Grand Rapids Magazine September/October 2024

+ 60 YEARS OF GR MAGAZINE

A salute to the storytellers, visionaries and champions of GR’s film scene.

Wealthy Theatre Film Curator Nicholas Hartman

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Point Betsie Lighthouse, Glen Haven’s Lifesaving Station, and Leland’s Fishtown. All in the Most Beautiful Place in America, as chosen by tens of thousands of Good Morning America’s viewers. Fun shops, great golf, farm fresh food, and local wineries await you. Call 231.334.5100 to enjoy it all! .

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DREAM GRAND GO

Raining Wisdom by Abdoulaye Conde, ArtPrize 2023

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2024

VOLUME 61, ISSUE 5

FEATURES

38 THE FACES OF FILM MEET THE STORYTELLERS, VISIONARIES & CHAMPIONS BEHIND THE GRAND RAPIDS FILM SCENE BY JASON ROTH

50 THE 60 TH ANNIVERSARY OF GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

SIX DECADES OF COVERING THE HISTORY & EVOLUTION OF OUR CITY.

BY ANN BYLE

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN ESLER

WoodTV8 Host and Reporter Rachael Ruiz holds a copy of the June 2004 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine in which she is featured on the cover.

every issue

10 editor's letter

111 dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

128 gr gems

Clifford Lake Inn.

people + places

14 city

Eastown Streetfair, Oktoberfest and Confluence reemerge.

15 guide

Pub crawls, parties, & prizes— what's happening on Halloween!

16 voice

Nourish and flourish! Eleven ways to eat like a heroine.

18 profile

Creative convergence: ArtPrize 2024 set to start with a bang!

22 issues

Fiction takes on fracking in Land Marks, a new novel.

24 spotlight

Getting to know Rockford's own rising star MaRynn Taylor.

look + feel

28 wellness

West Michigan Social Club— Lonely just got a little easier.

30 expert

Financial advice from Davenport for the college bound.

31 style

Monster in You: Horns, spikes & antlers characterize collection.

32 home

Versitile plunge pools ensure swimmers soak up four seasons.

33 experience

Nightlife destination bridges gap between classic & contemporary.

food + drink

76 table

Søvengård: New Nordic Midwest farm-to-table gem reopens.

80 must-try

Gursha— a mouthful of Ethiopian hospitality.

82 cheers

Obstacle No. 1— More than just a bar, it's an event!

84 create

Our take on schnitzel, for an Oktoberfest to remember.

86 on-the-go

Schoolhouse rocks! O'Briens serves up a masterpiece.

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com

Publisher: Jason Hosko

Editorial

Managing Editor: Lisa Enos

Special Projects Editors: Emily Doran, Olivia Sedlacek

Contributors: Allison Kay Bannister, Ann Byle, Kelsey Dunneback, Pat Evans, Gabriel Rose, Matthew Rothenberg, Pasha Shipp, Gil Stansell, Debby Buck DeJonge

Design & Production

Creative Director: Lindsay Richards

Art Director: Keagan Coop

Production Manager: Crystal Nelson

Senior Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel

Production Coordinator: Amanda Kozlowski

Contributors: Michelle Cuppy, Bryan Esler, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Teri Genovese, Amanda Kamppinen, Wes Kitten

Sales

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Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo

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Circulation

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Next issue

Top Lawyers Shopping Guide

An Intriguing Horse Property

A personal favorite

As an artist at heart, the annual Arts issue of Grand Rapids Magazine has always been my favorite. This edition, brimming with creativity and inspiration, showcases the vibrant culture of our hometown and is a true joy to put together.

In this issue, we dive into the world of local filmmakers with a feature by fellow filmmaker Jason Roth. Pasha Shipp highlights some standout ArtPrize artists, and we profile an up-and-coming fashion designer who uses spikes, antlers and horns in their collection as a nod to our primal instincts—fascinating stuff!

Ann Byle delivers some exceptional pieces herein, including a look at the 60th anniversary of this very publication. She also interviews two intriguing authors: one who has crafted a recipe book (of sorts) inspired by classic literary characters, and another who explores the impact of fracking in a gripping new novel.

Gil Stansell shares insights on tackling loneliness through his involvement with a new social group. Allison Kay Bannister speaks with a Davenport University expert about recent FAFSA changes that could simplify the process of applying for scholarships and grants.

On the food front, Matthew Rothenberg takes us on another culinary journey, this time to Ethiopia with a visit to Gursha. Pat Evans catches up with Søvengård about the popular restaurant's two-year hiatus and their exciting new spot that's now open on Bridge Street. Further east, Kelsey Dunneback explores the evolution of the street, from classic dives to upscale dining, and what makes the bar district a hotspot. Gabriel Rose talks with TJ O’Brien about his deli’s origins and his new venture in Ada. He also interviews a rising star from Rockford who has a new single out, and she recently performed in front of a packed stadium at a professional football game.

Debby Buck DeJonge takes us beyond Rockford, to a historic inn on a lake, an absolute gem that is harboring a secret!

There’s so much more in this issue that I’d love to share, but I’ll let you discover it for yourself. I hope you enjoy this edition as much as I do!

Lisa Enos Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

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

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Bryan

Esler

Grand Rapids Magazine: How long have you been in the GR area and working with GR Mag? Bryan Esler: I moved to Grand Rapids in 2004 to attend Aquinas College, and started capturing photos for GR Mag in 2019.

GRM: You’ve captured all types of subjects for us. What’s been your favorite capture for GRMag so far?

BE: My favorite photo shoot to date was at John Ball Zoo. Myself and Pat Evans, the magazine’s editor at the time, were able to get a backstage tour of the zoo, and hang out with some really cool animals. What resulted were some of my favorite photos I’ve taken for the magazine yet.

GRM: What excites you the most about working/ living/playing in the Grand Rapids area? BE: I love the fact that Grand Rapids always has something going on, no matter your interests. I can go downtown, head to a festival, grab a beer, amazing meal and enjoy the Grand River views all at once. It’s great!

GRM: What’s your go-to food/drink spot in GR? What are you ordering? BE: The Winchester has recently become one of my favorites. Their fish and chips is the best I’ve had in town. And their fish sandwich they had earlier this year … absolutely stunning. But there’s so many great places in Grand Rapids; it’s hard to pick just one.

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people+places

Local author draws inspiration from classic novel characters for a cookbook, of sorts.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TERI GENOVESE

Three Seasonal Celebrations

As the weather cools, the fun heats up at these perennial outdoor gatherings.

BY LISA ENOS

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest Grand Rapids returns to Riverside Park on September 27-28, for a family-friendly celebration featuring German beers, wines, food, and music. The event runs from 3 – 10 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. New 2024 additions include a second beer tent and food tent. Drink tickets are required for alcohol purchases, and proceeds benefit the Edelweiss Club of Grand Rapids, promoting German culture in the community.

Confluence

This annual festival celebrating art, music, science, and technology, now in its fourth year, will take place September 20–21 at Rosa Parks Circle. The free, two-day event will offer an eSports tournament, a Robotics Expo featuring local middle and high school teams, a Maker Expo showcasing the DIY community, and a Future Innovators Zone with STEAM activities for all ages.

Eastown Streetfair

The 51st Annual Eastown Streetfair returns on September 7 in the heart of Grand Rapids' eclectic Eastown neighborhood. This family-friendly, oneday event kicks off at 9 a.m. and continues until the beer tent closes at 10 p.m.

A perennial favorite, the Eastown Streetfair offers a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, food, drinks, and live music. The fair spans Wealthy Street between Giddings Avenue and Lake Drive, including the first block of Ethel Avenue and the Wealthy St. Hub Lot. Visitors can browse vendor booths filled with local arts, crafts, and goods, and enjoy craft beers and more at the beer tent.

Musical performances by local bands are always a highlight. This year, Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues, a regional traditional Rhythm and Blues band, will take the stage, alongside another local favorite—PotatoeBabies, performing from 2–3 p.m. For more details on additional bands and performance times, visit eastown.org/events.

Parties & Prizes

Halloween festivities promise wicked excitement

BY LISA ENOS

Prepare to step into a world of eerie elegance and spine-tingling treachery at Grand Rapids’ premier Halloween event: the Just Wicked party at the JW Marriott. On Friday, October 25, thrill-seekers and partygoers alike will be beckoned into a haunted lair— the hotel's International Ballroom— for a night they won't soon forget.

As the clock strikes 9 p.m., the doors will open to reveal a realm where shadows dance and the air hums with the whispers of the supernatural. The evening will promise an unparalleled blend of fun times and excitement— a Halloween bash not to be missed.

Participate in a high-stakes costume contest. Entries are accepted until 11 p.m. sharp and winners announced at 11:30 p.m. A $1,000 cash prize, plus a one-night stay at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, will be awarded to the first-place winner. Second place will earn $500 and a night at the luxurious hotel, while third place will receive a $200 gift card to Margaux Restaurant.

Throughout the night, a live DJ will spin a mix of haunting melodies and dance tracks, ensuring the ballroom pulses with energy. Attendees will also enjoy the signature Just Wicked cocktails, crafted to add a magical touch to the festivities.

General admission tickets are $20–25 and include admission, costume contest entry, and an enchanted mirror photo experience.

The “R.I.P.” section ($1000) will offer exclusive amenities including a bottle of bubbly, soft seating for up to eight guests, personal cocktail service, late-night snacks, and complimentary valet or selfparking. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets.

Don’t like to stay put? Try the Boos & Brews Bar Crawl!

On Saturday, October 19, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m., the city will come alive with an event that promises a night of spooktacular excitement. Participants will start their haunting journey at Home at the B.O.B.,

The evening will promise an unparalleled blend of fun times and excitement— a Halloween bash not to be missed.

where registration takes place, 6–8 p.m. Here, and at other participating bars such as Bobarino's and Bob's Brewery, revelers can enjoy a signature $10 Boo Juice.

The crawl continues on to Flanagan's and Tin Can, where $2 PBRs, $3 Halloween pudding shots, and $4 Jack-O-Lantern Faygo bombs promise a ghoulishly good time! A costume contest will offer a $100 bar tab as prize money for the best costume or group. Each participant will receive a Boos & Brews Crawl color-changing stadium cup.

There will be no cover charge for ticket holders at any of the participating bars. Drink and food specials will be available, adding to the festive spirit of the crawl. General Admission pricing of $15 ends Sept. 13, 2024. For tickets, visit allevents.in

Want to get into the Halloween Spirit a little early?

The Tin Can can help, with its Zombie Pub Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 12, 4 p.m.–midnight. Located at 206 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Tin Can will transform into a hub of undead revelry. As you and your fellow zombies shuffle from bar to bar. Venue partners will be announced closer to the time of the event. Price: $13–19.

Left: Costumed guests line up at the Just Wicked party in the International Ballroom at JW Marriott. Below: The Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtles bust a move on the dance floor.

Local author Lorilee Craker sits outside of the new Orchard House Books and Cafe at 1042 Michigan Street NE.

Local author blends literary heroines, food

Nonfiction book offers 11 ways to nourish and flourish

BY ANN BYLE // PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

Katy Carr of What Kay Did. Cassie Logan of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Maya Angelou of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Esperanza Ortega of Esperanza Rising

All these literary heroines have one thing in common: food. They love food, make food, serve food, eat food. And each one, plus many more, is included in the book Eat Like a Heroine: Nourish and Flourish with Bookish Stars from Anne of Green Gables to Zora Neale Hurston, which released in August.

Lorilee Craker, former entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press who now writes for Local Spins, is coauthor of Eat Like a Heroine with Jenny Williams, owner of Etsy’s Carrot Top Paper Shop. Williams lives in Oklahoma City and drew the cover and inside artwork for the book.

“Five years ago, I was reading the newspaper and saw a story about The Jane Austen Diet. The words ‘eat like a heroine’ came to me at that moment as a book that I wanted to write with Jenny,” recalls Craker. “Next thing you know I’m on a plane to Oklahoma City. We brainstormed, planned and outlined the book. The book as it is today is pretty much as we planned it back in 2019.”

The pair met via Instagram and their love for all things Anne of Green Gables (Craker is also author of Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me: What My Favorite Book Taught Me about Grace, Belonging, and the Orphan in Us All.) Williams’ tagline for Carrot Top Paper Shop is “Be the Heroine of Your Life,” which resonated with Craker.

Eat Like a Heroine offers eleven ways to up our food game, from picnicking like a heroine, eating locally-sourced food, using food as an extension of hospitality, celebrating holidays with food, and offering

comfort food during times of duress or illness. Each chapter includes a recipe—some super easy, some more elaborate—to take your heroine eating and cooking to the next level.

“The book answers the question of what do our most beloved authors teach us about nourishing ourselves. Most of us are not just readers, but feeders. The book speaks into how we feed the people we love, not just ourselves,” said Craker.

Researching and writing Eat Like a Heroine brought a few surprises. One is that almost every classic book contained references to currants (remember the currant wine debacle in Anne of Green Gables?), something we don’t see or use today. Craker also found interesting differences in how we eat now. For instance, Amy March in Little Women wanted to serve her friends a delicacy: chicken salad. She was bored with the same old lobster salad, something we here in Michigan would consider a treat.

“Jenny and I both brought our strengths,” said Craker. “Her strength is that she’s into research. Also, I’m all about the cooking hacks and shortcuts and she’s more of a chef. My recipes have four or five ingredients, hers can be quite complicated.”

Eat Like a Heroine has it all for readers eager to cook, eat, and be the heroine of her own life. “We feel disconnected from the books we read as a child,” said Craker. “Maybe we feel too old, but the book reconnects us with those books that nourish us in our spirits and nourish us with food.”

Find Eat Like a Heroine at local bookstores and online. For all things literary heroine— from stickers to mugs to postcards to prints—visit Williams’ Etsy shop Carrot Top Paper Shop.

“The book answers the question of what do our most beloved authors teach us about nourishing ourselves. ... The book speaks into how we feed the people we love, not just ourselves.”

Lorilee Craker

Creatives Converge

ArtPrize 2024: From Flower Pot to film, and everything in between.

BY PASHA SHIPP

As the air turns crisp and the sunlight wanes, crowds descend upon Grand Rapids for their yearly dose of the city-wide art celebration that is ArtPrize. The harbinger of autumn in West Michigan, ArtPrize welcomes thousands, giving the local economy a healthy dose of TLC and turning downtown into a bustling metropolis for just over two weeks.

Two years ago, ArtPrize changed hands, becoming a partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, Kendall College of Art and Design, and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. It may be under new management, but one thing’s for sure – ArtPrize is here, and it’s not going anywhere.

I talked to four different artists, each bringing their own unique flavor of art to the festival this year.

PROFILE

A detailed shot of Allison Baker's "Viral Load II," a 16x15x14ft sculpture hand built in 2021 with steel, concrete and rope.

The Wonder of Wimmelbild

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Elijah Haswell’s work is worth tenfold. He specializes in wimmelbild, a German word for busy, detailed pictures; think “Where’s Waldo?” Drawing inspiration from creators like Jim Henson and Walter Wick, Haswell’s sprawling scenes are full of mischief, hilarity and downright fun.

“I tripped headfirst into a passion for isometric wimmelbilds in 2022, and I’ve never looked back,” Haswell said. “There is something about isometric perspective that ‘clicks’ in my brain; it makes it possible for me to easily showcase multiple layers of characters in a single scene. I keep a running list of wimmelbild ideas that I refer back to whenever I’m starting a new project. I love being able to turn everyday scenarios into interesting and engaging illustrations – even the most mundane waiting room could become extraordinary with a strategically placed balloon salesman and runaway ducks with too much time on their hands.”

The piece he designed for ArtPrize this year pays homage to winners and fan favorites of ArtPrizes’ past, including such notable projects as “A. Lincoln,” “Intersections,” and “SteamPig Experiment.”

“My ArtPrize wimmelbild was inspired by the magic of ArtPrize and the artists that make it happen,” Haswell said. “Where else can you see ten different pieces of art in a barber shop, walk outside to a saxophonist performing in front a portrait made

Artist Elijah Haswell. Above: A peak into one of the many scenes depicted within Haswell's 2024 ArtPrize entry, "Once Upon A Wimmelbild." Below: Kevin, a reoccuring character found in many of Haswell's illustrations.

entirely of thousands of pennies, before continuing to a restaurant that features another seven artworks displayed behind a slam poet, other than ArtPrize? How can you possibly capture that feeling visually, other than in a wimmelbild?”

Haswell populates his elaborate scenes with anything you can imagine, but he also takes care to incorporate people of marginalized races, genders and abilities.

“As a proudly Autistic and Queer Transgender man, I’m acutely aware of the lack of diverse disability representation in media and art and I am constantly working to expand my catalog of characters who use stylish mobility devices, prostheses, hearing aids, AAC devices, glasses, service dogs, and more,” Haswell said, “It’s so important to me that everyone is able to see themselves reflected in my work.”

As part of the ArtPrize emerging artist series this year, Haswell’s work will be featured on a limited-edition ArtPrize poster.

Inset:

Bold and Beautiful

Part artist, part professor, Allison Baker teaches sculpture at Indiana University. While she dabbles in a variety of media, including printmaking, video, and sculpture, her work explores consistent themes around societal structures and the ways specific demographics are affected by them.

"There’s this idea of labor, and particularly gendered labor, that comes up in my work quite a bit,” Baker said. “Another big theme of my work is class division. I’m a first-generation college student; I come from a working-class background. It’s just something that comes up in my work a lot because both of these worlds that I’m in – academia and an art, you really can’t escape the class divisions and

that’s something that’s become really central to the body work that I’m producing.”

Her ArtPrize entry, “Second Shift” will command attention from its post outside Van Andel Arena. In keeping with her other large public projects, this massive sculpture features abstract shapes while communicating a message that’s important to her.

“It’s a little disarming in a way,” Baker said. “It beckons for you to come closer and then you’re just like, ‘Oh it’s so super fun and playful,’ and then you’re like, ‘Oh wait, she’s trying to say something. Oh, what she’s trying to say is also important,’ she continued. “I think that these issues are really important, and one of the reasons that I love sculptures so much is because it’s corporeal and it’s physical – you have to deal with it in space. What I love about monumental sculpture is making it so big that you can’t ignore it.”

“There’s this idea of labor, and particularly gendered labor, that comes up in my work quite a bit.”

Allison Baker

The topics Baker covers may be as heavy as the sculptures themselves, but the color palettes she uses are decidedly bright. The florescent yellows and bubblegum pinks add a touch of whimsy to the serious subject matter.

“For me, I think especially being a woman, there’s something that’s a little funny and tongue-in-cheek about making these giant things that are really colorful and really playful, but they’re still made out of steel and concrete,” she said. “There’s always this element of humor in my work, like this comically large dish glove. I think when you’re tackling heavy and serious topics, even more talking about work and women’s work and second-shift labor, I still think it’s so much easier to approach things through the lens of comedy.”

Inset: Artist Allison Baker. Above: "Monument to Radical Joy," Baker's 8x9x9ft sculpture made in 2023 with steel and stucco. Right: a process shot of Baker's 2024 ArtPrize entry, "Second Shift." Be sure to see the completed piece located outside of VanAndel Arena!

Calder Controversy

Brooklyn-based Nate Harrison combines his interests of copyright law and filmmaking with his Grand Rapids roots to tell the story of the renowned monument and symbol of ArtPrize that stands in Calder Plaza.

“I entered my most recent film, called ‘Pour le Peuple,’ which is the French phrase for ‘For the People,’ Harrison said. “I describe it as intimate essay film that retraces the controversial history of one of modern art’s most iconic public sculptures, Alexander Calder’s ‘La Grande Vitesse,’ located, as everyone knows, downtown. The film examines the politics of the sculpture’s ownership and control, given Grand Rapidians who first loathed and then embraced a work of modernist abstraction, in time giving meaning to such an esteemed work of art.”

Most of Harrison’s work explores the relationship between art and intellectual property law and runs the gamut of media, including audio, video, and print.

“In a past life, I worked as a graphic designer and art director for print and screen media for clients such as Jeep, Ford, Coke, Sprint, British Airways, and other large corporations,” he said. “I also produced a lot of electronic music as a passion in my spare time. It was through all of these experiences that I started to become curious about creative expression’s interdependence on legal frameworks.”

Whether you drive past Calder Plaza every day on your morning commute or it’s your first time seeing “La Grande Vitesse” in person, Harrison’s essay film invites you to experience a story that’s personal for him.

“I really hope my film can convey a story about the Calder sculpture that the kind people of Grand Rapids may not know, even if they are familiar with the sculpture.”

AR-t

David Frison IV is a digital artist who leverages augmented reality technology to transform existing spaces and create new ones. His interest in building digital environments blossomed at Kendall College of Art and Design, where he studied graphic arts.

“For the past 10 or so years, I’ve been doing graphic design at a professional level,” he said. “In 2019, I got really into 3D art and augmented reality. Since last year, I’ve gone full in to becoming a 3D AR artist. I go into spaces and scan them, which is creating a 3D digital copy of a space, and then add in elements that I create in 3D to those spaces.”

His work allows him to tap into an appreciation for architecture he’s had since a young age and explore new ways of looking at the world.

“I’m making my own elements, scanning a building, creating a building, adding elements to it, creating a story from all those elements, reinterpreting a whole bunch of this and that into an accessible, walking experience that anyone can have anywhere just on their phone,” he said. “That’s always been an inspiration for me – to be able to experience spaces that both exist and don’t exist.”

