GUIDE TO THE CITY’S BEST FOOD, PLACES AND PEOPLE PLUS M O R N I N G B E L L E
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H E R I TAG E FA S H I O N
Best Meteorologist, Bill Steffen
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Simplify your home New year, new space
The forecast is heating up as we announce the city’s best
CALVIN UNIVERSITY PRESENTS
2020
Covenant Fine Arts Center 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. EST free admission calvin.edu/january
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Wednesday
AMBER WARNERS The Fierce Humility of Winning
Thursday
TODD CHARLES WOOD & DARREL R. FALK Moving Beyond Labels to a Christian Dialogue about Creation and Evolution
Underwritten by Howard Miller
Underwritten by Issachar Fund
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Monday
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Tuesday
JONATHAN HAIDT
CATHY O’NEIL
The Coddling of the American Mind
Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy
Underwritten by Miller Johnson and I.C.N. Foundation
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Monday
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Wednesday
DEBORAH & JAMES FALLOWS
THE 5 BROWNS IN CONCERT
Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey into the Heart of America
Underwritten by Friends of the January Series
Underwritten by Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning
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Tuesday
Thursday
Underwritten by Holland Litho Printing Services
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Wednesday
Thursday
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Friday
SANDRA POSTEL Replenish: The Virtuous Cycle of Water and Prosperity Underwritten by World Renew and The Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics
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Friday
BOB FU When Caesar Demands to be God: Religious Freedom in China Underwritten by Bruce and Mary Okkema
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Friday
ALICE MARIE JOHNSON MITCH ALBOM
ANN COMPTON
JEREMY EVERETT
JOHAN NORBERG
IN CELEBRATION OF MLK DAY
Up Close and Very Personal: My 41 Years in the White House Press Corps
Solving America’s Hunger Crisis
Progress: 10 Reasons to Look Forward to the Future
After Life: My Journey from Incarceration to Freedom
A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family
Underwritten by Larry and Mary Gerbens
Underwritten by Samaritas and Barnes & Thornburg, LLP
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Monday
NAJLA KASSAB
The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong
The Reformed Church in the Middle East: Hopes and Challenges
Underwritten by Howard Miller
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GRATEFUL TO OUR SPONSORS Series partners
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Tuesday
KAREN GONZÁLEZ
Underwritten by Holland Home
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contents JAN. 2020 VOLUME 57, ISSUE 1
FEATURES
57
BEST OF GR FIN D OU T T H E R ES U LTS OF OUR AN N UA L R EADER S PO L L . BY RACHEL MATUSZEWSKI, AMELIA PASQUALONE AND CHARLSIE DEWEY
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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU T IP S O N ST ICKIN G TO YO U R R ES O LU T I O NS T H IS Y E A R . BY MEGAN SARNACKI
P H OTO G R A P H BY A N G E L A C I CC U
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COVER ANGELA CICCU
contents / anuary
every issue 10 85
editor's letter dining guide
A guide to the area's best eateries
100 gr gems
Discover Richmond Park
people + places 16
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22
city
World of Winter, Elevated GR and Boop de Boom Coffee
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voice
22
guide
24
issues
Wendy Sellers talks puberty with local teens
Spend a wintry weekend in West Michigan Looking for work with a felony record
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profile
30
moments
Cooking up awards with Gilles Renusson
Highlights from Grand Rapids Comic Con and March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
look + feel
34
home
36
gear
38
wellness
40
style
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expert
Simplify your space Fill your gym bag with these essentials Fight SAD with light therapy Heritage fashion Divorce doesn't have to be contentious; find out how
food + drink
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2020
46
table
50
cheers
52
must-try
54
create
Wake up with Morning Belle's brunch menu Leon & Son sets up shop in Grand Rapids Pu pu platter at Max's South Seas Hideaway Soul Song from IDC is a fun take on the Negroni
PU PU PLATTER BRYAN ESLER COCKTAIL LAUREN PEACOCK FROM AHC+HOSPITALITY FAT TIRE BIKE COURTESY CANNONBURG SKI AREA
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editor's letter / connect
BEHIND THE SCENES
Grand Rapids Magazine Managing Editor Charlsie Dewey interviews Bill Steffen during his January 2020 cover photoshoot.
New year, new magazine "The Grand Rapids Magazine team has worked hard to bring our readers a vibrant magazine that will encourage you to get out and enjoy the city." Charlsie Dewey
By now, you’ve probably noticed this issue of Grand Rapids Magazine looks a bit different. These changes have been in the works for the past year, and I am so excited to finally share them with you. From our newly designed logo to updated content, the Grand Rapids Magazine team has worked hard to bring our readers a vibrant magazine that will encourage you to get out and enjoy the city. We’ve updated our content to focus on the people and places making Grand Rapids unique; we’ve added an interior design focus, style and gear suggestions, and tips from experts on a range of topics; and we’ve expanded our food and drink coverage to try and capture more of the restaurants, breweries, distilleries and coffee shops popping up across the city. In this issue, you will find interviews with “The Puberty Lady,” aka Wendy Sellers, a nurse who helps kids begin to understand the changes their bodies are going through as pre-teens and teens. She shares advice to help parents have those tricky conversations. We also talked with master pastry chef Gilles Renusson, of GRCC’s Secchia Institute of Culinary Education, who was recently awarded the Order of Agricultural Merit from the French government. Our stylist has scoured the shelves of local boutiques to bring you tweed-inspired looks, and we have suggestions on how to simplify your space after the chaotic holiday season. Set the stage for a serene start to the new year. We visited Morning Belle, the new breakfast and lunch spot on East Beltline, and sampled its menu, and we visited Leon & Son, a new wine shop located in the Uptown neighborhood. Beyond all the changes, this issue is particularly exciting because it’s our annual Best of Grand Rapids issue. Every year, we ask our readers to weigh in on what makes Grand Rapids great. Thousands of votes later, we present you with the results in over 100 categories, from where to find the best fries (HopCat) and which restaurant has the best vegan/vegetarian menu (Brick Road Pizza) to your favorite meteorologist (our cover star Bill Steffen) and the best place to score men’s clothing (Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store) and so much more. We hope you enjoy the changes we’ve made to Grand Rapids Magazine! Happy New Year!
Next issue
If you got engaged over the holidays, let us help you find the perfect dress. Our Weddings Issue is full of dresses from local retailers that you are sure to fall for.
On the radio
Join Managing Editor Charlsie Dewey at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays, as she presents the Weekend City Guide with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio FM 88.5 and 95.3.
On TV
Managing Editor Charlsie Dewey joins Shelley Irwin each month on WGVU’s “Community Connection” program to discuss what’s inside Grand Rapids Magazine.
FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR
Charlsie Dewey Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine
There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Email: cdewey@grmag.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media:
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2020
Austin Langlois is a freelance food and travel writer. His work has appeared in publications across the country, including Bon Appétit, Time Out Miami, AskMen.com and DRIFT Magazine.
EDITOR PHOTO TERRY JOHNSTON BEHIND THE SCENES KEAGAN COOP CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY AUSTIN LANGLOIS
Voted Best Residential Brokerage 2 years running. FiveStarMichigan.com
Senior living...like it should be.™ Who said growing older can’t be fun? At Holland Home, we focus on the growing — socially, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually and physically. A mission accomplished by providing safe, contemporary homes in vibrant communities, surrounded by expert caregivers passionate about providing every resident with the best care possible — as you age, at every stage. So even if you outlive your financial resources,* you know you’ll always get the care you need in a home you love... like it should be. For more information, visit hollandhome.org, call (616) 643-2730, or simply drop by.
Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964
Now Enrolling
www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com Publisher: John Balardo | Associate Publisher: Jason Hosko
We asked our staff: What are you looking forward to in 2020? Traveling with friends. I think Europe is our next destination! KEAGAN COOP
Editorial Editor: Tim Gortsema Managing Editor: Charlsie Dewey Copy Editor: Tom Mitsos Editorial Interns: Rachel Matuszewski, Amelia Pasqualone Digital Editor: Chris Ehrlich Contributors: Holly Bechiri, Jaye Beeler, Ann Byle, Aricka Gannon, Austin Langlois, Kara McNabb, Megan Sarnacki, Pasha Shipp, Tricia van Zelst
DANIEL MOEN
My daughter turning 1 and all the adventures our family will take. RILEY MEYERS
Visiting all my college friends who have moved to different cities! ALEXIS MELLOS
TOM MITSOS
Design Art Director: Lindsay Emeigh Graphic Designers: Keagan Coop, Robin Vargo Contributors: Michael Buck, Angela Ciccu, Bryan Esler, Teri Genovese, James Heimer, Jennifer Pickering, David Sparks, Wealthy Studios Sales General Inquiries: Advertisingsales@grmag.com Advertising Director: Jenn Maksimowski Account Executives: Chelsea Carter, Jessica Laidlaw, Renee Looman, Craig R. Rich, Bri Rodriguez, Susan Smalley, Amanda Smiley Receptionist/Office Assistant: Alisha Andres To Order Reprints: Receptionist – (616) 459-4545
Enhancing my relationships with new and old friends, taking more time to self-reflect and challenge myself, and practicing spiritual self-discovery... and traveling a lot more!
Trying new disc golf courses when the weather warms up.
Experimenting with baking! I really want to master the French macaroon. ALISHA ANDRES
K-Prep Preschool Registration Now Open
Production Production Director: Jenine Rhoades Senior Production Artist: Robert Gorczyca Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel Advertising Coordinator: Robyn Bankston Advertising Designers: Melissa Flores-Loera, Christian Lott, Daniel Moen, Kendra Okamoto, Christopher Paluch, Marcus Thompson, Amanda Zwiren
Infant | Toddler | Preschool | Young 5’s | School Age
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Web Digital Strategy Director: Nick Britsky Digital Operations Director: Gerald Blakeslee Web Project Lead: Matthew Cappo Web Project Assistants: Mariah Knott, Luanne Lim, Kevin Pell, Bart Woinski
Becoming healthier and watching more great movies!
IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland IT Support Specialist: Bryan Gerard
More traveling to visit relatives. Italy, we're coming for you!
Circulation Director Of Audience Development: Michelle VanArman Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247
BART WOINSKI
THE ULTIMATE BOOK ABOUT DETROIT’S HISTORY
BRYAN GERARD
Marketing Marketing & Events Director: Mary Sutton Marketing & Events Manager: Andrea Straw Digital Marketing Coordinator: Asia Jones Marketing & Events Assistants: Lauren Krzisnik, Alexis Mellos Administration Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki Publishing Coordinator: Kristin Mingo Accounting Associates: Natasha Bajju, Andrew Kotzian, Katie West Published By Gemini Media, LLC CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo
Getting in shape and eating healthier! There’s nothing better than starting off the new year with good habits. KRISTIN MINGO
Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Media. Publishing offices: 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag.com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI and at additional mailing offices. Copyright ©2019 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St., SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $4.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.
Explore the latest book from award-winning journalist and DBusiness magazine editor R.J. King. “Detroit: Engine of America” is the real life story of how the city grew, step by step, from a French fort on the riverfront in 1701 to become the world’s largest manufacturing economy in 1900. To purchase copies of “Detroit: Engine of America” personally signed by the author, email Detroit@MomentumBooks.com.
GR M AG .CO M
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people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY
Cannonsburg Ski Area offers a winter playground for everyone.
» P LUS: GILLES RENUSSON TAKES THE C AKE C APTURED MOMENTS FROM LOC AL EVE NTS GUIDE
Wintry weekend
TALKING THE BIRDS AND THE BEES WITH WENDY SELLERS
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people + places / city
TOP EVENTS
Don't miss
We've rounded up our top 5 events this January. COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST
Blandford Nature Center While staying inside this month might seem like the best move, it’s actually the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Blandford Nature Center is offering a series of hikes and special events throughout January: Jan. 2, Owl Moon. Jan. 4, Blacksmith Open Forge and Snowshoe Hike. Jan. 11, Hike with a Naturalist and Winter Fort Building. Jan. 16, Owl Prowl. Jan. 17, GR Story Spinners: Winter Night of Tales. Jan. 18, Winter Sensory Hike & Meditation and Winter in the Cabin. Jan. 23, Owl Moon. Jan. 25, Snowshoe Hike and Kombucha Workshop. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandfordnaturecenter.org.
Fed Galleries @ Kendall College of Art and Design Through Jan. 25, visit the Fed Galleries for “Selling Sexism.” The exhibition includes objects on loan from Ferris State University’s Museum of Sexist Objects, along with works by contemporary artists who encourage discussion, debate and dialogue about everyday objects that promote sexist attitudes, discriminatory practices and gendered violence. 17 Pearl St. NW, 4512787, kcad.edu/galleries.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
“Hamilton” Broadway Grand Rapids presents the musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton who was George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War. “Hamilton” runs from Jan. 21-Feb. 9. Times vary; see website. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. broadwaygrandrapids.com.
Griffins Great Skate Winterfest Join the Grand Rapids Griffins on Jan. 18-19 for skating, winter sports demonstrations, games and activities, plus 24-hour skating marathon with Griffins players; benefits Griffins Youth Foundation. Winterfest begins noon Sat. Great Skate runs 10 p.m. Sat.-10 p.m. Sun. Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center NW. Free; donations encouraged. griffinshockey. com/greatskate.
Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20. Keynote speaker Yusef A. Salaam, an exonerated member of the Central Park Five, will talk about his experience being convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and the effects of incarceration and disenfranchisement at the communitywide program organized by GRCC, GVSU and Davenport University. 6 p.m. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Free. grcc.edu/mlk.
Visit grmag.com for a complete list of upcoming calendar events and to submit events.
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FED GALLERIES ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH MAPLE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING COURTESY GRCC HAMILTON JOAN MARCUS
World of Winter promises to get you outside no matter how cold it is. Try real life Hungry Hungry Hippo this year (bottom).
Frozen fun
CITY
Vintage wonderland If you love scoring vintage looks, Elevated Grand Rapids will leave you swooning. The vintage marketplace opened its doors in September, at 1750 Clyde Park Ave. SW in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood, and it is filled with vintage and artisan vendors “who believe that community over
WINTERFEST COURTESY DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS INC. STORE COURTESY ELEVATED
Elevated Grand Rapids is a new vintage marketplace with multiple vendors housed in one building.
competition is the key to success.” The marketplace includes Michigan makers, artisans and artists, as well as a vintage clothing boutique. Elevated owner and founder Heather Nowakowski created the space alongside Laurie Boyer and Wendy Winn.
Catching cabin fever now that the holidays are over? Grand Rapids Downtown Inc. wants to help you celebrate winter. From Jan. 17-Feb. 16, DGRI is hosting World of Winter, a monthlong celebration full of events to get you outside. Highlights include: Silent Disco (Jan. 18), where you can jam out to a variety of music through headphones at the Monroe North parking lot; Lunar New Year (Jan. 25), the GR Asian-Pacific Festival will provide this unique celebration opportunity at the Monroe North parking lot, featuring dragon dancers, food and many more activities; Movies on the Piazza (Feb. 1), with summertime-themed movies at Studio C’s outdoor piazza. See the DGRI website for a full list of events and times.
Creston coffee
You can now grab coffee for your morning commute at a neighborhood brewery. Boop de Boom Coffee opened inside of Creston Brewery, 1504 Plainfield Ave. NE, in November, offering coffee 6:30 a.m.-noon MondayFriday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Owner Cailin Kelly partnered with Creston Brewery to open the coffee lounge in a back area of the taproom. The lounge features locally roasted Sparrow’s coffee and espresso drinks, specialty teas from around the world, and a snack and pastry menu.
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Wendy Sellers holds a model of the clitoris that she uses when discussing social justice issues.
