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Next Monday, Eater will present the 2013 Eater Awards, our fourth annual celebration of all that's made America's restaurant world run—and run wild—in the past twelve months. Winners will be selected on both the local and national levels in five major categories, the voting for which begins right now.
Here's how the voting works across the board: Eater editors have named nominees for each of five major categories. Eater readers will vote, narrowing the nominees to three finalists. From those three finalists, the Eater editorial team will select a winner. Ready to play your part? This poll will be open for 24 hours; voting irregularities will be strictly policed. The awards include Restaurant Of The Year, Chef Of The Year, So Hot Right Now, Bartender Of The Year, and Stone Cold Stunner (the design award).
First up is the award for the Detroit/Metro Detroit Restaurant Of The Year.
The Restaurant Of The Year nominees are:
The Stand Gastro Bistro, Birmingham: Chef Paul Grosz is known for his Detroit restaurant Cuisine, but he has made an impact on the suburbs as head chef at The Stand. From the decor to the menu, critics have welcomed the restaurant with open arms. Sylvia Rector wrote in her review "From its warmly sophisticated dining room and stylish bar to its French-influenced modern American dishes, this place deserves a spot on your must-go list for fall." And Molly Abraham is also a supporter, "the Stand Gastro Bistro is a major production, from its stunning Victor Saroki-designed setting to the talent in the gleaming open kitchen" giving the restaurant four stars out of four.
Ottava Via, Corktown: might not have a big name chef in the kitchen, but the Corktown restaurant has gained a loyal following in just a few short months. The moderately priced Italian fare received good reviews from early diners, and Molly Abraham named it one of "Molly's Picks", singling it out as a great place to enjoy a meal; "Ottava Via combines the culinary talents of young chef Ariel Millan with the experience of co-proprietors Dave Steinke (Mercury Burger & Bar) and Tim Springstead (Nemo's)." The Free Press also listed them on a recent Freep 5 as one of the "great" restaurants in Corktown.
Torino, Ferndale: With their tiny kitchen, elaborate plating, and dreadlocked chef Garrett Lipar, Torino has somehow managed to go from struggling espresso bar to culinary cutting edge. The tasting menu only restaurant has sparked some of the most inappropriate local food writing in recent history, as "culinary sex" is used as a descriptor time and time again. Sylvia Rector gushed about it, Chris Cook from Hour wrote words that would make one blush, and Molly Abraham easily gave it four out of four stars.
The Jefferson House, Downtown: Young and talented chef Justin Vaiciunas has been quietly earning a reputation as a culinary force to be reckoned with, and The Jefferson House is definitely his baby. Thrillist says "The Jefferson House is the latest addition to the newly renovated Crowne Plaza downtown, and home to one of the most forward-thinking menus in Detroit ", while the support staff get credit too. According to Jane Slaughter of Metro Times, "Pastry chef Lindsey Barterian produced by far the most intriguing dessert we've had all year."
Marais, Grosse Pointe: It's still very new, but Chef/Owner David Gilbert is widely known as a chef to watch, and his concept of an upscale French-style restaurant is receiving praise, despite being open for not even two full months. Sylvia Rector stopped by and had good things to say, telling diners at the end of her review "Open just over a month, Marais is still developing. But diners who appreciate fine French-inspired cuisine and exemplary service shouldn't wait to try it." and Yelp and Trip Advisor reviews show that Gilbert and his Sommelier wife Monica are doing something right, and reviews average 4.5/5 and 5/5 stars respectively.
PLEASE NOTE THAT VOTING IS NOW CLOSED.
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