Page 16-E--Thursday, September 9,±192-The MichiganDaily V V V V V V V V v Detroit delive By Ann Marie Fazio and Mark Gindin For those campus dwellers who long for the hustle of city life, the tall buildings and heavy traffic, Ann Arbor just doesn't cut it. Luckily for them, however, Detroit lies less than an hour away. When most non-natives think of the Motor City, the riverfront usually comes to mind. Cobo Hall, the Joe Louis Arena, Hart Plaza and, of course, the Renaissance Center represent down- town to them. Admittedly, it is difficult not to think of the Ren-Cen as the center of town. Rising from the river, the five glass cylinders act as a landmark for those of us not used to city navigation techniques. The building itself is a structure wor- th visiting. A whole day could be spent just wandering through the huge World of Shops, which consists of retail stores, novelty shops, and eateries of every type. The Summit restaurant and bar slowly turn in a circle at the top of the main building, affording patrons a spectacular view of the city and the Detroit River. Hotel rooms and offices occupy most of the other space in the structure. Considered the nucleus from which Detroit will regain its strength, the Ren-Cen/riverfront area is the site of r 5rs good 1 most city-sponsored events with the ob- vious intention of drawing outsiders in- to the city. One of the newest gimmicks is a trolley that runs from Grand Circus Park (in the heart of the downtown district) to the Renaissance Center. Tourists love it. I Greektown, about a quarter of a mile northwest of the Ren-Cen, is basically one block of solid Greek' restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and novelty shops. Some of the best-tasting dinners and pasteries can be found on that block. One Greek dish in particular is designed to overwhelm the senses. Called Saganaki, the creamy goat's cheese covered with brandy is im- pressive enough left alone. But as the waiter ignites the brandy, a huge fireball erupts from the pan as he cries OPA! to the delight of the other patrons. During the summer, downtown hosts a multitude of cross-cultural celebrations. The Ethnic Festivals, held at Hart Plaza, center on a different country each weekend, and feature food and song and dance, along with car- nival games and souvenir booths. Hart Plaza is a nice place to visit, even when the festivals are over. The large metal Noguchi fountain at its cen- ter, and the scattered colorful picnic tables all in front of a spacious river view create a pleasant atmosphere for an outdoor lunch or evening stroll. The Cultural Center, in Detroit, is definitely worth a visit. There, one can see the Detroit Institute of Art, a museum nationally acclaimed for its fine collection of art works from many countries and eras and for the famous Deigo Rivera frescoes. Outsiders and natives alike can see what Detroit was like in the good ol' & I.L A-IY .W . days by visiting the Historical Museum, also located in the Cultural Center. The main branch of the Detroit Public Library, together with these museums in the center, has more to look at than just books. The huge wall frescoes and giant lighted globe are just two. In ad- dition to these, the Center also has many interesting exhibits and exam- ples of natural phenomenon. For those seeking to soak -up the sun and chow down some burgers, Belle Isle is the picnic-ers heaven. The island provides a peaceful change from the hustle of the city with its wooded trails, horse and canoe rentals and lots of grass and picnic tables. A small children's zoo is also located on the island, which is about a five minute drive from downtown. But what city would be a city without a nightlife? Detroit's is diversified and lively, as any good city's should be. The Soup Kitchen Saloon, on Franklin Street, below Jefferson Avenue, offers live jazz and blues bands. Students of- ten frequent this bar, maybe because of their low drink prices. Popular jazz artists and reggae ban- ds play at Alvin's Twilight Bar, on Cass Avenue. It is a bit more expensive than most, however. New Wave lives at Bookies-,Club 870, on McNichols Avenue, but be prepared for several shocks if you go there. The prices are high and the punk rockers are for real. On the other end of the spectrum is Galligan's, on Jefferson Avenue across from the Ren-Cen, a normal downtown bar. Galligan's, popular with business people, has good food, moderate drink prices and a pretty interior with a beautiful mirrored brass bar. So go forth and discover. The automobile capital of the world and all its glory lie but only an hour away.. American dishes. The atmosphere is great, the food very reasonably priced, and the restaurant highly recommen- ded. OLGA'S KITCHEN (205 S. State)-It's specialty, the Olga, is a pita bread sandwich filled with spicy meat, onions, tomatoes, and a sour cream sauce. It is yummy, but, unfortunately, a bit small for anybody with a healthy appetite, which is why Olga's has become a favorite feeding spot for dieters. The window seats give a good view of the outside world and the decor provides a nice, but plasticized at- mosphere. ORIENT EXPRESS (342 S. State St.)