Chef David Chang, founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, is now the host of a new CNN original series titled The Detour with David Chang. The six‑part travel show premiered Sunday and follows Chang as he drives across the United States, stopping at off‑the‑beaten‑path eateries recommended by locals.
Local flavor on a national stage
In the series’ opening episode, Chang’s crew rolls into Hesperia, California, on Interstate 15. While producers had arranged a stop at an Indian restaurant, Chang veered toward a nearby Mexican cantina, insisting that “everything’s on the table.” The spontaneous choice set the tone for a series that celebrates unplanned culinary discoveries.
Throughout the season, Chang samples a wide variety of regional foods: Filipino dishes in South Las Vegas, traditional Czech pastries in Texas, Haitian cuisine in Miami, and an Ethiopian restaurant in Las Vegas that he describes as “one of the world’s greatest cuisines.” He also highlights inventive barbecue in Texas, where pitmaster Chuck Charnichart adds serrano glaze and fresh lime zest to ribs.
Friends, strangers, and the joy of discovery
Each episode pairs Chang with a different companion – from director Cord Jefferson to comedian Cristela Alonzo and pastry chef Christina Tosi – who guide him to hidden gems such as a Cuban frita stand inside a laundromat and a Honduran food‑truck breakfast that helped cure a hangover.
Executive Vice President of Talent for CNN Originals, Amy Entelis, notes that Chang is the first chef to host a CNN original series since Anthony Bourdain. She says the show isn’t about ranking America’s best restaurants; rather, it’s about “getting a little lost and seeing what you find” in a world increasingly driven by algorithms.
Why the series matters
In a media landscape where recommendation engines dictate dining choices, Chang’s approach underscores the value of personal interaction and community recommendation. The series aims to remind viewers that stepping outside one’s comfort zone can reveal “so much other stuff out there,” a sentiment that resonates with families seeking authentic experiences and with faith‑centered audiences who value genuine hospitality.
“I love going out to eat, but as I get older, staying inside, not doing as much, is also nice,” Chang says. “Anytime you get out of your comfort zone or your little bubble, it’s a good reminder that there’s so much other stuff out there.”
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
