Grand Rapids Magazine July/August 2021

EDUCATION DECADES OF DEBT IMPACT GRADS PLUS HERB GARDENS

CONFIDENT GIRLS INC.

ROLL CALL

Chocolate covered pretzel ice cream from Furniture City Creamery.

Gaia House Café

Recreational Marijuana

THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF GRAND RAPIDS’ FIRST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT.

sweets

KEEPING AN EYE ON EQUITY AT GRAND RAPIDS’ CANNABIS SHOPS.

Outdoor Entertaining ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS TO TURN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACES INTO A NATURAL OASIS.

We explore (and taste) our way through Grand Rapids’ dessert shops.

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The pandemic didn’t slow the music scene.

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contents JULY/ AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 57, ISSUE 6

FEATURES

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TUNE INTO LOCAL MUSIC LO C AL MUS I C FLO U R IS H E D DU R IN G T H E PA N DEM I C .

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY & ALLISON ARNOLD

54 SWEET S POTS

FIN D OU T W H ER E T H E TAST IEST T R EATS A R E IN TOWN.

BY SARAH MARILYN

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COLLEGE COSTS T H E COSTS O F A DI P LO M A AR E O N T H E R IS E .

BY SAM EASTER

Le Bon Macaron offers a Parisian escape.

P H O T O G R A P H B Y S TA C Y F E Y E R - S A L O

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COVER STACY FEYER-SALO

6/11/21 10:21 AM

SUMMER ADVENTURE STARTS HERE.

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contents • july/august

every issue 10 editor's letter 123 dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

144 gr gems

Discover The Apartment Lounge.

people + places 12

city

13

issues

Free Wi-Fi, GVSU pedestrain mall and Grand Ravines treehouse.

Marijuana shops promise

16 18

26

102

20

equity, but are they delivering?

profile

Lexi Austin shares her confidence.

voice

Kendal Browne loves downtown living.

guide

Add these books to your summer reading list.

look + feel

24

expert

25

gear

26 28

Tips for growing a summer herb garden.

The must-have grill for your next camping adventure.

wellness

Find yourself at the Body Mind Being Institute.

home

Environmentally-conscious outdoor spaces.

food + drink

102 table

Gaia Café defied the odds and reopened.

106 create

Filipino barbecue.

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107 cheers

Alt City Beverage focuses on nonalcoholic drinks.

108 must-try

New food truck Roll Call brings fresh flavors.

FRENCH TOAST BRYAN ESLER BODY MIND BEING INSTITUTE ASHLEY WIERENGA FLURESH ALFIELD REEVES

6/11/21 10:21 AM

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

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

We asked our staff: Restrictions are lifted, concerts are coming back.

Who are you in line to see?

Right before the world went into lockdown, I attended Luke Combs at Van Andel Arena on Feb. 15, 2020. To celebrate, I think it's only fitting to come full circle and see Luke in concert again as my first back.

LINDSAY RICHARDS

For me, I’d re-live the last concert I saw, which was in LA — Vampire Weekend. This was part of a concert after a conference at the Staples Center, and it was an absolutely awesome show with great company! I’d also love to check out a music festival at some point.

BRYAN ESLER

I’m most excited for the return of music festivals! I went to Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit a few weeks ago because I love electronic music.

And Detroit is the birthplace of techno!

AVA MAJOROS

Definitely Greta Van Fleet because their new album is superb and as Michigan natives, I clearly have to show them my support!

DRAKE LAMBRIGHT

Editorial Gemini Media Editor: Tim Gortsema Editor: Charlsie Dewey Digital Editor: Tom Mitsos Contributors: Allison Arnold, Ann Byle, Sam Easter, Autumn Fuchs, Megan Sarnacki, Pasha Shipp, Samantha Suarez, Julie Tabberer Intern: Sarah Marilyn Design Creative Director: Lindsay Richards Associate Art Director: Keagan Coop Graphic Designer: Robin Vargo Contributors: Kate Brown, Michelle Cuppy, Bryan Esler, Kevin Fales, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Teri Genovese, Quinn Kirby, Johnny Quirin, Alfield Reeves, Ashley Wierenga Sales General Inquiries: Advertisingsales@grmag.com Advertising Director: Jenn Maksimowski Account Executives: Todd Anderson, Jessica Laidlaw, Renee Looman, Maddy Messerly Office Assistants: Elissa Stong, Katrina Peshka To Order Reprints: Receptionist – (616) 459-4545 Production Production Director: Jenine Rhoades Senior Production Artists: Stephanie Daniel, Robert Gorczyca Advertising Coordinators: Danielle Szatkowski, Ava Majoros Advertising Designers: Jim Bibart, Daniel Moen, Amanda Zwiren Web Digital Director: Nick Britsky Web Project Lead: Matthew Cappo Web Project Assistants: Mariah Knott, Luanne Lim, Bart Woinski IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland Circulation Director Of Audience Development: Michelle VanArman Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247

I am ITCHING to see Chris Stapleton again... DTE Energy Music Theatre, here I come! I saw him years ago at a county fair and will never forget that show. I was only a few feet from him and remember him sounding even better in person than he does on his album!

KEAGAN COOP

I'm really looking forward to the Tuesday Evening Music Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens, GRAM on the Green at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the Listening Lawn series at Studio Park.

Outdoor concerts are always the highlight of my summer, and I'm so glad they're back this year! I'm also very excited for the Wheatland Music Festival in September.

KATRINA PESHKA

If I were to plan something, I would definitely go see my favorite hip-hop group, the Flatbush Zombies. I’ve never actually seen them live before but people always hype them up as the greatest live music performers that they’ve ever seen, so how could I NOT want to go?!

BART WOINSKI

Marketing Marketing & Events Assistant: Drake Lambright Marketing & Events Coordinator: Kelsey Cocke Marketing & Events Interns: Kaitlin Howell, Michelle Kaljaj, Cassandra Morris

Frustrated with your web site’s search results?

We have ideas that work.

Administration Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki Publishing Coordinator: Kristin Mingo Accounting Associates: Natasha Bajju, Andrew Kotzian, Katie West Published By Gemini Media, LLC CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo

Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Media. Publishing offices: 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag.com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI and at additional mailing offices. Copyright ©2019 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St., SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444.

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For digital advertising solutions call 248-268-8026 COMPASSMEDIA.COM

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#bestofgr

Visit grmag.com to cast your votes today!

VOTING ENDS August 6, 2021

Winners will be announced in the January2022 202 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine!

January/February

#bestofgr

VOTING ENDS

Winners will be announced in the January 202 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine!

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editor's letter / connect

BEHIND THE SCENES

Grand Rapids is sweet

Grand Rapids has an abundance of bakeries, custom cupcake, cookie and cake designers, and retailers with plenty of sweets for sale. This month we dove in — tastebuds first — and got to know the local chocolatiers, confectioners and more to find out what motivates them to bake batch after batch of delectable desserts.

So, whether you are looking to start your morning with a sugar high, planning an event and in need of custom cookies, or just want to treat yourself to something yummy for making it through a hectic day, our “sweet spots” feature will guide you to the best places in town.

We also highlight seven restaurants where you definitely want to leave room for dessert.

In this issue, we also talk with John Sinkevics, publisher of Local Spins, about covering the local music scene during a pandemic, and how his passion for music has made Local Spins the place to go for music coverage in the city.

We also asked a handful of local musicians to share how they’ve overcome the obstacle of not being able to perform live for much of the past year. Despite a shutdown of their industry, many musicians used 2020 to create and have released or plan to release new material this year.

One industry that the pandemic hasn’t managed to slow down is the burgeoning cannabis market. Since Grand Rapids adopted an ordinance allowing the establishment of cannabis businesses within the city, a handful of cannabis shops have popped up. We look at the businesses in the area as well as efforts being made to ensure social equity is part of the business model as cannabis grows in the city.

If you are planning to dine out this month, be sure to visit Gaia House Café. The former East Hills neighborhood business closed in 2014, but thanks to the commitment of one of its former staffers, the business is now embarking on a second iteration in the Creston neighborhood.

We also are excited about the recent rollout of Roll Call, a food truck operated by catering service Gettin’ Fresh. Offering healthy handhelds, you’ll want to check out the menu when you are at Fulton Street Farmer’s Market, where the truck posts up most Wednesdays.

Enjoy summer!

Photographer Stacy Feyer-Salo styling our "sweets" feature.

Next issue

What’s next for Grand Rapids' artists?

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Charlsie Dewey Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Email: cdewey@grmag.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media:

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Sarah Marilyn was a spring intern for Grand Rapids Magazine. She was born and raised in Grand Rapids. She is constantly seeking new opportunities to further herself as a journalist.

She has a passion for writing and learning, and a deep drive to study the daily happenings in our state, country and the world.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and supporting local businesses by creating highlights to add to her @grbucketlist platform.

EDITOR TERRY JOHNSTON BEHIND THE SCENES STACY FEYER-SALO CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY SARAH MARILYN

6/11/21 10:26 AM

people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

Lexi Austin has turned her confidence into a business venture with the goal of helping other girls grow their self-esteem.

PROFILE

Confident by design page 16

» PLUS: SUMMER READS RECREATIONAL C ANNABIS PARKS UPGR ADES

P H OTO G R A P H BY Q U I N N K I R BY GR M AG .CO M

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people + places / city

Free Wi-Fi in GR parks

CITY

Treehouse at Grand Ravines The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission plans to add a treehouse to one of its most scenic and beloved parks. The treehouse will be constructed just off the Idema Explorers Trail route at Grand Ravines County Park and will feature a rustic design with multiple overlook locations providing a unique tree-top perspective of the descending ravine.

The treehouse will stand 40 feet above the ravine edge where it starts to descend steeply to the creek bottom. The treehouse will be dedicated to Bea Aldrink Idema, and designs were expected to

Grand Ravines Park is a 202-acre park located in Ottawa County. It offers stunning natural views.

Free public Wi-Fi now is available in 10 Grand Rapids parks thanks to a pilot program supported by CARES Act funding. The Network in a Box program aims to bridge the digital divide in Grand Rapids that widened during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing year-round outdoor internet access.

The NIB hotspots have a range of approximately 900 feet and can support up to 50 devices at one time. Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Belknap Park, Briggs Park, Fish Ladder Park, Garfield Park, MacKay-Jaycees Park, Martin Luther King Park, Richmond Park, Riverside Park and Roosevelt Park are among the parks selected.

commence in the spring with construction to begin later this year.

Grand Ravines was recognized by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association for the special natural features and array of amenities it offers.

Pedestrian mall coming to GVSU Grand Valley State University plans to transform Mount Vernon Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids into a pedestrian mall.

The Mount Vernon redevelopment project will include a new pedestrian pathway with tables, benches and a non-motorized bike trail. There also will be plaza areas with raised planters, seat walls, art walls and green space for student recreation and university events.

The pathway will connect four GVSU buildings: Peter F. Secchia Hall, Winter Hall, the L. William Seidman Center and the Bicycle Factory.

The $3.9 million project is scheduled to be finished by August and will be funded through the Strategic Capital Reserve Fund.

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MALL COURTESY GVSU PARKS COURTESY OTTAWA COUNTY PARKS

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Fluresh became the first recreational marijuana dispensary in the city.

ISSUES

Cannabis connections

The ethical consumer’s guide to recreational cannabis in Grand Rapids.

BY SAMANTHA SUAREZ

// PHOTO BY ALFIELD REEVES

It’s been a long and bumpy road for the cannabis plant. From being completely illegal and demonized to later decriminalized and only allowed for medical use and, finally, to the legal sale of recreational marijuana in the city.

At the time of this writing, the active recreational cannabis dispensaries in the area are Pharmhouse Wellness, Fluresh, Michigan Supply & Provisions, 3Fifteen and Exclusive Brands.

Retailers generally carry a selection of products including flower, pre-rolled joints, edibles, vape cartridges, concentrates, topicals and more. Customers are encouraged to talk to budtenders to find the best product for their unique tastes and needs.

We spoke to representatives from a few dispensaries and had local experts weigh in to help you support the industry in the most ethical manner possible, whether your priority is to shop local, environmental sustainability, social equity or all of the above; ultimately, the choice is yours.

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people + places / issues

3Fifteen has partnered with local community organizations to give back.

Pharmhouse Wellness is the only fully locally-owned facility in Grand Rapids.

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The rundown On being an ethical consumer, Tami VandenBerg, local business owner and co-chair/founder of the West Michigan Cannabis Guild advises: “Look for local ownership, people with experience growing and see how they treat their employees. Are the workers happy to be there? Are they getting paid living wages? In terms of sustainability, packaging is easy to observe. One disappointing thing I’ve seen is when you purchase a joint and it’s in this giant plastic container. Also, look at if they give back to the community.”

Pharmhouse Wellness, 831 Wealthy St. SW, is Grand Rapids’ first locally owned dispensary and the first to open with help from the city’s Cannabis Social Equity policy, which offers discounts on licensing fees for applicants that meet certain requirements.

Founder Casey Kornoelje was eligible as a resident of the city with a prior cannabis-related conviction as well as his previous work as a caregiver supplying medical marijuana to patients. “We’re proud to carry products from our local partnerships,” said Kornoelje. “Healing Organic Garden, for example, is a veteran-owned and woman-led facility. By way of us supporting them, they’re able to support NGOs and charities that are near and dear to their heart.”

Fluresh, 1213 Phillips Ave. SW, was the first dispensary to sell recreational marijuana in the city. Its Grand Rapids location serves as the company’s headquarters and its operation is expected to have over 100 employees. Fluresh has partnered with the Black & Brown Cannabis Guild and LINC UP, a nonprofit community development organization, to hire diverse employees. It is specifically working to source workers from the 49507 ZIP code, where there’s disproportionately high unemployment. Its Fast-Acting Drink Enhancer is the first beverage product on the Michigan market and is available in low-dose THC with CBD or moderate-dose THC. 3Fifteen has two locations in Grand Rapids, 2900 S. Division Ave. SE and 3423 Plainfield Ave. NE. It also operates stores in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Flint and Morenci. It partnered with Forty20 Cannabis LLC to help promote diversity in hiring. It also partnered with the Creston Neighborhood Association and the West Grand Neighborhood Organization. “We do a neighborhood scholarship, a community opportunity fund and a beautification fund for each community we’re in,” said Tommy Nafso, president of 3Fifteen.

Exclusive Brands was the first adult-use dispensary to open in Michigan at its flagship location in Ann Arbor. It also has a presence in Kalamazoo. The Grand Rapids store, 2350 29th St. SE, offers brands like Kushy Punch, Strain Kings, Platinum Vape and more. It partnered with the US Green Building Council of Michigan Chapter to lower emissions and install the most energyefficient lights, appliances and related practices in its facilities.

Michigan Supply & Provisions is currently open in Morenci, Battle Creek, Detroit, Ann Arbor and now with two Grand Rapids locations, 2741 28th St. SE and 1336 Scribner Ave. NW. In July 2020, it announced a partnership with the Last Prisoner Project (LPP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to clemency and expungement, re-entry programs and advocacy for individuals with cannabis convictions.

Licensing complications Among all active dispensaries, only Pharmhouse Wellness is fully locally-owned. This is because, until recently, one could not obtain a recreational commercial license without a prerequisite medical license, which is very expensive. This prevented entrepreneurs with less capital from participating in the industry.

“A bunch of early licenses went to massive conglomerates with

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“Some of them made some pretty significant promises to obtain licenses, from funding scholarships to using Black or brown contractors and hiring people with felonies,” said VandenBerg. “How is the city going to hold these folks accountable? What is the measurement for these outcomes?

They handed over massive public assets to people who claimed they would do all these things when they don’t have a track record for having done that before.”

maybe 5% to 10% ownership from a Grand Rapids resident so they could get points during the lottery,” said VandenBerg. “It was a big, missed opportunity to get serious cash into the hands of locals.”

According to Denavvia Mojet, state coordinator for National Expungement Week and founder and executive director of the Black & Brown Cannabis Guild, March 1, 2021, was “a milestone for Michigan’s cannabis industry.” It was the first day applicants no longer needed a medical license to qualify for a recreational license.

“This is a great opportunity for folks to join the industry on a smaller scale with a boutique-style operation,” she said.

Racial inequity in the cannabis industry Recent data from the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency showed that fewer than 4% of licenses held across the entire state were held by people who identify as Black. That percentage is even fewer for those that identify as Latinx. Currently, there are no Black or brownowned dispensaries in Grand Rapids.

“It’s disappointing that Grand Rapids talks about equity so much but hasn’t procured any operators that represent the demographic that was most criminalized by prohibition, which is people of color,” said Mojet. “My hope is, now that the state can approve people for recreational marijuana licenses without prerequisite medical licenses, that we’ll see different results.”

Other cities like Detroit only began rolling out recreational licenses once prerequisite medical licenses were no longer required. This helped ensure that local entrepreneurs without millions of dollars could participate. Grand Rapids, however, wanted to move fast. Thus, the Cannabis Industry Social Equity Voluntary Agreement (CISEVA) was born. Applicants essentially promised to use diverse suppliers, have a diverse workforce, and give opportunities to locals through jobs or programs like business accelerators, incubators and apprenticeships.

The goal was to incentivize operators to give back to the community rather than just opening and running their businesses.

Fluresh expects to employ over 100 people.

Recent data from the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency showed that fewer than 4% of licenses held across the entire state were held by people who identify as Black.

Relax restrictions Ultimately, the people of Grand Rapids voted overwhelmingly for Proposition 1.

“People want to open these businesses and people want to go to these businesses. It’s just a vocal minority that has strong ties to our leadership that is fighting against progress,” said VandenBerg. “We have to open up more zoning and not have as many sensitive uses. We need to support local candidates that believe in science and civil liberties.”

“You can open a liquor store on every corner, but you can’t open a cannabis business near a park, a daycare, a school, a youth center or a church; and the people who have millions of dollars already bought all the available properties,” said Mojet. “We need to relax the restrictions around properties that can be developed for cannabis and be intentional about creating social equity programs that benefit people of color.”

Looking ahead The good news is that, with legalization, locals aren’t actively getting arrested and losing their jobs or homes over cannabis.

However, there are still people currently incarcerated for it. Michigan resident Michael Thompson spent the last 26 years in prison for a non-violent cannabisrelated charge and was just released this past January. There also are folks with minor infractions on their records that affect their opportunities. One thing to keep an eye on is Michigan’s new Clean Slate Law, which took effect in April and expanded the types and number of convictions that qualify for expungement.

“Yes, we can now buy legal cannabis and yes, the industry is taking off and we’re seeing large returns… But we just spent decades on the war on drugs and it was the largest driver of mass incarceration for people of color,” said Mojet. “What we need is more equity.”

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people + places / p ofile

Lexi Austin poses amid pieces she's preparing to ship to customers.

Her current priority, packaging and sending items, takes about 30 minutes to two hours a day, and that's on top of her school work and track practice.

PROFILE

She’s got confidence

Young entrepreneur Lexi Austin is helping girls feel good about themselves.

BY PASHA SHIPP

// PHOTOS BY QUINN KIRBY

Lexi Austin is not your average 12-year-old. After a full day of school and extracurricular activities, she gets down to business — literally. Her clothing line, Confident Girls Inc., is designed to inspire confidence in girls of all shapes and sizes.

“I just feel like with my clothes, I want that to be a thing where there’s multiple sizes for each girl, so they can feel confident about what they’re wearing, and they can feel that it’s OK to be bigger or small or skinny — it’s OK to be them,” Lexi said. “I feel like negativity is so easily brought on, and if we just have a positive mindset and we’re just confident in who we are, I think we’ll be set for life.”

It’s no surprise that Lexi has entrepreneurial aspirations. Her mother, Veverly Austin, is the creator of Girl, Get Your Fight Back, Rock the Runway GR and her own clothing brand, Confident Wear.

“Confident Wear is my line, and that’s actually an adult clothing line for women,” Veverly Austin said. “It’s birthed from my business, Girl, Get Your Fight Back, and Confident Wear birthed Confident Girls. I have the 16

“I feel like negativity is so easily brought on, and if we just have a positive mindset and we’re just confident in who we are, I think we’ll be set for life.”

Lexi Austin

adult version and now she’s involved and more hands-on now to service the young ladies.”

Lexi doesn’t sit back and let her mom do all the heavy lifting. She’s just as involved with the expense reports as she is with choosing the merchandise.

“As I got older, I wanted to be more handson with the business and do more with it, like designs and selling products and doing bills and certain stuff like that,” Lexi said. “I took it up, and now I run it with my mom.”

Veverly added, “When Lexi got involved, she wanted to insert her own creative ideas and have her own products. She has her own store — we’re working on getting her own EIN [employer identification number] — she’s running it herself; she’s learning how to do her own books.”

The Confident Girls brand is what you might call “comfy cute,” featuring hoodies, cropped sweatshirts and t-shirt dresses. Lexi picks pieces she thinks will make teen girls feel not only confident, but comfortable, too.

“It’s what I feel is super cute and what girls really want to wear,” Lexi said. “Not just a t-shirt, but a crop top. Most girls wear crop tops; I know that makes them feel confident,” she continued. “Also with my sweatshirts, I want you to feel confident but also comfortable because no one wants to be wearing something stiff. I want you to be comfortable but also have confidence and style.”

The Confident Girls Inc. brand is more than cozy crop tops and tie-dye hoodie sets. Lexi puts out her very own podcast, “A Dose of Confidence with Lexi.” The show is centered around positive affirmations and self-empowerment, which Lexi practices in her own life.

“The point of it is to spread confidence and give the girls listening a boost in their day by speaking positive affirmations,” Lexi said. “‘You are beautiful,’ ‘you are smart,’ ‘you are important,’ ‘you are great at anything you do,’ ‘everything takes time.’”

Being a 12-year-old entrepreneur means learning life lessons, making tough decisions and experiencing the highs and lows of business ownership, and Veverly is excited to watch Lexi grow through this experience.

“Watching her observe and absorb me as I’ve been an entrepreneur now for nine years,

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Lexi Austin works on one of her designs.

to see her now walk into her own element and her own creativity — it’s been a real joy and honor to watch,” Veverly said. “Meshing together; throwing around ideas together; disagreeing and learning how to disagree; but even being able to teach her how to think about legacy and think long term and think beyond today; learning how to budget; learning how to pay her bills; learning what an expense sheet is — those have been great tools for me as a mom to know that she’s going to be pretty good and set for life.”

Lexi added, “This business has opened up my creativity, and it made me open to new ideas and it made me think more about my decisions and not just about what I like, but what other customers would like because I am selling it to them.”

Confident Girls Inc. is just the beginning for Lexi. She’s got plenty of time to figure out what she wants to do when she grows up, but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be big.

“From having a business right now, I know I can have a bigger business that’s more global,” Lexi said. “I can do more stuff with other people — big names like Michelle Obama, all those big names out there. Right now, it’s online, but I want it to be in stores globally, and I just want it to be a well-known name where if I were to say, ‘Confident Girls Inc.,’ they’d say, ‘Oh yeah, I have one of those in my closet; it’s really cute, it’s comfortable, it makes me feel confident.’

