mariah "in ypsilanti, people call me every hour" c.'s Profile
DateAnn Arbor, MI 48106
(734) 975-9950
The Health & Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community…
On trips to and from Chicago, Michigan City has sometimes been a break point. Usually, we just hop off the highway and try to find something decent. The problem is, though, that even within a few miles of the highway, it's entirely chains and some pretty small strip malls.
If you want to good stuff, keep driving just a little bit more. I am a sucker for a really good sandwich, and Panini Panini has got that down. I managed to eat more corned-beef-and-slaw than I can usually bit into my stomach just because it was so very good (and not overly greasy). There's a nice little patio area as well.
Although the space feels more like a cafe/coffee bar than a wine bar they do also have a beer & wine license, which might be nice if we hadn't been hitting the road so quickly.
The desserts looked pretty phenomenal. I'll save room next time!
Listed in: Make me a Sandwich!
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 662-4474
Ann Arbor Animal Hospital
Category:
Veterinarians
Luckily, we have only had to visit here twice, but in both instances, we were pretty scared about the well-being of our pup. After all, dogs can't always articulate to you what exactly is wrong or making them hurt/scared.
The staff here are caring while also being very calm, which seems extraordinarily reassuring when you are trying to keep your pet calm but feeling a like a bundle of nerves yourself.
Emergency/off-hours will usually come with an extra charge, but it's not unreasonable. The vets and staff do really seem to know what they are doing. They'll offer you a variety of treatment options and also try to figure out if you'd like something more agressive, or to take a watchful-waiting approach if that seems prudent.
I am extraordinarily thankful that Ann Arbor Animal Hospital is only a short drive away.
However, sometimes I feel like I have an experience is so bad that it goes beyond me thinking "Well, I won't waste my money there again." Sometimes things are so frustrating that I feel it's almost my civic duty to let people know *not* to depend on a specific business.
So, think of this as a PSA.
Here begins "the saga of the pillow": I was at Trader Joe's and had a pillow in the back of my car that needed cleaning. I saw a sign at Armen that they were offering a special on cleaning down pillows. So, instead of going to my regular place, I decided to drop my pillow off here.
The first sign should have been that the woman at the counter had to call someone else to find out how much it cost and how long it would take to clean a pillow (despite the big sign promoting this service in their window?).
She gave me an estimate of when it would be done and wrote it on my ticket. It wasn't done when I returned at the time on my ticket. I waited. And waited. Then, I got a call to come pick up my pillow (about a month later), it was done and ready for pick up at the drop-off location!
I arrived. Pillow was not there, despite the call to come pick it up. They didn't know where it was. After some calling around, they *thought* they figured out where it was. I could drive all the way over there to get it. Or I could wait a few days and return -- it "should" have made its way there by then. I didn't have time to drive across down to get the dang thing they had told me was *there* when they called.
One week after that, I returned and MIRACLE! -- my pillow was indeed there. No discount, no apology, even though it had taken over twice as long and I had to make several trips to the store that were in vain, including one based on a phone call from them.
And *that*, my friends, is the story of the most complicated, frustrating and convoluted attempt to clean a pillow I have ever experienced. Sorry, Armen -- you need to get your act together.
...which meant that I had a lot of store credits for online purchases this year. I've taken advantage of Gilt and RueLaLa sales from time to time, and also treated myself to a new swimsuit from ModCloth. One of the annoying parts of shopping online, however, is the process of returning things that aren't quite right.
If you drop off a package with a pre-paid Fed-Ex label, it's likely that spot won't have a UPS box as well. At retail outlets, it's often just one of the three. Of course there's USPS in the mix too. The thing that I really appreciate about Ann Arbor Pack 'n' Mail is that you can ship things (pre-paid or not) via FedEx, UPS OR USPS. So if you have several different boxes, you don't have to drive around to different places to mail them. Handily enough, it's also located in the same complex as Trader Joe's, which is certainly convenient.
The staff are always exceptionally friendly, too, which I appreciate.
West Park is not only back open, but really spiffed up and improved. It was a perfectly nice park before, but it was always pretty discouraging that the old amphitheatre was so neglected and inactive. Up until several weeks ago, the only show I had ever seen there was guerilla-style, when some WCBN folks decided to do a somewhat impromptu acoustic performance for a handful of black-t-shirted-listeners.
