Episode Details

Today's episode is all about Detroit sandwich culture, community, and the power of sharing good food with good people.

I'm joined in studio by Carlos Parisi, the mind behind Sandwich Week, for a wide-ranging conversation on where to find great sandwiches across the region – and how those places help you make real-life connections, not just grab lunch and go.​

We start by remembering the late Greg Mudge of Mudgie's, whose new honorary street sign that went up over the weekend recognizes just how much he did to shape Detroit's modern restaurant and bar scene.

Carlos shares personal stories about Greg as a mentor, community builder, and straight shooter who helped countless businesses get off the ground and pushed people to be better.​

Then I put Carlos through 10 rapid-fire sandwich questions, starting with the eternal "Is a hot dog a sandwich?" (he says no, emphatically).

We get into toasted vs. untoasted bread, mayo vs. mustard, pickles, diagonal vs. straight cuts, fries and chips on the sandwich, bologna nostalgia, and why texture, temperature, and proper "shredduce" (shredded lettuce) make or break a great bite.​

From there, we dig into Sandwich Week 2025, running December 26–31 in its 12th year. Carlos walks through the schedule:

• Friday, Dec. 26 – Mudgie's (12–3 p.m.): Kicking things off where so much started, with the Uncle Carlos sandwich back on the menu.​

• Saturday – Vesper Books & Wine (12-3 p.m.): A first-ever Sandwich Week pop-up with Ayiti Spaghetti​

• Sunday – Ladder 4 (12-3 p.m.): Wild, creative sandwiches from one of the top spots in the country, plus that off-the-beaten-path wine-bar vibe.​

• Sunday night – Dakota Inn Ratskeller (ticketed dinner, 6 p.m.): A 15-foot sandwich built on a giant table in the newly revived basement German wine bar! Plus sides, Aunt Nee's chips and salsa, and two drinks with your ticket.​

• Monday – Rocco's (12-3 p.m.): A must-visit Italian market stop with art between two slices of bread.​

• Tuesday lunch (12–3 p.m.) – Tall Trees: Fernd