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.