Michigan Golf The Grand Event The area’s premier Two Plate Course directory, reviews Special wedding section dining listings Peppino’s CELEBRATING CITY LIFE
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Volume 47 Number 8
August 2010 FEaTurEs out for a SPin
Whether they ride for practical reasons or the love of speed, the number of bicyclists in Grand Rapids seems to be on the rise. ............ 42
coLLege uPgraDeS
Local campuses are adding new facilities and sprucing up their brick and mortar. ...................... 50
Setting a LeaDerShiP StyLe
Four new college presidents hold forth on their personal vision for their schools. ......................... 46
L
2 grand rapIds August 2010
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Volume 47 Number 8
August 2010
10
on the cover:
Photography by Johnny Quirin
26
In Every Issue Life & Style
A walk around Lake M; “Talking Scuba” and nearby shipwrecks; Eastown’s Hookah Lounge; Crane’s Pie Pantry; “Bitch, please. I’m from Michigan!” ...............9-14
Speaking Up Etc.
By Carole Valade..................... 7 Travel
By Matt Baker A performance in Denver. ............................. 16
Profile
Grand Times
Retired GRPS educator Mary Edmond worked to select curriculum that reflected diversity. . ........... 20
By Gorden G. Beld The women of Grand Rapids helped establish the city’s first hospitals. ...................... 18
Design
Art Appreciation
Tom Nemitz at Cornerstone Architects; antiquing in southeast Grand Rapids. . .............. 24-27
By Joseph Antenucci Becherer Chihuly’s “Lena’s Garden” at Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. ................... 28
City Guide
Critic’s Choice
Chef Nick Natale at Rockwell’s and Republic; full dining list; Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar; singer/ songwriter Jake Stilson; Hot Shots. . .................. 85-120
By Mark F. Miller Wyoming Public Library is uniquely modern. ............29
Calendar of Events. ......... 109
Dining Review
By Ira Craaven Truly a beer bar, HopCat also offers unique food. . ....86 Fresh Hops
By Jon C. Koeze Hunting wild brown ale. ....95 Grand Vine 88
By A. Brian Cain A gastro tour of southwest Michigan. ............................ 107
4 Grand Rapids August 2010
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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964
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Wine inspires us, And fires us With courage, love and joy.
General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Marie Barker: mbarker@geminipub.com Kathie Manett: kmanett@geminipub.com John Olsa: jolsa@geminipub.com Jan Thomas: jthomas@geminipub.com Advertising Sales Assistant/Coordinator
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Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com (616) 459-4545 Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Publications, a division of Gemini Corporation. Publishing offices: 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag. com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2010 by Gemini Publications. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $3.95 (by mail $6); back issue $6 (by mail $7.50), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at www.grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.
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Etcetera
Education: New opportunities
by Carole Valade
A few generations ago, higher education was affordable only to the upper classes. Even a high school education was sometimes considered a luxury. That changed 66 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the famed G.I. Bill, assisting middle-class soldiers returning from World War II. While the economic drivers have changed worldwide, higher education is now almost the only bridge to a prosperous future — and prosperous communities. President Barack Obama certainly made that point at Kalamazoo Central High School’s graduation ceremony two months ago, and the anonymous donors to the Kalamazoo Promise have walked the talk, demonstrating the necessity. Grand Rapids’ metropolitan area is home to more than two dozen colleges and universities, and the downtown is populated with college students attending Cooley Law School, Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University and its Kendall College of Art & Design. Grand Rapids Magazine this month provides an update on campus building programs and a glimpse of the focus of four new college presidents. The community benefit of a learned citizenry affects everyone. While each educational venue has a calculable benefit in the region, the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, being dedicated next month, has a domino effect that has already been felt around the world in the recruitment of academic and medical research stars.
Photography by Michael Buck
Letters We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Please send letters in care of: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503, or e-mail to letters@grmag. com. Letters may be edited for reasons of clarity and space.
This particular venue raises the bar for medical institutions and assists the Van Andel Institute’s education and research facilities. In fact, while partnerships with the MSU med school have enhanced programs at all area hospitals, the VAI Graduate School has partnered with Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners (formerly GR-MERC) to offer medical students an internal medicine research residency program that offers a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology — a first for West Michigan. The collaborative efforts of many — from Grand Action to Peter Secchia, specifically — will be celebrated next month at the dedication of the med school’s Secchia Center with public and private events. Grand Rapids’ institutions of higher learning offer all community members new options and new opportunities for lifelong learning, no matter one’s age or economic status. Education is not a luxury, but a way of life.
Kendall College of Art & Design will begin renovation of the old Federal Building in October.
August 2010 Grand Rapids 7
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Life & Style
“Our primary mission was and still is to support Michigan agriculture. Go pick your own fruit and come and eat.” — Rebecca Crane » pg13 Photography by Johnny Quirin
Inside » lake walk 10
» diving 11
» Hookah Lounge 12
» Crane’s Pie Pantry 13
» Michigan Facebook 14
August 2010 Grand Rapids 9
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Life & Style
One year after finishing her 1,019 trek around Lake Michigan, Loreen Niewenhuis has written a book about her journey.
When Loreen Niewenhuis turned 45, she wanted to do “something big.” Weary of the tedium that often accompanies laundry, dishes and everyday living, the Battle Creek woman craved a real-life adventure. She decided to walk around Lake Michigan. “The lake calls to me,” said Niewenhuis, a Calvin College graduate who also earned a master’s degree in science from Wayne State University. “It grounds me and puts me back in touch with the things that are important.” Her 1,019-mile trek, broken into 10 segments, took about six months — a total of 64 days of walking. She finished Sept. 25, 2009, walking the last mile with her husband, Jim. Since then, Niewenhuis has written a book about her journey, “1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach: One Woman’s Trek of the Perimeter of Lake Michigan,” and is negotiating with publishers. She also has revisited many of the locations and is updating her blog — lake trek.blogspot.com — with information on everything from Asian carp to toxic pollution.
Niewenhuis said the project taught her a lot about the diversity of the lake’s coast. “I thought it was all just sandy beaches.” Instead she discovered bluffs of eroding clay, limestone and shale. “The lakeshore is so complex.” Joined along the way by friends, family and perfect strangers, she mostly stayed in B&Bs, though there were times when a hammock strung between two trees was her only sleeping option. “Small hotels were the best because the owners often knew a lot about the history of the area,” she said. In between the segments, she took time off to get back to normal life with her family, including two grown sons. A former medical researcher, she received a master’s degree in creative writing from Spalding University and has penned several short stories and a novel. “I started calling this the adventure of a lifetime,” she said. “But now that it is complete, I crave more.” — Ann Malone
Photography by Johnny Quirin
Walking the lake
10 Grand Rapids August 2010
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life & style
PhotogrAPhy by MichAeL buck (bottoM); courtesy grAnD hAven tribune (toP)
Under the sea Sitting in a pub sipping cold beers, three friends got to talking. And while they talked, the whole bar was listening. Not because the men spoke brashly, but because their stories spoke volumes. From swimming through the William Young, a sunken wooden ship in the Straits of Mackinac, to diving 22 times in a week in the Caribbean, these men were scuba divers — storytellers of sorts. Their adventures seemed endless. As they discussed their recent finds and the latest and greatest equipment, they couldn’t help but notice the intrigued crowd. “We got talking one day about how very few good podcasts there were about scuba diving,” said Bob Shoemaker, a master diver. “Most of the stuff is based in warm water, but we’ve got the Great Lakes right here. There are some great dives and awesome intact shipwrecks around Mackinac.” Then one of the other men spouted an idea: Why not make a show about scuba diving? They launched “Talking Scuba” in December 2009. “Originally, I was going to do a podcast myself, but these guys talked about diving the whole time,” said Johnny Allen,
executive producer and creator of “Talking Scuba.” “I was new to diving so I told Bob and Jim (Norton) they should do it.” The master divers couldn’t resist. It was just kind of a natural thing, said Norton. “Bring a group of guys together and let them talk about what they like, and just listen.” So far, “Talking Scuba” has posted seven episodes on its website, www.talk ing-scuba.com. Topics range from ice- and wreck-diving in Michigan to SingleDivers.com. A future episode will look at the growth of scuba diving and its evolution as a family sport. “In the ’80s, it was a paramilitary-style sport,” said Shoemaker. “You had to be a macho guy. But now, the industry has changed and so has the equipment. It’s a lot safer now. It’s much more of a family sport, and I’m really excited about that.” Shoemaker urges families to take advantage of the Great Lakes and get their diving certifications in Michigan. Some area shops include Moby’s Dive Shop and American Dive Zone in Grand Rapids, and Advanced Scuba in Holland. Classes usually last two to three weeks, followed by pool dives and five outside dives. Certification is for life. — ColTon WRIGHT
ICE WATER MUSEUM Craig rich loves a mystery. and few mysteries are as intriguing as those under the sea. in his book, “For those in Peril: shipwrecks of ottawa County, Michigan,” the master scuba diver chronicles the daring rescues and devastating losses of more than 100 ships dating back to the 1850s. rich, a Holland native and cofounder of Michigan shipwreck research associates, describes the bottomlands of the great lakes as an ice water museum. “shipwrecks are captured in time, like a snapshot,” rich said. “the clothing, the crockery, the tools are all there. and we’re able to bring them back to life.” the book, published this year, began as a database of local shipwrecks. rich, who has been diving since 1970, spent several years researching, documenting and interpreting the sunken vessels. For more information about Msra, a nonprofit organization, or rich’s book, go to michiganship wrecks.org.
— MARTy PRIMeAu
“talking scuba” was created by friends who enjoy sharing stories about their diving adventures. Pictured from left, Johnny b. Allen, Jim norton, bob shoemaker and Derek Wheeler. August 2010 Grand rapids 11
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Life & Style
No smoking required The Eastown Hookah Lounge is known as a hotspot where on-the-go people can chill out. Much of that reputation was earned through the herbal-flavored tobacco customers smoked through water pipes while chewing the fat with friends. But the days when customers enjoyed tobacco flavored with apple, watermelon, cherry, Gummy Bears and Skittles ground to a halt in May when a state ban on smoking in most public places became law. The prohibition included the Middle Eastern water pipes offered to customers since the lounge opened five years ago, said Emad Shatara, manager. A year ago, Shatara started selling Drank, a non-alcoholic beverage billed as an “extreme relaxation beverage.” It contains such calming ingredients as melatonin, a natural hormone that helps people fall asleep. When synthesized, it’s sometimes used to treat jet lag and insomnia. Shatara said he will increasingly rely on Drank to draw customers to his business, particularly if attempts to get hoo-
Shatara said he will increasingly rely on Drank to draw customers to his business, particularly if attempts to get hookah lounges exempt from the anti-smoking law prove unsuccessful. kah lounges exempt from the anti-smoking law prove unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Shatara said he’ll sell a second relaxation drink called Unwind, meant to target an older audience, age 30 and up. “It’s pretty much the same stuff as Drank but the difference is the orange flavor.” While the market for relaxation drinks is eclipsed by energy drinks, chill-out drinks such as ViB (Vacation in a Bottle), Blue Cow, iChill and Purple Stuff sport similar ingredients such as kava, valerian root, rose hips and theanine. These ingredients have been sold as dietary supplements for years. But there’s something to be said about sipping a drink in a comfy chair with lights dimmed and jukebox music playing softly in the background, rather than swallowing a pill, Shatara said. “We want a relaxation drink that mellows you so it creates a more relaxing atmosphere,” Shatara said.
Photography by Michael Buck
— Paul R. Kopenkoskey
12 Grand Rapids August 2010
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life & style
Tired of Chronic Headaches?
“it’s just so much fun to watch someone come in who’s never been here before. … you look out the window and all you see are the apples, cherries, peaches and green pastures.” — rebecca crane
PhotogrAPhy by Johnny Quirin
pie, oh my! Freshly picked sweet cherries and a rolled-by-hand, crispy crust. Apple butter bread, apple strudel and hand-pressed cider. Soft, juicy peaches ready for plucking. When you’ve owned a fruit farm for nearly 100 years, you know a thing or two. You know how to grow the best fruit, and you know some good recipes. Crane’s Pie Pantry, located in Fennville just off M-89, has been growing ingredients and keeping customers coming back with its country menu since 1972. And if the fresh apples and sweet cherries don’t warm your heart, the atmosphere will. “It’s just so much fun to watch someone come in who’s never been here before,” owner Rebecca Crane said. “It’s in a barn, but that’s not what’s unique. We’re right here on the farm. You look out the window and all you see are the apples, cherries, peaches and green pastures.” They have all the ingredients in their backyard — literally. And after sipping on pressed cider and nibbling on delicious rhubarb pie, customers don’t have to leave
Crane’s empty-handed. They can pick their own fruit to take home. “It’s all U-pick,” Crane said. “Our primary mission was and still is to support Michigan agriculture. Go pick your own fruit and come and eat.” Spread out on 200 acres, Crane’s Orchard offers a large variety of fresh fruits, including 16 varieties of apples and 10 kinds of peaches. If a quick trip to the Fennville farm isn’t convenient, the Cranes have a second location at 11 E. 8th St. in downtown Holland, serving the same items along with some new specialty sandwiches and panini. Though the Fennville location makes all the bread, the restaurant in Holland makes pies, strudels and other menu items. It’s all about fresh and unprocessed, Crane said. Customers also can order specialty coffees while munching the fruity delicacies. But if there’s one item on the menu that every customer needs to try, Crane says it’s no contest. “They’ve got to try our cider donuts.”
It could be a dental problem Headache is the #1 complaint of “TMJ” sufferers, but patients seldom think of consulting a dentist about headache. Malocclusion (a bad bite) can lead to excessive muscle tension which in turn can cause head and neck pain. If you have “tried everything”, call today for an introductory consultation.
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— ColTon WRIGHT August 2010 Grand rapids 13
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life & style
Bitch, please. i’m from Michigan! Has the economy got you down? is road construction a hassle? does the ever-changing weather leave you frustrated? suck it up, you’re a Michigander. that’s the sentiment of more than 72,000 Facebook users who’ve joined the aptly named “bitch, please. i’m from Michigan!” Facebook group. Created in mid-december 2009 by then 18-yearold kelsey Mcafee of grand rapids as a joke with outof-state friends, the group’s membership skyrocketed. she was amazed when 18,732 users joined in one week. and they weren’t only joining, they were contributing. “People post pictures from everywhere across Michigan,” Mcafee said. “there are pictures from parks and from peoples’ backyards. there are so many different places that i want to see now.” with 2,324 photos now uploaded from people all over the great lake state, the page has become “sort of an online travel guide,” she said. From sleeping bear dunes on lake Michigan to the Huron islands in lake superior, Michigan residents find much to enjoy about their mitten-shaped home. on the site, people discuss everything from
“People post pictures from everywhere across Michigan. there are pictures from parks and from peoples’ backyards. there are so many different places that i want to see now.” — kelsey McAfee
“where does ‘up north’ begin?” to “it’s PoP best bars and best places to visit. “they post for things they support or post about places they like,” said Mcafee. “it’s a big central place for Michigan. if we’re supposed to support the local economy, it’s probably a good thing to have.” — ColTon WRIGHT
PhotogrAPhy by MichAeL buck
not soda.” there are even discussions on the
14 Grand rapids August 2010
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Life & Style: Travel
A mile-high stage
We’re in town visiting our unmarried cousins who work as window washers for the city. They are bocce enthusiasts, and completely fictitious.
by Matt Baker
What we’re proposing is a form of adventure traveling, but it involves no cliff diving, no whitewater rafting, no bareback camel riding. My friend and I are aspiring actors — meaning we think acting is fun but would never actually get up on a stage. So for our trip to Denver, we decide to make up fake names and put on a play. Not a play on a stage — our trip will be the performance. I choose the name Zeke; my friend will be Jean Henri. Our back story: We are brothers. I’m a lumberjack and Jean Henri is a marine biologist. We’re in town visiting our unmarried cousins who work as window washers for the city. They are bocce enthusiasts, and completely fictitious. When we arrive at Denver International Airport ($300 roundtrip from Grand Rapids), we’re eager to try out our new names. Jean Henri tries introducing himself to our cab driver, who’s not only driving but barking into a phone and radio all at once. He doesn’t care what our names are. He’s just trying to get us downtown. We encounter another setback at our hotel. We didn’t go so far as to register credit cards with our fake names, so I’m outed when we check in. “Thank you, Matthew,” the concierge says, handing back my card. At first I’m willing to let it go, but the look on
Jean Henri’s face says it’s now or never. “My friends call me Zeke,” I say. “Sorry,” the concierge says. “Thank you, Zeke.” And so it begins. Our hotel is a fitting lodging for aspiring actors. Each floor of The Curtis (about $200 a night) has décor devoted to a different film genre; the elevator announces the title of each floor as the doors open. Somehow we’ve ended up on “The Chick Flick Floor!” decorated with memorabilia from “Charlie’s Angels,” “Jerry Maguire” and “Thelma & Louise.” Jean Henri and I are unhappy with this placement. We get back into the elevator and hit all of the buttons — we want to know our options. The 13th floor is devoted to slasher movies: The elevator announces “Heeere’s Johnny!” as the doors open onto Jack Nicholson from “The Shining.” The 14th floor is “TV Mania!” and the 15th is “Mad About Music.” Once we’re settled, we design each scene of our performance in Denver. The main plot is a mystery: We’ve come to Denver to surprise our window-washing cousins, but when we arrive, we find they have moved out of their apartment and left no forwarding address. In our final scene
One of the attractions at the Denver Performing Arts Complex is Jonathan Borofsky’s “Dancers,” two 60-foot fiberglass and steel figures prancing in the Sculpture Park. Music composed and performed by Borofsky and Samuel Conlogue plays at the base of the tall white dancers and welcomes visitors to the park.
16 Grand Rapids August 2010
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Life & Style: Travel we plan to discover they’ve been arrested for tax evasion. We tell everyone we meet about our cousins, showing pictures of them (actually photos of a young Sean Penn and a young Michael Douglas we’ve printed off the Internet), asking if anyone’s seen them. The consensus is that the men seem familiar, but no one’s sure where they saw them. Meanwhile, we act out sideshows. At the Rio Grande Restaurant in LoDo (which, incidentally, Zeke and Jean Henri believe has the best food in all of Denver), Jean Henri pretends to have an allergic reaction to the guacamole. Before an ambulance is called, Jean Henri recovers. A woman with a gluten allergy sitting nearby offers Jean Henri her sympathy.
ing down the windows of the Wells Fargo Center. We pretend we cannot tell if they are our cousins. The woman shouts up at the window washers. She keeps shouting. Finally they turn, looking down at us over their shoulders. “That them?” the woman asks. “It’s them!” Jean Henri whispers. He hugs the woman, shouting, “You found them, you found them!”
I wave and wave at the window washers. One of them, apparently just trying to be polite, waves back with his squeegee. “Glad to help,” the woman says. She waves to the window washers, then waves goodbye to us. We hadn’t planned it, but it’s a happy ending. Matt Baker is a freelance writer and aspiring actor based in Grand Rapids.
Photography courtesy Matt Baker (pages 16 & 17)
The 13th floor at The Curtis Hotel is devoted to slasher movies. The elevator announces, “Heeere’s Johnny!” as the doors open onto Jack Nicholson from “The Shining.”
Zeke and Jean Henri get into a fight on the 16th Street shuttle because Jean Henri owes Zeke money. Zeke grabs Jean Henri’s wallet and jumps off the tram and flees down the street as Jean Henri chases, shouting, “Thief! Thief!” Most people just stare, but a huge guy in a Rockies hat throws Zeke against the window of a sandwich shop. Paul Henri catches up, explaining, “Sorry, he is my brother,” and takes back his wallet. Zeke also apologizes to the man in the Rockies hat. The man in the Rockies hat seems proud to have intervened. On the last day of our weekend, we’re on Broadway telling a woman about our missing cousins when she says, “There are some window washers working down the road; I just passed them.” We were not expecting this. The woman insists on walking us to the window washers. They are suspended from ropes, soapAugust 2010 Grand Rapids 17
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History: grand times
Women started it all granD rapiDs Was sTiLL in its infancy when small groups of women, concerned about the welfare of the ill and unfortunate in their community, took the initial steps leading to establishment of the city’s earliest general hospitals. It was December 1846 when a few ladies met in a schoolhouse at Prospect Hill, a 60-foot-high mound that covered much of today’s downtown, and decided they should reach out to those who needed help. At that time, Grand Rapids covered only 40 acres and had a population of about 1,500. Prospect Hill has vanished. Through the years, its soil was removed to fill in low spots and level nearby streets. A few weeks after the schoolhouse conference, the Female Union Charitable Association was formed with the goal of helping the sick and needy, clothing children for day and Sunday schools, and encouraging habits of thrift, industriousness and cleanliness. During the years that followed, the name of the association and location of its activities frequently changed. It was incorporated as the Grand Rapids Orphan Asylum Association in 1858 and operated in a small house on Prospect Avenue. In 1873, renamed the Union Benevolent Association, a charter was adopted providing for “all kinds of benevolent work, and with the privilege of maintaining and managing a home and a hospital for the aged, the infirm, the sick, and the needy.” A house on Bostwick Avenue near Lyon Street became the base of operations for several years. Early in the next decade, when a larger building was needed, the association’s trustees decided to seek funds for a structure at the corner of College Avenue and Lyon Street. The new UBA Hospital opened Feb. 23, 1886. Three years later, a home for nurses was built and a two-year course in nursing was provided with instruction by the city’s physicians. When Dr. Charles Shepherd, president of the UBA for its first 35 years, died in 1893, he was succeeded by Thomas D. Gilbert, who several years earlier had provided funds to wipe out the entire $8,000 debt of the association. The UBA’s next president, John W. Blodgett, donated funds for construction of a new hospital in the triangle of land bordered by Plymouth Road and Wealthy and Sherman streets. Opened in 1916, it was given in honor of his mother, Jane Wood Blodgett, and known as Blodgett Memorial Hospital. Another local hospital grew from the efforts of Rev. Samuel Earp, rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal parish, and eight ladies of the church, who, in 1873, established a home for care of a few older members of the congregation. That year one of the members of the founding group, Mrs. Edward P. Fuller, and her husband provided a home on Bond Avenue south of Crescent Street and, in 1875, a larger one on Island (now Weston) Street. In 1876, the home was incorporated as St. Mark’s Home and Hospital. In 1887, Richard E. Butterworth gave St. Mark’s a building site at the southwest corner of Michigan Street and Bostwick Avenue. He died the following year but left another gift for the construction of a new hospital. It opened in April 1890 and a school for nurses was completed by 1893.
PhotogrAPhy courtesy gorDon g. beLD
by gorDon g. beLD
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A few weeks after the schoolhouse conference, the female union charitable Association was formed with the goal of helping the sick and needy, clothing children for day and sunday schools, and encouraging habits of thrift, industriousness and cleanliness. A year later, the hospital was renamed Butterworth. Butterworth’s grandson, Edward Lowe, and his wife made several generous gifts to the hospital in the early 1900s, and in 1921 donated the city block bounded by Michigan, Bostwick, Crescent and Ransom, plus $500,000 toward a building fund. Grand Rapids citizens gave an additional $500,000, and the new hospital opened in May 1925. Women also were largely responsible for the establishment of Saint Mary’s Hospital, which was opened by the Sisters of Mercy in a house on Lafayette Avenue, donated in 1893 by Mrs. Mary McNamara. To manage the facility, three nuns came from a hospital in Big Rapids where they had cared for men injured while lumbering. Acquisition of additional nearby property enabled expansion, and a school for nurses was added before the end of the 19th century. In 1911, a five-story hospital was completed at the corner of Lafayette and Cherry Street. Prospect Hill and its schoolhouse vanished long ago, but the steps that were taken there by a few Grand Rapids women have changed the lives of thousands in the city and continue to do so. Gordon G. Beld has written more than 200 historical features for newspapers and magazines since the 1960s.
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Profile: Influential Women
Teaching from the heart As multi-ethnic coordinator in Grand Rapids Public Schools, Mary Edmond worked to select curriculum that reflected ethnic and gender diversity. by Paul R. Kopenkoskey
I
n the 1970s, racial and gender inequality reared its head in a most unlikely school subject: chemistry. Mary Edmonds, who’d been named the first multi-ethnic coordinator in Grand Rapids Public Schools, recalls the challenge she faced rooting out discriminatory educational methods against the “federal five”: African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians and, later, women. The committee reviewing new high school chemistry textbooks in 1972-73 didn’t understand how prejudice could be found in what seemed like such a color-blind subject, Edmond said. But the book under consideration featured brief bios of famous chemists, all of whom happened to be white males. “Children using this book would have no role models to pattern themselves after,” said Edmond, who retired in 1993 after 32 years as a GRPS educator. “When I pointed that out to the guys (in the committee), they didn’t have much to say.” Edmond, 73, said her life’s mission is “to get people to understand that how we are socialized and what we’ve experienced is what we view as true. I try to look for truth, the good, to understand where a person is coming from.” Throughout her career, Edmond worked to ensure high school graduates embraced a positive self-image. “We’ve misinterpreted the phrase ‘created in God’s image,’” she said. “We’re not talking about his physical image. It has to do with the heart and soul
and the way you treat people — how you think of that person as a human being.” Hard work went hand in glove with Edmond’s entrepreneurial-minded family. Her grandfather owned a brick and masonry business, and one of his sons became the first black mayor in Newport, Tenn. An aunt married a man who owned an icehouse, in the days when electric refrigerators were still the stuff of science fiction. Edmond was 8 when her father died, and the family hit hard times. His death required her mother to become a housekeeper
Mary Edmond Profession: Retired Grand Rapids Public Schools educator Community Involvement: Tour guide of local Underground Railroad sites, which includes a stop at her church, St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, once a minor spur for the Underground Railroad; board member of the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission; chairwoman of the Grand Rapids Sister City International-Ga District committee; board trustee at St. Luke African AME Zion Church; and African-American history consultant.
Photography by Johnny Quirin
Residence: Grand Rapids
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Profile: Influential Women in a wealthy widower’s home. Edmond started working at age 13 as a babysitter and also assisted her mother. Her goals took shape when she was a student in a one-room elementary school in Newport, Tenn. Her teacher was a strict disciplinarian known as Miss May. “She was always trying to make the community better for everybody,” Edmond said. “Everything she did was for your betterment. Some of the things I’ve done in education in Grand Rapids I learned from what was done in that oneroom schoolhouse.” Miss May believed in the diligence that memorization requires, which included the Gettysburg Address, the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, and the poem written in 1875 by English poet William Ernest Henley titled “Invictus” — Latin for “unconquered.” Edmond can still quote the verses verbatim. “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul,” Edmond recited. After graduating from Knoxville College in 1958, she found a teaching position as a voice and instrument instructor in Newport, a job that required her to ride a bus to the school that was 42 miles away from her home. Edmond and her husband, Leroy, heard of teaching jobs in Grand Rapids that paid double the $2,300 salary Mary Edmond was earning. After moving to Grand Rapids, Edmond found a job waiting tables at the now-shuttered Chicken Shack restaurant on South Division. One day a customer waged a $5 bet that Edmond could not get hired in the Grand Rapids school district. Edmond collected on that bet and accepted a thirdgrade teaching job that paid $4,800 a year in 1961 — more than twice what she was making at the all-black school where she had taught. She was the 38th black teacher hired to work in the GRPS district at a time when the district employed 1,300 people. Later, she taught music, starting in 1963 at the former South High School, and then became assistant principal of instruction at South Middle School. Edmond also was instrumental in getting the National Park Service to designate to its National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program a former slave and Civil War veteran, Isaac Bailey, who is buried at Oak Hill Cem-
etery in southeast Grand Rapids. She also served on the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission, which successfully pushed for a law that preserves buildings, places and monuments at significant Underground Railroad sites. Edmond continues to give historical tours of local Underground Railroad sites, which includes a stop at her church, St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church, once a minor spur for the Underground Railroad. “People in this area have inherited vast tracts of land that gave safe heaven to people long ago,” said Edmond. Miss May would have been proud of her, she said. “Miss May always gave you wings,” she said. “You were entitled to make mistakes.” GR
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Design The Wyoming Public Library is a uniquely modern building, created with sensuous forms and colorful materials inside and out. » pg29 Photography by Michael buck
Inside » People: Cornerstone Architects 24
» Trends: ANtiquing 26
» Art Appreciation 28
» Critic’s Choice 29
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Design: People
Architectural detectives TOM NEMITZ AND CREW AT CORNERSTONE ARCHITECTS SPECIALIZE IN RENOVATING HISTORIC STRUCTURES IN GRAND RAPIDS. by Tonya Schafer
A
Historical research helped Cornerstone Architects revamp the century-old D.A. Blodgett building in Grand Rapids’ Fairmount Square Historic District. Now the building’s façade is nearly identical to the brick-and-terracotta structure that opened in 1908. Below, two interior shots of the renovated building.
“As long as there’s a hearty stock of historic buildings, we feel good about the market,” Nemitz said. Cornerstone Architects has offices in Grand Rapids, Traverse City and Detroit and handles design projects across the state. However, much of the firm’s work has taken place in Grand Rapids, which has a wealth of historic buildings. Around the turn of the 20th century, Grand Rapids experienced what Nemitz called a “building boom.” Some of the city’s structures mirrored national design trends, like the Romanesque Trust Building and the Italianate Ledyard Building. Other structures carried the distinct imprint of local architects, such as William G. Robinson, who designed the Voigt House and the Cherry Street “castle,” both in Heritage Hill. As the century progressed, architects often preferred homogenous looks, like the unadorned aesthetic of shopping malls. They
Photography Courtesy Brian Kelly
cross Grand Rapids, new businesses are forming, current businesses are expanding, and a sense of revival is energizing the region. Tom Nemitz’s mission is to help the city embrace these opportunities while paying tribute to its past. Nemitz is principal of Cornerstone Architects, an architectural and design firm that has helped revitalize many of Grand Rapids’ historic buildings. The company specializes in giving new life to dated structures, some on the verge of demolition. Since Nemitz started Cornerstone Architects in 1989, the company has transformed declining buildings on Division Avenue into apartments and retail space, converted the former Grand Rapids YMCA building into condominiums, renovated the 94-year-old Select Bank Building on Monroe Center, and helped turn the former city water filtration plant into Clear Water Place, which contains office space and luxury apartments. Cornerstone handles new construction as well, with a portfolio that includes structures for Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City and Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth. While many clients hire Cornerstone to design new buildings, Nemitz said the market for historic rehabs is strong, especially in an economy which, for some clients, may make renovation less daunting than new construction.
