If you’re a fan of locally sourced dishes and a proponent of Metro Detroit’s many sophisticated and sensational restaurants, there’s a good chance you’ve dined at The Root Restaurant & Bar, 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake. And if you have, that means you’ve had the pleasure of sampling one of executive chef James Rigato’s many creations.
Rigato, who has been working in the food industry since the age of 14, is a contestant on the 12th season of Bravo’s renowned cooking show, “Top Chef,” which premieres tonight, Oct. 15, at 10 p.m. One of 16 cheftestants competing on “Top Chef: Boston,” Rigato was selected by a casting coordinator after a series of Skype chats, interviews and tastings.
“’Top Chef’ is probably the most legitimate cooking show, at least competition wise, out there… It’s been around almost as long as my entire cooking career has,” Rigato said, noting that the show did a great job of recruiting talent for this season.
When he was first approached, Rigato said he felt excited, but at the same time was instantly humbled and grounded. Although he calls it both a crazy and surreal experience, Rigato said he tried to be professional throughout the entire process.
While auditioning, he was of course not permitted to discuss the show, but vowed to be a team player, a good chef and to not forget about the industry. And most importantly, stay true to his noble profession.
“Keep it real for Michigan and keep a level head. When you watch the past (seasons), there’s a lot of circumstance. Every chef competing has a great resume… At the end of the day, we’re still professionals in this industry,” Rigato said.
Always a step ahead of himself, executive chef Rigato dreams of having multiple restaurants going at once since reaching his current position. He said he’s always expanding his mental capacity to the next level.
“I love to dine, and I love the culture of food. For me, it’s the pursuit of perfecting the craft that generates excellence. Perfection doesn’t exist, and I certainly will never achieve it, but… you have to think outside of your means to excel. I think I’ve always done that,” Rigato said.
Circumstance has been the biggest difference between being executive chef at The Root and competing on “Top Chef: Boston,” because Rigato is free to make whatever food he wants at his restaurant, while the show is a competition with judges and time limits.
“It’s like ‘American Gladiators’ for cooking,” Rigato said.
In real life, Rigato is much more collaborative than competitive, which is evident through his Young Guns dinner series, in which he and five other chefs collaborate to each prepare one course for a six course meal.
“I try to be a leader in Michigan food and bring people together,” Rigato said. The next Young Guns dinner is hitting the road and will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Traverse City’s Trattoria Stella.
Rigato did not train for “Top Chef: Boston,” he simply did what he’s been doing his whole life—cooking like the professional he is. We can only hope that he will bring his Michigan ingredient-focused dishes to the show!
“We all have our comfort zones, the areas that we’re experts in, and sometimes it flies (on the show), sometimes it doesn’t,” Rigato said. “When any of us are comfortable, we’re in our element. There’s a lot of give and take.”
It’s a good thing Rigato’s biggest fear in life is boredom, because having just turned 30, the self-proclaimed workaholic believes that this is going to be a great decade in his career. Not to mention, it’s a great time for the food industry in the mitten.
“There’s momentum in Michigan food and what’s going on in Detroit, what’s going on in Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and now is the time to work,” Rigato said.
These days, the right kinds of restaurants are opening up, farmers and butchers are connecting, and the food industry in Michigan is progressing as a whole. Rigato is happy to see that growth and knows things are going in the right direction, but believes there is always room for further success. This progression just shows how far the food industry has to go still in order for Michigan to become a culinary destination.
If you like seafood and want to learn how to prepare it courtesy of a “Top Chef” contestant (c’mon, of course you do!), you’ll want to mark your calendar for Wednesday, Oct. 29, when chef Rigato will hold a seafood/shellfish cooking class at The Root. Those who attend will learn the basics of seafood as well as how to clean and prepare items like mussels, clams and Michigan farm raised shrimp and scallops.
The class begins at 10 a.m. and will include coffee, a lecture from chef Rigato, a hands-on demo and lunch. Tickets cost $125/person and can be purchased by calling The Root at 248-698-2400. As of press time, there are only five spots still open, so get on it!
After being gone for eight weeks filming “Top Chef: Boston,” Rigato is eager and ready to go when it comes to getting back into the swing of things in Michigan. Keep your eyes peeled, because over the next four months, he promises collaboration dinners with fellow contestants from the show and more.
Chef James Rigato is one of southeast Michigan’s most beloved executive chefs, having been nominated for “The People’s Best New Chef: Great Lakes” by Food & Wine magazine in 2013, earning the title of “Best Chef by Hour Detroit in 2013 and 2014, as well as “Best Restaurant For General Excellence” in 2014 for The Root. The Root Restaurant & Bar was also named “Restaurant of the Year 2012” by the Detroit Free Press shortly after it opened in 2011. When Rigato isn’t in the kitchen, he’s indulging in his other passions, including music (do yourself a favor and bring up “Purple Rain”), his dog and poetry.
