August 2012 - GRM

Page 1

Higher ed: local colleges and universities invest in the community CELEBRATING CITY LIFE

www.grmag.com

2012-13 BALLO T INSIDE

BEST

YOUR COF GR HA TO VOT NCE E!

Farmto fork 2012 Restaurant Week GR Dining Review: Grove

HeFedSheFed: Delights from The Winchester’s garden Bistro Chloe Élan debuts

The thriving neighborhood of East Hills West Michigan goes “horse crazy” The area’s premier dining listings Two Plate: Reserve

GRM_08.12_CVR1_SPINE .indd 1


GRM_08.12_CVRS.indd 1

7/2/12 3:09 PM


Don’t Compromise

CUSTOMIZE

Vanguard

Gorman’s has more “Made in America” brands than anyone in Michigan. Shown are four of our best “Made in America” brands that are totally customizable. You can pick the finishes, woods and sizes to make anything you select uniquely yours. There are also a dozen other “Made in America” brands and over 20 upholstery or leather brands where everything is made right here in America. So don’t compromise, customize. Exclusively at Gorman’s.

Hickory Chair

Century

Harden

Home Furnishings & interior design GRAND RAPIDS 28th Street at Breton 616.243.5466 www.gormans.com GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 1

7/6/12 3:31 PM


GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 2

7/6/12 3:31 PM


Richards Kitchen & Bath Showroom 400 Mart Street SW Wyoming MI 49548 616-247-0965 www.richardsplumbing.com

Tresham™ Tresham gives a subtle twist to the tradition of classic Americana by introducing a modern eclectic sensibility to the designs. Endlessly playful, yet elegant, Tresham furniture, sinks, toilet and receptors invite you to live your life--with a twist. Visit our KOHLERŽ showroom to experience the new Tresham collection.

GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 3

7/6/12 3:31 PM


Contents

August 2012 / vol. 49 / no. 08

FEATURES 64 / An expanding urban presence Institutes of higher education are adding programming and facilities, advancing Grand Rapids’ reputation as a revitalized community. BY ANN BYLE

68 / the good life Life is always better from the back of a horse. BY KATE DERNOCOEUR

76 / Farm to fork Restaurant Week Grand Rapids 2012 will feature many menu items made with locally sourced ingredients.

68

BY MARTY PRIMEAU

4 GrmaG.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 4

7/6/12 3:31 PM


SIG

N QUE ST

DE

www.DesignQuest.biz

R ewaRd YouRself

Seneca features clean lines, book matched veneers, and handcrafted detailing throughout. Available in Natural White Oak, Natural Walnut, Fudge, Espresso, Java, Black, Praline and Black Coffee.

Design Quest 4181 - 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-940-9911 www.DesignQuest.biz

GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 5

7/6/12 3:32 PM


contents August 2012 / vol. 49 / no. 08

departments Back & FortH 8 / From the Editor

Food & drink 84 / Dining Review: Grove

8 / Letters, social media and more

86 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan

10 / Contributors

94 / HeFedSheFed: Jeremy and Juliet visit The Winchester.

liFE & stYlE 12 / Noteworthy items, including Grand Cocktail 2012, Coconut Rain, 28th Street Metro Car Cruise, Funky Junk Vintage Flea, A.K. Rikk’s 13 / TheModeLife: The dish on denim 14 / Reading Room: “Chinese Proverbs and Popular Sayings”

100 / Chef Profile: Peter Setterington and Christine Gill return to the restaurant scene with Bistro Chloe Élan.

24 XX

The resulting “outdoor room” is reminiscent of quaint European courtyards and plazas.

104 / Grand Vine: The rosés of summer 108 / Fresh Hops: Citrus and beer nEar & Far 112 / Transformed from the blight of the ’80s, East Hills is a thriving neighborhood with “a certain cool factor.”

15 / Natural skin care at Elina Organics 16 / My Stuff: What’s in Linda Kennedy’s handbag?

out & aBout 116 / August highlights

17 / BANG Blow Dry Bar 18 / GR Bicycle Co. expands.

117 / Calendar

12

20 / Living Local: Enjoying the last month of summer

120 / Nightclubs & comedy venues listings and highlights

art & dEsign 22 / Richard App Gallery

122 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights

24 / Frame Works: Piazza at GVSU’s downtown campus

126 / Snapshots 128 / Afterthoughts

25 / Art gallery listings and highlights 26 / At Home: The home office evolves.

84

29 / Art Talk: American artist Stuart Davis 30 / American Quilter’s Society show

ON THE COVER: Farm-to-Fork is the theme of the 2012 Restaurant Week GR, Aug. 15-25, with more than 60 restaurants and many local farms and suppliers participating.

32 / Patrice Green’s Eastown store, Elements

112

Photography by Michael Buck

6 GrmaG.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 6

7/6/12 3:32 PM


Best of 2011-12 Readers Poll

Dr. Crete’s patient before treatment.

Voted Grand Rapids Best Dentist. Grand Rapids Magazine 2011-2012 Readers Poll. T hank you! We strive to be the practice that sets the standards for excellence in comprehensive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care in the Grand Rapids area. Let us help you achieve and maintain optimum oral health for each day of the rest of your life with the latest in dental technology.

3514 Rivertown Point CT, SW, Grandville, MI

616-534-0135 | www.rivertowndental.com GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 7

Dr. Mike Crete

7/6/12 3:32 PM


back & forth From THE EDITor/coNNEcT WITH US

Get out and experience the energy of downtown

Join Managing Editor Marty Primeau at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays as she presents City Beat with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio FM 88.5 and 95.3.

A

August: it’s A Month of “last chances” before the slow domino of end-of-summer closings begins. Hit the pool, the beach, ice cream vendors and summer concert venues. Get outside and dance, especially at Rosa Parks Circle where a variety of musical entertainment prevails and swing dancing practice becomes perfection. The city’s first all-day jazz fest — GRandJazzFest — is Aug. 18 at Rosa Parks Circle, and Aug. 20-25, Rock the Rapids will be back behind the arena, jammed with headliners including Miranda Lambert and Toby Keith. Be watchful while downtown: ArtPrize installations are beginning to pop up in preparation for public voting, which begins Sept. 19. You have 10 days to pack in a gazillion restaurant tastings during Restaurant Week (and try the adjudicated “best” new cocktail for the city). In this issue, Grand Rapids Magazine introduces readers to the farmers who provide area crops directly to restaurant tables

throughout the metro area. Grand Rapids’ ever-growing list of choices of things to do would not be possible without the earnings of a well-educated and apprenticed population. This region is nationally noted for its beneficence, whether volunteering in animal shelters, participating in restoring the rapids in the Grand River or leading donations for a new institution. The investment of area colleges and universities in expanded degree programs that attract an ever-growing student population have created a vast build-out, particularly by Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University. Both institutions are changing downtown’s landscape — and its education legacy. GVSU’s expansion now crosses Fulton Street on the west side of the river, and its eastern campus on the Medical Mile soon will “jump” from Michigan Street north across the I-196 Ford Freeway. The expansion of downtown’s Ferris/Kendall College of Art & Design campus into the renovated and historically preserved former Federal Building changes the corridor along Ionia Avenue from Fountain to Lyon streets. Ferris also invested in space at 25 Michigan St. NE, adjacent to the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, which will house learning labs for students in FSU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program. More students downtown bring more business downtown — and a lot of energy. The college and university build-outs are extensive: This year alone will see more than seven major education projects completed, and that is the focus of the article that begins on page 64.

PHoToGraPHY BY mIcHaEL BUcK

carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

8 GraND raPIDS \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 8

7/6/12 3:32 PM


Experience

616-459-8367 | BeldenBrickandSupply.com

lAst Month’s online Question:

How do you stay cool in the dog days of summer? A refreshing swim at the lake and then indoor craft day with the kids. Might even add a snack of some snow cones!

Michigan’s premier outdoor showroom

Handmade Brick | Natural Stone | Outdoor Kitchens | Firepits

— Jenni stachnik hund

I go within. Meditate on my blessings. Slow my heart rate and blood pressure down. Mentally place myself in Margaritaville, the Caribbean or Meijer Gardens. — Micki Jansen

Belden Brick and Supply | 620 Leonard St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI

Look Good. Feel Good. This is very simple: HUGE doses of Hudsonville Ice Cream followed by many doses of Lake Michigan applied all over your body — apply the water of Lake Michigan, not the ice cream. — eric thompson

Facebook poll:

ILLUSTraTIoN coUrTESY ISTocKPHoTo.com

PHoToGraPHY BY mIcHaEL BUcK

hoW MAny tiMes do you PlAn to dine out during 2012 restAurAnt Week grAnd rAPids?

15%

Botox | Facial Fillers | Laser Hair Removal | IPL | Sclerotherapy

None

46%

39% 1 or 2 times

3 or more times

Clinical Facial Treatments | Latisse | Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up 6290 Jupiter Ave Suite D Belmont MI 49306 jupitermedicalaesthetics.com 616-301-2503 Dr. Rose Ramirez MD, Dr. Lisa Hoekstra MD August 2012 / GrmaG.com 9

GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 9

7/6/12 3:32 PM


back & forth CONTRIBUTORS /CONNECT WITH US

2/

3/

1/

THIS MONTH’S ONLINE QUESTION:

What do you like best about ArtPrize? Looking at art? Meeting the artists? Discovering new venues? Fighting the crowds? Respond at facebook.com/ grmag.

We’re all ears … tell us what you like or dislike in this issue. Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Send to Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email to letters@grmag.com. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity. Visit us grmag.com

Like us on Facebook

1/ DAINA KRAAI is a freelance writer who is renovating a Victorian farm house in the Creston neighborhood. She and her husband enjoy growing and eating their own food. Daina loves to explore Michigan’s great outdoors, whether walking her dog or traveling to small towns to hunt for antique treasures. 2/ Freelance writer KATE DERNOCOEUR has been riding since the age of 2 and is certifiably horse crazy. She rides several days a week and competes in the sport of eventing with her young horse Between The Lines. She lives in Lowell. 3/ Contributing writer ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL loves art, music and nightlife and often can be found in search of them in downtown Grand Rapids.

Follow us @grmagazine

10 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 10

7/10/12 2:54 PM


Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

www.grmag.com

info@grmag.com

Publisher: John H. Zwarensteyn

Editorial Editor: Carole Valade Managing Editor: Marty Primeau Copy Editor: Donna Ferraro Contributing Editors: Joseph A. Becherer, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Elissa Hillary, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze Contributing Writers: Julie Burch, Alexandra Fluegel, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson, Daina Kraai, Tricia van Zelst Editorial Interns: Suzanna Colberg Design Panel: Joseph A. Becherer, John Berry, Kevin Budelmann, Jim Caughman, Timothy Chester, Sam Cummings, Oliver Evans, James Ludwig, Ray Kennedy, Henry Matthews, Wayne Norlin, Wayne Visbeen Design & Production Design & Production Manager:

Scott Sommerfeld

Assistant Design & Production Manager:

Chris Pastotnik

Art Coordinator: Kelly J. Nugent Designers/Production Assistants:

Custom“Where Design Furniture quality meets sophistication”

Melissa Brooks, Robin Vargo

Contributing Photographers:

Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Alissa Lane, Jack Poeller, Johnny Quirin

2875 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Phone (616) 575-9004 | Fax (616) 575-9008 www.customdesignfurnitureinc.com

Sales General Sales Manager:

Randy D. Prichard

Advertising Sales Consultants:

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Emily Bernath, Theresa Henk, Kathie Manett, John Olsa Advertising Sales Assistant/Coordinator:

Karla Jeltema

Circulation & Marketing Circulation & Marketing Manager:

Scott T. Miller

Circulation & Marketing Coordinator:

Jocelyn Burkett

Circulation & Marketing Assistant:

Shane Chapin

To Order subscriptions: (616) 459-4545 To change address: subscribe@geminipub.com

Finance & Administration

Finance & Administration Manager:

Pamela Brocato, CPA

Administrative assistant: Tina Gillman Receptionist/Clerical Assistant:

General Inquiries: info@grmag.com Lorraine Brugger

To Order Reprints: Karla Jeltema

(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) 4594545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag. com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2012 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. audited by

www.geminipub.com

Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI)

www.craft-revival.com August 2012 / Grmag.com 11

GRM_08.12_PG01.11.indd 11

7/6/12 3:32 PM


life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

noteworthy Looking for cool old stuff?

Funky Junk Vintage Flea is open 2-8 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 30 at 441-445 Century Ave. There’s free parking and lots of collectibles from jewelry to furniture and everything in between. Check out the website at funkyjunkflea.com or on Facebook for weekly themes. If you want to sell, space is $20.

COCONUT RAIN, THE ALL-NATURAL LAUNDRY soap created by Lynsi O’Dell, is cleaning up, thanks to media mogul Glenn Beck’s online marketplace. “We’ve launched nationwide,” said O’Dell, the Jenison mom who starting making the soap at home because her five kids have allergies and eczema. “Our business has taken a huge boost.” Check out her cleaning products at coconutrain.com.

WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Vote for your favorite Grand Cocktail 2012 between Aug. 1-25 at restaurantweekgr.com. Local bartenders are mixing up recipes using fresh ingredients from Michigan farms, along with either Bacardi Selected Spirits or Grey Goose Cherry Noir. Two People’s Choice winners will be chosen, along with a grand prize selected by a panel of judges. Sample cocktails during Restaurant Week Aug. 15-25 at participating eateries.

Grab your folding chairs, pack the cooler and head to 28th Street Aug. 24-25 for the annual Metro Cruise. Expect thousands of folks to line the streets to view all types of vehicles, including hot rods, low riders, muscle cars, performance cars, classics, antiques — even motorcycles. Details at 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

MORE IS BETTER. At least that’s the thinking at A.K. Rikk’s, the highend boutique moving into an expanded store at 6303 28th St. SE. Expect more designer goods for men and women, including these posh heels by London’s Ted Baker. The 28,000-square-foot, two-story shop features a coffee bar, private shopping room, a men’s suit room and tailor shop. (Remember to mark your calendar for Fashion’s Night Out Sept. 6.)

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/IAROSLAV DANYLCHENKO (TOP CENTER); SHERRI CAMP (MIDDLE); A.K. RIKKS (BOTTOM RIGHT); COCONUT RAIN (BOTTOM LEFT)

INTERESTING TIDBITS

12 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 12

7/6/12 3:49 PM


THEMODELIFE.COM

The dish on denim The fabric of workers’ overalls and cowboys’ jeans has come a long, long way. When I think of fall fashion, I flash back to shopping with my siblings for our back-to-school clothing. Blue jeans were always the main focus. In those days, our main concern was which pair of jeans would increase our cool factor. Fall fashion — and more specifically, denim — has evolved since my high school days of tight rolls and stonewash. For fall 2012, be on the lookout for denim in bright colors, floral and paisley prints, glazed and metallic finishes. For more on this fall’s denim fashions, visit themodelife.com.

At right: CoCo Giraffe Scarf by Papillon ($24), ribbed pullover by Free People ($108) and gold jeggings by Level 99 ($123) all from JB & Me. Below: Jean jacket ($118) and asymmetrical tank top with feather and bead detail ($49), both by Buffalo — David Sitton. Fuchsia jeans by !It ($84), all from Gina’s Boutique.

Color. Color. Color. Burnt orange, cobalt blue (my personal favorite), canary yellow, green, warm teal, blush, gold and many other shades.

— KIM BODE

Go vintage. How about pinup-girl, high-waisted jeans with a wider hem? Wear them with a buttondown shirt, knotted at the waist.

reserved for the lower half of your body. Pair a chambray shirt — a soft, lightweight material — with a long flow-y bottom or a pencil skirt.

Prints. Skinny print jeans are flattering and fun to wear. Try printed denim with sweaters, tees, blouses and little jackets and enjoy the attention. Spice up your wardrobe with denim fashions printed with exotic patterns — like leopard print.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISSA LANE

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/IAROSLAV DANYLCHENKO (TOP CENTER); SHERRI CAMP (MIDDLE); A.K. RIKKS (BOTTOM RIGHT); COCONUT RAIN (BOTTOM LEFT)

Skirts, tops, dresses and jackets. Denim is not just

Metallics. Instead of an ordinary metallic coating, this fall’s jeans will have the look of cracked/ brushed metallic paint or foil. It gives the appearance of a rustic and worn-in look.

Makeup artist: Janai Smith Model: Hillary Croft

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 13

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 13

7/6/12 3:49 PM


life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

Reading together: The Herzbergs both enjoy reading anything by Jane Austin. They love the A&E miniseries “Pride and Prejudice” starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. On a recent trip to China together to visit family, Qin Xue was given “Road to Heaven: Encounters with Chinese Hermits” by Bill Porter, who sought out Chinese hermits during the years he spent in China as a Buddhist monk. Larry picked up the set “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio,” a bi-lingual collection of nearly 500 stories about the supernatural written several hundred years ago.

Sharing the wisdom of China Larry and Qin Xue Herzberg are old hands at writing books together. They wrote “China Survival Guide” for travelers and “Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar” for students. This time, the married couple focuses on the proverbs and sayings that inhabit the Chinese culture. “Chinese Proverbs and Popular Sayings: With Observations on Culture and Language” was released in May by Stone Bridge Press.

“They use proverbs all the time — every few sentences even. Everyone in the Chinese culture knows the sayings; the creativity comes in changing them for the circumstances.” “No other language has such a rich heritage of sayings, proverbs and wisdom,” said Larry, a professor of Chinese at Calvin College and full-time violinist with the Grand Rapids Symphony. “They use proverbs all the time — every few sentences even. Everyone in the Chinese culture knows the sayings;

the creativity comes in changing them for the circumstances.” The Herzbergs offer introductions to groups of sayings, the English and Mandarin translations in script and transliteration, and comments on what the sayings mean. Larry did most of the translation into English, with Qin Xue (pronounced chin sweeyeh) making sure the nuances were correct. Qin Xue, who came to Calvin College in 1986 from China to study and is now a Chinese language professor at the college, has gleaned a rich heritage of sayings and proverbs from her family. Her grandfather had multiple wives from several walks of life, so her mother learned proverbs from many sources. “There are lots of books out there on Chinese proverbs, but they aren’t grouped by theme and the translation is dubious. Or they’re academic books with just the translation,” said Larry. “There needed to be a book like this to help readers understand the Chinese culture and mindset.” — ANN BYLE

Other novels by Larry and Qin Xue Herzberg “CHINA SURVIVAL GUIDE” How to avoid travel troubles and mortifying mishaps.

“BASIC PATTERNS OF CHINESE GRAMMAR” A student’s guide to correct structures and common errors.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN (TOP); COURTESY STONE BRIDGE PRESS (MIDDLE)

READING ROOM

14 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 14

7/6/12 3:49 PM


Edible skin care The first thing you notice about Elina Fedotova is her flawless skin, which she credits to minimal exposure to the sun and a healthy skincare regimen. But her skin isn’t the only thing you’ll notice: Her accent also makes the attractive blond stand out. The Russian-born aesthetician is the founder of Elina Organics, which has clinics in Kalamazoo at 219 Westnedge Ave. and in Chicago at 46 E. Oak St.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ELINA ORGANICS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN (TOP); COURTESY STONE BRIDGE PRESS (MIDDLE)

“I only use things that you can eat. It is hard to formulate products that feel good on the skin and smell good.” — Elina Fedotova Fedotova has created a line of handmade, organic skin care products and offers a variety of pampering and rejuvenating treatments. She says her fascination with healthy skin began when she was a child. “My mother influenced me,” she said. “She was a very natural person. She would never let us use artificial things. Everything in our home was natural, and we could never have processed foods.” A friend taught her to make herbal concoctions for eczema, psoriasis and other skin issues — formulas she still incorporates into her products. “I only use things that you can eat,” she said, adding that many commercial skin lines contain toxic ingredients. “It is hard to formulate products that feel good on the skin and smell good.” Her one-of-a-kind skincare line has products for any skin profile. Fedotova says she takes her job very seriously; trained employees sit down with clients to discuss their skin needs and find the perfect individualized products. “No two skin types are alike,” she said.

Her products cannot be purchased online — Fedotova believes skin must be analyzed first by a professional and sells her products only through professional skincare offices. Locally, her products are available at Skin Care Plus, Mad About Me LLC, Complete Wellness Center, Sacred Skin Care and Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery. For more information, visit elinaorgan — KENDAL PEKTAS ics.com.

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 15

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 15

7/6/12 3:49 PM


life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

MY STUFF

Linda Kennedy’s motto: Be prepared

A

fter working at WGVU TV and Radio for 20 years, Linda Kennedy says she has done a little bit of everything. Though her official title is development coordinator, “If they need a camera operator, I can do that,” she said. Kennedy is editor of the station’s program guide and coordinates the PBS Kids Go! writing contest. Her most recent project is Women and Girls Lead, a campaign “to bring the storytelling power of independent media to bear on issues that surround women and girls worldwide.” Kennedy said she’s likes to be prepared at all times. After peeking into her purse, we believe her. — MARTY PRIMEAU

Markers: “My mother, Minnie Forbes, was owner of the Detroit Stars, a Negro League baseball team, and she’s often asked for her autograph. I keep extra Sharpies just in case.” A pair of Dr. Scholl’s flats: “In case my feet get tired.” Makeup kit: “I don’t wear makeup every day, but if I have to go out

somewhere, I like to have it with me.” She also totes a comb and brush and clear nail polish. “It’s handy if I get a run in my stocking.” Perfume: Oscar de la Renta. Assorted other stuff: Gum, mints and Band-Aids. A puzzle book. Blood pressure pills. Dog treats: “for my Yorkie.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Contents of Kennedy’s purse

16 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 16

7/6/12 3:49 PM


Vi n e y a r d s & Wine Cellar

A great wine experience is only minutes away. Visit Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar, where you can sample from over 25 award winning wines. You’ll discover what we mean when we say it’s

Cutting edge Turquoise walls, floral chairs and antique furnishings give Lindsey Norton’s new hair salon a retro ambience. But make no mistake, this isn’t your grandma’s beauty parlor. BANG BlowDry Bar, 3 Oakes St. SW, is a hip salon offering hairstyles for busy

people. The concept, started on the East and West coasts, is for clients to select one of six looks and then get a shampoo, blow dry and style, all for $35. “I’m a creative person and I express my creativity through hair and makeup,” said Norton, who believes everyone can use a little pampering. “I just want people to let me style their hair once a week.” The salon also provides other services, such as haircuts, color and makeup application. Norton and her team are available for birthday parties and weddings, and they will even make house or office calls for an added fee. Visit bangblowdrybar.com for hours and more information.

Enjoy our popular educational wine tasting tours in the vineyard, free wine tasting in the tasting room and winery direct discounts.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

— KENDAL PEKTAS

BANG owner Lindsey Norton poses with clients at her blow dry salon in downtown GR. Seated from left are Janelle Arreola, Racquel Robleske, Lauryn Erickson, Rachel Anderson and Romeyne Cloud. At left, Sarah Milbratz gets a hairstyle by Norton.

6130 - 122nd Ave. Fennville, MI 49408 800-432-6265 www.fennvalley.com

grmag

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 17

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 17

7/6/12 3:49 PM


life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

Bike and eat When Tom Smith had a chance to buy GR Bicycle Co. last year, he couldn’t resist. He and his sons Tom Jr., Steven and Brian have always been avid cyclists, so they bought the shop and moved it from Knapp’s Corner to 1200 East Paris Ave. SE, next to Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus. And that was just the beginning. In the space adjacent to GRBC, the Smiths also opened Trailhead Café, an eatery serving breakfast and lunch. “We figured there’s seasonality to a bicycle business, so a restaurant seemed like a nice complement,” said Smith, who also owns Lakeland Finishing Corp., a business that paints automotive parts. Next, the guys decided to expand and open a small satellite bike shop at 644 Lovett St. SE in East Grand Rapids, former home of The Moving Co. dance studio. The

store will cater to all kinds of riders and will include bike repairs. “The former owner of GR Bicycle Co. was appealing to an elitist crowd,” Smith said. “We wanted to broaden that to include family bikes and commuter bikes.” Brands include Cervélo, Felt, Focus, Jamis, Orbea and Independent Fabrication. The Smiths also are organizing rides, races and other events, with some ending at Trailhead for refreshments. Daniel Teliczan, a graduate of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College, is heading up the kitchen, serving breakfast fare as well as salads, sandwiches, panini and more. For information, visit GRBC at grandrap idsbicycles.com and find Trailhead Café on — MARTY PRIMEAU Facebook.

Am Ba Bis Blu Bo Bo Bra Bre Ch Cit C Cy

Eat your way

to the top. Accounting Finance Health Care Mgmt. M B A

Human Resource Mgmt. Strategic Mgmt.

800-686-1600 or davenport.edu/masters

M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

MBA classes at our downtown Grand Rapids campus also come with dinner. Even more convenient, they’re offered on weekends. Or come to our Lettinga campus off M-6, where we offer MBAs in five different concentrations. Plus, Grand Rapids and Hispanic chamber members and their families receive scholarships up to 25 percent. Call or click today!

M

18 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 18

7/6/12 3:49 PM

Su


Aug ust 1525

HOT CHEFS. SIZZLES! YUMSUMMER CITY. SEASONAL EATS. Back For Seconds By Popular Demand! Book your reservations today! Check out over 60 restaurants at restaurantweekgr.com.

60+ Restaurants | 3 Courses | $25 or 2-for-$25 Amore Trattoria Italiana Bar Divani Bistro Bella Vita Blue Water Grill Bonefish Grill Bobby J’s Brann’s on Leonard Brewery Vivant Charley’s Crab CitySen Lounge at City Flats Hotel Cygnus 27

Fire Rock Grille Flat River Grill Grand Woods Lounge Grove Honey Creek Inn HopCat Louis Benton Steakhouse Marn E. Walker’s Mangiamo! Marco New American Bistro McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining Olive’s Restaurant & Bar One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom Ottawa Tavern Pearl Street Grill Peppino’s Downtown Pietro’s Italian Restaurant Radix Tavern Red Jet Café Reserve GR

Rockwell Republic Rose’s Rush Creek Bistro San Chez Bistro & Café Schnitz Ada Grill Shiraz Grille Persian & Mediterranean Cuisine six.one.six SpeakEZ Lounge Spinnaker Restaurant Stella’s Lounge

Sundance Grill & Bar Tavern on the Square The Acorn Grill The Bistro at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown The B.O.B.: Bobarino’s Gilly’s Jbar Monkey Bar The Bull’s Head Tavern The Green Well

The Landing Restaurant at Radisson Riverfront Hotel The Melting Pot The Viceroy The Walker Roadhouse Timbers Inn Tre Cugini Trillium Haven Watermark Grille Z’s Bar & Restaurant

Major Partners

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Major Media Partners

Supporting Partners

Valley City Linen Jeltema Brothers

BLACK STAR FARMS

Underwritten By

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 19

7/6/12 3:49 PM


living local

Family time at Riverside Park, above. Below, shopping for cool equipment at Peninsula Trading Travel Gear in East Hills.

LOCALLY OWNED STORES THAT CAN HELP WITH GEAR: > Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus, 1200 East Paris Ave. SE: Need some hiking shoes? Or a kayak? These folks can hook you up with all the right equipment and apparel to explore your favorite outdoor places.

> Central District Cyclery, 52 Monroe Center: Whether you’re headed downtown or out on a trail, consider biking! Need a new bike? Or a tune up? Or a rental? This new downtown business can help you out.

> Peninsula Trading Travel Gear, 972 Cherry St. SE: Want to try backpacking but not sure you want to commit to purchasing equipment? Rent a backpack for a day (or two or three) and get outfitted for your trip.

Central District Cyclery

Enjoying the last of summer AUGUST IS A BUSY TIME OF YEAR. As Michiganders, we try hard to squeeze in our last outdoor adventures before summer vacation ends and the new school year begins. It is a time for making the most of the sunshine. Whether at the beach, on a boat or in a park, many of us are outdoors enjoying the natural beauty of this place we call home. There’s something special about being out in the natural world. In fact, there’s something special about being connected to a place — whether rural or urban. In an age of global industry, that connection to place is one of the unique aspects of locally owned, privately held businesses. I encourage you to spend this final month of summer exploring the places that are most important to you. Need some suggestions? Here are a few of my favorite places to enjoy being outdoors: Kent Trails: For the most part, this family-friendly 15-mile trail system is paved and free from motor vehicles. It’s a great place to bike, skate or longboard through a series of scenic meadows and marshland. Nordhouse Dunes: Near Manistee, this park contains a series of camp sites and scenic trails for backpackers. Whether you want to hike for miles or simply pull over and set up camp, this park has an option for you. Siedman Park: Located in Ada, this park is full of great hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Riverside Park: Stretching along the Grand

River, this park offers a paved trail for running, biking or skating. With direct access to the river, it’s a great place to launch a kayak. Additional green space includes a disc golf course. Check out Local First’s online directory at localfirst.com or pick up a copy of “Guide to Going — ELISSA HILLARY Local.”

A

Whether at the beach, on a boat or in a park, many of us are outdoors enjoying the natural beauty of this place we call home.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP); MICHAEL BUCK (MIDDLE & BOTTOM)

Elissa Hillary is executive director of Local First, a nonprofit organization supporting locally owned businesses in West Michigan.

The

20 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 20

2

7/6/12 3:50 PM


An Evening with

Blondie

Friday, September 28, 2012

Shrek

The Musical

Sunday, December 23, 2012

The Music of

Stomp

Queen

Sunday, November 18, 2012

A Rock & Symphonic Spectacular Sunday, October 21, 2012

Bobby McFerrin spirit you all

Los Lobos

Friday, February 8, 2013

Friday, April 19, 2013

Special Concert to Restore Michigan Event! Saturday, October 27, 2012 Presenting Sponsor:

2012-2013 Season

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP); MICHAEL BUCK (MIDDLE & BOTTOM)

All Shows Begin at 7:30 pm 2012-2013 Season Sponsors and Community Partners

Season Tickets on Sale Monday, July 30th at 9 am Season tickets will be on sale until Friday, September 28, 2012 at 5 pm.

For Season Tickets:

Contact the Fine Arts Center Box Office, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Phone 616.493.8966 | www.fhfineartscenter.com

For Single Tickets:

THE RIDGE CATERING

Single tickets for An Evening with Blondie go on sale on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 9 am. Single tickets for all remaining single shows go on sale Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 9 am. You can purchase single tickets at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 1.800.745.3000, at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person only at the Fine Arts Center Box Office.