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Design: People to Grand Rapids’ architectural heritage means that ICCF, its housing clients and the entire community will continue to benefit from this invaluable legacy for decades to come.” Historic rehabs can give new purpose to old buildings, but they also pose serious challenges. For many structures, designers struggle to preserve the vintage feel while accommodating modern technology. In some cases, they must completely re-imagine a space. When Cornerstone Architects transformed the YMCA building into The Fitzgerald condominium complex, designers turned the pool and gymnasium into a parking garage. The rest of the building became private residences and amenities such as a fitness center and library. “The size and scale of the project were mindnumbing,” Nemitz said. Yet the results, for both The Fitzger-
Photography Courtesy Brian Kelly
Cornerstone helped transform the old YMCA building into The Fitzgerald condominium complex.
revamped older structures to meet the new ideal. “It obliterated the historic detail,” Nemitz said. To resurrect the past, Nemitz and his team use primary sources such as vintage photographs that reveal buildings’ original appearances. The Grand Rapids Public Library is a valuable resource, offering archives that let Cornerstone’s designers acquaint themselves with the work of earlier architects. Nemitz and his team also find inspiration in the buildings themselves. Designers take note of such antiquarian features as tall windows and ornate trim, while eliminating modern additions to expose brick and timber construction. “We use a building’s elements as part of the interior design. Projects can have a loft style or a warehouse feel,” Nemitz said. Historical detective work helped Cornerstone revamp the century-old D.A. Blodgett building, 920 Cherry St. SE, in Grand Rapids’ Fairmount Square Historic District. In the 1950s, the building, which had an imposing brick facade and elegant Corinthian columns, acquired what Nemitz called a “god-awful addition on the front.” The structure, at one time an orphanage and hospital, sat vacant for 12 years before the Inner City Christian Federation, a nonprofit housing organization, bought it for use as its headquarters. Crews removed the offending additions, and Cornerstone’s designers used an antique postcard to recreate the original architecture. Now the Blodgett building’s facade is nearly identical to the brick-and-terracotta structure that opened in 1908, and gives the ICCF a stately, comfortable venue to carry out its mission, according to ICCF president and CEO, Jonathan Bradford. “This was not just another contract for them; it was their passion for three years,” said Bradford, referring to Cornerstone’s work on the project. “Their talent and their special dedication
“We use a building’s elements as part of the interior design. Projects can have a loft style or a warehouse feel.” — Tom Nemitz ald and Cornerstone’s other clients, are worth the effort. Near the Blodgett building, Cornerstone Architects is helping repurpose the former Spectrum Health child care center, which once served as a chapel and warehouse. Its new incarnation will include Brewery Vivant, a taproom where patrons can sip Belgian- and French-inspired brews in what was once a chapel. The former warehouse will become the brewery. The project also includes restoration of a house on the property, and the addition of two new buildings in the future. Cornerstone’s work in the taproom preserves the chapel’s gothic feel, while reinventing the space for a new purpose — a blend of tradition and innovation that embodies the company’s goal of keeping historic buildings vital in the 21st century. As Nemitz said, “We work with what a building has, not against it.” GR August 2010 Grand Rapids 25
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Design: Trends
City Antiques
City Antiques
Blue Door Antiques
Blue Door Antiques
What’s old is new
I
n an age where green isn’t just a color, antiques and “vintage” items have taken on a new appeal: For environmentalists, they now are part of the recycling lifestyle. For others, antiques still represent the glory and memories of days gone by. On any day of the week, you can find both kinds of shoppers browsing the many antique stores in Grand Rapids, enjoying the hunt and finding irresistible treasures. One especially popular area is the city’s southeast side, said Janet Kilgore, a long-time antiques dealer. Here are some of the places she recommends for a day of antiquing: eastown antiques (1515 Lake Drive SE) has 40 dealers and offers something for everyone, including books, clothing, furniture and “smalls” — the insider term for knick-knacks, glassware and other small items. Pieces from the 1900s-1950s are plentiful as is painted furniture. Favorite find: a table from Grand Rapids’ own Imperial
Furniture Co. “Antiques manufactured in Grand Rapids are a collector’s item in this area,” said Kilgore. “Someone from Ohio may not be willing to pay more for them, but people from Grand Rapids like to own furniture from here.” lighthouse antiques (1141 E. Fulton St.) is bright, airy and almost feminine, falling into the “old traditional” category of antique stores. “This is what most people picture when they think of an antique store,” said Kilgore. The store has a large selection of jewelry and linens, figurines, glassware and china — and lots of furniture. The store’s basement contains an assortment of quilts. Favorite find: a small display of fine collectible jewelry from the Hawaiian Islands. east Fulton antiques (959 E. Fulton St.) offers a mixture of painted furniture and primitive pieces, and several chandeliers
PhotogrAPhy By Johnny Quirin
A DAy oF AntiQuing CAn reVeAl soMe interesting treAsures At stores in southeAst grAnD rAPiDs. by Mary TIMMer
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Design: Trends
heirloom house Antiques
PhotogrAPhy By Johnny Quirin
heirloom house Antiques
hang from the ceiling. If you find a piece that you’d like painted, owner Kathy Nagy will paint it in your color choice. She and a friend, Deb Fenske, collect cottage-style furniture, architectural items and other eyecatching pieces and try to keep a good mix in the showroom. “We’re just a couple of older ladies who love what we do — fixing and repurposing,” said Nagy. city antiques (954 E. Fulton St.) has two stories of offerings, making it a challenge to see all the shop has to offer. Antiques mingle with newer items, and there is a lot of everything — lighting, china, silver, glassware, books, furniture, jewelry, magazines and more. If taxidermy pieces interest you, City Antiques has them. “We handle a lot of estates, so our inventory changes all the time,” said Sherri Taylor, co-owner. Favorite find: two massive chandeliers from the old Pantlind Hotel. blue Door antiques (946 E. Fulton St.) is just a couple of doors west. The shop specializes in painted furniture with faux and distressed finishes and re-upholstered classics. In the basement are more finds, including architectural salvage items. Favorite find: repurposed mittens and bags made from felted sweaters.
lighthouse Antiques
heirloom house antiques (505 Lakeside Drive SE) carries fine antiques, a few reproduction pieces and some French and European offerings. “We’re kind of snobby,” joked owner John McDonald. “No, not really. But we have very nice things.” McDonald, a hairstylist since 1971, maintains a hair salon in a small portion of the store. Usually blocked off by an armoire or other large piece, the salon is sometimes open to the store, adding a different point of interest for customers. Heirloom House recently added more antique shopping on its second floor. Favorite find: a Baker reproduction secretary. Grand Rapids has many more antique stores to explore. Victoria’s Warehouse and Century Antiques are neighbors, off the beaten path along the west side of U.S. 131 at 449 and 445 Century Ave. SW in the old Sligh furniture factory. They offer a huge selection of just about everything from multiple dealers. Phil’s Stuff at 724 Wealthy St. SE, open only on Saturday, has a vast array of architectural items such as doorknobs, bathtub feet, lighting fixtures, grate covers, and just “stuff” — as the name implies. 29th Street Antiques (2701 29th St. SE) has two floors of dealers’ booths and also offers restoration supplies. Gr August 2010 Grand rapids 27
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Design: Art Appreciation
Garden of color and light By JosePh AntenuCCi BeCherer
orange-yellow, to yellow and yellow-green. Light is carefully cast across the surface of the glass and immediately warms what would otherwise be a cavernous space. Through a stone portal, the viewer transitions into a more luminous space where greens evolve into a wide array of blues that peak as a variety of blueviolets. It is this spectrum of color that delights the eye as it is led on a beautiful journey. However, what really makes the space come alive is the shape of the glass and the structural system, or armature, on which the glass is mount-
ed. The glass form in the Chihuly repertoire is known as the Persian. Variations of the form are endless, but it is an organic shape blown to emulate something between a bowl and a platter. Contours ebb and flow producing a highly organic, even floral, shape. These are carefully mounted in cups across a tubular stainless steel armature suspended from the ceiling. The steel, like the glass, is highly organic, rising and falling as if it were a kind of metallic vine. Even the most casual of viewers cannot help but lose themselves in this garden of color and light. Contributing editor Joseph Antenucci Becherer is a professor at Aquinas College and curator of sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
PhotogrAPhy Courtesy KeVin AnD PAM BesWiCK/ PeoPle PlACes & things PhotogrAPhy
The transition from a darker, interior room to a luminous space defined by glass walls is truly unique. Chihuly used color and light to move the viewer visually and physically through his composition and the space.
Dale chihuly iS unDoubTeDly the world’s foremost artist working primarily in glass. His installations and exhibitions amaze audiences across the globe. In West Michigan, the Seattlebased artist’s work is found in several permanent collections, from chandeliers at Kalamazoo Institute of Art to an artful interpretation of a DNA strand hanging in the lobby of the Van Andel Institute in downtown Grand Rapids. Over the last decade, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has realized four projects with Chihuly. First was the commission of the magnificent chandelier in the atrium and a spectacular 2003 exhibition. “A New Eden,” an outdoor exhibition with 15 sites across the conservatory, gardens and grounds, is Chihuly’s largest temporary exhibition to date. Running through Sept. 30, it continues to draw audiences from across the U.S. and around the world to Meijer Gardens. But one should not overlook “Lena’s Garden,” a blown glass centerpiece installed in 2009 across the ceiling of the café. The glass sculpture is named for Lena Meijer, known for her life-long love of gardens and flowers. The ceiling is largely defined by a leafshape design that stretches at a slight diagonal from the renovated dining room out into an open, conservatory-like addition. The transition from a darker, interior room to a luminous space defined by glass walls is truly unique. Chihuly used color and light to move the viewer visually and physically through his composition and the space. Entering the café, visitors are met by the foremost tip of the leaf design populated by a wide array of deep red, red and red-orange glass, which slowly transitions to orange and
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Design: Critic’s Choice
The Wyoming Public Library, the largest in the Kent District Library System, features lively spaces through sculptural forms. A highlight is the children’s library. Below, the main library features a sculptural waterwall of abstract multi-colored glass.
Wyoming modern
Photography by Michael Buck
Photography courtesy Kevin and Pam Beswick/ People Places & Things Photography
by Mark F. Miller, AIA
The Wyoming Public Library is a uniquely modern building, created with sensuous forms and colorful materials inside and out. Nestled within a residential neighborhood just south of 28th Street on Michael Avenue, the 48,000-square-foot building is the busiest and largest branch of the Kent District Library System. It was designed by the Chicago firm of Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects. The children’s library is one of the highlights of the interior. The slightly curved west wall, covered in a mosaic of colored tiles, has triangle, circle and square windows that provide natural daylight to study nooks. Juxtaposed with this wall is a prominent vertical cylinder made of glass and stark white vertical fins that taper toward the ground. The August 2010 Grand Rapids 29
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Design: Critic’s Choice cylinder anchors the wall and houses a tall open playroom known as the “toddler tower.” This children’s wing features sculptural ceilings and an undulating wall that helps to form the study nooks while mimicking the bright colors of the exterior. The main entry to the building is flanked by a flowing transparent curtain
of glass that allows visibility for the café and bookstore, and a solid curving wall of articulated metal panels that queue the flow of visitors arriving from the parking lot. These panels form an interesting texture on the monolithic curve that encloses the community room, art gallery and checkout desk. The main library space is highlighted
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by a sculptural waterwall of abstract multi-colored glass, providing ambient noise to the large, light-filled room. Study nooks and reading rooms help define the edges of the space and provide isolated and semi-isolated areas that ensure patrons can find quiet places to read, reflect and learn. The largest of these spaces, featuring a fireplace, comfortable seating and access to magazines and periodicals, is a casual reading room that is enclosed by a curved glass partition wall. In addition to the enclosed rooms, the east side of the library has a series of shell-shaped alcoves undulating along the facade. These curvilinear study bays — each with its own built-in counter, seating groups and unique color scheme — have thin, vertically oriented windows that penetrate the curved wall and enhance the effect of the large south-facing windows that provide views of an adjacent wooded yard. The Wyoming Public Library follows the precedent of historic civic structures by using materials and composition to create a building that expresses importance, uniqueness and a distinguished presence, while also providing lessons in creating lively and fun spaces through sculptural forms. Mark F. Miller is an architect and urban designer at Nederveld and chairman of the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission.
Photography by Michael Buck
Shell-shaped alcoves offer views of the wooded lot.
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Special Advertising SEction
Grand Rapids | Home
Top to bottom/Attics & Basements Living down under
Wilcox Gardens Inspiring new beginnings
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Grand Rapids | Home
Special Advertising Section
Living Down under
W
Reinsma, operations manager for Scott Christopher Homes in Grand Rapids. “It’s an easy place to turn to when you can use that extra living space.”
“As opposed to adding on later upstairs, you don’t have to bump out walls here — the structure is already in place, outside of possibly some light framing and needed mechanicals,” noted Matt
Because the main plumbing, heating and cooling equipment is typically already located in the basement, making additions, connections and changes to these systems to support lower level upgrades isn’t difficult, he added.
hether still on the drawing boards or in an existing home, finishing off a basement is the most cost-effective way to add enjoyable square footage.
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In Michigan, ensuring that lower level living spaces will be warm enough come winter should be a priority during the early planning stages. Reinsma noted basements typically are four to five degrees colder than the upstairs. “The simplest option is to add an electric baseboard heater, because you’re just trying to supplement heat you have and it isn’t costly to run,” Reinsma said.
Photography courtesy Scott Christopher Homes
Naturally cool, quiet and tucked away from primary living areas, the lower level beckons. By Lis a M. Jen s en
7/1/10 12:52:45 PM
Grand Rapids | Home
Special Advertising Section
Photography courtesy Scott Christopher Homes (top); Integrity By Design (bottom)
Photography courtesy Scott Christopher Homes
“You also can also consider zoning your heating system, which allows you to heat different rooms in your home separately.” Electric or hot water in-floor heating may be pricier at the off-set, but this alternative is ultimately a cost-effective way to keep bedrooms and gathering spaces downstairs comfortable. “If you don’t want to go that route, a half-inch layer of foam can be added beneath the plywood,” Reinsma said. “Though you lose an inch of space, it makes a tremendous difference in how you feel down there.”
Making Spaces Creating comfortable living space on the lower level, along with an extra bedroom or two, caters to a variety of different situations “To save on expenses, more collegeage kids aren’t moving out,” noted Janel Joppie, a designer and owner of Integrity by Design. “Beyond this ‘boomerang’ generation — with economic times as they are — there’s another growing new trend: Adult kids and their parents choosing to share one larger
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home, along with its expenses and responsibilities, instead of downsizing. Couples who work full-time especially find it’s helpful to have grandparents around who enjoy picking up the kids and getting dinner started.”
Creating comfortable living space on the lower level, along with an extra bedroom or two, caters to a variety of different situations.
For lower level living, whether for teenagers or extended family, Joppie recommends a secondary laundry area and kitchenette, equipped with dishwasher, bar sink, refrigerator and microwave.
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While many homeowners are opting to incorporate an all-out theater room on the lower level, Joppie said an inviting family room with drapes that can be drawn and regular, comfortable seating instead of theater chairs makes the space more usable. “But families usually do find it’s best if a separate ‘hang-out’ or gaming area can be factored in for older kids and teens,” she noted. Grand rapids-based interior designer roberta lathrop agrees. “huge pillows for kids to sit on and an extra tv for games like the Wii, along with a nearby ping-pong or pool table, makes the room inviting and kids’ friends feel welcome,” she said. “if the space is left more open it can double as an exercise room as well.” While concrete flooring can be dressed up with an acid wash or specialized paint and area rugs, roberts also favors durable options including cork and vinyl composite tiles that add color and character. “Keeping the wall color lighter, along with carpeting or other flooring, keeps
In a lower-level bedroom suite custom-built by Scott Christopher Homes, chain-link bunk beds and warehouse-like character entice teens to hang out at home.
the lower level inviting,” Joppie said. “i encourage people to ignore the bulkheads — visually, they’ll go away if you don’t paint them a different color.” Foundation walls, she added, can be disguised with wainscoting or trim details. “this makes them look like a design choice,” she noted, “not something you had to have.”
outside light in,” reinsma said. “natural light can completely change the way a room feels. Keep fixtures flush mounted when possible, because usually there’s not as much head room.” For more lower level design ideas, visit www.buildanddesign.net; www. scottchristopherhomes.com; and www. robertalathrop.com.
But designers agree the most crucial key to creating welcoming lower level living is natural light. “if there isn’t much, a hole can be cut into the concrete wall, earth excavated, and an egress window well added, or landscape enclosure that allows more
Moving On Up WHILE LOWER LEVELS OFFER ample opportunities for expanded living space, there may be another option available homeowners are overlooking. “Most new homes today use trusses and don’t offer usable attic space,” said Roberta Lathrop, a certified interior designer who runs Grand Rapids-based Designs by Roberta. “But, depending on how a garage is constructed, the space of it may be turned into a great extra room.” One of her clients, who had his own transformed into an executive office space, loves the privacy, she shared. “Ceiling height just needs to be adequate,” Roberts said. “It’s worth consideration.”
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Photography courtesy scott Christopher homes (top): Design by reberta (bottom)
Grand rapids | Home
“this keeps separation of lifestyles and schedules from conflicting,” she said, “and creates a space where it is easy to maintain familiar independence.”
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AFTER
Photography courtesy Scott Christopher Homes (top): Design by Reberta (bottom)
BEFORE
“From start to finish, having one person to turn to for everything made the entire remodeling process much easier. Jeffery understood every part of it, especially what mattered most to us.” — Andrea and Phil Leistra
JEFFERY ROBERTS HOMES CHICAGO 312.560.5500
INC
GRAND RAPIDS 616.454.9490
W W W. J E F F E RY R O B E RT S . c o m
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good.
better! T
HE HAMMER. No matter how practical, handy and helpful, it can’t accomplish every task you need to tackle.
Believe it or not, a real estate agent is a lot like a hammer: One person can’t possibly do it all. Or do it all well. But the Katie Karczewski Team can.
630 Kenmoor Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 575-0119 www.katie-k.com
A group of real estate specialists working together on every aspect of every transaction, we make sure your home buying or selling experience is stress-free. Not sure how to dress your house up in its Sunday best? We do. Need a cleaning service, an interior designer or a landscaper? No problem. Whether its marketing your home, taking care of closing documents or helping facilitate the big move itself, the Katie Karczewski Team will make your transaction — and transition — a whole lot easier. Before you embark on your next real estate adventure, visit www.katie-k.com. Then call the Katie Karczewski Team. They know how to nail a great deal.
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Special Advertising Section
A collaborative understanding of what makes a home timeless is bringing new life to an East Grand Rapids legacy.
WilcoxGardens Inspiring new beginnings
By Lisa M. Jensen
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Special Advertising Section
Introducing Part Three of Wilcox Gardens, a Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home presentation.
Designing a new home on a blank slate
opens endless doors of possibility. But when that canvas is set in a frame to ensure quality and neighborhood cohesion, distinction is born from architectural inspiration and architectural ingenuity.
Taking cues from a gardener’s shed and other 1920s’ architectural structures in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, this home design concept is infused with timeless character.
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A
t Wilcox Gardens — an exclusive site
accepted the role of overseeing home design
condominium community that offers
for new residences here.
five new home sites, the last remain-
“It was important to TDG that we have an
ing in East Grand Rapids — builder/designer
overall concept for this community,” he said.
Jeffery Roberts has both.
“In this part of East Grand Rapids, every sur-
Architectural inspiration first came from
rounding residence was designed for its own-
the former Wilcox family community house.
ers by an architect — it wasn’t just built. But
More prevalently recognized as 2010’s Sym-
while each expresses that individuality, their
phony Showhouse, this unique brick resi-
quality of craftsmanship and natural materials
dence with its inner courtyard was built in
ties them all together.”
1920. Having expressed his knowledge of
To begin creating concept designs for
and appreciation for its architecture to the
available home sites at Wilcox Gardens,
owners of Wilcox Gardens (TDG, LLC), Roberts
East Grand Rapids-based Roberts followed a
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Special Advertising Section
research trail to public parks surrounding his studio in downtown Chicago. “Many of these park district structures were built during the ’20s, the same era as the Wilcox community house,” he explained. “They capture the period character we are after.” In places like Lincoln Park, the Windy City’s largest at just over 1,200 acres, Roberts photographed and documented styles of architecture and materials used. “A gardener’s shed here — a combination of stone and brick, with curved, bracketed archways and a quaint, cottage exterior — literally was the springboard for our Lincoln Park home concept at Wilcox Gardens,” he
Design Home. “Wayne and his associates (including David Lorenz and Paul Fikse) are able to turn
noted.
my research, inspirations and concepts into
Architectural Ingenuity
a buildable set of plans,” Roberts said. “He’s
To turn his inspirations, historical exper-
exceptional at not only being able to see
tise and attention to detail into several design
three-dimensionally in his mind and translate
concepts for the new community, Jeffery
that onto paper, but at remaining practical
Roberts Homes worked in conjunction with
financially as to how those concepts can be
veteran Grand Rapids Magazine (GRM) Design
translated into reality.
Home architect Wayne Visbeen and awardwinning Visbeen Associates, Inc. Though not an exclusive architect for Wilcox Gardens, Visbeen will also be collaborating with Roberts and buyers of the first home site purchased to develop GRM’s next
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“And he doesn’t compromise on design quality to achieve that.” Drawing from French, English and Spanish period architecture that influenced earlier Wilcox family homes as well as 1920s’ Chicago parks-inspired structures, these starting point home plans
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Special Advertising Section
Featuring natural materials including stone, brick, slate and stucco, exteriors of homes to be built at Wilcox Gardens will blend into a cohesive community but express distinct individuality. Jeffery Roberts Homes and Visbeen Associates, Inc. collaborated to create several home design plans that serve as springboards for new properties at Wilcox Gardens.
are united by exteriors crafted from natural materials including stone, brick, slate and stucco and use of reclaimed architectural elements to add distinction. “Each of these homes also, in some way, incorporates a large, usable front porch to pro-
L
OCATED WITHIN immediate proximity to schools, shopping and recreation, Wilcox Gardens will offer the rare opportunity to build within the land-locked community of East Grand Rapids. This site-condominium development will be a combination of existing and new single-family homes. Jeffery Roberts Homes, in conjunction with Visbeen Associates, Inc., has developed several design concepts for these exceptional historic home sites. Don’t miss this opportunity to build in one of America’s most livable communities. To inquire about available lots in Wilcox Gardens please contact Katie Karczewski at (616) 575-0119.
mote community,” Roberts said.
“Wilcox Gardens today will be devel-
“They might be screened or
oped the way Caroline Wilcox originally
open air, but they all come off
envisioned, which was for her children to
key living areas in the homes so
express their individuality in homes of their
that when you’re out in them,
own on the family estate, but to maintain
you can interact with neighbors
togetherness,” Roberts said.
passing by.”
To learn more about home design con-
And while landscaping will
cepts Jeffery Roberts Homes has developed
be individually tailored to suit
in conjunction with Visbeen Associates, Inc.,
each home’s character and
and available properties at Wilcox Gardens,
property, mailboxes and drive-
visit grmag.com/wilcox.
way markers will be united to
JEFFERY ROBERTS HOMES
underscore that sense of comINC
munity, as well as offer clean elegance.
Look for Part Four of Wilcox Gardens in the September issue of Grand Rapids Magazine.
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Grand Rapids’ Restaurant Authority
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42 Grand Rapids August 2010
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Whether they ride for practical reasons or the sheer joy of speed, the number of bicyclists in Grand Rapids seems to be on the rise. By Cristina Stavro > Photography by Johnny Quirin
August 2010 Grand Rapids 43
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It’s easy to believe 29-year-old Derek Graham when he says that
cycling is an addicting sport. The Grand Rapids resident has multiple bikes, including a Pinarello road bike with “lightweight carbon fiber frame and wheels, skinny tires and drop handlebars — like what you see in the Tour de France.” Graham has been riding since he was a kid, becoming hooked after his first mountain bike race at Pando Ski Area in 1991. Now as a member of the Bissell/Advantage Benefits Group team, he focuses more on road racing. “I love the sense of freedom and the feeling of going fast under my own power,” he said. “As you get more and more fit and start going faster and faster, the more fun it becomes.” Bike fever is catching on with a growing number of Grand Rapidians. Cyclists seem to be everywhere. Some, like Graham, crouch over their handlebars wearing spandex shorts and bright jerseys. Others have their pant legs rolled up and a pack slung across their shoulder, cycling to class or work. Like 26-year-old Daniel Koert. In summer 2009, Koert opened a bicycle shop in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. And just as the shop’s name suggests — Commute GR — Koert relies on his bicycle as his
primary means of transportation. “A whole day of errands and running around is about 20 miles, tops,” said Koert, who enlists his bike in all weather. With a rear rack on his bike, he can carry around $100-$120 worth of groceries. “That’s a lot of groceries,” he said with a smile, hinting that bikes can handle more than most people think. Koert has spent the past five years without a car simply because he loves cycling. Others may be motivated to take up bicycling for more practical reasons. “When gas prices went up three years ago, bike sales skyrocketed. Bikes became more a means of transportation, and people were getting off their butts and riding,” explained Koert. Brian Bangma, owner of Grand Rapids Bicycle Co., a bike shop on Celebration Drive near East Beltline and Knapp, experi-
Daniel Koert, owner of Commute GR in downtown Grand Rapids, rides his bike to run errands all year round.
Sharing the roads Is Grand Rapids a mecca for bicycle enthusiasts? Almost. In 2009, the League of American Cyclists dubbed GR a bronze-level bicyclefriendly community. And in April, Bicycling Magazine ranked Grand Rapids as the 36th friendliest city in the nation for cyclists. “We won largely based on our strong bicycle culture,” said Nate Phelps, president of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association. Part of that strong culture is the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, an advocacy group comprised of road and mountain cyclists, bicycling retailers, lawyers and
planners who came together after last year’s Grand Rapids Bicycle Summit. “The mission of GGRBC is to change Grand Rapids into a safe bicycling community,” said Barbra Schmid, the coalition’s advocacy chair and board member of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. As someone who has spent her fair share of time on a bike — including a ride across the country — Schmid points to the accomplishments of cities ranking at the top of the bike-friendly list: Minneapolis has indoor bicycle parking; Eugene, Ore., has lit bike paths and a Smart Ways to School program; and Boulder, Colo., has 300-plus miles of bike lanes and designated paths.
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enced his first taste of competitive cycling 20 years ago. “I enjoy the speeds that we are able to maintain as a group,” said Bangma. “Combine the speeds with the chess-like strategy, and I was hooked.” With racing season in full swing, the 33-year-old Ada resident is on his bike almost every day, training during the week for races that occur almost every weekend. However, not everyone has the need for speed. For Sarah Andro, beverage manager at Grand River Grocery, cycling is not about competition. “I love that you can just go outside and go forever.” And “go forever” is just about what Andro does on her bike. After her daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with diabetes five years ago, Andro heard about an opportunity to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through a 100-mile bike ride in Death Valley, Calif. “I bought a bike in April, trained in six months, and rode 100 miles in October,” she said. Now, she said, cycling is a big part of her life. The whole family, including her husband and their three children, ride together at least once a week. Even the youngest go along, sitting in a Burley Bike Trailer that attaches to Andro’s bicycle. Andro said she rides her Cannondale bike four or five times a week, either on her own or with friends. “We will go out, ride and talk. It’s a fun and social exercise; you’re outside, and I feel good about it.” GR Cristina Stavro is a former Gemini intern and a student at Calvin College.
For Grand Rapids, an increased presence of bike lanes would be a good start, Schmid said. She supports a national movement, Complete Streets, which advocates for the design and operation of roadways “with all users in mind — including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.” Lansing was the first city in the state to adopt the strategy and Schmid hopes Grand Rapids won’t be far behind. “Ideally, commuting cyclists are safer when traveling on the road with traffic. The key is for transportation planners to think about that during the design or resurfacing
Left: The Grand Rapids Mountain Bike Park that opened this summer at 580 Kirtland SW was a project of the Western Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, the city and the local bicycle community. Below: Members of the Bissell Cycling Team practice at Grattan Raceway, which has been providing a summer venue for bicycle racing since 1980.
phase,” she said. GGRBC is currently working with the city — namely city planner Suzanne Schultz — to revise the bicycling portion of the city’s master plan. “Four-foot-wide striped shoulders or designated bike lanes become critical for the safety of cyclists,” Schmid said. Daniel Koert, owner of Commute Grand Rapids, is pleased at the city’s efforts, such as the addition of a bike lane along Lake Drive. In areas without lanes, bicyclists often encounter motorists who aren’t willing to share the road. “Drivers are often less than accommodating, to put it nicely,” said Grand Rapids
resident Derek Graham, a software developer who races competitively. “For some reason, a lot of drivers in the Grand Rapids area are under the impression that bicycles do not belong on the roads. The fact is that bicycles are vehicles and cyclists are subject to all the same rules and responsibilities as drivers.” Koert has seen positive changes in the community’s response to bicyclists in the past year. “I have people telling me they have been yelled at less by motorists and are getting a little more respect on the road.” — Cristina Stavro
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Setting a leadership style Four new college presidents hold forth on their personal visions for their schools. By Anna Dysinger
F
Steven Ender
Steven Ender, Grand Rapids Community College Age: 60 Birthplace: Richmond, Va. Residence: Grand Rapids Education: Bachelor’s degree in business
management from Virginia Commonwealth University; master’s degree in student personnel and higher education, and doctorate in human development from University of Georgia. Family: Married to Karen, two children. Professional Background: Has worked in higher education for 35 years. Previous work includes faculty and administrative positions at the University of Georgia, Kansas State University and Westmoreland County Community College. Something People Should Know: His
identical twin brother, Kenneth, is president of Harper College in Illinois. Where is your focus? “My focus is with our students. What attracted me as I considered the presidency at Grand Rapids Community College was the excellent faculty and comprehensive learning experience we offer at an affordable price. I believe these two conditions create a learning environment that can transform matriculating students. “The quality of the faculty we have originates from our history. GRCC was founded almost 100 years ago by science faculty from the University of Michigan. Their legacy as scholars lives at the campus today, as our faculty … provide the very best in work force and liberal arts training. “GRCC’s academic and co-curricular offerings are comprehensive and effective. Through
Photography by Johnny Quirin
our area colleges have recently welcomed new leaders. While each man has a different focus, all share a commitment to higher education. Steven Ender, president of Grand Rapids Community College, strives to offer students a university education with the benefits of a community college atmosphere. Western Michigan University President John Dunn focuses on sustaining educational opportunities and sharing them with veterans and students formerly in foster care. Richard Pappas, president of Davenport University, has developed a fiveyear plan to provide graduates with the tools to exceed employer expectations. Cornerstone University President Joseph Stowell combines academics and spirituality to help students succeed in all areas of life.
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activities such as our diversity speaker series, the diversity center, Spectrum Theater, athletic programs, clubs and organizations, student leadership training, academic service learning and an array of other offerings, GRCC promotes both cognitive, intellectual development and personal, affective development to promote informed decision making and future contributions to the greater society where our students work, live and play. “My major focus is and has been to preserve the comprehensiveness of GRCC while maintaining affordable tuition so that all have an opportunity to both access and reap the enormous benefits resulting from success in higher education. “I like to describe GRCC to my friends and colleagues as a place where a student can receive a university education with the benefits of a community college approach. GRCC practices a student-centered approach, and I sincerely believe GRCC represents the very best of higher education.” Joseph Stowell, Cornerstone University Age: 66 Birthplace: Ithaca, N.Y. Residence: Ada Education: Undergraduate degree from
Photography by Michael Buck
Cedarville University; doctorate from Masters Seminary; Th.M. in New Testament Studies
from Dallas Theological Seminary. Family: Married to Martie, three children and
10 grandchildren. Professional Background: From 1987
to 2005, served as president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. From 2005 to 2008, served as teaching pastor at Harvest Bible Church, an 8,000-member church near Chicago. Something People Should Know: He is a huge Cubs fan. Where is your focus? “My major focus and interest is in our students. In our mission statement, we identify CU as a school that is committed to a ‘student-focused learning environment.’ I came back into Christian Higher Education because I believe in millennials, and this generation’s potential to make significant contributions to the betterment of the cultures and communities of our world. This generation has a deep thirst for authenticity, meaning, purpose, mercy and justice. When they are given a cause worth living for they are energetically determined to take it forward. “As a distinctively Christian university, it is our calling to graduate individuals who will leave CU with a passion to bless their world, their professions and the relationships they engage in with the constructive and edifying ways of God’s kingdom. This means that we must engage in providing a spiritually contagious environment that is academically rigorous, richly resourced and culturally diverse.
“As a distinctively Christian university, it is our calling to graduate individuals who will leave CU with a passion to bless their world, their professions and the relationships they engage in with the constructive and edifying ways of God’s kingdom.” — Joseph Stowell
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“Each student at any of our campuses across Michigan will receive the level of individual support they need to meet their goals, graduate and exceed employer expectations.” — Richard Pappas
“Whether it is in our undergraduate division, our professional and graduate school or our seminary (Grand Rapids Theological Seminary), we are committed to providing an atmosphere where the entire person is formed into an individual who can make a lasting and significant impact on the environments they serve in. Any school can make a person intellectually and professionally capable. We are convinced that our world is in desperate need of individuals who are not only well-trained academically and professionally but who will in addition have the capability of bringing the added value of qualities like integrity, servanthood, care and concern for the poor and marginalized, a solid and reliable work ethic, generosity and a willingness to bring the healing power of forgiveness and mercy into the environments that they enter after graduation.” Richard Pappas, Davenport University Age: 58 Birthplace: Midland, Mich. Residence: Holland Education: Bachelor’s degrees in business
management, higher education and marketing from Eastern Michigan University; master’s and doctorate from University of Michigan. Family: Married to Pam, three children. Professional Background: Has served as a college president for 21 years. Before coming
to Davenport, spent four years as the president of National-Louis University, 11 years as president of Lake Michigan College and 5 years as president of Hartford Community College. Something People Should Know: He was a table tennis champion. Where is your focus? “The central theme of my presidency is the aspiration to make Davenport University a premier university in Michigan, establishing it as an institution of high quality. “We have defined a new vision for the university and completed the strategic plan that we identified as immediate goals when I started as president last fall. This five-year roadmap for success is a shared vision of our board of trustees, our university community and our partners in the business and health community. This is the vision that will define DU in 2015. “Through our goal process tied to our fiveyear plan, we are positioning ourselves to apply for the Malcolm Baldrige Award, the nation’s highest quality achievement. We will reach this measurable quality through relentless drive and a desire to be the very best, establishing and exceeding standards of excellence for teaching, learning and service. “We have pledged to understand the needs of employers and, more important, deliver on them, transforming communities and changing the lives of students. To do this, we will team up
Photography by Johnny Quirin
Richard Pappas
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with constituents in the communities we serve, in business and health, in education and in the public arena. “Each student at any of our campuses across Michigan will receive the level of individual support they need to meet their goals, graduate and exceed employer expectations. Their Davenport education will prepare them to think critically, solve problems, work in groups, communicate effectively, and to use other essential skills they will need for leadership in their chosen careers. Success of our students as professionals in the marketplace will be a key measure of our quality. This is our vision, and this is our direction. We aspire to great things.”
ing campus services that help them transition to college, find success, and meet their personal and professional goals. “Western Michigan University is a place where students learn from research professors and creative scholars who are on the front line in discovering new knowledge and setting national trends and standards. Our bottom line is simple: We work every day to build, enhance and preserve a vibrant research university that is centered on student achievement.” GR Anna Dysinger is an intern at Gemini Publications and a student at Alma College.
