Frugal Floozie Friday - The People's Food Co-op

It's Ann Arbor Veg Week, so it made perfect sense to feature The People's Food Co-op today. It's an Ann Arbor institution which offers many creative and delicious vegetarian and vegan options both for dining in and for take-out. There are so many, many ways to eat well here while staying within our mandatory Frugal Floozie Friday budget of $5 per person.

As pictured above, there is an entire array of salads, vegetables, pastas, and other dishes to choose from, all charged by the pound so you can select smaller or larger servings and prices to suit your appetite and/or your finances.

I picked one of my favorites, the Sesame Cashew Noodles that are cooked perfectly and offer great spicy flavor, paying only $2.66 for this generous serving. Since the Co-op is part grocery store, part buffet, part deli, and part coffee shop (Cafe Verde), I was able to wander to the produce section and select a lovely organic Braeburn apple to complement my entree; it cost 80 cents. The miniature chocolate bars normally cost $1.29, which would have taken my total to $4.75 if I'd been shopping at a different time; but I happened to be at the Co-op on a day when the treats were on a 2-for-1 sale, which made this an even better deal! So I was able to purchase a nutritious, wholesome meal for a quick take-out - and even a luxurious dessert - and still stay within our limited budget.

You could also choose potato chips, available for only 99 cents; and Blue Sky sodas, if you want something to drink besides water, cost 79 cents. A large bowl of soup can be enjoyed for only $3.99, or a cup costs $2.75. Large handmade cookies tempt you for only $1.99. There are countless ways to mix 'n' match a meal for $5 or less.

The co-op offers Fair Trade, organic, and locally-sourced items, as well as cooking from scratch; so whatever you choose will not only taste good but do good, as well.

Cafe Verde, the coffee shop connected to the co-op, offers coffees, teas, juices, and a beautiful assortment of baked goods and pastries for varying prices. If you're looking just for a luscious treat - particularly if you are on any sort of restricted diet (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.), you will likely be able to find an option. The co-op is very careful and conscientious about its ingredients and about everything it sells. (And when it's not Veg Week, feel free to choose some of the meat-based selections, as well.)

At any time, The People's Food Co-op can be a wonderful local resource for good food and good prices.


The People's Food Co-op
216 N. Fourth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-994-9174

Store:
Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Food Bar:
Salad & Soups: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
Hot Bar: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. weekends

Cafe Verde:
Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.



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Raja Rani for Mother's Day

Jeremy gave me a lovely present for Mother's Day: he joined me at an Indian restaurant for lunch.

Now, let me give you the history, to understand the magnitude of this gift.  Jeremy and I have a deal when we take turns picking where to eat: he won't make me go to White Castle, and I won't make him go to Indian restaurants.  Although Jeremy has eaten and liked a fair amount of Indian food, he holds a grudge against it; it's often too spicy for him, and buffets rarely identify what the offerings are so there's no clue what you might be eating.

But he was lured in on Mother's Day.

As we walked downtown past Raja Rani, Ann Arbor's oldest Indian restaurant with a famous lunch buffet, I thought, "Oh, man, that smells so good!"  I didn't say it, though; I'm a woman of my word, and I wasn't going to violate our long-standing agreement.

But then Jeremy said, "What do you think about having Indian food for lunch?"  Gasp!  Bestill my heart!  He said, "That smells really good!"  I told him that I wasn't going to pass up this momentous millisecond, and we immediately turned around to partake of a fabulous meal.

First and foremost, virtually everything at the buffet was not only labelled with a name, but there was also a brief description; so one could readily know, for example, that the Malayee Kofta were "cheese and vegetable balls in creamy sauce" and that the Navrattan Korma was a dish offering "nine vegetables with yogurt sauce."  Tandoori chicken, with its gorgeous red tinge, and breads hardly needed labels.

So, needless to say, I filled my plates (first helping shown above, the second was a bit more sparse) with a bit of everything: spinach with homemade paneer, potatoes, chicken, eggplant, dumplings, vegetable fritters, and all sorts of wonderful foods.  Nothing was particularly spicy, which was perfect for Jeremy; he enjoyed naan, rice, and several varieties of chicken, along with one of his favorite drinks - mango juice.

Beyond the generosity of spirit shown in granting me an amazing Indian feast for Mother's Day, Jeremy also had another shining moment that day: he ate goat.

Curried Goat, in a spiced tomato cream sauce, was on the buffet table.  And Jeremy, a braver man than I am, tried it first.  In fact, he couldn't believe a good eater like lil' ol' moi wouldn't have immediately leapt at it.  But whereas Jeremy wants his food identified for him, I do better if I don't know what's on my fork and headed for my mouth, so that I have no preconceived notions.  Not that there's anything wrong with goat - it's not like eating pussycat or something!  It's just not a staple in this country, or in my household, so I started with all my favorites - which were in plentiful abundance - before trying the less familiar offering.

