Grand Rapids Magazine September 2020

SPECIAL ARTS ISSUE PLUS DISART

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THE CREATIVES OF GRAND RAPIDS TAKE A STAND

Drew Cooper & Anding DCA is an elite group of attorneys specializing in complex litigation. DCA recently secured a historic multi-million dollar settlement on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse which helped increase national awareness of institutionalized and culturally-normalized abuse. DCA’s commercial clients range from entrepreneurial start-ups to multi-billion dollar corporations. Across its diverse practice areas, DCA has a singular goal: Achieve optimal and Just Results for its clients.

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contents SEPT. 2020 VOLUME 57, ISSUE #9

Jasmin Bruce paints tribute to George Floyd and others on Lions & Rabbits' storefront.

FEATURES

44

INTERCONNEC TED VIS UA L A R T I STS T R A N S FO R M I N G THE ART CO MMU NI T Y.

BY PASHA SHIPP

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SELLER'S MARKET GR A N D R A P I DS ' R EAL ESTAT E MA R K ET R EB O U N DS .

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

P H OTO G R A P H BY M I C H E L L E C U P P Y

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

COVER MICHELLE CUPPY

During this crisis, let’s continue to show our kids and our neighbors that we care. Many organizations have had to scale back or even shut down due to COVID-19. With your support, Kids’ Food Basket can scale up to meet the growing needs. Our nourishment program is charitably funded, and we need your help now more than ever.

They Need Kids’ Food Basket, and We Need You. Due to the rising cost of food, we are experiencing a

66% increase

66%

in our meal costs.

$50

can provide a month’s worth of Sack Suppers to a child in our community in need of access to critical healthy meals

Text to give or scan the QR code and help care for your West Michigan neighbors during COVID-19.

In order to serve as many kids as we can, we are working with 70 food

distribution sites

in the four counties that we serve.

$72

can provide bananas, full of potassium, to a distribution site for one month

Text “KFB” to 56651 KFB to Give

$144

can provide

847 servings of

healthy protein for kids in our community

“I am grateful for the people who are putting their money into this, the people who are trying to help the kids and families. That is just really awesome. And I thank God for them.”

Princess Kids’ Food Basket Sack Supper recipient

“Good nutrition has tremendous ramifications not just for a child now, but for the rest of their life— especially if they can learn good food habits. Getting good nutrition for a child is crucial to giving them a chance to succeed.”

Ronald Grifka, MD Chief Medical Officer, Metro Health University of Michigan

contents / septembe

every issue 8 editor's letter 111 dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

124 gr gems

Historic sign leaves unanswered questions

people + places 12

city

13

issues

16

13

16

18 20

Pink Lounge; UICA relocates; Beer State podcast DisArt partners with artist on "My Dearest Friends" project

voice

LIMA will help make your home cozy this fall

guide

Your guide to biking around Grand Rapids

profile

Pink Sky pivots after summer shows canceled

look + feel 24

26 27 30

home

Creative home office spaces

style

We're feeling this fall's statement blacks

expert

It's time for a career change

wellness

Suicide prevention

food + drink

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

40

34

table

38

create

40 42

Steadfast Supper Club debuts Roast chicken

cheers

Pints with Pink Barrel Cellars

must-try

Blacklist Bagels brings NYC-style bagels to GR WHEELCHAIR COURTESY DISART/OAKLEE THIELE CANDLE KELLY SWEET CIDER COURTESY PINK BARREL CELLARS

Round Hill | Private Residences in Cascade

Presented by The KA Group | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate

Introducing Round Hill, a gated community located in the heart of Cascade Township.

This distinctive development features contemporary Mid-Century architecture with clean, modern lines and warm, neutral tones, and will consist of 10 single-family residences. Homeowners will

enjoy being within walking distance of downtown Cascade and its library, restaurants, and shopping.

Lot reservations are available. Custom-built by Thomas Michael Homes LLC. The KA Group | Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Michigan Real Estate Ami Giusti | 616-581-5536 (d) | amigiusti@bhhsmi.com Kris Brady | 616-446-3830 (d) | krisbrady@bhhsmi.com www.kagroupgr.com

editor's letter / connect

BEHIND THE SCENES

Boxes and bags pulled by our stylist Jennifer Pickering from local stores/boutiques are piled high during this month's photoshoot.

"Instead, I suggest you get out and enjoy the many murals and permanent public artworks that are scattered throughout our great city."

Curtain call

Next issue

The performing arts stages around Grand Rapids are likely to look a little empty this fall. Broadway Grand Rapids and St. Cecilia Music Center are among the organizations putting their fall performances on hold. Several other organizations have spent the summer coming up with creative ways to deliver performances to audiences — virtual performances as well as limited audience performances are both options they may utilize.

While it’s certainly disappointing, these organizations are finding creative ways to engage with their patrons and many of them expect some of the innovative solutions they’ve come up with are here to stay, even if COVID-19 eventually fades into the background.

The best way to stay abreast of in-person and virtual performance schedules this fall is to keep an eye on these organizations’ websites and social media.

The pandemic also caused ArtPrize to cancel its event this year.

After a year off, we were all looking forward to the return of this public art event downtown. Instead, I suggest you get out and enjoy the many murals and permanent public artworks that are scattered throughout our great city. And, learn about three visual artists who have been busy creating new works this year. We spoke with Jasmin Bruce, Chelsea Michal Garter and Nick Nortier.

You also can go online to view “My Dearest Friends,” a collaboration between DisArt and artist Oaklee Thiele that looks at the impacts of COVID-19 on people with disabilities. Thiele’s illustrations are paired with audio recordings and interviews to “capture, archive and share stories submitted by the disabled community living through the COVID-19 pandemic.” This is an eyeopening look at a community of people often deemed “disposable” during the pandemic.

If you do decide to venture out by foot this month, you might also spot fading advertisements of bygone times in Grand Rapids — several of which have been unearthed when adjacent buildings were torn down. One of those historic symbols of GR’s past life is the former Joppe’s ice cream shop sign that still hangs from its former home along Plainfield Avenue. While little of the sign remains intact today, you can see what the sign used to look like on the last page of this issue.

Cooler weather has us pulling out the crockpot and dreaming of comfort foods. Local GR residents who love to cook share their favorite fall recipes with us.

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:

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Pasha Shipp’s first love is storytelling. When she’s not bingeing “The X-Files,” playing The Sims 4 or hanging out with her husband, she’s dreaming up new ideas and characters for her novel or writing letters to friends and family.

EDITOR TERRY JOHNSTON BEHIND THE SCENES KEAGAN COOP CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY PASHA SHIPP

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

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

We asked our staff: This issue, we're featuring a mobile candy shop. What is your musthave candy when craving something sweet?

My co-workers and closest friends all know the way to this girl’s heart is with Swedish Fish.

Give me those red, gummy fish over chocolate any day of the week and I’m one happy camper!

LINDSAY EMEIGH

Editorial Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Charlsie Dewey Digital Editor: Tom Mitsos Contributors: Jaye Beeler, Ann Byle, Sam Easter, Marie Havenga, Troy Reimink, Adam Russo, Pasha Shipp, Samantha Suarez, Julie Tabberer, Tricia van Zelst

I always have to have Reese's Pieces.

I remember it's what my dad would buy at the movies when I was little, and I always got to sneak a few after the movie started.

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

SAM EASTER

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

This is easy! I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Anything peanut butter flavored actually!

Production Production Director: Jenine Rhoades Senior Production Artist: Robert Gorczyca Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel Advertising Coordinator: Danielle Szatkowski Advertising Designers: Christian Lott, Daniel Moen, Marcus Thompson, Amanda Zwiren

I prefer to receive the best of both worlds — sour and sweet — with Sour Patch Kids. When life gives you Sour Patch Kids, eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DANIELLE SZATKOWSKI JUSTIN ABDELKAD ER

Web Digital Strategy Director: Nick Britsky Web Project Lead: Matthew Cappo Web Project Assistants: Mariah Knott, Luanne Lim, Bart Woinski

MOYA TOBEY

to be a

that he wanted Justin always knew Circulation player. But did he have professional hockey Still, imes he wasn’t sure. what it takes? Somet Director Of Audience Development: Michelle VanArman ice really hard — on the he decided to work his dream come true. and in school — to make Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247

GOAL SHOOT FOR THE

IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland

L A O G

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Definitely a Mars bar — a nod to my British heritage and there’s just something so magical about them!

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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.

Order now at momentumbooks.com

GR M AG .CO M

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SHARE YOUR MOMENTS!

ItĘźs no secret that Grand Rapids is one amazing city. Moments of joy are captured, discoveries are made and each and every day in GR evokes new understanding of what it means to be a Grand Rapidian. What have you been exploring around town? We want to see Grand Rapids through your eyes. Head to GRMAG.COM today to submit a photo for the chance to be featured in the Grand Rapids Magazine Daily e-Newsletter.

people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

Angelica and Ryan Hay of Pink Sky had to pivot from a summer spent touring to a summer spent creating due to COVID-19.

PROFILE

Dynamic duo page 20

» PLUS: OAKLEE THIELE AND DISART BIKING GUIDE LIMA

P H OTO G R A P H BY H WA- J E E N N A GR M AG .CO M

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people + places / city

Hiatus for contemporary art

Contemporary art is on hiatus in Grand Rapids following the announcement by the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts that it will not reopen its building in the fall to exhibitions.

Instead, UICA is relocating from its home at 2 Fulton West to the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, 17 Pearl St., on the campus of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. UICA plans to reopen in its new space in spring 2021.

“The impact of COVID-19 has led us to rethink how we work and provide programming in the future, and I’m confident our re-envisioning of UICA will help it succeed,” said Tara McCrackin, Kendall’s interim president. “We realize this is an unexpected announcement, but we believe it is a necessary move to ensure UICA continues to be a leading cultural arts destination in Grand Rapids.”

CITY

Halotherapy relaxation

Pink Lounge: Dry Salt Therapy opened recently in Kentwood.

The salt cave is one of only 300 of its kind in the country. Also known as halotherapy, the practice of sitting in rooms filled with Pink Himalayan salt releases negative ions in salt particles which contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that purify the air and increase lung capacity.

It is purported to help with respiratory complaints including allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis, colds, sinus infections, arthritis and COPD. Self-care seekers can enjoy the therapy of walking on salted floors, relax laying on warm Pink Himalayan salt beds and meditate touching warm salt domes. The Pink Lounge will offer Pink Salt Guided Meditation Therapy, and customers also can purchase specialty salt products sourced directly from the Dead Sea of Jordan, including the salt itself in bulk.

The business is the latest venture from restauranteur and philanthropist Jessica Ann Tyson.

“We are looking forward to bringing an affordable, therapeutic and relaxing experience to the community,” Tyson said. Visit pink-lounge.com.

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Also known as halotherapy, the practice of sitting in rooms filled with Pink Himalayan salt releases negative ions in salt particles...

Michigan’s Great Beer State Podcast

The Michigan Brewers Guild launched a podcast, “Michigan’s Great Beer State Podcast” for the state’s beer enthusiasts.

The weekly podcast shares conversations and stories from the “passionate people who contribute to our vibrant Michigan beer community.”

The show consists of a mix of full-length archived interviews from the Guild’s first documentary book project, “A Rising Tide, Stories from the Michigan Brewers Guild,” and of newly recorded conversations.

Each episode begins with an update from hosts Scott Graham, Guild executive director and The Beervangelist, and Fred Bueltmann, author of “A Rising Tide.”

The podcast is available through Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, TuneIn, Player.FM, Podbean, Blurbrry and Stitcher, as well as being uploaded to the MBG YouTube channel in video format. Both the audio and video files will also be available on MiBeer.com.

HALOTHERAPY COURTESY JESSICA ANN TYSON UICA COURTESY CLARK COMMUNICATIONS

My dearest friends …

ISSUES

DisArt teams with artist to share important stories.

BY SAM EASTER

As art projects go, “My Dearest Friends” is difficult to imagine happening 20 or even 10 years ago.

It has a simple premise: telling the stories of the disabled in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. But those stories, told via Instagram account and podcast and with tenderly illustrated, black-and-white drawings, aren’t just a testament to their subjects. They’re an art exhibit thriving amid quarantine, entirely online, while COVID-19 has largely kept museums shuttered.

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY DISART/OAKLEE THIELE

GR M AG .CO M

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people + places / issues

Oaklee Thiele with her medical alert service dog Coco.

The project is helmed by DisArt, a Grand Rapids nonprofit that promotes art and events by or about disabled persons in West Michigan. You’ll probably remember the organization from last fall, when it was set to host a troupe of drag performers with Down syndrome. Peter Meijer, the local candidate for Congress, owned the venue where the show was planned and declined to host it — sparking a national discussion about disabled persons’ identities and agency.

“My Dearest Friends” has not garnered the same kind of press, but it’s a project with similar stakes, asking an audience to ponder the experiences and value of disabled people. At the center of the project is Oaklee Thiele, an Interlochen-educated artist who draws the artwork, which accompanies submitted stories.

The project began in March, born out of Thiele and DisArt’s recognition that amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s sudden, radical shifts in daily living, people with disabilities were being forgotten. It takes its name from a poem Thiele wrote about the disabled community.

“I just remember feeling very distressed and upset, because I had been reading so many news articles about how people were saying this pandemic was no big deal, because only the sick and disabled were going to die from it,” said Thiele, who has posttraumatic stress disorder and relies on a service dog to navigate the symptoms. “It kind of felt like they just didn’t care about disabled lives — they were ready to toss us aside.”

In the early months of the coronavirus crisis — and to some 14

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

“It kind of felt like they just didn’t care about disabled lives — they were ready to toss us aside.”

Oaklee Thiele

OAKLEE THIELE, DOG COURTESY DISART/OAKLEE THIELE

extent, still today — the lives of those most susceptible to the disease have been at the center of political debate. At its core, that discussion is about how to balance death against jobs and businesses.

“Herd immunity, protect the economy, and if that means some pensioners die, too bad,” a senior adviser to the British prime minister, Dominic Cummings, reportedly said in private earlier this year (he has denied saying it). For disabled persons, the equation is deeply unsettling. For many, these are their lives at stake — not an abstract idea to be balanced against the stock market.

The project has generated podcasts, images and stories spanning months. At first, many were squarely focused on the pandemic, though more have taken on racial politics as protests against police violence have erupted in cities around the country. The effect is one of expansive storytelling, documenting the pandemic and a turbulent spring and summer.

“This was the price of a haircut before the pandemic: $30.00,” reads the text of one image in the project. “This is the price of a haircut during a pandemic: The life of a chronically ill individual.”

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to go to college in the fall like I planned,” reads another, accompanied by a person in a wheelchair and a university building — with twin columns flanking the doors — far off in the distance.

“My Dearest Friends,” reads another, “I’m sorry for all the hoarders, buying out all the things you actually need to survive.”

Jill Vyn and Chris Smit, directors with DisArt, hope that the project can help change the way disabled people are typically understood — in one pernicious example, as heroes struggling against the weight of their disabilities.

“I think what’s problematic is that it’s very one-dimensional, and it only allows disabled people to inspire without actually being active participants in the community,” Smit said. “Over the years, when disabled people are talked about, it is in fact that we’re talked about without being talked to.”

This gets to the heart of what DisArt is all about, and what “My Dearest Friends” can do — to add dimension to the common understanding of disabled persons. Vyn sums up the experience as a fight not against a disability, but to be seen.

“The fight to be known that disabled people have always been fighting,” she said.

“To be known and to be felt and to be invited into the cultural playground of life.”

ILLUSTRATION, DRAWINGS COURTESY DISART/OAKLEE THIELE

Oaklee Thiele's illustrations accompany the stories shared by disabled individuals across the country experiencing the reactions to COVID-19.

GR M AG .CO M

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people + places / voice

LIMA's fall candle lineup includes Colombia, a scent that will transport you to the Colombian mountains.

VOICE

Passion project These working moms turned crafting night into a business.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTOS BY KELLY SWEET

Working moms and sisters-in-law Linsey Jones and Maria Curtis turned their crafting night into a successful business venture. The pair launched LIMA (named after the first two letters of each of their names) last year with the hope of offering “love, peace and kindness” through each of their products. LIMA’s products include candles and an all-natural body line. The lines are handmade by Jones and Curtis and distributed in chic packaging with fun and inspiring labels.

It sounds like this is a passion project for you two. Tell me how LIMA came to be. LJ: We are both full-time working moms and it can be difficult to find time to hang out. So, initially, we started crafting as a time for us to relax, drink some wine and just enjoy each other’s company. We began by making soaps and realized how fun that was.

We tried candles next and found that we really loved that process. From there, we honed our skill, did lots of research and decided to have our hand at starting our own business. We made our first official LIMA batch of candles and sold out immediately. From there, we were hooked, and we’ve never looked back.

What do you do when you aren’t working on LIMA? LJ: Maria is a chemical engineer and leads the business and product development team for Meijer manufacturing, and I am a speech-language pathologist who works with kids who have communication disorders. It is a very fulfilling and rewarding job.

Tell me about the product lines you offer. MC: The main staple are our thoughtful candles, but we also feature an all-natural body line that 16

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

"We made our first official LIMA batch of candles and sold out immediately.

From there, we were hooked, and we’ve never looked back."

Linsey Jones

we are very proud of. Our body line consists of a lavender and vanilla body butter and an orange and peppermint salt scrub. We craft each of these products using only natural ingredients — you can actually read and pronounce them all — without adding any preservatives, chemicals or dyes. We also offer some home decor products like our chic reed diffuser and modern potpourri that brightens up any room.

With fall coming up, do you have new scents that will be available? MC: We have a wonderful fall fragrance lineup. Our fun fall candles will feature notes of cinnamon and pecans, vanilla and bourbon, peppercorn and orange peel, spiced honey and coriander, among others. We will also be debuting a coffee line that will transport you to the mountains of Colombia, bringing you warmth, and uplifting your soul.

Is there anything new on the horizon readers should know about? LJ: [This fall] we will debut our ‘LIMA candle making happy hour,’ a two-hour candle-making workshop for friends to gather and create their own thoughtful labels while having a glass of wine.

LIMA products can be found at Parooz, Kennedy’s Flowers and Gifts, Tandem Studio, Blackbird, and Lennon & Willow. Visit limaunitedbylove.com.

