OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THE BEST PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS IN THE CITY! CELEBRATING CITY LIFE
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From animal clinics to yoga studios, you’ll find reader favorites in 101 categories inside! (Plus, some of our favorites, too!)
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Contents JANUARY 2018 / VOL. 55 / NO. 01
FEATURES 30 / Best of Grand Rapids We asked for your opinion on everything from food to hair salons, and you didn’t disappoint. Here’s what you chose as GR’s ‘bests.’ BY MADISON MABIN, SARAH TINCHER AND NATALIE SINGER
30 4 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2018
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INNOVATING
for your best life.
© Spectrum Health
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How healthy will you be 20 years, or 20 minutes, from now? At Spectrum Health, we’re already thinking ahead to what you’ll need to stay healthy. It’s why we are involved in hundreds of innovative clinical trials that could impact everyone’s future. And why some of the world’s top specialists are inspired to come here to work with us today. You may not know where life will take you, but at Spectrum Health we are determined to get you there in the best health possible.
spectrumhealth.org
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contents JANUARY 2018 / VOL. 55 / NO. 01
departments BACK & FORTH 8 / From the Editor, contributors and letters
28
62 / Pints of interest: Rockford Brewing Co. 70 / Cocktail hour: The classic martini
10 / Social media, GRMag.com sneak peaks, previews and more
CAUSE & EFFECT 72 / The Lighthouse for Teen Mothers
LIFE & STYLE 12 / Noteworthy items include Next Level Personal Training, Chiaroscuro International Film Series, and Beer and Doughnuts.
C
84
14 / GR’s Top 5 Most Instagrammable Cocktails
8
16 / Bundle up in style 18 / Reading room: Yvonne Glasgow 20 / Health & wellness: Body mapping
“Knocking down a wall changes everything. Don’t just tear down a house and build a new one. Respect what’s there.” — Jay Begrow
72
SHA
OUT & ABOUT 76 / January highlights
Exec Deat and
77 / Calendar
Unde The C in Pre
83 / Comedy & nightclub venue listings and highlights 84 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights
15
86 / Snap shots
BEV
in cel
ART & DESIGN 22 / Artist profile: Sofía Ramírez Hernández
88 / After thoughts: Steve Jbara of the Grand Rapids Drive
Why Still S Cafe Conv
Unde Miller
76
2
24 / Art gallery listings and highlights 26 / Art talk: John Ball Memorial
KEV 50
28 / East Grand Rapids’ Glass House FOOD & DRINK 44 / Dining review: Ju Sushi & Lounge 46 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan 50 / Chef profile: Peter Davidson at Vander Mill
Unlik betw
ON THE COVER: Our annual Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll results are here, after months of voting and counting your votes. This issue serves as your guide to all the best that Grand Rapids has to offer. So, have at it, pick a new restaurant, art gallery or chiropractor. You just have to promise to tell us about it using #BestOfGR on social media. Grab the keys and see page 30 to start your adventure.
16
Unde Holla
GRA
Serie
Photography courtesy Thinkstock
6 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2018
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CALVIN COLLEGE PRESENTS
20 1 8
Covenant Fine Arts Center 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. EST free admission calvin.edu/january
8
Monday
9
Tuesday
3
4
Wednesday
Thursday
5
Friday
MARY HULST
DAVID R. WILLIAMS
RANDY LEWIS
Why Millennials Are the Hope of the Church
Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making us Sick?
Underwritten by Jeff & Shirley Hoogstra
Underwritten by John & Mary Loeks
No Greatness without Goodness: How a Father’s Love Changed a Company and Sparked a Movement
10
11
Wednesday
Thursday
Underwritten by Bruce & Mary Okkema and the Calvin Center for Innovation in Business
12
Friday
SHANE CLAIBORNE
PASHON MURRAY
JOHN INAZU
LAURA SUMNER TRUAX
CAROLINE WEBB
Executing Grace: How the Death Penalty Killed Jesus and Why it’s Killing Us
Detroit Dirt: Zero Waste from the Ground Up
Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving through Deep Differences
Love Let Go: Radical Generosity for the Real World
How to Have a Good Day: Using Behavioral Science to Improve Everyday Life
Underwritten by The Center for Excellence in Preaching
15
Monday
BEVERLY DANIEL TATUM in celebration of MLK day
Why Are All the Black Kids Still Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations on Race Underwritten by Miller Johnson
22
Monday
Underwritten by Grand Rapids Christian School Foundation
16
Tuesday
KATHERINE BOO Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity Underwritten by Friends of the January Series
23
Tuesday
Underwritten by Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning and the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics
17
Wednesday
KEVIN OLUSOLA IN CONCERT AND CONVERSATION Repeat Performance 7:00 p.m.
Underwritten by Holland Home and I.C.N. Foundation
18
Thursday
Underwritten by Calvin Center for Innovation in Business
19
Friday
JEREMY McCARTER
R. DAVID EDELMAN
Hamilton, Hope and Change
Cybersecurity & Geopolitics
Underwritten by Samaritas
Underwritten by Barnes & Thornburg, LLP
Underwritten by GMB Architects + Engineers
Parking / shuttle service available from the Prince Conference Center. For further information, visit us at calvin.edu/january or call 616-526-7018.
KEVIN PALAU
JOHN SWINTON
Unlikely: Exploring Partnership between Churches and Cities
Still Waters Run Deep: Reimagining Dementia and Humanness
Sign language interpretation available with 48-hour notice. The Covenant Fine Arts Center is barrier-free.
Underwritten by Holland Litho Printing Services
Underwritten by The Stob Lecture Series and the Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation
Find us on Facebook
@JSeriesCalvin
GRATEFUL TO OUR SPONSORS Series partners
Community partners
Creative partners
50+ remote webcast sites across Michigan, the U.S. and abroad! Visit calvin.edu/january for more information.
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back & forth CONNECT WITH US
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! As soon as you’ve recovered from the holiday hangover, it is well advised to get back out there and get going with a 2018 bucket list. Let us suggest the GRM Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll favorites and staff picks, from appetizers and bars to tattoos and yoga, these are the places, events and venues most popular among fellow Grand Rapids Magazine readers. Or, go your own way, but send us an Instagram post or tweet and share your discoveries! Budget busted after the season of joyful spending and sharing? Check the listings in Calendar. Some things in life are free (and those are usually the best). The January Series, Calvin College’s 30th annual, tops my list this month for its diverse array of speakers and commentators. The college has lined up more than a dozen leaders, from Harvard professor of African-American Studies, David R. Williams, who will focus on “Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick”; or Grammy winner Kevin Olusola, who “mashes together” the cello and the urban art of beatboxing, in concert and conversation (Jan. 17); to Jeremy McCarter, co-author of “Hamilton: The Revolution,” with Lin-Manuel Miranda (Jan. 18). The Griffins Great Skate Winterfest, Jan. 20 and 21 at Rosa Parks Circle, is a fundraiser for the Griffins Youth Foundation and
has become a winter sports jubilee. Demonstrations, games and a two-day skating marathon for the Griffins team members make up the event. It’s free, but consider a donation. One week later, the Grand Haven Winterfest features a “human sled race,” polar plunge, photo contest and bonfire bash. Inside activities include several films over January dates (and gallery showings) at Filmhouse at The Fed, in the Kendall College of Art & Design building, 17 Pearl St. NW. Opera GR’s Master Class offers a unique experience with baritone Mark Rucker on Jan 26. Another personal favorite is the Audubon Society annual Christmas Bird Count, now in its 118th year, which continues until Jan. 5. Griffins It’s a national event (which Great Skate includes Canada), but the Winterfest Grand Rapids Audubon Club is an impressive participant, especially on specific dates. The array of what’s been seen when looking up in this area is amazing: bald eagles, great blue heron, downy woodpeckers… get pictures, it’s good to share! Snow play now; there are less than 80 winter days left until spring (March 20)! Carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine
Q&A:
This month we asked some of our contributors, “What are you looking forward to the most in 2018?”
Terri Finch Hamilton,
Pasha Shipp,
Madison Mabin,
WRITER
WRITER
WRITER
“A SHIMMERING SHOWPLACE,” PAGE 28
“A DRAWING A DAY,” PAGE 22
“BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS,” PAGE 30
“Our son’s wedding, celebrating love and surrounded by all our favorite people.”
“Wedding planning! I know it’s probably going to be difficult, but I am so excited!”
“Fresh start, new beginnings and new OPI nail polish colors.”
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS/MARK NEWMAN
B
Make a winter bucket list
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS/MARK NEWMAN
back & forth CONNECT WITH US
Inside Grand Rapids Magazine Stay connected with Grand Rapids Magazine in print, at grmag.com and on social media.
Coming up next issue … Dining Awards Grand Rapids’ 38th Annual Dining Awards featuring the city’s 10 best restaurants. Plus, our Restaurant of the Year and Best New Restaurant! The Ruse Escape Rooms lets you put your noggin to the test. Decipher a series of puzzles to escape before time runs out. Visit grmag.com
WE SET OUT TO FIND the five locally made cocktails we think are the most likely to end up on your Instagram feed. See the story on page 14, and visit grmag.com for behindthe-scenes photos of area mixologists at work.
Once a bustling hotel, New Hotel Mertens is now a French brasserie serving up delicious French cuisine. Check out its transformation. Visit grmag.com
What do you do when you’re walking down the street and see someone you kind of know walking toward you? GRM’s Twitter followers respond: 27% Stare at my phone, duh!
27% Wait for them to say something.
41% Obviously say, ‘Hey.’
5% Run away!
Join Managing Editor Sarah Tincher at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays, as she presents the Weekend City Guide with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio FM 88.5 and 95.3.
At grmag.com Find out where you can get fit in 2018. Catch “All the Way” at Grand Rapids Civic Theater Jan. 12-28.
NEXT MONTH’S QUESTION:
What would you choose as GR’s Restaurant of the Year?
We want to hear from you There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Email: letters@grmag.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or Facebook: @grmag Twitter: @grmagazine Instagram: @grmagazine on social media:
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (TOP LEFT & FAR RIGHT); JOHNNY QUIRIN (BOTTOM RIGHT); COURTESY THE RUSE ESCAPE ROOMS (TOP CENTER); NEW HOTEL MERTENS (BOTTOM CENTER)
On the radio
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TM
Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com
info@grmag.com
From idea to completion...
PUBLISHER: John H. Zwarensteyn
EDITORIAL EDITOR: Carole Valade MANAGING EDITOR: Sarah Tincher COPY EDITOR: Tom Mitsos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Joseph A. Becherer,
Jaye Beeler, Ann Byle, Ira Craaven, Pat Evans, Terri Finch Hamilton, Elissa Hillary, Kara McNabb, Mark F. Miller, Madison Mabin, Elizabeth Nelson, Torrence R. O’Haire, Amy Ruis, Pasha Shipp, Julie Bonner Williams, Tricia van Zelst
DESIGN PANEL: Joseph A. Becherer, John Berry,
Kevin Budelmann, Jim Caughman, Timothy Chester, Sam Cummings, Ray Kennedy, Henry Matthews, Wayne Norlin, Wayne Visbeen
DESIGN & PRODUCTION NEW MEDIA, DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER:
Scott Sommerfeld
ART COORDINATOR: Kelly J. Nugent DESIGNERS/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS:
Melissa Brooks, Kristen Van Oostenbrugge, Robin Vargo CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Adam Bird, Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Rex Larsen, Johnny Quirin SALES GENERAL SALES MANAGER:
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MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR:
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (TOP LEFT & FAR RIGHT); JOHNNY QUIRIN (BOTTOM RIGHT); COURTESY THE RUSE ESCAPE ROOMS (TOP CENTER); NEW HOTEL MERTENS (BOTTOM CENTER)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Tina Gillman RECEPTIONIST/CLERICAL ASSISTANT:
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(616) 459-4545
Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Publications, a division of Gemini Corporation. Publishing offices: 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 4594545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag. com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2018 by Gemini Publications. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $4.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.
You’re not alone… Turn to Forest View Hospital to help with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance use. Take the first step, help is a call away. We offer free confidential assessments and referrals 24/7.
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
noteworthy INTERESTING TIDBITS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW
“We don’t just go through the motions and get you out the door. We take the time to make sure you’re doing everything correctly and you are working hard toward your goals.” — Cody Hovey
A DELICIOUS DUO Don’t let the winter weather keep you tethered to your couch! Instead, get out and do some “exploring.”
The Beer Explorers: Beer & Doughnuts class will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 11. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $20 for nonmembers. Visit grpm.org/events/beerexplorers-beer-doughnuts for tickets and more information.
Next Level Personal Training owner Cody Hovey with Theresa Petko.
Take your goals to the Next Level
L
ooking for a place to exercise without the hassle — and anxiety — of going to a big, crowded gym? At Next Level Personal Training, 801 Monroe Ave. NW, clients get a personalized, one-on-one training program “without the onlookers of people at big gyms,” owner Cody Hovey said. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle or simply be able to play with your children or grandchildren, Hovey said everyone who walks through his doors gets a workout that is
best suited for their needs. “We treat our clients like family,” Hovey said. “We don’t just go through the motions and get you out the door. We take the time to make sure you’re doing everything correctly and you are working hard toward your goals. “Our mission through Next Level is to help as many people as we can and get to that goal that makes them happy.”
Exploring boundaries through film The Chiaroscuro International Film Series will kick off its 12th season this month, featuring five films from around the world that explore the idea of borders — geographical, interpersonal, metaphorical or otherwise. All screenings will begin at 2 p.m. on their scheduled viewing dates, followed by a panel discussion and a reception, at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 2 W. Fulton St. Each program is free and open to the public. The 2018 Chiaroscuro International Film Series schedule is as follows: Jan. 14, “Mediterranea” (Italy, 2015) Jan. 28, “Force Majeure” (Sweden, 2014) Feb. 11, “House Without Roof” (Iraq/Germany, 2016) Feb. 25, “Two Days, One Night” (Belgium, 2014) March 11, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (New Zealand, 2016) Additional details about the series are available online at chiaroscurogr.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (TOP); COURTESY THINKSTOCK
As the latest installment of its monthly Beer Explorers series, the Grand Rapids Public Museum will offer a handson chance this month to learn how to pair beers with desserts, with samples of Founders Brewing Co. beers and doughnuts from Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery (it doesn’t get much more GR than that!).
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (TOP); COURTESY THINKSTOCK
life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
Grand Rapids’ Top 5
Most Instagrammable Cocktails It’s no secret GR’s bartenders can make some creative masterpieces, and we set out to find the five locally made cocktails we think are the most likely to end up on your Instagram feed.
DOOM OF VALYRIA at SpeakEZ Lounge
3
ROBARITA at Grand Rapids Brewing Co.
2
SMOKED OLD FASHIONED at Rendezvous Bar (Amway Grand Plaza Hotel)
4
SANTA MUERTE at Gray Skies Distillery
5
CAIPIRINHAS at SideBar
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
1
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Thank you
Grand Rapids! Porter Hills voted Best Retirement Community! When you choose a Porter Hills community, you can select the location and services that fit your unique needs, interests, goals and budget. No matter if you choose one of our communities, or you stay right where you are, caring staff await you.
• Porter Hills Village • Cook Valley Estates • Meadowlark Retirement Village • Also, six Affordable Housing Communities throughout Kent County!
Ask what our CARF–CCAC accreditation means to you. Porter Hills Home Care is accredited by Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP)
Trusted experts serving seniors with grace. www.porterhills.org • 616.949.4975
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
H Jill Stevens and Erin Bernhardt model trendy styles at LA Miller Boutique.
earty by nature, if not necessity, West Michiganders weather the winter months in temperatures that would make even a polar bear don her favorite hoodie. But when an occasion calls for more fashionable attire, locals bundle up in style. Winter 2018 finds trends blending nontraditional colors and fabrics, like velvet and suede; and detail is in.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Bundle up in style
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“One of the new things we’re seeing a lot of this winter is the general theme of opulence — a lot of furs, velvets, brocades, sparkle, for example, and fur scarves or boots with fur trim, gloves with a little fur or a poof ball on top of a hat, (as well as) velvet in accessories,” said Cathy Starnes, owner of Iris Boutique. Among the season’s hottest items at Iris Boutique are short, stylish boots called statement booties. Statement booties with buckles, tassels or cutout designs are a must-have. And for extra fun, Starnes recommended the velvet or tapestry versions in colors that balk at traditional cold-weather hues, like black and brown. For casual outings, Starnes said rain boots are the popular choice this season. “People are wearing their rain boots in the winter,” Starnes said. “They wear a wool sock, or some companies make fleece liners, like a big fleece sock that folds over the top of your boot. That’s been a big trend for sure.”
Owner Cathy Starnes with Joanna Dreiling at Iris Boutique.
“There’s a lot of mixing fabrics (this year). People are a little scared to do that sometimes, but there are so many materials — mix the suede, the leather, the fur.” — Lisa Miller
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Lisa Miller, owner of LA Miller Boutique, encouraged shoppers to show some moxie. “There’s a lot of mixing fabrics (this year),” she said. “People are a little scared to do that sometimes, but there are so many materials — mix the suede, the leather, the fur.” Earthy colors like olive and mustard, as well as pastels like blush pink and lavender, also are trending. “We have suede logo jackets in a lot of colors,” Miller said. “I brought a mustard suede jacket in, and it sold out in two days.” Plus, a cute and cozy blanket scarf, aptly named for its generous dimensions that allow it to work as a shawl, is the perfect accessory for any occasion. Yet, while fabrics and colors bring a new vibe to winter this year, some classic styles still make great go-to options (well, with a hint of updating). Blue jeans, for example, are going to a higher waist, and a ’70s-style unfinished hem is making its way back. “For jeans, we have a new brand I’m carrying, a high rise with a raw hem,” Miller said. “People have been loving them.” — JULIE BONNER WILLIAMS Joanna Dreiling models some of Iris Boutique’s trendy items and combinations this season, including rain boots, mixed fabrics, earthy tones and fur trim.
JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 17
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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS
READING ROOM
Healing with words Glasgow has written everything from children’s books to self-help articles to music reviews, but her most recent work includes two poetry books and a collection of poetry and short stories, all self-published last year through CreateSpace, a self-publishing platform she said gives her more freedom than the traditional publishing method she started out with. Glasgow called her first poetry book, “Fighting with Myself,” a “healing journal,” in which she explores her experiences with abuse, leaving her husband and moving on with her life. She said the collection reminds readers “you’re not the only one, and you can break free of it.” Her second poetry book, “Observations of the Living,” is full of more contemplative poetry on “life and the people in it.” And “Shallow Graves and Ghosts” is a “dark and haunting” exploration of “all of the stuff you’d expect from scary stories.” Writers like H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe inspire Glasgow’s work; but, for the most part, she said she takes her inspiration from her own observations. “I think 90 percent of what I write is just based on my own experiences,” she said.
— ELIZABETH NELSON
“It wasn’t until after I moved to Grand Rapids in ’97 and was working crappy retail jobs that I decided, ‘I’m good at writing; maybe I’ll try to find a job in that.’” — Yvonne Glasgow
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
Author Yvonne Glasgow still remembers the first time she took an interest in writing. “In our first-grade class, my teacher had us write a poetry book, and we learned how to sew the binding on it and we glued material to the covers,” she said. “It was kind of self-published.” But she never imagined a writing career was in her future. Born in Grand Rapids and raised in Harbor Beach, the author-to-be wandered between several other Michigan cities — as well as a couple in Arizona and Georgia — before she finally settled back in GR. “I just felt like this was home,” she said. Glasgow said she had a strong desire to help people, but she didn’t think the traditional college experience was right for her and struggled to figure out what career path to follow. “It wasn’t until after I moved to Grand Rapids in ’97 and was working crappy retail jobs that I decided, ‘I’m good at writing; maybe I’ll try to find a job in that,’” Glasgow said. Her writing blossomed from there, eventually becoming her full-time job by 2010. But making money is just icing on the cake. “I don’t necessarily care if I make a living on the books I publish or not,” Glasgow said. “I just enjoy writing them.” 18 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2018
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health & wellness BY KARA MCNABB
External signs of internal problems THE BODY HOLDS many clues about what’s going on inside, from the skin, nails, tongue and feet, to face shape and body shape. Paying attention to these signs is one way I assess physical imbalances with my clients. Studying the iris of the eye, which is known as iridology, can provide indicators for anything from digestive disturbance to respiratory issues to old physical injuries and personality tendencies. A semi-transparent white arc fully surrounding the iris can indicate thickened arteries. A blue coloring bleeding from the top of the iris into the whites of the eye can indicate an iron deficiency. Take a look at the ears. These, too, serve as a map to the entire body. If there’s a crease in the lobe, this may point to a cardiovascular imbalance. The tongue also is a map of what’s going on inside. A thick, white coating can indicate an overgrowth of yeast. A line down the center of the tongue often correlates to back pain. Whereas a centerline that curves to the side may indicate a hiatal hernia. The face reveals a lot, as well. Acne that shows up below the lips corresponds to the reproductive area. Often, women will break out in this area around menstruation, and continuous breakouts may indicate a hormonal imbalance to pay attention to. Vertical lines between the eyes that don’t disappear after squinting correlate to the liver and gallbladder. Blueish circles beneath the eyes can indicate an intolerance or allergy, often to dairy. Dark rings under the eyes indicate stressed adrenals, while puffiness beneath the eyes points to the kidneys. Fingernails also have a lot to say. If nails are dry and brittle, drink more water and eat more healthy fats, like coconut oil, avocado or bone broth. Those little white spots can indicate a sugar excess and a zinc deficiency. Vertical ridges on the nails signal deficient assimilation of nutrients. These are just a fraction of the signs that point to health. While a sign of imbalance may be present, it doesn’t necessarily mean a certain area is out of balance. I’m looking for signs in threes. Do indicators show up in three different places — on the body, in the explanation of symptoms and through other assessments? Once we identify this root cause, I work with my clients to put together a program to help minimize stress on the organ through herbs, lifestyle adjustments, stress management and other modalities. — Kara McNabb is a traditional naturopathic practitioner at Continuum Healing and a member of the Wellness Collective.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
The tongue also is a map of what’s going on inside. A thick, white coating can indicate an overgrowth of yeast. A line down the center of the tongue often correlates to back pain.
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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES
A drawing a day Sofía Ramírez Hernández turns a ‘nonnegotiable’ daily practice into an award-winning ArtPrize Nine exhibit.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (PAGES 22 & 23)
S
ofía Ramírez Hernández draws every single day. Among her 1,400plus drawings, you’ll find an assortment of abstract shapes, poems, self-portraits, caricatures and other illustrations — each on a 31/2-by-51/2-inch sheet of paper with the date printed at the bottom. They tell her story. They reflect her day, her mood or a period in her life. She draws as part of a nonnegotiable daily practice she started back in 2013. The incredible undertaking spawned from a similar project she did at the precipice of adulthood. “I started the project because I needed self-accountability and self-discipline,” Ramírez Hernández said. “Once I got a month in and I just got into the discipline and the habit of just remembering to do a drawing every day, it’s been pretty easy to commit to doing something on this paper.” Ramírez Hernández didn’t anticipate her ArtPrize Nine entry, “Sofía Draws Every Day: Years 2, 3, and 4,” landing on the juror’s shortlist, let alone winning the juried award in the two-dimensional category. “When I signed up, I got rejected from basically everyone,” she said. “No one wanted 22 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2018
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“Once I got a month in and I just got into the discipline and the habit of just remembering to do a drawing every day, it’s been pretty easy to commit to doing something on this paper.” — Sofía Ramírez Hernández
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (PAGES 22 & 23)
to take a chance on the show because I was demanding 60 feet of space. A lot of people said, ‘We don’t know who this artist is, so we’re not going to take a chance on the show.’” After connecting with the Cultura Collective curator Stefanie Rosales, Ramírez Hernández found a platform to speak her truth and the opportunity to share in a transformative experience with other artists. “As a collective, that enriched our experience so much more,” Ramírez Hernández said. “When you are uplifting
the people who are most overlooked, you’re uplifting everyone around you. The next time I do ArtPrize, or the next time I want to do a show, I want to do it in a group like this where we’re helping each other.” Apart from her introspective artwork, Ramírez Hernández is a passionate activist. She plans to continue to use her ArtPrize win to elevate her community and challenge the status quo. “I want people to think about other neighborhoods that might not be represented,” she said. “Maybe they can take that thought and apply that to non-ArtPrize times and think, ‘Maybe there are restaurants I can go to that I don’t normally go to,’ or, on a grand scale, ‘Maybe there are humans in my town that I don’t acknowledge that I could, and why aren’t they being acknowledged?’” As for the future of this project, Ramírez Hernández is particularly interested in what maintaining this practice over the course of her entire life would mean for her. “Part of me says, ‘How useful and wonderful and fulfilling it would be to carry this project on for the rest of my life?’ Another part of me says, ‘How hilarious would it be to do this project for the rest of my life?’” she said. “Can I come up with a good reason to not continue the project? I don’t think I can.” Visit sofia-draws.com to learn more. — PASHA SHIPP
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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES
Local art galleries COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST
1/ LOWELLARTS: Changing exhibitions of works by Michigan artists. Jan. 6-Feb. 10, “Grand Valley Artists - In View at LowellArts” is an all-media juried exhibition of artwork by Grand Valley Artists. An artist reception is 2-4 p.m. Jan. 7. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Fri. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 223 W. Main St., Lowell, 897-8545, lowellartsmi.org. 2/ FOREST HILLS FINE ARTS CENTER: Artist-in-residence program offers exhibits by local and regional artists during the school year. Also, exhibits by Forest Hills Public Schools students and staff. Artwork by Anne Berends is on display Jan. 10-Feb. 2. Berends uses gouache, charcoal, conté, ink and pastels to create abstract and representational imagery. Her subject matter is often a bowl, vessel or landscape that evolves into large cavernous holes, an abyss or ellipse. An artist reception is on Jan. 18 from 6-7 p.m. 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 493-8965, fhfineartscenter.com.
exhibits work by Grand Valley Artists.
Cascade Gallery: Multimedia art, print collection, glass, sculpture, jewelry, custom framing and gifts. 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 949-4056, cascadegallery.blogspot.com. Center Art Gallery: Student, faculty and alumni work; plus exhibits by visiting artists. Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE, 526-6271, calvin. edu/centerartgallery. Design Quest Gallery: Furniture store exhibits art in a gallery setting. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-9911, design quest.biz. Fed Galleries @ Kendall College of Art and Design: Work by contemporary visiting artists. Thru Jan. 31, “Resort” by Andrew Ellis Johnson and Susanne Slavick, and “Knockoffs: Originality, Theft and Everything In Between.” 17 Pearl St. NW, 451-2787, kcad.edu/galleries. Flat River Cottage: Fine art, jewelry, antiques and home décor; also, paintings by Kathleen Mooney. 317 E. Main St., Lowell, 897-8601, flatriver cottage.com.
3/ “Colorado Morning” by Ed WongLigda is at the Aquinas College Gallery.
3/ AQUINAS COLLEGE GALLERY: Work by students, faculty and visiting artists. Jan. 18-Feb. 16, “The Land” by Bill Hosterman and Ed Wong-Ligda; reception 3:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Art & Music building, 1607 Robinson Road SE, 632-8900, aquinas.edu/art/gallery.
Flat River Gallery & Framing: Artist cooperative shows work in a variety of mediums; plus gifts, framing and workshops. Thru Jan. 31, featured artist Gary Eldridge. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, 987-6737, flatrivergallery andframing.com.
150 E. Eighth St., Holland, 396-3278, hollandarts.org.
Franciscan Life Process Center: Changing exhibits by local artists. Downtown GR campus: Thru Feb. 28, “Paintings and Portraits” by Carol Cole and Sharon Snoeyink. 654 Davis St. NW. Lowell campus: Thru Feb. 28, “Brush with Color” by Carole HunnesNielsen. 11650 Downes St., lifeprocess center.org.
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University: Work by students in graduate-level programs and special community projects. 17 Fountain St. NW, 451-2787, kcad.edu/ galleries.
Gallery 154: Eastown gallery shows local and national multimedia art, gifts and jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154.com. GRCC Collins Art Gallery: Exhibits by visiting artists, faculty and students. 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, 2343544, grcc.edu/artgallery. GVSU Art Gallery: Student artwork and exhibits by renowned artists. 1121 Performing Arts Center, North Campus Drive, Allendale, 3312563, gvsu.edu/artgallery. The Harris Building: Art gallery and event space displays work by local, national and international artists. 111 S. Division Ave., 272-3682, theharr isbuilding.com. Heartside Gallery: Folk, outsider and intuitive art by self-taught Heartside residents. 48 S. Division Ave., 235-7211 ext. 103, heartside.org. Holland Area Arts Council: Changing exhibits of art. Thru Jan. 13, “The Way Home” by Mary Ann Southworth and “Out of Line” by Christy DeHoog Johnson, Jessica Bohus, Lisa Walcott and Meridith Ridl.
ICCF: Inner City Christian Federation headquarters displays art in various media. Thru Feb. 28, “Home at Last” by Holly Sturges. 920 Cherry St. SE, 336-9333, iccf.org.
Kruizenga Art Museum: Art from Hope College’s permanent collection and visiting exhibitions. 271 Columbia Ave., Holland, 395-6400, hope.edu/ kam. LaFontsee Galleries: 2-D and 3-D works by gallery artists, plus framing and restoration services. Grand Rapids location (includes Urban Craft Boutique with gifts, accessories and home décor): 833 Lake Drive SE, 4519820. Douglas location: 410 W. Center St., 451-3850, lafontsee.us. Leep Art Gallery: Work by a variety of visiting artists. Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th St. SE, pinerest. org. MercuryHead Gallery: A variety of work by local artists. Also, gifts, photo restoration, digital printing on canvas and framing. 962 E. Fulton St., 456-6022, Facebook. Merizon Studio: Art, mirror and glass design, custom framing and limited-edition prints by Armand Merizon. 9087 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia, 485-5752, merizonstudio.com. Richard App Gallery: Art from local and national artists, plus restoration and custom framing. 910 Cherry St. SE, 458-4226, Facebook.
2/ Anne Berends’ paintings are at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.
Terryberry Gallery: Local and international art. Thru Jan. 31, “Pastoral Landscapes” by Marianna Heule and Lynn Anderson. Lower level, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, scmconline.org/visit-terryberry-gallery. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts: Innovative contemporary exhibits and installations. Thru Jan. 28, “Coming Home.” 2 W. Fulton St., 454-7000, uica.org. Van Singel Fine Arts Center: Changing exhibits by local artists. 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, vsfac.com/progra mming/art-gallery. Check websites for hours of operation.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CAROL LAUM (TOP); ED WONG-LIGDA (BOTTOM); MELANIE BERENDS (RIGHT)
1/ LowellArts
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art talk BY JOSEPH A. BECHERER
FOR MANY, THE HISTORY of public art in Grand Rapids tends to focus on Alexander Calder’s magnificent sculpture, La Grande Vitesse. While iconic to the city and the larger history of art, La Grande Vitesse, installed downtown in 1969, is a relative newcomer in comparison to many important and more traditional works from the early 20th century. Foremost among them as a city icon would be the John Ball Memorial sculpture. Dedicated in 1925, the over-lifesize bronze is a masterwork by the Italian-American sculptor Pompeo Coppini (1870-1957). Like many artists and master craftsmen, Coppini was born and trained in Italy but came to the United States to find work. He first settled in New York but moved to Texas in 1901, where he first was commissioned to model Ball is known as one of the statues of Confederate figmost animated and advenures and, eventually, won commissions for monuturous figures in the early mental outdoor sculptures history of Grand Rapids. across the United States (He was) a key figure in and Mexico. creating Michigan’s public Coppini worked in a school system. representational style that dominated the European art academies of the 19th century and mastered the art of bronze casting. However, this work is neither rigid in pose nor formal in attitude as might be expected of a strictly academic sculpture. Rather, his version of realism attempted to animate the subject. John Ball is shown seated, conversing with two of his great-grandchildren. His clothes are slightly rumpled and his pose full of life. Ball is known as one of the most animated and adventurous figures in the early history of Grand Rapids. Ball, who settled in Grand Rapids in 1836, was known as a successful land speculator, educator, attorney and Michigan legislator, as well as a key figure in creating Michigan’s public school system. At the time of his death, Ball left 40 acres of land on the city’s West Side to the city of Grand Rapids, which became the original site of the public park and zoo that bear his name — where his memorial stands nonrepresentational form. Frequently, when communitoday. ties embrace more current, abstract examples of public There are a handful of traditional sculptures like art, they tend to ignore the traditional, figurative works. the John Ball Memorial scattered around Grand Rapids However, in Grand Rapids, a community with wide horicommemorating some of the city’s prominent historical zons and great civic spirit, we are witnessing vibrancy in leaders. In contrast, the city boasts a notable collection both forms. of famed contemporary works, like La Grande Vitesse — — Joseph A. Becherer is curator of sculpture at Frederik a decidedly abstract, modernist memorial celebrating Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and a professor at Aquinas the rapids of the Grand River and community life, but in College.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
An ode to a GR figure
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GR MAG DECEMBER 2017_Layout 1 10/20/17 9:20 AM Page 1
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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES
GR design team transforms Reeds Lake oddity into iconic, lavish home.
A shimmering showplace BY TERRI FINCH HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY
W
hen Jay Begrow was a kid growing up
in East Grand Rapids, everybody knew about the weird glass-walled house along Reeds Lake. A stark contrast to the warm, traditional brick and wood homes around it, it seemed cold and out of place.
But now, there’s a big “R” sign out front — and that changes everything. The “R” stands for “Reinvent,” but it could also be for “Rock.” Designer Rock Kauffman and Begrow, his design partner, breathe new life into existing homes through Reinvent, a sister company to Rock Kauffman Design. Now, the Glass House is a shimmering showplace on the lake. Nobody will call it weird again. Kauffman and his business partner, Brad Welch, started Reinvent in 2014, buying West Michigan houses other buyers likely would have torn down because they couldn’t see past the inconvenient floor
plans and tiny closets. Kauffman and Begrow, on the other hand, can. “Knocking down a wall changes everything,” Begrow said. “Don’t just tear down a house and build a new one. Respect what’s there.” They look for homes in high-visibility neighborhoods, Kauffman said, where neighbors can watch the transformation. “We want the people in the neighborhood to be part of the story,” he said. Each Reinvent house has a name: The Brady Bunch House, River Rock, Canopy River, Urban House. “Glass House is in a completely different
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league,” Kauffman said. A real estate friend had listed it and urged Kauffman to take a look. He was skeptical. The house, vacant for a year, seemed dingy, its glass walls obscured by trees and brush. It was freezing inside. Built in 1963, before energy-efficient, triple-pane glass, the vast floor-to-ceiling window walls were single-pane. Its owners over the years typically skedaddled to Florida for the winter. Nobody could nudge the thermostat above 61 degrees. It was like a West Coast house that had been dropped — for some strange reason — in Michigan. “I thought, ‘Whoever buys it will just bulldoze it and build a $3-million house,’” Kauffman said. Above: Both of the home’s kitchens offer a view of Reeds Lake, while clear cedar ceilings span the entire house, even extending outside over the patio, for a seamless transition from indoors to out. Left: Designers Rock Kauffman and Jay Begrow used woods and other materials to create warmth within the home.