But Jeremy went right for it: "I saw goat, I had to try it."  At first he thought it was "unique," but after a few moments he decided that "The goat is delicious!"  So I took a taste, and thought it was okay; it wasn't lamb-like at all, as I'd expected it to be.  I would eat it again if it were offered, but I decided that sweets were more enticing.

For dessert, there was rice pudding with just a hint of spice in a thin cream, and there was gulab jamun - tender fried balls of dough in a sweet, scented syrup.  If I hadn't already indulged to such a degree, I could easily have eaten several helpings of these lovely little treats.  And the syrup was really good when mixed with the rice pudding, too.

So my Mother's Day gift consisted not only of food, but of my very sweet son making a generous concession to join me in one of my very favorite cuisines ... and he enjoyed himself!  He loved it!  What more could I ask for?

Kinda Like Old Times

I went out to dinner with Jeremy and his dad (Stuart, my ex-husband) recently, to the Chinese buffet at Asia City Restaurant which Jeremy had been raving about since he'd eaten there a week earlier. I invited Stuart to take us out so I could try it -- wasn't that congenial of me??? -- and he happily obliged ... or, at least, he agreed to do it. We get along very well, so it wasn't an issue at all. (And God knows he owes me FAR more than just a dinner -- he'll admit it himself -- so he got off easy!)

It was quite the experience to walk in, as you're greeted by waterfalls and enormous koi swimming around in ponds, and even a small village interspersed among the rocks overlooking the fish -- it's quite a spectacular array.



The hostess asks if you want the buffet or the menu, as they try to keep the two groups separate; I can see that it's easier for the staff to do this, but if one or two members of a party wants one option while others prefer a different one, that's a bit inconvenient and potentially awkward as each side tries to sway the other. We were all there for the buffet, though, so we were seated in a large dining area next to the room that held the array of food.

And what an array it was!!! Row after row after row of sushi, handmade before your eyes ... soups and noodles and dumplings and egg rolls and spring rolls ... chicken and pork and beef and fish and vegetables ... crab legs and shrimp ... a salad bar ... kimchi (another food, along with sushi, that I cannot eat) ... ice cream ... and a dessert assortment that included almond cookies, which I love.





Since I've been staying at a friend's apartment with a kosher vegetarian kitchen, you can well imagine my giddy joy at finding so many varieties of beef (spicy or not, with or without vegetables), chicken (breaded or plain), duck, pork (on skewers, immersed in sauce) ... I'm pretty sure I tried one of each and every option and enjoyed it all immensely! But I was also good and ate my vegetables, from the braised bok choy to stir-fried green beans. Never underestimate my ability to eat!

I've been to buffets that were -- shall we politely say? -- less than stellar, in quality and in cleanliness. Neither was an issue at Asia City, as the staff was very friendly, the food was replenished frequently and was very good, and everything was immaculate. And they even offered chopsticks, which I prefer to use but which aren't always available. What's not to love???

The next time Stuart is feeling generous -- or the next time he can be persuaded to feel so! -- I will happily return to Asia City's buffet to enjoy the wide variety of food and the congeniality of a meal with my family, however odd our little family of three might be.

Peeping Into the Art Exhibit

There were some amazing artworks shown at the Riverside Arts Center's reception this past Saturday evening, in honor of the Annual Docent Art Exhibit. Last year's had a few striking pieces, but this year's offerings were truly exceptional!

There was also a buffet table, which was unfortunately heavy on grocery store sweets as well as chips 'n' dip; however, there were fruit and vegetable trays, which always make me happy, in addition to guacamole and Pigs in Blankets and a really lovely cheese assortment.

We brought the peanut-and-chocolate-coated pretzel sticks that Tom had asked me to make specifically for the event, which turned out to be so popular that Tom didn't even get to eat one!

We also brought a surprise offering. The idea had come to me in a flash of inspiration (or foolishness, depending upon your opinion!). It was festive, it was seasonal, and it was reminiscent of all the colors displayed upon an artist's palette.

So scroll on down to meander through the gallery with me! See some more of Tom's works, the rain and hail we drove through on our way to the party (which unfortunately kept attendance fairly low), some other notable pieces from the exhibit, some distinctive attendees, a display of the food and -- at the very bottom -- our whimsical contribution to the cause ... :)

My two favorites of Tom's (with apologies that the lights and flashes and reflections spoil the viewing somewhat):

House Fire by Thomas Boulan



Spring Equinox by Thomas Boulan



Like Mother Like Daughter by Corinne Vivian



Muse by Joan Newberry



Spring Fling by Laurie Clark



Ypsi Trashart: 1 Block, 1 Week, 3 Hours by Michelle Shankwiler

Invitation to an Art Exhibit

After Nancy Left Him, Roy Painted Everything Pink

by Thomas Boulan

My boyfriend Tom, for those who are new to my blogging family, is a very accomplished artist and writer; and starting Thursday, eight of his digital collages will be part of the extremely prestigious 7th Annual Docent Art Exhibit at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti [ip-sih-LAN-tee].

