BARS AND RESTAURANTS- Ann Arbor has the bar and restaurant scene down, pat. There is something for every mood and every price range. These are just a selection of my favorites.

8 Ball Saloon – One of my hubby’s favorite spots, we recently had a “slumming it” night full of cheap beer, darts, jukebox, and good times. It’s a little dirty, a little smelly, a little rock and roll but it’s a great spot to relax and apparently, do some hippie watching.

327 Braun Ct. – This is what I’d really call a hidden gem in Kerrytown. They have an evolving drink menu of hand crafted creations, pop-up kitchens hosted by different chefs different days of the week, and an atmosphere that feels like a close friend’s apartment. It’s cool, check it out.

Angelo’s – Thank goodness I squeezed this place in last minute before leaving town. Superbly delicious breakfast, great service, not breaking the bank. Even more impressive was that we didn’t wait more than 5 minutes for a table Sunday at 11am. Fluke? Who cares..wait. It’s worth it!

Ashley’s - If you haven’t been to Ashley’s, I feel like you may be missing out on the essence of Ann Arbor. It is THEE bar for beer lovers, with a veritable book of beer selections from all over the world, of every genre imaginable. Great bar food too, the spot for many a Tuesday night happy hour or post- grad school vent session. I recommend the last booth in the back. It’s the ‘Traianos Gagos is here’ memorial… a great man who will never be forgotten.

Arbor Brewing Company – It’s a brewery. If we’re being honest, we never really LOVED the beer there. What we did love was the only shuffleboard table in town, plus real dart boards. The food is also pretty good, and the Jason Segel spotting makes it a celebrity hotspot.

Bab’s Underground Lounge – The first time we discovered this spot, it was a shit show…not a pretty night/morning after. What is cool about Bab’s is that it’s a nice place with room to sit and chat, a nice martini list, and still things for the “bored” people to do, like play pool on one of their 3 tables. During the week they have interesting nights and specials, including one night where they served us 40s in a paper bag while we watched a movie. Interesting, right?

Bar Louie - I know it’s a chain, but I wanted to make sure you knew about the $1 burgers on Tuesday night. Each topping is like $.50, but it still leaves you plennnnty of room to order the loaded tater tots, which is a must.

Black Pearl Seafood and Martini Bar – I love the late night menu here… great selection of foods ranging from pasta to fish tacos to sandwiches for a good price. The regular menu is a bit pricey, but the “cheapest” item on the menu the Diablo Chicken Sandwich is delicious and a great value. We watched the final UM Final Four game here.. they have plenty of TVs for sporting events while providing and upscale atmosphere, a well-made martini, and if you’re lucky, you’ll also sit next to a friendly millionaire who buys drinks for the entire bar all night.

Blimpy Burger – Another legendary establishment, featured on The Food Network several times. I was never allowed to sample other burger joints because that would be blasphemy, but I can vouch for the greasy, filling satisfaction of the Blimpy. Don’t get a “Wimpy Blimpy,” (less than 2 patties) or you may be ridiculed by the staff. DO get the fried veggies. Maybe my favorite part of dining there.

Blue Tractor BBQ and Brewery - Get the fried pickles. That is all.

Cafe Habana – Maybe I’m the only one who misses the old Habana in it’s old location next to Blue Tractor, but the lower lounge is still cool. They still have their baked goat cheese, so I’m okay with it.

Carlyle Grill - I probably would have never tried this place if it weren’t for some good friends of ours suggesting it as a meeting spot before the movies (conveniently located directly behind Carlyle.) Good food- but on the expensive side. My husband doesn’t see the value, but I like it! Haha. Large portions make up for the price, and sometimes you can get a deal on your movie ticket, too.

Cavern Club – I never even visited the 4-leveled bar until the night I was proposed to, so of course, it now holds a special place in my heart. The first floor is your typical club/bar setting, and is a frequent spot for the Killer Flamingoes, best cover band in the area. Keep exploring and you’ll find yourself dancing in a room a mirrors (gah!) The basement is quite cool.. hence the “cavern” name, you feel like you’re transfered to an underground speakeasy. Fast forward up to the very top floor, you’ll find Circus, which is a sports bar with pool tables, popcorn, and karaoke every night. Something for everyone.

