Grand Rapids Magazine November, 2020 by Grand Rapids Magazine

OUTDOOR DINING WINTER PATIOS TO TRY OUT PLUS IRIE KITCHEN

TELEMEDICINE

ARCHIE SUDUE

Meet the locals who are making a positive change in the city

pt t-ke ms s e e rb thei or the it r l l a f e o shar to shop nown f s t r k e exp where ns are e v i o n i F ets o profess r c e r s thei

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contents NOV. 2020 VOLUME 57, ISSUE 11

FEATURES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

David Abbott, executive director for Festival of the Arts, shares his favorite places to shop around town.

INSPIRING STORIES FROM 2020.

SHOP LIKE A PRO FIND OUT WHERE TO SHOP FROM LOCAL EXPERTS. 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

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

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contents / novembe

every issue 8 83 96

editor's letter dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

gr gems

Santa Parade rolls through Grand Rapids thanks to Jaycees

people + places 12

city

guide

profile

Women's Way mural project highlights historic women Your guide to entertaining out-of-town guests Style icon Archie Sudue

issues

Homelessness poses unique challenges for women

voice

Shaving with Andrew Weiss and Battle Brothers Shaving Co.

look + feel

wellness

style

Visit your doctor from the comfort of home with telemedicine Duffield Lane is ready for winter

expert

home

Leah Muir shares tips for working out at home Create a bar with style in your home

food + drink

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

table

create

33 34

Hustling with Irie Kitchen's Vincent McIntosh Entertain with an herbed chĂ¨vre cheeseball

cheers

Joven Coffee takes a youthful approach

must-try

Mainside Hustle Baking & Co. JERK CHICKEN BRYAN ESLER BAR COURTESY FUCHSIA DESIGN RAZOR ASHLEY WIERENGA

P R O M I N E N T LY R E P R E S E N T I N G T H E F I N E S T I N G R A N D R A P I D S R E A L E S TAT E F O R O V E R 3 0 Y E A R S

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

editor's letter / connect

Making a difference

This year has been tough to say the least, and I’ve ridden that emotional roller coaster of days where I thought “this isn’t so terrible” all the way to “everything is awful!” I imagine you’ve had a very similar reaction. But one thing that has helped me on the down days has been the uplifting stories of people stepping up to make a difference. From the individuals helping their neighbors to the doctors and nurses on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis to the protestors taking to the streets to demonstrate against violence against Black men and women and prevailing racism, I’ve been inspired just as often as I’ve been dismayed. In this issue, we wanted to highlight a handful of those people in our own community — and hopefully provide a little inspiration for you as we enter these shorter, drearier days of winter. I hope you feel inspired to figure out how you, too, can make a difference in our community. This is also the season for holiday shopping, so we turned to the pros to find out where they shop. Find out where your local veterinarian, fitness instructor, restaurant manager and more do their shopping. Since holiday parties are likely to be a bit more low-key this year, we talked to interior designer Autumn Fuchs about designing a stylish and functional bar in your home. Fuchs shares a recent project she completed and lets us in on the biggest trends in bar design right now. If you are venturing out for drinks with friends, we share our top five winter patios in this issue to help you find the right spot. Year-round patios are growing in Grand Rapids and we expect to see more restaurants and bars embracing winter this year. We also find out more about Vince McIntosh, the man behind Irie Kitchen. A self-described “hustler,” McIntosh is working to build a mini-empire here in Grand Rapids. He isn’t the only one “hustling.” Archie Sudue is following his fashion sense into business with Mel Styles, a men’s shop offering everything from the latest styles to fashion tips and education, and 14-year-old Frankie Volkema has released her own coffee line focused on young coffee bean farmers. These young people are making a difference in Grand Rapids. Let’s all make a difference.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Our art team's lunch spot after this month's photoshoot: Hancock. The hot chicken sandwich and waffle fries hit the spot!

Next issue

Ready for a winter vacation? Our December travel issue will get you in the mood to schedule a winter trip with your family, friends or spouse.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Charlsie Dewey Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

Megan Sarnacki is a freelance writer and editor who is passionate about the impact of storytelling. In her free time, she can be seen learning the technique of a perfect down dog from her pup.

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

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

EDITOR TERRY JOHNSTON LUNCH KEAGAN COOP CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY MEGAN SARNACKI

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

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

We asked our staff: The debate is on (and no, we're not talking about THAT one)! We want to know ... what flavor pie is your must-have this season?

My favorite must-have pie of this season is peach. I pick my peaches from Crane Orchards, which is very close to where I live, and I make it myself. It tastes so good! RENEE LOOMAN

Pumpkin pie, because what better way to celebrate Halloween!? BART WOINSKI

Editorial Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Charlsie Dewey Digital Editor: Tom Mitsos Contributors: Jaye Beeler, Ann Byle, Roni Devlin, Sam Easter, Marie Havenga, Chloe Marchant, Adam Russo, Megan Sarnacki, Samantha Suarez, Julie Tabberer Design Creative Director: Lindsay Richards Associate Art Director: Keagan Coop Contributors: Angela Ciccu, Michelle Cuppy, Bryan Esler, Teri Genovese, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Chloe Marchant, Jennifer Pickering, David Sparks, Ashley Weirenga Sales General Inquiries: Advertisingsales@grmag.com Advertising Director: Jenn Maksimowski Account Executives: Todd Anderson, Jessica Laidlaw, Renee Looman, Amanda Smiley Office Assistants: Elissa Stong, Katrina Peshka To Order Reprints: Receptionist – (616) 459-4545 Production Production Director: Jenine Rhoades Senior Production Artist: Robert Gorczyca Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel Advertising Coordinator: Danielle Szatkowski Advertising Designers: Christian Lott, Daniel Moen, Amanda Zwiren Web Digital Strategy Director: Nick Britsky Web Project Lead: Matthew Cappo Web Project Assistants: Mariah Knott, Luanne Lim, Bart Woinski IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland

Warm apple pie with vanilla bean ice cream. It’s a total fall must-have! MICHELLE VANARMAN

Does apple crisp count as pie? A season must-have (I'd say a year-round necessity) is apple crisp from Cranes In The City in downtown Holland. AUBREY WILSON

Circulation Director Of Audience Development: Michelle VanArman Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247

Key lime. It's November. In Michigan. Whether you buy a frozen Marie Callender, grab a piece from your favorite bakery or bake your own, there's no better way to experience a slice of Key West sunshine without travel time or COVID risk. MARIE HAVENGA

My favorite is cherry crumb pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company. My greatgrandmother used to make cherry pies and it tastes just like hers! It’s definitely a comfort food. MICHELLE CUPPY

Our family was big on you-pick fruit farms this summer! Our freezer is full of hand-picked cherries, blueberries and raspberries. My daughter loves to be in the kitchen now — she helps me make the crust from scratch and weave a lattice crust for blueberry pie. A big scoop of vanilla ice cream on a fresh-baked slice and it'll be summer all year!

Sparking curiosity at every age

Infant Toddler Preschool Young 5’s

School Age

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Pecan pie — today, yesterday, tomorrow. Gobble, gobble! ANDREW KOTZIAN

Published By Gemini Media, LLC CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo

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

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people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

Ryan Schmied, AC Hotel Grand Rapids GM, takes out-of-town guests to the GRAM.

Â» PLUS: ARCHIE SUDUE OPENS MEL STYLES BATTLE BROTHERS SHAVING CO. GR AND R APIDS CHICKS

GUIDE

Downtown must-do's page 13

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

people + places / city

Other women featured in murals Harriet Woods Hill, the first African American woman to serve as an officer in the Grand Rapids Police Department. The mural will be in the alley off Louis Street NW at the northwest corner of GRPD headquarters; Ethel Coe, a renaissance woman who was a community activist, musician, actor and civil rights leader. The mural will be in the alley off Monroe Avenue NW on the north side of 20 Monroe Live; and Angeline Kelsey "Naw Kay O Say" Yob, who was an educator, community activist and Citizen of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. She worked three decades with Grand Rapids Public Schools in the Native American Education Program. The mural will be in the alley off Sheldon Avenue NE between the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and The Apartment Lounge. The local artists participating in the project are Jasmine Bruce, Esan Sommersell, Alan Compo and Michi Farias.

CITY

Women make history

In 1945, Grand Rapids got its first professional women’s baseball team. The Grand Rapids Chicks debuted that year as part of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League and the stands quickly filled with supporters cheering them on. A new mural project is paying homage to the team as well as several other women who made their mark on Grand Rapids. The Women’s Way mural project is a public art initiative meant to activate several alleyways around Grand Rapids while also honoring the important women who made the city home. In a press release, DGRI said, “Importantly, the currently nameless alleyways will be officially named — and marked with commemorative street signage — in honor of the women leaders highlighted at each space. This is an intentional gesture that aims to call attention to the fact that women’s names — relative to men’s — are not often assigned to public and private buildings and property.” Plans for movable furniture for seating, planters, lighting, a biographical plaque about each woman and periodic pop-up programming to further energize the space also are in the works.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Artist Michi Farias works on a mural depicting the 1945 GR Chicks baseball team. It is located in the alley of Newberry Street NW behind Auto Fixit Body Shop. MURALS COURTESY DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS INC.

people + places / guide

Ryan Schmied keeps his friends and family busy when they visit by showing off some of Grand Rapids' most unique spots.

GUIDE

GR's best places Your guide to entertaining out-of-town guests. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTO BY TERI GENOVESE

Ryan Schmied came to Grand Rapids from Miami, Florida, and is the general manager of AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown, so we thought he’d be the perfect person to ask for tips on the mustvisit places to bring out-of-town visitors. When Schmied has friends or family in town, his first stop of the day is brunch. “My go-to spots are The Littlebird and Field & Fire Café,” he said. “The team at The Littlebird consistently executes some of my favorite food in town. Some creative plays on old favorites, and a damn good burger — what more could you want? Field & Fire’s bread and pastries are up there in quality with the best bakers in NYC, Miami or Europe, in my humble opinion.” Coffee is also necessary to fuel a busy day around town. Schmied recommends Madcap as his first choice. “Madcap is at the top of their game, and I think many coffee connoisseurs would agree with me when I say that they are one of the top roasters in the country,” he said. Schmied likes to take his guests to some of the most unique spots around town, beginning with The Meyer May House, a fully restored Frank Lloyd Wright home open to the public. “I also recommend taking a walk or drive through the historical Heritage Hill neighborhood while at the Meyer May House. Here you will find a collection of many gorgeous historical homes.”

“Madcap is at the top of their game, and I think many coffee connoisseurs would agree with me when I say that they are one of the top roasters in the country." Ryan Schmied

He also recommends a stop at the Grand Rapids Art Museum followed by a visit to the Downtown Market, where you can enjoy lunch from Aperitivo, Carvers, Field & Fire, Juju Bird and Pho616. Follow that up with ice cream from Love’s. If your guests are looking to do some shopping, a visit to Cherry Street is a great idea. Schmied suggests visiting Leon & Son, an eclectic wine shop, and Gemini Handmade, an artisan store offering quality handmade leather goods. Other stores around town to check out include AK Rikk's, a luxury fashion store, and downtown shops, Premier, a local sneaker purveyor, and Vertigo Music, where music lovers can stock up on vinyl. After a busy day of sightseeing and shopping, Schmied said choosing a dinner spot is a challenge because there are so many excellent options. But his top choices are The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck thanks to its menu featuring European, American and Asian classics, or Reserve, which Schmied said has a great “homemade charcuterie to start the meal, and an often changing menu of small bites, entrées, fantastic homemade pastas, and arguably my favorite burger in town (tied with The Littlebird).” To end the night, Schmied said you can’t go wrong with live music. You can see everything from local bands to the biggest acts in the country thanks to a plethora of music venues. “Downtown’s bounty of live music venues, including 20 Monroe, Pyramid Scheme, The Intersection, The Listening Room, St. Cecilia’s, Van Andel Arena and more provide tons of musical options on any given night.” GR M AG .CO M

Archie Sudue moved Mel Styles into its own storefront on S. Division Avenue this summer.

Fashion aficionado PROFILE

The American Dream never goes out of style. BY ADAM RUSSO

// PHOTOS BY DAVID SPARKS

As a young boy growing up in Monrovia, the capital city of the West African country Liberia, Archie Sudue fondly remembers observing his grandfather meticulously ironing his clothes and dressing for each day. Through these seemingly small yet profound daily interactions, Sudue’s deep and lasting appreciation for style was instilled. From an early age, Sudue’s family and friends always have referred to him as “the fashion guy.” Even though uniforms were required at his school, occasional “color days” provided a chance for students to sport casual clothes. Sudue relished the opportunity to showcase his fashion bravura. He quickly garnered positive attention for his choice in attire. His classmates often confided in him for styling tips. Some of Sudue’s peers even began purchasing the shoes and shirts that he wore on previous color days. He learned to sew as an adolescent by studying Monrovia’s neighborhood tailor. His mother, who was a designer, also taught him several sewing techniques and tricks. Sudue would continue his sewing education when he moved to the United States in his 20s. 14

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

people + places / p ofile

Passion for Fashion With the acknowledgement of his business’ impact on his neighborhood, Sudue continues finding ways to give back. He is the founder and creative director of Passion for Fashion, an annual charity runway fashion show that benefits local nonprofits. Like Mel Styles, Passion for Fashion continues to grow. Last year, the event showcased more than 20 local fashion designers, 80 models and 25 small business owners. In addition to Passion for Fashion, Sudue connects with his community by hosting back-to-school BBQs for youth and an annual prom suit giveaway for disadvantaged students. Sudue also has created a program that allows him to speak to young men at various Michigan high schools, which provides a platform to pass along the appreciation for personal style that he learned from his grandfather three decades earlier to the next generation.

Facts about Archie When he’s not running his business, he enjoys reading, drawing, soccer, basketball, traveling and learning new languages. Sudue speaks seven languages and is currently exploring elements of Chinese and the basics of Italian. He presently lives in Kentwood with his four kids and fiancé Keslyn.

Sudue describes his style as elegant, vintage traditional. Most days, you’ll find Sudue donning a custom-tailored suit complete with a precisely placed pocket square, exquisite tie and complementary shoes and socks. His go-to looks are a navy blue, peak lapel, single-button suit, and a charcoal gray notch lapel suit paired with white Adidas Stan Smith shoes or New Balance sneakers. He carefully curates his entire look down to the smallest details, including thoughtfully chosen lapel pins, vintage brooches and watches. “Accessories bring out the details in what you're wearing,” Sudue said. “I think that simplicity is elegance [when it comes to choosing accessories] and you mustn't over-accessorize.” The 35-year-old style consultant and boutique business owner garners inspiration from fashion icons ranging from international athletes and business moguls to pop culture personalities and characters. Sudue admires the attention to detail that is on display in David Beckham’s suits. He also appreciates the evolution of JayZ’s panache over the decades and admires Whoopi Goldberg’s progressive, trendsetting looks. Also, unsurprisingly, Sudue pulls inspiration from the timelessly dapper film character James Bond. Sudue moved to the United States in 2006. While he pursued a degree in civil engineering from Rochester University, his deeply rooted interest in fashion lingered. So, Sudue decided to pivot. He completed a formal sewing course at Field’s Fabrics and fulfilled an apprenticeship with a Grand Rapids business owner. The advancement of his sewing knowledge and abilities led to job opportunities at clothing stores like Macy’s tuxedo department and Men’s Wearhouse, where he served as the manager. The bustling retail environments provided Sudue with the chance not only to continue developing his knack for fashioning custom garments but to learn about the fashion industry's business side. “I learned the ins and outs of the retail business,” Sudue says. “Instead of working for the money, I was working to learn as much as I could.” Sudue graduated from SpringGR’s business training program, where he won $1,000 from a 2017 pitch competition. The same year, Sudue founded Mel Styles, a menswear boutique that inspires the professional man to dress well by providing access to affordable, custom-fitted suits.

Archie Sudue enjoys educating young men on the importance of dressing well.

The name pays homage to his four children, Archmel, Jahmel, Carmelo and Melangel. In addition to the retail end of the business, Mel Styles provides personal styling, wardrobe analysis, maintenance and bespoke services. Sudue says that educating his customers about fabrics, styles and the importance of paying attention to the details is particularly rewarding. “Many guys don't pay attention to what they're wearing because they feel it doesn't matter,” Sudue said. “I help teach and encourage young men to dress well through education and access.” After three years in business, Mel Styles is thriving. Sudue has had his designs prominently featured in fashion shows across the country, including New York and LA Fashion Weeks and shows in Atlanta, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Even with the acclaim, Sudue understands that the journey to success doesn’t come without immense grit and hustle, plus the capability to overcome some “speedbumps” along the way. In 2018, while still operating Mel Styles out of his Kentwood basement, Sudue had numerous clients coming in and out of his home each day for styling appointments and to buy suits. The influx of visitors drew misplaced ire from neighbors. Sudue recalls an instance when a neighbor called the police on him because they thought he was selling drugs out of his home. That’s when he knew that Mel Styles had outgrown his basement and a brickand-mortar store was necessary to house his growing business. Mel Styles is now located at 315 S. Division Ave. The store has allowed Sudue to continue serving more people.

"I learned the ins and outs of the retail business. Instead of working for the money, I was working to learn as much as I could." Archie Sudue

GR M AG .CO M

Over the summer, Covenant House opened its women's floor, offering 14 beds.

