A2eatwrite: Kicking off "Local Love Fridays"
Why am I doing this? Well, for a few reasons:
a. I think if we lose our creative diversity and each location looks the same due to corporate globalization, then we will have a very sad, boring world.
b. I want to share all our great products with Michiganders and non-Michiganders. I want all of us living here to patronize our local Michigan businesses. I want us to help each other pull out of this economic hole we've been in. I want us to realize that there is life beyond automobiles.
I'd love it if other bloggers, Michigan and otherwise, posted their own versions of "local love" and we can learn from each other just how many wonderful, creative, brave, small-business owners are out there - everywhere. Feel free to grab the button and join right in!
Okay... so enough about the feature. On to our featured business: Taste Our Goods.
Fun.
That's the first thing that strikes you about Taste Our Goods - the breakfast and lunch counter run by Nora Feldhusen and Suzanne Lipton. The food is absolutely delicious and the baked goods are decadent, but what hits you first is the face of the counter:
Get Baked. Taste Our Goods.
These are tees designed by a friend who's started his own, small business: Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company.
A gorgeous red velvet cake sits between tchotkes and specials signs on the counter.
Above, the sign lists sandwiches such as Kat's an Adult (prosciutto, arugula and aged provolone on a buttered baguette), Foley's Steak Sandwich (butt-rubbed steak, caramelized onions, Amish blue cheese and arugula drizzled with cherry vinaigrette on sourdough), and Judy's a Punk (grilled portabello, pesto, tomato and goat cheese). The names are even more fun when you learn that they are homages to friends and to those who work around the market, and that there are inside jokes, such as Foley is actually a vegetarian and the eponymous sandwich is designed to razz her.
I went to breakfast at Taste Our Goods and enjoyed a perfectly made "Caprese" omelette bursting with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella, accompanied by freshly toasted slices of Mill Pond Bakery's excellent multigrain bread and a fresh strawberry/watermelon/mint fruit salad. The serving was large enough that a friend and I split everything and still felt full.
And all of this for seven bucks.
Nora and Suzanne both graduated from U. of M. in May; Nora in Organizational Studies and Suzanne in the History of Art, and they started the baked goods business here a week later at Bob Sparrow's request. Soon after they were happily coerced into starting the lunch counter, and that expanded to breakfast, and now that has expanded to hiring more of their just-graduated friends, and...
They are having a really good time.
Everything other than breads (Mill Pond and Zingerman's breads are used) is made from scratch, and this means that you may have to wait a few minutes for your order. This isn't fast food in any way, shape or form, but it is completely worth the wait. The recipes are all their own or are from family and friends: the lemon caesar dressing is the recipe of K-ron (Karen, Suzanne's mother) and the special on Thursday, "Georgian Cheesy Bread," (otherwise known as Khachapuri) was given to Suzanne by the Georgian mother of a friend. They have outdoor seating, which is simply lovely in the summer, but you can also order a beverage at next-door Sweetwater's and relax and enjoy your food there when it's ready.
This is the newest member of what is, in my opinion, quickly becoming the hottest lunch spot in Ann Arbor - Kerrytown. Taste Our Goods serves up wonderful sandwiches and salads, Monahan's Seafood has a large and delicious variety of seafood options for lunch (which will be the subject of another post), A Knife's Work, out of Everyday Wines, provides artisan take-away created from local produce, meats and goods, and there is, as there always has been, the venerable Kosmo Deli.
The next time you visit the Hands-On Museum, peruse the shops on North Fourth, or even go to Town Hall to pay a parking ticket (well, maybe not that), stop by Kerrytown and meet one of the newest entrepreneurial teams in town and Taste Their Goods.
Taste Our Goods, located in Sparrow Market, Kerrytown, 407 N. Fifth, Ann Arbor, 769-2725. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, lunch from 10 a.m. til 3 p.m. and breakfast from 8 a.m. til 11 a.m., as well as all day on Saturday.
Comments
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 8:49 p.m.