But when Kauffman showed the home to Welch, who had been pining for a midcentury modern house, he was captivated. Buy it, he said, and spare no expense to make it fabulous. So, they did. But first, there were some challenges. The house’s mechanicals oddly were sealed inside the 4,000-square-foot cement slab foundation. The inefficient glass walls had to go. Home designer Jeff Visser and builder Mark Vermerris had some work to do. “They took a Bobcat and drove right through the house,” Kauffman said. “All we
had were sticks and a roof holding it up.” The layout needed work, from moving the front door to transforming one unimpressive kitchen into two sparkling kitchens — one for cooking, one for entertaining — both with stunning views of the lake. (But no views of neighbors, despite all the glass.) Along the way, Kauffman and Begrow used materials to create warmth — textured raffia wall covering, bronze fireplace tiles, walnut counters. There’s a lot of wood, from gleaming walnut veneer walls to clear cedar ceilings that span the entire house, even extending outside over the patio, for a seamless transi-
tion from indoors to out. Walls float above heated porcelain floors with no baseboards. The house is designed with “the best of the best,” Kauffman said, from furniture and lighting by luxury designer Joseph Jeup, to custom rugs crafted by high-end carpet maker Scott Group Studio, maker of the rug in the White House Oval Office. Both are local companies. About 80 percent of the home’s materials, fixtures and furniture are connected to West Michigan, Kauffman said. “We walked around the house when it was done, and I literally had to stop tears,” Kauffman said. “It’s an iconic house, unlike anything I’ve done in my entire career.” Welch bought the house for his mother, but Kauffman said they didn’t design Glass House with the homeowner in mind. “We followed the voice of the house,” he said. Houses talk to these guys a lot. It’s one of the prerequisites for buying a Reinvent house to transform, Kauffman said: “It has to say, ‘Please don’t let them knock me GR down.’”
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B Y M A D I S O N M A B I N , S A R A H T I N C H E R A N D N ATA L I E S I N G E R P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y J O H N N Y Q U I R I N
We asked for your opinion on ever y thing from foo d to hair salons, and you didn’t disappoint. Here’s what you chose as G R’s ‘b ests.’
you nominated your local favs. We felt the love this year with the overwhelming number of ballots we received. We added a few new categories to the ballot this year, giving you 101 categories. After countless hours of tallying up your responses, we’ve put a bow on another fantastic year in the River City. This list is like an invitation to a yearlong party in Grand Rapids, with food, drinks and the best kinds of people. Let’s just say there’s a lot to be excited about! As always, let us know what you think by using
#BestOfGR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Pop the Champagne, queue the confetti and turn the page — you’ve reached your celebration destination. GR
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK (BACKGROUND)
I
T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, and we’re so ready to celebrate! We have a lot of fun here at Grand Rapids Magazine. Our days are spent exploring Grand Rapids, trying new foods, meeting people who are doing really cool things and discovering new businesses that make living here extraordinary. For us, every day in Grand Rapids is a celebration. Since we are having an absolute blast, we wanted you to get in on the action. We placed ballots in our June through September issues, and 30 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2018
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Food/Drink
Appetizers The Best: San Chez Bistro Other favorites: Twisted Rooster Bistro Bella Vita Bakery The Best: Wealthy Street Bakery Other favorites: Nantucket Baking Co. Cakabakery Bar/Pub The Best: HopCat Other favorites: Founders Brewing Co. The Knickerbocker – New Holland Brewing Co. BBQ The Best: Slows Bar BQ Other favorites: The Pit Stop Two Scotts Barbecue
READERS PICK
B EST HAR D CI DE R , B EST B R U NCH, B EST OUTD O OR / D E C K S E AT I N G : VA N D E R M I L L
Beer & Wine Merchant The Best: Martha’s Vineyard Other favorites: Rishi’s International Beverage Russo’s International Market
Why win just one category in our Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll when you could win three? The Best Hard Cider, Best Brunch and Best Outdoor/Deck Seating in Grand Rapids are conveniently located in one place: Vander Mill. Let’s talk hard cider. At Vander Mill, only the best Michigan apples are pressed for their ciders. Hooray for local flavor! They’ve got taps for 30 ciders on draft. (Yes, you read that correctly — 30 ciders!) “We can find a cider for everyone,” Vander Mill co-owner and CEO Paul Vander Heide said. “This is the place to experience ciders like you never thought you could.” While Vander Mill does have seasonal ciders — like the winter seasonal, Nunica Pine — the most popular hard cider is Totally Roasted. This wide variety of ciders available on tap are continually rotated and range from dry to sweet ciders, barrel-aged ciders and ciders on nitro. How do you like them apples?! Brunch is available on Sundays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You can enjoy traditional favorites, such as biscuits and gravy, or try something more exciting and creative, like ham and doughnuts. This unique dish has La Quercia prosciutto, cider doughnuts, red barn
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (TOP)
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK (BACKGROUND)
cupola and apple butter. Is it Sunday yet? A popular item from the brunch menu is the Nashville Benedict, which is made with house-battered fried chicken and a liège waffle with a hot sauce hollandaise sauce. But that’s not all; brunch at Vander Mill also features a handful of cider mimosas and craft cocktails. Throughout spring, summer and fall, you can enjoy this delicious food and cider on the patio. Vander Mill has a well-integrated indoor/outdoor space, so the patio really just feels like an extension of the dining room. It seats 60-65 people and offers shaded seating, a fire pit and a lush, green space. And we’ll let you in on something… there’s a secret spot with Adirondack chairs under a canopy of crab apple trees. Cute! What are you waiting for? Head to Vander Mill now! More information can be found at vandermill.com.
— Madison Mabin
Bloody Mary The Best: Rockwell Republic Other favorites: Sundance Grill & Bar The Winchester Breakfast The Best: Anna’s House Other favorites: Wolfgang’s Real Food Café Brewery The Best: Founders Brewing Co. Other favorites: Atwater Brewery Perrin Brewing Co. Brunch The Best: Vander Mill Other favorites: Terra Charley’s Crab Burger The Best: Stella’s Lounge Other favorites: Cottage Bar The Winchester Butcher Shop The Best: Sobie Meats LLC Other favorites: Kingma’s Market Frank’s Market
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READERS PICK
B EST CU PCAK E: T H E S A LT E D CUPCAKE
Ten Tidbits About The Salted Cupcake: 1. Owner Korina Thompson started
The Salted Cupcake after totally spoiling her restaurant co-workers with cupcakes. They raved about the quality of her sweet treats and encouraged her to start her own cupcakery — and we are SO glad she did! 2. The menu includes a selection of 12 flavors every day, including the bakery’s five most popular cupcake flavors — The Salted Cupcake (chocolate, peanut butter and salted caramel), salted caramel vanilla bean, cookie dough, red velvet and Death by Chocolate — plus five specialty flavors and two wheat-free flavors that
Coffeehouse The Best: Madcap Coffee Co. Other favorites: Biggby Coffee That Early Bird
Dessert The Best: Le Bon Macaron Other favorites: Bistro Bella Vita Grove
Craft Cocktails The Best: SideBar Other favorites: Long Road Distillers Butcher’s Union
Doughnuts The Best: Marge’s Donut Den Other favorites: The Donut Conspiracy Sandy’s Donuts
Cupcakes The Best: The Salted Cupcake Other favorites: Cakabakery Arnie’s
Food Truck The Best: What the Truck Other favorites: The Maine Dish Food Truck Two Scotts Barbecue
Date Night Restaurant The Best: Leo’s Other favorites: Bistro Bella Vita Grove
French Fries The Best: HopCat Other favorites: Stella’s Lounge The Winchester
change daily. 3. Altogether, the masterminds at The Salted Cupcake make about 150 types of cupcakes (which can be found on the bakery’s website). 4. Creativity has no limits here — they’ve made flavors like potato chip, chicken and waffles, and Goat Cheese Chardonnay. They’ve even made a cupcake with a stack of mini pancakes on top of it. 5. Craziest flavors? A taco cupcake for the opening of Luna Mexican Restaurant and a corn dog cupcake for a fairthemed day. 6. The Salted Cupcake bakes about 700-1,000 cupcakes each day (about 5,000 per week) — just TWO TRAYS AT A TIME! “Each cupcake requires a completely different homemade batter and a slow-baking small oven to ensure a tender crumb, so the cupcakes are made lovingly in small batches,” Thompson said. 7. All of the bakery’s cupcakes are baked fresh every morning and are available from 10 a.m. until they sell out… and they always sell out. 8. RSVP that cupcake! Don’t let your favorites sell out before you get there — you can order them through the bakery’s Facebook page or website, and they’ll set them aside for you all day! Now, that’s a sweet deal! 9. The Salted Cupcake doesn’t offer custom design, but the bakers here will create any flavor combination you could imagine! 10. The Salted Cupcake’s daily and weekly cupcake lineup, plus the entire 150-flavor cupcake gallery, is available online at thesaltedcupcake.com. — Madison Mabin 32 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2018
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S TA F F P I C K
Best Eyewear Collections: HyperOptik Spectacle Studio READERS PICK
B EST LIVE M USIC VE N U E: FR E DE R I K M E I J E R G A R D E N S A M P H I T H E AT E R The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater is the crown jewel of West Michigan’s music scene. During the summer months, guests of all ages flock to this unique music venue — and for obvious reasons. Terraced lawn seating, views of both its world-renowned sculpture collection and the beautiful gardens, and lively acoustics create a perfect, intimate concert setting. The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater is the perfect size, holding up to 1,900 fans. Guests can bring their own picnic foods or purchase something from the venue’s selection of affordable, locally sourced items. Plus, parking is free. Let’s talk music. This venue has two different series during the summer: The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert Series and Tuesday Evening Music Club. The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert Series, which takes place every June through September, features 30 major acts — and we’re talking big-time, popular performers like BB King, John Legend, Of Monsters and Men, and Santana. Typical ticket prices range from $35-$100. The Tuesday Evening Music Club features 18 or so local and regional acts, and takes place every Tuesday night in July and August. The ambiance of this beautiful outdoor amphitheater paired with a wide mix of national and international stars, as well as up-and-coming local and regional acts, creates an unparalleled live music venue. Grab your picnic basket, some comfortable chairs and your favorite people, and enjoy some incredible music together this summer!
— Madison Mabin
At HyperOptik Spectacle Studio, 1134 Wealthy St. SE, very little is left to the imagination. “We dispense eyewear as diverse as our clientele, which might include some offbeat Teutonic purity like ic! berlin; to the princely, ultra-fashion vibe of DITA; to the not-so-sober creations of our Belgian friends at Theo; to the esoteric sensuality of Anne et Valentin,” said Daryl Kamp, an optician and partner at HyperOptik. “We like obscure things, beautifully made things, bright things, independent things.” The family-owned business — managed by president Rob Conens; his son, Christopher Conens; and Kamp, Rob Conens’ son-in-law — opened just a few years ago as an “urban incarnation” of Cascade Optical, offering a wide variety of options from more than a dozen sought-after eyewear lines. “Our shops are unique because our clientele is so unique,” Kamp said. “Simply put; we tend to work with the characters and thinkers of West Michigan — those who appreciate the craft of original design and struggle to find themselves in chain stores or soulless online shops.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (TOP)
Find out more about HyperOptik and see everything the boutique has to offer online at hyper-optik.com. — Sarah Tincher
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Froyo Shop The Best: Spoonlickers Other favorites: The Pump House Sweet Yo’s Happy Hour The Best: Rockwell Republic Other favorites: Uccello’s The Winchester Hard Cider The Best: Vander Mill Other favorites: Sietsema Orchards & Cider Mill The Peoples Cider Co. Hot Dog The Best: Yesterdog Other favorites: Jonny B’z Corner Bar Ice Cream Parlor The Best: Jersey Junction Other favorites: Furniture City Creamery Love’s Ice Cream Outdoor/Deck Seating The Best: Vander Mill Other favorites: Rose’s The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar Pizza The Best: Vitale’s Other favorites: Harmony Brewing Co. The Mitten Brewing Co. Poutine The Best: Brewery Vivant Other favorites: Harmony Hall Blue Dog Tavern Restaurant Service The Best: Terra Other favorites: Grove Leo’s Salads The Best: Terra Other favorites: Bliss & Vinegar The Green Well Sandwich The Best: Schnitz Deli Other favorites: Two Beards Deli Marie Catrib’s Seafood The Best: Leo’s Other favorites: Charley’s Crab Fish Lads
READERS PICK
B E S T C O M I C B O O K S TO R E : VA U LT O F M I D N I G H T Picture it: Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1996. The comic book industry is experiencing one of the biggest crashes in the history. Comic book shops from all over the country are dropping like flies. Enter childhood friends Curtis Sullivan and Steve Fodale. Sullivan and his wife Elizabeth are celebrating the birth of their second child, while Fodale is about to embark on a long and rewarding financial career. It’s not an advisable or financially sound time to open a comic shop. Yet, Sullivan and Fodale throw caution to the wind and chase their lifelong dream of opening a comic book store and, ultimately, bring Vault of Midnight to life. In no time, Vault of Midnight was Ann Arbor’s mainstay for pop culture and nerdy stuff. But they wanted more. The desire for “worldwide geek domination” compelled the gang to open another store. It wasn’t long before the charm of Grand Rapids sealed the deal, and in 2013, Vault of Midnight opened its second location on Monroe Center. For the past four years, this has been the go-to place for Earth’s finest comics, graphic novels, board games, and other quirky knickknacks and merchandise. The goal is simple: to give customers a unique and exciting shopping experience that “confounds the expectations of what is typically associated with a comic book shop.” At Vault of Midnight, they believe comic books are for absolutely everyone. And whether you’re looking for T-shirts, imported Japanese candy, graphic novels, tabletop games, collectible figures or plushies, new items hit the shelves on a daily basis, and every single Wednesday is new comic book day at Vault of Midnight. Plus, the friendly faces behind the counter are well-read when it comes to comics, which allows them to make personalized, top-notch comic recommendations that reflect your specific taste. Vault of Midnight is ready to serve the Grand Rapids community seven days a week. Want to help grow the local comic book community? Attend their shop’s regular game nights, movie nights, dance parties and more! Visit vaultofmidnight.com to find a calendar of events, shop hours and other information.
— Madison Mabin
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READERS PICK
B EST PROFES SIONAL SPORTS TE AM: G R AN D R API D S G R I FFI NS Hockey League affiliate to the Detroit Red
with numerous promotions geared toward
hundreds of fans stand and cheer — it’s game
Wings, have been giving West Michigan some-
not only families but kids, with Arcade Night,
time for the Grand Rapids Griffins, and the
thing to cheer about since 1996. The two-time
Superhero Night, Toy Night and Star Wars
energy inside Van Andel Arena is through the
Calder Cup champions have garnered an
Night, to name a few.
roof.
unparalleled fan base — and it’s easy to see
The lights go up, the puck hits the ice,
If you’ve ever been to a game, you already know this is a common scene during
why. Griffins games are full of excitement from
Overall, regardless of how the Griffins play, they make the city of Grand Rapids proud and give the people of West Michigan
hockey season at Van Andel Arena, where
start to finish; plus, they offer deals that are
something extra to look forward to just as the
the Grand Rapids Griffins spend many of their
just too good to pass up, like the renowned
weather starts getting cold.
weekends between October and April.
$2 beer and hot dogs nights. The games
The Griffins, who serve as the American
— Natalie Singer
also offer a family-friendly environment,
S TA F F P I C K
Best Place to Buy a Greeting Card: Rebel Rebel is no ordinary gift shop; it’s packed full of specialty, one-of-a-kind cards and other gift items you probably won’t find anywhere else. The gift boutique, which is getting ready to settle into a larger space at 1555 Wealthy St. SE, offers a mixture of goods, including accessories, planners, home décor and an expansive collection of about 600-700 cards — some locally sourced, some not; though all of the cards are American made — for any occasion you could imagine. But these aren’t your mother’s greeting cards; they’re hand-selected to match almost anyone’s situation and personality. Co-owners Dann Boyles and Chip Minor order their products in small batches and focus on selecting items that are funny, tell a good story, stand out aesthetically or would appeal to a particular niche audience, “like what’s happening on Netflix right now,” Boyles said. “We’re constantly looking for things to add to our collection to make it fresh, and for people to see things they haven’t seen anywhere else,” Boyles said. Visit rebelreclaimed.com for hours and other info.
