The Michigan Daily's Best of Ann Arbor 2016

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The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS Winners and Runners-Up

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BEST NEW RESTAURANT Best Coffee Shop and Best Sandwich Best Pizza and Best Burger Best Thai Food

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BEST NEW BUSINESS Best Bookstore and Best Thrift/Vintage

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Best Vegetarian/Vegan and Best Mexican Best Date Location and Best Professor Best Dessert and Best Ice Cream/Gelato Best Sweet Treat Best Study Spot Best Sunday Brunch and Best Breakfast

AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily

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BEST LIVE MUSIC Best Campus Bar and Best Chinese Food

AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily

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VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily

What is it about Ann Arbor? It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why we love it. Blame it on the colorful residents, the intellectual buzz about the streets or the magical, streetlight-soaked feeling you get after a night on the town: There’s no denying this is a great city. This year’s issue features some of the new and some of the classic — our very favorite spots to chow down, drink up and hang out. Use it as your guide, as well as an ode, to the brightest spots of 2016.

— Melina Glusac, Caroline Filips, Benjamin Rosenstock and Jacob Rich, Senior Arts Editors The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

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WINNERS & RUNNERS-UP BAGEL (Tie)

COFFEE SHOP

BURGER

Espresso Royale Mighty Good Coffee

Frita Batidos Blimpy Burger

Zingerman’s Bruegger’s

SUNDAY BRUNCH

PIZZA

SUSHI

Mani Osteria Pizza House

Sadako Totoro

Sava’s Angelo’s

MEXICAN FOOD

SWEET TREAT

Isalita Prickly Pear

Washtenaw Dairy Zingerman’s Next Door

Angelo’s Afternoon Delight

Zingerman’s Maize & Blue Deli

Lucky Kitchen TK WU

Tomukun Korean BBQ Kosmo Deli

Mani Osteria Gratzi

SANDWICH

CHINESE FOOD

KOREAN FOOD

ITALIAN FOOD

BREAKFAST

INDIAN FOOD Shalimar Cardamom

THAI FOOD

MEDITERRANEAN FOOD

No Thai!

Marnee Thai

Jerusalem Garden Ali Baba’s

BANK/CREDIT UNION

LATE NIGHT

THRIFT SHOP

Chase Bank U-M Credit Union

Pizza House Fleetwood Diner

Ragstock Salvation Army

KARAOKE

LANDLORD

HOUSING

BARBER

YOGA STUDIO

Good Time Charley’s Friends

J. Keller Oxford

Zaragon Place Landmark

Coach & Four Arcade

aUm Yoga Bikram Yoga

ON CAMPUS BAR

MAIN ST BAR

LIVE MUSIC

DANCE CLUB

Ashley’s Dominick’s

Mash Jolly Pumpkin

The Blind Pig The Ark

Rick’s American Cafe Necto

HAPPY HOUR

NEW BUSINESS

Good Time Charley’s The Blue Leprechaun

Shinola Lucky’s Market

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN The Lunch Room Seva

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FAN APPAREL M Den Underground Apparel

ICE CREAM/FROYO/GELATO Iorio’s Gelateria Blank Slate Creamery

CLOTHING STORE Bivouac Urban Outfitters

HOUSING AMENITIES Landmark Zaragon

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BEST NEW RESTAURANT If you are looking for the newest foodie adventure in Ann Arbor, head over to Maynard and discover all that HopCat has to offer. It may look like a hole in the wall from the outside, but the spacious and funky interior is an experience all of its own. The restaurant sports a variety of music, ranging from today’s hits to classic rock and everything in between. Pop culture and music memorabilia will keep you entertained if you happen to be on the wait list during one of the busier nights, and the comfy seating and friendly staff will welcome a variety of customers time and time again.

But the food is what makes HopCat this year’s best new restaurant.

Two words: crack fries. This side is a must try as one of HopCat’s signature food items and among the best of its kind, according to the Food Network.

Try one of the 80+ beers tapped

HopCat

weekly or a bottle of your own favorite to wash them down.

Some of the top menu items include the fresh and flaky fish and chips, a decadent grilled cheese with honey aioli and apple slices, various classic and creative burgers and the “Killer Mac and Cheese”. Stop by for Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 2-6 p.m. or Sunday through Wednesday from 10 p.m. to close for some great deals. If you’re more of a morning person, join HopCat for a made-to-order brunch and make your own Bloody Mary bar Sunday.