The Fine Arts Center’s Professional Season is funded through ticket sales, sponsorships, and advertisers.

GRM_08.12_PG12.21.indd 21

7/6/12 3:50 PM


art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

A penchant for art and music This year celebrates Richard App’s 20th year in business and the sixth year for his gallery.

“B

> Richard app Gallery Location: 910 Cherry St. SE Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Contact: (616) 458-4226; therichardappgallery.tumblr.com

Upcoming events at Richard App Gallery...

> Sept. 6, the gallery will again partner with A.K. Rikk’s and Fashion Night Out. Expect guest artists, music and clothing — plus a few surprises. > October’s featured artist will be Jeannette Van Der Veen. The French native is a graduate of Aquinas College, where

she taught for nine years. Her colorful paintings are either representational or abstract using acrylic or mixed media. “My work is always evolving, as I strive to bring the viewer as close as I can to the process I experience while painting. Art is my passion.”

Photography by jim gebben

ang, there it is,” is a fairly accurate way to describe the Richard App Gallery. Whether in regard to location — the beautiful brick building in the city’s Cherry Hill district is hard to miss — or its eye-catching exhibitions. The space started out in 1992 as Imagerie, Ltd., a photographic studio. “I love the dark room,” said owner Richard App, pictured at right. “I love the idea of making an image instead of just taking one.” As time went on, App began showing the work of other local artists and decided he would expand the gallery and shift focus from solely photography to fine art. Since 2006, the walls of the gallery have been home to a myriad of local artists ranging from photographers to sculptors. It’s the variety of work that lures viewers in through the expansive rooms; the space, much like the work, is inviting and intriguing all at once. “I look for artists that excite me in new ways,” App said. “I want work that’s more than just what’s on the wall.” This translates into work that consistently has big color and even bigger movement. Everything from sculpture to floor-toceiling canvasses can be found, and the exhibitions showcase local talent in often surprising ways.

22 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 22

7/10/12 2:56 PM


Photography by jim gebben

Photography by jim gebben

App says he looks for artists who are confident in their work, whether they’re trained or untrained, and tends to look for more non-traditional stuff. In the past, the gallery has hosted exhibitions such as “Death Wins,” a one-night-only pop-up show featuring a myriad of intensely contrasted pieces from musician Mikey Welsh, formerly of the band Weezer. Short notice shows aren’t necessarily the norm for the gallery, yet another example of the “bang, there it is” attitude. App said he enjoys building anticipation for exhibitions and delivering more than what’s expected. He also has a penchant for tying art and music together. Over the past few years, App has regularly hosted local musical acts in conjunction with shows and has offered his space as

> November will mark Richard App’s 20th year in the business, and he is planning an opening that will highlight work by dozens of artists who have been featured in the gallery through the years.

a backdrop for videos. During the summers, the gallery takes part in the neighboring Inner City Christian Federation’s concert series: free live music in the ICCF courtyard once a month. The gallery is often involved in community events ranging from participating in Fashion’s Night Out to App devoting his own time to snapping senior pictures pro-bono for students who can’t afford them. This year celebrates App’s 20th year in business and the sixth year for the gallery. “It’s going to be a big year,” he said, “Stay tuned.” — Alexandra Fluegel

“I look for artists that excite me in new ways. I want work that’s more than just what’s on the wall.” — Richard App

August 2012 / Grmag.com 23

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 23

7/6/12 3:53 PM


frame works It’s not just about buildings

Architect Mark Miller is an urban designer at Nederveld, and has led the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

desigN plus provided the architectural and site design for DeVos Center. Special thanks goes to Jim Reminga, one of the founding partners of Design Plus, who provided many of the following insights:

> The primary east-west axis that connected downtown GR to the GVSU campus via the blue pedestrian bridge was the first line drawn during the initial design concepts.

the uNiQue ANd RAtheR formal brick and stone structures just west of the Grand River represent Grand Valley State University’s Richard M. DeVos Center. This vibrant campus includes 250,000 square feet of classrooms and offices, as well as a library, exhibition hall, auditorium and clock tower — all crafted in a stately architecture. While the campus buildings are striking, the understated outdoor spaces give the DeVos Center its true charm and human element. One of these spaces is an expansive piazza that acts as an inviting threshold to the southern edge of the campus at West Fulton Street. Anchored by the clock tower, the space narrows as it extends north, establishing an outdoor passageway defined by the architecture. As the space continues to narrow, an intimate relationship between building and space is created. This confined space is released to a central landscaped courtyard almost completely enclosed by buildings. The resulting “outdoor room” is reminiscent of quaint European courtyards and plazas. The proportions create a human-scaled space that is pleasant to be in and highly functional as a gathering place.

The carefully placed windows of the courtyard’s northern walls promote a seamless transition between the outside space and the indoor commons area, providing plenty of opportunities to people watch.

The resulting “outdoor room” is reminiscent of quaint European courtyards and plazas. This northern edge of the courtyard anchors another linear axis that extends east-west through the campus. As it passes through the DeVos Center, this promenade is framed by archways that offer glimpses into the courtyard. It was conceived as a visual and physical link between downtown, GVSU and the west side neighborhoods. These outdoor spaces provide a compelling series of rooms that serve movement, relaxation, chance encounters and contemplation — all the things public spaces should provide. And while these particular spaces are not truly public, they provide an urban pattern that could be replicated throughout the city to craft highly functional yet —MArK MIller invigorating places.

> The enclosed courtyard idea actually was generated by concerns over security because of the industrial nature of the area when the property was purchased.

PhOTOGRAPhy by jIm GEbbEN

> GVSU’s master plan envisioned a vertical “tower” for this site. Early in the design process, the team developed plans with low-profile buildings and outdoor rooms — far more pedestrian-friendly and well ahead of its time.

24 GRmAG.COm \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 24

7/6/12 3:53 PM


art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

1/ Local artist Missy Marrow’s “Retro Finch.”

Local art galleries COMPILED BY ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL

1/ LAFONTSEE GALLERIES’: The Douglas location (150 Center St.) is featuring local artist Missy Morrow, who will paint live from 1-7 p.m. Aug. 11. Morrow, a graduate of Kendall College of Art & Design, says she loves to paint and draw birds. “They have so much personality. … They represent a freedom that we all catch a glimpse of every once in a while. Being alive, it’s a good thing.” Her acrylic work has been displayed in exhibitions at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Holland Arts Council and the Muskegon Museum of Art. Everyone is welcome, dress is casual, admission is free. Regular business hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., Sat. and Sun. Visit lafontsee.us for more info or call 616-451-9820. 2/ MERCURYHEAD GALLERY: Through Aug. 31, Small Round Tiles by Sherrill Cannon. Also, work by local artists George Peebles, Bob Bauer, Richard Brinn and Rex Tower, gifts and framing. 962 E. Fulton St., 456-6022, Facebook.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY LAFONTSEE GALLERIES (TOP LEFT); MERCURYHEAD GALLERY (TOP RIGHT); STEPHANIE SCHLATTER (BOTTOM)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN

3/ ARTIST STEPHANIE SCHLATTER is offering classes in her art studio at 2100 Timber Point in Ada. Surround yourself with beautiful gardens and the Thornapple River as you learn techniques for painting outdoor vistas. Each participant will create a landscape to take home. Light snacks and beverages provided. For info, visit stephanieschlatterart.com.

Byrneboehm Gallery: Original art by West Michigan artists. 959 Lake Drive SE, 336-0209, byrneboehmgallery.com.

Grand Gallery: Fine art, reproductions, restoration, gifts, framing. 596 Ada Drive, Ada, 676-4604, grandgallery.com.

Cascade Art Gallery: Thru Aug 17, The Civil War: 150th Anniversary,” original framed engravings. Multimedia original art from local artists and around the world, changing exhibits of extensive print selection, framing, gifts. 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 949-4056, cascadegallery. blogspot.com.

Grand Rapids Art Museum: See Museums & Attractions

Design Quest Gallery: Through Sep 9, winning entries of the first Recycle Challenge: to design and make a child’s playhouse out of a cardboard box. Free and open to public. Hours: 10 am-8 pm Mon, Thu, Fri; 10 am-6 pm Tue, Wed, Sat; 1-5 pm Sun. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-0131, d2d2d2.com.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: See Museums & Attractions Mexicains Sans Frontieres: Multimedia alternative art and music. 120

MercuryHead 2/ A must see, artist Sherrill Cannon’s tile artwork is on display until Aug. 31 at MercuryHead Gallery.

S. Division Ave., 706-7963, Facebook. Muskegon Museum of Art: See Museums & Attractions Open Concept Gallery: Open platform for innovation, showcasing local and international art and artists. 50 Louis St. NW, openconceptgall ery.org. Richard App Gallery: Fine art

3/ Learn how to paint landscapes with artist Stephanie Schlatter.

from local artists. 910 Cherry St. SE, 458-4226, therichardappgallery. tumblr.com. Terryberry Gallery: Exhibits local and international art. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE (lower level), 459-2224, scmc-on line.org/building/terryberry-gallery. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts: See Museums & Attractions

Fire and Water Gallery: Local artists, jewelry, sculpture and photography. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, 890-1879, fire-and-water-art.com. Gallery 154: Local and national multi-media art, gifts, jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154. com.

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 25

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 25

7/10/12 11:30 AM


art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

As technology changes the criteria of office space at home, local designers respond with creative adaptations.

The evolution of the home office “Today, we’re so mobile, with laptops that people carry around and use anywhere in the house.” Instead of traditional home offices, she’s more often designing what she calls home management centers — “a designated place where homeowners can sort through mail and where the kids can do homework,” she said. “Usually it’s just a small room, often just off the kitchen.” A survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects’ 2011 Home Design Trends Survey found that some homeowners are expanding their kitchens to incorporate an area for a computer and recharging stations for iPads and cell phones.

Epique Homes owner Troy Schrock calls this a “resource room,” combining everything from laundry to a two-person desk, designed for families to work and play together. At right, leather-bound books, candlesticks and black-and-white photos add a traditional touch to this bookcase at Portobello Road furniture boutique.

Bookcase stylings Electronic reading tablets may be a hot trend, but people still love showing off their books. While a designated home library is a rarity, bookcases continue to be a popular feature in today’s homes. “It’s really nice to have built-ins around the fireplace, or maybe a reading nook in the bedroom,” said Interior Designer Ashley Cole. The trick is to give your shelf personality. “Instead of just lining up books in a row, include some keepsakes and photos,” she said. “Think about your interests and hobbies.” Decorative items can range from kids’ framed artwork to vacation mementos. For a more traditional look, think leather-bound books and candlesticks, said Rene Growney, owner of Portobello Road, a furniture boutique on Old 28th Street at Cascade Road. “People these days tend to be eclectic and like to mix things up,” she said. “I had some peacock bookends in the store that sold right away.” Other simple tips for styling a bookcase: • Alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically. • Decorative storage boxes can conceal items such as DVDs or toys. • Add wallpaper or patterned fabric on the back wall of shelves. • Layer artwork behind shorter books or small accessories. • Got paperbacks? Arrange them in woven baskets.

PhOTOGRAPhy by jOhNNy QUIRIN (OPPOSITE PAGE); COURTESy EPIQUE hOmES (bOTTOm)

T

the hOme Office is a room that just keeps evolving. While more people are bringing work home, fewer of them think they need a large, formal space. “It’s shrinking,” said Interior Designer Tylor Devereaux. “The home office is getting smaller because the whole idea of a owning a huge cherry desk and armoires that close up and lots of file space is a thing of the past.” All people really want is a spot for the printer, he added. Interior Designer Ashley Cole agreed. “Unless someone has a small business, they don’t need a lot of room,” she said.

By Marty Primeau

26 GRmAG.COm \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 26

7/6/12 3:53 PM


August 2012 / GRmAG.COm 27

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 27

7/6/12 3:54 PM

PhOTOGRAPhy by jOhNNy QUIRIN (OPPOSITE PAGE); COURTESy EPIQUE hOmES (bOTTOm)


art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Safe at home BUILD SECURITY... LIVE SECURELY

1.616.459.0281 EpsSecurity.com

Ashley Cole designed this home management center next to a kitchen.

“When I’m designing a new space, I try to hide those docking stations so they are in a cabinet and not sitting on a countertop,” Cole said. Even though home offices are smaller, they don’t have to be boring. “People who work all day in a regular office space want something different at home,” said Interior Designer Roberta Lathrop. “They want a comfortable, yet functional space.” Troy Schrock, owner of Epique Homes, said one of his homes featured in the 2012 Spring Parade of Homes has what he calls a resource room. “It’s a cool room off the kitchen where a lot can happen.” On one side is a stacked washer/dryer and storage shelves. But it’s no typical laundry room. There’s also a wrapping station for gift wrap paraphernalia, and by the window is a custom desk with a wood top and filing drawers. The room also features a bar-height table for crafts, homework and games — “and also perfect for folding laundry,” Schrock said. “It’s really a great place where a lot of things can be going on: Someone can be doing an art project while someone else is working at the desk,” he said. “During the Parade of Homes, we heard a lot of positive gR comments about the concept.”

PhOTOGRAPhy by mEGAN TERVEEN/VISbEEN ASSOCIATES, INC.

You can spend a lifetime building a place to call home. Don’t let somebody take it from you in an instant. 24/7, 365 Protection from EPS Security includes burglar alarms, fire alarms, medical alerts, card access systems, video surveillance and remote services.

28 GRmAG.COm \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 28

7/6/12 3:54 PM


art talk

ES

Under the influence OVER THE COURSE of the 20th century, the epicenter of Western art and culture was transferred from Europe to New York. American artists such as Stuart Davis (18941964) were fundamental to this seismic event when they travelled to Paris early in the century and brought back avant garde ideas that transformed their work. Davis studied art in New York and was influenced by the celebrated Armory Show of 1913 — the first major exhibition of European Modern Art in the U.S. In the 1920s, he went to Paris and was taken with the vivacious palette of Henry Matisse and the abstracted vocabulary of Cubism. The signif-

icant role of shape and pattern and the restructuring of the visible world that was pioneered by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque left a lasting impression on Davis and revolutionized his style. Back in New York, he was equally taken with jazz music, whose structural and improvisational approaches were harmonious with the abstract shapes and bold shapes and colors that were signature to his composition. Davis has never been as well known as the European artists who inspired him but he was a major source of inspiration for the Abstract Expressionist and Pop artists in America who followed him. —JOSEPH BECHERER

Joseph Becherer is curator of sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and a professor at Aquinas College.

ANALYZING THE PAINTING: > The title “Configuration” tells us the artist’s composition — the arrangement of color, shapes and forms — is important. Composition plays a key role in understanding abstracted and non-representational paintings and sculptures.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ART © ESTATE OF STUART DAVIS/LICENSED BY VAGA, NEW YORK, NY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN TERVEEN/VISBEEN ASSOCIATES, INC.

> Angular shapes, jagged

“Configuration” by Stuart Davis is in the permanent collection at Grand Rapids Art Museum.

forms and intersecting lines are significant to this painting’s visual structure. Note these are independent visual elements but ultimately related to one another (similar to what occurs in jazz music).

> In contrast to its angular and linear forms, Davis has included a few organic forms and undulating lines. Notice the significance of the contrast.

> The bold use of yellow, orange and blue recall the early inspiration of the work of Matisse. Blue is a primary color and orange is its secondary opposite. Placing a primary color next to its secondary opposite creates a vibrant contrast.

> Black and white play a significant role and help balance out the use of color. It is interesting to imagine the effects of a greater use of black and white or, conversely, a greater use of color. What would happen to the sense of balance?

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 29

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 29

7/10/12 1:30 PM


art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

The American Quilter’s Society show at DeVos Place will showcase quilts from 40 states and 10 countries, including special exhibits from Japan and Egypt.

By Marty Primeau

Quintessential quilt show

t

Photography by Johnny Quirin

teRRi wAtsON picKed up A QuiltiNg bOOK in the late 1980s, intrigued by the fascinating quilt on the cover. She knew nothing about the craft, but bought the book and launched into her first project. It was love at first stitch.

“You know it’s bad when you’re in the middle of making one quilt and already planning the next one,” she said. Fast forward 25 years and Watson still quilts and now runs a local quilting business. Using a 14-foot longarm quilt-

ing machine, she finishes about 150 to 200 quilts per year for clients. Each one is unique, she said, from traditional and historic to artsy and contemporary. This month, hundreds of quilts will be on display when the American Quilter’s Society Show and Contest opens Aug. 22 at DeVos Place. “We’re expecting 15,000 to 18,000 people to attend the three-day event,” said Betsy Carlson, president of the West Michigan Quilters’ Guild. Quilters from 40 states and 10 countries have registered for the Grand Rapids show, which will feature two special quilt exhibits from Japan and Egypt. Billed as one of the largest conventions to come to West Michigan, the AQS show will include seminars, classes, demonstrations and more than $40,000 in cash prizes for what has become a multi-million dollar business. “Quilting has been around forever, but it made a huge comeback during the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976,” Carlson said. Typical quilting is done with three layers — top fabric, batting and backing material — either stitched by hand or with a machine. Stitches can be functional or

30 GRmAG.COm \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 30

7/6/12 3:54 PM


Art quilter Colleen Kole (left) hand dyes fabrics in her garage and works on quilting projects in her studio. Her current project, on the wall, is “Rooflines of Meijer Gardens.” Opposite page, Terri Watson uses a longarm quilting machine to make one-of-a-kind quilts for clients.

decorative. “Through the years, new tools, such as the rotary cutter for cutting quilt pieces, have been revolutionary,” said Watson. “It made it easier for women who work and don’t have a lot of time but wanted to quilt as a hobby.” Size and complexity of quilts varies, from baby quilts meant to be dragged around by a toddler to art quilts meant to hang on a wall. Colleen Kole started making traditional quilts 20 years ago. But as she studied with renowned artists, her work evolved into art quilting. “Many quilters use specific patterns and commercial fabrics,” she said. “They lay the pattern on fabric, cut it out and use a machine to quilt it.” Kole hand dyes all her fabrics in a utility tub in her garage, and freehand cuts pieces without a template or pattern. “Each one is my own original design,”

she said, comparing what she does to abstract painting. Her current project is “Rooflines of Meijer Gardens,” a 6-by-6-foot quilt that will require about 200 hours of work. “It’s very abstract, with lines and shapes.” While quilting provides a creative outlet, for many it’s also a way to connect with other people. Around the country, hundreds of guilds bring quilters together for camaraderie as well as workshops and seminars. Today, quilters also blog and use social media to connect with others. “The social aspect of quilting is huge,” said Bonnie Browning, AQS executive show director. “A lot of the quilters who attend our shows use it as an excuse to get together,” she said. “We see a lot of moms and daughters, as well as quilters who only know each other through the Internet.” For information on the AQS show, visit gR americanquilter.com. August 2012 / GRmAG.COm 31

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 31

7/6/12 3:54 PM


art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

In her store, Elements — as in her art — Patrice Greene prefers to mix it up, layering the old with the new to create the unique. By Suzanna Colberg

Curious acquistions, bohemian artifacts Photography by Johnny Quirin

P

“Playful and whimsical. Elegant, not kitschy.” Patrice Greene is describing her store, Elements, a small shop in Eastown at 1503 Lake Drive SE where the mixed media artist sells an interesting mix of wares. “I’ve always been artistic,” said Greene. “I see things with a heightened awareness.” To a customer wandering the path skillfully woven among the store’s products, it’s obvious Greene has a knack for utilizing space and creating eye-catching displays. Objects are arranged on artistically dilapidated dressers, tables and cabinets. “I can look at furniture pieces and know how I’ll use them to display the goods I sell,” she said. Greene’s style is strongly influenced by mixed media art — and a touch of playfulness. Aside from a diverse selection of aromatic candles, chic jewelry, vintage trophies and home décor pieces, shoppers also will find signs reading “Beware of Children” and “Village Idiot” among her stock. The artist uses everything from old dictionary pages and antique photos to vintage “loving cup” trophies in many of her own pieces. Her style also shines through in her love for combining contrasting textures and the old and the new in her displays and decorations. “It’s about the merging and marrying of different things,” she said. From an early age, Greene enjoyed working with her hands in a creative manner. She recalls building small houses out of shoe boxes

32 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 32

7/6/12 3:54 PM


as a child, using napkins as wallpaper. “I had access to things that allowed me to create,” said Greene. At 16, she worked at a miniatures shop in her hometown of Davison, teaching a class on how to make dollhouse accessories. She was introduced to mixed media during an art class in St. Louis, Mo., where she was living after studying education at Western Michigan University. “I loved that it was a direct working with your hands and I loved layering up pieces,” said Greene. In 2001, she moved to Grand Rapids and opened Pepperberry, her first store, at the corner of Diamond Avenue and Fulton Street. She had little more than a month’s worth of rent and a tenacity to achieve her dream. “I made mistakes in what I bought,” Greene said. “But bit by bit, I honed in on listening to customers and what they were looking for and what they wanted, and I became a good buyer.” After five years, Greene decided it was time to move on to other endeavors. “I didn’t have a good balance and stopped creating,” she said. She switched gears, using her background in education to work as the coordinator of after-school programs for Kentwood Public Schools. Two years ago, “there was a night at dinner where I just said, ‘I want to open a store again.’ I looked at my husband and he looked at me, and I said, ‘Did I just say that out loud?’” A year later, Greene opened Elements. Though initially located in the old Sligh furniture factory on Century Avenue SW, Element is now in the heart of Eastown, where it moved at the end of May. This time around, she has a more focused inventory, carrying only products she likes. “If I don’t love it, I don’t want it in my store,” she said. Greene now has measures in place so she can find time for everything she wants to do, including teaching weekly mixed media classes, creating her own art and even doing some interior decorating. “I think people romanticize owning stores,” she said. “It’s hard work, but it’s joyful, good work. It gets in your blood.” Instead of adopting a label such as boutique or gift shop, which Greene says would be

Home decorating suggestions

too limiting, and since “eclectic” and “shabby chic” don’t do justice to the wide variety of merchandise she carries, Greene prefers the store’s tagline — “curious acquisitions, bohemian artifacts” — to describe her products. She carries her ribbon artwork at Elements and online at www.earthangelstoys.com under the name “The Trophy Wife.” (It’s not that she thinks of herself as a trophy wife, Greene quickly explained. “It’s simply a play on words.”) Greene also teaches two weekly art classes: a mixed media class and a “found object” class. The classes meet one night a week for four weeks, and cost $125 per person. “I very much love the camaraderie that unfolds in the classes,” she said. For Greene, it’s both natural and essential to keep the mood light-hearted, incorporating humor into the sessions. “We played a lot and we were silly,” she said, describing past classes. “I showed them different techniques, but we got messy with things, and we laughed and we giggled and we GR had fun. I like to have fun.”

When she’s not minding her store, artist Patrice Greene works as a home decorator and consultant. She encourages anyone intending to do some unique decorating not to rush the process and to go with what their gut is telling them. “Live in the space for a while. Be very aware and diligent of what you bring in.” Though she warns people not to buy on impulse, she recommends buying things you love. “Even if you don’t know where to put it, get it and it will find a place,” said Greene. “Surround yourself with things that bring you joy and that you find beautiful.”

August 2012 / Grmag.com 33

GRM_08.12_PG22.33.indd 33

7/6/12 3:54 PM


Special Advertising Section

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 34

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special Advertising Section

Colleges & Universities

I

t is with great pleasure that Grand Rapids Magazine presents 15 Colleges and Universities that shape and define our community through their contributions and the education of our youth.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 35

• AquinAs College

• grAnd vAlley stAte university

• spring Arbor university

• CAlvin College

• KendAll College

• thoMAs M. Cooley lAw sChool

• Cornerstone university

• Kettering university

• wAyne stAte university

• eAstern MiChigAn university

• oAKlAnd university

• university oF MiChigAn – Flint

• Ferris stAte university

• sAginAw vAlley stAte university

• western MiChigAn university

7/10/12 1:28 PM


Special Advertising Section

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 36

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special Advertising Section

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 37

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special advertiSing Section

ALGER HEIGHTS, RIDGEMOOR, FULLER AVENUE, ITALY, MILLBROOK, BRITAIN, ROOSEVELT PARK, EASTOWN, GARFIELD PARK, SOUTH BAXTER, AFRICA, BLACK SO HILLS, CRESTON, HEARTSIDE, MADISON AREA,ZEALAND, MIDTOWN, INDIA, OAK DALE, SOUTHEAST END, FULTON HEIGHTS, OAKDALE COSTA RIC

AROUND THE CORNER From the Midwest to the Middle East, Calvin students are challenged to think about the intersections of local and global issues.

…WHEREVER GOD LEADS LEARNING FROM THE BEST + THINKING COURAGEOUSLY + LIVING FULLY AND FAITHFULLY + BECOMING WORLD READY

Calvin_GRMag2012(P3).indd Section.indd GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC 1 38

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special advertiSing Section

RITAIN, OOK, IRELAND, GERMANY, FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, UGANDA, CA, BLACK SOUTH AFRICA, LIBERIA, JORDAN, ISRAEL, AUSTRALIA, NEW N, NDIA, OAKCAMBODIA, OAKCHINA, JAPAN, BRAZIL, NICARAGUA, BELIZE, TA RICA,YUCATAN, GHANA, HONDURAS, THE NETHERLANDS .

Y

…ACROSS THE GLOBE As agents of renewal, Calvin faculty, staff and students have: • been involved globally in over 60 countries in the last five years • engaged locally in over 3500 yearly service-learning projects • welcomed nearly 400 international students on campus from almost 50 countries

Join the global conversation, meet the neighbors …and see where God leads.

www.calvin.edu +

ENGAGING GRAND RAPIDS + CONNECTING GLOBALLY

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 39

6/20/12 7/6/12 4:18 2:30 PM


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY Build a life that matters.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 40

7/10/12 2:30 PM


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

INTELLECTUAL COMMUNITY. CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW. At our core, we are compelled and inspired by Jesus Christ. Of all the relationships you’ll walk away with from Cornerstone, your relationship with Him rises above the rest. Academic excellence, accessible resources and a culturally rich community are building blocks to help you attain a rewarding education, fulfilling career and a meaningful life. Our students rise to the high standards put before them with the help of a supportive community surrounding them. We invite you to visit our campus and experience a day at Cornerstone. We offer individual and group visits throughout the year where you can hear great chapel speakers, visit classes, meet professors, tour the residence halls, attend an athletic event, explore opportunities for overseas trips and ask as many questions as you want. To schedule a visit or for more information, visit www.cornerstone.edu.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 41

7/10/12 2:30 PM


Special Advertising Section

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 42

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special Advertising Section

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 43

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Ferris

Special Advertising Section

BE A PART OF THE FERRIS FAMILY Ferris State University’s practical, personalized approach to learning has been helping students build foundations for rewarding professional lives since 1884. More than 180 degree programs, industry partnerships, excellent academic support services, and state-of-the-art facilities and resources make Ferris State University a great place to find your future. ferris.edu (800) 433-7747

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 44

7/6/12 4:18 PM


FerrisAd_GRMag_AUG2012:Layout 1

6/22/12

4:11 PM

Page 1

Special Advertising Section

I ch ose ce Convenien

I chose affordability

Programs offered in Grand Rapids: Associate Degrees Health Information Technology Respiratory Care Bachelor Degrees Business Administration Business Administration - Professional Track (Culinary) 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 Hotel Management/Restaurant and Food Industry Management Industrial Technology and Management Information Security and Intelligence Manufacturing Engineering Technology Nuclear Medicine Technology Nursing RN to BSN Product Design Engineering Technology Certificates Advanced Construction Management Construction Administration Homeland Security: Digital Security & Forensics Hotel Management Human Resource Management Leadership and Supervision Quality Technology Master Degrees Career & Technical Education • Administrative • Instructor • Postsecondary Administrative • Training and Development Criminal Justice Administration Curriculum & Instruction • Subject Area

Life is full of choices. Make yours today. Our students choose Ferris for different reasons, but the desire for a quality education at an affordable price is something they all share. Ferris conveniently offers classes at Grand Rapids Community College making it possible for you to complete your degree locally and affordably. We’re accessible because Ferris' tuition is one of the lowest in Michigan. You’ll learn relevant concepts from faculty with real world experience and enjoy a friendly staff that is available to seamlessly guide you through the transfer process. See why Ferris is the top choice for adult and transfer students in Michigan.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY GRAND RAPIDS www.ferris.edu/statewide (616) 451-4777

Choose now. Your tomorrow starts today. GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 45

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special advertiSing Section

“Best in the Midwest.” – The Princeton Review

AT THE TOP OF OUR CLASS. Grand Valley is leading the way with professionally relevant academic programs, real-world research opportunities, and outstanding campus facilities. Plus, our students benefit from personalized instruction made possible by small class sizes and dedicated professors. It’s all part of our liberal education foundation that provides a great return on investment and makes Grand Valley a top choice in the Midwest and beyond. gvsu.edu/GRAND | (800) 748-0246

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 46

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special advertiSing Section

Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University

do best – teach. Even the innovative research projects

has established a reputation

undertaken by faculty are viewed as an opportunity to

for preparing students to

collaborate with students to enhance the learning

excel in virtually every field.

experience. In this way, undergraduate students gain

The university’s focus on

research experience that is more typically reserved for

individual student achieve-

graduate students at other colleges and universities.

ment has created unique undergraduate and graduate across the country and around the world.

exceeding your expectAtionS

Acting from A Strong foundAtion

of high-achieving students

Grand Valley’s liberal education focus and commitment to

and faculty are contem-

economic, social, and environmental sustainability put 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

the-art learning, living, and research centers. In addition,

more than 200 areas of academic study, including

the university has more than 340 clubs and organizations

30 graduate programs, incorporate these skills into the

that keep students involved and active. Plus, Grand Valley

learning process. The result is that graduates are better

features championship-level NCAA Division II sports, and

prepared to meet new challenges with confidence and

a vast array of athletic, social, religious, and fine arts

professional expertise, and are empowered to positively

activities. Grand Valley also has a full-service campus in

affect the global community now and in the future.

Holland, and centers in Muskegon and Traverse City.

