Grand Rapids Magazine August 2020 by Grand Rapids Magazine

NEIGHBORHOODS WHAT TO SEE AND DO NOW PLUS GREEK TO GO

BREWTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

ATTAH OBANDE

PUS, M A C CH TO E NEW U O C FROM EXPLORE TH DENTS WE R STU O F L A NORM

Gonzalo, a Davenport University student, will balance both online and on-campus classes this fall.

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FARM to TABLE

2020 Kids’ Food Basket Farm To Table Dinner Series Join us for our inaugural farm to table dinner series. Guests will enjoy a dinner procured from the Kids’ Food Basket’s sustainable farm and other local sources prepared by West Michigan chefs. By joining us at the table on this special evening, you are supporting our mission to nourish kids to reach their full potential and our urban growing initiatives.

August 19 | September 2 September 16 | September 30 Cocktail Hour 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Dinner To Follow Sponsorship and Series Tickets Available May 29 Individual Tickets Available July 10 Dinners will be held rain or shine. Tickets available at kidsfoodbasket.org/FarmtoTable Contact claire.timmer@kidsfoodbasket.org

Kids’ Food Basket is following all CDC and Government Recommended Guidelines.

contents AUG. 2020 VOLUME 57, ISSUE 8

FEATURES

BACK-TOSCHOOL

CO LLEGE ST U DEN TS FACE U NC E R TAIN T Y AS T H EY H E A D BACK TO S CH O OL . BY SAM EASTER

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE FIVE GR N E I GH BO R H OO DS TO VIS IT N OW. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

P H OTO G R A P H BY AS H L E Y W E I R E N GA

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

COVER: PHOTOGRAPHY ANGELA CICCU STYLING JENNIFER PICKERING HAIR/MAKEUP ERICK GERSON MODEL UNIQUE TALENT

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Call for inquiries 24 8-45 9-72 00

contents / august

every issue 8 97

editor's letter dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

112 gr gems

Discover the history of victory gardens in Grand Rapids

people + places

city

guide

issues

New rideshare, more bike lanes and RC Caylan opens store The newbie's guide to Grand Rapids Ready by Five prepares young kids for school success

voice

profile

Coronavirus Civilian Corps helps GR businesses Attah Obande helps minority entrepreneurs with business dreams

look + feel

gear

expert

wellness

home

This year's best back-toschool gear

Tackling family finances Help your kids manage backto-school stress Creating inspiring homework stations for your kids

food + drink

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

table

create

cheers

must-try

Enjoy the Mediterranean with Greek To Go

Shrimp scampi is a summer classic Brewt's spices it up with hot sauces Hippie's Chippies offers a unique take on the tortilla chip CCC JOHNNY QUIRIN BREWT'S HANNAH ZIEGELER ATTAH OBANDE DAVID SPARKS

P R O M I N E N T LY R E P R E S E N T I N G T H E F I N E S T I N G R A N D R A P I D S R E A L E S TAT E F O R O V E R 3 0 Y E A R S 1 6 49 P O NTIAC ROAD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; E AST G R AN D R APIDS

Katie-K Team 616.291.3552 Katie@Katie-K.com 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

editor's letter / connect

BEHIND THE SCENES

Neighborhood pride I hope you are enjoying your summer so far. Thankfully, we still have another month of summer left, so you still have time to check off items on your to-do list. This month, we take a look at five Grand Rapids-area neighborhoods, speaking with their neighborhood associations to learn about their vision for the community, investment priorities and to get a general picture of what it’s like to live in those neighborhoods. Grand Rapids is lucky to have so many dedicated individuals taking their time to participate within their neighborhoods. Our neighborhood pride is strong. While summer may not be over quite yet, our thoughts are turning to the start of the school year. When we compiled this month’s articles, there were still a lot of unknowns regarding whether students would be returning to classrooms in the fall or if schools would be taking an alternative approach due to COVID-19. We spoke with several high school and college leaders to find out what they are planning. We also spoke with two students entering their freshman year to find out what the summer has been like for them as they grapple with these unknowns and prepare to start their college education. No matter your student’s age, the start of a new school year often comes with stress, and this year students might be facing more stress than usual due to safety protocols implemented due to COVID-19. In this issue, we share tips about how to be proactive in helping your child manage that added stress, as well as the typical back-to-school jitters. If you are planning any backyard gatherings or trips to the beach this month, check out our articles on Hippie’s Chippies, a tortilla chip company, and Brewt’s, which makes healthier bloody mary mixes and hot sauces. Both of these women-owned Grand Rapids companies’ products would be great additions to your menu. We also find out more about another woman-owned business, Greek to Go, which makes prepared Greek dishes that you can find in the frozen food section of the grocery aisle. Enjoy these final days of summer!

Makeup artist Erick Gerson and model Gonzalo during the GR Magazine August photoshoot.

Next issue

In March, performing arts stages were forced to shut down due to COVID19. Find out if the curtain will go up this fall with our Arts issue.

On the radio

Join Managing Editor Charlsie Dewey at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays, as she presents the Weekend City Guide with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio FM 88.5 and 95.3.

On TV

Managing Editor Charlsie Dewey joins Shelley Irwin each month on WGVU’s “Community Connection” program to discuss what’s inside Grand Rapids Magazine. 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:

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

Sam Easter is an independent journalist based in Grand Rapids. A Michigan native, Sam is a graduate of Central Michigan University. He has published articles in Vice, the Daily Beast, and newspapers in Michigan and North Dakota.

EDITOR TERRY JOHNSTON BEHIND THE SCENES KEAGAN COOP CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY SAM EASTER

SPACE IN THE CASE

SALE

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

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

We asked our staff: You arrive at your go-to Michigan travel destination and stop at your favorite foodie hot-spot that you've been missing. Where is it and what are you eating?

Editorial Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Charlsie Dewey Digital Editor: Tom Mitsos Contributors: Ann Byle, Jamie deGraaf Tulisiak, Roni Devlin, Sam Easter, Deidre Remtema, Megan Sarnacki, Tylee Shay, Pasha Shipp, Julie Tabberer, Tricia van Zelst

I've been dreaming about the hot chicken, flaky biscuits and cocktails at The Southerner for months! Summertime is all about escaping the city to beach towns, like Saugatuck, and my husband and I love hitting the beach during the day and topping it off with a heavenly bucket of chicken in the cool Michigan evenings.

Sales General Inquiries: Advertisingsales@grmag.com Advertising Director: Jenn Maksimowski Account Executives: Chelsea Carter, Jessica Laidlaw, Renee Looman, Craig R. Rich, Amanda Smiley Sales Intern: Moya Tobey Office Manager: Alisha Andres To Order Reprints: Receptionist – (616) 459-4545

ALISHA ANDRES

SugarHigh Bakery in Frankenmuth! I have a huge sweet tooth and their cupcakes are TO DIE FOR (especially their Snickerdoodle cupcake)! MARIAH KNOTT

Design Creative Director: Lindsay Emeigh Associate Art Director: Keagan Coop Contributors: Angela Ciccu, Bryan Esler, James Heimer, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Jennifer Pickering, Johnny Quirin, David Sparks, Werner Straube, Kelly Sweet, Ashley Weirenga

Production Production Director: Jenine Rhoades Senior Production Artist: Robert Gorczyca Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel Advertising Coordinators: Danielle Szatkowski, Amanda Zwiren Advertising Designers: Christian Lott, Daniel Moen, Marcus Thompson, Amanda Zwiren Web Digital Strategy Director: Nick Britsky Web Project Lead: Matthew Cappo Web Project Assistants: Mariah Knott, Luanne Lim, Bart Woinski IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland

The Douglas area is a quick trip from Grand Rapids and I love eating at The Farmhouse Deli when visiting! The freshest baked goods, salads and sandwiches – it's one of my favorite spots for easy eats. Good food goes well with antiquing shopping down Blue Star Highway!

August 18-22

DEIDRE REMTEMA

I always hit up The Dish Cafe whenever I visit Traverse City. I love the casual environment and simple menu that has a lot of variety while not being overwhelming. My tradition is cooling down with one of their tasty smoothies – mmm! DAVID SPARKS

When I go to the west side of the state with the family, my mom and I like to sneak off to Sherman’s Ice Cream in South Haven. They always have so many delicious flavors and the portions are bigger than my head. Also, a perk of secretly going together... when we later go as a family, it’s a secret that we've already had some. Well, I guess it isn’t really a secret now! AMANDA ZWIREN

Circulation Director Of Audience Development: Michelle VanArman Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247 During my family's annual trip to our cabin in the UP, we always make it a point to stop at Roxanne's Smokehouse, found in the tiny town of Eckerman. Nothing tastes better than one of Roxanne's classic pan pizzas after a long day of working in the woods with the fam. BRADY MILLS

Marketing Marketing & Events Director: Mary Sutton Marketing & Events Manager: Andrea Straw Marketing & Events Intern: Brady Mills 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

I enjoy traveling to new spots around the state, but anytime I pass through East Lansing I always stop at Conrad’s for my ever-so-nostalgic “Number One” and Mac and Cheese Bites. Once a Spartan, always a Spartan! KRISTIN MINGO

Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Media. Publishing offices: 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag.com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI and at additional mailing offices. Copyright ©2019 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St., SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $4.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

Save big during our only sale of the year with discounts on designer jewelry and in-house designs. This orange moonstone ring is half off! In-stock items are 20-50% off August 18-22.

Watch for daily specials on Facebook & Instagram. Tu-Fr 10-5 Sat 12-4 616-459-5075 978 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids MI metalartstudioinc.com Remember to park free in our lot. GR M AG .CO M

VOTING ENDS AUGUST 7, 2020

Winners will be announced in the January 2021 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine!

#bestofgr

Visit grmag.com to cast your votes today!

people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

ISSUES

Early education page 14

» PLUS: CORONAVIRUS CIVILIAN CORPS DREAM MAKER ATTAH OBANDE NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO GR

Ready by Five is giving children a head start on their education.

P H O T O G R A P H B Y K E L LY S W E E T GR M AG .CO M

people + places / city

Designer opens store

CITY

Ride service for kids

The recently launched Trusted Rides app is a unique ride share service exclusively offering safe rides for kids ages 5 and up. The user-friendly platform allows parents to easily schedule a ride or series of rides to drive children back and forth to school, academic tutoring, sports and other extracurricular activities. The Trusted Rides app features a host of safety measures to ensure children reach their destination safely. “Safety is our No. 1 concern. What makes our company different from other rideshare companies is that we are dedicated exclusively to rides for children ages 5 and up, and as a result, we have more rigorous security and insurance protocols,” said Michelle Exoo, co-founder of Trusted Rides. “Our drivers are expected to be on time, clean, appropriate, polite and safe at all times. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any drivers breaking these requirements.” Safety features include a driver profile with a 30-second video and car details, a system-generated password and real time geotracking of the ride. Trusted Rides drivers also are easily identifiable through a logo on their vehicle and a Trusted Rides T-shirt. The company said its drivers are rigorously interviewed, screened and have passed a safety training program and 21-point vehicle inspection. “Familiarity and consistency are very important for children, so we have included an option to save a driver as a favorite in the app,” said Exoo. “It allows our customers to develop a community within the app and an extra comfort level for the child.” More details can be found at trustedridesusa.com.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

Trusted Rides is a car service for kids ages 5 and up.

Safety features include a driver profile with a 30-second video and car details, a systemgenerated password and real time geo-tracking of the ride.

RC Caylan, a Grand Rapids-based fashion designer, is opening a store at Breton Village. The store will feature designs ready for sale, as well as his custom-made services. Caylan’s designs have been featured on red carpets around the world, as well as on models walking the runways of New York Fashion Week. “Since opening my atelier/work studio (on Monroe Center), I have always dreamed of having my own retail store,” said Caylan. “This move is a huge step in my career, and I am very excited to be able to share my brand with our local fashion enthusiasts.” Find the store at 1876 Breton Road SE.

Bike friendly

Grand Rapids is continuing its efforts to become a more bike-friendly city. The Downtown Development Authority approved $125,000 for bike projects in 2020. That money will go toward on-street bicycle lanes, improving some existing bicycle lanes, and adding bicycle parking and repair stations. The improvements are slated to be completed by the end of summer.

CHILD ISTOCK/GOADS AGENCY DESIGNER COURTESY CWD REAL ESTATE BIKE LANE ISTOCK/ALBERTPEGO

people + places / guide

GUIDE

A guide for Grand Rapids newbies Just moved? These resources can help you settle in. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

If you are new to Grand Rapids or know someone who is, the resources below are great ways to get acclimated to the community. Experience Grand Rapids, experiencegr.com, is a marketing organization focused on attracting visitors to Grand Rapids and sharing the many unique things it has to offer. You’ll find things to do, restaurant listings, an events calendar, blogs filled with information on everything from where to brunch to where to score the best tacos and more. This website is packed with information, but it’s also easy to navigate. Relocating can be hard, especially if you have a family. Hello West Michigan, hellowestmichigan.com, seeks to make the experience easier by providing resources to help the whole family settle in once they arrive. From the how-tos of relocating to the social opportunities available, Hello West Michigan is here to help. If you want to move but haven’t scored a job yet, this also is a great resource to help with your job search. Grand Rapids has many recreation leagues, from more formal groups through the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Parksand-Recreation, to resident-organized running groups, fitness clubs and sports teams. Whatever your hobby, you are likely to find a group to join and the opportunity to meet new friends. Most of these groups have active social media pages. Neighborhood identity is important in Grand Rapids, and each of the city’s neighborhoods has its own distinct feel. If you are looking for a place to live or you’re settling into a new neighborhood, a great resource is its neighborhood association — most of the community’s neighborhoods have one and some are more robust than others. Check out the article on p. 67 for an introduction to a few of Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods, too. These groups usually have social media accounts worth following as well. For working moms, momHIVE, momhivegr.com, is a great way to meet other mothers in the community. This co-working space provides onsite child care so you can focus on projects and tasks while still having your kids close by. It is a membership-based organization that offers a handful of other benefits as well, including the opportunity to socialize with other working moms in the community. SHOPPING, TACOS, NEIGHBORHOOD COURTESY EXPERIENCE GR

Visit Rebel (above) for unique gifts before heading to Luna downtown for tacos (below), then take a walk through historic Heritage Hill (bottom).

You’ll find things to do, restaurant listings, an events calendar, blogs filled with information on everything from where to brunch to where to score the best tacos and more.

GR M AG .CO M

people + places / issues

Joclyn and Cory Ward with their sons Joshua and David.