I want it to just be well known.”

Lexi Austin poses outside her home in one of the pieces she's proudest of.

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people + places / voice

VOICE

Downtown living Recent graduate Kendal Browne wants to be where the action is.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

"I chose to live downtown to be close to the action going on in the city, like bars, restaurants, events, that kind of thing.

Grand Rapids has so much to offer, and I wanted to experience it."

Kendal Browne

// PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CUPPY

Kendal Browne represents one of the key demographics downtown apartment and condo developers are trying to attract. A recent graduate of Grand Valley State University with a job just outside of the city, Browne is living the downtown dream (or she will be once COVID-19 is under control). With more and more apartment buildings sprouting up in all sectors of the downtown community, Grand Rapids Magazine spoke to Browne about what it’s like to live downtown and how developers can attract more residents like her.

Are you originally from Grand Rapids? Yes, I am a born and raised Westsider. I’ve lived just outside Grand Rapids (in the city of Walker) my whole life, and I love it.

What do you do for work? Currently, I am a server at Westside Social and I absolutely love working there. I also graduated from Grand Valley last April and am actively searching for jobs in my field.

Where do you currently live downtown?

Do you live alone or with others? I have been living at Fulton Place Apartments [616 Fulton St. W] for a year now with my two fantastic roommates.

Why have you chosen to live downtown?

I chose to live downtown to be close to the action going on in the city, like bars, restaurants, events, that kind of thing. Grand Rapids has so much to offer, and I wanted to experience it.

What are some of the amenities that are most important to you in your building?

When choosing any apartment or place to live, the two most important things are in-unit laundry and adequate parking. Fortunately enough, Fulton Place has both. Each apartment has a washer and a dryer and there is a duallevel parking garage with key access.

Are there other amenities you'd like to see available or that you think would be helpful in enticing tenants? One amenity that I would like to have is a fitness center/ gym. That is the only thing my apartment

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doesn’t have that I think a lot of people would look for. However, a boxing studio called The Studio opened in the commercial space under the building. Since Fulton Place is owned by Rockford Property Management, all tenants are given a Rock Perks card that gets them discounts all over the city. The Studio, as well as other health and wellness companies, are Rock Perks members so tenants have alternative options.

During COVID-19, how did your building adapt, and were there any special amenities added that you particularly appreciated? Since I have been at my current apartment for a year, I moved in right when COVID had everything shut down. My roommates and I were actually supposed to move in a month before we actually did, but things were difficult because of the pandemic — unfortunately none of us were able to work.

Thankfully, the property manager was super helpful and understanding and we were able to push back the move-in date to a more convenient time.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I just want to say I love my apartment, so much so that my roommates and I actually just signed our new lease for 2021-2022 earlier this week. Even though our downtown GR living experience isn’t all we expected it to be, we are making the most of it. We can’t wait to get back out there and experience all that Grand Rapids has to offer.

Editor’s note: This interview was condensed for space.

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people + places / guide

GUIDE

Summer reads 7 books for those long summer days.

BY SARAH MARILYN

Summer is a great time to pick up a pageturner and engross yourself in a story. We’ve got seven books with Michigan ties to keep you entertained while you relax by the water or in your backyard this season.

“How Beautiful We Were” by Imbolo Mbue Genre: Literary Fiction While this book is not set in a Michigan town nor is it written by a Michigan author, Imbolo Mbue took inspiration for her story from the Flint water crisis as she watched it unravel through news reports. Mbue’s book is about an African village whose environment is being exploited by an American oil company.

The book is already being celebrated by critics and readers alike. It was named a most anticipated novel by over 30 media outlets.

“Grama’s Hug” written and illustrated

by Amy Nielander Genre: Children's Literature, Fiction Michigan author Amy Nielander beautifully shows through her words and well-detailed illustrations the love between a granddaughter and a grandmother. “Grama's Hug” spreads joy, inspires and fuels the imagination — young and old alike — with this beautiful story.

This book aches with a sweet sadness for growing up and spreading your wings, both metaphorically and physically.

“Black Bottom Saints” by Alice Randall Genre: Historical Fiction “Black Bottom Saints” centers on the Black arts and culture scene in Detroit from the Great Depression through the post-World War II years through its main character, Joseph “Ziggy” Johnson, a celebrated gossip columnist for the city’s African American newspaper, the Michigan Chronicle. This book is a brilliant, brave swirl of fiction, history and stories that pay tribute to Detroit's legendary Black Bottom neighborhood, a mecca for jazz, sports and politics.

Other great reads “You're in the Wrong Place”

by Joseph Harris Fiction “Half”

by Sharon Harrigan Fiction “Grief's Country: A Memoir in Pieces”

by Gail Griffin Biography, Autobiography “Lakewood”

by Megan Giddings Fantasy Fiction “Boulders: The Life and Creations of Earl A. Young in Charlevoix Michigan” text by David L. Miles History “City of Champions: A History of Triumph and Defeat in Detroit”

by Stefan Szymanski and Silke-Maria Weineck Sports, History

“The Mason House” by T. Marie Bertineau Genres: Biography, Autobiography “The Mason House” takes place in a copper mining town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and tells a tale of growing up amid hardship 20

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and hope and exploring how time and the support of a community can, at last, begin to heal even the deepest wounds.

“I Have Something to Tell You: A Memoir” by Chasten Buttigieg Genres: Memoir, Biography, Autobiography Chasten Buttigieg gets candid about growing up gay in a small rural Michigan town where he knew he was different. Buttigieg's book reveals an emotional honesty about his life story, which includes growing up closeted, sexual assault, homelessness, estrangement from his Midwestern family of origin, and bullying.

“Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero” by Kelly J. Baptist Genre: YA Fiction This book is a coming-of-age tale about a boy who finds his late father’s journal and discovers his love for poetry. When things get tough for Isaiah, there's Daddy's journal, filled with stories about superheroes who get their powers from beans and rice. Isaiah's optimism, drive and loyalty to friends and family make him a hero in this book.

“Long Time Coming: Reckoning with race in America”

by Michael Eric Dyson Genre: Nonfiction Eric Dyson is a Detroit native and ordained Baptist minister who creates a book that is rich with feeling and insight. “Long Time Coming: Reckoning with race in America” is filled with heartfelt letters to victims of racial injustice in America and is a passionate call to America to finally reckon with race and start the journey to redemption. Dyson provides a valuable historical and sociopolitical context with chapters devoted to Elijah McClain, Emmett Till, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, Hadiya Pendleton, Sandra Bland and Rev. Clementa Pinckney, all Black victims of systemic racism and police brutality.

GRAMA'S HUG REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM GRAMA'S HUG BY AMY NIELANDER, PAGE STREET KIDS 2020. ART CREDIT: AMY NIELANDER BLACK BOTTOM SAINTS COURTESY ALICE RANDALL THE MASON HOUSE COURTESY LANTERNFISH PRESS

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Gemstone charm necklace

by Scott Carey

Create ...

An Impression

SINCE 1968 . . .

Registered Landscape Architects 4353 Three Mile Road N.E. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 616-363-6400 www.kappeslandscapes.com

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Redefining fine jewelry.

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6/15/21 9:30 AM

Feeling Abandoned?

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?

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

look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY

WELLNESS

Healing minds page 26

» PLUS: OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING HERB GARDEN TIPS BILL & PAUL'S SPORTHAUS

Raechel Morrow promotes a new way of living through her practice at the Body Mind Being Institute.

P H OTO G R A P H BY AS H L E Y W I E R E N GA GR M AG .CO M

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EXPERT

Summer seasonings Expert tips for planting a summer herb garden.

BY SARAH MARILYN

Fresh herbs are a great addition to your summer meals — and can be grown in your backyard.

Katey Romence, of Romence Gardens and Greenhouses, shares the basic needs to consider while planting your herb garden, noting the three things every herb garden needs are sun, water and soil.

“An outside garden is where herbs really thrive, either in a large pot or in the ground where there is plenty of sunlight,” Romence said. “The smaller the container, the harder it is to take care of 24

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Easiest summer herbs to grow Parsley, thyme and basil do well when planted together and require similar care. These herbs grow best in temperatures over 60 degrees, so it’s important not to plant these herbs too early in the season.

Parsley works well in a pesto, while thyme complements chicken and fish, and basil tastes great in a caprese salad. Each herb has its own health benefits that add tons of nutrition to your diet.

the plants. Multiple herbs in each pot, watered evenly, allows the plants to pull more nutrients. Location is key: Herbs want a lot of sunlight, but they don’t want to be cooked, so it’s important to avoid hot desert-like areas — like against a brick wall or on a deck that overheats.”

Herbs also need regular clipping, so it helps if you start with herbs you often use at home. And you’ll want a nutrient-rich potting soil.

“Good soil and learning how to keep the herbs watered properly is key to a successful herb garden,” said Romence. Romence Gardens sells a large variety of herbs in 4 ½ inch pots and the friendly staff can walk you through which herbs should be potted together and the amount of sunlight and water each group of herbs require.

Not all herbs do well with each other, such as basil and rosemary. So, it’s important to ask which herbs can be planted together for them to be successful.

Romence’s tip for mint is to plant it in a hanging basket because mint is a plant that spreads everywhere throughout your garden and can cause damage to other garden plants. Fresh mint can be great for summertime favorites such as mojitos, mixers, salads and fruit bowls. Mint also has a lot of health benefits.

If you don’t have a green thumb to plant herbs yourself, Romence Gardens offers custom potted herbs of your choice, and will guide you through the process of which herbs and plants go together, along with sunlight and watering requirements to help your herbs thrive.

LABELS ISTOCK/FOODANDSTYLE HERBS ISTOCK/SILVIAJANSEN

6/10/21 10:02 AM

look + feel / gea

Camp Chef Pro60X Two Burner Stove, $269.99, Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus, billandpauls.com

GEAR

Camp cooking Elevate your next camping trip.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY STOVETOP COURTESY CAMP CHEF

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Turn your next camping trip into a boundless buffet. The Camp Chef Pro60X Two Burner Stove will help you take your meals to the next level. The portable stove offers two 30,000 BTUs/hour cast aluminum burners with a matchless ignition. You can find this product at Bill & Paul's Sporthaus this summer.

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The Body Mind Being Institute offers classes focused on yoga, meditation and movement.

WELLNESS

Healing the whole person Body Mind Being Institute guides participants into a new way of living.

BY ANN BYLE

// PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WIERENGA

Every event at the Body Mind Being Institute has three goals: to get participants into their bodies, to educate them and to help develop some kind of awareness or being practice. Through a variety of classes, trainings and community gatherings, Body Mind Being is reaching into the community to guide people to a new way of living.

Body Mind Being hosts a wide variety of classes centered on yoga, meditation and movement, from Monday Afternoon Flow (focused on movement and alignment) to Yoga for Transformation, from Trauma Informed Yoga to Yin Yoga.

There also is Sacred Soul Sundays, a free and open-to-thepublic experience of teaching, scriptures, poetry, movement and meditation drawn from the wisdom practices of Zen, Buddhism, Classical Yoga, Christianity and Bhakti.

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“We’re a community. Before COVID-19 I didn’t realize how important that is,” said Raechel Morrow, cofounder of the institute and executive director of the board for Body Mind Being’s nonprofit arm (see sidebar).

The nonprofit provides free wellness, resiliency and stress management programs for individuals, families and mental health workers who have experienced trauma.

“The amount of anxiety and depression is skyrocketing,” said Morrow. “And the rate of burnout and secondary trauma is enormously high. We’re not taught how to regulate and support our internal self.”

Through the nonprofit, Body Mind Being works with hospital social workers, community care and case workers, and mental health workers. It also works with Kent County Youth Services, teaching young people “that their body is their home.”

Body Mind Being is staffed by practitioners with years of experience. Morrow, a co-owner, has an M.A. in depth psychology and myriad certifications in holistic health and yoga practices. Co-owner Christine Sharp is a yoga

"We want to build a community.

We’re not concerned about growing an empire, but about growing souls."

Raechel Morrow

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look + feel / wellness

Raechel Morrow, co-owner of the Body Mind Being Institute, holds several certifications in holistic health and yoga.

therapist and licensed massage therapist.

Other practitioners are Kara McNabb, a somatic naturopath, and Andrea Sulak, with an M.A. in humanistic psychology, and a Chakradance facilitator and Reiki practitioner.

All additional instructors are certified and trained in a variety of practices including meditation, holistic health, children’s yoga, trauma informed yoga and more. Body Mind Being also offers training for those seeking certifications. Visit bodymindbeinginstitute.org for a list of instructors, trainings and classes.

One class, Anxiety Alchemy, is a nine-week transformation approach to anxiety and embodiment to help attendees learn to thrive.

Body Mind Being began in 2017 and was located in the Grand Rapids Wellness Collective on Lake Drive. It moved to its own offices, at 1005 Parchment Drive SE near Cascade Road and I-96, in January of this year.

“We have many offerings to help people find their own way,” said Morrow.

“Instructors are advanced in their journeys and all have a minimum of 300 hours of education, and all teachers have their own ways of building relationships.”

One, three, six and 12-month memberships are available, as are walk-in classes, which are all offered virtually and in-person.

“We want to build a community,” said Morrow. “We’re not concerned about growing an empire, but about growing souls. The more people befriend their bodies, the less hurting and suffering they’ll experience.”

The Body Mind Being Project The nonprofit arm of the Body Mind Being Institute, which started in 2015, offers therapeutic trauma-sensitive yoga, trauma education and more for those “who are systematically left out of the conversation around wellness,” according to the website, and who are less likely to have access to these types of resources.

The Being GRACE program is offered free to those seeking guidance and recovery from trauma. The eight-week group course is taught by psychotherapists, yoga therapists, mindfulness teachers and bodyworkers and addresses: G — Grounding R — Reconnection to the Body A — Awareness C — Compassion and Community E — Empowerment and Embodiment Also, donors can adopt a classroom for $250, allowing practitioners to make Body Mind Being Project resources available in West Michigan classrooms, as well as make donations to fund scholarships.

Visit bodymindbeinginstitute.org for more information on donating and classes.

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look + feel / home

We did it, Grand Rapids! We’ve finally made it to summertime, and while dining with friends in heated igloos was a unique experience, we’re excited to begin hosting small gatherings outside our own homes again. The best outdoor spaces are ones that can easily transform to accommodate a plethora of activities. While it’s important to consider your entertaining needs when 28

planning your backyard, it’s also important to think about how it will work for everyday living. Whether it be al fresco dining, yoga on the deck, water balloon fights or shared conversation with friends while sipping wine under the stars, we’re kicking off hotdog and s'more season with a discussion on what makes a great outdoor entertaining space. Set into a dune on Lake Michigan,

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these homeowners planned their backyard layout around nature so as not to disrupt the dune. In our space planning, we focused on the orientation of the lake and planned wire railings and low furniture to avoid obstructing their indoor view of the lake.

The best part? While this deck can easily accommodate outdoor summer gatherings, it’s also perfect for Friday night s'mores, DECK COURTESY FUCHSIA DESIGN

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HOME

Earthconscious entertaining Combine comfort with eco-friendly products for an outdoor entertaining oasis.

BY AUTUMN FUCHS, OWNER AT FUCHSIA DESIGN

Outdoor Furniture

weekend sunbathing and even morning yoga thanks to a yoga mat storage bin close by. Just off the house is a covered dining space with an outdoor kitchen for yet another outdoor entertaining zone.

Tip: Give your guests, including kids, options and opportunity for intimate conversations by arranging your furniture in smaller groupings with a variety of different types of seating.

This deck by Fuchsia Design allows the homeowners clear views of the lake by keeping railings, furniture and decor at a low profile.

One of my favorite outdoor furniture materials is Marine Grade Polymer (MGP). In addition to being 100% recycled, it doesn’t fade, splinter or warp, and it’s practically indestructible which makes it great for any Michigan backyard – even ones that take a bit of a beating on the lake.

It’s also important to consider the weight of your outdoor furniture and accessories, especially if you live near water. Michigan can get some pretty strong storm winds, so while pillows, throw blankets and small accent tables make an outdoor entertaining space more homey and attractive, these items can become dangerous to boaters and water wildlife if they blow into a lake. But don’t worry – there’s a simple solution. Make sure your furniture cushions have ties on the back, and place a storage bin near your seating area so your smaller items can be easily accessed before a party or pulled out for watching the sunset.

Lighting

Firepits

When it comes to selecting energy efficient outdoor lighting, there’s a few things to keep in mind. Consider switching out the bulbs in your outdoor fixtures to LED and using timers or motion sensors. Looking to create a big impact with minimal lighting updates? Up-lighting trees and adding path lighting with solar lights can highlight the landscape beautifully during the summer months.

When thinking about environmentally-friendly firepits, you may be surprised to find out that natural, wood burning firepits are not the best way to go. In addition to being safer, a gas firepit will give you a controlled flame with less smoke released into the air, so there are less resulting environmental pollutants.

If a gas firepit feels similar to putting fake plants in your backyard – rest assured, the flame produced by gas is still real fire that is just as hot as a wood-fueled one.

Equally important, it’s easier to start and put out so there’s less risk for a forest fire.

Rugs Polypropylene certainly doesn’t sound like an eco-friendly rug material, but it’s actually made from recycled pop bottles and other plastic packaging. Don’t worry - it doesn’t feel like walking on plastic bottles. It’s great for outdoor rugs because it dries quickly, doesn’t mildew, resists stains and can be cleaned using a garden hose.

Tip: Not all rugs are created equally; look for 100% UV-stabilized polypropylene to avoid any fading from sunlight.

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

TRUSTED ADVISERS Q&A Q:

How can I give a gift of jewelry with confidence?

A: Jewelry is a very personal gift and often will have special meaning to the wearer. Gift givers who put thought and effort into their purchases naturally want their gifts to be loved and valued. On the same token, those on the receiving end of a gift want to love it, too.

The best way to know your gift will be cherished is to take the guesswork out and simply involve the recipient firsthand. Your

Q:

as a way to avoid the uncertainty that can come with buying a used one. But, today, buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, is not only a better value, it’s also lower risk. Virtually all automobile manufacturers have certified pre-owned programs. The selected vehicles go through a rigid inspection process to become certified, and manufacturers back them with an

Carol Wagen Co-owner 978 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-459-5075 metalartstudioinc.com shop@metalartstudioinc.com Advertisement on page 21

extension of the new car warranty. So, buying certified pre-owned now is almost like buying new — and can be even better as the rapid portion of a new car’s depreciation occurs in the first few years. And, because body styles change less frequently now, a certified pre-owned vehicle can look just like a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. And no one will be the wiser.

Harvey Automotive John M. Leese President/Owner 2500-2600 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-949-1140 harveyautomotive.com

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What can visitors expect to see and do this summer in Ludington?

A: Ludington is a favorite destination for Michiganders, especially in the summer months.

Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce several new and returning attractions that vacationers and residents will enjoy. Crown & Cork, formerly PM Steamers, is reopening with a brand-new vibe and Keeper’’s Fish Shack will bring walk-up fish and seafood to the downtown dining scene. The Ludington Outdoor Social District will be a attraction as well, allowing patrons to purchase an alcoholic beverage from

Q:

Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry

What are the benefits to buying a pre-owned vehicle instead of a new one?

A: Many people view buying a new vehicle

Q:

special someone can browse our collection in our studio or online, and then fill out a wish list with selections from a variety of price categories. This ensures you’ll have options for occasions both momentous and everyday. And, it also means they’ll be surprised and thrilled.

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participating establishments and enjoy it while browsing the downtown streets and shops.

In June, the city also welcomes the opening of Legacy Plaza — a beautified downtown green space with a fire pit, pavilion, and a performance stage. In addition, there’s the new Final Friday Experience, featuring food, live music, and more.

Additionally, the Sunset Beach Bonfire Series, the Lakestride Half Marathon/10K/5K, and the Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament — to name a few are back on the calendar.

Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Brandy Miller Executive Director 5300 W. U.S. 10 Ludington, MI 49431 800-542-4600 pureludington.com

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As travel returns to normal volumes, what is some advice for booking a trip?

A: With so much pent-up demand, we’re anticipating a travel boom in the coming months and beyond. But, with a limited supply of hotels, resorts, cruises, and theme parks as well as limits on capacities, the best solution for travelers is to book early, so you’ll have the best chance of securing preferred dates and itineraries.

To further safeguard your plans — and protect your investment — consider purchasing travel insurance. And, on the subject of

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protection, it’s highly recommended that you get vaccinated. Some destinations will require it, and having proof of vaccination will open up more possibilities for places to go.

Finally, work with a travel adviser. With the current travel landscape in constant flux, save yourself an enormous amount of time and energy by consulting with an expert who can advocate for you and offer greater peace of mind.

Witte Travel

Shelley Kohtz, CTC, MCC, DS Manager, Vacation Travel Services 3250 28th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512 616-942-5112 wittetravel.com

6/15/21 7:58 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

TRUSTED ADVISERS Q&A Q:

Where can I take a summer vacation that has plenty of outdoor recreation?

A: Many people are eager to travel this summer, but some remain reluctant to plan a getaway that involves indoor activities. The Petoskey Area has an abundance of wide-open spaces with lots to do in the great outdoors.

For hiking, Little Traverse Conservancy has a number of properties, including the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve, a former golf course currently being returned to its natural state. There’s also Boyne City’s Avalanche Mountain Preserve where hikers can take 462 steps to the top of Avalanche Peak and enjoy views of the city and Lake Charlevoix.

Q:

Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau Diane Dakins 401 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI 49770 231-348-2755 petoskeyarea.com

What are the advantages of working with NKBA-Certified kitchen and bath designers?

A: Designers, who are accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), like all of us at Kitchen West Design Studio better know as K West, have passed several levels of testing to ensure they are knowledgeable in creating safe and functional spaces for their clients. They are highly skilled in space planning and product selection, and have broad knowledge of building codes, appliances and mechanical systems. They write specifications and draw plans that are easily interpreted by plumbers,

Q:

Cycling is also popular, and there are paths galore, for both leisure and mountain bikers. Boyne Forest Trails, Northwestern State Trail, and the Little Traverse Wheelway are some of the most beloved. Keep in mind that a small part of the Little Traverse Wheelway is closed because of erosion.

And, new since last summer is Little Traverse Bay Ferry, giving visitors the opportunity to get out on the water and take in the area’s beauty from a completely different vantage point. After a cruise, stroll Petoskey’s social district and relax in the park with a cocktail, tour Harbor Springs, or hunt for Petoskey stones. We can’t wait to welcome you!

electricians, and cabinetry installers. After obtaining the accreditation, NKBA-certified designers are required to continue their education with industry courses and learning events on building materials, products, and services. NKBA members also have a strong commitment to industry standards of conduct, including business ethics and community involvement. While not an NKBA requirement, our team at K West is passionate about travel and strongly believes it is essential for education beyond formal training.

