Grand Rapids Magazine March/April 2022 by Grand Rapids Magazine

PLUS POETS

GRACE KELLY

WA H L B U R G E R S

Dakgangjeong, Shakshuka, and Banh Mi all from Roam

eat up!

F u ood d ro n i t e i e s ol as thr our wwe the ou g ay our page h foo ann s of d is ual sue .

C1_Cover_GRM030422.indd 1

2/9/22 2:18 PM

Get the

EXPERIENCE MORE OF GRAND RAPIDS.

Experience Grand Rapids newsletter and follow us on social media for upcoming events and activities!

Scan for newsletter signup:

#ExperienceGR

ExpGR.Full.GRM.0322.indd 1

1/13/22 9:35 AM

Pfieffer_FP_GR0322.indd 1

1/6/22 11:16 AM

4 0 6 9 R E E D S L A K E B LV D — G R A N D R A P I D S

K ATI E - K T E A M | 6 1 6 . 2 9 1 . 3 5 52 | K ATI E@ K ATI E- K .CO M | W W W. K ATI E- K .CO M 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Katie.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

1/20/22 11:31 AM

Be Self-Serving MICHIGAN’S ONLY S E L F - S E R V I C E B E E R WA L L SCAN TO:

Help yourself to a customized flight or a pint of your favorite beer. Over 40 taps of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails are yours to pour. GUN LAKE CASINO 1123 129th Ave | Wayland, MI 49315 269.792.7777 | gunlakecasino.com

CHECK OUT WHAT’S ON TAP!

Gun Lake.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

1/24/22 10:36 AM

contents MAR CH/ APRIL 2022 VOLUME 58, ISSUE 2

FEATURES

BEST RESTAUR ANTS GR MAG DIN ED OU T TO DET E R M I N E T H E CIT Y ' S BE ST R ESTAU R A NTS , FEAT U R IN G T H E TO P 5 . BY PAT EVANS

The Sovengard's Rissoli: Finnish style potato salad, pink cloud, beet pickled egg, fresh dill, pickled mustard seed, and toasted rye crumb

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

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

004-06.TOC.GRM030422.indd 4

COVER HANNAH RUSHTON

2/1/22 11:13 AM

SPRING ADVENTURES AWAIT YOU.

Before the hustle and bustle of summer begins, spring is the perfect time to explore Pure Ludington. While it can be hard to predict when it will arrive or how long it will last, spring is a "secret" season to be enjoyed by all. Hit the trails by foot or by bike to explore nature's re-birth. Wander down a secluded stretch of shoreline or grab a bite to eat and a locallymade brew on a nearby patio. No matter what you're seeking - fun for the whole family, a beach or outdoor adventure, a peaceful get-away, or just a community of friendly faces - you can find it here.

PURELUDINGTON.COM

Ludington.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

1/28/22 12:02 PM

contents • ma ch/ap il

every issue 8 99

editor's letter dining guide GR's restaurants.

120 gr gems

Fantastic spots in Grand Rapids.

people + places 10

city

spotlight

12 14

120

15 18

GRAM director steps down. An NHLer's tequila.

voice

Downtown retail resurgence.

guide

Fun date night activities.

profile

The importance of poets.

issues

Library enters the digital age.

look + feel 22 24 26 27

wellness

Stay fit in just 10 minutes.

style

Flashy independence.

expert

WFH success.

experience

Serving during the pandemic.

food + drink 50

table

create

56 6

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

004-06.TOC.GRM030422.indd 6

56 58 59

Turn it up at K-ROK. Pantry staple.

on-the-go

Marky Mark's burger paradise.

must-try

French-style Midwestern fare.

top 5

Breakfast!

cheers

Nonalcoholic trends. POET ALFIELD REEVES WINE BRYAN ESLER HISTORY COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

2/1/22 11:13 AM

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com Publisher: John Balardo | Associate Publisher: Jason Hosko

Editorial Gemini Media Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Pat Evans Digital Editor: Ehren Wynder Contributors: Ann Byle, Kelsey Dunneback, Sam Easter, Jesse O'Brien, Pasha Shipp, Julie Tabberer, Lindsey Van Hekken

Shaping Bright Futures

Design Creative Director: Lindsay Richards Art Director: Keagan Coop Editorial Designers: Michaela Bunger, Robin Vargo Contributors: Michelle Cuppy, Bryan Esler, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Teri Genovese, Quinn Kirby, Hannah Rushton, Alfield Reeves, David Sparks, Ashley Wierenga Sales General Inquiries: Advertisingsales@grmag.com Advertising Director: Jenn Maksimowski Account Executives: Todd Anderson, Jessica Laidlaw, Renee Looman, Maddy Messerly Office Assistants: Kerry Gerwatowski, Elissa Stong To Order Reprints: Receptionist – (616) 459-4545 Production Production Director: Jenine Rhoades Senior Production Artists: Stephanie Daniel, Robert Gorczyca Advertising Coordinator: Ramona French Graphic Designers: Jim Bibart, Colin McKinney

Circulation a that he wanted to be Justin always knew Director Of Audience Development: Michelle VanArman player. But did he have professional hockey 6 W LOO H V K H Z D V Q uW V X U H W LW W D N H V " 6 R P H W LP Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Z heK D decide on the ice — hard really d to work his dream come true. and in school — to make Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247

GOAL SHOOT FOR THE

IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland

JUSTIN ABDELKAD ER

Web Digital Director: Nick Britsky Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo Web Project Assistants: Luanne Lim, Kevin Pell, Bart Woinski

www.gildenwoods.com

L A O G

TFOR T SHOO

THE JUSTIN ABDELKADER STORY By Justin Abdelkader Cindrich Illustrations by Mary

$16.95 US

Marketing Marketing & Events Manager: Melissa Novak Marketing & Events Coordinators: Kelsey Cocke, Caitlin Farrand, Drake Lambright Marketing & Events Interns: Mackenzie Livernois, Asia Yadan 018.indd 1

Cover_Abdelkader2

Administration Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki Publishing and Sales Coordinator: Kristin Mingo Assistant Office Manager: Natasha Bajju Senior Accounting Associate: Andrew Kotzian Accounting Associate: Estefano Lopez Accounting Assistant: Samantha Dick Published By Gemini Media, LLC CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo

9/10/18 11:04 AM

Justin Abdelkader always knew he wanted to be a professional hockey player. But getting into the NHL wasn’t without its obstacles. In his new book, he shares his story as a way to show young people that perseverance and hard work do pay off — that dreams do come true. Only $16.95

R R Hardcover

Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published bimonthly 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, 1965 E Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. 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.

Order now at momentumbooks.com

GR M AG .CO M

007.Masthead.GRM030422.indd 7

2/2/22 4:48 PM

editor's letter / connect

Next issue

Dive into the world of heatlh care in West Michigan after two years of a pandemic.

We ate so you can too For nearly five months, I’ve gorged myself eating out at restaurants across Grand Rapids, asking anyone and everyone their favorite joints and then stopping in to taste the fare. As I come up for a breath, one must first acknowledge Grand Rapids is not a top-tier U.S. culinary destination like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas — my temporary home city from 2017-2021. But Grand Rapids has made incredible strides the past 25 years, particularly the past decade or so. The top restaurants continue to innovate and push the ceiling higher. There are restaurants here that can slip into those markets without blinking an eye. Then there also are gems hidden across the region, serving up delicious morsels of food. Putting together a list of Best Restaurants is not easy and it will never be without controversy. Then combine the already tough task with the two-year struggle each restaurant has had to continue outstanding services for dedicated diners. The list is not without its flaws; deserving restaurants likely are left off for one reason or another. I consider myself a foodie, traveling the U.S. and globe eating foods of all sorts while consuming any culinary media available. But everyone has different tastes. As always, please shoot me a note to share your favorite dining experiences in the area. Who knows what we might find ourselves loving in 2022? Elsewhere in the magazine, we highlight the surge in new businesses coming downtown, the Grand Rapids Public Library’s first Black assistant director and some of the city’s talented poets. We also try out some newer restaurants, like Café Mamo and KROK, and explore the surging nonalcoholic beverage trend. Now, back to dining out for next year.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Pat Evans Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

Kelsey Dunneback What are your favorite spots to eat in Grand Rapids? Butcher's Union for any occasion, Ato Sushi for a casual lunch or takeout and Knoop Rooftop or Portico for cozy, yet elevated dinner or happy hour! I'm a big breakfast foodie, so I love Tupelo Honey for brunch. Do you frequent the same places, or do you like to spread the love? I love to try new places, which is easy with so many new restaurants opening up! I find it keeps me moving out of my comfort zone and potentially introduces me to a new favorite cuisine or culture. I've heard such good things about Café Mamo so that's next on my list!

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: pevans@geminipub.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine follow us online at grmag.com or on social media:

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

008.EditLetter.GRM030422.indd 8

EDITOR COURTESY PAT EVANS CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY KELSEY DUNNEBACK

2/1/22 11:01 AM

people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

VOICE

GR's retail future page 12

» PLUS: LIBR ARY HEADS INTO F UTURE GR AM DIREC TOR STEPS DOWN POETRY IN GR AND R APIDS

City retail specialist Richard App sits at Social Misfits, a buzzy new restaurant downtown.

P H OTO G R A P H BY T E R I G E N OV E S E GR M AG .CO M

009.PP.Opener.GRM030422.indd 9

2/1/22 11:12 AM

people + places / city

In 2023, the GRAM will have a new director as long time chief Dana Friis-Hansen is stepping down.

" It has been my honor to serve our incredible community and call Grand Rapids ‘home’ over the past decade. ... I’m confident to be leaving the museum in good hands and poised for a successful future." Dana Friis-Hansen

CITY

GRAM director transitioning out Following more than a decade at the helm of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Dana Friis-Hansen announced he will leave his role as director and CEO at the beginning of next year. Friis-Hansen joined the museum in 2011, three years after the new building opened in the middle of downtown at 101 Monroe Center. In his time, he helped make the museum a more sustainable and equitable part of the community. In his post-GRAM life, Friis-Hansen will return to a prior love of independent curating, writing and research, according to a statement. “It has been my honor to serve our incredible community and call Grand Rapids ‘home’ over the past decade. It has been a privilege to work with a talented and creative staff, a knowledgeable and committed board of trustees, and a base of generous and kindhearted donors, members and volunteers, all of whom made our accomplishments at GRAM possible,” Friis-Hansen said. “I’m confident to be leaving the museum in good hands and poised for a successful future.” His time leading the museum will be celebrated on Sept. 9 at the Live Artfully event. A national search is ongoing to find his replacement.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

010.PP.City.GRM030422.indd 10

Monster beers A local brewery is now in the hands of an energy drink company. Monster Beverage Corp., which makes Monster Energy Drinks, announced it was acquiring CANarchy, the craft beer collective that owns Perrin Brewing in Comstock Park. CANarchy also includes Oskar Blues and Cigar City Brewing, among other brands across the U.S. Monster’s deal is reportedly worth $330 million. CANarchy acquired Perrin in 2015.

DANA FRIIS-HANSEN COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY MUSEUM COURTESY EXPERIENCE GR

2/1/22 11:00 AM

people + places / spotlight

SPOTLIGHT

Chelios scores with own tequila Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman launches new liquor brand and chats with GR Mag about his favorite local haunts. BY PAT EVANS

"For now, I’m focused on taking El Bandido Yankee to a national level. I’ve always enjoyed working hard, so this is a great challenge to build something that is ours." Chris Chelios

Former Detroit Red Wing and Grand Rapids Griffin Chris Chelios (left) with his El Bandido Yankee co-founder Jim Bob Morris.

Chris Chelios spent 26 seasons in the National Hockey League, tied for most ever with Detroit Red Wings great Gordie Howe. The American defenseman won two Stanley Cups with the Wings, helping define one of the greatest eras in Detroit sports history. But Chelios — and his son, Jake — also played at times for the Grand Rapids Griffins. The elder Chelios also spent quite a bit of time in Grand Rapids as part of the Red Wings’ organization. Now, the former NHLer has started a tequila brand, El Bandido Yankee. GR Mag caught up with Chelios to find out the details of his tequila and figure out what he likes about West Michigan. What separates El Bandido Yankee from other tequila brands? El Bandido Yankee Tequila is, at its core, authentic. We made it our mission to deliver a product that shows our

TEQUILA COURTESY EL BANDIDO YANKEE

011.PP.Spotlight.GRM030422.indd 11

passion, is incredibly delicious, and is ultra-premium, yet affordable. El Bandido's essence is a passion to live boldly and share generously and it is this ethos that drives us personally and professionally. You’ve spent quite a bit of time in Grand Rapids. What are your favorite spots in town? There were so many great spots in Grand Rapids, it’s impossible to just pick one, but happy hour at The Garage Bar is always a great time! When I was there, I basically lived at the Van Andel Arena, the hotel, and the nearest steakhouse — they became my home away from home. What is it about food and beverage that has attracted your entrepreneurial spirit? Are there other endeavors we should keep an eye out for? My parents always had bars and restaurants, so I was raised in that atmosphere. Once I had the opportunity to open my own places, I really enjoyed the experience. When COVID hit and everything was shut down, the timing was perfect to come up with our own brand of tequila. For now, I’m focused on taking El Bandido Yankee to a national level. I’ve always enjoyed working hard, so this is a great challenge to build something that is ours. Once people try our tequila and taste the incredible smoothness, we can't miss. GR M AG .CO M

2/2/22 4:48 PM

The interior of Social Misfits at the base of the Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

012-13.PP.Voice.GRM030422.indd 12

2/2/22 4:48 PM

people + places / voice

Several restaurants recently opened or set to open within the next few months: Beacon Corner Bar 38 W. Fulton St. Social Misfits 43 W. Fulton St. VOICE

A big year for downtown cuisine New restaurants will feed the city’s foodie cravings. BY PAT EVANS

// PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

Even restaurants that have emerged from the past two years seemingly unscathed still have experienced their ups and downs. So it is probably not a surprise several amazing restaurants shut their doors at the end of 2021, including a former Best Restaurants honoree Osteria Rossa and one of the best taco joints, Taqueria San Jose. Closures of some favorite restaurants are never easy, but on the flip side, 2022 is shaping up to be a big year for the downtown Grand Rapids food scene, and retail in general, according to Richard App, the retail, retention and attraction specialist for the city of Grand Rapids. “While I’m sorry to see some restaurants go, I’m more optimistic going into this year than 2021,” App told GR Magazine at the beginning of the year. “We have some new places that already opened up, Stan’s Tacos, Terra Bagel, MDRD. We’re doing cool things.” There’s likely never been a better time to be a foodie in Grand Rapids than the era we’re entering, App said. And while that might be because foodie culture truly has taken hold, there’s still nothing like exploring the cuisines and food cultures of the world and tasting the artistry of talented chefs. App said the mix of types of restaurants is eye-popping, whether it’s the bagels from Terra Bagel hopping into a storefront downtown or a few new Korean barbecue places or the Küsterer Brauhaus on Bridge Street that will bring an authentic German

beer and food experience back to downtown Grand Rapids. “I really see 2022 to be a positive experience for diners and the retail sector in Grand Rapids,” App said. “I’m really having fun with my job, because as a couple doors close, all these opportunities are rising. Our city is cool.” In a way, the pandemic also might have shed some positive light and introduced some beneficial innovations to Grand Rapids, App said. The downtown social zones have opened up options for Grand Rapidians to enjoy the best of the city during all four seasons of the year, whether a pandemic rages on or not. “We’re kind of admiring living in the Upper Midwest, we’re a four-season town,” he said. “Our downtown is really poised for some growth. It’s a lifestyle thing we’re craving and what we’re bringing.” The vibe extends beyond food, too, as App highlighted the big buy-in from Gazelle Sports, which plans to open a downtown retail location this year. “People paint doom and gloom when a restaurant closes and yes, it’s been tough with supply chain issues and a lack of employees,” he said. “But my forecast moving forward is we’re in a great spot. When we signed Gazelle Sports, that’s a huge thing, for a business as an industry leader for so long that’s having success all over the state, to make a decision to come downtown. That shows consumer confidence.”

Stan’s Tacos 67 Ottawa Ave. SW Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge 106 Pearl St. NW Barrio Tacos 37 Ottawa Ave. NW Brooklyn Bodega Bagels & Deli 10 Jefferson Ave. SE Grove (reopening) 919 Cherry St. SE Küsterer Brauhaus 642 Bridge St. NW Real Seafood Co. 141 Lyon St. NW Scholar 11 Ionia Ave. SW Woodrows 187 Monroe Ave. NW

Richard App at Social Misfits As the retail, retention and attraction specialist for the city, App is excited about the future of downtown retail. GR M AG .CO M

012-13.PP.Voice.GRM030422.indd 13

2/1/22 10:58 AM

people + places / guide

Chef’s kiss Nestled in the heart of Eastown is The Local Epicurean — a destination for handmade cuisine of all kinds. Besides offering a vast selection of pastas, specialty items and other culinary accoutrements, The Local Epicurean hosts cooking classes that invite guests to channel their inner chef. “The Local Epicurean is a handmade pasta company featuring a unique food and wine shop including handmade chocolates and cheese, a small café with lounge and 27 hands-on cooking classes with threecourse meals,” owner Ryan Raredon said. “Our classes are very hands-on in a casual environment, and we supply everything, including the aprons.”

The board game wall at House Rules Board Game Lounge is perfect for conversational dates.

GUIDE

Mission: DIY date night Reasons to leave your cozy couch this winter. BY PASHA SHIPP

Winter weather makes it easy to stay in and order takeout on date night. But if you’re willing to brave the cold to mix up your routine, we’ve got some date night ideas that just might make you leave that cozy couch behind. Board games and brews Ready to take your date night to the next level? House Rules Board Game Lounge might be just what you’ve been looking for. Located across from Downtown Market, the board game bar is stocked with a range of games to explore and beverages to try. “We offer a full bar featuring 20 draft options, wine and signature cocktails,” Nathan Murray, co-owner of House Rules Board Game Lounge, said. “We also have 14

a 12-door cooler that offers even larger selections of ciders, mead, seltzers, stouts, IPAs and even several nonalcoholic options.” If you’re not sure what to play, don’t worry. House Rules has a wide selection of board games to suit a variety of tastes, but Murray’s got a few suggestions. “Patchwork is a light-strategy, two-player game where you compete to see who can stitch different patches onto their quilt most efficiently,” he said. “If you wanted something more collaborative, I would recommend The Mind. The object of this card game is to work with your partner to place cards in ascending order without communicating in any way. I like to call this the game of awkward staring, which would be very appropriate on date night.”

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

014.PP.Guide.GRM030422.indd 14

Cooking classes at The Local Epicurean are a way to get the creative juices flowing with a partner.

You may not be a savant in the kitchen, but don’t let that stop you from giving it a try. The Local Epicurean welcomes all skill levels. “No cooking experience is necessary, our hands-on classes are taught by experienced cooks who never leave your side during the class,” Raredon said. “You don’t need to bring anything but an appetite and curiosity. Cooking together for the first time? Have a glass of wine and relax in our kitchen.” Whether you’re interested in learning how to make pasta from scratch or crafting custom gelato creations, there are tons of classes from which to choose. “A unique and complete date night experience awaits you at The Local Epicurean with our large selection of menus featuring Dinner in Tuscany, Umbrian Steak Dinner or the Sicilian Shrimp Scampi class and dinner,” Raredon said. “Dinner in Tuscany is by far the most popular.” BOARD GAMES DAVID SPARKS COOKING COURTESY THE LOCAL EPICUREAN

2/2/22 4:47 PM

Inspired in college, Linda Nemec Foster completely shifted her career ambitions.

Meet your local poets PROFILES

A vital, yet often overlooked piece of the community. BY ANN BYLE

// PHOTOS BY ALFIELD REEVES

Kyd Kane, Grand Rapids’ current poet laureate, said she is a spoken word poet “in limbo,” as so many poets are in these long months of the pandemic that has shut down venues, stopped indoor events and slowed community gatherings. “People are very interested in having spaces and places to communicate and express themselves again,” said Kane, whose book “Feel: A Collection of S*it” comes out this spring. She is curriculum creator and youth liaison at The Diatribe, a group of teaching artists who facilitate school programming and creative writing workshops rooted in poetry (www.thediatribe.org). The poetry community in Grand Rapids is vibrant, active, diverse and deep. She sees it as a long story of past and present. “It’s beautiful to be inspired by expressions that happened in the past. There is a beautiful thread from one generation to the next, an overall passion for expression and to speak to the times,” she said. “I feel that energy. It’s alive in a town where poetry is very important.” This small sampling is a taste of the many poets at work in Grand Rapids today. GR M AG .CO M

015-17.PP.Profile.GRM030422.indd 15

2/1/22 11:10 AM

had a high-profile career in the publishing community and the books aren’t likely to be published, but I want to have these writings collected somewhere,” said Cope, who lives with his wife of 54 years, Suzanne, in the house they purchased in 1977. He gardens, works on his collected writings, and recently published “The Correspondence of David Cope and Allen Ginsberg, 19761996” (2021). His most recent book of poetry is “The Invisible Keys: New and Selected Poems” (Ghost Pony Press, 2018). The David Cope Papers are curated at the University of Michigan Special Collections Library. “Poetry allows me to sing words in a deeply satisfying way. It is also a charting of my time on earth and an opportunity to define meaningful experiences,” said Cope. “It saved my emotional and spiritual life more times than I can recall.”

The patriarch: David Cope David Cope’s career as a poet began in the 1960s, burgeoning in the 1970s and ’80s with poetry contest wins, a Pushcart Prize in 1977, and an abiding friendship with Beat Generation poet Allen Ginsberg. “Allen’s ‘Howl’ gave me permission to feel my feelings — my alienation from high school and family, rage at my father for leaving us, and anger at all authorities, but it also reminded me that ‘everything that lives is holy.’ He was key to what I wanted to do with my art,” said Cope. One of the high points in his poetic life was a 1987 reading with Ginsberg and other Objectivist poets Carl Rakosi and George Oppen, as well as Marie Syrkin, wife of acclaimed poet Charles Reznikoff. Another was winning, in 1988, the Award in Literature from The American Academy/Institute of Arts & Letters for his book “On the Bridge.” Cope also has twice won first place in the adult category of the local Dyer-Ives annual poetry competition and was Grand Rapids Poet Laureate from 2011-2014. Cope, 74, recently stopped publication of “Big Scream,” a poetry magazine he had published beginning in 1974. He gave voice to more than 200 poets in its 60 issues, ranging from Ginsberg to Lawrence Ferlinghetti to Charles Bukowski, as well as many students and poets from Grand Rapids. These days, he’s putting together a “Best of ” from the magazine and finalizing his collected volumes of poetry and prose. “I haven’t 16

David Cope read with poet Allen Ginsberg in 1987.

Loudly herself: Gleason Gleason has finally settled into being loudly themselves in their role as a spoken word poet. After loving poetry as a young person, they moved away from it in college at GVSU only to find it once again and begin performing at venues such as the Hookah Lounge. Yet they faced another hiatus. “I was ready to move out of Grand Rapids to a more active poetry scene, but then I went to a show in 2012 and realized it was here,” they said. There was The Drunken Retort at Stella’s Lounge every Monday night and other venues that offered open mics, monthly poetry slams, and an active poetry community led by, among others, Marcel Price (Fable the Poet), Jasper Azizi and Kyd Kane. “This is the kind of poetry folks hadn’t seen before,” said Gleason. “It was off the page, alive, unapologetic, and I could be fully, authentically myself.” These days they are director of education at The Diatribe, with Gleason active during the pandemic with The 49507 Project in which Black and brown artists painted seven murals in the 49507 neighborhood. The future looks bright for poetry in Grand Rapids, according to Gleason. “I see the passion and hunger in lots of artists to be movers and shakers and reflect the world back to our community,” they said. “It might look different after the pandemic, but I still see that hunger and sense of community. The goal is continuing to put Grand Rapids on the map for poetry.”

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

015-17.PP.Profile.GRM030422.indd 16

2/1/22 11:10 AM

people + places / p ofiles

“It all began with being curious and paying attention. My first poems came when I became curious about something I wasn’t familiar with, which was classical music.” Linda Nemec Foster

The matriarch: Linda Nemec Foster Linda Nemec Foster’s original plan was to be a broadcast journalist, so she majored in political science and econ at Aquinas College back in the early 1970s. It was her roommate’s album collection, including Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” that changed her trajectory. The Baba Yaga movement did it. “I was so amazed that a piece of music could sound like a witch flying in the night. I ended up writing my first poem called ‘A Modern Fairytale: The Baba Yaga Poems’ because of that music,” she said. Foster has been writing poetry ever since, with her twelfth book, “The Blue Divide,” released in May 2021. “The Michigan Mermaid: A Tale in Poems,” written with Anne-Marie Oomen, was named a Michigan Notable Book, and “Amber Necklace from Gdansk” was a topthree finalist for the Ohio Book Award. Foster was Grand Rapids’ first poet laureate, serving from April 2003 to 2005. “It all began with being curious and paying attention,” said Foster. “My first poems came when I became curious about something I wasn’t familiar with, which was classical music.” Curiosity is the impetus for much of her work, she said, including curiosity about her changing pregnant body at age 28, the planets and other cosmological bodies, her family in Poland, the places she and her husband Tony visited, and visual arts, all of which inspired books. “Get out of your box,” said Foster. “It’s always a joy to see what’s around the corner. Pay attention and be open to that creative spark; be open to everything.”

