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Santa’s helper Our tips for happy holidays (including a classic cocktail recipe) Shopping simplified Get what you need without leaving town DIY décor: Inexpensive holiday garland
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FRESH PASTA AT THE LOCAL EPICUREAN PEOPLE: CHRISTY BUCK, CYNTHIA HAGEDORN, JOEL WABEKE THE ART OF GLASS THE AREA’S PREMIER DINING LISTINGS
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Contents
DECEMBER 2012 / VOL. 49 / NO. 12
R
an
Str
do
No
C
gi FEATURES
In
52 / Creative solutions Six local health professionals have made tremendous strides in meeting the challenges of providing better health care. BY ANN BYLE
60 / If you build it, they will shop It took a team of creative professionals to revamp and rebuild A.K. Rikk’s into a luxurious clothing emporium for men and women. BY ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL
70 / The art of glass Artisans who work with glass — whether stained, leaded, fused or blown — agree there is something special about their craft.
70
BY TERRI FINCH HAMILTON
4 GRMAG.COM \ DECEMBER 2012
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contents DECEMBER 2012 / VOL. 49 / NO. 12
departments BACK & FORTH 10 / From the Editor
FOOD & DRINK 82 / Dining Review: Reserve
11 / Letters, social media and more
84 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan
12 / Contributors
88 / HeFedSheFed: Gourmet foodie crawl
LIFE & STYLE 14 / Noteworthy items including tree plantings, a GR Symphony cookbook, a new bakery, Michigan Chat Pack and Linn Maxwell’s new DVD
92 / Chef Profile: Joel Wabeke of Trillium Haven 96 / Grand Vine: Zinfandel for the holidays
15 / Wedding rings by Rosemary Mifsud 18 / My Stuff: Chef Smitty’s party essentials 19 / Highland games come to Michigan
104 / The Local Epicurean
33
“‘Elephants’ is a highly successful masterwork showing us the potential of illustration beyond a supportive role to text …” — Joseph A. Becherer
20 / Heirloom beans at Shady Side Farm
NEAR & FAR 112 / Baxter neighborhood: A challenged urban environment OUT & ABOUT 116 / December highlights
22 / Reading Room: Gary Schmidt’s new book 24 / Living Local: Holiday shopping in GR
108 / Fresh Hops: Sazerac cocktail
117 / Calendar 119 / Nightclubs & comedy venues listings and highlights
27
120 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights
26 / Cynthia Hagedorn’s Square Peg Events 28 / Fashion Forward: Holiday glamour
110
126 / Snapshots 128 / Afterthoughts: Christy Buck
ART & DESIGN 30 / Gallery Profile: Cascade Gallery 32 / Art gallery listings and highlights 33 / Art Talk: ArtPrize 2012 Grand Prize winner 34 / Justagirl: New life for festive wreaths
ON THE COVER: Santa, [a.k.a. Joe McIntosh] sneaks in a post-presentdelivering sip.
36 / Joey Ruiter pushes the limits 40 / At Home: Beating the winter doldrums 42 / Frame Works: Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
108
Photography by Adam Bird Photography assistant: Bri Luganbill Modeling by Joe McIntosh Costume courtesy Theatricks Location courtesy Amway Grand Plaza Hotel/Lumber Baron Lounge
6 GRMAG.COM \ DECEMBER 2012
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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.
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‘T I S T H E S E A S O N T O B E M E R R Y & B R I G H T
Photos with Santa Now through December 24 in the Macy’s wing
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Every Monday, starting at 6pm through December 17 Bring your pets, your family or both for a Holiday keepsake. All pets must be on a leash, in a carrier, or held by the owner at all times. Owners must sign a release prior to visiting Santa and are responsible for pets at all times. Please use the entrance closest to Santa set.
$3 off your photos with Santa! Bring this ad to the Santa set and receive $3 off photo package A. Offer expires December 14, 2012. Please present this original coupon at the set to receive the discount. CHP Offer Code: 82001212
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back & forth connect with us
Creating mental images of home during the holidays
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.
E
Even as metro area residents negotiate the frantic hustle of the season in lake-effect snow, I delight in the images of the city that play back in my mind all year. It seems magical to sit and sip a latte while watching skaters glide across the ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle. The “Ecliptic” installation by Maya Lin features tiny lights embedded deep within the concentric circles of the “floor” of the rink, replicating the midnight sky of Jan. 1, 2000. I believe it to be one of the greatest gifts to Grand Rapids — even counting Calder’s sculpture. Consider where you stand if you are among the rev-
elers planning to brave the weather to watch the “ball drop” on New Year’s Eve. I am fond, too, of the Grand Rapids Art Museum holiday tree nearby, but even more fond of the treasures that wait inside. Not just in the galleries but, especially in this season, those inside the gift shop. The magic offered by the incredible staff at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park includes a wonderland of holiday decorated trees and exhibits representing cultures around the world. The glow of the glorious lights is reflected on every visitor’s face. While the indoor panorama offers warmth amidst the beauty, the proffered sleigh rides through the outdoor gardens and sculpture park is a treat all by itself (don’t forget your blanket). Some of the scenes of the season unique to this city also remind me of one of my alltime favorite books: “The Polar Express,” by East Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg. The renowned Caldecott Medal award-winning author and illustrator used scenes he recalled from his childhood in Grand Rapids. Herpolsheimer’s has morphed into an entirely new building and use on Monroe Center, but the soft illumination the downtown lights cast upon holiday decorations in the evening still offer a special beauty. Give yourself the gift of a moment in time to sniff the pine boughs and take a mental picture of the warmth of this community.
Photography Courtesy Stephanie Hrnyak
Carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine
10 Grand Rapids \ December 2012
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“What You Do On The Dance Floor Is Our Business”
Last montH’s onLInE QUEstIon:
what’s your favorite holiday food tradition? “My mom’s side of the family has an ancient and amazing cranberry bread recipe. I can’t wait!” — racquel Webster viilo
We’re celebrating 100 years of Teaching the World to Dance. Come with or without a partner and change your life!
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“A bubbling pot of sausages with cranberry/chili sauce.” — cory Demint
photoGraphy Courtesy istoCkphoto.CoM
photoGraphy Courtesy stephanie hrnyak
tweeted... “My family is Norwegian, so it’s not the holidays without a big batch of lefse!” — rachel Hammond
“Purchasing, preparing and sharing local meats and produce.” — billy mia
Outfitting you for your next adventure. DEcEmbEr 2012 / GrMaG.CoM 11
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contributors bEHInD the sCenes 2/
1/
3/
1/ Architect DEnIsE HoPKIns is the owner of ImaginEco Design, creating sustainable spaces for retail, restaurants and home owners. She also provides consultation services. Her specialties include creative use of organic, natural, recycled and rapidly renewable materials.
This Season, give the gift that keeps on giving year after year. Happy Holidays from Audio Video Interiors audio / video / lighting control automation systems
Visit us at our Lifestyle Showroom! Breton Village Mall East Grand Rapids Mezzanine level avigroup.biz | 616.942.1000
2/ Emma HIGGIns, who gathers information for our Art Gallery page, is a fine arts graduate of Kingston University in London. She’s also an aspiring writer, home cook and avid cyclist who recently rode her bicycle around Lake Superior. A native of England, she lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and two guinea pigs.
tHIs montH’s onLInE QUEstIon:
What do you think is the best thing about Grand Rapids? From everyday life to special occasions out on the town, tell us your thoughts. Respond at facebook.com/grmag.
3/ JoHnnY QUIrIn “Photographing a neighborhood for GRM’s Near & Far section is quite a challenge — especially in a world where people stay in their houses sitting at the computer, or watching TV. But that wasn’t the case in the Baxter neighborhood (see page 110). There were people out everywhere doing all sorts of things: playing basketball, jumping rope, doing yard work or buying fresh vegetables from a street vendor. It’s really a cool thing to see a neighborhood where the residents actually appreciate being outside their homes.”
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 Follow us Visit us Like us on @grmagazine grmag.com reasons of space and clarity. Facebook
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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, Chris Carey, Alexandra Fluegel, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson, Daina Kraai, Tricia van Zelst EDItorIaL IntErn: Emma Higgins 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 nEW mEDIa, DEsIGn & ProDUctIon manaGEr:
Scott Sommerfeld
assIstant DEsIGn & ProDUctIon manaGEr:
Chris Pastotnik
art coorDInator: Kelly J. Nugent DEsIGnErs/ProDUctIon assIstants:
Melissa Brooks, Kristen Van Oostenbrugge, Robin Vargo contrIbUtInG PHotoGraPHErs:
Adam Bird, Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Alissa Lane, Johnny Quirin 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
It’s all about ... Having a reason to express yourself.
cIrcULatIon & marKEtInG coorDInator:
Dana Blinder
cIrcULatIon & marKEtInG assIstant:
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to orDEr sUbscrIPtIons: (616) 459-4545 to cHanGE aDDrEss: subscribe@geminipub.com
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION FInancE & aDmInIstratIon manaGEr:
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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
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Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI)
966 Cherry St. | Grand Rapids, MI Phone (616) 451-8817 yourstrulygalleria966@gmail.com
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
noteworthy INTereSTING TIDbITS We THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW
you’ll be yelling ‘Encore!’ Local chefs, musicians and supporters of Grand Rapids Symphony contributed recipes for a coffee-table cookbook, “Encore,” applauding the arts, life and food in Grand Rapids. A project of the symphony’s Women’s Committee, the 200-page book features 175 recipes and color photos by some of the area’s leading photographers. Cost is $30 and proceeds benefit the symphony and its educational projects. “Encore” is available at local bookstores, grocery stores and specialty retailers. Visit grswomens committee.org.
I AM WOMAN Mezzo soprano Linn Maxgard of Bingen and the Living Light” 75 times since writ-
500
trees will be planted in GR’s public parks to improve the tree canopy, thanks to the efforts of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and a $70,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service. Want to help? Visit urbanforestproject. com.
Stocking stuffer Holiday gatherings often need a little something to spark conversation — and we don’t mean alcohol. Consider the Michigan Chat Pack, a small box of cards with 156 questions about the Mitten State. Visit thequestionguys.com.
ing her one-woman play in 2009. In October, Maxwell released a DVD adaption of the play that explores the life of one of history’s most intriguing saints. A 12th century Benedictine nun, Hildegard was a writer, composer, healer and prophet. In May, the Vatican named her a Doctor of the Church, the fourth woman in history to receive the honor. Visit hildegardthe movie.com.
Cookies galore Local baker Monica Mitidieri, whose unique cookies have won a legion of fans, has opened Monica’s Gourmet Cookies Bakehouse and Café at 3668 29th St. in Kentwood. Mitidieri has been selling her sweets online and in area D&W stores. Customers can put together custom gift boxes. Artisan breads, bakery items, Starbucks and Seattle’s Best brewed coffees also are available. Visit monicasbest.com.
PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTESy (cLOcKWISE, FROm TOP LEFT): ISTOcKPHOTO.cOm/ JOHN WOODcOcK; GRAND RAPIDS SymPHONy; RIcK FRANKLIN; JON SPARRmAN; BIG EVENT STuDIOS
well has performed “Hilde-
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When Christina Klunder and Shawn Meuser decided to get married, the Grand Rapids couple knew they wanted special wedding bands. “The thought of going into a jewelry store and picking out something that had no meaning to us sounded like a terrible idea,” Klunder said. After seeing a Facebook photo of jewelry by Rosemary Mifsud, the bride-to-be knew who to call. Mifsud, a jewelry artist and owner of The Story of Two, creates custom wedding bands designed to reflect the personality of the couple. She meets with the bride and groom separately, even asking each to fill out a questionnaire. Then she translates the couple’s story into a ring design. “I really wanted to find a way to place meaning back into the jewelry,” Mifsud said. “It’s not about what’s in style —
it’s about who they are.” She got the idea to start her business while working on her thesis at Kendall College of Art and Design. Engaged to be married, she was also shopping for a wedding ring. “I was looking at rings and thinking about what I would want to wear,” she said. Mifsud began researching wedding jewelry and wrote her thesis about couples, their stories and how jewelry fit into it all. Most appealing to her was the interviewing process —
talking to couples about what makes their relationships unique. She launched The Story of Two “to take the emphasis off of traditional wedding jewelry and materialistic aspects of it.” After interviewing the bride and groom, Mifsud draws a sketch and creates a computer-generated rendering of what the ring will look like. “She did an excellent job working with modern and heirloom, matching parts of my ring to Shawn’s grandmother’s ring and taking my tastes into
consideration,” said Klunder. “She also took into consideration Shawn’s heritage and played into Japanese art that Shawn’s really into.” Along with the rings in custom jewelry boxes, the couple received a book of photographs of the process and poetic readings. “The rings were absolutely above and beyond what I ever expected,” said Klunder. Visit Mifsud’s Facebook page, The Story of Two: Love Jewelry. — suZanna COLBerg
Rosemary Mifsud designs wedding jewelry that reflects the couple. Below are the wedding bands she created for Christina and Shawn Meuser. Mifsud also makes other custom jewelry and a line of jewelry available for purchase at LaFontsee Galleries.
PHOTOGRAPHy By JOHNNy QuIRIN (TOP AND FAR RIGHT); cOuRTESy ROSEmARy mIFSuD (LEFT)
PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTESy (cLOcKWISE, FROm TOP LEFT): ISTOcKPHOTO.cOm/ JOHN WOODcOcK; GRAND RAPIDS SymPHONy; RIcK FRANKLIN; JON SPARRmAN; BIG EVENT STuDIOS
Wedding rings with a story
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
Women-centric healing Ten years before Betty Ford opened her famous rehab center in California, Our Hope was guiding women to recovery from substance abuse in Grand Rapids. “It started as a halfway house,” said Rae Green, a licensed professional counselor and Our Hope’s director of advancement. A small group of community leaders who had been affected by alcoholism or addiction came together in 1972 to fight the disease. Located in a historic home in Grand Rapids, the organization has evolved into a long-term residential treatment center. “One of the hardest things for women to accept is that addiction is a disease,” Green said. “Most see it as a failure. They’re ashamed. They think they screwed up. Teaching them that it’s a disease that affects the brain is one of the hardest challenges. Once they understand that, they start moving on and are receptive to treatment.” Our Hope is one of the few organizations nationwide solely dedicated to a womancentered approach. “Women heal better in a comforting and less confrontational environment,” Green said. “Our Hope is in a homelike setting.” Services are personalized and vary from group therapy to yoga, acupuncture and art. “Every Thursday, volunteers come to teach women how to quilt,” Green said. “It provides a sense of community and accomplishment as well as the meditative aspect
Mary Anne Timmer
of sitting and stitching. Each woman makes a hand-quilted pillow — something tangible.” The women also learn skills they will need when they leave. For those unable to reside at the house, Our Hope provides intensive outpatient services. The number of women struggling with substance abuse is growing, Green said. “We see women of all ages and all socioeconomic groups.” — Marty Primeau
Divas of Soul
cutlines Michelle Covington
In October, Our Hope celebrated its 40th anniversary with A Gust of Hope, an event featuring storytelling, music and dance to show how alcoholism and addiction affect women and their families. Above is a quilt made by women undergoing treatment.
Photography by Jim Gebben
Kent County Judge Sara Smolenski
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This holiday, get the tire that keeps on giving. See us today and check tires off your holiday list.
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
mY STUFF
Holiday essentials Throwing a holiday shindig? Chef Smitty recommends keeping these essential ingredients on hand for perfect party fare. Charles Golczynski, affectionately known as Smitty, has served as executive chef of Grand Rapids’ The Catering Co. for nearly 20 years. He studied at the San Francisco Culinary Academy and is also a trained pastry chef and chocolatier. At home, he relaxes by reading cookbooks and experimenting with new creations in his well-equipped kitchen. The holiday season is one of his busiest, but Golczynski is always prepared for entertaining in his home.
cHeF SmITTY’S LIST: A bottle of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine from east-central Italy, and beer from a local brewery, such as Brewery Vivant. Cheese, preferably a French brie, a Teleggio from Italy and a white cheddar from the Leelanau Cheese Co. in Suttons Bay. Frozen bread and pastry dough (the beginning of tons of appetizers). Dried meats — salami, ham, prosciutto, etc.
PHOTOGRAPHy By JOHNNy QuIRIN
And, of course, The Catering Company’s truffles and bonbons, made with the finest South American chocolate. (Sold at Martha’s Vineyard, 200 Union Ave. NE.)
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Photography by Johnny Quirin
Photography by Johnny Quirin
West Michigan may be a long way from the Scottish Highlands, but that doesn’t keep local Celtic enthusiasts from donning kilts and gathering for Highland games — bagpipes and cabers included. The games, which celebrate the Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage, are centered on a variety of athletic competitions. Jerry Bowersox, an assistant track-and-field coach at Hudsonville High School, has spent hours organizing, promoting and judging games around the state with help from relatives, friends and volunteers. He started in the Upper Peninsula in 2010 and has been working his way to Grand Rapids ever since, including demonstrations at Fifth Third Ballpark and Spring Lake. Athletes compete in up to nine events, centered on throwing everything from logs to a ball Highland games enthusiast Jerry and chain. Bowersox prepares to toss a caber. In the Sheaf Toss, participants use a pitchfork to project a 16-pound bag of tightly packed rope (to resemble a sheaf “There are over 1,000 of wheat) up and over a high bar. Bowersox said winning years of tradition tosses have ranged from 26 to 30 feet at local demonstraassociated with the tions. Highland games and Perhaps the most popular event is tossing a caber, a many people are as tree trunk that measures 20 feet long and weighs about interested in learning 120 pounds. as they are in “There is a formula to picking the best caber,” he competing!” explained. “It’s not about how high you throw it, but about — Jerry Bowersox the angle at which it lands.” Most local participants are former college athletes or genealogy enthusiasts — including women — in the 40 to 70 age group who train year-round in Hudsonville. They find the games a fun and unusual workout, with a free history lesson to boot. “There are over 1,000 years of tradition associated with the Highland games and many people are as interested in learning as they are in competing,” said Bowersox. “You don’t have to be a Scot to enjoy what goes on.” Official games are held annually in Spring Lake, Sparta and Cedar Springs, but he’s hoping to find a venue in Grand Rapids. For information, contact Bowersox at jlbsox@charter. — Emma Higgins net.
Be gi ns No ve mb er 14t h
Grab a kilt and a caber
Let It Snow
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
A cornucopia of beans
After making the transition from conventional farming to organic, Bronkema and his wife, Lona, decided last year to try growing beans on their 150-acre Holland farm. “Part of me likes to be a little different,” he said with a chuckle. “Everybody is doing corn and soybeans and there’s a limited market for those crops.” To stay viable, he knew he had to be creative. He tried spelt one year, sunflowers another. Neither was very profitable for his small farm. “So we grew some pinto beans and those started to work out.” That’s when he discovered the market for more unusual beans. “A lot of people will say, ‘I’ve never seen these,’ and they ask questions,” he said. “When we started selling at farmers markets, we got numerous
repeat customers.” Some buyers are vegetarian, others are just looking for healthy alternatives. “We get young people who want more than meat and potatoes.” To learn about heirloom beans, Bronkema met with a bean grower at Mohr-Fry Ranches in California. “He’s lived in Michigan so he was able to tell me which varieties would grow well here.” The beans he takes to market are hand cleaned and shiny and artfully displayed in baskets lined with burlap. Individual pounds are neatly packaged and labeled. And if heirloom beans aren’t unique enough, the Bronkemas also sell wool socks. “As part of organic production, we have to rotate crops,” he said. “Sheep are part of our rotation. They fertilize the pastures.” They market the lamb and send wool to a company in Frankenmuth where it’s cleaned and made into socks. The display at the market has a bowl filled with balls of colorful yarn right next to the beans. It’s fitting, he said. “We have fiber for inside the body and fiber outside for keep—Marty PriMeau ing warm.”
WHere TO FIND THem Mike Bronkema of Shady Side Farm will sell his beans and socks this winter at the Fulton Street Farmers Market “as long as there’s a demand,” he said. The products also are available through the West Michigan Co-op, or call the farm at (616) 786-3827. Bronkema will demonstrate wool sock making this month at the Kerstmarket in downtown Holland, demonstrating the craft on his antique circular sock machine (kerstmarkt.wordpress.com).
PHOTOGRAPHy By JOHNNy QuIRIN
It was downright chilly at the Fulton Street Farmers Market on a recent Friday morning, but that didn’t discourage Mike Bronkema of Shady Side Farm from setting up his colorful display of dry beans. Heirloom beans to be exact. These aren’t your ordinary pintos or navy beans. Bronkema is growing the more unique varieties, with such names as Jacob’s Ladder Gold, Nuna, October, Black Valentines, Green Flageolet, Yellow Indian Woman and Hutterite Soup. “The beans each have a distinctive flavor and texture,” he explained, whipping out neatly typed recipe cards and a sheet of paper with cooking instructions.
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
“Writing is not necessarily inspiration as much as it is about sitting down and being present day after day, writing your 500 words and being consistent about that. “Every writer has to ask, ‘Am I willing to put in the hours to write a good book?’”
Prayers for the writer
Jack of all genres
GARY SCHMIDT AND ELIZABETH STICKNEY (his wife Anne’s middle and maiden names) are editors of “Acceptable Words: Prayers for the Writer,” published by Grand Rapids-based Eerdmans Publishing Co. in 2012.
Gary Schmidt is well known in writing circles locally and nationally. An English professor at Calvin College, he is a much-loved mentor who makes time for students. He also visits 40 or so schools each year, speaks at conferences, and helps judge the occasional book contest. Schmidt is known in broader circles as author of many young adult novels, including Newbery Honor Books “Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy” and “Wednesday Wars.” He also wrote “Okay for Now,” a National Book Award finalist. Other work by Schmidt includes historical novels and a fantasy tale released in 2012. His latest work is a book that gathers prayers for writers, written and edited with his wife, Anne. “Winning the Newbery Honor for ‘Lizzie Bright’ changed the visibility of
The pair planned originally to gather prayers from major literary figures, but later sharpened their focus to prayers relating to the process of writing. Prayers from Solzhenitsyn to Dante, from Frost to Moody are included. “These prayers are very powerful and will give writers a starting point to think about what they do,” said Anne.
A library book club for grownups
my books,” said the East Coast native who lives on a farm in Alto. “I could reach more readers because they’d heard of me.” “Wednesday Wars” began with his desire to write humor, something he’d never done. Schmidt said each of his books is very different. “It’s a big deal to me to think I can vary the genres and try different things.” The key to success, he said, is sitting in his chair every day plunking out 500 words. He writes his books on a 1953 Royal typewriter. “Writing is not necessarily inspiration as much as it is about sitting down and being present day after day, writing your 500 words and being consistent — ann ByLe about that.”
> SPILLeD INK The Book Club for the Rest of Us at Grand Rapids Public Library started Nov. 28 and continues through Feb. 28 at all locations. Sign up, read 10 books, get a mug and a chance to win a Kindle. There are also fun bonus prizes for folks willing
to do extra challenges. This is the fifth year for the program, funded by the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation. For more information, visit grpl.org/ spilledink.
PHOTOGRAPHy By JOHNNy QuIRIN (TOP); cOuRTESy Wm. B. EERDmANS PuBLISHING cO.(LEFT); ISTOcKPHOTO.cOm (BOTTOm)
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PHOTOGRAPHy By JOHNNy QuIRIN (TOP); cOuRTESy Wm. B. EERDmANS PuBLISHING cO.(LEFT); ISTOcKPHOTO.cOm (BOTTOm)
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living local
Elissa Hillary is executive director of Local First, a nonprofit organization supporting locally owned businesses in West Michigan.
Nothing’s more festive than walking around downtown and enjoying the glistening lights and holiday décor. mArK YOUr cALeNDArS! > Holiday Artists’ Market, Nov. 30-Dec. 1 The 24th annual Holiday Artists’ Market at UICA offers one-of-a-kind gifts by the region’s most exciting artists, along with beverages, snacks and a children’s workshop. uica.org
> Get Your Joy On, Thru Jan. 1 Downtown merchants and restaurants offer special deals throughout December. downtowngr.org/getyourjoyon/ > Uptown Holiday Shop Hop, 4-10 p.m. Dec. 6 Free shuttles carry shoppers between Uptown, East Hills, East Fulton, Eastown and Wealthy Street from 5-10 p.m. Shops and restaurants will offer special deals and refreshments. For details, go to Facebook.com/uptowngr.
THe HOLIDAYS Are SUcH A bUSY, bustling time of year. While I thoroughly enjoy the extra time with family and friends, I find the need to streamline my to-do list so that I can relax and enjoy the festivities. Supporting locally owned businesses during the holiday season makes my life easier and more enjoyable. Over the past few years, I’ve developed a pretty comprehensive holiday plan. At the risk of my family figuring out their holiday gifts, I’ll share it with you. Right after Thanksgiving, I pay a visit to Art of the Table. In one stop, I can pick up a case of wine (for holiday parties and last minute gifts) and a few delicious appetizer options. Cheese, chutney and crackers for that Friday evening cocktail party? Check. With these items on the shelf, I don’t have to worry about not having what I need on hand. In addition, the store’s chocolates, spice mixes and individual beers make great stocking stuffers. I also head downtown for the annual Holiday Artists’ Market — this year, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 — at Urban Institute for ContemGift ideas include floral arrangements at Bokay by Eastern Floral inside MoDiv, porary Arts. This trip usually turns into a date night with my and books and holiday décor at Schuler husband or a lunch out with the gals. In one fell swoop, I’m able Books & Music. to purchase all sorts of one-of-a-kind gift items handmade by West Michigan artists (jewelry, mittens, mugs, etc.). While I’m downtown, it’s easy to walk three blocks to MoDiv, the retail incubator at 40 Monroe Center. Some of my favorite new businesses are inside, including 6.25 Paper, a stationery and gift shop; Chai Boutique, selling women’s clothing, jewelry and vintage finds; and Bokay by Eastern Floral offering floral arrangements, plants and gifts. Nothing’s more festive than walking around downtown and enjoying the glistening lights and holiday décor. I feel good knowing that these purchases benefit aspiring entrepreneurs and artisans as well the gift recipients. In one afternoon, I can hit Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus at 1200 East Paris Ave. SE and then zip down to 28th Street for a visit to Gazelle Sports — both stores satisfy sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While on 28th Street, I also stop at Schuler Books & Music to find books, toys, wrapping paper and ornaments. A trip to Celebration! Cinema at Woodland Mall takes care of all the movie lovers and those hard to buy for. With all of these items checked off my list, I keep my time stuck in holiday traffic to a minimum. Shop local this holiday season. Not only will you find unique gifts, you’ll also keep money and jobs in West Michigan. — eLissa HiLLary
PHOTOGRAPHy By JOHNNy QuIRIN (BOTTOm) cOuRTESy KIERSTEN ScHuLTE (TOP)
Holiday shopping simplified
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Photography by johnny Quirin (bottom) courtesy Kiersten Schulte (top)
life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
Cynthia Hagedorn, ‘the chief of charm,’ is the force behind dozens of artful happenings.
