High in the sky

James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain and his hospitality group, McClain Camarota Hospitality, know the views from the top of the GM Renaissance Center – in the former Coach Insignia location – are spectacular. It’s part of why they wanted to introduce four concepts there, all under the umbrella called Highlands. They hope that view will be the second or third thing guests mention when they tell their friends about them, though. “It is stunning but we really want to create an experience that is equal to the view and equals the level of excellence that we try to bring to our projects,” he said. Among the four concepts – looking to open in mid-November – are Highlands Steakhouse, where the traditional steakhouse model will be put on its head and guests can try an expanded menu with some unexpected items; the much more casual Hearth 71, which is half the size of Highlands and has a small plates menu leaning towards Mediterranean flavors and craft beers; and a highlighted scotch and whiskey collection from around the world at the High Bar. The group also has Highlands Events, a space to hold private events. Ultimately, McClain said they want to become “a must-have for people in the city, and a must-try for people that are visiting the city.”