Anthony Bourdain-Produced Detroit Documentary Searches for a New TV Network

Detroit documentary produced by Anthony Bourdain is in limbo

A four-part film on Detroit that was executive produced by Anthony Bourdain is nearly complete, but without a home more than a year after the beloved author and Parts Unknown host’s death. The project, based on author David Maraniss’s book Once in a Great City: A Detroit Story, was originally slated for release on CNN in 2018. However, Bourdain’s death as well as issues with licensing Motown music for the film resulted in delays and ultimately lead CNN to release the series for pickup by other networks, Zero Point Zero productions’ Lydia Tenaglia tells the Detroit Free Press. The series utilizes interviews with prominent Detroiters such as the late singer Aretha Franklin as well as crowdsourced home videos and photos shot in the city during the 1950s and 1960s.

Detroit arcade bar faces allegations of sexual misconduct

A former employee of Ready Player One in downtown Detroit has filed a lawsuit against the arcade bar alleging that she was harassed and ultimately fired for refusing the advances of a her manager, according to Metro Times. Bartender Stacey Watrobski alleges that after turning down the sexual advances of her boss Trevor Razo, she faced retaliation at work including insults against herself and her boyfriend, reduced hours, and harassment for her disability. An attorney representing Ready Player One denied the allegations.

Ann Arbor restaurant shuffles chefs

James Beard award-winning chef Alex Young is officially out at Standard Bistro & Larder in Ann Arbor. Young has been replaced by former Parks & Rec Diner executive chef Allie Lyttle. Lyttle has spent the past year working on private events and catering as well as running a pop-up brunch series at Revolver in Hamtramck.

Wyandotte’s historic “house bars” are dwindling

The Chene Adele Bar closed its doors on August 3, according to the Detroit Free Press. The decades-old bar is part of a dying breed of so-called “house bars” in Wyandotte — Prohibition-era bars that operate out of homes in residential neighborhoods. Despite financial struggles, the Gold Star Bar and Frank’s Cafe still remain open.

Epicurean restaurant group operator files lawsuit against former owner

Weeks after major metro Detroit-based Epicurean Group collapsed, a lawsuit has emerged adding a twist to the story. Ryan Moore, who purchased the Epicurean Group from Stanley Dickson Jr. in January, has now filed a lawsuit against Dickson Jr. alleging breach of contract in the sale, Crain’s reports. Moore claims that Dickson Jr. failed to provide financial data about the restaurant group after the deal was finalized. As Epicurean began laying off employees in droves it announced in an email that ownership was transferring back to Ryan Moore — but Moore claimed he knew nothing about it.

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