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Three13 · Culinary & Health Pioneer

Quiana "Que" RiceEat to LiveCooking with Que

How Detroit chef and restaurateur Quiana Rice built "The Kitchen" on Woodward Avenue — a revolutionary space where vegans and meat-eaters sit at the same table to rediscover wellness through food.

By the Three13 Editorial Team10 min read
Chef Quiana Que Rice founder of Cooking with Que
Chef Quiana "Que" Rice, founder of Cooking with Que. Photo via CookingWithQue.com.

Chef Quiana "Que" Rice is on a mission to transform how Detroit eats. As the founder of Cooking with Que and owner of The Kitchen on Woodward Avenue, she has created a unique sanctuary in Midtown where plant-based living meets urban hospitality.

The Kitchen by Cooking with Que on Woodward Avenue Detroit
Exterior of The Kitchen by Cooking with Que on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Photo via TheKitchenByCWQ.com.

Where Vegans & Meat-Eaters Coexist

Rather than isolating non-vegans, Chef Que built her restaurant around inclusivity. Her "70/30 rule" encourages guests to make 70% of their daily intake whole, plant-based foods without feeling forced to completely abandon traditional meals overnight.

The Kitchen functions not only as a daily eatery serving vegan mac 'n cheese, jackfruit tacos, and fresh pressed juices, but also as a demonstration studio where Detroiters learn hands-on culinary techniques for disease prevention and healthy living.

Milestones of Culinary Advocacy

  1. 2008

    Quiana Rice transitions to a plant-based lifestyle after severe health challenges, discovering the power of nutrient-rich cooking.

  2. 2015

    Launches 'Cooking with Que,' offering meal preparation tutorials and wellness workshops across Detroit.

  3. 2019

    Opens 'The Kitchen by Cooking with Que' on Woodward Avenue, establishing Detroit's first culinary demonstration space and dual-menu cafe.

  4. 2023

    Expands nationwide shipping of her famous vegan mac & cheese and signature seasonings.

  5. 2026

    Celebrates over a decade of community food advocacy, regularly hosting cooking classes, youth workshops, and healthy holiday specials on Detroit PBS.

Recognition & Impact

  • Founder of Detroit's premier demonstration kitchen and plant-forward culinary hub on Woodward Ave
  • Competitor on PBS's nationwide culinary showcase 'The Great American Recipe'
  • Featured on Detroit PBS, BridgeDetroit, and American Black Journal for community health initiatives
  • Pioneer of the 70/30 nutritional rule making plant-forward eating accessible across urban communities

Explore More

Frequently Asked

Who is Quiana 'Que' Rice?+

Quiana 'Que' Rice is a Detroit-based chef, restaurateur, and food systems leader. She is the founder of Cooking with Que and owner of The Kitchen by Cooking with Que on Woodward Avenue.

What is the core philosophy of Cooking with Que?+

Her core mission is 'Eat to Live' — providing a welcoming space where vegans and meat eaters coexist without judgment, learning how delicious healthy eating can taste.

Where is The Kitchen by Cooking with Que located?+

The Kitchen is located on Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit, featuring a cafe, cooking class demonstration studio, catering, and event venue.

What signature dishes is Chef Que known for?+

Chef Que is famous for her dairy-free, plant-based vegan Mac 'n Cheese (shipped nationwide), cauliflower wings, and health-conscious soul food classics.

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