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PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
people + places / voice
VOICE
The Puberty Lady Teaching 'less shame and more wonder' BY HOLLY BECHIRI
// PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE
What started as a mom volunteering to help in her kids’ classes, using her nursing experience to help them understand puberty, has turned into an over 30-year career for Wendy Sellers that brings her expertise around the world — including right here in Michigan, as the co-author for the state of Michigan’s sex ed curriculum. Kids know her as “The Puberty Lady,” and the main focus these days for Sellers is addressing what she calls “the wonder years” of fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Her curriculum for these grades is now used in 32 states and six countries, all with an approach of “less shame, more wonder.” How did a nursing career turn into teaching kids about puberty? I had a horrible sex education, like so many of us. When I had my own children, I wanted them to have better sex ed than I had, and I knew that included not just teaching in the home but also in the school. So, I volunteered to teach the puberty classes in their school. Why write a curriculum for upper elementary kids? When I was working on the revision of the state curriculum in the mid1990s, they made a decision to remove all of the lessons on puberty that were already in the curriculum, in fourth, fifth and sixth grade. That left a gap in education for all of our state’s children — so I decided to fill that gap. You mentioned that filling those gaps in sex education is an act of social justice. What do you mean? There’s really no other topic that we value ignorance in, except sex ed. So, why do we try to keep people ignorant? Oftentimes, it’s to keep people in their place. Sex ed has a lot of aspects of gender equality, equal rights, race relations … even climate change, with the human population. There’s a long history of taking minority groups’ children away from them. There are issues around health care with race; the discrepancy in health care, for example, with Black women in childbirth is horrible. There’s also been a history of Black women being sterilized against their will, so it’s understandable if they tend to mistrust birth control. The justice implications are far reaching.
Speaking of justice, how can we talk about consent with kids? Consent can be taught from birth because it’s not just about sex. It’s about boundaries. If Great Aunt Sophie comes over and wants a hug and a kiss from your child, and they don’t want to — don’t make them. Give them the right to say yes or no. And if they're playing and somebody wants to use a toy, make sure that they seek consent for borrowing a possession. Those are not sex things, but consent applies to all kinds of things; we have boundaries for everything. I imagine, working with preteens, there is also a lot of laughter. If you don’t have a sense of humor, you shouldn’t be teaching puberty education because it is hysterically funny. In my early years of teaching these classes, I was teaching my daughter’s sixth-grade class. The school divided the class up between boys and girls, and I was with the boys. This darling boy, while I am talking about how babies are made, had his wheels turning. “So, if there are two children in my family, my parents had sex twice, right?” I said, “Yes, at least.” Well, he’s married now, and he invited me to his wedding. At his wedding, he introduced me to his new bride, whom I had never met. Can you guess how he introduced me? “This is the woman who taught me everything I know about sex.” Editor’s note: This interview was condensed and edited for space and clarity.
Tips for parents Wendy Sellers provides insight on how to approach puberty. Kids this age are like mechanics. They just want to know how it works. Keep it simple and straightforward. Don’t give your kids “the talk.” Look for teachable moments to create an ongoing, lifelong series of conversations. Find good books. There are great tools for parents and kids, of all ages, pubertycurriculum. com/puberty-books. You have a lot of power in how your kids are taught. Join your school’s Sex Ed Advisory Board (it’s required by the state) and insist that your school teaches sex education at a developmentally appropriate level, in a nonshame-based, nonabstinence-only way.
Wendy Sellers wrote "Puberty: The Wonder Years" to fill a gap she saw in sex education.
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people + places / guide
Hit the slopes or the trails at Cannonsburg Ski Area for a fun-filled weekend.
GUIDE
A snowy weekend itinerary BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
The best time to enjoy a wintry weekend in Grand Rapids is right after a fresh snowfall. Start your day with a visit to the Grist Mill, 8000 Cannonsburg Road NE in Cannonsburg, to fuel up. Try the Big Cannon — three eggs, three pancakes, hash browns and choice of bacon or sausage — for an energy boost. Next up, head to Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Road NE in Belmont, for the afternoon. You can ski, snowboard or go tubing. Equipment rentals are available (skis and snowboards are $25 for the day for adults, $15 for kids). Cannonsburg has nine lifts accommodating 21 runs that range from beginner to advanced, ensuring everyone can have a fun time. Another option is to pack your fat-tire bikes, cross-country skis or your snowshoes to tackle Cannonsburg’s winter trails. Trail access is $5 for the day or $30 for a season trail pass. When you’re ready for a break, head inside and warm up in the Cedar Lodge, a cozy, family-friendly restaurant with great views of the slopes. The menu offers 22
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a wide range of food, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and kid-friendly options. There is a full-service bar serving local microbrews and signature cocktails. Chances are the next morning you’ll wake up with a few well-earned aches from the day before. Tackle those pains with a visit to Clean Juice at Knapp’s Crossing, 2044 East Beltline Ave. NE, where you can enjoy one of several juices or cold-pressed beverage options. Pair your drink of choice with an acai bowl or the almond butter toast, avocado toast or the protein toast. Next up, make sure you have a reservation at Woodhouse Day Spa, 2060 East Beltline Ave. NE. You can choose from a variety of massage options: Swedish massage, deep tissue massage or the hot stone (salt) massage. Woodhouse also offers a variety of body treatments that are perfect for a day after hitting the slopes. Don’t lose that relaxed feeling; stop at Books & Mortar, 955 Cherry St. SE, or Schuler Books, 2660 28th St. SE, for a new read and spend the rest of the day curled up on the sofa getting lost in a book.
Cannonsburg has nine lifts accommodating 21 runs that range from beginner to advanced, ensuring everyone can have a fun time.
Clean Juice offers several juices to refuel you. SKI/BIKE COURTESY CANNONSBURG SKI AREA JUICE COURTESY CLEAN JUICE
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Teresa Collins wants to work, but a past felony is a major roadblock.
ISSUES
Finding work
When the word ‘felony’ is on a résumé, obtaining a job is next to impossible. BY ANN BYLE
// PHOTO BY DAVID SPARKS
Teresa Collins wants to work. She has an associate degree in business management and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, speaks English and Spanish, and has a solid work history. But Collins spent six months in jail recently and now has a felony record. She almost had a job at a huge West Michigan company and has had several other offers, which were rescinded once the companies did a background check. She was awarded what is called a Metallica Scholarship (funded by the band of the same name) to receive training in welding, but she needs experience and more training to get a job in the field. No one will hire her because she doesn’t have experience. And because she has a record. “People are afraid; I am a liability,” she said. “But I’m a physically able person who wants to work. No job is above or below me.” There are hundreds of thousands just like her, she said, who want to work and are actively looking, but who are passed over time after time because of their pasts. “People have to continue paying their debt to society,” Collins said, describing how she applied for a janitor position but was denied because of her record. “People need to set aside being afraid of taking on someone with a tainted past. Felons are a large part of the population.” The Women’s Resource Center, whose 24
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people + places / issues
goal is to “educate and empower women to workplace success,” served 140 women through its New Beginnings program in 2018 alone, with many more since it began in 2012. The program has mentors going into the Kent County Jail each week to work with women in workforce development training. “We teach them everything from communication skills, handling conflict and the importance of arriving to work on time, to technical skills (beyond social media) such as Excel and Word,” said Sandra Gaddy, CEO of Women’s Resource Center. “Then when the women are released, they trust us and the mentor they’ve been paired with, and we are able to work with them here. We help them establish career goals and career paths.” Gaddy and WRC are advocates for women in all arenas, including the county jail system. “When women come out of jail, they have more barriers to acclimating to the community than men do,” she said. “Those barriers can include finding housing, getting their children back, transportation and child care.” Cascade Engineering and Butterball Farms, among others, have led the way in providing work for women and men who have been incarcerated. Professional Metal Finishers is doing its part as well thanks to Betsy Boss, president of the 15-employee company. She credits a college friend working at Forge Industrial Staffing who called and asked if she’d be willing to hire people with a jail or prison record. Boss agreed and has hired 50 to 75 people with records over the last nearly 20 years. “I needed people, and she had people,” Boss said. “Things have really swung around in recent years because employers need bodies. They’ve also realized that people can be incarcerated for many things, but it doesn’t affect how they work.” Many individuals with a record work at PMF for a year to three years, enough time to get on their feet, pay some bills and decide what they want for a long-term job. “That doesn’t bother me at all,” Boss said. “We have had some really good workers, and we’ve taught a fair number how to work. In our tiny shop, it doesn’t matter where you come from; you can always move forward.” Mark Peters is CEO of Butterball Farms, which calls people with records “returning citizens.” Butterball started hiring returning citizens in the late 1990s when the job
Local training Grand Rapids Community College’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) has about 15% of its students with incarceration in their pasts. The majority are men, but they are working to change that. “Getting women into the skilled trades is always challenging,” said Julie Parks, executive director of Workforce Training & the Leslie Tassell M-TEC. “Actually, most women are better welders than men because their hand-eye coordination is generally better.” She encourages students, such as Teresa Collins, to use M-TEC to help them find apprenticeship programs and scholarships using funding available for such things. “Sometimes people get upset saying folks take advantage of these programs after prison,” Parks said. “But these programs help them get jobs; if they don’t have jobs, they may be back in prison. Let’s help them work and pay taxes.” GRCC uses a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to visit prisons monthly to talk to inmates about what it means to be successful and about programs available at GRCC. “We don’t single students out with criminal backgrounds. We make sure they are trained and certified and have the skills to work,” Parks said.
market was tight. He recalls noticing that a good number of young men from a workrelease program were coming to work for them and were good employees. “We found out they were writing on the wall at the work-release program that Butterball was hiring,” Peters said. “We then began trying to understand the people we were hiring, and we learned quite a bit. I sat on a panel recently and asked returning citizens what was different about our company. They said, ‘You don’t treat us any different. We get the same promotions, same training.’ Once people get in the door here, they are no different than anyone else.” Peters said about 30% of total factory employees have incarceration in their pasts, while Boss said about half her employees do. “You’re really missing out on a great source of talent for your workforce,” Peters said. “It’s tough to hire anyone for entrylevel jobs — at $15 an hour or lower — who doesn’t have some kind of barrier such as transportation or finding child care, and that’s not just people coming out of the prison system. The ones who really want to change are loyal employees.” For Gaddy, she sees women overcome barriers and rebuild their lives. “These women are working really hard to maintain sobriety, find work and stable housing to get their children back, and to show that they are productive and able to parent their children,” she said, adding that women coming out of jail receive fewer calls for interviews. Just over 20% of white women don’t receive a callback, but for Black women, that number is over 40%. “If they’ve paid their debt to society, have the skills, and they’d be a good fit, but they have a record, give them a chance,” Gaddy said. “So many men and women continue to pay their debt to society long after they’ve re-entered the community. Without a job and housing, the cycle continues.” For Collins, she sees a broken justice system that put her in jail not based on the crime she committed, which she said could have been a misdemeanor, but on the fact that she had a prior felony from 30 years ago. “Just because people have a marred background doesn’t mean they’re bad people,” she said. “Companies need to open their doors; we’re human beings who need help. A felon is not who I am and doesn’t define me. It’s part of my story, but it’s not who I am.”
“Companies need to open their doors; we’re human beings who need help. A felon is not who I am and doesn’t define me. It’s part of my story, but it’s not who I am.” Teresa Collins
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Award-winning pastry chef Gilles Renusseon shares his kitchen prowess with GRCC students.
Cooking up awards PROFILE
Gilles Renusson, French Agricultural Merit award winner, discovers profession in boarding school. BY PASHA SHIPP
When someone with as notable a career as French master pastry chef Gilles Renusson is asked how they got into culinary arts, you might expect to hear something about a calling or a “gut feeling.” But for Renusson, it was simple: playtime was over. “I was 14, and mom and dad made a decision for me that playing in the woods was over, and I needed to focus a little bit,” Renusson said. “They said, ‘OK, you’re going to boarding PHOTO ANDREW SCHMIDT/GRCC
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people + places / p ofile
school,’ and that’s how I went to a training school and I learned how to cook. Then a few years later, I realized that I enjoy pastry more than cooking, so I refocused my attention to pastry.” After working his first job in Belgium, 18-year-old Renusson returned to France and decided to visit his old stomping grounds. Little did he know he’d be chosen for an opportunity that would jumpstart the rest of his career. Jacques Sylvestre, one of the authors of “Cuisine et Travaux Pratiques,” the culinary guide for apprentices at the time, was calling around looking for talented students. “Mr. Sylvestre had called a few schools, among which was the one I had practiced,” Renusson said. “He had said, ‘I want the best student from your school,’ and when I graduated, I graduated top of the college in culinary.” Renusson was selected for the opportunity, but first, he had to serve a year in the military. “At the time, it was mandatory,” he said. “Everybody had to spend a year in the service. The sous chef of Mr. Sylvestre said, ‘Hey, when you’re finished with the army, come and see me and I’ll find you a job,’ and that’s what happened.” That first job? Maxim’s in Paris. From there, things only got better for Renusson. Over the next few years, he worked at both Fauchon and Dalloyau in Paris, continued his education in the culinary arts, competed in his first competition, and cooked at the Connaught Hotel in London before settling west of the Atlantic. “In the U.K., I met my wife,” Renusson said. “She’s an American from Lansing, and we married in 1980 in France and moved to the U.S. in ’81. In ’82, I went to work at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago, and I was there for almost two years and later on moved to Grand Rapids in 1984.” Shortly after the move, Renusson put his pastry prowess to the test and became the executive pastry chef at the Amway Grand Plaza. “I was there for eight years,” he said. It was after those eight great years that Renusson decided to take a different path. While on the competition circuit, he’d met Robert Garlough, a fellow chef who was the founder of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. The two became fast friends. “One day, the pastry chef instructor at the college left, and Bob told me, ‘Hey are 28
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2020
“I was 14, and mom and dad made a decision for me that playing in the woods was over, and I needed to focus a little bit. They said, ‘OK, you’re going to boarding school,’ and that’s how I went to a training school and I learned how to cook.” Gilles Renusson
PORTRAIT ANDREW SCHMIDT/GRCC
Chef Gilles Renusson works with a GRCC student.
PHOTOS ANDREW SCHMIDT/GRCC
you interested in teaching?’” Renusson said. “My wife said, ‘Hey, why not, it should be a healthy challenge.’ So, I did, and that was 28 years ago.” Renusson wasn’t at GRCC long before another opportunity popped up. This time, a chance to get more involved in competitions. “As soon as I started teaching, that was in ’92, I had received an invitation to manage the U.S. team for the world championship for the Coupe du Monde (World Pastry Cup),” he said. “I had just started at the college, and I went to see Bob Garlough, and I said, ‘Bob, I have this invitation and I’d like to know what you think,’ and he said, ‘We’ll support you any way you need.’ So, I did this from ’91 to ’97, and I took a break, and then in 2009, I was asked again by the organizers in France to take over the U.S. organization, and I’ve been doing that ever since.” His time coaching and teaching certainly paid off. In September 2019, Renusson was awarded the Ordre du Mérite Agricole (Order of Agricultural Merit) for the culinary excellence he has practiced throughout the course of his illustrious career. “In order to receive this medal, you have to be recommended,” he said. “It’s good for the school, and I want to say that because really, if I hadn’t been working at Grand Rapids Community College, I wouldn’t have been given the opportunity to take free time to go during the school year sometimes to judge competitions and come back with information that I can share with my students and my colleagues.” So, what is a master pastry chef ’s favorite dessert? Turns out, it’s not a pastry at all. “I love ice cream — because pastry chefs have to make ice cream, also,” Renusson said. “They have to make candy; they have to make ice cream; they have to make breakfast pastries. I love crepes because Mom used to make them. She doesn’t make them anymore because she doesn’t have any appetite for cooking anymore. She’s into making sweaters for all her great-grandchildren.” Even with gourmet restaurants, nationally recognized accolades and decades of teaching under his belt, Renusson isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. “I never feel like everything is finished; I always think that there is more to be done,” he said. “I could be retired if I wanted, but I love my profession, and that’s why I’m still doing it.”
