Daily Detroit

Daily Detroit
  • 4.8 (172)
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  • UPDATED DAILY

What to know and where to go in Metro Detroit! We have conversations that push Detroit forward and share local stories about restaurants, business, development, local government, policy, technology, things to do, transit and more. All in about 22 minutes a day.

  1. 1D AGO

    Street Names, Sidewalk Repairs, and Why Detroit's Creative Work Needs You

    The rundown: 05:08 - So how do we say those Detroit street names? We react. 08:25 - City of Detroit Budget talk: More sidewalk repairs, more money for transit, and a property tax cut 14:09 - It's important to support our creative work in the city, it can't live on grants alone. Two pieces in Outlier made us think. "In search of a stage: Detroit artists want more independent venues in the city"  "How Black artists and curators are fighting to sustain Detroit's neighborhood artistic spaces"

    24 min
  2. Why Restaurateur Billy Dec Is Betting Big on Detroit

    2D AGO

    Why Restaurateur Billy Dec Is Betting Big on Detroit

    Detroit is having a moment — and Sunda New Asian wants to be part of it. On today's Daily Detroit, I talk with restaurateur and CEO Billy Dec about why he chose to open Sunda's newest location in the District Detroit, right across from Comerica Park.  We get into his intentional path from Chicago to Nashville to Tampa and now Detroit, and why this city's spirit reminds him of Chicago's rise some years ago.​ Our conversation touches on the generational ties between Michigan and Chicago, the data and "tea leaves" that pointed toward Detroit's growth, and the role of private investment and gritty civic pride in making it all real. Billy also shares with me how his Filipino roots, Southeast Asian travels, and a lifetime in hospitality show up in the design of Sunda's new space — from the island bar with "flower rain" overhead to the sake wall inspired by a hidden Tokyo spot and capiz shells over the sushi bar. It's a look at Detroit's current wave of development through the eyes of someone betting on the city, and bringing a deeply personal food story along for the ride. Plus, we talk about the dishes from Longevity Noodles to a Sweet Potato Caterpillar, and drinks like their Lychee Martini and Ube Espresso Martini.  Key topics: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why Sunda's expansion from Chicago to Nashville, Tampa, and now Detroit has been very intentional.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The long-running Michigan–Chicago connection in hospitality and how loyal guests moving back home helped pull Sunda to Detroit.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What Billy saw in Detroit's data and "on the ground" energy that convinced him the city is in a historically significant moment.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The impact of private investment, local developers, and a unified civic spirit on Detroit's growth.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How the new Sunda space in District Detroit was designed: island bar with a disappearing wall, floral installation blending Sampaguita, cherry blossoms, and Michigan's apple blossom, and an immersive sake wall.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The influence of Billy's Filipino heritage and Southeast Asian travels on Sunda's design and menu philosophy.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why he wants Detroiters to "backpack through" Southeast Asia via the menu — and maybe book a real-life trip after. Sunda New Asian: https://www.sundanewasian.com/detroit Local media needs local support to thrive. Support our work on Patreon: ​https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit If you don't already, make sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or wherever you get your shows!

    36 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Great Lakes Cuisine & Guns and Butter's Detroit Comeback w/ Chef Craig Lieckfelt

    On today's Daily Detroit, Jer talks with chef Craig Lieckfelt, the culinary mind behind Guns and Butter, about his return to Detroit for a March residency at the Detroit Foundation Hotel and why this city keeps calling him home. They dig into the origins of the Guns and Butter pop-up concept, how it helped pioneer a now-standard model for chefs without big backing, and the economic idea behind the name itself.​ Craig shares his passion for Great Lakes cuisine, from Upper Peninsula walleye and whitefish caviar to the blue-collar Coney Island culture that shaped his food memories growing up in Michigan. He also talks about how time in New York, Tokyo, France, and the Bay Area deepened his craft while widening his sense of responsibility around food insecurity and community.​ The conversation gets into why Detroit's grit, expectations, and global contributions make it a uniquely demanding place to "make it," and why Craig feels he cooks his best food here. You'll also get a preview of what diners can expect from the Guns and Butter experience at the Detroit Foundation Hotel, from the stunning apparatus room and open kitchen to a chef residency program that continues to elevate Detroit's place on the culinary map.​ If you check out Guns and Butter at the Detroit Foundation Hotel this month, we'd love to hear what you think—drop us a line at dailydetroit@gmail.com or 313-789-3211.​

    20 min
  4. Checker Bar returns, Kalshi controversy, Should first floor offices be in downtowns?

    6D AGO

    Checker Bar returns, Kalshi controversy, Should first floor offices be in downtowns?