A LeArning community defined by momentum

To learn more about the academic and teaching excel-

Preparing students to achieve

or visit www.gvsu.edu.

learning opportunities that attract top students from

Supporting this network

lence at Grand Valley State University, call 616.331.2025

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

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 47

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special advertiSing Section

Make art. Design a career. Create your world. Kendall’s expert faculty and supportive atmosphere guide students to succeed in more than 17 specialized programs. Call 800 676.2787 or visit kcad.edu to get started.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 48

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special advertiSing Section

Continuing Creativity. Kendall’s Youth and Adults Continuing Studies program is the place for beginners and professionals to develop their creative sides with non-credit classes in everything from drawing and sculpture to interior design and computer art. Call 800 676.2787 or visit kcad.edu/youth-and-adults.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 49

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special Advertising Section

Debra Pratt ‘14 Biochemistry Co-op: JHP Pharmaceuticals

Kettering University The Kettering Advantage. We have the professors, the labs, and the experiences that bring knowledge and practice together better than any place else.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 50

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special Advertising Section

Any university will take you places. Kettering will take you farther. Everyone knows, the best way to learn is by doing, so at Kettering you get to start doing stuff right away. That’s right, at Kettering you will get into our state-of-the-art labs starting on day one - getting to blow things up, mix things up, and just getting your hands on a lot of cool stuff.

Learn more.

Experience more.

At Kettering, you will learn more, simply because you will do more. That’s the Kettering Advantage - we get to the good stuff right away. So much to do, so little time. Clubs. Theatre. Sports. Greek Life. Student Government. Professional Societies. Student Newspaper. Band. Or, how about Ultimate Frisbee, Rock-Climbing, Anime Club, Hockey, or Gaming Night? Want to give back? Become a member of Engineers Without Borders or help run a Relay For Life event. You can do it all, get involved, make new friends, and try new things! Kettering makes it easy to experience more. College Goals: Get out of your parents’ house. Learn new things. Get a good job. Become the successful adult you want to be.

Achieve more.

Kettering University prepares you to achieve more. Through co-op and learning experiences outside the classroom, engaging instruction by Kettering professors, and just hanging out and making new friends - you are destined to achieve great things. Achieving more; it is just what Kettering students do.

www.kettering.edu • (800) 955-4464, ext. 7865 GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 51

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special advertiSing Section

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 52

7/6/12 4:18 PM


Special advertiSing Section

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 53

7/6/12 4:18 PM


S

A

G

I

N

A

W

V

A

L

L

E

Y

S

Special Advertising Section

doug Eck | Senior | Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science major from Ada, Mich. | Forrest Hills Central HS, Class of 2009

Our fall 2011 freshman class averaged a 3.2 high school GPA and 22 ACT score.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 54

Class size averages 24 students, and no courses are taught by graduate assistants.

Almost 50% of our state-of-theart campus has been constructed over the last decade.

7/6/12 4:19 PM


S

T

A

T

E

U

N

I

V

E

R

S

I

T

Y

Special Advertising Section

I am starting something new. Doug Eck remembers his first week of college: waking up on his own (with no one telling him to get up) and sitting in classes where there were no familiar faces. “It’s kind of intimidating at first, but the upside of it is that everyone’s in the same situation. It all works out.” The best thing about it was the freedom. “Just the idea that nobody was telling me what to do was great – I decided when I wanted to eat dinner, when to study and what to get involved in.” At the end of his freshman year, Doug applied to become an R.A. (resident assistant), which he said is what “got everything kick started.” An R.A.’s job, Doug said, is to get to know his residents, keep them safe, and help them with their problems. “I always tell people, you can become best friends with your roommates, but your best friends might not always make good roommates.” As a sophomore, Doug joined Student Exercise Science Association. His junior year, he was inducted into National Residence Halls Honorary, and joined a new organization, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, because it fit into

his plans for graduate school. Doug will serve as president of these three organizations during his senior year. In his final year as a Cardinal, Doug is thrilled to have been selected as a Roberts Fellow (a program that includes year-long studies in leadership and culminates in traveling abroad in Asia for three weeks). “At this point it’s hard for me to think of specific ways that I can grow more as a leader. Being a Roberts Fellow will open up a lot more doors and help me realize that there’s tons more work I need to do on myself.” When people ask him why he decided on Saginaw Valley instead of a school closer to home, Doug honestly says there wasn’t just one big thing that helped him make his choice. “I like the size and distance of SVSU, and it’s a beautiful campus,” he said. “I like the fact that SVSU is large enough to have well over a hundred student organizations on campus. At the same time, SVSU feels like a smaller school because I can get involved in whatever I want. It’s all up to me to take advantage of those opportunities.”

Want to be bold and “start something new?” Meet with an SVSU admissions representative, tour the campus or attend the Fall 2012 Open House on Saturday, November 5. Learn more at svsu.edu/admissions or call (800) 968-9500. 7400 BAY RoAd | UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI 48710 (800) 968-9500 | svsu.edu/admissions

More than 130 student clubs and organizations provide ample opportunities for leadership.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 55

Nearly 75% of freshmen opt to live in on-campus residence halls, which come with wi-fi.

Scholarships, financial aid and the most affordable tuition of Michigan’s state universities.

7/6/12 4:19 PM


Special Advertising Section

Advance your career in Grand Rapids Since 1986, Spring Arbor University has helped strengthen the Grand Rapids professional market. By choosing to earn your degree from Spring Arbor University, you’re choosing: • classes one night a week • face-to-face learning • a fast track to graduation • accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission • 15 locations in Michigan and Ohio • numerous online programs including the MBA Spring Arbor University’s programs allow you to make the most of your career, your money and your life. Find out how the iGNITE Scholarship can save you as much as five percent on your degree from Spring Arbor University. Some limitations apply. Associate Degree Business

Start Date 9.24.12

Bachelor’s Degrees Family Life Education

TBA

Nursing

9.4.12

Organizational Management

2.13.13

Social Work

3.6.13

Master’s Degrees Counseling

8.29.12

Family Studies

3.14.13

NEW LOCATION IN GRAND RAPIDS 2620 Horizon Dr. SE, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

For more information about our Grand Rapids site, contact Brittany Gorman, student services coordinator, at brittany.gorman@arbor.edu or 800.968.0011, ext. 4200.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 56

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

GRAND RAPIDS 800.968.0011, ext. 4200

arbor.edu/GRmagazine 7/6/12 4:19 PM


Special advertiSing Section

102 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT SAU.

AS A PARENT, you probably want to learn more about the students who will be spending the next four years with your son or daughter. That’s why we have SAUSPACE.COM — an online community of current students who are committed to sharing their search for truth and their snapshots of college life through blogs. Dig around and get answers, and an even clearer picture of SAU. .com

sauspace blogs.

pictures.

videos.

72 MORE THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT SAU — THE MAJORS & PROGRAMS: Accounting Actuarial Science Advertising & Public Relations Art Biblical Languages Biblical Studies Biochemistry Biology Broadcasting

Business Administration Camping Ministry Chemistry Children’s Ministry Chinese (endorsement) Christian Ministries Communication & Media Computer Science

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 57

Criminal Justice (endorsement or minor)

Cross Cultural Communication (minor)

Dentistry (pre) Drama Elementary Education Engineering (3-2 program)

English (edu, wrt, or lit) English ESL (minor) Finance French Geography (minor) Global Studies Graphic Design Health & Exercise Science Health Education

Secondary (minor) History Integrated Science (minor)

International Business Language Arts (elementary edu only) Law (pre)

Management & Information Systems

Marketing Mathematics Medicine (pre) Military Science & Leadership Global Missions (minor)

Music Pastoral Ministry Philosophy

DIG DEEPER. FIND YOUR CALLING. arbor.edu/GRmagazine | 800.968.0011

Physical Therapy (pre) Physics Political Economy Political Science (minor)

Professional Writing Psychology Recreation & Leisure Management Secondary Education

Social Studies Social Work Sociology Spanish Special Education: Learning Disabilities Speech Theological Studies Urban Ministry Urban Studies (minor)

Veterinarian (pre) Video & Film Visual Communication Worship Arts Worship Ministry Youth Ministry

7/6/12 4:19 PM


Special Advertising Section

cooley.edu

Cooley Year-round Options January • May • September

Start Now! Cooley Law School Makes it Possible. At Cooley, many people are finding that it is possible to fit law school into their busy lives. With four campuses across Michigan – Lansing, Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, and its newest campus in Tampa Bay, Florida – Cooley offers classes year-round, days, evenings, and weekends. Students receive a legal education that provides them with the knowledge, skills, and ethics that distinguishes Cooley’s over 16,000 graduates worldwide. Cooley graduates are practice ready. Learn about Cooley Law School at cooley.edu

SCAN & LEARN MORE

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.”

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 58

7/6/12 4:19 PM


Special Advertising Section

Cooley Law School graduates lead in

David Grumbine,

Senior Counsel at Whirlpool Corporation Grumbine unveiled what Whirlpool calls the National Product Council (NPC), a group of three law firms that would handle most legal disputes for Whirlpool in North America and with its suppliers. Whirlpool’s internal dispute resolution team consists of 30 employees.The group oversees approximately 700 lawsuits and 12,000 claims each year for the Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of approximately $18.4 billion.

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 59

Corporate Law

Cooley Law School Graduates Lead. Cooley stresses legal knowledge, practice skills, and professional ethics, concepts that are now receiving much attention in legal education, but have been in place at Cooley since its founding in 1972. Learn about Cooley Law School at cooley.edu 40 Years of Success

SCAN & LEARN MORE

7/6/12 4:19 PM


Special advertiSing Section

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS IS EXACTLY 161 MILES LONG. Once you leave Grand Rapids city limits, the sky’s the limit. First stop, Wayne State University – located in the cultural hub of Midtown Detroit, where you’ll find a wealth of unique opportunities and exciting experiences. Our world renowned medical school, critically acclaimed theatre and dance departments, and more than 400 degree programs in between will keep you academically challenged. Access to the best music, restaurants and professional sports teams will keep you socially entertained. So, get on the shortest road to success this fall. Get on the road to Wayne State. Because no matter where you see yourself in the future, it all starts right here. wayne.edu 877-WSU-INFO

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 60

AIM HIGHER

7/6/12 4:19 PM


Special advertiSing Section

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 61

7/6/12 4:19 PM


SMART CHOICE Special advertiSing Section

GRAND RAPIDS

With more than 240 degree programs and the distinction of being a U.S. News & World Report top national university, it’s easy to see why WMU is a smart choice. In addition to the main campus in Kalamazoo, WMU offers degree programs in two Grand Rapids locations and recently launched a dual enrollment program with GRCC. Visit www.wmich.edu/smartride to hear why these current students made WMU their smart choice.

GRAB THE REINS ! (269) 387-2000

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 62

www.wmich.edu

7/6/12 4:19 PM


Special advertiSing Section

Sam, 3.91 GPA Plymouth Christian High School Pre Med

Kiara, 4.0 GPA Ottawa Hills High School Nursing

Andrew, 3.66 GPA Byron Center High School Engineering Management

Bryleigh, 4.26 GPA Lowell High School Communication/Spanish

GRM_08.12_PG34.63_EDUC Section.indd 63

Anndreisha, 3.96 GPA East Kentwood High School Accounting

7/6/12 4:19 PM


An expanding Institutes of higher education in Grand Rapids are adding new programming and updating facilities, helping the city advance its reputation as a revitalized community.

G

rand Rapids continues to be a stronghold of innovative educational opportunity as its colleges and universities step into new programs and buildings. From historic buildings with new uses to one-of-a-kind degree programs, higher education in Grand Rapids is moving into the future. Perhaps the most obvious addition to the higher-ed landscape is Grand Valley State University’s L. William Seidman Center going up on Front Street in downtown Grand Rapids. The building, scheduled to be completed in June 2013 and open to students that fall, will house the Seidman College of Business, allowing GVSU to expand other programs into the current College of Business in the university’s Richard M. DeVos Center.

By Ann Byle | Photography by Johnny Quirin

“This is exciting on a personal note because I got to know Bill Seidman, and he told me we could really expand the Seidman school nationally, I bought into the vision.” — Dr. Thomas Haas, president of GVSU

64 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG64.67.indd 64

7/6/12 4:25 PM


g urban presence

Thomas Haas, president of GVSU

August 2012 / Grmag.com 65

GRM_08.12_PG64.67.indd 65

7/6/12 4:25 PM


“This is exciting on a personal note because I got to know Bill Seidman, and he told me we could really expand the Seidman school nationally,” said Dr. Thomas Haas, president of GVSU. “I bought into the vision.” The “iconic” building, as Haas calls it, can be seen when driving along the S-curve on U.S. 131. It will house undergrad and master’s programs in business. GVSU continues to expand its local presence thanks in part to what Haas describes as an epiphany three years ago. “With six of our eight institutions in Grand Rapids, we really are an urban university. We need to think differently about that, to see what we can accomplish that enables and enhances Grand Rapids and West Michigan because of the locus of activity on the Medical Mile.” The university has purchased property north of I-196, a short walk on Lafayette Avenue from the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences on Michigan Street. Haas envisions “a new building dealing with health sciences, to be synergistic with Cook-DeVos in terms of programming, plus appropriate parking.” While a completion date is undeter-

mined, Haas sees expansion of physical and occupational therapy programs, physician’s assistant programs, and other healthrelated undergrad and graduate programs. The university also is expanding westward, thanks to additional Front Street development. “Since 2000, we’ve invest $200 million in Grand Rapids,” said Haas. “It’s important we make these investments that continue to enable Grand Rapids to reinvent itself to be a vibrant community, and offer educational opportunities.”

Kendall makes new use of old Federal Building Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University is taking the old and making it new again, thanks to the renovated historic Federal Building, 17 Pearl St. NW. It will open for classes this fall, adding about 90,000 square feet of space to the school that will now take up three contiguous blocks in downtown Grand Rapids. The first floor will house a new metal sculpture studio, complete with a gas forge and metal-working tools, while the fourth floor is home to the Wege Center for Sus-

tainable Design and a new Bachelor of Fine Arts in collaborative design. “This is a way for students to combine various components of design, such as graphic design and industrial design,” said Sandra Davison-Wilson, Kendall’s vice president of administration and finance. The third floor makes room for a new BFA in fashion studies, a program students have been requesting, according to Davison-Wilson. Nineteen students are already enrolled in the new program for next fall. What used to be exhibit rooms when the building was the Grand Rapids Art Museum now house sewing machines and cutting tables. In addition, 13 classrooms scattered throughout the building opened up space in other Kendall buildings. One of the most unique additions to the building is the Material ConneXion space on the fourth floor, a rotating library of innovative materials that allows students to see and feel the latest products. The Material ConneXion company is based in New York City; Kendall provides the largest exhibition space in a place of higher learning outside that city.

Student requests for on-campus housing jumped from 499 in spring 2008 to 909 in fall 2012. While the baseball field/stadium will open in September, a 96-bed dorm attached to the stadium will open in fall 2013.

Cornerstone baseball coach David Mitroff at the construction site of the school’s new stadium

66 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG64.67.indd 66

7/6/12 4:25 PM


“We’re paying a great deal of attention to the pharmacy work force. Health-care changes are demanding more pharmacy services, and pharmacy is changing as a practice.” — Dr. Steve Durst, dean of the College of Pharmacy. Ferris State University

“The historic Federal Building allows us to broaden our educational opportunities, and allows Ferris/Kendall to interact with the community in ways we didn’t have the space to do so before,” said Davison-Wilson.

Medical Mile home to Ferris pharmacy students Ferris State University, based in Big Rapids, is also expanding its reach on the Medical Mile thanks to its 26,000-squarefoot facility at 25 Michigan St. NE, which opened earlier this year. The facility primarily focuses on third-year students in the Doctor of Pharmacy program, whose first two years of coursework took place in Big Rapids. Fourth-year students are in clinical placements. “We’re paying a great deal of attention to the pharmacy work force,” said Dr. Stephen Durst, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “Health-care changes are demanding more pharmacy services, and pharmacy is changing as a practice. Our students are educated to be truly health-care experts enabled to achieve outcomes through medication therapy.” Durst recognizes the need to integrate pharmacy with other health-care practices to create a team — a key reason for the move to downtown Grand Rapids. “The building is an integral part of our pharmacy program,” said Durst. “It will continue to provide opportunities for interaction with other professional groups and for reaching into the community.”

WMU offers new master’s degree While Kalamazoo’s Western Michigan University has long had a large graduate school presence in Grand Rapids, its building at 200 Ionia Ave. SW will be home to a new master’s program beginning this fall. The Master of Arts in leadership for organizational learning and performance focuses on the transformational aspects of business, how people in business learn and how to improve their skills. “There are lots of educational learning programs, but they focus on K-12,” said Amy Routhier, executive director of extended university programs. “We’re focusing on adult learning, and linking individual performance with the company’s performance as a whole.” In addition, WMU is developing new programming around community sustainability that will focus on social, economic and environmental factors and should appeal to city planners, hotel planners and businesspeople.

Dawn Gaymer, associate provost of extended university programs, is a member of the Grand Rapids Community Sustainability Partnership, a group dedicated to building partnerships between colleges and universities, as well as organizations. “WMU is learner centered, globally engaged and discovery driven,” said Gaymer. “My charge for Grand Rapids is to help the city connect the community to the expertise and resources of the university.”

2008 to 909 in fall 2012. While the baseball field/stadium will open in September, a 96-bed dorm attached to the stadium will open in fall 2013. “The field will be used by the CU baseball team, as well as for tournaments, community sports camps and traveling teams,” said Bob Sack, executive director of marketing and communications. “We want the facility to connect us to the community to an even greater degree than we do now.”

GRCC moves ahead, despite voting outcome

Aquinas gifted with Brookby Estate

Grand Rapids Community College, which recently lost a bond request, has immediately gone to Plan B, according to Dr. Steven Ender, president of GRCC. A small fee increase for students and other financial moves have allowed the college to begin to address large, deferred maintenance projects such as window replacement in the main building, heating and air conditioning needs, and otherwise sustaining, maintaining and protecting the physical assets of the college. While the vote outcome was disappointing, Ender has no plans to stop upgrading what he calls “a wonderful institution.” Through donors and other fundraising efforts, he says the college will continue to make physical improvements and fill faculty positions. “My goal has been to put the institution on a sustainable path to the future, to develop a sustainable platform on which we can thrive — not just react to economic developments,” said Ender. “GRCC offers a university-quality education through the community-college philosophy at a price point people can afford. That’s the trifecta for me.”

For Aquinas College, expansion moves across Robinson Road, thanks to the gift from Sam and Janene Cummings of the Brookby Estate. John W. Blodgett, son of lumber baron D.A. Blodgett, built the estate on the southeast corner of Plymouth and Robinson Road in 1926-27, and it remained in the family until the early 1990s. Now Cummings, a developer, has gifted a large portion of it, about five acres, to Aquinas. The college’s main campus sits across the street on what was the Holmdene Estate, built by John Blodgett’s sister, Susan Blodgett Lowe. “We’re thrilled to receive this gift from the Cummings,” said Aquinas president Dr. Juan Olivarez. “It’s going to give us a lot of opportunity to have events we haven’t been able to host, such as fundraisers, and it’s a great place to entertain, perhaps in ways we haven’t been able to before.” Olivarez and his wife, Mary, will move into the home this summer. He envisions students and faculty using the building and grounds for sketching and painting classes, poetry readings and other events and, perhaps, opening the grounds to the public. The Cummings also provided plans and means for a preservation endowment to maintain Brookby. Aquinas College also expects to break ground this fall on Phase 2 of its fitness center, thanks to the help of a major donor. Its 70,000 square feet will include a 200meter track, a wooden-floor court for basketball, cheerleading, dance and volleyball, and inside practice areas for baseball, golf, lacrosse, soccer and intramural sports. “This is a very useful, needed facility for the college,” said Olivarez. “It’s good for the extracurricular things students want and expect when they go to college. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to get this off the ground in the last six months.” The college also will change the Fulton Street entranceway to campus to make it more prominent and accessible, including adding a statute of St. Thomas Aquinas. GR

Cornerstone restarts baseball program There was no vote needed at Cornerstone University, 1001 East Beltline Ave. NE, to break ground for a new baseball stadium. Thanks to a gift from Mary and Jack DeWitt, founder and president of Request Foods in Holland, the baseball program at CU, defunct since 1996, will see new life and a new home. The stadium will seat 500 and offer additional berm seating, and will house ancillary support such as batting cages, locker rooms, concession areas, restrooms and storage areas. The need for additional student housing will also be met. Student requests for oncampus housing jumped from 499 in spring

August 2012 / Grmag.com 67

GRM_08.12_PG64.67.indd 67

7/6/12 4:25 PM


By Kate Dernocoeur Photography by Johnny Quirin

The good life Life is always better from the back of a horse.

Philippa Humphreys soars on her horse, Rockstar. Erika Treis Petersen enjoys a quiet moment with her thoroughbred, Jake, who is a grandson of U.S. Triple Crown champion racehorse Secretariat, facing page.

68 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG68.75.indd 68

7/10/12 2:45 PM


You breathe in the fresh morning air and listen to the iconic clip-clop as you walk from the stables. You rise into the saddle and gather the reins. Anyone lucky enough to spend time with horses knows the special magic of partnership with a large animal. To ride is the chance to skim the earth at a gallop, or to fly together over a jump. The elegant lines of a horse, the power of its movement, the look in its eye — each is part of what leads to the state known as “horse crazy.”

T

here are a lot of horse-crazy people in West Michigan, with more to come when 450 riders — many fresh from the Summer Olympics in London — descend on West Michigan Aug. 23-26 for the 10th Annual Richland Park Horse Trials. Nationally regarded as a top-five venue, Richland Park is a favorite for elite equestrians in the sport of eventing, also known as equine triathlon. Many local eventers will ride against competitors from 18 states and several other nations in the seven levels of competition. Spectators can enjoy watching the three phases of competition: dressage, cross-country jumping and stadium jumping. Representing the best of West Michigan at the upper levels of the sport are two prominent local riders. Erika Treis Petersen, of Great Lakes Equestrian Center in Holland, will ride her horse Crimson Tide in the CIC 2-star division. Philippa Humphreys, proprietor with her husband, Pete, of Rogue River Equestrian Center in Rockford, plans to ride her eye-catching pinto, Rich N Famous, in the advanced division. The goal for the horse/rider teams, said Humphreys, is to go “from dressage, which requires an accurate, quiet and limber horse, to the next day, running cross country with a very forward, athletic horse that has to run and jump with enough discipline to listen to the rider at the more complex fences, and then into the third day for stadium jumping, where the horse has to be careful when tired, and still accurate and athletic.” August 2012 / Grmag.com 69

GRM_08.12_PG68.75.indd 69

7/6/12 4:56 PM


“Equestrian sports are healthy on so many levels. They teach people about animals, about something bigger than themselves. It’s physically helpful for all age levels. You can ride until you die.” — Julie Wallace

Trainer Jennifer Loan gives final tips to Kaylee Christensen as she and her horse Lacey prepare to compete in a dressage event.

The heart of the sport, the cross-country phase, involves galloping fast across the rolling 320-acre property, jumping imposing, solid obstacles while traversing banks, ditches, woods and water. It’s a rigorous, thrilling sport. West Michigan is generally a great place to enjoy horses, with its green, inviting terrain. Petersen, 36, a native of Sonoma County, Calif., was lured here in May 2006 after searching for two years for the right place to establish her equestrian business. Relatives on her father’s side (he summered in Michigan as a boy and retired to West Michigan) “sent me real estate articles to convince me it was great here,” she said. “I was scared because I knew it’d be kind of snowy and cold.” But once she and her husband, David, saw the information about the 26 acres they now own in Holland, they were convinced. “I fell in love with it,” she said. Petersen’s career achievements include state and regional year-end championships at multiple competition levels. At age 14, she won the Bronze medal at the 1992 North American Junior & Young Rider Championships in Bromont, Quebec, on her mount, Zanzibar. Each of the four horses she has ridden to

the elite levels were trained from the beginning by Petersen — an impressive accomplishment. In 2002 and again in 2010, she was selected for the prestigious Developing Rider Program for U.S. Equestrian Team candidates. Humphreys, 29, arrived in West Michigan in 2005 with a physical education degree from Leeds Metropolitan University, England. A rider by age 5 and eventer by 10, she was held at age 14 for four years until she was old enough to ride at intermediate, the second highest level. In 2009, she earned teaching credentials with the U.S. Eventing Association’s Instructor Certification Program. Professionals such as Petersen and Humphreys are raising the bar of excellence for horsemanship generally in West Michigan, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t already a good foundation for horse sports. Fourth-generation West Michigan resident Julie Wallace, 52, started riding in the early 1960s with the encouragement of a horse-owning neighbor. An upper-level rider in dressage — a stand-alone Olympic sport in its own right, she has ridden at many stables across the area. In addition, Wallace works in sales at Millbrook Tack on 68th Street SW. “We have a very solid equestrian com-

munity,” she said. “I see that working in the store. It’s beyond English riding. We have vaulting, reining, cutting, endurance/ orienteering — pretty much all the disciplines represented, and driving, too. All the schools and colleges have equestrian clubs. I’ve seen this growth in my lifetime, and it’s fabulous.” Wallace cited more reasons for the allure of horses: “Equestrian sports are healthy on so many levels,” she said. “They teach people about animals, about something bigger than themselves. It’s physically helpful for all age levels. You can ride until you die.” Another long-time local equestrian, Betty Jo Crosby, agrees. At 78, she is still riding, although she retired her national judging licenses in both dressage and eventing in 2005. Despite having to wait until her 40s to have a horse, Crosby has trained several to high levels of dressage — and started training yet another earlier this year. She has assisted both elite riders and those just starting out. “You can talk about higher level people all you want,” she said, “but it’s the grassroots people working at the lowest levels that support this broad pyramid of elite athletes. It’s important to stress that the world is not filled with elite athletes.”

70 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG68.75.indd 70

7/6/12 4:56 PM


Indulging your “horse bug” When Richland Park Horse Trials opens the gates this month, anyone with “the horse bug” should consider being there to watch. Experts say watching all three phases of competition is best. “The cross country is the fun, exciting, adrenalin day, but if they can see all three, they’ll have a better appreciation for the sport,” said Philippa Humphreys of Rogue River Equestrian Center in Rockford. Spectators also are welcome in the barns. “The eventing world is one of the most friendly in the equestrian community,” she said. Most riders are happy to show off their horses. “At bigger shows, you can’t usually do that.” Elite riders will ride their dressage tests Aug. 23-24, followed by cross country Saturday, Aug. 25, and stadium jumping Aug. 26. Riders at the lower levels will ride in the dressage phase Friday, stadium jumping Saturday, and cross country Sunday. Free shuttles are available to assist spectators as they make their way across the property. Richland Park is located in Richland, just northeast of Kalamazoo. More information is available at richland park.com. The admission fee for parking raises muchneeded funds for Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. A multiple day pass is $15, and single day passes are $10 per day per car. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lily Hojnacki grooms her horse while her mom, Susan Hojnacki braids her hair. Above, Danny’s mane was braided before competing.

August 2012 / Grmag.com 71

GRM_08.12_PG68.75.indd 71

7/10/12 2:47 PM


Crosby has witnessed the local evolution of horse sports since the 1970s.“There’s been a whole parade of people along the path, she said. “This ongoing interest in horses has a definite thread that’s been there for a long time. While the names and faces change, the interest doesn’t.” That’s a good thing for many reasons, including the economic benefits of the horse industry. “People who do horses spend money,” said Wallace, “and they are loyal to their sport.” Certainly, according to Richland Park competition host Kay Willmarth, “the economic impact is huge. Hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations — all have an increase in business.” By extension, horse-related activities are no minor factor in a state with an equine population of 155,000 in 2006 — and growing,

according to a survey by Michigan State University. Statewide, the value of equine assets, including barns, equipment and supplies, was nearly $8 billion that year. Not counting wages and salaries, $805 million was paid in 2006 for various equine-related expenses, including costs for feed, fuel, health care, transportation, equipment, tack, boarding, bedding, breeding, competition entry fees and taxes. Then there are the veterinarians, farriers, tack store operators, trainers and others supported by the equine industry but not employed directly by equine operations. In all, the equine industry’s annual boost to the state economy is reportedly more than $1 billion. At the core of it all are the animals. The levels of excellence demonstrated by Petersen and Humphreys come only after build-

72 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG68.75.indd 72

7/6/12 4:56 PM


“It is a long road to producing an upper-level horse — that’s the biggest thing. It’s not just about you. It’s about you and your horse. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and you have to be ready to enjoy the highs and deal with the lows.” — Philippa Humphreys

Philippa Humphreys and Rockstar, a Dutch warmblood crossed with a thoroughbred.

ing a solid foundation and then refining and improving every day — for years. With another athlete in the mix (the horse), the partnership element is a large reason many feel that equestrian sports are so unique and interesting. “It is a long road to producing an upper-level horse — that’s the biggest thing,” said Humphreys. “It’s not just about you. It’s about you and your horse. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and you have to be ready to enjoy the highs and deal with the lows. I’m a pretty tough cookie, and sometimes it can be difficult to deal with, such as when a horse gets hurt. You can go, in a moment, from riding at that level to having nothing.” So why do it? “Because I love it,” she said. “I’m an adrenaline junkie. Eventing is a wonderful sport that’s multi-disciplined.”

Even after competing at the highest levels, both Humphreys and Petersen enjoy teaching others. Petersen said she wants her students to have fun and create fulfilling relationships with their horses. Indeed, with all the various riding options in West Michigan, anyone interested in getting started ought to proceed thoughtfully. “The biggest thing is to find a good instructor and someone to guide you through it,” said Petersen. “Take lessons, because it’s a big commitment and you want to be sure (whatever horse sport you choose) is the right fit for you. It is a safety issue: People need to have proper instruction.” Another trainer known for her dedication to proper instruction agrees with Petersen. Kathy Walters, 49, holds a degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and certification as an assistant instructor with August 2012 / Grmag.com 73

GRM_08.12_PG68.75.indd 73

7/10/12 2:49 PM


74 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG68.75.indd 74

7/6/12 4:56 PM


Links: Millbrook Tack: www.millbrooktack.com At right, Betty Jo Crosby, owner of Delphine, an Oldenburg horse, works with rider Julie Wallace. Bottom right, Erica Treis Peterson works with her student, Samantha Barefield, 14, as she performs a rolltop cross country jump. Below, Julie Wallace talks to a rider during a dressage event. Opposite page, Kathy Colliers gets her hip flexors stretched by Kathy Walters before she rides Something Spectacular.

