Grand Rapids Magazine - April 2019

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Contents APRIL 2019 / VOL. 56 / NO. 04

FEATURES 28 / Walking the runway KCAD students dream of making it in fashion industry.

BY SAM EASTER

35 / The healing power of plants Use plants to enhance your space and your health.

BY JULIE BONNER WILLIAMS

35 4 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

contents APRIL 2019 / VOL. 56 / NO. 04

departments BACK & FORTH 8 / From the Managing Editor, contributors and letters

25

10 / Social media, GRMag.com sneak peeks, previews and more LIFE & STYLE 12 / Noteworthy items include Pub at Paddock, Stovetop Roasters and Makeup BLVD 13 / GR’s Top 5 places to score a burrito 14 / Spirit Dreams

14

Woodworking went from idle hobby to side hustle in 2014, and his big break came as The Sovengard — a West Side bar and restaurant — asked him multiple times for extensive woodwork.

15 / Health & wellness: Re-educating your body

16

80 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights

20 / Reading room: “Finding a New Midwestern History” Edited by Jon K. Lauck, Gleaves Whitney and Joseph Hogan

82 / Comedy & nightclub venue listings and highlights 86 / Snap shots 88 / After thoughts: Rachel Bartels of Hello West Michigan

22

24 / Art gallery listings and highlights 25 / Rivertown Woodcraft FOOD & DRINK 40 / Dining review: Roam 42 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan

6 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

CAUSE & EFFECT 72 / Access of West Michigan

77 / Calendar

18 / ShimmyUSA

46 / Chef profile: Oscar Moreno at MeXo

56 / Cocktail hour: The 20th Century

OUT & ABOUT 76 / April highlights

16 / Grand Rapids Study Club

ART & DESIGN 22 / Art gallery profile: Charles Edward William’s “Warm Water” at UICA

52 / Pints of interest: Sustainable brewing

56

ON THE COVER: Studies have shown that just one indoor plant can improve indoor air quality as well as boost your mood. Local hospitals are investing in the healing power of plants and so are local plant retailers and interior designers, including Lauren Figueroa, owner of Lauren Figueroa Interior Design. Find out how to turn your home into an indoor oasis by adding greenery on page 35.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

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back & forth CONNECT WITH US

Springing into warmer weather

W

WHILE I’M LOOKING FORWARD to spring flowers, right now I am making do with the plethora of plants scattered throughout my house. It turns out plants aren’t just nice to look at — they’re good for our health, too. A NASA study conducted in the 1980s concluded that just one spider plant can improve air quality in a room, clearing it of ammonia and benzene. In the story “The healing power of plants,” you’ll learn more about the health benefits of plants as well as tips on how to create an indoor oasis of your own with some easy-to-care-for plants.

Spring also means I get to dig out my favorite lightweight sweaters and jackets, T-shirts, and, if I’m lucky, maybe even my sandals, too.

I’m always excited to see the fashion trends for this colorful season and do a little shopping at my favorite Grand Rapids boutiques. The city doesn’t just have great places to shop; it has a killer fashion program at Kendall College of Art & Design. KCAD students are busy putting the final touches on their capstone projects and plotting their futures in the fashion industry.

With a 92 percent industry placement rate, these students have a great shot at making their mark in fashion. Learn more about their designs and dreams in “Walking the runway” on page 28.

Speaking of dreams, Spirit Dreams is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The beloved shop in the Eastown neighborhood brought holistic health and wellness to the community when it opened its doors in 1994. With a commitment to being good stewards of their community, owners Jaye Van Lenten and Jackie Bess have been giving back through donations to several West Michigan organizations, including the Humane Society, YWCA and more. The pair epitomizes the power of small businesses within a community.

This issue also includes a piece on MeXo, opened by chef Oscar Moreno in July 2018.

Moreno uses ingredients and cooking techniques that date back to pre-conquistador times in Mexico. Learn how he blends these ancient recipes with modern palates to create a mouthwatering menu — then head out for dinner ASAP! Charlsie Dewey Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

This month, we asked some of our contributors, “What fashion trend(s) do you want to come back in style?”

Jaye Beeler,

Jim Gebben,

Julie Bonner Williams

WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

WRITER

“ANCIENT INGREDIENTS,” PAGE 46

“RE-EDUCATING YOUR BODY,” PAGE 15

“THE HEALING POWER OF PLANTS,” PAGE 35

“The fashions of the Jazz Age speakeasy were rebelliously sexy and classy. The style invoked danger, mystery and luxury.”

“I’d like to see big hair, big earrings and the kind of variety in clothes we saw in the 1970s and ’80s.”

“Vintage bathing suits, particularly the two-piece beauties with the high waist, ruching and halter tops — and pair with cat eye sunglasses for instant glamour.”

8 GRAND RAPIDS \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK

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Inside Grand Rapids Magazine Stay connected with Grand Rapids Magazine in print, at grmag.com and on social media.

Coming up next issue …

WHETHER YOU PREFER WET OR DRY, Grand Rapids has some great places for a burrito. See our top 5 on page 13.

Mental Health Depression, anxiety, stress and more, many people have experienced at least some level of these symptoms. Find out how Grand Rapids health care providers are offering a helping hand.

Lansing’s Blue Owl Coffee is expanding into Grand Rapids this spring with a shop on the West Side. Visit grmag.com

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Email: letters@grmag.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or Facebook: @grmag Twitter: @grmagazine Instagram: @grmagazine on social media: 10 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

noteworthy INTERESTING TIDBITS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Pub grub with a twist

Accessible coffee Stovetop Roasters started out as a wholesale coffee roaster in Ann Arbor and recently opened a shop in Grand Rapids. Located on Fulton Street, Stovetop Roasters is a warm and welcoming coffee shop full of natural light, green plants and quirky illustrations. Stovetop carefully sources its beans, focusing on sustainable farming practices, and roasts them at its Ann Arbor facility.

Customers can expect to find coffees from Africa, Central America and South America.

With a number of coffee shops and roasters, Stovetop strives to make its coffee accessible. “We’re actively working to learn how to best welcome people who may be unfamiliar with specialty coffee,” said general manager Mike Greene. “Above all, we intend for our café to be a space that our neighbors and friends can make their own in some way.” 944 E. Fulton St. —ALLISON ARNOLD

12 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

This isn’t your typical pub grub, either. The menu includes many shareable items under the categories of snacks, artisan toasts, salads, sliders and flatbread pizzellas.

Makeup BLVD adds salon services MAKEUP BLVD ON WEALTHY STREET recently expanded, providing hair salon services in addition to makeup application and products. Owner Melina Tobin opened the store in 2017 and knew she would eventually add a hair salon to the space. In addition to makeup products, Makeup BLVD now carries hair care brands including Redken, Pureology and Verb. 1059 Wealthy St. SE Makeup BLVD owner Melina Tobin works with client Jessica Herrera.

—ALLISON ARNOLD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (BOTTOM); JIM GEBBEN (TOP LEFT); COURTESY THE GILMORE COLLECTION (CENTER AND TOP RIGHT)

Barista Lindsay Sanderson

The Pub at Paddock brings food back to the former home of Mangiamo! The former restaurant underwent a transition into an events space in August 2017, and while it’s hosted a slew of themed parties over the past nearly two years, it’s now open to the public Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4-11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m.-midnight and Sundays from 4-11 p.m. serving pub fare.

This isn’t your typical pub grub, either.

The menu includes many shareable items under the categories of snacks, artisan toasts, salads, sliders and flatbread pizzellas. For example, split a round of Smoked Almond and Chickpea Mini Tacos, Olive and Feta Flatbread and Smoked Nuts or try the Mediterranean Plate followed by Smoked Pork and Apple Sliders.

If you are looking for a cocktail to wash it all down with, The Pub at Paddock offers a fun list of craft cocktails, including the Carriage House, made with Hennessy, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice and sugar on the rim, or the Afterlife, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice and basil syrup.

You’ll also find a selection of red and white wines.

With two rooms set aside for the pub — you can either hang out in the bar area at one of the available booths, tall tables or barstools or score a table in the adjacent dining room — there’s plenty of seating.

Both rooms retain the same historic style and ambiance of Mangiamo!, providing a hint of dipping back in time.

The Gilmore Collection owns the Pub at Paddock. 1033 Lake Drive SE

GRAND RAPIDS’ TOP 5

places to score a

Tacos El Cuñado

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TACOS EL CUNADO (CENTER); THHINKSTOCK (BACKGROUND)

FROM THE FILLINGS to the salsa and garnishes, there’s a lot that goes into making a good burrito, and Grand Rapids has some of the tastiest — the city is known as the birthplace of the wet burrito, after all. Our picks for the best burritos in Grand Rapids will have you coming back for seconds.

Serving Tex-Mex cuisine since 1966, Beltline Bar is known by many for its famous wet burrito, aptly named “The Famous.” With a number of flavor combinations, such as chicken and bacon or pork and chorizo, you can always try something new. 16 28th St. SE Taqueria San Jose is a favorite not only for its authentic tacos but its delicious burritos. Choose from a variety of meat or veggie options, including authentic flavors such as chicharrón or al pastor, which is marinated pork. 1338 S. Division Ave. Tacos El Cuñado at the Downtown Market makes a great burrito, with a plethora of protein options, including vegan and vegetarian-friendly choices like tempeh and nopales (cactus). Be sure to top your burrito with fresh salsa from its self-serve salsa bar. 435 Ionia Ave. SW La Huasteca is a must-try for authentic Mexican food, especially its burritos. Pick your favorite filling to add to either a wet or dry burrito. 1811 Plainfield Ave. NE Choose from a large wet or dry burrito at El Granjero Mexican Grill filled with your favorite protein. Wet burritos are covered in red salsa with melted white cheese. 950 Bridge St. NW APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 13

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Let your spirit dream

“When we bought the business, our journey was to run an ethical business. It was very important to us who and where we buy our products from — that we support local artists whenever possible.” — Jaye Van Lenten was very important to us who and where we buy our products from — that we support local artists whenever possible,” Van Lenten said.

The pair said they make it a point to support social causes and local nonprofits that align with their values, focusing on economic issues, diversity, women’s health and family health. “The selling of the ‘Kindness Matters’ signs and T-shirts have been of tremendous importance to us,” Van Lenten said.

Spirit Dreams donated proceeds from the signs to nonprofits including Catherine’s Health Center, the YWCA and Planned Parenthood. As animal lovers, the Humane Society, Vicky’s Pet Connection and Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary also are important to Van Lenten and Bess. You can often see the store cat and dog, George and Sadie, roaming around the space.

When asked about advice for small business owners, Van Lenten said, “Be

14 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

thorough and creative and persistent.” She said they owe much of their success to having a good business plan and business partner, in addition to firm values for guidance. “Follow your passion, do what you love and love what you do,” Van Lenten added.

Staying true to these values has been important to the success of Spirit Dreams — that, and community. “We have people that come in who remember their mother or father bringing them in as a kid,” Van Lenten said. “There’s something very heartwarming about that.”

— ALLISON ARNOLD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Twenty-five years ago, Jaye Van Lenten and Jackie Bess embarked on a journey to bring holistic health and wellness to Grand Rapids. They purchased the building for Spirit Dreams in 1994, converting the former bank into what is now the beloved neighborhood shop.

The Eastown anchor, at 1430 Lake Drive SE, is dedicated to providing products and resources to aid in holistic health, wellness and spiritual growth. Customers can find a wide selection of gemstones, natural aromatherapy, jewelry, cards and unique gifts, in addition to services including psychic readings and reiki practitioners.

“We really are about providing information and helping people understand what we have here,” Van Lenten said. “People come here for help and information.”

Since the beginning, the mission and vision of Spirit Dreams have extended beyond traditional business. Van Lenten and Bess said they have made it a priority to honor local artisans, source products ethically and contribute to local nonprofits.

“When we bought the business, our journey was to run an ethical business. It

health & wellness

BY KARA MCNABB

Re-educating your body

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN

From pulling your neck forward to look down at a phone or sitting in front of a TV at length, these modern-day habits are detrimental to a natural biomechanical state of the body.

AFTER HAVING PART of her spine removed, Susan Thompson had gone from one doctor, physical therapist and chiropractor to the next and still had pain and tingling in her legs.

Everything changed when Dr. Lisa Finkbeiner, a chiropractor at Dynamic Essence, introduced her to Foundation Training.

Foundation Training is a series of 18 simple movements that help take the burden off joints and allow muscles to support your body. It’s also a re-education for our bodies in how to move more naturally to minimize musculoskeletal issues as we interact with a modern lifestyle.

From pulling your neck forward to look down at a phone or sitting in front of a TV at length, these modern-day habits are detrimental to a natural biomechanical state of the body.

The body’s development takes a specific path, Finkbeiner explained. In infant and toddler years, natural movement begins with tummy time. Then we crawl, stand, walk and run.

When school begins, however, we have to sit in chairs all day, which is unnatural, and our bodies begin to move out of alignment. Our

muscles become compressed. This compression carries on throughout life, as we continue to sit or stand for long periods at desks and generally move less.

“When you compress one part of the body, like hunching over a computer or crossing your legs, the whole body follows. Likewise, when you decompress one part, the whole body follows.” This chain reaction is the basis of Foundation Training.

Finkbeiner explained how these decompression techniques address the entire muscle chain rather than an isolated part. The movements paired with breath allow decompression through the spine, rib cage and, ultimately, throughout the body.

I asked Finkbeiner to guide me through one of the movements. “Stand with your big toes together, weight in heels,” she said. “Stretch your arms in front of you and connect the fingertips of each hand together. Pull your chin back. Pull your hips back to create a slight bend in your knees. Press your pinkies together, activate your thigh muscles — imagine squeezing them toward each other, and inhale deeply, letting your breath fill your ribcage. Exhale through your mouth.”

After maybe 30 seconds or so, I relaxed and came back to my regular stance. My whole body felt significantly different. Needless to say, I was intrigued!

With movements like this and many more, Thompson has the ability to minimize her pain. It’s been life-changing. There’s no stretching, no pills, just a few minutes of specific movement.

This technique is helpful for bad backs, knees, shoulders or any chronic pain.

— Kara McNabb is a traditional naturopath at Continuum Healing and member of the Wellness Collective. Follow her on Instagram at @grandrapidsnaturopath.

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 15

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GR Study Club provided learning opportunities for scores of African-American women.

For the betterment of all

T

“It’s a humbling experience to know that women back in 1901 had the courage to start this. It wasn’t popular for African-American women to speak,” said Maggie Hankins, current president of the Grand Rapids Study Club. “They had the vision, foresight and 16 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

energy to want to know what was going on in our communities and the world. They said, ‘We have this one day off, and we’re going to study what’s going on.’”

The Study Club chose Thursdays as meeting days because, according to Hankins, most of the women were maids and that was their day off. They met in homes

at first and then purchased a house at 427 James St. SE for a clubhouse. The house was sold some years ago, so the Study Club now meets at the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan at noon on the third Thursday of each month.

“A lot of those women were as educated as they could be at that time, but they weren’t free to get different kinds of jobs so they did housework,” Hankins said. “The Study Club provided an outlet for them.

Sharing that with other ladies gave them strength. It helped them through rough times to know they weren’t by themselves.”

The topics discussed and the activities undertaken by the Study Club are legion.

The Study Club presented a program on presidential and vice presidential candidates Hubert H. Humphrey and Edmund Muskie, who ran on the Republican ticket against Vice President Richard Nixon in 1968. In 1960, the Study Club brought jazz poet Langston Hughes back to Grand Rapids (he had also presented on behalf of the Study Club in 1945), where he presented at Fountain Street Church a program titled “Negro History in Poetry and Song.”

In 1961, Louis Lomax presented at Foun-

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

he Study of Psychology. The Chinese Revolution. Women in French History. Possibilities of Alaskan Farming. Temperance Progress. The Life of George Carver. Do Teenage Marriages Have a Chance? Food of Foreign Countries. The Social Security Struggle.

These aren’t college classes offered to eager students or topics for an esoteric lecture series. Instead, each subject was discussed during a meeting of the Grand Rapids Study Club over the last nearly 120 years.

The Study Club has been meeting continuously since 1901 — it was formally organized in 1904 — educating women weekly and now monthly on an almost unprecedented variety of subjects. The group was started by African-American women just after the turn of the last century and has continued educating generations of women since.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

“It’s a humbling experience to know that women back in 1901 had the courage to start this. It wasn’t popular for African-American women to speak.”

— Maggie Hankins tain Street Church on “The Negro in This Era of Transition and the Crisis of Negro and White Leadership in a Free Society.”

It also presented programs on the Benefits of Home Nursing, Domestic Science Problems, Current Trends in Interior Decorating, amid deeper discussions on international and national problems and issues.

One of the current Study Club initiatives is a textbook scholarship fund. Each fall and winter semester, the club awards scholarships to college students in need of money for textbooks. They’ve dispersed close to $5,000 over the last few years. The Study Club’s main source of income is hosting a Parade of Homes home, and they recently received a private donation in honor of early member Minnie Russau. They also honor the club’s founders each year and are members of the Greater Grand Rapids National Issues Forum and the National Issues Forum.

The early Study Club rosters included names such as Hattie Pinkney, Daisy Lacey, Louise Gaines, Bessie Barnett, Corinne Phillips, Myrtle Lasha, Maud Buck, Kathryn Nickerson and many more whose names are buried in history.

“We have the same objectives as we had in 1901,” Hankins said. “It’s funny how they are still relevant today. We have the same mission statement as we had then.”

— ANN BYLE APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 17

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“I remember watching their movements, their fluidity, their hips. I thought, ‘Woah, what is that? I want to do that!’”

— Sarah Mayne in a ballet class at 5 years old.

“I remember my first performance,” Mayne said. “I had a little white tutu — every little girl’s dream. There was this sweet little boy and his job was to lift me up, but he dropped me. I ran off stage crying. I was traumatized.”

Nonetheless — and even though that was the only formal dance training she received in her youth — Mayne insisted she has always loved dance. She danced at school events, dance parties, concerts and at a swing dance class at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. After high school, she traveled west and, in a Volkswagen van no less, wound up in Humboldt County, California. It was there she attended a Saturday market and saw a group of women dancing outside, in the grass, barefoot, to a drummer.

“I remember watching their movements, their fluidity, their hips,” Mayne

18 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Sarah Mayne’s childhood passion has undulated into something sacred. From sisterhood circles in the neighborhood to international dance troupes, Mayne embodies the essence of shimmy in everything she does — which is mainly dance.

Hence, Shimmy is a fitting rebrand of her well-known dance company Bellydance Grand Rapids.

“I want to do right by this art form and give it the respect that it deserves,” Mayne said, explaining that the term “belly dance” was contrived by people in the West. “Because we saw undulations and moving bellies.”

This dance style is referred to in the East as raqs sharqi, or oriental dance. Additionally, her studio classes include hula, Tahitian and Bollywood dance — all of which incorporate a shimmy of some sort.

ShimmyUSA, Mayne’s dance studio in the East Hills neighborhood at 959 Lake Drive SE, Suite 200, has been transformed into a 2,000-square-foot black box theater for tantalizing performances (a far cry from Mayne’s early dancing days). Like many Grand Rapids kids, her parents enrolled her

GR MAG APRIL 2019_Layout 1 2/27/19 9:32 AM Page 1

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

BEST ANNUAL LAWN PROGRAM said. “I thought, ‘Woah, what is that? I want to do that!’”

