iSPY December

DECEMBER 2010 i SPYwww.ispyypsi.com

The Ypsilanti Area Events and Entertainment GuideWWW.ISPYYPSI.COM

DECEMBER 2010

frontier ruckus& their return to the mitten

Drive Off with Daniel

Zott of Dale

Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

UNSEEN SCENE

Exploring Ypsi for the Holidays

Mittenfest VRock in the New Year

for 826 Michigan

720 NORRIS ST.YPSILANTI, MI 48190

734-480-2739WWW.CORNERBREWERY.COM

The Original Downtown Ypsilanti Fall/Winter Farmers' MarketNov 9, 2010 - Dec 21, 2010 @ 3:00 PMThe Downtown Ypsi WINTER Farmers' Market Tues-day, December 7th & 21st from 3-7pm in the Corner Brewery Lounge, the bar WILL be open so you can also partake in our tasty local brew. We are starting Happy Hour at 3pm!

Holiday SaleNov 26, 2010 - Dec 3, 2010 @ 02:00 PM

-nual Holiday SaleWe will be marking down all of our gift items includ-ing clothing, glassware, mug club memberships, gift sets, and gift cards 10-40% off.

Flamboyant Wild Red ReleaseDec 1, 2010 @ 04:00 PMArbor Brewing Co, is proud to offer this exclusive, limited edition, hand packaged and bottle conditioned ale in the Flemish Red Tradition. 750 ml bottles may be purchased as singles or by the case.

Beerware Art Exhibition "See Howe It's Done"Dec 3, 2010 @ 06:00 PMJay Howe's exquisite show celebrates utilitarian brewhouse ware. Mugs, pitchers, growlers, jugs, tasting vessels and even tap handles are some of the examples of ceramics in this natural environ-ment. Jay also just happens to be our mug guy.

Stop out to "See Howe It's Done " 6pm-11pm as he throws mugs for our very own mug club. Jay has signed up to make a rat pad for the occasion and in case you missed out on that Thanksgiving turkey, we're roasting a few for the event with other special menu items. "Howe" could you miss this?

Whip Stitch Art and Craft FairDec 5, 2010 @ 02:00 PM

Whip Stitch Art & Craft Fair on December 5th in the Lounge from 2-10pm!Whip and Stitch is a fundraising event hosted by the Ann Arbor Derby Dimes. Booth fees will contribute the Ann Arbor Derby Dimes roller derby league. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the FLY Children Art’s Center.

Winter Shadow Art Fair“The Krampus Costume Ball"Dec 11, 2010 @ 08:00 PMThis year there is something new happening at the Winter Shadow Art Fair.There will be no vendors, no vendor applications, no deadlines, no jury process.

The Krampus Costume Ball will feature DJ Soleper-cusion/ Erik Simmons, dancing, a "prom pic" booth, cash prizes for the best costumes, parading through the streets of Ypsilanti, another fabulous Shadow Brew, and more. The Costume Ball will happen at the Corner Brewery, just like past Shadow Art Fairs,

on the evening of December 11, 2010. They will be asking for the usual 2 cent admission at the door at the brewery, which goes to the arts grant. For more information visit http://shadowartfair.com/

Rat Pad ReleaseDec 15, 2010 @ 6:00 PMJoin us for a unique and special small batch beer. You can only get the rat pad once, so come early!This months rat pad will be: "The Naked Gift" Its “naked” due to only 1 malt being used in the grain bill. Easy drinking at 5.6% ABV 47 IBU’s. This simple single malt ale is brewed with all Halcyon Malt

on December 19th at Halcyon Holidaze, and follow through the Halcyon Sundaze season in 2011.

Halcyon HolidazeDec 19, 2010 @ 05:00 PMJoin us as we bring Halcyon indoors for the wintery season. We're screaming baby it's cold outside! So we'll be bundled up in our warmest PJ's, sipping hot cocoa under the crazy fantastical Holidaze tree, listening to stories, while dj's spin melodic seasonal tunes. There will be a special Halcyon Holidaze brew. Put the kids to bed and sneak out for this adults only show from 5-10. As always no cover.

New Year's Eve BashDec 31, 2010 @ 08:00 PMThis New Year's Eve Corner Brewery is throwing a Beer Bash that you will not want to miss!! Featuring THIRD COAST KINGS and we'll have a series of special Rat Pads that we'll tap at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 to ring in the New Year with. The festivi-ties start at 8pm and go til 1am. No Cover

Rat Pad ReleaseJan 19, 2011 @ 6:00 PMJoin us for a unique and special small batch beer. You can only get the rat pad once, so come early!

