The Renaissance Center in Detroit is welcoming a 20,000-square-foot top-of-tower dining location that will offer three separate dining experiences. Highlands Steakhouse, Hearth 71, and High Bar, along with event space, are expected to open in November.
The Highlands, as the whole space is called, is being created by James Beard Foundation Award Winning Chef Shawn McClain, a metro Detroit resident, along with Sarah Camarota, and Richard Camarota of McClain Camarota Hospitality.
“Our goal was to create a spot that’s not only for special occasions,” says McClain. “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.”
Highlands Steakhouse will offer meat and a large selection of wines. Hearth 71 will offer open-fire cooking and craft beer. Dishes include charcuterie boards; seasonal salads; Amish chicken with honey butter biscuits, pickles, and braised greens; and fried walleye with cornmeal crust, bacon potato salad, and brussels sprout slaw.
High Bar will offer a collection of whiskey and scotch as well as cocktails, bites, and appetizers. The bar also offers a selection of desserts created to complement the cocktails. An exclusive locker program will also be available and curated to match locker owners’ tastes and preferences. Whiskey and scotch from around the world will be stored in ideal conditions.
Scott Garthwaite will be the executive chef, Nick Hetzel will be master sommelier, and Tony Abou-Ganim will be master mixologist.
The location will also offer an event space. Guests can create personalized menus.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Highlands to our home at the GM REN CEN. As an exceptional representation of downtown Detroit’s creativity, vitality, and prosperity, we’re ecstatic that the team chose to join us here on Detroit’s riverfront,” says Raeven Henry, spokeswoman for GM.
The space was designed by New York’s Rockwell Group. It replaces the Coach Insignia restaurant that closed two years ago. Prior to that, the Summit restaurant operated in the space.