And she did do that — until a call from home came. Mayne’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. Mayne moved back to Grand Rapids at once.

She found a salsa dance class she liked but learned she was a terrible partner. “I just struggle with people leading me,” she said.

Mayne, who used to teach tribal style belly dance to her sister’s friends at weekly potluck gatherings, “for fun and love, not for money,” eventually began performing at UICA events, Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts, and Mezze Cafe and Cabaret. Her first troupe was called The Sacred Dances of the Garbha-Grha.

Now, Mayne and her troupe are part of an international circuit, and they offer a variety of dance classes for all levels nearly every night of the week at the Shimmy studio.

“With life’s difficulties, and especially with losing my mom, I lost my ability to express myself through words,” Mayne said.

“And I found a much deeper, more meaningful well for me to draw from with dance.

I didn’t have to explain myself, I didn’t have to open my mouth or express my emotions through tears, I could just move through it.”

For more information about upcoming classes and performances, visit shimmy — EMILY CLINGMAN usa.com.

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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

READING ROOM

Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, walks into an on-campus eatery filled with millennials engaged with laptops and lattes. He’s a standout. Not only because he’s one of maybe two people in the room over 40, but because this man radiates warmth and charisma, so much so that as he approaches with his easy smile, graciously reaching to shake hands, it’s undeniable: This fellow is likable. He’s easygoing, personable, possessing of oldschool charm, and as would become palpable at his first words on “Finding a New Midwestern History,” a collection of essays on the history of the Midwest for which Whitney was an editor as well as contributing essayist, the man is brilliant.

“I tried to write an essay and say, ‘Just look around you, this is amazing.’ The Midwest is a child of the founding fathers,” Whitney said, explaining how the mapping of roads in nearby Kalamazoo was derived from a model designed by Thomas Jefferson.

“Finding a New Midwestern History” is one of 16 books bearing Whitney’s name.

Yet this latest publication, for which he worked as co-editor with fellow historians Jon K. Lauck and Joseph Hogan, came from his being a champion of Midwestern history, something he said is often overlooked in comparison to the history of the Southern states or the Old West.

“The larger framework is that Midwestern history is an abundant field. There was a whole intellectual infrastructure,” said Whitney, noting Ernest Hemingway’s Illinois origins and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s hailing from Minnesota. “If you want Southern history, there are all kinds of publications; the far west had theirs, too. … Midwestern studies started to atrophy and really jettisoned by the middle of the 1980s, fewer and fewer classes were offered in Michigan history.”

The fire in Whitney’s speech bespeaks the determination that launched his efforts 20 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

to renew the study of — and discussion of — the rich history of America’s Midwest.

From that determination came the first Midwestern History conference in four decades, which transpired in 2015. The success of that conference led to an annual conference for the next four years, each with growing attendance and experts coming from not just across the United States but also from Canada, France and the United Kingdom. From each conference was gleaned a collection of essays by the experts, “Finding a New Midwestern History” being the first published while the remaining four are currently under contract.

The hefty volume weighs in at nearly 400 pages and bears the names of historical experts — authors Susan E. Gray, J.L. Anderson and Whitney himself, discussing topics such as Native Americans and Midwestern History (Gray), Midwestern Identity since World War II (Anderson) and the Upper Midwest as the Second Promised Land (Whitney).

“My essay is on how the American founders, Jefferson, (Alexander) Hamilton, George Washington, they all had plans for the Midwest,” Whitney said.

With the academic flavor of the topic and subtopics, is this collection something for every reader? Whitney said yes, describing his approach as accessible and fun.

With his own desire to rekindle what he calls “rediscovering a lost region,” Whitney is encouraged by the interest of younger generations, many of whom seek to contribute to the project, saying scholars as young as their 20s are inquiring about being included in future publications.

It’s inspiring, noted Whitney, to see younger generations seeking to understand our history and carry it forward as part of a greater landscape. And with a quick glance at the clock overhead, Whitney quickly slips from the booth at which he is seated, offering a parting handshake and warm smile as he is off to yet another meeting.

— JULIE BONNER WILLIAMS

“The larger framework is that Midwestern history is an abundant field. There was a whole intellectual infrastructure.”

— Gleaves Whitney

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (RIGHT); COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA PRESS (CENTER)

Reviving Midwestern history

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Stirring the waters of change Exhibition relives day at Lake Michigan that sparked the Chicago Race Riot of 1919.

A

fter a chilling walk through the “Warm Water” exhibition

at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, patrons will come away with a new connotation of Lake Michigan. One

without coolers of cold beer and lazy afternoons on the beach.

There aren’t any sun-soaked games of volleyball or sand castle kingdoms either. “Warm Water: New Works by Charles Edward Williams” is a multimedia art experience based on the tragic event that gave way to the Chicago Race Riot of 1919, and it all started at Lake Michigan.

“A portion of Lake Michigan was unofficially segregated, allowing the black community access to only the ‘cold side’, while the white community swam in the ‘hot side,’” said Juana Williams, exhibitions curator at the UICA. “The difference in temperature was due to runoff from neighboring factories, and of course, the title of the exhibition refers to the mixing of the water to create warm water.”

A group of black teens had been out in the water on the “hot side,” when a white man threw rocks at them.

One of the teens, Eugene Williams, was killed. There was uproar in the black community.

“African-Americans

fought

back,”

said

Miranda Krajniak, executive director of the UICA. “So many injustices were happening to them, and this was a major

“This exhibition had to be emotional, and it was difficult.”

— Charles Edward Williams

22 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY UICA

point of fighting back.”

“A portion of Lake Michigan was unofficially segregated, allowing the black community access to only the ‘cold side’, while the white community swam in the ‘hot side.’”

— Juana Williams As violent acts against African-Americans became more and more prevalent in contemporary America, artist Charles Edward Williams felt compelled to tell this story.

“It was my last year of grad school, 2016-ish, where there were tons of police shootings and killings of black males, and my heart was just really crying from that,” Charles said. “So, I wanted to make work about it, and I remember listening to this YouTube video where Nina Simone was talking about how she doesn’t understand how an artist cannot reflect their time. That resonated with me.”

Charles has not only reflected the times by tying this historical event to the current cultural and political moment, but he also has reflected his own traumas with water by integrating them into his work.

“This exhibition had to be emotional, and it was difficult,” he said.

“I’m the best person to use for making that example because of my swimming accidents that I’ve had. I have found in my life, the more times that I share vulnerability, it makes people feel comfortable.”

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY UICA

Charles’ past works have a similar look and feel to those in the “Warm Water” exhibition. They often deal with issues of race, justice and human rights.

“Within my work, I have to — and I believe in my purpose — I have to present these stories,” he said. “To pose the questions and continue to remind us and question if we are doing what we need to do as human beings — as individuals. That’s where it does start.”

“Warm Water: New Works by Charles Edward Williams” will be showing at the UICA through April 28.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Local art galleries COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ CALVIN COLLEGE CENTER ART GALLERY: Student, faculty and alumni work, plus exhibits by visiting artists. Bees and beekeeping are central themes in “Bees: An Exhibition” by artists Craig Goodworth and David Hooker, on exhibit through April 27. Also, through July 31, “Hague School Paintings.” Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE, 526-6271, calvin.edu/centerartgallery.

Thru Apr. 27 1/ Calvin College hosts a beethemed exhibition.

2/ VAN SINGEL FINE ARTS CENTER: Changing exhibits by local artists. April 16 through June 2, “Walk on the Wild Side” by Hana Girdvainis Sawyer includes mixed-media art. Through April 14, “Edible” by Dianne Carroll Burdick, Leslie Lundquist-Victor, Sean Lancaster, Erika Townsley and Matthew Provoast; reception 2-3:30 p.m. April 14. 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, vsfac.com/programming/art-gallery.

3/ FRANCISCAN LIFE PROCESS CENTER: GUARDIAN GALLERY - GRAND RAPIDS: Through June 28, featured artist Richard Schaf. 654 Davis St. NW. GUARDIAN GALLERY - LOWELL: Through June 28, pastel and oil paintings by Dennis O’Mara, including “The Walk Over to the Paddock.”

11650 Downes St., 897-7842, lifeprocesscenter.org.

2/ Mixed media by Hana Girdvainis Sawyer at Van Singel.

Aquinas College Gallery: Work by students, faculty and visiting artists.

Thru April 5, Student Show. April 14May 11, B.F.A. Exhibition; reception 2-4 p.m. April 14. Art & Music building, 1607 Robinson Road SE, 632-8900, aquinas.edu/art/gallery.

The Artist’s Studio: Studio and gallery with work by Jim Starkey and Rose Ellis; also, custom framing. 40 Monroe Center NW, 454-6650, facebook.com/ theartistsstudio1.

Cascade Art Gallery: Work by regional, national and international artists, plus multimedia art, print collection, glass, sculpture, jewelry, custom framing and gifts. 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 949-4056, facebook.com/cascadeartgallery.

Fed Galleries @ Kendall College of Art and Design: Work by contemporary visiting artists. April 2-10, Master’s Thesis Exhibition 2019 Part I. April 16-27, Master’s Thesis Exhibition 2019 Part II. 17 Pearl St. NW, 451-2787, kcad.edu/galleries.

Flat River Cottage: Fine art, jewelry, antiques and home décor; also, paintings by Kathleen Mooney. 317 E. Main St., Lowell, 897-8601, flatrivercottage.com.

Flat River Gallery & Framing: Artist cooperative shows work in a variety of mediums, plus gifts, framing and 24 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center: Artistin-residence program offers exhibits by local and regional artists during the school year; also exhibits by Forest Hills Public Schools students and staff. April 11-May 17, Forest Hills Public Schools Student Exhibit; reception 6-7 p.m. April 18. 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 493-8965, fhfineartscenter.com.

Fountain Street Church Keeler Gallery: Art exhibits in a variety of mediums by visiting artists. 24 Fountain St. NE, 459-8386, fountainstreet.org/art.

Gallery 154: Eastown gallery shows local and national multimedia art, gifts and jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154.com.

GRCC Collins Art Gallery: Exhibits by visiting artists, faculty and students.

April 8-19, GRCC Annual Art Student Exhibition. 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, 2343544, grcc.edu/artgallery.

GVSU Art Galleries: Student artwork and exhibits by renowned artists.

Allendale campus: Through June 21, “2019 Selections from ‘fishladder’” at Kirkhof Center Gallery. Through June 21, “Plastination: The Art of Preservation” at Red Wall Gallery. April 1-5, “Storytellers/StoryMakers”; reception 5-7 p.m. April 4 and April 8-12, “Offerings: A Grade School Art Exhibit”; reception 10 a.m. April 11 at Padnos Gallery, Calder Fine Arts Center. April 8-11, “Export” Senior Graphic Design Exhibition at Haas Center for Performing Arts. 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, 331-2563. Pew Grand Rapids campus: Through June 21, “Water: Human Right or Commodity?” at Blue Wall Gallery.

Through June 21, “Selections from Mars: Astronomy and Culture” at West Wall Gallery. Permanent exhibit: “Mathias J. Alten: An Evolving Legacy” at George and Barbara Gordon Gallery.

DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton St., 3313638, gvsu.edu/artgallery.

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University: Work by students in graduate-level programs and special community projects. 17 Fountain St. NW, 451-2787, kcad.edu/ galleries.

Leep Art Gallery: Work by a variety of visiting artists. Through April 3, “Changing Seasons” by Carole Hunnes-Nielsen. Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th St. SE, pinerest.org/ leep-art-gallery.

Kruizenga Art Museum: Art from Hope College’s permanent collection and visiting exhibitions. Through May 11, “Once Were Nomads: Textiles and Culture in Baluchistan Exhibit.”

April 9-April 20, “Rembrandt Etchings Focus.” April 23-May 4, “Art and Fashion: Spring Collections Reveal.” April 25, Spring Reception, 5-7 p.m. 271 Columbia Ave., Holland, 395-6400, hope.edu/kam.

LowellArts: Changing exhibitions of works by Michigan artists. April 13May 18, “Artemis, Eve, Frigg and so on” and “See Us, Hear Us: Women’s Voices in Image and Word”; reception 2-4 p.m. April 14. 223 W. Main St., Lowell, 897-8545, lowellartsmi.org.

LaFontsee Galleries: 2D and 3D works by gallery artists, plus framing and restoration services. Also, Urban Craft Boutique with gifts, accessories and home décor. April 26-May 24, “Revive” group exhibition; also “Solo Installation” by Myles Bennett; reception 5-8 p.m. April 26. 833 Lake Drive SE, 4519820. lafontsee.us.

3/ Artwork by Dennis O’Mara is at the Guardian Gallery in Lowell.

MercuryHead Gallery: A variety of work by local artists. Also, gifts, photo restoration, digital printing on canvas and framing. 962 E. Fulton St., 456-6022, facebook.com/mercuryheadgallery.

Merizon Studio: Art, mirror and glass design, custom framing and limitededition prints by Armand Merizon.

9087 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia, 485-5752, merizonstudio.com.

Terryberry Gallery: Local and international art. Through April 1, “Three Artists Making Marks” by Jan McKinnon, David Thinger and Janine Zomermaand. April 3-29, “Evolving Perspectives” by photographers Lisabeth and Michael Margulus; reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 5. Lower level, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, scmc-online.org/visitterryberry-gallery.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts: Innovative, contemporary exhibits and installations. Through April 28, “Warm Water: New Works by Charles Edward Williams.” Through June 16, “Or Does It Explode?” by Manar Bilal, César Dezfuli, Brian Sokol and Maranie R. Staab. 2 W. Fulton St., 454-7000, uica.org.

Check websites for hours of operation.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CRAIG GOODWORTH (TOP); HANA GIRDVAINIS SAWYER (LEFT); DENNIS O’MARA (BOTTOM)

workshops. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, 987-6737, flatrivergalleryandframing.com.

BY SAM EASTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Crafting from chaos How Jim Torrey’s woodworking hobby became his full-time job.

J

im Torrey gets plenty of walk-ins at his

woodshop on Plainfield Avenue. Some of them marveling at the organized chaos — a half-finished dining room table there, a gnarled cross-section of lumber here, dozens of tools lining the walls — think the entire storefront must be an unfinished worksite. Others, knowing what they’ve found, are more envious.

“There are a lot of guys that come in that have woodshops at home, and so one of the funny comments I get is an older gentleman saying ‘Oh yeah, I wanted to do this when I retired,’” Torrey said. “And I’m like, well, 35, making it happen.”

A soon-to-be-married father of two with an easy laugh, Torrey is coming into his own as the founder of Rivertown Woodcraft, a custom wood furniture shop at 2456 Plainfield Ave. NE. First, it was just Torrey’s

hobby, but it’s grown from a handful of finished pieces a year to three or four every month, with a part-time employee and regular set of public woodworking classes to boot. Traverse City-bred but a Western Michigan University graduate, he jokes that he has a “perfect storm” of a background — from building cabinets in a mom-and-pop shop in Colorado to trend research and product design for Meijer.

Woodworking went from idle hobby to

Woodworking went from idle hobby to side hustle in 2014, and his big break came as The Sovengard — a West Side bar and restaurant — asked him multiple times for extensive woodwork.

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 25

art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

side hustle in 2014, and his big break came as The Sovengard — a West Side bar and restaurant — asked him multiple times for extensive woodwork. His shop on Plainfield opened in June, and now he follows his dream full time.

His shop is full of examples of his work, all in various stages of completion — there’s a wide, thin wooden wheel waiting to become a dining room table, and there’s a wall-mounted bike rack hanging at the

26 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

front of the shop. Torrey said he has sent his small items to buyers around the country, and his larger pieces to Chicago and around the Lower Peninsula.

Torrey said he has more than one revenue stream. He sells waxy wood polish by the tin for $4 (he made it himself), and he said he’ll charge a nominal fee for hobbyists to use his modest photo studio to showcase their products online. He offers a range of woodworking classes, too, attend-

ALIGN YOUR INVESTMENTS WITH YOUR VALUES

“There are a lot of guys that come in that have woodshops at home, and so one of the funny comments I get is an older gentleman saying ‘Oh yeah, I wanted to do this when I retired.’ And I’m like, well, 35, making it happen.”

— Jim Torrey ed by couples, woodwork enthusiasts and even a Girl Scout troop angling for its next badge. Projects range from succulent pots to candle holders to wine racks. An evening’s session costs between $35 and $85 per person, depending on the item.

Relatively speaking, Torrey hasn’t been in this business for long, but he already has a résumé of big projects. His proudest was completed this fall when he built the bar top for a beloved watering hole in Traverse City, where his father was a ski patroller at nearby Mt. Holiday during his childhood.

When the ski hill’s lounge needed an upgrade, Torrey found himself working for days to haul and install the new bar top piece by piece. No matter, though — he’s found himself where he wants to be.

“I sat in that bar with my dad as a kid, waiting to go home, and he’d have a beer,” Torrey said. “That one — when I got asked to build that, I was like, absolutely. I love this place.”

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g n i k l Wa t heRunway

BY SAM EASTER

KCAD students dream of making it in fashion industry.

28 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

“(The industry) is fast-paced, and so you need to be in tune with consumer trends and fashion trends.”

— Lori Faulkner APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 29

30 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Fashion show director and Kendall student Meaghan Newhouse

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (ABOVE AND TOP); COURTESY KCAD (RIGHT)

Model Sarah Kuhnert showcases kimono skull face.

“Allowing people to have unique pieces or different variants of design in their closet, to be able to express themselves or be able to present themselves as authentically as possible is what I find so intriguing.”

— Valentine Huizar

Nocturne - Fashion Studies Capstone Show 2017

T

he first thing that leaps out at Bodies of Art — Kendall College of Art and Design’s student fashion show — is the music. As the curtain at the Wealthy Theatre rises, an electronica band sends a dance beat thumping through the seated crowd, the kind of light, up-tempo stuff that soaks into the walls and stays there. “Buckle up,” it says, unmistakably. “You’re at a fashion show.”

The second thing is, of course, the fashion. Models stream out from stage right, one wearing a red kimono with a face made up like a bare skull; next there’s a flesh-colored dress speckled with tiny slits; then an outfit (a one-piece series titled Reina), complete with a sheer black cape transforming into a Latina queen.

The pieces are the brainchildren of KCAD students, many of whom are about to fling themselves into the fashion indus-

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 31

Lauren Talsma

Below: Fashion Studies student Jakayla Ford works on her outfit.

“Obviously, the hope is to be rich and famous. I think it’s what I like doing, and there’s nothing else that I would rather do. If I don’t end up being rich and famous, it’ll still be worth it, as long as I can still do it.”

— Harrison Eiferle

32 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (BOTTOM); COURTESY KCAD (TOP AND CENTER)

Fashion studies assistant professor Lori Faulkner works with studens Markiesha Weaver (bottom center) and D. Cavinder (bottom right).

try or one of its cousins, like cinematic costuming or various kinds of product design.

At the end of the show, they make an appearance, too, standing alongside models and soaking up the applause.

“Obviously, the hope is to be rich and famous,” KCAD junior and designer of the kimono dress Harrison Eiferle said moments before the show began while watching the stage preparations. He’d like to move to California when he graduates, hopefully to design costumes for movies and the theater. “I think it’s what I like doing, and there’s nothing else that I would rather do. If I don’t end up being rich and famous, it’ll still be worth it, as long as I can still do it.”