Rat Fest "The Original Home Brew Fest"Jan 22, 2011 @ 2:00 PMWe are once again inviting our amazingly talented local homebrewers and home brew clubs to come in and brew small batch specialty beers that will be showcased at this very special tasting. From 2- 5pm

the creative gamut. Tickets are good for entry, beer samples, commemorative glass and snacks. Must be 21. Event will be held in the lounge. Tickets are $20. Advance tickets are recommended and will be available 12/15/10 at the brewery or over the phone by calling 734-480-2739.


contentsfeatures08 ThanksGIVING

08 Frontier Ruckus

10 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

14 Mittenfest V

sneak peak06 Ypsi Holiday Happenings

07 Krampus and DIYpsi

scene12 Bulletin Board

16 Adventures in Local Food

17 Unseen SCENE: Winter in Ypsi

18 Top 5 Holiday Stores

review20 Food Review: Fattoush Grill

22 Bartender Review: Kristy DePaul, Tap Room

12.10

SIMPLE, FRESH, HANDCRAFTED FOOD & BEERBEST HAPPY HOUR

IN WASHTENAW COUNTY

Plenty of Patio Seating

Top Ten Burgers in the U.S. by GQ Magazine

56 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti, MI(734) 483-1035 Sidetrack(734) 483-5230 Frenchies

www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com

FRENCHIE'SFrom weddings to prison release parties, Frenchie's is your place to celebrate

In-house and off-site catering from 5 - 500 people

FREE RENTALS

visit www.ispyypsi.com:ALL ACCESS AREA+ ACCESS TO 1/2 OFF GIFT CARDS TO YOUR LOCAL FAVORITES! COMPLETE LIST OF MONTHLY EVENTS+ VIEW AND SUBMIT EVENTS.

A DAY IN THE LIFE+ IPHONE, MUSICIANS, INTIMATE, REAL, GOOD.

DAN [email protected]

PUBLISHER Tim Adkins

EDITOR Dan DuChene

SALES Christine Laughren and Bilal Saeed

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Tim Adkins, Katie Bertam, Laura Bien, Natalie Burg, Dan DuChene, Christine Laughren, Bruno Prostigo, Jenise Pettibone, Amanda Slater, Janis Tsai, Raj Mehta.

ART DIRECTOR Kari McLeodAD DESIGN Joey Brandt

SALES INFORMATION [email protected] INFORMATION [email protected] INFORMATION [email protected]

Cover Photo of Frontier Ruckus taken by Maren Hoopfer

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY!

www.ispyypsi.com

www.facebook.com/ispyypsi

@iSPYYPSi

www.myspace.com/ispyypsi

i SPY - The Ypsilanti Area Events and Entertainment GuideProudly brought to you by Pakmode Publications, LLC and the MOJO News Group

124 Pearl St. Suite 307Ypsilanti, MI [email protected]

© 2010, iSPY. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only

by written permission of iSPY in accordance with our legal statement.

by emailing [email protected]

letter from the editorTHE HOLIDAYS ARE ONCE AGAIN UPON US AND YPSILANTI IS ONCE AGAIN PACKED WITH EVENTS SO THAT NO ONE PERSON COULD POSSIBLY BE AT EVERY ONE OF THEM.

Once again, we’re here to help you navigate through everything so you can plan accordingly.

right now is most likely Christmas. If one of the reasons it’s on your mind is because you still need to pick up gifts for the loved ones in your life, I encourage everyone to shop local.

gift purchaser and an Ypsilanti resi-dent, I made it a point to purchase each and each and every one of my gifts from a locally run business right here in my community. Finding an item for everyone in my large Irish-Catholic family was admittedly chal-lenging at times, but I got the job done and it really had some positive unintended consequences. I was

-eryone on my list, gifts you couldn’t

store. It also got me acquainted with most of the shops around town and I got to know a lot of the business owners in my community from it.

All this while keeping my money in the community where I live.

While I do encourage those who haven’t tried this yet to take the challenge, I also understand that there are still some gifts that you

while you may not be able to jump in with both feet, you should at least get your feet wet.

To help you with this, make sure and check out our list of top shops for the holidays in this month’s is-sue. The article highlights a store and even picks out a few items you may consider gifting to friends and family. In addition, there are more arts and crafts fairs this year than you can shake a stick at. Make sure to look up the information we have

something not only locally made, but hand-crafted.

Finally, you may be wondering what there is to do in Ypsilanti dur-ing the holidays. Well, Ypsi offeres everything from holiday activities for the whole family to the parties that only adults should be attending, and all the winter fun in between.

We’ve got a story in here for everything and we hope you enjoy this issue.

December 3rd & 4thF!iday & Saturday

Christmas Lighting ceremony and festivities

Come enjoy starlight shopping and discounts at a variety of local retail stores in downtown Ypsilanti’s three districts:

Downtown, West Cross and Depot Town.

Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Downtown Ypsilanti

Library Park; 229 West Michigan Avenue

From routine dental health to extreme makeovers for children to adults, special care for all our patients.

Experience Anxiety-Free dentistry in arelaxed, easy state where dentistry can be accomplished in the most comfortable way possible.

WASHTENAW DENTAL ASSOCIATESDENNIS DONOHO D.D.S.CREATING HOLLYWOOD SMILESCOSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

WE WELCOME NEW PATIENTSWWW.WASHTENAWDENTAL.COM

2100 WASTENAW YPSILANTI (1/4 MILE WEST OF EMU)

MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED

734-485-4600

i SPY DECEMBER 2010 www.ispyypsi.com

In case you haven’t heard, the annual second installment of the

this December.OK, calm down. The news isn’t

as bad as you think. You and your beloved art community in Ypsilanti

The announcement came earlier this fall. The Michigan Design Militia, which started putting on the event twice a year in 2006, said the what would have been 10th consecutive juried art show organized by the group was off. Instead, they an-nounced a costume party based

demon. Militia member and local -

plained in his blog.“Those of us responsible for the

of last summer’s big, multi-venue event, which was our most ambi-tious to date, to give ourselves a little break and try something new come winter,” Maynard said. “I know it may not seem like it, but it’s really a lot of

after doing about ten of them back-to-back, we needed to have a little change of pace.”

