New chef at Zuzu

Elia Group has announced that Chef Ivan Aguinaga will lead the culinary program at its newest Iconic Collection venue, Experience Zuzu (“Zuzu”) in Detroit. The menu at Zuzu features the progressive world of Asian cuisine. With a focus on combining centuries-old cooking traditions and modern flavors, the menu includes hand-rolled sushi, playful appetizers, wok-fired specialties and exclusive dishes from both a charcoal oven and wood-fired grill. Aguinaga’s culinary career has taken him around the world from Mexico to Spain, Miami to Saudi Arabia, and the Bahamas to Detroit. Chef Ivan Aguinaga began his journey of mastering Asian cuisine during his time in the kitchen at The Setai, Miami Beach. In Saudi Arabia, he joined the kitchen to serve as head chef of Nobu Hotel Riyadh, one of the most recognized Japanese restaurants in the world founded by world-renowned chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper. “My quest to master Asian cooking techniques has led me on a global journey, learning from esteemed chefs and working in renowned Asian restaurants,” said Aguinaga. “It will be exhilarating to add my personal touch to Zuzu’s already outstanding menu and deliver immersive experiences to each guest that steps through our doors.” Experience Zuzu opened in August 2023 and added to Elia Group Iconic Collection’s footprint in downtown Detroit, which includes Parc, a contemporary American restaurant at Campus Martius, and Anchor Bar, a historic downtown watering hole. Elia Group also partners with the Downtown Detroit Partnership in operating two seasonal Iconic Collection destinations: beach party-themed BrisaBar in the summer and holiday favorite Cadillac Lodge. The Iconic Collection includes several other award-winning venues in Oakland County, including Birmingham’s 220 Merrill.  511 Woodward Avenue suite 100, Detroit experiencezuzu.com