Grand Rapids Magazine January/February 2024 by Grand Rapids Magazine

A NEW COACH

TOP W E DDI N G V E N U E S

Multiple Generations

FAMILY BUSINESSES THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME

MOTHERLAND

MICHIGAN SKI BUM

F R O M Q UA I N T T O G R A N D, S IX C E L E B R AT I O N L O CAT I O N S T H AT O F F E R E N C H A N T I N G A LT E R N AT I V E S TO GOING TO THE CHAPEL

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CINEMAS, SHOPPING, LIVE MUSIC, APARTMENTS, AND MORE

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Danny and Karmen were married at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in August 2021

Exactly where you should be.

When you’re true to who you are, you’re true to where you are. Come join us. TraverseCity.com TraverseCityTour.fp.GRM.1123.indd Grand Rapids Magazine Jan Feb 2024.indd 1 2

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Exactly where you should ski. And stay.

Imagine being at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the area chosen by Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America.” Imagine being at The Homestead, a resort on Lake Michigan inside the lakeshore. It’s a place where you can spa, ski, or snowboard. Crackling fires, live entertainment, inviting restaurants, gracious accommodations and magical memories are included.

Packages from $150 per person per night. For reservations, 231-334-5100.

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Passage of Shadow & Light by Laura Kloosterman

Roaming Gnomes by Simone Chua

WORLD OF WINTER Jan. 12 - March 10

Visit America’s largest winter festival in downtown GR! Massimals by Scroggin Studio

Art pictured from World of Winter 2023

Tropical Tundra by Jason McClellan

#ExperienceGR

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contents JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 59, ISSUE 1

Pecan packaging at Koeze Company's Wyoming, Michigan warehouse. Koeze Company has been in business since 1910.

FEATURES

ALTARE D BL ISS T H E R EGI O N' S BEST VE N U E S FO R N U P T I A L CELEBR AT I O N S BY PASHA SHIPP

GENERATIONS FA MILY BUS IN E SS E S T H AT H AV E STO O D T H E T EST O F T I M E BY ANN BYLE

P H OTO G R A P H BY A L F I E L D R E E V E S

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COVER COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM/HALEY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY

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contents • janua y/feb ua y

every issue 8 82

editor's letter dining guide

gr gems

A guide to the area's best eateries

One of the country's first ski areas, started by enthusiasts from GR.

people + places 12

city

issues

t. Cecilia Music Center S celebrates 140 years. égagé Ministries expands, but D there's still not enough room.

spotlight

Speed stacking sensation's rise to

internationally-ranked status.

profile

From award winning producer to Michigan Ski Bum.

voice

Ada author undresses topic of

horsing around (puns intended).

guide

Six ways to beat the winter blahs that don't involve a treadmill.

look + feel 24

wellness

style

experience

home

Suit up! All you need to know about embracing winter.

Boutique owner offers fashion tips, insights on the origins of her style. Studio Park brings cinema, shops, live music & more to downtown.

Rearranging the furniture? Start with a blank slate!

expert

New Griffins coach jumped at the chance to helm hockey team.

food + drink 68

table

on-the-go

cholar serves up classic American S fare at historic downtown location. iberian duo bring taste of West L Africa to SoDiv with Motherland.

must-try

The 411 on 616 Kabob, Creston's new Mediterranean eatery.

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cheers

create

Seventy years later, Beltline Bar and the burrito it made famous. Recipe: Chunky chili, made with cubed beef and fresh peppers. SKIER COURTESY CABERFAE PEAKS FOOD AMANDA KAMPPINEN SHELTER ISABEL DOWELL

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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com Publisher: Jason Hosko

Editorial Managing Editor: Lisa Enos Contributors: Allison Bannister, Ann Byle, Kelsey Dunneback, Pat Evans, Lauren Figueroa, Gabriel Rose, Jason Roth, Matthew Rothenberg, Pasha Shipp Design Creative Director: Lindsay Richards Art Director: Keagan Coop Senior Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel Contributors: Michelle Cuppy, Isabel Dowell, Bryan Esler, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Amanda Kamppinen, Alfield Reeves, David Sparks Sales General Inquiries: (616) 459-4545; advertising@hour-media.com Account Executives: Nick Irwin, Maddy Gill, Jessica Laidlaw Production Production Director: Jenine Knox Senior Production Coordinator: Jill Berry Production Artist: Jonathan Boedecker Advertising Coordinator: Rachel Beltowski Graphic Designer: Jim Bibart

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YOU DIDN’T GET INTO BUSINESS TO MESS WITH THE INTERNET,

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Digital General Manager of Video Production: Nick Britsky Director of Digital Strategy: Travis Fletcher Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo Digital Development Specialists: Jim Bowser, Marissa Jacklyn, Luanne Lim Digital Media Assistant: Robyn Banks IT IT Director: Jeremy Leland Circulation Audience Development Director: Geralyn Wilson Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Senior Circulation Coordinators: David Benvenuto, Rachel Moulden Circulation Coordinators: Susan Combs, Cathy Krajenke, Michele Wold Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247 Marketing Marketing & Events Manager: Jodie Svagr Marketing & Events Coordinator: Jaime Presnail Communications & PR: Regan Blissett Marketing & Events Interns: Morgan Barbat, Delia Bechmann, Natalie Brooks, Julia Tatone, Yessica Villarruel Administration Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki Assistant Office Manager: Natasha Bajju Senior Accounting Associate: Andrew Kotzian Accounting Associates: Samantha Dick, Kate Manley, Austin Schmelzle

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Published By Hour Media CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo

Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published bimonthly by Hour Media. Publishing offices: 5750 New King Drive, Suite 100 Troy, MI 48098. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (248) 691-4531. General e-mail: info@grmag.com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI and at additional mailing offices. Copyright ©2023 by Hour Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 1965 E Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $4.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

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editor's letter / connect

Write what you know, and other sound advice There’s an old adage, a suggestion for would-be authors that goes like this: write what you know. Because most writers are better at conveying ideas regarding subjects with which they are familiar, the process will produce more authentic results: realistic dialog, feasible plot lines, relatable characters. However, there can be a great deal of risk when it comes to writing from the heart. Baring one’s innermost secrets under an icing-thin “fiction veil” in personal memoir style could cause the type of problems nobody wants to have; legal. It can also makes one vulnerable to personal criticisms that can sting. Despite what's stated above, a reader should never assume that a book sold as a work of fiction is anything more than face-value entertainment. After all, the familiar disclaimer, “This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental” was devised for good reason; to allow authors the freedom to express complex ideas about the social order without offending anyone, or in the case of Debby Buck DeJonge and her two novels set in the glammy world of fancy horse competitions: everyone. The author assured Grand Rapids Magazine that a chapter entitled "The Dirty Shame" in her new book set in the ficticious berg of Boutique Town bears no relation to a watering hole of the same name on the Ada outskirts. I'm a little skeptical, but I'll let you be the judge. Read all about it on page 20. In between these pages you'll also find coversations with the Griffins new coach (p. 32), a cup-stacking prodigy (p. 16), and Jeff Lobdell, who becomes the chairman of the board of the National Restaurant Association this month (p. 76). Planning a wedding? Pasha Shipp's got you covered with the lowdown on all the best venues (p. 34). Ever wondered which family businesses have been around the longest? Ann Byle talks to several third, fourth and fifth generation owners (p. 42). There's plenty more, but the one on page 13 is personal. Please read "Clarion Call." Dégagé needs our help!

Next issue

Architectural Gems Restaurant Roundup Experience Knapp's Corner

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Jason Roth GR Mag: You've been writing for the magazine for about a year now. Can you tell me which assignment you've enjoyed most so far? JR: Of all the restaurant articles I've written for Grand Rapids Magazine this year, my first assignment about the Italian beef sandwich at the Monarch Club remains my personal favorite. It's been extremely rewarding to be able to bring attention to the culinary gems lurking in the Grand Rapids area!

Lisa Enos Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

T he best ways to reach us: Email: lenos@hour-media.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media: @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine

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CONTRIBUTOR COURTESY JASON ROTH

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YOUR PASSPORT TO ENDLESS SUMMER ADVENTURES STARTS WITH WITTE.

www.wittetravel.com | 3250 28th St SE, Grand Rapids | 616.942.5112 | vacation@wittetravel.com

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people+places THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

Equipment used in the competitive world of speed stacking.

SPOTLIGHT

Stacking Champ page 16

» PLUS: HORSING AROUND BEAT THE BL AHS ALPINE AR MCHAIRS

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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people + places / city

CITY

Let’s hear it for the women!

140-year-old St. Cecilia Music Center celebrates recent milestone anniversary BY LISA ENOS

St. Cecilia Music Center is the oldest performing arts organization in West Michigan, created 140 years ago to promote the appreciation, study, and performance of music. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, St. Cecilia Music Center is the only building in the United States to have been built by women to be operated solely for the purpose of music. “St. Cecilia Music Center is so excited

to be celebrating 140 years! It really is remarkable to think that nine Grand Rapids women gathered in 1883 and conceptualized this organization,” said Executive and Artistic Director of SCMC Cathy Holbrook after a commemorative ribbon-cutting on the steps of the historic building in September 2023. The building dates from 1894 and has been in continuous operation as a music center

since, serving as the epicenter of Grand Rapids culture. Many Grand Rapids arts organizations (Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Opera, Civic Theater) can trace their roots to SCMC. A myriad of musical guests, playing Chamber music, jazz and folk perform throughout the year at the music center’s 650-seat Royce Auditorium. For the full 2024 season lineup, visit scmcgr.org.

Upcoming performances in January and February include:

'The Godfather' with Grand Rapids Symphony Jan. 5, 2024, 7 p.m. @ DeVos Performance Hall

Blue Note Records Anniversary Tour Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. @ St. Cecilia Music Center The record label that brought blues into the homes and hearts of the masses is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a tour, paying tribute to the numerous famous artists it has signed and promoted over its eightand-a-half decades in show business. John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Lena Horne, Elvis Costello, Rosanne Cash, and Herbie Hancock are just a few of the many musicians who became household names thanks to the efforts of the iconic recording company. The Blue Note Quintet was brought together specifically for the occasion of honoring the label’s rich history with this unique tour. Grammy Award nominee Gerald Clayton will lead the band as Musical Director and Pianist, with Immanuel Wilkins on saxophone; Joel Ross on vibraphone; Matt Brewer on bass; and Kendrick Scott on drums.

The Grand Rapids Symphony orchestra will perform Nino Rota’s score set to a live projection of "The Godfather." Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo (based on Puzo's best-selling 1969 book), the film stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino as Italian gangsters caught up in the family business. This one-of-a-kind live music experience takes place at DeVos Performance Hall with John Varineau conducting.

Leap to see Aimee Mann Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m.@ St. Cecilia Music Center The MTV star and former front woman of ‘Til Tuesday, known for the hit single "Voices Carry," will perform on Thursday, Leap Day, 2024 as part of St. Cecilia Music Center's Acoustic Café Folk Series. “We are delighted that (Mann) has selected St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids as one of her tour destinations that include multiple performances at Los Angeles’ Largo at the Coronet and New York’s City Winery. We just can’t wait to meet her on February 29th for this very special concert evening!” said Cathy Holbrook, SCMC’s executive and artistic director.

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GODFATHER COURTESY GR SYMPHONY/CINECONCERTS BLUE NOTE, AIMEE MANN COURTESY ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER

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Dégagé Ministries recently expanded, adding more beds, but more are needed to adequately meet the needs of the community. ISSUES

Clarion Call: A Plea to the Public Rise in women’s shelter check-ins draws attention to system failures. BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY ISABEL DOWELL

Dégagé Ministries, 139 Shelden Ave. SE, provides the only emergency shelter for women in the area. Recently, an uptick in the number of individuals seeking shelter has created cause for concern. In 2021, the organization had the capacity to serve 33 women per night, with ambitious plans to expand. By the summer of 2022 it had reached its goal and was serving 100 women per night. In 2023, Dégagé expanded once again, renovating its 3,500-square-foot fourth floor office to add 50 more beds. By November 2023, Dégagé’s was regularly accommodating roughly 125 women per night. GR M AG .CO M

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Dégagé is dedicated to providing support to vulnerable populations and remains committed to ensuring that no one who needs its support is ever turned away.

Above: Executive Director Thelma Ensink (far right) meets with women at Dégagé Ministries in November, 2023.

According to Executive Director Thelma Ensink, the unhoused population of Grand Rapids was around 700 in 2018. By October of 2023 that number had nearly doubled. The organization identified the increasing homelessness trend as a result of factors like a surge in evictions, pandemic-related mental health challenges, and challenging economic conditions. To address the pressing need, Dégagé Ministries initiated the renovation of its 3,500-square-foot fourth floor, repurposing it to provide a safe and comfortable environment for women seeking shelter. The expansion included the installation of new bunk beds, contributing to a more comfortable and private environment for the women seeking refuge. The renovation, managed in part by students from the YouthBuild program, was completed in early October, ahead of colder weather. Dégagé Ministries had temporarily relocated its administrative offices to 252 State Street, generously provided by Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Executive Director Thelma Ensink told Grand Rapids Magazine at the time that she felt “so much relief to finally have enough space.” But that sense of relief was short lived. In November 2023, Dégagé Ministries, along with several other organizations that

serve the needs of the West Michigan unhoused community, put out a clarion call in the form of an open letter to the West Michigan Community. Despite the success of the expansion, the challenge of capacity once again had become a pressing issue. The organizations collectively addressed the urgent need for both near and long-term solutions regarding the city’s homelessness crisis. The letter further explained that economic hardships, the impact of COVID, coupled with a shortage of affordable housing had exacerbated the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing homelessness in West Michigan. The letter highlighted the dire situation, noting the significant increase in homelessness compared to previous years: “Homelessness is on the rise, and for many of these individuals, it is the first time they have experienced homelessness in their lives. According to the Point in Time count, there were 723 individuals experiencing homelessness in Kent County in 2018. In 2023, that number sharply increased to 1,239 individuals experiencing homelessness. Based on trends and current bed capacity in our community, an estimated 100 to 300 people could be without access to shelter services on the coldest winter nights.” By early December, the women’s shelter was serving up to 125 women per night and working towards being able to accommodate 150 women per night. However, funding limitations were posing challenges to sustaining that figure throughout the winter. Dégagé is dedicated to providing support to vulnerable populations and remains committed to ensuring that no one who needs its support is ever turned away. Ensink told Grand Rapids Magazine that a significant percentage of the organization is funded by “individuals who write $100 checks.” Visit degageministries.org to find out how to make a donation.

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people + places / issues

Factors that contribute to homelessness

Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by a combination of economic factors, social trends, and systemic failures. Economic Factors: Inflation, job loss, and low wages relative to the cost of housing are factors that contribute to homelessness. Market rate for a one-bedroom apartment in Grand Rapids is $1200. A single person earning the average hourly rate in Grand Rapids ($18/ hour) would be spending nearly 40% of gross income on an apartment. In regard to inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers, prices have grown by 19% overall since 2020. Covid relief funds that were helping some people keep pace with the cost of rising rentals and inflation in 2021-22 have since ceased.

An assortment of cookies at Open Door Bakery, 144 Division Avenue South.

A Sweet Success Story – Open Door Bakery & Thrift on Div

In May 2023, Open Door Bakery opened its doors to the public. Initially started as a fundraising initiative for Dégagé Ministries by two local women, the bakery now has a retail space and central kitchen adjacent to Dégagé, located at 144 Division Avenue South in downtown Grand Rapids. The expansion marked a significant step in Dégagé’s ongoing efforts to enhance its footprint and services. The retail opening complements previous campus renovations, including relocating the main entrance to Sheldon Boulevard for a more pedestrian-friendly experience. This expansion follows the success of Dégagé’s first retail operation, Thrift on Div, situated adjacent to the main building and launched last year.

The Mission The stated mission of Dégagé Ministries is " To reflect the love of Christ to all who come through our doors by building relationships and offering programs that foster dignity and respect." Its dedication to helping individuals meet basic needs starts with offering them a safe environment; a crucial first step to recovery. A pleasant, welcoming community center allows people experiencing long term or temporary homelessness a place to go to get out of the cold in the winter (or out of the heat in the summer). Dégagé works to address an individual's immediate needs, like providing a meal, and gathering information, all the while supporting the individual without judgment. If it is found that a client has family or a friend in another city who will house them, the organization will provide financial assistance in the form of a bus ticket to help them get there safely. Dégagé also provides clients with access to a 30-minute hot shower (towel provided), washing machines for clothing, and a hair salon. Dégagé will also provide clothing if needed, and a bed to sleep in. The organization focuses on empowering individuals to overcome challenges associated with homelessness, which can take the form of “soft skills” training, and opportunities for personal and professional development. The ministry gives clients the opportunity to earn "Dégagé dollars" by working in the kitchen or bakery, or by doing other jobs at the center. The money can be used on the premises and at Open Door Bakery and the adjacent thrift shop. The center offers classroom activities, life skills, fitness, and other training, as well as access to computers for filling out job applications. Dégagé works with the local community in addressing core issues related to homelessness and poverty. For example, a Secretary of State mobile office visits the center so that people can get ID’s. The center also offers a quiet, comfortable space for unhoused individuals to recover in after a hospital stay or surgery. Dégagé does a lot, but the need for its services is still growing .