Kitchen West Design Studio

Marilyn Nagelkirk, CKD 150 Center St., Ste. C Douglas, MI 49406 269-857-8880 kitchenwest.com Advertisement on page 94

How can parents help prepare their son or daughter for college?

A: Though the last year of high school can be extremely busy and challenging — and filled with major milestones and life changes — our advice is for parents to play an active role, and encourage their son or daughter to be proactive as they prepare for their first year of college.

One of the first steps is for parents to encourage students to do the research. Students should think about what areas of study interest them, and seek out online assessments that can define strengths and weaknesses and help align them with a career path. From there they can look at colleges/universities that offer

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programming that fits their needs, in terms of academics, class sizes, majors, and maybe athletics, then narrow down the list.

Critically important is to understand and take advantage of the programs, tutoring, and counseling resources that are available to them.

Every university offers them, including Davenport.

The best thing a parent can do is listen to their son or daughter and understand what they really need and truly encourage them to take accountability for their own decisions and their own education, assuring them your support along the way.

Davenport University

Dr. Jodi M. Hicks Director of Student Transitions and Academic Readiness 6191 Kraft Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 800-686-1600 davenport.edu info@davenport.edu Advertisement on back cover

6/15/21 7:59 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

2021

Put Your Dream Home in the Right Hands The West Michigan real estate market continues to boom, and while that’s exciting in terms of growth, it also comes with its challenges—especially for buyers.

With such a vast opportunity landscape, new agents are entering the real estate field all the time. And, while a fresh set of eyes on any situation can be of benefit, in a market as competitive as this one, experience wins the day. Often, it also wins the bid.

Through the services of a private research company, we conducted a survey of all West Michigan brokers and agents to determine the top agents in the area. The individuals and companies featured in this section represent the best of the best, with total sales volumes in the top 5%. This Real Estate All Star designation is based entirely on merit, with the data speaking volumes about their levels of expertise and the positive experience they provide for their clients.

the west michigan real estate market continues to boom, and while that’s exciting in terms of growth, it also comes with its challenges — especially for buyers, who are often caught in a bidding war for a home.

With such a vast opportunity for jobs, new agents are entering the lucrative real estate field. And, while a fresh viewpoint on any situation can be of benefit, in a market as competitive as this one, experience wins the day. Often, it also wins the bid.

Through the services of Professional Research Ser-

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vices (PRS), a private research company, we conducted a survey of all West Michigan brokers and agents to determine the top agents in the area. The individuals and companies featured in this section represent the best of the best, with total sales volumes in the top 5 percent.

This Real Estate All Star designation is based entirely on merit, with the data speaking volumes about their levels of expertise and the positive experience they provide for their clients. ■

6/16/21 10:04 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Olivia Abram Century 21 Affiliated Grand Rapids

Courtney Arkins Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven

Elly Beal Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Nick Adado Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Ross Bacon RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Dwight Berens RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Austin Adams Five Star Real Estate Leaders Grand Rapids

Brad Baker Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Mark Blashkiw Blueprint Properties Grand Rapids

Tyler Addington RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Jesse Baragar Baragar Realty Grand Rapids

Justin Blevins Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Dustin Amerson City2Shore Kentwood

Michele Baragar Baragar Realty Grand Rapids

Brandi Block Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Ingrid Anastasiu Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Brian Bartholomew RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

John Bodien Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Tim Anders Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

Cynthia Barton Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Blake Boehm Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

RE/MAX United – Rockford Office 28 N. Monroe, Rockford, MI 49341 | 616-866-5800 | remax-united-mi.com in west michigan’s competitive real estate market, buyers and sellers need a trained, experienced agent in their corner who can garner the best transaction — and that’s not always the highest price or offer. Tracie Rich, broker and owner of RE/MAX United, with 24 years of experience; Karla Karamol, Realtor, with nearly 10 years’ experience; and Kim Hensley, Realtor, also with nearly 10 years experience, all approach a sale the same way: by delving into what the buyer needs. Each has earned the Real Estate Negotiation Expert designation, and the proof of their skills is in the results they achieve for their clients.

Rich says education is part of the core philosophy of RE/MAX United, which has locations in Rockford, Grand Rapids, and Greenville—and, it’s what sets Rich, Karamol, and Hensley apart from others in the field. With so many changes and methods that have arisen from the region’s current marketplace, they dedicate themselves analyzing, adapting, and innovating new processes, all for their clients’ benefit. ■

From left to right: Tracie Rich, Karla Karamol, and Kim Hensley.

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6/16/21 7:57 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS John Boggiano Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

Patricia Caston Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

Mary Boll Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Micah Childress Five Star Real Estate Leaders Grandville

Justine Born RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming

Patrick Clark Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Katie Bourgois Five Star Real Estate Leaders Rockford

Laura Cole Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Timothy Bowditch RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Doren Colley RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming

Mark Brace Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

Amy Conley Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Scott Bradford RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Dan Bradley Yoder Real Estate Grand Rapids Kris Brady Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids Timothy Bruinsma Weichert Realtors Platinum Group Grandville Mary Buckius Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Bob Budreau Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington Tammy Budzynski Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville Juanita Buskard Buskard Group Real Estate Grandville Kristin Carlson Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

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Trisha Cornelius Novosad Realty Partners, LLC 625 Kenmoor Ave., Ste. 301 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-558-8927 trisha@trisha-cornelius.com corneliusteam.com

Bruce Cornell Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids Andrea Crossman Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Holland David DeBruyn Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood Julie DeDoes Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven Mark Deering RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Sandie Dehamer Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

Jack Dekker Greenridge Realty, Inc. Hamilton Kathleen Dennison Lighthouse Property Mgmt.

Grand Rapids John Devries RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Mitchell Devries RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Brad Ditmar Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Patricia Doezema Greenridge Realty, Inc. Hastings Mark Dubridge Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids Laura Durham Mill Pond Realty Saugatuck Lindsey Dykstra Five Star Real Estate Leaders Rockford Stephen Earls Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven Bridget Eklund Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Thomas Ellens Weichert Realtors Platinum Group Grandville Darin Elliot Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ionia Laura Ensley Ensley Real Estate Cedar Springs Anne Espinoza Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

6/16/21 7:57 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Crown Real Estate Partners Inc. Jennifer Gesik gesik@grar.com 616-292-8793 | crowngr.com

Christine Estep Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Santaigo Gomez Santiago Properties Grand Rapids

Paige Etheridge Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids

Cheryl Grant The Cheryl Grant Team Grand Rapids

Laura Featherson Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Andrew Grashuis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Gerald Feenstra RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Jack Grashuis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Todd Fencil RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming

Kendall Grashuis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Alicia Fisher Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

Mandy Green Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Hoppough Greenville

Willie Friend II RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Chuck Gallagher Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Jess Garrison Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven As someone who has bought, sold, built, and renovated homes — and experienced all the emotions and turbulence that can accompany the process — Jennifer Gesik believes empathy is one of the top traits that elevates her as a real estate broker.

She’s earned Real Estate All-Star status three times, performing in the top 5 percent of West Michigan agents, and it’s an honor, privilege, and accomplishment that she doesn’t take lightly. Gesik knows that treating her clients like family and building relationships based on trust and transparency, while mixing in plenty of humor and fun, keeps a steady flow of business coming her way. ■

Steve Grilley Five Star Real Estate Lakeshore Holland Lori Grysen Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville

Michelle Gaudreau Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Michele Hanmer Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Caledonia

Sandi Gentry RE/MAX Lakeshore Grand Haven

Scott Harestad Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Jennifer Gesik

Sharon Harig RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Crown Real Estate Partners, Inc. 616-292-8793 gesik@grar.com crowngr.com

Brandi Harr Reeds Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Nathan Harr Reeds Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Justin Glover RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

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Nancy Gregus Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Brenda Harris Five Star Real Estate Leaders Muskegon

6/16/21 8:05 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Kim Hensley RE/MAX United 28 N. Monroe Rockford, MI 49341 616-690-2252 kimhensley@remax.net kimberlyhensley.com

Sandra Johnson Greenridge Realty 9175 Cherry Valley Ave. SE, Ste. 12 Caledonia, MI 49316 616-292-4753 sljohnson@greenridge.com greenridge.com

RE/MAX of Grand Rapids – Karen Storms, Associate 3800 Lake Michigan Dr., Ste. 102 Grand Rapids, MI 49534

616-340-6319 remax-grandrapidsmi.com

Ryan Hesche Greenridge Realty, Inc. Saranac John Holkeboer Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Wendy Holstege Keller Williams Realty Holland Holland Cathleen Hoppough Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Hoppough Ionia Mark Hoskins Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Rockford Lucas Howard Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Dwayne Huff RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Joseph Huntington Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven Christian Huyge Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids Benjamin Iwema RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Kamie Jakeway Five Star Real Estate Leaders Rockford

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Heather Jones Five Star Real Estate Leaders Greenville

Karla Karamol RE/MAX United 28 N. Monroe Rockford, MI 49341 616-460-1634 karlakaramol@remax.net karlakaramol.com

Michael Karel RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Timothy Katerberg RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Wendy Katerberg RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Maria Kauffman Bellabay Realty Grand Rapids Susan Kazma Success Realty West Michigan Grand Rapids

Scot Kellogg 616 Realty 1171 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-293-5117 sk@616realty.com 616realty.com

Karen storms finds creativity and a willingness to learn and adapt to be key traits in helping her clients buy or sell a home. With a strong desire to achieve the best outcomes for everyone she works with, Storms says she approaches each undertaking with sensitivity, kindness, and caring — as well as a strong work ethic.

Storms walks alongside her clients throughout the entire process and beyond, educating them and guiding them through the nuances of the market and of home ownership. This client-first outlook has earned her a name in the community and plenty of referrals from happy owners and buyers. ■

6/16/21 8:06 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Don King Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids Keith King Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids David Kirchgessner Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Elizabeth Klinzing Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Allison Koetsier Compass Realty Services Wyoming Hope Kolker Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Scott Koop Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Patty Koval Greenridge Realty, Inc. Wayland Diana Kovalcik Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington Dean Kreps Greenridge Realty, Inc. Holland Elizabeth Krueger Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Gary Langlois Greenridge Realty, Inc. Muskegon Paul Leason Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Caledonia Corey Lee Greenridge Realty, Inc. Lowell Kevin Lee RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

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Anthony Lewis RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Melissa Mitchell GreenSquare Properties 2618 E. Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-308-6304 melissamitchell@grar.com greensquaregr.com

Barbara Lintz Greenridge Realty, Inc. Hastings Brian Lorenz RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Rachel Major Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville Paul Marantette Steve Volkers Group Grand Rapids David Martin Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Travis Moelker RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Thomas Monette Greenridge Realty, Inc. Muskegon Denny Moore Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Larry Martin Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville

Cheryl Morehouse Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Caledonia

Wyatt Martin Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Ken Murillo 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Darryl Matthews Lucas Howard Group † Grand Rapids

Mara Musser Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Caledonia

Joshua May RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Kevin McCarty Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Joshua McCracken Greenridge Realty, Inc. Lowell Melissa McDermott Greenridge Realty, Inc. Hastings Christopher Mendels Greenridge Realty, Inc. Holland Tim Miller Steve Volkers Group Grand Rapids Vanesa Mirzaee-Abar Greenridge Realty, Inc. Hamilton

Dana Myers Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia Ingrid Nelson Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids Kimberly Nelson Greenridge Realty, Inc. Whitehall Mary Noles RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Lisa Novosad Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids Michael O’Hara Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

6/16/21 8:06 PM

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 TOP MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS Nominated by: West Michigan’s Real Estate All Star Agents and Brokers We are proud to have you on our team.

Lisa German

Ben Langenau

Zach Tebos

Becky Sims

Jennifer Leavenworth

Jake Williams

Luther Trook

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Dann Mulder

Zac Ellerbroek

LMCU NMLS ID #442967.

Dave Stellin

Steve Kik

Tim Ritchie

Peter Latvaitis

Jenny Wagner

Equal Housing Lender.

6/10/21 3:59 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Ryan Ogle Blu House Properties, LLC Grand Rapids

Pat Pols RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming

Rick Rico Lucas Howard Group Grand Rapids

John Oleck Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

John Postma RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Brian Riley Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Brenda Pratt Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids

Barbara Rinck Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville

Susan Prins Five Star Real Estate Leaders Jenison

Susan Ring Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

Mike Oostendorp Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Arthur Otis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Benjamin Otis Weichert Realtors Platinum Group Allegan Kim Paavola Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia Christopher Peel Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven Linda Pell Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Scott Perschbacher Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Jacob Peterson RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Steven Pettit Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Lisa Piskin Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids Jeff Platko Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Randy Poll Greenridge Realty, Inc. Fremont John Pols RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming

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Mary Jo Pung Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington Lisa Quist Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids Kelley Rahilly RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Randy Reeds Reeds Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Kindell Rerucha Lucas Howard Group Grand Rapids Jody Ribbens RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Christina Rice Ensley Real Estate Cedar Springs John Rice Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Caledonia

Tracie Rich RE/MAX United 28 N. Monroe Rockford, MI 49341 616-443-9041 tracierich@remax.net tracierich.com

Nicole Rinks Century 21 Affiliated Grand Rapids Stephen Robrahn RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Julie Rockwell Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids Jamie Rodriguez Five Star Real Estate Leaders Grandville Amanda Rogers Rogers Neighborhood Realty Lowell

Janet Romanowski Greenridge Realty, Romanowski Homes Inc. 2213 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-318-0065 janet@romanhousekey.com romanhousekey.com

Malinda Root Lucas Howard Group Grand Rapids Julie Rossio Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Mike Rundhaug Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids

6/16/21 8:07 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Leslie Ruppel JH Realty Partners Ada Kristin Ruther RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Lisa Sabo Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven Michael Satterlee Greenridge Realty, Inc. Greenville

CONGRATULATIONS

Lindsey Schab Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Hoppough Greenville

TO THE 2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS INCLUDING MERCANTILE BANK LENDERS:

Nina Schillman Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Rockford Tony Scholten RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Tammy Schuiling Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Steve Axdorff Daniel Cavanaugh Alice Doherty Cesar Gonzalez Jerry Kamerman Kevin Kelling Curt Stuck

mercbank.com

616 Realty – Scot Kellogg, Owner 1171 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | 616-272-3707 | 616realty.com with an extensive background in real estate and residential construction, Scot Kellogg, owner of 616 Realty, opened his own brokerage in 2011. That decision was based on his experience working as an agent for different area companies and seeing how he could create a more agent-centered experience — one that offers support and resources, and builds on individual agents’ strengths.

Kellogg says he relates to the struggles and successes of being an agent and strives to lead by example, while also offering outstanding client service. His approach has led to his personal success as a Realtor, as well as immense business growth, with 70 agents on his team — and counting.

At 616 Realty, agents find a lasting home and enjoy a strong camaraderie with one another.

This year marks 616 Realty’s 10th anniversary, and Kellogg has plans to commemorate the occasion with a big celebration for his agents and donation to a local charity.■

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6/18/21 9:49 AM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Rick Seese Greenridge Realty, Inc. Lowell

Katherine Stein Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Ashleigh Van Duinen-Leistra RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming

Christine Shearer Greenridge Realty, Inc. Holland

Debby Stevenson Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Lindsay Van Duinen-Scully RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Mary Siemer Greenridge Realty, Inc. Whitehall

Karen Storms Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Clyde Hendrick Grand Haven

Heather Vanderveen RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Adam Sims RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Brooke Sines RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Lindsay Slagboom Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Timothy Slot Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood Mike Smallegan Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Brenda Smith Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Cherie Smith Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids Frederick Smith RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Carol Sneller Coldwell Banker Sneller Real Estate Allegan Brandon Snellink RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Rebecca Snider RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Katie Southwell Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Lisa Spaugh 1 Source Real Estate & Consulting West Olive

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Dale Stuckey Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Stephen Stuckey Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grandville Chad Sytsma Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Laurie Tamburrino Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors East Grand Rapids Nora Tan Greenridge Realty, Inc. Holland Megan Tefft Century 21 Affiliated Grand Rapids Paul TenEyck Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Susan Thompson Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Hoppough Greenville Laurie Tornga Weichert Realtors Platinum Group Grandville Alexandra Tremain Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood Brett Truckenbrodt Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven Jason Van Assen Weichert Realtors Platinum Group Grandville

David Vanderwoude RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Wyoming Dave VanKeulen Greenridge Realty, Inc. Lowell Tyler VanWingen Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids Nestor Vazquez-Yanez RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Annie Vecziedins Lucas Howard Group † Grand Rapids Rachael Veldkamp RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Steve Venlet Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville Kyle Visser Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Amy Vissman Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Steve Volkers Steve Volkers Group Grand Rapids Deena Vroegindewey Weichert Realtors Platinum Group Grandville Marilyn Wagner RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Dan Way Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven

6/16/21 8:08 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Keller Williams Realty Grand Rapids – Arija Wilcox 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-293-9261 | wilcoxgrproperties.com Arija Wilcox’s mission is to improve the quality of her clients’ lives. Paired with a remarkable team, including Joe Turner and Jimmy Scott as exclusive Buyer’s Agents, and her assistant, Diane Roedema, Wilcox GR Properties have remained a top producer and leader for Keller Williams Grand Rapids East — with more than $225 million in sales, and more than 40 years of combined experience and expertise in residential real estate.

Wilcox GR Properties works in a broad range of properties, from urban condos to single family homes, ranging $40,000 to $1.6 million in value, representing properties throughout West Michigan, as well as lakefront homes in Traverse and Cadillac.

Wilcox GR Properties also specializes in new development sales, most recently with the completion of RiverPoint of Ada along with developments by Graystone Homes including The Meadows and Oaks of Forest Hills, and the most recent release of The Cove at Dean Lake.

Wilcox GR Properties has a broad knowledge of current and future inventory, providing a competitive advantage to their buyers in this challenging market. ■

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From left to right: Joe Turner, Diane Roedema, Arija Wilcox, and Jimmy Scott.

6/16/21 8:09 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Laurie Zokoe Five Star Real Estate 4601 Lake Michigan Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-745-7196 lzokoe@lauriezokoe.com zokoeteam.com

HOLDING THE KEYS TO YOUR FUTURE. Your future is important to us, which is why we take pride in listening to your needs and finding everyone in the family the perfect home.

The Weller Real Estate Collective believes real estate is more than buying and selling a home. It’s about taking you to places where you feel connected, inspired and safe.

Our dedicated team’s highest priority is creating unmatched experiences for everyone, including you. This means alleviating the stress that often comes with putting your house on the market or finding a home in a connected community that fits your lifestyle.

Everyone deserves a place they can call home.

Amy Jo Weller Associate Broker & Realtor® Keller Williams Rivertown 616-706-0706 | amyjoweller@gmail.com 4301 Canal Ave. SW Grandville, MI 49418 AmyJoWeller.kw.com

Laurel Zwit Greenridge Realty, Inc. Montague

Mortgage Professionals Grant Alexander Rapid Home Finance Grandville Jonathan Arnold Inlanta Mortgage Ada Steve Axdorff Mercantile Bank Grand Rapids Julie Bacon VanDyk Mortgage Grand Rapids

Amy Jo Weller Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville

Scott West GreenSquare Properties 2618 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-550-4016 swest@greensquaregr.com greensquaregr.com

Alyssa Wiederhoeft Greenridge Realty, Inc. Muskegon

Arija Wilcox Wilcox GR Properties - Keller Williams Realty 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-293-9261 wilcox@grar.com wilcoxgrproperties.com

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Caitlyn Wisniewski 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Mike Bartels Old National Bank Grand Rapids

Kevin Yoder Yoder Real Estate Grand Rapids

Seth Bellas Churchill Mortgage Grand Rapids

Robert Young 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Nathan Bylsma Finance of America Mortgage Grandville

Janet Zawacki Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Daniel Cavanaugh Mercantile Bank Grandville

Meg Zerfas Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids

Chris Dennison Mortgage 1 Caledonia

Andrea Zoet Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Matt Dhaseleer Independent Bank Grand Rapids Alice Doherty Mercantile Bank Grand Rapids

6/16/21 8:10 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS — MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS James Eerdmans Finance of America Mortgage Grand Rapids

Monica Hazel United Bank 900 E. Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-559-4612 monica.hazel@unitedbank4u.com unitedbank4u.com

Zac Ellerbroek Lake Michigan Credit Union 2024 Celebration Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-234-6864 zac.ellerbroek@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Bob Hein Priority Mortgage Grandville

Peter Latvaitis Lake Michigan Credit Union 6206 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Kentwood, MI 49525 616-234-6556 peter.latvaitis@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Jennifer Leavenworth Lake Michigan Credit Union 2024 Celebration Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-234-6512 jennifer.leavenworth@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Brian Ferrick Inlanta Mortgage Ada

Pat Helder Northern Mortgage Grandville

Zack Foster Lake State Mortgage Grand Rapids

Lynn Hoeksema West Michigan Community Bank Holland

Adam Fuller Mortgage 1 Kentwood

Pete Humphreys Independent Bank Rockford

Amanda Lehman Stockton Mortgage Grand Rapids

Ryan Gardner Northpointe Bank Grand Rapids

Lucas Igo Chase Bank Grand Rapids

Dave Lehner Michigan Mortgage Muskegon

Craig Gebben Old National Bank Holland

Jason Jenkins Cross Country Mortgage Grand Rapids

Jason Lovell Union Home Mortgage Holland

Jerry Kamerman Mercantile Bank Grand Rapids

Wade Monsma Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Kevin Kelling Mercantile Bank Grandville

Lou Moratti Supreme Lending Grand Rapids

Lisa German Lake Michigan Credit Union 1619 E. Mount Garfield Rd. Norton Shores, MI 49444 231-728-7908 lisa.german@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Stephen Kik Tom Girardot Team Mortgage Company Grand Rapids Cesar Gonzalez Mercantile Bank † Wyoming Ellen Grace Consumers Credit Union Grand Rapids

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Lake Michigan Credit Union 2209 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 616-234-6325 stephen.kik@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Ben Langenau Lake Michigan Credit Union 2024 Celebration Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-234-6502 ben.langenau@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Mike Morozowich Apollo Home Mortgage Greenville

Dann Mulder Lake Michigan Credit Union 2636 44th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49519 616-443-9717 dann.mulder@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Rick Murray Old National Bank Grand Rapids

6/16/21 8:11 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

2021 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS — MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS Ed Napieralski PrimeLending Grand Rapids

Brad Stinson Benchmark Mortgage Grand Rapids

Joshua Nawrot Northern Mortgage Byron Center

Bob Storrer Independent Bank Grand Rapids

Brendan O’Driscoll Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Mallory Strotheide Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Kevin Polakovic Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Curt Stuck Mercantile Bank Grand Rapids

John Polakovich Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Tim Ritchie Lake Michigan Credit Union 410 Eagle St. South Haven, MI 49090 269-978-6122 tim.ritchie@lmcu.org lmcu.org

John Seville Benchmark Mortgage Grand Rapids

Becky Sims Lake Michigan Credit Union 3115 Orchard Vista Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-234-6428 becky.sims@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Zachary Tebos Lake Michigan Credit Union 2720 Lake Michigan Dr. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-234-6361 zachary.tebos@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Gregg Teegardin Consumers Credit Union Grand Rapids

Jake Williams Lake Michigan Credit Union 5986 Metro Way SW Wyoming, MI 49519 616-265-3837 jake.williams@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Stephanie Wood Inlanta Mortgage Ada

Nick Van Vorst Northern Mortgage Grand Rapids

Jeffrey Steffens Finance of America Mortgage Grandville

Dan Vaughan Revolution Mortgage Spring Lake

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Lake Michigan Credit Union 2384 W. Main St. Lowell, MI 49331 616-464-7065 jennifer.wagner@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Lake Michigan Credit Union 4050 Lake Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-234-6508 luther.trook@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Seth Vanderwey Churchill Mortgage Grand Rapids

Lake Michigan Credit Union 2024 Celebration Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-234-6888 dave.stellin@lmcu.org lmcu.org

Jenny Wagner

Luther Trook

Julie Smith Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Dave Stellin

Amber Wagner Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Rick Veldman Benchmark Mortgage Grand Rapids Scot Veneklase Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

6/16/21 8:11 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

GreenSquare Properties 2618 East Paris Ave. SE, Ste. A, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-285-9305 | greensquaregr.com

GreenSquare Properties is a locally owned and operated real estate brokerage dedicated to providing unparalleled service within the industry. Conveniently located between East Grand Rapids and Ada, they are perfectly situated to cater to the needs of those communities they so passionately serve. Offering a concierge experience for their clients, with a more personal, service-oriented approach, the team at GreenSquare delivers big results from their small office. A testament to that capacity is in the Real Estate All Star designation earned by two agents at their office.