The curious poet: Amy Nemecek Amy Nemecek, whose poems have been published in numerous journals including “Windhover,” “Ancient Paths” and “3288 Review,” will have her first book of poetry published this year thanks to winning first place in the 2021 Paraclete Poetry Prize. Her manuscript, “The Language of the Birds and Other Poems,” will be published by Paraclete Poetry. Her natural curiosity — which also helps in her role as an editor for Baker Publishing Group — feeds her poems, bits and piece of lines and words recorded in small notebooks tucked into pockets as she walks daily. “I literally write to the rhythm of my feet,” said Nemecek. Nemecek wrote her first published poem at age eight, turning to writing poetry in earnest during her 12th-grade year when her mom got sick. She died after Nemecek’s freshman year in college, prompting the poet to write “a lot of junk, but I learned how to shape a poem, rein in it.” Sometimes it’s dreams, or pieces of overheard conversation, or paintings that prompt a quick few words in the small notebook. Later she combs through them, discovering “that’s a poem” or “there’s a poem there.” Longer notebooks are the palette for fleshing out those poems. Nemecek takes care in feeding her curiosity, encouraging creatives to “read, read, read, including trying stuff outside your comfort zone once in a while.” She visits museums and botanical gardens, travels and walks as a daily practice. “Listen more than you talk. Stop and listen, stop and watch,” she said. “As poet Mary Oliver said in her poem ‘When I Am Among the Trees,’ ‘… never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow often.’”

Amy Nemecek is an editor at Baker Publishing Group, but writes poetry to the rhythm of her feet during her daily walks.

Oral history of poetry in the works Christine StephensKrieger, after coordinating the DyerIves poetry competition for 14 years and teaching creative writing at GVSU, is spearheading a new project called An Oral History of Poetry in Grand Rapids. She plans to coordinate audio and video recordings of 25 poets — as a start — that will be available to the public from its archival home, which is being considered by the Grand Rapids Public Library. Stephens-Krieger hopes have filming done by May, with the final products available in the fall of this year. She’ll also collect ephemera such as photos, broadsheets from poetry nights at local venues, posters, programs and more. “I want to grab all the good things people have done over the years and put it all together to see how good we are. Grand Rapids is special,” said Stephens-Krieger. “I want to gather the past to reach the present.” She points to poets such as Rodney Torreson, Patricia Clark, David Cope and Linda Nemec Foster, as well as younger artists such as Marcel Price, Gleason, Todd Kaneko and Kyd Kane. “We’re in a good place to gather information from the past 50 years to have for the future,” said Stephens-Krieger. For more information, contact Stephens-Krieger at oralhistorypoetrygr@ gmail.com. GR M AG .CO M

015-17.PP.Profile.GRM030422.indd 17

2/1/22 11:10 AM

ISSUES

Turning pages at GRPL Young and motivated, Jessica Anne Bratt is pushing the institution’s revival. BY SAM EASTER

// PHOTO BY DAVID SPARKS

People who know Jessica Anne Bratt describe her as something of a library wunderkind — a 34-year-old who was promoted last year to become the Grand Rapids Public Library’s first Black assistant director. She’s written widely published book reviews. She’s served on an alphabet soup’s worth of committees and boards. Library Journal named her to a “mover and shaker” list in 2016. Her boss said she’ll probably have his job one day. But she’s coming of age in a changing world for libraries. Think about the last time you wanted to know how big Texas was, or the last time you thought about skimming through “The Great Gatsby.” That’s all a tap on your smartphone away — what do you need a library for, anyway? This is where Bratt, a library evangelist if ever there was one, really shines. Like most other people in the profession nowadays, she’s happy to admit you don’t need her to show you where the 20-pound World Atlas is (remember those?). But the world is changing, she said, and it needs libraries more than ever. “We’re, in some ways, the palaces for the people,” Bratt said. “There have been dwindling opportunities for quality experiences for families for a very long 18

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

018-19.PP.Issues.GRM030422.indd 18

2/1/22 11:10 AM

people + places / issues

time. There have been dwindling resources that communities can access for a really long time. There’s an increased digital presence that not everyone has full, month-to-month, day-to-day, hour-tohour access to.” Think of the typical American community decades ago: built around bedrock institutions like a local church or school, thriving on less expensive access to leisure. Bratt argues that those community spaces and opportunities, over the years, have begun to fade. “We’re more segregated than ever. And it’s not just race — it’s ideologies, it’s in how we view neighbors, or what a neighbor is,” Bratt said. “There’s more of that distance and that separation … the idea of the library still has that model of, you can come in and be heard. But you can also learn things too, and contribute, too.” This is the language in which the modern field speaks — about a mission that stretches far beyond the library’s front steps. And it’s running parallel to huge changes in how the modern library works, as the internet gobbles up more and more of the world that used to live almost exclusively at the library. Take DigiBridge, a program founded by Bratt earlier in her tenure at GRPL. It partners the library with local schools to help get kids library cards, library access and library technology — bringing more patrons through the doors and giving the community another way to connect with reading and learning. So as the world the library is living in changes, it’s changing too. Of course, library defenders are quick to point out there’s still plenty to actually find at the library — like endless books and movies and historical archives and more. Rachel Anderson is the president of the Grand Rapids Public Library Board of Commissioners. She’s been around libraries long enough to remember actual, hold-it-in-your-hands card catalogs; she even recalls helping convert a Cyrillic-language set to a digital system back in her younger years. “The traditional view of the library is as a repository — a place you stick things and you can come and look at the things and the information will be there,” Anderson said. “But libraries have always been — and I think we’re much more intentional about it now — a sort of community center. A place where everybody is welcome and they can get what they need. And we want to be able to help them find what they need.” John McNaughton is head of Grand Rapids Public Library. He’s quick to point out that Bratt didn’t get the job because of her skin color — her insight is exactly what the library needs as it keeps growing into a new era. “In the library environment these days, you really need to be looking forward as much as humanly possible, trying to adapt as much as possible,” he said. “But with Jessica, I instantly saw in her that she is constantly thinking about where to go next.” But Bratt’s identity is notable in a city like Grand Rapids. The city was roiled by 2020 protests after the murder of George Floyd — just like everywhere else — but it also has its own, unique racist history that’s simmered for more than a century. In 1925, the Ku Klux Klan paraded through the city; in 1967, the city was rocked by rioting stoked by decades of racism. The city’s police department has launched reforms in recent years to help bridge divides with local residents — especially in the Black community. Today’s moment, in which Bratt takes her new job, is the

"The only way you’re going to combat fear and ignorance is by providing spaces for people to be able to come together. They always say that, when astronauts go into space, they stop seeing borders and they start seeing that we’re all one. We are all in this place as one." Jessica Bratt

product of that past, and one of which she’s keenly aware. Bratt said her grandfather was born in the 1880s — and that Ruby Bridges, the young Black girl who famously led the way in desegregating a Jim Crow-era school, is only 68 years old. Bratt was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. Both her parents were Chicago Public Schools teachers who worked hard to support her interests and her young education. That was valuable during the late 1980s and 1990s, when Bratt recalls gang violence surging, and as the city’s worst racist impulses had yet to fade. The family pediatrician, she said, was one of the first in the area who regularly accepted Black patients. But the library was a “neutral pillar” in the middle of it all, Bratt remembers. She grew up there, eventually working as a library page and meeting her mentors. One of them was Dorothy Evans — a celebrated Black librarian who had a 59-year career in Chicago’s libraries. It’s easy to see how Bratt, young and Black on Chicago’s South Side, learned to discover who she was — and who she wanted to be — between the stacks. Bratt went on to study music education in college before teaching in Chicago Public Schools. But she said she always knew she wanted to be a librarian. She graduated from Indiana University with her master’s in library science in 2012. By the end of the year, she was a Youth Services Librarian at Grand Rapids Public Library, where she’s been a rising star ever since — moving on to regional manager, then youth services manager, then community engagement coordinator and now assistant director. All by the age of 33. “The only way you’re going to combat fear and ignorance is by providing spaces for people to be able to come together,” Bratt said. “They always say that, when astronauts go into space, they stop seeing borders and they start seeing that we’re all one. We are all in this place as one. “And so I feel like that’s the beauty of equity, diversity and inclusion,” she added. “It kind of breaks down that fear and that ignorance to be like, we only have one Earth and we only have one life and trying to make the best of that I think is where I land with changing the power structure — in a good way.” GR M AG .CO M

018-19.PP.Issues.GRM030422.indd 19

2/1/22 11:10 AM

Experience masterpieces of art and nature that will delight your senses at America’s premier horticultural display gardens and sculpture park.

Brian Kelly. Courtesy GRAY, Chicago/New York.

ALWAYS GROWING. ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL. ALWAYS NEW. 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 TF: 1-888-957-1580 MeijerGardens.org | #MeijerGardens | @MeijerGardens

FrederickMeijer.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1 22-214_FMG&SP_ImageAd_GRMagazine_8.625x11.125_Feb_vs1.indd 1

1/21/22 10:26 AM 1/19/22 10:47 AM

look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY

STYLE

Fashion fun page 24

» PLUS: 10-MINUTE WORKOUTS SERVING DURING A PANDEMIC WFH ADVICE

Grace Kelly shows off her flashy style with her dog Willy.

P H OTO G R A P H BY M I C H E L L E C U P P Y GR M AG .CO M

021.LF.Opener.GRM030422.indd 21

2/1/22 2:12 PM

look + feel / wellness

WELLNESS

10 minute fitness In-home workouts don’t require expensive equipment. BY JESSE O’BRIEN

It almost sounds too good to be true. With just incremental, 10-minute investments in personal exercise each day, a person can dramatically change their overall wellness by losing weight, toning their body and, most importantly, feel better overall. And to top it off, expensive equipment or gym memberships are optional. Everything in a 10-minute highintensity interval training, or HIIT, workout can be done from your living room, on your time. There’s no way, right? 22

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

022-23.LF.Wellness.GRM030422.indd 22

WORKOUT ISTOCK/BOJANSTORY

2/1/22 2:14 PM

"HIIT combines easy moves, body weight exercises, it’s really easy to set up and there’s science to back up that your EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) lasts longer, which means you’re still burning calories at a resting rate post-exercise." Amy Kwaiser

Actually, there is. “There’s really a lot of science behind HIIT training,” licensed Grand Rapids fitness instructor Amy Kwaiser said. “HIIT combines easy moves, body weight exercises, it’s really easy to set up and there’s science to back up that your EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) lasts longer, which means you’re still burning calories at a resting rate post-exercise. “That’s really why HIIT has exploded over the past couple years: It’s easy to do, easy to format and it has a really high calorie burn after you’re done exercising.” Alongside frequent co-instructor Brianna Cummings, Kwaiser teaches a number of fitness classes through Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, many of which feature HIIT training. Kwaiser and Cummings both are licensed instructors of Zumba, an aerobics program centered around dance moves and music, which lends itself nicely to the core tenants of HIIT. Kwaiser also teaches yoga and STRONG Nation courses for the parks department — and while their in-person and virtual classes can’t be wrapped up in a tidy 600 seconds, both instructors recognize the benefits and draw of 10-minute workout courses. Cummings and Kwaiser shared a pair of curated 10-minute workouts with GR Magazine, one for those just dipping their toes in the water of HIIT at-home workouts, and one that’s a bit more challenging. “It’s almost a different mindset,” Cummings said of the beginnerfocused exercise. “You know when you’re doing that, you’re getting stuff done and you can see the end of the tunnel. And I like a short list, you can see the end and you can just get it done.” It’s not particularly surprising that the idea of a 10-minute workout has taken hold, especially in a post-COVID-19 world, where work from home and closed gyms early in the pandemic created a necessity for alternative exercise options. However, Kwaiser noted that the prevalence of at-home 10-minute workouts even predated the age of coronavirus, as people found it difficult to carve out time in between their busy lifestyles for exercise and companies like Peleton, NordicTrack and Apple Fitness rushed to fill the demand for more accessible exercise options. Like many fitness instructors, Kwaiser and Cummings took their offerings online in 2020, offering virtual courses while gyms and fitness facilities remained shuttered in the worst days of the pandemic. But Kwaiser said they already had begun discussions about offering virtual training, mainly due to the recognition that short-burst, at-home training options had become increasingly popular. “At-home workouts are something everyone wants to do, and I think for some people, going to a gym or workout facility can be intimidating,” Kwaiser said. Once beginning exercisers are comfortable with working out at home, Kwaiser and Cummings hope to see them in person at one of their many course offerings. “Our main thing is, we just want people to leave our classes feeling happy,” Kwaiser said. “We’re the type of instructors that are not going to put a lot of pressure to be a certain way — we don’t have expectations of anyone, we just want people to come in and have a good time. “We don’t want it to feel like exercise.”

Workouts To Try Start by warming up for 1 minute. Our suggestion is to rotate through these moves: 1. Run in place 2. Shoulder rolls forward and back 3. Supported side squats 4. Walking hip rolls/hip openers 5. Upper body rotation with arms reaching in a T position Use a stopwatch to time yourself. The goal for this is to do as many reps of the combo as possible in the 40 seconds. Each person is different, so go at your own pace.

OPTION 1 There are eight exercises in this combination. Each combo is timed at 40 seconds, with a 10-15 second rest period following. Basic squat to standing bicycle crunch, alternating sides Rest Two-footed forward leap, four jumping jacks back Rest Rear lunge to single leg deadlift, alternating sides Rest In plank position, cross chest shoulder taps, then press into downward facing dog pose, repeat Rest Uppercut punch four times, cross punch four times Rest Lateral hurdle jump to side sumo squat, alternating sides Rest Burpee with Brazilian cross crunch Rest High knees to side lunge, alternating sides

OPTION 2 There are four exercises in this combination. Each combo is timed at 40 seconds, with a 10-15 second rest period following. Do one jumping jack followed by one front kick, alternating sides Rest Alternating rear lunges Rest Rope slams in squat position Rest Mountain climbers Rest Repeat all four intervals and rests Complete either workout with a round of easy stretches to cool down. GR M AG .CO M

022-23.LF.Wellness.GRM030422.indd 23

2/1/22 2:14 PM

look + feel / style

Local stylist Grace Kelly likes to keep a "playful" tune to the outfits she wears.

STYLE

Embracing eclectic

Stylist Grace Kelly suggests jumping out of your comfort zone. WRITTEN BY KELSEY DUNNEBACK

// PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CUPPY

Some people shine brighter simply by embracing their uniqueness. Local stylist and creative visionary Grace Kelly fully epitomizes this strategy. With a self-described “eclectic” and “playful” personal style, Kelly boldly wears an endless variation of inspiring outfits including hot pink tights, checkered pants and custom patchwork denim. 24

“We can so easily hide ourselves behind something that's comfortable or easy,” she said. “And it may seem insignificant, but I believe it impacts us as a whole. There are moments I get to witness where someone steps out of their comfort zone and into an outfit … It is incredible to see a shift in their confidence and embracing of self. That experience has allowed me time and time again to be reminded to play, to try new things and in turn continue to discover more parts of myself through the clothing I wear.” Kelly spoke with Grand Rapids Magazine about inspiration, style advice and more. Grand Rapids Magazine: Tell us a little about yourself. Grace Kelly: I describe myself as a dexterous spotted human. My freckles are pretty reflective of my weird, eccentric self. I am connected most to my passions when I'm working with my hands. I am a mother to two incredible kids, Cartney, 8, and Margot, 6, and one little dog named Willy. I run my own business, DXTRTY, as a wardrobe and prop stylist for commercial photo and video shoots.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

024-25.LF.Style.GRM030422.indd 24

2/1/22 11:09 AM

Scott Carey Grace Kelly keeps things sparkly and colorful, a nod to her creative life.

GRM: How would you describe your personal style? GK: Eclectic and colorful, heavily inspired by those advanced in age — Iris Apfel, I'm looking to you. I derive a lot of pleasure from unexpected pairings, finding pieces that no one would wear, and generally just “putting on a little show.” You are in this life for such a short amount of time, might as well have some fun while you're at it. GRM: Have you always loved fashion and style? GK: My love for fashion has grown and evolved with time. Playing dress-up has always been a running theme for me. When I dressed up there were no boundaries. It was a space that let me tap into my femininity and my masculinity, a continuing theme in my own expression of self. GRM: Where do you draw inspiration from? GK: I'm a highly sensory individual and I've discovered that I feel most open and connected with my creative self when all my senses are engaged. Which is why I think I'm most inspired in nature. It's full of light, color, texture, sounds, weirdness and playfulness. GRM: Any advice for someone who wants help with personal style? GK: I believe the best style comes from people tapping into what brings them joy and following that. Start with a color that you are drawn to. Then, buy a piece of clothing in that color. Wear it for a day. Notice how you feel and how you interact with others. A small shift like this in awareness of what pieces bring joy will open a deeper understanding of your true personal style.

"I believe the best style comes from people tapping into what brings them joy and following that." Grace Kelly

Redefining fine jewelry. White gold “Primitive Circle” pendant with amethyst and diamonds, designed and made in our Grand Rapids studio.

(616) 459-5075 www.metalartstudioinc.com 978 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids MI (Park free in our lot) GR M AG .CO M

024-25.LF.Style.GRM030422.indd 25

2/1/22 11:42 AM

look + feel / expe t

EXPERT

Work /life pandemic disruption As Year 2 of COVID-19 closes, people are struggling with ripple effects. BY SAM EASTER

Jessica Roberts, a counselor with Brave Grand Rapids, has been giving therapy sessions since 2018. That’s put her in a unique position — with about half her professional experience coming before COVID-19’s American outbreak, and about half of it after. And since the virus arrived, it’s changed everything about the way she and her clients live and work. Roberts has worked with clients who disagree with family on pandemic policy — think masks and vaccines — and with people who feel isolated working from home. She’s also heard, increasingly, about more “existential” issues, like people whose dissatisfaction with their job has been thrown into sharp relief by the stresses of the pandemic. “I would say 80% of folks that I see or have reached out more 26

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

026.LF.Expert.GRM030422.indd 26

“I would say 80% of folks that I see or have reached out more recently are starting to deal with the aftereffects (of COVID), those ripple effects of the ways the pandemic has changed their life.” Jessica Roberts

recently are starting to deal with the aftereffects (of COVID), those ripple effects of the ways the pandemic has changed their life,” she said. As of this writing, the virus’ omicron variant is surging, leaving things unlikely to change in the near term. Hospitals, for the foreseeable future, likely will be stressed; workers will be isolated at home offices; family and friends will disagree about how to stay safe. The stress isn’t going anywhere. But Roberts said there are a few exercises that can help. One of the most important is letting some things be “good enough,” she said. It’s a way to reframe the pressure to meet high expectations that can be much harder during the pandemic. If the gym is closed, it’s not a crisis; it’s an opportunity to score a smaller but meaningful victory by walking around the block. If you can’t meet up with friends at your favorite restaurant, it’s still good to schedule a phone call and relax with friends long-distance. “I usually go practice yoga at the studio, but I’ve been doing a lot more practices at home,” she said. “Again, that’s not my favorite. Because I do miss out on the community feel. But I’ve reframed it as, ‘Oh, this gives me an opportunity to try some yoga poses that I’m a little embarrassed to do in a group setting.’” And as working from home drags on — for many, toward the end of its second full year — it’s helpful to make sure there’s a clear line between work and home. Try a ritual like putting away your laptop to mark a clear distinction between work time and personal time, or making sure that there’s a work space and a personal space within your home. And, Roberts pointed out, if you’re struggling — or if you think it would be helpful to talk — it’s never a bad idea to try counseling. “I’m a proponent of counseling, and I encourage anyone to seek that out. I know a lot of people think, ‘Oh, I have to have it really bad before I reach out,’ and that’s absolutely not the case,” she said. WFH ISTOCK/ZUBADA

2/1/22 2:13 PM

expertise & value that matters to you We are honored that 30 Rhoades McKee lawyers across 25 practice specialties – over 2/3 of our attorneys – were recognized by their peers as Top Lawyers for excellence in their areas of specialization. Our attorneys understand the importance of identifying, investigating, and responding to interrelated legal issues. We use an interdisciplinary team approach that allows us to maximize our knowledge and experience efficiently and cost effectively. Connect with one of our attorneys to discuss how we can help with your legal needs. rhoadesmckee.com

rhoades mckee attorneys

Rhodes McKee_FP_GR0721.indd 1

Appellate Law, Arbitration, Banking and Financial Services, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law, Commercial Law, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Construction Litigation, Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Family Law, Health Care Law, Insurance Law, Labor and Employment Law, Land Use and Zoning, Legal Malpractice Law, Mediation, Medical Malpractice Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Personal Injury, Professional Malpractice, Real Estate Law, Real Estate Litigation, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates

1/17/22 12:01 PM

EXPERIENCE

Pandemic service A bartender shares the two-year struggle of hospitality. BY PASHA SHIPP

The pandemic was rough on restaurants, but it's been equally hard on the service industry workers.

// PHOTO BY TERI GENOVESE

f you’ve dined out during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve probably noticed many changes. Masked restaurant staff, adjusted seating capacities and limited menus are just a few of the differences over the last two years as restaurants work tirelessly to overcome unforeseen obstacles and stay in business. And just like those businesses, countless people have had to adapt as things continue to change. Anna Barncord is one of those people. An Indiana transplant who moved to Grand Rapids in July 2019, Barncord has been working in the hospitality industry for much of her life. She is one of those often “nameless and faceless” people in the service industry who are struggling just to survive while bearing the brunt of frustrated customers who expect everything to be the same as it was two years ago. This is her story.

“I started serving way, way, way back in the day at a Steak ’n Shake, which was super fun. Then, I started bartending at a TGI Fridays. I moved on from there to a little local brewpub in Indiana, and went from there to an upscale, casual dining experience in Chicago, which was really fun — right on Michigan Avenue — where I bartended and served. Then I moved here, and I bartended at the AC Hotel for twoand-a-half years. With COVID, there was a very long period of time where I just wasn’t able to work, which was scary. A couple of my friends who lived in Chicago and worked at that same restaurant that I used to work at, when everything shut down, they never heard from the restaurant ever again. They just never reopened. They never gave them a return-back date or reached out about their health insurance or benefits or anything. So, they just had to move on when things started reopening, which is really terrible. The hotel was very good about communication, but we did open and close several times, and the whole process of dealing with unemployment was very new and very stressful. At first when everything was still pretty crazy, most guests were very compliant with wearing masks. They understood, especially because many of them travel and that was really risky. When things started to open up more, we kept our mask mandate at the hotel a lot longer than some other places did, and people were not thrilled about that. I was talking at one point to this couple on one end of the bar about how our governor has been handling everything and how we’ve been closed down and how I personally was OK with it, and this other couple across the bar, they were like, ‘We’ll take our bill,’ and they paid, they tipped and they left. The next day, I got talked to by my manager because they left a review for the hotel saying, ‘We really don’t like the girl bartender spreading all of her political beliefs at the bar; we don’t like the way that their governor has been handling everything.’ I’m still a person with a personality and opinions, and if someone wants to talk to me about those opinions, I’m perfectly happy to talk to them. If you’re not involved in my conversation, then kindly stay out of it. This other time, it was really early on during COVID, and there were hardly ever people at the bar. I had these girls that came in right before close, and we still had

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

028-29.LF.Experience.GRM030422.indd 28

2/1/22 2:14 PM

look + feel / expe ience

the mask mandate for guests for when they were up and moving around, and I remember I was shutting things down and I had my mask on. They were just sitting at the bar, and they both got up to go to the bathroom, and they were having fun, and they didn’t put their masks on, and one of them was like, ‘Wait, wait, we need our masks,’ and then the other one looked around, and she was like, ‘But there’s no one in here.’ I just stood there, and I was looking at them and I was thinking, ‘I’m right here.’ Clearly, they didn’t think of me as a person at the bar, even though I was literally serving them drinks. I just was so dumbfounded by that. I remember telling that to one of my friends and just thinking, ‘There’s no one in here,’ OK, I’m no one. Got it. Right. There’s always been this weird thing, sometimes, with men and female bartenders, but since COVID, I’ve had at least two or three men at my bar who have seen my ID photo on my lanyard and they’re like, ‘Oh, you look so great without the mask, will you pull it down so I can see your face?’ I had one guy who was like, ‘Pull it down and give me a smile; I want to see your smile,’ and I am at a loss for words. Usually I say, ‘Well, I can’t for safety’s sake,’ trying hard to just make it as straightforward as possible without sounding completely offended or grossed out. Besides that, hearing people and understanding people — I’ve gotten really good at nonverbal communication, which is unfortunate, but it’s been harder with masks. So much of our profession is being that smiley, chipper person and getting your tips from that, and it’s hard when your face is covered. It also has been kind of refreshing

When asked about what customers could do to help create a more positive dining experience for everyone, Barncord had this to say:

“No.1 on the list without any doubt is to be patient. There are so many things happening behind the scenes that customers never see, and many of these things have been affected by COVID. Your table may take longer to prepare because we have to take extra precautions to sanitize it. Your food may take longer to cook because we are super short-staffed because employees are sick. We

because I don’t always have to be smiley and chipper. That stigma with service industry people is so standard, I think, and it’s been kind of nice not having to worry about it, not always having to have a smile plastered on my face and still being compensated. It’s a very physically demanding job, and masks don’t make it any easier. Any bartending or serving job that you go into, they ask you if you’re physically capable of doing this job because there’s a lot to it. There would be nights when we’ve been busier and busier — and we’re still wearing masks — that I need to go in the back and switch mine because it’s covered in sweat. I can’t breathe because it’s soaked. It’s just been really tough physically. It’s a challenge that I never expected to have, of course, and it’s especially weird when your bar is full of patrons that are unmasked, and they’re running around and they’re drunk and they have no sense of space, and you’re still wearing your mask for safety’s sake, but it feels like safety’s out the window when there’s that many other people that are unmasked. It’s an interesting time. Even with vaccines, I have my booster, I’m doing my best to keep people safe, and then when your restaurant or your bar says all your patrons don’t need to wear masks and we’re not going to check for vaccines, it just kind of feels like, ‘OK, well, what are you doing to keep me safe? I’m wearing the mask to keep them safe, but what about me?’ Being in the hospitality industry is tough because we were hurting for money because people weren’t traveling, so the hotel wasn’t doing great. It’s kind of hard to be in that position because you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Do you let

may not have a lot of the products that you like because shipping and transportation has been so difficult. Each of these little things adds up and guests don’t understand how much these little things bother them until they start to happen. Trust me, as staff, we hate it just as much, if not more, than the customers. We want to be operating at full speed, but we have to ensure the safety of the

guests. A little patience and understanding can go a long way. No. 2 is to tip your servers and bartenders 20%. We all know that service industry workers live off of tips, and for many months over the last couple years, most of us were out of the job. It wasn’t easy. And now with restrictions keeping us to certain capacities, we aren’t able to build up the big numbers we

people walk around without a mask, maybe endangering the lives of others? Or do you lose out on that little bit of revenue that you might be taking in? I felt like I couldn’t say anything; I didn’t want to get in trouble for making a guest angry, and that’s why it’s so hard because I just felt like I was stuck again between a rock and a hard place. I think one really nice thing that COVID did was give people a little bit more appreciation for going out to eat because there was that huge chunk of time when we were all at home and no one was going out and no one was doing anything. Then finally, when restrictions lifted, it was like a burst of people, and it was like people wanted to go out all the time. Even with some of the awful people that have come through, there’s been just as many, if not more, people who are sympathetic to the situation and who have tipped over the typical 20% and have been more generous because they understand that we were an industry that was hit really hard with this. It’s been nice in that sense. As far as masks go, I think it’s something that’s going to stick around for a lot of places, at least for a little while longer. I just think it gives patrons and guests a little more peace of mind knowing that their chef wasn’t breathing all over their food. I just hope that we can see how much more valued service industry people are and maybe start changing wages so that they’re not just living off of tips — taking into account the amount of time and effort that they’re putting into this job and their own safety and maybe being able to compensate them more for that because we were almost like an essential business for a while and we’re putting ourselves out there.”

saw pre-COVID. Many of us are making much less money than we were before this pandemic. I understand if you have a bad experience or things take too long or something is messed up with your food. Like I said earlier, as staff, we don’t want these things to happen either! It directly affects our paychecks. You may not agree with the system, but it’s not going to change anytime

soon, so for now, please tip your staff, and they will be eternally grateful and excited to see you come back again. COVID took out a lot of small businesses. The next thing I would ask customers to consider is trying out local spots rather than chain restaurants. Grand Rapids has so much to offer in the realm of food and beverage — unique spots that give the city its flavor. GR M AG .CO M

028-29.LF.Experience.GRM030422.indd 29

2/1/22 2:14 PM

promotional content

ASK US ANYTHING Get the Inside Scoop from Those in the Know

ouldn’t it be nice to have a go-to for every little (and big!) question that comes up in our lives? Sure, we might have a tech-savvy niece with a side gig or a real estate-wise friend we can cast a line out to, but there’s nothing better than being able to ask a true expert. As a host of factors continue to shake up our lives — whether we’re making travel plans, purchasing a car or other big-ticket item, or navigating the housing market — it’s important to

TrustedAdvisersQA.GRM.0322.indd 1

receive sound advice. Even everyday events and activities can become tricky, and having just a little bit of extra insight can give us the edge we need. In this section, we’ll hear from industry pros who have years — even decades — of expertise in their fields, ranging from tourism to health care, banking, automotive, legal, jewelry, and more. Read on, and make a deposit in your knowledge bank! ■

2/1/22 10:47 AM

promotional content

Q: How have senior living options changed, and what are the benefits of joining an active community? A: Some modern retirement and care communities in West Michigan offer a distinctly different lifestyle than the nursing homes of the past. Where prospective residents were once focused on levels of care and assistance, they’re now more interested in life enrichment. As providers, the team at Beacon Hill knows how crucial it is to stay active and maintain social circles — and residents and families do, as well. That’s why they’ve shifted to more of a life community approach. While quality care is still extremely important, there are also great advantages to living in a vibrant, energetic community.