The word “ambitious” could be

Fair. Incredible is another. Crazy

certainly understandable. However,

event the MIDMI will host in place of Ypsilanti’s beloved art show – the Krampus Costume Ball.

“I’ve heard Krampus referred

the parlance of American popular culture, you could say that he’s the

Maynard said. “And we’ve decided to celebrate him, in all his gruesome, child-eating horribleness.”

The back story is Maynard devel-oped an interest in the darker half

wanted to import the tradition of dressing up like scary monsters and parading around town to compel naughty children to change their ways. This year, with the help of MIDMI, he got his wish.

The evening begins at 8 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Corner Brewery. There, a familiar 2-cent admission (which goes to the art grant awarded at the

party.” Until 11 p.m., party goers can

beer, dance, compete for cash prizes awarded to the king and queen of the ball and meet the horned, fork-tongued beast in the fur.

After the ball, the Detroit Party Marching Band will be leading the pa-rade across town to Woodruff’s, where there will be a special after-dance party dance party with entertainment from Elbow Deep, with free admission to those coming from the ball.

I know what you’re thinking. But what about the art and crafts? Where are you going to get those

Art Fair. Well, you can have the best of both worlds on the same day.

The D.I.Ypsi Handmade Holiday Fair is being held 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Dec.

local artists bringing you the best in

and independent apperal. You could spend all day at the event and still have enough time to change into your devilish costume for the ball.

should be able to appreciate the new fair, as D.I.Ypsi is not only pro-moting high-caliber art from com-munity artists, but also promotes the same spirit of a locally driven culture and economy.

“D.I.Ypsi is the newest event in a series of handmade fairs that are

do-it-yourself map,” the organizers of the event said in a recent press release. “While consumer attitudes continue to shift to more authen-

these events are quickly gaining popularity both in Michigan and around the country.”

little different than winters past in Ypsilanti, change seems to have

In the absence of one great event, there is now more going on this year than ever.

hands onMORE LOCAL EVENTS THIS WINTER IN WAKE OF S.A.F.’S ABSENCE.BY DAN DUCHENE


ypsiholidayhappeningsBY JANIS TSAI

HOLIDAYS ARE ABOUT CELEBRATING WHAT IS GOOD. THAT IS WHY YPSILANTI IS GIVING CITIZENS A REASON TO CELEBRATE. STARTING IN DECEMBER, THERE WILL BE EVENTS TO ATTEND IN DOWNTOWN YPSILANTI AS WELL AS DEPOT TOWN.

*Attend Midsummer’s Night Dream Ballet

Where: Pease Auditorium, College Pl. and West Cross, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197

marriage of Hippolyta and Theseus. One of these events is a group of amateur actors being manipulated by fairies.Admission: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors, $6 children under 12.

*Attend Pippi Longstocking

Where: Quirk Building, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197This is a play about an eccentric red-head girl who lives life to the

pets as she waits the return of her pirate-father, who is lost at sea.

the same again. Watch Pippi thwart thieves and the children’s welfare board in this hilarious, family-friendly musical.

-dren 12 and under.

*Santa Breakfast and Tree Lighting

bacon, fruit and bagels. It is two seatings per breakfast. The event is free, but

When you are done with breakfast, walk two stores down to the Enchanted

*Taste of Ypsi Candlelight TourDec. 4, 6-10 p.m. Downtown Ypsi.

This event is an interior design-lover’s dream. The evening will be spent touring uniquely decorated Ypsilanti homes, while enjoying the delicious food prepared by amazing Ypsilanti restaurants. The end of the tour will feature a dessert

Amos, a classical pianist.

will go to Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, a local organization that delivers prepared food to those with disabilities.

*Holiday Concert

Where: Pease Auditorium, College Pl. and West Cross, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197Annual joint concert with the Ypsilanti Community Choir. Following the Choir’s portion of the program, the Band will perform the Widor “Toccata,” for organ and band, with Dr. James Wagner at the Pease organ console. Among other fes-tive holiday pieces, the Band will perform Anderson’s “Christmas Festival.” The program will close with the two groups combined, conducted by YCC conductor Ariel Toews-Ricotta, concluding with the “Hallelujah” chorus. Admission is free.


MATT MILIA IS A MAN OBSESSED.

Frontier Ruckus just got off an eight month tour, and frontman and songwriter Milia has wasted no time getting back to writing. In fact, he says that he can’t help but write.

“I’ve just become this nocturnal beast that stays up all night. I’ve seen the sun rise the

“I’ve been home for maybe a week now, and I’ve been filling up notebooks with the minutia, the smallest detail of

life up to this point—whether it’s a gas station that I’ve passed a million times or a liquor store or a piece of my landscape

really has to do with an obsession with the land, an obsession with the suburban landscape that I know.”