Chef Gilles Renusson accepts the Order of Agricultural Merit.
Beyond pastries While Gilles Renusson enjoys teaching students the art and science of cooking, he has other hobbies. He enjoys photography, and before he sold it to pay for the surgery of his late canine companion, Buster, Renusson rode a motorcycle. “I had learned how to ride a motorcycle when I was in boarding school,” he said. “My brother, Luc, and I had pooled all our savings to buy an old police motorbike. Today, I do not have a motorcycle anymore but get quickly reminded of the thrill to ride when in class we need to blend fruit purées and turn the Vitamix to full blast.”
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moments / events
Around town Enjoying city life
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Grand Rapids Comic Con
March of Dimes Chefs Auction
Heros and villians descended on Grand Rapids on Nov. 8-10 for Grand Rapids Comic Con. The event was held at DeVos Place.
The annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction brought out the foodies on Nov. 21 at DeVos Place. Local chefs competed and raised money for March of Dimes.
Pictured (left to right): 1 Steve Kangas and Kimberly Gordon 2 Doug Saunders and Connor Saunders 3 Zackery McGinnis and Mark Hodges 4 Josh Luther and Taylor Carlson 5 Aaron Savage, Jackson Savage and Jenny Savage 6 Victor Jimenez, Greg Johnson and Emad Shatara
Pictured (left to right): 1 Julie Hughes, Mark Hughes, Ginger Feldman and Cindy Mackey 2 Meegan Joyce and Martha Chieply 3 Casey Hyland and Steve Joseph 4 Mike Avery and Jenna Arcidiacono 5 Oscar Moreno and Ramon Silguero Jr. 6 Rhonda Belden, Todd Belden, Wendy Leatherman, Amos Leatherman and Corey Knauff 7 Shawn Kohlhaas, Penny Rimer, Khrista Kohlhaas and Nick Lamoreaux 8 Joey Clawson and Jason Papes 9 Carrie Yandel and Angelica Hough
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GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2020
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look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY
Simplify your space to create a calming environment.
HOME
Simple, clean style page 34
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look + feel / home
HOME
Deliberate design Simplifying your space can promote calm. BY ARICKA GANNON
Few moments are more satisfying than coming home. After the workday is complete and commitments have been upheld, we’re rewarded with a familiar and comforting space. Our homes reflect who we are and how we live. It’s a place that holds our favorite things, whether they are possessions or people. Simplify your space As our days get busier and more stimulated with screens and technology, our homes are the solace we need from all of the activity. It’s the space we use to recharge and relax. If our living space is cluttered, it will add to the visual noise. When we have less stuff, we have less to distract us from a calming home environment. In recent years, we’ve seen a shift to a more minimalist design style. Made popular by the recent book and Netflix show, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” the concept of simplifying and decluttering the home has been proven to transform our living spaces and, subsequently, our lives. When we remove clutter and distraction from our homes, we make room to focus on the things that really matter. Be deliberate Simplifying your home doesn’t mean that you need to get rid of your favorite piece of furniture or favorite accessory. If you remove meaningful pieces from your living space, it will feel less like home. Simplifying means being intentional about the pieces you choose to keep. The idea is to avoid visual noise while still retaining sentimental selections throughout the design of your home. Recognize the pieces you love, then be deliberate about which pieces you choose to use. “Instead of displaying every framed photo you own, be selective and sort through the ones that are most meaningful. If you are not ready to part with some of your accessories, simply rotate them seasonally,” said Valerie Schmieder, principal interior designer at Via Design. 34
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2020
Simplifying your home doesn’t mean that you need to get rid of your favorite piece of furniture or favorite accessory.
Keep your traditional pieces Modern furniture follows the minimalist design approach using clean lines and sleek surfaces. It’s unadorned, visually light and easy to register. However, a completely minimal room also can feel stark and cold. By incorporating a few unexpected traditional pieces, you add personality and uniqueness. The space is no longer a cookie-cutter design, and the result reflects individual characteristics. For clients seeking a minimalist style, Schmieder starts the design process with pieces that are most meaningful to the client. A traditional wood-carved chest looks like a sculpture when used in a modern setting. “When displayed in a contemporary design, traditional pieces become the art of a room,” Schmieder said. Aricka Gannon is the marketing and communications coordinator at Via Design, a full-service design firm specializing in architecture, interior design and furniture design. Via Design serves Grand Rapids and the West Michigan community with projects ranging from interior residential to large-scale commercial.
Via Design helps clients simplify their space and create an intentional environment to come home to.
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look + feel / gea GEAR
Let's move
Score the gear that will keep you motivated to tackle your New Year's resolutions. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
// STYLED BY JENNIFER PICKERING
Fun gear can go a long way in keeping you motivated when it comes to your workout routine. Treat yourself and head to your favorite fitness class in style this month. Or, use new gear as a reward for hitting your fitness goals. The best way to achieve a goal is to break it down into smaller steps and reward the smaller achievements. Clockwise from far left: Yoga Mat, $59, Lolë, 2213 Wealthy St. SE, East Grand Rapids, lolelife.com; Yeti Tumbler, $39.99, Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus, 1200 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, billandpauls.com; Yogitoes Towel, $58, Athleta, 2213 Wealthy St. SE, East Grand Rapids, athleta.com; Running Headlamp, $50, Woosah, 738 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, spreadingthewoosah. com; Frisbee, $13.95, Bill & Paul’s; Massage Ball, $20, Gazelle, 3930 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, gazellesports.com; Burgundy Camo Tee, $49, Athleta; Ironwood Tote, $98, Mercy Supply, 634 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, mercysupply.com; Salewa Hiking Shoes, $139.95, Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus; Unpowered Headband, $28, Athleta; Venu Garmin, $400, Gazelle; Aftershokz Wireless Headphones, $80, Gazelle
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PHOTO ANGELA CICCU
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With less light in the winter months, going to bed earlier can help with mental health.
WELLNESS
Beat the winter blues Use light therapy to treat seasonal affective disorder. BY KARA MCNABB
I was surprised when one of my teachers at the Naturopathic Institute told us to stop wearing sunglasses unless sunlight poses a safety risk, like while driving. It’s through our eyes that we absorb the most vitamin D from the sun, our best source for catalyzing our body’s production of vitamin D, a hormone that affects many functions of the body, including those that contribute to feeling joy, balanced emotions and appropriate energy levels. Since Michigan winters put us at a disadvantage to soaking up the moodenhancing rays, many people have turned to light therapy lamps. These lamps can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a term that 38
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captures a collection of symptoms, like lethargy, loss of pleasure, inability to concentrate, low mood and uncontrollable food cravings. Light therapy lamps can be purchased for under $200. It’s recommended that you sit — with eyes open — in front of the lamp for at least 30 minutes, as close to the start of your day as possible. Not just any lamp will do. Those designed specifically for health benefits contain up to 10,000 lux, the measurement for light intensity, which is 100 times brighter than your typical light bulb. A bright sunny day is about 50,000 lux or more. Light therapy lamps have helped many people who struggle during the short days of Michigan winters avoid antidepressants
by regulating natural daily rhythms, called circadian rhythms, that influence sleep and hormones. Lamps also help increase serotonin production; the body’s natural “feel good” chemical. In this day and age, most people are inside working while sunlight is present. Even when we are outside, most of our skin — the other way to absorb the sun’s light — is covered to keep us warm. These factors, combined with technological advancements, like electricity, light bulbs and things like email and cell phones that enable us to work after we leave the office, allow us to live much differently than how our ancestors lived, which was influenced by seasonal transitions of the sun. ILLUSTRATIONS (BOTH PAGES) COURTESY ISTOCK/NADIA BORMOTOVA
look + feel / wellness
Biological evolution, however, hasn’t kept up with the fast pace of innovation. While light therapy lamps and vitamin D supplements help support our bodies and minds amidst the impact of increasing technology, there are other ways to support yourself naturally during seasonal transitions. Adjust lighting Align with natural seasonal rhythms as much as possible. Many of our ancestors literally couldn’t work without daylight, so follow suit, and allow yourself to work within contained hours, limit your exposure to screens after the sun sets, use candlelight or dim artificial lighting closer to bedtime, and give yourself more time to relax and play.
Light therapy lamps can be purchased for under $200. It’s recommended that you sit — with eyes open — in front of the lamp for at least 30 minutes, as close to the start of your day as possible.
Get deeper sleep Go to sleep earlier. With less light and more darkness, our bodies are biologically wired for more sleep during shorter days. And good sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. With the pervasiveness of screens, from cell phones to computers, tablets and TVs, the blue light drastically affects circadian rhythms. It may be helpful to invest in blue-light blocking glasses to use in the evening. I’ve found a two-pair pack for $9, and they’ve affected my sleep in a profoundly positive way.
Explore other light-based modalities Color therapy lights and Lucia light therapy are two systems that rely on light as a primary influencer for shifting physical and mental health. You might find a local practitioner offering these services or purchase one for home use. Move your body Go sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Dance. Take walks. Exercise cannot be overstated. Eat with the season In Michigan, root vegetables are prevalent during this time of year and provide many of the nutrients our bodies need with less sunlight. It’s also wise to eat warm foods rather than cold foods. Try a warmed fruit bowl instead of a frozen berry smoothie. The gut is one of the primary producers of serotonin, so loading up on more produce rather than packaged foods and inflammatory-inducing foods also helps minimize SAD symptoms. Kara McNabb, of Magnolia Wellness, is a traditional naturopathic practitioner and somatic therapist who helps people get to the root to improve their mental and physical health. You can follow her on Instagram at @grandrapidsnaturopath.
Play outside Get outside as often as possible. Aim for taking a walk every day to get some natural sunlight, pulling up your sleeves to expose your skin if temperatures allow. And, of course, give your eyes freedom from sunglasses. Sitting in front of a window doesn’t work, as most windows have builtin UV protection, disabling your skin from absorbing the sun’s nutrients. Don’t suffer alone When feelings of low self-worth hit, working with a skilled professional can help you explore why these beliefs exist. Seek specific physiological support Seasonal affective disorder symptoms also may be a result of a physiological imbalance in the body. Many of my clients who experience these symptoms have benefitted from herbal remedies and other nutrient-based supplements that support the digestive system, thyroid and other endocrine glands.
Root vegetables contain important nutrients Michigan dwellers need during the winter months to combat SAD symptoms. GR M AG .CO M
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look + feel / style
Model in tweed at Victoria Beckham's fall 2019 runway show in London.
STYLE
Heritage haus Stock up on this month's trendiest styles. WRITTEN AND STYLED BY JENNIFER PICKERING
// PHOTOS BY ANGELA CICCU
The heritage fashion trend highlights a mixture of vintage and contemporary style. It’s characterized by the quality of the fabric and classic silhouettes. It’s sleek and an effortless, simple style. Think of Highland checks, plaid, tartan, rustic tweed and classic capes. The trend is offering a cleaner take on fashion lineage.
Wool Boucle Melton Cocoon Coat, $598, Stretch Wool Silk Tweed Pleated Pants, $298, both Brooks Brothers, 350 84th St. SW, Byron Center
Hayden Dress, $77, Duffield Lane, 2237 Wealthy St. SE, East Grand Rapids One Design Earrings, $18, My Sweet Peony, 2795 Orange Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
Ayan Designs Skye Stone Ring Ring, $68, Free People, 1946 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids
Hana Wallet, Wallet, $73, Adored, 968 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
Sorel Lexie Wedge, $170, Evereve, 1948 Breton Road SE, Grand Rapids
Skies Are Blue Jacket,, $94, Lennon & Willow, 953 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
Scarf $30, Lolë, Scarf, 2213 Wealthy St. SE, East Grand Rapids
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look + feel / expe t
“It’s really healthy for families. This is not meant to be an ugly, nasty or combative process. There is nothing better than watching a couple get through this process, walk out the door and still be civil.” Barbra Homier
EXPERT
Keeping it civil Collaborative divorce puts children’s well-being first. BY MEGAN SARNACKI
// ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES HEIMER
Over the past few years, January unofficially has been designated as “Divorce Month” due to the uptick of filings made after the new year. “You typically see it with parents of children. It can be really hard because they don’t want to file for divorce in the middle of Christmas time,” said Barbra Homier, an attorney who specializes in collaborative divorce and family law matters at Thacker Sleight. But the process of divorce does not always have to be confrontational. Collaborative divorce is an alternative option that occurs, for the most part, outside of the court system. It involves 42
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a Participation Agreement that helps guide the process and maintains the confidentiality of both parties, and entails a team of professionals, consisting of a collaboratively trained attorney, divorce coach, mental health professional therapist and financial specialist, whose common goals are to reach agreements in the settlement. “In traditional divorce settings, you have very adversarial proceedings,” Homier said. “When parties can’t reach agreements, they’re forced to go to the judge to make the decision. In this process, the couple is controlling how it’s done. There are
different options that are being weighed, and it becomes a very creative way for everybody at the table to work together on a resolution. It can be a lot more efficient and customized to the family.” When couples go through a divorce, communication skills often are lacking in the relationship. Collaborative divorce, though, aims to teach couples how to develop and maintain a stronger co-parenting relationship. “The No. 1 goal of these parents is, ‘I want my kids to be healthy at the end of this. We may have chosen to get a divorce, but my kids didn’t,’” Homier said. “So, we ask them, ‘What do you want your kids to say about this process 20 years from now? Do you want to be those parents that sit on two separate sides of the room at your children’s wedding or do you want to be those parents that can help put your kids’ dorm room together without arguing?’” While Homier advises victims of abuse to seek other processes, collaborative divorce can provide families with a cost-effective option that keeps children’s well-being as the priority. “It’s really healthy for families,” Homier said. “This is not meant to be an ugly, nasty or combative process. There is nothing better than watching a couple get through this process, walk out the door and still be civil.” For more information, visit thackersleight. com/family-law/collaborative-divorce.
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food+drink DIVE INTO THE CITY’S GREATEST EATERIES AND BARS
Gardener's toast from Morning Belle
TABLE
Rise and shine page 46
» PLUS: LEON & SON COMES TO GR MUST-TRY: PU PU PL ATTER MAKE YOUR OWN IDC COCKTAIL P H O T O G R A P H B Y B R YA N E S L E R GR M AG .CO M
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Morning Belle's doughnut waffle is topped with cinnamon-maple glaze, raspberry jam, lemon mousse and powdered sugar.
Morning Belle
TABLE
New restaurant cracks the code (and eggs) on breakfast. BY AUSTIN LANGLOIS
// PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER
It's 1 p.m. midweek at Morning Belle, just weeks after its opening, and the restaurant is packed with a line waiting for tables in the foyer. It's perhaps not what you would expect for a restaurant nestled among the office parks and dentist offices on East Beltline. But as other culinary concepts around the city have proven, Grand Rapidians turn out for brunch fare. 46
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food + drink / table
Morning Belle is Meritage Hospitality Group's newest restaurant concept, revamping its 9-year-old Twisted Rooster (known for its bistro-style offerings and creative mac and cheese dishes) into its first breakfast/lunch venue. Outside, the building's façade remains similar to its past life, but inside, there's been a dramatic transformation. Gone are the darker interior and mood lighting, and instead, the space has been opened up and given a brighter, lighter tone. You'll notice a variety of seating, not only in size but in style and color. The expansive wraparound bar anchors the center of the room, surrounded by metal patio-style sets and white-washed wooden tables with a country home style, while pallet wood-like partitions lined with plants help make the large white room feel roomier. Doors on the west side of the building open onto a small side patio in the warmer months. Hanging planters and basketweave pendant lamps hang from the ceiling, while colorful citrus paintings plaster the back wall. The design was created to bring a different experience to breakfast. "Breakfast can be a pretty habitual dining experience; how can we keep that interesting?" said Luke Theaker, executive chef. "We wanted it to feel warm and inviting with an emphasis on greenery and white space with pops of color. With our mismatched chairs and tables — your experience sitting at a booth is different than a round group table." Theaker isn't new to helping shape new, creative restaurant concepts. He previously worked with the corporate chef to develop the menu for Stan Diego in Standale (a casual, SoCal-themed taco joint also owned by Meritage Hospitality Group). A fresh, new menu Browsing the veg-forward menu, you'll find an eclectic array of menu items, from the expected (bacon, eggs and toast) to the creative (gardener's toast: brioche topped with wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, arugula and two eggs). Dig into the cloying doughnut waffle (topped with cinnamon-maple glaze, raspberry jam, lemon mousse and powdered sugar) or the savory pork belly bowl (a tasty take on Korean bibimbap). And for lunch, order off the list of burgers, salads and wraps. For the portion sizes, the prices seem fair, ranging from $6-13.