Alex, maybe you should visit if you're near IN. Amish blue cheese is really wonderful.
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 8:48 p.m.
Wanda, I guess it is, a bit, but a much, much bigger version.
Alex Elliot
Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 1:35 p.m.
That sounds wonderful! I don't think I've ever had Amish blue cheese. I also have never been to Ann Arbor! Great idea for a column!
Wanda
Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 1:25 p.m.
This piece was so lovely. I would love to visit Ann Arbor. Our town could benefit with this type article. We have been trying over the last 10 years to rebuild our downtown area and there have been a number of new restaurants to open. This made me think of Stars Hollow, CT and the Gilmore Girls.!! Can't wait to visit Ann Arbor!
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 9:32 p.m.
Widney - thanks for the kind words. I'm glad this might be a good replacement. Pat - It would definitely make a great stop. Kathy - The cake looked marvelous and I can certainly vouch for their food. I hope you enjoy it!
Kathy
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 7:28 p.m.
Wow - I just happened upon this piece and sure wish I lived closer. If I ever get to Ann Arbor I will be sure to stop in and have that delicious sounding red velvet cake. What a great concept.
Pat R
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 6:23 p.m.
This column is a fabulous idea. Hoping I can visit some of these wonderful places on my next visit to Ann Arbor.
WidneyWoman
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 5:10 p.m.
What a great post. I will definitely be back to learn of new finds! Taste our Goods sounds a great deal like my friend's place in Tulsa. After moving last year, we've had a hard time finding a replacement. Thanks, Jen!!
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 11:41 a.m.
Thanks so much, Leslie - maybe you could pass along the idea at Blogher?
Leslie @ My Mommy's Place
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 9:35 a.m.
I think the Local Love Fridays is a great initiative! It's so important to support our local businesses!
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 8:24 a.m.
Thanks so much for your comment, Ben. Something else I'd truly love to see in this country is a strong infrastructure for public mass transit. This is not at all to put down the wonderful heritage of our auto industry, which carried this state for many, many years. I'm hoping that industry will find its way towards different (and maybe greener) technologies.
Ben the cook
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 8:06 a.m.
I think it is great that you are helping to boost your local economy by highlighting small local businesses. And yes, there is a beautiful and exciting world beyond cars. If we only understood that this country would be even more beautiful :D
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 5:46 a.m.
Thanks so much, Mariposa. I'd love to see your new Local Love entries.
Mariposa
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 : 12:07 a.m.
Love the shirts! I love Local Love Friday and as you know...I'm trying to do this once in awhile at my site. :) I will be back for more reads! Congrats!
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 8:42 p.m.
Well, maybe you should return for a visit and see what's new on the culinary scene, Sassy.
Sister Sassy
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 8:12 p.m.
I love that you're highlighting the local! One thing I miss about A2 is the great food! The Cheese Delight from Oasis and Blue Nile just to name two that I miss since moving away :)
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 4:39 p.m.
Thanks so much, Brittany! I think you'd really enjoy the vibe of Taste Our Goods - why don't you let me know the next time you'll be coming Farmers Market way and maybe we can meet there?
Brittany Noel
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 4:09 p.m.
The Kat's an Adult sandwich looks soooo good. So glad you're on here!
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 3:49 p.m.
Thanks for the kind words, Textress. I think you'll enjoy your "goods" stop.
textress
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 3:11 p.m.
Thanks for spreading the Local Love -- this is a great feature! Looking forward to trying out the "Goods" next time I'm at Kerrytown.
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 1:48 p.m.
Thanks for the kind words, Dr. Sue. Dru, I hope you can come on over and see this place!
Dru
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 1:06 p.m.
If or when I come out to Ann Arbor, this place will definitely be one of my stops to make.
Dr Sue
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 12:02 p.m.
Nice to see news about small business! In this time of only the biggest will survive it is important to support places like this. I loved how I felt like I was sitting at the counter, waiting for a piece of Red Velvet cake. I am looking forward to where we go next.
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 11:52 a.m.
