Grand Rapids Magazine July/August 2023

Exactly where you should be.

When

PLAY WAY

L. Hampton Photography

L. Hampton Photography

L. Hampton Photography

LISTENING LAWN

LIVE MUSIC OUTDOORS AT STUDIO PARK

TICKETS: THEMIDTOWNGR.COM

PHOTOGRAPH BY STACY FEYER-SALO

every issue

10 editor's letter

91 dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

104 GR gems

This 'Boy' band played where?

people + places

14 city

Fireworks, pickleball and parades...oh my!

15 guide

A list of farmers markets and some fungus among us.

16 voice

Plumfield indy bookstore blossoms in Ada Village.

18 spotlight

'Keen' citizens of Grand Rapids' music scene release EP.

19 issues

At the pool, on the beach or any place there's water – safety first!

20 profile

'Event' Pittman? Meet the city's office of special events manager.

look + feel

24 style

Tatted up and taking names –Artist/singer serious about style.

25 experience

Creston: Cool neighborhood also identifies as funky.

28 home

Post-renovation bliss, just like having a baby...really.

30 wellness

When PTSD hit home, this vet hit back with a book and a promise.

32 expert

The ABCs of CBD – What are its uses and is it safe?

food + drink

76 table

MDRD: Can't top the tapas at this luxurious & lavish Spanish gem.

80 must-try

Imported ingredients add authenticity at Colombian café.

82 on-the-go

Eatery on the fast track to success takes 'to-go' to a whole new level.

83 cheers

A hard kombucha convert; from hazy to crazy for kombucha!

84 create

Glam up that picnic basket. It's not just for sandwiches anymore!

Editorial

Managing Editor: Lisa Enos

Contributors: Ann Byle, Pat Evans, Margaretha Heidel, Kelley Miller, Matthew Rothenberg, Pasha Shipp, Gil Stansell, Clayton Trutor

Design

Creative Director: Lindsay Richards

Art Director: Keagan Coop

Senior Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel

Contributors: Mike Buck, Michelle Cuppy, Bryan Esler, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Amanda Kamppinen, David Sparks, Tylee Shay

Sales

General Inquiries: (616) 459-4545; advertising@hour-media.com

Account Executives: Nick Irwin, Maddy Gill, Haylee Mozug

Production

Production Director: Jenine Knox

Senior Production Coordinator: Jill Berry

Production Artist: Jonathan Boedecker

Advertising Coordinators: Helena Hill, Amanda Kozlowski

Graphic Designers: Jim Bibart, Kathryn Dave

Web

Digital Director: Nick Britsky

Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo

Digital Development Specialists: Jim Bowser, Marissa Jacklyn, Luanne Lim, Kevin Pell

IT Director: Jeremy Leland

Circulation

Audience Development Director: Gerilyn Wilson

Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers

Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247

Marketing

Marketing & Events Manager: Jodie Svagr

Marketing & Events Coordinator: Jaime Presnail

Communications & Events Lead: Cathleen Francois

Marketing & Events Interns: Morgan Barbat, Delia Bechmann, Natalie Brooks, Julia Tatone, Yessica Villarruel

Administration

Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki

Publishing and Sales Coordinator: Mikala Bart

Assistant Office Manager: Natasha Bajju

Senior Accounting Associate: Andrew Kotzian

Accounting Associates: Samantha Dick, Austin Schmelzle

CEO: Stefan

President: John Balardo

Next issue

All About the Arts

Best new bars & restaurants Tying the knot

Walking on sunshine

I don’t know about you but in the summertime I come alive. Like a bear exiting her winter den, I’m ready for an adventure! Whether it’s kayaking one of our mighty rivers, or body surfing along the shore of the Big Lake, this is my time to go out and explore God’s country. I don’t hesitate to jump in the car on a Saturday morning and drive 100 miles for some lakeside seclusion or other off-the-beaten-path fun.

I grew up on the shore and am eager to share some tips on a few dreamy daytrips you may not know about. The only problem with heading out of town is figuring out which amazing event the city of Grand Rapids has planned that I’ll be missing: A dragon boat race? A Taco and Tequila Festival?

We talk at length in this issue with City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events Manager Evette Pittman about what goes into planning the summer’s big events and how she keeps them all running smoothly. Ann Byle does a deep dive on Creston, interviwing neighborhood ambassador Tommy Allen, who created the hashtag art project, #KeepCrestonFunky.

Pat Evans fills us in on what it’s like to dine at the marvelous MDRD, situated high in the sky on 27th floor of the Amway Grand, and, as always, we examine a lesser-known eatery to provide guidance for the next time you’re in the mood for something new.

I’ll keep it brief, because we only have so much time before the leaves begin to change. As always, feel free to reach out. I’m really loving all the new people I’ve connected with over the past six months. Keep the love coming!

Lisa Enos Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

Gil Stansell

LE: Gil, you’re from a renowned West Michigan musical family. What can you share about your experience with the music scene in Grand Rapids?

GS: I was fortunate to have attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, where classical concert attendance was part of the experience. As an unappreciative teenager, I found listening to symphonies downright snooze worthy. I’ve since come to appreciate classical music, and especially the majesty of taking in the stately performance of music written hundreds of years ago. This past year, no piece affected me as much as Mozart’s Requiem. The Grand Rapids Symphony was truly deserving of the standing ovation received after a masterful rendition of this piece. It is impossible to put into words why I was so moved by the piece. No matter how good your speakers are, nothing compares to the dynamics and beauty of hearing this piece played live.

Celebrate the date! CITY

Fourth of July festivities & pro pickleball accentuate summer

BY LISA ENOS

Independence Day Celebrations

Grand Rapids’ 2023

Independence Day celebrations will start off with a bang Saturday July 1. Fireworks are scheduled for that evening and can be best viewed at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.

On Tuesday, July 4th, Michigan’s longest-running Independence Day parade, the Hollyhock Lane Parade, takes place in the Ottawa Hills Neighborhood. For nearly ninety years, this parade has been a tradition.

Participants line up at 8 a.m. and the parade begins at 8:30 a.m. Ceremonies following the parade are held in Hollyhock Lane, between Calvin and Giddings Avenues. According to the neighborhood association website: “A great jazz combo, coffee and cookies for the adults and popsicles for the kids, cash prizes for the best kids’ floats, some patriotic sing-alongs and a short address on an appropriate topic provide an opportunity for neighbors to gather, chat and reflect on the real meaning of the day.”

Beer City Open Pickleball Tourney

The Beer City Open Pickleball Championships will be held July 18–23 at Belknap Park, 30 Coldbrook St NE. The 2023 Beer City Open is expected to be the largest iteration in the event’s history, with more than 900 athletes from 36 states and six countries competing for $100,000 in prize money.

“This is the first year that the Beer City Open will host Professional Pickleball Association Tour Pro Players, making our tournament the first independent pickleball event of the year to have all professional players in attendance,” said Andrea Remynse Koop, Beer City Open tournament director.

We’re number five!

A blog called Bonus finder recently completed an extensive study on the best party cities. Grand Rapids placed fifth on the list of the best party cities in the Great Lakes region and 48th best party city in the nation. Detroit placed 76 out of 101 and Atlantic City, New Jersey came in first place. The company compared more than one hundred destinations in 11 categories: music events, bars, nightclubs, late night food venues, hotels, casinos, strip clubs, average price of a drink, average price of a hotel room, average taxi cost from the airport to the city center and time of last call at the bar.

Grand Rapids scored high due to its affordable drink, hotel and taxi prices. Data was calculated using US Census Bureau figures and other sources like Eventbrite, Yelp, Tripadvisor and Ride Guru.

Finding farmers markets near you!

Fulton Street Market celebrated its hundredth anniversary in 2022. Located in a purpose-built setting at 1145 Fulton St. E. in Grand Rapids, this time-honored traditional farmers market supports hundreds of businesses throughout the West Michigan community. The market is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m.2 p.m. through Oct. 31. Fruits, veggies, dairy, meat, snacks, prepared food, handmade arts and crafts, desserts and more can be found at this market. Art at the Market, featuring handmade items from more than 100 artisan vendors, takes place on July 9 & Aug. 13. A summer rummage sale is scheduled for July 30, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Celebrate BIPOC vendors on Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m. with live music and delicious food.

For the second year in a row, the organizers of the East Grand Rapids Farm-to-Fork Market are inviting community members to "come have breakfast and shop." The weekly market is held each Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., in the parking lot of St. Stephen Church, 723 Rosewood St SE Join these vendors and more: Bagel Kitchen, Browers Flowers, Mix, The Doughnut Experience, 1st Micro Greenery, Happy Hog Farm, The Cheese People of Grand Rapids, Mycophile's Garden and Nutcase Vegan.

Kentwood Farmers Market takes place rain or shine every Thursday behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE, 4:30-7:30 p.m. through Sept. 7. "Whether you're looking to find fresh produce or your new favorite band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series have something for everyone," said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director.

Georgetown Township Farmers Market is held Mondays, 4-8 p.m. at the Georgetown Township Public Library, 1525 Baldwin St., in Jenison through Aug. 28. In addition to live music and family programming, as well as food trucks, there will be fresh produce, meats, baked goods and more.

Ada Farmers Market is held each Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in The Community Church parking lot, 7239 Thornapple River Drive, through Tuesday, Oct. 31.

A Really Fun Guy?

Mushroom growing and identification classes here in GR!

The Mycophile's Garden is a Grand Rapids based mushroom farm and wild mushroom foraging service that was started by Chris Swinson, CFO. In this case, CFO stands for Chief Fungal Officer. A State of Michigan Certified Mushroom Expert, Swinson describes himself as “quite a fun, kind soul.” He conducts classes, sells at markets, produces, harvests and – along with his partner Jess Phillips – performs all the other day-to-day tasks required of mushroom growing, gathering and distribution. A host of other family members, in-laws and other mushroom enthusiasts round out the team.

BY LISA ENOS

If visiting a farmers market doesn’t fit in your schedule, but you still want to get in on the farm fresh produce West Michigan has to offer then maybe West Michigan Farmlink is for you. Farmlink is an online marketplace where local buyers can purchase local foods from one convenient website. Visit wmfarmlink.com or phone (616) 318-7395.

The grower’s mushrooms can be found at farmers markets, restaurants and shops throughout West Michigan and as far east as Lansing. Mycophile's Garden presents classes at its Grand Rapids facility...except during the summer farmers market season. Then, they take the show on the road. Catch Swinson and his team at Speciation Cellars 928 Wealthy St. SE, On Aug. 3 where he will present a Mushroom Cultivation Class and, on Aug. 17, a Mushroom Identification Class. The fun takes place 7 - 9 p.m. More information on a myriad of mushroom products–including growing kits, T-shirts, and mushroom jerky– can be found at mycophile.org.

Find Waldo in Ada!

July 1-29

Plumfield Books is hosting a month-long scavenger hunt to find Waldo in 25 local businesses. A six-inch Waldo is hidden in the participating retail stores, restaurants, banks and more in Ada, with players given a “Find Waldo Local” stamp card. Businesses stamp the card when the participant finds Waldo.

Prizes are awarded throughout the month at the bookstore, and on July 29

Plumfield Books will host a Find Waldo party featuring refreshment and prizes.

Find Waldo Local launched in 2012, with hundreds of indie bookstores and local businesses across the nation participating in the annual scavenger hunt.

VOICE

Fielding questions about good books

An interview with Plumfield Books owner Amy Squires

BY ANN BYLE // PHOTOS BY TYLEE SHAY

Amy Squires opened the doors to Plumfield Books on Sept. 10, 2022. What was once a liquor store is now a thriving, independent bookstore in the heart of Ada that draws readers of all ages to its bright, open spaces and loads of glorious books. Squires answers a few questions about the store and her plans for Plumfield Books.

GR Mag: What made you decide to open a bookstore in the first place? AS: I’ve always loved reading, plus I’d worked at home for so long as a landscape designer. I like talking to people! Also, my three kids are in a Spanish immersion program and I saw a huge need for Spanish-language books for all reading levels. I wanted to encourage all kids to read.

GR Mag: What kinds of books and other products do you sell? AS: We have about 7,000 titles for adults and children at any one time in our 2,200 square feet. We feature a lot of fiction titles, bestsellers and new releases, a good amount of nonfiction, manga titles, YA fiction, Spanish-language books for young readers, and lots of children’s books. We also sell wine, art supplies, puzzles, socks, stuffed animals and art from local artists on consignment.

GR Mag: What is the hardest thing about owning a bookstore? AS: I want to make sure I have a diverse enough selection and enough titles, especially if it’s a genre I don’t read a lot, so I try to pay attention to what people are ordering or asking about. It’s common knowledge that bookstores aren’t moneymakers—most booksellers do it for the love of books and reading, not to get rich. But I sell enough to pay my five part-time employees,

do some extra, fun things for the store, and help support our community by donating gift cards or books.

GR Mag: What are your dreams for Plumfield Books? AS: I want to grow our programming and our community involvement, build collaborations with schools through things like book fairs, and hold more events featuring both local and visiting authors. I also dream about poetry readings, puzzle competitions, and have a lot of requests about selling used books.

GR Mag: Tell us about some of the things you’re doing now at Plumfield Books. AS: We have our Book & Bottle Book Club, in which we pair a book and wine; the Book Stack Book Chat in which we discuss a number of books at a time, plus we have author events. Chelsea O’Leary discusses her new cookbook The Wiley Canning Company Cookbook on July 1 and Susie Finkbeiner will talk about her new novel The All-American on July 18.

GR Mag: What is the best thing about owning a bookstore? AS: I love talking to people about authors and books, and talking about their favorite books. And I love seeing kids come in who are excited about books. It’s great to see the next generation excited about books.

(Top) Retail and reading areas at Plumfield Books.

(Bottom) Books available in Spanish are among the 7,000 available for adults and children at the Ada bookstore.

Amy Squires would like to grow the store's programming and community involvement by collaborating with area schools.

Collaborative Citizens

Americana rock band Citizen Keen releases new EP

BY GIL STANSELL // PHOTO BY MICHELLE CUPPY

Chances are, if you’ve lived in Grand Rapids for a while you’ve heard “Citizen Keen” (formerly “The Four Lincolns”) play. One of Grand Rapids’ oldest bands, together since 1996, Citizen Keen describes their sound as rock band Americana, intersecting where rock and country meet, with a distinct blues feel.

The band recently released a four-song EP with Mackinac Harvest at Michael Crittendon’s studio in Grand Rapids. Their music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, prime, or basically anywhere people get their music.

Citizen Keen is mostly made up of family who have a lot of fun together, including lead singer, Sarah Keen, her husband and lead guitarist, Paul Keen, Paul’s stepbrother and bassist, Charley VanPortfliet (the ‘step twins’) and drummer Ricardo Ramirez.

Sarah Keen describes the band’s songwriting process as a collaborative effort, stemming from her lyrics, while husband, Paul, supplies the music. The recent release “Love and Kindness” stands out with its blend of acoustic guitar, soulful lead guitar solo, and compelling vocals. Keen explained how the song was inspired after attending a six-week meditation course at the GR center for mindfulness. After receiving instructions to “imagine herself as a child, and then to meditate on what that child would say to you,” this soulful song with a mellow vibe was born.

“The Search,” also found in their recently released four-song EP, blends a spoken word bridge with a darker electric guitar feel, and a plea to listeners to stand up and question violence. Thoughtful Lyrics and specific themes attached to their songs set Citizen Keen apart from other bands in the genre.

With singer Sarah Keen’s catchy, powerful lyrics and yearning vocals leading the way, a wall of sound supplied by warm, urgent acoustic guitar and emphatic electric guitar solos deepening the dimension of their music, Citizen Keen is a must-see home-grown Grand Rapids favorite.

For Rock fans, the recently released tracks mark a welcome return to West Michigan’s music scene.

Check them out on Aug. 12 at St. Julian’s outdoor tasting room, located at 4425 14 Mile Rd. NE in Rockford.

Citizen Keen at Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill. Seated, from left, are Ricardo Ramirez, Sarah Keen, Paul Keen, and Charley VanPortfliet.

ISSUES

Top tips for water safety

BY KELLEY

Summers in Michigan can be beautiful and fun filled. For many families this includes lots of time in or near the water. Whether it be a backyard pool, a community center, or any of our gorgeous lakes and beaches, water safety should always be a top priority for parents and caregivers. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children between the ages of 1-4 and the third leading cause of death for all children under the age of 19. No matter how comfortable or confident children of all ages seem in the water, steps to prevent tragedy should always be taken. With some simple tips, parents and caregivers can be best prepared to keep children safe.

Children and adults enjoy Briggs Park Pool, located at 350 Knapp St. NE, in Grand Rapids.

What are the top tips for water safety?

