Ann Arbor’s Gourmet Eats

Taking road trips around the Midwest in January is a risky proposition, with the constant risk of winter weather, but since any long weekend is a tempting time to travel, I spent a couple of days in Ann Arbor with Karson, my fiancé.  With a wind chill below zero on our second day, we were hesitant to do much walking, but
Zingerman’s Coffeehouse was a location well worth multiple visits.

The array of pastries was so extensive that it took a few minutes to make my decision. Scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls and rugelach were only a few of the options available to satisfy a sweet tooth. For my first breakfast, I chose a raspberry turnover, with a delicately flaky crust that fell apart when I tried to break off a piece. Before returning to Chicago, I treated myself to a maple bran muffin, soft and flavorful, with a pleasant crunchy texture added by the sunflower seeds in the topping.

In addition to the baked goods, there was gelato from Zingerman’s own creamery, with flavors ranging from pistachio to chocolate heat, which contains a blend of ancho chile, cinnamon and cayenne. Right next to it was a case of beautiful bite-sized chocolates. One of Zingerman’s employees was quick to point out that the truffles in the case will only become more picturesque in the coming weeks, in preparation for Valentine’s Day.

The café has an array of hot drinks to rival its desserts, with coffee from its roastery and a range of tea and hot chocolate flavors. I highly recommend the Silver Needle, a delicately flavored oolong white tea. While we enjoyed breakfast, a barista called out an order for a tall skinny latte. I told Karson it sounded like an order from Starbucks, but he pointed out that at Zingerman’s a tall actually corresponds, logically, to a large size.

The colorful complex around the coffeehouse includes a deli and general store that carries an impressive variety of vinegar, oil, jelly, honey, meat, and cheese. Apple blossom and wild carrot were two of the more unusual honey flavors.

Zingerman’s is not exclusively a kosher establishment, but it sells traditional Jewish staples like knish, noodle kugel, latkes and knishes. At the bakery, the breads that contain lard are clearly labeled. Likewise, the catalogue of cooking classes offered at Zingerman’s, which I browsed while eating breakfast, distinctly marks the classes that feature pork.

The cooking classes cater to a wide spectrum of tastes and skill levels, ranging from Baking Basics to “Bake!-cations” that last a full weekend. Although international cuisines such as Mexican, French, and Italian are represented, many of the classes also spotlight local ingredients. In the Detroit Classics session, attendees learn to bake spiced almond cookies and coffee cake as well as Detroit-style pizza. Like Chicago deep-dish pizza, Detroit-style has tomato sauce on top of the cheese, but it’s distinguishable by its square or rectangular shape and a crust that’s crunchy on the outside yet chewy on the inside.

Zingerman’s opened in 1982 and remains in its original location near the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market and right across the street from Kerrytown. The shops in this multi-floor complex offer clothing, jewelry, and yarn, but Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars is a must-visit for food lovers. With samples available and cooking recommendations posted for each variety, the stage is set for shoppers to gather ideas for flavorful recipes. The pineapple vinegar, which we chose for its zingy citrus taste, complements fruit or meat and is recommended either as a marinade or as an addition to cooked rice. All of Fustini’s Detroit-area locations also offer affordable cooking classes and demos in a small-group setting.

The shops and restaurants of Main Street are just a short walk away from Kerrytown. A good stop for souvenirs is Cherry Republic. True to its name, the shop offers cherry products including wines and ciders, marinades, and chocolates. We left with a bag of enticing chocolate cherry coffee, sealed with a sticker that certifies that it was made in northern Michigan.

Finally, beer lovers won’t want to miss Jolly Pumpkin’s brewpub. In a cozy setting with eclectic decorations – one chandelier consisted of serving spoons, spatulas, and a whisk – it offers options for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. Jolly Pumpkin specializes in sour beers but has other varieties including stouts and IPAs, as well as wine and cocktails.  Although there were lunch specials on offer for Restaurant Week, I ordered a warm artichoke sandwich, served with a side salad. The sandwich was excellent, with crispy olive bread and a pleasant brined flavor added by the peppers.

Even on a chilly weekend in Ann Arbor, there are plenty of local foodie gems worth a visit.

IF YOU GO:

Zingerman’s Deli
422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Hours: Coffeehouse open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Many goods also available for mail order

Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars
407 N. 5th Ave (Second Floor), Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cherry Republic
223 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Jolly Pumpkin
311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Hours: Main floor open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight, Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hours differ for upstairs
Rooftop deck open seasonally

Photos of Zingermans’s pastries, honey and chocolate copyright Paulina Berkovich. Photos of Zingerman’s breads, cheeses, and storefront copyright Karin Leperi.