Morning Belle's interior was designed with a bright, light tone. Hanging planters and citrus paintings help create the fresh ambiance.
"We wanted it to feel warm and inviting with an emphasis on greenery and white space with pops of color. With our mismatched chairs and tables — your experience sitting at a booth is different than a round group table." Luke Theaker
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Morning Belle's pork belly bowl is the restaurant's take on Korean bibimbap.
True to its "fresh" theme, there aren't any fried menu items — in fact, Morning Belle doesn’t even have a fryer in the kitchen. Instead of fries as a side dish, you'll get root chips or a fruit cup. "Since we can't fry any of these items, we have to invest in the quality of ingredients, we have to think about how we prepare them," Theaker said. Two of the "guiding principles" the Meritage team outlined during the restaurant’s development process was a chef-inspired menu (yet, one that could be prepared consistently by cooks) featuring fresh ingredients. Wheelhouse executive chef Jeremiah New and General Manager Jonathon Perkins were challenged to create the menu. Then, the Meritage team tasted over 100 dishes throughout the summer to narrow it down to the current menu. As Twisted Rooster patrons will remember, that concept had emphasized using local ingredients and local vendors. And while they still leverage local sources, the emphasis is more on preparing consistently high-quality ingredients. "Fresh in Michigan can't mean local unless you want to limit yourself," Theaker said. "In the winter, you're stuck with beets, onions, potatoes." He gave the example of blueberries for pancakes; he wants consistently high-quality blueberries all year-round, not just during the peak-season months in Michigan. "High quality also doesn't mean we have to make (all the ingredients)," Theaker continued. "We've partnered with a bakery, Michigan Bread Bakery, and they supply us with great bread. We even gave them a Jonathon-created focaccia recipe, allowing a company who does things amazingly well with infrastructure to make it for us." Theaker continually emphasized the focus on hospitality and guest experience. "It's a relationship you're having with each guest. Come over and dine with us. We'll walk you to your seat, we'll do the dishes."
chef talk
Seven extra questions with executive chef Luke Theaker Favorite meal: "Perfectly roasted chicken, wonderfully crusty baguette, excellent mustard and cheese." Favorite GR restaurant: "Marcona on Lyon — my wife and I have three kids, and we haven't gone out a lot at all. At Marcona, the food is the perfect blend of extremely approachable, interesting and comforting." Typical date night: "Dinner at Marcona on Lyon and (Eastern Kille Distillery) for drinks afterward." What’s the origin of the name Morning Belle? "We had an open forum in the office, and a staff member submitted the name. It hit all the notes — lighter, more feminine and there weren't any other Morning Belles around." Favorite Morning Belle menu item: "Pork belly bowl — you can have it for breakfast and lunch. It's extraordinarily savory yet doesn't eat so heavy." Food trend he's keeping an eye on? "I love the renaissance that David Chang started with ‘Ugly Delicious;’ you're going to want this dish because it's delicious and there is a story behind it, not because it wows you with technique or fancy ingredients." Most passionate about: "Changing the culture of the food industry. The more you invest in your people, the more they have a personal investment in the business." GR M AG .CO M
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CHEERS
Uncorking another year
Leon & Son offers a broad selection of wines.
Leon & Son comes to Grand Rapids after a successful launch in Brooklyn. BY JAYE BEELER
// PHOTO BY BRYAN ESLER
At Leon & Son Grand Rapids, husbandand-wife team Christopher and Cristina Leon clearly love a good time — and they’re eager to invite you to the party. “Always happy to open wine,” said Christopher, who might — for an impromptu tasting — uncork the 2018 Bonny Doon Vineyard Picpoul, an estategrown, biodynamic wine by California legend Randall Grahm. “Picpoul’s a French grape that translates to lip stinger,” Christopher said. “It’s bright, tingly with a soft edge from the California sun.” Leon & Son, 972 Cherry St. SE, also sells the perfect everyday stemware — Ravenscroft crystal wine glasses (4 for $33) — to punch up the wine’s clarity. “We’re creating a hospitality experience for people. So, when you walk into the shop, we help you discover joy,” said Cristina, who also stocks thoughtful and bold provisions such as canned sardines in olive oil with lemon, 2017 Isole e Olena Extra Virgin Olive Oil (from the producers of Isole e Olena 50
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Chianti Classico) and Brooklyn’s Mast Brothers chocolate bars. The setting With blush walls, an original tin ceiling and hardwood floors, and inviting storefront windows, Leon & Son is gorgeously outfitted with handcrafted shelves and a counter by cabinet maker Allen Spencer. Each shelf beckons with alluring, twinkling wines — the world’s finest all in one place. “Our wines are by producers that we want to champion, people who are defining their place in the world and doing something beautiful that’s worth talking about,” Christopher said. The Leons want to satisfy your curiosity through wine tastings, chats, classes and pop-up dinners at independently owned restaurants (find event dates at leonandsongr.com). During a recent wine chat, Christopher thrilled attendees with 2014 Stolpman
Trousseau Combe Pet'Nat by sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr. “Pet’Nat is just a fun sparkling wine that's capped like beer in a bottle. This one's made from trousseau, a red grape from France’s Jura region," Christopher said. Brooklyn born On May 29, 2015, Christopher opened his namesake shop Leon & Son Brooklyn and quickly became the talk of the town — winning gold medals from WineSearcher. com for European, Burgundy and California selections, being named one of NYC's "absolute best wine stores" by New York Magazine and voted NYC's most loved store (any kind of store) by Time Out readers two years ago. Thanks to local contacts, the Leons established their second location, on a bustling boutique-lined stretch on Cherry Street in Grand Rapids, not far from Cristina’s alma mater, East Grand Rapids High, in August 2019.
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food + drink / must-t y The pu pu platter at Max's South Seas Hideway includes many items such as chicken satay, veggie spring rolls, Huli Huli ribs and more.
If you are ready for a Polynesian escape, this is a great option without the price of a plane ticket.
MUST-TRY
A taste of tiki Enjoy a South Seas adventure. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
// PHOTO BY BRYAN ESLER
Max’s South Seas Hideaway docked in downtown recently. The restaurant is located in the former McFadden’s space, at 58 Ionia Ave. SW, and is a tiki-themed restaurant and bar that offers a unique experience along with its food. The pu pu platter is a great starter option 52
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— it can even be ordered as an entrée. The platter includes Huli Huli ribs, volcano wings, chicken satay, veggie spring rolls, and crab Rangoon, and it’s served with a traditional hibachi. The lit hibachi is a nice touch, which adds to the dining experience and is functional — you can use it to keep
your food warm as you eat, allowing you to take your time with this course. You cannot go wrong with this platter; the tasty chicken satay comes with a luxurious peanut sauce that you’ll want to douse your chicken in. The Huli Huli ribs are tender and tasty, while the crab Rangoon and veggie roll filling are nearly bursting through their fluffy shells. The crab Rangoon is filled with ginger lemongrass sauce and wasabi aioli, while the spring rolls include a seasonal vegetable filling and lemongrass chili sauce. If you like spicy, the volcano wings will hit the spot and leave your tongue tingling. The pu pu platter comes in two sizes. The smaller option serves two ($30), while the larger size serves four ($60). Max’s South Seas Hideaway is an exclusive experience. The restaurant is decked out in tiki décor and makes you feel as if you are at sea, especially if you take a seat at the second-floor bar, which is designed to look like the hull of a ship. Also, be sure to check out the tropical fish tank on the second floor. If you are ready for a Polynesian escape, this is a great option without the price of a plane ticket.
TOP 3
Hottest cocoas Warm up with one of these treats. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
’Tis the season for hot chocolate. There is nothing better than a steaming cup of hot cocoa following an afternoon on the slopes or sledding hill, and Grand Rapids has plenty of places to enjoy this winter favorite. One of our favorites is Mokaya. Choose between a handful
of options, including traditional hot cocoa with house-made vanilla marshmallow or try the Mokaya Mexican Hot Cocoa for a spicier flair. Mokaya also offers a salted caramel hot chocolate and Parisian-style drinking chocolate. Whichever hot chocolate you choose, pair it with Mokaya’s seasonal truffle offerings. 638 Wealthy St. SE
HOT CHOCOLATE ISTOCK STREET CORN BRYAN ESLER ILLUSTRATION RACHEL IDZERDA
While Madcap has made a name for itself due to its coffee, the popular coffee shop also makes a great hot chocolate. The classic hot cocoa offering boasts milk from MOO-Ville creamery — a Michigan company — and Madcap makes its own chocolate ganache every few days to ensure freshness. Multiple locations.
You also can enjoy your hot chocolate while basking in a fresh snowfall. Outside Coffee Co. offers hot chocolate and heated domes so you can spend time outdoors and keep warm. Its hot chocolate, called Brother Bear, is made with Mokaya chocolate. 734 Wealthy St. SE
editor's pick The Commons is a favorite spot of mine. Open for just over a year now, I’ve found myself craving its Street Corn Mac and Cheese on more than one occasion. This indulgent dish is mixed with Elote corn, jalapeño, cilantro, queso fresco and buttered breadcrumbs, which give this mac and cheese its unique flavor and elevates it from the kids menu to a coveted spot on the adult menu. I’m also a fan of the portion size. It’s just enough to leave me full but not feeling like I’ve overeaten. It pairs well with other items on the menu. I’m a big fan of adding a plate of fried Brussels sprouts to my order or a bowl of shoestring fries. Nearly half of The Commons' menu is meant for sharing, so go ahead, try the Street Corn Mac and Cheese with a few other shareables. The '70s-theme gives this restaurant an element of fun that is unique in the area, too.
Street Corn Mac and Cheese from The Commons
CHARLSIE DEWEY MANAGING EDITOR, GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE GR M AG .CO M
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CREATE
Soul song BY CHARLSIE DEWEY
This month, try the Soul Song cocktail from IDC at the Amway Grand Plaza. IDC’s recipe is a unique take on the classic Negroni, which was a favorite cocktail from the ’70s (which fits nicely with IDC’s theme). IDC said this recipe elevates the classic Negroni with a roasted coffeeinfused Campari to offset the fruitiness with a bitterness. Try it at home: 1 ounce coffee-infused Campari 1 ounce Liberator Barrel Aged Gin 1 ounce Carpano Antica Stir the ingredients together, serve it on the rocks with orange zest and peel for garnish.
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COCKTAIL PHOTO BY LAUREN PEACOCK FROM AHC+HOSPITALITY
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34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration,
Please join Grand Rapids Community College for the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 20. Dr. Yusef Salaam, a member of the Exonerated (Central Park) 5 will serve as keynote speaker the event. In 1989, Salaam, age 15, was one of five teenagers accused and convicted of attacking a woman who was jogging in New York City’s Central Park. Collectively they became known as the Central Park Five, and their lives were upended and changed forever. In 2002, after spending between seven and thirteen years of their lives imprisoned, the convictions of the boys, now men, were overturned, and they were exonerated. The event is free and open to the public. The doors open at 5 pm and the program begins at 6 pm. Seating is first come, first serve. Contact ODEI@ grcc.edu to make a request for special accommodations. Grand Rapids Community College hosts this celebration in partnership with Grand Valley State University and Davenport University. Event web link on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/168419314059328
WANT TO SEE YOUR CHARITY/NON-PROFIT EVENT HERE? SEND YOUR EVENT DETAILS TO COMMUNITY@GRMAG.COM FOR CONSIDERATION!
Congratulations to the entire Noco Provisions Team
1st place Ada Chili Cook Off Runner-up Best Burger Runner-up Best Happy Hour 4609 Cascade Rd, Grand Rapids
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There are a lot of reasons to spend time in Grand Rapids, and the city’s residents shared over 100 of their favorites.
By Rachel Matuszewski, Amelia Pasqualone and Charlsie Dewey Photography by Angela Ciccu
PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE in Grand Rapids for brunch, happy hour or a walk in the park? What about for child care, veterinary services or to buy men’s and women’s clothing? For the 17th year, we asked our readers to tell us their favorite spots for food and drinks, entertainment and experiences, shopping and a plethora of services in the city. In over 100 categories, you shared your favorite people and places — all of which help make this city a unique and thriving place. As Grand Rapids continues to grow, we love seeing the changes from year to year. You’ll notice some businesses and people have retained their titles as “the best” from last year to this year, while others jumped to the top of the heap and some newcomers found their spot on the list for the first time. Check out our winners and runners up in the following pages, as well as a handful of staff picks that we are excited to share with you. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this year’s winners: use #bestofgr on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. GR M AG .CO M
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READERS' PICK
APPETIZERS
BREWERY
CUPCAKES
The Best: San Chez Runners up: Zoko 822 Rockwell Republic
The Best: Founders Brewing Co. Runners up: Brewery Vivant New Holland Brewing – The Knickerbocker and Perrin Brewing Co. (tie)
The Best: The Salted Cupcake Runners up: The Cakabakery Arnie’s
BAKERY The Best: Nantucket Baking Co. Runners up: Field & Fire Wealthy Street Bakery
BAR/PUB The Best: Stella’s Lounge Runners up: HopCat Brewery Vivant, Logan’s Alley and The Cottage Bar & Restaurant (tie)
BBQ The Best: Slow’s Bar BQ Runners up: Two Scotts Barbecue The Pit Stop
BEER & WINE MERCHANT The Best: Martha’s Vineyard Runners up: Rishi’s International Beverage Siciliano’s Market
The Best: Anna’s House Runners up: Terra San Chez
BURGER The Best: Stella’s Lounge Runners up: The Cottage Bar & Restaurant Noco Provisions
BURRITO The Best: Beltline Bar Runners up: Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano Taco Boy
BUTCHER SHOP The Best: Sobie Meats Runners up: Louise Earl Butcher E.A. Brady’s
BLOODY MARY
COFFEEHOUSE
The Best: Rockwell Republic Runners up: Sundance Grill & Bar The Winchester
The Best: Madcap Coffee Runners up: Rowster Coffee/ Rower’s Club Ferris Coffee and Nut
BREAKFAST The Best: Anna’s House Runners up: Real Food Café Wolfgang’s Restaurant
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CRAFT COCKTAILS The Best: Long Road Distillers Runners up: Buffalo Traders Lounge Sidebar
DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT The Best: Butcher’s Union Runners up: Grove San Chez
DESSERT The Best: Underground Cookie Club Runners up: Arnie’s Grove
DISTILLERY The Best: Long Road Distillers Runners up: Eastern Kille Distillery New Holland Brewing – The Knickerbocker
THERE’S GOT TO BE something special about a butcher shop that boasts the name, “Home of the Free Butt Rub,” and there is! Sobie Meats, at 3450 Remembrance Road NW in Walker, has gained national recognition for its slogan, along with its customer service, secret recipes and fresh, local meats. Owner and founder Tim Sobie has a passion for butchering, though his contagious laugh and bubbly personality wouldn’t suggest he holds such a title. “Because of our wide selection of products, whether it’s homemade sausages or fresh meat, people always seem to come back,” Sobie said. With motivation and quality products that are second to none, you can expect to see Sobie Meats make even more headlines in the future.
