Chef David Chang, founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, is launching a new CNN Original series called The Detour with David Chang. The show, which premieres Sunday, follows Chang on six road trips across the United States, stopping in cities such as Las Vegas, Nashville and Pittsburgh.
Chang uses the series to push back against the endless quest for the “best” dish, restaurant or travel experience. He urges viewers to “throw away your phone” and trust their own gut, even if it leads to a “dodgy sandwich” at a gas station or a humble convenience‑store eatery.
Learning from the unexpected
During a Vegas episode, Chang and Oscar‑winning filmmaker Cord Jefferson sampled Hawaiian, Ethiopian and Filipino flavors far beyond the Strip, reminding Chang that even seasoned chefs can feel “like they don’t know anything.” He says the same principle applies to a culture overloaded with information: honesty about what we don’t know is better than pretending to have all the answers.
Chang also shares a behind‑the‑scenes moment when comedian Eric André abruptly changed their itinerary, steering the crew to Miami without prior planning. “It was a surprise, for sure,” Chang admits, adding that the unplanned detour turned out to be a lot of fun.
Balancing preparation and spontaneity
While advocating for flexibility, Chang acknowledges that some preparation is useful. He warns against over‑reliance on lists, social‑media posts and the likes of other people’s tastes, urging travelers to question sources and avoid assuming that everyone’s preferences match their own.
He likens restaurants to “community or cultural banks,” suggesting that a venue trying to please everyone may lose its unique appeal. Instead, he celebrates niche experiences—whether a specialized album, a film or a hidden‑gem eatery—as essential to personal happiness.
Food as a window into culture
Chang’s philosophy extends beyond cuisine. He believes that exploring everyday food spots—convenience stores, cheap eats and even gas‑station diners—offers a truer glimpse into a region’s culinary identity than focusing solely on high‑end establishments.
He cites friends in Japan who say the best way to judge a food culture is by its everyday fare, not just its Michelin‑starred restaurants. Chang expects similar discoveries to emerge in other countries, noting that even in places like Italy, gas‑station food can be “tremendous.”
Personal reflections
Having dined at some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, Chang reflects that he has “probably eaten better than most kings and queens in history,” yet he stresses the importance of gratitude and presence while traveling.
He also shares a more modest memory of a recent trip to France with his wife, where they enjoyed simple museum‑café meals, reminding readers that “fine” experiences are often overlooked but still valuable.
Through The Detour with David Chang, viewers are invited to broaden their culinary horizons, embrace uncertainty and discover that the most memorable meals often come from the places we least expect.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