Melissa Mitchell is an East Grand Rapids resident who joined GreenSquare in

REASSection_FP_GRM_0820.indd 47

2019 after working several years for a large brokerage in West Michigan. She provides a highly customized experience tailored to the individual needs of each client. A good portion of her business is working with seniors, helping them transition from their family home to a new residence, and doing so with compassion, patience, and ease. Mitchell believes that knowledge is power and integrity is vital, and backs those principles by ensuring her clients are fully and honestly informed with the best, most current market knowledge. She is a graduate of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors Leadership Academy and is actively involved with the organization.

Scott West has been in the real estate

industry for nearly 20 years. He has made the All Stars list three years running as well as earning “GRAR Top 100” and “Best of Zillow” designations. He is also a graduate of the GRAR Leadership Academy and serves as chair of GRAR’s Education and ProfessionaLISM Committee. West says he attributes his success largely to his love for the work he does.

His passion for serving others is infectious and is evident to both his clients and employees. He says he seeks to surround himself with like-minded agents who have the same level of talent, attention to detail, and client care as his small, yet mighty team.

6/17/21 12:13 PM

48

G R A N D R A P I D S M A G A Z I N E • J U LY/ A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

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LIPSTICK JODI COURTESY HWA-JEEN NA

6/10/21 4:04 PM

Lipstick Jodi spent 2020 recording a new album. The band is eager to start touring again.

Local music prepares for a rebound

After a year of livestreams, writing and recording new music, Grand Rapids musicians are ready to return to the stage.

By Charlsie Dewey and Allie Arnold

GR M AG .CO M

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49

6/10/21 4:04 PM

Lipstick Jodi realigns around new sound halls have been accumulating dust. While the music and performance arts industry has been devastated by the COVID-19 outbreak, many local artists and musicians are channeling their creative juices into new projects.

From writing more music to organizing virtual shows, these musicians have zeroed in on ways to continue honing their craft and finding artistic release despite the lack of live performances.

With a rebound on the horizon, many local musicians are eager to resume live shows and begin touring in support of albums they recorded during the pandemic and have released this year.

50

By Charlsie Dewey

For Karli Morehouse, founding member of Lipstick Jodi, 2020 was supposed to be a year of performing, writing, recording and releasing new material with their [Morehouse identifies as nonbinary] new bandmates, Andy Fettig and Connor Middlebrook, and landing a deal with a record label. Thankfully, COVID-19 only hampered those plans slightly.

“We were playing a good amount of live shows and we were also in the midst of recording the record we are about to release in June,” Morehouse said about early spring 2020. “It didn’t disrupt finishing the record or getting onto the label because we ended up doing both of those things.”

Morehouse founded Lipstick Jodi in 2014 and by 2017, the band was garnering a lot of local attention thanks to the release of its self-titled first album. But by 2018, Morehouse’s bandmates had drifted into other things and Morehouse was ready to explore a new sound.

“I was writing mostly alone and writing mostly with synths. I had a handful of demos I’d made alone,” Morehouse said.

Morehouse began looking for other musicians interested in pursuing indie pop music and through word-of-mouth they connected with Fettig and Middlebrook.

“We all are really going for the same thing. We have the same goal.

We are good friends and are into the same music but also have our own unique workflows or genres we like that just expands what Lipstick Jodi has now turned into,” Morehouse said.

By 2020, Morehouse, Fettig and Middlebrook were working diligently

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on Lipstick Jodi’s sophomore album, recording most of it in their basements.

Even after the shutdown, Morehouse said the band was able to continue plugging away on the album.

It also had the good fortune of being signed to Quite Scientific Records.

“Overall, we’ve actually gone a lot further than expected because we didn’t anticipate getting signed in the middle of a pandemic,” Morehouse said.

At the time of this writing, the band was eagerly anticKarli Morehouse ipating the vinyl release of founded “More Like Me,” slated for Lipstick Jodi. this summer (the album has been released digitally), and hopeful that it will be able to start playing live shows with an audience again.

Morehouse said the most challenging part of the past year was not being able to play in front of a live audience. “I get a lot of my energy and cup filled from other people taking in our music however they feel, and not having a live audience kind of impacted that.

It made me more sad than it made me better,” Morehouse said.

They noted the finished album exceeded the band’s expectations and sets it on a path toward the future.

“It exceeds what I thought was going to happen to be quite honest,” they said. “I had an idea for the energy and the mood it was going to be. Andy is so talented, and he has grown since being in the band — and we’ve leveled up with equipment and synths. He has such an ear for pop music and for making it our own. … very much, we have our own sound now, which is very cool.”

They added, “We are really excited about this album. … It’s still my writing and my hooks, but it’s stepped up a level and I’m excited to share it with everybody.”

Visit lipstickjodi.com LIPSTICK JODI COURTESY HWA-JEEN NA

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“When we were going into 2020, we were looking at this as the best year ever, not only for Local Spins, but for the local music scene, which really has exploded and burgeoned here in West Michigan,” said John Sinkevics, publisher of the online music publication Local Spins.

Chronicling music during a pandemic

By Charlsie Dewey

Sinkevics launched Local Spins in 2012 after a three-decades-long career at The Grand Rapids Press, where he spent his final 10 years as a music and entertainment writer and critic.

In his years covering local music, he said Grand Rapids has really started to become a go-to place for music, so much so he called the city a mini-Austin or mini-Seattle and said he’s seen musicians relocate here from wellknown music cities like Nashville because of what the scene has to offer.

“One, for the cost of living, and also a lot of live music and collaborations are happening here,” he said.

All of that came to a screeching halt in March 2020, when the pandemic shutdown began. Sinkevics called the past year a “cataclysmic event” for music.

“The pandemic and shutdown upended everything and how we approach things,” he said. “It was completely unexpected. Most of us weren’t prepared for this kind of upheaval, especially with the idea that things were going to be completely shut down. That has never happened before. Musicians and venues took the brunt. Anything they had planned and scheduled and anticipated in terms of performances and income got thrown out the window.”

Still, Grand Rapids musicians tried to make the best of a bad situation by pivoting to things like livestream events, writing and recording new music, and reaching out to fans via platforms like Patreon to help stay afloat and connected to their audiences.

Local Spins also pivoted to covering the many postponements and cancellations of concerts and festivals as well as how musicians were reacting to the new world of shuttered venues and digital stages.

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“Musicians were still releasing new material and they were still trying to find a way to spotlight and showcase what they were doing.

And frankly, there weren’t a whole lot of outlets for them to do that. We began focusing really heavily on new recordings and how musicians were adjusting to the pandemic,” Sinkevics said.

While spring 2021 has begun to see some music return to outdoor stages with live audiences, Sinkevics said he is still getting notifications of cancelled summer festivals and doesn’t believe live music will fully return until 2022.

“I think it’s becoming obvious it won’t be until the fall or maybe even 2022 that we’ll really see a resumption of what we expected to see in 2020 before all this started,” he said.

While that’s tough news for musicians, it’s hitting venues even harder.

“If you can’t fill a venue with more than 50%, it’s difficult to make money. And the costs have changed. The structure of how they pay bands is changing. Because they’ve been shut down for a year. Some of the risk is going to the band, so they are focusing more on the percentage of the door, ticket sales, so the venue doesn’t lose money on the shows.

Everyone is readjusting and setting a new bar and it’s probably lower than it was before.”

In the year ahead, Sinkevics said continue to expect new music to hit the airwaves and for livestreams to continue — even post COVID-19.

“It’s been a flood of new releases by Michigan artists in particular. I get emails daily about new music releases,” he said, adding, “I do Local Spins on WYCE every Friday morning and every Friday almost the entire show is

devoted to new music. That’s not how it was originally set up. When I first started doing it, I’d mix it up, new and existing releases, but now I’ve got almost exclusively 10-plus tracks from new albums that artists are releasing and trying to promote.”

Livestreams will also be a big part of the next year, and Sinkevics expects them to become more polished and said musicians will have to invest in better equipment to compete for the diluted attention of digital audiences.

“Sometimes, with the livestreams, people are just throwing up an iPhone and doing it in their living room, but in the long run, people are going to expect a higher level of performance,” Sinkevics said. “A lot of the performers pivoted and began using better equipment and microphones and started setting things up more like a concert with maybe more cameras to make it a more enjoyable show that will make people feel like they are there. Musicians will need to up their game to keep an audience if they’re going to continue to do this. ” No matter what, Grand Rapids remains hungry for new music and music news. Sinkevics said despite shuttered stages, his website experienced record traffic in the past year.

“Even though live music hasn’t been at the forefront over the last year, there’s still a lot of music happening in West Michigan.

It’s happening via new recordings people are putting out. It’s also happening on livestreams and podcasts. There’s still a lot going on and musicians here are poised to take the next step and can’t wait to get back to doing the things they did before all of this happened.”

Visit localspins.com.

John Sinkevics is the publisher of Local Spins.

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Nathan Walton released new music this past March.

of 15. His soulful voice was described as a “cannon” by Lionel Richie when competing on “American Idol,” and his songs are a mix of blues and rock and roll.

This dedication and drive for music has carried Walton through the pandemic. Despite having to cancel its live shows, the band began streaming performances virtually for fans. In March, they were part of the lineup in Spread the Music, a show organized by the Michigan Music Alliance to benefit musicians.

“To go from playing at the

By Allie Arnold Orpheum Theatre with, you know, like 18 cameras around you and three celebrity judges to absolutely nobody, [it’s] strange,” said Walton. “But we’re still playing and it’s all good. I know there’s a lot of other people in worse places than I am.”

Gaining energy from an audience and gleaning cues from fans’ faces is difficult in the age of virtual performances, but Walton has grown accustomed to it.

“I’ve done enough livestreams to where I’m sitting there and I’m like ‘oh, there’s some comments, or oh, there’s a heart,’ and I’m like that’s somebody on the other side of the screen. That’s a human putting in some of that effort.”

Additionally, Walton said he’s been selling more merchandise online than ever before. This period has not only given the band more time to focus on amping up photography and video but has also given Walton time to reflect.

“Writing was really good therapy for me too, to just write and express myself on paper and with my instrument,” he said.

As for scheduling tour dates, the band is still looking into next year, but has already solidified dates for six live shows this summer and has three livestreams in the let’s take advantage of really looking at next couple of months. each other and really understanding what’s “We’re just trying to do the right thing going on and how we can move forward in and make it happen slowly,” said Walton. a positive way.”

“And at this point it’s been a year and This was the motivation behind there’s really no rush to not do it right the Walton’s new album “Nathan Walton & first time, so we’re going to try and just The Remedy,” which was recorded at Third slowly pick up shows and dive more into Coast Recording Co. in Grand Haven and livestreams with professional video and released in early March. audio for people.”

“The Remedy is to try and put a positive And that’s not it for Walton. He’s back in out there with everything going on,” he said. the studio working on a new album, which The Byron Center native’s passion for should be released in 2022, if not by the end music began at an early age, from singing of the year. in choir to starting his first band at the age Visit nathanwaltonlive.com

Switching gears, but not losing momentum

Singer-songwriter Nathan Walton was in Alabama when the nation went into lockdown. After winning a golden ticket and competing in “American Idol” in 2019, his band was booked for about six months straight in the spring and summer of 2020, but that all came to a halt when COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill.

“You kind of have to level with yourself on the point to where it’s like, you know, there’s a lot more going on than just my band,” said Walton.

“And then I kind of found peace with, you know, the whole world is at this standstill, 52

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NATHAN WALTON ROBERT NEUMANN/BIG EVENT STUDIOS

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At only 17, Gianna Stansell’s soulful voice has brought her to compete on “America’s Got Talent,” win a $1,000 song competition hosted by Brian Vander Ark, and get flown to Los Angeles to record at Atlantic Records, despite never formally auditioning for the competition — they found her.

It was at a fourth-grade talent show that she and others realized the power and strength of her voice and she’s been singing ever since. Influences of blues and gospel are clear in the R&B pop singer’s music, which is owed to her stepfather, a blues musician known as Lou Thunder, whom she would often perform with.

Music is the only option

Collaboration played a big part in Gianna Stansell’s EP.

was kind of able to write songs in a different way,” said Stansell.

“But it’s been harder because you can’t play guitar over a Zoom call, you know.”

“Love Magnetic” is somewhat of a diary of her growth as an artist.

While she’s now a teenager, some of her songs were written when she was in eighth grade.

“I’m still kind of trying to figure out my voice as an artist,” she said.

“I think that this EP is kind of a reflection of that in a lot of ways.”

As a junior, the high school student isn’t just writing songs and releasing music, but she’s also preparing for college. While she was originally thinking about going into production so that she would be able to produce her own music, she’s not so sure anymore.

“I think that, for me, I would be happiest just going into performing and singing because that’s what I want to do and that’s where I’m happiest,” she said.

“In a perfect world I would want to be able to support myself only singing and performing and I want to be noticed and be a big artist,” added Stansell. “There’s really no other options.”

Visit on Facebook.

By Allie Arnold

It’s clear music runs in the family. She also credits Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp with her foundation in classical music and theory — a program which was started by her grandparents in 1966.

Stansell was gaining momentum as a young artist when the pandemic hit last year. She went from performing nearly every week to performing only twice last summer.

From Festival of the Arts to auditioning for shows at Circle Theatre and Civic Theatre, everything was put on hold — but not her passion for music.

“I think in a lot of ways, it’s affected me more positively,” said Stansell. “I’ve been able to do a lot of self-reflection and find myself as an artist and what I want to be and also, where I am in my life, I was able to finally make more decisions for myself.”

During lockdown she recorded her EP, “Love Magnetic,” which was released in January on Bandcamp and became available on all platforms at the end of March. Three of the five songs were written during COVID-19, all through Zoom meetings, with the help of Jeff Oxford, Kathiryn Werlinich and Dan Agne. “It’s all really collaborative,” said Stansell. “So, none of my songs I made like all by myself.

There’s always other people helping me, which is really cool.”

In this creative process she often receives tracks and writes lyrics over them or will receive lyrics and writes melodies over them.

“COVID affected me in a way where I GIANNA STANSELL COURTESY GIANNA STANSELL

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Sweet spots B Y

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P H O T O G R A P H S B Y S T A C Y F E Y E R - S A L O I L L U S T R A T I O N S B Y K A T E B R O W N

FIND OUT WHERE TO SATIATE YOUR SWEET TOOTH.

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Chocolate delights M O K A Y A C H O C O L A T E S Mokaya Chocolates offers a unique variety of seasonal and holiday chocolates in addition to an assortment of truffles, bonbons, pastries and desserts of all kinds. It is now offering a variety of catering and delivery options. Treat yourself and stop in to pick up locally made chocolate the next time a craving hits. 638 Wealthy St. SE

Mokaya's Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Caramels.

S W E E T L A N D C A N D I E S Serving both Plainfield and Rockford, Sweetland Candies has a mission to be West Michigan's finest homemade candies destination and to treat every customer like family. People, planet and profit are the principles that drive this faith-based company.

Sweetland Candies believes strongly in recycling and using post-consumer products.

Founder Christ Naum immigrated from Greece to Canada in 1905, where he worked diligently to learn the art of candy making from his uncles. In 1919, Naum came to America and started Sweetland Candies in Grand Rapids. The candy-making business stayed in the family through many generations and now John Jr.'s son, Andrew J. Naum (fourth generation), has been perfecting the art of candy-making taught to him by his grandfather.

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Cookie cravings G R A N D R A P I D S C O O K I E C O .

Andrea Kahn is originally from the Flint area but has lived in Grand Rapids for the last 20 years. She runs Grand Rapids Cookie Co. as a part-time side hustle. “In late 2019, a few friends and I were discussing how none of us had a ‘talent’ or really any traditional hobbies, so we each picked a hobby to start, and I chose to decorate cookies.

I binged decorating videos on YouTube, joined Facebook cookie groups and researched recipes. I would bring the first attempts into work and then be asked to make cookies for our Christmas party. After that, I slowly got orders through word of mouth and referrals.”

It's become a creative outlet for Kahn and a family affair — her mother, Linda, does the majority of the baking, while Kahn does the design and decoration. The cookies are not just visually appealing, she said, they taste amazing as well.

Everything is handmade with high-quality ingredients. All the icing is hand-colored to ensure the most accurate match to the client’s decor. Kahn can create custom orders for any event, but be warned, the calendar books out 4-6 weeks in advance. See its Facebook page for information.

P A U L S ’ M O M S ’ C O O K I E S Jenna Vermeer was inspired to start a business that creates positive changes in the Grand Rapids community. She took up baking to exemplify “respect and dignity,” by selling cookies to one customer at a time to 56

“empower women and stop homelessness.”

“Our cookies are more than just a delicious treat,” she said. “All the profits go toward Degagé’s Open Door Women’s Center, which provides shelter and resources for women in crisis. Additionally, your purchase supports a baking career for women who have stayed at the Open Door Center.”

By next spring, Vermeer hopes to open a retail shop in the front portion of Degagé Ministries.

144 S. Division Ave. D A D D Y ’ S D O U G H After years of baking cookies for family and friends, owner Marcqus Wright’s then 5-year-old daughter, Mariah, recommended that he start a business to share the family cookies with everyone. Mariah loves the idea of giving cookies as gifts for teachers, friends’ birthday parties, and justbecause gifts, he said. This Black-owned family business creates new and unique recipes and uses high-quality ingredients that include real butter, real eggs, real vanilla and unbleached flour in its creations.

Daddy’s Dough is dedicated to putting love in every bite by ensuring consistent flavor and attention to detail, and it can meet orders for events of any size. There also are glutenfree and dairy-free cookie options. Daddy’s Dough cookies are currently available at Bridge Street Market, Horrocks Market, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum, or you can order through the website at daddysdough.com.

M O N I C A’ S G O U R M E T C O O K I E S Monica’s Gourmet Cookies offers delicious, handcrafted cookies that are beloved for their fine ingredients, flavor, distinctive texture and sophisticated appearance. Beautifully packaged, the cookies come in a variety of flavor options such as the signature chocolate chip or peanut butter drizzle. There also are vegan and gluten-free options. Due to growing demand and Monica’s undeniable passion for her creations, the business is now offering catering for corporate gifting, weddings and events. Soon, Monica’s plans to launch a Gourmet Club. 3668 29th St. SE L E B O N M A C A R O N Step into Le Bon Macaron in the trendy Eastown neighborhood and enjoy a Parisian experience in the Midwest. This Frenchinspired menu offers macaron flavors like jasmine, violet, chocolate, vanilla and raspberry — to name a few. Enjoy a latte, tea or cup of coffee with your macaron choices and relax in the small café. 951 Cherry St. SE S U G A R M O M M A’ S Sugar Momma's is a vibrant bakery and café located in the southeast side of Grand Rapids in Cascade Township. It specializes in sweet and savory pastries, cakes, tortes and an assortment of breads. Certified pastry chef Haley McNeilChapman only uses the highest of quality ingredients, creating the most delicious desserts and pastries for all occasions. You can also grab a cup of coffee, a latte or one of several fruit and tea drink options here and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in the café if you want to linger for a bit — but don’t blame us if the enticing aroma of fresh baked goods has you stocking up on sweet treats to take home. 6504 28th St. SE

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CHRIS MCKELLAR LOVE’S ICE CREAM & CHOCOLATE

Triple Chocolate Fudge cookies by Pauls' Moms' Cookies.

Chris McKellar is the owner, chef and artisan at Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate in the Downtown Market.

Love’s is known for its ice cream flights —allowing you to sample a variety of the flavors available in one sitting — and for its local, handmade holiday chocolates such as Easter Bunnies, Santa Clauses and even Michigan mittenshaped chocolates.

Love’s creates ice cream and chocolate products from scratch on-site and the business has a liquor license, allowing it to serve cocktail floats and ice cream with ABV. “Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate was born out of a fascination for figuring out where ingredients come from and how to make common foods in a minimally processed way,” said McKellar. “We aim to inspire people to treat themselves and others better. As the chef and owner, I use the platform of Love’s to express my creativity, passion for good food and top-caliber ingredients, and to educate our customers.”

When asked what inspired this idea, McKellar replied, “We start with asking ‘what would be delicious?’ Our inspiration then culminates from the intersection of modern and timeless flavors. We make worthy treats for everyone.

We recommend trying the classic vanilla bean ice cream and fudge brownie combination. Add hot fudge to put it over the top.”

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JENNA BAAR NANTUCKET BAKING COMPANY, MARTHA’S VINEYARD AND LYON ST. CAFÉ Jenna Baar manages the pastry team and is the head pastry chef that provides pastries for Nantucket Baking Company, Martha’s Vineyard and Lyon St. Cafe.

The artistic side of pastry is what got her into the culinary arts. Baar grew up baking with her mother and she always wanted to channel her artistic creativity into something she was passionate about.

“Our shop is unique because we have so many different facets of our company,” she said. “You can stop by for a breakfast item, a loaf of bread or a treat throughout the day. For more specialty pastries you can stop by Martha’s Vineyard while grabbing a bottle of wine. The corner of Union and Lyon is what I would call a one-stop shop. We are also soon opening a second bakery location [Nantucket Baking Company is now open on Fuller Avenue] where we will be having some more experimental items. We’re all very excited to be growing and are excited to try out different products.”

Baar offered the following recommendations: Nantucket Baking Company’s chocolate chip cookie and blueberry muffins. “A phenomenal new product is the sticky toffee pudding,” she added. Also high on the list are Lyon St. Café’s olive oil cake with brown butter buttercream and Martha’s Vineyard’s chocolate peanut butter terrine — “sweet and salty, the best combo.”

