Daily Detroit News Byte

Welcome to the Friday edition of your Daily Detroit, sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. Today: We talk about a visit to the Shankar Distillery, making the Varchas brand, a new spot blending Indian and American whiskey traditions. Learn about their unique offerings, including a Reserve 102 bourbon whiskey and the cultural significance behind their eagle branding. Jer and Devon discuss his favorite twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring mezcal and tequila. Perfect for summer sipping, this drink brings a smoky flavor. T he much-anticipated grand opening of Elephant and Company is happening this Saturday. With pizza, self-serve taps, and a kid-friendly environment, this new space could become a local favorite. Jer corrects a previous misstatement about the number of rooms at the Marriott in the RenCen, clarifying that it has over 1,300 rooms, making it the largest hotel in Michigan. Devon shares informed speculation about the potential future of the RenCen, including the p