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106 S 1st St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 665-8226

Miki Japanese Restaurant  

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

2.0 star rating
10/11/2011
Craving sushi, I came here and ordered the tuna, salmon, and unagi. I also ordered the yakisoba.

The yakisoba was inedible. Overpowered by what seemed like tarragon? I'm not quite sure. The sauce was thick and unappetizing. I was terrified of my soon-to-come sushi order. The miso soup didn't help my expectations either, it was almost flavorless.

After waiting an extremely long time, the sushi came. The presentation of the sushi was nice (though like another reviewer said, the plate was strangely large), The slices were so big, even for "American" slices, that I had to eat it in two to three bites. I was expecting it not to taste good based on the food I'd just had, but I was actually impressed. The fish were fresh and delicious. Might be worth it to pay extra for the 'real' wasabi.

This place only gets two stars because the wait for the sushi was annoyingly long. And when I told the manager the yakisoba wasn't very good at all (though I praised the sushi), all she did was say, "Aww." Not only did she not ask if I would like something else, she didn't even apologize.

Even this place is just a couple blocks from where I live, I won't frequent it much because of this experience. It's slightly pricier sushi and for that price I expect more consistency in quality, and definitely better service.

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117 W Washington St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 761-2882

Frita Batidos  

Categories: Cuban, American (New)
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor

2.0 star rating
5/22/2011
The first time I ate at Frita, the fish frita I had was amazing. Every time after that, the food has been disappointing. The definition of insanity is (supposedly) expecting a different result after doing the same thing over and over again. So apparently, I am insane. I have tried a variety of things on the menu. The price point is disappointing for the quality/amount you receive, and also considering they use disposable plates and spoons, etc., share picnic tables with others, etc. I have repeatedly given Frita a chance because I really want to like it but each time I give it another chance I'm left kicking myself for spending that much money and time on something that's just mediocre and usually very greasy.

The only thing I felt was consistently delicious were the batidos. They were rich, thick, and creamy. I decided I would still always go to Frita because of them. Then, today I went and was disappointed to see that they changed their ice cream to something that tastes exactly like Breyer's, and it is thinner and less thick and decadent.

One time the fruit they added to my 3 year old's meal was soaked in RUM.

For $6, once in awhile I might still get the black bean frita for my son because he likes it, but other than that I would have to be heavily convinced to eat here again. I hate saying that about a local restaurant, but of all the times I've left feeling gypped I can't really bring myself to give the place 3 stars unless they maybe change their batidos back to the way they were.

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214 S Main St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 668-1838

Espresso Royale  

Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor

3.0 star rating
10/18/2009
This Espresso Royale is on a great spot on Main Street, but their interior leaves something to be desired.  However, I would choose to go here over Starbucks around the corner any day.  I get excellent service from Ian, who is a great barista.  I also love how they are using the eco friendly cups now!

I usually order their mango smoothie or a Spanish latte because I love the condensed milk.  Though I am not a fan of their atmosphere, I do know I can usually get a table here and use their wireless.  I also have a great chance of having room for my son in his stroller as well.

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207 E Washington St
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 222-4095

Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery  

Category: Barbeque
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor

2.0 star rating
11/23/2008
This is actually a 2.5 star review.  My BF liked the IPA and the nitrous creamy beer they had was smooth, light, and flavorless -- great for a poseur beer (well, microbrew) drinker.

Now I love me some southern food.  I love catfish, ribs, greens, mac 'n cheese, grits.  Pile it on, honey.  We ordered all of that plus some corn bread.  But man, they couldn't put together a solid southern dish, and we ordered oodles of them.

It was as bland as canned food.  You could tell there was no love in making the meals.  Who cares if the stuff is made with organic ingredients?  The ribs were cold and the sauce was disappointing.  The sliders didn't have enough greasy flavor.  The so-called "catfish" was like fish 'n chips, honey.  That ain't how you make catfish.  I can honestly say I cannot recommend any of the food here.  The least disappointing thing were the veggies we ordered for my son.

The service was great, the atmosphere was really comfy.  But man, if you are going to do soul food, DON'T FORGET THE SOUL!

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4104 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(412) 621-4900

Brillobox  

Categories: Bars, Music Venues
Neighborhood: Bloomfield

4.0 star rating
9/7/2008
I attended a party for Viva Radio upstairs.  First of all, the bouncer wasn't much of a bouncer.  I felt like I could poke him over with my pinky finger.  Then, there was no Guinness at the upstairs bar.  However, the bartender poured a generous drink.

The dancing was fun.  I liked looking at the crazy Jesus figurines.  I couldn't figure out the decor, but it was kind of like "Diner meets the Last Supper in Neonville" or something.

People like to throw this word "hipster" around.  I feel like I saw a lot of people who could be classified as "hipsters" -- but only if you use that term hatefully.

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1214 Packard St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 761-6520

Zen Buddhist Temple  

Categories: Yoga, Buddhist Temples

4.0 star rating
9/6/2008
This is actually a great place to consider going to if you have a baby.  That may sound strange, but I don't really go into places of "worship" and  I read that it is a good idea to take babies to places where they have to learn how to be quiet without toys or food to distract them.  That was actually great yet frustrating advice.  This was the only place I was comfortable going to and it was perfect.

This is also my last review as a Scout!  My term is over, and it was very fun and hectic!  Best of luck to the new crew!

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519 S Saginaw St
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 235-6841

Whaley Historical House  

Category: Museums

5.0 star rating
9/6/2008 First to Review
This is a historical home in Flint, that is related to the Whaley's Children and also Home for Women.  It is a beautiful house.  I stopped by recently because they had a great exhibitin on Victorian Fashion.  That's actually the kind of thing I'm interested in, period fashion.  I also have a place in my heart for old houses.

This house has been around since the 19th century, and it's hard to think of Flint as a city that was around during that era, but it was.  You can host your wedding and reception here, but since it is a museum there are a lot of restrictions.  For instance, you can only have champagne and white wine for alcoholic drinks.

Afternoon Tea is on Saturdays.  What a great place for Flint

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303 S State St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 998-3480

Steve & Barry's University Sportswear - CLOSED  

Category: Sports Wear
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor

3.0 star rating
9/6/2008
This is great if you are a tourist, if you are shopping for a tourist, or if you are a student with no creativity whatsoever.

Or a fan.

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1220 S University Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 665-2650

Mitch's Place - CLOSED  

Categories: Restaurants, Sports Bars
Neighborhood: South University Ann Arbor

3.0 star rating
9/6/2008
I went here a couple of times with some friends who lived in that hell highriser, University Towers.  The drinks were unmemorable, except for the one that my friend had who was convinced that the cup kept refilling itself.

He was a pretty cocky guy.  We played a video game together.  I almost schooled him at a race and they he got all macho on me when he won -- I wanted to laugh because I sucked so it wasn't a big deal to beat me.

So, it was interesting enough for me to have some memories tucked away.

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800 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-0101

Campus Martius Park  

Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Parks
Neighborhood: Downtown Detroit

4.0 star rating
9/6/2008
This is a great location to take a stroll.  I am NOT a fan of traffic circles, however.

Stop by instead of driving past it if you can.  There is a huge monument dedicated to Detroit Civil War heroes, with the warrior Michigan standing at the top.

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"Just deep fry it."

Former Scout

Review votes:
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Flint, MI

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