This obsession is what has fueled most of Frontier Ruckus’ music, and consequentially their recent widespread success. In fact, the band’s unique blend of bluegrass-infused folk evolved out of Milia’s insatiable appetite for

“When we started the band, we didn’t foresee where we would be today. We didn’t have any sort of long term plans. We really just started off with these songs that I had,” Milia said.

start a ruckusFRONTIER RUCKUS COMES HOMEBY AMANDA SLATER

PHOTO CREDIT: JULIE ROBERTS

their band name, Milia said the very reason, to some, their name doesn’t seem to quite match up with their music is due to the fact that Frontier Ruckus was a name that Milia and band co-founder, Davey Jones, thought up back when they were “just two kids playing bluegrass.”

“[The name] really has no applica-tion to modern day Frontier Ruckus. It was just a name we called ourselves,” he said.

But now gone are the days when Frontier Ruckus just consisted of two kids playing bluegrass or when they were among the first in a string of opening bands playing at the very first Mittenfest, five years ago.

attention from publications across the country—even earning a mention

Mittenfest, they will be headlining on

However, to Milia and the rest of Frontier Ruckus, playing at Mittenfest doesn’t feel like just another gig. It feels more like going home, because that’s

“There’s no show like playing at home,” Milia said. “It all constantly overwhelms us and amazes us every

time we come back to the Blind Pig or some place in Michigan like Mac’s bar and we remember what it’s like to play for these people who have known about us since our start and are really behind us. It’s like nothing else. You start a song, and you can just feel it. You don’t feel that anywhere else you play around the country or in Europe.”

Milia said that Frontier Ruckus is actually friends with most of the artists that will be playing at Mittenfest—Chris Bathgate, Mat Jones, Drunken Barn Dance, Misty Lyn and the Pho-tographers (which, upon mentioning, he paused and added, “They’re great

If there’s something that Milia and the band take pride in, it’s their Michi-gan roots and the area’s music scene that has cultivated artists like those featured at Mittenfest. Milia said he is often asked during interviews for out-

sound like that of Frontier Ruckus can come out of Michigan.

“In every interview, I say the same thing,” he said. “Michigan is a very robust folk scene with rich instrumenta-tion and very prominent, talented, folky bands making really good music that no one really knows about. It’s a very rich music scene where everyone cares

about everyone else’s music.”It is partly this comradery

that makes the Mittenfest so special to Frontier Ruckus.

Mittenfest, we were one of the lower bands in the totem pole.

to be a part of this Michigan scene that was just starting to welcome us in. We could already sense how magical this whole scene was, how tight knit it was, how every-one supported each other’s

to have been nurtured by the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti scene. […] It’s kind of a badge of honor,” Milia said.

“[The Mittenfest] is like a beast of enjoyment—maybe too much enjoyment some-times. Everyone’s having a great time. It’s for a good cause, and, at the end of the day, it’s one of our favorite parts about every year of life.”

For more information contact the Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureau106 W. Michigan Ave.Ypsilanti, MI 48197(734) 483-4444click on events at www.visitypsinow.com for a complete listing of local happenings.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROMTHE YPSILANTI CVB

Dec. 11

The Shadow Art Fair presents:

the Krampus Costume Ball

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. at the Corner Brewery

D.I.Ypsi Handmade Holiday Fair

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at The Savoy

Dec. 30 - Jan 2

At The Savoy

A Holiday Concert Tradition with the

Ypsilanti Community Choir and

the Washtenaw Community Concert

at Pease Auditorium


Lights, sweat, dancing, spontaneity

there’s one thing that Michigan is good at, it’s surprises.

thing will be to emerge from the mitten. However, we know that it will be good, and it will be unique.

The Great Lakes region specializes in artists who create genuine, catchy -

fest in tunes like the wistful, yet upbeat vocal, musical and electronic har-monies produced by Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein. And sometimes these

Enter Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr—just one of the many greatly anticipated bands -

tunity to discuss Mittenfest and more with Daniel Zott of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. himself. Here’s what he had to say:

iSPY: I’m sure you get this question a lot, but how did you think of the name Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.? I can’t help

“Everything is Illuminated.” Is this at all related?

Daniel Zott: that dog until after we had the name. Josh really came up with it. I think we wanted to pay tribute to the underdog sport and also teach adults to not judge a book by its cover.

iSPY: I know you were in the band The Great Fiction, and I know that you’ve also released a lot of solo music. How was the transition from these projects to being part of a duo?

Daniel Zott: dude that can write really good songs. To partner yourself with someone like that is always an easy transition.

iSPY: Musically, how is Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. different from your other projects?

MEET DANEIL ZOTT OF DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR.BY AMANDA SLATER

IF

Daniel Zott: It’s more fun. There are no rules to where we can go with the sounds.

serious and intentional. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. is very instinct based.

iSPY: Have you learned any interesting lessons through your journey? If so, what are they?

Daniel Zott: Always be thankful and gra-cious. People are starting to listen to the art that I make now, and it has little to do with me.

iSPY: Are you continuing to work on any solo music or music with The Great Fic-tion?

Daniel Zott: Yes. The Great Fiction has a

sure what to do with it right now, but

can check some of the new tracks out at

iSPY: Have you been working on any new acoustic rap covers?

Daniel Zott: the songs I was doing back then called

going to start covering Top 40 pop. There are a lot of really bad lyrics that make Top 40. We’ll see.

iSPY: With all of your recent success and publicity, why did Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. decide to play at Mittenfest this year?