China Gate – “Legendary” Chef Jan was introduced to me before I even set foot in town, and he does not disappoint. All your favorite Chinese food, plus favorites like Emperor’s Chicken (#18 on the lunch menu.) Yummy and great value (the husband’s two favorite things.)

Conor O’Neils Irish Pub – If you’re in the mood for the “next step above Rick’s,” then Conor’s is the place to go. I support popping in for an Irish car bomb, and quickly making your exit.

Dominick’s - Once the weather breaks, all people (especially students) want to do is grab an outdoor spot at Dominick’s. Famous for their giant jugs of fresh made sangria, it’s a pre-summer rite of passage. The food is counter-order style and I think it’s a tad pricey, especially if you plan to set up shop all afternoon.

The Earle – A restaurant landmark, serving up rich French and Italian inspired dishes. It’s good but very expensive. After my last less than stellar experience, I’d recommend just going for the happy hour- with $2.75 bowls of mussels and 20% off wine.

The Fleetwood Diner – This legendary place is THEE spot for your late night, bad decision eating. They’re known for their “hippie hash,” but they are my spot for chili cheese fries. Everything tastes better when you’re 8 drinks in, trust me!

Fraser’s Pub – You aren’t a townie until you’ve gone to Fraser’s. Sports bar, very casual, decent menu. It’s off the beaten path, which is always nice when you want to avoid the usual scene.

Gratzi – The “pricier” version of Palio… a much nicer atmosphere with a menu to match. It’s expensive, but if you have a good server (which once I did, once I did not).. it is a delicious meal worth the price. As with all the Main Street Ventures restaurants.. it’s fun to play on the tablet menus. I heart technology.

Grizzly Peak Brewing Company – I love it here. Really good food. Reasonably priced. I like the beer. Love sitting outside. The Grizzburger is a great value and has yummy toppings like goat cheese and olives (that’s my weird fav.) Just a good spot.

Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery – We don’t love the beer at Jolly Pumpkin. You might if you love, love bitter Belgians. The food is good but overrated. The cocktails are the more interesting attraction to me, personally. Usually changing with the seasons, they make their own liquor so don’t try to ask for Ketel One. They’ll give you a stink eye. The best part of JP is the rooftop patio. A2 really needs more of those.

Knight’s Steakhouse – An Ann Arbor classic. Everyone loves the place, and for good reason.. the food is quality, the service has always been great, and they have excellent steak, if that’s your thing. In my personal preference, I wish they’d modernize the menu a bit and offer some more seafood options that aren’t fried or coated in cheeses.. but hey, it’s not enough to make me not go there. My joke is, it’s a great restaurant stuck in the 70′s. Side of cottage cheese, anyone?

La Dolce Vita – It was pure chance that I ended up here one late night for dessert, and I’m so glad I did. It was just plain fun to go at 11PM, split a cheese plate with various desserts, coffee drinks, and yes, more booze.. all combined in a somehow sexy yet cozy atmosphere. Adjacent to the Chop House, it’s also a cigar lounge, if you’re feeling extra naughty. I just like the sweet life, what can I say?

Live – It’s a club. Usually full of younger people. I spent New Year’s Eve here once and it was fun. So it made my list.

mash – Located in the basement of the Blue Tractor, I’ve always enjoyed the unique cavern like ambience. Now a fully stocked whiskey bar, with knowledgeable, lumberjack-attired bartenders to help you make a selection.

Melange – Another one of the places I’ve always had a good time when I’m in a dancing mood. Except the time my jacket was stolen practically from out of my hands. It happened. It was extremely shady and there was a weird crowd that night. Otherwise, it’s a fun spot for a drink, happy hour sushi, or to see what the DJ is spinning. I feel like it gets a bad rap, but you need to ignore that and try it for yourself!

