I have something to share with you.
I have to find the local spots. And I knew heading to the Detroit suburbs and Ann Arbor would cause me to spend some time finding the right spot for one dinner and two lunches. Turns out I got a second dinner too!
Cafe Thai
Call and request an early hotel check-in. Take the bus to Hertz, choose a car and while I wait in line to check out, call Cafe Thai. Order lunch to go and let them know I will be there in 25 minutes. Head towards Southfield and they will have lunch ready to go. Check in at the hotel, eat quickly and head to my client meeting. Same routine for many years if I have to head to the suburbs after an early flight. Always Cafe Thai. And still my favorite Pad Thai to date.
Voyager
I read about a restaurant in Ferndale, a 15-minute drive from my hotel that was named one of the top restaurants in the country. Nothing fancy, just great seafood. And they were right. I could have sat at the bar and ate for hours.
Monahan’s Seafood Market
I have never been to Ann Arbor so of course I had to drive through the campus, see the stadium and find some good food. I happened upon Kerrytown while looking for Monahan’s not realizing I was in the right spot. On this particular day, there was a farmer’s market and the vendors pointed me in the right direction. I walked into the Kerrytown Market and Shops and found Monahan’s. Order at the counter, hope you can find a table or seat at the counter, and wonderful fresh mish is delivered via paper plate. They had an amazing butternut squash that day and I could not resist a cup of the clam chowder. Awesome experience!
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Apparently Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor institution. When I told someone I had just returned from Ann Arbor, their first question was if I stopped by Zingerman’s. I was happy to be able to say yes. And I must admit it was a neat place with multiple buildings and experiences. I didn’t really have a plan for a meal before heading to the airport but at the last minute decided I should get something before heading back to the Detroit airport. Corned beef on rye and some rugelach. The drive took less than an hour which was a bit difficult with this great sandwich on the seat next to me waiting to be eaten but I made it through security quickly, found a quiet spot to chill for 30 minutes and enjoyed my final meal of this trip!
Always Travel With Peanut Butter 