Tune in to Bravo tonight at 10 p.m. to watch chef Rigato compete on the premiere episode of “Top Chef: Boston”!
The system wirelessly charges one mobile device. Some devices require an adaptor or back cover. To check for phone or other device compatibility, visit my.chevrolet.com/learn for details.
Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. / Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
Standard on all trims: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Intellibeam Headlamps. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Available on all trims and standard on RS and Premier including 3.6L V6 engine.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
Not compatible with all devices.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
2. Whichever comes first, in addition to any remaining original factory Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
3. Whichever comes first, from original in-service date. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
4. During your powertrain limited warranty period, 6 years or 100,000 miles from new vehicle delivery, whichever comes first. Roadside assistance provided by Allstate. See dealer for details.
Available on LS, LT, ACTIV and RS trims.
OnStar plan, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal required. OnStar links to emergency services. Stolen Vehicle Assistance requires armed GM factory-installed theft-deterrent system, contact method on file and enrollment to receive alerts. Additional messaging and data rates may apply. Services are intended to assist with vehicle recovery and do not prevent theft or protect against damage or loss. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified lessees with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,779 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
Lease is for 2021 Silverado Custom Crew Cab with 2.7L Turbo engine and 20” wheels. 24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $3,109 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,799 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 1/4/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,079 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
36 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,679 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $4,719 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,159 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $939 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, Uniroyal
Ad, written estimate, or internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the dealer required during 30 day guarantee period for price match. At participating dealers only. Offer ends 12/31/21.
Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
(At participating dealers only. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 5/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 4/30/20.)
Retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. Must purchase and install at a participating Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac dealer located in the United States or U.S. territories during the offer period. Transmissions exclude Saab, Chevrolet Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks, and GMC Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks. Rebate offer not valid with other offers. Limit one rebate per service performed per date and vehicle. Allow 6 to 8 weeks from promotion end date for delivery of debit card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for complete details, eligible parts and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Offer ends 8/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit three $5 wiper rebates per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Limit one $10 ACDelco Cabin Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Limit one $10 ACDelco Engine Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Limit one $10 ACDelco Cabin Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Limit one $10 ACDelco Engine Air Filter Rebate per VIN. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit two brake pad rebates per VIN (one per axle). Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
Must purchase at a participating U.S. GM dealership. Retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. See participating U.S. dealer or mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 2/29/20. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 1/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 3/31/21. Limit four $10 GM Genuine Parts or ACDelco Brake Rotor rebates per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 2/28/21.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a current Chevy lease through GM Financial. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $939 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 3/1/21.
OR $100 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$200 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
OR $70 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$140 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
OR $50 Mail-in Rebate with any other form of payment.
Purchase must be made at participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 12/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 11/30/2020.
$100 Rebate: Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
1 Based on retail registrations in the Detroit designated market area, through June 2019.
2 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway with 1.5L engine (FWD).
1 With second-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3 Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
1 Excludes GM vehicles.
2 Class is Half-Ton Full-Size Pickup segment.
1 Premier model shown seats up to eight. Nine-passenger seating available on LS models only, with available front-row split-bench seat.
2 With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
3 With 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. Requires 2WD and available Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone, and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3 Based on GM Large SUV segment. With 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: Tahoe 2WD 15/22, 4WD 15/21.
1 98.2 cu. ft. with second- and third- row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 With rear seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
2 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway (FWD models).
3 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android(TM) 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
1 EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 26/34.
2 The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic received the fewest reported problems in its segment in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study following three years of ownership. See jdpower.com/awards for more details.
3 EPA estimate for Sonic Sedan with available 6-speed manual transmission.
1 Always use seat belts and child restraints. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate child restraint. See the Owner’s Manual for more information.
1 EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 26/34.
2 The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic received the fewest reported problems in its segment in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study following three years of ownership. See jdpower.com/awards for more details.
3 EPA estimate for Sonic Sedan with available 6-speed manual transmission.
1 Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
2 Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
1 EPA-estimated 259-mile EV range. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
2 Charging rate varies based on output of the charge unit, vehicle settings and outside temperature.
1Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
1 Based on initial vehicle movement. Coupe models with available 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.
please update disclaimer
1Standard on all trims: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
1. App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. User terms and limitations apply.
1 2WD diesel models. 4×4 diesel models except ZR2 have 7,600 lbs. of towing capability. ZR2 diesel models have 5,000 lbs. of towing capability. Requires available Z82 Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2 EPA-estimated 30 MPG highway for Colorado 2WD with available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine.
1 Colorado 2WD with available 3.6L V6 engine. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
1 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway with 1.5L engine (FWD).
1 High Country, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, RST, LT, Custom Trail Boss, Custom, Work Truck
1 With second-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 98.2 cu. ft. with second- and third- row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway (FWD models).