Richland Park Horse Trials: www.richlandpark.com Rogue River Equestrian Center: www.pheventing.com Great Lakes Equestrian Center: www.greatlakesequ.com U.S. Eventing Association: useventing.com U.S. Dressage Federation: www.usdf.org

the British Horse Society. She teaches at Thomet Stables in Ada. “Go to a stable, somewhere you can afford, that has educated instructors. Otherwise, you’ll learn wrong and have to start over,” she said. “I can help people start and see if they like the sport before they dish out the big money. That’s my niche. I’ve always liked teaching more than showing. If I was on a heavy competition schedule, I would not be there to teach.” In addition, Walters urges newcomers to ride a lesson horse or lease a horse while figuring out which sport most interests them. When it’s time to buy, selecting a sport-specific horse who’s happy to do the job can make a huge difference. Of course, it’s not only about riding. Just being near a horse is enough for many people. After starting hundreds of riders in her years of teaching, Walters has witnessed the benefits of “coming to the barn and being with like-minded people and having this animal to connect with,” she said. “For many people, it is their basis for physical and mental well-being, an integral part of who they are.” Wallace agreed. “Riding creates an incredible bond between horse and rider because it demands it. You have to be in total communication. It begins when you mount, because the minute you get on, you start having a conversation. Dressage is a thinking man’s sport. That suits me. I am analytic,” she said. “And — I love the feel. It’s like flying. When you are in perfect harmony with your horse, it feels wonderful in your body. It’s like making art. It’s my artful expression. Some people GR make pottery, some paint — and I ride.”

August 2012 / Grmag.com 75

GRM_08.12_PG68.75.indd 75

7/6/12 4:56 PM


Restaurant Week Grand Rapids 2012 will feature many menu items made with locally sourced ingredients. BY MARTY PRIMEAU

Farm to fork

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

76 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG76.83.indd 76

7/6/12 5:04 PM


Jason Lundberg, at right, and Scott Perschbacher, below, work the fields at Ingraberg Farm in Rockford, one of the first West Michigan farms to establish a relationship with area restaurants.

F

Farmer Dave Lundberg recalls the year he first reached out to restaurants in the Grand Rapids area, asking “What do you need us to grow?” It was 1984, and Ingraberg Farm was a small Rockford operation producing heirloom tomatoes and lettuce. “The chefs would say, ‘We’ll take a look,’ and I’d say, ‘Don’t just look — eat ’em,’” Lundberg recalled with a chuckle. And they did. Chefs sampled his tomatoes and lettuce and placed their orders. Ingraberg began supplying two local restaurants — “then four, 16, 32. Now we work with more than 65 restaurants in West Michigan.” Demand for fresh, locally grown produce has increased dramatically in recent years. The farm-to-fork movement started with concerns about food safety but quickly became more about the superior taste of seasonal, farmfresh fruits and vegetables. “It’s amazing how this town has grabbed on to sustainability and the concept of supporting local farmers,” Lundberg said. Today, most local restaurants are establishing relationships with Michigan farmers and suppliers for everything from apples to wine, including artisan cheese makers, bakers and beekeepers.

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 77

GRM_08.12_PG76.83.indd 77

7/6/12 5:04 PM


78 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG76.83.indd 78

7/6/12 5:05 PM


“Farmer Dave was one of the first and he’s really promoted the heck out of farm-to-fork,” said Garry Boyd, who manages HopCat, Stella’s and The Viceroy and has been in the restaurant biz for more than 20 years. “As we grow, it’s the direction we’re going more and more.” This year, Grand Rapids Restaurant Week, Aug. 15-25, is celebrating farm-to-fork and asking participating restaurants to showcase dishes made with Michigan products. “August is the season for the freshest farm produce, fruits and meats raised and grown locally,” said Doug Small, president of Experience Grand Rapids, the city’s convention and visitors bureau. More than 60 restaurants are participating this year. One of the first eateries to promote sustainable cuisine in West Michigan was Bistro Bella Vita, one of three restaurants in the Essence Restaurant Group. “When we started working with Ingraberg 15 years ago, there really weren’t many farms that were as readily available,” said Brad Teachout, general manager. “But it’s really evolved in recent years.” Bistro Bella Vita, Grove and The Green Well have teamed up with RealTime Farms.com, a website that maps restaurant menus to show exactly where each ingredient is from. Click on Otto’s Fried Chicken Confit on the Grove starter menu, for example, and discover that the bacon is from Creswick Farm, the greens from Mud Lake Farm, Visser Farm, Vertical Paradise Farms and Earthkeeper Farm, and the poultry is from Otto’s Farm. Click on the suppliers, and learn all about who they are and what they do. “It’s something our clients love — and they’ve come to expect it,” Teachout said. San Chez Tapas Bistro has helped small farm operations build their businesses, said Cindy Schneider, general manager. “During Restaurant Week, we’ll be telling their stories.” One of her favorites is Barbara Jenness of DogWood Farm, who started Dancing Goat Creamery six years ago after retiring from her job as a veterinary technician. San Chez was her first customer.

The farm-to-fork movement started with concerns about food safety but quickly became more about the superior taste of seasonal, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.

DANCING GOAT BARBARA JENNESS will never forget the retirement party that launched her second career. She was celebrating the end of veterinary tech days with friends and co-workers at San Chez Tapas Bistro in downtown Grand Rapids. “The server came up to our table and asked who was retiring. I said it was me, but that I was hardly retiring. I’m a cheesemaker.” Jenness said her soap-making hobby led to making artisan goat cheese at her small Byron Center farm. She took classes in Canada, Texas and at North Carolina University — even earning a master’s certification in cheese making in Vermont. The server at San Chez later returned to the table and told Jenness the chef would be in touch about her cheese. Sure enough, she got a call. “I came with my cheese and they tasted,” she said. Jenness didn’t hear anything for a while — “I’ve since learned that chefs are very busy people” — and then suddenly she received her first order: “San Chez wanted everything I had.” In the early years, everything she had was 50 pounds a week. Five years later, when Jenness sold her cheese business to Veronica Phelps, she was making 250 pounds of cheese, both goat and artisanal cow’s milk cheese. Dancing Goat today produces fresh chevre (plain or with a variety of herbs and spices), ash-ripened St. Maure and crottin-type cheese. “Much of it went to local restaurants and local shops,” she said. At first, it was a challenge. Though Jenness knew a lot about cheese, she didn’t know much about invoicing, marketing, packaging and other details of running a business. She’s grateful to Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women and Michigan State University’s Product Development Center for helping her get started and figure out such necessities. And she’s very thankful that local restaurants were patient. “I owe so much,” she said. “San Chez and

San Chez Tapas Bistro relies on local suppliers for a variety of ingredients. At left is a sampling of small plates, including Pesto Herbed Goat Cheese made with cheese from Dancing Goat Creamery, pesto from Heeren Brothers and bread from R.W. Bakery; lamb rib and chorizo from Sobie Meats; asparagus from a Conklin farm; and microgreens from Mud Lake Farm.

others were so supportive in those early times.” Now at 64, she’s retired — again — to enjoy her grandkids.

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 79

GRM_08.12_PG76.83.indd 79

7/6/12 5:05 PM


80 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG76.83.indd 80

7/6/12 5:05 PM


“In the beginning, it was quite a challenge for her,” Schneider said. “We needed a lot of goat cheese.” Jenness went from making 50 pounds a week in 2006 to more than 250 pounds when she sold her business in 2011. “I’m so grateful that local restaurants were so supportive, especially when I started my venture,” she said. “They didn’t treat me like a crazy old lady who didn’t know what I was getting into.” The owners of S&S Lamb in McBain also had no idea how their business would grow when they started selling their lamb, chicken, duck and pheasants at the Fulton Street Farmers Market in 2006. “About three years ago, local chefs started coming up to us at the market asking about our products,” said Sharon Schierbeek, who lives and works on the farm with husband Pierre. “They talked about what they needed, and that’s how it all started.” They started with 25 ewes, “and now we’re close to 100 and we’re working with a sister farm in Charlevoix.” The Schierbeeks have been especially pleased that the chefs have made the 100-mile trek up north to visit the farm. “It’s exciting that they want to talk to the farmer that births the

MEATING THE NEED SOBIE MEATS was a tiny family market that grew to be a grocery store, thanks in part to a relationship with area restaurants. Owner Tim Sobie said he was promoting local farms when he opened the market eight years ago — “long before everyone jumped on the farmto-fork bandwagon.” He buys steers from West Michigan farms. He purchases local hogs to brine, cure and smoke to make bacon in-house. He even buys lambs from 4-H kids at local fairs. In turn, Sobie supplies a dozen restaurants with meats and poultry that are free of hormones and steroids. “I grew up in Marne, population 500. I chose to be a meat cutter and I learned that if the little lady across the counter wasn’t happy with the meat you cut on Saturday, you’d hear about it on Monday.” Sobie believes in the farm-to-fork concept and understands the challenges. “For example, if

Chef Jenna Arcidiacono picks zucchini blossoms at Earthkeeper Farm with farmer Rachelle Bostwick. Arcidiacono fries the blossoms to make her Fiori di Zucca dish at Amore Trattoria Italiana restaurant in Comstock Park.

a restaurant is featuring flank steak, to get 200300 pounds you need 200-300 steers. So what do you do with the rest of the cow? You have to move T-bones, sirloins and rib eyes — not just those flank steaks.” He collaborates with chefs to meet their needs — like the chorizo he blends for San Chez Tapas Bistro — and applauds their efforts to use all of the animal. Last year, Sobie moved into a larger location at 3450 Remembrance Road NW in Walker, carrying fresh produce and grocery items as well as meats. “When produce is in season, we get as much as we can from local farms,” he said. “My strawberries come from my cousin’s farm. Even the honey is just two miles from our store.”

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 81

GRM_08.12_PG76.83.indd 81

7/10/12 3:01 PM


FOOD COLLABORATIONS WHAT DO BREWS, bread and barnyards have in common? Spent grain. Brian Lussier, head baker at Nantucket Bakery, gets buckets of the stuff from HopCat, the downtown bar that has plenty of pounds to spare after making beer. “Thousands of pounds,” said Garry Boyd, manager of Barfly Ventures, which also owns Stella’s and The Viceroy. “But it still has nutrients.” Some of the spent grain goes to Nantucket to make a hearty “brewer’s bread,” which in turn is

“August is the season for the freshest farm produce, fruits and meats raised and grown locally.” — Doug Small

sold back to HopCat for sandwiches. “And they’re thinking about making a sourdough beer, so we’re giving the chefs some of our sourdough starter.” HopCat also gives spent grain to Grassfields Farm to feed pigs, goats and cattle. “We get cheese and milk from them and we’re working on a partnership to get meat as well,” Boyd said. Nantucket also partners with several area restaurants, working with chefs to come up with unique breads, rolls and more. “If I think of a bread that suits their menu, I call ’em up and drop off a sample,” he said. Like roasted garlic and peppercorn brioche for the Winchester. Or a wild mushroom and chorizo sourdough bread for Grove. Lussier and staff also do some research. “We were eating hamburgers at O’Tooles every other week to see what we could make that would make them even better,” he said. A native of New Hampshire, Lussier said he’s impressed by the collaboration in Grand Rapids. “It’s nice to see everyone doing things for each other.”

lamb and watches it grow,” Sharon said. She and Pierre have learned to talk to the chefs about what cuts work best for plating, and they encourage them to try different parts of the animal. “We give them samples and let them experiment,” she said. Chef Jenna Arcidiacono at Amore Trattoria has a standing order for lamb and rabbit. She relies on websites of her favorite suppliers to see what’s available. “Last year I wanted to find zucchini blossoms,” she said. “I was making a traditional Italian recipe in which you stuff the blossoms with cheese, then batter and fry them.” Earthkeeper Farm in Kent City offered to pick the flowers and deliver them to Amore. “So Wednesday night is zucchini blossom night,” she said. Jason Spaulding at Brewery Vivant said his goal is to make sure at least half of the food he uses in his East Hills restaurant comes from within a 250-mile radius. Every Tuesday and Friday, his kitchen staff shops at Fulton Street Farmers Market to pick out ingredients for a three-course “market” special. “We serve French and Belgian style food but with our American

82 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG76.83.indd 82

7/6/12 5:05 PM


spin,” he said. “It’s peasant food — no fancy sauces, so we rely on highquality ingredients.” At HopCat, Stella’s and The Viceroy, the emphasis is also on relationships with local food producers, said Garry Boyd. “We use thousands of pounds of grain to make beer, and when we’re done, it still has nutrients in it. We give the spent grain to Grassfield Farm because it’s the perfect feed for cows, pigs and goats. In return, we get cheese, milk and meat. Our grain is going full circle.” HopCat also partners with Nantucket Bakery, where chief baker Brian Lussier said he met the HopCat brewers at a local dinner. “I told them I wanted to make bread with spent grain, so they gave me a five-gallon bucket,” he said. “It’s waste for them, but it makes a really robust, earthy bread. In return, we sell the bread to them for sandwiches.” And the stories continue. San Chez originally sourced chorizo from Spain, Schneider said. “Then we started conversations with local meat farmers.” The chefs took their Spanish chorizo to Sobie Meats and asked if they could make it the same way — or better. “They worked on it, and Tim Sobie hit it head on. Now 80 percent of the meat we use is locally raised,” she said. “Sobie went from a tiny store to purchasing a grocery store. They do all our meat balls, ribeye steaks and tenderloins.” The best part, she said: “It’s about building relationships. That’s GR great for everybody.”

Restaurant Week GR 2012 The battle cry is “Calling all foodies!” as more than 60 restaurants take part in this year’s event Aug. 15-25. The farm-to-fork theme means fresh local products will be used to create three-course menus priced at $25 per person, or two people for $25 at some eateries. Peruse menus, restaurants and a map at restaurantweekgr.com. Our dining list, which begins on page 86, highlights participating restaurants.

Jason Spaulding, co-owner of Brewery Vivant, and Chef Drew Turnipseed visit the Fulton Street Farmers Market. Every Tuesday and Friday the East Hills restaurant specializing in French and Belgian style food prepares a three-course “market” special.

AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 83

GRM_08.12_PG76.83.indd 83

7/6/12 5:05 PM


The offerings at Grove change with the seasons, so what you see at local farmers markets is likely what you’ll see on the menu — only it will be prepared in ways you never imagined.

Lamb T-Bones from S&S Lamb

Even before the doors opened a year ago, Grove had a loyal following. Fans of Patrick Wise, the executive chef who made his mark at Bistro Bella Vita and The Green Well, couldn’t wait to see what he’d be dishing up at the third eatery in the Essence Restaurant Group. He didn’t disappoint. The offerings at Grove change with the seasons, so what you see at local farmers markets is likely what you’ll see on the menu — only it will be prepared in ways you never imagined. There’s a lot to love at Grove, home of “creative conscientious cuisine” and winner of Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2011 Best New Restaurant award. The attractive dining room seats about 65 people in a cozy-yet-urban space with contemporary accents and tall, upholstered dining booths. There’s also seating in the separated bar area, and glass doors open to the street-side patio. Grove is always packed (reservations are recommended), yet service and attention to detail is spot on — even on nights when there’s a lag between courses. Servers offer a personal touch, from making sure that wine you ordered goes well with the lamb (“let me know if it doesn’t work, and we’ll try something else”) to suggesting substitutions if there’s hesitation about ingredients in a dish. While studying the sophisticated-yet-

approachable menu of creatively composed first courses and entrees, the server brings an amuse bouche, a complementary bite-size hors d’oeuvre. One night, the treat was a cornbread square topped with sweet potato adobo sauce and a scallion. Each dish at Grove is unique (don’t expect to find spinach artichoke dip on the menu). Among first courses is the Barbecued Otto’s Chicken Confit, a crispy, tender chicken thigh on top of Ham Farm’s Napa cabbage slaw, sprinkled with lightly infused bleu cheese vinaigrette. The accompanying squares of cinnamon-topped cornbread added textural and sweet-flavored contrast to the savory dish, which was painted with romesco sauce and dollops of a tasty aioli. Entrée options range from an all-natural, spice-rubbed New York Strip steak to Vegetables a la Plancha, a vegetarian’s delight that includes a wild mushroomcarrot farrotto (a risotto-like dish made with farro, a nutritional whole grain similar to barley), as well as beets, fennel and some braised Swiss chard and soubise, a creamy onion sauce — all locally sourced, of course. Wise and crew offer a variety of cuts of meat in an effort to work through as much of the whole animal as possible. “That makes every day a challenge,” he said. Slow Cooked Creswick Pork Shoul-

der was fall-apart tender and attractively spread out along a rectangular white plate and served atop flavorful levels of braised pepitas, Visser Farm’s radish and poblano chimichurri, with roasted fingerling sweet potatoes tucked amongst the vegetables, all sprinkled with a bit of queso fresco and topped with a crisp slice of fried green tomato. Grove offers a respectable wine list — many available by the glass — with something for most tastes and aimed to be compatible with the dining choices. A whole page of interesting handcrafted cocktails, micro-brewed beers and top-shelf smallbatch spirits also grace the menu. Dessert lovers will delight at the choices. While most menu items change, the Salted Dark Chocolate Fudge is so popular, it’s become a staple. New York Magazine’s Grub Street food and restaurant blog named Grove’s Jennings Brothers Red Cornmeal Financier cake among the top 101 desserts — Ira Craaven in the nation.

Photography by Michael Buck

Groovin’ at Grove

84 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 84

7/6/12 5:07 PM


dining review Grove Address: 919 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 454-1000 Website: groverestaurant. com dining ratings: Category: New American Food: **** Service: **** Beverages: **** Atmosphere: **** Price: $-$$ > Must try: Get a taste of Grove on Sundays when the kitchen offers a threecourse menu for $29 from 5-9 p.m. Add an additional $13 for beverage pairings. It’s a great way to sample some new things. And be sure to make reservations during GR’s Restaurant Week.

> not so much: Grove doesn’t have a designated parking lot so be prepared for a hike on busy nights (pretty much every night).

guide to ratings:

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

***** Perfect, needs no improvement **** Exceptional *** Above Average ** Satisfactory * Poor $$$$ $$$ $$ $

Over $50 $26-$50 Under $25 Under $15

Chef Patrick Wise

August 2012 / grMag.coM 85

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 85

7/6/12 5:07 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

dining listings

A guide to restaurants in Grand Rapids and beyond

The recommendations and reviews in the listings are the opinions of the editors.

We have created symbols to area restaurant amenities, which are defined in a legend at the end of this listing. Red highlights denote participation in 2012 Restaurant Week.

New American Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys. 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. L, D $-$$ OBistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. L, D $ ➧Bistro Chloe Élan — Opening Aug 4, the restaurant will feature American cuisine with French, Asian and southwestern influences, as well as burgers and sandwiches. Open daily, Sat dinner only; Sunday brunch and dinner. 445 Ada Dr, Ada, 432-3345. Face$-$$ book. L, D Blue 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, full-service bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 3635900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. php. L, D $-$$ Brewery Vivant — House-made beer and food in the style of traditional French and Belgian country dishes. The East Hills pub/ brewery is housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors. Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. L, D $-$$ _ Citysen Lounge — Limited but tantalizing sel­ection of soup, salads, sandwiches and sharable small-plate creations. Happy Hour daily 4-7 pm. CityFlats Hotel, 83 Monroe Center, (866) 609-CITY. cityflatshotel.com. L, D ¢-$

Cobblestone Bistro — Eclectic, globally inspired menu executed with pizzazz in attractive surroundings, complete with fireplace, waterfalls and koi pond. 9818 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 588-3223. mycobble stone.com. B (weekends), L, D $ Crooked Goose — Full-service, seasonal menu sourcing Michigan-made ingredients and brews with casual pub-style dining. Part of the Meritage Hospitality Group. Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 791-2362. crookedgoose.com. L, D $ Cygnus 27 — Stylized décor reflects a celestial theme that matches the views from the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Seasonally driven menu encourages sharing. Open Tue-Sat eves; Sun brunch Labor Day to Mother’s Day. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand.com. D $$

3300. grilloneeleven.com. B (Sun), L, D $-$$ -FGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course meals with a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Open 5-9 pm Tue-Sat. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. grove restaurant.com. D $$ The Heritage — GRCC culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine available with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234$-$$ 3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D Marco New American Bistro — Frenchcountry-casual offers creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, $-$$ 942-9100. marcobistro.com. L, D Olives — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. ¢-$ eatatolives.com. L, D

Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations in urban setting. Unique Sunday brunch. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$

One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music. Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. one trick.biz. L, D ¢-$

Gilly’s At The BOB — Innovative takes on seafood on the 1st floor of The BOB, complete with raw bar. Seasonal menu offers cuttingedge fare. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. L (Sat), D $-$$

Reserve — Wine bar with extensive by-theglass selections and culinary options to match. Opens at 4, closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. D $-$$

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. L, D $

Rockwell Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from sushi to creative comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465 or 551-3563. republicgrandrapids.com. L, D $-$$

Green Well Gastro Pub — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, $-$$ 808-3566. thegreenwell.com. L, D

Rose’s — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a varied menu and a three-season porch. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 458-4646. thegilmorecollection.com/roses. php. B (weekends), L, D $

Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, Rockford 863-

San Chez, A Tapas Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and

86 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 86

7/10/12 3:04 PM


S:7.125”

served

S:9.875”

all our steaks are

tender, juicy and

sizzling

.

Grand Rapids | 616.776.6426 | Inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | ruthschris.com

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 87

7/6/12 5:07 PM


food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchez bistro.com. L, D $-$$ Schnitz Ada Grill — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. 97 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. L, D ¢-$$ ✦Six.One.Six — Contemporary American fare. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethejw.com. B, L, D $-$$ SpeakEZ Lounge — Continental “peasant” fare, with starters like garlic and fig brie. French onion soup, creative sandwiches, salads, and entrees such as saffron asparagus risotto and diver scallops with squid ink linguini. Sun brunch followed by live cabaret. Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakEZlounge.com. L, D $ Tavern On The Square — Tapas-style fare plus house specialties. Patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavernonthesq.com. L, D ¢-$ Trillium Haven — Owned by Jenison farmers Anja Mast and Michael Vanderbrug, this Eastown eatery features fresh from the farm fare, including organic veggies and humanely raised meats. Beer and wine. Closed Monday. Sunday brunch. 1429 Lake Dr SE, Facebook. L.D $-$$ Winchester — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food in reclaimed centuryold space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. L, D ¢-$

CLASSIC AMERICAN Restaurants and diners serving traditional dishes popular across the country. Acorn Grille At Thousand Oaks — Blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, artfully presented in handsome dining room with golf course views. Open daily in season. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, 447-7750. thousandoaks golf.com. L, D $$ Aryana Restaurant & Bar — Comfortable dining room in the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and fine dining selections from an extensive seasonal menu. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 957-1770. main streetmediagroup.com. L, D $-$$ Bentham’s Riverfront Restaurant — Upscale selections served in casually elegant surroundings. Open daily in the Amway Grand Plaza, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com/benth ams.html. B, L, D $ Bonefish Grill — Casual, white-linen dining. Seafood selections augmented by innovative sauces and toppings; also chicken, beef and pasta dishes. 1100 East Paris Ave SE, 949-

7861. bonefishgrill.com. D

$-$$

Boulder Creek Restaurant — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves a varied menu with golf-course views from inside or on the deck. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. L, D ¢-$ Brann’s Sizzling Steaks And Sports Grille — (Restaurant Week at Leonard St location only. ) Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets, Mexican entrées and bar munchies. Eight locations in Greater Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Portage and Caledonia. branns.com. L, D $ Bull’s Head Tavern — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullshead tavern.com. L, D $ Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. L, D $-$$ Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood from a menu that changes nightly. Located on the Grand River. Early menu (4:30-6 pm daily), Sun brunch. GR Steamer Bar has its own menu. 63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com. L, D, C $-$$ The Chop House — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6184. thechophouserestau rant.com. D $$ Dugan’s Pub & Grille — Casual dining with steaks, seafood, pasta and more at The Elks at the Highlands Golf Club. Adjacent Glendevon offers banquet facilities. 2715 Leonard St NW, 453-2451. grandrapidselks. org. L, D $-$$ Fall Creek — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. L, D ¢-$ FireRock Grille — Country club dining plus option to cook your own filet, shrimp or ahi tuna on a 500-degree stone. Open daily. Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. stonewatercc.com. L, D $ Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building on the river. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmorecollec

tion.com/flatriver.php. L, D

$-$$

Grand Villa — Longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. L, D $ Great Lakes Shipping Co. — Everything from beef, seafood and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. Patio open in summer. No lunch, but open Sun afternoons. 2455 Burton St SE, 949-9440. greatlakesshippingcompa ny.com. D $-$$ Grille 29 — Menu includes specialty panini and a variety of entrées. Full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Holiday Inn Select, 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 2857600. holidayinn.com. B, D $ Grille At Watermark — Innovative menu in relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course. Mon-Sat; Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. watermarkcc. com. L, D $-$$ Grill House & Rock Bottom Bar — Grill-yourown steakhouse with grillmasters on call. Bottomless salad bowl and potato bar. 1071 32nd St (M-40), Allegan, (269) 686-9192. grillhouse.net. L (downstairs), D $-$$ Honey Creek Inn — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honeycreekinn.com. L, D ¢-$ Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Suite F, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Judson’s Steakhouse — The BOB’s steakhouse restaurant. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. D $$ 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. B, L, D $ ✦Leo’s — Combines fine dining (fresh seafood is the specialty) and casual comfort. Street level in parking ramp at Ottawa and Louis. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Louis Benton Steakhouse — Premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks and more. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, 454-7455. louisbenton.com. L, D $-$$ Marn E. Walkers — Everything from nachos

88 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 88

7/10/12 3:23 PM


2 3 5 Lo u i s s t r e e t N W g r a N d r a p i d s m i c h i g a N i Lov e 6 1 6 . c o m 6 1 6 . 24 2 . 1 4 4 8

20% oFF

Bring this coupon in to receive 20% off of your next bill at The Bistro.

EAT. DRINK. CONNECT. Serving American food, bistro-style. LocAted inSide the downtown courtyArd by mArriott

616.776.3400

ourcourtyArdgr.com

Valid August 1–31, 2012. Not valid with any other discounts. An 18% gratuity is added prior to discount. Located in the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott.

valid for lunch or dinner only

 GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 89

7/6/12 5:08 PM


food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

to chicken Marsala — pizzas, burgers, steaks, you name it. Weekend breakfast buffet, pizza and pasta lunch buffet Mon-Fri. Open daily; Sun for breakfast only. 4322 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 453-3740. marnewalkers.com. B (Sat, Sun), L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D $$ Meadows Restaurant — GVSU’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio and dining room overlook golf course. Full menu offers everything from burgers to NY strip steak. Seasonal hours; closed Sun. 1 W Campus Dr, Allendale, 895-1000. gvsu.edu/ meadows/. L, D $-$$ Middle Villa Inn — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands. Banquet rooms available. Closed Mon and Wed. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villainn.com. L, D $ Pearl Street Grill — Bright, airy restaurant in the downtown Holiday Inn. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-7611. guestservice@ higrdt.com. B, L, D $

Mike and Diane Moss make a perfect team. The husband-and-wife owners of Alley Cat Deli, 5355 Northland Drive NE, combine their culinary skills to make

handcrafted sandwiches, soups, salads, breads and desserts, all prepared in-house. Diane bakes the artisan breads for sandwiches, as well as a wide variety of desserts: Moon Pies, Mocha Cookies, seasonal cheesecakes and more. But the real star of the deli is the smoker, and Mike takes charge to prepare lots of meats, including beef brisket, pastrami, turkey, pork and more. Daily specials are posted on Alley Cat’s Facebook page — along with reminders of upcoming meat events — and customers can call ahead to reserve servings. “I’ll prepare it if they want and have it ready to go,” he said, “or they can have it fixed the way they want when they get here.” Especially popular are “pastrami days,” he said.

