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contents JAN. 2021 VOLUME 58, ISSUE 1
If you are looking for the best burger in town, look no further than Stella's Lounge.
FEATURE
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BEST OF GR AND R APIDS R EADER S VOT E FO R T H E I R FAVO R ITE S T H R O U GH O U T T H E CITY. BY ELIZABETH LISTERMAN AND ALLIE OUENDAG
P H O T O G R A P H B Y S TA C Y F E Y E R - S A L O
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
COVER STACY FEYER-SALO
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contents / janua y
every issue 8 63
editor's letter dining guide
A guide to the area's best eateries
112 gr gems
Discover the history of MLK Jr. Day in Grand Rapids
people + places 12
city
13
guide
14
SnowOtter, Emma Palova, iNFalable socks Your guide to Eastown
issues
GRPD introduces new
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112
24
18
strategic plan
profile
DGRI's Tim Kelly
voice
Hanna Schulze is on a mission to keep it local
look + feel 22
home
23
gear
24 26
Make over your home with wallpaper Stock your kitchen with these local finds and get baking
wellness
Root Functional Medicine prescribes healthy meals
expert
Winter skin care 101
food + drink
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
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28
table
32
create
33 34
Travel the globe with City Built Brewing Street Chef Shaw's Swahili infused al pastor
cheers
Natural wines with Post Off wine bar
must-try
Hummus & Falafel MARCHING COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY ROOT ASHLEY WIERENGA HANNA SCHULZE MICHELLE CUPPY
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editor's letter / connect
Next issue
Grand Rapids singles share their "dating profiles." Plus, suggestions on where to go for a memorable date experience.
FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR
Make sure to set aside some time to visit your favorite places and show them support after such a tough past year.
Keeping it local
We kick off 2021 with our annual Readers’ Poll. It is always fun to see which places rise to the top for the Best Of Grand Rapids title each year. Make sure to set aside some time to visit your favorite places and show them support after such a tough past year. With the focus on our favorite local businesses, we decided to talk with new Local First President Hanna Schulze to find out how that organization is supporting small businesses in the community through these troubled times. One of our favorite neighborhoods for small businesses is Eastown. With many longstanding establishments located here, we wanted to highlight a few of the reasons this neighborhood continues to remain a weekend destination for many in greater Grand Rapids. On a larger scale, we spoke with Tim Kelly, president and CEO of DGRI, the organization charged with bringing downtown Grand Rapids to life with projects ranging from public art and outdoor events to support for new businesses and housing, and more. Kelly shares why he and his family have made Grand Rapids home. In this issue, we also find out more about how City Built Brewing has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant, located in the city’s Monroe North neighborhood, is relatively new and focuses on introducing the community to cuisine stretching from Puerto Rico to Germany. Despite the pandemic, new places continue to open. Post Off, a new casual wine bar, opened along Fulton Street, and catering business Street Chef Shaw sprang into action feeding its community and now efforts are underway to purchase a food truck and begin expanding the business. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Charlsie Dewey Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine
With a father who worked in the textile industry and a choreographer mother who designed and made her own fashions, Deidre Remtema came by her creativity (not to mention her love for textiles) honestly. She earned a degree in interior design from Kendall College of Art & Design and started her own firm, Deidre Interiors, in 2009, shortly after she and her husband Jeff had their second son. Deidre loves nothing more than finding time to “geek out” with books on any subject from history to art and design to fashion and travel. In 2018, Deidre followed her heart and started the nonprofit Room to Renew in order to renovate a space in the home of a caregiver, providing a place of rest and rejuvenation.
There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Email: cdewey@grmag.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media:
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
EDITOR TERRY JOHNSTON CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY DEIDRE REMTEMA
Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964
www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com Publisher: John Balardo | Associate Publisher: Jason Hosko
We asked our staff: The 1920s were known for dapper fashion. As we enter the 2020s, what piece of fashion/fashion trend do you hope does NOT make the history books? Gone are the days where we dress to impress; now its leggings (quite guilty on this one), Crocs (cannot get behind this one) and messy buns (guilty, again!) Let’s rid our decade of lazy dressing and put some pizazz back in our closets. LINDSAY RICHARDS
As a fan of the '20s and a deliciously made craft cocktail, there is very little of '20s fashion that I don’t like. I’d especially like to see men of this world adapt more of the formal fashion from that era. That being said, I don’t really dislike any current styles. Maybe gold rimmed glasses? NICK BRITSKY
Editorial Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Charlsie Dewey Digital Editor: Tom Mitsos Contributors: Ann Byle, Sam Easter, Marie Havenga, Deidre Remtema, Adam Russo, Pasha Shipp, Julie Tabberer Interns: Elizabeth Listerman, Allie Ouendag Design Creative Director: Lindsay Richards Associate Art Director: Keagan Coop Contributors: Michael Buck, Angela Ciccu, Michelle Cuppy, Bryan Esler, Teri Genovese, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Chloe Marchant, Jennifer Pickering, Johnny Quirin, Ashley Weirenga Sales General Inquiries: Advertisingsales@grmag.com Advertising Director: Jenn Maksimowski Account Executives: Todd Anderson, Jessica Laidlaw, Renee Looman, Maddy Messerly Office Assistants: Elissa Stong, Katrina Peshka To Order Reprints: Receptionist – (616) 459-4545 Production Production Director: Jenine Rhoades Senior Production Artist: Robert Gorczyca Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel Advertising Coordinator: Danielle Szatkowski Advertising Designers: Daniel Moen, Amanda Zwiren Web Digital Director: Nick Britsky Web Project Lead: Matthew Cappo Web Project Assistants: Mariah Knott, Luanne Lim, Bart Woinski IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland Circulation Director Of Audience Development: Michelle VanArman Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247
I don't want to see overly ripped jeans come back. A tear or two is fine, but if the jeans have multiple large holes in them, it defeats the purpose of wearing pants! TOM MITSOS
Bike shorts! This is a trend I cannot seem to get behind no matter how popular they become. They remind me of those '80s workout videos, like "8 Minute Abs." JENNIFER PICKERING
2020-21 Readers Poll
I love me some Gucci and Louis Vuitton but these ugly, insanely priced sneakers have to STOP! STEPHANIE DANIEL
I absolutely hate the chunky sneaker trend that's currently happening. They're not cute and NEED to go! MARIAH KNOTT
Marketing Marketing & Events Director: Mary Sutton Marketing & Events Manager: Andrea Straw
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Administration Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki Publishing Coordinator: Kristin Mingo Accounting Associates: Natasha Bajju, Andrew Kotzian, Katie West Published By Gemini Media, LLC CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo
Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Media. Publishing offices: 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag.com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI and at additional mailing offices. Copyright ©2019 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St., SW, Suite 331, 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 $4.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.
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people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY
Change is coming ISSUES
page 14
» PLUS: YOUR GUIDE TO EASTOWN HANNA SCHULZE SUPPORTS LOC AL BUSINESSES TIM KELLY USHERS IN DOWNTOWN PROJEC TS
Activist Alyssa Bates supports reallocating GRPD funds as part of reforming the police department. P H O T O G R A P H B Y B R YA N E S L E R GR M AG .CO M
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people + places / city
The SnowOtter snowsuit takes the stress out of dressing your kids for the outdoors.
Curl up with Emma Palova's recently released memoir.
Black History Month in style
Local sock maker iNFable is celebrating Black History Month in February with four new designs. The socks were the design and inspiration of iNFable CEO Attah Obande who is native to Nigeria. John Hendershot, founder of the brand, said the new designs are an “opportunity for the brand to pay tribute to the rich history and culture of Africans and African Americans, and all of the genius that they have contributed to the world in which we live.” The socks will be available at TJ MAXX and Marshalls stores — the company behind both stores already has ordered thousands of each of the four styles to sell in their stores nationwide. The socks also will be available at infablesocks.com.
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Local author
If you are looking for a book to curl up with this month, local author Emma Palova recently released her memoir, “Greenwich Meridian.” It is an epic story of emigration from former Czechoslovakia to the United States spanning two generations. The main characters are Palova’s parents, Ella and Vaclav Konecny, who suffered in the aftermath of the 1968 Prague Spring movement led by Alexander Dubcek. Palova was born in the former Czechoslovakia and now resides in Lowell. Her first book, “Shifting Sands: Short Stories,” contains stories based in the fictional Midwest town of Riddleyville. “Greenwich Meridian” is available through Amazon and at Schuler Books.
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
CITY
All-in-one ‘stow suit’ A Michigan mom of four young children designed an all-in-one snowsuit that will help parents save time, money and frustration. The SnowOtter “Stow Suit” features attached mittens, a hoodie, matching hat, and legs that are capable of being extended up to two additional inches. The SnowOtter also features a storage pack that allows the entire suit to be conveniently packed away into one condensed package. So, you won’t spend time looking for lost mittens or waste money buying additional accessories. Plus, the suit’s sturdy and expandable design allows for years of extra use.
“Anyone who has or cares for small children knows that getting them ready to go outside in the wintertime can be a nightmare, especially in the morning when there are already a million tasks to accomplish,” said Andrea Misch, inventor of the SnowOtter. “Our patent-pending design makes it easy and convenient to get kids dressed to go outside in cold weather. It’s so easy, kids can get dressed on their own.” The SnowOtter (snowotterco.com) is available in sizes 2T to 6T with several color combinations. The fully insulated suit is made of polyester and fleece with a water-resistant shell and keeps children warm in weather as frigid as -4 degrees.
BOOK COURTESY ANTHONY MORA COMMUNICATIONS, INC. OUTERWEAR COURTESY JENNA KYSER COMMUNICATIONS
people + places / guide
GUIDE
Your guide to Eastown This neighborhood offers a lot to do in a few short blocks. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
Eastown is a well-established neighborhood in Grand Rapids with active retail and restaurant corridors along Wealthy Street and Lake Drive. While many of the businesses have been there for years, there always seems to be a new place popping up. So, if you are looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, here are a few great places to check out in Eastown. Natural inclinations First, Eastown is a great place to enjoy nature. You can park along one of the side streets and walk over to Wilcox Park. Enjoy a walk through the snow-covered park and end up at the playground or picnic tables. Wilcox Park is adjacent to Aquinas College, which offers a trail system through wooded areas that surround the campus and lead you through the heart of the college. Pick up the trail system at the park and enjoy a short walk — you can loop around so you end up back where you started.
Restaurants When it comes to food options, Eastown packs a lot of options into a few blocks — so many in fact, that we don’t have space here to list them all. A couple of newcomers include Quarantino’s, a Detroitstyle pizza place, and Terra Bagels, a new bagel shop open until 3 p.m. most days. For breakfast, choose from Matchbox, That Early Bird, Wolfgangs and the Brown Butter Creperie. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with a stop into Yesterdog or The Pita House. If you are looking for dinner options, our top picks are Caribbean restaurant Chez Olga, pizza place Harmony Brewing or farm-to-table restaurant Terra GR. Activities If you are looking for some hands-on fun, visit Wax Poetic to concoct your own scented candle, or sign up for a cooking class at The Local Epicurean. You also can hit the dance floor at Billy’s or enjoy live music. Enjoy a pizza at Harmony Brewing (top), followed by a visit to Rebel (far left) and finish up at Wax Poetic where you can concoct your own scented candle (here).
Shopping Eastown has plenty of options for shopping: stock up on books at used bookstore Redux Books, visit Spirit Dreams or Gallery 154 for gifts, or a bit further down you’ll find Rebel, the best place for unique gifts for just about anyone on your shopping list. SHOPPING, DINNER, SCENTS COURTESY EXPERIENCE GRAND RAPIDS
When it comes to food options, Eastown packs a lot of options into a few blocks — so many in fact, that we don’t have space here to list them all.
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Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne this summer during one of the protests for racial justice.
ISSUES
GRPD promises change Can the Police Department’s new strategic plan really transform policing in a meaningful way? BY SAM EASTER
// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER
Saturday, May 30, 2020, is the day everything boiled over in Grand Rapids. It was five days after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and Rosa Parks Circle was packed with thousands of people waving signs. As night fell, some people went home — but others stayed. The evening grew violent, and protesters clashed with police. Up and down Monroe Center, the sun rose on smashed windows and burned-out cars and a sense of frustration lingered that things hadn’t gone right. Especially for organizers — ready to turn the page on police reform — it wasn’t supposed to turn out like this. In the days afterward, those behind the peaceful, early-evening protest condemned the latenight violence, as did leaders elsewhere throughout Grand Rapids. 14
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
But the same tensions were breaking all over the country. In cities around the U.S. — Detroit to Chicago to Los Angeles — protesters and police clashed. George Floyd, a Black man who died under the knee of Minneapolis police, had touched off a movement that let out years of Black frustration with racism in America. The country seemed to decide it couldn’t take it anymore. The rest of the year has seen Grand Rapids leaders respond to that crisis of sudden, explosive refusal to stand by the status quo, spelled out both in unrest and in peaceful protest all around the country. Grand Rapids leaders have a plan — unrolling now over the course of the next two years — to reshape how the city’s Police Department does its job. “Really what we want to focus on is that problem-oriented policing,” said Sgt. Dan Adams, a spokesperson for the Grand Rapids Police Department, “saying ‘Hey, what concerns you in your neighborhood, and how can I help?’” The Grand Rapids Police Department Strategic Plan — a roughly two-dozen-page document awash in bullet points and goals and methods and statistics — is a document that city leaders say will transform how local police do their work. By January,
“I admit, the term is a bit vague. When we say defund the police, we say reallocating funds. I feel like the whole entire policing system needs a reform, all across the board.” Alyssa Bates
PROTESTING BRYAN ESLER/DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS INC.
people + places / issues
when you read this, it will already be in the process of implementation, barring a sudden change of political course, and set to run through 2023. The plan calls for being “a positive presence in our neighborhoods” — assigning officers so they build better relationships with the people on their beat. It calls for considering non-sworn personnel writing parking tickets, for more community meetings with police and for boosting department diversity. It is essentially a long list of steps aimed at making sure the community feels more protected than policed. Many members of the community are skeptical. Local police have earned a share of negative headlines in recent years — notably handcuffing or holding Black youth at gunpoint multiple times. And in an August meeting a stream of residents called in to demand the city reduce its funding for the local police by millions of dollars, down to the required 32% minimum of the general fund. Alyssa Bates, a 19-year-old Grand Rapids activist, knows how they feel. “I admit, the term is a bit vague. When we say defund the police, we say reallocating funds,” she said. She said she’s not sure why that funding for the police can’t be reallocated to building up the community — especially in Black neighborhoods. “I feel like the whole entire policing system needs a reform, all across the board.” LaDonna Norman, a community advocate who grew up in Grand Rapids and now lives just outside it, has her doubts, too. “I can tell you that it’s been stressful and a year of unsurety. And I think that’s not just for Black and brown people. It’s for people in general,” Norman said. “It’s a year of teachable moments. But I can’t say that this has been a year of growth for the Black and brown community, especially when it comes to the police department.” Race and policing And at the heart of the conversation about the future of the Grand Rapids Police Department is the question of race in America. For activists like Bates, especially in the Black community, there is an extraordinary distrust of the police. City Manager Mark Washington — the first Black man to hold his office — said he understands. He doesn’t go into details, but yes, there were times in his youth where he’d felt unfairly treated by the police because of who he is.
Important stats
LaDonna Norman is a community advocate who hopes to see improvement for people of color throughout the city. She said she has doubts about the effectiveness of the GRPD's new strategic plan.
But that hasn’t happened in Grand Rapids, he adds. And throughout much of his discussion of the local police, he makes this kind of careful distinction: police protests have been fed by incidents with officers, like lethal shootings, he said, that have happened far more recently elsewhere. And sure, the city could slash police funding — even though it’s recently made small adjustments downward — but to what end? “I think we know that it will help another investment,” Washington said. “But how do we know that that dollar will result in a safer community?” And Adams said old policing models are set to fade away as the department continues to change. “Back in the day, it was ‘Hey, there's a spike in crime here. Throw more officers at it, send more officers, send more patrols, zero tolerance. Making more traffic stops, making more stops of people on the street,’” Adams said. “... Essentially, you're fishing with a net. You may catch one of the fish that you’re looking for, but you’re also catching a lot of fish who are getting swept up in it who don’t have anything to do with the problem. What we want to do is be much more strategic, be much more surgical.” Alison Sutter is the city’s sustainability and performance management officer — a long way of saying that she’s involved with the system of metrics that track the plan’s progress. Already, there’s an online dashboard counting police metrics like its budget, its racial makeup and the number of internal versus external complaints filed, she points out. It’s going to be years before the plan is finished. For many Grand Rapids residents, they’ll believe the results when they see them. “Stopping the violence in the city goes back to what I said about defunding the GRPD,” Bates said.
• 63% of residents rated their overall feeling of safety in Grand Rapids as excellent or good (46% for Black/ African American and 49% for Latinx respondents). • There are 297 authorized sworn officers on the GRPD for FY 2021. • 11% of police employees and 17% of new hires were Black/Indigenous/ People of Color in FY 2020. • 10.67% turnover rate for police personnel, the highest in five years. • 37.4% of general fund for adjusted police budget in FY 2021 ($55 million adjusted budget, 79.7% for personnel; general fund portion reduced from 38.6%). *These stats are provided as part of the Police Strategic Plan FY 21-23. View the strategic plan at grandrapidsmi.gov/ Government/Departments/ Police-Department/ Strategic-Plan.
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Tim Kelly stands in front of the temporary skate park that opened this past fall in downtown Grand Rapids.
Building downtown PROFILE
As president and CEO of DGRI, Tim Kelly is helping to bring downtown to life. BY ANN BYLE
// PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE
Tim Kelly’s heart beats with the pulse of downtown Grand Rapids, the place he works, plays and lives. As president and CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), he’s immersed in the workings of downtown like few others. “The most appealing things about Grand Rapids are that it’s a growing city, people are committed to the city, and people are interested in participating in the growth and development of the city,” said the West Michigan native. Kelly was born and raised in Kalamazoo and did his undergrad work at Hope College, earning a degree in management. He moved to Boston to work at a bank, then to California 16
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
people + places / p ofile
where he lived for a decade. He worked at a startup company there, but his real passion, he discovered, was working within a community. He earned his master’s degree in city planning from Cal Poly, which led to an internship and then long-term job with the city of Long Beach. He and his wife, an attorney, moved back to West Michigan in February 2013 for his work with DGRI and are now raising their 3-year-old son to enjoy the benefits of downtown Grand Rapids. Kelly loves to take advantage of the area’s many bike trails, explore outdoor areas including Aman, Riverside and Pleasant parks, bicycle to a Whitecaps game and, of course, Lake Michigan. “We love to be active and outside,” he said. “We can have the urban city life, but the natural amenities are still there.” His top places in the heart of the city include the Studio Park development, which his office has been involved in for a couple of years, Ah-Nab-Awen Park and the Grand River itself. “We’re working closely with Grand Rapids Whitewater and the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians on river revitalization, on turning our river into a community gathering point,” said Kelly. DGRI will be involved in planning and creating trails and parks along the river in the years to come as creation of the rapids begins to occur. Other faves include events at Van Andel Arena, trying the new restaurants populating downtown GR and hanging out at Vertigo Music on South Division Avenue. In the less than a decade he’s been in Grand Rapids, Kelly has noticed changes. The biggest, he said, is infill development. For laypeople, infill development means building on once-empty lots or turning surface parking lots into buildings. “We don’t want all surface parking; we want restaurants, offices and residential spaces,” he said, pointing out the new parking structures that dot the downtown area. Which is due to another change: residential growth in downtown Grand Rapids. “It’s really about providing different housing types and price points to create opportunities to live here,” said Kelly, who is expecting additional residential growth. DGRI’s goal five years ago was housing for 5,000 residents. He wants that to double to 10,000 downtown residents. Toward that end are conversations about homelessness and affordable housing with players such as Mel Trotter
Public art displays to visit this winter BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
DGRI is behind these temporary public art installations coming to downtown this month. Winter Tumbleweeds and Grasses by The Department Winter Tumbleweeds and Grasses, created by local artists Barbara Lash and Sierra Cole, will feature small groves of colorful foam tubes set vertically to mimic a series of grasses for seating along with interactive tumbleweeds. Find it at the Blue Bridge in January. Impulse by CREOS The Impulse installation consists of 15 interactive seesaws that are illuminated with a variation of LED lights and sounds. Find it at 555 Monroe Ave. NW, from Jan. 22 – Feb. 28. HYBYCOZO by Hybycozo HYBYCOZO, or Hyperspace Bypass Construction Zone, will have six rented seven-foot sculptures of different shapes along the Grand River at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, from Jan. 1 – Feb. 28.