At Beacon Hill, residents are active, and there are a lot of stimulating pastimes and opportunities for relationship-building. Residents can choose to be as engaged or serene as they want to be, and as social or as private as they choose, although participation is encouraged. Fitness and wellness classes help residents improve and maintain their balance and mobility, while on- and off-site programs and a wide range of dining options keep life interesting and varied. The bar has definitely been raised for what senior living communities need to offer to today’s seniors.

Amanda Daggett, RN

Director of Nursing Beacon Hill at Eastgate 1845 Boston St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-245-9179 amanda.daggett@beaconhillgr.org beaconhillgr.org

Q: What makes Grand Rapids a great destination for meetings and conventions, and how can local community members be involved?

A: Grand Rapids is an ideal location for meetings and conventions of varying sizes. Most groups find the city large enough to have all the amenities and facilities needed to successfully host their meetings, but they also find it’s the perfect size for their attendees to connect with one another and enjoy the community’s hospitality. Here’s a fun fact: More than 70 percent of the national conventions hosted in Grand

Rapids are influenced by a local community member. If you belong to an organization or association that holds regional or national meetings, you can help the Experience Grand Rapids team with outreach and by extending an invitation to your group. By doing so, you’ll boost the local economy, raise the profile of the city, and earn the gratitude of colleagues who will have a great time in Grand Rapids.

Mary Manier, CTP, CTIS, CTA

Vice President, Sales and Services 2500-2600 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 877-847-4847, ext. 3554 mmanier@ExperienceGR.com

Q: What are some unique dining and drinking experiences for visitors to southwest Michigan? A: “As a lifelong resident of southwest Michigan, and a local food and beverage enthusiast, I’m often asked to recommend places to eat,” says Millicent Huminsky, executive director of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council. “In the Benton Harbor Arts District, Houndstooth wows diners with their shared plates, while the nearby Mason Jar Café is a farm-to-table favorite.” Huminsky also suggests checking out two places with great food and scenic views: St. Joseph’s Plank’s Tavern, and the Bistro on the Boulevard. In Buchanan, you can enjoy fresh air

TrustedAdvisersQA.GRM.0322.indd 2

and food at River St. Joe, an organic farmstead and brewery not far from the Fernwood Botanical Garden, and Lehman’s Farmhouse, with locally sourced beverages and food. Outdoor enthusiasts might want to sip wines, beers, and spirits while hiking between Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant and Round Barn Winery. For those with children and pets, Huminsky says Silver Beach Pizza is a must for kids. Travelers with pets will find lots of welcoming places, but dogs especially love treats from FuzzyButz Pet Bakery.

Millicent Huminsky, Executive Director Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council 2300 Pipestone Rd. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269-925-6301 swmichigan.org

2/1/22 10:47 AM

promotional content

Q: I have the travel itch. Where can I go for a satisfying spring vacation? A: Whether it’s a romantic getaway with your significant other, a girlfriends’ retreat, or even a pre-summer family vacation, there’s plenty to do in Ludington in the off season. Many accommodations are so cozy that no matter what the weather’s like outside, you’ll have a comfortable stay. Cartier Mansion’s new Carriage House Suites are luxurious and inviting, with highend amenities to make you feel pampered. Just a short distance from Ludington is Barothy Lodge, a wilderness retreat with 15 private lodges set on an expansive property along the Pere Marquette River. It’s ideal for families and groups of friends, and most

Brandy Miller, Executive Director

Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 119 S. Rath Ave. Ludington, MI 49431 800-542-4600 pureludington.com

What are my options for repurposing a piece of fine jewelry?

A: Whether it’s an heirloom you want to preserve, a sentimental piece that needs a style reboot, or a wedding ring you want to take on a new meaning, refurbishing or creating a custom piece is easier than you might think. “At Metal Art Studio, our inhouse jewelers can bring your piece back to life or give it a completely new life,” says Carol Wagen, the studio’s co-owner. Replacing gems, resizing, and re-tipping are simple processes that can restore your jewelry to like-new condition, or it can be

lodges have full kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, and more. For a special night out, there’s the recently renovated STIX Restaurant & Bar, which boasts a new fine dining menu and state-of-the-art bowling lanes. This summer, guests will also be able to enjoy the beer garden. Crown and Cork offers casual yet trendy fare in a waterfront setting — it’s the only lakeshore restaurant in the city! For those who are anxious to leave winter behind and take in the fresh spring air, there’s always hiking and cycling at Ludington State Park. Visit pureludington.com to learn more.

completely redesigned using some or all of the original components. White and yellow gold can often be recast, which can be especially important to those who have inherited jewelry from a loved one. When it comes to a redesign, you don’t have to have the exact design in mind before you meet with a Metal Art Studio representative. “Our designers will create a style to suit your taste and personality,” Wagen says. “People come in not knowing what they want, and leave with exactly what they want.”

Carol Wagen, Co-Owner Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry 978 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-459-5075 Shop@metalartstudioinc.com metalartstudioinc.com

With car shortages a reality, can buyers even get a vehicle right now?

A: The global chip shortage has affected a number of businesses, especially the automotive industry. Finding a new vehicle is certainly a challenge, but not impossible, and Pfeiffer Lincoln has a select few on their lot. Pfeiffer Lincoln recommends that if you’re in the market for a new Lincoln in the next few months, you should submit an order for your customized Lincoln. You can choose from a number of options to customize your Lincoln to your specifications.

TrustedAdvisersQA.GRM.0322.indd 3

Pfeiffer understands that some customers aren’t able to wait, which is why they offer the option to purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Lincoln. These vehicles go through a 200-point inspection and come with a warranty at the time of purchase. If they still don’t have what you’re looking for on their lot, they have access to many auctions to help you find what you’re looking for. Visit Pfeiffer Lincoln today and let them use their expertise to help you find your vehicle.

Steve Kelly, New Car Manager

Pfeiffer Lincoln 2424 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-949-7800 pfeifferlincolnofgrandrapids.com

2/8/22 5:08 PM

promotional content

Q: How do I know if engaging the services of a personal injury lawyer is right for me? A: If you’re injured, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney who specializes in injury cases. Personal injury cases can be very complicated, and insurance adjusters are trained to take advantage of unrepresented victims. An experienced attorney will know how to present the true value of the case to the adjuster, which will force the adjuster to realistically value your case. As a personal injury attorney, Stephen L. Grimm has aggressively defended the rights of injured victims in West Michigan for more than 36 years. He specializes in medical malpractice, legal malpractice, auto and motorcycle accidents, brain and closed head

injuries, and serious personal injuries. He has helped individuals and families throughout the region recover millions in cases involving the negligence of physicians, hospitals, legal professionals, and careless drivers, and he has a proven record of providing exceptional legal counsel and representation. Grimm has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating — a distinguished designation held by only about 10 percent of all attorneys — and he has been voted by his peers as a Top Lawyer in Grand Rapids Magazine for many years. If you’ve been suffering without recourse, call today to schedule a consultation.

Stephen L. Grimm, P.C. Attorney at Law 5020 E. Beltline NE, Suite 201F Grand Rapids, MI 49525 1-616-459-0220 slgrimmpc.com

Q: With home values rising, what are some practical uses for my home’s equity? A: There are many options for borrowers who are curious about using home equity funds. Most people think about remodeling because the credit line is tied to their home. The nice thing is, you can use it for anything. Some people use the funds for sending their kids to college, as the rate is typically much lower than a traditional student loan. You could even consolidate debt and save much more than your average credit card rate. You can always use the money for traditional home projects, too; a new kitchen or a down payment on a new pool are common uses.

TrustedAdvisersQA.GRM.0322.indd 4

Once you have a line, you can use the funds as you see fit — and borrow when you need them. HELOCs work similarly to a credit card, in that you can borrow and pay back while you have the line. You also have the convenience of interest-only payments in the beginning, if you choose, and you can pay a lump sum at any time without fees. HELOCs can be a really convenient and reasonably priced way to tap into your real estate asset! Visit Lake Michigan Credit Union at lmcu.org today to learn more.

Alicia Force

Vice President of Consumer Lending Lake Michigan Credit Union NMLS: 442967 5540 Glenwood Hills Parkway SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-242-9790 lmcu.org

2/1/22 10:47 AM

Left: Variety of cocktails from Bistro Bella Vita. Opposite page: Linear's dish, Beets Three Ways, includes pickled golden beets, shaved candy striped beets, red beet goat cheese purée, serrano oil, baguette, smoked walnuts

BY PAT E VA N S

These hotspots are not to be missed when dining out in the city.

P H O T O S BY S TAC Y F E Y E R - S A L O AND HANNAH RUSHTON

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 34

2/2/22 4:50 PM

THRIVE

GR M AG .CO M

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 35

2/1/22 11:04 AM

In the 2021 Best Restaurants issue, Grand Rapids Magazine did not name a top restaurant, nor did we adhere to the normal practice of really naming the best restaurants in the city. With the situation that was the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions put on restaurants throughout 2020, the decision was more than understandable. That is not to say there were not incredibly well-deserving establishments on the list. Places like Quarantino’s opened and impressed with a familiar style of pizza. The Mitten Brewing Co. helped lead a charge in worker welfare while firing out its delectable pizzas and beer, both among the favorites of Grand Rapids Magazine readers. Others, like Mertens Prime, Luna and Amore Trattoria Italian, were able to maintain the quality they established before the pandemic but kept things new and exciting while adapting to the constantly changing times. People’s dining habits shifted during the height of the pandemic when more often than not the kitchen table did double duty as a dining room and takeout became the new norm. Thankfully, lifted restrictions in early 2021 once again transformed the dining experience and more people became comfortable with venturing out. So, the abbreviated list was the right thing to do last year. Unfortunately, the pandemic didn’t altogether disappear in 2021 and continued to claim much-loved establishments like Osteria Rossa and favorite taco spot Taqueria San Jose. For 2022, Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best Restaurants will follow a similar approach, while returning a bit to the 36

roots of what the issue did prepandemic: set the standard for fine dining in the city. We’ll also center on dining within the Grand Rapids borders. This list does not have a Restaurant of the Year. A big part of that is the industry still struggles day-to-day with the intense pressures of a pandemic, including a mindboggling labor shortage. That easily can impact food quality on a plate and, certainly, service. On any given night, a restaurant can excel, while the next night it struggles. It’s hard to claim this is a definitive list because life for everyone the past two years has been a rollercoaster. What we can say is you won’t be disappointed when visiting these eateries. It’s quite possible the Best Restaurants list will look a lot different in 2023, just as this year’s looks different from 2021. But that’s an exercise for next year. For now, here are five restaurants that are pushing the standard of Grand Rapids dining to new heights. Following that is a list of five restaurants that create incredible food with regularity but, for whatever reason, might be a bit overlooked. Food scenes evolve quickly, and some restaurants in the next pages have been able to stick around and pass the test of time. Others are new and are helping push the limits with Grand Rapids diners. Together, they make a vibrant dining experience worthy of a growing city. Anyway, on to the tasty food. *Considerations did not include national chains and brands, like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and the Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, many of which are wonderful restaurants.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 36

2/2/22 4:50 PM

P H O T O S BY S TAC Y F E Y E R - S A L O

THE SOVENGARD

Walleye, Chicken Liver Paté, Rissoli, Duck Breast all from Sovengard (left). Sovengard interior (opposite page). Right before my berry eyes cocktail (below).

n March 2020, Grand Rapids Magazine named The Sovengard its Restaurant of the Year. Essentially two weeks later, the world shut down and the restaurant lost whatever benefits topping a list like this brings. Well, The Sovengard did manage to keep its doors open through twists and turns of lockdowns. With its Scandinavian influence, the menu can hold some surprises for diners and introduce them to new concepts. But admittedly, that has waned some since the restaurant first opened in 2016. The menu is a bit less esoteric, allowing an easier entry for most Midwestern diners. From an impeccably cooked duck breast to a flaky soft walleye and a creamy winter squash pasta, the main courses can compete with top restaurants in much bigger food scenes. Likewise, the beverage program at The Sovengard is among the very best in West Michigan. From the cocktails to

the beer and wine lists, nearly everything on the beverage menu is thoughtfully curated to help accentuate a wonderful dinner or simply a conversation over drinks. One thing to watch in the next year will be how the atmosphere changes. The Sovengard is currently in the midst of moving to a new location, much further west down Bridge Street than its current location. Its original basement location helped set the mood for what The Sovengard is. The raw brick walls and modern design accents encouraged diners to enjoy whatever season was outside, which makes sense with the ever-changing menu. The giant beer garden also was a staple on the West Side and helped make that location so special. The outstanding food will continue at the new location, but we hope the calming atmosphere will follow as well. (Editor’s Note: At the time of writing, The Sovengard was still operating at its original 443 Bridge St. NW location. The restaurant is moving to a new location, 1213 Bridge St. NW, sometime this year.) GR M AG .CO M

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 37

2/1/22 11:04 AM

P H O T O S BY S TAC Y F E Y E R - S A L O

MARGAUX

Margaux interior (top) with Tomahawk DePorc (left). Blanc et Salade de Betteraves (opposite page) with variety of cocktails from Margaux

imilar to The Sovengard, Margaux at the JW Marriott garnered a hearty endorsement from Grand Rapids Magazine in March 2020, earning the title of Best New Restaurant. Opened in October 2019, the French-themed restaurant had just a few months to enjoy normal operating circumstances before the COVID-19 tumult. Thankfully, Margaux has resumed its role as a replacement for Six.One. Six, the previous restaurant in the space at one of the premier hotels in Grand Rapids. In summer 2021, the restaurant also welcomed two important staff members: General Manager Caitlin Hoop and Chef de Cuisine Tyler VanAntwerpen. Hoop returned to Grand Rapids in summer 2020 after spending several years in New York City, working at Union Square Hospitality Group, the famed restaurant group of Danny Meyer. VanAntwerpen, meanwhile, spent time at restaurants in Chicago. Both bring an obvious big-city dining feel to a marquee establishment in the city. After traversing the first

six months of their time at Margaux, they now look forward to excelling further in 2022. “We’re both very excited now that we both have our legs underneath us,” Hoop said. “Our goal for 2022, and where we hope to take it, is making it more of a Grand Rapids establishment. We are fortunate to be in a hotel and always have those guests, but we want to make it more of a community-driven restaurant.” The community would do well to embrace the restaurant. French cuisine is one of the cornerstone styles of fine dining, and each time Grand Rapids Magazine visited the meals were on point. Whether it’s the delicate rainbow trout filets in a puddle of brown butter served on neatly fried potatoes or the wild boar ragout that was perhaps the best pasta dish we experienced, VanAntwerpen and his staff hit the mark every time. A key to French cooking, like most, is avoiding heavyhandedness. With that restraint, the dishes are light yet flavorful while addressing all levels of hunger. The staff also is knowledgeable, efficient and quick to recommend a perfect pairing while easily explaining why it’s the right choice.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 38

2/2/22 4:50 PM

GR M AG .CO M

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 39

2/1/22 11:05 AM

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 40

2/2/22 4:51 PM

P H O T O S BY S TAC Y F E Y E R - S A L O

MDRD

MDRD interior (opposite page) with Sherry Cobbler and Espresso Martini (left) and Paella Mixta (right).

f Margaux has one of the marquee locations in town, then MDRD has the marquee location in Grand Rapids. Both have little room for error in terms of operations because they are keystone restaurants at the two premier hotels in Grand Rapids. Visitors looking to dine in Grand Rapids while staying at those hotels will first look at those restaurants. The good news for MDRD is that location gives it a magnificent boost from the get-go. On the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza tower, the view and design provide bonus points for any diner.

With an incredible view of West Michigan, the first part of dinner often leaves visitors in awe. As the view becomes normalized, however, a relaxed and informed service style guides a diner through the menu without even glancing down. While visitors are seated several hundred feet above Grand Rapids, the pace of service certainly helps set the tone for a languid, traditional Spanish dinner, even if there is a snowstorm swirling outside. The dishes themselves are upgraded simplicity. The Ensalada de Pepino, for example, offers spirals of cucumbers, topped with dollops of creamy coconut cheese on a bed of salsa verde surrounded

by sweet peppers. Simple, yet delicious. The tapas are small, shareable plates, as they should be, and are fantastic. Try combining the Gambas Al Ajillo and Patatas Bravas, which allow the slightly spicy shrimp to be balanced by the crispy potato cubes. The main dishes can be tricky and will depend on the diner’s preferences. The pan-seared scallops were perfect, but the whole rainbow trout is stuffed with olive tapenade — great if you love olives, but not so great if you expect a true representation of a fragile, buttery trout. On the drinks side, the cocktails are inventive and sizable, and the wine list is well curated with an appropriate slant to Spanish varieties. GR M AG .CO M

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 41

2/1/22 11:05 AM

P H O T O S BY S TAC Y FEYER-SALO

LINEAR

Linear interior (top and bottom). Roasted porkbelly and grilled swordfish (opposite page).

ff the beaten path and essentially on the border of downtown Grand Rapids, Linear was a stellar addition to the Grand Rapids dining scene when it opened in 2018. The sleek, modern dining room is a great way to set the tone, which owner Todd Hoort said is not trying to be pretentious but rather straddle the lines of fancy and comfort food. No dinner jackets required. The menu is meant to be shared. The plates are not small by any means, but they’re not overflowing, either. It’s best to go into a dinner at Linear by ordering enough plates to adequately share with another diner or three. The starters are inventive, including plates like “Beets Three Ways,” highlighting the versatility of an oft-overlooked root vegetable, while toasted raviolis hit a more familiar note. The main dishes have a nice array of vegetarian options, like wild mushroom manicotti and the grilled cauliflower and couscous plate. There’s also plenty of options for fish lovers, including a grilled swordfish that delivers a mild but meaty punch. Then there are the meat options, like the wagyu flank steak, which pairs incredibly with the pungent blue cheese sporadically parsed onto the plate — light enough for those who normally shy away from a stinky cheese. Finish it off with a delightful S’mores Trifle. Linear also has an incredible weekend brunch menu if a dinner date isn’t in the wheelhouse.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 42

2/2/22 4:51 PM

GR M AG .CO M

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 43

2/1/22 11:06 AM

BY PAT E VA N S

FIVE MORE THAT SOAR

There are valid reasons to include these stops on your dining tour.

San Chez Bistro

The Chop House

It’s almost like stepping onto a set from the sitcom “Friends” and the charm that emanates from sitting in essentially the same dining room as when it opened in 1992 really helps elevate a meal. As a tapas restaurant, it’s best to take a trip throughout the menu and order in excess for the table, then pass them around.

Cooking a steak often is viewed as a simple task, but to do it well is a science. And The Chop House presents a pretty-darn-close-toperfect steak. Those grill skills also translate well to other items like succulent pan-seared scallops and juicy rib lamb chops. The atmosphere also might be the most traditionally “fancy date night” vibe of any GR restaurant.

Leo’s Another staple to the upscale dining scene in Grand Rapids, Leo’s was essentially alone in its extensive seafood menu in the downtown area. That status finally is changing, thanks to the opening of places like Beacon Corner Bar and soon-to-be-open Real Seafood Company. Whether that changes how a place like Leo’s operates is yet to be seen, but for now it’s the cream of that crop and is a must-try experience on the seafood side.

Reserve A previous Restaurant of the Year award winner, Reserve helped set the stage for new wine expectations in Grand Rapids when it opened in 2010. Not a massive menu by any means, a great route here is leaning on the wine and exploring the extensive meat and cheese menu.

MeXo MeXo takes Mexican cuisine, both modern and more traditional, and pulls together a menu unique to Grand Rapids and certainly outside what most Grand Rapidians know about Mexican food. The dishes also offer gorgeous colors to stimulate more than just the tastebuds.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 44

2/2/22 4:51 PM

P H O T O S BY S TAC Y F E Y E R - S A L O

BISTRO BELLA VITA

Bistro Bella Vita interior and bar area (opposite page). Parisian gnocchi (top left) with tuna crudo (right).

staple in the Grand Rapids dining scene since the 1990s, it would be easy for Bistro Bella Vita to rest on its laurels and let its name and history carry the menu. Instead, the restaurant continues to kick out new menu items to help keep pushing the Grand Rapids dining scene forward. Sure, there are staples that have been on the menu for years, like the creamy pesto Rotini con Pollo or the juicy rotisserie chicken and mashed potato and veggie Poulet de

Provence. The pizzas, too, are generally can’t-miss options, particularly the Rustica. House-made pasta helps set the stage for the pasta dishes, including the rigatoni bolognese, which quite possibly could be the best restaurant bolognese in the area. On the beverage side, since opening with a massive martini menu — which it still carries the legacy of — Bistro has generally kept pace with cocktail trends, including a recent push on Negronis. More impressively though, General Manager Tristan Walczewski recently earned his level 3 sommelier, helping diners match their meals with wines

from an extensive cellar list. After the meal, while there’s plenty to choose from by way of after-dinner drinks, one would be hard-pressed to find a better capper than an espresso along with the butterscotch budino. That’s why Bistro Bella Vita has been in Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best Restaurants issue each year for more than a decade. Of note: Essence Restaurant Group reopened Grove in February, resurrecting the restaurant that won Restaurant of the Year for five consecutive years after opening in 2011. (Editor’s Note: The author’s sister is a partner at Essence Restaurant Group.) GR M AG .CO M

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 45

2/2/22 4:51 PM

Italian hoagie from Schnitz Deli (above) and interior (below).

Half fried chicken with two sides (mashed yukons and pimento mac and cheese) at Hancock.

BY PAT E VA N S P H O T O S BY H A N N A H R U S H T O N

EVERYDAY GEMS When you crave comfort food, these are some tasty recommendations.

Grand Rapids is full of incredible restaurants of all types, far too many to list in the pages of Grand Rapids Magazine. Beyond the fancier restaurants within the Grand Rapids borders, there are a lot of great date-night spots in the greater Grand Rapids area and places to enjoy incredible morsels for everyday occasions. Here are some that are worth a try:

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 46

2/2/22 4:51 PM

Schnitz Deli

Sandwiches are a dime a dozen, but few in Grand Rapids put together a fresh deli sandwich like Schnitz. The deli has topped the Grand Rapids Magazine Best Of Readers Poll as best deli for years and that’s because the sandwiches are topnotch. So are the soups.

Hancock

Fried chicken isn’t exactly a hard sell, but hot chicken was the belle of the ball a few years ago and fried chicken sandwiches took the world by storm in 2020. Hancock hits both on the head and out of the ballpark, to mix some metaphors.