— Sarah Tincher JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 35
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READERS PICK
B EST SUSH I: MAR U SUSHI & GR ILL If you’re looking for a creative twist on
traditional Japanese cuisine, Maru Sushi & Grill is your best bet. If you’ve never been, it’s located right next to Brewery Vivant, at 927 Cherry St. SE. Guests can enjoy a full sushi bar in this sleek and modern space — and who doesn’t love a seasonal patio?! There are over 30 sushi rolls on the menu, with prices ranging from $7 for simpler rolls to $18 for larger, more complex rolls. Maru focuses on local ingredients when possible and uses wildcaught fish and organic produce when it’s available. It’s one of those unique places where everyone can find something to enjoy,
S TA F F P I C K
whether you’re a novice to the sushi
Best Toy Store: Hopscotch Children’s Store
scene or a sashimi connoisseur. One of Maru’s most popular rolls is the Crouching Tiger roll, which includes panko fried shrimp, cream cheese and crab salad, and is topped with shrimp, avocado, fantasy sauce, honey wasabi aioli, masago and scallion. YUM. Maru’s chefs also make unique rolls you won’t find anywhere else, like their Lollipop roll, which has tuna, salmon, yellowtail, albacore and crabstick wrapped in cucumber, served with an avocado and a chef’s salad. And we have to mention the Sexy Bacon roll — this bad boy is made of cherrywood-smoked bacon,
Hopscotch Children’s Store, 909 Cherry St. SE, boasts an impressive collection of items to choose from — but this certainly isn’t the only feature that brought this Uptown gem to the top of the list. Rather, it’s co-owners Emily and Mark Tobin’s commitment to sourcing educational, locally made and eco-friendly items that sets Hopscotch apart from the rest. “We choose organic, natural and recycled products whenever possible, and we love to work with local vendors to bring in products that are made in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas,” Emily said. “Mark and I hand pick every item in the store, so we’re very selective about what we carry.” Hopscotch offers an expansive selection of games, toys, books and some additional “baby gear,” including a variety of Michigan-made products sourced from local vendors like Cindy’s Suds, The Bitten Mitten, Uncle Goose, Smart Bottoms, No. 9 Designs, Mom N Mia Quilts, SDK Designs, Yellow Horse Art Studio and Made by Shellmo. Stop by Hopscotch Children’s Store or visit hopscotchstore.com to browse everything — Sarah Tincher
this Grand Rapids favorite has to offer.
cucumber, asparagus, crab stick and tempura crunch, and is served in soy paper with fantasy sauce, eel sauce, creamy garlic sauce and shredded nori. Maru is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday, but times vary depending on the day. Restaurant hours, drink specials and full menu can be found at marurestaurant.com/grand-rapids.
— Madison Mabin
Soup The Best: Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop Other favorites: Arnie’s Auntie Cheetah’s Soup Shop
Vegan/Vegetarian Menu The Best: Marie Catrib’s Other favorites: The Green Well The Sovengard
Steak The Best: Leo’s Other favorites: Reds at Thousand Oaks Judson’s Steakhouse
Wine List The Best: Reserve Wine & Food Other favorites: Noto’s Old World Italian Dining Cork Wine & Grille
Sushi The Best: Maru Sushi & Grill Other favorites: Ju Sushi & Lounge Sushi Kuni
Entertainment/ Experiences
Tacos The Best: Donkey Taqueria Other favorites: Tacos El Cuñado Taqueria San Jose
Annual Festival The Best: ArtPrize Other favorites: Festival of the Arts Pulaski Days
Tater Tots The Best: Blue Dog Tavern Other favorites: Gravity Taphouse Grille Logan’s Alley
Female TV Personality The Best: Rachael Ruiz, WOOD TV 8 Other favorites: Terri DeBoer, WOOD TV 8 Juliet Dragos, WZZM 13
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Golf Course The Best: Thousand Oaks Golf Club Other favorites: Egypt Valley Country Club Blythefield Country Club Hike/Bike Trail The Best: White Pine Trail Other favorites: Kent Trails Blandford Nature Center Trail Live Music Venue The Best: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Other favorites: 20 Monroe Live The Intersection Male TV Personality The Best: Mike Avery, FOX 17 Other favorites: Bill Steffen, WOOD TV 8 Kyle Underwood, WOOD TV 8 Meteorologist The Best: Bill Steffen, WOOD TV 8 Other favorites: George Lessens, WZZM 13 Terri DeBoer, WOOD TV 8
S TA F F P I C K
Best Place for a Photo Op: Blue Bridge Whether you’re looking to have professional photos taken or you’re just trying to capture
Museum The Best: Grand Rapids Public Museum Other favorites: Grand Rapids Art Museum Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
some of the city’s beauty, the iconic (and aptly named) Blue Bridge, which stretches across
Open Mic The Best: Stella’s Lounge Other favorites: Founders Brewing Co. JD Reardon’s
and the Grand Rapids Riverwalk near Plaza Towers.
the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, is the perfect spot to snap some great photos. One of the longest truss bridges in Michigan, the Blue Bridge we see today originally was constructed in 1892 as a railroad crossing over the Grand River but eventually was converted into a pedestrian walkway, connecting Grand Valley State University’s Eberhard Center The Blue Bridge, surrounded by a picturesque scene of the river and GR’s skyline, features decorative lighting at night and offers a great view of fireworks on the Fourth of July, making it the perfect place to stage a photo shoot on almost any occasion.
— Sarah Tincher
S TA F F P I C K
Best LGBT Bar: The Apartment Lounge The Apartment Lounge, 33 Sheldon Ave. NE, has provided a safe place for members of Grand Rapids’ LGBT community since 1972, making it the oldest LGBT bar in the state. “We welcome essentially anyone into our doors and treat everyone equally,” said general manager Eric Zuniga. “We don’t look at them as a dollar sign; we look at them as a personal, lifelong friend. “We’re very personable with our customers and want them to know this is a safe place where they won’t be judged.” Besides offering a safe and welcoming environment, The Apartment Lounge hosts monthly fundraisers in partnership with local charities that support the LGBT community. Menus, specials and event details are available online at apartmentloungegr.com.
— Sarah Tincher JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 37
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Park The Best: Millennium Park Other favorites: Riverside Park John Collins Park Performing Arts The Best: Circle Theatre Other favorites: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Grand Rapids Symphony Pro Sports Team The Best: Grand Rapids Griffins Other favorites: West Michigan Whitecaps Grand Rapids Drive Radio Personality The Best: Free Beer & Hot Wings, 97.9 WGRD Other favorites: Eric Zane, WBBL Shelley Irwin, WGVU
S TA F F P I C K
Best “Grown-Up” Arcade: Grand Rapids Brewing Co. Who says growing up can’t be fun?
wanted people to be able to spend time in our
Grand Rapids Brewing Co. gives you the
place without only just sitting around eating
chance to unleash your inner child with an
and drinking,” said Chris Knape, representative
assortment of retro arcade games from the
for GRBC’s parent company, BarFly Ventures.
’80s and ’90s, a shuffleboard table, two pop-
“This gives people a gathering place to hang
a-shot basketball games, corn hole, table ten-
out, spend time with friends and family and
nis, darts and air hockey.
enjoy downtown in a very unique way.”
The best part? GRBC customers can play
Stop by Grand Rapids Brewing Co., 1 Ionia
all of these games for free. (Equipment is kept
Ave. SW, to see what all the fuss is about or
behind the bar. Just ask for it.)
visit grbrewingcompany.com for more infor-
“We added the game room because we
mation.
— Sarah Tincher
Radio Station The Best: 91.3 WCSG Other favorites: B-93.7 My Channel 95.7 Tourist Attraction The Best: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Other favorites: ArtPrize John Ball Zoo Trivia Night The Best: Stella’s Lounge Other favorites: The Mitten Brewing Co. Grand Rapids Brewing Co.
READERS PICK
B E S T TAT E R TOT S : B L U E D O G TAV E R N On the corner of Stocking Avenue and
ribeye with grilled onions and Blue Dog
Fourth Street in a building that has been a
cheese sauce — and they’re only $7. Yeah,
West Side staple for over a century, you can
all of these gourmet tater tots are $7, which
find the best tater tots this city has to offer.
is probably why they’re going through about
That’s right! Blue Dog Tavern has been spoil-
250 orders of tots a week. That’s a lot of
ing Grand Rapids with its irresistible, gourmet
spuds! But wait, there’s more: loaded baked
tater tots since 2014. That’s when co-owners
potato tots have shredded cheese, bacon
Fred Mackraz and Rob Kraal ran with their
and green onions with sour cream; bacon
vision to restore this iconic building to its
tots are topped with bacon, sliced jalapeños
1930s state and create a relaxed and inviting
and cheese sauce; and buffalo tots offer a
space where new and old friends could meet.
little heat with buffalo sauce and bleu cheese.
It’s the type of place that has rotating pic-
Tater tots at Blue Dog Tavern are no
tures of customers’ dogs featured on one of
longer just a beloved childhood snack, and
the TV screens — no, seriously, it does! While
they pair wonderfully with some of the beers
the ambiance is relaxing and welcoming, its
available on tap. Try some, your taste buds
tater tots are next level and over the top!
will thank you afterward.
These are not your average tots, my
Blue Dog Tavern’s tater tot offerings
friends. “We feature creative, crispy tots with
rotate periodically, so keep checking in for its
delicious toppings, like our Philly cheese tots,
latest creations! The restaurant is open for
poutine pots and garlic parmesan tots, to
lunch, dinner and late-night fun seven days
name a few,” Mackraz said. The Philly cheese
a week. Check out bluedogtaverngr.com for
tots are loaded with thinly sliced, seasoned
more information.
— Madison Mabin
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READERS PICK
B E S T B LO O DY MARY: ROCKWELL R EPUBLIC When it comes to bloody marys, Rockwell Republic is a go-big-or-go-home kind of place. Dubbed “liquid brunch,” these cocktails are a feast for your eyes and for your stomach, as this Heartside hotspot is taking bloody marys to the next level. To start, the restaurant has a housemade bloody mary mix — a concoction of 32 ingredients made in a large mason jar and topped with a full meal. Plus, it’s big enough to share with someone. It’s basically the king of cocktails; it’s the head-turner, the hangover cure — and you’ll probably never be hungry again. Rockwell Republic has four monstrous bloodys for you to try: Americana: Bacon cheddar burger, pretzel roll filled with beer cheese dip, beer battered onion petals, vegetable garnish (grilled asparagus, carrot, celery, broccolini). Surf ‘n’ Turf: Marinated shrimp skewers, NY strip, vegetable kabobs, vegetable garnish (lemon wedge, grilled asparagus, carrot, celery, enoki, broccolini). Chesapeake: Fried soft-shell crab, bacon, lettuce, tomato, five-dragon sauce, pretzel bun, topped with spicy glazed fried shrimp, vegetable garnish (lemon wedge, grilled asparagus, carrot, celery, broccolini). East Meets West: Spicy tofu, shrimp hand roll, chicken yakitori skewer, sticky chicken skewer, vegetable garnish (carrot, celery, enoki, cucumber, broccolini). Rockwell’s bloody marys are available Saturdays and Sundays, and range from $27-$29. When was the last time you got a meal and drinks for two for that price? But don’t worry, if you’re not ready to tackle liquid brunch, the restaurant has a bloody mary bar for $5 on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., featuring a choice of eight infused vodkas. Cheers to the best bloody marys this city has to offer! TV Station The Best: WOOD TV 8 Other favorites: FOX 17 WZZM 13 Wedding Venue The Best: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Other favorites: The Cheney Place Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Shopping
Antiques The Best: Bluedoor Antiques & Elements Other favorites: Eastown Antiques City Antiques Art Gallery The Best: LaFontsee Galleries Other favorites: Richard App Gallery Mercury Head Gallery
— Madison Mabin
Auto Dealership The Best: Fox Motors Other favorites: Todd Wenzel Automotive The Sharpe Collection Bike Shop The Best: Grand Rapids Bicycle Co. Other favorites: Freewheeler Bike Shop Village Bike & Fitness
JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 39
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Bookstore The Best: Schuler Books & Music Other favorites: Books & Mortar Baker Book House
Florist Shop The Best: Eastern Floral Other favorites: Kennedy’s Flower Shop Daylily Floral and Gifts
Jewelry Store The Best: Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry Other favorites: DeVries Jewelers Talsma Jewelers
Car Wash The Best: Southland Auto Wash Other favorites: Breton Auto Wash Cascade Car Wash
Furniture Store The Best: Northwestern Home Furnishings Other favorites: Klingman’s Fine Furniture Talsma Furniture
Men’s Fashion The Best: A.K. Rikk’s Other favorites: Fitzgerald’s Jurgens & Holtvluwer
Cigar Shop The Best: Tuttle’s Select Cigars & Tobaccos Other favorites: Buffalo Tobacco Traders Grand River Cigar
Garden Center The Best: Fruit Basket Flowerland Other favorites: Horrocks Market Romence Gardens & Greenhouses
Comic Book Store The Best: Vault of Midnight Other favorites: Argos Book Shop Tardy’s Collectors Corner Inc.
Grocery Store The Best: Meijer Other favorites: Forest Hills Foods D&W Fresh Market
Consignment Store The Best: Georgie’s Consignment Clothing Other favorites: Gild the Lily Urban Exchange Consignment Boutique
Hardware Store The Best: Rylee’s Ace Hardware Other favorites: Kingsland Ace Hardware & Rental Alger Hardware & Rental
Farmers Market The Best: Fulton Street Farmers Market Other favorites: Rockford Farmers Market Downtown Market Grand Rapids
Home Décor Store The Best: Klingman’s Fine Furniture Other favorites: Rebel The Home Studio
Record Store The Best: Vertigo Music Other favorites: Dodds Record Shop The Corner Record Shop Shoe Store The Best: Mieras Family Shoes Other favorites: Leigh’s VanHoecks Footwear Specialty Grocer The Best: Doorganics Other favorites: Martha’s Vineyard Russo’s International Market Thrift Store The Best: New 2 You Thrift Shop Other favorites: Goodwill Salvation Army
READERS PICK
B E S T B U TC H E R S H O P : S O B I E M E AT S If you haven’t been to Sobie Meats, you’ll want to get in your car and go im-MEATiately. Tim and Theresa Sobie opened Sobie Meats on Remembrance Road in 2004 and have been that friendly, beloved neighborhood butcher shop ever since. Sobie Meats is all about that “good ol’ fashioned service,” and it strives to source its meats locally. This place has got it all: custom cuts, both smoked and fresh meats, jerky, brats, kielbasa and ground beef, just to name a few; plus, a selection of other grocery items, such as dairy products, produce, wine and beer. Specials typically change seasonally; in December, for example, it offers prime rib, tenderloin and other meats that are most popular around the holidays. If you’re in search of something it doesn’t have in stock, you better believe Sobie will go the extra mile to get it for you. That’s just how it operates. Sobie Meats is all about variety. Ready
around. Fire up that grill! Sobie offers more
Sobies said, “Honestly, it feels like winning the
than 150 types of sausages and 25 flavors
Super Bowl!” Find seasonal specials and other informa-
for some fast numbers? The most popu-
of brats. With the seemingly endless list of
lar item is snack meat sticks and it offers
options, it’s no wonder it won your vote.
tion about Sobie Meats online at sobiemeats.
11 kinds — one of the largest assortments
As for winning the Best Butcher Shop, the
com.
— Madison Mabin
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READERS PICK
B EST FE MALE T V PE RS ONALIT Y: R ACHAE L R U I Z, WO OD T V 8 Rachael Ruiz didn’t always know she wanted to be on television, but she’s known she wanted to be a storyteller since she was a child. “It’s magical,” Ruiz said, “putting words and images and sounds together to engage an audience.” Ruiz has opened her life up to us as a friendly face of WOOD TV 8 for nearly 20 years. And although she’s currently a wellrecognized host/reporter on WOOD TV’s eightWest program, Ruiz spent a lot of time behind the scenes before stepping in front of the camera. She got her first taste of the TV biz during her senior year at Michigan State University, when she worked as a photographer, reporter, field producer and editor. As she learned the ins and outs of the trade, Ruiz developed an appreciation for every job and every person who contributes to a show. “It’s truly a team effort, although the viewer only gets to see a few of the faces involved,” Ruiz said.
you’ll find her in front of the camera, post-
One of her most memorable experiences
A typical day in the life of Ruiz is not
ing to social media or writing. Evenings and
involved having to testify at a murder trial
what you’d expect. While most imagine the
weekends are often spent attending events
after speaking with a viewer who called the
TV world as this larger-than-life, glamorous
— sometimes as an emcee and sometimes
newsroom after shooting her partner dur-
industry, Ruiz said it’s actually much smaller
as a guest. Ruiz has a strong sense of com-
ing a domestic dispute. Ruiz talked to the
behind the scenes, as she’s tasked with
munity and values the importance of “show-
woman for about an hour and took a lot of
wearing several hats throughout the day.
ing up” for people and organizations.
notes. The experience reinforced something
She arrives at the studio at 8:30 a.m., does
While the job can be exhausting, Ruiz
her own hair and makeup and starts record-
finds passion and inspiration from the pow-
ing eightWest. Ruiz then often heads out to
erful ways people are impacted by stories —
do a shoot, or she’s at her desk writing a
they can affect hearts, move people to take
script or checking emails. In the afternoon,
action and open minds.
S TA F F P I C K
Best Dog-Friendly Patio: Harmony Brewing Co.
she truly believes in: “We all have a story,” she said, “and we all need to be heard.”
