As we head into the third month of coverage of the Top 10 Takeover, a series of restaurant takeovers highlighting the top ten new restaurants in metro Detroit, we thought it would be a good time to take pause and get to know the new Detroit Free Press restaurant critic, Mark Kurlyandchik.
Kurlyandchik has been spearheading the curation of the Takeover since accepting his role at the Detroit Free Press in February, but he started writing about food much earlier than that.
“I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember,” Kurlyandchik shared in an interview.
“My mom still has a box of my old short stories from elementary school. Food began to enter the equation in my late teens, when I realized that I could potentially make a living from constructing sentences through journalism.”
His first foray into food writing came from a blog he created dedicated to the intersection of food and music.
“My first post was about the elusiveness of umami and how it related to creativity,” Kurlyandchik said. “Another post reviewed a Queens of the Stone Age record as if it were a bar and restaurant.”
From there, Kurlyandchik grew his culinary repertoire at Hour Detroit magazine where he was a senior editor for four years. From there, he spent time at various other places across the country, gaining new experiences along the way. With a master’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley and a beefed-up resume, Kurlyandchik headed back to Michigan to begin his new role as Detroit Free Press’ restaurant critic.
“It’s an honor to have this job, period,” Kurlyandchik said, “but I feel doubly lucky to fill this position during this specific moment in the city’s culinary evolution, which has made some pretty big leaps in just a few short years. On the whole, metro Detroit diners are considered pretty conservative and that’s a challenge for restaurants who might want to try new things that push the envelope. That’s beginning to change, though, as foodie culture goes mainstream and our interconnectedness allows trends from the rest of the world to reach us much faster than before.”
Given his strong background and passion for food and food writing, you might wonder what Kurlyandchik looks for in a good restaurant or dining experience.
“The ‘type’ of restaurant is far less important than all these other variables that affect the overall experience of dining out,” he said. “A great meal has a certain je ne sais quoi – a combination of food, atmosphere, service, company, spirit. There’s a poetry to it. But it demands a level of hospitality that predicts your wants and needs before you know your own wants and needs. That can come from a gas-station lunch counter or a white-linen restaurant with a prix-fixe tasting menu … In short: My favorite restaurants are the ones that make you feel better about your life.”
We have two more stops on the Top 10 Takeover this year. Next up is Standby in Detroit. You can get caught up on our previous coverage of the Top 10 Takeover below:
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).