Fake Ad and I Spy Archives - Ann Arbor Observer

Desk Set

Mar 25, 2025 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

Jayne Bower also found the name of last month’s winner “in microscopic letters on the Reproducing Women book.” And Tom Blessing wrote, “As someone with a legal background, it pays to read the fine print.”

Echelon Kitchen and Bar

Mar 25, 2025 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

March’s photo shows “a column outside the new Echelon Kitchen and Bar that just opened,” writes Dyke McEwen. It’s on the “southwest corner of Main Street and Washington,” says Debbie Onderdonk. “The building in the background is Cafe Zola.”

Rose Valley Nursery

Feb 24, 2025 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

This month, Janine Shahinian was drawn as our Fake Ad winner for a
record-breaking third time. Her response, while delighted, was also selfless.

The Old City Building

Feb 24, 2025 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“This month’s I Spy is an imposing building on N. Fourth Ave. that was called the ‘City Building,’” writes Ken Koral. Built in 1893, it “housed city offices until city hall opened,” in 1907, shares Dyke McEwen.

Yost Ice Arena

Jan 27, 2025 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“You thought you could skate this one by the readers, didn’t you?” quips Mary Adams about January’s feature. “I believe the ‘cathedral’ is Yost Ice Arena on S. State,” writes David Cooke, referring to the clue. “I admit that I don’t get the clue,” writes Mike McGraw, “but I recognize Yost.” “One of the best sports environments anywhere,” says Jane Thurston.

Weiss Haus American Diner

Jan 27, 2025 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“‘We’re going back’ can be taken a couple ways but add in the 1600 Penn Street address I know what it means to me 😢”

Tree Mural at 421 E. Liberty

Dec 23, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“Weren’t these paintings designed to cover up graffiti?” asks Dan Romanchik. “If so, they’ve done a pretty good job.”

Artours

Dec 23, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

The truth is, we could quote David Karl in this space just about every month. We probably would too, if we weren’t afraid we’d have to add him to the Fake Ad payroll (which is already five figures, if you count the two figures after the decimal point).

Angry Neptune, Salacia, and Strider

Nov 25, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“The large cast bronze trio [is] by Michele Oka Doner, [who] described them as ‘fossilized totems,’” writes Barb Tester. “When I first saw the sculpture, I thought it was a tree stump weathered by the elements,” writes David Karl.

The Agean Golden Helmet

Nov 25, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

We received 177 entries correctly identifying the Fake Ad on page 71 of the November issue. “Finally!” writes the very clever Linda Etter. “An ad made just for me (and all those other gray/white-haired seniors)!”

Norwegian American Association of Michigan

Oct 25, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

Last month’s Fake Ad for the Norwegian American Association of Michigan (page 62) asked readers to come up with the name Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons. One of the clues was that he created the longest-running TV show in history.

Kerrytown Concert House

Oct 25, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“Lovely door, lovely venue,” writes Suzanne Tainter. October’s “I Spy is the Kerrytown Concert House on 415 N. Fourth Ave.,” writes Rudi Hauleitner. “Great place for small-scale concerts with marvelous acoustics!” he continues. “Looks good on the outside, sounds great on the inside!” agrees A.J. Kydd.

Bespoke Monorail Cars

Sep 25, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

We received 132 entries correctly identifying the Fake Ad for Bespoke Monorail Cars on page 86 of the September issue.

I Spy Update | October 2024

Sep 25, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“This month’s I Spy is the Thelonious Monk mural by Brian Whitfield on Ashley Street,” writes Silvia Ruiz. David Karl identifies it as “the old Del Rio Bar building,” which Dyke McEwan adds is now home to “the Cellar by Grizzly Peak.” The mural, writes Kathy Scott, honors both Monk at the bar where he sometimes performed. Dan Romanchik credits his wife Sylvia for spotting it, even though “I walk by there all the time—so if I win I’ll have to give the prize to her.”

Proletariat Bourbon

Aug 26, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

We received 130 entries correctly identifying the Fake Ad for Proletariat Bourbon on page 50 of the August Observer. Included among those was this one from Elena Chagnovich: “My dad, an avid bourbon drinker, spotted it from across the kitchen table. At first glance, he thought it was an ad for Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, since the bottle was the same shape and had an animal on the cork. However, he quickly realized this was a sham!”

Urban-fetti

Aug 26, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“I spy the Ann Arbor Art Center’s ‘Urban-Fetti’ alley art installation,” writes Alandra Meade. It’s “on the alley wall of the Alley Bar at 112 W. Liberty Street,” adds Eric Sobocinski, and Joe Cialdella notes that it’s behind Pretzel Bell. “This mural literally cascades off the wall to the alley pavement,” says Ginny Weingate, citing the clue. “I like how the mural stretches down to the ground,” says Shannon Kohlitz, “although I wish it could get touched up!”

The Whippoorwill Bar and Grill

Jul 25, 2024 | Community, Fake Ad and I Spy |

“The Fake Ad is on page 42 for the Whippoorwill Bar and Grill,” writes the always reliable David Karl. “Ah yes, who hasn’t been driven to insomnia by the constant nighttime singing of the Whip-poor-will. I know I have. But unlike Thurber’s Mr. Kinstrey, I just took a sleeping pill and called it a night. Much easier, less hassle and mess free.”