Aside from the crazy good food and unique atmosphere, customers should relish knowing that HopCat is also dedicated to sustainability and helping the environment whenever possible.

Browse the menu and be inspired by the possibilities offered by HopCat. — CAITLIN HEENAN

AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily

AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily

6 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily

Espresso Royale — I get chills just typing it. Need coffee? Tea? Food? A place to study? A place to meet new people, old people, people you kind of know but not really? Espresso Royale has it all.

What makes Espresso Royale that great? Every coffee shop has coffee (duh). They all have tea, food, study spots and places to chat with friends, but they don’t all have the right vibe. Espresso Royale has a vibe that can vibe with anyone. At any given time, you’ll not only see that hipster in your film class, but you’ll also spot a group of sorority girls studying for their Comm test and a tenured professor reading the newspaper in an oversized armchair. NonUniversity affiliated locals pop in and out and if you haven’t seen a friend in a while, odds are you’ll be able to catch their beautiful face at Espresso.

Espresso-goers aside, the vibe is enhanced by solid playlists of varying music. Sometimes “Mr. Brightside” will permeate the air and it’ll take a tremendous amount of willpower to not belt the lyrics; other times, smooth jazz will make you feel like you’re in an Oscar-winning movie scene.

The lighting is also stellar; go to the Espresso on South University if you vibe with natural lighting, but if you vibe with “I want dim, cozy lighting where I can still stay awake while reading Shakespeare” then go to the Espresso on State.

Limited seating is an issue that plagues most coffee shops, but not Espresso — not only will you always have seats to choose from, but you’ll always have an outlet at your disposal. So who’s the real winner here? That’s right, you are.

Vibe aside, Espresso Royale is the best coffee shop in Ann Arbor because Espresso baristas are, very simply, the best. Unlike several other coffee shops in Ann Arbor (which I won’t name), baristas at Espresso Royale aren’t pretentious. They won’t judge you for ruining the coffee with flavored syrup and they’ll always make your “soy matcha latte, light on the matcha with an extra pump of vanilla” with a smile. They’ll even go so far as to put sugar-free vanilla syrup in your house blend when you’re sad that they’re out of French vanilla roast, because that’s just what Espresso Royale does.

— DANIELLE IMMERMAN

EVAN AARON/Daily

Zingerman’s BEST SANDWICH

BEST COFFEE SHOP Espresso Royale ALLISON KRUSKE/Daily

Have you ever transcended your mortal body and reached a state adjacent to nirvana? If you’ve ever had the Georgia Reuben from Zingerman’s Delicatessen, the answer is probably yes. The sandwich that launched a thousand holiday gift basket orders, the Georgia Rueben is a timeless classic in the heart of Zingerman’s sprawling menu. It’s simple, but made to perfection — just turkey, swiss cheese, Russian dressing and the best coleslaw you’ve ever had.

For the last 34 years, Zingerman’s has been the restaurant/ deli/bakery/out-of-body-experience that puts Ann Arbor on the map. Sure, we have the best public university in the county, but we also have Zingerman’s — I don’t know which is more impressive.

I can’t remember the first

time I experienced the glory that is Zingerman’s. But as the child of two alumni living far, far away from their beloved delicatessen, I’m sure it was as soon as I could chew. When they were Ann Arborites, Zingerman’s was just one house, bursting at the seams with fancy olive oil, cured meats and — most importantly — Georgia Reubens. Now, Zingerman’s is its own empire. The delicatessen now sprawls across three buildings, with a bakery, creamery, a Roadhouse and an outpost in the Detroit airport.

As Zingerman’s expands its empire and cult following, one fact remains constant: anything on the menu (but especially the Georgia Reuben), is bound to be the best sandwich in Ann Arbor.

— MADELEINE GAUDIN

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Despite the requisite college town fixtures of countless pizza joints, Mexican dives and crowded coffee houses, Ann Arbor kind of failed us with the burger options.

Blimpy? Too greasy. BurgerFi? Fries, nothing else. Quickie?

Not sober. Five Guys? Closed.

For the best burger, one must venture past Main Street and between upscale steakhouses for the quirky and quality favorite — Frita Batidos.

It’s impossible to have a conversation about Ann Arbor’s food-scape without mentioning Frita Batidos. The eclectic eatery — nestled deep downtown among comestible competitors — sets itself apart with a simple, eponymous dining philosophy — order a frita and wash it down with a batido.