As president and CEO of DGRI, Tim Kelly is on the forefront of a changing downtown. His organization helps usher exciting projects through the appropriate channels and see them through to fruition.
Ministries, Network180, Degage Ministries and Heartside Ministry. Students attending the many colleges and universities downtown also are a consideration. “We want to know who already lives here and make sure we’re taking them into account,” said Kelly, who is 40. Collaboration is a key component to Kelly’s work with DGRI, which works with more than 100 citizen advisers and nine leadership boards and alliances. It is the management entity behind the Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Improvement District and the Monroe North Tax Increment Finance Authority. “We have a very diverse set of stakeholders and have lots of discussions,” he said. “We also need to provide options to move around downtown and change the mindset about how people move.” Kelly’s vision for downtown Grand Rapids is really about what the community wants for downtown. He envisions restoration of the rapids on the Grand River with attendant parks and trails; he sees more housing and more retail to support residential growth; he sees racial and social equity. He also sees work needed in the areas of retail, housing, outdoor space and mobility. “I want to make sure growth that happens downtown isn’t just for the few, but that all people in the city can get jobs and experience some of the revitalization. The question is, how do you create a city that everyone thrives in?” said Kelly. “We want to protect and sustain businesses here too so that all of our work is preserved.” Grand Rapids has huge assets, chief among them a population “that cares about downtown,” he said. He points to a world-class music venue and arena; seven institutions of higher learning; the Medical Mile, which he calls “an engine that spurs growth”; and, of course, the Grand River, the original player in downtown Grand Rapids’ growth and development. When he’s not working on downtown, Kelly is enjoying downtown. He’ll continue to discover new parks, ride new bike trails, try new restaurants, attend concerts and other events, and search for the best records at Vertigo. “Cities are always growing and adapting, and it’s exciting to be at the forefront of that for a growing city,” Kelly said. GR M AG .CO M
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As executive director of Local First, Hanna Schulze puts the spotlight on local businesses in Grand Rapids.
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G R A N D R A P I D S M A G A Z I N E / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 10
PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
people + places / voice
VOICE
Keeping it local Hanna Schulze champions small businesses at Local First. BY ALLIE OUENDAG
// PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CUPPY
In June, Local First selected Hanna Schulze as its new executive director. An Ann Arbor native, Schulze moved to West Michigan while attending Grand Valley State University, graduating in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree. Starting as a part-time program assistant, Schulze has been with Local First for over 8 years, working up the ranks and succeeding former Executive Director Elissa Sangalli when she stepped down last February. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Schulze has continued to lead Local First with a special emphasis on diversity and inclusion. How has working in the service industry changed or impacted your perspective on local business? As many folks in ‘the industry’ will eagerly tell you, working in service truly highlights the best AND worst of humanity. My biggest takeaway from this part of my life and career has been empathy — even on those worst days, when faced with a challenging customer or situation, I pushed myself to lead with empathy and compassion for my coworkers and our customers, recognizing that everyone is fighting battles that we may never see. This lesson has been invaluable to my career as I have grown.
with business owners across the region. In truth, my biggest personal challenge has been the heartache that I feel for my friends, family and colleagues that are navigating this crisis as entrepreneurs. Small businesses, particularly those owned by our Black and Latinx community members, have been largely overlooked by governmental assistance and financial institutions for decades, and the public health and economic crisis has compounded those barriers. I have been and will continue to advocate every day for independent businesses to be prioritized as we move through this pandemic into recovery.
What makes Grand Rapids businesses unique in your eyes? Grand Rapids is an incredible place, with a deeply rooted entrepreneurial spirit. Early economic successes have benefitted our community (as have) families that have intentionally invested in our city, cementing our place as a cultural hub that far surpasses what is typical for a city our size. In my experience working across the state and country, it strikes me that many other cities look to Grand Rapids as an example of how community investment can benefit a place.
What is your experience with diversity and how do you plan to implement cultural values in Local First? It is my privilege as well as my greatest challenge as a white person in a leadership role to center equity in every aspect of my life and work. My journey of learning will never be over, and it is my duty to step aside at every possible opportunity to elevate the voices of our neighbors of color and community members that have been historically marginalized. This means working with a team that prioritizes justice and equity as a current that runs through our every activity, a board of directors that enforces intentionality, and a trusted circle of friends, colleagues and partners that will continue to hold me accountable for my actions in my position of privilege.
How have you adapted or been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic? The work that I do with small, independent businesses has always been extremely relationship-based, which has resulted in many close friendships
"My journey of learning will never be over, and it is my duty to step aside at every possible opportunity to elevate the voices of our neighbors of color and community members that have been historically marginalized." Hanna Schulze
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CHEF TIPS & TECHNIQUES Q&A
Get Ready to Whip Up Some
Magic in the Kitchen
In the past year, more and more people have been making their own meals at home. That means first-timers and novice chefs are rolling up their sleeves, putting on their aprons, and joining those who’ve been at it for years. Whether it’s crafting sourdough from a
Q:
starter, trying to recreate dishes from favorite restaurants, keeping the kids busy, or baking sweets for loved ones, kitchens everywhere are seeing a lot of activity — and that’s a good thing. Cooking from scratch can be healthy and really fulfilling.
While following recipes comes easy for some and ad-libbing with whatever’s in the refrigerator is a snap for others, not everyone is a seasoned pro. A local expert chef is here to help, with encouragement and advice that rookies and connoisseurs alike will appreciate. Read on to see what’s cooking! ■
What are the benefits of baking at home?
A: Many people think making desserts and pastries from scratch is complicated and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. As the pastry chef at Leo’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar, Dana Wilmer-Lucas says she calls on her training and expertise to create signature sweets with an upscale flair, but anyone with an oven, a stocked pantry, and the ability to follow a recipe — or watch a YouTube tutorial — can experiment with baking and get satisfying results. There are so many benefits, too! Especially in the past year, lots of people have been learning new skills and becoming more self-
reliant. Baking is a great activity for getting families to work together, and it even teaches kids the science of measuring and combining ingredients. It’s also a perfect activity for those who find themselves with more free time than usual. And while it’s fun to bake treats for ourselves, the real reward is in giving these handcrafted creations away to friends, neighbors, and family members. To be able to deliver a homemade gift prepared with love and care really creates a connection, and brings us closer when we can’t be with each other in person. Wilmer-Lucas encourages everyone to give it a try!
Dana Wilmer-Lucas
Pastry Chef Leo’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar 60 Ottawa Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-454-6700 leosrestaurant.com info@leosrestaurant.com Advertisement on Back Cover
look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY
Elevate your space HOME
page 22
» PLUS: KITCHEN GADGETS WINTER SKIN C ARE ROOT F UNC TIONAL MED ICINE
Learn how to use wallpaper to elevate the look and feel of any room in your home.
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look + feel / home
HOME
Add personality to your walls Wallpaper could be your home's missing design element. BY DEIDRE REMTEMA, ASID, PRINCIPAL AND INTERIOR DESIGNER OF DEIDRE INTERIORS
When it comes to adding personality to your home, wallpaper offers nearly endless possibilities. Every color, style or mood can be interpreted on your walls, so why not try it? Finding joy in your home is essential. Don’t hesitate to add style and make it unique. Wallpaper is not bound by a specific design style; modern, traditional, eclectic, casual, it fits every aesthetic. Layering texture into a home makes it truly remarkable and memorable. When considering wallpaper, make sure to think through the adjacent rooms and how one space flows into the other. It is fun to experience a home in different ways as you move through it, but there should be a language that feels similar. Moving from an all-white room into a dark taupe 22
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wallpapered bedroom might be the sense of calm and serenity you need at the end of the day. Wallpaper can support our emotions as we look to relax — or get energized. Patterned wallpaper that reflects nature is one of the most common themes, and in Michigan we have an inherent love of our natural surroundings. Our lakes, rivers, forests and wildflowers can be brought inside to our walls, but the interpretation does not need to be literal. In this kids bath (right) we used a wallpaper that mimics water, in an abstract way, to bring the outside in and add color and depth. Wallpaper is made in a variety of ways, which accounts for the variety of price points. Hand blocked, hand painted, machine printed or flock wallpaper, each creates a different look and feel once installed. The word wallpaper can be misleading, as many materials are used to create the modern day material. From silk to washable vinyl, to incorporating organic elements like shells and metals, materials in modern day wallpapers are diverse. Social media and new printing technologies have made it possible for artists to break into the wallpaper market. It’s a joy to connect with small artisans from all over the world and incorporate their craft into the design process. This has opened up a world of options for patterns and styles, which are practically endless. Using wallpaper in your home elevates the aesthetic and helps set the tone for your home, but it doesn’t have to be up forever. Removing modern day wallpaper is easier than it used to be, so don’t be afraid to change it up. Any room in the house can take wallpaper, but if you are looking to get started and haven’t had it installed in your home recently, try using it in the powder bath or a guest room. Leave the doors to those rooms open and enjoy the pop of texture or color as you pass by. You might find yourself drawn to the energy it brings to your home.
Wallpaper can support our emotions as we look to relax — or get energized.
WALLPAPERS COURTESY DEIDRE INTERIORS
look + feel / gea GEAR
Mix it up Kitchen essentials to help you through winter. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
// STYLED BY JENNIFER PICKERING
Winter is the perfect season to bake. Whether you are mixing up a batch of waffles for breakfast before a day of snowman building or baking cookies to go with hot cocoa after a day spent sledding, these items are the perfect complements to your kitchen.
Clockwise from top left: Edibles Cookbook, $19.95, Rebel, rebelgr.com; Zingerman’s Bakehouse Cookbook, $29.95, Mason Jones, masonjonesshops.com; Mud Pie Cookie Jar, $58, Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts, kennedyfloral.com; Hayden Flour Mills Flour, $10.90, Art of the Table, artofthetable.com; Berry & Thread Whitewash Square Baker, $68, Mason Jones; Kitchen Aid Mixer, $499, Target, www.target.com; Sister Pie Cookbook, $25, Rebel; Assorted Gold Cookie Cutters, Set of 12, $10, and Onyx & Wood Measuring Cups, $42, The Counting House, thecountinghouse.com; Cinnamon Roll, $1.50, Nantucket Baking Company, nantucketbaking.com; Oven Mitt, $8.95, Rebel; Teak Spatula Natural Handle and Wooden Spoon, $14 each, The Counting House; Beanilla Madagascar Vanilla Extract, $20, Art of the Table; Peach Lemon Verbena Syrup, $14.95, Rebel. BAKING ANGELA CICCU
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Instead of prescribing pills, Erica Armstrong, MD, uses food to help treat common conditions.
WELLNESS
Getting to the root of health Functional medicine practice uses food as medicine. BY MARIE HAVENGA
// PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WIERENGA
Erica Armstrong, MD, drills down to the root of symptoms. After opening Root Functional Medicine two years ago at 746 Wealthy St. SE, she focuses on “functional” instead of “traditional” medicine. “I really wanted to solve the problem at the root cause,” said Armstrong, who previously practiced family medicine for Spectrum Health and in San Francisco. “I wanted to use natural therapy and nutrition.” After several years of training, she became certified in functional medicine, a nutritional-based, natural healing method that’s been around a couple of decades but is sprouting in popularity. “It focuses on optimizing your body function,” she said. “It is a completely different mindset around health and wellness. Instead of labeling symptoms and treating those symptoms, we look for root causes to optimize body function.” Primary areas of focus? Gut health (rebalancing imbalances that lead to inflammation), ovarian syndrome/ hormones, thyroid and fertility. The team strives to combat symptoms through nutrition and supplementation of deficiencies. Doctors and dietitians work together to customize health plans for clients. “The nutrition piece is very personalized,” Armstrong said. “We look at lab panels and 24
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hear our clients’ stories and put together a reasonable and sustainable nutritional plan based on their needs. We do testing. Some people have food sensitivities, so we customize food plans for them. We started with just myself and a dietitian. We just grew really quickly by solving problems that were going unsolved. Most people we are working with had no answers and they feel great after three to six months.” The practice does not accept insurance. “We have a very different model,” Armstrong said. “We really don’t use medicines or procedures. Clients spend an hour with a doctor and dietitian each
month. We take on a limited number of clients so we can keep it personalized.” She encourages people to avoid processed foods, things in packages and items containing inflammatory oils, such as vegetable oil, corn oil and the like. Olive and avocado oils are healthier diet bets. Seeing the success of clients, Armstrong and her team added a creative food service last spring available to even those who are not clients to fulfill the need of healthy, home-delivered meals. “One of our dietitians is a chef,” she said. “We started a weekly subscription service. It's at the point of selling out.”
look + feel / wellness
“It [functional medicine] is a completely different mindset around health and wellness. Instead of labeling symptoms and treating those symptoms, we look for root causes to optimize body function.” Erica Armstrong, MD
Root Farmacy recently moved into commercial space at the former Marie Catrib’s Deli, 1003 Lake Drive Ave. SE, to prepare subscription meals and open a deli. “We’re making (healthy food) more accessible to our community,” she said. “The most common food sensitivities are gluten, dairy, soy, corn — we don't use those. We add no refined sugar. They're fully cooked packaged meals people pick up weekly that they can reheat in their microwave, like chicken and vegetables and one of our favorites, turkey meatloaf. It's so full of nutrients with so many vegetables and fruits directly in the meatloaf.” Even if a menu item contains meat, the focus is plant-based, with various veggies in the mix. The menu changes seasonally to provide fresh farm-to-table options. Most clients choose between five and 10 meals a week, including some breakfast options, according to Armstrong. The deli, open six days a week, offers healthy, homemade protein bars, breakfast and lunch items, as well as food by the pound such as hummus and a variety of salads. “With the deli cases, we can increase our offerings for more grab-and-go items,” she said. “We're also going to have coffee. Our coffee will not be full of sugar syrup.” Armstrong has been dreaming of a gluten-free restaurant/food options since med school. “Even 15 years later, that option doesn’t exist in Grand Rapids,” she said. “Our food is gluten-free. That’s important for people.
Root Farmacy offers a subscription meal program as well as grab-and-go deli options and healthy drink options. It is located in the former Marie Catrib's location in the East Hills neighborhood.
There’s no cross-contamination.” Primary goal? To make functional medicine available and easy for all. “We have meals we prescribe that people can just grab and go,” she said. “We put a lot of thought into every single meal we make and what ingredients we use. We're trying to make health easier for our community.” GR M AG .CO M
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look + feel / expe t
EXPERT
Winter skincare arsenal Don’t let winter wreak havoc on your skin. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
Winter is not a friend to your skin. Common skin conditions that are exacerbated by winter climates are psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, Raynaud’s disease and dry skin (xerosis). So, to find out how to battle winter’s assault on your skin, Grand Rapids Magazine spoke with Dr. Kurt Ashack, of Dermatology Associates of West Michigan. “If you want to prepare for the lack of humidity, you could purchase a humidifier,” Ashack said. “I would purchase gentle facial cleansers (i.e., Vanicream, CeraVe, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, La RochePosay) and soaps (i.e., Dove for sensitive skin). While bar soaps are generally better, body washes with petrolatum in their ingredient list tend to be less irritating and more moisturizing (i.e., Dove body wash). Purchase thick creams or Vaseline-like substances to moisturize your skin instead of lotions that come in a pump that tend to be less moisturizing. If you have Raynaud’s disease, make sure you have warm gloves and socks/shoes.” Ashack said you’ll want to moisturize multiple times throughout the day, too. He also recommends taking lukewarm showers over hot showers and patting your body dry, followed immediately by applying moisturizer. “Limit showers to five (to) 10 minutes,” he said. “Use gentle cleansers and soaps on your skin. Don't forget to moisturize your hands throughout the day.” When purchasing moisturizing products, Ashack has a few tips as well. “For moisturizer ingredients, stick with the 26
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"Use gentle cleansers and soaps on your skin. Don't forget to moisturize your hands throughout the day." Dr. Kurt Ashack
basics: petrolatum, ceramides, glycerin. These are all different ways to hydrate your skin. Stay away from harsh soaps like Irish Spring soap and err towards soap for sensitive skin (usually marked). While dermatologists generally like face washes with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for acne patients, it may be more irritating during the dry months so it would be best to consult with your dermatologist about gentle cleansers if you tend to have dry skin.” One thing Ashack said you can skip are over-the-counter mask treatments. “It depends on the type of mask, but I am generally not a huge proponent of masks. Use trusted brands like Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Vichy, La Roche-Posay. Again, be careful based on the ingredients as some of these may irritate your skin more during the winter months. While exfoliation with ingredients like glycolic acid is helpful in small amounts, I would again be careful based on your skin type as your skin may need moisture as opposed to exfoliation during the dry winter months.” But feel free to pamper yourself with the same professional services you enjoy during the winter months. “Just don't overdo it on the chemical peels or facials and make sure to moisturize,” Ashack said. PRODUCTS ISTOCK/TRIOCEAN
food+drink DIVE INTO THE CITY’S GREATEST EATERIES AND BARS
TABLE
Cultures combined page 28
» PLUS: POST OFF WINE BAR STREET CHEF SHAW City Built Brewing introduced a new popup menu concept that brings Creole recipes to its range of cultural cuisine options.
TOP 5 EGGS BENEDIC T
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Bori Balls! are Puerto Rican rice croquettas. Pair them with City Built's Mango Gummy Bear Lactose Sour Beer.
A cultural collision TABLE
City Built Brewing’s menu travels from Puerto Rico to Germany. BY ADAM RUSSO
// PHOTOS BY STACY FEYER-SALO
Edwin Collazo is constantly looking for ways to celebrate culture through food and beer. As the president and co-founder of the Puerto Rican-inspired City Built Brewing, Collazo continues to evolve the brewery’s offering to showcase a variety of cultures. You’ll find influences from Puerto Rico and Mexico to Germany and the Czech Republic on the City Built Brewing menu. “Many cultures exist in Grand Rapids, but, in some ways, they’ve been overlooked. We take pride in highlighting diverse cultures and feel there’s an opportunity to do that through our menu and tap selection,” Collazo said. Collazo points to favorable timing and surrounding himself with great people as the foundation of City Built Brewing’s continued growth. 28
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food + drink / table
City Built Brewing's interior (above) is industrial with a touch of contemporary design. Several windows bring in natural light and pops of color create a fun, inviting vibe.
