There are lots of fantastic choices, like my new personal favorite, Eve. Our buddy Jarrett recommended Eve to me some time back and I never had the pleasure of enjoying a meal with him there, but I did recently go with Larry and our chef friend (who was trained at the famous French Culinary Institute, mind you). It was frickin’ awesome! Everything was delicious and I can’t wait to return. The only slightly negative was the drinks. Tasty, but not exactly strong on the alcohol. And frankly, if I’m paying $10/drink, it better be strong!

My two cents…

I do like the pizza from that party store down the street from me though … Bellybusters. And Tomatos a Pizza is rock solid (as both of you know.)

Having attended the University of Michigan and lived in Ann Arbor on and off for years, I’ve pretty much eaten everywhere in A2. There are a lot of fantastic eats in Ann Arbor, but Argiero’s isn’t one of them.

Funny thing is that people were raving about this place 10 years ago when I went there (first and last time) and it was still unremarkable. I scratched my head over what the fuss was. I think I could have gotten better Italisn at Fazzolis.

So you didn’t hit a down night — it’s always been like this. Every night seems to be a down night.

I don’t get the appeal either. But they seem to attract plenty of business … mostly from college students. Maybe four years of Ramen Noodles and Spaghetti-Os will do that to your tastebuds.

You know I love Guilios in Livonia, but if you are looking for solid Italian in A2, I still recommend the standbys: Palio, Gratzi and if you want something unique, Bella Ciao.

Best overall restaurant in Ann Arbor right now is still Eve. It’s a special occasion-type place, but very good, consistent and intriguing.

Funny that Food TV’s “Best Of” has now steered us wrong twice – Argieros and Hog Heaven in Nashville. Like you said, I guess that explains why they are defunct.