The Cuban-inspired menu offers different iterations of the classic chorizo frita (or burger) — a special beef blend from Kerrytown’s Sparrow market, black bean, chicken and fish — all topped with shoestring fries and sandwiched between a light brioche bun. As for the batidos (or milkshake), patrons have the option of adding a splash of dark rum to any tropical fruit blend.

The street food fare always seems to weasel its way to the top of Ann Arbor bucket lists and rack up the most Instagram likes on any page.

But the egg-topped burgers are more than the key to an aesthetically pleasing post — they’re the foundation of a memorable meal.

BEST PIZZA Mani Osteria

— CAROLINE FILIPS

AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily

EMILIE FARRUGIA/Daily

Frita Batidos BEST BURGER

8 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

As you walk into the sleek, modern restaurant space at Mani, the heat from the woodfired oven slowly radiates out, and you know you’ve found good pizza. This isn’t the kind of pizza you order at two in the morning with a side of cinnamon stix, destined to accompany a late night Netflix binge. This is the kind of pizza you savor, slowly, poring over the menu for 20 minutes beforehand like any selfrespecting foodie.

The ingredients are highquality and flavorful, and the restaurant’s execution gives them the attention they deserve. Mani’s pizzas are creative, but for good reason.

You won’t find the selfconsciously “quirky” pizza flavors that pop up every once in a while. Instead, you’ll find a mix of time-tested classics and innovative new tastes, from

the classic “Supreme,” a hearty blend of sausage and veggies, to the unexpectedly delicious “Red Onion and Pistachio,“ a combination of unique flavors that somehow melts in your mouth.

The only real danger in ordering Mani’s pizza is that it will distract you from the rest of what the beloved restaurant has to offer. Don’t let the crusty flatbread, bubbling cheese and fresh greens coming out of the searingly hot oven blind you to Mani’s excellent salads, appetizers and other offerings.

But pizza is one of the great equalizers — everyone loves it, and if a restaurant can do it justice, chances are the rest of their food is just as good.

So if you haven’t, grab pizza from Mani. Consider this your introduction.

— MERIN MCDIVITT

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BEST THAI FOOD

It’s not just any Thai, it’s No Thai! No Thai! came to us in 2005 from a group of four friends who wanted to bring modern Thai food to the community. One member of the group, Noerung Hang, became the head chef and thus the name No Thai! was born.

Being a lover of all food is a blessing and a curse. It’s a curse because restaurants near and far are constantly draining my pockets, but a blessing, because I get to eat the food from places like No Thai! At No Thai!, you first select your protein — chicken, beef, tofu or shrimp, as well as your level of spice. The lowest spice is “no spice” and the others are weak sauce, medium, yoga flame and finally, the hottest, ELIZABETH XIONG/DAILY Dim Mak. I’m more of a mild to medium kind of

No Thai!

10 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

gal, so yoga flame and Dim Mak aren’t even on my radar. Plus, Dim Mak has a discouraging clip art image of skull and crossbones accompanying its name. So yeah, I pass on willingly inserting a deadly inferno into my mouth.

Aside from the diabolically hot items, I can appreciate everything on the menu.

This review wouldn’t be complete without me putting in a shameless plug for No Thai!’s Pad Seeyu, would it? So, I encourage you to eat the Pad Seeyu with weak sauce. No Thai! is definitely deserving of its Best of Ann Arbor title and now that I’m salivating over my keyboard, I think I’ll have to order some.

— HANNAH SPARKS

Shinola The best new business of Ann Arbor this year goes to Shinola. Being a girl that lives right outside Detroit, I’ve visited the flagship store a fair amount of times. Once I arrived in Ann Arbor and stumbled upon the new Shinola store here, I was pleasantly surprised to see this piece of the Motor City in a new location.

Tom Kartsotis founded Shinola in 2011. Since then, the company has gone global.

Not only can you find Shinola shops all throughout the U.S., but you can also find them in place like Italy, Finland, Luxembourg, Denmark and the UK, just to name a few.

They’re most popular and wellknown for their handcrafted watches, but there are also other extraordinary items that this Detroit-based company produces. They have “leather goods,” which can range from

BEST NEW BUSINESS their incredible journals, a beautiful handbag, a football, or even a dog collar. They have great gift items like sweatshirts, pens, dominos, tool sets, jewelry and much more. Additionally, Shinola paper journals are made in Ann Arbor in collaboration with Edward Brothers Malloy.