Pacific Rim - I only went once, and it was divine. I was devastated because they didn’t have any left of the much-talked about tuna. Alas, my time has run out and I will never have their tuna. You go and have it, and let me know how delicious it is. It’s quite expensive, so save up first. If you can’t get the tuna, I recommend the Japanese Sable Fish. Yum!

Palio – Decent Italian food. The “cheaper” of the two Italian spots on Main Street. Every meal I’ve had there has been good but again, it’s main draw is the awesome rooftop patio in the summer time. That will win you points, every time.

Pizza House – Best pizza in town. Get the Chicago deep dish. Giant menu. Open until 4AM + full bar. Pizza House is the man.

Prickly Pear Cafe – My last Ann Arbor meal did not disappoint. PP is consistently delicious Southwestern food. Fab margaritas. A nice house made salsa to go with those chips. Please, please get the scallop and shrimp quesadillas. I dream about them sometimes. You get a LOT of food.

The Original Cottage Inn – Worth a visit for a cute, fun for the whole family experience and pretty good Italian cuisine. There’s a 50% chance your waiter will be high, but who’s not, in Ann Arbor anyways, ha.

The Raven’s Club – I had the most delicious brunch on the patio once upon a time at Raven, with unlimited mimosas. It was a great experience. I later went back for some happy hour and snacks, including a delicious charcuterie plate and a Nicoise salad. I recommend all of the above.

The Real Seafood Company - I’ve visited several times, but my latest experience was by far the best. Fresh, fresh food (still thinking about the oysters I had), simple plating but truly yummy food. I heard they just went through a renovation, which will probably make it feel a lot nicer than the typical nautical decor they had before- the same kind of stuff you’d see at a Red Lobster.

Rush Street Martini Lounge – I am a girl who loves to dance. Is that a crime? Rush Street is one place to do that, and the highlight is the adorable drummer guy, who bangs on his bongos all night long to the sounds of Rihanna, Kanye, and Beyonce. All the best dance music. Good for a girls’ night out, but watch out for the creepsters prowling the dance floor. They’re everywhere. Also, get there early enough so you’re not waiting in line to get in. It’s Ann Arbor, not NYC. NEVER wait in line in the cold to get into a bar.. none of them are worth that!

Sadako – My favorite sushi in town, for it’s freshness, affordability, and casual but comfortable dining room. Recently, I was disappointed when they nickel and dimed us (new thing) out of getting the normally free soup and salad with lunch, but I won’t let one bad experience ruin 4 years of yummy sushi.

Sava’s State Street Cafe – A surprise find on campus. Upscale feeling with a very hearty menu and a range of prices to meet everyone’s needs. Great for a nice glass of wine or a cocktail. All the food I’ve had there has always been really good.

Tomukun Noodle Bar – A surprising find near campus, this place as the greatest selection of pho bowls, and other Asian inspired delicacies including pork buns that are so yummy. Cute spot, very reasonable prices for the giant soup portions you’ll receive.

Vellum – One of the newest restaurants, Vellum is quite the dining experience. Here, you will eat things you’ve only heard about on Top Chef. It’s expensive, though there are a selection of mid range entrees for about $15/16 that are just as good, and an exquisite burger for the less adventurous.

Vinology - Yes, I like hoity-toity wine bars with fance-fance food in small servings. And I like paying the same price for one glass that I’d pay for a bottle at the grocery store. It’s true. One night, just go to Vinology and spend too much money. It’s all in good fun and yumminess.

Wolverine State Brewery – This, in my opinion, is the best brewery in Ann Arbor. Every single beer I’ve tasted there is delicious. WSB became our Wednesday meet up spot and the home of our pub trivia team (LONG LIVE GARY CHUTCH’S TRIVIA ENTHUSIASTS!) They don’t serve food but you can bring in any food you want from the outside, and even have things delivered there. Often, they’ll have a food cart outside for your ordering pleasure. Love this place.

