#81 Oswald's Mile High

Canadians swear by Schwartz's Delicatessen in Montreal but I prefer Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Last night, we spent the evening with Cheri and her English Bulldog named Bailey. The unseasonably warm temperature meant we could enjoy her glorious balcony and share a bottle of bubbly.

Once the champagne was finished, we walked a couple of blocks to Zingerman's Deli. It's like heaven on earth. The establishment carries products from local artisan producers and purveyors from around the globe. There are cheeses, smoked fishes and deli meat galore. In addition, you can taste any of the available olive oils or vinegars. They will open any bottle that's for sale so that you can ensure the taste meets your expectations. Best of all Zingerman's has a bakery. I think my favourite bread is the Jewish rye...malty but not-too-dense.

We ordered take-out. Corned beef sandwiches. Old and new dill pickles. Smoked whitefish spread. Olives. Tarragon Potato Salad. Chickpea and feta salad. Rice pudding. Duck egg flan. All washed down with St. Ambroise Apricot beer (a Quebec beer that we have only found in British Columbia and The Party Shoppe in A2) The meal was kind of insane but so worth my workout this morning!

#81 Oswald's Mile High (Ari's Favorite)Zingerman's corned beef & yellow mustard on double-baked, hand-sliced Jewish rye bread with an old and new pickle.

St. Ambroise Apricot Beer

Zingerman's Delicatessen 422 Detroit St. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 Phone 734.663.3354