L E I S U R E

• Bongos for Congos
• The MBA Gourmet, by John Lipinski, MBA2
• No Plans for Break Yet?, by Andrea Damusis, MBA1

Bongos For Congos

The Bichinis Bia Troop is an African dance company that uses dance, drums, and chants to preserve the Congolese culture and principles of unity with God and nature, communal living, and the celebration of life. Pictured above (l-r) are Allain Bantsimba, Biza Sompa, Jaques Dusbin (drummers), Makyha-Tiana Bowles, Kyla Byas, and LaKiesha Golden (dancers).

The MBA Gourmet

by John Lipinski, MBA2

Are you tired of eating in all the same places? Have you grown tired of the trendy little Ann Arbor Cafes? Are you looking for a great meat and potatoes place that the locals adore? Then I found the place for you. Professor Martin recommended a great unknown, unadvertised restaurant on the outskirts of town. Heck, this place doesn't even have a sign on the door. All that distinguishes it is a large horse's head in the parking lot. They break all the rules of marketing yet they had customers spilling out into the parking lot. The place is Knight's Steak House. Fortunately, we had been forewarned about the crowd and had a reservation, so it only took us about 10 minutes to be seated. I was wary at first, noting that the decor was at least 10 years out of date, but I kept reminding myself that this was going to be great.

Well, after selecting from their 40 or so beers on tap, we ordered. The first course was a Portabella mushroom stuffed with spinach, crab, and shrimp. It ranked among the top three appetizers I have ever eaten. This was followed by a great filet mignon. My guest had the Porterhouse steak. We both thought they were excellent cuts of meat and they were prepared perfectly. Knight's let the meat speak for itself and didn't drown it in butter ala Ruth Chris'.

While the appetizer was to die for and the steaks were excellent, this restaurant was a big miss on the little things. The bread wasn't exactly fresh baked and the cherry pie I had for dessert tasted like they had just picked it up from Kroger. The prices were pretty fair for such good quality meat. The Porterhouse was $17.95 and the Fillet Mignon was $14.95, and I stress that you get an excellent cut of beef. Throw in our appetizer, the desserts, and a few beers and our bill totaled $54 for the meal. If you're looking for a night of serious eating and aren't concerned about rather plain decor, I definitely recommend Knight's.... Just do dessert elsewhere. Knight's is located at 2324 Dexter and their number is 665-8644. I recommend reservations.

No Plans For Break Yet? Try Getting Away To Chicago Or Toronto

by Andrea Damusis, MBA1

Spring Break is almost here! Do you have plans? It's a bit late to plan anything extravagant, but how about a weekend getaway to Chicago or Toronto? Both cities are relatively close to A²--by car or by rail. I called a couple travel agents to get an idea of what kind of package deals are out there. This is what they came up with.

CHICAGO

The following tours include: round trip rail via Amtrak; lodging at your choice of five hotels; hotel tax; Bellmen's gratuities.

--The Westin Hotel: Newly renovated deluxe hotel located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile within walking distance to Chicago's finest dining, shopping, theater and museums. Fully equipped health club.

--Inn of Chicago: Charming and cozy 357-room hotel located one block east of Michigan Avenue.

--Renaissance Chicago Hotel: Chicago's newest luxury hotel located at the corner of State Street and Wacker Drive, across the street from the Chicago Theatre. Fully equipped health club with heated swimming pool.

--Doubletree Guest Suites: Luxurious all-suite hotel located the top of the Magnificent Mile featuring 345 two-room suite accommodations. Rooftop health club and swimming pool.

--Days Inn Lakeshore: Situated on Lakeshore Drive, this hotel will leave you with a memorable view of Chicago's world-famous skyline and its magnificent lakefront. Within walking distance to Michigan Avenue, shopping, John Hancock Center, North Pier, and much more.

Now showing in Chicago: "Showboat"

TORONTO

--Sheraton Centre Toronto: Exciting location in the heart of Toronto. Eight live theaters (including Phantom of the Opera) just steps away. Superb recreational facilities - huge indoor/outdoor swimming pool, saunas, hot tub, fitness equipment. Direct underground access to The Eaton Centre Shopping Mall and Toronto's underground city.

--Delta Chelsea Inn: First-class urban resort located in the heart of downtown Toronto, steps away from the Eaton Centre and Maple Leaf Gardens. Has pool, fitness center and lunge overlooking the city.

--Westin Habour Castle: Toronto's premier downtown resort on Lake Ontario, in the heart of the Harbourfront. Minutes from Union Station, SkyDome, shopping and entertainment. Health club, sauna, whirlpool, steam and sun room, jacuzzi, squash courts, and large indoor pool.

--Royal York: Located in the heart of Toronto's downtown shopping, entertainment and sightseeing district. Directly across from Union Station and steps away from SkyDome and CN Tower.

--Days Inn Toronto Downtown: This renovated hotel is located close to major shopping centers, subway station and entertainment sites. Indoor heated swimming pool and sauna.

--Toronto Colony Hotel: Superior quality hotel with excellent downtown location. Spacious rooms with great views of the city. Indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi.

--Best Western Primrose: Perfect central downtown location. Walking distance to all major attractions. Located directly across from Maple Leaf Gardens. Fitness facilities, sauna.

--Toronto Hilton: Conveniently located close to the theater district, Eaton Centre, CN Tower, SkyDome, etc. Offers deluxe bedrooms with breathtaking views of the city or Lake Ontario. Indoor pool and fully equipped health club.

--Novotel North York: Conveniently located just steps away from the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts featuring Ragtime. Hotel features direct access to the Toronto subway system, leisure centre with indoor swimming pool, exercise room and saunas.

--Crowne Plaza Toronto Centre: In the heart of the city's entertainment district, adjacent to the CN Tower and SkyDome Stadium, the deluxe Crowne Plaza Toronto Centre is moments away from Harbourfront, major theaters, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Eaton Centre, Union Station and over 100 fine restaurants. Recreation club and indoor swimming pool.

Currently showing in Toronto: "Phantom of the Opera," "Ragtime," and "Beauty and the Beast."

Other agencies mentioned availability of package flight/hotel deals to Las Vegas, getaway 3 and 4 night cruises, and ski packages for Northern Michigan.

The following people/agencies helped me out with my research. Give them a call.

* Mary Ann (U-M Alum) at UNIGLOBE Classic Travel, Inc.; 313/665-7700.

* Michael Dubin at Conlin Travel; 313/677-0900.

* Sam at Stamos Travel; 313/663-4400.

* Angie at Boersma Travel; 313/663-7575.