“We found success because we offer a different cultural experience, something that Grand Rapids may not have been ready for even 10 years ago, but the city is definitely ready now. We’ve benefited from good timing and a great team,” Collazo said. “We believe that the city benefits from diversity.” At its core, Puerto Rican cooking traditions have roots in Spain, Africa and the native Taínos. Collazo recalls the formative experience of growing up in a multicultural family environment in Defiance, Ohio, as a catalyst for his appreciation of food and culture. "As a child, my food experience didn’t take place in Puerto Rico, it was in Ohio,” Collazo said. “Both of my parents are from Puerto Rico and our family includes people from Mexico, Cuba and many other cultures.” Collazo likes to say that City Built Brewing’s menu is “Sorta Rican.” A City Built Brewing staple is the snackable Bori Balls! These Puerto Rican
"Many cultures exist in Grand Rapids, but, in some ways, they’ve been overlooked. We take pride in highlighting diverse cultures and feel there’s an opportunity to do that through our menu and tap selection." Edwin Collazo
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Try these beers
City Built Brewing plans to focus on its beer list during 2021. Its brewery team has been working to develop on-trend beers.
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rice croquettas are stuffed with Spanish rice, bacon and spiced ground beef, rolled in panko breadcrumbs and then deep fried. The Bori Balls! are served with a creamy sofrito sauce. While the Puerto Rican influence on City Built Brewing’s menu is undeniable, its offerings extend far beyond the Caribbean. During the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 quarantine, Collazo launched Li Grand Zombi kitchen, an alter ego of City Built Brewing. Li Grand Zombi offers a Creoleinspired menu that embraces the Louisiana style of cooking where West African, French, Spanish and Haitian influences collide. The pop-up kitchen menu changes weekly and offers items exclusively until they run out. One of the most popular items by far has been the Hot Chicky Sammich, a thick, buttermilk-brined chicken thigh topped with remoulade, shredded lettuce, tomato and pickle slices stacked on a house-made brioche bun. In addition to Li Grand Zombi, City Built has needed to pivot its operations due to COVID-19. With help from the city of Grand Rapids, the brewery established an 1,800-square-foot tent on the other side of Monroe Avenue NW, directly along the Grand River. Customers can now place and pick up food and drink orders inside the brewery and enjoy them safely across the
“Our food and tap rotation are both very diverse, so we always have something on our menu that pairs well with our beer and vice versa,” Edwin Collazo said. “No matter your palette, we have a beer for everyone.” Fans of City Built’s big stouts should be eager to try the Cinnamon Roll Stout, a collaboration with Ascension Brewing Company in Novi, Michigan. Prague Underground is Czech Republic Pilsner made with Saaz hops, which give it slightly herbal and spicy notes when it hits the tongue and a pleasant floral aroma. Fifth Street Hooligans is a bold double dry-hopped IPA that features Citra, El Dorado, Sabro, Callista and Befuddlement hops. An extremely easy drinking beer that pairs well with many items is Alemania, a refreshing Mexican lager with a hint of toasted malt and a slightly fruity finish. “Served with lime, Alemania is a crushable beer that pairs well with anything," Collazo said. Many casual beer drinkers may not be aware of the connection between German and Mexican beer. “German brewers migrated to Mexico in the 19th century and over time, the recipes evolved. Our Alemania beer recognizes this connection,” Collazo said. “The Spanish word Alemania directly translates to Germany.”
food + drink / table Rigatoni pasta with spicy tomato sauce, shrimp, cornmeal crusted chicken and butter garlic beignets.
street, inside the tent. Collazo appreciates the overwhelmingly positive responses that his menu receives and hopes that City Built Brewing continues to be recognized equally for its evolving beer list. Since opening in 2017, City Built Brewing has constructed a reputation for crafting bold IPAs, fruit-forward sours and big stouts, a trend that Collazo says will carry into 2021. “We’ve made significant progress [to our beer menu] in 2020,” Collazo said. “The work that we started in 2020 will continue in 2021.” With the expertise of head brewer Rob Qualls, City Built Brewing customers can expect about two new beers per month throughout 2021. Qualls said the team is hard at work crafting new on-trend brews, a highly involved process that requires many hours of research and development. “I start with an intense research process, reading a variety of books and articles around different flavors and cultures,” said Qualls. “Then, the process moves to execution. We repeat the execution phase until we consistently get the beer just to the right point.” Located at 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 155.
Can Art
As carry-out orders continue to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, Edwin Collazo has ramped up City Built Brewing’s can-art game. Collazo recently teamed with Kyle DeGroff and Elliot Chaltry to create the attention-grabbing packaging. DeGroff and Chaltry are two local Grand Rapids artists behind some of the prominent murals throughout the Creston neighborhood. “I would argue that we have some of the coolest cans in the industry,” said Collazo.
CANS COURTESY CITY BUILT BREWING
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food + drink / c eate
CREATE
Swahili infused al pastor Street Chef Shaw feeds the community. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
// PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO
Street Chef Shaw is a new business venture by Kirel Shaw and Myke Worthem that emerged to help feed a community in need. “Street Chef Shaw began as an initiative to feed our community when COVID-19 first hit Michigan hard and a lot of restaurants were shut down,” explained Shaw. “With no aid offered yet, we began giving out free meals to our community to relieve some stress, as we had a lot of friends and family affected who worked in the food industry.” The pair plan to expand the business and have their sights set on a food truck next — but the sky’s the limit. “We want to make an impact in not only our community, but communities around the U.S. [through] catering, food truck, brick and mortar, online influencer, recipes, etc.,” said Shaw. Street Chef Shaw focuses on traditional Swahili dishes and traditional Hispanic/ Latino dishes.
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Ingredients
Instructions
2 pineapple slices 1 pork shoulder 3 tablespoons ancho paste 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 tablespoon curry 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 clove of garlic (minced) ½ cup vinegar ½ cup pineapple juice ½ cup orange juice
Cut pork shoulder into ½-inch slices. Combine all ingredients except pineapple slices and pork slices. Mix well to make sure there are no clumps. Add pork to the marinade and let marinate for 3 hours or more. Use a wooden skewer to skewer one pineapple slice, then the pork slices. Adding the other pineapple slice to the top of the tower. Roast in oven at 350 degrees for 2 hours (If tower falls just rotate the skewer every 30 minutes to make sure all sides become crispy). Cover in tinfoil and let rest for 30 minutes. Slice pork off skewer and add to taco. Dress with red onion, cilantro and cabbage (as well as optional ingredients) and garnish with a lime wedge.
For serving Corn or flour tortillas Chopped cilantro, red onion and green cabbage Lime wedges Salsa (optional) Avocados (optional)
PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
food + drink / chee s
CHEERS
Demystifying the wine experience Post Off is a casual wine bar with a focus on naturally produced wines. BY PASHA SHIPP
Post Off General Manager Rob Hanks (left) with owner Bernie Kersten (right). Post Off focuses on natural wines.
// PHOTOS BY CHLOE MARCHANT
A few blocks west of the Fulton Street Farmers Market at 952 E. Fulton St. is Post Off, a wine bar specializing in naturallyproduced wine and amaro-based cocktails. If you’ve been meaning to mix up happy hour, look no further. The bar offers a carefully curated drinks menu, including labels that prioritize natural processes and ingredients. Sean Stearns and Rob Hanks, two of the masterminds behind Post Off, are adamant about making the wine-drinking experience better and more accessible. “We are focusing more on what is considered natural wine or responsibly farmed and produced wine, nothing that has any additives,” Stearns said. “I think in the United States, there’s up to 70 different additives that are allowed to be put into wine, so the wines that we’re working with are basically none of those.” Post Off serves a variety of rotating wine selections, but don’t expect to find your everyday wines here.
“We are focusing more on what is considered natural wine or responsibly farmed and produced wine, nothing that has any additives.” Sean Stearns
“A lot of people aren’t familiar with the wines we have because we don’t necessarily have a cabernet and a chardonnay,” Stearns said. “We have more styles than we do specific grapes. It’s OK if you’re not necessarily familiar with amaro [an Italian herbal liqueur] — we’re always willing to work with you to get what you want.” While Post Off doesn’t have a food menu, guests are encouraged to bring fare from other restaurants. “We do highly encourage anybody to grab takeout from their favorite restaurant, and they can bring it into the bar, and we will happily pair drinks with their food, which is actually a really fun process,” Hanks said. “By not having a restaurant, we have to be thinking off the cuff. Somebody could easily bring in some really spicy curry, and then the table next to them could very easily bring in a burger, and you have to be able to make some really quick calls.” Post Off offers a fine-wine experience in a casual package. Whether you’re stopping by for cocktails after a long day in the office or making a pitstop during your antiquing adventure, this wine and amaro bar has something for you. “What we’re trying to do with this place is demystify everything that goes around wine — make it approachable,” Hanks said. “It doesn’t matter who you are; it doesn’t matter what your budget is like. We’re here, and if you want to take this fun, little journey with us, then let’s do it.” GR M AG .CO M
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food + drink / must-t y
MUST-TRY
Culture in every bite Syrian family brings the Middle East to the GR area. BY ELIZABETH LISTERMAN
An exciting new authentic restaurant has been welcomed into Allendale’s midst — and it is all the rave. Hummus & Falafel, 10897 48th Ave. Suite B100, opened its doors next to Grand Valley State University’s campus in September during peak back-toschool season. Hummus & Falafel is a family-owned, Middle Eastern eatery that strives to serve up culture and passion in every bite. Kossai Yasseen, manager, and his wife and chef, Reem Al Asmi, moved from Syria to Jordan in 2011. In 2015, they made the leap and moved to the United States. Both began work at Spectrum Health in the nutrition department — Yasseen as a dietitian tech and Al Asmi as a chef. Yasseen also began pursuing a dietitian degree from Western Michigan University at that time. “I come from Daraa, a city in Syria known for its delicious food. A key tenet of Syrian culture is hospitality. We love to entertain friends and family in our homes, and, above all, we love to feed each other. Feeding each other is a way to show love and respect,” he said, taking pride in the culture and diversity that they now have brought to Grand Rapids. “From this love, Hummus & Falafel was born — the perfect way to make our favorite food and share it with those around us,” he said. For students, it is a great place to stop and grab a healthy option for lunch. Especially when you might be worried about that pesky “freshman 15.” Hummus & Falafel caters to vegetarian diets, and, on top of that, all its meat is halal-friendly. The restaurant embodies Syrian culture. By bringing authentic and delicious recipes and delicacies from across the globe, the couple has created not only a mouthwatering menu but opened doors for people to experience a different palate. Yasseen said the intent of Hummus & Falafel is to familiarize its customers with Middle Eastern food, health, culture, kindness and hospitality. Essentially, the pair want to share their culture with those around them — and what better way to do that than with food? 34
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The intent of Hummus & Falafel is to familiarize its customers with Middle Eastern food, health, culture, kindness and hospitality. Experience traditional dishes like falafel (top) and hummus and vegetables (bottom) at Hummus & Falafel. FALAFELISTOCK/FOTOATELIE HUMMUS ISTOCK/CARLOSGAW
TOP 5
Classic benedict brunch BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
From classic to creative takes on this American brunch staple, here are the best places in town to order eggs benedict. Cherie Inn offers a variety of eggs benedict options, from the classic two poached eggs atop shaved ham on an English muffin and smothered in hollandaise sauce to the elevated offerings of crab cake benedict and beef tenderloin benedict. Noble’s Waffle Benedict replaces the traditional English muffin with a brown butter waffle and tops it with ham and poached eggs. This is the perfect sweet and savory combo. Morning Belle has four types of eggs benedict on its menu, including the sugary Silver Dollar
editor's pick I recently received four bottles of wine from St. Julian’s Braganini Family Reserve Wines label. While St. Julian is a well-known Michigan winery, I had never sampled any of its wines previously, so I was excited to see how its products measured up to the wines I typically drink. Of the four wines I tried, the standout for me was the Braganini Family Reserve 2017 cabernet sauvignon. I am a big cabernet fan and I liked how smooth and flavorful this wine was. The full-bodied wine has “distinctive EGGS BENEDICT ISTOCK/TANYA_F ILLUSTRATION RACHEL IDZERDA
CHARLSIE DEWEY MANAGING EDITOR, GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE
Benedict, consisting of two poached eggs over silver dollar pancakes with sausage patties and drizzled with maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon-maple glaze and topped with whipped cream and candied pecans. The Everton Benedict at SpeakEZ Lounge consists of an open-face pretzel bun stacked with split banger sausages, sliced tomato and poached eggs and topped with German mustard hollandaise. Matchbox offers four different types of eggs benedict but its seafood options are the standouts here. Try the Lox Benny, made with cured salmon, capers, tomatoes and hollandaise, or the Crab and Lobster Benny.
flavors of dark cherries and blueberry jam with a toasty oak finish.” I emailed Justin Weeks, wholesale marketing director for St. Julian’s, to find out more about why this wine is so smooth and tasty, and he said much of it had to do with the climate in 2017. Grown at St. Julian’s vineyard in Coloma, the area experienced “an extremely hot, dry year for Southwest Michigan, perfect for growing grapes.” He added, “We had a low yielding vintage, so grapes were incredibly concentrated, making this a delicious cool climate cabernet sauvignon. Since the 2017 vintage was so remarkable, we planted two more acres of cabernet sauvignon at this vineyard, for a total of five acres.” He also noted this wine was “one of two red vinifera wines to receive a Double Gold Accolade at the 2019 Michigan Wine Competition.” Find out more about St. Julian wines at stjulian.com. GR M AG .CO M
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GR Magazine readers honor their favorites in over 100 categories. By Elizabeth Listerman, Allie Ouendag and Charlsie Dewey
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THE BEST OF THE BEST G R A N D R A P I D S M A G A Z I N E enjoys kicking the New Year off with the results of our annual Best Of Grand Rapids Readers’ Poll because it gives everyone plenty of items to add to their New Year’s Resolutions. There is no question that 2020 was a rough year for small businesses, which makes recognizing this year’s list of local businesses even more important. In our 18th year, we continue to see impressive participation from readers, who voted for their favorites in over 100 categories. It’s always nice to see winners from the previous year retain their title but also to see new places find their spot on the list for the first time. So, without further ado, check out our winners and runners up in the following pages. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this year’s winners, use #bestofgr on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SPRINKLES ISTOCKPHOTO
BEST CUPCAKE THE SALTED CUPCAKE The Salted Cupcake offers a sugar coma wrapped within a sweet little bundle of frosting and cake batter. Korina Thompson, owner of The Salted Cupcake, has been creating unique and delicious flavors in Grand Rapids for five years now. The store’s most famous flavor features a chocolate peanut butter cupcake topped with salted caramel and smoked salted chocolate bark. More unique, yet surprisingly delicious flavors, include potato chip, chicken and waffles, pickles, and grilled cheese sandwich (a tomato soup cupcake topped with goat cheese buttercream and garnished with a mini grilled cheese). The shop also caters to your furry friends with its Pupcakes, which make a wonderful surprise for those “adoptiversarys” and birthdays. The store posts a weekly menu each Monday for walkin customers, but it also offers pre-orders over Facebook and wedding catering. It even has a food truck that travels to feed its fan base in Kalamazoo.
CUPCAKE STACY FEYER-SALO
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Don't eat with your hands (or do!) WINGS
Wing Doozy With three locations across West Michigan, Wing Doozy’s wings are known for being some of the biggest and freshest in the city. You’ll also find a wide selection of dips and sauces to pair them with.
TACOS
Donkey Taqueria Inspired by traditional Mexican street food, Donkey Taqueria uses unexpected ingredients such as grilled pineapple and fried Brussels sprouts to create unique flavors while still maintaining an authentic feel.
BURGER
Stella’s Lounge From the award-winning Stella Blue to the jalapeno-stuffed Big Ballah, every burger at Stella’s Lounge is specially crafted to go above and beyond the typical burger experience.
SANDWICH Schnitz Deli
Schnitz Deli offers a full menu of mouthwatering sandwiches including classic Rubens and hoagies. Creative diners can take advantage of the build-your-own option to create the perfect sandwich from the bread up.
BURRITO Beltline Bar
There is a reason why the Beltline Bar’s burrito is dubbed “world famous.” Slathered in melted Colby-Jack cheese and red enchilada sauce and stuffed with seasoned ground beef or beans, lettuce and tomato, this burrito truly lives up to its title.
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TACOS BRYAN ESLER BURGER STACY FEYER-SALO
food&drink Appetizers San Chez Bistro Here, Spain is given life in downtown Grand Rapids. Tapas are a staple at San Chez Bistro and every day it serves up a blend of unique flavors and spices to give you that Spanish authenticity in an urban, historic setting.
Bar/Pub HopCat In Beer City USA, there is no better place to find a variety of craft brewers from
around Michigan in one setting. This fun, hip, cat-themed pub is an iconic spot on Ionia Avenue. Enjoy a local beer with the Madtown Grilled Cheese, a side of Cosmik Fries and the roasted red pepper gouda soup.
ence. It can be a traditional dry, spiced rub sensation or take the sauce route and load up on the barbecue. The flavors are downright tasty.
BBQ Two Scotts Barbeque
Martha's Vineyard is tucked away on the quaint corner of Lyon Street and Union Avenue. This intersection is a hidden gem in Grand Rapids with other
Join the bandwagon and hop on this ride toward a sensational smokey and authentic barbecue experi-
Beer /Wine Merchant Martha’s Vineyard
neighborhood favorites Nantucket Bakery and Lyon Street Café to name a few places housed here. At Martha's Vineyard, you can find an assortment of wine, cheeses, beer, coffee, dips and an abundance of homemade deli sides.
Breakfast Anna’s House Let’s take a trip back to the ’50s. Anna’s House is a modern twist on the iconic diner scene, sporting
THE BEST OF THE BEST
fresh, fun colors and ’50s-inspired vintage murals. Its classic take on breakfast specialties is the perfect start to your morning. Or try something out-of-thebox like the chocolate quinoa breakfast bowl.
Brewery Founders Brewing Co. The craft brewery that started it all. Founders Brewing Co. is a renowned brewery sitting in the heart of downtown Grand
ADULT (AND KID) APPROVED You don't have to be a kid to enjoy these comfort food favorites!
W H AT
FRENCH FRIES
HOT DOG
MAC AND CHEESE
ICE CREAM
PIZZA
WHO
HopCat
Yesterdog
The Green Well
Jersey Junction
The Mitten Brewing Company
WHY
Formerly known as Crack Fries, the renamed Cosmik Fries are beer-battered, sprinkled with HopCat’s signature black pepper seasoning and paired with warm cheese dip.
One of the most iconic restaurants in Grand Rapids, Yesterdog has served some of the best hot dogs in town to everyone from celebrities to presidents for over 40 years.
This is not your typical boxed mac and cheese. The Green Well adds a new twist to this comfort food classic by adding unexpected ingredients and flavors.
Conveniently located in Gaslight Village, Jersey Junction is a staple in East Grand Rapids, serving old fashioned ice cream since 1963.
Set in a unique Victorian-era restored firehouse with a baseball-themed interior, The Mitten Brewing Company is a perfect place to grab a beer and enjoy artisanal pizza.
Adventurous meat-eaters should be sure to order the loaded Cosmik Fries topped with hickory-smoked bacon, red onion and pickled jalapeño.
The classic Yesterdog, topped with chili, onion, mustard, pickle and ketchup, is sure to please every hot dog enthusiast.
The classic mac and cheese is made with corkscrew pasta, chicken, ham, bacon, peas, caramelized onions, mushrooms, four-cheese sauce, breadcrumbs and white truffle oil.
The Traverse City Cherry Fudge is an amaretto ice cream mixed with chocolate and cherry chunks that will remind you of summer nights up north.
The Westerdog is an ode to another classic Grand Rapids restaurant on this list (Yesterdog). It is a hotdog-inspired pizza topped with chili bean sauce, all-beef franks, Colby-Jack cheese, diced white onions, shredded kosher pickles, ketchup and yellow mustard.
ORDER THIS
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food&drink Rapids. Its success reaches nationwide but Founders will always stay true to its hometown roots.
