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...

Home + Design

The Heart of the Home

From induction cooking to steam ovens, the experts at Heydlauff's share what every home chef should know Article by Maria Karpiel | Photography by Jacob Hawkins and Stacy Anderson The kitchen has always been more than a place to cook. It's where family gathers, friends linger, and some of life's best conversations happen. For nearly 100 years, Heydlauff's Appliances has helped homeowners create those spaces. As the family-owned business approaches its centennial in 2028, we sat down with...

Home + Design

The Stylish Life

Stylist Aarika Lauryn shares her local picks for a life well lived Article by Aarika Lauryn Puffer Reds Puffer Reds is a gem. It’s a staple in streetwear and footwear in the Ypsilanti area, and it's been family owned and operated since 1979. It's such a great place to go to find everything from your basic streetwear staples to the latest sneakers and sought after streetwear brands.   The Get Up Vintage  I absolutely adore this store and all the unique vintage finds. In a world filled...

Life + Culture

The Culture We Wear

Bestselling author Dr. Marcus Collins explains why style is far more than fashion — it's a reflection of culture, identity and belonging Article by Maria Karpiel Don't you love it when a conversation makes you stop and think, "Huh... I wonder why that is?" Not because someone is preaching or lecturing, but because they've made you curious enough to pause and reflect. To see something you've encountered, or a choice you've made without even realizing it, in an entirely different way.   That's...

Home + Design

Intentional Style, Enduring Design

At Architectural Resource, sustainability is a natural extension of good design Article by Lindsey Dodge | Photography by Stacy Anderson and Jim Haefner Photography For founder Michael Klement and his team at Ann Arbor's Architectural Resource, nature and design aren't constraints — they're collaborators.   For 35 years, that philosophy has informed every project the firm undertakes, from stage one to completion, from modern homes to thoughtful renovations in Ann Arbor's historic...

Life + Culture

Beyond the Spotlight

Actress Nicole Forester on family, fashion, and choosing Ann Arbor Article by Maria Karpiel | Photography by Kelly Ridenour Hollywood has a way of creating larger-than-life personalities. Nicole Forester isn't one of them.   An Emmy Award-nominated actress, Forester has built an impressive career in television and film, appearing in beloved shows including Guiding Light, Chicago Fire, Monk, Two and a Half Men , and the acclaimed political drama Boss , while sharing the screen with some of...

Life + Culture

Style, Strength, and Second Chances

Dress for Success Michigan goes beyond clothing to provide women the essential tools to realize their full potential Article by Emily Klimas She walked through the doors with nothing left to hold but her children’s hands and the heavy, quiet silence of starting over. Having fled a domestic violence situation, she arrived in Michigan without a familiar face, a home, or a blueprint for what came next. But as she stepped across the threshold of Dress for Success Michigan, she didn't walk into a...