Acclaimed Detroit chef is moving on to Ann Arbor's Dixboro Project

Acclaimed chef Garret Lipar will serve his last group of eight customers at micro restaurant Albena in Detroit next month and move on to literal greener pastures, a farmhouse restaurant in Ann Arbor.

Lipar is teaming up with restaurateur Sava Farah at her Dixboro Project, a multi-concept restaurant with dining experiences that range from casual to upscale.

“This collaboration aims to merge their vast experiences and skills to forge a dining experience that transcends the region and what most people think is possible when they think of ‘Great Lakes cuisine,’” reads a press release announcing the partnership.

The Dixboro Project (which was once the restaurant Roger Monks and before that the Lord Fox) includes the fine dining space Dixboro House overlooking Fleming Creek and an all-day cafe called the Boro with Roos Roast coffee, woodfired pizza, baked goods and more.

Lipar will take over at the Dixboro Project on April 1.

Albena, an eight-seat tasting menu at the Siren Hotel in downtown Detroit will have its last service March 16. All remaining reservations are sold out.

“We are incredibly proud of the food and service that came from this tiny kitchen. We have changed the minds of so many people including our own about fine dining,” Garret and Tiffany Lipar wrote in a statement posted to social media two weeks ago announcing the closing of Albena. “Most importantly to the guests who came to support us menu after menu, being able to get to know each of you and cook for you has been the greatest joy we’ve ever known. Because of all of you we were able to live our dream.”

Reservations for Dixboro House can be made at thedixboroproject.com/dixboro-house.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

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