Sister-in-laws Linsey Jones (left) and Maria Curtis (right) turned their hang out time into a bustling selfcare business.

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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people + places / guide

“We’ve been advocating for active transportation in Grand Rapids since then, and we’ve come a long way ..."

Josh Leffingwell

GUIDE

On two wheels

Your guide to a bike-friendly weekend in Grand Rapids.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

Josh Leffingwell started biking while in college as a way to get around, but he soon became interested in bike advocacy and the environmental benefits of cycling — he even started a bike advocacy clothing line after college, Bike Friendly, with business partner Tyler Doornbos.

“We’ve been advocating for active transportation in Grand Rapids since then, and we’ve come a long way — when we first started there was 0.4 miles of bike lanes and now we are over 100 miles,” Leffingwell said.

Today, Leffingwell is a partner at Well Design Studio, and most days he commutes to work via his 2012 Linus 3-speed Roadster.

“It’s pretty basic, but that’s really all you need in Grand Rapids,” he said. Leffingwell said he tends to bike short distances and often “snags a ride on The Rapid and tosses the bike on the front,” when he is going anywhere around town that involves a lengthy hill.

Leffingwell shared some of his favorite stops as he bikes around GR. For brunch, Leffingwell sets out from his 18

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Tune-Up If you’re out and about and have any issues with your bike, there are great bike shops in all corners of the city.

North Side Central District Cyclery 1309 Plainfield Ave. NE West Side Freewheeler 915 Leonard St. NW East Side — and East GR Grand Rapids Bicycle Company 1311 E. Fulton St. South Side Alger Bikes 120 28th St. SW

West Side home and makes a stop at El Granjero. “Chilaquiles for me, huevos rancheros for my wife, Alissa. Some of the best Mexican breakfast in the city, and some of the nicest people running the restaurant (shout out to Paola and Beto).” While you won’t find any bike racks here, Leffingwell said there are plenty of spots to lock up your bike.

Another favorite weekend brunch spot is SpeakEZ Lounge.

“If I’m hitting trails around Grand Rapids, I’m definitely going to stick near the zoo, where they have some of the region’s best trails.

Millennium Park’s trails are truly a gem for the region. These trails connect you to new parks (you can get over to some of the Black Hills parks like Clemente Park and Indian Mounds Park) and other trail networks like Kent Trails to take you to Wyoming and all the way to Byron Center,” he said.

Leffingwell follows up a trail ride with “a drink and some grub.” He suggests City Built Brewing Co. “There are few more bike-friendly businesses, and they have a great menu of both beers and food. Keep in mind you’re going to be biking all day so don’t get drawn into the heavy beers or have too many … you’ve got to stay sober enough to ride — and fit enough to make it up any of the hills.”

JOSH LEFFINGWELL WELL DESIGN STUDIO

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Angelica and Ryan Hay on a trip to West Texas. The deserted landscape was an incredibly spiritually and creatively inspiring location for the musicians.

PROFILE

Creative couple Even without live events, the Hays have kept busy amid the pandemic.

BY TROY REIMINK

The Grand Rapids-based electronic music act Pink Sky was supposed to spend most of 2020 on tour, nourishing its growing profile and fan base with a full plate of shows slated to kick off in March at the South By Southwest conference in Austin, Texas.

The year has not gone according to plan.

“We found out about COVID on March 6, which was when we were notified that South

By Southwest entirely shut down,” said Ryan Hay, who performs in Pink Sky with Angelica Hay. The duo was booked for a showcase presented by Michigan House, an organization that promotes music and culture from here to the massive, influential audience at the festival. “That was going to be the start of a pretty long run of shows that we had scheduled.

Really our North Star for the past couple of years has been playing shows. Everything really revolved around that.”

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

THE HAYS HWA-JEEN NA

people + places / p ofile

So, like countless other creatives now looking at an empty calendar, Pink Sky sought ways to adapt and cope. “We’ve been oscillating between highly productive moments and moments where everything is just a little overwhelming and it’s sort of difficult to be creative,” Angelica Hay said.

The Hays, partners who celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in August, have remained busy. They have streamed performances, collaborated on tracks with other electronic artists and, more recently, began work on material for a new album.

The new record would be Pink Sky’s third full-length release overall — following "Forms" (2018) and "Meditations I & II" (2019) — and their first since joining the roster of Circa Recordings, a label based in Chicago and Los Angeles that specializes in avant-garde, modern classical and electronic artists.

Earlier in 2020, “Meditations I & II” was named best electronic album at the WYCE Jammie Awards. Pink Sky also released “Meditations (Reworked),” a sixsong collection of remixes created mostly by other electronic artists in the Grand Rapids music scene. They also issued a collaborative single this spring with Grand Rapids-based electronic artist Bronze Wolf.

More than anything, though, they miss performing live for audiences, and that loss has been the most difficult adjustment of the COVID-19 era so far.

“We formed with the intention of being a live band, so all of our musical decisions were really pinned around the idea that they would and could be played live,” Angelica Hay said.

Both members are careful to use the word “band” when describing their project — which is notable, because Pink Sky neither looks nor sounds much like a “band” in the conventional sense. Instead of the traditional guitars, drums and vocals, there are warm electric pianos, swooning synthesizers, programmed beats and sequenced samples building into glistening sonic vistas that combine ambient minimalism with the rhythmic catharsis of house music. During performances, the Hays tend to subordinate themselves to visual projections that are carefully synchronized with the instrumental soundscapes. But they perform everything live on mostly analog instruments — no laptops, in other words — with Ryan on pianos, synths and bass, and Angelica on the more esoteric electronics.

PORTRAIT HWA-JEEN NA

Angelica and Ryan Hay from their 2018 "Forms" album photo series.

“We had this really strong foundation that was built on mutual respect and trust and a willingness to engage.

A lot of it was that we had gone through two traumatic and difficult events.”

Ryan Hay

Neither musician came to the project with a background in electronic music. Ryan grew up on jam bands and spent years playing in rock groups, including the popular folk-rock outfit Frontier Ruckus. Angelica is a visual artist whose creative outlet was painting before she and Ryan formed Pink Sky. The band itself began in a place of trauma and healing. Ryan Hay was seriously injured in a traffic accident in 2012, and he spent the next three years in recovery — a period he refers to as “kind of my lost years.” But with Angelica’s help, he gradually found his way back to creativity, music and life.

“The accident took so much of my identity from me because I couldn’t work, I couldn’t play music, and even when I was able to play music, it wasn’t the same,” Ryan said. “I started to be able to come back to myself through painting, which was unexpected.

Angelica gave me some of her old supplies and created a space for me to just have fun and no expectations.”

Connections Ryan made in the Grand Rapids art community, ironically, drew him back toward music. A friend tipped him off to avant-garde European composers who combined elements of classical and electronic music. Ryan started tinkering with synthesizers and found it therapeutic. Angelica saw how much fun Ryan was having and asked to join. She got a drum machine and a sampler and, before long, Pink Sky was off and running.

But when tragedy struck once more, the music again was a source of healing. The “Meditations” albums were created as a means of processing the trauma of Angelica’s experience with pregnancy loss.

Because of these experiences, the Hays’ creative work in Pink Sky has become inseparable from their life together. “We had this really strong foundation that was built on mutual respect and trust and a willingness to engage,” Ryan Hay explained. “A lot of it was that we had gone through two traumatic and difficult events.”

Moving forward, Pink Sky is using the break from performances to explore new ground creatively. “We’re definitely expanding our sound and taking advantage of new sonic possibilities that we can do in the production phase, and also just moving around and playing different instruments, playing each other’s instruments, just keeping ourselves open to all sorts of new creative possibilities,” Angelica Hay said.

Ryan Hay added, “Not being able to orient everything in our lives around playing live shows has given us the opportunity to question why we’re doing things the way we are moving forward. That’s opened up new doors, new ways of thinking, new ways of recording and producing. And that’s exciting.”

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look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY

HOME

Working at home page 24

» PLUS: C AREER CHANGE TIPS SUICIDE PREVENTION STATEMENT BL ACKS

More people are carving out space within their homes for an office thanks to COVID-19.

P H OTO G R A P H BY DAV I D S PA R K S GR M AG .CO M

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HOME

Office style The (new) joys of working at home.

BY ANN BYLE

// PHOTOS BY DAVID SPARKS

Working at home has become mainstream as quarantine forces us away from our normal workplaces and into the nooks and spare rooms of our dwellings.

Creativity and necessity come together for these three people who have made space for work at home.

"This space has helped tremendously to maintain structure for my day."

Michele Bosak

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

look + feel / home

Bree Byle Interior Design Associate, Baker Publishing Group

Michele Bosak Curator of Exhibitions, Kendall College of Art and Design Michele Bosak found herself divvying up the house so she and two housemates could work in separate spaces and have privacy for group calls. For the first six weeks of the COVID-19 quarantine, she worked at the dining room table or sitting on the sofa.

“When I worked from home in the past, this was sufficient,” she said. “Then I started not feeling good body-wise. About week seven, I decided to restructure my workspace.”

She positioned her desk near bookshelves already part of the living space, brought in an Eames dividing screen from another area, and claimed an ergonomic office chair.

She now has a dedicated office space that allows her privacy but also the ability to see outside into her Eastown neighborhood.

“This space has helped tremendously to maintain structure for my day,” said Bosak.

“It allows me to keep all my stuff in one place instead of having to move it to use the space for other things. It’s a huge help for productivity and it helps my brain.”

She can have her morning coffee outside, then walk to her home office and get started. “I don’t feel the level of preparation going to the work, which has made me more productive and my day starts earlier,” she said. “I have my library at my fingertips, including art and art theory books, as well as novels and nonfiction. I’ve re-engaged with reading.”

Top Products • Bose noise-cancelling headphones. Bosak can listen to music without disturbing others and plans to use them when she’s back in her Kendall space.

“A pricey investment but well worth it,” she said.

• Task chair ergonomically set up for her body • File folders to keep papers grouped together • Task light • Mouse pad BREE BYLE COURTESY BREE BYLE MISSY BLACK KELLY BRAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Q: How did you create your office space?

A: I use my small dining table as my desk and positioned it so I can see outside. This is better than my windowless cubicle at work.

Q: How does this work in your studio apartment?

A: My large monitor takes up the whole table, so I DIYed a vertical desk space using IKEA toddler bed slats. I hang storage containers with S hooks and use twine and clothespins to hang papers.

Q: What do you like about working from home?

A: No commute saves gas, time and money, and I don’t have to pack a lunch or wear makeup.

I also get to listen to music or podcasts without headphones.

I can concentrate without interruption — but I have to buy my own coffee.

Top Products • Task lighting, purchased from Target • Paintings bought from street vendors in Europe • Faux plants to make the space pretty

Missy Black Copywriter, A.K. Rikk’s Q: How has your office changed?

A: I needed an office with a creative atmosphere.

I replaced a ceiling fan and small light with a big, gold chandelier, bought a faux marble desk with gold legs, and had wallpaper designed by local artist Mary Katherine installed on an accent wall.

Q: Why is having your own space so important?

A: When you carve out a space and make it yours, you set yourself up for success. And it’s nice to know you have your own little spot to work and for things like Zoom calls.

When you make your space beautiful, you can create beautiful things.

Q: What did you discover as you created your office?

A: Wallpaper is making a huge comeback. And it feels good that the wallpaper came from a local artist.

Top Products • Unique office supplies such as gold scissors, stapler and catchall • Comfortable chair

Visit grmag.com to view Bree and Missy's office spaces.

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look + feel / style Alexander McQueen's Fashion Week 2020

STYLE

Bold blacks Statement blacks are here to stay.

WRITTEN AND STYLED BY JENNIFER PICKERING

// PHOTOS BY ANGELA CICCU

This fall season is all about statement blacks. We're talking puffed sleeves, dramatic cutouts, printed fabrics, unique textures and more. Black has been the definition of classic and timeless looks for quite some time now, but these statement blacks are more than that. If you’re feeling bold, go for an all black look. If you want something more subtle, pick a statement black top or accessory.

Crepe Square-Neck Puff-Sleeve Top, $59.50, Madewell

Monkee Genes Straight Leg, $79.99, Adored Boutique

Silent D Prairie Boots, $180, Anthropologie

Tonlé Cactus Jumpsuit, $79.99, Adored Boutique

Rafia Trim Flower Earrings, $38, Iris Boutique

Parafina Sunglasses, $89, Dear Prudence

Sema Peekaboo Bag, $115, Iris Boutique Sylca Black and White Necklace, $62, Iris Boutique

Dex Chevron Midi Dress, $94, Lee and Birch

Sorel Nadia Mule, $150, Lee and Birch

Bo Dress, $148, Free People

DO+BE Smock Dress, $69, Dear Prudence Hepburn & Co. Headband, $25, Iris Boutique

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Melie Bianco Brooke Cylinder Bag, $85.80, Iris Boutique

RUNWAY COURTESY KCD WORLDWIDE BO DRESS COURTESY FREE PEOPLE BOOTS COURTESY ANTHROPOLOGIE PUFF-SLEEVED TOP COURTESY MADEWELL

look + feel / expe t

“People looking to make a transition within their companies need to speak up and advocate for themselves.”

Kimberly Gleason

EXPERT

Making moves What to consider if you’re thinking about a career change.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

Thanks to the current health crisis, more people seem to be evaluating their careers and doing a lot of introspection right now.

“Crisis is a great impetus for selfreflection and evaluation,” said Kimberly Gleason, an executive coach with Blue Bridge Leadership. “We’ve had some time to think about what’s most important to us and whether or not our career and lifestyles align well.”

Gleason said now is a great time to “dream, create and plan for the future you desire.”

If you are considering a career transition, Gleason said it’s important to take into account your “skills, strengths, experience, education, values, priorities, and life and career goals to make a wise decision.”

DIRECTIONS ISTOCK/OJOGABONITOO KIMBERLY GLEASON COURTESY KIMBERLY GLEASON

“For example, where do you want to be in the next three years? What are the obstacles that stand in the way to success? I think too often we focus on our goals and not enough on the obstacles that could get in the way.

Once we have a plan to overcome those obstacles, then we can feel more confident in moving forward.”

Maybe you like your company but are ready for a different role. Gleason said it’s usually on employees to initiate those conversations. “People looking to make a transition within their companies need to speak up and advocate for themselves.

Prior to doing so, it’s a good idea to take an inventory of your skills, strengths and accomplishments, as well as your

reasons for wanting to move into another position. And then schedule a time to meet with your manager to discuss how that transition would benefit the company. Basically, it’s important to communicate it from the needs and perspective of the company.”

While you might be ready for a change, several employers are on hiring freezes currently due to the pandemic. So, Gleason said be aware of that fact.

“It appears that while some companies are indeed hiring, many are on a hiring freeze,” she said. “They, like the rest of us, are faced with a lot of uncertainty about the future. And therefore, they are in crisis mode and are simply trying to get through the day and week, let alone think about next month or year.

“For that reason, many companies are in a wait-and-see mode. Having said that, I think that any time is a good time to consider a career move. What we see as challenges can also mean opportunities.

So, it’s a good idea to consider our options, even if that means staying put for now, and making a decision not just based on the here and now, but where we really want to be in the future. There are always opportunities if we’re willing to look."

And if you need help, Gleason and others in the career coaching field are available to help.

“We offer career coaching, resume and LinkedIn assistance, and interview coaching to help people move forward,” she said. “The advantage we offer is that we customize all of our services to meet the needs of the individual. No cookie cutter services.”

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Win at life. (for real.)

Play the NEW Grand Rapids Life game for the chance to win incredible prizes, support local businesses, and see over 30 NEW murals across the city! get started at AfterDarkGR.com/game

AfterDarkGR.com/game @afterdarkgr

look + feel / wellness

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

WELLNESS

Understanding suicide Experts say suicide is preventable.

BY MARIE HAVENGA

// ILLUSTRATIONS BY JAMES HEIMER

Joe (not his real name) was 27, married less than a year, college-educated and extremely well-liked at his new job. He struggled with ADHD but managed it with medication and counseling. One evening after drinking, he and his wife shouted harsh words during a heated argument. His wife left home. Friends grew concerned about Joe’s whereabouts that evening and his wife returned home to look for him. She found him hanging in the basement. She called 911, but Joe later died at a local hospital.

“It’s difficult to know what could have been done differently, said Barbara Hawkins-Palmer, director of the Kent County Health Department's Healthy Kent community health collaborative.

For every completed suicide there are 25 attempts occurring, she said, with a growing number in the 20-39 age group. Most common methods? Guns and hanging.

The number of Kent County suicides has increased each year, with the exception of 2019, when numbers dropped from 97 to 87, with 46 percent in the 18 to 39 age group.

Hawkins-Palmer recently shared her insight on suicides with Grand Rapids Magazine.

What scares you the most about these trends? Young lives ended — the years of potential life lost and using a longterm solution for a short-term problem.

Young brains have not developed fully enough to understand the consequences of their actions. They are impulsive in their thinking. In a Houston study, 153 attempt survivors ages 13-34 were asked about time taken to decide to attempt suicide, 1 in 4 reported deliberating about the suicide for less than five minutes. Nine out of 10 deliberated less than a day.

What red flags should friends and loved ones be aware of? Notice changes in someone’s mood or behavior for two weeks or longer. It could be physical such as fatigue, loss of energy, sleeping too much or too little, overeating or loss of appetite, weight loss or gain, headaches. It could be behavioral such as crying spells, withdrawal from others, neglect of responsibilities, loss of interest in personal appearance, use of drugs and or alcohol. Or, it could be psychological such as sadness, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness, frequent self-criticism, selfblame or thoughts of death and suicide.

What advice do you have for those who may be pondering suicide? Tell someone that you are contemplating suicide. Don’t go it alone. No one is better off without you. Just ask your mom, your dad, your

What are contributing factors to suicide?

• Undiagnosed mental health disorder such as depression.

About 90% of people who die by suicide have the risk factors of depression and/or other mental health disorders.

• Inability to change frustrating circumstances or to find a solution to their problem.

• Feelings of intense emotional distress involving: Anger Anxiety Hopelessness Worthlessness Interpersonal conflict

How can society help?

