Food + Beverage

Ann Arbor’s Five-Star Dining Scene

These landmark restaurants invite you to slow down, pass the plate, and celebrate the art of connection. Article by Emily Klimas Echelon Technical Brilliance, Grounded Warmth   Since opening its doors, Echelon has rapidly become one of Ann Arbor's defining culinary sanctuaries, earning a prestigious James Beard Award Best New Restaurant semifinalist nod in under two years. The restaurant was built on a commitment to elemental craftsmanship and local terroir: honoring Washtenaw...

Food + Beverage

The Fine Art of Pastry

At Orijin Bakery, croissants and cakes share space with an old-fashioned idea: lingering over coffee with people you love Article by Lindsey Dodge | Photography by Shelby Robinson On a busy weekday morning in downtown Ann Arbor, there’s a new way to start your day: Orijin Bakery, the brainchild of Chef Jin Gorian Capobianco and Sava Farah (of Sava’s, Aventura, and The Dixboro Project renown). A neighborhood bakery with the quiet confidence of a classical French pastry background, its mission...

Life + Culture

Nourishing the Neighborhood

With a focus on compassion, dignity, and community, Food Gatherers combats food insecurity in Washtenaw County Article by Emily Klimas She didn't need to bring her grandchildren along, prove her income, or fill out stacks of paperwork. Pulling up to a Food Gatherers Grab-and-Go site in Washtenaw County, Grandma only had to answer one question: “How many?” With two fingers raised, boxes containing a week’s worth of breakfasts, lunches, shelf-stable staples, and milk were loaded into her car. As...

Food + Beverage

Well-Crafted Cocktails

The talented teams at The Last Word and Peridot share their favorite sips of the season Article by Rebecca Voigt | Photography by Calder Fong, Elisabeth Beer, and Ellen Beaty Space Bird The Last Word General Manager Samantha Hamrick says this blend of Roku gin, cardamom-infused Aperol, lemon, passion fruit, and Aquafaba is “refreshing, big juicy citrus, aromatic, slightly sour, velvet froth in all the right ways.”   Baggage Claim Peridot bartender Calder Fong describes this blend of...