Sidetrack Bar & Grill

5 04 2009
  • 56 E. Cross Street
  • Ypsilanti, MI 48198
  • (734) 483-1035
  • Website
  • Menu
Sidetrack Bar & Grill in Depot Town in Ypsilanti

Sidetrack Bar & Grill in Depot Town in Ypsilanti

When I see that there’s a place that serves a burger someone has proclaimed to be the best, I’m gonna take an opportunity to try it for myself.  That was the case when I was working in Ann Arbor recently.  J made the trip to Ann Arbor with me and picked me up after my game was over.  Somewhere, I saw that a bar in Ypsilanti made one of the best burgers in the country.  I looked at a map and saw Ypsilanti was near Ann Arbor.  So I dragged J to another bar in search of the perfect hamburger.

Sidetrack Bar & Grill is located on Cross Street in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town.  Guess what.  It sits beside a set of rail road tracks.  As I’ve already alluded to, GQ Magazine proclaimed Sidetrack’s hamburger as one the 20  burgers you must eat before you die.  It was also featured on an episode of the Oprah Winfey Show.  With that much hype, it was something I was looking forward to all day.

We parked behind the building and entered through a back door.  There’s a sign that points you to the front door where a hostess took us back through the dining room we just walked through to a table along the wall.  The decor is that of an old bar.  There’s exposed brick walls, tin ceilings and hardwood floors that have seen better days.  The walls are covered with dead animals.  There was a big moose head right above my head and some giant penguins hanging above the door.  The tables are packed into the space.  When I initially suggested a bar for dinner, I was a little worried that we would have trouble getting a table.  Word is,  Sidetracks is always packed on Friday and Saturday night and this Saturday night, MSU was playing in the Final Four.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Bar, BBQ, Burgers, Michigan, Pub, Restaurant, Reviews, Sandwiches, Ypsilanti

Mia Za’s Cafe – Ann Arbor

5 04 2009
  • 615 E. University Avenue
  • Ann Arbor, MI 48104
  • (734) 555-1211
  • Website
  • Menu
Mia Zas Cafe near the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

Mia Za's Cafe near the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

Once again, I spent my Saturday working.  Not complaining at all.  I love it when I get a chance to work.  However, it takes weekends away from J and I .  When I work, my days are 10 hours and that doesn’t include travel, so I spend all day work and when I get home, I’m exhausted and don’t want to do much.  Instead of sitting home by herself, J decided to come to Ann Arbor with me.  We got a hotel room and she was going to do some shopping while I worked.

At lunch time, J came back to the Wilpon baseball softball complex to pick me up.  I only had an hour so I wanted to stay somewhat close to campus.  Last week while working in Champaign, IL, I stumbled upon a little cafe that served up really good food really quickly.  One of their two other locations happened to be in Ann Arbor and I knew it was something J would like, so that’s where we went.

It was a really busy Saturday in Ann Arbor.  There were people everywhere and traffic was slow going.  We finally made it to Mia Za’s which is on University Street in Ann Arbor near the campus of the University of Michigan.  There is street parking on either side of University so we started looking for a spot.  I saw one going the other direction so I did a U-turn and made it back before someone else picked it up.

There is quite a bit of construction going on in the area including a massive construction project at the building next to Mia Za’s.  The sidewalk is closed and the temporary sidewalk structures almost cover up the awning and front of the building.  I almost missed it when we drove by.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Ann Arbor, Big Ten Tour, Cafe, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews, Sandwiches

Alumni Field

5 04 2009
  • 1202 S. State Street
  • Ann Arbor, MI 48104
  • (734) 647-2583
  • Website
The backside of the grandstands at Alumni Field in Ann Arbor

The backside of the grandstands at Alumni Field in Ann Arbor

My very busy April of shooting baseball/softball continues this weekend in Ann Arbor.  I was actually supposed to shoot baseball yesterday in Ann Arbor, but the weather kept that game from happening. 

This isn’t my first trip to U of M for spring sports.  Right after we moved here last year, I got a call to shoot the very first softball game in the remodeled Alumni Field.  I shot a couple baseball games later in the spring, but this is the first time I’ve been back to Alumni Field since then.

The University of Michigan’s softball team calls Alumni Field home.  The field is part of the larger Wilpon Baseball and Softball complex which is part of the even large sports complex on the Ann Arbor campus.  The softball diamond shares a parking lot with the baseball diamond, Ooseterban Fieldhouse, the UM Indoor Track and Field Building and Yost Ice Arena.  The center field wall butts up to the center field wall of Fisher Stadium.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Ann Arbor, Big Ten Tour, Entertainment Venues, Live Entertainment, Michigan, Reviews

MSU Dairy Store – Revisited

3 04 2009
The MSU Dairy Store in Anthony Hall.

The MSU Dairy Store in Anthony Hall.

The MSU Dairy Store is one of the best finds we’ve made in the Lansing area.  It was part of the Be a Tourist In Your Own Town event that is put on by the Greater Lansing CVB (which is coming up May 30, btw).  Since then, we’ve gone out of our way several times to get some of the yummiest ice cream in Mid-Michigan. 