Availability of affordable housing is a significant factor contributing to the unhoused population of Grand Rapids. The city is working on this and has received state funding in the form of grants, but the projects are still a couple of years from completion. Five housing developments across the city of Grand Rapids will benefit from more than $6.1 million awarded through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s second round of the Revitalization and Placemaking Program (RAP 2.0). The funds are for affordable rental and owner-occupied units. Family and Domestic Issues: Family breakdowns, domestic violence, and other family-related issues can lead to homelessness. Individuals may leave a home to escape unsafe or unstable situations, contributing to their housing instability. Systemic and Structural Factors: Discrimination against certain groups and gaps in the social safety net can disproportionately affect certain populations, increasing their vulnerability to homelessness. Limited Access to Services: Access to social services, healthcare, and support programs is crucial for preventing and addressing homelessness. If individuals do not have easy access to these resources, it can exacerbate their vulnerability. Challenges Faced by Specific Groups: Veterans, youth, and individuals with a history of incarceration, may face unique challenges that contribute to their risk of homelessness. “Exodus” is a local nonprofit for people with a CSC background. Mental Health: Mental health issues (which can lead to substance abuse problems) can contribute to homelessness. Individuals facing these challenges may find it difficult to maintain stable housing and may not receive adequate support or treatment. Efforts to address homelessness often require a collaborative approach involving government agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and businesses. This may include strategies to provide mental health services, and implement supportive programs that address the root causes of homelessness. GR M AG .CO M

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Will Allen demonstrates his incredible mastery of sport stacking at House Rules.

SPOTLIGHT

Stacking up against the competition Globally-ranked EGR resident emerges as shining star on the international competitive cup stacking stage. BY GABRIEL ROSE // PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

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people + places / spotlight

Speed stacking, a regulated competition involving the precise stacking and unstacking of specially designed plastic cups, has gained immense popularity, with over 725,000 participants in the United States alone last year.

In the world of cup stacking, where speed, precision, and a keen sense of timing are essential, 17-year-old Will Allen, a senior at East Grand Rapids High School, has emerged as a true prodigy. Currently ranked third globally by the World Sport Stacking Association, Will's journey to the top is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Sport stacking, a regulated competition involving the precise stacking and unstacking of specially designed plastic cups, has gained immense popularity, with

over 725,000 participants in the United States alone last year. Will Allen stands out as a shining star in this intense sport, competing individually, on relay teams, and in doubles. Starting his cup stacking journey at the age of 10 after being captivated by YouTube videos, Will quickly mastered the art, showcasing his dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and lightning-fast reflexes. Over the years, he's participated in 39 tournaments, often traveling across the

country, from Atlanta to Chicago, Dallas to Tampa, and even venturing to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. However, Will's skills aren't limited to national competitions; he's a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. His participation in the WSSA World Championships in Singapore, where national teams from around the world gather, showcases his prowess beyond borders. Ranked third overall in the world, Will proudly represents Team USA, being the only member in the top 10 globally. His achievements make him the de facto number one nationally in the USA, a testament to his dedication and skill in this unique sport. Despite the intensity of competition, Will's journey is filled with memorable moments, both on and off the stacking mat. One such moment was the chance to break the 3-6-3 world record, accompanied by an unexpected walkout music choice – P.I.M.P by 50 Cent, courtesy of his dad. The result? A new world record, proving that sometimes, unconventional choices lead to extraordinary outcomes. Beyond the competitions, Will's experiences include humorous encounters with fans who mistook him for actor Timothy Chalamet due to his longer hair. Such moments add a touch of humor to the life of this remarkable cup stacking prodigy. As cup stacking gains recognition as a Junior Olympic Sport, Will Allen continues to amaze audiences and inspire aspiring Sport Stackers worldwide. With his unwavering dedication, quick hands, and a dash of humor, Will is stacking his way to greatness, leaving cups and records in his wake. GR M AG .CO M

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Visit miskibum.com to order the Original Ski Bum chairs and purchase related products such as sweatshirts, hats, t-shirts and mugs. Shop local An Original Ski Bum chair and footstool is available at Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus, 1200 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids. Stay connected Find Michigan Ski Bum on Facebook and Instagram. ISSUES

Entrepreneur puts old skis to new use An alpine twist on ordinary Adirondacks makes a business out of Michigan Ski Bum. BY ANN BYLE

// PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CUPPY

Simone Thiessen’s garage used to hold only cars. Now it also holds stacks of old skis, table saws and sanders, saw horses, and almost half a dozen Adirondack chairs sporting backs and seats made from skis. “At first I wanted to build a couple of chairs for us—our previous neighbors had them and it always stuck in my head that it would be nice for us to have,” said Thiessen. “I posted a picture of the ones I made and got such positive response from people who wanted them too.” 18

Simmone Thiessen demonstrates lopping a ski into two pieces with a circular saw.

What the former broadcast journalist turned communication specialist thought of as a fun hobby has turned into a fullfledge business that officially launched on July 4, 2023. Michigan Ski Bum (michiganskibum.com) offers Original Ski Bum chairs and footstools, apparel for men, women and children, other branded merchandise, and Fia Rox art that helps support shelter dogs here in West Michigan. “The reason I keep going forward is that at every turn I get some sense of positive reinforcement,” said Thiessen, who lives with her family in Rockford and skis locally at Cannonsburg Ski Area. Every couple of weeks they trek to Schuss Mountain or Crystal Mountain for a ski weekend. Skiing in the Blood Thiessen doesn’t remember a time she didn’t ski. Her dad, who was born in Germany, as was his daughter, was part of the mountain patrol during his mandatory military service there. A good chunk of his service time was spent on skis. “I learned probably as soon as I could walk,” she said, remembering skiing on local hills in Germany or on vacation in Austria. Her dad’s post-military job brought the family to Grand Rapids, where Thiessen graduated from West Catholic High School. She later graduated from Columbia College with a degree in broadcast journalism, then worked for WBBM-TV in Chicago as an investigative producer with well-known investigative reporter Pam Zekman. An Emmy Award sits on a shelf in Thiessen’s living room, a reminder of her days on stakeouts, doing legal research and going

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people + places / p ofile

Many of the skis Thiessen repurposes are used rental skis that were donated by Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboard Area in Cass County.

undercover for Zekman’s stories. Thiessen met her husband in while working in the Windy City, but the pair decided to move back to West Michigan. They wanted to build a house they could live in forever, where their children, now ages 10 and 12, could grow up. The kids took their first ski lessons as preschoolers from mom and dad on a small slope in the backyard. Lifetime Pattern Thiessen’s use of old skis as chair material is in keeping with her and her husband John’s desire to be environmentally conscious. They use geothermal heat in their south-facing home, use an air exchanger to bring in outside air to their fully-sealed home, and John Thiessen become solar certified to install 31 solar panels around and on the house. “It takes a little more effort and time, but we’ve always done it that way. If we can buy it used, we do,” said Thiessen. Which is why using old skis to make chairs is no stretch for this entrepreneur. She reached out to her state-based ski group asking for used skis. She got a positive response, made a chair, and posted a picture for the group. Then came the real treasure. Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area in southwest Michigan called

“I’m super grateful ... because it kick-started my ability to play with color and design for each chair and allowed me a huge amount of creative flexibility.” Simone Thiessen

and offered their old rental skis. “We drove down there with a 5x8 trailer. The guy takes us to a storage room in an old motel and opens the door. There is a vast treasure trove of skis,” Thiessen remembers with a grin. “All different brand and colors. We came home with around 200 pairs of skis. I hit the jackpot.” Thiessen, her son and her dad took off every binding (which were given to a scrap metal dealer for recycling) and power washed all those skis. Now she’s slowly using each ski to build chairs that combine cedar planks for the frame and skis for the back and seat. “I’m super grateful for that treasure trove because it kick-started my ability to play with color and design for each chair and allowed me a huge amount of creative flexibility,” said Thiessen. It’s all about the challenge for the owner of both her communications business Thiessen & Company and Michigan Ski Bum. “There is so much of a learning curve, but that’s part of the draw. I love to figure things out. There are things to learn along the way and that’s when I’m most challenged,” she said. She’s also challenging herself to give back. A portion of proceeds from each chair and merchandise go to the Michigan Ski Patrol of the buyer’s choice. Ski patrols, often volunteers, offer first aid on hills across the state—there are about 30—and are the first on the hill to assess an injury, either patching up a skier or calling an ambulance. They are trained in first aid and issues such as evacuating a ski lift. It’s time, training and commitment. “This is a way to come full circle. We couldn’t be on the hills without the ski patrol; they are skiers who give their time to make sure we’re safe,” said Thiessen. “My contribution goes to the team for education or training, or even for a party at the end of the season. I want to help celebrate them in some way.” For Thiessen, there’s some girl power in Michigan Ski Bum as well. As a female entrepreneur wielding table saws, sanders and drills, and who gets asked if she’s the one who built the chairs, “we should be strong and confident and proud. From my perspective as a mom, I want my kids to see me working hard, trying something new, going out on limb. And encouraging them to find something they love to do.” She adds, “We focus on having fun and doing good, which a great motivator for this business as well: have fun and do good.” GR M AG .CO M

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12/11/23 11:41 AM

people + places / voice

VOICE

Writing with Authority Jane Austen meets Anne-Marie Villefranche in Ada author’s horse circuit tell-all. BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY DAVID SPARKS

There’s an old adage, a suggestion for would-be authors that goes like this: write what you know. With that in mind, dressage circuit champion Debby Buck DeJonge's novels are set in the glammy world of fancy horse competitions. Lead Horse and Catch Rider, currently available on store shelves, are the first two books in a series of six DeJonge has planned. A third, Safe Saddle, is near completion. The tales offer a glimpse into a stratum of society so artfully lambasted by Jane Austen 200 years ago, that to put pen to paper to critique the modern day “landed gentry” one better have a hook, a new angle with which to draw in the reader. Not to worry, DeJonge does. She’s interwoven sexy escapades throughout, with enough erotic innuendos to make even Anne-Marie Villefranche blush. DeJonge grew up in Rockford, Michigan. Impressively, she put herself through college waiting tables and worked as a concierge at the Amway Grand. Not exactly a path one would expect of the daughter of country club owners. She is also an avid golfer. Along with dressage, it is one of her passions. Health and nutrition is another. In a former incarnation she was the right-hand woman to her husband-doctor, the late Dr. Robert DeJonge. The pair ran an anti-aging clinic and spoke at international conferences, rubbing shoulders with the likes of other wellness champions in the complementary medicine space, not the least of whom included eighties icon Suzanne Somers (acclaimed author and actress known for her role as Chrissy Snow on the sitcom Three’s Company). I went to see DeJonge on the cold October day after Somers’s passing. The grief was new. We quelled it with a bottle of Veuve in a little octagonal out-building on her lakefront property in Ada, a “she shed” she calls the fox den. I didn’t know DeJonge before the meeting, nor did I know she’d known Somers, or that I’d be joining in the mourning of Chrissy Snow. I’d come to talk about a different Chrissy…Van Foque-Trot, the arch nemesis to her novels’ protagonist Candy Clark, who leads a charmed life bopping between Palm Beach and her Midwest base of Boutique Town. Lead Horse and Catch Rider offer a no-holds-barred account of how mice play while the cat’s away, and waxes lyrical on the benefits of living on a large estate with a second driveway when it comes to extramarital trysts. Apparently having a second driveway is a big boon to the bed-hoppers of Boutique Town, offering an alternate escape route for lovers who’re still lingering when the old man’s heading up driveway #1. While the smutty shenanigans may seem a tad embellished for the sake of entertainment, the window into the world of dressage competitions is clear and smacks of sincere authenticity. “Dressage is like ballet, but on horseback,” DeJonge said and then 20

Top: Debby Buck DeJonge and horse, Pax. Above: A display of Debby Buck DeJonge's books. Join the author for a book signing at Plumfield Books, Feb 3.

“The movement can emulate a winged horse skipping to heaven with each muscle and movement in perfect symaptico." Debby Buck DeJonge, Lead Horse

mused about how she shocked people in the dressage community (who oftentimes spend big money on high priced steeds to garner their gold medals) by turning her horse, a pasture pet named Pax (now 27 years old), into a champion. “The grace and discipline of dressage riding incorporate intricate movements such as the center pirouette, in which the horse literally canters in place and then performs a 360-degree turn in four footfalls of perfect harmony. The movement can emulate a winged horse skipping to heaven with each muscle and movement in perfect simpatico,” writes DeJonge in Lead Horse. The books excel past pedantic, albeit poetic, descriptions of pony prancing and clandestine encounters. DeJonge’s prose is packed with colorful chronicles, marvelous metaphors, and artful alliteration, as well as the requisite number of cheeky jabs at the ultra-privileged inhabitants of her world. This elevates the stories from mere pulp tales to textual analyses of DeJonge’s experience of the here and now. Plus, the books are just a rollicking good read– entertaining escapism for the hoi polloi. Highest recommendation. Jump on and go along for the ride!

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12/14/23 8:47 AM

people + places / guide

GUIDE

Six ways to beat the blahs Reduce stress & boost endorphins this season without stepping on a treadmill. BY LISA ENOS

You hear it all the time…the way to maintain your mental state is through regular exercise. But Old Man Winter can really put a damper on that. The lack of sunlight and feeling “cooped up” can lead to a case of the blahs. Some people suffer from a type of depression known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in the wintertime. If you believe you have SAD, seek help from a medical professional. Not everyone who’s feeling a bit down because it’s been a month since they’ve seen the sun and haven’t been on their daily walk since November is suffering from SAD. Self-care and staying active are the two main ways to wipe away the winter woes. Here are our suggestions: An infrared sauna can offer an experience similar to sunbathing.

It can also help reduce the production of cortisol, a hormone that is associated with anxiety and help improve your mood by releasing endorphins and help reduce the symptoms of depression by increasing the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is associated with happiness and well-being. The results of a University of Eastern Finland study showed frequent visits to a sauna were associated with lower death rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Talk to a doctor before adding something new to your healthcare routine. Locally, check out SWET Infrared Sauna Studio, Wanderlux Salon & Spa on Wealthy Street, MVP Fitness and the YMCA.

ACTIVITIES Bowling Here’s a fun fact: According to Mayo Clinic, one hour of bowling can burn anywhere from 219 to 327 calories. In comparison, that's more calories burned than walking two miles in one hour. Bowling requires short bursts of energy and allows people of all ages to interact with friends and family, reducing stress.

Ice Skating (indoors and out)

The major take-away?

SELF CARE Light therapy Light therapy is a nebulous term. It could mean anything from spending more time outside to dedicating a part of you day to basking in artificial light. Rearranging the furniture in your house so that you can spend time sitting in sunlight streaming through a window can help, but light boxes are designed to deliver a therapeutic dose of bright light. According to Mayo Clinic, a light therapy box “mimics” outdoor light. Ask a healthcare professional if a light box is right for you.

Do things that make you feel better. Going to a movie, gardening (obviously, indoor potted plants), or taking part in social, religious, or other group activities may help. Doing something nice for someone else can also help you feel better. A lot of other people are going through the doldrums right now, too. You just might make someone’s day!

If you grew up in Michigan, chances are you’ve at least donned a pair of skates at some point in your life. It’s a fun way to get exercise and a great way to enjoy the company of family and friends. If you’re not adverse to the frigid temps, then put “visiting Rosa Parks Circle” on your Winter 2024 list. Indoor skating options in Grand Rapids are plentiful also, clocking in at eight rinks.

Pickleball This outdoor sport that’s sweeping the nation is quickly becoming an indoor sensation. One can find indoor pickleball courts at area churches, schools, several MVP Fitness centers, YMCAs and at All In Pickleball Gym, 400 76th St SW; The Byron Township Community Center, 2120 76th Street SW; GR Racquet & Fitness, 4940 Plainfield Ave NE; The Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th Street; and MSA Fieldhouse located at 5435 28th St. Court SE.

Massage According to the National Institute of Health, massage increases the secretion of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin and reduces the levels of stress hormones, which can reduce anxiety, fatigue, stress, and physical and mental strain. WEB MD takes it a step further stating that a hot stone massage may provide additional benefi. For a hot stone massage, try Benji Salon on Lake Michigan Drive, Woodhouse Spa or Simple Wellness.

Saunas and Steam Rooms Spending time in sauna or steam room can "improve circulation, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, clear congestion, promote skin health, aid in workout recovery, loosen stiff joints, burn calories, boost your immune system, and remove toxins,” according to a YMCA website. SAUNA COURTESY SWET INFRARED SAUNA STUDIO BOWLING ADOBE STOCK

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We found 15 bowling alleys in greater Grand Rapids area. Take your pick! GR M AG .CO M

12/11/23 11:51 AM

EXPLORE

MICHIGAN'S NATURAL WONDERS WITH US. Michigan BLUE is a quarterly magazine targeted at Michigan’s waterfront homeowners and to those who embrace a lifestyle of living on water. Michigan BLUE is created for a water-loving audience who is enthusiastic about living on water and is invested in a lifestyle inspired by the recreational vibrancy of a large inland lake, the tranquility of a bayou, or the ever-changing drama of a Great Lake.

To subscribe today, Scan the QR Code

- OR go to mibluemag.com/subscribe for your one-year subscription for $14.95.

Subscribe to Michigan BLUE and enjoy the view!

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12/11/23 8/8/23 10:42 10:23 AM AM

look+feel KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY

EXPERT

Meet the Griffins' New Rinkmaster page 32

» PLUS: ADA OUTFITTER EXPERIENCE STUDIO PARK BL ANK SL ATE TECHNIQUE

The Grand Rapids Griffins' new coach Dan Watson (back left) oversees practice at Griff's Icehouse in November 2023.

P H OTO G R A P H BY A L F I E L D R E E V E S GR M AG .CO M

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12/14/23 8:47 AM

The boardwalk at Huff Park is the perfect place for a winter hike.