• Talk about mental health as a normal part of being human that needs to be monitored and taken care of just like your body.

• Train medical students on mental health disorders and how to work with patients with these conditions.

For years, physicians have treated our body and minds as separate, which has contributed to the lack of parity that we have today.

• Require insurance companies to cover costs for mental health as they do for heart attacks or cancer.

• Have media stop using terminology such as committed suicide, successful suicide or any language that stigmatizes those with mental illness.

• Reduce access to guns.

• Improve depression screening. Studies show that many people who died from suicide had just seen their medical provider within weeks of their suicide.

siblings and your friends. Know that suicide is not an option. Seek help. Tell someone you are hurting.

Is there anything we can say or do to change a person's mind? The myth that if a person is determined to kill themselves, nothing is going to stop them. But we know that even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death.

They waver, oftentimes up to the moment, between wanting to live and wanting to die.

Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever.

Is it wise to tell a person things will get better? Yes, because they do get better.

Depression, anxiety and other mental illness is a chronic condition, but it can be managed, and people do live happy lives.

Take them to get help from a counselor, psychiatrist or other medical provider.

If you are experiencing a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, not feeling mentally well for two weeks or more, call your doctor. If you don’t have a doctor call your health insurance carrier for a listing of supports. If you don’t have insurance, call network180, (616) 336-3765.

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(616) 454-6700 | LeosRestaurant.com | 60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids

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Get comfortable.

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

This roast chicken recipe will have you feeling all the comfy fall vibes.

CREATE

Comfort cooking page 38

» PLUS: VISIT PINK BARREL CELL ARS NEW YORKSTYLE BAGELS STEADFAST SUPPER CLUB

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

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Earlier this summer a group gathered to enjoy the unique dining experience promised by newly launched Steadfast Supper Club.

TABLE

Steadfast Supper Club Chef Matt Overdevest brings the restaurant experience to your home.

BY JAYE BEELER

// PHOTOS BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Chef Matt Overdevest managed to thrill us before we even took one bite. On a June night at Blair and Lisa Heethius’ Victorian gingerbread-style house in Heritage Hill, Overdevest debuted his newest venture (and adventure) — Steadfast Supper Club — a pop-up, fine dining experience that brings every wonderful thing that an upscale restaurant would right into your home. Don’t confuse this with catering. We are talking four- and six-course meals that are altogether far more dazzling than beef tenderloin and mashed potatoes.

Throughout the night, we caught glimpses of Overdevest working at the Wolf range, garnishing wide-rim bowls, conferring with the hostess, chilling esoteric wines with 34

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

food + drink / table

During the evening, Overdevest presented curry fish with asparagus and rice (above) as the second course. Right, guests gather for cocktail hour.

delicious backstories. The experience was reminiscent of Overdevest’s beloved but now defunct Marcona on Lyon, which offered an open kitchen view and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

With Marcona becoming a casualty of the COVID-19 health crisis, Overdevest created Steadfast Supper Club to bring luxe dining safely to you.

On this particular June day, Overdevest arrived in the early afternoon with $370 worth of provisions — chestnut mushrooms, pea shoots, garlicky ramps, green garlic, spring carrots, icicle radishes.

His produce was sourced from Pebble Creek Farm in Duran, Visser Farm in Zeeland, Green Wagon Farm in Zeeland, Woodbridge Dairy Farm in Hudsonville and the Fulton Street Farmers Market — where he was board president for a long while.

“I shop it, I cook it, I serve it and I clean it. You host the party and I do all the work,” said Overdevest, whose career highlights include chef stints at top-tier restaurants and for Wolf/Sub-Zero in New York City, privately for a family, and serving as forager for a farm-to-table restaurant. “This really brings all of my history together in one venture.”

“All of this is a treat,” said Overdevest, who is “happy to present a menu ahead of time but it’s way more exciting to be surprised.”

The Heethiuses, along with next-door neighbors David and Andrea Nemes, gave Overdevest carte blanche on the night’s menu. Neighbors Eric and Tracy Lanning and my husband, Rich Jelier, and I rounded out the dinner party.

Overdevest prepares the evening's second course at the home of Blair and Lisa Heethius.

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Introducing Steadfast Supper Club COST: A four-course meal costs $80 per person and a six-course meal costs $100 per person.

Groceries and wine will be added to the bill.

MENU: “As far as the menu goes, it is wide open,” said Chef Matt Overdevest. “I am versed in lots of world cuisines — Europe, Africa, the Americas and most of Asia. We can run with a tangent — build a menu around your favorite album or a train trip that you took through Europe. I want to give you an experience that you are not going to get anywhere.”

SHOWTIME: “I arrive at your home at 2 p.m., assuming dinner’s at 6 p.m.,” Overdevest said.

“I’m cooking throughout the whole process and timing it out. I get my organization lined up about an hour ahead of time. I'll set the table with their stuff and I can bring stuff as well. If they want a bar set up, I can make that happen. I’m covering all the details.”

WHY NOW: Really, what’s safer than eating at home. Until the COVID-19 threat is eliminated, Overdevest is masked up, gloved and instituting all the restaurant safety measures that he would at any restaurant. “I look at it from a consumer standpoint,” he said. “Are you comfortable sitting in a restaurant for two hours with friends and family, with a person coughing three tables over?”

For more information, visit steadfastsupperclub.com.

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Chef Matt Overdevest presents the evening's first course of roasted chestnut mushrooms, greens and yogurt.

food + drink / table

Under a gorgeous Michigan sky, Andrea handed each guest a sublime cocktail playfully titled The Last Word — one of Overdevest’s favorite aperitifs — spiked with lime juice, green Chartreuse, small-batch Michigan gin and other ingredients.

Four tables (adhering to social distancing guidelines) set for two formed a circle on a long stretch of grass. Each table, dressed in white butcher paper and flax linen napkins, balanced two place settings for four courses, kitted with multiple fork-and-knife lineups and four wine glasses. All of this was a joint effort with the Heethiuses providing the dinnerware, the Nemeses the butcher paper and Overdevest the cutlery.

Once seated, Overdevest delivered the first course: roasted chestnut mushrooms with Hyderabadi sour dal, spiced with green chili and curry leaf, and accompanied by pea shoots and yogurt.

“For dinner tonight, I’m going to [the] subcontinent India, but not anything that you're used to seeing. There’s no butter chicken, or even naan tonight. We’re going deeper, into the fully robust flavors of regional and traditional because that’s the fun part.”

He immediately poured the first of four wines — Orgo Rkatsiteli 2017, an orange wine, also called an amber wine, from the Republic of Georgia. “It’s made 100% from the Rkatsiteli grape,” Overdevest said, “which was the most widely planted white wine grape grown in the world and the highest production until Mikhail Gorbachev’s vine-pull scheme cut it out throughout the Eastern Bloc.”

Overdevest is always probing, absorbing, tasting and testing so he can compose such delicious complexities on a plate — like a dazzling gift to you.

The overall dinner experience can be described as joyful anticipation: the second course of halibut bristled in mappa sauce — a perky Kerala-style curry number that’s really a coconutbased stew — served on a tangle of spinach, asparagus and fresh coconut. The third course brought a sous vide duck confit spiced with cracklings on top — nestled in lemon dal studded with icicle radish and spring carrot, cooked in mustard oil and ginger and topped with spicy mango chutney. The final course was a whisper of sweetness — a cherry rice basmati pudding with cardamom, pepper, thyme and drizzled with rose syrup and dried cherries.

I am quite sure he sprinkled fairy dust on everything because we cleaned our plates and felt incredibly happy and satisfied, but not stuffed. We lingered into the night, happily chatting with Overdevest after he had cleaned the kitchen and packed his coolers.

This was an insanely wonderful way to dine at home. “[If ] there’s one thing that I do know it’s that people are going to celebrate, to eat, to laugh,” Overdevest said. “Some things live on.”

“I shop it, I cook it, I serve it and I clean it. You host the party and I do all the work.”

Chef Matt Overdevest

A guest dines on the dinner's second course of curry fish and vegetables.

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food + drink / c eate

CREATE

Roast chicken

Cuddle up with this fall recipe.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Mary Ann Sabo, owner of Sabo PR, learned to cook in high school while working as a house manager for a women’s group home. “Six meals during my weekend shift for the nine of us plus the full-time house manager and her family — and I learned to cook large and utilitarian meals,” she said. A teaching job with Ferris State University connected her with a group of faculty members who also loved to cook.

“We were in one another’s kitchens almost every weekend, and I had the chance to watch and learn from some really wonderful cooks,” she said. Today, Sabo said cooking helps her relax after long days running her business. She shared her roast chicken recipe, which she said pairs well with roasted carrots, since the two can be cooked in the same oven and take about 90 minutes from the fridge to the table.

Roast chicken ingredients 1 whole chicken, 3-4 pounds 2-5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3-4 tablespoons Herbes de Provence Fresh-cracked black pepper Coarse-ground sea salt 1 lemon, quartered Roast chicken instructions: Remove the giblets from the chicken and lay it on a cutting board. To spatchcock the chicken, or flatten the bird, you’ll need to put some muscle into this — starting at the tailbone, cut down one side of the spine and then the other, discarding the spine. Using both your hands, force the leg and thigh sections down to the cutting board until you hear the breastbone crack. The chicken should lay relatively flat. Pat the chicken dry.

Liberally rub about 2-3 tablespoons of the olive oil on both sides of the bird. Season both sides of the bird to taste with pepper and salt.

Rub the Herbes de Provence (or a combination of mixed dried herbs) on the skin side of the bird.

Preheat your oven to 475 degrees. Heat the cast iron skillet over high heat for 2-3 minutes, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat for another 2-3 minutes then add the bird, skin side down. Tuck the lemon wedges under the bird. Cover with an oven-proof lid slightly smaller than the skillet that you can press down to flatten the chicken. Cook for 5 minutes.

Remove the lid, flip the bird, replace the lid and press down again. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Put the skillet (lid still on) into the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and roast for another 10 minutes or until the bird reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees with an instant-read thermometer. Let stand 5-10 minutes, slice and serve.

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Heading to the beach?

Village Baker is on the way.

Winner Best Breads

Winner Best Desserts

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Best Pizzas

OUR BREAD IS FOR SALE AT: Ken’s Fruit Market on Plainfield & Alger

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• Our Bakery is open like a grocery store • We also have online ordering with scheduled times for curbside pick-up • We take reservations

food + drink / chee s

“Pink Barrel Cellars is a relaxing place where people can enjoy a bite to eat, grab a drink and just chill.”

Stephanie Ginsberg

CHEERS

A farm with spirits Pink Barrel Cellars offers dinner and drinks.

BY ADAM RUSSO

On the edge of “The Ridge,” West Michigan’s fruit capital, Pink Barrel Cellars has been serving up homegrown food and drinks for nearly a year. A quick, 10-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids, the Pink Barrel Cellars taproom is situated on an extensive farm on the corner of 6 Mile Road and Peach Ridge NW. It’s a hard-to-miss spot, but if you need a land marker, a bright-pink 1958 John Deer 420 tractor and 1962 Chevy pickup truck will signal your arrival.

The Pink Barrel Cellars taproom is housed inside a nearly century-old barn on the Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm. The taproom has a full kitchen and bakery and offers views of the surrounding agriculture.

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

A connection to the family farm Although the Pink Barrel Cellars taproom, which includes a full kitchen and bakery, is a new venture, the Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm has been growing fresh fruits and vegetables for four generations. The farm’s elevation and proximity to Lake Michigan mean growing conditions result in picture-perfect produce.

The taproom sits inside a large historic barn, which was constructed in 1938. Since its early years, the venue remains a popular space for live music and celebrations. With a closer look at the century-old wood planks, you will spot guests’ signatures and dates from bygone decades.

While a newly completed taproom addition provides more dine-in seating and expanded entryways, the space's vintage charm remains intact.

“We’re bringing back old school,” Stephanie Ginsberg, one of the “Dunneback girls,” said. “Pink Barrel Cellars is a relaxing place where people can enjoy a bite to eat, grab a drink and just chill.”

Fresh seasonal ingredients When you arrive, explore the growing selection of farm-crafted beer, wine and hard cider while overlooking the vast agricultural landscape. Of course, Pink Barrel Cellars has its beer list staples, like the Dunneback Blonde and 5167 RIDGE IPA, but it also offers unique seasonal options. A fall favorite is the rum barrelaged Honey Crisp Ale. As you get hungry, the kitchen and bakery are ready to serve hearty, madefrom-scratch entrees and desserts, including an array of pizzas, burgers, turnovers and donuts. All of the food relies on in-season, farm-to-table ingredients like sweet and tart cherries, apples and pumpkins.

Pink Barrel Cellars’ most popular menu item is the slow-cooked apple BBQ pulled pork, served as tacos, a sandwich or nachos. Pairing the apple BBQ pulled pork with a 5167 RIDGE IPA, pumpkin spice donut and picturesque view of the farm will cultivate a genuine moment of bliss for any autumn enthusiast.

BARTENDING, BEER, WINE COURTESY PINK BARREL CELLARS

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. ■

E L I T E PERSONAL STYLING

Trust is everything. When it comes to partnering with a Personal Stylist, it’s imperative that you trust, believe and build a harmonious relationship to achieve your personal definition of style. Ben Tobar is a connoisseur of style with a cosmopolitan approach to fashion.

He delivers a white-glove level of assistance to his clientele that’s split evenly between women and men (a rarity in Michigan). With 17 years in the business, 14 of those years exclusively at A.K. Rikk’s, Tobar is part of the store’s annual buying team trips to Milan, Florence, and Paris. Such travels allow him to research, experience and harness the season’s trends and energy, translating that into expertly dressing clients from a roster of their favorite luxury brands. He has earned appointment-only consultations, taking his rightful place in the upper echelon of top stylists in the country.

“We surround ourselves with professionals that assist us with our finances, our health and our careers. Your personal branding deserves the same treatment and status.”

B E N TO B A R

To make an appointment with Ben, call 734-770-0133 or email him at ben@akrikks.com

food + drink / must-t y

Bagel menu Blacklist Bagels currently offers a basic bagel menu with hopes of expanding in the future.

Bagels include: Plain Everything Asiago Sesame seed Poppy seed Cinnamon raisin Cinnamon blueberry Cinnamon crunch French toast Cream cheese flavors include: Plain Herb garlic Mixed berry Honey maple Dill Bacon and chive

“When the pandemic happened, a lot of people suddenly got into baking bread. I used to work at a bagel shop at East Lansing that had really good New York-style bagels, so I tried replicating it. I did it right after a few times, and now I sell them for brunch.”

What exactly is a New York-style bagel?

According to Chaperon, the technique is what makes a bagel either just a round piece of bread with a hole in the middle or the humble yet iconic breakfast staple you can enjoy on the go.

“The dough has to include barley malt syrup to give it that nice caramelized outer edge,” he explained. “And you boil it before you bake it.”

Despite the treat’s modest nature, New Yorkers can be quite snobby when it comes to bagel preference. So much so that Mayor Bill de Blasio got some heat for his favorite bagel order this past 2020 National Bagel Day. With that in mind, when Chaperon declared his bagels “New York-style,” he gave himself big shoes to fill (or bagels to bake). He is proud to share, however, that his customers who have lived in New York say his product is on par.

They are all house-made, too, so some might say it’s the cream (cheese) of the crop.

MUST-TRY

Bagels for breakfast

Blacklist Bagels promises a NYC-style bagel.

BY SAMANTHA SUAREZ

For chef Kevin Chaperon, the perfect breakfast is a bagel with sausage, egg and cheese. To be clear, this does not refer to the stale mass-produced bagels you get for free at meetings, but the madefrom-scratch bagels that are perfectly crunchy on the outside, yet perfectly chewy on the inside.

Because there aren’t many places that specialize in these types of bagels in Grand Rapids, Chaperon decided to trade in his job as head chef at The Commons for a part-time line cook position, so he could work full-time on Blacklist Bagels, his new bagel bakery.

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"Making bagels from scratch is a lot of effort from start to finish."

Chef Kevin Chaperon

“Making bagels from scratch is a lot of effort from start to finish,” said Chaperon.

“It’s a hands-on and laborious process, which makes it that much more satisfying when you hand someone a bagel that makes them say, ‘Damn, this is good! I’ve been eating crappy bagels this entire time!’”

While Chaperon currently operates out of The Commons, his short-term plan is to rent a kitchen he can work out of — with a longterm goal of opening his own storefront.

Bagels are available during weekend brunch for carry-out at The Commons.

Pre-orders can be made by calling the restaurant at (616) 458-2704.

BAGELS, CHEF, BAKING COURTESY GRETCHEN MATHOS

TOP 5

Sushi staples Let’s roll with these sushi faves.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

As cold weather nears, steaming bowls of miso soup aside an elegantly crafted sushi roll drift to mind. Grand Rapids is home to plenty of options when you are craving sushi. Here are a few of our favorites.

Ju Sushi and Lounge’s rolls are accompanied by a fine dining vibe.

This stylish eatery is only outdone by its elegant plating. Your meal will

appear more like a piece of artwork than dinner.

If you are looking for a date-night spot, this is the place.

Casually cool, Maru Sushi offers a laid back atmosphere but with attentive service. With a thrifty happy hour, this place is perfect for after work drinks and a snack or early dinner. Also, check out Ando, Maru’s sister restaurant.

SUSHI ISTOCK/RIDOFRANZ CANDY ISTOCK/TRACIEMICHELLE ILLUSTRATION RACHEL IDZERDA

Located in the heart of the city — across from Rosa Parks Circle — Sushi Yama is actually a hidden gem, because it’s below street level.

Duck into McKay Tower at lunch time and take the elevator to the lower level to enjoy this to-go spot.

If you are on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, Sushi Kuni is your best bet for lunch

or dinner. This casual spot delivers on flavor and offers a playful menu with rolls like the 007, Harry Potter or Detroit roll.

Looking for a unique take on sushi, Jaku Sushi North offers the sushi burrito with over a dozen options.

There are plenty of traditional rolls available here too.

editor's pick While many kids spent their summer riding bikes and playing with friends, 10-yearold I’sis Beasley spent the warm weather months a little differently.

With the help of her family, she opened a candy stand in her Muskegon neighborhood.