Radix Tavern — Southern-style fusion food featuring local, seasonal and sustainable products. Slow-cooked barbecue, pulled pork, cornbread, stews, hearty vegetarian options. 1420 Lake Dr SE (Eastown), 458-5583. radixtavern.com. D ¢-$ Red Jet Café — Gilmore Collection restaurant in the former Creston Heights library. Coffee bar and menu ranging from omelets to specialty pizzas. Full bar; opens 7 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollec tion.com/redjet.php. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢-$ Reds On The River — Located on the Rogue River, Reds combines casual sophistication with Tuscan sensibilities. Closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com. L, D $-$$ Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. michiganmenu.com. L, D $-$$ Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. sunnybrookcc.com. L, D $ Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — The classic American steakhouse now in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s fully renovated former

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Division of labor

90 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 90

7/10/12 3:07 PM


1913 Room. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com. L, D $$ Sam’s Joint — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia. Extensive menu includes Mexican selections; full bar. Half a dozen locations, plus a couple of banquet facilities. sams-joint.com. $ L, D Spinnaker — Menu features seafood and landlubber entrees. Sunday brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. B, L, D $-$$ Sundance Grill — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers a dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition with a margarita bar. 5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 9565644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food. com. B, L, D $ Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf. Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles, dinner menu. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninn motel.com. B, L, D ¢-$

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Terrace Grille At Bay Pointe Inn — Casual gourmet dining, martini bar and lakeside terrace. Seasonally changing menu emphasizes regional fare. Sunday brunch. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville (off US 131), (269) 672-5202 or (888) GUN-LAKE. baypointe inn.com. L, D $-$$

along with seafood specialties in historic inn setting. Banquet facilities. 100 N Lafayette St, Greenville, (616) 754-7108. thewinterinn. com. L, D $

Daytime casual Eateries that specialize in breakfast and lunch. Anna’s House — Family dining with breakfast and lunch until 2 pm. 3874 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8500. Facebook. B, L ¢ Cherie Inn — Relaxed setting for upscale breakfasts and innovative specials, served until 3 pm. Closed Mon. 969 Cherry St SE, 458-0588. Facebook. B, L ¢ Cheshire Grill — Everything made fresh: comfort food, breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and more. Open 7 am-4 pm daily. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 635-2713. Facebook. B, L ¢ Fat Boy Burgers — Legendary burger joint in the Cheshire neighborhood offers breakfast 6-11 am weekdays (7 am Sat) and lunch until 3 pm. Open daily. 2450 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-7075. B, L ¢ The Gathering Place — Cozy setting and imag­i­native menu, including homemade soups and dessert selections. Open daily until 2 pm. 6886 Cascade Rd SE, 949-3188. B, L $ Omelette Shoppe & Bakery — A plethora of omelets, along with pecan rolls, pastries and more. Open daily til 3 pm. 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 726-7300. omletteshoppe.com. B, L ¢-$

Tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. tillmansrestaur ant.com. L, D $-$$

Real Food Café — Open early for breakfast and lunch. Open until 2 pm; closed Mon. 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 5430 Northland Dr NE, 361-1808. Facebook. B, L ¢

Timbers Inn — Menu ranges from appetizers to wild game offerings and meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Sunday omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 8745553. timbersinn.net. L, D ¢-$

Red Geranium Café — Popular spot for specialty omelets, homemade soups, breads and desserts. 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6569800; 5751 Byron Center Ave. 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. B, L ¢

Tullymore — Restaurant at Tullymore Golf Club offers seasonal menu in beautiful surroundings. Large patio for outdoor dining. 11969 Tullymore, Stanwood, (800) 9724837. tullymoregolf.com. L, D $-$$

Wolfgang’s — Popular Eastown spot renowned for breakfasts. Lunch includes salads, sandwiches. Open 6:30 am-2:30 pm daily. 1530 Wealthy St SE, 454-5776. matt wolfgang.com. B, L ¢

Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twistedrooster.com. L, D ¢-$$

Vegetarian

Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro — Micro-brewery with varied menu. 105 E State St, Hastings, (269) 945-4400. walldorffbrewpub. com. L, D ¢-$

Bartertown Diner — Vegetarian/vegan/raw offerings in worker-owned and -operated diner. Promotes use of fresh, local ingredients. Sandwiches, tacos, pizzas, entrees. Open daily (hours change seasonally, check website). 6 Jefferson Ave SE, 233-3219. barter towngr.com. L, D $

Winter Inn — Seafood, steaks and prime rib

Gaia Café — Totally vegetarian fare served in

a cozy atmosphere. Closed Mon. No alcohol. 209 Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. Facebook. B, L ¢

Pubs & Taverns 84th Street Pub and Grille — Menu offers Am­­ eri­can fare from pizzas to steaks in laidback surroundings with flat-screen TVs and fullservice bar. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr, Byron Center, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. L, D ¢-$ The Back Forty — A kicked- back country feel featuring food, country bands and DJ, and dance floor. Open 5 pm-2am Wed-Sat. 48 W Fulton St, 742-4040. thebackforty.com. D $ Bar Louie — Urban décor at Woodland Mall, with sandwiches, appetizers, burgers and hearty entrées. More than 20 beers, along with a nice wine selection and specialty cocktails. Outdoor seating. 3191 28th St SE, 885-9050. barlouieamerica.com. L, D $-$$ Bobarino’s At The BOB — Grill on 2nd floor of The BOB offers everything from woodfired pizza to upscale entrées. Full-service bar with The BOB’s microbrews on tap. Live entertainment in Cisco’s Island Lounge. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thegilmore $ collection.com/bobarinos.php. L, D Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. TVs galore and takeout available. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. L, D ¢-$ Cascade Sports Grill — Varied menu and sizable bar with 10 brew taps and extensive martini menu. Games, TVs and live DJ Sat night. Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St SE, 9743338. Facebook. L, D $ Charlie’s Bar & Grill — Well-rounded menu features dinners ranging from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also Mexican fare, sandwiches and more. Fullservice bar. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364¢-$ 0567. L, D Cheero’s Sports & Sushi Grill — Japanese fare along with pizza, burger and microbrew. Several TVs and outdoor patio next to Michigan Athletic Club. Open daily. 2510 Burton St SE, 608-3062. cheerosgrill.com. L, D ¢-$ Cheers — Popular neighborhood spot with something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. B, L, D ¢ Corner Bar — Rockford’s spot for a brew and a chili dog. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 866-9866. rockfordcornerbar.com. L, D ¢ Cottage Bar — Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature August 2012 / Grmag.com 91

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 91

7/10/12 3:05 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

chili and more. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D ¢

Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. $ B, L, D

Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derby station.com. L, D $

HopCat — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr. com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$

Eastown Sports Bar & Grill — Burgers and light fare. Open daily: Mon-Fri 5-11:45 pm, Sat 3 pm-2 am, Sun 9 am-11:45 pm. 1520 ¢ Wealthy St SE, 356-4950. Facebook. D

Hub’s Inn — Sandwiches, wet burritos and thin-crust pizza. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. hubsinn.com. L, D ¢

Elbow Room Bar & Grill — Cozy neighborhood watering hole serves burgers, nachos and more. Games and jukebox. 501 Fuller Ave NE, 454-6666. L, D ¢-$

Intersection Café — Roomy entertainment venue offers sandwich wraps, burgers, vegetarian options and more. 133 Grandville Ave SW, 459-0977. sectionlive.com. L, D ¢

Flanagan’s — Popular Irish pub. Imported beers, 20 on tap. Entrees with an Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢

JD Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. B, L, D $-$$

Founders Brewing Co. — Sip microbrew samples in the spacious taproom, serpentine bar and stage for live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Covered (heated) porch. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. L, D ¢

J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive bar is matched by gargantuan menu ranging from homemade chips to build-your-own burger. Three floors of seating. Open Sun for arena events. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellas tavern.com. L, D ¢

Frankie V’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar — Roomy space with pool tables, jukebox, 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. L, D ¢-$

Logan’s Alley — Free popcorn complements a premium-libation special. Sandwich-andappetizer menu. Seasonal deck seating. 916 Michigan St NE, 458-1612. logansalley.com. L, D ¢-$

GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant with three big screens and 40 flat-screen TVs. Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, along with salads and sandwiches. Closed Sun. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 7766495. amwaygrand.com. L, D $ Grand Woods Lounge — Year-round alfresco dining complete with fireplace. Eclectic menu selections mix with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious bar. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com. L, D $-$$ Harmony Brewing Co. — Eastown’s latest addition to the craft-brewing scene offers custom brews with a full bar, wine selections and menu of wood-fired pizzas in cool, eclectic surroundings. 1551 Lake Drive SE. Facebook. L, D $ Holiday Bar — Classic horseshoe bar with 12 beers on tap, bar food, pool tables, darts and more. 801 5th St NW (at Alpine Ave), 4569058. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Holly’s Back Door Bar & Grill — Full menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Closed Sun &

Main Street Pub — Large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Open 11 am daily; breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com. B (Sun), L, D ¢-$ McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon — New York-style Irish has a menu that includes “recreated” pub fare, contemporary American choices and regionally inspired dishes. Transforms into a lively nightclub late at night. Open daily. 58 Ionia Ave SW, 454$ 9105. mcfaddensgrandrapids.com. L, D Mill Creek Tavern — Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, from-scratch daily soups, sandwiches as well as full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 784-3806. L, D ¢-$ Mojo’s — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, 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. D (Wed-Sat) Nick Finks — Mexican fare and drinks in his-

toric tavern, part of The Gilmore Collection. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Occasional live music, open mic nights. Daily happy hour 3-6 pm. 3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-9886. thegilmorecollec $ tion.com. L, D Nite Cap Bar & Grill — Roomy with outdoor patio, pool tables, video games, big-screen TVs, Keno and karaoke Thu-Sat evenings. Soups, salads, sandwiches, flame-broiled burgers, Mexican selections and dinners. 801 W Fulton St, 451-4243. nitecapbar.com. L, D ¢ 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. ¢-$ L, D Peppino’s Ristorante Pizzeria And Sports Lounge — Italian specialties, Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. Separate sports bar. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444. peppinospizza.com. ¢-$$ L, D Pub 43 — Caters to all, but is especially popular with gay crowd. Board games, TVs, fully stocked bar. Menu ranges from burgers to upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division Ave, 458-2205. Facebook. D ¢-$ The Pubb — Sports bar serving sandwiches, burgers and munchies. Open daily 11 am-2 am, Happy Hour 11 am-7 pm. 1568 Broadway Ave NW, 608-7420. pubbbar.com. L, D ¢ Quinn & Tuite’s Irish Pub — Large selection of Irish whiskies and Guinness on tap. Typical bar fare. Irish music, live bands Sat. 1535 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-8380. quinnand tuites.com. L, D ¢-$ Rocky’s Bar & Grill — Burgers, appetizers and more. Art Deco bar, pool table. Kitchen open late; some evening entertainment. Open Sun at 5 pm with $1 beer specials. 633 Ottawa Ave NW, 356-2346. myspace.com/rockysgr. L, ¢-$ D Sazerac Lounge — New Orleans-style lounge featuring bar food with a Cajun bent. Live entertainment Sat nights. Open for lunch TueSat, Mon at 4 pm. 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. myspace.com/sazeraclounge. L, D $ The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with varied menu. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301¢-$ 0600. thescore-restaurant.com. L, D Shamrock Bar & Grill — Diverse menu includes special burgers and a wide range of

92 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 92

7/10/12 3:11 PM


entrees. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ shepards grill & tavern — Bar food with flare, from appetizers to Kobe top sirloin. Open daily. Weekday happy hour specials 3-6:30 p.m. Cascade Center, 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

big Apple bagels — Fresh bagels and 15 cream cheese mixtures. 3915 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-1919; 2058 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-2390; 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 5547915. babcorp.com. B, L, D ¢ biggby Coffee — East Lansing-based chain

offers specialty coffee and non-coffee drinks, baked goods, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, bagel sandwiches. Wi-Fi. For locations, see biggby. com. ¢ bitter End —Specialty coffee drinks, bagels, muffins, pastries and deli sandwiches in at-

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. L, D ¢-$ teazers bar & grill — Burgers and pastas, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites. Kids menu. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teazersbar.com. L, D ¢-$ village inn pizza parlor — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican and more. Karaoke nights Thu-Sat. Open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th St SE, Kentwood, 281-1444; 934 Washington St, Holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$ vitale’s sports Lounge & pizzeria — Pizza and pasta plus panini sandwiches and wraps in sports-centric surroundings. Outside deck, live entertainment. Open daily. 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7842526, takeout 784-5011. vitalessportsbar. com. L, D ¢-$ West side bar — No-frills neighborhood tavern with bar-food menu. Live entertainment weekends. 1568 Broadway NW, 459-1240. L, D ¢ Woody’s press box — Complex includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sandwiches and shrimp, barbecue fare. Breakfast and lunch only Sun. 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. B, L, D $ Z’s — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs. Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. Carryout available. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

Delis, Dogs & bAgels Places that serve sandwiches, bagels and/or hot dogs. ➧Alley Cat deli — Sandwiches, soups and salads. Smoked meat is a specialty and all breads and desserts are made in-house. Closed Sun. 5355 Northland Dr NE, 4478844. Facebook. L, D ¢ bagel beanery — All locations serve breakfast and deli sandwiches plus specialty coffees. Vegetarian options. Catering, kids meals, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating. 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, 2499500. bagelbeanery.com. B, L, D ¢-$ August 2012 / grMag.coM 93

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 93

7/6/12 5:08 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

He fed: “Although the Winchester garden has been depleted lately, there’s still plenty of representative dishes on the menu. We share the beet plate, with sweet, roasted golden beets, pickled candied striped beets, crunchy raw white beets, and red beet honey puree, all sprinkled with peppery micro arugula, Spanish olive oil and a house-made ricotta cheese.

“As the growing season changes, our menu has to reflect the seasonality of what the garden’s giving us.” — Chef Nick Natale

It’s a freshly harvested summertime refreshment. Likewise, the sweet-and-puckery

hefedshefed.com

pad Thai contains just-picked

igan farm egg, bean sprouts,

Why did the chef cross the road?

crushed peanuts and Thai rice

To harvest the heirloom radishes, carrots and kohlrabi.

from the Winchester garden,

The distance from farm to fork is decreasing as more Grand Rapids restaurants grow their own produce: JW Marriott boasts a patio garden. The front entrance to Graydon’s Crossing is burgeoning with potted tomato plants. And The Winchester maintains a raised-bed garden across the street. We asked Executive Chef Nick Natale if there aren’t less time consuming, more economical alternatives to managing a garden. “At one point, we were looking at hiring a service to water the garden. Our staff stepped up. They care — we all care. The dishwashers, the servers, everyone takes turns watering and weeding. It‘s the right thing to do.” During the inaugural season, Natale said he grew too many varieties of too many things. “Having four varieties of beets, four carrots, three radishes and three kohlrabi isn’t sustainable. We’ve scaled back and grown bigger quantities of fewer varieties.” The Winchester’s summer menu debuts this month. “As the growing season changes, our menu has to reflect the seasonality of what the garden’s giving us.” But will regulars be disappointed when a favorite menu item is removed to make way for a new harvest? “I think they get it. It was after 10 o’clock one night and I came in with a bunch of radishes from across the street. You could see the excitement on the customers’ faces.”

de gallo and nubs of queso

cilantro with authentic pad Thai sauce, a scrambled Mich-

noodles. I always select the stir-fried chicken add-on. It is the best pad Thai in town!” — Jeremy Johnson

Read more at HeFedSheFed.com

She fed: “The fish tacos feature grilled wahoo, pickled radishes chunky guacamole, pico fresco. Lightly grilled, locally made El Milagro corn tortillas cradle the contents handily, double wrapped — just how taco trucks serve ’em. Sides include a charred jalapeno, grilled green onion and an inky dollop of mashed black beans. The firm, meaty white fish, ordinarily very mild, has been lightly spiced with Old Bay and citrus. The onion in the pico packs a nice kick, but the pickled radishes are the true revelation. Tangy and tart, they give the tacos a delightful peppery crunch, not to mention an eye-popping pinkish hue.” — Juliet Johnson

Photography by Johnny Quirin

heirloom carrots and micro-

94 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 94

7/6/12 5:08 PM


Silhouette® Window Shadings

mosphere of a 1930s French café. Free Wi-Fi. Open 24/7. 752 W Fulton St, 451-6061. B, L, D ¢ Boardwalk Subs — 20 huge Jersey-style subs in addition to familiar choices. Catering and delivery. Open daily. 5422 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 724-2492. L, D ¢

Make a powerful fashion statement and save, June 30 – September 4, 2012. Hunter Douglas motorized window fashions offer convenient remote-control operation and a clean look without lifting cords for enhanced child safety. Ask for details today.

Café Aromas — Sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups plus a variety of coffee drinks. Open 6:30 am-5:30 pm Mon-Fri. 880 Grandville Ave SW, 245-7379. tastycafearomas. com. B, L ¢ 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. cherrydeli.com. L, D Chicago Style Gyro — Gyros, salads, sandwiches, shish kebab and more, plus Kurdish tea made from a secret family recipe. Open 11 am-7 pm Mon-Sat. Delivery available. 539 Leonard St NW, 451-0021. chicagostylegyro. us. L, D ¢

SAVE $100

PER UNIT*

on select motorized window fashions o from Hunter Douglas.

The Shade Shop

422 Leonard St NW Grand Rapids, MI M-F: 10 to 5:30 Sat: 10 to 2:00 616-459-4693 theshadeshop.hdwfg.com

The Art of Window DressingTM ideas book.

with this ad

Follow Us At Facebook or Twitter *Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases of select Hunter Douglas window fashions with PowerRise® or PowerGlide® motorized systems made 6/30/12 – 9/4/12. All rebates will be issued in U.S. dollars, in the form of an American Express® Prepaid Reward Card. This rebate offer may not be combined with any other Hunter Douglas offer or promotion. © 2012 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

29532

Cornucopia — Bakery, sandwiches, pizza, take-home specialties, coffees, one-of-akind wine selection. Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6428. amwaygrand. com. B, L, D ¢-$ Crazy Charlie’s — Coney Island-style dogs and more. 2184 Wealthy St SE, 451-6720. L, D ¢ Dam Dogs — On the dam in downtown Rockford serving several hot dogs plus ice cream. 25 Squires St, Rockford, 863-9565. L, D ¢ The Dog Pit — Several hot dog variations with house-made chili topping and variety of condiments. Also daily soups. Closed Sun. 132 Monroe Center NW, 988-1508. Facebook. L, D ¢ The Grand Coney — Home-style dinners, Mexican fare and all-day breakfast in addition to Coney Island dogs. Open 24/7. 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580. Facebook. B, L, D ¢

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Jonny B’z Dogs And More —All-meat dogs, burgers and sandwiches, plus vegan options. Closed Sun, open until 2 am Thu-Sat. 638 Wealthy St SE. Facebook. L, D ¢ JW’s — Art gallery meets coffeehouse with rotation of local art. Light fare plus coffee drinks. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 285-1695. Facebook. B, L ¢ Kava House — Popular Eastown spot with bakery items (from scones to spinach pies) and java served in bowl-sized cups. 1445 Lake Dr SE, 451-8600. On Facebook. B, L, D ¢

A Clothing Boutique for Men & Women 963 Cherry • Grand Rapids 616-451-0800 www.swirlsboutique.com

Local Mocha — Downtown location offers August 2012 / Grmag.com 95

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 95

7/6/12 5:08 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

coffee specialties and smoothies as well as grilled breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 96 Monroe Center NW, 459-0082. localmochagr.com. B, L ¢ Newk’s Express Café — Modern space with counter-order/table-delivery service and well-stocked condiment and beverage site. Superbly composed sandwiches, salads, soups and chili, 10-inch pizzas and “homemade” desserts. Open daily. 2650 East Beltline Ave SE, 956-5980. newkscafe.com. L, ¢-$ D Nunzia’s Café — Combo specials plus Italian dishes. Open 8:30 am-2 pm weekdays. In Merrill Lynch building, 250 Monroe Ave NW, No. 140, 458-1533. B, L ¢

Rico’s Deli — Relocated to the Boardwalk building, offers deli sandwiches, subs, wraps, paninis, soups, breakfast selections and daily specials at modest prices. Also houses Liquid Cargo coffee shop. Open daily. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 451-0225; ricosdeli. com. B, L, D (weekdays) ¢ Ritz Koney Bar & Grille — Hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches and more. Full bar with limited wine list. Closed Sun. 64 Ionia Ave SW, 4513701. ritzkoneybarandgrille.com. L, D ¢-$ Schnitz Delicatessen — Deli with a German flair. Ada location has full bar. 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. L, D (Ada only) ¢-$ Skywalk Deli — NY-style deli on the 2nd floor of Comerica Building. Fresh roasted meats, house-made soups, salads and addictive desserts. Open 7 am-3 pm Mon-Fri. Full-service, full-meal catering, too. 99 Monroe Ave NW, 732-5388. skywalkdeli.com. B, L ¢ Twisted Vine — Downtown Rockford café features Boars Head meats and cheeses on Schnitz Bakery breads, house-made soups, hearty salads and delightful desserts. fullscale catering with expanded entrees. 51 Bridge St, 866-2828. twistedvinedeli.com. L, D ¢ Urban Mill Café — Deli-style specialty sandwiches, soups and salads plus baked goods. 629 Michigan St NE, 855-1526. urbanmill. ¢-$ com. B, L, D Vanillas Coffee Tea Café — Gourmet coffees, teas plus special-order bakery for cakes,

A course in fine dining Courses is an appropriate name for the lakeshore eatery that’s one part classroom and one part fine dining. The student-run public restaurant in Muskegon offers everything from duck fat fries to rack of lamb. Courses Restaurant, located at 336 W. Clay, is part of The Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College of Muskegon, where students get practical experience and the community gets freshly prepared foods. All herbs are grown at the college. Look for salads made with locally grown veggies and an eclectic mix of entrees, including steaks, seafood, pasta and more. The menu is revised every quarter and features weekly specials. There’s also a full bar that includes Michigan wines and microbrews. Prices are reasonable. Be sure to check dates and times (Courses will close at the end of August and reopen with the fall semester) at culinaryinstituteofmichigan.com or call (231) 777-6610.

cookies, cupcakes. Closed Sun. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE, Plainfield Plaza, 447-0080. vanil lascafe.com. B, L, D ¢ Wealthy Street Bakery — Fresh breads, pastries with sandwiches and daily soup specials. Vegetarian options. Free Wi-Fi. Closed Sun. 608 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthy streetbakery.com. B, L ¢ WG Grinders — Variety of grinders plus salads, soups and desserts. A few hot pasta selections. Catering, delivery and takeout. Closed Sun. Esplanade Center, 5769 28th St SE, 974-3354. wggrinders.com. L, D ¢-$ Windy City Grille — Chicago-style gyros, Italian beef, dogs and more. Closed Sun; will cater. 5751 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, 261-2489. Facebook. L, D ¢ Wired Espresso Bar — Coffee concoctions, baked goods, sandwiches and more in Creston Business District. Free Wi-Fi and occa-

sional weekend entertainment. 1503 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-5245. wiredgr.com. B, L, D ¢ Yesterdog — Hot dogs in a fun, nostalgic Eastown setting. Closed Sun. 1505 Wealthy ¢ St SE, 262-3090. yesterdog.com. L, D

Family Casual Arnie’s Bakery & Restaurant — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 4543098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants. com. B, L, D $ The Bistro — Urban décor with large-screen TVs, wraparound bar and barrista serving Starbucks. Casual menu covers all tastes. Open daily. Marriott Downtown Courtyard Hotel, 11 Monroe Ave NW, 242-6000, ext 6646. marriott.com. B, L, D $

Photography Courtesy Andréa Myers

One Stop Coney Shop — Hot dogs plus salads, sandwiches, fries and house-made condiments in downtown GR. Open 11 am7:30 pm Mon-Fri. 11 am-3 pm Sat. 154 E Fulton, 233-9700. onestopconeyshop.com. L, D (M-F) ¢

96 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 96

7/6/12 5:08 PM


Brandywine — Café atmosphere, with extensive breakfasts, innovative lunches with vegetarian choices, dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 East Beltline Ave NE, 3631723. B, L, D ¢-$ Cajun Cat — Cajun-influenced menu features seafood selections, gumbo, sandwiches. Take-out or small seating area. 3280 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 735-2416. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Cousin’s Tasty Chicken — Local alternative to the chains with tasty fried chicken and side dishes. Also seafood and other fried fare. Closed Sun. 1209 Leonard St NE, 456-5244. L, D ¢-$ Fleetwood Diner — Extensive diner-style menu with Greek influences. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving dinner until 8 pm Mon-Thu, 9 pm Fri-Sat. Outdoor patio. 2222 44th St SE, 281-2300. B, L, D ¢-$ Forest Hills Inn — A casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza. Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771. B, L, D $

FAMILY OWNED • CREATIVE IDEAS • EXPERTS ON HAND • BEST SELECTIONS • PLUSH CARPETS • PEACE OF MIND • CORK • CERAMIC • HARDWOOD • COUNTERTOPS • MARBLE • GRANITE • FAMILY OWNED • CREATIVE IDEAS • EXPERTS ON HAND • BEST SELECTIONS • PLUSH CARPETS • PEACE OF MIND • CORK • CERAMIC • HARDWOOD • COUNTERTOPS • MARBLE • GRANITE • FAMILY OWNED • CREATIVE IDEAS • EXPERTS ON HAND • BEST SELECTIONS • PLUSH CARPETS • PEACE OF MIND • CORK • CERAMIC • HARDWOOD • COUNTERTOPS • MARBLE • GRANITE • FAMILY OWNED • CREATIVE IDEAS • EXPERTS ON HAND • BEST SELECTIONS • PLUSH CARPETS • PEACE OF MIND • CORK • CERAMIC • HARDWOOD • COUNTERTOPS • MARBLE • GRANITE • FAMILY OWNED • CREATIVE IDEAS • EXPERTS ON HAND • BEST SELECTIONS • PLUSH CARPETS • PEACE OF MIND • CORK • CERAMIC • HARDWOOD • COUNTERTOPS • MARBLE • GRANITE • FAMILY OWNED • CREATIVE IDEAS • EXPERTS ON HAND • BEST SELECTIONS • PLUSH CARPETS • PEACE OF MIND • CORK • CERAMIC • HARDWOOD • COUNTERTOPS • MARBLE • GRANITE • FAMILY OWNED • CREATIVE IDEAS • EXPERTS ON HAND • GrandSELECTIONS Rapids | Hudsonville•| PLUSH Cascade • www.degraafinteriors.com 616.363.3513 BEST CARPETS • PEACE •OF MIND •

Fry Daddy’s Fresh Fish — Fried fish, wingdings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with fries. Also to go. Closed Mon. Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, Kentwood, 455-FISH. L, D ¢-$ Grand Traverse Pie Co. — Bakery and café offer extensive menu, with quiche, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries. Open daily. 3224 28th St SE, 977-7600. gtpie.com. B, L, D ¢-$

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ANDRÉA MYERS

Green Restaurant — Sandwiches, salads, burgers and seafood with an emphasis on farms with sustainable practices and humane treatment of animals. Menu includes ostrich and elk burgers. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-8294. L, D $ The Lyon Den — Bakery, deli and convenience store with breakfast burritos, baked goods, salads, sandwiches, hotdogs, pizza bar and cotton candy. Also gluten- and sugar-free selections. Open daily. 200 Ionia Ave NW, 805-5692. thelyon dengr.com. B, L, D ¢ Mama’s Pizza & Grinders — Thornhills Plaza eatery offers grinders, pizza, salads and pastas. 6504 28th St SE, 954-1964. mamaspizza andgrinders.com. L, D ¢ Mr. Burger — Longtime local favorite serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Six locations. mrburger.com. B, L, D ¢ Noel Restaurant — Christmas year-round in AUGUST 2012 / GRMAG.COM 97

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 97

7/10/12 1:33 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

this former church and parsonage. Familystyle dinners, lighter fare on lunch menu. Gift shop. Hours by reservation only; parties of 10 or more preferred. 2371 Riley St, Jamestown, 896-6427. noelrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$$ Olga’s Kitchen — Greek-style sandwiches, salads, desserts and smoothies. 2213 Wealthy St SE, 456-0600; 3195 28th St (Woodland Mall), 942-8020; 3700 Rivertown Parkway SW, Grandville, 531-6572. olgaskitchen.com. L, D ¢ Pal’s Diner — A real diner offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options all day. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner. com. B, L, D ¢ Pop’s Family Restaurant — Breakfast all day long, plus classic comfort food and Mexican specialties. 1339 Walker Village Dr NW, 4539339. B, L, D ¢-$ Rainbow Grill — Breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. B, L, D ¢-$ Ramona’s Table — EGR deli with madefrom-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals. Takeout and catering. Closed Sun. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 4598500. ramonastable.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Russ’ Restaurants — Fast service, inexpensive fare. Closed Sun. More than 10 locations in West Michigan. russrestaurants.com. B, L, D ¢ Sandi’s Family Restaurant — Home-cooked meals in casual surroundings. Daily specials; all-you-can-eat ocean perch Fri. Senior discount Mon-Tue. Closed Sun. 6597 S Division Ave, 281-3160. sandisfamilyrestaurant.com. B, L, D ¢-$ That Place On Plainfield — Classic American diner food along with some ethnic and vegetarian dishes. Closed Sun. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 365-6669. B, L, D ¢

Italian/ European Amore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using some local products as well as Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs a specialty. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amoretrattoria italiana.com. L (not Sat), D $ Angela’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Italian dinners, pizza, stromboli, subs and desserts. Lunch buffet, full-service bar. Delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 240 E Division, Sparta, (616) 887-1913. L, D ¢-$

Big Bob’s Pizza — A neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village with wine and beer on tap, available to go. 661 Croswell SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L, D $ Bella Mia Pizzeria & Italian Grill — Italian dishes and New York-style pizza. Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, ¢-$ 554-9930. L, D Brick Road Pizza — Specializing in gourmet, traditional and vegan pizzas. Gluten-free crusts available on request. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719¢-$ 2409. brickroadpizza.com. L, D Euro Bistro — European bistro fare plus wood-fired pizzas. 11 am-10 pm Mon-Fri. 4-10 pm Sat, closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 7192017. eurobistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Florentine Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices, thin-crust pizzas. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$

include Sfinciuni, thick-crust Sicilian pizza and Sciacciata, stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrees, calzones and desserts made from family recipes. Open daily. 2896 Knapp St NE in Celadon New Town. $ 608-6912. Facebook. L, D Mangiamo — Historic mansion houses family-friendly Italian eatery. Italian fare plus steaks and seafood. Extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 742-0600. thegilmorecollection.com/ mangiamo.php. D $-$$ Marinade’s Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Catering available. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300. marinades ¢ pizzabistro.com. L, D Monelli’s Italian Grill And Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. 5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 530-9700. ¢-$ monellis.com. L, D

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. florentineingrandville.com. L, D $

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant décor and extensive menu. Special wine cellar dinners in unique surroundings; lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. $-$$ D

Franco’s Pizzeria — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. L, D ¢-$

Pietro’s Italian Ristorante — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu, meeting room and takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. rcfc.com/pietros. L, D $

Fred’s Pizza And Italian Restaurant — Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361¢-$ 8994. fredspizza.com. L, D

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, 4544280. salvatoresgr.com. L, D ¢-$

Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Also, pasta dinners with a sauce that has made its way to the retail market. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. ¢-$ D GoodFellows Pizza — In Byron Center’s former Monelli’s Pizza location. Pizza, full Italian dinners and more. Dine-in, takeout or delivery. No alcohol. Open daily (Sun at 4 pm). 2185 84th St, 878-1100. goodfellowspizza.co. $ L, D G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. Delivery Thu-Sat until 2:30 a.m. No alcohol. Open daily, with a handful of tables for dining in. 340 State St, 742-4773. grandrapids ¢-$ pizza.net. H, L, D Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties

Seasonal Grille — Hastings’ Italian-themed eatery features fresh, locally sourced, creative fare in handsome surroundings. Full bar, craft cocktails, nice wine list. Open daily. 150 W State St, Hastings, (269) 948-9222. seasonalgrille.com. L, D $ FTre Cugini — Innovative Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties. Outdoor seating in mild weather. Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 235-9339. trecugini.com. L, D $-$$ Uccello’s Ristorante — Pizzeria, grill and sports lounge. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 9542002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor SE, 891-5958. uccellos. com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s — Serving traditional regional dishes

98 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 98

7/6/12 5:08 PM


Forecast? from family recipes since 1966. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door, 458-2090), takeout 458-3766. the originalvitales.com. L, D ¢-$

Rain and shine.

Vitale’s Of Ada — Multi-regional, upscale dishes made from scratch. Also pizza, subs and burgers. Family-friendly; microbrews to martinis in separate sports pub. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada.com. L, D ¢-$ 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, vitales hudsonville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 530-8300. vitales. ¢-$ us. L, D

Asian Including Thai and Indian fare. Akasaka Sushi — Sushi plus Korean and Japanese offerings in low-key atmosphere in Cascade Centre. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 6252 28th St SE, 977-0444. L, D ¢-$

Because life is unpredictable.