Frison first entered ArtPrize in 2016 as part of the Cultura Collective’s “This Space is Not Abandoned” project. This year, he’s going solo with his immersive augmented reality experience, “Building Realities,” that transforms downtown into an interactive cityscape.

“This project that I’m doing is quite ambitious,” he said. “What I’m doing is creating a digital copy of downtown Grand Rapids. I’ll be getting specific landmarks – Van Andel Arena, all the way to the DeVos Place. The project will include a bunch of markers downtown where you scan a QR code, and what pops up is a digital reinterpretation of that section of the city,” he continued. “Seeing the GRAM in the Edo period in Japan; seeing the DeVos Place with Brutalist architecture; you’ll be seeing multiple structures in different architectural styles and being able to look around and explore those structures true to scale.”

ArtPrize kicks off Friday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. with a multi-sensory party featuring fireworks and three parades, and culminates with a closing ceremony/ Fashion Show Sept. 27. For details, visit artprize.org..

Left: A still from Nate Harrison's "Pour le Peuple," a film that examines Grand Rapids' iconic "La Grande Vitesse" sculpture and the politics of its ownership and control. Inset: Nate Harrison.

Above: "Flower Pot," David Prison IV's immersive experience created in August 2023, allows users to feel as if they are inside a terracotta flower pot within a garden. Inset: David Frison IV.

Environmental fiction takes on fracking

Land Marks, a novel by local author Maryann Lesert, tells the story of people trying to stop fracking.

BY ANN BYLE

Maryann Lesert is as connected to the natural world as she is to her writing students at Grand Rapids Community College. She teaches composition courses including creative writing, but perhaps closest to her heart is an environmental literature course, a survey of American environmental literature from Henry David Thoreau to the present.

Her newest novel, Land Marks, may find itself on required reading lists for similar courses thanks to its deep dive into the costs to both humans and the more-than-human world of High Volume Horizontal Hydraulic Fracking. Most people know it as fracking, a means of extracting gas and oil from shale rock deep below the surface of the earth.

Fracking is controversial at best, with Michigan at one point one of the potential fracking epicenters thanks to its deep deposits of oil and gas. Frack well sites continue to operate around the state, along with a number of closed sites wreaking their own havoc on the environment thanks to chemical leftovers and ruined landscapes.

“Connection to place is very important to me,” said Lesert. “In 2010, the first major pilot hole was drilled on state land, the State-Pioneer in Missaukee County. In 2011, I started keeping an eye on the science and the risks of fracking and in 2012 started going out to every active frack well site.”

The State-Pioneer was the first highvolume horizontal hydraulic fracturing well site completed on state land. Turns out that oil and gas companies can lease public land for well sites, and those leases can be bought at twice-yearly auctions.

“Oil and gas companies send the DNR a list of the land they want to lease. I thought public land was protected, but they can buy leases in recreation areas, state games areas, and other public land. Barry County and the Yankee Springs areas became the center for this around 2012,” said Lesert. “Once I became aware of how much land was being leased, I started writing articles for EcoWatch and In These Times about the auctions.”

Lesert began traveling around the state visiting well sites, taking a look at the land before and after the wells were built. She learned about the changes to the land and the people living around the frack well sites. She also attended auctions and watched auction protests, heard people asking questions and not getting answers. She never went to frack well site alone, in part because she wasn’t always greeted nicely or welcomed.

She also put together a presentation

Fracking involves injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals deep into the earth to release natural gas and oil from subterranean shale formations.

called “Fracking in the Forest,” traveling around the state to classes, church groups, township meetings, environmental conferences—anywhere the public wanted information. She did more than 50 events a year for several years.

“I did the public service part in getting the word out, but then I wanted to write the story of the people who are trying to stop fracking. I wanted to write about the activists and the people living with fracking,” said Lesert, who is 61 and lives in Grand Rapids.

Several things came together around the same time that brought Lesert’s second novel to the forefront (she is also author of Base Ten, published in 2009). First came the broken Enbridge pipeline spilling 1.2 million gallons of tar sands oil into Talmadge Creek near Kalamazoo, but Enbridge not cleaning it up thoroughly. Then the divisiveness of public discourse, with people feeling they could only gather if they agreed 100 percent on everything. Instead, she saw all kinds of people gathering around environmental issues such as fracking.

“In 2014 I realized that I might have a novel and decided to write it. A sabbatical allowed me to go back through my journals of when I was visiting frack well sites,” said Lesert. “I wanted to tell the story of the places and people I had come to know who loved their places—rivers, lakes, woods, farmland—and who wished for a way to stop the fracking.”

Land Marks follows the journey of Kate, Brett, Sonya and Mark, plus their teacher Rebecca, as they move from talking about the dangers of fracking to an all-out, statewide protest that includes tree-hanging, Dancing Grandmothers, fake oil spills and small-boat armadas blocking the Straits of Mackinac. Activists gathered at one main camp to prepare for the protest—sleeping in tents, organizing meals, holding classes on things like how to hold the line together when police try to break through, and building camaraderie around a common cause.

“The first part of the book is based on my lived experience. In 2018 as I was writing I decided to bring all the characters together at the camp, but that wasn’t my experience. I realized I didn’t have to write based only on my experiences,” she said.

Lesert adds, “Land Marks is a book about fracking, but it’s more about the power of people when we come together.”

When she was traveling the state visiting well sites a decade ago, there were approximately 50 sites either in drilling

or in permitting phases. Now there are 13 active sites and 26 completed sites—sites that have been drilled, fracked, depleted, and plugged.

Check It Out

Circle Pines Center in Delton is a unique blend of family space, environmental care, education and activities. It offers a wide range of summer camps, LGBTQ Family Camp, an annual music festival, the Fungi and Foraging Festival and much more.

Peace, social justice, environmentalism and cooperation are its core values. “Recognizing that humans have the power to change the planet for the better or for the worst, we believe that it is our role to be stewards of the environment. Protecting the environment through conservation and sustainable practices flows through all we do,” according to the website.

Visit circlepines center.org for more information.

“I firmly believe that the public protests in Michigan helped slow down the spread of fracking in our state forests,” said Lesert. “We made it more difficult for the oil and gas companies. The public was well educated, standing up in public meetings and asking about earthquakes and other things. That kind of public pressure makes Michigan not as attractive or easy to deal with in terms of getting the permits.”

She’s also seeing the public slowly turning away from fossil fuel and the harm its extraction does. “The public is largely falling out of love with the fossil fuel era. We want to transition to different kinds of energy and are concerned about climate change,” she said.

Lesert is currently working on a novel based on her experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease, which she and her siblings helped her father face before his death in 2009. She’s also got another novel in the works, this time set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, that features deep friendship between two women—the wives of logging and railroad barons— during the time with logging, mining and railroads intersected in the UP.

In her roles as writer, teacher and activist, Lesert knows one thing for sure: “The way we treat the natural world is the way we treat ourselves.”

“I started keeping an eye on the science and the risks of fracking and in 2012 started going out to every active frack well site.”

Maryann Lesert

Halliburton machinery at a fracking site.

Rockford's Rising Country Star

Getting to know singer-songwriter MaRynn Taylor

BY GABRIEL ROSE

MaRynn Taylor, a self-taught country singer-songwriter and guitar player from Rockford, Michigan, is making waves in the music industry. Since moving to Nashville in 2020 to pursue her music career, she has quickly established herself as a rising star. Her breakthrough song, "Dads and Daughters," released in the same year, was an instant success, capturing the hearts of country music fans nationwide.

Recently, MaRynn had the opportunity to sing the national anthem and perform a halftime show for a crowd of 72,000 at the Buffalo Bills stadium, a testament to her growing popularity. I had the pleasure of speaking with MaRynn about her journey, her new EP, Get to Know Me, and her upcoming single, "Season 2 of Friends."

When asked about the best live performance she has ever seen, MaRynn mentioned James Taylor, recalling his advice: "Keep loving the music." She explained her songwriting process, emphasizing that she draws inspiration from her own life, starting with lyrics and melody. She collaborates with Producer Josh Kerr, who helps bring her songs to life by writing with her and creating the demo.

MaRynn expressed immense gratitude for her team, saying she often writes alongside friends and believes that working with trusted individuals allows her music to truly represent herself. She remains humble, attributing her success to God and the people she has met at Black River Entertainment, who give her "all the creative freedom in the world" and work tirelessly to carry out her vision.

When discussing what drew her to Nashville, MaRynn recounted a pivotal moment at age 12 when she first visited the city and was so captivated that she promised herself she would return to pursue a music career. She reflected, "It's kind of surreal to look at my twelve-yearold self looking at this place, and now 23 me, I'm like living in it."

While discussing life in her 20s, MaRynn shared insights about her upcoming song, "Season 2 of Friends." The song was inspired by a conversation with her cousin, who felt stressed about not being further along in life. MaRynn reassured her by pointing out that they are "only on Season 2 of Friends," referencing the age of the characters in the show during its second season. The song explores the theme of being young and not having everything figured out.

MaRynn is gearing up for a 25-city tour across the United States, opening for Dylan Schneider on December 6 in Grand Rapids at The Stache. Be sure to grab your tickets and witness this talented artist's journey unfold.

MaRynn Taylor, 23, with her guitar at home in Nashville.

CONFLUENCE FESTIVAL 2024

ROSA PARKS CIRCLE / GRAND RAPIDS

FRIDAY, SEPT 20 / 6PM – 10PM / FREE

Friday@Confluence Opening Night Party featuring AI-powered art, music, fashion, food and more

SATURDAY, SEPT 21 / 10AM – 6PM / FREE

Esports Tourney & Free Play

Robotics Expo & Parade

Future Innovators Zone

Maker Expo & more

» PLUS: THE CURE FOR LONELY SOAKING UP THE SEASONS COLLEGE BOUND?

look+feel

Monster in You Collection Debuts

Pieces from Savannah College of Art and Design student Sammy Baker's senior collection are modeled here. Baker is a 2020 graduate of Grand Rapids Public Schools' Innovation Central High.

West Michigan Social Club— The cure for ‘lonely’

A space to meet new people and make lasting connections.

BY GIL STANSELL

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘lonely’ as: being without company; cut off from others; not frequented by human beings; and sad from being alone. As far back as 1890, the U.S. Supreme Court expressed concerns about the mental anguish caused by solitary confinement, recognizing the harmful effects that led prisoners to become violently insane or commit suicide. Even introverts crave human connection and fellowship. Being alone doesn't necessarily mean loneliness, but over time, even the most stoic misanthrope can feel like they’re drowning.

If you’ve ever felt this way, know that I see you and understand you. I’ve felt the same way at times, weathering life’s difficulties. Maybe you’ve decided to make changes, left people behind, or are looking for something new. Maybe you’re tired of dating apps and want to meet new people but don’t know how. If any of this sounds like you, I have good news! Whether you’re an extrovert, introvert, or somewhere in between, there’s a community of strangers waiting to meet you, people who might end up being your good friends and enriching your life.

Right:

At first, I wasn’t sold on meeting up with strangers and stepping out of my comfort zone. But I took the plunge and am glad I did. I discovered activities like pickleball, sunset cruises with salsa dancing, and unique events like waffles and cocktails. The group I’m talking about is the “West Michigan Social Club,” organized by Allie Chandler. Formed in March 2024, the group has grown to 8100 members (as of early August).

Allie shared the mission statement of the group, which is ideal for anyone who wants a “plus one” to explore an outdoor concert, movie, new happy hour, or pickleball game; misses the

Above: West Michigan Social Club rented the outdoor patio at The Score last June to play volleyball. Unfortunately, the rain said otherwise. Instead, time was spent under the covered patio, drinking and mingling.

Some of West Michigan Social Club's Happy Hour "regulars" at Margaux.

Testimonials

“We connect people with similar vibes, and the group’s rapid growth shows its value. We offer love and acceptance.”

—Leslie Rader

“The group helps people with social anxiety break out of their comfort zone and make new friends.”

—Andrew Mulbrecht

“I found my best friend and improved my social circle.”

—Samantha Nieboer

“I met amazing people and a mentor who helped me in my career.”

—Sophia Worthington

“I struggled with depression and anxiety before joining the group. Now, I help others feel visible.”

—Sarah Aguilar

“I’ve made friends of all ages and gained confidence as an event planner.”

—Melissa Vander Sloot

“The group made Grand Rapids feel intimate and welcoming.”

—Jenna Zimmerman

overwhelming sense of community from college; is tired of spending weekend nights at home alone; wants a built-in friend group for BBQs or cottage weekends; likes kayaking, camping, trying new restaurants, game nights, potlucks, and more; and desires a stable group of people with flexible hang times. Making new friends as adults is hard because of families, jobs, and other schedules. This group is an open invite to connect with people who want a full, happy, social life.

Allie (37 and not married) moved back to Grand Rapids from Monterey, California, and found that people had changed—new partners, kids, careers. Burned out on dating apps, she wanted a solid community and good friends. Allie felt deeply lonely and sick of the disposable nature of relationships. She wanted to be understood and sought meaningful connections. After a frustrating interaction with a guy who didn’t value her time, she decided to create a group to build a community.

The group organizes a variety of events, from pickleball and beach days to potlucks and documentary nights. There are subgroups for different interests and demographics, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Testimonials from members highlight the group’s value: Leslie Rader appreciates the love and acceptance; Andrew Mulbrecht credits the group with helping people break out of their comfort zones; Samantha Nieboer found her best friend; Sophia Worthington met a mentor who helped her career; Sarah Aguilar now helps others feel visible; Melissa Vander Sloot gained confidence as an event planner; and Jenna Zimmerman feels that Grand Rapids is now intimate and welcoming.

The lack of a social life has clear health implications, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and early death. A solid friend group helps you live longer. The West Michigan Social Club is accepting of everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or background. This group is not just for singles but for anyone seeking friendship and community. Everyone is encouraged to post an introduction and attend events to make connections.

The West Michigan Social Club offers a unique space for people to connect and build meaningful relationships. It’s a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone is accepted for who they are.

Socializing while sober

As someone who doesn't drink alcohol, I initially had reservations about joining a social club, fearing that many events would revolve around drinking. However, my experience with the West Michigan Social Club has been refreshingly different. The diverse range of activities ensures that there's something for everyone, regardless of their drinking habits.

Events like pickleball and beach days are perfect for enjoying physical activity and the outdoors without any pressure to drink. Sunset cruises and salsa dancing are about enjoying the moment and having fun, not centered around alcohol. Game nights and potlucks focus on food, games, and conversation, making them great for socializing in a relaxed environment. The club's inclusive atmosphere means that no one feels left out. Whether it's kayaking, camping, or simply trying out a new restaurant, the emphasis is on building connections and having a good time, not on drinking.

For those who don't drink, like me, finding a social group that respects and accommodates different lifestyles is crucial. The West Michigan Social Club has provided me with a sense of belonging and a supportive community. I’ve made meaningful connections with people who share my interests and values, which has greatly enriched my social life. I encourage anyone who feels hesitant about joining a social club because they don’t drink to give the West Michigan Social Club a try. The variety of events and the welcoming community ensure that everyone can find their niche and enjoy meaningful interactions.

Events Beyond Drinking

Pickleball and Beach Days

These are perfect for enjoying physical activity and the outdoors without any pressure to drink.

Sunset Cruises and Salsa Dancing

These events are about enjoying the moment and having fun, not centered around alcohol.

Game Nights and Potlucks

These gatherings focus on food, games, and conversation, making them great for socializing in a relaxed environment.

West Michigan Social Club ventured to South Haven this past summer for a beach day, filled with new friends, snacks, and perfect weather.

College bound?

Figuring out the finances starts with filling out FAFSA

BY ALLISON BANNISTER

If you’re a high school student or a parent of one and college is on the horizon, you’ve probably been faced with a lot of to-dos, between taking entrance exams, evaluating schools, and parsing the deluge of information coming at you. There’s also this thing called FAFSA, which helps students pay for college. We talked with Kurt Carlson, Director of Enrollment Operations Center at Davenport University, to get some insight into what can be an overwhelming process.

Grand Rapids Magazine: What is FAFSA and why should prospective students be paying attention to it? Kurt Carlson: FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and every student should apply for it. That goes for non-traditional applicants, such as older adults, or those interested in trade schools. In short, FAFSA is the key to unlocking college-level or college-sponsored grants and scholarships available at the state level—speaking specifically for Michigan here. Filling out the form helps applicants qualify for these offerings and more, which is why it's so important.

“FAFSA is the key to unlocking collegelevel or collegesponsored grants and scholarships available at the state level.”

Kurt Carlson

GRM: What changes have been made to FAFSA in the last year? What are the benefits and drawbacks? KC: The Financial Aid Simplification Act aimed to reduce the time it took to fill out the application, halving the number of questions and simplifying the process for the applicant overall. There were some technical hiccups with a rollout that pushed back the release date for 2024-2025, but ongoing efforts are in force to avoid that for the 2025-2026 school year.

GRM: What is the recommended timing for completing a FAFSA application? KC: We always say... as soon as possible. The application process is expected (but not guaranteed, considering last year’s setbacks) to open on October 1 of 2024 and students are advised to jump on it right away. Knowing which grants or scholarships could be available helps with the decision-making process, and it puts the student on the radar of the schools they’re interested in.

GRM: What resources are available to help students and parents navigate this often-confusing process? KC: Many institutions, including Davenport, provide a guide that details which steps should be taken at what time during high school, from freshman to senior year. Additionally, when it comes to evaluating cost, Davenport has a Net Price Calculator on our website, as do many other universities. Potential students can enter information about themselves and get an idea of what they’ll pay after any grants or scholarships are factored in. It can be a useful tool!

Monster in You debuts in Vogue

'Be

whatever you want and share who you are through clothes'

BY LISA ENOS

Sammy Baker's senior collection, Monster in You, debuted at Savannah College of Art and Design's Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show, an event showcasing the school's top talent. The collection was featured in Vogue Runway and Paper magazines. We caught up with Baker, a 2020 graduate of Grand Rapids Public Schools' Innovation Central High, for a chat.

How did growing up in GR inspire your career path? Grand Rapids is a blend of old and new, creating a unique space with a diverse population of people from all walks of life who are unapologetically themselves. I’ve explored parks along the river that seem to stretch forever, and winding brick roads filled with colorful houses and gardens, which people transform into their own art galleries. Growing up with the annual ArtPrize and having access to Meijer Gardens, I was surrounded by amazing sculptures of creatures and animals made of metal or collected items, animatronic dragons that breathed fire, and sea monsters that ruled the Grand River. This community in Grand Rapids, combined with an immersion in art, taught me that I can fully be myself unapologetically and, in doing so, create unlimited possibilities.

What made you choose SCAD? The population of SCAD students in Savannah has created a strong community of artists from all over the world with

diverse ideas and interests that I wanted to be a part of. I didn’t realize until I started taking my core fashion design classes that SCAD professors truly will champion, push, and strive to make you the very best designer and artist that you can be. The fashion department specifically takes industry mentorships and critiques very seriously to give students opportunities to make connections and receive feedback from top industry professionals and fashion designers - opportunities that aren’t available anywhere else.

What are some of your major successes? After working for over a year on sketches, fabric manipulation samples, mock-ups, and final garments, I had the honor of presenting three looks from my senior fashion collection, “Monster in You,” in SCAD’s annual senior fashion show. In addition to this, I was fortunate enough to be featured in Vogue Runway and Paper Magazine, and to share my ideation process and designs in an interview on WZZM Grand Rapids.

What inspired these whimsical creations? With fashion, you can truly be whatever you want and share who you are through your clothes. My work aims to manifest how the individual perceives themselves in their head. The horns, antlers, and spikes come from the idea that, at our core, we are all still instinctual animals, but at the same time, there are elements of artificial nature that we create and surround ourselves with. Whether someone wants to stand out as a beautiful force of nature, protect themselves with plasticinfused wool spikes, or blend in with their artificial environment, they can do so through their clothing.

Do ethics play a role in fashion for you? As a designer and artist, I feel a responsibility to be conscious of the waste I produce when creating, which has led me to be resourceful with the materials I use.

Sammy Baker (far left) and various pieces of Baker's collection featuring horns, antlers and spikes. "At our core, we are all still instinctual animals," Baker said.

Follow along with Sammy's latest creations on Instagram: @sammybaker.wip

Time for a Soake?

Popularity of year-round plunge pools is on the rise.

BY LISA ENOS

Tim Walcot and John Kochans of Grand Rapids based Del Prado Pools are enthusiastic about the future of plunge pools, seeing them as a perfect blend of relaxation and practicality, and inspired by Roman baths. For homeowners looking to enjoy the benefits of both a pool and a hot tub, all in a compact, space-saving design, Soake Pools, a brand that comes prefabricated, offers a groundbreaking solution for people looking for quick installation.

“When we first heard about Soake Pools, we checked them out, and didn’t think there’d be a huge market for them,” said Walcot. (Boy was he wrong!) The company, which has been installing the innovative pools since 2022— from as far North as Old Mission Peninsula to Rochester Hills on the east side of the state— have just finished their sixth installation, and have another upcoming project scheduled at a property on Reeds Lake.

The pools are ideal for those who want the luxury of a year-round pool— even in the cold winter months! They’ve been so well-received, that many clients allow prospective buyers to see the pools in person.