WELLNESS

Do more than weather the winter– embrace it! The lowdown on winter workouts and thinking outside the four insulated walls. BY ALLISON BANNISTER

Living in Michigan means experiencing all the seasons, yet, as the weather turns cold, many hunker down and hibernate. But, in case you haven’t noticed, winter lasts a loooong time here. Snow almost always creeps into April for one last gotcha. That’s nearly six months! Sure, hopping on the Peleton or going to the gym are indoor options for staying active. According to the World Health Organization, regular physical exercise helps to prevent disease, improve health, 24

and enhance cognitive function. So, you really can’t afford to take a half-year break. Keeping your body moving in all seasons is paramount to overall wellness—and thinking outside of four insulated walls has its own benefits, as well. Getting outdoors in winter provides fresh air, a dose of Vitamin D, and an antidote to seasonal depression, plus it lacks some of the nuisances of summer, such as ticks and mosquitos, and excessive heat that can sap energy and leave you in a pool of sweat.

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In short: a winter workout is invigorating. And, it can be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood—with a friend, with your partner, or on your own with a favorite playlist or podcast. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, you could take up winter hiking, cross-country or downhill skiing, or snowshoeing. Before you burst out the front door, though, consider these tips for getting the most enjoyment out of your excursion. OUTDOORS COURTESY TINA KLEINERT

12/11/23 10:48 AM

look + feel / wellness

What to Wear What you put on requires a bit more planning than if you’re just going from the house to the car to the store or work. You’ll be exposed to cold temperatures for a longer period, so you’ll need layers. Depending on the conditions, you might start with a base layer, such as Cuddl Duds® or Smartwool® tops and bottoms. A lightweight vest in-between helps warm your core, while waterproof snow pants keep your nethers dry and toasty. On milder days, lined joggers or windbreaker pants over leggings or long johns can be enough. For your head and face (and nose!), a balaclava, or ski mask, does the job of a hat and scarf, and you can also combine it with a moisture-wicking knit cap, headband, or earmuffs. To protect your hands and feet, double up with a light liner inside and thicker gloves, mittens, and socks outside. Over it all, you’ll want an insulated coat, whether down or synthetic filled. A parka style will keep your entire torso warm, but a shorter jacket will work just as well with other protective layers. The important part is that it’s breathable, because, believe it or not, you’ll probably heat up. To hood or not to hood? It depends on your preference, but a hood does allow you to quickly and easily cover and uncover to your comfort level. “Be Bold, Start Cold,” says Jon Holmes of Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus. “Dressing for activity in the winter can be intimidating. Wear too much and you’ll sweat—and eventually get cold because you’re damp. Wear too little and you’ll never get warm. By using multiple layers rather than bulky jackets and pants, you can add or remove items as your temperature changes throughout your walk.” Let’s not forget hiking boots. This is not an area where any winter boot will do. At a minimum, you’ll want your choice to be above the ankle, water resistant, insulated, and supportive—and with rubber lugged soles. Getting fitted by a professional at a local outdoor recreation stores is recommended.

Get Motivated by Joining a Group

Local recreation groups are just a search away, whether on Facebook or Meetup, or through your favorite outdoor shop’s info page. Getting bundled up and heading out can be more appealing if you have friendship building and good conversation to look forward to. You can also gain knowledge from other, more seasoned members who likely have tips on clothing, gear, and techniques. It may take a few tries to find the right group that suits your personality and your experience level, but every step you take is a step toward better health.

PRODUCTS COURTESY STORES/BRANDS

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How to Stay Safe If you’re dressed in the right attire, you’ve protected yourself from many of the risks of winter outdoor activities. But, with slick walkways and slushy terrain, losing traction and taking a spill is also a concern. Walking poles, crampons, and boots with goodgripping soles will help keep you upright, and hand and foot warmers can come to the rescue if things get overly frigid. What’s considered too cold? That varies by who you ask—and also your personal tolerance. Kettering Health advises that -18 degrees Fahrenheit or lower can put you at risk for frostbite or hypothermia. Above that, it’s mostly about how well you dress and paying attention to the windchill factor. Another important element to consider is keeping your bearings and knowing your setting so you don’t get lost. Make sure your phone is charged, and use a paper map or trail app, such as AllTrails, to stay on your path. Consider buddying up if you’re going deep into the woods, or at least tell someone where you’re going. A personal alarm that emits a loud siren can alert others to your location if you do lose your way. And, stick to daylight hours. Where to Go You’re suited up. Now what? This is the fun part, because greater West Michigan is abundant with paths and trails to explore. Paved and partially paved walkways with little to no elevation are an ideal place to start for beginners. Riverside, Millennium, Ken-OSha, Donald J Lamoreaux, and Roselle Parks are pretty easy to tackle, as is the Reeds Lake Loop. For more of a challenge, check out Provin Trails, Pickerel Lake - Rockford, Cascade Peace Park, Seidman Park, Grand Ravines, Aman Park, and Crahen Valley. This are just a few. There are more favorite spots around town that also offer equipment rentals. Wittenbach Wege and Blandford Nature Centers rent snowshoes for use on their trails, while Pigeon Creek Park has both cross-country skis and snowshoes to rent. Palmer Park and the adjacent Kaufman Golf Course have crosscountry ski trails as well, and skis can be rented at the clubhouse. If you know where you want to go, but just need equipment, head to Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus for snowshoe, downhill ski, and cross-country ski rentals. Or, let GR Outside, an extension of Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation, hook you up via their gear library. They have a huge selection of items, from clothing to boots to snowshoes to hiking poles to backpacks—and more. If you’re not sure you’ll like an activity, then trying before you invest fully in it is a smart choice. “Going outside has so many mental and physical benefits, but it isn't as simple or achievable for everyone,” says Sam Truby of GR Outside. “We offer ‘pay what you can’ rentals and we host events to help people try new things. Follow along this winter for our free sledding events, winter walks, and fat-tire bike rentals.” Whatever you do, and wherever you go, know that by staying active and being outside in winter is contributing to your overall wellbeing.

From top: Outdoor Research Men's Coldfront Down Hoodie in Bronze, $279, Bill & Paul's Sporthaus, billandpauls.com; Fjallraven Women's Nuuk Lite Parka in Deep Forest, $450, Moosejaw, moosejaw.com; Columbia Men's Expeditionist Protect OmniHeat 200g Waterproof Winter Boots in Gravel, $140, Dunham's Sports, dunhamssports.com; Smartwool Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom in Charcoal Heather, $115, Bill & Paul's Sportshaus; Patagonia Unisex Better Sweater Gloves in Birch White, $55, Gazelle Sports, gazellesports.com; Women's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer ½ Zip Hoodie in Cascade Green Heather, $115, Smartwool, smartwool.com; Quiksilver Men's Battalion Beanie in Green, $25, Dunham's Sports; Women's Antora 3 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof Boots in Forest, $160, Merrell, merrell.com GR M AG .CO M

12/11/23 10:48 AM

look + feel / style

STYLE

Shop owner shares London vibe locally Gina’s Boutique owner talks top style tips after nearly two decades in fashion. BY KELSEY DUNNEBACK // PHOTOS BY ISABEL DOWELL

Gina Van Timmeran took the leap to open Gina’s Boutique 19 years ago. She credits the lasting journey to hustling, a lot of hard work and a touch of naivety. It’s proven to have paid off, helping women across West Michigan elevate their wardrobe and look their best. A longtime staple, Gina’s Boutique has locations in Ada and Saugatuck. After finding inspiration in London boutiques during an internship, and with a degree in fashion merchandising, Gina wanted to bring that same charming vibe to the local fashion scene. Gina’s Boutique caters to women’s busy lifestyles with comfortable yet chic pieces that are versatile enough to take you to work, dinners out, movies at home and everything in between. Gina herself is a multi-faceted powerhouse. Outdoor lover, mom, wife, cockapoo owner, restaurant enthusiast, woman of faith, passionate Pilates goer and margarita aficionado are all titles Gina wears well. But with style playing into another big title of Gina’s life, we sat down with Gina, boutique owner, to get her take on fashion and style this season:

Gina's Boutique owner Gina Van Timmeran (left) assists Christina Meuser (right) in finding a favorite new fashion piece.

What have you learned about style as owner of Gina’s Boutique? Style is not a one-size-fitsall concept. It’s so much more dynamic and a personal journey. People are more likely to feel confident and comfortable when they find clothing that resonates with their personality. I think that’s what makes it so fun! Nothing beats the feeling of helping women feel their absolute best!

How would you describe your personal style? Effortlessly chic. I have a soft spot for designer sneakers paired with the perfect jeans. My go-to look often involves a graphic tee and leather jacket. Comfort is key for me; I find myself most at ease in laidback yet fashionforward styles. Fashion or industry trend you’re loving right now? All the faux leather. I find it to be versatile and I love anything you can style multiple ways. It’s super easy to switch between dressing it up or keeping things laid back. I think we are going to see a little shift away from all the fast fashion and that excites me. People want quality items

At Gina's Boutique, women can find clothing versatile enough for work, dinner, home and everything in between.

in their closet that they can wear for seasons to come. Best style advice? Be true to yourself and what you feel best in. Sometimes getting a fresh eye in your closet can add new perspective. Something you might not like could possibly just need to be styled differently. (Don’t be afraid to bring items in if you are shopping with us. We can always give advice on how to style it). Don’t forget shoes! They really make or break an outfit.

P.S.: Love shopping Gina’s Boutique in person? Get ready to also connect digitally, with an all-new website, launching February 2024 at ginasgr.com!

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12/13/23 1:51 PM

look + feel / expe ience

EXPERIENCE

Big Screens & City Lights Discover Studio Park: Where community and cinema intertwine in downtown GR BY KELSEY DUNNEBACK

Studio Park offers a multiscreen cinema, a music venue, a hotel, shops, restaurants, offices, apartments, an outdoor plaza, and a place to park – all at one convenient downtown location.

hat do Houdini, Liza Minnelli and Barbie all have in common? No, this isn’t a mystifying riddle, but, in fact, all puzzle pieces that led to the community space that is Studio Park in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Made up of a diverse array of restaurants, local businesses, a music venue, and a nine-theater cinema at the center of it all, Studio Park is a gathering space for the local community to enjoy all that the city has to offer. The story starts back in 1944, when Jack Loeks opened the “Foto News” theater on Pearl Street in downtown Grand Rapids, showing wartime newsreels. The theater was originally known as the “Powers Opera House” where Houdini once performed on stage. Jack was a part of litigation that helped break up the film studio monopoly preventing independent theatres from showing Hollywood films. He then turned the theater into renamed Midtown Theatre, where it flourished until it’s closing in 1972. The last movie to run was "Cabaret" with Liza Minnelli.

STUDIO PARK COURTESY STUDIO C

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GR M AG .CO M

12/11/23 10:49 AM

look + feel / expe ience

(Left) Elsa’s, a spot for frozen yogurt and treats, is one of Studio C's many exterior perimeter dining options. (Far left) Arts Marketplace is a nonprofit shop that micro-leases space to local creatives with a focus on women and minority-owned businesses.

Seventy-nine years later in 2023, Loeks’ cinema company is still thriving and family-owned, with J.D. Loeks, Jack’s grandson, now the president of Studio C. The founders of Studio Park, Studio C is an entertainment company most known for Celebration Cinema movie theaters across western and central Michigan. The seed of bringing a movie theatre back into downtown Grand Rapids was planted more than a decade ago, and one that Studio C has worked hard to concept and plan, up until it’s opening in 2019. “If anyone was going to do a theater downtown, it felt like it should be us,” said Emily Loeks, Director of Public Relations and Community Affairs. “There are certain tipping points for the scale of the city when people are living downtown. Arts organizations are becoming more viable, and we just started to hit that ten years ago. We wanted to make a theater work for a long time, but wanted to make sure it could be successful.” Rather than just a stand-alone theater project, Studio Park was treated as a carefully orchestrated eco-system of integrated businesses from the very 28

”... we were excited to create an intimate and quality seated venue in downtown Grand Rapids with top notch audio, design, and service that caters to the performer for the audience to ‘listen.’“ Quinn Matthews

beginning in order to be a thriving part of the city. It’s no accident that the theater is surrounded by office space, hotels and a density of living arrangements, retail, and parking. Every element supports each other to be that much healthier and poised for success. The Celebration Cinema Studio Park opened in the fall of 2019 and was quickly followed by One Twenty-Three Tavern and Midtown Music Venue— an intimate and unique venue (the name is a nod to their history with the Midtown Theatre). Midtown Music started with a vision about two years before opening at Studio Park, as a live music experience to add to the already vibrant and expanding live music scene in Grand Rapids. “Between an arena, theatres, large performance halls, and live music clubs we were excited to create an intimate and quality seated venue in downtown Grand Rapids with top notch audio, design, and service that caters to the performer for the audience to “listen,” notes Quinn Matthews, Director of Music and Programming at Studio Park. With a relaunch post pandemic, the Studio Park music scene has grown to include outdoor Listening Lawn concerts in the summer as well as expanded indoor programming with Midtown. “Our Midtown live performances include everything from Jazz, Folk, Singer songwriters, to full band rock shows as well as comedy, improv, theatre, spoken word, and more!” Matthews said. The wide range of music is an intentional choice to welcome everyone into downtown. “We’ve hosted acts from Los Lobos, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and The Verve Pipe to comedy from Pauly Shore, Tim Meadows and many, many more,” said Matthews. “Our outdoor Listening Lawn series has brought Indigo Girls, Steve Earle, The Crane Wives and many other exciting acts to our now 800 capacity outdoor space.” One thing that stands apart in the undernotes of everything Studio Park does is its emphasis on community, not only for their own space, but to welcome more folks into downtown Grand Rapids. “We’re about gathering people,” Emily notes. “How do you make downtown feel inviting and accessible to everyone and remove barriers to entry? That’s what we wanted to do.” With four hours of free parking in the garage at Studio Park with the purchase of a movie ticket or a bill at One Twenty-Three Tavern, the focus was to make coming downtown super navigable. The Celebration Cinema in Studio Park has seen increasing traffic and a return to resilience post-COVID, helped by this summer’s

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Barbie and Oppenheimer hype. With heated recliners and in-theater food delivery, the movie-going experience continues to be elevated and see excitement again as an irreplaceable destination. One Twenty-Three Tavern, again a throwback to the past address of Midtown Theatre at 123 Pearl St., is a familiar-yet-elevated dining spot within Studio Park. With a mix of favorite dishes done with an incredible flair, stop in for Meatloaf Monday, Burger Nights, delicious desserts, top-tier cocktails and more. For special occasions, reserve their fireside Chef’s table for a unique dining menu curated for eight to twelve guests. A part of Studio Park’s charm is the outdoor Listening Lawn piazza, a community space where you can find concerts, movies on the lawn and other events filling the space. On the exterior perimeter are more dining options, including staple diner Leo’s Coney Island, Elsa’s for fro-yo and frozen treats, and newly opened Caribbean Bite, bringing authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican flavors to the area, with plates like plantains, tacos, and empanadas that prioritize locally sourced ingredients. Residing in the corner retail spot is Arts Marketplace, a non-profit which micro-leases space to local creatives, with a focus on women and minority-owned businesses. A shared space with goods from over 40 makers, Arts Marketplace serves to remove start-up barriers and allow for scale, long-term success, and profitability. New tenants have opportunities to seek support with programming, retail displays or in-store activities to improve their marketing and reach. In the mood for a workout? Also housed within the businesses at Studio Park is Funky Buddha Yoga, hosting hot yoga classes in their studio and occasionally outdoors on the piazza lawn. Everything that Studio Park entails makes it hard to imagine ever needing to leave. And indeed, above the retail space sits the 106-unit Studio Park Lofts, with studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments furnished with high-end touches and of course, a front row seat to all the action. With the majority of these units filled, Studio C has its sights set on under-construction Studio Park Tower, a new apartment and condo space built on top of the six-story parking garage, set to open in Fall 2024. With 165 apartment units, 22 condo units and 22 stories high, the building is sure to boast some of the best views of Grand Rapids. Planned amenities include a competition-length indoor pool, with retractable walls to a rooftop deck for all season enjoyment,

Celebration Cinema Studio Park opened a nine-screen movie theater in 2019.

”This place was designed as a place of connectivity and creation.“ Emily Loeks

Midtown is the new name of the music venue at Studio Park. Formerly known as The Listening Room, the intimate space offers an up-close music experience. STUDIO PARK (BOTH PAGES) COURTESY STUDIO C

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pickleball courts and top-of-the-line finishes to make up some of the most covetable living space downtown. The possibilities of Studio Park’s evolution have only just begun. “This place was designed as a place of connectivity and creation. I don’t know all the ways it will take shape, but we feel confident in the design,” Emily says. “It’s a huge project but you don’t feel that when you walk into it. We designed it at personal scale. It’s designed for people and connectivity. We’re able to dive into activation and collaboration; it will continue to change and unfold to suit the changing city.” So, what’s next? The options seem endless in the ever evolving, beating heart of downtown Grand Rapids. But one thing is for sure—Studio Park will be around to see the show. GR M AG .CO M

12/11/23 10:49 AM

look + feel / home

HOME

Blank Slate

What's the cure for furniture fixation? Start over with an empty space. BY LAUREN FIGUEROA, LAUREN FIGUEROA INTERIOR DESIGN

AFTER

BEFORE

Go searching

Find design inspiration by removing all of the furniture in a room and starting fresh.