ISSUES

Homeless beds open for women Homeless women face unique experiences and local agencies are trying to meet their needs. BY ANN BYLE

// PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WIERENGA

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness reports that in 2018 there were just over 65,000 homeless in our state. Nearly 15,000 are in the Grand Rapids area. MCAH stats also show that 34% of single adults over age 25 are women and 49% of youth ages 18 to 24 are women. Area nonprofits are working hard to address the needs of the female demographic, to provide housing and services to all women including pregnant teens and transgender women. Covenant House Michigan’s Grand Rapids campus recently opened its floor for women ages 18 to 24. Covenant House, an international, faith-based organization, opened here in November 2018 with 14 beds for young men. The floor for 14 young 16

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

women opened in June, with the first girl entering on June 15. “The needs of young women are different than young men; we wanted to be sure to implement best practices,” said LoRae Robinson, residential program manager for Covenant House Grand Rapids. “We want our staff to be compassionate for young women who have experienced trauma.” Women, she said, tend to verbalize their trauma stories and their mental health struggles. “We want to walk a little closer with them on their journey of homelessness,” said Robinson. Young women find Covenant House through word of mouth and through community organizations such as HQ , Mel

Trotter Ministries and 2-1-1. They can stay up to 120 days, with the option to extend their stay under specific circumstances. Each woman has her own room, with communal bathrooms, study space and recreation space. Baylea Meek, 19, was living in her car when a friend she met at a Black Lives Matter rally recommended Covenant House. She was the fourth woman accepted into the program. “Staying here showed me that I’m not alone, that there are places like this that take you in, change your life, and better your life,” said Meek. “They have your back in everything.” Meek now has a job at a veterinarian clinic, is saving money and planning to get an apartment. “Covenant House helped me with my physical and mental health, they guide you in the right way,” she said. “You feel safe and at home.” Short-term and long-term needs are met at Mel Trotter Ministries, which has more than 60 emergency shelter beds for women. MTM’s website says that single women served at MTM has increased 40 percent. “Many women have gone through difficult relationships and need to heal, as well as

people + places / issues Covenant House serves young women ages 18-24.

Other nonprofits that offer shelter to women and girls: Degage Ministries’ Open Door Women’s Center — According to the website, Degage has served nearly 5,000 women through Open Door, located at 144 S. Division Ave. Up to 40 women 18 and over can check in (after completing an assessment with the Salvation Army Housing Assistance Program) by 8 p.m. each night, leaving Open Door by 7:30 a.m. the next morning. A Patron Advocate can help create a plan to secure housing. HQ Runaway & Homeless Youth Drop-in Center — Drop in during prescribed hours for a shower, nap, laundry services and a listening ear. Located at 320 State St. SE, Grand Rapids. If you need help finding shelter, dial 2-1-1 to get connected with area agencies.

find self-confidence and value again in order to get into housing and employment,” said Mary Engle, director of shelter services for MTM, which provides shelter for women ages 18 and up. The youngest guest, according to Engle, was three weeks past her 18th birthday; the oldest was 78. “There is a wide range of people who come in,” said Engle. “People can have college degrees, can experience homelessness because of divorce or death of a spouse. But there’s a huge misconception that those who come in don’t want to work. I have gals who work two jobs.” Mel Trotter Ministries also offers what it calls R&R space specifically for those who identify as transgender. For trans women, “it’s a numbers thing,” said Amanda Nelson, advocate for the transgender shelter. “If she isn’t fully transitioned and goes into the male space, there can be 150 men there. There are comments and questions; there is so much vulnerability as a trans woman.” Of the women who come into MTM, Engle estimates that 90% have experienced trauma and if trauma wasn’t there before, it is now because of homelessness. The biggest issues behind homelessness, according to Engle, are broken relationships and mental health. Nelson adds generational issues to the list, “things they’ve carried their whole lives,” such as chronic homelessness. “We are stepping up our services to support women,” said Engle. “We are trying to feed into women about who they are, their value and self-worth, and help them regain confidence. A demonstration of compassion starts these women healing, wanting to improve and find themselves again. They want to again feel they can stand on their own two feet.” Gaining independence is part of the goal of The Lighthouse for Teen Mothers, a program

for homeless girls ages 14 to 19 who are either pregnant or parenting. The first house in Belmont opened in summer 2017 and the house in Kentwood in December 2018. “The girls really have to want an education, want a job, want to better their lives for themselves and their child or children,” said Ani Blickley, executive director of Lighthouse. She said Lighthouse gets referrals from Wedgewood, Mel Trotter Ministries, 2-1-1 Housing, Alpha Center of Grand Rapids, Pregnancy Resource Center, Bethany Christian Services and HQ . The faith-based nonprofit has requirements related to attending school, employment, cell phone use and substance abuse. The girls stay without cost, and get help with transportation to school or jobs, child care, budgeting and even learning to do laundry and make meals. “The most heartbreaking roadblock to success is the broken families these girls come from and the trauma that has caused,” said Blickley. “There is often physical, sexual or emotional abuse. They learn ‘fight, flight or freeze.’ If they fight, they end up in jail. If they flee, they end up on the streets. If they freeze, they accept the abuse as normal.” She describes one mother at Lighthouse who “has been an instrument of men her entire life, yet this beautiful young lady is a great mom. God loves these girls and loves their babies.” One of the barriers to housing, according to Engle at MTM, is the housing market itself. “Some ladies have income and are stable but are still denied help with housing. The cost of housing is huge and there aren’t enough affordable options,” she said. Women bring so many additional layers to homelessness, said Nelson. They menstruate and must carry or have access to hygiene items; they have babies and children to care for; they are more vulnerable to rape and robbery. Trans women have higher rates of mental health issues in part due to trauma and fewer accepting LGBTQ counselors, and the expense of transitioning procedures. Add in the rising cost of housing, and women face an uphill battle. “We love to see the community get on board to support our homeless women,” said Engle. “Thank you, and there is still such a big need.”

Wish List Looking for a way to help homeless women and girls this holiday season? Opportunities abound. The Lighthouse for Teen Mothers, lighthouseforteenmoms.org • $25 Meijer gift cards to cover food, diapers, gas, etc. • Year passes to Frederik Meijer Gardens or John Ball Zoo Mel Trotter Ministries, meltrotter.org • Women’s winter coats sizes 1X-4X. All sizes are welcome, but these sizes are most needed. • Warm boots or shoes sizes 8-12 • Scrubs in all sizes, but larger sizes in particular • Larger size sweatshirts and jeans; belts; warm socks; underwear and bras in larger sizes • Razors and shaving cream; full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash; lotions/soaps/ skin care • Twin sheets and blankets Covenant House Grand Rapids, covenanthouesmi.org • Walmart, Amazon, fast food gift cards • Bus passes • Pajama/lounge shirts and bottoms • Ethnic hair care products, hair tools • Sports bras, fuzzy socks • Journals, earbuds, cell phone chargers • Bingo game set

GR M AG .CO M

Andrew Weiss launched Battle Brothers Shaving Co. after completing his military service.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

people + places / voice

VOICE

Battling for a close shave Bringing back the ‘old school razor.’ BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WIERENGA

Enlisting in the Army directly from high school in 2005, Andrew Weiss quickly found himself stationed with a small team in a series of small forward operating bases throughout Iraq and Afghanistan as a crew chief for a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter conducting medical evacuation missions. These missions meant little moments of self-care had a big impact — and a close shave was one of those moments. Weiss said after heckling his team leader and mentor Staff Sergeant Carry Adkins for using an “old school razor,” he quickly adopted the practice. It also created a bit of healthy competition between his team for who could get the best shave. After leaving the Army in 2014, it grew into a start-up business, Battle Brothers Shaving Co. Visit battlebrothers.com. Tell me about your service in the Army. My job was to assist the combat medic onboard when we picked up injured and wounded. While not on mission my primary focus was to ensure the aircraft was well maintained and mission ready at all times. Shaving was a small piece of self-care that you guys could actually enjoy, why do you think this is/was important? Living at a small forward operating base has its own unique challenges. Month after month we ate, slept, laughed and fought together. As the missions went on, our bonds strengthened, a brotherhood was formed. How did this lead to Battle Brothers? Battle Brothers Shaving Co. started when I was deployed, and a little self-care made a huge difference for me and my platoon. I built the company to share this experience and pride with service members, military families and everyone who is back home. Why do you think having quality shaving tools is important? There is something sacred when your dad first teaches you how to shave. Almost a modern passage into masculinity that is sometimes lost today. Shaving with these extremely sharp and high quality razors takes a little practice to get used to. It’s a highly personal activity that I think deserves an equally personal razor. Like most people, I want to get the most out of life and live the best me I can. I want tools and equipment that give me the confidence knowing that I am putting my best foot forward. That is really what Battle Brothers is all about, being your best self. What types of products are available through Battle Brothers? Right now, we’re focusing on just shaving products. Soon we have an amazing beard care line launching. We have shampoos, conditioners,

Battle Brothers Shaving Co. provides high-quality shaving tools to help men attain the confidence to be the best version of themselves.

"I built the company to share this experience and pride with service members, military families and everyone who is back home." Andrew Weiss

body soaps, lotions, after shaves, toothpastes and mouth washes all in the works. All made in the U.S., too. I want to have a men’s product in every drawer of the bathroom someday. … We haven’t even dipped into Battle Sisters yet. A super high quality line for women that I can’t wait to dive into. Battle Brothers is an e-commerce store currently, do you have plans or hopes for getting your products into brick and mortar stores? Someday we plan to scale in retail stores and outlets. We do have experiments going with a few select retailers. It’s a fun experiment to see what kind of stores we do well in. Getting to the shelves brings unique challenges but I am confident we will find a scalable solution. GR M AG .CO M

look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY This recently completed bar by Fuchsia Design includes some of the most sought-after elements in home bar design. HOME

Bar design

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look + feel / wellness

Spectrum Health saw a massive increase in telemedicine visits during the spring, but virtual visits are expected to continue.

WELLNESS

Doctors’ appointments go virtual Telemedicine services are growing and projected to continue — even after COVID-19. BY MARIE HAVENGA

Need to see a doctor? Sore throat? Fever? Sprained wrist? If you're like many patients, you're not checking in at a medical office, you're pulling out your phone or tablet and visiting virtually. It's easy on the wallet, with a maximum charge of $45. If you get referred to your primary care physician or an ER, there's no cost for the visit. Anyone in Michigan is eligible to participate. Spectrum Health launched on-demand virtual visits in 2015. From 2015-2019, providers conducted more than 80,000 high-tech appointments. When COVID-19 shut down many routine office visits, Spectrum Health virtual visits ramped up from a daily average of 98 in early March to more than 2,000 per day by mid-April. “We truly saw a massive spike in virtual visits,” said Michelle Rizor, principal strategic partner for Spectrum Health Virtual Health. “With COVID, what a wild 22

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

time it was for everyone.” Spectrum Health offers two types of virtual visits: On-demand visits — usually within an hour — for low-threat issues like colds, cough, flu, allergies, bites and stings, sleep concerns, nausea, heartburn and the like. Scheduled video visits, which are more like a traditional appointment with your own doctor or specialist — only conducted online. You video chat over an electronic device from the comfort of your own home instead of traveling to the provider's office. During March and April, Spectrum Health trained more than 1,600 providers and 1,200 clinical staff to provide video visits in anticipation of extended office closures due to COVID-19. Prior to that, only 175 providers were well-versed in video visits. “Offices are opened back up, but (virtual visit) volumes are still up,” Rizor said. “The team did an amazing job. It was a great learning opportunity and a wonderful way to continue serving our community.

Even after offices opened, a lot of people were trying to reduce their exposure. We're doing a lot of work now on how to keep our providers engaged as we continue to build out these services.” The uncertainty, isolation and worldturned-upside-down feeling some are experiencing during this global pandemic also can lead to depression and other behavioral issues. Rizor said virtual behavioral health appointments are available for patients 18 and over. “We know behavioral health is a huge concern and a challenge at least 20 percent of the population faces,” she said. “If you can see a provider in the comfort of your own home, maybe that reduces barriers.” Elizabeth Suing, PA with Spectrum Health, who helps lead virtual health, said patients can simply download the Spectrum Health app for Android or i-devices, or visit the website from a regular browser. “Most patients use the app because it's really simple and easy to use,” Suing said. “Just select an on-demand video visit if you want to be seen right away for an appointment.” Then, you'll describe your issue/what you want to be seen for and your insurance information. Typically, a medical assistant and provider will be with you in less than 10 minutes, according to Suing. The provider then conducts a virtual physical exam. Depending on your symptoms, he or she may ask you to put your camera and light up to your mouth and open wide, palpate your sinus, feel for enlarged lymph nodes or tug on your ear for pain. “There are many things we can glean from a virtual physical exam,” Suing said. “We can listen for breath sounds, examine a twisted ankle. Do they have a rash? We can see things like pink eye and cellulitis.” Virtual medicine encompasses more services than people may think, including birth control consultations, smoking cessation (both prescription and non-prescription) and pre-travel consultations for patients traveling abroad, including recommended immunizations and malaria medications. Interestingly, the scope has broadened during COVID-19. “With people staying home, not sharing germs, we saw an increase in back pain,” Suing said. “People are working from home and maybe not sitting in their chair properly, or they're working in a bed. Everything has changed. Every day we're exploring the opportunities and innovations,” Suing said. DOCTOR ISTOCK/SDI PRODUCTIONS

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look + feel / style

STYLE

Classic and cute Duffield Lane layers up for winter. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

If you’ve ever had to run your garbage can to the end of the driveway first thing in the morning before getting dressed for the day, you understand the need for cute pajamas. Jamie Duffield said her motivation for starting Duffield Lane came about as she was on the search for pajamas that she “would not be embarrassed to be seen in, whether it be while visiting my in-laws or just running out of the house for a quick minute.” There were few options at the time, so Duffield created her own line of classic, high-quality pajamas — bringing Duffield Lane to life in the process. “We started our line by making classic pajamas out of the highest quality knits we could find in Peru,” Duffield said. “The idea was they needed to be comfy enough for PJs but cute enough to wear out, and the funny thing is people did wear them out! We realized there was a real need for clothes that were classic and cute, but also really comfortable. So, we expanded to offering dresses and tops in our signature Peruvian knits and things really took off from there.” Today, Duffield Lane offers five collections each year, which include its Peruvian knit pieces as well as complementary specialty fabrics like seersucker and cashmere blend sweaters. Duffield shared some of her must-haves for the winter season.

Jamie Duffield (inset) started Duffield Lane with a line of cute pajamas. She's since expanded the boutique to include several more lines.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Duffield Lane takes its inspiration from the water and beaches, so how does that translate into the colder, winter months? I’m a big fan of the beach during all seasons. I love bundling up and walking on the beach even in the winter months, and I think the ice on Lake Michigan can be spectacularly beautiful. My favorite winter styles are cozy and easy to layer. We have some amazing modal interlock sweatshirts and fleece styles that look just as cute layered up with scarves. These can be paired with cozy leggings for a relaxing beach walk or can be

dressed up with jeans and cute booties to wear out on the town. What are some trends you are expecting to see and some of the items you are excited about? I think this season is going to be all about comfort and versatility. A lot of us are not back to our normal routines and activities yet and I think our wardrobe will reflect that. I think we will all be looking for styles that are comfy enough to wear around the house that still make us feel cute. We have some fantastic cozy tunic sweaters and fresh fleece styles in our winter collection that I can’t wait to wear.

What are a couple of your must-have items? This winter we're looking forward to cozy items, especially during quarantine. Duffield Lane is going back to our "roots" and launched new pajamas this October. The new collection includes fun, cute and comfortable PJ sets made with soft Peruvian cotton. Tell me about your new Mommy and Me line? I've always thought our clothes would translate well to kids, but this idea did not really take off until I had my oldest daughter Jacqueline. I've learned so much about kids' clothes, style, fit (and durability) during motherhood.

Duffield Lane offers kids' styles that directly match our adult looks, or styles similar to our adult looks (matching color palettes, prints or patterns). I love coordinating looks with both of my daughters for family holidays! Is there anything else you'd like readers to know? During these uncertain times, we have seen overwhelming support for local businesses in Grand Rapids. We encourage people to keep shopping local and supporting small businesses during these times. Duffield Lane is located at Breton Village.

SHOP, JAMIE DUFFIELD, RACK, STOREFRONT COURTESY DUFFIELD LANE

look + feel / expe t

EXPERT

Winter fitness How to work out from your living room. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

The closure of gyms in March made life a bit more challenging for regular gym-goers. Thankfully, spring meant shifting workouts to outdoor settings or routines wasn’t too difficult. With winter on the horizon, however, it’s becoming harder to keep your fitness routine outdoors. If you are considering turning a corner of your house into a fitness center, we enlisted Leah Muir, of Muir Wellness, to help. Meet the coach Muir began her fitness career working with high school students before transitioning to group fitness and soon after becoming a certified boxing instructor and virtual wellness coach. Recently, she became a NASM Personal Trainer with specialization in pre/postnatal training. Jumping in Before getting started, Muir said the first questions you should ask yourself are, “What do you enjoy doing?” and “What are your goals?” “Align your routine or program with those answers first,” she said. “If the program you choose or the routine you set doesn’t line up with your goals or you don’t enjoy it, chances are it’s not going to last very long.” Next up, schedule your workout. “Schedule it in, just like you’d schedule a class at the gym,” she said. “Prioritizing your workout time and communicating that to other family members is important.” Finally, find your space. You need to figure out where in your house makes the most sense for you to perform the routines you choose. “Think about how the space will functionally work for you,” Muir said. “How much room do you need to move? How tall is your ceiling if jumping or lifting above your head? Do kids need to be entertained nearby? Can you store equipment but still easily access it? Designating a safe and functional space allows you to jump right into your workout at your set time.” Muir suggests finding an online program rather than trying to develop your own plan, too. “Creating your own routine can be fun for some, but without a foundational knowledge base you risk possible injury, frustration from not progressing toward your goals or eventually becoming bored and quitting.” Gearing up You do not need to invest hundreds — or thousands — of dollars in exercise equipment either. “Many quality workouts can be performed with bodyweight exercises and need no equipment,” Muir noted. WORKOUT ISTOCK/KRISTINA RAZUMOVSKAYA LEAH MUIR COURTESY LEAH MUIR

Support local Check out virtual class options from some of these terrific GR studios: • Daily Method • Allegro Coaching • Beer City Barre • Heights Yoga Project • Pilates in East • CKO Kickboxing Online platforms Peloton, Beachbody and Les Mills are three solid online platforms that have a wide variety of workout programs to try out.

"Movement is key. The more movement you can add to your day, the better, even if it's not in the form of a traditional workout." Leah Muir

Staying motivated To keep up your motivation, make sure you are choosing a workout plan you enjoy and find accountability partners to help keep you focused. Muir also said not to beat yourself up if you miss a few workouts. Instead, she suggests, “Ask yourself why? Look at it as a cue for what might not be working in your current routine and take the time to adjust and refine it to work better for you.” Most importantly, just keep moving. “Movement is key. The more movement you can add to your day, the better, even if it's not in the form of a traditional workout.” GR M AG .CO M

look + feel / home

HOME

Raising the bar Entertain at home with a high-end bar.

