For a snowy Ann Arbor day…

Since starting University Meets Food Diversity about a year ago, I’ve come to realize what it is that truly makes Ann Arbor a foodie’s paradise. From upscale Asian Fusion to inexpensive Jamaican jerk, quick order omelets to cozy comfort vegan food – Ann Arbor covers all territories, leaving no cuisine without representation.

Last Saturday, Sarah and I made yet another adventure to a restaurant that offered us some exotic cuisine. I had been to two other Korean restaurants around Ann Arbor, but Maru – located at 414 E. William St - was by far the most authentic and the most flavorful option of them all. Although Maru doesn’t look that impressive, it’s the perfect fit for any college town – especially in the restaurant haven that is Ann Arbor. Inexpensive, quick and filling Maru is certainly worth the trip.

Before getting into the two dishes we ordered, I have to mention that their sides are unbelievable and could be eaten on their own with a side of rice. The sides are served to you immediately after ordering your meal and they are happy to replenish any of them once you’ve finished (trust me – you’ll be wanting seconds of all of them).

The sides ranged from fresh kimchi (a spicy fermented cabbage dish) to marinated bean sprouts, potatoes and cucumbers. My personal favorite was the marinated seaweed, though all of them were incredible.

Now onto the main course…

Typically, I would not consider soup filling enough to be a main course but at Sarah’s suggestion I steered away from the entrees and chose from one of the dozen options of soup Maru had to offer.

Sun du bu jjigae. Hot & spicy silky tofu and seafood pot.

Duk Gook with mandu. Rice cake soup with meat dumpling.

Although many of the flavors in the dish were somewhat foreign to me, I’d be quick to go back again and try another soup especially as the weather gets colder.

Cost? Most soups and entrees are around $8-9, and this includes unlimited sides.

Atmosphere? Don’t expect too much of a cozy atmosphere…or the fastest service, but the food makes both worthwhile.

Best dish? Of the two we had it was too difficult to decide – the rice cake soup had a simpler flavor, but the rice cakes were an interesting additional. Not at all like the American version of a rice cake, these rice cakes were dense and flavorful. The seafood soup is a great call for seafood lovers, but I’m still eager to try the other soups the next time I go back.

MARU – 414 E. WILLIAM STREET ANN ARBOR, MI 

A Mediterranean Surprise

Looking for somewhere fresh, fast and unbelievably delicious? Located at 307 S. Fifth Ave, Jerusalem Garden satisfies all of the above while keeping your wallet happy. Although Sarah, Julie, Sam and I went out last Saturday night looking to explore a new restaurant on Main Street, we were overwhelmed by the crowds and decided to venture further away, still in search of a good place to eat.  Don’t be thrown off by Jerusalem Garden’s small appearance, the inside atmosphere is lively and the food – when you finally choose from the restaurant’s incredible menu – is bursting with flavor.

Together we covered most of the menu – from hummus to falafel sandwiches and left both satisfied and eager to come back again soon.

Here’s how we did it:

Chicken Sharwma Plate with Baba Ghanoug and Mjaddara with Caramelized Onions.  Broiled marinated chicken breast topped with yogurt garlic sauce, served with fattoush vegetables.

Falafel with Hummus and Tabbouli Sandwich. 

Chicken with Fattoush and Shwarma Sauce. Diced vegetables, lemon, salt, vinegar and olive oil

served with broiled chicken breast and pita chips. 

Fattoush. Parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, red pepper, red onion, carrot, lemon, salt, vinegar, olive oil and sumac served with choice of fried OR toasted pita.

Hummus and Tabbouli Sandwich. 

Baba Ghanoug. Roasted eggplant, tahini, tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice, salt. Served with sliced pita bread. 

Hint about the menu:

If you’re feeling a smaller, lighter meal you can choose between the variety of meat and vegetarian sandwiches Jerusalem Garden has to offer. However, if you want a true taste of all that Jerusalem Garden has to offer I highly advise going for the three piece meal. Choices range from falafel, shwarma and kabob plates as starters and are accompanied by two of their incredible sides and salads (try out the fattoush and the hummus).

Atmosphere? Laid-back, cozy and comfortable.  Service was great and our food came quickly – however, expect a wait to be seated, especially on weekends.

Cost? Small sides (which aren’t really that small) start at $3.50, and the most expensive item on the menu – the shish kabob plate, is $11 but big enough to take home for leftovers.

Best dish? Way too difficult to decide, you have to go to check it out for yourself.

If you want to check out the menu for yourself before heading over:

http://www.jerusalemgarden.net/jg_menu.pdf