That’s the passion that animates KCAD’s students. They have already heard the skeptical questions about art school — What are you going to do with that? etc. —

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY KCAD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (BOTTOM); COURTESY KCAD (TOP AND CENTER)

and they’ve decided they don’t care. They’re not really in it for the money. Besides, the money is better than you think.

Most striking, though, is how deadly serious the students are about their work, talking about it less in terms of pop culture and more as the art of self-presentation.

Freshman Valentine Huizar talks about the “subtle psychological effect” an item of clothing can have on a first impression.

And he has no compunction waxing philosophic about the clothing choices he has on stage.

“Obviously, the reference to Frida Kahlo is kind of hinting to that idea of the Latino flair to businesswoman attire,” said Huizar, who designed Reina. “So something that makes a woman feel comfortable and opulent but still comfortable and able to work in — so that’s kind of the inspiration behind the whole theme.”

Lori Faulkner founded KCAD’s fashion studies program in 2011.

She has decades of experience in the industry, dating back to when fashion was growing into computer-assisted design.

Nowadays, the field has been transformed.

The industry is seeing new, experimental ideas, like a 2016 dress from New York City’s Met Gala, wired with lights and set to change color as social media comments shifted. That same year, Google announced Project Muze, a machine learning software it built with corporate partners in Europe that creates original fashion designs with a little prompting from users.

“We wanted to give (a) neural network the ability to make creative decisions, so we showed it the color, texture and style preferences of over 600 fashion experts,” the company said at the time. “Over time, it learned to connect those preferences back to other people with similar interests.”

Perhaps more importantly, online retail trends and troves of consumer data have accelerated the industry’s appetite for new products. GAP, for instance, tested a virtual dressing room in early 2017, allowing users to conjure an “augmented reality” mannequin on their phones that they can match with their own body type and dress with fashion from the store. “(The industry) is fast-paced, and so you need to be in tune with consumer trends and fashion trends,” Faulkner said. “... It’s very interesting, watching it happen, to seeing all this and saying, you know, you keep going in this direction, and where do you end up? When do I hit the fastest I can ever hit?”

Faulkner said that’s part of what KCAD helps students prepare for. But it’s about more than just pace — Faulkner said she takes a lot of pride in student immersion

Eva Chen illustration

and said she wants them to have all the hands-on experience they can get. She ticks off a list of things she’s proud of: connecting students with garments at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, designing costumes for the Grand Rapids Ballet, getting her students involved in a contest to design a costume for Elton John that, Faulkner brags, drew notice from the star himself.

But she said the same increasingly frenetic pace in fashion is garnering pushback — with a greater emphasis on the art and the craft that goes into a garment.

She pointed to techniques like “zero-waste design,” a nascent, environmentally friendly technique that minimizes the materials that a particular design discards.

So far, Faulkner has had success with her students, with 92 percent since the founding of the program working in the fashion industry — and more than that

“(The industry) is fast-paced, and so you need to be in tune with consumer trends and fashion trends.”

— Lori Faulkner

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 33

Above: Models Crystol Bracey and Xia Pimpleton take a selfie before going on stage at the fashion show at Wealthy Theatre.

34 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

Model Denise Garcia

employed, she said. There’s a lengthy bio on KCAD’s website of a student who went on to work on auto interiors. Program alumni are employed at companies from Steelcase to Shinola.

Matt Pozsgay is one of them. A fashion studies major who first started working with apparel after graduation, he now works in product development on Shinola’s watches. His understanding of the design and development process, he said, is what matters most for his career. It’s something he can easily transfer in the future to any product, be it bags or backpacks or apparel once again.

“We have our hands pretty much in every pot,” he said, recalling a variety of tasks, from gathering samples to helping design new straps for the company’s spring collection. “We’re pretty much the middle man in every department.”

These are the kinds of opportunities that students and faculty alike mention when they’re pressed about what happens after graduation. Like Faulkner’s placement rate implies, there’s more opportunity — even in Michigan — than most would believe. Pozsgay rattles off growing companies like Detroit Denim, or Détroit Is The New Black, which present even more opportunities for recent graduates.

In the years ahead, Faulkner said she sees the program leaning into a growing industry preference for painstaking care for a garment — “art” and “craft” over “fast fashion,” as she calls it.

“How do we make something that is unique — that’s never been made before? And we’re not going to get that by all this artificial intelligence. We’re not going to get it from data to pump back out,” she said. “We’re going to get that from unique visions from people, and creating with a purpose.”

That’s exactly what her students are ready to talk about.

“Allowing people to have unique pieces or different variants of design in their closet, to be able to express themselves or be able to present themselves as authentically as possible is what I find so intriguing,” Huizar said. “Personally, what I wear and what I have in my closet — that’s my palette, that’s my color story, that’s how I present myself. Doing that for others is great.”

GR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

“How do we make something that is unique — that’s never been made before?

And we’re not going to get that by all this artificial intelligence. We’re not going to get it from data to pump back out. We’re going to get that from unique visions from people, and creating with a purpose.”

— Lori Faulkner

THE HEALING POWER OF PLANTS Use plants to enhance your space and your health.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK

BY JULIE BONNER WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 35

Lauren Figueroa’s home is an example of how to utilize plants in interior design.

N

eed more green in your life?

Experts say we all do — green leaves, vines and stems. Introducing indoor plants into your living space is a burgeoning trend that promotes wellness while adding wonderful bursts of color and shapes throughout a room.

Just how mind-body-spirit enriching is being surrounded by nature, even indoors? Consider that medical facilities are investing in on-site gardens. Among the local leaders in this approach are The Cancer Center at Metro Health Village, where patients can receive their chemotherapy treatments in the beauty and peace of nature, and Mary Free Bed’s $1.3-million Therapeutic Healing Gardens project exists to enable patients to work with plants.

While many of us learned the most basic benefits of plant life in school — a plant takes in carbon dioxide and puts out oxygen — it was a ground-

36 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK (FAR RIGHT)

“NASA did this study, and they talked about how one spider plant could (help to) clear a room of ammonia and benzene.

Just one little plant makes a huge difference.”

— Katey Romence breaking study by NASA in 1989 that revealed the greater extent of how beneficial indoor plants are.

Seeking methods to detoxify the air in space stations, NASA researchers discovered simple indoor plants, like golden pothos or Boston ferns, help to clean the air in a home, reducing contaminants such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Katey Romence, co-owner and the third generation of familyowned Romence Gardens & Greenhouses, cites that study when asked about launching Romence Gardens’ recent venture: shipping indoor plants.

“People weren’t realizing how many chemicals are in our homes — the more cleaning products you use, it’s leaving trace elements in your house,” Romence said. “NASA did this study, and they talked about how one spider plant could (help to) clear a room of ammonia and benzene. Just one little plant makes a huge difference.”

Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, concurs about indoor plants naturally improving air quality.

“We know that because of the way plants respirate — they take in carbon dioxide, they release oxygen — any (plant) that will do well inside will cleanse the air,” he said. LaWarre noted the ben-

efits of keeping plants indoors don’t end there. “When it’s cold or dreary outside, it’s amazing the feedback we get from people when they come into our warm plant conservatory, just the refreshing, mental clarity (it offers),” he said.

Keeping with the Michigan climate, Romence Gardens & Greenhouses is shipping plants from approximately May through October to prevent plants from freezing in transit. It offers more than 10 varieties of indoor plants for shipping, available in 4-, 6- or 8-inch pot sizes.

“We’re focusing on a lot of indoor plants that are pet-safe. We’re also doing work with the best plants that are the best oxygenators,” Romence said, noting her own go-to plants for home are the neanthe bella palm or “parlor palm,” bird’s nest fern and peperomia. Another favorite topping her list is the spider plant, which she is quick to defend as one of the best indoor plant choices, though she hears people remark it’s outdated.

“Spider plants are cool because you can transplant them. With macramé coming back and people having places in their homes to hang plants — we (carry) so many cool galvanized things to hang plants — I’ve seen some really creative ideas,” Romence said.

In keeping with the mid-century modern feel of spider plants, Romence Gardens & Greenhouses has even begun offering workshops on how to make a macramé plant hanger.

G R E E N I N G YO U R S PA C E Another local proponent of indoor plants in interior design is Lauren Figueroa, founder and principal designer of Lauren Figueroa Interior Designs. Figueroa agreed with Romence, saying a hanging plant is a great way to bring in color and fill space, and the APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 37

“The three things I ask are: What light do you have to offer this plant? What’s your lifestyle? and What’s your previous experience with plants?”

— Alexiana Fry

“perfect” container can be the ideal accent.

“I feel like plants are sort of a timeless design feature,” Figueroa said, “and for me, they add that extra texture, color and design element I can’t get from a piece of furniture — they’re all unique textures, shapes, sizes. … I also like that they can add a consistent theme through a space, with that bright green color — I use a lot of neutrals, and that green can add a pop of color. What I love about it, too, is people in Michigan are inside so many months of the year, and plants can purify the air. I feel that’s valuable.”

Bearing in mind a home should reflect the client’s personality while honoring their lifestyle, Figueroa chats with clients to find out preferences: Does the client enjoy having plants in the home, and how much care are they open to providing for plants?

“Personally, I do love really eclectic spaces, and those spaces do lend themselves to plants,” Figueroa said.

She said she works with the rules of interior design such as “the rule of thirds,” in which an object should complement the larger object beside it by being about one-third its size, and the idea that in a room, a person’s eyes need “a place to go,” drawing on factors such as height and color. Some suggestions for incorporating indoor plants include smaller plants in interesting containers (Figueroa roams thrift stores for unique pieces for her own home), displayed on shelves beside a grouping of books or a framed piece, or group objects in odd-number combinations, ideally in threes, shown to be most appealing to the eye.

With so many furniture pieces in a room being square or rectangular (sofas, tables, beds, desks), a fun way to use a corner in a room to break up all those linear pieces is to place a tree there. The fiddle-leaf fig is especially popular currently, with large, shapely leaves.

38 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

“Sometimes you’re not going to get a plant that’s tall enough, but you can get an old trunk or plant stand to help fill that space,” Figueroa said, suggesting placing even a large tree on a trunk or plant stand behind an object that blocks the displayer but shows the upper portion of the plant at the desired height. “You want your eye to look around the room, so you want your eye to have things of different heights to look at. Is there an area in your room where your eye is not going?” Figueroa asked.

While Figueroa is known for her expertise in interior design and keeps indoor plants in her own home, when it comes to finding the best plant for a space’s location and light, she relies on James and Alexiana Fry, owners of Peace and Toil.

“It’s fun to work with Lauren,” Alexiana Fry said. “When you do what Lauren does, you get to know the people. She throws me things like what their lifestyles are. If they’re people who are home all day, I’d be inclined to get them a fiddle-leaf plant that requires a lot of care, if the person is a doctor and not home a lot, I’d suggest a snake plant.”

Like Figueroa, the owners of Peace and Toil make house calls and work hands-on in clients’ homes.

“The three things I ask are: What light do you have to offer this plant? What’s your lifestyle? and What’s your previous experience with plants?” Alexiana Fry said.

She laughingly admitted her home looks like a plant-hoarder house but just as quickly noted the air is always clean. Her greenhouse motif is the result of discovering the mood benefits she felt from being surrounded by indoor plants.

“Plants make people happy. It’s scientific. When I come in my house and (am surrounded) by green plants, it’s a mood boost,” she said.

GR

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK

Peace and Toil owner Alexiana Fry with customer Sarah Huizenga.

PET OWNERS B EWA R E For all their benefits to humans, some indoor plants are toxic to dogs and/or cats, having systemic effects or causing various degrees of gastrointestinal irritation. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ website aspca. org, the following are some of the plants that should be avoided in homes with pets:

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK

~ Aloe ~ Aluminum plant ~ Chives ~ Christmas cactus ~ Corn plant ~ Jade plant ~ Old man cactus ~ Sago palm ~ Variegated dieffenbachia ~ Velvet plant ~ Vining peperomia

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 39

Top: Beef Heart Tacos Inset: Old Fashioned (red) and Watermelon Lime Paleta Margarita with spicy salt Below: Anticucho Peruvian Beef Heart Vegetable Fusion

GLOBAL STREET FOOD is the focus of Roam by San Chez, and the globally inspired menu does not disappoint.

The restaurant, which is the second venture from San Chez owners, opened in March 2018.

In line with its concept, the menu does not offer entrées per se, but instead, you’ll find several shareable items under the categories of bites, soups and salads, veggies, skewers and proteins.

On a Friday evening, I visited Roam with a good friend in tow. It was my first visit since opening week — when I’d been impressed — so I was eager to see if the restaurant had maintained its quality and service. Spoiler alert: It had.

Throughout the night, our server was attentive and helpful. The restaurant décor helps to create a fun atmosphere that transports you beyond Grand Rapids. The tabletops are decorated in maps and the ceiling is covered in hanging lanterns. By the time you pay the check, you’ll surely be plotting your next great adventure.

I began the night with a virgin mojito ($5) — I’ve been curious about the increasing alcohol-free cocktails I’ve been seeing on local menus. I was happy to find the traditional rum hadn’t just been replaced by sugary syrup. The cocktail was very tasty and crisp just like a regular mojito.

First up, my dining companion and I shared a plate of the Hash Balls (U.S.A.; $10), which consist of hashbrown potatoes with cheddar cheese, smoked pork belly, green onion and cream cheese — fried crisp and served with cilantro-lime alioli.

The portion size was great for a starter course, but to be honest these were so good we could have easily ordered a second round of them. The pork belly and the cilantro-lime alioli really make this dish.

The Satay (Indonesia; $5 per skewer) came out next, followed closely by the Shakshuka (Israel; $10) and the Vegetable skewer (fusion; $5). The Shakshuka was the highlight of this trio. Made with two eggs baked in a rich cumin spiced stew of tomato, onion and peppers, it emerged from the kitchen in a cast iron skillet, and the heaping topping of feta cheese and sprinkling of cilantro created an appealing presentation. The only complaint with this dish was that there aren’t nearly enough pieces of pita bread accompanying it and additional pita bread is an upcharge. But you’ll need it to clean every last morsel from the skillet.

The Satay is another item that makes you want 40 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Let your taste buds roam the globe

dining review

BY IRA CRAAVEN

Chef Jameson Ewigleben

juicy lamb and the tangy cucumber sauce all but made up for the messiness of the dish.

We also ordered the meat pie (New Zealand; $10), a hearty, comfort food dish with ground lamb, carrots, peas, potatoes and gravy baked in a flaky pie shell. As a side to the meat pie, we ordered the Moroccan carrots (Morocco; $7), featuring cumin and cayenne-spiced carrots tossed with cilantro. A perfect complement for the meat pie that will have you gulping down water to combat the spiciness.

Next up, two dishes from China, the Jian Bing ($12) and green beans ($8). The Jian Bing was a crepe layered with egg, braised pork, pickled onion, soybean paste, sweet chili sauce, crispy wonton, scallions and cilantro — a delicious combination of flavors. The sautéed green beans were tossed in sweet and spicy soy sauce, topped with almonds and served inside a toasted bread cornucopia — a fun twist on the typical green beans.

to lick your plate. While the chicken on its own doesn’t have much going for it, the peanut sauce tastes like a light peanut butter and brings this dish to life. It comes with a heaping scoop of white rice with pickled onions on top.

The vegetables were the only item I wouldn’t order on a return trip. While the lemon dill sour cream sauce was tasty, the vegetables themselves were a bit bland and more than half of the vegetable mixture is onions, rather than the heartier roasted beets, carrots and fingerling potatoes.

We finished our evening with an order of Oliebollen (Netherlands; $6) — fried doughnuts — and vanilla bean gelato (Italy; $5). These two desserts paired well together with the warm and cold combination.

On a second visit during a quiet Monday evening, we again were delighted to receive great service from our waiter, who explained the restaurant’s theme to some of the newbies in our party of four. We started out with a couple of drinks, a red sangria ($7) and Mosquero, NM ($11), which featured Milagro silver tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, Finally, we sampled the Nakji simple syrup with a salt rim. The Horong (South Korea; $8) and the Above: Okonomiyaki: sangria was perfectly balanced and Okonomiyaki (Japan; $8). The Nakji Japanese cabbage refreshing, and the Mosquero was Horong, a charcoal-roasted octopus pancakes similar to a margarita but not overly tentacle cooked in a Josper oven with sweet — light and refreshing. a sweet and spicy Gochujang honey glaze, was For starters, we tried the Gua Boa (China; $4 charred to perfection. The Okonomiyaki featured each) and the large order of poutine (Canada; cabbage pancakes with carrot, scallion, pick$11). The doughy steamed bao, filled with pork led ginger, egg and pork belly and topped with belly, cabbage, pickled red onion and a spicy savory okonomi glaze, Kewpie mayo, nori and peanut sauce, offered a perfect combination bonito flakes. This dish was very flavorful, the of melt-in-your-mouth softness and satisfying okonomi glaze was rich and the kewpie mayo crunch from the cabbage. The poutine also was blended well. divine, as the gravy-covered fries topped with Overall, Roam is a unique offering in Grand Noella cheese didn’t get soggy even as we slowly Rapids that encourages you to try items from picked at the remaining bites. across the world that, unless you’re a world For the next part of the meal, we tried a little traveler, you likely wouldn’t get to taste anybit of everything. First up was the Doner Kebab where else. The portions are small enough (Germany; $11), featuring charcoal-roasted lamb that if you don’t care for something you don’t stuffed in a grilled pita with lettuce, tomato, pickfeel like you made a mistake ordering it, but led onion and cucumber sauce, very similar to a you can also fill up by ordering a reasonable Greek gyro. The pita bread fell apart a bit, but the amount of menu items.

GR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

By the time you pay the check, you’ll surely be plotting your next great adventure.

Roam by San Chez Address: 250 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: (616) 288-9129 Website: roambysanchez.com Dining ratings: Food: *** Service: **** Beverages: **** Atmosphere: **** Price: $$

Must try: Hash Balls

Not so much: Vegetable skewer

Guide to ratings: **** *** ** *

Exceptional Above Average Satisfactory Poor

¢ $ $$

Inexpensive (under $10) Moderate ($10-$20) Expensive (Over $20)

(Prices based on average entrée.)

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 41

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

dining listings A GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS IN GRAND RAPIDS AND BEYOND

The recommendations and reviews in the listings are the opinions of the editors.

Restaurants are included by virtue of overall quality. We have created symbols to area restaurant amenities, which are defined in a legend at the end of this listing (page 58).

1 Bun Restaurant — Build-your-own hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and sloppy Joes — all served on hot dog buns. Closed Sun. 2140 S Division Ave, 279-2943. Facebook. L, D ¢ 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. angelsthai cafe.com. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok Taste Cuisine — Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. L, D ¢-$ Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. L (SunFri), D ¢-$

Sun. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. the bullsheadtavern.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$

Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood in a fine dining atmosphere with views of the Grand River.

Gluten-free menu. Beer and extensive wine list. Sun brunch 10-2:30. Open daily. 63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com/charleyscrab. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ The Chop House — Aged prime beef, seafood, pork and lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6131. thechophousegrandrapids. com. D $$ City Built Brewing Co. – Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Ricaninspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com.

L, D $

Bistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh 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. bistrobella vita.com. L, D $-$$

FDivani — 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. D $-$$ Flanagan’s — Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence.

Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢ 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. L, D ¢

➧ 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. L, D $

Brick & Porter — Appetizers, burgers, salads and 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), L, D ¢-$

42 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

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. L, D ¢

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, 3562000. thebob.com/gillysrestaurant. D ¢-$

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/bob arinospizza. L, D ¢-$

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

– Lounge — Soups, salads, sandwichCitysen es, 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-rap ids. B, L, D ¢-$

GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant.

Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily.

Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/gp-spo rts. L, D $ Divani

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

Cinco De Mayo — Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar.

Open daily. 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayo1.com. L, D $

Grand Rapids Brewing Co. — Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-to-table menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewing company.com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$ Grand Rapids Garage Bar and Grill — “AllAmerican 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.

L, D ¢ Grand Woods Lounge — Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Year-round alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D ¢-$

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. L, D $-$$

The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck — Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-by-

wolfgang-puck. L, D

$-$$

FLeo’s — Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm Mon-Fri. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrest aurant.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$

Compassion

Forest View Psychiatric Hospital provides mental health services to individuals with compassion while respecting their dignity in a safe and supportive environment.

Take the first step, help is a call away.

800-949-8439

Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol.

Open daily. 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. L, D ¢-$ Jamaican Dave’s — Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. L, D ¢ J.D. Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge at The Boardwalk offers American, southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities. Outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. L, D ¢-$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

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, 4598824. jgardellastavern.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢ 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/judsons steakhouse. D $$ Juju Bird — Chicken-centered restaurant featuring comfort foods like buttermilk fried chicken, as well as sandwiches and “birdie cones.” Open daily. Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 258-8115. downtownmarketgr. com. L, D $

We offer free confidential assessments and referrals 24/7.

DEPRESSION ANXIETY EATING DISORDERS SUBSTANCE USE 1055 Medical Park Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

ForestViewHospital.com

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 43

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

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. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢

Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. 38 W Fulton St, 7748272. sanchezbistro.com. B, L, D $-$$

FSix.One.Six — Features new French cuisine in a cosmopolitan setting. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/din ing/six.one.six. B, L, D $-$$

Lucky Luciano’s — Fifty gourmet pizza options, whole or by the slice. Takeout, delivery available. Serves beer and wine. Open daily.

15 Ionia Ave SW, Suite 140, 356-4600. lucky lucianos.com. L, D ¢-$

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. slows barbq.com. L, D ¢-$

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. L, D ¢-$

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. B (Sun), L, D $ 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. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$ MudPenny — Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353. mudpenny.com. B, L, D ¢ New Hotel Mertens — French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era New Hotel Mertens. Seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. newhotelmertens. com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), B (Mon-Fri), L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$

Social Kitchen & Bar — Refined comfort food, sandwiches, pizzas, extensive cocktail menu. Vintage décor, patio. Open daily.

Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 7244464. socialkitchenandbar.com/grand-rapi ds.html. Brunch (Sat-Sun), L, D $-$$ Leo’s

sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestau rant.com. L, D ¢-$

Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$ FReserve — Wine bar offers extensive bythe-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr. com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ - 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. B, L, D $

One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetrick.biz. L, D ¢-$

Rockwell Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating.

Full bar. Open daily. 45 S Division Ave, 5513563. rockwellsrepublic.com. D $-$$

Osteria Rossa – Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Closed Sun. 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriaro ssa.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$

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/ru ths-chris-steak-house. L, D $$

Palace of India — Indian cuisine with a 44 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

San Chez Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées.

SpeakEZ Lounge — Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and glutenfree. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. L, D $ 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, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢-$ 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. L, D ¢-$ 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. wheelhousegrand rapids.com. L, D $-$$ 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, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$ Zoko 822 — Basque-inspired cuisine, featuring Northern Spanish and Southern French small plates, served family style; plus, “graband-go” lunch serviced through the Bodega 822. Full bar boasting over 45 selections of gin. Open daily. 822 Ottawa Ave NW, 8281118. zoko822.com. Brunch (Sun), L (MonSat), D $-$$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Marcona on Lyon — “Modern” Mediterranean cuisine, including appetizers, grilled skewers, falafel and more, as well as vegetarianand vegan-friendly options. Full bar. Closed Mon. 623 Lyon St NE, 828-1228. marcona onlyon.com. L, D $-$$

WEST SIDE Ando Asian Kitchen & 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. andoasiankitchen. com. L, D $ 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. L, D ¢ 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.

L, D ¢ OButcher’s Union — Meat-and-whiskeycentric gastro-pub. Full bar. Outdoor seating available. 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), L, D $

ly. 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroad distillers.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$

Maggie’s Kitchen — Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol.

Closed Sun and Mon. 636 Bridge St NW, 4588583. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing. com. L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D ¢ 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. one bourbongr.com. D ¢-$

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.

L, D ¢-$ 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. B, L, D $ 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. salvatores gr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ FThe Sovengard — Midwest meets Scandinavian spirit, with a focus on seasonal and local sourcing. Restaurant and outdoor beer garden in a historic West Side building. Open daily. 443 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. D $ Continued on page 48

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. B, L, D ¢ El Sombrero — Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorest aurantmi.com. L, D ¢ 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. har monybeer.com/harmony-hall. L, D ¢-$ 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. the holidaybargr.com. L, D ¢

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery — Dexterbased brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available.

Open daily. 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jolly pumpkin.com. L, D $ 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, 345-5642. newholland brew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), L, D ¢-$ Long Road Distillers — Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of house-made snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daiAPRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 45

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

OSCAR MORENO Title: Chef Location: 118 E. Fulton St.

MeXo introduces diners to the indigenous flavors of Mesoamerica with a modern touch.

Ancient ingredients

N

ightly, at MeXo Restaurant and Tequila Mezcal Bar, chef Oscar Moreno reaches for ingredients predating the arrival of the conquistadors in Mexico. Moreno’s pre-Hispanic Mexican cuisine blooms with rarely encountered ingredients — xoconostle cactus fruit (or prickly pear); pear-shaped chayote squash (from the gourd family); and cuitlacoche, a fungus that grows on maize, which most of us would scrap off not knowing it’s a delicacy.

Even the Mexican food that you’re familiar with looks dazzlingly different in Moreno’s hands. In a lava-rock molcajete, he mashes together guacamole topped with crushed fruits, microgreens and chile46 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

spiced jicama slices doubling as vegan “chips.”

Moreno’s pepper seed-spiced rabbit is perched on a plate with guajillo sauce, queso fresco, salsa cruda, fermented chayotes, Yucatán slaw and Aztec blue corn ash tamal. Here, the blue corn ash flirts with the pre-Hispanic tradition of nixtamalization — in which the corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution and then hulled. Moreno prepares fresh nixtamel throughout the day by grinding corn on a lava-stone tablet called metate and making tortillas on his comal griddle.

Moreno’s sirloin picadillo sopes is made with house-made masa shells and brims with red pico de gallo, green micro-

greens and bright queso fresco. The plating is spectacular as the sopes perch on a three-tier white stand that resembles the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, Mexico.

But the ancestral showstopper is his Caldo de Piedra, an Oaxacan stone soup in which the shrimp, salmon, mahi-mahi, mussels and epazote are literally cooked with river rocks.

Moreno improves everything that comes his way. He even flavors his Mexican coffee with Mexican cinnamon, star anise, cloves and piloncillo cone (a raw Mexican sugar) to brew a remarkable French press coffee reminiscent of “the traditional Mexican coffee that my mom made in a terracotta pot,” said Moreno, who has called Michigan home for 22 years.

“I want people to understand the indigenous flavors of Mexico,” said Moreno, whose boyhood in Puerto Vallarta imprinted on his heart and palate that cooking is a journey. In his hometown, they butchered their own meat, fished and cooked the day’s catch on the beach using coconut shells as charcoal, foraged for wild greens and shopped at tianguis (open-air markets).

Head chef when Serafina’s Italian Bar & Grille in Holland closed its doors a few years ago, Moreno landed at Sandy Point Beach House in West Olive, where he connected with restaurateur Peter Krupp of CDKI Holdings. He presented his idea for a restaurant that combined the best of Mesoamerica and Mexico’s complex culinary traditions.

Eight months ago, they transformed Brian’s Books into a sophisticated spot with a tall ceiling, gorgeous windows, Frida

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

But the ancestral showstopper is his Caldo de Piedra, an Oaxacan stone soup in which the shrimp, salmon, mahi-mahi, mussels and epazote are literally cooked with river rocks.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Kahlo-inspired artwork and select varietals of mezcal, tequila’s less tame cousin.

At MeXo, Moreno celebrates “the magic of the Mesoamerica,” which means Middle American, and stretches from the pyramids of Mexico to northern Peru. “The Mayans, Totlecs and Aztecs all figured out how to prepare and preserve the food that surrounded them,” Moreno said. “Everything was completely gluten-free and dairy-free because they didn’t have cows, goats or anything like that until the colonists came.”

At MeXo, Moreno eschews “English cheddar, sour cream, white flour and all that frying.” Instead, he grows a mamey tree with giant berries, stalky agave, spiky aloe vera, prickly pear cactus and more in his basement restaurant greenhouse. Nearby, in his prep kitchen, gallon-sized Ziploc bags of chile peppers and Mexican herbs dangle from the brick wall like an art installation. Moreno infuses all that vivid freshness into his reimagined Mexican food and seasons it with tequesquite salt — a gray alkaline mineral salt mined in Mexico.

If you’re after a sweet ending, do not pass up Moreno’s spoonable desserts that deliver a tender deliciousness, including guava requesón cheesecake with Goya Maria cookie crust and chayote bread pudding with achiote caramel. A wedge of Aztec flourless chocolate torte is painterly pretty with molecular raspberry sauce and jam of tomatillo and xoconostle.

And bring the kids because his children’s menu recreates the home cooking of his boyhood, with flautas, char-grilled sirloin and more. Moreno likes the children’s menu so much that he often orders from it himself. “The whole point of my menu is to bring you a taste of traditional Mexico, the real Mexico that I grew up in,” Moreno said.

To that end, he hosts a monthly preHispanic dinner series highlighting Mesoamerica’s titans as well as seasonal celebrations that highlight Frida Kahlo’s birthday, Cinco de Mayo and Dia de Los Muertos.

“I feel like this is part of my mission,” said Moreno, pulling out a poem by philosopher king Nezahualcoyotl, born in 1402.

“One does not live forever on this earth: We endure only for an instant,” Moreno read.

Surely at MeXo, Moreno’s pre-Hispanic Mexican cuisine is indeed an ode to Mesoamerica’s gastronomy.

Oscar Moreno’s MeXo Salmon a la Veracruzana (serves 6)

Veracruz sauce 6 Roma tomatoes, cored and scored at the bottom 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) olive oil or grapeseed oil

¼ teaspoon minced capers 2 tablespoons sliced olives, preferably Spanish olives 1 teaspoon sea salt

½ cup of julienned Spanish onion

¼ teaspoon black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper julienned, ¼-inch strips

3 bay leaves

1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley for garnish

½ teaspoon dried oregano

Salmon fillets 6 (6-ounce) fresh salmon fillets

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Grapeseed or canola oil for sautéing

4 cloves garlic minced

For plating, hot cooked rice and vegetables of your choice.

Sauce preparation: For the Veracruz sauce, in a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Carefully place all six tomatoes in the boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes. Fill a big bowl with ice water and set aside. Transfer the blanched tomatoes to the ice bath. Once the tomatoes have chilled a bit, easily peel the skin off the tomatoes and core.

In a blender, place three of the whole peeled and cored tomatoes. Next, squeeze the juice and seeds of the remaining three tomatoes into the blender. Blend and reserve the mixture.

Cut those remaining three tomatoes into ¼-inch strips and set aside.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan and add the onion. Cook the onion until translucent, then add garlic, bay leaves, dried oregano, capers, Spanish olives, sea salt and black pepper to the pan. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add blended tomato mixture and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in sliced tomato and bell pepper; keep warm.

Salmon fillets Meanwhile, heat oven to 400 degrees. In a sauté pan, heat grapeseed or canola oil and cook salmon skin side down until skin is crispy and releases from pan. Flip the salmon to flesh side down and throw pan in the oven, uncovered. Let salmon cook 5 to 8 minutes. Remove salmon from oven and return the sauté pan (with salmon) to the stove burner. On medium-high heat, add butter and minced garlic to pan. Using a spoon, baste the salmon with the butter and garlic.

For plating, pull a salmon fillet from pan and place on a plate with cooked rice and vegetables of your choice. Ladle the heated Veracruz sauce over the top of the salmon and sprinkle with chopped herbs.

— JAYE BEELER APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 47

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

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. L ¢-$

Westside Social — “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, housemade 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. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$

UPTOWN

and tortas in a former 1920s service station.

Full bar. Open daily. 665 Wealthy St SE. don keygr.com. B (Sat-Sun), L, D ¢-$

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. eastwest brewingcompany.com. L (Fri-Sat), D ¢-$ Eklectico Greek Kouzina — Scratch-made traditional Greek entrées, gyros, desserts and more. Catering and take-out available.

Closed Sun. 2401 Eastern Ave SE, 591-2132. eklecticogreekkouzina.com. D ¢

Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu with an Forty Acres Soul Kitchen

Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India.

Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycui sine.com. L, D $

Curry Kitchen — Authentic Indian cuisine.

Daily lunch buffet. Kids menu. Takeout.

Open daily. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 2421300. currykitchengr.com. L, D $ 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. danzon cubano.com. L, D $

FDonkey Taqueria — Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas 48 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

The Green Well Gastro Pub — Menu features comfort fare with a flair, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808-3566. thegreenwell.com. L, D $-$$ FGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course offerings. Vegan menu available. Full bar. Open daily. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant. com. L, D $$

Jonny B’z — Beef, turkey and veggie hot dogs available, as well as burgers, sandwiches, wings, ribs and kids menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 701 Wealthy St SE, 551-1108. jonnybz. com. L, D $

Brick Road Pizza — Traditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (gluten-free crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpiz za.com. L, D ¢-$

Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare.

Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available.

No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. L, D ¢-$

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, 4582704. L, D $

Harmony Brewing Co. — Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Open daily. 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. L, D $

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. L (Sat-Sun), D $-$$

Brown Butter Creperie & Café — Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. 1436 Wealthy St SE, 288-5038. brownbuttercrepes.com. B, L, D (Wed-Sat) ¢

tic 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. gojo ethiopiancuisine.com. L, D $

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. L, D ¢ emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available.

Open daily. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), L, D ¢-$

Elk Brewing Co. — Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢ Erb Thai — Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol.

Open daily. 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. L, D ¢ FForty 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. L, D $ Gojo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli — Authen-

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. L, D $-$$ Matchbox Diner & Drinks — Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry-out available. Open daily. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com.

B, L, D $ FTerra — 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), L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ ➧ 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. D ¢

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Continued from page 45

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

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. B, L, D ¢-$

Donkey Taqueria

Wikiwiki Poke Shop — Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials. Carry-out available. Closed Sun. 1146 Wealthy St SE, 288-5646. wikiwikipoke shop.com. L, D ¢-$ 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.

B (Sat-Sun), L, D ¢-$ Yesterdog — Specializes in the “good oldfashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢

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. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$ 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. D $ Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. Open daily. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 3013236. derbystation.com. L, D $ 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. L, D $ 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. L, D ¢-$ 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 50 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

SE, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L (TueFri), D ¢-$

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. L, D $

SOUTHEAST GRAND RAPIDS/ KENTWOOD 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$$ 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. L, D Asian Palace — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 141 28th St SE, 534-7770.

Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. 16 28th St SE, 2450494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $ 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. bigessports grill.com. L, D ¢-$

Brass Ring Brewing — Small-batch, stylespecific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. L, D $ Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos. com. L, D ¢-$ Cantina Mexican Grill — Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drivethru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily.

2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantina mexicangrill.biz. L (Sun-Thu), D $ 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. daddy petesbbq.com. L, D ¢-$ East Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol.

Open daily. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. L, D ¢-$ 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. elarri eromexicangrill.com. L, D ¢-$ El Globo Restaurant — Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Florentine Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Lounge — Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. Towne & Country Shopping

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

➧ 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. L, D $$

Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$

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.com/ gandersgr. B, L, D ¢-$$ Golden Gate — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D ¢

Pal’s Indian Cuisine — Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol.

Open daily. 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsin diancuisine.com. L, D $ Pho Anh Trang — Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 2469966. L, D ¢-$ Pho Soc Trang — Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily.

4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. L, D ¢-$

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. L, D $

Pietro’s Italian Restaurant — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. L, D $

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. hall streetbakery.com. B, L, D ¢-$

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. L, D $-$$

India Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. 3760 S Division Ave, 2431219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D ¢-$

Shiraz Grille — Authentic Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, vegetarian options. Full bar. Closed Mon. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 9497447. shirazgrille.com. L (Fri-Sun), D $-$$

La Taqueria San Jose — Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 1338 S Division Ave, 284-2297.

Facebook. L, D ¢

Sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni. net. L, D ¢-$$

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. thelast chancetavern.com. L, D ¢

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. tokyo grillsushi.com. L, D ¢-$ Village Inn Pizza & Sports Grille — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$ 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.

L, D $ Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. Open daily.

4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

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. blueginger kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$

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. mik adogr.com/main. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

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. L, D ¢-$

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.

L, D ¢-$

Mi Tierra — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D ¢

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiex pressgr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢

SOUTHWEST GRAND RAPIDS

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. L, D ¢-$

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. L, D ¢-$

Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. 2055 28th St SE, 4520065. nuthaibistro.com. L, D ¢-$ 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. B (Mon-Fri), L, D ¢-$

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. B, L, D ¢

Terra

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. L, D ¢-$ Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 51

pints of interest

BY PAT EVANS

Putting the planet first SUSTAINABILITY ISN’T EASY, but the brewing industry is among the leaders in thinking about and vocalizing its efforts.

While those efforts don’t always land, the failures only further future endeavors. Take New Holland Brewing’s 2015 announcement it would use 100 percent Michigan ingredients by 2016.

The brewery discovered in early 2018 the 100 percent Michigan pledge was a tad too ambitious and hampered the ability to brew a diverse enough selection of beers to satisfy customers, according to Adam Dickerson, New Holland field marketing director.

The pledge was made before New Holland opened the Knickerbocker in downtown Grand Rapids, and Dickerson said Grand Rapids beer fans have proved to desire a more eclectic mix of beers made with a range of flavors, while those in Holland generally are happy to try a few new beers while falling back on old favorites, like Mad Hatter IPA. Dickerson said the selection of Michigan hops and malts were the roadblock, however, New Holland — and many of the state’s hundreds of other breweries — are working with hop growers to better source in the future.

Using local ingredients helps support the local economy and helps cut down on carbon footprints by reducing delivery distances.

Brewery Vivant has been a driver of sustainability in the entire beer industry, driven by co-owner Kris Spaulding. Each year, the Cherry Street brewery releases a Beer the Change report 52 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

that details its efforts.

Among the most notable sustainable endeavors for Brewery Vivant was the addition of 192 solar panels on the roof of its building. Despite being a significantly smaller footprint operation than many of the thousands of other breweries in the U.S., the array is believed to be the 31st largest in the brewing world, according to Kate Avery, Brewery Vivant’s director of sales and marketing.

Brewery Vivant will open a second location this year in Kentwood, which will feature many of the same sustainable concepts as the original, Avery said.

Water is the most important natural resource for beer, and the brewing industry as a whole is taking great steps to protect the water supply, particularly the Great Lakes.

Many breweries, like Founders Brewing, one of the largest in the country, find as many ways as possible to recapture and reuse water.