Open shelving Another big trend is homeowners who want to openly display their wine and liquor collections. As a result, we are incorporating more and more open shelving and glass-front cabinetry. If you’re choosing to store wineglasses on open shelving, be sure to incorporate wine glass racks so they can hang upside down and avoid dust.

Lighting Lighting layers can have a huge impact on the feeling of your space. Decorative lighting, dimmable overhead lights, in-cabinet lighting, accent LED lighting in shelving and under cabinet lighting create different dramatic scenes depending on the time of day and type of entertaining you’re doing.

BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

Thanks to COVID-19, many people are doing the majority of their drinking at home with a small group of friends or family to stay safe. With more at-home entertaining taking place, creating a full-scale bar experience is of growing importance. That means top-end appliances, varied lighting, a space that functions for different types of entertainment needs and a stylish design that flows with the rest of the home. “At Fuchsia Design, we are seeing a huge increase in the appliances incorporated into home bars,” said Autumn Fuchs, owner of Fuchsia Design. Fuchs said those appliances include dishwashers, which she said can be integrated into the design by adding a cabinet panel. “Have your cabinet maker build a panel for the front and it will blend right into your cabinetry,” she said. Other appliances on the rise are undercounter ice-makers, wine coolers with multiple temperature zones for different types of wine and a microwave for movie night popcorn. Fuchsia Design created this space as the “ultimate man cave.” “Nicknamed ‘the barn,’ it was built separately from the home and served as a hangout space for the husband,” Fuchs said. “As an avid hunter, the barn served as the perfect spot for the homeowner to display all of his taxidermy — especially if you ask his wife! Aside from the bar, we were able to incorporate a great entertainment area with two 75-inch TVs, a home office, a large storage space and a snakeskin half bath.” Several design elements help emphasize the collection of wines and liquors, making them a focal point. “We integrated LED up-lighting into the open walnut shelves for a theatrical effect and to draw your attention to the liquors on display. There are built-in red wine cubbies behind the peninsula along with a beverage cooler, wine cooler and ice maker — all of which make beverage storing and preparation a breeze." 26

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

With more at-home entertaining taking place, creating a full-scale bar experience is of growing importance.

Functional Whether your home bar is big or small, there are a lot of little tools used in mixology. Utensil and silverware drawer organizers can easily be incorporated into new or existing drawers to keep all of your tools organized. Securing a built-in bottle opener to the end of the bar is a fun touch, so guests always have quick access to open their own drinks. An undercounter trash pullout with two bins for trash and recycling makes clean up and sorting easier at the end of the night.

Design Home bars are the perfect spot to be unique and edgy. Bold artwork or refinishing cabinetry to a fresh, fun color can make a huge impact on the space, while cabinetry inserts and organizers can all be added to make it more functional and tailored to your needs.

BAR COURTESY FUCHSIA DESIGN

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

CHEERS

Young roaster page 33

» PLUS: IRIE KITCHEN 5 WINTER PATIOS QUAR ANTINO'S

Fourteen-year-old Frankie Volkema is bringing a youthful vision to the coffee industry.

P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E S Y J O V E N C O F F E E / B R I A N K E L LY GR M AG .CO M

Irie Kitchen's vegan menu includes dishes like portobello mushrooms and rice.

Kitchen hustle TABLE

Irie Kitchen is the passion project of chef Vince McIntosh. BY JAYE BEELER

// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

Chef Vince McIntosh’s baby, Irie Kitchen, is seriously hot stuff, and he knows it’s home to some of the finest Jamaican food you’ll get outside of the Caribbean. McIntosh is a 23-year-old chef, podcaster, ambitious entrepreneur and a nimble showman who is always ‘hustling’ — his word, not mine. On a Friday afternoon, shortly before 3 p.m., customers begin queuing up just before Irie Kitchen, at 6630 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, opens for its weekend-only hours, which are 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. They are eager for heaping piles of jerk chicken, rice and beans, and mixed greens, all of which stem from McIntosh’s childhood, his parents’ Jamaican heritage and his world travels. In the restaurant’s open kitchen, McIntosh and his dad 28

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

food + drink / table

Vincent stir cauldrons of spiced pulses and curries, flipped and stretched roti, and deepfried festivals — a cornmeal dumpling. Irie Kitchen’s monochrome whitecap gray interior is starkly alluring with an enormous black metal map of Jamaica divided into 14 parishes, a smattering of tables and delightful island hospitality. The countertop, a parade of hot sauces — BLiS Blast Hot Pepper Sauce, Grace Hot Pepper Sauce Very Hot, and Grace Scotch Bonnet Hot Pepper Sauce. Scotch bonnet is the choice pepper of the Caribbean — in case you need more fire. The menu board is split into three categories: jerk chicken, Irie Box main proteins and vegan. The jerk spiced chicken served with Scotch bonnet-laced jerk sauce is Irie Kitchen’s signature dish. It is bristling with McIntosh’s jerk rub made with “lots of scallions, allspice, black pepper, salt and then I get creative and throw in a Scotch bonnet, lemon, a bit more,” McIntosh shared, not giving away his secrets. Charred just this side of perfect with a brilliant depth of flavor, the jerk chicken dinners (half chicken or whole chicken) “is something people die for,” McIntosh said. McIntosh’s vegan menu offers the unexpected. You’ll find curry garbanzo beans, rasta beans, jerk portobello mushrooms or jerk tofu. The jerk and Irie Boxes come with generous side helpings of rice and peas — though the peas are really beans but it’s the island colloquial way to call it rice and peas regardless of the kind of beans that are used — and mixed greens made up of crunchy ribbons of collard, kale and carrots — McIntosh’s take on Jamaican callaloo, a dark leafy green vegetable. The restaurant is a family affair. His father, born in Ocho Rios, and his mother Camele, born in St. Catherine, are supportive parents happy to help out. Camele McIntosh is happy to share sun-kissed and nonalcoholic beverages, including ginger beer, lemonade, an Irie mango-blueberry-andstrawberry smoothie, and sorrel, which is the Jamaican word for hibiscus, which grows in abundance all over the island. Irie Kitchen’s sorrel drink is a glorious deep fuchsia mixture of hibiscus, freshly grated ginger, guava and cane sugar — brimming with good-for-you antioxidants.

“When I say we make everything, we make everything — we don’t open cans and all that.” Vince McIntosh

GR M AG .CO M

food + drink / table

The jerk chicken is one of the most popular dishes at Irie Kitchen.

Plantains and festivals (above) and oxtail stew (right).

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

the social side “It’s like a process,” McIntosh said. “When I say we make everything, we make everything — we don’t open cans and all that.” He continued, “The Caribbean food in my household has been the biggest thing. My mom and pops made amazing food all the time. My house was that house where everyone came to eat. Me being a little hustler, I was like we have to start a restaurant.” McIntosh, a 2014 graduate of East Kentwood High School, started at Great Lakes Culinary Institute in Traverse City but his dreams wouldn’t stop so he soon ditched culinary school to chase them — one being opening Irie Kitchen in July 2017. Challenging times Despite early success, Irie Kitchen suffered a whammy of hurt during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and again on June 3 when the restaurant was attacked and vandalized during the summer’s civil unrest. Without missing a beat, McIntosh’s Irie Lemon co-podcaster, Liz Della Croce, successfully crowdfunded the extensive repair — raising $100,00 in mere days. The outpouring of support for the restaurant and McIntosh was astonishing. When McIntosh opened Irie Kitchen three years ago, the word “Irie” became his brand — really his heart and soul moving forward. McIntosh has since run his mini empire with the word “Irie” in all of his projects, including the podcast that he co-hosts with Croce, of The Lemon Bowl, a healthy food, travel and lifestyle blog. With energy and enthusiasm, talking a mile a minute about what’s next, McIntosh is never too far away from the kitchen. He caters during the week when the restaurant is closed, hosts pop-up edible events and is busy exploring opportunities to package or manufacture his products for supermarkets and dreaming up the very yummiest of daily specials. And if you’re looking for advice when ordering, try the curry goat, a luscious combination of goat meat in a velvety sauce. It’s McIntosh’s favorite. “I love good goat meat; it tastes like lamb and beef together — if you get a younger goat. Old musty goats are not our style. We get it from New Zealand and it’s really the best,” he said.

Vince McIntosh is the ultimate social enthusiast, working all the social media angles. Online he uses the handle Iriedon, combining the Irie brand with 'don' which means boss in Italian. You can find him on Facebook, Instagram and on two podcasts. “I’m a creative being — sharing me. I’ve always been that way. It’s my imprint,” he said. He co-hosts the Irie Lemon podcast with food blogger Liz Della Croce (of The Lemon Bowl, thelemonbowl.com), and when we spoke he was preparing to launch his own Iriedon podcast. “I’m thinking of short episodes about giving people advice,” McIntosh said. “It’s hustle and conversations. Everyone knows I’m full of little tidbits. “I was just a weird kid, who had a lot of ideas. Now I’m a big kid with ways to make it happen,” he added. A peek at McIntosh’s witticisms Take your inch. [Which] means don’t give up. If you’re an entrepreneur, do something in this world. Everyone can't come. Like you have to be okay with leaving your tribe. Some people are afraid of that — leaving what you know. Play your role. Know your positions. Connect with Irie Kitchen Instagram.com/ irie.kitchen/ facebook.com/IRIEgr facebook.com/Irie.Lemon1 Connect with Vince McIntosh irie.kitchen Instagram.com/iriedon/ twitter.com/iriedon

Tofu and greens. GR M AG .CO M

food + drink / c eate

CREATE

Herbed chèvre Nature is the star of this recipe. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

// PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Kathy Price spends her days nose-tonose with actors. As a professional hair and make-up artist for the film and commercial industry, Price travels the globe prepping models and actors for the spotlight, but her home base is Grand Rapids. Price said because her day job is so social, cooking has become a time for her to relax and enjoy some alone time. “It can be intense at times. When I get in the kitchen it's just me and the pots and pans. It allows me the time to unwind and express myself in a quieter way. I let the food do the talking.” Price developed her love of cooking as a kid watching her grandmothers in the kitchen. “Both of my grandmothers were excellent cooks. I enjoyed being in the kitchen with them and they would give me little tasks and tastes. It is how they showed their love and I picked up on that. It brings me a lot of joy to cook for friends and family.” Price is sharing her herbed chèvre cheese ball recipe, which she said is simple but can be elevated by a creative presentation. “I wanted to share something simple but delicious with familiar flavors but in a fun and creative form,” she said. “The cheese ball, inspired by nature which I am surrounded by in my country home. Perfect for your fall gatherings. The cheese mixture can be made days in advance and creating a little still life platter can be a Zen experiment for the chef or a fun project to pass onto the kids.”

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Top with almonds or pumpkin seeds. Herbed Chèvre Cheese Ball Ingredients 16 ounces local fresh chèvre Fresh finely chopped herbs: 1 tablespoon parsley 1 tablespoon chives 1 tablespoon dill 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic ¼ teaspoon lemon zest ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon fresh ground tri color peppercorns Note: Cream cheese also can be substituted for chèvre or a mix of both if desired.

Almonds: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small sauce pan. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne. Pour over 2 cups of almonds and stir to coat. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 250 degrees for 1 ½ hours. Pumpkin seeds: Mix 2 cups pumpkin seeds in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 250 degrees for 20 minutes.

Instructions Mix and chill the cheese ball. Roll the chilled cheese in your hands and form into a pine cone shape, slightly tapered on one end. Lay the log down on a piece of wax paper and starting at the top, place the seeds snugly in rows into the cheese. The wax paper will help you move it easily. It can be made a day in advance if kept chilled. Present on a platter with rosemary, crackers and whatever strikes your fancy.

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

food + drink / chee s

CHEERS

A youthful venture

Frankie Volkema started her own coffee brand focused on young farmers after a trip to Colombia revealed a need for more support for them.

How one young woman is changing the face of coffee. BY RONI DEVLIN

British politician and author Benjamin Disraeli once said that “almost everything that is great has been done by youth,” and teens like Frankie Volkema prove his point. Frankie is the 14-year-old daughter of Tim Volkema, owner of Schuil Coffee and Sparrows Coffee, and she has now launched Joven Coffee (fittingly, ‘joven’ translates from Spanish as ‘young’). Volkema already is known in the coffee industry for passing the notoriously difficult coffee grading evaluation known as the “Q” when she was just 13 years old; this certification allows her to officially evaluate and score green coffee, which can significantly impact its pricing. “Going into the exam, my goal was to learn a lot about coffee, but as soon as I received my certification, I knew that I wanted to use it in a way that could help others,” said Volkema. As the world’s youngest certified “Q-grader,” Volkema traveled to Colombia with her father, where she met “people FRANKIE VOLKEMA COURTESY JOVEN COFFEE/BRIAN KELLY

Joven Coffee currently offers two single-origin coffees: one originates from Cauca, Colombia, while the other comes from Burundi, Africa.

at every point in the coffee process, from tree to cup.” Though she was already aware of the issue, the lack of young coffee farmers was particularly evident during her trip. Recognizing both a need to support young farmers and an opportunity to make a difference using her unique skills and resources, Volkema created Joven Coffee with the intent of offering great-tasting coffee with a meaningful social impact — Joven Coffee is sourced solely from young coffee farmers under the age of 35. Joven Coffee currently offers two single-origin coffees: one originates from a collective of young farmers in Cauca, Colombia, while the other comes from a group of young female farmers in Burundi, Africa. Joven Coffee was originally scheduled to launch in March, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the coffee became available online at Trade Coffee and Sparrows in July. Now, Volkema balances the Joven business with her ongoing role as part of the green coffee and quality control team at Schuil and Sparrows; she also intends to learn how to roast coffee soon. Volkema’s “plan for Joven is to look for more youth programs from other regions to add to the lineup. I would like to celebrate the work of as many young farmers as possible.” You can purchase Joven Coffee at jovencoffee.com or in person at Schuil Coffee and Sparrows Coffee. GR M AG .CO M

food + drink / must-t y

Pedro Camargo preps a batch of muffins.

"I always wanted to make my own venture, but I wasn’t sure what it was exactly." Pedro Camargo

MUST-TRY

A sweet venture

GRCC student bakes up a new enterprise that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth. WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHLOE MARCHANT

There’s a new bakery in town and owner Pedro Camargo is doing more than just satisfying the locals' sweet tooth. Mainside Hustle Baking and Co. opened in late June and is making a name for itself with its oversized muffins. A Michigan native, Camargo is currently a nursing student at Grand Rapids Community College and indulges his baking niche through the business. “I grew up with my father always cooking and making different cheesecakes and pies, always perfecting his recipes,” Camargo said about how his father played a role in influencing his baking interest. “Sometimes we would eat pies every day for a whole month!” he added. Mainside Hustle is operating on a preorder pickup and delivery basis through its Facebook page or by text message. The current menu includes customer favorite Blueberry Sunshine, a lemon-flavored muffin with fresh blueberries and topped 34

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Charitable endeavor Camargo enjoys donating unpurchased baked goods at day’s end to the homeless at local parks. “I wanted to see if I could do something and make a positive difference, and I did, and it’s great helping people out along the way. Plus, I get to make some super awesome muffins,” he said. Additionally, a portion of the profits from each baked good purchased goes to a different charity every month, with hopes to raise $100 for each. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was the charity of choice for August.

with a lemon poppy seed glaze. Other items include Nutella Dreams, a Nutella-filled muffin topped with cinnamon sugar; Chocolate Orange, an orange flavored muffin with chocolate chips topped with an orange chocolate ganache; and the Banana Bandito, banana flavored with walnuts and chunks of chocolate chips. Mainside Hustle also offers Muffin Top Cookies, which are, as the name implies, a cookie in the form of the top of the muffin. Camargo focuses on offering customers fresh ingredients by supporting local businesses. Many of the items that go into each baked good are purchased from local farmers markets, especially the fruits. This fall, Camargo added homemade peach, apple and pumpkin pies to the menu. “I always wanted to make my own venture, but I wasn’t sure what it was exactly. One day I woke up and started finding recipes for muffins, and thought I’d see how it goes,” Camargo explained. “My first order filled up a lot quicker than I thought, and I ended up staying up till 4 a.m. baking,” he added. Mainside Hustle Baking and Co. is still a growing business, but Camargo hopes to ramp things up by expanding to other baked goods and starting mail delivery and selling at local farmers markets. Visit Mainside Hustle on Facebook or in person at 350 Ionia Ave. SW

TOP 5

Outdoor dining spots Where to dine when the snow starts falling. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY

Winter in West Michigan doesn’t mean you have to move indoors. There are several restaurants and bars around town that offer outdoor seating options year-round. With electric heaters and fireplaces, you don’t have to worry about getting too cold, either. One of the newest places to enjoy a night of cocktails and small bites is IDC at The Amway. Last year, this unused rooftop space above the hotel’s first floor was transformed into a disco-themed outdoor lounge. This is a great spot to get pre- or post-dinner drinks. With a name like Third Nature Brewing, it’s no surprise this Rockford brewery would have an extensive outdoor space. The space is decked out with six domes and two fire pits as well as string lighting that creates an extra cozy vibe. It also has a view of the woods for you to enjoy.

The Winchester encloses its summer patio in the winter months to allow for “outdoor” patio seating. The window-like enclosure leaves you with the feeling of being outdoors, while heaters above the tables ensure extra warmth. Outside Coffee Co. was the first in the area to introduce outdoor domes to Grand Rapids. The outdoor coffee shop operates year-round and its electric heated domes keep you warm while you sip on hot cocoa or another hot seasonal favorite. If you are looking for dinner and drinks, The Sovengard is planning to have its “wintergarten” open this winter. The biergarten space is a favorite summertime hangout and The Sovengard wants to make it a winter destination, too. To help enhance the space for winter, the restaurant is adding bell tents for warmth.

Third Nature Brewing offers a large outdoor space with fire pits and domes to keep patrons warm as they sip and eat.

editor's pick

The Nene features mozzarella and brick cheese, smoked ham, pineapple, roasted bell peppers, red sauce and Calabrian chilies.