Then there are the bicycles, which emit a classic vibe that’s paired with 21st century clean lines. You can almost smell the high prices as you walk by. The Shinola store in Ann Arbor also has a particularly fun feature: it houses the coolest urban study lounge in the store’s lower level.

Everything Shinola does is in the name of authenticity and art, and the company makes Detroit-loving Ann Arborites very proud.

— HANNAH SPARKS

AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily

AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily

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BEST BOOKSTORE Literati

ZOEY HOLMSTROM/Daily

Selling everything from plaid shirts to duck onesies, Ragstock is the place to look for almost any of your clothing needs — think Forever 21 meets your grandmother’s closet.

Centrally located at the corner of East Liberty and South Division, Ragstock is easily accessible from the University of Michigan’s campus and sells a wide variety of new and used clothing, as well as accessories, at affordable prices. Entire portions of the store are dedicated to cowboy boots, solid color and print tees and tanks, dresses for every occasion and even clothing and accessories for your holiday dress-up needs.

Come Halloween, you can be sure to find wall-to-wall displays of different hats, costumes and animal ears along with full-body animal costumes and a random

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assortment of cheerleader outfits.

Although the Halloween costumes and St. Patrick’s Day garb may come and go, Ragstock also has a wide selection of unusual items year-round, ranging from dog and cat purses to sequined bowties. Rest assured, there’s never a lack of options, as items hang from the ceiling and cover racks all throughout the store. And with an easy to maneuver layout, there’s no worry that you’ll be stuck behind someone trying on heart-shaped sunglasses or a Members Only jacket.

So next time you’re looking for a denim fringe vest to go over your floral romper and a pair of silver combat boots to complete the look (or you just want a plain white tee), Ragstock is the place to go.

— ANNA POLUMBOLEVY

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Nestled on the corner of E. Washington and Main St., Literati is a quaint bookstore that is definitely one of Ann Arbor’s not-so-hidden gems.

Wandering through the store is every book lover’s dream.

Books are shelved from floor to ceiling, divided into genres, with chalk boards hovering above each section like the bookstore equivalent of neon signs on the Vegas Strip. Little white cards protrude from various sections of the shelves, each a hearty review of a novel one of the store’s employees has read.

A short trek upstairs reveals a fun children’s literature section and the Espresso Bar, a great place to stop for a vanilla latte after splurging on a couple new books. However, Literati does not only

sell books. Just a quick stop on Literati’s website will tell you that, most nights, there are various events happening in the upstairs seating area.

On any given day, you could happen upon book clubs, author readings or even book trivia.

It’s the perfect place to stop by after a long day as the atmosphere is rather calming. The employees are always very welcoming and helpful. If you need help finding your next rainy day book, they are also quite in tune with what might suit you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Literati is without a doubt too precious to pass up. If you have time to spare, venture inside and see all of the wonderful things about it for yourself.

— OLIVIA PUENTE

NICK WIILIAMS/Daily

Ragstock BEST THRIFT & VINTAGE SHOP

BEST LIVE MUSIC Pitch-black paint, smoky mirrors and the vibe of a grunge-addled basement — this isn’t the 1990s, but you can pretend it is at the Blind Pig, and there’s the history to back it up. It almost seems redundant to mention the swath of classic acts who have graced the music venue, but it’s a crime not to.

Legends from the ’90s like Nirvana (before they were cool), Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins and REM are just a few.

And before that, the Pig was host to a flourishing blues scene, as well as the likes of Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and Iggy Pop. Now, reflective of today’s music scene, the Pig is home to a huge variety of genres, from hardcore punk to pop to EDM to burlesque. There doesn’t seem to be a scene that hasn’t passed under that neon sign on South First Street.

But for the huge variety of its

performances, the Pig still has its own, singular feel. Waiting for the band to get on stage, you can find that unique Ann Arbor mix of people all jumbled together in the dark, anxious for whatever is about to happen. And when it does happen, it’s an experience unlike almost any other place. Thanks to the barely raised platform, the artist shreds or harmonizes or grooves or claps more with you than at you. There’s almost a claustrophobic feel — in the best way, of course. The angled mirrors on the walls give you another perspective altogether, and it’s an experience in its own right to just look forward, left and right and see the same band in totally different ways. To sum it up, it’s the epitome of Ann Arbor.