Due to its significant size, Founders has set serious goals to reduce its water and electric usage, per barrel brewed and divert more than 90 percent of the waste the company produces away from landfills.

The city of Grand Rapids also has invested heavily in creating a biodigester at the Water Resource Recovery Facility to help convert a growing volume of wastewater — thanks in large part to the significant growth of Founders the past decade — into energy.

New Holland is taking the initial steps in building a wastewater treatment facility for its production facility in Holland. It should be ready in 12-16 months, Dickerson said.

Breweries across the U.S. are stepping up and helping shape how other companies think about sustainability, and in West Michigan, it’s no different. Each and every day, many of the breweries, including the region’s largest, are thinking about how best to limit their negative impacts on the globe.

“We’re always actively seeking ways to improve,” Dickerson said. “We are focused on being as sustainable as possible.”

— Pat Evans wrote the book “Grand Rapids Beer.” He also writes nationally on beer and spirits.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

“We’re always actively seeking ways to improve. We are focused on being as sustainable as possible.”

— Adam Dickerson

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily.

627 28th St SW, 531-2800. L, D $

Kitzingen Brewery — German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed SunMon. 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingenbrewery.com. L, D ¢-$ Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano — Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 1742 28th St SW, 261-2280. lindomexicogr.com.

L, D ¢-$ 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. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Main Street Pub — Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D ¢-$ 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, 5309700. monellis.com. L, D ¢-$ ➧ 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. B, L $

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

➧ 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. petesgrilland tavern.com. L, D $

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.

L, D ¢ 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. spec trumlanes.com. B (Mon-Sat), L, D $

NORTHEAST GRAND RAPIDS 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. L, D ¢-$ Birch Lodge — Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily.

732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook.

L, D ¢

Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. freds italian.net. L, D ¢-$

Fuji Yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabis ¢-$ tro.com. L, D 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. goldenwok grandrapids.com. L, D ¢-$

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. L, D $-$$

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. L, D ¢-$

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. L, D ¢-$

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. graydonscross ing.com. L, D $

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. charlies barandgrille.com. L, D ¢-$

Gus’s Original — Appetizers, salads and soups, stone-oven pizzas, gourmet sandwiches; coffees and ice cream bar. Outdoor seating. No alcohol. Open daily. 3123 Leonard St NE, 805-5599. gussoriginal.com.

B, L, D ¢

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. B, L, D ¢

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, 649-0407. jakusushi.com. L, D $

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. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢-$

Kitchen 67 — Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers.

Open daily. 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 2723778. kitchen67.com. L, D ¢-$

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. L, D ¢-$ Erb Thai Xpress — Thai fare for takeout only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 820 Michigan St NE, 454-0444. erbthaigr.com/erbthai_xpress. html. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢

La Huasteca — Homemade recipes, vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook.

L, D ¢ Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net.

L, D ¢-$

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. L, D ¢-$

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. L, D $

Fred’s Italian Restaurant — Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed

Lucy’s Café — Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 53

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

plates. Open daily. 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. B, L $-$$

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. millcreektavern gr.com. L, D ¢-$

Rezervoir Lounge — Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily.

1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge. com. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$ Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 3646266. riograndsteakhouse.com. L, D $-$$

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. L, D ¢-$

The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. the score-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$

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. thegilmorecollec tion.com/nickfinks. D $

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. L, D $

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. L, D $

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. L, D $

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. L, D $-$$

Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar features local beers/wines. Open daily. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twisted-rooster.com. L, D ¢-$$

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, 4477750. eatatreds.com. L, D $-$$

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. L, D (Mon-Sat) $-$$

NORTHWEST GRAND RAPIDS FAmore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. Housemade desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrat toriaitaliana.com. D (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. L, D ¢-$ China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. L, D ¢-$ DeHop’s Brewing Co. and Café — Specialty and build-your-own burgers, “authentic Mexican” tacos, salads and sharable appetizers. Closed Sun-Mon. 363 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, 805-3363. dehops.com. D $ Empire Chinese Buffet II — All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol.

Open daily. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. L, D ¢-$ Franco’s Pizza — Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. D ¢-$ 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. D ¢-$ Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — PanAsian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsu premebuffet.letseat.at. L, D ¢

Hunan Chinese Restaurant — Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. L, D ¢-$ 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. B, L, D $ Amore Trattoria Italiana 54 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

Linear — Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Home Team Grill — Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill.word press.com. L, D ¢-$

The Sovengard

Walker Roadhouse — Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 7919922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $

ADA/CASCADE/LOWELL Ada Pour House — Fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a twist on comfort food. Salads, sandwiches and entrées, including fish and steak. Craft beers and wine. Closed Sun. 6749 E Fulton St, Ada, 920-7941. pourhouse usa.com. L, D $-$$ Aryana Restaurant & Bar — Comfortable dining room in Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana. com. B, L, D $-$$ Big Boiler Brewing — Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and cider.

Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboil erbrewing.com. D $

fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 2004343. linearrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$

Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. mrgyros drivethru.com. L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D ¢

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

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. standi egogr.com. L, D ¢-$ Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel. com. B, L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D ¢-$

The Blue Moose Sports Pub — Farm-totable sports bar features a food menu made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. 6240 28th St SE, 734-6333. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 2597439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. L, D ¢-$ 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. cork wineandgrille.com. L, D $-$$ Dan’s Diner — Formerly Pal’s Diner. Retrostyle diner with both classic and upscale breakfast and lunch options; breakfast served all day. Beer, wine and vodka. Closed Mon. 6503 28th St SE, 719-0304. dansdinergr.com.

B, L, D ¢-$ Emonae Korean BBQ — Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. 6246 28th St SE, 649-3984. emonaekoreanbbq. com. L, D $-$$ The Euro Bistro — European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, woodfired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. euro

bistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D

$-$$

Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building. Comfort food, woodfired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. the gilmorecollection.com/flatriver. L, D $-$$ Holland & Fitz Delicatessen — Deli sandwiches with in-house baked bread featuring corned beef hash and pork shoulder. Breakfast and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 7277 Thornapple River Dr SE, Suite B, 9207090. hollandandfitzdelicatessen.com. B, L, D $

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. L, D ¢-$$ La Laguna — Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu.

No alcohol. Open daily. 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Little Bangkok — Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr. com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Main Street BBQ — Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork.

Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D $-$$ Mynt Fusion Bistro — Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$ Ning Ye — Family-owned restaurant serves Chinese and Korean fare. No alcohol. Open daily. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676-5888. ningye.info. L, D $ 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. L, D $ Nonna’s: The Trattoria — Fresh, Europeanstyle pastries, salads, soups and entrées APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 55

cocktail hour

BY TORRENCE R. O’HAIRE

The 20th Century 1 ounce dry gin (Beefeater is my go-to here) ¾ ounce Lillet Blanc ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice ½ ounce White crème de cacao (Marie Brizard is my favorite here; Tempus Fugit also is lovely) Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin. Fill with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass and garnish with a lemon twist. Next stop, New York City.

IN 1902, THE FIRST LUXURY train line from Chicago to New York City departed its station, full of crushed red velvet and cocktail-sipping aristocrats — The Twentieth Century Limited. In honor of this cross-country connection, an NYC bartender named his newest cocktail creation to hopefully toast a carload of guests who just arrived from the Windy City. Thus was born my favorite cocktail: The 20th Century.

The 20th Century is a masterpiece of balance — that’s why it’s a favorite of mine. I half-

jokingly say, “I don’t want to drink a 20th Century unless it’s made by someone who already likes it and knows how to make it.” At first glance, it’s a little confusing: gin, lemon, Lillet — a floral, bitter aperitif wine — and crème de cacao (chocolate liqueur). So if at first glance you turn up your nose at what assumedly would be sour chocolate wine, you’d be justified.

So how do these disparate ingredients come together in a way that makes my favorite cocktail? It’s a lesson in two simple concepts for cocktail construction: ingredients and balance.

Ingredients seem interchangeable in cocktails — after all, gin is gin, right? Hardly. Spirits and liqueurs vary widely in quality, intensity and style of flavor, so just because you have a “favorite brand” or found a “good price” on a bottle doesn’t mean it will work in every recipe calling for it. In this cocktail, the crème de cacao is a trap. Buy a cheap, dark brown, chocolate syrup liqueur, and the 20th Century will never leave the station.

However, well-made crèmes de cacao usually are quite subtle in their “chocolateyness,” with gentle vanilla sweetness. To the “practical domestic,” it would seem silly to buy a more everyday-quality gin and spend heavy on a fancy liqueur, but in this (and many other) cocktails, it makes all the difference.

With a subtle, gentle crème de cacao, the spice and floral notes of the Lillet make much more sense, and then cloaked in an earthy, spicy gin, you can see the cocktail starting to come to life.

When constructed well, a 20th Century is more than the sum of its parts — a refreshing gin sour, yes, but the Lillet keeps it a little lighter, less sweet and less boozy. Then, as you swallow and exhale, you’re left with a phantom aroma of cocoa and vanilla.

So give this classic cocktail a try and recognize that sometimes if these vintage recipes don’t taste quite right, it’s not necessarily yours (or the recipe’s) fault — keep an eye on the right ingredients and you’ll find that luxurious balance.

— Torrence R. O’Haire, of The Starving Artist, is a chef, entrepreneur and restaurant consultant specializing in wine, spirits and cocktails. He also founded the Grand Rapids Cocktail Guild.

56 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

A trip on The 20th Century Limited

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch Tues-Sat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. B, L, D (TueSat) ¢-$

Grove

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. D $-$$ Osaka Steakhouse & Japanese Restaurant — Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabushabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. 4977 28th St SE, 419-4628. Facebook. L, D $ Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar — Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororam enbar.com. L, D ¢-$ Schnitz Ada Grill — Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 6824660. schnitzadagrill.com. L, D ¢-$$ Shepards Grill & Tavern — Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily.

6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ 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. L (Sat), D $ 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, 2843664. trailheadcafegr.com. B, L ¢

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Vintage Prime & Seafood — Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintage atcork.com. D $$ Zeytin — Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin turkishrestaurant.com. L, D $

GRANDVILLE/HUDSONVILLE/ GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP Bangkok Taste — Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 674 Baldwin St, 667-8901. bangkoktaste. com. L, D ¢-$ The Dungeon — Mexican food and Ameri-

can favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily.

3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢-$

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, 530-9470. elburritoloco4.com. L, D ¢-$ 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. villadun geon.com. L, D ¢-$ Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hud sonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D ¢-$ Rainbow Grill — Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158

Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbow grillmichigan.com. B, L, D ¢-$

Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily.

Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro. com. L, D $ 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. L, D ¢-$

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, 874-7290. thegilmorecollection.com/bost wick. L (Sat-Sun), D $-$$ 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. bouldercreekgolf club.com/restaurant. L, D ¢-$ 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. L, D $ APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 57

food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven. com. L, D $-$$ Honey Creek Inn — Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. L, D ¢-$ Hot Box BBQ — Smoked brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, brisket and more. Closed Sun. 110 Courtland St, Rockford, 951-7160. Facebook.

L, D $

Marinades Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro. com. L, D ¢ 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. ramonas table.com. L, D ¢-$ 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), L, D ¢-$ Timbers Inn — Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar.

Open daily. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. L (Wed-Sun), D ¢-$

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. B, L $ 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. arniesres taurant.com. B, L, D $ ➧ 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, 2357500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 58 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

Clyde Park Ave SW, 249-9500. bagelbeanery. com. B, L, D ¢

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. L, D $ First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstwokgr. com. L, D $ ➧ Grand Coney — Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. 809 Michigan St. NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 930-3596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. B, L, D ¢

Herb & Fire Pizzeria — Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria. com. L, D $ HopCat — Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature crack fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Peppino’s Pizzeria and Sports Grille — Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily.

Dining Guide Legend Grand Rapids Magazine has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers.

B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner ¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)* $ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — Expensive (over $20)* * Prices based on average entrée.

- — Reviewed in this issue — Chef Profile in this issue ➧ — New listing O — GRM’s 2018 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2018 Dining Award Winner Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email cdewey@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza. com. L, D ¢-$$

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. L, D ¢ Real Food Café — Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and madefrom-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.

B, L ¢ ➧ Red Geranium — Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW. 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. B, L ¢

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. sun dancegrill.com. B, L, D (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. B, L, D ¢ Tacos El Cuñado — Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Open daily. 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-8000; Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW. tacosgr.com. L, D ¢-$ ➧ 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. B, L ¢

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, 7355520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes.

Full bar. 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitales ada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 6622244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales.com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

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Staycations

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T

TUCKED IN EVERY CORNER of our great state are serene, small towns and bustling, big cities just waiting to be explored. Why get on a train or plane when everything those faraway places promise is right here in the Mitten?

From activity-filled family getaways to distinctly adult escapes, these destinations deliver. Splash in the Great Lakes or hang out poolside; sip a peninsular wine or sample a craft beverage; learn a little about history or a lot about science, technology and art. Indoors or out, up north or a stone’s throw south, make your next vacation a pure Michigan yay-cation.

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T WO COURSES, TWO ANNIVERSARIES AT GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA “Our team tried to maintain the natural beauty of the land and make it the best we could while being environmentally conscious,” Player said.

Using multiple sets of tee options to offer a variety of length and angles, The Wolverine is fun and playable for high handicappers, yet can be set up to challenge the best pros in the state.

S PR UCE R U N Spruce Run launched destination golf at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in 1979.

Water comes into play on 13 holes, and the fairways are lined with spruce and fir trees as they wind throughout rolling hills.

Newcomb’s summation describes the overall feel of both anniversary courses well.

“What I remember primarily was how good the land was for a golf course,” Newcomb said. “There was a valley running through it and some interesting golf course topography. You could see right away you didn’t need to move a lot of earth around — just pick the best of the topography and you had an excellent golf course.”

For more information, visit grandtraverseresort.com/golf.

T

he Wolverine and Spruce Run hit big milestones in 2019.

Perhaps world golf hall of fame pro Gary Player said it best. Discussing his only signature course design in the state of Michigan — The Wolverine at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa — he said he aimed to “make golf more enjoyable by designing wider fairways and not making the greens too undulating.

Challenging, flexible and yet fun for all.”

Countless others will agree as the iconic course observes its 20th year in 2019.

The resort’s Spruce Run Golf Course also is celebrating a big milestone. It’s been 40 years since former University of Michigan golf coach-turned-architect Bill Newcomb designed the par-70 course.

“We achieved a very golfer-friendly course that also helps the golfer enjoy the North,” Newcomb said. “That was, pure and simple, the intent for those 18 holes.”

The two courses are a perfect contrast to the resort’s third option, which many consider one of the toughest courses in Michigan: The Bear, designed by Jack Nicklaus.

T H E WO LV E R I N E Player’s course takes full advantage of the diverse terrain at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The front nine begins high above with a huge drop off on the first tee before navigating in and around natural wetlands.

The back nine are constructed throughout hardwoods on rolling hills with views of East Grand Traverse Bay.

Celebrate with us!

Under new management and located at M6 & US131.

Crossroads Conference Center can do it all!

• Bridal Showers

• Birthday Parties

• Rehearsal Dinners

• Baby Showers

• Weddings Ceremonies

• Graduation Parties

• Wedding Receptions

• Reunions

• Quinceañeras

• And More!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY New birthday party packages now available - include an overnight stay!

616-871-9700

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HEAD SOUTH THIS SPRING WITHOUT LEAVING GRAND RAPIDS

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hat’s right: Holiday Inn Express South is the weekend getaway hotspot that families all over the city are flocking to.

Conveniently located at the U.S. 131 and M-6 interchange, it’s just a short drive before you’ll be relaxing poolside while the kids romp in the Little Dip Splash Pad. The 10,000-square-foot indoor pool area is a family favorite — especially for kids 10 and under — with its mini slides, Vortex pool and zero depth toddler area, plus a heated pool and whirlpool that adults love.

When it’s time to dry off, there’s more fun in store for overnight guests.

Take in family movie time on Friday and Saturday nights, complete with an ice cream sundae buffet. Then rise and shine the next morning with a complimentary, hot continental breakfast, including world-famous cinnamon rolls, 100 percent Arabica bean coffee and a variety of rotating hot and cold entrées.

And if you happen to indulge your sweet tooth a bit — and how can you resist?! — hop over to the on-site fitness center to

get in your daily steps or a couple of good stretches with the newly added yoga gear.

Though most guests choose to stay overnight or the whole weekend,

sometimes a day trip is all the escape you need. Holiday Inn Express South offers affordable, five-person passes Sunday through Thursday, except during spring break, to groups who want to enjoy the pool without renting a room. Have a little one’s special day coming up? Leave the work to us! Birthday party packages without an overnight stay are one of our more popular family activities.

No matter how you stay — for the weekend or the day — our friendly staff are waiting to welcome you.

Ready to take your next mini vacation to the max? Visit us soon at Holiday Inn South!

Mackinaw CITY

! s k r o w Fire

MACKINAW CITY

Every Friday Night at Dusk Over Lake Huron

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau 800-666-0160 • mackinawcity.com

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MACKINAW CITY MICHIGAN ’S FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION!

F

rom the breath taking Mackinac Bridge to the one-of-a-kind Mackinac Island the Mackinaw Area boasts attractions and tours that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

After experiencing Mackinaw, you will understand why we’ve been named Michigan’s Favorite Vacation Destination.

Mackinaw City offers an abundance of things to do from exploring history to reenactments at Colonial Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, to flying high above the trees on the zip line at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, or above the waters while you parasail.

Browse through over 100 unique shops on Central Ave. and Mackinaw Crossings taking in the beautiful flowers and Victorian streetlamps along the way while savoring some delicious Mackinaw Fudge.

There is something for everyone no matter what your palette desires.

In the evenings stroll along the shore line take in the breathtaking sunsets or visit the Headlands International Dark Sky Park where celestial wonders beyond most can only imagine awaits you. With deep dark skies overhead, the vast expanse of Lake Michigan to the west, The Headlands is a unique gem in Michigan! There is never a shortage of things to do in beautiful Mackinaw City.

More than ever we are dedicated to creating the perfect Mackinaw City adventure that matches your interests, schedule and budget. The Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau is here to provide the personal attention that you deserve.

Visit our website at www.mackinawcity. com or call 1-800-666-0160 for more information or to receive a free 2019 Vacation Guide.

July Destinations - Weekend Getaways 61% of our readers will travel this year.

Get your destination on their radar.

Advertising space reservation deadline: 4/30/2019 Contact Jenn Maksimowski at jennm@geminipub.com or 616-459-3210 to reserve your space.

401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331 Grand Rapids, MI 49507 616.459.4545 | www.grmag.com

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VISIT TRAVERSE CITY THIS MAY TO UNCORK AND UNWIND

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apa. Loire Valley. Tuscany.

Traverse City? Oh, yes. The Cherry Capital of the World is quickly gaining popularity as a wine lover’s mecca. That’s exciting news for Grand Rapidians looking for all the indulgence of some of the most famous wine regions of the world with a fraction of the travel. The Traverse Wine Coast is host to about 40 different wineries and tasting rooms, producing varietals from riesling to chardonnay; pinot noir to cabernet franc.

May is Michigan Wine Month, and it kicks off up north with Traverse City Uncorked, where staycationers with reds, whites and rosés on their minds are invited to raise their glasses and please their palates. During the monthlong event, visitors can enjoy wine-themed activities, including tastings, meals and even a WineMaker Conference. Try the Quaff & Nosh afternoon lunch at Chateau Chantal or the Snackboard Special at Peninsula Cellars, plus a variety of individual events at Black Star Farms — to name just a few.