Butcher Shop Sobie Meats Home of the Free Butt Rub! Not exactly what it sounds like, but Sobie Meats is happy to serve local meat favorites such as pulled pork, signature pork rub and sausages. This butcher shop not only serves up clean meat but plenty of smiles while doing so.
Date Night Butcher's Union This downtown hotspot’s beautiful stark structure, moody décor and lighting, high ceilings, antique bar and dark mahogany wood
create the alluring ambiance of a casual night out. Add a touch of candlelight and a couple of dashes of whiskey for a romantic date night.
Distillery Long Road Distillers Spirits equal happiness at Long Road Distillers. Its dazzling concoctions of in-house liquors create a night full of mouth-puckering sips and surprised oohh’s and aahh’s. Long Road’s spirits are crisp and smooth going down — making the perfect addition to any classic or unique cocktail.
Food Truck Patty Matters It's a diner but on the go. This food truck
takes the classic burger, fries and soda combination and serves it up on four wheels. Enjoy this greasy deluxe treat by chowing down on every bite and licking every finger.
Happy Hour Rockwell Republic Start your night early with a visit to Rockwell Republic to enjoy drink and food specials during Happy Hour. You can choose from several sushi rolls, sharing plates and more.
Late Night Dining Rockwell Republic Not only does Rockwell Republic offer an award-winning happy hour and
exquisite food, but its late-night menu makes it a late-night winner. Paired with its location in the historic Heartside district and dramatic interior décor, with two floors of exposed brick and mahogany accents, this place is perfect for a last stop during date night.
Outdoor/ Deck Seating Rose’s Situated on the banks of Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, Rose’s patio and four-season deck offers pristine views overlooking Waterfront Park, the Grand Rapids Yacht Club and a private marina.
Restaurant Service Amore Trattoria Italiana Amore Trattoria Italiana’s world-class service starts with local chef Jenna Arcidiacono. After living in Northern Italy, Arcidiacono opened Amore Trattoria Italiana in July 2010. Since then, Amore has won multiple awards for its authentic “old style” Italian comfort meals, including being named one of the best Italian restaurants in Michigan.
Rooftop Dining Mertens Rooftop Located on top of a historic former hotel built in 1914, Mertens Rooftop combines some of the best views of the city with an impressive
traditional French menu. Mertens holds true to its history in Grand Rapids serving the same 50 cocktails as it did when it originally opened 80 years ago.
Seafood Leo’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar Since 2004, Leo’s has been offering an extensive seafood menu made with the highest quality and freshest ingredients. An elegant ambiance paired with a world-class wine list sets Leo’s apart as the top seafood restaurant in the city.
Sports Bar Big E’s Sports Grill With a wide selection of craft brews,
POUR ME Morning, afternoon or evening, these places are go-tos for enjoying drinks with friends.
W H AT
HARD CIDER
CRAFT COCKTAILS
BLOODY MARY
WHO
Vander Mill
Long Road Distillers
Rockwell Republic
WHY
Locally grown Michigan apples are transformed into crisp, unique blends of hard cider here.
This distillery is on a mission to provide world-class spirits for Grand Rapids patrons who enjoy a classic cocktail — or two.
This place is famous for its $5 bloody marys that are featured on the weekends during brunch from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Bluish Gold, a wonderfully concocted semi-sweet hard cider made from farm-fresh Michigan blueberries and apples. The perfect blend of all things Michigan combined into a tasty brew.
Stranger Things — an adult twist on the acclaimed TV series. It features apple brandy, lime, raspberry and orange blossom. Hopefully, you won't find yourself in the Upside Down after having this drink.
Bloody mary. Create a savory combo of your favorite tomato-infused vodka beverage with a kebab of shrimp, chicken tenders or succulent steak. A cure for any hangover.
ORDER
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Sweet things BAKERY
Nantucket Baking Company Sweet scents drift down Lyon Street as Nantucket Baking Company opens its doors for the morning. Artisan breads, scones, croissants, cookies and macarons will have every passerby falling in love with its alluring aroma and mouthwatering delicacies.
DESSERT
Cakabakery Passion meets delectable recipes paired with exquisite designs resulting in desserts perfect for any event. Sweet selections include specialty cakes, custom cupcakes, cake pops, caramel corn, cheesecakes and cookies. Your tastebuds will thank you after taking a bite out of any of its heavenly desserts.
DOUGHNUTS
Marge's Donut Den Wheels of sugar and flour will captivate any sweet tooth. Made from scratch fillings, icing and dough are qualities that Marge's takes pride in and has since 1975. The meltin-your-mouth feeling and sugary bites keep regulars coming back for more — and bring new customers in. Marge’s Donut Den provides instant gratification.
FROYO SHOP Spoonlickers
The beauty of Spoonlickers was its make-your-own-concoction aspect. Customers could choose from fruity, sugary, succulent, bittersweet, rich and nutty flavors. This beloved multi-location froyo shop is now closed, but you can still find its froyo at two of five Sprinkles locations.
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large-screen TVs and a menu that goes above and beyond typical bar food, Big E’s Sports Grill is one of the best places to watch the game or catch up with friends.
Steak The Chop House With some of the most exceptional cuts of USDA prime beef, every steak offered at The Chop House is the perfect combination of flavor and tenderness. The Chop House is renowned for excellent service and a unique atmosphere created by ornate gas lamps that make for a dining experience you will never forget.
Sushi Maru Sushi Started by Robert Song and chef Moon Yang, Maru Sushi places an emphasis on creating one of the best experimental sushi restaurants around. The team has taken traditional Japanese sushi cuisine to a new level with contemporary twists on classic rolls.
Vegan/ Vegetarian Burger Stella’s Lounge Stella’s Lounge can please meat lovers and veggie lovers alike. The popular Mission Impossible Burger is a twist on the typical vegetable burger made with a blackened Impossible patty, topped with a grilled pineapple ring, 42
BBQ sauce, spinach and sautéed peppers and onions.
Best Vegetarian/ Vegan Menu (tie) Brick Road Pizza Co. Brick Road Pizza Co. goes far beyond cheese pizza and has a rotating menu of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes including a completely vegan BBQ tofu pizza and even a cheeseburger vegetarian pizza with Impossible burger crumbles.
Stella’s Lounge Not only is Stella’s Lounge a winner for the best vegetarian/ vegan burger, but its entire menu has impressive and diverse options for vegan and vegetarian diners, including beer-battered and fried avocado nuggets.
Wine Bar Reserve Wine and Food Reserve Wine and Food boasts one of Michigan's largest charcuterie selections and carries over 100 wines by the glass and over 200 wines by the bottle. Reserve also offers farm-to-table menu options perfect for pairing with your favorite wine.
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BEST BRUNCH TERRA Terra’s chef de cuisine Ryan McClure takes a lot of pride in providing one of the best brunch menus in the city. Experimenting with classic breakfast foods, Terra adds playful twists on all your favorites creating a unique and delicious meal that you're sure to come back for. The popular Hair of the Dog Bowl is your classic biscuits and gravy dish with kale, charred onions and scrambled eggs topped with jalapeño hot sauce. Those with a sweet tooth can appreciate Terra’s take on peanut butter and jelly with its French toast made with homemade milk bread, berry jam, peanut butter gelato, peanut brittle and topped with lemon whipped cream. If you're looking for a boozy brunch, Terra offers a range of classic cocktails on its brunch menu including bloody marys and mimosas. For a step up from the everyday mimosa try the biermosa, a mix of Wolverine Lager, Tito's vodka and orange juice. Terra has teamed with growers to provide high-quality ingredients that are locally sourced from farms around West Michigan. “We are always looking for new farms to check out and support. It's a really interesting place to live. Michigan has a lot of great things to offer,” said McClure. Terra’s unique menu options offer an upscale dining experience with moderate prices, making it the perfect place to grab brunch with friends.
BREAKFAST MIKE BUCK
food&drink
BEST COFFEEHOUSE MADCAP
Since 2008, The Madcap Coffee Company has become a staple for coffee lovers across West Michigan. With two locations in town, Madcap is the perfect place to go for a quick coffee run or to sit and enjoy with friends. Beans are specially chosen from growers across the globe and delivered within 24 hours of roasting, maximizing the quality of your cup. You can sip easy knowing your coffee was brewed ethically because of Madcap’s emphasis on offering top prices to farmers as well as its commitment to its Zero Waste program. Whether you are at the Fulton Street or Monroe Center location, Madcap’s full range of lattes and brewed options are sure to satisfy your coffee obsession.
COFFEE JOHNNY QUIRIN
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entertainment
BEST MALE TV PERSONALITY MIKE AVERY, FOX 17
Mike Avery has been at FOX 17 for the past 15 years, keeping audiences entertained and informed as a morning news anchor. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Avery moved his family north to Grand Rapids in 2005 and has been here ever since. What makes FOX 17 stand out from other news networks you have worked at? I have worked at several news stations around the country as a young sports reporter and news anchor; moving around is part of the business. When I started here at FOX 17, it felt different, it felt more like home.
Annual Festival Festival of the Arts Creativity is celebrated at Festival of the Arts, held in downtown Grand Rapids each year. Local artists, performers and food booths display their masterpieces and work for residents to admire and be inspired by. Every purchase goes back into the West Michigan community, too.
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Female TV Personality (tie) Terri DeBoer, WOOD-TV You might recognize this familiar name. Terri DeBoer often is found on most Michiganders’ television screens in the morning as WOOD TV’s meteorologist. Her smile is famous on the television screen and she makes every morning better when she is predicting a sunny day.
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Deanna Falzone, FOX 17 This Central Michigan University alum can be spotted on the screen as an anchor for FOX 17. She is a dedicated host who reports hard-hitting news with integrity and dedication to the story. Watch her on the evening news at 6 p.m.
Golf Course Thousand Oaks Golf Club Fore! Here you will
How have you connected with the Grand Rapids community? The sense of community, the culture and the people made my wife and I decide we wanted to raise our family here. Our daughter was born and raised right here in West Michigan; she and my son are proud West Michiganders. Over the years, we have had many opportunities to meet new faces at Tulip Time, the River Bank Run, Kids’ Food Basket, ArtPrize, March of Dimes and the list goes on and on. I do not take what Grand Rapids has to offer for granted. Meeting people and getting to know them is the best part of my job. What do you think makes a great news anchor? In my experience, I have found being a good news anchor comes down to one thing: being authentic. Like my dad used to tell me, “You put your pants on like everyone else.” Building trust with viewers is earned, not granted. When people tune in to watch the news, the hope is they will welcome you into their homes like a friend stopping by for a cup of coffee. I believe talking with people instead of 'talking down’ to them makes all the difference. Listening to people’s experiences is key. Everyone has a story to tell and they are all unique and fascinating.
find aspiring golfers, good-timers and obsessed golf connoisseurs. The beauty of the grounds alongside the greatness of the game create the ultimate golf experience. Watch as your golf balls disappear into rolling greens, oaks and maples that brighten with the autumn air. This place truly is a hole in one.
Hike/ Bike Trail Fred Meijer White Pine Trail Take your outdoor activities to the next level by enjoying the scenery along the White Pine Trail. It is a 92-mile trail that extends from northern Grand Rapids to Cadillac. This trail is a rail-trail park and encompasses Pure Michigan vibes with every step you take deeper and deeper into the Michigan wildlands.
Local Music Series Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club Beautiful scenery provides a relaxing backdrop for talented musicians ready to entertain. Enjoy an evening camped out on the terraced lawn seating and surrounded by perennials, canopy trees, tropical plants and beautiful sculptures. This event is perfect for anyone into a casual night out listening to local music under the stars. NEWS ANCHOR MICHELLE CUPPY
Local Radio Show The Free Beer and Hot Wings Morning Radio Show, WGRD 97.9 Hosted by former Central Michigan University roommates Gregg “Free Beer” Daniels and Chris “Hot Wings” Michels, The Free Beer and Hot Wings show is a West Michigan favorite. The pair discuss everything under the sun and keep their audience laughing.
Local Visual Artist (tie) Chelsea Michal Garter A Grand Rapids native, Chelsea Michal Garter’s vibrant and abstract art has drawn the attention of many across West Michigan. She has painted pieces that can be found hanging at Linear restaurant downtown and she’s been featured in ArtPrize.
Erica Lang After graduating from Kendall College of Art and Design, Erica Lang used her artistic skills to create the popular art and clothing brand Woosah. Her nature-inspired carvings and prints are all featured in her store Woosah Outfitters on Wealthy Street.
Kathleen Kalinowski
in Comstock Park. Her landscapes are inspired by the natural beauty of Michigan and often are painted on location.
Meteorologist Bill Steffen, WOOD-TV Bill Steffen has been tracking West Michigan weather for over 45 years now and is a familiar face around West Michigan. As Storm Team 8’s chief meteorologist, he currently provides weather weekdays on News 8 at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Museum Grand Rapids Public Museum History is given life and form in Grand Rapids’ own public museum. From the Blue Bridge, you can see the historic carousel practically floating over the rushing rapids of the Grand River. The museum offers a wonderful learning experience for anyone willing to delve into stories from the past.
Park Riverside Park Off of Monroe Avenue, Riverside Park overlooks the Grand River. Featuring paved walking trails, a disc golf course, boat launches and playgrounds, Riverside is a wonderful place to get outside for some fresh air and family fun.
BEST DJ ADRIAN BUTLER DJ Adrian Butler (known as DJ AB) has been bringing creativity and energy to Grand Rapids stages for 13 years now. With an extensive background as both a DJ and hip-hop vocalist, DJ AB has played events such as ArtPrize, the Grand Rapids Auto Show and the Green Gala. “The first thing that comes to mind about Grand Rapids events is the number of personal connections that I have with the audience; every event seems to be a chance to talk and connect with people before we even start to really party,” he said. DJ AB has embraced the creative community in Grand Rapids, collaborating in the studio with artists such as Dante Cope, Rosewood 2055, Josh Burge, DJ Snax and Ajax Stacks. DJ AB combines favorite pop hits from artists like Cardi B and ASAP Rocky with classic throwbacks such as Outkast and Missy Elliot to create an energetic and dance-driven atmosphere. Whether at your wedding or a local venue such as The Pyramid Scheme, DJ AB’s genre-bending and unique sets are sure to please any crowd.
Kathleen Kalinowski is an award-winning contemporary impressionist located DJ MIKE BUCK
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BEST BAND BRENA
What turns a party into a memorable event? Live music, infectious energy and hip-swaying songs. Brena, a local Grand Rapids party band, brings all that to the table and more. Brena is a talented group that gets people onto the dance floor with classic rock, oldies, country and Top 40 hits. But the band also can bring a romantic atmosphere to a wedding ceremony with a string trio or bring a smooth sophistication to cocktail hour with a jazz quartet. Brena has been performing since 2007 and continues to bring the fire to every event. You aren’t likely to see the dance floor empty at any point while the band is rocking out on stage. Its energy is infectious, and you can see the members’ passion for their music with every note. 46
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BAND MIKE BUCK
entertainment Performing Arts Organization Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts This wonderful theater is home to local performers and artists alike. It's a place to witness entertaining musicals, plays and inspiring performances. Each year the theater brings wonderful stories to life. It also has a school — training the next generation of performers to take the stage.
Professional Sports Team Griffins Hockey Grand Rapids has its very own professional hockey team. The Grand Rapids Griffins play their home games downtown at Van Andel Arena and are affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings. Even if you're not a lover of hockey, the games are exhilarating and the energy in the arena is infectious.
Radio Station 91.3 WCSG Since 1973, WCSG
THE BEST OF THE BEST
has been providing listeners with an easy listening escape from the rush of daily life. WCSG is a commercial-free station dedicated to playing Christian contemporary music.
a 158-acre botanical garden, art museum and outdoor sculpture park that is home to colorful tulips and butterflies in the spring. It's a whimsical place to experience natural beauty and art.
Tourist Attraction Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
TV Station WOOD-TV
A beautiful treasure found on the outskirts of Grand Rapids is Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. This park is
WOOD-TV has been one of the best sources for West Michigan’s local breaking news for years. Currently broadcasting 39 hours of newscasts each week, it is the best source for coverage of
everything from high school football to local politics.
Wedding Venue Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park With a 158-acre campus composed of beautiful landscaping, an internationally acclaimed sculpture collection and large ballrooms, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is the picture-perfect place to hold your special day.
GRAB YOUR FRIENDS Grand Rapids is bustling with activities to fill your afternoon or evening.
W H AT
ESCAPE ROOM
IMPROV GROUP
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
DISC GOLF
DANCING
WHO
The Ruse Escape Rooms
River City Improv
20 Monroe Live
Riverside Park
Rumors Night Club
WHY
The Ruse Escape Rooms are built to promote creative thinking, teamwork and communication using high-energy interactive puzzles. Participants are locked in a room and have 60 minutes to work together to escape.
River City Improv has been making Grand Rapids audiences laugh since 1993. The team crafts hilarious material on the spot that is appropriate for all ages so the whole family can enjoy the show.
Adjacent to The B.O.B, this 2,600seat theater has been bringing big-name acts to Grand Rapids since 2017. Outfitted with both standing room admission and reserved mezzanine seating, it's the perfect place to catch your next show.
Riverside Park has an 18-hole disc golf course. With great views of the river and many natural obstacles, this is a terrific course for beginners to advanced disc golfers.
Rumors is truly a one-of-a-kind, LGBTQ-friendly bar in Grand Rapids. With a large open dance floor and fun décor, it is the ideal place to dance the night away.
DO THIS
The Outdoor Escape is an epic treasure hunt through the heart of downtown Grand Rapids to find clues, solve challenges and make connections along the way.
River City Improv offers private performances perfect for any event you may be hosting. From corporate retreats to retirement parties, River City improv will be sure to entertain the entire crowd.
Not only does 20 Monroe offer live music, it also offers a multitude of other fun events such as a Harry Potter themed “Yule Ball” and stand-up comedy shows.
Riverside Park frequently holds local tournaments and open leagues. Check online for details.
Rumors frequently holds drag shows that always are entertaining — complete with skilled performances and intricate costumes.
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retail Antiques (tie) Eastown Antiques Opened in 2004, Eastown Antiques has two floors filled with hidden gems including furniture, jewelry, clothing and more. With over 45 dealers, you are certain to find a one-of-a-kind item.
Lost & Found — Treasures of Old and New Located on Century Avenue, Lost & Found — Treasures of Old and New features unique pieces of furniture, art and other antiques for avid antique hunters. It is especially good for finding popular mid-century modern pieces.
Auto Dealers Fox Motor Group Since opening in 2000, Fox Motor Group has been placing West Michigan customers first. With 26 locations in the Grand Rapids market and carrying a large selection of car brands, you are certain to find your next car here.
Bike Shop Freewheeler Bike Shop Freewheeler Bike Shop is locally owned and has been serving Grand Rapids since 1978. The shop carries a large selection of every bike imaginable including stock bikes as well as custom mountain, road and fat tire bikes.
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BEST BOOKSTORE SCHULER BOOKS
Since 1982, Schuler Books has been a cherished and exceptional one-stop shop for local book lovers and fanatic puzzle masters around Grand Rapids. The allure of the local book shop keeps customers coming back and the helpful and knowledgeable staff know how to recommend the right book or puzzle to get you through these grueling pandemic-stupor days. Schuler also is proud to have a welcoming, educational and diverse atmosphere for local readers that makes it stand out from competitors. Schuler offers opportunities and experiences that you just can’t have over the internet and that’s why it is celebrating its 38th year.
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
Bridal Shop Renee Austin Wedding Located on Plainfield Avenue, Renee Austin Wedding offers a wide selection of the most current bridal styles and fashions ranging from ball gowns to mermaids for even the choosiest of brides.