Watch children when they are in the water. Younger children and weak swimmers should always be within arm’s reach of an adult and older more confident swimmers should always remain in pairs and never swim alone. Assign a “water watcher.” When there are many people present, it is easy to assume that someone else is supervising swimmers. A designated adult should always be chosen to keep an eye on all kids in the water. Switch out the “water watcher” every 15-20 minutes to keep eyes fresh and focused. Teach children how to swim. Enroll children in swim lessons that are appropriate for age, development and how often they are in or near water. Children should learn and know five important water survival skills. These include: stepping or jumping into the water over their head and return to the surface, turning around in water to orient to safety, float and/or tread water, combine breathing with forward movement in the water and exiting the water.

Children should know that swimming in open water is much different than swimming in a pool. Open water brings additional challenges such as limited visibility, depth, currents and undertow.

What should my children wear? When swimming in open water or boating, children should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Young children or weak swimmers should keep a life jacket on any time they are near water. Brightly colored swimwear such as neon or fluorescent colors can also help keep children visible while in the water. Avoid blues, black, grey, white or any other color that can blend well in the water.

Is there anything else I can do to be prepared? Basic water rescue skill and CPR is valuable lifesaving information that anybody can benefit from, especially parents and caregivers of young children.

Kelley Miller is an injury prevention coordinator at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

The leading cause of death for kids ages 1-4 is drowning. Take steps to prevent it.

MILLER

No matter how comfortable or confident children of all ages seem in the water, steps to prevent tragedy should always be taken.

Like A Boss

Pittman's office oversaw more than 650 events in 2022 and she's asking for more!

BY PASHA SHIPP // PHOTOS BY MIKE BUCK

Organizing an event in Grand Rapids is no easy feat. There’s the coordination of vendors, the procuring of permits, and orchestrating street closures just to name a few of the many boxes that often need to be checked for an event to be a success. Whether it’s an elaborate festival, a city-wide race, or an afternoon of jazz in the park, the Office of Special Events is here to help make visiting and living in Grand Rapids a fun and engaging experience.

While there are many folks at the helm of any given event working tirelessly to get it off the ground, there’s one person who you can bet has a hand in dotting the “I's” and crossing the “T's,” and that’s Grand Rapids Office of Special Events Manager Evette Pittman. From acting as a liaison between event planners and various departments in the city, to overseeing administrative and logical needs, Pittman does it all.

“I love working with the different event organizers and all the diverse events that occur here in the city of Grand Rapids,” she said. “It always puts a smile on my face when I see people out in the community having a good time enjoying their community. As we’re working with different event organizers and as we’re planning our own events, I want to make sure that we are creating something for everyone within the city of Grand Rapids, so no one can say, ‘Well, there’s nothing to do,’ I want them to say, ‘There’s plenty to do.’”

City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events Manager Evette Pittman

Of course, the city doesn’t plan all events in Grand Rapids. In fact, most events are brought to the community by people who have an idea, but Pittman's office takes an active role in bringing it to life. The events planned through her office are usually designed to fill a need that might not be met elsewhere, like collaborating with other organizations to bring new life to city parks, for example.

“We partnered with the library a few years ago and the Grand Rapids African American Art and Music Festival,” Pittman said. “There were some things that were happening at Martin Luther King Park. I reached out to them and said, ‘When parks are activated, folks that are doing things that we don’t necessarily want them to do at the park take that elsewhere.’ Working with those entities, GRPL and Grand Rapids African American Arts and Music Festival, we do family fun days,” she continued. “They’re the third Thursday every month from 6 to 8 (p.m.). We bring all kinds of free resources; they’ll get free dinner; we’ll have free entertainment; there’s going to be tons of stuff for them to do.”

And it’s more than fun activities and free entertainment – last year, they partnered with Wolverine Worldwide on a back-to-school event and gave away school supplies and 100 pairs of shoes to kids in the community.

“Last year when we were giving away those shoes, oh, my goodness,” Pittman said. “There were so many kids that said, ‘This is my first pair of new shoes; I always get handme-downs.’ it’s just such a beautiful thing to be out there. I hope anyone that reads this article, if they want to partner with us and be a part of those events, just give me a call or an email and they can bring out whatever it is that they would like to give away or whatever resources they have for the community, and we would love to have them be a part.”

Over the past several years, more and more events that celebrate diverse people and cultures have been finding a home in Grand Rapids. And of all the events Pittman plans, those are some of her favorites.

“It’s those community events,” she said. “I love the big splashy ones just like everybody else, but it’s so beautiful when we have our cultural festivals and our community events, because you see folks that don’t necessarily look like what you normally see downtown Grand Rapids, and they’re here and they’re enjoying their city. It’s not just being a welcoming city but being a belonging city where everyone feels like they belong and

this is their city,” she continued. “That’s what those cultural events and those community events do in our community parks. I love all of them. From Asian Pacific Festival to Glimpse of Africa to Polish Fest or the Hispanic Festival, it’s just always so beautiful to see the culture, the foods, the clothing, the way they dance or celebrate, to hear the music–it really helps to broaden who Grand Rapids is and how we’re viewed.”

The city is also home to marathons and runs of all kinds. The Color Run, Amway Riverbank Run, and She Runs Grand Rapids are just a few of events that drive thousands of people to the city, and these big, complex races are some of the most complicated ones to coordinate.

“Grand Rapids has become such a vibrant and bustling city that when we need to close roads for an extended amount of time so that we can get thousands of people running in these races, that affects our restaurants, and it affects our hotels, and it affects our merchants,” Pittman said. “But it’s also a beautiful way for people who maybe don’t ever come downtown to see what there is downtown. They’re like, ‘Oh, look at that new restaurant; I didn’t even know it was here.’ Oftentimes when they come, they’re just going specifically to Rosa Parks circle for an event. But if they come to participate in a marathon or a half marathon or a 10K or 5K, they get to run throughout the city and they get to see beautiful scenic spots, gorgeous, well-maintained parks, new restaurants and businesses, or they get to see old favorites.”

The city hosted nearly 650 events last year, but Pittman is adamant–if you don’t find what you’re looking for on the events calendar, let her office know.

“There’s plenty to choose from,” she said. “Look at our calendar found at grandrapidsmi.gov, and then you go to events and activity calendar and you’re going to find something to do. If you don’t find something to do, then you create the fun. You can give our office a call, or you can email us at specialevents@grcity.us. Just reach out to us and we will help you create your fun.”

We had to know what event Pittman would bring to Grand Rapids if she could take her pick. Her answer? A flash mob.

“I think that the first one was fantastic,” she said. “It actually helped put Grand Rapids on the map. It answered back a negative article that said we were not a great place to live, and it answered back and said, ‘Hey, you know, we’re not going to take it; we’re going to show you that we are a fantastic place and great things happen.’ The city has changed so much in ten years; we have ArtPrize and we have so many more cultural events that go on in the city. I feel like we need to showcase that and show folks that–a decade later and look at us thrive.”

“There's plenty to choose from... Look at our calendar... If you don't find something to do, then you create the fun. You can give our office a call, or you can email us... Just reach out to us and we will help you create your fun.”

Evette Pittman

City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events Manager Evette Pittman walks outside Civic Auditorium. Pittman's office was responsible for over 650 events in 2022.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID SPARKS

Viva Lokella!

Artist expounds on the origins of her style

BY PASHA SHIPP // PHOTO BY MICHELLE CUPPY

Jennifer Bartlett is a Jill-of-all-trades. She’s an accomplished makeup artist and hair stylist who specializes in creative color, turning her customers into vibrant works of art. She’s a parttime burlesque performer and the lead singer of the West Michigan-based alternative rock group, Lokella. She’s also a poet and emphatic lover of dogs – two Boxers, a Pomeranian and a merle Poodle make up her puppy squad. She does it all while sporting a variety of fashion-forward, unique looks (and hair colors). Bartlett shares more about her style and what it means to her.

GR Mag: What do your tattoos mean to you and your self-expression? JB: I fell in love with piercings and tattoos from a young age when I associated body modifications with non-conformity. I was acutely aware of the stereotype that my looks placed me into –quiet, blonde bookworm girl who was possibly easy to manipulate. Internally, I was rebellious and desperately wanted nothing to do with the status quo. So, despite everyone telling me not to, I dove into a world of subculture that felt much more accepting. I figured, if I'm going to be an outcast, it's going to be my decision. Each piercing and tattoo went on to mark my independence and in turn, it connected me to so many more like-minded individuals.

GR Mag: How do you express your style in other areas of your life? JB: Growing up with a father who loves remodeling and a mother who has a knack for beautifying her spaces, I fell in love with the idea of creating a home that fit around my visions instead of looking for ways to belong in the world. Witnessing their DIY projects, in 2019 I finally decided I wanted to try my hand at making a great house a home that I felt a strong connection to. In doing so, my self-expression transferred to home projects and the reward has been greater than I could have dreamt, even despite some expensive hard lessons I’ve learned along the way. Now it’s hard to ever want to leave our house that feels like an extension of everything I have learned and everything that I am.

GR Mag: How would you describe your go-to look? JB: More times than not, my look is unapproachable gothic-museum director –all black, high heels, turtleneck, glasses and an expression that says, "You can look but please don't touch or speak." Then the fun part happens; I smile and open up and watch people become surprised by how warm and welcoming I actually am.

"Each piercing and tattoo went on to mark my independence and in turn, it connected me to so many more likeminded individuals."

Jennifer Bartlett

Jennifer Bartlett relaxes with her four canines: Violet, Ruby, Slater and Pearl.

Creston: The next Eastown?

As long as it stays funky...

BY ANN BYLE // PHOTOS BY TYLEE SHAY

Historic homes and in-progress apartments; pubs in place for generations and trendy new eateries; walking trails and playgrounds. The Creston Neighborhood, largest in Grand Rapids, is full to its edges with all this and more.

This vibrant section of the city borders the Grand River on the west, Leonard Street on the south and 4 Mile Road on the north, and a winding eastern edge, with Plainfield Avenue cutting diagonally through the middle. With 27,000 households and numerous businesses, Creston Neighborhood offers “a microcosm of the economy,” according to Gregg Hampshire, executive director of the Creston Neighborhood Association.

“Creston Neighborhood is kind of a comeback story after a number of development woes that took place about a decade ago,” said Hampshire, citing attempts to develop areas of the neighborhood that didn’t come to fruition. “Now the Creston Neighborhood is one

Lucy's Café, located at 1747 Plainfield Ave. serves breakfast, lunch and has a full bar.

of the most competitive housing markets in the area.”

The Creston Neighborhood Association incorporated in 1979, in part after neighbors fended off a proposal to develop Briggs Park, just west of Plainfield Avenue at Knapp Street. “We coalesced around Briggs Park,” said Hampshire, who has been with the CNA since April 2022 and has a long history of nonprofit work. “We now work with city government, other neighborhood associations, developers and business leaders. We are on the front line of community development.”

That means working with the 12-member volunteer CNA board, the land use committee made up of residents, organizing community events, developing green initiatives, and looking for ways to make the community better. For board member Kristina Colby, it means leading the Living Green in Creston initiative and organizing the Creston Garden Tour, which takes place July 15 (see sidebar).

Living Green in Creston started as a

Creston Garden Tour

JULY 15 • 9 am-1 pm

The annual Garden Tour features 13 gardens including 11 private residences, the community garden at the CNA headquarters on Carrier Street, and the urban farm New City Neighbors near Leonard Street and Fuller Avenue.

Check at the Community Garden for the free, self-guided tour (car or bike needed) that features kid-friendly games and diverse gardens that range from native grasses and plants to full-scale vegetable production with chickens and ducks.

Visit crestongr.com/ livinggreen.

group of neighbors who liked talking about plants. “Since then the group has evolved to include educational events such as the pollinator garden at Briggs Park, collaborating with other groups to offer workshops and webinars on topics such as rain-scaping and creating chemical free yards, and tours of places such as the waste energy facility,” said Colby.

For longtime Creston Neighborhood resident Tommy Allen, publisher at Rapid Growth Media, a relational aesthetics artist and instigator of the Keep Creston Funky initiative, “Creston is an example of a do-it-together environment instead of do-it-yourself. Regardless of our differences, we’ve found opportunities to work together no matter the issue.”

He sees that spirit work out in community pubs, those tiny neighborhood pubs that “act as connectors,” he said. “The best place to be is a few steps off your front porch, whether that’s a pub or a park or someplace else. We create a neighborhood that starts with saying hello. That’s what makes Creston work.”

The neighborhood is also hard at work bringing in mid-market, market-rate housing. The Lofts on Grove, along Plainfield Avenue, will include 110 housing units and 3,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor. The Hillcrest Apartments at 220 Quimby Street have 72 units. And there is optimism about the RiverNorth development on Monroe Avenue north of Leonard Street, which would add 526 housing units and retail space to the neighborhood.

Businesses also continue to move into Creston. Jon Benedict,

Kingma's Market, 2225 Plainfield Ave. NE, offers flowers for landscaping, local produce and much more. (Opposite page) Gaia House Café, a revived vegetarian café, is now located at 1553 Plainfield Ave. NE.

with co-owners Kyle Warren and Sam Keuning, are opening Good Good Good, a retail wine and floral shop, in the dilapidated building at Sweet Street and Plainfield Avenue they are in the process of renovating. Benedict’s co-owners grew up in the area and all live in Creston; the trio purchased the building before area housing costs soared.

“We knew that Creston was growing in a positive direction,” said Benedict, who hopes to open Good Good Good before the Lights on Creston event in December. “Everyone is so engaged in the community.”

That engagement translates into long-term commitment and plans for the neighborhood. While a number of storefronts remain empty, Colby is optimistic about Creston’s future. “I envision people walking and riding their bikes all the time and every storefront full. And we are really having a movement toward native plantings; I envision a lot more of that,” she said, also highlighting weekly neighborhood walks, monthly evening walks, and group bike rides.

Allen also sees much potential for growth as the city welcomes more people. “Creston has the opportunity to become a business corridor, but I hope it remains funky. It’s an interesting community that acknowledges your ability to be you,” he said. “I see a lot of people accessing Creston from the inside and outside, but ultimately it’s a place to feel at home.”

Hampshire, the CNA executive director, dreams of increased accessibility for all to bus lines, bike trails, broadband, health care, and mental and behavioral health care resources. He dreams of a more equitable community as far as housing, food availability, and businesses. Hampshire is proud of Creston’s history of organizing based on advocacy instead of just safety concerns.

“I like to see Creston come from a mindset of how we can address the deficits, how we can collectively make the neighborhood more equitable and accessible,” he said.

“I’ve heard folks say that Creston will be the next Eastown. Maybe, but we will always be uniquely Creston.”

Dine in Creston

Creston Brewery—Features Saugatuck Brewing beers, unique food, cocktails, and a range of events.

Café Mamo—Serves dinner Monday-Saturday based on locally-sourced food, and offers a wide range of beer and wine.

Gaia House Café—Serves vegetarian and vegan fare Wednesday-Sunday.

Lucy’s—Open for breakfast and lunch WednesdaySunday and uses locally-sourced food. River North Public House—Full-service restaurant and bar open Tuesday-Saturday.

Coffee in Creston

Switchback—Serves local coffee and beer, snacks and baked goods, as well as is a full-service bike shop. Live music, too.

Sparrows Coffee—Offers its own coffees, chocolate, treats, and easy access to Kingma’s Market.

Shop in Creston

Kingma’s Market—Locally-produced fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, and a wide variety of grocery items

Renee Austin Wedding—Top designer for wedding dresses and bridal accessories

Kay Pharmacy—Locally owned and operated for generations

Nantucket Baking Company—Cakes, pastries, artisan breads and rolls baked daily

Outside in Creston

Huff Park—Walking trails, natural area, ball diamonds, playground, picnic area

Riverside Park—Walking and biking, ball fields, disc golf course

Aberdeen Park—Splash pad, tennis courts, playground, soccer/baseball/basketball

Briggs Park—Pool, waterslide, concessions, picnic area, playground

New City Farm—Urban farming, CSA program, seasonal café

Worship in Creston

St. Alphonsus Parish—in the Roman Catholic tradition, on Carrier Street.

Berean Baptist Church—at its present location at Coit and Sweet, since 1902.

Creston Church—at 238 Spencer, offers casual, Christian Reformed worship.

New City Church—at 214 Spencer, provides nondenominational Christian worship.

Fun in Creston

GRPL VanBelkum Branch—Permanent home for the branch finally created in 1999 at 1563 Plainfield. Frosty Boy—Seasonal ice cream shop at Plainfield and Ann Street. Also offers vegan, no-dairy and gluten free treats.

Northfield Lanes—Bowl a few games or join a league at the alley on Plainfield Ave.