Daniel Zott: We wanted to play some Christmas covers.

iSPY: Who is your favorite band in the Mit-tenfest lineup?

Daniel Zott: This is Deer Country. (We wanted to meet people that think up

iSPY: will be coming out of Detroit?

Daniel Zott: Wills.

iSPY: What should audience members

Daniel Zott: A show that is as fun as our music sounds—lights, sweat, dancing,

Leasing Available Now & for Fall

Leasing AvailableNow & for Fall


*Please excuse the lack in events, with the recent and sudden closing of Pub 13, Best Damn Sports Bar, Savoy, JNeil’s Mongolian Grill and Keystone Underground we did our best to put the pieces together for December. To our knowledge any and all events that were to take place at Savoy will now be held at Woodruff’s. Please check our website, www.ispyypsi.com and our Facebook page for an up to date and full event list. Don’t forget to add your event to our events calendar by visiting: ispyypsi.com/contact-us/post-event. Our apologies for any inconvenience. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

DECEMBER

bulletinboard

Nov 2nd-Dec 3rd

HOLIDAY SALE ON ALL GIFT ITEMS

Corner Brewery, 2pm

October 28 - December 10

EMU University Gallery, Gallery hours at art.

emich.edu

Dec 7

THE DOWNTOWN YPSI WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET

JAZZ W/ ALEXANDER GRAHAM

Tap Room, 9pm

Dec 8

EMU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS DETROIT

EMU Convocation Center, 6pm

MEN’S BASKET BALL VS DRAKE


BRYAN GREENBERG

Blind Pig, 8pm

Dec 9

TABLE MANNERS- LIVE THEATRE

Riverside Arts Center

PIPPI LONGSTOCKING

EMU Quirk Theatre, 7pm

COLLEGE NIGHT WITH EMYOU! THE MAGAZINE

Theo’s, 9pm-2am

THE FAMILY GUY TRILOGY OFFICIAL

Dec 10

BIKE YPSI, FRIDAY MORNING RIDE

Meet at Beezys Café, 8am-9am

PIPPI LONGSTOCKING

EMU Quirk Theatre, 7pm

TYVEK, WEIRDING MODULE, BAD INDIANS AND BETTER LATE THAN PREGNANT

Dreamland Theater, 9pm

Dec 11

EMU MEN’S BASKET BALL VS DETROIT


EMU WOMEN’S BASKET BALL VS CANISIUS

PIPPI LONGSTOCKING

DIYPSI

Woodruff’s, 11am

WINTER SHADOW ART FAIR “THE KRAMPUS COSTUME BALL”

Corner Brewery, 8pm-1am

HURON GUN COLLECTORS SHOW, SALINE

Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 9am-4pm

TICKLED FANCY BURLESQUE CO., 3RD ANNIVERSARY

Dec 12

12 INCHES OF CHRISTMAS:

Woodruff’s Bar, Doors @ 8:00

PUPPET SHOW FOR CHILDREN

HURON GUN COLLECTORS SHOW, SALINE

Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds,

BIKE YPSI, SUNDAY RIDES

Recreation Park, 1pm-2pm

Dec 13

LAITH AL-SAADI


PAUL KELLAR ORCHESTRA

Dec 14


Tap Room, 9pm

Dec 15

RAT PAD RELEASE


Dec 16

YPSILANTI COMMUNITY CHOIR & WASHTENAW COUNTY CONCERT BAND

Dec 17



THE SWAYBARS, LIVE MUSIC

COMPARTMENT, PISTOLBRIDES, FIELDS

OF INDUSTRY AND TEAM ETHIC

Dreamland Theater, 9pm

Dec 18

THE MARTINDALES, LIVE MUSIC

NERVOUS BUT EXCITED


CHRIS BATHGATE


Dec 19

HALCYON HOLIDAZE




Dec 21

EMU WOMEN’S BASKET BALL VS TEMPLE


THE DOWNTOWN YPSI WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET


Tap Room, 9pm

Dec 22

DREAM DIARY


Dec 23

BARS OF GOLD


EMU WOMEN’S BASKET BALL VS. ILLINOIS - CHICAGO


Dec 24



Dec 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Dec 26




Dec 28

EMU WOMEN’S BASKET BALL VS NIAGARA



Tap Room, 9pm

Dec 29

YPSILANTI HISTORICAL SOCIETY, NIGHT OF MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

Ypsilanti Historical Museum, 6pm-9pm

Dec 30

MITTENFEST V

Woodruff’s, 4pm

F Dec 31



NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH, CORNER BREWERY


MITTENFEST V

Woodruff’s, 4pm


There was a time when Michigan was nationally famous for more than soaring unemployment rates and million dollar auto company bailouts.

There was a time when, instead, Michi-gan was associated with Motown and the

despite birthing musicians ranging from

has changed. Michigan began to be seen as the freckled-faced stepbrother of the more glamorous coastal music scenes.

Even the Detroit-born-and-raised

assume that it is a dark day for the Great

Lakes music scene. However, the truth is that it’s just gone underground.