Take a scenic drive up M-22, where nearly 20 wineries dot the coast, including favorites in Leland, Suttons Bay, Glen Arbor and Northport. From May 5-6, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail welcomes spring with Sip & Savor, featuring small bites, pairings and a self-guided tour. Or venture

up the center of Old Mission Peninsula along M-37, where you’ll find surprises and delights at every stop — including bursts of cherry blossoms from more than 2 million trees. Old Mission Peninsula celebrates its glory with Blossom Day on May 18, with a whole day of spring-inspired dishes, wine pairings, new releases and more at nine participating wineries.

To make it all more appealing, during Traverse City Uncorked, many hotels and accommodations offer discounted lodging rates, so you can stay affordably at your Up North home away from home. Book lodging, plan itineraries and more at traversecity.com!

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STAY AND PLAY IN MICHIGAN ’S TRUE NORTH

W

hether you’re crossing the bridge to escape the city bustle or staying close to home this summer, you’ll find all your heart desires right in St. Ignace.

Explore the area’s rich and significant history as you discover landmarks, sites and museums showcasing the area’s French and Aboriginal roots. Soak in the sun on its sandy beaches and breezy boardwalk, or dine and unwind on one of the many outdoor, waterfront patios.

Day trips abound, from Woodland Dunes picnics to Soo Locks ship sightings, northern Paradise waterfalls to Huron Heritage villages and shops.

And if you’re dreaming of delicious fudge and bicycle-friendly streets, St. Ignace is the preferred port for a scenic boat ferry to Mackinac Island.

Year-round events draw in car enthusiasts, festivalgoers, art lovers, nature buffs and bridge walkers alike. Enjoy activities and entertainment every night of the week,

all summer long — all in St. Ignace.

Visit St. Ignace — where small-town charm meets big-time fun.

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YOUR NEXT FAMILY GETAWAY IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

L

ooking for a stress-free, fun-filled, budget-friendly destination for your next family vacation? Forget frenzied airports and long, rest stop-filled are-we-there-yet road trips. Just hop on I-196, and when you get to Lansing, you’ve arrived.

Whether it’s for the weekend or all week long, Lansing offers plenty of excitement for adults and kids alike. Take in a Lansing Lugnuts game or a Lansing Ignite FC match — Michigan’s only professional soccer league. Get your STEAM fix at the MSU Science Festival, running through April, or discover, challenge and create year-round at Impression 5 Science Center.

Wander the walkable downtown or breathe in the great outdoors by bike or on foot along the Lansing River Trail.

Thinking about getting a little retail therapy, grabbing a bite or catching a flick? Head over to Eastwood Towne Center, where there’s something for everyone.

Shop, dine, play, explore … and get to know all there is to love about Lansing!

LIKE A LOCAL Discover diverse dining, craft cocktails and micro-brews, live music, exciting attractions and vibrant art districts in Michigan’s Capital City. Love Lansing like a local and we promise, you’ll love Lansing as much as we do!

www.LANSING.org #LOVELANSING

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WORTH SHARING — THUNDERING WATERFALLS AND ROARING RIVERS IN MICHIGAN ’S U.P.

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s the snows melt in spring, our rivers roar to life. This is the premier season to see our 150+ thundering waterfalls or paddle kayaks and rafts over churning rapids. Hike along awakening trails blooming with wildflowers. Or hunt for tasty wild mushrooms. It is time to explore fascinating museums and inspiring art galleries. Applaud actors and musicians.

Watch American and foreign freighters ease through the Soo Locks. Pour fresh maple syrup over hot, fluffy flapjacks.

Get in one or more snowmobile, ski or snowshoe trips. Then rev up your ATV for fun rides down scenic, thawed trails in late April. Run a 10 or 5K. Take a craft beer or wine tasting tour in search of new favorites. Or welcome hundreds of different birds at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory as they wing their way north. Spring in the U.P. is definitely worth sharing. www.UPtravel.com

Worth Sharing

Grandma, you’re right! The falls here are awesome!

#UPTRAVEL UPtravel.com

UP90337 Grand Rapids Magazine-April 2019.indd 1

2/13/19 8:44 AM

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THE BOULEVARD INN & BISTRO

O

verlooking a tree-lined bluff park with a view of Lake Michigan, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro is the area’s only all-suite, full-service hotel and restaurant.

Whether you’re in St. Joseph for business or pleasure, you’ll enjoy the Inn’s closeness to a vibrant downtown, championship golf courses, beaches, wineries and breweries.

Each spacious suite caters to your comfort and offers BeyondTVTM which allows you to use your favorite apps, play games, and more from your in-room TV. To make your stay even more enjoyable, choose from special packages filled with romantic memories, sweet confections or nearby sightseeing.

Complementing The Boulevard Inn is the Bistro on the Boulevard. It fuses local flavors with a fun, new twist on upscale American comfort food to create an unforgettable celebration of cuisine. Their featured entrées and vast list of tapas pair perfectly with their award-winning wine list or craft beers and cocktails.

UPSCALE DOWNTIME Enjoy upscale American comfort food in our Bistro. Then stay for a restful night in our all-suite hotel overlooking Lake Michigan.

521 LAKE BOULEVARD | ST. JOSEPH, MI 49085 (269) 983-6600 | THEBOULEVARDINN.COM

BV90376 Grand Rapids Magazine-Fresh Start-April 2019.indd 1

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cause & effect PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST MICHIGAN Co-Executive Director of Access of West Michigan Christina Swiney holding a tray of fresh vegatables that are available to folks at SECOM.

72 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

Creative solutions from Access of West Michigan involve more agricultural partnerships, healthier food.

Reimaging food assistance

BY ANN BYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

A

ccess of West Michigan is an umbrella organization whose mandate is to develop and strengthen holistic solutions to poverty. The 37-year-old nonprofit does so via education and collaboration in three main ways: Good Food Systems, Congregation Connections and Poverty Education. Good Food Systems is its biggest growth area lately and the focus of much thought, planning and training.

“We’ve studied a lot of work on food systems from across the nation and thought about what it could look like in our community and how we can align with best practices,” Access co-director Emma Garcia said. “We aren’t saying our food systems are bad; we’re saying food systems can be reimagined.”

Access of West Michigan is what Garcia and co-director Christina Swiney call “thought leaders in terms of food systems.”

“We became alarmed about five years ago when we found our community was defining success based on how many pounds of food we distributed to how many people,” Garcia said. “But we want fewer people receiving food and fewer pantries, right? We realized that we weren’t moving in the direction of creatively looking at food systems.”

The Michigan Good Food Charter was created in 2010 as a map regarding food systems and access to good food that is fair, healthy, green and affordable. It outlined six goals that Access took as its directive, as well.

“We realized a lot of our Access programming around food was centered on

the old paradigm,” Garcia said. “We realized there is a lot of good work going on that defined the problem differently and approached solutions creatively.”

Access is helping its partners rethink traditional food assistance work done by churches and organizations, and shifted into operating with partners that are making changes, including United Church Outreach Ministry, SECOM, The Other Way Ministries, The Pantry and North Kent Connect in Rockford.

The old paradigm: Collecting food via food drives that request nonperishable items, which are often filled with salt, fat, chemicals and sugar. Collecting cash donations to buy more of the same. Getting leftover food from corporations that is often filled with preservatives, sugar and salt.

Assuming that any food is good food and that those with food needs should be happy with whatever they get.

The new paradigm: Opening affordable retail farm markets with produce sourced from Michigan farms. Asking for cash donations to purchase shares in Community Supported Agriculture farms, with produce then given away at pantries. Asking those who use a local food pantry what they would like to see available. Asking donors to give different kinds of food.

“But many food assistance sites weren’t ready to change or didn’t get what we were doing,” Swiney said. “It’s hard to see what is beyond the right now, to see something different from what they’ve experienced for both the pantries and the neighbors they help. It’s hard to ask neighbors to dream

SECOM food pantry

“We’re willing to help institutions learn new ways to do things.”

— Christina Swiney

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 73

cause & effect PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST MICHIGAN

Left: Access of West Michigan Congregation Coordinator Nikeyia Perkins talks with Minister of Outreach Mike Hoogeboom at LaGrave Church.

Top right: LD Kelly shops in the food pantry at SECOM. Below: Volunteer Terry McNeil plays the role of a pawn broker to Davenport University students Brooke Rynkar and Ashley Medes during a Poverty Simulation workshop hosted by Access of West Michigan.

“We became alarmed about five years ago when we found our community was defining success based on how many pounds of food we distributed to how many people.”

— Emma Garcia

74 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

about things they’ve never seen.”

Yet, Access is making headway. The five partner sites operate retail farm markets with help from a $350,000 grant from Heart of West Michigan United Way. Each partner receives funding to operate the markets and partner with area farms to get fresh food.

Access invests funding into local farms that provide fresh food to pantries. More stakeholders are becoming involved with new ways of thinking about food systems.

Garcia doesn’t see hunger as the problem — food is available to those who need it.

It’s getting good food to those same people that can lead to better health in the long run and can build different kinds of relationships with those who give it. Instead of a food pantry as the way to build relation-

ships, what about a community garden or a community dinner?

“We’re willing to help institutions learn new ways to do things,” Swiney said.

NOW One of the programs offered under Good Food Systems is NOW (Nutritional Options for Wellness Program), which works with people who have Type 2 diabetes, chronic renal failure or cardiovascular disease.

“We made a change from looking at different diets to asking how we can help people have an overall healthy lifestyle,” program coordinator McKenzie Jackson said.

For one year, NOW can serve close to 100 people experiencing low income in Kent County. It starts by looking at food

Davenport University students, Sabrina Lawson, Daniel Caracheo, Ryleigh Crow and Katie Franklin, take part in a Poverty Simulation workshop hosted by Access of West Michigan.

choices such as getting rid of processed foods and meats and then moving to things like exercise and building a support system.

Referrals come from health care providers.

“We look at the social determinants of health but also the barriers that come with that such as lack of transportation,” Jackson said. “If someone can’t get to the doctor or access healthy food, how are they supposed to change their health outcomes?”

CONGREGATION CONNECTIONS Access of West Michigan helps through Congregation Connections, which provides free casework services, facilitates training and offers workshops to help churches develop healthy outreach plans and build relationships.

Coordinator Nikeyia Perkins works with about 100 churches per month (about 400 are in the database from 17 different denominations) in a variety of ways. A church may ask Access about a person requesting benevolence; may pay rent for a person in need with earmarked funds, then bill the church that made the request; and may encourage neighboring churches to band together to meet needs better.

“With the cost of housing and utilities, we’re in a high-need season, and I don’t see that changing any time soon,” Perkins said. “The biggest issue for churches is the struggle to know what to do and to do it well.

It’s going to take all of us to do this work.”

Congregation Connections distributed more than $300,000 to meet community needs and served almost 2,000 families in 2017-18.

POVERTY EDUCATION The Access Poverty Education Initiative facilitates workshops to help organizations, churches, schools and businesses understand the root causes of poverty and the barriers to breaking out of poverty. Thousands have gone through the program, primarily via poverty simulations that have participants assume a new identity and roleplay the lives of a family experiencing low income that must maintain housing, pay bills, provide food and care for their families.

Food continues to be a primary push for Access of West Michigan. It’s a complicated issue, said Erin Skidmore, Good Food Systems coordinator.

“To address the food access needs in our community, we have to think about policy, transportation, schools, etc. There is a lot that goes into what makes a food system,” she said. “There are a lot of gaps in Kent County in our perceptions of what good food is and what it means. We need to remember that food is precious, important and to be celebrated but not to be taken for granted.

Food is a beautiful opportunity to connect with each other and the land.”

GR

ACCESS OF WEST MICHIGAN ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO: > Educate themselves on food systems via books such as “Big Hunger: The Unholy Alliance between Corporate America and Anti-Hunger Groups” and “Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It).”

> Donate to Access of West Michigan.

> Host or attend a Poverty Education workshop. For more information, visit accessof westmichigan.org.

> Think about impact vs. intent.

Good intentions don’t always equal good impact. “Dream with us, rethink with us. We want a thriving and vibrant community, a community where everyone can have access,” co-director Emma Garcia said.

> Participate in the Walk for Good Food on May 5. Visit the Access of West Michigan website for more details.

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april events A FEW GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

SPORTS April 14 GAZELLE GIRL: Women’s 5K, 10K and half-marathon, benefiting Girls on the Run, YWCA, GROW, Gazelle Sports Foundation.

8 a.m. Calder Plaza, 250 Monroe Ave. NW. $35-$95. gazellegirlhalfmarathon.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS April 27 PARTY FOR THE PLANET: Celebrate Earth Day at John Ball Zoo and learn about saving the world’s resources and protecting wildlife; includes kids activities. 9 a.m.6 p.m. 1300 W. Fulton St. $13 adults, $10 seniors and kids 2-12. jbzoo.org.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar!

76 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

APRIL 1-5 - “THE MONSTER WHO ATE MY PEAS”: Grand Rapids Ballet presents a kid-friendly performance based on the children’s book, with pre-show activities. 10:30 a.m. activities, 11 a.m. show. grballet.com.

See Stage & Film

April 27 MAYOR’S GREENING INITIATIVE: Fourth annual Friends of Grand Rapids Parks community event to plant trees.

8:30-11:30 a.m. Roosevelt Park, 739 Van Raalte Drive SW. friendsofgrparks.org/ mayors-greening-initiative.

APRIL 4 - JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: Pop

APRIL 5 - WILLIAM SHATNER: Actor hosts

singer performs Man of the Woods Tour. 7:30 p.m.

Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $129 and up. vanandelarena.com.

See Music

live conversation and Q&A after screening of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” 7:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. devos performancehall.com.

See Stage & Film

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JOHN BALL ZOO (LEFT); RUDY MALMQUIST (TOP LEFT); CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS (RIGHT); GRAND RAPIDS BALLET (BOTTOM)

WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

To list your event send calendar information to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o

Calendar Editor, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, email caleditor@ geminipub.com, fax (616) 459-4800. High-resolution photos welcomed. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue by the first of the month.

SPECIAL EVENTS April 5 - First Friday Gallery Hop: Participating galleries, shops and eateries stay open 6-9 p.m., presented by Avenue for the Arts.

South Division Avenue between Fulton and Cherry streets. avenueforthearts.com.

April 12 - On Tap: Beer, Wine and Food Tasting Event: Muskegon Museum of Art hosts annual event with local restaurants, brewers and vintners. 6-9 p.m. 296 Webster Ave., Muskegon. $35, $25 members. muskeg onartmuseum.org.

April 13 - Easter Egg Hunt, Byron Center: Annual egg hunt for kids 2-10. 11 a.m. ages 2-5; 11:15 a.m. ages 6-10. Whistlestop Park, 2120 76th St. SW. Free. byronrec.org.

April 13 - Easter Egg Hunt, Walker: Annual egg hunt for kids 3-8, plus pictures with the Easter bunny. 11 a.m. Walker Ice & Fitness Center, 4151 Remembrance Road NW. Free. walkericeandfitness.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JOHN BALL ZOO (LEFT); RUDY MALMQUIST (TOP LEFT); CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS (RIGHT); GRAND RAPIDS BALLET (BOTTOM)

April 6-7 - West Michigan Pet Expo: Vendors, entertainment by K9 Crew, petting zoo, reptile and amphibian exhibit, pet seminars, pet products, free samples and coupons. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW. $12 adults, $6 kids, ages 4 and under free. westmichiganpet expo.com.

April 13 - Grand River Valley RR Club Spring Train Show: More than 200 vendors of trains and model railroad supplies, books, photos, collectibles. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming. $5 adults, kids 12 and under free. grvrrc.org.

April 13 - Hudsonville Showcase: Women’s expo, man cave, kids events. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hudsonville Freshman Building, 3370 Allen St. Free. hudsonvilleevents.com.

April 13 - I Love the ’90s Bash: Bar Crawl Events hosts ’90s-themed bar crawl. 3-10 p.m. $15-$25. bit.ly/90sbash19.

April 13 - Jake’s Music Festival: 15th annual music concert with local performers and silent auction supports Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 7 p.m. Elevation at The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. jakes musicfestival.com.

April 13 - Spectrum Health Foundation Gala: “Expect the Unexpected” includes social hour, dinner and program. 6 p.m.

DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $250. spectrumhealth.org/foundation/events/gala.

April 13-14 - Vaporpalooza: Vendors with e-liquids, vaporizers, tanks, mods and more, plus seminars and entertainment. Noon-6 p.m. 4 Mile Showplace, 1025 4 Mile NW. $10$15. vaporpalooza.net.

April 16 - Good for Michigan Awards: Celebration of businesses making positive impact on community. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Circle Theatre, 1703 Robinson Road SE. $45, $40 members. goodfor.org.

April 18 - Blue Tie Ball: West Michigan Environmental Action Council’s fourth annual fundraiser with cocktails, dinner and auction. 6-10 p.m. The Loft, 401 Hall St. SW. $90, $75 members. wmeac.org/bluetieball.

April 18 - Woman Up & Celebrate: Michigan Women’s Foundation’s annual luncheon and awards. Noon. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St. NW. miwf.org.

April 20 - Breakfast with the Bunny: Pancake breakfast and photos with the Easter bunny. 9-11 a.m. Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. $7, kids 5 and under free. kentwood.us/breakfastwiththebunny.

April 20 - Jump Jam: Spectrum Health jump rope competition promoting children’s health and wellness. 9 a.m. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Free. spectrumhealth.org/ jump-jam.

April 20 - Spring Craft and Vendor Show: American Legion Post 179 hosts craft show.

9 a.m.-noon. 2327 Wilson Ave. SW, Walker.

Free. americanlegionpost179.com/springcv show.

April 25 - Brilliance Awards: West Michigan Woman presents awards to honor success of women in the community. 6-8:30 p.m.

Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave. NW. $95. westmichiganwoman.com/brillianceawards.

April 25 - Holland Museum Trivia Night: History mystery FUNraiser includes three rounds of trivia, food and drinks. 5:30-8 p.m.

Holland Armory, 10 W. Ninth St., Holland. hollandmuseum.org.

April 26 - Grandville Art & Chocolate Walk: Fifth annual showcase of student artwork in downtown business venues, plus chocolate and beverage stations ($3), kids art activities, music and entertainment. 5-9 p.m. Wilson and Chicago Drive, Grandville. cityofgrand ville.com.

April 26 - Heart Ball: American Heart Association hosts annual fundraiser with cocktails, dinner, entertainment and live auction. 6 p.m. 20 Monroe Live, 11 Ottawa Ave. NW. $250. bit.ly/HeartBall19.

April 26 - JDRF Promise Gala: 21st annual fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with Carnivale for the Cure theme, includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment and auctions. 6-11 p.m. Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave. NW. $200. jdrf.org.

April 26-27 - White Elephant Sale: Grand Rapids YMCA Service Club’s annual sale of clothes, housewares, sports equipment, books, furniture, tools, appliances and office/ building supplies. Benefits Camp ManitouLin. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Location TBD. Free, except 8-9:30 a.m. Fri. ($5). gryserviceclub.org.

