When the Detroit Three Next Offer Up Food, Accept

The low-key but high-energy kickoff for The Detroit Three — a group of local chefs looking to connect creative popup cuisine with a couple of kids-focused food charities — took over St. CeCe's Pub in Corktown last night, and the results were something stellar.

An epic six (or seven, if you include the surprise palate cleansing sorbet that divided the fourth and fifth courses in celebration of the two sell-out seatings) course umami dinner rang in Chef Joe Nader's ambitious program of chefs-helping-chefs-helping-kids.

Crispy chicken skins, a tangy and pleasing green mango and cabbage slaw, mouthwatering pork buns, spicy adobo wings, a pile of sweet breads and a green tea roulade bursting with mouse made up the ambitious and deeply filling menu.

The anxious Tuesday night crowd included Dave Mancini of Supino's Pizzeria, Brian Perrone of Slow's BBQ, Grindhouse / Corridor Sausage's Will Branch and former Roast executive chef Andy Hollyday.

In an earlier interview with Eater Detroit, Nader — executive chef at Ford Field and Levy Restaurants — joked that onetime popup meals like this can be compared to the local music scene. "You get a local band performing locally, other local bands come out to support them," Nader said. "Local chefs are the same way."

Beyond having the chance to hobnob with big local chefs — which is a fun time, of course — future Detroit Three events offer a great opportunity to try out an incredible collection of food while supporting a fantastic and worthy cause.

At the end of the night, Nader seemed pleased. While the amount of the total funds raised is still being tallied, the chef seemed deeply grateful to have pulled off two back-to-back full seatings so smoothly. He predicts the Detroit Three will try and sponsor a series of regular meals, likely continuing in a month and a half. Whenever that happens, you should do your best to go. We'll meet you there.
· All Detroit Three Coverage on Eater Detroit [-ED-]
· The Detroit Three [Official]