{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Why Restaurateur Billy Dec Is Betting Big on Detroit","description":" Detroit is having a moment \u2014 and Sunda New Asian wants to be part of it.  On today\u2019s Daily Detroit, I talk with restaurateur and CEO Billy Dec about why he chose to open Sunda\u2019s newest location in the District Detroit, right across from Comerica Park.&amp;nbsp;  We get into his intentional path from Chicago to Nashville to Tampa and now Detroit, and why this city\u2019s spirit reminds him of Chicago\u2019s rise some years ago.\u200b  Our conversation touches on the generational ties between Michigan and Chicago, the data and \u201ctea leaves\u201d that pointed toward Detroit\u2019s 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\u2019s new space \u2014 from the island bar with \u201cflower rain\u201d overhead to the sake wall inspired by a hidden Tokyo spot and capiz shells over the sushi bar.  It\u2019s a look at Detroit\u2019s 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.&amp;nbsp;  Key topics:    Why Sunda\u2019s expansion from Chicago to Nashville, Tampa, and now Detroit has been very intentional.\u200b    The long-running Michigan\u2013Chicago connection in hospitality and how loyal guests moving back home helped pull Sunda to Detroit.\u200b    What Billy saw in Detroit\u2019s data and \u201con the ground\u201d energy that convinced him the city is in a historically significant moment.\u200b    The impact of private investment, local developers, and a unified civic spirit on Detroit\u2019s growth.\u200b    How the new Sunda space in District Detroit was designed: island bar with a disappearing wall, floral installation blending Sampaguita, cherry blossoms, and Michigan\u2019s apple blossom, and an immersive sake wall.\u200b    The influence of Billy\u2019s Filipino heritage and Southeast Asian travels on Sunda\u2019s design and menu philosophy.\u200b    Why he wants Detroiters to \u201cbackpack through\u201d Southeast Asia via the menu \u2014 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: \u200bhttps:\/\/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! ","author_name":"Daily Detroit","author_url":"https:\/\/www.dailydetroit.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40384950\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/199452650"}