Making things happen
F
ree-spirited, lakeshore-loving mad scientist. That’s one way to describe local entrepreneur Cynthia Hage-
Chair power! Cynthia Hagedorn stands on a chair that has been in her family for many years and was given to her by her grandmother. It’s been a prop in her live mannequin shows, and she’s now taking it to each event as a symbol of empowerment.
And it did. Hagedorn recalled the first event. “It was Friday and there was big football game with a rival school, but it worked. It went well right away and we’ve been doing them ever since. The community loves it, and it’s really a win-win situation.” Following the success of the first two years of live mannequin shows, Hagedorn’s life became a whirlwind of opportunity. She was approached to help coordinate open air demonstrations by local chefs at the Holland Farmers Market and serve as director of galleries for the Holland Area Arts Council. Then she began guiding groups on tours of Holland-area restaurants, all while maintaining an active artist studio and serving as an independent docent at the Art Institute of Chicago. “The institute was kind of like my respite,” she said. “It was my chance to get out of town for a moment and just be at the museums.”
She soon realized the need to keep her work as an artist separate from her other enterprises, which led to founding Square Peg Events. “Art is private to me. It is raw and vulnerable,” said Hagedorn, who said she always paints barefoot. Though the launch of her company allowed Hagedorn to keep her dual roles separate, she still maintained a focus on using art to spur community and commerce. “The arts are important, but there needs to be a vehicle for the arts to thrive on,” she said. Hagedorn said the work she does as an artist and entrepreneur is all about connecting people. Next, she plans to branch out. “I’m really looking to begin expanding events across the state,” Hagedorn said. “It’s a gift and curse being so busy.” — ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL
Photography by Johnny Quirin
dorn. Another is much simpler: driven. “It’s like a painter that has to express something on the canvas, I’m an entrepreneur that has to make things happen,” the Cadillac native said. Hagedorn is owner and director of Square Peg Events, a company that produces art-enhanced events and tours through West Michigan. She is also a working artist, art educator and curator maintaining a private art studio in Zeeland where she works and offers classes. The self-described “chief of charm” is the force behind dozens of artful happenings held annually for children and adults, including food and beverage tours, live mannequin shows and Kids’ ArtFest, an annual event during ArtPrize. This year, she’s organized a series of downtown Grand Rapids walking tours featuring food, beverages, culture and fun. “I’m constantly thinking and creating and trying to drive the thread of possibility into a successful event for the community to thrive,” she said. Her community-centric philosophy stems from a background in economics. Hagedorn studied microeconomics at Northwood University and said she has always had a passion for helping smaller communities pull off big things. Take, for instance, the city of Holland’s live mannequin events. Seven years ago, Hagedorn approached a few of the downtown stores with the idea of hosting an evening where each retailer would feature live mannequins in their storefronts. “Each storefront would be like a billboard. It was a way for the stores to say, ‘Hey, this is what we do,’” explained Hagedorn. She had seen the success of such events while a student at Northwood’s Midland campus and had a feeling it could work for the small downtown district, as well.
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Parkinson’s Disease
The area’s most complete Parkinson’s program can help you take control.
Photography by Johnny Quirin
Only the Hauenstein Neuroscience Center brings together the specialists, technology and treatments you need.
Schedule a consultation: 616.685.5050 WestMichiganNeuro.org/parkinsons
As the area’s most established Parkinson’s Disease program, we know what a difference truly comprehensive care makes. That’s why we offer everything from state-of-the-art diagnostics and rehab programs to clinical trials and deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. In fact, Dr. Steve Klafeta, one of our leading neurosurgeons, has performed more DBS procedures than any other doctor in West Michigan. Plus, he’s top ranked in the Great Lakes region for accuracy and precision, which has led to outstanding outcomes. At the Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, we offer the right resources to help people with Parkinson’s regain a measure of control –– over their bodies and their lives. Talk to us today. For health care that works with you, turn to Saint Mary’s Health Care — a member of new Mercy Health.
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
Photography by Michael Buck Hair and makeup by Allegra Loftis of Salon Re
’Tis the season to
sparkle HOLIDAY SOIREES CALL for glamorous dressing, from elegant lace to sophisticated shine. The newest trend: jeweled necklines. “The jewels are sewn right onto the dress,” said Patrick Plank, visual merchandising manager at Leigh’s in Breton Village. “The key when accessorizing is to choose a subtle earring that just picks up the sparkle.” At Gina’s Boutique, 40 Monroe Center, owner Gina VanGessel says “gold is definitely huge this season — especially, rose gold.” She’s also seeing a lot of brocades. “And sequins are always popular.”
Anna Oostema DeBoer wears a Diane von Furstenberg black crepe dress with an illusion back and bugle bead trim, $695; rhinestone pavé hair clip, $32; Maison Du Posh tumbled gold leather envelope clutch with bright gold jewelry handle, $550; Tracy Reese black crepe dress with jeweled collar, $428. All from Leigh’s in Breton Village.
Assorted Swarovski crystal phone charms $15-$20 and jeweled iPhone cases, $120. Available at Leigh’s.
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Georgia Taylor models a dress by Gracia, $98, featuring a lacey brocade overlay with a shimmery cream slip, available at Gina’s Boutique. Taylor is founder of Salon 477, a grassroots art movement giving voice, training and support to local artists. Visit salon477.com to learn more. December 2012 / Grmag.com 29
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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES
Out of spotlight From contemporary masters to ceramics, glass and jewelry, Cascade Gallery is a treasure trove.
> Cascade gallery Location: 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Contact: (616) 949-4056; cascadegallery. blogspot.com
Photography by michael buck
A
lexander Calder. Marc Chagall. Salvador Dalí. Names such as these are most often seen in private collections or on the walls of museums. Yet a modest gallery on Thornapple River Drive just off Cascade Road has a rare collection of these modern masters — and a few other names you may have heard. Cascade Gallery has been on the scene for nearly 30 years, specializing in fine historic and contemporary art, unique gifts and custom framing. The two-level gallery features a collection of original oils, acrylics, oil pastels and watercolors, as well as an interesting assortment of ceramics, hand-blown glass, metal and stone sculpture and unique jewelry. The range of work from local and regional artists is fabulous. Cascade Gallery is home to some of the area’s fin-
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Photography by michael buck
Photography by michael buck
Cascade Gallery is home to some of the area’s finest talents, and in some cases, there is work from early in their careers.
est talents, and in some cases, there is work from early in their careers. The gallery hosts six to eight shows per year, often bringing in national and international works. Though the rotating contemporary work alone is worth the trip, it’s the rare collections that truly make Cascade Gallery noteworthy. The gallery’s Heritage Collection features pre-1900 prints from classic masters along with a number of Civil War prints and antique maps. There is an element of nostalgia not often found in contemporary galleries, as if something lost has found its home. Renowned works by such greats as Calder, Rembrandt and Miró also are showcased, many of the lithographs and etchings signed by the artists. All of the works in the rare collections are available for purchase, making this a favorite place for local collectors. The layout of the gallery lends itself well to historical items found within. Though examples of the rare collections are always on display, there are many more works stored in a small, locked room on the lower level. The works can be viewed upon request, and it’s truly a magical experience walking in and seeing the shelves labeled Picasso, Dürer and Goya. Knowledgeable gallery staff is available at any time to answer
questions or show specific pieces. In addition to its beautiful collections, the gallery specializes in custom framing with an extensive selection of mats and metal and wood moldings. The staff has more than 20 years of experience in finding exactly what the customer needs. This gallery tends to stay out of the spotlight, but don’t be fooled. It only takes one visit to understand there’s no need for the limelight — the work speaks for itself. — Alexandra Fluegel
Cascade Gallery’s Annual Holiday Show features the works of a variety of local, national and regional artists, suitable for gift-giving. Runs through Dec. 31.
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art & design treNDS / PeoPle / iNNoVatioN / PlaceS
Local art galleries COMPILED BY EMMA HIGGINS
1/ terryberry gallery features the landscapes, still life and figurative works of Connie Kuhnle and Kathleen Putnam through Jan. 30, with an artist reception/Good Stuff Art Event 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 7. The reception includes a drawing for prizes of original art, a quick sale of works less than $200 and a silent auction. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE (lower level), 459-2224, scmc-online.org/building/terryberry-gallery. 2/ urban ligHts, an annual pop-up gallery and art shopping event, runs noon- 8 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Heartside area of downtown Grand Rapids. Local artisans sell artwork and unique wares, including knitted goods, jewelry, glassware, ceramics and more. Shops will be open along South Division Avenue between Fulton and Wealthy streets. For more info: avenueforthearts.com.
(106) Gallery and Studio: Thru Jan. 4, Art Education Exhibition. Calvin College art department exhibitions include faculty, student and other artwork. 106 S. Division Ave., calvin.edu/ centerartgallerystudio. Betsy Ratzsch Pottery: Adabased gallery features wide range of ceramics, artwork and gifts made by American artisans. 584 Ada Drive, 682-0266, betsyrpottery.com. Calvin College Center Art Gallery: Thru Dec. 15, Voces, by Mandy Cano Villalobos, and Photography From the Collection of Dr. Robert Pool. Extensive permanent collection plus work by students, faculty, alumni and others. Calvin FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle, 526-6271, calvin.edu/ centerartgallery.
DAAC: Artist-run community space hosts art, discussions and music from local and national artists and musicians. 7 p.m. Dec. 26: “Rad Dad Zine Reading: Dispatches From the Frontlines of Parenthood.” 115 S. Division Ave., thedaac.org.
Gallery at ICCF: Thru Dec. 13, Artfully Told: Words and Images, 30 illustrations from children’s publications by Paul Stoub, Lori-McElrath-Eslick and Amy Young. Inner City Christian Federation, 920 Cherry St. SE, iccf. org/current_exhibit.htm.
Design Gallery at Design Quest: Fifth annual furniture design competition runs thru Dec. 16. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-0131, designquest.biz.
Grand Gallery: Thru Dec. 31, Small Works. Gallery carries fine art, reproductions, restoration, gifts, framing. 596 Ada Drive, Ada, 676-4604, grand gallery.com.
Fire and Water Gallery: Local artists, jewelry, sculpture and photography. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, 890-1879, fire-and-water-art.com.
1/ ”Chantal” by Kathleen Putnam is part of this month’s exhibit at Terryberry Gallery.
Cascade Art Gallery: Thru Dec. 31, Annual Holiday Show. Multi-media art, exhibits of extensive print selection, framing, gifts. 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 949-4056, cascade gallery.blogspot.com.
Con Artist Crew: Art collective and gallery. 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW, North Building, No. 198, (734) 6466186, Facebook. Crafthouse: Exhibitions and installations by local artists. 40 S. Division Ave., Facebook.
GVSU: Red Wall Gallery: thru Dec. 5, Building on the Land: Works by Lorelle Otis Thomas; Lake Ontario Hall, Allendale. Faculty/Staff Dining: thru Apr. 29, Hiroshige: Stations of the Tokaido Road; Kirkhof Center, Allendale. West Wall Gallery: thru Dec. 7, Armand Merizon: Gifts and Works; Eberhard Center, 301 W. Fulton St. gvsu.edu/artgallery. Heartside Gallery: Works by selftaught artists (Heartside residents). 48 S. Division Ave., 235-7211, ext. 103, heartside.org.
City Art Gallery: Thru Dec. 24, Holiday Open House. Multi-media works from local artists. 1168 Ionia Ave. NW, 451-0705, cityartgr.com. CODA Gallery: Teaching gallery showing work by local students and beyond. 44 S. Division Ave., 401-7382, coda-gallery.com/tag/grand-rapids.
Grand Rapids Art Museum: See Museums & Attractions.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: See Museums & Attractions.
Forest Hills FAC: Thru Dec. 13, FHPS Staff and Community Services Exhibit. 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 4938966, fhfineartscenter.com. Gallery 154: Local and national multi-media art, gifts, jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154. com.
Kendall College of Art and Design: Thru Dec. 7, Syd Mead: Progressions. Thru Dec. 5, MFA Exhibition: Megan Klco and Casey Snyder. 17 Fountain St. NW, kcad.edu. LaFontsee Galleries: Two- and three-dimensional art by gallery artists, gifts and framing. 833 Lake Drive SE, 451-9820; 150 Center St., Douglas, lafontsee.us. MercuryHead Gallery: Work by
Dec. 21
3/ End of the World party kicks off Utopia/Dystopia, including “Sleeping Tiger” by Bethany Springer. local artists plus gifts and framing. 962 E. Fulton St., 456-6022, Facebook. Miscellany: Boutique store and gallery space. 136 S. Division Ave., (810) 923-7158, Facebook. Muskegon Museum of Art: See Museums & Attractions. Nice Gallery: Artist-run gallery features contemporary artwork. 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW, No. 4C, 284-1771, thenicegallery.com. Open Concept Gallery: Open platform for innovation, showcasing local and international art and artists, including mARTini: Art Talks, a speaker series featuring fresh presentations on issues in the art world, the last Tuesday of every month. 50 Louis St. NW, openconceptgallery.org. Richard App Gallery: Fine art from local and U.S. artists. 910 Cherry St. SE, 458-4226, therichardapp gallery.tumblr.com. Sanctuary Folk Art: Salon-style gallery displays and sells folk art by local artists. 140 S. Division Ave., 4540401, Facebook. The Shallows Art Gallery: Upand-coming local artists. 1054 W. Fulton St., (906) 748-0941, Facebook. Vandermoere Fine Art Gallery: Fine art originals, prints and gifts. 120 S. Division Ave., No. 124, (517) 204-0616, vandermoerefineartgallery. com.
PhotoGraPhy courteSy bethaNy SPriNGer (toP); kathleeN PutNam (bottom)
3/ uica kicks off a new exhibition, Utopia/Dystopia, with an End of the World Party 8-11 p.m. Dec. 21. Live performances, music, food, drinks and “unexpected twists and turns.” Utopia/Dystopia “imagines our future geo-political landscape with optimism and utopian hope or cynicism and dystopian fear”; runs thru Feb. 17. Holiday Artists’ Market is 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 1. 2 W. Fulton St., 454 7000, uica.org.
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art talk
Joseph A. Becherer is curator of sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and a professor at Aquinas College.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BETHANY SPRINGER (TOP); KATHLEEN PUTNAM (BOTTOM)
A zoological triumph “ELEPHANTS,” A COLOSSAL SCALE pencil drawing by Adonna Khare, is the winner of the fourth annual ArtPrize popular vote. Measuring more than 8 feet high and 30 feet in length, this charming zoological fantasy is masterfully installed at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. In keeping with a running tradition in the short history of ArtPrize, Khare’s entry is the fourth winner to work at a large scale and in a representational manner. Surprisingly, it is also the second drawing to win the top prize with votes from the general audience. An artist and art educator, Khare has been interested in animals and in art since her childhood in Iowa. Now based in California, the artist did much of the work on “Elephants” in advance of its installation at the museum but finished the project on site. Although the vast portions of the drawing that were executed on paper are impressive, what really brings energy and enthusiasm to the work is the way in which the drawings boldly stretch beyond the edges of the pages and onto the museum walls. Drawing — in particular, drawings of animals — have been a part of human expression since
the cave paintings of prehistory. The kinship humans feel with their fellow creatures stretches across time and around the world. Khare’s imagery contributed to that tradition and is masterfully realized. More than just studies from nature and yet not quite anthropomorphized illustrations, the drawing gives a solid sense of the artist’s study of these creatures but also offers glimpses of a suggested personality and inner strength. Khare’s control of her medium and successful use of the most important and fundamental elements of drawing technique is on display. Light, shadow, black, white, tone, line and contour are skillfully present. Her concern for composition, or visual organization, is equally well done. To command such large forms and such vast, physical space while holding the viewer’s attention and interest is no easy task. “Elephants” is a highly successful masterwork showing us the potential of illustration beyond a supportive role to text and the even greater potential and opportunities available for drawing in general.
THINGS TO NOTICE ABOUT “ELEPHANTS”: > A work on this scale can certainly be appreciated from a distance, but take the time to enjoy the drawing up close and from several locations. Step back once again to appreciate how the artist brings parts of the whole together.
> Drawing can be a kind of handwriting. Look at how Khare uses line and outline, or contour, consistently across the work. In a way, this is her signature. > From a distance, squint your eyes while looking at the work. The lines tend to disappear, but you can really understand the artist’s use of light and dark to suggest the volume and mass of her subjects. > Enjoy the animals individually and collectively. Notice the ways that she has given each individual character and personality. > While enjoying this work at GRAM, take time also to enjoy the Jansma Prints and Drawings Center. The museum has a particularly strong collection of works on paper.
— JOSEPH A. BECHERER
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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES
JustaGirlblog.com
Making a holiday garland Chris Carey combines a few inexpensive strands, plumps them up with fillers and adds decorative embellishments to create a high-end look. Five years ago, I did a Google search on holiday garlands that led to the start of Just a Girl. I wanted to replicate the look displayed in magazines and upscale stores, but I didn’t want the expense. Inexpensive store-bought garlands certainly didn’t measure up, but highend garlands had price tags beyond my means. It became my mission to make my own — on a budget, of course. The secret to this project? Consignment stores. Holiday garlands can be found at Goodwill or The Salvation Army for just a few dollars, so I recommend purchasing as many as you want (depending on how much you need). What looks like a puny or flimsy strand easily turns into something thick and lush just by combining several together. Simply take two or three garlands and use the branches to connect them to each other. Twisting the branches works nicely; there’s no reason for extra ties. Once they are secured, string on some holiday lights. The fun part comes next: “plumping” the garland with decorative fillers and greenery. I like to change mine quite often, so I try to buy greenery in bundles and just snip them apart. The key with greenery is to purchase different shades. Find some with blue or brown undertones. The different shades help balance out the evergreen strands in the garlands. Local craft stores have a large selection of greenery and decorative fillers and often offer 50-percent-off sales. If you really want to save some money, shop outdoors! I often find long-needle pine branches and pine cones to add to the garland. The garland will be quite full at this point, but the decorative elements will add some texture and pops of color. Don’t limit yourself. Shop the holiday aisles, but also look in the dried floral section or even the wedding items. Take a cue from magazines — you’ll be surprised by what they use to fill their decorative garlands. If you’re like me and you like change, there’s no need to adhere the items to the garland. I simply place them just enough to keep them secure and then let it be. Of course, you can always use floral wire or hot glue if you want something permanent. — Chris Carey
Photography Courtesy Chris Carey
What looks like a puny or flimsy strand easily turns into something thick and lush just by combining several together.
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Photography Courtesy Chris Carey
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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES
Designer Joey Ruiter has channeled his hobby of breaking things down and his penchant for breaking rules into a career.
Pushing the limits By Alexandra Fluegel | Photography by Johnny Quirin
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“You don’t break rules if they don’t exist,” is a motto Joey Ruiter lives by. The industrial designer has built his success upon reimagining concepts and objects in new ways. As founder and principal of JRuiter+Studio, he thrives on stripping things down, ignoring the accepted norm and starting over again. Ruiter has worked as an independent designer for the past seven years, providing everything from concepts to prototyping and manufacturing. His projects range from office design to an interesting take on bicycles that has earned him national recognition. One of the first things Ruiter stripped down was a riding lawnmower when he was 14. “I fixed it up according to what I thought it should do,” he said. This meant making the machine faster and giving it new wheels and a fresh paint job. Then Ruiter thought he should ride it to school. A sign promptly went up in the school parking lot informing students of the accepted means of transportation — and souped-up riding lawnmowers did not make the list. Where some may have viewed the incident as boyhood exuberance gone awry, Ruiter Ruiter’s work includes such designs as a bird feeder, lawn furniture and his Inner City Bike.
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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES
“It’s important to me that people find a relationship with the objects I create. Inspiring creates new stories, memories and interactions with each other. Ultimately, that’s really what it’s all about.” — Joey Ruiter saw it as a good thing. “When you get a sign or a rule put up after you do something, you know you’ve done something right,” he said. Ruiter continued taking things apart and putting them back together. As a student at Kendall College of Art and Design, he realized that pairing his hobby with his penchant for breaking rules could be channeled into a career. Two years before graduating, Ruiter sold his first office chair design to furniture giant Steelcase, which became one of his first post-graduation employers. While with the company, he was involved
For ArtPrize 2012, Ruiter “decided to unleash my design philosophy, particularly the notion of a city car.” His project is Reboot Buggy, with the raw parts necessary for movement highlighted and “powered by a small-block, Chevy, gasoline, high-powered motor. It may seem like an odd choice, but I did the environmental math.” 38 Grmag.com \ December 2012
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SHOP
FOR HER
in research, concepts and product launch, and continued to cultivate the streamlined, simplified approach to the type of design for which he is now known. “I try to reset things, give them a blank slate,” he said. When approaching a concept or problem, Ruiter said he asks himself: “If you only had what you have now, what would you do to move forward?” The answers result in his signature designs, which he describes as “meeting everyday needs in surprising ways, pushing the limits of manufacturing and confronting established expectations.” Ruiter’s Inner City Bike is a visually striking yet functionally basic two-wheeler suited for short trips in urban environments. “It’s not a better bike,” Ruiter pointed out. “Just an interesting take on design.” Interesting indeed — the bike doesn’t have a chain. Instead, it operates on a free-wheeling, unicycle-inspired hub that relies on fewer movable parts, making the bike cheaper and eliminating the need for that oftenseen pant-leg roll-up. The design lauded Ruiter praise from Popular Science, The
New York Times, and Men’s Journal, which dubbed it one of its “59 perfect things.” Another of Ruiter’s designs earned gold at this year’s NeoCon for him and collaborator Chuck Saylor, founder of izzy+, a Spring Lake-based furniture company. The Nemo Bar and Trellis is a space concept suited for environments from offices to airports, employing elements that encourage sharing and communication. Ruiter said the team “created the spaces as straightforward and simple as possible” using feedback received in previous NeoCon shows when the idea was presented as a concept product. The human-centric design is representative of Ruiter’s people-oriented aesthetic. “It’s important to me that people find a relationship with the objects I create. Inspiring creates new stories, memories and interactions with each other. Ultimategr ly, that’s really what it’s all about.”
We stock a carefully chosen array of designer goods handpicked from around the globe.
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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES
Short days, cloudy skies, more time spent indoors: If winter makes you feel sad, fight back.
Beating the winter doldrums By Denise Hopkins
I
t’s December, and if it weren’t for the
The sheer draperies and chair fabric in this residential library, combined with the glass table, open book shelves and central furniture location, create a bright, uplifting room. Even the sculpture allows the light to pass through. Opposite page, metallic and mirrored surfaces — like this Stellar console and mirror designed by Jake Phipps — will double the light in any space.
The Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, estimates that 10 to 20 percent of Americans feel mild winter blues, and 4 to 6 percent have seasonal affective disorder. The problem is often compounded when homeowners decorate with dark colors, artificial decorations and too much stuff. Here are five simple and effective ways to bring light indoors and survive winter in West Michigan.
Less is more It’s time to really clear your spaces, both home and office. Clutter weighs us down emotionally and physically, and there’s nothing more uplifting than a bright, clear and organized space. Resist every urge to bring in new, unnecessary items. When decorating for the holidays, try to remove one item for every item you add. Must have that cranberry-colored throw? Then tuck it away in a nearby closet for easy access.
Photography Courtesy Jake Phipps
holiday celebrations, you might already be feeling the winter blues. One of the biggest challenges in this month is the lack of light — especially for those living in the snowy Midwest.
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FOR HIM leT in nATurAl lighT Consider replacing dark, heavy draperies with sheer fabrics. They allow light in without revealing what may be a blustery day outside. Move heavy furniture away from windows — or move all furniture out from the walls a few inches. You’ll be amazed at
Most of the plants are easy to care for and thrive indoors.
AmP uP The lighT Choose compact fluorescent light bulbs or LEDs, which are energy efficient and offer more light for less energy and cost. For instance, a lamp that takes up to a 100-watt incandescent bulb can take a 40-watt CFL that gives the Clutter weighs us down emotionally and light of a 150-watt incandescent. physically, and there’s nothing more uplifting Be sure to purchase light bulbs than a bright, clear and organized space. labeled “full spectrum,” which emulate the natural light provided by the sun. how this small trick opens up your space, Also, bump up your candle power with making it feel lighter and brighter. organic soy candles in multiple glass containers on a mirrored tray or shiny surface. Bring in liVing PlAnTs When it’s cold and grey outside, there’s use reFleCTiVe surFACes nothing more refreshing than a living, The most effective way to increase your breathing plant. Place one in every room. light level and your spirits during the grey Spider plants are incredibly effective at months of the year is with shiny and transcleaning the air; Boston ferns act as natural parent surfaces. humidifiers. Mirrors, placed to reflect natural and Check NASA’s Clean Air Study, which artificial light, and other lustrous surfaces researched ways to clean the air in space amp up the brightness. stations, for a list of plants to ensure your Some examples include glass nesting choice is appropriate for your family and tables, hammered silver bowls or hanging gr pets: scribd.com/doc/1837156/NASA-In crystals. door-Plants.
We bring exceptional items to Grand Rapids
PhotoGraPhy courteSy SylVia martiN PhotoGraPhy
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which guarantees a shopping experience like none other in the city.
8 3 3 L a k e D r i v e S E , GR, MI 49506
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frame works
more to knoW about cHilDren’s HosPital: > The pediatric cancer and blood disorder services at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital were founded in 1989 and have expanded to provide services in Traverse City and St. Joseph.
> More than 600 patients visit the clinic monthly for transfusions, chemotherapy treatment, laboratory monitoring and diagnostic consultations. > Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital was recently named one of U.S. News and World Reports 2012-2013 Best Children’s Hospitals in six specialties, including cancer.