“They’re constructed with high-quality, pre-cast concrete, and come fully finished, making the installation process quick and cost-effective,” Walcot said. Designed for relaxation, socializing, and light exercise, the pools can be customized to include different tile orientations, colors, and jet placements, allowing each pool to be tailored to the owner's preferences.

The popularity of these pools has grown significantly over the past two years, especially among retired couples and those with smaller lots. One notable project involved installing one for a couple with a summer home on Lake Michigan near Fennville. Since its installation, the versatile pool has been used as a hot tub on New Year’s Eve and as a safe swimming spot for grandchildren when Lake Michigan is too choppy.

Soake pools are fabricated in New Hampshire and shipped on flatbeds, weighing in at 23,000 pounds. For the Lake Michigan home project, a 7' x 13' pool was installed, complete with a heater and wellinsulated supply and return lines to ensure year-round use in Michigan’s harsh winters. The 3,200-gallon pool is designed to be efficient, with an insulated equipment room and an auto cover to save on heating costs.

One unique feature of the Soake pool is the static swim system, which uses a harness and bungee cords with different tension levels, allowing users to swim in place. This feature was particularly beneficial for an elderly client in his nineties, who uses the pool regularly.

With a smartphone app, users can remotely control the pool’s pump and temperature, making it convenient for those with vacation homes. Despite its high-end features, the cost of heating a Soake pool is comparable to that of a regular hot tub. The cost of a Soake pool varies depending on features like tile grade and pool deck.

With sizes ranging from 7' x'13' to a 4' x 4' cold plunge, Soake pools offer a variety of options to suit different needs and spaces.

Del Prado Pools continues to take orders and promises to provide top-notch installation and service for the innovative plunge pools, providing ongoing maintenance services, ensuring that the water chemistry is balanced, and the pool remains clean.

Top: The plunge pool at this Lake Michigan adjacent property has been used as a swimming pool for grandchildren and for a New Year's Eve hot tub party. Above: The 7' x 13' pool can be used year-round for exercise or leisure.

EXPERIENCE

Heritage & Hidden Gems

Old favorites and new hot spots converge in historic bar district.

BY KELSEY DUNNEBACK // PHOTOS BY WES KITTEN

While downtown Grand Rapids is a hub of high rises and entertainment, you’ll be remiss to stick to the center of the city. Drive a few minutes northwest and you’ll find Bridge Street, sitting just across the Grand River, where Michigan Street turns into the West Side Neighborhood. After a decade of steady growth, Bridge Street has become a hot spot in the city for everything from a thriving night out to a daytime hang for mimosas to a quick grocery stop.

Despite a flourishing evolution, Bridge Street remains deeply rooted in its authentic past. With a mix of Polish, German, Lithuanian, Irish and Dutch immigrant origins, you can perhaps find history more well-reflected on Bridge Street and the West Side than other neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. With a German beer hall, a long-standing Mexican eatery, and an Irish pub, you’ll get a tour of the city’s heritage by eating and drinking your way down Bridge Street. Growing up on the West Side, my grandpa shared stories of his favorite hot dog spot, the Red Lion, a beloved West Side fixture. Although now closed, Red Lion’s vintage neon sign has been lovingly restored, illuminating the street as a tribute to its original location on Bridge Street.

While well-known staples like Butchers Union, O’Tooles and The Sovengard have garnered a lot of attention (for well-deserved, delicious reason), we’re here to unveil some of the lesser-known gems and share the pride, culture and community that Bridge Street has to offer.

Anchor Bar, 447 Bridge St. NW, with its iconic neon anchor out front is an ages-old watering hole that serves stiff drinks, cold beer and has an alluring comeas-you-are vibe.

Morning Belle, 434 Bridge St. NW, offers brunch; a great spot to indulge in a bloody mary or mimosa with brunch.

Morning Belle

A welcome morning eatery in the center of Bridge Street, Morning Belle has a breakfast and brunch menu with a mix of healthy and indulgent options. Using fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients, try classics like Smoked Salmon Benedict or treat yourself to their Glazed Donut Waffle. Don’t forget the drinks with a large mimosa menu and local favorites like Brewt’s Bloody Mary and Schuil Coffee served. Casual yet delicious, Morning Belle is the perfect stop for weekend brunch and early morning meet-ups close to downtown.

New Holland BrewingThe Knickerbocker

The Knickerbocker embraces its Dutch-inspired roots, owned by local New Holland Brewing as a welcome addition to the West Side. Its large footprint includes an indoor and outdoor beer garden with plenty of seating, fireplaces and corn hole. Celebrating the concept of “gezellig,” a “feeling of connection shared between individuals that gives a warm fuzzy feeling in the stomach,” The Knickerbocker has open doors for community events, including monthly cocktail classes, trivia on Thirsty Thursdays and popular “boot night” on Wednesdays, with big beer specials starting at $8.

Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits

Newly returned to Bridge Street, Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits occupies a basement and back patio space, where you can find a wide range of beers and cocktails on tap. Unveiling a new incubator kitchen concept, Broad Leaf has the bar service covered, while they let others take the lead on food. (At the time of publication) Shake Party will occupy the interior until the fall of 2024, serving wild, ice cream of your dream creations, while KNCO Private Dining & Event Catering, a new-onthe-market catering business, offers larger eats and Hot Box Tacos food truck is available for quick bites. With arcade games inside and a sprawling back patio, Broad Leaf Brewery can host every occasion from sunny happy hours to family dinners or late-night dessert stops.

Wade Boluyt pours a Küsterer Modern Weißbier at Küsterer Brauhaus, Cedar Spring Brewery's downtown offshoot located at 642 Bridge St. NW.

Küsterer Brauhaus

If you’re looking for an international getaway, pop into Küsterer Brauhaus to be transported to Germany. Brauhaus is a Bavarian-style beer hall and a tribute to the Grand Rapids pioneer, Christoph Küsterer–the original German brewer who arrived in the area in 1847. With a focus on German style beer, you’ll feel welcome to sit and stay a while with bench seating and plenty of watch parties for all kinds of sports. A mug club ensures you’ll feel right at home trying their Weissbier and Dunkelweizen beers, as well as their traditional German food like Schnitzel sandwich and pretzels made fresh to order from their counter service. You’ll find plenty of excuses to return with German Night on Tuesdays, keg taps on Wednesdays and Thursday trivia night from 7–9 p.m. Craving some live music? Join Brauhaus every Sunday afternoon for “World Music on the West Side” with WYCE radio station.

Küsterer Brauhaus is a Bavarian-style beer hall and a tribute to the Grand Rapids pioneer, Christoph Küsterer— the original German brewer who settled in Grand Rapids in 1847.

Gin Gin’s charming patio offers a big-city vibe and another choice for anyone who loves to dine al fresco.

Gin Gins

Newly opened in June 2024, Gin Gins is founded by the owners of Butcher’s Union and O’Tooles and offers an elevated dining experience with a menu of American classic dishes like premium steak, fresh seafood and handmade pasta. Located just off Bridge Street on Summer Ave NW, Gin Gins has an old-school elevated vibe, housed in a brick building with bright green and gold signage welcoming you on the exterior and interior décor reminiscent of the roaring 20s with warm leather booths and moody emerald panel walls. Settle in with a vintage cocktail or handcrafted martini. Their cozy outdoor patio nestled in between buildings makes for a pleasant outdoor get-together. End the night with Aunt Gin’s Cheesecake or their digestifs like the Drambuie with caramel, honey and warm spices on those chillier evenings.

Arktos Meadery

Step inside Arktos Meadery and you’ll find old world charm with their rustic interior, brick fireplace and stained-glass accents. This traditional hall makes its own beer and meads- an ancient drink made by fermenting honey and adding water and yeast before adding flavors. With a taste similar to wine, try their most popular mead, the Doc Holiday, a refreshing huckleberry mead, or for the less sweet palate, their braggot, a mix of traditional brown beer and mead. A small food menu is available for those looking for a longer stay in this cozy spot.

Bridge Street Market

A concept grocery store from Meijer, Bridge Street Market is a mid-size grocery story that’s rooted itself in the West Side. Built with Michigan-specific elements, like reclaimed wood from farms in Hart, Emmett and Ludington, as well as historic neighborhood brick, the market offers a wide range of local and artisan items and fresh produce, including serving local favorite Sandy’s Donuts, delivered daily Tuesday- Saturday. If you’re looking for a place to stay a while, the in-store Bridge Street Market Café is a welcome place to grab a Ferris coffee. For lunch, you can find Hissho Sushi making fresh daily rolls. You’ll always find something new to try from their wide range of grab-and-go kombucha and other non-alcoholic drinks, gift items, extensive beer, wine and spirits selection.

Anchor Bar

While there’s a lot new on Bridge Street, it’s nice to know some things haven’t changed- including classics like long-standing Anchor Bar. Marked by its Anchor neon sign, this quintessential dive bar will make you feel right at home with strong drinks, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere for a small-town feel just outside the big city. Stop by to watch a game, relax with conversation with small groups in their cozy booths or try your hand at the few arcade games in the back with friends on nights out.

The stocked bar area at One Bourbon caption tk caption tk caption tk caption tk caption tk caption tk

One Bourbon

Opened in 2016, One Bourbon has made a well-deserved place at home on Bridge Street, serving up of course, a large list of bourbon, as well as whiskey, quality cocktails, beer and wine. Their menu frequently changes, keeping you coming back to try new twists on elevated comfort food from classic deviled eggs and potato & corn cakes to BBQ poutine and even a bourbon & chocolate root beer float. Lit with string lights, their back patio is a welcome oasis for summer and warm fall nights out.

Fratelli’s Kitchen and Bar

Offering a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine, family-owned Fratelli’s Kitchen and Bar serves up everything from appetizers like bruschetta and arrabbiata meatballs to fresh salads and eggplant sandwiches. But of course, signature dishes include pasta and authentic pizza, cooked in a traditional stone oven. Fratelli’s strives to use fresh and homemade ingredients for daily-made sauces, doughs, pasta and more. While first known for their late-night pizza (which you can still get next door by the slice!), Fratelli’s Kitchen and Bar offers a homey, comfortable-yet-contemporary atmosphere, making it a great place to connect with family and friends.

Other West Side Staples

Butcher’s Union—“Meat and whiskey” favorite gastropub with an intimate atmosphere. Serving globally inspired cuisine, along with fish, poultry and other popular rotating dishes and 100+ whiskeys. O’Tooles—A cozy and relaxed Irish pub with Guinness on tap, as well as a range of local beers, cocktails and more. Enjoy their outdoor patio just off Bridge Street. Drip Drop Cocktail Room—High-quality handcrafted cocktails, elevated bar bites and a plush and candle-lit atmosphere.

Maggie’s Kitchen—Family-owned and serving up authentic Mexican cuisine since 1982, with tacos, burritos and more made from scratch.

General Wood Shop—LGBTQ+ stylish cocktail lounge with a variety of tasty bites and splashes of glitz and glam.

Sip Shine Lounge—Nashville-style restaurant and tasting room from GR-based moonshine brand Sip Sip Shine. Scheduled to open in 2024.

The Sovengard—Scandinavian hyper-local farm-totable restaurant in a brand-new space further down Bridge Street with an outdoor biergarten, cozy firepits and custom cocktails in a classy yet casual setting.

Steel Cat Bar—Michigan’s first and only frost rail bar to keep your beer cold. Serving draft beer, as well as a Bloody Mary and Mimosa brunch bar on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pide & Stick—New Mediterranean restaurant set to open in Jolly Pumpkin’s former location with shawarma, kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza) and live music and DJs.

1890 Men’s Grooming Parlor—Stylish full-service salon for men, providing haircuts, beard trims and coloring in a relaxing atmosphere.

Maru Sushi—The city’s second location, a Japanese fusion restaurant featuring unique sushi rolls, ramen, and grilled items.

Nonla Burger—A fun diner vibe with burgers, chicken sandwiches and loaded cheese, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and Nonla spread topped fries. Open until midnight Tuesday-Saturday for all your l ate-night cravings.

Condado Tacos—Custom order your own tacos and nachos at Condado. With tasty margaritas and a hidden vibey and colorful mural-filled back patio, you’ll want to stay all night long.

TRUSTED ADVISORS

You Have Questions; We Have Answers

While it’s getting late in the season, summer still has a lot to give—or so some of us hope. With the unpredictable Michigan weather, though, we get we could be kayaking one day and looking for our snow shovel the next! With so many unknowns this time of year, it’s helpful to have some knowns, too. That’s where the experts in this section come in.

Travel always seems to be on everyone’s minds, whether it’s in

state or far away. Our friends at Pure Ludington help you navigate their improvement projects so you can still enjoy this popular vacation destination, and the president of Witte Travel reminds us why visiting places around the world should be a priority. On the home front, Alfresco Landscapes underscores the importance of having an established budget for your landscaping investment. As you step into fall, be sure to read their helpful advice!

Q:

How can homeowners make the most of their landscaping investment?

A: We like to start with the end goal in mind. It’s important to determine how much you’d like to spend and the goals for the space. To get the best results, break your project down into “must-haves,” “nice-to-haves,” and “dream features.” This helps you clarify your objectives and lets the designer create a plan that includes as many of your desires as possible, without exceeding your budget. While you may feel cautious about sharing

your budget, if you choose a reputable company there should be no fear. Our goal is to include as many of your desired elements as possible, without presenting something that you may absolutely love but is way outside of your consideration because of the cost. This process allows the beauty and functionality of your landscape to come to life, making sure your investment continues to thrive and provide enjoyment for years to come.

Q: Witte Travel & Tours has been helping people explore the world for 50 years. Why are you so passionate about this line of work?

A: I believe that people should prioritize travel in their lives. Seeing new places and meeting people with di erent backgrounds broadens your perspectives and allows you to experience other cultures. There are so many di erent ways to experience the world. Traveling to Europe is like traveling back in time, while visiting some cities in Asia often feels like traveling into the future.

Witte Travel & Tours specializes in organizing trips all over the world for students, families, couples, and friends, as well as faith-based and performance groups. One of the best parts of my job is seeing the photos and hearing the stories our clients bring home with them. I’m passionate about the travel industry because I’m passionate about connecting people and seeing their joy from travel.

Alfresco Landscapes

Paul Burd, Owner 2914 Three Mile Road NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-453-2530

Q: How can I experience the outdoors in Ludington with the state park closing most of its access after Labor Day?

A: While the state park improvement project Sept. 3, 2024, through July 1, 2025, may be a temporary inconvenience, the payo will come with more parking, better tra ic flow, and accessibility for all. As crews make muchneeded park upgrades, there are still plenty of outdoor spaces in Mason County to explore.

For camping enthusiasts, Mason County has 11 campgrounds in addition to the state park to pitch a tent, park a van, or set up a

camper. Hikers can trek many trail systems, including Cartier Pathway, Ludington School Forest, and Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, plus the Piney Ridge and South trails on the east side of Ludington State Park. Those seeking beach time can swim and bask at Stearns Park Beach and Buttersville Beach (also dog-friendly), plus anywhere along M-116 in the state park boundary.

Witte Travel & Tours

Nate Barendse, President 3250 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-942-5112

Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Brandy Miller, Executive Director 119 S. Rath Ave. Ludington, MI 49431 800-542-4600

When the Michigan Film Incentives vanished back in 2015, did Michigan filmmaking disappear along with it? No way! Independent filmmakers were here long before the incentives and remain here after, and they are only increasing in number, productivity, and talent. Here we'll profile several different filmmakers, film commentators, and a movie theater film coordinator to help showcase some of the wide variety of film/video activity happening right now in Grand Rapids!

STORY BY JASON ROTH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE CUPPY

From left to right: Chris Randall, Jim Schaub, Joel Potrykus, Nicholas Hartman and Kathryn Postema

Joel Potrykus

Beginning with his first feature film APE winning Best New Director Prize at Switzerland's Locarno Film Festival in 2012, Joel Potrykus and his filmmaking band Sob Noisse have been on a roll. Potrykus' films are uniquely his own vision, often walking a knife edge between humor and horror. His fifth and most recent feature film VULCANIZADORA made its world premiere at Robert De Niro's Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where it won Special Jury Mention for Performance in a U.S. Feature. The film went on to win Best Narrative Feature at the Oak Cliff Film Festival and made its international premiere at Fantasia Film Festival 2024 in Montreal. This is surely only the beginning of a healthy festival run! In addition to being probably the most successful independent filmmaker to come out of Grand Rapids, Potrykus also teaches filmmaking at Grand Valley State University, his alma mater. Joel says, “Since losing our tax incentives in 2015, many filmmakers split to L.A. or Atlanta to make a living. It's been inspiring to see hometown independent filmmakers dig their heels in and keep the scene alive. One of the goals of teaching at Grand Valley is to show young filmmakers how to be relevant to the industry without leaving home.”

Virtually a one-man-band, from directing, camerawork, makeup, and physical effects, to post-production wizardry, filmmaker Daniel E. Falicki has made more than ten feature films over the last decade. His magnum opus, the fantasy epic DWARFHAMMER has been in the works for many years and is finally nearing completion and a 2025 premiere. This writer has seen a rough cut of the film, and all I can say is, prepare to be blown away. Any fan of classic '80s fantasy adventure is going to be in barbarian hog heaven. Keep an eye out for his upcoming side project, the thriller BONE HILL.

Perelandra Pictures' Grand Rapids produced science fiction series REAL AMERICAN follows Anastasia Atwood (Nathalie Galde), a news producer covering politics in an alternate timeline where aliens live among us as refugees. She’s at risk of becoming the story when an authoritarian's rise to power threatens to expose her deepest secret. Director Jacob de la Rosa and Producer Kathryn Postema add, “More than ever, we feel it is crucial to highlight the dangers of politicians who dehumanize immigrants, people of color, and LGBTQ+ persons.” Fittingly, the series will conclude in time for the upcoming election. All episodes of REAL AMERICAN are available on YouTube and at perelandrapictures.com.

The prolific team of Director Joshua Courtade and Producer/Production Designer Diane Kowalski have created six feature films over the last decade and show no signs of slowing down! Catch Courtade's latest horror/comedy MOON GHOST on Tubi and keep an eye out for the upcoming sequel MOON GHOST RETURNS, coming soon! More information at chucksboy.com.

Kathryn Postema

Nicholas Hartman

Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids is home to two great resources for classic and independent films, The Grand Rapids Film Society and Open Projector Night. Wealthy Theatre Film Curator Nicholas Hartman explains, “I remember graduating from film school and more than half of my peers either moved out to LA or NY in hopes of finding a career in film/television. The reason they did this is because, well, there’s no scene here, and if there isn’t a scene, why would you stay? This was alarming, because if we keep moving away, we’ll never establish anything in our community.

“Through Wealthy Theatre and the Grand Rapids Film Society, this is what I want to change. I want to influence film graduates/ makers to have a community. I want to provide a place where they can build a scene and be an example of what the Michigan film scene is capable of. How are we doing this? Well, through Open Projector Night we’re providing Michigan filmmakers not only a place to play their film on the big screen, but a community to network with other filmmakers.

“We’ve created roundtables where filmmakers, cinephiles, and writers can gather monthly to discuss film and long-term goals. We’ve created pitch nights where writers can pitch their scripts to filmmakers in hopes of getting them made. We’re also about to have our first ever Rough-Cut Night. This allows filmmakers to see their work on the big screen with a group of peers to provide feedback before they submit it to festivals.

“Finally, we’re thoughtfully curating our screen to provide our audiences with thoughtful, unique, and engaging film programming. Grand Rapids may not be LA, but at least in GR you’re not just another drop in the pond, you’re part of a community where you will be recognized." For more information on the Grand Rapids Film Society and Open Projector Night, go to grcmc.org/theatre/grfilm.

Long out-of-print on VHS, 1988's BLIND FAITH, the very first feature length movie made completely in Grand Rapids by actual Grand Rapidians (!) has finally been given a proper release in 2024, in the form of a loaded special edition Blu-ray from OCN Distribution! Director Dean Wilson brings forth a unique slasher/thriller hybrid, based on the true story of Philadelphia serial killer Gary Heidnik, and starring David Winick in a ferocious performance! The OCN Blu-ray release also features Wilson's films FREE AMERIKKKA BROADCAST, CLAYTON COUNTY LINE, and many more. An essential purchase for those interested in where Grand Rapids indie filmmaking truly began. Available at vinegarsyndrome.com/products/blind-faith.

Longtime Grand Rapids production team Chris Randall and Keith Golinski have worked in both the commercial and narrative film/ video worlds for nearly 20 years. Catch their national PBS series “J Schwanke's Life in Bloom,” now going into its seventh season, Fulvew's first feature film AMERICA'S MOST HAUNTED, best described as “Scarier than ‘Ghostbusters' and funnier than 'Poltergeist!'” is currently available on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and other streaming services. Their most recent spooky short film ABANDONED has gone viral, with over 2.5 million views on YouTube. With all the national and even global buzz the short has received, Randall and Golinski are currently developing ABANDONED to pitch as a feature-length film, and potentially an ongoing series. Find more information on Fulvew Productions at fulvew.com and check out ABANDONED at youtube.com/watch?v=2ul2vOA39cU.