The aptly named Quarantino’s is one of the newest restaurants on the Grand Rapids dining scene. The pizzeria is the latest venture from husband-and-wife restaurateurs Joel Wabeke and Sarah Wepman. Located in Eastown, at 1444 Lake Drive SE, across from That Early Bird Café (also owned by the couple), Quarantino’s offers Detroit-style pizzas topped with local produce. The takeout and delivery-focused restaurant already is receiving praise for its vegan menu and gluten-free options. The couple has a reputation for their unique menus that are hard to categorize, and the pizza menu at Quarantino’s reflects that, too. For instance, order the OK Shroomer topped with mushroom cashew cream sauce, leeks and more. The restaurant also has a “provisions” menu that offers ingredients such as flour, yeast, farm-fresh eggs, sourdough starters and Sparrows Coffee by the bag. As takeout surges, this restaurant is a welcome addition to the area.

BEER COURTESY THIRD NATURE BREWING PIZZA COURTESY QUARANTINO'S ILLUSTRATION RACHEL IDZERDA

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

This year s

Making a

difference The people and organizations stepping up

during a challenging year. By charlsie dewey

photography by bryan esler

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

looking out for the frontline workers who were testing and treating COVID-19 patients and putting themselves in harm’s way day after day by providing them with meals. For several weeks, Arcidiacono delivered meals to frontline workers throughout the community as

r s ta r t e d o u t l i k e a n y o t h e r , but by mid-March it became apparent that it would be anything but an ordinary year. 2020 will go down in history for two things: COVID-19 and the protests against racism taking place across the country and resulting anti-racism efforts growing in cities. While this year has brought a flurry of challenges, it also has shown the resiliency that we are capable of. It has been filled with stories of sadness and of inspiration, from breweries retooling to make hand sanitizer, individuals who began making masks for their family and friends, health care personnel who risked their own safety to care for others, individuals who joined protests for the first time, artists who sought to inspire and heal with their work, and so much more. In our Making a Difference feature, we wanted to focus on a few of the stories that are inspiring us here in West Michigan. When the pandemic first took hold of the country, restaurants were one of the hardest hit industries by the stay-at-home orders. Initial predictions were that one in three would close due to the pandemic. Forced to switch to takeout-only service overnight, they had to adapt immediately to a new world. Jenna Arcidiacono, owner of Amore Trattoria Italiana, turned her restaurant’s parking lot into a takeout drive-thru. Clad in masks and with buckets of hand sanitizer at the ready, her servers took orders and delivered food to lines of cars night after night. But what really stood out was that even while her restaurant struggled to transition and stay afloat, Arcidiacono was

an acknowledgement of their efforts and to simply say “we see you.” Arcidiacono has always exhibited a charitable side and used her restaurant for good but doing so while her restaurant’s longevity was in jeopardy was what was so inspiring. While saving lives is the job at Spectrum Health, typically doctors, nurses and staff aren’t asked to put their own life at risk on a daily basis, but when COVID-19 hit, that’s exactly what happened. Everyone from the janitorial staff to the top emergency room doctors and nurses were asked to put themselves at risk for others. The hospitals jumped into action, including with a plasma donation program. The program became part of the larger Mayo Clinic plasma study. In addition to the doctors and researchers involved in the program are the patients recovering from COVID-19, who donated their plasma to help others heal and allowed the researchers to study the effects of plasma on sick patients. Their donations helped save lives and helped researchers quickly move forward with treatments. News that COVID-19 was hitting Black and brown communities disproportionately was not surprising to the members of those communities, who have long been aware of the disparities that exist in health and health care. Pre-existing conditions or comorbidities are a major factor in someone’s chances of recovering from COVID-19. The Grand Rapids African American Task Force has long been a force for change

in Grand Rapids and the group quickly stepped up, receiving funding for its GrassrootsUP project, which will gather data from multiple sources and stories of lived experiences to create a comprehensive report on the health and well-being of the Grand Rapids African American community. The report and corresponding online presence then will be the foundation for a series of digital community conversations and organizing efforts, including the ongoing need for COVID-19 education and resources within the community. The group also is working to elevate the important stories of Grand Rapids’ often overlooked Black residents and to reinvigorate neighborhood groups to help with community improvement projects. Systemic racism has long hindered Black and brown community members from obtaining capital and benefitting from economic investment. This summer, as the protests over the killings of several men and women continued in cities across the country, local groups have not only focused on policing and the justice system but the need for more investment in Black-owned businesses. Preston Sain got the idea to spearhead Black Wallstreet Grand Rapids, an effort to acquire and develop real estate into Black business districts. The project is named after the original Black Wall Street, an area in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Black-owned businesses thrived during the early 1900s, until white residents burned the entire neighborhood to the ground in 1921. With the 100-year-anniversary of this massacre taking place next year, Sain hopes to jump start the effort with projects already in the works, like Southtown Market, a fresh food market on the city’s southeast side. In spotlighting these individuals, organizations and projects, we wanted to show how individuals in our community have turned tremendously painful times into inspiration for change. GR M AG .CO M

Rodney Brown (left) and Michael Hopson (right) meet with B&G Fish Fry owner Dwayne Gordon (middle).

Where are the Black people? Group works to elevate the history of Black residents and clear path for future prosperity. By Sam Easter

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Rodney Brown often meets with community members as part of the Grand Rapids African American Community Task Force's efforts to revitalize predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Rodney Brown, a lifelong educator and African American community organizer, has a lot of stories to share about being Black in Grand Rapids. Some of them are about the coronavirus — which is tearing through Black neighborhoods far faster than the rest of Kent County. Others recall his frustrations with local leaders, many of whom Brown said don’t take the Black community as seriously as they should. And others are about simply not seeing yourself represented in the world around you. Case in point: several years ago, Barbara Corcoran, an entrepreneur famous on television’s “Shark Tank,” visited Grand Rapids. Brown, a longtime educator, took a group of local students — mostly Black and brown — to go see her talk. When he got there, he saw an overwhelmingly white room of professionals. And as a speaker got ready to introduce Corcoran, he watched the hosts give an introduction of Grand Rapids and its history. He saw President Gerald Ford — but he didn’t see much about the Black community and its contributions. That’s a bitter pill on its own, but Brown and fellow Grand Rapids activists feel it as a piece of a far bigger puzzle. Entire Black neighborhoods are squeezed by housing costs; median Black families’ income trails whites’ in Kent County by nearly $40,000, according to a 2015 analysis. Again and again, Black activists marvel at Grand Rapids police stopping Black drivers more often or handcuffing Black youths at gunpoint. “Where’s our iconography for the Mayweathers?” Brown wondered in an August interview — a question that, really, is asking about a lot more than a celebrity visit. “Where’s our iconography for Al Green, or good Rev. Bishop Marvin Sapp, or the DeBarge family?” Brown, a Grand Rapids native, is a founder and a community organizer with the Grand Rapids African American Community Task

Force, which has been working to boost the local Black community since the late 1990s. And the group’s concerns run far deeper than just representation: they grapple with the role Black people have in the everyday makings of Grand Rapids. As Brown sums it up, the group is about the “health, wealth and well-being” of the local Black community — a broad mandate to do good on behalf of local residents. Within the last several years, it’s begun re-organizing Black neighborhood associations that Brown said had faded. One of them, the Boston Square Neighborhood Association, is led by Victor Williams, who said the group has now existed on paper for about a year. Williams envisions it as a hyper-local clearinghouse for Black needs, especially in the face of coronavirus. "Corona comes in, we have residents that lose their jobs — residents that, because they lost their jobs, they're getting their lights cut off," he said. "They don't know how to get (protective equipment), they don't know how to get masks and hand sanitizer and different things. They look to the neighborhood association to help." And Williams said the neighborhood association is especially important as Grand Rapids’ urban center continues to grow and expand. New development often places upward pressure on local rent, which can mean Black residents getting squeezed out when new investment comes to the community. But as local developers plan new development in the Boston Square region, Williams said he’s happy to have a seat at the table, in a formalized agreement with Amplify GR — a group with big development plans for the neighborhood. And the task force has far more on its agenda than neighborhood associations. Brown said the group is working on a documentary adaptation of “City Within a City,” the book by historian Todd Robinson on segregation and black marginalization in

Grand Rapids. A big part of Brown’s work is bent toward helping the Black community shape its own narrative. Brown and the task force also are continuing their work at a moment when racial issues are top-of-mind far beyond the Black community. This summer has seen an extraordinary number of protests and uprisings after the death of Black Americans at the hands of police. Breonna Taylor — killed during a March police raid in Louisville — had previously lived in Grand Rapids. “(Taylor) still has family and friends in the area. The brutal nature of her death and the loss of such a precious and beautiful young lady, one of our own Grand Rapidians, this still has our community in grief, angry and incredibly saddened,” Brown wrote in an email. Synia Gant-Jordan, a realtor and a local activist, is on the task force’s steering committee. Like almost anyone else involved with the task force project, she sees the clear links between the modern struggles in the Black community and the not-so-distant past — the way that segregation, housing discrimination and slavery are all echoing through the present. And she said that’s why it’s time to go to work. "When you get tired of being sick and tired, you do something about it,” she said. GR M AG .CO M

Food hugs During tough times, Jenna Arcidiacono uses food to spread positivity. By Megan Sarnacki

Chef Jenna Arcidiacono preparing a bowl of spaghetti at Amore Trattoria Italiana.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

f you saw a hot pink car this summer, you weren’t dreaming. Amid the pandemic, it was a positive, blushing light of generosity. Owned by chef Jenna Arcidiacono of Amore Trattoria Italiana, this vehicle transported free meals to those in need. From frontline workers and first responders to shut-ins and veterans, Arcidiacono saw this crisis as a way to spread joy through scrumptious cuisine. “It’s been so hard for everyone — us included, as restaurants — we’ve all been struggling,” Arcidiacono said. “Whether you lost a job or a loved one, we all have needed some pick-me-ups during this time. So, for me, I just knew I wanted to bring a smile, and food does that for people — I like to call them ‘food hugs’ because sometimes just having an unexpected delivery can make your day.” While Arcidiacono and her husband Maurizio started this food delivery out of their own goodwill, their sense of charity soon created a domino effect. From food donations to financial contributions, the entire community of West Michigan pitched in to help Amore continue this feat. Soon, it even caught the attention of television host Mike Rowe. When Arcidiacono joined his Facebook Watch series, “Returning the Favor,” to discuss her efforts this past summer, Rowe donated $10,000 to help Arcidiacono continue giving back to the community. “No matter what anyone tells you, this has affected everyone — kids, adults and senior citizens. That’s the hard part. Everything seems really negative right now. If you contribute to the negative, you’re not helping, but if you can stay positive, you start to have a positive effect on others,” Arcidiacono said. When Arcidiacono first started providing this service to the community, she admitted she felt “selfish” because of how much joy she was getting out of the experience. “It makes my day,” Arcidiacono said. “To give someone a nice surprise and see that smile on their face, there’s no better feeling.” To this day, the delivery that always makes her smile was a drop-off at a nursing home.

Plasma: The cutting The meal was for a friend’s father who was not allowed to leave, but desperately missed the venture of dining out and sipping a neat glass of scotch. When dinner came, it was not his standard nursing home meal, but instead, a fresh Amore dish paired with none other than a glass of scotch. “He was just over the moon. It meant so much to him because he had been in such a low place after losing his wife,” Arcidiacono said.

I like to call them ‘food hugs’ because sometimes just having an unexpected delivery can make your day. Chef Jenna Arcidiacono

While Amore has tried to develop creative methods to deal with the pandemic and loss of income, it has been a devastating time for the entire restaurant industry as some beloved places close their doors and others sit precariously on the brink. Because of this, Arcidiacono explained when the community supports local businesses and restaurants, it allows owners to pay it forward to their neighbors. With her hot pink car as a reminder to smile, she hopes that whenever people see her car, they will spread a wave of generosity no matter what the future holds. “Being kind to one another doesn’t cost any money,” Arcidiacono said. “You never know what anyone is going through so let’s come together to spread an infectious movement of positivity and compassion.”

edge

of COVID-19

research

Spectrum Health joined the effort to find a treatment when COVID-19 first came to GR. By ann byle

The COVID-19 pandemic is giving plasma a moment, with Spectrum Health serving as one of the leaders in plasma research. This fluid that carries blood components — white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets — throughout the body also carries a key ingredient for fighting a disease that has no vaccine: antibodies. “This is probably the biggest use of plasma ever,” said Dr. Gordana Simeunovic, infectious disease specialist and head of the plasma donation program at Spectrum Health. She is leading all COVID-19-related research at Spectrum Health. Without a vaccine for COVID-19, doctors began looking for other ways to fight the illness. Antibodies are created when a person has COVID-19 and are then present in plasma. That plasma, once donated, is used on COVID-19 patients to provide them with the antibodies they need to fight the virus. “We have transfused enough patients to learn that plasma is actually working. There is a 57% reduction in mortality for those GR M AG .CO M

Facts About Plasma

with COVID who are treated with plasma,” said Simeunovic, who added that Spectrum Health is part of a larger Mayo Clinic plasma study. “This is a very encouraging result.” Plasma, a light yellow liquid, is donated just like blood is. Each plasma donation can help four people, and people can donate plasma more often than blood. Its history is long, used to help treat polio, mumps, Spanish flu, swine flu and even Ebola. Antibodies in plasma are used to help create vaccines, which help eliminate or curb many once-prevalent illnesses. Once a vaccine is developed, plasma as a treatment fades to the background until another unknown virus arises. “We are currently using plasma only for COVID because we have other, better medications for many other diseases,” said Simeunovic. “When we have a vaccine for COVID, plasma will go back to the background.” 42

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

• Plasma is the largest component of blood, about 55 percent, and also contains water, salt and enzymes. • Plasma carries proteins, hormones and nutrients to different cells in the body. It also helps keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. • Plasma can be used in burn, shock, cancer, transplant and hemophilia treatments. • Plasma donations involve blood drawn and sent through a high-tech machine that collects the plasma; red blood cells, platelets and saline are returned to the donor. • Routine plasma donation takes about an hour. • Check out several plasma donation sites around Grand Rapids that pay for donations, including BioLife Plasma Services. These donations, however, aren’t guaranteed to be used locally.

It is currently undergoing rigorous testing around the country, with Spectrum’s interdisciplinary team in the Infectious Diseases department spearheading local efforts. In the beginning, the team had trouble getting enough plasma, but supplies have grown as more people donate. Derek Vander Horst, a clinical pharmacy specialist in adult infectious diseases at Spectrum, sees plasma from both sides of the issue. He was the fourth documented case of COVID-19 in Kent County. He had what he calls “a benign course,” a cough and fever for several days and was quarantined for two weeks. He donates his antibodylaced plasma as well as researches its uses. So far he has donated 25 units, about four units per donation. “When I walk in to donate, I’m treated like royalty,” he said. “If you’ve had COVID, donating plasma is really valuable. We use it to protect and save lives. It can go a long way to helping our local community.” “Our demand for plasma today isn’t high, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be high in a week or two,” said Simeunovic. “We are expecting more need in the fall and winter. We are ready and hoping for the best, but we are ready for the worst. Spectrum is ready to handle whatever happens and is prepared for a surge.” Vander Horst and Simeunovic urge former COVID-19 patients to donate plasma at Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, which has donation centers in Grand Rapids and Grandville as well as around the state (versiti.org). Donations through Versiti stay local, they said, dispersed to area hospitals as needed. “We want people to know how helpful plasma is, and to trust it in terms of receiving and donating plasma,” said Simeunovic. “This can really change history.” For Vander Horst, it’s all about community. “The work we do is so important to serve our community,” he said. “Plasma gives patients a passive immune system before they develop it themselves; it gives them the antibodies right away. We’re combatting a common enemy in COVID-19.”

Amanda Kimes, MLS(ASCP) CM, a blood bank technologist, collects plasma from donors.

PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

GR M AG .CO M

(Pictured left to right) Tahj Gillespie, Preston Sain and Michael Buxton review blueprints in what will be their headquarters.

The

road To r e c l a m at i o n New group plans Black-owned business districts. By Samantha Suarez

local collective wants to recreate Black Wall Street in Grand Rapids. The project pays homage to the Black business district of the same name in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the early 1900s, it was one of the most prosperous African American communities in the country and featured luxury shops, restaurants, movie theaters, nightclubs and more. That is, until the infamous Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, when the district was attacked by a white mob, resulting in bloodshed and destruction. Preston Sain, co-founder of Black Wallstreet Grand Rapids (BWSGR), said the idea started in June as a Facebook group but quickly transformed into something bigger. Inspired by how the original BWS created something out of nothing, the collaborative now plans to acquire and develop real estate in Grand Rapidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; underinvested southeast side to support Black entrepreneurship while creating a new tourist destination in the city. 44

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

GR M AG .CO M

Black Wallstreet Grand Rapids plans to transform Burton Street SE and Eastern Avenue SE into a bustling Black business district by renovating the empty buildings in the area.