The 10th floor waiting room inside Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital features soothing colors and child-friendly décor. The entryway ceiling, below, changes color.
Design that heals in January 2011, the 14-story Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital opened its doors for the first time and revealed the exuberant interiors and cheerful spaces that have come to characterize it. While the design of the hospital is whimsical and fun, the functions carried out within its glass walls are carefully orchestrated maneuvers of healing and hope. The 10th floor — home to Outpatient Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Services — is emblematic of this expert care paired with kidfriendly architecture. It is where children from all over the region — sometimes the nation — come to be cured of all forms of cancer. The often dire conditions that are handled in the clinic are made tolerable by the bright and soothing colors that enliven nearly
Architecture and design have been used to make kids with cancer feel more comfortable on their long, often difficult, journey toward being cured.
every surface, the subtly curving walls that flow through the patient rooms, and the child-created artwork that gives the space a museum-like aura. The clinic is anchored by a centrally located playroom that offers diversions and respite from the rigors of cancer treatment. Patient rooms, with floor to ceiling windows, encircle the outer edge of the clinic and offer panoramic city views that rival those in downtown Grand Rapids’ most chic hotels. The large open floor plan of the infusion space (where much of the critical care is administered) provides diverse and flexible patient spaces in the form of secluded nooks, com-
PhotoGraPhy by JohNNy QuiriN
Architect Mark F. 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.
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PhotoGraPhy by JohNNy QuiriN
PhotoGraPhy by JohNNy QuiriN
The large, open floor plan of the infusion space has secluded nooks, comfortable furniture and private monitors with access to a library of movies. At left, volunteer Gerrit VanKlaveren plays with Troy Schmuckal in the playroom as his parents, Heather and Brian, look on. Below, Anecia Bond, 3, and Antonio Bond, 4, play with a puzzle on the wall of the waiting room.
fortable furniture and private monitors that allow access to the hospital’s robust library of movies. Architecture and design have been used to make kids with cancer feel more comfortable on their long, often difficult, journey toward being cured. But the design is only part of the story. What makes it most effective and life altering are the men and women who administer the care. Led by Dr. James Fahner, the team of oncologists, physician assistants, nurses, social workers and child life specialists administer chemotherapy, provide emotional support, coordinate care plans and explain complex diagnoses with professionalism and sincerity. They balance much-needed clinical advice and medical procedures with personable humanity, wit and humor.
The inspiration for highlighting the pediatric hematology and oncology team was the care each member provided my son, Evan, during the course of his 31/2 year successful battle with leukemia. My family could not have asked for a better group of people to guide us through this journey. — mArK F. miller
Metal Art Studio
inc.
fine jewelry Designer & Custom Jewelry Expert Jewelry Repair Tu-Fr 10-5 Sat 12-4 616-459-5075 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids metalartstudioinc.com December 2012 / GrmaG.com 43
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Special Advertising Section
Showcase Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studio Kentwood: 3089 29th Street, SE (616) 940-9894 Plainfield: 4485 Plainfield Ave. NE (616) 363-7632
arthurmurraygr.com
Grandville: 3819 RiverTown Parkway, suite 400 (616) 608-5149
arthurmurraygv.com
100 years and still dancing
p
By J. Stapleton Burch
Picture a welcoming place aglow with the sounds of friendly greetings, convivial laughter and up-tempo music. On the spacious dance floor, dancers learn their steps under the gentle guidance of professionally trained instructors… You’ve just pictured the iconic Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studio. This year, Arthur Murray celebrates 100 years of teaching the world to dance. Three local studios are among the more than 200 franchises around the globe. It’s a second-generation business for sisters Julie Spearin and Leslie Sharp, co-franchisees of the Kentwood and Plainfield locations. Their mother, Maggie Spearin, opened her first Grand Rapids’ studio in 1989. Three decades earlier, she had been a teacher in the Phoenix studio, where she met their father. He had worked for the real Arthur Murray at his 5th
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Avenue studio in New York in the 1950s. “We grew up in the business. Our parents owned studios our whole lives,” noted Leslie, a professional dancer who has ranked among the top six ballroom dance competitors in the country. She also judges competitions and serves on the National Dance Board. Their former staff members, Jenifer and Matt Werdon, are franchisees of the Grandville studio. Arthur Murray was a pioneer of dance instruction and a mid-century TV staple. His renowned method broke dance down into easily taught steps, making it accessible to everyone. GR’s Arthur Murray Dance Studios continue that tradition, staying on the cutting edge of the latest dances and teaching techniques through professional association conferences as well as through coaches and traveling consultants that work with students monthly. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, blue collar, white collar, no collar, singles and couples: Their students come from all walks of life. “But they all have enjoyment of dancing in common,” observed Julie, who was one of the top supervisors in the organization for many years. The rewards go well beyond learning to dance. It’s a fun way to exercise and it’s done in a safe learning environment. Students report one of the most noted benefits – aside from the community of their fellow dancers – is pure stress relief. “It provides a temporary escape from the real world,” Jenifer Werdon explained. “It’s a physical, mental, and spiritual challenge that involves the whole body, mind, and spirit that re-energizes you.” In-
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Special Advertising Section
struction is geared for adults and can be enjoyed at any age. Some students started dancing in their 80s. “Many people come in thinking they have two left feet or no rhythm at all, and then they discover a whole different potential in themselves,” Leslie added. “There are those who have always dreamt about dancing, and we help make their dreams come true.” For some married couples, it’s a regular date night. “It’s a night away from the television and you get to hold each other. It’s like you’re dating again,” she said. Arthur Murray Dance Studios offer low-cost introductory lessons, and students enjoy weekly practice sessions in the studio. They also partner with VanAndel Institute for an annual local Dancing with the Stars-style charity event, this year on April 26. As Mrs. Kathryn Murray said as a sign-off at the end of their TV program: “Put a little fun in your life… try dancing.”
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Above: Pictured left to right, Leslie Sharp and Julie Spearin, Co-franchisees of the Kentwood and Plainfield locations. Photo by: Michael Buck Facing page: Dance instruction pioneer, Arthur Murray and his wife Kathryn. Courtesy Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios
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Special advertiSing Section
ShowcaSe devries Jewelers
dAn devries & dAvid devries, owners 411 leonArd street, nw grAnd rAPids (616) 454-6892
devriesJewelers.coM
Over a century of service and fine jewelry
w
wHoeVer SaiD, “good things come in small packages” had probably just opened a gift box from DeVries Jewelers. they have been serving the grand rapids community since 1901 when founded by Siebern DeVries, whose widow cornelia managed to keep the store running throughout the great Depression. it continued to thrive under the guidance of their son gerald, and then his son Dennis. this northwest side icon on leonard Street is now under fourth-generation ownership by brothers Dan and David DeVries, who carry on the tradition of personal service established over 111 years ago by their greatgrandfather. “our father retired about seven years ago, but you can often find him still helping out in the store,” Dan noted. “You can always find a family member onsite.” even though DeVries Jewelers has such a long and solid history, which is reflected in their high percentage of referrals and return customers, they continually look
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By J. Stapleton Burch
to the future and stay abreast of popular jewelry trends. their website (devriesjewelers.com) and mobile app (ringfinder.com) offers an easy peek into their extensive selection. However, you won’t want to miss a visit to the store, where they pride themselves on building relationships and providing personalized service. “getting to know somebody and finding a ring or piece of jewelry that is exactly what they’re looking for is the fun part of the business,” Dan stated. two on-site jewelers – who can take care of everything from sizings and settings to prong restoration and other refurbishments in a timely manner – perform all repairs in-house. “For the most part, everything we have we can put together in whatever configuration you want,” Dan continued. “engagement rings are a big part of our business and we carry a lot of different individual custom-design bridal lines.” if you find a setting you like but want to change the shape or size of the diamond, they can set it for you in the store and you can walk out the door with it the same day. with christmas just around the corner, DeVries Jewelers is the perfect place to find memorable gifts for the special people on your list. “we’ve tried to find lines that fit all styles and designs, but that also fit affordable price ranges,” Dan said. “we have a very broad selection with something for everybody, from our bridal selections and nice Swiss watches to the popular chamilia line with add-on beads and charms that start around $35.” other popular gifts
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include diamond stud earrings, pendants, and the beautiful but affordably priced Belle Étoile line set in sterling silver. over the course of DeVries’ long history, they have traveled to South africa, establishing solid affiliations with top diamond suppliers and familiarizing themselves with the entire diamond sourcing process. “it gives us an advantage as a local independent retailer,” Dan noted. “we have relationships in the industry that go back a long time and that gives us the flexibility to be competitive with pricing because of the relationships we’ve built over the years.” their easy-access location at 411 leonard Street nw offers plenty of parking behind the store. and with over a century of reliable service, it’s obvious they’re doing something right.
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above: Pictured left to right, David DeVries and Dan DeVries, owners Photo by: michael Buck Facing Page and left: exquisite wedding rings featured are eriskay (shown on facing page) and canna from maeVona, the ultimate vision of Scottish jeweler and designer maeve gillies. Visit DeVries Jewelers for these and other maeVona designs and customization. courtesy maeVona left: explore the subtle beauty of nature crystallized in Vigne by Belle Étoile. Vigne earrings featured in amethyst (other colors and collections by Belle Étoile are available at DeVries Jewelers). courtesy Belle Étoile
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Special Advertising Section
Showcase Holland Home Raybrook
2100 Raybrook Street, SE, Suite 300 (616) 235-5000
hollandhome.org
Holland Home – a long, proud heritage of caring
s
Since it was originally established 120 years ago, the mission of non-profit Holland Home to provide Christian love, compassion and excellent care to the elderly has never waivered. Their vibrant retirement communities offer activities, outings, and adventures amidst beautiful accommodations. In addition, there are faith-based services for every level of need, from independent living, to assisted living, to skilled nursing care and beyond. Holland Home offers older adults the freedom to truly enjoy life at their three residential retirement campuses in Grand Rapids: Raybrook, Fulton, and Breton Woods.
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By J. Stapleton-Burch
One of the major benefits of Holland Home is peace of mind in knowing that you’ve found a home for life. Once you become part of the Holland Home family, their Life Care agreement and Resident Assistance Fund guarantees that you will never be asked to leave because you’ve run out of resources. You can rest assured that you will be well taken care of for life, regardless of the changing health care needs or services you might require throughout your lifetime. Aside from the maintenance-free independent living arrangements available, they offer accommodations and services that combine the freedom of independent living with in-home assistance services aimed at easing daily life. Holland Home provides medical or rehabilitation care on a temporary or long-term basis through Skilled Nursing services that are delivered lovingly with dignity and respect. In addition to Holland Home’s extensive continuum of care for their residents, they also offer services to the community at large, allowing other Grand Rapids’ residents to age successfully in their own homes. HomeCare of Holland Home – This nationally certified home healthcare agency supplies skilled health professionals to patients’ homes as directed by their own physicians, thereby allowing them to maintain an independent lifestyle. Whether coping with depression or an illness, or recovering from surgery or an injury, HomeCare of Holland Home understands the health complexities of older adults
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Special Advertising Section
and can even help arrange assistance with other personal care issues. Helpers of Holland Home – Seniors, family members and caregivers can access a wide array of helpful services, from simple companionship and personal care, to errands, home maintenance chores, meal preparation, pet care and licensed nursing services – whatever you need to stay independent in your own home. Hospice – The Faith Hospice® program provides compassionate care to individuals with a lifethreatening or life-limiting illness. Typically reimbursed through Medicare or other insurance plans, Hospice care can be provided in the patient’s home or at the spacious, family-oriented Trillium Woods residence in Byron Center. Holland Home offers something for everyone. Whether you wish to stay in your own home but need a little help, or choose the active lifestyle of independent living within the Holland Home communities, you’ll find it here. “We provide excellent, compassionate care. That’s our mission,” concluded Peg Cochran, Marketing Communications Manager for Hol-
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Facing page: Holland Home has been providing excellent, compassionate care to Grand Rapids seniors since 1892. Photo by: Brian Kelly Left: H. David Claus, president and CEO of Holland Home. Photo by: Michael Buck Above: Holland Home offers maintenance-free retirement living that focuses on helping seniors live better longer. Photo by: Brian Kelly
land Home. “Each resident and their care is very important to us, and there is support at every level and stage of life here. You have a home at Holland Home forever.”
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In the long tradItIon of showcasIng grand rapIds’ leadIng home desIgns, buIlders, craftsmen and supplIers, we present:
in collaboration with
with proceeds to benefit
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come along for the
adventure and the cause
By J. stapleton Burch Grand rapids MaGazine has a rich heritage of bringing a design home adventure to our readers. It is a heritage we are proud to continue as we share over the coming months, design home 2013. best of all is the fact that the adventure ends with a grand gala that will offer an exclusive opportunity to tour the newly constructed home at the end of may, with proceeds to benefit bethany christian services. follow along with us as we showcase all of the exceptional design elements of the home throughout the developmental process, which we begin with our January issue. we invite you to share in the adventure as a piece of property unfolds from an architectural rendering to a solidly built, fabulous home in ada’s skyvale development. partnering for this fantastic jour-
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ney is the architectural firm of Visbeen architects, a longtime design home partner and designers of the majestic 2013 design home known as “the heartsworth.” Infiniti custom homes will take on the monumental task of transforming the dreams sketched on blueprints and schematics into a brick and mortar reality. and with a long history in grand rapids, the newly re-established Klingman’s furniture will add the final dimensions that truly make a house a home. the award-winning Visbeen architects has played a vital role throughout the history of grm’s design home events. wayne Visbeen and his staff are known for their incredible designs that add an architectural “wow” factor to a home. stacey rendon, owner of Infiniti custom homes, is equally known for
her attention to detail throughout the build process. It is often her additional finishing design touches — typically focused on practical functionality — that puts a house over the top from a homeowners’ standpoint. recognized for his top quality work, rich rendon, stacey’s husband, will build the home. we are just as excited to bring david Israels and the new Klingman’s on board for this extraordinary journey. our charity partner is a global social services agency with a vision that every child has a loving family: bethany christian services has been working to keep families together and find families for children in need since 1944. they are among the area’s most respected adoption service organizations.
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Creative solutions
local health professionals are making tremendous strides in meeting the challenges of providing better health care.
Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/ktsimage
By Ann Byle | Photography by Michael Buck
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B
at venom for stroke victims. Soda-can-sized robots to help spine surgeons. Cutting-edge research on cancer-fighting antibodies. All of this and more goes on in the research facili-
ties and hospitals that dot the Grand Rapids landscape. From helping low-income women better understand their bodies to discovering key information about Parkinson’s disease, local health care professionals and scientists are moving forward in their fields and helping many along the way.
PhotograPhy courtesy istockPhoto.com/ktsimage
Meet six who are meeting the challenges of their professions. FIGHTING cANcer When scientists in Dr. George Vande Woude’s lab at the National Cancer Institute discovered the MET gene in 1984, they knew antibodies to MET would be valuable for diagnosing MET-positive tumors. Years later at Van Andel Institute, Vande Woude and his colleagues were successful in generating MET4, an antibody with a high affinity for detecting MET in cells and tissues. Now the MET4 antibody is being licensed to Dako, a Danish-based worldwide supplier of cancer diagnostic tools. Dako will manufacture and distribute diagnostics that use the MET4 antibody developed in Grand Rapids. Vande Woude describes the MET gene as a receptor that sits on the cell surface and transports crucial information into the cell. Normally, it is involved in important functions like wound repair and liver regeneration, but when it becomes abnormal, it promotes the spreading of cancer cells. MET4 antibody can find those cancerous tumors by finding where MET is located aberrantly. “This is one of the best ways to determine whether abnormal MET is present in the tumor,” said Vande Woude, who is the founding director of VAI. He explained that if MET is found, doctors can use one of many drugs being developed by the pharmaceutical industry to target and treat the cancer by inhibiting MET activity. “If we know MET is there, we can use the anti-MET drugs, as well,” he said. Early research has shown dramatic results in
prostate, lung and gastric cancers. “For generations, the medical community has focused on the tissue of origin for treatment, but with this new approach, the same gene can be involved in many different cancers and we can specifically target that abnormal gene,” said Vande Woude. “This is a great step forward in treating cancer.” Strong growth over the last five years in understanding “cancer” genes like MET
has helped; during this period, vast numbers of other cancer targets have been identified, and Vande Woude expects that using combinations of drugs against multiple cancer gene targets will hit home runs. “We can truly state that the future is promising for cancer patients, and this is good news,” he said. “Many of the tumors where MET is involved are the most aggressive and many have no therapies. But with MET drugs, we now have potential new drug therapies for these diseases. This is good news for treating many different cancers. For cancers that have no other treatments, MET drugs can be important new tools in the doctor’s tool chest.” SmALL rObOT eQUALS bIG STrIDeS Imagine a Red Bull can sitting atop your spine and directing doctors where to put the screws and rods needed to stabilize your backbone. That’s about the size of the Renais-
Dr. George Vande Woude
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“This is beneficial because the robot helps place the screws very accurately in a minimally invasive surgery.” — Dr. John Keller
sance Robot that Metro Health surgeons are using to facilitate placement of the hardware used in spine surgeries. For Dr. John Keller, the small robot has revolutionized how he does spine surgeries. “We used to use bone matter along the spine and bracing on the outside. Then we moved to screws and rods to brace the spine. We would put them in based on landmarks of spine anatomy, but also getting X-ray pictures of the spine,” said Keller. “But in trying to place the screws more accurately, we came up with this
Dr. John Keller
new technology.” The Renaissance Robot cuts down on the number of X-rays needed before and during surgery — from a minimum of 15 to two. “The robot lines up where you should put that screw so it holds tight and so it avoids vital structures such as nerves and blood vessels. It’s perfecting the placement of the screws for the pinning of the vertebra,” said Keller. “It’s also a benefit to staff and doctors because they are exposed to less radiation.” The robot looks like a soda can with arms that hook on the back of the spine, he explained. Its computer syncs a presurgery CT scan with two during-surgery X-rays and puts together a model. The computer points to where the robot should move and where to put the incision. It also shows doctors the exact trajectory needed for best placement of the screws. This accuracy helps prevent follow-up surgeries, and even allows for the option of minimally invasive spine surgeries. “In some cases we’re putting screws through the skin, using small incisions to place the screws from outside,” said Keller. “This is beneficial because the robot helps place the screws very accurately in a minimally invasive surgery.” Metro Health is one of fewer than a dozen hospitals around the country using the Renaissance Robot. “It allows a doctor to operate with more confidence, safety and accuracy,” said Keller. NUrSING PrOFeSSOr receIVeS GrANT Adejoke Ayoola, Ph.D., R.N., has a heart for women who struggle with understanding their bodies and reproductive choices. This assistant professor of nursing at Calvin College is taking that concern into three Grand Rapids neighborhoods, thanks to a $350,000 grant. Ayoola received the grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Nurse Faculty Scholars program. She will use the funds to examine the effectiveness of the “Preconception Reproductive Knowledge Promotion” intervention protocol, designed to promote reproductive health and positive pregnancy outcomes in racially diverse, low-income neighborhoods.
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She’ll study 120 women between the ages of 18 and 44 in the Creston/Belknap, Baxter/Madison and Burton Heights neighborhoods, with help from Calvin College nursing students, research assistants and health care professionals who already are working in those neighborhoods. Recruitment of women began in October, with interventions beginning in February 2013. “We will teach them about nutrition, being healthy, how to know their ovulation times, and about reproductive health. And we’ll visit these women in their homes every month,” said Ayoola. “Our ultimate goal is for women to know more about their bodies, and when they know about their bodies — when they can get pregnant — they’ll use birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy,” she said. “If they don’t use birth control and get pregnant, they’ll recognize the pregnancy early and start prenatal care and hopefully stop bad behaviors such as smoking and drinking alcohol.” Interest in the PREKNOP research came in part from the women themselves. Calvin College’s nursing students have been working in the neighborhoods for years and have fielded many requests for this type of information. Ayoola said they consistently have asked for help in knowing their reproductive systems better so they can better plan pregnancies. “My supposition is that the women will learn that they can control their reproduction; they will know when they are at risk of pregnancy and will make informed decisions about birth control and perhaps become consistent users of birth control,” said Ayoola. The grant will allow Ayoola to reduce her teaching hours at Calvin College, pay for research materials and research assistant salaries, and pay for gift cards given to study participants. The first six months of the three-year grant is for administrative details and recruitment of women, then two years of research, and finally six months to write up the findings. Ayoola came to the United States from Nigeria in 2003 to complete her doctorate at Michigan State University. She finished her degree in 2007 and moved immediately to Grand Rapids to teach at Calvin College.
Adejoke Ayoola, Ph.D., R.N.
NANOSeNSOrS FINe-TUNe KNee SUrGerIeS There are about 600,000 knee replacement surgeries done in the United States each year, and that number is growing as our population ages. Though knee replacement is highly successful, about 1 percent each year will require follow-up surgery (called a revision), and about two-thirds of revisions are necessary within the first 3.5 years. About one in four revisions is done because the
“Our ultimate goal is for women to know more about their bodies, and when they know about their bodies — when they can get pregnant — they’ll use birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy,” — Adejoke Ayoola, Ph.D., R.N.
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“Of the patients we’ve studied, almost half have reported at six weeks that their knee feels normal. This is remarkable because most knee replacement patients don’t reach maximum improvement until about 12-18 months out.” — Dr. Gregory Golladay
Dr. Gregory Golladay
knee feels unsteady when walking down steps or on uneven ground. Another group needs the surgery because the joint feels too tight and is stiff. The problem, according to Dr. Gregory Golladay of Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan, is the subjective nature of the surgeries, as surgeons use touch-and-feel to determine how tight or loose the joint replacement should be. The solution may be new nanosensors
being tested by Dr. Golladay that allow surgeons to see exactly where the pressure points are and how the knee is moving. The nanosensors are embedded in a trial implant to determine exactly how the actual implant should be placed. “The nanosensors were developed to assess tension and to show surgeons graphically how the knee is moving and where the peak pressure is,” he said. “The nanosensors show a quantified amount of pressure on the inside and outside of the knee.” Dr. Golladay is one of 20 surgeons in the U.S. participating in the nanosensor trial over the last year. He’s been enrolling patients for more than six months and has done more than 20 of the 50 required knee replacements to complete the test. “Of the patients we’ve studied, almost half have reported at six weeks that their knee feels normal. This is remarkable because most knee replacement patients don’t reach maximum improvement until about 12-18 months out,” he said. “The data at six months also looks highly favorable.” Dr. Golladay, who does 400 to 500 hip and knee replacements each year, has been at Orthopaedic Associates and its affiliate Spectrum Health since 2004. He is the clinical advisor for joint replacement at Spectrum. He sees huge benefits from the use of the tiny sensors. “The idea is that we would decrease the number of revisions. These revisions are a huge disappointment to the patient, are costly and inconvenient, and carry risk. This would improve outcomes and patient satisfaction, and the reduction in revisions will decrease our health care costs,” said Golladay. He also envisions new uses for the nanosensors, which are currently disposable — used only during the procedure and then removed. He forecasts embedding the sensors into the implant, then monitoring the implant over time for wear, instability and premature failure. “It’s not a leap of faith to think that patients could use an application on their smartphones, or call in like pacemaker patients do, to get their knee implant checked. It would improve convenience and cost of monitoring,” Golladay said.
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Ferris State University College of Pharmacy joined forces with Cherry Street Health Services to provide better care for patients while training pharmacy students for the future. Pictured from left are Fred Schmidt, director of pharmacy at Cherry Street, Hoang Le, a student at Ferris State University, and College of Pharmacy Professor John Jameson.
PHARMACY STUDENTS ASSIST AT CHERRY STREET CLINIC Cherry Street Health Services and the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy have formed a unique relationship that benefits patients, students, professors and both organizations. The College of Pharmacy has become a key player in the health care offered to Cherry Street patients through involvement in Patient Safety and Clinical Pharmacy Services Collaborative, a government-sponsored, national effort designed to improve patient health care, mostly for those who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. “This is a marriage made in heaven between Ferris and Cherry Street,” said Fred Schmidt, Cherry Street’s director of pharmacy and adjunct professor at the College of Pharmacy. He describes one case in which he, College of Pharmacy Professor John Jameson and College of Pharmacy students, along with Cherry Street clinicians, were able to help a patient on high blood pressure and diabetic medications. Through adjusting medications and consulting with dietitians and doctors, the patient lost 40 pounds, went off the diabetic medications, and dropped blood pressure to a 30-year low. “Some of our real successes come when Dr. Jameson and our physician sit down and hammer out what is best for the patient,” said Schmidt. “They can change drug therapies as needed to benefit the patient.”
While Cherry Street Health Services benefits from consultations and patient visits done by Dr. Jameson, it also benefits from fourth-year pharmacy students who each do a six-week rotation at Cherry Street. They jump right into seeing patients, assessing medication needs and learning the ropes of pharmacy work on the front lines of this innovative approach to patient care. The students, as well as Jameson and Schmidt, are part of a PSPC team that includes the physician, nurses, dietitians, diabetic counselors and others who can speak to a patient’s care. “The pharmacy students hold it all together,” said Jameson. “They track patients to see who has been in, if their blood pressure is under control, set up appointments, call me to set up a consultation, then attend that consultation.” This unique blend of pharmacy and clinical work is part of the greater trend toward expanding the role of pharmacists beyond simply putting pills in a bottle. “Over the last 30 years, there has been a dramatically expanding roll of pharmacists in health care in a variety of settings,” said Dr. Steven Durst, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “The vision of the college is that the role of the pharmacist continues to evolve into a greater focus on patient outcomes. Health care has advanced to the point where we need a team approach.”