I’sis said she saw other kids in her neighborhood with lemonade stands and thought “why not a candy stand?”

Her father, Tyrone Beasley, helped I’sis turn a camper into the candy stand, and her mother, Keosha Beasley, helps her with inventory and some of the financial aspects of the business.

I’sis is having fun spending her summer as a business owner and said she is learning plenty, including how to make change and the value of customer service.

When we spoke, she said she planned to keep the stand open into the fall.

Visit her stand at 3319 Highland St. in Muskegon Heights.

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

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#WINDOWSGR

Jasmin Bruce uses art to transform and heal.

Jasmin Bruce recently painted the Lions and Rabbits storefront with a mural commemorating George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

hortly after the civil unrest that shook downtown Grand Rapids late in May, a team of artists and community members joined forces to activate boarded windows with messages of solidarity. They called the project #WindowsGR. Jasmine Bruce was one of the organizers.

“We developed it in about two days,” Bruce said. “It was really just a collective effort, and we moved really fast because we knew that it was something that needed to be done with quick intention so that we could emphasize the stories and voices that needed to be heard.”

There was an outpouring of support for the project. Even passersby could get involved.

“We started with an open call to whoever wanted to paint boards downtown and we had over 200 people sign up,” Bruce said.

“When we were down there on the first weekend, if you walked up and you wanted to paint, and you had a sketch, we could find you a spot. As the weekend went on, and the week went on, we realized that the narrative started to shift from Black voices, and we really wanted to bring that back.”

So, to refocus the project, the team recruited more Black artists to participate and share their stories. But as one challenge was overcome, another sprung up in its place.

“We had some random bystanders that were throwing racial slurs at our painters,” Bruce said. “People are going to say stuff, and people are going to harass you, but you have to keep true to your intention and why we need to speak up in the first place as Black people in the community. I’m really proud of how we’ve all come together and just pushed

through it all.”

Though the boarded windows of many downtown businesses were painted with proclamations of support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Bruce wants to make one thing clear. “‘Windows’ was created to emphasize Black voices and stories, and it wasn’t, and never was, a beautification project,” she said. “It was intentionally created by people of color for people of color. It’s a vehicle for change. So, let’s use that and take that anger and bad energy that people are feeling right now and really using art to transform that into something that is healing internally and also externally in our community and the world.”

When she’s not leading art activation projects like #WindowsGR, Bruce is working on paintings of her own.

“My painting style, if you had to label it, would definitely be surrealist,” she said. “I like combining super abstract elements with super realistic elements and storytelling at the same time. I’m still learning as I’m creating, but I really like that balance between these completely two opposite extremes and using that to be able to tell a story.”

For Bruce, painting is a wholistic experience of expression and healing.

“I’m a pretty open-minded person, so I take a lot from different religions and find ways that I can combine them to make an understanding of them all together,” she said. “I use my art as a healing mechanism, too, so being able to, as I’m creating my work, let whatever I’m going through out on the canvas is super therapeutic to me, and it’s something I’ve been learning in the process.”

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Chelsea Michal Garter recently transitioned to abstract art. Some of her pieces explore what community means to her.

ABSTRACT INTROSPECTION

Chelsea Michal Garter’s style continues to evolve. ocal artist Chelsea Michal Garter wears many hats. In addition to making art, she styles hair and designs tattoos, but painting is where her heart is.

“I used to paint really bright, large animals,” Garter said. “I think I got bored of doing more realistic-type work, so then that sort of got boring, too. I just took the color palette that I had been working with for a long time with the animals, and then I transitioned 48

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into abstract.”

Experimenting with bold colors and playing with shape and texture through abstract painting is how Garter expresses herself.

“Abstract work, for me, is sort of like journaling,” she said. “It’s just an expression of whatever is going on, I guess, in my life.

Sometimes I’ll use color palettes from different scenery or different places I’ve been or pictures that I see. Some of it’s just an expressed emotion.”

Garter also enjoys drawing and line work.

Community is important to her, and her interconnected contour portraits convey just that.

“The face line drawings, the ones that are of multiple faces connected, they’re just an expression of what community means to me and how we just need other people in order to make it,” Garter said. “We need other people’s experiences. We need to be able to learn and grow together and from each other.”

COVID-19 has impacted the arts community in different ways. For Garter, the pandemic put things in perspective.

“It was a good time to be able to think through what I want to prioritize,” she said. “I have even thought about not doing tattoos and stuff anymore, and just focusing on abstract work.”

As Garter was adjusting to life in a pandemic, something unexpected happened.

“As an artist, I feel like it gave me a lot of confidence, actually, because I sold a ton of stuff,” Garter said. “I don’t know if that’s because people are home and they’re thinking about how to design their home, but yes, it’s been really fun to get some pieces that I had in storage or at my house and be able to sell them.”

Between projects, Garter likes to explore ways to challenge herself and expand her craft.

“I really like working in 4-by-5-foot sizes, and I just ordered some canvases that are larger, so I’m really excited to work even bigger than I have been working and push myself and challenge myself a little bit more,” Garter said. “I also have been painting some really small pieces as well, which is not typical for me.

It’s easier for me to work larger, and I can spread my arms out and express myself in a bigger way.”

Garter said she is excited to see art flourishing around Grand Rapids, especially since folks weren’t always supportive of her transition to abstract painting.

“When I started painting abstract, I found, a lot of people questioned me,” Garter said. “It seemed people in this area tended to like more realistic work that was easier to understand. Finally, it feels like abstract art is making its way into the city as the city is becoming more alive to art in general. I feel like Grand Rapids has really grown in their expression of art with all the murals around town, and it’s just really cool to see that happening.”

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You can spot Nick Nortier's work at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

Nick Nortier brings nature back to the forefront. hether you’ve had a cold beer on the patio at Creston Brewery, enjoyed something savory at Two Scotts Barbecue or attended a show at 20 Monroe Live, you might have noticed bright, bold murals. That’s the work of Nick Nortier, a muralist whose work has been popping up all over West Michigan since 2015.

“A lot of my influences come from the graffiti world as well as the comic book world,” Nortier said. “I grew up reading comics and drawing a lot, so that’s how I started to get into art in the first place. A lot of my illustration style draws from aspects of comic books. I tend to do stylized realism in a sense — it looks like what it’s supposed to be, but it’s not photorealistic.”

You could say nature is Nortier’s muse — many of his murals are imbued with flora and fauna.

“A lot of the reasons why I paint foliage and wildlife so much is because I like being out in nature so much,” he said. “It’s something that’s helped me personally a lot as someone who has suffered through depression for a good portion of my life. I also feel that it’s really, really easy for humans to disconnect from nature, even though we ourselves are nature.”

Nortier’s portfolio consists largely of murals, but he also designs everything from stickers and bottle labels to T-shirts and wooden sculptures.

“I really like doing print-making, mostly screen printing, but also a little bit of woodblock printing here and there,” Nortier said.

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“It’s a ton of fun because I can make one image and then I can reproduce it and then be able to offer it at a reasonable price, rather than just making one of something and having to sell it for a higher price.”

Earlier this year, Nortier was commissioned to design a Michigan-themed mural for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. He had a few ideas in mind, but in the end, one concept outshined the others.

“I think blue herons are just incredibly, incredibly beautiful birds, and I’ve only ever seen them in the wild a couple times, and each time I’ve seen one, I’ve just kind of been awestruck,” Nortier said. “To me, it represents our responsibility as humans to protect this wildlife and protect the natural spaces where these creatures can live. I think going a bit deeper, I guess it can also be a comment on climate change and that our human activity is having a profound impact on all species, and we need to get our act together and figure this thing out.”

It wasn’t long after Nortier finished the mural at the airport that COVID-19 took hold, affecting local enterprises and artists alike. If the virus has a lasting impact on the way we perceive space, Nortier said, he thinks smaller galleries will have to be resourceful.

“Some places are pretty small,” he said.

“The last gallery show that I went to before the quarantine was in an incredibly small space, and there’s absolutely no way that you could social distance in there. How do you get back into that — does everybody wear masks? I think people are going to end up getting really creative to try and still do these events and make them safe.”

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WILL COVID-19 SERVE AS A CURTAIN CALL FOR THE FALL PERFORMING ARTS SEASON?

Grand Rapids Ballet dancers performing Adam Hougland’s "Cold Virtues."

Performing arts organizations consider different approaches to their 2020-2021 seasons. by charlsie dewey

n June, when this article was written, several performing arts organizations across the country had already announced cancellations for the fall portion of the 2020-2021 season, while many others were taking a wait-and-see approach; some hoping to open their seasons with limited audiences or utilizing outdoor venues, others hoping to open later in the fall, just in time for holiday productions like “The Nutcracker.” In Grand Rapids, the conversations were similar.

James Sofranko, Grand Rapids Ballet 52

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artistic director, said it was hard to predict what life would be like in the fall, but he acknowledged already scrapping the 20202021 productions originally slated for the upcoming season. Instead, Sofranko, along with the rest of the GR Ballet, were busy thinking of different ways they may be able to present the ballet in the fall.

“The likelihood of us being able to bring a full audience of theater-goers together for one show is becoming more unlikely,” he said. “We are going to have to adapt and be creative and figure out other ways to bring ballet to our audiences and, hopefully, maybe even reach new audiences in the process.”

He predicted the fall will see GR Ballet “do some socially distanced work in the

Rosanne Cash performing at St. Cecilia Music Center.

ROSANNE CASH COURTESY ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER BALLET COURTESY SCOTT RASMUSSEN

theater, we will film, stream and get some audience in there as much as we can at that time.” He suggested if the ballet is able to stage performances with an audience, those shows would likely be shorter and without intermissions.

“We will have to rethink what is going to be put on the stage. It’s going to have to be more solos and duets, and not what was originally planned,” he added. “By the second half of the season, if there is a cure or vaccine, or if we feel better, maybe we will put on a big show again. Until that moment, we will stay within what we feel is safe.”

The Grand Rapids Symphony made the decision to revise its previously scheduled season as well. “We’re planning to start our season in September, as we always have, but our format and seating will be determined by federal, state and local health requirements at the time,” said GRS President and CEO Mary Tuuk. “While you’ll see changes in our traditional concert format and programming, we’re also inspired by the dynamic and inclusive new ways we’ll use to reach new audiences.”

Tuuk added, “We’re planning a season that is very flexible so we can easily scale up or down our programs and audience size depending on conditions at the time of the concert.”

St. Cecilia Music Center, which originally hoped to present its 2020-2021 season as planned, spent the summer months rescheduling its entire fall season.

“I am in the process of rescheduling all of the concerts that were to take place September-December 2020 into the months of May and June 2021,” said Cathy Holbrook, executive director for St. Cecilia Music Center. “That would mean that our first physical show would be on January 21, 2021. We will reassess where things stand in November as to whether we can start the season in January.”

Meanwhile, Opera Grand Rapids is hoping to be able to continue its season as planned this fall, banking on its later season premiere. “OGR fortuitously scheduled ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ by Mozart as its fall production [scheduled to run late October], a show that only requires a few singers on stage at a time and a smaller orchestra than grand operas like ‘Turandot’ or ‘Aida,’ which each take roughly 250 artists to execute. With Puccini’s ‘Turandot’ and Verdi’s ‘Aida’ both scheduled for the spring, the 2020-2021 season is expected to be the grandest season in OGR’s 53-year history,” said Opera Grand WICKED COURTESY BROADWAY GR

OUR MISSION OF PERFORMING MUSIC WILL CONTINUE NO MATTER HOW INSURMOUNTABLE THE OBSTACLES MAY APPEAR TO BE. AS ONE OF MY MENTORS ONCE TOLD ME, CRISIS DOES NOT BUILD CHARACTER, IT REVEALS IT. MARY TUUK, GRS PRESIDENT AND CEO

Rapids Executive Director Emilee Syrewicze.

That said, Opera GR will be “implementing social distancing standards for artists, audience members and staff/volunteers (based on) advice/ rules promulgated by health authorities at the time of OGR’s shows.” It also will be asking “opera-goers to wear gloves and masks responsibly.”

Broadway Grand Rapids also is hoping its later start date will allow it to continue with business as “mostly” usual. “As of June 15, our incredible lineup of six shows is scheduled to open in October,” said Meghan Distel, director of marketing for Broadway Grand Rapids. But, Distel added, “Certainly, there is a possibility of having to look at additional dates for shows if we are not able to gather in large groups by the late fall. We are viewing every action we take through the lens of health and safety, including office hours, ticket sales and performances to be sure not to put anyone in harm’s way.”

If shows do begin in October as planned, Distel expects health and safety protocols to be instituted at DeVos Performance Hall to help keep people safe.

Impacts of COVID-19

All local performing arts organizations already have been impacted by COVID-19 — most of which were forced to cancel spring performances due to stay-at-home orders that went into effect in March and continued through most of May. “March 10, 2020, opening night of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ was the same evening state officials announced Michigan’s first two confirmed cases of COVID-19. As the curtain came up, we were optimistic that the breadth of the pandemic would not be felt in West Michigan for several weeks.

In the span of two days, the reported cases became an avalanche. Friday morning, we cancelled the five remaining performances of ‘Charlie,’ simultaneously with Gov. Whitmer’s orders prohibiting large public gatherings,” explained Distel.

Broadway GR would end up canceling the remainder of its season, which included a run of Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville” in May.

Allison Bailey and Talia Suskauer in the North American Tour of "Wicked."

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Tenor Peter Scott Drackley as Antonin Scalia in Opera Grand Rapids' production of "Scalia/Ginsburg."

Opera GR also faced the tough call of canceling its eagerly anticipated “Scalia/ Ginsburg” performances scheduled for the weekend of March 14-15.

“The stage was, quite literally, set and the opera singers were warming up at The Betty Van Andel Opera Center on Fulton Street when the OGR executive committee decided the production could not continue as planned,” said Syrewicze.

Rather than cancel the performance entirely, Opera GR was one of the first performing arts organizations to get creative — deciding to offer the performance virtually.

“Rather than send the artists home and cancel the production, OGR executed an unprecedented ‘Hail Mary’ and broadcasted the performance to ticketholders via a virtual ticketing system set up within 24 54

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four hours,” said Syrewicze. “OGR sold more tickets than it would’ve if the production had proceeded as planned and made national industry headlines in the process for its ethical treatment of artists and ability to deliver a product to its ticketholders.

“In fact, The Middleclass Artist named Opera Grand Rapids ‘One of the unsung heroes of COVID-19.’ The company was the first performing arts organization in North America to attempt a virtual, ticketed production in the first 24 four hours of the COVID-19.”

Out-of-the-box thinking

It would not be the last. Quickly, performing arts organizations realized they would need to get creative to try and salvage their budgets and keep audiences engaged, especially as the stay-at-home order was extended.

“Given the need to stay at home, our

only available option was going online,” said Tuuk. “We quickly launched a series of virtual performances by our musicians called From Our Home to Yours. Beginning on March 27, we posted a new performance every morning through the end of April, and we’ve continued to add to the series.

“We’ve also produced several large-scale performances beginning in April with the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus from Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ involving more than 70 members of the orchestra and Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus. It debuted just before Easter, and we were thrilled that the nationally syndicated news magazine ‘Inside Edition’ aired a portion of it to close their broadcast on Good Friday.”

Grand Rapids Ballet turned to its video vault and took advantage of streaming opportunities. “Right off the bat, we started releasing videos of our past performances, we called it our ‘weekly moment of Zen,’” Sofranko said. “We also did full-on virtual programs, where I put three or four pieces together into a mixed bill evening, typical of what I’d do for a program.”

OPERA COURTESY OPERA GR

Performers face unknown season

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY While performing arts organizations are facing an unknown future, so too are the performers. “Many musicians across the country have been furloughed by orchestras that have concluded that programming must be cancelled for a period of time,” said Mary Tuuk, GRS president and CEO. “Musicians who are continuing to perform will be working under a new set of health and safety protocols involving social distancing, masks, sanitation and individual health assessments.”

Grand Rapids Symphony musicians were set to see their contract expire on Aug. 31, but recently signed a new agreement. “Negotiations already were underway on the next collective bargaining agreement when COVID-19 struck,” Tuuk said. “Representatives for the orchestra and for the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians, which represents our players, quickly reached agreement on a one-year extension of the most recent contract. Both sides agreed it would be a prudent course of action that would provide stability for

the next year.”

Grand Rapids Ballet performers also work on a contractual basis with the organization and how the upcoming season plays out could influence the dancers. “We have 18 full company members on a 31-week contract and if we can’t give them all those weeks that is a hardship for them,” said James Sofranko, artistic director for Grand Rapids Ballet. “It means they are having to find other work or stay on unemployment [ballet dancers are furloughed during the summer months]. It means they can’t fulfill their passion. We are keeping an eye on the industry. It’s going to be the same in most companies, and I imagine orchestras, too. We have an endowment that will help us to a point … hopefully be able to help keep our people stable. But, yeah, it’s going to be hard.”

Sofranko said organizations like Grand Rapids Ballet are hoping to provide as much work as possible for performers, but he acknowledged it takes revenue to be able to support those efforts.

BALLET COURTESY SCOTT RASMUSSEN

In return for a donation of any amount, the GR Ballet provided a link to the program, which was available for 72 hours. “We saw people donating more than what they’d pay for a ticket or paying what a ticket would cost,” Sofranko said. “I’m happy to have many people still experiencing the ballet.”

Over the summer, the ballet also converted its summer ballet school classes to an online program and began experimenting with film.

“I just did this film with Meijer Gardens where I filmed the dancers apart and then we’re going to put them together in the film, so it looks like they are dancing together.”

He added, “One of the programs we just presented last weekend as a part of our virtual programs, ‘An Evening with Penny Saunders,’ our resident choreographer, she created a brand-new ballet remotely with the dancers. She choreographed via Zoom and a film editor put it together. They put together a beautiful dance film. We premiered it as part of our virtual program.”

Sofranko said while it won’t replace the thrill of seeing dance live, he is excited by the possibilities these challenging times are opening up. “It’s starting to open choreographers’ minds. What can I do with film? …What can I do in the final product?

There are a lot of creative ways to have a big effect and still get a lot of dancers together. …There’s always been a collaboration between dance and film … there’s still more to be discovered and that is what I am excited about. What more can we do? I’m a choreographer myself, and I’m starting to think about how I can get 20 dancers on a stage where it looks like they’re all on the same field, for instance.”