ISSUES

Giving children a head start $10 million injected into early childhood programming. BY ANN BYLE

// PHOTO BY KELLY SWEET

Kent County was the first in the state and one of the first in the nation to approve tax dollars specifically for early childhood programming when the Ready by Five Early Childhood proposal passed in November 2018. Now, nearly two years later, First Steps Kent is allocating Ready by Five dollars in five categories of need with the goal of improving health, school readiness and well-being of children ages 5 and under. Much of 2019 was spent applying to the county to become fiduciary for the program, nearly tripling First Steps Kent’s staff to administer Ready by Five and creating an application form and process for organizations to apply for the funds. Outreach and Navigation was the first Ready by Five piece activated in October 2019. “We researched other communities with dedicated funding streams like this and discovered that you can fund programs, but if people can’t find the programs they don’t work,” said Annemarie Valdez, president and CEO of First Steps Kent. “The navigation piece is so important.” Ready by Five implemented what she calls the “no wrong door” approach. 14

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

“Wherever a parent or guardian enters the system with a question about a child or about where to go for help, there is a warm handoff,” said Valdez. “We want to make sure programs that receive funding have adequate staff, so families don’t get lost.” So far, 17 organizations and 27 programs (some organizations have more than one program) have received funds, totaling $10 million, in the following areas: Outreach and Navigation, Healthy Development, Home Visiting, Play and Learn Communities, and Healthy and Safe Homes. The next round of funding is set for dispersal later this year. All of Ready by Five was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had to get creative, converting to online methods of communication, texting and calling, and doing video calls,” said Valdez. “Ramping up is still happening and services are still going on. When this happened, all of a sudden we had to jockey into place to meet the needs of families.” Organizations receiving funding across the five areas of need include Family Promise of Grand Rapids, Kent Intermediate School District, D.A. BlodgettSt. John’s, MomsBloom, Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborate, Cherry Health and Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan. For a complete list of organizations receiving funds, visit firststepskent.org/providers. Organizations requesting funds must meet several requirements including being an established organization, having a board of directors, providing financial statements and having credentialed staff. Some requests have been turned down. A nine-person allocation committee that decides on funding dispersement includes two county commissioners, four parents, one early childhood expert, a county administrator and a First Steps Kent board member. The committee meets as needed based on funding applications. “We’ve been recognized nationally for parent involvement; it’s unique and unusual to have parents on allocation committees,” said Christine Timbol Larson, the Ready by Five early childhood millage funding administrator. Joclyn Ward, a parent committee member, has participated in a number of the programs as a mother of two sons and daycare provider. “My goal was that my oldest son was doing well developmentally, and I wanted

Kindergarten readiness: • Kindergarten readiness, a comprehensive measure of a child’s development and readiness to learn, is a critical benchmark on the path to success for all children. • When a young child enters kindergarten ready for school, there is an 82% chance that child will master basic skills by age 11 compared to a 45% chance for children who are not school ready. • From conception to the first day of kindergarten, a child’s brain develops more quickly and a greater amount than at any other time. • In the first three years of a child’s life, 700 new connections between cells in the brain are formed each second, so quality, responsive early experiences are incredibly important. • In Kent County, 2018 data shows that 40% of kindergartners are demonstrating kindergarten readiness at the beginning of their kindergarten year. (20% Black, 19% Hispanic and 50% White children).

to refer daycare parents to programs I had gone to,” said Ward, who is working on a master’s degree in business administration at Davenport University. She has participated in Bright Beginnings, Baby Scholars, Family Connect and other programs with her sons, now ages 4 and 2. She applied to sit on the allocation committee and went through several rounds of interviews before being chosen. “It’s a beautiful thing to see professionals and politicians looking to parents for opinions and advice on how they felt the program was doing,” she said. “Our role is bringing our experience to the table and talking about whether a program really does what it says it does.” She feels valued for her expertise as a parent who has benefitted from the programs. “It makes me proud to be part of a county that values early childhood education,” said Ward. “It makes me feel like there are people out there who want to hear from the people they are affecting.” Measuring results will be key to evaluating the success of Ready by Five. First Steps Kent is in the early stages of setting up a measurement structure with key indicators to ensure each child is developmentally on track and accessing services that support physical and social/emotional wellness — all contributors to making sure a child is ready for kindergarten. “All contracts with organizations provided funding include them providing us with data to measure the results,” said Timbol Larson. “We look at quarterly reports and metrics, monthly data, and have shared data fields for organizations to use. The evaluation piece is going to be huge.” Ready by Five’s reach includes all areas of Kent County, not just urban areas of high need. The goal, said Timbol Larson, is to reach all children. “It is important to county commissioners that any children throughout the county can access services when needed,” she said. “Our intent is that outreach and access is countywide.” Ready by Five funding is available through 2024, with about $5.7 million allocated each year. Needs assessments are done every two years, which will help determine where those funds go.

"It makes me proud to be part of a county that values early childhood education. It makes me feel like there are people out there who want to hear from the people they are affecting." Joclyn Ward

“We want to make sure word gets out that we have this funding available and organizations should apply,” said Valdez. “We’re also asking the larger entities to partner with smaller organizations that may have a greater reach into areas of higher need. We are looking at and encouraging collaboration.” The goal is to show the community that there are good results and that more children are ready for school by age 5 thanks to Ready by Five. “Our hope lies in these children and what they’ll be able to do and change in our world,” said Valdez. “Any help we can give along the way to get them there is an amazing thing. It’s always a good day to help little kids.” GR M AG .CO M

Nate Gillespie teamed up with eight friends — and their social media followers — to help Grand Rapids businesses survive COVID-19.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / A J AUNGUUASRTY22002200

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

people + places / voice

VOICE

Serve, give, spend Nate Gillespie created the Coronavirus Civilian Corps to address current instability. BY MEGAN SARNACKI

// PHOTOS BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

In times when social distancing is the norm, virtual communication has become our main source of connection as many of us are facing severe financial, emotional and physical instabilities. To combat the negative impacts of COVID-19, Nate Gillespie created the Coronavirus Civilian Corps (CCC) with a team of eight friends to make a positive and meaningful difference on the community in three ways: Serve — Volunteering where additional human resources would benefit the community. Give — Donating to local organizations that have a specific need not being met by local grants or federal aid. Spend — Targeting specific spend campaigns for local shops, restaurants and bakeries. Why did you feel a need to take action during these uncertain times? One thing that becomes increasingly clear to me every day is we only have one life. We have one shot to make the biggest impact, help the most people and change the world for the better. For me, it wasn't really a question of do we get involved? It was simply how. How can we help the most people we possibly can in a time of crisis like this?

anecdotal from how we’ve helped business owners’ numbers go up. Since there’s no way to know exactly how many people saw a post or engaged in the specific effort, what we’re working on is creating surveys to track the timing and effectiveness of the effort and get more specific data on days we do a targeted spend compared to an ordinary business day. The one consistent trend is it seems we’re having more and more folks join our efforts. Two weeks ago, we had 200 followers on Facebook. Now, we have about 500. If we continue to grow at that rate, hopefully we can make quite the massive impact on some of these businesses.

What benefit does joining together as a community offer? There’s power in team and identity. This is a time where a lot of folks are struggling with their own personal identities. Instead of hoping everyone individually comes to the same conclusion, combining forces with like-minded folks who are interested in volunteering or giving back in the community can be a very powerful thing — both from an impact standpoint and tackling specific problems. One of the ultimate goals with this effort is to cultivate a spirit of identity and purpose in our team members, giving everyone an opportunity to feel like they’re a part of something much larger than themselves in a time of crisis where it’s very easy to feel self-focused.

What advice would you give people to take part and serve in their communities like you did during these uncertain times? While we’d be delighted to have as many folks join our efforts as possible, for folks who have other unique ideas to serve a need, don’t be afraid to take the leap and pursue it. You only get so many opportunities to serve in times of crisis. We hope everyone can adopt the true spirit of being citizens of Grand Rapids. Visit Coronavirus Civilian Corps on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter.

How are you measuring the impact of these efforts? Right now, it’s been mainly

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

Nate Gillespie is hoping to have a big impact with the Coronavirus Civilian Corps.

"There’s power in team and identity. This is a time where a lot of folks are struggling with their own personal identities." Nate Gillespie

GR M AG .CO M

Artists and Business around the city are inviting you to experience Grand Rapids

Join our neighborhood business districts as we celebrate with local Arts, entertainment and businesses. We will be safely hopping from district to district, highlighting local artists and our community. We invite you to celebrate. There is room for everyone and best of all- it’s free. Bring your grandma, your kids, or a friend and enjoy something different in each one of the neighborhoods. This program is brought to you by Lions & Rabbits, local artists, businesses, the Michigan Economic Development Council and several other community partners. To join our newsletter or see how you can get help, visit WWW.AFTERDARKGR.COM How can you support us? Every dollar counts. To donate text “AFTERDARK” to 44-321

Attah Obande has a "dream" job at SpringGR, helping others fulfill their goals.

Dream maker PROFILE

From dashing people’s dreams to helping fulfill people’s dreams. BY PASHA SHIPP

// PHOTOS BY DAVID SPARKS

Attah Obande is the director of dream fulfillment at SpringGR, an organization devoted to helping small businesses in Grand Rapids reach their full potential. The SpringGR program is divided into two parts — in-class training and post-class business development. “Our class starts with learning their learning style, and then we tap into everything from identifying your customer, to crafting the right kind of message, to how to start small and grow your business idea into the vision that you have for it,” Obande said. “It’s a 12-week training class, but then we follow that 12 weeks of training with at least two years of support. When you go through a class like SpringGR, it’s easy to have this mountaintop experience — you’ve done this great thing, you’ve accomplished this feat, but then once 20

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

people + places / p ofile

you get out, life happens. We wanted to be able to support our entrepreneurs even through that.” At its core, SpringGR seeks to help local, minority-owned businesses flourish, though the program is open for anyone to apply. “SpringGR, our focus is minorities and being able to come alongside them and give them the tools they need to be able to launch and run a successful business in a city like Grand Rapids,” Obande said. “We have our classes hosted in different areas, and we try to put them in areas where there are large minorities as a way to take away barriers.” Though it’s inspirational and custommade, director of dream fulfillment is a title Obande doesn’t take lightly. “We have two co-directors — me, as the director of dream fulfillment, and Arlene Campbell, who is the chief creator of opportunities,” he said. “Our original titles were director of business development and program director, and we just thought, ‘Those are cool, but we want to have fun titles.’ We take them seriously, but we want to show our entrepreneurs that we have fun,” he continued. “My specific role focuses on post-class. Once they graduate, my role comes into play with how I help them to connect with other resources in the city, whether that’s individuals or organizations, and making sure they have access to the things that they need and moving forward from there.” Before SpringGR, Obande worked in banking for 10 years. Back in those days, he got his first taste of working with small businesses, but it wasn’t all he hoped it would be. “Businesses are like people’s babies,” he said. “I mean, when you hear an entrepreneur talk about their business idea, there’s a ton of passion behind it. When I was working at the bank, people would bring business loans to me and business plans and the whole nine yards, and I could look at them and say, ‘Hey, I see your passion. I understand and everything; however, your business plan is not ready,’” he added. “And I just felt like I was killing people’s dreams.” So, Obande left banking behind in search of a new path. In 2014, he was recruited to join SpringGR’s pilot program as a business coach and saw the effects of the course first-hand. “During that first pilot, I was sitting with an entrepreneur, and we’re halfway

“We want to see African Americans, Latinos, Asians and anyone in-between say, ‘I can start a business, and this is a great place for me to do that.’”

through the program, and she looks up from across the table, and she’s like, ‘I actually think this is possible. I actually feel like I’m getting past my fears,’” he said. “And so for her, it was a lightbulb moment, but it was a lightbulb moment for me as well because at this point in time, I was like, ‘This is the first time I think that she isn’t identifying herself as just somebody with an idea, but she is actually identifying herself as somebody that is an entrepreneur that is going to birth something that is going to be of affect.’” Where he once had to deny entrepreneurs the funds they needed to build their small businesses, now he could give them a leg up. “Dreams have become a big thing for me ever since I left the banking world,” Obande said. “In transitioning to SpringGR, I felt like now this is my opportunity — as opposed to killing dreams — to help give people the resources they need to be able to bring those dreams to life.” Though COVID-19 threatens small business as we know it, SpringGR is doing everything possible to help keep those dreams alive.

Attah Obande

Overcoming COVID-19 There’s a lot of uncertainty about what comes next after COVID19, but Obande urges small business owners to be as flexible as possible through these tumultuous times. “Be nimble,” he said. “The people that remain rigid during this time are the ones that aren’t going to be able to, unfortunately, come out of this on the other side. Pay attention to what exactly is happening in the climate and be able to pivot just enough to be able to still bring in revenue and still maintain your identity.”

Attah Obande helps support SpringGR clients by pointing them to resources they can utilize to get their businesses off the ground.

“We’ve seen a lot of relief efforts that are out there, but one of the things we’re finding is that a lot of those efforts were just not trickling down to our entrepreneurs because they’re smaller businesses,” Obande said. “We have been able to pull from our operating budget to create a small relief grant for our entrepreneurs.” In the wake of COVID-19, there’s plenty of work to be done, and Obande is hoping to see more minority-owned businesses thrive in the city. “I’m originally from Nigeria, but Grand Rapids is now home away from home,” he said. “Seeing that statistic of Grand Rapids being the second-best city to start a business — I love to see that. But when we know that only touches one group of people ... I believe our work is important because we want to see Grand Rapids become the second-best city to start a business for everybody. We want to see African Americans, Latinos, Asians and anyone in-between say, ‘I can start a business, and this is a great place for me to do that.’” GR M AG .CO M

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look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY

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Â» PLUS: BACK-TOSCHOOL GEAR MANAGING SCHOOL STRESS TALKING MONEY WITH YOUR PARENTS

Help your child create a homework station that will make him or her eager to crack those school books.

P H OTO G R A P H BY W E R N E R S T R AU B E GR M AG .CO M

look + feel / gea Clockwise from top: Corkcicle Water Bottle, $38, Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts, kennedyfloral.com; GVSU T-shirt, $16, Dunham’s Sports, dunhamssports.com; Fjall Raven Kaken Backpack, $80, Gazelle Sports, gazellesports.com; Blackwing Colored Pencils, $24.95, Mason Jones, masonjonesshops.com; Kate Spade Notebook, $28, and Scout Lunch Box, $29.50, Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts; Hey Arnold Key Chain, $5.97, Erin Condren Markers, $8.97, and To Do Notepad, $5.97, Oh, Hello Co. Paper and Gifts, ohhelloco.com; Natural History Essays, $16.99, Woosah, spreadingthewoosah.com; Blackwing Graphite Pencils, $25.95, Mason Jones; Enamel pins, $10/each, Woosah; Apple AirPods Pro, $249, Apple, apple.com; College Survival Recipes Notebook, $16.97, Oh, Hello Co. Paper and Gifts

GEAR

First day back The back-toschool gear you need for success. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY STYLED BY JENNIFER PICKERING

Grand Rapids retailers have the gear you need to achieve this year. Head back-toschool with these items and you'll be a step ahead of your peers in the classroom. Show your school spirit with a logo embossed T-shirt, keep everything organized with a tricked out backpack and stock up on notebooks, pencils and more so you can get down to business. You'll also want to invest in some airpods so you can get in the zone when it's time to study.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

SCHOOL SUPPLIES ANGELA CICCU

look + feel / expe t

"Even if you are younger and in good health, it is never too early to bring your adult kids into the conversation..." Phillip Mitchell, CPA, CFA, CTP and president of Kroon & Mitchell

EXPERT

Family finances How to talk to your parents about money. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

Money is a sensitive topic and trying to talk about finances with your retirementage parents can be tricky to navigate, but financial adviser Phillip Mitchell, CPA, CFA, CTP and president of Kroon & Mitchell, said things can become even trickier if you wait to start those conversations. “A lot of what drives this to begin with is some sort of life-altering event,” Mitchell said, noting a medical condition or changes in mental acuity are common catalysts for these conversations becoming a priority. “But it could also be an event like right now. You have COVID-19, something like that is now giving a reason … if someone got this virus, they may not be able to have an in-person conversation with any of their family members before the end of life. There is no time to say, ‘by the way, I have MONEY ISTOCK/SORBETTO

this stock certificate somewhere, or I have this account you need to know of, or I need to line up the beneficiaries.’” Mitchell said initial conversations can be as simple as asking your parents to create a document listing all of their accounts and contact people for those accounts and then telling you where that document is kept for the future. It also can include conversations about beneficiaries and making sure your parents have created basic documents such as wills and other directives that will help make decision making easier if something happens to them. Mitchell said having these conversations with your family and making sure everything is taken care of can mean saving thousands of dollars later by avoiding the court system.

