At the newly revived Dearborn Inn, taste and tradition meet at the Table. This historic hotel, originally opened by Henry Ford in 1931 and recently reimagined as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, is embracing its culinary heritage with fresh eyes and an inspired kitchen. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Elliott Patti, the food and beverage program has evolved into something more than meals—it’s a journey through American innovation, regional history, and soulful hospitality.
Chef Patti, a Detroit-area culinary veteran, is known for blending seasonal ingredients with thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on local farms and Michigan’s agricultural legacy, his approach to cuisine honors the hotel’s roots while pushing its palate into the present. Nowhere is that philosophy more evident than at Clara’s Table, the Inn’s flagship farm-to-table restaurant named after Clara Ford, a gardener and philanthropist who helped shape the Ford family’s cultural legacy.
Clara’s Table offers a rotating menu that shifts with the seasons—dishes that celebrate simplicity, craftsmanship, and a sense of place. From garden-fresh produce to reimagined comfort classics, the restaurant carries forward Clara’s quiet influence and deep connection to land and home. The space itself bridges the historical and the modern, with original architectural details meeting contemporary furnishings, while archival imagery connects diners to the property’s rich past.
Just steps from the dining room, the Inn’s new cocktail bar, Four Vagabonds, takes a more spirited approach to storytelling. Named after the road-tripping circle of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs, the lounge is intimate and atmospheric, with a drinks menu that celebrates American ingenuity and craftsmanship. The cocktails, many of which are made with house-infused spirits and herbs grown on-site, nod to the adventurous and experimental nature of their namesakes.
Each offering—from smoked old fashioneds to garden gin spritzes—feels like a love letter to the golden age of invention. Even the bar snacks reflect a creative fusion of history and flavor, with familiar ingredients elevated in playful, unexpected ways. It’s the kind of place that invites lingering, where every sip and bite carries a touch of narrative.
The culinary evolution of the Dearborn Inn doesn’t stop at ambiance or innovation. Behind the scenes, the team is committed to sustainable practices, partnerships with local Black and Indigenous farmers, and a broader mission to build a kitchen rooted in equity and excellence. With Chef Patti at the helm, the food is as thoughtful as it is flavorful.
Guests can also enjoy daily breakfast offerings and curated event menus that reflect the same attention to detail and seasonal rhythm. And with the hotel’s expansive gardens—both ornamental and edible—there’s a sense that the food here is not just cooked, but cultivated with intention.
By marrying past and present in such a tangible way, the Dearborn Inn reminds us that food, like history, is best experienced with all the senses. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner inspired by Clara Ford’s legacy or sipping a cocktail steeped in turn-of-the-century lore, one thing is sure: here, every meal tells a story worth savoring.
Miss AJ’s Rating
Food: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Cocktails: ★★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★☆
Refined yet grounded, this culinary revival offers more than a taste of the past—it’s a full-sensory tribute to American creativity, with a warmth that lingers long after the last bite.
