One of the highlights of summer in Ann Arbor is dinner on a blanket in the shadow of Burton Tower on Ingalls Mall, listening to live music from one of the area’s best bands during Ann Arbor Summer Festival's Top of the Park. This year, ten local restaurants are setting up shop in Top of the Park’s food court area...
One of the highlights of summer in Ann Arbor is dinner on a blanket in the shadow of Burton Tower on Ingalls Mall, listening to live music from one of the area’s best bands during Ann Arbor Summer Festival's Top of the Park.
This year, ten local restaurants are setting up shop in Top of the Park’s food court area on E. Washington St., just to the east of the outdoor stage. Some, like Stucchi’s, Oasis Grill and Sweetwaters will be familiar to past Top of the Park goers. Others, like Chela’s, are making their Summer Festival debuts this year.
Chela’s, recently listed by MLive entertainment reporter John Gonzalez as the purveyor of one of Michigan’s Best tacos, will be offering a selection of tamales, burritos and tacos, as well as Mexican street food favorites like elotes (seasoned corn on the cob) and chips and salsa.
“It will be a great way for people to sample Chela’s food,” said Chela’s owner Adrian Iraola. “It’s the way street food was meant to be enjoyed, on the street. “
Also new this year is an expanded selection of Michigan craft beers in the Top of the Park beer garden area. Griffin Claw Norm IPA, Latitude Spank Dog, Right Brain Hawk Owl Amber and Saugatuck Brewing Oval Beach Blonde are on the menu, along with national favorites such as New Belgium Fat Tire and Leinenkugel Summer Shandy.
Hot dogs and fixings from Rays Red Hots, vegetarian Indian food from Hut-K Chaats, barbecue from Satchel's BBQ, pizza from Pizza House, pasta from Noodles & Company, and assorted sweets from Sugar Shack will also be available at the festival.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival Top of the Park kicks off Friday at 5 p.m., with live music, food, special activities, children's events, wine tastings, outdoor movie screenings and more, six nights a week through July 6.
Jessica Webster covers food and dining for The Ann Arbor News. Reach her at JessicaWebster@mlive.com. You also can follow her on Twitter and on Google+.