Look for items from other areas of your house that could be moved into your empty room. Think about pillows, end tables, even sofas and artwork that you might not have thought of putting there before. We all get stuck in a design rut sometimes. You know the telltale signs: your space feels monotonous, the furniture has never been moved, and your pictures are practically cemented to the wall… We get attached to the way things are, but in the process, we lose the fresh energy that a newly rearranged space can give. The good news is, you can absolutely break out of that dull design state—all you need is a blank canvas! So how do you start? Hear me out: by moving everything out of your room. Yes—EVERYTHING! Why is this important? Well, let me introduce you to a term I learned about problem-solving way back in my college days called fixation. Fixation is the inability to see a problem from a new perspective; essentially, it’s the human tendency to try solving a problem the same way over and over again—we tend to get stuck in one mental set. If you’re looking at your space with all the current items in it, likely in the way you’ve had it set up for the last two, five, even ten years, it’s going to be incredibly difficult to come up with a new or creative way to use the space. Whereas, an empty room will encourage you to think outside the box of what you’ve done in the past. Grab a few friends, move that furniture out, and start with your beautiful blank canvas! Then, you’ll be able to take in the space alone and let yourself reimagine what could be. Now you’re ready to start redesigning!

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Move around

Once you’ve got some pieces to work with, begin moving things back into the room. Try your items in a variety of places, especially in spots they've never been. This will not only breathe new life into your space, but it will also help you think more intentionally about what additional items you may need to purchase in order fill out the new room, as well as the other spaces you may have borrowed from.

Have fun!

Mostly, have fun with it and don’t be afraid of messing up. Sometimes the most beautiful designs come to life when we give ourselves the freedom to play!

BEFORE COURTESY LAUREN FIGUEROA AFTERS ALYSSA WAGNER

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TRUST E D A DV ISO R S

New Year; New Ideas to Make the Most of it! With the holidays in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward to the days and months ahead. Whatever your plans are for 2024, a little advice from the experts is always welcomed. Thinking about what to do for spring break or your summer vacation? This is the ideal time to start making informed arrangements. And, if you want your trip to be especially memorable, you may want to think differently —

Q: What travel trends do you see in 2024? A: In the exciting world of travel for 2024, we’re thrilled to see the multi-generational travel trend taking off like never before. We love seeing families coming together to create unforgettable memories and strengthen those special bonds. Alongside this, there’s a definite shift in what vacationers are after, with more and more people looking for immersive cultural experiences and sustainable adventures. It’s not about the stuff anymore—it’s all about the stories you bring back home. At Witte Travel, we have the knowhow and expertise to craft one-of-a-kind experiences that cater to these new travel priorities. Whether you’re into cultural deep dives or adrenaline-pumping escapades, we have the perfect trip for you and your family to make some extraordinary memories together.

and more broadly — about your travel options. In this Q&A section, we’ve sought out advice from specialists to guide decisions big and small. Their expertise can help you take your next steps with confidence — no matter what’s on your agenda for this year. Stay on top of it all with these useful tips!

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Witte Travel & Tours

Shelley Kohtz, CTC MCC DS Manager, Vacation Travel 3250 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-942-5112 wittetravel.com

11/27/23 10:23 12/11/23 10:13 AM

Coach Dan Watson oversees practice at Griff's Icehouse at Belknap Park in November, 2023.

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PHOTO CONTENT PHOTO CREDIT

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look + feel / expe t

EXPERT

Through the Griffin door Fan support and game attendance convince coach to take on new team. BY PAT EVANS // PHOTOS BY ALFIELD REEVES

There is something special about the Grand Rapids Griffins, and it would make many hockey coaches eager to jump at an opportunity behind the team’s bench. And jump Dan Watson did when his opportunity came calling this summer. The new Griffins coach is familiar with the Detroit Red Wings system, coming from 14 years behind the bench of the ECHL’s Toledo Walleyes. “Number one, you look at the fan support, it’s no secret when you’re in the top five of attendance every year,” Watson said when asked what makes Grand Rapids a successful and desirable American Hockey League destination. “That’s the start of what makes it a special organization, the way the front office does things. Then being part of an Original Six franchise, those are all special things. “Then just look at the city. I just moved here [along with wife Kim, two daughters, Kenzi and Eileen, and son, Max], but the city comes alive when there are games or events downtown. It’s a clean city and it’s just great to be engrained in the downtown area.” There are some learning curves Watson, who had a seven-year minor league career himself, has to clear as he moves to the AHL a level above the ECHL in the professional hockey system. The team secured three wins in the first 10 games as the magazine went to print. “The biggest difference is the amount of development time you spend on young guys, just skating and skills drills,” he said. “Then it’s the league itself. Understanding how the teams play, it’s a different style than the ECHL and there’s definitely a faster speed component.” But Watson is well-known within the Red Wings system, an organization on the rise thanks to a rebuild by one of its own great players, Steve Yzerman, who is now the general manager. Watson has helped develop plenty of players in Toledo, including 56 future or

Top: The Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team practice at the Griff's Ice House on the morning of Tuesday November 14, 2023 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Above: Griffins gather at the bench for a rink-side coaching session.

“That’s [the fan support] the start of what makes it a special organization, the way the front office does things. Then being part of an Original Six franchise, those are all special things.” Dan Watson

former Griffins, all while compiling a 272112-22-13 record in six season as head coach. He’s a young talent and is the fastest coach in ECHL history to reach 100 wins, as well as the Walleyes’s all-time winningest head coach. While he twice led the team to the ECHL’s Championship Finals, he never got over the hump — but that’s where his modest shines, highlighting how the Red Wings organization is a team effort, topto-bottom. “When the job became available, I had immediate interest, it’s one of those jobs that coaches had circled and if it’s open, you apply,” Watson said. “I had a lot of success in Toledo, we hadn’t won a championship yet, but it was a good time to get a new coach at the American Hockey League level while also allowing a new voice to get into Toledo to help them get over the hump.” GR M AG .CO M

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ALTARED

BLISS

FROM THE GRAND STEPS OF THE G R A M T O T H E P R I C E L E S S P R AC T I CA L I T Y O F F E R E D BY A R U R A L S H E LT E R S U R R O U N D E D BY S C E N I C FA R M L A N D , T H E S E S I X B L I S S F U L W E D D I N G V E N U E S A R E A M O N G T H E A R E A' S B E S T T O C E L E B R AT E T H E C E R E M O N Y I N S T Y L E

WRITTEN BY PA S H A S H I P P

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12/13/23 1:50 PM

Left, newlyweds ascend an outdoor staircase at The Grand Rapids Arts Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. Here, a bride and groom say "I do" outside the GRAM, a three-story, concrete and glass structure with a 5,000-squarefoot central pavilion, an open-air sculpture courtyard, and dining terraces accented by a reflecting pool and pocket park.

t’s the beginning of 2024, and if I had to guess, there are probably handfuls of couples who are newly engaged since the holidays – sparkling gems glistening on fingers with crafty, carefully-timed proposals in the rear view. Or perhaps you’ve long since booked your big day and this is the year you’re planning to seal the deal. Either way, congratulations! There’s just something about weddings; I adore them. I always cry, no matter how well I know the people at the altar, and they’re a fun excuse to get dressed up, eat good food, drink good wine, and dance the night away. Grab your champagne and raise a glass, ‘cause we’re toasting to six of the many spectacular wedding venues across West Michigan.

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THE

FELT ESTATE IN HOLLAND

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MANSION JENNA GREENAWALT GREENHOUSE (OPPOSITE PAGE) ALYSSA WAGNER

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NESTL E D J UST I NL AND from the lakeshore in Holland is the idyllic Felt Estate – a sweeping 15-acre property, complete with a mansion, chapel, water garden, and other impossibly romantic backdrops for tying the knot. Whether you want to create an intimate setting for a small wedding or host up to 250 people for a big bash, this sprawling estate is up to the task. Beyond a beautiful ambience for your special day, the Felt Mansion and nearby carriage house are uniquely equipped to accommodate up to 24 guests, helping you create an enchanting overnight experience. Enamored with the timeless charm of the Felt Estate, I spoke to Derrick Bassett-Alee, a rental manager for the property, to learn more about its history and what makes this gem a top-tier wedding destination. The first thing I noticed about the gorgeous mansion was that it reminded me of a certain Netflix hit set in the Regency period. “The mansion, though it was built from 1925–1928, it’s Georgian Revival-style architecture, which is European-style architecture from the 17 and 1800s,” Bassett-Alee said. “For the people who love Bridgerton, that is the time period of the house in the design and the architecture, it’s just much newer construction than that.” The Felt Estate, built by Dorr Felt for his wife, Agnes, is a look-but-do-touch sort of place – guests attending weddings on the property are encouraged to explore the grounds and soak in the experience. “Wedding guests, usually this happens during cocktail hour, are welcome to grab their drink from the bar, grab their hors d’oeuvres, explore the grounds, explore the mansion,” Bassett-Alee said. We always make our self-guided tour booklets available for guests, and they’re welcome to grab those and explore and learn about the history and the design and the architecture. That’s one thing that’s special about weddings at the estate – they are for a purpose as well, beyond getting married. When we have a wedding, that’s helping to support the ongoing preservation and restoration of the estate. That history is preserved, and that architecture is preserved for years and years to come for people to enjoy.”

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS AND SCULPTURE PARK IN GRAND RAPIDS

BETTER KN OWN FOR ITS abundant gardens and incredible sculptures, annual butterfly exhibition, and summer concert series, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a wedding venue you won’t want to miss. This vast building can accommodate as many as 1,200 guests within its grand halls. Because Meijer Gardens is an attraction, when booking the venue for your matrimonial merrymaking, you and your guests receive free admission to select areas of the park to enjoy. Décor is seldom required, as Meijer Gardens offers a variety of beautiful spaces to hold a ceremony. Kiss your new spouse beneath the glittering Chihuly sculpture or tie the knot in one of the breathtaking greenhouses. Take newlywed photos in front of a serene waterfall and a pond filled with koi or beside one of the park’s many impressive sculptures. Steal romantic glances at each other on a bridge in the Japanese Garden or tuck yourselves away in the bright foliage – photo opportunities abound. Dinner is a breeze when you work with their in-house catering, Meijer Gardens Culinary Arts and Events. Choose from an extensive list of mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, like the Michigan cherry barbeque kabobs, fontina risotto croquettes or classic deviled eggs. They’ll work with you to craft a sumptuous plated dinner menu or delicious buffet spread. Looking for something else? Meijer Gardens has a list of approved caterers you can work with to create a memorable meal. Yes, your wedding guests will remember the food!

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GOEI CENTER IN GRAND RAPIDS

SITUATED ON GRAND RAPIDS ’ West

side, the Goei Center is ideal for couples looking for a location somewhere between downtown and not-quite-so downtown. It’s especially tantalizing if you’re looking for a venue with exposed brick and beautiful (and original) wood floors with just the right amount of creakiness. With two different venues on the same property, the Goei Center and the Kindle Room, this event behemoth is capable of hosting two totally different weddings at the same time. Both venues boast an array of amenities – dinner and cocktail tables, bridal suites, custom monogram displays, and easels for showcasing wedding-day signage. The Goei Center seats up to 350, while the smaller, but equally stunning, Kindle Room seats up to 200. Unique to the Goei Center,

though, are the charming koi pond and moveable chandeliers. Just over four years ago, my husband Nicholas and I had a wedding of our own at the Goei Center, utilizing the showroom for our ceremony and cocktail hour and the banquet room for our steampunkthemed reception. I dialed up Kylie Martolock, the event and venue manager who worked with us when we were planning our wedding, to talk about their 5-star service – part of what makes it such a great wedding venue. “We’re a great team and we really try to make everyone feel as if they’re our only couple that we work with, and they’re the only couple on the calendar,” she said. “We air drop photos to couples during the tour, and we give them a number they can text for any questions; we really try to be as accessible as possible. We’ll go over the floor plans, timelines, bar service – we’re not day-of coordinators, but we’re here to help facilitate and be good support. When I think of service, I really think that we do more than just, ‘here’s the keys;’ I feel like we’re full service.”

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IVY HOUSE IN SAUGATUCK

W I T H A W H O L E H OST of comprehensive packages including everything from vendor sourcing and management to timeline creation and execution, Ivy House in Saugatuck takes the guesswork out of planning your big day. Not only does the luxurious venue offer a wide selection of in-house services, like décor rentals and catering, they even provide suggestions

for local photographers, florists, and DJs they’ve partnered with. Ivy House also offers a myriad of ideas for lodging, local dining, and activities to help your guwests make the most of their stay in Saugatuck. Whether you want to get married in the spring with garlands of greenery or in December, surrounded by twinkling Christmas trees,

CEREMONY (OPPOSITE PAGE) HONEY TREE PHOTOGRAPHY AERIAL COURTESY IVY HOUSE

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Ivy House can make your wedding dreams a reality. Start by celebrating your love in the spacious greenhouse, which accommodates up to 300 people. Follow “I dos” with booze at the beautiful outdoor cocktail area and covered patio space. Dinner is a chance to admire the spacious reception area with vaulted ceilings and elegant wood touches. The

chandeliers are adorned with foliage to soften the space and bring a touch of the outdoors in, while drinks hand-picked by the in-house sommelier are served at the opulent bar. With a picturesque property, hands-on planning assistance, and a wellspring of wedding expertise, the Ivy House is sure to create the wedding experience you’ve been waiting for.

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GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM IN DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

I N O CTO B E R O F 202 2 , I had the privilege of attending a friend’s wedding at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, a venue I had long awaited to see in wedding-day splendor. There’s something spectacular about having a wedding at the GRAM. It’s a massive building

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with an even bigger reputation as a premier destination for art in the city. To see it transformed for the occasion was truly special. The ceremony was held in Pocket Park, the charming little nook with the fountain adjacent to the front entrance. It was an

elegant backdrop for the couple to say, “I do.” Afterward was perhaps my favorite part of the evening, a cocktail hour on the dining terrace overlooking Rosa Parks Circle. Guests mingled in the evening air, drinks in hand as the festivities of ArtPrize unfolded all around.

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As we transitioned inside, the main lobby blossomed with banquet tables decorated with soft purple hydrangeas and white roses. The couple made their grand entrance down the iconic front staircase, the perfect way to take in the view of their adoring friends and family below. Dinner was served by The Catering Company, one of the GRAM’s preferred vendors. The food was delicious, but what I loved most about it was the presentation. Different stations were scattered throughout the East Court Gallery, allowing guests to craft their own unique dining experience. Post-dinner dancing was in the auditorium, which can also be used as a ceremony or reception space. The space was well equipped to support the lively crowd, some guests dancing while others looked on from cocktail tables and lounge seating scattered throughout. Though I wasn’t the one getting married, attending a wedding at the GRAM was a dream come true! The art museum can accommodate 150 people for ceremonies, and up to 225 for a seated dinner, with the galleries available for guests to peruse, depending on the rental. Elizabeth Payne, director of communications at GRAM had this to day about the museum as a wedding venue: “You cannot get the same ambiance of getting married at an art museum anywhere else in Grand Rapids. The Museum’s architecture itself is a work of art that creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and makes decorating feel very effortless. GRAM's location in the heart of downtown is easy to get to and centrally located for any out-of-town guests. The support from the planning and execution team is of the highest level, and we will work with clients and their vendors to ensure flawless execution.”

BLACK SHEEP SHELTER IN SOUTH HAVEN

IF A RUSTIC, OUTDOOR wedding is more your speed, South Haven’s Black Sheep Shelter might be just the place. Surrounded by farmland, Black Sheep Shelter is a zero-waste venue that celebrates nature. The shelter resembles a barn, save for the open sides that give way to stunning views. If it rains, fear not, the shelter is outfitted with heavy curtains to keep the weather at bay. Couples can wed in the picturesque garden or against the earthy wood of the interior wall of the shelter before 12 long pews. Up to 150 guests can be seated for the reception, which shares the same space in the shelter as the covered ceremony area. Two dressing rooms, supplied with air conditioning and heat, are available for the bridal party, along with two temperaturecontrolled restrooms for guests. After enjoying dinner served by the caterer of your choosing, celebrate with an array of provided yard games or by dancing in the property’s glasshouse – a charming little structure whose rafters are

strung with lights to provide the perfect setting for celebrating under the stars. The gardens and farm property are also open for guests to explore. Upholding their commitment to the environment, Black Sheep Shelter provides compost, recycling, and landfill bins and encourages couples to opt for reusable or compostable dinnerware for a more sustainable celebration. My brother-in-law, Peter, and sister-in-law, Justine, married at Black Sheep Shelter last spring, and it was exceptional. I asked her about her experience working with the venue. “We were so fortunate to have had our wedding at the Black Sheep Shelter,” she said. “The venue is so beautiful, peaceful, and set away from the hustle and bustle. On the day of our wedding, many flowers were blooming and there was a beautiful climbing rose that was in full bloom. The owners, Melissa and Jeff, were lovely to work with. They were always available to answer any questions and so genuine. They have created such a beautiful space together,” she continued. “We are so thankful for the decor items, sound system, tables, chairs, and various other things that they include with the rental costs which made it so much easier on our end. I’ve always dreamt of an outdoor wedding, but it turned out even better than I imagined!”

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Here: Pitsch Companies is a second-generation family owned business run by brothers Steve (right) and Lewis Pitsch. Opposite page: (left) Containers of artisan chocolates are filled at Koeze Company; (center) Allison Ludema with parents David and René Ludema; (right) Zinger Sheet Metal production line.

