Insider Profile: John "JT" Truong

Take a first-generation American from Southwest Detroit, toss in some serious smarts and an eye for design -- the result is budding entrepreneur and Michigan State grad John "JT" Truong. He's currently using his dual degrees in Finance and Retail Merchandising to launch Philanthropia, a back-to-the-basics art-infused clothing line with photographer and friend Samara Johnson. With Philanthropia, JT aims to give back to a cause with style -- think TOMS for clothing.

JT divides his time between downtown Detroit and East Lansing. When he's back in EL, he likes to start with a build-your-own omelet at Beggar's Banquet. "They let you customize your own three-egg and all the veggies are great," he says.  He also recommends Tony's, a low-key Coney Island-style diner.

On a warm day, you can find him sitting outside with a burger at the Peanut Barrel. Known for their famously potent Long Island cocktails, JT says the two-drink limit won't be a problem.

For dinner with a lady friend, he'll head back to Beggar's Banquet. Their extensive wine list and pastas make Beggar's one of East Lansing's most intimate dining choices. "The Caprese salad is one of the best I've had, and they make the best NY strip steak in East Lansing."

For eating out with friends, he singles out the menu and tap list at Dublin Square. They recently remodeled their back bar with huge flat screen TVs and a projector to watch the game. "I love the Black and Tan tuna sandwich," he says, "but a safe and great choice for a first timer not into seafood would be the Dubliner, their corned beef sandwich." He'll also tune into a Spartan basketball game at Harper's.

EL has a number of sushi restaurants downtown, but JT claims Sansu hands down possesses the city's best menu and atmosphere. "I always get the Black Dragon roll," he says. "Sansu is great for events -- grab a private room in the back."

If you're out for the night, stop at Rick's, where JT and his friends have achieved local celebrity status. "It's everything that your college bar should be." He also recommends the cheap drinks and entertainment at Club Rush. "It's a really fun spot with live music and DJs from 80;s night with a retro band going all night and a dance floor," he says.

For shopping, East Lansing is a bit limited on guys' options, but JT stocks up on the basics at Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. "There's also Jeanologie on M.A.C. that just recently opened up," he says. "It carries primarily women's clothing, but they have a men's section with some great stuff on a smaller scale." He also digs the glasswork and paintings at local headshop Oz. And when it comes to sonic stylings, JT can't say enough good things about the independent record store Flat Black and Circular. Located in an upstairs storefront from Nogginz, it's not easy to find, "but if you're a big music fan, they'll order anything you need if it's not there."