Pasta Chez Olga (top) and Chez Olga interior (below).

Wei Wei Palace

For a traditional Chinese dim sum experience, head out to South Division Avenue near 43rd Street. While Wei Wei Palace also serves up more Americanized Chinese dishes, diners should experience the wonderful flavors of the real deal, at least Cantonese style.

Chez Olga

Like properly spicy food? Chez Olga is among the best bets for that in Grand Rapids. The Caribbean-themed restaurant allows diners to take a trip all over the region, with plenty of options.

Mikado Sushi

Grand Rapids’ best sushi spot very likely can be found in a strip mall, which is where longtime staple Mikado opened in 1995. The fish is fresh and the menu carries an incredible value for quality sushi in Grand Rapids.

GR M AG .CO M

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 47

2/1/22 11:07 AM

Chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries, Calistoga Cobb, Noco Nachos all from Noco (top)

40 Acres Soul Kitchen A true representation of Southern comfort food is hard to come by in mainstream Grand Rapids restaurants, but not at Forty Acres Soul Kitchen, where the food will put meat on your ribs and a smile on your face.

Noco Provisions There are a lot of places that claim a really tasty hamburger. There’s plenty of different styles of hamburgers as well, so while it may be a matter of preference, Noco Provisions offers a savory and mouthwatering burger a diner probably won’t soon forget.

Aperitivo One of the original Downtown Market vendors, Aperitivo has expanded its footprint in the downtown attraction. That’s good news for lovers of a casual meal of meat, cheese, bread and accouterments. It can be a true culinary adventure when matching with the appropriate beverages.

Dakgangjeong (below) with interior of ROAM (left).

Roam by San Chez Bistro This cozy restaurant on Monroe Avenue offers the ability to literally roam the globe searching for a cuisine that will hit the spot. Roam’s menu ranges from full plates to sandwiches and appetizers, taking cues from destinations ranging from South Korea to Germany to the good ol’ USA.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

034-48_FEA_BestRestaurants_GRM030422.indd 48

2/2/22 4:51 PM

food+drink DIVE INTO THE CITY’S GREATEST EATERIES AND BARS

Cacio e pepe is a quick and easy recipe that can impress, even when the fridge is empty.

CREATE

Pantry magic page 54

» PLUS: BREAKFASTS TO TRY A PIECE OF MARKY MARK IN GR BOOZELESS TRENDS

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 GR M AG .CO M

049.FD.Opener.GRM030422.indd 49

2/1/22 11:20 AM

K-ROK serves kalbi, a beef short ribs dish marinated in house for 24 hours.

Singing and supper TABLE

K-ROK brings Korean tabletop grilling and backroom karaoke to GR. BY SAMANTHA SUAREZ

// PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

Earlier this winter, Grand Rapids’ first Korean barbecue and karaoke joint opened at 169 Louis Campau Promenade in the heart of downtown. K-ROK’s owner and operator, Rob Yoon, opened the new hotspot with hopes of bringing more pop to Grand Rapids’ nightlife while sharing Korean food and culture with the community. “There’s not much of a Korean presence in the area, so when we were blessed with the opportunity to open downtown, I figured we should start it off and make it happen,” Yoon said. For those unfamiliar with the concept, Korean barbecue is the experience of cooking meat over a hot grill found in the center of the table. “It’s similar to American-style barbecue in that we work with lots of different types of meat like pork belly, brisket and ribeye,” Yoon said. “What’s different are the flavors of our marinade, the cuts of meat, and that it’s more of a collective experience.” For Yoon, the act of making Korean barbecue right at the table can be just as important as the flavor of the dish itself: “Korean barbecue is communal. Everyone is at the table while 50

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

050-53.FD.Table.GRM030422.indd 50

2/2/22 4:53 PM

food + drink / table

"The private rooms make it so that you can sing and drink with just your friends and you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself in front of strangers.” Rob Yoon

the food is cooking at the center on the grill, having some banchan (side dishes), and drinking soju. It’s like a big Thanksgiving feast every time!” The K-ROK experience includes stainless steel grills built right into the tables, a full bar, multiple televisions featuring Korean music videos, and private karaoke rooms available by reservation. What’s in a name? The K in K-ROK simply stands for Korea. The ROK has a little more backstory. “A lot of people think I sound like Sylvester Stallone. So, my friend, Chef Jenna Arcidiacono from Amore, gave me the nickname KOCKY for Korean Rocky,” Yoon explained. “R-O-K also stands for the Republic of Korea.” Meat the main event K-ROK’s menu features numerous cuts of meat prepared in a variety of ways. Some meats are seasoned, some are marinated, and others are served unmarinated before grilling. Marinated meats come in flavors such as soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, gochujang (bold sweet/spicy/umami flavor) and many others. For newbies, Yoon recommends ordering a mix of beef and pork with marinated and unmarinated preparations. Kalbi (marinated short rib) and samgyeopsal (unmarinated pork belly) always are a safe bet. When grilling, keep your eye on the meat. Flip the meat from time to time for even cooking. If a piece looks done, place it to the side so it doesn’t overcook. Or better yet, eat it. You can cut larger pieces of meat with special scissors (usually provided) for easy distribution. Lettuce or perilla leaves are provided on the house and may be used to wrap the grilled meat. Don’t forget the different dipping sauces!

Above, karaoke rooms allow diners to sing their hearts out after eating. Left, Japchae: sweet potato clear noodles stir fried with carrots, onions, mushrooms and green onions in a Bulgogi sauce.

GR M AG .CO M

050-53.FD.Table.GRM030422.indd 51

2/1/22 11:18 AM

food + drink / table

The banchan These free small plates are meant to complement the main meal. They are found in small bowls set at the center of the table. You'll usually find kimchi, seasoned sprouts, daikon radish and potato salad. Feel free to ask for refills!

Above, Dolsot Bibimbop: a stone bowl filled with seared bottom rice topped with assorted veggies of the day, an over easy egg, and Korean hot sauce; can be served with beef, chicken, or tofu. Below, Red Light Green Light (left) and Sweet K-Rok Dreams (right)

In traditional Korean culture, you should never pour your own drink; the youngest is in charge of making sure everyone’s glasses are full, and you should always receive your drink with both hands.

The soups and stews Like everything else on the table, soups and stews are meant to be eaten with rice. My personal favorites are kimchi jjigae (a stew featuring fermented cabbage and other ingredients, such as pork or seafood, tofu, scallions, onions) and budae jjigae (also known as army stew). “Back in the Korean War, the Koreans and Americans would have nothing to eat, so they’d throw together whatever they had — like Spam, kimchi, sausage, ramen noodles, rice cakes, tofu, garlic and even American cheese — and made a stew out of it to feed everybody,” said Yoon. “That eventually became the spicy, smooth comfort food known as budae jjigae. I like to think of it as Korean chili.” The drinks Wash down your barbecue with a traditional Korean beverage like soju (distilled spirit made from various starchy crops). My favorite flavor is plum. If you really want to party, order a soju bomb, which is a shot of soju dropped into a glass of beer. In traditional Korean culture, you should never pour your own drink; the youngest is in charge of making sure everyone’s glasses are full, and you should always receive your drink with both hands. Other must-try dishes Not in the mood for barbecue or stew? Try japchae, which is a stir-fry dish featuring sweet potato noodles with seasoned meat and plenty of vegetables. Another wellknown dish is bibimbap, which is a rice bowl topped with sautéed vegetables, marinated meat (usually beef), a fried egg, and finished with a sprinkle of sesame and a generous dollop of a sweet-spicy-savory sauce. Asian karaoke vs. Western karaoke The perfect Korean barbecue experience is ideally followed by classy private-room karaoke. “Western karaoke is on a stage in front of the entire bar. Some people don’t

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

050-53.FD.Table.GRM030422.indd 52

2/2/22 4:53 PM

Karaoke rooms provide a private setting to celebrate a tasty dinner, without the strangers watching.

enjoy that. Asian karaoke is more of an intimate celebration,” Yoon explained. “The private rooms make it so that you can sing and drink with just your friends and you don’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself in front of strangers. There’s even a TV screen that displays the lyrics of the song, so you won’t mess up the words.” At K-ROK’s karaoke rooms, guests have access to bottle service and can have any non-barbecue item on the menu sent straight to their private party. Family origins According to Yoon, K-ROK would not exist without the influence of his mother, Myong Sun Holloway, who came up with all the original recipes. “She has a gift and doesn't know how to spread it,” said Yoon. “I don't know how either, but I'm learning. I hope that through K-ROK, people in Grand Rapids will learn that Korean food and culture is here to stay.” Yoon’s mother grew up as one of eight siblings. Her mother died at a young age, leaving her in charge of cooking for the family while her father tended to their rice farm. From there, her recipes were born. Eventually, Holloway migrated to the United States, taught herself how to speak English, and received her high school GED — all while doing jobs like cleaning toilets and working at factories. Throughout that journey, she never stopped dreaming of opening her own restaurant. Today, she oversees the chefs at K-ROK to keep her recipes alive. For this reason and many others, Yoon chose not to whitewash his menu. “I want people to understand that Asian cuisine is diverse. Chinese food, Vietnamese food, Filipino food and Korean food are all very different,” he said. “Once upon a time, I was scared and wanted to adapt, so I put things like teriyaki chicken, crab rangoons, and fried rice on the menu of Emonae (the family’s restaurant near 28th Street and Cascade Road). For K-ROK, I’ve purposefully taken off those items … and I hope people will give it a shot anyway.” GR M AG .CO M

050-53.FD.Table.GRM030422.indd 53

2/1/22 11:19 AM

food + drink / c eate

Ingredients: Salt 1 ½ cups finely grated pecorino Romano, plus more for finishing 1 cup finely grated ParmigianoReggiano 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, plus more for finishing ¾ pound long pasta like spaghetti Good olive oil Squeeze of lemon

CREATE

Simply delicious

Pantry staples offer an easy dinner solution. BY PAT EVANS

// PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Sometimes the cupboards are bare just as the hunger strikes. What to do? Well, a fine pasta dish often is within easy reach if you know where to look. Cacio e pepe, or cheese and pepper, uses ingredients found in most every kitchen and turns into a creamy finished plate.

Preparation: Put a pot of salted water on to boil. In a bowl, combine the cheeses and black pepper; mash with just enough cold water to make a thick paste. Spread the paste evenly in the bowl. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Just before it is perfectly al dente, transfer to the bowl, reserving a cup or so of the cooking water. Stir to evenly coat the pasta, adding a little olive oil and pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary. The sauce should be creamy, not thin. On a plate, finish with grated cheese, a touch of lemon juice and fresh cracked black pepper.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

054.FD.Create.GRM030422.indd 54

2/1/22 11:18 AM

food + drink / on-the-go

ON-THE-GO

A funky burger place Wahlburgers serves more than the old standbys. BY PAT EVANS

"The Our Burger" at Wahlburgers in downtown Grand Rapids, served with a side of crispy onion rings.

// PHOTO BY BRYAN ESLER

It might not be often — or ever — that Marky Mark is walking around Grand Rapids. Now, however, a piece of Mark Wahlburg is a staple on one of the main streets in Grand Rapids at the base of the Marriott Residence Inn, 10 Ionia Ave. NW. The Wahlburg brothers — led by Mark, but also including Donnie and the chef, Paul, opened a Wahlburgers location there a few months ago. For starters, it’s a very inviting

The burgers are big, with caramelized edges that mesh well with a toasted bun...

atmosphere inside the restaurant, feeling local enough for a downtown worker, but as though it might be welcoming a traveler just as easily. With big TVs with sports often on, it also certainly can double as a nice place to settle in for a game. The burgers are big, with caramelized edges that mesh well with a toasted bun and the simple toppings for “The Our Burger” are suitable when desiring a standard burger. The “Wahl Sauce” is a tasty take on a signature burger sauce, as well. There’s also an assortment of other bigger burgers, like the spicy Fiesta, giant Double Decker, sloppy BBQ Bacon and the O.F.D., which has a tomato jam, sautéed mushrooms, bacon and Swiss cheese with its two patties. There’s also the “Mark’s Choice,” a vegetarian burger. Aside from burgers, there are a few chicken sandwiches, a fish sandwich, a collection of salads, chili and bacon mac ’n cheese. There’s a sizable selection of starters, as well, including a trio of tater tot offerings that also come in a “tots flight.” Like most every chain, Wahlburgers offers up the calorie count for conscientious diners, as well as a huge array of sides that go along with the standard fries. That could be a side salad or kale and Brussels sprout slaw, or thin, crispy onion rings that still present the fried crispness, but for 190 calories rather than the 420 from French fries. What’s a true burger joint without shakes? There are plenty of flavors, including a root beer or creamsicle float. Then there are the big, boozy shakes: Mud Pie and Birthday Cake. As for the beer selection, which many Grand Rapidians prefer to accompany their burgers, it’s the usual suspects, plus some nice local choices and even the proprietary “Wahlbrewski.” GR M AG .CO M

055.FD.OnTheGo.GRM030422.indd 55

2/1/22 11:16 AM

food + drink / must-t y

MUST-TRY

Hidden gem in Creston Midwest cuisine with a French twist delights at Café Mamo BY PAT EVANS

// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

Michael Goessman loves the ingredients he can find in West Michigan. Sometimes, he’ll simply salt the meat he’s been provided from area suppliers, cooking it to temperature and watching a smile cross a customer’s face. People are blown away, wondering what he’s done to make it taste so good. “Respect a beautiful product,” Goessman said. Goessman and his wife, Summer, opened Café Mamo, 1601 Plainfield Ave. NE, last summer, and it is the perfect representation 56

of what they want. Summer is a sommelier by trade who has worked in restaurants in New York City and Nashville, as has Goessman. Goessman grew up in Montana, eating his mom’s food. He didn’t graduate high school, spent some time at a culinary school but ended up at Second Street Bistro in Livingston, Montana. That is where he said his whole philosophy about cooking was honed. It was in Montana where he met Summer, a West Michigan native. They made their way to New York City, where she worked at a restaurant in Greenwich Village and he worked in trendy “hipster, new wave” restaurants in Brooklyn. “It was appealing at the time. It was the golden age of tasting menus, where everyone had 12 seats and every plate had at least one ingredient no one had heard of,” he said. “It crashed and burned while I was

Café Mamo's interior is small, but that's by design (above left) Wedge Salad (above right)

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

056-57.FD.MustTry.GRM030422.indd 56

2/1/22 11:31 AM

"Almost every dish has a good story as to why it’s like this and where in the country we learned that." Michael Goessman

there. People saying, ‘When I go out to dinner, I want to eat what I want to eat.’ “So, I’m there around this New York crazy style of food, but I just want to eat my mom’s food. I’ve used these wild techniques, weird textures and ingredients. But ultimately, this is what makes the people I’m with happy when I cook, it’s what I’d prefer to sell to people.” They left New York and spent some time in Nashville, where they became engaged. They moved to West Michigan to be closer to Summer’s hometown of Reed City, but not too close. “It’s a good spot,” Goessman said. “We’ve moved around the country, kind of envisioning where would I like to live. Grand Rapids isn’t culturally void like a lot of places. There’s a lot going on. It’s got a great food scene. There’s wine being made in Michigan that’s interesting, there’s good beer. And it’s affordable.” The restaurant itself is small, with an open kitchen. They designed it that way, in hopes each employee can see every customer. It’s an amalgamation of their favorite places where they would eat in New York City on their days off. “We’re very proud of the space we made and so we’re proud to take care of it,” he said. They keep the menu small, but it’s ever-changing. They rely on suppliers from across West Michigan to keep those incredible ingredients flowing. They treat each ingredient with respect, using a lot of classic French preparation, but the menu items are often American classics and Midwest staples. “Almost every dish has a good story as to why it’s like this and where in the country we learned that,” he said. “It’s insane how good the producers in Michigan are. The beef, the pork, the chicken and fish are some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world,” he said. “It’s so exciting that the farmers took so much care, so we

Roasted Half Chicken shows off the gorgeous simplicity of the menu (above left) Michael and Summer Goessman (above right)

need to, too.” This summer, Goessman wants to work with even smaller organic producers in West Michigan to take his menu to another level. “There’re parts of the menu that change every day, one thing or things,” he said. “When something comes in that is so good, we can’t help ourselves, we just need to serve it.” GR M AG .CO M

056-57.FD.MustTry.GRM030422.indd 57

2/1/22 11:31 AM

food + drink / top picks

TOP 5

Start your day off right As they say, the early bird gets the best breakfast. BY PAT EVANS

It still seems whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day is up for debate. Even if that is true, it is unfortunate restaurants focused on the morning meal often don’t get the respect they deserve. Here are some of the tastiest breakfasts in Grand Rapids.

Cherie Inn The Cherry Street staple is a delightful setting to start a morning. It features a no-frills interior, so the focus can be on the food. Many love the Benedicts, but the straight European breakfast is a winner every time. Westsider Cafe On the west side of town, there’s a cozy little diner called Westsider Cafe. Most items on the menu are a hearty way to start the day — or a tasty lunch — but the breakfast burrito really tops the chart. Wolfgang’s Restaurant In Eastown, the longtime breakfast spot has a wide assortment of options for pretty much everyone. The omelets are massive and filled with creative delicacies. Order one up with the Cafe Wolfgang, a delightful hot chocolate/ coffee mashup. Real Food Café In Alger Heights (and down Plainfield Avenue), Real Food Café keeps the diner foods coming, whether it’s breakfast or lunch. The savory scrambles and omelets are can’t-miss, but so, too, are the variety of pancakes and French toasts. It’s a tough choice. Nonna’s: The Trattoria Out in Ada, Nonna’s serves up a tasty dinner Monday-Friday. But every day of the week it offers breakfast, including brunch on the weekends. The menu is fairly small but the choices all are delectable.

editor's pick 58

Sometimes, there’s a food that is so comforting in its simplicity that you can’t help but order it. For me, that’s the Cottage Bar’s side salad. It may sound silly, but the longtime Grand Rapids haunt known for its cozy atmosphere, hamburgers and chili makes a side salad so irresistible to me I craved it for months at a time while living in Las Vegas. It’s perhaps the most simple side salad a restaurant can serve: crisp, chilled iceberg lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and shredded cheese with a thick ranch dressing. As my brother says, a caricature of a side salad. People do laugh at me for my love of the simple side, but that’s OK because it fills a certain spot in my heart — and stomach.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

058.FD.Top5.GRM030422.indd 58

BREAKFAST ISTOCK/LAURIPATTERSON

2/2/22 4:52 PM

food + drink / chee s

Creative nonalcoholic brands like Three Spirit take the idea of booze and turn it on its head, while creative craft brewers are taking their classic beers NA.

CHEERS

A boozeless future? Companies are pouring creativity into nonalcohol offerings. BY PAT EVANS

Nonalcoholic beverages are coming into their own, providing an option for those who want to avoid alcohol for whatever reason. Some may scoff at the idea of nonalcoholic versions of boozy drinks, but there are plenty of times and places they fit into. It’s no shock that the “sober curious” movement is catching on quicker with better alternatives, and it’s adopted a nice nickname as well, the “NoLo” category of beverages. The 2022 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report found 58% of global customers are expected to drink more NoLo beverages than last year. That’s a significant chunk and likely shows a healthier relationship with booze is on the way. Perhaps the most impressive entry to the nonalcoholic trend has been Athletic Brewing Company, which is based in Connecticut and recently completed a big expansion in San Diego. The array of beers are incredibly tasty and can certainly tease a drinker into thinking it’s a full-alcohol craft beer. They have about half the calories of the boozy versions of a style of beer, but it leaves a drinker free of grogginess the next morning. Then there’s Monday Gin. It’s one of the few really solid nonalcohol spirits imitating a full spirit. It clocks in at 0 calories yet tastes just like a gin should. Without a mixer, the lack of booze is a bit noticeable, but toss in some tonic water and lime and no one is the wiser. Recently, a craft beer pioneer, Oregon’s Deschutes, released a DRINKS COURTESY THREE SPIRIT BEER COURTESY DESCHUTES

059.FD.Cheers.GRM030422.indd 59

Grand Rapids restaurants are jumping on the trend, with several eateries highlighting low- and nonalcoholic cocktails on their menus.

nonalcoholic version of its flagship Black Butte Porter. WhistlePig, known for its punchy and delicious rye whiskies, released a 100% Rye Aged Non-Whiskey. There are other lines, too, moving away from replicating real spirits to forging their own new paths. For example, Optimist Botanicals and Three Spirit. The latter is a trio of elixirs with function and unique tastes made from botanicals. One of them is meant to liven the senses, another elevates the mood, while another calms the mind to prepare for sleep. Grand Rapids restaurants are jumping on the trend, with several eateries, including The Sovengard and Terra, highlighting lowand nonalcoholic cocktails on their menus. Many Americans need to examine their relationship with alcohol, especially at a time when trendy beverages can hide what otherwise would be considered substance abuse issues. The good news is there’s plenty options to help people get back on track. GR M AG .CO M

2/1/22 11:29 AM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT GRBJ.COM 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan Celebration March 10th, 2022

PLATINUM SPONSOR

50MIW.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

MEDIA SPONSOR

VENUE SPONSOR

FLORAL SPONSOR

1/18/22 11:34 AM

BeWell BeWell

SECTION HERE

GRAND RAPIDS

+ 5 72

Athletes of every age

TISTS, TOP DEN TORS, AC CHIROPR E

& MOR

481 of the area’s Best Physicians in over 60 specialties

PLUS VIRTUAL VISITS PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

061-71_BeWellEdit_GRM030422.indd 61

CBD GROW TH

DELICIOUS SMOOTHIES GR M AG .CO M

2/1/22 11:26 AM

BeWell

MEDICINE

Prepare for virtual doctor visits Patients should have vitals, prescriptions and questions ready. BY LINDSEY VAN HEKKEN

THE USE OF TELEMEDICINE has

skyrocketed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. With its increased popularity, health care professionals and patients have been adapting to the online appointment method. In the age of the pandemic, video conferences have become a daily occurrence for many, but the entirety of the telemedicine process may seem a bit daunting to those who are unfamiliar with online calls. To have a successful visit, Dr. Bree Holtz, an associate professor in the department of advertising and public relations and director of the health and risk communication program at Michigan State University, said proper preparation and a patient’s ability to ask questions is key. “In my experience, your provider is going to send you some documentation,” Holtz said. “Take the time before your appointment to read over the directions 62

that they’ve sent, and if you’re unsure about anything, call your provider.” Along with any pre-appointment directions prepared for you by the doctor’s office, it is helpful for both you and your provider to grab any materials you may need to reference throughout the appointment, such as prescriptions and vitals, prior to the appointment time. “It’s so easy to be in an appointment with your provider and forget that you wanted to ask certain questions or have certain concerns, so have your notes of questions,” Holtz said. “Some doctors ask that if you have any of your vitals at home, to grab your weight, grab your blood pressure. If you are talking about prescriptions, have them with you.” When it comes to the technological aspects of the appointment, unstable internet connections and privacy may be a concern for patients. With the dependency of online appointments in the height of

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

061-71_BeWellEdit_GRM030422.indd 62

the pandemic, however, providers and app developers have worked to make telemedicine as safe as possible. “Many of the systems do have a way that you can test your computer or your internet connection and you can do a test call,” Holtz said. “I would highly recommend people do that test call; sometimes you have to download an app, give the permissions, and that can sometimes be a little scary for patients who aren’t on the computer that much, but the systems themselves are very secure. They’re HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant.” By asking questions and assembling any necessary materials prior to the appointment, patients can ensure they are properly preparing for virtual appointments. Doing this preparation beforehand helps create a more successful and stress-free visit for providers and patients alike. PHOTO ISTOCK/ HISPANOLISTIC

2/1/22 11:26 AM

t Elite Plastic Surgery, we offer a full range of advanced cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. In addition to facial and cosmetic surgery procedures, we provide advanced non-surgical skin care treatments and therapies, including Botox, laser treatments, injectable fillers and more. Our Board Certified plastic surgeons have more than 50 years of combined experience to ensure care that will exceed your expectations.

CALL (616) 459-1907 TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. William Cullen, MD FACS Shannon Armstrong, MD MBA FACS Matthew Martin MD Gregory Knoll MD Matthew Fahrenkopf MD

Elite.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

1/17/22 2:24 PM

BeWell

CANNABIS

CBD IS A HUGE BUZZWORD nowadays in the health world, but what does that really mean and what can cannabidiol do for an average person? Cannabidiol is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory, according to Harvard Medical School. One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a “high” by itself. According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” In the past few years, as the CBD trend started to really grow, it seems like nearly every company and brand was working to enter the category in some way. A 2019 Gallup poll found 64% of U.S. adults are familiar with CBD and/or CBD products and 14% used them at the time. Those numbers likely have increased in the past couple of years. At least one industry analyst expects the market to reach $23.6 billion globally by 2025. Whether it’s a CBD-functional beverage, essential oil, pills, a balm, or even pet treats, CBD can be a confusing product. To understand a little more about how to incorporate it into a lifestyle and what CBD is all about, Grand Rapids Magazine caught up with the co-founders of Beam, a CBD brand started by former professional athletes Kevin Moran and Matt Lombardi.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

061-71_BeWellEdit_GRM030422.indd 64

The ABCs of CBD Cannabidiol is finding its way into more and more health products. BY PAT EVANS

It seems like everywhere you look a new company is launching and companies are incorporating cannabidiol into products. Why is CBD taking off? Kevin Moran: I think as the years tick by, every generation starts to understand that there are a lot of different ways to unlock wellness in their lives. Cannabis in general, particularly on the marijuana side — but also CBD — had a cultural stigma against them, but as the years go by there is more and more openness to it. People are looking for different modalities to help their physical and mental health and there's more of a societal acceptance to it, particularly in the last five years. With so many different products out there, are there any that are more effective than others? KM: Like any other wellness product, it’s important for people to do their own due diligence about what they’re putting into their bodies. There is varying quality in CBD across the board, like with anything else, so finding the highest quality ingredients is where consumers will find the most efficacy in products. What is the best and most efficient way to incorporate CBD into a healthy lifestyle? Matt Lombardi: Routine and consistency with anything is really important. There isn’t one size fits all with CBD, but more so finding the need state for each individual and from there developing a consistent routine you can keep up with. Which is what will ultimately lead to the most benefits. What's on the frontier of the CBD market? What should users be on the lookout for? KM: CBD is still a misunderstood cannabinoid. As we continue to learn more about cannabinoids more will come into focus as well, such as CBG and CBN, and the specific use cases and health benefits they support.

