Megan H has channeled her love of food into a popular blog, Meg Goes Nom Nom, Facebook page, and Instagram feed, where she spills the beans on everything that is good to eat in er hometown of Ann Arbor. We asked her to share some of her favorite places with Travel Mindset, here’s what she had to say:
What is your favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor right now and why?
Mani Osteria’s wood-fired pizzas featuring creative combinations of irresistible toppings make it one of my favorite places for a special night out. My favorite pie is the Red Onion & Pistachio, with goat cheese, rosemary, and chili flakes. Not far from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti’s Depot Town houses Sidetrack Bar & Grill, my favorite place to go out to eat (and drink beer!) any day of the week. My favorite meal includes thick-cut sweet potato fries with horseradish sauce, beer-battered pickle spears, and a juicy Tom Halvorson BBQ Slaw Burger (piled high with a 1/3 pound burger, double cheddar, pulled pork, and coleslaw, and created by my husband who won a customer burger creation contest at Sidetrack!).
Are there any local specialties that people really should try when visiting your city?
If the weather is nice, start your afternoon at Dominick’s for a mason jar of sangria enjoyed on one of the sunny picnic tables in the garden. Mosey back downtown for an order (or three!) of Truffle French Fries at Jolly Pumpkin, grab a Frita or other Cuban-inspired street food at Frita Batidos, or stroll into Mark’s Carts and grab a pork bun at the San Street food cart. Pop into Black Pearl for late-night deals on their incredible Fish Tacos.
What is your favorite hole in the wall joint?
Fleetwood Diner offers up greasy spoon diner food to those from all walks up life 24 hours per day, 7 days of week, making it a popular post-bar choice for local University of Michigan college students and townies alike. Everyone orders the Hippie Hash, but when I’m on a mission for bacon I order the 50-50 burger, made of 50% bacon and 50% beef!
Where can you get a decent breakfast in Ann Arbor?
Nick’s Original House of Pancakes is my go-to spot for a reliably delicious breakfast. Though it’s tough to choose from the extensive menu, the West Virginian Sizzling Skillet (topped with sausage gravy!) and fluffy Blueberry Pancakes have never let me down. Head to The Bomber in Ypsilanti for massive portions and the best omelet I’ve ever had (The Bomber Omelet, naturally).
And the best cup of coffee?
Without fail, you can find me at Espresso Royale every morning for coffee! Roos Roast Coffee is a local Ann Arbor company featuring artisanal fair-trade organic coffee roasted in small batches and it is great coffee.
Are there any specialty stores you’d advise that foodies visit in Ann Arbor, or things they should take home to have in their kitchen?
Stop in Zingerman’s Bakehouse for a loaf of bread. Choose from 170 different cherry products to take home from Cherry Republic. Gourmet foodies will have a ball perusing Morgan & York, a specialty food and wine shop. Bring home a six-pack of beer from one of our many local microbreweries, such as Arbor Brewing Company or Jolly Pumpkin.