616.459.1171 | www.lawweathers.com

Akita Buffet — Across from RiverTown Crossings Mall, with sushi bar, hibachi grill and Chinese buffet with set price for lunch and dinner. Serves alcohol. 3540 Rivertown Point Ct SW, 257-7777. L, D ¢-$ Angel’s Thai Café — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian-friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angels ¢-$ thaicafe.com. L, D Asian Palace — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each cuisine. Family owned and operated. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok Taste — Thai fare with lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550; 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 6678901. bangkoktaste.com. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok View — Thai food and Chinese fare. Lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 531-8070. bangkokviewthai food.com. L, D ¢-$ Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch specials. No alcohol. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijing kitchengr.com. L, D ¢-$ Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. 5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market continued on page 102

Aging Parents? We Can Help. Home Care Assistance is the leading provider of professional in-home care for seniors because... • Our caregivers are screened, bonded and insured. We conduct thorough background checks for your peace of mind • Home Care Assistance helps with meals, personal care and hygiene, mobility, transportation and more to support independent living at home • We train our caregivers in the Balanced Care Method™, which emphasizes physical activity, mental stimulation and healthy nutrition

Call today for a FREE in-home assessment.

616-723-8204

www.HomeCareAssistance.com August 2012 / Grmag.com 99

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 99

7/6/12 5:08 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Chef Peter Setterington and owner Christine Gill have returned to the restaurant scene with Bistro Chloe Élan.

Emphasis on the élan will have potted herbs and a taste of what’s going to be a full-blown rotational garden by next year, supplying the restaurant with 100 percent of our own herbs and as much produce as possible.” Surplus vegetables and produce also will be featured in once-monthly wine, beer and tasting dinners. A graduate of the top-ranked Kendall College School of Culinary Arts in Chicago, Setterington is classically trained in the French tradition and has worked around the nation under six Master Chefs. Originally from Chesaning, a small farming community in the middle of the state, he has been involved in the food industry for close to 30 years. He chose his most recent stint as a private chef to afford him more family time with his wife and three daughters. “I’d been chatting with my wife about it possibly being time to get back into a restaurant since the girls don’t want to spend so much time with dear old Dad anymore,” he recalled with a laugh. “Then

when (Christine) and I met, it was a great fit because we’re very much on the same page.” That includes Setterington’s simple, made-from-scratch fare. “I don’t overcomplicate the food,” he said. “I’m a five-ingredient-or-less kind of guy because I want you to taste the primary flavor of a really good product. “But still, it’s meticulous and somewhat intricate,” he continued. “Everything is composed. The French will tell you: The center of the plate belongs to the chef; the

Opening day

Bistro Chloe

Élan opens to the public Aug. 4. It will be open for lunch and dinner Monday-Friday. On Saturdays, it will open at 4 for dinner only, and on Sundays it will be open noon-8 with an early brunch menu leading into the full dinner menu. For more information, see chloeelan.com or Facebook.

Photography by Michael Buck

A

fter an eight-year absence from the local restaurant scene, Christine Gill is back with Bistro Chloe Élan. Her industry history includes two inspired downtown GR hotspots: the Sierra Room and Club 1894. Gill’s new venture is in Ada, in the building that formerly housed the Thornapple Inn/Daily Grill, which sits on the Thornapple River at 445 Ada Drive SE. Everything inside has been completely redesigned. Gill collaborated with her architect fiancé, Jason Colón, to give this new spot a French modern bistro flair. The main level seats 148, with a 48-person banquet room on the now open-andairy lower level, as well as an expanded private dining space for up to 20. Alfresco diners will enjoy the deck and lawn seating. “We’re going to make it a point to fully utilize our outdoors,” said Executive Chef Peter Setterington in reference to the onsite chef’s garden. “It will be limited this year because of the construction traffic, but we

“Finer things” A very special guest will join Christine Gill at the grand opening of Bistro Chloe Élan: the young woman for whom the new venture is named. She is the child 18-year-old Gill bore on Feb. 23, 1986, and then let go to adoptive parents with the wish that her daughter be raised in a stable, connected family like the one in which she grew up. She chose the name Chloe Élan as a “reference point” until she might meet her again. “The definition of élan is ‘finer things’ and that’s what I wanted for her life,” Gill said. “For 24 years, every Feb. 23 and Mother’s Days were very tearful for me. I thought of her every day,” Gill said, adding that she had left a note with the adoption papers assuring her daughter she was open to meeting her. In 2009, Gill finally had the opportunity to meet her daughter, named Melissa, and her entire family. A Syracuse graduate with majors in marketing and journalism, Melissa lives in Brooklyn and works at a Manhattan firm. “Her upbringing and what she had in life is nothing short of a fairy tale,” Gill said. “Her parents are two of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met.” “It’s really just the beginning,” Gill noted. “Bistro Chloe Élan is a tribute to

Bistro Chloe Élan owner Christine Gill and Executive Chef Peter Setterington

her, our renewed relationship and to us.” 100 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 100

7/6/12 5:08 PM


> pEtEr sEttErington Title: Executive Chef, Bistro Chloe Élan Location: Ada

tuna tartare

Chef Setterington’s tuna tartare relies on sushi grade Ahi tuna and a quick toss in marinade rather than a sauce.

Makes four servings. Prep time: 30 minutes

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

Marinade: 4 ounces soy sauce 1 ounce lemon juice 1 ounce unseasoned rice vinegar 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 whole red chili, finely minced Ginger juice (grate a thumbsize piece of ginger and squeeze) Tuna: 4 ounces Ahi tuna (sushi grade), small dice 2 ounces cucumber, small dice ¼ avocado, small dice 10 wonton wrappers, triangle cut 1 egg white 1 ounce sesame seeds Method: Combine marinade components in small bowl and whisk. Brush wonton wrappers with egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes, or until slightly golden. Toss tuna in marinade and mix quickly and thoroughly. Strain marinade and fold in the cucumber. Carefully mix to incorporate. Place tuna in center of plate and top with avocado. Surround with wonton crisps.

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

Serve with prepared wasabi and assorted pickled vegetables such as lotus root, chilis or ginger.

rim of the plate belongs to the guest. You will see that in our presentation.” Setterington’s primary focus is on sustainable practices. “You won’t see over-fished species on our menu,” he said. “The fish on our menu are all sustainable species or Blue Ocean Institute or Monterey Bay Aquarium (Super Green List) fish. The same is true

for the other types of products we bring in: lemons, chocolates, olives. They will all be from sustainable farms. We really believe in being good stewards of our environment.” The approachable opening menu offers something for everyone — from the traditional to the more adventurous diner — in right-sized portions, along with

a selection of small plates and a cocktail-compatible lounge menu available throughout the restaurant. “We’re also going to be one of the more flexible kitchens in town,” he said. “We encourage you to taste things the way they are, but if we can make it for you, we’ll do — JulIe BurCh it.”

August 2012 / grMag.coM 101

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 101

7/6/12 5:08 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Custom Cabinets continued from page 99 strip mall), 261-8186. bluegingergr.com. L, D ¢-$

Thai selections. Full bar. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. letseat.at/fujiyama. L, D ¢-$

Bombay Cuisine — Indian fare includes tandoori and vindaloo dishes. Full bar service, live music Thu-Sat eves. Takeout available. Closed Tue. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. Facebook. L, D $

Fortune Chef — Chinese and American fare. Opens 6 am weekdays, 8 am weekends with breakfast served all day. No alcohol. 9353 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1388. ¢-$ fortunechefcaledonia.com. B, L, D

China Chef — Family-style Chinese restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 5299 Eastern Ave SE, 257-7038. L, D ¢-$

Produced locally by our talented craftsmen WoodWays design Center 4265 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI WoodWays FaCtory & shoWroom 665 Construction Ct. Zeeland, MI

China Gourmet Buffet — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items. Dinner buffet served all day weekends; discount for seniors and children 10 and under. No alcohol. 2030 28th St SW, 252-1379. L, D ¢-$ Chinatown Restaurant And Japanese Steak House — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available. Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar. 69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngrandrapids. com. L, D ¢-$ China Yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 East¢-$ ern Ave SE, 241-3885. L, D East Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. L, D ¢-$ Empire Chinese Buffet — All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet served all day. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. www.empirebuf fet.net. L, D ¢-$ Erb Thai — Traditional Thai fare, will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. 950 Wealthy St SE, Suite 1A, 356-2573. L, D ¢ Far-East Restaurant — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes; vegetable-oil-only cooking. Carryout and catering available. No alcohol. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. $ Facebook. L, D

616.956.3070 woodwayscustom.com

First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out. Full bar. Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088. firstwokgr.com. L, D $ Fuji Yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables with show-chef preparations, or eat in the dining room with Chinese, Japanese and

Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 627 28th St SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. L, D $ Golden Dragon — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse. Full bar. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 3631318. goldendragongr.com. L, D $ Golden Gate Restaurant — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, egg rolls, sweet-and-sour dishes, with some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D ¢ Golden Wok — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers lunch and dinner options, including Hunanspiced dishes. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. L, D ¢-$ Grand Lakes — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. No alcohol. Next to Breton Village D&W. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 954-2500. L, D ¢-$ Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — Pan-Asian cuisine from sushi to buffet, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American dishes. No alcohol. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Ridge Shopping Center), 785-8200. letseat. at/hibachigrillsupremebuffet. L, D ¢ Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese for dine-in or carry-out. All-you-caneat lunch buffet. No alcohol. 150 E Fulton St, 235-3888. B, L, D ¢-$ Hunan — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups. No alcohol. 1740 44th St SW, 530-3377; 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr.com. L, D $ India Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan in a humble atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D ¢-$ Jade Garden — Chinese cuisine with some American dishes. Children’s menu, large selection of tropical cocktails. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. L, D ¢-$ Ju Sushi & Lounge — Sushi and sashimi selections, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrees in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, cater-

102 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 102

7/10/12 1:34 PM


ing and banquet space. 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. L, D ¢-$ Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. Facebook, laithai kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$ Mandarin — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends. Cocktails. Open daily. 2460 28th St SE, 530-3300. L, D ¢-$ Marado Sushi — Sushi bar offers a wide selection of Japanese fare and a few Korean specialties. No alcohol. 47 Monroe Center, 742-6793. Closed Sun. L, D ¢-$ Mikado Sushi — Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat buffet: Japanese, Chinese, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), (616) 365-3989. mingtenrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Mynt Fusion Bistro — Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$ Ning Ye — Family-owned Chinese restaurant also serves Korean fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun during winter. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676-5888. ningye.info. L, D $ Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, curries and noodle dishes; seafood and duck specialty plates. No alcohol. 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro. com. L, D ¢-$ Palace Of India — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindia restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ P.F. Chang’s China Bistro — Upscale chain known for modern Chinese dishes from Mongolian beef to chicken lettuce wraps. Cocktails, beer and wine. Order online for takeout. The Village at Knapp’s Crossing, 2065 Apple Orchard Ave, 447-2060. pf changs.com. L,D $ Pho Soc Trang — Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. B, L, D ¢ Rak Thai Bistro — Thai-fusion fare with Chinese and Japanese influences. No alcohol. 5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. rakthai bistro.com. L, D ¢-$ Red Sun Buffet — All-you-can-eat inter-

national buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections. No alcohol. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. redsunbuffet. com. L, D ¢-$ FSeoul Garden — Chinese and Korean cuisine with full bar. Banquet and catering facilities available. Closed Sun. 3321 28th St SE, 956-1522. grseoulgarden.com. L, D $-$$ Shang Hai Ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine; food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. shanghaiichiban.com. L, D $-$$ Soc Trang — Wide selection of Chinese and Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. 1831 Market Place Dr, Caledonia, 871-9909. gosoc trang.com. L, D ¢-$ Sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, plus fusion fare. Private groups can eat in traditional Japanese tatami room. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni.net. L, D ¢-$$ Szechuan Garden — Diverse Chinese menu in Eastown. Lunch specials daily 11 am-4 pm. No alcohol. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 456-9878. L, D ¢-$ Thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to specification. No alcohol. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. L, D ¢ Three Happiness Restaurant — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare, with daily lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. 3330 Alpine Ave NW, Target Plaza, 785-3888. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Tokyo Grill & Sushi — Japanese tatami rooms, sushi bars. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, plus Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrill ¢-$ sushi.com. L, D Wei Wei Palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. Serves beer. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. L, D $ Wonton Express — No-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy Hunan and Kung-Po dishes. No alcohol. 6719 S Division Ave, 281-8816. L, D ¢-$

Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Marie Catrib’s — Middle-Eastern fare with on-site bakery, seasonal specialties and Turkish coffee. Vegetarian options. Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat. Lunch/dinner starts 11 am weekdays, noon Sat. Closed Sun. No alcohol. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecat ribs.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Mediterranean Grill — Gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta. All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. L, D $ Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offering Mediterranean specialties with drivethrough, delivery and catering available. Open daily. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. L, D ¢-$ Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout and catering. Features Lebanese beer and wine. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L, D ¢-$ Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs and more. No alcohol. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$ Pita House — Gyros and other Middle East specialties. No alcohol. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029; 4533 Ivanrest Ave SW, 261-4302; 134 Monroe Center NW, 233-4875. thepitahouse.net. L, D ¢ FShiraz Grille — Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, khoreshts, vegetarian options. Full bar, wine list, martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. L (Sun), D $ Zeytin — Turkish-American cuisine with extensive beer and wine lists. Takeout available. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin $ turkishrestaurant.com. L, D

African

XO Asian Cuisine — Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine with full service bar. Vegetarian options and lunch specials Mon-Sat. Free valet parking with $30 purchase. Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. xoas iancuisine.com. L, D $-$$

Little Africa Cuisine — Humble storefront café offers hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. Sample other Ethiopian specialties. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Open daily. 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. L, D ¢

Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. L, D ¢-$

Gojo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli — Authentic, homemade Ethiopian dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew-like) dishes August 2012 / Grmag.com 103

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 103

7/10/12 3:22 PM


grand vine The rosés of summer

briAn’s top rosÉ piCKs:

> 2010 Alexander Valley Vineyards Sangiovese Rosé, Sonoma, Calif., $13 (93 points). Bright pink color leads directly to the big floral nose. With tons of fruit, the fat, lush, ripe, supple texture captures the essence of the California sun. One taster referred to it as a “happy” wine.

> 2010 Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Garnacha Rosado, Spain, $10 (93 points). Beautiful fresh pink color is followed by floral nuances similar to violets. Though much less plump and fruity than the Alexander Valley Vineyards Rosé, it nonetheless offers plenty of dry texture and rich mouth feel, with a long finish. It will stand up to sausages and other meats.

not softened. But when used in still wine, it often is referred to as a blush wine, such as white zinfandel, and is usually fairly sweet. A third method for rosé production involves blending a small amount of red wine into white wine. Though viewed with derision by most winemakers, it does accomplish many of the same goals as the more respected methods. Some good rosé wines to try, all receiving high points at a recent tasting, are: 2010 Domaine de Figueirasse, France, $12 (91 points); 2010 Melipal Malbec Rosé, Argentina $10 (91 points); 2009 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley, Ore., 14 (85 points); 2010 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, South Africa, $10 (81 points); 2010 Averoff Xinomavro Rosé, Greece, $15 (80 points). Another remarkable rosé for its longevity was a 2000 R. Lopez de Heredia Rosado Gran Reserva Viña, Tondoña, Spain, $22 (91 points). Though off-salmon in color, the vigor and depth of flavor are still intact. It has a rich, dry texture with clay, resin-like earthiness. Eyes closed, it would be hard to say it is not an aged red wine. — BrIan CaIn

The length of time a wine is allowed to ferment on the skins will determine the degree to which it darkens and resembles red wine.

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin bottoM; courtesy alexander valley vineyards (toP leFt); Julian chivite (bottoM leFt)

Contributing editor A. Brian Cain is a certified wine educator.

rosÉ WinEs rAngE in color from pale salmon to light red, and offer flavor, aroma and texture from white-wine-like to red-wine-like and everything in between. Thanks to the way rosé is made, it can embody just about any of the attributes found in both red and white wine. Most rosé wines are made from red-skinned grapes pressed shortly after the grapes are crushed and fermentation has begun — usually less than 24 hours. In this way, many of the aromatic components of the skins are released into the wine, yet most of the color and tannin has not yet been extracted. The length of time a wine is allowed to ferment on the skins will determine the degree to which it darkens and resembles red wine. An alternate method called saignée (from the French for “bleeding”) involves bleeding off some of the liquid from freshly crushed red-skinned grapes. This juice, essentially “free run” and not pressed with the skins, contains almost no tannin or red wine aromas. The saignée method is especially useful for Blanc de Noir sparkling wines to insure that the raciness and bright acidity essential to bubbly is

104 grMag.coM \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 104

7/6/12 5:08 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

served with injerra flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Tue-Fri lunch buffet, dinner 5-8 pm; Sat buffet 4-8 pm; closed Sun and Mon. 421 Norwood SE (Eastown), 459-3383. www.gojoethiopiancuisine.com. L, D $

Mexican/Latin American/ Caribbean 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$$ Adobe In & Out — Mexican offerings served quickly (Grandville location is drive-through only). 617 W Fulton St, 454-0279; 1216 Leonard St NE, 451-9050; 4389 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 257-7091. L, D ¢ Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu; wet burritos are the claim to fame. Full bar. The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $ Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare with full bar, take-out service, vegetarian selection. Spacious with fireplaces and Mexican décor. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. L, D ¢-$ Café San Juan — Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban menu. No alcohol. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. cafesanjuan.net. B, L, D ¢-$

Photography by Johnny Quirin bottom; courtesy Alexander Valley Vineyards (top left); Julian Chivite (bottom left)

Cancun Restaurant — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 248-2824. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ Cantina — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties with full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. L, D $ Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare. Vegetarian/vegan options. Lunch specials. No alcohol. Open until 2 am Fri-Sat, closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. L, D ¢ Cinco De Mayo — Mexican eatery offers the usual fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. L, D $ Corazon — Authentic Mexican food in stylish surroundings on the Avenue for the Arts. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 122 S Division Ave, 4543847. L, D ¢ Downtown Trini’s — Sparta’s destination offers traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. downtowntrinis.com. L, D ¢-$ El Arriero —Extensive menu offers specialty

dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, Margaritas. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. L, D ¢-$ El Barrio Mexican Grill — Tasty and creative twists on otherwise-traditional Mexican. Full bar. 545 Michigan St NE, 301-0010. elbarrio mexicangrill.com. L, D ¢-$ El Burrito Loco — More than 70 authentic Mexican selections. Complimentary chips and salsa. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. L, D ¢-$ FEl Granjero — Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes to à la carte selections and menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. ¢ B, L, D El Sombrero — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. L, D ¢ Grand Villa Dungeon — Mexican food is the specialty. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago $ Dr SW, 534-8435. villadugeon.com. L, D Jamaican Dave’s — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies. Limited seating; takeout is best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. L, D ¢ Jose’s Restaurante — Authentic Mexican fare, with jukebox, pinball and video game. No alcohol. 3954 S Division Ave, 530-7934. L, D ¢ Las Cazuelas — Open for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner daily. Genuine Hispanic flavors. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. B, L, D ¢ Lindo Mexico Restaurant — Featuring fresh Mexican food with “real Mexican flavor.” Happy hour 2-6 pm daily. Home of the Tamarind margarita. Lunch and kids menus available. 1292 28th St SW, Wyoming, 2612280. lindomexicorestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Little Mexico Café — Traditional Mexican food and cocktails. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. L, D $ Maggie’s Kitchen — Homemade Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. 36 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. B, L, D ¢ Michoacan — Mexican fare plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. No alcohol. Open at 9 am. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. B, L, D ¢-$ Mi Tierra Restaurant — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive through. No alcohol. 2300 S Di-

vision Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D

¢

Taco Bob’s — Fresh-Mex offerings, taco salads and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell wrapped in a soft shell, with nacho cheese in between. No alcohol. Open 11 am-2 pm, Mon-Fri. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 458-1533. taco bobs.com. L ¢ Taco Boy — Traditional Mexican offerings. No alcohol. 3475 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-7111; 6539 28th St SE, 956-3424; 509 44th St SE, 257-0057; 2529 Alpine Ave NW, 365-9255; 180 Monroe Ave NW, 233-0701. tacoboy.biz. L, D ¢ Tacos El Caporal — Two locations serving Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. Takeout. No alcohol. 1024 Burton St SW, 2466180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. B, L, D ¢ Tacos El Ranchero — Mexican fare in lowkey surroundings to eat in or take out. Cash only. No alcohol. 1240 Burton St SW, 2456514. L, D ¢ Tres Lobos Grill & Bar — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar. Lunch ’til 4 pm daily. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389. treslobos restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$

Lakeshore: New American Blue House Bistro — Neo-American Creole fusion fare from New Orleans-trained chef/ owner. Also, appetizers, soups, sandwiches/ wraps and pizza. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 220 W 8th St, Holland, (616) 355-1994. blue housebistro.com. L, D $ Butch’s — New York-style deli by day, fine 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) 3968227. butchs.net. L, D $$ _ CityVu Bistro — Top-floor restaurant in Holland’s City Flats Hotel specializes in flatbreads and small-plates with emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 61 E 7th St, Holland, (616) 796-2114. cityvubistro.com. B, L, D $-$$ ➧Courses — Located within The Culinary Institute of Michigan, the restaurant is operated by the students of Baker College of Muskegon. The restaurant is open through Aug 25 and reopens Oct 1. 336 W Clay, Muskegon, (231) 777-6610. culinaryinstitutemi.com. L, D ¢-$ FEveryday People Café — Changing bistro menu from appetizers through dessert. Impressive wine list with appropriate food pairings. 11 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-4240. everydaypeoplecafe.com. D $-$$ Lake House Waterfront Grille — Overlooks August 2012 / Grmag.com 105

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 105

7/6/12 5:08 PM


food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Muskegon Lake. Small plates, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, specialty burgers. Live entertainment. 730 Terrace Point, Muskegon, (231) 722-4461; thelakehousemi.com. L, D $-$$ Mia & Grace Bistro — Husband/wife chef/ owners serve locally grown products in artsy space. Breakfast/lunch year-round, special dinners during growing season. Bakery, too. No alcohol. 1133 Third St, Muskegon, (231) 725-9500. miaandgrace.com. B, L, (D) $ Piper — Lake view and a menu with everything from appetizers, pasta and wood-fired pizza to creative entrées and homemade desserts. Large selection of beer, wine, martinis. Closed Sun and Mon during winter. 2225 South Shore Dr, Macatawa, (616) 335-5866. piperrestaurant.com. D ¢-$$ Salt & Pepper Savory Grill & Pub — Pub-grub with creative twists using Michigan-sourced ingredients. Full bar. Back patio for alfresco dining. Closed Sun. 11539 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland, (616) 355-5501. saltandpepperpub. com. L, D $ Salt Of The Earth — Rustic fare and bakery emphasize locally sourced products ranging from wood-fired pizzas to affordably priced entrees. Full bar. 114 E Main St, Fennville, (269) 561-7258. saltoftheearthfennville.com. D ¢-$ Theodore’s — Eclectic menu features American/Spanish/Mediterranean-influenced dishes in stylish surroundings with granite bar, glassed-in wine cellar and outdoor patio. Open Thu-Sat at 5 pm. 217 E 24th St, Holland, (616) 392-6883. theodoresholland.com. D (Thu-Sat) $-$$ Wild Dog Grille — Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas and entrees marry a complexity of flavors. Closed Mon in winter. Full-service bar. 24 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-2519. thewilddoggrille.com. L (Fri-Sun), D $-$$ Zing Eat/Drink — Upscale, eclectic American/European menu in even more eclectic surroundings. Martini/piano lounge. SatSun brunch. Patio seating. Reservations recommended. 310 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, (269) 857-3287. zingeatdrink.com. L, D $-$$

Lakeshore: Classic American 8th Street Grill — Entrées range from meatloaf to ribs, with sandwiches, salads and pasta also on the menu. Beer and wine served. Closed Sun. 20 W 8th St, Holland, (616) 392-5888. 8thstreetgrille.com. L, D $ 84 East Food & Spirits — Neat restoration

lends atmosphere. Varied menu includes unique pasta dishes and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Closed Sun. 84 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-8484. 84eastpasta.com. L, D ¢-$ Arboreal Inn — New England-style inn offers fresh whitefish, Alaskan king crab, tournedos Oscar and more. Closed Sun. 18191 174th Ave, Spring Lake, (616) 842-3800. arboreal inn.com. D $$ Bear Lake Tavern — Historic North Muskegon tavern fare ranges from yellowbelly lake perch to wet burritos. 360 Ruddiman Rd, North Muskegon, (231) 744-1161. thebearlake ¢-$ tavern.com. B (weekends), L, D Bil-Mar Restaurant — Beachfront dining with a great view of Lake Michigan. Wide selection of fine-dining entrées. Full bar. 1223 S Harbor St, Grand Haven, (616) 842-5920. bil-margrandhaven.com. L, D $$ Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant — Vintage ambiance overlooking Lake Macatawa. Spacious patio. Two menus: casual in main dining room, bar and patio, with another room for fine dining. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, (616) 396-0600. boatwerksrestaur $-$$ ant.com. L, D C. F. Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar — Prime NY strips, seafood, vegetarian options and desserts made on-site. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 950 W Norton, Muskegon, (231) 737-4943. cfprime.com. D $-$$ Crazy Horse Steak House & Saloon — Southwest style family-friendly eatery, known for steaks and prime rib. 2027 North Park Dr, Holland, (616) 395-8393. crazyhorsesteak house.com. L, D $$ Dee-Lite Bar & Grill — “Fresh-Mex” dinner selections, plus American fare. Diner-style breakfasts. Live music and martinis in the Theatre Bar. Sun brunch. 24 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 844-5055. harbor restaurants.com/deelite/. B, L, D $ Dining Room At Clearbrook — Menu features locally grown products. More casual dining in The Grill Room. Open daily in summer. Clearbrook Golf Club, 6594 Clearbrook Dr (just north of Saugatuck), (269) 857-2000. $-$$ clearbrookgolfclub.com. L, D Dockers Fish House & Lounge — Waterside dining on Muskegon Lake with summer tiki bar. Seafood and land-lubber options. Full bar. Dockhands assist with boat tie-up. Closed Oct-Mar. 3505 Marina Point View, Muskegon, (231) 755-0400. dockersfishhouse.com. L, D $-$$ Falcon’s Nest — Creative lunch menu with hot and cold sandwiches, barbecue ribs, appetizers, chili and salads. Open 11 am-7 pm.

17000 Lincoln Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 8424040. grandhavengolfclub.com. L, D ¢-$ Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar — In Grand Haven’s former Grand Theatre. Oyster and sushi bar, seafood and steaks. 22 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 847-8944. harbor $-$$ restaurants.com/thegrand. D The Grill Room — Aged steaks and chops, fresh seafood and fine wines in top chophouse tradition. Closed Sun during winter. Kirby House, 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmoreollection. com/grillroom.php. D $$ Handsome Henry’s — Big-city vibe dining room and sports bar offer signature twists. Extensive menu ranges from pizzas to handcut, aged steaks. 3065 Henry St, Muskegon, $ (231) 747-8583. L, D Jack’s — Breakfast and lunch, plus dinner menu with wide range of entrées, wine by the glass. On Grand River at Waterfront Holiday Inn. 940 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, (616) 846-1370. higrandhaven.com. B, L, D $-$$ Kirby Grill — Casual side of the Kirby House offers innovative touches to the American menu. Family-friendly dining upstairs. 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 8463299. thegilmorecollection.com/kirby.php. L, D $ Public — Handcrafted American comfort foods with a modern twist. Closed Sunday. 131 E. Main St., Zeeland, 616.741.9772, public zeeland.com L, D $-$$ Rosebud Bar And Grill — Sandwiches, soups and pizza for lunch; steaks, ribs, pasta and pizza for dinner. Open daily. 100 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-7788. rose budgrill.com. L, D ¢-$ West Coast Grille — Daily breakfast buffet, lunch fare and dinner menu ranging from quesadillas and burgers to prime rib and seafood. Open daily. Doubletree Hotel, 650 E 24th St (just off US 31), Holland, (616) 3940111. holland.doubletree.com. B, L, D $

Lakeshore: Pubs & Taverns Chequers — Creative cuisine with British flair ranges from beef tips Sherwood to Welsh rarebit and shepherd’s pie. Imported beer served in English pub atmosphere. Open daily in summer. 220 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1868. L, D $ The Curragh — Irish pub features foods, spirits, music and environment of Old World Ireland. Outdoor seating, live entertainment, valet parking. 73 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 3936340. curraghholland.com. L, D ¢-$$

106 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 106

7/10/12 3:20 PM


New Holland Brewing Co. — Gourmet pizzas, salads and sandwiches augment handcrafted beer and artisan spirits. Live music every Fri and Sat. 66 E 8th St, Holland. (616) 3556422. newhollandbrew.com. L, D ¢-$

Lakeshore: European Alpenrose — European fare ranges from Certified Aged Black Angus steaks to poultry and fish dishes. Five private dining rooms, banquet facility, bakery and café. Sun brunch buffet. 4 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 3932111. alpenroserestaurant.com. B, L, D ¢-$$ Marro’s — Italian fare and house-baked goods, extensive array of pizza toppings. Open mid-April through autumn; closed Mon. 147 Waters St, Saugatuck, (269) 8574248. L, D $-$$ Pereddies — Italian fine-dining and deli. Wine list, full bar, wine to go. More casual fare in Scusi lounge. Closed Sun. 447 Washington Ave, Holland, (616) 394-3061. pered $-$$ diesrestaurant.com. L, D Restaurant Toulouse — Seasonally inspired menu with French classics. Award-winning wines. Hours vary; private parties can be arranged. Sun brunch in summer. 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1561. restaurant toulouse.com. L, D $$

Bow-Ties

that go with any suit! AlwAys fresh, creAtive And Authentic …the true nature of fine Italian cuisine. Grand Rapids Magazine’s Award of Excellence 2011

www.trecugini.com Authentic Italian

Cuisine

122 Monroe Center St. NW (616) 235-9339

biking without limits.

