Michigan Eats.

M. drove to Michigan late Thursday night and I couldn't be happier to see him.  And as soon as Friday rolled around, we waited for A. to nap and seized our opportunity for an afternoon date.  We headed to Ann Arbor, where I previously lived and worked and where M. briefly lived and went to school before heading to UMASS.  M. insisted on Chicago-style hot dogs from Rays Red Hots, formerly and better known as Red Hot Lovers. (And, yes, that's our dog below.  We liked the Chicago-style so much that we're recreating them ourselves next Friday.)

Then, we seized our second opportunity to head out sans toddler when Miss A. went to sleep for the night. We met my dear friend and Maid of Honor, V. (who is briefly in town from L.A.) in East Dearborn at a super fantastic Middle Eastern café, Shatila.  This place was seriously amazing (and it comes as no surprise that it was named one of Detroit's Best).  It was bustling and happy and filled with an overwhelming amount of desserts.  We opted for their raved-about pistachio ice cream and several pieces of baklava.  GO THERE. (And, honestly, the picture below doesn't even capture an eighth of the desserts at this giant sweets-destination.)

Our food enjoyment didn't end there.  Since we were in Michigan, we wanted to continue to enjoy all-things Michigan that aren't available in the D.C. area.  So, that meant more Middle Eastern food, of course (Michigan being home to the largest Arab-American population in the country), including dinner at The Sheikh (be forewarned:  aside from tasting delicious, the portions are enormous and a regular-sized salad is sufficient for three people.  Also, the schwarma wrap has way too much garlic in it; ask for a different dressing).  And, last but not least, our very, very, very favorite Michigan food haunt:  the enduring and easy-to-find Coney Island restaurant (below:  famous, competing ones in the D, and - below that - A. hangin' out waiting for her coney dog [not really; mostly just hanging out]).

I can't even begin to list how many Coney Islands you'll find there (maybe one for ever corner in suburban Detroit?), but you can play it safe and go with our favorite, Leo's Coney Island, where I opt for the best-ever greek salad w/ warm pita bread (it's grilled and nicely buttered) and the chicken fingers pita, slathered with honey mustard (add to that saganaki and/or rice pudding on those days that I just can't say no).  Sigh.  Oh, I'll miss thee! Why can't you exist in Northern Virginia? Please?