Last Lunch At The RenCen, A New Spot Review, And Detroit Food News

Coming to you from the studio at TechTown after a long weekend, today's show is all about what's happening in Detroit's food and drink world — the good, the bad, and the "wait, that closed already?"

I'm joined by our engineer of both audio and alcohol, Randy Walker, to dig into some big changes at longtime favorites, why some promising spots didn't make it, and where you should actually spend your money right now.

We'll talk rum bars, laptop bans at coffee shops, the future of the Ren Cen, and Randy's first impressions of Medusa in Midtown.

The topics:

Hygrade Deli in Southwest Detroit is in receivership after loan defaults and building issues, putting the longtime corned beef spot's future in doubt.​

We unpack why some well-regarded restaurants like Carajillo in Ferndale close within a year, from price perception to competition and capital.​

Randy talks about how Port in Ferndale shifted from laid-back rum haven to trendier, simpler drinks and how that changed the vibe.... plus where serious rum fans should go now, from Tocororo to Mutiny, and tease a future Daily Detroit happy hour.​

A new Pizza Cat on East Jefferson shows promise for downtown lunches even as the surrounding Jefferson/Ren Cen area struggles.​

We preview Burns Night with Acroyd Scottish Bakery at Urbanrest, complete with haggis, neeps and tatties, bagpipers, and the "stabbing of the haggis."​

Are you for or against laptops at coffeeshops? Roost Detroit's no-laptop policy sparks a bigger conversation about coffee shop etiquette, remote work, and who these spaces are really for.​

We had a "last lunch" at the Ren Cen Burger King and reflect on the eerie, post-pandemic decline of the complex, and how demolishing two Ren Cen towers and opening the site to the riverfront could match reality better than nostalgia.​

And finally, Randy gives a first-look review of Medusa in Midtown, from standout lamb and cocktails to price point, vibe, and whether it's worth a special night out.​

Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.

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