Who likes pop culture? Who likes drinking? If you like both, then the YouTube series TWO DRUNK DORKS may be for you (but be sure to drink responsibly!) There's plenty of opinionated commentary and alcoholic beverages to be found, as Walt Lodes III, Adam Mikrut, and Producer Leslie Rader imbibe libations and discuss all manner of dorky pop culture. On the filmmaking side of things, Walt and Adam's horror/comedy feature film RETURN OF THE SCARECROW can found on Amazon, Tubi, and most streaming services. They are currently developing a new scary anthology film for 2025, HARPER LAKE HORROR. Watch TWO DRUNK DORKS at: youtube.com/@twodrunkdorks.

Chris Randall

Jim Schaub

Director Jim Schaub has unleashed his brand-new documentary BUSTER KEATON: HOME, which reveals the untold story of famed comedian Buster Keaton’s fascinating connection to Muskegon, Michigan. The film features many fascinating interviews and even animated re-enactments from veteran Michigan animator, Jim Middleton! Special appearances from comedy legend Carl Reiner and a longtime friend of Keaton, the late, great James Karen! BUSTER KEATON: HOME has won Best Feature Film at the Toronto Documentary Feature & Short Film Festival, kicking off its festival run. Onward and upward! More info at busterkeatonhome.com.

There have been many rumblings of a potential return of the Michigan film incentives, but rest assured, the independent filmmakers of Grand Rapids will continue creating art and entertainment— incentives, or no-incentives. Streaming services like Amazon Prime and Tubi are helping to give a national, even global reach to films that would once have only played a few local theaters. From veteran filmmakers to brand new up-and-comers, the film scene in Grand Rapids is one to keep an eye on. Support your hometown filmmakers!

In the spirit of self-promotion (cough, cough) I’ll mention that my crime/zombie feature TOO DEAD TO DIE will make its streaming premiere this year. Development continues on my long-percolating animated series, STICKY FINGERS, and I'll be returning to live-action arena in 2025 with my urban spaghetti western feature, DUSTY. Stay tuned! (Here endeth the plug.)

OF COVERING GRAND RAPIDS

STORY BY ANN BYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYAN ESLER

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE CELEBRATES its 60th birthday this year, a milestone in an era of fewer and fewer print newspapers and magazines. The journey began in 1964 when the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce began publication of the magazine under the leadership of v-p of communications John Zwarensteyn.

Zwarensteyn bought the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce News in 1979 and brought it under the umbrella of Gemini Communications, later renamed Gemini Publications. Grand Rapids Magazine, its new name, continued to reside with Gemini until Sept. 1, 2018, when Hour Media, based in Troy, MI, purchased the company that became Gemini Media LLC.

New ownership meant change, with the magazine moving from monthly to bi-monthly; the magazine offices closed and employees joined the work-from-home movement. However, the changes that brought it into the 21st century didn’t change the magazine’s focus on local people, eateries, the arts, important issues, businesses, and, in recent years, breweries and beer.

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss has read Grand Rapids Magazine for years, both as a Grand Rapids resident and as two-term mayor and former city commissioner. She’s especially drawn to stories about local businesses and is excited when projects she’s worked on are featured.

“The magazine very often has an optimistic and positive approach to stories, but also balanced. Stories talk about the strengths as well as the challenges,” said

Collage: Various covers — from 1964 to 2023. Inset, left: The cover of the November 1972 issue urges readers to vote in an upcoming election. Inset, right: The inaugural issue of what would later become Grand Rapids Magazine, features the Gerald R. Ford Airport, which opened in November of 1963.

Bliss, who points to the importance of in-depth stories highlighting local issues, people and businesses.

“Grand Rapids Magazine is a grounding publication that helps readers amid the changing dynamic of media. It provides a depth of issues that address the complexities of the city and the heart of people who live here,” she said.

Rachael Ruiz grew up in West Michigan and has been in Grand Rapids for decades. Her current role is host and reporter for “eightWest,” a lifestyle and entertainment digest that airs weekday mornings on WOODTV8. She’s read Grand Rapids Magazine for years, and was featured on the cover in June 2006 for a story on downtown living, an up-and-coming concept in those days.

“Grand Rapids Magazine was ahead of its time with that story because then it was a novelty to live downtown,” said Ruiz. “The magazine recognizes the importance of a lot of different things: the culinary world, people, entertainment, community events. It’s my go-to magazine because it covers the evolution of Grand Rapids and West Michigan.”

As a journalist, she appreciates the stories, the writing and the photography, also acknowledging that community journalism is hard to come by as newspapers and magazines disappear. “But Grand Rapids Magazine covers community, and readers’ desire for that doesn’t go away. It offers essential information about the place I live and the people I care about.”

Date, the Dining Coupon and, finally, the 2-For-1 Coupon in June 2019. To restaurant aficionados, the end of the monthly deal in 2020 was a sad day indeed.

We’ve traced the 60-year history of Grand Rapids Magazine through its covers that mirror the history of our ever-growing, ever-changing city. Here’s what we’ve seen.

The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce News first used color on the cover in December 1964. One color—red to mark the holiday season—must have seemed revolutionary then, but use of color and the advances in digital printing and typography have shown themselves well in the magazine. The Grand Rapids Magazine title has gone through changes, from its first use in January 1970 to a quick change in February 1970, to tweaks at the starts of 1972, 1976, and 1983.

While changes may seem small, such as closing the space between “Grand” and “Rapids” to opening it several years later, the logo reflects how the magazine wanted to portray itself to the public. The tagline “Celebrating City Life” was added in 2004 and removed in 2020, when the current logo, with its more relaxed and fun feel, came into being. Typography has expanded as recent issues feature examples of how type becomes art and part of the story of the magazine. Perhaps the most well-used portion of the magazine was the coupon offering two-for-one deals to area restaurants, with the restaurant name always appearing on the cover. It started as the Two Plate Special early in the magazine’s history, then became the Two Plate, then the Two Plate

Grand Rapids Magazine offered tried-andtrue cover topics through the years including photos of luscious looking food to mark “Best Of” restaurants, summer activities such as sailing, and December’s holiday covers. There were plenty of festival-season covers, covers honoring Grand Rapids artists such as Jose Narezo, the symphony seasons and conductors such as Catherine Comet, and poets (Marcel “Fable” Price). Don’t forget the opening of the Frederik Meijer Gardens in 1995 and the Sculpture Park in 2002.

Grand Rapids Magazine often featured the local art scene, with the annual Festival of the Arts covered each year and features on the installation of “La Grande Vitesse” (famously shortened to The Calder), artists, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the opening of the Frederik Meijer Gardens in 1995.

WoodTV 8 host and reporter Rachael Ruiz stands outside the First Community Bank Building where she used to live. Ruiz holds a copy of the June 2004 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine, which features her on the cover.

During its early years as the Chamber newsletter, plenty of local businessmen graced the covers. But as Grand Rapids Magazine came into its own, women began appearing on the covers. Many appeared in stereotypical roles: modeling the latest fashions, models for the summer festivals, a Valentine’s Day flannel nightgown model thanks to the Red Flannel Factory (it was 1982 after all), a woman taking notes in a busy office.

Yet women also held pride of place on the cover because of their accomplishments and important roles in the community. Longtime WOOD-TV newscaster Suzanne Geha got her own cover in June 1981 and again in 2004, as did Michele Koopmans and Gayla Ford-DeHaan, members of the Grand Rapids chapter of the National Organization for Women for the March 1986 Women’s History Month cover. Jan Muldoon of Right to Life of Michigan and Judith Frey with the People’s Campaign for Choice appeared together in 1987.

There were, of course, plenty of men on the covers as well, Police Chief William “Bill” Hegarty, Tiger baseball great Lance Parrish, and William Pritchett of Madison Square Blues among them. President Gerald R. Ford got several covers as well. And who can ignore GR’s Ten Best Hunks in 1984, a new take for the February focus on Valentine’s Day. The hunks didn’t last long, but at least three dashingly handsome men appeared on the covers in the mid-1980s. There was even a cover featuring men in bathing suits highlighting their sculptured backsides. We broke ground, too, moving beyond fashion, festivals, and food. One especially provocative cover in January 1977 featured luscious lips pursed around a cigarette and the words “Confessions of a Happy Hooker.” The piece was about smoking, but we’re pretty sure the cover prompted quite a response.

Alcoholism was address in May 1977, and the AIDS epidemic was featured on the cover three times: AIDS in Grand Rapids (June 1986), Ministers, Medicine & the Anguish of AIDS (Oct. 1988) and AIDS: Death Stalks the Young (March 1992). Even sex made the cover in August 1986 with a provocative cover and title Sex At Work, Drugs, Too?

People of color held pride of place as well. From Newby and Dr. John Dow of Grand Rapids Public Schools to attorney Valerie Simmons, Cedric Ward to Michelle Eagleman, Head Woman Dancer of the Grand Valley American Indian Pow Wow in Sept. 1989. One cover addressed issues of race head-on: The Big Question in GR: Are You Racist? GR Panel Shares Very Open— And Opposite—Viewpoints (Oct. 1997).

Another key cover ingredient are the Top Docs and Top Lawyers pieces that highlight the best in those areas. Grand Rapids’ medical complex has been a favorite—and important—topic that has made the cover of GRM in recent times. The July 2022 cover features Michelle Pena, Mercy Heath Chief Nursing Officer, representing nursed telling their pandemic stories. In years past, our local news and radio personalities have graced the cover as well, with Bill Steffen, WOOD-TV’s chief meteorologist emeritus in January 2020. We’re proud of the work we’ve done these last 60 years in highlighting what’s important to the Grand Rapids community. We love our food, our festivals, our fashion and our beer, but we also value music, dance and art. We don’t back down from tough issues, aren’t afraid to address difficult topics, and are willing to change with the times. Join us for the next 60 years of covering Grand Rapids.

Company Milestones

BIG NEWS FROM SOME BIG NAMES IN THE COMMUNITY!

MWhether it’s a corporate expansion or acquisition, a noteworthy move, introduction of new staff, commemoration of decades in business, or all of the above, company milestones are certainly something to make some noise about! In this new section, we’re helping local businesses get the word out about their exciting announcements. Many featured in this section are celebrating significant anniversaries—a testament to their strong leadership, resilience in challenging times, commitment to their staff and the clients they serve, and innovative approaches that have allowed them to keep up and stay relevant in constantly changing times.

When making decisions about who to work with, there’s a confidence that comes from partnering with an established and respected entity. The companies in this section represent financial advising, housing and moving solutions, personal banking, family and group travel, technology, and more. Let’s celebrate with them!

Milestones

Grand Wealth Management, LLC

Grand Wealth Management’s 20th anniversary in 2024 has been a celebratory and reflective time for the leadership team. Over the years, they’ve built an impressive team and created a collaborative culture while maintaining a client-centric approach above all. They credit that stability, in part, to their commitment to remaining a privately owned business that has had the ability to grow organically and work with a smaller number of highly successful clients.

The firm focuses on personalized financial planning and investment management for professionals, executives, and business owners alike. Grand Wealth considers generational wealth as more than just having money to pass on; it assists its clients in making smart financial decisions, protecting their assets, and prioritizing effective ways to carry on their legacy. “Our passion is to partner with our clients in navigating a lifetime of financial decisions,” says Jeff Williams, founder and senior financial advisor.

“Creating detailed financial plans that provide a strong foundation for wise investment and other financial decisions is the key to our clients’ success,” says Anastasia Wiese, senior financial advisor. “When the details are well coordinated, we see our clients reach a place of financial peace of mind.”

Grand Wealth is also intentional about building a diverse staff to help ensure clients will always be taken care of. As a firm, it prioritizes operating as a team to serve its clients, providing education and mentorship opportunities to all employees and continuity of advice throughout its clients’ lifetimes.

Established 2004

333 Bridge St. NW, Suite 800, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-451-4228 | grandwealth.com

LEADER SHIP

Jeff Williams Senior Financial Advisor and Managing Principal

Janelle Anderson Operations Manager and Chief Compliance Officer

Anastasia Wiese Senior Financial Advisor

Calvin Wiersma Financial Advisor

Company Milestones

Northpointe Bank

Northpointe Bank, a leading financial institution headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary of serving customers with excellence and dedication. Since its inception in 1999, Northpointe Bank has been committed to providing innovative banking and residential lending solutions, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way.

Established in the heart of Grand Rapids, Northpointe Bank has grown from a local institution to a nationally recognized leader in the banking industry. With a focus on fostering relationships and empowering communities, Northpointe Bank has become synonymous with trust, integrity, and reliability. Following its mission to be the best bank in America by bringing value and innovation to the people it serves, Northpointe Bank has focused on making homeownership and

banking easy by providing innovative products, exceptional service, and superior technology to its customers.

Over the past 25 years, Northpointe Bank has been honored with several prestigious awards, including recognition for multiple years from the Independent Community Bankers of America® as a topperforming member bank,* from Scotsman Guide® as a top 100 lender, and as a Best and Brightest Company by the National Association for Business Resources®

It has also reached a number of significant milestones. These include expanding its headquarters and opening a new location on East Beltline in 2006; opening the Mortgage Purchase Division in 2008; and achieving $1 billion in total assets in 2018. In 2021, Northpointe Bank once again expanded its headquarters and opened its Operations Center in the Cascade Township area.

In recent years, focus on philanthropy and financial education in its communities has increased, as evidenced by its receiving the Michigan Bankers Association Financial Literacy Award two years in a row.

Northpointe Bank strives to be a different kind of bank, putting people at the center of everything it does. It customizes products and services using a client-focused approach, which means listening and then developing solutions to meet customers’ specific needs.

As Northpointe Bank commemorates its 25th anniversary, it reaffirms its dedication to its core values of integrity, innovation, empowerment, and service excellence. With a continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers and communities, Northpointe Bank looks forward to many more years of success and growth.

“We are immensely proud to celebrate this significant milestone in our journey,” says Chuck Williams, CEO of Northpointe Bank. “Our success over the past 25 years would not have been possible without the trust and support of our customers, employees, and communities. As we look to the future, we remain committed to delivering exceptional banking experiences and making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”

Established 1999 3333 Deposit Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 NMLS 447490

888-672-5626 | northpointe.com

LEADER SHIP

Chuck Williams

President

and CEO

Kevin

Comps

EVP, COO, and Chief Credit Officer

David Christel President of Mortgage Purchase Program

Amy

Butler SVP of National Sales

Brad Howes EVP and Chief Financial

Officer

Pictured: Kevin Comps and Chuck Williams

Company Milestones

Gentex

Gentex Corporation is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company was founded as a manufacturer of commercial smoke detectors and related signaling devices in Zeeland. Five decades later, it has evolved into a $2 billion technology company serving the automotive, aerospace, medical, and fire protection industries. Recently, the company opened two new facilities in Grand Rapids. The Cottage Grove manufacturing facility in the Madison Square neighborhood opened in 2023, bringing new jobs to the neighborhood. The Technology Hub at 25 Ottawa Ave. in downtown Grand Rapids provides a base for Gentex engineering and software technologists. Gentex’s expansion into Grand Rapids is another chapter in the company’s half-century of innovation.

Founded in 1974

In 1974, Gentex pioneered the world’s first dual-sensor photoelectric smoke detector, a device less prone to false alarms yet quick to detect

slow, smoldering fires. Today, millions of Gentex smoke detectors and signaling devices can be found in hospitals, hotels, office buildings, and other commercial properties around the world.

Tier 1 Automotive Supplier

Despite its start in the fire protection industry, the company is best known as a Tier 1 automotive supplier. Gentex introduced the world’s first automatic-dimming rearview mirror in 1982. In 2023, the company shipped more than 50 million auto-dimming mirror units to automakers around the globe. The electrochromic mirrors combine sensors, chemistry, and algorithmic decision-making to detect and eliminate dangerous rearview mirror glare.

Product Evolution

Gentex has always been known for quality, innovation, thinking differently, and executing at the highest level. Through creativity and innovation, the company has revolutionized automotive vision and sensing, cultivating an impressive list of core competencies along

the way. As the company pauses to look back at the success of the past 50 years, it is also focused on the future and how it can use its manufacturing expertise in new ways and in new markets.

Largest Local Employer

With a solid portfolio, the company has experienced incredible growth and serves as Ottawa County’s largest employer. In addition to the new Grand Rapids locations, the company has been expanding its employee base around the world, with recent acquisitions in Canada and Israel.

Gentex has long been a champion of community engagement, financially supporting educational programs, economic development, diversity, and philanthropic causes throughout West Michigan. In Grand Rapids, the company has sponsored several local events, as well as the Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival and the Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade. Gentex’s sponsorship of the Grand Rapids Gold Elevate Reading Program supports literacy programs in local schools.

The company’s innovative culture continues to support its growth as it creates unique products, serves as a good corporate citizen, maximizes shareholder value, and operates in a sustainable manner.

“This milestone is not only a time for reflection, but it’s also an opportunity to look ahead toward our future,” said Gentex President and CEO Steve Downing. “Gentex remains dedicated to driving innovation, expanding into new markets, and maintaining its strong community connections. We believe the best is yet to come!”

Established 1974

600 N. Centennial St., Zeeland, MI 49464

616-772-1800

gentex.com

LEADER SHIP

Steve Downing President and Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Nash

Chief Financial Officer, CAO, Vice President of Finance, Treasurer

Neil Boehm Chief Technology Officer

Matt Chiodo

Chief Sales Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales

Scott Ryan Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, Sustainability Officer

Angela Nadeau Vice President of Commercial Management

ICCF Community Homes

Established in 1974 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, ICCF Community Homes is the oldest nonprofit affordable-housing provider in Michigan. ICCF began when a group of volunteers renovated a home that had been donated to a church, then sold it at an affordable price to a local family. Today, the organization engages 2,000plus households each year with housing-related services. ICCF manages more than 600 units of affordable rental housing and provides homeownership education and home purchase opportunities to hundreds of neighbors.

One of its key programs is the Community Homes Land Trust. It allows income-restricted homebuyers to purchase updated or new homes for a significantly reduced price, while ensuring the long-term affordability of the property. Another highlight is Family Haven, its six-unit emergency shelter where families experiencing homelessness can stay together while pursuing permanent housing. This fall, ICCF breaks ground on The Seymour, a former school building that will be converted into 27 affordable condominium homes.

ICCF Community Homes’ initiatives are driven by the belief that all people deserve safe, stable, and affordable housing, and a vision of “vibrant communities in West Michigan with connected neighbors, housing justice, and abundant opportunity.”

The organization continues to respond to the growing housing crisis in the region, which is fueled by historical discriminatory housing practices, low housing inventory, and skyrocketing costs that have quickly outpaced wages. Through its 50 years of work and collaboration with many partners, ICCF Community Homes is pursuing equitable opportunity, affordable homes, and thriving neighborhoods.

LEADER SHIP

Ryan VerWys President and CEO

Berniz

Constanza

Terpstra VP of Housing and Family Services

Michelle Covington VP of Advancement

Established 1974

415 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49507 616-336-9333 iccf.org

Andrew Hakken General

Counsel

Molly Petersen VP of Finance

Jan van der Woerd VP of Real Estate Development and Management

Milestones

Witte Travel & Tours

Founded by Dutch immigrant Henk Witte in 1975, Witte Travel & Tours is excited to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. From humble beginnings in Witte’s basement in Ada to the thriving business it is today, Witte Travel & Tours has continued to grow, withstanding numerous global travel-related challenges over the decades. Its leaders credit their clients’ trust in their service and their network of international partners with their survival and success.

Sought out nationally and internationally for group travel and vacation planning services, Witte Travel & Tours remains deeply rooted in West Michigan. Today, Nate Barendse, who joined the Witte team in 1989 at age 17, is president and owner.

Witte Travel & Tours’ client list includes individuals, families, organizations, performing groups, newlyweds, schools, and churches from New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in between. “Most of our clients are returning relationships or referrals,” Barendse says. “We take great pride in these relationships and our long history of fulfilling our clients’ travel dreams.”

Europe is Witte Travel & Tours’ most popular destination for groups, with Africa, South and Central America, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and the South Pacific growing more popular. The Vacation Team sends clients to Europe and beyond, with deep expertise in all things Disney, cruises, the Caribbean, and Mexico as well.

When looking back at Witte Travel & Tours’ history and thinking about the future, Barendse reflects: “Fifty incredible years, and we’re just getting started. Thank you to our clients for entrusting us to help show you the world.”

Established 1975

3250 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-942-5112 wittetravel.com

LEADER SHIP

Nate Barendse President and Director of Tour Operations

Mindy Miller Group Sales Director

Shelley Kohtz Manager of Vacation Travel Services

Jana Kissell Group Air Manager

Chrissy Escamilla, CPA Accounting & HR Manager

Milestones

Corrigan Moving Systems

Corrigan Moving Systems is a commercial and residential relocation company founded by Frank “The Chief” Corrigan in 1929. Since then, it has grown from being a household mover to providing a variety of services, such as household goods relocation, commercial and office relocations, record storage, systems furniture assembly and disassembly, logistics, and international freight forwarding. This year, it’s celebrating 95 years in business!

Corrigan’s FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) line of business has experienced exciting growth over the decades, serving hospitality clients—in particular, boutique hotels—for more than 30 years. Whether it’s constructing or remodeling a hotel, restaurant, resort, condominium, or medical facility, the experienced team coordinates projects of any size and scope, from vendor production to installation anywhere across the U.S. and Canada. Highly skilled, trusted project managers and installers work on-site and have the ability to monitor and manage long-term projects up to two years.

