Ypsitucky is not a four letter word

There seems to be some dust up over Zingerman's Roadhouse (which we love and the people there really love food) is advertising a Harriette Arnow Tribute Dinner, or Appalachian heritage dinner. The American Table Culinary Tours is calling it an 'Ypsitucky Supper'.

Big Deal. A meal is a celebration. American Table Culinary Tours also refers to 'Hillbilly Highways' southerners took to find employment up north. Again, if that was their nickname, it was. They're not called that today, it's historical reference. It's not being used in a mocking way, they're not trying to offend anyone, that'd be counterproductive.

Truth be told, Ypsitucky should mean hard working salt of the earth people who weren't afraid of a hard days work for a days pay. People who helped win World War II by turning Willow Run into a weapon more powerful than anything but the atom bomb. People who helped drive the Motor City's heyday.

So go eat up, it's a tribute as long as we don't let it become a slur. The REAL controversy is why an Ann Arbor business would be celebrating the Appalachian state........of being.

What: The Harriette Arnow Tribute Dinner

Where: Zingerman's Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave

When: June 27, 8 pm

Cost: $75 for a four-course meal with wine/liquor pairings