I don't often go out to lunch on a weekday. So it was a great luxury to meet my friend Nancy recently at Afternoon Delight, when I took a few hours off for an abbreviated "girls' day out" to eat and then meander through a second-hand store hoping that something might call to us (but unfortunately hearing not even a whisper). Good food and friendship all in one afternoon!
Today's Frugal Floozie Friday feature is one I've meant to go back to for some time, and it was Nancy's first visit to the cafe ... so many places to eat, so little time. Afternoon Delight is an Ann Arbor institution serving great breakfasts and lunches, with an emphasis on fresh, healthy dishes and generous portions.
For a mere $3.25 - well within our mandatory budget of $5 per person or less - I ordered a cup of excellent beef chili. (A bowl of the daily house-made soup offerings would have cost $4.25, still a good deal.) I was offered a slice of bread or crackers to go with this, and the latter simply struck my fancy at that time for crumbling over the top. The chili was thick and slightly spicy, a perfect antidote to the blustery weather outside that day. I also ordered The Berry Patch, pictured above, which is frozen yogurt topped with an abundance of perfect, fresh fruits. It costs only $4.50, and is a very large serving. I was given a choice of vanilla or raspberry yogurts or - best of all - a swirl of both which, needless to say, I picked. This was so rich and creamy, with gorgeous, sweet berries! It was a great dessert, but would also make a wonderful breakfast or snack.
Nancy chose the small salad bar - one trip - which just barely exceeded our Frugal Floozie Friday budget at $5.49. This gives you a choice of an abundance of beautiful greens, vegetables, dressings and prepared salads.
As we went through the cafeteria-style line to order and pay for our food, we noted the enormous brownies ($2.75) and muffins ($2.50). There are other desserts, too - such as pies, cookies, and sundaes - ranging in price from $1.95-$4.25. An assortment of coffee drinks is available for less than $3 each, and many breakfast options are offered from $1.50-4.95. Afternoon Delight also serves a wide variety of sandwiches, which can be split to stay within the $5 budget per person.Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or a quick snack, Afternoon Delight has something to tempt you ... and for not very much money!
Afternoon Delight Cafe
251 East Liberty
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 665-7513
Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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