“We want to be intentional about engaging in these opportunity zones where a lot of us grew up and make sure we have ownership in these areas before gentrification takes place and leaves us behind,” said Sain. The group’s mission is driven by the pervasive economic inequalities that exist in Grand Rapids. Tahjudeen Gillespie, co-founder of BWSGR, often referenced the fact that the city is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and raise a family, while at the same time being one of the worst places economically to be a Black American. “It’s a tale of two cities, where it’s beautiful on one end and there’s poverty on the other. We want to put a stop to that by creating these Black business districts. We’re looking for partnerships, not handouts. If people say Black Lives Matter, then allow us to change our economic conditions,” said Gillespie. Its take on BWS will include Black businesses that have been around for ages, Black operations that exist but currently do not have brick and mortar storefronts and new Black businesses to come. Existing members of BWSGR come from a range of business sectors, including Sian Gillespie of Gillespie Funeral Services Inc. and Ivy K. Gillespie Memorial Chapel on Eastern Avenue, Michael Buxton of Load A Spud on Madison Avenue and Dawlshawn and Erica Tyler of the upcoming Southtown Market on Oakdale Street. “There is already so much talent and creativity in the local Black ecosystem. We just need an intentional space to thrive and partners that understand our vision,” said Sain. While the project will take years to develop, the group hopes that by next year — exactly 100 years since the Tulsa massacre — the seeds of BWSGR will begin to sprout. 46

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

C e l ebrati ng Bl ac k c u ltu re and tal ent

BWSGR designated specific areas in the city’s southeast side as “opportunity zones” where it plans to develop thriving hubs of Black culture and entrepreneurship. It mapped out BWSGR in this particular neighborhood for many key reasons: Black business owners already exist in the area; a substantial number of Black residents — including Sain and Gillespie — grew up or currently reside there; and what remains is a series of dilapidated buildings with plenty of potential for renovation. “Wouldn’t you rather see beautiful districts of businesses and culture versus a bunch of vacant and abandoned buildings that don’t do anything?” said Sain. “It’s a no-brainer!” Phase one of the development plan includes the following areas: Eastern Avenue SE and Burton Street SE, Franklin Street SE and Neland Avenue SE, Franklin Street SE and Eastern Avenue SE, Madison Avenue SE (near Brown Street), Boston Square, Oakdale Street SE and Hall Street SE. “Out of the seven districts in Phase 1, our first priority is Burton and Eastern, where our headquarters will be. We already have some properties in our possession over there and we want to keep expanding on that. There are already a few Black-owned businesses in the area like The Chicken Coop and Wing Heaven. It’s the perfect place to launch the first BWSGR district,” said Sain. BWSGR also plans to honor Breonna Taylor, who was murdered by police executing a warrant inside her home in Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor's name has become a rallying cry at global anti-racism protests. “Many folks don’t know she is actually from Grand Rapids. We plan to name a street after her and paint a mural of her,” said Sain. Because there are currently no Black-

owned pizza places in Grand Rapids, the group is also in communication with the corporate team behind Lebron James’ Blaze Pizza. They hope to bring a franchise to Boston Square, which falls in one of the proposed BWSGR districts. The team also has an app in development where users can invest in different listed Black businesses.

C reati ng i ntenti onal spaces for Bl ac k bu s i nes s

At the time of writing this article, BWSGR is in its early stages. The group’s next major step in the upcoming months is to fine-tune a business plan for investors and meet with city officials to figure out how to make the idea a reality. It also plans to collaborate with local neighborhood associations in the proposed districts to ensure that their plans align with the vision of BWSGR. “When you think about it, there are plenty of intentional spaces similar to BWSGR nationwide,” Sain explained. “There are Chinatowns over the world. Grand Rapids’ southwest side has plenty of Hispanic grocery stores and businesses. White-owned businesses are literally everywhere. We want to create Black business districts that are welcoming to everyone, where diverse patrons can enjoy Black culture and support Black businesses.” Sain and Gillespie believe that a thriving BWSGR will help transform Grand Rapids into a world-class city. “We hope to be the blueprint for Black Wall Street in the USA,” Sain explained. “We can duplicate this system all across the country and it will be a tourist attraction for every city that has a Black Wall Street. It’s a win-win for everybody because, while our country does not love Black people, they do love Black culture.”

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It’s hard not to notice David Abbott in a room full of people. Abbott is arguably one of the most stylish men in Grand Rapids. He has a bold style that stands out in a crowd. As the executive director for Festival of the Arts, Abbott is busy helping elevate Grand Rapids artists, and as a style consultant at Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store, he helps other men hone their personal style — from the boardroom to the beach.

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PRODUCT STYLING JENNIFER PICKERING

Opposite page, clockwise from top left. 12 piece box of variety truffles, $32, Mokaya Chocolate, mokayagr. com; Statement Sockwear Socks, $12 each, boldSOCKS, boldsocks. com; Mountain Hardwear Hat, $32, Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus, billandpauls. com; Patagonia Fleece, $119, Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus; Cutler & Gross cat eye frame M:1322 in red lipstick, $400, HyperOptik, hyper-optik. com; Moscot tortoise frame w/clip in blonde gold, $225, HyperOptik; Stenstroms Fitted Blue Dots Shirt, $295, Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store, fitzs.com; Napa Black Velvet Jacket, $1,338, Fitzgerald’s Men'Store; Hestra Gloves, $150, Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus; Theo - Cherry Chocolat in color "electric blue/ dark night", $575, HyperOptik; T-shirts, $44 each, Woosah, spreadingthewoosah.com

EYEGLASSES I love the Conens’ family and the two sister stores of HyperOptik and Cascade Optical. I have helped so many friends like Brian Kelly, Amy Ruis, Diana Sieger, Kathy Crosby, Jesse Girod, etc. find the best frames. My favorites are Theo and Cutler and Gross. You will even see me in old school Vuarnet. GRAPHIC T-SHIRTS Honestly, I so enjoy the work of an artist who loves what they do! That for me is Erica Lang at Woosah. The whole lifestyle brand is perfect, celebrating the energy and spirit of wanderlust and the outdoors. [I] especially adore what they did in creating Outdoor Coffee. FORMAL ATTIRE I’m a sucker for creative black tie. I’ll take a custom dinner jacket (from Fitzgerald’s … occupational hazard) and pair it with black denim and a floral shirt. While there is nostalgia for the black tie era of Hollywood — I think we all need to have the self-expression in how we want to be at a holiday party. Plus, if you need a lampshade — then most certainly go to Bridge Street Electric! WINTER GEAR Bill and Paul’s on East Paris. They have such a great blend of the heritage brands of Woolrich, Pendleton, with a whole load of Patagonia. They recently remodeled over the past couple of years into a state-of-the-art-store for all your outdoor sports and camping. I’m old enough to recall the A-Frame in Eastbrook Mall and glad they have stood the test of time. They are absolutely a Grand Rapids legacy. ACCESSORIES AND SHOES I’m a sock junkie! boldSOCKS on Division has the largest selection, and for gifting, I love the boys that own and run Rebel in Eastown. After living in Toronto for three years, I have a fondness for toques, so you’ll see me on the search in craft markets like the UICA’s Holiday Artist Market for the hand-knit creations. HOME DÉCOR I’m a mash-up of mid-century and whimsical antiques so you’ll find me wandering through Lost and Found looking for the funky vase and then the Herman Miller outlet store for a treasured piece of heirloom furniture. My go-to for new furniture is Stonesthrow on Plainfield. Their team understands the mix of color and pattern with clean lines of mid-century. Plus, it’s fun to shop in Creston! FOR A NIGHT OUT, WHERE DO YOU GO Two of my favorites are gone — Grove and ZOKO. It’s always so sad when good places bid farewell. Dressing to match the food can be so much fun. You gotta wear pink to have dinner with Chef Jenna at Amore, a vintage T-shirt and jeans with Jack Purcells when getting soup at Uncle Cheetah's, or a crisp white shirt, dark denim, blazer and a bright pocket square when heading to MeXo or Sandy Point Beach House. OTHER SHOUTOUTS Mokaya Chocolate! I grew up working for Mary Ann’s Chocolates and I truly appreciate the artistry of the Mokaya team. It has become my surprise and delight gift for family and friends. Definitely try the wine-flight of truffles. Holy crap are they good. Sovereign Arms Tattoo Parlor. Yup! This EGR born and raised boy inked up a bit. After surviving cancer five times, I have added one design after rounds three, four and five. Their team provides such iconic work with individual creativity. I’m ready to add to the collection now without a cancer reason — just enjoy the accessory and the story on me and others.

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The “coziness consultant” Amber Brandt definitely knows how to create a relaxing environment. With clients ranging from The Sovengard to individuals wanting a hygge makeover for their home, Brandt has scoped out all the local retail shops in town to find the best for different items. Let her help you cozyup your home.

HOLIDAY DÉCOR Eastown Antiques is my favorite place to find kitschy antique ornaments like Grandma used to have. And, I can always find just the right amount of holiday sparkle for my mantel or tablescape with accessories from the home decor section at Horrocks Market. EVERYDAY DÉCOR I love incorporating elements from a variety of decorating styles for an eclectic and welcoming look, and The Found Cottage does it beautifully. They offer unique items for every room in your home and their adjoining Mercantile Market features a variety of vendors and styles. For accessories that are fun, on-trend and a little irreverent, Chip and Dann at Rebel hit a home run every time. FURNITURE If you have a soft spot for mid-mod accent chairs, cabinets and dining sets, you won't find a more curated collection than Lost and Found Antiques. I’m always consistently blown away by the selection at Elevated Grand Rapids off Clyde Park, too — I think they’re GR’s best kept secret. COMFY WARDROBE ITEMS Pink + Frillos in Greenville is worth the drive. Owner April always offers a special collection of clothes that look beautiful and are deceptively cozy. If you’ve ever breezed through Urban Exchange you already know they provide only quality consigned pieces in excellent condition. You’re sure to find cozy pieces you’ll wear for years to come — and save money, too. HOUSEWARMING GIFTS When you give a housewarming gift that’s beautiful, practical and one-of-akind it isn’t soon forgotten. Every time I visit The Counting House or Art of the Table I find something I feel proud to give, that’s always received with rave reviews. (I can’t be blamed if I buy one for myself too.) SCENTED CANDLES Many people are delighted to discover Simply Curated Candles are hand poured right here in GR. They’re elegant, classic and smell delicious. You can also visit Wax Poetic for a fun, hands-on experience of creating a customscented candle of your own. OTHER LOCAL BRANDS YOU LOVE Knots of Love Studios, Lief Design, Treetops Collective, Chelsea Michal Garter Art. I love each of these local brands because they’re owned by amazing women doing amazing work in the world. Please remember to support local artists this season. There’s nothing better than handmade — especially when those hands represent really good hearts. FAVORITE RESTAURANT FOR COMFORT FOOD For the ultimate in comfort food, I love the paneer makhani at Bombay Cuisine, the chicken tenders and sides at Hancock GR and the mac and cheese at Electric Cheetah. Warms my heart and belly every time!

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Veterinarian Dr. Lynn Happel has a bustling practice in Eastown that sees hundreds of pets. She also is the proud pet mama to Addie (a six-year-old husky mix), Rogue (a four-year-old lab mix), Lola (a two-year-old great dane/mastiff), and Sweetie Black (a nine-year-old short hair black kitty), so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise Happel knows where to go for all things pet-related. GROOMING Leah Bell â&#x20AC;&#x201D; our groomer that works out of the clinic. The de-shedding treatment she does for my husky is amazing. DOG PARK We like to walk the trails at Seidman Park. And, Dr. Brockman takes her dog to Shaggy Pines and loves it. PET-FRIENDLY PATIOS With three dogs, we feel a little guilty choosing just one ... but when we do, we like Harmony Brewing Company, Paddock Place and Furniture City Creamery. PET SUPPLIES Pet Supplies Plus or Chow Hound. Do check with your veterinarian as some toys are too hard and will break teeth, and grain-free diets have been linked with heart disease. OTHER FAVORITES Fido & Stitch. They carry several unique pet products.

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Amy Baird is always scoping out local vintage stores to score new pieces of clothing, décor and art for her home. Baird has long loved vintage and her current job at The Commons seems to be a perfect fit with the restaurant’s ‘70s throwback theme. We asked Amy to share her favorite stores for vintage finds.

VINTAGE FURNITURE Hands down, Lost & Found, forever. I have been in love with that place for over a decade now, especially since they have expanded and have more vendors. They have the most variety and I feel like they tend to have things that I end up buying not knowing that I needed all along, which is a good thing and a bad thing — mostly good. I've been able to find really special pieces there, anything from chairs to wall decor, knit blankets, the list goes on. HOLIDAY DECOR New 2 You Shoppe has surprised me. They have a location on 29th Street. They're really good at keeping up with the seasons and have a lot of lightly used items, vintage and more contemporary. Anything from holiday plate sets to decor, they have a great selection for the seasons. HOLIDAY PARTY OUTFIT I, of course, always try to support local businesses when it comes to finding unique items to wear. Blue Door Antiques has been a great spot for me to find items to pull together outfits, whether it be adding a brooch or a statement necklace or a velvet and tulle skirt — they have some timeless new and vintage pieces that can make your current wardrobe feel new again. NEW ITEMS WITH A VINTAGE LOOK When I'm not scoping out the local antique stores, I've always been a huge fan of At Home. They're great for filling in the gaps for home decor to fit in with my vintage pieces. As far as clothing goes, I've been really enjoying Adored Boutique off of Cherry Street. They are great at closely following the trends and have a lot of great basics for your wardrobe that have a throwback feel. WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAY STAFF PARTY Wally's Treasures Antique Mall is operating as an outdoor "flea market" in their parking lot currently due to COVID. They have a great selection of odds and ends that I find wonderfully random if you're looking for a great memorable gift on a budget. WHEN YOU ARE HEADING OUT FOR THE NIGHT AND WANT A NOSTALGIC FEEL After work, I would always

find myself stopping at Buffalo Trader's Lounge on my way home. Their staff truly makes you feel at home and they are great at reinventing your palate and appreciation for craft cocktails.

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PRODUCT STYLING (OPPOSITE PAGE) JENNIFER PICKERING

Clockwise from top left: Ivory dress, $12, pearl and gold earrings, $2, pearl and gold bracelet, $3.25, New 2 You, new2youshop.org; Red Dirt Silver Clutch, $34.99, Adored, adoredboutique.com; ivory and gold tea cup and plate, $2 each, place mats, $.50 each, New 2 You; Trunk suitcase, $17.99, At Home, athome.com; Beverly & 3rd Candle Co, $18.95, organic tea viles, $20.95, Rebel, rebelgr. com; blue candlestick holders, $20, Foreigner vinyl, $15, Lost and Found, Books, prices vary, treasuresoflostandfound.com; gold heels, $8, New 2 You shoppe; Blue Opaline Atomizer, $13, Wallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasure Antique Mall, wallystreaures.com

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Valarie James is a certified personal trainer who started her business, VSJ Fitness, in 2019. A former collegiate athlete, James was looking for a way to “stay active but not as intense as the training I experienced with track.” She became certified in Zumba, Barre, HIIT, TRX and kickboxing, and is currently working on her yoga certification. There’s no question that James practically lives in her workout clothing. So, we asked James to share her favorite local shops (and a few national chains) with us. 54

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FITNESS GEAR I love going to Target to see what in-home equipment I can find, from yoga mats to boxing gloves, I can usually find what I need there. I also use Amazon to find gear that is affordable, especially for my clients. I’ve been able to find ankle weights, aerobic step and long loop body bands. I recently launched a resistance band product as a way for my clients and community members to have access to hip/ booty bands that are non-slip and fit all body types. The VSJ Fit Bands are $29.99 and come in sets of three. FITNESS CLOTHING I absolutely love my DIY leggings from To & Fro because they are high waisted and high impact fitting. The high impact style leggings are well fitted for squats, dancing or just overall working out. I also love the Ultimate Female sports bra from SheFit. I feel so secure when I am teaching Zumba or kickboxing. The bras offer awesome coverage and support. My favorite shoes are the Nike Zoom, because they provide more support for high impact workouts that includes arch support to help prevent injuries. SELF-CARE I go to NV Massage for my facials, massages and waxing. Their therapists provide the best deep tissue massages, especially after a lot of training or exercising. Their products leave my skin feeling soft. Hair care is important to me as part of my self-care since I am natural and sweat a lot. I go to the Rise Salon for hair treatment. To protect my curls, I use a product called the Curl Case which was created by local blogger Wear Your Curls. My favorite products to use for daily treatment and maintenance are from an Illinoisbased small business Flawless Blends. I go to Fantastic Nails for manicures and pedicures. I love going to Eyes by India in Rivertown Mall for eyebrow threading. I love body butters from local business Shea Butter Cups. My favorite scent is the Japanese Cherry Blossom. TO FUEL UP AFTER A WORKOUT After a training session I love to go to Clean Juice or Malamiah Juice Bar for a protein smoothie or juice shots to help keep me energized and feeling refreshed. AFTER WORKOUT BRUNCH My favorite post-workout brunch is Forty Acres, especially after a HIIT workout session. I love their stuffed chicken and waffles! OTHER SHOUTOUTS I love to work with A1 Sporting for graphic designing and T-shirts for my business. Bare All Clothing is another local business I support for more comfortable athleisure wear. I enjoy going to Squibb Coffee for meet-ups and networking opportunities. I love to go to Monelli’s restaurant in Byron Center for dinner and a night out with friends.

The following pages contain the Dentists in adult and pediatric specialties, as voted by their peers.

Disclaimer: Top Dentists and are nominated exclusively by other licenced and active dentists in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan and Muskegon counties. Winning dentists are not selected by any member of the Grand Rapids Magazine staff. Dentists’ names and specialties are taken from an online survey submitted by dentists. Professional Research Services (PRS), located in Troy, Mich., tabulates the votes and fact-checks names and information of winners.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ISTOCK

Put on a Happy Face With a Healthy Smile Although we are smiling more these days through our eyes, our mouths are still the most important conveyors of happiness, joy, and warmth. Proper dental care is the key to a confident, healthy smile that radiates your personality — and feelings — to others. If you’ve been practicing good oral hygiene and routinely engaged in preventive dental maintenance from a young age, chances are greater that you have a smile you’re proud to put on display. But, that’s not always the case, and whether it’s a functional issue, disease or

illness, or a hereditary condition, you may not feel self-assured about showing off your teeth. The Top Dentists in the following pages are passionate about providing the appropriate care and treatment you may need, whether it’s routine or full restoration. A pediatric dentist can be a partner in establishing the foundation of oral health — and identify and address concerns early on, before they have the potential to become larger. They also can set the expectation that dental care doesn’t have to be distressing or intimidating. General dentists and dental specialists

have a wide variety of expertise to help you keep the smile you were born with and carry it into your golden years, or create a new smile through braces and Invisalign, bite corrections, implants, veneers, oral surgery, or other procedures. Whether you’re a parent looking to set your child up for lifelong oral health, or an adult seeking a qualified, compassionate provider, read on to learn more about the Top Dentists serving the West Michigan region. ■

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Top Dentists

ENDODONTICS Arthur Doering Grand Rapids David Selis Grand Rapids Brian J. Licari Wyoming

Betsy Bakeman, D.D.S. Elizabeth M. Bakeman D.D.S., The Art of Dentistry 2757 Leonard St. NE, Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-940-0481 info@micosmeticdentist.com micosmeticdentist.com

Jeffrey P. Halvorson Grand Rapids

Randall W. Chambers Grand Rapids

Michael W. Hembrough Grand Rapids

Shaun Williams Caledonia

Michael A. Smith Holland

Karen O'Rourke Grand Rapids

Brent A. Medema Caledonia

Kathleen M. Stratton Holland

Andrew Drerup Grand Rapids

Patrick Mullally Muskegon

Anthony Guinn Grand Rapids

James R. Donley Muskegon

Scott Hodges Grand Rapids

John M. McMahon Jenison

Geoff Robert Grand Rapids

Jacob S. Miller Grand Rapids

Aric Smith Grand Rapids

Eric Cao, D.D.S.