Zingerman’s Roadhouse – If you’ve heard of Ann Arbor, you’ve heard of the famous Zingerman’s Deli. While it’s must try, the Roadhouse is by far my favorite spot, and a place I tried to hit as much as possible, usually with out of town guests. Always fresh, local, in season, and a James Beard Award to boot.

COFFEE HOUSES – I spent many, many, many hours frequenting coffee shops. These are my favorites.

Espresso Royale – My favorite local coffee chain, and probably the one I clocked the most hours at during grad school. Reasonably priced coffee, a nice selection of snacks, (including my favorite, the strawberry yogurt parfait), nice music, and friendly staff. My favorite location is probably the State Street one, just because it screams, “U of M!” to me.

Great Lakes Coffee and Chocolate - When you need a switch up or a break from the often annoying college crowd, drive off the beaten path to GLCC. They had me at CHOCOLATE! Cute spot, not huge, but a great place to get work done and again… there’s CHOCOLATE THERE!

Sweetwaters Café – I love Sweetwaters. As far as coffee shops go, it’s probably my favorite, and I’d go there every time if it weren’t for the severe lack of electrical outlets and seating, pretty much every night of the week.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY – Though I never did truly find a salon that was my own, (Designer’s Edge, Buffalo, NY 4L!), I did frequent a few spots for my slower paced beauty regimen.

Body Wisdom Massage – My heart is broken because my favorite lady Kelsey left for greener pastures, but it’s still worth the mention for the best massage I had in the Midwest. It’s a cute, quiet serenity zone, and worth the quick trip to Dexter. Reasonable prices for massage, too!

Diva Nail and Spa – This place is clean, new, nicely decorated, and the technicians are all extremely sweet and professional. I’ve had gel manicures and pedicures there, all which lasted more than 2 weeks.

Luv Manicures and Pedicures – Luv is more of a cattle call situation, but here’s why I liked it: the 2-4-1 manicure and pedicure. Just the standard, nothing fancy (no gel or cutesy decals or anything), but decent for the $30 cost. I found a technician I really liked (not sure she’s even there still), plus you can purchase your own nail set to ensure you’re keeping all your cooties to yourself. It was always busy, and sometimes hard to relax in because of that. I’d go here if Diva is booked!

Relax Station – The little “massage hut”, as I like to call it is basically one large room where you can get a massage in either a chair, or a table, dependent on what’s available. Let’s get real- it’s not relaxing. You are in a giant room with other stressed out people and their therapists, about 2 feet away from you. If you are in a pinch, or desperate for some relief, it’s a quick alternative to the full massage experience. Just get the chair massage- 15 minutes. It’s all you really need for a quick fix.

Salon Vox – It’s uppity, it’s expensive, but it makes you feel like you’re getting the most cutting edge hairstyle in town (I’m a New Yorker, so I appreciate that.) Vox clearly prides themselves on being the poshest spot around. Stylists range in price dependent upon their experience level and seniority, and while I usually felt satisfied with my hair cut or color, there were times I felt like I could have gotten the same deal at a place that wasn’t charging $160 for a standard cut/color. It didn’t help that conflicting schedules always had me rotating to a different person.

ETC. – Let’s face it, there are so many places worth mentioning in Ann Arbor. It’s a great town (ask anyone I know that’s ever visited!) I will add to this list as I recall fond memories with great friends, and have more time to reflect. You can also check out some of my other A2 experiences, chronicled here on The Ann Arbor Sampler page. Thanks for taking this journey with me, and I look forward to sampling even more spots, worldwide.

Add these to your follow list.  You will not be sorry.

The Food and Wine Hedonist – John from FWH was one of the first people I “met” once delving into the local blogging scene, and really made me feel welcome.  FWH is a well-concocted mix of recipes, drinks, amusing musings, music, Ann Arbor events, travel and TV.  Basically, FWH could be the DS’s much hotter, wiser, cooler step sibling, or something.  In my fantasy world, at least.