From rap to indie rock, some of the best new sounds in the industry are cur-rently being produced in Michigan. But, every once in awhile, the secret is let out.

its way into the national conversation, letting everyone know that not only are Michigan musicians still alive and well, but are producing music that the rest of the country hasn’t even thought of. And, once a year, some of the best musical talent that Michigan has to offer is show-cased at Ypsilanti’s own Mittenfest.

Mittenfest is an annual music festival

and “good time holiday get together,” according to the festival’s website, that

keeps growing larger and larger—and so do its 826 Michigan donations, with last year’s donation reaching $12,000.

This year’s Mittenfest is a four-day

Jan. 2 and featuring 60 bands on two stages, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Matt Jones and the Reconstruction, The Juliets, This is Deer Country, Frontier Ruckus, Chris Bathgate and the Young

Dance, Misty Lyn and the Big Beautiful, Photographers, Gun Lake and more.

In addition to being a concert, Mit-tenfest doubles as the party of the year, so even if you’re not a fan of live music, there’s something for everyone—includ-ing a great atmosphere and lots of fun

to have a good time. This year’s Mittenfest will be held at

during the festival. Tickets are $7 a night -

and Repair. For more information, visit www.mittenfest.org.

mittenfestTHE BEST MUSIC THAT MICHIGAN HAS TO OFFER AND THE BEST PARTY OF THE YEARBY AMANDA SLATER


style in 2011BY JENICE PETTIBONE

nothing beats a one-of-a-kind dress.

would result in a painful chunk of credit card debt, but as long as LezleyAnne remains one of Ypsilanti’s best-kept

particular dress is from LezleyAnne’s repurposed line, which consists of dresses made from gently used clothes.

Leslie Austin, who runs the boutique

inspired by the dress worn by the last winner of Project Runway, Gretchen

dress, much like the LezleyAnne, was unlined and transparent from the

someone could get away with that in

couldn’t work in Ypsilanti.However, even Austin would agree

that Jones was showing a little too much skin by wearing only what ap-peared to be booty shorts underneath the dress. Leggings don’t detract from the sultry look at all, especially since the top consists only of lace – which a quick look at the runways will show is

in style right now. Leggings or no leg-gings, this is hardly an ensemble for the

A pair of black peek-a-boo stilet-tos compliments the dress perfectly. This pair of White House Black Market

-

condition and look as though they have never been worn.

location for accessorizing in this case. Choose jewelry that’s either black or gold, and keep it simple or it will be overwhelming. The matching black sparkly bangle and necklace shown work well with the pattern of the top, and they make a great addition to any

would be easy to work into a lot of dif-

When you’re celebrating the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011, make

for such a dress. Better still, if you want, pick a location that really makes the dress pop. Look for a room with

THE COST:$65 dress – size medium, LezleyAnne

$30 White House Black Market stilettos – size 7, Mix

$14.99 black lace-trimmed leggings – Studio Fashion Glamour

$10 bracelet, $22 necklace – Studio Fashion Glamour


adventures in local foodTALES OF A FOOD FIGHTER

the Frog Island Community Garden back in the spring of 2009, I would’ve never predicted that

-ment would spawn a local hot sauce and salsa business. Ypsi-Grown, Ypsi-Made, y’all!! But it took much more than growing a whole lot of hot peppers and hanging out at the farmer’s market to make my personal local food dream a reality.

trying to navigate the mysterious and confusing

growers and producers to get their food out there in a viable and sustainable way (and to hopefully

installments of ‘Adventures in Local Food’ to Cot-

The Cottage Food Bill has been on people’s minds since July when Governor Granholm signed it into law at the Growing Hope Center

-islation has been widely celebrated as a triumph

step in the right direction as it allows people to make jam, bread, fruit pies, and other items in their home kitchens for sale at the farmer’s

me that the law clearly doesn’t go far enough. It’s still pretty rough out there for small-scale growers who want to turn their end-of-season

For instance, to sell hot sauce, a food that is

high acid content, I had to get the products lab-

I would even be considered to receive a license. Aside from the fact that I have to use a commer-cial kitchen to produce it. And did I mention that

this brings me to ask: who does this legislation really help? Farmers? Bakers? Jam-Makers? It seems to me that if we want local food to be

want to make it as easy for local farmers to process and sell their surplus as it is for someone’s grandmother to make and sell a cherry pie...

But before we can talk about the long-term viability of local food production, we need to push past the fundamental fear of food that

-scopic pathogens as invisible as they are deadly. A fear fueled by the constant out-

borne illnesses that are an unfortunate reality

be safe is to irradiate our meat supply and eat triple-washed pre-bagged lettuce, right? Oh wait. Wouldn’t it be more effective to buy from local producers that us consumers can hold accountable with our dollars if something

but for now, I’ll play your food safety game Michigan Department of Agriculture but it’s time to change the rules so small grower-producers like me can play to win...

If you’d like more info on the Cottage Food Bill check out: http://michigan.gov/

,00.html


‘Tis the season where people usually stay home to escape the cold. However, there are plenty of activities around town to keep cabin fever from setting in.These are fun things

to do in the area that you can enjoy all winter long, even after the excitement of the holidays leaves you with less energy and your wallet with less weight.It doesn’t have to

be festival season to stay busy in Ypsi, and this list should get you started.