Comic Book Store Vault of Midnight As self-appointed
BOOKSTORE JOHNNY QUIRIN
BEST GIFT SHOP REBEL
A love language among many couples is gift giving. Rebel is the shop that will bring your love to life with its aesthetically pleasing and trendy gifts. Chip Minor and Dann Boyles have been owners of the cute shop since 2010 and love the atmosphere they have created and brought into East Grand Rapids. Rebel's aesthetic is a modern take on a general store. The pair want it to feel like the store has always been tucked away in the neighborhood and they want the products to make you smile every time they are used. The store covers a wide array of unique gifts from barware, plants and planters to baby accessories and toys, self-care necessities, women’s accessories, Michigan-themed knickknacks and home dÊcor.
STORE SHELVES JOHNNY QURIN
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BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP
GEORGIE’S CONSIGNMENT Housed inside one of Ada’s oldest structures, Georgie’s Consignment is the secret to finding designer items at bargain prices. Georgie Roth has owned the iconic red house on Thornapple River Drive — now almost 200 years old — since 1981. Roth graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University and went on to work at Flexsteel as a furniture designer. After getting married, she and her husband purchased the house using money they made from selling calf hutches that they designed and built. Georgie’s Consignment got its start when Roth began selling clothes from her own wardrobe. Since then, the shop has flourished with consignment clothes and accessories now filling almost every room of the house. Georgie’s has items for any occasion, carrying a large and organized selection of used clothing from evening dresses to exercise clothes and everything in between. The “designer room” houses gently used premium items at half the price from name brands such as Marc Jacobs and Burberry. Inventory is updated daily so there is always something new to find. If you are looking to sell your clothing, Georgie’s offers you 50% from the sale of your items, making it an excellent place to clean out your closet and then fill it back up!
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
MANNEQUIN JOHNNY QUIRIN
retail “ambassadors for all things geek,” Vault of Midnight provides a full range of items to appease your inner nerd including comic books, board games and apparel.
Florist Eastern Floral Nationally ranked as a top 50 florist, Eastern Floral is a trusted source for high-quality floral displays. From utilizing innovative designs to long-lasting flowers, this family-owned business is ready to help you mark any occasion.
Grocery Store Meijer A Michigan staple that has many loyal customers sticking to its grocery store roots. From local foods to a sizable garden center, Meijer has everything and more — making it a one-stop shop. This store offers brands from across the spectrum.
Jewelry Store Almassian Jewelers Since 2006, a husband and wife
gemologist couple has been providing beautiful jewelry for people across West Michigan. The pair custom design jewelry with ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones from around the world.
Men’s Clothing Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store A gentlemen’s boutique that attracts customers with its style, class and flair. This store has been catering to men’s fashion needs since 1980. It
offers varieties from boardroom to black tie. This place knows how to dress for success and bring luxury to men’s closets across Grand Rapids.
offers brands you can't find just anywhere and offers up local products for residents to enjoy.
Specialty Grocer Martha's Vineyard
The cutest little shop you ever will lay eyes on. Located on Wealthy Street, this spot has women’s clothing and accessories for any season and any style. From cozy casual to business attire, it’s a shopping spree waiting to happen.
A local grocer in the heart of Grand Rapids that has unique varieties of cheeses, beer, wine, bread, farm-fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products and more. Martha's Vineyard
Women's Clothing Lee & Birch
THE BEST OF THE BEST
FOR THE HOME Give your home a refresh with finds from one of these local favorites.
W H AT
HOME DÉCOR
PLACE TO PURCHASE LOCAL ARTWORK
FURNITURE STORE
GARDEN CENTER
HARDWARE STORES
WHO
Reinspired Treasures
LaFontsee Galleries
Talsma Furniture
Romence Gardens
Ace Hardware stores
WHY
A place full of stylish finds, both old and new, for any home aesthetic.
Contemporary art dots every wall of this gallery, which represents artists working in mediums from drawing and painting to 3D art.
A furniture store offering comfort, durability and style — luxury décor starts here.
A place that nurtures beauty and grows excellence with a guiding hand and healthy tactics.
Your neighborhood hardware store that offers everything from leaf blowers to canned food.
Vintage finds. Deck out your home with pieces that make you happy — repurpose these vintage finds and bring new life into an item once cherished by someone else.
Charles Dwyer’s work explores a strong abstract and design foundation with minutely and sensitively observed figure studies, with an emphasis on women and history, creating beautiful works of art.
Talsma’s has the ideal sofa for any household. Most can withstand children, pets and the occasional accident. You will never want to melt into any other couch.
Hanging baskets. Full of cascading annuals and flourishing petals, Romence’s baskets will liven up your front porch during any season.
A wide variety of outdoor appliances for any outdoor gathering. Find grills, sprinklers, bonfire pits, marshmallow skewers and string lighting.
CHECK OUT
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services Chiropractic Center iChiro Clinics
BEST FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
CHAD HUGHES, IMPACT FITNESS + WELLNESS
Animal Clinic Family Friends Veterinary Hospital With 11 doctors on staff, Family Friends Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary clinic and more. It also provides rehab programs, grooming and boarding to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.
Bank Huntington Bank Huntington Bank has 15 branch locations in Grand Rapids 52
alone, making it easily accessible for members. From personal banking to borrowing and investments, Huntington offers an individual connection and superior customer service.
Car Wash Mister Car Wash Michigan roads are notorious for leaving salt stains on your car during the winter, but with locations all across Grand Rapids, Mister Car Wash
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
ensures your car stays squeaky clean all year long.
Child Care Appletree Early Care and Preschool Appletree Early Care and Preschools have provided trusted and respected child care in Grand Rapids since 1998. Perfect for working parents, Appletree offers programs for children from 5 weeks old to 10 years old.
Hi Chad! Let's get to know you by starting off with what type of fitness do you specialize in? I really appreciate blending elements of strength and conditioning, functional fitness and circuit training, to name a few. Every category of fitness has some type of value associated with it which everyone can benefit from. Since I work with a diverse range of clientele, it’s important to have a variety of tools to meet them where they are at. Fitness is not a “one size fits all” approach. You sound very passionate about what you do. What inspired you to instruct? I could literally write an entire novel on this topic, so I’ll keep it short and sweet. Fitness can change your life. The thing about change is that it is difficult. It can be hard and it can be grueling. But anything worth having is never easy. That's why I founded IMPACT Fitness + Wellness, to be a place to help make a difficult journey a better one. What common advice do you give to the people you instruct? No one ever got better by accident. We are not a product of circumstances, but a product of our choices. You can do better. You can be better. But you have to choose. Do you do anything outside of instructing that goes along with staying fit? Fitness for me is a lifestyle. My family and I try to incorporate it into everything we do. Our twin 4-year-old daughters keep us very busy! So, I am thankful for a healthy body to keep up with them. What is a common misconception of losing weight/gaining muscle/ working out in general? Never chase “weight loss” in order to love yourself.
iChiro Clinics take a unique approach to chiropractic care utilizing both manual and computerized adjustments to leave you feeling your best. iChiro also provides licensed massage therapists to further restore mobility and function.
Credit Union Lake Michigan Credit Union For 85 years, Lake Michigan Credit Union has been serving West Michigan and has grown into one of the largest credit unions in the country. Lake Michigan Credit Union is nationally ranked by Weiss Ratings and Bauer Financial Group for excellent financial strength, safety and soundness.
Dermatologist (practitioner) Dr. Richard J. Ashack, MD, Dermatology Associates of West Michigan As a specialist in laser surgery, dermatopharmacology, skin cancer surgery and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Richard J. Ashack is extremely skilled in treating patients utilizing the most up-to-date treatments in the field.
Doggie Day Care/Pet Boarding Whiskers Resort and Pet Spa Whiskers Resort and Pet Spa truly is the top of the line TRAINER MICHELLE CUPPY
in pet boarding and grooming care. With experienced staff, outdoor and indoor playrooms, obedience training and more, your pet will be living in luxury while you’re away.
David Carrier, Carrier Law
Dry Cleaner Sheldon Cleaners
Elizabeth Bransdorfer, Mika Meyers
Since 1949, Sheldon Cleaners has been a household name in West Michigan for dry cleaning. Now with almost 25 locations across town, Sheldon Cleaners still is a go-to spot for all your dry cleaning needs.
Estate Planning Attorney David Carrier, Carrier Law David Carrier has 37 years of experience practicing law and has helped tens of thousands of families through his Carrier LifePlan workshops and personal advising.
Family Law Attorney (four-way tie) Catherine Jacobs, Warner Norcross+Judd A Central Michigan University alum, she provides superior service to all of her clients looking for family law assistance. As one of the largest firms in Michigan, Warner Norcross+Judd has some of the best resources available for families.
CHARCUTERIE BOARD MIKE BUCK
Also listed as best estate planning attorney, David Carrier has 37 years of experience and has helped thousands of clients with family law.
Elizabeth Bransdorfer has extensive experience in family law and has won multiple awards including being named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and was named by Best Lawyers as “Grand Rapids’ 2018 Collaborative Law: Family Law Lawyer of the Year.”
BEST CATERING KJ CATERING
If you are looking for a mouthwatering array of deliciously divine smelling and tasting food for your event, you can't beat KJ Catering. Its dedication to food is exemplary and with every bite you can feel the passion concocted in the pan. Since 2001, KJ Catering has been serving up culinary excellence that “connects people, nourishes souls and inspires ideas.” KJ Catering is versatile and accommodating despite any inconvenience the pandemic throws its way. The business has actually grown and thrived during these challenging times, and because of it, it has become a stronger, more unified business. Its passion for food overcomes even the biggest hurdles.
Richard Roane, Warner Norcross+Judd Formerly the chair of the Family Law Practice Group, Richard Roane has practiced in both family law and domestic relations litigation for 31 years.
Hotel Amway Grand Plaza Combining present day luxury in a historic setting, Amway Grand Plaza remains a favored downtown stay. This historic hotel stands tall amid the downtown skyline. It features beauty, prestige, sophistication and a Gatsby-esque theme in every aspect of its interior design. It's worth an overnight stay.
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services Interior Design Firm/Designer Fuchsia Design A place that thrives on style, aesthetics, organization and care, Fuchsia Design exceeds expectations. Take advantage of services that include interior design consultations, space planning, lighting selections and layouts, design project management and more.
Limo/Party bus Services (tie) Affordable Limousine A party isn't a true party without a party bus. Affordable Limousine has a fleet of vehicles at its disposal. Since 2006, this business
has been hitting the road and providing transportation services for residents across West Michigan.
Uptown Limo and Party Bus Show up in style by pulling up with the gang in bouncing, music-pumping fashion. This bus service will have you dancing all night long and will get you safely to any destination that is within reasonable reach.
Personal Injury Attorney Thomas G. Sinas, Sinas Dramis Thomas G. Sinas advocates for the injured. He focuses his practice on personal injury and wrongful
Pamper Me! death litigation — dealing heavily with car accident cases.
Plastic Surgeon (practitioner) Dr. Brad Bengston, MD, Bengston Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery Dr. Brad Bengston is a doctor dedicated to his practice and the care, safety and well-being of his patients. He focuses on “achieving natural and proportional results that are restored, refined and renewed.”
thrives in Grand Rapids and gives back to the community every day by being that friendly face that will help start you on your next journey in your new home.
Retirement Community Holland Home Holland Home prioritizes health, happiness, relaxation and safety. This retirement community meets you where you are, from independent living to assisted living. It also offers memory care, home care and hospice care.
Residential Real Estate Firm Five Star Real Estate
Tattoo Parlor Mos Eisleys Tattoo Studio
Five Star Real Estate
Inspiration and
creativity become permanent here. Thinking about getting new ink? Or getting a tattoo for the first time? Here you will find skilled artists and helpful advice as you embark on a way to express yourself through the art of the tattoo gun.
Yoga Studio Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse Zen is a lifestyle, not a choice. Find peace, relaxation, a killer workout and your center of gravity as you delve into the art of yoga and its lengthy list of mental, physical and spiritual benefits at one of four Funky Buddha locations.
BEST DENTIST DR. THOMAS LAMBERT
Dr. Thomas Lambert is no stranger to Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best Of list as a nine-time winner in the Dentist category. Lambert has been pampering patients in Grand Rapids for over 30 years, making dental appointments feel less stressful and more relaxing. Warm blankets, aromatherapy neck wraps, TVs on the ceiling and relaxing gas (nitrous oxide) are just some of the amenities available during appointments. With the mission statement to “educate and guide our patients toward the healthiest and best-looking smiles,” it is clear that patients always have top priority. Lambert plays an active role in giving back to his community as well. For the past two decades, he has volunteered at the Baxter Dental Clinic by providing services to those without dental insurance. As a dental educator, he has taught as an adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Community College for 10 years and has been a lecturer for dentists and their teams through the Michigan Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society and numerous dental organizations across the United States. Lambert also is a strong supporter of the local dental association and currently sits on the American Dental Association’s Committee on Communications.
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
BEST DAY SPA
Design 1 Salon Spa Relaxation and self-care are key elements at Design 1 Salon Spa. Be ready to be pampered when you enter this modern, trendy and chic iteration of a salon. It always is bustling with activity and is clouded with perfume-scented hairspray, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The salon has five locations surrounding Grand Rapids.
BEST HAIR SALON Jeffrey Richard Salon
In 2000, this Aveda-concept salon opened its doors on Wealthy Street. This salon takes hairstyling to another level by offering a sensory service fit for relaxation and stress relief. Take a seat, enjoy a beverage and succumb to relaxation while being treated like royalty.
BEST MANI/PEDI
Design1 Salon Spa Treat yourself. Take a day and enjoy the ambiance that Design 1 Salon Spa encompasses. Choose from a variety of hand and foot treatments that will send you into relaxation mode and leave you feeling just a little happier when you’re finished. The spa also offers fun seasonal-inspired pedicures to perk up those toes any time of the year. PHOTO CONTENT DENTIST PHOTO MIKECREDIT BUCK
runners up Food & Drink APPETIZERS Rockwell Republic BAKERY Wealthy Street Bakery BAR/PUB Stella’s Lounge BBQ Slows Bar BQ BEER & WINE MERCHANT Rishi’s International Beverage BLOODY MARY Sundance Grill and Bar
FOOD TRUCK What The Truck
STEAK Butcher’s Union
FRENCH FRIES Brewery Vivant
SUSHI Jaku Sushi
FROYO SHOP The Pump House
TACOS Tacos El Cuñado
HAPPY HOUR Terra
VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN BURGER Brick Road Pizza Co. and Noco Provisions (tie)
HARD CIDER The People’s Cider Co. HOT DOG The Corner Bar
VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN MENU The Electric Cheetah
ICE CREAM Furniture City Creamery
WINE BAR Aperitivo
BREAKFAST Real Food Café
LATE NIGHT DRINKS/DINING Stella’s Lounge and Z’s Bar and Restaurant (tie)
BREWERY Brewery Vivant
MAC & CHEESE The Electric Cheetah
BRUNCH Anna’s House
OUTDOOR/ DECK SEATING Blue Water and The Score Restaurant and Sports Bar (tie)
BURGER Cottage Bar and Restaurant BURRITO Cantina Mexican Grill BUTCHER SHOP Louise Earl Butcher CHEF Kevin VanderMeer, KJ Catering COFFEEHOUSE The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand CRAFT COCKTAILS Buffalo Traders Lounge CUPCAKES Cakabakery DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT Amore Trattoria Italiana and Leo’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar (tie) DESSERT Amore Trattoria Italiana DISTILLERY Eastern Kille Distillery DOUGHNUTS The Doughnut Conspiracy
PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
PIZZA Vitale’s RESTAURANT SERVICE The Chop House and Leo’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar (tie) ROOFTOP DINING Rockwell Republic
WINGS Detroit Wing Company
MUSEUM Grand Rapids Art Museum PARK Millennium Park PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATION Grand Rapids Symphony PLACES TO GO DANCING Eve Nightclub @ The B.O.B. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM West Michigan Whitecaps
FURNITURE STORE Stonesthrow and Northwestern Home Furnishings (tie) GARDEN CENTER Flowerland
DERMATOLOGIST (PRACTITIONER) Dr. Rebecca M. Jansen, MD, Dermatology Associates of West Michigan
GIFT SHOP Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts
DOGGIE DAY CARE/ PET BOARDING Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
GROCERY STORE Forest Hills Foods
DRY CLEANER Afendoulis Cleaners and Tuxedos
HARDWARE STORE Alger Hardware & Rental HOME DÉCOR Rebel JEWELRY STORE DeVries Jewelers
ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY Raj Malviya, Miller Johnson FITNESS INSTRUCTOR Amy Kwaiser, Zumba, Gina Traynor and Tom Traynor (tie)
RADIO STATION 88.1 WYCE
MEN’S CLOTHING A.K. Rikk’s
ANNUAL FESTIVAL ArtPrize
TOURIST ATTRACTION ArtPrize
PLACE TO PURCHASE LOCAL ARTWORK Lions & Rabbits
DISC GOLF COURSE Garfield Park
TV STATION FOX 17
SPECIALTY GROCER Horrocks Market
ESCAPE ROOM The Great Escape Room
WEDDING VENUE Revel Center
WOMEN’S CLOTHING Leigh’s
INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM/DESIGNER Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design
Services
LIMO/PARTY BUS SERVICES Five Star Sedan and Limo
Entertainment
FEMALE TV PERSONALITY Rachel Ruiz, WOOD-TV GOLF COURSE The Gold Club at Thornapple Pointe
SANDWICH Two Beards Deli
GR-BASED BAND/ MUSICIAN The Crane Wives
SEAFOOD Fish Lads
HIKE/BIKE TRAIL Kent Trails
SPORTS BAR The Score Restaurant and Sports Bar
IMPROV GROUP Pop Scholars
THE BEST OF THE BEST
METEOROLOGIST Ellen Bacca, WOOD-TV
LIVE MUSIC VENUE The Intersection LOCAL DJ Keller Shaw LOCAL MUSIC SERIES Grand Rapids Symphony’s Picnic Pops LOCAL RADIO SHOW Connie & Fish, MIX 95.7 MALE TV PERSONALITY Casey Jones, WOOD-TV
Retail ANTIQUES Bluedoor AUTO DEALERS Kool Grand Rapids BIKE SHOP Grand Rapids Bicycle Co. BOOKSTORE Books & Mortar BRIDAL SHOP Ali Nicole Bridal and Bianka Bridal (tie) CAR WASH Tommy’s Express Car Wash COMIC BOOK STORE Tardy’s Collector’s Corner CONSIGNMENT STORE Rock Paper Scissors Consignment Boutique FLORIST Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts
ANIMAL CLINIC Cascade Hospital for Animals BANK Fifth Third Bank CATERING SERVICE Martha’s Catering CHILD CARE Milestones Child Development Center CHIROPRACTIC CENTER Chiropractic Unlimited and Kooistra Chiropractic Clinic (tie) CREDIT UNION Adventure Credit Union DAY SPA Grand Pearl Spa at The Amway
HAIR SALON Design 1 Salon Spa HOTEL JW Marriott
MANI/PEDI Posh Nails and Spa PLASTIC SURGEON (PRACTITIONER) Dr. John D. Renucci, MD, Plastic Surgery Associates RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FIRM Greenridge Realty and Keller Williams Realty (tie) RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Clark Retirement TATTOO PARLOR Honest to Goodness Tattoo and Piercing YOGA STUDIO AM Yoga
DENTIST (PRACTITIONER) Dr. Joshua A. Peiffer, DDS, Contemporary Family Dental
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Special Advertising Section
Voted The Best
KICK-START YOUR YEAR WITH
FRESH-PRESSED
JUICE We’re Wide Open. 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 TF: 1-888-957-1580 MeijerGardens.org | #MeijerGardens | @MeijerGardens
Special Advertising Section
Voted The Best
• Veterinary Services • Grooming • After Hours Urgent Care available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Family Owned Practice Best in Grand Rapids for 7 years in a row! Family Friends Veterinary Hospital has experienced veterinarians to serve you. 6555 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | www.familyfriendsvet.com | 616.575.6520
Thank you for voting us the Best Retirement Community in Grand Rapids! It has always been our mission to provide the highest level of care—emotionally, physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually—and we are proud that others are able to see that mission come to life. It is not just our expert care or Vibrant Living amenities that set us apart but the
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY’S
SENIORS Like it should be.
supportive community that we offer and are a part of. For more information visit hollandhome.org, or call 616.643.2730.