The Corrigan team is comfortable working with a range of clients, from developers to hospitality purchasing agents to general contractors. Projects they’re especially proud of are Hotel 1928 in Waco, Texas; Soho House in Portland, Oregon, and Nashville, Tennessee; IHG on the San Antonio River Walk; Life House in Palm Springs, California; and all Graduate Hotels across the nation. They’ve handled distribution projects for customers undergoing consolidation, too, including stayAPT Suites, Clark National Accounts, and Meijer.

Corrigan Moving Systems’ involvement and comprehensive solutions mean clients can spend less time in the weeds and additional time focusing on the objective and the rollout of a new building.

7409 Expressway Court SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548 616-455-4500

LEADER SHIP

Nathan Corrigan President

Les Biegel Senior Vice President of Logistics

Kristi Bottrall General Manager, Corrigan Grand Rapids

Mike Steensma Vice President of Hospitality Logistics

60 years is quite the achievement.

Congratulations Grand Rapids Magazine on your 60th anniversary! We remember your first year well: we were celebrating our 60th.

Through all those years, we've shared a common goal – to help make our community, and our world, a better place. We've done it through Realcycling; you've done it through journalism.

Cheers to many more.

RAPIDS TECH HUB

Grand Rapids

Recognizing Local Organizations Doing Good in the Community

As a region, West Michigan is abundant with philanthropic endeavors and ranks high in the nation for giving, volunteering, and generosity. At Grand Rapids Magazine, we’re proud to celebrate the individuals, groups, and nonprofits that make us a kinder place to live.

The initiatives of those featured in this section include providing affordable housing, accessible health care, educational support, mental and behavioral health care, and refugee services, as well as supporting organizations that enhance the appeal of Grand Rapids and beyond. They’re making a powerful difference in our neighborhoods and contributing in meaningful ways. Join us in appreciating everything they do!

Faith Hospice

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED:

Faith Hospice is a locally owned and operated nonprofit organization that provides expert and compassionate hospice care for anyone in the community facing their end-of-life journey. Its hospice services are provided in the patient’s home or at its Trillium Woods in-patient facility. Its interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers empowers patients to spend the end-of-life journey on their terms, helping to fulfill their wishes while improving their quality of life.

In addition to hospice services, Faith Hospice o ers grief support for anyone navigating the loss of a loved one. Its bereavement care is not a “one-size-fits-all” service but o ers guidance through each individual’s unique healing process. All grief support services are provided free of charge, making donations essential to delivering this important work.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES:

FINANCIAL GIFTS

Funds raised are used to enhance the care Faith Hospice provides its patients and their grieving loved ones.

CIRCLE OF FAITH FUND

Gifts to the Faith Hospice Circle of Faith support an endowment fund that will help people now and in the future receive hospice care services.

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Faith Hospice can be designated as a charity of choice for memorial gifts honoring a loved one under our care.

BUY A BRICK

Dedicate a brick along the pathway to the Van Andel Hope and Healing Pavilion.

ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Join Faith Hospice at Cascade Hills Country Club on Oct. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP at faithhospicecare.org.

LEADERSHIP:

Troy Vugteveen Christian Living Services CEO/President

Adam Kinder Christian Living Services CFO

Rene Wheaton Executive Vice President of Home and Community-Based Services

Kimberly Holton Faith Hospice Executive Director

Janet Jaymin Director of Bereavement Services

Gina Schulz Director of Philanthropy

Rachel, Faith Hospice RN

John Ball Zoo

Mission // John Ball Zoo inspires our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED:

John Ball Zoo is an internationally accredited world-class zoo and a leader in animal care with the purpose of saving wildlife and wild places.

As one of the most attended cultural attractions in Michigan, with over 800,000 guests expected in 2024, the Zoo inspires the community to be engaged in wildlife conservation through fun, meaningful, and inspiring educational experiences that provide one-of-a-kind, hands-on opportunities.

With hundreds of thousands of annual visitors from all 83 Michigan counties and all 50 states, John Ball Zoo delivers more than $100 million in annual net economic impact to surrounding communities each year and is a magnet for visitors from across the state and beyond.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Dino Adventures

• Zoo Goes Boo

• Grand Rapids Lantern Festival Spring 2025

• Daily Animal Experiences

• Behind-the-Scenes and Guided Tour Experiences

LEADERSHIP:

Peter D’Arienzo

Chief Executive O cer

Andy McIntyre

Chief Operating O cer

Larry Jongekrijg

Chief Financial O cer

Allmon Forrester

Vice President of Facilities, Planning, and Sustainability

Amy Stockero

Senior Director of Development

Rachel Horos

Director of Strategic Impact

jbzoo.org

Just another day in the otter-ly delightful life of Slyde: making waves, blowing bubbles, and charming all the visitors!

When you donate to John Ball Zoo your support goes beyond our gates bringing state of the art animal care to Grand Rapids, fostering a new generation of wildlife protectors, and funding vital research needed to save wildlife and wild places in West Michigan and around the world. MAKE YOUR IMPACT JBZOO.ORG

| jbzoo.org

Pine Rest Foundation

Mission // The Pine Rest Foundation exists to provide Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services with financial resources and community support so its ministry of love and healing in Christ’s name can flourish and be enhanced.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED:

As the largest behavioral health provider in Michigan, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services serves its communities well through the breadth and depth of expertise of its 750-plus world-class physicians, advanced practice providers, and clinicians. It o ers a full continuum of treatment and services through its southeast Grand Rapids campus, its 21 outpatient clinics, and telehealth. Its services include:

• Inpatient and hospital day programs.

• Psychiatric urgent care.

• Outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and medication management.

• Addiction treatment and recovery.

• Residential programs.

• Assessment and testing.

• Neuromodulation treatments.

HOW WE HELP: PATIENT ASSISTANCE FUND

No one should delay or forgo care for depression, anxiety, addiction, dementia, stress, or relationship issues because of cost. Thanks to a generous and compassionate community, financial assistance is available through the Pine Rest Patient Assistance Fund.

IMPROVING ACCESS & QUALITY OF CARE

The Casey Wondergem Grant Program, supported through the Pine Rest Foundation endowment, o ers funding for research and innovation. The foundation also raises current funds for special Pine Rest projects and initiatives.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

LEADERSHIP:

Jack DeBoer

President, Pine Rest Foundation

Rob Sta ord

• Extensive child and adolescent programs.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

Gifts to the Patient Assistance Fund are used to reduce the cost of treatment for people unable to a ord care for themselves or a family member. Without this fund, many would be unable to receive life-changing and lifesaving care.

Donations can be made several ways:

• Online, at pinerest.org/donate.

• By calling 616-455-8680.

• By mailing a check to the Pine Rest Foundation, P.O. Box 165, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

• By using the QR code below.

• By shopping, donating, or volunteering at Rustic Market, located at 389 68th St. SE. One hundred percent of proceeds go to the Patient Assistance Fund. In just the last six years, Rustic Market sales have contributed over $1 million to the Patient Assistance Fund.

As the need for all levels of treatment increases in our communities, the Pine Rest Foundation raises funds to update and build new facilities.

EDUCATION TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES

An environment of learning improves care and outcomes for the community. Pine Rest programming includes internships, residencies, and fellowships for psychiatric professionals, advanced practice providers, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and professional counselors. In addition, we o er continuing education opportunities for sta and professionals in the community.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

2025 Pine Rest Golf Classic Harbor Shores Golf Club Monday, June 9, 2025

Secretary/Treasurer, Pine Rest Foundation

Steve Alles

Peter Draaisma

Steve Ender

Ann Hansen

Aaron Jonker

Ray Lanning

Janis Petrini

Bryan Ridgeway

Je Steeby

Mel Trombley

Established 1910

300 68th St. SE P.O. Box 165 Grand Rapids, MI 49501 | 616-455-8680 pinerest.org/foundation

The Serv-U-Success foursome at the 2024 Golf Classic at Lost Dunes.

Mark Eastburg, Ph.D. President and CEO

Donald MacKenzie Executive Director, Pine Rest Foundation

The Ascent Wealth Partners foursome at the 2024 Golf Classic at Lost Dunes.

Expertise. When it matters.

What matters to you, matters to us. That’s why we continue to invest in proven behavioral health treatments based on cutting-edge research. Why we opened the first same-day psychiatric urgent care in the state and pioneered new training programs for the next generation of mental health experts. You matter to us. That’s why.

Samaritas

Mission // Serving people as an expression of the love of Christ.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED:

Over its 90 years, Samaritas has grown to serve and transform the lives of more than 33,000 individuals annually through key program sites across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Our skilled professionals provide essential life-changing services to Michiganders, including:

• People with substance use disorders who are in need of behavioral health and addiction services.

• Refugee families and youth looking for peace and opportunity.

• Kids in the foster care system needing safety and stability.

• Children hoping to be adopted and find their forever family.

• Families who need family preservation services, education, and other resources to stabilize their homes.

• Families, seniors, and individuals in need of care and homes.

• Adults with disabilities in search of care and group homes.

• Kids who need behavioral health therapy to thrive.

• Young people leaving foster care who need safe, stable homes and guidance into adulthood.

• Homeless families in need of shelter, food, and safety.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: BE THE ROCK GALA

On Sept. 12, West Michigan’s most notable business and cultural leaders will gather at this dazzling a air to raise funds for and awareness of essential programs that uplift Michigan’s communities. Event Chair Lauren Davis, West Michigan regional president for Huntington Bank, will be on hand to host you. Tickets are available at samaritas.org/BeTheRock

NEIGHBORS, NOT NUMBERS CAMPAIGN

This Samaritas campaign educates Michiganders that our neighbors, kids, and co-workers may be just a paycheck away from instability and may need an a ordable housing solution to keep going. Everyone deserves a safe and a ordable home. Learn how you can help at samaritas.org/Neighbors-Not-Numbers

GOOD SAMARITAN FUND

Help Samaritas serve people in its West Michigan communities as an expression of the love of Christ. Visit samaritas.org/ donate to learn how you can support its mission.

LEADERSHIP:

Kevin Van Den Bosch

Chief Program O cer

Kelli Dobner

Chief Strategy and Growth O cer

Cynthia Sikina Chief Financial O cer (Interim)

Charles Caine Chief Operations O cer

Todd Hanselman Chief Talent O cer

Kirsten Mack Chief Quality O cer

2080 Union Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | 313-804-0782 samaritas.org

Legislative, community, and business partnerships large and small are needed to support Samaritas programs. Samaritas leaders Kelli Dobner, chief growth o cer, and interim CEO Dave Morin are seen here at the Mackinac Policy Conference with Sen. Gary Peters and Samaritas board Director Kush Shaqiri.

Connecting one-on-one with leaders like Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss is just one of the benefits of attending the Be the Rock Gala on Sept. 12, which raises funds for and awareness of critical programs to preserve Michigan’s communities. Mayor Bliss is seen here flanked by Samaritas interim CEO Dave Morin and Kevin Van Den Bosch, chief program o cer for Samaritas.

Samaritas is Michigan’s best-known refugee resettlement agency. Samaritas celebrates the positive contributions of Michigan’s refugees with events in Grand Rapids each June. Activities like the World Refugee Day Picnic and the Refugee Youth Art Show illustrate the beautiful mosaic of clientele.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Mission // Our mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

KEY SERVICES PROVIDED:

Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion, and resources. Over the last century, the Community Foundation has worked with partners to find solutions to the community’s most pressing issues. It provides grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students, and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity, and belonging.

The Community Foundation is guided by its North Star: For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community. The foundation helps local philanthropists leave a lasting legacy by stewarding their assets to accomplish their unique goals, today and beyond their lifetime. Its donor partners support a wide variety of funds and initiatives, including:

• Education supports and scholarships for local students.

• Community partnership funds focused specifically on communities with shared identities or interests, including the Black Legacy, Somos Comunidad, Our LGBTQ, and Youth Grant funds.

• Its Fund for Community Good, built by hundreds of donor partners, which invests in nonprofit partners throughout Kent County who share its commitment to becoming actively antiracist.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LOVE FOR GRAND RAPIDS

Grand Rapids Community Foundation has a sta of professionals to help you accomplish your philanthropic goals. Whether you are interested in giving during your lifetime or want to create a gift in your will, they can help. They will listen and provide ideas and options to help you find your unique way to make the community an even better place to call home.

GIVE NOW

Make your gift today. One-time or recurring donations can be made online using a credit card.

GIVE LATER

185 Oakes St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | 616-454-1751 grfoundation.org

Learn about smart, easy, and cost-e ective ways to give through your will or an estate plan. The vast majority of the Community Foundation’s assets have come from gifts in a will.

CREATE YOUR OWN FUND

The Community Foundation manages more than 850 separate funds. Establishing your own fund is a great way to carry on your family name or honor the memory of a loved one.

LEADERSHIP:

LaSandra A. Gaddy

President and CEO

Ashley René Lee

Vice President of Strategic Communications

Kate Luckert Schmid

Vice President of Programs

Stan Vander Roest

Vice President and Chief Financial O cer

Marilyn Zack

Vice President of Development

Grand Rapids Community Foundation sta .

food+drink

The Grand River Burger at O'Brien's Schoolhouse is a "masterpiece."

New Nordic Redux

Midwest farm-to-table restaurant highlights seasonal produce Michigan is proud of.

BY PAT EVANS // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

For two years, there has been a lingering question about the Grand Rapids dining scene: “When is Søvengård re-opening?”

A former Grand Rapids Magazine Restaurant of the Year, the Søvengård helped push the city’s culinary scene forward until it wrapped up its stint at its original location. A bigger vision was in store a mile west down Bridge Street, but the journey took several twists and turns before the new, 5,000-square-foot location, 1232 Bridge St. NW, was ready to open in July 2025.

The long road to reopening took the Søvengård all the way down Bridge Street where a planned new development with Ben M. Muller Realty Co. went awry. The partnership then pivoted to the current building that is across the street from the planned site. The

Clockwise from top left: Alpenglo cocktail (lingonberry-infused gin, cassis, lime, egg white, cream); Perunareiska (Finnish potato flatbread with egg butter); Rainbow Trout entrée (sustainably farmed fillet with wild lamb's quarter, pole beans, roasted red potatoes, sauce vierge, chives, and smoked steelhead roe).

renovation included a build out by Ten Ring Construction.

“This is only the end of construction,” Søvengård co-owner and chef Rick Muschiana said in July, just prior to the reopening. “The next part of the journey begins now. We’ve just done a big mountain climb, but now we take a breath and do it again.”

Most discussions, in person or online, about the Grand Rapids restaurant industry touched on The Søvengård’s two-year absence. It was something Muschiana himself heard a lot too. And that was a touching reminder throughout the reopening process that what he set out to do resonated with many Grand Rapidians.

“There is demand for what we do, countless people have told me, ‘Thank god you’re opening again, this town misses and needs you,'” he said. “When they say they need you, it feels really good to be needed. That’s really helped us feel like we’re headed in the right direction.”

With that two-year absence, however, the Søvengård is essentially a new restaurant to Grand Rapids again.

When Søvengård initially opened in 2016, Muschiana opened with a long line of experience in the food and beverage business. While the New Nordic approach to food was refreshing in West Michigan, so too was his approach to the beverage menu. The beer and wine menus were incredibly well curated, while the cocktails offered a wide range of flavor notes.

That came while the seasonal menus helped highlight the agricultural products Michigan is proud of.

“We call it Midwest farm-to-table New Nordic,” Muschiana said. “For us, people don’t need to be scared of the New Nordic thing, We’re not a Swedish or Danish restaurant. New Nordic, for us, and the movement is a deeper dive into farmto-table. We’re serious about sourcing, about making things from scratch, our sustainability efforts, menu seasonality, paying people fairly and just doing our part in our little corner of the world.”

As Muschiana further defined the restaurant’s approach, he likened it to an aspirational brand, one that just happens to make food. He hopes the message and mission resonates with West Michiganders who are feeling the economic and environmental struggles and hopes they can be an outlet to help support a broken food system. (It should also be noted, Søvengård will also have a market section to

“We’re serious about sourcing, about making things from scratch, our sustainability efforts, menu seasonality, paying people fairly and just doing our part in our little corner of the world.”

Rick Muschiana

Above: Søvengård's beautifully designed bar and seating area.

Left: Søvengård's new location at the corner of Bridge St. and Valley Ave., NW opened in July of 2024.

pick up local produce and artisan products, including items likely used in the menu.)

While there are plenty of diners ready to dive back into the seasonally rotating menu at Søvengård that takes a New Nordic approach to the local produce of West Michigan, Muschiana also knows the restaurant will need to court new diners again.

“We know we need to offer something that feels familiar and new at the same time,” he said. “I get nostalgic for some highs, but I try not to live in the past. I try to have my eyes forward with respect to history and past and everything that’s been built.

“The same expectation for our customers of when you come in July, the menus will be different from when you come in September.”

The new location helps provide a platform for The Søvengård, which won the Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year award in the March 2020 issue, just days before the world shut down. In many ways, the restaurant did not get to experience any ripple effects from the award, as by the time the original location closed in 2022, the restaurant industry had yet to still recover from the shutdowns. But it was around that 2022 time when Muschiana was hitting his stride in the kitchen.

Beyond the menus, Muschiana’s New Nordic philosophy expands to the staff. He said the COVID-19 pandemic further solidified his position to make the Søvengård a great place to work.

“We’ve learned a lot of lessons, and now we’re trying to be even more forward with our culture and let our employees create that with us,” he said. “The post-COVID employment landscape has changed people’s perspectives in what they demand. While we’re not perfect, we’re just trying to listen and be proactive rather than reactive. “Our number one priority is to make Søvengård a great place to work.”

Much like the first iteration of Søvengård, the space feels like it could be plopped into a much bigger city. Big windows help provide natural light to the three separate rooms that each have their own aesthetics. While they’re separate, they each can be joined for private events.

Diners walk into the first room, greeted by an opening into the kitchen in one corner and a centerpiece bar on the far wall.

One of those rooms, which Muschiana calls a porch, is a long shotgun-style room with two big skylights and a large door that opens up to the beer garden. The beer garden

Søvengård's outdoor beer garden is back and better than ever. Be sure to admire the living garden wall along the walkway, where florals, herbs and vegetables are grown.

is key to Søvengård, and it always has been. The first iteration, now the second location of Broad Leaf, has an ideal beer garden.

If it is possible, the new Søvengård has improved upon the original and created an even better beer garden. It helps that it's removed a bit from the hectic Bridge Street corridor and set within a residential neighborhood. The beer garden includes a large garden and living wall that will provide the restaurant with florals, herbs and vegetables.

“There’s no Søvengård without a beer garden,” Muschiana said. “It will return. We think it will feel like it grew up a little bit. A little more ‘neighborhoody.’

“When I was first dreaming of this restaurant, I envisioned people walking down, pushing strollers, and activating it in that way.”

Return to the kitchen

About four years ago, Søvengård co-owner Rich Muschiana (above) stepped into the restaurant’s kitchen, taking over the role of executive chef.

Muschiana’s decision might have shocked some people in Grand Rapids, who had opened the Søvengård after several years in outward facing roles at Brewery Vivant. But for him, the man who drives the vision of Søvengård, it was a return to his roots.

“I’m a creative person by trade,” Muschiana said. “I came to Grand Rapids to go to Kendall College, and design is my personal passion. I’m now applying that to the food and dining space, with the help of a lot of people.”

He started his working career in kitchens, as a line cook at Zehnder’s, a world-famous restaurant in Frankenmuth. He continued working back-ofthe-house roles after moving to Grand Rapids and eventually moved toward front-of-house jobs.

“I gravitated for that time toward front-of-house and management roles I was given at some places in Los Angeles and Grand Rapids, and once you do that, your track is set up and you go where the money is,” he said. “You accrue a certain skill set, and when you graduate from art school in the middle of the recession, you fall back on that restaurant experience.”

Through his career, he’s worked at burger joints and sushi spots. He’s also staged at a Michelin Star restaurant. While getting back into the kitchen at Søvengård might have taken a leap of faith, he’s glad to be in the back.

“It surprised a lot of people when I went back there, but I think it was the spot I always needed to be in,” he said. “I have to shrug off insecurities and imposter syndrome, which I still have, because that title and position comes with a lot of baggage, good and bad.

“I felt a call just for me personally, creatively, philosophically, that I needed to get back to handling product, seeing it, smelling it, shaking hands of the farmer. Having the menu be a creative outlet has been so personally freeing.”

Mother Earth (house cashew cheese, spiced red bean spread, whipped chili butter, and seasonal vegetables with bread and cornmeal crackers).

Gursha serves food and community

Traditional Ethiopian restaurant offers authentic experience and cuisine.

BY MATTHEW ROTHENBERG // PHOTOS BY WES KITTEN

In Ethiopia, gursha is a traditional gesture of friendship: One diner wraps a morsel of food in a small piece of injera (the stretchy sourdough flatbread that accompanies almost every meal) and feeds it to a companion. (Gursha literally means “mouthful” in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia.)

When Kasahun Beharselase opened his restaurant in 2013, Suite #15 n the Town & Country shopping center at 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, he chose the name to represent community and hospitality. And sure enough, Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant is both home to worldclass Ethiopian food and a hub of activity for Grand Rapids’ East African immigrant communities — and anyone who wants the best doro wat in West Michigan!

While you don’t have to feed each other, Gursha offers an authentic Ethiopian dining experience. That means no silverware; your selection of meat and vegetable dishes is served on top of a big round of injera made from Ethiopian teff flour from the Horn of Africa. “Without the barrier of a piece of steel,” as Gursha’s menu puts it, you tear off small strips of the bread to eat your meal in neat pinches. (Think savory African origami.)