Since streaming “Scalia/Ginsburg,” Opera GR has continued to find ways to engage with its audience from afar. It created its Singing-in-Place and Education-in-Place virtual series' and a virtual arts festival.

Syrewicze said the organization is currently “building virtual performances into our normal season.”

“Virtual performances have the potential to widen audiences and, in particular, can be used as a resource for those with mobility challenges and hearing impairments,” she said.

All the performing arts organizations are confident they will weather this storm and eventually return to the stage with a full house applauding.

“Our challenges are great, but leadership is about overcoming

challenges and steering the ship toward solutions,” Tuuk said. “Our mission of performing music will continue no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may appear to be. As one of my mentors once told me, crisis does not build character, it reveals it. Our Grand Rapids Symphony is resilient, and we will continue our journey with fortitude as we serve our West Michigan community.” *Editor’s Note: In July, Broadway Grand Rapids announced “Come From Away” and “Hairspray” had been rescheduled to Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2021 (“Come From Away”) and July 20-25, 2021 (“Hairspray”). GR Ballet postponed its 2020-21 in-person programming until the 2021-22 season. Please see organizations’ individual websites for performance schedule updates.

Alexandra MeisterUpleger and James Cunningham in Adam Hougland’s "Cold Virtues."

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Round ONE

Founders Brewing Co. Schmohz Brewing Co.

Round TWO

Round THREE

Fountain Hill Brewery Odd Side Ales

Round FOUR

Greyline Brewing Co. Bier Distillery

Cedar Springs Brewing Co. DeHops Brewing Co. and Cafe

THE WINNER WIL DECIDED BY YO

Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery Alebird Taphouse and Brewery

Creston Brewery

This month, West Mic breweries go head-tocompete for the ultim No. 1 destination for cr

White Flame Brewing Co.

Elk Brewing Co. Thornapple Brewing Co.

Help your favorite spot adv final round by voting each week

Harmony Brewing Co. Arvon Brewing Co.

Visit grmag.com/battleofthebreweries to participate in the Battle of the Breweries Bracket 2020. Register with spot at the top. For additional information, please see the Official General Contest rules at grmag.com/

Round ONE Round TWO

Round THREE

New Holland Brewing Pike 51 Brewing Co.

Speciation Artisan Ales Round FOUR

WINNER WILL BE ECIDED BY YOU!

month, West Michigan ies go head-to-head to e for the ultimate title: stination for craft beer

avorite spot advance to the oting each week at grmag.com!

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Brass Ring Brewing Co.

City Built Brewing Co. Saugatuck Brewing Co.

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The Mitten Brewing Co. Railtown Brewing Co.

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Rockford Brewing Co. Kitzingen Brewery

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Seller’s market continues The pandemic and recession are not likely to put a damper on home prices.

by Charlsie Dewey

ILLUSTRATION ISTOCK/LINORR

GR M AG .CO M

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Santiago Gomez, realtor/broker with Santiago Properties, prepares for a busy fall real estate market.

S

antiago Gomez and Nicole Kosheba, realtor/ broker and design and marketing director, respectively, for Santiago Properties, were gearing up for a busy spring home selling and buying season during the start of the year. With the expectation that they would be very busy for several months, the pair took a vacation just ahead of the expected bustling season — and then COVID-19 hit the United States hard.

“We almost got stuck in the Dominican Republic. We got out just in time,” Gomez said.

Instead of the busy season Santiago Properties expected, the stay-at-home order meant realtors across the state could no longer show homes in person.

“During the stay-at-home order, especially March and April, everyone was freaking out, wondering what was going to happen. No one had answers,” Gomez said.

“Before the lockdown, we were poised for a record year. At the beginning of the year, housing prices in Grand Rapids, and really all across the country, hit an all-time high and we were seeing things continuing to go up in value, primarily due to low inventory as we’ve had for four to five years now. Everyone was optimistic, mortgage rates were low and continued to stay historically low. We had tons of sellers lining up or getting ready to list in the spring market. We had some excited buyers.”

Gomez said many buyers decided to hold off on searching for a house during this period because of the restrictions and many sellers decided to wait out the stayat-home orders as well. Though he noted, sellers who chose to remain on the market continued to receive multiple bids and were able to sell their homes to buyers with a little more risk tolerance.

Walter Perschbacher, vice president at Greenridge Realty, echoed Gomez’s remarks, saying, “During the shutdown we saw market-wide a reduction of sales between 60

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Advice for first-time homebuyers

If you are in the market for your first home, these tips will help.

"During the stayat-home order , especially March and April, everyone was freaking out, wondering what was going to happen. No one had answers."

Santiago Gomez, realtor/broker, Santiago Properties

With predictions that the real estate market in West Michigan will remain strong going forward, first-time homebuyers will continue to face a competitive market.

Local realtors say setting realistic expectations and preparing to submit an offer above asking price are two ways to improve your chances of scoring your first home.

“We have a conversation with our first-time homebuyers to try and set expectations as best as possible,” said Santiago Gomez, realtor/broker at Santiago Properties. “It’s possible to find a home, but it will be extremely competitive and we will have to look at quite a few houses, put in a handful of offers, before it happens.”

Due to most houses currently receiving multiple bids, Gomez said he encourages clients not to look at the

top end of their budget, knowing they will likely have to increase their offer beyond the asking price to win the home.

“We tell them, if they are approved for up to $250,000 we shouldn’t necessarily be looking at homes that are that price … We look for homes that are below their max, that way we can be competitive with the offer.”

Gomez said looking at homes that have been sitting on the market rather than only focusing on new listings also can be helpful. “Going back to those that are overpriced or that have been sitting on the market for a while, the seller is happy to get an offer at that point.”

Gomez said he also encourages first-time homebuyers to consider homes that may only need cosmetic upgrades versus focusing exclusively on move-in ready properties.

“There are things you can do after you move in that might allow you to get into the house you want and make it your home after you’re in it,” he said. “We look for homes needing cosmetic updates, but that have a sound foundation, newer roof, mechanicals are great. It just might need some sprucing up here and there.”

Greenridge Realty Vice President Walter Perschbacher said another way for a firsttime homebuyer to set themselves apart is to tailor the offer to the seller’s wants. “Price is usually king, but little details could set you apart: possession, type of financing, things staying with the house or not, size of earnest deposit.

Different sellers have different hot buttons or things they put more weight toward.”

—Charlsie Dewey SANTIAGO GOMEZ WERNER STRAUBE

Making the move

When is it time to ditch your starter home?

I watch a lot of HGTV’s “Love It or List It,” and I often lose my mind when families with five kids living in a crowded three-bedroom bungalow decide to “love it” even though Hilary Farr (the designer on the show) could not expand the home by any amount of square footage to add an additional bedroom.

Meanwhile, David Visentin (the show’s realtor) has found them a home with five bedrooms and an extra bathroom in their neighborhood. Why? Well, because moving is a daunting and costly thought. It’s a lot of work.

And it can be scary. But most people buy what is termed a “starter home” with the intention that they will live in this home for a few years and then upgrade later to a home that fits their evolving needs.

If you are in this boat, I asked realtors Santiago Gomez, realtor and broker with Santiago Properties, and Walter Perschbacher, vice president at Greenridge

ILLUSTRATION ISTOCK/DARIA VASENINA

Realty, to share their thoughts on when to consider upgrading to the next home.

“The important thing is to think about your wants and needs in the short term and long run, get that list together, have a vision in mind for yourself about where you want to be and what you want to do,” Perschbacher said.

“Right now is as good of time as any to potentially make a move up.

“The reason is the market is still appreciating. If you own a larger asset, the appreciation appreciates on a higher value, so from a purely financial perspective, when you step up, your appreciation grows at a better rate. Additionally, because interest rates are at record lows, the interest you pay will cost you a lot less over time than if you waited until a point when the interest rates go up.”

If you are considering a move, Perschbacher said one of the first steps is to contact your realtor

and ask for an evaluation on your house. “You’d be amazed at how much values have been moving. It gives you a better feeling for your equity position.”

Gomez said while home sellers currently have the opportunity to get top dollar for their home, they also will likely be paying

top dollar for their next home. He said making sure to maximize your home’s selling price by investing in improvements is important.

“You won’t get top dollar just because you are in a certain neighborhood,” he said.

“We encourage people to talk with us ahead of time

so we can advise them.

What things are going to increase the value the most and what isn’t necessary? I think one of the biggest mistakes home sellers make is not wanting to meet with a realtor until they think their home is completely ready to sell. Meanwhile, they may have spent

money on something that isn’t helpful or doesn’t add value.”

He also said knowing your equity position is important in figuring out how you’re going to go about getting into your next home.

—Charlsie Dewey

GR M AG .CO M

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Buyer letters and discrimination

Why you shouldn’t write a personal letter to sellers.

In today’s tight real estate market, some people have turned to crafting personal letters to their dream home’s sellers in hopes of tipping the scales in their favor. Unfortunately, “buyer letters,” as they’re called, could actually lead to a housing discrimination lawsuit for the home’s seller.

“Fair housing laws prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status and age, among other protected classes,” said Liz Keegan, director of education and outreach at the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan (FHCWM).

“Discrimination is illegal not only in home sales and lending but also rentals and insurance. Offer letters, sometimes known as sunshine or buyer letters, more often than not share a lot of personal information as the buyer attempts to persuade the seller to choose them.”

The FHCWM has seen letters and social media posts that include detailed information on the potential buyer’s religion, familial status, age and marital status.

“Many of them also include photos from which information about race, national origin, skin color, disability and sex can be gleaned,” Keegan said.

Why is this problematic?

“When a seller considers personal characteristics like a buyer’s age, race, religion, whether or not they are married, whether or not they have children, etc. into decision-making, then that can create fair housing concerns,” Keegan said. “While variables like the purchase price, closing costs, home warranties, inspections, order of offers, etc. often play an important role in a decision to accept or reject a purchase offer, sometimes the buyer’s

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Walter Perschbacher, vice president at Greenridge Realty, said the housing supply remains low, meaning buyers have a lot of competition.

personal characteristics may also play a factor in decision-making.”

Keegan said once a seller has personal information “pertaining to protected classes under fair housing law, it could become very difficult for them to prove that the letter did not influence the outcome of the housing transaction, and, therefore, that housing discrimination did not occur.”

Walter Perschbacher, vice president of Greenridge Realty, said his firm advises sellers not to look at any buyer letters to prevent this type of scenario. “There is a fair amount of liability that can be tied to those letters.

Basically, we tell our sellers it’s their option to review, but it could open them up to risk.”

How often does housing discrimination occur?

Keegan said on average the FHCWM receives approximately 5-10 complaints each year from potential homebuyers.

“However, this number does not fully represent the frequency of housing discrimination in the sales market,” Keegan said.

She added, “Many cases reported by potential homebuyers to the FHCWM involve condominium sales where written bylaws, criteria or rules clearly outline discriminatory restrictions or document noticeable cause for concern. However, housing discrimination in the sales market often goes undetected and underreported.

Discussions and considerations about which offer to accept or reject often happen privately, without record. Some potential homebuyers have their purchase offer rejected without ever fully learning the reason or reasons for rejection.”

—Charlsie Dewey

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

"What was most interesting to me was witnessing how the market held up through the pandemic."

Walter Perschbacher, vice president, Greenridge Realty

45-50%. That means half of the business that is normally done was still done as people were putting deals together without ever having stepped foot on a property.”

Perschbacher said Grand Rapids was in line with other markets that experienced similar COVID-19 cases. “If you look at markets like Detroit, New York City, some of those hot spots, they saw a much bigger reduction, up to 80-85%, and it will take them longer to recover.”

By June, Grand Rapids’ real estate market already was beginning to recover.

Perschbacher noted his firm saw its number of new listings triple, homes that returned to the market tripled and homes that went under contract also tripled.

“Basically, we are back at where we were year-over-year, and interestingly, prices are still going up, because demand is still more than supply and interest rates are WALTER PERSCHBACHER WERNER STRAUBE

Time to downsize?

Empty nesters are ready to seize their retirement years.

While many empty nesters are eager to seize the opportunities presented by their retirement years — more travel, living that snowbird life, or even starting a new career — moving from the family home can be emotionally challenging.

For many empty nesters, this is the home they raised their family in. It has 20-plus years of memories and it’s a spacious abode that will require a lot of effort to downsize into a smaller space. Still, being able to follow your dreams and passions after years of working toward them is well worth the move.

“This is one of the hardest moves we deal with,” said Walter Perschbacher, vice president at Greenridge Realty. “There’s a lot of emotion, memory and comfort wrapped up in the home they are in. On top of that, generally, they are going to a smaller living space.

Generally speaking, we as Americans are used PHOTO CONTENT ILLUSTRATION ISTOCK/ROCCOMONTOYA PHOTO CREDIT

to bigger and more, not smaller and less.

This thought process of going to less can be a difficult one.”

Perschbacher encourages couples looking to downsize to do an inventory of their space. How often does that formal dining room really get used?

Could an open floor plan in a smaller home or condo accommodate the occasional fold-out table and chairs to host larger family gatherings the couple times of year they take place? Is it time for the kids to start taking over the holiday entertaining?

Santiago Gomez, realtor/broker at Santiago Properties, said figuring out what type of home and location fits the lifestyle you want is paramount. Do you want to be nearby hospitals or are you looking for a walkable neighborhood with a lot of restaurants and shops? Do you intend to travel and need something that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep?

“We’ve had clients who want to be able to travel as much as possible and want a place where the monthly payment is significantly less, [that’s] low maintenance, so a condo made the most sense.” But it’s important to read condo association bylaws. Gomez said clients who are eager to spend their summers boating on Lake Michigan may not be able to store their boats at the condo, for instance, so a smaller single-family home might be a better fit.

Gomez said one floor

plan he sees coming back is the bilevel. “It offers two bedrooms upstairs, one or two downstairs. Empty nesters like it because when the kids come visit from college or whatever, there is a separate living area downstairs. They like that sort of layout.”

He also said estate companies can prove very helpful in downsizing, but he advises to plan ahead, because there are a lot of baby boomers downsizing, which is keeping estate companies very busy.

—Charlsie Dewey GR M AG .CO M

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DIY? Or DIY Don’t!

Determining whether to take on a fixer-upper.

Fixer-uppers can seem like a great way to get the home you want, especially if you watch a lot of home remodeling shows. But the reality is a lot less glamorous than how it appears on TV. That’s not to say buying a fixer-upper isn’t the right choice, but you need to go in with a healthy budget and a lot of patience.

“The one thing I’d caution most people, if you are getting your excitement or advice from HGTV shows, the cost will be much higher than what is quoted on these shows you see,” said Walter Perschbacher, vice president at Greenridge Realty. “Regionally speaking, our cost of materials are up and if you are going to hire

someone, labor costs are higher in West Michigan than other places.”

The timeline also will likely be much longer than what you see on TV and you should always expect that delays will happen. Santiago Gomez, realtor/broker at Santiago Properties, and his team has been involved in a handful of flips, and he said he always plans for a 12-month timeframe even though most of the work can typically be done in 3-6 months. “Because there will be delays or things can come up,” he said.

Kristy Hawkins, director of operations/ realtor at Santiago Properties, said being organized is key to

still low,” he said.

Greenridge Realty and Santiago Properties are expecting a strong fall market as well, even as the country has officially fallen into a recession.

“People always need a place to live, so it doesn’t stop because of the change in the economy,” Gomez said. “It might change a bit, but there is such a demand for homes and not nearly as many homes out there.

It’s going to continue into the fall.”

And Perschbacher noted the recession won’t have the same impact as the 2008-09 recession — which impacted the real estate market through 2012 — in part because the current situation is a health crisis, whereas the previous recession was caused by the 64

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

getting the work done closer to the quoted timeline. “For us, what we needed was some kind of program to move things along, keeping track of the money, organizing contractors — if you’ve done any kind of improvement — you want the flooring in after you’ve painted [for instance], or there are more headaches.

Check off the plumbers, electricians, flooring, painters and make sure

they are coming in at the correct times.”

Both Perschbacher and Hawkins said if you plan to hire a contractor you also should be aware of the current market.

“Right now, we have the same situation in the contractor market that we have in the real estate market in that the demand way outstrips the supply,” Perschbacher said. “Even getting contractors to do quotes

real estate industry.

“What was most interesting to me was witnessing how the market held up through the pandemic,” he said. “If you follow bigger trends, everyone is waiting for this next recession and this was this ‘black swan’ event and people were thinking this might be it, here’s where real estate will suffer, and part of that comes from people’s memories of the last downturn from ’08 to ’12. Real estate suffered a lot and that was caused by the industry, so that is why the industry really suffered.”

Gomez said while home sales typically start to taper off in September and October, this year he thinks homes will continue to

right now can be tricky.”

Hawkins said that is because the last recession caused a lot of builders to close and a lot of tradespeople to leave the industry or to relocate to other cities with better construction markets.

“We are so short staffed on tradespeople,” she said. “We lost a lot of people during the recession due to lack of jobs, and they haven’t come back.”

At the same time,

homes that don’t need extensive updates can be a great option to eventually turning your so-so purchase into your dream home.

Perschbacher said he sometimes sees first-time homebuyers get scared off by projects that are very doable. “They can get scared off really quickly by something that really can be done pretty easily with paint, carpet, countertops, which aren’t huge re-dos,” he said.

He added, “With the right location, layout and footage, there is opportunity there.”

—Charlsie Dewey

sell into November to make up for some of the lost time this spring.

Both realtors believe the continued low housing inventory coupled with low interest rates makes the current time a great time for sellers as well as buyers.

“It is still a seller’s market, and at a variety of price points, not just first-time homebuyer price point. The benefits to buyers are interest rates being as low as they are, and West Michigan is still one of the most affordable markets for overall cost of living that you can find nationally,” Perschbacher said.

So, if you are looking for a new home, now might be the right time to make your move.

ILLUSTRATION ISTOCK/ROCCOMONTOYA

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

FACES OF

WEST MICHIGAN 2020

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

MEET THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS WHO MAKE US GREAT There’s a reason West Michigan lands on “best” lists year over year. Its cities have been named among the best places to live, work, raise a family, buy a home, start a business, and take a vacation, to name just a few accolades.