Special Advertising Section
Voted The Best
The Public and the Pros Agree About Tom Sinas... Voted by consumers as the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Grand Rapids Peer-recognized as a Top 10 Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Lawyer in Michigan
Advocates for the Injured SinasDramis.com 616-301-3333 info@sinasdramis.com
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12/9/20
Voted The Best
4:12 PM
Thanks to Grand Rapids Magazine readers for voting for us. Also, special thanks to our awesome crew and loyal customers and most of all God. Because of all of you, we are blessed with a successful business. Wishing you all a happy, healthy & meat ďŹ lled 2021! — Tim & Teresa Sobie
2020-21 Readers Poll
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3450 Remembrance Rd NW Walker | (616) 453-7201 sobiemeats.com
Thank you for the vote! Michigan Morning - Dunes, oil, 30x40
KathleenKalinowski.com Studio is open by Appointment - 616-446-1308
Special Advertising Section
Voted The Best
THANK YOU, for selecting Almassian Jewelers as the Best of Grand Rapids jeweler.
Visit us online at AlmassianJewelers.com or call (616) 949-8888
Special Advertising Section
Voted The Best
For over 13 years we have been honored to be a part of this community and we appreciate your support. 3100 29th Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49512 | 616-575-5660 | whiskerspetresort.com
2020-21 Readers Poll
Special Advertising Section
Voted The Best
Imagine yourself with a new smile
Call us today to learn how you can have the Healthiest and Most Beautiful Smile in All of West Michigan!
Tha nknk Tha Thank you you you
F FFOR VOTING US GRAND RAPIDS “BEST DENTIST” FOR VOTING US GRAND “BEST DENTIST” FOR 9 RAPIDS CONSECUTIVE YEARS! FOR 7 CONSECUTIVE YEARS!
2020-21 Readers Poll
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Best of
Best of
Best of
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Dr. Thomas J. L
3300 Grand Ridge Dr NE | Gran
www.smilegrandrapids.c
Dr. Thomas J. La
3300 Grand Ridge Dr NE | Grand
www.smilegrandrapids.co
Dr. Thomas J. Lambert D.D.S. 3300 Grand Ridge Dr NE | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 | Phone 616.364.6490
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www.smilegrandrapids.com
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OUR STAFF'S GUIDE TO THE AREA'S BEST EATERIES For any additions or changes: // Please email cdewey@geminipub.com or write to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o Dining Guide, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Downtown GR ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ APERITIVO A wine bar with a small menu that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and monthly sandwich specials. The retail section includes tinned fish, which can be enjoyed on-site with pickled veggies, cultured butter and Field & Fire bread. It is located within the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Open Daily. // 435 Ionia Ave. SW, 259-7045. aperitivogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ ART CARIBBEAN FUSION CUISINE Featuring a Caribbean menu with items like empanadas, croquettes, mofongos, Cuban sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 55 Monroe Center NW, 724-4370. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BEIJING KITCHEN Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$
2020 DINING AWARD WINNER BISTRO BELLA VITA Big-city casual; modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. // 47 Monroe Center NW, 2266928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRICKYARD TAVERN Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BULL’S HEAD TAVERN Large selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Entrées include pasta, fish, chicken and steak along with burgers and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ THE CHOP HOUSE Aged prime beef, seafood, pork, lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. // 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. Dinner $$$ CITY BUILT BREWING CO. Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CINCO DE MAYO Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. // 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CITYSEN LOUNGE Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and small-plate creations. Beer and wine; happy hour 4-7 pm. Open daily. // CityFlatsHotel, 83 Monroe Center NW, 6081725. cityflatshotel.com/location/grand-rapids. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ COTTAGE BAR Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chilis and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 18 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. Lunch, Dinner $
BOBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B. Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers. Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bobarinospizza. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
DIVANI European-inspired food includes small plates for sharing and a variety of entrées. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. divanigr.com. Dinner $$-$$$
BRICK & PORTER Appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a nice
FLANAGAN’S Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
with Irish influence. Frequent live music. Open Daily. // 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FORTY PEARL A wine bar serving oysters, cured meats and cheeses, baked goods and sweets, soups and salads, shareables, sandwiches, rice bowls and entrées like salmon, seared scallops and Cornish hen. Open daily. // 40 Pearl St. NW, 608-7741. fortypearl.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GILLY’S SMOKEHOUSE Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more. Closed Sun-Mon. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/gillysrestaurant. Dinner $-$$ GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GP SPORTS Sports bar and restaurant. Menu features create-yourown pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/gp-sports. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (SatSun), Dinner $-$$ GRAND RAPIDS GARAGE BAR AND GRILL “All-American grub” includes burgers, nachos,
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sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. / 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-0321. garagebargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Yearround alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LITTLEBIRD Café-style restaurant featuring made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch, including a full coffee menu, house-made sodas and egg creams, and pastries. Full bar. Open daily. // 95 Monroe Center NW, 419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $
HERITAGE HILL PIZZA Offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. No alcohol. Open daily with a few tables for dining in. // 340 State St SE, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE HERITAGE GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ J. GARDELLA’S TAVERN Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. Three floors of seating. Closed Sun. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellastavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ JUDSON’S AT THE B.O.B. Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops. Notable wine list. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsonssteakhouse. Dinner $$$ THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ LEO’S Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm MonFri. Closed Sun. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$
2020 DINING AWARD WINNER LINEAR Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
LUNA TAQUERIA Y COCINA Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 64 Ionia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
2020 BEST NEW RESTAURANT MARGAUX A contemporary French bistro. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. // JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll. Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. D $$-$$$ MDRD Overlooking the Grand River from its location on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, this restaurant serves modern Spanish cuisine including tapas and paella. Reservations available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 187 Monroe Ave. NW, 776.6425. amwaygrand.com/dining. Dinner $$$
2020 DINING AWARD WINNER MERTENS PRIME French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era hotel. Steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. mertensgr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ MEXO Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR & RESTAURANT Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$
ONE TRICK PONY GRILL & TAPROOM Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front, dog- friendly patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 136 E Fulton St, 2357669. onetrick.biz. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN Part of Studio Park, One Twenty Three Tavern offers starters, small plates and handhelds, large plates, and a kids menu. Offering elevated American fare, including a fried chicken sandwich, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$
2020 DINING AWARD WINNER OSTERIA ROSSA Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Open daily. // 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriarossa.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$ PALACE OF INDIA Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIND INDIAN CUISINE A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ RESERVE Wine bar offers extensive by-the-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. // 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ ROAM BY SAN CHEZ BISTRO The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ ROCKWELL REPUBLIC Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
SAN CHEZ BISTRO Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. // 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SANDY POINT BEACH HOUSE GR Originating in West Olive, dishes include “traditional beach house favorites,” such as prime beef burgers, fresh halibut, steak and frites, and roasted chicken and mussels. Full bar. Open daily. // 822 Ottawa Ave. NW, 828-1118, sandypointbeachhouse.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SLOWS BAR-B-Q Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides. Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. // Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slowsbarbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SOCIAL HOUSE A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters such as veggie, meat and cheese shared platters, goat cheese fritters, spicy tuna wontons and avocado toast; soups and salads; burgers and sandwiches; and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$
West Side ANDO SUSHI + BAR Asian fusion eatery featuring small plates, bentos, rice bowls, raw bar, noodles, soup, salad and more. Wide selection of wine, plus local, domestic and international beer. Full bar. // 415 Bridge St NW, 608-0789. andosushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BLUE DOG TAVERN West Michigan craft brews on tap. Good selection of
tots, dogs and burgers. Open daily. // 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ BROADWAY BAR & GRILL Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations, especially at Christmas. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. // 740 Broadway Ave SW, 454-0565. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
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46
EMERALD MEADOWS
6117 Charlevoix Woods Court S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 954-2366
A PROVIDENCE LIFE SERVICES COMMUNITY
SPARKS BBQ Offering barbecued meats by the pound, à la carte, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, sides, specialty entrées and desserts. Sparks BBQ originated in Traverse City. Full bar. Open daily. // 15 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 140, 888-2170. home.eatsparksbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SPEAKEZ LOUNGE Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and gluten-free. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. // 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ STELLA’S LOUNGE Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 7424444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$ TAVERN ON THE SQUARE Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ Z’S BAR & RESTAURANT Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 4543141. zsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
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BUTCHER’S UNION Meat-and-whiskey-centric gastro pub. Full bar. Outdoor seating available. // 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ EL GRANJERO Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. // 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ EL SOMBRERO Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRATELLI’S KITCHEN & BAR Italian cuisine based on family recipes from Sicily with a “modern twist.” Full service bar. Open daily. // 443 Bridge St NW, Suite 2. 389-4963. fratellisgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ HARMONY HALL West Side brewpub with a German beer hall atmosphere serves comfort food including sloppy joes, grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers and a variety of dishes based on French fries, including poutine. Sausage menu. Vegan and vegetarian options for every dish on the menu. Open Thurs.-Sat. // 401 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9186. harmonybeer.com/harmony-hall. Dinner $-$$ THE HOLIDAY BAR Established in 1905, menu features appetizers and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden in warm months. Open daily. // 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. theholidaybargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
THE MITTEN BREWING CO. Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MONARCHS’ CLUB Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 2339799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $ ONE BOURBON Trendy, two-level restaurant serving creative shareable plates, burgers, hot sandwiches and entrées. Full bar features more than 120 whiskies. Closed Sun-Mon. // 608 Bridge St NW, 608-5766. onebourbongr.com. Dinner $-$$ O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. // 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PEARL STREET GRILL Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. // 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$
2020 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR JOLLY PUMPKIN PIZZERIA & BREWERY Dexter-based brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jollypumpkin.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ THE KNICKERBOCKER – NEW HOLLAND BREWING Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. // 417 Bridge St NW, 3455642. newhollandbrew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LONG ROAD DISTILLERS Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers. com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$ MAGGIE’S KITCHEN Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
THE SOVENGARD Midwest heart meets New Nordic spirit. This cozy West Side farm-to-table restaurant focuses on seasonal and local sourcing and offers two separate dining spaces/ menus with an outdoor biergarten. Closed Mon. and Tues. Open for brunch Sat. and Sun. Reservations accepted. // 443 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. Dinner $-$$ TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$ WESTSIDE SOCIAL “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$
Uptown BOMBAY CUISINE Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India. Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. // 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BREWERY VIVANT Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ BRICK ROAD PIZZA Traditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (glutenfree crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 2885038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $ CHEZ OLGA Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
2020 DINING AWARD WINNER THE COMMONS 1970s-themed restaurant with “retro comfort food.” Full bar, including craft beer and ’70s-inspired cocktails. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 547 Cherry St SE, 458-2704. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ CURRY KITCHEN Authentic Indian cuisine. Daily lunch buffet. Kids menu. Takeout. Open daily. No alcohol. // 961 E Fulton St, 242-1300. currykitchengr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ DANZÓN CUBANO Authentic Cuban fare, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally made and Cuban sodas. Full bar; happy hour specials Mon-Thu. Open daily. // 1 Carlton Ave SE, 988-9788. danzoncubano.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ DONKEY TAQUERIA Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station. Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST WEST BREWING CO. Traditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. // 1400 Lake Dr
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
NEWLY RENOVATED
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GRAND RAPIDS - DOWNTOWN
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310 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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616-235-7611
|
higrdt.com
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SE, 288-5250. eastwestbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Fri-Sat), Dinner $-$$ ELECTRIC CHEETAH Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 4514779. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ELK BREWING CO. Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. // 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $ ERB THAI Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. Open daily. // 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
2020 DINING AWARD WINNER FORTY ACRES SOUL KITCHEN “Authentically American” southern comfort food, featuring po’boys, grits, gumbo and more. To-go catering available. Closed Mon. // 1059 Wealthy St SE, 481-6971. fortyacresgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GOJO ETHIOPIAN CUISINE & DELI Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew) dishes served with injera flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 421 Norwood Ave SE, 459-3383. gojoethiopian cuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ THE GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB Not your run-of-the-mill New American fare. Full bar with more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open Tue–Sun. // 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HANCOCK Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HARMONY BREWING CO. Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KCM A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sando (Japanese cut white bread sandwiches or openfaced toast with meat, egg salad or other filling); curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu (Japanese deep-fried tenderized pork loin, tenderloin and shoulder cutlets); chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean-style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues.-Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
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LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MARU SUSHI & GRILL Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ QUARANTINO’S Detroit-style pizza restaurant offering unique pizza options finished with Satori Wisconsin Parmesan. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 1444 Lake Drive SE, 734-6833. quarantinosgr.com. Dinner $$ THE PUB AT PADDOCK “Happy hour all the time” with elevated pub fare. Full bar. Closed Mondays. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 3562627. thegilmorecollection.com/pubatpaddock. Dinner $-$$
2020 DINING AWARD WINNER TERRA Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. // 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WIKIWIKI POKE SHOP Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials. Carry-out available. Closed Sun. // 1146 Wealthy St SE, 288-5646. wikiwikipokeshop.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WINCHESTER Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in centuryold space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ YESTERDOG Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily.
// 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. Lunch, Dinner $ ZIVIO Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$
East Grand Rapids BIG BOB’S PIZZA Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$ CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$ JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ OLIVE’S Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. // 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ OSTA’S LEBANESE CUISINE Large selection of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Serves beer and wine. Takeout and catering available. Closed Sun-Mon. // 2228 Wealthy St SE, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. Lunch (Tue-Fri), Dinner $-$$ ROSE’S Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
Best of 2020-21 Readers Poll
2020-21 Readers Poll
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Northeast GR 7 MONKS TAPHOUSE Beer bar with more than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads. Open daily. // 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/ grand-rapids. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BIRCH LODGE Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ BLUE WATER GRILL Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. // 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BUD & STANLEY’S Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILLE Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charliesbarandgrille. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$ CHEER’S GOOD TIME SALOON Menu offers something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ CRESTON BREWERY More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ DETROIT WING CO. Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders with 19 house-made sauces. Its menu also includes mac n’ cheese, poutine, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and cheesecake. Detroit Wing Co. was founded in Detroit. Open daily. // 2004 East Beltline Ave. NE, 214-8331. detroitwingco.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh
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pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian. net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GOLDEN WOK Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAYDON’S CROSSING Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ JAKU SUSHI Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. // 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 6490407. jakusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KITCHEN 67 Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers. Open daily. // 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 272-3778. kitchen67.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA HUASTECA Authentic Mexican restaurant offering burritos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ LAI THAI KITCHEN Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar. Open daily. // 2869 Knapp St NE, 608-6912. licarispizzakitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ LUCY’S CAFÉ Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-yourown breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield
Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$-$$$ MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $ MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MING TEN All-you-can-eat Japanese/Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 365-3989. mingtenrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NICK FINK’S Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. // 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.com/nickfinks. Dinner $$ POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REZERVOIR LOUNGE Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
Lika Behar
THE SCORE Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SHESHCO GRILL Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$ THAI CHEF Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ VANDER MILL Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style. Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. // 505 Ball Ave NE, 259-8828. vandermill.com. Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$-$$$
Northwest GR 2020 DINING AWARD WINNER AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana.com. Dinner (Tue-Sat) $$ CHINA CHEF Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CHINA CITY Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ DEHOP’S BREWING CO. AND CAFÉ Specialty and build-your-own burgers, “authentic Mexican” tacos, salads and sharable appetizers. Closed Sun-Mon. // 363 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, 8053363. dehops.com. Dinner $$
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$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
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EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 7858880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standiegogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
FRANCO’S PIZZA Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. Dinner $-$$
SWAN INN RESTAURANT Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. // 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. Dinner $-$$
THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet.letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$
WALKER ROADHOUSE Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 791-9922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $$
HOME TEAM GRILL Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. // 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill. wordpress.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUMMUS & FALAFEL MIDDLE EASTERN GRILLE Located near the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $
Southeast GR 7 MARES Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ AL-BOS EUROCAFE-BAKERY Authentic southeastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials. Open daily. // 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. al-bos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ASIAN PALACE Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 141 28th St SE, 5347770. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THE LANDING Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. AllAmerican favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/dining/the-landingrestaurant. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
BELTLINE BAR Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
PERRIN BREWING CO. Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 5910 Comstock Park Dr, 5511957. perrinbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ STAN DIEGO BAJA TACO KITCHEN Baja California-inspired menu, featuring a-la-carte taco
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CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drive-thru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily. // 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantinamexicangrill.biz. Lunch (Sun-Thu), Dinner $$ DADDY PETE’S BBQ Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST GARDEN BUFFET Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MR. GYROS Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. // 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 7916660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CAFÉ DE MIRO A café offering Kurdish, Armenian and Greek foods. The menu consists of traditional Mediterranean breakfast and side dishes, such as skillets, scrambles and acai bowls; pastries; toasts; soups; sandwiches; salads; Turkish coffee; tea; desserts; and more. No alcohol. // Breton Village Shopping Plaza, 1878 Breton Rd SE, (616) 719-1462. Facebook. Open daily. Breakfast, Lunch $
BRASS RING BREWING Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BROAD LEAF LOCAL BEER Pub fare including snacks, meat and veggies on a stick and entrées like drunken noodles, burgers, tempeh and more. Open daily. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CABANA TRES AMIGOS Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
EL ARRIERO MEXICAN GRILL Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas. Open daily. // 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL GLOBO RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIREROCK GRILLE Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ FLORENTINE PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GANDERS Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ GOLDEN GATE Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
GURSHA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ HALL STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery. com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ INDIA TOWN Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA TAQUERIA SAN JOSE Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1338 S Division Ave, 2842297. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ LAST CHANCE TAVERN AND GRILL Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. // 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelastchancetavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $ LE KABOB Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PHO ANH TRANG Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
YUMMY WOK Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PHO SOC TRANG Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Southwest GR
PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 4523228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SHANGHAI ICHIBAN Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120. shanghaiichiban.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SUSHI KUNI Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2901 Breton Rd SE, 2414141. sushikuni.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ TAQUERÍA EL RINCÓN MEXICANO Wide variety of Mexican breakfast, small plates, dinner dishes and soups, including several vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2055 28th St, 246-7000. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
84TH STREET PUB & GRILLE American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar. Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. // 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées, including summer chicken and pea ravioli. Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. bluegingerkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FAR-EAST CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MI TIERRA Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
THAI EXPRESS Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $
MIKADO SUSHI Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mikadogr.com/main. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
THAI FUSION Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
GOLDEN 28 Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800. Lunch, Dinner $$
NU-THAI BISTRO Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. // 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
KITZINGEN BREWERY German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed Sun-Mon. // 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingen-brewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
VILLAGE INN PIZZA & SPORTS GRILLE Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. // 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LINDO MEXICO RESTAURANTE MEXICANO Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1742 28th St SW, 2612280. lindomexicogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THE OLD GOAT Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $
WEI WEI PALACE Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. weiweipalace.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
FRANKIE V’S PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
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SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CORK WINE & GRILLE Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. corkwineandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
MARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO French country casual offers small, medium and large plates for dinner fare; salads, sandwiches and mains for lunch. Full bar. Takeout menu. Closed Sun. // 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
MONELLI’S ITALIAN GRILL & SPORTS BAR Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. Open daily. // 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 530-9700. monellis.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
EMONAE KOREAN BBQ Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. // 6246 28th St SE, 649-3984. emonaekoreanbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
MYNT FUSION BISTRO Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
NOBLE Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$
THE EURO BISTRO European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$
PETE’S GRILL & TAVERN Casual bar and grill with tavern burgers, Detroit style pizza, sandwiches and entrees. Open daily. // 2588 84th St SW, Byron Center, 878-9582. petesgrillandtavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
FLAT RIVER GRILL Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
MAIN STREET PUB Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MI CASA RESTAURANTE Fresh, authentic Dominican appetizers, dishes and seafood, plus weekly specials, in Dominicanthemed, family-friendly atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Mon-Tues. // 334 Burton St SW, 350-9123. micasagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 15 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$
Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area ARYANA RESTAURANT & BAR Comfortable dining room in Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. // 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BIG BOILER BREWING Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and cider. Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. // 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboilerbrewing.com. Dinner $$ CASCADE ROADHOUSE Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
HAMBURGER MARY’S This LGBTQ-friendly burger franchise offers an open-air burger bar along with 40 beers on tap. Drag events such as karaoke, game night and trivia night, as well as drag shows, occur most days of the week. Outdoor patio seating. Full bar. Open daily with brunch hours on Sat and Sun. // 6240 28th St. SE, 551-2305. hamburgermarys.com. Dinner $$ JU SUSHI & LOUNGE Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. // 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
NOCO PROVISIONS Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch TuesSat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$ NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$ OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SCHNITZ ADA GRILL Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. // 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MAIN STREET BBQ Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar.
