Monday, February 15, 2021

Monday, February 01, 2021

Ann Arbor @ Curbside (January)

 


Chela's (693 S. Maple, Ann Arbor) I can't believe its been six months since we did a pick-up at Chela's. Head and shoulders our favorite Mexican menu in the area. The downtown location remains closed due to Covid. The Dexter location is open five days a week for pick-up, all seven days for the Ann Arbor store. Be sure to check the "daily special" link from the online menu, a great deal. I seem to gravitate to the 'build your own burrito' option. I suggest getting it loaded.

Knight's (locations) Knight's has three restaurant locations and a market. We have not, as yet, done a curbside with either of the Ann Arbor restaurants but just down the hill from us is the Knight's Market. We often drop by the Market for small items when we are cooking at home and we also take advantage of their pre-prepared dishes. This month we sampled a couple of the frozen pasties. Big, flaky crusts loaded with savor chicken and veggies or the full-on veggie option.

Metzger's (305 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor) I was surprised to discover the non-German side of the Metzger's menu. While I went for my standard Bratwurst with Spatzen and Red Cabbage, we also ordered the deep-fried perch and looked longingly at the Smoked Salmon Pasta. While we were at the strip mall, we couldn't help but stop two doors down at our old favorite Grand Traverse Pie for a couple of small pies (peach, strawberry & rhubarb). Who put those two luscious food options only 50 feet apart?

Seva (2541 Jackson Ave. Westgate Center, Ann Arbor) Gouda Puff appetizer, Beyond Burger and Fries finished with a dense slice of Chocolate Olive Oil cake. Oh and Pad Thai for the other diner. All of this on a generous holiday gift card. Seva is clearly our choice for veggie, vegan dining options.

No Thai (locations) Yes, another appearance by No Thai. We are averaging about once a month from there, which might be all you need to know. The Drunken Noodles remain my go-to order and the Spring Rolls. The various veggie choices have been tried and we begin a second time around those options. The online ordering allows the customer to select protein and spice level in most selections, so you can customize most dishes into veggie or vegan. I must add that we had a problem with our order, due to no fault of No Thai, but they went above and beyond to fix the problem and comped our order.

Avalon (120 E. Liberty St.) To the question: 'where would you like to go to brunch?' We would answer Avalon. Also a good answer for breakfast or lunch. Alas, the truly unique menu from Avalon does not travel well, either for curbside or delivery. But we missed it, so we had one of the burgers (hoping it would travel well) and one of the interesting grain/green bowls. All I can say about Avalon is that we miss it a lot and will be there as soon as Covid breaks. Come to think of it, there are at least three more of our dining favorites that we just can't bring ourselves to try take-out, some dishes just need to be whisked in front of a seated patron.

It has been pointed out to me that my reviews are seriously oriented to the curbside necessities of the pandemic, but perhaps lack sufficient commentary on the actual food. I have attempted this month to expand my words to include more menu directed commentary.

December Reviews