-The impressive (and surprising) thing about their fast food, chinese- style fare is its quality. The fried rice is good, seasoned with a few other vegetables and spices. And the shrimp egg foo yung allows you to taste the egg without ignoring the good supply of shrimp. The portions in general, however, are small, especially for the Teriyaki beef. But it's still a lot of fun to sit in the window seats and watch the traffic. THE PANTREE (330 E. Liber- ty)-Ann Arbor's closest-to-campus, 24- hour, seven-day-per-week restaurant offers a varied fare of microwaved omelettes, quiche, and full-course en- trees. While the food isn't as good as the hours, it is a convenient place to stop after a long night at the bar. Moderately priced, spinby after 2 a.m. for an interesting meal. PIZZA BOB'S (814 S. State St., 618 Church)-A campus/Ann Arbor tradition, Pizza Bob's features in- teresting offerings with bizarre names, speedily and competently prepared piz- za, and the best shakes in town. Try a Chipopey (spinach derivative of the equally good chipati), followed by a thick and creamy chocolate chip shake. Vegetarian and fleshy entrees are available-subs aren't bad. The prices are a bit high, however. Don't forget to go in for a surprise deal on your birth- day. PIZZERIA UNO'S (1321 S. Univer- sity)-Chicagoans who remember the original Uno's may be slightly disap- pointed with Ann Arbor's version. The times deep-dish pizza oozing with cheese, tomatoes and other natural wonders is available here, along with some very fine cheesecake. But the uniformed smiles and elaborately staged architec- ture can't capture thewarmth of the original. Higher prices may still be found here, nevertheless. PRETZEL BELL (120 E. Liber- ty)-Back in the forties and fifties, Pretzel Bell was a favorite student nightspot. Today, it is a high-class steak and salad restaurant. If you want to impress a date, celebrate a special occasion, or have Mom and Dad take you out, this is the place. The salad bar is first-class and the service is ex- cellent. Check for Mom or Dad's initials carved in the tables. THE REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY (341 S. Main)-The fish is as good or better than any other in town, and the atmosphere is pleasant, especially if you get a booth. The Flounder Floren- tine and Flounder stuffed with crab are highly recommended. The non-seafood menu is limited and uninteresting, so ...and more restaurant landlubbers elsewhere. SEVA (3141 restaurant ev love. They variety of san and every ki: could imagine fruit, honey ai WEBER'S place has a bi live up to its b consider goc items like ste of reasonable prices. If that is the place.'] of freebies. THE WH Huron)-Whe with a quiet, somewhat rez fletree is qui may be a bit great seafooi Besides, the adds to the r ner that follov 0 Ann Arbor has 12,,,the greas ~. '~~' ~ By Julie Hinds ~ . -- :3 i J-1 K I L r You walk in, choose your favoritE stool or booth, pick the dried ketchup off the menu, lift up your elbows to let the waitress run her handi-wipe across the table, slurp down your first glass of water from the spotted glass, and you're ready. Ready to-order a meal at one of Ann Arbor's deluxe (cheeseburger) greasy spoons. Ann Arbor isn't lacking in its variety of greasy spoons, though they may be hard to find. The campus and its en- virons, in fact, boast at least six locations offering the homestyle, filling food and plastic-coated atmosphere of a greasy spoon. Any exploration of Ann Arbor's greasy spoons finds its logical starting point at the Fleetwood Diner, oldest and most unusual restaurant of its kind. The Fleetwood has reigned supreme among fast food restaurants for more than 30 years in a converted railway car at 300 Ashley St. The Fleetwood's interior seems preserved intact from 1947 opening; from its antiquated Coke machine to its bandana curtains. Its menu, however, far surpasses its decor in timeliness, with a hearty selection of hamburgers, sandwiches, breakfasts, and chili, especially, that some customers swear they would die for.. Fleetwood is best known around town for another quality-its eccentric at- mosphere. The diner, open 24 hours, is fairly calm by day, but at night it becomes home-base for the city's liveliest inhabitants.. "In the evening, you get a lot of par- tiers," says Fleetwood's manager, Bryan Hulslander. "It's wild, it almost gets out of hand. It's fun, too, but that depends on what side of the counter you're on." Not all greasy spoons have that blend of dining and drama to offer, though. For those who like their meals with less excitement, the Delta restaurant at 640 Packard Rd. is a traditional, family. style place. Besides having many of the Don't forget our second floor. TWO EGGS, EASY over is the order at the Fleetwood Diner, one of Ann Arbor's greatest g That's where we hide the frames, trade books, art prints and posters. "i classic qualities of a grasy spoon-a prominent neon sign, a formica coun- ter, and a display of assorted pies-the Delta mixes the familiar "Go Blue" theme with an exotic "Go Greek" twist. On its walls, pictures of football players and Bo Schembechler compete for at- tention with pictures of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Owner Peter Poulos says the Delta is popular with students "coming in for a bite." Since greasy spoons are nothing if they aren't friendly, the most popular trend in town seems to be naming a restaurant after a friend. Frank, Joan- na, Johnnie, and Steve all find namesakes in local greasy spoons. Frank's, at 334 Maynard St., is not owned by Frank at all, but by Gus Mermingas, who has brought home- cooked Greek cuisine to his restaurant. Although Frank's is frequented mostly by professors, graduate students, and local residents, some undergraduates have stumbled onto what most obser- vers describe as "the best french toast in the world." For the most discreet restaurant in town, it's tough to beat Joanna's Food at 3001 S. State St. Walk too fast on State, in fact, and you could miss this diner, whose neon sign modestly and mysteriously reads only "Food." Run by Joanna and Demitris Alexan- droplous, Food offers four booths, a handful of stools,, and a broad menu, with steak and eggs as its specialty. Fans of breaded food should enjoy Johnnie's Diner at 333 E. Huron St., whose menu features broade pork, breaded veal, and breaded smelt (in season). Johnnie's Diner distinguishes itself with lip and by beinj town that k side for after Joining F: is Steve's L St. Although left town 10 informal Described a and eat pla best for eati inconspicuo only a count It's worth greasy spoa weigh the ha never get f guide,: great fortablean never can te I MORE THAN A BOOKSTORE 549 E. University at the corner of East U. and South U. 662-3201 Daily Photo by JACKIE BELL MANY FAMOUS DETROIT landmarks are located along the waterfront of the Detroit River, including (bottom to top) Ford Auditorium, Hart Plaza, Cobo Hall, Joe Louis Arena, and the Bob-Lo boats. ...