*Exploring the winter wonderland

Whether you walk around your neigh-borhood or drive around the city, winter is a great time to go out and enjoy one of

temperatures, the beautiful surroundings.This month, make sure to check out

all the Christmas lights and decora-tions throughout the community. Take a drive to a nearby neighborhood, or walk through your own. Let’s not forget the lights and window displays that come out when Depot Town and downtown Ypsilanti deck the halls.

When Christmas is over, the winter

have been just after a snow storm, when the blanket of fresh snow is unmolested and dampers any noise made by an already quieted city.

*Riverside ParkIf you need more action than a leisurely

stroll, head on down for some cheap thrills at Riverside Park.

all couped upUNSEEN SCENE: WINTER IN YPSIBY DAN DUCHENE

When local children have a day off from school on a snow day,

the park near Cross

of my favorite winter activities, sledding. The hill there is free of

away from the River where you can ride a rather steep and long ride down to the bottom.

While you’re there, you might do those of us walking around the fair city a favor and construct a nice

snowman or woman for us to enjoy while on our journey. The park is a per-fect place to showcase your craftsman-ship and creativity.

*Rolling Hills ParkThis county-operated park might be

known for its water park and disc-golf course when it’s greener outside, but when the ground is covered in white, the park comes alive again.

If you’ve got a little bit of money to spend for a vehicle pass, or if you’ve got one left over from the summer, visit

rent toboggans for those without the foresight to purchase their own sleds and inner-tubes for those sledders with a wild streak.

I know what your thinking. You’re looking down your nose at me and say-

-

viduals who still want the thrill of gliding across frozen precipitation, Rolling Hills also offers three miles of groomed cross-country trails. They also offer a mile of torch-lit trials at night. Like the sleds, if you don’t have equipment you can rent it from the park.

*Local cafés

owned cafés when the weather is warm, but they’re so much more delightful when the weather outside is frightful. As long as we’ve got warm espresso, let... it... snow.

Beezy’s, Café Luwak and Ugly Mug all offer their varying food and drink. And

inner-tube or slipping on icy sidewalks, a

what the doctor ordered.Or, if you have no time for tomfoolery

in the chilling cold, just bring your laptop and mock everyone outside who isn’t smart enough to duck in and keep warm.

*Winter Farmers’ MarketLike everything else in Ypsilanti, what’s

good in the summer is usually good in the winter too. The Farmers’ Market is no

the Corner Brewery, the market offers food and crafts from local growers, bak-ers and artists. Organized by Growing Hope, it’s an event you should miss. If you haven’t been to the market during the summer months you should really come out and see what it’s all about. Or, if you did visit when the weather was

market with beer.

to your health and the community are great.


top knotchOUR TOP 5 YPSI HOLIDAY STORESBY JANIS TSAI

This holiday season, shop locally instead of buying impersonal corporate-made products.

-ing, because of the passion and knowledge the shop owners have for their products. It also leads to a richer gift giving experience, be-cause there is often a fascinating back story to how the gift was made.The power of a gift isn’t in the gift it-

self;; it’s in what the gift has been built up to be. Here is a group of eclectic Ypsilanti shops that have a unique and affordable selec-tion of products that would look great wrapped in paper and ribbons.

MIX

Downtown Ypsilanti

gently used clothing. The shop owners are friendly and very knowledgeable of just about everything in the store. They have a gift registry and they also do layaway.

CONTACT: (734) 961-8704

FUN GIFTS:

for storing odds-and-ends. They are

wood and plastic decorations that take

made out of recycled cotton from knitting mills. They go over the knee, and they are

stay in place even when you move.

mittens are handcrafted in Michigan.

is alike. They are made using recycled sweaters and jackets.

THE ROCKET122 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI, 48197,

Downtown YpsilantiThis shop sells novelty gifts that you will have

most striking thing about this store is the variety

are stocked with bright immaculate curiosities. It is like stepping into Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.

CONTACT: (734) 483-2291

FUN GIFTS:Accoutrements’s Flavored Lip Balm and Floss. $4. They come in the craziest

Disappearing Cheshire Cat Mug. $12. The mug is made out of heat-sensitive plastic. When hot water is poured into the mug, it makes the cat disappear, and only its huge grin remains.

Leather Purse. $70. This is a beautiful handmade purse with a clever play on owl parts. The wings serve as small pockets, and each leather feather is individually tacked on.


WORLD OF ROCKS

YpsilantiThis brightly lit shop is a visual and tactile surprise.

because there is no stuffy sense of formality, and you can

bones, and meteors. The back of the store is for the bead enthusiast.

CONTACT: (734) 481-9981

FUN GIFTS:

Petosky Christmas ornaments. $16. Petosky stone is the state stone of Michigan. It can only be found near Petosky, Mich. The stone is polished and carved into hearts, stars, and the shape of Michigan.

Make your own jewelry using stones and designs of your choosing. The price also depends on the cost of labor and level of intricacy.

THE LOVE BOUTIQUE

Holidays are about showing those most important to you, just how

ID or a driver’s license, because they check.

CONTACT: (734) 487-2110

FUN GIFTS:Kitty Kits. $22. This is a small case, about the size of an eye-

moment’s notice. It includes a condom, lube, breath mints, razor, feminine wipes and candy cigarettes.Romantic Couples Coupons. $4. This is a small booklet of 10 coupons that include activities like a slow striptease, mutual shower, and a massage with lots of oil.