Wats on the menu

Beharselase recently redid Gursha’s menu to include some new appetizers and add a breakfast service, but it still includes all the classics perfectly prepared to delight carnivores and vegans alike. A few standout selections:

Doro wat. The flagship dish of Ethiopia, this hearty, spicy chicken and egg stew is seasoned with red berbere seasoning Gursha buys direct from the old country. (Berbere is an unmistakable flavor of Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea, and includes herbs exclusive to the region.) Gursha also offers sega wat (made with beef) and misser wat (from puréed red lentils).

Yebeg tibs. While wat is stewed, tibs is sautéed, and this lamb dish is a lively combination of onions, green peppers and more of those special Ethiopian spices. (If you’d prefer rosemary and garlic, try the yebeg dereq tibs.) Other tibs dishes feature cuts of beef, and asa tibs includes tilapia filet pan seared with ginger, black pepper and fresh vegetables. Gursha also offers a roster of outstanding vegetarian and vegan options, including: Gomen: Mild, slow-cooked greens; Qosta: Spinach slow-cooked with onions, garlic and spices; Kik alicha: Yellow split peas blended with onions, garlic, ginger and green peppers; Tikil gomen alicha: A mild but tasty stew that combines cabbage, potatoes and carrots; and Iybe: Pronounced “ibe,” this mild, soft cheese is made daily from cultured buttermilk.

Dinner prices range from $12 for a veggie combo platter big enough for two to $18 for the lamb dishes. Additional sides are $5 each. Gursha also offers appetizers and salads (try the sambusa: flaky dough with a spicy filling of vegetables, jalapeños and berbere spices) and breakfast. Chef Kasahun recently rolled out a thoroughly Ethiopian breakfast menu — the first of its kind in Kent County! Try the gento (wheat porridge with cardamom, berbere and Ethiopian spiced butter); enqulal ferfer (scrambled eggs with spiced butter, jalapeños, and fresh tomatoes and onion); or chechebsa (shredded flatbread with berbere and spiced butter, topped with honey or sour cream. Gursha’s breakfasts cost $14 each.

Top: Gursha's interior is decorated in a red, gold, and green motif, colors associated with Ethiopia's flag.

Above: Gursha's combination platter includes the Doro Wat and Yebeg Tibs.

Coffee is served!

Gursha’s coffee service deserves a special section of its own — it’s a delicious cultural experience based on Ethiopia’s traditional buna coffee ceremony. (Check out the thatched coffee hut set up inside the restaurant that’s used for special occasions!)

At Gursha, coffee is served in several stages. First, the chef roasts coffee beans in a pan that he carries out to the dining area so guests can breathe in their order. Continuing the flight of smells: a tray bearing small cups, sugar and a fragrant chunk of smoking frankincense. (Many Christian traditions connect the Three Kings’ gifts of frankincense and myrhh to Ethiopia.)

Finally, the host brings out the jebena, a graceful black clay coffee pot in which the coffee has been brewing. Drink it black, or sweeten it with sugar.

A pillar of the community

Gursha is more than just a restaurant; it’s also a hangout for immigrants from countries across the Horn of Africa (including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan and Kenya), many of whom arrived in Grand Rapids as refugees. It seems like every East African immigrant in town has some connection to Gursha.

The restaurant is home to events organized by the local Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Ethiopian Protestant Church. It also buffets to celebrate three major holidays on the Gregorian calendar the Ethiopian Orthodox Church shares with other Eastern Orthodox churches: New Year (Sept. 11); Christmas (Jan. 7); and Easter (April 20).

Inibla! Let’s eat!

How do you like them apples?

BY LISA ENOS

Chris Schafer has taken his family’s legacy of apple farming in a whole new direction. From picking apples in the orchard to pouring cider in the glass at Pux Cider Taphouse, 311 Fuller Ave. NE, his sweet success story is the embodiment of vertical integration. If you don’t think you like cider (I didn’t), I urge you to give Pux a try. Their ciders are far from the typical grocery store sweet stuff. Some lean closer to wine, with a dryness that might surprise even seasoned hard cider drinkers here in the U.S. In Europe, cider tends to be less sweet, which is what Chris is going for. With clever names like “Botanic at the Disco” and “Rainbow Lightning,” Chris’s creations are anything but run-of-the-mill. Whether you’re into a pear-cinnamon-ginger blend or something more adventurous like pineapple, guava, and kiwi —and with 150 varieties of apples growing in his orchard — there’s bound to be something for everyone. If you prefer a more classic cider, don’t worry—Chris has the traditionalists covered, too.

The vibe at Pux is as refreshing as the cider. There’s vibrant contemporary artwork on the walls, a shelf full of board games, and with the Cheese Lady right next door, some top-notch charcuterie for noshing. It’s the kind of place where regulars pop in to chat, sip, and soak in the atmosphere.

A jack of all trades, Chris effortlessly balances his roles as farmer, cider maker, bartender, and even DJ, pausing to swap vinyl at the turntable behind the bar in between pours and conversations with customers. He and his brother Andy co-own the place, with Chris crafting the cider and Andy handling the business side.

Chris said that when he first had the idea of starting a cidery, getting the blessing of some of his family members wasn’t easy. One elder in particular was generally opposed to alcohol consumption but ultimately was pleased that Chris and Andy were interested in continuing the family business. (Farmers are a dying breed, but that’s a story for another day.) The Schafers have

been farming the same 300-acre property in Conklin since the 1850s, a testament to the family’s fortitude and work ethic. Once the cider business took off, the apples didn’t fall far from the tree.

The venture has been more than fruitful—it’s award-winning! Pux’s ciders have racked up accolades at The Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) every year since they’ve entered the prestigious competition.

Their record speaks for itself:

Best in Class: 1

Gold: 3

Silver: 15

Bronze: 11

Total: 30

First Medal: 2016

Last Medal: 2024

Years: 8

It’s no surprise that Pux is now expanding, with a new tasting room at the W.A. Schafer orchard in Conklin, ensuring that more people will get to enjoy their farm-to-glass approach. While it’s fun to visit Pux, it’s not absolutely necessary.

Pux and Mad Farmer, an offshoot brand, are available in cans.

Each April, more than 1500 ciders from around the globe are sampled and judged at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition at DeVos Place.

Other Michigan ciders to try:

Vander Mill

TOTALLY ROASTED

6.8% ABV

Cinnamon, pecan, and vanilla notes, bubbly and on the sweeter side. Pairs best with sharp cheese and table water crackers.

Blake’s AMERICAN APPLE

8.0% ABV

Balanced sweetness with no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. This is a solid, traditional cider made with 100% freshpressed American apples.

People’s Cider GINGER ADAMS

6.4% ABV

Like a ginger beer, but lighter on the ginger and not as fizzy. Five stars.

Farmhaus

LAKE EFFECT: ZEST

4.0% ABV

This lemon-forward effervescent blood orange cider goes down effortlessly. With its low alcohol content and almost airy quality, it's a light, thirst quencher with no aftertaste perfect for a picnic or, as the name suggests, a day at the lake.

Coffee is served out of a jebena, a black clay coffee pot in which the coffee is brewed.

‘They’re not bartenders; they’re artists.’

BY ELIZABETH GRANGER // PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

Bar Director Victor Cruz sets fire to the Don the Beachcomber 2.0, the last step in the rum based drink's preparation.

Sean Lockwood loves old-fashioneds. Especially the Obstacle No. 1 (cocktail) at Obstacle No. 1 (cocktail bar) in Holland.

“A crescendo of smoke, maple and rich nutty flavors,” it has Buffalo Trace bourbon, maple syrup, black walnut, cardamom tincture and Angostura bitters. It’s the bar’s most popular cocktail.

It helped lead Obstacle No. 1 to 2024 honors as Cocktail/Bar Program of the Year from the West Michigan Food & Beverage Industry. The ranking recognized Obstacle’s innovative cocktail menu along with showmanship, “as bartenders captivate customers with visually impressive cocktail-making techniques.”

Because, Lockwood says, “they’re not bartenders; they’re artists.”

His favorite cocktail is particularly popular on Whiskey Wednesdays, when the drinks are stirred or shaken or smoked. The Obstacle No. 1 is smoked underneath a dome, with pecan and maple woods that smolder. When the dome is opened at the table, the smoke swirls out from around the drink.

Truth be told, you can order it any day, as long as it’s Tuesday through Saturday, with the bar opening at 4 p.m.

The same holds true for the flaming tiki cocktails, touted on Tiki Tuesdays.

The bar is closed on Sundays “for church, family, football.” Closed Mondays, too.

The bar itself is small and dark and moody, sophisticated yet intimate with rich black bookshelves holding the perfect trappings. The drink menu comes in a book, with chapters. But first, a page with the welcome from owner Lucas Grill and bar director Victor Cruz.

Lockwood’s old-fashioned is in Chapter 3: Obstacles You Know & Love, along with

Black Math and the Forest Moon of Endor. Chapter 4: Classic Cocktails, Frequent & Forgotten, offers the Hemingway Daiquiri and Cosmopolitan. Chapter 8: Spirit-free Cocktails – for the designated driver or someone who just doesn’t want alcohol –has the Blueberry Fizz. The alcoholic drinks can also be made without alcohol.

And then there’s the list of house rules. There are 70, just about every one worthy of a chortle.

There’s No. 21: Captain Crunch Should Be Admiral Crunch By Now. No. 29: It’s More Fun If It Requires You To Sign A Waiver. No. 70: Who Put The Alphabet In Alphabetical Order? Why the House Rules? Just because. And definitely more fun than staring at a cell phone.

Food comes in small plates from Poquito, the tapas restaurant next door. Same kitchen, same owner. The warm goat cheese plate does more than warm your heart.

“This place is amazing,” Lockwood says. “It’s an absolute treasure. It has never disappointed.”

Top: A Black Math cocktail atop a bed of tobacco from George’s Smoke Shop in downtown Holland. Above: Obstacle No. 1's attractive bar area.

Above: The Obstacle No. 1, the bar's namesake cocktail, featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon, smoked tableside for GRMag photographer Kris Kinsey. Above left: Bar director Victor Cruz holds a freshly made Punch con Tomate cocktail. For a list of the bar's delicious drinks and ingredients, visit obstacleholland.com.

Schnitzel & Braised Cabbage

Substituting chicken thighs for pork gives this dish a juicy twist on a German classic.

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO // STYLED BY JASON WHEELER

Celebrate Oktoberfest at home with this succulent chicken schnitzel paired with tender braised cabbage, or venture to Kusterer Brauhaus for an authentic taste of Germany. Schnitzel, deriving its name from the German word "Schnitz" meaning "slice," is a quintessential dish in German cuisine. Traditionally made with pork, this breaded and fried delicacy boasts a crispy exterior enveloping tender meat. In our version, we've opted for boneless chicken thighs, offering a juicier bite.

If you're looking for German fare without the hassle of cooking, head over to our friend David Ringler's Küsterer Brauhaus— the downtown offshoot of the beloved Cedar Springs brewery located on Bridge Street. There, you can savor authentic German schnitzel paired with beer crafted from age-old German recipes. Discover more about Küsterer Brauhaus on page 34 of this publication.

Braised Cabbage

Ingredients

1 head of cabbage

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter (add more, if needed)

Salt and pepper to taste

1-2 teaspoons vinegar

Instructions

Remove the core from the cabbage and chop it into long slices. In a large shallow pan, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the cabbage to the pan and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Just before removing from the pan, add the 1-2 teaspoons of vinegar.

Chicken Schnwitzel

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs (use thighs for juicier meat)

2 eggs

2 -3 cups Progresso Italian breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon butter per cutlet

1 tablespoon olive oil per cutlet

Instructions

Pound the chicken breasts or thighs until flat.* Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Pour the breadcrumbs into a large bowl. Dunk the flattened chicken in the beaten eggs and then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil. Fry each breaded chicken cutlet on each side until golden brown.**

*A kitchen mallet or the side of a small plate can be used for this.

**For best results, wipe out the skillet between frying cutlets.

Schoolhouse Rocks!

O’Briens Deli offshoot serves up a masterpiece.

BY GABRIEL ROSE // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

O'Briens Schoolhouse, located at 7430 River Street, SE in Ada, is the perfect onestop shop for everyone. Located in the heart of Ada Village, this new establishment has something for the entire family. From candy and ice cream for the kids to wine and spirits for the adults, O'Briens Schoolhouse also boasts an extensive menu offering burgers, sandwiches, bowls, wraps, hot dogs, and salads. With outside seating and a park next door, the Schoolhouse creates an ideal setting for a leisurely afternoon with the kids, and even pets are welcome.

I ordered the Grand River Burger, a BBQ chicken and beef masterpiece (house-ground beef, spicy fried chicken breast, chipotle BBQ, onion rings, bacon, pickles, lettuce, tomato, muenster cheese and chipotle aioli for $17.50) and watched through the open kitchen as the owner, T.J. O’Brien, prepared my meal himself. Luckily, I had the chance to talk to him while I ate.

T.J. is always working in his restaurants, which are his passion projects. I visited on the third day after the opening, and the place was full of locals congratulating T.J., who grew up in Ada. T.J. wasn't always in the restaurant business. He started his first location on East Paris in 2020 during COVID-19. At that time, he was selling insurance but decided to take a gamble on himself. He completed the first 3,000 orders out of his initial location entirely by himself. T.J.'s determination and hard work paid off. Initially operating the restaurant single-handedly, he managed to build a loyal customer base through word of mouth. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, the East Paris location quickly became a local favorite.

In 2023, T.J. first looked at the Ada Schoolhouse as a potential second location, but it needed a lot of work. After a full renovation and the addition of a kitchen, they were finally ready to open in July of 2024. With a perfect location and a wide variety of food and drinks O’Briens Schoolhouse is poised to become a favorite among locals.

Top: The Grand River Burger (ground beef, spicy fried chicken breast, muenster cheese, chipotle BBQ, onion rings, bacon, pickles, lettuce, tomato and chipotle aioli).

Right: Oliver and Sylvia Montgomery enjoy hand scooped ice cream cones.

Above: The shelves are stocked with candy options aplenty at O'Briens Schoolhouse.

SMILE! Your Search for a Dentist Just Got Easier.

When it comes to optimum oral health, preventive maintenance is just the beginning.

ere are numerous dental treatments and procedures that can help patients feel their best and present their best smiles. Finding the right dentist, whether it’s a general dentist or a specialist in pediatrics, implants, aesthetics, prosthetics, TMJ, or advanced restorative techniques, can be a challenge with so many providers to choose from.

Endodontics

Amru Albeiruti

Forest Hills Endodontics

Grand Rapids

Brian J. Buurma

Brian J. Buurma D.D.S. M.S.

Holland

Arthur Doering

e Root Canal Specialists

Grand Rapids

Andrew Drerup

West Michigan Endodontists

Grand Rapids

is Top Dentists section helps narrow down the search by spotlighting some of the most esteemed experts in the region. e professionals listed herein were selected by their peers in a survey conducted by Professional Research Services of Troy, Michigan. Professionals may be screened and selected through the veri cation of licensing and review of any infractions through various applicable boards, agencies, and rating services. For further information, visit prscom.com or email PRS at sshevin@prscom.com. Read on to learn about the Top Dentists serving West Michigan.

For further information, visit prscom.com or email PRS at sshevin@prscom.com.

Je rey Dzingle

Lake Michigan Endodontics

Grand Haven

Anthony Guinn

West Michigan Endodontists

Grand Rapids

Tyler Guinn

West Michigan Endodontists

Grand Rapids

Je rey P. Halvorson

Root Canal Specialists North P.L.L.C.

Grand Rapids

Michael W. Hembrough

Root Canal Specialists North P.L.L.C.

Grand Rapids

Sco Hodges

West Michigan Endodontists

Grand Rapids

Jack Kemper

Root Canal Specialists North P.L.L.C.

Grand Rapids

omas Korte

Grandville Endodontics

Wyoming

Brian J. Licari

Grandville Endodontics

Wyoming

Sarah Lennan Masterson

Grand River Endodontics P.C.

Grandville

» Top Dentists

Brent A. Medema

Medema Endodontics Caledonia

Patrick Mullally

Lake Michigan Endodontics Grand Haven

Geoff Robert West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids

David Selis The Root Canal Specialists Grand Rapids

Aric Smith West Michigan Endodontists Grand Rapids

Mark C. Tingey

Mark C. Tingey D.D.S. Holland

General Dentistry

Betsy Bakeman, D.D.S.

The Art of Dentistry

2757 Leonard St. NE Suite 100

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-940-0481 info@bakemandds.com micosmeticdentist.com

Carol Baldwin Grand Rapids Dentistry Grand Rapids

Cory Ball 85 West Dental Rockford

Sam Bander, D.D.S.

Bander Dental Group 1151 East Paris Ave. SE Suite 100

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-949-5980 info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

Larissa Bishop

Grandville Dental Health Center Grandville

Zachary Breen

Breen Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

James B. Brennan

Brennan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry P.C. Grand Rapids

John Bruinsma Genuine Care Dentistry Grand Rapids

Katie Burggraaf KB Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Heather J. Cadorette 85 West Dental Rockford

Brian Carpenter

Carpenter Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Aaron S. Clark

Clark & VanOverloop Family Dentistry Jenison

Haley Clark, D.D.S. Bander Dental Group 1151 East Paris Ave. SE Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-949-5980

info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

Patrick Condit, D.D.S.

Condit Family Dentistry 4270 Plainfield Ave., Suite D Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-361-9497

conditdentistry@gmail.com grandrapids.dental

Robert S. Dame D.D.S.

North Park Family Dental 422 N. Park St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-361-7265

drdamedds@npfamilydental.com npfamilydental.com

Jocelyn R. Davis (Carroll)

Carroll Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Grand Rapids

Drew De Zwaan Great Lakes Dental Care Grand Rapids

Nicolas DeBoer

Complete Health Dentistry of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Sunil Desai

Alpine Ridge Dental Grand Rapids

Jason Doublestein D.D.S.

44 West Dental Professionals 4330 44th St. SW, Suite 105 Grandville, MI 49418

616-530-2200

info@44westdental.com 44westdental.com

Derek Draft

Grandville Family Dental Care P.C. Grandville

Kevin T. Fitzpatrick

My Community Dental Centers of Cedar Springs Cedar Springs

Peter A. Garchow Dental South Wyoming

Matthew K. Gietzen Partners In Dental Care Grand Rapids

Thomas Greidanus

MI Smiles Dental Grand Rapids

Roseanna P. Noordhoek, DDS, FACS, and Emily Van Heukelom, DDS

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

Drs. Roseanna P. Noordhoek and Emily Van Heukelom are proud to be the owners and managing partners at the Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. ey are driven by their mission to “provide professional and compassionate care that is safe, valued, and accessible.”

With offices in Grand Rapids and Rockford, COSDI has a 30-year history in West Michigan. e office is happy to announce the addition of two new providers: Drs. Dillon L. Feigenbaum and Christopher M. Bulcher.

All of the doctors at COSDI are highly credentialed, experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons who are uniquely positioned to treat and care for clients who need surgery of the mouth, jaw, or face. Supported by a team of well-trained assistants, they work together to build relationships with patients and help them feel comfortable and welcomed throughout their entire experience.

e practice focuses on compassion and caring to address entire families’ oral surgery needs and provides a broad range of oral and maxillofacial services. ese include wisdom tooth extraction, removal of jaw tumors and oral lesions, and surgical reconstruction of the jaw — all performed with the goal of improving patients’ dental health and correcting or enhancing the natural beauty of their smiles.

COSDI doctors are trained in anesthesia and offer alternatives for anxious patients, ranging from local numbing to deep sedation in an office setting. ey are also experts in placement of dental implants and bone grafting and utilize advanced technology such as 3D digital surgical planning. ■

Thomas Grias

West Michigan Dental Professionals Caledonia

Caitlynn Haas Mailloux Dentistry Holland

Peter G. Hallas Lake Michigan Dental P.C. Grand Rapids

Amy Harmon Sarah Palmer D.D.S. Grandville

Christopher Hier Hier Family Dentistry Caledonia

John Hoitenga

Grandville Family Dental Care P.C. Grandville

Matthew D. Hudson

Beltline Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Eric Hull, D.D.S.

A.A.A.C.D.

Eric Hull, D.D.S. 769 York Creek Drive NW Comstock Park, MI 49321 616-784-2377 ehull84@gmail.com greatmismiles.com

Chas Jensen Rogue River Family Dental Rockford

Kristen Kemmer Healthy Life Dentistry Grand Rapids

Doug Klein Klein Dentistry Grandville

Andrew Knowlton

Travis Kragt

» Top Dentists

Great Lakes Dental Care Grand Rapids

Kevin Kross, D.D.S.

