The Michigan Daily - New Student Edition 2006 - 3F
the essentials of
A look at
the finest
aspects
of the city,
what to buy
and where
to go
BURGERS
Bumpy wins hearts, clogs arteries
By Christopher Zbrozek
Editorial Page Editor
Let's get one thing out in the open; Meals at
Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burgerlike all great unhealthy
experiences, must be enjoyed in moderation.
This is a place where most items that aren't
grilled are deep fried. Fulfilling as a burger at
Blimpy is, it's not likely to add years to your
life - although, as long-time employee DaVee
Askew points out, "We don't have grease - we
have natural juices."
Askew agreed with Daily readers that Blimpy
serves up the best burgers in Ann Arbor. "I might
be biased, but we do grind our meat fresh daily,"she
said. The burger patties at Blimpy aren't patties at
all - certainly not the pre-formed,icy platters your
average restaurant hauls out from deep freeze.
The choice Western chuck that goes into the
burgers comes from Eastern Market in Detroit,
and it isn't frozen. "Any time you process beef,
thaw it or freeze it, you lose a little," current
owner Rich Magner said.
Instead, the cooks throw round clumps of
fresh beef, a 10th of a pound each, on the grill
and hammer them flat. The menu ranges from a
two-patty double to the five-patty quint, with the
option to add more at the customer's own peril.
The most I've ever taken out was a quint with five
extra patties, but that's a mere snack compared to
the record of 37 patties.
Blimpy has stood at South Division Street and
Packard Street since 1953 and dates back to an era
before corporate chains homogenized much of
the restaurant business - and before Ann Arbor
morphed into some enclave of mock-East Coast
yuppiedom. I know people with needlessly refined
tastes who think Blimpy Burger, from its wonder-
fully greasy food to an interior design one might
describe as honest, is somehow dubious. They
must be too busy reading the New York Times to
know what they're missing.
Blimpy Burger has thrived thanks to its stom-
ach-coating, soul-nourishing fare and its quirks -
ranging from the $2 bills and 50-cent pieces given
out as change to the "snow bears" Magner sculpts
out front of the store come winter. Its identity isn't
shaped by a marketing executive's focus group, but
by founder "Krazy Jim" Shaferlong-term employ-
ees and its equally dedicated customers.
Paul Hoppin, who has worked at Blimpy
since 1988, said employees there either "work
six weeks or they work six years - there's little
in between." The money, he admits, isn't the
greatest. But that weeds out anyone who doesn't
love the burgers and the job. "It makes a big dif-
ference in the food;' he said. "Everyone who's
here is really into it."
I lived in South Quadrangle Residence Hall,
practically next door to Blimpy Burger, for two
years. Yet somehow, I didn't make it up the steps
and past the "Cheaper than Food" sign near the
door until I was through with the dorms. Like
many before me, I had to scramble to learn the
system for ordering a burger at a place whose
menu offers 2,147,483,648 possible combina-
tions of patties, rolls and toppings. (There's a
plaque with mathematical proof of that number
on the wall.) "We can always tell when there's a
Blimpy virgin in the house," Magner said.
The learning curve was steep but delicious, and
my arteries regret to report that I've been back
many times since.
Finishing off a burger yesterday afternoon,a cus-
tomer named Hurvey wholeheartedly agreed that
Blimpy grills up the best burgers in Ann Arbor.
"I've been eating at Blimpy Burger for 35 years,
back when Krazy Jim worked the grill," he said.
"It's part of the Michigan experience."
- This article originally ran Apr. 13, 2006.
A Blimpy burger loaded with four patties, bacon, bleu cheese and a fried
egg drips condiments and natural juices down a customer's hand.
Borders rules the book scene
By Imran Syed
Daily Arts Writer
Usually when University stu-
dents think about bookstores,
Borders Books and Music on
Liberty Street is not the first that
comes to mind.
Though it's now a nationwide
chain and partnered with Amazon.
coin, one of the web's largest retail-
ers, Borders began in 1971 as an
independent store on State Street.
Even today, the store maintains many
aspects of its unique history. Though
it is a full-sized bookstore, Borders
does not immediately overwhelm as
a warehouse-like suburban Barnes
and Noble might.
Every book in the world seems to
be within arm's reach and employ-
ees patrol every corner, seemingly
elated to offer assistance. Regard-
less of the selection of books or the
amicability of ambience, good ser-
vice is the most important asset a
bookstore can have.
Upon learning that University stu-
dents voted Borders as the "Best of
Ann Arbor," Vin Altruda, president
of Borders Group U.S. said, "It is
especially meaningful to receive this
recognition from students because
Borders got its start here on the U
of M campus in 1971. We remain
committed to the idea of connecting
books and readers; passionate about
the importance of literacy and cul-
ture; and dedicated to the extraordi-
nary power of books."
And it is this "literacy and culture"
that makes Borders so special. A trip
to Borders is an exercise in leisure, a
conscious effort by a student to pur-
chase reading he will enjoy. Brows-
ing tables of new books and classics
serves as an agreeable change of pace
from the usual, regimented course-
work and studying.