Photography by Johnny Quirin
John Dunn, Western Michigan University Age: 64 Birthplace: Pinckneyville, Ill. Residence: Kalamazoo Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees
from Northern Illinois University; doctorate from Brigham Young University. Family: Married to Linda, three children, one grandson. Professional Background: Came to WMU July 1, 2007, after five years as provost and vice-chancellor of Southern Illinois University. Served the last eight months as interim chancellor. Something People Should Know: He is an avid runner and uses the sport as a way to get to know his community. Where is your focus? “As the leader of a major public research university, my focus is to capitalize on the phenomenal educational opportunities and resources entrusted to us to build a campus environment that centers on the success of our students. As a campus community, we have an unwavering commitment to do whatever is needed to ensure students can and do take full advantage of the opportunities available to them here. “In a broad sense, this is about sustainability — preserving our nation’s most important resource, which is human capital. We’re determined that any qualified student who has the desire and commitment to earn a degree will achieve that goal. “We take great pride in providing a welcoming environment for the most academically talented students through our Lee Honors College, which is one of the oldest collegiate honors programs in the nation. The student profile for that college rivals the profiles of students attending the most prestigious private colleges in the state and nation. “We invest time and resources to meet the needs of specific segments of the population that are not always well served in higher education. Those include our nation’s veterans and students who age out of foster care. We’re setting the bar nationally when it comes to provid-
John Dunn
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COLLEGE UPGRADES Local campuses are adding new facilities and sprucing up their brick and mortar.
BY ANN BYLE
T
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (TOP); COURTESY CALVIN COLLEGE (BOTTOM)
he summer months do not provide a hiatus for colleges and universities, which spend the student-free weeks doing maintenance oon n buildings and grounds or making progress on larger projects. Several significant building projects are underway at area institutions, including renovation and expansion of the Aquinas College Fieldhouse and Calvin College’s Fine Arts Center, and the new Sneden Center being
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (BOTTOM); COURTESY AQUINAS COLLEGE (ABOVE)
At left, Calvin College plans to open Covenant Fine Arts Center this month. Above, Aquinas College’s Sports and Fitness Center is nearing completion with the renovation of the old fieldhouse.
built at Davenport University’s W.A. Lettinga Campus on Kraft Avenue south of 60th Street. Grand Rapids Community College, which purchased the old Davenport facilities on Fulton Street downtown, is focusing on renovating those buildings. “This year, we’re working on the second and third floors of Sneden Hall,” said Tom Smith, executive director of facilities at GRCC. “We’re preparing to hold day and night classes at Sneden Hall, and anticipate beginning work on Warren Hall. That building will house faculty who will hold their classes on what we’re calling the East Campus.” While renovation and bringing buildings up to code is the focus at the East Campus, GRCC continues routine updating and repair on the main campus. Updating a parking structure, moving offices, cleaning and painting all are summer projects. GRCC recently kicked off a $15 million capital campaign that targets major renovations and technology upgrades. “We have a college with good educa-
tional facilities that students and the community are proud of,” said Smith. “We want good technology, good lighting, a good atmosphere to allow people to concentrate on their studies instead of their environment.” Calvin College, on the southeast side of Grand Rapids at Burton Street and East Beltline Avenue, plans to open the doors to its $17 million Covenant Fine Arts Center in August after more than a year of reducing the building to its core and then recreating the space. The auditorium remains at the center of the building, but additions and restructuring bring new office space, music practice rooms, classrooms, recital space and a new location for the college’s Center Art Gallery. There is also more instrument and music library storage. “We began work in May 2009, after spending close to a month cleaning out everything … 50 years of theater props, the grand pianos, desks, etc.,” said Henry
DeVries, Calvin CFO. “For the first time ever, the English department will be in contiguous offices.” DeVries looks forward to improved mobility in the facility, and the addition of hearing loop technology and more impaired and companion seating in the auditorium. “The community will benefit in that we’ll broaden artistic offerings, plus the corridors are wider and washrooms are bigger,” said DeVries. “The most fun part is that somebody believed in us and gave us the money to do it. It’s astounding and overwhelming.” Davenport University also plans an August opening for its 41,000-square-foot expansion to the academic center. The Sneden Center is a four-story addition that will house leadership and executive teams, AUGUST 2010 GRAND RAPIDS 51
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administrative functions such as financial aid offices, seven classrooms, faculty offices and a new boardroom. Jim Becsey, vice president for facilities management, says the $8 million project also offers a 230-seat auditorium for public use. “We can use it for a lecture hall, bring in outside speakers and make it available for the public to rent. We don’t now have a venue of that size so, for Davenport, it’s a brand new space,” said Becsey. “We’ll also have a large meeting room that can be divided into three smaller rooms for internal and external use.” Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Road SE, also has expansion on the agenda. Phase I of its $12 million Sports and Fitness Center is nearing completion with the renovation of the old fieldhouse. According to Greg Meyer, associated vice president for advancement, the renovated facility will add a new fitness center, basketball/volleyball court, athletic training facility, classrooms and, for the first time ever, locker rooms. “We’re very excited about the new facility,” said Meyer. He says Phase II will include intramural courts and a track-andfield facility.
Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University, 17 Fountain St. NW in downtown Grand Rapids, is hoping to finalize plans and receive final approval for renovation of the old Federal Building, which also was home to the Grand Rapids Art Museum from 1980-2007. The college is looking at 2012 to open the facility. “The building will allow us to expand our sculpture facility and provide a better facility in the metals area than we now have,” said Dr. Oliver Evans, president of Kendall. “It will provide us with a great deal more exhibition space, and we’ll devote part of the space to our continuing studies programs for children and adults.” Additional plans include developing a new undergrad design program, a materials library in collaboration with the Material ConneXion in New York City, and public lecture halls for large and small events. “We’re not sure when the building will actually fall under our control,” said Evans, “but we hope to have plans finalized and final approvals by June or July. We have the commitment that the building will be available to us by October and for ArtPrize.” Grand Valley State University has no large projects this summer, but continues
work on a series of smaller projects that include reconstructing as existing soccer field, work on the classroom and food service facility, Commons Bridge reconstruction, and rebuilding the entry to the Kirkhof Center, all on the Allendale campus. “Each year the university undertakes a group of projects designed to keep the university buildings in good service,” said James Moyer, assistant vice president for facilities planning. “These include roof repairs and replacements, exit improvement, new carpet, paint, door replacements and walkway repairs. The work choice is dependent upon which items are the most demanding.” Cornerstone University and Kuyper College in Grand Rapids are planning routine maintenance, while Grace Bible College, 1011 Alden St. SW, has completed a feasibility study for upcoming projects. President Ken Kemper said that Grace Bible will announce a capital campaign this fall. GR Ann Byle is a freelance writer in Grand Rapids.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Kendall College of Art & Design will begin renovation of the old Federal Building in October.
52 GRAND RAPIDS AUGUST 2010
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Colleges & Universities Aquinas College
Cornerstone University
Kendall College of Art & Design/Ferris State University Grand Valley State University Michigan Technological University Oakland University Spring Arbor University The Thomas M. Cooley Law School Western Michigan University
Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire. — William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) Irish poet, dramatist
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There’s more than one way to a brilliant career. Find yours at Aquinas College. Traditional Undergraduate Undergraduate Programs. Programs. Want Want aa mind-opening mind-opening education? education? Traditional AQ offers offers more more than than 60 60 majors, majors, 18 18 degree degree programs, programs, and and scholarships scholarships AQ for academics, academics, leadership, leadership, volunteerism, volunteerism, and and athletics. athletics. for Continuing Education. Education. Whether Whether your your goal goal is is aa new new career, career, aa promotion, promotion, Continuing or simply simply aa degree, degree, our our adult adult undergraduate undergraduate programs programs are are the the first first step. step. or Master of of Management. Management. Learn Learn how how to to manage manage people people and and strategically strategically Master lead organizations organizations to to meet meet the the changing changing global global challenges challenges of of business. business. lead
Master of of Sustainable Sustainable Business. Business. This This new new program program will will allow allow students students Master and employers employers to to gain gain the the skills, skills, knowledge, knowledge, and and understanding understanding needed needed and to restore restore environmental environmental integrity integrity and and build build healthy healthy communities communities while while to maximizing profitability profitability in in the the work work sector. sector. maximizing Graduate Education Education Programs. Programs. Earn Earn your your initial initial certification certification along along with with Graduate master’s degree degree or, or, ifif you you are are certified, certified, add add an an endorsement endorsement with with or or aa master’s without aa master’s master’s degree. degree. without
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Aquinas College has consistently ranked among the top colleges in the Midwest by U.S.News & World Report. Offering more than 60 undergraduate majors and four graduate degrees, Aquinas has programs for students of all ages and interests. The newest program is its Master of Sustainable Business (MSB) degree, the first of its kind in the Midwest. It builds upon the successful undergraduate sustainable business program, the first degree of its kind in the nation established in 2003. The new academic curriculum combines six conventional business courses currently offered in the Aquinas Master of Management program with six sustainable business courses. Classes are offered in the evening in eight-week segments. The result is an intensive and comprehensive focus on the ideas and practices shaping the future of business, communities and the planet. The MSB program will give you the knowledge, understanding and skills to meet the triple bottom line: people, profit and the planet. It’s an education supporting a responsible approach toward profitability that will help restore environmental integrity and build healthy communities. With a broadened education in sustainable business, you will be able to utilize natural system thinking to help you respond to and influence change in local and global conditions. While the new Master of Sustainable Business degree offers an exciting new foray into business thinking, the College continues to provide other
Aquinas LEED certified Grace Hauenstein Library exciting programs that help students acquire skills that help them become critical thinkers, articulate speakers, strong writers and effective problem solvers—the important elements of a well-rounded liberal arts education with a Catholic perspective. Not only are our students learning in the traditional classroom setting, but through the various international studies programs and service projects, our students are learning important lessons about the realities of life in other environments around the globe, in areas like Costa Rica, Mexico, Ireland, Appalachia and the inner city of New York.
Visit www.aquinas.edu and find out how AQ can help you make a difference. GRM_08.10_Sec8_PG53.72 55 GR Magazine.indd 2
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1001 e beltline ave ne grand rapids mi 49425 800.787.9778 www.cornerstone.edu
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“Any school can make a person intellectually and professionally capable. At Cornerstone we are convinced our world desperately needs individuals who are not only well-trained academically and professionally but who will bring to their career the added values of integrity, servanthood, care for the poor, a reliable work ethic and generosity.” – Dr. Joe Stowell, president With over 46 majors to choose from, 16 advanced degrees, a required internship program, engaging professors, numerous cross-cultural learning opportunities and a spiritually contagious campus community, Cornerstone students experience life in 3D. We invest in their heads, hearts and hands so they can begin to build a life that matters. Now you know why employers can’t wait to interview Cornerstone grads.
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Jovannah Nicholson
Matt Maniscalco
Phil Scally
Kendall College of Art and Design is a small, supportive, collaborative community where students grow as artists and designers... and as individuals. We help emerging artists and designers develop, explore and unfold their potential. Kendall also offers MFA degree concentrations in Drawing, Painting, Photography and Printmaking. For more information please call 1 800.676.2787 or visit www.kcad.edu. Kendall offers BFA degrees in Art Education, Digital Media, Drawing, Fine Art-Printmaking, Furniture Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Metals/Jewelry Design, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture and Functional Art; a BS degree in Art History; a Masters of Art Education; MFA degrees with concentrations in Drawing, Painting, Photography or Printmaking, and, as part of Ferris State University’s MBA program, an Advanced Studies Certificate in Design and Innovation Management.
Diana Frurip
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Special advertiSing Section Master’s Degrees Business Administration Career and Technical Education Criminal Justice Administration Curriculum and Instruction Information Systems Management Nursing Bachelor’s Degrees Business Administration Business Administration - Culinary Management Business Administration - Professional Track Computer Information Systems Computer Information Technology Construction Management Criminal Justice Digital Animation and Game Design Digital Media Software Engineering Elementary Education Health Care Systems Administration Health Information Management Industrial Technology and Management Information Security and Intelligence Manufacturing Engineering Technology Nuclear Medicine Technology Nursing, RN to BSN Product Design Engineering Technology Quality Engineering Technology Associate Degrees Building Construction Technology Health Information Technology Respiratory Care Professional Development Certificates Advanced Construction Management Construction Administration Homeland Security: Digital Security & Forensics Medical Coding & Reimbursement Specialist Quality Technology
Ferris State University offers an exceptional variety of degree completion programs… and you don’t have to travel far to do it. Classes are offered on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College. Ferris-Grand Rapids offers hands-on learning, convenient scheduling and small classes – all focused on the concerns of working professionals. For more information call 616.451.4777 or visit www.ferris.edu/offcampus.
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On a scale. Small classes. Big thinkers. Raise your hand if you prefer personal attention. At Grand Valley, we keep class sizes small to provide students with individual instruction from the highly qualified faculty who teach all of our classes. It’s just one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report has named us one of the “Best in the Midwest” three years in a row.
www.gvsu.edu
gvsu.edu/grand | (616) 331-2025 | (800) 748-0246
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University
undertaken by faculty are viewed as an opportunity to
has established a reputation
collaborate with students to enhance the learning
for preparing students to
experience. in this way, undergraduate students gain
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research experience that is more typically reserved for
The university’s focus on
graduate students at other colleges and universities.
individual student achievement has created unique undergraduate and graduate learning opportunities that attract top students from
exceedinG yoUr exPecTATionS
across the country and around the world.
Supporting this network
AcTinG from A STronG foUndATion
and faculty are contem-
The liberal education focus at Grand Valley puts an
porary campuses in Grand
emphasis on critical thinking, creative problem solving,
rapids and Allendale. both campuses include state-of-
and cultural understanding. Virtually all of the university’s
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of high-achieving students
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at a higher level puts a premium on teaching excellence. Grand Valley faculty come from some of the country’s leading institutions because the university encourages them to do what they do best – teach. even the innovative research projects
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intelligurpose (n, in-tel-uh-JUR-pus) When intelligence meets purpose; like what you’ll find at Michigan Tech. 130 innovative degree offerings; hands-on learning experiences through undergraduate and industry research, study abroad, and senior design projects; and hundreds of internships and co-ops with top organizations across the country and around the world. We do that.
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We Do That.
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Michigan Tech students are smart . . . very smart. They don’t simply read about space; they join our Aerospace Enterprise team and create their own nanosatellite. Or learn about groundwater engineering by traveling to a Nicaraguan village and designing their own system. Or embrace green technology by developing solar and wind backup solutions for power substations. Each year, more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students prepare to create the future in engineering; forest resources; computing; technology; business; economics; natural, physical, and environmental sciences; arts; humanities; and social sciences. And they get to do it all in a location filled with natural beauty and countless opportunities to get involved on campus—groomed hiking, biking, and cross country ski trails; our very own Alpine ski hill and award-winning golf course; 200-plus student organizations; and more. When we say “we do that,” we mean it.
Free online application • www.admissions.mtu.edu Michigan Technological University Houghton, Michigan mtu4u@mtu.edu • 888-688-1885 • 906-487-2335
Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer.
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the Core ConCept. The CORE curriculum is foundational to your Spring Arbor experience. It’s our concept come to life over a very personal 4-year journey that is likely to produce many of your best friends and best shared memories. It starts the minute your parents pull away from the curb (and head home to turn your bedroom into a home theatre). Don’t think for one minute that you are now alone. Fourteen freshmen, an upperclassman mentor and a professor will quickly find you, introduce themselves and claim you as one of their own. This is your CORE group, and they will be invaluable as you dig into those early days of college life and immerse yourself in the fast-paced flurry of activity that is the SAU culture. here’s how it unfolds.
CORE 100.
CORE 100 introduces you to college life, including the Spring Arbor University Concept and the process of becoming an educated person. Many of the course activities emphasize general intellectual skills (writing and speaking), and social and relational skills (interpersonal communication). It’s like a laboratory where you figure out how college life works, unpack the complexities of relationships and community, and even discover a few new things about yourself. The highlight of this course is the famous Cedar Bend excursion, which explores community, cooperation and communication. Your cell phone and iPod are collected, and silenced. Your comfortable little world is tossed aside as you learn what it means to depend on each other for shelter and food. The result is that you build lifelong friendships on this weekend trip to a turn-of-the-century working farm in upper Michigan. If you’re tired of hearing the buzz word “authentic community,” then you’ll love Cedar Bend, because it’s the real deal. All your presuppositions of yourself and others will be challenged, and, most likely, changed.
CORE 200.
It’s a trip to an urban experience in Chicago, and a lot of heavy conversation about some of the moral, philosophical and social issues the world has been
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dealing with over the last few decades. In this course you’ll reflect on what it means to develop a Christian worldview and to be a critical participant in today’s world.
CORE 274.
Put aside any pre-trip jitters. CORE 274 is all about cross cultural readiness—a prep course for CORE 275. Helpful cultural studies, discussions and coursework will orient you to the new culture you are about to encounter. You’ll know which grasshopper to eat, which water not to drink and where to find a restroom. (The previous three comments are usually unrelated.)
CORE 275. CORE 300.
During your junior year you’ll discuss themes from creation, the Fall, redemption and restoration. As your belief system becomes your own, you’ll become more aware of history, literature and the Bible’s impact on Western culture.
CORE 400.
Discover an apologetic based on a biblical perspective, as you engage in discussions that deal with hot topics and current issues. You’ll gain the confidence needed to be salt and light, as you critically think about the Christian faith and its role in culture.
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CORE 275: “Depth of fielD.” Cultural EnCountEr of thE Global Kind. Forget about relying on the Discovery Channel and an oversized remote to take you far and away. CORE 275 is like packing a whole extra year into three weeks of your college experience. Your cross cultural experience will open your eyes and broaden your perspective on the global community. You will dig deeper into the five culture-shaping spheres: education, government, religion, family and economy. Some are so compelled by this experience that it retools their whole future. While it’s not a missions trip, it’s a powerful addition to your SAU experience—and it will prepare you for life and work in a shrinking world.
Cross Cultural Destinations Cambodia Chicago China Costa Rica Czech Republic
Egypt England France Germany Greece
Guatemala Hungary Ireland Italy Morocco
Peru South Africa South Korea Uganda Zambia
Semester Programs Japan Guatemala
the Spring Arbor UniverSity ConCept Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary world.
Spring Arbor, Michigan www.arbor.edu/grmagazine admissions@arbor.edu 800.968.0011
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THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL
PREPARED
PRACTICE
Cooley’s Career and Professional Development Office provides graduates with a reputation for job readiness.
Cooley Law School’s state-of-the-art courtrooms are devoted to trial and appellate skills-training.
KNOWLEDGE A curriculum designed to help students master the knowledge, skills, and ethics they need.
DYNAMIC
PROFESSIONAL
Students are immersed in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment to study and understand the law more fully.
Cooley fosters and encourages service, and promotes commitment to our communities.
SUCCESSFUL We expect all of our graduates to pass the bar and to be competent, ethical, practicing attorneys.
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DIVERSE We’re among the nation’s most diverse institutions, with the largest enrollment of minority law students in the United States.
ms
ETHICS
SKILLS
Cooley graduates understand and embrace the legal, moral, ethical, and professional responsibilities of lawyers.
Our externship program has been in place for more than a decade.
AFFORDABLE Cooley Law School’s tuition is very competitive and is among the most affordable of private law schools.
knowledge. skills. ethics.
a g d lly.
Real-Life Lawyering Skills – Cooley’s clinical programs provide students with the kind of invaluable real-world experience that allows them to start their careers the day they graduate. Cooley Law School offers classes year round across the state of Michigan at its four locations in Auburn Hills, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. Cooley students receive a legal education that provides them with the knowledge, skills, and ethics Cooley graduates are known for worldwide. Find out more about Cooley’s excellent program at cooley.edu. Cooley Law School. Right time, right here, right for you. Thomas M. Cooley Law School is committed to a fair and objective admissions policy. Subject to space limitations, Cooley offers the opportunity for legal education to all qualified applicants. Cooley abides by all federal and state laws against discrimination. In addition, Cooley abides by American Bar Association Standard 211(a), which provides that “a law school shall foster and maintain equality of opportunity in legal education, including employment of faculty and staff, without discrimination or segregation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.”
ICG.0610.019.AD
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Amelia, 4.1 GPA Jenison High School Lee Honors College
Kelsey, 3.8 GPA East Kentwood High School Biological Sciences
DeMontĂŠ, 3.6 GPA Godwin Heights High School Business Management
These are just a few of the very smart people from the Grand Rapids area who have chosen Western Michigan University. Their reasons are as varied as the degrees they are pursuing. 230 academic programs and the distinction of being a U.S. News & World Report best national university are just two. Smart choice, Grand Rapids, we wish all of you success in work and life.
Rebecca, 4.0 GPA Grandville High School Pre-Med
Tiffany, 3.3 GPA Union High School Mechanical Engineering 7/1/10 2:58:28 PM
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Megan, 3.5 GPA West Ottawa High School Fine Arts
Jesse, 3.5 GPA Kenowa Hills High School Engineering
Aubrey, 3.99 GPA East Kentwood High School Accountancy
Barbie, 4.41 GPA Hastings High School Biomedical Sciences GRM_08.10_Sec8_PG53.72 71
Danielle, 3.79 GPA Ottawa Hills High School Nursing 7/1/10 2:58:42 PM
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72 GRAND RAPIDS AUGUST 2010
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Great state escapes Venture Into Michigan
What Couples Want An Experience To Remember
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State Escapes Great
Get away without going away: Michigan is home base to destinations and excursions that won’t disappoint — or break the bank. By Lisa M. Jensen
hile travel agents agree most brides and grooms want to flee the familiar to unwind after the big event, couples seeking a memorable escape don’t need to venture beyond their own state’s backyard to find it. Consider tying these adventures into an “in-house” honeymoon.
Freshwater Escapes Rather than embark on an Alaskan cruise, venture six-and-a-half hours out into oceanic Lake Superior’s deep, vast blue to Isle Royale National Park for an undiluted wilderness adventure that includes hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and wildlife.
While accommodations don’t extend beyond camping on the island, lodging back in Copper Harbor ranges from picturesque B&Bs and motels to roomy log lodges and private cabins. Beyond Mackinac Island, couples can also opt to make a romantic break for Beaver or Drummond, which offer ample wooded trails to explore, bike and hike, and plenty of inland lakes and islets in and around which to fish, paddle and sail. From resorts to private rentals, a wide variety of lodging choices await at both islands as well, and getting to either is half the fun, too: Ferries and twin-engine flights add an air of nostalgic romance after a quiet,
Couples seeking a memorable escape don’t need to venture beyond their own state’s backyard to find it.
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istockphoto.com/stevegeer
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Fenn Valley
photography courtesy feNN valley (top): istockphoto.com/loooby
istockphoto.com/stevegeer
scenic drive to charlevoix (from which trips to Beaver, Michigan’s largest island, can be booked) and either Detour village (past the les cheneaux islands) or st. ignance, where couples can catch rides to Drummond. newlyweds drawn to a horizon of blue minus moose, bear and mountain bikes may otherwise wish to board Grand traverse Gourmet cruises, five to seven-day sailing charters manned by those who run old Mission peninsula’s inviting Grey hare inn and vineyard B&B. these freshwater voyages venture into ports including sutton’s Bay, northport, Mackinaw city and Wisconsin’s Door county, among others. the 42-foot sailing vessel offers three cabins and gourmet fare.
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and — if just a taste of sweetwater sea is preferred — couples can catch shorter day or just hours-long jaunts aboard grand schooner sails on traverse tall ship company’s Manitou; Bay city’s appledore iv or appledore v; or south haven’s Friends Goodwill. each tall ship’s harbor community in itself offers myriad ways to complement sun, surf and sand, from luxe accommodations and fine dining to boutique shops and picturesque downtowns.
culinary excursions instead of venturing to napa valley, newlyweds who love to wine and dine can toast new beginnings along Michigan’s three award-winning wine trails, and savor experiences that go above and beyond traditional tasting room visits. in southwest Michigan – quickly reached from a variety of inviting bed and breakfast inns — Fenn valley pairs up europeanstyle and perfected fruit wines with events ranging from performing arts recitals to specialty wine dinners. at nearby tabor hill, the first winery in Michigan to offer a fine-dining experience, couples can savor culinary creations, sunsets glowing over the vineyards and a toast from two elegant, highceilinged dining rooms. Many vintners throughout the state are similarly marrying their own fine wines with fresh finds from local growers in engaging ways. on old Mission peninsula, old Worldinspired chateau chantal offers hands-on cooking classes with a personal chef, as well as wine pairing dinner packages and
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services offered at distinctive resort retreats. Focused on mind, body and spirit, these eco-conscious spas embrace guests in serene surroundings and top-notch care. as does crystal Mountain resort in thompsonville, Grand traverse resort & spa offers holistic classes and fitness facilities as well as rejuvenating spa treatments. Gtr augments a stay with an array of dining, championship golf, tennis and countless activities inspired by Grand traverse Bay.
Brides and grooms looking for more than a little pampering can indulge in soothing services offered by distinctive resort retreats. Crystal Mountain Resort
these, there also are plenty of wine festivals across the state that couples can factor into their honeymoon escape.
spa resorts Brides and grooms seeking more than a little pampering can indulge in soothing
photography courtesy crystal mouNtaiN resort
luxurious, romantic accommodations. to the west in suttons Bay, the inn at Blackstar Farms delivers equally elegant overnight lodging overlooking rolling vineyards, along with massages, sparkling wines and gourmet picnics. Beyond destination wineries such as
at Boyne’s Mountain Grand lodge, solace spa also invites couples to expand their spa experience by sampling a new activity, from pilates to trapeze. and while this all-seasons resort is renowned for its golf, skiing, indoor water park and dining, the elegant inn at Bay harbor offers its own world-class brand of luxury spa care, romantic accommodations and resort activities.
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Crystal Mountain Resort
Meanwhile, up on a high, wooded bluff in Glen arbor, the homestead’s spa amira treats couples to relaxing and renewing therapies — but it may be a dip in this tranquil retreat’s outdoor pool overlooking the Manitou islands that they most remember. and though the JW Mariott is situated within the urban beat of downtown Grand rapids, refuge awaits inside this lavish, sophisticated hotel. located adjacent to JW’s lap pool, vasaio spa offers an exotic array of services, from swedish massage and aromatherapy to herbal body wraps and grapefruit body polishes. spa therapies can be enjoyed in-room, too.
at Bay harbor and Boyne highlands — are popular for this reason. Beyond challenging championship courses, couples will find themselves surrounded by grand natural beauty, myriad lodging options, a diversity of dining venues and realm of other amenities and activities, both on-site and near the resorts. like them, crystal Mountain resort beckons with much of the same. nestled into the destination’s rolling terrain, couples who come here can check into a choice of hotel rooms, suites, condominiums, townhomes or resort residences. shanty creek in Bellaire
– lending dramatic vistas of woods, water and mountain peaks – also boasts a bevy of accommodations and amenities. treetops resort is another that won’t disappoint: Beyond premier golf, couples can enjoy yearround activities like fly fishing, canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing and spa services. and, after a day on pristine greens, st. ives and tullymore offer serene, upscale respite. newlyweds can also take advantage of luxury golf packages including memorable lodging at destinations including hawk’s eye Golf resort, trout tree condominium resort and hamlin village resort condominiums.
GolF GetaWays couples who revel in unwinding on the greens can choose from seemingly endless, smartly-designed courses throughout Michigan — and more than a few come packaged in top-notch resort destinations. Grand traverse resort and Boyne — including Mountain Grand lodge, the inn
Celebrate Your Historic Day... In a Setting as Unique as You Are. 4 East 8th Street Holland, Michigan 49423 Corner of 8th Street and Central Avenue in Downtown Holland
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photography courtesy crystal mouNtaiN resort (top); graNd traverse resort (bottom)
Call 616.393.2111 to schedule an appointment www.AlpenRoseRestaurant.com
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photography courtesy crystal mouNtaiN resort
oFF-roaD aDventures couples seeking more action may venture to silver lake state park in Mears. here, fringing lake Michigan and silver lake, nearly 2,000 acres of dramatic sand dunes almost two miles wide and three miles long create desert-like mountains. the southern and northern portions of this natural spectacle are reserved for one of life’s most unforgettable rides. in the south, the Mac Woods family takes park visitors out on rolling, rippling sand waves in custommade, four-wheel drive Dune scooters that seat up to 20 — something early silver lake resort founder Woods first did with guests back during the ’30s in beefed-up Modela-Fords. newlyweds can also explore these open expanses of sand and dip down the dunes themselves in their own off-road vehicle, or by renting one from a Mears-based business like parrot’s landing. or, those looking for a heartier fourwheel excursion can embark on a multipleday, guided tour offered through sandy Korners. this october, for example, the company’s upper peninsula color tour takes participants two-tracking in self-driven Jeeps through the regal autumn hues of the tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish point region, breaking for meals and lodging at picturesque places along the way. venturing from lighthouses and beaver dams through deep forest and deep mud, couples can begin their life’s journey together on less-traveled paths — and beneath the grandeur of open skies. n
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After the grand event, newlyweds are looking for romance, relaxation and an experience to remember. By Lisa M. Jensen
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presently top destinations for wedding/ honeymoons include playa del carmen (Mayan riveria), puerto vallarta and cabo san lucas in Mexico, as well as Jamaica, riley finds. “in the united states, the three biggest are las vegas, hawaii and Disney World,” she says. “With really discounted off-season rates to some of the prime destinations, some couples are able to make two trips out of it so they can see exactly what they can expect at the resort during their event.” if that isn’t to their liking, riley adds, some tropical resorts offer a free return anniversary stay.
photography courtesy hawaii tourism authority (hta)/tor JohNsoN
HERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. But when it comes to tying the knot, certified West Michigan travel consultants specializing in honeymoons say more couples are being drawn to exchanging their “i-dos” in places far from it. “the most popular industry trend right now is to consider getting married at a destination,” shares peggy riley, a certified travel consultant at Dolphin vacations in Grand rapids. “When the bride and groom look at the overall cost of a major wedding locally, and they begin to compare it to a destination wedding, they’re often surprised to find the cost isn’t that different.”
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7/2/10 9:33:28 AM
Istockphoto.com/vitalytitov (top Left); spfoto (top right); isitsharp (bottom left); Nikada (bottom right)
Photography CourtesY Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson
Special Advertising Section
“No destination is out of the question,” she assures. “If a couple wants to get married at a castle in England or Ireland or France, it’s possible to arrange.” Certified destination wedding travel consultants like Riley can also ensure a couple has the correct documentation needed for a legal ceremony in their place of choice, as well as suggesting other options they hadn’t imagined they could fit in. “We know the ins and outs of finding the best values and most goodies for the couple,” Riley notes. “Many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean will offer free weddings based on how many nights the couple and/or their guests stay.” In addition, there are specialized wedding planners for many of the resorts who can ensure wishes are met, and tour companies who will give the bride and groom credit towards their trip every time someone else joins their party to share in their event. “When couples combine their wedding and honeymoon,” Riley says, “the opportunities to really take a more luxurious trip become possible.”
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Experience Is Key Whether honeymooning for the first time, renewing their vows or celebrating a second marriage, today’s couples are influenced more by experience than price, says Melissa Feenstra, a certified travel consultant for Witte Travel & Tours on 28th Street. “Spas, 24-hour food service and being pampered are important elements today. So are state-of-the-art fitness facilities,” she notes. “Everybody is also after a romantic atmosphere — they look forward to getting away from all the planning and activities that led up to their big event.” Upgraded accommodations and amenities often are even more important than the destination itself, Feenstra says. “Couples are looking for an oceanfront suite, or an over-water bungalow, or that swim-out suite overlooking the ocean. They’ve seen a picture on a brochure, and they want to be
“When couples combine their wedding and honeymoon, the opportunities to really take a more luxurious trip become possible.” — Peggy Riley, Dolphin Vacations
7/2/10 9:33:33 AM
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that couple getting that fabulous massage on the beach.” But while newlyweds aren’t as price conscious as they used to be, she adds, working with a seasoned travel agent can help them make the most of their budget. “Using Africa as an example, the price point for a decent safari with airfare starts at $15,000,” Feenstra illustrated. “That can be disappointing, but if a couple is only plugging ‘African honeymoon’ into the Internet, they won’t discover that there are exotic animals in Mexico’s jungles — or that Mexico even has jungles, along with one of the top five snorkeling spots in the world, just off the island of Cozumel. “And it’s only a three-and-a-half hour plane ride from West Michigan.” Frequently, all-inclusive vacations are the ticket. While the one-price-pays-all concept began in Jamaica, couples can find these packages throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, in addition to other top getaway spots. Everything from transportation and activities to meals and tips is included, leaving newlyweds free to concentrate on matters more fun than cost. Travel agents say couples also are looking to explore and immerse themselves in a new culture; older honeymooners particularly often choose Europe over a tropical beach, though they can enjoy the best of both worlds by pairing the romance of a city like Paris or Rome with the resort allure of Italy’s Amalfi coast or Normandy. Destinations such as Turkey, Portugal and Greece are also gaining popularity. “Hawaii is always a favorite because it’s an island experience and the Polynesian culture is so rich,” Feenstra observes. “And many couples also like the comfort and familiarity of staying in the U.S.” Couples, too, lean toward adventureoriented trips, whether these include more rugged excursions like river rafting and cattle drives or more relaxing experiences, like snorkeling and culinary classes. “A travel professional can not only educate you about destinations that may be better suited to your budget,” Feenstra says, “but more importantly, really learns about you to to direct you to an experience you would most enjoy. “And that can be to a place you didn’t know existed.” To learn more, visit www.wittetravel.com and www.dolphinvacations.net. n
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at Thousand Oaks Golf Club Every Girl dreams of her “Big Day” She meets Prince Charming, he gets down on one knee, puts a beautiful ring on her finger, and the planning begins. She picks the perfect date and finds her dream dress. She looks like a princess and now it’s time to find the perfect place to say … “I Do”. Grand Oaks at Thousand Oaks is the perfect backdrop for your fairy tale wedding and reception. With breathtaking views, creative cuisine, and outstanding service, the staff at Grand Oaks will help make all your dreams come true.
