My Favorite REDS

Lately, I've found myself fascinated with the incredible smoothness and taste of Amber Ales.  They are quite delicious.  I am usually an IPA consumer, however now that I've tried these FIVE amazing beers...it's going to be a LONG while before I drink another IPA!    

BEST in this order:

1. New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale

• New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, Colorado
• Named in honor of the cofounder's bike trip through Europe
• well balanced with an aroma of "toasty, biscuit and caramel-like malt flavors, subtle notes of fresh fennel and green apple"
• flavor is perfectly balanced of malt and hops, with a gentle sweetness
• ABV 5.2%
• IBU 22
• BA score 81 good
• pairs well with charcuterie meats and pot stickers

2. Griffin Claw El Rojo Red Ale

• Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Birmingham, Michigan
• Bronze medal winner
• "Malty, Roasted flavor profile"
• ABV 6.5%
• IBU 25
• BA score 85 Very good

3.  North Peak Siren Amber Ale

• North Peak Brewing Co., Traverse City, Michigan
• "toasty, bready richness, sweet tangerine and lemon-pith hop flavors"
• a good "anytime" drink
• ABV 5.0%
• IBU 48
• BA score 75 okay

4. Finch's Beer Co. Fascist Pig Ale

• Finch's Beer Co., Chicago, Illinois
• "deep red, malt forward, caramel malt, rye and spice notes, with an earthly and floral hop nuance"
• ABV 8.0%
• Imperial Amber Ale
• BA score 83 good

5. Keweenaw Red Jacket Amber Ale

• Keweenaw Brewing Co., Houghton, Michigan
• A tribute to the Red Jacket Mine and the copper industry in Keweenaw Peninsula
• "malty, caramel, toffee, biscuit-like aromas with a spicy/earthly hoppiness"
• ABV 5.10%
• BA score 80 good

Zingerman's BAKEHOUSE Bakeshop - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Zingerman's BAKEHOUSE is a group of artisan bakers who use traditional methods and flavorful ingredients to make their delicious breads and pastries.  They are a wholesale bakery that supplies specialty stores, cafes and restaurants in southeastern Michigan.  They are also a retail shop - open to the public - where you can buy baked goods, sandwiches, and soups.  Zingerman's Candy bars are made on-site by Zingerman's Candy Manufactory.  Baking classes are available at Bake!  You can learn baking techniques and how to bake Zingerman's breads and pastries.

My wife and I love to buy fresh baked goods here.  The lemon scone is REALLY really good.   Get a sample of bostock - brioche brushed with orange flavored simple syrup, spread with almond frangipane, sprinkled with toasted almonds and baked. Their cinnamon raisin bread is fantastic and is my wife's favorite.  I love their chile cheddar bread - it goes perfect with your best homemade chili.  Their Jewish Loaves are amazing too!  You can sample anything before you buy and remember to pick up a loyalty card (buy 10 loafs get one free!)  
   
Zingerman's Bakehouse
3711 Plaza Drive, A2
734.761.2095 (Bakeshop)
Hours: Everyday 7am-7pm
Bakehouse Facebook Link

Wholesale Office
734.761.7255
734.761.2190 (Fax)
Hours: 
Monday - Saturday: 7am-6pm
Sunday: 7am-5pm

Quality of Products: 98
Quality of Service: 100
Value: 100
Atmosphere: 94
Overall Score: 98 Excellent [A Must-Try!]

Make sure you grab a number (60) for service!

Cafe Zola - Ann Arbor, Michigan

There are two ways to enjoy food, to eat or to dine.  When my wife and I are in the mood for breakfast and we want to dine, Cafe Zola is the perfect place.  We have been regular diners for many years.  Everything is delicious.  In fact, there are times you'll have to wait an hour for a table, but it's well worth the wait!  We love the rosemary dusted french fries, savory & sweet crepes, greek-yogurt & lemon zest waffles, hearty and flavorful omelettes, Salmon Hash and Salmon burger! If you are looking for a unique food experience and the best value for your money -Turkish Brunch is an amazing deal.  It comes with a pastry & bread basket, delicious coffee or tea, and those vegetable dolmas are fantastic!   

Cafe Zola is owned by Hediye and Alan and has been open since March of 1996.  The original breakfast and lunch menu is influenced by French culture and cuisine, therefore the owners named their restaurant after French novelist, playwright and journalist: Emile Zola.  Italian, Mediterranean and Turkish culture and cuisine influences their dinner menu.  The Grilled Lamb Chops "a la Turque" is a must-try!   

Cafe Zola
112 W. Washington St., A2
734.769.2020
info@cafezola.com
Brunch Hours:
Daily: 7am-4pm
(Eggs & French Toast is not served after 3pm) 
Dinner Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 5pm-10pm
Friday & Saturday: 5pm-11pm

Quality of Food: 94
Quality of Service: 92
Value: 93
Atmosphere: 97
Overall: 94 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

Champignon Crepe, Rosemary French Fries, Egg White - Classic Omelette 

Grilled Lamb Chops "a la Turque" and New York Strip



Local Artist Paintings are displayed here! very cool.



