A Taste of Detroit-Style Pizza in the Pacific Northwest
Launching a Pizza Restaurant in Detroit Felt Like a Homecoming for This Seattle Chef
Jason Stoneburner, a seasoned chef with roots in Michigan, dives into a love letter to his hometown with his latest venture, Sunny Hill.
A Cooking Passion Sparked Young
Starting as a busboy at just 14, Jason Stoneburner's infatuation with the culinary world blossomed when kitchen staff left him in the lurch. Seizing the opportunity, he stepped up to the plate and hasn't looked back since.
Skip ahead a few years, and the culinary pro found himself in Seattle, working under esteemed chef Jeremiah Tower, who revitalized the local dining scene with his Stars establishment. Even after Tower's restaurant folded, Stoneburner decided to stay put.
Partnering with James Weimann and Deming Maclise, the trio launched Bastille in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood and later opened Stoneburner in 2012. Now, with Sunny Hill, Stoneburner embarks on an independent quest, partnering with Holly Robinson.
Detroit, Not Chicago- Pizza Wise
At Sunny Hill, the focus is on Detroit-style pizza, a far cry from the Chicago-style pie. Detroit-style pie boasts a storied past inspired by the city's auto industry, contrasting sharply with its more famous pizza brethren.
Rediscovered Classic
Detroit-style pizza is finally having its moment, emerging from the shadows of Chicago and New York to step into the spotlight. In fact, you can even get a taste of Detroit-style pizza at Costco these days.
A New Twist on an Old Favorite
Stoneburner aims to elevate Detroit-style pizza by adopting a fine dining approach. Sunny Hill highlights the best local ingredients, showcasing farmers' produce, and prepares the long-fermented dough in a turbo fan oven.
Besides the signature Detroit-style pies, the menu complements the experience with traditional New York-style round pies, an assortment of fresh salads, and enticing sides. Don't miss the provocative fusion of orange zest, dried dulse seaweed, and miso-tahini sauce enrobing roasted broccoli.
A Smash Burger and a Few Anchovies, Please
In addition to pizza, Sunny Hill offers a popular smash burger served with delectable Painted Hills beef. Diners can revel in options when it comes to their meal, including the opportunity to add anchovies to their pizza at no extra cost.
The Michigan connection runs deep, with plenty of Michiganders stopping by to reminisce about home. "We've had a fantastic reaction from folks who come in looking for a taste of the Midwest," Stoneburner mused.
Culinary Journeys and Challenges
Stoneburner's passion for surfing and snowboarding led him on remarkable adventures worldwide. As he chased his snowboarding dreams through college, he cooked his way through numerous kitchens. "These experiences undoubtedly influenced the flavors I choose to play with in my cooking today," he admitted.
Navigating the Pandemic
Opening Sunny Hill during the pandemic was no walk in the park, with the initial focus on take-out. As spring arrived in Seattle, outdoor dining took off on the sidewalk and hidden patio seating, with the demand particularly high on weekends.
No matter the obstacle, Jason Stoneburner's Detroit-style pizza project continues to draw diners eager for a taste of the Midwest with a Seattle twist.
- Jason Stoneburner, a chef originally from Michigan, showcases his love for Detroit in his latest venture, Sunny Hill, located in Seattle.
- Young Jason Stoneburner's passion for cooking began when he stepped up to help in the kitchen as a busboy at 14.
- Working under Jeremiah Tower, an esteemed chef, in Seattle, Jason Stoneburner honed his skills and decided to stay in the city even after Tower's restaurant closed.
- At Sunny Hill, the emphasis is on Detroit-style pizza, a distinctive variation from Chicago-style pizza, inspired by the auto industry.
- Sunny Hill offers diners a unique blend of Midwest flavors with a Seattle twist, featuring Detroit-style pizzas, smash burgers, and local ingredients.