Oh, and Nirvana once called the Blind Pig their favorite venue of all time.

No big deal.

— MATT GALLATIN

VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily

Blind Pig

LUNA ANNA ARCHEY/Daily

VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily

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BEST CAMPUS BAR Ashley’s

Many towns claim to have the best Chinese food, but what really makes a Chinese restaurant superb?

Is it low prices, quality food, convenience?

Ann Arbor can accurately tell residents and University of Michigan students alike that we have two locations where the best Chinese food can be found.

Lucky Kitchen, located on both North and Central Campus, caters to the larger Ann Arbor community, but places an emphasis on University students. Online ordering and delivery is offered to various locations, as well as catering opportunities. However, the excellence of Lucky Kitchen does not end at convenience.

The price and quality of food is what makes Lucky

Kitchen so special. Only the most quality of ingredients are used in the dishes at Lucky Kitchen. You can expect lean meats, various fresh vegetables, quality jasmine or brown rice and food prepared fresh in only ten minutes. In addition, water is used instead of oil to cook all food, cutting down on fat and preserving the nutrients. Gluten-free and vegan menu items are available upon request. As well, despite using high quality ingredients, Lucky Kitchen does not charge high prices for their authentic dishes.

As of 2016, Lucky Kitchen is celebrating 23 years of excellent service and quality and affordable food.

— CAITLIN HEENAN

PAUL SHERMAN/Daily

Ashley’s motto is: “Celebrate the simple pleasures of life ... good food, good drink, and good friends!” And it shows.

Walk into Ashley’s and you’ll be greeted by a friendly (usually bearded) man checking IDs. Behind him are three sections of tables in a tavern-like room with dark wood and brick walls. Beer bottles line the rafters. Comic carvings of names, puns and pictures are etched into the tables.

Though Ashley’s is known for their extensive list of draught beers (including Brown, Gold, Pale, Scottish and Belgian Ales, Lagers, Specialty & Fruit, Wheat Beers, Porters or Stouts) they also offer classic cocktails and bottled beer. The options might be overwhelming if it wasn’t for the bar’s highly knowledgeable staff. Tell them the color or flavor you’re thinking of, and

they’ll find you the perfect beer.

Ashley’s is on South State Street, making it the closest bar to Central Campus. Pop over after class to try their potato skins and beer. If potatoes aren’t your thing, go for the wings, pub bites, pizza or sandwiches.

A community of regulars comprised of undergrads, graduate students and a few professors make Ashley’s seem like an episode of “Cheers“”.

It’s a happy medium between dive bars with chipped beer mugs and the upscale bars downtown with their pretention and overpriced cocktails. That’s why Ashley’s is one of the best places in Ann Arbor to pass time with good beer, good food and good friends.

— BROOKE WHITE

AMANDA ALLEN/Daily

Lucky Kitchen BEST CHINESE FOOD The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

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The first thing you’ll notice when walking into The Lunch Room is probably the giant case of desserts. From bundt cake to cupcakes to cookies and cookie sandwiches, from ice cream to root beer floats, The Lunch Room does sweets right.

What you may not realize from first glance, or even when you’re biting into the creamy frosting on your cupcake, is that everything in the restaurant is entirely vegan. But the menu doesn’t restrict itself to just that.

Salads are large, filling and packed with flavor; sandwiches and wraps are almost too big to finish; and the macaroni and cheese is so tasty and orange you’d never guess the sauce wasn’t made with real dairy. Aside from their regular lunch/dinner menu — which is more than enough to keep you coming back for more on its own

— the restaurant and bar in Kerrytown features a rotating dinner special each night, and also serves up unique menus for Saturday breakfast and Sunday brunch. The bakery and café branch of The Lunch Room, located at Huron Towers close to the North and Medical Campuses, is only open for breakfast and lunch, serving salads, sandwiches and soups not available in Kerrytown, along with an abundance of vegan desserts.

At every opportunity, The Lunch Room puts its own twist on non-vegan favorites, effortlessly substituting soy products and legumes for meat protein or dairy. And while I’m not sure what exactly they put in the cupcakes, I do know that they taste really good.

BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

The Lunch Room

— SUSAN LAMOREAUX

EVAN AARON/Daily

Isalita BEST MEXICAN FOOD

MAZIE HYAMS/Daily

Last year’s winner for Best Mexican Food, Isalita, is making its second appearance on The Michigan’s Daily’s Best of Ann Arbor list of winners. In the last few years, the restaurant has become a staple for Ann Arbor residents and Michigan students alike.