THORNAPPLE BREWING CO. Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert. Brunch on Sun. // 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
TRAILHEAD CAFÉ Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. // 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 284-3664. trailheadcafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ VINTAGE PRIME & SEAFOOD Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintageatcork.com. Dinner $$$ ZEYTIN Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
Grandville/Hudsonville Area BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE DUNGEON Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$ EL BURRITO LOCO More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 5309470. elburritoloco4.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRANDVILLA Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 6629670. hudsonvillegrille.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MICHIGAN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY A distillery with starters, sandwiches, salads and sides with a barbeque theme. Many of the items include Bobby Q sauce. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 4005 Chicago Dr SW in Grandville, 259-1000. michiganmoonshine.us. Dinner $$ OSGOOD BREWING CO. Craft brewery serves shareables, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and salads. Kids menu. Open daily.
// 4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 432-3881. osgoodbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com/ restaurant. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO. German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. // 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
RAINBOW GRILL Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 8960033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RUSH CREEK BISTRO Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SONDER EATERY Focused on fresh foods including greens, sandwiches and shareables. Items include deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, sloppy Joes and more. Full bar. Daily specials and weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. // 3380 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 616-202-6379. sondereatery.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ WHITE FLAME BREWING CO. Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WIN TAVERN A family-friendly restaurant offering fresh ingredients and cooked-to-order meals, including starters and salads, burgers, sandwiches, and steak and onion meals. It also offers a Sunday breakfast from 10 a.m.1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
Rockford Area BOSTWICK LAKE INN Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. // 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$
GRILL ONE ELEVEN American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. // 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONEY CREEK INN Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. // 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HOT BOX BBQ Smoked brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, brisket and more. Closed Sun. // 110 Courtland St, 951-7160. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ MARINADES PIZZA BISTRO Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. // 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $ RAMONA’S TABLE Gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, small plates, homemade desserts. Farm-to-table specials. Michigan beers, wine. Kids menu. Open daily. // 17 Squires St Square NE, 951-7100. ramonastable.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ROCKFORD BREWING CO. Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Handcrafted brews on tap. Open daily. // 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TIMBERS INN Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. // 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. Lunch (Wed-Sun), Dinner $-$$ THIRD NATURE BREWING COMPANY Located near the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, Third Nature Brewing is a rustic brewery and taproom offering “comfort foods” such as pizzas and hot sandwiches, as well as healthier options like power bowls and salads. Open daily. // 7733 Childsdale Ave. NE in Plainfield Township, 616-512-9314. thirdnaturebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See website for seasonal hours. // 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont,
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
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Multiple Locations ANNA’S HOUSE Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and exceptional desserts; dinner menu, too. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$
HOPCAT Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT Breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Menu includes extensive gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 722 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 2650 East Beltline Ave SE (Centerpointe Mall), 956-7901; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurant.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
MORNING BELLE This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171; 434 Bridge St NW, 855-6907. morningbellebrunch.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$
BAGEL BEANERY Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 249-9500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
MR. BURGER Breakfast, burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts. // 2101 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 453-6291; 950 44th St. SW, 538-0363; 1750 44th St. SE 455-8604; 5181 Northland Dr. NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St. SW; 538-4439; 5835 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville, 662-5088. mrburger.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
BIG E’S SPORTS GRILL Sports lounge serving pizza, classic American appetizers and other entrées. Full bar includes a variety of Michigan-made beer and cider. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2321 East Beltline Ave SE, 608-8825. 710 Monroe Ave NW, 512-5716. bigessportsgrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 2595353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIRST WOK Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND CONEY Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 9303596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021
PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OMELETTE SHOPPE Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 726-7300. omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 773-1687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VITALE’S PIZZERIA Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales.com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PITA HOUSE Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. Lunch, Dinner $ REAL FOOD CAFÉ Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $ RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 5328888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (MonSat) $$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
MEET THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS WHO MAKE US GREAT There’s a reason West Michigan lands on “best” lists year over year. Its cities have been named among the best places to live, work, raise a family, buy a home, start a business, and take a vacation, to name just a few accolades. At the heart of this prosperity are its industries and businesses — and, more importantly, the people who run them. In its second year as a feature in Grand Rapids Magazine, the Faces of West Michigan section spotlights individuals and teams who contribute to the region’s grandeur. These are the experts in their fields, the leaders who inspire, the pioneers who break new ground, the influencers who shape our collective character. West Michigan isn’t up-and-coming anymore; it has arrived. These are the stories of the catalysts who have forged the path and elevated the community to its superlative status.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
FIND THE FACES OF: IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
HOSPITALITY: Peter Beukema – Suburban Inns INTERIOR DESIGN: Autumn Fuchs – Fuchsia Design LANDSCAPING: Gary Kappes – Kappes Landscaping Inc. BREAKFAST: Josh Beckett – Anna’s House INSURANCE: Lighthouse Group CBD: The Grassy Knoll RESIDENTIAL BUILDING: Scott Christopher Homes FAMILY & DIVORCE LAW: Thacker Sleight FINE JEWELRY: DeVries Jewelers CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: CJ Mackenzie – First Companies Inc. FINE FURNISHINGS: Portobello Road WEALTH MANAGEMENT: Zhang Financial ARCHITECTURE: Wayne Visbeen – Visbeen Architects BUSINESS LENDING: United Bank RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE: John Postma – RE/MAX of Grand Rapids SOFTWARE: Mark Johnson and Josh Hulst – Michigan Software Labs VETERINARY CARE: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital DERMATOLOGY: Dr. Kristi Hawley – The Derm Institute of West Michigan CHIROPRACTIC CARE: Dr. Matthew S. Phinney – The Chiropractic Doctors, PLLC PROPERTY INVESTMENTS AND MANAGEMENT: Green Property Management TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS: Rehmann CRAFTING BREWING: Founders Brewing Co. CANNABIS: Kush Development Group COLLABORATIVE LAW: Ada Collaborative Center – Quist Law, Elliot Law, Homier Law PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Rockford Property Management PAYROLL, HCM & TREASURY: Mercantile Bank of Michigan MALPRACTICE LAW: Richard K. Grover Jr. FITNESS: MVP Sports Club DIGITAL EXPERIENCES: dig DIGITAL MEDIA: 616 Media
Special Promotional Section
FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
HOSPITALITY
PETER BEUKEMA – SUBURBAN INNS 3380 HIGHLAND DR., HUDSONVILLE, MI 49426 | 616-874-3434 | SUBURBANINNS.COM
Peter Beukema is the visionary, chief executive officer, and partner for Suburban Inns, a second-generation family business founded in 1979. Suburban Inns designs, builds, owns, and operates multiple hotels and restaurants in the West Michigan area as well as Midland. Suburban Inns’ award-winning hotels offer excellent service and amenities within each of its three premium franchised brands – IHG, Marriott, and Hilton. Suburban Inns also has won
the West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For five years in a row including this year. Beukema serves on multiple boards and committees to better serve his community. He also serves nationally on the IHG Owners Association - IHG Rewards Club Committee. Locally he is on the Holland SmartZone board, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association board, and the Gerald R. Ford Airport Authority board.
Special Promotional Section
FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
INTERIOR DESIGN
AUTUMN FUCHS – FUCHSIA DESIGN 6157 28TH ST. SE, STE. 11, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | FUCHSIADESIGN.COM
Autumn Fuchs, NCIDQ, owner of Fuchsia Design, is a nationally certified interior designer. She studied interior design and construction management at Central Michigan University and at the North China University of Technology in Beijing, China. Fuchs prides herself in her detail-oriented nature that she believes is an asset in operating a business. “We’re dedicated to every detail of our client’s home to ensure it doesn’t just look beautiful, but it functions perfectly for every occasion of their day-to-day life.”
These traits paired with a strong work ethic have led her to several prestigious awards including Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Business Leaders (2018) and the Top Woman Owned Business (2019). Fuchsia Design is a full-service interior design firm specializing in luxury design for new construction and custom home renovations. Along with her team, Fuchs designs timeless, classic homes with a modern take, tailored to her client’s lifestyle and personality.
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Special Promotional Section
FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
LANDSCAPING
GARY KAPPES — KAPPES LANDSCAPES INC. 4353 THREE MILE RD. NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 616-363-6400 | KAPPESLANDSCAPES.COM
With a passion for landscape design that embraces natural and timeless themes, landscape architect Gary Kappes brings his talents to each project his awardwinning firm undertakes. A design/build firm established in and working throughout West Michigan since 1968, Kappes Landscapes seamlessly blends a client’s vision from conception to implementation and completion. Timeless, creative design; the use of specimen plant materials; and workmanship from an experienced and talented staff are the essence of each Kappes Landscapes project. Kappes’ designs are created using unique, hand-selected plant material that comes from Michigan and throughout the United States. Thanks to Kappes’ hands-on involvement, each project captures a natural uniqueness all its own. Simple or intricate, on residential or commercial projects of any scale, the expertise of Kappes Landscapes will bring exceptional quality to your landscape. To learn more, please visit kappeslandscapes.com.
Special Promotional Section
FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
BREAKFAST
JOSH BECKETT – ANNA’S HOUSE MULTIPLE LOCATIONS | ANNASHOUSEUS.COM
When Josh Beckett started having some health issues several years ago, it sparked a new perspective for him on his eating habits and his exercise. He then took his improved outlook to a new level by opening Anna’s House, a restaurant dedicated to providing fresh, all natural, organic, high-quality dishes to its customers. That approach eventually won Anna’s House recognition as the No. 1 Best Breakfast in Michigan in 2013 by MLive, solidifying Beckett’s belief that everyone deserves an extraordinary breakfast.
Today, Anna’s House has become a staple across Michigan with eight locations and a new location opening this fall in Okemos. Family owned, Beckett and his team work seven days a week to bring distinctive and healthy breakfast and lunch meals to its customers and strives to create a dietary inclusive atmosphere. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, have religious guidelines, or any other sensitivities or allergies; the goal is to make customers feel safe and comfortable the moment they arrive.
Special Promotional Section
FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
INSURANCE
LIGHTHOUSE GROUP
56 GRANDVILLE AVE. SW, STE. 300 GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 616-698-7373 | LIGHTHOUSEGROUP.COM
The Lighthouse Group is a full-service insurance agency offering comprehensive solutions in personal protection, commercial insurance, and employee benefits. The team provides innovative, custom support based on strong client relationships and a deep understanding of the West Michigan business community. “We’ve always put people first,” says Tom Helmstetter, president and CEO of Lighthouse Group. “We’re fortunate to have a sales team committed to authenticity and to understanding the unique needs of our clients. As the businesses we serve evolve, we adapt accordingly. Over the years, we’ve grown into a distinct, vibrant agency prepared to help our clients and community move forward with confidence.” The Lighthouse Group is employee-owned and the team includes experts in the industries that make West Michigan thrive, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, and hospitality. With cost-sharing options, in-house risk management and claims support, and extensive financial reporting packages, the Lighthouse Group delivers West Michigan’s premier insurance services. Photo: (back row, left to right) Danielle Bugbee, Harold Burrell, Kyle Hollemans, Mike Waalkes, Zachary Haan, Eve Rogus; (front row, left to right) Jeff Naber, Jason Nickel, Brian DeKorte.
Special Promotional Section
Special Promotional Section
FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
CBD
THE GRASSY KNOLL EASTOWN: 1407 ROBINSON RD., GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 WOODLAND MALL: 3195 28TH ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 616-419-3364 | OHGRASSYKNOLL.COM
Established in 2017, the Grassy Knoll, was among West Michigan’s first CBD boutiques. Fred Cini and Janet Tombre opened the shop to help people in a natural way to alleviate pain, anxiety, insomnia, arthritis, and other aliments. “We saw a need for CBD after friends and family suffered through cancer, seizures, chronic pain, and anxiety,” Janet says. When it opened, CBD was quite new to the community. The couple and their employees spend the first year educating customers on what CBD is, where it comes from, and how it helps the body naturally. Through this process they also learned that CBD benefits pets and the boutique now offers a wide range of products for pets. Janet says the Grassy Knoll has been a labor of love, and they thank the Eastown community for embracing them with open arms. She says they have also given back to the community by donating thousands of dollars to the Humane Society and the Bissell Pet Foundation.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
SCOTT CHRISTOPHER HOMES
620 THREE MILE RD. NW, STE. A, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49544 | 616-784-4500 | SCOTTCHRISTOPHERHOMES.COM
Scott Christopher Homes has been challenging the status quo in residential building for more than 35 years. With full-time carpenters, project managers, a civil engineer, estimators, and support staff, plus a custom cabinet shop, they can undertake custom home and renovation projects of any scale, style, and scope. From their depth of experience, Scott Christopher Homes realizes it takes a right-sized builder to produce a fi rst-class experience. Right-sized means being large enough to have the muscle to
make things happen at will, but small enough to be personal and attentive. Small enough to give a build experience uniquely tailored to each client, but large enough to back that one-client feel with the powerhouse of a large fi rm’s capabilities. They have intentionally held themselves to that right size. Fully dedicating their resources to each project give clients the satisfaction of non-stop progress with the attention and care of feeling like they are the only client.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
FAMILY & DIVORCE LAW
THACKER SLEIGHT
445 CHERRY ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-888-3810 | THACKERSLEIGHT.COM
Thacker Sleight is a boutique family law firm specializing in life-altering events such as divorce and associated issues including alimony and child support, custody and parenting time issues, property settlement, and business valuation. Collectively, they’ve been practicing law for more than 40 years and are dedicated to providing excellent results and outstanding service to their clients. In fact, their clients say it the best: “Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight are the A team in family law — they are highly competent and well-connected. They know they have
to be both nimble and strong, collaborative and assertive, patient and expeditious, realistic, and hopeful.” “I often hear stories of attorneys who ‘don’t return calls,’ and have friends who feel their attorney is insensitive to the deeply emotional nature of the matter. The Thacker Sleight team was excellent and incredibly supportive throughout my case.” You can count on Thacker Sleight’s family law team of professionals to deliver excellent results, with outstanding personalized service. Photo (left to right): Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
FINE JEWELRY
DEVRIES JEWELERS
411 LEONARD ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 616-454-6892 | DEVRIESJEWELERS.COM
Founded in 1901, and offering a purposeful array of jewelry brands, styles, materials, and price points for every occasion, DeVries Jewelers is still going strong more than four generations later. They have endured by striving to earn the confidence of customers by exceeding expectations with quality merchandise, unsurpassed personal service, and a knowledgeable staff. Their large selection of custom engagement rings by renowned designers and fine Swiss timepieces is second to none. DeVries Jewelers is located just west of U.S. 131 on the north side of Leonard Avenue, next to Brann’s restaurant. Convenient
parking behind the store. The team at DeVries believes that it’s a privilege to serve the community, and their commitment to West Michigan is stronger than it has ever been. When it’s time to celebrate life’s special moments, and you want service you can trust, choose DeVries. Photo (left to right): Dave DeVries, co-owner; Hope Scholten, sales associate; Paul DeVries, manager; Bronti Bench, sales associate; Kyle Vandepol, manager; and Dan DeVries, co-owner. 89
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
CJ MACKENZIE — FIRST COMPANIES INC.
