Cortez Reinhardt

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Cortez's maternal family is from Michigan while his paternal side is from Australia. Cortez's family has traveled to different countries, so one could argue he was raised around the world. He has spent time in Australia, Chile, Tbilisi, Georgia, and Mexico. 

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Each country, city, and restaurant has taught him something new about their culture and food. He believes food is a never ending discovery and lesson. Community is essential and food is a big part of giving back and bringing everyone together. Cortez hopes to offer a piece of community to those who step through our space and they get that sense of being home with those they love.

Chef's food journey in Michigan started at an Italian restaurant named Bacco led by Chef/Owner Luciano DelSignore and Chef Gabriel Botezan. He would later start at The Apparatus Room in Detroit before going off to Culinary school. Out of college, he began on the line at SheWolf Pastificio & Bar under Chef Anthony Lombardo.

Cortez would get his first chance at leading a team when he opened The Great Commoner in Dearborn, Michigan. He worked his way up to Sous and would continue his culinary leadership journey as he joined the team at Shelby Detroit, in the heart of the city. There he would hone his leadership and culinary skills under Chef Matt Tulpa and eventually take over the restaurant as Executive Chef. 

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Currently, Cortez is enjoying being the Chef de Cuisine at The Godfrey, working alongside Chef Masai May to put out quality dishes that are reminiscent of comforting flavors that also lend themselves to unexplored twists.

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Cortez's life centers around three creative pillars: food, music, and art. He dives deeply into his passions and each one bleeds into the other harmoniously. His music is how he can express himself sonically, through media, such as pictures, film, or video, his vision can be seen, and through food, he can connect through memory.