The eatery stands out among its counterparts for its fun atmosphere and modern twist on Mexican classics.

Isalita shares an owner (and popularity) with its neighboring Italian counterpart, Mani Osteria & Bar. Both tout traditionally inspired dishes with a unique flair. Isalita’s menu has no shortage of options. Their outstanding tacos come in eight variations, including baja fish or classic carnitas.

The chilaquiles verdes is one of my favorite items — baked tortilla chips smothered in salsa verdes, beans, cheese and topped with a fried

egg (I highly recommend adding chicken as well). The ingenuity of their assorted cantina classics doesn’t lack in the presentation department either.

With artistically inspired plating, Isalita transforms traditional enchiladas from a solid dish to a festive indulgence.

I consistently return just for their guacamole (with the tempting option to add truffle or lobster), perfectly paired with a dangerously endless supply of warm, freshly-made tortilla chips. Isalita is a go-to for celebrating an occasion with friends or entertaining parents for the weekend, which explains why it’s always so crowded. With a variety of small, satisfying dishes that are perfect for sharing, but hold up on their own as well, the menu stacks up brilliantly against other high-end restaurants in the area.

— SHIR AVINADAV

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Ann Arbor may be called “Tree Town” by locals, but for many students, it might as well be “Sidewalk Town.” Maybe even “Diag Town.” If you aren’t searching for a park, your stroll with a significant other may lead to more buildings — which isn’t a bad thing, of course. Ann Arbor is no flop when it comes to date spots: the Kerrytown Farmer’s Market, Main Street restaurants and State Street theaters are all great.

But let’s be real. True romantics flock to nature, not to noodle bars. Nichols Arboretum, or the “Arb,” is rated best date spot because it offers a haven from the constant motion of campus and downtown Ann Arbor, letting couples give their full attention to each other and to the scenery. Miles of trails stretch from the gorgeous Peony Garden to the Huron River,

whose riverbank is scattered with picnic tables. April is a particularly beautiful time in the Arb because a line of 20,000 daffodils are scheduled to bloom this month, celebrating the thirteenth year of artist Susan Skarsgard’s exhibit.

For a fun, affordable date, pack a picnic lunch, strap on good walking shoes and try the Arb on for size. Watch out on weekend mornings — the pathways can get fairly busy with groups of runners and bird watchers. By mid-morning, the Arb quiets down. Take your time hiking, listening to the birds, admiring the daffodils.

When you work up an appetite for lunch, spread a blanket near the river, then dig into food and conversation. Oh — and leave your phone behind.

Shelly Schreier

SINDUJA KILARU/Daily

— HAILEY MIDDLEBROOK

SAM MOUSIGIAN/Daily

The Arb BEST DATE LOCATION 18

BEST PROFESSOR

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Psychology Prof.

Shelly Schreier is undoubtedly deserving of the “Best of Ann Arbor” award. Actually, I’m also absolutely certain that if there were an award for “Best Professor on God’s Green Earth,” she would win that one too. I was first introduced to Schreier during the past fall semester, but her reputation had reached my ears far earlier than that.

Even now, Psychology students I encounter will either gush over their experience with Schreier, or lament not taking one of her courses. So, waiting anxiously for class to begin, I began to think that maybe I should let go of my preconceptions of what kind of a professor Shelly Schreier is, for fear of a major letdown. Well, after only about one minute and twenty seconds into lecture, I’m thinking that I’ve never met a professor who seemed to be such an accurate representation of everyone’s grandmother.

Thinking back to her lectures, I most remember her distinct inflection, which is hard to put into words other than to describe as so kind, it borders on “grandmotherly.” With hour and a half lectures that lead to the head-bobbing, trying-but-failing to stay awake masses, she seems

to make it go by almost too fast.

She’s not only engaging with the class, which is a feat in itself with 200-plus students attending a single lecture, but finds new and inventive ways for her students to remember particularly difficult concepts. I won’t spoil it, but if you’ve taken Psych 111, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

The videos she presents to the class are followed by empathetic, heartwarming remarks and her YouTube splurges are oh-so entertaining. A testament to the reciprocal affection by her students, Schreier was the 2013 recipient of the prestigious Golden Apple award, reserved only for the most inspiring professors that the community awards only once per year.