Next up, sit in on their next meeting with their financial adviser and start learning about how your parents have accumulated wealth, where that money is being kept and how your parents intend to use those resources in the future. On the opposite side of the conversation, it’s important for retirement-age parents of adult kids to start letting their kids know what their retirement expectations are and how they intend to fund those later years. Oftentimes leaving your kids in the dark about your financial situation can create undue stress on your kids as they worry about how they’ll help take care of you down the road. In cases where parents intend to leave assets to their kids, Mitchell said it can help for parents to share their hopes for how their kids will use those assets, perhaps to fund their own retirement accounts or for a home purchase, etc. After working hard to accumulate a comfortable life it can be hard to hand over financial assets if you are unsure how your kids will manage them when you’re gone. Mitchell said even if you are younger and in good health, it is never too early to bring your adult kids into the conversation because often they can garner helpful advice they can start using now, like the best ways to save, lessons from your own mistakes or successes and more. It also helps them begin to build relationships with financial advisers they will likely be working with in the future. Mitchell said it’s important for everyone to understand legal changes that might impact generational wealth transfers and the strategies necessary for optimizing those transfers. GR M AG .CO M

look + feel / wellness

WELLNESS

Managing back-toschool stress This fall kids might experience increased stress due to COVID-19. BY RONI DEVLIN

// ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES HEIMER

In the first half of 2020, about 1.5 billion students across the globe experienced an abrupt disruption of their education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students who were unable to finish their normal school year were under unprecedented stress as parents and educators struggled to implement remote learning, which was further complicated by inconsistency in schedules at home, undefined rules and consequences, and unclear academic and behavioral expectations. Online schooling was hard, especially for children in poverty, for students with poorly resourced schools or without electronic devices and for those kids whose parents were under considerable pressures of their own. In addition, social isolation required by the pandemic caused children and adolescents to miss out on critical connections with extended family, peers and educators. Lindsey Farlow, LLMSW, is a therapist at BRAINS, an accredited practice in Grand Rapids whose mission is to maximize the potential of families through understanding the complex relationship between the brain, body and real life. During the period of home schooling and social distancing, Farlow noted “the majority of kids (elementary and up) express[ed] missing their friends and family members,” which in turn may have increased a sense of boredom, contributed to frustrations during learning, led to extraordinary amounts of screen time and influenced regression of behaviors. 26

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

How to recognize stress and anxiety in your student • Younger students may not always be able to translate their worries into words, so it can come out in their behavior: trouble sleeping or nightmares, more tantrums, regression of skills (such as a return to wetting the bed or picky eating habits) and/or increased “clinginess.” • Stress also may manifest as new physical symptoms in children of all ages, especially complaints of headaches, stomachaches and body aches. • Some students may show an extreme reluctance to change routines and/or a disinterest in new activities; adolescents can spiral into clinical depression. • Teens may respond by engaging in increasingly risky behaviors. Be alert for new concerns in adolescents who didn’t previously have an issue.

Lindsey Farlow, LLMSW, BRAINS therapist

Where to find help Luckily, in West Michigan, there are a number of resources that can offer help if students are showing signs of stress and anxiety as they begin the new school year. Pediatricians can assess both physical and mental symptoms and refer for counseling, whether in school or as an outpatient; these services can even be provided virtually via telehealth in some cases. BRAINS, brains potential.com, has psychologists and therapists like Farlow who provide specialized services in addition to finding solutions for life challenges and connecting families with eligible community resources. Online, the “Stay Home, Stay Mindful” website headspace.com/ MI has a special collection of meditation, sleep and movement exercises to help Michiganders (kids included) maintain a strong and healthy mind, while Michigan Cares, michiganvirtual.org/sel/ Michigan-cares/, is a program that offers free digital lessons focused on developing social, emotional and mental well-being skills.

It is uncertain how many of these unique stressors may remain for students as they approach the new school year, which is often accompanied by worries about fitting in, being liked and navigating change. Farlow said the response to stress that children and adolescents express “depends on how the caregivers are responding to the stressor.” Parents need to be mindful of their own anxiety as their kids prepare for the new school year, and Farlow encourages “families to have open age-appropriate conversations with their children, in addition to checking in occasionally on how they are feeling and reassure them how to keep safe” as they navigate through new school routines.

"I think it will be an adjustment for sure with regards to new safety precautions; however, kids are resilient and can adapt to changes with the proper guidance." Lindsey Farlow, LLMSW

“I think it will be an adjustment for sure with regards to new safety precautions; however, kids are resilient and can adapt to changes with the proper guidance,” said Farlow. “Prepare and practice are good ways to approach change. Some things you can implement (are) how to social distance, alternatives to shaking hands or hugs and routinely washing hands.” Whether educated at school or at home, students of all ages experience less stress and anxiety if they maintain consistent routines, practice healthy habits, take regular breaks from media and find ways to stay connected through social networks. “It is important to try to keep a routine that includes learning opportunities, relaxation time and physical or outdoor activities to meet the basic needs,” said Farlow. Regardless of the site of education, it is important for children and adolescents to continue relationships with their educators, as research suggests that having a positive relationship with a teacher is just as important as academic skills when it comes to school engagement. LINDSEY FARLOW COURTESY BRAINS POTENTIAL

GR M AG .CO M

look + feel / home

HOME

If the homework station is tucked into a small niche, consider floating shelves for books. These concealed metal shelves can hold up to 20 pounds and show off your child's reading personality as if it was art. We used the Umbra set from the Container Store and rotate favorite books to keep them off the floor or from piling up next to the bed.

Homework help 6 tips for creating a homework spot your kids will love. BY DEIDRE REMTEMA

// PHOTO BY WERNER STRAUBE

Organization is key in fostering a focused mindset. For some kids staying organized comes naturally, for others it’s a skill that needs to be taught and encouraged. Either way, space needs to be carved out to keep essential items close and accessible.

Task lighting for homework is a top priority. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to concentrate in a space that is poorly lit. In this homework spot we have lighting above the desk in the ceiling and a brighter table lamp. Lamps are a great way to bring in personal style, just make sure the light output is sufficient for reading and writing.

Living in West Michigan, the home of commercial furniture, it is not hard to find great vintage office furniture items. Here we painted a vintage desk in orange and white, then added a classic Eames Shell chair. Mixing history and personalization always makes a space more interesting.

Personal expression is so important, especially for kids. A large tack board can be organized with a calendar, goals and artwork. Make sure the board is large and really fills up your wall space. Kids love seeing what they have accomplished pinned up and it’s easy to change with the seasons.

“A thoughtful, organized and personalized homework space can make all the difference.” Deidre Remtema

Completing schoolwork from home has taken on new meaning this year as children across the state had to set up and finish their spring semesters from home. How do we keep kids encouraged and engaged while completing their schoolwork from home? A thoughtful, organized and personalized homework space can make all the difference. Deidre Remtema is principal and interior designer of Deidre Interiors. Deidre Interiors provides turnkey interior design, architecture and furnishings for custom homes with a personal and focused process, using a full-service approach for new construction homes, renovation projects and complete floor-to-ceiling decorating.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

Trash and recycling that is easy to access is important for maintaining a clean workspace. If there is room, keeping it hidden in a drawer can help free up knee space under the desk. Kids are so messy and need to be taught how to keep a tidy, clutter-free space.

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

Looking for inspiration in the kitchen? Try this shrimp scampi recipe from attorney Ric Roane.

CREATE

Summer seafood

page 36

» PLUS: GREEK TO GO INTRODUCING HIPPIE'S CHIPPIES TOP 5 WINE MUST-HAV ES

P H O T O G R A P H B Y S TA C Y F E Y E R - S A L O GR M AG .CO M

Esther Koukios shares her passion for Greek cuisine with Greek To Go, a prepared food venture.

A labor of love TABLE

Greek To Go offers bake-from-frozen options. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

A small dream among a group of friends led to a full-fledged company. Greek To Go was originally developed by Esther Koukios and her two friends. Today, Koukios remains the company’s sole owner. “Maria Misser, Katerina Bichay and I started this business a decade ago — it was their love of our culture and our desire to share it with others that got Greek To Go off the ground,” Koukios said. “They are wonderful chefs — and friends — and if I ever need them for an 32

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

FOOD PREP COURTESY GREEK TO GO

food + drink / table

order or party, they are always there to help. Katerina also has a love of teaching and joins me regularly for our cooking classes.” The company began as a small effort in 2009 to make food for friends and family, but in 2011, Grand River Grocery (formerly located in Ada Village) came knocking. “Grand River Grocery asked if they could sell our baklava,” Koukios said. That move helped the trio legitimize the business and begin pursuing other opportunities. “From there, with an existing relationship with Jeff VandenBerg, owner of Forest Hills Foods, we pursued the idea of having our items in his freezer case and bakery. To date, Forest Hills Foods remains our best-selling store,” she said. In 2012, Koukios took over ownership and continued the business with help from her husband, Jim Koukios, former owner of the recently closed Red Hot Inn. “I could run the business alongside of his, while my partners went on to other projects and family,” she said. With the closure of Red Hot Inn, Koukios is now looking for a new location to operate Greek To Go’s production and catering. Without a brick and mortar location, Greek To Go sells its products two ways: through local grocers and farmers markets and online ordering. “We are a little different than your average supplier — we supply ‘bake from frozen’ options like spanakopita (spinach pie) and tiropita (cheese pie) to local grocers,” Koukios said. “These are included in their prepared frozen foods section — and can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. We also supply baklava (a honey walnut pastry) that can be found in the bakery section of many stores. But we also service many farmers markets throughout the selling season, offering those three staple items and a packaged Greek seasoning mix that allows grilling to really go to the next level. “We also supply to local restaurants who want to serve these items on their menu. And, we offer a full catering menu to any individual or business. The best aspect of this is we can customize as we create the order — from bite-size snacks and appetizers to full-blown meals for 100. Moreover, if a client states, ‘I remember this one dish I had in Greece one time ….’ we can recreate their memory for any size party.” Some of the other items Koukios cooks up regularly include moussaka (eggplant), gyro (shaved lamb), hummus, salads, soups, breads and pastries. SPANAKOPITA, SALAD COURTESY GREEK TO GO

Greek To Go's spanakopita (top and middle) can be found in the frozen food aisle of local grocers. The company also caters events, offering items like Greek salad (right).

“It takes tremendous people power to hand-roll every single cheese or spinach pie. ... Every item is hand prepared — we don’t cut corners or outsource steps.” Esther Koukios

GR M AG .CO M

food + drink / table

Esther Koukios said her goal is to maintain her love of her business.

Greek food has garnered an excellent reputation as a healthy diet in the last decade. “Our use of olive oil as a primary fat/ cooking ingredient offers so many benefits like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and protection against things like heart disease and strokes. But it’s not limited to olive oil as the fat source — it’s heavy reliance on vegetables (locally sourced when possible) that also carries so many benefits to the whole family.” Because of its agricultural diversity, Michigan is a great location for finding many of the necessary ingredients for Greek recipes. Koukios said summertime is an especially good time to eat Greek food. “The fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, staples in a Greek ‘salata’ — a salad without the lettuce — are outstanding,” she said. She also is a regular shopper at Mediterranean Island, near the corner of Kalamazoo Avenue and 44th Street SE. “For example, the Greek version of lasagna is pastichio. In Greece, the pastichio noodle is very common to find. In West Michigan, not so much. So, I am fortunate to find it at Mediterranean Island when I need it.” Koukios is committed to sharing Greek cooking through Greek To Go. “This isn’t

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

“This isn’t easy work — it’s a labor of love and devotion to my heritage.” Esther Koukios

easy work — it’s a labor of love and devotion to my heritage,” she said. “I can still hear my YiaYia (grandmother) telling me how to chop one way or sauté another. I cherish those memories as I now pass on skills and stories to my own sons — and the employees who I have been blessed with. “It takes tremendous people power to hand-roll every single cheese or spinach pie. There is no machine automation that takes our products into high production. Every item is hand prepared — we don’t cut corners or outsource steps.” While she is interested in growing her business, Koukios also is committed to ensuring it’s always “a job I love.” “I know that I will never own a restaurant,” she said. “Having worked with my husband and his family for the 35 years he ran the family business, Red Hot Inn, I know firsthand the effort it takes to run a restaurant. My vision is similar to a big kitchen, with an open door, a friendly face to chat with — making all the items I love until we run out for the day. No exact hours, menus that evolve and change with the seasons — and if I need to run back to Greece to soak up the sun and pick some olives, I can!” Visit greektogofoods.com. BAKING COURTESY GREEK TO GO

Greek To Go's baklava (top) helped launch the business. Today, the company offers a handful of pastries including tiropita (left and above).

BAKLAVA, TIROPITA COURTESY GREEK TO GO

GR M AG .CO M

food + drink / c eate

CREATE

Shrimp scampi A light yet filling dish for summer. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTOS BY STACY FEYER-SALO

In his spare time, Ric Roane, partner with Warner Norcross + Judd, enjoys cooking. He first began his culinary journey at age 10, when his aunt gave him “Betty Crocker’s Cookbook for Boys and Girls.” He and his brother took up cooking for the family at that time. As an adult, Roane’s love of cooking continued. During quarantine he said he’s been cooking even more, “challenging myself with many new dishes that I developed based upon meals we have eaten at restaurants and while traveling.” Roane shared his recipe for shrimp scampi, a classic Italian-American dish.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2-4 anchovies, minced fine 2 cloves fresh garlic, grated on a micro plane grater or crushed with flat of knife and minced finely 1 medium onion cut in thin slices, then cut into half crescents 1 medium sweet red pepper, seeded, chopped into medium dice 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp size 21-40 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup fresh Italian flat leaf parsley minced 1 pound broccoli crowns, cut into flowerettes (steamed or blanched for 3 minutes, drained) OR one 10-ounce bag fresh spinach (microwave in bag for 1-2 minutes until wilted) Juice of 1-2 lemons plus zest, totaling ¼ cup 1 pound fresh pasta (fettuccini, linguini or pappardelle) — cook according to instructions and drain ½ cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons capers, drained 8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese Shaved Parmesan cheese for passing

Prepare: Sauté the anchovies in olive oil for 2 minutes until they melt into the oil. Add garlic, onions and pepper and stir fry on medium to high heat for 3-5 minutes until softened a bit. Turn heat to high and add additional oil, then sauté shrimp for 2 minutes until just cooked — do not overcook or the shrimp will toughen. Add butter and parsley and toss; turn heat down to medium. Add broccoli or spinach or both and toss thoroughly. Add lemon juice and zest and white wine and toss thoroughly. Turn off heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Divide prepared pasta between four pasta plates. Spoon shrimp scampi over pasta. Serve and pass grated Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked pepper at the table. *Meijer sells wild Patagonia Red Shrimp peeled and deveined 21-40 size in its frozen seafood section. It is my preferred shrimp for this dish.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

food + drink / chee s

CHEERS

Mixing up brunch

From bloody mary mixes to hot sauces, Brewt's is ready to deliver at your next brunch.