The Cherry Street/College of Pharmacy team has a history going back nearly 20 years. The College of Pharmacy offered faculty to help at the clinic, while the clinic offered a real-life learning environment for professors and students. The relationship began to expand two years ago when the PSPC paradigm came into play. Schmidt set up a pharmacy and pharmacy services at Cherry Street, but realized he couldn’t do it all. The College of Pharmacy suggested sending Dr. Jameson to help with consultations along with the pharmacy students. Those students, about a dozen a year, get hands-on experience with patients, administration and the underpinnings of the new team approach to health care. “Students have a lot of duties here, and one is participating in the integrated PSPC team,” said Schmidt. “Those students end up being our biggest cheerleaders when they go out into practice.” Schmidt has several goals for the College of Pharmacy students (other pharmacy students from University of Michigan participate, as well). First is that they contribute to the overall health of the patients. Second, Schmidt wants students to learn how to work with patients in a meaningful way. Finally, he hopes the students will learn to look at patients as individuals with individual health needs. “When I started with the PSPC experience, I hoped the students might see a patient population they might not know,” said Schmidt. “I want them to go out and duplicate this experience in bits and pieces wherever they go — to treat patients well in any setting they find themselves in.” Along with training students, the collaboration points to a new template for the expanding role of pharmacists in health care. “At Cherry Street we’ve taken the distributive function and added pieces to that,” said Durst. “We want our students to be part of the model that we feel represents their future practice; we want to prepare them for that future practice and give them the tools to be innovative in that practice.” Adds Jameson: “Students are learning both the science of pharmacy and the art of pharmacy.” For Cherry Street Health Services and Schmidt, the College of Pharmacy is an integral part of the health care they provide their patients through the PSPC program. “I don’t want to underestimate that marriage because if we weren’t connected to Ferris for the PSPC project, it may not have gone as well as it has.” December 2012 / grmag.com 57
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bAT VeNOm FOr STrOKe VIcTImS The enzyme desmoteplase, which prevents blood from clotting, occurs naturally in bats. That ability to suck blood indefinitely — the stuff of legend and nightmare — transfers handily into the medical field, thanks to researchers who saw the possibilities for victims of stroke. Dr. Philip Gorelick, medical director of Hauenstein Neuroscience Center at Saint Mary’s Health Care, is leading a national study at top stroke centers to look into the clot-busting (thrombolytic) properties of desmoteplase and how it may be used to offer stroke victims new hope. “Bats live, in part, on blood, so in order for them to get blood into their system without clotting, they have to have a substance in their system to prevent clotting,” said Gorelick, who is co-lead on the study with vascular neurologist Dr. Muhammad Farooq, also at Saint Mary’s. Desmoteplase, now made syntheti-
cally, has special properties that make it go after clots, and has a special affinity for breaking up clots in brain arteries. The current treatment for ischemic stroke (stroke cause by a blood clot) is t-PA, tissue plasminogen activator, which must be administered within 4.5 hours of the initial stroke event. “T-PA is limited in that we have only 4.5 hours to administer it, and a side effect is bleeding. But now we have a better drug: We’re testing desmoteplase for use up to nine hours after stroke, and it doesn’t appear to have the neurotoxicity of t-PA,” said Gorelick. “Prolonging that window would be very welcome.” Desmoteplase trials are going on in Europe and the United States. The European trial, called DIAS 3, will probably produce results in nine to 12 months. The U.S. trial, DIAS 4, will take longer because the study is only about half completed. However, Gorelick said the FDA may consider
moving to accept the drug faster if the DIAS 3 trial is strongly positive. “T-PA is only being used in about 3 to 5 percent of stroke cases, but almost 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke every year. Many get to medical care beyond the 4.5 hour window for t-PA,” said Gorelick. “We need better ways to treat these patients. If desmoteplase becomes available, 20 to 40 percent of all stroke victims would be eligible for the treatment.” He calls the treatment “practical and promising.” It requires only a CT scan of the brain and arteries and is delivered intravenously. “I’m eagerly waiting to see what will come back from the trial. I think there’s a very, very good chance the tests will come back positive,” Gorelick said. reTHINKING PArKINSON’S DISeASe A paradigm shift is underway in how doctors view Parkinson’s disease. In the
Dr. Philip Gorelick
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past, doctors had no idea how the disease was triggered in the human body. Now, researchers such as Dr. Patrik Brundin at Van Andel Research Institute think that a misfolded protein, which can trigger disease at the cell level, moves from an unhealthy cell to a healthy one, infecting those cells and creating the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Brundin, who moved to Grand Rapids from Sweden this past January, also hypothesizes that perhaps Parkinson’s disease doesn’t start in the part of the brain it most affects, but instead may begin in the gut or nose. It may spread via those migratory misfolded proteins into the brain — for example, in the brain’s sleep centers. Then, after several years, it may move into the parts of the brain where it causes problems with movement. “Many Parkinson’s disease patients have experienced constipation or loss of the sense of smell, or experience violent dreams during which they move around or shout out,” said Brundin. “Only a few who experience these symptoms will get Parkinson’s, but it’s giving us a clue that the disease may start outside the brain.” Every protein, he said, is made up of a series of building blocks. In some rare forms of inherited Parkinson’s disease, one or two of those building blocks mutate in a protein that is prone to misfold. “We’ve been able to see a protein move from one cell to another in the brains of mice, and through this move, they actually transmit the disease and make the recipient cell sick,” said Brundin, who is among other experts studying this phenomenon. “We didn’t think this moving around in the brain was a virus, which is how some diseases are transmitted, but we didn’t think it was a protein either.” This knowledge could mean big strides in treating Parkinson’s disease. “There are several highly effective treatments for Parkinson’s now, but they only treat the symptoms, and the patients always get worse over the years,” Brundin said. “Perhaps in the future when a patient presents with a stiff arm or a tremor, we’ll be able to slow down or stop the disease so they’ll remain with only the slight symptom.”
Dr. Patrik Brundin
The experts still don’t know what initially triggers Parkinson’s disease in the vast majority of cases. “During normal life, every cell probably creates several misfolded proteins, but most of the time they move them rapidly into the garbage disposal system inside the cell,” said Brundin. “The single greatest risk for Parkinson’s disease is age. Younger people seem to hold off the bad cells. So possibly, the gradual failure of the garbage disposal system, which might develop inside cells as we age, is an important contributor to Parkinson’s disease.” Gr
“Many Parkinson’s disease patients have experienced constipation or loss of the sense of smell, or experience violent dreams during which they move around or shout out. Only a few who experience these symptoms will get Parkinson’s, but it’s giving us a clue that the disease may start outside the brain.” — Dr. Patrik Brundin December 2012 / grmag.com 59
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By Alexandra Fluegel Photography by Johnny Quirin
It took a team of creative professionals to revamp and rebuild A.K. Rikk’s into a luxurious clothing emporium for men and women.
If you build it, they will shop
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S
ometimes you grow out of clothes, and sometimes businesses grow out of the spaces that house them. Such is the case with high-end clothier A.K. Rikk’s, which moved into its new location this past fall. Yet, its story is much more than a change of address. It’s a result of great minds thinking alike and creating a space whose artistry parallels the beauty on the racks. Though the contemporary fashion boutique moved less than a mile from its previous location, the revitalized building feels worlds away. And according to the team behind the redesign, that’s exactly the point. “We wanted to build something that competes with Chicago and New York,” said Jim Murray, president of A.K. Rikk’s.
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The store’s former digs were in a small strip mall sandwiched between a couple of eateries — definitely not where you’d expect to find clothing brands like Diane Von Furstenberg, Helmut Lang, Salvatore Ferragamo and Marc Jacobs. “We had the clothes and the knowledgeable staff; we just didn’t have the building,” Murray explained. A.K. Rikk’s opened 25 years ago as a small men’s suiting store. As time passed, it expanded into a luxury boutique, adding women’s clothing in 2008. To accommodate the growing selection and also make room for a lifestyle/gift area, Murray said he knew something drastic would have to be done. He began working with local firm Visbeen Architects on plans to revamp the store — and discovered the vision A.K. Rikk’s had wouldn’t fit inside the walls. For nearly three years, plans lagged while the search went on for the perfect building, even while considering whether a remodel was possible. In the fall of 2011, they found that perfect building in the form of a Nextel corporate office right down the road. The 28,000-square-foot space was five times the size of the present location, something Murray said was never intended. “We actually wanted a building half that size,” he said. Wayne Visbeen, president of Visbeen Associates, said the vision for the project was to create a grand concourse such as those seen on New York City’s Fifth Avenue and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. “Very dramatic, very unique in the retail world for Grand Rapids, and something that would stand out nationally,” he described. Murray said he and Visbeen have a long history, and it was the architect’s background in retail design that made him a clear choice for the project. “He just got us. We didn’t have to spend time trying to get to
know each other,” he said. Visbeen has designed more than 100 national prototype stores, including Banana Republic, Brookstone and Metropolitan Museum of Art stores. Prior to founding Visbeen Associates, he served as the director of store design, visual merchandising and advertising for Grand Rapids-based retailer Gantos Inc. The architect stressed that it was a collective effort from the very beginning. Store owners Rick Gaby and Barb Van Andel Gaby gave Visbeen the creative freedom that allowed a transformation of the brick
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“We wanted to make that dynamic corner window that drew your eye in from a distance and is also functional for the store.” — Wayne Visbeen
Interior designer Jeffery Roberts, opposite page, juxtaposed contemporary and historical elements throughout the store. Above, Wayne Visbeen, president of Visbeen Associates, served as director of store design. Below, Jim Murray, president of A.K. Rikk’s, was the visionary of the retail project.
office building into a vision of modern style and subtle sophistication, he explained. “Jim (Murray) was the visionary that allowed us to do what we did in the store. He really let me unleash the creative energy the company has,” said Visbeen. Senior designer David Lorenz did the initial illustrations for the project and said input from Murray and his staff gave him a lot of ideas to work with. Having to appease the multitude of opinions was nearly impossible, Murray said, but the feedback they gave Lorenz was invaluable. “I resonated with what they were saying and what they were looking for. It just went well from the beginning,” Lorenz said. In less than a year, the team — Visbeen Associates, A.K. Rikk’s, Lamar Construction and interior designer Jeffery Roberts — achieved an aesthetic that incorporates a variety of styles, all contributing to an air of expertly crafted, understated luxury. It wasn’t easy. “The existing building had so many challenges, taking the idiosyncrasies of an office building and turning it into a retail space,” Visbeen said. First, there was the face of the building. The design team was December 2012 / Grmag.com 63
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able to add 30 feet to the front, creating the breathtaking cement and glass façade accented by dark teak wood. “We wanted to make that dynamic corner window that drew your eye in from a distance and is also functional for the store,” said Visbeen. That corner window on the west side of the building showcases a movable platform designed to feature a rotation of displays. “The one thing you get in Chicago or New York is that massive window,” Murray said. “We wanted the large window to have purpose.” During the store’s grand opening, the platform featured the dazzling fabric sculptures of contemporary artist Nick Cave, and Murray said he plans to continue featuring treatments that break the mold. Two towering display windows neighbor a sleek entrance, which opens to the large main stairwell and the store’s petite coffee and tea bar in the center of the store. The mostly glass-front exterior not only allows for big-city, massive display cases but also creates a light-filled, open interior. “Being able to see this much of outside is crazy,” Murray said. 64 Grmag.com \ December 2012
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“We want to be more than just a place that sells clothes. There’s more to a store than just the shelves. We want to bring it to life.” — Jim Murray
The men’s area is divided into separate departments, including a haberdashery-style suit room that pays homage to the company’s original mission of selling shirts, suits and ties.
“It’s changed everything.” From the way the clothes are shown to the attitudes of the staff, he notices a marked difference. “Usually when you work in retail, you feel like you work in this closed-in Vegas casino. Now it doesn’t seem like the days are as long.” The challenge of the interior space was to create distinct departments that coexist in a natural way. “You can do a beautiful building, but retail is a whole different thing,” Visbeen. “When you’re dealing with a retail store, the product is going to change seasonally, and you’re going to need that neutral color palette.” This is where the talents of interior designer Jeffery Roberts are most clearly evident. Roberts, who has a background in fashion design in addition to interiors, used repurposed materials and a treasure trove of antiques to create a complementary backdrop that is tasteful and never overpowering. Murray spoke of the fabrications Roberts selected, which ranged
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Warm sensual tones create a feminine women’s department. Each fitting room is paired with a private sitting room where spouses can wait or staff can assist.
from recycled polyurethane to glass beading. “In our world, we sell fabrication. We sell soft things, we sell dry things, we sell glitter, we sell sequins. For a store itself to emulate that, it’s truly amazing.” Roberts juxtaposed contemporary and historical elements throughout the store to create a modern, sweeping look that pays homage to the past. A.K. Rikk’s inventory is showcased by a combination of cutting-edge furniture by leaders of the industry such as Knoll and Herman Miller, as well as freestanding racks made from repurposed piping. “I love reclaiming, I love recycling and reusing. We wanted to honor the new architecture and bring in remnants from the past,” Roberts explained. He said his goal was to blend the simple, modern architecture with the warmth of found objects and historical pieces. In both the men’s and women’s departments, jewelry is housed in large wood display cases dating back to the 1940s and formerly used in the American Museum of Natural History. Nearly everywhere the eyes wander, they find something old and something new, and at times it’s hard to decipher which is which. Items blend seamlessly in ways that are surprising yet thoughtful. The men’s areas are filled with wood blocks, transistor radios and antique fans, while the women’s side contains a variety of vases and vintage fashion photos. “We wanted to make sure all of the areas had their own personality but worked together,” Roberts said. “We included lots of textures, lots of layers to the interior so you could get a distinct difference in personality yet stand back and see that they all worked together.” Roberts said he used warm, sensual tones to create a feminine women’s department and heavier metallic elements for the men’s department. The elegance of the women’s department is created
through a combination of champagne, vanilla, platinum, gold and chocolate, whereas the men’s departments are filled with steel and granite, blacks and grays. Roberts also aided in creating an upstairs haberdashery-style suit room, complete with scotch bar and made-to-measure area. Murray said it was important to create a separate suit area that paid tribute to the company’s original mission: dressing men and dressing them well. “We started with shirts, suits and ties, and we wanted to illustrate that we still maintain a high level of focus on that aspect of our business,” Murray said. The new building allowed the store to have its first made-tomeasure room. “We’ve never had room before, we had to lay suits on top of ties, and now we have a dedicated space.” David Lorenz designed a maze-like floor plan that allows each brand to have its own area. Among the walls of suits are more
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antique finds including baseballs, trophies, a stunning old cigar locker and a fireplace. Both shoe departments feature drop-down flooring to give the areas more ceiling height, even though they are located on the lower level. “I wanted to raise the ceilings, but that wasn’t possible, so I said, ‘well, dig into the floor,’” Murray said. The team realized they would need to create a way to make the areas handicap accessible. Two regresses were built behind the main wall displays that allowed a ramp to stretch behind and emerge from behind full-length mirrors. Part of the vision of the new building was to create the necessary spaces for every customer to have an unparalleled, hassle-free experience. In both the men’s and women’s departments’ dressing rooms, each fitting room is paired with a small, private sitting room, perfect for spouses to wait or staff to assist. For those clients looking for the most exclusive experience, there is a second-floor private fitting room complete with built-in closets designed to hold the various selections hand-picked by the staff. The doors shut and lock, creating an area completely set off from the rest of the store. “Private shopping rooms are never this intimate,” Murray said. A high-tech children’s area was created, filled with toys and books and featuring a small selection of children’s apparel. The area is closely monitored by video, which the staff is able to pull up instantly on the iPads they use to assist clients in purchases. “We can be anywhere in the store, and our clients are always able to know what’s going on,” Murray said. The cameras and iPads aren’t the only technology incorporated into the store’s aesthetic. Twelve plasma televisions stretch 17 feet high. The store works with Conduit Studios to continuously stream
videos of runway shows and other high-fashion media. Fashion is the just the beginning in the new store. With the additional space, A.K. Rikk’s finally is able to have a lifestyle section. “We knew that we wanted to test furniture the best we could,” Murray said. The store had forged a close relationship with Herman Miller after doing a downtown popup store during the 2010 ArtPrize competition. “We’re very fortunate to have friends at Herman Miller,” Murray said. Custom cabinetry was created in order to display products from Herman Miller and Knoll, and the section currently houses pieces not found anywhere else, like a leather Geiger couch that serves as the focal point of the private shopping room. Murray described the lifestyle department as a mixture of great finds from local design leaders as well as a variety of one-of-a-kind pieces found by Roberts. It extends to a porch featuring outdoor pieces showcased against the backdrop of the beautiful view of the parkway below — not something you’d expect to see just off 28th Street. In its former life, the parkway was a parking lot, but Murray said they wanted to create an outdoor A movable platform by the west side environment that gave the corner window featured fabric sculptures by contemporary artist Nick feeling of “something more.” Cave during the store’s grand opening. And indeed there is more. Throughout the store, customers are The parkway leads treated to unique wall coverings, lightaround to a Brooklyn-esque ing fixtures and furnishings. backyard event space. “I wanted it to be downtown meat-packing-district style,” Murray said. A large deck runs the length of the building, an area suited for cocktail parties or full-scale runway shows. Large, loading-dock doors open to a room with cavernous ceilings and sky-high walls. Though the space isn’t used every day, it serves an important purpose. “We want to be more than just a place that sells clothes. There’s more to a store than just the shelves. We want to bring it to life,” said Murray. One of his personal goals is to use a large area overlooking the event space as a classroom for aspiring creative industries’ students. He said he would select young people passionate about photography, videography, social media and event planning and “totally immerse” them in various projects for six months. “It would be grueling, something to really help them understand what it takes to pursue their passion,” he explained. The event space would be open for the students to utilize, and Murray said he would aim to connect successful students with some of the store’s highprofile clientele. “We were blessed with more space than we needed. I hope young people can come in and feel inspired,” he said. Murray said there’s only one problem with having such a beautiful space. “When we opened, it was kind of scary because no one was looking at the clothes — they were all looking up at the space.” He isn’t too worried though. “It’s a good feeling. People are just GR blown away.”
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art By Terri Finch Hamilton Photography by Michael Buck
The
of glass
Locals who work with glass — whether stained, leaded, fused or blown — agree there is something special about their craft. A variety of stained glass windows are displayed at Pristine Glass Co.
I
t’s cozy in the glassblowing studio on a chilly day as glowing orange furnaces warm the air. There’s something mesmerizing about what’s happening here, as glassblower John Riepma twirls a blob of molten glass on the end of a pipe, shaping it into a round ball that glows orange with fiery heat. Just then he hoists the pipe into the air and blows into one end. The molten orange blob inflates, the new glass glistening into an amber orb that will become a gleaming glass pumpkin. This time of year, we’re drawn to all things sparkly and gleaming. All over town, artists are obliging — cutting, soldering, blowing, fusing and making magic with glass. At the Grand Rapids Glass Blowing Studio near Standale, owners Riepma and Scott Haebich sound like poets when they talk about the gift of
glass. It’s transformative, they say. At Pristine Glass Co., at 975 Cherry St. SE in East Hills, owner Tom Blackburn talks about preserving history. He is surrounded by stained glass windows of all sizes and designs, from dusty relics from the 1800s to contemporary designs commissioned by lucky new homeowners. Afraid you can look but not touch this glimmering art? Nope. Rainbow Resources, 1509 Lake Drive SE in Eastown, offers classes every four weeks, where even a beginner can walk away with a sun catcher. The glassblowing guys will teach you their craft, too, and you can go home with a paperweight or ornament you created yourself. There’s something special about glass. “I’ve always loved glass, ever since I was a kid, for reasons I can’t explain,” Riepma says, taking
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John Riepma of Grand Rapids Glass Blowing Studio creates a holiday ornament.
“I’ve always loved glass, ever since I was a kid, for reasons I can’t explain. My earliest memories are of the stained glass my grandmother brought here from the Netherlands.” — John Riepma
a break as the pumpkin nestles in the kiln where it will very gradually cool. “My earliest memories are of the stained glass my grandmother brought here from the Netherlands,” he says. “I always liked looking at it at her house.” Haebich, 56, used to be in the stained glass business, owner of The Stained Glass Place in Grand Rapids for years. After selling the business, he moved on to publishing materials for stained glass artists. Riepma was a customer. After each of them discovered the allure of glassblowing, the friends opened a glassblowing studio eight years ago at Croton Dam in Newaygo County before moving it to Standale on the outskirts of Grand Rapids a year ago. “There’s something different about this,” Haebich says with a smile. “With stained glass, you draw and cut and you can go to lunch and it’s still sitting there when you get back. This is much more immediate and organic. It’s not as structured. Once you start a project, you don’t go to lunch.” Unless you want to set the place on fire. “You’re turning molten glass into something else,” says Riepma, 63, who recently
retired from Haworth. “I love the fluidity of it, the movement. You can make an object out of ceramic or out of metal, but there’s something special about glass, the way the light reflects off the surface. Glass improves the light, reflects it, fools the eye.” “There’s a combination of color and light that no other medium has,” Haebich adds. If you’re a little wary of trying it, you should be. It’s molten glass. But the experts will only allow you to do what is safe for a novice. Happily, that includes the blowing. “People are fascinated by it,” Riepma says. “They’re amazed to see the glass respond as they blow into it. They have a blast.” “You forget everything else going on,” Haebich says. “If there’s stuff on your mind, it’s not on your mind anymore. You forget you had a headache or a sore back. I find it meditative. You kind of go away to a different place.” The same thing happens to stained glass craftsman Tom Blackburn. He’s in his sturdy apron, his fingers covered in gunk, trying to perfectly match the background hue of a piece of old church
window that he’s restoring. His Pristine Glass studio has a magical quality, filled with stained and leaded glass windows that sparkle and gleam. Stroll through the workroom with him and it’s like a stained glass window scavenger hunt — a window from the 1800s here, one for an Applebee’s restaurant there. A stately window from a historic home in Manistee rests next to an offbeat arty window featuring a chimpanzee. Restoration makes up about 40 percent of Blackburn’s work. “You don’t want to throw history away,” he says. “I’m a history kind of guy.” Got a decrepit old leaded glass window that needs repair? Blackburn can fix it. Longing for an impressive stained glass entryway for your new home? Bring your ideas for a design, or he’ll help you plan one. Inherited Aunt Betty’s lovely Tiffany lamp, but the shade is broken? No problem. He’s been in business for 40 years. Not much stumps him. Blackburn can tell you all about the different kinds of glass, how to solder joints just so. But he lights up when he talks about the people behind the windows: the church
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“Anybody can do this. You can make a simple sun catcher even if you’ve never done any kind of art.” — Jennifer Maurer
organist who offered a little concert as he toiled in a church repairing windows; the kids at Blandford School who are excited to help him make a leafy light fixture for their new building. Blackburn lifts the lid on the kiln to reveal glittery glass leaves that will be part of it. There’s no limit to what you can create, he says. Anybody ever ask for a picture of their cat? “Done it,” he says with a grin, then flips through his binder of designs to show a cat on a couch looking out the window. “No dogs yet,” he muses. “That’s surprising.” Blackburn loves this work. “I can get lost in it,” he says. “The radio can be on and I don’t even know what’s playing. You’re looking at the glass and you get into the flow. These windows have a life to themselves, you know? The way the color moves through the piece.” What’s the reward? He smiles. “It might be the reaction of the lady with the cat window,” he says. “Or repairing something a woman’s husband or father made for her and we made it even better. That’s a pretty emotional thing.” Over at Rainbow Resources in Eastown, the windows are filled with sparkling stained glass creations, and the aisles are filled with the supplies to create them. Manager Jennifer Maurer is in the midst of restoring some stained glass church windows. She wipes off her hands and tells about the studio’s Thursday night classes for glass artist wannabes. “Anybody can do this,” Maurer says. “You can make a simple sun catcher even if you’ve never done any kind of art.” Other glass artists in the area offer classes and workshops. Eric Brown, who has been working with glass since the age of 13, conducts a variety of glass-themed classes four evenings a week in his Rockford shop, Eric Brown Stained Glass, on Squires Street. “Everybody picks it up at different paces,” says Brown, who was a hobbyist for
17 years before deciding to leave his job and focus on stained glass. “Some people will need lots of my help and others are confident within a couple of hours.” Lowell glass artist Susan Molnar specializes in fused glass at her Main Street studio/gallery/classroom Glass House Designs. In making fused glass pieces, a kiln is used to melt and meld stacked and layered pieces of glass together. Drop by any Wednesday evening for Open Studio Night — no need for a reservation — and make glass ornaments, coasters, picture frames or jewelry. Book her studio for a party or take classes on a Saturday. “Glass is enchanting,” says Molnar, who has been a glass artist for 20 years. “It’s very seductive. It just draws you in.” She loves watching first-timers discover that in her studio. “What I hear most often from people is ‘I’m not creative,’” she says. “Then they start experimenting with color and shape and pieces of glass.” She laughs. “Suddenly,” she says, GR “they’re artists.”
Students at Rainbow Resources make a variety of stained-glass creations.
For more information: Grand Rapids Glass Blowing Studio: grglassblowing.com Glass House Designs: glasshousedesigns.com Eric Brown: ericbrownstainedglass.com Pristine Glass: pristineglass.com Rainbow Resources: (616) 454-9666
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www.craft-revival.com
For couples struggling to start a family, there simply isn’t a better choice than The Fertility Center. With twenty years of experience and over 10,000 births, we are the fertility care leader in Michigan. At The Fertility Center, our success means your success in building a family. That is why we have a success/cost efficiency rate that’s in the top 5% nationally. Doctors Dodds, Young and Leach are all among the “Best Doctors in America”, voted by peer review. Dr. Dodds has also recently been nationally ranked among the top 1% of Reproductive Endocrinologists. We offer services from basic infertility evaluations to advanced treatment, including our Assured IVF Program*. To learn more, visit fertilitycentermi.com. * Certain restrictions apply. See The Fertility Center for complete details.
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Holiday
GiftGuide
TREASURED Gifts
Discover your next treasure or find that perfect unique gift at City Antiques. Vintage items arrive daily, including jewelry, home décor, furniture, etc. We have Madonna & Child Jewelry by Lori Christos, and delightfully warm winter mittens made from recycled wool sweaters. Seeing is believing.
CITY ANTIQUES
SPORTS-MINDED Gift
954 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, MI 616.776.5500 | Visit us on Facebook
Take a break from the hustle of the holidays and let us cook for you. Enjoy our multiple big screens TVs or order take-out and save time during this busy season. Banquet area, catering, and gift certificates are available.
GREAT Gift of Art
Kendall art classes make great gifts! Non-credit classes in drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fashion, interiors, computers, and more! Gift certificates can be purchased online at www.kcad.edu/youth-and-adults or by calling 616.451.2787, ext.3012.
FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE SPORTS BAR 1259 Post Dr. (10 min. N of GR), Belmont, MI 616.785.1001 | www.florentines.biz
KENDALL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN OF FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Federal Building, 17 Pearl St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.451.2787 ext.3012 www.kcad.edu/youth-and-adults
Have a CLARISONIC® HOLIDAY
This holiday season, give a spa treatment at home with a Clarisonic® Skin Cleansing System which is perfect for daily face care routine! Pair it with a plush robe for the ultimate at-home spa experience. PLASTIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES
220 Lyon, N.W.|Suite 700, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2216 616.451.4500 | 800.419.4702 | www.psa-gr.com
BRIGHTEN THE Holidays
Brighten the Holidays with designer jewelry from Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry. Choose from a wonderful selection or let us design something unique for you. Featured 18K white gold and diamond “Conifer” earrings by Sarah Graham. METAL ART STUDIO FINE JEWELRY
820 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.459.5075 | shop@metalartstudioinc.com
BEDAZZLE Her
From fun and funky to classic and chic, Dear Prudence specializes in reasonably priced gifts that are made in the USA. some even locally in MI! facebook.com/dearprudencegaslightvillage. M-Sat 10-8, Sun 12-5. DEAR PRUDENCE
701 Bagley St. SE, Gaslight Village EGR 49506 616.419.4042 | www.dearprudence.com
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RELAX in style
Give the gift of comfort this season and give a lifeline of hope. Donate $50 to The Arc of Kent County benefiting children & adults with intellectual, physical and related disabilities and get $200 OFF any Stressless recliner or $400 OFF select Stressless Eagle or Wing recliners. GORMAN’S FURNITURE
2320 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 616.243.5466 | www.gormans.com/Arc
Industrial CHIC
30-plus continuous feet of magnet wire will wrap her wrist in a riot of red. Match the Chaos Bracelet with the Elliptical Envy Necklace from wired; bold, edgy and fun! Limited edition, one-of-a-kind jewelry handmade from reclaimed and surplus industrial materials. THE MUSEUM STORE AT GRAM 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI 616.831.2920 | www.artmuseumgr.org
BEAUTIFUL Gifts
PERFECT Gift
Give the Leo’s experience for the holidays. Our gift certificates are available in denominations of $10, $25, $50, and $100 to please the most discriminating individual on your list. Gift certificates also available online.
Find a special gift for someone or for your home at Kindel & Company. Featured is Sid Dickens’ Limited Edition Holiday 2012 memory block, An Angel’s Message. Visit our store this holiday season for unique gifts, home décor, and local art. KINDEL & COMPANY
133 E. Edgerton St. Howard City, MI 49329 231.937.9090 www.facebook.com/kindelandcompany
LEO’S RESTAURANT 60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.454.6700 | www.leosrestaurant.com
With over 30 different types of Michigan wine, Fenn Valley Vineyards has something for everyone. Special holiday packages make shopping even easier. Tours offered year around. FENN VALLEY VINEYARDS
6130 122nd Ave, Fennville, MI 49408 269.561.2396 | www.fennvalley.com
Gift the ‘COOL’ SOCKS this year!
GIVE the Gift of WINE
Stay warm and active this winter season with Swiftwick. There’s no need to stop doing what moves you with Swiftwick’s Merino Wool Compression Socks. Available in multiple sizes and styles there’s a pair for everyone on your list. Gift Certificates available. CENTRAL DISTRICT CYCLERY
52 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 616.719.1265 | www.centraldcyclery.com
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For the CAR LOVER A Charley’s Crab gift card is the perfect gift for the holidays. Our gift cards are available in denominations of $10 - $500. Gift cards are also available online.
CHARLEY’S CRAB 63 Market Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.459.2500 | www.muer.com
Give the gift that’s remembered all year! Waterworks gift cards are available in any denomination, never expire, and are good for all of our services, including our exterior washes, interior details and our new Showtime Wash. WATERWORKS CAR WASH
2205 E. Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616.447.9560 | www.waterworks-carwash.com
GOURMET Gifts
Our beloved handcrafted cookies are known for their fine ingredients, pure flavor, distinctive texture, sophisticated appearance, and will make beautiful holiday gifts!
RING in the HOLIDAYS
Roberto Coin’s bold cocktail rings convey a sense of style and confidence for today’s modern woman, giving her a perfect excuse to celebrate everyday luxury.
SEAFOOD AFICIONADO
MONICA’S GOURMET COOKIES
3668 29th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 616.977.7200 | www.monicasgourmet.com
JUHAS & SULLIVAN JEWELRY DESIGN
1100 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 616-957-2222 | www.juhasandsullivan.com
An all inclusive haven for renewal, relaxation and rejuvenation: BOTOX® and Facial Fillers, SilkPeel Dermal Infusion Facials, Latisse Eyelash Enhancement Kit, Laser Hair Removal, and so much more! BENGTSON CENTER FOR AESTHETICS AND PLASTIC SURGERY
555 MidTown Street, NE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616.588.8880 | bengtsoncenter.com
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For the WINE CONNOISSEUR
Spread a little holiday magic with A GIFT CARD from The BENGTSON CENTER!
Only made in 2013, this Collector Edition piece is sure to please. A multitasking 20 bottle wine rack crafted of solid cherry or quartersawn oak with an inlay of maple, walnut, pear, ebony and oak. Paired with a serving tray and storage compartment that conceals a solid cherry Stickley branded cheeseboard. CUSTOM DESIGN FURNITURE
2875 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616.575.9004 www.customdesignfurnitureinc.com
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UNIQUE HATS
Designed and sewn by a young Danish artist living in Copenhagen, Denmark, of wool or fleece and lined with cotton or rayon fabric, these whimsical hats are beautifully made and totally unique. Various colors and styles priced from $62.50 to $78.00. DESIGN QUEST 4181 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 616.940.9911| www.designquest.biz
Always a HOLIDAY FAN FAVORITE!
GIFT GIVING has never been easier!
Voted Best Hair Salon, Best Day Spa & Best Manicure/Pedicure Salon. Purchase Gift Cards online at www.design1.com, over the phone or at any one of their four locations. Design 1 Gift Cards are available in any denomination which can be used toward any of their world class services or products. Gift giving has never been easier!
“Give the taste of Uccello’s during the holiday season. Gift cards are available in any denomination, and can be used at any of the 4) Uccello’s locations in West Michigan. Take advantage of our Buy $25, Get $5 Free promotion from 11/23-12/31”
DESIGN 1 SALON SPA
UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE
Grandville | Cascade | Plainfield | South 616.363.9019 | www.design1.com
HOME for the HOLIDAYS
Make your holidays cozy with a new stylish upholstered bed availbale in several colors and styles. Perfect to mix with an exsisting bedroom set or new one from Northwestern. Some queen size styles start at $ 1199. NORTHWESTERN HOME FURNISHINGS
637 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 616.454.4439 | www.nwhomefurnishings.com
Grand Rapids | Caledonia Standale | Grandville www.uccellos.com
JOIN US for the HOLIDAYS
Bring your next group, large or small, to Pearl Street Grill for the Holiday season. Call us to reserve your office, family or friends get-together. We are located in downtown Grand Rapids with museums and entertainment nearby. Out of town guests can conveniently stay at Holiday Inn. PEARL STREET GRILL
Located inside Holiday Inn – Downtown 310 Pearl Street, Grand Rapids 616.235.1342 | pearlstreetgrillgr.com
Give the GIFT OF SOUND
With nationally recognized, award winning electronics, Premovation, is your solution to every audio need. Specializing in residential and commercial audio, video, and home automation systems there is sure to be something to wow that ‘hard to buy for’ individual on your list. PREMOVATION
37 E 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423 616.396.6405 | www.premovation.com
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GLOBAL Gift Shopping
Shop for someone else, yourself or together. A shopping experience like none other in the city. From original artworks in all mediums to a carefully chosen array of designer goods handpicked from around the globe. LAFONTSEE GALLERIES
Gifts for the "FOODIES"
833 Lake Drive SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 50 Center Street Douglas, MI 49406 616.451.9820 | www.lafontsee.us
SELECT THE PERFECT GIFT this holiday
“The Local Epicurean proudly produces over 100 hand made organic dried wheat & gluten free pastas using local ingredients by passionate artisans who cut each noodle by hand. Open seven days per week in Eastown. These pastas are a unique edible gift for your favorite foodie”.
Let the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Almassian Jewelers help you to select the perfect gift this holiday. The exquisite selection of world renowned jewelry designers and Swiss watch manufacturers, makes Almassian Jewelers the ideal choice.
THE LOCAL EPICUREAN
1436 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616.206.5175 | www.thelocalepicurean.com
ALMASSIAN JEWELERS
1144 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616.949.8888 | www.almassianjewelers.com
INDULGE during the HOLIDAYS!
Enjoy authentic, fine Italian dining in the heart of Grand Rapids. Indulge in spectacular made-from-scratch desserts at the Holidays and any time. Gift certificates available TRE CUGINI
122 Monroe Center St., Grand Rapids, MI 616.235.9339 | www.trecugini.com
outlet for INDIVIDUAL EXPRESSION
Savoy is not just a watch company, it is an outlet for individual expression. It is a lifestyle. It is modern and innovative, but with Swiss ingenuity, craftsmanship, and above all else, quality. Unconventional. Independent. Distinctive. Ladies Savoy Time Piece, with Diamond Bezel . Located in the heart of Downtown GR CRAFT-REVIVAL JEWELERS
16 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 2, Grand Rapids, MI 616.678.3650 | www.craft-revival.com
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So much more than wine
dining review Reserve Address: 201 monroe ave. nw, Downtown Gr Phone: (616) 855-wine Website: reservegr.com
Dining ratings: Category: New American Food: **** Service: *** Beverages: **** Atmosphere: **** Price: $-$$$
> must try: Wine flights and 3-ounce tastes are a great way to try a variety of wines within a specific category. The charcuterie options are also a standout. > Not so much: No complaints on this visit, though service can be spotty during peak hours. > reserve has: various private and semi-private rooms, including the old bank vault.
Guide to ratings: **** *** ** *
Exceptional Above Average Satisfactory Poor
¢ $ $$
Inexpensive (under $10) Moderate ($10-$20) Expensive (Over $20)
(Prices based on average entrée.)
PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck
WHAT’S NOT TO LOVe about Reserve? Executive Chef Matthew Millar’s imaginative menu at this downtown GR eatery offers a world-class, seasonally driven menu embracing the farm-to-fork philosophy. Though some people still think of Reserve as a wine bar, General Manager Peter Marantette is quick to point out, “We’ve had a full dinner menu since day one.” That menu is divided into small, medium and large plates, including light appetizers, sharable dishes and such hearty entrees as a 12-ounce dry-aged rib eye. “When we opened in 2010, there was more emphasis on small plates,” Marantette said. “We encourage people to share new things, to try something they’ve never had before.” Ditto for the wine. Sure they’ll serve you a bottle, but the bar’s fancy Cruvinet system makes it possible to offer 102 wines by the glass — or by the taste, for those who want to sample several.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
“We have a lot of wines that people aren’t familiar with, some that are newer or smaller production wines,” he explained. “Even when people know what they want, we have variations to try.” Wine and food is supposed to be fun, he said. “It shouldn’t be snobby or stuffy.” And Reserve certainly isn’t stuffy. The restaurant is in an open, two-story space that successfully combines hip and urban vibes with the comfortable feeling of a classy, futuristic diner. A long, community, high-top table in the center of the first level is lit from below and casts a cool glow. The second level includes an alfresco patio area. Architectural elements, from modern light fixtures to metal railings and open staircase, add to the artsy ambiance. The striking 2009 ArtPrize winner, “Open Water No. 24,” dominates the room from its place behind the bar. As you enter, the charcuterie station to the right of the door offers a wide range of regional and international meats and cheeses. The platter we ordered came with thinly sliced toasted bread, pickled purple onion, dilled gherkins and a fruity chutney. Each of the components added another layer of flavor to the tasty selection. We couldn’t resist the vanilla bacon — house cured and rubbed with vanilla beans — whose aroma rivaled a batch of sugar cookies. It was presented in a canning jar lined with dandelion greens, whose slight bitter aspect contrasted nicely with the sweet bacon. Wine flights were ordered to accompany our starters, providing three two-ounce tastings of wine per flight (flights range from $9-$25). Our server was friendly and helpful, easily answering our questions about wine and food pairings. Her recommendations were always spot on.
From the medium sharable plates, we tried the Fromage Blanc Gnocchi, served with slices of smoked rabbit and cabbage in a vegetable broth. Truly outstanding. Next we tried a large plate offering: The chicken and dumplings is a mixture of fall vegetables and chunky mushrooms with juicy pieces of off-the-bone buttermilk chicken, all flavored with truffle butter and topped with thin slices of crispy-fried chicken skin and airy dumplings. The flavors were fresh, not hidden beneath a heavy cream sauce. We also had the spaghettini, whose pink spot shrimp were cooked just right. It was sauced lightly with crème fraiche along with leeks, chives and slices of crisp prosciutto over pasta. It was light and clean, with the perfect punch of flavor from the herbs. We found each dish uniquely composed to enhance the flavors of every component. Besides wine, the stylish bar offers a selection of Michigan craft beer, liquor and specialty handcrafted cocktails ($7-$12). The Moscow Mule, made with Tito’s vodka, elderflower liqueur, Barritt’s ginger beer and fresh squeezed lime juice was yummy and tart. For dessert we chose chocolate cheesecake, made with goat cheese and an animal cracker crust, topped with a caramelized milk sauce. The rich chocolate was kept in check by the mild flavor of goat cheese against the caramelized topping. There was a sprinkling of coarse sea salt that, in the end, seemed to overpower the other flavors. It was a minor glitch in an overall delicious meal. Millar, nominated this year for the coveted James Beard award, brings art to the composition of every dish. “We want to introduce people to new things,” Marantette said. “Some might think frying French fries in pork fat is weird. It’s not — IRA CRAAVEN weird — it’s delicious.”
Chef Matthew Millar
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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. Restaurants are included by virtue of overall quality. We have created symbols to area restaurant amenities, which are defined in a legend at the end of this listing.
New American Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys. 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 $-$$ OBistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. $ L, D Bistro Chloe Élan — Diverse menu features American cuisine with French, Asian and southwestern influences, as well as soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily, Sat dinner only; Sunday brunch and dinner. 445 Ada Dr, Ada, 432-3345. Facebook. $-$$ 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 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. $$ amwaygrand.com. D Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations in urban setting. Unique Sunday brunch. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$ Gilly’s At The B.O.B. — Innovative takes on seafood on the 1st floor of The BOB, complete with raw bar. Seasonal menu offers cuttingedge fare. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. L (Sat), D $-$$ 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 $ 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 $-$$ Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, Rockford 8633300. grilloneeleven.com. B (Sun), L, D $-$$ FGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course meals with a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Closed Mon. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant. com. D $$
The Heritage — GRCC culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine available with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 2343700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D $-$$ 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 $-$$ Olives — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. L, D ¢-$ One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music. Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. one trick.biz. L, D ¢-$ -Reserve — Wine bar with extensive bythe-glass selections and culinary options to match. Opens at 4, closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. D $-$$ 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, $-$$ D Rose’s — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a varied menu and a three-season porch. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 458-4646. thegilmorecollection.com/roses. php. B (weekends), L, D $ San Chez, A Tapas Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchez bistro.com. L, D $-$$ Schnitz Ada Grill — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. 97 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. L, D ¢-$$ FSix.One.Six — Contemporary American
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S:7.125”
a steak that’s served
S:9.875”
sizzling
gift is the perfect
.
Grand Rapids | 616.776.6426 | Inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | ruthschris.com
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food & drink restaurants / PeoPLe / reviews
fare. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethejw.com. B, L, D $-$$ 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 Mon. Sat and Sun brunch. 1429 Lake Dr SE. Facebook. B, 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 $-$$ bentham’s riverfront restaurant — Upscale selections served in casually elegant surroundings. Open daily in the Amway Grand Plaza, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com/benth ams.html. B, L, D $ bonefish Grill — Casual, white-linen dining. Seafood selections augmented by innovative sauces and toppings; also chicken, beef and pasta dishes. 1100 East Paris Ave SE, 949-7861. bonefishgrill.com. D $-$$ bostwick Lake inn — Gilmore restaurant offers steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Open daily for dinner, lunch on weekends. 8521 Belding Road, Rockford, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick.
php. L (weekends), D
$-$$
boulder creek restaurant — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves a varied menu with golf-course views from inside or on the deck. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. L, D ¢-$ brann’s Sizzling Steaks And Sports Grille — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets, Mexican entrées and bar munchies. See website for list of eight locations in Greater Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Portage and Caledonia. branns.com. L, D $ bull’s Head Tavern — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullshead tavern.com. L, D $ cascade roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. L, D $-$$ 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 $-$$ fall creek — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. L, D ¢-$ firerock Grille — Country club dining plus option to cook your own filet, shrimp or ahi tuna on a 500-degree stone. Open daily. Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. stonewatercc.com. L, D $ flat river Grill — Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building on the river. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmore collection.com/flatriver.php. L, D $-$$
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 $-$$ Honey creek inn — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honeycreekinn.com. L, D ¢-$ Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Suite F, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Judson’s Steakhouse — The BOB’s steakhouse restaurant. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. D $$
Kitchen 67: brann’s café — Fast-casual restaurant with high-tech design serving Brann’s sizzling steaks and burgers plus bagels, pressed sandwiches, salads and more. Michigan wines and craft beers. Breakfast includes baked goods, oatmeal and smoothies. 1977 East Beltline Ave. NE. kitchen67. com and Facebook. B, L, 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/mi grapno/dinings. B, L, D $ FLeo’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 $-$$
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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.
Valid December 1–31, 2012. Not valid on holidays or with any other discounts.
Serving American food, bistro-style.
An 18% gratuity is added prior to discount. Located in the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott.
LocAted inSide the downtown courtyArd by mArriott
616.776.3400
ourcourtyArdgr.com
valid for lunch or dinner only
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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews
She fed: “There’s so much pressure this time of year that I absolutely adore the idea of calling a truce with friends and all going out for one fabulous night on the town. No more trying to wedge in multiple open houses and gift exchange parties. Pick one night, dress comfortably (a foodie crawl is no time to debut Manolos, ladies), and agree in advance on how the bills hefedshefed.com
will be split. Carpool if you
Gourmet foodie crawl
can and be sure to make
He fed: “I’ve put together my share of pub crawls in Grand Rapids, but a foodie crawl? At first I was skeptical. The more I thought about it, though, the more excited I got. Grand Rapids has no shortage of great eateries. Many of them offer reservations on OpenTable.com, so it’s simple to schedule seating for your fellow crawlers. The danger, of course, is getting carried away by the first stop. Having a set appointment elsewhere helps keep the group on track.” — Jeremy
Instead of the usual holiday open house or party, organize a downtown foodie crawl. Not only will you enjoy fresh air and burn a few calories while supporting local businesses, but there are no dishes for you to wash. Start at Reserve for a glass of bubbly and small bites. There’s an ever-changing menu of artisanal meats, cheeses and pâté, along with 100-plus wines by the glass. Belly up to the charcuterie counter and ask for recommendations. You’re going to walk this off later, right? Next, head toward Rosa Parks Circle to check out the holiday decor and ice skaters, then swing over to six.one.six at the JW Marriott for your main course featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Share flatbread and sushi, then head straight to the entrees: fish, Otto’s chicken, S&S lamb, or vegetarian, if you’re feeling virtuous. After dinner, consider taking a stroll along the walkway overlooking the river. Head north for a short jaunt or south for a longer promenade. You’ll want to loop back up to Monroe Avenue for dessert at La Dolce Vita on the lower level of The Chop House. Order a glass of tawny port to accompany a generous slice of the crème brûlée cheesecake of the day. The next time you’re tasked with hosting a holiday shindig, consider inviting your group downtown for a progressive dining out, a culinary adventure with a bit of exercise. Check out alternative routes and photos from our Foodie Crawl at www.HeFedSheFed.com.
you want to take this idea one step further, celebrate your love of eating local by cancelling the gift exchanges within the group and making a donation to a local food pantry. What could be more fitting?” — Juliet
Order a glass of tawny port to accompany a generous slice of the crème brûlée cheesecake of the day at La Dolce Vita. Photography by johnny quirin
Juliet and Jeremy Johnson head downtown for a fun twist on the classic holiday progressive dinner.
reservations in advance. If
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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 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 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 $-$$ Middle Villa Inn — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands. Banquet rooms available. Closed Mon and Wed. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villainn.com. L, D $
Saburba — Specializes in take-out featuring chef-driven, Michigan-inspired foods, prepared as you wait, as well as grab-and-go options and boxed lunches, catering for small affairs. Doughnut and coffee service every Sat. Closed Sun. 7277 Thornapple River Dr., Ada, 682-5290. saburba.com and Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$ Sam’s Joint — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia. Extensive menu includes Mexican selections; full bar. Half a dozen locations, plus a couple of banquet facilities. sams-joint.com. $ L, D Spinnaker — Menu features seafood and landlubber entrees. Sunday brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. B, L, D $-$$
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
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 $
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 ¢-$
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 ¢-$
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 8 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollec tion.com/redjet.php. B, L, D (Mon-Sat) ¢-$
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 $-$$
Reds On The River — Located on the Rogue River, Reds combines casual sophistication with Tuscan sensibilities. Closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com. L, D $-$$
Photography by johnny quirin
American steakhouse now in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s fully renovated former 1913 Room. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 774-2000. amwaygrand.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
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 $-$$ ant.com. L, D Timbers Inn — Menu ranges from appetizers to wild game offerings and meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Sunday omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874¢-$ 5553. timbersinn.net. L, D Tullymore — Restaurant at Tullymore Golf Club offers seasonal menu in beautiful surroundings. Large patio for outdoor dining. 11969 Tullymore, Stanwood, (800) 972$-$$ 4837. tullymoregolf.com. L, D
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 ¢-$$ Walker Roadhouse — Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare in a casual but handsome setting. Lunch served weekdays, dinner Mon-Sat; closed Sun. 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 453-3740. thewalkerroad house.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 ¢ ➧Café Stella — Eggs and breakfast burritos for breakfast, long list of sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch. Chef Tommy Fitzgerald emphasizes local products; deli meats roasted on site. Open Mon-Fri. 678 Front St NW (Riverview Center), 454-8605. tommy fitzgerald.com. 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 $ Nunzia’s Café — Combo specials plus Italian dishes. Open 8:30 am-2 pm weekdays. In Merrill Lynch building, 250 Monroe Ave NW, 458-1533. Nunziascafe.com. 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 ¢-$ 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 ¢ Red Geranium Café — Popular spot for specialty omelets, homemade soups, breads December 2012 / Grmag.com 89
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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews
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 $
and desserts. 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6569800; 5751 Byron Center Ave. 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. B, L ¢ ➧Sugar Momma’s Bakery & Café - Full-service bakery with breakfast and lunch options, homemade soups, full espresso bar. Closed Sunday. 6504 28th St SE, 957-2122. ¢ sugarmommaspastries.com. B, L
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 ¢
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 ¢
Elbow Room Bar & Grill — Cozy neighborhood watering hole serves burgers, nachos and more. Games and jukebox. 501 Fuller Ave NE, 454-6666. 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
Bartertown Diner — Vegetarian/vegan/raw offerings in worker-owned and -operated diner. Promotes use of fresh, local ingredients. Open daily (hours change seasonally, check website). 6 Jefferson Ave SE, 233-3219. barter towngr.com. L, D $ 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 ¢-$
HopCat
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 $
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. thebackfortysa loon.com. 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
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 $-$$
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 ¢-$
Bobarino’s At The B.O.B. — 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 $ BOB’s Brewery At The B.O.B. — Microbrews ranging from unique to standard with a variety of small plates that go beyond standard pub fare. Open Thu (Mug Club)-Sat. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/ bobsbrewery. D ¢-$ Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and
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 chili and more. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D ¢ Crooked Goose — Meritage Hospitality Group restaurant offers full menu of “old-school tavern favorites.” Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave ¢-$ NW, Walker. crookedgoose.com. 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 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 ¢-$ 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. $-$$ grandwoodslounge.com. L, D Harmony Brewing Co. — Eastown’s latest addition to the craft-brewing scene offers custom brews with a full bar, wine selections and menu of wood-fired pizzas in cool, eclectic surroundings. 1551 Lake Drive SE. Facebook. L, D $ Holiday Bar — Classic horseshoe bar with 12 beers on tap, bar food, pool tables, darts and more. 801 5th St NW (at Alpine Ave), 4569058. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Holly’s Back Door Bar & Grill — Full menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. $ B, L, D
Photography by michael buck
Vegetarian
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Your Compounding Experts
HopCat — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr. com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$ Hub’s Inn — Sandwiches, burgers, Mexican food and thin-crust pizzas. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. Facebook. L, ¢ D Intersection Café — Roomy entertainment venue offers sandwich wraps, burgers, vegetarian options and more. 133 Grandville Ave SW, 459-0977. sectionlive.com. L, D ¢ JD Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. B, L, D $-$$ 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 ¢ 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 ¢-$ 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 ¢-$
Keystone Pharmacy, your accredited compounding experts! Using the latest technology and purest ingredients, we create custom medications just for you, which are safely prescribed by your doctor, and conveniently delivered to your home. Ask your doctor today! creams & gels • gummies, lollipops & lozenges sterile medications • suppositories, sprays and more
KEYSTONE PHARMACY Specializing In Your Health
4021 Cascade Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-974- 9792 www.keystonerx.com
After the storm, a rainbow.
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, 4549105. mcfaddensgrandrapids.com. L, D $
Photography by michael buck
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 ¢-$
We’ll watch your back during the storm.
➧The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. Facebook. 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 continued on page 95
616.459.1171 | www.lawweathers.com
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Longtime locovore Joel Wabeke focuses on farm-to-fork comfort cuisine at Eastown’s Trillium Haven restaurant.
Respecting the ingredients
F
armers Anja Mast and Michael VanderBrug own Trillium Haven, the classy-yet-rustic new restaurant in Eastown. When they decided to venture into the restaurant business, their goal was to support local farms and utilize the harvest from their Jenison-based Trillium Haven Farm to the fullest extent. They knew they had found the right chef to take charge of the kitchen when they met Joel Wabeke, a graduate of New York’s Culinary Institute of America. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Wabeke has lived in Eastown for a collective 15 years. He and wife Sarah, a former professional ballet dancer who now teaches, and their 4-year-old son, Harrison, call the neighborhood “home.”