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7/7/10 3:03 PM
Viewtiful Weddings Shhh… We’ve quietly created stylish new sites for weddings and receptions. They meld the majesty of Lake Michigan with the beauty of Leelanau. Choose one… flavors will swirl, wines will sparkle and your day, your perfect day, will be made. Come see. It’ll be love at first sight.
thehomesteadresort.com · Wood Ridge Road, Glen Arbor · 231.334.5000
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7/2/10 9:33:35 AM
City Guide < Mojo’s dueling piano bar Can be mellow oldies or raucous rock, depending on the time and day. » pg113
Photography by Michael buck
Inside » Dining Review 86
» Chef profile 88
» Fresh Hops 95
» Grand Vine 107
» Making Tracks 117
August 2010 Grand Rapids 85
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City Guide: Dining Review
Purrrfectly fine fare at HopCat
by Ira Craaven
It’s easy to see why HopCat has been rated the world’s No. 3 beer venue by Beer Advocate Magazine. Everything at the downtown GR tavern comes together to provide a fun and delicious experience. Opened in 2008, HopCat is housed in a reclaimed space, with original brick walls, hardwood floors and exposed ductwork overhead. Décor includes whimsically printed chair backs, a large, accommodating bar, and lots of seating, including streetscape Points Awarded window tables. Old brewing advertisements and other nostalgic artwork hang on the walls and from the ceiling. An intimate, livingroom-style mezzanine overlooks the dining room. But it’s the food that is unique at this tavern. HopCat has an across-the-board menu using top-quality ingredients, many locally sourced or organic. The kitchen adds innovative twists to what would otherwise be standard pub fare, and offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. Choices range from small plates, burgers and sandwiches to five big-plate options. Everything on the menu is less than $11. Signature dishes are highlighted with a star and food descriptions show a touch of humor.
92
Ira’s Rating System Food: Selection, variety, product quality, taste, preparation, innovation and consistency. Service: Hospitable, knowledgeable and prompt.
Beverages: Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Ambiance: General atmosphere; overall cleanliness. (Grand Rapids Magazine editors, American Culinary Federation Greater Grand Rapids chapter, GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education instructors and beverage distributors all contributed to these established guidelines.)
Photography by Michael Buck
Value: Pricing, number of à la carte items, consistency.
86 Grand Rapids August 2010
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Photography by Michael Buck
City Guide: Dining Review
Then there’s the multi-page beer menu. This is a truly a beer bar, with everything from HopCat’s own beer — microbrewed onsite — to internationally recognized imports, with 48 beers on tap and 230 bottle selections including pilsners, India pale ales, ambers and porters. Can’t decide? HopCat offers 2½ -ounce samples for $1. Alcohol content is included in each beer’s description. The full bar can accommodate most cocktail requests, but oenophiles be forewarned: HopCat offers only one red and one white wine selection, whose originating vineyard varies. We arrived on an early weekday evening, ready to eat. For starters, we chose the signature Buffalo Rolls ($8.95) and an order of sautéed mussels ($10.95) — both were superb. The six sizeable rolls consisted of golden-fried wontons stuffed with a mixture of slow-roasted chicken, spiced just right with buffalo sauce and bleu cheese dressing. The slight heat was tempered by a swig of the HopCat brew. The 20 or so mussels were steamed in Michigan-made beer, along with crumbles of chorizo, chunks of Roma tomato, garlic and fresh basil. Served with grilled rye bread and a wedge of lemon, the dish was full of flavor — much heartier than the typical wine-steamed dish — with lots of pan juices for dipping. One member of our party ordered a glass of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($6) that she found very agreeable. I opted for the HopCat Red Panda Imperial IPA ($7), a fine accompaniment for the small plates. Another guest asked for a sampling of “a light, fruity beer,” which the waitress interpreted as a St. Louis Framboise ($1). A fourth opted for a dirty vodka martini ($7). Everyone was pleased with the bar. Entrees chosen included the Dam Good Fish Sandwich ($8.50), two nicely sized sautéed tilapia filets rubbed with a spicy house-blend seasoning before being cooked to tender perfection. Served on a toasted brioche bun and topped with lettuce, tomato, shaved red onion and house-made tartar sauce, it was everything a fish sandwich should be. All sandwiches and wraps are served with HopCat’s “Crack Fries” — “they’re really that
addictive” declares the menu — and they were. Coated with HopCat’s spice blend, the taste is sweet, salty and peppery with a subtle touch of garlic. Upon request, a generous dill pickle spear is also included, or you can add a cup of cheese ale soup, veggie chili or the signature mac and cheese for an additional $2.95. One member of our party selected the mac and cheese to accompany the Sloppy Joseph Sandwich ($7.95/$10.90 with the side). Also designated a signature dish, the sloppy part was piled high on a grilled brioche bun and topped with pepper-jack cheese. Neither overly cheesy nor cooked to mush, the mac and cheese was topped with crisp panko breadcrumbs. A small plate of “The Voted Best Wings” ($8.95) includes eight jumbo wings, which can be ordered Fire (hot), Lava (really hot), or Honey Tangy Golden BBQ sauced. Along with the wings are a couple sticks of celery and either ranch or bleu cheese dressing. A request to have four done fire-hot and four with the BBQ sauce was accomodated. Both options were delicious dunked in bleu cheese dipping sauce. Service was friendly and courteous. Our server easily answered questions and provided information throughout the meal. GR
HopCat
25 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids (616) 451-4677 www.hopcatgr.com
August 2010 Grand Rapids 87
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City guide: Chef profile
Downtown cool At rockWell’s AnD rePublic, cheF nick nAtAle oversees locAlly sourceD FAre in A shAreD kitchen. by JulIe burch
W
hether you visit Rockwell’s Kitchen and Tap or adjoining restaurant Republic, you’ll find creative fare anchored in the Local First philosophy. The sideby-side dining venues owned by twin brothers Paul and David Reinert share an award-winning kitchen orchestrated by Executive Chef Nick Natale. A transplanted Buckeye, Natale earned his bachelor’s degree in hospitality tourism management from Grand Valley State University. He was honored as Student of the Year while also distinguishing himself in track and field — “my other passion.” After graduation, Natale traveled to Italy to complete his culinary training at a one-year program in Florence, essentially earning a master’s degree in Italian cooking while gaining handson experience in the school-run restaurant. Originally hired as
Republic/Rockwell’s sous chef, a year later he found himself taking on the role of executive chef for this two-restaurants/ one-kitchen venue. how did you get started cooking? I come from a big Italian family, so cooking is kind of natural. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel with my family: Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Italy ... When you get exposed to food from all over the world, you start to gravitate toward it. It wasn’t until college that I realized I wanted to cook for my career. was there a crystallizing moment when you decided you wanted to cook for a living? I think a lot of people get to that moment where you don’t know what you want to do. It was that rough patch in college where grades weren’t great, but I realized the one thing I always loved to do was to cook. I realized that even with bad things going on, I was happy cooking. That’s what matters to me: If you show up for work and you’re happy and having fun, it’s never really work. what is it you like about cooking? It may sound cliché, but I like making people happy with food. I always think of my family. In a good Italian family, the very center of attention is the kitchen. It’s where everybody gathers and talks. On holidays, you’re all in the kitchen having fun. Plus, it’s always a learning experience. You can never say, ‘Yep, I’ve learned everything about food.’ It’s always evolving and there’s always someone who can show you something you haven’t seen yet. how would you describe the menu at Rockwell’s? Rockwell’s is very classic pub fare with any kind of unique twist that we can put on it. We’re using local farm products, meat, produce — everything we can source locally. It’s very comforting
s
rockwell’s
walleye with fresh orzo salad orzo salad: 1 pound orzo, prepared al dente and chilled 8 oz. applewood-smoked bacon, rendered until crispy, then chopped 1 yellow squash, diced small half-pound of adult spinach, rough chopped
prep time: 30 minutes 1 red onion, halved and julienned Juice of one lemon 1 cup extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper Throw it all together in a big bowl and mix well (no need to emulsify the dressing).
Use 8 ounces of walleye per portion. sprinkle with salt and pepper and pan sear in olive oil until done. serve atop the salad. (at Rockwell’s, the fish is topped with a citrus buerre blanc.)
PhotogrAPhy by MichAel buck
makes: 3-4 servings
88 grand rapids August 2010
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Enjoy an evening among the stars. sky I and II PRIVATE DINING
FREE Room Rental during August!
Mention this ad and receive a free rental of Sky I and II for your next get-together in August.
Experience private dining at Cygnus 27. · Sky I seats 32 guests comfortably
· 3 course menu starting at $55
· Sky II seats 16 guests comfortably
· Perfect for anything from rehearsal dinners, corporate dinner presentations, holiday parties to intimate family gatherings*
· Combine both rooms for an intimate standing reception of up to 80 guests
Contact Katie Dietrich at 616.774.2000 ext. 6121 for details.
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minimum food and beverage may apply.
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The pantlind gold membership program provides you with great rewards every time you dine with us, along with many other new and improved valuable member advantages.
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2 3 5 Lo u i s st r e e t N W G r a N d r a p i ds m i c h i G a N 49 5 03 6 1 6 . 2 4 2 .1 4 4 8
i Lov e 61 6 .co m
Look for new offerings in next month's issue!
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City Guide: Chef Profile fare like grilled cheese with tomato soup, but we’re taking those classic dishes from global pubs and putting our twist on them. We do a lot of scratch cooking. It’s freshness and quality. How do you handle working two kitchens? It’s a collaborative, team effort. I have a great sous chef, Jeff Baird, who’s been in the GR restaurant scene for over 20 years at places like San Chez and Gib-
son’s. It’s a nice complement because he has all that experience that I’m still building. I might have a New-Age idea while he has a classical take on it, and we mesh them together. A lot of the kitchen staff are culinary graduates from GRCC’s Secchia Institute or have been in the business for a long time, so they’re just as creative. Give them a little freedom and they’re able to run with it and surprise you.
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Do you have a favorite culinary style? Obviously, Italian from my family and training, but across the board in all cuisines, I’ve learned to use what’s available locally, whatever is freshest, and don’t cheat your guests. If you use what’s fresh, you can’t go wrong. Except for the sushi, all of our freshwater fish is Great Lakes caught. Our chicken, turkey and meats are locally raised, and we go through Ingraberg Farms for produce. Do you have a business or kitchen philosophy that guides you? It’s drawn from my athletic-team oriented side. Although I’m in charge as executive chef, I listen to everybody. As soon as you stifle creativity in other people, they just become a warm body, and that shows up in the details. I really want my kitchen to be as much of a learning experience as it is work. It should always be fun. We’re always listening to music and singing in the kitchen. And of course, it’s always guests first. Make sure what you’re doing is right for the guest, and when your guests are happy, your staff is happy because everybody is smiling and having a good time. What are you most likely to cook at home for friends? I would say, definitely, pasta. My friends say some of their favorite meals have been some pasta dish I’ve made for them. What five ingredients do you always keep stocked at home? Good olive oil, garlic, hot sauce. I love fresh sage — it’s aromatic but also has a really crisp flavor to it — and a nice red wine. Other than Rockwell’s & Republic, do you have a favorite restaurant? I’m more of a mom-and-pop kind of guy. I have a rule when I travel: I don’t eat anywhere that I can eat at home. Even in Italy, my favorite food was street food. Do you have a signature dish or a favorite to make? I love making our pastas; the chicken pesto is one of my favorites. I also have a sandwich named after me, the Niko, with Italian meats, spinach, tomato, red onion and olive spread on Nantucket sourdough bread. Tell us about the recipe you’re sharing here. It’s for the pan-seared walleye on orzo salad. I picked it because it gives an example of what we’re all about — fresh and local — and it’s served with an orzo salad that’s light and summery. We offer it with all of our sandwiches as a healthier option than chips or fries. GR
90 Grand Rapids August 2010
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City Guide
Grill One Eleven
Grand Rapids Magazine has compiled this list of selected area restaurants as a service to our readers. The recommendations and reviews in the listings are the opinions of the editors. Restaurants are included in the guide by virtue of overall quality. We have created symbols to area restaurant amenities, which are defined in a legend at the end of this listing.
New American Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys. 25 KITCHEN and BAR — Dining and bar space on separate levels and a menu that offers 25 pizzas, 25 beers, 25 specialty cocktails, 25 appetizers and inventive entrees artfully presented. Open daily 11 am-2 am. 25 Ottawa Ave SW, 805-5581. twentyfivegr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BAR DIVANI — Wine flights, large array of spirits; classy surroundings. European-inspired food with plates meant for sharing, flatbreads, sushi and a variety of entrees. Closed Sun. 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. bar-divani.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BISTRO BELLA VITA — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire; mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. 44 Grandville Ave SW (downtown), 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $ FBLUE WATER GRILL — Wood-burning rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven allow for inspired dishes from fresh seafood to beef. Nice wine selection and The BOB’s microbrews. Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace and full-service bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thebluewatergrill. thegilmorecollection.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BOBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B. — Grill on 2nd floor of The BOB offers a wide variety from woodfired pizza, burgers and sandwiches to pasta and more up-scale entrées. Full-service bar with The BOB’s microbrews on tap. Live entertainment in Cisco’s Island Lounge. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $
Photography by Jeff hage/green Frog Photo
BUTCH’S — New York-style deli by day, fine dining cuisine by night. Menu changes seasonally. More than 200 bottled beer selections and 700 varieties of wine available for takeout. Closed Sun. 44 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-8227. butchs.net. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$ CITYVU BISTRO — Top-floor restaurant in Holland’s eco-friendly City Flats Hotel specializing in creative flatbreads and small-plate fare with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 61 E 7th St, Holland, (616) 796-2114. cityvubistro.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ COREZ NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY & BAR — Ever-changing Midwest-inspired menu with imaginative twists on everything from small to “not so small” dishes. Extensive and affordable wine list, top-shelf spirits, crafted beers and cocktails. Opens 4 pm Mon-Sat, 919 Cherry St SE, 855-2310. corezwinebar.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ FCYGNUS 27 — Stylized décor reflects a celestial
theme that matches the views from the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Casual, seasonally driven menu that encourages sharing. Open TueSat eves; Sun brunch Labor Day to Mother’s Day. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand. com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $$ DERBY STATION — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derbystation.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $ ELECTRIC CHEETAH — Eclectic menu that changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Sandwiches, soups, salads, entrees, house-made desserts and unique Sunday brunch in modern setting. Liquor license pending. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electric cheetah.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFÉ — Changing bistro menu from appetizers through dessert. Impressive wine list with appropriate food pairings served in comfortable atmosphere. Open daily for dinner. 11 Center St, Douglas, (269) 8574240. everydaypeoplecafe.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ GILLY’S AT THE BOB — Innovative takes on seafood on the 1st floor of The BOB, complete with raw bar. Seasonal menu offers cutting-edge fare from appetizers to desserts. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. H, L (Sat), D, C, 3, V, MC, AE $-$$
THE HERITAGE — Grand Rapids Community College culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine offered with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ MARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO — Cozy dining in French-country-casual, white-linen atmosphere. Creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu available for takeout. Full bar, nice wine list. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ MIA & GRACE BISTRO — Locally grown, seasonal products creatively composed by husband/wife team chefs and owners, served in an intimate, artsy space in downtown Muskegon. Breakfast/ lunch service year-round with special dinners during growing season. Bakery, too. 1133 Third St, Muskegon, (231) 725-9500. miaandgrace.com. H, B, L, (D) V, MC, AE $ OLIVES — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and classic comfort foods featuring locally grown produce and hormone-free, organic meats. Full bar; two-level seating and alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
GRAYDON’S CROSSING — English pub serves Indian food with a British influence. Full bar features impressive array of specialty beers. 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydons crossing.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $
ONE TRICK PONY — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines, creative lunch and dinner specials. Congenially casual surroundings inside; dine alfresco on street-front patio. Live music occasionally. Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetrick.biz. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$
GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from local and regional microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808-3566. thegreenwell.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$
PIPER — Stunning lake view, fun décor, good service and a menu with everything from appetizers, pasta and wood-fired pizza to creative entrées and homemade desserts. Closed Sun and Mon during winter. 2225 South Shore Dr, Macatawa, (616) 335-5866. piperrestaurant.com. H, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$
GRILL ONE ELEVEN — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge on the lower level. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, 863-3300. grilloneeleven.com. H, B (Sun), L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$
REPUBLIC — Asian-influenced California cuisine, from steaks, seafood and chicken dishes to pastas and plates to share. Multi-level, artsinspired décor with upper-level outdoor seating and attentive bar service. Sister restaurant to adjacent Rockwell’s Kitchen & Tap. Closed Sun. August 2010 Grand Rapids 91
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City Guide 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465. republicgrandrapi ds.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ RESTAURANT BLOOM — Imaginative American fare with an ever-changing seasonal menu and innovative desserts. Upscale ambience in the heart of downtown. Nice wine list and microbrew beers. Lunch served 11-4; Sun brunch; closed Mon. 40 Monroe Center, 632-2233. bloomgr. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ FROSE’S — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a variety of sandwiches, salads, pastas, wood-fired pizzas, entrées and desserts. Comfortably casual; three-season porch seating. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 458-4646. thegilmorecollection.com/rosesrestaurant.html. H, B (weekends), L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ SALT OF THE EARTH — Rustic fare and bakery emphasizing locally sourced products ranging from wood-fired pizzas to an array of affordably priced entrees. Full bar; closed Sun. 114 E. Main St, Fennville, (269) 561-7258. saltoftheearthfenn ville.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ SCHNITZ’S ADA GRILL — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night in cozy surroundings with full bar. Nice selection of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, pasta and more. 597 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ SIX ONE SIX — Menu offers market-fresh, contemporary American fare “with a global soul.” Interact with chefs in the mini Chef’s Lab exhibition kitchen, or visit Mixology lounge. Inside the JW Marriott. 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethe jw.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ TAVERN ON THE SQUARE —Tapas-style fare with close to 20 small plate/appetizers, soups, green plate/salads, house specialties and desserts. Full bar with wine; nice list of microbrews. Open daily; patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 4567673. tavernonthesq.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, ¢-$ DS WILD DOG GRILLE — Interesting appetizers, salads, sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas and entrees that marry a complexity of flavors. Desserts made in-house. Closed Mon in winter months; full-service bar. 24 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-2519. thewilddoggrille.com. H, L (Fri-Sun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$ WINCHESTER — Locally sourced menu aimed at reinventing bar food; affordably priced comfort food specialties, reclaimed century-old space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St, SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
Classic American Restaurants and diners serving traditional dishes popular across the country. 8TH STREET GRILL — Entrées range from catfish Valdosta to ribs, with sandwiches, salads, burgers and pasta also on the menu. Closed Sun. 20 W 8th St, Holland, (616) 392-5888. 8thstreetgrille.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE $ 84 EAST FOOD & SPIRITS — Neat restoration lends atmosphere; varied menu includes unique pasta dishes and thin-crust pizzas. Closed Sun. 84 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 3968484. 84eastpasta.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ ABERDEEN STEAK HOUSE — All-natural, grain-
fed, choice-cut aged steaks, prime rib, lamb and pork chops, Greek-style roasted chicken and halfpound burgers in newly refurbished surroundings. Full bar; closed Sun. 785 W Broadway, Muskegon, (231) 733-6400. aberdeen-steakhouse.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ ACORN GRILLE AT THOUSAND OAKS — Blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, artfully presented in handsomely appointed dining room with golf course views. Open daily in season. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, 447-7750.thousandoaksgolf. com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $$ ARBOREAL INN — New England-style inn off the beaten track offers fresh whitefish, Alaskan king crab, tournedos Oscar and more. Cozy atmosphere with dining and bar area. Portion of menu requires 24-hour notice. Closed Sun. 18191 174th Ave, Spring Lake, (616) 842-3800. arborealinn. com. H, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $$ ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT — Uniquely GR. Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants.com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE $ BEAR LAKE TAVERN — Historic North Muskegon tavern now owned by Restaurant Partners still offers favorites including its yellowbelly lake perch dinner, BLT burger and hand-cut onion rings. 360 Ruddiman Rd, North Muskegon, (231) 744-1161. 4gr8food.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BENTHAM’S RIVERFRONT RESTAURANT — Upscale selections served in casually elegant surroundings with tiered river-view seating. Open daily in the Amway Grand Plaza, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com/benthams.html. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $
BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves an affordable selection of appetizers, sandwiches and salads as well as fowl, seafood and beef for dinner. Enjoy golf-course views from inside or on the deck. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BRANDYWINE — Pleasant café atmosphere serving extensive breakfasts, innovative lunches with many vegetarian choices and salads, and dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-1723. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC ¢-$ BRANN’S SIZZLING STEAKS AND SPORTS GRILLE — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets and Mexican entrees. All restaurants offer high-tech projection screens and sporting events. Menu tweaked to add more bar munchies. Brann’s of Grandville, 3475 Fairlanes, Grand Village Mall, 531-6210; Mike & Johnny Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 4157 S Division Ave, 5345421; John Brann’s of Cascade, 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800; Brann’s of Holland, 12234 James St, (616) 393-0028; Brann’s of Muskegon, 5510 Harvey St, (231) 798-1399; Brann’s of Portage, 700 Martin Luther King Dr, (269) 3218852. branns.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ BULL’S HEAD TAVERN — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Lunch menu showcases salads, soups and sandwiches. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullshead tavern.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $
BIL-MAR RESTAURANT — Beachfront dining with a great view of Lake Michigan; a wide selection of fine-dining entrées. Full bar; open daily. 1223 S Harbor St, Grand Haven, (616) 842-5920. bil-margrandhaven.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $$
C.F. PRIME CHOPHOUSE & WINE BAR — Prime NY strips and some all-natural beef selections. Gourmet treatment from starters through salads, plus seafood, vegetarian options and desserts made on-site. Impressive wine list, full-service bar. Closed Sun. 950 W Norton, Muskegon, (231) 737-4943. cfprime.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$
BLUE PLATE — Inside downtown’s Courtyard by Marriott, menu covers all tastes. Popular Pasta Station available at lunch. Light fare in lounge. Open daily. 11 Monroe Ave NW, 242-6000, ext 6646. marriott.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $
CASCADE ROADHOUSE — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu from fish and chips and gourmet burgers to fine-dining appetizers and entrées. Good bar, wine list. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. H, L, D, C, V, AE $-$$
BOATWERKS WATERFRONT RESTAURANT — Vintage motorboat ambiance overlooking Lake Macatawa. Spacious outdoor patio and two menus: casual dining in main dining room, bar and patio, with another room for fine dining. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, (616) 396-0600. boatwerksrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$
CHARLEY’S CRAB — Fresh seafood from a menu that changes nightly. Located on the Grand River. Early menu (4:30-6 pm daily), Sun brunch. Informal GR Steamer Bar offers its own menu. 63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$
BONEFISH GRILL — Offers fresh-from-the-seas fare. Casual, white-linen dining. Seafood selections augmented by innovative sauces and toppings; also chicken, beef and pasta dishes. Fullservice bar. 1100 East Paris Ave SE, 949-7861. bonefishgrill.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BOSTWICK LAKE INN — Roomy, cottage-style eatery offers regionally influenced cuisine in casual surroundings. Favorites include fresh seafood, pasta, steaks and ribs. Open Tue-Sat, also Mon between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 8521 Belding Rd NE, Cannon Township, 874-7290. bostwicklakeinn.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $
CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILLE — Well-rounded menu features dinners ranging from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also Mexican fare, sandwiches and more. Full-service bar. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ FTHE CHOP HOUSE — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. A la carte sides are big enough to share. Great wine list. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6184. thechophouserest aurant.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $$ COUSIN’S TASTY CHICKEN — Uniquely GR. A 25-year local alternative to the chains with some of the tastiest fried chicken and side dishes
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City guide around. also serving seafood and other fried fare. Closed sun. 1209 leonard st ne, 456-5244. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ craZy horse steak house & saloon — holland’s family-friendly eatery with a western theme, renowned for steaks and prime rib. saturday night special is prime rib and lobster. 2027 north park Dr, holland, (616) 395-8393. crazyhors esteakhouse.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $$ crowne rooM — Comfortable dining room in the Crowne plaza hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and fine dining selections from an extensive seasonal menu. open daily. 5700 28th st se, 9571770. mainstreetmediagroup.com. B, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae, DC, Ds, Rsvp $-$$ dee-lIte bar & grIll — nice selection of appetizers and house-made soups, salads and sandwiches. “fresh-Mex” dinner selections, plus seafood, chicken, steak and pasta. live music and martinis in the Theatre Bar. open daily (until 1 pm for brunch on sun). 24 washington ave, grand haven, (616) 844-5055. harborrestaurants.com/ deelite/. h, B, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, DC, Ds $ the dInIng rooM at clearbrook — new entrées daily feature locally grown products. known for hand-cut steaks, double-cut lamb chops and Canadian walleye. gracious surroundings overlooking the gardens. Casual dining in The grill Room. open daily in summer. Clearbrook golf Club, 6594 Clearbrook Dr (just north of saugatuck), (269) 857-2000. clearbrookgolfclub. com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, DC, Rsvp $-$$ dockers FIsh house & lounge — waterside dining on Muskegon lake with lively summer tiki bar, seafood and land-lubber options. lots of windows and full bar along with dockside seating. Dockhands will assist with boat tie-up. Closed oct-Mar. 3505 Marina point view, Muskegon, (231) 755-0400. dockersfishhouse.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $-$$ dugan’s pub & grIlle — Casual dining with steaks, seafood, pasta and more at this dining venue at The elks at the highlands golf Club. adjacent glendevon offers full-service banquet facilities. 2715 leonard st nw, 453-2451. grand rapidselks.org. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $-$$
Forest hIlls Inn — a casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza. Closed sun. 4609 Cascade Rd se, 949-4771. h, B, l, D, C, v, MC, ae $
extensive menu matches the handcrafted brewery beers and natural ales. 3689 28th st se, 2855970. michiganmenu.com/grbrewing.html. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $
Fry daddy’s Fresh FIsh — fried fresh fish, wing-dings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with french fries in pleasant surroundings or to go. Closed Mon. in kentwood’s Trinity plaza, 1720 44th st se, 455-fish. h, l, D, v, MC ¢-$
the grand seaFood & oyster bar — in downtown grand haven’s former grand Theatre. opens 5 pm for dinner, with an oyster and sushi bar, seafood selections and steaks. serves locally grown and organic produce whenever possible. open daily. 22 washington ave, grand haven, (616) 847-8944. harborrestaurants.com/ thegrand. h, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, DC $-$$
grand rapIds brewIng co. — Microbrewery.
IT’S GONNA BE
FOREST HILLS FINE ARTS CENTER
2010/2011 SEASON
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE AUGUST 2 AT 9AM Season Subscriptions close on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 5 pm (Shows begin at 7:30 pm)
THE B-52S
LEANN RIMES
A CHORUS LINE
These punk, new wave, vintage rockers will have you singing, “Love Shack, Baby!”
Two-time Grammy Award winner and country legend, LeAnn Rimes.
This “singular sensation” follows 17 dancers auditioning for the chance of a lifetime.
NATURALLY 7
DRUMLINE LIVE!
MICHAEL BOLTON
FRI., SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
FRI., OCTOBER 1, 2010
MON., DECEMBER 6, 2010
the Falcon’s nest — Creative lunch menu with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, barbecue ribs, appetizers, chili and salads. open 11 am-7 pm. 17000 lincoln ave, grand haven, (616) 842-4040. grandhavengolfclub.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae ¢-$ Fall creek — appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches, house-made desserts, and creative entrées. Closed sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson st, hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ Flat rIVer grIll — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building along the river in downtown lowell. al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from american comfort food to unique specials, wood-fired pizzas. full bar with extensive list of wine by the glass and The BoB’s house of Brews beers on tap. superb brunch. 201 e Main st, lowell, 897-8523. thegilmorecollection.com/ flatrivergrill.html. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $-$$
SAT., JANUARY 22, 2011
MON., FEBRUARY 7, 2011
This international acappella group Witness the explosive music and is considered to be one of the best choreography in this show-style in the world! marching band performance.
WED., MARCH 23, 2011
Multi-Grammy Award winner, Michael Bolton, who brought us When a Man Loves a Woman.
FOR SEASON TICKETS Contact the Fine Arts Center Box Office Phone 616.493.8966 | 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | www.fhfineartscenter.com
Single tickets for The B-52S go on sale Aug. 30 at 9 am. Single tickets for LeAnn Rimes go on sale Sept. 8 at 9 am. All remaining single tickets go on sale Oct. 4, at 9 am. You can purchase single tickets at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 1.800.745.3000, at www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Fine Arts Center Box Office.
SEASON PARTNERS
Fleetwood dIner — extensive diner-style american menu with greek influences. famous for hippie hash. open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm sun), serving dinner until 8 pm MonThu, 9 pm fri-sat. outdoor patio. 2222 44th st se, 281-2300. h, B, l, D, C, v, MC, ae ¢-$ August 2010 grand rapids 93
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City Guide GRAND TRAVERSE PIE CO. — Bakery and café offer an extensive menu that covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with quiche, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries. Open daily. 3224 28th St SE, 977-7600. gtpie.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ GRAND VILLA — Longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. H, L, D, C, ✓, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $
hour!