A few days ago, I saw a story in the Lansing State-Journal about a special flavor being rolled out for the Final Four.  The great thing about the article, as pointed out by another blogger, is that the LSJ used a press release from four years ago to write the story.  Anyway, the flavor sounded good, so J and I made a post dinner trip to pick some up.

The MSU Dairy Store is in Anthony Hall off of Farm Lane in East Lansing.  It seems we weren’t the only ones who were after the special flavor.  There were half a dozen groups of people chowing down.  The flavor we were after was called Final Four Fudge Dribble.  It is vanilla ice cream with a fudge swirl and chocolate covered malted milk balls.  I got two scoops of the flavor in a cup.  It was really good.  I could have done with the malted milk balls, but otherwise, the ice cream was delicious.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : East Lansing, Ice Cream, Michigan, Reviews

Cancun Mexican Grill – Jolly Road

2 04 2009
  • 2398 Jolly Road #100
  • Okemos, MI 48864
  • (517) 347-3510
  • Website
  • Menu
Cancun Mexican Grill on Jolly Road in Okemos

Cancun Mexican Grill on Jolly Road in Okemos

Mexican wasn’t the plan tonight, but that’s where we ended up.  We were actually going to Backyard BBQ on Jolly Road in Okemos on the suggestion of a commentor.  When we pulled up there a little after 7:00 we found the business closed.  They close at 7:00, so we just missed them.

Instead, we headed across the street to Cancun Mexican Grill.  The shop is in one of the many strip malls in the area right next to a Mediterranean deli.  Cancun is in the corner and they make good use of the space.  When you walk in, you come to a very small waiting area.  We were met by a waiter who showed us to a booth.  The space is pretty much one long hallway with booths on either side. 

The decor is loud.  Very, very loud.  Everything is painted in bright colors and there are Mexican flag designs on the curtains.  The booths and tables are really neat.  Each table and booth back has a Mexican scene on them.  These scenes are actually carved in the wood then painted.  It’s a very cool looking design feature.  They really play on Mexican stereotypes with the way they’ve decorated. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Mexican, Michigan, Okemos, Restaurant, Reviews

City Pulse’s Top of the Town Winners

1 04 2009

The Lansing City Pulse announced their Top of the Town winners in this week’s edition.  I found a lot of the winner’s surprising.  Here are the dining winners with my thoughts.  Make sure you check out City Pulse for winners in all categories. 

Bar Food – Art’s Bar and The Peanut Barrel – I’ll totally agree on Art’s Bar.  Peanut Barrel was good, but nothing outstanding.  I’m still a big fan of Leo’s Lodge and Barley’s has some of the best wings in town.  The Nuthouse is also up there.

Bread/bakery – Great Harvest Bread Company – I haven’t bought bread from anywhere other than Horrocks and Kroger so I don’t have an opinion either way on this one.  I have eaten at Great Harvest before and they do have good stuff, so that one’s probably not too far off although I’d rather see a local place win.

Breakfast – Golden Havest – In total agreement on this one

Casual Dining – Applebees – Again, hate to see a chain win.  I would probably put The Soup Spoon in this category and I would definitely rate it above Applebees

Diner – Fleetwood Diner – It’s hard to argue with Fleetwood’s atmosphere, but I think Jackie’s Diner has better food.  Hell, even Golden Harvest could win this category

Gourmet – Troppo – I really liked Troppo.  We had a great lunch there.  Also had a really good meal at the State Room.  This category is a toss up for me.

Asian Food – Lamai Thai Kitchen – I don’t eat Asian food, so I have no opinion on this category

Italian Food – Emil’s – There’s not a ton of Italian options in Lansing, but Emil’s is a good one.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan

Food Auction in Holt

31 03 2009

I had heard about food auctions in other cities, but I had never heard any being publicized here in the Lansing area….that is until tonight.  I noticed this story from WLAJ.com on my RSS feed. 

It might seem a little unconventional, buying your groceries at an auction instead of a supermarket, but some people we spoke with say the savings is unbelieveable [sic].

For thrifty grocery shoppers, clipping coupons and buying generic brands isn’t good enough anymore, and here in Holt, food auctions are seeing an increase in popularity.

“I think over the last 6 months we’ve definitely seen an increase. In February we had about 115 bidders, we only have 96 chairs back there,” said Chris Crepeau, of the Michigan Auction Sales.

So, how does it work?

The food is cheaper because it is purchased in bulk and may be nearing its sell by date.

“Some of the things might be close to going out of date, but 99% of everything we sell is in date,” Crepeau said.

But in date or not, Fox doesn’t let that stand in the way of a bargain.

“It’s all good stuff, I’ve never had anything that was bad,” Fox said.

Interesting concept.  If you want more information, check out http://www.michiganauctionsales.com/


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Categories : Food News, Holt, Michigan

Press Release – Old Town Going Green

31 03 2009

I got this press release from the Old Town Commercial Association. 