Brewt’s bloody mary mixers are ready for your summer table. BY TYLEE SHAY

In 2015, Emily Griffen decided to tackle a void in the beverage market. Griffen noticed a lack of all-natural, preservativefree bloody mary mixers on store shelves, so she set out to create the first. “Bloody mary mixers were all filled with so much extra sodium and sugar,” explained Griffen. “I could only ever drink one, and when you are brunching what’s the fun in that!” With a background in nutrition and health, Griffen decided to channel her knowledge into crafting a bloody mary recipe that was equally delicious and healthier than those already on the market. From her Grand Rapids kitchen, Griffen created the Brewt’s Bloody Mary recipe, named after her pet chihuahua Brewtus. Brewt’s Bloody Mary mixer is now sold in over 1,800 locations across the Midwest. “Our mission is to bring customers all natural, always handcrafted, premium food and beverage products,” said Griffen. “We are always brainstorming on the next product and how we can continue to BREWT'S HANNAH ZIEGELER

"Our mission is to bring customers all natural, always handcrafted, premium food and beverage products." Emily Griffen

expand our line of handcrafted goods.” Most recently, Griffen said Brewt’s released a first-of-its-kind mixer to the market; the Brewt’s Bloody Caesar mix. “The difference in our Bloody Mary and our Bloody Caesar is we replaced the beef stock in the Mary with fresh wild caught clam stock in the Caesar, and we doubled the amount of lemons and limes giving the Caesar a really ocean-fresh flavor,” said Griffen. “There are really no other Caesar mixers on the market in Michigan right now, and we are doing it with all-natural, handcrafted fresh products.” Brewt’s also debuted its own line of hot sauces in late 2019. There are currently three sauces ranging in heat and flavor. “By far, the bloody mary mix has always been our most popular product, but I think over time the hot sauces will really take over,” Griffen said. “They speak for themselves with their incredible flavor profiles.” Brewt’s was eager to start a new partnership with the West Michigan Whitecaps this summer, serving its bloody mary mix at every concession stand and bar throughout the ballpark, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on those plans with the season postponed. Brewt’s has continued to serve customers through the pandemic, however, by continuing to fulfill online orders and keeping local grocers’ shelves stocked with its products. Visit BrewtsMix.com. GR M AG .CO M

food + drink / must-t y

MUST-TRY

Brightening the chip aisle Sweet and savory chips for a psychedelic good time. BY MEGAN SARNACKI

// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

Equipped with a lava lamp, tie-dye business cards and some eccentric fun vibes, modern-day hippies Linda Nash and Melissa Pupils have taken the chip market for a psychedelic new ride. While this aunt/niece entrepreneur duo may not wear the ordinary suits of corporate America, they are embracing their quirky flair by offering a fun treat not normally seen on grocery store shelves. Made by Grand Rapids-based Festida Foods and stocked by several stores statewide, such as SpartanNash and Meijer, Hippie’s Chippies combine sweet and savory in a light crisp that’s free of gluten, MSG, trans fat and cholesterol. “We joke that it’s practically healthy,” Pupils said. “But it’s the seasoning by far that we worked so hard to master.” Because the ’60s was a generation for peace and love, Nash and Pupils wanted to instill that positivity with the design of the Hippie’s Chippies’ packaging. “We have to deal with a lot of negativity and darkness in the world, but sometimes little things can brighten your day. If you’re walking past the aisle, we wanted the bag to bring happy memories and a little smile,” Nash said. After 23 years of coaching women’s basketball at Aquinas College, Nash not only left the court with the most basketball wins for a coach in the school’s history, but also left wanting to empower female voices. “I grew up in a time where being involved in athletics was not cool,” Nash said. “In coaching at Aquinas, I tried to instill in my female players the importance of advocating on the behalf of other women. Even now, the corporate world is still very male-dominated. I went to a meeting with 50 people from the food industry — all men. As we continue to grow, it’s very important that we make the world a better place by giving back to the community and supporting other women entrepreneurs.” Though working with family may not be a dream for some, Nash and Pupils 38

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

The sweet and savory flavor is what makes Hippie's Chippies unique to the market.

"If you’re walking past the aisle, we wanted the bag to bring happy memories and a little smile." Linda Nash

have always held a special bond. “Linda was my hero growing up. She was my idol. I always wanted to walk in her footsteps and now I get to work with her every day,” Pupils said. “When you enjoy what you’re doing, it doesn’t even feel like work.” Visit hippieschippies.com.

TOP 5

Wine tools

Enjoy your next bottle with these items. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

You can find a plethora of products promising to elevate your wine, but we asked Phil Kessling, GM at Leon & Son Grand Rapids and certified sommelier, which ones are really must-haves. Whether you are enjoying a bottle alone or kicking it with friends, make sure to up your game with his suggestions.

Quality all-purpose wine glass I prefer the World Market Connoisseur Bordeaux Glass — a lead free crystal glass made in Germany and inexpensive. Riedel Sommelier glasses are at the other end of the spectrum. Mouth blown, thin, expensive and relatively fragile. I save these for very special

occasions as I have broken many through the years. Good wine key I recommend the Pulltaps double hinge. It is light, durable and inexpensive. My favorite at the house is the Pulltaps Toledo double hinge made with stainless steel, wood grips and a little bit larger knife at a higher price.

Decanter There are two main reasons to use a decanter; when you are drinking a younger ageworthy wine and when you are drinking an older red wine that was meant to age. The younger wine needs some air to show off, while older wines need to be decanted to prevent sediment from

getting into your glass. My most used decanters also come from World Market: Thumb Decanter and Flared Decanter. Both are mouth blown in Poland. Silicone stoppers I use two different types. One fits into the bottle opening and the other type slips over the top.

You can actually lay an open bottle on its side in the refrigerator with these. Inexpensive and available from Amazon. Chiller/ice bucket My favorite is a stainless steel soup well. It holds two bottles and is perfect for summer nights on the patio or porch.

editor's pick

MudPenny opened its second location in Ada Township this summer. WINE TOOLS ISTOCK/BORTONIA RESTAURANT COURTESY MUDPENNY ILLUSTRATION RACHEL IDZERDA

From coffee cart to multiple locations, MudPenny is ready to fight to stay in business. Despite not being able to offer dining service, MudPenny went ahead with its plans to open a second location in Ada this summer, with owner Matthew Fuller deciding to forge onward in hopes of keeping his business dreams afloat. Though its original location, 570 Grandville Ave. SW, was temporarily closed, the Ada café opened in May offering curbside takeout. It had originally planned for a March opening but had to change its plans due to the state’s directive for restaurants to suspend dine-in services. The Ada community is finding out it is lucky to have MudPenny as one of its neighbors. MudPenny offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items that are great to-go. It also has a small dining room for eat-in customers. As a frequent visitor to MudPenny’s first location, I encourage you to visit this new spot. The service is always exceptional, the food is tasty and I like the relaxed atmosphere. I recommend the Mountie, a turkey sandwich with bacon, cheddar, maple bacon sweet potato mash, spinach and mayo folded into CHARLSIE DEWEY naan bread.

MANAGING EDITOR, GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE GR M AG .CO M

undetermined unclear unpredictable unsure Students face an uncertain semester unknown Freshmen have spent the summer trying to plan for their first year of college with COVID-19 looming.

By Sam Easter Photographs by Bryan Esler 40

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

Jacob Starner

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GRCC campus prepares for onsite classes in the wake of COVID-19.

The first time

Jacob Starner heard about novel coronavirus he was studying on exchange in South Korea. It was right around Thanksgiving when his phone lit up with a news article from his mom, texting from back in Grand Rapids. “Mysterious Virus in Wuhan, China,” the headline read. But Wuhan, even in neighboring China, was still far away. And the idea that the virus would burst through borders and grind the world to a halt was impossible to fathom. So, he forgot about it. “I was like, OK — that means nothing to me,” Starner recalled. “And I moved on with my day.” And for the next few months, life in South Korea kept humming along. Like a number of American students every year, he soaked up an international high school experience via Rotary Club, living with South Korean families and taking courses alongside South Korean students. He can tell stories about the local culture (happy hour is very, very different) and the school (where the math was hard, but during English class, the South African expat let him take a study hall). But life began to change. During vacation in January and February, he had trips cancelled. A local church with controversial beliefs — that Jesus is not God incarnate, but that the pastor was sent by him — became the country’s viral epicenter. Things began shutting down. “That’s when things got serious in South Korea, and the government started imposing 42

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

Jacob Starner, incoming freshman, Grand Rapids Community College

Students face an unsure semester

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Maddy Revere, incoming freshman, Western Michigan University

lockdowns specifically on that province, and they cancelled school,” Starner said. But he recalls being more worried about exchange students in other parts of the world than for himself — in Italy especially, with one of the worst early outbreaks. He never imagined he’d be going home. But his family was a world away and watching things get worse — and by midFebruary things began taking their expected course. Worries about flight cancellations started to rise. When Starner got a plane ticket, his flight was just 24 hours away, leaving him almost no time for goodbyes. He has a picture of himself with his host parents at the airport, holding a South Korean flag together. And then Starner was back in East Grand Rapids, quarantined like everyone else. He had planned on studying in Israel via American Jewish University this fall before heading to the University of Michigan. But that’s different now. He still likes the idea of the University of Michigan — but as of May, he was eyeing local, online classes at Grand Rapids Community College. He’s looking forward to studying economics or political science — probably a language, too — but it’s all going to be so much different than he’d expected. Now he’s waiting for the fall, nostalgic for something that won’t ever happen. “The thing that bothers me the most about coronavirus is that it's kind of put everything on pause. But the problem is, everyone is still getting older, and the time is slipping by,” Starner said. “Both my grandpa and my dad told me all about their fun adventures in their youth, and I just don't think I can tell my kids about my adventures in my house.”

Planning for fall semester

The changes leave Starner, like countless other American students, shifting plans for the fall. It’s an enormous disruption on top of the already huge change that comes as high schoolers start their independent, adult lives. And it is at the crux of the COVID-19 pandemic — with students shoulder-toshoulder on the quad, in classrooms and in dorm halls. 44

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

“It’s starting to feel normal, so that’s good at least. But I don't know — it kind of feels like summer, but it's not fun. I'm not going to school. I'm just not doing much at all.” M A D DY R E VE R E

Sarah Gammans is the director of counseling for Northview High School in Plainfield Township. When she spoke to Grand Rapids Magazine in May — like all the subjects for this article — she described a flurry of day-to-day activity, tending to seniors’ career plans and emotions that have been scrambled by the pandemic. Gammans pointed out that she still didn’t even know how many of the school’s nearly 300 seniors were going to college or into the workforce, because the survey for it had to be served virtually, and firm numbers weren’t back yet. There is a galaxy of challenges for students to work through, each unique to their needs. In the case of some elite schools’ admission decisions that didn’t come until after quarantine, hopefuls won’t have a final campus visit before choosing their school. There’s also the question of coping emotionally. Some kids had found structure

Students face an unpredictable semester

Maddy Revere is planning to start her freshman year at Western Michigan University, but she doesn't know what that will look like. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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In May, Grand Valley State University was still hoping to bring students to campus for the fall semester.

Students face an undetermined semester

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

in art and music; some were struggling without a firm direction. Others threw themselves into athletics, training at home for a world where sports would happen again (and keeping themselves busy). “You're going to see a lot of these kids and adults are going to come out very buff after quarantine,” Gammans said with a laugh. Maddy Revere is yet another graduating senior looking forward to classes this fall — for her, in Kalamazoo at Western Michigan University. She’s considering a career in law or filmmaking and is weighing classes in psychology and communications. Nothing has been the same since the week the pandemic happened. She couldn’t head back to see her high school’s musical again. But she’s painting in her spare time, and she’s had a chance to see some friends, though from a distance. A part-time job keeps her busy. “It’s starting to feel normal, so that’s good at least. But I don't know — it kind of feels like summer, but it's not fun. I'm not going to school. I'm just not doing much at all,” she said. And, she said, she’s wondered what college will actually look like when she gets there. “I've read a lot of articles about how we’ll have to do social distancing … (and) I guess I don't know what would happen with the dorms.” And just like the students, high schools and universities have spent much of the summer watching the virus closely, trying to understand how best to balance student safety and campus life. How will kids go to class? How will they live in dorms? How will they go to sporting events — if at all? PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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President Philomena Mantella, Grand Valley State University

At Grand Valley State University, President Philomena Mantella described plans to bring students back to campus. But, speaking in May, she couldn’t say precisely what it would look like, a byproduct of ongoing preparations and the biggest unknown factor of all: the virus. “I would say we believe there is a very high probability that we will be able to offer a face-to-face experience in the fall,” Mantella said, describing digital course offerings, changes in student “density” and attention paid to sanitation in dorms. “(But) we are certainly not standing on that and that’s the end of the sentence.” And although every college is different, many of them had the same wait-andhope approach through the summer. The University of Michigan was planning a return to on-campus instruction, as possible. Grand Rapids Community College was much the same, with officials hoping in May to host some classes on campus and some online. “Everyone’s desired goal is to have the students return in the fall,” said Norm Beauchamp, Michigan State University’s executive vice president for health sciences. “It's hard to imagine a full return to life exactly as it is in the spring. But we're going to continue to monitor that.” And there is, of course, more that students might be missing out on than just classes. Mantella fondly recalls her own time in college, where she learned plenty outside the library. “My parents didn’t go to college. (But) all my brothers and sisters and I went to 48

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

PHOTO PRESIDENT CONTENT COURTESY PHOTO CREDIT GVSU

Students face an unclear semester

Most Michigan universities are expecting to offer some in-person classes with safety measures in place, as well as online offerings.

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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Craig Weigel, Principal East Grand Rapids High School

Students face an unknown semester

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

college,” she said. “The world was different. There was a diversity of students from all over the world. I went to school with three majors in mind and learned there were 200, and every combination that could occur. And you learned to communicate, to self-regulate … it’s financial literacy, it’s independence, it’s your own personal development, it’s your evolution of thought and perspective on the world.” This kind of learning outside the classroom is just as much a concern at the high school level, where sports and extracurriculars, a big part of the education outside the classroom, have all but stopped. Greg Deja, the principal of Catholic Central High School, pointed out that classes were interrupted by COVID-19 eight months through the school year. Students were marooned at home, but they at least knew each other. “I think the big challenge when we talk about relationships — most schools had the benefit of leaning on relationships that were eight months firm to get us through the last 10 weeks,” he said. But when students arrive in September, that won’t be the case anymore. Craig Weigel, principal at East Grand Rapids High School, pointed out that students miss out on the “person-to-person” part of education in quarantine. Isolation doesn’t just mean learning from home — it also means missing out on relationships. But, he said, the school is making it work.