I'm thrilled, however, to report that the amphitheatre has been polished up and its seating vastly improved. There's now a stepped area in front of the stage, which allows families and folks with lawn chairs and dogs to stake out a listening spot while not really blocking anyone else's view/listing enjoyment. There aren't many performances yet, but I am feeling hopeful. The last several Wednesday evenings, strains of the civic band have enticed us to join the crowd.
The overall landscape of the park has been revamped as well. My understanding is that the previous layout would often flood or get muddy because of the nature of the (mostly) underground Allen Creek. Now there are wetland areas as well as a small pond with a boardwalk. It's strange how so much change could make a park feel like it "fits" better into the land, but that's exactly how it feels to me.
Edible Avalon is also nurturing a large community garden in some of the previously unused space near the basketball court. I'm grateful to have a greenspace like this so close to home.
Listed in: My Neighborhood, Healthy Habits and Habitats, Park it!
2 Previous Reviews:
-
3/21/2010
Hmm... West Park is evidently under construction at the moment, and will be closed throughout the summer. Phooey.
I can only hope that it will be an even better park when it reopens, but for now there's only a small entrance area off of Miller that's not fenced-off. -
12/14/2009 First to Review
West Park is a good, solid park. In nice weather, there's a baseball diamond, a basketball court, and some nicely paved trails through the park, as well as one or two built-in grills and a few picnic tables. It seems like it would be a good place to walk the dog, picnic, or just hang around.
The children's playscape area is pretty up to date, with the exception of one larger concrete bowl that I just can't figure out. It appears that it was perhaps once a fountain, but seems to be worse for wear.
The thing that disappoints me about West Park is how infrequently the band shell is used. It seems like it would be a perfect place for outdoor summer shows -- and heck, the MC5 played there why back when. However, the closest thing I've seen here to a show was an all acoustic un-amplified DIY-style show put together by some WCBN folks.
I walk through this park just about every other day, and here's a strange fact: If you're ever looking for a Fed Ex truck, a cab and/or an ambulance, you're likely to see one or all of them here in the parking lot, just chillin'. My theory is that it's one of the closest parking lots to downtown where they can hang out when not on call and not have to pay. So, don't be alarmed to see an ambulance here. They're probably just hanging out in the parking lot while eating lunch!
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 332-3402
Panera Bread #1366
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor
Watch out for: Long lines. If you head here during the change-over time between classes, especially close to the lunch hour, you might run into a line out the door. This is funny, because if you visit just 15/20 minutes on either side, you'll be fine. It's just a timing thing since they are so close to campus.
The Bad: There is a downstairs seating areas, but it's not too appealing. Tables and chairs upstairs are usually full -- you're better getting your food to go, in general. If you thought you were going to eat in while finishing up something using their wifi, think again.
My theory is that the wifi is purposefully spotty and the elevator music particularly horrible just to discourage too much lingering.
Alternatives: If you're looking for great salads and sandwiches with less of a line and a more reliable wifi connection, try Beanster's in the Michigan League -- I wish I'd discovered it months earlier than I did.
If you just want a pretty simple but mega-cheap salad, hit the salad bar at White Market. As far as I can tell, it's the only place in downtown Ann Arbor where you could score a big ol' salad for less than $3!
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 922-7117
Snax
Categories:
Food,
Latin American,
Sandwiches
We'd actually had GoGos (in Miami) earlier, but I wasn't done yet with sampling, and so, when I saw there was a place named "Snax" (those who know me understand that little food and snacks are some of my all-time favorite things), then I figured it was worth a short detour on our way to the airport. Plus, we had a late flight, and who ever, willingly, wants to eat airport food?
An important note -- if you're heading here later in the day, you might want to ask before perusing the menu. Since all of the empanadas are freshly made, it seems that there are certain batches of each filling made up and prepared, which means that that special that piques your interest on the board or even that item on the regular menu may not actually be an item you can order.
Still, the staff (owner, perhaps?) is friendly and will guide you to the best of what he has available. Maybe it was just my perception, but the fillings seemed to have a particularly Italian-flavored leaning that I wouldn't necessarily expect. However, with other items like pesto paninis, it's clear that this little shop is mainly focused on tasty food, not really caught up in any specific regional culinary vibe.
I couldn't help but wish that the crust were even a bit more flakey, but the flavors were certainly fresh and pleasing, and at under $2 a pop, affordable. A good dinner for me meant a smoothie and 2 lil' pockets.
This wouldn't be a pilgrimage-worthy place for me, but if I was again in the Hollywood, FL area, I'd pop in to see if they had any good specials and treat myself to another smoothie.
