What do you like? Chicago Hot Dogs? Sushi? Ethiopian? It's all here in abundance! Here are a few of my quirky favorites in no particular order:

Monahan's Seafood Market  - Looking for "fast food", and trying to avoid the ghastly fat? Drop into Monahan's in Kerrytown Market. (I NEVER have a problem finding a parking space!) Enjoy a cup of awesome chowder - there's also shrimp gazpacho in warm nonths - and a piece of french bread for less than you'd spend at Mcwhatever it's name is. Mike will also cook a fabulous lunch - soft shell crab, fish with caper suace, just ask him what's good today! I'll frequently get a piece of smoked fish and French bread. There are counters and a few tables nearby. (one day I made a mistake and ordered smoked fish that was $23 a pound! It was an expensive, but superlative, lunch!). Monahan's is also the ONLY place that I buy fish for sushi.

The Earle - located at 121 West Washington, just a block west of Main Street, in downtown Ann Arbor. It's in the basement of what was once The Earle Hotel. The renovation of the space is truely astonishing and creates an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility. There's a sensational wine bar where, if you wish, you can make a meal of their brilliant appetizers. The chef's specialties focus on French and Italian country cooking. Call for reservations, 734-994-0211. 

The Earle Uptown an uptown restaurant on the site of Escoffier, one of A2’s first really superb restaurants that is now history. Right across the street from Hill Auditorium and in the building that houses The Bell Tower could you ask for a better location? The menu and wine list is as superb as the “other” Earle. Dinner before the concert, dessert after. What could be better?

The Prickly Pear Southwest Café - on Main Street. It's been my grandson's favorite since he was two! Scrumptious salsa and chips are provided as starters. The innovative menu features things like Duck Enchiladas, great fish dishes, mildly spiced Mexican entrees. Everything's fresh. Moderately priced. Casual. Great décor features Fiesta Ware dishes and spicy colors.

The West End Grill - simply awesome and you need a reservation days ahead. On Liberty a block West of Main Street. Plan on a leisurely dinner - not that the service is slow (it's not) but you want to sit back and enjoy every morsel. If you've a wait and the Ann Arbor Art Center across the street is open browse the fabulous Gallery Shop.

The Old Siam Kitchen - another one you'll never come across by accident. Located in the Westgate Shopping Center, next door to the library. If you're a fan of Thai food you'll appreciate the wonderful dishes that come out of this kitchen! 

The Common Grill - another little drive, this time to Chelsea. Take in a play at The Purple Rose Theater (when they reopen in a new and terrific space). It's a good idea to call ahead - after 3 pm they'll put your name on the list. It's loud and somewhat chaotic but great fun and you might even spot a movie star. The food is terrific. Craig Common was recently asked to prepare a meal for The James Beard Foundation's yearly get together. Fabulous and unusual fish dishes are a specialty.

Sushi, anyone? - My new favorite haunt is Saica Restaurant, in the North Campus shopping center at the corner of Plymouth Road and Broadway. The spare Japanese decor just suits me. The sushi is superb, as is everything else on the menu. You can even enjoy hot Sake!

eve -The Restaurant deserves several stars. Located where Kerrytown Bistro previously resided, it’s a dynamite location. She has created a spare and sophisticated space , comfortably warm and cozy but not overwhelmingly cute. The menu changes frequently but if it’s available try the Moroccan chicken – awesome. Located in the Kerrytown Building, next to Farmer’s Market and across from the Kerrytown Concert House. 

When I travel by car I always wonder what awesome restaurants I’m missing because they’re in a mall and I’d never consider looking there! Well, there are a few of these in and around A2. Lotus Thai is in Oak Valley mall, just south of I-94 at the Ann Arbor Saline Rod exit. There’s also a Japanese restaurant in the same mall. More on that after I do my critique!  

Lotus Thai - Well, there’s Thai and then there’s truly Thai. My granddaughter, daughter and I remember a Thai restaurant in London off of Old Brompton Road that is our bench mark never having been to Thailand. This is as good, except you’re not in London! ! If I understand correctly there are over a dozen of these restaurants in Bangkok but Ann Arbor has the first U.S. franchise. Just turn yourself over to the waitperson and enjoy!  

Middle Kingdom - on Main Street. Arguably the best Chinese food in town. Dine in the small homey atmosphere of this tiny but yummy Chinese restaurant or get great take out! 332 S Main St, call 734-668-6638

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger - Forget every fast food burger you've ever had - this is the ultimate hamburger. The deep-fried vegetables (in canola oil) are awesome. Now you know why your kids want to go to the U. of M. - so that they can enjoy Blimpy Burgers. Wait until winter when they builds "Snow Bears" - that's a real treat. 551 South Division Street.

Shalimar - Still the best Idiane cuisine in town. Now consolidated into their old space on Main Street which is elegant with impeccable service. 307 South Main Street, 734-663-1500.

There are so many more great places to eat - whatever your favorite cuisine it's somewhere in Ann Arbor.