At the heart of this prosperity are its industries and businesses — and, more importantly, the people who run them.

In its second year as a feature in Grand Rapids Magazine, the Faces of West Michigan section spotlights individuals and teams who contribute to the region’s grandeur. These are the experts in their fields, the leaders who inspire, the pioneers who break new ground, the influencers who shape our collective character. West Michigan isn’t up-and-coming anymore; it has arrived. These are the stories of the catalysts who have forged the path and elevated the community to its superlative status.

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FIND THE FACES OF: IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

HOSPITALITY: Peter Beukema – Suburban Inns INTERIOR DESIGN: Autumn Fuchs – Fuchsia Design LANDSCAPING: Gary Kappes – Kappes Landscaping Inc. BREAKFAST: Josh Beckett – Anna’s House INSURANCE: Lighthouse Group CBD: The Grassy Knoll RESIDENTIAL BUILDING: Scott Christopher Homes FAMILY & DIVORCE LAW: Thacker Sleight FINE JEWELRY: DeVries Jewelers CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: CJ Mackenzie – First Companies Inc. FINE FURNISHINGS: Portobello Road WEALTH MANAGEMENT: Zhang Financial ARCHITECTURE: Wayne Visbeen – Visbeen Architects BUSINESS LENDING: United Bank RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE: John Postma – RE/MAX of Grand Rapids SOFTWARE: Mark Johnson and Josh Hulst – Michigan Software Labs VETERINARY CARE: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital DERMATOLOGY: Dr. Kristi Hawley – The Derm Institute of West Michigan CHIROPRACTIC CARE: Dr. Matthew S. Phinney – The Chiropractic Doctors, PLLC PROPERTY INVESTMENTS AND MANAGEMENT: Green Property Management TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS: Rehmann CRAFTING BREWING: Founders Brewing Co. CANNABIS: Kush Development Group COLLABORATIVE LAW: Ada Collaborative Center – Quist Law, Elliot Law, Homier Law PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Rockford Property Management PAYROLL, HCM & TREASURY: Mercantile Bank of Michigan MALPRACTICE LAW: Richard K. Grover Jr. FITNESS: MVP Sports Club DIGITAL EXPERIENCES: dig DIGITAL MEDIA: 616 Media

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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020

THE FACE OF

HOSPITALITY

PETER BEUKEMA – SUBURBAN INNS 3380 HIGHLAND DR., HUDSONVILLE, MI 49426 | 616-874-3434 | SUBURBANINNS.COM

Peter Beukema is the visionary, chief executive officer, and partner for Suburban Inns, a second-generation family business founded in 1979.

Suburban Inns designs, builds, owns, and operates multiple hotels and restaurants in the West Michigan area as well as Midland.

Suburban Inns’ award-winning hotels offer excellent service and amenities within each of its three premium franchised brands – IHG, Marriott, and Hilton. Suburban Inns also has won

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the West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For five years in a row including this year. Beukema serves on multiple boards and committees to better serve his community. He also serves nationally on the IHG Owners Association - IHG Rewards Club Committee. Locally he is on the Holland SmartZone board, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association board, and the Gerald R. Ford Airport Authority board.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

AUTUMN FUCHS – FUCHSIA DESIGN 6157 28TH ST. SE, STE. 11, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | FUCHSIADESIGN.COM

Autumn Fuchs, NCIDQ, owner of Fuchsia Design, is a nationally certified interior designer. She studied interior design and construction management at Central Michigan University and at the North China University of Technology in Beijing, China.

Fuchs prides herself in her detail-oriented nature that she believes is an asset in operating a business. “We’re dedicated to every detail of our client’s home to ensure it doesn’t just look beautiful, but it functions perfectly for every occasion of their day-to-day life.”

These traits paired with a strong work ethic have led her to several prestigious awards including Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Business Leaders (2018) and the Top Woman Owned Business (2019).

Fuchsia Design is a full-service interior design firm specializing in luxury design for new construction and custom home renovations.

Along with her team, Fuchs designs timeless, classic homes with a modern take, tailored to her client’s lifestyle and personality.

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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020

THE FACE OF

LANDSCAPING

GARY KAPPES — KAPPES LANDSCAPES INC. 4353 THREE MILE RD. NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 616-363-6400 | KAPPESLANDSCAPES.COM

With a passion for landscape design that embraces natural and timeless themes, landscape architect Gary Kappes brings his talents to each project his awardwinning firm undertakes. A design/build firm established in and working throughout West Michigan since 1968, Kappes Landscapes seamlessly blends a client’s vision from conception to implementation and completion.

Timeless, creative design; the use of specimen plant materials; and workmanship from an experienced and talented staff are the essence of each Kappes Landscapes project. Kappes’ designs are created using unique, hand-selected plant material that comes from Michigan and throughout the United States. Thanks to Kappes’ hands-on involvement, each project captures a natural uniqueness all its own.

Simple or intricate, on residential or commercial projects of any scale, the expertise of Kappes Landscapes will bring exceptional quality to your landscape. To learn more, please visit kappeslandscapes.com.

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FACES OF

WEST MICHIGAN 2020

THE FACE OF

BREAKFAST

JOSH BECKETT – ANNA’S HOUSE MULTIPLE LOCATIONS | ANNASHOUSEUS.COM

When Josh Beckett started having some health issues several years ago, it sparked a new perspective for him on his eating habits and his exercise. He then took his improved outlook to a new level by opening Anna’s House, a restaurant dedicated to providing fresh, all natural, organic, high-quality dishes to its customers. That approach eventually won Anna’s House recognition as the No. 1 Best Breakfast in Michigan in 2013 by MLive, solidifying Beckett’s belief that everyone deserves an extraordinary breakfast.

Today, Anna’s House has become a staple across Michigan with eight locations and a new location opening this fall in Okemos.

Family owned, Beckett and his team work seven days a week to bring distinctive and healthy breakfast and lunch meals to its customers and strives to create a dietary inclusive atmosphere. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, have religious guidelines, or any other sensitivities or allergies; the goal is to make customers feel safe and comfortable the moment they arrive.

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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020

THE FACES OF

INSURANCE

LIGHTHOUSE GROUP

56 GRANDVILLE AVE. SW, STE. 300 GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 616-698-7373 | LIGHTHOUSEGROUP.COM

The Lighthouse Group is a full-service insurance agency offering comprehensive solutions in personal protection, commercial insurance, and employee benefits. The team provides innovative, custom support based on strong client relationships and a deep understanding of the West Michigan business community.

“We’ve always put people first,” says Tom Helmstetter, president and CEO of Lighthouse Group. “We’re fortunate to have a sales team committed to authenticity and to understanding the unique needs of our clients. As the businesses we serve evolve, we adapt accordingly. Over the years, we’ve grown into a distinct, vibrant agency prepared to help our clients and community move forward with confidence.”

The Lighthouse Group is employee-owned and the team includes experts in the industries that make West Michigan thrive, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, and hospitality. With cost-sharing options, in-house risk management and claims support, and extensive financial reporting packages, the Lighthouse Group delivers West Michigan’s premier insurance services.

Photo: (back row, left to right) Danielle Bugbee, Harold Burrell, Kyle Hollemans, Mike Waalkes, Zachary Haan, Eve Rogus; (front row, left to right) Jeff Naber, Jason Nickel, Brian DeKorte.

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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020

THE FACE OF

CBD

THE GRASSY KNOLL EASTOWN: 1407 ROBINSON RD., GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 WOODLAND MALL: 3195 28TH ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 616-419-3364 | OHGRASSYKNOLL.COM

Established in 2017, the Grassy Knoll, was among West Michigan’s first CBD boutiques. Fred Cini and Janet Tombre opened the shop to help people in a natural way to alleviate pain, anxiety, insomnia, arthritis, and other aliments. “We saw a need for CBD after friends and family suffered through cancer, seizures, chronic pain, and anxiety,” Janet says.

When it opened, CBD was quite new to the community.

The couple and their employees spend the first year educating customers on what CBD is, where it comes from, and how it helps the body naturally. Through this process they also learned that CBD benefits pets and the boutique now offers a wide range of products for pets.

Janet says the Grassy Knoll has been a labor of love, and they thank the Eastown community for embracing them with open arms. She says they have also given back to the community by donating thousands of dollars to the Humane Society and the Bissell Pet Foundation.

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FACES OF

WEST MICHIGAN 2020

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RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

SCOTT CHRISTOPHER HOMES

620 THREE MILE RD. NW, STE. A, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49544 | 616-784-4500 | SCOTTCHRISTOPHERHOMES.COM

Scott Christopher Homes has been challenging the status quo in residential building for more than 35 years. With full-time carpenters, project managers, a civil engineer, estimators, and support staff, plus a custom cabinet shop, they can undertake custom home and renovation projects of any scale, style, and scope.

From their depth of experience, Scott Christopher Homes realizes it takes a right-sized builder to produce a fi rst-class experience.

Right-sized means being large enough to have the muscle to

make things happen at will, but small enough to be personal and attentive. Small enough to give a build experience uniquely tailored to each client, but large enough to back that one-client feel with the powerhouse of a large fi rm’s capabilities. They have intentionally held themselves to that right size. Fully dedicating their resources to each project give clients the satisfaction of non-stop progress with the attention and care of feeling like they are the only client.

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FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN 2020

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FAMILY & DIVORCE LAW

THACKER SLEIGHT

445 CHERRY ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-888-3810 | THACKERSLEIGHT.COM

Thacker Sleight is a boutique family law firm specializing in life-altering events such as divorce and associated issues including alimony and child support, custody and parenting time issues, property settlement, and business valuation. Collectively, they’ve been practicing law for more than 40 years and are dedicated to providing excellent results and outstanding service to their clients.

In fact, their clients say it the best: “Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight are the A team in family law — they are highly competent and well-connected. They know they have

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to be both nimble and strong, collaborative and assertive, patient and expeditious, realistic, and hopeful.”

“I often hear stories of attorneys who ‘don’t return calls,’ and have friends who feel their attorney is insensitive to the deeply emotional nature of the matter. The Thacker Sleight team was excellent and incredibly supportive throughout my case.”

You can count on Thacker Sleight’s family law team of professionals to deliver excellent results, with outstanding personalized service.

Photo (left to right): Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight.

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FACES OF

WEST MICHIGAN 2020

THE FACES OF

FINE JEWELRY

DEVRIES JEWELERS

411 LEONARD ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 616-454-6892 | DEVRIESJEWELERS.COM

Founded in 1901, and offering a purposeful array of jewelry brands, styles, materials, and price points for every occasion, DeVries Jewelers is still going strong more than four generations later. They have endured by striving to earn the confidence of customers by exceeding expectations with quality merchandise, unsurpassed personal service, and a knowledgeable staff. Their large selection of custom engagement rings by renowned designers and fine Swiss timepieces is second to none.

DeVries Jewelers is located just west of U.S. 131 on the north side of Leonard Avenue, next to Brann’s restaurant. Convenient

parking behind the store.

The team at DeVries believes that it’s a privilege to serve the community, and their commitment to West Michigan is stronger than it has ever been.

When it’s time to celebrate life’s special moments, and you want service you can trust, choose DeVries.

Photo (left to right): Dave DeVries, co-owner; Hope Scholten, sales associate; Paul DeVries, manager; Bronti Bench, sales associate; Kyle Vandepol, manager; and Dan DeVries, co-owner.

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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

CJ MACKENZIE — FIRST COMPANIES INC.

4380 BROCKTON DR. SE., STE. 1, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 616-698-5000 | FIRSTCOMPANIES.COM

As vice president of construction for First Companies, CJ MacKenzie first looks to gain a thorough understanding of his clients’ needs, bringing together experts to determine the best ways to achieve each customer’s goals and vision.

His passion for the industry, and serving customers well, is what drives his leadership in programs and associations that continuously improve the trades and assists in developing young talent for the future.

Known for his collaborative, consultative approach, MacKenzie has a well-earned reputation for his knowledge, integrity, and creative problem-solving; always bringing together the right team for each project. Under his guidance, the construction team recently delivered the award-winning New Vista (a class-A, multi-tenant medical facility on East Paris), Studio Park, and the new global headquarters for Viking. Whether it is ground-up construction, historic renovations, additions or refreshing a dated office, MacKenzie will assemble a specialized team for every type of project.

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FINE FURNISHINGS

PORTOBELLO ROAD

6820 OLD 28TH ST.,GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-975-3002 | PORTOBELLOROAD.US

Portobello Road is a lifestyle furniture boutique that features some of the world’s most exquisite home furnishings. It showcases distinctive furniture and home décor in trendy and trending lifestyle vignettes.

Furniture and décor lines on display at Portobello Road include Baker, Wesley Hall, Mcguire, Kindel, Alfonso Marina, and Currey

& Co. You’ll also find visual comfort lighting, Loloi rugs, timeless luxury gifts, and one-of-a-kind accessories for those who delight in the finest things in life.

This lifestyle store is committed to the Grand Rapids market and is proud to be a destination for distinctive home furnishings in the local community.

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ZHANG FINANCIAL

5931 OAKLAND DR., PORTAGE, MI 49024 | 269-385-5888 | ZHANGFINANCIAL.COM

As the Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Zhang Financial, Lynn Chen-Zhang has played a critical role in leading the fee-only wealth management group to the summit of the independent advisory world.

In addition, she holds multiple prestigious designations in the financial industry, including CFP and CPA. Her impressive educational background includes an MBA from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Accountancy from Western Michigan University, and an Executive Education from Columbia University. Lynn has dedicated a tremendous

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amount of time to helping the community’s non-profit organizations.

She serves as the vice president for WMU’s board of trustees and is the president of WMU Foundation’s board of directors. She also serves as the chair on the Investment Committee for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. She received the 2019 Women of Achievement and Courage Award by Michigan Women Forward and has been named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan for 2020 by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.

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ARCHITECTURE

WAYNE VISBEEN - VISBEEN ARCHITECTS 662 CROSWELL AVE. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 | 616-285-9901

Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, principal and founder of Visbeen Architects Inc., is a licensed architect and registered interior designer with more than 30 years of experience in retail, residential, commercial design, and visual merchandising.

Visbeen studied at Calvin College and then Lawrence Technological University, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture. He spent time as a senior designer at the Taubman Companies, where he designed more than 100 national prototypes

for leading retailers across the nation before launching his own firm specializing in residential and commercial projects in 1992.

Since the establishment of Visbeen Architects, the firm has been the recipient of numerous national awards — namely, more than 100 American Residential Design Awards and dozens of Best in American Living Awards. The firm has completed over 1,500 projects in 48 U.S. states and 13 countries, and continues to expand with a focus on custom residential home design.

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BUSINESS LENDING

UNITED BANK

900 EAST PARIS AVE. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI | 616-559-7000 | UNITEDBANK4U.COM

United Bank is a leading business lender, offering a comprehensive suite of business products that blend cutting-edge technology with unparalleled customer service. They are committed to strengthening local economic development and supporting the diverse needs of the community.

“We’re in the business of creating real solutions to solve the very real challenges our clients face every day,” United Bank President and CEO Joseph Manica says. “We’re fortunate to have an exceptionally talented team of seasoned lenders who understand the needs of our local businesses and are dedicated to making West Michigan the best it can be through a thriving business community. We take the time to consider

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your needs, look out for your best interests, and deliver a solution that’s right for you.”

United Bank services a variety of lending needs including business lines of credit, commercial real estate, equipment loans, and more. With flexible terms, competitive rates, local decision-makers, and a quick approval process, the commercial lending team is dedicated to meeting each client’s unique needs. Member FDIC. Photo: (seated, left to right): Brian Kelly and Andy Bassford; (standing, left to right): Joe Crittendon, Ken Stienstra, Paul Kramer, Sue Rankin, John Figg, Tim Tyler, Doris Drain and Brian Klaver.

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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

JOHN POSTMA – RE/MAX OF GRAND RAPIDS

4362 CASCADE RD. SE, STE. 208, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-975-5623 | JOHNPOSTMA.COM

John Postma was determined to be successful and developed a hard work ethic from a young age, paying his way through school by working on a hog and dairy farm. In college, he was challenged by a professor to find a career that played to his strengths and motivated him. For Postma, that was real estate.

Early on in his career, Postma learned the importance of being honest, professional, efficient, and attentive to details, and he recognized the

value of focusing on the big picture. He quickly learned that you must take control of your business, or it will control you and your personal life — so he constantly evaluates where his energy is going.

Now entering his 42nd year in real estate, Postma has received numerous awards. This year he’s exceeded $1 billion in personal sales; it’s an achievement that was made possible through hard work, persistence, and never losing sight of the big picture.

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SOFTWARE

MARK JOHNSON AND JOSH HULST – MICHIGAN SOFTWARE LABS 452 ADA DR. SE, STE. 300, ADA, MI 49301 | 616-594-0269 | MICHIGANLABS.COM

As managing partners and co-founders at Michigan Software Labs, Mark Johnson and Josh Hulst are key members of the leadership team, with expertise in designing and developing custom software and overseeing all aspects of client projects.

For more than 10 years, Michigan Software Labs has served clients by developing custom mobile, web, and Internet of Things (IoT) software for clients ranging from locally owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Recognized as a leader in UX/UI design, with millions of end users to date, Michigan Software Labs was named one of the Top UX Design Companies in the U.S. by Clutch, and received an Inc. Best Places to Work Award in 84

2019 and 2020. The company was ranked No. 1 for iOS and android app development by mobileappdaily.com, and it was recently named one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies for 2020.

Whether it’s a new custom software project or providing a second opinion in terms of technology stack or cost, Michigan Software Labs can help. The company has specialized teams for software development, software UX design, and project management. The team has a track record of completing projects on schedule and within budget. The company continues to expand to serve clients nationwide, and has plans to build another new office this year to support growth.

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VETERINARY CARE

FAMILY FRIENDS VETERINARY HOSPITAL 6555 28TH ST., GRAND RAPIDS, MI, 49546 | 616-575-6520 | FAMILYFRIENDSVET.COM

Located in the heart of Cascade Township, Family Friends Veterinary Hospital and Pet Care Center is West Michigan’s leading Veterinary Hospital. Voted “Best in GR” every year by the readers of the Grand Rapids magazine since 2014, the family-owned business puts service above self and is passionately dedicated to its mission of providing quality affordable veterinary care.