2pm-6pm 7days a week . $1 Blatz cans & $1 Rolling Rock drafts . $2 Mixed drinks . $8 Pitchers of Sangria . $6 Stuffed Burgers + Veggie Burger
53 Commerce Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
www.stellasgr.com ph. 616-356-2700
adam beasley adam@visualalchemy.net phone 616 446 4735 visualalchemy.net
adam beasley adam@visualalchemy.net phone 616 446 4735 visualalchemy.net
THE GRILL AT 1913 — “Kid sister” of Amway Grand Plaza’s Five-Diamond The 1913 Room. Warm ambience and seasonal entrées featuring prime, custom-aged beef. Closed Sun. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/ the_grill_at_1913.html. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $$
KIRBY GRILL — Casual side of the Kirby House offers more than an average grill with innovative touches to the American menu. Family-friendly dining upstairs. 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecollection.com/kirby grillroom.html. L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ KOPPER TOP — Uniquely GR. Raw copper tops the bar and tables to lend a Louisiana pub feel to this GR staple with a long-standing tradition of seasonal decorations. Entrées with a homemade taste. No lunch Sat, closed Sun. 638 Stocking Ave NW, 459-2001. L, D, C, ✓, V, MC, AE ¢ THE LANDING — Nautical décor with windows overlooking the Grand River. Menu features American favorites and German specials. Live music and dancing in the lounge. 270 Ann St NW (Radisson Riverfront Hotel at US 131), 363-7748. radisson.com/hotels/migrapno/dinings. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $
GRILL HOUSE & ROCK BOTTOM BAR — Allegan’s grill-your-own steakhouse with grillmasters on call. Bottomless salad bowl and potato bar; tasty desserts. Rock Bottom Bar opens 11 am daily; the Grill House’s six grills fire up at 5:30 pm weekdays and 11 am Sundays. 1071 32nd St (M-40), Allegan, (269) 686-9192. grillhouse.net. H, L (downstairs), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP (weekends) $-$$
✯LEO’S — Multiple winner of GRM Restaurant of the Year. Leo’s combines fine dining and casual comfort with great service, impressive wine list and full bar. Fresh seafood is the specialty, but steaks and other dishes are just as good. Located on street level in the parking ramp at Ottawa and Louis. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$
THE GRILL ROOM — Aged steaks/chops, fresh seafood and fine wines in top chophouse tradition, served in an unpretentious atmosphere at Grand Haven’s Kirby House. Seasonal menu. Closed Sun during winter. Kirby House, 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecollec tion.com/kirbygrillroom.html. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$
LOUIS BENTON STEAKHOUSE — Upscale steakhouse with a big-city ambiance, featuring premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks, lamb, pork and veal chops, top-of-the-line seafood and more. Superb wine list. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia Ave entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, Suite 100, 454-7455. louisbenton.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$
GRILLE 29 — Varied menu including salads, soup, specialty panini, pasta, pizza and variety of entrées inside the Holiday Inn Select. Adjacent full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 285-7600. holiday inn.com. H, B, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $
MAIN STREET PUB — Casual, fun restaurant and sports bar offers large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and nice entrée selections. Open 11 am daily, with breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
Client: Stella’s Lounge/MarkSellers, Garry Boyd Publication: Grand Rapids Magazine Ad size: 2.25” x 9.875” with 1/8” bleed Design questions: abeasley@visualalchemy.net or 616-446-4735 Billing questions: Garry Boyd, 356-2700, garry@hopcatgr.com
y p p a h
✦GREAT LAKES SHIPPING CO. — Kitchen does everything from beef, seafood, fowl and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. Patio open in summer. No lunch, but open Sun afternoons. 2455 Burton St SE, 949-9440. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$
range of entrées, located on the Grand River at Grand Haven Waterfront Holiday Inn. 940 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, (616) 846-1370. higrand haven.com. H, B, L, D, C, ✓, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$
THE GRILLE AT WATERMARK — Innovative menu in a relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course. Open for lunch and dinner Mon through Sat, and Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Banquet facilities for large gatherings. Reservations accepted. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. watermarkcc.com. H, L, D, C, ✓, V, MC, AE, RSVP $-$$ HONEY CREEK INN — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare that gets rave reviews by patrons. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honey creekinn.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE — Steaks, chops, chicken, soups, salads, sandwiches, Mexican favorites and breakfast, as well as fish specialties. Full bar service; closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Suite F, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ J BAR — The BOB’s steakhouse restaurant caters to those with a penchant for meat and potatoes with style and expertise. Open 5-11 pm; closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. H, D, C, local ✓, V, MC, AE $$
JACK’S — Breakfast and lunch, plus dinner menu with appetizers, wine by the glass and a wide
MAXFIELD’S — Vast lunch and dinner menus are enhanced by daily feature buffets. Open Tue-Sun. 11228 Wyman Rd, Blanchard, (800) 550-5630. maxfieldsrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$ MEADOWS RESTAURANT — Grand Valley State University’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio and dining room overlook golf course. Full-service menu and bar offers everything from burgers to NY strip steak. Seasonal hours; closed Sun. 1 W Campus Dr, Allendale, 895-1000. gvsu.edu/meadows/. H, L, D, C, ✓, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ MIDDLE VILLA INN — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands; in Grand Rapids call 891-1287 for restaurant info. Open daily. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villa-inn. com. H, L, D, C, ✓, V, MC, DS $ MOE’S CONEY & GRILL — Coney Island-style hotdogs and extensive menu from sandwiches to entrees. Wide-ranging breakfast menu, all at reasonable prices. Open daily; closes 2 pm Sun. 3603 S Division Ave, 514-1650. H, B, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$
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City guide: fresh hops
Hunting wild brown ale
PhotogrAPhy by MichAel buck
by Jon c. koeZe
BRowN aLe CaN Be CoMpaReD to rosé wine: It was very popular once, but it’s not dark, not light — so what is it? Brown ale doesn’t really appeal to the light beer crowd, and those who prefer stout will often reach for a porter. The microbrew industry, for all its diversity and experimentation, seems to be more focused on India pale ale these days, and brown ale seems to be going out of fashion. But these overlooked ales have a lot to offer. Brown ale is that color due to the mixture of roasted malt in the brewing process. Malt is just grain, typically barley, that has been processed to increase the amount of natural sugars. Different amounts of dark-roasted malt will give the brew a different color and flavor. In general, brown ales should taste more thin than thick, and more dry than sweet. Don’t expect them to taste like a thick stout. The roasted malt should impart a slightly caramel or burnt-sugar taste on the tongue, but too sweet is really out of character for this beer style. American brown ales also tend to be drier, or more bitter, than the English variety. If you search out brown ale at your local micro-beer store, as I did, you will be surprised at how few there are on the shelves. But you will also notice how many really good browns are made in Michigan. I recommend drinking them slightly colder than room temperature, not straight out of the cooler. Bell’s Best Brown, Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo: This is a good baseline. Note the lively head, the sweet flavor of roasted malt balanced against the dry hops. There should be a slightly sour finish in the back of your mouth. Bell’s has nailed this one. Bellaire Brown, shorts Brewing, Bellaire: I noted more grain flavor and less roasted flavor than the Bell’s. The hops were lighter but not missing. True to style, it was not heavy or too sweet. Cabin Fever, New holland Brewing, holland: This beer shows you how much flavor you can pack into a brown ale. It has all of the qualities of those above but with a chocolate malt sweetness that lasts long after the finish. The hops are still there but the barley flavors really take over. Moose Drool, Big sky Brewing, Missoula,
Mont.: Not too sweet, not too dry, just a wellbalanced American brown ale. If you’re not into dark beers, you might try this as a gateway. Indian Brown ale, Dogfish head Brewing, Milton, Del.: This is the other side of the spectrum. The word “Indian” on the label must be a nod to the IPA brewing style. It is darker than the others and balanced more toward dry hop flavors. It isn’t really an American brown ale; I would describe it as a brown IPA. Nut Brown ale, samuel smith, tadcaster, North yorkshire, UK: This is a textbook English brown ale. It’s less dry and sweet than the American beers listed. The grains are flavorful and easily pronounced, and there is a slight creamy flavor from the sugars in the grain. Contributing Editor Jon C. Koeze is cable television administrator for the city of Grand Rapids. He has made and tasted beer since 1980.
Brown ale is that color due to the mixture of roasted malt in the brewing process. Malt is just grain, typically barley that has been processed to increase the amount of natural sugars.
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City Guide
Decked out for summer Bombay Cuisine and the adjoining The Queen’s Pub, at 1420 Lake Drive SE, opened a new dining deck in June. “Customers are really enjoying it and love to be in the weather — when it cooperates,” owner Balwinder Bal said with a chuckle. “We’re now a destination for people who want to hang out in Eastown and enjoy the summer.”
NOEL RESTAURANT — It’s Christmas year-round at this restaurant located in the former church and parsonage in Jamestown. Family-style dinners, lighter fare on lunch menu. Gift shop on lower level. Hours now by reservation only; parties of 10 or more preferred. 2371 Riley St, Jamestown, 896-6427. noelrestaurant.com. H, L, D, V, MC, RSVP ¢-$$ OTTAWA TAVERN — The full-service, full-menu sister restaurant sharing space with downtown’s Bite. Sports venue with weekday Happy Hour bar specials 4-7 pm. Closed Sun. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 451-8000. thegilmorecollection.com/ottawatav ern.html. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ PAL’S DINER — A real diner with breakfast, lunch and dinner all day, served in fun surroundings. No alcohol served. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢ PEARL STREET GRILL — Bright, airy restaurant in the downtown Holiday Inn (formerly Days Hotel). Breakfast, lunch and steaks, pasta, chicken and fish for dinner. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 2357611. guestservice@higrdt.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ RAINBOW GRILL — Longtime favorite offers breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily luncheon specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed Sun. Now two locations: 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ RED JET CAFÉ — Gilmore Collection restaurant in the former Creston Heights library. Coffee bar along with breakfast, omelets, crepes, soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, specialty pizzas and more in casual, upbeat surroundings. Full bar; opens 7 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollection.com/redballjetcafe.html. H,
B, L, D (Tue-Sat), C, V, MC, AE, DS
¢-$
REDS ON THE RIVER — Located on the banks of the Rogue River in Rockford, Reds combines casual sophistication with Old-World Tuscan sensibilities. Varied menu, good wine list. Lunch served 11-4 pm; closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more are offered at these Western-style Schelde restaurants. Open daily. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. michiganmenu.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ ROCK FIRE GRILLE — Entrees include fresh seafood, aged steaks, wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, stellar desserts in casually elegant surroundings. Full bar, extensive wine list and specialty cocktails. Open daily at lunchtime except Sat. 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 977-9900. rockfire grille.com. H, L (except Sat), D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$ ROSEBUD — Sandwiches, soups and pizza for lunch, a variety of steaks, ribs, pasta and more pizza for dinner. Live music Thu-Sat. Open daily. 100 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 8467788. rosebudgrill.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ ROSIE’S DINER — The original 1946 Paramount diner made famous by paper towel commercials continues the tradition of classic homemade diner fare. Open daily. Half-mile east of US 131. 4500 14 Mile Rd, Rockford, 866-3663. rosies diner.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
7449 68th St, Dutton, 698-1833; 107 E Main St, Caledonia, 891-1128; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-3324; 6618 Old Grand Haven Rd, Norton Shores, (231) 798-7155; 15520 48th Ave, Coopersville, 837-8558; 1665 Viewpond SE, Kentwood, 455-2111. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC $ SANDI’S FAMILY RESTAURANT — Home-cooked meals, family-friendly dining in casual surroundings. Daily specials; all-you-can-eat ocean perch on Fri. Senior discount Mon-Tue. Closed Sun. 6597 S Division Ave, 281-3160. sandisfamilyrest aurant.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ SAYFEE’S — Uniquely GR. Longtime favorite with well-rounded lunch and dinner menus. Chateaubriand served tableside; luscious dessert cart; early-dining specials. Live music and dancing Wed-Sat eves. Deck open in summer. Closed Sun. 3555 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, 949-5750. sayfees. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$ SPINNAKER — Upscale menu features large selection of seafood and landlubber entrees in a nautical themed dining room. Open daily, Sun brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$ SUNDANCE GRILL — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers a dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition. Selection of steaks, salmon, salads and pasta, along with a margarita bar. 5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 956-5644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $
RUSS’ RESTAURANTS — Fast service, family friendly, inexpensive fare. Closed Sun. 3966 Plainfield Ave NE, 381-7545; 2750 28th St SE, 949-8631; 2340 28th St SW, 538-3410; 531 Alpine Ave NW, 784-2230; 6444 S Division Ave, 281-2790; 4440 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 531-1146. russrestaurants.com. B, L, D, 3 ¢
SWAN INN RESTAURANT — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf with daily specials and a menu that ranges from burgers to chicken, seafood and more. Known for gargantuan breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and a nibbles as well as full dinner menu. 5182 Alpine Ave NW (on M-37), 784-1245. swaninn motel.com. H, B, L, C, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$
SAM’S JOINT — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia. Extensive menu includes Mexican selections; full bar. 2412 Briggs Rd, Gun Lake, (269) 795-3965;
TERRACE GRILLE at BAY POINTE INN — Casual gourmet dining, exceptional service, impressive wine list, martini bar and lakeside dining on the terrace. Seasonally changing menu includes sea-
Photography by Michael Buck
MR. BURGER — Uniquely GR. Specialty woodfired pizzas, ethnic salads, sandwiches, appetizers, dips, soups, desserts and coffee. Three locations, antique/garden atmosphere at the bistro near GVSU. Open daily. 2844 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-0200; 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 8633300; 450 Baldwin, Jenison, 457-7400. marinades pizzabistro.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢
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City guide food, steaks, pasta and specials emphasizing regional fare. house-made desserts. open daily. sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Reservations recommended. 11456 Marsh Rd, shelbyville (off Us 131), (269) 672-5202 or (888) gUn-lake. bay pointeinn.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, DC, Rsvp $-$$ that place on plaInFIeld — Diner ambiance serving breakfast all day, along with soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, vegetarian op-tions and desserts. open daily 7 am-8 pm (8 am-3 pm sun). 2162 plainfield ave ne, 365-6669. thatplace onplainfield.com. h, B, l, D ¢ thornapple daIly grIll — a gilmore Collection restaurant with diverse menu: extensive list of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, poultry, chops and pasta along with specialty martinis, wine and micro-brewed beers. Closed sun. 445 ada Dr, ada, 676-1233. the gilmorecoll ection.com/thornappledailygrill.html. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, DC, Rsvp $-$$ tIllMan’s — Uniquely gR. Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. known for steaks but something for every taste, from liver and onions to frog legs and escargot. Closed sun. 1245 Monroe ave nw, 451-9266. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, DC, Rsvp $-$$ tIMbers Inn — Menu ranges from appetizers, gourmet salads, sandwiches and charbroiled burgers to wild game offerings and lumberjack meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. open daily. sun omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd ne, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. h, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae ¢-$
quesadillas and burgers to prime rib to seafood, inside holland’s Doubletree hotel. open daily. 650 e 24th st (just off Us 31), holland, (616) 3940111. holland.doubletree.com. h, B, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae, DC, Ds $ whIteFIsh lake golF and grIll — Menu offers hand-cut steaks, barbecued ribs, fresh seafood and other dining specialties grilled over an apple-wood fire. open daily. 2241 Bass lake Rd, pierson, (616) 636-5260. whitefishgolf andgrill.com. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds $-$$ wInter Inn — seafood, steaks and prime rib along with such specialties as seafood au gratin and pan-fried walleye in historic inn. Convivial bar. Banquet facilities. 100 n lafayette st, greenville, (616) 754-7108. h, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae, DC $ woody’s press boX — pulled pork with pizzazz in a casually classy restaurant complex that includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sandwiches and shrimp as well as standard barbecue fare. open daily, (breakfast and lunch only sun). 5656 Clyde park ave sw, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. h, B, l, D, C, 3, v, MC $
Daytime casual Eateries that specialize in breakfast and lunch. anna’s house — family dining offers great breakfast fare. open daily for breakfast and lunch until 2 pm. 3874 plainfield ave ne, 3618500. h, B, l, v, MC ¢
PhotogrAPhy by MichAel buck
PhotogrAPhy by MichAel buck
the gatherIng place — Cozy setting and country décor complement an imaginative menu. Terrific homemade soups, dessert selections. open daily until 2 pm. 6886 Cascade Rd se, 9493188. h, B, l, v, MC, ae, Ds $ oMelette shoppe & bakery — a plethora of omelets, along with baked-fresh daily pecan rolls, cinnamon pastries and more. open daily til 3 pm. 545 Michigan st ne, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd se, 726-7300. omletteshoppe.com. h, B, l, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ real Food caFÉ — open early for breakfast and lunch, with everything made fresh from scratch by chef owners in cheery locale in alger heights. second location on the northeast side. open until 2 pm; closed Mon. 2419 eastern ave se, 241-4080; 5430 northland Dr ne, 361-1808. h, B, l ¢
wolFgang’s — popular spot renowned for breakfasts. Menu includes omelets, salads and sandwiches. private meeting rooms available. open 6:30 am-2:30 pm daily. 1530 wealthy st se, 454-5776. mattwolfgang.com. h, B, l, 3 ¢
VIctory club — ada’s “sports dining destination” with spacious dining room and lounge areas, fireplaces, Tvs and sports-centric décor. Menu offers standard fare plus out-of-the-norm pizzas, some Mexican dishes and comfort food, plus desserts and Michigan wines. 396 pettis ave se, 425-7050. victoryclubada.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $-$$
west coast grIlle — Daily breakfast buffet, hearty lunch fare and dinner menu ranging from
garden rooM caFÉ — Cheery spot in grand Central plaza offers great breakfast and lunch with an “outside the box” menu. open daily. 2055 28th st se, 452-8544. h, B, l, v, MC, ae, Ds, DC ¢-$
susIe’s caFÉ — Coffee drinks, baked goods, breakfast served through lunch, plus sandwiches, homemade soups and burgers from the grill; malts, shakes, smoothies and ice cream, with a walk-up window open late in summer months. open daily. 1120 knapp st ne, 363-1530. h, B, l ¢
twIsted rooster — formerly o’Charley’s, opens July 21 with new name, same owners. Classic dishes with unexpected twists. full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. open daily. 1600 east Beltline ave. ne, 301-8171. twistedrooster.com. h, l, D, v, MC, ae ¢-$$
walldorFF brewpub & bIstro — Microbrewery with menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, barbecue specialties, small plates, steaks, pork and lamb chops, duck, pastas and wood-fired pizzas. 105 e state st, hastings, (269) 945-4400. waldorff brewpub.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$
Fat boy burgers — Uniquely gR. legendary burger joint in the Cheshire neighborhood offers breakfast 6-11 am weekdays (7 am sat) and lunch until 3 pm in newly renovated surroundings. Closed sun. 2450 plainfield ave ne, 361-7075. h, B, l, v, MC ¢
red geranIuM caFÉ — popular spot is known for its specialty omelets, homemade soups, breads and desserts. Two locations: 6670 kalamazoo ave se, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center ave. 5328888. h, B, l ¢
tullyMore — Restaurant at Tullymore golf Club offers seasonally inspired menu with layers of flavors and artful presentations in beautiful surroundings. expansive views, large patio for outdoor dining. 11969 Tullymore, stanwood, (800) 972-4837. tullymoregolf.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, Rsvp $-$$
VIllage Inn pIZZa parlor — longtime local favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, soups, salads, Mexican and more, with karaoke nights Thu-sat. full bar. open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th st se, kentwood, 281-1444; 934 washington st, holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza. net. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae ¢-$
cherIe Inn —Café is relaxed setting for upscale breakfasts and innovative specials, served until 3 pm. Closed Mon. 969 Cherry st se, 458-0588. B, l, 3, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢
Vegetarian gaIa caFÉ — innovative, totally vegetarian fare served in a cozy atmosphere. Closed Mon. 209 Diamond ave se, 454-6233. h, B, l, D, v, MC, ae ¢
hot weather relIeF Electric Eel is billed as an “Asian fusion sushi and noodle shop,” but the Wealthy Street eatery also dishes up soft-serve ice cream using seasonal fruits, spices, nuts, chocolates, syrups and teas. Summer favorites include Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana, a signature flavor, and Malted Brownie, made with fresh brownies.
lIttle aFrIca cuIsIne — humble storefront café with dining area offers vegetarian dishes only. hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings are served on ethiopian flat bread. sample other ethiopian specialties. Cash or checks only. open daily. 956 e fulton st, 222-1169. h, l, D, 3 ¢
pubs & taverns Restaurants that prefer to be known as “bars that serve food.” bar louIe — Urban décor at woodland Mall, with sandwiches, appetizers, deluxe burgers and hearty entrées. More than 20 domestic, importAugust 2010 grand rapids 97
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City Guide ed and microbrew beers, along with a nice bythe-glass or bottle wine selection and specialty cocktails. Outdoor seating. 3191 28th St SE, 8859050. barlouieamerica.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, $-$$ DS BUD & STANLEY’S — Tiffany-style lamps mingle with moose and elk head trophies. Mirrored bar and TV sets galore. Mexican and Italian dishes, burgers, starters, salads and sandwiches. Main entrées range from homemade pasties to the one-pound Texas cut sirloin. Takeout available. Open daily. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ CAMBRIDGE HOUSE — Wash down fish ’n chips with a pint of John Courage at this pub, complete with pool tables and dart board. Hoagies, Reubens and burgers; appetizers (served until 11 pm) satisfy snackers. Lots of liquor choices and good-size wine list. Takeout available. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 356-1622. cambridgehousegr. com. L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ CASCADE SPORTS GRILL — Not your average sports bar from a food perspective: calamari, crab cakes, pot stickers, stuffed ’shrooms, sandwiches, chicken, steak and more. Sizable bar with 10 brew taps and an extensive martini menu. Pool tables, dartboards, TVs and other amusements. Live DJ Sat night. Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St $ SE, 974-3338. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS CHEERS — Popular neighborhood spot with something for everyone: munchies, salads, southof-the-border favorites, fish, steaks, burgers, breakfast fare, omelets and more, served daily in an inviting log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢ CHEQUERS — Creative cuisine with a British flair ranges from beef tips Sherwood to Welsh rarebit, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and imported beer served in an English pub atmosphere. Open daily in summer. 220 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 8571868. H, L, D, V, MC,AE $ CORNER BAR — Rockford’s much-loved spot for a brew and a chili dog, with hall-of-fame status for quantity gorging, a decades-long tradition. Bar fare includes burgers, sandwiches, soups, nibbles, etc. Smoke free. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 866-9866. rockfordcornerbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, ¢ MC, AE
wiches, munchies and entrées with an Emerald Isle influence. Live music several nights a week. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagans ¢ gr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC
soups, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and wet burritos, as well as full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 784¢-$ 3806. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS
FOUNDERS BREWING CO. — Uniquely GR. Sip samples and munch on peanuts and popcorn in the spacious taproom with vaulted ceilings, serpentine bar and a stage for live music Thu and Sat. Expanded deli menu features sandwiches and light pub fare. Covered (heated) porch with outdoor seating. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 7761195. foundersbrewing.com. H, L (11-2 Mon-Fri), 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢
MOJO’S — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, with starters, pastas, sandwiches, salads and reasonably priced entrées, plus late night “munchy menu.” RSVP for dinner early, show starts at 8 pm Wed-Thu, 7 pm Fri-Sat, DJ, dancing, pool tables, VIP Room and flat-screen TVs on 2nd floor. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. H, D (Wed-Sat), C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
GP SPORTS — Sports and entertainment venue patterned after ESPN’s Zone and Dave and Buster’s, with interactive sports games, giant video screen and TVs. Menu features create-yourown pizzas, burgers, salads and such. Closed Sun and Mon. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $
NEW HOLLAND BREWING CO. — Munchies, salads, pizza and sandwiches augment a wide array of handcrafted beer. 15-minute lunch menu. Beer and wine only. Closed Sun. 66 E 8th St, Holland. (616) 355-6422. newhollandbrew.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
GRAND WOODS LOUNGE — Year-round alfresco dining complete with fireplace. Eclectic menu selections mix with upscale takes on comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious bar. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ HOLLY’S BACK DOOR BAR & GRILL — Fullservice menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Opens 5 pm; closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ -HOPCAT — Downtown pub offers crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar, and tasty fare including appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopca tgr.com. H, L (Sat-Sun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ HUB’S INN — Sandwiches, burgers, wet burritos and thin-crust pizza. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. hubsinn.com. H, L, D, C ¢ INTERSECTION CAFÉ — Roomy location offers unique takes on old favorites. Creative sandwich wraps and panini, great burgers, interesting quesadilla selections, soups, salads, appetizers, flatbread pizza, vegetarian options. Full bar. 133 Grandville Ave SW, 459-0977. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢
THE COTTAGE BAR — Uniquely GR. Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chili, house-made soups and sandwiches, daily specials, imported beers, full bar and cordial atmosphere. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.com. L, ¢ D, C, V, MC, AE
JD REARDON’S — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk building offers American, Southwest, Thai and more, with a nice selection of nibbles, soups, sandwiches, dinner-size salads, steaks and other appealing entrées. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating with fountain views. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$
THE CURRAGH — Downtown Holland traditional Irish pub features all the fun foods, spirits, music and environment of Old World Ireland. Enjoy a pint and authentic Irish fare from a full menu. Seasonal outdoor seating, live entertainment, valet parking. 73 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393-6340. curraghhol land.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$$
J GARDELLA’S TAVERN — The massive antique bar is matched by the gargantuan menu ranging from homemade chips to build-your-own burger. Three floors of seating. Open Sun for Griffins games, other arena events. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 4598824. jgardellastavern.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, ¢ AE, DS
ELBOW ROOM BAR & GRILL — Cozy neighborhood watering hole with bar food to match: burgers, sandwiches, nachos, salads, chicken fingers, etc. Open daily 10 am-2 am. Play darts, Golden Tee or the jukebox. 501 Fuller Ave NE, 454-6666. ¢-$ H, L, D, C, V, MC
LOGAN’S ALLEY — Uniquely GR. Free popcorn complements a premium-libation special in these cozy digs. From two Reubens to a garden burger, the 18-item sandwich-and-appetizer menu even lists pizza rolls. Seasonal deck seating. Open daily. 916 Michigan St NE, 458-1612. logansalley. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
FLANAGAN’S — Popular Irish pub, imported beers, 20 on tap, includes Guinness stout. Homemade soups and stews, specialty sand-
MILL CREEK TAVERN — Comstock Park’s cozy eatery offers appetizers, from-scratch daily
NITE CAP BAR & GRILL — Roomy and bright with outdoor patio, pool tables, video games, bigscreen TVs, Keno and karaoke Thu-Sat evenings. Daily drink specials, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs, flame-broiled burgers, Mexican selections and dinners. 801 W Fulton St, 451-4243. nitecap ¢ bar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE — Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ PIER HEAD GRILL AND TAVERN — Familyfriendly, nautical atmosphere with a nice selection of steaks, seafood, fish, chicken, and nibbles such as jalapeno bottle caps and asiago-stuffed ravioli bites. Open daily in Cascade Centre, 6246 28th St ¢-$ SE, 974-9010. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS PUB 43 — Cozy atmosphere caters to all, but is especially popular with artists and the gay crowd. Board games, more than a dozen TVs, fully stocked bar with usual bar fare from burgers to more upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division Ave, 458-2205. H, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ QUEEN’S PUB SPORTS BAR — Adjacent to Bombay Cuisine with English pub grub, full bar and lots of beers on tap. Big-screen TVs, pool table, dart boards, wireless connection. 14201424 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ QUINN & TUITE’S IRISH PUB — One of the largest selections of Irish whiskies in the area and Guinness on tap. Traditional Irish music, Celtic rock, open mic Fri eves, live bands Sat. Typical bar fare includes burgers, brats, sandwiches, munchies. 1535 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-8380. quinnandtuites.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ ROCKWELL’S KITCHEN & TAP — The more casual kid sister adjacent to Republic restaurant. Classic American pub features comfort foods with a twist; upper-floor outdoor balcony seating. 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsgrand rapids.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ ROCKY’S BAR & GRILL — Burgers, appetizers, fried fish baskets, sandwiches and more. Art Deco bar, pool table. Kitchen open late; check for evening entertainment. Open daily, Sun at 5 pm with $1 beer specials. 633 Ottawa Ave NW, 356-2346. myspace.com/rockysgr. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ SAZERAC LOUNGE — New Orleans-style lounge
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City Guide featuring bar food with a Cajun bent. Live entertainment Sat nights. Open for lunch Tue-Sat, Mon at 4 pm. 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. myspace.com/sazeraclounge. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ THE SCORE — Restaurant and sports bar with a wide-ranging menu that includes pizza, ribs, handcut steaks, seafood, chicken and comfort dishes like meatloaf. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescoregr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ SHAMROCK BAR & GRILL — Small but interesting menu offers tasty choices such as coconut shrimp and house-made tortilla soup in addition to burgers and steak. Nice children’s menu. Open daily at 11 am. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ STELLA’S LOUNGE — Mostly vegan menu but a stuffed burger for carnivores. Advertises strong drinks and more than 200 whiskies. 53 Commerce Ave, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC ¢-$ TAPHOUSE LOUNGE — Renovated historic surroundings with dozens of beers on tap. Sports bar menu runs the gamut from appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches to entrées such as ribs, perch and steak. Atrium cigar lounge. Open daily until 2 am. 8 Ionia Ave SW, 774-3338. taphousegr. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $
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TEAZERS BAR & GRILL — Burgers and pasta entrées, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites. Kids menu. Look for live music on the stage. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teaz ersbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ VITALE’S SPORTS LOUNGE & PIZZERIA — Serving pizza and pasta plus legendary panini sandwiches and wraps in sports-centric surroundings. Multiple screens, outside deck, live entertainment, 29 beers on tap. Open daily. 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-2526, takeout 784-5011. vitalessportsbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$
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WEST SIDE BAR — No-frills neighborhood tavern with bar-food menu that includes the Hog Burger, a half-pound burger made fresh daily and stacked with a choice of ham or bacon and all the fixings. Live entertainment weekends. 1568 Broadway NW, 459-1240. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢ Z’S — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs. Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. 43-foot bar; multiple TVs. Carry-out service. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$
Delis, Dogs & Bagels Places that serve sandwiches, bagels and/or hot dogs. BAGEL BEANERY — All locations bake a variety of bagels and serving great breakfast and deli sandwiches. Vegetarian options, soups, salads and specialty coffees. Catering, kids meals, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating. 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 2454220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, 2499500. bagelbeanery.com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ BIG APPLE BAGELS — Fresh bagels and 15 cream cheese mixtures. Choose your favorite bagel to wrap around the sandwiches or breakfast options, or build your own from the deli. 3915 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-1919; 2058 Lake Michigan
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City Guide Dr NW, 735-2390; 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 5547915. babcorp.com. H, B, L, D, 3 ¢ BITE — Deli side of Ottawa Tavern features daily soups, big wraps, salads and build-yourown burgers. Weekday Happy Hour drink and appetizer specials 4-7 pm. Closed Sun. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 451-8000. bite.thegilmorecollec tion.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ BITTER END — Full array of specialty coffee drinks, bagels, muffins, pastries and deli sandwiches in atmosphere of a 1930s French café. Free Wi-Fi. Open 24/7. 752 W Fulton St, 4516061. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ BOARDWALK SUBS — 20 huge Jersey-style subs using family-recipe Italian dressing and specialty meats such as capicola and prostitini in addition to familiar choices. Also soups, chili, salads, chips, fresh-baked cookies, ice cream treats and kids meals. Take out or eat in. Catering and delivery. Open daily. 5422 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 724-2492. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ CAFÉ SCALA — Tre Cugini’s cousin in the Ledyard Building offers sandwiches and other Euro nibbles at reasonable prices. Open 11:30 am-2:30 pm Mon-Fri. 125 Ottawa Ave NW, 235-9115. trecugini. com. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢ CHERRY DELI — Extensive menu offers more than 50 sandwiches, a dozen salads, five soups, with catering and takeout options. Outdoor patio; closed Sun. 834 Cherry St SE, 459-6182. cherry deli.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ CORNUCOPIA — A little of everything, including bakery, sandwich spot, pizzeria, take-home specialties, lunch buckets, fresh-ground coffees; one-of-a-kind wine selection. Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6428. amwaygrand.com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE ¢-$
ioned “soda shop” atmosphere. Open daily in season beginning March 1. 652 Croswell Ave SE, Gaslight Village, EGR, 458-4107. jerseyjunction. com. H, L, D ¢ JW’S — Art gallery meets coffeehouse with monthly rotation of local artists’ works. Specializing in light, health-conscious lunch fare, in addition to every coffee drink under the sun. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 285-1695. H, B, L, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ KAVA HOUSE — Uniquely GR. Popular Eastown spot with bakery items (known for the scones) and java served in bowl-sized cups. Plenty of seating (outdoors, too). Bakery includes homemade pizzas, spinach pies, sausage rolls and soup. 1445 Lake Dr SE, 451-8600. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC ¢ KAVA HOUSE BY GEORGE — Separately owned store in Gainesville Township offers bakery items and light lunch fare like wraps and seasonally inspired soups and chili. Full array of coffees. Free Wi-Fi. 6633 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 971-4560. H, B, L, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢ LOCAL MOCHA — Downtown location offers favorite coffee specialties and smoothies as well as grilled breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 96 Monroe Center NW, 4590082. localmochagr.com. H, B, L, V, MC, AE ¢ MAMA’S PIZZA & GRINDERS — Busy spot in Thornhills Plaza offering large grinders (halfsize available), pizza, salads and pasta selection. 6504 28th St SE, 954-1964. mamaspizza andgrinders.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ MUSEUM CAFÉ — Deli-style sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and beverages on the second floor of the Van Andel Museum Center with a view of the riverfront. Closed Sun. 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977. H, L ¢
CRAZY CHARLIE’S — Coney Island-style dogs plus a daily soup, chips, shakes, slushies, fountain drinks and soft-serve ice cream service with walkup window on Bagley Ave in warmer months. 2184 Wealthy St SE, 451-6720. H, L, D, V, MC ¢
NUNZIA’S CAFÉ — Combo specials of soups, chili, salads, sandwiches, pasta and Italian dishes, located in the Merrill Lynch building by Calder Plaza. Open 11 am-3 pm weekdays. 250 Monroe Ave NW, No. 140, 458-1533. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢
DAM DOGS — On the dam in downtown Rockford serving everyone’s favorite variation on a hot dog theme in old-time surroundings; ice cream. 51 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-9565. H, L, D ¢
OLGA’S KITCHEN — Greek-style wrapped sandwiches, salads and desserts, with uniquely flavored fries, appetizers, smoothies and desserts. Open daily. 2213 Wealthy St SE, 456-0600; 3195 28th St, 942-8020; 3700 Rivertown Parkway SW, Grandville, 531-6572. olgaskitchen.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢
THE DOG PIT — Every variation on a hot dog, with house-made chili topping a specialty. Large variety of condiments. Also daily soups. Closed Sun. 132 Monroe Center NW, 988-1508. H, L, D ¢ FERRIS COFFEE AND NUT CO. — Breakfast and light lunch items in Plaza Towers on West Fulton. Both locations feature global gourmet coffees, nut selections and sweet treats. Gift baskets available at Winter Ave location. 235 W Fulton St, 227 Winter Ave NW, 459-6257. ferriscoffee.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ FRENZ COFFEE HOUSE — Besides tea and coffee specialties, menu offers soups, salads and wrap sandwiches. Closed Sun. Musicians play on Fri. Free Wi-Fi. Dedicated customers who are local artists display and sell their work. 8 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8750. frenzcoffeehouse.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢ THE GRAND CONEY — Home-style dinners, burgers, salads, sandwiches, Mexican fare, desserts and all-day breakfast in addition to authentic Coney Island hot dogs. Open 24/7. 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580. H, B, L, D, Cash only ¢ JERSEY JUNCTION — Sandwiches, ice cream treats, candies and hot dogs served in old-fash-
