‘Top Chef’ Alum Rebecca LaMalfa Takes Over Mabel Gray in June

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POP-UPS — Already helmed by Top Chef alum James Rigato, Mabel Gray is quickly turning into a destination for the show’s past contestants. Now, season 12 competitor Rebecca LaMalfa is ready to take over critically acclaimed Hazel Park restaurant. Per a release, LaMalfa will host at Mabel Gray from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 4. The a la carte menu will feature dishes like green chili huevos rancheros, Michigan cherrie sour cream buttermilk doughnuts, and smoked salmon avocado toast.

LaMalfa is currently the chef de cuisine for Virgin Hotels Chicago and previously worked at Trenchermen. It should also be noted that she’s visited Detroit before and this upcoming pop-up is likely a sign of more to come as LaMalfa is married to The Foundation Hotel’s executive chef Thomas Lents. Seating is extremely limited and reservations are recommended. Call 248-398-4300. [EaterWire]

ANN ARBOR — After 40 years of business, Argiero’s Italian Restaurant closed its doors on Mother’s Day in Ann Arbor. The owners of The Lunch Room in Kerrytown plan to convert the building into a new vegan restaurant with a full bar and a seasonal menu. Meanwhile, the Kerrytown location will become a diner. [MLive/Metro Times]

FOOD MEDIA — Chef James Rigato and Roast founder Michael Symon offer their perspective on the burgeoning Rust Belt restaurant industry in a recent report by Thrillist. The article posits that “food is bringing the Rust Belt out of its decades-long recession,” and while that may be going too far the story does shed light on a common trend across the Midwest. [Thrillist]

FOOD TV — Looking to throw the ultimate Twin Peaks watch party? Here’s how. [Eater]