The Ann Arbor area offers a cornucopia of grocery-shopping options, something students don’t take full advantage. Cooking isn’t something that you need to have training in, but it can definitely be intimidating. My advice is to find a recipe you like and try to make it. Many people tell me they do not know where to start, so I’d like to share some of my lesser-known favorites for getting groceries.
Kerrytown is well-known for its quaintness and charm, but the Sparrow Meat Market located on 5th street is not something that is associated with this feeling as ubiquitously as a place like Zingerman’s. For what it lacks in immediate recognition, it totally makes up for in product quality. While you might expect to pay a little more than Meijer, the steak is marbled perfectly, the sausages are exceptional, and the staff is abundantly knowledgeable.
Perhaps my favorite place for produce is nearby at the Kerrytown Farmers Market, held seasonally from 7AM-3PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There you can find prices nearly as low as those of Kroger and Meijer, but the quality of the produce is unbeatable. Fresh produce that is locally grown should be the first step in any recipe for a successful dish and/or event.
There are tons of local places around Ann Arbor to get more worldly foods too. Tsai Grocery (on Oak Valley Drive) is a close-enough place to go for anyone with a car, and it is worth it. You can find Asian staples, which is good for trying to make Pad Thai or other simple Asian-inspired dishes. It’s really fun to find an ingredient that looks good, look up a recipe involving it, and then to commit to making it.
Tsai Grocery is part of a collection of grocery stores like it in the area. Manna Grocery (on Broadway) has great Korean and Asian foods. Bombay Grocers (on Packard and Washtenaw) has great Indian food. Tienda La Libertad (on West Liberty) is my traditional go-to for Mexican and Latin-American Food. For those with adventurous recipes, these are some great new places to try.
For students on the west side of town, Arbor Farms
(on West Stadium) has a prime selection of organic and
sustainable food, but you’ll be paying a higher price than
at the farmers market. But you absolutely get what you
pay for: great ingredients that will ensure a great meal.
Generally, when people start cooking, I advise them to shop at two or more grocery stores for their food. There are stores that offer great prices on stand alone items like milk, cereal, eggs, bread, etc. But, those places tend to have poorer quality meat and produce selections. However, the places with great produce have high prices on many of the grocery item staples. Sure, you might spend a little more time grocery shopping, but with this strategy you will save money and make healthier, more appetizing meals. I hope you’ll try to cook outside your comfort range soon, do not forget what Chef Gusteau always says: “Anyone can cook!”
Contributed by Louis Mirante