The Earle Downtown

A bit pricy, but the food is delicious.  Very nice, elegant atmosphere.  Perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner out.

We were all very impressed.
A couple months ago, my aunt was telling me how much her and my uncle loved to go to the Earl and we absolutely had to try it out..... but, weeks go by, we go to our staples and never make it out to AA.  
A lady that I worked with told me that Travelzoo had a deal to try out this restaurant that she had always wanted to go to but she lives on the east side of the state and didn't want to drive over an hour (one way)  to eat.  She also told me that she has heard wonderful things about it... and it was called the Earl.
Usually one person raving about a restaurant is enough for me to want to go and try it out... but two and a deal to try it out- I am there!
I called up mom and dad to see if they wanted to double date, so we headed out to AA- ready for a delicious meal.  My hubby and I started out with escargot.... Many places don't sell them but it is one of our favorites.  They had an interesting, very fresh approach to the preparation.  Most places drench the escargot in butter, garlic and parsley; albeit delicious, they are sometimes a little oily tasting.  These were the same flavor but not swimming in the heart clogging bath.  The escargot was served in the middle of a crispy pastry shell.  At $10.95- sign me up any day of the week.  My parent ordered the ginger shrimp appetizer.  It was very good, my mother said the garlic from the shrimp stayed with her a little while.... She doesn't mind it but if you are on a first date, you might want to steer clear  
My father and I ordered the sea scallops.  DELISH.  I am not a huge fan of mushrooms but the sauce was super excellent, scallops were meaty and moist and slightly sweet.  The dish usually comes with rice but they are happy to change it out.  I think they were $27.95.  My husband ordered the Roquefort steak- it was incredible.  Although he wouldn't say it, the sauce may have been a little too over powering for the entire meal.  The steak was cooked to perfection.  Lastly, mom ordered the veal medallions that would melt in your mouth....
The service was good, we had two waitresses that were attending to us... water never went more than half empty and they were attentive but not annoying.  The dessert plates looked delicious too... but none of us had the energy or stomach capacity to eat any more!
The only thing that seemed a little odd was the plates.... I know it is the weirdest thing to even think of.... They were not high quality.... Still a 4.75 star place
I have to go back.....

When I made the online reservation, I noted that it was our anniversary.  Upon arrival we were given a cozy booth and throughout the evening the staff that came by to serve or check on us all wished us a happy anniversary - a very nice touch.  With their huge wine list we had no trouble finding several wines of the vintage from the year my wife and I met and the wine steward helped us with an excellent and affordable selection.  The food, service and atmosphere was the best I've experienced in Ann Arbor.  Very reasonable prices, too.  Great vibe, cool music, beautiful room.  An instant fav.