Popular local musician Mark Reitenga will be the first act to play Matt Prentice's new Farmington Hills restaurant, even as the restaurateur deals with a new controversy over Morels on Northwestern Hwy. 

A conflict over the restaurant's opening led Prentice to resign from Matt Prentice Group, which is now known as The Epicurean Group, in late March. The company now operates other former Prentice restaurants in metro Detroit, including the Deli Unique and the Northern Lakes Seafood Company in Bloomfield Hills.

While Morels moved forward, Crain's Detroit reported this week that Prentice may be subject to a noncompete agreement. 

Crains Detroit also reported that Prentice will in August open a steak house next door to Morels. The two restaurants will be owned by Farmington Hills-based Michigan Bistros, LLC, the report noted. 

Morels, described in a company press release as "an upscale bistro and celebration of Michigan", features ingredients from Michigan in every dish. 

Reitenga, who has played on stages in and around Farmington and Farmington Hills, will perform beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday. A fixture in the Detroit music scene since 1988, his playlist covers decades of music from Frank Sinatra and Elvis to Dave Matthews and Jimmy Buffet, and includes some original songs.

Reitenga will play inside the bar at Morels; Prentice said he is hoping to gain city approval to allow music on Morels outside patio.

For more information, including the restaurant's menu and hours of operation, visit morelsbymattprentice.com or call 248-254-3840.

You can follow the restaurant on Twitter @MorelsbyMatt or find it on Facebook, facebook.com/morelsbymattprentice.