PHOTO ISTOCK/MURZIKNATA

2/1/22 11:26 AM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

Those Holiday Pounds Have Never Been More Dangerous

he new year always gets people thinking about self-improvement goals, and one of the most popular is getting in shape. As the pandemic rolls on, new research by Stanford University says dropping excess pounds may be more important than ever before. Stanford researchers say they’ve uncovered the way the COVID-19 virus penetrates fat cells and triggers a deadly reaction from the body’s immune response system, which they call “a storm of inflammatory proteins called cytokines that cause organ damage and can be fatal in some patients.” A prescription for fitness? The top killers in our country — high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes — are best combated through lifestyle choices, including making changes in food and physical activity. It’s called “lifestyle as medicine.” A Kaiser Health study indicated that people who regularly exercise have the best chance of beating COVID-19. While proper diet and exercise requires effort and self-investment, at $10 per month Planet Fitness makes it affordable. The pandemic left everyone feeling isolated and afraid to be near friends, family, colleagues, and other important connections. The resulting depression, stress, and substance abuse are just some of the signs that isolation and sedentary lifestyles aren’t healthy. If you’re ready, Planet Fitness can help If you’re ready to take steps toward a healthier life, Planet Fitness is here to help. They’re affordable, they have more than 15 locations in West Michigan, and their certified

PlanetFitness.fp.GRM.0322.v2.indd 1

fitness trainers can help you develop and pursue your unique goals at no additional charge. Safe, clean fitness — anytime you choose Planet Fitness is the first fitness brand to receive the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The rating recognizes Planet Fitness’ leadership in adopting a framework to ensure a safer and healthier environment for its employees and members. With locations throughout Grand Rapids and West Michigan, chances are there’s a Planet Fitness located near you. Inside, you’ll find spacious workout accommodations, tons of machines, and knowledgeable staff ready to help you set and meet your goals. Short on time? They offer a 30-minute, full-body express workout circuit, and you can even check out the Planet Fitness Crowd Meter online before you arrive, so you know whether the gym is busy or not. When you’re done, check out the massage chairs, HydroMassage, and other deluxe amenities in their Black Card lounge. It’s 2022. Make this the year you take charge of your health and fitness with a membership at Planet Fitness!

15 Locations Throughout West Michigan For a location closest to you, visit planetfitness.com

1/27/22 11:42 AM

BeWell

NUTRITION

Kate Davis MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, is a registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition. She is the owner of RDKate Sports, where she virtually helps athletes and teams all over the country understand healthy and beneficial eating habits, such as what to eat, when to eat it, and when to use supplements.

Vitamin C Strawberry Smoothie 6-10 strawberries 1 banana ¼ cup orange juice ¼ cup yogurt ½ cup ice This smoothie is a great source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is known for its ability to support the immune system, and strengthens and aids in the elasticity of the body’s skin and structural components, such as bones, muscles and joints.

Berry Spinach Protein Smoothie

Power life with smoothies Experts provide recipes and tips to help fuel mornings and workout recoveries BY LINDSEY VAN HEKKEN

FROM PROVIDING ESSENTIAL vitamins and minerals to supporting your immune system and energizing your body, smoothies can be great as either a meal or a snack to get you through the day. Smoothies provide a variety of benefits, and there are countless recipes to target various health concerns. Jermale Eddie, the owner and cofounder of Malamiah Juice Bar & Eatery and the new sister company of Malamiah, Malamazing Juice Company, a wholesale cold-pressed juice company, provided a couple of delicious and easyto-make recipes that aim to support the immune system. 66

To make all three smoothies provided, all you need to do is blend all the ingredients together. Eddie also suggests adjusting liquid amounts (milk, water, juice, coconut water, etc.) for desired thickness, and for a creamier smoothie, use frozen produce and omit the ice. Smoothies are quick and easy, and you can make them as simple or complex as you like by adding any of the suggested ingredients, combining recipes, or creating one of your own recipes from scratch.

Serene Green Smoothie ½ avocado 1 handful spinach ¾ cup pineapple ½ cup mango ¼ cup coconut Milk ¼ cup yogurt ½ cup ice The Serene Green Smoothie helps boost immunity, aid digestion, and provides a variety of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While these smoothies are hearty and healthy on their own, Eddie also provided several other ingredients that you can add to almost any smoothie to target various health areas: • For increasing protein consumption, add protein powder • For nursing mothers, add brewer's yeast • For added fiber, protein, antioxidants, and digestion aid, add chia seeds and flax seeds • For heart health and added vitamins and minerals, add leafy greens • For added sweetener, add agave • For added electrolytes and antioxidants, add coconut water

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

061-71_BeWellEdit_GRM030422.indd 66

1 cup packed fresh spinach 1-2 Tbsp fresh ginger ¼ cup strawberry kefir ½ cup frozen berries ½ fresh banana 2 Tbsp tart cherry juice concentrate 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed 4-12 oz water depending on how thick you like your smoothie The recipe provided by Davis is fantastic for fueling and muscle recovery for athletes of any caliber. While this smoothie is perfect for athletes, it also provides a variety of daily antioxidants, vitamins and minerals everyone benefits from, such as Vitamin C and potassium. Clean Juice Vice President of Marketing Quick Chadwick and Marketing Systems Manager Shelby Dworek shared more unique superfood add-ons, along with their health benefits that can be added to any smoothie. • Camu camu: A superfruit from South America, this berry is about the size of a lemon and it’s a powerful antioxidant. Camu camu is beneficial for fighting sickness during cold and flu season. Camu camu is packed full of Vitamin C — actually 60 times more per serving than an orange. Camu camu might also be great for gum health, the formation of collagen, and it is a powerful antioxidant. • Maca: A plant from Peru, the roots are edible, and it has been used for centuries in Peru for culinary and medicinal purposes. Maca is full of Vitamin C, copper, and iron. Maca may have mood-enhancing properties from flavonoids and has been associated with reducing anxiety and symptoms of depression. • Elderberry: A low-calorie food that is packed full of antioxidants. They are high in Vitamin C, fiber, phenolic acids (powerful antioxidants that can help reduce damage from oxidative stress), and anthocyanins (antioxidants that give these berries their dark-purple color). Exercise-induced oxidative damage is a major contributor to muscle fatigue and antioxidant rich foods help reduce this damage. PHOTO ISTOCK/TOVFLA

2/8/22 4:55 PM

ichigan ENT and Allergy Specialists has 8 locations throughout West Michigan including Grand Rapids, Holland, Grandville, Grand Haven, South Haven, Allegan, Fremont, and Hastings. We pride ourselves in seeing our patients in a timely manner. Michigan ENT and Allergy Specialists provides care for all ages-newborns, infants, children,adolescents and adults. Our mission is to provide the most progressive and high quality otolaryngology care for every patient. We strive to serve our patients with dignity and respect to provide them with exceptional care.

MICHIGAN ENT

Left to right: Dr. Michael Foster, D.O., Dr. Anthony Howard, D.O., and Dr. Andrew Behler, D.O.

MichiganENTAllergy.com 616-994-2770

ichigan Hearing Experts is a division of Michigan ENT and Allergy Specialists. Michigan Hearing experts has multiple locations throughout West Michigan including Grand Rapids, Holland,Grand Haven, Grandville, Allegan, and South Haven. We offer quality and thorough care through well-rounded comprehensive evaluations that are dedicated to patient care. We enjoy building relationships with our patients, we value getting to know you and what’s important to you. Many of our patients have worked with us for years. Truthfully, relationships are the best part of our work day.

THE SERVICES THAT WE OFFER: • Hearing aid & service repair, custom ear plugs, tinnitus control • Earmold tubing and retubing • Earmold modifications • General hearing aid cleaning • Electroacoustic analysis • Custom device shell repair

• Pull string repair • Receiver replacement • Booth function • Real ear verification • Digital programming • Cerumen removal

MICHIGAN HEARING EXPERTS MichiganHearingExperts.com 616-994-2770

MiENT.fp.GRM.0322.V10.indd 1

Left to right: Dr. Ashley Bookmyer Au.D, Dr. Krista Katzer Au.D, Dr. Karson Glass Au.D, and Dr. Shana Laffoon Au.D

1/26/22 9:06 AM

BeWell

FITNESS

Pamela Collins went from running to mountain biking after an injury.

Lifetime A C H I E V E M E N T 5 athletes of varying ages share their fitness stories. BY SAM EASTER PHOTOS BY QUINN KIRBY

o Steffens, 27, trains on an annual schedule. In the fall, she’s poolside, coaching girls’ swimming at East Kentwood High School. Then, come winter, she’s racking up miles, running to get ready for the racing season. Once she’s got her legs back, she’s into the pool; and come warmer weather, she’s biking to her day job as an accountant. She’d like to run a half-distance Ironman triathlon soon (a grueling, hours-long challenge even for top athletes), but she’s staying realistic: she’ll probably log a marathon first. This addiction to cardio is not, strictly speaking, what normal people like to do to themselves. But Steffens wrings satisfaction out of it — both from gritting her teeth through the training itself and the thrill of getting it done. “I love the natural high,” Steffens said. “I love feeling like I just ran through a brick wall and accomplished something amazing. When I’m in the right mindset for something like that, I love being able to feel my body accomplish amazing things.” Steffens grew up in Grand Rapids, but she remembers that her family was

constantly in or around the water. “I started swimming by being towed behind my dad’s sailboat when I was four years old,” she said. “Every summer, we were by a lake, we were by a pool. Something.” Swimming became a big part of her life, and an increasingly serious one, as she trained all the way through her high school career. But she describes herself as a “swammer” now — in the past tense. Her appetite for running, she said, could keep her moving six days a week. But she’s kept coaching, sharing what it feels like to conquer those challenges with another generation of swimmers. Listening to Steffens talk about it, the secret of all that running and swimming and biking comes down to something simple. You do it because you can, because it changes who you are, and because it gives you a bigger idea of who you can be. That’s part of what brings her back to the pool each fall. “It’s the girls. I like being able to provide a safe environment where they can become confident, independent, strong-willed young women,” she said. “I like pushing

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

061-71_BeWellEdit_GRM030422.indd 68

2/1/22 11:26 AM

BeWell

FITNESS

people to reach their full potential and recognize their full potential.” Keep rolling

Pamela Collins was out running when it happened: a tear in the tissue in the ball joint in her hip, sidelining her from a sport she’d enjoyed since she was about 30. She’d loved it — the sense of accomplishment, the rush of endorphins and, most of all, the community. But Collins, injured at about age 50, was facing a long battle through physical therapy to get back to running. That left her with a tough decision to make; she decided on mountain biking. “Instead of spending thousands of dollars on physical therapy, I decided to spend money on mountain bikes,” Collins said. That path landed her on the board of directors for the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance, a group of hundreds of regional cyclists that work to boost the sport — in trail maintenance, race planning and more. Decades ago, Collins found running as she was trying to stay fit after pregnancy.

Dale Svihl has been fencing for nearly 20 years. Technique is extremely important in the fast sport.

It’s a familiar choice to countless Americans — running being the most accessible sport on the planet. Mountain biking requires a bit more commitment, and not only because of the investment it demands in a bike and other gear. The sport can be fast-paced and dangerous in a way that running isn’t. “The first time getting on a mountain bike, I thought, there’s absolutely no way that people can do this,” she said. “How do you ride over roots and rocks and down this tiny little trail with trees that are in the way? I found it very, very challenging. Not only physically but mentally. And I still do, sometimes.” She paused for a moment and corrected herself: “Not sometimes,” she said. The Tokyo Olympics brought a perfect example: Mathieu Van der Poel, a worldclass cyclist who had briefly held first in 2021’s Tour de France, came over an obstacle during a cross-country mountain bike race. He thought there would be a wooden ramp linking the top of a boulder to the course below. There wasn’t — and that was the end of Van der Poel’s race. “It’s certainly a different zone than what running was. With mountain biking, you really need to stay focused on a multitude of things when you’re riding. That’s when mistakes happen, and when you get hurt. You have to remember skills for every situation on the trail, and there’s always a different situation that you’re approaching,” Collins said. Collins connected with the WMMBA after she founded her own area group ride on Facebook and the group reached out to her. It was a rewarding way to get into the community. There are a lot of reasons to do it — but the community is a big part of it, she said. “(There are) the physical and mental benefits, but I feel most importantly it’s the relationships you build with the people you’re sharing your sport and your passion with.” En garde!

Dale Svihl is terrifying with a fencing foil in his hand, drawing up broad, white-clad shoulders and floating like a ghost into his sparring partner. There’s the metallic flashes, the noise of the foils skipping off one another, and then — point! — an electric buzzer. Fencing can be an odd activity for beginners to watch, mashing up the stuffy GR M AG .CO M

061-71_BeWellEdit_GRM030422.indd 69

2/1/22 11:27 AM

BeWell

FITNESS

tradition of swordsmanship with the frenetic pace of a ping-pong volley. But it’s a thrill watching Svihl dance down the lane, picking his way through their defenses on the way. “When you’re out there, it happens so fast,” Svihl said. “You don’t think. You’ve just got to be able to react.” Svihl, 60, has been at it for nearly two decades now, making him one of West Michigan Fencing Academy’s veterans. He’s got a long history at competitions, and said he’s been nationally ranked in his age division. “It was cool. I got a lot of mileage out of that,” Svihl said, laughing. “The nationals (tournaments), if you keep going enough, your points keep going up.” Svihl has lived in the Grand Rapids area for decades, and recently retired from a longtime job in sales. He found fencing nearly 20 years ago when he found an ad at the library for adult fencing classes. Since then, it’s become a key part of his

life; he comes to the fencing academy, on Godfrey Avenue SW in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood, a few times a week. “You just get done and … there’s a smile on your face,” he said. “Because even if you got the touch … it was so pure.” One of the pleasures of fencing, Svihl said, is that you don’t have to be built like a statue to excel at it. It’s a techniqueheavy sport, with skills built less through bench-presses and more through relentless drilling. That makes the sport as much a mental game as anything else — like chess, but it’s combat. There’s a lot of focus that goes into deciding how to play. “Or, if they’re really better than you, it’s, ‘How can I upset their game plan?’” Svihl said. Another built-in perk of the sport is the camaraderie; on a recent Tuesday night, there is a teenage class just starting. The academy’s schedule is packed with lessons and classes for all ages.

Ethan Dolsen readies for some bouldering. Rock climbing can be a full body sport, from finger tips to legs.

There’s a blond-haired teen across the room warming up. Svihl points over and said he’d been training since he was a boy, and he’s watched him grow — and fenced him for years. “Now I can maybe 25% of the time beat him,” Svihl said with a smile. New heights

When Ethan Dolsen first walked into a rock-climbing gym in Byron Center, he was only 9 or 10 years old, trying it out after rave reviews from his brother. It wasn’t long until he was hooked. “I got back in the car, and my dad was like, ‘How did it go?’” Dolsen remembered. He was flush with excitement from the day, the self-satisfaction of conquering the wall and smacking a button up top. “I was like, ‘I want to do that again.’” Dolsen is 19 now and recently finished up with high school. And he’s all-in on climbing, working the front desk at Terra Firma, a climbing gym in southeast Grand Rapids. For the first few years, Dolsen was an interested-but-still-casual climber — going with friends and enjoying himself. But as he got older, he got stronger, and started to see this more as part of who he was and who he could be. “I kind of started to amp up the time that I would climb, and started to think about the training I would get,” Dolsen said. He talks now about weighted pullups, the importance of a good diet and rest, and about a “campus board.” This is a hard thing to describe verbally; picture a climber wriggling up a ladder-like series of shallow, fingertip-deep ledges. If the image in your head looks uncomfortable, then yes, that’s it — you’re getting the hang of it. But strength and conditioning are only half of what it takes. Dolsen said climbing is an intensely precise sport, with a big premium on the perfect foothold and the best way to leverage your grip up to the next handhold. He’ll practice without using one arm, or without using one leg, challenging his body to learn how to work with constraints. Climbing reached new heights in 2018 with the release of the movie “Free Solo,” a documentary following climber Alex Honnold as he climbed the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park — without ropes. It’s an arresting documentary, one that makes a viewer feel that Honnold, across his hours-long trek, could easily fall out of the shot at any

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

061-71_BeWellEdit_GRM030422.indd 70

2/1/22 11:27 AM

BeWell

FITNESS

moment and tumble to his death. Daniel Duane, writing in the New York Times, called it “one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind, ever.” Dolsen saw it in theaters, rapt and in awe. He’d been aware of Honnold — a big name in the climbing world — but he’d never seen this. Nobody had. “There’s something that all climbers kind of relate with when they’re watching climbing. Their palms kind of get sweaty,” Dolsen said. He remembers, sitting in the theater, his palms were sweating "like crazy.” “In that moment, I remember leaving the theater, and I was extremely motivated to climb more and push my limits and reach my goals.”

Byron Doss took up dancing at Calvin College. Now, he teaches it.

Stepping out

Byron Doss didn’t discover dancing until he was at Calvin College, wandering into a salsa event with a group of about 20 people. He describes it now as kind of a light-bulb moment — that he was free to pick up whatever hobby made him happy. So why not ballroom dancing? He started off watching videos and training himself, he said, before joining the ballroom dancing club at Calvin. “And from there I also started to go to ballroom competitions. And once I realized I needed a lot more training, I spent a lot of time going back and forth from Chicago to train with people.” Now 34, Doss teaches dance in the movement science department at Grand Valley University and at Social Dance Studio on Four Mile Road in Comstock Park. “It gave me a way to express myself to music. I really got the chance to do something with music that I never had before,” he said. “And I would say, the social aspect. When I was traveling a lot and competing a lot, you make so many friends along the way. It’s like you’re always meeting new people and getting to enjoy what you do with them.” Doss shared a video of a recent competition in Chicago — a waltz. He’s in all black, spinning gracefully around a polished ballroom floor. Anyone who’s spent any time on a dance floor can recognize that Doss is merely making it look easy — every step and pause and twirl of his partner, in a hot-pink dress, deliberate and measured. Dancing might not have the same reputation as rugby or track racing or pole vaulting, but it’s a demanding discipline

all the same. Doss said the sport puts a premium on flexibility and the top dancers spend plenty of time in the gym building their strength or doing cardio. Ballroom dancing often borrows from other disciplines, too, like ballet, tap and jazz, meaning that Doss and his colleagues have to be extremely well-rounded to stay at the top of the field. But Doss also is quick to point out that dancing doesn’t require a high degree of expertise. You can enjoy it, he said, with just a little practice. “The youngest client at the studio is seven

years old, and he’s getting ready for his first showcase. Our oldest client is 76,” he said. “So there’s no age restriction.” That’s why Doss is so encouraging when potential students want to get involved with dancing — discovering, like him, that it’s never too late to pick up a new hobby. “You can have an activity that you can carry with you for the rest of your life,” Doss said. “It's something worth having and it's not something you need to be good at. You know, there's people around who can help you learn — just like any new hobby that you do.” GR M AG .CO M

061-71_BeWellEdit_GRM030422.indd 71

2/1/22 11:27 AM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell GRAND RAPIDS

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 72

2/7/22 1:53 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell THE LISTS

The Lists For three years, Grand Rapids Magazine has published an annual list of Top Doctors in Grand Rapids. We’ve followed up with lists of Top Chiropractors and Top Dentists. Why? We’re hard-pressed to find anyone who isn’t concerned with either staying or getting healthy. Our health care providers in southwest Michigan are hugely important in that endeavor, and it’s only natural to want to know that these professionals who touch our lives so personally are the best at what they do. With that comes the most common question about these lists: How do we determine who’s “top”? Most notably, winning physicians are nominated and voted on exclusively by their peers — the MDs and D.O.s who are the most qualified to judge who among them are the best at what they do. There is a similar process for the Top Dentists and Top Chiropractors lists. Be Well Grand Rapids puts all three of these most recent lists into one handy package. We hope you’ll consider them a valuable resource all year long — for your good health.

75 2021 TOP DOCTORS LIST 89 2021 TOP DENTISTS 92 2021 TOP CHIROPRACTORS

Disclaimer Top Doctors are nominated exclusively by MDs and D.O.s in the greater Grand Rapids area. Winning physicians are not selected by any member of the Grand Rapids Magazine staff. Doctors’ names and specialties are taken from online surveys submitted by physicians. Grand Rapids Magazine tabulates the votes and fact-checks names and affiliations of winners. Please note: Hospitals listed after winners’ names indicate, in most cases, physicians’ primary affiliations. Most doctors practice out of one hospital/health system, but have admitting rights/attending privileges at other locations. Also: Doctors’ names are typically listed in association with one or more umbrella health care provider but may work out of a specific hospital within that system.

GR M AG .CO M

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 73

2/7/22 1:53 PM

Same provider. Same conversation. Same diagnosis. Same treatment. Same questions answered. Same care, on your terms. VIRTUAL VISITS

When you meet with your provider via Spectrum Health Virtual Visits, you see the same friendly face that you would in person. You can receive a diagnosis, discuss treatment options and have your questions answered–all from home. Make your next visit a virtual visit. Learn more at spectrumhealth.org/BeWell

Spectrum.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

1/20/22 9:22 AM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Addiction Medicine Sandy Dettmann Mercy Health Physician Partners Internal Medicine and Residency Center Grand Rapids Talal Khan Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids Bruce C. Springer Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids Bradley Riley Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids Cara Poland Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Adolescent Medicine Lisa M. Lowery Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Allergy and Immunology Mark M. Millar Allergy & Asthma Care of Western Michigan Grand Rapids Vincent Dubravec Allergy/Asthma Specialists W. MI Grand Rapids Karyn Gell Grand Rapids Allergy Grand Rapids

Theodore Kelbel Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids Jacqueline Eastman Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Anesthesiology Matthew Armstrong West Michigan Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids Todd Hart West Michigan Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids Paul Jaklitsch West Michigan Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids Eric L. Larson West Michigan Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids Mark Laughlin West Michigan Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids Matthew Parlmer West Michigan Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids Matthew Reynolds West Michigan Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids Shanna TenClay West Michigan Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids

Colleen A.C. App The Breast Health & Wellness Center, PC Grand Rapids

Cardiac Surgery Edward Murphy Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Tomasz Timek Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Charles Willekes Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Cardiology Roger Shammas Mercy Health Physician Partners Cardiovascular Grand Rapids Barbara Karenko Metro Health Wyoming Paul Kovack Metro Health Wyoming Matthew Sevensma Metro Health Wyoming Eric Walchak Metro Health Wyoming

Breast Surgery

Michael Vredenburg Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Christine Schafer Grand Rapids Allergy Grand Rapids

Jamie Caughran Mercy Health Comprehensive Breast Center Grand Rapids

David H. W. Wohns Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Sara J. Uekert Grand Rapids Allergy Grand Rapids

Jessica Keto Mercy Health Comprehensive Breast Center Grand Rapids

Mark Jacoby Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Dariush Orandi Orandi Allergy + Asthma Center Wyoming

Amie Hop Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Richard McNamara Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Nicholas Hartog Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Jayne Paulson Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

David Fermin Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Laura Franey Spectrum Health Medical Group Wyoming Ryan Madder Spectrum Health Medical Group Wyoming Michael McNamara Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Colon and Rectal Surgery Nadav Dujovny Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Ryan Figg Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Rebecca Hoedema Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Donald Kim Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Martin Luchtefeld Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids James Ogilvie Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Arida Siripong Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Theodor Asgeirsson West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease Eric Geiser Mercy Health Physician Partners Pulmonology Grand Rapids Paul Harris Mercy Health Physician Partners Pulmonology Grand Rapids

GR M AG .CO M

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 75

2/7/22 1:53 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Terrance Barnes Metro Health Wyoming

Stephen Fitch Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Mounir Ghali Metro Health Wyoming

Marc McClelland Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Gregory Neagos Metro Health Wyoming

Shelley Schmidt Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Timothy Daum Metro Health Sleep Disorders Center Wyoming

Glenn VanOtteren Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Gustavo Cumbo-Nacheli Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids John Egan Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Critical Care Surgery Alistair Chapman Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Charles Gibson Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Dermatology Richard J. Ashack Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids Daniel C. Dapprich Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids Brian J. Gerondale Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids Rebecca M. Jansen Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids

John E. Miner Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids Michelle M. Emery Dermatology at MidTowne, PC Grand Rapids Dipa S. Patel Dermatology at MidTowne, PC Grand Rapids Marek A. Stawiski Marek A. Stawiski Dermatology Grand Rapids Mary A. Yurko Mary A. Yurko, MD, Dermatology PLC Grand Rapids Gina C. Ang West Michigan Dermatology Grandville J. Gabriel Vasquez West Michigan Dermatology Grandville Douglas Winstanley West Michigan Dermatology Grandville Bridget A. Green West Michigan Dermatology Grand Rapids

Ryan Freeland MD, FAAD Wolverine Dermatology 1673 Gezon Pkwy. Wyoming, MI 49519 616-243-3376 wolverinedermatology.com

Ear, Nose and Throat Darryl J. Elzinga ENT Center Grand Rapids John M. Kosta ENT Center Grand Rapids Mark R. Winkle ENT Center Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 76

2/7/22 1:54 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Gregory J. Artz MD Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat 1555 44th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-249-8000 grentpc.com Joseph C. Taylor MD Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat 1425 Michigan St.NE,Ste.A Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-459-4514 grentpc.com Devin Mistry DO Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat 1555 44th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-249-8000 grentpc.com Robert J. Meleca Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Wyoming Richard J. Strabbing Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists Holland Andrew Behler Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists Grandville Veronique Wan Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Chad Afman Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Francis Hart Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Keith Postma Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Emergency Medicine Marc A. Afman Certified Emergency Medicine Specialist Wyoming Dana D. Hop Certified Emergency Medicine Specialist Wyoming

