, Dec. 9, at the Emagine Theatre in Novi (44425 W. 12 Mile Road).
Produced and directed by Keith Famie and his team at Visionalist Entertainment Productions in Wixom, the film explores Detroit’s culinary heritage dating back to the early 1900s, the European culinary traditions that shaped it, and how restaurants in the region became a mecca of diverse dining destinations.
In addition, the film will explore how area restaurants were early on known for impeccable service, classic menu offerings, and iconic owners, chefs, maître d’s, and bartenders — all of whom became local celebrities in their own right.
The documentary also features stop-motion animation through a unique collaboration with Detroit’s College for Creative Studies and an original theme song, “The Legends of the Stove,” by local award-winning singer/songwriter, Jill Jack.
A limited number of VIP tickets are being sold for $200 each for the event’s “Chef Extravaganza Celebration” which include preferred seating for the film at 7 p.m., a collector’s program book, and admission to a pre-reception from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. to meet, mix, and mingle with chefs, restauranteurs, and hospitality industry personalities.
At the same time, VIP guests can enjoy a buffet created by the chefs and students at Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts Program and Oakland Community College’s Culinary Studies Institute.
Small plates will feature tuna tartare, smoked whitefish cannoli, veal and oxtail ragout, wild mushroom and roasted autumn squash soups, beef tenderloin sliders, and more.
Desserts will include hazelnut praline tarts, chocolate Chambord cream gateau, salted caramel chouquettes, and assorted tarts, cheesecakes, and chocolates.
General admission tickets for the film premiere are $20 each. Attendees can stroll through “Chef Alley” featuring local culinary companies such as BLiS (sauces, vinegars and maple syrups), Hope’s Cookies, Natural Northern Foods (salsas and spreads), Old World Olive Co. (oils and vinegars), Stoney Creek Mushrooms, Paris Gourmet (specialty foods), Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, Dobla (confections), Big George’s Home Appliance Mart, Chef Source (specialty foods), Michigan Chefs de Cuisine, and Shifty Inc.
Chefs and local authors, including Brian Polcyn, Jimmy Schmidt, Kelli Lewton and Mary Brady, will be signing copies of their books during the premiere.
The “Detroit: The City of Chefs” event also will host five Michigan charities, including The Rainbow Connection, Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit, Rising Stars Academy, New Day Foundation for Families, and Community Living Centers.
The documentary will debut on Detroit PBS on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 9 p.m.
Visionalist Entertainment Productions, under the direction of Producer/Director Keith Famie, has produced Emmy award-winning documentary films, as well as emotionally engaging stories for corporate clients and 501(c)3 organizations.
The entertainment company, founded in 2006, tells America’s stories, and actively supports local charities by bringing their stories to life on film.
To watch the trailer, go to detroitcityofchefs.com/#trailer and click on the titles below the video frame.
VIP tickets must be reserved and paid for by Friday, Nov. 22. To purchase VIP tickets, go to detroitcityofchefs.com/.
To purchase general admission tickets, visit here.
For more information, visit v-prod.com/.
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