The Winegetter – Oliver from The Winegetter is probably my second favorite German person in Ann Arbor.  The other one is my honorary life coach, so I have to let her take the #1 spot.  Oliver is a close, close 2nd because of his charm, his passion for wine, specifically, Riesling, and the camaraderie I felt towards him after discovering he also was forced to move to Michigan for love.

Now Entering Flavor Country - I feel lucky to call Erica from NEFC one of my new favorite people.  In a crushing blow, we found out that we might be Michigan besties/soul food & drink mates, when fate delt the “Nova Scotia” card.  Forced now to continue on in a sultry long distance relationship, I shall follow her blog to the ends of the Earth.  Dramatic, huh?  Anyways, you’ll love her hilarious commentary, delicious recipes, and serious passion for all things beer.

Meg.Goes.Nom.Nom. – Meg is another one of those cool people that regret not spending more time with.  Damnit, life!  Meg does everything from original recipes, restaurant reviews, to her weekly meal plans, which make me envious of her planning skills and her ability to prepare more than one awesome meal a week.  (My limit is one MAYBE if you’re lucky.)  She’s been at it for many years now, so MGNN is one to check out and spend many hours perusing.

AnnArbor.com -Food - Jessica has probably the coolest job ever, which is to be PAID to write about local food and drink happenings, recipes, you name it.  Though I haven’t (yet) had the pleasure of meeting her in person, I follow her to bring me up to date on the latest Ann Arbor food events, because I’m always the last person to find things out, generally speaking.

A2GastroBoy - I heard of the infamous A2 Gastroboy before officially meeting him at the meet up in Kerrytown, someone asking if he might make an appearance, like an elusive celebrity of some kind.  He did not disappoint.  You’ll like his good food knowledge, his no holds barred reviews, and his honey badger style of not giving a crap about what anyone thinks about it.

This is not the end.  These are just some of the Ann Arbor blogs I stalk on a daily basis, and as you know, I have little interest in reading about local things that aren’t food or drink related.  You may notice that you’ve come to the wrong list if you’re looking for World of Warcraft A2 blogs or some crap.  Keep Googling!  You’ll find it!  Instead, check out some other local favorites, below.

The Wandering Glutton 

Food Floozie

Damn Arbor

MichiGirls

Palate of Patti

The Everyday Foodie

The Last Bite

Sipology

La Vida Laura

Provence in Ann Arbor

In July 2009, I had only one thing on my mind: I couldn’t wait to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan. I had visited maybe twice before, for a football game and a stop at China Gate (because everyone drives into town just for that, right?) Most of all, I was so ready to leave home and start a new chapter with the love of my life. No one believed I was going. If you know me, you know I live and die for my family and friends, the people that have known me for so many years through ups and downs and in-betweens. Truthfully, it did pain me to leave them behind, but I knew it was something I had to do for myself, to see other things, focus on my own relationship, and keep growing.

During my first months in Ann Arbor, I took everything in with great enthusiasm. My teeny new apartment was cheap as hell, but easy biking to campus and Main Street. There were so many new restaurants and bars to sample, tons of people watching to do, lots of coffee shops to burn away afternoons in. It was fresh, and I immediately felt like I was in a place where people really loved their city. It was vibrant, alive, busy: all the things I felt Buffalo was lacking when I left. I was a happy newbie.

Time went on. That cutesy cheap apartment revealed the worst neighbors on the face of the planet, which I easily could have turned into a blog of it’s own. These people, no lie, were the scum of the Earth. Everyone who heard our stories couldn’t believe we had to deal with it. Turns out, that short bike ride to campus and Main Street was ALL uphill. Why didn’t I see that before?! The restaurants were still pretty great, but for a young graduate student couple, we could barely afford to take part in most of them. Things were going great in our relationship, but suddenly, that wasn’t enough. So, what changed?