Listed in: Empanadas:, Sunshine State
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 434-9900
Pacific Beach Burritos - CLOSED
Category:
Mexican
The folks from PBB were really nice and all of the tacos and fresh toppings were delicious. The chicken is nice and tender, and then the fish tacos are "on" they are worthwhile. Take a pass on the churros, though.
I still think they could add a 3rd salsa if they aren't going to make their regular 2 very spicy, but aside from that, I'm sold. I'd get tacos again here... when made right/fresh, they are just as solid a choice as the burritos.
La Casita better watch out if PBB keeps their quality high!
2 Previous Reviews:
-
8/16/2010
I know that I just wrote a summary of PBB, but there are a few updates here that I noticed on my last visit.
New Pluses:
#1) They now have fountain pop. Whoohoo!
#2) They seem to be keeping the horchata stocked.
#3) Hint: Keep an eye on the "specials" board for things like nopales, etc. -
8/8/2010
This place was under construction outside for quite awhile. There were big piles of sand out front and some cinder blocks. At one point, I thought, "what are they trying to do, build an actual beach?!" Well, yes, yes indeed, that's what they were doing. Now that it's finished, I have to admit that it's a somewhat charming gimmick, even if the idea of sitting along a really busy loud stretch of Washtenaw Ave. isn't all that appealing to me.
But on from the beach to the burrito: PBB does some specific things well. I've enjoyed the variety of chicken burritos I've gotten here -- I specifically love the gargantuan chicken-and-egg variety. These are undoubtedly 2-meal burritos, so choose wisely!
The tacos I've had here have been less satisfactory. The fish tacos had barely any fish and were extraordinarily dry the one time I gave them a shot.
Since PBB is directly across the street from La Casita, whose tacos are far superior, I plan on heading to La Casita next time I want tacos, and PBB when I want a burrito. My guidance would be -- stick to the burrito offerings and you'll be safest. Grab a few cups of salsa or take the little bundle of tortilla and foil home to add some hot sauce of your own.
One complaint, though -- the salsas are all pretty mild, even the "hot" one.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 368-2130
Pot & Box
Categories:
Venues & Event Spaces,
Florists,
Nurseries & Gardening
This worked out wonderfully for us. We didn't fret much about getting overly elaborate or specific. We just picked some general colors and looked through an idea book, and then Lisa skillfully took it from there for corsages, my bouquet, blossoms on the tables, and a few larger arrangements.
When I mentioned that I liked a mixture of textures (and even liked some bouquets that featured feathers), Lisa took that to heart. When I got my bundle of flowers the day of the ceremony, they were simply, elegantly wrapped in ribbon... a gathering of classic-but-not-cliche roses in yellow and red popping against a white floral and feather background. I couldn't have dreamed up anything better myself, and that is just the point. Lisa knows just what works. She's the expert.
I wish that I was back in the event planning business, putting together galas and such, just so that I could have even more frequent opportunities to support Pot & Box and see Lisa's creativity in action. For now, I'll just be happy to pop into her shop a bit more often and hopefully order from her whenever I can find a special enough occasion to warrant it.
Please, forget FTD or chain flower delivery. If you really care about what you're giving to someone or putting on display, Pot & Box is your place.
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Ann Arbor, MI
Yelping SinceApril 2008
Things I Lovebacon, Delmonas, music, libraries, my friends, records, yelp, 826michigan, mixtapes, ginger beer, giant sweatshirts (only at home), popcorn
Find Me InNorth Quad during the school yr. Otherwise: In Ann Arbor, Ypsi, Detroit
My HometownChelsea, MI
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...Playing records or bass, making things happen, shaking a tailfeather
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI've been around town (meaning a2/ypsi/hamtown/detroit) a lil' while
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadReading: Alone Together, Sherry Turkle Recently: The Corrections, J. Franzen
My First ConcertSloan, in Windsor. Someone's mom drove us.
My Favorite MovieThe Jerk? They Live? Mystery Train?
My Last Meal On EarthJerk chicken or curried lobster made by Joan & eaten while staring at the ocean.
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I don't drink coffee. I know, what's wrong with me?
Most Recent DiscoveryJust because you can do a million things at once doesn't mean you should.
Current Crush
True, the County Rec. Center is just down the street, and offers most of the basics for a dirt-cheap (and daily-pass option) price, but I have to admit I'm a sucker for the newer machines, super clean shiny newness, and natural light of this swanky facility.
The class offerings also seem broader than that at the County Rec. Center -- closer to what's offered at the Y. And an added bonus -- WCC students get a discounted rate, as well.