Weldon's Pasties - Serving Up Michigan Tradition in Livonia

If you are from Michigan or Wisconsin you are probably familiar with the concept of the pasty. It is simple as it gets. Meat and veggies wrapped in dough. When a pasty is made poorly it sits like a brick in the belly. When is it made well it becomes a perfectly balanced winter supper. Satisfying and sometimes sentimental.

I have driven past Weldon's Pasties in Livonia a thousand times but have never stopped by until today. The store sits in a strip mall and is the size of a walk-in closet. There is an empty bakery case, a soda cooler, cash register and wall mounted menu. The prices are fair and what you would expect. (about $4.50 each) There isn't any place to sit and eat so your pasties are best enjoyed at home or if you can't wait, in the car. I placed my order with Weldon's owner and she returned with a bag that weighed at least as much as my 6 month old nephew. She was very friendly and smiled when she said that they have been open for roughly 22 years.

When I got home I sat down and unwrapped the pasty. I decided to sample it cold and it was fantastic. (There are instructions for reheating right on the wraper if you prefer.) The dough was tender and buttery. The filling was flavorful and the perfect texture. It was probably the best pasty I have had in years and I didn't have to travel to the U.P. to get it.

Next time you are in the area of Merriman and Seven Mile stop by Weldon's.

19161 Merriman Livonia, MI 48152 248-471-1680

Exotic Cuisine & Bakeries: North Campus Ann Arbor

I recently visited this place and forgot how much I like it. I know that southeast Michigan is not lacking in Middle Eastern restaurants but Exotic Cuisine and Bakeries is just a bit different. They offer all of the traditional foods you might expect but they are done really well. Everything is very fresh, light, bright and tasty. This establishment (tucked in the Courtyard Shops near North Campus off of Plymouth Rd. in Ann Arbor) is worth seeking out.

Exotic Cuisine is a deli style restaurant that has been family owned since the 80's. You can sit and have a sandwich or pick up some Syrian specialties to go. Almost everything is sold by the pound such as zucchini babaganouj and shawarma (chicken). They also offer a ton of vegan and vegetarian options. Lots of freshly baked items such as meat pies and Oozee (rice and ground beef in puff pastry) as well.

I highly recommend the lentil soup. It has a wonderful flavor and texture. I usually have it served with fried pita strips and freshly sliced onion. You may want to take a pass on the onion if you are going to be spending time with other people.

Any of their desserts are recommended but the baklava is a must.


Info:

1721 Plymouth Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1800
+1 734-665-4430‎
exoticbakeries.com

Lai Thai - Love It - Canton MI

If you like Thai food you will love Lai Thai. You have probably driven past this place on your way to another Thai restaurant in Canton. Next time you are in the area stop here before you get there. The food is fresh and tasty. The service is cute and friendly. The prices are fair and the place is clean. It is a fantastic option for vegetarians and carnivores. They are willing to make changes to anything on the menu for you. The spice is not overpowering so the food is flavorful not just painful. I highly recommend any of the currys. I really love the pineapple curry and ramada noodle (choice of meat/seafood/tofu, bamboo shoots, red and green peppers, mushrooms over rice noodles with a curry sauce.) I can't say that these are my favorites because I enjoy several dishes on the menu. Be sure to try the hot and sour soup. Nothing like the Chinese version, it is really light and bright.  

Maybe the best thing about Lai Thai is their phone number. It makes calling in a carry out order super easy. (734) 459-THAI
 
Located at 44928 Ford Rd.(Between Canton Center and Sheldon Rd.)

Breakfast: Good, Fast and Cheap in Plymouth MI

I am finally getting around to posting one of my favorite breakfast spots. If you are in Plymouth, Michigan make sure to stop by Three Brothers on Joy Rd.

There is really nothing extraordinary here just consistent, reasonably priced comfort food. You can't beat the breakfast specials (Mon-Sat before 11 am). Most are under four bucks. Usually two people can eat for less than two drinks at the local Starbucks.

You aren't going whole grain pancakes or goat cheese omelets here but if you are in the mood for eggs, toast, meat and potatoes by all means stop by. They also offer grilled or boiled kielbasa with eggs, potatoes and toast. This is a huge hit for most of my friends.

If you are not in the mood for breakfast make sure to try their soups. Especially the chicken with dumplings. Best take out on a winter's day!