16 | NOVEMBER 28 • 2024

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OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER

tion animation through a collaboration
with the College for Creative Studies in
Detroit. Besides depicting chefs, look-alike
Claymation puppets were made of the
late Detroit Jewish News food writer Danny
Raskin and another reviewer for several
publications, the late Molly Abraham. They
are both included in a section of the film
about food/restaurant critics.
“
At the same time these chefs were blaz-
ing new styles of cooking in their kitchens,
the local food writers were driving the
excitement for trying these dining experi-
ences,” Famie said.
Singer/songwriter Jill Jack, one of his long-
time friends, contributed an original theme
song for the film, The Legends of the Stove.
“When I know I need a certain musical
story direction, I reach out to her and she
hits it out of the park every time,
” Famie said.
The documentary touches on the history
of the culinary arts programs at Schoolcraft
College in Livonia and the Orchard Ridge
campus of Oakland Community College
in Farmington Hills. The programs have
turned out hundreds of successful chefs in
the Detroit area. Chefs Brady, Grosz and
Polcyn from the film are instructors work-
ing at Schoolcraft.
Famie said he’s proud of how Michigan
chefs and the restaurant community at large
have played an important role for decades
in supporting charitable events.
“Chefs are often called upon to donate
their food and hard work — after already
working 60-70 hours a week — to partici-
pate at charitable events to raise money for
worthy causes,” he said.

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER
The Detroit: The City of Chefs event will assist five
Michigan charities, including The Rainbow
Connection, Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit,
Rising Stars Academy, New Day Foundation
for Families and Community Living Centers.
Premiere guests will have an opportunity
to stroll through a “Chef Alley,” displays of
local products and industry information.
In addition, some of the film’s featured
chefs — Certified Executive Chef Kelli
Lewton, Polcyn, Schmidt and Brady — will
be signing copies of their books.
Some of Famie’s favorite restaurants
and their chefs from yesteryear include

Keith Famie, at right, with
Schoolcraft Culinary Arts
students and video crew

SCHOOLCRAFT COLLEGE

Master Sommelier
Madeline Triffon