Medical professionals eye a second wave

In the meantime, students, professors and college administrators have waited to see what happens. By the time you read this, COVID-19 might have been brought under relative control; it might also have exploded into something far more difficult. “On one end of the spectrum, there’s a possibility we get a good handle on this over the summer, develop new tools for doing surveillance, testing and tracing … (and) we can engage education as usual,” said Adam London, health officer with the Kent County Health Department. “I think on the other extreme, we see a resurgence in cases over the summer as the discipline to public

Adam London, Health Officer, Kent County Health Department

health protection fades.” And that is one of the most important factors: whether or not the public continues to socially distance or heeds the tempting call of life as normal — something London warned won’t be back until at least 2021, which is the earliest he expects a vaccine. “It really is the biggest variable here, and how smart are they going to be in their interactions?” London said. But here is the most important aspect: no matter what the virus is doing in the late summer, London said, there’s still a wideopen range of possibilities headed into the fall and winter. And with winter will come another flu season on top of COVID-19. And people will once again be in closed-air environments. The wrong combination could be “catastrophic,” London said. In pockets of Michigan where the virus struck the hardest — Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties — college almost certainly will look different. At Oakland University, President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz announced that lab classes would have slashed student caps, with some classes set in over-large rooms and ballrooms to keep students distanced. Masks were expected to be a requirement.

As of this writing, Grand Rapids had not fared as badly as the dense, urban east side of the state, something London said was aided both by more time to prepare for the virus and the nature of the cities there. More density means easier transmission; more people living in poverty means more lowpaying jobs, like grocers and delivery drivers and the like, that cannot be done from a living room (which London points out often means people of color fare worse in this situation than wealthier, white neighbors). And the viral load in the United States is, per capita, one of the highest in the world, with far and away the highest national total number of cases. And though it’s hard to say what happens next, it likely won’t go as well as it has in South Korea, where government response has kept cases extremely low. “This has been a topic of contention between my mom and I,” Starner jokes. “The handling of coronavirus in South Korea — I would probably be safer there, but the hindsight is 20/20. The choice we made then … you can’t regret that. “But anytime she’s like, ‘You can’t do this,’ I’m like,” — and he chuckles — ‘Well, maybe you shouldn’t have brought me home.’” GR M AG .CO M

SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 28, 2020

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BEYOND LIMITS AND TO REMEMBER YOU TO GROW AS A PERSON.

BEING AN AQUINAS COLLEGE SAINT MEANS COFFEE WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR, PHONE CALLS WITH YOUR ADVISOR AND HIGHFIVES WITH YOUR COACH.

INSET: STUDENTS ABIGAIL SAFAGO ’20, LILY THOMAS ’19 WITH FACULTY MEMBER KATHARINA HÄUSLER-GROSS.

Y OF SAINTS EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE. THEY HAVE INSPIRED ME TO REACH THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE STANDING NEXT TO YOU TO PUSH - LILY THOMAS â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19

THIS IS OUR CATHOLIC AND DOMINICAN HERITAGE, IN WHICH ALL SAINTS ARE MET WITH THOUGHTFULNESS AND CARE. LOCATED IN A PARK-LIKE OASIS JUST TWO MILES FROM DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS, AQUINAS COLLEGE IS A COMMUNITY WITH OPPORTUNITY. EXPLORE OUR 60+ MAJORS AND 30+ STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AT AQUINAS.EDU.

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When you pursue a degree at Calvin University, you’re not only getting an education—you’re pursuing a deeper purpose. You see, we believe that God wants you to become more than an engineer, musician, nurse, or historian; God is calling you to devote your gifts to transforming your part of the world. At Calvin, we will equip you to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.

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WHATEVER IS

NEXT… For Grand Valley students, next is opportunity and innovation. Next is global, connecting and uniting us. It’s local, shaping the spaces in which we work and live. It’s a commitment to progress. Next is where minds are free to imagine what could be. At GVSU, next is now. And whatever’s next for you, we will help you get there.

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“THREE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT NORTHERN ARE THE LOCATION/NATURE, STAFF AND THE COST!”

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beInspiring “I aspire to be a kind person who changed the world for the better, and left an impact for those that follow.”

beAdventurousbeBoldbeCuriousbeWildbeLiterarybeMyselfbeProubeA EMILY TINDER mazingbeCreativebeCourageousbeEnterprisingbePersuasivebeNurturin HISTORY beThoughtfulbeOrganicbeSpontaneousbeOriginalbeEssentialbeDrivenb CompassionatebeYoubeAnalyticalbeConfidentbeTolerantbeArtisticbeV MARQUETTE, MI | NMU.EDU/ADMISSIONS lantbeIncrediblebeSincerebeMotivatedbeSpiritedbeAspiringbeAttentiv eBeneficialbeTalentedbeFormativebeSignificantbeSubstantialbeEnerge cbeMotivatedbeAspiringbeIndustriousbeEnlightenedbeIntelligentbeRe

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Get instruction by expert faculty who’ve worked in the fields they teach. Study in a program crafted by our industry advisors. Let our experience and partnerships become your edge.

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EXPERT Q&A

Regular physical activity is a key component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and quality life for all ages. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many fitness clubs and wellness boutiques have been forced to shut their doors, leaving West Michigan residents left to find alternative ways to stay active as they self-quarantine. Frightened by the coronavirus outbreak, citizens have either postponed or canceled routine doctor appointments for annual physicals, gynecological exams, and vaccines, to name a few. With so many unknowns, for example, how long will the pandemic last or when will a safe and effective

durable medical equipment without leaving home. Explore how to stay motivated and hold yourself accountable without a gym membership. Online fitness and lifestyle communities surged since the start of the COVID-19 quarantine, providing structure and motivation to those that need that extra “push” to get their heads in the game. Through online groups and classes, members that look forward to the social aspect of exercise classes can connect with others online who share similar health and fitness goals. Sharing personal tips and celebrating recent accomplishments with each other are just some ways members stay committed to their healthy habits. ■

What can someone with sleep apnea do to take better care of their health?

A: Snoring, gasping, choking, or other unusual sounds during sleep could be considered sleep apnea. Because sleep apnea can be a potentially serious disorder, you shouldn’t let it go without consulting your physician. Often, someone with mild or moderate sleep apnea symptoms can modify their lifestyle to help feel more rested and improve their overall health. * Consider maintaining a healthier weight and getting regular exercise, as that can have a major impact on your quality of sleep. Smoking reduces lung capacity and creates inflammation, so quit smoking. Avoid large meals and caffeine, especially a couple of hours before bed. Maintaining a regular

coronavirus vaccine become readily available, numerous people in our local communities are hit with a new wave of the mental health crisis as they try to find normalcy in this unfamiliar world. Whether you’re struggling to stay motivated while the doors remain closed at your local fitness club or you’re anxious about contracting the virus in public, West Michigan health and lifestyle professionals offer solutions to help maintain your mental and physical health. Medical suppliers are providing equipment rentals and repairs for people of all ages and sizes, including home deliveries and visits, making it easier for people to find

sleep schedule can help you relax and sleep better. In addition, you might try sleeping on your side instead of on your back, which is more likely to allow your tongue to obstruct your airway. CareLinc provides thousands of diagnosed sleep apnea patients with continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) devices for treatment. Prescribed by a physician, a CPAP often provides an immediate energy boost for sleep apnea suffers when used properly. Contact your doctor or a sleep specialist if you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea.

Kirby Shotwell, Marketing Manager CareLinc Medical Equipment 89 54th St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548 616-249-2273, ext. 2158 kshotwell@carelincmed.com carelincmed.com

*These suggestions do not replace professional medical advice or treatment.

How can someone stay active without a gym membership?

A: The best way to stay active without a gym membership is to get outside and explore. We are so fortunate to have many paved paths and trails around Grand Rapids, so take advantage of the outdoors by walking, running, or cycling. If you are missing the accountability or motivation that comes with working out in a group setting at the gym, join an online community. There are many online communities that have sprung up over the last several months that are designed to provide members with guidance, accountability, and motivation. There are also groups designed for those who are just getting started—or starting again—and those who are looking to achieve a new distance or personal

best. This summer is a great time to check that 5k or half marathon off your bucket list. If you’re having thoughts about starting a walking or running routine, my best advice is to invest in a good pair of shoes (Gazelle Sports can help!). The right pair of shoes will make a huge difference in your comfort level while walking or running and help you avoid an injury that could derail your efforts. Everyone’s feet are a little different and shoe preferences vary from person to person. Our staff can help you find the right pair for however you’re moving. I’d also recommend finding a partner or group to keep you accountable and setting achievable goals helps, too.

Jen Brummitt, CEO

Gazelle Sports 3930 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-940-9888 jbrummitt@gazellesports.com GazelleSports.com

SPOTLIGHT

NEIGHBORHOOD

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY WEIRENGA

GR M AG .CO M

The city of Grand Rapids has nearly 30 neighborhoods contained within its boundaries. Beyond that, the greater Grand Rapids community counts numerous suburbs that offer wonderful amenities within their individual communities. This month, we take a look at five Grand Rapids-area neighborhoods you should be enjoying right now.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

MAP KATE DUPRE (KATECREATES.NET)

WEST SIDE

The Sovengard and Fratelli's are part of the West Side's resurgence as a nightlife destination.

The West Side is a popular spot for dining and nightlife in Grand Rapids. Thanks in part to Rockford Construction, the West Side has seen a great deal of investment over the past decade. There are more apartments, more retail and more restaurants along Bridge Street, one of the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main thoroughfares. But with that growth, challenges also have arisen. West Grand, the West Sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighborhood association, is working to help the neighborhood grow strategically, without leaving anyone behind. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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Neighborhood association West Grand Neighborhood Organization westgrand.org

History lesson

According to West Grand’s Annette Vandenberg, the West Side started out as a blue-collar neighborhood filled with hardworking homeowners. Over the years, the neighborhood has transitioned, however, first in the 1960s when the highway was constructed, cutting the West Side off from neighboring downtown Grand Rapids, and then again in 2008-09 when the housing crisis hit. Many of the homes within the neighborhood are now renter occupied, changing the dynamics of the community. Vandenberg said West Grand is working to ensure that all residents in the neighborhood see the community as their home and take pride in their neighborhood. Much like the community members living in the neighborhood in 1973 who came together to work on improving the alleyways in the area, Vandenberg said today’s neighbors are coming together to be better stewards of the environment and to bring jobs and living wages to the community. 70

Investment projects

The recent addition of Bridge Street Market, a community grocery store, has been a huge asset to the West Side. Additionally, Vandenberg said Ralph’s, another small grocery, has made some investments in its building, and Wingers and Brann’s both are undertaking investments to improve their properties. Spectrum Health is bringing a medical campus to the community as well, with promises of living wage jobs. The 100-year-old Broadway Church was purchased and is being renovated into a wedding events venue, and The Mitten Foundation is helping to make Richmond Park accessible to all. “There is just so much going on and it’s really cool to see,” Vandenberg said.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

Biggest challenges

“The challenge is getting renters to understand that they too are part of the neighborhood, no matter how long they are there, and they are just as important. Instilling a sense of neighborhood pride,” Vandenberg said.

Vision for the future

To continue to be a neighborhood where residents get involved in the community through volunteering, and that businesses hire from within the community and offer employees a living wage, so they are able to purchase a home within the West Side. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

WEST SIDE

The West Side is home to several restaurants, bars and retail shops. It recently saw the addition of its own grocery store, too, making it one of the most convenient neighborhoods in the city.

Happy Hour Guide ANDO SUSHI + BAR 415 Bridge St. NW

The vibes go beyond “happy” at Ando from 2:305:30 p.m. weekdays, 11:30-3 p.m. Saturday, and all day Sunday during its “Joyful Hour.” Munch on $4 edamame, $5 gyoza, 25% off sushi rolls, and $12 ramen bowls while imbibing select drafts, signature cocktails and wine pours for $2 off.

NEW HOLLAND BREWINGTHE KNICKERBOCKER 417 Bridge St. NW The GR home of the longstanding Holland brewery serves up a vibe for all: a nightlife-perfect, wrap-around bar; a high-ceiling, window-lined dining room; and a massive back patio with a firepit and yard games. Stop in from 4-6 p.m. weekdays for $1 off beers, cocktails and rotating food specials.

JOLLY PUMPKIN PIZZERIA & BREWERY 428 Bridge St. NW This Michigan brewery now boasts eight locations — its sour house-brewed beers and eclectic pizza combos keep people coming back. Stop by from 4-6 p.m. weekdays when draft beer, house cocktails and pizzas all are $2 off.

BUTCHER’S UNION 438 Bridge St. NW Butcher’s Union knows meat and whiskey. It also knows a good deal. Find yourself in the neighborhood from 3-6 p.m. weekdays for $6 classic cocktails, $3.50 drafts, $4.50 glasses of wine and a solid selection of cheap bites ranging from $4.50-$8.

ONE BOURBON 608 Bridge St. NW Serving up “magic brown water for fun people” from a menu that’s 200 varieties strong, One Bourbon owns the whiskey and bourbon scene in Beer City. Its daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. includes $2 off cocktails and half-off drafts and wines by the glass. From 3-10 p.m. on Wednesday, all whiskeys on the “brown list” are $2. — Jamie deGraaf Tulisiak PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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EAST HILLS The city’s East Hills neighborhood has one of the strongest identities in Grand Rapids. Located south of Fulton Street, west of Fuller Avenue, north of Wealthy Street and east of Union Avenue, East Hills consists of seven sub-neighborhoods and encompasses three business districts: Fulton East Business District, East Hills Business Association and Wealthy Business Association. East Hills has been dubbed “the center of the universe” because it falls in the center of the Midtown, Eastown, Baxter and Heritage Hill neighborhoods. 72

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

Uncle Cheetah's Soup Shop is a great place for a quick bite, or to pick up food to-go before a show at Wealthy Theatre. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

Happy Hour Guide

ELK BREWING COMPANY 700 Wealthy St. SE

Neighborhood association East Hills Council of Neighbors easthillscouncil.org

With an ever-rotating selection of taps, dog-friendly patio and BYO-food policy, patronizing Elk is always a safe bet. Take advantage of deals on the daily: Sunday $2 off pints; Monday movies and free popcorn, halfoff apps and beer; Tuesday mug club night and $2 off pints; Wednesday $6 for a snack menu item and a Tier 1 or 2 pint; Thursday $2 Tier 1 beers.

BREWERY VIVANT 925 Cherry St. SE

Assets

Its bustling business districts and its greenspaces are two main attractions for the community’s residents. East Hills is home to 67% renters and 33% homeowners.

Vision for the future

To build and maintain a beautiful, diverse, friendly and safe place to live, work and play.