Amru Albeiruti Grand Rapids Sarah Lennan Masterson Grandville Mark C. Tingey Holland

GENERAL DENTISTRY Samy Salhadar Ada

My Community Dental Centers 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Ste. 200 Kentwood, MI 49508 616-281-7464 emcao@yahoo.com mydental.org

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Thomas J. Lambert Grand Rapids Ryan Van Haren Grand Rapids John Bruinsma Grand Rapids Nick Ritzema Grand Rapids Gary L. Scott Caledonia Derek Draft Grandville John Leitner Grand Haven Maria C. Hoekstra Holland Michelle L. Piper Muskegon Janel Hackbardt Jenison David Renzema Holland Robert Strobel Grand Rapids Piero Policicchio Holland Joseph Ellis Kentwood

Robert S. Dame, D.D.S. North Park Family Dental 422 N. Park St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7265 npfamilydental.com

Travis Mattson, D.D.S. Bander Dental Group 1151 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980 info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

Christopher Smiley Grand Rapids

Leonard J. Bartoszewicz Grand Rapids Dennis Thornley Grand Haven Jocelyn R. Davis Grand Rapids

Richard Visser Holland

Lauryne Vanderhoof Grand Rapids

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Betsy Bakeman, D.D.S. 2757 Leonard St. NE, Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-940-0481 | micosmeticdentist.com

Dr. Betsy Bakeman

There are several reasons dr. betsy bakeman is ranked as one of the Top Dentists in the Grand Rapids region. First and foremost, Dr. Bakeman strives to meet or exceed her patients’ cosmetic expectations. Patients are referred from all over the state for Dr. Bakeman’s care and expertise. “Although cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty, we treat it like one,” Bakeman says. “We utilize an expert team that includes highly trained specialists and world class ceramists, allowing us to provide high-level, world-class results.” Additionally, Dr. Bakeman teaches other dentists from around the world, and it’s common to have young dentists interested in cosmetic dentistry in the office observing and learning from her. “It’s always important to keep learning,” Bakeman says. “As the science of dentistry evolves, we keep abreast of

changes so we can continue to provide our patients with state-of-the-art care.” Dr. Bakeman is the first dentist in Michigan to achieve the distinction of Accredited Fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry — one of only a select few to achieve the Academy highest level of achievement. She says when searching for a cosmetic dentist it is imperative to ensure the provider is able to deliver the expected care and outcome. “More and more patients are doing their homework to find someone that can meet expectations before having treatment to address discolored, misshapen, or worn teeth,” Bakeman says. “It is key to seek out someone that has proven themselves with rigorous testing as provided by the AACD’s accreditation process.” Bakeman says she is able to restore smiles

using a variety of techniques, such as teeth whitening, bonding, periodontal plastic surgery, porcelain veneers and crowns, dental implants, and Invisalign. The office provides advanced preventive services and routine dentistry as well. Dr. Bakeman says her team pride themselves on making their patients feel beautiful, confident, and healthy. “My staff members are my greatest asset,” Bakeman says. “They are smart and knowledgeable, and together we go the extra mile to deliver the finest of care.” ■

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Top Dentists

Robert S. Dame, D.D.S. 422 N. Park St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-7265 | npfamilydental.com

In these times of uncertainty, when concerns for our health and safety are ever present, it’s comforting to know that there are dentists in the Grand Rapids area who are taking their patients’ care seriously — and treating their well being with the utmost importance. North Park Family Dental has always taken a family-centered approach to dentistry, and that focus is heightened today with procedures and equipment in place to provide both peace of mind and added protection. “There’s a warm, family feeling to our practice, and that comes through not only in our welcoming faces and high-quality care, but also in our sense of vigilance,” says Dr. Robert S. Dame, D.D.S., owner of the practice since 1994. “For one, we’ve installed surgically clean air purifiers that filter out over 99% of fine virus particles and toxins in the air — and they’re over and above what the ADA, CDC, and OSHA

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recommend for protocols in our profession.” These elevated standards are also evident in the treatments and results patients receive at North Park Family Dental. Dr. Dame holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and a doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Michigan. He’s also a member of the American and Michigan Dental associations and the West Michigan District Dental Society. As one of West Michigan’s Top Dentists and one of America’s Top Dentists for many years, his specialties and services include family dentistry, veneers, braces, snoring and sleep apnea solutions, crowns, and bridges. “What I love most about my profession is the difference I can make in someone’s smile and their overall health—and, most importantly, their life,” Dame says. “It’s a privilege to meet the oral needs of my community and I have strived to build an outstanding team of

experienced, dedicated, and compassionate professionals who are as committed as I am to the dental health of our patients.” ■

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Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418 | 616-531-3430 | grandvillepediatricdentistry.com

Photo (left to right): Dr. Agata Lefere, D.M.D.; Dr. Sally Kotani, D.D.S.; and Dr. Michael Demeter, D.D.S.

Grandville Pediatric Dentistry has long been an established dental practice with an enduring presence in the Grand Rapids area. Since acquired in 2001 by Dr. Mike Demeter, the practice continues that tradition and continues to serve children in the surrounding communities. Demeter earned his doctor of dental surgery degree at the University of Detroit Mercy and completed his specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. He prides himself on staying abreast of the latest advancements in dentistry by maintaining active memberships in the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, and West Michigan Dental Association. In 2005, the practice grew to include Dr. Sally Kotani and in 2013 added Dr. Agata

Lefere. The doctors and support staff maintain a sense of playfulness and joy throughout the entire office, which carries through in a bright, animal-themed décor. The entire team understands the importance of establishing a good patient/doctor rapport and an oral hygiene routine from an early age. “We feel oral health is extremely important for kids and we want to give them the best possible experience they can have at a dental office,” Demeter says. “We want to make it pleasant and comfortable for the patient and also create a space where they can feel safe and secure.” All three doctors are board certified and have specialized training in early childhood development. They continually seek ways to minimize children’s apprehension to dental care through words or use of nitrous oxide, conscious sedation, or treatment in the operating room.

“We recognize the uniqueness of each child and we aim to treat each child as if they were our own,” Demeter says. “When it’s time to go out on their own, we want them to have the knowledge and resources to enjoy a healthy smile for life.” ■

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Top Dentists

Mark Jesin, D.D.S. 3855 Burton St. SE, Ste. B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-369-0360 | advancedoralsurgerymi.com

A Toronto native who grew up surrounded by dentistry, Dr. Mark Jesin now makes his home in Grand Rapids and continues his family’s legacy with his own signature approach to dentistry, which blends high levels of expertise with equal amounts of cutting-edge technology and warm compassion. In full-time private practice as an oral surgeon since 2012, Dr. Jesin opened his own practice with a mission to bring the ultimate in customer service to his patients. Through Dr. Jesin’s work, Grand Rapids — and West Michigan — is now known for its advancements in dentistry and competing with major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. At Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Implant Studio, Dr. Jesin says he improves lives for the better through innovation, empathy, and safety — for every step in a patient’s journey. “Oral surgery doesn’t have to be a scary experience,” Jesin says. “From the front office to the surgical staff to the doctor, if you have the right team that’s caring, empathetic, and willing to listen without judgment, you can have a very comforting experience. That has been our philosophy from day one.” It only takes a bit of scrolling on their social media pages to see the kinds of transformational results Jesin says he and his team can provide patients. But, there’s a lot more behind those smiles that not every specialist can provide.

The significant difference Dr. Jesin says of his practice is that he’s devoted much of his time to advanced education, flying around the world to be mentored and to learn from the best of the best in the field. In addition to his dental degree, he has five additional years of oral and maxillofacial residency training and is board-certified in both the U.S. and Canada in oral surgery and anesthesia. Specialized education is only part of his offering. Dr. Jesin has also invested heavily in technology, from equipment to facility upgrades. “I am thrilled to be the first in Michigan to institute X-Guide, which is part virtual reality; part GPS for my drill,” Jesin says. “This technology helps me place my dental implants with the utmost precision.”

Top Dentists «

Other innovations include a state-of-the art, in-house lab complete with 3-D printers and zirconia mills. This allows his team to control the quality and customize the teeth that are created for his patients. Through these additions and more, Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio is the premier provider in West Michigan for oral surgery and dental implant services. “Many general dentists view us as the go-to in town for All-on-4 or full arch implant restorations and refer their patients to us for specialized care,” Jesin says. “The general dentists are my partners in the patient’s treatment and integral to the success of the final result.” It’s also important to note that Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant

Studio also does general oral surgery, including wisdom teeth removal, extractions, pathology, bone grafting, and facial trauma treatment; all with the option of general anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Furthermore, they treat patients of all ages from infants to teens to adults to seniors. Nevertheless, Dr. Jesin’s passion is in dental implants and full-mouth reconstructions that can be completely life changing. “Patients might come in covering their mouths or lacking confidence. They may feel embarrassed about their smiles or that their worries have never really been addressed — and that’s where technology takes a back seat to humanity and compassion,” Jesin says. “My team and I

connect with people first and foremost, which is critical to ensuring a successful result.” It is this empathetic approach to dentistry that makes all the difference. ■

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Top Dentists

Christian L. VerMeulen Grand Rapids

Randy J. Breen Grand Rapids

Erik J. Lee Jenison

Lindsey Vogl Robinson, D.D.S. Ada Dental Co. 7167 Headley St. Ada, MI 49301 616-676-1800 adadentalco@gmail.com adadentalco.com

Karl Evanoff Muskegon William R. Gaston Norton Shores Ryan Lebster Holland

Brittany Mailloux, D.D.S.

Ryan Wilson Rockford

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Mark L. Jesin, D.D.S. Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio 3855 Burton St. SE, Ste. B Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-369-0360 info@oralsurgerymi.com advancedoralsurgerymi.com

Robert A. Kamminga Grand Haven James B. Brennan Grand Rapids

Christopher C. Niquette Jr. Byron Center

Brian S. Nylaan Grand Rapids

Igor Makovey Grand Rapids

Brian Yared Grand Rapids

P. Jeffrey Brooks Grand Rapids

Devin O. Norman Ada

Daniel Schultze Grandville

J. Mark Rep Grand Rapids

Monica J. Lakatos North Muskegon

Scott Pirochta Grand Rapids

Bradley M. Robinson Grand Rapids

Mailloux Dentistry 601 Michigan Ave., Ste. 106 Holland, MI 49423 734-945-8462 contact@hollanddentist.com hollanddentist.com

Nichole Lubberts Grand Rapids Seth A. Vruggink Grand Haven Holly Aylworth Jenison Thomas J. Burdo Grand Rapids Matthew R. VanderLaan Byron Center

Andrew Van Haren, D.D.S.

VH Dental 2700 Five Mile Rd. NE, Ste. 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-9290 office@vh-dental.com thegrandrapidsdentist.com

Gregory L. Weaver Grand Rapids 62

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Kevin Kross, D.D.S. Michigan Avenue Dentistry 99 W. 23rd St. Holland, MI 49423 616-396-5197

office@michiganavenuedentistry.com

michiganavenuedentistry.com

Brian Carmody Cedar Springs Matthew K. Gietzen Grand Rapids Peter W. Blackburn North Muskegon Clifford Van Putten Hudsonville Meredith Smedley Zeeland Jolanta Wilson Rockford

Brant A. Erbentraut Grand Rapids Brent Dingman Grand Rapids Bob Kintz Grand Rapids Paul Huizinga Grandville Jeffrey Lindhout Grandville Mark Lonergan Holland Reynaldo Rivera Holland Keith Nalley Grand Haven Mark T. Burye Norton Shores

Top Dentists «

Bander Dental Group 1151 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-949-5980 | banderdentalgroup.com

Travis Mattson, D.D.S.

The Bander Dental Group is a long-standing institution that has served Grand Rapids for 80 years. Dr. Samuel Bander has been practicing for almost 40 years and has been joined in the practice by Dr. Travis Mattson and Dr. Tim Obradovich. The team offers general dentistry as well as a broad range of specialty services — including dental implants, Invisalign, TMJ/TMD bite and jaw therapies, root canals, and cosmetic and aesthetic makeovers — in their Cascade office. They’re also proud of the fact that they provide patients and their families with a dental home. Bander Dental Group’s mission is to positively impact the lives of their patients through oral health and wellness. “Our approach to dentistry is unique. Through individualized risk assessment, we’re able to tailor a plan for a lifetime of oral health,” Dr. Mattson explains. “We start

by getting to know the person and their needs, and assessing their whole mouth instead of just taking a single-tooth approach to their care.” Bander Dental Group also sets itself apart by providing all of these procedures with exceptional, five-star service, and they offer customized comfort measures such as television in treatment rooms, noisereduction headphones, and warm blankets. Dr. Mattson has studied extensively, focusing on TMJ/TMD bite issues and cosmetics, with a mind for holistic care and wellness. He’s one of the few doctors in the area who is able to address TMJ and bite issues by replicating the form and function of an optimal and natural system through minimally-invasive BioRejuvenation dentistry. Ultimately, Dr. Mattson says it comes down to building a relationship with

the patient and creating long-term solutions for each individual’s oral health based on the patient’s goals. ■

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Top Dentists

Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, PC 2643 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-988-9485 | growingsmilesgr.com

Dr. Meggan McCone, , D.D.S.

Meggan McCone, D.D.S., is a michigan native and Grand Valley State University alumna who returned to West Michigan to serve the families in her community after completing her pediatric dental residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. At her practice, Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Meggan, as she’s known to her patients, begins seeing kids starting at age 1 — or earlier, if needed — and she and her team support parents through those early years. Dr. Meggan is a specialist in children’s dental health with extra training in child psychology and guiding behavior, as well as sedation dentistry for children and patients with special needs. It’s important that parents take their children to a pediatric dentist because these experts can apply child-specific knowledge to their treatment and care. As soon as that first tooth comes in, parents can visit Growing

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Smiles and start building the educational foundation and oral habits that will help their children become dentally confident adults. Establishing dental care at a young age, with the right provider, can put children at ease. It makes visiting the dentist a comfortable, natural experience that isn’t scary or traumatizing. Dr. Meggan’s application of different behavior guidance techniques further supports that sense of comfort, ensuring young patients come to know the dentist’s office as a place of trust. Although this is especially important for those with sensory issues, it applies to every child who walks through the door. Dr. Meggan takes an individualized approach with each child, and adapts to their unique needs. “When patients are here, we treat them like family,” Dr. Meggan says. “We want them to feel cared for and loved on and informed. We hope

to help parents understand not only oral health; we want to give them the right tools to set their babies up for success.” ■

Top Dentists «

Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan 2155 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. 120, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-608-8898 | pdsofwestmi.com If taking your child to the dentist has ever felt like an ordeal, you may not be going to the right provider. Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan’s goal is to create a positive experience for children and parents alike, whether it’s a routine hygiene appointment or a treatment session. It starts with the office atmosphere, which features large murals that use calming colors and depict scenes reminiscent of an Up North vacation. There’s even a tooth fairy cabin kids can play in. Caring for children’s teeth involves more than a pleasant environment. With more training than general dentists, pediatric dentists are equipped to safely and appropriately care for baby teeth and beyond, continuing treatment through adolescence. Dr. Katie Swanson and Dr. Stephanie Kloostra take the time needed to ensure no one feels rushed or leaves the office confused, ensuring that a visit to the dentist is something to look forward to. ■

Photo (left to right): Dr. Katie Swanson and Dr. Stephanie Kloostra.

VH Dental 2700 Five Mile Rd. NE, Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-9290 | vh-dental.com

Congrats, Dr. Eric Cao! As a member of the My Community Dental Centers team, you continue to exceed patient expectations and we are proud to have you as a member of our team.

At VH Dental, we are a husband and wife team dedicated to providing high quality comprehensive dentistry to families and patients of all ages. Having pre-mature Triplets (Age 6 in photo) in 2013 - one being hospitalized for 15 months after birth - allowed us to use our medical experiences to progress our practice to the next level. We also recognize the importance of early education, prevention, and starting with an age 1 dental visit. Our knowledgeable staff spends quality time with patients, reviewing individual risk profiles using a combination of photography, x-rays and a clinical Examination. Allowing us to treat each patient based on their individual treatment needs and areas of risk, while patient’s get to make informed treatment decisions with Doctors Katie and Andy Van Haren. ■

Thank you for your compassionate care and commitment to ensuring every patient can smile with confidence! Celebrating Your Success, Your MCDC Team

mydental.org

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Top Dentists

Dr. Brittany Mailloux 601 Michigan Ave., Ste. 106, Holland, MI 49423 | 616-392-3717 | hollanddentist.com

Dr. Brittany Mailloux is the owner of Mailloux Dentistry and a licensed general dentist with additional training in the areas of aesthetics, implants, and Invisalign, as well as pediatric orthopedic development. Mailloux Dentistry serves West Michigan and the shoreline, while striving to be a resource for the Grand Rapids community. “I want people in the region to know I can be that resource for them,” Dr. Mailloux says. “If they feel like their teeth are wearing down or breaking for no explainable reason, it might be time to have a comprehensive exam to get the answer to their concerns.” When it comes to services such as Teeth-in-a-Day, All-on-4, or a single front-tooth implant, Dr. Mailloux can help patients through the process of gaining their smile back. These are savvy procedures in which she has become

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

an expert; in fact, she has taught her local and international peers these procedures. Dr. Mailloux likes to work closely with specialists, because a multidisciplinary approach is often in the best interest of the patient. She can help coordinate the care through proper communication. Ultimately, what sets Mailloux Dentistry apart from other practices is the level of comfort and confidence it offers. “Our patients love us, and the reason for that is we’re their advocate and voice. Together, we develop a plan that’s best suited for each patient’s needs. We’re warm and welcoming, and put a fun spin on dentistry,” Dr. Mailloux says. “We want to help make the process as painless as possible, so patients don’t feel overwhelmed. “Our philosophy is to do what’s best and what’s right for the patient,” she adds. “Our best

compliment is the referrals we get from our patients and the specialists we work with. This has been the reason for our growth.” ■

Top Dentists «

Kevin Kross, D.D.S. 99 W. 23rd St., Holland, MI 49423 | 616-396-3970 | michiganavenuedentistry.com

Dr. Kevin Kross, owner of Michigan Avenue Dentistry, is a highly-trained professional dentist with strong educational credentials and affiliations. He’s also a faculty member of the Dawson Academy, an educational and research facility focusing on dental advancements, where he lectures and teaches. Dr. Kross likes to point out, though, that while education and credentials are essential for dentists, they aren’t nearly as meaningful as the outcomes he and his team achieve for their patients. “What’s really impressive is not those letters following my name, but how our office runs and how our staff functions,” Kross says. “The team at our office is just phenomenal; they’re not only comfortable, they’re really, really good at what they do.” Using a blend of humility and humor, Dr. Kross gives patients a lot to smile about.