April 27 - Grub and Brew Fest: Grand Haven

APRIL 11 - PASSPORT TO ADVEN-TURE:

APRIL 18 - WOMAN UP & CELEBRATE: Michigan

APRIL 27 - PURPLE COMMUNITY 5K: Fifth annual

Calvin College presents travel film series: “Tibet: A Light in the Darkness” by Sean Cassidy and Patricia Keith. 7 p.m. Calvin College Fine Arts Center. See Workshops & Lectures

Women’s Foundation’s annual luncheon and awards. Noon. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St. NW. miwf. org. See Special Events

run/walk and kids 1-mile fun run benefiting Van Andel Institute. 8 a.m. Mary Free Bed YMCA, 5500 Burton St. SE. $20-$30 adults, $15-$25 kids 12 and under. vai.org. See Sports

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 77

out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

celebrates local breweries and restaurants with live music and food competition. 4-8 p.m. Old Boys’ Brewhouse, 971 W. Savidge St., Spring Lake. $10-$35. grandhavenchamber. org/grub-brew-fest.

April 27 – Huge Indoor Garage Sale: Community indoor sale, plus food. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming.

Free. mihsb.org.

April 27 - Knapp Charter Academy Spring Craft Marketplace: About 70 crafters and vendors sell handmade items. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1759 Leffingwell Ave. NE. bit.ly/ SpringMarketplace19.

April 27 - Lakeshore Earth Day Celebration: Events include Green March at 12:30 p.m. through downtown Grand Haven and Earth Day Fair (1-4 p.m.) at the Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Ave. Also, music, presentations and horse-drawn carriage rides. facebook.com/earthdaylakesho recelebration.

April 27 - Mayor’s Greening Initiative: Fourth annual Friends of Grand Rapids Parks community event to plant trees. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Roosevelt Park, 739 Van Raalte Drive SW. friendsofgrparks.org/mayors-greeninginitiative.

April 27 - Office Bar Crawl: Crawl With Us hosts “The Office”-themed downtown bar crawl with trivia and after party. 4 p.m.midnight. crawlwith.us/grandrapids/office.

April 27 - Party for the Planet: Celebrate Earth Day at John Ball Zoo and learn about saving the world’s resources and protecting wildlife; includes kids activities. 9 a.m.6 p.m. 1300 W. Fulton St. $13 adults, $10 seniors and kids 2-12. jbzoo.org.

April 27 - Veggie Con: Inaugural event with local farmers, wellness coaches and exhibitors promoting fruits and vegetables; also kids activities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Encounter Church, 4620 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Free. veg giecongr.com.

April 28 - Allegan Antiques Market: Monthly market features 400 exhibitors inside and outside, rain or shine. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Drive. $4. alleganantiques.com.

April 28 - Tulip City Comics and Toy Fare: Third annual expo with vendors, activities, cosplay, panel discussions. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

DoubleTree Hilton, 650 E. 24th St., Holland. tulipcitycomic.com.

SPORTS

Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. devosplace.org.

April - Grand Rapids Griffins: Grand Rapids’ American Hockey League team is primary affiliate of Detroit Red Wings. Home games: April 10 vs. Iowa Wild. April 12 vs. Manitoba Moose. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $19-$40. griffinshockey.com.

April 27 - Calvin 5K Spring Classic: Calvin Alumni Association hosts run/walk, handcycle race and family fun run. 8:30 a.m.

Hoogenboom Health and Recreation Center, Calvin College, 3201 Burton St. SE. $25-$35 5K, $15 students, $8 family run. calvin.edu/ classic.

April - West Michigan Whitecaps: Professional minor league baseball team is a member of the Midwest League and Class-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Home games: April 6-7 vs. South Bend Cubs. April 12-14 vs Great Lakes Loons. April 15-17 vs.

Lansing Lugnuts. April 25-28 vs. Lake County Captains. Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Drive NE, Comstock Park. $9-$17. whitecapsbaseball.com.

April 6-7 - Lubbers Cup Regatta: Co-ed collegiate rowing races. Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. NE. gvsu.edu/rec/lubbers-cupregatta-176.htm.

April 12 - Michigan Golden Gloves State Semifinals: Boxing competition. 7 p.m.

DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW. $12-$20, $40 VIP. deltaplex.com.

April 13 - Jaycee Jig for Heroes: 5K run celebrating heroes; clothing donations accepted for Veteran’s Home. 9 a.m. Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. bit.ly/JayceeJig. April 13 - Joe’s Big Race: Camp Roger hosts an “Amazing Race”-style day for teams of four, benefiting camp’s financial aid fund.

9 a.m. 8356 Belding Road, Rockford. camp roger.org.

April 14 - Gazelle Girl: Women’s 5K, 10K and half-marathon, benefiting Girls on the Run, YWCA, GROW, Gazelle Sports Foundation. 8 a.m. Calder Plaza, 250 Monroe Ave. NW. $35$95. gazellegirlhalfmarathon.com.

April 20 - Striders Classic: 21st annual 5K run/walk and 10-miler; benefits Paradise Bound Ministries. 8 a.m. Covenant Christian High School, 1401 Ferndale Ave. SW. $25$40. stridersrun.com.

April 22 - Backward Mile: Family fun run with runners dressing, running and getting timed backward. 6 p.m. 321 Douglas Ave., Holland. $25. facebook.com/backwardmile.

April 25 - Bridge Walk for Autism: Hope Network’s fifth annual walk for autism awareness. 4-6 p.m. Blue Bridge at Front Ave. entrance, downtown GR. hopenetwork. org/hope-network-foundation/blue-bridgewalk-autism.

April 26-27 - Lakeshore Volleyfest: Michigan AAU volleyball for ages 12-18. DeVos

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April 27 - Hurt the Dirt: Quarter-, half- and full marathon trail races. 8 a.m.; kids fun run 10:45 a.m. Luton Park, 10 Mile Road NE and Olde Meadow Drive NE, Rockford. $47-$72. hurtthedirt.com.

April 27 - Katty Shack Race: Tenth annual 5K and 1-mile runs; benefits The Crime Victim Foundation of Michigan. 9 a.m. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 527 Taylor Ave., Grand Haven. $20-$30. kattyshackrace.com.

April 27 - Limb Loss Awareness 5K: Fundraiser for Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive Recreation Programs; also 1-mile kids fun run. 10 a.m. Bowen Station Park, 4499 Bowen Blvd., Kentwood. $25-$35 adults, $10 kids. kentwood.us/limbloss5k.

April 27 - Purple Community 5K: Fifth annual run/walk and kids 1-mile fun run benefiting Van Andel Institute. 8 a.m. Mary Free Bed YMCA, 5500 Burton St. SE. $20-$30 adults, $15-$25 kids 12 and under. vai.org.

April 27 - Rivertown Races: 5K, 10K and half-marathon races. 8 a.m. Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave. SW, Walker. $30 and up. rivertownraces.com.

STAGE & FILM Thru April 7 - “The Imaginary Invalid”: Theatre at Grand Valley presents the story of a hopeless hypochondriac who wants his daughter to marry a doctor. 7:30 p.m. Wed.Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre, 1 N. Campus Drive, Allendale. $15 adults, $13 students. gvsu.edu/theatre.

April 1-5 - “The Monster Who Ate My Peas”: Grand Rapids Ballet presents a kid-friendly performance based on the children’s book, with pre-show activities. 10:30 a.m. activities, 11 a.m. show. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. $7. grballet.com.

April 3 - Red Green “This Could Be It!”: Comedian’s one-man show. 7 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $59-$177. devosperformancehall.com.

April 5 - William Shatner: Actor hosts live conversation and Q&A after screening of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” 7:30 p.m.

DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave.

NW. devosperformancehall.com.

April 5-7 - Latin American Film Festival: Eighth annual movie festival. See website for films and times. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. Free. grlaff.org.

April 5-13 - “Peter and the Starcatcher”: Calvin College Theatre presents the prequel to the Peter Pan story. 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. April 6; 10 a.m. April 10. Gezon Auditorium, Calvin College, 3201 Burton St. SE. $15 adults, $5 students. calvin.edu.

April 6 - Sebastian Maniscalco: Comedian performs Stay Hungry tour. 7 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $42-$62. devosperformancehall.com.

April 8 - Banff Mountain Film Festival: International film competition and screenings of short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports and environment.

8 p.m. Covenant Fine Arts Center, Calvin College, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $13. calvin. edu.

April 11-14 - “Sila”: Aquinas College Theatre presents a story about the local Inuit population in the Canadian Arctic. 8 p.m., 2 p.m.

Sun. Aquinas College PAC, 1703 Robinson Road SE. $12. aquinas.edu/theatre.

April 13-14 - “Don Quixote”: Michigan Ballet Academy performs the adventures of a Spanish noble. 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun. Jenison Center for the Arts. 8375 20th Ave., Jenison. michiganballet.org.

April 11-May 4 - “The Singer”: Master Arts Theatre presents Calvin Miller’s story of Christ through an allegorical and poetic narrative of a singer who would not be silenced.

7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat. 75 77th St. SW. $17 adults, $15 seniors and students, $8.50 kids 12 and under. masterarts. org.

April 18 - “The Biggest Little Farm”: Documentary by farmer John Chester. 7 p.m.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. $8-$10. sc4a.org.

April 12-14 - Cathy Roe’s Ultimate Dance Competition: DeVos Center for Arts and Worship, 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE. crudance. com.

April 12-14 - “Extremely Close”: Presented

by Grand Rapids Ballet. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. $48-$52. grballet.com.

April 18-27 - “The Wolves”: Actors’ Theatre presents a story about a girls soccer team.

8 p.m. Thu.-Sat. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $28 adults, $24 seniors and students. actorstheatregrandrapids.org.

April 19-May 4 - “Breaking Legs”: Lowell Arts Players present a dinner theater comedy about Italian mobsters producing a play. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show; 2 p.m. show only April 28. Larkin’s Other Place, 315 Main St., Lowell. $16-$20 show, $13 dinner. lowell artsmi.org.

Continued on page 83

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 79

out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Museums & attractions COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ TREERUNNER ADVENTURE PARK: Opening April 26 for the season, the self-guided high-wire forest adventure includes ziplines, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and swinging logs. A Junior Park is perfect for kids 4-7. There also are special glow nights each month; check the website for schedule and theme. Training is included with admission. $39 adults, $35 kids 7-13, $20 kids 4-7.

2121 Celebration Drive NE, 226-3993, treerunnergrandrapids.com.

2/ KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS: Special exhibitions: Through May 31, “The Feeling is Mutual: New Work by Maya Freelon” includes large-scale, colorful tissue-paper sculptures. Through May 5, “The Expressionist Figure.” Through April 14, “Young Artists of Kalamazoo County.” Through June 16, “Rewards of Wisdom: Contemporary Chinese Ink Painting.” April 27-May 26, “High School Area Show.” Closed Mon. $5 adults, $2 students with ID; members and kids 12 and under free. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org.

3/ NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE: The Dutch theme park opens for the season April 27 with rides, petting zoo, wooden shoe carving, Delftwaremaking demonstrations, costumed employees, shops and restaurants. Tickets are $13 adults, $12 seniors, $11 kids 3-15. 12350 James St., Holland, 396-1475, dutchvillage.com.

Blandford Nature Center: Special events: April 1-4, Spring Break Camp. April 6, Kitchen Dyeing. April 13, Eggtastic Exploration and Backyard Edibles. April 20, Earth Day Celebration. April 27, Dream Catcher Workshop and Baby Animals. Permanent attractions: 143 acres of trails, heritage buildings, farm. Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center open Mon.-Sat. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. $3.

1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandfordnature center.org.

Coopersville & Marne Railway: Restored 1920s-era railway with themed rides. Bunny Train schedule: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. April 6; 1 p.m. April 7; 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. April 13; 1 and 3 p.m. April 14; 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. April 20. $19.75 adults, $18.75 seniors, $17.75 kids 2-12. 311 Danforth St., Coopersville, 997-7000, coopersvilleandmarne.org.

Coopersville Farm Museum: Museum honoring farming and rural life. Special events: Kids, Crafts & Critters Spring Petting Zoo 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat. April 2 and 16, Acoustic Jam Night. April 10, Crafts and Laughs. April 27, Comedy Night. Permanent attractions: Tractors and other farming equipment; also Eclipse windmill. Open Tue., Thu., Sat. $4 adults, $2 kids 4-12, kids 3 and under free.

375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersville farmmuseum.org.

3/ Nelis’ Dutch Village in Holland opens for the season April 27.

DeGraaf Nature Center: Special events: April 11, 18 and 30, Morning Bird Walk. April 27, Backpacking 101. Permanent attractions: Eighteen-acre preserve with Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch. Knee-High Naturalist classes for kids 3-5. Center open Tue.-Sat. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. Free. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, 355-1057, cityofholland.com/degraafnaturecenter.

Open April 26

1/ Glow nights at TreeRunner Adventure Park.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Special exhibitions: Thru Aug. 25, “A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy.”

Special events: Thru April 30, “Butterflies are Blooming.” April 14, Great American Collectors.

See Secchia Garden Lecture in Lectures & Workshops. Permanent attractions: Modern and contemporary 30-acre sculpture collection, Japanese garden, tropical conservatory, children’s garden, nature trails and boardwalk, café, gift shop. Open daily. $14.50 adults, $11 seniors and students, $7 kids 5-13, $4 kids 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580, meijergardens.org.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum: Permanent exhibitions: Highlights from Mr. and Mrs. Ford’s lives, plus featured online exhibits.

Also, DeVos Learning Center. Open daily. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 college students, $4 ages 6-18, kids 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St. NW, 254-0400, ford librarymuseum.gov.

Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru April 28, “A Decade at the Center: Recent Gifts and Acquisitions” and “A Legacy of Love: Selections from the Mabel Perkins Collection.”

Thru Aug. 11, “Self, Symbol, Surrogate: Artist Por-

80 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TREERUNNER ADVENTURE PARK (BOTTOM); NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE (TOP)

Downtown Market: Open daily with culinaryrelated products at more than 20 local businesses and restaurants, plus cooking classes (see Lectures & Workshops) and private rentals. Special events: April 29, Meaty Monday. 435 Ionia Ave. SW, 805-5308, downtownmarketgr.com.

seum.org. Also, Cappon House: 228 W. Ninth St. Settlers House: 190 W. Ninth St. The Armory: 16 W. Ninth St. John Ball Zoo: Special events: April 13, Superhero Day. April 25, World Penguin Day. See Party for the Planet in Special Events. Open daily. $10 adults, $8 seniors and kids 2-12, kids under 2 free.

1300 W. Fulton St., 336-4300, jbzoo.org.

ist: Patricia Polacco. See MMA Concert in Music.

Closed Mon. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 college students, kids 16 and under free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegonartmus eum.org.

Meyer May House: Restored Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house includes original furnishings. Open for guided tours 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tue. and Thu.; 1-4 p.m. Sun. (last tour one hour before close). Free. 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com.

Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Shows use Digistar production and surround sound. This month: “Ice Worlds,” “Under Starlit Skies,” “The Little Star that Could,” “From Earth to the Universe,” “Space School” and “The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love.” $5, $4 with admission to the museum, members free. Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grpm.org/ planetarium.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Special exhibitions: Thru April 7, “Expressions 2019: 37th Annual Muskegon County Student Art Exhibition.” Thru April 21, “In Pieces: The Art of Vintage Puzzles.”

Thru April 28, “American Spectacle: Paintings from the Manoogian Collection of American Art.” Thru May 12, “A+ for Educators: Illustrations by Patricia Polacco.” Special events: April 4, Pajama Party.

April 12, On Tap & Uncorked. April 25, Meet the Art-

Veen Observatory: Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association hosts various events.

Special events: April 20, Statewide Astronomy Night from 8:30-11:30 p.m. with programs, tours and observation (free). April 27, Public Night from 9:30 p.m.-midnight ($3 adults, $2 kids 5-17 and under, kids under 5 free). All events subject to weather; call 897-7065 for updates. 3308 Kissing Rock Ave. SE, Lowell. graaa.org.

2/ Tissue paper art by Maya Freelon at KIA.

traits from GRAM’s Collection.” Special events: See GRAM Workshop and Creativity Uncorked in Lectures & Workshops. Sunday Classical Concert Series: Live performances 2-3 p.m. every Sun. thru April 7. Free with admission. Drop-in Studio: 1-4 p.m. every Sat. Closed Mon. $10 adults, $8 seniors/students, $6 kids 6-17, kids 5 and under free; free admission 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue. and 5-9 p.m. Thu. 101 Monroe Center NW, 8311000, artmuseumgr.org.

Step into Spring

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY MAYA FREELON

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TREERUNNER ADVENTURE PARK (BOTTOM); NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE (TOP)

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Handson permanent and traveling exhibits for kids 2-10.

Permanent activities: Think Tank, Kidstruction Zone, Little GR, Bubbles!, Wee Discover, musical instruments and more. Toddler Time 10 a.m.-noon Tue. Family Night 5-8 p.m. Thu. ($1.75). Closed Mon. $8.50, $7.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org.

Grand Rapids Public Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru April 14, “Ralph W. Hauenstein: A Life of Leadership.” Thru April 28, “Expedition: Dinosaur.” Thru Sept. 8, “TOYS!” Special events: April 16, Yoga Under the Whale. Curiosity Labs every Sat. Permanent exhibitions: Streets of Old Grand Rapids; Newcomers: The People of This Place; West Michigan Habitats; Grand Fish, Grand River; and Be Curious. Also, restored 1928 Spillman carousel. Open daily except April 21. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 kids 3-17. 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grpm.org.

Holland Museum: Special events: See Holland Museum Trivia Night in Special Events. Special exhibitions: Thru June 30, “Michigan’s Heritage Barns: An Artist’s Perspective” by Mary Keithan.

Permanent exhibitions: Local history and Dutch galleries, with artwork from the Netherlands from the 1600s-1900s. Also, Spark!Lab. Open Wed.Sun. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, kids 5 and under free. 31 W. 10th St., 796-3329, hollandmu

Since 1968 ...

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Comedy & nightclub venues

1/ Yacht Rock Revue

COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ 20 MONROE LIVE: 2,500-seat venue hosts live music, entertainment and special events. On April 17, Yacht Rock Revue performs its ’70s light rock tribute concert, featuring hits from Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins and more. The show starts at 8 p.m. All ages welcome. Tickets are $10-$63. 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, (844) 678-5483, 20monroelive.com.

2/ DR. GRINS COMEDY CLUB: Nationally acclaimed comedians perform Thu.-Sat. April 4-6, Kelsey Cook. April 11-13, Nick Griffin. April 18-20, Derek Richards. April 25-27, Samuel Comroe. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thu.; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Tickets are $5-$20. B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com/drgrinscomedy.

3/ THE INTERSECTION: Four-bar concert venue hosts nationally known bands. Country music singer Drake White performs at 8 p.m. April 18. All ages welcome. Tickets are $15-$20. 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-8232, sectionlive.com.

House of Music and Entertainment (H.O.M.E.); stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 3562000, thebob.com.

Billy’s Lounge: Eastown bar and music venue hosts live music with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com.

Flanagan’s: Irish pub with live music from local bands on Fri. and Sat.; also live Irish music on Thu. and Sun. 139 Pearl St. NW, 980-0705, flana gansgr.com.

The B.O.B.: The Big Old Building houses multiple entertainment options: live music Fri. and Sat. at Bobarino’s; DJs and dance floor at Eve on Fri. and Sat.; live music at

3/ Drake White

Cook

1130 Wealthy St. SE, popscholars. com.

The Pyramid Scheme: Heartside pub and live music venue. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, pyramidschemebar. com.

