Oakland restaurateur honored

On September 10, Rina Tonon, owner of Café Cortina in Farmington Hills, was inducted into the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) Hall of Fame, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. She was honored at the DiRōNA event, held in Napa, California surrounded by her sons, Adrian and Giancarlo, who play an integral role with Café Cortina. “A trailblazer of farm-to-table dining and one of the Midwest’s most respected restaurateurs, Rina Tonon has transformed Café Cortina into a nationally celebrated destination known for soulful Italian hospitality and a garden-to-plate philosophy,” said Scott Breard, CEO of DiRōNA. “Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and heart—qualities that embody the spirit of the DiRōNA Hall of Fame.” Tonon, who opened Café Cortina with her late husband Adriano in 1976, is first-generation Italian American raised in Detroit. She says her inspiration came from her parents, who once ran Rina’s Pizzeria on Schaefer Highway. “It was named after me,” said Tonon. “I grew up watching my family cook, serve and care for people. I knew from age 14 this was what I wanted to do. I’ve always said Café Cortina isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a reflection of our values, our traditions, and our love for people,” said Tonon. “This recognition by DiRōNA is an incredible honor, not just for me, but for my entire family and the loyal guests who’ve made this journey possible.” 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills   cafecortina.com