I changed. I started to miss my hometown badly, and it probably didn’t help that I was just a ‘quick’ 4.5 hour car ride away. I spent as many weekends as possible with my people. The people who understood my likes, dislikes, my taste in music, my fashion sense, and of course my undying love of professional sports teams who never seem to win. That is my identity, and I started to feel like I didn’t fit into the organic, anti-GMO obsessed, fairy-laden (that’s not derogatory, that’s a real thing here), Toms and hemp, uuber progressive, often snobby, folk music loving, bicycling-through-rain-and-snow, lake vacation culture that Ann Arbor specifically, was built on. I started to shut down.

Starting my grad program at the University of Michigan seemed like a natural next step for me, and hopefully the boost I was looking for. If you can’t beat em, join em, eh? I was so excited to finally feel like I had a place in the community. I had built in ‘friends’ that I saw everyday and actually got a chance to do some young-people activities (drinking on campus) with them. It kept me young, for a bit. I still am grateful, not only for the great people I met during that time, but also for the opportunity to be the first person in my family to earn a Master’s degree. I did that. I am proud.

Still, with that hard work came more feelings of discontentment. My friend circle whittled back down to a close few. Jobs in education? Ha, good luck. In a town where there are like 5 major colleges within a short driving distance, the outlook isn’t awesome. My early experiences in the education field were pretty far from positive, and I was left feeling quite depressed about my second career choice. This is what I spent thousands and thousands of dollars on. I shut down some more. I gained 25 pounds. I started having severe back problems. My hair began to turn grey. Things weren’t awesome.

A bright spot in the darkness: my dream came true. The whole reason for my journey to Ann Arbor was the thing I care about most in the whole world: my now husband. He proposed to me one winter night and suddenly, I was thrown into the whirlwind of planning a wedding, from a distance. We got married in Buffalo on June 23, 2012, and it was nothing short of magical. Except the DJ. Do not get me started on that friggin’ DJ. The following summer brought a glorious Mexican honeymoon, and an entire 6 weeks with my beloved family at home while the hubs was on a project overseas. Every time I was home, I noticed how much more I felt like myself. I felt happy and at peace. This did not help change my mind about things. When he returned, I had to gather up all I could muster to face… another year of living in Ann Arbor.

I totally understand if you’re reading this and thinking, “shut up, big baby.” I know. I get it. I won’t pretend that my mindset wasn’t hugely created all by myself. When I left in 2009, I had a goal in mind. I wanted to marry the love of my life. I wanted to build a life with him. We did, and now, I was ready to leave for the next chapter. In my mind, A2 was always a temporary situation, and I felt we had maxed out all we were meant to do here. I also had not planned for how homesick I would become. If you’ve never left everything you’ve ever known/loved/etc. behind to do something different, then maybe you can’t call me a big baby. You try it, then we’ll talk. Everyone’s different, but this was how it all went down for me. My journey was a very personal one.

Anyways, my final year in A2 took a lot of mental cheerleading to get geared up for. I knew that I was going to work a job that was mostly a means to an end. I knew that it was another ‘one more year’ scenario for my husband’s job, as it had been each year before. I knew about my tendency to get really down and shitty for the winter. It was a long, long winter.

On New Years Eve 2012, I made a decision to devote myself to something I’ve always wanted to do: this blog. I knew I wanted to write every day, to share it with people, and to write about things I found enjoyable, funny, and most of all, not important or earth-shattering in any way. From that day on, I had a hobby again. It opened my mind to doing other, new things, too, and also starting fresh with Ann Arbor. I wasn’t sure what would happen by summer, but I knew that if I was going to live any kind of meaningful life, I had to wipe the slate clean, and start rediscovering the city I was so enchanted by in the beginning. Hence, the birth of The Ann Arbor Sampler. I feel grateful that I was able to spend the last 6 months seeing the town through new eyes, make some awesome, witty, smart new friends, and live more in the moment.

In this, my last week in Ann Arbor before I get to start that next chapter I’ve been waiting for, I’m reflecting on all of the fabulous things that make A2 probably one of the shiniest cities in all of Michigan. Let’s face it, there are some really dull parts of Michigan. Sorry! You were thinking it, too. This week, I’ll feature all of my personal favorites in town- whether I had time to write up samples for them or not. Also, I’ll introduce (or re-introduce) you to some of my favorite Ann Arborites. These are truly cool people that have made my stay much fuller and more enjoyable.

