FUN FACT: There is a secretive, semi-illicit market for importing the best mangoes in the world that starts with WhatsApp and makes a stop at the Detroit airport.
Hey, it’s JB!
Monday night I had the distinct pleasure of attending the annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago.
Two Michigan finalists – Sozai in Clawson and Baobab Fare in Detroit – were up for an award, but only Sozai took one home.
I felt humbled and immensely grateful to be in the presence of some of the country’s best chefs, industry workers and food writers. Amid the glitz and glamor, there were several calls for food justice and environmental sustainability throughout the night.
Former food critic and author, Ruth Reichl, summed it up best as she accepted the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award:
“Eating is an ethical act and our food choices really matter.”
A major highlight from the awards for me was hanging out with Ahmed Ali Akbar, a Chicago Tribune food reporter who is also from Michigan. In 2022, he won a James Beard award for his Eater article: “Inside the Secretive, Semi-Illicit, High Stakes World of WhatsApp Mango Importing.”
It’s a fun and interesting piece that involves Detroit, and just last week Akbar published another story about the mango world. I highly recommend checking out the award-winning article here, and the latest story here.
(Might there be an Akbar/Brooker collaboration soon??)
Click the button below to read more about how Michigan fared Monday night!
Dig In,
JB
- A Detroit Free Press investigation found nearly $7 million of dubious COVID-19 Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants were awarded, including to some Michigan businesses not legally allowed to serve drinks or food.
- Detroit’s City Council passed a new restaurant grading system called “Dining With Confidence.”
- It’s Double Up Food Bucks Awareness Week: Michigan households using SNAP are automatically eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20 a day on their purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Thurs., June 13:
The Paper Plate Diner at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval Ave.
Street Beet at Bagley Bar, 2545 Bagley St. 4-9 p.m.
Fri., June 14:
Food Truck Fridays at E. Warren Farmers Market, 16835 E. Warren. 12-8 p.m.
Randos Sandos at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 5-8 p.m.
El Antes at Collect, 1454 Gratiot Ave. 5-9 p.m.
Sat., June 15:
El Antes at Collect, 1454 Gratiot Ave. 1-7 p.m.
Taste of Marrakech at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St.
Elle The Foodie at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval Ave.
Plenti Pasta at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval Ave.
Sun., June 16:
Detroit Coffee Club at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval Ave.
El Antes at Collect, 1454 Gratiot Ave. 1-7 p.m.
Marksie’s Cooking at Red Hook, 2761 E. Jefferson. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Egg Hunt at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval Ave. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Detroit Dinner Club at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval Ave.
Mon., June 17:
El Antes at Collect, 1454 Gratiot Ave. 5-9 p.m.
Tacos Hernandez at the Kiesling, 449 E Milwaukee Ave. 5-10 p.m.
Tues., June 18:
Nepantla at Cold Truth, 4240 Cass Ave. 5-9 p.m.
Shut the front door, this article just rocked my world! I feel like I just had an epiphany reading it. It’s uncanny how much it resonated with me, especially since I tackled a similar subject in a piece I penned for Createx Digital not too long ago. But your piece? Next-level genius! The pop culture references you peppered throughout were so on-point and hilarious. And those mind-bending stats? I’m still picking my jaw up off the floor. You, my friend, are a literary wizard!