“Detroit’s culinary heritage is as important to our city’s story as the automobile,” serves up the new PBS documentary,“Detroit: City of Chefs.”
Produced and directed by Chef Keith Famie, the film offers an in-depth look at Detroit’s vibrant culinary scene and features the award-winning Oakland Community College Culinary Studies Institute.
The documentary also provides an authentic glimpse into our region’s esteemed chefs, Michigan's culinary programs, and aspiring culinary talent. Notably, it showcases both OCC and Chef Doug Ganhs instructing students in his Garde-Manager class as they prepare five distinct composed entrée salads.
“We have thousands of OCC culinary alums who are working in restaurants throughout the area who have helped shape and mold the Detroit culinary scene,” Ganhs said. “We were honored to have the OCC Culinary program and our alums recognized for playing a part in Detroit’s culinary history.”
Former OCC Faculty Chef Kevin Enright also appeared as a guest chef in the Garde Manager class, reviewing the students' work. He also discussed his role in founding the Michigan Chef de Cuisine organization in the 1980s and pride to be honored as the first recipient of its award, named after famous Detroit chef Milos Cihelka.
Gala Premiere includes a look forward
Current OCC Culinary Studies Institute chefs Julie Selonke and Athena Bolger and Executive Director Dawnmarie Yelcho alongside OCC culinary students, showcased their talents at the December premiere at Emagine Theatre in Novi. They prepared and served a tasting menu for the 400-person VIP reception before the documentary screening.
”Detroit: City of Chefs” runs 1 hour and 28 minutes and is available to watch on Detroit PBS. Catch Chef Kevin Enright at the 47:29 mark (47 minutes, 29 seconds) and the segment on OCC’s Culinary Studies Institute beginning at 49:55.
Oakland Community College’s Culinary Studies Institute is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. Learn more about OCC’s new Culinary Studies Institute opening Fall 2025 in downtown Royal Oak.
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers more than 80 degrees and certificates programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training and expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oakland.edu.
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