Honestly, only be prepared to take one of her courses if you’re ready to drop your current major and fall in love all over again. I walked into her course a contemplative Psychology candidate and walked out with declaration sheets practically in hand. But if you ever find yourself lucky enough to register for Shelly Schreier as the lecturer, then you’ll find yourself unwilling to leave of your own volition come the end of the term.

— MEGAN MITCHELL

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BEST DESSERT Blank Slate

SAN PHAM/Daily

Want something sweet?

Try Iorio’s Gelateria. Gelato is made with milk instead of cream (read: less fat than ice cream), whipped slowly for a denser consistency and served at a warmer temperature to prevent paralyzing your taste buds.

Iorio (pronounced “ee-oree-o”) is the surname of co-owners Mary and Nick’s Italian great grandparents.

Mary and Nick began sharing their Italian heritage with the community in 2004 by selling Italian ice out of carts at local festivals.

Since then, they’ve traded in their push cart for Iorio’s Gelateria on East William Street. Iorio’s is a small shop with a big personality.

Old photos of an Italian family line the walls next to a large, white map of Italy.

The Italian names of the shop’s treats are painted on a yellow wall behind

the counter. The glass storefront gives customers a view of the city as they enjoy their gelato.

Iorio’s gelato flavors are varied and all use natural ingredients such as fruit, spices, liqueurs, chocolate, coffee, tea and more. Iorio’s also offers vegan and dairyfree sorbettos.

Classic Italian espresso drinks are available in the form of cappuccinos, americanos, breves, Nutella lattes, or my personal favorite — the affogato (a shot of espresso poured over your gelato of choice). Iorio’s has unique, tasty treats and some of the friendliest people in Ann Arbor working behind the counter.

Check out the Iorio’s blog for zany stories and fun facts about espresso and gelato.

— BROOKE WHITE

20 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Blank Slate has flourished over the past two years in cultivating Ann Arbor’s five senses.

Touch the smooth blackboard tabletops, get chalk on your hands.

Smell the intoxicating sweet maple of waffle cones. See the view of the train tracks and the architecture studio through the corner window, as well as mason jar light fixtures and more chalk. Hear the buzz of families, college students, locals — and then nothing, their mouths full of ice cream. Taste salty caramel coffee, basil, bittersweet chocolate, honey lavender lemon.

They pride themselves on using all natural and locally sourced ingredients such as Mighty Good Coffee and milk from Guernsey farms in Northville, Michigan. Blank Slate

regularly introduces new flavors that might be more unconventional, such as the popular blueberry pancake (yes, it does taste like brunch in a cone) or malted chocolate stout and blackberry Riesling sorbet (no, these flavors will not get you drunk).

Some say ice cream is cheaper than therapy and maybe Blank Slate gets that. There’s a therapeutic quality in enjoying tasty, local ice cream and the smell of homemade waffle cones all while doodling on the table. With a focus on enriching the Ann Arbor community and creating innovative flavors to showcase quality ingredients, Blank Slate has a presence much more permanent than the chalk drawings it houses.

— MARIA ROBINSSOMERVILLE

STINA PERKINS/Daily

Iorio’s BEST ICE CREAM, FROYO OR GELATO

BEST SWEET TREAT Washtenaw Dairy

MAZIE HYAMS/Daily

To find the most scrumptious sweet treat in Ann Arbor, one has to travel a little off the beaten path. You won’t stumble upon Washtenaw Dairy while walking down South University or State Street — or even on Main Street downtown. Rather, for more than 80 years this quality dairy shop has stood tucked away on the corner of Ashley and Madison, proudly serving up Stroh’s ice cream, sundaes, malts, shakes and its to-die-for homemade doughnuts, made fresh daily.

Without a proper sign or any other identifying details, Washtenaw Dairy goes about its business humbly and quietly, relying on quality service and even greater quality products to keep customers coming back again and again.

Walk into the locals’ go-to sweet shop and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back

in time, or maybe out of it completely. Though situated a hop, skip and a jump from downtown, the Fargoesque aura that permeates the interior will have you believing otherwise. Order up your favorite ice cream classic — Mackinaw Island fudge, Moose Tracks, Blue Moon, whatever your poison — and grab the red vintage booth in the back corner if it’s open (it’s where the cool kids sit). The retro metal Coca-Cola signs hung on the wood paneling will be there to greet you. Make yourself at home as the rest of the customers do and dive into whatever sweet treat you’ve selected (hint: there are no wrong options).

