Darren Criss, one of my favorite “Glee” stars, paid a visit to Bill’s Beer Garden, one of my favorite local spots. What are the odds?! Bill’s Beer Garden officially opened for the season on May 2, 2013, the day these photos were taken.
Top Photo: Left to right: Phillis Engelbert, Crystal Conway, Brian Carbine, Darren Criss, Andy Sell.
Bottom Photo: Bill Zolkowski, proprietor of Bill’s Beer Garden, with Darren Criss
A firetruck juxtaposed with a juggler….curious site on the Diag this afternoon, indeed.
Source: jugglerfirea2
1 For Me, 1 Fro-Yo!
What might we have here? Ahh…..it’s Yoggie’s….the latest new frozen yogurt joint! I say “latest” because it’s no secret that the frozen yogurt industry comprises many of Ann Arbor’s pop-up businesses, even more than bubble tea. U of M students love their yogurt! Lifespans of such frozen yogurt joints range from months to years. Lab Cafe, Amer’s, and formerly, Yogo Bliss (whose space has been replaced by Insomnia Cookies) are some other local frozen yogurt destinations.
I admit that upon first reading the name, “Yoggie’s,” I misinterpreted the pronunciation. Moments later, I overheard a young lady pronounce the name as “Yogi’s” (as in “Yogi Bear”). It would make more sense to me for the name to be spelled with one ‘g,’ but oh well, not that important…
I snagged a free sample of the mango flavored yogurt and savored its creamy, almost orange-push-pop-like, taste. Remember orange push pops? They are those treats kids eat - or at least used to eat - which often feature prints of Flintstones characters on the bottom stick/holder. Anyway, I’d like to try more flavors.
A couple people on twitter also proclaim their taste bud approval of Yoggie’s flavors.
A2 Book Fest Fun
As I was leaving Sava’s last Saturday, after scarfing down the best sweet ‘tater fries in town, I stumbled upon a reading by local author Jeff Kass from his book, Knuckleheads, in the restaurant’s courtyard. The reading was one of several sponsored by the Ann Arbor Book Festival, which took place June 22nd - June 23rd. I found Kass’s excerpts unique, witty, and just a little weird. Jeff Kass teaches English and creative writing at Eastern Michigan University and Pioneer High School.
The only camera I had at the time was my cell phone, which didn’t have the best recording quality (not to mention the picture is tiny). I feel like sharing the video of Jeff Kass reading one of his selections, nonetheless.
Construction Finally Wrapping Up
Construction is finally wrapping up on Fifth Street. For awhile, the construction seeped into my permanent perception of Downtown Ann Arbor, partially because I don’t own a vehicle and walk everywhere and partially because, well, I got so used to detouring around the area; I think I temporarily forgot there was any other way. I don’t have to mention that Earthen Jar and Jerusalem Garden must be ecstatic to no longer operate under partial camouflage.
I caught a distant glimpse of the entrance to the long anticipated and speculated underground parking garage that all this construction hoopla was for. What I believe is the yet-to-open parking garage’s entrance kind of reminds me of a Manhattan subway system entrance.
Note: Am I the only one who finds the company name, “Spartan Barricading” funny? I only derive humor from this because the company is doing work in Ann Arbor. It sort of sounds like MSU Spartans are obstructing the way of U of M Wolverines. Just a thought….Please note that I love all my Spartan friends and am not heavily invested in sports rivalries.