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I L M I E A F DO S IN

WRITTEN BY ANN BYLE

PHOTOS BY ALFIELD REEVES

BUS

Grand Rapids is home to many families who have long served the Grand Rapids community. While some have arenas, health care centers, natural areas and foundations named after them—and for that we as a city are most grateful—there are other businesses that have supported families and communities through the generations and continue to play key roles in West Michigan.

FOR GENERATIONS IN GRAND RAPIDS GR M AG .CO M

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A P N M IES O C

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12/13/23 1:50 PM

Steve Pitsch, president of Pitsch Companies, stands in front of a piece of heavy equipment used in the tearing down of old buildings. Pitsch has been an integral part of Grand Rapids develpment, in business since 1958.

hile some businesses build, others demolish to make way for growth. Pitsch Companies, begun in 1958 by Loren Pitsch Sr. as Pitsch Wrecking, cleared away homes demolished to make way for the construction of U.S. 131. Pitsch also tore down the old Kresge Building, the Civic Auditorium, the old Ottawa Hills High School, and untold numbers of houses across the area. “We have been an integral part of Grand Rapids development,” said Steve Pitsch, youngest of the eight children of Loren and Arlene Pitsch and now president of Pitsch Companies. “When we see new buildings go up, that means growth. We’ve torn down most of the buildings for that growth. You can’t grow and build new without getting rid of the old.” Pitsch remembers as a young child helping strip out houses after school, anything salable sold at a resale store in Byron Center, the original location of Pitsch Wrecking. After buying out Capital Lumber and Wrecking, Pitsch moved to its present location on Richmond Street NW in the 1970s. Now the company offers asbestos abatement, recycling, concrete crushing, its own landfill, dumpster services, and more. “We’re the original recycler,” said Pitsch. “There is always going to be stuff to be torn down.”

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THERE IS ALWAYS LOTS OF ROOM for growth—of flowers,

that is. Allison Ludema of Ludema’s Floral and Garden is the fifth generation to work the original land on Eastern Avenue SE. She manages retail operations, special events, purchasing and more, working with her dad, Dave Ludema, who is president, and her mom, Rene’, who is CEO. “We have stayed in this area because of the support we get from the West Michigan area,” said Allison Ludema, who was putting bows on Christmas poinsettias as a child and doing flower arranging as a teen. “We feel like people have come to know and love the quality of the plants, most of which are home grown on our property.” Hendrik and Hilje Ludema started Ludema’s in the early 1900s, supplying local markets with cauliflower, tomatoes and other vegetable crops. Its retail business began with a farm stand on the Eastern Avenue property, with the name later changing to Ludema’s Floral and Garden and the focus becoming solely on flowers. Ludema remembers picking beans with her grandfather in the fields, and his popular lettuce, tomatoes, and sweet corn. Now Ludema’s offers flower arrangements, poinsettias for the holidays, winter plants, Easter flowers, and hanging baskets. “So many people stop in and say they once worked here, knew my grandfather from church, went to high school with my dad. I didn’t realize how phenomenal it is to be the fifth generation,” said Ludema. “I love coming to work—I get so much joy from being part of it.”

ND GARDEN LA

S ’ A F L OR M E D A U

Allison Ludema, manager of retail operations at Ludemas Floral and Garden is the fifth generation family member to work at the Eastern Avenue grower. They've been operating at the same location for more than 100 years.

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FOR JOHN NAUM, COMING TO work with his dad as a child meant testing the candy made in the Sweetland Candies shop. He’s now got grandchildren doing the same thing. Chris Naum started Sweetland in 1919, the original shop in the thumb area of the state. The shop then moved to Lowell, then downtown Grand Rapids, Burton Heights and, finally, Plainfield Avenue in the Cheshire neighborhood in the 1930s. The family closed that location decades later. The Plainfield store located at 5170 Plainfield Ave NE, opened in 1985, the Rockford location in 2015. While the Plainfield shop focuses on candy and does coffee as well, the Rockford shop focuses on coffee with candy on the side. The biggest sellers? Sea foam at the top, turtles a close second, and truffles coming in third. Milk or dark? Seventy percent of chocolate sales are milk, 30 percent dark chocolate. Made in the store? Seventy percent of the candy is made in the store, 30 percent bought elsewhere (think Jelly Belly). Busiest season? The four weeks preceding Christmas and the two days around Valentine’s Day; Easter comes in third for sales. Naum sees a huge plus in being a place people can order one turtle, half a pound of bridge mix, or four dark chocolate caramels and have it boxed and gift wrapped for free. He sees people ordering to ship to family and friends who’ve moved away, and orders coming in online from afar from others who need their Sweetland. “The biggest asset to being here for so long is familiarity. We get generational customers,” said Naum. “We are seeing three generations of a family, so there is lots of nostalgia and lots of memory.” The biggest complaint? “We give customers too many choices! We have about 120 varieties of candy out there. We are wowing them,” said Naum. He sees slow and steady growth for Sweetland Candies, pointing to the goal of quality, quality, quality. Technology will improve services, but he likes that slow road. “It’s like being on a giant chocolate chip with a pickaxe,” said the chocolatier.

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John Naum stands behind the counter of Sweetland Candies, a fourth generation confectioner that makes all of its chocolates in house.

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David Capestany, president of Zinger Sheet Metal, stands in front of rolls of sheet metal, the company's signature product. Zinger Sheet Metal was started by Capestany's grandfather Henry (Hank) Zinger, along with Harold Zinger in 1954.

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ZINGER SHEET METAL DEALS WITH sheets of metal used to

manufacture heating and cooling duct work to supply contractors working mostly on commercial projects. Zinger has supplied duct work for the Van Andel Institute, the new Spectrum Orthopedic building going up on the East Beltline and 3 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids Public Schools buildings, and many buildings along the Medical Mile. Hank and Harold Zinger started Zinger Sheet Metal in 1954, moving from near Marion, Mich., to the Grand Rapids area. The business passed to Nelson Capestany, Hank’s son-in-law, and now Nelson’s son Dave. “I started working there when I was 12, sweeping and making small parts on the machines,” said Dave Capestany, whose son is doing the same. Capestany points to West Michigan being a great place to raise a family, as well as the strong labor pool and work ethic as benefits to the business into its third generation of leadership. “Our shop is filled with West Michigan natives and those who are here as first or second generation residents, all with a good, strong work ethic,” said Capestany, who sees growth in the future thanks to Grand Rapids being strategically located within a few hours of Detroit and Chicago. “We have a reputation for customer service and standing behind our product,” he said. “When you’ve been in business this long, it gives you a long-term perspective. We’re not looking to make decisions that affect us for the next year, but for the next 20 to 30 years.”

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KOEZE C O NY PA M IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR peanut butter with some history, Koeze Company is the place to go. Founded in 1910 by Sibbele Koeze, the company passed to his son Alburtus, to his son A. Scott and wife Ruth, and now to Jeff Koeze, who is president of the company. Jeff Koeze calls his grandparents “big fish in a small town,” part of a group of people focused on making Wyoming into the city it is today. Koeze Company remains based in Wyoming, just a mile from where the original two facilities were located, with a retail store at Knapp’s Corner on the city's northeast side. Jeff Koeze is member of an economic development group and a foundation related to the city of Wyoming. From the 1950s to 1994, Koeze was an industrial peanut butter manufacturer, making peanut butter for companies that used it in other products. That part of the business was sold, but Koeze still makes peanut butter on a smaller scale. It’s a bestseller for the company, as are cashews and cashew products. Half of all sales take place in December, a mixture of corporate and individual gifts. “I like how richly networked the community is and how community-oriented people are,” said Jeff Koeze. “The business culture is built on trust and relationships, which makes business more efficient and pleasant than what I imagine it is in other communities. Family businesses are part of that.”

Jeff Koeze is the president of Koeze Company, a four-generation family business that manufactures, packages and sells gourmet food products (including peanut better, nuts, popcorn, and fine chocolate). Here, he is seen on site at the company's Wyoming, Michigan facility, in business since 1910.

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IN E E R ISH D L M A NS PUB

Anita Eerdmans of Eerdmans Publishing Company In 1911, the book publisher began as the EerdmansSevensma Company, a dealership specializing in theological textbooks that was started by William Eerdmans Sr. and Brant Sevensma.

WM. B. EERDMANS PUBLISHING COMPANY may not have a vast array of candy on display, but the 113-year-old company has published books upon books, yet had only three presidents in all that time. William Eerdmans Sr. started the company in 1911 with a fellow businessman, specializing in theological textbooks. In 1922, Eerdmans bought out his partner and continued to publish theological texts often printed in Dutch. He died in 1966, with his son Bill Eerdmans Jr. taking over and beginning to publish books on politics, current issues, and cultural criticism in English. Anita Eerdmans, Bill Jr.’s wife, became president in 2014 when he stepped down and she continues to lead the company today. Eerdmans is one of several Christian publishers in Grand Rapids, two of which—Baker Publishing Group and Kregel Publications—remain family owned. “I think of Eerdmans as the granddaddy of Christian publishing in Grand Rapids,” said Anita Eerdmans. “While we are by no means the biggest Christian publisher here, we like to think that our brand of fiercely independent publishing, which is possible in a family business, has an important place in local publishing and in the wider world of publishing and the academy.” Eerdmans sees only good things in the future, citing upcoming books in the academic/scholarly arena, more trade titles, and a vibrant children’s publishing program. Two titles in the Eerdmans Books for Young Readers line were in the ten titles on the New York Times Best Illustrated Books for 2023. “We still publish a wide range of authors from across the political and religious spectrum, in keeping with our longstanding goal of being a forum for responsible ideas,” said Eerdmans.

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BOOKS ADOBE STOCK ANITA EERDMANS COURTESY EERDMANS PUBLISHING COMPANY

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Introducing the Region’s Most Powerful and Influential Women As West Michigan continues to grow and thrive, Grand Rapids Magazine acknowledges the contributions our women leaders have made to our prosperity. They are driven to make a difference, opening doors, shattering ceilings, and paving the way for future generations. These Women Who Move West Michigan embody a wide range of roles—not just in their professional

titles, but in the ways they balance the many facets of their lives. They’re entrepreneurs, business owners, mentors, advocates, volunteers, and pioneers while on the job, and partners, parents, and caregivers at home. In this special section, we’re honored to share the inspiring stories of these esteemed women who are taking our region to the next level. What does it mean to be a woman who moves? Read on to find out!

INDEX Barnes & Thornburg LLP .................................... Pg. 56 Betsy Bakeman, DDS ........................................... Pg. 57 Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants..................................................... Pg. 58 Corrigan Moving Systems ................................. Pg. 59 John Ball Zoo .......................................................... Pg. 60 American Heart Association Go Red for Women ..............................................Pg. 61

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Boss Lady Realty ................................................... Pg. 62 Ageless Beauty ...................................................... Pg. 62 Crown Real Estate Partners, Inc. ..................... Pg. 63 Eastown Pediatric Dentistry .............................Pg. 63 Milestones Early Learning ................................Pg. 64 Old National Bank................................................Pg. 64 The Derm Institute of West Michigan.......... Pg. 65 The Goddard School – Knapp’s Corner ....... Pg. 65

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Jennifer (Jenny) Stocker is a labor and employment attorney at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where she defends companies across the nation in a wide variety of complex employment litigation in state, federal, and appellate courts and before state and federal administrative agencies. Diligently prepared and practical, she is ready to help with any situation her clients face. Clients and colleagues alike appreciate that Jenny addresses their problems in a responsive and clear manner, while providing an honest, candid assessment of practical solutions and realistic outcomes. Recently, Jenny was named leader of Barnes & Thornburg’s Grand Rapids and Southeast Michigan (Ann Arbor) offices and member of the firm’s 2023-2024 Management Committee. In this new leadership role, she looks forward to continuing to grow the Michigan offices’

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national presence by attracting talented attorneys and business professionals, and offering first-class client service. Jenny is passionate about upholding an inclusive office environment where legal and business professionals are engaged, recognized, and appreciated. As a wife and mother of four children, including one set of twins, Jenny ensures that her colleagues understand the potential to maintain a meaningful work and personal life. Jenny is committed to encouraging and supporting attorneys and staff to meet family needs while being a successful member of the firm. Outside of the office, Jenny supports the mission of local organizations, such as the Grand Haven non-profit Out Side In. She has also served as a board member of the American Heart Association West Michigan.

Jennifer Stocker Partner Barnes & Thornburg LLP 171 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-742-3930 btlaw.com

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Dr. Betsy Bakeman is a highly esteemed dentist with a national reputation for consistently providing high-quality cosmetic and restorative dental care to her patients. She was the first dentist in Michigan to achieve the distinction of Accredited Fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bakeman feels honored and humbled each time a patient places their trust in her hands. She takes this responsibility seriously by being personally involved and paying profound attention to detail—which also extends to the specialists, ceramists, and staff members with whom she works. She attributes the success of her practice to her experienced and dedicated staff who play a crucial role in ensuring excellent patient care and a positive dental experience. They efficiently manage appointments, provide

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clear communication, maintain a clean, organized, and comfortable environment, and utilize the latest dental technologies. From the moment patients walk into the practice, they feel a personal connection and are greeted with professionalism, warmth, and compassion. Dr. Bakeman and her amazing team work seamlessly together to provide their patients with beautiful, confident, and healthy smiles. With over a hundred years of combined experience in the dental profession, they are truly rock stars in their field. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to work alongside such smart and knowledgeable women who go the extra mile to deliver the finest care,” says Dr. Bakeman. Patients seeking a service-oriented, highquality dental practice need to look no further than Betsy Bakeman DDS, The Art of Dentistry.

Dr. Betsy Bakeman Betsy Bakeman, DDS 2757 Leonard St. NE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-940-0481 micosmeticdentist.com

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Drs. Emily Van Heukelom and Roseanna Noordhoek are proud to be the owners and managing partners at the Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. With offices located in Grand Rapids and Rockford, they focus on compassion and caring to address your entire family’s oral surgery needs. They provide a broad range of oral and maxillofacial services, including wisdom tooth extraction, removal of jaw tumors and oral lesions, and surgical reconstruction of the jaw. They are also experts in placement of dental implants and bone grafting, and utilize advanced technology such as 3-D digital surgical planning. Both surgeons are active in the community, with Dr. Van Heukelom serving as Chair of the Michigan AAOMS Office Anesthesia Evaluations committee, and Dr. Noordhoek being recently inducted into the American College of Surgeons.

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Drs. Van Heukelom and Noordhoek are passionate about forming relationships with their patients and identifying issues before they become painful. They recommend consultations for wisdom teeth removal for everyone in their mid-teens to early twenties, and implant consultations for patients missing one to all of their teeth. Continuously working to make each treatment plan individualized, the Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants works to communicate with your entire dental care team to make your treatment a success. Supported by a team of well-trained assistants and driven by their mission to “provide professional and compassionate care that is safe, valued, and accessible,” they are uniquely positioned to build relationships with patients and help them feel comfortable and welcomed throughout their entire experience.

Dr. Emily Van Heukelom Dr. Roseanna Noordhoek Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants 4349 Sawkaw Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 158 Marcell, Suite B Rockford, MI 49341 616-361-7327 grandrapidsoralsurgery.com

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Kristi Bottrall is General Manager of the Grand Rapids location of Corrigan Moving Systems, a commercial and residential relocation company. She advanced in this traditionally male-dominated industry through hard work and determination, growing from her position as part-time receptionist starting in high school to General Manager today. Kristi believes self-growth and independence are the keys to achieving her goals, both personally and professionally. She strives to challenge herself every day by stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new things. As Corrigan Moving Systems’ General Manager, Kristi recognizes the significant role she plays in promoting others to success in the industry. “It’s been a great accomplishment for me,” she says. “I can empower and help increase the skills and confidence of my employees, while making sure to meet the needs of our customers and promote a positive experience in what most consider a stressful life change.” Corrigan Moving supports several community-based programs, and Kristi is proud to be involved in these endeavors. One of the most rewarding for her is the Girl Scouts of America Leadership program which inspires girls, grades 5-12, to dream big and work hard to develop future leaders of courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. Outside of work, Kristi spends time with her blended family, which includes her husband, five daughters, two granddaughters, and a small farm with a menagerie of animals. The motto she lives by is: “You will never know how far you can go unless you try.”

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Kristi Bottrall General Manager Corrigan Moving Systems 7409 Expressway Ct. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548 616-455-4500 corriganmoving.com

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John Ball Zoo is a world-class Zoo, a premier education facility, a worldrenowned conservation center, and a wildly successful national visitor attraction. They are excited to share their vision and the women who discover and drive progress by presenting new thoughts and ideas, which contribute to the Zoo’s more than $100 million annual net economic impact on West Michigan. The women of John Ball Zoo are all “curators,” helping drive forward their mission of preserving wildlife and wild

places locally and around the world. “We cannot accomplish our mission without the team of women leaders who help provide world-class care to our animals, educate guests both young and old, and keep the grounds of John Ball Zoo in impeccable shape, enlightening and delighting the more than 700,000 guests that visited John Ball Zoo last season,” says John Ball Zoo. “We thank these women for driving change every day that helps save wildlife and wild places in West Michigan and beyond.”