> JOeL WAbeKe Title: Executive Chef, Trillium Haven Location: 1429 Lake Drive SE Grand Rapids
Previously associated with such locovore-centric restaurants as six.one.six, Reserve and The Journeyman in Fennville (now Salt of the Earth), Wabeke says it was the latter’s chicken liver paté that lured him back to the area from Chicago. “I really believed that good food and good things could happen here when I had that paté,” he recalled, mostly in reference to the underlying philosophy of the dish: to utilize the whole animal. It’s a philosophy Wabeke heartily embraces. “Total utilization is about treating these ingredients with the respect they deserve for what they have put into it for you — the plants and animals themselves, the life they lived and gave up for this.” Wabeke spent time in Chicago after the CIA, working for free in restaurants he considered among the best.
PhotoGraPhy by johnny quirin
“I really believed that good food and good things could happen here when I had that paté.” — Joel Wabeke
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Ron Webb talks with bartender Chelle Blundell.
Trillium Haven’s Chicken and Biscuits Serves: about 6-8 | Prep time: start the day before Drop biscuits (makes about 12): 10 ounces all-purpose flour ¾ ounce sugar ½ ounce baking powder
1½ teaspoons salt 4/5ths of a stick of butter 1 egg 6 ounces buttermilk
Put butter in the freezer to chill and combine all of the dry ingredients. Using a box grater, grate the butter into the dry ingredients, keeping shreds of butter individually coated in the dry ingredients. Mix the egg and buttermilk together and combine with the dry ingredients until just combined. Then scoop out golf-ball size balls of the mixture and “drop” on a buttered sheet pan and chill in the refrigerator for an hour. Bake at 400 degrees until golden brown. For the chicken: 4 whole chicken legs Salt and pepper as needed
Photography by johnny quirin
Photography by johnny quirin
Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Generously season the chicken legs with salt and pepper and roast chicken legs until they are golden brown. Turn the oven temperature down to 300 degrees and cook until fork tender. Save the juices and fat for the gravy. When cool, pull the meat from the bones, reserving the bones for the stock. For the gravy: Giblets from the chicken Chicken bones
1 pint plus 1 cup water 1.5 ounces all-purpose flour Juices and fat from chicken
Salt the giblets and rest overnight, then cook slowly in chicken fat or olive oil in a small saucepan at a low simmer until fork tender. Cool the giblets and pull the meat when they become cool enough to handle. Take the bones from the chicken and add a pint plus a cup of water and simmer for four hours, then strain the bones out. Add flour to the chicken drippings and slightly toast the flour over medium heat; slowly add the stock, whisking to avoid lumps; simmer for 40 minutes along with the gizzards. To finish: Break one-and-a-half biscuits in half and put on a plate. Warm the gravy and chicken together along with seasonal vegetables. Spoon all the ingredients over the biscuits and enjoy. December 2012 / Grmag.com 93
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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews
French Bistro Comfort food perfectly prepared for you! Stylish and friendly atmosphere. Happy Hour 3:30 - 6:30, Specials on Cocktails & Appetizers
Private room for up to 25 people available, open for lunch for Holiday Parties
6450 28th St. SE Cascade, MI • 616-719-2017 • www.eurobistrogr.com
Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner
Pearl Street Lounge offers Michigan Martinis, Wines & Craft Beers
• $3 House Martinis every Wednesday • 1/2 off any bottled wine every Thursday
“It gave me a chance to see a broad swath of what other chefs were doing,” he said. “I got the chance to walk into other kitchens and do their prep work and touch their vegetables for free. In the end, you really gain more than you give.” The menu at Trillium Haven evolves with its seasonal focus. “We want to offer down-home, rustic comfort food, but at the same time, more inventive dishes that aren’t too far flung,” Wabeke explained. “We want to keep a foot planted in the past, but put the other foot forward while maintaining that seasonal connection with the farm. “ Now working on perfecting his own chicken liver paté, Chef Wabeke said: “When we slaughter the chickens for this chicken and biscuit dish, the giblets go into the gravy. Now we want to do something with the chicken livers. We’re utilizing everything we can.” — Julie Burch
Stop in and unwind with us! • $3 select beer & wine • 1/2 off appetizers located inside Holiday Inn • 310 Pearl • Dowtown GR • 616.235.1342
Photography by johnny quirin
After Work Happy Hour Mon. - Fri. 4pm-7pm
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continued from page 91 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar. com. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$
at 5 pm with $1 beer specials. 633 Ottawa Ave NW, 356-2346. myspace.com/rockysgr. L, D ¢-$
Delis, Dogs & Bagels Places that serve sandwiches, bagels and/or hot dogs.
Monkey Bar at The B.O.B. — A “resto” bar combining a cozy lounge with Asian-inspired small plate menu. Open Wed-Sat. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/ monkeybarresto.html. D ¢-$
The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with varied menu. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$
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 ¢
Nick Finks — Mexican fare and drinks in historic tavern, part of The Gilmore Collection. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Occasional live music, open mic nights. 3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.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 ¢
Photography by johnny quirin
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 ¢-$ ➧Rezervoir Lounge — Former Sazerac Lounge has full menu of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, some with a Cajun flavor. Open Tue.-Sun. for lunch and dinner (opens 4 p.m. Mon) 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Rocky’s Bar & Grill — Burgers, appetizers and more. Art Deco bar, pool table. Kitchen open late; some evening entertainment. Open Sun
Shamrock Bar & Grill — Diverse menu includes special burgers and a wide range of 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 ¢-$ 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 ¢-$ The Viceroy — Classic hors d’oeuvres (finger sandwiches to tenderloin tips) and desserts to accompany a wide range of cocktails, house-infused whiskeys, beer and wine. Kitchen open 5 pm-1 am Wed-Sat. 53 Commerce Ave SW, 744-8423. viceroygr.com. 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 ¢-$
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 ¢-$ Biggby Coffee — East Lansing-based chain offers coffee and non-coffee drinks, baked goods, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, bagel sandwiches. For locations, see biggby.com. ¢ Bitter End — Specialty coffee drinks, bagels, muffins, pastries and deli sandwiches in atmosphere of a 1930s French café. Free Wi-Fi. Open 24/7. 752 W Fulton St, 451-6061. B, L, D ¢ Boardwalk Subs — 20 huge Jersey-style subs in addition to familiar choices. Catering and delivery. Open daily. 901 Gezon Parkway SW, Wyoming, 724-2492. boardwalksubs.net. L, D ¢ Café Aromas — Sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups plus a variety of coffee drinks. 880 Grandville Ave SW, 245-7379. tastycafearo mas.com. B, L, D ¢ 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 ¢ 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 December 2012 / Grmag.com 95
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grand vine Zinfandel wines can be served with a wide range of foods, from salmon (thanks to low tannins) to roast beef.
MY TOP TWO WINES AT THIS YEAR’S OZ ZINFANDEL EVENT: > 2010 Rombauer California Zinfandel, $30: Cedar nuances add complexity to this riper than ripe, fat, fruity devil. Chocolate cherry liquor nuances meld with condensed orange raspberry subtleties, culminating with a rich, oakladen finish.
> 2010 Easton Amador County Zinfandel, $18: Fresh, airy, heightened fruit aromas greet the senses while soft, mouth-coating, fudge-like flavors are savored throughout the rich finish.
Zinfandel for the holidays DESPITE THE FACT that zinfandel is not native to the U.S. and not popular among wine drinkers, it is generally considered an indigenous California wine grape by the rest of the world. That’s because California is a place where the grape actually gets some respect. When my wife and I offered an American wine tasting at the International School in Brussels, the clear choice of Europeans was zinfandel. Why zinfandel with holiday meals? It’s truly user-friendly. As with cabernet and merlot, loads of direct, intense berry fruit meets the nose, while rich, ripe, black-fruit flavors caress the palate. Unlike cabernet and merlot, there isn’t much hard tannin in zinfandel. Even though most zinfandels are nearly zero in residual sugar, they have a somewhat sweet flavor because there really isn’t much astringency or drying texture in the finish. On top of that, most zins are at least 14.5 percent alcohol, which further reinforces the illusion of sweetness. Zinfandel wines can be served with a wide range of foods, from salmon (thanks to low tannins) to roast beef. Lamb on the menu is always a great reason to serve zinfandel. The juicy, ripe flavors put a refreshing take on any wild or slightly gamey meat. Every year we hold a large zinfandel judging known as OZ.
As always, the older zins that have shed their ripe, jammy, black fruit are panned, while the bright, aggressively fruity wines get the highest scores. Price is definitely not a factor. This year, as in the past, reasonably priced wines scored well. The highest-rated wine out of 43 tasted can be purchased for under $12! ZINFANDELS TO TRY: 2010 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel, $19. Multilayered wine offers all of the finesse and depth of a red, cab-based Meritage wine, yet finishes with soft, albeit muscular, texture. 2010 Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel, $16. Juicy blackberry fruit carries through. Though not heavily textured, lots of jammy fruit permeates every sense. 2010 Trentadue Sonoma County La Storia Reserve Zinfandel, $21. Scents of plums and cherries give this elegant wine an appealing fruitiness, while its balance of light tannins and rich glycerol keep it graceful. 2010 Earthquake Lodi Zinfandel, $28. The black-red color speaks to the concentration in this ripe wine (16 percent alcohol). Though fat and stuffed with plumlike fruit extract, subtle cedar nuances and soft tannins keep it fresh. 2010 Bogle Old Vine California Zinfandel, $12. This wine took first place at this year’s OZ event. Nothing is out of balance. Good fresh berry fruit, solid body and a fine, soft, textured finish. — A. BRIAN CAIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Contributing editor A. Brian Cain is a certified wine educator.
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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 ¢ 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. Coffee drinks, pastries and desserts, sandwiches. Open ‘til 6, closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 2851695. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ 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 ¢ Local mocha — Downtown location offers coffee specialties and smoothies as well as grilled breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 96 Monroe Center NW, 459-0082. localmochagr.biz. B, L, D ¢ 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 ¢-$ 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) ¢
PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck
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) ¢-$ December 2012 / GrmaG.com 97
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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. 51 Bridge St, 866-2828. twisted vinedeli.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, cookies, cupcakes. Closed Sun. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE, Plainfield Plaza, 447-0080. vanillascafe. com. B, L, D ¢ Wealthy Street bakery — Fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches and daily soup specials. Vegetarian options. Free Wi-Fi. Closed Sun. 608 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreet bakery.com. B, 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 occasional weekend entertainment. 1503 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-5245. wiredgr.com. B, L, D ¢ yesterdog — Hot dogs in a fun, nostalgic Eastown setting. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 2623090. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢
HERMAN’S BOY Floyd Havemeier doesn’t care for the word “gourmet.” But gourmet java is what his family-owned Coffee Ranch has been churning out since it opened in downtown Grand Rapids in 1901. “We’re the area’s oldest, continuous, specialty roaster,” said Havemeier, owner of Herman’s Boy Inc., purveyor of a variety of goods from bagels to beef jerky. Now located in a Rockford farmhouse, the business has added a bakery and deli, a chocolate and fudge shop, a smokehouse, a selection of grilling and barbecue supplies — even kitchen gadgets and utensils. “We’ve taken over four little operations that weren’t able to continue, to add to what we do today,” Havemeier said. Three generations of family members work at Herman’s Boy, and this month they are preparing a lot of holiday gifts. “We make everything fresh to order, whether it’s for one gift or a corporate gift for 200. That’s what makes us special.” Herman’s Boy also is one of the nation’s leading sellers of the Big Green Egg, a ceramic grill and smoker. The staff teaches outdoor cooking classes. “Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean it’s the end of grilling season,” Havemeier said. “You can smoke all year round.” For info, see hermansboy.com.
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, 454-3098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestau rants.com. B, L, D $
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 ¢-$
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 $
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 ¢-$
brandywine — Café atmosphere, with extensive breakfasts, innovative lunches with vegetarian choices, dinner selections from
fleetwood Diner — Extensive diner-style menu with Greek influences. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving din-
ner 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. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771. B, L, D $ 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 ¢-$ 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 ¢ mr. burger — Longtime local favorite serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Six locations. mrburger.com. B, L, D ¢ Noel restaurant — Christmas year-round in 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 sta-
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ples. 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 ¢-$
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 ¢-$
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 $ ➧flo’s Pizzeria ristorante Sports bar — Piz-
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 $
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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, 7192409. brickroadpizza.com. L, D ¢-$
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➧chicago 7 Pizzeria — Family-owned pizzeria offers New York and Chicago-style pies along with specialty pizzas. Also subs and calzone. Open daily. 3012 28th St SW, Grandville, 538-7777. Facebook. 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 $-$$ December 2012 / GrmaG.com 99
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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews
zas, sandwiches, salads, Italian entrees and even Mexican entrees. Multiple big screen TVs; take-out available. Open daily. 1259 Post Drive, Belmont, 785-1001. florentines. biz. L, D ¢-$
décor and extensive menu. Special wine cellar dinners in unique surroundings; lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. D $-$$
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 ¢-$
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 $
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 ¢-$
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, 3618994. 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. $ com. 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. L, D Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties 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, 7420600. thegilmorecollection.com/mangiamo. php. D $-$$ Marinade’s Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Catering available. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300. marinadespizza ¢ bistro.com. L, D Monelli’s Italian Grill And Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. 5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 530-9700. ¢-$ monellis.com. L, D Noto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant
Seasonal Grille — Hastings’ Italian-themed eatery features fresh, locally sourced, creative fare in handsome surroundings. Full bar, craft cocktails, nice wine list. Open daily. 150 W State St, Hastings, (269) 948-9222. $ seasonalgrille.com. L, D FTre Cugini — Innovative Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties. Outdoor seating in mild weather. Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, $-$$ 235-9339. trecugini.com. L, D
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 ¢-$
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 ¢-$
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 strip mall), 261-8186. bluegingergr.com. L, D ¢-$
Vitale’s — Serving traditional regional dishes 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 ¢-$
Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from Northern India. Full bar. Lunch buffet Mon.-Fri. and Sun. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr. SE, 456-7055. bombaycuisinegr.com. L, D $
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 ¢-$
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 ¢-$ 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. chinatowngrand
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THAI, JAPANESE, CHINESE
“You’ve tried the rest... NOW EAT THE BEST”
• Sushi Bar half price every Tuesday (Dine-in only) • Full service bar
Offering delicious pizzas and more... check out our menu online at
www.florentines.biz 1259 Post Drive, Belmont (10 Min. N. of Grand Rapids) 616.785.1001
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
•3
• Happy Hour Courses $25.99
• Sunday • Special
Brunch Occasions
NW corner of Breton & 28th St. • Grand Rapids
(616) 949-7447 For full menu, upcoming events and specials, visit our website www.shirazgrille.com
63 Market St. Downtown Grand Rapids 616.459.2500 muer.com
Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner
happy hour mon.-Fri., 4pm-7pm in pearl street lounge
CHINESE RESTAURANT / Mandarin / Hunan / Szechwan Special OccaSiOn catering available
3 locations • Open 7 days a week
www.firstwokgr.com
Pearl Street Grill and Lounge are located inside Holiday Inn (conveniently located downtown)
Inspiration through Fermentation.
310 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids
HopCatGR.com 451-HOPS (4677) . 25 Ionia Ave.
complimentary parking
#&&3 t &7&/54 t 1"35*&4 t %*/*/( t #&&3
616-235-1342
The best that Italy has to offer in the heart of Grand Rapids... AWARD WINNING
616-855-WINE (9463) WWW.RESERVEGR.COM LUNCH Mon - Fri 11:30-4:00 PM DINNER Mon - Thurs 4:00-10:00 PM Fri 4:00-11:00 PM Sat 5:00-11:00 PM
CORNER OF MONROE AVE. & LYON
122 MONROE CENTER, ST NW DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 616-235-9339 www.trecugini.com
Uncompromising freshness. Infused with inspiration. Skillfully served.
“Restaurant of the Year” Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 “Dining Awards”
60 Ottawa NW, Downtown GR 616.454.6700 leosrestaurant.com December 2012 / GrmaG.com 101
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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews
¢-$
China Yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 Eastern 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, glutenfree, 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 $
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 Leon$ ard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr.com. L, D XO Asian Cuisine
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
Maru Sushi & Grill — Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. 925 Cherry St. SE. marurestaurant.com. 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 ¢-$
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 $
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 ¢-$
Fuji Yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables with show-chef preparations, or eat in the dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. letseat.at/fujiyama. 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 ¢-$
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 ¢-$ 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 Divi¢ sion 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
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, catering 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 ¢-$
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. 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 international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections. No alcohol.
Photography by johnny quirin
rapids.com. L, D
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4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. redsunbuffet. com. L, D ¢-$
Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean
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 $-$$
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 continued on page 106
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 $
Photography by johnny quirin
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 ¢-$ 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 Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. L, D ¢-$
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
Fresh herbs used in The Local Epicurean’s pastas, sauces, butters and more come from the store’s garden. Below, Molly Lavanway and Will Britton check out the pastas. Bottom left, co-owner Ryan Raredon examines a pasta ribbon.
“WILD FOOD FOR URBAN PEOPLE” is the modus operandi at The Local Epicurean, and it’s easy to see why. Inside the windmill-adorned, former greenhouse at 1436 Wealthy St. SE, you get the feeling you’re caught somewhere between Greenwich Village and Sicily, and one thing’s for sure: You’re leaving with dinner. Co-owned by Steve Bowyer and Ryan Raredon, the Eastown retailer specializes in 100 percent organic small-batch pastas made using local Michigan products — but there’s more than fancy noodles to discover inside the shop.
“We aim to give people a variety of new things to try,” said Raredon, a former construction worker, explained. Like finishing salts, soups, butter and one-of-a-kind sauces, for starters. Raredon and Bowyer got their start selling their goods at the Fulton Street Farmers Market and were immediately a crowd favorite. Local shoppers flocked to the vendor’s revolving inventory, which gave the two the push they needed to open up a brick-and-mortar location. The storefront not only serves as the largest retailer for the duo’s 100-plus vari-
eties of pasta; it’s also where it all gets made. Tucked in a rear corner of the building, the kitchen is where you’ll find a small staff of artisans hand cutting and hanging each piece of pasta that makes its way onto the shelves. “Some never make it out on the store floor,” Raredon admitted, noting that, at times, the unique varieties outnumber the available retail space. He said they aim to be seasonally oriented, offering blends that incorporate what’s fresh at local farms. Bowyer and Raredon also sell their goods at more than 20 markets, including Fulton Street, 17 stores, six restaurants, and through an online store for those not in the area. Options for pastas range from classic favorites like Basil & Garlic to more exotic offerings including Forest Mushroom & Black Truffle and Squid Ink. All of
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
It’s what’s for dinner
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the store’s traditional pastas are available year-round and are made with organic flour and local eggs. The Local Epicurean also sells a variety of botanical pastas described as “unusually delicious.” The pasta is infused with organic, edible flowers such as marigolds or purple pansies and paired with organic herbs — think oregano and lemon thyme. The shop also carries a great variety of gluten-free and vegan options for customers with dietary concerns.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
“We aim to give people a variety of new things to try.” — Ryan Raredon Although the interesting combinations and large selection could prove overwhelming for any pasta-lover, there’s nothing to worry about: Bowyer and Raredon are always on hand to answer questions and make recommendations for the perfect pasta-sauce combination. For those who don’t want to cook, Local Epicurean has ravioli stuffed with amazing fillings and a variety of lasagna choices. Not in the mood for pasta? Try one of the soups, made with hand-cut, organic egg noodles and a custom house-blend of herbs and spices, or try the organic butter infused with herbs and hand-churned in house. Oh, and there are homemade organic chocolate truffles. Reardon said they want to be a place where the community can find ingredients and ideas for new meals. Cooking classes are offered weekly, giving participants the chance to learn pairings and sample some of what the store has to offer. If you haven’t had the chance to check out this local gem, the holiday season is the perfect time. Raredon said they can create customized gift baskets. A membership gives cardholders 10 percent off and a free bag of pasta each month for a year. For more information or for online purchases, visit TheLocalEpicurean.com.
ON E V LI E!
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JANUARY 22-27 AT DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL
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616-364-6222 • www.starcollision.com On the corner of Lafayette & Plainfield since 1958 Detailing • Body Repair • Restoration Customizing • Auto Glass • Car Rental DECEMBER 2012 / GRMAG.COM 105
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food & drink restaurants / PeoPLe / reviews
continued from page 103 meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. 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 ¢
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 ¢
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 ¢-$
Sheshco Grill — Lebanese cuisine including lots of appetizers, salads and soups; entrees such as shish kabob, lamb shanks, quail and sautéed meats, plus vegetarian and seafood options. No alcohol. Open daily. 2121 Celebration Dr. NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.com. L, D $
Gojo ethiopian cuisine & Deli — Authentic, homemade Ethiopian dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew-like) dishes 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 $
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 ¢-$
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 Little Africa cuisine — Humble storefront
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,
Home for the Holidays. Come home this holiday season with an enchanting visit to Meijer Gardens. Discover more than 42 holiday traditions from cultures around the world. Everyone young and old will delight in the Railway Garden, a unique horticultural display featuring 30 West Michigan landmarks recreated in natural materials, model trains and railways. And with something new to do everyday, there’s no place like our home for the holidays.
MeijerGardens.org This exhibition is made possible by
Railway Garden is made possible by
The Meijer Foundation,
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
NOV 20, 2012 – JAN 6, 2013
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Custom Cabinets Grandville, 257-7091. L, D
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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 ¢-$ Cancun Restaurant — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 248-2824. L, D ¢-$ 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
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 ¢
La Huasteca — Homemade recipes including tacos, gorditas, sopes, tostadas, quesadillas, alambre and carne asada. All items can be accommodated for vegetarians. Mostly take-out with a small dining room. No alcohol. Open daily. 1811 Plainfield Ave. NE, 4477733. Facebook. 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 $
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 ¢-$
Corazon — Authentic Mexican food in stylish surroundings. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 122 S ¢ Division Ave, 454-3847. L, D
Little Mexico Café — Traditional Mexican food and cocktails. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. 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 ¢-$
Maggie’s Kitchen — Homemade Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. 36 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. B, 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 ¢-$
Michoacan — Mexican fare plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. No alcohol. Open at 9 am. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. B, 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 ¢-$
Mi Tierra Restaurant — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive through. No alcohol. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. 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 ¢-$
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 ¢
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
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.
Produced locally by our talented craftsmen Design Center 4265 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI
Factory & Showroom 665 Construction Ct. Zeeland, MI
616.956.3070 woodwayscustom.com December 2012 / Grmag.com 107
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fresh hops Revisiting a forgotten cocktail
Gary Boyd’s Sazerac cocktail Wild Turkey Bourbon Peychaud’s Bitters Angostura Bitters Mata Hari Bohemian Absinthe A fresh lemon A packet or cube of sugar Ice Zest the lemon for garnish, then lightly squeeze a half lemon into a chilled glass and add sugar to make a syrup. Fill another large glass with ice and pour in a jigger of the bourbon, threequarters of a shot of the absinthe, the lemon syrup and three light shakes of each bitters. Stir vigorously for several minutes and strain into a tumbler. Garnish with the lemon zest.
Perhaps the oldest cocktail in America is the Sazerac, developed in New Orleans during pre-Civil War times. In 2008, it was named that city’s official cocktail. The name Sazerac comes from the name of the cognac originally used to make the drink: Sazerac-de-Forge et Fils. It was also the name of the coffee house that invented the drink. The original recipe calls for a mixture of cognac and Peychaud’s Bitters. The current version calls for a combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, nonalcohol ingredients and two varieties of bitters — Peychaud’s and Angostura. Today, we consider any drink with two ingredients or more to be a cocktail, but the classic definition of a cocktail involves four necessary ingredients: water, sugar, bitters and spirits. Gary Boyd, general manager of Stella’s Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids, prepared his version of the Sazerac for me. Though he warned it wouldn’t have the same presentation as what you’d find in the Crescent City, the mixture is generally the same. I was impressed with the explosive yet balanced profile of the drink. The sugar, lemon and bitters work perfectly against the powerful taste of whisky and absinthe. I highly recommend it if you appreciate “old-fashioned” cocktails. Other than Stella’s, I don’t know of other local places that serve this
drink. Any place with a fully stocked bar may have all the ingredients and the experience to mix one properly, but absinthe and Peychaud’s Bitters are hard to find. If enough people request one, maybe a bar will stock all the ingredients. Regular readers of Fresh Hops might note that this is one of the few times I have written about something other than beer. While I will still cover beer, I plan to write more about spirits, liquors and cocktails that you can find at various pubs and bars in Grand Rapids. In January, this column will be known as Top Shelf. I hope you will continue to join me on this journey of top-shelf beers and spirits. — JON C. KOeZe
PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck (toP & bottom bottLe); courtesy istockPhoto.com (bottom )
Contributing editor Jon C. Koeze has made and tasted beer since 1980.
eVer SiNce DiSTiLLeD beverages were invented, people have been trying to make them taste better. Take whiskey. It was found that barrel aging for several years would mellow the bite and refine the flavors. Distilled fruit juice is mixed with many ingredients, including medicinal herbs, to create such liqueurs as Chartreuse or Galliano. Distilled cane sugar — what we call rum — is often mixed with fruit juices, as well. This is the birth of the cocktail and the mixed drink, the end process of experimentation to make spirits more palatable. Perhaps the oldest cocktail in America is the Sazerac, developed in New Orleans during preCivil War times. In 2008, it was named that city’s official cocktail.
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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews
biz. L, D
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Tacos El Caporal — Two locations serving Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. Takeout. No alcohol. 1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 2612711. 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 — Deli by day, fine cuisine by night. Menu changes seasonally. More than 200 bottled beer selections and 700 wines available for takeout. Closed Sun. 44 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-8227. butchs.net. L, D $$ _ CityVu Bistro — Top-floor restaurant in Holland’s City Flats Hotel specializes in flatbreads and small-plates with emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 61 E 7th St, Holland, (616) 796-2114. cityvubistro.com. B, L, D $-$$
Photography by michael buck (top & Bottom Bottle); courtesy istockphoto.com (bottom )
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) 7776610. 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 $-$$ Lake House Waterfront Grille — Overlooks Muskegon Lake. Small plates, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, specialty burgers. Live entertainment. 730 Terrace Point, Muskegon, (231) 722-4461; thelakehousemi.com. L, D $-$$ 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
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When you want it.