— Madison Mabin
Looking for a place to grab a drink and a bite to eat without having to leave your furry friend at home? Say no more! Harmony Brewing Co. has it covered. Harmony Brewing, 1551 Lake Drive SE, not only allows dogs on its outdoor patio, but its staff also will bring out a bowl of water (and even treats) to keep your pup happy. “It just happened organically,” co-owner Jackson VanDyke said. “We have a separate entrance to our patio so that people don’t ever go into the restaurant with their dogs, so people started asking if they could have their dogs out there. Our staff loves dogs, so they said, ‘I don’t see why not.’” Harmony typically opens its patio “when we get a nice stretch of weather in the spring and shut it down when the nice weather is gone,” he said. More information about Harmony Brewing Co. is available online at harmonybeer. com.
— Sarah Tincher JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 41
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Scape’s menu — the most popular is salted caramel — or even ask for a custom flavor. Plus, the bakers at DreamScape can make everything from cakes and cupcakes to cake jars, pie poppers, brownies, cookies and dessert shooters. “As far as design goes, only your imagination and budget will limit what we can do,” Couturier said. “I think that what makes the wedding cake process unique at DreamScape Desserts is that we are small enough to know every bride, yet large enough to cater to their needs,” Couturier said. “While we get comments about the texture of our cakes, awesome flavor selection and how our buttercream rocks, I think what really makes us special is the relationship we cultivate with our customers. “We have couples that we started with their wedding cake, and we have also made gender reveal, baby shower and birthday
S TA F F P I C K
Best Place to Buy a Wedding Cake: DreamScape Desserts At DreamScape Desserts, the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re more interested in a traditional tiered cake or you want your wedding dessert to be one to remember, Dream-
“Everything is fully customizable, and we do desserts for all occasions (or sometimes
Caterer The Best: Martha’s Catering Other favorites: Kangaroo Kitchen & Catering The Pit Stop
all of the special days in their lives.” Stop by DreamScape Desserts at 3917 dreamscapedesserts.com to browse the
Customers can choose from a selection
Child Care Provider The Best: AppleTree & Gilden Woods Other favorites: Rainbow Child Care Center Milestones Child Development
Bank The Best: Northpointe Bank Other favorites: Fifth Third Bank Huntington Bank
be invited back time and again to be part of
Couturier said.
Women’s Fashion The Best: Leigh’s Other favorites: JB & Me A.K. Rikk’s
Auto Repair The Best: Fox Motors Other favorites: Jack’s Service Center Ada Automotive Repair
photos they send; it is really special to us to
Leland Ave. NE in Comstock Park, or visit
of more than 25 flavors listed on Dream-
Animal Clinic The Best: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital Other favorites: Cascade Hospital for Animals Southkent Veterinary Hospitals
lies grow through the cakes we make and
no occasion is needed!),” co-owner Julie
Scape can cater to each individual’s needs.
Services
cakes since,” she added. “We see their fami-
Chiropractic Center The Best: iChiro Clinics Other favorites: Kooistra Chiropractic Clinic The Chiropractic Doctor Credit Union The Best: Lake Michigan Credit Union Other favorites: Adventure Credit Union Consumers Credit Union Day Spa The Best: Design 1 Salon Spa Other favorites: Grand Pearl Vasaio Life Spa Dentist The Best: Thomas J. Lambert, D.D.S. Other favorites: Karen O’Rourke, D.D.S. Samuel T. Bander, D.D.S. Dermatologist The Best: Richard J. Ashack, M.D. Other favorites: Robert J. Lamberts, M.D. Evelyn E. Vanderveen, M.D.
selection or place your own order today.
— Sarah Tincher
Doggie Day Care/Pet Boarding The Best: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital Other favorites: Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa Cascade Hospital for Animals Dry Cleaner The Best: Sheldon Cleaners Other favorites: Afendoulis Cleaners & Tuxedos Curtis Cleaners Hair Salon The Best: Cheeky Strut Other favorites: Design 1 Salon Spa Brindle & Blonde Hotel The Best: JW Marriott Other favorites: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel CityFlatsHotel Law Firm The Best: Varnum LLP Other favorites: Warner Norcross & Judd LLP Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey PLC Mani/Pedi The Best: Design 1 Salon Spa Other favorites: A Charmed Life Nail Salon
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READERS PICK
B E S T TAT TO O PA R LO R : M O S E I S L E Y S custom studio, meaning the artists here
tise and their own style to every piece they
ties in our great city of Grand Rapids. When
create a custom piece of artwork for every
design. And they can do just about any style
it comes to body art, you want your tattoo
individual. Mos Eisleys has wildly talented
you want!
to be personal and meaningful. This is a full
tattoo artists who bring experience, exper-
Mos Eisleys is of the oldest tattoo facili-
Can’t wait to get some fresh ink? Mos Eisleys, 71 S. Division Ave., accepts walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis; or, you can make an appointment with a deposit. Since the tattoos are customized and designed specifically for you, bring some picture references of things you like and things you don’t like to give them something to work from. While some tattoos can be done right away, others require a consultation. Don’t freak out — it’s a free appointment with a tattoo artist to talk about your design. This is the cool part: once they have the design ready, you can either get the tattoo right then and there, or put down a deposit (that later comes off the price of the finished tattoo) and make an appointment. The shop minimum is $60, and hourly rates range from $120 to $150. For more information, visit moseisleys. com.
— Madison Mabin
READERS PICK PLC Nails & Spa Place to Work Out The Best: MVP Sports Clubs Other favorites: YMCA Fit Body Boot Camp Plastic Surgeon The Best: Bradley P. Bengtson, M.D. Other favorites: John D. Renucci, M.D. Marguerite E. Aitken, M.D. Real Estate Firm The Best: RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Other favorites: Keller Williams Greenridge Realty Retirement Community The Best: Porter Hills Other favorites: Holland Home Clark Retirement Community
B EST MALE T V PE RS ONALIT Y: M I K E AV E R Y, F O X 17 FOX 17 news anchor Mike Avery has been in the broadcasting industry for more than two decades, but the road that led him to Grand Rapids certainly wasn’t without a few twists and turns. As a lifelong athlete and Ohio State University lacrosse player, Avery’s passion for his profession actually first began with a love for sports. While he thoroughly enjoyed playing sports, he knew his athletic career wouldn’t continue past college; so, he decided to shift his focus to sports coverage instead and landed a sports internship in Columbus with WSYX TV. He went on to spend several years in sports broadcasting before making the switch to news, eventually making his way to FOX 17 as a weekend anchor in 2005 before becoming the FOX 17 Morning News anchor in 2010. Avery said one of the best parts of his job is working with the crew, who he considers family. “I really believe our chemistry on the air is what separates us from the other morning shows in
Tattoo Parlor The Best: Mos Eisleys Other favorites: Screaming Needle Sovereign Arms Tattoo Co.
town,” he said.
Yoga Studio The Best: Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse Other favorites: AM Yoga Seva Yoga
one of David Letterman’s Top 10 lists;
While Avery takes his job very seriously, he admitted there have been a few crazy moments on-air, like when he sneezed on live TV, which wound up on and when Conan O’Brien aired a comical camera malfunction.
— Natalie Singer JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 43
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Sashimi Platter and Kuru Kyuri martini
JUST OFF EAST PARIS, Ju Sushi & Lounge has attracted an astute customer base and does not disappoint. Its wood-paneled interior splits off in two directions with the active and entertaining glass sushi kitchen centered between the bar area (with a cozy couch, living room seating and a fireplace) and the dining areas, including a private room. To say Ju may have the most extensive sake offerings (cold and hot) in the region would be no exaggeration. And the barkeeps love to show off a creativity equal to the sushi chefs. The same applies to more familiar liquors, beers and selected wines. During our first visit, we took advantage of Ju’s happy hour special — which runs from 3-6 p.m. every day — with a white blossom ($9, $4.50 during happy hour) and a Lychee Island ($7, $3.50 during happy hour). The Lychee Island, made with rum, lychee sake, lime, grenadine and orange juice, was sweet and refreshing, and the bold sake added a unique flavor to set it apart from your ordinary cocktail. We started the meal with two appetizers, the pork belly buns ($8) and bacon shrimp ($9). Both arrived in small portions but neither disappointed when it came to flavor. The pork belly buns — which were served as a tender, thick-cut piece of soy-braised pork belly in a steamed bao bun, accompanied by sweet and spicy au jus — melted in our mouths, and the au jus complemented the salty pork perfectly. The tempura fried, bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp, served with tobiko mayo and fresh tobiko, were succulent and delicious. On a return visit with friends, we shared Kani Kama rangoons ($7) and asparagus beef ($7) appetizers, both well-appreciated. The rangoons were stuffed with shrimp and cream cheese, and made very flavorful with sweet and tangy sauce. The fresh, crunchy asparagus is wrapped in several sliver-thin slices of fresh beef and grilled, served with the housemade teriyaki sauce. We later tried a specialty sushi roll dubbed The High Roller ($15), which wowed us with its diverse flavor profile. The High Roller was both adventurous and familiar, featuring a classic California roll topped with seared sashimi salmon, miso
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Not your average sushi bar
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dining review BY IRA CRAAVEN
Ju Sushi & Lounge Address: 1144 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 575-5858 Website: jusushi.com Dining ratings: Food: **** Service: **** Beverages: *** Atmosphere: **** Price: ¢-$
Must try: Playboy Roll Not so much: White blossom
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Above: Ju Sushi & Lounge offers two dining areas, both featuring a modern vibe and laidback atmosphere. Below: Chef Jacob Soltysiak
garlic aioli, sweet eel sauce, masago, scallions and sliced almonds. The fish tasted fresh, the miso garlic aioli offered a subtle (though welcomed) spice to offset the sweet eel sauce, and the almonds provided a nice crunch. We also shared a 10-ounce ribeye ($16) from the hibachi menu, which was perfectly cooked and flavorful, though several bites were a little too fatty and chewy. Our return visit included choices of the popular Playboy Roll ($15), featuring spicy tuna, cream cheese and shrimp tempura roll topped with butterfly shrimp, Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha and sweet eel sauce. It literally is grilled while being served on a flaming tray and the result was enthusiastically appreciated, shared and savored. So, too, was the misu ($3), made with white miso broth with tofu, wakame seaweed and green onion. The broth was unexpectedly especially flavorful, the result we suspect of a careful kitchen offering homemade excellence. We also tried the teriyaki grilled Norwegian salmon ($19) and the hibachi chicken ($10). Both were very good; the house-made teriyaki tasted as though mixed with balsamic for the salmon, and the fresh chicken
was expertly prepared on the flat grill and served with sauce. Both are served with white rice and fresh-cut, grilled red and green peppers. My friend ordered the stirfried rice ($6), which is highly recommended; the flavor is unique to this kitchen. We also dug in on the homemade carrot cake ($7), a giant slice of fresh-baked moist cake sat atop drizzled caramel sauce, iced with beautiful buttercream frosting and the added delight of toasted, finely chopped GR nuts to top the frosting.
Guide to ratings: **** *** ** *
Exceptional Above Average Satisfactory Poor
¢ $ $$
Inexpensive (under $10) Moderate ($10-$20) Expensive (Over $20)
(Prices based on average entrée.)
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
dining listings
A GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS IN GRAND RAPIDS AND BEYOND spired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon-Tue. 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. L, D $
The Chop House — Aged prime beef, seafood, pork and lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451$$ 6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. D Cinco De Mayo — Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayo1.com. L, D $ – Lounge — Soups, salads, sandwichCitysen es, burgers and small-plate creations. Beer and wine, happy hour 4-7 pm. Open daily. CityFlatsHotel, 83 Monroe Center NW, 6081725. cityflatshotel.com/location/grand-rap ids. B, L, D ¢-$
The recommendations and reviews in the listings are the opinions of the editors.
Restaurants are included by virtue of overall quality. We have created symbols to area restaurant amenities, which are defined in a legend at the end of this listing (page 69).
DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 1 Bun Restaurant — Build-your-own hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and sloppy Joe’s — all served on hot dog buns. Closed Sun. 2140 S Division Ave, 279-2943. Facebook. L, D ¢ Angel’s Thai Café — Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthai cafe.com. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok Taste Cuisine — Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. L, D ¢-$ Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. L (not Sat), D ¢-$ Bistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobella vita.com. L, D $-$$
Bobarino’s at The B.O.B. — Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers. Full-service bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/ ¢-$ bobarinospizza. L, D Brick & Porter — Appetizers, burgers, salads and sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. 47 Monroe Center NW, 226-6928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat, Sun), L, D ¢-$ Bull’s Head Tavern — Large selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Entrées include pasta, fish, chicken and steak along with burgers and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. the bullsheadtavern.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood in a fine dining atmosphere with views of the Grand River. Gluten-free menu. Beer and extensive wine list. Sun brunch 10-2:30. Open daily. 63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com/charleyscrab. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ City Built Brewing Co. – Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-in-
Cottage Bar — Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chilis, burgers, full bar and more. Closed Sun. 18 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D ¢ Cygnus 27 — Stunning view from 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Menu features Mediterranean and Latin influences. Full bar. Sun brunch 10:30-2. Closed Mon. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand.com/din ing/cygnus-27. D (Tue-Sat) $$ 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. D $-$$ Flanagan’s — Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢ Founders Brewing Co. — Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing. com. L, D ¢ Gilly’s at The B.O.B. — Handcrafted microbrews paired with seasonal fare. Tavern, small plates, seafood and more. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/ gillysrestaurant. D $-$$ GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant. Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW,
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
Wheelhouse Kitchen and Cocktails
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
Spectacular Waterfront Views AD Private Dining BW Happy Hour 4C Sunday Brunch FULL PG
63 MARKET AVE, S.W. • GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 • 616.459.2500 • MUER.COM GRM_01.18_PG44.71.indd 47
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/gp-spo rts. L, D $
seating. Closed Sun. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 4598824. jgardellastavern.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢
Grand Rapids Brewing Co. — Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-to-table menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewing company.com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$
Judson’s at The B.O.B. — Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops. Notable wine list. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsons $$ steakhouse. D
Grand Rapids Garage Bar and Grill — “AllAmerican grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-0321. garagebargr.com. L, D ¢
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by Grand Rapids Magazine
BEST
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Grand Woods Lounge — Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Year-round alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. L, D ¢-$ G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. No alcohol. Open daily, with a few tables for dining in. 340 State St SE, 742-4773. grand ¢-$ rapidspizza.net. L, D The Heritage — GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D $-$$ Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. L, D ¢-$ HopCat — Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature crack fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr.com. L, D ¢-$ FIron — Cast-iron entrées, plus seafood, duck, lamb and steak. Hot and cold appetizers, sandwiches and salads round out the menu. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 25 Ottawa Ave SW, 228-4894. irongr.com. D $-$$ Jamaican Dave’s — Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, chicken, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. L, D ¢
plainfield • cascade grandville • gaines portage 616.363.9019 www.design1.com
J.D. Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge at The Boardwalk offers American, southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities. Outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. L, D ¢-$ J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. Three floors of
The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck — Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Private dining areas. Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/din ing/the-kitchen-by-wolfgang-puck. L, D $-$$ FLeo’s — Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm Mon-Fri. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrest $-$$ aurant.com. L (Mon-Fri), D Lucky Luciano’s — Fifty gourmet pizza options, whole or by the slice. Takeout, delivery available. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 15 Ionia Ave SW, Suite 140, 356-4600. lucky ¢-$ lucianos.com. L,D FLuna Taqueria y Cocina — Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. 64 Io¢-$ nia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. L, D Mazzo — From the owners of Uccello’s, housed in the former site of Tre Cugini. Modern Italian eatery featuring seafood, sandwiches, pasta and pizza; plus, full bar and happy hour Mon-Thu. Sun open for special events only. 122 Monroe Center NW, 7731687. mazzogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant — Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar. com. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$ New Hotel Mertens — French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era New Hotel Mertens. Seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Brunch served Sat-Sun. Open daily. 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. newho telmertens.com. B (Mon-Fri), L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetrick.biz. L, D ¢-$ Continued on page 52
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West Michigan
HOME GARDEN SHOW DeVos Place
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• Garden Stage features top industry Enjoy more feature gardens than ever experts! before! This year’s garden theme “Great Stories” is sure to inspire great ideas for you to take home. Come and enjoy each fantastic • Annual Garden Photography Contest garden and vote for your favorite in our for photographers of all ages and abilities. annual Garden Design Competition.
Check out all the details at www.GRHomeShow.com.
www.GRHomeShow.com/PhotoContest for details! • Standard Kitchens Cooking Stage with Chef Angus Campbell and Ellen Ecker Ogden!
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Sponsored in part by
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
Executive chef Peter Davidson makes himself at home at Vander Mill.