Thank you, Ann Arbor for 4 very interesting years. I’ll never forget ya. When I return to visit, I’ll be down that 25 pounds, because I’m still really, really pissed about that.

Summer Beers You Need to Drink Before Labor Day (Huffington Post) – Summer flies and you know it.  Don’t get left in it’s dust.

Every Sangria You’ve Ever Dreamed About (Food and Wine) – If you’re not into the summer beer scene, you had better be drinking sangria outside somewhere.  It’s a crime not to.

The Best Written TV Shows of All Time (Huffington Post) - I’m trying not to be offended that SNL was chosen before Lost.

The Basil Care Guide (Bon Appetit) - It’s fresh and in season. Don’t blow this.
The Guide to Grilling Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed About (Food Network) - It’s a video! No effort required.

Essentials For Flawless Skin (MindBodyGreen) – When you’re stressed to the max because your life is a crazy movie, your skin suffers (promise.) Here’s how you can help.

(The Daily Beast) Just found this, had to share. I don’t watch GOT…but my husband and the rest of the world does. I LOVE these reaction vids to last night’s episode. It’s good enough to make me want to watch it, and I feel like I could easily be one of these people, specifically the screaming girl with the blanket.

Here’s a few random thoughts followed by a small plate:

• Are you watching The Voice?  6 contestants left.. who should win it?  Based on the above, you can probably see why I cannot consistently keep up with the 3 nights-a-week commitment.  But, I am catching up currently.  I love you, DVR.  This is the wrong thing to say, but 2 singers in (the blonde country chick on Blake’s team and Michelle Chamuel- from Ann Arbor), I’m underwhelmed.  Don’t be mad.
• Speaking of TV, lots of people were in a tizzy over the return of Arrested Development.  Was it any good?  I dabbled in it a bit.. but never got attached.  Mostly, I’m a TV whore so I love talking about anything worth talking about.  I’m more interested in what’s up with Portia de Rossi’s face…
• How about Michael Douglas’ cancer confession?  He didn’t seem to mention that his wife was not at fault for that one.. but yeah, silence is deafening.
• Did you see Bruce Jenner’s comments on Kanye’s lack of support during Kim’s pregnancy?  Or how he’s only met him ONCE?!  This isn’t going to last long, is it?  Continue below.

MONDAY SMALL PLATES:

Bruce Jenner Calls Out Kanye West For ‘Never Being Around’ (Huffington Post) – I kinda picked up on this.  Oh and they’re having a girl.  Like I promised you they were.

Bruce is probably pretty scary when he’s mad, but you can’t really tell thanks to Botox.

10 Foods That Make You Smell (The Daily Meal) – And you don’t want to smell when it’s 90 degrees out.  Just don’t.

Iced Coffee Cocktails (Yummly) -It really doesn’t get much better than this.

Tea Cocktails (About.com) – If you’re getting soft on me, or want to be “healthier”, here are iced tea drinks infused with hard liquor. For the health food buffs.

Adam Levine Responds to Backlash Over “I Hate This Country” Comment (People) – Ahhh calm down, flag flyers.  Adam Levine does not hate the good old U.S. of A.  What I’m guessing he meant, was that he was pretty ticked his two ladies were voted off by the American voters that- well, I’m just going to say it… tend to swing a little country these days.  I’m not sure what it is about the sweet, sappy, twangy ways of the good old boys and girls in that genre, but your average middle-American seems to eat that stuff up.  I get it- because Judith and Sarah were AMAZING- like probably could/should have won in some respects.  I guess country folk have more time on their hands 3 nights of the week…

‘The Voice’ Goes Country Again- Why it Could be the Show’s Downfall (EW) - I am feeling particularly passionate about this topic tonight.  It’s either the riesling, or my hatred of country music.  Not sure.