A trip to a textbook store like
Michigan Book and Supply, with its
winding lines and strictly scholarly
selectionjust does not compare.
But of course, Borders is more
than just a bookstore. It is also one
of the few places on campus to pur-
chase new DVD and CD releases.
Borders is more of a destination,
not a quick stop on the way some-
where else, as textbook stores often
are. In selection, atmosphere and its
fine service, Borders represents the
upside of literature proudly.
- This article originally
ran Apr. 13, 2006..
Shelves of specialty books greet prospective customers and passerby outside Borders's East Liberty Street
address. The original Borders store was located across the street, next door to the State Theater.
Deli steals
epicurean
spo
By Caroline Hartmann
Daily Arts Writer
Only in Ann Arbor can you find a
place like Zingerman's. The funky, home-
grown Jewish deli with a contemporary
style proudly serves up fine gourmet with
renowned service.
The prices aren't cheap, but prepare to get
more than your dollar's worth at this lunch
spot, which also boasts a full bakery, a meat-
and-cheese counter and retail goods. Before
you even find a place in line, freshly baked
bread samples and newly shipped cheese
squares are being handed out right and left;
it's a wonder anyone makes it to the sandwich
counter at all. Whether it's a scrumptious
Reuben you're after or a salad loaded with
garden-fresh veggies, Zingerman's promises
to wow the taste buds every time.
But the menu isn't the only thing worth
praising: Zingerman's friendly and charm-
ing atmosphere guarantees to crack a smile
on almost anyone. The staff - described
by worker Gabe Anderson as "totally awe-
some" - is a lively bunch dedicated to
having a good time, and the outdoor cobble-
stone courtyard provides the perfect day-
time retreat.
Rocking the college-
town catwalk in A2
By Rachel Common
For the Daily
Ann Arbor might not be New York
or Los Angeles. But have no fear: The
University's style-conscious individuals
have learned to seek out fashion in plac-
es where it won't be presented on a plat-
ter. Find out how to satisfy your fashion
cravings with Ann Arbor's handful of
local shops.
Beanie June
715 N. University Ave.
Look no further than Beanie June
for luxe, dressy-casual pieces. Browse
through soft cotton skirts and dresses
by Pura Vida, jeans from Frankie B. and
STS, stretchy lycra/cotton tanks from
Last Tango and an eclectic collection
of chunky jewelry with wood and gem-
stone details.
Bivouac
330-336 S. State St.
In addition to this retailer's selection
of outdoor equipment and clothing, it
sells trendy brand names for both sexes,
including Free People, Michael Stars,
Ralph Lauren and Lacoste. Bivouac also
boasts denim by Rock and Republic,
Chip & Pepper and paperdenim&cloth,
making it the best place to buy designer
denim in Ann Arbor.
The Getup
215 S. State St.
The Getup is a charmingly retro bou-
tique full of hidden treasures. The Getup's
collection includes high-quality items from
as far back as the late 1800s. The store
focuses on the Americana appeal of West-
ern wear, evident in its extensive collection
of cowboy boots, metal belt buckles and
button-down cowboy shirts.
Poshh
535 E. Liberty St.
This bright, roomy boutique offers ahip,
high-end collection of clothing and acces-
sories for women. Brands include Sodablu,
Susana Monaco, Torn, People's Liberation
and Joe's Jeans, among others.
Sam's
207 E. Liberty St.
Sam's carries inexpensive, casual ward-
robe staples: Classic Girl and Standard
American T-shirts, plenty of Levi's and
Converse kicks in every color.
Star Vintage
322 S. State St.
Trek to this underground resale bou-
tique to find clothes, accessories and home
furnishings dating from the 1880s through
the 1980s. Unique to Star Vintage is owner
Tillie Whitt's skin-care products and cus-
tom perfumes sold in-store.
TOMMASO GOMEZ/Daily
Customer Sigrid Bower tastes Spanish olive oils and vinegars at Zingerman's Dei.
Zingerman's is located in Ann Arbor's
quaintly offbeat Kerrytown, a much-wel-
comed break from a buzzing central campus
and the ho-hum meal plans of University
housing. The deli fits right in alongside other
Kerrytown favorites, including the Ann
Arbor Farmer's Market, Sparrow's Meat and
Produce and local resale shops.
As if you needed confirmation that each
mouth-watering meal is prepared using
only top-notch ingredients, Zingerman's
well-trained workers are always willing
to explain exactly where your food is
coming from. Whether it's cheese hand-
picked from Europe or organic produce
grown only miles away, Zingerman's has
a unique and reassuring connection to all
of their suppliers. Manager Bill Dever
said one of Zingerman's perks is that
customers "have the opportunity to learn
something about their food," turning a
casual dining experience into a surpris-
ingly educational one, too.
No matter how you get there - walking,
biking or a ride from a benevolent friend -
don't miss out on this Ann Arbor gem.