The exhibit itself runs from March 31 - April 30, 2011. The reception -- where you get to schmooze with the artists -- will be this Saturday night, April 2, from 5 - 7 p.m. Come that evening and enjoy a buffet of treats, a jazz trio, and immersion in some of the best that the Ann Arbor-Ypsi art scene has to offer.


It's wonderful for Tom to have such a fabulous opportunity to showcase his work! There are abstracts as well as figurative pieces; and I haven't even seen them all, so it's very exciting that my first viewing will present them matted, framed, and hanging in an exhibit as the works of art that they are, rather than merely as thumbnails on Flickr.

Of course, in addition to supporting Tom as well as the other docents and the gallery itself, we all know that I'm all about the food. And I always look forward to mixing two of my very favorite subjects in life -- art and eating! -- as I'll be able to do at Saturday night's reception.

Each of the exhibitors is expected to contribute treats for the guests. Tom has his heart set on my making chocolate-dipped pretzel sticks, rolled in crushed peanuts -- they're easy to do, inexpensive, flavorful, and readily totable while walking around and admiring the artworks. We're also bringing a special festive surprise dessert, but that's still a secret ... shhhh.

If you're in the area, feel free to come on down to join us for the reception -- we'd love to see you! You can also check out Tom's photostream on Flickr. And he's just been featured on Downtown L.A. Life, an online magazine which offers some samples of his work as well as a brief biographical statement.

All of the docents who work at Riverside are volunteers, and it is truly their dedication -- whether newcomers, like Tom, or those who've maintained regular shifts for years and years -- that keeps the gallery open and available to the community for no admission charge. So that they get the honors that are due to them, here are their names:

Steve Allen, Tom Boulan, Laurie Clark, Lois Dowling, Dennis Gordon, Bill Knudstrup, Joan Miller, Joan Newberry, Marilyn Prucka, Sebastian Rataezyk, Michelle Shankwiler, Tara Truax, Corrine Vivian, Ken Warner, Carolyn Weins, and Angela Wilson

Special accolades must also go to Dee Overly, curator of the Docent Exhibit and a one-woman force of nature who supports the art gallery through coordinating shows, managing staffing, envisioning exhibits, and investing her passion into the Center. She and her team of docents (whether artists whose work is on display or not) are amazing ... and you have an opportunity to reap the rewards of their efforts for yourself and also meet them all on Saturday night! Don't miss it!!!

P.S.: Many of the artworks will be available for purchase, hint hint ... :)

Riverside Arts Center
76 N. Huron Street
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197


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Playing Catch Up

I've got little crumbs and tidbits to toss out here, ones which didn't necessarily warrant their own posts but which can combine themselves -- like leftovers! -- into a nifty little package. I could have milked these and stretched them, but why make the effort? It's easier to do a re-cap -- a buffet, if you will -- here ....

First course ....

When Jeremy and I ate at Neehee's a few weeks ago, I was sure that he'd love the masala dosa as much as I do ... and I was wrong. (Good thing I didn't place any bets!) He adored the dosa part -- the enormous lentil pancake -- but found the potatoes to be too spicy.

He did, however, thoroughly enjoy the mango ice cream I bought for him to make up for his not liking the dinner he'd invited me to and paid for; and he absolutely adored the sugar cane juice (on the left, in the photo; on the right is my mango lassi, which was rich and delicious ... a perfect accompaniment to spicy food). When I learned that Neehee's served this drink, I knew Jeremy would have to try it: he'd once sliced his finger (thankfully not damaging his guitar-playing ability!) in trying to cut a stick of sugar cane that I'd bought for him, and it was infinitely easier to simply place an order than it is to extract the sweetness oneself. With what seemed to be a hint of ginger, this was something Jeremy liked so much that he might almost make the 13-mile trek to Canton just for a cup of it!

Next course ....

Two weeks ago, Tom and I went to eat at Ray's Red Hots on East University, a place that he used to take his daughter to both when she would come to Ann Arbor to visit him on weekends and also while she was a U of M student. He had many fond memories of the place, so how could I not go? Yeah, I can't eat anything with sodium nitrite or else I get the disturbing sensation that my head is being crushed under a dump truck; but there had to be something on the menu that I could have without getting a migraine, right?