“Creston has the opportunity to become a business corridor, but I hope it remains funky. It’s an interesting community that acknowledges your ability to be you.”

Tommy Allen

Bottom: Before – The pink-tiled bathroom (see "Bye Bye Little Pink Tile" in the March 2023 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine). Top: After – The bathroom is revamped completely in a new color, Terra Cotta Terrazo.

Postrehab euphoria

BY MARGARETHA HEIDEL // PHOTOS BY DAVID SPARKS

I’ve decided that renovating is a lot like having a kid. More the childbirth part. You go through all this pain and agony, then you have the kid and are so excited about it you forget all you just went through. There is really nothing else in life that tops it. You go around showing off your child to all who will want to meet him, gushing about your little miracle, proud as a peach. Same thing with your renovation. You live for the approval of your vision and hope to hear things like: “Oh however did you come up with that idea?” and “What a marvelous color!” or the holy grail: “I want to do that at my house!” (Didn’t someone say that imitation is the highest form of flattery?) Your secret sauce for interior design gleaned from Pinterest has worked!

I remember having my son – the anticipation, feeling so special and happy about the occasion, then the childbirth part came around. All those little tidbits Mom/AuntMary/Sister Susie never told you, the parts left out to make having a baby a pretty picture. Well, there’s that with renovating, too. Anyone considering it only thinks of the end result – the beautiful new home they will have at the end. The picture of the perfect house in their mind that if you were in fourth grade would have hearts drawn across the top. Face it, you are in love with the idea of it all; the fantastic furnishings where Grandma’s china will be displayed or how

those memories you have always wanted to create will play out in the new space. But, like childbirth, it’s a process and not always a glamorous one.

First off, there’s the idea that it will take less time than it does. It’s so HGTV at the beginning. Tear this down, take that out. Suddenly, everything is bigger and you just know “better” is around the corner, just as quickly as the tear down happened. Ha! Not so fast. There’s plumbing and framing and electrical and numerous other things that come into play and guess what? There is a specialist to hire for every single one of them, all of whom have other things scheduled. Thankfully, there’s Travis (our Project Manager from Bruce Heys Builders) orchestrating the whole thing Leonard Bernstein style. Do NOT do this on your

'Meet our new bundle of joy, Terra Cotta Terrazo!'

own (unless you like punishment).

Back to the little pink tile which you may have read about in March. It’s now gone. Enter Terra Cotta Terrazzo. It’s kind of like the crazy tune, Hernando’s Hideaway in Pajama Game (look it up). But it works and I think the shower nook we created with the most perfect Navajo White crackled subway tile (from Virginia Tile) is simply the greatest, just like my little son’s feet were the day he was born! And the blue bathroom on the main floor, like eyes you can’t stop looking at as they gaze at you. Love at first sight! And the renovation pain itself? A distant memory with most every detail wiped away. What problems? I am sitting on my couch right now in my living room and I can’t remember one (insert child’s drawing with hearts).

"I’ve decided that renovating is a lot like having a kid. More the childbirth part. You go through all this pain and agony, then you have the kid and are so excited about it you forget all you just went through. "

Margaretha Heidel

Left, bottom: Before – The living room, with blue walls. Left, top: After – The author brings the color palate of Upper West Manhattan to her new home in East Grand Rapids.

A Book & a Promise

'From Service to Success' helps Veterans move past the pain and trauma of service

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

If you’ve been in a major city any time over the past couple of decades, there’s a very good chance you’ve seen someone on a street corner asking for money while holding a “Homeless Veteran” sign. You may have wondered to yourself what could have happened to this person – presumably once young and fit – to have landed them in such a terrible situation. At one point he or she must have had the wherewithal to rise at the crack of dawn, engage in rigorous calisthenics, probably run miles at a time, march in time, handle weapons, climb ropes, rappel, etc. And that was just boot camp!

Chances are these individuals are suffering from some symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A new book written by Grand Rapids businessman and Air Force Veteran Bob Taylor explores the

reasons behind PTSD and, perhaps more importantly, serves as a resource guide for veterans who are having difficulty transitioning to civilian life.

The reasons for PTSD are numerous and include everything from having been an eyewitness to the horrific brutality of war to survivor’s guilt after a “brother” perished, or simply feeling a lack of purpose and loss of status after having been a member of a group on an important mission.

In his book, “From Service to Success: New Mission, New Purpose and a New Journey to a Great Life,” Taylor writes:

“The returning soldier is no longer part of a group bound together by a clear sense of purpose, familiar rituals, and shared experiences. Relationships forged under fire cannot easily be recreated in the modern world or even understood by anyone who has not been in combat. This is especially pronounced in the modern era of warfare, when such a tiny percentage of the population is actively engaged in America’s conflicts.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, statistics on veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom show that as many as 29% will have PTSD at some point in their lives. “From Service to Success,” states that nearly half of the veterans leaving the military report some level of PTSD symptoms, and that only a portion of them realize they have issues. Even fewer decide to seek help from the VA. A shocking 22 per day commit suicide. As many as 640 veterans per day attempt suicide, and every day 5,500 veterans consider it. Over the past ten years, more than 60,000 veterans have taken their own lives.

With these heart wrenching statistics in mind, it’s somewhat of a relief that Taylor is doing his part to shed light on the issue. CEO and founder of a trio of healthcare product companies, Taylor has created the Patriot Promise Foundation, a non-profit venture run entirely by veterans, offering them the ability to learn new skills in the workplace while also learning to enhance their lives. His new book serves as the cornerstone of the foundation, with a multifaceted set of lessons aimed at helping vets find a new mission and lead a purposefilled life after serving in the military.

“They fear the anger they struggle to control,” Taylor writes. “Without knowing it, these isolated and disconnected veterans are already part of a tribe, a community filled with veterans with similar experiences.”

Throughout the text, Taylor reaches deep

Bob Taylor stands in front of a display of military regalia at his company headquarters, located at 2140 Oak Industrial Dr. NE in Grand Rapids.

WELLNESS

inside himself to share his own battle with PTSD. More than a “how-to” manual, as the title may suggest, the book also contains firsthand accounts by a number of other veterans who provide details of their PTSD manifestations and relay stories of their paths to recovery. Taylor maintains that focusing on gratitude is one of the main ways to start to overcome PTSD. Selfforgiveness, creativity and learning to focus on others helps the process.

One of the greatest challenges Taylor faced in his own life came as he was transitioning from an Air Force career he loved to becoming a family man. About six months after he left the service, Taylor began to have horrific, violent nightmares. The kind that keep you up at night. The kind that turn you into an irritable insomniac.

“The dreams were vivid, violent, and raw, as if they were happening,” Taylor said. “I was just terrified.”

An excerpt from the book states:

“The nightmares started out of nowhere about six months after I returned home. They weren’t Friday the 13th type of nightmares. They were very real, very detailed, and in living color. Intense violence filled these dreams. Though I was in the Air Force, my nightmares included hand-to-hand combat where I would end up killing someone in an extremely gory way. Sometimes I would get shot in the head while I was hiding behind a barrier. I could feel the blood running down my face. But, I also experienced what our enemies might have known when we flew over, seeing our bombs exploding and a nuclear bomb detonating nearby. My reactions while asleep would frighten my wife, whether physical or vocal. It was a scary time.”

Taylor had flown eleven combat missions during Operation Desert Storm (Aug. 2,

1990 – Feb. 28, 1991) as a flight navigator. U.S. President George H.W. Bush declared a cease-fire after 42 days of relentless attacks. The war may have lasted only 42 days, but Taylor dealt with the impact for more than 30 years. And he experienced the gaps in veteran care firsthand.

“There are organizations that help Wounded Warriors, help with education, and they do wonderful work,” said Taylor. “But I haven’t found a program that treats the whole person, puts them on the right path," he said. Another excerpt from his book states:

“…my greatest regret is that I did not seek help sooner. I waited for the same reasons most veterans delay…I tried to fix things myself. I thought I had everything handled. Admitting that you have mental struggles can be embarrassing. So, I decided to write about that aspect of my life to point out that it’s ok to share. You’re not alone. A light shines at the end of the tunnel. Some amazing people have dedicated their lives to helping veterans.”

Realizing that there were gaps that needed to be filled in helping veterans make the transition to civilian life, Taylor hired a book architect and started his foundation. After six years of research and writing, the book came together and was released in May 2023.

In the interim, Taylor has found other ways of coping with his PTSD. Earlier this year, Taylor took part in an experimental research trial in Chicago at a facility that uses psychedelic substances in conjunction with tones and music to treat PTSD. And the results were remarkable. To prepare for the trial, he was instructed to stop taking his SSRI prescription. “I still had depression and irritability on SSRIs. After treatment all of my depression and anxieties were washed away,” Taylor said. “I’m excited about the possibilities.”

Bob Taylor is the CEO, founder, and owner of Alliant Healthcare Products, Alliant Biotech, and Medisurge – the Alliant Family of Companies located at 2140 Oak Industrial Dr. NE in Grand Rapids, MI. Since 2002, his verified Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Business has sold over $750 million in healthcare products to the VA and military hospitals all over the world. Learn more about Patriot Promise Foundation at patriotpromise.org.

“Admitting that you have mental struggles can be embarrassing. You’re not alone. A light shines at the end of the tunnel.”

Bob Taylor

A collection of Patriot Promise items, with Bob Taylor's new book, "From Service to Success: New Mission, New Purpose, and a New Journey to a Great Life."

At top, Bob Taylor's medals and other memorabilia are displayed in a showcase at his Grand Rapids area business, Alliant Healthcare Products. Above, a photo of Bob Taylor during his time in the Air Force.

What is CBD all about?

The 411 on various cannabis extracts applications and uses

BY GIL STANSELL

After some time wondering what all this talk of CBD and the other ingredients being discovered in the cannabis plant is about, I sat down with cannabis expert and shade tree scholar Frank Madison to get to the bottom of what we know about CBD.

Gil Stansell: So Frank, I’ve heard a lot about CBD recently. What is it? Does it get you high? Frank Madison: Actually no Gil, CBD doesn’t get you high, and it’s not addictive. CBD or ‘Cannabidiol’ is derived from hemp, or any part of the cannabis plant with less than .3% THC, which is the mind altering substance in cannabis.

GS: Ok so, it doesn’t get you high. What is it used for then? FM: Well, CBD is marketed in all kinds of products, from oils, lotions, capsules, cosmetics, even foods. While scientists are still learning about how CBD affects the body, the FDA has approved a medicine called Epidiolex, which contains purified CBD from hemp, to treat rare seizure disorders.

CBD is also used to treat anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and insomnia. Studies show that CBD may relieve pain by affecting receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, mood, and memory.

GS: That’s a lot of conditions that CBD is used for! Are there any other uses you know about? FM: Yes there are! For instance, if you get too high, like I did after smoking the Snootchie Bootchie, a resin infused preroll, rolled in keef, and dipped in hash oil, which may leave the user vibrating, possibly transmogrifying into an ape, or wondering if

you accidentally licked a toad (see the January/February issue of Grand Rapids Magazine), here is a pro tip, CBD can mellow you out and reduce the high.

GS: Got it. So, are there any side effects? What’s the bottom line? FM: I’d say, before trying it, talk to your doctor. CBD is fairly safe, but there’s always potential for interaction with other medications. Side effects may include dry mouth, drowsiness or low blood pressure. Also, because regulation is done at the state level, you don’t always know what dosage you’re getting or what ingredients might be in it. So, do your research and find a trusted brand.

GS: Are there any other useful ingredients derived from cannabis other than THC and CBD? FM: Yes! CBD is just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of other cannabinoids yet to be explored, understood, and utilized. For instance, one other ingredient found in cannabis is called CBG. Animal studies show CBG plays a role in blood pressure regulation and pain. Two animal studies show that CBG may be beneficial in inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) and Huntington’s disease.

Test tube studies show CBG to have anti-bacterial properties and may prevent colon cancer. So yeah, clinical studies and more research needs to be done before drawing any major conclusions, but there is a lot more to learn about the various uses of the cannabis plant.

“... CBD doesn’t get you high, and it’s not addictive. CBD or ‘Cannabidiol’ is derived from hemp, or any part of the cannabis plant with less than .3% THC ...”

Frank Madison

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS.

The Grand Rapids Chamber is the voice of the West Michigan business community and the premier business membership organization in the region.

We’re here to provide you with the confidence, connections, credibility, and resources you need—from raising your brand visibility and gaining business advice to talent attraction and retention, from job creation to building a diverse workforce, from relentless advocacy to creating a welcoming, magnetic community.

“I would highly recommend getting involved with the Grand Rapids Chamber to learn about issues impacting our businesses and communities. It’s a great way to have a voice and input on the outcome and decisions impacting our business and communities.”

BY LISA ENOS

Sizzlin'

The Fifth Third Summer Concert Series at Meijer Gardens really packs a punch in 2023 with a star-studded list of performers.

HEY , AINT’ THAT MISTER MISTER? Soul Sister

No, it’s Train and a slew of other A-listers who will perform at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park this summer. They’re in good company, because so will the Beach Boys, Melissa Etheridge, Boz Scaggs, Three Dog Night…the list of household names goes on!

“We are extremely thankful to Fred and Lena Meijer, Fifth Third Bank, Harvey Lexus of Grand Rapids, Corewell Health, Steve and Amy Van Andel, the Grand Rapids Symphony and all our sponsors for their commitment in helping make this series possible and allowing us to welcome more people to experience the arts at Meijer Gardens,” said Charles Burke, President and CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “We are delighted to present another summer of live music in the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater.”

These hot summer night concerts take place all summer through September 15, featuring a mix of genres from alternative to blues and rock music. The Grand Rapids Symphony will continue its ongoing partnership with the venue as well.

“Fifth Third Bank is excited and honored to enter our 10th season as the title sponsor of summer concerts at Meijer Gardens,” said Tom Welch, Region President, Fifth Third Bank. “We’ve enjoyed many performances from a host of our favorite artists in one of the best venues in the world. We are so fortunate to have such a place right here in West Michigan,” Welch said.

The lineup:

• UMPHREY’S MCGEE

JULY 2: $59 PRESALE, $62 MEMBER, $64 PUBLIC

and maturity. With 2022’s album Asking For A Friend, Umphrey’s McGee entered the recording studio with something to say and a wise, measured way to say it.

Missed these June performers (top: O.A.R.; Left to right: Lyle Lovett, Tegan and Sara, and Greensky Bluegrass)? Don't worry! July and August are packed with lots of options for music lovers of all genres.

In the 24 years since eclectic improv-rock band Umphrey’s McGee formed, their sound has been an amalgamation of genres, moods, and tempos, effortlessly flowing from one feeling to the next throughout an album or a concert—or a singular song. Yet time and repetition breed personal and musical wisdom

• JENNY LEWIS WITH JENNY O AND HAYDEN PEDIGO

JULY 10: $48 PRESALE, $51 MEMBER, $53 PUBLIC Jenny Lewis released her fourth and most critically acclaimed solo album to date, On The Line, in 2019. Recorded at the distinguished Capitol Studios,

the album features a who’s who of supporting players including Beck, Don Was, Benmont Tench, Jim Keltner, Ringo Starr, and Beck sidemen Jason Falkner and Smokey Hormel among others. The album continues to generate rave reviews, with Vulture declaring it her “best work to date,” and top spots on Best of 2019 lists including Rolling Stone, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today and AV Club.

• TOMMY EMMANUEL WITH THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND

JULY 12: $42 PRESALE, $45 MEMBER, $47 PUBLIC

Australia-born Tommy

Emmanuel started playing guitar at 4. By his twenties he was a most sought-after performer and session musician, burning on electric guitar with several bands. Yearning for something purer and closer to his heart he went acoustic— shaped by his hero and eventual lifelong friend, Chet Atkins, who welcomed him into guitarist knighthood by bestowing upon him the coveted title of Certified Guitar Player. Receiving Chet’s love and esteem lifted Tommy into a different realm. The exuberance he brings to every note of every song is palpable and infectious.

There'smore!

DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL

Broadway GR presents Frozen, The Musical

Tuesday, July 11 through Sunday, July 23

The Goonies soundtrack performed by Grand Rapids Symphony

Wednesday, July 26, 7 p.m.

Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey

Thursday, July 27, 7 p.m. and Friday, July 28, 2 p.m.

• TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE AND MAVIS STAPLES

JULY 19: $80 PRESALE, $83 MEMBER, $85 PUBLIC

It was after midnight when Trombone Shorty stepped offstage at the House of Blues in New Orleans, but he wasn’t done playing yet. Listen to Lifted, Trombone Shorty’s second Blue Note Records release, to hear that same ecstatic energy coursing through the entire collection.