Originally founded by Dr. Randy Carpenter in 2007, the business has recently transitioned ownership to his son, Dr. Ryan Carpenter and

daughter, Dr. Kathryn Sutphen. The second generation is committed to remaining a family-owned business and recently expanded its community reach by providing weekend emergency care.

Its highly trained doctors and support staff are ready to welcome new clients to their family practice and look forward to exceeding your expectations.

Photo (left to right): Dr. Ryan Carpenter, Dr. Marcia Carpenter, Barb Carpenter, Dr. Randy Carpenter, Dr. Kathryn Sutphen, and Jason Sutphen.

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DERMATOLOGY

DR. KRISTI HAWLEY — THE DERM INSTITUTE OF WEST MICHIGAN 6750 KALAMAZOO AVE. SE, STE. C & D, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508 616-326-0114 | DERMINSTITUTEOFWMI.COM

Following years of training and witnessing the impact various skin diseases can have on a person, Dr. Kristi Hawley has committed herself to becoming the best possible dermatologist for her patients.

After multiple years in the field, Dr. Hawley has gained a reputation as one of the area’s top skin doctors. Hawley says her new practice, The Derm Institute of West Michigan, operates under the belief that the best and most effective treatments come from creating treatment plans alongside her patients to craft solutions that work with their lifestyle.

Due to her success in healing patients with difficultto-manage skin conditions, Dr. Hawley is asked to speak across the country to other dermatologists to share her methods and procedures.

When asked why she started her own practice, she says, “I find it very important to take a holistic approach to dermatology, and opening my own practice was the best way to do this.”

Dr. Hawley says she cares about her patients and sincerely believes that skin treatment is more than just skin deep.

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CHIROPRACTIC CARE

DR. MATTHEW S. PHINNEY – THE CHIROPRACTIC DOCTORS, PLLC 5747 28TH ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-432-3103 | BESTGRANDRAPIDSCHIROPRACTOR.COM

Dr. Matthew S. Phinney happened on a career in health care while he was training and playing rugby with the Canadian National team.

During a rugby tour to New Zealand, he injured two discs in his neck during a match. The damage was so severe, he was ruled out of any competition by team doctors and was told that his career as a rugby player was essentially over.

The limited ability of conventional medicine to understand and treat his injury left a strong impression on him. It wasn’t until he returned to his home in Victoria, BC, that a chiropractor was able to help him restore function in his body and get him back into competition. That’s when Dr. Phinney decided to pursue a career in health care.

Having trained and competed as a professional rugby player at both national and international levels, Dr. Phinney is familiar with what’s

required in terms of eating better, moving better, and thinking better in order to perform consistently at the highest level. He has taken his experience and training as an elite-level athlete and applied those principles to the corporate and occupational athletes he works with.

Dr. Phinney has committed himself to lifelong learning. As such, he continues to read, attend seminars, and pursue clinical excellence by keeping up with any information that might be helpful to his patients and give them that winning edge when it comes to their health and their life. Dr. Phinney is dedicated to helping any and all individuals, businesses, organizations, and community groups that want to experience improved health, vitality, productivity, and performance.

His genuine concern for others drives his pursuit of excellence in his work as well as in his service to the community.

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PROPERTY INVESTMENTS AND MANAGEMENT

GREEN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

1787 GRAND RIDGE CT. NE, STE. 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 | 866-95-GREEN | LIVEGREENLOCAL.COM

After dedicating many years in multiple aspects of real estate, Ruth Green, owner, along with her husband, Martin Green, president, founded Green Property Management in 2008. They are committed to maximizing the return on investment for their clients while maintaining quality-housing opportunities for local residents. Green Property manages commercial and residential properties including single-family homes, condominiums, duplexes, and multi-family complexes, with a focus on bringing tired properties back to life.

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2016 with the mission of offering personalized and professional service to both clients and customers by building strong relationships, utilizing the latest technology, implementing effective marketing strategies, and developing consistent systems with honesty and integrity throughout every facet of the business.

With more than $25 million in assets bought and sold, Green Property administers all the complexities of finding, negotiating, acquiring, and managing commercial and residential properties.

Photo (left to right): Martin Green, president; Ruth Green, owner; and Laura Porter, director of operations.

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TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

REHMANN

3145 PRAIRIE ST. SW, STE. 101, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 | 616-222-9200 | REHMANN.COM

Rehmann is a financial services and business advisory firm — the momentum behind what’s possible. With a focus on the business of business, clients can concentrate on what makes them extraordinary.

Rehmann takes a collaborative, personalized approach and builds a customized team of specialists to help businesses achieve their objectives. It started as a CPA firm more than 75 years ago, and today is a multifaceted advisory firm helping businesses and high-networth families maximize their potential.

Clients count on Rehmann to handle their technology needs with relentless service 24/7. Businesses experience peace of mind knowing their IT strategies, cybersecurity, and compliance needs are handled.

Rehmann’s full-service, in-house capabilities give clients access to data analytics, business intelligence, and back-office IT solutions that scale with the needs of their company. Plus, hands-on engineers keep businesses on the leading edge of technology.

Connect with Rehmann today at rehmann.com/technology-solutions.

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CRAFT BREWING

FOUNDERS BREWING CO.

235 GRANDVILLE AVE. SW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-776-1195 | FOUNDERSBREWING.COM

Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, who established Founders Brewing Co. in 1997, say they brew complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics, and tons of flavors. Based on shipment volume, Founders ranks among the top 10 largest craft breweries in the country and is also among the fastestgrowing. The brewery has received numerous awards from the World Beer Cup, the Great American Beer Festival, RateBeer, and BeerAdvocate and beer lovers often rate its 90

beers among the best. Committed to making Founders an inclusive workplace for all, Stevens and Engbers recently kicked off a robust and active Diversity Action Council comprised of employees across the company whose aim is to ensure proper development of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Head to foundersbrewing.com to learn more and follow @foundersbrewing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Photo: Dave Engbers, left, and Mike Stevens.

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CANNABIS

KUSH DEVELOPMENT GROUP PO BOX 141726, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49514 | 616-439-4701 | KUSHDESIGNSTUDIO.COM

Kush Development Group is more than a cannabis consulting firm.

They are a one-stop shop for cannabis business’ licensing, compliance, design, construction, marketing, and business development needs.

In the past year, Kush Development designed and/or built more than 1 million square feet of cannabis space.

As a full-service, vertically integrated agency dedicated to the cannabis industry and beyond, they’ve spent years cultivating relationships with leaders in the national cannabis industry as well as service providers with proven expertise in their own fields. As a result,

Kush Development has assembled a team of professionals equipped to turn clients’ cannabis business vision into a reality.

Kush Development not only gives advice, they help clients create a brand. They also design and build the facilities and oversee legal compliance. Most importantly, they work with their clients to protect their investment and get them open and operating as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Photo: (left to right) Mike Myers, chief executive officer; Chris Newberg, general counsel; and Ryan Lafferty, chief operations officer.

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COLLABORATIVE LAW

ADA COLLABORATIVE CENTER – QUIST LAW, ELLIOT LAW, HOMIER LAW 4760 E. FULTON ST., STE. 102, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49301 | 616-454-9008 | QUISTLAWFIRM.COM

The mission of the Ada Collaborative Center is to provide the highest quality legal services to those who have decided they want a divorce focused on mutual respect, integrity, and dignity.

The center was developed by attorneys Courtney Quist, Elena Elliott, and Barbra Homier, who wanted to make divorce less adversarial, more efficient, and less damaging to the family dynamic.

The team accomplishes that goal by assisting couples through a process customized to their family’s specific needs and circumstances.

The Ada Collaborative Center can minimize involvement in the court system, provide privacy to couples and families, teach methods for communicating and resolving conflict after divorce, preserve family 92

and social ties, and eliminate the need to choose between divorce and financial security by providing fixed fees.

If you’re ready for a new beginning without the damage caused by an outdated divorce process, the Ada Collaborative Center might be for you. Although each firm at the Ada Collaborative Center is independent, they share a commitment to ensuring a smarter, better divorce.

Photo (left to right): Barbra Homier, collaborative attorney and mediator, Homier Law; Courtney Quist, collaborative attorney and mediator, Quist Law; Elena Elliott, collaborative attorney and mediator, Elliott Law.

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ROCKFORD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

601 FIRST ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 616-285-6933 | ROCKFORDPROPERTYMANAGEMENT.COM

Rockford Property Management’s work is guided by years of experience and analytics gathered across thousands of projects spanning real estate development, construction, and property management. This expansive data has helped the team at Rockford fully understand how these three aspects of the business work together, giving them the knowledge needed to provide an unparalleled experience for their residents, tenants, and clients.

Rockford’s holistic worldview of the entire property life cycle

creates a synergy between their internal team members and external clients, allowing them to fulfill their commitment of providing world-class service year-round as they simultaneously seek new opportunities. It also enables their property management team to recognize the value of every detail, from the design of a floor plan to the importance of tenants and residents not simply working or living in a building, but fully engaging with their space and community.

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PAYROLL, HCM & TREASURY

MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN

310 LEONARD NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 800-453-8700 | MERCBANK.COM

Payroll and human capital management? Yes, Mercantile Bank does that!

This local, West Michigan-based community bank provides a consultative approach, with treasury management services such as payables solutions, fraud mitigation, and merchant services to optimize cash flow.

Always looking to innovate, Mercantile also offers businesses a way to streamline payroll, HR, and data management. MercForce®, powered by iSolved, is a powerful workforce management tool combining payroll, HR, benefits, and time in one solution.

Businesses and HR professionals need partners who can provide robust and nimble products for the ever-changing business landscape.

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Mercantile combines technology with local support to help businesses manage workforce complexities, and to engage with their most valuable asset — their people.

World-class solutions, and the personal service of a trusted local bank. You’ll wonder how your business ever functioned without it.

Connect with a Mercantile Bank treasury officer to see how these versatile business solutions can impact your business.

Photo: (top row, left to right) Cheri Stanton, Andrew Meyers, Esperanza M. Degnan; (middle row, left to right) Dan Zink, Holly Williams, John Byl; (bottom row) Tim Ladd.

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MALPRACTICE LAW

RICHARD K. GROVER JR.

3514 RIVERTOWN POINT CT. SW, STE. B, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 | 616-257-3900

Medical malpractice litigation is a complex and serious business, and Richard K. Grover Jr. has thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this important litigation.

Since leaving his partnership at a prominent downtown law firm to start his own firm 23 years ago, he has been the recipient of numerous individual awards and has seen his firm grow to almost 100 employees.

One of those awards was the AV Preeminent Rating, which is bestowed by the world’s most trusted legal resource, MartindaleHubbell. The AV Preeminent Rating is the highest possible rating

in both legal ability and ethical standards, and reflects the confidential opinions of members of the bar and judiciary.

Mr. Grover was also one of the youngest individuals to be selected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Membership in the Michigan Chapter of this honorary society is limited to one-half of 1 percent of all lawyers in the state.

Mr. Grover says the thing that’s most important to him is that his firm is comprised of some of the best young lawyers in the state.

He looks forward to watching his firm continue to provide excellent representation to all Michiganders.

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FITNESS

MVP SPORTS CLUB 4085 BURTON ST. SE, STE 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-575-6221

Built on a foundation of strong brand quality, innovative programming, world-class equipment and technology, and excellent customer service, MVP Sports Clubs has been providing fitness, sports, and wellness to West Michigan since 2005. Now operating seven facilities within the market, including five full-service athletic clubs and two unique boutique fitness spaces, MVP is dedicated to building healthy communities that change lives both in and outside of its facilities.

Serving more than 30,000 members in West Michigan, MVP Athletic Clubs’ facilities include MVP Sportsplex, MVP Athletic Club, and MVP Metro Club in Grand Rapids; and MVP Athletic Club in Holland and Rockford. In MVP’s all-inclusive fitness environment, members experience life changes through fitness, classes, and community. The full-service athletic clubs offer 100+ complimentary group fitness classes weekly, state-of-the-art cardio- and strengthtraining equipment, court sports, indoor and outdoor aquatics, spaquality locker facilities, and supervised kid care.

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Well-Fit by MVP opened in 2015 as Grand Rapids’ premier senior group fitness studio. Designed to provide specialized group programming for older active adults, Well-Fit by MVP is a dedicated space with the purpose of improving and maintaining wellness, and building community.

As group fitness experiences are emergent in the market, MVP’s newest operation, 4G Athletic, opened in 2017 in Jenison.

Unlike the normal athletic club model that’s associated with MVP, 4G Athletic is boutique fitness taken to the next level. Customers experience four revolutionary group workouts under one roof: BIKE, FLOW, MOVE, and LIFT. MVP Sports Clubs keeps pushing forward to provide the most innovative solutions to support those working to live their best healthy life. MVP is dedicated to its ongoing commitment to building healthy communities that change lives through outreach, education, philanthropy, and service.

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DIGITAL EXPERIENCES

DIG

99 MONROE AVE. NW, STE. 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 513-815-5649 | DIG.SOLUTIONS

When Mike Simon and Nate Smith saw a gap in the market between technology solutions and marketing strategy, they created an agency named dig to combine those services under one virtual roof.

As the agency has grown, clients are turning to dig for solutions spanning everything from user experience and mobile application design to content strategy and enterprise web solutions. The team at dig is driven by a desire to build connections between brands

and users in a meaningful, human way. When you work with dig, you can expect full-service marketing technology capabilities with an intentional focus on building lasting relationships.

Recently named one of 50 Companies to Watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, dig is growing quickly thanks to a dedicated team that’s providing innovative solutions.

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DIGITAL MEDIA

JUSTIN RAZMUS - 616 MEDIA 616-446-4046 | 616MEDIA.COM

What started as a passion for Justin Razmus to create personal videos nearly a dozen years ago, has turned into a successful media and marketing company with a team of top creatives in the Grand Rapids area.

The company — 616 Media — focuses on generating print and digital marketing plans for businesses with an emphasis on staying ahead of the creative curve. 616 Media is also involved in using high-end photography, website development, social media, and

video production for its clients.

Razmus says video production has become one of the most sought after services for the company, and has led to creating content for large regional events as well as national ad campaigns.

One of the notable passions of 616 Media is through its charitable work; donating special cinematic skills to local nonprofits like the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Ele’s Place, Student Advancement Foundation, HIPS (Helping Important People Succeed), and others.

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Starting Over Modern custom cottage honors family and history.

By Jeanine Matlow Photography courtesy Mathison | Mathison Architects Originally published in the 2020 Cottages issue of Michigan BLUE Magazine.

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or many Michigan leisure seekers, seasonal stays and scenic settings often go hand in hand.

Such is the case for Catherine “Cahssey” Augenstein, who has spent summers on Gun Lake in Middleville since she was a kid. Now, she and her husband, Don, who currently live in Cleveland, have their own special getaway for memories to be made — a custom cottage that embodies past, present and future.

Situated on the Hastings Point peninsula adjacent to the Yankee Springs Recreation Area, their new build has an added perk with her siblings next door and their dad two doors down in houses that have been in their family for generations.

Guided by Cahssey’s personal ties to the area, she and Don acquired the original cottage on their property when it became available in 2004 and where they lived until 2016. When it came time to rebuild, however, they had a hard time seeing past what they had. Cahssey credited Mathison | Mathison Architects in Grand Rapids with nudging them to another level.

“They helped us expand our thoughts, and

now, it’s a very comfortable place,” said Cahssey, who also worked with builder Dale Deverman. “It feels so open, and it really brings in the surrounding beauty.”

“We wanted it to be pretty easy to manage and functional, not fussy.”

Catherine "Cahssey" Augenstein

The more the merrier Though their new 2,200-square-foot home has a modern aesthetic, the unique structure exudes a classic cottage feel that welcomes all who enter. With four grown children and a total of 16 cousins in the mix, the quaint location offers the ultimate gathering spot for the couple and their extended family. “It really has become the place where we see each other throughout the year,” she said.

With only nine cottages on the point, multigenerational dwellings are typical in the tight-knit community where staying connected to their neighbors remained a

15% off ALL Upholstered Furniture from Younger Furniture September 8-21

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Formica countertops contribute to the casual vibe. A storage closet with a stackable washer and dryer provides an efficient area nearby.

Wood accents like the walnut that tops the kitchen bar and the shelving in the living area lend warmth to the peaceful surroundings.

The main floor layout features sweeping views of the water from the big, open space dotted with contents that have sentimental value like family heirloom furniture and paintings by Cahssey’s mother, who was an artist. A pair of vintage Green Stamps chairs provide the perfect perch to admire the lake. “We sit there all the time,” she said.

A wide staircase to the second story features Danish wool carpet and a walnut railing. The cedar ceiling above envelops the cozy landing, claimed by the cat, that leads to lake-facing bedrooms with built-in storage. As Cahssey explained, “We only have four bedrooms because we have the overflow of the house next door.

Everybody’s used to finding an open bed.”

High ceilings can accommodate bunk beds for future grandkids.

priority. The original home was oriented toward the road, and everyone would sit on the porch and greet passersby. Now, a wraparound deck spans three sides of the distinctive dwelling, with a wider section on the side reserved for al fresco meals that lure the locals. “We enjoyed being the welcoming committee, so we still wanted it to feel open for people to stop by,” Cahssey said.

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Relaxed atmosphere Low-maintenance living also made the list for their new digs. “We wanted it to be pretty easy to manage and functional, not fussy,” she said about the house they hope to pass on to their children, and where cork floors stand up to dog claws. “It’s quiet with kids and easy on the feet.” In the kitchen, comforting robin’s egg blue cabinets have a retro effect while

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Fresh perspective Horizontal siding softens the exterior, which blends effortlessly with the setting.

According to Evan Mathison — co-founder and principal of Mathison | Mathison Architects with his father, Tom — the original house was in poor condition, so they made way for a custom home that would suit today’s lakefront lifestyle.

“We wanted to play with more modern materials and finishes … with an orientation that aligned with everything else on the point,” Mathison said.

The rich family history in the area was an integral part of the design process. “They have a family value system that’s very authentic,” Mathison added. “The form of the house represents that value system, with a modern twist.”

