As Ferndale residents we are thrilled about the opening of Working Class Outlaw’s newest venture, Antihero. The Metro Detroit-based restaurant group is famous for Ferndale hotspots Public House and Imperial, and they’ve decided to add more excitement to the city with this new gem. Antihero officially debuted Thursday, November 29th and hasn’t seen a slow day since. So what’s all the buzz about? The restaurant features Japanese comfort food with influences from Korean and American cuisine. The restaurant is inspired by Japanese izakayas, or casual drinking houses serving small plates meant to be shared with friends.
Shaping the menu is Chef Nick Erven. Using his Los Angeles roots for inspiration, Chef Erven is serving up dishes with raw selections, rice bowls, buns, dumplings, noodles, and an extensive list of veggie-drive options (YAY for our resident vegetarian!).
We took some time to connect with Chef Nick and learn a little about him via an interview. Check out his responses below.
GGH: What is the best advice you ever received from a boss?
Chef Nick: The best advice that I ever received from a boss was; “Every day when you are on the line cooking, count the number of steps that you make. Each new day try to cut the amount of steps in half.” This was something that made me a much more effective line cook. I tell my cooks this all the time. It’s so simple but so good.
GGH: What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
Chef Nick: If you looked in my fridge you would find Pamplemousse La Croix, butter, lots of blueberries (one of the few things my two year old will willingly eat) soy milk, cheese sticks and about three open jars of pickles.
GGH: What music do you play while cooking?
Chef Nick: I don’t play much music when I am cooking. I love music and played in bands and whatnot for a long time. I like the quietness of the kitchen. Especially during prep. It’s one of the few times during the day that is not interrupted by something loud.
GGH: Favorite snack?
Chef Nick: My favorite snack is without a doubt sea salt and vinegar potato chips. They are a perfect food.
GGH: What are your hobbies other than cooking?
Chef Nick: At this point most if my time spent outside of the restaurant involves my wife and daughter. We go to the zoo a lot.
GGH: Most influential chef?
Chef Nick: Seth Greenberg was the first real chef that I worked under. Dude changed my life. I was pretty directionless just cooking to pay some bills. He showed me that this can be a real fulfilling job. Everything I’ve done I owe to him.
Now that you know a little more about the chef behind Antihero’s delicious menu, we urge you to head over and try it today!