Blending class and comfort
E
PETER DAVIDSON Title: Executive chef Location: 505 Ball Ave. NE
Nearly a decade later, Davidson headed for Philadelphia, where he graduated from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in 2000. He then promptly landed at Thornapple Village Inn in Ada, back when it was Greg Gilmore’s flagship restaurant (pre-B.O.B.), where the menu offered dishes like “potato-encrusted walleye, fresh whitefish, creamy morels and wine dinners,” he recalled. “I loved cooking there — it was a dream.” He later spent some time at Gracewil Country Club and then went on to help launch The Green Well in 2007. “The vibe was great,” he said of his time at The Green Well. “We were just mobbed, and every day was busier than the next. We would get to Sunday and have nothing left in the cooler, so we had to be super creative for our prix fixe menu.” Not even two years later, The Winchester’s Paul Lee asked Davidson to open his rule-breaking restaurant. “We were having fun with farm-to-table before it became
kind of cliché,” Davidson said. “We tried to eliminate the middleman as much as possible.” Davidson then made his way to Grove, which joined The Green Well and Bistro Bella Vita as the most recent addition to the Essence Restaurant Group in 2011 but left to start his own venture, Saburba, in 2012. Five years later, Davidson is working hard to prove second acts can be wonderfully fulfilling at Vander Mill, where he’s having fun experimenting with craft ciders in his expansive kitchen. Whether he’s making crunchy carnitas out of salmon infused with an exceptional blend of spices or roasting winter’s best vegetables — butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts — into a beautifully charred hash, his unique culinary creations are consistently sure to please. — JAYE BEELER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (PAGE 50 & LEFT PAGE 51); COURTESY THINKSTOCK (TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT PAGE 51)
xecutive chef Peter Davidson’s sweet cider-braised pork porterhouse — a dish featuring Michigan cherry barbecue sauce, Swiss chard, parsnips and sweet cider sauce — is a must-try at Vander Mill. “People stop me and say, ‘Holy crap, this is delicious,’” Davidson said. “I brine it, so that’s almost like cheating because you can’t overcook a brined piece of meat.” Davidson joined Vander Mill last summer, shortly after his beloved Saburba of Ada closed its doors. But he hit the ground running the moment he arrived and has shown no signs of slowing down. The Lowell native charms with a sort of sophisticated elegance masked as comfortable familiarity, creating intense flavors with all the bits our taste buds crave on a cold winter’s night — his macaroni and cheese is twirled with bacon jam; his carrot cake is speckled with hard cider-soaked carrots; his cider cheese is a rift of the classic cheeseball baptized with a splash of cider. The long road that led Davidson to Vander Mill undoubtedly has been both rewarding and turbulent at times; but even before he began bouncing from kitchen to kitchen, learning and growing as a chef along the way, his culinary journey all began in his mother’s busy kitchen. Davidson’s family raised a “massive” garden as he was growing up, which not only influenced his palate early on but also sparked his unrelenting dedication to fresh, quality ingredients. “We weren’t vegetarians, but we ate lots of plants because we grew them,” Davidson said. “There was always something wonderful; my mom made amazing grain burgers with tamari and cayenne. That’s the kind of food that we ate.” After graduating from Lowell High School in 1989, Davidson rolled with life, mowing lawns, cooking and working as a ski technician. But when two friends decided to head west, he decided to join them — eventually drifting into cooking in Colorado and Wyoming. 50 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2018
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“We were having fun (at The Winchester) with farm-to-table before it became kind of cliché. We tried to eliminate the middleman as much as possible.” — Peter Davidson
Peter Davidson’s Apple Cobbler (Serves 12)
Apple Mixture 8 cups peeled diced apples 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup pecans ½ cup hard cider 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt In a large mixing bowl, toss together diced apples, sugar, pecans, hard cider, flour, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.
Crust 4 cups old-fashioned oats 3½ cups all-purpose flour 2 cups packed brown sugar 1 pound softened butter ½ cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (PAGE 50 & LEFT PAGE 51); COURTESY THINKSTOCK (TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT PAGE 51)
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, both sugars, butter and baking soda until the mixture resembles sand. Spray a hotel pan measuring about 12-by-20 inches with a depth of 2 inches, 4 inches or 6 inches. Spread half of the crust down and press until smooth. Place apples in an even level on top, minus any extra liquid. Spread the remaining crust over apples. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
Continued from page 48 FOsteria Rossa – Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Closed Sun. 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriaro ssa.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ FPalace of India — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestau rant.com. L, D ¢-$ Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$ OReserve — Wine bar offers extensive bythe-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr. com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Rockwell Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. 45 S Division Ave, 5513563. rockwellsrepublic.com. D $-$$ Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ $$ ruths-chris-steak-house. L, D FSan Chez Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. L, D $-$$
(after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. L, D $
Stella’s Lounge — Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. 53 Commerce Ave SW, 742-4444. ¢-$ stellasgr.com. L (Fri-Sun), D Tavern On The Square — Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Wheelhouse Kitchen and Cocktails — Eclectic American bistro fare with seasonal recipes using Michigan ingredients. Large bar and porch. Open daily. Arena Place, 67 Ottawa Ave SW, 226-3319. wheelhousegrand rapids.com. L, D $-$$ Z’s Bar & Restaurant — Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available. Open daily. 168 Louis Campau Promenade ¢-$ NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D
WEST SIDE Ando Asian Kitchen & Bar — Asian fusion eatery featuring small plates, bentos, rice bowls, raw bar, noodles, soup, salad and more. Wide selection of wine, plus local, domestic and international beer. Full bar. 415 Bridge St NW, 608-0789. andoasiankitchen. com. L, D $ Blue Dog Tavern — West Michigan craft brews on tap. Good selection of tots, dogs and burgers. Open daily. 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr.com. L, D ¢
Six.One.Six — Innovative cuisine sources local ingredients in a cosmopolitan setting. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilove thejw.com/dining/six.one.six. B, L, D $-$$
Broadway Bar & Grill — Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations, especially at Christmas. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. 740 Broadway Ave SW, 454-0565. Facebook. ¢ L, D
Slows Bar-B-Q — Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides. Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slows barbq.com. L, D ¢-$
Butcher’s Union — Meat-and-whiskeycentric gastro-pub. Full bar. Outdoor seating available. Brunch served on Sundays. 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. Facebook. L, D $
Social Kitchen & Bar — Refined comfort food, sandwiches, pizzas, extensive cocktail menu. Vintage décor, patio. Open daily. Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 724-4464. social kitchenandbar.com/grand-rapids.html. B $-$$ (Sat-Sun brunch), L, D SpeakEZ Lounge — Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and glutenfree. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées
El Granjero — Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ El Sombrero — Offers “the original” wet burrito, dry ones, too. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. ¢ elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. L, D Harmony Hall — West Side brewpub with a
German beer hall atmosphere serves sausages, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9186. har ¢-$ monybeer.com/harmony-hall. L, D
The Holiday Bar — Established in 1905, menu features appetizers and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden in warm months. Open daily. 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. the ¢ holidaybargr.com. L, D Maggie’s Kitchen — Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. 636 Bridge St NW, 458¢ 8583. Facebook. B, L, D The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing. com. L, D ¢-$ Monarchs’ Club — Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. 646 Stocking Ave NW, 2339799. tappyhourgr.com/monarchs-club. L, D ¢ O’Toole’s Public House — Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Pearl Street Grill — Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/pearlstreet-grill. B, L, D $ Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant — Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatores gr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ The Sovengard — Midwest meets Scandinavian spirit, with a focus on seasonal and local sourcing. Restaurant and outdoor beer garden in a historic West Side building. Open daily. 443 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. D $ 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. Open 11 am-3 pm Mon-Sat. Closed Sun. 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. L ¢-$
UPTOWN Big Willy’s Italian Beef — Authentic Chica-
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www.nativestemcell.com JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 53
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food & drink
Your day just as you imagined...
RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
go cuisine, featuring Italian sausage, Polish dogs and Chicago dogs, as well as Italian ice drinks. Open daily. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 2885824, bigwillysitalianbeef.com. L, D ¢
Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India. Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycui $ sine.com. L, D Brewery Vivant — Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. brewery vivant.com. L (Sat-Sun), D $-$$
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Brick Road Pizza — Traditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (gluten-free crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpiz za.com. L, D ¢-$ Brown Butter Creperie & Café — Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. 1436 Wealthy St SE, 288-5038. brownbuttercrepes.com. B, ¢ L, D (Wed-Sat) Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 2334141. chezolga.com. L, D ¢-$ Curry Kitchen — Authentic Indian cuisine. Daily lunch buffet. Kids menu. Takeout. Open daily. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 2421300. currykitchengr.com. L, D $ 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. don keygr.com. B (Sat and Sun), L, D ¢-$
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East West Brewing Co. — Traditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwest brewingcompany.com. L (Fri-Sat), D ¢-$ Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Sun brunch. Open daily. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 4514779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$
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Elk Brewing Co. — Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢ Erb Thai — Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol.
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VOTED BEST
BAR BQ
food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
Open daily. 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. L, D ¢
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. gojo $ ethiopiancuisine.com. L, D FGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course offerings. Vegan menu available. Full bar. Open daily. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant. com. D $$ Harmony Brewing Co. — Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Open daily. 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer. com. L, D $ ➧Jonny B’z — Beef, turkey and veggie hot dogs available, as well as burgers, sandwiches, wings, ribs and kids menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 701 Wealthy St SE, 551-1108. jonnybz. $ com. L, D
Little Africa Ethiopian Cuisine — Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. Sample other specialties. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. 956 E Fulton St, 222¢ 1169. Facebook. L, D Marie Catrib’s — Middle Eastern sandwiches, soups, salads. Deli, bakery, Turkish coffee, kids menu. Vegetarian options. Closed Sun. No alcohol. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecat ¢-$ ribs.com. B (Mon-Sat), L, D (Mon-Fri) Maru Sushi & Grill — Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Matchbox Diner & Drinks — Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry-out available. Open Daily. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. B, L, D $
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FTerra — Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch Sat-Sun, L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Wealthy Street Bakery — Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner (pizza available after 4 pm). Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbak ery.com. B, L, D ¢-$
The Winchester — Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in century-old space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. ¢-$ B (Sat and Sun), L, D Yesterdog — Specializes in the “good oldfashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. L, D. ¢
EAST GRAND RAPIDS Big Bob’s Pizza — Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$ Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen — Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. 2213 Wealthy St, 805-5231. caroli nalck.com. D $ Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. Open daily. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 3013236. derbystation.com. L, D $ José Babushka’s — Old local favorite is back after 20 years. Menu includes starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabush kas.com. L, D $ Olive’s — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. L, D ¢-$ Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Large selection of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Serves beer and wine. Takeout and catering available. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L (Tue¢-$ Fri), D Rose’s — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection. com/roses. L, D $
KENTWOOD 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$$ Al-Bos Eurocafe-Bakery — Authentic southeastern European cuisine. Menu in-
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
cludes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials. Open daily. 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. al-bos.com. L, D ¢-$
Asian Palace — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. Familyowned and -operated. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 141 28th St SE, 534-7770. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ El Arriero Mexican Grill — Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas. Open daily. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarri eromexicangrill.com. L, D ¢-$
Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant — Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. 4301 Kalamazoo $ Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. L, D Hall Street Bakery — Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hall streetbakery.com. B, L, D ¢-$ India Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. 3760 S Division Ave, 2431219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D ¢-$
Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. 16 28th St SE, 245$ 0494. beltlinebar.com. L, D
Jade Garden — Chinese cuisine with some American dishes. Children’s menu, large selection of tropical cocktails. Open daily. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. Facebook. L, D ¢-$
Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. L, D ¢-$
Last Chance Tavern and Grill — Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelast chancetavern.com. L, D ¢
Cantina Mexican Grill — Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drivethru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantina mexicangrill.biz. L (Sun-Thu), D $
Le Kabob — Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. L, D ¢-$
China Yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan. No alcohol. Open daily. 1947 Eastern Ave SE, 241-3885. Facebook. L, D ¢-$
Mandarin — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine. Cocktails. Lunch menu. Open daily. 2460 28th St SE, 530-3300. mandaringrand rapids.com. L, D ¢-$
Daddy Pete’s BBQ — Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats, plus desserts and sides. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. L, D ¢-$
Mikado Sushi — Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mik adogr.com/main. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$
East Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. L, D ¢-$ Florentine Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Lounge — Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Ganders — Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton GR Airport), 957-0100. doubletree grandrapids.com/ganders-restaurant. B, L, D ¢-$$ Golden Gate — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D ¢
Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 2469966. L, D ¢-$
Pho Soc Trang — Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. L, D ¢-$ Pietro’s Italian Restaurant — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. 2780 Birchcrest Dr $ SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. L, D Shanghai Ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine, including sushi. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120. shanghaiichiban.com. L, D $-$$ FShiraz Grille — Authentic Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, vegetarian options. Full bar. Closed Mon. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 9497447. shirazgrille.com. L (Fri-Sun), D $-$$ Sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni. ¢-$$ net. L, D La Taqueria San Jose — Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1338 S Division Ave, 284-2297. Facebook. L, D ¢ Thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiex pressgr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢
Mi Tierra — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. 2300 S ¢ Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D
Thai Fusion — Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. L, D ¢-$
Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries and noodle dishes. No alcohol. Open daily. 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. L, D ¢-$
Tokyo Grill & Sushi — Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyo grillsushi.com. L, D ¢-$
The Old Goat — Creative cuisine in Alger Heights from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads, kids menu, full bar. Outdoor patio. Open daily. 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. B (Mon-Fri), L, D ¢-$
Village Inn Pizza & Sports Grille — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$
Pal’s Indian Cuisine — Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsin $ diancuisine.com. L, D Pho Anh Trang — Vietnamese, Chinese,
FWei Wei Palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. No alcohol. Open daily. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. weiweipalace.com. L, D $ Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. Open daily.
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TOGETHER GATHER TOGETHER Plan your next lunch or dinner meeting with Reserve. Call to perfect your event. RESERVE WINE & FOOD
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4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. Facebook. L, D ¢-$
RESERVE WINE WINE & & FOOD FOOD RESERVE 201 MONROE MONROE AVENUE AVENUE NW NW DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN GRAND GRAND RAPIDS RAPIDS 201 RESERVEGR.COM 616 855 WINE RESERVEGR.COM 616 855 WINE
SOUTHWEST GRAND RAPIDS 84th Street Pub & Grille — American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar. Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok View — Authentic Thai cuisine. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1233 28th St SW, 5318070. bangkokviewthairestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. blueginger kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$ ChinaTown — Asian restaurant and Japanese steakhouse with tabletop-style meals available. Full bar. Open daily. 69 28th St SW, 452-3025. L, D ¢-$ Far-East Chinese Restaurant — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carryout and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Frankie V’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar — Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs. com. L, D ¢-$ Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. 627 28th St SW, 531-2800. L, D $ Holly’s Back Door Bar & Grill — Full menu and good selection of munchies at Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Full bar. Closed Sun$ Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. B, L, D
Voted Best Wine List! Best of 2017-18 Readers Poll
Kitzingen Brewery — German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed SunMon. 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingenbrewery.com. L, D ¢-$ Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano — Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 1742 28th St SW, 261-2280. lindomexicogr.com. L, D ¢-$ Little Bangkok — Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Main Street Pub — Varied appetizers, salJANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 59
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
ads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Kids eat free Sun-Wed. Full bar. Open daily. 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. L, D ¢-$
Monelli’s Italian Grill & Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace.
Open daily. 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 5309700. monellis.com. L, D ¢-$
Tacos El Caporal — Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. B, L, D ¢
Woody’s Press Box — Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spec trumlanes.com. B (Mon-Sat), L, D $
NORTHEAST GRAND RAPIDS 7 Monks Taphouse — Beer bar with more than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads, pesto pasta and Korean nachos. Open daily. 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/grand-rapids. L, D ¢-$ Birch Lodge — Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. L, D ¢ Blue Water Grill — Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection. com/bluewater. L, D $-$$ Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. L, D ¢-$ Charlie’s Bar & Grille — Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charlies barandgrille.com. L, D ¢-$ Cheer’s Good Time Saloon — Menu offers something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. B, L, D ¢ Cheshire Grill — Sandwiches, soups, salads, creative burgers. Open daily for breakfast (served all day) and lunch. No alcohol. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 635-2713. cheshiregrill. com. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢-$ Creston Brewery — More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. L, D. ¢-$ Erb Thai Xpress — Thai fare for takeout only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 820 Michigan St NE, 454-0444. erbthaigr.com/erbthai_ xpress.html. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢ 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,
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Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. L, D ¢-$
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. freds italian.net. L, D ¢-$ Fuji Yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabis ¢-$ tro.com. L, D Golden Wok — Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials. Full bar. Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwok grandrapids.com. L, D ¢-$ Gravity Taphouse Grille — Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. Pizzas, small and large plates. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com. L, D ¢-$
Graydon’s Crossing — Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscross ing.com. L, D $ Green Restaurant — Sandwiches, salads, burgers, seafood and much more. Serves beer, wine and cocktails. Closed Mon. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-8294. greenrestau $ rantgrandrapids.com. L, D (Tue-Sat) Gus’s Original — Appetizers, salads and soups, stone-oven pizzas, gourmet sandwiches; coffees and ice cream bar. Outdoor seating. No alcohol. Open daily. 3123 Leonard St NE, 805-5599. gussoriginal.com. B, L, D ¢ ➧Jaku Sushi — Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. 2289 E Beltline Ave NE, 649-0407. jakusushi.com. L, D $
Kitchen 67 — Large menu uses Michigan
ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers. Open daily. 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 272¢-$ 3778. kitchen67.com. L, D
La Huasteca — Homemade recipes, vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. L, D ¢ Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. L, D ¢-$ 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. licarispizza kitchen.com. L, D $ Little Lucy’s Café — Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. littlelucyscafe.com. B, L $-$$
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pints of interest BY PAT EVANS
Rockford Brewing wins big “More and more establishments are adding us to their tap space and shelves and asking for the award-winning beers. We’re actually having a hard time keeping up.” — Seth Rivard
Three to try > Rogue River Brown: Winning two GABF medals for a single beer — 2015 and 2017 — isn’t something many breweries can claim, and this is one of the best examples of a brown ale in the country. Nothing mindblowing, just good. > Sheehan’s Irish Stout: Guinness is great, but why not drink a Michigan-made Dry Irish Stout. This stout is up there for best brewed in Michigan.