The home is a fairly narrow building with glass on three sides. A gabled roof joins deep overhangs that fit the waterfront setting. The horizontal flat roof was their interpretation of a wraparound porch on a traditional house, where the roof form is meant to mimic the line of the lake.

Perched high above the water, the outdoor threshold for gathering and relaxing was oriented the long way on the lake, to take advantage of the view.

The threshold overlooking the lake includes an expansive wood deck and

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“They wanted a home that was easy and open and comfortable. It reflects their life. From the street, it’s very tidy and clean and simple. I love that dichotomy.”

Evan Mathison

a screened porch. Triple-pane windows and doors include a 20-foot lift-and-slide system that expands the modest footprint.

The home also has an unfinished basement that can accommodate kayaks and a woodretaining wall along the concrete stairs leading to the house from the lakeside.

Bright ideas The fact that the deck floats a little on the landing highlights the depth of the covered porch and the sophisticated outdoor rooms. “We completely reoriented the new building with remnants of the old building, and it’s so efficient with insulated foam walls,” said Mathison, who connected with the couple after they searched online for green architects. The home heats and cools quite easily, he said. A self-sufficient biofuel fireplace requires no venting or flue, and a geothermal open-loop system pulls in water from the ground.

The flat roof also contains black river pebbles and a green section with sedums.

Cutouts provide natural light to the outdoor space below.

All together now “They wanted a home that was easy and open and comfortable. It reflects their life,” Mathison said. “From the street, it’s very tidy and clean and simple. I love that dichotomy.”

The laidback lifestyle at the lake keeps the couple and their kids coming back to their casual cottage, where Cahssey loves to cook for her active family, who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. While pontoon and ski boats are shared with other kin, Don, who loves to sail, has a Hobie Cat. Other popular pastimes include walks with their dogs, cross-country skiing, and yoga on the deck when all the cousins are there.

“We go there to get away, relax, and entertain,” Cahssey said.

Jeanine Matlow is a Detroit-based writer and regular contributor who loves writing about homes and cottages.

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MEN’S HEALTH Q&A

Taking Care: Simple Steps to aHealthier You

The last few months have been challenging, at best. Our well-being is at a greater risk than usual, and confinement and the upheaval of our lifestyles have the potential to worsen an already precarious situation.

Gyms are closed. In-person fitness classes are on hold. Access to supplies and activities we’ve taken for granted is narrowed. The temptation to fall into poor habits is palpable.

Although the picture painted here seems grim, the reality is much brighter. There are many ways to take control of our health and strengthen our bodies to be the fighters they need to be, even when traditional methods aren’t available.

While the recommendations presented here are geared toward men’s health, many of them could apply to anyone looking to make easy changes and improvements.

Find out why staying home and limiting human contact doesn’t have to dash your workout routine. Learn what supplements can contribute to a more robust immune system. Understand the importance of pre-emptive activities that can increase your overall longevity.

The experts featured here not only have the answers, but they’re also taking their own advice — and that speaks volumes. ■

MEN’S HEALTH Q&A Q:

What can I do to bolster my body’s immune system as an added way to protect my health?

A: Washing your hands frequently, social distancing, and wearing a mask are standard protocols in today’s times. But if your metabolic health is poor, you stand a greater chance of serious complications if you become infected with any disease. We’re all concerned about the outside things we can do to protect ourselves, but optimizing your own health should be the first action to ensure the body can handle and adapt to whatever comes its way.

Zinc, an essential mineral that men are particularly deficient in, can support not only the immune system, but also prostate health

Q:

Dr. Matthew Phinney

The Chiropractic Doctors, PLLC 5747 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-432-3103 drmatthewphinney@gmail.com bestgrandrapidschiropractor.com Advertisement on page 87

I prefer going to the gym. With COVID-19, what can I do on my own to stay healthy and prevent disease?

A: It’s easy to fall out of your routine without the structure a fitness center can provide. Robert Phillips, co-director of MVP Metro Club, recommends that you set a goal to stay motivated, like determining what you want to achieve within a certain time frame. “It could be a certain number of pushups or the distance of a run by the end of the week or month, but whatever it is, defining its parameters will keep you focused,” he says.

Second, when you’re staying at home, it can be appealing to just sit on the couch and watch Netflix. But even something as

Q:

and sexual function. When it’s paired with vitamins C and D3, zinc plays an important role in maintaining testosterone levels while also benefiting the central nervous system.

Shellfish and seafood are dietary forms of zinc, but taking it as a supplement can help consistently maintain the levels needed.

A properly functioning nervous system is really what coordinates and controls your body’s immune system. The better your brain is able to communicate with your body, the better your body can respond to stress and fight disease.

simple as going on a long walk can get you the activity you need while also addressing other consequences of the current situation — especially stress. “People really underestimate the effectiveness of walking, but it’s a lowimpact, low-pressure form of movement that really benefits mental, physical, and emotional health,” Phillips explains.

“For a little added cardio, I recommend putting on your headphones and a favorite podcast, and hitting the stairs on Division Avenue leading up to Belknap Lookout Hill for a challenging workout you can build on.”

Robert Phillips

Co-Director MVP Metro Club 4085 Burton St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-254-8600 info@mvpsportsclubs.com mvpsportsclubs.com Advertisement on page 96

What are some preventive measures I can take to support my health as I age?

A: Men are particularly vulnerable to skin cancer, especially in their golden years. Balding or even thinning hair exposes the scalp, as well as the tops of the ears, to harmful rays. The nose is also at greater risk. Men may enter retirement looking forward to leisure time, but instead they have to spend some of that time undergoing treatment for skin cancer.

The good news is that it’s within your control to reduce your risk. It’s never too late to safeguard yourself against this disease, and that starts with the early and regular use of sunscreen — not just in the spring and

summer, but all year long.

The American Cancer Society recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher. A broadspectrum formula protects against both UVA light, which can cause age spots and premature wrinkling, and UVB light, which can burn the skin. Both types of UV radiation cause harm not only to the skin, but also to the eyes. In addition to broad spectrum, you should make sure the sunscreen is waterproof, so it isn’t washed or sweated off. A wide-brimmed hat can also offer some defense.

Amanda Daggett, RN

Director of Nursing Beacon Hill at Eastgate 1845 Boston St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-245-9179, ext. 1200 amanda.daggett@beaconhillgr.org beaconhillgr.org Advertisement on page 113

Do what you can to shop local first.

Every dollar you spend locally will help open doors of local businesses and support jobs in our community.

Share on social media how you are safely open for business using the hashtag #OpenForBusiness and Grand Rapids Magazine will reshare your posts.

Shop safely. Follow our local health guidelines and respect others around you.

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

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

Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

NEW LISTING! ART CARIBBEAN FUSION CUISINE Featuring a Caribbean menu with items like empanadas, croquettes, mofongos, Cuban sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 55 Monroe Center NW, 724-4370. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol.

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

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER BISTRO BELLA VITA Big-city casual; modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire.

Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ 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 $$-$$$

shareables, sandwiches, rice bowls and entrées like salmon, seared scallops and Cornish hen. Open daily. // 40 Pearl St. NW, 608-7741. fortypearl.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$$ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches.

Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GILLY’S SMOKEHOUSE Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more.

Closed Sun-Mon. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/gillysrestaurant. Dinner $-$$ GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ GP SPORTS Sports bar and restaurant. Menu features create-yourown pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches.

Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/ gp-sports. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$

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,

GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live

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

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entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Yearround alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$

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

Full bar. Open daily. // 95 Monroe Center NW, 419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $ 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 $$-$$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER MERTENS PRIME French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era hotel. Steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates.

Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. mertensgr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ MEXO Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com.

Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR & RESTAURANT Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$ ONE TRICK PONY GRILL & TAPROOM Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front, dog- friendly patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 136 E Fulton St, 2357669. onetrick.biz. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN Part of Studio Park, One Twenty Three Tavern offers starters, small plates and handhelds, large plates, and a kids menu. Offering elevated American fare, including a fried chicken sandwich, jackfruit carnitas,

meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER OSTERIA ROSSA Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Open daily. // 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriarossa.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$ PALACE OF INDIA Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIND INDIAN CUISINE A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$$ RESERVE Wine bar offers extensive by-the-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie.

Closed Sun. // 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ ROAM BY SAN CHEZ BISTRO The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar.

Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ ROCKWELL REPUBLIC Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$ 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

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

beach house favorites,” such as prime beef burgers, fresh halibut, steak and frites, and roasted chicken and mussels. Full bar. Open daily. // 822 Ottawa Ave. NW, 828-1118, sandypointbeachhouse.com.

Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

EVERY DAY IS A SPECIAL O CC A S I O N.

SLOWS BAR-B-Q Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides.

Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. // Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slowsbarbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SOCIAL HOUSE A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters such as veggie, meat and cheese shared platters, goat cheese fritters, spicy tuna wontons and avocado toast; soups and salads; burgers and sandwiches; and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$ SPARKS BBQ Offering barbecued meats by the pound, à la carte, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, sides, specialty entrées and desserts. Sparks BBQ originated in Traverse City. Full bar. Open daily. // 15 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 140, 888-2170. home.eatsparksbbq.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SPEAKEZ LOUNGE Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and gluten-free. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. // 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ STELLA’S LOUNGE Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 7424444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$

Year after year, we’re proud to be known as a top dining destination in Grand Rapids.

Our farm-to-fork philosophy means creative meals made with produce from our own gardens. In fact, most of our guests eat here every day. Because this is also their home.

EXPECT TO BE SURPRISED.

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 $-$$

1919 BOSTON STREET SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506

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

616-608-8254 | BEACONHILLGR.ORG

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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)

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

The Weller Real Estate Collective believes real estate is more than buying and selling a home.

It’s about taking you to places where you feel connected, inspired and safe.

Takeout. Open daily. No alcohol. // 961 E Fulton St, 242-1300. currykitchengr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ DANZÓN CUBANO Authentic Cuban fare, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally made and Cuban sodas.

Full bar; happy hour specials Mon-Thu. Open daily. // 1 Carlton Ave SE, 988-9788. danzoncubano.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ DONKEY TAQUERIA Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station. Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST WEST BREWING CO. Traditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. // 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwestbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Fri-Sat), Dinner $-$$ ELECTRIC CHEETAH Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 4514779. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ELK BREWING CO. Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. // 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com.

Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $ ERB THAI Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. Open daily. // 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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

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

Everyone deserves a place they can call home.

HOLDING THE KEYS TO YOUR FUTURE. fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HARMONY BREWING CO. Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $-$$

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

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

WIKIWIKI POKE SHOP Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials.

Carry-out available. Closed Sun. // 1146 Wealthy St SE, 288-5646. wikiwikipokeshop.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WINCHESTER Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in century-old space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar.

Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ YESTERDOG Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.”

Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. // 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com.

Lunch, Dinner $ ZIVIO Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily.

Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

East Grand Rapids BIG BOB’S PIZZA Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$ CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood,

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chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com.

Dinner $$ JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ OLIVE’S Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar.

Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. // 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ OSTA’S LEBANESE CUISINE Large selection of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.

Serves beer and wine. Takeout and catering available.

Closed Sun-Mon. // 2228 Wealthy St SE, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. Lunch (Tue-Fri), Dinner $-$$ ROSE’S Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$

Northeast GR 7 MONKS TAPHOUSE Beer bar with more than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads. Open daily. // 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/ grand-rapids. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BIRCH LODGE Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

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 $

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 $$

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) $-$$

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 $-$$

CRESTON BREWERY More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ DETROIT WING CO. Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders with 19 house-made sauces. Its menu also includes mac n’ cheese, poutine, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and cheesecake. Detroit Wing Co. was founded in Detroit. Open daily. // 2004 East Beltline Ave. NE, 214-8331. detroitwingco.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available.

Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar.

Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $$-$$$

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILLE Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charliesbarandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$

GRAYDON’S CROSSING Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

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LA HUASTECA Authentic Mexican restaurant offering burritos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook.

Lunch, Dinner $ LAI THAI KITCHEN Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar. Open daily. // 2869 Knapp St NE, 608-6912. licarispizzakitchen.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ LUCY’S CAFÉ Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods.

Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-yourown breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$-$$$ MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $ MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MING TEN All-you-can-eat Japanese/Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 3653989. mingtenrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NICK FINK’S Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. // 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.com/nickfinks. Dinner $$ POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian,

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

Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available.

Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REZERVOIR LOUNGE Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol.

Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar.

Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$ THE SCORE Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SHESHCO GRILL Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$ THAI CHEF Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ VANDER MILL Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients.

Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style. Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. // 505 Ball Ave NE, 259-8828. vandermill.com.

Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$-$$$

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

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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 $$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 7858880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRANCO’S PIZZA Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$

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 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 $$

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 $$

Southeast GR

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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

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7 MARES Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. Breakfast, 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 $-$$ 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 $$

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

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 $ 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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $ PHO ANH TRANG Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials.

Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PHO SOC TRANG Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 4523228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $-$$

Frustrated

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 $

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

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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 $-$$ WEI WEI PALACE Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. weiweipalace.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ YUMMY WOK Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068.

Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Southwest GR 84TH STREET PUB & GRILLE American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar.

Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. // 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées, including summer chicken and pea ravioli.

Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol.

Open daily. // 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. bluegingerkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FAR-EAST CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook.

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

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GOLDEN 28 Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800.

Lunch, Dinner $$ KITZINGEN BREWERY German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed Sun-Mon. // 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingen-brewery.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LINDO MEXICO RESTAURANTE MEXICANO Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu.

Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1742 28th St SW, 2612280. lindomexicogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ MAIN STREET PUB Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MI CASA RESTAURANTE Fresh, authentic Dominican appetizers, dishes and seafood, plus weekly specials, in Dominicanthemed, family-friendly atmosphere. No alcohol.

Closed Mon-Tues. // 334 Burton St SW, 350-9123. micasagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MONELLI’S ITALIAN GRILL & SPORTS BAR Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. Open daily. // 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 530-9700. monellis.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NOBLE Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ PETE’S GRILL & TAVERN Casual bar and grill with tavern burgers, Detroit style pizza, sandwiches and entrees. Open daily. // 2588 84th St SW, Byron Center, 878-9582. petesgrillandtavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 15 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spectrumlanes.com.

Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area ARYANA RESTAURANT & BAR Comfortable dining room in Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. // 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BIG BOILER BREWING Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and cider. Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. // 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboilerbrewing.com.

Dinner $$ CASCADE ROADHOUSE Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CORK WINE & GRILLE Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails.

Open daily. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. corkwineandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ 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 $-$$ EMONAE KOREAN BBQ Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. // 6246 28th St SE, 649-3984. emonaekoreanbbq.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ THE EURO BISTRO European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ FLAT RIVER GRILL Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building.

Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. 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 $-$$$

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

LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. 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 $-$$ MAIN STREET BBQ Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free.

Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups.

Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 9873352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO French country casual offers small, medium and large plates for dinner fare; salads, sandwiches and mains for lunch. Full bar. Takeout menu. Closed Sun. // 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MYNT FUSION BISTRO Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries.

No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NOCO PROVISIONS Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine.

Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

Detroit Remembers!

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) $-$$ NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$ OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

If you recall the J.L. Hudson Thanksgiving Day Parade, visiting the Children’s Zoo at Belle Isle, taking in a flick at downtown’s Madison Theatre, scarfing down a hot-fudge sundae at Sanders, rocking out at the Grande Ballroom, or cheering on the Red Wings at Olympia Stadium, The Way It Was, Part 2 will elicit warm memories of Detroit. This book’s vivid photos and evocative text will take you on a nostalgic journey into the city’s past.

R R

From the Editors of Hour Detroit Hardcover | 160 pages

SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol.

Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

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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 $-$$$

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 $-$$

SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook.

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 $-$$

THORNAPPLE BREWING CO. Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert.

Brunch on Sun. // 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$ TRAILHEAD CAFÉ Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. // 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 284-3664. trailheadcafegr.com.

Breakfast, Lunch $ VINTAGE PRIME & SEAFOOD Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintageatcork.com.

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

Lunch, Dinner $$

Grandville/Hudsonville Area BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$

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PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RAINBOW GRILL Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 8960033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RUSH CREEK BISTRO Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SONDER EATERY Focused on fresh foods including greens, sandwiches and shareables. Items include deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, sloppy Joes and more. Full bar. Daily specials and weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. // 3380 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 616-202-6379. sondereatery.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ WHITE FLAME BREWING CO. Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WIN TAVERN A family-friendly restaurant offering fresh ingredients and cooked-to-order meals, including starters and salads, burgers, sandwiches, and steak and onion meals. It also offers a Sunday breakfast from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

Rockford Area BOSTWICK LAKE INN Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

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

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

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 $-$$

HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$ HOPCAT Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MORNING BELLE This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171; 434 Bridge St NW, 855-6907. morningbellebrunch.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 2595353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ 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 $

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 $-$$

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 $

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 $$

RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com.

Breakfast, Lunch $

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 $

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) $$

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

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 $-$$

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gr gems / histo y

Joppe's Ice Cream used to serve up heaping scoops of ice cream at 1589 Plainfield Ave. NE. Today, a weathered sign remains (left), leaving passersby wondering about this building's previous life.

Unknowable history An old ice cream sign leaves many questions unanswered.

BY JULIE TABBERER, GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Sometime shortly after moving to the Creston neighborhood 15 years ago, I noticed an old sign while walking along Plainfield Avenue.

It’s tucked away on the side of a building and there’s not much left of it. When you look closely, you can just make out an ice cream cone — rusted and fading, yet still visible. I’ve always assumed that there used to be an ice cream store in the building and, sure enough, a search through old city directories and real estate listings confirms this. There were actually three ice cream shops that inhabited this building from about 1930 through 1960: Miller’s, Joppe’s and the East End Dairy.

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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Even after researching that sign, I still don’t feel like I really know why it’s there. And since it’s on a side of the building that doesn’t show in most photographs, I doubt I ever will. I think I’m okay with that, though. I enjoy soaking up the history of my neighborhood and our city, but I stay interested because there’s so much I still don’t know (and there always will be). There’s an infinite number of stories and experiences, just within Grand Rapids. For me, the remnants of an old ice cream sign remind me that I won’t ever know everything, but I will stay curious.

SIGN JULIE TABBERER JOPPE'S COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

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