Trieu Pham Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids

Margret Duncan Holland Community Health Center Holland

Christopher Barnes Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Eric VanDePol Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids

Rose Ramirez Jupiter Family Medicine, PC Belmont

Kara Krol Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Phillip Stawski Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids

Beth Peter Lakewood Family Medicine PLC Holland

John Sprague Spectrum Health Medical Group Kentwood

Adam Anderson Grand River Emergency Medical Group Grand Rapids

Morgan Daul Mercy Health Physician Partners Rivertown Grandville

Lee Begrow Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Todd Chassee Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Daniel Harro Mercy Health Physician Partners Southeast Kentwood

Shawn Ruth Spectrum Health United Hospital Greenville

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Emilie Collins Mercy Health Physician Partners Diabetes and Endocrine Center Grand Rapids Cyprian Gardine Mercy Health Physician Partners Diabetes and Endocrine Center Grand Rapids Courtney Soubliere Mercy Health Physician Partners Diabetes and Endocrine Center Grand Rapids

Brian Hinkley Metro Health Beltline Grand Rapids Kristi Kern Metro Health Beltline Grand Rapids Edwin Kornoelje Metro Health Beltline Grand Rapids Steven Bargwell Metro Health Cedar Springs Cedar Springs Hilary Schmid Metro Health Cedar Springs Cedar Springs

Ashley Therasse Mercy Health Physician Partners Diabetes and Endocrine Center Grand Rapids

Janice Wabeke Metro Health Comstock Park Comstock Park

Edward Kryshak Metro Health Endocrinology Grand Rapids

John Dykstra Metro Health Hudsonville Hudsonville

Nathan Pomeroy Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Lance Owens Metro Health Southwest Wyoming

Family Medicine Terrence P. Wright Family Medicine Specialists PC Grand Rapids John W. Hamersma Grand Valley Medical Specialists, PLC Grand Rapids

Stacie Griemsman Spectrum Health Medical Group East Grand Rapids Angela Oostema Spectrum Health Medical Group East Grand Rapids

Gastroenterology John Papp Gastroenterology Specialists PC Grand Rapids Srinivas K. Janardan Grand River Gastroenterology Grand Rapids Stephen T. Webster Grand River Gastroenterology Grand Rapids J. Bradley Morrow Grand River Gastroenterology Grand Rapids Luke DeRoo Metro Health Gastroenterology Wyoming Armita Ghoddousi Metro Health Gastroenterology Wyoming Ryan Hamby Metro Health Gastroenterology Wyoming Ammar Hassan Metro Health Gastroenterology Wyoming Jeremy Barber Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Courtney Ferch Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids GR M AG .CO M

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 77

2/7/22 1:54 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Hand Surgery

Lia Kaufman Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Daniel Borreson West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Randall Meisner Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Michael J. DeJong West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Michael Puff Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Michael Leahy West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Ryan Wong Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Rachel Titus West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Vladimir Ferrer West Michigan Gastroenterology Muskegon

Wayne VanderKolk West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Steven R. Fox West Michigan Gastroenterology Muskegon

Shanna Williams West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

General Surgery

Genetics

Viet Do Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Kerent D. Pihl Grand Rapids Surgical Associates PLLC Wyoming

Judith Hiemenga Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Julian Kuz Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Joel Green Mercy Health Kidney Transplant Center Grand Rapids Jill Onesti Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center Grand Rapids Mathew Chung Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids G. Paul Wright Jr. Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids M. Mura Assifi Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Jeffrey Gawel Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids David Scheeres Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Jaret Beane West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Geriatric Medicine Kevin Foley Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids James Passinault Mercy Health Internal Medicine and Residency Center Grand Rapids Iris Boettcher Spectrum Health Medical Group Byron Center

Gynecologic Oncology Kevin Brader Metro Health Women’s Health Gynecologic Oncology Grand Rapids Charles Harrison Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Leigh Seamon Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Donald Condit Condit Hand Clinic Grand Rapids Shannon Armstrong Elite Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

Randy Lovell MD Lovell Hand & Orthopedic Center 2155 E. Paris Ave. SE. Ste. 210 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-655-1570 lovellhand.com Scott Burgess Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Steven Naum Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Johanna R. Krebiehl Plastic Surgery Associates Grand Rapids Levi Hinkelman Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Hematology and Oncology Brett Brinker MD, MS Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan 145 Michigan St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 800-411-7999 info@chcwm.com chcwm.com Alan Campbell MD Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan 145 Michigan St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 800-411-7999 info@chcwm.com chcwm.com

Amy Vander Woude MD Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan 145 Michigan St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 800-411-7999 info@chcwm.com chcwm.com Thomas Gribbin MD Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan 145 Michigan St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 800-411-7999 info@chcwm.com chcwm.com Nehal Lakhani MD, Ph.D SMART Midwest 5800 Foremost Dr. SE. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 800-411-7999 info@chcwm.com chcwm.com Kathryn Alguire MD Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan 6425 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 800-411-7999 info@chcwm.com chcwm.com Yuanbin Chen MD, Ph.D Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan 145 Michigan St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 800-411-7999 info@chcwm.com chcwm.com Erin Pettijohn MD Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan 6425 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 800-411-7999 info@chcwm.com chcwm.com Eric Santos Mercy Health Center and Hematology Centers of West MI Grand Rapids Frances Wong Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 78

2/7/22 1:54 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Kathrine Cooper Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Grand Rapids

Susan Terrell Mercy Health Palliative Care Grand Rapids

Russell Lampen Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Stephanie A. Dublis The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village Wyoming

Gretchen Roe Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Brian Petroelje Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Michael H. Zakem The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village Wyoming

Hospice and Palliative Medicine John Mulder MD, FAAHPM, HMDC Holland Home 2100 Raybrook SE. Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-235-5000 holland.home.org Steven Dupuis Mercy Health Geriatrics Grand Rapids

Infectious Disease Steven Triesenberg Mercy Health Concierge Medicine Grand Rapids

Liam Sullivan Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Internal Medicine

Anamaria Bondici Mercy Health Infectious Disease Grand Rapids

Gary N. Humphries Grand Valley Medical Specialists, PLC Grand Rapids

Nnaemeka Egwuatu Mercy Health Infectious Disease Grand Rapids

Melonie S. Ice Grand Valley Medical Specialists, PLC Grand Rapids

Andrew Jameson Mercy Health Infectious Disease Grand Rapids

Bruce A. Langerak Grand Valley Medical Specialists, PLC Grand Rapids

Mohamad El Mortada Metro Health Wyoming

Leslie Pelkey Heart of the City Health Center Grand Rapids

Michael J. App Internal Medicine and Pediatrics West Michigan Grand Rapids William Baer Mercy Health Concierge Medicine Grand Rapids Steven Triesenberg Mercy Health Concierge Medicine Grand Rapids Chad Friend Mercy Health Hospitalists Grand Rapids Bryan Hull Mercy Health Internal Medicine and Residency Center Grand Rapids Nasir Khan Mercy Health Internal Medicine and Residency Center Grand Rapids

Devin Mistry, D.O.

R. Devin Ministry is a 2008 graduate of Calvin College, where he received his Bachelor’s in biology with a Minor in Biochemistry. He went to medical school at Michigan State University and completed his residency

training in Otolaryngology/ Head and Neck Surgery at Metro Health Hospital in Grand Rapids. During his residency, Dr. Mistry received the Patrick Murray Award from the AOCOOHNS (the national society of osteopathic ear, nose, and throat doctors). This award is given to the top scoring individual among all ENT residents taking the annual national resident training exam. Following the completion of his residency, Dr. Mistry completed an additional year of fellowship training in the subspecialty of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at The Ohio State University. During his fellowship, he developed an expertise in the management of allergies and disorders of the sinuses and skull base. During his time at OSU, Dr. Mistry had the exciting opportunity to train under the forefathers of endoscopic skull base surgery, from whom he learned minimally invasive

techniques to manage the most challenging problems of the sinuses and skull base. He is thrilled to join the team at Grand Rapids Ear, Nose and Throat serving as the only fellowship-trained Rhinologist in the western half of Michigan. ■

Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Dr. Devin Mistry M.D. 1555 44th St. SW Wyoming, Ml 49509 616-459-4514 grentpc.com

GR M AG .CO M

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 79

2/7/22 1:54 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Mark Spoolstra Mercy Health Internal Medicine and Residency Center Grand Rapids Mohammad Saleh Mercy Health Physician Partners Internal Medicine Grand Rapids Adam Wolfe Metro Health Cascade Grand Rapids Robert Gleffe Metro Health Community Clinic Wyoming David Albrecht Metro Health Southwest Wyoming Natalie Parr Metro Health Southwest Wyoming Eryn Quinn Metro Health Southwest Wyoming Richard Feenstra Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Interventional Cardiology Gregory Pellizzon Mercy Health Physician Partners Cardiovascular Grand Rapids Barbara Karenko Metro Health Wyoming Michael Sumners Metro Health Wyoming Eric Walchak Metro Health Wyoming Ryan Madder Spectrum Health Medical Group Wyoming

Maternal and Fetal Medicine David Colombo Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Marcos Cordoba Munoz Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Erin Fricke Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Vivian Romero Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Lisa Thiel Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Nephrology Mark Boelkins Mercy Health Kidney Transplant Center Grand Rapids Bonita Mohamed Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Grand Rapids Srivilliputtur Santhana Krishnan Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Grand Rapids Kseniya V. Filippova Renal Associates of West Michigan, PC Grand Rapids Daniel J. Legault Renal Associates of West Michigan, PC Grand Rapids James Visser Renal Associates of West Michigan, PC Grand Rapids Joseph P. McKenna West Michigan Nephrology Muskegon Muhammad Farooq Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids Jessica Hedeman Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids

Herman Sullivan Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids

Jurgen Luders Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids

Melanie Taylor Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids

Konstantin Elisevich Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Min Zhu Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids

Paul Mazaris Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

David M. Ehrhardt Metro Health Wyoming

Sanjay Patra Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Jordan Taylor Metro Health Wyoming

Justin Singer Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

David Burdette Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Todd Vitaz Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Mohamad Haykal Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids John Visser Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Neurosurgery Justin C. Clark MD Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates PC 3350 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Ste. 102 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 800-832-1815 greatlakesneuro.com Bryan E. Figueroa MD Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates PC 3350 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Ste. 102 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 800-832-1815 greatlakesneuro.com John F. Keller MD Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates PC 3350 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Ste. 102 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 800-832-1815 greatlakesneuro.com Steve Klafeta Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences Grand Rapids

Obstetrics and Gynecology Monica Gary Grand Rapids Women’s Health Grand Rapids Robyn Hubbard Grand Rapids Women’s Health Grand Rapids Sejal Bennett Mercy Health Physician Partners OB/GYN Downtown Grand Rapids Constance Leahy Mercy Health Physician Partners OB/GYN Downtown Grand Rapids Geron Turke Mercy Health Physician Partners OB/GYN Downtown Grand Rapids Kirsten Anderson Mercy Health Physician Partners OB/GYN Rockford Rockford Brad Irving Metro Health OB/GYN at Metro Health Village Wyoming

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 80

2/7/22 1:55 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Dr. Gregory J. Artz, M.D.

R. Gregory J. Artz, M.D., who has treated patients with all forms of hearing and balance disorders since 2008, is one of only two ENT surgeons in West Michigan who is fellowship-trained in ear and skull-base surgery (neurotology).

Dr. Artz completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and received his medical degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2001. In 2008, after completing a five-year otolaryngology residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Dr. Artz was accepted into a prestigious two-year fellowship training program at the Michigan Ear Institute in Farmington Hills. Education and mentoring young physicians has always been a passion for Dr. Artz, who has frequently been involved in medical student and residency training and education. Dr. Artz provides a long list of services and specialties including skull-base surgery, acoustic neuromas, vestibular schwannomas, meningioma, endoscopic sinus surgery, cochlear implantation, ear drum perforation repair, and laser stapes surgery. ■

Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Dr. Gregory J. Artz, M.D. 1555 44th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-249-8000 1425 Michigan St. NE, Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-459-4514 grentpc.com

Dr. Joseph C. Taylor, M.D.

R. Joseph C. Taylor, says he feels a great responsibility when a patient puts their trust in his hands. “Having their trust is a

very important part of my practice, and one I never take for granted,” he says. “You earn that trust by doing everything you can to find solutions that best suit them.” Dr. Taylor, who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders of children and adolescents, joined Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat more than 10 years ago. “For me, it’s about relating to the patient and understanding the blessing they’re giving me by allowing me to take care of them or their children,” he says. A native of Charlotte, Mich., Dr. Taylor attended the University of Michigan for both undergraduate and medical school. He also completed his otolaryngology residency and a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship at U-M. ■

Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Dr. Joseph C. Taylor, M.D. Otolaryngologist 1555 44th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-249-8000 1425 Michigan St. NE, Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-459-4514 grentpc.com

GR M AG .CO M

XX_BeWellLists_GRM030422 jb 81

2/1/22 3:14 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Steven Lown Metro Health OB/GYN at Metro Health Village Wyoming Jeffrey Dood Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Andrew Van Slooten Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Jessica Lalley Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Elizabeth Leary Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Suzanne West Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Ophthalmology Alan Margherio Associated Retinal Consultants Grand Rapids Elizabeth H. Henry Cascade Ophthalmology, PC Grand Rapids Eiyass Albeiruti Eye Center of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Adam S. Hassan MD Eye Plastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgery 2757 Leonard St. NE, Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-942-6687 info@newfacegr.com newfacegr.com Melissa MeldrumAaberg MD Eye Plastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgery 2757 Leonard St. NE, Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-942-6687 newfacegr.com

Scott Weber MD Grand Rapids Ophthalmology 750 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-949-2600 seeitclear.com David Barrett MD Grand Rapids Ophthalmology 750 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-949-2600 seeitclear.com Thomas Cowden MD Grand Rapids Ophthalmology 750 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-949-2600 seeitclear.com Yosef Gindzin MD Grand Rapids Ophthalmology 3300 Walker View Dr. Walker, MI 49544 616-949-2600 seeitclear.com Parin Gohel MD Grand Rapids Ophthalmology 4475 Wilson Ave. SE. Grandville, MI 49418 616-949-2600 seeitclear.com Marcus Muallem MD Grand Rapids Ophthalmology 750 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-949-2600 seeitclear.com Leslie K. Norris DO Grand Rapids Ophthalmology 3300 Walker View Dr. Walker, MI 49544 616-949-2600 seeitclear.com Laura Piippo MD Grand Rapids Ophthalmology 6050 Northland Dr. NE, Rockford, MI 49341 616-949-2600 seeitclear.com Marko Habekovic Marko Habekovic Ophthalmology Grand Rapids

Douglas Doyle Metro Health Wyoming

Karl J. Siebert Verdier Eye Center Grand Rapids

Paul A. Brown Metro Health Ophthalmology Wyoming

David D. Verdier Verdier Eye Center Grand Rapids

Richard H. Benninger Michigan Street Optical Grand Rapids

Patrick J. Droste MD, MD PediatricOphthalmologyPC 5050 Cascade Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-957-0866 grpedoph.com

Thomas M.AabergJr.MD Retina Specialists of Michigan 5030 Cascade Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-954-2020 retinaspecialistsof michigan.com Liliya Sutherland DO Retina Specialists of Michigan 5030 Cascade Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-954-2020 retinaspecialistsof michigan.com Scott Westhouse DO Retina Specialists of Michigan 5030 Cascade Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-954-2020 retinaspecialistsof michigan.com Brooke Geddie Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids Peter Bast Spectrum Health Medical Group Zeeland Bryan Huffman Spectrum Health Medical Group Zeeland Ann M. Renucci Verdier Eye Center Grand Rapids

Orthopedic Surgery Cameron Patthanacharoenphon Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Grand Rapids John Anderson Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids James E. Bakeman Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids David J. Bielema Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Terrence Endres Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Erik Hedlund Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Michael Jabara Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Kory Johnson Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Thomas Matelic Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Peter Theut Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Scott Burgess Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Tim Henne Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Kevin Kane Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 82

2/7/22 1:57 PM

_FP_GR0721.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

1/4/22 12:52 12/20/21 2:38PM PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Tim Lenters Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Geoffrey Sandman Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Scott Russo Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Matthew Steensma Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Matthew Karek Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Kendall Hamilton Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Diane Czuk-Smith Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Pathology William V. Chopp Spectrum Health Laboratories Grand Rapids Meryem M. Langenbach Spectrum Health Laboratories Grand Rapids

Pediatric/Adolescent Psychiatry Heide Rollings Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids

Pediatric Cardiology

James Lebolt Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Ronald Grifka Metro Heart & Vascular Grand Rapids

Karl Roberts West Michigan Orthopaedics Grand Rapids

Jeffrey Schneider Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pain Medicine Keith Javery Javery Pain Institute Grand Rapids James Hudson Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Grand Rapids

Mark Juska MD Michigan Pain Consultants 1675 E. Mt. Garfield Rd. Ste. 135 Muskegon, MI 49444 231-799-8880 mjuska@procarepain.com michiganpain.com Thomas Basch Michigan Pain Consultants Grand Rapids Kevin M. Nemeth Michigan Pain Consultants Grand Rapids Stephen Winston Michigan Pain Consultants Grand Rapids

Maala Daniel Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids Aditya Dewoolkar Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Gastroenterology Deborah Cloney Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids Ryan Cox Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids Peter Freswick Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Bradd Hemker Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Infectious Disease George Fogg Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids Rosemary Olivero Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Nephrology Alejandro Quiroga Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Julia Steinke Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Allison Close Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Jason Thomas Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Dominic Sanfilippo Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Albert Cornelius Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Olufemi Soyode Center for Adolescent and Child Neurology Grand Rapids

James Fahner Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Steven DeRoos Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Dermatology Mary A. Yurko Mary A. Yurko, MD, Dermatology PLC Grand Rapids Rachel Laarman Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Beth Kurt Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Endocrinology

Deanna Mitchell Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Yaw Appiagyei-Dankah Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Jessica Foley Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Neurosurgery Casey Madura Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Pediatric Surgery James M. DeCou Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, PC Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 84

2/7/22 2:29 PM

Grand Rapids Magazine Daily is our curated e-Newsletter highlighting the best food, drinks, experiences and more in Grand Rapids! Monday through Friday, we send out the latest stories on all things happening in GR right to your inbox.

Head to GRMAG.COM to sign up today!

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Emily Durkin Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, PC Grand Rapids

Christopher Morelli Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Grand Rapids

Scott R. Brundage Centre for Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

John D. Renucci Plastic Surgery Associates Grand Rapids

Marc G. Schlatter Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, PC Grand Rapids

Carolyn Vollmer Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Grand Rapids

Douglas Leppink Centre for Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

Douglas L. Vander Woude Plastic Surgery Associates Grand Rapids

Daniel Watkins Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, PC Grand Rapids

James Ellis Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Benjamin Rechner Centre for Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

Andrew Livingston Plastic Surgery Specialists, PLLC Grand Rapids

James Lee Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Terri A. Zomerlei Centre for Pure Skin Grand Rapids

John Girotto Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Randal Palmitier Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Shannon Armstrong Elite Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

Randolph Russo Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

William T. Cullen Elite Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

Sampson Ho Rehabilitation & Physical Medicine Specialists PC Grand Rapids

Ronald D. Ford Elite Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

Pediatric Urology Theodore D. Barber Urologic Consultants, PC Grand Rapids Brian A. Roelof Urologic Consultants, PC Grand Rapids David L. Weatherly Urologic Consultants, PC Grand Rapids

Pediatrics (General) Jayne Rauwerda Alger Pediatrics Grand Rapids Greg Jereb Cascade Pediatrics Grand Rapids Tiffany Letts Metro Health Southwest Wyoming Kelly Huggett Spectrum Health Medical Group Hudsonville

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Kelly Armstrong Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Grand Rapids Benjamin J. Bruinsma Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Grand Rapids Michael S. Jakubowski Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Grand Rapids

Michael Distler Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery David Alfonso MD, FACS Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery 2155 E. Paris Ave. SE. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-588-8880 bengtsoncenter.com Brad Bengtson MD, FACS Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery 2155 E. Paris Ave. SE. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-588-8880 bengtsoncenter.com Steven Ringler Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

Matthew Martin Elite Plastic Surgery Grand Rapids

Stephen Zonca MD Muskegon Surgical Associates, MSA Plastic Surgery 1675 Patriot Dr. Muskegon, MI 49444 231-739-1933 msapc.com Viet Do Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Steven Naum Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids Dennis Hammond Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan Grand Rapids Marguerite E. Aitken Plastic Surgery Associates Grand Rapids Johanna R. Krebiehl Plastic Surgery Associates Grand Rapids

Robert Mann Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids John Polley Spectrum Health - Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Grand Rapids

Podiatry Michael G. David Foot & Ankle Specialists Grand Rapids Daniel Koschtial Metro Health Podiatry Comstock Park

Psychiatry Denise Gribbin Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Grand Rapids Carey Krause Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Grand Rapids Aaron Plattner Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Grand Rapids Eric D. Achtyes Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids Mon Poulose Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services - Northeast Clinic Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 86

2/7/22 2:29 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Radiation Oncology James Kane Mercy Health Radiation Oncology Grand Rapids Eric Buth Spectrum Health Hospitals Grand Rapids Brian Kastner Spectrum Health Hospitals Grand Rapids

Valerie I. Shavell The Fertility Center Grand Rapids Mili Thakur The Fertility Center Grand Rapids James E. Young The Fertility Center Grand Rapids

Sports Medicine Kristi Kern Metro Health Beltline Grand Rapids Edwin Kornoelje Metro Health Beltline Grand Rapids

Alistair Chapman Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Charles Gibson Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Eric J. Mitchell West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Rheumatology

Kenneth Dood Metro Health Cedar Springs Cedar Springs

Michael Mahacek Spectrum Health Hospitals Grand Rapids

Robert Hylland Mercy Health Mercy Campus Muskegon

Erik Hedlund Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Thomas J. Maatman Michigan Urological Clinic Grand Rapids

Julie M. Forstner The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village Wyoming

James Birmingham Metro Health Rheumatology Grand Rapids

Michael Jabara Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Kenneth F. Shockley Michigan Urological Clinic Grand Rapids

Philip N. Velderman Rheumatology Centers of Western Michigan Holland

Thomas Matelic Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Christopher Brede Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Aaron Eggebeen West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC Grand Rapids

Peter Theut Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

John Humphrey Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Andrew Head West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC Grand Rapids

Tim Henne Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Brian Lane Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Richard Martin West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC Grand Rapids

Matthew Axtman Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Hector Pimentel Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Eric Slavin West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC Grand Rapids

Jason Lazor Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Jon Curry Spectrum Health United Hospital Greenville

Sleep Medicine

Thoracic Surgery

Christopher Morgan Mercy Health Physician Partners Sleep Center Grand Rapids

Bruce Shabahang Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center Grand Rapids

Radiology Joseph Junewick Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids Chris Therasse Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids Stuart Vollmer Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids Jarrod MacFarlane Advanced Radiology Services, PC Grand Rapids Andrew Moriarity Advanced Radiology Services, PC Grand Rapids Andrew Zbojniewicz Advanced Radiology Services, PC Grand Rapids Baljit S. Deol Kent Radiology, PC Grand Rapids

Reproductive Endocrinology/ Infertility William G. Dodds The Fertility Center Grand Rapids

Timothy Daum Metro Health Sleep Disorders Center Wyoming Jason Coles Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Kelly Waters Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Geoffrey Lam Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Charles Willekes Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Cathryn Chadwick Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Urology

John G. Anema Urologic Consultants, PC Grand Rapids Alexander P. DeHaan Urologic Consultants, PC Grand Rapids Jannah H. Thompson Urologic Consultants, PC Grand Rapids Jeffrey B. Casamento Urology Associates of Grand Rapids, PC Grand Rapids Paul N. Rodriguez Urology Associates of Grand Rapids, PC Grand Rapids GR M AG .CO M

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 87

2/7/22 2:29 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Markian Iwaszko Urology Surgeons, PC Grand Rapids

Manish Varma Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Randall S. Kuntzman Urology Surgeons, PC Grand Rapids

Orrie Close Advanced Radiology Services, PC Grand Rapids

John R. Lobo Urology Surgeons, PC Grand Rapids

Jarrod MacFarlane Advanced Radiology Services, PC Grand Rapids

Vascular/Interventional Radiology Michael Doherty Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids Michael Knox Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids Jeffrey VanErp Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Baljit S. Deol Kent Radiology, PC Grand Rapids Christina Bakalis Metro Health Wyoming Guillermo Sanchez Metro Health Wyoming Matthew Tiede Metro Health Wyoming

Vascular Surgery Joshua Greenberg Mercy Health Physician Partners Vascular and Vein Specialists Grand Rapids Michelle Kosovec Mercy Health Physician Partners Vascular and Vein Specialists Grand Rapids John Morris Mercy Health Physician Partners Vascular and Vein Specialists Grand Rapids

Lawrence Mallon MD Muskegon Surgical Associates 1316 Mercy Dr. Muskegon, MI 49444 231-739-9461 msapc.com Christopher Chambers Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Robert Cuff Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Jason Slaikeu Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids Eanas Yassa Spectrum Health Medical Group Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Magazine's Top Doctors, Top Dentist and Top Chiropractor lists are based on a peer-review survey conducted by Professional Research Co. of Troy, Michigan. Participants cast thousands of votes honoring excellence in chiropractic services. Professionals are screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through various applicable boards, agencies, and rating services. Inclusion in the listings cannot be purchased. It is solely the result of PRS’s research. For additional information, visit prscom.com or email PRS at info@ prscom.com.

