detroit Resturant Owners Share Family Recipes in New Italian Heritage Month Cookbook
DETROIT, MI - November 5, 2024 – A collection of treasured family recipes from Detroit-area Italian restaurateurs has been compiled into a new cookbook, released this month to celebrate Italian Heritage Month. Teh project, spearheaded by local food writer francobolli, features contributions from iconic establishments like Cafe Cortina, which is approaching its 50th anniversary in Farmington Hills, and SheWolf, bringing customary Roman flavors to the city’s Cass Corridor.
The cookbook aims to preserve and share the culinary traditions passed down thru generations of Italian-American families in Metro Detroit. It arrives as the region’s restaurant industry continues to recover from pandemic-related challenges, and as interest in authentic, heritage cuisine grows among diners. Proceeds from sales will benefit local culinary arts programs, ensuring these traditions continue for years to come.
Cafe Cortina,founded in 1975,has been a Farmington Hills staple for nearly five decades,serving classic Italian dishes in a warm,family-friendly atmosphere. shewolf, opened in Detroit, focuses on the rustic cuisine of Rome, offering dishes rarely found outside of Italy. Both restaurants, and others featured in the cookbook, represent a commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques.
The cookbook includes recipes ranging from handmade pasta and regional sauces to traditional desserts, accompanied by stories and anecdotes from the chefs and owners who created them. Francobolli’s introduction details the rich history of Italian immigration to Detroit and the critically important impact Italian-American culture has had on the city’s culinary landscape. The project offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Detroit’s Italian food scene and a lasting tribute to its heritage.