ONE STOP CONEY SHOP — Hot dogs plus salads, sandwiches, fries and house-made original condiments in downtown GR. Open 11 am-9 pm Mon-Sat. 154 E Fulton, 233-9700. onestopconey shop.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ RAMONA’S TABLE — EGR deli with selections made from scratch: soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals from 8 am-8 pm daily; takeout and catering. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 4598500. ramonastable.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ RITZ KONEY BAR & GRILLE — Hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads plus chicken fingers, nachos, wings and fries. Full bar with limited wine list. Closed Sun. 64 Ionia Ave SW, 451-3701. ritzkoneybarandgrille.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC ¢-$ SCHNITZ DELICATESSEN — Deli with a German flair. Sandwiches, creamy potato salad and fudgy brownies. All available for takeout. Closed Sun. 1315 E Fulton St, 451-4444; Schnitz East, 597 Ada Dr SE, 682-4660; Schnitz South, 1529 Langley
St SE, 281-5010. schnitzdeli.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC ¢-$ TASTE OF THE GARDENS CAFÉ — At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Deli selections, soups and fresh-baked pastries available. Same hours as gardens; brunch on second Sun of month by reservation only. 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, 977-7691. meijergardens.com. H, L, 3, V, MC ¢-$ URBAN MILL CAFÉ — Deli-style, grilled and baked specialty sandwiches, using all-natural ingredients on freshly baked breads. Top-notch soups, salads, desserts, baked goods and breakfast also available. 629 Michigan St NE, 855-1526. urban mill.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢-$ VANILLAS COFFEE TEA CAFÉ — Specialties include gourmet coffees, teas, smoothies and pastries. Special-order bakery for cakes, cookies, cupcakes. Check out the dollar menu. Closed Sun. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE, Plainfield Plaza, 447-0080. vanillascafe.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY — Fresh breads, cinnamon rolls and pastries in reclaimed, roomy location, with sandwiches and daily soup specials. Club, specialty and vegetarian sandwiches available on fresh-baked breads. Free Wi-Fi. Closed Sun. 608 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreet bakery.com. H, B, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ WG GRINDERS — Oven-baked gourmet grinders (6-, 10- or 20-inch), excellent variety of greens, deli and signature salads, soups and desserts, in pleasant surroundings. A few hot pasta selections. Catering, delivery and takeout. Closed Sun. Esplanade Center, 5769 28th St SE, 974-3354. wggrinders.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ WIRED ESPRESSO BAR — A gamut of coffee concoctions, espresso-based beverages, baked goods, sandwiches and more in the Creston Business District. Summer hours 7 am-2 am; free wireless Internet and occasional live weekend entertainment. 1503 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-5245. wiredgr.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ YESTERDOG — Uniquely GR. The city’s favorite hot dogs in a fun, nostalgic Eastown setting. Try the Ultradog. Closed Sun. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 262-3090. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢
European FTHE 1913 ROOM — Multiple GRM Restaurant of the Year winner. AAA Five-Diamond rating. Innovative, French-inspired fare, excellent wine list and superb desserts, lavish French décor and impeccable service. Closed Sun. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave NW, (800) 2533590 for reservations desk, 776-6426 for restaurant. amwaygrand.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $$ ALPENROSE — Euorpean-inspired restaurant with fare ranging from Certified Aged Black Angus steaks to poultry and fish dishes. Features five private dining rooms, banquet facility, a bakery and café. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. Awardwinning Sun brunch buffet. 4 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393-2111. alpenroserestaurant.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP ¢-$$ BELLA MIA PIZZERIA & ITALIAN GRILL — Italian dishes, pasta dishes and hand-tossed New Yorkstyle pizza (even dessert pizzas) in roomy, window-fronted dining room. Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, 554-9930. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$
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City Guide BRICK ROAD PIZZA — A nice selection of pasta, pizza, salads, desserts and vegan specialties. Buffet available at lunch. Meatball crust specialty. Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brick roadpizza.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$
serts. Special Wine Cellar dinners in unique surroundings; separate lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 4936686. notosoldworld.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, $-$$ RSVP
FLORENTINE PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices in addition to thincrust pizzas. Ten beers on tap. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, Foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
PEPPINO’S RISTORANTE PIZZERIA AND SPORTS LOUNGE — Contemporary ambience, separate sports bar. Extensive menu of Italian specialties and pizza, char-grilled Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615, peppino spizza.com. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 4568444. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$
FLORENTINE RISTORANTE — Italian and American cuisine. Pizza and pasta served in the lounge until midnight; full-menu dinner 4-10 pm. Closed Sun. 3245 28th St SW, 534-5419. flor entineingrandville.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC $ FRANCO’S PIZZERIA — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). Cash only; open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. H, L, D ¢-$ FRANKIE V’s PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR — Roomy with central bar, pool tables, jukebox, video games, TVs, covered patio. Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta entrées, plus burgers and Mexican. Weekday lunch buffet. Tap your own 100-ounce beer tower. 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ FRED’S PIZZA AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT — Longtime Northeast favorite offering fromscratch Italian fare, fresh pasta, gourmet pizza, full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredspizza.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$
PEREDDIES — Italian fine-dining and a deli with baked breads, salads, meats, pâté, desserts and imported food. Wine list, full bar, wine to go. More casual fare in Scusi lounge. Closed Sun. 447 Washington Ave, Holland, (616) 394-3061. pereddiesrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC $-$$ PIETRO’S BACK DOOR PIZZERIA — Tucked behind Pietro’s Restaurant off 28th Street, featuring Chicago-style, thin-crust, Sicilian pan and wood-fired pizzas. Also skillet pastas, paninis, appetizers, salads and desserts. Kids menu. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-7488. rcfc.com/backdoor pizzeria/. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ PIETRO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE — Regional and contemporary preparation of Italian cuisine. Fresh-baked breads, Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Nightly features. Kids menu, meeting room and takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. rcfc.com/pietros. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $
FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT — Famous for its thin-crust pizza; pasta dinners with sauce that has made its way to the retail market. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. H, D, C ¢-$
RESTAURANT TOULOUSE — Seasonally inspired menu with such French classics as cassoulet and bouillabaisse. Delectable appetizers and desserts. Award-winning wines and Zagat Survey notable. Hours vary seasonally; private parties can be arranged. Sun brunch during summer. 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1561. restauranttoulo use.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, RSVP $$
MANGIAMO — Historic mansion houses familyfriendly Italian eatery. Steaks and seafood in addition to pasta and pizza. Open daily for dinner; extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 742-0600. thegilmorecollection.com/ mangiamoletseat.html. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$
SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT — Sicilian and southern Italian fare using family recipes. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Weekday lunch buffet. All menu items, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Closed Sun. 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvat oresgr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
MARINADE’S PIZZA BISTRO — Specialty wood-fired pizzas, ethnic salads, sandwiches, appetizers, dips, soups, desserts and coffee. Open daily. 2844 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 4530200; 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300; 450 Baldwin, Jenison, 457-7400. marinades pizzabistro.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢
SAN CHEZ, A TAPAS BISTRO — Legendary downtown hotspot offers authentic Spanish bill of fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$
MARRO’S — Authentic Italian fare and housebaked goods, extensive array of pizza toppings. Open mid-April through autumn; closed Mon. 147 Waters St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-4248. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$
FTRE CUGINI — Authentic high-end Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties, plus beef, veal, lamb, chicken and seafood dishes. Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 235-9339. trecugini.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$
MONELLI’S RESTAURANT AND SPORTS BAR — Southern Italian cuisine from the folks who own Monelli’s Pizza. Spacious sports bar with big screen HD TVs; family-friendly dining room with fireplace. 5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 5309700. monellis.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING — Italian dining in elegant surroundings. Extensive menu and impeccable service. Offerings include appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, veal, fish and des-
sports lounge with Italian cuisine, American dishes and an array of freshly baked pizzas. Open daily. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor SE, 891-5958. uccellos.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ VITALE’S — The original. Traditional Italian ristorante with Old World sensibilities serving regional dishes from family recipes since 1966. Open daily. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (also Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door, 458-2090), takeout 458-3766. theoriginalvitales.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ VITALE’S OF ADA — Multi-regional, upscale, fromscratch menu in the trattoria style of modern-day Italy. Family-friendly atmosphere; microbews to martinis in separate sports pub. Open daily. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ VITALE’S PIZZERIA — Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from original Vitale family recipes. 59 W Washington St, Zeeland, (616) 772-5900, vitaleszeeland.com; 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 5308300. vitales.us. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$
Asian Including Thai and Indian fare. ABACUS — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends. Nice cocktail selection. Open daily. 2675 28th St SW, 530-3300. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS, DC ¢-$ AKA SAKA SUSHI — Sushi plus Korean and Japanese offerings in low-key atmosphere in the Cascade Centre. Occasional sushi classes offered. Closed Sun. 6252 28th St SE, 977-0444. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ ALPINE TERIYAKI AND SUSHI — Sushi selections with some deep-fried roll options, shrimp tempura and more, all masterfully presented. Pleasant, diminutive surroundings; closed Sun. 4089 Alpine Ave NW, Suite F, 647-9935. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option from a long list of ingredients. Vegetarian-friendly, fromscratch sauces. Pleasant surroundings. Open daily. 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsth aicafe.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP ¢-$ ASIAN PALACE — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each cuisine. Family owned and operated. Try the “Bo 7 Mon” specialty, a seven-course beef sampling. Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ BANGKOK PALACE — Wide selection of traditional Thai, noodle and curry dishes with vegetarian, chicken, seafood, beef, pork, duck and chef specialty selections (and name-your-spice-level options). Closed Mon. 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 534-5010. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
TWO TONYS TAVERNA GRILLE — Italian, Greek and American specialties with full-service bar, extensive wine list. Wide-ranging menu includes wood-fired pizzas and nightly specials. Artsy ambience, open kitchen and large patio. Private dining rooms for parties. Closed Sun. 723 E Savidge Rd, Spring Lake, (616) 844-0888. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $
BANGKOK TASTE — Jenison eatery features fresh Thai fare at reasonable prices. Nice lunch buffet, with Pad Thai, Thai curry and Thai fried rice prepared fresh daily. Pleasant surroundings in Baldwin Plaza. Closed Sun. 674 Baldwin St, 667-8901. www.bangkoktaste.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$
UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE — Pizzeria, grill and
BANGKOK VIEW — Thai food and Chinese fare.
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City guide lunch buffet. Closed Mon. 1233 28th st sw, 5318070. l, D, v, MC ¢-$ beIJIng kItchen — extensive menu featuring hunan, szechuan and Cantonese cuisines at reasonable prices. Cashew chicken is a specialty. lunch specials priced at $5.95. open daily. 342 state st se, 458-8383. www.beijing kitchengr.com. h, l, D, v, MC ¢-$
The Lake E ffect Everyone Loves.
blue gInger asIan kItchen — extensive asian menu that is vegetarian-friendly. noodlebased Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries, fried rice in modern surroundings. open daily. 5751 Byron Center ave (Bayberry Market strip mall), 261-8186. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$
• Estate Bottled Wines
boMbay cuIsIne — indian fare including tandoori and vindaloo dishes spiced to diner’s satisfaction. naan (bread) is cooked to order. The newly expanded and renovated space is modern, warm and welcoming with full bar service, eight beers on tap, and live music Thu-sat eves. Takeout available; closed Tue. 1420 lake Dr se, 456-7055. h, l, D, C, v, MC $
• Tours Available, call for more information
chIna cheF — family-style Chinese restaurant in standale strip mall with some innovative dishes. szechuan-style entrées are especially popular; try the combination, offering a bit of everything. hunan choices, too. Closed Mon. 4335 lake Michigan Dr nw, 791-4488. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$
6130 - 122nd Ave. Fennville, MI 49408 I-196 exit 34, follow the “winery” signs. Open year around Mon - Sat 11-5, Sun 1-5 Summer: July/Aug. Mon-Sat 11-6 Sun 1-5 Fall: Sept/Oct Mon-Thur 11-5 Fri-Sat 11-6 Sun 1-5
chIna cIty — nice selection of Chinese cuisine. lo mein is a specialty, along with hong kong-style chow mein noodles. lunch prices all day Tue; free soup and egg roll sun; closed Mon. 5299 eastern ave se, 257-7038. h, l, D, v, MC, Ds ¢-$
grmag
• Winery Direct Discounts • Retail Sales • Picnic Area
• Free Wine Tasting at the Winery or at our Tasting room in downtown Saugatuck.
Performing Arts In The Vineyards: Sunday’s In August. Enjoy performing arts recitals in our vintage garden each Sunday afternoon from 2:30 until 4:30. No reservations, no admission charge.
Wine events all year ‘round.
800-432-6265 www.fennvalley.com winery@fennvalley.com
Check our event list online!
Time for a lunch change
chIna gourMet buFFet — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items to choose from. Dinner buffet served all day on weekends; discount for seniors; special prices for children 10 and under. open daily. 2030 28th st sw, 2521379. h, l, D, v, MC ¢-$ chIna Inn — Menu includes Mandarin, szechuan, hunan and Cantonese cuisine; cocktails served at west shore Drive location only. open all week at two locations: 2863 west shore Dr, holland, (616) 786-9230; 1080 lincoln ave, holland, (616) 395-8383. chinainn restaurants.com. l, D, v, MC $ chIna palace — Chinese eateries with all the amenities; large selection of popular dishes. open daily. 3330 alpine ave nw, 785-9668; 3633 eastern ave se, 246-9966. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds $ chInatown restaurant and Japanese steak house — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available. lunch and dinner buffets. full bar service. open daily. 69 28th st sw, 452-3025. chinatown grandrapids.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC ¢-$ chIna wong — no-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy hunan and kung-po dishes. open daily. 6719 s Division ave, 281-8816. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ chIna yI wang — Chinese dishes including seafood, beef, poultry and chef specialties, combination plates and spicy hunan dishes. open daily. 1947 eastern ave se, 241-3885. h, l, D, v, MC ¢-$ east garden buFFet — Cantonese, hunan, szechuan cuisine in kentwood. open daily with buffet and large menu selection. 6038 kalamazoo
Enjoy Lunch • WE’LL SavE thE EnvironmEnt Every thursday during the month of august the lights will be off during lunch at the Pearl Street Grill. come enjoy a “lite” lunch by candlelight.
Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner
310 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids
616-235-1342
www.holidayinn.com/grandrapidsdt complimentary parking August 2010 grand rapids 103
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City Guide Ave SE, 698-8933. H, L, D, V, MC
¢-$
ELECTRIC EEL — American/Asian fusion from Electric Cheetah’s creative chef/owner. Customized fried rice and noodle dishes from variety of options. Also soups, salads, sides, sushi, “frushi” and homemade ice cream with local, seasonal ingredients. Limited space, set for takeout. 1133 Wealthy St SE, 451-4780. electriceelgr.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢-$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II — Full scale, allyou-can-eat Chinese buffet served all day. More than 80 freshly made items, reasonably priced. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
in pleasant surroundings. 1740 44th St SW, 5303377; 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr. com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, RSVP $ INDIA TOWN — Indian fare in a humble but cozy atmosphere. Tandooris are especially good. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. india town4u.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ JADE GARDEN — Extensive menu of Chinese cuisine, limited selection of American dishes, children’s menu and an array of tropical drinks. All dishes cooked with vegetable oil, no MSG. Open daily. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP ¢-$
EMPIRE WOK BUFFET — More than 150 daily selections of fresh Chinese food, complete with Mongolian barbecue and sushi stations. Open daily. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9928. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $
KOBE JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE — Chefs entertain behind giant grills as they slice, dice, toss, grill and flambé filet mignon, shrimp, chicken, salmon, scallops and lobster. Separate à la carte sushi counter. 3434 Rivertown Point Ct, Grandville, 301-8696. kobesteakhouse.com. H, L (Sat/Sun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$
FAR-EAST RESTAURANT — Serving Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes; vegetable-oilonly cooking. Carryout and catering available. Open daily. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. L, D, V, MC, DC, DS $
MARADO SUSHI — Sushi bar in downtown GR also offers a wide selection of Japanese fare along with a few Korean specialties. 47 Monroe Center, 742-6793. Closed Sun. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$
FIRST WOK — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out seven days a week. Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 28th St SE, 5759088. firstwokgr.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, RSVP $
MIKADO — Separate menus for sushi and sashimi à la carte; lunch specials served with soup and rice. Dinners offer a full range of Japanese cuisine. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, RSVP ¢-$
FORTUNE CHEF — Chinese cuisine and a range of American fare from sandwiches to pork chops and steak. Opens 6 am weekdays, 8 am weekends with breakfast served all day. 9353 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1388. fortunechef caledonia.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ GOLDEN 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu. Seasonal specialties and family dinners, served in an elegant atmosphere. Closed Mon. 627 28th St SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. H, L, D, V, MC, DS $ GOLDEN DRAGON — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse, occasionally excellent. Closed Sun. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC $ GOLDEN GATE RESTAURANT — Tasty Chinese fare in pleasant, roomy surroundings, affordably priced. All-inclusive lunch combination plates, tasty egg rolls, great sweet-and-sour dishes with some hot and spicy choices. Takeout, too. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. H, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ GOLDEN WOK — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers wide variety of lunch and dinner options, including Hunan-spiced dishes along with other favorites in a cheery dining room. Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-8880. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
MYNT FUSION BISTRO — Classy surroundings with a fusion of Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ NING YE — Family-owned Chinese restaurant in Ada also serves Korean fare. Closed Sun during winter months. 6747 E Fulton St, Suite A, 6765888. H, L, D, V, MC, AE $ NU-THAI BISTRO — More than 70 options from appetizers, soups, and Thai salads to fried rice, curries and noodle dishes with options to add chicken, tofu, vegetables, beef, pork, shrimp scallops or seafood. Also seafood and duck specialty plates. 2055 28th St SE, Suite 9, 452-0065. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP ¢-$ OYSY TEPPANYAKI AND SUSHI BAR — Modern surroundings in Centerpointe Mall. Korean and Japanese fusion fare with a single-priced all-youcan-eat lunch from the sushi buffet or teppanyaki grilled fried rice and vegetable option with chicken, steak or shrimp choices. Closed Sun. 3665 28th St SE, 575-8110. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$
scale for spiciness. Appetizers, soups, salads, stir-fries, curries, pad Thai noodle dishes and more. No alcohol, but try the fruity, milkshake-like bubble tea. 5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. rak thaibistro.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP ¢-$ RED SUN BUFFET — All-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections along with soups, salads, desserts and more, plus a menu of house specialties. Open daily. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. redsunbuffet.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ SEOUL GARDEN — Chinese and Korean cuisine with full bar, elegant surroundings. Banquet and catering facilities available. Closed Sun. 3321 28th St SE, 956-1522. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ SHANG HAI ICHIBAN — Authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine served in two distinct areas. Food prepared tableside in the Japanese area by hibachi chefs. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. shanghaiichiban.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, RSVP $-$$ SHOGUN — Authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine including sushi, teriyaki, hibachi, tempura, bulgogi and more. Private groups can eat in traditional (shoe-free) Japanese tatami room. Closed Sun. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, RSVP ¢-$$ SOC TRANG — Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant in Caledonia with a wide selection of offerings representing both cuisines. Open daily. 1831 Market Place Dr, 871-9909. gosoctrang.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ SPICES ASIAN CAFÉ — Byron Center eatery serves authentic Chinese fare with create-yourown stir fry options, Korean dishes, vegetarian options and, surprise, broasted chicken dinners and buckets to go. Open daily. 2237 84th St SW, 878-0109. spicesasiancafe.com. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ SZECHUAN GARDEN — Diverse Chinese menu of beef, chicken, pork, seafood and vegetable dishes in Eastown. Lunch specials daily 11 am-4 pm. Open daily. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 456-9878. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ THAI EXPRESS — Humble storefront belies the quality of these made-in-front-of-you Thai specialties, spiced to specification. Popular curry dishes, great noodles and affordably priced lunch combo specials. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 8279955. thaiexpressgr.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ THAI HOUSE RESTAURANT — Broad-ranging menu, from three-alarm spicy to subtle. Lunch and dinner specials. Try the Thai banana pie. Closed Sun-Mon. 6447 28th St SE, 285-9944. L, D, V, MC $
PALACE OF INDIA — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes 20 vegetarian-friendly selections. Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. Open daily. 961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
THAI LAI — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$
PEKING WOK — Cheery window-fronted Chinese eatery, affordably priced, in the Cascade Centre. Closed Sun. 6264 28th St SE, 956-6525. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$
THAI PALACE — Holland’s authentic Thai restaurant offers a full gamut of Thai selections. Closed Mon. 977 Butternut Dr, (616) 994-9624. thaipala cefood.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$
HONG KONG EXPRESS — Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine for dine-in or carry-out. Allyou-can-eat lunch buffet; reasonable prices. Open daily. 150 E Fulton St, 235-3888. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$
PHO SOC TRANG — Vietnamese cuisine in large, windowed dining room. Variety of appetizers and soups, plus vermicelli and rice plate options. Open daily. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢
HUNAN — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups, efficient service
RAK THAI BISTRO — Thai-fusion fare with Chinese and Japanese influences and a sliding
THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan regional fare, affordably priced with daily lunch and dinner specials. Call ahead service. Open daily. 3330 Alpine Ave NW in Target Plaza, 785-3888. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
GRAND LAKES — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. Take out or dine in, next to Breton Village D&W. Open daily. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 954-2500. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$
TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI — Japanese-style tatami
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City Guide rooms, sushi bars and Japanese atmosphere with friendly service. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura and fresh sushi. Hot and cold sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsus hi.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ WEI WEI PALACE — Chinese seafood restaurant features huge menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. Fresh lobster, crab; fish tanks let diners choose their own. Superb selection of dim sum at lunchtime with tasty selections from the barbecue pit as well. Open daily. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $ FXO ASIAN CUISINE — Upscale Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine in downtown GR prepared by chefs specializing in their cuisine. Vegetarian dishes available; lunch specials Mon-Sat. Fullservice bar. Open daily (free valet parking with $30 purchase). Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. xoasiancuisine.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ YEN CHING/ROARING ’20s — Expertly prepared entrées served amid elaborate décor, a perennial favorite. 4605 28th St SE, 773-1587. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $$ YUMMY WOK — Combo platters, sweet and sour dishes, Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes, chow and lo mein, chop suey, tofu and Peking sizzling dishes in nice surroundings. Open daily. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$
Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean MARIE CATRIB’S — Eclectic eatery in bright surroundings in East Hills Center. “Care-free food” includes Middle-Eastern-leaning fare. On-site bakery; seasonal specialties; Turkish coffee. Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat, with lunch/ dinner starting at 11 am weekdays, noon on Sat. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecatribs.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ MEDITERRANEAN GRILLS — Authentic Mid-East fare: gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta, salads, and other favorite traditional dishes. All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Cozy, attractive dining room with hand-painted murals. Closed Sun. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. H, L, D, V, MC $ OSTA’S LEBANESE CUISINE — Full range of authentic Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout and full-service catering. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, DS ¢-$ PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE — Mediterranean appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs and more. Open daily. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. pizz ubs.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
THE PITA HOUSE — Large meat-filled Sami’s gyros with all the Mediterranean trimmings, great chicken salad with cucumber sauce and a variety of other Middle Eastern specialties. Open daily. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029; 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8722; 134 Monroe Center NW, 233-4875. thepitahouse. net. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ SHIRAZ GRILLE — Fine Persian cuisine: firegrilled gourmet kabobs, beef, chicken, lamb, seafood and rice dishes, khoreshes (delicate stews), appetizers, salads, soup, vegetarian options and desserts. Full bar, fine wine list, unique martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. H, L (Sun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $ ZEYTIN — Contemporary Turkish-American cuisine reflects influences from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, including saganaki, borek, dolma, shish kebab, falafel, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh. Extensive beer and wine lists. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrest aurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $
Latin American/ Caribbean 7 MARES (SEAS) — Full-scale Mexican meals and specialty dishes that go well beyond the norm. Excellent seafood selections, along with Friday fish fry by the pound. Super breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. H, B, L, D ¢-$$ ADOBE IN & OUT — The usual Mexican offer-
Sheldon u Keeps yo Looking Good! ating C e l eb r s ! r 6 0 Ye a
Same Day Service Monday - Saturday 30 Locations to Serve You Best
616-957-4000 sheldonclean.com August 2010 Grand Rapids 105
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City Guide ings served quickly at drive-through or seated (Grandville location is drive-through only). Open daily. 617 W Fulton St, 454-0279; 1216 Leonard St NE, 451-9050; 4389 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 2577091. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ BELTLINE BAR — Longtime local favorite. Big wet burritos are the claim to fame from the Americanized Tex-Mex menu. The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ CABANA TRES AMIGOS — Large menu of authentic Mexican fare: daily specials, children’s menu, à la carte items, full bar, take-out service and nice vegetarian selection. Spacious surroundings with fireplaces and Mexican décor. Open daily. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ CAFÉ SAN JUAN — Puerto Rican cuisine is the emphasis. Full menu offers bistec, chuletas and pollo dishes along with appetizers, soups and sandwiches. Mexican dishes also available. Now serving breakfast. Open daily. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ CANCUN RESTAURANT — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. Open daily. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 248-2824. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ CANTINA — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties in an authentically decorated setting with full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 9499120. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS, AE $ CINCO DE MAYO — Downtown Rockford’s colorful Mexican eatery offers fajitas, tacos, burritos and enchiladas, combination platters and traditional entrees such as carnitas and steak asada. Full bar service. Second location in downtown Grand Rapids; open daily. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ COSTA AZUL — American/Latin fusion and fresh-made Mexican fare in the unassuming former JoJo’s Americana Supper Club space, 107 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, (269) 857-1523. Facebook. H, D, C (wine/beer), V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ DOWNTOWN TRINI’S — Sparta’s destination for great Mexican food. Traditional taco, fajita and wet burrito offerings are augmented with other creative dishes. Gigantic portions; full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. downtowntrinis.com. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ EL ARRIERO — Authentic taste of Mexico in an airy location near Woodland Mall. Extensive menu offers favorites and specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, great Margaritas. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EL BURRITO LOCO — More than 70 authentic, affordable Mexican selections in contemporary surroundings. Complimentary chips and salsa; beer, wine and good margaritas from the full bar. Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EL GRANJERO — Generous portions of tasty Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes and dinner platters to à la carte selections and traditional menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢ EL SOMBRERO — Offers the wet burrito, and
dry ones too. Weekly specials. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. H, L, D ¢ EMPANADA KITCHEN — A variety of empanadas from sweet to savory, with fillings like steak, chicken, cheese, vegetables and more, along with tacos, quesadillas and sides. 1551 28th St SW, 301-8072. empanadakitchen.com. H, L, D ¢ GRAND VILLA DUNGEON — Mexican food is the specialty. 40-inch TV screen broadcasts satellite programs and sporting events. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. grandvillarestaurants. com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ GRINGO’S GRILL — Latin American-inspired fare such as scallop or sticky-shrimp tacos, burritos, empanadas, chiles rellenos, chicken and seafood dishes and filet medallions served with polenta and fried goat cheese. Open daily at 11 am. 2863 West Shore Dr, Holland, (616) 994-9722. gringos grill.net. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S — Authentic Jamaican fare: jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and spicy “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies; plus Jamaican fruit cake. With only a couple tables, takeout is the best bet. Cash and checks only. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaican daves.com. H, L, D, 3 ¢
SAN MARCOS — Mexican Grill with extensive menu of dishes made from scratch. Top-shelf tequilas, complimentary chips/salsa, kids menu, lunch specials, desserts and veggie plates. Mariachi band plays monthly. Open daily. 9740 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-2511. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$$ SU CASA — Full array of Mexican choices with burritos especially popular. Breakfast served beginning at 8:30 am; open daily in the Super Mercado, 306 W Main St, Fennville, (269) 5615493. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ TACO BOB’S — Fresh-Mex tacos, burritos, quesadillas, taco salads, combo plates and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell taco wrapped in a soft shell, with nacho cheese in between. Free delivery with $7 minimum purchase. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 458-1533. tacobobs.com. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ TACO BOY — Tasty fare including burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tostadas to combination plates. 3475 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-7111; 6539 28th St SE, 9563424; 509 44th St SE, 257-0057; 2529 Alpine Ave NW, 365-9255. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ TACOS EL CAPORAL — Two locations serving generous portions of Mexican fare with menudo served Sat and Sun. Open daily; quick takeout. 1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢
JOSE’S RESTAURANTE — Authentic Mexican fare in a low-key locale with overhead fans, jukebox, pinball and a video game. Patrons crave their chalupas, burritos and tostadas. Open daily. 3954 S Division Ave, 530-7934. H, L, D ¢
TACOS EL RANCHERO — Mexican fare in lowkey surroundings with five booths to eat in or take out. Cash only. 1240 Burton St SW, 2456514. H, L, D ¢
LAS CAZUELAS — Casual and cozy locale opens for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Genuine flavors from Hispanic kitchen features chalupas, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, carne asada, fajitas, tampiquena and more. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢
TRES LOBOS GRILL & BAR — Expansive menu includes lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Fullservice bar offers 10 Mexican beers, top-shelf tequilas. Lunch served ’til 4 pm daily in GR; closed Mon in Holland. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389; 381 Douglas, Holland, (616) 355-7424. treslobos restaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$
LINDO MEXICO — Pleasant Mexican décor in a roomy location. Daily specials feature true Mexican fare, including specials such as tacos de barbacoa, tripitos or lengua. Enchiladas, burritos, combo plates and more. Open daily. 1292 28th St SW, 261-2280. lindomexicorestau rant.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ LITTLE MEXICO CAFÉ — All new space at its original location offers some of Grand Rapids’ most beloved traditional Mexican food and cocktails. Favorites include fajitas, burritos and margaritas. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ FMAGGIE’S KITCHEN — Authentic Mexican food, homemade with a lighter taste in bright café setting. Great choice for breakfast too. Cafeteriastyle ordering. 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. H, B, L, D ¢ MEXICAN CONNEXION RESTAURANTE — Mexican favorites in large, inviting surroundings. Open daily. 131 S Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-4403. L, D, V, MC ¢-$ MICHOACAN — Restaurante y taqueria offers a huge selection of Mexican dishes plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. Jukebox and flat screen TV. Open daily at 9 am, breakfast options. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ MI TIERRA RESTAURANT Y TAQUERIA — Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other traditional Mexican dishes from Spanish-speaking staff whether dining in or driving through. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. H, L, D, V, MC ¢
Dining Guide Legend GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers.
H — Handicapped accessible B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner C — Cocktails 3 — Checks accepted V — Visa MC — MasterCard AE — American Express DC — Diner’s Club DS — Discover Card RSVP — Reservations preferred ¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)* $ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — Expensive (Over $20)* * Prices based on average entrée. - — Reviewed in this issue ➧ — New listing . — Listing update O — GRM’s 2009 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2009 Award of Excellence — Chef Profile in this issue Additions, corrections and/or changes must
be submitted for the editors’ consideration by calling Grand Rapids Magazine, 459-4545, or write: The Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503.
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A gastro tour of SW Michigan by A. briAn cAin
come not just to taste but to be entertained. Just around the corner, the food and ambience at Tabor Hill also was a treat. My only advice is to be aware that many of the menu selections contain a wine reduction or wine vinegar component. Though each by itself is delicious, having a wine reduction for an appetizer, wine vinegar with a salad, an entrée with a wine sauce, and a fresh wine-enhanced dessert can be too much. Shortly after our gastro tour, I planned a “Class in a Glass” seminar for a dozen of our wine-tasting friends. I was curious to see if these wines — served with food — would fare any differently than they had in the tasting rooms.
Photo creDit Courtesy tabor hill/kenneth a. petersen ii photography
tRaVeLING FRoM hoLLaND to Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant near Berrien Springs, we decided to stop at all the wineries along the way. We visited Contessa, Domaine Berrien, Round Barn, Founders, Hickory Creek and Tabor Hill. At each stop, I purchased a bottle of whatever wine I thought would represent the best the winery had to offer. Prices ranged from $10 to $30. From the vantage point of a tourist, Round Barn was the highlight. With a brewery, a distillery (vodka, grappa and liqueurs), and, of course, a winery, this might be Southwest Michigan’s equivalent to Disneyland (of Alcoholic Beverages). The wines were the best we tasted, and the beers and spirits were delicious, too. The staff definitely understood that people
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tabor hill Winery and restaurant was the final stop on a southwest Michigan wine tour. below, winemaker Mike Merchant pulls a barrel sample of new cabernet Franc.
I organized the wines from most expensive to least expensive and served them blind with a potluck meal that included all the food groups. As people arrived, we served a 2007 Chateau Grand traverse old Mission peninsula edelzwicker and a 2005 arcus Vinetum old Mission peninsula Cabernet Franc. Though not rated, they were the best wines of the evening. We served the other 10 wines blind with various courses as they came out of the kitchen. Afterward, I tallied the
scores. Most members of the group prefer red wines. Many commented that the best of these Michigan red wines would stand up to comparably priced French wines. Some of the cheapest wines rated highest. Listed below are the top five. Contributing editor A. Brian Cain is a certified wine educator and freelance wine writer.