Blueprint Dentistry 877 E. 16th St., Suite 30 Holland, MI 49423

616-396-5197

office@blueprint-dentistry.com blueprint-dentistry.com

Matthew Lieto

Heritage Hill Dental Grand Rapids

Nichole Lubberts Northview Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Brittany Mailloux Mailloux Dentistry

Holland

Bryton Mansfield, D.D.S. Mansfield Family Dentistry 2 Grand Rapids locations 1632 Leonard NW 580 Cascade W. Parkway SE 616-453-2255 drbryton@mansfieldgrdental.com mansfieldgrdental.com

Travis Mattson, D.D.S

Bander Dental Group 1151 East Paris Ave. SE Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-949-5980

info@banderdentalgroup.com banderdentalgroup.com

Jacob S. Miller

Miller Dental Grand Rapids

Brian Mulder Mulder Dental Grand Rapids

Jerry Mulder A Life of Smiles Grand Rapids

Alexis Neuman Advance Dental Grand Rapids

Devin O. Norman

Norman Family Dentistry

Ada

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 5011 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-361-7317

info@nylaandental.com nylaandental.com

Justin E. Otten

Justin E. Otten D.D.S. Wyoming

Michael S. Palaszek

Lake Michigan Dental P.C. Grand Rapids

Joshua Peiffer MI Smiles Dental Grand Rapids

Stuart Pettijohn Forest Hills Family Dental Grand Rapids

Knowlton and Masson Dentistry P.L.L.C. Sparta

Donald M. Konen

Donald M. Konen D.D.S. Grand Rapids

John M. McMahon D.D.S.

McMahon Family Dental 2076 Baldwin St. Jenison, MI 49428

616-457-2710

office@mcmahonfamilydental.com mcmahonfamilydental.com

William (Bill) Robson Robson Family Dental Grand Rapids

Stephanie Sakowicz

Grand Rapids Dental Grand Rapids

Samy Salhadar

Ada Family Dentistry P.L.C.

Ada

Dr. Veronica Hamilton

Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. | 3299 Clear Vista Court NE, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-608-6826 | veronicahamiltondds.com

Dr. Veronica Hamilton is a highly skilled, board-certified pediatric dentist who specializes in dental care for children, young adults, and adults with special needs. She holds a number of accreditations, as well as memberships in several dental associations. Her practice is driven by a mission to provide access to care for children and families who might not otherwise receive the dental treatments they need.

Dr. Hamilton purposely pursued pediatrics to support children with complex cases that need to be handled by a specialist. She is one of the few dentists who accept Healthy Kids Dental, an insurance program available to kids through Medicaid. “Often the kids we see have extensive decay and I try to give them a fresh start,” she says. “Their parents are doing the best they can, but it’s tough when they can’t find a dentist in town. We have kids come from all over the state because we take HKD. We’re here to help.”

With pediatrics, much of the focus is on gaining trust and getting patients to cooperate. As part of that effort, Dr. Hamilton started bringing her family’s rescue dog to the office on Wednesdays. Rosie, a trained service dog who didn’t quite make the cut, is wonderful with kids and sits happily at the front desk to greet patients and reward them if they demonstrate good behavior during their appointments. Rosie is a great addition to the office and gives kids something to look forward to if they visit when she’s there. ■

Benjamin Schell

Hudsonville Dental Hudsonville

Jeremy Schell Hudsonville Dental Hudsonville

J. Stephen Sill

Cherry Health - Heart of the City Health Center Grand Rapids

Joshua Smith Grand Rapids Dental Partners Grandville

Logan Smith Smith Dental Team Jenison

Zachariah Smith

MI Smiles Dental Grand Rapids

Robert A. Strobel

Strobel Family Dentistry Grand Rapids

Craig T. Thorson EGR Dental Grand Rapids

Katelyn Trierweiler

D.D.S.

44 West Dental Professionals

4330 44th St. SW, Suite 105 Grandville, MI 49418 616-530-2200 info@44westdental.com 44westdental.com

Ryan Van Haren Van Haren Dentistry Grand Rapids

Christian L. VerMeulen

Christian L. VerMeulen D.D.S. P.L.C. Grand Rapids

» Top Dentists

Lindsey Vogl, D.D.S.

Ada Dental Co.

7167 Headley St. SE Ada, MI 49301 616-676-1800 adadentalco@gmail.com adadentalco.com

Sabrina Wadood, D.D.S. Fulton Family Dentistry 853 Fulton St. E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-458-1977 info@fultonfamilydds.com fultonfamilydds.com

Elizabeth (Liz) White

Polished Dental Care Grand Rapids

Michael Wierenga

D.D.S.

44 West Dental Professionals 4330 44th St. SW, Suite 105 Grandville, MI 49418 616-530-2200 info@44westdental.com 44westdental.com

Lora Wonderly

O’Rourke Wonderly Dental Grand Rapids

Rosanna W. Wong Garvin Family Dental Care Byron Center

Brian Yared Hudsonville Dental Hudsonville

John Zona

My Community Dental Centers of Kentwood Kentwood

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Andrew M. Baker

Cascade Oral Surgery

Grand Rapids

Brett Bezak D.M.D., M.D.

Oral Surgery Associates 2144 East Paris Ave. SE Suite 150 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-2000 | infose@osagr.com osagr.com

P. Jeffrey Brooks

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Brent Dingman, D.D.S.

Oral Surgery Associates 2144 East Paris Ave. SE Suite 150 Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-942-2000 infose@osagr.com osagr.com

J. Mark Domin

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Brant A. Erbentraut

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Mark N. Grinzinger

West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grandville

Ashley Houle

West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grand Haven

Paul Huizinga

West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grandville

Mark L. Jesin

Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio Grand Rapids

44th

The dentists at 44 West Dental Professionals, Dr. Jason Doublestein, Dr. Michael Wierenga, and Dr. Kate Trierweiler, along with their skilled dental team, provide basic preventive and restorative procedures as well as advanced services such as dental implants, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. As part of their commitment to innovation, they utilize advanced technology including intraoral scanning, 3D printing, and CT imaging. All three doctors received advanced education at the world-renowned Pankey Institute and apply the philosophies and technical expertise learned with every patient. 44 West Dental Professionals offers a thorough approach to dental treatments and is dedicated to achieving clinical excellence,

» Top Dentists

building strong relationships, and establishing mutual trust. The team strives to make dentistry a kinder and gentler place, taking extra time to get to know each patient and their hopes for their dental health. Their goal is for patients to feel comfortable and confident—and truly like family.

The doctors at 44 West understand that there are many people in the community who do not have dental insurance and that it creates a barrier to accessing quality dental care. They’ve responded to this need by creating their Blue Tooth Club—a membership plan that helps to make care more affordable for those without insurance, so they can receive the best care dentistry can provide. ■

From Left to Right: Dr. Jason Doublestein, Dr. Michael Wierenga and Dr. Kate Trierweiler

Robert Kintz, D.D.S.

Oral Surgery Associates

2144 East Paris Ave. SE Suite 150

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-942-2000 infose@osagr.com osagr.com

Kyle Klooster

West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grand Haven

Mark Lonergan

West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Holland

A.J. Lytle

Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Byron Center

Igor Makovey

Cascade Oral Surgery

Grand Rapids

Keith Nalley

West Michigan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Grand Haven

Chip Niquette Jr.

Third Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Byron Center

Roseanna Noordhoek

D.D.S., F.A.C.S.

Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

4349 Sawkaw Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-361-7327 | info@grandrapidsoralsurgery.com grandrapidsoralsurgery.com

Ezio F. Novelli

Cascade Oral Surgery

Grand Rapids

J. J. Ooi

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Douglas Orzel

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Greater Grand Rapids

Caledonia

» Top Dentists

Bradley M. Robinson

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Emily Van Heukelom

D.D.S.

Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

4349 Sawkaw Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-361-7327 | info@grandrapidsoralsurgery.com grandrapidsoralsurgery.com

Bradley VanHoose

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Greater Grand Rapids Caledonia

Orthodontics

David Armbrecht

Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics

Grand Rapids

Katherine Beard

Lakeshore Orthodontics

Grand Haven

Daniel Bouwens

Kessel & Bouwens Orthodontics Grandville

Jason L. Charnley

Lakeshore Orthodontics

Grand Haven

Elizabeth Christopherson Christopherson Orthodontics

Grand Rapids

Cory Coe

Beaches and Braces P.L.L.C. Grand Rapids

Alexis L. Gallagher

Williams and Gallagher Orthodontics

Rockford

Cadie George

George Orthodontics

Holland

Heather Gietzen

Grand River Orthodontics

Lowell

Leslie Glupker

Glupker Orthodontics

Holland

Timothy Glupker

Glupker Orthodontics

Holland

Eric Hannapel

D.D.S., M.S.

Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics 6477 Cherry Meadow Drive SE Suite 2 Caledonia, MI 49316

616-891-7272 | info@hposmiles.com hposmiles.com

Jeffrey Heinz

D.D.S., M.S.D.

Heinz Orthodontics

Locations in both Rockford and Grand Rapids 616-951-3006 info@heinzorthodontics.com heinzorthodontics.com

Thomas Herremans

Herremans Orthodontics

Grand Rapids

Paul Karl

Karl Orthodontics

Grand Rapids

James Kessel

Kessel & Bouwens Orthodontics

Zeeland

Jayne Kessel

Kessel & Bouwens Orthodontics

Grandville

Kevin Knapp

Knapp Orthodontics

Byron Center

Lathe Miller

Miller Orthodontics

Grand Rapids

» Top Dentists

Betsy Bakeman, DDS

2757 Leonard St. NE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-940-0481 |

There are many reasons why Dr. Betsy Bakeman is one of Grand Rapids’ top dentists. First and foremost, she strives to meet or exceed her patients’ expectations — and patients from all over the state and beyond seek her care and expertise. “Although cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty, we treat it like one,” Dr. Bakeman says. “We utilize an expert team that includes highly trained specialists and esteemed ceramists, allowing us to provide high-level, world-class results.”

The first dentist in Michigan to achieve the distinction of Accredited Fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Bakeman is one of only a select few to achieve the AACD’s highest level of achievement.

Dr. Bakeman is able to restore smiles using a variety of techniques including teethwhitening, bonding, periodontal plastic surgery, porcelain veneers and crowns, dental implants, and Invisalign. The office also provides advanced preventive services and routine dentistry. Dr. Bakeman strongly believes that there’s no reason why anyone should be unhappy with the appearance and comfort of their teeth. There are many options available today, and treatment can be staged over time to increase access and affordability.

Dr. Bakeman regularly teaches other dentists from around the world, and it’s common to have young dentists in the office observing and learning from her. “It’s always important to keep learning,” she says. “As the

science of dentistry evolves, we keep abreast of changes so we can continue to provide our patients with state-of-the-art care.”

Making their patients feel beautiful, confident, and healthy is important to Dr. Bakeman and her team. “My staff members are my greatest asset,” Dr. Bakeman says. “They’re smart and knowledgeable, and together we go the extra mile to deliver the finest of care.” ■

Rebecca Monticello

D.D.S., M.S.

Grand Ridge Orthodontics 1750 Grand Ridge Court NE Suite 300

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-364-1700 | info@grandridgeorthodontics.com grandridgeorthodontics.com

Paul O’Grady

O’Grady Orthodontics Grand Rapids

Sonni Pellillo

D.D.S., M.S.

Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics

6477 Cherry Meadow Drive SE Suite 2

Caledonia, MI 49316

616-891-7272 | info@hposmiles.com hposmiles.com

Breanna Powell Powell Orthodontics Jenison

Mark Powell Powell Orthodontics Jenison

Katie Randall Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics Grand Rapids

Kathryn A. Swan

Swan Orthodontics Caledonia

Thomas Williams II

Williams and Gallagher Orthodontics Rockford

Pediatric Dentistry

Daniel Bolt

West Michigan Pediatric Dentistry Holland

Meghan Condit

Grand River Pediatric Dentistry Jenison

Michael Demeter

» Top Dentists

Grandville Pediatric Dentistry Grandville

Lauren Feuerstein

D.D.S., M.S.

SixOneSix Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 616-455-1301 drlauren@sixonesixkids.com sixonesixkids.com/about/our-dentists

Veronica Hamilton

D.D.S., M.S.

Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry P.C. 3299 Clear Vista Ct. NE, Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-608-6826

info@veronicahamiltondds.com veronicahamiltondds.com

Brett Kingma, D.D.S.

Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics

Locations in both Grand Rapids and Caledonia

616-942-9840

smiles@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com

Stephanie Kloostra

Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Alex Korte, D.D.S.

Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics

Locations in both Grand Rapids and Caledonia 616-942-9840

smiles@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com

Sally Kotani

Grandville Pediatric Dentistry

Grandville

Agata Lefere

Grandville Pediatric Dentistry

Grandville

Jessica Massie

Eastown Pediatric Dentistry Grand Rapids

Meggan McCone, D.D.S.

Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 2643 E. Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-988-9485

info@growingsmilesgr.com growingsmilesgr.com

Suzanne Port

D.D.S., M.S.

Port Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. 291 W. Lakewood Blvd., Suite 5 Holland, MI 49424 616-392-1100 smiles@portpediatricdentistry.com portpediatricdentistry.com

Chris Powell

Stellar Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Byron Center

Grady Randall, D.D.S.

Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics

Locations in both Grand Rapids and Caledonia 616-942-9840 smiles@mittenkids.com mittenkids.com

Stephanie Rashewsky Norman Family Dentistry Ada

Katie Swanson Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Aimee Valleau

SixOneSix Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508

616-455-1301 kentwood@vvmkids.com sixonesixkids.com/about/our-dentists

Bander Dental Group

Bander Dental Group has served Grand Rapids for more than 80 years, offering preventive and general dentistry, plus a broad range of specialty services, including dental implants, Invisalign, TMJ/TMD bite and jaw issue therapies, full mouth rehabilitation, root canals, and cosmetic and aesthetic makeovers.

The practice includes Dr. Travis Mattson and Dr. Haley Clark, as well as the recent addition of Dr. Devon Ramaswamy, who has advanced training in complex prosthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and managing medically compromised patients.

All lifelong learners, Drs. Mattson, Clark, and Ramaswamy have pursued hundreds of hours of continuing education, with the goal of discovering new and innovative ways to help their patients achieve a happier and healthier smile and to fulfill their mission to

positively impact the lives of their patients through oral health and wellness.

The doctors and top-level support staff at Bander Dental Group understand that going to the dentist can be stressful for some, which is why they strive to provide an atmosphere of warmth and care from the moment a patient walks through the doors. Contributing to patient comfort and confidence, all treatments are performed using state-of-the-art techniques, equipment, and technology.

To expand its five-star service, Bander Dental Group will be moving to a new location, just down the road from its existing office. The expected open date is in spring of 2025. “We’re honored to work with so many people in the Grand Rapids community,” practice manager Carmen Bollinger says.

“We’re excited for this opportunity to bring our customized care to more patients.” ■

Christopher VanDeven

D.D.S.

SixOneSix Dentistry for Children 2000 43rd St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508

616-455-1301

drchris@sixonesixkids.com sixonesixkids.com/about/our-dentists

Christy Vollmar

Grand River Pediatric Dentistry

Jenison

Taryn Weil

Pediatric Dental Specialists of West Michigan

Grand Rapids

Danae Willenberg D.M.D., M.S.

Little Red Pediatric Dentistry 12723 N. Bellwood Drive Suite 20, Holland, MI 49424 616-377-7333

danae.willenberg@gmail.com littleredpd.com/about/index.html

» Top Dentists

Periodontics

Brian Cilla West Michigan Periodontics Grand Rapids

Jordan Dempsey Restore Periodontics & Implants Grand Rapids

Kathleen M. Eisin

Eisin Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Grand Rapids

Jacob C. Lueder

Jacob C. Lueder D.D.S. M.S. P.L.L.C. Grand Rapids

James Papp, D.M.D.

Great Lakes Periodontics,

Laser Surgery & Dental Implants 4880 Cascade Road SE Suite A Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-940-2854 | info@greatlakesperio.com greatlakesperio.com

Rachel S. Sinacola

Grand River Periodontics

Grandville

Jeffrey S. Smith

Grand River Periodontics

Grandville

Ashleigh Turows

MI Smiles Dental

Grand Rapids

Prosthodontics

Joe Fazzio

Norman Family Dentistry

Ada

Robert Greenland D.D.S., M.S.

Greenland Advanced Oral Care 2490 East Paris Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-204-1813 admin@greenlandaoc.com greenlandaoc.com

Mi en Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics

100 Crahen NE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-942-9840 6477 Cherry Meadow Drive SE, Suite 4, Caledonia, MI 49316 | 616-942-9840 | mi enkids.com

Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics consists of Drs. Brett Kingma, Grady Randall, Alexandra Korte, and Kruti Shah, who are all board-certified providers and members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. ey’ve recently been joined by orthodontist Dr. Katherine Randall, who serves at the practice’s new, larger Grand Rapids location and provides orthodontic care to children and adults. ese expansions represent Mitten Kids’ commitment to providing comprehensive pediatric dental care and orthodontic treatments.  A skilled team of hygienists, assistants, and administrators helps the doctors promote a curious, healthy lifestyle in their young patients. e entire team values meaningful interactions, quality care, and the pursuit of well-being. Overall, Mitten Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics seeks to build a community of families who are active, strong, and holistically supported. ■

From Left to Right: Dr. Travis Mattson, Dr. Sam Bander, Dr. Tim Obradovich and Dr. Haley Doose.

Meggan McCone, DDS

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

Meggan McCone, DDS, is a Michigan native and Grand Valley State University alumna who returned to West Michigan to serve the families in her community after completing her pediatric dental residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

At her practice, Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. McCone begins seeing kids starting at age 1 — or earlier, if needed — to support parents through those early years. She is a specialist in children’s dental health and has extra training in child psychology and guiding behavior as well as a specialization in sedation dentistry for children and patients with special needs.

Dr. McCone and her team help parents understand the importance of taking their children to a pediatric specialist. These experts apply child-specific knowledge and techniques to make going to the dentist easy and fun for little ones, right from the first visit. As soon as the first tooth comes in, parents can visit Growing Smiles and start building the educational foundations and oral habits that will help their children become dentally confident adults.

Establishing care at a young age with the right provider can also put children at ease and make visiting the dentist a comfortable and natural experience that leaves a positive impression for the rest of their lives. Dr. McCone’s application of different behavior guidance techniques further supports that sense of comfort and brings young patients to a place of trust. This is especially important for those with sensory issues but also applies to every child who walks through Growing Smiles’ doors. ■

John M. McMahon, DDS

McMahon Family Dental | 2076

Dr. John M. McMahon of McMahon Family Dental had a vision for where he wanted to shift his practice, and that’s been realized as he’s taken the reins as owner. Dissatisfied with the traditional insurance model that prioritizes policies over people, he has chosen to focus on connecting with patients and understanding their unique goals, offering solutions beyond what their coverage may limit.

Dr. John is committed to revolutionizing dentistry with state-of-the-art technologies, innovative procedures, and advanced treatments—and he strives to make these leading-edge offerings not only accessible, but personalized to every patient. He also provides unparalleled patient amenities with an exclusive comfort menu designed to ensure the utmost relaxation and ease. This patient-centric approach has earned Dr. John the Top Docs designation many years over. ■

Lindsey Vogl, DDS, is founder and owner of Ada Dental Co. She and her staff provide general and cosmetic dentistry using the latest in digital technology in a state-of-the-art facility. They also offer mercury-free and BPA-free filling materials.

Ada Dental is a 100% women-driven practice where the entire team strives to take the time to listen to patient needs and work with them to develop a treatment plan—all while performing the necessary work in a caring and gentle way. Dr. Vogl offers a flexible schedule to accommodate the balanced career and family lifestyle each team member desires. As a mom of five kids, she strives to show that women do not have to make the often tough decision to work or stay home. ■

Robert Graham Greenland, DDS, M.S., and Lisa Kane, DDS, M.S.

Greenland Advanced Oral Care | 2490 E. Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-256-8770 | greenlandaoc.com

Specializing in prosthodontic dental care, Greenland Advanced Oral Care has been a fixture in Greater Grand Rapids for many years. The practice was born out of a noticeable shortage of advanced dentistry providers in the region, combined with Dr. R. Graham Greenland’s own passion for restorative dentistry and a personal interest in the oncology side of dental care.

With a recent move to a new office and the addition of Dr. Lisa Kane, a prosthodontist with 20 years of experience, Dr. Greenland has been able to realize a dream of establishing a clinic that brings comprehensive, interdisciplinary dental treatments to the community. Working together, Drs. Greenland and Kane address some of the most complex and challenging cases, each contributing their distinct expertise. While Dr. Greenland applies his education in advanced prosthodontics, oral oncology, and maxillofacial prosthetics, Dr. Kane calls on her extensive background in academia, previously serving as an adjunct clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan. Support staff, surgeons, periodontists, and other specialists play important parts as well.

“We all have a role,” Dr. Greenland says. “I feel like when we get to actually focus on our specific expertise, we’re able to provide a superior and more seamless outcome for our patients — and that’s something they and the people in our community deserve.”

Patients come to Greenland Advanced Oral Care to receive care that ranges from routine to advanced restorative techniques, and they benefit from Dr. Greenland’s and Dr. Kane’s training in facial aesthetics, dental materials, and advanced care diagnosis. ■

Condit Family Dentistry

4270 Plainfield Ave., Ste. 2, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-9497 | grandrapids.dental

Condit Family Dentistry offers a smaller office atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and receive personalized treatment. When Dr. Pat Condit and his team meet a new patient, they take time to get to know the individual and provide a comprehensive dental evaluation.

“We treat our patients like they’re members of our family,” Dr. Condit says. “More importantly, we educate our patients about their oral health and what we can do to improve their smile. We want patients to be an active team member in their treatment, because having a knowledgeable patient helps our office provide better care.”