Though he and his staff offer a range of services — from cosmetic, preventative, and restorative dentistry to implant surgery — where he excels is in treating rehabilitative cases. He receives referrals for situations where a previous procedure didn’t come out as expected, such as a veneer continually popping off, porcelain breaking, or bite and joint disorders are occurring. “A lot of times we’ll get a case that doesn’t look good or an older case that’s just falling apart, and we can rebuild that from scratch,” Kross says. “We do much of this rehabilitation in house, but we also utilize specialists like orthodontists and surgeons we’ve formed partnerships with.” Dr. Kross greatly values those partnerships and is in the process of building a dental center where several practices will be housed, comprising a group of specialists who can

carry out other procedures that require a multi-disciplinary approach. Dr. Brittany Mailloux, his wife, will join him in the new space and will be yet another resource to collaborate with. ■

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Âť

Top Dentists

David R. Dalrymple Grand Rapids

Roseanna Noordhoek, D.D.S. Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7327 grandrapidsoralsurgery.com

Richard Panek, D.D.S. Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7327 grandrapidsoralsurgery.com

Emily Van Heukelom, D.D.S. Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7327 grandrapidsoralsurgery.com

ORTHODONTICS David Armbrecht Grand Rapids Gary Armbrecht Grand Rapids Katie Randall Grand Rapids Mark Wierenga Grand Rapids Mark P. Brieden Sparta Elizabeth Christopherson Grand Rapids Eric D. Hannapel Caledonia Sonni Pellillo Caledonia 68

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Thomas Herremans Grand Rapids

Gregory Oppenhuizen Holland

Lathe Miller Grand Rapids

Kathryn A. Swan Caledonia

Larry Majznerski Wyoming

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Daniel A. Kruse Grand Rapids Jason L. Charnley Grand Haven Paul O'Grady Grand Rapids Tom Shannon Grandville

Meghan Condit Jenison

Meggan McCone, D.D.S. Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 2643 E. Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-988-9485 info@growingsmilesgr.com growingsmilesgr.com

Thomas Williams Rockford

Brett Kingma Grand Rapids

Daniel C. George Holland

Grady Randall Grand Rapids

Cameron H. George Holland Timothy Glupker Holland J. Todd Hunt Muskegon James Kessel Zeeland Mark Powell Jenison Breanna Powell Jenison Kevin Knapp Grand Rapids David J. Huyser Grand Rapids Paul J. Karl Grand Rapids Laura Fogle Grand Rapids

Stephanie Kloostra, D.D.S., M.S. Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan 2155 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. 120 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-608-8898 smile@pdsofwestmi.com pdsofwestmi.com

Kathryn Swanson, D.D.S.

Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan 2155 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. 120 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-608-8898 smile@pdsofwestmi.com pdsofwestmi.com

Suzanne Port Holland Douglas LaDue Grand Rapids Aimee C. Valleau Grand Rapids Christopher E. VanDeven Grand Rapids

Top Dentists «

Lindsey Vogl Robinson, D.D.S. 7167 Headley St. Ada, MI 49301 | 616-676-1800 | adadentalco.com

Dr. Lindsey Vogl Robinson, owner of Ada Dental Co., is a general dentist who serves patients of all ages and backgrounds. She says she prides herself on her patient-centered approach, which involves listening to patients’ input and not forcing unnecessary and or costly procedures they may not want or need. Along with that receptiveness, Vogl Robinson believes in a truly gentle manner that puts everyone at ease — even those who have had an unpleasant experience with a dentist in the past. “There’s a lot of negativity around dentistry in general that I’m trying my hardest to change,” Vogl Robinson says. “I want patients to feel like they’re in a space where they’re being cared for and can feel happy and enjoy a peaceful, rather than medical, atmosphere.” Whether it’s providing a warm blanket or a pair of headphones, Dr. Vogl Robinson says

she and her staff strive to create a relaxed, down-to-earth experience — one that’s responsive to each individual and what makes them feel most comfortable. Dr. Vogl Robinson offers a range of dental services and considers herself a one-stop shop for standard procedures, including straightening and aligning, whitening, root canals, preventive care, implants, and more. She says her patients appreciate that they can get the majority of their dental work done in one place, without having to visit different specialists. When she does need to make a referral, she has the advantage of sending those patients to her husband, Dr. Brad Robinson, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. As a mother of four children, Dr. Vogl Robinson carries her parental instincts into her practice and her interactions with patients. “I really relate to families and children,

even though I’m not a pediatric dentist,” she says. “I don’t stop being a mom once I get to the office. Taking a caring, family-oriented approach to my job is what I do every day”. ■

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Top Dentists

Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Grand Rapids: 4349 Sawkaw Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Rockford: 158 Marcell Dr., Ste. B, Rockford, MI 49341 616-361-7327 | grandrapidsoralsurgery.com

Photo (left to right): Julie B. Billups, D.D.S.; Richard W. Panek, D.D.S.; Emily Van Heukelom, D.D.S.; Roseanna P. Noordhoek, D.D.S.; and Justin M. Pisano, D.D.S.

The mission statement at the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants is “to provide professional and compassionate care that is safe, valued, and accessible.” With offices in Grand Rapids and Rockford, the practice has five highly credentialed and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons. COSDI is uniquely positioned to build caring relationships with clients who need surgery of the mouth, jaw, or face. Their staff of assistants helps patients feel comfortable and welcomed throughout their care. “With a 30-year history in Grand Rapids, our doctors have combined experience of more than 80 years,” Dr. Emily Van Heukelom says. “We’re unique in health care in that our practice encompasses both medicine and dentistry. All oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete a minimum four-year, hospital-based residency training program after dental school.”

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Dr. Richard W. Panek adds: “Our doctors provide inpatient hospital care as fully privileged medical staff. These services include orthognathic (corrective jaw) and TMJ (jaw joint) surgery, as well as emergency on-call treatment for facial trauma and infections.” COSDI doctors are trained in anesthesia and offer alternatives for anxious patients ranging from local numbing to deep sedation in an office setting. “Personalized treatment planning is one of COSDI’s differentiators,” Dr. Van Heukelom explains. “We work with our patients, their physicians, and their dentists to deliver positive experiences that keep patients safe and comfortable.” COSDI surgeons are highly experienced in the placement of dental implants and utilize advanced technology such as 3-D digital surgical planning. “Modern implant techniques can provide secure, natural-looking teeth in one day,” Dr. Van Heukelom says. “Implants preserve bone structure, oral health, and

improve appearance. When your mouth is healthy, you’re healthier, too.” The practice provides a broad range of oral and maxillofacial services including wisdom tooth extraction, the removal of jaw tumors and oral lesions, and surgical reconstruction of the jaw. They’re credentialed participating providers with numerous medical and dental benefit plans. COSDI is also a Certified B Corporation (B Corp), and supports Local First, a non-profit community organization that fosters the development of locally owned businesses in West Michigan, which is good for Grand Rapids! ■

Top Dentists ÂŤ

Veronica Hamilton Grand Rapids Taryn Weil Hudsonville Connie M. Verhagen Muskegon Stephanie Rashewsky Ada

Michael Demeter, D.D.S. Grandville Pediatric Dentistry 3131 44th St. SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-531-3430

grandvillepediatricdentistry@yahoo.com

grandvillepediatricdentistry.com

Jessica C. Massie Grand Rapids Daniel Bolt Holland

PERIODONTICS Brian Cilla Grand Rapids Jacob C. Lueder Grand Rapids James C. Papp Grand Rapids Jeff S. Smith Grandville Kathleen M. Eisin Grand Rapids

PROSTHODONTICS Craig T. Thorson Grand Rapids Harvey Comrie Muskegon Jose Vivas Holland Stephen T. Doezema Grand Rapids GR M AG .CO M

P U T T I N G

CANNABIS

O N

T H E

Since the legalization of medical marijuana in Michigan in 2008, many cannabis businesses have not only cultivated a thriving industry, but have also set themselves up to seamlessly expand to adult, recreational use, which was legalized in 2018. In West Michigan, this fall is expected to be a milestone period in the process, with the recent fast-tracking of applications for recreational sales by existing medical cannabis facilities. As finalized regulations and

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

M A P

approved licenses are put in place, current growers and provisioning centers, as well as ancillary businesses, such as processers, transporters, and compliance centers, will be able to operate in the recreational, adult-use space of the cannabis industry. This is good news for the local economy, as well as the 21-and-older crowd interested in partaking in the many cannabis products available. This section serves as a guide to

both medical and recreational cannabis provisioning centers, helping the community navigate the many options available. With retail shops like Joyology on the scene, consumers can find a variety of cannabis products to suit their needs, from tinctures to edibles to flower and more. For provisioners looking for support on the business end, Kush Development Group offers expert services ranging compliance to building to marketing and more. â&#x2013;

PROVISIONING CENTER MAP DISPENSARY

TYPE

ADDRESS

3Fifteen Michigan Ave. Curbside

Medical and Recreational

1525 Michigan Ave. W., Battle Creek, MI 49037

Joyology Grand Rapids

Medical

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

Bella Sol Wellness Centers

Medical and Recreational

1845 Peck St., Muskegon, MI 49441

Cannaisseur

Medical and Recreational

3200 N. East St., Lansing, MI 48906

Cannamazoo

Medical

2233 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Compassionate Care By Design

Medical

401 N. Sage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Doja

Medical

4203 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002

Edgewood Wellness

Medical

134 E. Edgewood Blvd., Lansing, MI 48911

Fluresh

Medical

1213 Phillips Ave. SW., Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Gage Lansing

Medical

3425 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Lansing, MI 48910

Good Intentions

Medical

3219 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck, MI 49453

Green Koi Provisioning Center

Medical and Recreational

435 Blue Star Hwy., Douglas, MI 49406

Herbology-Kalamazoo

Medical and Recreational

1986 S. Sprinkle Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Homegrown Cannabis Company

Medical and Recreational

5025 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48910

KKind

Medical and Recreational

521 E. Mosel Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49004

Lake Effect

Medical

8314 Portage Rd., Portage, MI 49002

Lume Cannabis Co. Kalamazoo

Medical

3406 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Meds Cafe

Recreational

1965 W. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331

Old 27 Wellness

Medical and Recreational

2905 N. East St., Lansing, MI 48906

Park Place Provisionary

Medical and Recreational

1922 Park St., Muskegon, MI 49441

Pharmhouse Wellness

Medical

831 Wealthy St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Pure Options

Medical and Recreational

5815 S. Pennsylvania Ave.,Lansing, MI 48911

Skymint

Recreational

Stateside Wellness

Medical and Recreational

1900 E Kalamazoo St Lansing,MI 48912

The Refinery

Medical

3650 Alvan Rd., Kalamazoo,MI 49001

Exit 9 Provisionary

Medical

12261 Cleveland St., Nunica,MI 49448

A B

11999 Cleveland St., Ste. A Nunica, MI 49448 616-512-3280, skymint.com

C A U

I B

R D S X W J N VH

E O M Q Y PG

Cannabis Advertorial//GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE // Cannabis Advertorial

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

Sterile. Transactional. Covert. If this is how you feel about your typical cannabis dispensary, then Joyology, located on 28th Street not far from East Beltline, will leave you pleasantly surprised. “When people walk through our doors, they instantly get a different vibe,” says Brandy York, the store’s general manager. “It’s colorful, open, and cheery and staffed by a diverse, happy team with a broad range of backgrounds.” Joyology is a supplier of cannabis and related products for the medical market as well as CBD for the 21-and-up, non-medical crowd but is poised to begin recreational sales as soon as it’s made legal in the city of Grand Rapids. As the name implies, Joyology strives to make the experience as fun as possible for

everyone who comes in but amid the levity, there’s serious business. Every budtender is highly qualified and knowledgeable on all the products as well as consumption. Even with inventory in the thousands, from flower and edibles to concentrates, lotions, topicals — plus accessories, such as papers and glassware — there will be an in-shop expert who can talk with patients about their specific needs. “We’re a huge team, and there’s always someone available here to explain the product and how to dose, no matter what avenue they use,” York says. “Whatever a patient is suffering from or whatever their goal is, we have someone here who can mesh with them.” Budtenders at Joyology not only have first-hand knowledge of the different

products, they also do extensive research and further build their knowledge cache by talking with patients. “While everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different, there are some commonalities,” York explains. “By having those conversations, they can make suggestions to others about which strains to choose and what sensation or outcome can be achieved.”■

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Cannabis Advertorial // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

Kush Development Group P.O. Box 141726 , Grand Rapids, MI 49514 | 616-439-4701 | kushdesignstudio.com

Today’s cannabis industry is hardly recognizable from its roots, taking a step up from what was commonly a small, basement-growing operation to large-scale, indoor agriculture. With this transition has come a need for guidance for would-be entrepreneurs, and Kush Development Group has been cultivating its expertise for more than 20 years to bring professional consultation to this industry. What began as a medical need for one of the company’s co-founders quickly evolved into a partnership designed to support the needs of a variety of customers looking to break into the cannabis industry. Ryan Lafferty first became introduced to CBD as a natural, medical alternative to reduce the pressure of a detached retina. Concerned about the quality of the products available to him, Lafferty joined his friend Mike Myers and the duo created Grand Remedy, a CBD manufacturer and retailer. Myers’ two decades of experience in business strategy and planning paired with Lafferty’s equaled time as a marketing

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

company owner and innovation/design thinking instructor paved the path toward an even bigger endeavor — and Kush Development Group was born. Lafferty serves as chief operations officer; Myers as chief executive officer; and Chris Newberg, chief compliance officer and general counsel, rounds out the trio with specialized legal advice. Kush Development Group is a one-stop-shop for all aspects of the cannabis business, from compliance and licensing to design drawings, construction, marketing materials, and more. Outside of their core group, they partner with architects and builders, while internally they handle other needs such as interior design and flow, branding, UX/UI, and developing standard operating procedures. They have the capabilities and resources to offer a comprehensive solution, and customers — whether in the medical or recreational realm — can choose the entire package or pick just the services they need. While the business of cannabis has its complications and

nuances, in some ways it is just another product in just another industry. The Kush Development Group team has been able to call on their experience working with Fortune 100s, Fortune 500s, and non-profits in the traditional markets and apply that knowledge to this new market. “It’s really coming up with interesting, creative, innovative solutions to complex problems that didn’t necessarily exist until now,” Lafferty says. “And, evolving as the industry needs us to.” They respond to these constant shifts by traveling to conferences, becoming members of industry groups such as Cannabis Connection and Sensi Connects, and networking with people in California, Colorado, and Oregon who already have thriving models in the arena. “A lot of people get into this field because they have a hope or a dream, and we’re here to guide them through it, whether they’re setting up a cultivation facility, dispensary, provisioning center, or extraction lab,” Lafferty says. “It’s hard work, and it’s ever changing; to be successful, they need a qualified team to help them with every step in the process. 

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Cannabis Advertorial // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE // Cannabis Advertorial

Cup Winners are grown from Seed .... and we have the best seed stock from around the globe! It’s what we do.

www.seedcellar.com

(517) 879 2801 1620 E Michigan Avenue

Jackson MI 49201

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Publication Title: Grand Rapids Magazine Publication Number: 997-340 Filing Date: 10/01/2020 Issue Frequency: Monthly Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 Annual Subscription Price: $24.00 Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication 401 Hall Rd SW Ste 331, Grand Rapids MI 49503 Contact Person - Michelle VanArman Telephone - 248-691-1800 x187 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 Publisher: John Balardo Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Charlsie Dewey 10. Owner: Gemini Media LLC 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 John Balardo 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 Stefan Wanczyk 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities. Stefan Wanczyk 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 12. Tax Status: Not applicable 13. Publication Title: Grand Rapids Magazine 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2020

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

Average No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

15,000

8,925

9,215

667

222

9,592

9,437

4,130 0 0 0

4,459 0 0 0

e. Total Nonrequested Distribution (Carriers or other means)

4,130

4,459

f. Total Distribution

13,722

13,896

g. Copies not Distributed

1,278

1,104

h. Total

15,000

i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation

69.90%

67.91%

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution 1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 2) In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 3) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® 4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mailed Classes Through the USPS

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation d. Nonrequested Distribution (Samples, complimentary, and other free) 1) Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 2) In County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 3) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by other Classes 4) Nonrequested Copies Distributed outside mail (trades shows, etc...)

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EXPERT Q&A

ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST FROM WEST MICHIGAN’S EXPERTS While information on nearly any topic imaginable is just an internet search away, the quality of the answers and the repute of the sources are always up for question. When it comes to important matters, it’s wise to turn to people in established businesses who have spent years of their lives honing their knowledge. Grand Rapids is graced with a number of authorities on a variety of subjects who are enthusiastic about sharing their wisdom with the community. In this Trusted Advisers section, you’ll get the inside scoop;

What are the benefits to an induction cooktop versus traditional electric or gas?

