The first signs of spring in Ann Arbor
What's that giant glowing thing up in the sky? Could that be the sun? From our vantage point at AnnArbor.com, with windows that look out on Fifth Avenue and Liberty Street, we've been watching the transformation that takes place in the city as winter slowly releases her grip. North Face puffy coats are suddenly gone, replaced by trench coats and hoodies. (A friend recently reported that Brooklyn hipsters have been spotted wearing Members Only jackets, but I haven't seen them here ... yet.) Frappuccinos and iced coffees are replacing cappuccinos and lattes. And downtown restaurants are dragging their patio furniture out to the sidewalk.
You don't have to be downtown to keep tabs on the food and drink happenings in town. Here's a few of the first signs of spring from Ann Arbor food and restaurant blogs, Facebook posts, and Twitter feeds:
Linda Diane Feldt reports: "Downtown Home and Garden sold out of taps for maple syruping yesterday. That means a lot of people are trying it out, I think that is great!"
and: "Another quart of syrup made from sap. Used up more black raspberries in cornbread. Yellow dock sprouting all over my garden. Spring!"
Grizzly Peak: "Our patio is open today!! Come join us for great food, great beer and sunshine!!"
David Bardallis: "It must be spring... Dominick's is open!"
Jefferson Market: "Heck if the weather keeps up like this we'll be putting the chairs outside the market this week! Hurrah!"
Ed Vielmetti gives us a report on goings on at the Farmer's Market, complete with a list of all produce on offer.
Linda Lombardini is inspired by a robin to start thinking about gardening and eating local foods.
We're expecting rain for the rest of the week, which will wash away the last traces of the piles of dirty snow. Spring starts in earnest with the vernal equinox on March 20th. For now I'll look out the window and dream of tulips, fresh local produce, and Tigers baseball.
Jessica Webster oversees Food & Drink coverage for the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. Contact her at jessicawebster@annarbor.com.
Comments
Stefan Szumko
Mon, Mar 15, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.
Groundhog! - 3/15/10
krc
Fri, Mar 12, 2010 : 9:27 a.m.
My hyacinths and daffodils are showing their leaves! Yaaaaay!
racerx
Thu, Mar 11, 2010 : 4:27 a.m.
@treetowncartel/patti smith-my dad always had a beer fridge in the garage, but he would wait until summer to "rev it up" as he called it. He was fond of Red Stripes, Tsingato and Molson Golden because these were 'fore-in' beers to him! LOL! I have the same tradition, but I can't wait until summer, its SPRING! Time to "rev up a cold one!"
David Briegel
Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 8:34 p.m.
Dexter A & W is open! Coney dogs or Everett's burger!!! And a Root Beer!
Patti Smith
Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.
Our beer fridge will make its annual journey from the kitchen to the garage. It always seems happier out there, summering with the squirrels and chipmunks.
Atticus F.
Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 4:08 p.m.
Spring has sprung!!! I can think of few places I'd rather be than A2 in the spring. Dominick's, pretty girls, bbq's, Oberdon. I can feel a smile starting to form on my face already.
treetowncartel
Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 1:57 p.m.
My beer fridge in the garage is running more constantly again, that is one sure sign. Also, with respect to robins, I saw three of them last week in the early am, they looked a little peeved that the ground was frozen. They were probably happy later in the day when the temp warmed up.
vicki honeyman
Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 1:14 p.m.
it must be spring! Lucy's dog door got installed at heavenly metal yesterday...now the front door can be open all day.
Top Cat
Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.
The Sand Hill Cranes have returned! Time for a Guinness.
Brian Bundesen
Wed, Mar 10, 2010 : 12:45 p.m.
Two other sure signs of Spring: Dairy Queen is open, and I saw my neighbors for the first time since November.