DOUGHNUTS The Best: The Donut Conspiracy Runners up: Marge’s Donut Den Van’s Pastry Shoppe
FOOD TRUCK The Best: What The Truck Runners up: Patty Matters Underground Cookie Club
FRENCH FRIES The Best: HopCat Runners up: Brewery Vivant Stella’s Lounge
STAFF'S PICK
BEST AVOCADO TOAST
Field and Fire Cafe THE FOOD of millennials, avocado toast has become all the rage — and even induced rage — in the past year. You can find it on most café menus, and while we haven’t tried them all, yet, the best we’ve found so far is at Field and Fire Café, 820 Monroe Ave. NW. Field and Fire’s Avocado Mash offers up mashed avocado on sunflower flax toast. For $2 extra, you can add egg or roasted mushrooms. This is the perfect light breakfast or fuel-up snack.
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32-ounce Tomahawk steak from Sobie Meats
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READERS' PICK
UNDERGROUND COOKIE CLUB originated in Reno, Nevada, when Alan Stone decided to join the food truck ranks after 15 years in the restaurant business. Known for bringing cookies into work frequently, Stone hadn’t considered adding ice cream to the recipe until he made the move to Grand Rapids. He started the business as a self-funded venture with no budget set aside for the company. As business picked up, UCC found a home in a former Kentwood sandwich shop, at 5422 S. Division Ave. With 20 varieties of ice cream sandwiches to choose from, there is a treat for everyone, including dairy-free or vegan customers. The most popular combinations include its signature Chubby Unicorn, a rainbow sugar cookie with superman ice cream rolled in Fruity Pebbles; the mint and brownie Yodarific; and the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter that makes up the Elliot. Coming Jan. 11 to celebrate UCC’s first anniversary, the menu is expanding to include artisan ice cream bars, Boba drinks made in shop, and Planet Pops, the proceeds from which will be donated to charity. UCC also has limited-edition ice cream sandwiches that add to its unique dessert repertoire, with themes from “The Avengers,” “Sandlot” and holiday-inspired flavors. “Everything we do involves pop culture to some degree, whether that is the trash can and counter made from old VHS tapes or having all of our sandwiches named for different fun elements from various fandoms. It also helps that our ice cream sandwiches have a unique flavor that you are not going to find anywhere else,” Stone said.
Find a variety of ice cream sandwiches from Underground Cookie Club PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
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READERS' PICK
BEST VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN MENU FROYO SHOP
PIZZA
SUSHI
The Best: Spoonlickers Runners up: The Pump House Sweet Yo’s
The Best: The Mitten Brewing Co. Runners up: Harmony Brewing Company/ Harmony Hall Vitale’s
The Best: Maru Sushi Runners up: Jaku Ju Sushi & Lounge
HAPPY HOUR The Best: Rockwell Republic Runners up: Terra Noco Provisions
HARD CIDER The Best: Vander Mill Runners up: Farmhaus Cider Co. The Peoples Cider Co.
HOT DOG The Best: Yesterdog Runners up: The Corner Bar Mad Dogz
ICE CREAM PARLOR The Best: Jersey Junction Runners up: Furniture City Creamery Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate
MAC & CHEESE The Best: The Electric Cheetah Runners up: The Greenwell HopCat
OUTDOOR DECK/SEATING The Best: Rose’s Runners up: The Score Restaurant and Sports Bar The Sovengard
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RESTAURANT SERVICE The Best: Leo’s Runners up: Amore Trattoria Italiana Anna’s House
SALADS The Best: Bliss & Vinegar Runners up: Terra Social Kitchen & Bar
SANDWICH The Best: Two Beards Deli Runners up: Schnitz Deli Cherry Deli & Catering
SEAFOOD The Best: Leo’s Runners up: Fish Lads Bonefish Grill
SOUP The Best: Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop Runners up: Horrocks Market Leo’s
STEAK The Best: Butcher’s Union Runners up: Brann’s Steakhouse & Sports Grille Judson’s Steakhouse
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TACOS The Best: Donkey Taqueria Runners up: Tacos El Cuñado Taqueria San Jose
TATER TOTS The Best: Blue Dog Tavern Runners up: Gravity Taphouse Grille The Commons
VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN BURGER The Best: Stella’s Lounge Runners up: HopCat Anna’s House
VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN MENU The Best: Brick Road Pizza Co. Runners up: Anna’s House Stella’s Lounge
WINE BAR The Best: Reserve Wine & Food Runners up: Aperitivo House of Wine
WINE LIST The Best: Reserve Wine & Food Runners up: Aperitivo House of Wine
Brick Road Pizza Co. IF YOU’RE LOOKING for fresh ingredients, locally sourced goods and one of the best vegan pizzas, Brick Road Pizza Co., 1017 Wealthy St. SE, is your best bet. Not only does Brick Road boast pizza made with tofu — yes, you heard right, tofu — it also offers vegan sandwiches and a variety of glutenfree options. Its vegan menu is ever-expanding as its chefs are constantly thinking of innovative ways to create new dishes to appeal to all restaurantgoers. It’s the perfect spot for big groups that want a shared experience in which everyone can enjoy what they’re eating, whether it’s tofu or turkey. Clean eating and modernization of classics are what sets Brick Road Pizza apart from your go-to pizza chain. READERS' PICK
BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
Butcher's Union
IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a table for two, Butcher’s Union, 438 Bridge St., is the place. With its outdoor patio covered in greenery and its interior a balance of dark wood and candlelit centerpieces, the space is adaptable for any season. The menu is catered toward dining together with shareable options offering something for everyone’s palette. Its meats and fish entre é s uphold the restaurant’s name, as do its sandwiches packed with red meat, poultry and fish. As a member of “Beer City, USA,” the drinks do not disappoint either. You’ll find several specialty alcoholic beverages and an extensive list of whiskey. Butcher’s Union hasn’t forgotten about breakfast lovers either, providing an array of morning favorites and cocktails on its Sunday brunch menu. "Butcher's Union has a classic big-city vibe while maintaining a cozy and inviting atmosphere. With warm tones and tons of attention to detail, it's a space that once inside, you truly lose yourself to the experience,” Butcher’s Union designer David Dodde said.
An eclectic mix of doughnuts from The Doughnut Conspiracy PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
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READERS' PICK
BEST METEOROLOGIST
METEOROLOGIST BILL STEFFEN said his perfect weather day is “the forecast I get right.” Steffen has been forecasting the weather in Grand Rapids for 45 years; he celebrated that milestone this past November. While he always has been obsessed with weather — “I’ve been a weather geek since I was 3 years old. My mother said I was glued to the window watching thunderstorms and watching the snow come down. It’s something I’ve always loved.” — it was a radio station job that helped set him on his path to meteorology. While working at WNTH in Illinois in 1968, he was tapped to fill in covering sports. He was having so much fun that he decided to combine his two passions. Steffen spent five years at the University of Wisconsin, earning degrees in physical geography and atmospheric science. His first job offer came from WZZM in Grand Rapids. “I started doing the morning shift at WZZM for $175 per week, working six days a week,” he said. While he originally planned to parlay his experience into larger markets, Steffen said he realized longevity for meteorologists came from sticking around and getting involved in the community. So, that’s what he’s done. Over the course of his career, he said he’s probably done 2,000 speeches and appearances. He eventually moved to his current home at WOOD TV. Steffen said several big weather events stand out. “I remember them all. The blizzard of 1978, I remember well,” he said. “I was at the station three days without leaving the building. I was a little wrinkled by day three. We had 15 inches of snow in 15 hours, 40-plus mile an hour winds that blew the snow into drifts as high as 14 feet and everything came to a standstill, it really did.” Reflecting on the past 45 years, Steffen said the biggest change is technology. “When I first started, we did a two-day forecast; now we do an eight-day forecast. When I first started, we had a map with a piece of plexiglass over it. I wrote on it with magic markers. It took 10 seconds and a bottle of Windex to erase the map and start over again. Nowadays, you are generating multiple graphics, 20-25 graphics over the course of a two-hour stretch … and a lot of times, it’s hard to keep up. You are flying to get from one platform to another.”
ANNUAL FESTIVAL The Best: Festival of the Arts Runners up: ArtPrize Grand Rapids Pride Festival
DISC GOLF COURSE The Best: Riverside Park Runners up: Fallasburg Park Johnson Park
IMPROV GROUP
PARK
RADIO STATION
The Best: River City Improv Runners up: Pop Scholars Funny Girls
The Best: Riverside Park Runners up: Millennium Park Wilcox Park
The Best: WYCE (88.1 FM) Runners up: The Q (94.5 FM) WCSG (91.3 FM)
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
PERFORMING ARTS
TOURIST ATTRACTION
The Best: 20 Monroe Live Runners up: Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater The Pyramid Scheme
The Best: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Runners up: Grand Rapids Ballet Grand Rapids Symphony
The Best: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Runners up: John Ball Zoo ArtPrize
PLACES TO GO DANCING
TRIVIA NIGHT
ESCAPE ROOM
MALE TV PERSONALITY
The Best: The Ruse Runners up: The Great Escape Room Grand Rapids Escape Room
The Best: Mike Avery, FOX 17 Runners up: Casey Jones, WOOD TV 8 Bill Steffen, WOOD TV 8
FEMALE TV PERSONALITY
METEOROLOGIST
The Best: Rachael Ruiz, WOOD TV 8 Runners up: Deanna Falzone, FOX 17 Terri DeBoer, WOOD TV 8
GOLF COURSE The Best: Thousand Oaks Golf Club Runners up: The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe Egypt Valley Country Club
HIKE/BIKE TRAIL The Best: Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park Runners up: Millennium Park Kent Trails
The Best: Bill Steffen, WOOD TV 8 Runners up: Terri DeBoer, WOOD TV 8 Ellen Bacca, WOOD TV 8
MUSEUM The Best: Grand Rapids Public Museum Runners up: Grand Rapids Art Museum Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
OPEN MIC The Best: The Drunken Retort Runners up: Founders Brewing Co. Open Mic Night Dr. Grins Comedy Club
The Best: Eve Nightclub at the B.O.B. Runners up: Billy’s Lounge Rumors Night Club and Grand Rapids Original Swing Society at Rosa Parks Circle/Ah Nab Awen Park (tie)
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM The Best: Grand Rapids Griffins Runners up: West Michigan Whitecaps Grand Rapids Football Club
RADIO PERSONALITIES
The Best: Harmony Hall/ Harmony Brewing Company and Perrin Brewing Company (tie) Runners up: Creston Brewery
TV STATION The Best: WOOD TV 8 Runners up: FOX 17 WZZM 13
WEDDING VENUE The Best: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Runners up: The Cheney Place Amway Grand Plaza
The Best: The Free Beer & Hot Wings Morning Show, 97.9 WGRD Runners up: Connie & Fish, Mix 95.7 The Tony Gates Morning Show, 97 LAV
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READERS' PICK
BEST MEN'S FASHION
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' SINCE 1980, Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store, 1894 Breton Road SE, has been serving the men of Grand Rapids with the hottest fashions. “Since the early days, we have always been known for bringing new designers to western Michigan. We were the first to introduce Ralph Lauren and Joseph Abboud, to mention a few. We were the first to carry Tommy Bahama,” said Jerry Girod, co-owner of Fitzgerald’s. “We are still known for that today. We are always searching to find talented designers to offer at Fitzgerald’s. Each season, we are proud to bring exciting new lines to our customers.” Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Fitzgerald’s continues to outfit men “from beach, to board room, to black tie.” The store doesn’t stop there; it also offers tailoring and shoeshine services, and an in-house barbershop. “We make our customers confident,” Girod said. “Confident in the knowledge they look great. Confident they are dressed appropriately for every situation. When one is confident in his appearance, his attitude is better, easier. He approaches life from a better point of view.” Tailoring its services to the individual, Fitzgerald’s incorporates color and texture to make sure a customer’s personality comes through. “We work diligently to provide exciting, appropriate looks for every customer,” Girod said.
Fitzgerald's offers a variety of menswear items for the beach and the board room.
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BEST JEWELRY STORE
DeVries Jewelers
DEVRIES JEWELERS, 411 Leonard St. NW, has been helping Grand Rapidians mark special occasions for nearly 120 years. The shop opened its doors in 1901, starting with current owner Dan DeVries’ great-grandfather. It now sells dozens of styles from local designers to help its customers accessorize. “Our top designers probably aren’t going to ring a bell with a lot of people,” DeVries said. “We search out local family companies. We search out those types of designers where you’re not paying big dollar. I get more unique product at a better price.” Frederic Sage, a small New York-based company, has been a top seller for bridal and fashion rings. DeVries said women are particularly drawn to the classic, stackable wedding band this season, as well. For men, DeVries has a variety of watches from small companies, including Oris — which supplies the most watch business — Seiko and Ernst Benz. Customers can find popular pre-owned brands, such as Rolex, at a lower price, keeping the shop affordable to all. DeVries also offers on-site repair. “All of the repair work, the sizing, any type of work is done in the store. It’s a trust thing. People like to know that they can bring it in here, get it repaired here and it doesn’t leave the store,” DeVries said. READERS' PICK
BEST OPEN MIC
The Drunken Retort OPEN MIC NIGHTS usually provide a place for artists to try out new material, give performers local recognition and offer a place for guests to enjoy some local music. However, once in a while, an open mic night evolves into much more than that. The Drunken Retort at Stella’s Lounge, 53 Commerce Ave. SW in the heart of Grand Rapids, has been evolving into a performing artist’s dream ever since its start almost seven years ago. “What began as a nightlife event supported by bar sales and rooted in over-the-top entertainment is now a diverse community haven, a church for poets, storytellers and musicians as well as those who come just to soak it all in,” said Rachel Gleason, one of three hosts of The Drunken Retort. Marcel “Fable the Poet” Price and G. Foster II also host this unique experience. For newcomers and return listeners alike, The Drunken Retort is an open mic like no other. The Drunken Retort takes place at 8 p.m. every Monday. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
BIKE SHOP The Best: The Freewheeler Bike Shop Runners up: Village Bike & Fitness Grand Rapids Bicycle Company
BOOKSTORE The Best: Schuler Books & Music Runners up: Books & Mortar Argos Book Shop and Baker Book House (tie)
CAR WASH The Best: Tommy’s Express Car Wash Runners up: Breton Auto Wash Fox Shine Car Wash
CIGAR SHOP
ANTIQUES The Best: Lost & Found Treasures of Old and New Runners up: Eastown Antiques Bluedoor: A Home Collective
ART GALLERY The Best: LaFontsee Galleries Runners up: Grand Rapids Art Museum NOMAD Gallery by Richard App
AUTO DEALERSHIP The Best: Fox Motor Group Runners up: Berger Chevrolet Kool Chevrolet
The Best: Tuttle’s Select Cigars & Tobaccos Runners up: Grand River Cigar Lounge Wild Bill’s Tobacco
COMIC BOOK STORE The Best: Vault of Midnight Runners up: Tardy’s Collectors Corner Argos Book Shop and Rookies Sportcards Plus (tie)
CONSIGNMENT STORE The Best: Georgie’s Consignment Clothing Runners up: Rock Paper Scissors Consignment Boutique Urban Exchange
FARMERS MARKET The Best: Fulton Street Farmers Market Runners up: Rockford Farmers Market Holland Farmers Market
FLORIST SHOP The Best: Eastern Floral and Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts (tie) Runners up: Stems Market
FURNITURE STORE The Best: Talsma Furniture Runners up: Northwestern Home Furnishings Stonesthrow
GARDEN CENTER The Best: Flowerland Runners up: Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery and Garden Center Horrocks Market
GROCERY STORE The Best: Meijer Runners up: Bridge Street Market Horrocks Market
HARDWARE STORE The Best: Rylee’s Ace Hardware Runners up: Alger Hardware & Rental Kingsland Ace Hardware & Rental
HOME DÉCOR STORE The Best: Delight in Designs Runners up: Rebel The Found Cottage
JEWELRY STORE The Best: DeVries Jewelers Runners up: Siegel Jewelers Preusser Jewelers
MEN’S FASHION The Best: Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store Runners up: AK Rikk’s Jurgens & Holtvluwer
RECORD STORE The Best: Vertigo Music Runners up: The Corner Record Shop Rev Charles’ Dodds Record Shop
SHOE STORE The Best: Mieras Family Shoes Runners up: VanHoeks Footwear Gazelle Sports
SPECIALTY GROCER The Best: Martha’s Vineyard Runners up: Horrocks Market Kingma’s Market
THRIFT STORE The Best: New 2 You Shoppe Runners up: Bethany’s Thrift Store Mel Trotter Ministries Thrift Store
WOMEN’S FASHION The Best: jb and me Runners up: Leigh’s A.K. Rikk’s and Lee & Birch (tie)
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Michigan Drag Brunch entertainers
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READERS' PICK
STAFF'S PICK
BEST DRAG SHOW
BEST ESCAPE ROOM
BEST LOCAL CONCERT SERIES
The Ruse Escape Room
MICHIGAN DRAG BRUNCH has made getting out of bed on the weekends a lot more fun. Catch some of West Michigan’s best drag queens performing at different restaurants every Sunday. The shows have been so popular in West Michigan, the team behind Drag Brunch has expanded to offer shows on the state’s east side, as well. Grab your tickets early — many of these shows sell out.