4380 BROCKTON DR. SE., STE. 1, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 616-698-5000 | FIRSTCOMPANIES.COM
As vice president of construction for First Companies, CJ MacKenzie first looks to gain a thorough understanding of his clients’ needs, bringing together experts to determine the best ways to achieve each customer’s goals and vision. His passion for the industry, and serving customers well, is what drives his leadership in programs and associations that continuously improve the trades and assists in developing young talent for the future. Known for his collaborative, consultative approach, MacKenzie has a well-earned reputation for his knowledge, integrity, and creative problem-solving; always bringing together the right team for each project. Under his guidance, the construction team recently delivered the award-winning New Vista (a class-A, multi-tenant medical facility on East Paris), Studio Park, and the new global headquarters for Viking. Whether it is ground-up construction, historic renovations, additions or refreshing a dated office, MacKenzie will assemble a specialized team for every type of project.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
FINE FURNISHINGS
PORTOBELLO ROAD
6820 OLD 28TH ST.,GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-975-3002 | PORTOBELLOROAD.US
Portobello Road is a lifestyle furniture boutique that features some of the world’s most exquisite home furnishings. It showcases distinctive furniture and home décor in trendy and trending lifestyle vignettes. Furniture and décor lines on display at Portobello Road include Baker, Wesley Hall, Mcguire, Kindel, Alfonso Marina, and Currey
& Co. You’ll also find visual comfort lighting, Loloi rugs, timeless luxury gifts, and one-of-a-kind accessories for those who delight in the finest things in life. This lifestyle store is committed to the Grand Rapids market and is proud to be a destination for distinctive home furnishings in the local community.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
ZHANG FINANCIAL
5931 OAKLAND DR., PORTAGE, MI 49024 | 269-385-5888 | ZHANGFINANCIAL.COM
As the Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Zhang Financial, Lynn Chen-Zhang has played a critical role in leading the fee-only wealth management group to the summit of the independent advisory world. In addition, she holds multiple prestigious designations in the financial industry, including CFP and CPA. Her impressive educational background includes an MBA from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Accountancy from Western Michigan University, and an Executive Education from Columbia University. Lynn has dedicated a tremendous
amount of time to helping the community’s non-profit organizations. She serves as the vice president for WMU’s board of trustees and is the president of WMU Foundation’s board of directors. She also serves as the chair on the Investment Committee for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. She received the 2019 Women of Achievement and Courage Award by Michigan Women Forward and has been named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan for 2020 by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
ARCHITECTURE
WAYNE VISBEEN - VISBEEN ARCHITECTS 662 CROSWELL AVE. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 | 616-285-9901
Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, principal and founder of Visbeen Architects Inc., is a licensed architect and registered interior designer with more than 30 years of experience in retail, residential, commercial design, and visual merchandising. Visbeen studied at Calvin College and then Lawrence Technological University, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture. He spent time as a senior designer at the Taubman Companies, where he designed more than 100 national prototypes
for leading retailers across the nation before launching his own firm specializing in residential and commercial projects in 1992. Since the establishment of Visbeen Architects, the firm has been the recipient of numerous national awards — namely, more than 100 American Residential Design Awards and dozens of Best in American Living Awards. The firm has completed over 1,500 projects in 48 U.S. states and 13 countries, and continues to expand with a focus on custom residential home design.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
BUSINESS LENDING
UNITED BANK
900 EAST PARIS AVE. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI | 616-559-7000 | UNITEDBANK4U.COM
United Bank is a leading business lender, offering a comprehensive suite of business products that blend cutting-edge technology with unparalleled customer service. They are committed to strengthening local economic development and supporting the diverse needs of the community. “We’re in the business of creating real solutions to solve the very real challenges our clients face every day,” United Bank President and CEO Joseph Manica says. “We’re fortunate to have an exceptionally talented team of seasoned lenders who understand the needs of our local businesses and are dedicated to making West Michigan the best it can be through a thriving business community. We take the time to consider
your needs, look out for your best interests, and deliver a solution that’s right for you.” United Bank services a variety of lending needs including business lines of credit, commercial real estate, equipment loans, and more. With flexible terms, competitive rates, local decision-makers, and a quick approval process, the commercial lending team is dedicated to meeting each client’s unique needs. Member FDIC. Photo: (seated, left to right): Brian Kelly and Andy Bassford; (standing, left to right): Joe Crittendon, Ken Stienstra, Paul Kramer, Sue Rankin, John Figg, Tim Tyler, Doris Drain and Brian Klaver.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
JOHN POSTMA – RE/MAX OF GRAND RAPIDS
4362 CASCADE RD. SE, STE. 208, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-975-5623 | JOHNPOSTMA.COM
John Postma was determined to be successful and developed a hard work ethic from a young age, paying his way through school by working on a hog and dairy farm. In college, he was challenged by a professor to find a career that played to his strengths and motivated him. For Postma, that was real estate. Early on in his career, Postma learned the importance of being honest, professional, efficient, and attentive to details, and he recognized the
value of focusing on the big picture. He quickly learned that you must take control of your business, or it will control you and your personal life — so he constantly evaluates where his energy is going. Now entering his 42nd year in real estate, Postma has received numerous awards. This year he’s exceeded $1 billion in personal sales; it’s an achievement that was made possible through hard work, persistence, and never losing sight of the big picture.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
SOFTWARE
MARK JOHNSON AND JOSH HULST – MICHIGAN SOFTWARE LABS 452 ADA DR. SE, STE. 300, ADA, MI 49301 | 616-594-0269 | MICHIGANLABS.COM
As managing partners and co-founders at Michigan Software Labs, Mark Johnson and Josh Hulst are key members of the leadership team, with expertise in designing and developing custom software and overseeing all aspects of client projects. For more than 10 years, Michigan Software Labs has served clients by developing custom mobile, web, and Internet of Things (IoT) software for clients ranging from locally owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Recognized as a leader in UX/UI design, with millions of end users to date, Michigan Software Labs was named one of the Top UX Design Companies in the U.S. by Clutch, and received an Inc. Best Places to Work Award in
2019 and 2020. The company was ranked No. 1 for iOS and android app development by mobileappdaily.com, and it was recently named one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies for 2020. Whether it’s a new custom software project or providing a second opinion in terms of technology stack or cost, Michigan Software Labs can help. The company has specialized teams for software development, software UX design, and project management. The team has a track record of completing projects on schedule and within budget. The company continues to expand to serve clients nationwide, and has plans to build another new office this year to support growth.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
VETERINARY CARE
FAMILY FRIENDS VETERINARY HOSPITAL 6555 28TH ST., GRAND RAPIDS, MI, 49546 | 616-575-6520 | FAMILYFRIENDSVET.COM
Located in the heart of Cascade Township, Family Friends Veterinary Hospital and Pet Care Center is West Michigan’s leading Veterinary Hospital. Voted “Best in GR” every year by the readers of the Grand Rapids magazine since 2014, the family-owned business puts service above self and is passionately dedicated to its mission of providing quality affordable veterinary care. Originally founded by Dr. Randy Carpenter in 2007, the business has recently transitioned ownership to his son, Dr. Ryan Carpenter and
daughter, Dr. Kathryn Sutphen. The second generation is committed to remaining a family-owned business and recently expanded its community reach by providing weekend emergency care. Its highly trained doctors and support staff are ready to welcome new clients to their family practice and look forward to exceeding your expectations. Photo (left to right): Dr. Ryan Carpenter, Dr. Marcia Carpenter, Barb Carpenter, Dr. Randy Carpenter, Dr. Kathryn Sutphen, and Jason Sutphen.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
DERMATOLOGY
DR. KRISTI HAWLEY — THE DERM INSTITUTE OF WEST MICHIGAN 6750 KALAMAZOO AVE. SE, STE. C & D, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508 616-326-0114 | DERMINSTITUTEOFWMI.COM
Following years of training and witnessing the impact various skin diseases can have on a person, Dr. Kristi Hawley has committed herself to becoming the best possible dermatologist for her patients. After multiple years in the field, Dr. Hawley has gained a reputation as one of the area’s top skin doctors. Hawley says her new practice, The Derm Institute of West Michigan, operates under the belief that the best and most effective treatments come from creating treatment plans alongside her patients to craft solutions that work with their lifestyle. Due to her success in healing patients with difficultto-manage skin conditions, Dr. Hawley is asked to speak across the country to other dermatologists to share her methods and procedures. When asked why she started her own practice, she says, “I find it very important to take a holistic approach to dermatology, and opening my own practice was the best way to do this.” Dr. Hawley says she cares about her patients and sincerely believes that skin treatment is more than just skin deep.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
DR. MATTHEW S. PHINNEY – THE CHIROPRACTIC DOCTORS, PLLC 5747 28TH ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-432-3103 | BESTGRANDRAPIDSCHIROPRACTOR.COM
Dr. Matthew S. Phinney happened on a career in health care while he was training and playing rugby with the Canadian National team. During a rugby tour to New Zealand, he injured two discs in his neck during a match. The damage was so severe, he was ruled out of any competition by team doctors and was told that his career as a rugby player was essentially over. The limited ability of conventional medicine to understand and treat his injury left a strong impression on him. It wasn’t until he returned to his home in Victoria, BC, that a chiropractor was able to help him restore function in his body and get him back into competition. That’s when Dr. Phinney decided to pursue a career in health care. Having trained and competed as a professional rugby player at both national and international levels, Dr. Phinney is familiar with what’s
required in terms of eating better, moving better, and thinking better in order to perform consistently at the highest level. He has taken his experience and training as an elite-level athlete and applied those principles to the corporate and occupational athletes he works with. Dr. Phinney has committed himself to lifelong learning. As such, he continues to read, attend seminars, and pursue clinical excellence by keeping up with any information that might be helpful to his patients and give them that winning edge when it comes to their health and their life. Dr. Phinney is dedicated to helping any and all individuals, businesses, organizations, and community groups that want to experience improved health, vitality, productivity, and performance. His genuine concern for others drives his pursuit of excellence in his work as well as in his service to the community.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
PROPERTY INVESTMENTS AND MANAGEMENT
GREEN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
1787 GRAND RIDGE CT. NE, STE. 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 | 866-95-GREEN | LIVEGREENLOCAL.COM
After dedicating many years in multiple aspects of real estate, Ruth Green, owner, along with her husband, Martin Green, president, founded Green Property Management in 2008. They are committed to maximizing the return on investment for their clients while maintaining quality-housing opportunities for local residents. Green Property manages commercial and residential properties including single-family homes, condominiums, duplexes, and multi-family complexes, with a focus on bringing tired properties back to life. Laura Porter, director of operations, joined the Green team in 1
2016 with the mission of offering personalized and professional service to both clients and customers by building strong relationships, utilizing the latest technology, implementing effective marketing strategies, and developing consistent systems with honesty and integrity throughout every facet of the business. With more than $25 million in assets bought and sold, Green Property administers all the complexities of finding, negotiating, acquiring, and managing commercial and residential properties. Photo (left to right): Martin Green, president; Ruth Green, owner; and Laura Porter, director of operations.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
REHMANN
3145 PRAIRIE ST. SW, STE. 101, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 | 616-222-9200 | REHMANN.COM
Rehmann is a financial services and business advisory firm — the momentum behind what’s possible. With a focus on the business of business, clients can concentrate on what makes them extraordinary. Rehmann takes a collaborative, personalized approach and builds a customized team of specialists to help businesses achieve their objectives. It started as a CPA firm more than 75 years ago, and today is a multifaceted advisory firm helping businesses and high-networth families maximize their potential.
Clients count on Rehmann to handle their technology needs with relentless service 24/7. Businesses experience peace of mind knowing their IT strategies, cybersecurity, and compliance needs are handled. Rehmann’s full-service, in-house capabilities give clients access to data analytics, business intelligence, and back-office IT solutions that scale with the needs of their company. Plus, hands-on engineers keep businesses on the leading edge of technology. Connect with Rehmann today at rehmann.com/technology-solutions.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
CRAFT BREWING
FOUNDERS BREWING CO.
235 GRANDVILLE AVE. SW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-776-1195 | FOUNDERSBREWING.COM
Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, who established Founders Brewing Co. in 1997, say they brew complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics, and tons of flavors. Based on shipment volume, Founders ranks among the top 10 largest craft breweries in the country and is also among the fastestgrowing. The brewery has received numerous awards from the World Beer Cup, the Great American Beer Festival, RateBeer, and BeerAdvocate and beer lovers often rate its 1
beers among the best. Committed to making Founders an inclusive workplace for all, Stevens and Engbers recently kicked off a robust and active Diversity Action Council comprised of employees across the company whose aim is to ensure proper development of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Head to foundersbrewing.com to learn more and follow @foundersbrewing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Photo: Dave Engbers, left, and Mike Stevens.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
CANNABIS
KUSH DEVELOPMENT GROUP PO BOX 141726, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49514 | 616-439-4701 | KUSHDESIGNSTUDIO.COM
Kush Development Group is more than a cannabis consulting firm. They are a one-stop shop for cannabis business’ licensing, compliance, design, construction, marketing, and business development needs. In the past year, Kush Development designed and/or built more than 1 million square feet of cannabis space. As a full-service, vertically integrated agency dedicated to the cannabis industry and beyond, they’ve spent years cultivating relationships with leaders in the national cannabis industry as well as service providers with proven expertise in their own fields. As a result,
Kush Development has assembled a team of professionals equipped to turn clients’ cannabis business vision into a reality. Kush Development not only gives advice, they help clients create a brand. They also design and build the facilities and oversee legal compliance. Most importantly, they work with their clients to protect their investment and get them open and operating as quickly and efficiently as possible. Photo: (left to right) Mike Myers, chief executive officer; Chris Newberg, general counsel; and Ryan Lafferty, chief operations officer.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
COLLABORATIVE LAW
ADA COLLABORATIVE CENTER – QUIST LAW, ELLIOT LAW, HOMIER LAW 4760 E. FULTON ST., STE. 102, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49301 | 616-454-9008 | QUISTLAWFIRM.COM
The mission of the Ada Collaborative Center is to provide the highest quality legal services to those who have decided they want a divorce focused on mutual respect, integrity, and dignity. The center was developed by attorneys Courtney Quist, Elena Elliott, and Barbra Homier, who wanted to make divorce less adversarial, more efficient, and less damaging to the family dynamic. The team accomplishes that goal by assisting couples through a process customized to their family’s specific needs and circumstances. The Ada Collaborative Center can minimize involvement in the court system, provide privacy to couples and families, teach methods for communicating and resolving conflict after divorce, preserve family 1
and social ties, and eliminate the need to choose between divorce and financial security by providing fixed fees. If you’re ready for a new beginning without the damage caused by an outdated divorce process, the Ada Collaborative Center might be for you. Although each firm at the Ada Collaborative Center is independent, they share a commitment to ensuring a smarter, better divorce. Photo (left to right): Barbra Homier, collaborative attorney and mediator, Homier Law; Courtney Quist, collaborative attorney and mediator, Quist Law; Elena Elliott, collaborative attorney and mediator, Elliott Law.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
ROCKFORD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
601 FIRST ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 616-285-6933 | ROCKFORDPROPERTYMANAGEMENT.COM
Rockford Property Management’s work is guided by years of experience and analytics gathered across thousands of projects spanning real estate development, construction, and property management. This expansive data has helped the team at Rockford fully understand how these three aspects of the business work together, giving them the knowledge needed to provide an unparalleled experience for their residents, tenants, and clients. Rockford’s holistic worldview of the entire property life cycle
creates a synergy between their internal team members and external clients, allowing them to fulfill their commitment of providing world-class service year-round as they simultaneously seek new opportunities. It also enables their property management team to recognize the value of every detail, from the design of a floor plan to the importance of tenants and residents not simply working or living in a building, but fully engaging with their space and community.
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
PAYROLL, HCM & TREASURY
MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN
310 LEONARD NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 800-453-8700 | MERCBANK.COM
Payroll and human capital management? Yes, Mercantile Bank does that! This local, West Michigan-based community bank provides a consultative approach, with treasury management services such as payables solutions, fraud mitigation, and merchant services to optimize cash flow. Always looking to innovate, Mercantile also offers businesses a way to streamline payroll, HR, and data management. MercForce®, powered by iSolved, is a powerful workforce management tool combining payroll, HR, benefits, and time in one solution. Businesses and HR professionals need partners who can provide robust and nimble products for the ever-changing business landscape. 1
Mercantile combines technology with local support to help businesses manage workforce complexities, and to engage with their most valuable asset — their people. World-class solutions, and the personal service of a trusted local bank. You’ll wonder how your business ever functioned without it. Connect with a Mercantile Bank treasury officer to see how these versatile business solutions can impact your business. Photo: (top row, left to right) Cheri Stanton, Andrew Meyers, Esperanza M. Degnan; (middle row, left to right) Dan Zink, Holly Williams, John Byl; (bottom row) Tim Ladd.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
MALPRACTICE LAW
RICHARD K. GROVER JR.
3514 RIVERTOWN POINT CT. SW, STE. B, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 | 616-257-3900
Medical malpractice litigation is a complex and serious business, and Richard K. Grover Jr. has thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this important litigation. Since leaving his partnership at a prominent downtown law firm to start his own firm 23 years ago, he has been the recipient of numerous individual awards and has seen his firm grow to almost 100 employees. One of those awards was the AV Preeminent Rating, which is bestowed by the world’s most trusted legal resource, MartindaleHubbell. The AV Preeminent Rating is the highest possible rating
in both legal ability and ethical standards, and reflects the confidential opinions of members of the bar and judiciary. Mr. Grover was also one of the youngest individuals to be selected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Membership in the Michigan Chapter of this honorary society is limited to one-half of 1 percent of all lawyers in the state. Mr. Grover says the thing that’s most important to him is that his firm is comprised of some of the best young lawyers in the state. He looks forward to watching his firm continue to provide excellent representation to all Michiganders. 1 XXX
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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
FITNESS
MVP SPORTS CLUB 4085 BURTON ST. SE, STE 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-575-6221
Built on a foundation of strong brand quality, innovative programming, world-class equipment and technology, and excellent customer service, MVP Sports Clubs has been providing fitness, sports, and wellness to West Michigan since 2005. Now operating seven facilities within the market, including five full-service athletic clubs and two unique boutique fitness spaces, MVP is dedicated to building healthy communities that change lives both in and outside of its facilities. Serving more than 30,000 members in West Michigan, MVP Athletic Clubs’ facilities include MVP Sportsplex, MVP Athletic Club, and MVP Metro Club in Grand Rapids; and MVP Athletic Club in Holland and Rockford. In MVP’s all-inclusive fitness environment, members experience life changes through fitness, classes, and community. The full-service athletic clubs offer 100+ complimentary group fitness classes weekly, state-of-the-art cardio- and strengthtraining equipment, court sports, indoor and outdoor aquatics, spaquality locker facilities, and supervised kid care.
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Well-Fit by MVP opened in 2015 as Grand Rapids’ premier senior group fitness studio. Designed to provide specialized group programming for older active adults, Well-Fit by MVP is a dedicated space with the purpose of improving and maintaining wellness, and building community. As group fitness experiences are emergent in the market, MVP’s newest operation, 4G Athletic, opened in 2017 in Jenison. Unlike the normal athletic club model that’s associated with MVP, 4G Athletic is boutique fitness taken to the next level. Customers experience four revolutionary group workouts under one roof: BIKE, FLOW, MOVE, and LIFT. MVP Sports Clubs keeps pushing forward to provide the most innovative solutions to support those working to live their best healthy life. MVP is dedicated to its ongoing commitment to building healthy communities that change lives through outreach, education, philanthropy, and service.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACES OF
DIGITAL EXPERIENCES
DIG
99 MONROE AVE. NW, STE. 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 513-815-5649 | DIG.SOLUTIONS
When Mike Simon and Nate Smith saw a gap in the market between technology solutions and marketing strategy, they created an agency named dig to combine those services under one virtual roof. As the agency has grown, clients are turning to dig for solutions spanning everything from user experience and mobile application design to content strategy and enterprise web solutions. The team at dig is driven by a desire to build connections between brands
and users in a meaningful, human way. When you work with dig, you can expect full-service marketing technology capabilities with an intentional focus on building lasting relationships. Recently named one of 50 Companies to Watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, dig is growing quickly thanks to a dedicated team that’s providing innovative solutions.
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FACES OF
WEST MICHIGAN 2020
THE FACE OF
DIGITAL MEDIA
JUSTIN RAZMUS - 616 MEDIA 616-446-4046 | 616MEDIA.COM
What started as a passion for Justin Razmus to create personal videos nearly a dozen years ago, has turned into a successful media and marketing company with a team of top creatives in the Grand Rapids area. The company — 616 Media — focuses on generating print and digital marketing plans for businesses with an emphasis on staying ahead of the creative curve. 616 Media is also involved in using high-end photography, website development, social media, and
video production for its clients. Razmus says video production has become one of the most sought after services for the company, and has led to creating content for large regional events as well as national ad campaigns. One of the notable passions of 616 Media is through its charitable work; donating special cinematic skills to local nonprofits like the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Ele’s Place, Student Advancement Foundation, HIPS (Helping Important People Succeed), and others.
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gr gems / histo y
The Rev. David May directed the Racial Justice Institute from 1997 through 2005. This image shows one of the Youth Justice Marches that were organized in the 1990s.
Celebrating MLK Rev. David May ensured MLK’s legacy grew in Grand Rapids. BY JULIE TABBERER, GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to inspire people in Grand Rapids and around the world. Our local MLK Day celebrations grew from a spark lit by Rev. David May in the late 1980s. May noticed that a few local churches were recognizing Dr. King during services, but there was no broad community event. Working with pastors and community members, he organized celebrations in 1987 and 1988 that were held at Messiah Missionary and New Hope Baptist churches. Despite fears from some that attendance would be low, the events were so popular that people 112
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had to be turned away both years due to fire code limits. May envisioned an MLK celebration that would “serve as a catalyst for coalition building.” In 1989, the event moved downtown, to the Ford Fieldhouse, and has been hosted by Grand Rapids Community College ever since. The MLK celebrations are just one piece of the work May has done, holding out a bold vision of a community facing racism and eradicating it. In a 1989 interview, May noted that “it takes Black and white people working together. Dr. King said that if we don’t live together as brothers, we perish as fools.” MARCHING COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Cozy happ y places Up and with wide open spaces
Find your happy place in Traverse City. It’s where winter adventures take you from wooded trails to the top of the world. Where everything looks brighter under twinkling lights or with a fresh cover of snow. No ma er how you choose to explore, you know you’re in a pre y great place.
TraverseCity.com TraverseCity.com