Last week/this past weekend I went to visit two of my best friends from school in Saline, Michigan. I was there from Wednesday-Saturday and had a ton of good food along the way. For most of the trip we went ate in Ann Arbor where all of the shops are and along the University of Michigan campus (which is beautiful).
On Thursday we went into Ann Arbor for the first time and grabbed lunch at the hot bar inside of Whole Foods. Unlike my Whole Foods here in Cleveland, they had a “diner” where you could order burgers or make grain bowls filled with rice or quinoa for only $6. I decided to do this because whenever I make my own box of food at the hot bar I usually end up spending $8-10 so this was a good way to get a good meal and know what you’re paying. I ordered zucchini, grape tomatoes, quinoa, kale, blackened tofu and an amazing avocado oil dressing on the side. It was actually very filling and a better portion of food for a better price than normal.
Following lunch that day, we later on went to downtown Ann Arbor right in the heart of the University of Michigan and ate at Sava’s Restaurant. I was super excited to try this place out because the menu looked very versatile and delicious. Something for everyone which is always a plus. Better than going to an Italian or Mexican restaurant where you can only pick certain options. The prices weren’t bad either. For appetizers my friends ordered the Artichoke & Spinach Dip ($7.50) with large pita chips and the Caprese Salad ($7). Everyone at the table had some and when the waiter took the dip from the table we still had a huge chunk of cheesy goodness sitting in front of us. Two of my friends ordered the Wild Mushroom Spaghettini ($15) and another ordered the Rigatoni Bolognese ($15). They were prepared in large bowls with small centers to make them appear like a small serving yet as my friends ate their way through, we all realized how much they got for their money. Well deserved portion for sure.
Whenever I see a menu has really decent sides I always am drawn into buying one, despite the additional cost. “Seasonal vegetables” usually reels me in being the veggie-lover I am but this time roasted brussel sprouts ($4) were an option and nothing.. I repeat NOTHING.. is tastier than a good side of roasted brussels. I decided to order these with the grilled tilapia Fish Tacos with black bean & corn salsa ($13). The tacos were absolutely amazing and a decent size. The only issue I had was I asked for no chipotle mayo and they forgot to leave it off. I couldn’t finish them because they were so hefty (literally I think they put 1 fish into each taco) but it probably didn’t help I scarfed down my brussels thanks to their crispy goodness.
I would love to eventually go back to Sava’s when I return to Michigan to try their breakfast or lunch. Other dinner options that looked inviting were the Herb Encrusted Salmon and the Baked Vegetable Lasagna. The restaurant featured great open space and a second level (which my friends and I sat at) where we could view the entire lower level. As we ended our meals, our waiter delivered out a nice chocolate mousse in a glass for free for my friend’s birthday. A great first dining experience in Michigan no doubt.
-Addie