THE RUSE ESCAPE ROOM, 25 S. Division Ave., took over a remodeled 120-year-old building in the summer of 2017 thanks to three friends from Mount Pleasant. Unlike many chain escape rooms, The Ruse offers a custom and unique space with original stories and annual room changes. The design and room themes offer time for bonding and to create memories you’ll laugh about for weeks to come. The Ruse currently houses three indoor escape rooms that accommodate eight people per room. Its newest edition, Outdoor Escape, puts guests in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and accepts a total of 120 people, who are separated into 12 groups of 10 guests. The Ruse also offers a chance for employee bonding by partnering with professional leadership development coaches who supervise a company’s escape experience and discuss the results. This encompasses enhancing communication skills, decision-making and conflict solutions, and learning more about each other. “No matter the theme or group size, the concept is that it cannot be done alone — you need a team,” owner Bill Wiegandt said. “The best teams have a diverse set of skills and work together using different senses and types of intelligence to work through challenges that contribute to a final goal, which is not always just to escape the room.” STAFF'S PICK
BEST COLLEGE BAR/HANGOUT
Tin Can
WHETHER YOU GO to GRCC, GVSU or any college in between, the bar scene in Grand Rapids is definitely one to write home about. However, one stands out as the front-runner for college students alike. The Tin Can, 206 Grandville Ave. SW, is a staple for 20-somethings to hang out, play beer pong, darts and much more. If you’re in the mood for a shot that tastes like your favorite childhood candy, this is the place to go. The music is picked by bargoers, the chalkboard wall offers endless fun and did someone say giant Jenga? With countless activities and a welcoming atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with avoiding your studies to hang out here. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
Grand Rapids Public Museum's Concerts Under the Stars
WITH SEVERAL NEW music venues, Grand Rapids is seeing an influx of talent visiting the city, but GR is not just a place for big-name acts. You can catch a lot of great local shows during the year, and one of the best places in town to do so is at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Concerts Under the Stars. Located in the museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, Concerts Under the Stars is an intimate musical affair that also highlights the work of audiovisual artists on the planetarium dome. Lean back and enjoy the show. A close second is the Grand Rapids Public Library’s Music in the Stacks series, which brings musicians to the library to perform. You’ll feel a bit of the rebel as you listen to bands play in what has otherwise always been a “quiet space.” READERS' PICK
ART GALLERY
LaFontsee Galleries LAFONTSEE GALLERIES has been a staple in West Michigan for over 30 years. Owners Scott and Linda LaFontsee pride themselves on their galleries, at 833 Lake Drive SE and 410 W. Center St. in Douglas, and have turned these spaces into a place where artists and community members alike can share their appreciation and love for art without fear of judgment. LaFontsee Galleries represents more than 70 artists and provides services for art lovers, including framing, installation, digital photo restoration and more. It also contributes to nonprofits and participates in community events, working with Gilda’s Club, God’s Kitchen and many more organizations giving back to the community. As an indispensable part of Grand Rapids’ roots, LaFontsee Galleries has made quite the impression on West Michigan.
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BEST DAY SPA/HAIR SALON/ MANI-PEDI ANIMAL CLINIC The Best: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital Runners up: Cascade Hospital for Animals Animal Medical Center of Wyoming
AUTO REPAIR The Best: Community Automotive Repair Runners up: Westside Garage Veenstra’s Garage and Cascade Automotive Service (tie)
BANK The Best: Northpointe Bank Runners up: Mercantile Bank of Michigan Macatawa Bank
CATERER The Best: Kangaroo Kitchen & Catering Runners up: Catered Creations Inc. Distinctive Catering
CHILD CARE PROVIDER The Best: Milestones Child Development Center Runners up: Appletree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool Explore and Grow Christian Learning Center
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CHIROPRACTIC CENTER The Best: Novo Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Centers Runners up: iChiro Clinics Kooistra Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Center
COWORKING SPACES The Best: Work-Space by MVP Runners up: Worklab by Custer The Factory
CREDIT UNION The Best: Lake Michigan Credit Union Runners up: Adventure Credit Union Consumers Credit Union
DAY SPA The Best: Design 1 Salon Spa Runners up: The Spa and Salon at the Amway Grand Plaza Skin Renewal Center (Dermatology Associates of West Michigan)
DENTIST The Best: Thomas J. Lambert, DDS Runners up: Karen O’Rourke, DDS Marcos Cid, DDS of 616 Dental Studio
Design 1
NEARLY FOUR DECADES AGO, Design 1 opened its doors with just the bare bones: a few salon chairs, one skincare room, one nail table and one stylist. It didn’t take long for the business to grow from there. Each couple of years brought more tables, bigger spaces and all the spa necessities you could think of — not to mention there are now five Design 1 locations across West Michigan. Design 1’s philosophy of exceeding the expectations of clients and newcomers alike has set it apart from the competition. The team prides itself on looking its best, working together and, above all, respecting its clients and teammates. STAFF'S PICK
BEST ROOFTOP BARS
Haute at New Hotel Mertens IF YOU ARE LOOKING for a view of the city while you dine, you can’t beat Haute at New Hotel Mertens. The rooftop lounge is located on the ninth floor of the 35 Oakes St. SW building that also is home to the restaurant. The space offers an elegant, intimate vibe with soft seating in a variety of arrangements. The space is perfect for a romantic night or gathering with a group of friends. Offering seafood platters, charcuterie and cheese boards, and more, as well as a selection of cocktails, this is the place to go before or after dinner in the New Hotel Mertens dining room. If you are looking for a more laid-back vibe, you’ll want to head to The Friesian Gastro Pub, 720 Michigan St. NE, where you can score a seat on the rooftop patio that overlooks the surrounding neighborhood. This spot is more like what you might find in one of Chicago’s trendy neighborhoods and is reminiscent of hanging out on a friend’s balcony or deck. Order from The Friesian’s selection of comfort foods and craft beer and cocktails to complete the night. Another option is the Amway Grand Plaza’s new second-floor balcony bar I Don’t Care, or IDC, which was named in response to the popular question, “Where do you want to go for drinks?” and the common response, “I don’t care.” Head to this spot for a swanky ’70s feel — a mural depicting Donna Summer and a sharable cocktail called Party in a Bowl that arrives in a Disco Ball complete the Studio 54 vibe. The balcony is open year-round, so don’t let winter deter you. You’ll need to score the four-digit password to get into this location. PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT
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READERS' PICK
B E S T B A K E RY
A SISTER COMPANY to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Bakery opened in 2005 at 615 Lyon St. NE and has been growing its team of bakers and pastry chefs ever since. Its shelves house a variety of quality artisan breads, pastries and delicious desserts. But its specialty lies in its most popular offering, San Francisco sourdough bread, with a chewy golden crust and tang. Its City Loaf Sourdough is the longest fermented. The cranberry walnut is another honorable mention worth a try. Popular pastries include almond scones, granola bars, Nutella muffins and anything made with croissant dough. The cake department has flourished over the last 14 years with favorites Strawberries n’ Cream Torte and the Salted Carmel Torte. With every carefully constructed recipe, the team keeps its vegan customers in mind. In fact, almost all of its breads are vegan, thanks to minimal ingredients of water, flour, salt and sour culture. It even serves a vegan fruit pie for special orders. “Every day, we offer vegan muffins and cookies, as well as a few packaged granola bars, which are great for grabbing on the go,” said Kelly Lewis, retail manager. Customers also are greeted by the shop’s inviting team of employees and their commitment to serving to the best of their ability. “Seven days a week, from early morning and into the night, our knowledgeable and friendly staff is welcoming customers with a special personal touch. We're like family,” Lewis said.
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Pies, cookies, scones and fresh baked bread are made daily at Nantucket Bakery.
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DERMATOLOGIST The Best: Dr. Rebecca Jansen of Spectrum Health Runners up: Dr. Richard Ashack of Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Dr. Marek A. Stawiski of M.A. Stawiski Dermatology
DOGGIE DAY CARE/PET BOARDING
HOTEL The Best: Amway Grand Plaza Runners up: JW Marriott Grand Rapids CityFlatsHotel
LAW FIRM The Best: Varnum LLP Runners up: Miller Johnson Warner Norcross + Judd
LIMO/PARTY BUS
The Best: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital and Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa (tie) Runners up: Animal Medical Center of Wyoming
The Best: Affordable Limousine Runners up: Uptown Limo and Party Bus Dadd’s Magic Bus and Limo
DOULA SERVICES
The Best: Design 1 Salon Spa Runners up: Sara’s Nail & Spa A Charmed Life Nail Salon
The Best: Gold Coast Doulas Runners up: Ginger Blossom Doula Services GR Birth and Wellness
DRY CLEANER The Best: Sheldon Cleaners Runners up: Curtis Cleaners & Laundry Afendoulis Cleaners & Tuxedos
HAIR SALON The Best: Design 1 Salon Spa Runners up: Elements Hair Design Jeffrey Richard Salon
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MANI-PEDI
MIDWIFERY SERVICES The Best: SimplyBorn Midwifery Services Runners up: Birth Song Midwifery Advanced OB-GYN
PLACES TO WORK OUT The Best: MVP Metro Club Runners up: Allegro Coaching Beer City Barre
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PLASTIC SURGEON The Best: Bradley Bengtson, M.D., of Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Runners up: Steven Ringler, M.D., of Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery William T. Cullen, M.D., of Elite Plastic Surgery
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FIRM The Best: Five Star Real Estate Runners up: Lucas Howard Group Keller Williams Realty
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY The Best: Holland Home Independent and Assisted Living Runners up: Beacon Hill at Eastgate Clark Retirement
TATTOO PARLOR The Best: Honest to Goodness Tattoo & Piercing Runners up: Mos Eisleys Tattoo Studio Sovereign Arms Tattoo Co.
READERS' PICK
ANIMAL CLINIC/ DOGGIE DAY CARE AND BOARDING
FAMILY FRIENDS VETERINARY HOSPITAL knows its customers’ love for their pets goes beyond man’s best friend; they are part of the family. The veterinary hospital was founded in 2007 by Dr. Randy Carpenter, with a vision of a “family-oriented clinic to provide exceptional veterinary services to the Grand Rapids area.” Family Friends, 6555 28th St. SE, offers a variety of medical services at the hospital, providing for animals with wellness exams, microchipping, medication, pain management, dental care, diagnostic tests, surgery, emergency services, nutritional counseling, radiology and reproduction services. Family Friends also offers rehabilitation services, including laser and acupuncture services. It’s also a top choice for owners looking for day care and boarding options. Family Friends offers a webcam that lets owners check in on their pets. Pets are kept busy with social time and dog toys that hold up to the strongest chewers. “We approach every client as if they are a part of our family with the hope of exceeding their expectations at every visit,” said Jason Sutphen, managing director of Family Friends Veterinary Hospital.
YOGA STUDIO The Best: Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse Runners up: MVP Metro Club AM Yoga
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BY MEGAN SARNACKI
After rounds of Christmas cookies and never-ending credit card bills, many people start the new year craving
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY ISTOCK/ARDEAA
to “reverse the damage” and seek a more productive routine. They may even have ideas of eating healthier, exercising more, losing weight, paying off debt, saving money or wanting
a career transition or promotion. But according to U.S. News & World Report, 80% of those who make New Year’s resolutions fail to keep up the momentum. Given that the
“New year, new you” motto rarely comes true, it can be disheartening when unrealistic expectations cease to make a genuine impact. To be a part of that 20% “VIP club” of
folks who actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions, though, Grand Rapids Magazine has devised a list of 20 surefire ways to tackle your goals and intentions with
advice from life and career coaches to health trainers and nutritionists around West Michigan. Let’s get to it!
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Be patient Be a S.M.A.R.T.I.E.
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Often, people may know what they want, but do not know how to go from A to B, so a plan of action steps is necessary. Make your goal specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely, intentional and enjoyable, too.
One dollar in the piggy bank will not get you that house you are saving toward, but consistent steps do make a difference. It can be discouraging not to see results right away, but most changes happen over time through gradual shifts.
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Find your why
Lean on support
Instead of thinking, “I should lose weight” or “I have to get a promotion at work,” figure out the reason behind what you want. If it comes from a sense of obligation, it will be more difficult to maintain your motivation. But having a reason behind the action that is important to you makes the journey more gratifying.
Changing your life routines can be a difficult journey, but you do not need to do it alone. Networking and talking with trainers, life coaches or financial advisers can provide you with useful tips on how to succeed along the way. Informing your friends and family of your action steps also can offer accountability and encouragement.
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Expect barriers The journey will include setbacks, but that does not mean you should give up. If you want to transition careers, you may have to take supplemental classes. This could impose a financial obstacle but does not mean it is impossible.
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Focus on one change at a time
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It can be overwhelming if you take too large of a leap or try to tackle too many goals at one time. Rather than attempting to stick to a complicated and rigid diet, make small adjustments. Try bringing lunch from home instead of eating out or switching from high-sugar desserts to fruit and tea after dinner. Once it feels like a habit, move on to the next step toward improvement.
Change your mindset Accept where you are on the path. There is no need to doubt yourself. Interrupt your inner critic and show yourself some care. Your tone, attitude and mental motives can make a difference when creating goals and intentions.
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Track your progress
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Logging improvements, as well as hardships, can evoke self-awareness and help you evaluate your past successes and failures, making it easier for you to learn how to accomplish your goals faster and more efficiently.
Mark up your calendar Your planner does not need to only be used for work meetings and doctor appointments. Time management plays a role in what you accomplish each day. If you pencil in a coffee date with a friend or sign up for a race months out, it becomes a priority that you will want to carry through and foster.
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Celebrate small wins There is no need to wait to party. Recognizing and commending the milestones accomplished along the way keeps your momentum going strong. Received a few interviews after submitting applications into the void? Went to the gym even though you had a stressful day at work? Saved a third of your vacation goal? Commemorate your progress. It will sweeten the journey.
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No time limit Just because a ball dropped in Times Square does not mean you must start a resolution on the first day of January. Start anytime. If you realize in April you want to switch careers and take up coding, take a workshop or start applying. Accept the flexibility life offers.