Shakira Stowers Commissary Supervisor

Erin Moloney Ambassador Animal Curator

Tessa Dugas Area 2 Curator

Gina Schultz Chief Advancement Officer

Rhiannon Mulligan Education Manager

Laura Davis Director of Organization Development & Strategy

Anna Kohns Grounds Manager

John Ball Zoo 1300 Fulton St. W. Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-336-4300 jbzoo.org

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Barbara Parfet and Erin Visscher are Co-Chairs of the American Heart Association’s 2024 Kalamazoo Go Red for Women campaign. Barbara’s connections in the region have inspired women to help save lives through fundraising for this important cause. “I’m passionate about helping women live longer, heathier lives,” Barbara says. “The Kalamazoo Go Red for Women movement generates incredible excitement every year as we work to raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women.” Erin, a longtime American Heart Association and Go Red for Women volunteer, who has a personal connection to the cause, is passionate about education, health, and community vitality. “If we can educate one person and save one life (though our goal is to save many more), I will feel that our effort is well worth it,” she says.

Barbara Parfet, Honorary Chair Erin Visscher, Chair American Heart Association Go Red for Women 3940 Peninsular Drive SE, Suite 180 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-482-1503 heart.org/michigan

Nancy Schwallier is Chair of the American Heart Association’s 2024 Grand Rapids Go Red for Women campaign. A lifelong Grand Rapidan, she is personally invested in helping to bring the best cardiovascular care to the region. As Chair, she’s working together with the team to ensure a future where healthcare is simple, affordable, equitable, and exceptional for all members of the community. “I am passionate about how women interact with healthcare,” Nancy says. “Through the Go Red for Women movement, we have the opportunity to help raise awareness and educate women about their greatest health risk. I also believe finding, supporting, and developing new ways to bring the most advanced cardiovascular healthcare to as many people as possible is paramount. That includes training the next generation of heart and vascular specialists.”

Nancy Schwallier Chair American Heart Association Go Red for Women 3940 Peninsular Drive SE, Suite 180 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-482-1503 heart.org/michigan

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Stephanie Houseman is a team agent for Boss Lady Realty, which is brokered by Keller Williams Grand Rapids North. She produced nearly $5M in sales during her first year in real estate—all while living with kidney disease and lupus. Stephanie is a strong advocate for people with disabilities and those living with chronic and invisible illness. As a recipient of a miracle kidney transplant in 2022, she has a passion for helping others through sharing her personal experience and in teaching people the benefits of owning a home. Stephanie is an elected member of the board of directors for the Michigan Lupus Foundation, where she donates her time and money. She also volunteers within the community, alongside her team at Keller Williams.

Stephanie Houseman Boss Lady Realty 3237 Platinum NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-648-6378 bossladyrealty.kw.com

Felicia Steimel, master esthetician and owner of Ageless Beauty, is not only advancing skincare and spa treatments in the region, she’s moving West Michigan forward by elevating her team through training and opportunities. A pioneer in the industry, she’s dedicated her career to researching and implementing the latest techniques, treatments, and technologies—including launching her own medical-grade skincare line. Steimel is also a lifelong learner, pursuing courses and certifications that strengthen her offering and deliver on her promise of achieving long-term results for her clientele. She, in turn, passes her knowledge on to her staff. She believes strongly in professional growth, and knows that investing in her team will bring greater outcomes for them, as well as for those who seek their services.

Felicia Steimel Owner Ageless Beauty 1144 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-706-6292 agelessbeautygr.com

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Jennifer Gesik, owner of Crown Real Estate Partners, and Heather Garbaty, who joined the boutique-oriented residential real estate firm in 2019, are honored to once again be recognized as Women Who Move West Michigan. Named Real Estate All Stars by Grand Rapids Magazine multiple times, this dynamic duo is committed to authenticity, fun, and facts in all buying and selling adventures. Both take pride in building solid relationships based on transparency and trust, and apply strategy, commitment, determination, and expert negotiation tactics to each transaction. Their nearly 40 years of experience in the business has earned them repeat customers and referrals, and produced multi-million dollar results in the market.

Jennifer Gesik Owner, Broker, REALTOR® 616-292-8793 | gesik@grar.com

Heather Garbaty Partner, REALTOR® 616-893-1159 | garbaty@grar.com Crown Real Estate Partners, Inc. crowngr.com

Dr. Jessica Massie has been moving greater Grand Rapids forward for more than a decade. Her latest contribution to the community is opening a new practice: Eastown Pediatric Dentistry. Coming Spring 2024, it will be “a modern pediatric dental collaborative,” with the vision to create a patient-centered dental office where prevention and education are the focus. “I welcome and encourage parents’ involvement in achieving and maintaining their children’s oral health,” says Dr. Massie. “It takes a village!” In addition to a prevention-based practice, Dr. Massie and her team are designing the space to incorporate sustainable materials where possible, while also implementing processes to minimize the office’s environmental impact. She and her team look forward to creating healthy smiles and providing the highest quality of pediatric dental care.

Dr. Jessica C. Massie, DDS, MS Eastown Pediatric Dentistry 1551 Wealthy St. SE, Suite A Grand Rapids, MI 49506 eastownpd.com

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Kelly Russell’s background in childcare and preschool teaching and passion for educating young children led her to establish Milestones Early Learning in 2005. Today, there are seven program locations across West Michigan. As the founder and owner of Milestones, Kelly Russell’s mission has been to provide a safe, nurturing environment designed to meet children’s developmental needs. She puts her heart into every aspect of Milestones, and the most common compliment she receives is that each center, the teachers, and the administration all provide a secure atmosphere to families that allow each child to flourish into lifelong learners. As a pillar in the world of education, Kelly “moves” anyone she comes into contact with. She moves to educate. She moves to impact. And she moves to change their future.

Kelly Russell Owner/President Milestones Early Learning – Central Office 4527 Cascade Road SE, Suite B Cascade, MI 49546 616-551-3200 milestonescdc.com

The dynamic lenders at Old National Bank assist clients with financing to purchase, build, and refinance homes. Representing nearly 75 years of combined lending experience, they draw on their shared knowledge to provide options to fit each transaction. The Old National Bank team understands that, for many, a home purchase is the largest single investment most will make in their lifetime. Their goal is to provide a smooth experience from prequalification to closing, with unparalleled dedication to finding the right solution for each client. Building relationships is the core of their business and what drives their success. Old National Bank is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Member FDIC.

Old National Bank

Whitney Bareng | 616-335-7917 nmls 819753 Vicki Mulder | 616-335-7904 nmls 663123 44 East 8th St., Holland, MI 49423 oldnational.com/Mulder

Sarah Baar | 616-552-6650 nmls 486543

161 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 oldnational.com/Baar

Ally Mead | 616-228-6054 nmls 1719604

5200 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 oldnational.com/Mead

Photo by ‘Photos by Kaity’. From Left to Right; Bareng, Baar, Mulder, and Mead.

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Dr. Kristi Hawley, board-certified dermatologist and owner of The Derm Institute of West Michigan, has been serving the Grand Rapids community for over eight years. She’s proud to provide a comfortable, comprehensive space that offers top-notch, cutting-edge care for medical, cosmetic, and surgical needs. Dr. Hawley values the individual person and treats her patients like family; she is committed to taking time to connect with her patients, and has created a culture in which these values are reflected by every member of her team. “We take pride in partnering with our patients to assist in improving their quality of life by finding personalized solutions that fit their lifestyle and desired outcomes,” Dr. Hawley says. “Nothing brings us more joy than having the privilege of being by their side along their skin-health journey.”

Kristi Hawley DO, FAAD The Derm Institute of West Michigan 1661 Crystal Spring Blvd. SE Caledonia, MI 49316 616-326-0114 derminstituteofwmi.com

Whitney Mooney, along with her husband Sean, purchased the Knapp’s Corner location of The Goddard School with a goal to bring quality, early childhood programs to the area where they grew up. The Goddard School is a trusted preschool institution that offers education and daycare for children aged six weeks to six years, including the playbased Wonder of Learning curriculum. As a parent of two young children, Whitney understands the struggle that moms have with the choice of staying home with their children or working out in the professional realm. She is passionate about providing parents with a safe, nurturing environment that feels like their child’s home away from home. Her dedication has placed her among the Women Who Move West Michigan multiple times.

Whitney Mooney Onsite Co-Owner The Goddard School – Knapp’s Corner 2911 Knapp St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-208-9292 goddardschool.com

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

The Beltline Bar's stucco interior and décor are reflective of the cuisine it serves– Tex-Mex.

» PLUS: OLD SCHOOL CUISINE THE 411 ON 616 KABOB FROM THE MOTHERL AND CHEERS

Celebrating 70 page 76

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Clockwise from left: Bison Meatballs, Clams Casino, Bison Short Ribs, and a Classic Cheeseburger, served with wine.

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Old school favorites TABLE

Scholarly advice leads to a casual service concept that caters to the busines crowd. BY PAT EVANS // PHOTOS BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Few restaurants have opened up in Grand Rapids with such a specific approach in mind, particularly one that fit its building so well. Scholar, 11 Ionia Ave. SW, opened in October 2023 in the former building that was occupied by the long-time Grand Rapids nightlife spot, J. Gardella’s Tavern. Michael Winks, a Northpointe Bank executive, purchased the building in December 2021 and set out with the hopes of creating an upscale dining experience without stuffiness, a desire found while hosting client meetings. “The hope is to have elevated dining with a fun atmosphere, a littler cooler vibe than you find most places and not stuffy,” Winks said. “I’ve been in banking my whole career, and there aren’t a lot of great options from a service standpoint. You want great food, but less casual service; more we’ll take care of you, but we’re in the background when having the discussions.” Having heard the Gardella’s building was for sale, Winks found himself with the property when he checked with a real estate broker to see if it was still available. Then he had to find an operating partner for the restaurant. That came by way of the husband-and-wife pair Taylor and Alivia Boeschenstein, with Taylor as the chef and Alivia as the general manager. The 133-year-old building offered plenty of opportunity for the restaurant, consisting of 6,200 square feet across three floors. The age of the space plays along perfectly for the retro American dining experience the group settled on. “We really embrace the classic American dishes, things like you might see in your great grandmother’s recipes,” Winks said. “Taylor puts a great twist on fine dining, early American cuisine, which is something you don’t see often.” The team fully delivers on the presentation of the idea of early American dining, playing hard into the building’s charming history and assets. Paired with the creative menus, the concept is intriguing and hard to pass up a chance at trying.

Above, the bar at Scholar retains the historic appeal offered by the building's former occupant, J. Gardella's. Left, the Classic Cheeseburger: a half pound of steakhouse grind, American cheese, gem lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, and a side of fry sauce.

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12/11/23 2:26 PM

food + drink / table

The top takeaway from a visit to Scholar is the well-done, cohesive cozy aesthetic that aims to keep diners and drinks alike put together by renowned designer Josh Tremblay, a Chicago-based commercial interior designer. Upon entry, guests are greeted by what is a centerpiece at any establishment that has the fortune of owning one: a 100-plus-yearold Brunswick bar. The vibe is inviting and certainly a place that will be a hot cocktail stop, though diners can also sit on the level. The cocktail destination is accentuated by the basement cocktail lounge, known as The Study. The Study features a fireplace, and even more lounge-type feel complete with fluffy sofas and chairs. The main dining room is the second floor and could use a bit of adjustment to reach the desired coziness factor to fully immerse one into the full building vibe. While the tables and booths, and even the newly constructed bar, suggest the streamline continues from the lower levels, the ceiling is a bit too tall to fully enclose into 70

Grab a cocktail made by bar manager Brenna DeYoung (opposite page) or enjoy a seat by the fire in The Study.

a quiet, secluded evening. That could potentially be a consequence of the night the Magazine visited, when the lights also contributed to a less than stellar mood on the upper floor. A slight adjustment down to darken the area could also close up the space — and that certainly could be the case most nights and our visit was an outlier. The Magazine visit, it should also be noted, came less than a month after they opened, so plenty of things were still likely being ironed out. One other nitpick on the setting, for our visit anyway; we were sat at a two top between the windows overlooking Ionia Avenue at the front of the building. Rather than set the table against the wall, there

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Below, the Snowball-1950, a cocktail featuring advocaat, lime cordial, lime, and topped with sparkling lemonade.

Above: Brenna's Choice, a cocktail made of White Negroni Gin, Lillet, dry vermouth, and Luxardo bitters.

GR M AG .CO M

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12/11/23 2:26 PM

food + drink / table

was an awkward amount of space — maybe two feet — between us and the wall that left us feeling a little strange. Again, a nitpick that likely would not bother most, but at least for some leaves an uneasiness, but overall the vibe at Scholar is top notch and certainly worth a night to try, particularly for cocktails. Looking at the cocktail menu, it strikes a chord for a history and beverage lover. The menu is largely made up of classic cocktails well-known the world over. Next to the name, Scholar highlights a commonly accepted year for the invention of the cocktail, like 1895 for the Old Fashion or 1927 for the Boulevardier, a personal favorite and one sampled on the visit. Overall, the “Classics” list at Scholar left me wanting to sample all of the drinks and will require revisits to try them out, like the Gothic Punch, Martinez and Atomic. If I had my druthers, I’d restart my visit with an Americano, the classic Italian aperitif that consists of Campari, sweet vermouth, and bitters. The “House Creations” generally take a spin on another classic cocktail, like the Whiskey Russian. The Magazine sampled the Pistachio Wonder — barrel gin, amaro nonino, pistachio lemon zest syrup, pistachio oil and egg white — and it was delightful. There is also a nice four drink smattering of “Temperance” offerings, building on the wider trend of non-alcoholic drinks. Those also pay tribute to classic cocktails, like the Lime Rickey and Piña Colada. The wine list is finely curated into a smattering of options, largely concentrated in popular varieties. While there are certainly better wine and beer lists in the city, one would be hard pressed to not find at least something to indulge in for the evening.

“We really embrace the classic American dishes, things like you might see in your great grandmother’s recipes. [Chef] Taylor [Boeschenstein] puts a great twist on fine dining, early American cuisine, which is something you don’t see often.” Michael Winks

Feeling hungry? Our recommendations include: Bison Meatballs (left) made with Huckleblackberry jam, farm cheese, almonds and sunflower seeds; and the Bison Short Ribs (top), which feature a coffee spice rub, crispy potato cake, and roasted carrots, topped with a huckle-blackberry demi glacé.

The food menu is fun! Albeit maybe a touch simple for the thematic experience and lacking when compared to the cocktail menu. Regardless, the idea of going back in time for culinary delight is a fantastic idea and the menu is full of excellent choices that can make one lick their chops. We started with the Shrimp Cocktail and Clams Casino. The Bison Meatballs and Crab Cakes were also eye catching but did not make the cut this visit. It is hard to miss on a Shrimp Cocktail, though ever since venturing to St. Elmo’s Steak House in Indianapolis, every cocktail sauce I’ll ever meet will likely lack in horseradish. The Clams Casino was a delicious bundle of clams drenched in butter. The entrees also showcased a wide array of dishes, many a standard fare in restaurants across the globe; so long as they’re cooked well, they should deliver. The Ora King Salmon was a near order, but we opted for the Ribeye Delmonico Steak, which was cooked to a perfect medium rare and succulent. The potato cake was also delightfully crispy. Also ordered at the table was the Bison Short Rib, which was tender and had solid flavor. Also appealing but didn’t make the tab this visit were the Seared Scallops and Lamb T-Bones. The Magazine visited within the first month of opening, so view criticisms with leniency. The server was amazingly nice and accommodating, but had to wait on four tables seated in close succession, which made the service feel inattentive and slow rather than laid back. While the mission to be lounge-like to allow for discussions is amazing, some improvement is needed to make Scholar a staple on the Grand Rapids dining scene.

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12/11/23 2:26 PM

food + drink / on-the-go

ON-THE-GO

West Africa on South Division

Liberian duo cook up cuisine from Motherland BY MATTHEW ROTHENBERG // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

Liberian dishes are a literal melting pot thanks to the country’s history — it was founded by freed slaves from North America, combining their food traditions with those of indigenous Liberian tribes. In adition to the Southern United States, “they were Jamaicans, they were from places across Africa, they were from Barbados. They were from everywhere!” Griffiths exclaimed. And Liberia’s food includes as many ingredients as Liberian culture. “When Liberians cook, they cook with everything!” Griffiths said. “They mix seafood, beef, chicken — everything in one pot. You get all the substance and the nutrients for a unique kind of food — and we spice it up!”

Owners Lillian Griffiths (left) and Faith Giplaye.

Sixteen countries make up West Africa, and all 16 are represented in Grand Rapids. That means a lot of weddings and other special occasions — and a lot of demand for traditional food to get the party started. That’s how Lillian Griffiths and her business partner, Faith Giplaye, started on the path that led them to create Motherland Foods. “We have a lot of Africans here, but we didn't have a caterer to do our style of wedding dishes,” Griffiths said. The women decided to open a catering service and takeout restaurant serving favorite foods of their native Liberia that you can pick up or DoorDash.

Above, an assortment of dishes, including: puff puff, egusi soup with chicken, cassava leaf with chicken, jollof rice with chicken leg quarter and pepper sauce, oxtails with rice and beans and side of fried plantains, peanut butter soup with chicken and fufu, and fufu.