The album finds the Grammynominated NOLA icon and his bandmates tapping into the raw power and exhilarating grooves of their legendary live show, channeling it all into a series of tight, explosive performances that blur the lines between funk, soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock. Mavis Staples and Levon Helm did what came most naturally: They sang. Staples was there to perform for Helm’s Midnight Ramble series. The ensuing 2011 concert—available today on the rousing new release Carry Me Home—is a personal high watermark for both artists.

• BEN FOLDS WITH THE GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY

JULY 20: $78 PRESALE, $81 MEMBER, $83 PUBLIC Ben Folds’ masterful new What Matters Most collection is less a

20 MONROE LIVE

Death Grips

Sunday, July 30, 8 p.m.

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats

Thursday, Aug. 3, 8 p.m.

The Taylor Party –Taylor Swift Tribute Night

Friday, Aug. 4, 8 p.m.

Sorry Papi Tour –The All Gril Reggaeton Party

Saturday, Aug. 19, 8:30 p.m.

W.A.S.P.

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.

Alter Bridge and Sevendust

Friday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.

statement than it is an offering— an open hand reaching out to all those wounded and bewildered by a world that seems to make less and less sense every day. Recorded in East Nashville with co-producer Joe Pisapia, the album marks Folds’ first new studio release in eight years. Recognized nationally for the high quality of its concerts and educational programs, the Grand Rapids Symphony has been an important cultural resource in Grand Rapids and the West Michigan community for almost a century. Led by Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt, and Assistant Conductor Duo Shen, the orchestra presents more than 400 performances each year. The Grand Rapids Symphony made its Carnegie Hall debut in 2005 and returned in 2018 for a triumphant performance with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus under Lehninger’s baton.

• FIRST AID KIT WITH THE WEATHER STATION

JULY 21: $47 PRESALE, $50 MEMBER, $52 PUBLIC Uplifted by the familial creative harmony of sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg, First Aid Kit delicately thread together eloquent folk, breezy Americana

VAN

ANDEL ARENA

Nate Feuerstein

Tuesday, July 18, 8 p.m.

Big Time Rush, Max & Jax

Friday, July 21, 7 p.m.

Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and Nate Smith

Saturday, July 29, 7:30 p.m.

Incubus, Badflower and Paris Jackson

Wednesday Aug. 2, 7 p.m.

Zach Bryan

Monday, Aug. 7, 8 p.m.

The Chicks and Ben Harper

Thursday, Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.

and pensive pop. After amassing over 1 billion streams, the twotime BRIT Award- nominated Swedish duo’s blend of artful songcraft and ambitious melodies continue fixating audiences worldwide.

• ANDY

GRAMMER

JULY 23: $52 PRESALE, $55 MEMBER, $57 PUBLIC

Multiplatinum troubadour Andy Grammer continues to engage, energize and empower audiences with stomping stadium-size pop anthems meant to be shared at full volume. His observations and affirmations pick you back up when you need it, affirm your potential, and encourage you to keep going. His catalog consists of numerous bona fide hits, including quadruple-platinum “Honey, I’m Good”; platinum singles “Keep Your Head Up,” “Fine By Me,” “Don’t Give Up On Me,” “Fresh Eyes,” and “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)”; gold single “I Found You”; and gold albums Andy Grammer and Magazines or Novels.

• MELISSA ETHERIDGE WITH ZZ WARD

JULY 24: $74 PRESALE, $77 MEMBER, $79 PUBLIC

Melissa Etheridge stormed onto the American rock scene in 1988 with the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, which led to an appearance on the 1989 Grammy Awards show. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, she has remained one of America’s favorite female singer-songwriters for more than two decades.

• AMOS LEE WITH THE GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY

JULY 26: $78 PRESALE, $81 MEMBER, $83 PUBLIC With one foot in the real world and the other in a charmed dimension of his own making,

Amos Lee creates rare music: emotionally raw yet touched with a certain magical quality. He intimately documents his real-world struggles on 2022’s Dreamland— an outpouring born of deliberate, often painful self-examination.

• THE REVIVALISTS

AND

BAND OF HORSES

JULY 31: $79 PRESALE, $82

MEMBER, $84 PUBLIC

Rock 'n' roll collective The Revivalists—David Shaw (lead vocals, guitar), Zack Feinberg (guitar), Andrew Campanelli (drums), George Gekas (bass), Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar),

Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Michael Girardot (keyboard, trumpet), and PJ Howard (drums, percussion])—made the journey from hole-inthe-wall gigs to sold-out shows at hallowed venues, multiplatinum success, more than 800 million streams, and major media praise.

There might be no other band able to channel the generational anxiety in those early millennial years and turn it into such powerful and inclusive art quite like Band of Horses. The band fashioned gorgeously ragged epics, Ben Bridwell’s high-flying vocals and eccentric enunciation floating like a specter that

felt like a prelude to a dream. Full of profundity, truth, and sometimes just homespun advice on how to live, Band of Horses songs became anthems and touchstones for fans.

• ORVILLE PECK

AUGUST 2: $52 PRESALE, $55

MEMBER, $57 PUBLIC Orville Peck is a country recording artist and songwriter known for his deep baritone voice, strong musicianship and songs that are sincere yet bold in their storytelling. Never confirming his identity, Orville, who is openly gay and lived an itinerant life, is never seen without his signature, fringed mask.

• BOZ SCAGGS AND KEB’ MO’

AUGUST 3: $89 PRESALE, $92 MEMBER, $94 PUBLIC Boz Scaggs launched his solo career with 1968's seminal album Boz Scaggs, recorded in Muscle Shoals,

Alabama, for Atlantic Records. Scaggs continued to mine a personalized mix of rock, blues, and R&B influences, along with a signature style of ballads on such influential 1970s albums as Moments, Boz Scaggs & Band, My Time, Slow Dancer, and 1976’s Silk Degrees.

With five Grammys, 14 Blues Foundation Awards, and a groundbreaking career spanning nearly 50 years under his belt, Keb’ Mo’s got nothing left to prove. Born and raised in Compton, Keb’ began his remarkable journey at age 21, when he landed his first major gig playing with Jefferson Airplane violinist Papa John Creach. For the next 20 years, Keb’ worked primarily behind the scenes, establishing himself as a respected guitarist, songwriter, and arranger with a unique gift for linking the past and present in his evocative playing and singing.

Catch Trombone Shorty (right) and Tommy Emmanuel (below) in concert this July at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Both shows will have you captivated all night long!

TROMBONE SHORTY COURTESY STEVE BARAN TOMMY EMMANUEL COURTESY SIMON CECCHETTI

Left to right: Band of Horses, Three Dog Night and Melissa Etheridge are set to take the stage this summer. We're most excited to see...all of them!

• JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT WITH S.G. GOODMAN

AUGUST 6: $96 PRESALE, $99 MEMBER, $101 PUBLIC

A Jason Isbell record always lands like a decoder ring in the ears and hearts of his audience: a soundtrack to his world and magically theirs, too. Weathervanes carries the same revelatory power. This is a storyteller at the peak of his craft, observing his fellow wanderers, looking inside, and trying to understand, reducing a universe to four minutes. He shrinks life small enough to name the fear and then strip it away, helping his listeners make sense of how two plus two stops equaling four once you reach a certain age—and carry a certain number of scars.

• TRAIN WITH THUNDERSTORM ARTIS

AUGUST 7: $100 PRESALE, $103 MEMBER, $105 PUBLIC Train, a multi-Grammy, and Billboard Award-winning band from San Francisco, has had 14 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 list since the release of their debut self-titled album in 1998. Train's climb to the top began in 1994,

as the original band tenaciously built a loyal hometown following. The tumbling wordplay of "Meet Virginia'' gave them their first unlikely radio hit and 2001’s Drops of Jupiter broke them to multiplatinum status, thanks to the double-Grammy Awardwinning title song that spent 10 months in the Top 40, has been certified seven times platinum in the United States, and earned the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. Train has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide, with multiple platinum and gold citations including three Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, and dozens of other honors.

• AN EVENING WITH DARK STAR ORCHESTRA

AUGUST 10: $48 PRESALE, $51 MEMBER, $53 PUBLIC

Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3,000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the live Grateful Dead experience. Shows are built off the Dead's extensive catalog and the talent of seven fine musicians. The band performs based on a set list from the Dead's 30 years of extensive touring or program a unique one using their catalog, allowing fans young and old to share in the experience.

• THREE DOG NIGHT

AUGUST 13: $55 PRESALE, $58 MEMBER, $60 PUBLIC

Legendary band Three Dog Night, now in its sixth decade, claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets. Three Dog Night hits weave through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures—serving to heighten our emotions and crystallize the

band’s continuing popularity. Boasting chart and sales records virtually unmatched in popular music, Three Dog Night had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs, appearing on bestselling pop, rock and country charts.

• THE SWELL SEASON FEATURING MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ AND GLEN HANSARD

AUGUST 17: $60 PRESALE, $63 MEMBER, $65 PUBLIC Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard are reuniting, for an extended run, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of their film, “Once.” The duo reconvened for the first time in 10 years in March 2022—an extension of their never-ending bond and friendship—for a limited number of sold-out shows and an overwhelmingly positive response. Irglová and Hansard came to prominence starring in 2007’s Once and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 with their composition “Falling Slowly.” A year later they released the critically acclaimed album Strict Joy before branching out into solo careers.

• MAREN MORRIS WITH CARTER FAITH

AUGUST 18: $99 PRESALE, $102 MEMBER, $104 PUBLIC Arlington, Texas-born Maren Morris, one of music’s leading voices today, is armed with incredible vocal styling and songwriting chops, sheer talent, honest lyrics, and an undeniable presence. Her Grammy-nominated Humble Quest, released in March 2022 to widespread critical acclaim, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums, broke the Amazon Music record for most first-day and first-week streams globally for a country album by a female artist.

• JOSS STONE WITH STEPHEN WILSON JR.

AUGUST 20: $65 PRESALE, $68 MEMBER, $70 PUBLIC

Joss Stone is a Grammy and Brit Award-winning artist who released her star-making critically acclaimed 2003 debut album, The Soul Sessions, at age 16. She's released nine studio albums that have sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Stone has kept company with musical royalty, legendary artists such as James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Sting, Van Morrison and Melissa Etheridge. She’s collaborated with and contributed to albums for many of the world's finest musicians, including Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, and Damien Marley, and garnered over 1 billion streams in the United States alone. A double Brit Award and Grammywinning artist, Stone is among the most iconic soul singers of the modern era—a gifted vocalist and songwriter whose remarkable career spans two decades with no sign of slowing.

• THE BEACH BOYS

AUGUST 21: $75 PRESALE, $78 MEMBER, $80 PUBLIC

Pop music is often judged by how many hits a band has had and by how many millions of albums they’ve sold. These conventional measurements fall short when assessing the impact of a group like The Beach Boys. The band’s greater significance is that its songs changed the musical landscape, profoundly influencing countless artists to follow. The band is led by Mike Love who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Scott Totten, Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Keith Hubacher and Randy Leago, continue the iconic group’s legacy.

Editor's note: The above band descriptions were provided by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Nearing sunset at Oval Beach in Saugatuck.

DAYTRIPPING

Three getaways to explore this summer

LISA ENOS

 BY

 PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY FEYER-SALO

To our North:

LUDINGTON

A family friendly beach day destination

Some years ago there were billboards advertising Ludington as “Up North, Close By.” I don’t know who came up with the slogan, but it’s an accurate description. The Ludington area has all the amenities of “Up North” (beaches, boating, cute shops, delicious dining options, fudge, fishing, hiking and biking trails, etc.) without the long drive. Most people I talk to in Grand Rapids seem to think it’s much further away than it is. When I mention I’m driving to Ludington for the day to go to the beach, I’m usually met with disbelief. Shock, awe, contorted faces. I guess if you’re not accustomed to it, it can seem like quite the journey.

Some tips to make the drives quick:

 Gas up the night before.

 Pack your car with towels, sunscreen and a cooler full of ice.

 Leave just early enough to beat any traffic you might encounter on a sunny Saturday morning, but not so early you get there before beach hours.

 Check that there isn’t road construction along the way, because that can seriously put a damper on the plan for a quick trip.

 If you forget something at home, keep going. There are many shops there.

From downtown Grand Rapids, take I-96 West to Muskegon and go north on U.S. 31. I always take the first Ludington exit, Pere Marquette Highway, because it allows me to stop at P.M. Expeditions,1649 S Pere Marquette Hwy, an old time country corner store with a great craft beer selection. I also stock up on beach snacks like nuts and local salmon jerky.

 Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park is open for tours daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday through Oct. 22, 2023

After filling the cooler, I take Iris Rd. to Lakeshore Drive and turn right (north). The winding byway goes past a living museum, Historic White Pine Village, 1687 S Lakeshore Dr.– a must for any history buff. Actual structures built by the area’s early pioneers have been moved here to create a mock historical village on the shores of Lake Michigan. Blacksmiths, schoolteachers and other guides dressed in the fashion of the late 1800s populate the village on certain days throughout the season. Check the website (historicwhitepinevillage.org) to find out when this, and other events like corn roasts and concerts take place thoughout the summer. An authentic trapper’s cabin, a general store, a hardware store, a doctor's office, post office, farmhouse, county courthouse, ice cream parlor and more – all decked out in yesteryear gear – are contained in this historical treasure. You may even catch a glimpse of a newlywed bride and groom exiting the picturesque hilltop chapel. The cost to enter is $1115 (kids under age 4 are free) and it’s more than worth the price of admission. After a visit, you’ll wonder why you haven’t heard of it. It’s that good.

Just up the road (in local vernacular, up means north and down means south) a mile or so on the left is a fantastic dog beach located in Buttersville Park If you go on a weekday it’s almost always empty except for the people staying at the adjacent campground, another hidden gem.

There’s a decent sized parking lot and the township even provides poop bags. As a child I used to watch Fourth of July fireworks with my family from this spot. Ludington’s iconic North Breakwater Light (lighthouse) is visible from this vantage point, too. It looks like you could walk to it, but there’s a wide channel and a lot of boat traffic in between.

A bit north of Buttersville Park is a monument to Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary and explorer; a large cross that sits atop a sand dune near the site of his death in 1675 towering over Lake Michigan to the west and Pere Marquette Lake to the east.

Bortell's Fisheries is a sixth generation family owned and operated take-out only fish market, offering fresh fish, smoked fish and fried fish to go.

After a couple hours on the beach I take a dip in Lake Michigan and then head down the scenic coastline for lunch. It’s hard to keep eyes on the road as – without warning– you suddenly find yourself high on a bluff with a stunning bird’s-eye view of Lake Michigan while crossing the bridge of a hydroelectric dam at the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant (to take in the amazing vista, there’s a parking lot on the north side of this monstrosity, with steps to a viewing station).

My lunch destination is Bortell's Fisheries, a charming fish and chips counter, located at 5510 S. Lakeshore Dr. In operation since 1898, this unique seasonal eatery offers the best fried perch I’ve ever tasted and some nice picnic tables on which to enjoy the meal.

Once I’ve gotten my Bortell’s fix, I’ll head into town to see what’s going on. On any given weekend throughout the summer a diverse range of activities and events await. Art fairs, street fairs, farmers markets, softball games, basketball and fishing tournaments. Ludington even has a half marathon– the Lakestride – that marks the beginning of the summer tourist season. One of the biggest attractions in town is House of Flavors, 402 W. Ludington Ave., a family-owned ice cream factory/restaurant that boasts 82 years of making and serving ice cream from the same location adjacent to Rotary Park.

I always try to make it to Ludington for the Fourth of July. The parade consists of the usual; floats, antique cars, people on horseback, fire trucks and beauty queens. But the culminating act – the world famous Scottville Clown Band – sets it apart from all others. Whether it’s a patriotic Sousa march or “Basin Street Blues,” followed by a rousing rendition of “The Stripper” (accompanied by one of the clowns performing a mock striptease), these fun loving musicians always succeed at making people laugh in addition to putting on a great musical show.

No trip to Ludington is complete without a hike at the Ludington State Park Located about six miles north of the city at the end of yet another jaw dropping scenic drive through sand dunes, the 5300-acre park situated on the shores of Lake Michigan boasts towering dunes, forests and Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Once inside the park, many will choose to hike the two miles to view this breathtaking Michigan icon in person. I prefer the solitude of the Island Trail. Depending on the day, I might rent a kayak from the concession stand on Hamlin Lake and paddle out to explore an island.

I’m always sure to make my way back into town to Stearns Park in time to watch the sunset. Named one of the best beaches in the world in

Bortell's Fisheries stocks more than a dozen varieties of ocean & Great Lakes fish, including this whitefish.