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Locally made ice cream

F U R N I T U R E C I T Y C R E A M E R Y Rachel Franko is the owner and operator of Furniture City Creamery. Before opening the ice cream shop, Franko worked as a chemical engineer specializing in mixed development and had dreams of working in the food industry. Most of her recipes are inspired by her grandmother’s baked goods and are gluten-free. She takes pride in deconstructing her grandmother’s recipes and flavor profiles and figuring out how to make the ice cream taste just like her grandma's cookies, cakes, etc. Peanut Butter Oreo is a local fan favorite here. 958 Cherry St. SE

L O V E ’ S I C E C R E A M & C H O C O L A T E S Concocting new flavors of ice cream is a dream job and Chris McKellar of Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolates gets to do it with each turn of the season.

McKellar operates his business out of the Downtown Market, where he offers a rotating menu of ice creams. You can visit the online menu, where the day’s available flavors are updated. Love’s also has dairyfree vegan ice cream options.

Furniture City Creamery's chocolate covered pretzel ice cream and waffle cones.

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Sugary treats

WILFREDO BARAJAS GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Chef Wilfredo Barajas is a culinary art educator with a professional background as a culinary chef. He has traveled the country and worked in some of the best kitchens in the industry, such as Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago and many other venues.

Along the way, he has studied under some of the industry's best culinary professionals. Barajas shares his journey and passion for cooking in the kitchen and walks us through what the GRCC culinary program looks like.

“I have had the opportunity to share my education, knowledge and professional experiences with the students at Secchia Institute for Culinary Education and Grand Rapids Community College,” he said.

In this role, Barajas aims to prepare students to become technicians, problem solvers and critical thinkers of the future.

“Culinary educators are a special breed of instructors that need years of experience to master and apply their craft. We go beyond instructing theory and defining terms; we also teach students how to move their hands and bodies to obtain the physical skills needed to manipulate food and work efficiently.”

Barajas believes the future of cooking is food science and that the

THE LOCAL EPICUREAN

foundation relies heavily on using food science to teach how these culinary techniques work. Students can learn pastry through the Culinary Associates Degree in Applied Arts and Science or earn the Baking and Pastry Certificate.

Barajas says the word “chef” is just a word. It doesn’t have value unless you have the knowledge and experience to back it up. As a culinary educator, Barajas believes that the modern chef should be extremely educated and versatile with education in science, math, arts, business and communication.

He said the bakery class at GRCC has all of the tools, ingredients and equipment needed to simulate any professional environment.

The program includes seven weeks in a professional bakery and then students have the confidence to work in any bakery in town.

Another key selling point for the culinary program is that the students get plenty of hands-on experience.

GRCC operates the Heritage Restaurant and the Art’s and Bev’s Bistro, which allow students to learn to mass-produce recipes and get valuable handson practice with tailored culinary instruction.

Get hands-on with your chocolates at The Local Epicurean, where you can indulge in the unique experience of learning to make truffle chocolate candies and desserts (see website for classes). This also is a great place to pick up a sweet treat for a housewarming party, birthday gathering or other special occasion worthy of chocolate celebration. The gift boxes are impressive and can be paired with a carefully selected bottle of wine. 1440 Wealthy St. SE.

ART OF THE TABLE This specialty store offers high end chocolates and ice cream. Have the staff customize a gift basket to please your sweet tooth the next time you are looking for the perfect present. 606 Wealthy St. SE

MARTH’S VINEYARD This neighborhood hotspot is a specialty grocery store where you can stock up on everything from produce and to-go meals to wine and craft beer. It also offers a dessert case stocked with lushly frosted cupcakes, gooey bars and more. If you are looking for a lastminute dessert to go with your evening meal, this is the place to visit.

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Gluten-free and vegan mochaccino cake from Kind Crumbs.

Vegan goodies C Y C L O P S B A K E S H O P Cyclops Bake Shop arose from Kara Bolt’s desire to create plantbased, custom-decorated sugar cookies. The Cyclops name comes from the name of Bolt’s oneeyed cat. Bolt has a vast array of experiences including a degree from Kendall College of Art and Design and having worked in several bakeries and high-end patisseries that culminated in her decision to start her own organic bakery business. Cyclops Bakeshop is known for its fun, unique designs. Bolt makes her own cookie cutters, allowing for custom cookie designs of any type. Visit @cyclopsbakeshop to order and view past cookie images.

R I S E A U T H E N T I C B A K I N G C O .

At Rise Authentic Baking Co., everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. With a mission to “represent the conscious side of the pastry,” the Rise team prides itself on creative 60

spin-offs of classics. Its peanut butter cookies are a fan favorite — made from scratch with a sugar dusting before baking in the ovens, you will taste the freshness in every bite. Peanut allergy? Rise also has snickerdoodles, chocolate chip and double chocolate chip cookies available. Rise specializes in gluten-free, vegan and soy-free baked goods as well as smoothie bowls, toast options, empanadas, and more. 1220 W. Fulton St.

K I N D C R U M B S If you have a gluten allergy, look for the Kind Crumbs label.

Owner Rebecca Duiven started the specialty bakery after being diagnosed with celiac disease.

Kind Crumbs items are available all around town at grocery stores and specialty markets. You also can order gluten-free cakes for any event or occasion. Vegan and dairy-free options also are available. kindcrumbs.com

B I T B A K I N G Bit stands for “Believe In This” and the business stands by its product as “the best,” noting its goal is to “change the way we live and eat for the better bit by bit.” Specializing in vegan and gluten-free desserts, Bit is a onestop-shop for all things sweet.

Bit Baking serves everything from macarons, cookies and milkshakes to chocolate-covered strawberries, fresh croissants and much more. With new products made fresh daily, there is always something that will keep you coming back for more.

2770 Ridgemoor St. SE

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Decadent desserts REBECCA DUIVEN KIND CRUMBS Kind Crumbs is a celiacowned wholesale glutenfree bakery in Grand Rapids. Specializing in cakes, Kind Crumbs provides gluten-free and allergy-friendly baked goods to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops and other businesses around town. In addition to being gluten-free, all of its products are dairy-free and soy-free, and many are also egg-free and corn-free.

“After suffering from chronic migraines, stomach pain and other health problems throughout my 20s, my doctor diagnosed me with celiac disease in 2009, and put me on a strict gluten-free diet,” said Kind Crumbs owner Rebecca Duiven. “My health improved drastically on the gluten-free diet, especially after I also gave up eating dairy and soy.

But I learned from personal experience, and from interacting with others who lived with food allergies and intolerances, that having food restrictions can greatly impact a person’s emotional well-being and social life.

I became determined to bake treats that were just as good, or better, than what I ate before going glutenfree. I started converting traditional recipes to gluten-free during my spare time, which quickly became a side business.”

Kind Crumbs grew from a cottage business to a small commercial bakery operating out of a catering kitchen. Visit kindcrumbs.com

OLD FASHIONED CHEESECAKE

Butchers Union Bourbon-soaked cherries, candied pecans, gingersnap crust, orange caramel … what better toppings on a delectable cheesecake? $7.25. 438 Bridge St. NW

E L L A’ S B A N A N A PUDDING

GRNoir Wine & Jazz Comes with fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and is topped with whipped cream and white-chocolate shavings.

It is reminiscent of the owner’s grandmother's pudding and brings a smile to faces with every bite. $6.

35 S. Division Ave.

THE APPLE GALETTE

Linear Restaurant The perfect comfort food dessert. Hot spiced apples wrapped in house-made pie crust, served with cinnamon whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce and crunchy pecan praline. $7. 1001 Monroe Ave. NW

TIRAMISU

Amore Trattoria Italiana Amore has original tiramisu (coffee and chocolate) but also is known for wild flavors that change seasonally: blueberry tiramisu during local blueberry season, strawberry tiramisu during local strawberry season, etc.

It consists of a layer of lady fingers dipped in berries and liquor, then mascarpone cream, then amaretti cookies and more mascarpone cream. Topped with the berries and edible glitter. $9. 5080 Alpine Ave. NW

CHÈVRE CHEESECAKE

Margaux Restaurant Made with goat cheese rather than cream cheese, which creates a light and airy texture. The enhanced flavor from the goat cheese is complemented by cranberry coulis, apple preserves and a spent grain graham cracker crust. $10. 235 Louis St. NW

FIVE SPICE CHINESE STEAM CAKE

Terra GR Features ginger buttercream, citrus, lemon curd, candied puffed rice and mint that creates a dissolving texture as you savor each bite. $7. 1429 Lake Drive SE

CHOCOLATE CHERRY TORTE

Leo’s Restaurant Includes layers of rich chocolate cake, red sour cherries and chocolate Bavarian cream, wrapped in chocolate ganache and topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries and chocolate shavings. $12. 60 Ottawa Ave. NW.

DOUG ORR MDRD The inspiration behind the desserts at MDRD at the Amway Grand Plaza is, most notably, the flavor profiles of Spain.

“We try to push ourselves to deliver highly polished techniques and attentiongrabbing plateings, similar to what one would find when dining out in Spain, which diners can see in both the el limón and the årbol de caramelo. I also can’t leave out our crema catalana, a traditional Spanish dessert that has interesting yet subtle citrus and cinnamon notes,” said MDRD pastry chef Doug Orr. Orr has an extensive background in the culinary world and has been part of the Grand Rapids food scene for decades.

“I decided to turn toward pastry during my second year of culinary school, right here in Grand Rapids. I was attending Grand Rapids Community College to be a savory chef, yet was amazed by master pastry chef Gilles Renusson, who, at the time, also happened to be the pastry chef here at the Amway Grand Plaza.

When I saw him write on a cake in chocolate, it changed my world and my career path. Soon after witnessing that, I became his intern, developing skills, understanding, technique and experience.

I am forever grateful to call him a friend, and because of him, I now teach cake decorating at GRCC as an adjunct instructor.”

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Custom cakes and cupcakes D R E A M S C A P E D E S S E R T S Dreamscape Desserts started after owner Julie Couturier was asked by her sisters to create their wedding cakes and cupcakes.

In 2010, she decided to make it into a business, and in 2020 she opened her Alpine Avenue retail location. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, paired with excellent customer service and unique flavor combinations, is what makes Dreamscape Desserts stand out.

This pastry shop is known for having some of the most flavorful cupcakes around town.

The cupcake flights are a musttry and include a dozen mini cupcakes in 12 different flavors.

This dessert shop focuses on flavor and creating new combinations that might not be considered a typical “cake” flavor. The flavors are spread throughout the whole cupcake. For example, the salted caramel cupcake is a caramel cake with salted caramel buttercream.

Favorites include apple pie, root beer float and almond joy. 3448 Alpine Ave. NW.

dark chocolate. While some of these items will be available in store, you should order ahead to ensure that the treats you love will be ready in time for your next event (or craving). 919 E. Fulton St. C O N N I E ’ S C A K E S Birthday parties, first communions, bar mitzvahs,

open houses, quinceaneras, bridal showers, baby showers and, of course, weddings — the one thing all these celebrations have in common is cake.

Connie’s Cakes provides everything from a simple sheet cake to an elaborate five-tier, fondant-covered masterpiece.

Connie’s also offers cookies, brownies, full-size and mini cupcakes, and vegan and glutenfree cakes. At iloveconniescakes. com you can view photos and get inspired from past cake designs.

Sisters Connie Hennip and Wanda Faber began their careers making and decorating cakes at Family Fare. The pair decided

to enter into a partnership and open Connie’s Cakes -n- Crafts in 1995. After 15 years in business, Connie decided to retire from the business side of the operation, and her niece, Mary Scheidel, purchased the business in early 2010 and renamed it Connie’s Cakes LLC. While the ownership may have changed, the same great cakes, iced in the original buttercream, are still available.

1416 Robinson Road F L O U R H O U S E C A K E S & C O .

Flour House Cakes & Co. is a home-based, Black-owned cakery and design studio in Rockford

C A K A B A K E R Y The team at Cakabakery creates every dessert with taste in mind.

No boxed mixes or premade toppings here. For years, owner Jason Kakabaker created cakes for family and friends and then realized that baking had become his full-time passion. Vegan and gluten-free options are always on the menu at Cakabakery — no animals were harmed in the making of your favorite treats, including cupcakes, cookies, pies and more. And its gluten-free options are made with natural alternatives like agave nectar, milled whole almonds and rich, 62

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that specializes in custom couture wedding cakes and confections for major events. Owner Lincoln Alexander comes from a long line of bakers who did it for love and not money, and he wants to continue that tradition. His philosophy is that good baking takes place in the comforts of the home. All confections are handmade with the finest ingredients that are often provided by local farmers and grocers.

Alexander’s mother was his inspiration. “She always told me to retool and rethink, but never copy. She told me my creations were my legacy so to never fear to make them my own,” he said.

Alexander’s designs vary from traditional wedding styles to realistic-looking designs and can even take the shape of your favorite Disney character.

Inquiries and orders can be placed through flourhousecakes.com.

options that include Kit Kat, apple pie, banana cream pie, margarita, Nutella and peach melba — just to name a few. Each cupcake is designed to be photoready and can be gift wrapped for any occasion. 2481 32nd St. SE

T H E S A LT E D C U P C A K E In addition to a storefront, The Salted Cupcake can bring the flavor to you — with a food truck that is available for events, weddings and private parties.

The food truck has a trendy design that makes it a fun addition to the party backdrop and, of course, its cupcakes are filled with delicious flavor

G R C O O K I E S A N D C U P C A K E S BY D E S I G N Cookies by Design and Cupcakes by Design have been locally owned and servicing the Grand Rapids area for over 20 years. The array of cupcake and cookie options provides a tasty treat for everyone’s pallet.

Cookies by Design offers freshbaked, hand-delivered cookie gifts that are perfect for any occasion while Cupcakes by Design bakes more than two dozen cupcake flavors every day.

Stop in and treat yourself at the Grandville location or visit the website at grandrapids cookiesandcupcakebydesign.com.

3080 44th St. SW

The self-titled "salted cupcake"

by The Salted Cupcake.

E D G E W O O D B A K E R Y The owner of Edgewood Bakery, Rita Selles, grew up in a household where baking was the order of the day and that is where she learned to be comfortable in the kitchen alongside her mother at a young age. It wasn’t until spending several years in France that her interest in baking became more serious.

“While I have always baked for family and friends, I decided in 2015 to enroll at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education right here in Grand Rapids. I loved the Baking and Pastry Certificate program — and I soon knew I wanted to start my very own bakery business. In the fall of 2017, Edgewood Bakery opened as a home-based bakery.”

At Edgewood Bakery, you can find European-inspired desserts along with American classics.

Try the chocolate truffle cake or the opera cake. The chocolate truffle cake is a smooth and creamy whipped chocolate

ganache (chocolate and cream) on an almond sponge cake base, while the opera cake has the added interest of two coffeeinfused layers of almond sponge cake with coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache. 1617 Edgewood Ave. SE

Late night cravings

INSOMNIA COOKIES

Seth Berkowitz founded Insomnia Cookies in 2003 while attending the University of Pennsylvania after recognizing the need for a quick and easy cookie delivery service. The warm, delicious cookies are conveniently delivered right to the doors of customers.

Insomnia Cookies has more than 100 locations around the country, including here in Grand Rapids. Whether you’re feeding a craving or a crowd, Insomnia offers cookies, brownies, ice cream, cookie cakes and even cold milk. Most Insomnia locations deliver from 10 a.m.-3 a.m., daily. 44 Ionia Ave. SW. GR M AG .CO M

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Belgian waffles from Anna's House.

B R O W N B U T T E R C R Ê P E R I E Brown Butter Crêperie and Café began in 2015 as a food truck and continues to serve the community at farmers markets and special events around West Michigan. Brown Butter Crêperie also has set up shop in Eastown’s historic Windmill Building. Here you will experience a taste of France, with gourmet sweets and savory crêpes spun to perfection on steaming griddles. Brown Butter Crêperie is a cozy café that is all about atmosphere and décor, which is the first thing you notice when you walk through the door; the second thing you notice is the aromas of fresh baked goods and coffee.

The gourmet Belgian waffles are a must-try around here. 1436 Wealthy St. SE M O R N I N G B E L L E Did someone say brunch?

At Morning Belle, you are welcomed in by the vibrant garden fabrics, a plant-friendly atmosphere and shiplap design.

This is a great spot where you can gather with friends and family and enjoy an extensive menu that fits everyone’s tastes.

On the sweet side, indulge in a glazed doughnut waffle.

Morning Belle is a great place to relax with friends and connect with family. 1600 East Beltline Ave. NE and 434 Bridge St. NW

Start your morning with a sugar high A N N A ' S H O U S E Anna’s House is a retro-style diner with a modern edge and vintage atmosphere that is complete with vintage toasters serving as wall décor, vintage teapots and lively colors that are sure to awaken you during your morning visit. Anna’s House has been family-owned and -operated in West Michigan since 2002. Its menu offers an entire category of “sweets favorites” to choose from, including the chicken n’ waffles and chocolate quinoa breakfast bowl. You can also find plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Multiple locations F I E L D & F I R E C A F É This European-inspired café with a farm-to-table menu has plenty to satisfy a sugary morning craving. Keep it light with a pain au chocolat croissant, almond croissant, cream cheese danish or cruffin.

Pastry options change daily and often sell out before noon, so it pays be an early bird. 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 100

HANNAH FINK FIELD & FIRE BAKERY AND CAFÉ Hannah Fink traded in a career in the music industry for one as a pastry chef.

“Sourdough brought me to baking,” Fink said. “I lived in Nashville, Tennessee, for a good long while, working in the music industry. It was so much fun, but it was so much hard work — ‘the hustle’ — I got burnt out. I figured out how to make sourdough to nourish my body. I loved the slow pace, the intuition my hands held with the process.

“I eventually left Nashville to be a pastry chef in my hometown to get a mental break. Turns out, it’s what I wanted to be doing with my hands. So here I am, geeking out over good food with my coworkers and pinching myself every day at 7 a.m. that I just baked hundreds of croissants for a living.”

Fink describes her passion and the joy that can be found while kneading bread.

“Baked goods tell a story,” she said. “I became a sourdough enthusiast early on in my baking journey because I thought it was so freaking cool that I was making bread archaically, the same way cavemen were making bread. I love making food that celebrates seasons, cultures and occasions. When I bake, it is almost always for others to consume. It’s my love language. The joy of a baked good knows no bounds. Therefore, my inspiration comes from making things that feel good, that I know will make others feel good. I don’t need wacko flavor combinations, but I love ’em. Just the same as I love a good classic.”

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paying

for your future J

College costs continue to rise, and student loans are burdening families for decades as a result. written by Sam Easter illustrations by kevin

fales

eff McGeorge graduated college at probably the worst time in modern American history.

It was 2011, and the country was still shaking off the worst of the Great Recession. McGeorge was just leaving Grand Valley State University, where he’d studied for a career in journalism.

He’d arrived later than most, starting on his degree at around age 30. And besides taking out loans, he’d worked his way through school as a boat-builder and a waiter.

When he got out of school, he walked right into a foundering economy.

“When I graduated from college, the job market was just terrible,” he said. “I mean, you couldn’t get anything. And so I ended up going back. Building boats for, I think it was like 13 bucks an hour wage.”

McGeorge turned it into a career. A decade later, he’s a boat salesman in western Michigan, happily married with two kids. He’s still enthusiastic about college, and he says he hopes to send his kids one day. But he hopes they’ll do it without the high cost, and he said the tens of thousands in loans he took out have put his family on a financial treadmill.

Add on his wife’s student debt, and McGeorge said he expects the family to be paying off loans for the rest of his life.

Right now, he said, it’s at more than $500 a month. His only hope for moving past them is for some sort of cutoff incentive to snap into place — forgiveness based on his wife’s work at a nonprofit, or maybe for decades of timely payment.

“Only in the past, I would say, three or four years have I been comfortable — where I’m not panicking about paying bills, where it’s not a month-to-month wage scramble,” he said.

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"Am I going to be ble to m lo n n li m Am I going to be ble to em e m ob n li e e entl li e ..."

– JOCELYN NUÑEZ-COLON

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McGeorge is one of countless Michiganders who did what they had to do — taking out tens of thousands of dollars in loans — to chase the promise of a good career and a better life. And like McGeorge, many of them have found the reward a mixed blessing.

College is a formative experience, a chance to grow, explore and become an adult. But the cost is only getting higher.

Take Michigan State University, for example. Tuition has jumped from about $115 per credit hour in 1992 to more than $480 today for students with part-time course loads. Even after accounting for inflation, that cost has more than doubled.

But that’s on par with colleges around the country. Federal data shows that the average annual all-in cost of college — across public and private institutions — has jumped from an inflation-adjusted $8,150 in the mid-1980s to about $18,000 during the 2017-18 school year.

That helps throw into sharp relief just how hard it is at some places to work through college. Want to pay off tuition as you graduate? Better balance class against making half the starting salary of a Michigan teacher.

One of the problems is cost-cutting. In Michigan especially, declining state funding is forcing universities to make up costs elsewhere. A study from The Century Foundation found that, in the early 2000s, the state gave more to public institutions per student than the students themselves did. But that’s since been flipped on its head: in the 2017-18 year, the study found, tuition per student was about $14,288. State appropriations per student were only about $4,700.

“In 1979, our state appropriation from the Michigan Legislature accounted for nearly 75% of MSU’s general fund budget,” an MSU spokesperson said in an email. “Today it accounts for less than 25%.”

Writing in the Atlantic, Amanda Ripley points out that American colleges — with comparatively posh dorms, sumptuous meal plans and the Big House — also spend lavishly on the luxuries of campus living. But even after removing those costs, the American education system is on average more expensive than nearly anywhere else in the world.

The college system is beholden to a vicious economic cycle, Ripley writes. Pinched by falling aid, many public institutions are scrambling to attract wealthy out-of-state or international students, who pay higher prices. And as both public and private

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colleges one-up each other — hiring fundraising staff or snagging star professors — the cost of an education rises.

Students, so far, are still willing to pick up the tab. Michigan’s college class of 2019 graduated with an average of more than $30,000 in debt, according to the Institute for College Access and Success. That’s the 17th-highest rate in the country.

But how could they not? Americans with bachelor’s degrees still earn hundreds of thousands of dollars more than high school graduates, on average, over a lifetime.

This is increasingly a source of keen pressure that students feel while they’re still on campus. Jocelyn Nuñez-Colon, an incoming Calvin University junior and aspiring journalist, rattles off a long list of campus activities she’s added to her résumé: the student newspaper, the campus art magazine and more. Neither of her parents have a bachelor’s degree, and she said she feels a lot of pressure to succeed. Students know they need to do well in school, she said, if they want to escape the debt burdens that are waiting after graduation.

“Am I going to be able to pay my loans with journalism?” She wondered in an interview. “Am I going to be able to have my dream job and live a decently happy life? Because debt is going to be floating over me for a long time. And that’s something I’ve accepted, as scary as it is.”