Dr. Condit received his dental education at the University of Michigan and continued his training through a general practice residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He’s continuously improving his knowledge of dentistry as a member of several dental organizations and study clubs. ■

SixOneSix Dentistry for Children

2000 43rd St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | 616-455-1301 | 170 Marcell Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341 | 616-884-5812 6369 Venture Hills Blvd. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 | sixonesixkids.com

Six One Six Dentistry for Children is a pediatric dental practice with office locations in Grand Rapids, Rockford and Byron Center. Their amazing team of pediatric dentists includes Dr. Aimee Valleau, Dr. Christopher VanDeven and Dr. Lauren Feuerstein. The doctors and their team are highly trained and excel at caring for children, from infants to adolescents, and those with special health care needs. As parents themselves, all three doctors understand and empathize with families, and treat all of their patients as if they were their own children.

When families visit SixOneSix Dentistry for Children, they will receive the highest quality care, a thorough evaluation, and a comprehensive, patient-centered review of the appointment, including any recommended treatment and prevention strategies. The entire staff have extensive knowledge to care for children’s oral health from infancy through adolescence. They offer kind, gentle, and compassionate care, with an understanding that children’s bodies and minds are constantly growing and developing. ■

From Left to Right: Dr. Travis Mattson, Dr. Sam Bander, Dr. Tim Obradovich and Dr. Haley Doose.

Robert S. Dame, DDS

North Park Family Dental | 422 N. Park St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

616-361-7265 | npfamilydental.com

Dr. Robert S. Dame, owner of North Park Family Dental since 1994, has spent 33 years perfecting his profession. He specializes in family dentistry and also offers services such as veneers, braces, snoring and sleep apnea solutions, crowns, and bridges. He’s a certified Invisalign provider as well.

Recognized as one of West Michigan’s Top Dentists and one of America’s Top Dentists for several years, Dr. Dame holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan. He’s also a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and International Association for Orthodontics.

Dr. Dame and his team stay a step ahead in the field of dentistry by combining their knowledge, experience, and clinical expertise with cutting-edge dental advancements, including digital X-rays, intraoral scanners, and a CBCT machine. Even in a high-tech environment, they maintain a sense of warmth, providing the highest care at a fair and competitive fee and with full transparency about treatment options. “Our patients are like family,” Dr. Dame says. “I believe they know and can feel that we care about them, and this has earned their trust over the years.”

What also sets North Park Family Dental apart is a sense of joy and the sound of laughter heard throughout the office, which still maintains an atmosphere of professionalism. “I absolutely love being a dentist,” Dr. Dame says. “I have assembled a team of highly motivated professionals whom I absolutely would be lost without.” ■

Dr. Mark Jesin

Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio | 3855 Burton St. SE, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-369-0360 | advancedoralsurgerymi.com

Advanced Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio takes pride in the delicate balance between technical excellence and patient wellbeing. The practice is committed to cutting-edge technology, excellent customer care, and an unwavering dedication to providing exceptional patient experiences. Dr. Mark Jesin’s mastery of the latest innovations and advancements in surgical techniques ensures precision and efficacy in every surgical procedure, including wisdom teeth removal, extractions, dental implants, pathology, bone grafting, facial trauma treatment, and All-on-4/complex full mouth reconstruction—all with options for nitrous oxide, general anesthesia, and intravenous sedation.

From the initial consultation to the final follow-up, the team of caring, compassionate individuals guides their patients with tenderness and empathy, while understanding the anxieties and fears that often accompany oral surgery. Every step is meticulously crafted to create an environment of comfort and reassurance where patients are treated like family and lives are transformed, confidence is restored, and smiles are reimagined. ■

Fulton Family Dentistry is a woman-owned, minorityowned dental office run by Dr. Sabrina Wadood and her all-female staff. Dr. Wadood is a general dentist who provides Invisalign, routine cleanings and checkups, periodontal or deep gum cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, crowns, implant restorations, root canals, emergency dental care, fillings, extractions, whitening, and more. She prides herself on her conservative approach to dentistry and makes communication her top priority.

Dr. Wadood truly aims to provide a friendly, welcoming, and fun environment to help minimize anxiety and fear. Patients can rest assured that they are getting an honest approach to their care and receiving a thorough explanation of every step of their dental procedure. The goal of everyone at Fulton Family Dentistry is to give patients something to smile about! ■

From Left to Right: Dr. Travis Mattson, Dr. Sam Bander, Dr. Tim Obradovich and Dr. Haley Doose.

Oral Surgery Associates

2144 E. Paris Ave. SE, Suite 150, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-942-2000

3100 Ivanrest St., Suite 103, Grandville, MI 49418 | 616-538-6100 | osagr.com

Dr. Bob Kintz, Dr. Brent Dingman, and Dr. Brett Bezak are oral and maxillofacial surgeons with Oral Surgery Associates, which has locations in Grand Rapids and Grandville. They practice a full scope of services, with expertise ranging from wisdom tooth removal to a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures.

OSA staff members are trained in assisting with IV sedation within their state-of-the-art office settings, and they use cutting-edge surgical techniques to ensure optimum patient outcomes. They also engage with other local dental professionals to share experiences, and they regularly collaborate with these peers, when needed, to support their patients’ treatment goals.

All three doctors and their dedicated team strive to support the West Michigan community’s patients and dental providers with personalized, compassionate, specialty dental care. They are committed to ensuring patients’ needs come first, and they combine high ethical standards with a constant commitment to learning and growing.

As part of their approach, Drs. Kintz, Dingman, and Bezak provide one-on-one consultations with their patients to understand their dental and overall health goals. They evaluate their medical and dental conditions, highlighting any links between oral and systemic health. Meeting with patients personally, rather than delegating treatment planning discussions to other staff members, builds trust and rapport and ensures the patients are confident their treatment is guided by their unique needs and assessed by the doctors themselves. ■

Bryton C. Mansfield, DDS

Mansfield Family Dentistry | 1632 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | 616-453-2255 580 Cascade West Parkway, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | 616-949-9060 | mansfieldgrdental.com

Dr. Bryton C. Mansfield is the owner of Mansfield Family Dentistry. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and Pankey Study Club. He has earned the Top Dentist designation several years in a row.

He and his crew focus on offering high-quality service in a calm environment while boosting wholebody health through personalized optimization of mouth health. This atmosphere and approach are supported by the latest dental technologies, such as digital scanning used to fabricate permanent same-day crowns and 3D CT scans to help detect preventable problems and perform root canals.

With these advancements and his own enhanced training, Dr. Mansfield can perform less stressful procedures and more comprehensive treatments within a few hours. ■

Dr. Je rey M. Heinz

Heinz Orthodontics | 158 Marcell Drive NE, Suite A, Rockford, MI 49341 | 616-951-3006 6208 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Suite 3, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | 616-656-4155 | heinzorthodontics.com

Heinz Orthodontics is a family-owned practice that’s known for offering an exceptional patient experience and five-star customer service. Supported by his team, Dr. Jeff rey M. Heinz takes a patient-centric approach that provides world-class orthodontics in an affordable, convenient, and fun way.

During their in-depth consultations, Dr. Heinz and his well-trained team spend the majority of the time understanding exactly what each patient wants to change about their smile. While some are concerned with the function and health of their bite, others want a complete smile transformation. Whatever the desired outcome, they determine the best way they can help each family and then tailor treatment options to their needs. With their Smile Guarantee program, Heinz Orthodontics assures patients that they’ll never need another orthodontist again! ■

From Left to Right: Dr. Travis Mattson, Dr. Sam Bander, Dr. Tim Obradovich and Dr. Haley Doose.

Dr. Kevin Kross

Blueprint Dentistry | Advanced Dentistry and Implant Center | 877 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49423 616-396-5197 | blueprint-dentistry.com

Dr. Kevin Kross, founder of Blueprint Dentistry, formerly Michigan Avenue Dentistry, has been recognized year after year as a Top Dentist. He is highly trained and has strong educational credentials and affi liations; he serves on the faculty and as a lecturer at e Dawson Academy, an educational and research facility in Florida that focuses on dental advancements.

Dr. Kross and his team, which includes the recent addition of Kaylin Wolter, DMD, offer a range of services using some of the most progressive digital technologies available. Unlike traditional dentists, the experts at Blueprint specialize in complex cases — oftentimes those that other providers might not have the confidence or experience to address. Whether it’s a cosmetic, preventive, or restorative procedure, Blueprint Dentistry is on the cutting edge of dental care and innovations. ■

Brian S. Nylaan, DDS

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. | 5011 Plainfield Ave. NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | 616-361-7317 |

Dr. Brian S. Nylaan says, “I don’t work on teeth; I work with people who have teeth.” This approach builds relationships. Dr. Nylaan approaches the whole person, taking the time to educate his patients on what they need to take care of themselves and their smiles.

“Dentistry is incredibly important for overall health and shouldn’t be viewed as optional,” he says. “It should be a requirement for living a good, healthy life.” Dentistry is oral medicine. Dr. Nylaan and his team have the training to improve many different areas of patients’ total body health.

“My goal is to help people recognize when they have a need and provide treatment options to improve the quality of life,” Dr. Nylaan says. “It starts when you listen to your patient.” ■

Rebecca Monticello, DDS, M.S.

Grand Ridge Orthodontics | 1750 Grand Ridge Court NE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-364-1700 | grandridgeorthodontics.com

As an orthodontist, Dr. Rebecca Monticello has the primary goal of providing patient-specific treatment plans and clinically excellent results. At Grand Ridge Orthodontics, she and her team strive to create a wonderful patient experience throughout treatment. They have many areas of focus, including early treatment for children as young as 7 that helps to prevent more complex issues later on, as well as adolescent and adult orthodontics with braces and clear aligners.

Grand Ridge Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations with patients and parents to review specific dental findings and associated dental concerns and discuss how best to correct them. The team uses the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatment methods, and Dr. Monticello stays current with the newest research and regularly attends continuing education courses. Seeing her patients with a confident smile is the best part of her day! ■

Li le Red Pediatric Dentistry | 12723 N. Bellwood Drive, Suite 20 | Holland, MI 49424 | 616-377-7333 | li leredpd.com

Dr. Danae Willenberg is a board-certified pediatric dentist — an elite designation for specialists that signifies the highest level of commitment to continuing education and patient care. She prides herself on connecting with and treating the whole child, not just the teeth in their mouth. She uses the most up-to-date technologies to foster positive, nonintimidating dental experiences for children and offers a variety of treatment modalities ranging from laughing gas to in-office general anesthesia. She takes an individualized approach with each child to acknowledge their unique needs, and she takes the time to listen to parents and their intentions for their child’s care. It is her goal to provide an exceptional level of service for every family, every time. ■

Dr. Danae Willenberg

Suzanne Port, DDS

Port Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. | 291 W. Lakewood Blvd., Suite 5, Holland, MI 49424 616-392-1100 | portpediatricdentistry.com

Dr. Suzanne Port has been practicing in Holland, Michigan, for 18 years and knows a healthy smile begins in childhood. She is a proud alumna of the University of Michigan, where she received both her dental degree and her specialty master’s in pediatric dentistry. She is board certified with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a fellow with both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. She offers a variety of services for patients ages 0 to 19, from traditional cleanings and restorations to general anesthesia. Dr. Port and her team are happy to provide care that puts kids at ease and always look forward to meeting new families and helping them to begin their journey to a lifetime of good oral health. ■

Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics | 6477 Cherry Meadow Drive SE, No. 2, Caledonia, MI 49316 | 616-891-7272 | hposmiles.com

Hannapel Pellillo Orthodontics is a private practice operated by Dr. Eric Hannapel, Dr. Sonni Pellillo, and their exceptional team, with over 25 years serving West Michigan and a new location in Hastings. ey treat patients like family and deliver a fun experience while achieving superior results. HPO is very active in the community, volunteering and supporting local schools and organizations as much as possible.

e doctors work in tandem, providing treatment with clear aligners, braces, and functional and orthopedic appliances. ey also collaborate daily with other dental professionals to coordinate complex comprehensive dental care.

Drs. Hannapel and Pellillo are on the craniofacial team at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Hannapel has been a faculty member in the University of Michigan Orthodontics Graduate Program for over 10 years. ■

From Left to Right: Dr. Travis Mattson, Dr. Sam Bander, Dr. Tim Obradovich and Dr. Haley Doose.

Eric Hull, DDS

Dr. Eric Hull is a cosmetic and general dentist who provides impressive results that are backed by the multiple credentials he’s earned since receiving his dental degree. He is highly skilled in comprehensive mouth rehabilitation and works closely with a number of oral surgeons and orthodontists. Dr. Hull and his team are dedicated to providing personalized service and the best, most competent care a patient can receive.

Dr. Hull is a graduate of the Kois Center, a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, and accredited in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is one of only seven AACD-accredited dentists in the state of Michigan. ■

James C. Papp D.M.D.

Dr. James C. Papp, a certified periodontist and East Grand Rapids native, has served the Greater Grand Rapids area since 2001. With convenient locations in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, Great Lakes Periodontics is dedicated to the community’s dental health. Dr. Papp is a member of numerous organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology, Michigan Dental Association, West Michigan Dental Society, Academy of Laser Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and Midwest Periodontal Society. Specializing in laser-assisted periodontal therapy, soft tissue augmentation, and dental implants, he and his team provide compassionate, excellent care to ensure long-term oral and systemic health. ■

Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry

769 York Creek Drive NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 616-784-2377

greatmismiles.com

Great Lakes Periodontics

4880 Cascade Rd SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-201-1079

greatlakesperio.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 $

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 and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

GRAND RAPIDS GARAGE BAR AND GRILL

“All-American grub” includes burgers, nachos,

dine / estau ants

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 RESTAURANT AND BAR

Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Happy Hour specials Mon–Thurs, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Open Mon-Fri., 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sat 4:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Closed Sunday. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

LINEAR

Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options;

plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LITTLEBIRD

Café-style restaurant featuring made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch, including a full coffee menu, house-made sodas and egg creams, and pastries. Full 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

The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

ROCKWELL REPUBLIC

Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$

RUTH’S CHRIS 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

dine / estau ants

and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. // 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

SCHOLAR

Swanky restaurant serving elevated old school American fare, situated on multiple levels, offering a variety of atmospheres. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 980--9073. scholargr.com.Drinks, 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, 2724984. 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, 454-3141. 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. Boozy shakes. Large outdoor beer garden. Incubator kitchen has rotating menu with guest chefs. // 443 Bridge St NW, 254-0105, broadleafbeer. com./Thurs, 4–10 p.m./Fri, 4–11 p.m./Sat, noon–11 p.m./Sun, noon–9 p.m./ Lunch, 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. Light bites. // 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, 4 51-4290. 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 $$

GIN GIN

Stylish and inviting, Gin Gin’s offers a diverse menu of American classics, including premium steaks, fresh seafood and handmade pasta. The bar's charm provides the perfect ambiance for savoring handcrafted martinis and vintage cocktails. // 345 Summer Ave NW, 341-9124, ginginsgr. com/Tue–Thurs, 4–11 p.m./Fri, 4–11:30 p.m. Sat, 3–11:30 p.m./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 $-$$

KÜSTERER BRAUHAUS

Munich style Bierhall offering German and American craft beers, sangria, cider, cocktails and German street food. Featuring Bundesliga and International soccer. Live music on Sundays. Closed Mondays. // 642 Bridge St. NW. 616-451-4255. grbrauhaus.com. Lunch, Dinner $

LONG ROAD DISTILLERS

Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$

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

dine / estau ants

beer. Full bar. // 415 Bridge St NW, 608-0789. andosushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

MONARCHS’ CLUB

Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 2339799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $

NONLA BURGER

Nonla Burge offers both traditional, 100% beef hamburgers and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine. // 449 Bridge St NW Suite 102, Grand Rapids, nonlaburger.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ONE BOURBON

Trendy, two-level restaurant serving creative shareable plates, burgers, hot sandwiches and entrées. Full bar features more than 120 whiskies. Closed Sun-Mon. // 608 Bridge St NW, 608-5766. onebourbongr.com. Dinner $-$$

O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE

Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. // 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

SHOTS

Local neighborhood kitchen and bar serving a full menu, daily lunch specials, an abundance of taps featuring craft and domestic beer options, large patio, and plenty of big screen TV’s all contribute in making this the local favorite for food, drink, sports, and groups to meet. Open daily at 11 a.m. // 4259 Lake Michigan Drive NW, 453-7780, info@shotsgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SØVENGARD

Midwest heart meets New Nordic spirit. This cozy West Side farm-to-table restaurant focuses on seasonal and local sourcing and offers two separate dining spaces/menus with an outdoor biergarten. Hours: Mon-Thurs, 4-10 p.m. Fri, 4-11 p.m. *Sat, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. *Sun 10 a.m.–9 p.m. *Call to confirm restaurant will be open for weekend brunch. // 1232 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. Dinner $$

TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE

Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$

WESTSIDE SOCIAL

“Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made appetizers, burgers, seafood

and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

Uptown

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. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

QUARANTINO’S

Detroit-style pizza restaurant offering unique pizza options finished with Satori Wisconsin Parmesan. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 1444 Lake Drive SE, 734-6833. quarantinosgr.com. Dinner $$

MANGIAMO

A Gilmore Collection restaurant that serves upscale Italian fare in a historic East Hills mansion. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 356-2627. 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, 301-2950. 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 $-$$

CHEERS 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.

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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 NORTH

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 steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more elevated fare. 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

Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

MAI’S THAI

Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $

MILL CREEK TAVERN

Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE OMELETTE SHOPPE

Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 7267300. omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $

POKE TOKI

Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

PALIO

Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS

Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

REZERVOIR LOUNGE

Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON

Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE

A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$

THE SCORE

Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 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 $$

SHOTS ON THE RIVER

Full menu kitchen and bar with 22 taps offering craft and domestic beer options, daily lunch specials, large patio with outdoor seated bar, banquet rooms,

numerous TV’s, pool table, and live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday featuring some of West Michigan’s top cover bands. Open daily at 1 p.m. and closed on Sundays. // 5760 West River Drive NE Belmont, 951-6071, info@shotsgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THAI CHEF

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

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

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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-la-carte taco menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standiegogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SWAN INN RESTAURANT

Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. // 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT

Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

WALKER ROADHOUSE

Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 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 $

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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, taconmadremi.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 $$-$$$

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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, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MICHIGAN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY

A distillery with starters, sandwiches, salads and sides with a barbecue theme. Many of the items include Bobby Q sauce. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 4005 Chicago Dr SW in Grandville, 259-1000. michiganmoonshine.us. Dinner $$

PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY

Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

RAINBOW GRILL

Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 8960033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

RUSH CREEK BISTRO

Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight 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 $$-$$$

dine / estau ants

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

Retro-style diner with a menu that caters to guests with a wide variety of dietary needs; gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Natural, local ingredients are utilized to create tasty classic breakfast entrees, benedicts, house bowls, salads, wraps, sandwiches, fresh-pressed juices, signature coffees, lattes and more. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$

BAGEL BEANERY

Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 249-9500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE

Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads,

gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FIRST WOK

Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

GRAND CONEY

Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 9303596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA

Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

HOPCAT

Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MORNING BELLE

This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 3018171; 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, 259-5353. 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, 532-8888. 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 $-$$

Historic Haven

For

nearly 140 years, this iconic lakeside inn has welcomed visitors from near and far.

BY DEBBY BUCK DEJONGE

Decades of personal dining, lodging, snowmobiling, Christmas shopping, hot cocoa, buttered rum— the Clifford Lake Inn (formerly Hotel) has all that in spades for me. While en route to this country gem in June, we happened by a park north of Greenville where the church picnics of my youth were held, and then passed an Amish buggy clippity-clopping its way to a predetermined destination.

Familiar to me because my Danish Grandmother harkened from them there hills, it's a bit of a jaunt from Grand Rapids; a country drive, if you will.

I ran into my Junior High girlfriend Kate there last year right in front of the lake. It

was as if time stood still at the water’s edge. The “looking glass” of the bygone years when we would waterski in the north woods. We were tickled pink to see how great minds think alike. Still.

Inside, a country crooner bent my ear at the quaint Inn. He was smooth and cool, just like the rest of the joint, where locals often belly up to the bar to be greeted by owner, Kelly, bartender Chris, and a happy host of others. They are bubbly and act like they are housing a secret, which they are! The Bridal Suite upstairs is now a “speak easy” and is manned by manager Sam who is clad in full vintage regalia echoing the prohibition era. What a treat to be able to go back in time. To slow all the way down. To drink in the sights and smells of a place that has withstood time and sallies forth. It’s safe to say I love this place.

Did I mention the food? To die for! The mushrooms have been a decades-long staple as well as the not-to-be-forgotten specials; steaks and crab Rangoon. And do get the dessert!

Above: 'Life is better at the lake' proclaims the Clifford Lake Inn. This serene setting shows why. Inset: A plate of dockside risotto (broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, squash, zucchini and feta cheese, topped with a pesto drizzle) topped with crispy onions.

at

.

Located

561 Clifford Lake Dr. NW in Stanton, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours vary. cliffordlakeinn.net

EXPLORE THE CHANGE.

The changing landscape of Ludington's unspoiled natural resources offers a quintessential “Up North” experience close by. Pure Ludington delivers the perfect combination of unrivaled outdoor recreation and quaint, small-town charm. With endless outdoor experiences, craft beer festivals and fall lodging specials like 50% off a second night stay, now is the time to get up and go.