Ann Arbor @ Curbside (April)

 

Vestergaard Farms (4408 S. Wagner, Ann  Arbor)  This little retail outlet is a fantastic conglomeration of a good bakers dozen of food sources. They raise beef, pork and chicken organically and have all variations of cuts, mostly frozen. In addition, they have Maddy J's bread, barbeque sauce from both Firehouse 52 and Hotel Hickman, olive oil from  Stamatopolos and probably serveral other local food vendors. Plus, they have a new highly recommended addition of frozen quiches from The Bakewell Company. Take a look at the Bakewell website for a truly mouth-watering dozen offerings. Vestergaard's is the only local outlet for these tasty pies.  *We doubled down on Vestergaard Farms with another quiche, this time the Carmelized Onion, Potato and Smoked Gouda - just Yum!

El Harissa Market (1516 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor) No indoor dining but all the favorites and a few additions to the wide range of "flavors of North Africa" menu. The gelato is also available, as well as a wide range of condiments and staples for cooking at home. The menu is heavily but not completely vegetarian. The feta cheese dip is wonderful with their bag of pita bread.

Juicy Kitchen (1506 Maple Rd., Ann Arbor) Just a few doors down from El Harissa is Juicy Kitchen. Currently 9 am - 2 pm; online, phone or outdoor ordering with staff on the sidewalk. The Juicy menu is extensive, with both a breakfast and lunch menus. Some items vary day to day, like our favorite quiches, but you can call ahead for the flavor combination of the day. Juicy Kitchen items are also offered at Argus Farm Stop and White Lotus Farms.

Everest Sherpa (2803 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor)  Another repeat, though it has been awhile, too long to be away from the Himalayan delights at Everest Sherpa. Their ordering and curbside pickup works efficiently. I went with a medium spice chicken curry, unlike other venues the mild, medium, hot levels here are accurate. The dishes are fairly priced and the Nan is cheap.

TMaz (2529 Dexter Ave., Ann Arbor) We tried the location closer to us and discovered really tasty Gorditas with a wide range of filling choices. The chorizo and or green chili pork are my choices, but there are at least six or eight other options. The guacamole side order is generous for five bucks.

4/28/2021: Taking a break from curbside write-ups, while one of us ventures South to Florida, back to Ann Arbor foodie reviews this summer.

Ann Arbor @ Curbside [July]

 

Ann Arbor is a great foodie town. In this time of Covid, we all feel the need to support struggling eateries. We chose to do our part at the curbside when possible. So here begins a somewhat belated monthly review of local restaurants we have patronized each month.

July Reviews - 6 establishments

No Thai (4 locations: S. University, S. Main, Plymouth, Kerrytown) We order from the Kerrytown store. Personally, you can't go wrong with any dish from No Thai, at least we haven't found a hole in the menu yet. As you will see in coming months, this has become a go-to for us. We do use home delivery at times, in violation of our "curbside" theme. This is definitely a nominee for our Top Ten Restaurants in Ann Arbor.

Pita King (2412 E. Stadium) Pitas, pitas and more pitas. Plus lots of other Middle Eastern delights: humus, grape leaves, falafel, mujaddara, tabouli, fattoush, shawarma, gyro and at least half a dozen variations on pitas. If you're in the mood for pita, well Duh! Pita King.

Chela's (three locations: Dexter, S. Maple, downtown [currently closed]) We are fans of both the small main store on S. Maple at Liberty and the much larger sit-down venue in Dexter. In either case, Chela's is out absolute favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. Hands down tasty food. Our only objection might be that the Dexter store has a limited menu. But both have easy pick-up, we recommend curbside in Dexter and walk-in for the S. Maple locations. Another Top Ten nominee.

Olga's (3500 Washtenaw Ave.) Olga's is a long-time favorite of a dear friend. We often swing by for a pick-up order before we visit with her. The staple dish would be a gyro, except that Olga's uses a house bread that is not a pita but so much better. We'd mention the other dishes but we seldom get passed the wide variety of Olga "sandwiches."

Naked Burrito (2871 Carpenter Rd.) Do not be fooled by the name, this is much more than a burrito place. The menu starts with some tasty bowls, try the Vegan Portabello Passion. Do not try the Flamin Hot Elote unless you are a hot and spicy connoisseur and we mean hot! There are lots of tacos and burritos and quesadilla, we do wish the online menu had a more complete rundown on the various components to build our own platter. [UPDATE 10/9/2020: Naked Burrito has permanently closed. The owners will soon be opening JJ's Crab House at the same Carpenter Road location.]

Everest Sherpa (2803 Oak Valley Dr.) Tucked away in a shopping center, Everest Sherpa is a hidden wonder. Just a brilliant menu full of succulent taste treats. Don't be misled by the Oak Valley address, just head to the corner of Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. and W. Waters. We would give you a few recommendations but we've tried so many dishes and still have many more to go. Never a disappointment.