Ari's Picks

Finding Farina for Breakfast at Zingerman’s Roadhouse

Freshly milled wheat from the Bakehouse makes a wonderful meal Who knew? A lot of people might have. Just not me. But now, after over 40 years of working in the food world, I know—a bowl of hot farina, made from freshly milled wheat, makes for a seriously marvelous, world-class meal. It’s a delicious artisan […]

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Ari's Picks

Potato Bacon Rétes at the Bakehouse

Flaky, filled Hungarian pastry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner The Bakehouse’s work with Hungarian foods has been, for me, one of the most inspiring stories to come out of the ZCoB in the 21st century. It’s a testament to what the willingness to study deeply, to go to the source to learn, to stick with […]

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Ari's Picks

Appleby’s Farmhouse Cheshire and Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon

A beautiful bit of British comfort food to cook up at home! I learned about this wonderful bit of British comfort food from David Lockwood, one-time Deli staff member, now long-time partner at Neal’s Yard Dairy (NYD) in London—through whom we get these wondrous wheels—selected specifically for us. David was so enthused that I couldn’t […]

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Ari's Picks

Paw Paw Gelato from the Creamery

America’s secret fruit shows up on the Southside It was nearly 20 years ago that we started the project to make Paw Paw Gelato at the Creamery. At the time, hardly anyone in Ann Arbor knew this old American fruit. Today, I’m happy to say, paw paws are getting more and more popular! I’ve seen […]

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Ari's Picks

Special Bake of Pumpernickel Raisin Bread

Special Bake of Pumpernickel Raisin Bread — June 2-3 A taste of turn of the last century Jewish New York Pumpernickel Raisin bread may not be prototypical Michigan baking, but it sure is good. For those in the know, Pumpernickel Raisin’s reappearance—even for two brief days—is cause for serious celebration. One of my own favorite […]

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Ari's Picks

Peanuts, single-origin at the Roadhouse

Peanuts Farmed and sun-cured as they were a century ago Whether they’re in our heads, our homes, or our organizations, ecosystems in nature will almost always attract unto themselves. As permaculturist Toby Hemenway writes, “Life builds on life. … serendipities we never hoped for—a surprising new wildflower, a rare butterfly … will grace our lives […]

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