The stained-glass windows, open-beamed ceiling and chandeliers may give it away, but GR’s favorite Belgianstyle micro-brewery once served as a funeral home chapel. Gather at the altar of craft beer from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday for food specials and select $3 beers. Thursday night is stein night — bring your own stein and get $5 liter pours of mainstay beers.

FORTY ACRES SOUL KITCHEN 1059 Wealthy St. SE Celebrating authentically American heritage with perfectly prepared soul food, Forty Acres turns things up from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday for the “Jump Off.” Enjoy combos of greens and cornbread for $4, and wings, fried shrimp or gizzards with fries for $7. And we couldn’t forget the booze: $1 off “hip hops,” $1 off drafts and ciders, and $1 off wine by the glass. Also, check out Saturday hip-hop brunch and Sunday gospel brunch.

PADDOCK PLACE 1033 Lake Drive SE Atop its sprawling grounds, this mansion has been standing sentinel over East Hills since the 1870s. Previously home to Gilmore Collection’s Gibson’s and Mangiamo, the current iteration brings it back to its roots, serving up global cuisine in the grand rooms of the library and pub. Swing by from 4-6 p.m. TuesdayFriday for $4 wells, house wines and $2 off all beers and $5 off all pizzas. On Wednesday, come “wine down” from 4-11 p.m. for half off all wine pours.

MARU SUSHI 927 Cherry St. SE

Enjoy the great Michigan outdoors year round at Outdoor Coffee Co. This dogfriendly addition to East Hills is a popular gathering spot.

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

Offering signature rolls, fusion dishes and handcrafted cocktails that redefine traditional Japanese cuisine with modern flair, we’re in for Maru. Drop by for daily specials: Monday $3 off sake pours, $6 off premium sake carafes, $10 featured rotating rolls; Tuesday $2 select drafts, $12 Crouching Tigers; Wednesday $3 off glasses of wine, $10 off bottles; Thursday $6 craft cocktails. — Jamie deGraaf Tulisiak

What is Uptown GR?

You may have noticed more and more events being promoted by Uptown GR. If you’re a little confused about what Uptown GR is or what areas of the city it entails, you are not alone. Uptown GR is a geographic district in Grand Rapids that spans four business districts: Eastown, East Hills, East Fulton and Wealthy Street, and encompasses the neighborhoods of Baxter, East Hills, Eastown, Midtown and Fulton Heights. It also is an organization that is responsible for revitalization efforts of those business districts, including maintenance, placemaking efforts, community and volunteer engagement, and district promotion. “The Uptown Corridor Improvement Authority was created by the city of Grand Rapids in 2007 as a mechanism to support revitalization efforts in its commercial corridors,” explained Ingrid Miller, executive director of Uptown GR. “The Uptown Business Improvement District was created in 2013 to provide funding that supports the ongoing maintenance of CIA improvements and to keep the district clean and inviting. In 2018, the city created Uptown Grand Rapids Inc. to oversee the efforts of both the CIA and BID and to expand work and collaboration with our neighborhood groups.” Uptown GR works with each of its partners differently, providing event sponsorship, board seats, board training to its neighborhood association partners, and hands-on relationships with its business associations “helping to support our commercial corridors.” Miller said the organization’s vision is to be “widely recognized as a thriving, dynamic and eclectic area in Grand Rapids encompassing four distinctive business districts surrounded by diverse, safe and desirable neighborhoods.” GR M AG .CO M

MIDTOWN The Midtown neighborhood is a popular spot for college students and empty nesters alike, thanks to a plethora of living options. It also offers everything from coffee and pastry shops to a quaint upscale market, and it's walking distance to the Medical Mile. You'll find a handful of small-scale restaurants here, all of which offer a comfy, home away from home vibe.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

The corner of Lyon and Union streets is always bustling thanks to neighborhood market Martha's Vineyard. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

Neighborhood association Midtown Neighborhood Association midtowngr.com

Vision for History lesson the future The Midtown neighborhood has a long history of folks coming together to improve the neighborhood. The Midtown Neighborhood Association was formed in the early 1980s after a fire gutted the Baxter Laundry. Madison Smith-Jacoby, executive director for the Midtown Neighborhood Association, said, “Neighbors united, and successfully rallied to turn it into a greenspace, which became today’s Midtown Green Park.” And nearly a decade ago, neighbors came together to raise funds to improve the more than 100-yearold Fulton Street Farmers Market.

Who lives in Midtown?

The neighborhood consists of a mix of renters and homeowners, with students, young professionals and new families. “We also seem to have a lot of dogs and kitties around,” SmithJacoby said. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

“We want to maintain the character of the traditional American neighborhood that has a variety of resources for its residents,” SmithJacoby said. “We hope to continue advocating for this mixed-use way of living as long as we are around. We want to protect the history we have in Midtown that is captured so well in the beautiful variety of colorful, well-built homes.”

Women's leadership

“We have a legacy of strong women who have dedicated time to run the Midtown Neighborhood Association,” Smith-Jacoby said. “We operate with one staff member (our director) and a board of volunteers from the neighborhood. Our mission is to unite neighbors in a volunteer capacity in order to keep Midtown a safe environment to live, work and play.”

Upcoming projects

“Some of our upcoming projects have been shifted due to the current climate of sociability. Typically, we gather for picnics or yard games with music at our green or host neighborhood clean-ups,” SmithJacoby said. “This summer we are excited to begin dreaming up an improved Midtown Green alongside our neighbors as we anticipate our parks millage dollars getting put to use in 2021! We can’t wait to see how our green space visions will be brought to life. We have some other programs up our sleeves that neighbors should stay on the lookout for, including a neighborhoodwide collaborative art project.”

Neighborhood highlights

The neighborhood includes the oldest cemetery in the city, Fulton Street Cemetery, and a local oasis of vibrant city life on the corner of Lyon and Union streets thanks to Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket Bakery and Lyon Street Cafe. East Fulton Street also is a vibrant area thanks to Van's Pastries, Rakowski Market, Madcap and Spike & Mike's.

Fulton Street from Diamond to Eastern is a vibrant stretch of Midtown offering glimpses of artwork, shops and food establishments. GR M AG .CO M

MIDTOWN

Happy Hour Guide DUKE’S 700 Michigan St. NE

There’s a happy little stretch of Michigan Street where a chain of dive-like neighborhood bars keep things simple with delicious no-frills food and cheap, ice cold domestic drafts. Start your happy hour hopping at Duke's from 3-7 p.m. weekdays for $2 wells and $2 domestic bottles — plus, Tuesdays and Thursdays domestic beer buckets range from $5-8.

THE FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB 720 Michigan St. NE Making your way down Michigan, your next stop is The Friesian, a gastro pub whose name gives a nod to Grand Rapids’ rich Dutch heritage. From 3-5 p.m. weekdays get in on its grub specials — $8 per pound fried chicken wings and 20% off salads and charcuterie — and drink deals — $3.50 Tito's, $2.50 wells, $1 off all drafts and $2 off all wine pours. Enjoy all this on the back patio or rooftop deck — a rarity in the Midtown bar scene.

BIRCH LODGE 732 Michigan St. NE Next, pop into Birch Lodge for more of what you love and expect from a low-key neighborhood bar, including pub grub, TVs broadcasting the game and a familiar, welcoming vibe. Its rotating happy hour deals on food and drinks are available 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, in addition to daily specials.

7 MONKS TAPROOM 740 Michigan St. NE This Traverse City-based craft beer bar blesses Michigan Street with 50 tap handles — including sparkling wine and craft cocktails for those not as into the brews. Its expansive happy hour menu includes $5 wells and $2 off all wine, whiskey pours and Michigan drafts. If you’ve got an appetite, score $2 off any burger or cheap apps including $5 cheese curds, fried pickles and egg rolls, and $7 wings and sliders. Get it while it lasts: 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, or Tuesdays, when it’s happy hour all day long.

LOGAN’S ALLEY 916 Michigan St. NE End your Tour de Midtown at Logan’s Alley whenever you fancy, because here, it’s always happy hour. Drink all day (and night) on discount — ranging from $1 to 50-cents off all drinks at all times. Keep coming back for daily specials like $3.75 Bloody Mary Sundays or weekday afternoons with half off craft bottles and $4 apps. — Jamie deGraaf Tulisiak

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

EAST GRAND RAPIDS

Gaslight Village is the shopping and restaurant corridor in East Grand Rapids. You'll find families congregating here on the weekends.

Just outside the Grand Rapids city limits is East Grand Rapids. This GR adjacent neighborhood is a popular place for families to live thanks to its many amenities and walkability. John Collins Park is also a big draw, offering boaters a place to dock in the summer and ice fishers a place to drop a line in the winter. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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The city of East Grand Rapids sits on the border of Grand Rapids, often feeling like an extension of the city. But this upper-class suburb has claimed its own identity since 1891 when it was established as a village, and later, in 1926, when it officially became a city. East Grand Rapids was originally a resort town, with Reeds Lake at its heart. “During the late 1800s, Ramona Park was built and became an extremely popular amusement park,” said City Manager Doug LaFave. “Additionally, in the early 1900s, many men worked right on Reeds Lake harvesting ice for the surrounding area.” When Ramona Park was closed in 1955, it was replaced with residential apartments and a new commercial shopping center. The land was eventually developed into the current Gaslight Village, which has become a retail and dining destination for the greater Grand Rapids area. The community also saw extensive homebuilding periods in the 1920s and 1950s, and “neighborhoods throughout the city now include a mix of historic, traditional and modern designs.” 78

“While nearly all physical land in EGR is developed, we continue to see new and unique ways developers and families are engaging with the city. Over the last few years, we’ve seen an increase in new residential construction and an even larger increase in renovations,” said City Clerk Karen Brower.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS

Neighborhood History lesson vision

Development projects

“We continue to move forward with our plans to fix the 47 miles of streets and 80 miles of sidewalks within our community. In 2015, our residents voted in favor of a road millage that will allow us to fix our roads and get them where they need to be,” said LaFave. “Additionally, Blodgett Hospital’s campus investment continues to move forward, and several planned-unit development projects have begun their approval processes through the planning commission.”

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

Housing needs

A densely packed residential neighborhood means new housing options have been a challenge for the community. East Grand Rapids continues to work on solving this issue. “Changing housing needs is something we’re looking at,” said Brower. “We continue to look at what trends will be in the coming years … during our master planning process, there was much discussion about making it easier to age-in-place when you no longer need a large family home. Or, having options for singles and couples who may be looking for condo or townhome options.”

East Grand Rapids has a bustling restaurant scene. You can find anything from hotdogs to fine dining here.

Happy Hour Guide

CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN 2213 Wealthy St. This seafood-heavy kitchen pays homage to the laidback foods of the South Carolina coast. Swing by from 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday or 3-6 p.m. on weekends for half-off domestic drafts and house wine by the glass, $2 fresh oysters on the half shell and $4 select starters.

ROSE’S 550 Lakeside Drive SE Wind down watching sailboats bob on Reeds Lake with a cocktail in hand on indisputably the best patio in town. From 2-6 p.m. daily from you can sip on $4 select drafts, house wines, sangria and cosmos while noshing on 20% off apps.

JOSE BABUSHKA’S 2232 Wealthy St. SE The idea of Polish-Mexican fusion may give you pause, but once you try a bite, you won’t stop. This hotspot does happy hour right with 2-6 p.m. daily specials of $3 wells, house wines and domestic drafts. Thursdays mean $3 off margaritas and Mexican beers, and Fridays are all about the $5 sangria. — Jamie deGraaf Tulisiak

Neighborhood today

The community has become known for its scenic views, top-notch school district, excellent municipal services, safe neighborhoods, close proximity to downtown Grand Rapids and the wide range of homes with varying price points. In 2019, EGR was voted as a “Best City to Live in” by USA Today.

CRESTON/ MONROE

Creston Market is one of several shops that received a facelift a few years ago in an effort to reinvigorate the shopping and dining area.

The adjacent neighborhoods of Creston and Monroe North harken back to the city's industrial boom. Both neighborhoods are transforming from those industrial roots to become modern-day hubs for living and working. Monroe North, in particular, has seen an influx of apartments as old manufacturing buildings are repurposed. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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CRESTON/ MONROE

Monroe North

Known more as a former industrial corridor than a neighborhood, the Monroe North area has been undergoing a transformation for the past decade or more, with a handful of restaurants and bars, retail shops, fitness businesses and more popping up. There’s even a pet store and a hotel in the evolving neighborhood. There also has been a significant number of apartment and condo projects as the area seeks to attract residents and become a true neighborhood within Grand Rapids. The neighborhood stands to benefit from even more investment as the city’s Whitewater project continues along the Grand River. This is one of Grand Rapids' “up and coming” neighborhoods.

Creston

Monroe North borders Creston, a historically bluecollar neighborhood that also has been undergoing investment efforts to attract more residents and businesses to the community. It’s been a bit of a rocky road for Creston, with a handful of projects announced that never came to fruition, but efforts still are underway to attract development. 80

Creston's investment in outdoor murals has helped increase the area's reputation as a hub for artists.

Arts hub

Green space Grand River connections

Its proximity to the Grand River is a huge asset for the Monroe North neighborhood, especially with the Whitewater project underway. The project calls for extensive investment in the Monroe North neighborhood, including river access, which will surely attract more residents and visitors. In the meantime, Sixth Street Bridge Park offers an opportunity for workers and residents in the neighborhood to relax.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

The Creston neighborhood includes many parks, including Riverside Park, a 100-acre expanse located alongside the Grand River. This area is filled with recreational opportunities. It offers everything from baseball diamonds and a disc golf course to tabletop ping pong and picnic spaces. Another local park, Aberdeen Park, offers an impressive splash pad that was recently installed, and Creston is one of only three neighborhoods that still has a community pool, Briggs Park pool.

Creston is becoming a hub for artists in Grand Rapids. You’ll find several murals located in the neighborhood. There also are a handful of galleries, and each year the Creston Neighborhood Association hosts Art Bash for Creston, a fundraiser where artists create work live and then auction it off at the end of the night to raise funds for the community. Creston Brewery also hosts live music, spoken word poetry, drum circles and more, and counts as part of its mission to be a space for artists. The neighborhood also is the expected home of the DAAC, a music and arts space formerly housed along Division Avenue, and Gaia, a restaurant known for its vegetarian and vegan offerings that was formerly located in the East Hills neighborhood.

Happy Hour Guide

CITY BUILT BREWERY 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 155 With a “know your name” kind of vibe, this GR-proud microbrewery has a constantly rotating tap list with unique flavor explosions and delicious Puerto Rican cuisine. It is happy hour from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays, which means $2 off beer, cider and mead, and $5 wine. Snack specials include $1 bori balls, $3 chicken pastelillo, $5 pork pupusa and $6 queservesa beer cheese.

SPEAKEZ 600 Monroe Ave. NW Serving up that Prohibition charm with a handcrafted cocktail on the side, this classic joint is your answer to the workday blues. Slip in (no password required) from 3-6 p.m. weekdays for $1 off draft beers, $2 off glasses of wine, $3 off signature cocktails and half-off all starters.