    Welcome back! Jer and Devon are highlighting places we've been and stories around Metro Detroit... 01:29 - Checker Bar in downtown Detroit is back! 03:14 - Devon is a fan of Mint 29 in Dearborn 04:59 - Remembering long gone Dearborn establishments like Dearborn Music, Wonderland Music, and Hewitt's 08:26 - Devon's obsessed with his Ninja Luxe coffee machine. What local roaster beans should he get?  12:36 - Bonus where we've been: Dessert Oasis in Ferndale 14:24 - Michigan is suing Kalshi to keep their sports product out. Is it gambling like the AG says? We discuss our opinions 20:35 - Should first floor offices be allowed in downtowns? Northville may ban them. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

    26 min
  5. You Should Visit Detroit; People Want Rail; An Old Favorite Expands

    MAR 4

    You Should Visit Detroit; People Want Rail; An Old Favorite Expands

    Today's story rundown: 00:56 - Travel and Leasure names Detroit the most underrated city who everyone should visit at least once 05:41 - Rail survey says: More trains! 09:22 - Eastside news: City will start repairing and installing seawalls in Jefferson Chalmers to help with flooding; and new life for the St. Jean boat launch 13:31 - Dutch Girl Donuts is adding a second location on East Grand Boulevard 15:31 - Detroit City airport upgrades are coming 17:44 - Do we need a new set of ordinances for after hour joints 22:53 - Michigan Central to open a new work and collaboration hub, "The Mezz" Trivia on 313 Day - sign up! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984004859944?aff=oddtdtcreator Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

    28 min
  6. From Porch Gardens to Food Power in Detroit

    MAR 2

    From Porch Gardens to Food Power in Detroit

    On today's Daily Detroit, we are at TechTown with guest Danielle Daguio, engagement manager with Keep Growing Detroit, to talk about how Detroiters are literally taking food into their own hands. From backyard plots to porch planters and community farms, the Garden Resource Program is helping nearly 3,000 gardens grow across Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park with seeds, plants, soil testing, tools, and year round support. Danielle explains what it means to build a food sovereign city and why so many people have turned to growing their own food in the wake of the pandemic, grocery price spikes, and concerns about what is in our food. She shares how Keep Growing Detroit is lowering barriers for new growers by timing seed and plant distributions with the seasons and offering practical classes that make it easier to get started and keep going. ​ We also dig into the cultural side of gardening. Danielle talks about reconnecting with family foodways from New Jersey to the Philippines and how growing certain crops can become a way to remember loved ones and keep traditions alive. You will hear about the Gathering of Growers series based on the Anishinaabe 13 moon cycle, cooking classes that highlight Filipino, Venezuelan, Puerto Rican, and African American crops, and the annual tour that showcases unique gardens across the city.  If you want to plug in, volunteer, or sign up for classes, visit their site here or follow Keep Growing Detroit on Instagram and Facebook. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

    15 min
  7. Going to Iftar, Eating Detroit 75, and Norris in Washington, D.C.

    FEB 28

    Going to Iftar, Eating Detroit 75, and Norris in Washington, D.C.

    Jer Staes is joined by co-hosts Devon O'Reilly and Norris Howard for a wide ranging talk about food, faith, politics, and Detroit's future.​ What we talk about​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Devon went to Dearborn for Mayor Abdullah Hammoud's Unity Iftar dinner during Ramadan and talks about what Iftar is, who was in the room, and how it felt to see an Imam and a priest share very similar prayers.​ The crew gets into why learning about other cultures in Metro Detroit can break down fear and hate, and why showing up when you are invited matters.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Jer visited the new Detroit 75 Kitchen brick and mortar spot, talks about the giant portions, the menu, the space, and why it feels like the start of a bigger concept.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Norris checks in after a whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C. for the State of the Union, riding the underground tram at the Capitol, and trying to talk with members of Congress while votes keep getting moved around.​ The table digs into the "weird" mood in D.C., the feeling that we are at the end of an era, and how broken national leadership and media bubbles spill down into local politics.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> We respond to listener feedback on Michigan's slide in education and economic numbers, why covering bad data is not "being negative," and a listener question about Chinatown gets into a bigger conversation about population loss and where capital follows growth — and that the city has lost a lot of the middle class since 2000, a fact that continues even with recent popultion upticks. That loss has real impacts on what businesses can survive in that aftermath.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> ​We close on the tight Michigan governor's race, why early polls show a true toss up, why no major candidate is dropping out, and what Governor Whitmer's low key State of the State might say about her next move.​​ Support and follow​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Sign up for the Daily Detroit newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Become a member to support local coverage: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Feedback: ​dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211 p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get shows for future episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

    28 min
  8. The Future of Midtown Detroit (and Chinatown) w/ Melanie Markowicz

    FEB 26

    The Future of Midtown Detroit (and Chinatown) w/ Melanie Markowicz

    Today, we're talking about the future of Midtown. Getting details on that new Chinatown project (and a whole lot more) with the executive director of Midtown Detroit, Inc. You'll learn a lot about this series of Detroit neighborhoods in this conversation and what's ahead for an area of Detroit so many people have so many connections to. More show notes to come. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

    20 min
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4.8
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About

What to know and where to go in Metro Detroit! We have conversations that push Detroit forward and share local stories about restaurants, business, development, local government, policy, technology, things to do, transit and more. All in about 22 minutes a day.

Information

  • Creator
    Daily Detroit
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.8K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) Daily Detroit
  • Show Website
    Daily Detroit

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