Glamah - I keep telling you - A2 rocks! You and CS need to stop by for a foodieholic weekend.
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 11:46 a.m.
John - Taste Our Goods doesn't have Sunday morning breakfast, but they do have breakfast Tuesday through Friday at 8 - 11 and Saturday from 8 - 3. I really found their food to be incredible.
glamah
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 11:03 a.m.
Great concept for a column.I love this individual local sort of places to shop and eat.Really have to visit Ann Arbor one day.
John Hritz
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 10:27 a.m.
I have to admit I looked for Taste our Goods last Sunday and didn't find the counter. Are they near the meat counter or near the checkout for the produce area? We generally eat at Kosmo on Sunday mornings, but were curious about the new place.
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 10:05 a.m.
@Goofball - thanks for the enthusiasm. You can approach Suzanne and Nora about a subsidiary in Belgium - who knows? @Charity - that's the point - if there are any local food businesses you'd like highlighted, please let me know so I can investigate. @Dee and Sally Ann - thank you both so much for the kind words!
sally ann
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 9:48 a.m.
very interesting -- I will have to visit some of the places if I every get back to Ann Arbor, Michigan from Maine Jen is a great writer
Dee
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 9:37 a.m.
This paper truly SCORED by adding your feature. As always, great article...I really must revisit Ann Arbor one of these days!
Charity
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 9:06 a.m.
I'm hungry just reading this. And what a great way to highlight local businesses.
Goofball
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 9:04 a.m.
ooh jenn your posts always make me so hungry. Can the Kat's An Adult be shipped across the ocean? Some frozen delivery? Keep on supporting such fun energetic sympathetic local businesses and when they grow, I invite them to open a subsidiary just as lovely in Belgium!!! Then I don't need to be jealous anymore about all the cool places in AA!
Goofball
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 8:50 a.m.
aaah your posts always make me so hungry! Keep supporting this lovely local businesses and when they grow, invite them to open a second store in Belgium;). Could they in the mean time please ship me an Kat's an Adult. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 8:09 a.m.
Amy - when you compare that to some other prices in the area, $7 felt reasonable. The serving was truly huge. I know that, in the fall, Nora and Suzanne are thinking about offering half-sandwiches for $3 - a true bargain (because, again, the portions are huge). I bet if you talked to them and nudged them in that direction they might be interested in offering those options sooner. Their breakfast sandwiches also run around the $3/$4 range.
Jennifer Shikes Haines
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 8:05 a.m.
@anno - I so agree - it's really got huge potential and I love it already. @Michelle - I wish you did, too. I think we'd have some wonderful culinary adventures. @Lilac - the heck with Theta Phi Alpha - come visit us! We have plenty of room and would love to see you and CB. @Ambassador - it would be truly wonderful to have a NOLA partnership on local love.
Amy Lesemann
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 8:04 a.m.
Good story...I like learning about new places to eat. But "only" $7? I guess when you split it, it works! :) Glad you're out there finding new places in A2. I tend to go around like a hamster on a wheel, just to the places I know. I don't have a lot of cash, so if you tell me a place is good, I'll try it.
ambassador
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 7:59 a.m.
J - thanks for sending the link. Love the new article. I'll try to get to our Green Market tomorrow. M & I are all about supporting local - there's a great variety here that I'll try to capture on my blog, and you're welcome to link. NOLA needs the Local Love too!
Lilacspecs
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 7:57 a.m.
I love the t-shirts. And is there still a chapter of Theta Phi Alpha up there? Gives me a good reason to stop by if I4m ever back in the US for longer than a week.
Michelle Fabio
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 7:50 a.m.
There you go, making me wish I lived closer to Ann Arbor again...some day I'll get there, and I'll have all your great suggestions in hand :)
anno
Fri, Jul 24, 2009 : 7:19 a.m.
Just wanted to add my enthusiastic second to this post: the omelet I enjoyed there was tender and delicious, the salads were generous and harmonious, and everyone behind the counter is wonderful -- Taste Our Goods is a great addition to the shops at Kerrytown.