EASTERN KILLE DISTILLERY 700 Ottawa Ave. NW Another change of pace from the hop-saturated scene, Eastern Kille crafts authentic small batch whiskey and spirits. Its name is a nod to the river it’s nestled next to and the Great Lakes water from which its spirits are made — “kille” being Middle Dutch for “waterway.” Happy hour means $2 off all cocktails from 4-6 p.m. TuesdayFriday, 1-6 p.m. Saturday, and 2-8 p.m. Sunday.

CRESTON BREWERY 1504 Plainfield Ave. NE Creston Brewery gets 10 out of 10 for ambiance. Its historic building has high, tin ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and striking pillars, and is decorated with local makersr’ Art Nouveau murals and artwork for purchase. Soak it all up from 3-6 p.m. weekdays when its aromatic beers are $1 off and snackables, including mini chimis, veggie egg rolls and deviled eggs, are $5. — Jamie deGraaf Tulisiak

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HOLDING THE KEYS TO YOUR FUTURE.

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Linda S. Pell Keller Williams Grand Rapids East 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-813-1436 linda@lindapellrealty.com grandrapidsliving.com

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Stephen Robrahn Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Julie Rockwell Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Grand Rapids

Jake Peterson Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Jamie Rodriguez Windpoint Realty Grand Rapids

Lisa Piskin Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Grand Rapids Jeff Platko Greenridge Realty, Inc. East Grand Rapids Randy Poll Greenridge Realty, Inc. Fremont John Pols Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids John Postma Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

gesik@grar.com 616-292-8793 | crowngr.com

Nicole G. Rinks Century 21 Affiliated Grand Rapids

Mary Perham-Nelson eXp Realty Troy

Steven Pettit Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Crown Real Estate Partners Inc. Jennifer Gesik

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

Julie Rossio Keller Williams Grand Rapids East 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-460-5716 julie@rossiorealty.com ROSSIOREALTY.COM

Tanya Powell-May Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids

Mike Rundhaug Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Grand Rapids

Brenda Pratt Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids

Kristin Ruther Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Susan Prins Five Star Real Estate Leaders Jenison

Michael Satterlee Greenridge Realty, Inc. Greenville

Mary Jo Pung Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Lindsey Schab Coldwell Banker Weir-Manuel Hoppough Greenville

Lisa Quist Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids

Tony Scholten Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

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 broker. She’s twice earned Real Estate All-Star status, 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, together with mixing in plenty of humor and fun, keeps a steady flow of business coming her way. ■

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Jason Schuringa Five Star Real Estate Leaders Grand Rapids

Lindsay Slagboom Greenridge Realty, Inc. East Grand Rapids

Katie Southwell Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Pamela K. Schwallier Great Lakes Signature Properties Grand Rapids

Matt Sleeman Re/Max Lakeshore Holland

Thomas Sprich Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Paul Schwallier Great Lakes Signature Properties Grand Rapids

Mike Smallegan Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Henry Steffes Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville

Nick Schweihofer Keller Williams Realty Lakeshore Holland

Frederick Smith Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Katherine Stein Greenridge Realty, Inc. East Grand Rapids

Mary Siemer Greenridge Realty, Inc. Whitehall

Jodi Smith Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Debby Stevenson Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Greg Simmons Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rockford

Carol Sneller Sneller Real Estate Allegan

Dale Stuckey Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Brooke A. Sines Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Brandon Snellink Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Stephen Stuckey Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Chad Sytsma Greenridge Realty, Inc. East Grand Rapids Karen Talbot Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Laurie Tamburrino Coldwell Banker Weir-Manuel Hoppough Grand Rapids William Templin Compass Realty Services Wyoming JoLane Tomlinson Buskard Group Real Estate Grandville Jessica Tucker Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Kelly Uganski Re/Max Lakeshore Grand Haven Brad Van Oostenbrugge Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Dave VanderWoude Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Ashleigh D. VanDuinen-Leistra Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

With every closing, we’re

opening doors.

Lindsay VanDuinen-Scully Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Dave VanKeulen Greenridge Realty, Inc. Lowell

Ruoff Mortgage helps people discover, finance and move into their homes with confidence. We know the way home. We’ll walk there with you.

Tyler VanWingen Greenridge Realty, Inc. East Grand Rapids Nestor Vazquez Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Rachael Veldkamp Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

1593 Galbraith Ave SE, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI

Bradley Veneklase Urban Soil Realty Grand Rapids

616.458.4500

Brandon Vidal Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids Gina Vis @ Home Realty Grand Haven

Apply at Ruoff.com

348 S Waverly Road, Suite 146 Holland, MI

937.533.6333

Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc., d/b/a Ruoff Home Mortgage, is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensing information visit: http://www. nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/141868. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#141868. 05202020

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS Kyle Visser Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Keller Williams - Linda S. Pell

Douglas Vissman Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Steve Volkers Steve Volkers Group 625 First St. NW, Ste. B Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-717-2179 steve@stevevolkersgroup.com steve.stevevolkersgroup.com

1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-813-1436 | grandrapidsliving.com

Arija Wilcox Keller Williams Realty Grand Rapids 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Ste. 101 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-293-9261 wilcox@grar.com wilcoxgrproperties.com

Colleen Anne Willits Re/Max Lakeshore Grand Haven

Marilyn Wagner Re/Max of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Kevin Yoder Yoder Real Estate Grand Rapids

Ron Webb Re/Max Lakeshore Holland

Tom Zandee Five Star Real Estate Leaders Grand Rapids

Amy Jo Weller Keller Williams Rivertown 4301 Canal Ave. SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-706-0706 amyjoweller@gmail.com amyjoweller.kw.com

Scott West GreenSquare Properties Grand Rapids

In a market where buyers and sellers have access to databases like Zillow and Trulia, the value of working with an agent is amplified. With 24 years of experience in the real estate realm, Linda S. Pell offers a personalized experience that focuses heavily on service and communication. Pell’s knowledge, paired with a human touch and an ability to use the tools at hand, has earned her a reputation that’s resulted in tremendous word-of-mouth advertising. With repeat business across generations, Pell is sought out because people in the community know and like her — and trust her dedication to looking after their best interests. ■

Mark Wierenga Re/Max Lakeshore Grand Haven

Alyssa Wiederhoeft Greenridge Realty, Inc. Muskegon

Mary Jane Zawacki Greenridge Realty, Inc. East Grand Rapids Laurie Zokoe Five Star Real Estate Leaders Grand Rapids Greg Zoller Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caledonia Laurel Zwit Greenridge Realty, Inc. Montague

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate 5136 Cascade Rd. SE, Ste. 1A, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-581-5536 & 616-446-3830 | amigiusti.com

It’s true that two heads are better than one, and that goes not only for the partnership between Ami Giusti and her sister, Kris Brady, but also for their connection with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. As Real Estate All-Stars, they assign a part of their success and longevity to joining the brokerage when they first embarked on their dual real estate business six years ago. Unlike other agents, who are left to decipher the complexities of the industry on their own, Giusti and Brady have had a qualified support network in both their manager and BHHS as an entity.

What further sets them apart is their dynamic as a sister team — a rarity in real estate and an advantage when it comes to building relationships with their clients. Because they, themselves, are family, they’re able to form an immediate and genuine kinship with buyers and sellers, and they develop a natural level of trust through their interactions with one another and everyone they meet. Working together, they’re able to offer a smooth process and a thorough review of every detail, with two sets of eyes on every aspect. They also have interior design expertise in their arsenal, which makes

staging a breeze and guarantees homes are impeccable for showings. Of additional benefit is access to a homebuilder with 30 years of experience: Giusti’s husband. In a pinch, he’s available to answer questions and offer advice — or even a quote for needed repairs — on the spot. While many sellers are on their own in these situations, Giusti and Brady have multiple resources right at their fingertips. While the mantra in real estate may commonly be “Location, location, location,” for Ami and Kris, it’s “Relationships, relationships, relationships.” And it all starts with theirs. ■

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS Grant Alexander Riverbank Finance Grand Rapids

Kip Doezema Grand River Bank Grandville

Carolyn Kruithoff Northpointe Bank Grand Rapids

Jonathan Arnold Inlanta Mortgage Ada

James Eerdmans Finance of America Mortgage Grand Rapids

Ben Langenau Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Steven Axdorff Mercantile Bank of Michigan Grand Rapids

Zac Ellerbroek Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Peter Latvaitis Lake Michigan Credit Union Kentwood

Julie Bacon VanDyk Mortgage Wyoming

John Fein Fifth Third Bank Grandville

Jennifer Leavenworth Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Mike Bartels Old National Bank Grand Rapids

Brian Ferrick Inlanta Mortgage Ada

Amanda Lehman Stockton Mortgage Corporation Grand Rapids

Stacey Beers Grand River Bank Grandville

John Fitzgerald Michigan First Mortgage Lathrup Village

Dave Lehner Michigan Mortgage Muskegon

Seth Bellas Churchill Mortgage Grand Rapids

David Galloway Heartland Home Mortgage Grand Rapids

Chris Martinez Lake Michigan Credit Union Holland

Holly Brinks Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Haven

Rob Garrison Michigan Mortgage Muskegon

Rebecca Masck Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Nathan Bylsma Finance of America Mortgage Grandville

Tom Girardot Team Mortgage Company Grand Rapids

Janetta Maxwell Independent Bank Muskegon

Daniel T. Cavanaugh Mercantile Bank of Michigan Grand Rapids

Lynn Goss Bank of America Grand Rapids

Tim Meduna Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Brendon Chapin Huntington Bank Wyoming

Dale Hamill Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Marty Miller Northern Mortgage Grandville

Greg Clausen PrimeLending Grand Rapids

Bob Hein Priority Mortgage Corp Grandville

Stacy Miller-Kuiper Ruoff Mortgage Grand Rapids

Katrina Cole Inlanta Mortgage Ada

Pete Humphreys Independent Bank Rockford

Wade Monsma Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Brad Cook Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Mike Izenbaard Heartland Home Mortgage Grand Rapids

Dann Mulder Lake Michigan Credit Union Wyoming

Chris Dennison Mortgage 1, Inc. Grand Rapids

David Jackson Ruoff Mortgage Grand Rapids

Rick Murray Old National Bank Grand Rapids

Lora DePotty-Kroon AmeriCU Mortgage Grand Rapids

Jason Jenkins Union Home Mortgage Grand Rapids

Edwin Napieralski PrimeLending Grand Rapids

Chris DeRuischer Churchill Mortgage Grand Rapids

Jerry Kamerman Mercantile Bank of Michigan Kentwood

Joshua Nawrot Northern Mortgage Byron Center

Scott DeWolf Mortgage 1, Inc. Grand Rapids

Marcia Karas Mutual Mortgage Grand Rapids

Bryan Newell VanDyk Mortgage Wyoming

Matthew Dhaseleer Independent Bank Grand Rapids

Aaron Kleersnyder Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Scott Nicholson Benchmark Mortgage Grand Rapids

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS — MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

Keller Williams Realty - Arija Wilcox 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Ste. 101 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-293-9261 | wilcoxgrproperties.com Arija Wilcox’s mission is to improve the quality of her clients’ lives. Paired with an exceptional team, including Joe Turner and Jimmy Scott as Exclusive Buyer’s Agents, Wilcox GR Properties is one of the top producing teams for Keller Williams Grand Rapids East—with over $200 million in sales volume, and more than 40 years of combined experience and expertise in Residential Real Estate. Wilcox GR Properties works a broad range, from urban condos to single family homes, ranging $40K to $1.6M in value, representing properties from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven; Caledonia to Rockford, as well as lakefront homes on Torch Lake and Lake Cadillac. Wilcox GR Properties specializes in New Development Sales, most recently with the success of RiverPoint of Ada and The Cove at Dean Lake, along with future developments at The Meadows of Forest Hills and The Oaks of Forest Hills, by Graystone Homes. Wilcox GR Properties has the knowledge of available and future inventory, providing an advantage to their clients in this competitive market. ■

Ginger Baxter is the founder and lead listing agent of Ginger Baxter Group at Keller Williams Realty North. Ginger leads a team of highly experienced buyer’s agents. Her genuine passion for hard work and the high priority she places on customer service and family values has helped guide her team towards success. With GBG’s dedication for real estate and their goal of building lifelong relationships with their clients they have been recognized as one of the top agents in Grand Rapids. The entire team strives

to act with integrity and aims to exceed their client’s expectations when assisting them with all their real estate needs. Their mission is to be recognized by the community as being respectable, reliable and deliver the best results when walking side by side with their clients through the buying and selling process. “Ginger Baxter and her team of amazing agents are fantastic. They take wonderful care of their buyers and go above and beyond to find the perfect neighborhood, lot or home. I would highly recommend them.”

Keller Williams Grand Rapids North 3237 Platinum St., Grand Rapids, MI 49525 ginger@gingerbaxter.com 616.437.0559 www.gingerbaxter.com www.gingerbaxtergroup.com

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS Joel Norkus GreenStone Farm Credit Services, ACA Grand Rapids

Bob Storrer Independent Bank Grand Rapids

Brendan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Driscoll Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Mallory Strotheide Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Megan Ostrander New Executive Mortgage Lowell

Curt Stuck Chemical Bank Grand Rapids

Bryan Paul Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Haven

Zachary Tebos Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Emily Paul Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Haven

Gregg Teegardin Consumers Credit Union East Grand Rapids

Charlie Peterson Mortgage Solution Partners Grand Rapids

Jeff Timmer Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

John Polakovich Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Luther Trook Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Kevin Polakovich Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Nick Van Vorst Northern Mortgage Grand Rapids

Bonnie Potter Chemical Bank Kentwood

Seth Vanderwey Churchill Mortgage Grand Rapids

Amy Prather Gold Star Mortgage Grand Rapids

Rick Veldman Benchmark Mortgage Grand Rapids

Angela Rose Benchmark Mortgage Grand Haven

Scot Veneklase Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Justin Sayles Cason Home Loans Grand Rapids

Jenny Wagner Lake Michigan Credit Union Byron Center

John Seville Benchmark Mortgage Grand Rapids

Kevin Wildman Lakestate Mortgage Grand Rapids

Neil Siebert PrimeLending Grand Rapids

Jake Williams Lake Michigan Credit Union Wyoming

Becky Sims Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Stuart Wilson Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Chris Slating Mortgage 1, Inc. Grand Rapids

Chris Wingeier Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Jeff Steffens Finance of America Mortgage Grandville

Hayley Woodworth Michigan Mortgage Holland

Dave Stellin Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Jamie Zannini MSU Federal Credit Union Grand Rapids

Jamie Stocks Union Home Mortgage Grand Rapids

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS — MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS Steve Volkers Group - Steve Volkers, Maria Kauffman, Paul Marantette 625 First St. NW, Ste. B, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | 616-284-1528 | stevevolkersgroup.com You need only read the scores of five-star reviews on Zillow to understand how much people love the team at Steve Volkers Group — and “team” is the magic word for this small but mighty collective of individual agents. Steve Volkers, Maria Kauffman, and Paul Marantette have all achieved All-Star designation in the Grand Rapids area, and they credit their success, in part, to the harmonious relationship they have with each other and other core members of the group. With a quality-overquantity approach, they all work seamlessly toward their clients’ goals. Adaptability, innovation, and a bit of lighthearted quirkiness also go a long way in the process, and bringing in some character — especially in walkthrough videos — helps attract more interest in a home than just a standard listing. Above all, it’s a blend of experience, communication, and organization that gets the job done and leaves an endearing mark on every interaction. ■

We Don’t Sell Dreams. We Bring Them Home. Home becomes what we make it. Enchanted afternoon dancing on your shoes. Trips to the moon. Adventures within the pages of bedtime stories. It’s a safe haven, a place where laughter and love light up every room, and ultimately, where some of life’s most treasurable memories are made. We value the opportunity to be part of that journey.