Well, not really. $6 hamburgers, which I wasn't willing to pay for. Lots of variations on hot dogs, more hot dogs, still more hot dogs, tempeh dogs (retch!) ... sigh. The one lone employee was very friendly, very sweet, and very helpful -- a presumed college kid whose mother raised him well. When we asked about the nitrites, he offered that the hot dogs were from a company that uses top quality ingredients; well, Hebrew National gets rabbinic certification for kashrut (kashrut = Jewish dietary laws, a.k.a.: being kosher), advertises that they "answer to a higher authority," and states on their website that they use "No fillers or by-products. No artificial flavors or colors" ... but they still use sodium nitrite as a preservative! So I am eternally leery, and was unwilling to take the risk.

So Tom and I shared an order of waffle fries in addition to his relishing -- ha! -- a Chicago-style hot dog. The fries were good; but in retrospect, I should have considered either the cheese or the chili on top of them ... either or both of these would have provided some protein and a few thousand extra calories, but they would have been perfect and luscious in a "white trash" kinda way.

Ray Charles was playing in the background, which only enhanced the dive-y charm of the little restaurant. And since the food is served in baskets rather than on plates, and one bears responsibility for bussing one's own table, I had to take a picture of the very cute sign reminding people that the serving-ware is not available to go home as souvenirs.

Been very busy and preoccupied today, and I still have to write up my Mexican Brownies for a pre-Cinco de Mayo post on AnnArbor.com; so I'm going to save the fish course I'd also planned to add to the buffet table for another time ....

Silvio's -- So Much More Than Just Pizza!

Tom and I had planned to go to Silvio's Organic Pizza a couple of weeks ago, after the Vital (A)(R)(T) exhibit that one of his digital photographs had been shown in; but the food was so bountiful and beautiful at the reception that we got sidetracked and found ourselves eating dinner -- hummus with pita chips and vegetables, fruit, egg rolls, salad, and an array of cookies and brownies -- at the buffet table provided. So this past Thursday night, after I met Tom downtown after work and we were debating our dinner options, Silvio's was the perfect choice.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am the least decisive person on Earth, especially when food is involved. I can make life-or-death decisions instinctively on the spur of the moment, and have unfortunately had to do that more times than I like to contemplate. So my theory is that when I actually have choices to peruse and the luxury of time in which to do so, my brain goes into paralysis.

Thus, in surveying the beautiful simplicity found in Margherita pizza (tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil) or Pesto pizza (basil sauce, pine nuts, parmesan); the novelty of the exotic Grape (with Fontina and -- of course! -- grapes); or the generosity of stuffed pizzas (vegetarian or tuna with rapini or cod, just for starters), my mind started to swirl as my soul cried out for all of it. Tom, fortunately, was able to hear potatoes calling him, and so we indulged in the sensuous -- on every level -- and seductive #9: Thinly sliced potatoes covered with blue cheese and mozzarella, with just a sprinkling of fragrant rosemary ... sigh.

Our pizza was brought right to us, with the cheese still bubbling from having only left the oven moments earlier. It smelled amazing, with the rosemary wafting through the air; and when we bit in, you could hear the crisp crust crunching but not resisting. It was hot but not sear-the-roof-of-your-mouth hot, and it held together both when cut or when folded (rather than the cheese oozing off and the entire slice deconstructing and falling apart). And the taste was incomparable, a combination that was perfect (a lot of carbs, yes, but carbs that worked in unison) with no one flavor overriding another. This was so, so much more than just "pizza" -- that stuff you can buy for $5 from a franchise or something you can toss into a microwave to turn to goo. This was a true vision of beauty and love, interspersed with kisses from Tom ... :)

Dessert was yet another indulgence -- a crisp round of puff pastry with a luscious creamy filling, delicately sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. Tom eats very nobly -- a former vegan and vegetarian, adores spinach and kale, eats organic food almost exclusively; and yet, he has a sweet tooth and loves baked goods. So the exceptional array of pastries was as tempting to him as it was to me, the girl who doesn't just have one sweet tooth but a full 28 of 'em (having had 4 wisdom teeth pulled decades ago). Tom had made the difficult decision of choosing from among the croissants and bombas (paczki-like filled "doughnuts") and strudels, thank goodness -- I'd likely still be there, 3 days later, if the job had been delegated to me! We hated to break into it, as gorgeous as it was; and yet, it called, it beckoned, it seduced us ... there was no way to resist, and it was so good that I literally picked at the flaky little crumbs left on the plate after the treat had been relished.

There was live music from a guitar-playing trio, warm and efficient service, and food so fabulous that it is difficult to fully describe. Silvio's ... sigh. Repeat visits will be inevitable ....