PhotogrAPhy courtesy tAbor hill/greg riZZo (toP leFt); kenneth A. Petersen ii (toP right); rAchel troXell (b0tt0M)
southwest Michigan wine Tasting, Top 5 round barn winery Vineyard red ($11). a big fruity nose with maybe a hint of volatile acidity, it really opens up to show big fat rich red fruit flavors, balanced soft tannin, and a complex, cranberry-like dry finish. Contessa 2007 lake michigan shore tre tenores ($23). The nose is full of ripe fruit that builds as one tastes this wine. Clean, balanced with soft tannin, the wine seems fully open, developed and a good accompaniment to red meats, sharp cheese or game. Founders wine Cellar 2007 lake michigan shore riesling ($16). lots of pear and floral scents on the nose make for a distinct feel for sw Michigan. The palate is semi-sweet with ample body to support it. we served it with Jalapeno poppers and it really put out the fire! Fenn Valley lakeshore Cabernet Franc ($10). lots of red fruit and peach essence merge with tea, earth and dried herbs. on the palate, mature balance of fruit and earth combine with a subtle spiciness and soft tannins. tabor hill 2005 lake michigan shore Cabernet sauvignon ($16). great color! This wine has a fruity nose with good texture, an affinity toward Bordeaux and enough tannin to insure some age worthiness. 108 grand rapids August 2010
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City Guide Calendar of Events Grand Rapids Magazine is pleased to provide this extensive list of area events. Commonly requested venue and ticket outlet information is at the end of this listing.
Special Events Aug - FREE FITNESS/DANCE CLASSES: Free classes offered by Downtown Alliance and GR Parks and Rec. Zumba classes 5:30 pm Aug 2, 9 and 16. Hip Hop classes 5:30 pm Aug 5, 12 and 19. Ballroom Latin Dancing 6 pm Aug 8. All ages, no registration. Rosa Parks Circle, downtown.
Aug 12-14 - WHITE LAKE MARITIME FESTIVAL: Shuffleboard, sailing regatta, trout pond, Venetian parade, community picnic, food, games and more. Begins 6 pm Thu with community picnic, 4 pmmidnight Fri, 10 am-midnight Sat. Goodrich Park, Whitehall. (231) 893-4585, www.whitelake.org. Aug 13 - CATTLE BARON’S BALL: American Cancer Society’s western-themed fundraiser in cludes food, live music, auctions and more. 6 pm. Steelcase Town Hall, 1111 44th St. $150; $50 late night party beginning 8:30 pm (551-4052). www. cancer.org.
Aug - HOLLAND STREET PERFORMERS: Musi cians, acrobats, face painters, balloon artists, jug glers, theatrical troupes and more. 6:30-8:30 pm every Thu thru Aug 26. Downtown Holland.
Aug 14 - MINI-GOLF FOR MS: Alpine Avenue Golf Center hosts annual fundraiser for Mary J. Szczepanski’s Never Give Up scholarship founda tion, which awards scholarships to all U.S. high schools. 9:30 am-4 pm. 4855 Alpine Ave NW. $5 adults, $2.50 kids. www.msscholarship.org.
Aug - KITE NIGHTS: Learn to fly kites 6-8 pm every Tue until Labor Day. Grand Haven State Park, south end. Presented by Mackinaw Kites & Toys. www.mackite.com. Free.
Aug 17 - STORY SPINNERS: Hear folk tales and original stories. All ages. 7 pm. Terraces of Maple Creek, 2000 32nd St. www.storyspinners.net. Free.
Aug - SWING DANCING AT ROSA PARKS CIRCLE: Grand Rapids Original Swing Society hosts swing dancing with live music in downtown GR. 7-10 pm every Tue until Oct. Free.
Aug 17 - WOMEN’S CITY CLUB DINNER PRO GRAM: “The Film Industry in West Michigan” by Rick Hert, executive director of West Michigan Tourist Association and film commissioner with WM Film Office. 5 pm social, 6 pm dinner followed by program. Women’s City Club, 254 E Fulton St. $28; prepaid reservations required (459-3321). www.womenscityclubgr.org.
Thru Aug 8 - GRAND HAVEN COAST GUARD FESTIVAL: Ten-day national military festival honors the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard with parades, live music, carnival, picnic, children’s activities, car show, ship tours and fireworks. www.coastguardfest.org. Aug 5-7 - RIBFEST: 18th annual celebration in cludes ribs, music, kids activities and more. Fundraiser for Community Advocates for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. 11 am-midnight Thu, 11:30 am-1:30 am Fri and Sat. Arcadia Creek Festival Place, 145 E Water St, Kalamazoo. $5 and $7. www.ribfestkalamazoo.com.
Aug 19 - SAUGATUCK SALES & TASTE OF DOUGLAS: Sidewalk sales, entertainment and trolley rides between the two communities. 9 am-5 pm. Downtown Saugatuck and Douglas.
Aug 20-21 - GRAND HAVEN SIDEWALK SALES: Great sales from area merchants. 9 am-8 pm Fri, 9 am-5 pm Sat. Washington St between Harbor and Third. Aug 22 - TASTE OF SAUGATUCK: Street festi val of fine foods sponsored by the SaugatuckDouglas CVB and area restaurants. Noon-7 pm. Downtown Saugatuck. Aug 27 - RIVER REVELRY FUNDRAISER: Summer art party raises funds for Lowell Arts Council. Mardi Gras theme, Cajun food and masks, silent auction, live music and games. 6-10 pm. Riverwalk Plaza and Lowell Showboat, Lowell. $15 in advance, $20 day of. www.lowellartscouncil. org. Aug 27-28 - 28TH STREET METRO CRUISE: 15,000 special interest cars and 15 miles of cool cars on 28th Street in Wyoming and Kentwood, plus Car Corral, Swap Meet, Metro Million Display and cruising. 1-9 pm Fri, 9 am-9 pm Sat. www. metrocruise.org. Aug 28 - BAYOU PICNIC: Celebrate the end of summer with a community picnic, free food, games and entertainment. 4:30-7 pm. East Grand River Park, Grand Haven. Aug 29 - ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MARKET: 400 exhibitors rain or shine the last Sun of each month thru Sep. 8 am-4 pm. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Dr, Allegan. 735-3333.
Music Aug - BLUES ON THE MALL: Last two free Wed night concerts. 6-9 pm. Aug 4 Carl Weathersby. Aug 11 John Lee
Aug 7 - FLEA MARKET: Coopersville Farm Muse um hosts an outdoor flea market. 9 am-1 pm. 375 Main St, Coopersville, 997-8555, www.coopers villefarmmuseum.org.
Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/Brian sullivan
Aug 7 - READING ROCKS IN ROCKFORD: Rock ford Rotary promotes the joy of reading for all ages with a parade, entertainment, writing work shops, picnic and guest authors. 10 am-3 pm. Parade begins at library and ends at Garden Park. www.rockfordschools.org. Aug 9-14 - COOPERSVILLE SUMMERFEST: Annual celebration includes Del Shannon Car Show, Miss Coopersville Pageant, vintage train rides, tractor show, teddy bear parade, soap box derby, food, music and more. www.coopersville. com/summerfest. Aug 9-14 - KALAMAZOO COUNTY FAIR: Concerts, horse racing, tractor/truck pulls, motocross and food vendors. Kalamazoo County Expo Center and Fairground, 2900 Lake St. Tickets vary. www. kalamazoocountyfair.org. Aug 9-14 - KENT COUNTY YOUTH FAIR: Fun for the whole family, including milking contests, poul try judging, swine showmanship smackdowns, quilt raffles, saddle-seat pattern judging and cow pie bingo. Kent County Fairgrounds, 225 S Hudson St, Lowell. www.kcyf.org. Aug 12-14 - HOLLAND SIDEWALK SALES: More than 100 merchants bring thousands of great deals outdoors, plus street performers, food booths and more. 9 am-9 pm Thu and Fri, 9 am-5 pm Sat. Downtown Holland.
Miles of motors The roar of V-8 engines on 28th Street Aug. 27-28 certainly won’t scare off the estimated 300,000 spectators for the Sixth Annual Foremost Insurance 28th Street Metro Cruise. More than 15,000 vehicles are expected at this year’s event. Activities will span most of the 15-mile stretch of 28th Street between Cascade and Grandville — with much to see along the way, including Nascar simulators, a dynamometer where car enthusiasts can measure their vehicle’s horsepower, and the widely popular Metro Million, a display of a dozen or more very rare and valuable cars. Among the cars expected are a 1969 Dodge Daytona Hemi, 1947 Ford Sportsman, 1934 Ford Race Car and a 1930 Model-A Hot Rod. New this year is the 28th Street Metro Cruise 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run. The 5K run/walk starts at 8 a.m., and the 10K run starts at 8:45 a.m. at Wyoming City Hall. Registration is $28 for the charity event. The Metro Cruise runs 1-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, with the exception of the Automotive Swap Meet and Car Corral areas. These will open at 7 a.m. Saturday. See www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com for more details.
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Houses, John Davey, Kevin Thibodeau ($3). See website for updates. 61 E 9th St, Holland. www. lemonjellos.com.
.Hooker Jr. Rosa Parks Circle, downtown GR. Sponsored by 97 LAVFM. Aug - COOPERSVILLE SUMMER CONCERTS: Free concerts at 7 pm in Veteran’s Park, 254 W Randall St, Coopersville. Aug 5 Front Porch Pickin’. www.cvillearts.org. Aug - DANCIN’ ON THE GRAND: Wed night big band dances 79 pm. Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven. $2. Aug - FENIAN’S IRISH PUB: Traditional Irish music 7 pm every Wed. 7 pm Aug 13 Sean Nos Irish Singing Session. 19683 Main St, Conklin, www.feniansirishpub.com. Aug - FRIDAY NIGHTS AT GRAM/GRAM ON THE GREEN: Immerse yourself in the arts 59 pm every Fri at GR Art Museum with live music, art dialogues, social games, cash bar and dinner options. Aug 6 David Hardin, Americana. Aug 13 Fainting Generals, pop rock. Aug 20 Bill Sears, jazz saxophone. Aug 27 An Dro, Celtic. $5 non members, members free. Aug - GRAND HAVEN/SPRING LAKE CONCERTS: Tuesdays in the Park: big band concerts 78:30 pm thru Aug 24 in Central Park, Grand Haven. Thursdays at the Point: local musicians play ing a variety of music 78:30 pm thru Aug 26 at Millpoint Park, Spring Lake. Aug - GVSU CARILLON CONCERTS: Carillonneurs perform 8 pm Sun thru Aug 22, Cook Carillon Plaza,
Allendale Campus: Aug 1 Gert Oldenbeuving. Aug 8 Carol Anne Taylor. Aug 15 Dennis Curry. Aug 22 Julianne Vanden Wyngaard. Aug 30 Danny K Phipps. www.gvsu.edu/music. Free. Aug - HOLLAND SUMMER CONCERTS: Free live music 6:308:30 pm Fri. Aug 6 Creolization. Aug 13 StarFarm. Aug 20 Last Call Band. Aug 27 Tejano Sound Band. Kollen Park, Holland. Aug - THE INTERSECTION: Nightclub hosts local and national music. Aug 2 Story of the Year. Aug 5 Dawes. Aug 13 Chris Andrus CD release. Aug 16 Hanson, Rooney. Aug 20 Volbeat. Aug 21 Mega 80s. See Web site for updates. Ticket prices vary (Beat Goes On, Purple East, Vertigo Music, Intersection box office or Ticketmaster). 133 Grandville Ave SW. www.sectionlive.com. Aug - JAZZ AT THE ZOO: Free Mon night con certs presented by West Michigan Jazz Society. Aug 2 Michelle Covington with Scott Bell Quartet. Aug 9 Claudia Schmidt Quartet. Aug 16 Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. 6:308:30 pm. John Ball Zoo Bandshell, 1300 W Fulton St. www.wmich jazz.org. Aug - LEMONJELLO’S: Fair trade coffeehouse with live music at 8 pm. Aug 4 Open Mic. Aug 6 Letters From Home, Aviator, Bent Skies, Three Cents Short ($3). Aug 1314 Valentiger and TBD *We’re Folkin’ Awesome minifest day. Aug 20 Audrey, Their Teeth Will Be Of Lions, Good Weather for Airstrikes, The Abscission ($3). Aug 27 Small
Aug - LOWELL SHOWBOAT SIZZLIN’ SUMMER CONCERTS: Free Thu concerts 79 pm. Aug 5 Edye Evans Hyde & the Roger MacNaughton Trio. Aug 19 Dewsouth. Aug 26 Argentucky Blues. Riverwalk Plaza along the Flat River. Bleacher seat ing or bring chairs. www.lowellartscouncil.org. Aug - MARANATHA SUMMER CONCERTS: Aug 7 Rick Webb Family. Aug 14 Keith Longbotham. Aug 21 D.C. Washington & Scott Griffin. 7 pm. 4759 Lake Harbor Rd, Muskegon, www.maranatha bmc.org. Free. Aug - MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERTS: National acts in outdoor amphitheater. Aug 5 Natalie MacMaster ($33). Aug 7 Lyle Lovett and his Large Band ($85). Aug 9 Melissa Etheridge ($77). Aug 11 “Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor ($67). Aug 15 George Thorogood & The Destroyers ($47). Aug 25 Brandi Carlile ($39). Lawn seating (bring blankets or lowrise chairs). Picnics allowed; no alcohol (available inside gates). Gates open 6 pm, concerts start 7 pm. www.meijergardens.org. Aug - TUE EVENING MUSIC CLUB: Local pop performances in the Meijer Gardens amphithe ater every Tue at 7 pm. Aug 3 Lvnmuziq and The Concussions. Aug 10 Papa Vegas and The Mines. Aug 17 The Fainting Generals and Chance Jones. Aug 24 Delilah DeWylde and The Lost Boys. Aug 31 Ralston and Friends. Free with admission. www.meijergardens.org. Aug - MUSIC IN THE PARK: Live performances 79 pm every Wed. Wicks Park Gazebo, Water Street, Saugatuck. Aug - ONE TRICK PONY CONCERTS: Restaurant offers live music at 8 pm Thu. See Web site for updates. One Trick Pony, 136 E Fulton St. www. onetrick.biz. Aug - PARTIES IN THE PARK: Live music, bever age tents, children’s activities 59 pm every Fri thru Aug 20. Aug 6 Buster Blues Band. Aug 13 Six Foot Mary. Aug 20 Pegasus. Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon. Aug - RIVER BEAT: Free performances at Leslie E. Tassell Park every Thu at 7 pm. Aug 5 Family comedian Craig Tornquist. Aug 12 Art in the Park. Aug 19 Michael Bennett & Friends. Aug 26 Metro Cruise Warmup. Thornapple River Dr and Cascade Rd. www.cascadecommunityfoun dation.com. Aug - ROGUE RIVER BLUES: Rockford’s Tue evening concerts showcase jazz, blues and folk music. 79 pm. Bring blanket or chairs. Garden Club Park. Free. Thru Aug 13 - CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL OF SAUGATUCK: Traditional and contempo rary music performed by area musicians. Aug 5 American Journey. Aug 12 Czech Mate. 7:30 pm. Saugatuck Women’s Club, 303 Butler St. $20 adults, $10 students (2698571424). www. saugatuckmusic.org. Aug 3, 17 - FARM MUSEUM JAM NIGHT: Bring your guitar, fiddle or other nonelectric instru ment. Singers and listeners welcome too. 69 pm, doors open 5 pm. Coopersville Farm Museum, 375 Main St, Coopersville. Free with admission ($4). www.coopersvillefarmmuseum.org. Aug 7 - GREAT LAKES IRISH MUSIC FESTIVAL: Lineup includes Young Dubliners, Screaming
PhotogrAPhy courtesy uncle krAcker
Don’t let the loca tion fool you: Lucky Lake Live, or L3, a 75bands plus music festival, is no Rothbury replacement, despite being located at the campground across the street. Taking advantage of a beautiful, sleepy town with ample space, willing sponsors, ready bands and a demand for a uncle kracker weekendlong festival that includes camping, producer John Kunz (Arrowhead Productions) and his team have managed to slap this thing together in a matter of months. The lineup for the Aug. 2022 event crosses several musical genres, calling on headliners such as Uncle Kracker, Verve Pipe and Sponge, while focusing primarily on local acts. “We’re trying to create a music scene,” Kunz said. “At the end of the day, we wanted to make sure (the lineup) was Michigan based, with some acts building even bigger, others up and coming. We want to reward and show we believe in Michigan by showcasing our entertainment.” The festival will include two stages — a main stage and a smaller stage in an illuminated forest — and an electronic tent with live DJs. Food, alcohol, showers and lakeside camping is all on site, with tickets available as day passes or camping pass See MuSic es. More details are available at luckylakelive.com.
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City Guide Orphans, Teada, Stephen’s Green, Fenian’s Players and Quinn’s School of Dance. Plus Irish food, workshops, art show and kids activities. Gates open 11 am, music noon-9:30 pm. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $12, $1 kids ages 3-12, kids 2 and under free. www.greatlakesirish musicfestival.com. Aug 8-10 - ROCK THE RAPIDS: Three-day rock festival presented by Clear Channel Communications and WOOD TV-8. Gates open 6 pm. Music starts 7 pm. Fifth Third Ballpark. $25-$49.50 (784-4131 or www.fifththirdballpark. com). Line-up: www.rocktherapids.com. Aug 9 - “THE MUSIC OF MOTOWN”: Circle Cabaret Series features theater favorites including Darion Murchison, Manny Phillips, Tony Reynolds and Robert McFletcher as they sing, dance and entertain with the best of Motown music. 7 pm. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $13$15 (456-6656, www.circletheatre.org). Aug 10, 24 - EGR SUMMER CONCERTS: Live music every other Tue at 7 pm. Aug 10 How To, five EGR high school students play rocking originals and classic rock. Aug 24 Group Therapy, disco, country and rock n’ roll. John Collins Park, East Grand Rapids. www.eastgr.org. Aug 12-14 - UNITY CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL: 40 artists on three stages, presented by Alive on the Lakeshore. Main stage artists include: Aug 12 Britt Nicole, Reilly, Downhere and Third Day. Aug 13 Josh Wilson, Sidewalk Prophets, Salvador and Casting Crowns. Aug 14 Mikes Chair, 33 Miles, DecembeRadio, Mandisa, Matthew West and Jeremy Camp. Heritage Landing, downtown Muskegon. Before Aug 11: one-day pass $15, twoday pass $30, three-day pass $40. At door: $20, $40, $50. www.unitymusicfestival.com. Aug 13-14 - COWPIE BLUES FESTIVAL: Eleven
bands, food, beverages and crafts. Camping avail able. Gates open 2 pm Fri, music starts at 6:30 pm. Shagbark Farm, 7500 Alaska Ave SE, Caledonia. $55 weekend, $20 Fri, $35 Sat. www.cowpie bluesfestival.com. Aug 14 - GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA: 19-mem ber band plays original Miller arrangements and modern selections of big-band style. 7:30 pm. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $15-$20 (box office, 231-727-8001 or Star Tickets). Aug 14 - HOLLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Free community concert with light classics and favorites. 7:30 pm. Kollen Park, Holland. www. hollandsymphony.org. Aug 18 - AMBROSIA: Free outdoor concert, pre sented by The BOB, Sparks Media and WLAV. 6 pm. The BOB parking lot, Monroe Ave, downtown GR. Aug 19 - ICCF SUMMER CONCERT: Inner City Christian Federation presents Creolization zydeco band. 6:30-8:30 pm. ICCF Garden, 920 Cherry St SE. Free. Aug 19 - STONE TEMPLE PILOTS: Rock concert. 6 pm. DeltaPlex. Tickets TBD. Aug 20-22 - LUCKY LAKE LIVE MICHIGAN HOMEGROWN FESTIVAL: Music and camping event at Lucky Lake campground next to Double JJ Resort (Rothbury) features two stages for the 50-band line-up and Michigan-based food vendors. $33.50/day pass, $63.50/3-day pass, $103.50/3 days of music, 4 nights camping (www. luckylakelive.com. Aug 21 - MOOSE FEST: Radio station 107 MUS presents sixth annual country music party on the lakeshore. Heritage Landing, Muskegon. Free; tickets at local businesses. www.107mus.com/ pages/2009MooseFest.html.
Art Aug - SUNDAY ART MARKET: Juried open air market of West Michigan artists’ original art and contemporary fine crafts. 11 am-2 pm every Sun thru Sep 12. Under the green canopy at Chinook Pier, Grand Haven. Aug 6-7 - COAST GUARD CRAFT FAIR: 165 exhibitors selling handcrafted products, plus food and music. 9 am-7 pm Fri, 9-5 Sat. Central Park, Grand Haven. Aug 7 - ART IN THE PARK: Juried fine arts and crafts fair with 300 artists from eight states. 9 am-5 pm. Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave, Holland, www.hollandfriendsofart.com/ArtIn ThePark.htm. Free. Aug 14 - AVENUE FOR THE ARTS MARKET: Local artists and live entertainment 4-9 pm. Heartside, between Weston and Cherry on South Division. www.avenueforthearts.com/streetmarket. Free. Aug 21 - ART ON THE RIVERFRONT: Juried art show with more than 40 artists, presented by Grand Haven Area Arts Council. 10 am-6 pm. Municipal Marina and Chinook Pier, Grand Haven. (616) 842-2285, www.ghaac.org. Aug - DESIGN QUEST GALLERY: Thru Sep 12, Emotive Digital Fabric Art by graphic artist Steve Cull features large wall hangings and room divid ers, canvas photos and textile and fashion arts. 4181 28th St SE, 940-0131, www.d2d2d2.com. Aug - FOREST HILLS FAC: Thru Aug 11, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan Exhibit. 600 Forest Hill Ave SE, 493-8965, www.fhfineartscen ter.com. Aug - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULP TURE PARK: Thru Sep 30, Dale Chihuly: A New Eden, glass chandeliers, towers up to 30 feet high, floating spheres, reeds rising from the earth, the sun, the moon and a rowboat full of glass. Thru Jan 2, sculptors celebrate the legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer. Permanent exhibits include more than 100 world-class sculptures indoors and in the 30-acre park. See Museums & Attractions.
Photography by Johnny Quirin
Photography courtesy uncle Kracker
Aug - GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM: Thru Aug 15, Chris Stoffel Overvoorde: The Alberta Drawings, 40 artworks of the Canadian prairie. Thru Aug 15, Dutch Utopia: American Artists in Holland 18801914, 43 American painters inspired by the Dutch. Thru Aug 22, GRAM and Ox-Bow, joint centen nial celebration and exhibit of more than 30 artists from Ox-Bow’s history. Thru Sep 25, Selections from Museum Photography Collection, includes Ansel Adams, Edward Steichen, Walker Evans, Yousef Karsh, Gordon Parks. 10 am-5 pm Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat; 10 am-9 pm Fri; noon-5 pm Sun; closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students with ID, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www.artmuseumgr.org. Aug - GRAND VALLEY ARTISTS: Thru Aug 2, Tom Dandridge and Jan Proli, mixed media, black and white. Aug 2-Sep 13 Sara Youngman, prints. One Trick Pony restaurant, 136 E Fulton St. www. gvami.com.
watch your step Forty acres of a working cattle farm in Alaska, Mich., will double as concert grounds Aug. 13-14 for the aptly named Cow Pie Blues Festival — minus the cow pies. Based on the growing popularity of the event, accommodations at Shagbark Farm have been expanded to make this year’s festival bigger and better. The festival includes camping, crafts, food vendors and 11 bands. Gates open at 2 p.m. Friday, and music starts at 6:30. For more information, see www.cowpiebluesfestival.com. See Music
Aug - HOLLAND AREA ARTS COUNCIL: Thru Aug 31, Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something, art oper ated by hand, gravity, wind, water, sun, motor or other power source; also, From Start to Finish by Reid Masselink; and The Art-Full Life: Alice Hertel. Thru Sep 4, Wanda Anderson. 150 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-3278, www.hollandarts.org. Aug - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Thru Aug 29, Smile, images of Holland’s diverse culture. Thru Sep 26, August 2010 Grand Rapids 111
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City Guide Holland Success Stories: Shipbuilding, images, objects, and archival material dealing with his tory of Holland’s shipbuilding industry. Dutch Galleries exhibit 17th- to 20th-century Dutch paintings and cultural objects. Also see Museums & Attractions. Aug - KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS: Thru Aug 14, On Paper: The Lincoln Center/List Art Collection. Thru Sep 12, Flowers in Art: Selections From the Collection. Aug 28-Oct 17 Strong Women, Beautiful Men: Japanese Portrait Prints from the Toledo Museum of Art. 10 am-5 pm Tue-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $8 adults; $6 students, seniors; $4 members. 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, www.kiarts.org. Aug - LOWELL AREA ARTS COUNCIL: Thru Sep 9, My Hometown Exhibition, works by artists age 13 and over that showcase hometown values, tra ditions and importance of community and family. Plus more than 20 artists display fine arts and gifts. 149 S Hudson St, Lowell, 897-8545, www. lowellartscouncil.org. Aug - MERCURYHEAD GALLERY: Thru Aug 31, featured artist Rex Tower; also landscapes by Al Cianfarani and George Peebles. 962 E Fulton St, 456-6022. Aug - MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART: Thru Aug 1, Color It Bizarre: Clarice Cliff Pottery from a Michigan Collection. Thru Aug 8, A Collector’s Gift: Works by Walter Shirlaw and J Frank Currier. Thru Aug 25, Regional Exhibition. Aug 12-Oct 31 Remembering Newaygo County: The Symbolist Painting of Annabel Livermore. Noon-4:30 pm Sun; closed Mon; 10 am-6 pm Tue and Thu; 10 am-4:30 pm Wed, Fri and Sat. $5 adults (Thu free); members, students, kids under 17 free. 296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, www.muskegonartmuseum.org. Aug - SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Aug 13-Oct 4 A Passion for Painting: Rediscovering a Century of Art in Saugatuck. 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, (269) 857-2399, www.sc4a.org. Free. Aug - TERRYBERRY GALLERY: Thru Aug 31, Caribbean Festival; 6-9 pm Aug 12 opening recep tion. Lower floor, St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE, www.scmsonline.org. Aug - UICA: Thru Aug 6, dis.place.ment, interna tional juried exhibition. Also works by Christopher Gauthier, Nicola Vruwink, Rebecca Murtaugh, Bryan Leister and Justin Webb. Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, 41 Sheldon Blvd SE, 4547000, www.uica.org.
Stage Aug - DR GRINS COMEDY CLUB: Stand-up comedians perform Thu at 9 pm, Fri and Sat at 8 pm and 10:30 pm. The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave NW. $5 Thu, $10 Fri and Sat (356-2000, www. thebob.com). Aug - HOWMET PLAYHOUSE SUMMER FINE ARTS FESTIVAL: Aug 5 An Dro, Celtic music concert. Aug 6-7 Blue Dahlia performs a live soundtrack to Buster Keaton’s silent film “The General.” Aug 12-14 Schwartz & Ogborn: A Comedy Show. Aug 19-21 “Blithe Spirit,” comedic play. Aug 26-28 White Lake Dramatic Club revival with the original play “Forever Yours.” 7:30 pm. Howmet Playhouse, 304 S Mears Ave, Whitehall. $16 adults, $12 students under 18. www.howmet playhouse.org. Thru Aug 1 - “DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY”:
Mason Street Warehouse presents the tale of Dixie Longate, who packed up her Tupperware catalogues, left her children in a trailer park and took off-Broadway by storm. 8 pm, 7 pm Sun. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. $36.50-$39.75 adults, $33-$36.50 students and seniors, $26 Sun matinee (box office, 269-8574898, www.masonstreetwarehouse.org). Thru Aug 7 - “PIRATES OF PENZANCE JR”: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School of Theatre Arts presents a farce of sentimental pirates, befuddled policemen, dim-witted young lovers, dewy-eyed daughters and “the very model of a modern Major-General.” 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. $8-$14 adults, $8-$12 students and children (Civic Theatre box office or Star Tickets). www. grct.org. Thru Aug 8 - “INHERIT THE WIND”: Heritage Theatre Group depicts the trial of Bertram Cates, a small-town teacher accused of using Darwin’s theories of evolution in the classroom. 8 pm, 2 pm Sun. Spectrum Theater, GRCC. $18 adults, $14 seniors, $10 students; Sunday matinees $10 adults, $5 students (234-3946).
7 pm Sun. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. $36.50-$39.75 adults, $33-$36.50 students and seniors, $26 Sun matinee (box office, 269-857-4898, www.masonstreetware house.org).
Film Aug - UICA: Urban Institute for Contemporary Art shows independent, foreign and documen tary films. $4-$7. Complete schedule, times: 4547000 or www.uica.org. Aug 13, 27 - MOVIES IN THE PARK: Free familyfriendly movies shown at John Collins Park in EGR. 9:20 pm Aug 13 “Up.” 8:30 pm Aug 27 “Imagine That.” Aug 25-29 - GRAND RAPIDS FILM FESTIVAL: 2nd annual celebration of film. Schedule TBD. Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr NE. $7. www.grfilmfestival.com.
Museums & Attractions
Thru Aug 10 - “I DO! I DO!”: A timeless love story, presented by Hope Summer Repertory Theatre. 8 pm. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E 8th St, Holland. $20-$26 adults, $17-$24 seniors, $10 children 18 and younger (box office, 616-395-7890 or www. hope.edu/hsrt).
Aug - AIR ZOO: More than 50 rare aircraft, plus exhibits and educational activities, full-motion flight simulators, 4-D Missions Theater, Magic Planet, Space Ball, Zero G, Michigan Space Science Center. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun. 6151 Portage Road, Portage, (269) 3826555, www.airzoo.org. See Web site for admis sion prices.
Thru Aug 14 - “AN ITALIAN STRAW HAT”: Hope Summer Repertory Theatre presents a French farce on the day of a wedding. 8 pm. DeWitt Theatre, 141 E 12th St, Holland. $17-$19 adults, $15-$17 seniors, $8 children 18 and younger (box office, 616-395-7890 or www.hope.edu/hsrt).
Aug - BINDER PARK ZOO: Animals exhibited in a natural forest setting, including the 50-acre Wild Africa exhibit. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am-6 pm Sat, 11 am-6 pm Sun. 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek. $12.50 adults, $11.50 seniors, $10.50 ages 2-10. www.binderparkzoo.org.