Scott West, Associate Broker/Owner O: 616-285-9305 | M: 616-550-4016 swest@GreenSquareGR.com 2020 & 2019 Grand Rapids Magazine Real Estate All-Stars 2020 & 2019 Best of Zillow Designation

GreenSquare Properties | 2618 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. A, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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2020 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

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dine

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 $-$$ BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BEIJING KITCHEN Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER BISTRO BELLA VITA Big-city casual; modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ 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 $$-$$$

FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GILLY’S SMOKEHOUSE Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more. Closed Sun-Mon. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/gillysrestaurant. Dinner $-$$ GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GP SPORTS Sports bar and restaurant. Menu features create-yourown pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/ gp-sports. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$

FLANAGAN’S Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. // 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. Lunch, 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 $

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 $$$

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 $-$$

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

GR M AG .CO M

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HERITAGE HILL PIZZA Offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. No alcohol. Open daily with a few tables for dining in. // 340 State St SE, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE HERITAGE GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ J. GARDELLA’S TAVERN Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. Three floors of seating. Closed Sun. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellastavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ JUDSON’S AT THE B.O.B. Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops. Notable wine list. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsonssteakhouse. Dinner $$$ THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/ dining/the-kitchen-by-wolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ LEO’S Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm Mon-Fri. Closed Sun. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER LINEAR Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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,

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $ LUNA TAQUERIA Y COCINA Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 64 Ionia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

2020 BEST NEW RESTAURANT MARGAUX A contemporary French bistro. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. // JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll. Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. Dinner $$-$$$ MEXO Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR & RESTAURANT Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER NEW HOTEL MERTENS French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era New Hotel Mertens. Seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. newhotelmertens.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ ONE TRICK PONY GRILL & TAPROOM Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front, dogfriendly patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 136 E Fulton St, 2357669. onetrick.biz. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN Part of Studio Park, One Twenty Three Tavern offers starters, small plates and handhelds, large plates, and a kids menu. Offering elevated American fare, including a fried chicken sandwich, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER OSTERIA ROSSA Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Open daily. // 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriarossa.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$ PALACE OF INDIA Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIND INDIAN CUISINE A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ RESERVE Wine bar offers extensive by-the-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. // 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ ROAM BY SAN CHEZ BISTRO The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ ROCKWELL REPUBLIC Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$ 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.

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

NW, 828-1118, sandypointbeachhouse.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SLOWS BAR-B-Q Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides. Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. // Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slowsbarbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SOCIAL HOUSE A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters such as veggie, meat and cheese shared platters, goat cheese fritters, spicy tuna wontons and avocado toast; soups and salads; burgers and sandwiches; and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$ SOCIAL KITCHEN & BAR Refined comfort food, sandwiches, pizzas, extensive cocktail menu. Vintage décor, patio. Open daily. // Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 724-4464. socialkitchenandbar.com/grand-rapids.html. Brunch (Sat-Sun), 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, 8882170. home.eatsparksbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SPEAKEZ LOUNGE Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and gluten-free. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. // 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ STELLA’S LOUNGE Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 7424444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner$-$$ TAVERN ON THE SQUARE Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WHEELHOUSE KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS Eclectic American bistro fare with seasonal recipes using Michigan ingredients. Large bar and porch. Open daily. // Arena Place, 67 Ottawa Ave SW, 226-3319. wheelhousegrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ Z’S BAR & RESTAURANT Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 4543141. zsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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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 $$

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 $ 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 $-$$

HARMONY HALL West Side brewpub with a German beer hall atmosphere serves pizza, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Open daily. // 401 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9186. harmonybeer.com/harmony-hall. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PEARL STREET GRILL Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. // 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $

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 $-$$

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 $$

2020 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

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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. Open Tues-Sun for

lunch and dinner. Brunch on Sundays. Reservations accepted. // 443 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$ WESTSIDE SOCIAL “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

Uptown BOMBAY CUISINE Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India. Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. // 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BREWERY VIVANT Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ BRICK ROAD PIZZA Traditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (glutenfree crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 2885038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $ CHEZ OLGA Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER THE COMMONS 1970s-themed restaurant with “retro comfort food.” Full bar, including craft beer and ’70s-inspired cocktails. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 547 Cherry St SE, 458-2704. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ CURRY KITCHEN Authentic Indian cuisine. Daily lunch buffet. Kids menu.

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

Takeout. Open daily. No alcohol. // 961 E Fulton St, 242-1300. currykitchengr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

Create ...

DANZÓN CUBANO Authentic Cuban fare, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally made and Cuban sodas. Full bar; happy hour specials Mon-Thu. Open daily. // 1 Carlton Ave SE, 988-9788. danzoncubano.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ DONKEY TAQUERIA Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station. Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST WEST BREWING CO. Traditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. // 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwestbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Fri-Sat), Dinner $-$$

An Impression

ELECTRIC CHEETAH Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SiNcE 1968 . . .

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

ELK BREWING CO. Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. // 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $ ERB THAI Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. Open daily. // 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER FORTY ACRES SOUL KITCHEN “Authentically American” southern comfort food, featuring po’boys, grits, gumbo and more. To-go catering available. Closed Mon. // 1059 Wealthy St SE, 481-6971. fortyacresgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GOJO ETHIOPIAN CUISINE & DELI Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew) dishes served with injera flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 421 Norwood Ave SE, 459-3383. gojoethiopian cuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ THE GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB Not your run-of-the-mill New American fare. Full bar with more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open Tue–Sun. // 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

KICK-START YOUR DAY WITH

FRESH-PRESSED

JUICE

HANCOCK Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HARMONY BREWING CO. Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KINGFISHER RESTAURANT & DELI This “vegetable-forward,” Mediterranean-influenced restaurant offers starters, omelets, bowls and hash, soups and salads, toast and sandwiches, sweets and pastries, and sides. Many of the offerings are available to be made vegetarian-, vegan- or gluten-free. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1001 Lake Dr SE, 734-6833. kingfishergr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MARU SUSHI & GRILL Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $-$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER TERRA Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. // 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch (SatSun), 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 $-$$ WIKIWIKI POKE SHOP Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials. Carry-out available. Closed Sun. // 1146 Wealthy St SE, 288-5646. wikiwikipokeshop.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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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 $-$$

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 $$

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 $

Northeast GR

ZIVIO Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

East Grand Rapids BIG BOB’S PIZZA Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$ CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$ JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ OLIVE’S Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. // 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ OSTA’S LEBANESE CUISINE Large selection of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Serves beer and wine. Takeout and catering available. Closed Sun-Mon. // 2228 Wealthy St SE, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. Lunch (Tue-Fri), Dinner $-$$

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 $ CHESHIRE GRILL Sandwiches, soups, salads, creative burgers. Open daily for breakfast (served all day) and lunch. No alcohol. // 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 635-2713. cheshiregrill. com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$ CRESTON BREWERY More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ DETROIT WING CO. Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken

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

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 $-$$ FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Y E S , D O G S A L L O W E D.

FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GOLDEN WOK Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAYDON’S CROSSING Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ JAKU SUSHI Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. // 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 6490407. jakusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KITCHEN 67 Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers. Open daily. // 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 272-3778. kitchen67.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA HUASTECA Homemade recipes, vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ LAI THAI KITCHEN Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol.

Introducing the Vistas at Beacon Hill.

A new way of retirement living that’s tailored to your lifestyle — including your furry friends. The Vistas is a spacious, upscale, brand-new building, specifically designed for active and independent seniors looking to live life your way. EXPECT TO BE SURPRISED. 1919 BOSTON STREET SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 616-608-8254 | BEACONHILLGR.ORG

Plan ahead. Presales are live and space is filling up fast.

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

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Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), 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 $$

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 $$-$$$

LUCY’S CAFÉ Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-yourown breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$-$$$ MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $ MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MING TEN All-you-can-eat Japanese/Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 365-3989. mingtenrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NICK FINK’S Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. // 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.com/nickfinks. Dinner $$ POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REZERVOIR LOUNGE Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol.

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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 $$$ THE SCORE Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SHESHCO GRILL Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$ THAI CHEF Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ VANDER MILL Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style. Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. // 505 Ball Ave NE, 259-8828. vandermill.com. Lunch, Dinner (MonSat) $$-$$$

Northwest GR 2020 DINING AWARD WINNER AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana.com. Dinner (Tue-Sat) $$ CHINA CHEF Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CHINA CITY Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ DEHOP’S BREWING CO. AND CAFÉ Specialty and build-your-own burgers, “authentic

Mexican” tacos, salads and sharable appetizers. Closed Sun-Mon. // 363 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, 805-3363. dehops.com. Dinner $$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRANCO’S PIZZA Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. Dinner $-$$ FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. Dinner $-$$ HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet.letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$ HOME TEAM GRILL Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. // 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill. wordpress.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE LANDING Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. All-American favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/ dining/the-landing-restaurant. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ MR. GYROS Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. // 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 7916660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PERRIN BREWING CO. Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 5910 Comstock Park Dr, 551-1957. 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

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

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 neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BROAD LEAF LOCAL BEER Pub fare including snacks, meat and veggies on a stick and entrées like drunken noodles, burgers, tempeh and more. Open daily. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CABANA TRES AMIGOS Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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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, 698-8933. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL ARRIERO MEXICAN GRILL Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas. Open daily. // 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL GLOBO RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIREROCK GRILLE Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ FLORENTINE PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GANDERS Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ GOLDEN GATE Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

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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 $-$$

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 $$

LA TAQUERIA SAN JOSE Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1338 S Division Ave, 2842297. Facebook. 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 $$-$$$

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 $

SHIRAZ GRILLE Authentic Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, vegetarian options. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. Lunch (FriSun), 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 $-$$

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 $-$$$

MI TIERRA Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. 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 $

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 $-$$ NU-THAI BISTRO Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OLD GOAT Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $

THAI 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 $ 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 $-$$ TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. // 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$

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

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 $$

O U R

R E A C H M A Y B E G L O B A L , B U T O U R H E A R T S C O U L D N ’ T B E M O R E L O C A L .

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 $-$$ ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées, including summer chicken and pea ravioli. Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

Being a part of West Michigan for over 50 years has not only shaped who we are as a company, it’s profoundly impacted us as individuals. Its work ethic and passion for innovation are infused in our DNA. We are known throughout the world for our excellence in developing automotive décor components, and we attribute much of our success to the place we call home.

lacksenterprises.com

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 $-$$

WHO WILL CLAIM THE TITLE OF BEST BREWERY IN THE REGION?

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 $-$$ FRANKIE V’S PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$

COMING IN SEPTEMBER 2020

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

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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 $$

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 $-$$

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 $$

MAIN STREET PUB Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 15 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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 $-$$

WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $$-$$$

Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area

DAN’S DINER Formerly Pal’s Diner. Retro-style diner with both classic and upscale breakfast and lunch options; breakfast served all day. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 6503 28th St SE, 719-0304. dansdinergr.com. Breakfast, 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 $$

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ARYANA RESTAURANT & BAR Comfortable dining room in Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. // 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

EMONAE KOREAN BBQ Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons

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

to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. // 6246 28th St SE, 649-3984. emonaekoreanbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ THE EURO BISTRO European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ FLAT RIVER GRILL Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch TuesSat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$ NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$ OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $-$$ MARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO French country casual offers small, medium and large plates for dinner fare; salads, sandwiches and mains for lunch. Full bar. Takeout menu. Closed Sun. // 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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 $

Grandville/Hudsonville Area BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE DUNGEON Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$ EL BURRITO LOCO More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 5309470. elburritoloco4.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRANDVILLA Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. Breakfast, Lunch, 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 $-$$ RAINBOW GRILL Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 8960033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MYNT FUSION BISTRO Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $$$

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 $$

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 $$

ZEYTIN Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.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.

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

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dine / estau ants

// 3380 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 616-202-6379. sondereatery.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ WHITE FLAME BREWING CO. Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WIN TAVERN A family-friendly restaurant offering fresh ingredients and cooked-to-order meals, including starters and salads, burgers, sandwiches, and steak and onion meals. It also offers a Sunday breakfast from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

Rockford Area BOSTWICK LAKE INN Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. // 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ 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 $-$$ HOT BOX BBQ Smoked brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, brisket and more. Closed Sun. // 110 Courtland St, 951-7160. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ MARINADES PIZZA BISTRO Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. // 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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RAMONA’S TABLE Gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, small plates, homemade desserts. Farm-to-table specials. Michigan beers, wine. Kids menu. Open daily. // 17 Squires St Square NE, 951-7100. ramonastable.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ROCKFORD BREWING CO. Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Handcrafted brews on tap. Open daily. // 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing. com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TIMBERS INN Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. // 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. Lunch (Wed-Sun), Dinner $-$$ THIRD NATURE BREWING COMPANY Located near the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, Third Nature Brewing is a rustic brewery and taproom offering “comfort foods” such as pizzas and hot sandwiches, as well as healthier options like power bowls and salads. Open daily. // 7733 Childsdale Ave. NE in Plainfield Township, 616-512-9314. thirdnaturebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $ BIG E’S SPORTS GRILL Sports lounge serving pizza, classic American appetizers and other entrées. Full bar includes a variety of Michigan-made beer and cider. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2321 East Beltline Ave SE, 608-8825. 710 Monroe Ave NW, 512-5716. bigessportsgrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIRST WOK Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND CONEY Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 9303596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 7731895. 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 $$ MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 2595353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ 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 $

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

REAL FOOD CAFÉ Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $ RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 5328888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$

SHARE YOUR MOMENTS TO BE FEATURED IN

TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OMELETTE SHOPPE Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 726-7300. omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 773-1687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 8911100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VITALE’S PIZZERIA Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales. com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Visit GRMAG.COM to submit a photo today!

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

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gr gems / histo y

Victory gardens Gardening during times of upheaval has a long history. BY JULIE TABBERER, GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Mamie Southick (center) shows her garden to judges Clayton W. Bazuin and Mrs. L.D. Englerth in August 1944. Mamie and her husband Arthur planted a 7,000-square-foot victory garden at their home near 44th Street and Division Avenue.

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If you’re tending a garden this summer, you can feel some kinship with previous generations that gardened during tough times. Labor shortages during both World Wars meant that farmers could not produce enough food. Citizens planted victory gardens to help fill the gap. To encourage this work, the Kent County Defense Council sponsored annual contests in the 1940s for the best victory garden. In order to qualify, gardens had to be at least 1,200 square

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2020

feet — space that could be tough to find in the city. The defense council coordinated the use of vacant lots, matching up prospective gardeners with empty land. In addition to vying for best overall garden, citizens also could submit their produce, canned goods and flower arrangements to garden shows. The Kent Garden Club, which is still active today, hosted a popular Harvest Show in September 1942. The show gave proud gardeners a chance to “display their ‘fruits of labor’ in a competitive spirit." Whether award-worthy or not, the efforts of victory gardeners were successful at increasing the food supply at a time when it was needed. GARDENING COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

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