2021 by Travel Addicts, Stearns has ample free parking and 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline. There’s a walkable half-mile long pier, at the end of which stands a stunning lighthouse; the best place for sunset gazing. In addition to its wide sugar sand beach, this park boasts a playground and a large grassy picnic area complete with tables and grills. A skate park, shuffleboard courts and mini-golf provide even more entertainment for beach goers. The picturesque beach has wheelchair accessible paths to the water’s edge and is a walkable distance to downtown Ludington’s shops and restaurants. The beach’s concession stand provides grab-n-go items like pressed paninis, charcuterie boards and “snackle” boxes.

If a snackle box doesn’t fill you up, not to worry, dinner options in Ludington are plentiful. My favorites are located on James Street. Lobster

nachos from Over the Moon are divine. Order absolutely anything from Blu Moon (same owners, different menus) and you won’t be disappointed (including sushi, I promise). The house salad with green goddess dressing is also a must. Jamesport Brewery serves my favorite beer, blueberry wheat (if it’s in season). This brew pub has a menu chock full of American fare and I’ve never had a bad meal there. Another local favorite is Scotty’s It’s located a bit out of the downtown area, but if it’s prime rib you’re after, they do a great job. Get the spinach salad, too. Nightlife includes The Mitten Bar: A Michigan Ideology and the two other bar/restaurants attached to it, The Tiki, located in the Stearns Motor Inn. There’s also a place called Stix on the outskirts with a new outdoor seating area that offers good food and live music.

I generally head back to Grand Rapids after a day in the sun, water and sand. If you plan to stay the night, Brenda's Harbor Café serves a great breakfast. if you’re in need of a bloody mary with brekky, try Old Hamlin In addition to plenty of hotels and motels (that are generally booked weeks or even months in advance), the area offers some amazing campgrounds, resorts and RV parks.

A waffle cone filled with the signature flavor Blue Moon from House of Flavors, located at 402 W. Ludington Ave., in downtown Ludington.

Dogs play in the water at Buttersville Park, 1100 S. Lakeshore Dr., in Ludington.

PM Expeditions, a historic general store and paddle sport outfitter located at 1649 S Pere Marquette Hwy. on the shoresof the Pere Marquette River.

Summer Events across Ludington:

If you didn't make it to the Love Ludington's sesquicentennial celebration in June, not to worry, there are a plethora of events lined up throughout the summer and lots of live music, too. From Ludrock to Rhythm & Dunes, the folks in L-town have plenty planned to get you outside, enjoying the weather. Pro tip: always dress in layers and bring a jacket. After the sun goes down, it can get chilly here.

July 3 Children & Pet Parade, Waterfront Park, 391 S. William St., Ludington

July 4 Freedom Festival Parade & Fireworks, Downtown Ludington

July 4 Shoreline Cruise on the SS Badger, Lake Michigan Carferry, 701 Maritime Dr.

July 5 LACA Summer Concert Series:

Rodney Whitaker, Waterfront Park

July 6 Bus Day — Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116

July 9 Ludrock 2023 Summer Music Festival, Waterfront Park

July 12 LACA Concert: Howard Wilson's Salt City All—Stars, Waterfront Park

July 10—16, Ludington Offshore

Classic/Big Boys Fishing Tournament, Waterfront Park

July 16 Guided Hikes at the Ludington State Park, Ludington State Park

July 18 Chloe Kimes in concert, Ludington State Park Beach House

July 19 LACA Concert Series: Paul Nelson, Waterfront Park

July 20 Bus Day — Sable Point

Lighthouse, Ludington State Park

July 22 Hills Have Chains Disc Golf Tournament, 5906 W. Chauvez Rd.

July 26 LACA Summer Concert Series:

Planet D Nonet, Waterfront Park

July 27 Pure Ludington Sunset Beach

Bonfire, Stearns Park Beach, 420 N. Lakeshore Dr.

July 29 West Shore Bank Rhythm & Dunes: Rock the 90's concert, Waterfront Park

July 29 Shoreline Cruise on the SS Badger, Lake Michigan Carferry

Aug 2 LACA Summer Concert

Series: Joe Veloz and the Velozians, Waterfront Park

Aug 5 West Shore Bank Rhythm & Dunes Concert: Boy Band Review, Waterfront Park

Aug 9 LACA Summer Concert Series: Wendell Harrison, Waterfront Park

Aug 8— 12 Western Michigan Fair, Mason County Fairgrounds, 5302 West US-10

Aug 12 Maritime Heritage Trail Walking Tour, Port of Ludington Maritime Museum

Aug 12—13 Gold Coast Artisan Fair, Rotary Park, 500 W. Ludington Ave

monument to Father Jacques Marquette (1637-1675) stands near the purported site of the explorer-missionary's death.

Aug 16 LACA Concert: Auntie Kim and Uneek Soul, Waterfront Park

Aug 17: Bus Day — Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington State Park

Aug 19: Suds on the Shore Craft Beer Festival, Rotary Park

Aug 19 Shoreline Cruise on the SS Badger, Lake Michigan Carferry

Aug 20 Guided Hikes at the Ludington State Park

Aug 23 LACA Summer Concert Series: Men of Leisure, Waterfront Park

Aug 25—27 4th Annual Forest Trail Music Festival, 352 W Forest Trail Rd., Free Soil

Aug 30 LACA Concert: Rusty Wright Blues Band, Waterfront Park

Aug 31 Pure Ludington Sunset Beach Bonfire, Stearns Park Beach

A

A sand volleyball court overlooks Lake Michigan at Charles Mears State Park.

(Also) to our North:

PENTWATER

A beach town to the stars?

I once saw a bumper sticker when I lived in Los Angeles that read: “Where the hell is Pentwater?” I knew.

Just south of Ludington, this primarily May-to-October village has somehow made its way onto a celebrity hot list. A lot of stars are rumored to have vacationed here. Confirmed sightings include John C. Reilly and Rebecca Romijn. Maybe it’s because of Zoltar. Remember him from the 1988 Penny

Kitt & Company, a clothing boutique is one of many quaint shops situated on Hancock St. in downtown Pentwater.

 Cosmic Candy Company offers a large assortment of vintage candy and other goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Marshall film, Big? Well, he (or a twin) is now at Cosmic Candy, 168 S. Hancock St.in Pentwater, one of the many unique shops the village has to offer. A village green in the center of town serves as a community gathering place and venue for art fairs, farmers markets and live music throughout the summer. As for food, the Brown Bear serves a great burger, Antler Bar is known for great Mexican food and Gull Landing, along with its diverse menu, serves up some strong drinks which can be heartily enjoyed from a deck that offers live music and lake views, especially pleasing at sunset.

Charles Mears State Park Beach is another of Pentwater's main attractions, with campsites that are practically on the beach. Much smaller than Ludington’s Stearns Park beach, it's an easy place to keep track of kiddos, and is walkable from downtown. Don’t expect to make it past Pentwater Dari Creme on the corner of Hancock and Lowell, though. This Pentwater institution offers multiple flavors of soft serve, traditional ice cream and frozen yogurt.

The area boasts a plethora of rental cottages, Airbnb’s, resorts, cabins and hotel on the outskirts, just off U.S. Hwy 31. Throw a penny in the Wishing Well, 9580 US-31, before hitting up A.J.’s Family Fun Center, 8915 US-31, which offers go-karts, a ginormous minigolf course, a playground, and an arcade.

Coastal Art Fairs

Pentwater Fine Arts and Craft Fair

The Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club would like to announce the upcoming 58th annual Pentwater Fine Arts and Craft Fair. The Fair will be held on Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on the Pentwater Village Green, 327 S. Hancock St.

West Shore Art Fair

Ludington

Now in its 55th year, the West Shore Art Fair is known as one of the top fine art fairs in the State of Michigan, featuring 100 plus jury-selected fine artists across a variety of media, including: clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, sculpture and more. In 2023, the annual show takes place July 1-& 2 at Rotary Park, 500 W. Ludington Ave.

Gold Coast Artisan Fair

Ludington

Gold Coast Artisan Fair is having its 40th anniversary in 2023. Featuring more than 170 arts & crafts displays for browsing and shopping. Here, you'll find woodwork, metals, jewelry, clothing, paintings and more. Festival food fare adds to the fun on Saturday, Aug 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 13,10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rotary Park, 500 W. Ludington Ave.

Merchants and Makers

Grand Haven

Not your average craft show, Merchants and Makes is a local shopping event with food trucks, drinks, and live music. Shop for a a variety of local goods, grab a cider, beer, wine, cold-pressed juice, or some locally made food while you’re at it. Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 12 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Chinook Pier Market, 301 N. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven

Waterfront Invitational

Saugatuck

The Waterfront Invitational Fine Art Fair showcases the work of 60 fine artists working in a variety of media: painting, photography, glass, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, basketry, mixed media, fibers, mosaic, printmaking, and sculpture. This is a juried show and awards will be presented to winning artists in the afternoon. The show takes place Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., at the Village Square, corner of Butler and Main Streets, Saugatuck.

Village Square Saugatuck

The Village Square Arts and Crafts Fair is also a juried show. Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Village Square, corner of Butler and Main Streets, Saugatuck. Proceeds from the fairs go towards scholarships for students studying the arts as well as supporting the arts in Saugatuck and Douglas.

A kayaker glides across the smooth waters of Lake Michigan at Charles Mears State Park, June 2023.

38 min (398 mi) from GR via I-196W

Nana's fried chicken dinner with biscuits and sweet corn salad, deviled crab and shrimp poor boy with cabbage slaw; and a maple old fashioned at The Southerner.

To our South: SAUGATUCK DOUGLAS

Places

to dine & have a good time

It’s hard to believe that just a hop, skip and a jump southwest of Grand Rapids is – according to MTV – one of the top five beaches in the U.S. Known by visitors from near and far, Saugatuck is also recognized as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 25 Beaches in the World.” It is also rated among National Geographic and Traveler’s top freshwater beaches in the U.S.

Why? The twelve miles of sugar sand shoreline, from Oval Beach to Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach Personally, I find the drive to and from Oval Beach to be a little risky. I once spent what seemed like an entire day in a traffic jam trying to get there and when I did, it rained. On the other hand, the beach at Saugatuck Dunes State Park is quite a hike from the parking lot, but in my opinion it's well worth it.

Saugatuck is very often referred to as SaugatuckDouglas because the two municipalities are so close they are considered by most inhabitants as being part of the same overall community, which is a hub of activity and excitement.

Though its high end shopping district offers clothing and wares that are a little on the pricey side, if you’re the type of person who likes to keep up with new trends, you’ll likely find them on a trip to Saugatuck-Douglas.

Take, for example, The Coastal Society One of several unique shops you’ll find nestled in between fantastic restaurants throughout the two-city miniopolis. Located in downtown Douglas, Michigan, this combination restaurant/boutique offers a combined shop while you sip experience. Family and pet friendly, it’s a perfect way to spend part of your day– sipping rosé or a craft cocktail while you shop for West Coast inspired merchandise. The property features two large patios and lush gardens from which mixologists pick fresh herbs for house made spirit infusions. Whether it’s the outdoor

 Coral Gables offers more than one place to eat in a relaxed, landmark setting – one of the oldest family owned bar and restaurants around, built in 1906.

The Sun sets over Oval Beach in Saugatuck, June 2023.

 The dining area at The Southerner overlooks the water.

The Coastal Society is a combination craft cocktail bar, boutique and eatery located in Douglas.

Drinks are just as tasty as they are pretty at Coastal Society. Pictured are the Jalo Margarita (green); Lavender Fields (yellow); Raspberry Beret (pink).

space you love or the indoor dining room, The Coastal Society is a great place for gatherings, live music and experiencing coastal vibes.

Many other great food and beverages options–too numerous to name– abound in SaugatuckDouglas. I generally stop at Coral Gables, an old hotel located at 220 Water St. Built in 1906, the historic building houses three restaurants, four bars, a beach bar, and it offers boat, paddleboard, kayak and jet ski rentals. It’s located right on the waterfront, with deck seating overlooking 15 rental boat slips for anyone wishing to arrive via vessel.

Saugatuck-Douglas also has a vibrant arts scene. The Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck offers world-class, live chamber music concerts all summer long at various locations in beautiful downtown Saugatuck.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts serves as a venue for local and touring theatrical productions. “Kinky Boots,” is currently playing and will run through July 16. Based on a true story, this play features music by eighties pop star Cyndi Lauper. Aug. 11 - Sept. 3. “Jersey Boys,” which depicts the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will grace the SCA stage. The Tony and Grammy award-winning musical features songs like “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” “Can’t Take My Eyes off of You,” and many other recognizable chart-topping tunes.

The annual Venetian Festival is one of the highlights of summer in Saugatuck. The fun begins on Friday, July 28 at Coghlin Park (located at the corner of Culver and Griffith streets). Food trucks will be on site starting at 6 p.m. Eighties band Starfarm starts playing at 7:15. The band’s playlist includes fun favorites like “Baby Got Back,” “Centerfold,” “Brass in Pocket,” “Tainted Love,” and my personal favorite; “Walking on Sunshine,'' plus many, many more. Check them out at starfarmband.com.

Alaskan halibut with herb panisse, piperade emulsion, shallot rings, smoked trout roe and micro cilantro paired with a glass of white wine at at Coast 236. 

The outdoor dining area at Coast 236 Restaurant and Bar, 236 Culver St., Saugaatuck, is another great place to while the hours away.

(866) 315-7678

abdow.org

The Best of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture

The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio engages the imagination and elicits emotional responses in all who experience this powerful statement of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern architecture. Planted into an encompassing pond, the Home and Studio is alive with reflective light, soaring roof lines, diverging angles, brilliant color and the perfect balance of enticement and tranquility. It truly is an “oasis of architecture and inspiration.” Schedule your visit for architectural tours, educational programs, Michigan history and much more.

2023 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

Industry Experts Help You Navigate the Market with Confidence

While the real estate market continues to fluctuate, buyers and sellers must remain on their toes—and up on the latest trends and changes—to ensure they’re getting a deal that’s to their benefit. That’s a lot of work for the average person, which is why bringing in an expert to provide guidance through all the ins and outs is paramount. Simply put, choosing

an agent who has the ideal blend of personality, savvy, and connections will make or break the experience. And, the outcome.

In this section, we’re presenting some of the top brokers and agents in the region: West Michigan’s Real Estate All Stars. They’ve earned this designation by consistently delivering results and earning a place

in the top 5% of total sales volumes, as determined through a survey by a private research company. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the coming months, do your research by reading up on and reaching out to one of these highly distinguished professionals. Then, start planning your move!

Tyler Addington RE/MAX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Edward Alexander Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Ingrid Anastasiu

Anastasiu Homes Keller Williams Grand Rapids 1555 Arboretum Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-304-9387 ingridanastasiu.com

Donna Anders Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Emily Anderson Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven

Dustin Anderson Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Doretha Ardoin Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Gretchen Arkins Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven

Pamela Averill Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Ross Bacon RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Brad Baker Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Rapids

Michele Baragar Baragar Realty Grand Rapids

Brian Bartholomew RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

2023 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

Cynthia Barton Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Julie Bays Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Andrea Belding Five Star Real Estate Gowen

Rob Bell Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Dwight Berens RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Jody Bernhardt Schwalm RE/MAX United Grand Rapids

Jeffrey Blahnik Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Justin Blevins RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Brandi Block Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

John Bodien Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Blake Boehm Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

John P. Boggiano Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Drew Born RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Justine Born RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Katherine Bourgois Five Star Real Estate Rockford

Brian Boven Five Star Real Estate Rockford

Mark Brace Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Scott Bradford RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Kristine A. Brady Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Sue Brandsen Five Star Real Estate Holland

Sheree Broussard Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Michele T. Brown Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Geoff Brown C2S Gateway Group Real Estate Allendale

Pete Bruinsma Grand River Realty Grand Rapids

Pamela Buck Five Star Real Estate Ludington

Bob Budreau Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Tammy Jo Budzynski Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids

Jenny Burdick Key Realty Grandville

Dan Burrill Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Greg Bush Greenridge Realty, Inc. Whitehall

Gayle Harvey Homes - Gayle Harvey

Gayle Harvey is an agent and the owner of Gayle Harvey Homes, a real estate company that handles, residential, commercial, and corporate sales, and has partnerships with many businesses in all states. Gayle handles the company’s speaking engagements, and conducts seminars and consulting for home buyers. She is cemented in “Who’s Who in America” as a business owner, and has received many accolades and honors.

