Chef David Chang, founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, is the host of a brand‑new CNN original series titled The Detour with David Chang. The six‑episode travel show premiered Sunday and follows Chang as he drives across the United States, stopping at small‑town eateries and hidden culinary gems.
From a California truck stop to a Las Vegas Ethiopian kitchen
In the series’ opening episode, Chang rolls into Hesperia, California, on Interstate 15. While producers had planned a stop at a nearby Indian restaurant, Chang spotted a Mexican cantina and decided to try both, much to the amusement of his crew. He explains, “I just want to taste things. When I see something interesting, I have to try it.”
Later, a Las Vegas taxi driver directs him to an Ethiopian restaurant where he savors slow‑cooked chicken and injera, declaring, “Ethiopian food is one of the world’s greatest cuisines.” The episode also features a Filipino‑style breakfast in South Las Vegas, a traditional Czech puff pastry in Texas, and a first‑time taste of Haitian fare in Miami.
Friends, strangers, and local recommendations
Chang travels with a rotating cast of companions, including director Cord Jefferson, comedian Cristela Alonzo, and pastry chef Christina Tosi. Each episode emphasizes personal connections: a laundromat that serves Cuban fritas, a Texas barbecue joint that blends oak‑smoked pork with Penang curry, and a Honduran food‑truck breakfast that helps cure Chang’s hangover.
“I love going out to eat, but as I get older, staying inside isn’t as appealing,” Chang says. “Getting out of my comfort zone reminds me there’s so much more out there.”
Honoring the legacy of Anthony Bourdain
Executive Vice President of Talent for CNN Originals, Amy Entelis, notes that Chang is the first chef to host a CNN original series since the late Anthony Bourdain. “Dave isn’t trying to define American food or crown the best restaurant,” she explains. “He gets in the car, talks to people, and follows recommendations that take him somewhere unexpected.”
The series aims to capture the spirit of discovery that Bourdain championed, offering viewers a glimpse of America’s culinary diversity through the eyes of a curious, respectful traveler.
Why the show matters
In an era when algorithms dictate dining choices, The Detour with David Chang celebrates the value of spontaneous exploration and human connection. By highlighting small businesses and family‑run kitchens, the series underscores the importance of supporting local economies and preserving regional food traditions.
Fans of food, travel, and American culture will find the series a refreshing reminder that great meals often happen off the beaten path, guided by the recommendations of everyday people.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