Ready to dig in? Motherland Foods offers a slate of dishes built on chicken, turkey, oxtails and goat, as well as native produce like egusi and cassava leaves. Most come with a choice of imported Liberian rice or fufu, a soft dumpling made from cassava and plantain meal. To eat fufu in the authentic African style, tear off pieces with your fingers and use them to scoop up the juicy stuff. Try it with one of Motherland’s soups: egusi, palm butter or peanut butter (all with smoked turkey and chicken). It’s a little like using gnocchi as a soup spoon, but the results are mighty tasty! If you’d rather hold onto your fork, opt for rice. Jollof rice is a West African classic that inspires hot debate about which country’s recipe is best. Motherland Foods’ version is a delicious mix of spices and a light tomato base — try it in a combination plate that includes baked chicken, a side of pepper sauce and cornbread. Fried plantains are another tasty side dish that West Africa shares with Latin America. They’re delicious paired with stewed oxtails and rice and beans. To round out your meal, try the puff puffs — fried dough balls that resemble giant donut holes. GR M AG .CO M

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12/11/23 10:56 AM

food + drink / must-t y

"We make everything in house. The meat, we season it, and we make our own Tzatziki." Thaer Al-Abboudi

MUST-TRY

The 411 on 616 Kabob Creston's newest eatery offers outstanding fast and affordable Mediterranean cuisine. BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

When Mr. Gyro on Alpine closed early last year in 2023, it left a hole in my heart. More than that, it left a gap in the marketplace. Where else could one get a gyro, and lightning fast like the longstanding Walker establishment offered? Enter “616 Kebab Stop Mediterranean Cuisine.” Phew. That’s quite a mouthful (much like the pleasantly large gyro it serves). When this casual Mediterranean eatery (formerly relegated to one location: a strip mall in Allendale) opened up its second location at 2232 Plainfield Ave. NE, in the Creston business district, word spread like wildfire. As a huge fan of gyros and Mediterranean cuisine in general, I was in hot pursuit, and got there before the end of the first week of business back in October (2023). There may have been a time in our city’s not-too-distant past that just being the new kid on the block and offering something other than typical American fare might have been enough to cause a post-opening boom. But as the diversity of the city has increased, so too have the number of ethnic restaurants– everything from Bosnian food to Pho and Korean BBQ can now be had within the confines of our mini-metropolis. I stopped in late afternoon on a wet Tuesday and the place was 74

hopping beyond what would normally be considered lunch hour or the dinnertime rush. Despite a longish line, the service was prompt…speedy, even. Owner Thaer Al-Abboudi was manning the register and was over the moon with excitement. He said that he’d already been approached to “franchise” the restaurant (he’s not going to…yet) and that his success comes down to one thing: “We make everything in house,” he said, referring to the non-baked goods. Baklava and pita bread are sourced from authentic suppliers. “The meat, we season it, and we make our own Tzatziki.”

Above, a lamb and beef gyro (left) next to chicken schwarma (right) and fries. Top left: Mashawi for one, which includes a kafta kabob, chicken shish tawouk and a shish kabob. This combo is served with hummus, soup (pictured here is lentil soup) and fattoush salad. Top right: 616 Kebab Stop Mediterranean Cuisine Express owner Thaer Al-Abboudi

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12/11/23 10:58 AM

food + drink / edito 's pick

The gyro meat (made of lamb and beef) was cut into thick strips, making for an extra juicy wrap-style sandwich I could really sink my teeth into. It exceeded expectations in both the flavor and “generous proportions” departments. Another thing about the gyro that made it extra delicious was the pickled turnip that most local places seem to forego. I might have chosen it as an add-on. Looking at the menu online, the gyro doesn’t necessarily come with it, but after our brief conversation, Thaer knew I was looking for something authentic…the real McCoy: “The gyro doesn't come with feta,” he said. I countered with: “Why would it?” His face lit up. “Right?!?” Like a pot who has found its lid, we were instant friends. Of course, there is feta on the menu and you can add anything to your gyro that you want. Heck, put some babaganoush on it if you want. Other standouts on menu, which offers a variety of traditional Middle Eastern standards (plus newfangled favorites) includes kabobs, kafta, chicken shish tawouk, shish kabob, grilled veggies, hummus, soup, salads and– get this– shawarma fries: crunchy, golden and light fluffy fries topped with beef shawarma marinated in our special spices and herbs. Topped with tomato, turnips, parsley, Sumac red onions and cheddar cheese, drizzled with buttery red and white sauce. There’s too much goodness to name. The restaurant offers counter service, with plenty of places to sit; a great place to grab a casual lunch or buy a wonderful takeout meal for the family. Another cool thing about “616 Kebab Stop Mediterranean Cuisine Express” is you get a discount if you pay cash.

TOP 5

Ahoy, Matey! From the crispiest fillet to best perch-for-the-price, five solid spots that serve fish ‘n’ chips BY LISA ENOS

One thing I learned from living in England is that fish ‘n’ chips is a dish traditionally meant to be consumed while standing outside in the pouring rain. The other thing was that the best fish ‘n’ chips come from little hole-in-the-wall “take-away” shops and are handed to you wrapped in newspaper or a paper bag (with a side of mushy peas). The spoiled American in me says “bollocks” to all that (especially the mushy peas). I want to enjoy fish ‘n’ chips in the warmth of a corner pub. One thing the Brits do get right about fish ‘n’ chips is the crispy consistency of the outer layer. It acts as a shell, keeping the fish encased inside piping hot. One more thing they knock out of the park is – being that it's an island – the place is teaming with the freshest fish. The result is that this traditional British dish, when prepared correctly, won’t taste the least bit fishy. Funnily enough, that’s exactly what I want from my fish ‘n’ chips.

Coming in at number one is… Graydon's Crossing What you’ll get: A few large stiff pieces of what appeared to be Panko crusted cod that make a heavenly “crunch” sound when you bite into them, and a generous amount of addictive fries. Five Stars. // $20 The runners up (in no particular order):

Crushed Lentil Soup, a Mediterranean classic made with lentils, carrots and vegetable broth, topped with fried onions. FISH 'N' CHIPS COURTESY GRAYDON'S CROSSING

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Broadway Bar As a place known for its delcious double decker Broadway Burger and Christmas lights, perhaps unfairly of me, I didn’t expect the cooks here would also bring their A-game to the fish ‘n’ chips arena.

(Inside info from the bartender: Broadway sources two types of fish. You’ll want the cod.) What you’ll get: Two extra-long, stiffas-a-board strips of cod. Ok, maybe not a “board,” but the kid in me wanted to start a sword fight with these oblong wonders. On guard! // $15

Elbow Room This is one of my favorite go-tos for lunch hour meetings with people who don’t want to spend time driving into the city and hunting for parking. Its fresh-off-the-freeway access and parking pairs nicely with its best-priced perch basket in town. What you’ll get: Several pieces of what

is generally not too crispy (but tasty enough to return for) fish and waffle fries or slaw. You choose! // $14 The Winchester The Winchester recently changed up their fish ‘n’ chips game. The waiter informed me that the fish they use is no longer cod, but haddock. Hmmm…Haddock Place. I like it! What you’ll get: Two generous chunks of fish and a plethora of fries so tasty you might want to chill on eating so many of them while waiting for the fish to cool. The haddock was flavorful, non-fishy, but wasn’t overtly crisp. Delicious, though. Would definitely order again. // $17 Hancock Hancock’s fish is not your traditional English pubstyle fish ‘n’ chips, more like the kind of fresh-offthe-dock fare I remember from my Northern Michigan youth; not crispy like the U.K. kind, but still oh-so- good! What you’ll get: A basketful of delectable little morsels of perch that are dusted with Creole seasoning (or not). They come with crinkle cut fries, or you can get something entirely different: baked beans, pimento mac ‘n’ cheese, pickles, slaw, mashed potatoes or a biscuit. These, I recommend eating outside in their awesome outdoor picnic area…in the summer, of course. // $14

GR M AG .CO M

12/14/23 8:47 AM

food + drink / chee s

CHEERS

Celebrating 70 Years Beltline Bar and the burrito it made famous BY JASON ROTH // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

Heading up 28th Street and whipping a right turn onto Division St., today's lunch beat brings me to a place that feels like an old friend. You know it, you love it... The Beltline Bar! The Beltline Bar opened in 1953, bringing the then-exotic flavors of Tex-Mex food to West Michigan. One of Beltline's national claims to fame is that it is touted as the birthplace of the wet burrito. I spoke with owner Jeff Lobdell, who says that while there is some debate to whether Beltline's kitchen was first to introduce the wet burrito, what can't be debated is which Grand Rapids restaurant has sold the most of them! Beltline's original wet burrito “The Famous” was introduced in 1966, and their delicious recipe remains the same today. Lobdell emphasized the Beltline's dedication to quality and freshness of their food. Their meat is locally sourced from Tolman's Meats, sauces are made from scratch, and the 90-day aged Colby cheese from Wisconsin is shredded on-site every day. Lobdell mentioned that he still makes a point to hand-blend the secret spice blend himself! Pretty impressive for a guy who owns somewhere in the neighborhood of 19 restaurants and employs over 900 people. Spices aren’t the only things he has his hands on. He is a force to be reckoned with in the hospitality industry. In January of 2024 he will assume the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association, the largest foodservice trade association in the world. As I entered the Beltline Bar, I realized that the pleasant low-light Tex-Mex ambiance has not changed a bit in my entire four-decade-plus lifetime. It's always a comfortably familiar place to grab a drink and chow down. My lunch meal opened with the customary pile of homemade seasoned tortilla chips, accompanied by a variety of salsas ranging from mild to PDH: Pretty Darn Hot! While their menu contains a great variety of Tex-Mex goodness (and several $10 lunch specials!), it's difficult for me to not just get “The Famous” whenever I'm here. But today, I opted for my other go-to, the Luncheon 76

The interior of Beltline Bar decorated in a charming AmericanSouthwest style.

"The Famous" wet burrito is made with only the finest ingredients, including aged Wisconsin cheddar and locally sourced meat from Tolman's.

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Clockwise from front: Steak fajitas, a signature drink, "The Cockatoo," chips and salsa and "The Famous" wet burrito. (Below) Salsa verde, part of a trio of salsas.

Fajitas. In the meantime, a drink was in order. Today's drink: The Cockatoo. A secret mix of liquors and sweet fruit juices, The Cockatoo ensured that the wait for my entree passed quickly. A loud sizzle heralded the arrival of my Luncheon Fajita order. It comes with either grilled chicken breast or steak (steak for me!), served with sauteed onions and peppers in a sizzling skillet, along with corn or flour tortillas, pico de gallo, Colby cheese, sour cream, and refried beans. A heavy lunch, but it's tough to resist this glorious smorgasbord of food! For the more health-conscious out there, I have to give a stamp of endorsement to their Garden Veggie burrito, a flavorful vegetarian variant which is hearty and satisfying to even me, a lifelong carnivore. A gluten-free version of “The Famous” has been added to the menu as well. Many long-running Grand Rapids eateries like Mr. Gyro, Tillman's and the Choo Choo Grill have either permanently closed or are on their way out, but the Beltline Bar remains as busy as ever. (Be sure to sign onto the online waiting list to avoid a long line at the door.) If you haven't been in a while, it's the perfect time to return to the Beltline Bar, a 70-year Grand Rapids institution!

The Beltline Bar opened in 1953, bringing the then-exotic flavors of Tex-Mex food to West Michigan. Beltline Bar's claims to fame is that it is touted as the birthplace of the wet burrito.

GR M AG .CO M

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12/11/23 10:57 AM

food + drink / c eate

CREATE

Chunky Beef Chili A thick and delicious winter staple from scratch, made with stew meat and fresh peppers. BY LISA ENOS // PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Ingredients: TASTE TIP For soupier chili, add one can of tomato paste and a cup of beef broth.

1 lb stew beef, cubed 1 large onion, chopped 2 stalks of celery, chopped 2-4 green chilis, chopped (depending on how much “heat” you like) 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 12-oz can of diced tomatoes 1 12-oz can of chili beans 1 tbsp. cumin 2 tbsp. chili powder 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. cayenne pepper 1 tbsp. olive oil

Preparation:

Chili has its roots in the American Southwest and dates to the 19th century. Originally referred to as "chili con carne" (chili with meat), the stew-like dish typically consists of meat in a tomato broth seasoned with chili powder, garlic, onions, and cumin. While it's commonly made with ground beef, that's not the only option. Harrison Roadhouse in East Lansing inspired the version seen here, made with large chunks of stew beef. The use of different meats like venison, ground chicken or turkey, or even meat substitutes allows for a variety of chili recipes. Regardless of your protein choice, one ingredient remains constant for this delicacy to be considered "chili" and that's the small but mighty chili pepper, native to the Americas.

In a large stainless steel skillet, saute the vegetables over lowto-medium heat. After the onions start to look translucent (five to 10 minutes), add the beef. While it’s in the pan, sprinkle the seasonings on the meat. Tend to the meat, and vegetable mixture – stirring and turning until the beef is browned on all sides. The cooked vegetables should produce enough liquid, but if it starts to get too dry, add ¼ to a ½ cup of water. After the meat is browned, transfer to an 8 quart pot* and add tomatoes and chili beans and stir. Cover and cook on low heat for two hours, making sure to stir the contents every so often so as to prevent the meat from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. Add water as necessary. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced green onion. Serve with saltines and butter or corn tortilla chips. *Substitute a slow cooker for an 8-quart pot and cook on low for four hours.

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12/11/23 11:01 AM

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12/11/23 10:23 AM

dine / estau ants

dine

OUR STAFF'S GUIDE TO THE AREA'S BEST EATERIES

For any additions or changes, please email lenos@hour-media and write "Dining Guide" in the subject line of the email.

Downtown 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 $-$$ ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ APERITIVO A wine bar with a small menu that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and monthly sandwich specials. The retail section includes tinned fish, which can be enjoyed on-site with pickled veggies, cultured butter and Field & Fire bread. It is located within the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Open Daily. // 435 Ionia Ave SW, 259-7045. aperitivogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BEACON CORNER BAR & COASTAL FARE Owned by the group behind San Chez and Roam, the restaurant offers up seafood from the three coasts: East, West and Michigan. // 38 W Fulton St, 383-3800. beaconcornerbar.com. 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 $-$$ BISTRO BELLA VITA Big-city casual; modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ BLACK NAPKIN High quality burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and

homemade sodas. Takeout only, Tuesday-Saturday. // 966 E. Fulton St. Lunch, Dinner $ BOB’S BAR Down home sports bar with 10 HD TV's. 14 Beers on Tap specializing in Chicago cuisine. Open daily. // 725 Michigan St NE. 774-0512. bobsbar.org. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

DIVANI European-inspired food includes small plates for sharing and a variety of entrées. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. divanigr.com. Dinner $$-$$$

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 $-$$

DUBLIN HALL 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 $-$$

BRICK & PORTER Appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. // 47 Monroe Center NW, 226-6928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FIELD & FIRE CAFÉ All-day breakfast, sandwiches, soups, salads, toasts, croissants, muffins and tarts. On weekends brunch is available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 820 Monroe Ave NW Suite 100, 616-608-4533. fieldandfire.com. Breakfast, Lunch $-$$

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 $$

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

BROOKLYN BODEGA BAGEL & DELI Bringing the bagel shops and delis of the East Coast to the third coast. Whether a bagel, egg and cheese or a hearty turkey sandwich, Brooklyn Bodega has it. Open Monday-Saturday // 10 Jefferson Ave SE, 724-4275 Breakfast, Lunch $ THE CHOP HOUSE Aged prime beef, seafood, pork, lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. // 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. Dinner $$$ CITY BUILT BREWING CO. Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CINCO DE MAYO Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. // 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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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 $

FORTY PEARL A wine bar serving oysters, cured meats,cheeses, baked goods, sweets, soups and salads, shareables, sandwiches, rice bowls and entrées like salmon, seared scallops and Cornish hen. Open daily. // 40 Pearl St. NW, 608-7741. fortypearl.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $ FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups

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

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and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$

St SW Suite 100, 805-3780, leosconeyisland.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LEO’S SEAFOOD Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm Mon-Fri. Closed Sun. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$

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 $

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 $-$$

NOODLE PIG Unique ramen noodles made in-house with fresh, high-end ingredients and served with nutrient-rich broths. // 601 Bond Ave NW Suite 102, 327-2922, www.noodlepig.com. Dinner $-$$

GRAND WOODS LOUNGE Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Year-round alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LITTLEBIRD Café-style restaurant featuring made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch, including a full coffee menu, house-made sodas and egg creams, and pastries. Full bar. Open daily. // 95 Monroe Center NW, 419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $

ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN This restaurant offers elevated American fare; fried chicken sandwiches, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl, starters, small & large plates, handhelds a kids menu & more! Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.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 $-$$

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 $-$$

HONG KONG EXPRESS Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ KNOOP ROOFTOP BEER GARDEN Upscale rooftop beer garden offers Dutch and German inspired cuisine with a modern touch. Madefrom-scratch shareables, small bites, hand-crafted cocktails and scenic views of downtown Grand Rapids. // 131 Ionia SW, 8th Floor, 616-456-6200, canopygrandrapidsrestaurants.com/knoop/. Dinner $$-$$$ LEO'S CONEY ISLAND ON TAP An east side favorite located in Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids serves up classic Coney Island favorites, cocktails and beer on tap. Perfect for before and after a movie at Celebration. // 122 Oakes

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 $-$$$ MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll. Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. D $$-$$$ MDRD Overlooking the Grand River from its location on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, this restaurant serves modern Spanish cuisine including tapas and paella. Reservations available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 187 Monroe Ave. NW, 776.6425. amwaygrand.com/dining. Dinner $$$ MERTENS PRIME French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era hotel. Steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. mertensgr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ MEXO Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch

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

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PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ PIND INDIAN CUISINE A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY Contemporary seafood restaurant that offers premium fresh fish and seafood from the waters of New England to the Great Lakes. // 141 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids, (888) 456-3463, realseafoodcorestaurant.com. Dinner $$$ RESERVE WINE & FOOD Wine bar offers extensive by-the-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. // 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ ROAM BY SAN CHEZ BISTRO The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ ROCKWELL REPUBLIC Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from GR M AG .CO M

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sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$ SAN CHEZ BISTRO Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. // 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ SLOWS BAR-B-Q Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides. Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. // Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slowsbarbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SOCIAL HOUSE A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters,soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$ SOCIAL MISFITS An interesting concept mashing waffles (sweet or savory,) with other food, accompanied by creative cocktailss. The business also introduces Great Lakes Coffee Roasters to town. // 43 W. Fulton St, 272-4984. thesocialmisfits.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ SPEAK EZ 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 $$ STELLA’S LOUNGE Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 7424444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$ TERRA BAGEL A quaint place to grab a bagel, a schmear and some coffee. The sister restaurant of Terra Bagel and Terra GR in Eastown. Open Daily // 40 Pearl St. NW, terrabagels.com, 616.465.4343 Breakfast, Lunch $ TUPELO HONEY This southern kitchen & bar serves southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains. // 140 Ottawa Ave NW STE 100, 239-7158, tupelohoneycafe.com. Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch $$ TURNSTILES Bodacious bar food in a music-themed atmosphere.