Gayle serves on the Housing Appeals board and the B.A.M.M.Y for seniors, and currently oversees outreach and community engagement with the city of Grand Rapids’ o ce of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA). Gayle also serves as 2nd VP and executive committee member with the NAACP. She is passionate for true change when it comes to discrimination, and is happy to be part of any organization that recognizes and works to make those changes. “I thank God for guiding my path, and all who support my business,” Gayle says. ■

2023 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

Todd Buskard Buskard Group Real Estate Grandville

Juanita Buskard Buskard Group Real Estate Grandville

Bruce Bylsma Eastbrook Homes Grand Rapids

Barry Capel

Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Keith Cardosa Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Patricia Caston Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Micah Childress

Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Patrick M. Clark Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Courtney Clement 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Doren Colley

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Abigail Corcoran Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

John Cremer Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Irene Cribbs

Five Star Real Estate Spring Lake

Abby Cribbs

RE/MAX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Andrea Crossman

Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Holland

Mollie Dauser RE/MAX United Grand Rapids

Richard Dawdy Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

David DeBruyn Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Julie DeDoes Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Mark Deering

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Sandie DeHamer Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Jack Dekker Greenridge Realty, Inc. Hamilton

Drew Denham eXp Realty, LLC Grand Rapids

Angela Devereaux Five Star Real Estate Rockford

Evan DeVisser Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Guy DeVries Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

John DeVries RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Patricia Doezema Greenridge Realty, Inc. Hastings

Vito Dolci Jr. Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Mark DuBridge Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Chris Dykema Greenridge Realty, Inc. Montague

Lindsey Dykstra Five Star Real Estate Rockford

Debbie Ehrlich Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven

Bridget Eklund B Home & Co. Grand Rapids

Darin Elliott Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ionia

Tori Ensing Five Star Real Estate Greenville

Anne Espinoza Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Christine Estep Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Brandon Faber RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Peter Faber Five Star Real Estate Ada

Laura Featherston Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Gerald Feenstra RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Todd Fencil RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Erin Fester eXp Realty, LLC Grand Rapids

Brooke Finlan

Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

GreenSquare Properties

GreenSquare Properties is a locally owned and operated real estate brokerage dedicated to providing unparalleled service within the industry. Its reputation within the community has grown immensely with its focus on having highly trained and respected agents on sta O ering a concierge experience for its clients with a more personal, service-oriented approach, the team at GreenSquare delivers big results from its boutique o ce.

Melissa Mitchell is an associate broker with nearly 10 years of experience in the industry, and she’s made the All-Star list the past three years. As a certified senior real estate specialist, Mitchell works closely with seniors and their

families on the transition out of the family home. She approaches her clients with compassion, patience, and a network of local specialists to meet the unique needs of seniors. Mitchell is a graduate of the GRAR Leadership Academy and currently serves on the Professional Standards Committee. She attributes her success to honesty and integrity, and a heart for serving others.

Scott West is a broker/owner with over 20 years of industry experience. He’s been an All-Star five years running. West consistently ranks among the top agents in West Michigan for sales volume, and recently received the GRAR Realtor of the Year award. West is a graduate of the association’s Leadership Academy and

serves on the GRAR Board of Directors. He attributes his success to his love for the work he does. His passion for serving others is infectious, and is evident to both his clients and employees. ■

Rachel Fortenbacher Five Star Real Estate

Muskegon

Rachael Fountain Steve Volkers Group Grand Rapids

Will Friend II

RE/MAX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Philip Gabel Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Courtney Gabridge Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Chuck Gallagher Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Rapids

Brenda Gartzke

RE/MAX United Grand Rapids

Michelle Gaudreau Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Ashley Gauthier Coldwell Banker Sneller Real Estate Allegan

Spencer Geisen

Five Star Real Estate Belding

Ami Giusti Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Barb Glashouwer

Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids

Justin Glover

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Beth Grant

RE/MAX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Cheryl Grant

RE/MAX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

2023 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

Jack Grashuis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Andrew Grashuis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Kendall Grashuis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Mandy Green Coldwell Banker Realty Greenville

Rebecca Greenhoe Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Nancy Gregus Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Steve Grilley Five Star Real Estate Lakeshore Holland

Jeremiah Gruchow RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Michael Haan Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Tammy Halterman Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Michele Hanmer Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Scott Harestad Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Sharon Harig RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Mike Harig Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Brenda Harris Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Gayle Harvey Gayle Harvey Homes / ARG Realty P.O. Box 1022 Grand Rapids, MI 49501 616-477-3563

gayleharvey@gmail.com gayleharveyhomes.com

Kim Hensley RE/MAX United Rockford

Tamara Herweyer Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Ryan Hesche Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Lowell

John Holkeboer Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Scott A. Holwerda Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Philip Hooker Greenridge Realty, Inc. Lowell

Mark Hoskins Berkshire Hathaway Rockford

Josh Howard Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Lucas Howard Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Reed Hrynewich

Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Ann Huizen

Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Joseph Huntington Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Janet Romanowski has been a fixture in Grand Rapids real estate for more than 20 years. She understands that buying a home is one of the most important investments most people will make in their lives—and she also knows that when clients hire her, they’re enlisting not just her skills and expertise, but also her level of service and commitment to every detail. When clients decide to work with Romanowski Homes – Greenridge Realty EGR, they receive Janet’s undivided attention.

“I have high standards, and by being fully involved with my eyes on every contract, as well as making myself available essentially 24/7, Romanowski Homes – Greenridge Realty EGR can live up to the reputation and trust I’ve built over the years,” Janet says. “And, with a smaller team, I can ensure my clients get complete communication and they don’t have to worry about anything being omitted or falling through the cracks”. ■

Stephanie Hurwitz

Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Christian Huyge Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids

Benjamin Iwema RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Gwendolyn Johnson Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Sandra Johnson Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Nathan Jones Five Star Real Estate Stanton

Heather Jones Five Star Real Estate Greenville

Kristy Jones

Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Jeanne M. Jonker Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Karla Karamol

RE/MAX United Rockford

Lauren Karsten Five Star Real Estate

Ada

Timothy Katerberg

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Wendy Katerberg

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Scot Kellogg 616 Realty

Grand Rapids

Kyle Kimble

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

2023 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

Don King Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Keith King Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Alison Kinsman Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

David Kirchgessner Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Elizabeth Klinzing Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Eric Knoll Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Kevin Knoll Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Michael Kooistra Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Scott Koop Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Mitchell Koster Five Star Real Estate Allendale

Patty Koval Greenridge Realty, Inc. Wayland

Diana L. Kovalcik Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Brooke Krebill Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

M. Dean Kreps Greenridge Realty, Inc. Holland

Linda Kroll RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Kevin Kroondyk Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Stephanie Langeland 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Leo Langlois Greenridge Realty, Inc. Muskegon

Gary Langlois Greenridge Realty, Inc. Muskegon

Stephane Lashuay Key Realty Grandville

Vonny Last Five Star Real Estate Ada

Jennifer LaVallee 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Paul Leason Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Anthony Lewis RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Michele Lipka Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Jamie Loney Five Star Real Estate Ludington

Brian Lorenz RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Giuseppe Lupis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Jacqueline Makowicki Five Star Real Estate Ludington

Renee Malburg

Five Star Real Estate Ludington

Vung Mang

Five Star Real Estate

Grand Rapids

Julie Manion Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Beth Mans Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Rapids

Paul Marantette

Steve Volkers Group

Grand Rapids

Laura Marcus-Nolan Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Haven

David F. Martin Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Rapids

Wyatt Martin Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Rapids

Lori Marvin 616 Realty

Grand Rapids

Robin Maslowski 616 Realty

Grand Rapids

Joshua May RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Kevin McCarty Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Joshua McCracken Greenridge Realty, Inc. Lowell

Jane McGregor Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Molly McManus Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Christopher Mendels Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Pamela Merriman 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Gabriel Miller RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Melissa Mitchell GRI, SRES GreenSquare Properties LLC 2618 East Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-308-6304 melissamitchell@grar.com greensquaregr.com

Pamela Monday Key Realty Grandville

Thomas Monette Greenridge Realty, Inc. Muskegon

Denny Moore Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Kristin Moore Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Kristine Moran Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Cheryl Morehouse Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Angela Musk Greenridge Realty, Inc. Whitehall

Mara N. Musser Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Dana Myers Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Ingrid Nelson Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Kimberly Nelson Greenridge Realty, Inc. Whitehall

Lisa Newell Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Mary Noles

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Andrew Norden Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Bob Novosad Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids

Lisa Novosad Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids

Ana Ohlmann Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

2023 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

David Oom Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Mike Oostendorp Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Rafael Ortiz Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Arthur Otis Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Kim Paavola Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Eldon Palmer 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Michelle Parent Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven

Amanda Patterson Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Christopher Peel Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Diane Perez Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Jacob Peterson

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Hung Pham Key Realty Grandville

Lisa Piskin Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Jeff Platko Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Jason Pohlonski

Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Randy Poll Greenridge Realty, Inc. Fremont

Jason Post Five Star Real Estate Ada

John Postma RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Brenda Pratt Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids

Matt Preston Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Susan Prins Five Star Real Estate Jenison

Terry Puffer Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Mary Jo Pung Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Daniel Rabourn RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Kelley Rahilly RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Sally Reinke Key Realty Grandville

Laurie Reminga Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Jody Ribbens RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

John Rice Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Tracie Rich RE/MAX United Rockford

Wilcox GR Properties - Arija Wilcox

Keller Williams Grand Rapids North, 3237 Platinum St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-293-9261 | wilcox@grar.com | wilcoxgrproperties.com

Arija Wilcox’s mission is to improve the quality of her clients’ lives. Paired with her team, Jimmy Scott, Alison Kraai-McKee and Julie Atwood, Wilcox GR Properties remains a top producer, and leader for Keller Williams Grand Rapids North—with over $275 million in sales, and more than 40 years of combined experience in residential Real Estate.

Wilcox GR Properties works in a broad range of properties, from urban condos to singlefamily homes, ranging $40K to $1.6M in value, representing properties throughout West Michigan, and lakefront homes in Cadillac, Manistee, and Traverse City.

Wilcox GR Properties also specializes in New Development Sales—with the completion of RiverPoint of Ada, developments by Graystone Homes, including The Meadows and Oaks of Forest Hills, and The Cove at Dean Lake—and Fase Street Crossings by Omega Home Studio.

Wilcox GR Properties has a broad knowledge of current and future inventory, providing a competitive advantage to their clients in this challenging market. ■

Sarah Riehl Greenridge Realty, Inc. Montague

Brian Riley Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Susan Ring Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Theresa Robinson 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Melinda Robison Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Julie Rockwell Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Jamie Rodriguez

Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Amanda Rogers Rogers Neighborhood Realty

Lowell

Joyce Romancky Key Realty Grandville

Janet Romanowski Greenridge Realty, Romanowski Homes Inc. 2213 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-318-0065 janet@romanhousekey.com romanhousekey.com

Julie Rossio

Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Kersh Ruhl Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Holland

Mike Rundhaug Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

2023 REAL ESTATE ALL-STARS

Leslie Ruppel JH Realty Partners Ada

Kristin Ruther RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Brandon Ryan 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Lisa Sabo Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Haven

Michael Satterlee Greenridge Realty, Inc. Greenville

Patrick Schaefer Five Star Real Estate Lowell

John Schat Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Shelley Schaub Greenridge Realty, Inc. Muskegon

Nina J. Schillman Berkshire Hathaway Rockford

Tony Scholten RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Jason Schuringa Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Don Scott Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Rustin Scott Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Rick Seese Greenridge Realty, Inc. Lowell

Brook Sharp Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Ashley Shaw Greenridge Realty, Inc. Holland

Christine Britney Shearer Greenridge Realty, Inc. Holland

Doug Sheneman C2S Gateway Group Real Estate Allendale

Susan Shively Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Jim Shull Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Lauri Sisson Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Holland

Jennifer Skarda 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Lindsay Slagboom Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Timothy J. Slot Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Mike Smallegan

Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Jodi Smith eXp Realty, LLC Grand Rapids

Rhonda Smith Key Realty Grandville

Brenda Smith C2S Gateway Group Real Estate Allendale

Carol Sneller Coldwell Banker Sneller Real Estate Allegan

Brandon Snellink RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Rebecca Snider RE/MAX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Katie Southwell Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Steve Spriensma Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Katie Stein Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids

Kelly Stein-Lloyd Greenridge Realty, Inc. Caledonia

Samuel Sterk Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Debby Stevenson Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Amanda Stickney Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids

Karen Storms RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Andrew Straub

Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Stephen Stuckey Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grandville

Dale Stuckey Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Patricia Styburski

Five Star Real Estate Spring Lake

Pau Ngaih Suan Berkshire Hathaway Caledonia

Marcy Swanson

Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Chad Sytsma Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Laurie Tamburrino Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors East Grand Rapids

Nora J. Tan Greenridge Realty, Inc. Holland

Paul TenEyck Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Emmett TerBeek Five Star Real Estate Rockford

Rodney Thiss Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Lisa Thomas Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids

Sue Thompson Coldwell Banker Realty Greenville

JoLane Tomlinson Buskard Group Real Estate Grandville

Alexandra Tremain Greenridge Realty, Inc. Kentwood

Tim Updyke Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

David Van Dam Five Star Real Estate Grandville

Ashleigh Van Duinen-Leistra RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Lindsay Van Duinen-Scully RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Brad Van Oostenbrugge RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Ingrid Anastasiu, Realtor

Anastasiu HomesKeller Williams Grand Rapids 1555 Arboretum Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 616-304-9387 Ingrid.a@kw.com ingridanastasiu.com

Buyers and Sellers looking for a Realtor need only to read her numerous five-star reviews to know that working with Ingrid Anastasiu gets results. Knowledgeable, creative, driven, and hardworking, she goes the EXTRA MILE for her clients and, in her own words, she’s “In-to-Win.” She earned the designation of Top 1% in 2022 and #1 Individual Realtor KW GR EAST. She receives more than 70% of her business from referrals from happy customers who trust she’ll treat their transaction as if it were her own investment. Ingrid also has special expertise in Relocation for National and International clients and is fluent in English, Spanish, and German. ■

PROFESSIONALS

Christopher Vanderhoff Five Star Real Estate

Grand Rapids

Leigh VanderMolen Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Rapids

Heather VanderVeen RE/MAX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

David VanderWoude RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Dave VanKeulen Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Lowell

Tyler VanWingen Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Rapids

Nestor Vazquez-Yanez

RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Lisa Vela Five Star Real Estate Muskegon

Rachael Veldkamp RE/MAX Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

Bradley Veneklase Urban Soil Realty Grand Rapids

Steve Volkers Steve Volkers Group Grand Rapids

Pat Vredevoogd Combs Berkshire Hathaway Grand Rapids

Marilyn Wagner RE/MAX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Dan Way Greenridge Realty, Inc. South Haven

Amy Jo Weller Keller Williams Rivertown Grandville

Scott West GreenSquare Properties LLC 2618 East Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-550-4016 swest@greensquaregr.com greensquaregr.com

Kyle Westrate Place Property Management Grand Rapids

Tanner Whitcomb Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Arija Wilcox Wilcox GR PropertiesKeller Williams GR North 3237 Platinum St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-293-9261 wilcox@grar.com wilcoxgrproperties.com

Steve Winczewski Greenridge Realty, Inc. Ludington

Caitlyn Wisniewski 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Madeline Witt Greenridge Realty, Inc. Grand Rapids

Jason Woodard Greenridge Realty, Inc. Greenville

Angela Worth Bellabay Realty Grand Rapids

Rob Young 616 Realty Grand Rapids

Joshua Yskes Five Star Real Estate Ada

Thomas Zandee Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids

Mary Jane Zawacki

Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Grand Rapids

Laurie Zokoe Five Star Real Estate

Grand Rapids

Dan Zuniga Five Star Real Estate Whitehall

Laurel Zwit Greenridge Realty, Inc. Montague

MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

Chris Alicki West Michigan Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Doug Ardy Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group Grand Rapids

Jonathan Arnold Guild Mortgage Ada

Stephanie Axdorff

Mercantile Bank

Grand Rapids

Steve Axdorff Mercantile Bank

Grand Rapids

John Balmer Elevation Mortgage, LLC

Grandville

Michael Bartels Old National Bank

Grand Rapids

Julie Christine Basinski-Bacon Preferred Rate Ada

Seth Bellas

Churchill Mortgage

Grandville

Tom Boorsma

Churchill Mortgage

Wyoming

Anna Castillo-Martin

Chase Bank

Grand Rapids

Darin Clark Independent Bank

Grand Rapids

David Dakoske

Guaranteed Rate

Grand Rapids

Pamela Daniels Van Dyk Mortgage Corporation

Wyoming

Alice Doherty Mercantile Bank

Grand Rapids

James Eerdmans My City Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Zac Ellerbroek Lake Michigan Credit Union

Grand Rapids

John Fitzgerald Michigan First Mortgage Grand Rapids

Steve Frendt Independent Bank Grand Rapids

Tom Girardot

Team Mortgage Company

Grand Rapids

Dale Hamill Lake Michigan Credit Union

Grand Rapids

EllenGrace Hauenstein Consumer’s Credit Union

Grand Rapids

Monica Hazel United Bank

Grand Rapids

Pete Humphreys Independent Bank

Rockford

David Jackson

Ruoff Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Jason Jenkins CrossCountry MortgageThe Jenkins Team

Grand Rapids

Jerry Kamerman Mercantile Bank

Grand Rapids

Sarah Kelly First Community Mortgage Grand Rapids

Pamala Kemp Consumers Credit Union Grand Rapids

Ben Langenau Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Peter Latvaitis

Lake Michigan Credit Union Kentwood

Amanda Lehman Stockton Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Bernie Marvin Independent Bank Grand Rapids

Rebecca Masck Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Rapids

Tim Meduna Northern Mortgage Byron Center

Stacy Anne Miller-Kuiper Preferred Rate Ada

Wade Monsma

Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Lou Moratti First Community Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Dann Mulder Lake Michigan Credit Union Wyoming

Josh Nawrot Northern Mortgage Byron Center

MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

Brendan O’Driscoll

Treadstone Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Megan Ostrander

West Michigan Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Kevin Polakovich

Treadstone Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Travis Puff

Heartland Home Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Hannah Ritzenheim

United Federal Credit Union

Grand Rapids

Dirk Roskam Churchill Mortgage

Grandville

Josiah Samy

Mercantile Bank

Grand Rapids

John Seville

Benchmark Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Chris Slating Mortgage One, Inc.