Seth Rivard and Jeff Sheehan
ter specialties to try in January. Along with the award-winning group of beers, including Rogue River Brown, Sheehan’s Irish Stout and Hoplust IPA, Rockford will have a Russian imperial stout called Shanty Warmer on tap. The brewery also will be serving up Complete Nutter Madness, an imperial porter with peanut butter, coffee and vanilla. The latter two beers generally are brewed only once a year. As for the rest of the year, Rockford will keep its newsworthy march moving. Hoplust will continue a statewide rollout in six-packs of bottles, and the brewery will release its first bottles from a Wild Sour Ale program the brewers have been working on for a while. “We are so excited for 2018,” Rivard said. “We’ve received a lot of recognition over the last few months, it’s been pretty humbling.” — Pat Evans wrote the book “Grand Rapids Beer.” He also writes nationally on beer and spirits. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Shanty Warmer: Nothing against its IPAs, but Rockford is at its best with stouts, and Shanty Warmer, a Russian imperial stout, is a big, boozy winter warmer.
IN OCTOBER, ROCKFORD BREWING CO. won big at one of the largest beer competitions in the world, continuing to help the region lay its claim as a great place for beer. Now, a few months later, Rockford Brewing owners Seth Rivard and Jeff Sheehan have finally gotten past the initial shock of being named the Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival and are marching forward into a new year. The two truly were shocked — they weren’t in Denver at the competition or festival; and with more nearly 6,000 breweries in the U.S., the odds weren’t exactly in their favor. In the three months following the win, Rockford Brewing saw an uptick in demand, but Rivard said the awards didn’t, and won’t, go to their heads. The brewers at Rockford have stayed true to beer styles since they opened more than five years ago — a large reason they can take home awards regularly. Still, the brewery’s capacity is now being tested by the demand for their beers, particularly Rogue River Brown and Sheehan’s Irish Stout, both of which won awards at the competition in October. “We’ve definitely seen a big increase in demand and exposure of our brand and beers,” Rivard said. “More and more establishments are adding us to their tap space and shelves and asking for the award-winning beers. We’re actually having a hard time keeping up.” Along with a growing demand across the state, Rockford’s taproom is attracting more visitors, who will have a selection of tasty win-
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food & drink
Thanks to Grand Rapids Magazine readers for voting for us. Also, special thanks to our awesome crew and loyal customers and most of all God. We are blessed with a successful business. — Tim & Teresa Sobie
RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
Mill Creek Tavern — Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektavern gr.com. L, D ¢-$
3450 Remembrance Rd NW Walker | (616) 453-7201 sobiemeats.com
Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat Japanese/ Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily. 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 3653989. mingtenrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Nick Fink’s — Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollec $ tion.com/nickfinks. D Noodle Monkey — Ramen-based eatery in renovated Rak Thai Bistro space includes some Rak Thai favorites, also noodle dishes and pho. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. Facebook. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Palio — Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. L, D $-$$ Reds At Thousand Oaks — Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 4477750. eatatreds.com. L, D $-$$ Rezervoir Lounge — Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge. com. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$
Best of 2017-18 Readers Poll
CELEBRATE with us... Bring in this coupon or mention Grand Rapids Magazine and receive 10% off your total order for the month of January 2018!
Voted “BEST PIZZA”
Old-World family recipes in a New-World setting. Best Pizza and a whole lot more!
Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 3646266. riograndsteakhouse.com. L, D $-$$
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. the score-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Sheshco Grill — Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill. net. L, D $ Thai Chef — Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. L, D $ Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with
Best of 2017-18 Readers Poll
Thanks for voting us Best Pizza!
6650 E. Fulton St.
•
www.vitalesada.com
•
616-676-5400
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
Everyone deserves
a healthy smile. unexpected twists. Full bar features local beers/wines. Open daily. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twisted-rooster.com. L, D ¢-$$
Vander Mill — Seasonal menu with many locally sourced ingredients. Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style. Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. 505 Ball Ave $-$$ NE, 259-8828. vandermill.com. D
NORTHWEST GRAND RAPIDS FAmore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. Housemade desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrat toriaitaliana.com. D (Tue-Sat) $
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Balinski’s — Polish-American soups, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and entrées, including pierogis, golabki and kielbasa; plus, traditional American options and Polish desserts. Closed Mon. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 288-5440. balinskis.com. L, D ¢-$ China Chef — Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Open daily. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. L, D ¢-$ China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. 1140 Monroe ¢-$ Ave NW, 451-3688. L, D Crooked Goose — Full menu of “old-school tavern favorites,” including munchies, pizzas, sandwiches and burgers, fresh greens, entrées. Full bar. Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave NW, 791-2362. crookedgoose.com. L, D ¢-$ Empire Chinese Buffet II — All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. L, D ¢-$ Erb Thai Café — Thai fare for dining in/taking out. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 4160 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 724-4102. erbthaigr.com. L, D ¢ Franco’s Pizza — Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. D ¢-$ Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market. Full bar. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 7855800. fricanospizza.com. D ¢-$ Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — PanAsian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsu
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premebuffet.letseat.at. L, D
¢
Home Team Grill — Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill.word ¢-$ press.com. L, D Hunan Chinese Restaurant — Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. L, D ¢-$ The Landing — Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. All-American favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/ dining/the-landing-restaurant. B, L, D $ Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. mrgyros ¢-$ drivethru.com. L, D
With the Ballroom @ CityFlatsHotel, CitySen Lounge, and the new Events @ CityFlatsHotel, there is a multitude of options for your special event. Weddings, birthdays, meetings, reunions, and wonderful memories all happen with CityFlatsHotel. Visit cityflatshotel.com to learn more.
Perrin Brewing Co. — Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. 5910 Comstock Park Dr, 551-1957. perrinbrewing.com. L, D ¢ Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel. com. B, L, D ¢-$ Tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse in former warehouse district. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Full bar. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. tillmans restaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Three Happiness Restaurant — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Walker Roadhouse — Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 7919922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $
ADA/CASCADE/LOWELL Ada Pour House — Fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a twist on comfort food. Salads, sandwiches and entrées, including fish and steak. Craft beers and wine. Open daily. 6749 E Fulton St, Ada, 920-7941, adapour house.com. B (Sun brunch only), L, D $-$$ Aryana Restaurant & Bar — Comfortable dining room in Crowne Plaza Hotel offers
ARTISAN COCKTAILS
The Art of Food!
Traditional American regional specialties with Southwestern influences.
151 Ottawa Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 776-1616 5755 28th Street SE Cascade, MI 49546 (616) 956-5644 www.sundancegrill.com JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 65
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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana. com. B, L, D $-$$
Big Boiler Brewing — Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and cider. Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboil erbrewing.com. D $ The Blue Moose Sports Pub — Farm-totable sports bar. Can accommodate up to 175 guests and features a food menu made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. 6240 28th St SE, 734-6333. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. L, D ¢-$ Cork — Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. corkwineand grille.com. L, D $-$$ The Euro Bistro — European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, woodfired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. euro bistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. L, D $-$$ ➧Holland & Fitz Delicatessen — Deli sandwiches with in-house baked bread featuring corned beef hash and pork shoulder. Breakfast and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 7277 Thornapple River Dr SE, Suite B, 9207090. hollandandfitzdelicatessen.com. B, L, D $ -Ju Sushi & Lounge — Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. L, D ¢-$$
La Laguna — Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. L, D ¢-$
Little Bangkok — Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr. ¢-$ com. L (Mon-Fri), D Main Street BBQ — Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Full bar. Open daily. 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. L, D ¢-$ Marco New American Bistro — French country casual offers small, medium and large plates for dinner fare; salads, sandwiches and mains for lunch. Full bar. Takeout menu. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. L, D $-$$ Mynt Fusion Bistro — Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$ Ning Ye — Family-owned restaurant serves Chinese and Korean fare. No alcohol. Open daily. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676-5888. ningye.info. L, D $ Noco Provisions — Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. L, D $ Nonna’s: The Trattoria — Fresh, Europeanstyle pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch Tues-Sat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna. com. B, L, D (Tues-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. D $-$$ Osaka Steakhouse & Japanese Restaurant — Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. 4977 28th St SE, 419-4628. Facebook. L, D $ Pal’s Diner — Traditional diner offers breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. pals ¢ diner.com. B, L, D Schnitz Ada Grill — Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. L, D ¢-$$ Shepards Grill & Tavern — Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. 6246
28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, D
¢-$
Thornapple Brewing Co. — Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert. Closed Sun. 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. L (Sat), D $ Trailhead Café — Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. 1200 E Paris Ave SE, 284¢ 3664. trailheadcafegr.com. B, L 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. D Zeytin — Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin turkishrestaurant.com. L, D $
GRANDVILLE/HUDSONVILLE/ GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP Bangkok Taste — Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 674 Baldwin St, 667-8901. bang koktaste.com. L, D ¢-$ The Dungeon — Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢-$ El Burrito Loco — More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 530-9470. elburritoloco4.com. L, D ¢-$ GrandVilla — Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadun geon.com. L, D ¢-$ Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hud sonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Osgood Brewing Co. — Craft brewery serves shareables, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and salads. Kids menu. Open daily. 4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 432-3881. osgoodbrewing.com. L, D ¢-$ Pike 51 Brewing Co./Hudsonville Winery — Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées.
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Open daily. 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. L, D ¢-$
Rainbow Grill — Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. ¢-$ rainbowgrillmichigan.com. B, L, D Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro. $ com. L, D White Flame Brewing Co. — Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com. L, D ¢-$
ROCKFORD AREA Bostwick Lake Inn — Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. L (weekends), D $-$$ Boulder Creek Restaurant — Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See website for seasonal hours. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolf club.com/restaurant. L, D ¢-$ Cedar Springs Brewing Co. — German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. L, D $ Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven. com. L, D $-$$
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Honey Creek Inn — Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. L, D ¢-$ Marinades Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro. ¢ com. L, D
Voted One of the Favorite Dentists Grand Rapids Magazine Readers Poll 2013-2017
Ramona’s Table — Gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, small plates, homemade desserts. Farm-to-table specials. Michigan beers, wine. Kids menu. Open daily.
Named a Top Dentist by USA Top Dentists
Karen O’Rourke, DDS 616.455.7930 www.drkorourke.com 4250 Kalamazoo SE Grand Rapids
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15 YEARS AND COUNTING!
food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS
17 Squires St Square NE, 951-7100. ramonas table.com. L, D ¢-$
Rockford Brewing Co. — Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Brunch served 11 am-4 pm Sunday. Hand-crafted brews on tap. Open daily. 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrew ing.com. L, D ¢-$ Timbers Inn — Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. L (Wed-Sun), D ¢-$ Best of 2017-18 Readers Poll
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MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Anna’s House — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and exceptional desserts; dinner menu, too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. B, L $ Arnie’s Bakery & Restaurant — Breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and sandwiches. Menu includes extensive gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 722 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 2650 East Beltline Ave SE (Centerpointe Mall), 956-7901; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrest aurant.com. B, L, D $ Brann’s Steakhouse & Sports Grille — Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. L, D $ First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstwokgr. com. L, D $ The Green Well Gastro Pub — Menu features comfort fare with a flair, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, 808-3566; 8 E Bridge St NE, Rockford, 884-4100. thegreenwell.com. L, D $-$$
The Shade Shop, Inc. 422 Leonard St NW Grand Rapids, MI M W F 10:00am-5:30pm T Th Sat: 10:00am-2:00pm 616-459-4693 www.theshadeshopinc.com Follow us on Social Media! ©2016 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.3597723
Herb & Fire Pizzeria — Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria. com. L, D. $
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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. ¢-$$ com. L, D Pita House — Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. ¢ thepitahouse.net. L, D Real Food Café — Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and madefrom-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. ¢ B, L Sundance Bar & Grill — Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sun dancegrill.com. B, L, D (Mon-Sat) $ Uccello’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 9542002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520. uccellos.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes. Full bar. 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitales ada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 6622244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales.com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011, vitalessportsbar.com. L, D ¢-$
THANK YOU GRAND RAPIDS! We are proud to be a part of this great city.
Dining Guide Legend Grand Rapids Magazine has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers. B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner ¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)* $ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — Expensive (Over $20)* * Prices based on average entrée. - — Reviewed in this issue — Chef Profile in this issue ➧ — New listing O — GRM’s 2016 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2016 Dining Award Winner Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email stincher@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
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cocktail hour BY TORRENCE R. O’HAIRE
A
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Rediscover a true classic
true cocktail is a combination of two or more ingredients that support and improve all the independent parts with such success that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Think about a fantastic Manhattan: When it’s truly perfectly balanced, using good ingredients, it seems to be the farthest thing in the world from just a “shot of whiskey.” The original martini was the same in concept: a silky, well-made gin combined with a balanced, herbal, dry (or off-dry) vermouth, stirred until well-chilled and diluted to a pleasant burn, and occasionally perfumed with a shred of lemon peel. Unfortunately, the “dark ages of the cocktail” (namely the ’70s through the ’90s) ruined the martini. How, you might ask? Don’t shake a martini. The stirring of the martini emulsifies the ingredients. When you shake it, you speed-dilute the cocktail and make it so numbingly cold that there’s no point in fussing over a brand of spirit — you won’t be able to taste it anyway. Stirred martinis are elegance in action. Gin, not vodka. Sorry, kids, a martini is a gin cocktail. The martini was designed to balance and display the aromatics of the gin; vodka doesn’t have any flavor at all. And for those of you who whine that “gin tastes like Christmas trees,” there are several types of modern gin that aren’t so juniper-focused. Stop skimping on the vermouth. As Americans have lost value in vermouth over time, bars have quit worrying about keeping nice vermouth on hand and, instead, opted for the cheapest available. And as people stopped drinking vermouth, those cheap bottles would sit half-empty on the back shelves of the bar, often waiting weeks or months for the occasional order. Rather than writing off vermouth entirely, start demanding your bars don’t use cheap, spoiled vermouth in their cocktails. Bigger is not better — it’s far worse. Martinis are about balance and finesse, emulsification and a proper chill (without texture-destroying ice chips). That balance only exists for a short time before the ambient temperature warms things up, the satiny
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NATION Sorry, kids, a martini is a gin cocktail. The martini was designed to balance and display the aromatics of the gin; vodka doesn’t have any flavor at all. The Martini
2½ ounces gin (I’ve been loving Long Road’s local expression) ½ ounce dry vermouth (Carpano Dry is my favorite, Dolin Dry is nice, too) A small twist of lemon peel (optional)
The Fifty-Fifty
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Bartender Jenney Grant prepares a cocktail.
emulsification disrupts and you’re drinking a mediocre glass of lukewarm gin. Make your martini cocktails 3 ounces, and drink them quickly and in regular succession; it’s so much nicer. Trigger warning. Dirty is not a thing. If you really just want to drink a bucket of saltwater and liquor, fine — but that’s not a martini. Dumping oily brine into a finely balanced cocktail nullifies the qualities of the drink itself, like getting a $200 steak and covering it in ketchup. A true martini needs the gin’s aromatics for interest; the acid and sweetness of the vermouth for balance; a nice, long stir session to open up the gin and dilute it to a comfortable balance; and to be small enough that I can comfortably finish the whole thing in fewer than 10 minutes. Give a real, honest martini a try sometime with some good gin, a fresh bottle of quality vermouth, a small glass and, perhaps, a little help from a qualified bartender. — Torrence R. O’Haire, of The Starving Artist, is a chef, entrepreneur and restaurant consultant specializing in wine, spirits and cocktails. He also founded the Grand Rapids Cocktail Guild.
(For when you learn to appreciate vermouth) 1½ ounces gin 1½ ounces bianco vermouth (Bianco is a lightly sweet white vermouth — it’s lovely. Try Carpano Bianco) A small twist of lemon peel (no longer optional — it’s recommended here)
The Martinez
(For when you need a little more depth) 2 ounces gin 1 ounce sweet vermouth (I prefer Dolin Rouge here for its subtlety) 1 dash of orange bitters A small twist of lemon peel (no longer optional it’s needed here)
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Method: (for whichever recipe you pick) Place a cocktail coupe in the freezer to chill. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for a full 15 seconds. Strain into the chilled glass and twist lemon peel over the surface of the drink (don’t drop it in the glass — too much lemon!).
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cause & effect PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST MICHIGAN
BY ANN BYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
Lighthouse for Teen Mothers resident Najahray McSwain (center) makes cookies with son Zamaarion WiseMcSwain and housemom Barb Ruiter.
The Lighthouse for Teen Mothers offers stability and security for pregnant teens.