How you want it. December 2012 / Grmag.com 109
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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews
“You’ve tried the rest...
NOW EAT THE BEST ”
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 $-$$ Zing Eat/Drink — Upscale, eclectic American/European menu in even more eclectic surroundings. Martini/piano lounge. SatSun brunch. Patio seating. Reservations recommended. 310 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, (269) 857-3287. zingeatdrink.com. L, D $-$$
Offering delicious pizzas and more... check out our menu online at
www.florentines.biz Dine in and enjoy our multiple big screen TVs or take-out available at 616.784.5555 Banquet area for 80-120 people. Catering available
1259 Post Drive, Belmont (10 Min. N. of Grand Rapids) 616.785.1001
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 ¢-$ 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
$$
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant — Overlooks Lake Macatawa. Spacious patio. Two menus: casual in main dining room, bar and patio, with another room for fine dining. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, (616) 396-0600. boatwerksrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ 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) $-$$ 737-4943. cfprime.com. D Crazy Horse Steak House & Saloon — Southwest style family-friendly eatery. 2027 North Park Dr, Holland, (616) 395-8393. crazyhorse steakhouse.com. L, D $$ 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 $-$$ Hearthstone Bistro Bar Grill — European and American dishes. Interesting starters, small plates, salads, soups and sandwiches, and main plates that include fish, steaks and more. Open daily (Sun dinner only). 3350 Glade St., Muskegon, (231) 733-1056. hearth stonerestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ 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 $$
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Handsome Henry’s — Big-city vibe dining room and sports bar offer signature twists. Extensive menu ranges from pizzas to handcut, aged steaks. 3065 Henry St, Muskegon, (231) 747-8583. L, D $ Jack’s — Breakfast and lunch, plus dinner menu with wide range of entrées, wine by the glass. On Grand River at Waterfront Holiday Inn. 940 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, (616) 846-1370. higrandhaven.com. B, L, D $-$$ Kirby Grill — Casual side of the Kirby House offers innovative touches. Family-friendly dining upstairs. 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecollec tion.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 $-$$ rosebud bar And Grill — Sandwiches, soups and pizza for lunch; steaks, ribs, pasta and pizza for dinner. Open daily. 100 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-7788. rose budgrill.com. L, D ¢-$
Sun. 54 E. 8th St, Holland, (616) 394-3002. crust54.com. L, D ¢ marro’s — Italian fare and house-baked goods, extensive array of pizza toppings. Open mid-April through autumn; closed Mon. 147 Waters St, Saugatuck, (269) 8574248. L, D $-$$ 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 $-$$ restaurant Toulouse — Seasonally inspired menu with French classics. Hours vary. Sun brunch in summer. 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1561. restaurant toulouse.com. L, D $$ Two Tonys Taverna Grille — Italian, Greek and American with full-service bar, extensive wine list. Large patio. Closed Sun. 723 E Savidge Rd, Spring Lake, (616) 844-0888. twotonysspringlake.com L, D $-$$
West coast Grille — Daily breakfast buffet, lunch fare and dinner menu ranging from quesadillas and burgers to prime rib and seafood. Open daily. Doubletree Hotel, 650 E 24th St (just off US 31), Holland, (616) 3940111. holland.doubletree.com. B, L, D $
lAkeshore: Pubs & tAVerNs chequers — British flair ranges from beef tips Sherwood to Welsh rarebit and shepherd’s pie. Imported beer served in English pub atmosphere. Open daily in summer. 220 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1868. L, D $ The curragh — Irish pub features foods, spirits, music and environment of Old World Ireland. Outdoor seating, live entertainment, valet parking. 73 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 3936340. curraghholland.com. L, D ¢-$$ 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 ¢-$$ ➧crust54 — Artisan bread and specialty pizza (including vegan, Chicago and New York) shop offers dine in and take out. Closed
Dining Guide Legend Grand rapids magazine has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers. B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner ¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)* $ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — 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.
December 2012 / GrmaG.com 111
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near & far IN oUr BacK YarD / EXPLorING mIcHIGaN
WHAT’S GOING ON IN bAXTer > mATT FOWLer and a group of friends started the Tree House Community in 2009, desiring to practice the Acts Chapter 2 Biblical model of living together in community and loving their neighbors. They formed a community garden in an empty lot where they teach kids how to grow plants and vegetables. > LAST YeAr, bAXTer cOmmUNITY ceNTer assisted more than 1,500 individuals with their tax returns, with refunds totaling more than $2 million. The center will again offer free tax appointments for Baxter residents starting with sign-ups in January, as well as a new Seniors Coffee Hour.
Matt Fowler works in the Tree House Community Garden with children from the Baxter neighborhood. Bottom left, Alice Jasper and Leticia DeLaPaz of the YMCA organize produce to sell to Baxter residents as part of the Y’s Veggie Van program.
Baxter is a neighbourhood with problems, but it also is filled with residents who are fiercely committed to it — and to each other.
A challenged urban environment By Daina Kraai |
Photography by Johnny Quirin
> THe YmcA has designated Baxter one of its four Healthy Living Hubs, operating out of the Community Center to offer access to fresh food and familycentered physical activity.
> INNer-cITY cHrISTIAN FeDerATION, a nonprofit organization that offers affordable housing, has renovated many homes in the Baxter neighborhood.
A
first impression of the Baxter neighbourhood suggests it doesn’t have much to offer. As one of the smallest neighborhoods in the city, it often makes headlines for violence, gangs and drugs. Homes are older and often appear uncared for. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find a strength and resiliency that brings residents a lot of joy. “One of the things I really like about our neighborhood is laughter,” said Matthew Fowler, who has been a Baxter resident for seven years. “Lots of people in this
area are constantly laughing, joking and singing. It’s a loud and charismatic neighborhood with lots of characters. And the people in this area look out for each other.” That’s one of the many benefits of a small neighborhood. “People know people. Pretty much everyone knows each other,” said 60-yearold Larry Ward. “A lot of people around here went to school together or are relatives and grew up with each other.” Katherine Kuiper appreciates the diversity of the predominantly black neighborhood that is bound on the north
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Matt Fowler and Victor Chilton talk in the garden.
December 2012 / Grmag.com 113
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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN
Kate Kuiper and her children, from left, Stephen, Abby and twins Elizabeth and Chloe, play at Joe Taylor Park. Also enjoying an autumn day at the park are TiQuara Goree and Tiquan Harris. Below, Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church provides a variety of services for Baxter residents.
“I like what they do for everyone in the community. I like doing different activities at Baxter, like the cooking class, the gardening class and the Zumba class, which I want to do with my family.” — Tiquan Harris
and south by Wealthy and Franklin streets, and on the east and west by Fuller and Eastern avenues. “I really like living here,’ she said. “It’s inner-city living, but there are a lot of benefits also,” she said. “There are opportunities for my kids to play with a lot of other kids. I like that there’s a park really close and the Community Center is right here.” Joe Taylor Park is a new city park opened in 2011 that offers green space where residents can gather. It’s also one of the few parks with an endowment to ensure future maintenance. And with its new water splash pad, the park is a great place for families to spend hot summer days. Tiquan Harris, 14, and TiQuara Goree, 11, are just two of the children who spend most of their days hanging out at either the park or the Baxter Community Center — the bedrock of the neighborhood. “I like what they do for everyone in the community,” said Harris. “I like doing different activities at Baxter, like the cooking class, the gardening class and the Zumba class, which I want to do with my family.” Founded in 1969, the Baxter Community Center has been caring for neighbors for 43 years. It has four pillars under one roof: child development, youth mentoring, marketplace and a holistic health clinic. Services offered include day care, free tax services, and a food and clothing pantry.
The free classes it offers cover topics such as sewing, financial literacy, and canning fruits and vegetables. “The challenge is to improve the quality of life for all residents,” said Melanie Beleen, executive director. “Our mission statement, “a Christian response to human needs,” continues to direct our programming.” Churches in the area, such as Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church and Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, also provide services. While many members of the historically white Dutch congregations have left the neighbourhood, the churches remain rooted in the community. Eastern Avenue CRC runs a food program selling items at affordable rates while engaging residents to help run the program. The church also offers a tutoring
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program and a bi-lingual Spanish/English worship service. “Like many urban neighborhoods, Baxter is a neighborhood with challenges,” said Fred Sterenberg, a member of Eastern Avenue CRC. “But it is also a neighborhood with strong character, a rich history, abundant resources — often untapped — and people of strength and resiliency. Many of the long-term residents are fiercely committed to Baxter and know their neighbors and take care of them.” Alberta Matthews, 77, has lived through decades of change in the Baxter neighborhood. “When I first moved into the neighborhood in this house in 1961, everything was kept up,” she said. “It was an integrated neighborhood. You had white people living here, too, at the time, but as the years went by, they all moved out. So that’s left the black people in this neighborhood.
“New people moved in and they didn’t keep their property up,” said Matthews. “So I’ve seen a lot of changes, but I’m still here. This is my home.” During the 1980s, Matthews bought the empty lot next door and soon turned it into a shared garden with her next-door neighbour. “I met Mr. Wesley when I first came to Michigan in 1955,” she said. “He has been a friend to me for years. Mr. Wesley and I grow tomatoes, butter beans, string beans and peas. We buy plants together and then, whatever we grow, we share half and give the rest to the neighbors.” Baxter residents who stay and care for each other are the heart and soul of the GR neighbourhood.
Top left, a cyclist rides through Joe Taylor Park. Top right: Robert Lee Kennebrew, right, plays jump rope with his nieces and nephews, from left, JaQuawn Dorris, DeUnique Dorris and Gladys Dorris. Above, Lawrence Mays works on his front porch. Below, Kyle Lim, a Baxter resident, tutors neighborhood kids, from left, Deamonte Culbreatlh, Darian Debardelaben and Ricardo Cole at Baxter Community Center.
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out & about WHErE To Go / WHaT To Do
december events A FeW GreAT THINGS TO DO THIS mONTH!
STAGe Dec. 14-16, 21-23 “THe NUTcrAcKer”: Grand Rapids Ballet Company presents the timeless holiday classic, with music by Tchaikovsky performed by the Grand Rapids Symphony.
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New Year’s Eve Events!
mUSIc Dec. 7 “THe LOST cHrISTmAS eVe”: Trans-Siberian Orchestra debuts its rock opera, “a story of loss and redemption,” featuring a soundtrack that fuses elements of rock, classical, folk, Broadway and rhythm & blues. Since its debut in 1996, TSO has sold more than 8.5 million albums and performed to more than 9 million fans worldwide. Founder Paul O’Neill said, “’The Lost Christmas Eve’ is “something we’ve been planning for years.”
Dec. 31 - HOT-Fm NeW YeAr’S eVe: Ring in 2013 downtown and watch the fifth annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, presented by Cumulus Media. Monroe Avenue will be blocked off between Pearl and Campau. The free show will
feature local and national acts, sponsored by HOT-FM WHTS (105.3). The Ball Drop takes place over Rosa Parks Circle. See Special Events Dec. 31 - ’50S DANce PArTY: GR Symphony pres-
PHoToGraPHy courTEsy marK WEiss (lEfT); isTocKPHoTo.com/ ViTalina rybaKoVa (ToP); WEnDE alEXanDEr clarK (boTTom)
SPecIAL eVeNTS Dec. 7, 11, 15, 18 bOb crATcHIT DINNerS: Women’s City Club at 254 E. Fulton St. in downtown GR hosts a seven-course holiday dinner with entertainment by high school choirs. The Italianate Villa home is decked out in holiday finery, including Victorian Christmas trees, said volunteer Carol Dodge. “We used to do just one dinner,” she said. “But they’re so popular we added three more.”
ents an authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s “Winter Dance Party” tour show at DeVos Performance Hall. See Special Events Dec. 31 - IrISH NeW
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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.
Special eVeNtS Dec. - carriage rides: Carriage rides in downtown Douglas and Saugatuck every Sat. thru Dec. 22. saugatuck.com. Dec. - Santa on the Lowell Showboat: Visits with Santa and a tour of the decorated showboat, with hot cocoa and cookies. 5:307 p.m. Dec. 5, Dec. 7, Dec. 12, Dec. 19; 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22. Riverwalk Plaza along Flat River, Lowell. discoverlowell. org. Nov.30-Dec. 1 - UIcA Holiday Artists market: One-of-a-kind works by regional artists, plus snacks, drinks and children’s workshop. 5-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. UICA.
PHoToGraPHy courTEsy isTocKPHoTo.com/sTEVE PEPPlE
PHoToGraPHy courTEsy marK WEiss (lEfT); isTocKPHoTo.com/ ViTalina rybaKoVa (ToP); WEnDE alEXanDEr clarK (boTTom)
Thru Dec. 2 - Festival of Trees: Muskegon Museum of Art features themed holiday trees, wreaths and holiday decor created by local designers and auctioned to benefit the museum (10 a.m.-5 p.m., noon-5 p.m. Sun.). 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon. muskegon artmuseum.org/festival-of-trees. Thru Dec. 2 - Gymnastics on the Grand: Hosted by Grand Rapids Gymnastics. DeVos Place. $12 adults, $8 seniors and kids 7-17; weekend pass $20/$12. gymnasticsonthe grand.com. Thru Dec. 8 - Holiday Kerstmarkt: Openair European Christmas market with gifts and Dutch holiday treats, including greenery, trees, wreaths, hand-knit clothing and accessories, wooden boxes and toys, pet items, ornaments, folk art, handmade jewelry, snacks and beverages. See website for hours. 150 W. Eighth St., Holland. downtownholland.com. Thru Dec. 22 - Sleigh bells and Holly: LowellArts presents fine arts and gifts by more than 30 artists. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 149 S. Hudson St., Lowell. lowell artscouncil.org.
YeAr’S eVe PArTY: Fenian’s Irish Pub in Conklin hosts a free celebration with live traditional Irish music. See Special Events Dec. 31 - NeW YeAr’S eVe DANce: Dancegr hosts
Thru Dec. 24 - Santa’s House: Visit Santa at Home & Co., 190 S. River Ave. in downtown Holland. Times vary: see downtownholland. com. Free. Thru Jan. 1 - Nite Lites: Drive-thru Christmas light show with more than 1 million lights and two miles of animated displays, plus Santa’s House (photos with Santa) and Santa sleigh ride. Open every night 6-10 p.m. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $12/car. nitelitesshow.com/grandrapids. Thru mar. 1 - Ice Skating at rosa Parks circle: Outdoor ice skating in downtown GR. Skates available 6-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Tue., noon-9:30 p.m. Wed.-Thu. and Sun., noon10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. $2 skating, skate rentals free with picture ID. Facebook. Dec. 1 - Jingle bell Parade: Grand Haven’s nighttime parade features lighted floats and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Parade route thru downtown ends at Central Park for tree lighting. 6 p.m. Dec. 1 - Lowell christmas Festivities and Parade: Daytime activities include ice sculpture challenge, Santa visits, pancake supper and A Cup of Christmas Tea. 5:45 p.m. lighting of Christmas tree, 6 p.m. parade beginning at fairgrounds and traveling east on Main St., ending at First United Methodist Church. discoverlowell.org. Dec. 1 - muskegon Holidays in Lakeside: Visits from Santa, carriage rides, carolers, community bake sale and merchant sales. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. lakesidedistrict.com. Dec. 1 - rockford Santa Parade: 69th annual parade through the streets of downtown Rockford. 11 a.m.
a ballroom dance party with prizes, appetizers, midnight non-alcoholic toast. See Special Events
night over Saugatuck Harbor. See Special Events
Dec. 31 - SAUGATUcK FIreWOrKS: New Year’s Eve fireworks take place at mid-
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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO
Dec. 1 - Rogue River Artisans Holiday Show: More than 120 artists sell sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lowell High School, 11700 Vergennes Road. lowellholidayartshow.com. $1.
decorated for the holiday season, followed by appetizers and drinks at Fifth Third Bank. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $20 (Downtown Holland Principal Shopping District Office, 44 W. Ninth St.). upontherooftops.com.
Dec. 1 - Saugatuck Christmas Parade: Saugatuck-Douglas CVB sponsors annual parade. 1 p.m. saugatuck.com.
Dec. 7-9 - Brookside Living Nativity: 17th annual telling of the Christmas story with actors, animals and music. Hot chocolate and cookies. Shows at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Brookside Christian Reformed Church, 3600 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Free. brooksidecrc. org.
Dec. 1 - Toy and Comic Expo: More than 150 dealers and collectors of vintage toys, plus auction, gaming room, costume contest and film festival. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming. $3. grtoycomicexpo.com. Dec. 1 - White Lake Christmas Parade: Parade travels from Whitehall City Hall to Montague. 2 p.m. Dec. 1 - Wyoming-Kentwood Santa Parade: Bands, mascots, floats and Santa. 10 a.m. S. Division at 34th St. and heading south to Brann’s. Dec. 2 - Ford Museum Open House: Gerald R. Ford Museum’s annual holiday open house includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday music and storytelling for children. 1-5 p.m. 303 Pearl St. NW. fordlibr arymuseum.gov. Free. Dec. 3 - Mothers and More: Greater Grand Rapids Chapter of Mothers and More hosts a wrap n’ chat. 7-9 p.m. St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1448 Grace Dr. grmothersandmore. org. Free.
Dec. 7, 11, 15, 18 - Bob Cratchit Dinners: Women’s City Club hosts a seven-course holiday dinner with entertainment by high school choirs. 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. dinner. 254 E. Fulton St. $43 (reservations required: 459-3321). Dec. 15 - West Michigan Winter Horsefest: Horse-related products and services. 9 a.m.5 p.m. DeltaPlex. Dec. 27 - Night at Your Museum: Inspired by the movie, guests tour all three floors of the museum as characters from the exhibits come to life. Dinner buffet, souvenir flashlight and honorary security guard badge included. 6-9 p.m. GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $20 (456-3977 or grmuseum. org).
Dec. 3 - West Catholic Christmas Arts and Crafts: 180 booths of handmade crafts. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. West Catholic High School, 1901 Bristol Ave. NW. $1
Dec. 31 Hot-FM New Year’s Eve Celebration: 5th annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop presented by Cumulus Media featuring local and national acts (TBA). Monroe Avenue will be blocked off between Pearl and Campau to allow a stage to be built on the street. The ball drop will take place over Rosa Parks Circle. Free.
Dec. 6 - Ford Museum Tree Lighting: Gerald R. Ford Museum’s annual outdoor tree-lighting ceremony with holiday treats and music. Sing-a-long, refreshments and admission to museum is free following ceremony. 7 p.m. 303 Pearl St. NW. fordlibrary museum.gov.
Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve ’50s Dance Party: GR Symphony presents an authentic recreation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper‘s “Winter Dance Party” tour show. 7:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.
Dec. 6 - Uptown Holiday Shop Hop: Stores in East Hills, Eastown and on E. Fulton and Wealthy St. offer shopping deals, with free trolley service between neighborhoods. 4-9 p.m. facebook.com/uptowngr.
Dec. 31 - Irish New Year’s Eve Party: Fenian’s Irish Pub hosts a celebration with live traditional Irish music. 6:30 p.m. 19683 Main St., Conklin, feniansirishpub.com. Free.
Dec. 7 - Coopersville Nighttime Christmas Parade: Floats travel along Main St. in downtown Coopersville, plus face painting, rides on the Coopersville & Marne Railway Shuttle and Santa visits. 7 p.m.
Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Dance: Dancegr hosts a ballroom dance party with prizes, appetizers, midnight non-alcoholic toast. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Social Dance Studio, 4335 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Tickets TBD (at door). dancegr.com.
Dec. 7 - Up on the Rooftops Tour: Tour upper floors of homes and businesses in the historic buildings of downtown Holland
Dec. 31 - Saugatuck Fireworks: New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight over Saugatuck Harbor.
Sports Dec. - Grand Rapids Griffins: Grand Rapids’ American Hockey League team, primary affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Home games: Dec. 1 vs. Texas Stars. Dec. 5 vs. Peoria Rivermen. Dec. 9 vs. Rockford IceHogs. Dec. 14 vs. Peoria Rivermen. Dec. 19 vs. Rochester Americans. Dec. 21 vs. Abbotsford Heat. Dec. 22 vs. Chicago Wolves. Dec. 28 and 30 vs. Toronto Marlies. Dec. 31 vs. Rockford IceHogs. Times vary. Van Andel Arena. $14-$32 (Van Andel box office, Meijer or Star Tickets). grif finshockey.com.
Stage & Film Dec. - Celebrating the Classics: Film reviewer John Douglas introduces Tue. and Thu. 3 and 5:45 p.m. screenings of Hollywood classic films, which show at 12:15 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Tue. and Thu., and 1:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Dec. 4-6, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Dec. 11-13, “Miracle on 34th Street.” Dec. 18-20, “White Christmas.” Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Drive NE. $4. celebrationcinema.com/classics. Dec. - GRAM Film Series: 2 p.m. every Sat. Dec. 1 and 15, “Edward Hopper.” Dec. 8 and 29, “The Fall.” Dec. 22, “Un Chien Andalou.” Grand Rapids Art Museum. Thru Dec. 8 - “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”: Master Arts Theatre presents the story of some inventively awful kids whose Christmas pageant is unconventional. 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. $16 (4551001 or masterarts.org). Thru Dec. 9 - “The Drowsy Chaperone”: Cornerstone University Theatre Department presents a musical parody of the 1920s. 7:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Sun. Matthews Auditorium, GR Theological Seminary, 3000 Leonard St. NE. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students (516-0000 or cornerstone.edu/theatre). Thru Dec. 15 - “Next to Normal”: Actors’ Theatre presents a musical about a family’s battle with mental disorders. 8 p.m., 2 p.m. Dec. 9. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $24 adults, $20 seniors and students (box office or 234-3946). actorstheatregrand rapids.org. Thru Dec. 16 - “A Christmas Carol”: GR Civic Theatre presents a holiday tradition. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 30 N. Division Ave. $18-$34 adults, $18 students (222-6650 or grct.org). Dec. 3 - “Amahl and the Night Visitors”: GVSU’s Fall Arts Celebration presents the
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Dec. 1 & 15
The Soil & the Sun
1/ River City Improv performs the first and third Saturday of every month.
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, billyslounge.com. The B.O.B: The Big Old Building houses several entertainment options, including live music at Crush, Eve and Bobarino’s and stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins (see below). 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com. Dog Story Theater: Pop Scholars, a local improv and sketch comedy group, performs monthly. Comedy Mondays feature improv., standup, sketches and more at 8 and 9 p.m. 7 Jefferson Ave. SE, 894-1252, dogstorytheater.com.
Comedy & nightclub venues COMPILED BY EMMA HIGGINS
1/ rIVer cITY ImPrOV: This group brings its comedic talents to the Ladies Literary
PHoToGraPHy courTEsy Tina DErusHa (ToP); bEn armEnT (ToP riGHT); THE b.o.b (boTTom)
Club stage Dec. 1 and 15 at 7:33 p.m. Performances “weave skits, games and songs with audience suggestions to create unique entertainment experiences for each show.” Tickets are $10 at the door. 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE. Pre-order tickets at rivercityimprov.com or call Calvin box office at 526-6282. 2/ FOUNDerS breWING cO.: Brewery’s taproom offers frequent live music, open mic night every Tue., GR Jazz Orchestra first and third Sundays. The Soil & the Sun, a local band that plays “spiritual folk-rock,” will play 9 p.m. Dec. 1. Formed in 2008, the eight-piece ensemble uses multiple instruments to produce layered harmonies. Cover charge is $5. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, 776-1195, foundersbrewing. com.
The Intersection: Downtown nightclub hosts local and national bands. Tickets available at Purple East, Shakedown, Vertigo Music and Intersection box office. 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-8232, sec tionlive.com. Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. All shows are 21+ with no cover charge. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 4510775, mulligans-pub.com. One Trick Pony: Downtown restaurant offers two live music series: WYCE 88.1 Hat Trick Series, 7:30 p.m. every other Mon., raises money for local nonprofits (first come, first serve). Acoustic Stew series takes place most Thu. and Sat. evenings at 8 p.m. (reservations recommended). 136 E. Fulton St., 235-7669, onetrick.biz and Facebook. The Pyramid Scheme: Downtown bar and music venue offering performances from local and national musicians and DJs. Tickets are available at FusionShows.com, Vertigo Music and the Pyramid Scheme front bar. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, 272-3758, pyramidschemebar. com.
3/ eVe AT THe b.O.b: Weekly event, Eve
Has Bass: Dubstep@The B.O.B, is a Thursday night extravaganza that begins at 10 p.m., produced by SuperDre and hosted by DJ K2Roc. Drink specials include $2 B.O.B. microbrews and $3 domestic beers. No cover before 11 p.m. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.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 B.O.B, 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 3562000, thebob.com.
3/ Weekly event, Eve Has Bass: Dubstep@The B.O.B
The Orbit Room: Contemporary regional and national music acts perform with occasional stand-up comedy and other events. Multiple bars. 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 942-1328, orbit room.com. December 2012 / GrmaG.com 119
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out & about WHErE To Go / WHaT To Do
Blandford Nature Center: 143 acres of diverse ecosystems, trails, natural history exhibits and heritage buildings. Workshops in a variety of subjects. Interpretive Center open weekdays; trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandfordnaturecenter.org. Free. Coopersville & Marne Railway: Restored 1920s-era railway. Special event: Santa Train, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sat.; 1 and 3 p.m. Sun.; 311 Danforth St., Coopersville; $14.50 adults, $13.50 seniors, $12.50 ages 2-12 (997-7000 for advance tickets). coopersvilleandmarne.org.