Two Tonys Taverna Grille — Italian, Greek and American specialties with full-service bar, extensive wine list. Menu includes wood-fired pizzas. Large patio. Closed Sun. 723 E Savidge Rd, Spring Lake, (616) 8440888. L, D

Dining Guide Legend Grand Rapids Magazine has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers. B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner ¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)* $ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — Expensive (Over $20)* * Prices based on average entrée. - — Reviewed in this issue — Chef Profile in this issue ➧ — New listing O — GRM’s 2011 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2011 Dining Award Winner Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email mprimeau@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

52 MONROE CENTER • GRAND RAPIDS 616.719.1267 • WWW.CENTRALDCYCLERY.COM August 2012 / Grmag.com 107

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 107

7/6/12 5:08 PM


fresh hops

Contributing editor Jon C. Koeze has made and tasted beer since 1980.

four rAdLEr/shAnty drinKs to try: > Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy — An unfiltered lemony wheat beer the color of light honey, 4.2 percent abv. This is a textbook American shandy. Serve very cold.

wheat beer brewed with spices and natural lemonade flavor. Unfiltered and the color of light honey and 4.2 percent abv. Less sweet with more pronounceable beer flavor, but with less character than the Leinenkugel’s.

> Detroit Brewing Co. Radler — German style lager with lemon/lime natural flavors. Color is dark gold with more beer-forward flavor. Probably closer to the drink enjoyed by the bicyclist. This was my favorite.

> Samuel Adams Summer Ale — This doesn’t pretend to be a radler or shandy, but I thought it should be mentioned. A wheat ale brewed with lemon peel, it is very zesty with good balance between citrus and beer flavors.

thE CoMpLEMEntAry fLAvors of citrus and beer — particularly light ales and wheat beers — are well known and practiced. Just order a pint of Blue Moon or Bell’s Oberon, and you will usually find an orange or lemon wedge on the rim of the glass. The acidic sweetness of citrus seems to blend perfectly with the soft finish of light beers and ales. Europeans drink a mixture of beer and lemonade or lemon/lime soda. The drink is known by different names in different languages, but in America, we call this drink radler or shandy. Radler is German for “cyclist.” During the early 20th century, a German bicyclist preferred to hydrate with the carb-enriched mixture of local beer and carbonated lemon/lime soda, and the name is now forever associated with that activity. Shandy is a bit harder to interpret. Historically, shandy is beer cut with lemon, lime or ginger-flavored sparkling water (not the lemonade to which we are accustomed). The word has no connection with any sport and is apparently of British origin. It may have been promoted as a low-alcohol alternative to strong ale — a temperance device of sorts, or perhaps it was the preference of those who didn’t appreciate the malty flavor of strong ale. There is also the theory that lower alcoholic mixtures were designed to subvert taxes that were based on the level of alcohol content by volume. Lower alcoholic content meant lower or no taxes on the mixture.

The extra sweetness of lemon/lime with the flat, dryness of wheat beer or light ale do wet a dry mouth quite well. I think the reason these citrus-mixed beer cocktails have become popular in the summer is because not everyone likes a dry India Pale Ale on a hot afternoon. The extra sweetness of lemon/ lime with the flat, dryness of wheat beer or light ale do wet a dry mouth quite well. I would stress that these drinks are best served ice cold. Both shandy and radler, if you make them yourself in the traditional manner with traditional ingredients, are mixed to taste: about 50-60 percent beer and the rest lemon/lime sparkling soda, not lemonade. The mix cuts the alcoholic content in half, to about 2-3.5 percent depending on the beer. Of course, you can always purchase premixed radler or shandy at your favorite craft beer store but, unlike the low alcohol of your own mix, these will be full-strength. Expect about 4 percent alcohol-by-volume in a 12-ounce bottle. — Jon KoeZe

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

> Shock Top — Belgian-style

Add a touch of citrus

108 grMag.coM \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG84.108.indd 108

7/6/12 5:08 PM


Special Advertising Section

GR Home Showcase: Belden Brick & Supply Co.

Todd and Rhonda Belden relaxing in their new outdoor showroom in Grand Rapids.

Photo by Michael Buck

Timeless Beauty ...Built to Last GRM_08.12_HOME.indd 109

Whether you are building a quality home from the ground up, or planning to add a simple-yet-elegant accent to your existing property, Belden Brick & Supply Company can assure a successful project.

By J. Stapleton-Burch

7/3/12 11:43 AM


Special Advertising Section

“Wi t h s o m a n y choices i t c a n be o v e r wh e l m i n g , bu t we c a n help pull a l l t h e pi e c e s together ...” ances and cabinets, making it easy to find all of the different pieces needed for your new outdoor living space together in one place. “With so many choices it can be overwhelming, but we can help pull all the pieces together,” Rhonda said. “We try to make it as easy as possible. People tend to fear real stone because they think it is out of their price range, but that is no longer true. The quarries have really become competitive in their styles and pricing, so you can get the real deal for less than some manufactured stone, which is likely to weather over time.” She pointed out that brick and natural stone not only last forever, but also are virtually maintenance-free and create the ultimate structural support for a home. They won’t burn and can withstand nearly any weather thrown at it with aplomb and

a level of insulation. In addition to being the exclusive dealer of Belden Brick, the company sources brick and stone from all over, including Michigan-quarried products from The Stone Mill Inc. “One of their products was dredged from Lake Superior when they made the Sault Locks. It’s a gorgeous redhued stone that provides great combinations with red-tinged brick and other natural stone in grays and tans.” In today’s economy, people are entertaining more at home and creating outdoor retreats in which to do so. “One of the biggest trends right now is the ‘Mom-Cave’, a female retreat where overworked women and busy moms can escape for a little peace and tranquility or just hang out with their friends,” Rhonda explained. “It gives them a place to escape.” It’s easy to imag-

Customized, ready-to-go, gas or wood burning firepit on display in the new outdoor showroom at Belden Brick & Supply in Grand Rapids. Sizes offered — square, rectangle, large round, tall round, or short round (shown).

GRM_08.12_HOME.indd 110

Photo by Michael Buck

Partnered with quality architects, masons, hardscapers and hearth installers, Belden Brick & Supply is renowned among Michigan’s preeminent builders for their vast selection of styles and colors of brick, natural stone and concrete-based building materials, as well as everything one can imagine for that perfect hearth or to create a truly unique outdoor living space. Owner Todd Belden and his wife Rhonda, who is marketing manager, take pride in the continual updating of their showrooms as well as their knowledgeable, seasoned sales staff, who can offer assistance with your project from start to finish. “Our goal is to become a one-stop shop for our customers,” Rhonda noted, adding that they recently formed partnerships with Out Back Casual Living & Fence and Holland’s Canterbury Cottage to supply all of the outdoor furnishings and home accessories that make a new space special. They also offer gas and charcoal grills along with outdoor-appropriate appli-

7/10/12 3:16 PM


Special advertiSing Section

gr home Showcase: Belden Brick & Supply Co.

BELDEN BRICK & SUPPLY CO.

Photo by Michael Buck

Photo by Michael Buck

Gorgeous natural stone options welcome you as you visit Belden Brick & Supply. Their new sign is designed out of a large natural stone slab shipped direct from the stone quarry. Engraving is a great option to add appeal to any residential or commercial project. Contact Belden Brick & Supply for engraving ideas.

ine relaxing in front of a gorgeous outdoor fireplace with the soothing sounds of a waterfall nearby, set against a backdrop of beautiful natural stone pavers. Add in a close-at-hand wine cooler and cabinet and you’ve created the supreme “Ahhhhh” experience. “We’ve just made a large investment in our outdoor showroom,” added owner Todd Belden. “It showcases a very affordable line of outdoor kitchens, firepits, fireplaces, water features, pizza ovens – everything you need to create your own personal outdoor living space – and we make them available in kits that allow you to design your own brick or stone configuration in different sizes.” Customers can place an order for a firepit and it will be delivered, ready to go. “Our national suppliers tell us they’ve never seen anything like our showroom presence,” Rhonda added. “We’re giving our customers a tool to help them visualize what this type of outdoor living

GRM_08.12_HOME.indd 111

space would be like in their own home projects. It’s worth coming here to see our displays because you might see something that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.” You may have already seen their exceptional work, which is frequently featured in the Parade of Homes. They have products for simple brick repairs to a whole house or a special outdoor living space for both large and small-budget projects. For inspiration, visit their website at beldenbrickandsupply.com, or stop by their Leonard Street location to enjoy their indoor and outdoor showrooms. For a special treat, visit during their upcoming Open House on August 18. For larger project selections, it is best to call ahead and make an appointment. That way you are guaranteed one-on-one time with the Belden staff. There is no doubt you will be impressed with what they have to offer.

620 Leonard Street NW Grand Rapids, MI 616.459.8367 Saginaw location: 989.573.8171 beldenbrickandsupply.com Owner Todd Belden Marketing Manager Rhonda Belden Credentials: For over three decades, Belden Brick and Supply Company has been a leader in providing quality masonry, hardscape and hearth products to customers throughout Michigan. As descendents of the 125-year-old Ohio-based Belden Brick family, Belden Brick & Supply Company brings a unique advantage in experience and service to the marketplace. Inspirations: Staying current with industry trends and customers’ dreams as well as the inspiration derived from the expansive selection of product lines offered, including natural stone, clay brick and pavers, concrete-based materials, high-end hearth products such as stoves and fireplaces, along with installation supplies for both interior and exterior applications. Recent High Point: The recent installation of a new, unparalleled outdoor showroom at the Grand Rapids location that lets customers experience unique outdoor living spaces on a personal level.

7/3/12 11:43 AM


near & far IN oUr BacK YarD / EXPLorING mIcHIGaN

By Daina Kraai Photography by Michael Buck

Transformed from the blight of the ’80s, East Hills is a thriving neighborhood with “a certain cool factor.”

Robert and Kamryn Walter enjoy the tree-lined streets.

An urban village EAst HILLs: WHERE “tHINgs ARE POssIBLE” > EAst HILLs Is gREEN. That’s why neighbors have planted more than 60 street trees in the past five years and developed an Urban Forest plan to guide future planting and maintenance.

> Aug. 4 Is gAY DAY, a neighborhood celebration honoring the diversity of the community and the spirit of inclusion that makes East Hills a great place to be. Find details on Facebook.

S

ituated between Eastown and Heritage Hill is the eclectic community of East Hills, so named in 1980 by city planners because of its location between the two prominent Grand Rapids neighborhoods. But ask local residents and they’ll tell you how their community acquired a more appropriate nickname: the Center of the Universe. As the story goes, in the 1980s, drugs and crime were rampant in East Hills, along with slum landlords and vacant properties. One such property, set in the

center of the neighborhood at the intersection of Diamond, Lake and Cherry streets, was an abandoned gas station. The site was so contaminated, a chain link fence was put up to keep people out. In the spirit of social activism, neighbors began attaching guerrilla art to the fence, with one such painting claiming the property to be the Center of the Universe. It became a rallying cry for the neighborhood. In 2006, thanks to a lot of hard work and tenacity, the nation’s first DoubleGold LEED-certified building was erected

> CONgREss ELEMENtARY sCHOOL is a special project of the East Hills Council of Neighbors because “great neighborhoods need great walking schools.” The project includes a study to have the school building added to the Fairmount Square Historic district and its eventual restoration.

> The ANNuAL uPtOWN HOLIDAY sHOP HOP will be Dec. 6 and will include trolleys to carry shoppers between the four business areas of Wealthy Street, East Hills, East Fulton and neighboring Eastown.

Michelle Kleinhenz talks to customers at Marie Catribs, a popular East Hills restaurant serving homemade Mediterranean fare and more. 112 GrmaG.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG112.115.indd 112

7/6/12 5:09 PM


August 2012 / Grmag.com 113

GRM_08.12_PG112.115.indd 113

7/6/12 5:10 PM


near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

Cherry Street Garden Summer Music Series offers free concerts on the lawn at 920 Cherry St., sponsored by the Inner City Christian Federation. Across the street is Brewery Vivant, a microbrewery and pub serving Belgian-inspired food and housed in a renovated historic chapel.

on the property by Bazzani Associates. The East Hills Center (of the Universe) now houses Marie Catrib’s restaurant, West Michigan Environmental Action Committee and Carol Roeda Studio. Its vegetative roof and rain garden made it the first zero-stormwater discharge site in the city. The location was also one of the first in the city to receive an electric vehicle charging station through a 2011 Consumers Energy SmartStreet program piloted in the neighbourhood. “When we say ‘Center of the Universe,’ we say it in a way that means things are possible here,” said Johanna Jelks, a resident and member of the East Hills Council of Neighbors. “Usually where there’s blight or severe issues, there’s a creative outburst and an influx of strong social consciousness. You saw this in New York in the ’70s or in Detroit now. East Hills was bred out of that same process. We are reaping benefits from people who paved the way.” Trailblazers include such residents as

Essie Millbrooks, who moved to the neighborhood in 1968, one of the first AfricanAmerican single mothers to obtain a mortgage in Grand Rapids. Another trailblazer was Carol Moore, who fought to save the Wealthy Theatre when it was going to be razed in the late 1980s. Many other residents invested in East Hills to help make it what it is today: a thriving neighborhood with three walkable business districts, three historic districts and seven sub-neighborhoods. “There’s a certain cool factor about the neighborhood,” said Mark Rumsey, who has been involved in East Hills for more than a decade and is the East Hills Council interim program director. “We’ve always used the model of the urban village, and we’ve worked for 30 years to build that here, so it’s residential and commercial, but it’s also so inclusive of people from so many different backgrounds and socio-economic and educational levels that I think people are attracted to that broad spectrum of existence. That’s why I live here.”

The diversity of housing stock includes 28 percent owner-occupied and 56 percent rental, with the turn-of-the-century homes built in the late 1800s to early 1900s growing in square footage as you move west toward Heritage Hill. “A lot of the development that happened here was originally outside of the city boundaries, so Cherry Hill and really this whole neighborhood was built originally as smaller homes,” Rumsey said. Residents were often the folks who worked for the wealthier residents of Heritage Hill, “so this neighborhood was originally built as middle to working class.” The wide range of housing makes for a diverse group of inhabitants, from college students to senior citizens. “With all the amenities we have in the neighborhood, people can age in place here without having to depend on a vehicle,” said Rachel Lee, a member of the East Hills Council. The business districts include a growing number of small specialty shops, rang-

114 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG112.115.indd 114

7/6/12 5:10 PM


East Hills has many locally owned shops, including Found, at left, and Blue, a Goodwill Industries resale boutique selling trendy fashions.

ing from Nourish, a market selling organic foods, to Swirls Boutique, a trendy clothing store. There are antique stores, clothing stores, consignment shops, art galleries, gift shops, optical boutiques and more. Restaurants also abound, including a variety of ethnic eateries. “One day you can have Caribbean, the next Indian, the next day barbeque,” Lee said, mentioning Jamaican Dave’s as one of her favourites. Grove, winner of Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2011 Best New Restaurant award is on Cherry Street. Next door is Brewery Vivant, the first commercial microbrewery in the U.S. to receive a LEED silver designation. Housed in a former funeral chapel, it serves French peasant fare and French and Belgian brews. Across the street is the Green Well, an American Gastro Pub. Nearby, on Lake Drive, is Mangiamo, an Italian eatery in a historic mansion. Its gated lawn is often the site of wedding receptions, private parties and charitable events, such as the annual Bissell Blocktail Party.

Popular watering holes also include The Meanwhile Bar on Wealthy Street and Pickwick Tavern. Opened in 1934, the year after Prohibition, the Pickwick has been in a long-standing battle with the downtown Cottage Bar over which is the longest running bar in the city. Most of the 150 businesses and restaurants in the East Hills neighbourhood are independently owned. “People want to come and open their Brewery Vivant business here because this is where people live — 20,000 people live within a 10- to 15-minute walk of this area, and a lot of those people support the stores and restaurants,” said Lee. Rumsey agrees. “I spend most of my existence within a 2-mile radius,” he said. “I don’t need to jump in my car and drive in and find the coolest restaurants in the city, because they’re right here. People get addicted to East Hills once they realize it’s the center of the universe. It’s GR home.”

August 2012 / Grmag.com 115

GRM_08.12_PG112.115.indd 115

7/6/12 5:10 PM


out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

august events A few Great things to do this month!

S

M

T

W

T

F

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

S

Don’t forget to mark your calendar!

Photography Courtesy Fastphotopro (top left); GR Symphony (top right); Illustration courtesy Istockphoto.com/Tribalium (bottom right)

Sports Aug. 25 Grand Rapids Mud Run: The muddy 5K course includes obstacles such as the Drum Line, Slippery Slope, Down & Dirty and Swamp Fever. Participants can run solo or in teams. Suggested viewing: the 2011 recap video on the run’s website. There’s also a 2.5K Kids Mini Mud Run for ages 6-12. grandrapidsmud run.com.

Music Aug. 2-3 Picnic Pops: 1970’s rock band Kansas joins the GR Symphony for its last outdoor concert of the summer at Cannonsburg Ski Area, performing “Dust in the Wind,” “Carry On My Wayward Son” and other Kansas hits. Pre-concert entertainment is by local group Mid-Life Crisis. grsymphony. org. Special Events Aug. 10 Cattle Baron’s Ball: It’s the 10th year for the highly successful Grand Rapids version of the American Cancer Society’s fundraiser that began in Texas in the 1970s. Takes place at Steelcase Town Hall. cbbgrandrapids.com.

AUG. 7 - THE ARTFUL APPETIZER: Sample beautifully

AUG. 9-25 - “SEE HOW THEY RUN”: Circle Theatre pres-

AUG. 14 & 28 - SUMMER CONCERTS: Last chance this

prepared appetizers (and drinks) at four host locations in downtown: CityFlats Hotel, Reserve, The Chop House and GR Art Museum. Must be 21 or older. squarepegevents. com. See Special Events

ents this British farce written in the 1940s by Philip King, about a small village about to be invaded by Nazis. circletheatre.org. See Stage & Film

summer to hear live music in John Collins Park on Reeds Lake, featuring The Adams Family (Aug. 14) and Mid-Life Crisis (Aug. 28). eastgr.org. See Music

116 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 116

7/10/12 1:38 PM


To list your event Send calendar information to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o

Calendar Editor, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, e-mail caleditor@ geminipub.com, fax (616) 459-4800. High-resolution photos welcomed. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue by the 15th of the month.

CHINESE RESTAURANT

Special Events Aug - Meijer Gardens Summer Concerts: National acts perform Jun-Aug in outdoor amphitheater with lawn seating. Aug 2, The Head and The Heart ($34). Aug 3, Gavin DeGraw and Colbie Caillat ($57). Aug 8, k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang ($60). Aug 16, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals ($40). Aug 17, Bonnie Raitt with Mavis Staples ($76). Aug 22, Darius Rucker ($65). Aug 23, Five For Fighting with Twilight Symphony Orchestra ($48). Aug 29, Wynton Marsalis ($53). Bring blankets or low-rise chairs. Picnics allowed; no alcohol (available inside gates). Times vary: 6:30 pm or 7 pm. meijergardens.org. Aug - Sunday Art Market: Juried open-air market of West Michigan artists’ original art and contemporary fine crafts. 11 am-2 pm every Sun. Under the green canopy at Chinook Pier, Grand Haven. Aug - Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle: GR’s Original Swing Society hosts swing, ballroom and line dancing with live music in downtown GR. 7-10 pm every Tue thru Oct 9. Free (donations accepted).

Photography Courtesy yolanda gonzalez

Photography Courtesy Fastphotopro (top left); GR Symphony (top right); Illustration courtesy Istockphoto.com/Tribalium (bottom right)

Servin g grand rapidS authentic c hineSe cuiSine fOr 24 yearS

Thru Aug 5 - Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: National military festival honors men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, with parades, live music, carnival, picnic, children’s activities, car show, ship tours and fireworks. coastguardfest.org. Aug 1-4 - GR’s Got Talent Auditions: Aug 1, Battle of the Bands, Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce Ave SW. Aug 3-4, Public Auditions, Peter Martin Wege Theatre. 341 Ellsworth SW. grsgottalent.com. Aug 3-4 - Coast Guard Craft Fair: 165 exhibitors sell handcrafted products, plus food and music. 9 am-7 pm Fri, 9 am-5 pm Sat. Central Park, Grand Haven.

Aug 3-5 - National Train Show: Train manufacturers, Lego Mini Land, kids play area, demonstrations, layouts, collectible appraisers. Noon-6 pm Fri, 10 am-6 pm Sat, 10 am-5 pm Sun. DeVos Place. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 kids 6-12, under 6 free. Aug 4 - Art in the Park: 43rd annual juried fine arts and crafts fair with 300 artists from eight states. 9 am-5 pm. Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave, Holland. hollandfriendsof art.com. Free. Aug 5 - Styx: Classic rock band with hits such as “Come Sail Away,” “Lorelei” and “Blue Collar Man.” 7:30 pm. Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts, Muskegon. $39.75$99.75 (box office, 231-727-8001 or StarTickets).

full Service bar

/ Mandarin / Hunan / Szechwan Special OccaSiOn catering available

2301 44th St SE • 281-0681 (Breton Meadows Mall)

6740 Old 28th St. SE • 575-9088 (1Blk. W. of Cascade Rd)

3509 Alpine Ave. NW • 784-1616 (Highpoint Center)

Open 7 days a week

www.firstwokgr.com

Aug 6-11 - Coopersville Summerfest: Annual celebration includes Del Shannon Car Show, tractor show, Miss Coopersville Pageant, vintage train rides, tractor show, teddy bear parade, soap box derby, food, music and more. coopersville.com/summerfest. Aug 6-11 - Kent County Youth Fair: Activities include tractor/horse/pony pulls, theater, dance, karaoke, music, talent show and food. Kent County Fairgrounds, 225 S Hudson St, Lowell. kcyf.org. Aug 6-12 - Michigan Pirate Festival: Reenactors, time-period cannon demonstrations, activities. Library, downtown and Central Park in Grand Haven. michiganpirate festival.com.

www.22958Mile.com Custom quality built estate for entertaining and recreation on 38 beautiful acres with vineyards and more, only 15 minutes to downtown Grand Rapids…visit www.22958Mile.com

Aug 7 - The Artful Appetizer: GR Downtown Alliance and Square Peg Events host a walking tour in downtown GR with food and beverage sampling. 21 years or older. 7 pm. $40, in advance only (Old World Olive Press, 108 Monroe Center). squarepegevents.com.

www.410014Mile.com

Mid-Life Crisis

AUG. 18 - WHITE PARTY:

AuG. 23 – Green Gala,

West Shore Aware, a philanthropic organization of gay men and women, presents its 9th annual fundraiser at Lake Town Golf and Conference Center, Saugatuck. See Special Events

benefitting the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, will be held at the Plant Moran building and Fish Ladder in downtown GR. friendsofgr parks.org

Nature abounds in this pristine, secluded estate with a spring-fed private lake and more on 64 acres, only 15 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids…visit www.410014Mile.com

Ed Hood (616)822.5496 www.edhoodrealestate.com August 2012 / Grmag.com 117

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 117

7/6/12 5:14 PM


out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Phil Denny

Aug 9-11 - Unity Christian Music Festival: Main stage artists include: Joel Weldon and The Unity Choir (daily); Aug 9, Phil Joel, The City Harmonic, Chris Tomlin; Aug 10, Dara Maclean, Building 429, Matt Maher, Needtobreathe; Aug 11, Andy Cherry, Chase Callahan, Mikeschair, Mandisa, Matthew West, Steven Curtis Chapman. Heritage Landing, Muskegon. Before Aug 7: $20 one-day pass, $40 twoday pass, $50 three-day pass. At door: $22, $45, $62.50. unitymusicfestival.com.

Aug 10 - Cattle Baron’s Ball: American Cancer Society’s western-themed fundraiser includes food, live music, auctions and more. 6 pm-midnight. Steelcase Town Hall, 1111 44th St. $150 (cbbgrandrapids.com). Aug 10-11 - Cowpie Music Festival: Live bands, food, beverages and crafts. Camping available. Gates open noon Fri and 9 am Sat. Shagbark Farm, 7500 Alaska Ave SE, Caledonia. $70, includes camping; kids 12 and under free. cowpiemusicfestival.com. Aug 10-11 - Holland Sidewalk Sales: More than 100 merchants bring great deals outdoors, plus street performers, food booths and more. 9 am-9 pm Fri, 9 am-5 pm Sat. Downtown Holland. Aug 13 - Sheryl Crow: Grammy-winning contemporary singer with hits such as “All I Wanna Do” and “If It Makes You Happy.” 8 pm. Interlochen Center for the Arts, Hwy M-137, Interlochen. $40.50-$60.50 (box office, 231-276-7800 or tickets.interlochen.org). Aug 14 - Lamb of God and Dethklok with special guest Gojira: Heavy metal music concert. 7 pm. DeltaPlex. $29.50-$39.50 (box office, etix.com). Aug 14 - Michael Joiner: Family-friendly Christian comedian. 6:30 pm. Noto’s, 6600 28th St SE. $30 show, $57.50 dinner and show. Aug 15-25 - Restaurant Week: More than 60 Grand Rapids restaurants offer either threecourse menus for $25 or three-courses for $25 for two dinners. For list of restaurants and menus, see restaurantweekgr.com. Aug 16 - Saugatuck & Douglas Sidewalk Sales: Merchant sales and entertainment. 9 am-6 pm. Aug 17-18 - City Lights Music Festival: Outdoor electronic music festival, plus art and

First of its kind Rosa Parks Circle will be filled with all that jazz Aug. 18 as West Michigan’s first all-day jazz festival kicks off. GRandJazzFest is being put on by GR and Jazz, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing jazz to new and diverse audiences through education programs and community events. Founder Audrey Sundstrom said she came up with the idea after attending similar festivals in other cities. “I thought Grand Rapids should have something like this — let’s give it a try.” The festival features six Michigan-based groups including The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra and renowned guitarist Tim Bowman of Detroit. Music kicks off at noon and will last until 10 p.m. The event is free and suitable for all ages. “We’re hoping people will come out, perhaps be inspired and have a great time,” Sundstrom said. For more information, visit grandjazzfest.org or Facebook.com/grandjazzfest.

food. 6-11 pm Fri, all day Sat. Calder Plaza, 300 Ottawa Ave NW. citylightsmusicfestival. com.

Aug 17-18 - Grand Haven Sidewalk Sales: Area merchant sales and live entertainment. 9 am-8 pm Fri, 9 am-5 pm Sat. Washington St between Harbor and Third. Aug 17-19 - Muskegon Multicultural Beach Festival: Fashion show, health fair, college resource fair, sand-sculpting contest, beach walk/lose big contest, concert series, cultural entertainment, food vendors, exhibitors and special speakers. Pere Marquette Beach. muskegonmbf.org.

Aug 20-25 - Rock the Rapids: Six-day rock festival in downtown GR. Headliners Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith, Carnival of Madness (Evanescence with Chevelle, Halestorm, Cavo and New Medicine). Tickets TBD. facebook.com/RocktheRapids. Aug 22-25 - American Quilter’s Society: Workshops, contests, materials and supplies from 300 vendors, plus hundreds of quilts on display. 9 am-6 pm Wed-Fri, 9 am-5 pm Sat. DeVos Place. $12 adults, $22/two-day pass, $11 seniors, $6 kids 6-12, under 6 free.

Aug 18 - Art on the Riverfront: Twelfth annual juried art show with more than 40 artists, presented by Grand Haven Area Arts Council. 10 am-5 pm. Grand Haven City Marina. ghaac. org.

Aug 24-25 - 28th St Metro Cruise: 15,000 special interest cars and 15 miles of cool cars on 28th Street through Grandville, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Cascade, plus Car Corral, Swap Meet, Sock Hop Dance Contest and cruising. 1-9 pm Fri, 9 am-9 pm Sat. 28thstreetmetrocruise.org.

Aug 18 - GRandJazzFest: Inaugural one-day jazz festival featuring Michigan-based musicians: Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with Edye Evans Hyde, Walt Gutowski & the Bridge Street Band with Michelle Covington, Grupo Ayé, Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet, Phil Denny, Tim Bowman. Noon-10 pm. Rosa Parks Circle, downtown GR. Free. grandjazzfest.org.

Aug 24-26 - Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival: Celebration of Polish food, music and beer, with continuous live polka entertainment, kids activities, vendors, cultural displays, cooking demos, beverage tent. Rosa Parks Circle, downtown GR. 11 am-11:30 pm Fri, noon-11:30 pm Sat, noon-6 Sun. www. polishheritagesociety.com.

Aug 18 - White Party: West Shore Aware fundraiser with cocktails, dinner, silent/live auctions, open bar, live music and dancing. 6:30 pm. Lake Town Golf and Conference Center, Saugatuck. $85 (269-857-2460 or westshoreaware.org).

Aug 24-26 - Yassou! Greekfest: Live music, dancing, imported Greek crafts and ethnic foods. 3-10 pm Fri, 11 am-10 pm Sat, noon-4 pm Sun. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Dr NE. $2 adults, kids free. grgreekfest.com.

Photography Courtesy Phil Denny

Aug 9-11 - White Lake Maritime Festival: Shuffleboard, softball, sailing regatta, trout pond, live music, food, games and more. Begins 6 pm Thu with community picnic; 4 pmmidnight Fri; 10 am-midnight Sat. Goodrich Park, Whitehall. whitelake.org.

118 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 118

7/6/12 5:14 PM


Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

Pearl Street Lounge offers Michigan Martinis, Wines & Craft Beers

Aug 26 - Allegan Antique market: 400 exhibitors (200 inside, 200 outside), rain or shine. No pets allowed. 8 am-4 pm. Allegan County Fairgrounds. $4. alleganantiques. com.

•$3 Martinis every Wednesday •1/2 off any bottled wine every Thursday

Aug 26 - taste of saugatuck: Street festival of fine foods sponsored by Saugatuck-Douglas CVB and area restaurants. Noon-7 pm. Downtown Saugatuck. Aug 31-sep 3 - shoreline spectacular: Four days of entertainment, food, arts and crafts, parade, kids activities, car/motorcycle show and more. Ross Park, Muskegon. shoreline spectacular.com.

SpORtS Aug - west michigan whitecaps: Professional minor league baseball team, Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Home games: Aug 1-3 vs Lake County Captains. Aug 1113 vs Bowling Green Hot Rods. Aug 18-21 vs Great Lakes Loons. Aug 22-24 vs Fort Wayne TinCaps. Game times vary. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $6-$14 (ticket office, 800-CAPS-WIN, whitecaps-baseball.com).

Buy one get one free.

Located inside Holiday Inn 310 Pearl St. NW Grand Rapids | (616) 235-1342

Good for one free lunch or dinner entrée with the purchase of a second entrée of equal or greater value. Dine in only.

