Genius.  The portly Pixies co-founder ranks among the best with a singular vision to encompass all musical styles along the way.  His varied offerings often feature surf rock, glimmers of psychedelia, Nashville underpinnings and outer space lyrics.  Viva la Artiste! Frank has recently teamed up with his wife to form Grand Duchy and their debut album, Petits Fours, is a fantastic find and listen, check it out. Frank, please make amends with your fellow Pixies and cut a new album pronto!  Encouraging recent news has confirmed the Pixies are planning a Doolitle tour of Europe to kick off this October.

Last week I chose to dine at one of Ann Arbor's quintessential restaurants, far from the now trendy cavalcade of high dollar Main Street emporiums of foodie lust.  Knight's, established in 1984, features a horseshoe bar set up in the middle of the dining area with wood paneled walls and an old school menu featuring dyed in the wool favorites like Shrimp Cocktail, Escargot in Puff Pastry and good quality Steaks.    Dinners are served on an old fashioned sizzle plate with a choice of basic salads and a few potato options.  Having dined here several times previously I knew the service could be spotty, the wait staff potentially cranky but what brings me back is the undeniable 'authenticity' that this establishment delivers. Arriving late this evening close to 9:30 PM, the main dining room and alcove areas were still buzzing with patrons lingering over their steaks, clinking fresh drinks or dutifully watching the Tigers - Yankee game on the TV above the bar. My dining partner ordered up a glass of Pinot Noir while I opted for a Grey Goose martooni. Suffice to say the martooni had to be re-iced before I was able to enjoy it. All quibbling aside, this place ...