River City Improv: Comedy improv team performs at 7:33 p.m. April 13. $12 adults, $6 students. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. river cityimprov.com.

Founders Brewing Co.: Large taproom features live music Thu. and Sat., plus Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra on the first Sunday of each month. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, 7762182, foundersbrewing.com.

River Rock at The Grand River Hotel: Live music Fri. and Sat. and jazz brunch Sun. 270 Ann St. NW, 363-9001, thegrandriverhotel.com.

Grand Rapids Brewing Co.: Restaurant/taproom with live music Fri.-Sun. 1 Ionia Ave. SW, 458-7000, grbrewingcompany.com.

Rocky’s Bar & Grill: Dancing every Fri., featuring DJs and live acts.

633 Ottawa Ave. NW, 356-2346, facebook.com/rockysbarandgrill.

Grand Woods Lounge: Restaurant/bar with dance floor hosts DJs and live music Fri. and Sat. 77 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-4300, grandwoods lounge.com.

second level Wed., Fri. and Sat., with dueling pianos show on main floor Wed.-Sat. nights. 180 Monroe Ave. NW, 776-9000, mojospianobar.com.

J. Gardella’s Tavern: Dance club Fri. and Sat. nights on third floor with DJs. 11 Ionia Ave. NW, 459-8824, jgar dellastavern.com.

Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 451-0775, facebook.com/mulliga nspubgr.

Mixology: Lobby lounge overlooking downtown GR and Grand River has live music Fri. and Sat. nights and live jazz brunch on Sun. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St. NW, 242-1500, ilovethe jw.com/dining/mixology.

One Trick Pony: Grill and taproom hosts live music 8-11 p.m. Thu. and Sat. Reservations accepted. 136 E. Fulton St., 235-7669, onetrick.biz.

Mojo’s: DJs and dance floor on 82 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

2/ Kelsey

Pop Scholars: Four-person comedy team performs improv show at 8 p.m. April 12. $12. Wealthy Theatre,

Rumors Nightclub: Gay bar and dance club. 69 S. Division Ave., 4548720, rumorsnightclub.net.

Stella’s Lounge: Drink features and live DJs every Fri. and Sat. 53 Commerce Ave. SW, 742-4444, stel lasgr.com.

Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill: Live music acts and DJs, plus Comedy Tuesdays. 760 Butterworth St. SW, 272-3910, Facebook.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY YACHT ROCK REVUE (TOP); REBECCA PERRY (CENTER); JOHN SHEARER (LEFT)

Back Forty Saloon: Line dancing and live country bands Fri. and Sat., DJs Thu. 48 W. Fulton St., 742-4040, thebackfortysaloon.com.

Continued from page 79 April 20 - Live at Night with Free Beer and Hot Wings: Morning radio show DJs from 97.9 FM. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $30 and up. devosperfor mancehall.com.

April 20 - Mike Epps: Comedian performs Funny As Ish Comedy Tour with guests Rickey Smiley, DC Young Fly, Earthquake and Lavell Crawford. 8 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $49-$125. vanandelarena. com.

April 22 - “Rock of Ages: Tenth Anniversary Tour”: Musical about a rock and roll star in the 1980s. 7:30 p.m. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $46-$64. fhfineartscenter.com.

April 24 - UICA Local Director Series: “Future” by directors Rob Cousineau and Chris Rosik. 8 p.m. UICA, 2 W. Fulton St. $10 adults, $5 members. uica.org/movies.

April 25-27 - “The Four Loves”: Turning Pointe School of Dance presents an original ballet about the three human loves (affection, friendship, eros) and the Divine love (charity). 7 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7 p.m. Sat. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. Eighth St., Holland. $22-$24 adults, $17-$19 students. turningpointedance.org.

April 25-May 16 - “The Sunshine Boys”: Holland Civic Theatre presents a comedy about two men who perform together for more than 40 years as vaudeville comedians.

7 or 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 50 W. Ninth St., Holland. $10-$18. hollandcivicthe atre.org.

dreams of leaving her loveless marriage. 7:30 p.m. Tue.-Thu., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $43-$153. broadway grandrapids.com.

MUSIC April 4 - Justin Timberlake: Pop singer performs Man of the Woods Tour. 7:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $129 and up. vanandelarena.com.

April 5 - Thompson Square: Acoustic Concert with country music duo. 8 p.m.

Calvin College Fine Arts Center, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $25 adults, $5 students. calvin.edu.

April 6 - Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play: Music concert with Peter Madcat Ruth, Joel Brown and Chris Brubeck. 7:30 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. $37-$40. sc4a.org.

April 6 - Snail Mail: Hope College concert

series. 8 p.m. Dimnent Memorial Chapel, 277 College Ave., Holland. $18 adults, $7 students. hope.edu.

April 6-7 - Kenny Chesney: Country singer performs Songs for the Saints tour. 7 p.m.

Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $27-$225. vanandelarena.com.

April 11, 18 - SCMC Acoustic Café Folk Series: St. Cecilia Music Center concerts.

April 11, Asleep at the Wheel. April 18, Leo Kottke. 7:30 p.m. 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $30$50. scmc-online.org.

April 12-13 - Mahler’s Symphony No. 3: GR Symphony performs with guest mezzosoprano Michelle DeYoung. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18$90. grsymphony.org.

April 12, 26 - Alley Door Club: Jazz, blues and folk music concerts. April 12, Swinging Stem Cells. April 26, Yard Sale Underwear.

6-10 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $10. frauenthal.org.

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Special to us!

April 26 - Aziz Ansari: Comedian and actor performs Road to Nowhere tour. 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $37-$67. devosper formancehall.com.

April 26-May 5 - “James and the Giant Peach”: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents a musical based on Roald Dahl’s book about a young boy’s adventures. 7:30 p.m.

Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 30 N. Division Ave. $16-$20 adults, $12 students and children. grct.org.

April 27 - B-The Underwater Bubble Show: Multimedia performance about a man learning to follow his dreams and allowing his inner child to take over. 2 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. devosperformancehall.com.

April 30-May 5 - “Waitress”: Broadway Grand Rapids presents the story of a smalltown waitress and expert pie maker who

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APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 83

out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

April 13 - Joy Williams: Singer-songwriter with special guest Anthony Da Costa. 8 p.m. Calvin College Fine Arts Center, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $20 adults, $5 students. calvin.edu.

April 13, 27 - GRFA Acoustic Saturday Night Concerts: Grand River Folk Arts concerts. April 13, J. Oscar Bittinger and Joe Shields. April 27, Escaping Pavement. 7 p.m.

Wealthy Theatre Annex, 1110 Wealthy St. SE. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students, $10 members, $5 kids under 12. sites.google.com/ site/grfolkarts.

April 14 - Brit Floyd: Pink Floyd tribute show. 7:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $45-$150. devosperfor mancehall.com.

April 15 - Monday Night Jazz: Monthly West Michigan Jazz Society concert with Mary Rademacher Reed and Rick Reuther with the Tom Hagen Quartet. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Casino Club, 3260 Salerno Drive NE. $15, $10 members. wmichjazz.org.

April 16 - Todd Snider: Singer-songwriter presents Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3. 7:30 p.m. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. $25-$30. grcmc.org.

April 18 - 1964 The Tribute: The Beatles tribute show. 7:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $37.50 and up. devosperformancehall.com.

April 19 - Godsmack: Rock band concert with Volbeat. 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $22-$67. vanandelarena.com.

April 25 - Casting Crowns: Contemporary Christian rock band performs Only Jesus tour.

7 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $40-$80. vanandelarena.com.

April 25 - From Mendelssohn: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performs works by Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms and Tchaikovsky. 7:30 p.m. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $40-$45. scmconline.org.

April 26 - Cool Jazz: Wycliffe Gordon performs with Byron Center Jazz Ensembles. 7:30 p.m. Van Singel FAC, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center. $18 adults, $11 students. vsfac.com.

April 26 - Disney in Concert: Around the World: West Michigan Symphony performs songs from “The Little Mermaid,” “Pocahontas,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Frozen,” “Aladdin,” “Mulan” and more. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $28-$64, $10 students. west michigansymphony.com.

84 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

April 27 - Classics III - Triple Threat: Holland Symphony Orchestra concert with music by Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. 7:30 p.m. Miller Center, Hope College, 221 Columbia Ave. $22 adults, $5 students. hollandsymphony.org.

April 27 - MMA Concert: Muskegon Museum of Art hosts folk musicians Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert. 7 p.m. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon. $25 adults, $15 members. muske gonartmuseum.org.

April 28 - Grand Rapids Youth Symphony End of Season Concert: Concert with Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra. 3 p.m.

DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $6 adults, $4 students. grsymphony.org.

April 28 - Sounds of Spring: Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids concert. 3 p.m. Temple Emanuel, 1715 Fulton St. NE. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. chamberchoirgr.org.

April 28 - Underground Concert Series: Alex Harding Organ Trio with J.D. Allen. 3-5 p.m. LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE. $20-$25 adults, $10 students, kids 12 and under free. lafontsee.us.

April 30 - For Whom the Bell Tolls: Embellish Handbells spring concert. 7:30 p.m. Location TBD. $12. embellishhandbells. com/wordpress.

LECTURES & WORKSHOPS April - Downtown Market Cooking Classes: April 13, Cooking with Craft Beer. April 14, Next Level Cocktails. April 18, Culinary Medicine Plant-Based Cooking. April 19, Flight Friday.

April 20, Get to Know Gnocchi. 435 Ionia Ave. SW. downtownmarketgr.com.

April - FLPC Art Workshops: April 15, “Color and Acrylics” by Kathleen Mooney.

Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell. lifeprocesscenter.org.

April - Grand Rapids Public Libraries: Adults: The Abandoned Bride: A Documentary, From Pig Farm to Thriving Neighborhood, Treasures of Your Library: A White Glove Event, Music in the Stacks, ArTalks, Senior Savvy Learning Series: Transform Your Space, book clubs, computer/technology instruction. Kids: After the Bell on Thursdays, Mermaid Storytime, CHAOS Lab, Evening Explorers, LEGO Block Party, Mindstorm Saturdays, story times. grpl.org.

April - Kent District Libraries: Adults: KDaLe Book Club, String Circle, KDL Caffeinated, Food and Finances, book sales, book discussions, computer/technology instruction. Kids: Disney Movie Marathon, Wimee’s

Words, Hello Spring!, Write Michigan: Teen Poetry Slam, KDL Lab Experience, story times. kdl.org.

April 2 - Secchia Garden Lecture: Author Kelly D. Norris hosts lecture and book signing for “Plants with Style.” 7 p.m. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. Free with admission. meijer gardens.org.

April 5 - First Friday Contra Dance: Grand River Folk Arts Society hosts instruction and dancing. 7 p.m. 701 Fifth St. NW. $10 adults, $8 members, $5 students and seniors. sites. google.com/site/grfolkarts.

April 7 - GRAM Workshop: Grand Rapids Art Museum presents Modern Macramé. Ages 16+. Registration required. 12:30-3:30 p.m. 101 Monroe Center NW. $35. artmuseumgr.org.

April 8 - GVSU Writers Series: Nonfiction craft talk and reading with Sarah Einstein.

Craft talk: 3-4:15 p.m. in Kirkhof Center, room 2270. Reading: 6-7:30 p.m in Mary Idema Pew Library Multi-Purpose Room, Allendale Campus. gvsu.edu/writing.

April 9 - Gluten Free Easter Breads: Cooking class with Jan Hendrick. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell. $25. lifeprocesscen ter.org.

April 11 - Aquinas College Contemporary Writers Series: Author Allison Swan. 7:30 p.m. Wege Ballroom, Aquinas College, 1700 E. Fulton St.. aquinas.edu/contemporary-wri ters-series.

April 11 - Passport to Adventure: Calvin College presents travel film series: “Tibet: A Light in the Darkness” by Sean Cassidy and Patricia Keith. 7 p.m. Calvin College Fine Arts Center, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $6 adults, $3 students. calvin.edu/academic/call/pass tick.htm.

April 12 - Creativity Uncorked: Grand Rapids Art Museum hosts social evening and art workshop “Stunning Silhouettes.” Ages 21+. Registration required. 6:45-9 p.m. 101 Monroe Center NW. $40. artmuseumgr.org/ learn/creativityuncorked.

April 23 - Dyslexia Seminar: Information from New Chapter Learning. 6:30 p.m. 4120 Chicago Drive SW, Suite 4, Grandville. Free; register at 534-1385. newchapterlearning.net.

April 29 - GR Audubon Club: “Saving the Kirtland’s Warbler” by David Ewert. 7:30 p.m. Aquinas College Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Lane. Public welcome. Free. graud.org.

ADVERTISEMENT

Join Grand Valley State University Campus Recreation for the Grand Finale Glow 5K

at 8 p.m. April 13. Whether you prefer to walk or run, this event is open to anyone and offers three divisions — men’s, women’s and all-gender — with various age groups. Taking place on the GVSU Allendale campus, the glow-themed event includes refreshments, music, giveaways, professional timing with immediate results, medals for top three placements in each division and T-shirts for those who register by April 5. All participants can support partnering student organizations when registering and enjoy a silent disco celebration immediately following the race. While a glow necklace will be provided, additional glow accessories are welcome. Invite your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to join in the fun! For more information or to sponsor, visit gvsu.edu/rec/grandfinale5k or contact rec@gvsu.edu.

Join us for Nana's Run, a 5K run/walk taking

place on May 4 to benefit local individuals affected

by ALS. The downtown Grand Rapids run/walk begins and ends at Rosa Parks Circle, giving participants an opportunity to experience the downtown streets one week before the River Bank Run. This wonderful course for walkers and people of all ages travels along the Grand River and across the Sixth Street Bridge.

Registration is $30 before April 28. Runners who register before April 13 guarantee themselves a dri-fit race shirt. Nana's Run was established to honor the legacy of Char "Nana" VanderLaan, the mother of Pamella DeVos and grandmother of race cochairs Cassandra DeVos Thorndill and Sydney DeVos Reames.

Nana passed away in 2014 from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease that more than 5,000 people are diagnosed with each year. Since 2014, Nana's Run has raised more than $1.58 million in support of clinical care, research and programs, and has helped local ALS patients access critical care close to home. Proceeds of the race benefit The ALS Association Michigan Chapter and the ALS Clinic at Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences. To register, visit nanasrun.com.

On April 12, Saint Mary’s Foundation and LA Miller Boutique will team up to host a

state-of-the-art, high-energy fashion show, giving guests an up-close look at the latest fashion trends from the area’s top boutiques and salons. The show will be held from 7-11 p.m. at 20 Monroe Live in support of the Multiple Sclerosis program at Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences and will highlight styles from Confident Wear, DENYM, jb and me, LA Miller, Lennon & Willow, Scout & Molly's and The Shoppe at Saint Mary's with hair and makeup provided by 15 East Salon & Boutique and Chasing Vanity Salon and Spa. General admission tickets are available for $50, VIP tickets for $85 and VIP packages for $500. Want to learn more?!

Visit saintmarysevents.com for details, to purchase your ticket or to learn how you can help sponsor this event.

The JDRF Michigan Great Lakes West Chapter and its Gala Committee invite you to join them at the 21st annual Promise Gala at 6 p.m. April 26

at the Amway Grand Plaza. This year’s “Carnivale for a Cure” themed event is black-tie optional attire with feathers, sparkles and exotic attire encouraged. The evening will include a cocktail hour, seated dinner, open bar, live and silent auctions, a special Fund A Cure segment and entertainment to samba the night away.

Proceeds from the 2019 Promise Gala will support JDRF’s mission: Improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat Type 1 diabetes and its complications. Join JDRF and be a part of taking us a step closer to the cure. For more information, visit greatlakeswest.jdrf.org or contact Kim Monks at kmonks@jdrf.org or (616) 957-1838.

Join Michigan Women Forward, along with

co-chairs Rachel Mraz and Kathleen Vogelsang, for the

WomanUp & Celebrate

WANT TO SEE YOUR CHARITY/NON-PROFIT EVENT HERE? SEND YOUR EVENT DETAILS TO COMMUNITY@GRMAG.COM FOR CONSIDERATION!

luncheon April 18, honoring Meg Goebel, president of Paul Goebel Group, and India Manns, exemplary community leader, with the 2019 Women of Achievement and Courage Award at the JW Marriott. Don’t miss Michigan Women Forward’s largest and most exciting West Michigan event and help support MWF’s mission to accelerate Michigan’s progress by advancing equality and opportunity for women and girls. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit miwf.org.

out & about SOCIETY / FACES / PLACES

Laura Bassett and Kamady Rudd

Trudy and Joe Brenner

Kayla Cornell

Rob and Chari VanSuilichem

Robert Lee and Kathy Judson

Logan Hunter and Brittan Appleberry

snap shots

CAPTURING THE ACTION

AROUND TOWN:

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN held its Grand Rapids Polar Plunge on Feb. 2 at The Score. Several brave souls took the plunge in support of the organization’s mission.

Perrin Brewing Company hosted its annual Ice Jam Winter Festival on Jan. 26 benefitting Kids’ Food Basket. Attendees bundled up and enjoyed an afternoon filled with live music, winter activities and Perrin brews.

Grand Rapids area residents had the opportunity to meet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist on Jan. 26 when the pair visited the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a free event.

Danyalle Houghton, Nichole Klein, Amanda Toney and Christie Perkins 86 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Anne and John Pentiak, Brad Munson, Matt Jackovich, Ashley and Keith Kausch, and Kellie Diem

Agnes and Ewurama Appiagyei-Dankah Chris, Lisa, Garrett and Emmet Koeman Leisha, Jack and Rollie Reeves

Starting second from left: Rosalynn Bliss, Bing Goei, Bobby Hopewell, Henry Sanchez, Lupe Ramos, Dave Petroelje and Rachel Hood

Marcy Maleport, Sean Ainslie and Carly Bennette Roger and Kory Thompson

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Kevin McCoy and John Cassidy

Cora and Andy Higgins

APRIL 2019 / GRMAG.COM 87

after thoughts

Q:a Rachel Bartels is all about the West Michigan lifestyle.

88 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

R

achel Bartels has a passion for West Michigan and helping people reach their full potential. She is able to put this passion to work as executive director of Hello West Michigan, a nonprofit devoted to promoting the region, recruiting talent and assisting in the relocation process. Before becoming executive director, she spent nearly six years as program manager, founding the annual West Michigan Intern Connect.

From the east side of the state, Bartels moved to West Michigan to attend Aquinas College. She is the founding co-chair of Aquinas Women’s Connection, a women’s community for alumnae and friends of the college.

WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO WEST MICHIGAN? For me, it’s the access to the beaches, fresh produce, outdoor recreation options, low cost of living and career opportunity. That may sound like a broken record to people who have lived here all of their lives, but not everywhere is like West Michigan. Having my family and friends here is another big factor for me.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? I’m really passionate about helping young people navigate the transition between student to young professional. I had a fantastic mentor right out of college who showed me how to be a successful professional. Now, I try to pass that wisdom on to students and my interns.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT GR? It may sound cliché, but I love the small town feel with big city amenities. As a young professional, I have access to opportunities I probably wouldn’t have in larger metros, like serving on community boards. Owning a house is also possible here. But in addition to that, we have access to cultural showings you might not have in a small town, such as the symphony or big-name concerts at Van Andel.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Fixing up my historical house in East Hills and geeking out over local history at GR Historical Society events.

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