Ann Arbor, Michigan...a true epicurean delight.

Ann Arbor is nestled comfortably in Southeast Michigan, approximately 45 min from America's eleventh largest metropolis, Detroit. It is the home of the University of Michigan, one of the most prestigious Big Ten schools. With its bustling downtown Ann Arbor, or A2, is the home many restaurants and art galleries. Among the best places to get a drink are: Rush Street, a swank martini bar, Cafe Habana, a Latin watering hole known for its sangria, and Connor O'Neills, a traditional Irish pub. Of course there are many more to accompany them. Good places to eat include: Prickly Pear Cafe, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, and Blue Nile. Ann Arbor is also the home to many fine delicatessens and high end grocers like Zingerman's, Trader Joe's , Whole Food's, and Plum Market. The list just keeps on going. It was only a matter of time before Ann Arbor made the blog. Look for more in the future.

The Only Recipe You Need: Carbonara

This is a simple and tasty carbonara recipe that I've had fun making this summer and it never gets old. Here's the recipe from Rachel Ray:

1 pound rigatoni
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 pound pancetta (Italian bacon) chopped
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2-4 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup dry, white cooking wine
2 large egg yolks
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
flat-leaf parsley optional garnish

Check it out:

Some of the essentials

Crisping the pancetta in red pepper flakes, olive oil, garlic and white wine

The rigatoni cooked al dente

Two egg yolks with 1/2 cup of water from the pot of pasta

Spread the egg and water over the pasta with the Romano cheese. Mix slowly but don't scramble the egg!


So easy...enjoy! Who said good cooking had to be hard!

Chocolate Amaretti Cake (Giada De Laurentiis)

This is a wonderful desert containing Italian cookies, semisweet chocolate chips, and orange zest, that can be jazzed up with some chocolate syrup for the ultimate chocolate lover. Recipe coming soon...

Pork Chops alla Pizzaiola (Giada De Laurentiis)

Frittata with Potato and Prosciutto (Giada De Laurentiis)

This Giada De Laurentiis recipe is delicious way to start your day. Recipe coming soon...