Zingerman's Roadhouse featured on Food Network show tonight
photo courtesy of Zingerman's Roadhouse
This week, Food Network program host Alton Brown is taking a special look at "America's Best." And the search for the country's best comfort foods brought the network to Zingerman's Roadhouse in Ann Arbor.
The episode highlights the Roadhouse's famed macaroni and cheese dishes, of which the show's website says: "At this restaurant companion to the popular mail-order food catalog, you'll find at least five awesome takes on mac and cheese. Start with the classic (made with aged Vermont cheddar) and return to try all the others. The chefs cook each batch to order in a cast-iron skillet, so it arrives with a nice caramelized crust."
The program airs at 9 tonight on Food Network and re-airs tomorrow and Sunday.
Comments
Sallyxyz
Sun, Sep 26, 2010 : 7:55 p.m.
Waaaay too expensive, all of the Zingerman's locations and products. I had the mac/cheese once at the Roadhouse and it was way overpriced, watery, and boring. Hyped up names for ingredients (aged Vermont cheddar, for example, which is nothing more than basic cheddar cheese), and overcooked noodles do not make an interesting restaurant dish. The sandwich I had at the deli a couple years ago was also very overpriced for 2 slices of ordinary white bread, a couple pieces of vegetables cut way too large and once slice of cheese. The sandwich fell apart and was mostly bread. Give me a break! $15+ for a crummy sandwich? It's all hype. Just like the Food network, which used to be a real cooking channel, until they turned it into "Food-tainment." Zingerman's fits right in!
berda
Sat, Sep 25, 2010 : 3:27 p.m.
well u go zingerman but too expensive
JimB
Sat, Sep 25, 2010 : 10:04 a.m.
I bought a hot dog at from the outside cart that is attached to the building. I fell for descriptions of the many toppings and condiments on the hot dog. It turned out to be the worst hot dog I've ever eaten; everything was cold including the chili and cheese, bun dried out. Pile on the fact that I paid $6 for that garbage. Don't believe the hype.
Barb
Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.
@HerrSnibbens hits the nail on the head. The ingredients they use at ZRH don't usually come from GFS so yeah, it's gonna cost ya. I will gladly pay more for their bacon, among other things. It is like nothing else.
Matt
Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 10:37 a.m.
@HerrSnibbens I think people are legitimately disappointed at Zingermans Roadhouse. The deli is the master of deli within hundreds of miles as far as Im concerned. The roadhouse is more a jack of all trades, master of none. For most things on the menu a better version can be found within 50 miles. I do credit the roadhouse for bringing this important American culture to a more upscale crowd that might be standoffish. In addition, they should be commended for having a diverse menu, featuring quality ingredients. But people have a legitimate argument when they order something that costs twice as much as a better dish on the other side of town.
HerrSnibbens
Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 9:05 a.m.
@fjord Perhaps many of them are seniors who still think it's Bill Knapps and are confused that they can't get 100% off for their 100th Birthday? Seriously though, I think some people truly *are* confused by Zingerman's RH being a high-endish restaurant coupled with their cultivation of comfort-food and an atmosphere to match. They think if a restaurant serves fried chicken and mashed potatoes that everything should cost 5 dollars or whatever. They don't get that with quality comes a premium. Fortunately the resounding success of the business shows that there is no shortage of people that *do* get this.
Janis
Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.
I don't get the hype. I've been to the Roadhouse twice and each time was disappointed. I never had the mac and cheese, but did have their grilled cheese sandwich once. It was awful - and certainly not worth the money we paid. It was two pieces of bread with one slice of cheese melted into one side. The sandwich didn't even hold together. If anyone is interested in a fabulous grilled cheese sandwich, try the Northside Grille. Yummy.
Ypsi Gizmo
Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 5:45 a.m.
Wow. I ust don't get it! While pricey, Zingerman's deli serves up some good quality yummy stuff. And their Bakehouse & Creamery are also great for a treat. But the Roadhouse??? I cannot fathom why so many folks in Ann Arbor sing the praises of this over-priced bland eatery. And now the Food Network featuring the Roadhouse? Go figure! Slow's bbq and their mac and cheese are fabulous, as is Lazybones in Warren.
Kerry
Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 3:28 a.m.
My mother works at the downtown deli, and on occasion gets to bring home food that didn't get received or paid for. While I can't bash any of the food that I've had from Zingerman's, I just can't rationally spend the amount of money they want for their food. I'll stick with my freebies.
lefty48197
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 10:15 p.m.
Zingerman's? Macaroni & Cheese?? What's it cost, $15.00???
GoblueBeatOSU
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 9:04 p.m.
there you have it....Zingerman's Roadhouse is number 1 in the country....the Food Network is never wrong.
Sarcastic1
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:33 p.m.
Nothing better than the Mac and Cheese at Slows in Detroit. It's kind of safe if you park right on Michigan Ave, near the restaurant, during daylight hours, with a couple of friends,or a CCW permit.
DJJD
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 6:26 p.m.
Over priced, one dimentional, no soul! Just like Ann Arbor. If you want good mac and chees or anything else on their menu for that matter go to a soul food restaurant. There are some pretty good ones in the Detroit area if you aren't afraid to leave your comfort zone.
a2phiggy
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 5:58 p.m.
Now if they could go the next step and make a gluten-free version of their nation's best mac and cheese, they would have an even broader cult following in A2! (hint, hint, hint)
Klayton
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.
I LOVE Zing's Deli, and am willing to pay the $20 for a sandwich on occasion (a rare treat nowadays), but I have not had good experiences at the Roadhouse. I've tried the Mac and Cheese, and honestly thought it tasted like metal in my mouth...and it cost almost $20 (for Mac and Cheese!!). I have tried three other dishes there and have not been wowed (and for the prices, I need to be wowed to go back). I am sad that I have not had a good dining experience there as everyone seems to sing it's praises. But I am happy to contribute to the downtown deli once in a while.
bustersmom
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.
We are so lucky to have the Zingerman's community of businesses in our community. I can't imagine a better corporate community partner where employees are treated well and involved in their jobs and where the company supports community organizations financially. Their support for us all is terrific! Glad they are getting the recognition for their food too.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.
One of the few things that puzzles me about Ann Arbor is the popularity of Zingerman's Roadhouse. Kind of like how that crazy chick won the Delaware Republican party primary, but has no chance in November, while her opponent in the primary would have won handily in November.
michiganexpats.com
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 3:27 p.m.
Yes! I love Alton Brown and Zingerman's, so I'll watch this. They have a great online ordering system!
Barb
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 3:17 p.m.
Yummy mac and cheese but this only means the lines will be longer to get in! :(
Hmm
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 2:57 p.m.
Zingerman's is good but too expensive! Just getting that out of the way;)