By Kelly Xintaris
Daily TV/New Media Editor
Welcome to spring in Ann Arbor - a time when all four seasons can pass through town in one week. Recent weather may have been cruelly unpredictable, but Treetowners need not fear. Soon, the sun will make its comeback, casting an invigorating glow over this place. Some people will dust off the old Rollerblades, and some will turn the Diag into a cement beach. Some will go for a long drive, and some will frolic through the Arb.
Other signs of celebration will be much less obvious. Some students will stop huddling like mice in University cafeterias, and some will quit ordering delivered food. In fact, many will take their revelry to the streets - and dine outside.
After years of witnessing this annual spring fever, Ann Arbor restaurant and cafe-owners are ready and willing to cater to a sudden demand for outdoor seating.
Tony Bonino, general manager of Good Time Charley's, has already taken out the patio furniture. Last Friday, the campus restaurant had tables outside from 2 - 10:30 p.m. The sidewalk section, complete with a white picket fence, is slated to officially open April 13.
According to Bonino, the warmer temperatures brings more business, and a different, "much more relaxed" crowd. Could the resort-like transformation of the place be the cause? "We just need a canal or a river nearby," Bonino joked.
Outdoor dining at Charley's began back in 1979, when the drinking age was 18. These days, sidewalk seating allows 21-year-olds an intriguing privilege. They can publicly drink alcohol outdoors without breaking the law. Ironically enough, the Department of Public Safety is located nearby, right on Church Street. When asked about dealing with problem drinkers, Bonino said, "We have our moments."
Charley's customers might also be interested to learn the history behind Count Sticks, a popular menu item. The restaurant used to include an upper-level pizza place called Count De Antipasto, which is now Wherehouse Records.
Further down South University Avenue past Church, The Brown Jug, a virtual campus landmark, has been serving customers since 1938. Co-owner Jim Paron said that the outside tables in the spring are part of "a continuing attempt to serve customers." The option first became available back in 1960, during the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Just around the corner on Church Street, the Backroom of the Brown Jug doles out that late-night hot commodity, pizza. Rumor has it that inhaling a slice in the wee hours, during sub-zero weather, is an unwritten graduation requirement.
Yet another campus institution, Dominick's, has been serving up homemade Italian pasta dishes, sub sandwiches, and pizza for the last 38 years. The restaurant, which re-opened after "Spring" Break, boasts an outdoor capacity of about 500. Customers can choose from seating at its balcony, "beer garden" and picnic area.
With all the outdoor dining possibilities available, it's no wonder that the weather definitely affects business at Dominick's.
"Our business runs opposite to farmers and taxi drivers," manager Richard DeVarti said. Last autumn, the restaurant opened for the home game against Ohio State, which was during its post-Thanksgiving off-season.
Venturing toward the downtown area, down East Liberty Street, meal-seekers will find a small treasure called Afternoon Delight. Patrons can dine on a hearty assortment of sandwiches and salads outside as early as the end of April.
Along East Liberty Street, Seva, known for its vegetarian specialties, is hard to miss, especially during the Art Fair. Situated above the Main Street Comedy Showcase, the restaurant features a deck with seating for up to 50 customers.
Inside, Seva also has a small market, stocked with organic foods and natural beauty products. According to manager Laenne Thomspon, the indoor market will probably become a juice bar by this fall.
Located in Kerrytown, Joe Joe's Café and Raw Juices has a devoted clientele among townies and students alike. During the summer, customers take their "Freenies" outside to the European-style seating. The smoothie-like concoctions come in strawberry, banana and orange flavors.
Also situated in the Kerrytown area, Sweet Lorraine's endears customers with its eclectic cuisine, which includes basil focaccia and baby muffin appetizers. The outdoor section, with its intimate atmosphere, could be set up by early May. It's a great place to take a date, the family or anyone willing to pick up the tab.
Heading back to Main Street, Gratzi entices guests with its fine Italian cuisine. Reservations are always good, and so is the food. Outdoor seating is weather-dependent. Gratzi's little sister, Gratzi Café on State Street, is one of several coffee houses letting you sip an iced mocha street-side.
Other central campus cafes soon to provide an outdoor java fix are:
n Café Rendezvous at 1110 S. University Ave. Try a guava chiller as you "study" in the upstairs balcony section, or watch the Naked Mile from the ground level.
n Cava Java at 1101 S. University Ave.
nEspresso Royale Caffe at 324 S. State St. promises good open-air people watching.
In a town where the weather is always unpredictable, one thing is certain: When the sun shines on Ann Arbor, it's time to hit the streets, and head for the menus.
ROB GILMORE/Daily
Dominick's has lots of outdoor seating - a balcony and a garden.