Cornerstone Bistro, Highland Park's only sit-down non-fast food restaurant, celebrated its grand re-opening Thursday with an updated menu and new dinner hours for guests.
The restaurant is the "cornerstone" of a culinary apprenticeship program run by the
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries and Wayne County Community College, which helps DRMM clients receive on-the-job training and a culinary arts associate degree.
"They've been able to come out of the program," DRMM's Karen Love says of clients who receive DRMM's services, "and the great thing for them, is that they have on their resume, 'I have a certificate in culinary arts.' And that helps them tremendously, and it's a huge self-esteem boost for them. And it makes us very happy, because it shows us that it's a program that works."
DRMM serves 3500 meals a day to the city's less fortunate, but Cornerstone offers visitors a different sort of atmosphere than what they might expect.
"We consider it a fine dining restaurant, with Coney Island prices on the menu. The decor is beautiful, and you would never think that you were in a restaurant in Highland Park. Once you come inside, the ambiance itself is very warm and gracious," Love says.
Cornerstone used to only serve lunch, but community demand has led to extended hours. They're now open Monday thru Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Sunday hours upon request.
Special occasions can be booked in Mitch's Room, named for columnist and avid DRMM supporter Mitch Albom.
And as for the new menu, Ms. Love recommends the smoked salmon salad.
The Cornerstone Bistro is located at 13130 Woodward at Winona in Highland Park, in the lower level of the Don DeVos housing complex. Click
here or call 313-305-5555 for more information.
Source: Karen Love, Vice President of Public Relations, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
Writer: Ashley C. Woods
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