WEDNESDAY HELPINGS: Damn.  I should have included this topic in my last rant.  I have tried so many times to understand country music.  I even worked at a country music radio station!  Nothing, nothing has worked.  I consider myself a music connoisseur of all genres, and try to always keep an open mind, but I just don’t connect with it.  And this Voice business really is more to me about America getting it wrong- voting off people with serious, serious talent in favor of some bland, blonde copycat.  That’s what really bothers me and why I think most talent-reality shows have a very limited appeal, because so many Americans have no idea what pitch is!  But, you came here for recipes and fashion.  So let’s do that.

Watermelon! 10 Cool, Refreshing Recipes (The Kitchn) – The perfect recipes to cool down with after a country music/reality TV rant.  I can never, ever get enough watermelon on a steamy day.  Or in a steamy mood.

Hot Albums and Festivals This Summer (CNN) – Start saving up.  ’Yeezus’ won’t come cheap.  Here’s your breakdown, by region, because that’s how CNN do.

How to Add Salt to Desserts (The Daily Meal) – Salt on desserts blows my mind.  I don’t dare try it, but usually, when I bite into a salted caramel dessert at one of the hotspots in Ann Arbor, I’m pleasantly surprised.  Not to mention the dark chocolate salted almonds I had from Trader Joe’s last month.  Should I go on?

Pass the salt, please.

15 Trends for Spring/Summer2013 (Vogue Paris) – I had to start investigating the other side of the ocean, and see how far off I’d be, wandering the streets of Rome in June.  Yeah.  They’ll know I’m a tourist.

Suuuuure. I could pull any of those off. Wink.

1) In 27 days, I’m leaving for Italy.  That’s 8 weeks in Italy, which is a dream come true for most people, including myself… but before that, I have:

2) 17 days to move most of my belongings into a storage unit down the road, separating things into ‘immediate hot weather necessities,’ and ‘freezing, butt-ass cold layers/things to pass the winter by’ piles.  The second pile will be coming with me when:

3) I return from Italy, and 10(ish) days later, I get into my car and drive 17.5 hours to Nova Scotia, where the husband and I are moving for the year.  You heard right.  Nova Scotia.  Okay… take a minute and Google it.

Yes.  It’s way the eff up there, isn’t it?  Believe me, I had a panic attack, too.  This is not a test.  After having some time to let it sit, I’m ready for the adventure.  Now that you know the gist of my crazy, but pretty cool life, you can expect a few changes.  The Daily Sampler will likely go through a summer format change, part because I’m unsure of my WiFi situation in Banzi, little baby town in Basilicata (Google that, too), and because I’ll be shifting focus to sampling the La Dolce Vita.  I hope you’ll join me for that, and my full return, with a Canadian twist in the fall!

Hey! That’s not so bad! Hi, Nova Scotia.

TUESDAY HELPINGS: We could just call it Monday, couldn’t we?  Let’s see what we can dig up.  I’ll be honest, I’m kinda craving a celebrity breakdown (that isn’t Amanda Bynes,) or something.  It’s pretty quiet out there.  Yawn.

The Evolution of Amanda Bynes (CNN) – Man, where is Charlie Sheen, circa 2011 when you need him?

The 10 Picnic Dishes to Know This Summer (Food 52) – Sorry, a little late on these.  I hope I didn’t ruin your Memorial Day.

‘Fat Keanu’ is the Hot Story du Jour (Jezebel) – I was wrong.  Something else is going on out there.  I am obligated to cover this story because of my Keanu-session from 1995-1998 (or whenever that “A Walk in the Clouds” Movie came out).  I must follow him for life, now.

Summer Fashion and Beauty Prep (Chelsea Krost) - This lady not only has a great blog featuring important topics for Millenials, like myself (I guess that’s what we’re called,) she has her own show, AND she can make a killer at-home face mask.  Just check it out, already!

9 Different Kinds of Seafood Burgers (Food & Wine) – Because I’m sick of regular burgers getting all the glory.  Jerks.

Who needs beef?