• Not valid on groups of 8 or more, or on banquet functions. • Not valid with any other discount promotions or coupon offers. • An 18% gratuity will be added to check before discount. • Complimentary parking when dining in restaurant. • Offer expires Aug. 31, 2012

Aug 4 - miles for hope 5K run/walk: Moving Towards a Cure run raises funds for brain tumor research. 9 am. Comstock Riverside Park. $25. braintumorevents.org/grandrapids 2012. Aug 5 - color run: 5K run in downtown GR starts and finishes at Calder Plaza, 315 Ottawa Ave NW. Volunteers “ambush” participants with colored dust at each km mark. All ages and abilities invited to participate. 9 am. $55. thecolorrun.com/grandrapids. Aug 11 - hey 5K run/walk: Third annual run thru downtown Muskegon; proceeds go to Muskegon Community Radio 88.9. 8 am. $30. goracego.com.

PhotoGraPhy courtesy Phil Denny

Aug 11 - 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. $80. millenniumtriathlon. com. Aug 14 - siren chase 5K run/walk: Competitive run through residential EGR to support Special Olympics, plus post-race party with food, beverages and DJ. 7 pm. Aquinas College. $30. sirenchase.com. Aug 18 - mitchell’s run thru rockford: 14th annual 5K run/walk and kids run raises money for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research, plus family picnic, music, silent auction and more. 8:30 am, 9:30 kids run. mitch ellsrun.org.

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 119

THAI, JAPANESE, CHINESE

Asian Dining Award of Excellence 5 years in a row!

xo

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

• Full service Sushi Bar

(Half-price every Tuesday, dine in only).

• Beer and Wine & Spirits Available

ASIAN CUISINE 58 Monroe Center Phone (616) 235-6969

www.xoasiancuisine.com

August 2012 / GrmaG.com 119

7/6/12 5:14 PM


out & about Where to Go / What to Do

August 15th

1/ California rock band Buckcherry will perform at The Orbit Room.

1/ the orBit room presents Buckcherry, a group of tattooed rascals who look like they’re in need of a bath. They’re coming to Grand Rapids Aug. 15 and rocking just for you — but mostly for your girlfriend. They had one big radio hit, “Crazy Bitch,” back in 2006. Another of their songs was used in the famous “Rock Band” video game. 2525 Lake Eastbrook SE, orbitroom.com. 2/ tip top deluXe BAr & grill hosts rockabilly monsters The Living Deads, who are coming all the way from Denver to destroy Tip Top Aug. 22. Expect screaming, thunder, fire — a rock and roll massacre! 760 Butterworth St. SW, 272-3910, thelivingdeads. com.

Compiled by Tim mCalliSTer

Billy’s Lounge: Long-time Eastown bar and music venue with a capacity of 250 hosts live music of all genres but with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billys lounge.com. The BOB: The Big Old Building houses several entertainment options, including nightclubs Crush and Eve, and Dr. Grins (see below). 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com. Dog Story Theater: Comedy Mondays feature improv, standup, sketches and more, 8 and 9 p.m.; open improv jam at 10 p.m. $5. Also

hosts music and theater. 7 Jefferson Ave. SE, 894-1252, dogstorytheater.com. Dr. Grins Comedy Club: Nationally acclaimed stand-up comedians perform 9 p.m. Thu., 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave. NW. 356-2000, thebob.com. The Intersection: Downtown nightclub hosts local and national bands. Ticket prices vary; available at Purple East, Shakedown, Vertigo Music, Intersection box office (2-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.) 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-8232, sectionlive.com.

3/ River City Improv group

One Trick Pony: Restaurant features Acoustic Stew music series (local and national acts) 8 p.m. Thu. and some Sat. evenings, reservations recommended. WYCE 88.1 Hat Trick Series (7:30 p.m. Mon. fall and winter) raises money for local nonprofits. 136 E. Fulton St., 235-7669, onetrick.biz. The Pyramid Scheme: Neighborhood pub and music venue in the Heartside neighborhood. Ticket prices vary (ticketweb.com). 68 Commerce Ave. SW, 272-3758, pyramid schemebar.com.

PhotoGraPhy courtesy Pr broWn (toP); tina Derusha (bottom)

Comedy & nightclub venues

3/ river citY improv: Grand Rapids is the “River City” and “improv” is when comedians make the comedy up at the same time they’re performing it. If longevity is indicative of quality, then River City Improv, now in its 1,864th consecutive year, is a sure bet. Can Christians be funny? Find out Aug. 18! Gezon Auditorium, Spoelhof Center, Calvin College, 3201 Burton St. SE, rivercityimprov.com.

120 GrmaG.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 120

7/6/12 5:14 PM


Aug 19 - Gaslight Criterium: Circuit bicycle race in EGR’s Gaslight Village, sponsored by Bissell Cycling Team. 8 am-5 pm. Aug 25 - Grand Rapids Mud Run: 5K course with obstacles, slide and mud. Participants can run solo or in teams. Also, Kids Mini Mud Run (2.5K). 8 am. 1200 60th St SE, Kentwood. grandrapidsmudrun.com. Aug 27 - Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic: 18 holes of golf, plus dinner, raffle and auction. Shotgun start 10 am. Egypt Valley Country Club, 7333 Knapp Ave NE, Ada. $225, $800/4 (774-4585, ext 3027, or griffins hockey.com).

Stage & Film Aug - Detroit on Film: Then/Now/Next: GR Art Museum presents films at 2 pm Sundays in Cook Auditorium. Aug 5, “Urban Roots.” Aug 12, “Lily’s Detroit.” Aug 19, “Detroit: Remember When.” Aug 26, “Revenge of the Electric Car.” 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, artmuseumgr. org. Free with admission. Aug - Hope Summer Repertory Theatre: Thru Aug 9, “An Inspector Calls.” Thru Aug 9, “Songs for a New World.” Thru Aug 10, “Chaps!” Thru Aug 11, “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” 8 pm. Locations vary. $17-$26 adults, $15-$24 seniors, $10 children 18 and younger (DeWitt box office, 616-3957890 or hope.edu/hsrt).

Photography courtesy PR Brown (top); Tina DeRusha (bottom)

Thru Aug 5 - Traverse City Film Festival: Special emphasis on foreign films, American independents and documentaries. Free classic movies on outdoor screen in Open Space Park. Daily panel discussions with writers, directors, actors and other members of film industry. traversecityfilmfest.org. Thru Aug 12 - “Our Sinatra”: Mason Street Warehouse presents a tribute to Old Blue Eyes. 8 pm Tue-Sat, 7 pm Sun, 2 pm Aug 12. 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $26-$39.75 adults (269-857-4898 or masonstreetwarehouse. org). Aug 9-11 - “The Music Man”: Byron Township presents its first community theater production about a fast-talking traveling salesman who cons a town into buying uniforms and instruments for a boys’ band. 7:30 pm Thu-Fri, 2 and 7:30 pm Sun. Van Singel FAC, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center. $15$18 adults, $10 students (878-6800 or vsfac. com). Aug 9-25 - “See How They Run”: Circle Theatre presents British farce about a small village about to be invaded by Nazis. 7:30 pm, 5 pm Sun. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $23 (456-6656, circletheatre.org).

Aug 10, 24 - Movies in the Park: Free, family-friendly movies at dusk in John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Dr, EGR. Aug 10, “Winnie The Pooh.” Aug 24, “Hop.” More info: 9404800, ext 300. Aug 16 - “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”: Free family film. 8 pm. Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland. Aug 17-Sep 2 - “Boeing Boeing”: Mason Street Warehouse presents romantic comedy about an American playboy in Paris juggling three flight attendant fiancées. 8 pm Tue-Sat, 7 pm Sun, 2 pm Sep 2. 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $26-$39.75 adults (269-8574898 or masonstreetwarehouse.org). Aug 24 - 4WALL: Fourth Wednesdays at Wealthy: West Michigan Film Video Alliance screens member and independent filmmakers’ films and works-in-progress. 7 pm. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE. Free.

Music Aug - Blues on the Mall: Free Wed night concerts 6-9 pm. Aug 1, Laith Al Saadi. Aug 8, Curtis Salgado. Aug 15, Walter Trout. Rosa Parks Circle, downtown GR. Free. wlav.com. Aug - Dance on the Waterfront: Wed night big band dances 7-9 pm thru Aug 29. Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven. $2.50. visit grandhaven.com. Aug - EGR Summer Concerts: Familyfriendly live music every other Tue at 7 pm. Aug 14, The Adams Family. Aug 28, Mid-Life Crisis. Bring chairs or blankets. John Collins Park, East Grand Rapids. eastgr.org. Aug - Grand Haven/Spring Lake Concerts: Tuesdays in the Park: Big band concerts 7-8:30 pm thru Aug 21, Central Park, Grand Haven. Thursdays at the Point: Local musicians play 7-8:30 pm thru Aug 23, Mill Point Park, Spring Lake. visitgrandhaven.com. Aug - GVSU Carillon Concerts: Free concerts in Allendale and downtown GR. At Pew GR campus: noon Aug 1, Julianne Vanden Wyngaard. At Cook Carillon Plaza, Allendale campus: Aug 5, Ray McLellan; Aug 12 George Gregory and Julianne Vanden Wyngaard; Aug 19, Julianne Vanden Wyngaard (all at 8 pm). gvsu.edu/music. Aug - Holland Summer Concerts: Live music 6:30-8:30 pm every Fri. Aug 3, Madcat, Kane & Maxwell Street. Aug 10, Starfarm. Aug 17, Memories of Elvis Tribute Show. Kollen Park, Holland. Free. holland.org. Aug - Jazzoo: Free jazz concerts 6-8 pm every Mon. Aug 6, The Family, featuring Nick

Ayoub. Aug 13, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. John Ball Zoo Bandshell, 1300 W Fulton St. wmichjazz.org.

Aug - Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts: Free concerts 7-9 pm every Thu thru Aug 23. Aug 2, Kari Lynch Band. Aug 16, Terry Lower Trio with Edye Evans Hyde. Aug 23, Alive & Well. Riverwalk Plaza along Flat River. Bleacher seating or bring chairs. lowell artscouncil.org. Aug - Maranatha Summer Concerts: Aug 4, Huntley Brown. Aug 11, The Webb Family. Aug 18, Larnelle Harris. Aug 25, Dave Boyer. 7 pm. Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference Center, 4759 Lake Harbor Rd, Muskegon. maranatha-bmc.org. Free. Aug - Music in the Park: Free, live performances in Saugatuck 7-9 pm every Wed thru Aug 22. Wicks Park Gazebo, Water Street. saugatuck.com. Aug - Parties in the Park: Live music, beverage tents, children’s activities 5-9 pm every Fri thru Aug 17. Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon. partiesinthepark.com. Aug - Rogue River Blues: Rockford’s Tue evening concerts showcase jazz, blues and folk music artists 7-9 pm thru Aug 14. Aug 7, Soul’d Out Band. Aug 14, David Molinari and Creolization. Bring blankets or chairs. Garden Club Park along Rogue River. Free. therockfordnetwork.com. Aug - Tuesday Evening Music Club: Local musicians perform at Meijer Gardens Amphitheater 7 p.m. every Tuesday thru Aug. 28. Entire facility is open until 9. Aug 7, Skee-Town Stylee/Blue Molly. Aug 14, Kari Lynch Band/Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys. Aug 21, The Icicles/Valentiger. Aug 28 Ralston and Friends. Free (included in admission). Bring blankets or low-rise chairs. Picnics allowed; no alcohol (available inside gates). meijergardens.org. Aug - Worship on the Waterfront: Free outdoor summer worship series with music 7:30-8:45 pm Sun. Aug 5, Bebo Norman. Aug 12, Gaither-Style Home Coming Sing-a-Long. Aug 19, Peder Eide. Aug 28, Central Bible College Worship Team. Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven. worshiponthewaterfront.org. Aug - Wyoming Concerts in the Park: Free concerts in Lamar Park at 7 pm Tue. Aug 7, Nobody’s Darlin. Aug 14, rain date. wyoming mi.gov. Thru Aug 17 - Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck: Music performed by area musicians. Aug 2-3, Sergei Rachmaninoff and continued on page 125 August 2012 / Grmag.com 121

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 121

7/6/12 5:14 PM


out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

August 11

th

Air Zoo: More than 50 rare aircraft, plus exhibits and educational activities. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun. See website for prices. 6151 Portage Road, Portage, (269) 382-6555, airzoo.org. Blandford Nature Center: 143 acres of diverse ecosystems, trails, natural history exhibits and heritage buildings. Offers classes and workshops in a variety of subjects. Special event: Aug 17, Blandford Bioblitz: Scientists, citizens, school groups, etc., team up to record as many plant and animal species as possible in 24 hours. Interpretive Center open 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, 735-6240, blandfordnaturecenter.org. Free.

1/ Ride the C&M train during Summerfest for $4.

Coopersville Farm Museum: Special exhibit: Thru Sep 29, Quilts & Their Stories. Permanent exhibits: Tractors from 1930 to present, eclipse windmill, 100-year-old barns, kids area. Hours: 10 am-4 pm Tue-Sat. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children 3-18, under 3 free. 375 Main St, Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

Compiled by donna Ferraro

1/ Coopersville & Marne Railway: Summerfest provides a chance to ride the C&M restored 1920s-era train 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug 11 at a special price: $4 all-day pass. The railway offers regular excursion rides 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wed. and Sat.; $10.50 adults, $9.50 seniors, $8.50 ages 2-12, under 2 free. 311 Danforth St, Coopersville, 997-7000 (for advance tickets), coopersvilleandmarne.org. 2/ Holland Museum: Before the Festival: The Improbable Journey of Holland’s Favorite Flower runs through Sep. 2 in the Wichers Gallery. On Aug. 26, there will be free entry to the museum (and free ice cream) during the Vintage Holland Boat Show in front of the museum, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Latin Americans United for Progress Youth Exhibit begins Aug. 24. Permanent exhibits: 17th- to 20th-century Dutch paintings, cultural attractions from the “old country,” local history. Restored Cappon House is the Victorian home of Holland’s first mayor, 228 W. 9th St. Tiny Settlers House recalls hardships of early settlers, 190 W. 9th St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Wed.Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, children 5 and under free, members free. 31 W. 10th St., Holland, (616) 796-3329, holland museum.org. 3/ Muskegon Museum of Art: 50X50: A Glass Invitational, celebrates the 50th anniversary of studio glass with glass works from 50 artists, 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 23. Aug. 9 is Salon Thursday: Bring two works of art to display for the evening. Special exhibits: Thru Sep, Masterpieces: Museum Favorites, Salon Style. Thru Oct 7, New Art for the New Century. Permanent exhibits: World-class collection of paintings, prints, sculpture and glass. Hours: noon-4:30 p.m. Sun.; closed Mon.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue. and Thu.; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wed., Fri. and Sat. $7 adults (Thu. free); $5 students; members, children under 17 free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegonartmuseum.org.

Felt Mansion Estate & Gardens: Summer home of millionaire Dorr E Felt, built in the 1920s. Self-guided tours 1-5 pm Sun-Tue (check website to confirm) through Labor Day. $8 adults; $5 seniors/students; seniors free on Mon. 6597 138th Ave (between Holland and Saugatuck), (616) 3353050, feltmansion.org. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Special exhibits: Thru Aug 26, Beverly Pepper: Palingenesis 1962-2012. Aug 25-26, Dahlia Show. Permanent exhibits: World-class sculptures indoors and in the 30-acre park. Outdoor attractions: Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, boardwalk nature trail, tram tours. Indoor attractions: Tropical conservatory, Victorian garden, café, gift shops. Hours: 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, 9 am-9 pm Tue, 11 am-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, meijergardens.org. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Special exhibits: Thru Sep 16, Beyond Comfort, Sense of Adventure and Creative Force. Permanent exhibits: The 1970s, Watergate scandal, Oval Office, New Mood at the White House. Hours: 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, fordlibrarymuseum.gov. Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibits: Thru Aug 26, Cities in Transition. Permanent exhibits: 19th and 20th century art; design and modern craft; prints, drawings and photographs. GRAM on the Green: Outdoor live music (Aug 3, Creolization; Aug 10, Dan Richardson; Aug 17, Fainting Generals), special activities, sketching and cash bar, 5-9 pm, $5 adults, members free. All Day With the Arts: Drop-in art activities for kids 10 am-3 pm Sat; kid-friendly tours 11 am and 1 pm. Hours: 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, artmus eumgr.org.

Photography Courtesy Jerry Ricard (top)’ Ben Lerman (bottom)

Museums & Attractions

DeGraaf Nature Center: 18-acre preserve includes Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch. Hours: 9 am-5 pm Tue-Fri, 10 am-5 pm Sat, closed Sun, Mon and holidays. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, (616) 355-1057, degraaf.org. Free.

122 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 122

7/10/12 2:59 PM


Unique Transportation for your next event! • Customized Wedding Packages • Corporate Events • Art Prize Trolley Tours - Take your own tour, your time and your sites • Great business outing, great thank you to clients and employees

2/ The story of Holland’s favorite flower at Holland Museum, through Sept. 2

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Aunt Daisy’s Farm; Wee Discover; Mom and Pop Store; Giant Lite Brite; Amigo Amphitheater; Buzzy Buzzy Bees. Toddler Tue (10 am-noon). Thu Family Nights (5-8 pm), $1.50. Hours: 9:30 am-8 pm Tue, Thu; 9:30 am-5 pm Wed, Fri-Sat; noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $7.50, under 1 free, $6.50 seniors. 22 Sheldon Ave NE, 235-4726, grcm.org. Grand Rapids Public Museum: Summer specials: Thru Sep 1, Game On! vintage and carnival games, giant chess and ping pong. Aug 10-11 Overnight at Your Museum. Special exhibits: Thru Aug 31, Thank God for Michigan: Stories from the Civil War. Thru Sep 30, Chairmania: Fantastic Miniatures. Permanent exhibits: Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Anishinabek and Newcomers: The People of This Place, Furniture City, 1928 carousel ($1). Hours: 9 am-8 pm Tue, 9 am-5 pm Wed-Sat, closed Sun-Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977, grmuseum.org.

Grand Rapids Trolley Co.

2640 Hall Street SE East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 Phone: (616) 954-7000

Check out our website at www.GRtrolley.com

PhotoGraPhy courtesy istockPhoto,com/eVanGelos kanariDis

PhotoGraPhy courtesy Jerry ricarD (toP)’ ben lerman (bottom)

John Ball Zoo: Special event: 6-8 pm Aug 21, buy one admission, get one free. New funicular journeys up a 900-foot incline to overlook the city skyline; Idema Forest Realm features nature walk and play area. The zoo has more than 1,100 animals, including a baby camel, Lions of Lake Manyara, Komodo dragon, colubus monkeys, New Guinea baboons, penguins, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island and Living Shores Aquarium. Summer hours: 9 am-6 pm. $8.50 adults, $6.50 kids 3-13, kids 2 and under free. 1300 W Fulton St, 336-4300, johnballzoosociety.org. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibits: Thru Sep 23, Elliott Erwitt: Dog Days. Aug 11-Nov 4, Expressions: 39th Annual International Glass Invitational. Summer hours: 10 am-5 pm Tue-Sat. $5. Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org. Meyer May House: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house restored by Steelcase features many original furnishings. Hours: 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, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free. Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Themed shows educate young and old about the stars. At GR Public Museum. $3. Tri-Cities Historical Museum: Special exhibits: Thru Sep, Birch Bark & Bateaux and Lewis Cross’ Life on the Grand. Summer hours: 9:30 am-7:30 pm Tue-Fri; 12:30-7:30 Sat and Sun. Free. 200 Washington and 1 N. Harbor, Grand Haven, (616) 842-0700, tri-citiesmuseum.org.

The American Cancer Society invites you to a spectacular night of food, live music, auctions, and entertainment at the 10 th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball!

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts: Special exhibits: Thru Aug 12, Urbanity, a multidisciplinary series. Thru Sep 3, Limit(less). Hours: 11 am-9 pm Tue-Sat; noon-7 Sun. $5, 5 and under free. Tue nights 5-9 pm free. 2 W Fulton St, 4543994, uica.org. August 2012 / GrmaG.com 123

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 123

7/6/12 5:15 PM


THAI, JAPANESE, CHINESE • Sushi Bar half price every Tuesday (Dine-in only) • Full service bar

An exquisite dining experience set in a casual yet elegant atmosphere.

“Restaurant of the Year” Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 “Dining Awards”

60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 616.454.6700 www.leosrestaurant.com

xo

ASIAN CUISINE

58 Monroe Center • Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 235-6969 www.xoasiancuisine.com

Spectacular WATERFRONT Dining

Fine Persian Cuisine Restaurant and Banquet

2010 & 2011 Dining Award of Excellence NW corner of Breton & 28th St. • Grand Rapids

(616) 949-7447 For full menu, upcoming events and specials, visit our website www.shirazgrille.com

2 courses featuring the freshest seafood available, going from sea to plate in 24 hours. $22 per person The B.O.B. / 20 Monroe / Grand Rapids 616.356.2000 / thebob.com

3 Courses $25.99 I Happy Hour I Sunday Brunch I Special Occasions 63 Market St. I Downtown Grand Rapids 616.459.2500 I www.muer.com

Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

happy hour mon.-Fri., 4pm-7pm in pearl street lounge

CHINESE RESTAURANT / Mandarin / Hunan / Szechwan Special OccaSiOn catering available

3 locations • Open 7 days a week

www.firstwokgr.com

Pearl Street Grill and Lounge are located inside Holiday Inn (conveniently located downtown)

Inspiration through Fermentation.

310 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids

HopCatGR.com 451-HOPS (4677) . 25 Ionia Ave.

complimentary parking

#&&3 t &7&/54 t 1"35*&4 t %*/*/( t #&&3

616-235-1342

The best that Italy has to offer in the heart of Grand Rapids... AWARD WINNING

616-855-WINE (9463) WWW.RESERVEGR.COM

Fine dining redefined

LUNCH Mon - Fri 11:30-4:00 PM DINNER Mon - Thurs 4:00-10:00 PM Fri 4:00-11:00 PM Sat 5:00-11:00 PM

Downtown Grand Rapids

CORNER OF MONROE AVE. & LYON

122 MONROE CENTER, ST NW DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 616-235-9339 www.trecugini.com

616.454.7455 Complimentary Valet Parking •35 Ionia Ave NW

www.LouisBenton.com

124 GrmaG.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 124

7/6/12 5:15 PM


out & about Where to Go / What to Do

continued from page 121 Johannes Brahms featuring Joy Song Thomson. Aug 9-10, Franz Joseph Haydn, Bela Bartok and Ludwig van Beethoven featuring the Tesla Quartet. Aug 16-17, Robert Schumann, George B Chave, Manuel de Falla and Max Bruch. 7:30 pm. Saugatuck Women’s Club, 303 Butler St. $20 adults, $10 students (269857-1424). saugatuckmusic.org.

Aug 2 - makem and spain Brothers: Irish folk band. 8 pm. Fenian’s Irish Pub, 19683 Main St, Conklin. $30 (899-2649). fenians irishpub.com. Aug 2-3 - picnic pops: GR Symphony presents Kansas live in concert, enhanced with live orchestra, performing classic hits such as “Dust in the Wind,” “Carry On My Wayward Son” and “Point of Know Return.” Gates open 5:30 pm, concert 8 pm. Cannonsburg Ski Area. $24 adults, $22 seniors and students, $10 kids 2-15 (454-9451, ext 4, Ticketmaster or grsymphony.org). Aug 13, 20 - circle theatre cabaret series: Aug 13, Moonshine Serenade. Aug 20, Let It Be: A Beatles Tribute. 7 pm. Aquinas PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $13.50-$17 (456-6656, circletheatre.org). Aug 15 - thirsty perch Blues Band: Free concert. 6-8:30 pm. Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 1286 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland. Aug 16 - cherry st garden summer music series: Family-friendly performances on lawn at Inner City Christian Federation. This month: Alive & Well. Green Well restaurant sells boxed meals or bring picnic (also lawn chairs or blanket). 6:30-8:30 pm. 920 Cherry St SE. iccf.org/summer_music.htm. Aug 18 - moose fest: Radio station 107 MUS presents annual country music party on the lakeshore. 10 am gates open, noon music begins. Heritage Landing, Muskegon. Free; tickets available at local businesses.

lectuReS & WORKSHOpS Aug - Blandford nature center: 6-7:30 pm Aug 9, Over in the Meadow: Story Time Hike ($6, $5 members). 6-7:30 pm Aug 23, Butterflies at Blandford by Matt Douglas, co-author of “Butterflies of the Great Lakes” ($6, $5 members). See Museums & Attractions. Aug - gr public libraries: Programs include: A Brief History of the Wedding Dress, Ephemera from the Archives: The GRPL Collection, Interpretation of Dreams, author visits, adult computer classes, reading clubs, kids activities. Complete schedule at Main Library, 111 Library St NE, or grpl.org. Free.

Aug - gr tango: Beginner and intermediate dance lessons 8-9:30 pm Thu, followed by free practice. Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St SE, grtango.org. $12 drop-in. Aug - Kent district libraries: Programs include book discussions, Speak to a Geek, career transition workshops, kids activities. Complete schedule at kdl.org. Aug 2-3 - institute for healing racism: Two-day workshop connects people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds to discuss thought-provoking topics, plus a history of race in North America. GRCC Diversity Learning Center. $200-$300 (2343390, grcc.edu/ihr). Aug 3 - grand rounds Autism lecture: Hope Network presents “Psychiatric Concerns Among International Adoptees” by Emily Helder, Calvin College. Noon-1 pm. Hope Network Education Center, 775 36th St SE. Free. Aug 10, 24 - grand river folk Arts society: Dance instruction events. 7 pm Aug 10, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, $5. 7 pm Aug 24, Fourth Friday Contra Dance/Jam, Fifth Street Hall, 701 5th St NW, $6. grfolk arts.org. Aug 11 - dance Attack workshops: Intensive jazz, hip-hop and contemporary workshop. 8 am registration. DeVos Place. $140 advanced, $125 intermediate, $10 observer. Registration: danceattackworkshops.com. Aug 16 - divorce seminar for women: Monthly seminar provides basic legal, psychological and financial info. 6 pm. Women’s Health Pavilion, 555 MidTowne St NE. $45 (divorceseminar.org).

Come visit us, the “safe wash” experts!

Aug 16 - dyslexia seminar: New Chapter Learning offers info on characteristics, causes and solutions for dyslexia. 6:30 pm. Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave, Wyoming. Registration: 534-1385. new chapterlearning.net. Free. Aug 18 - dAncegr: Ballroom dance instruction (7-8 pm), followed by social dance (811 pm). St Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr SE, dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both. Aug 25 - religious sign language: Deaf Expressions workshop helps interpret sermons and songs at church. 9 am-noon. Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame SW, Wyoming. Registration required (deafexpressions05@gmail.com). $35. deafexp ressions.net.

Full Service Detailing

$3.99 Exterior Washes Available Interior and Exterior starting at $14.99

(616) 447-9560

Located in front of Celebration Cinema IMAX on Eastbeltline NE at the corner of Knapp. August 2012 / GrmaG.com 125

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 125

7/6/12 5:15 PM


out & about Society / faces / places

Karisa Wilson and Hopwood DePree

Adam Gacka and Lila DeBree Christopher Coppola with Otto the “Biker Cat”

Michelle Burt, Deanna DePree and Gregory Burt

Ryan Scott, Johnny Blue and Gaby Bechard

Nikila Cole and Rudy Vedovell

Capturing the action around town:

snap shots

Spring and summer are ideal seasons for outdoor events in Michigan — at least when the weather cooperates. Our roving photographers captured crowds at a variety of happenings: the 14th annual Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck; lots of dogs and their people at the Bissell Blocktail Party, held on the lawn at Mangiamo restaurant in Grand Rapids; and the Social Charity Club’s gathering at the JW Marriott downtown to benefit Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.

Doggie portrait station at Bissell Blocktail Party Photography by johnny quirin (top); michael buck (bottom)

Bissell Blocktail Party

126 Grmag.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 126

7/6/12 5:15 PM


Jana Veldher and Todd Chance

Dennis and Joni Murphy

Neil Marchand and Margaux Drake

Social Charity Club’s gathering at the JW Marriott

Jordan Carson, Lauren Latarte, Whitney Budder, Jimmie Lee, Ashley Amay, Chelsea Slocum and Marjorie Behm,

PhotoGraPhy by michael buck

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny quirin (toP); michael buck (bottom)

Amanda Parrish, Jana Wilber, Jen O’Brien with Murphy

Victoria and Edd Clark with Sophia

Margo Burian, Craig Rawlings, and Jenn Foote with Bodhi August 2012 / GrmaG.com 127

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 127

7/6/12 5:15 PM


after thoughts

Q:a

After an 18-year career, Oliver Evans, president of Kendall College of Art & Design, said he’s ready for the joys of retirement.

whAt wAs Your Best moment At KendAll? The merger with Ferris State University (2000-2001). It took a great deal of courage on the part of the Kendall board of trustees. It also took courage and vision on the part of FSU. The tangible results of the merger are increased enrollment and number of programs, and the expansion.

home together, and to develop and pursue interests we’ve always shared. whAt’s Your most treAsured possesion? My piano. who would You invite to A fAntAsY dinner pArtY? Pianist Emmanuel Ax, actor Johnny Depp, politician Hillary Clinton, director Ron Howard, cellist and composer Yo Yo Ma and vocalist Marilyn Horn.

whAt Are Your retirement plAns? Spend more time with my grandchildren. I’ll also be using the time to look at interests I’ve always had, music and the performing arts. My wife and I — she retired in December — will be re-discovering what it’s like to be at

— ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL

PhotoGraPhy bcourtesy anDreW maGuire

O

liver Evans served as dean of the faculty, VP for academic affairs and interim president before being named president, and has witnessed Kendall grow from 520 students to the largest design school in the state.

128 GrmaG.com \ August 2012

GRM_08.12_PG116.128.indd 128

7/6/12 5:16 PM


 Beautifully Crafted  Uncompromising freshness. Infused with inspiration. Skillfully served. Join us for an exquisite dining experience set in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Treat your senses to all that is Leo’s in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

“Restaurant of the Year”

60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 616.454.6700 | www.leosrestaurant.com

GRM_08.12_CVRS.indd 2

Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 “Dining Awards”

7/2/12 3:09 PM


NORTHWESTERN HOME_Full_8-12

7/1/12

8:09 PM

Page 1

637 Leonard NW Just West of US 131 Grand Rapids 616.454.4439 www.nwhomefurnishings.com

GRM_08.12_CVRS.indd 3

7/2/12 3:08 PM


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.