Museums & Attractions COMPILED BY DONNA FERRARO AND TRICIA VAN ZELST
1/ FreDerIK meIJer GArDeNS & ScULPTUre PArK: Holiday events: Thru Jan. 6, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World features decorated trees and displays, and the Railway Garden. Dec. 4, 11 and 18, Santa visits (5-8 p.m.), family art activities and Original Dickens Carolers (6-8 p.m.). 1-4 p.m. Saturdays thru Dec. 22, Roof Top Reindeer (photos, petting). 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18-22, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides ($90/carriage, $60/members). 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 18-22, Sing-A-Long Trolley ($8 adults, $5 kids). Special exhibit: Thru Jan. 6, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture. Open daily. $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. 2/ HOLLAND mUSeUm: Special events: Dec. 15-16, Victorian Christmas Teas in Cappon House, the Italianate home of Holland’s first mayor. Also, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Holiday Open House at main museum. Special exhibits: Thru May 2013, 75th Anniversary Exhibition: Celebrating the Journey: Settlement to City, Objects Tell the Story. Thru Dec. 31, Tenemos Una Voz/We Have a Voice: Latin Americans United for Progress youth exhibit. Closed Tue. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, 5 and under free. Cappon House, 228 W. 9th St., Settlers House, 190 W. 9th St., main building, 31 W. 10th St., (616) 796-3329, hollandmuseum.org. 3/ FeLT eSTATe: Dec. 8, Winterfest, free family day with Santa visit, self-guided tour, lunch ($5 suggested donation). Thru Jan. 1, holiday tours feature Agnes Felt’s Egyptian-inspired 1915 ball gown and 25 decorated trees. See website for info. 6597 138th Ave., (616) 335-3050, feltmansion.org.
3/ Dec. 15-16 Cappon House’s Victorian Christmas Teas take place 1-4 p.m. and are free, but reservations are required: (616) 796-3329.
DeGraaf Nature Center: Special event: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 10, Homestead Holiday. 18-acre preserve includes Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch and more than 240 plant species. Offers frequent workshops/classes. Closed Sun., Mon. and holidays. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, (616) 3551057, degraaf.org. Free. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Open House and Tree Lighting, see Special Events. Special exhibition: Thru Jan. 6, Pro Football and the American Spirit: The NFL and U.S. Armed Forces. Permanent exhibitions: The 1970s, Watergate scandal, Oval Office, New Mood at the White House. Open 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 events: Sunday Classical Concert Series 2 p.m. every Sun. through Dec. 23; see website for performers. Special exhibitions: Thru Dec. 10, Collaboration Transformation: Dynamic Drawings. Thru Jan. 13, Michigan Artist Series: Robert McCann: New History Paintings; Real/Surreal; and Salvador Dali’s Twelve Tribes of Israel. Permanent exhibitions: 19th and 20th century art; design and modern craft; prints, drawings and photographs. Friday Nights at GRAM: Live music, gallery talks, cash bar, dinner options 5-9 p.m., $5 adults, members free. All Day With the Arts/Skate & Create: Drop-in activities for kids 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.; kid-friendly tours 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Skate at Rosa Parks Circle, pick up coupon in warming shelter and get $2 admission to GRAM. Closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Special activity: Thru Jan. 16, To the Rescue. Permanent activities: Aunt Daisy’s Farm; Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles; Wee Discover; Mom and Pop Store; Giant Lite Brite; Amigo Amphitheater; Buzzy Buzzy Bees. Toddler Tuesdays, ages 3 and under (10 a.m.-noon). Thu. Family Nights (5-8 p.m.), $1.50. Closed Mon. $7.50, $6.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 22 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org.
PHoToGraPHy courTEsy frEDEriK mEijEr GarDEns & sculPTurE ParK (ToP); HollanD musEum (boTTom)
1/ Meijer Gardens’ Railway Garden includes five new GR landmark buildings, for a total of 30.
Coopersville Farm Museum: Special event: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8, Christmas Fair, Crafts and Mrs. Claus. Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 5, Fence Rows of the Midwest: 11th annual photo and art contest exhibit; and Community of Christmas Trees. Permanent exhibitions: Tractors from 1930 to present, eclipse windmill, 100-year-old barns, kids area. Closed Sun., Mon., Wed. and Fri. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children 3-18, under 3 free. 375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersvillefarm museum.org.
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* Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/15/12 – 12/15/12. Ask a sales representative for information on qualifying purchases. 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.
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Grand Rapids Public Museum: See Night at Your Museum in Special Events. Special exhibits: Thru Nov. 2013, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Storms and Stories. Thru Dec. 30, Thank You, Beer!; twofloor exhibit includes history of brewing in GR. Permanent exhibits: Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Anishinabek and Newcomers: The People of This Place, Collecting A-Z, Furniture City, 1928 carousel ($1). Closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grmuseum.org.
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*Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases of select Hunter Douglas window fashions with PowerRise® or PowerGlide® motorized systems made ® ® ® Douglas window fashions with PowerRise or PowerGlide motorized systems made *Manufacturer’s rebate offer dollars, valid forinqualifying of select Hunter 6/30/12 – 9/4/12. All rebates will be issued in U.S. the form purchases of an American Express Prepaid Reward Card. This rebate offer may not be combined with ® 6/30/12 9/4/12. All©rebates will be issued in U.S. dollars, in the form of an American Expressare Prepaid Reward Card.respective 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 the property of their owners. 29532 ® any other Hunter Douglas offer ormade promotion. 2012 Ask Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks herein the property of their owners. * Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases 9/15/12 – © 12/15/12. a sales representative for information on qualifying purchases.used All rebates willare be issued in U.S. dollars, in therespective 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.
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Meyer May House: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house restored by Steelcase features many original furnishings. Guided tours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue. and Thu., 1-5 p.m. Sun. (last tour begins one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.
PHoToGraPHy courTEsy fElT EsTaTE
PHoToGraPHy courTEsy frEDEriK mEijEr GarDEns & sculPTurE ParK (ToP); HollanD musEum (boTTom)
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibitions: Thru Dec. 9, Asian Art From Collection of Dr. Paul and Esther Wang. Thru Jan. 8, Great Lakes Pastel Society National Juried Exhibition. Thru Jan. 20, A Legacy for Kalamazoo: Works Acquired Through the Elisabeth Claire Lahti Fund, 1998-2012. Thru Feb. 17, Treasures from Kalamazoo Collections. Closed Mon. $5 suggested donation. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org.
Muskegon Museum of Art: See Festival of Trees in Special Events. Special exhibition: Dec. 13-Mar. 17, Innovators and Legends: Generations in Textiles and Fiber. Thru Jan. 13, ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection. Permanent exhibitions: World-class collection of visual art: paintings, prints, sculpture and glass. Closed Mon. and Tue. $7 adults (Thu. free); $5 students; members, children under 17 free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegonartmuseum.org. Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Digistar and laser projectors produce special effects, accompanied by digital sound. Themed shows educate young and old about the stars. Van Andel Museum Center (Public Museum). $3. Tri-Cities Historical Museum: Permanent exhibitions: Two buildings house exhibits telling history of Northwest Ottawa County. Closed Mon. Free admission. 200 Washington Ave. and 1 N. Harbor, Grand Haven, (616) 842-0700, tri-cities museum.org. December 2012 / GrmaG.com 121
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out & about WHErE To Go / WHaT To Do
muSic
adaptation of the story of the nativity and adoration of the magi. 8 p.m. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Free.
Dec. - music at mid-Day: Free lunchtime concerts 12:15-12:45 p.m. every Tue. Dec. 4, Caledonia High School Choralaires. Dec. 11, GR Christian High School Chamber Choir. Dec. 18, Phyllis Miner and Carol McNally, piano. First Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place NE. parkchurchgr.org.
Dec. 3-4 - Student Dance concert: Presented by Hope College students. 8 p.m. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. Free. Dec. 7 - “Just One Angel”: Singer and storyteller Christine Lavin interprets the season with sass and songs such as “When You’re Single at Christmas Time” and “If You’re Drunk, You Cannot Buy a Puppy.” 8 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. $25 (269-857-2399 or sc4a.org).
Thru Dec. 1 - Handel’s “messiah”: Calvin Oratorio Society performs Handel’s “Messiah” with the Calvin Orchestra, directed by Joel Navarro. 8 p.m. Calvin FAC. $25-$35 (526-6282 or calvin.edu/boxoffice).
Dec. 7-8 - “A christmas carol”: West Michigan Symphony accompanies a touring production of Dickens’ tale of Scrooge and Tiny Tim. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $15-$45 adults, $10 students (231-7263231 or westmichigansymphony.com).
Dec. 8-9 - “The Nutcracker”: West Michigan Youth Ballet presents the complete ballet. 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sat., 1 p.m. Sun. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hills Ave. SE. $15 adults, $10 students, $6 kids 6 and under (wmyb. org). Also, Nutcracker Tea Party 11:30 a.m. Dec. 8 ($12). Dec. 10 - moscow ballet’s “Great russian Nutcracker”: Classic holiday ballet. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $26.25$70.25 (box office or Star Tickets). Dec. 13 - real to reel Series: Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents the film documentary “Carol Channing: Larger Than Life.” 7 p.m. 400 Culver St. $7, $5 members (269857-2399 or sc4a.org). Dec. 13-20 - “The Promise”: Turning Pointe School of Dance presents a ballet that tells the Christmas story with scripture and music. 7 p.m., also 2 p.m. Sat. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. $16 adults, $12 students (Hope College ticket office, 3957890); $18/$14 (at door). Dec. 14-23 - “A christmas carol”: Dickens’ Christmas tale is brought to life by community performers. 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. Saugatuck Women’s Club, 303 Butler St., Saugatuck, (269) 857-6193. Tickets TBD. Dec. 14-16, 21-23 - “The Nutcracker”: GR Ballet Company presents the timeless holi-
A MUSICAL OGRE Before it morphed into a topgrossing animated movie franchise, “Shrek” began as a 1990 children’s book by William Steig. Now “Shrek the Musical” brings the story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage. It’s part romance, part twisted fairy tale and fun for all, featuring a score of 19 new songs.
day classic with music performed by GR Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $20-$53 (ballet box office or Ticketmaster). grballet.com.
Dec. 23 - “Shrek: The musical”: A swampdwelling ogre goes on a life-changing journey to reclaim the deed to his land. 7:30 p.m. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $32$38 (box office, 493-8966 or Ticketmaster). fhfineartscenter.com. Dec. 26-30 - “beauty and the beast”: Broadway Grand Rapids presents the musical love story of Belle, who falls in love with a prince trapped in a beast’s body. 7:30 p.m. Wed., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thu., 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $32-$67; Family Night Dec. 26, buy one adult ticket, get a child’s ticket free (DeVos Place, Van Andel and BGR box offices or Ticketmaster). broadwaygrand rapids.com.
Dec. 1, 15 - Acoustic Saturday Nights: Grand River Folk Arts Society hosts acoustic folk concerts. Dec. 1, Andi and I. Dec. 15, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys. 8 p.m. Wealthy St. Theater, 1110 Wealthy St. SE. $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $9 members, $3 children (at door). grfolkarts.org. Dec. 2 - GcA christmas concert: Girls Choral Academy sings songs of the season. 3 and 5 p.m. Orchard Hill Church, 1465 3 Mile Road. Free. girlschoralacademy.org. Dec. 2 - A Service of Lessons and carols: Aquinas College Chorus, Chamber Choir and Valenti Handbell Ensemble perform the story of the savior’s birth. 3 p.m. St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1429 Wilcox Park Drive SE. Free. Dec. 2 - Service of Lessons and carols: Calvin College Women’s Chorale and Campus Choir lead services of songs, hymns and scripture readings. 3 and 6 p.m. LaGrave Ave. Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave Ave. SE. Free-will offering. Dec. 2, 15 - Gr Women’s chorus: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Winter Concert and Reception, Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE (free; donations accepted). 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 15, Sing at Fountain Street, Fountain St. Church, 24 Fountain St. NE (free). grwc.org. Dec. 2, 9, 17 - metropolitan choir of Praise: Three holiday concerts: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at First Byron Center CRC, 2450 85th St. SW, Bryon Center, free-will offering; 6 p.m. Dec. 9 and Dec. 17 at Meijer Gardens, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, $5 members. metropolitan choir.org.
PHoToGraPHy courTEsy forEsT Hills finE arTs cEnTEr
Dec 7-9, 14-16 - “A Time for christmas”: Calvary Church’s annual Festival of Lights is a Broadway-style musical production that includes a 100-plus-voice choir and more than 200,000 lights. 3 and 7 p.m. Calvary Church, East Beltline at I-96. $6-$7 (startick ets.com).
Thru Dec. 2 - Hark Up christmas: “Love Comes Down” re-tells the story of Christmas in song, with more than 100 singers, vocalists, dancers and 20-piece big band. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. DeVos Center for Arts and Worship, 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE. $16 adults, $9 students (harkup.com or dcaw.org), $19/$10 (at door).
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Protecting and Preserving Your Future Hunter Law Offices, PLLC • Estate Planning • Wills • Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Guardianship • Conservatorship • Probate • Elder Law • Long-term Care • Nursing Home Planning
Dec. 3 - Double A’Peal: A Joint Christmas Concert: Aquinas College Valenti Handbell Ensemble and Calvin College Handbell Ensemble perform. 7:30 p.m. Calvin College FAC. Free. Dec. 3 - Tom Harrell Quintet: Jazz concert presented by Hope College. 7:30 p.m. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. $5$10 (616-395-7890, DeVos Fieldhouse box office, tickets.hope.edu/ticketing). Dec. 4 - ’Tis the Season to Embellish: Handbell ensemble holiday concert. 7:30 p.m. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1481 Baldwin St., Jenison. Free. embellishhandbells. com. Dec. 6-9 - Holiday Pops: GR Symphony’s Pops concert features traditional and popular favorites, Symphony Choruses, singalong, visit from Santa and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” 7:30 p.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.
❖
In-home consultation available
S. Christopher Hunter, Attorney 125 Ottawa Avenue, NW, Suite 245 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.719.2467 • www.hunterlegalcounsel.com
Dec. 7 - “The Lost Christmas Eve”: TransSiberian Orchestra debuts its rock opera. 4 and 8:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $31.50-$72 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). Dec. 8 - Holland Symphony Orchestra: Songs of the Season includes light classics, carols and holiday pops. 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dimnent Chapel, Hope College, Holland. $20 adults, $17 seniors, $5 students (796-6780, hollandsymphony.org).
Photography courtesy forest hills fine arts center
Dec. 9 - Sacred Sounds of St. Mark’s: Advent Lessons and Carols by St. Mark’s Choir. 5 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal, 134 N. Division Ave. stmarksgr.org. Free. Dec. 9 - Service of Lessons and Carols: First United Methodist Church celebrates the season with choirs, handbells and dancers. 6:30 p.m. 227 E. Fulton St. grandrapidsfumc. org. Free. Dec. 9 - St. Cecilia Music Center Holiday Concert: Grand Band and Grand String Orchestra present a free concert of holiday and classical favorites. 3 p.m. 24 Ransom Ave. NE. scmc-online.org. Dec. 14 - “A Christmas Cabaret”: Presented by GR Catholic Central High School. 7:30 p.m. Fenian’s Irish Pub, 19683 Main St., Conklin, feniansirishpub.com. Free. Dec. 14 - Majic Concert Series: Musical Arts for Justice in the Community hosts Embellish and Bellistic handbell ensembles. 7:30 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. SW. $10 suggested donation; pro-
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122 Monroe Center St. NW (616) 235-9339 December 2012 / Grmag.com 123
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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO
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Cirque de la Symphonie, a company of talented aerial artists, gymnasts, jugglers, contortionists, dancers and acrobats, returns to DeVos Performance Hall Dec. 18-20 to present “Cirque de Noel” with music director David Lockington and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Expect stunning feats as each performance is professionally choreographed to classical masterpieces and seasonal favorites.
3509 Alpine Ave. NW • 784-1616 (Highpoint Center)
Open 7 days a week
www.firstwokgr.com
(Required by PS Form 3526)
1. Title of publication: Grand Rapids Magazine 2. Publication number: 0997-340 3. Date of filing: October 1, 2012 4. Issue frequency: Monthly 5. Number of issues published annually: 12 6. Annual subscription price: $24.00 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 549 Ottawa Ave. N.W., Ste. 201, Grand Rapids, MI 495031444. Contact: Scott Miller. Telephone: (616) 459-4545. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of Publisher: Same as #7 9. Publisher: John H. Zwarensteyn, 549 Ottawa Ave. N.W., Ste. 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Editor: Carole Valade. Managing Editor: Marty Primeau. All addresses same as above. 10. Owner: Gemini Corporation; John H. Zwarensteyn, both addresses same as #7. 11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: none. 12. Tax status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates): Has not changed during the preceding 12 months. 13. Publication title: Grand Rapids Magazine 14. Issue date for circulation below: October 2012 15. Extent and nature of circulation: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months/actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date. a) Total number of copies (net press run): 15,333/15,000. b1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 1,446/1,480. b2) Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 4,986/5,080. b3) Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS paid distribution: 2,911/2,860. b4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail through USPS (e.g. 1st Class Mail): 0/0. c) Total paid distribution: 9,343/9,420. Free distribution by mail: d1) Outside-county: 141/0. d2) In-county: 382/0. d3) 0/0. d4) Free distribution outside the mail: 4,125/4,155. e) Total free distribution (sum of 15d section): 4,648/4,155. f) Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): 13,991/13,575. g) Copies not distributed: 1,342/1,425. h) Total (sum of 15f and 15g): 15,333/15,000. i) Percent paid and/or requested circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100): 66.78%/69.39%. 16. Publication Statement of Ownership publication required. Will be printed in the December 2012 issue of this publication. 17. I certify that the statements made above are correct and complete (signed): Scott Miller, Circulation & Marketing Manager, 10/1/12.
ceeds benefit GR Coalition to End Homelessness. majicingr.com.
Dec. 14-15 - Christmas Lessons & Carols: Grand Rapids Men & Boys Choir presents a holiday concert. 7 p.m. Cathedral of St. Andrew, 301 Sheldon Blvd. SE. grcmb.com. Dec. 15 - “Gaither Christmas Homecoming”: Grammy award-winning artist Bill Gaither presents Christian music. 6 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $29.50-$76.50 (Van Andel Arena box office or Ticketmaster). Dec. 15 - Leffring Sisters Christmas Concert: Christian music benefit concert for Harbor Hospice. 8 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. Tickets TBD. Dec. 15 - “The Spirit of Christmas: A Night of Christmas Classics, Carols and Spirituals”: Schubert Male Chorus presents its holiday concert. 7:30 p.m. EGR High School PAC. $17 (752-7470 or schubertmalechorus.org). Dec. 15 - Yevgeny Kutik: The Cultural Council of the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids brings this acclaimed 24-year-old violinist to EGR High School’s Little Auditorium, 2211 Lake Drive SE. 7:30 p.m. Dessert reception to follow. $15, $5 college students, free 18 and younger (942-5553). Dec. 16 - Edelweiss Christmas Concert: Presented by Grand Rapids Edelweiss Club choir. 3:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 431 First St. NW. edelweissclubgr.com. Free. Dec. 16 - Holiday Concert: Forest Hills Adult
Community Band. 2:30 p.m. Forest Hills Eastern High School Auditorium, 2200 Pettis Ave., Ada. Free. fhacb.org.
Dec. 16 - Messiah Sing-A-Long: Holiday concert by the Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids. 7 p.m. Aquinas College, Kretschmer Recital Hall, 1607 Robinson Road SE. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. chamber choirgr.org. Dec. 18-20 - Cirque de Noel: GR Symphony’s Symphonic Boom concert features aerialists overhead performing to classical and seasonal favorites. 7:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $32-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsym phony.org. Dec. 21-22 - Mighty Wurlitzer Concerts: GR Public Museum’s theater organ concert features John Lauter performing “Christmas Through the Years.” 7-9 p.m. Fri., 2-4 p.m. Sat. Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $10 adults, $5 children 3-17, $8/$4 members (ticket counter or 456-3977). Dec. 23 - Mannheim Steamroller: American music group performs modern Christmas music. 4:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $51.25-$74.25 (box office or Star Tickets). Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Organ Concert: Central Reformed Church’s Barker Series presents Greg Crowell, organist and music director, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, along with Marlen Vavrikova on English horn and
Photography courtesy grand rapids symphony
Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation
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Look Good. Feel Good.
Paul Austin on French horn. 8 p.m. Central Reformed Church, 10 College NE. Free-will offering.
Lectures & Workshops Dec. - Grand River Folk Arts Society: Dance instruction events. 7 p.m. Dec. 7, First Friday Contra Dance, 5th Street Hall, 701 5th St. NW ($9 adults, $7 members, $5 students/seniors). 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE ($5). grfolkarts.org. Dec. - GR Public Libraries: Programs include: Reading the Great Lakes; Detroit Breakdown: Madness in Old Detroit; small business classes; author visits; adult computer classes; reading clubs; kids activities. Thru Jan. 4, special exhibit: Mary Chase Stratton: Journey of a Pioneering Spirit. Complete schedule at Main Library, 111 Library St. NE, or grpl.org. Free. Dec. - GR Tango: Beginner and intermediate dance lessons 8-9:30 p.m. Thu., followed by free practice. Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St. SE, grtango.org. $12 drop-in. Dec. - Indoor Walking Program: Catherine’s Health Center presents 10th annual walking program and free health screenings. 5:30-7 p.m. Mon. and Thu. Kent Hills Elementary School, 1445 Emerald NE.
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Dec. - Kent District Libraries: Programs include book discussions, Early Childhood Essentials, career transition workshops, kids activities. Complete schedule at kdl.org.
Photography courtesy grand rapids symphony
Dec. 3 - GRCC Psychology Speaker Series: Topic: “Anger: Just One Letter Away From Danger!” Prof. Judith Jankowski explores anger response mechanism and anger management. 1-2:30. Applied Technology Center. More info: grcc.edu/psychology. Dec. 8 - DANCEgr: Ballroom dance instruction (7-8 p.m.), followed by social dance (811 p.m.). Women’s City Club, 254 E. Fulton St., dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both. Dec. 20 - Divorce Seminar for Women: Monthly seminar provides basic legal, psychological and financial info. 6 p.m. Women’s Health Pavilion, 555 MidTowne St. NE. $45 (divorceseminar.org). Dec. 29 - GR Audubon Club: Kent County Christmas Bird Count for birders of all skill levels. More info: Ranger Steve at 696-1753 or glsga.org/grac.
6504 28th St SE Suite H Grand Rapids, MI 49546
616-719-2185
info@bodymindpilatesgr.com
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out & about Society / faces / places
Ashley Bowman and Lori Stevenson
Susie Gordon and Jen Foley
Drew Turnipseed and Chris VanderMeer Dominic Sorenson
Kate Wiltzer and Emily Capron
Capturing the action around town:
snap shots
Food, wine and fashion — three of our favorite things — helped raise funds for three great causes. Local First of West Michigan’s second annual Fork Fest Oct. 18 featured samplings from more than 30 West Michigan restaurants, farms, stores, wineries and breweries. The Sixth Annual Wine Women & Chocolate Oct. 11 raised $24,000 for the Women’s Resource Center. Lowell’s Daniel Vosovic, winner of “Project Runway: All Star Challenge,” previewed his Spring 2013 collection (available at Leigh’s) at Couture for a Cure, a fashion show benefiting research at Van Andel Institute.
Connie Sweet, Renwick Brutus and Janet Hentges
Photography by johnny quirin
Becky Balkon, Beth Bigelow and Megan Jones
Emily Richett and Mike Hughes
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Steve Van Andel and Amy Horton
Fabienne Munch, Linda LaFontsee and John Cannarsa Kwesi Robertson and Katie Blough
Kiersten Kemp and Cindy Pollock 5-year-old cancer patient Brooke Hester and Carol Van Andel
Photography by johnny quirin
Photography by johnny quirin
Adrienne Heidema and Reyna VanKuiken
Ashley Siekman, Laura Kelber and Nicole Fritsch
Michele Volkers and Jolon Hull December 2012 / Grmag.com 127
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after thoughts
Q:a A
s head of the mental Health foundation of West michigan, christy buck created the be nice antibullying initiative to spread awareness and stress the importance of “treating people with civility.” she has worked in the mental health field for 26 years as a professional licensed social worker and as a volunteer. since 2006, buck and her staff have talked about mental health, suicide prevention and bullying to more than 15,000 students in West michigan. buck serves on the Grandville school board and is involved in numerous community organizations. she lives in Grandville with her husband, Tim, and three children, Demetrios, Katerina and isabella, and their dog Phevo (yes, it’s a Greek name). FAVOrITe HOLIDAY? Pascha, the orthodox celebration of Easter. it’s a time for self-examination and fasting — a time to think. WHAT TALeNT WOULD YOU LIKe TO POSSeSS? ballet dancing. YOUr WOrST HAbIT? running late.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND? spend time with my family. and i love to rearrange furniture! THe LAST GreeTING cArD YOU SeNT? To my best friend, liz, thinking of her as she battles cancer. NO ONe KNOWS I …? lived in Greece for 18 months following college. PrOUDeST cAreer mOmeNT? being awarded 2012 Grandville Person of the year this year. i was nominated by students from Grandville middle school for the work the mental Health foundation is doing in their school through the liVE lauGH loVE program and be nice. THe LAST bOOK YOU reAD? “Thirteen reasons Why,” a novel by jay asher. GUeSTS AT YOUr FANTASY DINNer PArTY? my big fat Greek Dinner Party would be with all of my family members, including those i lost too soon in my life. i would love to break bread and toast with my dad, Demetrios, my mom, stella, my yiayias Eleni and sophia, and papous Eleftherios and christos.
PHoToGraPHy by joHnny quirin
Christy Buck believes everybody should ‘be nice’ and she’s spreading the word to adults and children across West michigan.
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e ‘Tis the Season f We invite you to join us during the holiday season and in the winter months ahead. Fresh seafood, Certified Black Angus Beef, New Zealand Rack of Lamb, and innovative desserts are all skillfully served in an elegant, yet casual atmosphere. Leo’s is the perfect choice for this very special time of the year.
Leo’s Gift Certificates This holiday season, give that special someone on your list an experience they’ll remember at Leo’s. Available in $10, $25, $50, and $100 denominations. 60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 616.454.6700 | www.leosrestaurant.com
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“Restaurant of the Year” Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 “Dining Awards”
11/1/12 8:32 AM
NORTHWESTERN HOME_Full_12-12
10/29/12
6:28 PM
Page 1
Fill your home with joy and style.
637 Leonard NW Just West of US 131 Grand Rapids 616.454.4439 www.nwhomefurnishings.com
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