^ Mi Compadre Restaurante
A new Mexican eatery has opened in Packard Plaza, taking over the space previously occupied by Ann Arbor Pizza & Subs. With a traditional Mexican menu and fresh ingredients, Mi Compadre serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2111 Packard St.
^ Cardamom Expansion
The popular Indian restaurant, Cardamom, recently bought out the Biggby Coffee spot next door, adding approximately 1,800 sq feet to the restaurant, creating more wiggle room for patrons and kitchen staff. “The expansion area design will allow folks to wait for a table or carry out order comfortably, and grab a drink while they wait,” owner Binod Dhakal said. The restaurant will not close for the expansion, expecting to be fully operational this summer.
1739 Plymouth Rd. 734-662-2877. facebook.com/cardamoma2
^ World of Food on Washtenaw Ave.
In addition to Japanese Pho Noodles, Mediterranean Pita Pita, Indian Nirmal, and many more worldly delights, a new Moroccan restaurant named Casablanca is taking over the old Blue Wolf Grill building. An opening date has not been set. Here’s looking at you, Washtenaw.
2333 Washtenaw Ave.
^ Elevation Burger Lifts Downtown
The eco-minded fast-casual franchise takes to the streets of downtown Ann Arbor. Elevation Burger serves organic beef, vegan, and vegetarian burgers, hand-cut french fries cooked with olive oil, and hand-dipped milkshakes.
529 E. Liberty St. 734-585-0467. annarbor.elevationburger.com
^ Ypsi’s New Microbrewery
Ypsi is a hotspot for local breweries, and Mishigama Craft Brewing microbrewery is opening a new one, tentatively called the Ypsi Alehouse. The brewery has its sights set on opening this summer in the historic Centennial Building in Downtown Ypsilanti.
124 Pearl St.
^ Eve the Restaurant Reopens
Chef Eve Aronoff has signed a leased to reopen her upscale restaurant Eve, which closed four years ago, at a new location at the Bell Tower Hotel on South Thayer Street. A creative menu that reflects the changing seasons and local ingredients will take precedence. Aronoff hopes to open mid June.
300 S. Thayer St. 734-769-3010.
^ Holy Shinola!
Detroit based hand-crafted bicycle, watch, and leather goods purveyor, Shinola, has arrived in Ann Arbor in the prime Main Street location of the former Selo/Shevel Gallery. Similar to the Detroit flagship store, Shinola Ann Arbor’s retail space will include a coffee bar staffed by the Birmingham, Michigan, Commonwealth Coffee Roasters. The location’s lower level plays host to Shinola’s community lounge complete, with café tables and seating, ping pong tables and event space for public and private gatherings. Opening soon. USA! USA! USA!
301 S. Main St. shinola.com