Mailloux Dentistry 601 Michigan Ave., Ste. 106, Holland, MI 49423 616-392-3717 | hollanddentist.com Dr. Brittany Mailloux, of Mailloux Dentistry, has expertise in general dentistry as well as cosmetics, implants, Invisalign, and pediatric orthopedic development. Dr. Caitlynn Haas, who recently joined the practice, provides excellent service and strives to accommodate patients’ needs. Dr. Mailloux thrives on helping patients with complex cases. She has years of experience creating implant dentures, so patients can have the security of a stable, functional smile immediately. The Mailloux Dentistry team is dedicated to ensuring every patient has a comfortable, joyful visit that helps them achieve the smile they desire. ■

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 88

2/7/22 1:57 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DENTISTS

Dentists

Need your teeth cleaned? Does your child need braces? Do you want a brighter smile? Where do you begin? Knowing that Grand Rapids Magazine readers want the best for themselves and their families, we poll dental professionals to help us determine the top professionals in their fields. General dentists, orthodontists, periodontists and other specialists were asked which local dentist they would choose for a member of their immediate family. The results — listed by specialty — are below.

Endodontics AAmru Albeiruti Forest Hill Endodontics Grand Rapids Arthur Doering A.A. Doering Endodontics, PLLC Grand Rapids Andrew Drerup West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids Jeffrey N. Dzingle Lake Michigan Endodontics Grand Haven Anthony Guinn West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids Jeffrey P. Halvorson Halvorson & Hembrough Grand Rapids Michael W. Hembrough Halvorson & Hembrough Grand Rapids Scott Hodges West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids Sarah Lennan Masterson Grand River Endodontics PC Grandville Brian J. Licari Grandville Endodontics Wyoming Brent A. Medema Medema Endodontics Caledonia Patrick J. Mullally Lake Michigan Endodontics Muskegon Geoff Robert West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids David Selis A.A. Doering Endodontics, PLLC Grand Rapids

Aric Smith West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids

Katie Burggraaf KB Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Karl Evanoff Evanoff Dental Muskegon

Mark C. Smith Mark C. Tingey, DDS Holland

Maxine Cannon Midwest Family Dental Care Jenison

Eric J. Foster Dr. Foster Dentistry! Grand Rapids

Michael A. Smith Holland Root Canal Specialists Holland

Eric Cao My Community Dental Centers Kentwood

Matthew K. Gietzen Partners In Dental Care Grand Rapids

General Dentistry

Brian Carmody My Community Dental Centers Cedar Springs

Daniel W. Grode Beckwith Family Dental Care, PLC Grand Rapids

Jeffrey B. Carpenter Fulton Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Peter G. Hallas Lake Michigan Dental, PC Grand Rapids

Betsy Bakeman DDS Elizabeth M. Bakeman, DDS, The Art of Dentistry 2757 Leonard St. N.E. Ste 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-940-0481

info@bakemandds.com micosmeticdentist.com Samuel Bander DDS Bander Dental Group 1151 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980 info@banderdental group.com banderdentalgroup.com Leonard J. Bartoszewicz Bartoszewicz Family Dental Grand Rapids Randy J. Breen Breen Family Dentistry Grand Rapids James B. Brennan Brennan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, PC Grand Rapids John Bruinsma Genuine Care Dentistry Grand Rapids

Thomas J. Burdo DDS ThomasJ.Burdo,DDS,PC 1100 4 Mile Rd. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-784-6377 frontdesk@burdodds.com burdodds.com

Randall W. Chambers DDS Chambers Dental 6200 28th St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-4650 info@chambersdental.com chambersdental.com Marcos Cid 616 Dental Studio Grand Rapids

Robert S. Dame DDS North Park Family Dental 422 N. Park St. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7265 drdamedds@npfamily dental.com npfamilydental.com Jocelyn R. Davis Carroll Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Sunil Desai Alpine Ridge Dental 1063 4 Mile Rd. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-785-3344 desaisj@gmail.com alpineridgedental.com Derek Draft Grandville Family Dental Care, PC Grandville Joseph Ellis GR Family Dental Kentwood

Maria C. Hoekstra Marigold Family Dentistry Holland

Eric Hull DDS Eric Hull DDS, Aesthetic & General Dentistry 769 York Creek Dr. N.W. Comstock Park, MI 49321 989-430-8088 ehull84@gmail.com greatmismiles.com James J. Hur James J. Hur DDS Wyoming Chas Jensen Rogue River Family Dental Rockford Joseph Kirkwood Beckwith Family Dental Care, PLC Grand Rapids Donald M. Konen Donald M. Konen DDS Grand Rapids

Kevin Kross Michigan Avenue Dentistry 99 W. 23rd St. Holland, MI 49423 616-396-5197 kjkrossdds@gmail.com michiganavenuedentistry. com GR M AG .CO M

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 89

2/7/22 1:58 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DENTISTS

Thomas J. Lambert Thomas J. Lambert DDS Grand Rapids

Devin O. Norman Norman Family Dentistry Ada

John S Lange Mel Trotter Ministries Grand Rapids

Thomas Nykamp Thomas Nykamp, DDS Grand Rapids

Erik J. Lee Dr. Erik J. Lee DDS Jenison John Leitner John Leitner DDS Grand Haven Matthew Lieto Heritage Hill Dental Grand Rapids Nichole Lubberts Northview Family Dentistry Grand Rapids John Ludwig Life-Centered Dentistry Grand Rapids Swetha Madala Midwest Family Dental Care Grand Rapids

Brittany Mailloux DDS Mailloux Dentistry 601 Michigan Ave. Ste. 106 Holland, MI 49423 616-392-3717 contact@hollanddentist.com hollanddentist.com Bryton C. Mansfield Mansfield Family Dentistry 1632 Leonard St. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-453-2255 drbryton@mansfieldgr dental.com mansfieldgrdental.com Travis Mattson DDS Bander Dental Group 1151 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980 info@banderdental group.com banderdentalgroup.com John M. McMahon DDS McMahon Family Dental 2076 Baldwin St. Jenison, MI 49428 616-457-2710 office@mcmahon familydental.com mcmahonfamilydental.com

Brian S. Nylaan Brian S. Nylaan, DDS 5011 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7317 bnylaan2@comcast.net nylaandental.com

Karen O’Rourke O’Rourke Wonderly Dental Grand Rapids

Timothy Obradovich DDS Bander Dental Group 1151 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980 info@banderdental group.com banderdentalgroup.com Michael S. Palaszek Lake Michigan Dental, PC Grand Rapids Joshua Peiffer Hudsonville Dental Hudsonville Scott Pirochta Healthy Life Dentistry Grand Rapids Matthew Rogers MI Smiles Dental Grand Haven Grand Haven Samy Salhadar Ada Family Dentistry, PLC Ada Benjamin Schell Hudsonville Dental Hudsonville Jeremy Schell Hudsonville Dental Hudsonville Gary L. Scott Family Dentistry of Caledonia Caledonia

Jacob S. Miller Miller Dental Grand Rapids

Christopher Smiley Smiley Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Jerry B. Mulder A Life of Smiles Grand Rapids

Robert Strobel Strobel Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Katelyn Trierweiler DDS 44 West Dental Professionals, PC 4330 44th St.S.W.Ste.105 Grandville, MI 49418 616-530-2200 info@44westdental.com 44westdental.com Andrew M. Van Haren VH Dental Grand Rapids Lauryne Vanderhoof Cascade Family Dental Group Grand Rapids Christian L. VerMeulen Christian L. VerMeulen, DDS, PLC Grand Rapids

Lindsey Vogl Robinson DDS Ada Dental Co. 7167 Headley St. Ada, MI 49301 616-676-1800 adadentalco@gmail.com adadentalco.com Seth A. Vruggink Seth A. Vruggink DDS Grand Haven Gregory L. Weaver Weaver Family Dentistry Grand Rapids Jolanta Wilson Wilson & Wilson Dentistry Rockford Kathi Wilson Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ Grand Rapids Ryan Wilson Wilson & Wilson Dentistry Rockford Lora Wonderly O’Rourke Wonderly Dental Grand Rapids Peter J. Zwier Peter J. Zwier, DDS, PC Grand Rapids

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Brett Bezak Oral Surgery Associates Grand Rapids P. Jeffrey Brooks Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, PLC Grand Rapids Mark T. Burye West Shore Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PLC Norton Shores

David R. Dalrymple Alpine Oral Surgery Grand Rapids Brent Dingman Oral Surgery Associates Grand Rapids J. Mark Domin Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, PLC Grand Rapids Brant A. Erbentraut Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, PLC Grand Rapids C. William Hoekstra West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Holland Paul Huizinga West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grandville

Mark L. Jesin Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio 3855 Burton St. S.E. Ste. B Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-369-0360 markjesin@gmail.com advancedoralsurgery mi.com Bob Kintz Oral Surgery Associates Grand Rapids Kyle Klooster West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grandville Jeffrey Lindhout West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grandville Mark Lonergan West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Holland

A.J. Lytle Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio 3855 Burton St. SE Ste. B Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-369-0360 info@oralsurgerymi.com advancedoralsurgery mi.com Igor Makovey Cascade Oral Surgery Grand Rapids Keith Nalley West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grand Haven

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 90

2/7/22 1:58 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

Top Dentists »

BeWell

TOP DENTISTS

Miller Orthodontics 4875 Cascade Rd., SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-942-9320 | lathemillerortho.com

A bright smile is more than just shiny teeth. It’s about good health, confidence, and pride — and it sends an instant message. No one knows that better than Dr. Lathe Miller, of Miller Orthodontics in Grand Rapids. Dr. Miller is a highly skilled and dedicated orthodontist who has impressive degrees and years of experience, as well as a personal understanding of the importance of a bright smile. “Smiling seems like an easy thing to do, but not if you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look and feel,” Dr. Miller says. “I never smiled in pictures when I was a kid; I was embarrassed by how my teeth looked. My passion for orthodontics stems from helping other people find the confidence in themselves to smile. I feel great pride in my profession, knowing that as orthodontists, we can help others become

healthier and happier, and smile more confidently.” Together with his incredible team at Miller Orthodontics, Dr. Miller offers individualized treatment plans based on the unique characteristics of each patient. “I’m continually amazed by the positive impact we have in our patients’ lives just through hard work and a caring attitude,” he says. Dr. Miller dedicates much of his time to learning and mastering all the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in orthodontics. He not only treats children and teens, but also adults, working with patients to create plans ranging from simple alignment to full reconstruction. Dr. Miller is the only Diamond Plus provider in West Michigan because of his skill, experience, and commitment to providing his patients with

the most advanced and effective treatment. “If you’ve been told that you’re not an Invisalign candidate by another provider, please see us,” he says. ■

GR M AG .CO M

MillerOrtho.fp.GRM.0322 1 XX_BeWellLists_GRM030422 jb_rg.indd 91

2/1/22 2:49 PM 2/1/22 5:27 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DENTISTS

Christopher C. Niquette Jr. Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Byron Center

Roseanna P. Noordhoek Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Dr. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7327 rosie.noordhoek@ yahoo.com grandrapidsoralsurgery. com

Richard W. Panek Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Dr. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7327 rwpanek@gmail.com grandrapidsoralsurgery. com Bradley M. Robinson Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan, PLC Grand Rapids

Emily Van Heukelom Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Dr. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7327 evanheukelom@ gmail.com grandrapidsoralsurgery. com Bradley G. VanHoose Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Greater Grand Rapids Caledonia

Orthodontics David Armbrecht Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Grand Rapids Mark P. Brieden Brieden & Miller Orthodontics Sparta Jason L. Charnley Lakeshore Orthodontics Grand Haven

Alexis Gallagher DDS, MS Williams Orthodontics 6840 Northway Drive NE Rockford, MI 49341 United States 616-863-0600 info@williamsortho.net williamsortho.net Cameron (Cadie) H. George Dr. George Orthodontics Holland Daniel C. George Dr. George Orthodontics Holland

Heather Gietzen Grand River Orthodontics 1335 W. Main St. Ste. D Lowell, MI 49331 616-275-4774 hzablocki@gmail.com grorthodontics.com Timothy Glupker Glupker Orthodontics Holland Eric D. Hannapel Eric D. Hannapel, DDS, MS, PC Caledonia Thomas Herremans Herremans Orthodontics Grand Rapids J. Todd Hunt Hunt Orthodontics Muskegon David J. Huyser Huyser Orthodontics Grand Rapids Paul J. Karl Karl Orthodontics Grand Rapids James Kessel Kessel & Bouwens Orthodontics Zeeland Kevin Knapp Smile Orthodontics Grand Rapids Larry Majznerski Align Orthodontics Wyoming

Elizabeth Christopherson Christopherson Orthodontics Grand Rapids Laura Fogle Laura Fogle DDS, MS, PC Grand Rapids

Lathe Miller DDS MS Miller Orthodontics 4875 Cascade Rd. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-9320 info@lathemillerortho.com lathemillerortho.com John F. Monticello Grand Ridge Orthodontics Grand Rapids Paul O’Grady O’Grady Orthodontics Grand Rapids Gregory Oppenhuizen Oppenhuizen Orthodontics Holland Mark Powell Powell Orthodontics Jenison Tom Shannon Shannon Orthodontics Grandville Kathryn A. Swan Swan Orthodontics Caledonia Mark Wierenga Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Grand Rapids

Thomas Williams II DDS, MClD Williams Orthodontics 6840 Northway Drive NE Rockford, MI 49341 United States 616-863-0600 info@williamsortho.net williamsortho.net Edward Young Edward Young, DDS Orthodontics for Children and Adults Grand Rapids

Pediatric Dentistry Daniel Bolt West Michigan Pediatric Dentistry Holland Meghan Condit Grand River Pediatric Dentistry Jenison

Michael Demeter DDS Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430 grandvillepediatric dentistry@yahoo.com grandvillepediatric dentistry.com

Veronica Hamilton DDS, MS Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry 3299 Clear Vista Ct. N.E. Ste. B Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-608-6826 info@veronicahamilton dds.com veronicahamilton dds.com Brett Kingma DDS Mitten Kids Dentistry 1179 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 130 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-9840 smiles@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com Stephanie Kloostra DDS, MS Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan 2155 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 120 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-608-8898 smile@pdsofwestmi.com pdsofwestmi.com Sally Kotani Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430 sallykotani@yahoo.com grandvillepediatric dentistry.com Douglas LaDue III Smile’s Pediatric Dentistry Grand Rapids

Agata Lefere Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430 apietrus@gmail.com grandvillepediatric dentistry.com Jessica C. Massie DDS, MS Valleau,VanDeven & Massie Dentistryfor Children 2000 43rd St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49508 170 Marcell Dr. N.E.Rockford, MI 49341 616-455-1301 drjessica@vvmkids.com vvandmkidsdentistry. com

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 92

2/7/22 1:58 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

Top Dentists

BeWell

TOP DENTISTS

McMahon Family Dental 2076 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428 | 616-457-2710 | mcmahonfamilydental.com

With so many dentists and specialists in the West Michigan area, how can one practice stand out? McMahon Family Dental and Dr. John M. McMahon, the younger of the father-son team, have shifted to a more patient-oriented mindset that demonstrates their commitment to doing dentistry differently. In an already high-tech office, Dr. John offers same-day crowns and has the ability to 3-D print surgical guides, aligners, and bite splints. Now, through virtual consultations, McMahon Family Dental is able to help patients feel more comfortable and reach them more easily and conveniently. Patients who are concerned about their smile, have questions about their oral health, or are seeking a new dentist have access to dental advice and recommendations without taking time off work or spending hours in a dentist’s chair.

New and existing patients can request a free, virtual consultation on the website by submitting photos and describing their concerns. Dr. John then responds with a personalized video that addresses the patient’s issues, explains the options and treatments that could help them, describes the processes and time commitments, and provides a cost estimate. “I’ve found this is a great way for new patients to get to know me before they come in, and it also builds trust in me and the practice,” Dr. John says. “This level of transparency, combined with access to dental guidance without having to leave the house, is not only beneficial and desired, but also necessary in today’s climate.” Dr. John is a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist who combines artistry and engineering

to offer a complete range of treatments. It’s rewarding to him to instill confidence in his patients and see their satisfaction with their smiles. He also enjoys the family practice aspect, and loves treating kids and watching them grow and thrive. ■

GR M AG .CO M

McMahonFamDental.fp.GRM.0322.indd 1 XX_BeWellLists_GRM030422 jb_rg.indd 93

1/23/22 8:29 AM 2/1/22 5:28 PM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP DOCTORS

Meggan McCone DDS Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 2643 E. Beltline Ave. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-988-9485 info@growingsmiles gr.com growingsmilesgr.com Daniel O’Callaghan Gaines Pediatric Dentistry Grand Rapids Chris Powell Hudsonville Dental Kids Hudsonville Stephanie Rashewsky Jesin Norman Family Dentistry Ada

Katie Swanson DDS Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan 2155 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 120 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-608-8898 kathryn.l.swanson@ gmail.com pdsofwestmi.com Aimee C. Valleau Valleau, VanDeven & Massie Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St.S.E.Ste.100 Grand Rapids, MI 49508 616-455-1301 kentwood@vvmkids.com vandvkidsdentistry.com

Dr. Danae Willenberg Little Red Pediatric Dentistry 12723 N. Bellwood Dr. Ste. 20 Holland, MI 49424 616-377-7333 danae.willenberg@ gmail.com littleredpd.com

Periodontics Brian Cilla West Michigan Periodontics Grand Rapids Kathleen M. Eisin Eisin Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Grand Rapids Jacob C. Lueder Jacob C. Lueder DDS, MS Grand Rapids

James Papp D.MD Great Lakes Periodontics Laser Surgery & Dental Implants 4880 Cascade Rd. S.E. Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-940-2854 info@greatlakes perio.com greatlakesperio.com Jeff S. Smith Jeff S. Smith DDS, MS Grandville

Prosthodontics Christopher E. VanDeven Valleau, VanDeven & Massie Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49508 616-455-1301 drchris@vvmkids.com vvandmkidsdentistry. com Taryn Weil Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan 2155 E. Paris Ave. S.E. Ste. 120 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-608-8898 smile@pdsofwestmi.com pdsofwestmi.com

Harvey Comrie Today’s Family Dental Muskegon Ryan Lebster Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center Holland Michael J. Malley Michael J. Malley DDS Greenville Craig T. Thorson EGR Dental Grand Rapids Jose Vivas Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center Holland

Chiropractors How many times have you heard friends say that they only got relief from their back problem after they saw a chiropractor? They’ve tried medication, back-strengthening exercises, injections, and maybe even surgery. Yet once they were under the care of a chiropractor, their whole outlook changed. Public interest in complementary and alternative medicine has risen in the past several decades and chiropractors are a natural choice for addressing many issues that affect overall health. Paul Aalderink Balanced Health Chiropractic Center of West Michigan PLC Zeeland W. Garth Aamodt Aamodt Chiropractic Clinic Grand Rapids Courtney Acton Acton Family Chiropractic Grandville Kyle Banner Banner Chiropractic & Rehabilitation PLC Ada Matt Barton Barton Chiropractic Grand Rapids Steve Barton Barton Chiropractic Grand Rapids Louis C. Boven AK Chiropractic Research Center Holland J. David Britt Britt Chiropractic Holland Mark Brusveen Brusveen Chiropractic Clinic and Therapy Grand Haven Michael T. Burcon Burcon Chiropractic Grand Rapids Kevin Burkhart Rockford Chiropractic Clinic Rockford

Aaron J. Buys Buys Chiropractic PLLC Grand Rapids Candy R. Carter AK Chiropractic Research Center Holland Joshua Cebula All About You Chiropractic Holland Krystal Czegus Clear Connections Chiropractic Grand Rapids Eric DeLamielleure Chiropractic Unlimited Kentwood Adrian J. den Boer DBC Natural Holistic Health Center Grand Rapids Matt DeVreugd Almond Leaf Chiropractic Rockford

Doug deVries, DC Grand Rapids Wellness 435 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-233-0960 grwell.com John Deyo, DC Higher Health Chiropractic 1027 Gezon Pkwy. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-301-8300 info@gethigherhealth.com gethigherhealth.com Rebecca Deyo (Warnecke) Hartman Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center Jenison

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

TheChir BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 94

2/7/22 1:59 PM

P R O M OT I O N A L C O N T E N T S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

Top Chiropractors // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

TOP CHIROPRACTORS

Dr. Matthew Phinney

CORRECT SPINAL ALIGNMENT cannot only improve your quality of life, it can also unlock your body’s full potential. The Chiropractic Doctors in Cascade treat more than just the typical issues that bring patients to chiropractic care, such as back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, sports injuries, and carpal tunnel. They also provide continuing preventative and wellness care that includes lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling, corrective exercises, and massage therapy — all with the goal of getting patients “on the road to wellness,” and also keeping them on that path. “We’re able to make the most progress when we’re teaching people in the community how to apply the principles of true health and healing for the rest of their life,” says Dr. Matthew Phinney, owner of The Chiropractic Doctors in Cascade.

“Our mission is to help every person in the greater Grand Rapids-Cascade area reach their optimal health potential.” The Chiropractic Doctors has been a fixture in West Michigan for more than 35 years and has maintained their focus on the five key essentials of health: diet, rest, exercise, attitude, and maintenance. The Cascade location, where Dr. Phinney serves, features 2,000 square feet of up-todate, aesthetically pleasing space with stateof-the-art digital X-ray technology and premier clinic and rehabilitation facilities. When With a genuine concern for the community’s health and well-being, Dr. Phinney and the staff at The Chiropractic Doctors in Cascade are dedicated to providing the highest quality, individualized care and helping their patients achieve their health and wellness objectives. They offer decades of experience — and proven

results in their many success stories. “Chiropractic care is more than just eliminating pain,” Dr. Phinney says. “It’s Featured Physicians Dr. Name Herefor ongoing wellness and it’s a solution suitable for people of all ages, from infants to elderly.” If you’re ready to address your health concerns, schedule a complimentary consultation with The Chiropractic Doctors today. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

// GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE // TOP DOCS

LOREM IPSUM DOLOR sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Praesent sit amet elementum velit. Donec at rhoncus tortor, vel vehicula elit. Aliquam erat volutpat. Nam tincidunt sagittis turpis, in viverra erat pellentesque in. Curabitur mollis turpis ligula, vitae sodales orci tempus ut. Duis ut laoreet libero, in malesuada ex. Integer aliquam vel nunc a consectetur. Nam finibus porta ipsum sed congue. Quisque eget ligula arcu. Etiam aliquet vestibulum suscipit. Donec vel libero accumsan, aliquam orci sit amet, bibendum libero. Integer a erat a est lacinia ornare. Curabitur commodo nisi in nunc interdum sodales. Sed non iaculis ipsum. Maecenas dolor dui, malesuada vel lectus vitae, semper sodales diam. In ultricies scelerisque massa in ornare. Sed fermentum erat nunc, sed egestas nunc rutrum id. Morbi nec neque dui. Vivamus varius gravida mi nec accumsan. Duis euismod hendrerit tortor, in el-

ementum ante venenatis eget. Etiam finibus egestas mi vehicula finibus. Nunc pretium tortor sit amet nisi accumsan congue. Pellentesque sed dolor quis mi dapibus vestibulum. Curabitur porta id orci eu interdum. Nunc eu ullam neque, quis porta justo. Quisque.

Name Address Address Phone website.com

finibus egestas mi vehicula finibus. Nunc pretium tortor sit amet nisi accumsan congue. Pellentesque sed dolor quis mi dapibus vestibulum. Curabitur porta id orci eu interdum. Nunc eu ullam neque, quis porta justo. Quisque. TM

Name Address Address Phone website.com

erat nunc, sed egestas nunc rutrum id. Morbi nec neque dui. Vivamus varius gravida mi nec accumsan. Duis euismod hendrerit tortor, in elementum ante venenatis eget. Etiam

The Chiropractic Doctors 5747 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-432-3103 bestgrandrapidschiropractor.com GR M AG .CO M

TheChiroDocs.fp.GRM.0322.indd 1 XX_BeWellLists_GRM030422 jb_rg.indd 95

95 12/28/21 9:57 PM 2/1/22 5:29 PM

Raising Up a H What Drives Us... O

ur mission at Higher Health Chiropractic is to serve God by serving the families of our community and region through specific, scientific chiropractic care. Our purpose is to help people reach their God-given health potential through chiropractic care allowing them to live a healthy, happy, drug-free life! We are driven by faith. Proven by results. Creating an extraordinary experience.

“Our family has been going to Higher Health for 4 years! We have all experienced benefits like fewer sickness, more mobility, shorter/fewer colds. The list goes on and on. The doctors truly care about your health. Love this place!” Higher Health Chiropractic has been serving families in the Greater Grand Rapids and surrounding areas for 10 years. Voted Top Chiropractor For Families 4 years in a row by GRKIDS. It's obvious that there is something special about HHC and why so many families entrust us with their care. We strive to create an atmosphere that is above expectation, welcoming, safe, fun for kids, and most of all produces lifelonglasting change for entire families.

HigherHealth.Spread.GRM.0322.V4.indd 1

1/21/22 11:04 AM

new Check out our clinic adjusting only higan! in Jenison, Mic

a Healthy Generation “While other professions are concerned with changing the environment to suit the weakened body, chiropractic is concerned with strengthening the body to suit the environment.” – B. J. Palmer Higher Health Chiropractic is the largest pediatric chiropractor in the midwest and we know a thing or two about kids! Did you know that principled chiropractic can help your kids with:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Ear Infections Constipation Torticollis ADD/ADHD Behavior Issues Sensory Processing Disorders Breast Feeding/Latching issues Skin Rashes Allergies Sinus Issues Concentration AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

HigherHealth.Spread.GRM.0322.V4.indd 2

Give us a call today and see how we can help your entire family!

www.GetHigherHealth.com 616•301•8300 1027 Gezon Parkway SW Wyoming, MI 49509

Book an appointment at the Wyoming location on our website.