Kentwood

Julie Smith

Treadstone Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Dave Stellin

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Grand Rapids

Bob Storrer Independent Bank

Grand Rapids

Mallory Strotheide

Treadstone Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Mariko Stusse

Van Dyk Mortgage Corporation - H&M Mortgage Team

Wyoming

Zachary Tebos

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Grand Rapids

Luther Trook

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Grand Rapids

Scot Veneklase

Treadstone Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Amber Wagner

Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Jenny Wagner

Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids

Shelby Weller West Michigan Mortgage Grand Rapids

Keith Westhouse West Michigan Mortgage

Grand Rapids

Andrea Wilson First Community Mortgage Grand Rapids

MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS

Mike Wolfe Mortgage One, Inc. Kentwood

Hayley Woodworth Treadstone Mortgage Grand Haven

food+drink

» PLUS: MDRD:

Elevated experience

Upscale Spanish restaurant MDRD imports best aspects of the culture's cuisine

BY PAT EVANS // PHOTOS BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Just a few months ago , I was sitting at the same table Ernest Hemingway spent many days at in the heart of Madrid.

Spain popped into our wanderlust list fairly recently, but my wife and I were blown away by the country. Perhaps most stunning was the simplicity of the food that could tickle tastebuds in incredible ways.

On top of the amazing dishes, from a bowl of olives to pan con tomate to homemade paella in the backyard of a local cooking instructor, the affordability in Spain was perplexing. Not exactly what I expected from a Western European country.

Bartender Jeremy Williams pours a claramente (blanco tequila, mezcal, clear citrus, cucumber, and elderflower).

It is easy to overlook that one of downtown Grand Rapids’ dining staples, San Chez Bistro, has been pumping out tapas in a Spanish way for more than three decades. That’s certainly helped keep Spanish cuisine among one of the more familiar to West Michigan tastebuds, sometimes without even thinking about it.

Those days of sharing dishes with friends and family downtown certainly helped make me feel at home at the tables in Spain. In fact, there were discussions on whether we should make the move to Barcelona after my wife was offered a job at the incredible diner-like, hole-in-the-wall gem that was Bar del Pla.

That trip was in February, so by May, the wanderlust was back in full force and so was thinking back fondly to those excellent meals in Spain. So, when the call came to check in on MDRD at the top of the Amway Grand Plaza, I jumped at the opportunity and headed up to the 27th floor for one of the best views available in Grand Rapids.

MDRD is already known as one of the best date night spots in Grand Rapids. You cannot beat the swanky interior, romantic nighttime vibes and artistic desserts that have made their way onto Instagram. In 2022, as managing editor of this magazine, I named MDRD among the top five best restaurants in Grand Rapids, if only for achieving a solid meal surrounded by aesthetics that are unmatchable in the city.

But on my most recent visit, MDRD blew me away and turned into one of the top three meals I’ve had in Grand Rapids since returning from my four-year stint in Las Vegas in 2021. Because it is one of the most upscale restaurants in Grand Rapids, it strays from the simplicity of most Spanish cuisine, but it brings it up in an elevated way that we did experience in some restaurants. That said, while MDRD has a reputation of being an expensive dining destination, it certainly is possible to pop up and enjoy a beverage or two with a few tapas items at a reasonable price for a normal (non-special occasion) date night.

Let’s start with the service. It was absolutely stellar, led by our server’s excellent comprehension of the menu and its items, from drinks to the dishes. One of our diners has strict dietary restrictions. The server was quick to acknowledge which dishes were OK and which could be modified easily and still be much the same.

As we waited for our dining partners, my wife and I quizzed our server on pre-dinner

"... on my most recent visit, MDRD blew me away and turned into one of the top three meals I’ve had in Grand Rapids ..."

Pat Evans

(Left) The espárragos salaplancha tapas dish combines grilled asparagus, ajo blanco, toasted pine nuts, and pickled grapes. (Below) Clockwise from top right: Tonic Y Que? mocktail, potatas bravas (potatoes), pulpo a la gallega (octopus), jamón y quesos (cured meats and cheese board), and espárragos salaplancha (asparagus).

cocktails. She expertly navigated between drinks and explained the subtle differences between a few of them, including the Claramente — a tequila base with hints of mezcal — and the mezcal-heavy Clavel Rojo. The Claramente was a delightfully light and citrusy tequila drink. At the aforementioned Bar del Pla in Barcelona, we were navigated to hit the gin and tonics, and so at MDRD, I did. It was a very large pour with plenty of vibrancy to keep eyes, noses and mouths happy.

Once it was time to order dinner, we selected a bottle from an extensive wine list, featuring mostly Spanish wines. The region is widely overlooked in the United States by many, and it is a shame, because as one of the original historic wine making regions, there are plenty of incredible offerings at affordable prices.

On to the food!

It can be difficult to elevate a cuisine, particularly in West Michigan where many diners much prefer large portions of familiar foods. MDRD also deals with the luxury of competing with the views of the area’s landscape for attention to the dishes at hand. In so many ways, MDRD accomplishes both, and then some.

Our table ordered several plates of pan con tomate, a very simple dish that is comparable to Italian cuisine’s bruschetta. Rather than diced tomatoes with a dressing, it is toast, smeared with some garlic and covered in grated tomatoes. Simple, but divine.

Likewise, a plate of patatas bravas offers a fun way to chow down on potatoes. In Spain, they are often quartered, roasted, or fried and then smothered in the salsa bravas, a semi-spicy tomato paste-based sauce. At MDRD, the dish comes as stacked fried cubes of potato on a bed of salsa bravas; geographic, inventive, and tasty. Another win. We did not order (which I now regret and will be back extremely soon) the tortilla de MDRD, the restaurant’s spin on another extremely common Spanish dish: the Spanish tortilla. The potato omelette –occasionally with additions, like MDRD’s onion and Manchego – is often served cold, and yet another example of when simplicity is king with an easy path to elevation.

The asparagus was among the best I’ve ever had; grilled and dressed with a light ajo blanco, an almond and garlic soup.

As for some of the more substantive dishes we ordered, the pulpo a la gallega was one of the heartiest offerings of a tapas I’ve ever seen. The octopus legs were hearty,

Front: Gin Tonic mocktail with butterfly pea flower gin, elderflower tonic, grapefruit, and basil. Back: Tonic Y Que? cocktail features amethyst cucumberserrano, tonic, honeydew granita, pink peppercorn, and fresh mint.

A taste of Madrid

For a great summer snack, look no further than Pan con tomate.

Ingredients:

Tomatoes

Olive Oil

Garlic

Sea Salt

Ciabatta, or other fresh bread

Preparation:

1. Brush bread with olive oil, grill or toast in oven.

2. Grate tomato with cheese grater.

3. When bread is golden, rub with sliced garlic clove.

4. Spoon tomato over bread and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.

5. Enjoy!

thick and grilled to perfection. The tender meat of the pure muscle was incredible, and while it can be intimidating for a picky eater or someone who loves animals, such as myself, it is well worth it. The lamb chops were likewise perfectly cooked and devoured quickly.

We also ordered the massive jamón y quesos plate, which honestly was a steal at $42. Grab two glasses of wine and this dish and a date night will be more than satiating. My only gripe here is more bread, please.

The tartar de ternera was likely the best overall dish we had. A beef tartare made with roasted bone marrow and plated in the bone. Definitely more approachable than a bone of marrow to spread on bread, the tartar melts in your mouth and explodes on the tastebuds.

We largely stayed away from the main plates, though did include the raya al limon in our shared plates. The skate wing with little neck clams served with a nice lemon salsa was a perfect order to include with the rest of our menu items. In the past, we have ordered the paella, and am not quite sure that can get a full recommendation.

All in all, the meal, as mentioned earlier, is among the best I’ve had in Grand Rapids the past two years. It is well worth a visit and doable for under $150 for a date night. So, while not extremely affordable, certainly a reasonable price for an exquisite evening with good food and drinks and an unmatched view offering a cool vibe.

There is one thing I would suggest, although I’m sure MDRD does not hurt for visits, as it was full on a Thursday evening when we visited. In Madrid, no matter where you went, if you ordered a drink, it came with a nice little snack, be it a bowl of olives or chips, maybe even some jamón. The next round, ditto. That could make a drink meeting extra special, and even more authentic.

(Top) MDRD's staff, known for awardwinning service, were voted number one in Grand Rapids Magazine's 2023 readers' survey. (Above) Tartar de ternera, an angus beef and roasted bone marrow dish, is the author's favorite.

Colombia's most wanted

Pochis Sweet Designs imports ingredients from South America for authentic fare

BY MATT ROTHENBERG // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

Since she arrived in Grand Rapids from Bogotá, Colombia, six years ago, Paola Carlson hasn’t slowed down. Her entrepreneurial spirit has taken her from selling decorated bottles at art fairs to importing Pochis Sweet Designs (her own line of sweet treats) for distribution by the Meijer retail chain — and now, she’s opened her own brick-andmortar shop that offers a yummy taste of her home country.

Look for the pink awning on Ionia Avenue: Pochis Colombian Cafe has the look of a candy box, which complements the store’s line of chocolate-dipped strawberries, bouquets, espresso drinks and beautifully decorated pastries. But those items are only the half of it. Pochis also offers a growing menu of authentic Colombian dishes for here or to go.

Carlson (whose family nickname is “Pochis,” in case you were wondering) said her Colombian menu was a command performance from customers. “My first idea was to start the coffee shop and maybe sell bouquets, but people asked, ‘Where is the food from Colombia?’ So now we’re an official restaurant!”

When Paola says her menu is authentically Colombian, she means it: “Every item we use for cooking, we bring from Chicago or Miami — here, there’s no place that sells Colombian ingredients. And the flour for our arepas, we source all the way from Colombia!”

Come hungry!

At the heart of Pochis’ menu are Colombia’s most-loved dishes — starting with hot dogs. As popular in Colombia as they are in the U.S., Colombian hot dogs are piled high with novel ingredients. Pochis offers a Classic (melted mozzarella and sautéed onion); a Hawaiian (hot dog with ham and pineapple); an “All Terrain” with shredded chicken, beef, bacon, cheese and onion; and the House hot dog, with shredded pork, sautéed mushrooms — and a tiny hardboiled quail egg. These aren’t your mom’s hot dogs. They're served with chips, and any one of them makes a meal.

first idea was to start the coffee shop and maybe sell bouquets, but people asked, ‘Where is the food from Colombia?’ So now we’re an official restaurant!"

"My

Paola Carlson

(Left) Bandeja Paisa, which includes Antioqueno beans, white rice, ground meat, pork rinds, cooked sausages, fried eggs, plantain slices, and avocado. (Below) inside Pochis Colombian Cafe. (Bottom) chicken and potato empanadas.

More Pochis favorites, all made to order from scratch:

Empanadas. While Mexican empanadas are made with wheat flour, Colombian empanadas are made with corn flour fried crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, filled with an assortment of savory ingredients. (Try the chickenmushroom empanada.)

Arepas build up from a thick cornmeal pancake piled high with meats, vegetables and cheese. Check out the Pochis Arepa with your choice of meat, plus sausage, tomato, onion, corn, mozzarella and a quail egg. (Or with a whole fried chicken egg.)

Salchipapas combine the Spanish words salchi (sausage) and papa (potato). As the name implies, Pochis’ salchipapas match up French fries and fried beef hot dogs with cheese and Pochis’ special sweet-and-savory sauce. We recommend you go all in with the Salchitodisimo!

In place of cornmeal or a hotdog bun, patacones start with a crispy fried green plantain stacked with ingredients. Check out the Creole Patacon, which pairs shredded beef and chorizo topped with cheese.

Pochis obviously isn’t the place for calorie-counting.

Owner Carlson said her menu just keeps growing, thanks to requests from ColombianAmericans from Detroit, Lansing and Chicago who’ve made Pochis a must-stop when they travel. (“Every weekend, I meet new people from Colombia,” she said.)

Pochis now features big Colombian tamales wrapped in plantain leaves and stuffed with a farm’s worth of meats and veggies; a whole fried fish direct from Colombia; and bandeja paisa (a rice-andbeans platter with ground meat, pork rinds, sausage, fried eggs and plantain).

If, after all that, you still have room for a side dish, I recommend the pandebono, a savory cheese bread made with cassava flour.

Seal the deal with a dessert. Try the obleas colombianas, a luscious concoction of wafers, caramel spread, mozzarella, strawberry jelly and whipped cream!

Paola Carlson plans to take Colombian culture to the streets of Grand Rapids on July 22 with Colombian on Ionia, a festival that will feature food, music, art and performances from her homeland. (Colombian Independence Day is July 20.)

“Everybody thinks the only Latino people here in Grand Rapids are Mexican,” she laughed. “We want to bring something new.”

Taking it outside

Pleasant places to sip and savor the flavor of summer

BY LISA ENOS

Speciation Artisan Ales and Cellar

Located behind some commercial buildings at 928 Wealthy St. SE in a 100-year-old auto shop, Speciation Artisan Ales and Cellars is one of those places that is in the center of everything, but you have to know exactly where to look for it. I was sat in a pretty garden area (complete with shaded picnic tables, cornhole boards and a water bowl for my dog) where I tried a flight of handcrafted, low intervention, all-natural wine. After sipping Omen, a harvest orange, Innercell, a red and Objects, a “petnat” (short for Pétillant-Naturel, a catch-all term for naturally sparkling wine), I chose Iron Bell as my favorite. This wine has a wonderful bouquet, and though it didn’t taste like a traditional rosé from France, it was delicious, and a very fitting sipper for a summer day.

“Geeks Who Drink” trivia night is on

Wednesdays and lots of live music is planned throughout the summer. For beer drinkers, there are lagers, sours, IPA’s… an ever-changing lineup of beer, seltzer and wine naturally crafted with a lot of knowledge and a little patience. The taproom opens Tuesday – Sunday at 4 p.m., and at noon on weekends.

Green Well

What’s great about the Green Well? Well, there are a lot of things. First and foremost, it’s casual and dependable. I’ve never had a meal or a drink I didn’t love, or a service experience that rubbed me the wrong way at the Green Well. So, it’s got that going for it, which is nice. The adorable outdoor dining area is another. Situated in the East Hills district, at 924 Cherry St. SE, the place offers an umbrellashaded patio lined with greenery and trees. Situated on a lively, yet quaint and quiet street, it’s a great place for

people watching and to be seen. Most of all the consistently good casual fare makes it a great pick if you’re feeling peckish, ravenous or just want to enjoy a sip on a summer day outside.

Third Nature Brewing Co.

“Where craft beer meets nature” is Third Nature Brewing Co.’s motto and they aren’t just saying that. Located at 7733 Childsdale Ave NE, Rockford, this brew pub is situated in-between the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, the large property sits on a wooded lot set back a bit from the road. Committed to brewing with the highest quality local ingredients, Third Nature also boasts one of the highest efficiency brewing systems around. The beer brewed on site runs the gamut; they serve all sorts. The biergarten is Fidofriendly, with firepits and ample parking for cars and bikes alike. Add

this destination to your summer bucket list.

The Score

It’s all fun and games at The Score (pictured above), located at 5301 Northland Dr. NE The first time I saw this place in a photo, I was green with envy. I thought a friend of mine had gone on yet another vacation! Why? She posted a photo of herself on social media sipping a drink underneath a palm tree. Another with some sand, a volleyball court and water in the background. Come to find out she was at The Score, where there's live music every day of the week throughout the summer, starting at 6 p.m.