SILVER SPOON ANTIQUES

This shop is a treasure trove of affordable hats, costume jewelry and clothes. Every nook and cranny is stuffed with something pretty to brighten your day. Gift registry and gift certificates are available.

CONTACT: (734) 484-9960

FUN GIFTS:

Perfect to wear to church.

tell the tales of yesteryear with their aged pages and comforting musty smell. Among the collection are po-ems by Longfellow and Tarzan of the Apes.

workmanship is fantastic.


food reviewfattoush grillBY DAN DUCHENE

ber – were cut into large, yet bite-sized chunks. They were fresh and crisp and swimming in a house vinaigrette version of fattoush (a Lebanese salad where

liked both the dressing and the quantity in which it was served, but if you don’t you might want to let them know.

of hummus, but I usually find myself purchasing the special blends and flavors from the store because I find the regular stuff too bland. I’m not sure if I’d call Fattoush’s hummus tangy or tart (or some other word my unso-phisticated palette can’t send to my

not bland. I didn’t feel anything was lacking as I ate it.

Finally, the chicken shwarma ar-rived. The meat was served on a bed of lettuce with a side of the garlic sauce (like hummus, but with garlic instead of

-erything in a pita, which were provided, but I chose to dip.

The chicken was breast meat and cooked quite well – juicy and tender.

overwhelming and complimented the

The menu features many items you -

ern restaurant, such as shish kabob, falafel and baba ghannouj. However,

around this by avoiding that section and ordering just a sandwich, which run $4, and sharing an appetizer or salad.

There are several vegetarian dishes available, but the most interesting offerings came from the menu’s juice bar. I did not sample this, but they offer fruit juice from apple and orange to guava and papaya. These can be combined with beet, cucumber and green pepper juice. They also offer fruit smoothies blended with carrot, celery or milk.

I’ll be giving one of those a try when I come back again.

The service was attentive and friendly. My food came quite quickly and the waitress was patient with my many questions.

I found a good Middle Eastern meal at Fattoush, and I hope this restaurant stays around for a while.

It may not be a regular part of my diet, but I doappreciate a good Middle Eastern meal

I’ve seen a few come and go over the

which I was sorry to see go. However, I was happy when I saw what was re-placing the former Tios on Washtenaw and Hewitt, just across the street.

which I never really favored compared -

rants in Ypsi, when the signs announc-ing the coming of Fattoush Grill were posted on the building.

It’s been open for five week now and the restaurant’s owner, Dearborn resident and Lebanon native Ahmed Ahmed, said things are going well.

Ahmed, who has spent most of his life in the food industry, has owned three other restaurants in southeast Michigan. He says he enjoys cooking Middle Eastern Cuisine because the food is both tasty and healthy. And

he makes all of his food from scratch, with fresh ingredients.

With its location near both a uni-versity and hospital, he said its the building’s location that attracted him to Ypsilanti. He likes the area and hopes the restaurant, which offers dine-in, take-out and delivery, can find its place in the community.

It’s not hard to forget you’re in the former Tios when you’re at the place. The outside is nearly the same as the old res-taurant Fattoush replaces, and there are still some chili peppers on the wall in the restroom. Aside from some banners with the new name on the outside and some Middle Eastern music playing subtly in the background, there isn’t much of a theme to the restaurant’s ambiance.

However, it’s really the food that does all the speaking for Fattoush.

I ordered the chicken shwarma lunch plate for about $7. It came with the entrée, fries, a side salad and hum-mus. I could have saved a dollar and got the sandwich combo, which would have turned my entrée into a wrap and sacrificed the salad and hummus. I’m pretty sure I made the right decision.

– lettuce, onions, tomato and cucum-

cut I colour I texture I style

To be free to be you . . . be Blondi

36 N. Huron Ypsilanti MI 48197 734-961-8152 www.thomasblondisalon.com


NAME: Kristy DePaulSTATUS: SingleSIGN: AquariusHOMETOWN: Trenton, Mich.EDUCATION: EMU ‘04: Bachelor’s in communicationFAVORITE DRINK: Labatt BlueTHREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Optimistic, happy and kindBAR: Tap Room

How long have you been working at the Tap Room?Two years. I worked at T.C.’s

closed.

What do you like about the Tap Room?My co-workers. I have some re-ally, really cool co-workers.

What do you like about Ypsilanti?The diversity. There are so many different kinds of people. You could literally have a conversa-tion with a rocket scientist one minute and a hooker the next. You have a different conversa-tion every time you turn around.

What drink best describes the Tap Room?A simple Jack and Coke. It’s down-to-earth, easy with no frills.

Why should customers come to the Tap Room?It is a very comfortable place to sit down and have a nice strong drink. You can meet with friends and have a very laid-back night if you want it.

Do men try to pick you up while you’re working?No, not really.

What was the worst line anyone has used on you at work?A guy walked by me, turned around and looked me up and down. He said, “Damn baby, you’ve got big arms. I like that.” It was weird.

Kristy DePaul – Tap RoomBY DAN DUCHENE

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Membership Information

Anyone who works, lives, worships or attends school in Washtenaw County is eligible to become a member of

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Ypsilanti, MI 48197

(734) 961-‐0506

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Ypsilanti, MI 48197

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