Thru Aug 14 - “THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO”: Hope Summer Repertory Theatre presents a bittersweet comedy set in Atlanta on the eve of WWII. 8 pm. DeWitt Theatre, 141 E 12th St, Holland. $17-$19 adults, $15-$17 seniors, $8 chil dren 18 and younger (box office, 616-395-7890 or www.hope.edu/hsrt). Aug 5-14 - “ROMEO AND JULIET”: Holland Civic Theatre presents a Student Theatre Production of the timeless story of star-crossed lovers. Times, tickets TBD (616-396-2021, www.holland civictheatre.org). Aug 5-21 - “FUNNY MONEY”: Circle Theatre presents a farce about a mild-mannered man who picks up the wrong briefcase, full of cash. 7:30 pm, 5 pm Sun. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $23 (456-6656, www.circlethe atre.org). Aug 6-22 - “THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES”: Mason Street Warehouse presents four girls at their 1958 prom and then at their 10-year reunion, with music from the ’50s and ’60s. 8 pm, 7 pm Sun. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. $36.50-$39.75 adults, $33-$36.50 students and seniors, $26 Sun matinee (box office, 269857-4898, www.masonstreetwarehouse.org). Aug 21 - RIVER CITY IMPROV: Calvin College alumni improv team weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions. 7:33 pm (doors open 6:30 pm). Gezon Auditorium, Calvin College, 3201 Burton St SE. $8 (at door or Calvin’s box office). www.rivercityimprov.com. Aug 25-29 - “THE NUCLEAR FAMILY”: Three actors and a pianist improvise a fully staged musical with songs, lyrics and choreography. Presented by Mason Street Warehouse. 8 pm,
Aug - BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER: Activities this month: 2-3 pm Aug 14 Frogs & Toads of Michigan ($3). 2-3 pm Aug 28 GPS: Finding Fun ($3). 143 acres contain diverse ecosystems, trails, natural history exhibits, Heritage Buildings (log cabin, blacksmith shop, one-room school house, etc.). Interpretive Center open 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, 735-6240, www.blandfordnature center.org. Free. Aug - CAPPON & SETTLERS HOUSE MUSEUMS: 1-4 pm Aug 7 Ice Cream Social at Cappon House. Restored Cappon House is the Italianate Victorian home of Holland’s first mayor. Tiny Settlers House recalls hardships faced by early settlers. Noon-4 pm Fri and Sat. For admission prices, see Holland Museum. Cappon House, 228 W 9th St, Holland. Settlers House, 190 W 9th St, Holland, (616) 3926740, www.hollandmuseum.org. Aug - COOPERSVILLE FARM MUSEUM: Aug 7-14 Tractor Show. Aug 3-Sep 30 Quilts and Their Stories. Thru Oct 23, William Brody. Regular exhibits include tractors from 1930 to present, 100-year-old barns, interactive kids area. 10 am-4 pm Tue-Sat. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children 3-18, under 3 free. 375 Main St, Coopersville, 9978555, www.coopersvillefarmmuseum.org. Aug - COOPERSVILLE & MARNE RAILWAY: Restored 1920’s-era railway has regular excur sion rides Wed and Sat at 11 am and 1 pm; $10.50 adults, $9.50 seniors 60 and over, $7.50 ages 2-12, under 2 free. Also, Summerfest Train, 5 pm and 7 pm Aug 13, 11 am and 1 pm Aug 14; $7.50. 311 Danforth St, Coopersville, 997-7000 (for advance tickets), www.coopersvilleandmarne.org. Aug - DEGRAAF NATURE CENTER: 18-acre pre
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City Guide: Clubs ’n’ Pubs
From quiet to ‘Party!’ Downtown’s Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar can be mellow oldies or raucous rock, depending on the time and day. By Colton Wright
W
earing a white fedora, a middle-aged woman sat by the stage, swaying gently to a pianist’s rendition of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” Around her, patrons at Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar sipped martinis and carried on hushed dinner conversations in the dim light. The early evening mood was relaxed, even mellow. But as the night progressed, it was good-bye Elton, hello Lady Gaga. Two pianists tickled the ivory as Mojo’s transformed from an oldies oasis to a dance party that spilled out into the street. A bachelorette party stumbled in with packs of young men in tow, and the dance floor came alive. People on both sides of the large picture window couldn’t stop moving. Laughter seemed contagious. Four “lucky” contestants stumbled up on stage for a ridiculous game of “Head, shoulders, knees and toes.” Nobody won. While the crowd was thin on a Thurs-
day evening, patrons from 20-something Guinness for thick-beer drinkers, Mojo’s does offer 26 domestic and international to 60 pack the place on weekends. Opened in 2003 in an old office build- beers, along with Founders beers on tap. ing in the heart of downtown Grand Rap- Martinis have such fun names as Piano ids, Mojo’s based its lively atmosphere Man (grape vodka, blue Curaçao, soda and dueling pianos on the Monaco Bay and splash of grenadine) and Sweet CaroPiano Bar & Grill in Kalamazoo. Both line (raspberry vodka, raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice and a splash of sour) — piano bars have found great success. “We’re the best live entertainment in reminders that this is a piano bar. While focused more on late-night Grand Rapids,” boasted manager Mark Lemaire. “It’s all about audience involve- drinking, Mojo’s offers a full dinner menu. ment. These guys can play anything from The kitchen also serves typical appetizers the ’40s until now. They’ve got 500 songs ($4-$8), including waffle fries, chips and on the top of their head. Sometimes they salsa , queso dip and buffalo rolls. Dinner might not know a song, but that’s where orders should be placed by 7 p.m.; after that, the wait staff may be overwhelmed the spontaneous fun comes out.” As the night continued, everyone was by bar hoppers. GR moving. The loud, somewhat inebriated folks crammed the small dance floor, while the more Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar refined moved toward the Location: 180 Monroe Ave. NW fully stocked bar. Contact: (616) 776-9000; www.mojospianobar.com; Though there’s no pages on Facebook and Twitter. Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Wed.-Sat.; shows start 8 p.m. Wed.-Fri, 7 p.m. Sat. Features: Dueling pianos, DJ; free cover on Wed. before 9 p.m.; $1 drinks from 9-10 p.m. and $2 drinks from 10-midnight; Thu. ladies get in free, half-off martinis and $3 drinks.
Photography by Michael Buck
Drink Prices: Draft beer $3.25-$5.50/pint; bottled beer $3.25-$4; well drinks $3.25; wine $5.50/glass.
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City Guide pm Mon-Fri, noon-4 pm Sat-Sun. 430 W Clay, Muskegon, (231) 722-0278, www.muskegonmuse um.org. Free. Aug - LOWELL AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits about Lowell history, a Victorian parlor, dining room and porch. 1-4 pm Tue, Sat and Sun, 1-8 pm Thu. $3 adults, $1.50 children 5-17, under 5 free, families $10 max. 325 W Main St, 8977688, www.lowellmuseum.org. Aug - MEYER MAY HOUSE: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house, meticulously restored by Steelcase in 1986-87, features many original furnishings. Open for guided tours 10 am-2 pm Tue and Thu, 1-5 pm Sun (last tour begins one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave SE, 2464821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.
Dwelling Place celebrates its 30th anniversary with Music from the Heart Broadway, a cabaret-style concert. The nonprofit agency provides affordable housing and supportive services for homeless and disabled Heartside residents and revitalizes neighborhoods. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. at Keystone of Ada, 655 Spaulding Ave. SE. Tickets are $75; call (616) 855-0401 or e-mail ecampbell@dwellingplacegr.org. serve includes Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch (images of earth and the uni verse) and more than 240 plant species. See web site for activities. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 9 am-5 pm Tue-Fri, 10 am-5 pm Sat, closed Sun, Mon and holidays. 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, (616) 355-1057, www.degraaf.org. Free. Aug - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULP TURE PARK: For Chihuly exhibit, see Art. Noon Aug 13 Curator’s Choice exhibition tour with Heidi Holst and Laurene Grunwald. Outdoor exhibits include Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, 30-acre sculpture park, boardwalk nature trail, tram tours, themed gardens. Indoors has sculpture galleries, tropical conservatory, carnivorous plant house, Victorian garden, café and gift shops. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, 9 am-9 pm Tue, noon-5 pm Sun. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students with IDs, $6 ages 5-13, $4 ages 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, 957-1580, www.meijer gardens.org. Aug - GERALD R. FORD MUSEUM: Thru Oct 17, School House to White House: The Education of the Presidents. Permanent exhibits include The 1970s, An Overview; video history of the Watergate scandal; replica of the White House Oval Office; New Mood at the White House, a holo graphic presentation. 9 am-5 pm daily. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 kids 6-18, 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St NW, 254-0400, www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov. Aug - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Noon-6 pm Aug 8-13 Orange Elephant Sale, rummage sale of donat ed treasures. Cultural attractions from the “old country” and exhibits that explore local history: Lake Michigan maritime, shipwrecks and resorts; agriculture and manufacturing; religious founda tion of the Holland Kolonie. I Spy Adventure and activities in Mark’s Room for children. Hours: 10 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, children 5 and under free, members
free. 31 W 10th St, Holland, (888) 200-9123, www. hollandmuseum.org. Aug - JOHN BALL ZOO: Aug 5 is WGVU Dollar Day (admission $1). Zoo attractions include Mighty Mike (an 800-pound, 13-foot alligator), New Guinea Baboons, walk-thru wallabies trail, camel rides, stingray lagoon, ring-tailed lemurs, Lions of Lake Manyara, penguins, Komodo drag on, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island and Living Shores Aquarium. Summer activities include 300-foot zipline and high ropes course ($6 each or $10 both). 10 am-6 pm daily. Admission: $7.50 adults, $6.50 seniors, $5.50 kids 3-13, kids 2 and under free. 1300 W Fulton St, 336-4300, www.johnballzoosociety.org. Aug - KALAMAZOO NATURE CENTER: 1,100 acres of forests, prairies and wetlands. See website for activities. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, 1-5 pm Sun. $6 adults, $5 seniors 55 and over, $4 children 4-13, children under 4 free. 700 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, (269) 381-1574, www.naturecenter.org. Aug - KALAMAZOO VALLEY MUSEUM: Thru Sep 12, Out of This World, original costumes from science fiction and fantasy films and TV shows. Thru Sep 6, Storytelling Through the Mail: Tall Tale Postcards. Permanent exhibits include a simulated mission to space, a 2,300-year-old mummy and Science in Motion. See website for planetarium shows ($3) and scheduled activities. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, 1-5 pm Sun. 230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, (800) 772-3370, www.kalamazoo museum.org. Free. Aug - LAKESHORE MUSEUM CENTER: Thru Dec 31, You Should See This, more than 30 items from the museum’s collection chosen by community and staff. Permanent exhibits include Michigan Through the Depths of Time; Body Works: It’s All Up to You; Habitats and Food Webs; Science Center; and Voices of Muskegon. 9:30 am-4:30
Aug - PUBLIC MUSEUM: Thru Sep 4, Summer Fun Days include free carousel rides and themed activities noon-4 pm daily. Thru Nov 20, Amway: 50 Years of Helping People Live Better Lives. Permanent exhibits include: Streets of Old Grand Rapids; Newcomers, The People of This Place; Anishinabek, The People of This Place; 1928 car ousel ($1). 9 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat, 9 am-8 pm Tue, closed Sun thru Sep 4. Special summer rates thru Sep 4: $5 adults, $3 children 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org. Aug - ROGER B. CHAFFEE PLANETARIUM: Stateof-the-art, 3-D, Digistar-powered shows. 1 pm Sat and Sun and 7 pm Tue Solar System Safari. 2 pm daily Cowboy Astronomer. 3 pm Sat and Sun Under Starlit Skies. Museum admission plus $3 (3 pm show free with admission). 8 pm Tue Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” laser light show, $5. Van Andel Museum Center (see Public Museum). Aug - TRI-CITIES HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits include a train depot display, Michigan Logging and Early Pioneers. 9:30 am-5 pm TueFri, 12:30-5 pm Sat and Sun, closed Mon. 200 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, 842-0700, www. tri-citiesmuseum.org. Free. Aug - VEEN OBSERVATORY: Astronomical observatory owned and operated by GR Amateur Astronomical Association. Public viewing nights: 9:30-11:30 pm Aug 14, Deep Sky Objects, and Aug 28, Moon, Neptune and Deep Sky Objects. Weather permitting (call 897-7065 for updates). $3 adults, $2 kids 5-17, kids under 5 free. 3308 Kissing Rock Ave SE, Lowell, www.graaa.org.
Lectures & Workshops Aug - CATHOLIC INFORMATION CENTER: A vari ety of classes (for any religious background) in English and Spanish. Aug 10 The Name of Jesus. Aug 10 Integracion de Cuerpo y Espiritu. Times vary. Catholic Information Center, 360 S Division Ave. $5 donation. Registration requested: 4597267, www.catholicinformationcenter.org. Aug - FREE COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Aug 10 and Aug 26, Trigger Point Massage. Aug 17, Fibromyalgia: Natural Solutions to a Misunderstood Condition. 6 pm. Foundation for
Photography courtesy Dwelling Place
Music From the Heart
Aug - NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE THEME PARK: Import shops, Delftware, Dutch architecture, canals, windmills, klompen shoes, petting zoo. Theme park open daily 10 am-6 pm; gift shops 9 am-6:30 pm. 12350 James St (at US 31), Holland. Theme park admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $7 children 3-15. (616) 396-1475, www.dutchvill age.com.
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City Guide
Fine Wines, Beers and Specialty foods
Wellness Professionals, 4150 East Beltline Ave NE, Ste 4. Reservations 447-9888. Seating lim ited to 30. Aug - GRAND RIVER FOLK ARTS SOCIETY: Dance instruction events. 7 pm Aug 13, International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre Annex, 1110 Wealthy St SE, $5 at door. 7:30 pm Aug 27, 4th Friday Contra Dance, 5th St Hall, $6 at door. www.grfolkarts.org.
Shop Around
Aug - GRAND VALLEY ARTISTS: 7:30 pm Aug 5, Artist Critique Night. 7:30 pm Aug 12, Program Night. Free and open to public. GVA Gallery, 1120 Monroe Ave NW, www.gvami.com. Aug - GR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Adult comput er classes include Basic Internet and Google Essentials. Special events: Growing Up Gay, Asian Cooking Class, and Exploring Faith: Catholicism. Also summer reading program, kids activities. Complete schedules at GRPL Main Library, 111 Library St NE, or www.grpl.org. Free.
Taste the Difference!
2869 Knapp St. NE; Suite A Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone (616) 719-2518 www.crushedgrapegr.com
50 award winning Oils and Balsamic Vinegars from around the world.
Aug - GR TANGO: Beginner and intermediate dance lessons 8-9:30 pm every Thu, followed by free practice 9:30-10:30 pm. $12 drop-in. Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St SE, www.grtango.org.
Private tasting parties available
Aug - KENT DISTRICT LIBRARIES: Programs include book discussions, writers groups, open computer lab, summer reading program, Crashfree Computer, kids activities. www.kdl. org. Aug - TRENDZ CLASSES: Architectural Surfaces Studio and School offers DIY and professionallevel classes; see website for schedule. 9818 Cherry Valley Ave, Caledonia, 588-3227, www. eco-trendz.com. Aug 2 - SIGN LANGUAGE FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS: Greater Grand Rapids Chapter of Mothers and More presents Katie Ouding from My Smart Hands to talk about the benefits of signing with little ones. 7-9 pm. St Thomas Catholic Church, 1448 Grace Dr, 389-5376, www. grmothersandmore.org. Free. Aug 6-10 - HANDWEAVING WORKSHOPS: Wide variety of workshops offered by Michigan League of Handweavers. Hope College, Holland. www. mlhguild.org. Aug 8 - SPEAK TO THE EARTH TOUR: JW Marriott Grand Rapids and Trillium Haven Farm host a class about farm-to-plate dining, including brunch at six.one.six, a gardening class, trans portation to and tour of Trillium Haven Farm in Jenison. 10 am-2 pm. $125 (242-1448, www. ilovethejw.com or www.trilliumhavenfarm.com).
We can customize your event needs from light hors d’ oeuvres to take home recipes. 65 E. Bridge Street, Rockford | 616.884.0107
www.oldworldolivepress.com
Expose your business to over 48,000 readers each month! To advertise, call (616) 459-4545
amsterdam antiques & oddities
Photography courtesy Dwelling Place
Aug 10 - AUTHOR VISIT: Literary Life Bookstore presents 92-year-old Virgil Westdale, author of “Blue Skies and Thunder,” for a reading and book signing. 7 pm. 758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418. Free. Aug 18 - BREASTFEEDING CLASS: Breastfeeding basics and pumping info from board-certified consultant. Registration required. 5:30-8:30 pm. Baby Beloved, 555 Midtowne St NE, Ste 100, 9775683, www.babybelovedinc.com. $40.
Over one acre of rarities ...
Aug 19 - RIVERTOWN ARTISTS GUILD: “Painting Without a Brush” by guest artist Pat Cole. 7 pm. Location TBD. www.rivertownartists.org.
What will you find?
Aug 19 - THIRD THURSDAYS: Literary Life Book store presents M.J. Rigg, author of “Voyage to Muscovy.” 7 pm. 758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418. Aug 21, 28 - DANCEgr: One-hour West Coast swing dance lesson with Becky Larson followed by social dance that includes East and West
garden pottery ~ furniture ~ dishes ~ collectibles ~ whatever 3483 blue star highway saugatuck (269) 857-3044 amsterdamofsaugatuck.com August 2010 Grand Rapids 115
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Truly Luxurious. Truly Downtown.
City Guide Coast swing, salsa, tango, waltz, cha cha, rumba, foxtrot and more. 7-8 pm lesson, 8-11 pm dance. 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE, www.dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both. Aug 24 - DYSLEXIA SEMINAR: New Chapter Learning offers info on thinking styles, learning differences and gifts of visual thinkers. 6 pm. Home School Building, 6525 Burlingame Ave SW, Wyoming. Registration: 534-1385. www.new chapterlearning.net. Free.
Sports REDUCED PRICES ~ NOW STARTING AT $269,900 ✓
LOCATION • Right downtown! East of the River, South of US 196. • Walk to all of downtown Grand Rapids’ attractions — arena, museums, dining, nightlife and parks.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TAMARA BEEL 616.726.8282 OR KEN GRASHUIS 616.974.6770 .TFR.
find your place at Calvin At Calvin College, you’ll discover a faculty of recognized scholars, classes that challenge you to think in new and different ways, a community of courageous learners and an environment that encourages you to love God with your mind and heart. Come to Fridays at Calvin—or one of our other visit programs—and find out if Calvin might be your place. At our no-cost Fridays program you can: Tour campus with a current student Visit a class Chat with faculty over lunch Dive into your major Talk with student leaders
Worship in chapel Stay overnight in the residence halls Register at www.calvin.edu/go/visit or call 800-688-0122
616-526-6106
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Aug - WRESTLING CAMP: Register for Michigan Xtreme wrestling camps: Sep 18 Your Style on Your Feet, Oct 16 Scoring From the Bottom, Nov 5-7 State Champ Kickoff. See www.michigan xtreme.com. Aug 7 - MILLENNIUM TRIATHLON: 500-meter swim, 14.8-mile bike ride and 5K run, presented by West Michigan Multisport Racing. Plus kids events. 8 am. Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave SW, www.millenniumtriathlon.com. $80. Aug 14 - HEY 5K RUN AND WALK: A firstever run thru downtown Muskegon; proceeds go to Muskegon Community Radio 88.9. 6:45 am check-in, 8 am run. $30. www.goracego.com. Aug 15 - SAMMI T-TIME GOLF SCRAMBLE: Ninth annual event supports Sammi Rae of Hope. Twoperson scramble limited to 72 teams. Quail Ridge Golf Club, 8375 36th St SE, Ada. $75/player. Registration: www.sammiraeofhope.org. Aug 21 - MITCHELL’S RUN THRU ROCKFORD: 12th annual 5K run/walk and Kids Run to raise money for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research. 8:30 am (9:30 am Kids Run). Family picnic, music, silent auction and more. www. mitchellsrun.org or 863-9168 for info. Aug 22 - TOUR DE GASLIGHT: Circuit bicycle race in EGR sponsored by Bissell Cycling Team. Circuit: Wealthy St to Croswell to Lake Dr to Lakeside Dr. 8 am-5 pm.
Kidstuff Aug - ALL DAY WITH THE ARTS: GR Art Museum offers family programming every Sat, including art-making activities, family activity guides and garden room art stations. Kid-friendly tours 11 am and 1 pm. Free with admission. Aug - BARNES & NOBLE: My Grown Up and Me story/craft times, 10:30 am Mon, Thu and Fri. Woodland Mall. www.barnesandnoble.com. Free. Aug - DAY CAMPS, ARTS ALIVE: Camp for kids in grades 1-6 that expresses faith through vocal music, dance, and visual arts, 9 am-3 pm Aug 9-12. First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St. $95 includes lunch, water bottle and T-shirt (451-2879 or www.grandrapidsfumc.org). Aug - DAY CAMPS, BROADWAY GR: Take it From the Top, interactive musical theater workshop. Aug 9-12 for kids ages 13-18. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. $250 (222-6653 or www.grct.org/ school/registration).
www.calvin.edu
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Aug - WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS: Professional minor league baseball team and Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Home games: Jul 31-Aug 2 vs Dayton. Aug 3-6 vs Great Lakes. Aug 14-16 vs South Bend. Aug 18-20 vs Fort Wayne. Aug 25-27 vs Lansing. Aug 28-31 vs Great Lakes. Times vary. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $5-$13 (800-CAPS-WIN, www.whitecaps-baseball.com).
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City Guide: Making Tracks
Heartbreaking sound Jake Stilson, a singer-songwriter who composes tunes about “terrible friendships and situations that upset me,” is a thoughtful guy. by Juliet Bennett Rylah
J
ake Stilson is a down-to-earth gentleman, soaked in Southern charm, though he was raised in Morley, Mich., just south of Big Rapids. He’s funny in conversation — thoughtful, intelligent, logical and quick. He works as a barista at 76 Coffee, and as a massage therapist. He’s the kind of guy who never has anything bad to say about anyone and who no one has anything bad to say about. When Stilson was a child, his father played guitar and sang, and Stilson followed suit. In high school, he wrote “really tragically angsty metal songs” for an allblack-wearing band called Catharsis, meant to rebel against his private school upbringing. At 16, he decided to stop hating everything and wrote his first number as a singer/songwriter. He got into Neil Young, Dylan, Guthrie, Beck and the anti-folk scene and the blues.
Jake Stilson & The Mi Mi Mi’s Genre: Americana/rock Parity: Steve Earle, Neil Young, CCR Geography: Grand Rapids History: “The Same Moon Shines on Both of Us,” 2005; “The Hands of Fate Are On Us Now,” 2006; “The Chip on My Shoulder Propels Mi Forward,” 2010
Photography by Johnny Quirin
“So much of music is reinventing the blues. If I could take the influences I have and combine them as the singular entity I want to present to the perfect degree, somebody serve me over ice.” “So much of music is reinventing the blues,” he said. “If I could take the influences I have and combine them as the singular entity I want to present to the perfect degree, somebody serve me over ice.” He formed a band — Loose County — that practiced and played constantly, with all the members living in one house. Later, he moved to Nashville where he wrote music before returning home in 2001 to help his father with the family concrete business. He dabbled in electronic music, releasing “An Ample Example of Samples” in 2002, before becoming a familiar voice at local open mics, releasing two solo albums and finding the Mi Mi Mi’s part of his outfit. “The Chip on My Shoulder Propels Mi Forward,” released in 2010, was a record made on good faith from Stilson’s friends — with borrowed equipment and time — something that has pushed Stilson forward in his endeavors. At times, he busked downtown
for extra cash to support himself and his wife, Goldie. There is no mystery to this faith — Stilson’s voice can break your heart in an instant. And though he says his songs about “terrible friendships and situations that upset me” are written from an inconspicuous perspective, it’s as if you were the person he confided it all to the day it happened. “Everything has already been said or done in music,” Stilson said. “Now it’s up to you to express these same human emotions in your own way. Everybody’s done everything — but they don’t have your point of view.” GR
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City Guide Aug - DAY CAMPS, CALVIN: Sports, Knollcrest music, Calvin String Summit, Wetlands and Woodlands camps. www.calvin.edu/academic/ summer/camps/. Aug - DAY CAMPS, GR CIVIC THEATRE: Weeklong workshops cover acting, dancing, props and costumes, set design and publicity. Age 4 years to 10th grade. www.grct.org. Aug - DAY CAMPS, GYMCO: Lots of activities to keep kids age 4 and older busy, 8:30 am-6 pm thru Sep 3. 956-0586 or www.gymco.com. Aug - DAY CAMPS, HOLLAND AREA ARTS COUNCIL: Hope Camps for ages 7-10, Aug 9-13; ages 10-15, Aug 16-20. (616) 396-3278 or www. hollandarts.org. Aug - DAY CAMPS, HUMANE SOCIETY: Weeklong camps for ages 5-18 about animal safety, being a responsible pet owner, careers in animalrelated fields and animals with helpful jobs. Thru Aug 20. 791-8066 or www.hskc.org. Aug - DAY CAMPS, JOHN BALL ZOO: Summer Discovery Classes include animal demonstra tions, guided zoo tours, arts and crafts and wild life educational games for ages 3 to 8th grade. Thru Aug 19. www.johnballzoosociety.org. Aug - DAY CAMPS, MEIJER GARDENS: Fourday camps for ages 4-14 include Silly Sculpture, Plenty of Painting, and Art and Artists: 3-D Art. 975-3147 or www.meijergardens.org.
Aug - KENT DISTRICT LIBRARIES: Story times for young children. Summer Reading Club (thru Aug 7); Parkapalooza; Tunes for Tots with Jim Gill; In the Small, Small Pond; Ruff Readers; and Back-to-School Crafts. Teen programs include Jewelry Making, Creative Cooking and Gaming. See www.kdl.org for dates and locations.
Library hosts an American Girl party for moms and daughters (6 and older) with crafts, historyfocused games, snacks and a doll parade. Party is 6:30-8 pm Sep 28, Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave SW, Wyoming. Registration required: $5 per child (532-9422, ext 6, or resou rcecenter@homeschoolbuilding.org).
Aug - KIDS’ TRAM TOURS: I Spy in the Sculpture Park is an entertaining ride at Meijer Gardens with activities. 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat. $3 adults, $1 children. www.meijergardens.org.
Aug 6 - GROWING GENERATIONS OF GARDEN ERS: Kent Garden Club presents Eat Your Veggies, with garden tour, storytellers and handson crafts. $5 adults, kids free (455-3295 or 4432077). www.kentgardenclub.org.
Aug - LENA MEIJER CHILDREN’S GARDEN: Special activities this month: Little Miss Muffet in the Children’s Garden 11 am Tue and 2 pm Thu and Sun. Story-Time 10 am and 2 pm weekdays. Fridays at the Farm 1-4 pm Fri. Meet Me at the Fair 1-4 pm Aug 14-15. Frederik Meijer Gardens. Free with admission.
Aug 6, 20 - KIDS TUNES AT NOON: Live music noon-1 pm Fri. Aug 6 Harpbeat. Aug 20 Guy Louis. Kollen Park, Holland. Free.
Aug - SAUGATUCK SUMMER PUPPET FESTIVAL: Village Puppeteers present crazy antics of Puss ‘N Boots, Three Little Pigs, Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Humpty Dumpty, Little Miss Muffet, Itsy-Bitsy Spider and more. Puppet-making work shops follow performance. 11 am and 2 pm every Sat. Saugatuck Women’s Club, 303 Butler St. $10 performance, $10 workshop. Aug - SMALL TALK FOR KIDS: Language classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or French at six locations for kids up to age 5. $195 (990-2591, www.smalltalkforkids.com).
Aug - DAY CAMPS, SQUARE PEG EVENTS: Art camps run 10 am-2 pm Tue. Junky to Funky Aug 3 for ages 6-12, and Aug 10 for ages 12-15. International Art Aug 17 for ages 6 and older, and Aug 24 for ages 12-15. Square Peg Events, 194½ S River Ave, Holland. $40 (www.square pegevents.com).
Aug - STORY TIME WITH THE MIGHTY WURLITZER: Characters and animals from Michigan-authored books are brought to life through the accompaniment of the Public Museum’s Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. 10:30 am, 11:15 am and noon every Mon. See Museums & Attractions.
Aug - DEANNA’S PLAYHOUSE: 15,000-squarefoot play environment includes art room, imagi nation village, performing arts stage, music room, infant-parent area, café and more. 10 am-3 pm Mon-Sat. 11172 Adams St, Holland, (800) 5777661, www.deannasplayhouse.com. $5.
Thru Aug - FAMILY FUN NIGHT GOLF PROGRAM: Highlands Golf Club invites families with kids ages 5-15 to play golf every Wed from 7-8 pm. 2715 Leonard St NW, 802-4969, www.grandrapidsgolf lesson.com. $15/person.
Aug - FINE ART FOR KIDS: Drop into Cynthia Hagedorn’s studio for themed fine art time for kids in kindergarten and older. 194½ S River Ave, Holland, www.cynthiahagedorn.com. Aug - GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Thru Oct 3, Curious George: Let’s Get Curious. Permanent exhibits include Rainbow Run, Buzzy Beehive, Mom and Pop Store, Funstruction. Toddler Tue for ages 3 and under (10 am-noon). Thu Family Nights (5-8 pm) $1.50 admission. 9:30 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, until 8 pm Thu, noon-5 pm Sun. $6.50, under 2 free. 22 Sheldon Ave NE, 235-4726, www.grcm.org. Aug - GR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Story times include songs and play activities. Special events include summer reading program, Buster the Safety Bus, GRPL’s Got Talent: The Finale, Branch Out, Ruff Readers and Family Flix. Times and locations vary. Complete schedules at any branch or www. grpl.org. Free. Aug - GYMCO: Activities include: Aug 3-5 Circus Camp. Aug 4 Discovery Preschool Open House. Aug 6 Bar Clinic. Aug 7 Family Open Gym. Aug 9-12 Gymnastics Camp. Aug 10 Open House and 30th Birthday Party. Aug 17-19 Cheer Mini-Camp. Aug 18 Kids Day Away. Aug 27 Kids Night Out. Gymco Sports, 2360 Camelot Ridge Ct SE, 9560586, www.gymco.com.
Thru Aug 8 - “BFG (BIG FRIENDLY GIANT)”: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents this adven ture of Sophie and her large friend. 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. $8-$14 adults, $8-$12 students and chil dren (Civic Theatre box office or Star Tickets). www.grct.org. Thru Aug 13 - “A BRAND NEW KID”: Hope Summer Repertory Theatre presents the musical based on Katie Couric’s book about teasing in school. 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Studio Theatre, Holland. $10 (box office, 616-395-7890 or www. hope.edu/hsrt). Thru Aug 13 - “BUSYTOWN THE MUSICAL”: Richard Scarry’s beloved characters (Huckle, Lowly Worm, Captain Salty, Sergeant Murphy, Farmer Alfalfa and Grocer Cat) come to life in this performance by Hope Summer Repertory Theatre. 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Studio Theatre, Holland. $10 (box office, 616-395-7890 or www. hope.edu/hsrt). Aug 2-13 - “A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD”: Hope Summer Repertory Theatre presents a musical journey about the pleasures of friend ship. 8 pm. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E 8th St, Holland. $20-$26 adults, $17-$24 seniors, $10 children 18 and younger (box office, 616-3957890 or www.hope.edu/hsrt). Aug 2-31 - AMERICAN GIRL PARTY REGIS TRATION: Home School Building Bookstore and
Aug 7 - FIRST SATURDAY FOR KIDS: Literary Life Bookstore hosts a free storytime of “Meet Wild Boars” by Meg Rosoff. 11 am. 758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418. Aug 30-31 - YOUTH THEATRE GR AUDITIONS: Casting for “13 The Musical” for grades 7-12 (per formance dates Nov 3-6) and “Disney’s Aladdin The Musical” for grades 3-12 (performance dates Feb 24-26). 5-9 pm. DeVos Center for Arts and Worship. www.ytgr.org for info and registration.
Calendar Legend Commonly requested venue and ticket outlet information follows.
Venues Aquinas Performing Arts Center, 1607 Robinson Road SE, 456-6656 The DeltaPlex Entertainment & Expo Center, 2500 Turner Ave. NW, 364-9000, www.deltaplex.com DeVos Place (DeVos Performance Hall), 303 Monroe Ave. NW, 742-6600, www.devosplace.org Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 493-8966, www.fhfineartscenter.com Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, (231) 722-9750, www.frauenthal.info Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580 (main), 975-3147 (class registration line), www.meijergardens.org Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www.artmuseumgr.org Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., 222-6650, www.grct.org Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org St. Cecilia Music Center, (Royce Auditorium, Dexter Ballroom), 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, www.scmsonline.org Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE, 234-3946 Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA), 41 Sheldon Blvd. SE, 454-7000 (film hotline 454-3994), www.uica.org Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., 742-6600, www.vanandelarena.com Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, www.vsfac.com
Ticket Outlets
Grand Rapids Symphony office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, 454-9451, www.grsymphony.org Star Tickets, (800) 585-3737, www.startickets.com Ticketmaster, 456-3333, www.ticketmaster.com
List your event Calendar items must be submitted two months prior to the magazine issue date. Please send submissions for the October calendar no later than August 15. E-mail caleditor@geminipub.com, fax (616) 4594800 or mail to Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
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185 Mt. Tabor Rd. • Buchanan, MI 49107 800-283-3363 • www.taborhill.com August 2010 Grand rapids 119
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City Guide: Hot Shots
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ArtFeast fundraiser and Opera GR
1. Nathan Salazar and Kathy Crosby 2. Deidre Dehaan,
Billed as “an evening of indulgence,” ArtFeast, Cindy Douthett and held May 20, included a variety of art, live music and ethnic Scott Brundage foods at the Goei Center. More than $6,000 was raised for Health 3. Mari Ignatoski Intervention Services, a faith-based, nonprofit health clinic that 4. Susan Evangelista provides medical and dental care to the uninsured working poor and Mic Carlson in the area. About 20 local artists donated artwork to the silent 5. Jean Enright and auction. Armenta Studio dancers performed and music was pro Don Lubbers vided by AnDro and the Rhythm Section Jazz Band. 6. Richard Panek, Aggie Betty Van Andel, Kempker-Cloyd and Violet Wondergem Mary Panek and Lena Meijer 7. Susan Bowers and 5 were honored June Linn Keller 16 at the dedication of Opera Grand Rapids’ new home at 1320 E. Fulton St. The $2.25 million facility is the nation’s first “green” opera center. The interactive grand opening allowed guests to see how the opera will use the facility that bears the names of the three women: Betty Van Andel Opera Center, Violet Wondergem Rehearsal Hall and the Lena Meijer Lobby.
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Photography by Johnny Quirin
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T GUES
st e u G med e e t s E s ’ o e L n i o j o t d e t i v n i re You a
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Saving 10% on your entire guest check every time you dine at Leo's. A complimentary entrée when you and/or your spouse celebrate their birthday at Leo’s. Offer valid with purchase of another entrée of equal or greater value for
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60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 616.454.6700 Lunch Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Dinner Monday–Thursday 4:30–10:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 4:30–11:00 p.m. Closed Sunday
“Best Seafood Restaurant” Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 “Readers Poll”
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Join us for happy hour from 4-6 pm Monday–Friday and enjoy $2 draught beers and $5 martinis. GRM_08.10_COVERS 3
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Strawberry Poppyseed S A L A D Say hello to brighter days. Backyard parties. And our Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with All-Natural Chicken. Seasonal favorites come together in this returning favorite made with crisp greens, fresh strawberries, ripe blueberries, chunks of pineapple, Mandarin oranges, pecans and our fat-free poppyseed dressing. Perfectly paired with freshly baked bread or a side item of your choice. Enjoy another summer favorite - our New Frozen Strawberry Lemonade.
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