Garage Bar

Located at 819 Ottawa Ave. NW, Garage Bar gets an honorable mention. At the time this publication went to print, its lively patio was beleaguered by nearby construction. Raise a glass to its speedy recovery.

TOP 5

Grab and go!

5 Knives for busy lives

BY LISA ENOS

Imagine walking into a café, grabbing a drink, ordering an apple cranberry turkey panini that’s ready in five minutes and then walking out without ever opening your wallet. If things go as planned, that’s exactly what will happen at 5 Knives, a new restaurant in the Riverview Center, an office building located at 678 Front Ave. NW. There’s been a complete overhaul on the deli (Rico's) that used to occupy the space. The restaurant's owner/executive chef is Johnny Przybylek, formerly a chef at Boatwerks, an upscale lakeside restaurant in Holland. Przybylek has brought his vision and expertise to the venture he’s created, along with designer Brittney Tanis and Peter Mason, the property owner.

“The steak sandwich is the best thing on the menu in my opinion,” said Przybylek, who is proudest of this particular creation above others, which include paninis,

sandwiches and a whole host of quickto-make and prepacked items. The menu indicates how long it will take to prepare each item (3-5 minutes for a panini, 5-10 minutes for other hot sandwiches), perfect for those on the go during lunch hour.

The steak sandwich is made with chuck tenderloin, “which has a filet mignon consistency,” said Przybylek. It’s topped with sweet red onion marmalade and served on Arnie’s sourdough bread.

Other items will include hot grab-and-go breakfast items, fresh sushi, cold and ready packaged sandwiches, fruit, veggies, and salad wraps. All made in house.

“I cut it all,” said Przybylek, who is also a sushi chef. I assumed I’d stumbled upon the inspiration behind the name of this elevated snack bar, but no. The five knives are representative of the basic fundamentals of the kitchen world: 1. Passion; 2. Quality; 3. Convenience; 4. Service; 5. Creativity.

So, how do the food and beverage items get paid for if you don’t have to open your wallet?

Things like house accounts and UPC codes imprinted on takeaway items, along with a self-service iPad-type device that customers will use to input their orders (people can also order ahead of time online.) There are even branded coffee containers imprinted with a UPC code– a boon to anyone in a hurry on the way to that morning meeting. Just pour, scan and enjoy. To begin with, there will be a cashier to help aid in the process, but Przybylek said he hopes that before too long the café will be a fully selfservice space. (People who don't have house accounts will be able to pay with card or cash, but the process is streamlined and will rely a lot on the honor system, he added).

Once the food is collected, customers have two seating spaces to choose from to enjoy the food: some high tables and lounge chairs located adjacent to the café inside the Riverfront Center and another one outdoors, a pleasant deck that offers a picturesque view of the Grand River. Przybylek has some grand plans for the latter. He’s planning some high-end wine pairing dinners with House of Wine that will allow him to further showcase his culinary skills.

Five Knives is open weekdays, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., hours that will allow Przybylek time to service weekend catering clientele and conduct sushi and charcuterie classes. For more information visit, rvcoffices.com under the “RVC Advantage” drop down menu.

The 5 Knives steak sandwich is made with chuck tenderloin, topped with sweet red onion marmalade & served on Arnie's sourdough bread.

The five knives are representative of the basic fundamentals of the kitchen world:

CHEERS

A hard kombucha convert

Brewers serve drinks and the Eastown community in their Sacred space.

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

There’s something quite refreshing about popping into a local tasting room unannounced to find that the guy behind the bar serving the drinks is the owner. Joel Andrus, the “Silent Bob” of the kombucha brewing duo who own Sacred Springs was pleased to see a member of the press cross the threshold of the hidey-hole they call home to their labor of love, a bustling taproom and performance space located at 1059 Wealthy Street SE.

Not your run-of-the-mill booze hall, Sacred Springs has served its own brand of self-concocted kombucha since 2018 in its all ages tasting room and is continuing its tradition of making soft drinks with a new line of homemade sodas. With sound bowls, sacred geometric patterns and didgeridoos supplying the décor, the eccentric space has been open for a while now, but we hadn’t been back to taste its latest offerings since the establishment received its liquor license.

Sacred Springs makes mead and is the only West Michigan purveyor of hard kombucha. That’s right, the slightly effervescent, flavored fermented tea drink has a naughty cousin that can get you quite inebriated.

A little backstory: My only previous foray

into kombucha territory was years ago when I grabbed a bottle of the curious beverage out of the case of a local restaurant. It tasted a bit like a vinegar spritzer (i.e., not good).

So, when I popped into Sacred Springs a half hour before close on a bright Tuesday evening in May, I was leaning heavily toward trying some mead. Andrus, however, me poured a flight of hard kombucha and a house made root beer and presented it beautifully– a veritable rainbow of colors. Certain I was going to have to fake-smile through some samples of vinegar water, I was shocked (probably visibly) when the beverage passed my lips and tasted…not good, but great. Amazing. Refreshing.

Within minutes, I was a hard kombucha convert. Fermented tea. Yeah, that’s the stuff. “I’ll have another. And another,” I said.

Owner number two, Geoff Lamden, who is also a sound healer, dropped in for a jazz trio jam session and filled me in on some juicy info about Sacred Springs’ special recipe. Lamden explained it’s the use of green (rather than black) tea that makes Sacred Springs kombucha stand out; better tasting, better for you. The other very exciting thing about Sacred Springs kombucha is that it’s jumpstarted into being with Solfeggio frequencies (tones that are reputed to have the power to heal and raise consciousness). In ancient times these special tones were chanted by Gregorian Monks and have been reference in Indian Sanskrit writings. What does all this have to do with brewing kombucha? Andrus and Lamden noticed that yeast became instantly active when exposed to the Solfeggio sound waves. One only has to study the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto, whose work demonstrated water is shaped by the environment, thoughts and emotions to understand why.

Within minutes, I was a hard kombucha convert. Fermented tea. Yeah, that’s the stuff. "I’ll have another. And another."

Lisa Enos

(Here) Matt Van Cherry and Trop Hopics, two of Sacred Springs' colorful hard kombuchas. (Right) Geoff Lamden and Joel Andrus are the proud owner-operators of Sacred Springs, serving their own brew in the space since 2018.

CREATE

Feasting al fresco

Soup up your summer with a picnic!

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

What's a better than an evening on the lawn of your favorite outdoor concert venue? How about a little something to nosh on, too? Whether the basket's filled with gourmet goodies or simple items prepared at home, why not indulge in the time-honored tradition of a picnic? Speculation the word has nefarious origins were assuaged by this statement from Ferris State University's Jim Crow Museum Curator Dr. David Pilgrim: “The etymology of the word picnic does not suggest racist or racial overtones.”

OUR SUGGESTIONS:

Mezze/Hummus platter (includes hummus, beet salad, grape leaves, tabbouleh, and grilled olives) from the deli at Mediterranean Island.

Cheeses, vegetables, Casamara sodas, and wine from Martha's Vineyard. Bánh Mì and fresh spring rolls from B&N Sandwiches.

Luxe Artisan Preserves and Emme's Plantain Chips from Southeast Market. Iced Cascara tea from Madcap Coffee.

FILL YOUR KNOWLEDGE BANK WITH PROS IN THE KNOW

Thinking about how rising interest rates are affecting your life and how to best respond? Maybe you’re considering making a proposal or buying a special gift, and wondering how different gems measure up. Or, you could be considering a hair color change—or even just a touch-up—and deciding whether to get your color off the shelf or bring in an expert.

We have some input for you, brought to you by specialists in the community who make it their job to have the answers. In this section, you’ll get ideas for how to make the most of your savings, learn the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds, and find out why you should always put your tresses in the hands of a master. Their wisdom and years of experience in their respective fields will help you make your next move with confidence. Read on to see what they have to say!

Q: What are the benefits of going to a professional stylist versus DIY color at home?

A: The benefits of professional color compared to at-home box dye are plentiful. Besides the harsh ingredients that box dye has, you are leaving your hair’s health in your own hands. There is no creativity and no placement based on hair style—and you’re gambling with the color even being close to a match. The cost to fi x it will be more than

money; you’ll also lose time and take the risk of doing lasting damage that only a pixie cut can fi x. Put your locks in the hands of an expert and come see me at Benji Salon. You’ll not only receive a spa experience during your visit, you’ll also walk away with hair that feels natural and healthy—and looks like you were born with it!

Benji Salon & Spa

Amanda Sta ord, General Manager & Master Stylist 3950 Lake Michigan Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-558-4979 benjisalon.com

Q: What options do I have for earning more on my savings without taking on a lot of risk?

A: The market has seen a dramatic rise in interest rates over the past year. While this has created challenges for borrowers, savers are benefiting from being able to earn higher rates on their deposits at levels that the market has not seen in 15-plus years. Credit unions like LMCU o er a full range of federally insured deposit products, including money markets, checking and savings accounts, and CDs. The

Q: Why do we love diamonds?

A: When we wear diamonds, we celebrate their rarity, their beauty, and their journey as we track their travel from mine to market. They’re stunning and they feel luxurious. It’s awe inspiring they were formed in the earth’s mantle over millions of years. For the budget conscious and earth conscious, lab-grown diamonds are a great option. They have identical chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, making the two virtually indistinguishable—and

highest deposit interest rates right now are generally in CDs, which can be great as long as you do not need access to the money during the CD’s term. Money markets, high-yield savings, and interest checking accounts are attractive alternatives, considering that some of them earn interest rates that are nearly as high as CD rates. To learn more, go to LMCU.org or stop by your local LMCU branch.

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Peter Dann Chief Financial O cer

616-234-6634

LMCU.org

they’re every bit as beautiful. There’s no mining involved in the creation of lab-grown diamonds, and although they require large amounts of energy, some brands have built zero-emission factories, making them much more sustainable. If you’re curious which diamond is right for you, we’d love to do a side-by-side comparison. Regardless of which diamond you choose, always buy from someone you trust, and opt for one that is certified and laser inscribed.

Metal Art Studio

Fine Jewelry

Carol Wagen, Co-Owner

978 Cherry St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506

616-459-5075

metalartstudioinc.com

Art of Dining

Grab a Table and Prepare to Be Wowed

Grand Rapids continues to land lists in the state and in the nation, and recently made the top 20—at #16—in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022-2023. Could part of that be because of our exceptional dining and craft beverage scene? At Grand Rapids Magazine, we’re in touch with all the factors that contribute to our city’s popularity, and we know our diverse and abundant selection of eateries is certainly a draw.

continues land on “best”

even a

We’ve even created a whole section to highlight the restaurants that help put us on the map. Welcome to The Art of Dining. Here, you’ll learn about the hotspots that lure folks off their couches and out of their kitchens to enjoy a hand-crafted meal, whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whatever you’re craving, there’s a West Michigan establishment to pique your palate.

Bon Appétit!

The Chop House

A GRAND RAPIDS INSTITUTION since 2004, The Chop House, located on Monroe Avenue across from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, is beloved by locals and visitors alike. It has a loyal following among residents of greater West Michigan and is also a favorite spot for event-goers who come to the city for conventions, the symphony, Broadway shows, and stand-up comedy performances.

The Chop House has earned its stellar reputation by providing an exceptional experience to guests, every time. From attentive service to a welcoming atmosphere, every detail is considered. Guests return again and again because they can count on consistency, whether it’s the quality of the food, the kindness of the staff, the precise preparation, the availability of a preferred bottle of wine, or prompt seating for

a reservation. Though reservations are not required, they’re highly recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and special occasions so their staff can cater your experience to a tee.

The Chop House is now open Sundays, from 4:00-9:00 p.m., adding to the growing energy of downtown Grand Rapids on both days of the weekend. And, running June through October, they’ll be hosting wine dinners featuring a number of different wineries. For those who like their beverages less spirited, they offer a wide selection of premium, alcohol-free cocktails, wines, and beers, including a craft IPA.

Already a fan of The Chop House? You’ll also love their sister restaurants: Palio and The Real Seafood Company, both now open for lunch.

Courtney Quist

Attorney and Mediator

Collaborative – A Smarter Divorce

•Preserve family ties and financial resources.

•Create an option based resolution specifically tailored to meet the needs of your family.

•Stay out of court and stay in control.

•Flat fees available.

Courtney Quist, Ada Collaborative 4760 E. Fulton Drive, Ste. 102 Ada, Michigan 49301

616-454-9008 | courtneyquist@quistlawfirm.com quistlawfirm.com

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

dine

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

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 $

BOBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B.

Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers. Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bobarinospizza. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRICK & PORTER

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

BRICKYARD TAVERN

Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $$

COTTAGE BAR

Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chilis and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 18 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. Lunch, Dinner $

DIVANI

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

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

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 $

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

dine / estau ants

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 $-$$

GRAND RAPIDS GARAGE BAR AND GRILL

“All-American grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. / 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 4540321. garagebargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

GRAND WOODS LOUNGE

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

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

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 $$-$$$

LINEAR

Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LITTLEBIRD

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

LUNA TAQUERIA Y COCINA

Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 64 Ionia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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

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) $$-$$$

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 $-$$

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 $$$

PALACE OF INDIA

Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE

Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PIND INDIAN CUISINE

A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

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

dine / estau ants

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, $$

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 $-$$

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 $$

EL GRANJERO

Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. // 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

EL SOMBRERO

Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. Lunch, Dinner $

FRATELLI’S KITCHEN & BAR

Italian cuisine based on family recipes from Sicily with a “modern twist.” Full service bar. Open daily. // 443 Bridge St NW, Suite 2. 389-4963. fratellisgr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

THE 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

dine / estau ants

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 $-$$

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) $

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 $-$$

CHEZ OLGA

Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE COMMONS

1970s-themed restaurant with “retro comfort food.” Full bar, including craft beer and ’70s-inspired cocktails. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 547 Cherry St SE, 458-2704. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

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 $$-$$$

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, $$$

HANCOCK

Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

HARMONY BREWING CO.

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

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 $$

LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE

Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

MARU SUSHI & GRILL

Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS

Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carryout available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 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 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-

dine / estau ants

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 $-$$

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 $-$$

ROSE’S

Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$

Northeast GR

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

CRESTON BREWERY

More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all

times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. // 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

DETROIT WING CO.

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

FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR

Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO

Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $$

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 $$-$$$

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, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SHESHCO GRILL

Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$

THAI CHEF

Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

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. // 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 $-$$

dine / estau ants

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 $$

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 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 $$

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. 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, 6629670. 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 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 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

Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and exceptional desserts; dinner menu, too. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$

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 $-$$$

PITA HOUSE

Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. Lunch, Dinner $

REAL FOOD CAFÉ

Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only.

Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $

RED GERANIUM

Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 5328888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $

SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL

Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$

TACOS EL CAPORAL

Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

TACOS EL CUÑADO

Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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 $-$$

Glory be!

Grand Rapids residents recall historic U2 concert at Fountain Street Church

BY CLAYTON TRUTOR

Well before U2 became the biggest band in the world, they found an enthusiastic audience at the Fountain Street Church. On December 5, 1981, just eight months after U2’s first American show, the band played one of Grand Rapids’ most mythologized concerts.

“At the time they were just another up-and-coming band,” longtime WLAV DJ Stephen Aldrich recalls. That evening, Aldrich worked on the stage crew for concert promoters Alan Bashara and Bill Breidenfeld. The promoters took a chance booking the littleknown act.

Hedging their bets, they placed U2 at Fountain Street, a venue that held 1500 and had a history of hosting big name acts. The likes of Frank Zappa, King Crimson and Ella Fitzgerald had played there. To cut costs, the promoters used their own stage crew and relied on the church’s youth group, the Fountain Club, to sell tickets.

Grand Rapids rock station WLAV promoted the show by playing the band’s new single, “Gloria,” the song that opened the show. As WLAV DJ Tim Steele began to introduce the band, lead singer Bono grabbed the microphone and announced, “This is ‘Gloria,’ 2-3-4” before kicking into the song.

The Edge’s jagged guitars and Bono’s anthemic vocals echoed off the stone and stained glass of the non-denominational house of worship. U2 closed the evening with a two-song encore that featured boisterous crowd participation.

“I’d always heard about the Fountain Street Church and their great shows from my older brothers,” Steve Secor said. Then a high school freshman, Secor scored tickets from WLAV on the day of the show and went with his older brother, Greg.

“I didn’t know anything about them,” Secor said, “but when they walked on stage, there was something about them. They ended up being my band for the rest of my life.”

Barely a year after their Grand Rapids gig, U2 released "War." The album has sold more than 11,000,000 copies, securing U2’s spot as one of the world’s most popular acts.

Pictured are Bono (top left), ticket stub (top right), The Edge (bottom left), and the stage as seen from the audience (bottom right).