Grilled Flat Iron and Stilton Salad

Frita Batidos - Ann Arbor, Michigan

When I heard Chef Eve was closing her restaurant in Kerrytown I was regretful we never had the chance to enjoy her cuisine.  The cuisine at Eve was based on French philosophy of cooking with African, Cuban, and Vietnamese influences.  

I was very excited that Chef Eve decided to open a Cuban-inspired restaurant, Frita Batidos.  I am so glad she did.  The fresh ginger and lime juice is refreshing.  My wife and I enjoy the Fritas - Inspired by traditional Cuban burgers made from spicy chorizo served with shoestring fries on top of a soft egg bun.  The Frita choices are: Chorizo, Black Bean, Chicken, Fish, Beef.  If you love Plantains like I do, I recommend "Loaded Plantains."  "The Best Snack Ever" is really the best snack ever!  They also have a kid's menu.  For dessert, my wife recommends the churros and you can get it with chocolate Español.  Click here for the Happy Hour menu. 

Frita Batidos
117 W. Washington, A2
734.761.2882
Hours:
Happy Hour: Sunday - Thursday: 4pm-6pm   
Sunday - Wednesday: 11am-11pm
Thursday - Saturday: 11am-12am

Quality of Food: 97
Quality of Service: 97
Value: 100
Atmosphere: 95
Overall: 97 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

Frita Batidos at night.

Fish Frita minus fries and mayo.

I know what you're thinking and yes! IT's DELICIOUS! "Loaded Plantains"

117 W. Washington St. Downtown A2

Seriously, the BEST SNACK EVER!

Barry Bagel's - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Barry Bagel's hits the spot when I'm craving a New York bagel in Michigan.  Their bagels have a wonderful combination of soft and chewy.  We like the blueberry the best.  Their only Michigan location is in Ann Arbor, the others are in Ohio.  Click here for catering information.       

Barry Bagel's
2515 Jackson Avenue, A2
734.662.2435
734.662.0870 fax
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm
Saturday: 7am-5pm
Sunday: 7am-3pm

Quality of Bagel: 88
Quality of Service: 86
Value: 87
Atmosphere: 80
Overall Score: 85 Average   

The Ugly Mug Cafe & Roastery - Ypsilanti, Michigan

My friend (Patty) introduced me to her favorite coffee shop, The Ugly Mug Cafe two years ago. She was my "secret santa" at work and generously surprised me with a scarf and a bag of Mexico.  Mexico is a very good dark roast, perfectly balanced and has a wonderful depth of flavor.  Colombia and Ethiopia are also very good roasts.  Make sure you call ahead or take a look at their menu since the availability of the roasts may vary each week.   

The Ugly Mug Cafe is one of the first small batch artisan roasteries in Michigan.  I love their relaxed atmosphere and unique decor.  This is certainly a great place to read a book, study and meet friends for good conversations.  If you haven't tried their bagel sandwiches - I recommend ordering one with your coffee.  I love the "Big Breakfast" (picture below).  They offer coffee cupping and coffee lab events each month which are available to the public and free, unless otherwise noted.  Check this link for more information.  

The Ugly Mug Cafe & Roastery
317 West Cross Avenue, Ypsilanti 48197
734.484.4684
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7am-9pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8am-8pm   

Quality of food and coffee: 93
Quality of Service: 93
Value: 93
Atmosphere: 94
Overall Score: 93 (Very Good)
                  

Ethiopia: Bright Floral, Citrus, Caramel notes.  Fantastic.

Mexican Latte - Love the Artistry.

Big Breakfast Bagel: Tomato, onion, spinach, egg, bacon, cheese, cream cheese, salt & pepper, chili powder, hot sauce Delicious!!

Mighty Good Coffee Roasting Company - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I enjoyed my first cup of Mighty Good Coffee (decaf) at Red Hawk Bar & Grill.  Immediately after the first sip I was pleasantly surprised by its depth of flavor and elegance.  It was delicious! I knew then I had to try their other blends.  You can purchase Mighty Good Coffee blends at their cafe, Sparrow Market and Babo in A2, click here (for the list of retailers that also carry their products).

I highly encourage you to visit their cafe.  I love the ambience and large work area for reading, studying, or just for enjoying coffee.     
      
Located:
217 N. Main Street, A2, MI 48104
734.222.4514
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 7am-6pm
Sunday: 8am-5pm
(check their website for seasonal hours)       

Quality & Variety: 93
Quality of Service: 94
Value: 94
Atmosphere: 94
Overall: 93 (Very Good)