A: Traditionally, homeowners have opted for gas if they want their stoves to produce a flame immediately, and heat up and cool down quickly. For electric stoves, the process takes longer from start to finish, but they’re typically easier to clean. With induction, you get the best of both worlds: the lowermaintenance glass cooktop of electric and the speed and responsiveness of gas. Induction stovetops use a magnetic current to heat the bottom of the pan, without heating the glass surface. They transfer all of the energy to the pan — and if there isn’t a pan

whether you’re looking for a new vehicle and deciding if you should lease or buy, or thinking about changing financial institutions and are overwhelmed by the options, there are some solid answers here to guide you in the right direction. If you have a one-of-a-kind or sentimental jewelry piece, you can learn how to better protect your investment in just a few simple steps. And, if you’re in the market for a home in the region, you’ll find some assurance that West Michigan is still one of the top places to buy, sell, and live. ■

on the burner, it simply won’t get hot. Parents with young children especially like induction for this reason. Anyone who has ever had a pot overboil will also appreciate induction, because food spatters won’t get cooked onto the stove — they just wipe clean. Your cookware does needs to be steel, or have a steel core or bottom, to work with induction. If you’re interested in an induction stove, seek an independent retailer like Gerrit’s Appliance. Their expert sales staff can help you understand if induction is the right choice for you.

Curt Geers

Co-owner Gerrit’s Appliance 2410 28th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49519 616-532-3626 sales@gerritsappliances.com gerritsappliances.com

What are the advantages of leasing over buying a new vehicle?

A: Traditional wisdom says, buy what appreciates and lease or rent what depreciates; and new vehicles typically depreciate — even our Cadillac and Lexus models. With leasing, you get a new vehicle every few years and it’s under warranty. You also get much more vehicle for your money. You’re only paying for it from the sale price to a predetermined lease-end value, not paying it down to zero. 80

You may think you drive too many miles to lease, but that’s why you should: you’re untethered to market conditions. If you think you’ll exceed the average 15,000 miles per year, you can factor extra miles in up front. You’ll pay a bit more, but avoid a penalty at the end of the lease. Terms for a lease usually run 24-48 months and are straightforward transactions that give you lots of flexibility. For the ultimate experience, try a one-payment lease.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

John M. Leese President/Owner Harvey Automotive 2500-2600 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-949-1140 harveyautomotive.com Advertisement on page 10

EXPERT Q&A Q:

Why do you believe the local housing market will continue to surge, despite the pandemic?

A: People are drawn to the area to buy homes in part because of the ongoing success in the city of Grand Rapids. We have a viable downtown and a healthy community, and those are the foundation of a thriving economic base. So much has been invested over the years to help us become a cool city. Additionally, the city has diversified industries — between technology, health care, banking, furniture, and more — we’ve been able to attract people to the area. We also have beautiful topography carved out along the Grand River and our proximity to the Lake Michigan and Chicago. Most important,

Katie Karczewski Principal partner, Realtor Katie-K Team, Keller Williams Grand Rapids East 1555 Arboretum Dr. SE, Ste. 101 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-575-0119 katielanek@katie-k.com katie-k.com Advertisement on page 7

What are the benefits of joining a credit union?

A: While banks are typically beholden to its shareholders, credit unions focus on what’s best for its members. Credit unions also generally have lower loan rates and slightly higher deposit rates. At Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), we call that demonstrable value because we can demonstrate that value in our numbers. Our 3% Max Checking, for example, pays 3% APY interest, which over a year’s time pays more than 15 times more than a standard bank checking account. Also, our Prime

I think people are attracted to the region because our cost of living is affordable and our schools are wonderful. It’s all of these factors working together that creates a desirable place to call home. While there are people and businesses struggling right now, it’s encouraging to know that some industries — like real estate — continue to persevere. Our current housing boom is a sign of hope for the future, and it’s a tribute to our ability to adapt quickly to changing times. We are excited to do all we can to contribute to a strong recovery.

Platinum credit card has an interest rate as low as 6.25% APR, whereas the nationwide average for banks is 17-21%. The best news is, there is no need to be affi liated with an organization to join LMCU; any resident in Michigan and Florida can become a member. As the 20th largest credit union in the country, we have all the products and services of a bank, with the added benefit of offering exceptional value, service, and dedication to our members.

Don Bratt Chief Marketing Officer/Senior Vice President

Lake Michigan Credit Union 5540 Glenwood Hills Pkwy. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-242-9790 communityrelations@lmcu.org lmcu.org

What can I do to safeguard my jewelry from loss or damage?

A: It breaks our hearts when someone comes to us after a loss or theft and it’s too late to do anything. Here are two ways you can protect your precious jewelry: First, bring your jewelry to us once a year for refinishing so we can repair damage from daily wear and prevent the loss of any diamonds and gems.

Second, get your jewelry appraised — photos and detailed documentation will help when dealing with your insurance company in the event of a loss or theft and we can do this at our studio. Once you’ve done those two steps, the only thing left is to wear it and enjoy it.

Carol Wagen Co-owner Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry 978 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-459-5075 metalartstudioinc.com shop@metalartstudioinc.com Advertisements on pages 23 and 82

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WHEN WORDS AREN'T ENOUGH

The best selection of handcrafted fine jewelry is at Metal Art Studio

Grand Rapids 616-949-2200 Grand Haven 616-842-4340

We help you celebrate! www.metalartstudioinc.com 978 Cherry St SE, GR MI (616) 459-5075 (Park free in our lot)

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Holland 616-399-5060

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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 $-$$ NEW LISTING! APERITIVO A wine bar with a small menu that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and monthly sandwich specials. The retail section includes tinned fish, which can be enjoyed on-site with pickled veggies, cultured butter and Field & Fire bread. It is located within the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Open Daily. // 435 Ionia Ave. SW, 259-7045. aperitivogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ ART CARIBBEAN FUSION CUISINE Featuring a Caribbean menu with items like empanadas, croquettes, mofongos, Cuban sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 55 Monroe Center NW, 724-4370. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BEIJING KITCHEN Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER BISTRO BELLA VITA Big-city casual; modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BOBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B. Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers. Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob. com/bobarinospizza. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRICK & PORTER Appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a nice

selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. // 47 Monroe Center NW, 226-6928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRICKYARD TAVERN Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $$-$$$ FLANAGAN’S Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence. Frequent live music. Open Daily. //

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

139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FORTY PEARL A wine bar serving oysters, cured meats and cheeses, baked goods and sweets, soups and salads, shareables, sandwiches, rice bowls and entrées like salmon, seared scallops and Cornish hen. Open daily. // 40 Pearl St. NW, 608-7741. fortypearl.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GILLY’S SMOKEHOUSE Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more. Closed Sun-Mon. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/gillysrestaurant. Dinner $-$$ GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GP SPORTS Sports bar and restaurant. Menu features create-yourown pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/ gp-sports. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$ 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 $

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GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Yearround alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HERITAGE HILL PIZZA Offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. No alcohol. Open daily with a few tables for dining in. // 340 State St SE, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE HERITAGE GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ J. GARDELLA’S TAVERN Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. Three floors of seating. Closed Sun. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellastavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ JUDSON’S AT THE B.O.B. Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops. Notable wine list. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsonssteakhouse. Dinner $$$ THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ LEO’S Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm MonFri. Closed Sun. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

2020 DINING AWARD WINNER LINEAR Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh 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)

GR MAG NOV 2020_Layout 1 9/23/20 4:44 PM Page 1

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

Whiteware to Share

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

For Cooking, Entertaining & Gifting this Holiday Season! Just in time for the Holiday season! The team at Rylee’s Ace have stocked the shelves with a great selection of ceramic whiteware dishes.

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 $

Shop for individual pieces and in multi pack boxes, perfect for gifting.

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 $$-$$$

GRAND RAPIDS FAVORITE KITCHEN STORE IS AT

HANCOCK Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)

RYLEE’S ACE HARDWARE 1234 MICHIGAN ST. NE

Open Daily 7AM to 8PM, Sundays 9AM to 6PM

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// 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HARMONY BREWING CO. Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ NEW LISTING! KCM A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sando (Japanese cut white bread sandwiches or open-faced toast with meat, egg salad or other filling); curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu (Japanese deep-fried tenderized pork loin, tenderloin and shoulder cutlets); chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean-style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues.-Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MARU SUSHI & GRILL Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carryout available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 7748641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ QUARANTINO’S Detroit-style pizza restaurant offering unique pizza options finished with Satori Wisconsin Parmesan. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 1444 Lake Drive SE, 734-6833. quarantinosgr.com. Dinner $$ THE PUB AT PADDOCK “Happy hour all the time” with elevated pub fare. Full bar. Closed Mondays. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 356-2627. thegilmorecollection.com/pubatpaddock. Dinner $-$$

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 (Sat-Sun), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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WIKIWIKI POKE SHOP Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials. Carryout available. Closed Sun. // 1146 Wealthy St SE, 2885646. wikiwikipokeshop.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WINCHESTER Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in century-old space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ YESTERDOG Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. // 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. Lunch, Dinner $ ZIVIO Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

East Grand Rapids BIG BOB’S PIZZA Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$ CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$ JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $-$$ BIRCH LODGE Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ BLUE WATER GRILL Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. // 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BUD & STANLEY’S Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILLE Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charliesbarandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$ CHEER’S GOOD TIME SALOON Menu offers something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ CHESHIRE GRILL Sandwiches, soups, salads, creative burgers. Open daily for breakfast (served all day) and lunch. No alcohol. // 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 635-2713. cheshiregrill. com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$ CRESTON BREWERY More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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

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

LAI THAI KITCHEN Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar. Open daily. // 2869 Knapp St NE, 608-6912. licarispizzakitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ LUCY’S CAFÉ Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-yourown breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$-$$$ MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $ MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MING TEN All-you-can-eat Japanese/Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 3653989. mingtenrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NICK FINK’S Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. // 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.com/nickfinks. Dinner $$ POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ 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.

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

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

Northwest GR 2020 DINING AWARD WINNER AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 7855344. 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 GR M AG .CO M

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Sun-Mon. // 363 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, 8053363. 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 $-$$ FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. Dinner $-$$ HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet. letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$ HOME TEAM GRILL Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. // 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill. wordpress.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NEW LISTING! HUMMUS & FALAFEL MIDDLE EASTERN GRILLE Located near the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $ HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE LANDING Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. All-American favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/dining/ the-landing-restaurant. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $

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STAN DIEGO BAJA TACO KITCHEN Baja California-inspired menu, featuring a-la-carte taco menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standiegogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SWAN INN RESTAURANT Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. // 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WALKER ROADHOUSE Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 7919922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$

Southeast GR 7 MARES Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ AL-BOS EUROCAFE-BAKERY Authentic southeastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials. Open daily. // 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. al-bos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ASIAN PALACE Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 141 28th St SE, 5347770. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BELTLINE BAR Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BRASS RING BREWING Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights 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 $-$$ CAFÉ DE MIRO A café offering Kurdish, Armenian and Greek foods. The menu consists of traditional Mediterranean breakfast and side dishes, such as skillets, scrambles and acai bowls; pastries; toasts; soups; sandwiches; salads; Turkish coffee; tea; desserts; and more. No alcohol. // Breton Village Shopping Plaza, 1878 Breton Rd SE, (616) 7191462. Facebook. Open daily. Breakfast, Lunch $ CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drive-thru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily. // 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantinamexicangrill.biz. Lunch (Sun-Thu), Dinner $$ DADDY PETE’S BBQ Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST GARDEN BUFFET Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL ARRIERO MEXICAN GRILL Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas. Open daily. // 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL GLOBO RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIREROCK GRILLE Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ FLORENTINE PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GANDERS Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ GOLDEN GATE Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open

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

daily. // 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ GURSHA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ HALL STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ INDIA TOWN Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA TAQUERIA SAN JOSE Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1338 S Division Ave, 2842297. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ LAST CHANCE TAVERN AND GRILL Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. // 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelastchancetavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $ LE KABOB Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MI TIERRA Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MIKADO SUSHI Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mikadogr.com/main. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ NU-THAI BISTRO Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OLD GOAT Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No

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

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alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $ PHO ANH TRANG Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PHO SOC TRANG Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 4523228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SHANGHAI ICHIBAN Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120. shanghaiichiban.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SHIRAZ GRILLE Authentic Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, vegetarian options. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. Lunch (FriSun), Dinner $$-$$$ SUSHI KUNI Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2901 Breton Rd SE, 2414141. sushikuni.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ TAQUERÍA EL RINCÓN MEXICANO Wide variety of Mexican breakfast, small plates, dinner dishes and soups, including several vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2055 28th St, 246-7000. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ THAI EXPRESS Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $

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 $-$$

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 $$ TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 15 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

THAI FUSION Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GOLDEN 28 Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800. Lunch, Dinner $$

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

KITZINGEN BREWERY German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed Sun-Mon. // 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingen-brewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $$-$$$

LINDO MEXICO RESTAURANTE MEXICANO Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu.

BIG BOILER BREWING Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and

VILLAGE INN PIZZA & SPORTS GRILLE Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken,

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Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area

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

cider. Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. // 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboilerbrewing.com. Dinner $$ CASCADE ROADHOUSE Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 2597439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$-$$$

850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), 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 $$-$$$

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 $-$$

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 $$-$$$

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 $$-$$$

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 $-$$$

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 $-$$ EMONAE KOREAN BBQ Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. // 6246 28th St SE, 6493984. emonaekoreanbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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 $-$$

LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

NOCO PROVISIONS Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. //

NEWLY RENOVATED

BIG CITY EXPERIENCE, SMALL-TOWN PRICE. The newly renovated Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown on Pearl Street is the right location for your next trip. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, this fresh and modern hotel has a lot to offer. From our complimentary parking and Wi-Fi to our ﬁtness center and new on-site restaurant, Burger Theory, there is something for everyone. G Our Grand Rapids Downtown location is within walking distance of nightlife, concert venues, and shopping. Our attractive meeting space is also a central spot for business meetings and social gatherings for up to 100 people.

GRAND RAPIDS - DOWNTOWN

310 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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

616-235-7611

higrdt.com

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NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch TuesSat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$ NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$ OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SCHNITZ ADA GRILL Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. // 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THORNAPPLE BREWING CO. Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert. Brunch on Sun. // 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$ TRAILHEAD CAFÉ Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. // 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 284-3664. trailheadcafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ VINTAGE PRIME & SEAFOOD Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintageatcork.com. Dinner $$$ ZEYTIN Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 6822222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

Grandville/Hudsonville Area BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin

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St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE DUNGEON Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$ EL BURRITO LOCO More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 5309470. elburritoloco4.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRANDVILLA Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MICHIGAN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY A distillery with starters, sandwiches, salads and sides with a barbeque theme. Many of the items include Bobby Q sauce. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 4005 Chicago Dr SW in Grandville, 259-1000. michiganmoonshine.us. Dinner $$ OSGOOD BREWING CO. Craft brewery serves shareables, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and salads. Kids menu. Open daily. // 4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 432-3881. osgoodbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RAINBOW GRILL Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 8960033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RUSH CREEK BISTRO Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SONDER EATERY Focused on fresh foods including greens, sandwiches and shareables. Items include deviled eggs, chicken

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

Rockford Area BOSTWICK LAKE INN Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. // 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See website for seasonal hours. // 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com/ restaurant. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO. German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. // 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRILL ONE ELEVEN American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. // 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONEY CREEK INN Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. // 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HOT BOX BBQ Smoked brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, brisket and more. Closed Sun. // 110 Courtland St, 951-7160. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ MARINADES PIZZA BISTRO Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. // 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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

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

Multiple Locations ANNA’S HOUSE Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and exceptional desserts; dinner menu, too. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT Breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Menu includes extensive gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 722 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 2650 East Beltline Ave SE (Centerpointe Mall), 956-7901; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurant.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ BAGEL BEANERY Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 2499500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ BIG E’S SPORTS GRILL Sports lounge serving pizza, classic American appetizers and other entrées. Full bar includes a variety of Michigan-made beer and cider. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2321 East Beltline Ave SE, 608-8825. 710 Monroe Ave NW, 512-5716. bigessportsgrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIRST WOK Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND CONEY Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 9303596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 7731895. herbandfirepizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ HOPCAT Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MORNING BELLE This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171; 434 Bridge St NW, 855-6907. morningbellebrunch.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ NEW LISTING! MR. BURGER Breakfast, burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts. // 2101 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 453-6291; 950 44th St. SW, 538-0363; 1750 44th St. SE 455-8604; 5181 Northland Dr. NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St. SW; 538-4439; 5835 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville, 662-5088. mrburger.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 2595353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia

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

Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ PITA HOUSE Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. Lunch, Dinner $ REAL FOOD CAFÉ Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $ RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 5328888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$ TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OMELETTE SHOPPE Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 726-7300. omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 773-1687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VITALE’S PIZZERIA Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales. com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GR M AG .CO M

gr gems / histo y

Due to COVID-19, this year's Santa Claus Parade will be a vehicle parade with an expanded route. Visit the Grand Rapids Jaycees' website for more information and parade date and times.

Here comes Santa

The Jaycees ensured Santa Claus continued to visit GR each year. BY JULIE TABBERER, GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

The annual Santa Claus Parade in downtown Grand Rapids was started by Wurzburg’s department store. In the 1920s, Santa Claus would arrive from the North Pole by train at Union Station, where he was greeted by a crowd. A “glittering parade” of children followed him through the streets to the toy department at Wurzburg’s, presumably with their parents in tow to make purchases. By 1935, the event had turned into a traditional parade, complete with floats and marching bands.

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020

Then, as shopping malls began popping up outside of downtown, Wurzburg’s opened suburban locations in 1964 and 1966 and closed their downtown store in October 1971. Other downtown merchants managed to keep the costly parade afloat for a couple of years, but ultimately couldn’t sustain it. After seven years with no Santa Claus Parade, the Grand Rapids Jaycees revived the event in 1978. That year, the group managed to pull off a parade with 56 floats, 1,600 participants and 20,000 spectators with little more than a month of planning. With a hundred years of history behind it, the Jaycees have continued to organize the annual parade, kicking off the holiday season for Grand Rapids each year. PARADE COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY

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086613_Priority Health • Family Ad • Grand Rapids Magazine • 8.375”x10.875” • 9/9/20