Calling all Detroiters! Won’t you join us to revolutionize the future of food journalism?

The days of the hyped-up listicle that emphasize trendy (usually expensive) new restaurants in gentrifying parts of town are over.

At least, we’d like to think so.

Food journalists across the country are beginning to understand that it’s no longer enough that the food served to you in a restaurant is delicious or beautifully plated. And here in Metro Detroit, we’re thrilled to say that we’re recognizing excellence in our local foodways through our Anti-Gentrifiers’ Guide to Dining in Detroit, in partnership with BridgeDetroit, by honoring restaurants and individuals who have demonstrated leadership. If the events of the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that the places where we gather and break bread must also work to uplift communities, preserve culture, innovate for a healthier and more sustainable workplace, and overall change the game in an industry contending with a historic reckoning.

Which is why, in the spirit of community, we’re calling on you, dear reader, to step up and be a part of our process to develop our dining guide. Nominations are being accepted now through Jan. 14, 2022. Once we’ve collected your nominations, members of Tostada Magazine and BridgeDetroit’s editorial team will consider all semi-finalists and vet their qualifications. The dining guide will be published in early 2022.

Here are the categories for your consideration:

Community: We are interested in honoring restaurants and individuals who use their platforms to promote community empowerment and wellness.

Culture: We place value on restaurants and individuals who use food to preserve culture and combat the erasure of Black, Latino, immigrant, and indigenous experiences.

Innovation: We recognize that the restaurant industry is experiencing a reckoning with regard to sustainability, respect and dignity in the workplace, and safety among employees and diners and want to honor those who are making strides in these areas.

Game Changer: We want to honor those restaurants or individuals that embody all of these values in their everyday work.

Click here to go to the nomination form. All personal contact information is kept confidential. Any information collected in this ballot will be used for purposes of this dining guide only and will not be shared with any other company or individual.

This article was made possible by the Detroit Journalism Engagement Fund, a project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, that is working to increase quality journalism and help better inform communities.