That financial pinch causes problems far beyond the college quad. The Michigan Education Association cosponsored a 2020 report that noted the difficulty of keeping young teachers in the profession. One concern, the report noted, is that starting salaries aren’t keeping up with the cost of a degree.

This is familiar territory for Matthew Evans, who teaches fourth through sixth grade at Grand Rapids Montessori Public School. It’s been a long road to the classroom for him — bouncing across three colleges on his way to his bachelor’s degree before earning a master’s degree in Oregon. He estimates he has about $130,000 in student debt.

“I don't see how they can expect to inspire more people to join the (teaching) profession without increasing salaries. I can’t afford so many things because of how low my salary is,” he said. “I'm blessed right now to be able to just live in my mom’s house while she is living with my

family in Brazil.”

Right now, he said, he’s paying about $250 a month on his student loans — an income-based payment plan against the roughly $2,400 in monthly take-home pay.

It’s hard to find a place to live in Grand Rapids on that kind of money.

“No one in my family nor anyone at school ever sat down with me and talked to me about, well, maybe you should go to community college,” he said, or even trade school. “It’s just kind of like, everyone was telling me, the thing to do is go to a

university and get your master’s.”

But this is not just an issue for journalists, or teachers, or other fields that won’t make students comfortably wealthy. Abby Gizinski is a graduate of Calvin University and attended Michigan State University’s medical school in Grand Rapids. She’s now in the first year of a family medicine residency near Midland. She estimates she’ll have more than $200,000 in debt when she finally becomes a doctor.

Gizinski knows she’ll end up all right.

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After all, she’s a doctor. But not even that will shield her and her husband from building the earliest years of their life around student loans — planning a home and planning a family around student debt. She said her goal is to pay off that amount within 10 years of starting her first physician job.

“The primary financial obligation for the next 10 years is already pretty overwhelming,” she said. “It's even more overwhelming to think about adding kids to that.”

e r o m n

$

30K THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF DEBT for Michigan's college class of 2019*

*according to the Institute for College Access and Success

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‘Get in, get out’

Eric Lundquist is a Sterling Heights attorney who specializes in student loan debt. To hear him tell it, the job is part financial adviser, part defense attorney and vaguely part therapist — helping clients exorcise the terrible burdens they bring into his office.

“Under Michigan law, you are responsible just as much as your son or daughter is — or whoever you’re co-signing the loan for — for paying it back,” he said. “A lot of people get tripped up. And I keep a box of Kleenex in my office for these people, because it's very emotional and sometimes it splits a family apart. You know, ‘My son told me he would take care of this, and now they’re suing me.’”

Lundquist is full of stories like these. He has plenty of advice, all bound up in a pamphlet he gives out to clients. One part warns against getting over-educated, trapped outside the job market by an over-credentialed résumé.

“Do everything you can to graduate in four years,” one section reads. “... Higher education is basically one big money sucking train that you want to get off as soon as possible to start making your own money.”

The sum of the advice is simple: college is an investment.

“My dad told me a long time ago that by the time I was finished with my schooling, I needed to have a skill that I could make a living on,” Lundquist writes. “He was absolutely right.”

Lundquist’s get-in, get-out philosophy doesn’t quite jibe with the traditional view of college as a place for exploration and discovery.

But it reflects a difficult reality for a lot of students: taking their time — or even picking a low-income major — can be a costly mistake.

“I also think you’ve got to maximize your free money — your scholarships, your grants, you know. They’re out there,” Lundquist added.

They are indeed. And Michelle Rhodes, GVSU’s associate vice president for financial aid, knows all about them. She said a big part of her mission is helping students be financially literate. A big part of that is knowing their opportunities — like a forthcoming “Grand Valley Pledge” program, which will pay full tuition for local students with both a family income and family assets below $50,000.

But another part of it is simply helping students know what their responsibilities are, too.

“We want students to understand how to budget,” Rhodes said.

“We want students to understand what loans are, and what equity is and what credit is.”

Financial aid programs have snagged headlines throughout COVID-19. It’s helped that federal student loans have been functionally put on hold, with payments suspended and interest rates temporarily set to 0%. But that pause will expire in the fall.

The pandemic also has seen a smattering of government programs to help students tackle debt. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration announced the “Futures for Frontliners” program in April of last year, which aimed to help essential workers — hospital staff, grocery workers and the like — get a tuition-free education. That was followed up by “Michigan Reconnect,” a tuition coverage program aimed at Michiganders 25 and older.

But the problem with these solutions, as helpful as they might be, is that they come to feel like the proverbial band-aid on a bullet wound — still leaving countless students’ educations expensive. And they do nothing to help students who are already bearing the burden of federal student loans, which are estimated nationwide at roughly $1.6 trillion in federal student debt — an incomprehensibly big number, perhaps easier to appreciate as

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"... debt is going to be floating over me for a long time."

– JOCELYN NUÑEZ-COLON

roughly $5,000 for every American man, woman and child.

“We’ve noticed shifts in the questions and interests of incoming students.

Questions around affordability and career preparation are clearly on the minds of students and their parents,” Lauren Jensen, vice president for enrollment strategy at Calvin University, said in an emailed statement. “We get it — these students have grown up in a recession and

now a pandemic. They want to make sure the education they receive equips them for an uncertain and ever-changing world.”

Forgiving that debt would cost more than the federal government has spent on food stamps for two decades, according to a recent Brookings Institution analysis.

Partial forgiveness would cost less but is still eye-watering. At $50,000 per borrower, the price tag is about $1 trillion; at, $10,000 per borrower, it’s $373 billion.

These solutions are getting a louder hearing nowadays. There is wide speculation that Washington could forgive swaths of federal student debt, with leading members of Congress, like Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., calling for as much as $50,000 in forgiven federal debt. President Joe Biden has balked at such a high number, and even at using the power of his office to forgive it, though — calling on Congress to step in and erase $10,000 per borrower.

But no easy solutions appear to be coming soon. And McGeorge, the GVSU graduate, points out that he really isn’t asking for one, anyway. He doesn’t want to shirk responsibilities, he said; but he does want a fair shake on paying things back, one where his family isn’t saddled with a lifetime of payments to start a career.

“I can understand the personal responsibility argument. I understand that,” he said. “(But) it’s better for the economy if I’m spending that money instead of giving it to a bank. It’s better for this country and for everyone to have an educated public.

And people who don’t necessarily have the family that’s going to pay for their school — it should be a reasonable, easily attainable thing for a poor kid to go to school. Just as much as a rich kid.”

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Discover the world at a place that feels like home.

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO

promotional content

COLLEGE

There are avenues to (explore when it comes to)

Aquinas College

financial support, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, the lower cost of community colleges, and more.”

1700 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1801 One area parents are invaluable in is knowing Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 616-632-2900, admissions.aquinas.edu/apply and understanding their child’s strengths, Graduate Enrollment Information: 616-632-2900, aquinas.edu/apply-now weaknesses, and concerns better than anyone else. Parents know what their student likes and dislikes about high school — and that probably won’t change over the next four years.

Encourage your teen to do some soulsearching before making a list of colleges. Ask them what they like about high school and what they don’t like. Do they enjoy classes because of their relationships with their teachers? If so, look for smaller schools that tout faculty mentoring.

Dual enrollment is a great way for students

Did they dread group projects or having to

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the so-called perfect college because, in

school, and it can potentially be funded through

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the student’s current high school.

hopefully there are a few colleges that

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appear to be a good fit for your child. Be

the costsTHE of college,” STATS Whiddon stresses. “The

a guide for your child, but understand that

Aquinas College is an inclusive, nationally ranked liberal arts institution and is ranked as a top performer on social mobility. Students are taught directly by faculty, 76 percent of whom have the highest degree in their field. Faculty and staff provide close mentorship and guide students to internships and service opportunities.

Aquinas offers a four-year guarantee, waiving additional tuition expense (up to one additional year) for outstanding coursework required to graduate.

Aquinas has 40 student organizations and 29 varsity sports. Ninety-six percent of its graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. ■

Year Founded: 1886 // Current Enrollment: 1,400 // Student-Faculty ratio: 13:1 // Number of the ultimate decision is theirs — and make Undergraduate Degrees Offered: 50+ // Subject Matter of Expertise: Nationally ranked liberal arts college in the sure they know that. they begin to explore higher education options.

Catholic and Dominican tradition, with a global perspective, emphasis on career preparation, and a focus on leadership and service. Education students pass the MTTC at a rate of 92.4%, and 100% of graduates in nursing and chemistry are employed within six months of graduation. AQ has the first undergraduate program in sustainable business in the nation and provides abundant internship opportunities. Financial aid and scholarships are available. overall cost can be surprising to families when

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Grand Valley State University 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 616-331-2025, gvsu.edu/admissions Graduate Enrollment Information: 616-331-2025, gvsu.edu/admissions

Grand Valley State University prepares its more than 23,000 students for both a fulfilling career and a life of impact.

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Year Founded: 1960 // Current Enrollment: 23,350 // Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 // Number of Undergraduate Degrees Offered: 96 // Number of Doctoral Degrees Offered: 46 // Subject Matter Expertise: Business, engineering, health care, education // In-State Tuition: $13,244

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Northern Michigan University 1401 Presque Isle Ave. Marquette, MI 49855 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 906-227-2650, nmu.edu/admissions/ Graduate Enrollment Information: 906-227-2300, nmu.edu/graduatestudies/

THE STATS

Year Founded: 1899 // Current Enrollment: 7,368 // Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1 // Number of Undergraduate Degrees Offered: 170 // Number of Doctoral Degrees Offered: 1 // In-State Tuition: $11,255

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With more than 5,000 colleges in the United States, Northern Michigan University admissions counselor Alyssa Lambert shares her advice on how to narrow down your college search: “Whether you’re in the early stages of your college search or you’re deciding between two great schools, ask yourself this question: What is the one thing my ideal college must have?”

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PARENTS’ GUIDE TO COLLEGE

Ferris State University 1201 S. State Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 231-591-2000, ferris.edu/admissions Graduate Enrollment Information: 231-591-2340, ferris.edu/graduatestudies

Ferris State University is a mid-sized, four-year public university known for its quality of instruction and selection of academic programs ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.

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Committed to ensuring that students gain professional skills outside of the classroom, the university works with numerous external partners including alumni, industry, and professional leaders for program direction, state-of-the-art equipment and networking advantages.

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THE STATS

Year founded: 1884 // Current enrollment: 10,482 // Student-faculty ratio: 16:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: More than 180 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 4 // Subject matter expertise: Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Engineering Technology, Health Professions, Information Systems and Security, Optometry, Pharmacy // In-state tuition: $443/ credit (freshmen/sophomore), $470/credit (junior/senior)

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CREATE YOUR FUTURE THE PATH TO A CREATIVE CAREER IS CLOSER THANK YOU THINK. You already love making—now it’s time to make your way in the world. KCAD’s specialized degree programs in design and fine art transform your creative passion into a marketable skill set, and from there, a dynamic career. Spark your future at kcad.edu.

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Kendall College of Art and Design 17 Fountain St. NW • Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 616-451-2787, kcadadmissions@ferris.edu

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University offers all the advantages of a conservatory college of art and design — creative immersion, expert faculty, and personalized instruction — without sacrificing the vital support systems and educational value of a state university.

From its roots as a talent pipeline for West Michigan’s furniture industry, KCAD has grown in harmony with a region dominated by innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Our accessible urban campus in the heart of Grand Rapids’ vibrant creative community and thriving design industry is the perfect environment to grow your passion for entering into in-demand 21st-century skills and dynamic career opportunities. Spark your

THE STATS

Year Founded: 1928 // Total Enrollment (Fall 2020): 721 // Student-faculty ratio: 10:1 // Academics: Academic Calendar: Fall, Spring, Summer semesters; Undergraduate programs: 14 ; Graduate programs: 5; Associate programs: 2 // Admissions: Application fee: Free online; $30 for international applicants; Application deadlines: Rolling admission // Tuition/Costs (Per Year): In-state, out-of-state, U.S. territory, or Canadian residents, full time: $22,154; Per credit hour: $443-$470 (general education courses); $1,021 (studio courses); International, full time: $37,937; Per credit hour: $715-$756 (general education courses); $1,628 (studio courses); Required fees: $390; Books and supplies: $600; Laptop: $2,360-$3,552 (students required to have a MacBook or MacBook Pro) // Financial Aid: Forms needed: FAFSA; Types of aid available: Scholarships, grants, loans, need-based aid, work-study; Percentage of students on financial aid: 90-95%

future at kcad.edu. ■

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he team at K West are degreed interior designers with a specialty T of cabinetry design.

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n their almost 30 years as a small, familyowned business, Creekside Companies has earned a reputation as a go-to business for those looking to build a custom home or renovate their existing home. Doug Butterworth, president and owner, and his daughter, Kalee Isenga, understand the ins and outs of home building — and that attribute generates plenty of word-ofmouth referrals from satisfied customers in West Michigan, Northern Michigan, and beyond.

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Roll Call hit the streets this summer. The food truck focuses on "globally-inspired handhelds."

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Gaia Café's famous Mean Green Burrito.

Restaurant revival TABLE

Gaia Café is cooking once again thanks to Andrea Bumstead’s determination.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

After nearly seven years, Gaia Café is once again serving guests its famous veggie hash and Mean Green Burritos. Andrea Bumstead, a former Gaia Café employee, reopened the restaurant in the Creston neighborhood this past winter. She overcame several obstacles to bring the beloved former East Hills restaurant back to life in the new setting.

In 1982, KC Caliendo opened Gaia Café in the East Hills neighborhood as a place for artists and community activists to come together. “It was just this slim little space where they passed around the coffee pot and sang songs and told stories. That’s how it started,” Bumstead said.

A couple of years later, Rick Van Dam took over ownership of Gaia and added a small vegetarian and vegan menu, turning the café into a local eatery with a unique menu. Over the years, Gaia built a loyal following with regulars returning weekend after weekend. It was a popular spot that often had a waitlist. People would mill about on the sidewalk in front of the building with coffee in hand until their coveted table was ready. Inside, the restaurant 102

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food + drink / table

While much of Gaia Café remains the same, one new feature is a juice and coffee bar. Stop in for a berry lemonade (above) or another refreshing beverage.

was full of all the clanking and banging sounds of a busy kitchen and the mingled chatter of patrons filled the small dining room.

So, it was a shock to many when the restaurant announced in 2014 that it would be closing. Van Dam had decided he was ready to retire. A handful of employees and investors banded together in an effort to save the restaurant, but Van Dam ultimately decided to close the restaurant and sell the building.

He did, however, sell the branding rights to Bumstead and handed over Gaia’s recipes to her as well.

Bumstead had worked at Gaia for seven years, serving as a manager for the last two years that it was open. She was determined to reopen Gaia as soon as she could find another location. She had no idea it would become a six-year journey before that dream would be fulfilled.

At the same time that Bumstead was scouting out locations around the city to house Gaia, Charity Lytle and a group of former artists from the DAAC, an art and events space that was shuttered in 2013 — again due to a building sale — also were trying to find a new home for their beloved organization.

Lytle reached out to Bumstead to see if she’d be interested in teaming up.

“I had frequented the DAAC years prior, but I didn’t know Charity until she reached out to me, and I met with her and the board members. … It seemed like a natural progression for us to team up together. We looked at several different buildings that could have worked, but without room for growth and within the budget. We found the building in February 2018 and we were finally able to purchase it in March 2019,” Bumstead said.

The new location is in the Creston neighborhood, at 1553 Plainfield Ave. NE, not far from the recently opened Creston Brewery. Bumstead was eager to transform the space into the new Gaia Café. Bumstead enlisted the help of friend and interior

“It was just this slim little space where they passed around the coffee pot and sang songs and told stories.”

Andrea Bumstead

designer Sarah Sherman Samuel to create the right combination of vintage and modern charm.

Bumstead said the menu will be very familiar to customers — it’s nearly identical to the original Gaia Café menu. “We have all the same recipes. I had cooked there that last two years we were open, so I’d already acquired the knowledge of how to create them and Rick showed me tons of the tricks of the trade.”

There will also be special features based on the season. Bumstead said for anyone unfamiliar with Gaia’s menu, it’s vegan and vegetarian “American homestyle food with a worldly twist.”

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Gaia Café's cornbread French toast.

Bringing Gaia Café to the Creston neighborhood was a labor of love for owner Andrea Bumstead (above). The Jim White dish (below) is colorful and tasty.

“We have all the same recipes.

I had cooked there that last two years we were open, so I’d already acquired the knowledge of how to create them and Rick showed me tons of the tricks of the trade.”

Andrea Bumstead

104

Bumstead said the biggest difference from the original restaurant and the new Gaia is the juice bar. “We added a juice and coffee bar with a full lounge,” Bumstead said, noting she hopes the space will take on a life of its own. “We want to see that flourish with its own identity.”

She also noted after hours, Gaia can be booked for weddings and other special events, and catering will be available, too.

The restaurant also hopes once COVID19 restrictions are lifted, it will be able to collaborate with the DAAC. “We had a lot of big ideas for collaborating with shows and food, and different aspects of community art, but because of COVID, we have had to dial back those ideas for the time being. We still have those ideas we’d like to do in the near future,” she said.

But for now, Bumstead is just happy that Gaia’s doors are open, and that the restaurant is still being so well received by the community after so many years.

She attributes that lasting loyalty to the customers.

“And that is really what kept me going, knowing that love for this space, and it’s not only about the food or the atmosphere or what we’re doing with the community, but also just the people who walk through the door and the stories they have, and that continue to walk through this door, that’s what does it. It’s for everybody else.”

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food + drink / table

Designing Gaia Andrea Bumstead tapped longtime friend Sarah Sherman Samuel, an interior designer, to help her bring the new Gaia Café to life. Bumstead said she wanted the restaurant to have a similar feel to the original restaurant — with lots of vintage charm and some modern touches.

“The original location was a mish-mash of styles, which was some of the charm of the space. It helped to create a welcoming atmosphere,” Sherman Samuel said. “A place that felt like coming into someone’s home. There was a self-serve coffee station, which also reinforced the feeling that once you’ve been there once you were part of the Gaia family.

“I wanted to keep the eclectic vibe by using a lot of vintage furniture in the juice lounge and a mix of chairs in the dining side. The original location was on an old brick road and the tile on the front bar is a play off that. You were welcomed by a heart in the front door, which we also carried over to the new space.”

The building had already been gutted, so much of the original character had already been stripped away, but the exposed wood beams were salvaged along with layers of different wallpaper showcased in one area, and a few other elements of the building’s previous life as a residential home can be seen.

SEATING COURTESY LA RUE PR

102-105_FD_Table_GRM070821.indd 105

“Andrea had the idea to get different regulars and artists to decorate and donate their own chairs for the dining room, so they’d always have their own spot,” said Sherman Samuel. “And I curated a gallery wall entirely from local artists. The vision was very much to create a new home for Gaia and the Gaia family.”

The restaurant also is full of vintage touches.

“We used a vintage dresser and shelves for the coffee/water station and furniture that you’d find in someone’s living room in the juice bar lounge,” Sherman Samuel said.

“Gaia is the goddess of earth and as a vegetarian café green was a no-brainer to be a prominent color. Other earth colors like terra cotta and rust show up in a big way with accents of blush and nude to balance all the rich colors.”

GR M AG .CO M

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6/10/21 10:12 AM

food + drink / c eate

Filipino BBQ Ingredients

4 lbs. pork butt cut into 1 inch strips about ¼ of an inch think (cut across the grain for a tender bite) 2 cups lemon-lime soda (7Up preferred) 1½ cups light soy sauce 1½ cups white vinegar 2 cups dark brown sugar 1 Tbsp ground black pepper ¾ cup garlic (minced) 2 lemons (halved) 30 - 40 bamboo skewers 1 /3 cup sesame oil ½ cup oyster sauce

Instructions

CREATE

Backyard barbecue This Filipino BBQ recipe is full of flavor.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Todd Esteban’s love of cooking was inspired by his grandfather.

“Growing up, my grandfather was a hobby cook. He was able to retire at a young age, so he was always in the kitchen tweaking and trying recipes. He loved to feed everyone and anyone. I was always so interested and loved being his taste tester,” Esteban said.

Esteban particularly enjoys Filipino cuisine. “My father’s family immigrated to the U.S. in the 1960s when he was 9-years-old. I grew up on Filipino recipes, which are full in flavor,” he said.

In particular, Esteban enjoys Filipino barbecue — “the king of street foods!”

Compared to other types of barbecue, which can take hours or days to make, Filipino barbecue is quick and easy.

For this recipe, Esteban said, “These are traditionally cooked over hot coals, so a charcoal grill is best, but you won’t complain if they are cooked on a gas grill.

“You'll find that you'll probably double this recipe for your next cookout; most people will eat five to eight skewers themselves. It is that good!”

106

Combine lemon-lime soda, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic and lemons in a large bowl.

Add pork and make sure meat is fully covered. Marinate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best).

Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes and add 2 to 3 pieces of meat to each skewer.

In a bowl combine sesame oil and oyster sauce.

Grill meat kabobs for about 2-3 minutes per side. Brush meat with the sesame-oyster mixture and grill until meat is cooked through. *Pro-tip: Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook the skewers in batches so you get a good char — overcrowding will only steam the meat and BBQ is all about the char!

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6/10/21 10:11 AM

food + drink / chee s

“We want the community, and particularly the sober and sober curious, to know that there are exciting alternatives to be enjoyed in Beer City.”

Chad Clark

CHEERS

Creative alternatives for Beer City, USA Brothers up the beverage game downtown with new business.

BY MEGAN SARNACKI

// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

While the craft beer scene in Grand Rapids has exploded over the last two decades, two “Beer City” brothers noticed there was one community getting left behind in the beverage industry’s social shuffle — the sober and sober curious.

Seeing this discrepancy, Chad and Paul Clark asked themselves, why can’t there be more fun and creative nonalcoholic beverages, and if anyone is to start a more all-inclusive destination for the community, why not two brothers who have extensive experience in the food and beverage industry?

Soon after, the brothers partnered with Downtown Market’s Incubator Kitchen — and Alt City Beverage Company was officially born. It has since graduated from the incubator kitchen into a retail location within the Downtown Market’s Market Hall, 435 Ionia Ave. SW. “A lot the social aspect of drinking is really just about having a fun drink in your hand,” Chad Clark said. “We want the community, and particularly the sober and sober curious, to know that there are exciting alternatives to be enjoyed in Beer City. That is one of the reasons you will see such a variety of drinks on our menu that taste complex, yet approachable and inclusive at the same time.”

But Alt City Beverage Company does

not only offer zero-proof cocktails. From smoothies and juices to teas, espressos and coffees, Chad and Paul Clark always are in the kitchen, concocting the next great flavor.

“Initially, the ideas come as some form of a shower thought, such as, ‘What would espresso and raisins taste like together?’ This was an actual thought I obsessed over for a few weeks,” Chad Clark said.