You deserve a break, whether you think so or not, and there’s no better place to get away from it all than Washtenaw Dairy.

— LOGAN HANSEN

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

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Did you know that when they did location scouting for the Great Hall in the Harry Potter movies that they looked at and deeply considered the University of Michigan’s Law Library? If yes, now I know why you go. And if not, are you surprised?

Aspiring students hear this “fact” on every University tour, and while it may not actually be true, the Law Library is so picturesque, it certainly feels right.

Find a seat, put your backpack down, take your parka off and look up. Look up at the vaulted ceilings and their decadent designs. Look behind you or in front of you for the stain glass windows. Look to the sides, at the dusty books and the quietly decorated, super-secret, law students only study rooms that are hidden within the walls. You’re ready to read Bronte in here, you’re ready to conquer logic tables.

You’re ready to find the derivative of something, or master the anatomy of a frog. Whatever you’re about to do, and no matter how much you don’t actually want to, you’re a little more motivated to because of

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your location.

Not only is the law library one of the only study places on campus that enforces the no-talking policy, but it also one of the best lit, most comfortable, and most motivational. Because across the way is some law student, buried in big books and taking in coffee from an IV. And next to you is a business graduate student, looking at a deck that could put caffeinated four year olds to sleep. And behind you is a young sophomore on the verge of a panic attack, having just finished making all 200 index cards for her biology exam tomorrow. We’re all in the law library to work hard. We’re all in the law library to sip our coffee, tea, and water bottles as we silently master whatever it is that we must.

The law library, in all its decadence and architectural glory, looks like greatness. Something about that embedded elegance implores all of its inhabitants to stay later, study harder and memorize more. And they have a Starbucks inside of it too, so that’s pretty freaking groovy.

— AMELIA ZAK

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

BEST STUDY SPOT The Law Library

SAMANTHA TRAUBEN/Daily

Sava’s — the wonderful culinary hotspot on South State Street — is a great place to wine and dine, not just because of its relaxing atmosphere and modern vibe, but also for its delectable food. Though I have only eaten at Sava’s twice, I was quite satisfied both times.

The first time I ventured to Sava’s was for a Valentine’s Day dinner, and the restaurant definitely captured the mood and ambience of a nice, quiet and romantic evening. The meal was exceptional, from the zesty Baby Kale Caesar Salad to their mouth-watering Maize & Blue Burger. Even the other menu items looked decadent, such as the Grilled Cheese for Grown Ups and the Turkey Reuben. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to try Sava’s’ famously delicious brunch and it definitely held up. I

ordered a fresh fruit platter and the Puffed French Toast, a flavorful and sweet meal that is guaranteed to make you both full and wanting more.

However, out of the many amazing qualities that Sava’s had to offer, what struck me the most was the fantastic restaurant service.

Yes, that might be saying a lot, considering how busy and hectic restaurants can get. But when the time between placing an order and the arrival of the order is unexpectedly efficient, that’s something major to highlight. Sava’s is one of the only restaurants I’ve been to in Ann Arbor so far that not only brings out your food out in a reasonable timeframe, but still manages to cook the food to the utmost perfection.

BEST BREAKFAST Angelo’s

— SAM ROSENBERG

STINA PERKINS/Daily

ELIZABETH XIONG/Daily

Sava’s BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH

Every time I’ve walked up to Angelo’s, there’s been a line out the door. However, the restaurant keeps things moving and once you’re in, you see why people are willing to stay.

Though the restaurant does serve lunch food that I’m sure is delicious, there’s one reason to go to Angelo’s, and that is breakfast food. Like any good diner, the menu is stacked with treats that will make any morning better.

Angelo’s has a wide array of breakfast options for choosing.

Their eggs, pancakes and waffles are as good as any you’d find in a Jersey diner (the best in the country, though, admittedly, I’m biased).

Arguably the best item on their menu is their bread, no matter how you have it. My go-to meal every time I walk in their doors is their deep-fried french toast. The slices are thick and plentiful, the fruit topping is fresh and the taste is amazing.

They also sell their bread in loaf form, meaning you can have it any time of your choosing.

Every time I’ve gone to Angelo’s, it has been worth the wait. You walk out the door with a full stomach and satisfied taste buds that would make Ron Swanson and Leslie Knope jealous.

— ALEX INTNER

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

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The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com