Cocktails, drafts, and the largest selection of nonalcoholic beverages in GR. Nightly live music with no cover. Free on-site parking. // 526 Stocking NW. turnstilesgr.com. 616-330-LIVE. Lunch, Dinner $ WAHLBURGERS Celebrity-owned (by Mark Wahlburg and brothers) burger joint offering up a fast-casual experience. // 10 Ionia Ave NW, 616-719-1788. wahlburgers.com. 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 $

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 $-$$

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 $$

West Side 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 $ BROAD LEAF WESTSIDE Progressive craft brewery and distillery. Award winning gin. Cocktail slushies. Burgers, Asian street food inspired menu. Large outdoor beer garden. // 443 Bridge St NW, 254-0105, broadleafbeer.com. Lunch (Fri.-Sun.), Dinner $$ BROADWAY BAR & GRILL Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. // 740 Broadway Ave SW, 4540565. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ BURGER THEORY Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. // 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ BUTCHER’S UNION Meat-and-whiskey-centric gastro pub with a wide menu and festive atmosphere. Craft drinks and a full bar. Outdoor seating available. // 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$ CONDADO TACOS Stylish Bridge Street Mexican restaurant serving build your own tacos, tequila, margaritas and more. Come as you are! // 449 Bridge St NW, 734-6815, condadotacos.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ DRIP DROP COCKTAIL ROOM Upscale, plush craft cocktail lounge with a NYC ambiance. // 445 Bridge St NW Unit 2, dripdropcocktailroom.com. Snacks, Cocktails $$

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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 $

THE HOLIDAY BAR Established in 1905, the menu features appetizers, snacks and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden. Open daily. // 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. theholidaybargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $ JOLLY PUMPKIN PIZZERIA & BREWERY Dexter-based brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jollypumpkin.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ THE KNICKERBOCKER – NEW HOLLAND BREWING Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. // 417 Bridge St NW, 3455642. newhollandbrew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LONG ROAD DISTILLERS Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$ MAGGIE’S KITCHEN Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ THE MITTEN BREWING CO. Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MARU 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 $$ MONARCHS’ CLUB Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef

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

12/11/23 11:02 AM

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sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $ NONLA BURGER Nonla Burge offers both traditional, 100% beef hamburgers and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine. // 449 Bridge St NW Suite 102, Grand Rapids, nonlaburger.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 $-$$ SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ SHOTS Local neighborhood kitchen and bar serving a full menu, daily lunch specials, an abundance of taps featuring craft and domestic beer options, large patio, and plenty of big screen TV’s all contribute in making this the local favorite for food, drink, sports, and groups to meet. Open daily at 11 a.m. // 4259 Lake Michigan Drive NW, 453-7780, info@ shotsgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$ WESTSIDE SOCIAL “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

Uptown BASALT Modern Tex-Mex cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. The menu focuses on breakfast tacos, quesadillas and tortas. Closed Mondays. // 1450 Wealthy St. SE, 719-2146. basaltgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Thurs-Sat) $

BREWERY VIVANT European style craft beer and food. Spirits, wine and cider are also available. Locally sourced menu. Housed in a renovated funeral home chapel with a large patio and geer garden. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Fri.-Sat.), 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) $

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 $-$$

CANTINA LOS AMIGOS Cantina Los Amigos features tacos, chicken flautas, birria stew, stuffed plantains, other authentic Mexican fare and vegan friendly! // 1 Carlton Ave SE suite A, 988-9791, cantinalosamigos.com. 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 $$

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 $-$$

KCM A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sandos, open-faced toast with meat, egg salad, curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu, chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean-style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues.-Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $$ DONKEY TAQUERIA Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station. Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ELECTRIC CHEETAH Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. Cascade location closed on Sun. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779 electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FORTY ACRES SOUL KITCHEN “Authentically American” southern comfort food, featuring po’boys, grits, gumbo and more. To-go catering available. Closed Mon. // 1059 Wealthy St SE, 481-6971. fortyacresgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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. gojoethiopiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ THE GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB Not your run-of-the-mill New American fare. Full bar with more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open Tue–Sun. // 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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GROVE Fresh, farm-to-table unique takes on American fare in a presentation unlike most experienced before. Multipletime Grand Rapids Magazine Dining Award winner. Open Wednesday-Saturday // 919 Cherry St SE, groverestaurant.com, (616) 454-1000 Dinner, $$$

LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ MARU SUSHI & GRILL Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$ QUARANTINO’S Detroit-style pizza restaurant offering unique pizza options finished with Satori Wisconsin Parmesan. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 1444 Lake Drive SE, 734-6833. quarantinosgr.com. Dinner $$ THE PUB AT PADDOCK “Happy hour all the time” with elevated pub fare. Full bar. Closed Mondays. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 3562627. thegilmorecollection.com/pubatpaddock. Dinner $-$$ TERRA Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open

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

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daily. // 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WINCHESTER Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in centuryold space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$ BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$ CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$ GASLIGHT KITCHEN ASIAN CUISINE Asian restaurant specializing in Chinese-American dishes. // 2128 Wealthy St. SE, 454-8677, gaslightkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ 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 $-$$ PERA PIZZARIA Pera Pizzaria features several different Mediterranean style pizzas, shish salads and a surprising pizza made with Nutella. // 2224 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4810, perapizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CRESTON BREWERY More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PINK PIGGY A casual contemporary boba and Asian fusion restaurant for dine-in or takeout. Open Tues-Sun. // 2230 Wealthy St. 805-3949, pinkpiggy.online. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

DETROIT WING CO. Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders with 19 house-made sauces. Its menu also includes mac n’ cheese, poutine, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and cheesecake. Detroit Wing Co. was founded in Detroit. Open daily. // 2004 East Beltline Ave. NE, 214-8331. detroitwingco.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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 $$

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 $-$$

Northeast GR 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 $-$$ CAFÉ MAMO An American restaurant inspired by grandma's garden. Classic Midwestern dishes paired with tasty wine in a warm, comfortable setting. Open daily. // 1601 Plainfield Ave. NE, 350-3430. mamohsp.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun) Dinner (Mon-Sat) $-$$ 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 logcabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar.

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Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GAIA HOUSE CAFÉ A neighborhood vegetarian café offering items like the Mean Green Burrito and Gaia cookies, as well as fresh-pressed juices and specialty coffees. Open Wed-Sun for take-out only. // 1553 Plainfield Ave. NE. Visit on Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch. $ GOLDEN WOK Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GRAYDON’S CROSSING Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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

12/11/23 11:02 AM

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HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ JAKU SUSHI Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. // 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 649-0407. jakusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ KITCHEN 67 Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers. Open daily. // 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 272-3778. kitchen67.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LA HUASTECA Authentic Mexican restaurant offering burritos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $ LAI THAI KITCHEN Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar. Open daily. // 2869 Knapp St NE, 608-6912. licarispizzakitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ LUCY’S CAFÉ Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ MAI’S THAI Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $ MILL CREEK TAVERN Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $ POKE TOKI Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available.

Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ PALIO Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ REZERVOIR LOUNGE Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$ RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$ THE SCORE Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SHESHCO GRILL Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$ SHOTS ON THE RIVER Full menu kitchen and bar with 22 taps offering craft and domestic beer options, daily lunch specials, large patio with outdoor seated bar, banquet rooms, numerous TV’s, pool table, and live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday featuring some of West Michigan’s top cover bands. Open daily at 1 p.m. and closed on Sundays. // 5760 West River Drive NE Belmont, 951-6071, info@shotsgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$

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Northwest GR 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 $-$$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 7858880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$ HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet.letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$ 616 KABOB STOP EXPRESS Located near the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $ 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 $$ 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-lacarte taco menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. //

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

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355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standiegogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SWAN INN RESTAURANT Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. // 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ WALKER ROADHOUSE Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 791-9922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $$

Southeast GR 7 MARES Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ AL-BOS EUROCAFE-BAKERY Authentic southeastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials. Open daily. // 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. al-bos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ ASIAN PALACE Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 141 28th St SE, 5347770. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ BELTLINE BAR Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BRASS RING BREWING Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ BROAD LEAF BREWERY & SPIRITS Pub fare including snacks, meat and veggies on a stick and entrées like drunken noodles, burgers, tempeh and more. Open daily. Brunch on Sun. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ CABANA TRES AMIGOS Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CAFÉ DE MIRO A café offering Kurdish, Armenian and Greek foods. Traditional Mediterranean breakfast and side dishes; skillets, scrambles and acai bowls; pastries; toasts; soups; sandwiches; salads; Turkish coffee; tea; desserts; and more. No alcohol. // Breton Village Shopping Plaza, 1878 Breton Rd SE, (616) 719-1462. Facebook. Open daily. Breakfast, Lunch $ CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drive-thru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily. // 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantinamexicangrill.biz. Lunch (Sun-Thu), Dinner $$ DADDY PETE’S BBQ Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EAST GARDEN BUFFET Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 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 $-$$ GANDERS Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ 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 $$

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

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HALL STREET BAKERY Breakfast sandwiches and pastries; pizza, entrée salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ INDIA TOWN Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 GR M AG .CO M

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wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ SIP COFFEE & COCKTAILS Café by day with breakfast bites that transforms into a bustling nighttime cocktail lounge, serving flatbread and appetizers. Closed Sun, hours vary. // 806 Alger St. SE, 805-3517 $$ SUSHI KUNI Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2901 Breton Rd SE, 2414141. sushikuni.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ TACON MADRE Mexican hamburgers, Tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and more with and a variety of proteins (pastor, Barbacoa, birria, tripe, Chicharron, Trompo and more) to choose from. Aguas frescas and other authentic Mexican specialties. // 3501 Division Ave. S. Wyoming, 5700322, taconmadre.com. Lunch, Dinner $ THAI EXPRESS Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $ THAI FUSION Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. // 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VILLAGE INN PIZZA & SPORTS GRILLE Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. // 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $$

Southwest GR 84TH STREET PUB & GRILLE American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar. Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. // 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées, including summer chicken and pea ravioli. Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$ BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. bluegingerkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FAR-EAST CHINESE RESTAURANT Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FRANKIE V’S PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ GOLDEN 28 Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800. Lunch, Dinner $$ 3 GATOS BREWERY German-style beers with Brazilian bar food. Closed Sunday and Monday. // 1760 44th St SW, 307-2215. 3gatosbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$ LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ 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 $-$$ NOBLE RESTAURANT Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ 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 $$

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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, 5302400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area ADA GARAGE BAR & GRILL High quality bar appetizers, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, burgers and a variety of entrees. Plus there's always a $2 draft, a $3 well and a $4 glass of wine every day. // 518 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-3002, adagaragebar.com. 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 $-$$ CORK WINE & GRILLE Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. corkwineandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ THE EURO BISTRO European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$ FLAT RIVER GRILL Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$ JU SUSHI & LOUNGE Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. // 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ LA LAGUNA Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ LITTLE BANGKOK Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items.

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

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MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED LUNCH & DINNER featuring seasonal, farm-to-table dishes 20 W. 8th St. | Holland, MI | waverlystone.com @waverlystonepub

ROMANHOUSEKEY.COM

JANET ROMANOWSKI

616.318.0065

JANET@ROMANHOUSEKEY.COM

GREENRIDGE REALTY 2213 Wealthy St. SE | East Grand Rapids

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(616) 459-5075 www.metalartstudioinc.com 978 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506 (park free in our lot)

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dine / estau ants

Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$ MAIN STREET BBQ Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 9873352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MYNT FUSION BISTRO Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ NOCO PROVISIONS Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch TuesSat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$ NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$ OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$ SABOR MEXICANO Burritos, tortas, quesadillas, quesabirrias, tamales (pork or chicken) and tacos served the authentic way, menu items for kids and more. // 109 Riverside Drive in Lowell, 987-5027. Lunch, Dinner $ SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ SCHNITZ ADA GRILL Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. // 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$ SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THORNAPPLE BREWING CO. Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert. Brunch on Sun. // 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$ VINTAGE PRIME & SEAFOOD Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintageatcork.com. Dinner $$$ ZEYTIN Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 6822222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

Grandville/ Hudsonville Area BANGKOK TASTE Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ EL BURRITO LOCO More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 530-9470. elburritoloco4.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MICHIGAN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY A distillery with starters, sandwiches, salads and sides with a barbecue theme. Many of the items include Bobby Q sauce. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 4005 Chicago Dr SW in Grandville, 259-1000. michiganmoonshine.us. Dinner $$ 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

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and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ WHITE FLAME BREWING CO. Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ THE WIN TAVERN Family-friendly restaurant offering cooked-to-order meals, including starters, salads, burgers, sandwiches & steak. Sunday breakfast, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a buildyour-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

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

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

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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 $$ THE TOASTED PICKLE Handcrafted unique sandwiches, soups, salads, cocktails and more. // 17 Squires St Square NE, 8840498.thetoastedpickle.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Multiple Locations ANNA’S HOUSE Retro-style diner with a menu that caters to guests with a wide variety of dietary needs; gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Natural, local ingredients are utilized to create tasty classic breakfast entrees, benedicts, house bowls, salads, wraps, sandwiches, fresh-pressed juices, signature coffees, lattes and more. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ BAGEL BEANERY Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 249-9500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FIRST WOK Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ GRAND CONEY Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol.

Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 9303596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $$ HOPCAT Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ MORNING BELLE This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171; 434 Bridge St NW, 855-6907. morningbellebrunch.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$ MR. BURGER Breakfast, burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts. // 2101 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 453-6291; 950 44th St. SW, 538-0363; 1750 44th St. SE 455-8604; 5181 Northland Dr. NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St. SW; 538-4439; 5835 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville, 662-5088. mrburger.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ MUDPENNY Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 2595353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$ TACOS EL CAPORAL Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $ TACOS EL CUÑADO Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ TAMALES MARY Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 18 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007; 1551 Wealthy St. SE, 724-4269. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE Italian fare, pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 7731687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ VITALE’S PIZZERIA Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from family recipes and a wide variety of American fare; burgers, subs, entrées and appetizers. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales.com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-5011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $ 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 $

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

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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 $

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gr gems / histo y

During the post WWII economic boom, Caberfae became Michigan’s largest winter sports area and was known as the Midwest Ski Capital.

An Alpine Oasis Historic ski destination boasts the highest elevation in the Lower Peninsula BY LISA ENOS

Caberfae Peaks, the closest destination ski resort to Grand Rapids, is also one of the country’s oldest, now in its 86th season. From atop its 1,561-foot North Peak (the highest elevation in the Lower Peninsula) one can take in a view that is truly a sight to behold, as if all of creation is laid out before you. When built, it was the first ski area in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and only the fourth destination ski resort in the entire country. The idea for the ski area was spearheaded in the 1930s by a group of volunteers from Grand Rapids and Indiana. Like many major building projects of Great Depression 96

era, it was made possible, in part, by FDR’s New Deal. The Civilian Conservation Corps provided the manpower to build the lodge at Caberfae and its first ski run opened in 1937, operating as a nonprofit venture. A rope tow powered by a Ford Model A car engine pulled skiers up the first of many runs. Caberfae was off to a good start! An easy one-and-a-half-hour drive up U.S. 131 from Grand Rapids the resort offers alpine skiing (groomed trails and backcountry slopes), 10 miles of cross-country skiing, equipment rental, a pro shop, a 39-room lodge with an outdoor heated pool, and several on-site dining and snacking options. In the summertime, it doubles as a golf resort with some of the most competitive pricing and best views around. Well worth the trip. caberfaepeaks.com

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By the numbers: • Caberfae Peaks has 5 lifts, 27 ski runs, and 10 miles of crosscountry ski trails • It's 105 miles away from Grand Rapids • Has an elevation of 1,561 feet (highest in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula) • Was one of the first four destination ski resorts in the country • Was the second ski area in Michigan, the first in the Lower Peninsula • Michigan is home to 40 ski resorts, 26 of which are in the Lower Peninsula • 37 U.S. states have operating ski areas, with a total 480 nationwide

SKIING COURTESY CABERFAE PEAKS

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World of Winter 2024 Largest Winter Festival in the U.S.

@worldofwintergr worldofwintergr.com

Over 100 Art Installations Ice Sculptures and Events

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FIND YOUR

WINTER HERE.

Winter is the perfect time to sneak away for a rejuvenating getaway to Pure Ludington. Whether you are a winter enthusiast looking for outdoor activities that will enliven you like taking on snow-covered trails on a fat-tire bike, or just looking for a recharging getaway to reconnect and enjoy good food and craft beer, there is a place for you here. Don't hide from winter. Make plans to embrace all that a Pure Ludington winter has to offer!

PURELUDINGTON.COM

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