1/21/22 11:04 AM

S P EC I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S ECT I O N

BeWell

TOP CHIROPRACTORS

Matt Dirkse Health Zone Chiropractic Grand Haven

Mark Kline Cascade Chiropractic Clinic, PC Grand Rapids

Sandra Moore Lakewinds Chiropractic Center North Muskegon

Ryan Sorrell C & R Family Chiropractic Center Grand Rapids

James M. Elliott Dr. James M. Elliott, Practice of Chiropractic Grand Rapids

Mark Koldenhoven Kooistra Chiropractic Wyoming

Scott A. Newquist ChiroPros Grand Rapids

Blake R. Spooner Lakeshore Family Chiropractic Holland

Colleen O’Hara ChiroHealth Rockford Rockford

Sandra Stanton ChiroHealth Rockford Rockford

Theresa Osmer Flow Chiropractic Grand Rapids

Don Steketee West Michigan Chiropractic & Sports of Jenison Jenison

Lisa Konynenbelt, DC,BS Novo Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Center 5570 Wilson Ave. SW, Ste. M/N Grandville, MI 49418 616-259-9835 novograndville@ novochiropractic.com novochiropractic.com

David Estefan Lakeshore Chiropractic Jenison Win-Chi Fan Atlas Family Chiropractic Clinic Grand Rapids James A. Farmer III James A. Farmer III, DC Comstock Park

Jared Kooistra Kooistra Chiropractic Wyoming

Erik Kowalke, DC Higher Health Chiropractic 1027 Gezon Pkwy. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-301-8300 info@gethigherhealth.com gethigherhealth.com

Brit Finkbeiner Dynamic Essence Chiropractic Center Grand Rapids Stacey L. Fischer DBC Natural Holistic Health Center Grand Rapids James Friess Parkhurst Chiropractic Holland

Linda M. Kunce Linda M. Kunce, DC Grand Rapids

Karla Parkhurst Parkhurst Chiropractic Holland

Matthew Phinney, DC, BSC The Chiropractic Doctors PLLC 5747 28th St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-432-3103 drmatthewphinney@ gmail.com bestgrandrapids chiropractor.com

Michael Kwast iChiro Clinics Grand Rapids

Monica Rasmussen Gaslight Family Chiropractic Grand Rapids

Alexander Le Bon Simple Truth Chiropractic Grand Rapids

Kaitlynn Rosier Kooistra Chiropractic Wyoming

Wade L. Lowery Lowery Chiropractic Grand Rapids

Jason Ross Train Out Pain, LLC Grand Rapids

Kate Lyzenga DBC Natural Holistic Health Center Grand Rapids

Andrew Schafer Schafer Chiropractic, PC Kentwood

Eric R. Hartman Hartman Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center Jenison

Phillip Maletta McAlpine Chiropractic Group Holland

Vince Scheffler Chiropractic Unlimited Kentwood

Daniel Hungerford Platinum Chiropractic Grand Rapids

Kevin Manser Chiropractic Unlimited Kentwood

Eric Seif Seif Chiropractic Caledonia

Daniel Judge Judge Chiropractic Grand Haven

Ann McAlpine McAlpine Chiropractic Group Holland

Kirk Semlow Semlow Peak Performance Chiropractic Grand Haven

Paul Kaminski Kaminski Chiropractic PLLC Grand Rapids

Reid Meador Chiropractic Unlimited Kentwood

Joe Shuluga Shuluga Chiropractic Center Holland

Benjamin Gillis Gillis Family Chiropractic Wyoming Michael Halliday The Chiropractic Doctor, Home of Halliday Health Solutions, LLC Wyoming David Harrison Harrison Chiropractic Center Grand Rapids

Alan Szagesh Advanced Spine & Posture Grand Rapids Steve Szatkowski Fruitport Chiropractic Center Fruitport Ryan Thornton Byron Center Chiropractic Byron Center Trent Tilton Tilton Chiropractic Grand Rapids Daniel G. Van Gessel Family Chiropractic Healthcare Center Grand Rapids Adam T. Van Gessel Family Chiropractic Healthcare Center Grand Rapids David Ward Active Life Chiropractic Grand Rapids Randy Wilcox Wilcox Family Chiropractic Kentwood Kelli Wilcox-Degraaf Alpine Chiropractic Comstock Park Mark Wolfman Rivertown Family Chiropractic Grandville Jeffrey L. Zehr Zehr Chiropractic Norton Shores

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

BeWellLists_GRM030422v2.indd 98

2/7/22 2:00 PM

dine / estau ants

dine

OUR STAFF'S GUIDE TO THE AREA'S BEST EATERIES For any additions or changes: // Please email pevans@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 $-$$ APERITIVO A wine bar with a small menu that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and monthly sandwich specials. The retail section includes tinned fish, which can be enjoyed on-site with pickled veggies, cultured butter and Field & Fire bread. It is located within the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Open Daily. // 435 Ionia Ave SW, 259-7045. aperitivogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $-$$ BEACON CORNER BAR & COASTAL FARE Owned by the group behind San Chez and Roam, the restaurant offers up seafood from the three coasts: East, West and Michigan. // 38 W Fulton St, 383-3800. beaconcornerbar.com. Dinner, $$-$$$ BEIJING KITCHEN Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$

2022 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 $$-$$$ 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 $-$$

BRICK & PORTER Appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. // 47 Monroe Center NW, 226-6928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRICKYARD TAVERN Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $$$ CITY BUILT BREWING CO. Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

FLANAGAN’S Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées 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 $

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 $$

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 $$

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $

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 $$

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 $$-$$$ FIELD & FIRE CAFÉ This farm-to-table breakfast and lunch spot offers allday breakfast items like breakfast burritos and skillet meals as well as lunch items including sandwiches, soups, salads and toasts. It also offers an array of pastry items including croissants, muffins and tarts. On weekends brunch is available. No alcohol. Open daily.

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 99

// 820 Monroe Ave NW Suite 100, 616-608-4533. fieldandfire.com. Breakfast, Lunch $-$$

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, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. / 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-0321. garagebargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

GR M AG .CO M

2/1/22 11:21 AM

dine / estau ants

GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Year-round 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 $-$$

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 $-$$

2022 DINING AWARD WINNER 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 $$-$$$

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 $-$$$

HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. 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 $$-$$$

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 $

2022 DINING AWARD WINNER 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 $$$ THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ LEO’S Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm MonFri. Closed Sun. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

2022 DINING AWARD WINNER LINEAR Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh 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 $-$$

100

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 $$$ MERTENS PRIME French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era hotel. Steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. mertensgr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ 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 $$ MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR & RESTAURANT Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$ ONE TRICK PONY GRILL & TAPROOM Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front, dog- friendly patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 136 E Fulton St, 2357669. onetrick.biz. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 100

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 $$$ PALACE OF INDIA Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$ ROCKWELL REPUBLIC Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$ 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

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

2/1/22 11:22 AM

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 $-$$ SOCIAL HOUSE A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters such as veggie, meat and cheese shared platters, goat cheese fritters, spicy tuna wontons and avocado toast; soups and salads; burgers and sandwiches; and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$ SOCIAL MISFITS An interesting concept mashing waffles with other foods. The waffles, whether sweet or savory, can be accompanied by creative cocktails. The business also introduces Great Lakes Coffee Roasters to town. // 43 W. Fulton St, 272-4984. thesocialmisfits.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $-$$ TAVERN ON THE SQUARE Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WAHLBURGERS Celebrity-owned (by Mark Wahlburg and brothers)

Feeling Abandoned?

burger joint offering up a fast-casual experience. // 10 Ionia Ave NW, 616-719-1788. wahlburgers.com. Lunch, Dinner, $$ Z’S BAR & RESTAURANT Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 4543141. zsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $

thank you for voting!

97% OF PEOPLE LEAVE YOUR WEBSITE WITHOUT TAKING ACTION. How do you get those prospects back? By grabbing their attention! It’s called retargeting and we’ve been doing it for years. You’ve seen those ads that seem to follow you around the internet, offering just what you were previously searching for. We know it’s a little strange, but let’s face it, it’s effective! Targeted Display Advertising focuses on users who previously visited your website. As your future customers browse the Internet, we will display your ad message to remind them of your brand. When they’re ready to make a purchase, customers will remember your business above other options. Another painful statistic – 72% will abandon their cart with items in it. Without retargeting, only 8% will go back to complete a purchase. With retargeting, 26% will return! Successful marketers spend 10 - 50% of their digital budgets on retargeting and 7 out of 10 business owners currently use retargeting. Will those customers be returning to you?

grand rapids magazine- january 2022

Adding digital marketing to your campaigns will increase your touch points and ROI. https://www.grmag.com/digital-studio

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 101

GR M AG .CO M

101

2/1/22 11:23 AM

dine / estau ants

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 $ 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 $-$$ THE HOLIDAY BAR Established in 1905, menu features appetizers and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden in warm months. Open daily. // 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. theholidaybargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ JOLLY PUMPKIN PIZZERIA & BREWERY Dexter-based brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jollypumpkin.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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. //

102

537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers. com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$ MAGGIE’S KITCHEN Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ THE MITTEN BREWING CO. Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MONARCHS’ CLUB Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9799. 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 $$ SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$

2022 DINING AWARD WINNER 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 $-$$ TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 102

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 BASALT Modern Tex-Mex cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. The menu focuses on breakfast tacos, quesadillas and tortas. Closed Mondays. // 1450 Wealthy St. SE, 719-2146. basaltgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Thurs-Sat) $ 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 $$ BREWERY VIVANT Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 2885038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $ CHEZ OLGA Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$ DANZÓN CUBANO Authentic Cuban fare, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally made and Cuban sodas. Full bar; happy hour specials Mon-Thu. Open daily. // 1 Carlton Ave SE, 988-9788. danzoncubano.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

2/1/22 11:23 AM

American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. // 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwestbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Fri-Sat), Dinner $-$$ ELK BREWING CO. Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. // 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $ ERB THAI Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. Open daily. // 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FORTY ACRES SOUL KITCHEN “Authentically American” southern comfort food, featuring po’boys, grits, gumbo and more. To-go catering available. Closed Mon. // 1059 Wealthy St SE, 481-6971. fortyacresgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $$-$$$

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 $

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 $-$$

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 $$-$$$

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 $$ KCM A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sando (Japanese cut white bread sandwiches or open-faced toast with meat, egg salad or other filling); curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu (Japanese deep-fried tenderized pork loin, tenderloin and shoulder cutlets); chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean-style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues.-Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 103

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, 356-

GR M AG .CO M

103

2/1/22 11:24 AM

dine / estau ants

2627. thegilmorecollection.com/pubatpaddock. Dinner $-$$

// 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$

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 $$-$$$

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 $$

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.

104

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 $-$$ ROSE’S Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $-$$ DETROIT WING CO. Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders with 19 house-made sauces. Its menu also includes mac n’ cheese, poutine, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and cheesecake. Detroit Wing Co. was founded in Detroit. Open daily. // 2004 East Beltline Ave. NE, 214-8331. detroitwingco.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $-$$ BIRCH LODGE Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ BLUE WATER GRILL Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. // 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BUD & STANLEY’S Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GAIA HOUSE CAFÉ A neighborhood vegetarian café offering items like the Mean Green Burrito and Gaia cookies, as well as freshpressed juices and specialty coffees. Open Wed-Sun for take-out only. // 1553 Plainfield Ave. NE . Visit on Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch. $ 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 $-$$

CAFÉ MAMO An American restaurant inspired by grandma's garden. Classic Midwestern dishes paired with tasty wine in a warm, comfortable setting. Open daily. // 1601 Plainfield Ave. NE, 350-3430. mamohsp.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun) Dinner (Mon-Sat) $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $$

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 104

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 $

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

2/1/22 11:24 AM

IT’S NOT JUST NEW. IT’S WHAT’S NEXT. THE ALL-NEW 2022 LEXUS NX STARTING AT $39,025* Imagine you wanted to build a new luxury crossover. You'd include everything that's important to you. Intuitive tech that actually gets you. A massive touchscreen to display your favorite apps. And a cabin space designed to keep your focus on what matters. Imagine no longer. Welcome to the next generation of SUVs. Introducing the all-new NX by Lexus. Your Elite of Lexus Dealer

HARVEY LEXUS OF GRAND RAPIDS 2550 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

HarveyLexusGrandRapids.com/NX Sales Hours Mon, Wed 9 am - 8 pm Tue, Thu, Fri 9 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 4 pm

Options Shown Lorem Ipsum

*2022 NX 250 model, plus tax, title, lic. & fees to qualified buyers. Options shown and are extra.

In and around St. Joseph, we have over 40 craft breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries. Taste their unique, locally-sourced creations, and bring home your favorites to share with friends and family. Better yet, grab a Makers Trail Passport and come back often to collect stamps to earn fun prizes.

MAKERSTRAIL.ORG PHOTO LOCATION: THE LIVERY

SM2011 GrandRapids Ad-March_v02.indd 1

105_GR0322.indd 1

1/7/22 9:07 AM

2/8/22 5:16 PM

dine / estau ants

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 $-$$ NICK FINK’S Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. // 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.com/nickfinks. Dinner $$ 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

106

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 $$-$$$

CHINA CITY Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. 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 $-$$

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, 805-3363. dehops.com. 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 $$-$$$

EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirechinesebuffet2.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 $$$

FRANCO’S PIZZA Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. Dinner $-$$

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 $$ VANDER MILL Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style. Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. // 505 Ball Ave NE, 2598828. vandermill.com. Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$-$$$

Northwest GR 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) $$

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 106

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 $-$$

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 $-$$ HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet.letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $-$$ HUMMUS & FALAFEL MIDDLE EASTERN GRILLE Located near the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $ HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE LANDING Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. All-American favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

2/1/22 11:24 AM

Nonstop Memories. Ready for an uplifting vacation? Gerald R. Ford International Airport has over 30 nonstop routes, 10 Florida destinations and a convenient location that’s close to home. Your memory-making begins online at FlyFord.org.

Huntington’s Lift Local Business� Looking out for minority-owned businesses When the business owners in our communities reﬂect the diversity in our communities, we all win. We designed Huntington’s Lift Local Business program to support local minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses throughout the business life cycle—from start–up to expansion. The program offers loans, business planning support, and other services to help you achieve your goals. You’ve got the plan, you’ve got the motivation, and we’re here to help you take that next big step in achieving your vision.

to learn more,

visit huntington.com/LiftLocal

IN THE NATION IN NUMBER OF 7(a) LOANS§

Lending products are subject to credit application, approval and credit guidelines which may include, without limitation, bankruptcy in the last 4 years, a violent felony, or a low business credit score (SBSS). § SBA loans subject to SBA eligibility. Huntington is #1 in the nation in number of SBA 7(a) loans from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2021. Source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. ⬢®,Huntington® and ⬢Huntington. Welcome.®, are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Lift Local BusinessSM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated ©2021 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

107_GR0322.indd 1

1/28/22 12:30 PM

dine / estau ants

at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/ dining/the-landing-restaurant. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ MR. GYROS Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. // 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 7916660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standiegogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SWAN INN RESTAURANT Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. // 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$ WALKER ROADHOUSE Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 791-9922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $$

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 $-$$ BELTLINE BAR Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos.

108

Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BRASS RING BREWING Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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. Brunch on Sun. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CABANA TRES AMIGOS Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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) 7191462. Facebook. Open daily. Breakfast, Lunch $ 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 $$ DADDY PETE’S BBQ Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 81 8-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $-$$$ GOLDEN GATE Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ GURSHA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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, 284-2297. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

EAST GARDEN BUFFET Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. 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 $

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

EL GLOBO RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. 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 $

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 $$

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 $-$$

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 108

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 $-$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

2/1/22 11:24 AM

STEPHEN L. GRIMM, P.C. A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION ATTORNEY AT LAW

• Stephen L. Grimm’s law firm focuses on medical malpractice & legal malpractice. • On-staff doctor to help clients with assessments, cases, you name it! Attorney Stephen L. Grimm has been representing victims to the highest level of standards in the Grand Rapids area for over 35 years. He is one of the ONLY attorneys that is not afraid to sue doctors and lawyers.

CALL US NOW! 1-616-459-0220 5020 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Ste. 201F | Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | www.slgrimmpc.com

109_GR0322.indd 1

1/28/22 12:32 PM

dine / estau ants

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 $-$$ THE OLD GOAT Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $

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 $$

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 $-$$

PHO ANH TRANG Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. 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 $$

PHO SOC TRANG Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

YUMMY WOK Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SHANGHAI ICHIBAN Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120. shanghaiichiban.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ STEAK & SPICE BY CURRY KITCHEN Authentic Indian cuisine. Daily lunch buffet. Open daily. No alcohol. // Located inside the Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids at 5700 28th Street SE. 957-1775. currykitchengr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $ 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 $

110

Southwest GR 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 $-$$ FAR-EAST CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 110

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 $-$$ LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ MAIN STREET PUB Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MI CASA RESTAURANTE Fresh, authentic Dominican appetizers, dishes and seafood, plus weekly specials, in Dominicanthemed, family-friendly atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Mon-Tues. // 334 Burton St SW, 350-9123. micasagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$ NOBLE Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ 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 $$ WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

2/1/22 11:24 AM

Ada/Cascade/ Lowell Area

Open daily. // 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

ARYANA RESTAURANT & BAR Comfortable dining room in Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids 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 $$-$$$

LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. 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 $$ CASCADE ROADHOUSE Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$-$$$ 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 $$-$$$ 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 $$-$$$ 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, 897-8523. thegilmorecollection.com/ flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ 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.

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 $-$$ MAIN STREET BBQ Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 9873352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$-$$$ MYNT FUSION BISTRO Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. 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 $-$$

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 111

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 $-$$$ SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$ TRAILHEAD CAFÉ Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. // 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 284-3664. trailheadcafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ VINTAGE PRIME & SEAFOOD Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintageatcork.com. Dinner $$$ ZEYTIN Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 6822222. 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 $-$$ THE DUNGEON Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 5381360. villadungeon.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$ GRANDVILLA Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GR M AG .CO M

111

2/1/22 11:25 AM

dine / estau ants A. Todd Almassian Invited to Become a Fellow of The American College of Bankruptcy This honorary association of bankruptcy and insolvency professionals plays an important role in maintaining excellence in the industry. Candidates are thoroughly vetted, and the invitation extended to join is based on the candidates’ proven records of the highest standards of professionalism and service to bankruptcy education, profession, and their communities.

HUDSONVILLE GRILLE Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. 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 $-$$ PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Todd will be inducted as a Fellow in the Thirty-Third Class of the American College of Bankruptcy on Friday, April 1, 2022, in Denver, Colorado. The induction ceremony will take place at the Denver Art Museum.

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, 616202-6379. 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 $$

112

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 112

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

2/1/22 11:25 AM

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 $$-$$$ 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, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com/ restaurant. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO. German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. // 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $-$$ MARINADES PIZZA BISTRO Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. // 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $ RAMONA’S TABLE Gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, small plates, homemade desserts. Farm-to-table specials. Michigan beers, wine. Kids menu. Open daily. // 17 Squires St Square NE, 951-7100. ramonastable.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 113

GR M AG .CO M

113

2/1/22 11:43 AM

dine / estau ants

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 $$

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 $$ ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT Breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Menu includes extensive gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 722 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 2650 East Beltline Ave SE (Centerpointe Mall), 956-7901; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurant.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $ 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 $-$$ ELECTRIC CHEETAH Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. Cascade location closed on Sun. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779; 6450 28th St. SE, 2655301. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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, 930-3596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

114

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 $$ HOPCAT Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$ MR. BURGER Breakfast, burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts. // 2101 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 453-6291; 950 44th St. SW, 538-0363; 1750 44th St. SE 455-8604; 5181 Northland Dr. NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St. SW; 538-4439; 5835 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville, 662-5088. mrburger.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 2595353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ 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 $

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) $$ TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 18 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007; 1551 Wealthy St. SE, 724-4269. tamalesmarygr.com. 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, 7267300. 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, 8911100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VITALE’S PIZZERIA Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales.com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-5011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

099-114.Dine.GRM030422.indd 114

Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 5328888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $

$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

2/1/22 11:25 AM

PROMOTIONAL SECTION PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Finding and Transforming Your House into Your Sanctuary

"Home, sweet home." “There’s no place like home.” “Home is where the heart is.” There are many reasons there are so many heartfelt expressions surrounding the places where we live. Warmth, comfort, security are all found at home, as well as happy memories, special occasions, and some of life’s greatest milestones. It’s no wonder we put so much emphasis on feathering our nests and making them our own, personal spaces. The following businesses featured here all play an important role in helping you create — or find — the sanctuary of your dreams. Maybe you’re looking for your first home, or the one where you plan to retire.

An experienced, trusted Realtor may make the process both enjoyable and successful. It could be that you’ve decided it’s time to update your existing home and a great offer on a renovation loan will help you get the most out of your investment. Adding new appliances, no matter if you’re building, buying, or revamping, are another factor — and an easy way to modernize your home or give it your signature style. No matter where you are in the home buying or homemaking journey, there’s a resource here to help you get there. ■

GR M AG .CO M

GRHome_FP_GRM 03.22.indd 115

115

2/2/22 10:23 AM

PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Registered Landscape Architects

4353 Three Mile Road NE | Grand Rapids 49525 | 616.363.6400 | www.kappeslandscapes.com 116

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / MARCH/APRIL 2022

116_GR0322.indd 56

2/2/22 12:52 PM

PROMOTIONAL SECTION

GREENRIDGE REALTY EGR

2213 Wealthy St. SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | C-616-318-0065, O-616-458-3655 romanhousekey.com Typically, Realtors recommend waiting for spring to list your home, but not in this market! With inventory so low these days, now is a great time to list your house. This is traditionally a time when buyers are getting a jump on their searches, and that means sellers should be prepared to respond. The advice from the Romanowski Homes team is this: Don’t wait. Contact the Romanowski team today and they’ll walk you through the process and help you determine your best move. ■

NORTHPOINTE BANK

100 Grandville, Ste. 300, Grand Rapids MI 49503 | 616-552-5705 | northpointe.com/grand-rapids-michigan Northpointe Bank works to be a different kind of bank, putting people at the center of everything they do. For starters, they customize products and services using a client-focused approach — which means listening to customers and developing a proposal to meet their specific financing needs. If you’re purchasing a home that needs renovations, Northpointe offers a single loan to finance both the construction work and the home purchase at one low interest rate. Their renovation program includes refinancing options for current homeowners — great for smaller remodeling projects like updating a kitchen or bath — and solutions for a full-home renovation or addition. The bank is offering $500* off closing costs for all purchase loan applications received on or before June 30, 2022. Properties must be located in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Kent, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Ottawa, or Shiawassee counties. For more details, visit northpointe.com/reno. ■ *$500 off closing costs offer cannot be combined with any other offers. If applying online, simply return the coupon offer with your signed application disclosure documents. The closing cost discount will be applied as a rebate credit at loan closing. This is not a commitment to lend. All credit applications are subject to credit review and approval. NMLS: 447490

GR M AG .CO M

117_GR0322.indd 56

117

2/2/22 12:52 PM

YOUR NEW HOME AWAITS. WORKING TOGETHER TO REALIZE YOUR DREAM.

Romanowski Homes, Inc. | Greenridge Realty EGR 2213 Wealthy St. SE | East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-318-0065 | romanhousekey.com

GreenridgeRealty.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

1/6/22 1:06 PM

D O N ’ T S W E AT I T R E N O VAT E I T. One loan, one low rate, and a home that’s uniquely yours. Connect with us today northpointe.com/reno

*$500 off closing costs offer can not be combined with any other offers. If applying online, simply return the coupon offer with your signed applica�on disclosure documents. Closing cost discount will be applied as a rebate credit at loan closing. This is not a commitment to lend. All credit applica�ons are subject to credit review and approval.

$ 500 OFF

CLOSING COSTS

Northpointe.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

Member FDIC

$500 oﬀ closing costs for loan applications received on or before June 30, 2022 and properties located in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Shiawassee Counties.*

1/19/22 9:27 AM

gr gems / histo y

Historic eats A look at the early Grand Rapids dining scene. BY JULIE TABBERER, GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Hattem’s interior in June 1937. The restaurant reportedly was the first in the area with air-conditioning to keep diners happy.

120

Started by Lebanese immigrant Deeb Hattem in 1910, Hattem’s was a fixture at Wealthy and Division for nearly 60 years. The restaurant began as a convenience shop that sold cigars, candy, sandwiches and ice cream cones. In 1933, it secured one of the first liquor licenses after Prohibition ended and shifted into a full-scale restaurant and cocktail lounge. Serving American cuisine, Hattem’s was frequented by Heritage Hill families for Sunday dinner and visited by celebrities. In 1937, the eatery debuted a new Hammond organ

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022

120.GRGems.GRM030422.indd 120

that “was a hit and we were the first restaurant in the area to have air-conditioning and that was quite a drawing card.” Deeb Hattem died at an early age in 1926. His wife, Latife, and cousin, Sam Maloley, took over business operations. Deeb and Latife’s son, Mose Hattem, joined in managing the restaurant after returning from serving during World War II. In 1950, Mose married Maxine George, a talented pianist and organist. Maxine attended the New England Conservatory of Music, played with the Spike Jones Band, formed her own all-girl ensemble and recorded an album. Maxine played the organ at Hattem’s regularly. After the restaurant closed in 1968, she continued to be a fixture in the local scene, playing weekly at other restaurants with a loyal following. RESTAURANT COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

2/1/22 11:21 AM

Cozy truly happ y pla ces conne cte d Up and with totawide lly open spaces chill

Spring in Traverse City...or TC. The one place to truly connect with your friends or special someone. At the beach. Over drinks. Or anywhere your heart leads. TC in spring — a Pretty Great Place.

TraverseCity.com TraverseCityTour.FP.GRM.0322.indd 1

1/25/22 11:34 AM

Maybe its time to check out Concierge Chiropractic! Being the first upper cervical chiropractic office in West Michigan, we treat cases from all over the world and take the extra time to reduce the amount of needed visits. Specializing in neurological cranial nerve issues, instead of just low back pain, you deserve the extra expertise! Michael T. Burcon, B.Ph., D.C., is the world’s leading expert on Meniere’s disease, according to the Merck Manual.

1/21/22 10:31 AM

Grand Rapids Magazine March/April 2022

Articles inside

gr gems

create

must-try

top 5

table

style

experience

dining guide

on-the-go

voice

profile

issues

editor's letter

spotlight

wellness

city

guide