Breakfast at Zingerman's: A quick return to the gems at the Next Door Cafe!

Though it took us forty years to finally visit Zingerman's Deli this summer, once introduced, we knew we'd be back soon. Last weekend, after our first visit this summer, we returned to the locally renowned Jewish delicatessen, but this time it was for breakfast at the Next Door Cafe. 

Located in the Kerrytown region, Zingerman's has been a presence in Ann Arbor since 1981. A decade later, it extended its footprint to an adjacent building, appropriately named the Next Door Cafe. Here one can order sweets and savories at one counter, pick up the contents at another and help oneself to a cup of the store's own tasty java at the coffee bar. 

At our first visit, (Zingerman's with Barb's Tea Service) our mission was lunch enroute to see a play at The Encore Musical Theater in nearby Dexter with our fellow podcasters.  We ordered monster sandwiches along with iced tea and found outdoor seating in a shady tent between the deli and the cafe.

Glass showcases filled with gems:  scones, chocolates. pastries and more. 

Before heading out to Dexter, we did one final sweep of the deli and I filled a bag with two packages of Zingerman's tea and half a dozen rugelach. (The latter are bit-sized pastries with a variety of fillings including chocolate and apricot).

Not unlike our last Zingerman adventure, last weekend's stop was also tied to a theater performance - this time, at the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea, another short drive to Ann Arbor, though our order was reversed. On Sunday, we took in a matinee performance, dined at JD's with fellow Patrons of the Arts, (Devin Scillian at Purple Rose)  then camped out at Weber's Inn overnight.  The Next Door Cafe was apres, apres theater - not far from our hotel and proved a most excellent place for breakfast.

Savory cheddar herb biscuity-scones were delicious (as was the "other hot beverage").

My husband, Chris, and I both ordered a savory cheddar herb scone which was delicious. A fine blending of flavors in a biscuity-like scone which - bonus! - was served up with a complimentary rugelach.

And, although we helped ourselves to a few cups of that other hot beverage (which was, seriously, awesome), I once again stocked up on three more blends of Zingerman's tea (blog stories soon).

Like many things we may have put off for a variety of reasons and circumstances, once "bitten" the return is often quick. 

Possessing more "gems" than a Tiffany's showcase, we'll be back soon for another Breakfast at the Next Door Cafe.