13 Measure behaviors over outcomes Resolutions often stem from wanting a specific outcome, but making a sustainable plan will help you realize what you can control. “I will save $25 each week” is more measurable than saying, “I will pay off all my credit card debt.”
Get motivated by feelings We are all driven by the way we feel. If you do not feel good during the process, there is a slim chance you will follow it all the way through to the end. If you hate running, cycling or swimming, there is no need to enter a triathlon. Try a dance or yoga class instead. You will be more motivated to do something long term if you enjoy the activity.
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Forgive yourself
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It is normal to make mistakes and get off track. You do not need to beat yourself up. What matters is your ability to forgive yourself and learn how you can do better next time. Even if you did not go to the gym once last week, those who achieve success in their resolutions are usually the ones who do not let slip-ups alter their progress.
11 Lead the way While support is essential for the process, your parents, boss or teacher are not going to tell you what to do regarding self-improvement. Be proactive about what you want and take ownership. Other people can offer care, advice and help to connect the dots, but anticipate that you will be the one performing the hard work.
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Write it down
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Do not just think about what you want. Grab a pen and paper and write what it is exactly that you want. Writing your intentions and scheduling steps for achievement can make it easier for you to remember your goals when life gets busy.
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Lead the way Looking for some help keeping your New Year’s resolutions? These apps will keep you motivated.
Have fun Discover what brings you joy. Often, resolutions are about what you do not like about yourself. Focusing on what you do want in the future and what thrills you creates a more positive direction for you to follow. Stop the negative thoughts and uncover your curiosity. A new hobby could lead you on to a new career path.
Develop relationships
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While you may be working on selfimprovement, that does not mean you cannot foster the relationships around you, as well. Connecting with others can not only be a benefit to you, such as when networking, but while helping the community, you also have the opportunity to encourage and inspire other people’s goals and intentions.
Take pride in preparation Do something nice for your tomorrow self. Finding little ways to prepare in advance can help ease the process when developing new routines and habits. Meal prepping or packing a gym bag the night before can support you the following morning when you are rushing to work or school.
17 Forget the fear Do not be afraid to ask yourself serious questions about what brings you excitement and what you can see yourself actually doing. Be honest with yourself. If you have always dreamt of starting your own business, figure out realistic first steps you can take.
iLLUSTRATIONS COURTESY ISTOCK/MICROVONE
Way of Life — Habit Tracker This app helps you make new habits or break bad ones.
Gratitude Happiness Journal Remind yourself of what you’re grateful for and work on improving your overall happiness.
Insight Timer – Meditation This app features guided meditation, music and talks posted by contributing experts.
Ate Food Diary Instead of counting calories, this app helps you keep track of what you ate, why you ate it and how it made you feel, to help you improve your eating habits and health.
Grand Rapids Magazine compiled the previous list with help from Andrea Kasprzak, author of “Imagination Transforms Everything"; Aubrey Marlette, certified coach and owner of Serendipity Life Design; Kimberly Gleason, founder of Blue Bridge Leadership; Anne Hamming, owner and founder of Anne Hamming Life Coaching; John Ybarra, senior health and wellness director at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; Kara Mockler, MS, RDN, health and wellness director at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; and Grace Derocha, registered dietitian and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. GR M AG .CO M
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EXPERT Q&A
Chef Tips & Tricks We all do it, almost daily: When we need an answer quickly, we grab our phone, open up Google, and type in our question. Let’s try one now: How can I make the perfect cheeseburger? In just 1.19 seconds, Google came up with about 34,800,000 answers to that one simple question. At the top of the list were Bobby Flay’s Perfect Burger Recipe, The Food Network’s Perfect Burger, and How to Create the Perfect Burger (Seriously, Perfect) from bonappetit.com. But if you really want the best results, you need to log off Google, put down your phone, and go about seeking answers in a different way. You need to be more specific in your questions and, most importantly, make sure your sources are reliable, credible, and accessible.
Q:
Welcome to Grand Rapids Magazine’s Expert Q&A Special Section, featuring a “flavorable” focus on tips and tricks from some of the area’s leading food and beverage professionals. These sources are both reliable and credible — and, best of all, they’re located right around the corner! They’re local experts who are happy to respond to your questions, and they can offer more specific answers to your unique interests and provide easy and accessible solutions. Using Google and online resources in your search for reliable answers to important questions isn’t always a good idea. Try asking a few of these questions: Is dairy good for me? What wine goes best with prime rib? How can I make a healthy salad? You can expect thousands of different takes, opinions, and “facts,” which
tends to make things even more confusing. Local experts are exactly that — local, and experts. And no one knows more what flavors, tastes, and aromas the great people of Grand Rapids and West Michigan enjoy than our local chefs, cooks, bartenders, and mixologists. Having a face next to the answer and a phone number or email that allows you to further explore your question is both comforting and reassuring. You can make sure the answer fits your budget, is in tune with your lifestyle, and helps you make the best decision for you. Here are some trusted advisers — local experts — who have reliable, credible, and accessible answers to your culinary and beverage questions. ■
What separates Anna’s House from other breakfast restaurants?
A: Anna’s House strives to create an environment that’s inclusive to everyone. If you have celiac disease or a dairy allergy, or if you’re vegan or kosher or have practically any other dietary restriction, they will happily accommodate you. All of Anna’s servers are trained to know how to
help guests with dietary restrictions, and can direct you to menu items you can and can’t have. The goal at Anna’s House is to make customers feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. Let them know what you need, and they’ll take care of you.
Christina Post General Manager Anna’s House/Grandville annashouseus.com Advertisement on Inside back cover
EXPERT Q&A Q:
What are the keys to making an excellent vegan burger?
A: Adding a little bit of everything helps make the perfect vegan burger. For example, the Mission Impossible at Stella’s Lounge is topped with fresh pineapple, barbeque sauce, and a mixture of red and green peppers to add crunch. When it comes to making Stella’s award-winning
Hippie stuffed burger, chefs start with a patty made from scratch that includes black bean pesto and house-made Thousand Island sauce. Using contrasting flavors, like sweet and spicy, and different textures, like crunchy and creamy, are simple and savory ways to enhance your meatless patty.
Emilie Walker General Manager Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 P: 616-742-4444 stellasgr.com Advertisement on page 32
Q:
What are some tips for someone new to pairing food and beer?
A: The new year is a great time to explore endeavors like pairing food and beer. Haven’t dabbled here? There’s no better place to begin than with desserts! The simplest approach involves making the most of complementing flavors. Match the richness of chocolate and peanut butter (like HopCat’s Peanut
Butter Porter Pie) with the roasty malt of porters and stouts. On the flip side, pairing those same rich dishes with a bright, tart fruit beer is a great way of showing off contrasting flavors! Above all, pairing beer with food should be fun — so as long as you enjoy it, you’re doing it right!
HopCat Justin Pollock 25 Ionia Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 P: 616-451-4677 2183 E. Beltine Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 P: 616-369-0600 hopcat.com Advertisement on page 43
Q:
What beers are recommended for the deep winter months?
A: The holidays, with their sparkling spiced beers, are behind us and we’re staring at the long months of another Michigan winter. German Doppelbock and Belgian Strong Ale, with their rich flavors and generous ABV, pair beautifully
Q:
with hearty stews and early bedtimes. At Harmony Brewing Co., try the Winter Warmer Ale called Winter Nights — it’s a perfect partner when you’re sitting at a cozy, candle-lit table with friends while winter storms howl outside.
Barry Van Dyke
says, “people tend to eat with their eyes.” She suggests trying to find the perfect balance between things tasting and looking great. “There’s creativity in being a pastry chef,” Chef Dana says. “There’s the structure of science and chemistry behind baking, but there’s also a freedom that allows you to be as creative as you want and create something truly unique and beautiful — maybe even perfect!”
Dana Wilmer-Lucas
Co-owner, Brewer, Certified Cicerone Harmony Brewing Co. 1551 Lake Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 P: 616-233-0063 401 Stocking Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 P: 616-233-9186 harmonybeer.com
What makes the perfect pastry?
A: Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Pastry Chef Dana Wilmer-Lucas has been creating edible works of art for the past 26 years. Pastry is a work of art, and understanding that simple fact is a good place to start when trying to create the perfect pastry. Love and passion also are key, along with fresh, quality, and in-season ingredients. Presentation is important, too, because as Chef Dana
Pastry Chef Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar 60 Ottawa Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 leosrestaurant.com Advertisement on page 14
Thanks to Grand Rapids Magazine readers for voting for us. Also, special thanks to our awesome crew and loyal customers and most of all God. Because of all of you, we are blessed with a successful business. Wishing you all a happy, healthy & meat ďŹ lled 2020! — Tim & Teresa Sobie
3450 Remembrance Rd NW Walker | (616) 453-7201 sobiemeats.com
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OUR STAFF'S GUIDE TO THE AREA'S BEST EATERIES For any additions or changes: // Please email cdewey@geminipub.com or write to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o Dining Guide, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Downtown GR ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BEIJING KITCHEN Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$ BISTRO BELLA VITA Big-city casual; Modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BOBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B. Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers. Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob. com/bobarinospizza. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRICK & PORTER Appetizers, burgers, salads and sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. // 47 Monroe Center NW, 2266928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRICKYARD TAVERN Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BULL’S HEAD TAVERN Large selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Entrées
include pasta, fish, chicken and steak along with burgers and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ 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. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ 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. Dinner $$$ CITY BUILT BREWING CO. Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CINCO DE MAYO Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. // 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CITYSEN LOUNGE Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and small-plate creations. Beer and wine; happy hour 4-7 pm. Open daily. // CityFlatsHotel, 83 Monroe Center NW, 6081725. cityflatshotel.com/location/grand-rapids. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ COTTAGE BAR Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chilis and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 18 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. Lunch, Dinner $
2019 DINING AWARD WINNER DIVANI European-inspired food includes small plates for sharing and a variety of entrées. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. divanigr.com. Dinner $$-$$$ FLANAGAN’S Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. // 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FORTY PEARL A wine bar serving oysters, cured meats and cheeses, baked goods and sweets, soups and salads, shareables, sandwiches, rice bowls and entrées like
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
salmon, seared scallops and Cornish hen. Open daily. // 40 Pearl St. NW, 608-7741. fortypearl.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GILLY’S SMOKEHOUSE Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more. Closed Sun-Mon. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/gillysrestaurant. Dinner $-$$ GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GP SPORTS Sports bar and restaurant. Menu features create-yourown pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/gp-sports. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (SatSun), Dinner $-$$ GRAND RAPIDS GARAGE BAR AND GRILL “All-American grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. / 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 4540321. garagebargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Year-round alfresco dining with fireplace. Open
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daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HERITAGE HILL PIZZA Offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. No alcohol. Open daily with a few tables for dining in. // 340 State St SE, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
bar. Open daily. // 95 Monroe Center NW, 419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $ 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. luckylucianos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THE HERITAGE GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
LUNA TAQUERIA Y COCINA Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 64 Ionia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MARCONA ON LYON “Modern” Mediterranean cuisine, including appetizers, grilled skewers, falafel and more, as well as vegetarianand vegan-friendly options. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 623 Lyon St NE, 828-1228. marconaonlyon.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
JAMAICAN DAVE’S Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ J. GARDELLA’S TAVERN Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. Three floors of seating. Closed Sun. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellastavern.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ JUDSON’S AT THE B.O.B. Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops. Notable wine list. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsonssteakhouse. Dinner $$$ THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
2019 DINING AWARD WINNER LEO’S Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm MonFri. Closed Sun. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ LINEAR Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LITTLEBIRD Café-style restaurant featuring made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch, including a full coffee menu, house-made sodas and egg creams, and pastries. Full
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MARGAUX A contemporary French bistro. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. // JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll. Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. Dinner $$-$$$ MEXO Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR & RESTAURANT Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$ MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ NEW HOTEL MERTENS French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era New Hotel Mertens. Seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. newhotelmertens.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
ONE TRICK PONY GRILL & TAPROOM Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front, dog- friendly patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 136 E Fulton St, 2357669. onetrick.biz. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN Part of Studio Park, One Twenty Three Tavern offers starters, small plates and handhelds, large plates, and a kids menu. Offering elevated American fare, including a fried chicken sandwich, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ OSTERIA ROSSA Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Open daily. // 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriarossa.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$ PALACE OF INDIA Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIND INDIAN CUISINE A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$
2019 DINING AWARD WINNER RESERVE Wine bar offers extensive by-the-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. // 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ ROAM BY SAN CHEZ BISTRO The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ ROCKWELL REPUBLIC Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
SAN CHEZ BISTRO Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. // 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SLOWS BAR-B-Q Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides. Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. // Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slowsbarbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SOCIAL HOUSE A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters such as veggie, meat and cheese shared platters, goat cheese fritters, spicy tuna wontons and avocado toast; soups and salads; burgers and sandwiches; and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$ SOCIAL KITCHEN & BAR Refined comfort food, sandwiches, pizzas, extensive cocktail menu. Vintage décor, patio. Open daily. // Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 724-4464. socialkitchenandbar.com/grand-rapids.html. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SPEAKEZ LOUNGE Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and gluten-free. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. // 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ STELLA’S LOUNGE Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 7424444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner$-$$ TAVERN ON THE SQUARE Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WHEELHOUSE KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS Eclectic American bistro fare with seasonal recipes using Michigan ingredients. Large bar and porch. Open daily. // Arena Place, 67 Ottawa Ave SW, 226-3319. wheelhousegrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ Z’S BAR & RESTAURANT Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 4543141. zsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ZOKO 822 Basque-inspired cuisine, featuring Northern Spanish and Southern French small plates, served family style; plus, “grab-and-go” lunch serviced through the Bodega 822. Full bar boasting over 45 selections $ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
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of gin. Open daily. // 822 Ottawa Ave NW, 8281118. zoko822.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch (Mon-Sat), Dinner $$-$$$
West Side
JOLLY PUMPKIN PIZZERIA & BREWERY Dexter-based brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jollypumpkin.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
ANDO SUSHI + BAR Asian fusion eatery featuring small plates, bentos, rice bowls, raw bar, noodles, soup, salad and more. Wide selection of wine, plus local, domestic and international beer. Full bar. // 415 Bridge St NW, 608-0789. andosushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
THE KNICKERBOCKER – NEW HOLLAND BREWING Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. // 417 Bridge St NW, 3455642. newhollandbrew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$
BLUE DOG TAVERN West Michigan craft brews on tap. Good selection of tots, dogs and burgers. Open daily. // 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
LONG ROAD DISTILLERS Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers. com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$
BROADWAY BAR & GRILL Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations, especially at Christmas. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. // 740 Broadway Ave SW, 454-0565. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
MAGGIE’S KITCHEN Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
2019 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR BUTCHER’S UNION Meat-and-whiskey-centric gastro pub. Full bar. Outdoor seating available. // 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ EL GRANJERO Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. // 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ EL SOMBRERO Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRATELLI’S KITCHEN & BAR Italian cuisine based on family recipes from Sicily with a “modern twist.” Full service bar. Open daily. // 443 Bridge St NW, Suite 2. 389-4963. fratellisgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
THE MITTEN BREWING CO. Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MONARCHS’ CLUB Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $ ONE BOURBON Trendy, two-level restaurant serving creative shareable plates, burgers, hot sandwiches and entrées. Full bar features more than 120 whiskies. Closed Sun-Mon. // 608 Bridge St NW, 608-5766. onebourbongr.com. Dinner $-$$ O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. // 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
HARMONY HALL West Side brewpub with a German beer hall atmosphere serves pizza, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Open daily. // 401 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9186. harmonybeer.com/harmony-hall. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PEARL STREET GRILL Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. // 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
THE HOLIDAY BAR Established in 1905, menu features appetizers and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden in warm months. Open daily. // 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. theholidaybargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $-$$
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2019 DINING AWARD WINNER THE 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. Dinner $$ TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$ WESTSIDE SOCIAL “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$
Uptown BOMBAY CUISINE Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India. Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. // 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BREWERY VIVANT Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ BRICK ROAD PIZZA Traditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (glutenfree crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 2885038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $ CHEZ OLGA Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE COMMONS 1970s-themed restaurant with “retro comfort food.” Full bar, including craft beer and ’70s-inspired cocktails. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 547 Cherry St SE, 458-2704. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
CURRY KITCHEN Authentic Indian cuisine. Daily lunch buffet. Kids menu. Takeout. Open daily. No alcohol. // 961 E Fulton St, 242-1300. currykitchengr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ DANZÓN CUBANO Authentic Cuban fare, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally made and Cuban sodas. Full bar; happy hour specials Mon-Thu. Open daily. // 1 Carlton Ave SE, 988-9788. danzoncubano.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
2019 DINING AWARD WINNER DONKEY TAQUERIA Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station. Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST WEST BREWING CO. Traditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. // 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwestbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Fri-Sat), Dinner $-$$ ELECTRIC CHEETAH Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ELK BREWING CO. Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. // 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $ ERB THAI Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. Open daily. // 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
2019 DINING AWARD WINNER FORTY ACRES SOUL KITCHEN “Authentically American” southern comfort food, featuring po’boys, grits, gumbo and more. To-go catering available. Closed Mon. // 1059 Wealthy St SE, 481-6971. fortyacresgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GOJO ETHIOPIAN CUISINE & DELI Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew) dishes served with injera flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 421 Norwood Ave SE, 459-3383. gojoethiopian cuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ THE GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB Not your run-of-the-mill New American fare. Full bar with more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open Tue–Sun. // 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
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2019 DINING AWARD WINNER GROVE A cuisine focused on “comfort redefined a tribute to your favorite nostalgic meals from childhood.” Full bar. Open Tue–Sat. // 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ HANCOCK Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HARMONY BREWING CO. Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KINGFISHER RESTAURANT & DELI This “vegetable-forward,” Mediterranean-influenced restaurant offers starters, omelets, bowls and hash, soups and salads, toast and sandwiches, sweets and pastries, and sides. Many of the offerings are available to be made vegetarian-, vegan- or gluten-free. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1001 Lake Dr SE, 734-6833. kingfishergr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MARU SUSHI & GRILL Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carryout available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 7748641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ THE PUB AT PADDOCK “Happy hour all the time” with elevated pub fare. Full bar. Closed Mondays. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 356-2627. thegilmorecollection.com/pubatpaddock. Dinner $-$$
2019 DINING AWARD WINNER TERRA Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. // 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch (SatSun), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950.
