Biercamp Artisan Sauage & Jerky - Ann Arbor, MI

It has been ridiculously warm this winter. There have even been days where I have forgotten that it isn’t actually spring heading into summer. I began to think about summer, working out in the garden and the scent of barbeque in the air. Every weekend during the summer my next door neighbor fires up his smoker or barbecue. This results me leaning over the fence to ask George what he is preparing this time. Usually he’s smoking a turkey, brisket or a barbecuing some ribs. Even though summer is still months away, I was able to pretend it was here with a recent trip to Biercamp in Ann Arbor.

Biercamp is located in a renovated storefront that is welcoming and strangely hip. This place has a very unique feel with lots of wood and windows. They produce artisan sausage and jerky as well as other items such as bacon, cheese spreads and house made pickles. The selection is large and varied but I was there for one simple reason. I’d seen on their website that they offer smoked brisket sandwiches. (To be more precise, 12 hour slow smoked brisket sandwiches.)

I ordered my sandwich and was offered some of Andouille sausage to sample while I waited. It was very balanced with just the right amount of heat. I would have spent more time sampling but my sandwich was ready to go almost instantly. I decided to hit the road but there is a counter with a few stools located under the front window for those wanting to hangout.

While my sandwich wasn’t pretty, it sure was delicious. I can say that this sandwich was one of the best I’ve eaten in a while. It was served with pickles and finely sliced onion; which cut though the richness of the meat perfectly. The brisket itself was super tender and the sauce was flavorful but not overwhelming. The bun served its purpose beautifully. Good stuff and for a good price. ($7) I should also mention that Biercamp sells pulled pork sandwiches too. I plan on going back and giving it a try and at the same time I will most likely pick up some brats for the grill.

The owners are friendly and offer a great product. It is clear that they love what they do and this makes Biercamp a place worth of supporting.


If you have visited Biercamp, let me know what you enjoyed so I can give it a try.

Biercamp Artisan Sausage and Jerky

1643 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Phone: 734-995-BIER(2437)
bier-camp.com/

Polish Comfort Food in Melvindale

I recently had to drive to the Downriver area to take my aunt to an appointment. She insisted that we stop at Sabina's in Melvindale for some Polish food. According to her; "they make the best pierogis." As usual, Aunt Rose was right.

Sabina's is family owned and operated restaurant that makes some of Detroit's best Polish food. They offer all of the old time favorites like stuffed cabbage, city chicken or pierogis. This place feels like you are visiting someone house. It is bare-bones kind of establishment. White walls with tightly packed tables and chairs. The only bit of flare in the decor are the lace curtains in the front window. Please don't let this scare you away because you will miss out on some tasty home cooking.

During our visit, I noticed the clientèle and found the folks to be pretty diverse. Of course, the older folks were represented with several tables of grandparents and their grandchildren. What I found surprising was the large number of younger people dressed in business attire having a bowl of soup or a sandwich while on their lunch break.

After taking a while to decide on what to order, Aunt Rose settled for a combination plate (which really wasn't a decision as it had a bit of everything - including pierogis, meatballs, sauerkraut, boiled potatoes and corn) and I ordered the kielbasa sandwich. In addition, we both ordered a cup of mushroom soup. It was creamy but not too thick and it contained barley. This won me over instantly. Our meals arrived in no time and Aunt Rose proceeded to put potato pierogis on my plate and give me half of a meatball. After sampling her food, I was ready to try my sandwich. It contained a link of smoked kielbasa, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on grilled rye. The cheese was gooey and lovely. The sandwich was simple but great. I'll offer you one piece of advice; make sure you ask for mustard.

Even though we were stuffed, Aunt Rose ordered some berry crumb cake to go. It was hard to pass up for the price of 75 cents. I ate it the next morning with a cup of coffee and enjoyed it very much. The also sell their pierogis by the dozen. They freeze really well according to Aunt Rose.

If you are looking for comfort food at a very reasonable price, Sabina's is your place. 

3840 Oakwood Blvd
Melvindale, Mi 48122

313-388-5171