After the ideation phase comes the trialand-error process. The brothers consider what is the seasonality of the products, what their customers might be craving this time of the year, and whether this specific drink is something they would personally consume.

As for Chad’s espresso/raisin pick-me-up, it did not make it to the menu this go-around, but he said it is something he plans to revisit.

Though being a pandemic-born business was not always easy, sharing the experience with one another as brothers was invaluable.

“Knowing your business partner is someone who you can trust and has your back 100% throughout is a great feeling,” Chad Clark said. “But it always astounds me that although you can know someone for your whole life, there are still bits and pieces of their personality to be discovered. I recently learned that Paul refuses to eat whole grapes…feel free to ask him about it.” altcitybevco.com

Brothers Chad Clark (left) and Paul Clark (right) serve their alcohol-free beverages at the Downtown Market.

The fun tap handles (top) resemble the duo's dad.

GR M AG .CO M

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6/10/21 10:10 AM

food + drink / must-t y

MUST-TRY

Food truck revamp Gettin’ Fresh introduces Roll Call to the food truck lineup.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

There is a new addition to the Grand Rapids food truck scene. Roll Call hit the streets for the first time in May. The truck offers “globally inspired handhelds.”

“We wanted to showcase different flavors and serve them in a way that is easy to eat without a fork and knife. We have different categories and will choose which items are on the roster each week,” said owner Abbie Sterling.

The categories include salad rolls, rolled quesadillas, burritos, keto rolls and dessert rolls.

Sterling formerly operated food truck Gettin’ Fresh. “I wanted to refresh the brand for many reasons,” she said. “First, I didn’t feel like we were sending a clear message about what we were serving. Some thought we were only serving healthy food and didn’t try our menu at all. Our focus has always been on real ingredients, house-made sauces, and serving fresh, not fried foods of all varieties. I wanted to rebrand with a clear concept so there was no confusion and to help us be more approachable.”

Sterling enlisted the help of GrandPR, a student-run integrated communications and public relations firm that is nationally affiliated through Grand Valley State University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.

“They ran Facebook ads for me during the 2019 season and I was pleased with the results,” Sterling said. “Being a GVSU alumna, I thought it was pretty cool to work with the student firm from my alma mater.

108

Abbie Sterling (above) introduced her revamped food truck concept in May. The truck offers handhelds including the Fattoush Roll (below).

It’s such a great way for marketing students to learn what it looks like to work with an actual business."

“This project has been a healthy learning experience for the members of the Gettin’ Fresh GrandPR team,” said Brady Mills, GrandPR. “We have really enjoyed learning the ins and outs of navigating Facebook advertising as well as being creative with our graphics and messaging about Roll Call’s menu and Roll Out event [which took place in May].”

Sterling said Gettin’ Fresh will remain as the parent company that handles all of

the food truck and buffet style catering services. Roll Call by Gettin’ Fresh will be the "bolder brand that brings handhelds directly to the public via the food truck on a weekly basis."

“We will continue to serve our Gettin’ Fresh food truck catering menu for weddings, grad parties and other private events,” she said.

You can find Roll Call most Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fulton Street Farmers Market. Visit Roll Call’s Facebook page to find out where else the food truck will be each week.

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6/10/21 10:18 AM

editor's pick

Chips and cheese supreme chicken from Adobe In & Out.

TOP 5

Drive-thru delights Eat local at these must-try GR drive-thru restaurants.

BY SARAH MARILYN

Whether you're in search of breakfast, lunch or dinner, we share the best places to grab a bite while on wheels. From Mexican to Thai food, there is no shortage of delicious options to pick up while on the go and staying in the comfort of your vehicle. So next time you’re in a hurry, show your support to one of these businesses.

Mr. Gyros drive-thru and takeout is a familyowned and operated business offering both Mediterranean and American cuisine. If your family is torn between cravings, Mr. Gyros offers something for everyone — and has a kiddo-inclusive menu.

From gyros to hot dogs and hamburgers, the

menu has an assortment of reasonably priced food items to feed the entire family. The chicken gyros and shawarma pita are a must-try around here.

2260 Alpine Ave. NW Adobe In & Out is a Grand Rapids-based group of Mexican restaurants catering to customers looking for a quick meal on the go.

Each location offers the option of indoor dining and a drive-thru for easy grab-and-go ordering.

Cruise through for orders of tacos, chorizo burritos, enchiladas, tostadas and nachos. Multiple locations Drive thru and pick up an old-fashioned classic American breakfast at Bill’s Family Restaurant, where the

CHIPS AND CHEESE OWL COMPUTING INC TIRAMISU WILLIAM SCHAFER

108-109_FD_MustTry_GRM070821.indd 109

portions are generous, the food is authentic, and the prices are reasonable.

Since 1963, this familyowned operation has served breakfast and lunch as a staple in the local community.

Customers can enjoy great food at great prices with the convenience of a drive-thru window. 1235 Michigan St. NE At Cantina Mexican Grill you can order staples like enchiladas, tortas and burritos without getting out of your vehicle. If you’re looking for cuisine you wouldn’t find at larger fast-food Mexican chains, get a taste of traditional homestyle dishes with Yolanda’s home chicken tamale or the Pollo Loco. With

Cantina you can enjoy local, fresh and delicious ingredients without stepping foot inside.

2770 East Paris Ave. Here’s something you don’t see every day — a Thai restaurant with a drive-thru window.

That’s part of what makes Mai’s Thai unique. The restaurant offers authentic pad Thai and more on the go. If you appreciate a spicy dish, this may be the place for you as you can select the level of spiciness that suits your tastebuds. Mai’s Thai curry dishes are a must, and if you have little ones, the Mai’s Thai kids’ menu has an array of options they will enjoy, such as the kids’ noodle soup and the pineapple noodles. 820 Michigan St. NE.

Our feature story on sweets got me thinking about my favorite places for dessert and other sweet treats.

One of my favorite desserts in town is the tiramisu at Osteria Rossa. This coffee-flavored Italian dessert is layered with coffee and coffee-liquor-soaked Ladyfingers, whipped mascarpone, topped with shaved cocoa, and finished with a chocolate-espresso sauce. Any visit to Osteria Rossa ends with tiramisu for me.

I’m also a big fan of treating myself with yummy sweets when I need a pick-me-up or am celebrating a small accomplishment.

My go-to choices for foodie rewards are a box of chocolates from Mokaya or a red velvet cupcake from The Cakabakery.

I also like to visit Lyon Street Café in hopes of scoring a frostingdrenched cinnamon roll on mornings when I’m out and about for work.

CHARLSIE DEWEY MANAGING EDITOR, GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

Tiramisu from Osteria Rossa.

GR M AG .CO M

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6/10/21 10:18 AM

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Share with your family, friends and peers and win a photoshoot and a feature in Grand Rapids Magazine of your pet.

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?

S U

O I R

U C A-

’s n a hig c i t M es. s e of W siness e om s Bu S ow nabi n K to p Can t e G To

N N CA

O

h, cannabis. Aren’t you now the talk of the town!

Once illegal and talked about and used behind closed doors, cannabis is now used and discussed openly — and seriously.

As people become more aware not only of the options available in this realm, but also get more familiar with the businesses that serve the cannabis community, there is plenty to consider.

With so many provisioners, dispensaries, and specialists accessible, it’s hard to know where to go to satisfy cannabis needs — or get important, credible information.

This section features some of Michigan’s leading cannabis businesses and authorities, and spotlights their products, services, and roles in the community.

Stop in their shops, visit their sites, read their publications, and join their networks to learn more about what cannabis can do for you.

See Map on Page 105 for dispensary business location.

1) 20 PAST 4 Jackson

2) 3Fifteen

Battle Creek

3) 3Fifteen

Grand Rapids

4) 3Fifteen

Grand Rapids

5) 7Engines Buchanan

6) Acme Alternative Health, LLC Interlochen

7) Aficannado Douglas

8) AIM HIGH MEDS Tekonsha

9) Alvarez Cultivation LLC

Jackson

10) Amsterdam

Battle Creek

11) ArCanna Ionia

12) Authentic 231 Manistee

13) Battle Spring LLC

Battle Creek

14) Bazonzoes LLC Lansing

15) Bella Sol Wellness

Centers of Michigan, LLC Muskegon

16) Better Provisioning Center

Kalamazoo

17) Bloom City Club Battle Creek

18) Breaking Bud Battle Creek

19) Breedsville

Provisioning Center, LLC Breedsville

20) Canna 43 Gobles

21) Canna Vista Wellness

Buchanan

22) Cannaisseur

Provisioning Center Lansing

CONTINUE ON PAGE 112

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23) Cannamazoo Kalamazoo

24) CannaVibes Emporium

Battle Creek

25) Choice Labs Jackson

26) Cloud Cannabis Company Muskegon

27) Cloud Cannabis Company

Traverse City

28) Common Citizen Battle Creek

29) Compassionate Care

By Design Kalamazoo

30) Compassionate Care

By Design Watervliet

31) Consano

Mt. Pleasant

32) Core Canna Traverse City

Traverse City

33) DOJA

Portage

41) Fire Creek

Battle Creek

42) Fluresh

1213 Phillips Ave. SW, Unit A Grand Rapids, mi 49507 (616) 600-0420 fluresh.com

43) Fuel 420 Jackson

44) GAGE Cannabis Co. Grand Rapids

45) GAGE Cannabis Co. Traverse City

46) Glazed & Confused Crystal Falls

47) Great Lakes Holistics

Battle Creek

48) Great Lakes Natural Remedies Inc.

60) High Profile Boutique Cannabis Grant

61) Higher Love

Corporation

Crystal Falls

62) Highly Cannaco Battle Creek

63) Highly Cannaco Traverse City

64) Homegrown Cannabis Co.

Lansing

65) Jars Cannabis Lansing

66) Jars Cannabis

Mount Pleasant Mt. Pleasant

67) JC3 Provisioning Center

Jackson

Benzonia

Center

Big Rapids

68) Joyology

Grand Rapids

3769 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, mi 49512 (616) 330-1111 joyology.com

34) Dunegrass Co.

51) Green Bronco, LLC

35) Dunegrass Co.

52) Green Koi Douglas

69) Kinship Parma

36) Edgewood

53) Green Pharm

70) Kkind

Big Rapids Manistee

Cannabis Lansing

37) Edmore

Provisionary Edmore

38) Exclusive Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

39) Exclusive

Kalamazoo Kalamazoo

40) Exit 9 Provisionary Nunica

Portage

Douglas

Traverse City Traverse City

54) Green Stem, LLC Niles

55) Herbology Bangor

56) Herbology

Battle Creek

57) Herbology Kalamazoo

58) High Profile Boutique Cannabis Buchanan

59) High Profile Boutique Cannabis

Grand Rapids

Dowling

78) Lume Cannabis Co. Big Rapids

79) Lume Cannabis Co. Evart

80) Lume Cannabis Co. Honor

81) Lume Cannabis Co. Jackson

82) Lume Cannabis Co. Kalamazoo

83) Lume Cannabis Co. Lowell

84) Lume Cannabis Co. Petoskey

85) Maivda Investments, LLC

Quincy Hartford

Lights, LLC

50) Great Lakes Provision

Provisioning Center

86) MED+LEAF, LLC

49) Great Lakes Northern Omer

77) Lumberjack’s

Albion

Big Rapids

71) Kkind

Kalamazoo

72) Lake & Leaf Benzonia

73) Lake Effect Group, LLC

Portage

74) Lake Life Farms Inc.

Big Rapids

75) LE Battle Creek Portage

76) Lucid - Emmet Township

Battle Creek

87) Meds Cafe Lowell

88) Michigan Supply and Provisions

Battle Creek

89) Michigan Supply and Provisions

Grand Rapids

90) Michiganja

White Cloud

91) Mood Cannabis Jackson Jackson

92) Mother Nurtures, LLC

Big Rapids

93) Nature’s ReLeaf Acme, Inc.

Williamsburg

94) NOBO Michigan, LLC

Edwardsburg

95) Olswell - Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

96) Park Place

Provisionary Muskegon

97) Park Place

Provisionary Muskegon

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98) Pharmhouse Wellness

Grand Rapids

99) Pincanna Rx Kalkaska

100) Pinnacle

Emporium

46

61

Buchanan

101) Premiere

Provisions Big Rapids

102) Puff TC

Traverse City

117) Skymint Nunica

118) Skymint

Traverse City

103) Pure Options

119) Skymint LLC

104) Pure Options

120) Skymint, LLC

105) Pure Options -

121) Skymint, LLC

Mt. Pleasant Lansing

Muskegon Twp. Muskegon

106) Quality Roots, Inc. Battle Creek

107) Rair

Muskegon

108) Redbud Roots Kalamazoo

109) Redbud Roots Lab VI, Inc.

Muskegon

110) Redbud Roots Lab X, Inc.

Williamsburg

111) RELEAF Center for

Compassionate Care

Niles

112) Remedii

Battle Creek

113) Riverside Provisioning Kalkaska

Kalkaska

114) Royal Highness LLC Traverse City

115) Skymint Lansing

116) Skymint Lansing

84

White Cloud Newaygo Portage

80

122) Sunnies

72 48

Albion

123) The Botanical Co. Lansing

110 93 114 118 27 32 63 45 124 53 6 102 99 113

35

124) The Cured Leaf

125

Traverse City

125) The Green Door

50 129 74 34 70 78 92 101

Baldwin Inc. Baldwin

126) The Green Door Bangor, Inc. Bangor

127) The Mint

Cannabis

Kalamazoo

119

26 131 109 15 105 96 107 97 40

128) The Refinery Kalamazoo Kalamazoo

130) Thrive

Jackson

131) Timber Cannabis

19

55 126 86

30

Co.

Buchanan

117

11

4 42 98 44 83 87 5 68 59 95 89 3 38

123 22 116 11514 64 36 104 65

77

71 108 82 16 29 23 57 39 127 128 20

81 18 76 13 12 17 41 28 10 2 24 106 47 62 112 56 88

33

Muskegon

132) Zen Leaf

37

60

7

Big Rapids

66 31 103

120

52

129) The WellFlower Provisioning

90

49

79

132 111 100 58 21 54 94

51 121 73 75

122 69

1

130 25 9 67 91 43

8 85

Buchanan

= medical dispensary = recreational dispensary

Cannabis.Section.GRM.0721.indd 3

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MICHIGAN

COMMUNITY - CULTURE - CONNECTION Sensi Media Group is one of the fastest-growing nationally recognized media enterprises in North America. We are well known as an industry leader and culture creator whose core values elevate people and cultivate community. We publish print and digital magazines, create community events, and connect people in local markets with a focus on fun-loving, healthy lifestyles.

SENSIMAG.COM /MICHIGAN SensiSpread_GR0721.indd 1

6/13/21 9:54 AM

MEET - CONNECT - COLLABORATE

MICHIGAN

for Cannabis Business Professionals

Virtual events held bi-weekly on Wednesdays PRESENTED BY:

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY AT CONNECTS.SENSIMAG.COM! SensiSpread_GR0721.indd 2

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Cannabis Advertorial // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

Sensi Connects 616-414-0890 | sensiconnects.com

S

ENSI CONNECTS, FORMERLY CANNABIZ CONNECTION, is an online and in-person networking community for B2B cannabis industry professionals. Sensi Magazine is a lifestyle publication filled with articles, information, and events for consumers, and opportunities for cannabis businesses to connect with consumers.

Together, they offer a full suite of engagement with their audiences.

In response to Covid-19, Sensi Connects and Sensi Magazine quickly adapted to the new landscape so they could continue to be a resource and an anchor for cannabis businesses and consumers.

Having weathered the many challenges and embraced opportunities for growth and learning, both sides of the Sensi realm have emerged stronger.

Enter Stephanie Graziano, CEO, whose goal is to take the two divisions of Sensi Media Group to the next level. As a long-time follower and contemporary, she says she’s excited for the potential of drawing the internal community together as well as connecting outwardly with the community at large.

For the magazine, that means offering a hybrid of digital and print, the former running monthly and the latter distributed quarterly.

Sensi_FPss_GRM 07.21.indd 2 Cannabis.Section.GRM.0721.indd 6

“Sensi Magazine, I believe, is the best in the industry,” Graziano says. “It’s dynamic and focused on the new cannabis lifestyle: health and wellness, activities, good food and get-togethers, plus stories and perspectives from real people inside the community.”

Graziano says when it comes to Sensi Connects events, those will continue to be a blend of digital and face-to-face, with conscious attention given to regulations still in place, as well as the comfort levels of attendees for live gatherings. Each market will begin rolling out consumer and business events in the third quarter, and the Sensi team will also be participating in MJBizCon in Vegas in October.

With these new and enhanced endeavors, Graziano seeks to bring value to their audience while always leading from the heart. 

6/15/21 3:05 PM 6/16/21 3:04 PM

3:05 PM

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C

Joyology Sensi Connects

3769 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 | 616-330-1111 | joyology.com

616-414-0890 | sensiconnects.com

S

APART BY ITS BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL ATMOSPHERE , Joyology is no ordinary supplier of cannabis and related products for medical and recreational consumers. The highly qualified staff takes pride in living by the science of happiness and strives to make every shopping experience as joyful as possible.

Joyology carries thousands of products from flower and edibles to concentrates, lotions, topicals — plus accessories, such as papers and glassware. No matter the product or consumption type, there’s always an in-shop expert who can talk with or educate customers about their specific needs.  ET

The Seed Cellar S T

620 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49202 | 517-879-2801 | seedcellar.com

CONNECTS, FORMERLY CANNABIZ CONNECTION, is an online and in-person networking community for B2B cannabis HE SEED CELLAR IS ONE OF THE LARGEST CANNABIS SEED BANKS IN THE industry professionals. Sensi Magazine is a lifestyle publication United States, with seeds from all over the world, as well as from filled with articles, information, and events for consumers, and Michigan. Originally started as the Jackson County Compassion opportunities for cannabis businesses to connect with consumers.

Club in 2012 — a resource for medical patients seeking clean Together, they offer a full suite of engagement with their audiences. medicine — The Seed Cellar is located in Jackson, is open for inIn response to Covid-19, Sensi Connects and Sensi Magazine store shopping as well as online ordering. quickly adapted to the new landscape so they could continue to be They stock more than 2,000 different strains from 90-plus a resource and an anchor for cannabis businesses and consumers. quality, reputable breeders and carry a wide variety of genetics, Having weathered the many challenges and embraced opportunities from today’s newest and most popular strains to the old-school for growth and learning, both sides of the Sensi realm have emerged classic landrace strains. stronger.

The Seed Cellar sells seeds as adult souvenirs, and though Enter Stephanie Graziano, CEO, whose goal is to take the two cannabis laws vary by state, it is legal to order seed no matter divisions of Sensi Media Group to the next level. As a long-time where you live in the U.S. because the seeds contain no THC. follower and contemporary, she says she’s excited for the potential of drawing the internal community together as well as connecting outwardly with the community at large.

For the magazine, that means offering a hybrid of digital and print, the former running monthly and the latter distributed quarterly.

ENSI

Cannabis.Section.GRM.0721.indd 8 Sensi_FPss_GRM 07.21.indd 2

“Sensi Magazine, I believe, is the best in the industry,” Graziano says. “It’s dynamic and focused on the new cannabis lifestyle: health and wellness, activities, good food and get-togethers, plus stories and perspectives from real people inside the community.”

Graziano says when it comes to Sensi Connects events, those will continue to be a blend of digital and face-to-face, with conscious attention given to regulations still in place, as well as the comfort levels of attendees for live gatherings. Each market will begin rolling out consumer and business events in the third quarter, and the Sensi team will also be participating in MJBizCon in Vegas in October.

With these new and enhanced endeavors, Graziano seeks to bring value to their audience while always leading from the heart. 

6/16/21 3:11 PM 6/15/21 3:05 PM

Sens

Sensi Connects

PROMOTIONAL C

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Cannabis Advertorial // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE Cannabis Advertorial // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

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Sensi Connects

Sensi Co

616-414-0890 | sensiconnects.com

616-414-0890 | sen

For use by individuals 21 years of age or older only. Recreational marijuana is available under MI law; however it is illegal under Federal law. Keep out of reach of children. It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marihuana. National Poison Control Center 1-800-2221222. MI License No. AU-R-000284

S

ENSI CONNECTS, FORMERLY CANNABIZ CONNECTION, is an online and in-person networking community for B2B cannabis industry professionals. Sensi Magazine is a lifestyle publication filled with articles, information, and events for consumers, and opportunities for cannabis businesses to connect with consumers.

Together, they offer a full suite of engagement with their audiences.

In response to Covid-19, Sensi Connects and Sensi Magazine quickly adapted to the new landscape so they could continue to be a resource and an anchor for cannabis businesses and consumers.

Having weathered the many challenges and embraced opportunities for growth and learning, both sides of the Sensi realm have emerged stronger.

Enter Stephanie Graziano, CEO, whose goal is to take the two divisions of Sensi Media Group to the next level. As a long-time follower and contemporary, she says she’s excited for the potential of drawing the internal community together as well as connecting outwardly with the community at large.

For the magazine, that means offering a hybrid of digital and cannabliss delivered print, the former running monthly and the latter distributed quarterly.

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ENSIis C ONNECTS FORMERLY BIZ CONNECTION, is an “Sensi Magazine, I believe, the best in, the industry,”CANNA Graziano online on andthe in-person networking community says. “It’s dynamic and focused new cannabis lifestyle: health for B2B cannabis industry Sensi Magazine is a lifestyle publication and wellness, activities, good professionals. food and get-togethers, plus stories filled articles, information, and events for consumers, and and perspectives from real with people inside the community.” opportunities cannabis businesses connect with consumers.

Graziano says when it comes toforSensi Connects events,tothose Together, they and offerface-to-face, a full suite ofwith engagement will continue to be a blend of digital consciouswith their audiences.

In response Covid-19, Sensi Connects attention given to regulations still intoplace, as well as the comfortand Sensi Magazine adapted to the market new landscape they could continue to be levels of attendees forquickly live gatherings.

Each will beginsorolling a resource andin an for cannabis and consumers. out consumer and business events theanchor third quarter, and thebusinesses Sensi Having weathered the many challenges and embraced opportunities team will also be participating in MJBizCon in Vegas in October. for growth and endeavors, learning, both sides of the Sensi With these new and enhanced Graziano seeks to realm have emerged stronger.while always leading from the heart.  bring value to their audience Enter Stephanie Graziano, CEO, whose goal is to take the two divisions of Sensi Media Group to the next level. As a long-time follower and contemporary, she says she’s excited for the potential of drawing the internal community together as well as connecting outwardly with the community at large.

For the magazine, that means offering a hybrid of digital and print, the former running monthly and the latter distributed quarterly.

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“S sa an an

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promotional content

CANNABIS EXPERTS Q&A

CANNA-TALK

from seed to consumption

With cannabis becoming more mainstream in michigan — and across the U.S. — people from all walks of life are piqued by its possibilities. Whether it’s growing for personal or commercial use, consuming it for its therapeutic or recreational properties, or getting in the business of selling cannabis-related products — knowledge is everything.