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wealthystreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WIKIWIKI POKE SHOP Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials. Carryout available. Closed Sun. // 1146 Wealthy St SE, 2885646. wikiwikipokeshop.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WINCHESTER Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in centuryold space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ YESTERDOG Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. // 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. Lunch, Dinner $ ZIVIO Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$
East Grand Rapids BIG BOB’S PIZZA Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$ JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ OLIVE’S Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. // 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ OSTA’S LEBANESE CUISINE Large selection of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Serves beer and wine. Takeout and catering available. Closed Sun-Mon. // 2228 Wealthy St SE, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. Lunch (Tue-Fri), Dinner $-$$ ROSE’S Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu,
including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection. com/roses. Lunch, Dinner $$
Northeast GR 7 MONKS TAPHOUSE Beer bar with more than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads. Open daily. // 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/ grand-rapids. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BIRCH LODGE Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ BLUE WATER GRILL Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. // 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BUD & STANLEY’S Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILLE Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charliesbarandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$ CHEER’S GOOD TIME SALOON Menu offers something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ CHESHIRE GRILL Sandwiches, soups, salads, creative burgers. Open daily for breakfast (served all day) and lunch. No alcohol. // 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 635-2713. cheshiregrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$ CRESTON BREWERY More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GOLDEN WOK Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
ALIGN YOUR INVESTMENTS WITH YOUR VALUES
GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAYDON’S CROSSING Global pub serves traditional English pub food and worldinspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ JAKU SUSHI Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. // 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 6490407. jakusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
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KITCHEN 67 Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers. Open daily. // 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 272-3778. kitchen67.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
616-949-0900 866-949-0907
LA HUASTECA Homemade recipes, vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ LAI THAI KITCHEN Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar. Open daily. // 2869 Knapp St NE, 608-6912. licarispizzakitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ LUCY’S CAFÉ Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$-$$$
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www.mosaicwealthmanagement.com
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
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MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $ MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MING TEN All-you-can-eat Japanese/Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 3653989. mingtenrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MORNING BELLE This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. morningbellebrunch.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ NICK FINK’S Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. // 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollection.com/nickfinks. Dinner $$ POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$ THE SCORE Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SHESHCO GRILL Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$ THAI CHEF Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ VANDER MILL Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style. Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. // 505 Ball Ave NE, 2598828. vandermill.com. Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$-$$$
Northwest GR 2019 DINING AWARD WINNER AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana.com. Dinner (Tue-Sat) $$ CHINA CHEF Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CHINA CITY Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
REZERVOIR LOUNGE Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$
DEHOP’S BREWING CO. AND CAFÉ Specialty and build-your-own burgers, “authentic Mexican” tacos, salads and sharable appetizers. Closed Sun-Mon. // 363 Cummings Ave NW, Walker, 8053363. dehops.com. Dinner $$
RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 7858880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
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FRANCO’S PIZZA Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. Dinner $-$$ FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. Dinner $-$$ HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet.letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$ HOME TEAM GRILL Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. // 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill. wordpress.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE LANDING Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. AllAmerican favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/dining/the-landingrestaurant. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ MR. GYROS Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. // 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 7916660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PERRIN BREWING CO. Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 5910 Comstock Park Dr, 5511957. perrinbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ STAN DIEGO BAJA TACO KITCHEN Baja California-inspired menu, featuring a-la-carte taco menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standiegogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SWAN INN RESTAURANT Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. // 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // Green
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WALKER ROADHOUSE Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 791-9922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $$
Southeast GR 7 MARES Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
YOU CAN GO YOUR OWN WAY.
AL-BOS EUROCAFE-BAKERY Authentic southeastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials. Open daily. // 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. al-bos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ASIAN PALACE Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 141 28th St SE, 5347770. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BELTLINE BAR Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BRASS RING BREWING Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BROAD LEAF LOCAL BEER Pub fare including snacks, meat and veggies on a stick and entrées like drunken noodles, burgers, tempeh and more. Closed Mon.-Tue. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
Travel, culture, education — you’ve seen and done it all. But there are still surprises to come. The Vistas at Beacon Hill is a new way of retirement living in Grand Rapids, with an impressive list of amenities you didn’t expect. And you thought nothing else could surprise you.
CABANA TRES AMIGOS Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CAFÉ DE MIRO A café offering Kurdish, Armenian and Greek foods. The menu consists of traditional Mediterranean breakfast and side dishes, such as skillets, scrambles and acai bowls; pastries; toasts; soups; sandwiches; salads; Turkish coffee; tea; desserts; and more. No alcohol. // Breton Village Shopping Plaza, 1878 Breton Rd SE, (616) 719-1462. Facebook. Open daily. Lunch $ CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drive-thru window. Outdoor patio. Open
EXPECT TO BE SURPRISED.
1919 BOSTON STREET SE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 | BEACONHILLGR.ORG
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
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daily. // 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantinamexicangrill.biz. Lunch (Sun-Thu), Dinner $$ DADDY PETE’S BBQ Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST GARDEN BUFFET Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL ARRIERO MEXICAN GRILL Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas. Open daily. // 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL GLOBO RESTAURANT Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIREROCK GRILLE Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ FLORENTINE PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GANDERS Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ GOLDEN GATE Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ GURSHA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ HALL STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
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INDIA TOWN Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA TAQUERIA SAN JOSE Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1338 S Division Ave, 2842297. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ LAST CHANCE TAVERN AND GRILL Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. // 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelastchancetavern. com. Lunch, Dinner $ LE KABOB Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MI TIERRA Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MIKADO SUSHI Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mikadogr.com/main. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ NU-THAI BISTRO Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OLD GOAT Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $ PHO ANH TRANG Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PHO SOC TRANG Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan
wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 4523228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SHANGHAI ICHIBAN Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120. shanghaiichiban.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SHIRAZ GRILLE Authentic Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, vegetarian options. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. Lunch (FriSun), Dinner $$-$$$ SUSHI KUNI Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ TAQUERÍA EL RINCÓN MEXICANO Wide variety of Mexican breakfast, small plates, dinner dishes and soups, including several vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2055 28th St, 246-7000. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ THAI EXPRESS Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ THAI FUSION Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. // 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VILLAGE INN PIZZA & SPORTS GRILLE Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. // 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WEI WEI PALACE Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. weiweipalace.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ YUMMY WOK Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
Southwest GR
1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
84TH STREET PUB & GRILLE American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar. Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. // 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées, including summer chicken and pea ravioli. Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. bluegingerkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FAR-EAST CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRANKIE V’S PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. //
GOLDEN 28 Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800. Lunch, Dinner $$ KITZINGEN BREWERY German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed Sun-Mon. // 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingen-brewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LINDO MEXICO RESTAURANTE MEXICANO Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1742 28th St SW, 2612280. lindomexicogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ MAIN STREET PUB Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // 1730 28th St SW, 5322510. mainstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST CUPCAKES IN GR!
MI CASA RESTAURANTE Fresh, authentic Dominican appetizers, dishes and seafood, plus weekly specials, in Dominican-themed, family-friendly atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed MonTues. // 334 Burton St SW, 350-9123. micasagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MONELLI’S ITALIAN GRILL & SPORTS BAR Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. Open daily. // 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 530-9700. monellis.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NOBLE Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ PETE’S GRILL & TAVERN Casual bar and grill with tavern burgers, Detroit style pizza, sandwiches and entrees. Open daily. // 2588 84th St SW, Byron Center, 878-9582. petesgrillandtavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 15 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
Thank you to all our clients for voting Kangaroo Kitchen and Catering The Best Caterer in Grand Rapids! It’s because of you that we get to do what we love most. It’s certainly a joy and a pleasure to serve you and be a part of your event.
2481 32nd St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 616.990.9300 TheSaltedCupcake.com
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
To book with us, visit KangarooKitchenGR.com or call us at (616) 451 - 6775 We look forward to serving you!
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WOODY’S PRESS BOX Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$
JU SUSHI & LOUNGE Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. // 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area
LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
SCHNITZ ADA GRILL Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. // 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
ARYANA RESTAURANT & BAR Comfortable dining room in Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. // 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BIG BOILER BREWING Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and cider. Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. // 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboilerbrewing.com. Dinner $$ CASCADE ROADHOUSE Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 2597439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CORK WINE & GRILLE Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. corkwineandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ DAN’S DINER Formerly Pal’s Diner. Retro-style diner with both classic and upscale breakfast and lunch options; breakfast served all day. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 6503 28th St SE, 7190304. dansdinergr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EMONAE KOREAN BBQ Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. // 6246 28th St SE, 649-3984. emonaekoreanbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ THE EURO BISTRO European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ FLAT RIVER GRILL Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
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MAIN STREET BBQ Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO French country casual offers small, medium and large plates for dinner fare; salads, sandwiches and mains for lunch. Full bar. Takeout menu. Closed Sun. // 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MYNT FUSION BISTRO Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NOCO PROVISIONS Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch TuesSat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$
THORNAPPLE BREWING CO. Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert. Brunch on Sun. // 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$ TRAILHEAD CAFÉ Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. // 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 284-3664. trailheadcafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ VINTAGE PRIME & SEAFOOD Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintageatcork.com. Dinner $$$ ZEYTIN Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
Grandville/Hudsonville Area BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$
THE DUNGEON Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$
OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$
EL BURRITO LOCO More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 530-9470. elburritoloco4.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
GRANDVILLA Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Rockford Area BOSTWICK LAKE INN Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. // 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$ BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See
website for seasonal hours. // 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com/ restaurant. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO. German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. // 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRILL ONE ELEVEN American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and
OSGOOD BREWING CO. Craft brewery serves shareables, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and salads. Kids menu. Open daily. // 4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 432-3881. osgoodbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIKE 51 BREWING CO./HUDSONVILLE WINERY Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RAINBOW GRILL Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 8960033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ RUSH CREEK BISTRO Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SONDER EATERY Focused on fresh foods including greens, sandwiches and shareables. Items include deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, sloppy Joes and more. Full bar. Daily specials and weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. // 3380 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 616-202-6379. sondereatery.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ WHITE FLAME BREWING CO. Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WIN TAVERN A family-friendly restaurant offering fresh ingredients and cooked-to-order meals, including starters and salads, burgers, sandwiches, and steak and onion meals. It also offers a Sunday breakfast from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
NOW OPEN Call 616-805-3989 or visit www.rivertownridge.com 3555 Copper River Ave SW., Wyoming, MI 49418
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$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
Karen O’Rourke, DDS 616.455.7930 www.drkorourke.com
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lounge. Open daily. // 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ HONEY CREEK INN Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. // 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HOT BOX BBQ Smoked brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, brisket and more. Closed Sun. // 110 Courtland St, 951-7160. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ MARINADES PIZZA BISTRO Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. // 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $ RAMONA’S TABLE Gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, small plates, homemade desserts. Farm-to-table specials. Michigan beers, wine. Kids menu. Open daily. // 17 Squires St Square NE, 951-7100. ramonastable.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ROCKFORD BREWING CO. Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Handcrafted brews on tap. Open daily. // 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TIMBERS INN Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. // 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. Lunch (Wed-Sun), Dinner $-$$ THIRD NATURE BREWING COMPANY Located near the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, Third Nature Brewing is a rustic brewery and taproom offering “comfort foods” such as pizzas and hot sandwiches, as well as healthier options like power bowls and salads. Open daily. // 7733 Childsdale Ave. NE in Plainfield Township, 616-512-9314. thirdnaturebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
Multiple Locations ANNA’S HOUSE Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and exceptional desserts; dinner menu, too. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT Breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Menu includes extensive gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 722 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 2650 East Beltline Ave SE
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(Centerpointe Mall), 956-7901; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurant.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ BAGEL BEANERY Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 249-9500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ BIG E’S SPORTS GRILL Sports lounge serving pizza, classic American appetizers and other entrées. Full bar includes a variety of Michigan-made beer and cider. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2321 East Beltline Ave SE, 608-8825. 710 Monroe Ave NW, 512-5716. bigessportsgrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAND CONEY Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 9303596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 7731895. herbandfirepizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ HOPCAT Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
REAL FOOD CAFÉ Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $ RED GERANIUM Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 5328888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (MonSat) $$ TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE OMELETTE SHOPPE Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 7267300. omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 773-1687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 8911100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VITALE’S PIZZERIA Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales. com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PITA HOUSE Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. Lunch, Dinner $
$ INEXPENSIVE (UNDER $10) $$ MODERATE (BETWEEN $10 – $20) $$$ EXPENSIVE (OVER $20)
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A group of women enjoying Richmond Park's popular sledding hill.
Winter fun Richmond Park is a cold-weather destination. BY AMELIA PASQUALONE
Richmond Park 1101 Richmond St. NW
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Established in 1915, Richmond Park always has been the park to go to for Grand Rapidians during the winter months. Back in the day, Richmond Park had a toboggan sled chute and even a ski lift. While those amenities have been removed, there still is a lot of fun to be had during the winter. Nature trails topped with snow make for
GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2020
the perfect place to cross-country ski or strap on your snowshoes for a calming hike. There’s even a sled hill for little ones and adults alike to enjoy while braving the cold. Richmond Park also is the site of WinterWest, an annual winter festival full of fun and excitement. Sled races, food trucks, kids crafts and snowman-building contests make winter in Grand Rapids a dream come true. See the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks website for WinterWest dates and times. SLEDDERS COURTESY CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS, PARKS AND RECREATION
NEW YEAR NEW REAL ESTATE ADVENTURES
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