Sample Profile 2

Rebecca is Ann Arbor's woman about town. She's a fierce advocate of mass transit, makes downtown her stomping ground and can swear like trucker. Ask her what she does and she'll tell you that living in Ann Arbor is her full time job. But that's not really true. She's preparing to go back to grad school right now; public policy and urban planning ('natch). But Rebecca's community cred is intact. She is the co-founder of YP Underground –a social networking club for young professionals— and is involved with the Ann Arbor Art Center, getmedowntown.com, and the Women's Exchange of Washtenaw. "I consider myself a community advocate, which means that I work really hard to make where I live a better place."

She's also got strong opinions about what she likes and doesn't like in The Deuce. Her favorite restaurants are Eve (415 N 5th Ave), "I love their Winter Citrus cocktail" and Pacific Rim (114 W Liberty). "I had amazing quail there and their prix fixe menu with wine flight is always a good bet. I feel like they build the menu so I can't screw it up." Rebecca digs the classic cocktails at Zingerman's Roadhouse (2501 Jackson Ave) but hates the ambiance. "It's too loud and there's something wrong about paying big bucks on a dinner that's served by someone in a t-shirt. The food is really good but the décor makes me think upscale TGIF Fridays, which is a contradiction in terms."

"For a brunch-y, café-y place," she says, "I love Café Japon (113 E. Liberty). The owner is an apple dumpling cute woman who really knows her teas, but even a year after opening the staff is still trying to figure out the cash register." Rebecca warns that service is slow but it's all worth it. "Sometimes you've got to be reminded that the world doesn't have to be in a constant state of frenzy. Sometimes it's good to relax and not get your way for a change." She says the croissants are unmatched, the teas are incredible and the sandwiches are "perfect."

For cheap and fast, Rebecca gravitates toward sushi joint Totoro (215 S. State St). "The wait staff recognizes my husband and me when we come in. It feels like a chic diner."

But what Rebecca claims to know how to do best is waste time. "Probably half my life is spent 'working' at the downtown ERC (214 S. Main St) or wandering around town." She claims Vintage to Vogue (407 N. 5th Ave), which specializes in women's fashion, beckons her to memorize everything they have. "That way, when I'm ready, I can pounce. I can even tell you what rack it's on."

Other time wasting destinations include: Ann Arbor's downtown library (343 S. 5th Ave) –"if they don't have it, they'll get it"—U-M's Natural History Museum (1109 Geddes Ave), browsing for art at the Art Center (117 W. Liberty) , picking up household stuff at Acme Mercantile (111 W. Liberty) and catching a movie at the Michigan Theater. "Everyone says they love the Michigan Theater but then they go to the multiplex to watch crap. The Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty) has incredible programs and people don't take advantage of them. It's the kind of gem other cities would die to have."

As much as Rebecca and her husband Nick are downtown dwellers, the two love Independence Lake in the summer. "It's just one exit away and so beautiful. You lay out your blanket on the hill and it's like stadium seating for the lake. It's a quiet, contemplative place where you can take in the view and still score nachos at the concession stand."

Peeves? "The city needs to stop talking things to death, and actually get them done!  I wish we had better regional cooperation, too. I am super excited that the AATA was named to manage the WALLY project, it's the perfect start." Tell me this girl hasn't got urban planning in the blood.