Though cannabis can be fairly easy to cultivate, knowing how to prevent a mishap that could lead to total crop loss is crucial.

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When it comes to cannabis use, finding the right strain for your individual wants and needs is more about science than you might realize. And, as with anything novel, having a solid community to connect with to ask questions, share advice, exchange ideas, and form partnerships can make all the difference.

The experts in this section provide their tips and advice for navigating all things cannabis, so you can be more successful, however you engage with it. ■

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

CANNABIS EXPERTS Q&A Q:

How do terpenes contribute to overall happiness?

A: Terpenes are fragrant compounds — think: essential oils — that are common in many plants, but are found in especially high concentrations in cannabis plants.

They’re what give off a strain’s signature flavor and smell and they also contribute significantly to the effect on the consumer.

Terpenes can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, or they can boost energy and focus. The beauty is, they all have their own personalities and offer different outcomes, so finding a strain that satisfies

Q:

Joyology

Chance McBride Sales Floor Manager 3769 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-330-1111 grandrapids@joyology.com joyology.com Advertisements on pages 118-119

Where can industry professionals and consumers go to learn about cannabis?

A: The first step in finding out more about cannabis, whether you’re in the business or an individual looking for usage information, is to understand that there’s a large community out there that already exists; one that connects people locally as well as nationally.

Sensi Connects is a membership-based business networking community for those looking to learn more about starting a business in the cannabis industry.

Virtual speed-networking mixers, which are available to Sensi Connects members, occur weekly and connect industry professionals and business-minded entrepreneurs to exchange information, learn best practices, and find supplies,

Q:

your individual needs is akin to finding your bliss.

At Joyology, we’ve put a strong focus on educating our budtenders on the terpenes that are present in the strains we offer.

This better ensures a therapeutic response on both a personal and a medical level. There’s so much nuance with terpenes and we strive to make our customers feel as though their experience is tailored to them.

services, and opportunities.

Sensi Magazine is a resource for consumers providing information about the cannabis lifestyle. And, at our consumerfacing events, called Sensi Nights, they can network with other consumers and learn about various cannabis brands.

Those who are looking to use cannabis to improve their own or their family’s wellbeing through cannabis’ medicinal properties will benefit from talking with others who already have experience with different strains, products, and dosages.

When the pandemic subsides and it is safe, we plan to host our Sensi Nights again.

Both options are ways for people to connect with their community and find their tribe.

Sensi Connects Jamie Cooper Founder, CEO 616-414-0890 sensiconnects.com

Advertisements on pages 114-116

What’s the difference between a seedling versus a clone?

A: Alot of our customers wonder why they would buy seeds instead of just cloning again, especially when they already have the genetics.

For one, in a seed or seedling, the roots grow in a way that makes a significant difference. A seedling will shoot a taproot straight down and then branch out from there. There’s a saying: “The deeper the roots the bigger the fruit,” and that really is true because a plant from seed will grow proportionally as tall on the top as it does on the bottom — and that produces a gigantic yield difference.

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Conversely, when you root a clone, you only have a small, one- to two-inch rooting zone, so they spread out in a thin layer, and don’t really embed themselves.

Even a plant with a hearty stalk can easily be pulled from the ground, and that means they’re only getting surface level water and nutrients. Another issue with cloning is genetic drift. A mom plant can make endless clones, but just as everything ages, plants age as well and will produce less and less each time. When you try seeds again or for the first time, your plants get to grow the right way.

The Seed Cellar

Kate Brown Breeder and Marketing Manager 1620 E. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202 517-879-2801 seedcellarrep@gmail.com seedcellar.com Advertisements on pages 117-118

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OUR STAFF'S GUIDE TO THE AREA'S BEST EATERIES For any additions or changes: // Please email cdewey@geminipub.com or write to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o Dining Guide, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Downtown GR ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ APERITIVO A wine bar with a small menu that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and monthly sandwich specials. The retail section includes tinned fish, which can be enjoyed on-site with pickled veggies, cultured butter and Field & Fire bread. It is located within the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Open Daily. // 435 Ionia Ave. SW, 259-7045. aperitivogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ ART CARIBBEAN FUSION CUISINE Featuring a Caribbean menu with items like empanadas, croquettes, mofongos, Cuban sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 55 Monroe Center NW, 724-4370. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BEIJING KITCHEN Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$

2021 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, 2266928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRICKYARD TAVERN Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BULL’S HEAD TAVERN Large selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Entrées include pasta, fish, chicken and steak along with burgers and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtavern.com.

Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ THE CHOP HOUSE Aged prime beef, seafood, pork, lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. // 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. Dinner $$$ CITY BUILT BREWING CO. Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CINCO DE MAYO Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. // 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CITYSEN LOUNGE Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and small-plate creations. Beer and wine; happy hour 4-7 pm. Open daily. // CityFlatsHotel, 83 Monroe Center NW, 6081725. cityflatshotel.com/location/grand-rapids.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ COTTAGE BAR Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chilis and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 18 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz.

Lunch, Dinner $ 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 $$-$$$

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

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2021 DINING AWARD WINNER 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. // 820 Monroe Ave NW Suite 100, 616-608-4533. fieldandfire.com. Breakfast, Lunch $-$$ FLANAGAN’S Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence. Frequent live music. Open Daily. // 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FORTY PEARL A wine bar serving oysters, cured meats and cheeses, baked goods and sweets, soups and salads, shareables, sandwiches, rice bowls and entrées like salmon, seared scallops and Cornish hen. Open daily. // 40 Pearl St. NW, 608-7741. fortypearl.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ 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 $ FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GILLY’S SMOKEHOUSE Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more. Closed Sun-Mon. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob. com/gillysrestaurant. Dinner $-$$ GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ GP SPORTS Sports bar and restaurant. Menu features create-yourown pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, GR M AG .CO M

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776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/gp-sports.

Lunch, Dinner $$

776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (SatSun), Dinner $-$$

LEO’S Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm Mon-Fri. Closed Sun. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), 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 $

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 $-$$

GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Yearround alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LITTLEBIRD Café-style restaurant featuring made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch, including a full coffee menu, house-made sodas and egg creams, and pastries.

Full bar. Open daily. // 95 Monroe Center NW, 4194168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $

HERITAGE HILL PIZZA Offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. No alcohol. Open daily with a few tables for dining in. // 340 State St SE, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza.net.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE HERITAGE GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ J. GARDELLA’S TAVERN Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. Three floors of seating. Closed Sun. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellastavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ JUDSON’S AT THE B.O.B. Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops. Notable wine list. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsonssteakhouse.

Dinner $$$ THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW,

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2021 DINING AWARD WINNER 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 $-$$ MARGAUX A contemporary French bistro. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. // JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll.

Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. D $$-$$$ MDRD Overlooking the Grand River from its location on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, this restaurant serves modern Spanish cuisine including tapas and paella. Reservations available.

Closed Sun and Mon. // 187 Monroe Ave. NW, 776.6425. amwaygrand.com/dining. Dinner $$$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER MERTENS PRIME French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era hotel. Steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates.

Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. mertensgr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

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MEXO Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com.

Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR & RESTAURANT Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$ ONE TRICK PONY GRILL & TAPROOM Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front, dog- friendly patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 136 E Fulton St, 2357669. onetrick.biz. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN Part of Studio Park, One Twenty Three Tavern offers starters, small plates and handhelds, large plates, and a kids menu. Offering elevated American fare, including a fried chicken sandwich, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl and more. Full bar.

Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$$ OSTERIA ROSSA Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Open daily. // 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriarossa.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$ PALACE OF INDIA Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIND INDIAN CUISINE A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ RESERVE Wine bar offers extensive by-the-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie.

Closed Sun. // 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ ROAM BY SAN CHEZ BISTRO The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar.

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

6/10/21 10:14 AM

Special Advertising Section

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Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 7424444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), 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 $$-$$$

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 $-$$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$

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 $-$$

SAN CHEZ BISTRO Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. // 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SANDY POINT BEACH HOUSE GR Originating in West Olive, dishes include “traditional beach house favorites,” such as prime beef burgers, fresh halibut, steak and frites, and roasted chicken and mussels. Full bar. Open daily. // 822 Ottawa Ave. NW, 828-1118, sandypointbeachhouse.com. Brunch (SatSun), 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 $$$ 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

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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 $$

West Side ANDO SUSHI + BAR Asian fusion eatery featuring small plates, bentos, rice bowls, raw bar, noodles, soup, salad and more. Wide selection of wine, plus local, domestic and international beer. Full bar. // 415 Bridge St NW, 608-0789. andosushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BLUE DOG TAVERN West Michigan craft brews on tap. Good selection of tots, dogs and burgers. Open daily. // 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ BROADWAY BAR & GRILL Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations, especially at Christmas. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. // 740 Broadway Ave SW, 454-0565. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ BUTCHER’S UNION Meat-and-whiskey-centric gastro pub. Full bar. Outdoor seating available. // 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ 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,

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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 KNICKERBOCKER – NEW HOLLAND BREWING Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. // 417 Bridge St NW, 3455642. newhollandbrew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LONG ROAD DISTILLERS Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers.com.

Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$ MAGGIE’S KITCHEN Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering.

No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER THE MITTEN BREWING CO. Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MONARCHS’ CLUB Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 2339799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $ ONE BOURBON Trendy, two-level restaurant serving creative shareable plates, burgers, hot sandwiches and entrées. Full bar features more than 120 whiskies. Closed Sun-Mon. // 608 Bridge St NW, 608-5766. onebourbongr.com.

Dinner $-$$ O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. // 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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

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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 $-$$ THE SOVENGARD Midwest heart meets New Nordic spirit. This cozy West Side farm-to-table restaurant focuses on seasonal and local sourcing and offers two separate dining spaces/ menus with an outdoor biergarten. Closed Mon. and Tues. Open for brunch Sat. and Sun. Reservations accepted. // 443 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. Dinner $-$$ TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available.

Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$ WESTSIDE SOCIAL “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

Uptown BOMBAY CUISINE Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India. Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. // 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BREWERY VIVANT Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$

5038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $

breweries. Open Tue–Sun. // 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER DONKEY TAQUERIA Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station. Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST WEST BREWING CO. Traditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. // 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwestbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Fri-Sat), Dinner $-$$ 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 $$

BRICK ROAD PIZZA Traditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (glutenfree crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpizza.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $$

BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 288-

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

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HARMONY BREWING CO. Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KCM A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sando (Japanese cut white bread sandwiches or openfaced toast with meat, egg salad or other filling); curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu (Japanese deep-fried tenderized pork loin, tenderloin and shoulder cutlets); chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean-style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues.-Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only.

Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MARU SUSHI & GRILL Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options.

Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts.

Carry-out available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER 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 $$ THE PUB AT PADDOCK “Happy hour all the time” with elevated pub fare. Full bar. Closed Mondays. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 356-2627. thegilmorecollection.com/pubatpaddock. Dinner $-$$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER TERRA Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open

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

6/10/21 10:14 AM

Special Advertising Section

Voted The Best

KICK-START YOUR YEAR WITH

FRESH-PRESSED

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daily. // 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com.

Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu.

Closed Sun. // 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WIKIWIKI POKE SHOP Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials.

Carry-out available. Closed Sun. // 1146 Wealthy St SE, 288-5646. wikiwikipokeshop.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WINCHESTER Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in century-old space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar.

Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ YESTERDOG Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.”

Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. // 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com.

Lunch, Dinner $ ZIVIO Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily.

Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

East Grand Rapids BIG BOB’S PIZZA Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com.

Dinner $$$ CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com.

Dinner $$

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JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ OLIVE’S Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar.

Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. // 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ROSE’S Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$

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

Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net.

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 $-$$ CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILLE Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charliesbarandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$ CHEER’S GOOD TIME SALOON Menu offers something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ CRESTON BREWERY More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and

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beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. 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 $-$$ GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAYDON’S CROSSING Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ JAKU SUSHI Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. // 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 6490407. jakusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KITCHEN 67 Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes

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

6/10/21 10:14 AM

Special Advertising Section

Voted The Best

2020-21 Readers Poll

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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-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$-$$$ MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $ MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MING TEN All-you-can-eat Japanese/Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 3653989. mingtenrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NICK FINK’S Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. // 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.com/nickfinks. Dinner $$ POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available.

Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REZERVOIR LOUNGE Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol.

Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar.

Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$

CHINA CITY Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ DEHOP’S BREWING CO. AND CAFÉ Specialty and build-your-own burgers, “authentic Mexican” tacos, salads and sharable appetizers.

Closed Sun-Mon. // 363 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, 805-3363. dehops.com. Dinner $$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 7858880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $$

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 $$

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 2021 DINING AWARD WINNER AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana.com.

Dinner (Tue-Sat) $$ CHINA CHEF Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4335 Lake

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Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com.

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 $-$$ THE LANDING Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. AllAmerican favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/dining/the-landingrestaurant. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

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

6/10/21 10:15 AM

Special Advertising Section

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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, 7919922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), 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.

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

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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) 719-1462. 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 $$ DADDY PETE’S BBQ Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST GARDEN BUFFET Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL ARRIERO MEXICAN GRILL Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas.

Open daily. // 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL GLOBO RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol.

Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIREROCK GRILLE Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées.

Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ FLORENTINE PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and

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thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GANDERS Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111.

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

Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ HALL STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ INDIA TOWN Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA TAQUERIA SAN JOSE Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting.

No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1338 S Division Ave, 2842297. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ LAST CHANCE TAVERN AND GRILL Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. // 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelastchancetavern.com.

Lunch, Dinner $ LE KABOB Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MI TIERRA Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533.

Facebook. 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 $-$$

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

6/10/21 10:15 AM

P R O M OT I O N A L C O N T E N T

Featured Physicians // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

John F. Keller, M.D.

Justin C. Clark, M.D.

Bryan E. Figueroa, M.D.

J

J

B

OHN F. KELLER,

president of

Great Lakes Neurosurgery and Division Chief Neurosurgery at Metro Health University of Michigan

USTIN CLARK who specializes in the surgical treatment of adult brain and spine disorders, says an important

part of his job is getting to know his

RYAN E. FIGUEROA when a patient chooses Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates for treatment, they

receive a team of providers committed to

Health System, says the world doesn’t

patients. “There is no substitute for a de-

helping them through some of the most dif-

stand still and neither does the study and

tailed medical history accompanied by

ficult challenges they can face, says Dr. Bry-

advancement of neurological surgery. “It’s

a comprehensive exam for helping pa-

an E. Figueroa, a neurosurgeon at the clinic.

important to stay abreast of the latest re-

tients make the important choices relat-

“We know that it takes excellent training and

search technologies and then determine

ing to their treatment options,” says Dr.

experience to operate on the brain, and it takes

what’s safe and effective for our patients in

Clark, who is a complex and minimally

compassion and support to help someone with a

West Michigan,” says Dr. Keller, who also is

invasive spine surgeon; skull-base neurosur-

neurological condition,” says Dr. Figueroa, who

clinical assistant professor at Michigan State

geon; and cerebrovascular neurosurgeon.

specializes in aneurysms of the brain, arteriove-

University College of Human Medicine.

Dr. Clark, the first person in his residency

nous malformations, cavernous malformations,

Dr. Keller specializes in the surgical treat-

program to pass the Neurosurgery Written

and carotid artery disease. Dr. Figueroa is di-

ment of brain and spine injuries and disor-

Boards during his intern year, is board cer-

rector of cranial and neurovascular surgery at

ders, with an emphasis on motion preser-

tified in neurosurgery from the American

Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and surgical direc-

vation, minimally invasive techniques and

Board of Neurological Surgery. His special

Featured Physicians // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE // TOP DOCS

management of complex spinal disorders.

interests include brain and skull-base neu-

“I am very proud of helping develop the

rosurgery; thoracic spine surgery; vascular

neuroscience program at Metro Health,”

lesions of the brain and spine; tumors of the

Dr. Keller says. “Over the last 10 years the

brain and spine; minimally invasive spine

program has expanded dramatically, and we

surgery; and carotid artery disease. His

are looking forward to pushing the envelope

training includes Neurosurgical Residency -

with artificial intelligence software and plan-

Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix; and

ning of complex spine surgery.”

Doctorate M.D. – U-M Medical School.

Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates PC Grand Rapids Main Clinic 3350 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Ste. 102 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 800-832-1815 greatlakesneuro.com

Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates PC Grand Rapids Main Clinic 3350 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Ste. 102 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 800-832-1815 greatlakesneuro.com

139_GR0721.indd 1

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

tor, Cerebrovascular Program at Metro Health.

Dr.His Name Hereincludes a Fellowship - Indianapotraining

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

TM

lis Neurosurgical Group; Neurosurgical Residentortor 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

cy - Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital;

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-

and Doctorate M.D. – U-M Medical School.

“The most gratifying aspect of my job is when

I hear that my patients or their families felt grate-

ful for the care they got from our staff.”

Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates PC Grand Rapids Main Clinic 3350 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Ste. 102 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 800-832-1815 greatlakesneuro.com

6/16/21 2:21 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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $ PHO ANH TRANG Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials.

Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PHO SOC TRANG Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 4523228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SHANGHAI ICHIBAN Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol.

Open daily. // 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120. shanghaiichiban.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ 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 $

136

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 $-$$ 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 $$ YUMMY WOK Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $-$$ FRANKIE V’S PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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GOLDEN 28 Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800.

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 $-$$ 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 $$ PETE’S GRILL & TAVERN Casual bar and grill with tavern burgers, Detroit style pizza, sandwiches and entrees. Open daily. // 2588 84th St SW, Byron Center, 878-9582. petesgrillandtavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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. tamalesmarygr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $ WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling.

Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar.

Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400.

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

6/10/21 10:15 AM

spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area 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 $$-$$$ 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 $$ CASCADE ROADHOUSE Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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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 $$-$$$

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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, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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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 $$

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

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pinerest.org/urgent • 616.455.9200

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JU SUSHI & LOUNGE Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets.

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

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 $-$$

LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SCHNITZ ADA GRILL Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. // 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items.

Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine.

Closed Sun. // 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MAIN STREET BBQ Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering.

Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar.

Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. 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, 9879307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

2021 DINING AWARD WINNER 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 $$ NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch TuesSat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$

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, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

Grandville/Hudsonville Area BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $$-$$$

THE DUNGEON Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$

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 $$

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 $-$$

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GRANDVILLA Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast.

Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 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 $-$$ PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RAINBOW GRILL Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 8960033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RUSH CREEK BISTRO Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SONDER EATERY Focused on fresh foods including greens, sandwiches and shareables. Items include deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, sloppy Joes and more. Full bar. Daily specials and weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. // 3380 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 616-202-6379. sondereatery.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ WHITE FLAME BREWING CO. Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WIN TAVERN A family-friendly restaurant offering fresh ingredients and

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

6/10/21 10:16 AM

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HARVEY CADILLAC LOCATION 2600 28th Street SE St Grand Rapids, MI 49512 HarveyCadillac.com SALES 616.949.1140 Mon & Wed 9 am - 8 pm Tues, Thu, Fri 9 am - 6 pm Sat 9 am - 4 pm

*Luxury model plus tax, lic. & fees to qualified buyers. CT4 Sport model shown. Options and accessories shown and are additional.

ALL IN ON THE SPORT SEDAN THE 2021 LEXUS IS 300 AWD Starting At $42,075* A low, imposing stance that’s a full 30 millimeters wider than its predecessor. A new, singular taillamp that tapers to mere millimeters in the center. cente More dramatic character lines.

The result? A pure sport sedan that looks as aggressive as it feels. With its wide, dynamic stance, larger wheels and athletic, sculpted angles, the 2021 Lexus IS makes you want to just get in and drive.

Your Elite of Lexus Dealer

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

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

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Options Shown

F Sport & options shown. 2021 IS 350 F Sport AWD starts at $45,975* *All prices are plus tax, title, plate & fees to qualified buyers. Options are additional.

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cooked-to-order meals, including starters and salads, burgers, sandwiches, and steak and onion meals. It also offers a Sunday breakfast from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

Rockford Area BOSTWICK LAKE INN Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. // 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ 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

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surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. // 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. Lunch (Wed-Sun), Dinner $-$$ THIRD NATURE BREWING COMPANY Located near the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, Third Nature Brewing is a rustic brewery and taproom offering “comfort foods” such as pizzas and hot sandwiches, as well as healthier options like power bowls and salads. Open daily. // 7733 Childsdale Ave. NE in Plainfield Township, 616-512-9314. thirdnaturebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $-$$ FIRST WOK Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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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 $ 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

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

6/10/21 10:16 AM

Best of 2020-21 Readers Poll

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6/16/21 2:27 PM

dine / estau ants

Stay in the know on all things GRAND RAPIDS

Follow us for the latest news, events, and happenings in the city!

and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $ RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com.

Breakfast, Lunch $ SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$ TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare.

No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OMELETTE SHOPPE Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 726-7300. omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $

We’ve got the corner on good taste.

UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 773-1687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

3 Wine Tasting Locations Weddings Meeting Facilities Wine Club Online Ordering

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 $-$$

BENTON HARBOR (Vineyard and Winery)

269.927.1512

SOUTH HAVEN 269.637.1211

GRAND HAVEN 616.414.7070

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

6/17/21 10:25 AM

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6/16/21 5:03 PM

gr gems / ba

‘Where friends meet’ The Apartment Lounge is a haven for those in need of community.

BY JULIE TABBERER, GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Apartment Lounge has a long history in the Grand Rapids community. Visit it at 33 Sheldon Ave. NE

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For nearly 50 years, The Apartment Lounge has served as a place “where friends meet.” The LGBTQ bar traces its roots back to 1972 when Ed Ladner and Milt Lennox, a couple since the mid-1960s, decided to open a bar together downtown. Over the next 8-10 years, the bar’s name and location shifted several times before settling onto the northeast corner of Fulton Street and Monroe Avenue as The Apartment Lounge. That building, where the outdoor seating area for the B.O.B. is located today, was targeted for

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demolition and development in 1987. The Apartment Lounge moved to its current site on Sheldon Avenue in 1988.

The Apartment Lounge is best known for the community built within and around it. The bar has been the setting for everyday social gatherings and also a space for difficult topics. Over a drink you could talk about coming out to your parents or worries you might be fired because your boss found out you were gay. At the height of the AIDS epidemic, the bar was also a place where many talked through the tough news of an HIV diagnosis. The legacy and community of The Apartment Lounge continues today under the ownership of Bobby Johnson, a business owner and longtime friend of Ed and Milt, who purchased the bar from the couple in 2012.

BAR JOHNNY QUIRIN

6/10/21 10:14 AM

escape explore

This is Traverse City. What’s your perfect vacation? Enjoying the many lakes or rivers by yourself?

Taking your family to places you’ve never experienced? Try hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, winery or cra beer tours, unique downtown shopping and meals that will forever change your taste buds – it’s all here. Traverse City: A Pre y Great Place.

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6/15/21 10:55 AM

You have a dream.

Whether your dream is to finish what you started, earn a better salary or show your kids what a quality education can do, Davenport University can help you get there. davenport.edu/achieve

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5/24/21 3:52 PM