 

­­­­­­­­­­­ old town is going green!

Old Town gets ready for Spring!


OLD TOWN,Lansing, MI. –

As the days get warmer we are excited to announce three ways we’re reaching out to the Greater Lansing Area and becoming more eco-friendly.

The Old Town Commercial Association will host its annual Neighborhood Spring Meet n’ Greet. Residents of Old Town are encouraged to come join us at Grand Café Sir Pizza on April 15th 6-8 p.m. This informal neighborhood gathering provides a chance to meet other Old Town residents and business owners. There will be information on how to become an Old Town member and ways to get involved in the community! Also, it’s a chance to talk about what residents would like to change or see happen in the neighborhood.

Old Town will also break ground soon on its first Community Garden. Located on Cedar Street between Maple & Ash Streets (and across from Su Casa and Friedland Industries), the community garden will serve to offer local residents access to traditional produce and nutritionally rich food, as well as beauty to the community. Soil testing is currently being done for the lot, and initial planting is scheduled for late April/early May. Anyone interested in helping the community garden thrive can contact the OTCA office.

And the Old Town Farmer’s Market is thrilled to announce that it will begin accepting both Project Fresh coupons as well as the Michigan EBT Bridge Card when it opens on June 7th. Running from June to October, 10am – 3pm, the Old Town Farmer’s Market will be home to over 10 local farmers, monthly music concerts, as well as unique demonstrations such as patio planting techniques and rose maintenance, all free to the public. Come down to Old Town for the First Sunday Gallery Walk, and leave with locally grown, fresh produce!

For more information call 517-485-4283 or visit www.iloveoldtown.org.

 


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Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan, Old Town, Press Releases

Christie’s Bistro

31 03 2009
  • 925 S. Creyts Road
  • Lansing, MI 48917
  • (517) 323-4190
  • Website
  • Menu
Christies Bistro at the Sheraton Lansing on Creyts Road

Christie's Bistro at the Sheraton Lansing on Creyts Road

Today is another one of those days.  It’s J’s one year anniversary at work and, more importantly, it’s her birthday.  She had a few gift cards for a couple stores in the mall that expired today so I suggested we get up and go shopping.  After that, I planned on taking her out for a nice lunch.  

The stores we needed to go to are in both malls, so I could make a choice based on where I wanted to eat lunch.  I ended up choosing the Lansing Mall because there was a nicer restaurant near there that we haven’t been to and a birthday lunch was a perfect excuse to check it out.

Christie’s Bistro is inside the Sheraton Hotel on Creyts Road near I-496.  You enter the hotel at the main entrance.  Once inside, there really aren’t any signs or any indication on where to go.  I actually noticed the hostess station in an area that looked more like a lobby than a restaurant.  She was on the phone taking a reservation when we got there.  Once that was finished, we were shown to a table in the back of the dining room.

The dining room is interesting.  It’s not what you expect when you hear the word “bistro.”  It was nice, but it looked more like a hotel lobby or a conference space than a fancy restaurant.   There was a big fountain in the middle of the space that looked a little out of place.  There are also some private party rooms along one wall.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Michigan

Bob Evans Restaurant – American Road

30 03 2009
  • 900 American Road
  • Lansing, MI 48911
  • (517) 394-7676
  • Website
  • Menu
Bob Evans Restaurant on American Drive in South Lansing.

Bob Evans Restaurant on American Drive in South Lansing.

After a weekend of standing out in the rain, snow and wind, I really wasn’t in the mood to cook.  I had everything ready to go like I was going to cook dinner, but J e-mailed and said she was in the mood for pulled pork.  Unfortunately, Lansing doesn’t have any BBQ joints.  Our only real option is Smokey Bones, but that’s out near Eastwood and there’s no way I was going to chance construction on 127 when J only had an hour for dinner.  Instead, I thought of Bob Evans.  I thought they may have a pulled pork on the menu and they did.

Bob Evans is one of the interesting chains.  I’ve never eaten at one in the past because I always thought it looked like “an old person” restaurant.  The concept is to be a comfortable family restaurant where everyone is welcome.  The chain actually got it’s start because Bob Evans (real person) needed an outlet to sell his premium sausages.  Local restaurants near Rio Grande, Ohio didn’t want to buy his speciality sausage because people wouldn’t pay a higher prices for a higher quality sausage.  Mr. Evans  believed in his product so much, he started a chain out of his truck stop.

The South Lansing location is on American Drive near Cedar Street.  It’s shares a parking lot/driveway with the Super 8 Motel.  There’s another location on Commercial Drive near Exit 93 on I-96 in Delta Township and one in DeWitt just off I-69. 

Bob Evans restaurants are easy to spot.  They’re big red buildings that remind you of a barn.  That’s kind of fitting considering Bob Evans was a farmer and his farm is on the National Register of Historic Places.  I was meeting J for dinner so I found a spot in the parking lot near the road so she could see me.  I only had to wait a few minutes for her to show up.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Chains, Lansing, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews, Sandwiches

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