A second chance at success
G
et the leaders of The Lighthouse for Teen Mothers talking, and it’s not long before tears start to flow. Helen Brinkman cries because she’s seen homeless, pregnant teens come through the court system, and there was no place for them to go. They’re too young for shelters, and foster care hasn’t worked or isn’t the place for them. Ani Blickley cries because she’s been working with teen moms for years, and this is the first time a safe home is available for them to live. Paula Jauch cries because she wishes a place like this had been available for her when she was 15 and pregnant and again when she was pregnant at 18. The Lighthouse offers pregnant teens a home for as long as they need a place to
stay before and after the baby is born — at no cost to them. The large house in northeast Grand Rapids is a safe place where the girls learn skills, such as money management, job etiquette, cleaning, laundry, parenting, grocery shopping — all things they need to know to provide a home for their children and themselves. “I saw so many broken families in the court system,” said Brinkman, board president for The Lighthouse. “We’re trying to break the cycle of homelessness and court involvement in these girls’ lives. They don’t get medical care, don’t finish their schooling. We’re trying to help start a family using a model based on the Bible.” Najahray McSwain came to The Lighthouse via Burger King. HQ, a drop-in center for homeless people and young individu-
Zamaarion Wise-McSwain
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“I saw so many broken families in the court system. We’re trying to break the cycle of homelessness and court involvement in these girls’ lives.” — Helen Brinkman
Lighthouse for Teen Mothers Executive Co-director Ani Blickley enjoys time with Jada Fuentes. Jada’s Mom, Brenda Fuentes, has been part of the Lighthouse program since she was 15 years old.
als who run away from home, informed The Lighthouse about McSwain, who was pregnant and had a 2-year-old. She had no place to stay. Brinkman and Blickley met her at a downtown Burger King. They asked where she was staying that night. Nowhere, she said. The pair immediately began making calls to The Lighthouse and Alpha Women’s Center to see if they had a car seat available, so they could transport McSwain and her son. Before the night was over, the pair had made it to The Lighthouse. Now, toys fill a corner of the dining room, McSwain is getting the medical care she needs, she is learning how to manage money and is enrolled in Rockford Public Schools. “You get a lot of help here,” she said. “I’m getting help with housing, sorting out money and help trying to get my life together. I’m far away from my family and I miss them, but I’m fine here.” When she has her second baby, she’ll have free diapers, baby furniture, clothing and food for as long as she stays. Her cousin, Jayonia, stayed at The Lighthouse for less than a week, moving out because she missed her family. But she’s welcome back anytime, and often hangs out with McSwain and helps cook dinner. The house had been a private home, which was purchased and rented to The Lighthouse. The home is the offshoot of several groups, including Teen Moms, a program sponsored by Sunshine Community Church. Ruth Stephen, who helped with Teen Moms and had worked in the court system, brought Brinkman and Blickley together to begin thinking about a home for pregnant teens. They started the process in 2015, officially became The Lighthouse for Teen Mothers in December 2016, hired houseparents Barb and Rick Ruiter in June 2017 and welcomed the first pregnant teen in July. “Donors felt the call to help and stepped JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 73
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cause & effect PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST MICHIGAN
Helping pregnant teens in crisis The Lighthouse for Teen Mothers is looking for the following: > Houseparents and furnishings for a second home in Kentwood that will open as soon as it’s ready. > Mentors for the young women who find a home at The Lighthouse. > Drivers willing to transport girls to school and appointments. For more information, visit light houseforteenmoms.org. To refer a pregnant teen or make a donation, call (616) 862-9405.
Housemom Barb Ruiter prepares a resident room (above). Paula Jauch speaks to a group of pregnant teens at Frontline Church (below).
forward,” Blickley said. Volunteers have painted, organized, donated bedding and baby items, fixed the air conditioner and donated food. The yearly budget of under $50,000 is low because of the number of donations the organization receives. “The heavens have opened over The Lighthouse, and it’s been raining hard,” Brinkman said. The Lighthouse gets referrals from HQ, schools and pregnancy care centers. The
biggest hurdle at this point is getting the word out, according to Blickley. “I would love to stand up in front of congregations at churches, in schools and community centers, to tell them about The Lighthouse,” Blickley said. “What I’ve run into is that people in West Michigan say these aren’t ‘widows and orphans,’ like the Bible says we need to care for. But these girls are the widows and orphans of our day.”
The Ruiters, houseparents at The Lighthouse, have an apartment in the basement of the two-story house, which also has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a game room, laundry room and full kitchen/living room. They had been foster parents for almost 40 years before retiring, downsizing and renting a house in Rockford. It wasn’t long before they began feeling restless and looking for something more to do. The Ruiters heard about The Lighthouse from their daughter, who was asked about becoming the organization’s houseparent. She said no but recommended her mom and dad. Barb got a call about the houseparent job on the same day the landlord called to say he was selling their rental house. She helps the girls make meals, teaches them about doing laundry and cleaning, drives them to doctor appointments, gets them to school and back, and helps them begin the transition into becoming a mother. Some girls attend pregnancy education and parenting classes at Alpha Women’s Center, so they can earn points for diapers and other items. “It’s a tough job because the girls are so emotional, especially because they’re pregnant,” she said. “But I have a passion to help these girls, to get them stable so they can have a stable life with their child. And this is as much my husband’s job as it is mine; he’s a big part of my support system.”
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“I would love to stand up in front of congregations at churches, in schools and community centers, to tell them about The Lighthouse. What I’ve run into is that people in West Michigan say these aren’t ‘widows and orphans,’ like the Bible says we need to care for. But these girls are the widows and orphans of our day.” — Ani Blickley The Lighthouse is about giving girls a chance, not a handout. They need to do their own laundry, help with the cleaning and cooking, look for a job, attend school and find a daycare for their children. In addition to teaching them about money management and other tasks, a social worker also is available. The girls must follow the rules to stay at The Lighthouse. No drinking or drug use, no televisions in the bedrooms and no cell phones after 10 p.m. Some girls have chosen not to come when they learn the rules, and others have stayed just a short time. The Lighthouse will take in a girl running from a boyfriend but can’t take girls who are running from the law. If they work through the program at The Lighthouse, they will have saved $500 for an emergency fund and have one month’s rent and deposit for an apartment in the bank. They have a job, a working budget and the tools they need to care for themselves. “The Lighthouse isn’t about just housing girls; it’s about giving them tools and community,” Brinkman said. “They can stay here as long as they need, as long as they continue to move forward.” For Jauch, it’s about love. “The most important thing the girls and their children need is love,” Jauch said. “If they can truly understand how to love themselves, it will help them make choices that are good for them. “We’re planting seeds; they’re going to hold on to the things they learn here for the GR rest of their lives.”
Funny thing is ... people don’t remember things. What they do remember are the places they’ve been, and the special people they’ve shared those places with. This year, let Witte help you make a few memories.
3250 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI | 616.942.5112 | wittetravel.com
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out & about
MUSIC Jan. 26-28 “BLOCKBUSTER BROADWAY”: GR Symphony performs songs from “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Annie,” “Jersey Boys,” “The Sound of Music,” “Chicago,” “CATS,” “The Lion King” and “A Chorus Line.” 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18-$90. grsymphony.org.
january events A FEW GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!
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SPECIAL EVENTS Jan. 5-6 GRAND RAPIDS BRIDAL SHOW: Onestop shopping for brides and fashion show of wedding gowns. 5-9 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. grbridalshow.com.
STAGE & FILM Jan. 26 JEFF DUNHAM: Comedian/ventriloquist performs Passively Aggressive tour. 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $51. vanandelarena.com.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JEFF DUNHAM: PASSIVELY AGGRESSIVE TOUR (BOTTOM RIGHT); THINKSTOCK (BOTTOM & TOP LEFT); ILLUSTRATION COURTESY THINKSTOCK (TOP RIGHT)
WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO
Jan. 20-21 GRIFFINS GREAT SKATE WINTERFEST: Skating, winter sports demonstrations, games and activities, plus 24-hour skating marathon with Griffins players; benefits Griffins Youth Foundation. Winterfest begins noon Sat. Great Skate runs 10 p.m. Sat. to 10 p.m. Sun. Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St. NW. Free; donations encouraged. griffinshockey. com/greatskate.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar!
JAN. 3-23 - THE JANUARY SERIES:
JAN. 12 - WINE ABOUT WINTER: Local
Calvin College’s 30th annual series offers free lectures on a variety of topics by renowned authors, educators and political commentators. See Lectures & Workshops
businesses in Grand Haven host West Michigan artists and wines from California, Oregon and Washington. downtowngh.com/festivalsevents/wine-about-winter. See Special Events
JAN. 15-20 - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMEMORATION EVENTS: GVSU hosts keynote speakers April Reign and Bree Newsome; plus, Day of Service and Solidarity. gvsu.edu/mlk. See Special Events
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To list your event send calendar information to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o
Calendar Editor, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, email caleditor@ geminipub.com, fax (616) 459-4800. High-resolution photos welcomed. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue by the 10th of the month.
SPECIAL EVENTS
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JEFF DUNHAM: PASSIVELY AGGRESSIVE TOUR (BOTTOM RIGHT); THINKSTOCK (BOTTOM & TOP LEFT); ILLUSTRATION COURTESY THINKSTOCK (TOP RIGHT)
Thru Feb. 25 - Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle: Outdoor ice skating in downtown GR. Open daily, weather permitting; see website for times. 135 Monroe Center St. NW. $3 adults, $1 age 17 and younger; skate rental free. grcity.us/parks/pages/ice-skating.aspx. Jan. 5 - First Friday Gallery Hop: Participating galleries, shops and eateries stay open 6-9 p.m., presented by Avenue for the Arts. South Division between Fulton and Cherry streets. avenueforthearts.com/first-fridaygallery-hops. Jan. 5-6 - Grand Rapids Bridal Show: Onestop shopping for brides and fashion show of wedding gowns. 5-9 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. grbridalshow.com. Jan. 6 - Grease Lightning Juice Ball: Annual Juice Ball Initiative fundraiser benefits Kitchen Sage. 7 p.m. 20 Monroe Live, 11 Ottawa Ave. NW. facebook.com/juiceball initiative.
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY THINKSTOCK
Jan. 6 - Jenison Museum Open House: Jenison Historical Association hosts open house. 1-4 p.m. 28 Port Sheldon St. SW, Jenison. jenisonhistory.org. Jan. 12 - Wine About Winter: Local businesses in Grand Haven host West Michigan artists and wines from California, Oregon and Washington. 5-9 p.m. $10 tasting packages. downtowngh.com/festivals-events/ wine-about-winter. Jan. 12-14 - Grand Rapids Remodeling and New Homes Show: Hundreds of builders, remodelers, home improvement services, designers and home-furnishings stores. Noon-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $9 adults, $4 ages 6-14. showspan.com/grr.
JAN. 18-20 - STOMP: Broadway Grand Rapids presents a troupe using unconventional percussion instruments. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $38-$147. broadwaygrandrapids.com. See Music
The Weather Outside is Frightful, But Your Yard Is So Delightful! 20
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Jan. 13 - Winter Wheat Grand Rapids: Wheatland Music Organization presents its ninth annual celebration of traditional music and dance. 1 p.m.-midnight. The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. $20$25 adults, $15 students. wheatlandmusic. org/winter-wheat-2018. Jan. 13-14 - West Michigan Fly Show: Great Lakes Council and St. Joseph River Valley Fly Fishers show features six seminars on fishing rivers in Michigan, fly casting and tying instruction, fly tackle dealers, kids tying corner, fly fishing clubs and more. Noon-6 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Adults $10 single day, $15 two days. Kids 16 and younger free. fffglctesting.com.
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Jan. 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Program: GRCC’s 32nd annual Inherit the Dream communitywide program. 6:30 p.m. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. grcc.edu/mlk. Jan. 15-20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Events: GVSU hosts two keynote speakers: April Reign, creator of the viral hashtag #OscarsSoWhite (Jan. 15) and Bree Newsome, who climbed a flagpole in South Carolina in 2015 to remove a Confederate flag (Jan. 17). Also, Day of Service and Solidarity (Jan. 20). gvsu.edu/mlk. Jan. 18-21 - Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show: A dozen West Michigan RV dealers showcase 100 RV lines. 3-9:30 p.m. Thu., noon-9:30 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-14. showspan. com/grv. Jan. 20-21 - Griffins Great Skate Winterfest: Skating, winter sports demonstrations, games and activities, plus 24-hour skating marathon with Griffins players; benefits
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JAN. 26-28, FEB. 2 GRFF 36-HOUR CHALLENGE: Grand Rapids Film Festival hosts time-based filmmaking competition for students and aspiring professionals. grfilmfestival.com. See Stage & Film
VISIT GRMAG.COM
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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO
Griffins Youth Foundation. Winterfest begins noon Sat. Great Skate runs 10 p.m. Sat. to 10 p.m. Sun. Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St. NW. Free; donations encouraged. griffinshockey.com/greatskate.
50K and 50-mile races. Start times: 6-9 a.m. Long Lake Outdoor Center, 10370 Gun Lake Road, Middleville. $25-$105. switchbacken durance.com/yankee-springs-winter-chal lenge.
Jan. 25-28 - Grand Haven Winterfest: Activities for all ages include Human Sled Race, Bonfire Bash, Cardboard Sled Race, Polar Plunge, Winterfest Photo Contest and more. winterfestmi.org.
Jan. 21 - Harlem Globetrotters: Basketball entertainment tour. 2 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $25-$99. vanandelarena. com.
Jan. 27 - Frosty Fun Day: DeGraaf Nature Center fundraiser includes games, scavenger hunt, snowshoeing, crafts, live music. 3-7:30 p.m. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. $3. cityofholland.com/degraafnaturecenter.
951 Cherry St. SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Jan. 27 - Kids & Family Expo: Indoor zipline, Lego build, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, music, food, education, crafts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $7 adults, $3 kids 3-15. kidsandfamily expo.com. Jan. 27 - Party in Your Parka: All-day party celebrates Muskegon Winter Sports Complex with winter sports, live music, food and beer. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 462 Scenic Drive, Muskegon. msports.org. Jan. 27 - Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan: Bridal vendors include gowns, limos, caterers, florists, reception facilities, photographers, DJs and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $10. kohlerexpo.com. Jan. 29 - Soup’s On For All: Catholic Charities West Michigan 20th annual benefit for God’s Kitchen includes soups, breads, desserts and live entertainment. 6:30 p.m. The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW. $50-$60. ccwestmi.org.
SPORTS Jan. - Grand Rapids Drive: National Basketball Association D-League team is primary affiliate of Detroit Pistons. Home games: Jan. 5 vs. Wisconsin Herd. Jan. 6 vs. Canton Charge. Jan. 17 vs. Windy City Bulls. DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW. $5-$30. grandrapids. dleague.nba.com. Jan. - Grand Rapids Griffins: Grand Rapids’ American Hockey League team is primary affiliate of Detroit Red Wings. Home games: Jan. 5 vs. Rockford IceHogs. Jan. 12-13 vs. Cleveland Monsters. Jan. 17 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Jan. 20 and 27, Rockford IceHogs. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. griffins hockey.com. Jan. 6 - Yankee Springs Winter Challenge: Switchback Endurance presents 10K, 25K,
Jan. 27 - Michigan Winter Adventure Race: Running, orienteering, snowshoeing and fatbiking. 9:30 a.m. Camp Roger, 8356 Belding Road NE, Rockford. $69-$80. miadventure race.com.
STAGE & FILM Jan 5-7 - “The Wizard of Oz”: The Zhang Financial Broadway in West Michigan Series presents the classic musical about Dorothy, Toto and their friends’ journey down the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat., 1 p.m. Sun. James W. Miller Auditorium, 1341 Theatre Drive, Kalamazoo. $32-$77. millerauditorium. com. Jan. 11-13 - “This Is Our Youth”: Presented by GRCC Players. 8 p.m. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $12 adults, $5 students. grcc.edu/theater/grccplayers. Jan. 12-13 - “An Evening with O’Henry”: Master Arts Theatre’s Youth Acting Class presents a show based on three of O’Henry’s short stories. 7 p.m. Fri., 2 and 7 p.m. Sat. 75 77th St. SW. $7. masterarts.org. Jan. 12-28 - “All the Way”: GR Civic Theatre presents the story of Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency in the 1960s and the Civil Rights Act. 7:30 p.m. 30 N. Division Ave. $16-$28. grct.org. Jan. 13 - Frivolous Follies: Frozen Frolics: Vaudeville and variety show with comedy, burlesque, barbershop quartet; benefits Harbor Humane Society. 8 p.m. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. $10-$12. frivo lousfollies.com. Jan. 15 - “I Dream”: Opera Grand Rapids presents the story of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. 7:30 p.m. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. $39, $5 students. operagr.org. Jan. 16, 23, 30 - Filmhouse @ The Fed: Jan. 16, “Cronos.” Jan. 23, “Starving the Beast: The Battle to Disrupt and Reform America’s Public Universities.” Jan. 30, “Metropolis.” 7 p.m. Fed Galleries, Kendall College of Art
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and Design, 17 Pearl St. NW. Free. kcad.edu/ events.
Jan. 18-20 - “James and the Giant Peach”: LowellArts Youth Theatre presents the classic story by Roald Dahl. 7 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7 p.m. Sat. Lowell High School PAC, 11700 Vergennes St. SE. lowellartsmi.org. Jan. 19-27 - “Guys on Ice”: Muskegon Civic Theatre presents the story of two ice-fishing buddies’ exploits. 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Frauenthal Black Box, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $22 adults, $20 seniors and students. muskegoncivictheatre.org. Jan. 26 - Jeff Dunham: Comedian/ventriloquist performs Passively Aggressive tour. 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $51. vanandelarena.com. Jan. 26-28, Feb. 2 - GRFF 36-Hour Challenge: Grand Rapids Film Festival hosts time-based filmmaking competition for high school and college students and aspiring professionals. Begins 8 p.m. Fri. at Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, 17 Pearl St. NW. Winning films screened Feb. 2. at Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Drive NE. $100/team. grfilmfestival.com.
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MUSIC Jan. 5 - “The Romantic Concert: Dvorak & Tchaikovsky”: Presented by GR Symphony. 8 p.m. Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $26-$34. grsym phony.org. Jan. 5 - Coffee Classics Series: GR Symphony presents a Romantic Coffee Concert with coffee and pastries one hour before the concert. 10 a.m. Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $16. grsymphony.org. Jan. 6 - Pokémon Symphonic Evolutions: GR Symphony’s SymphonicBoom concert combines the video game’s memorable melodies with on-screen visuals. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $32 and up. grsymphony.org. Jan. 6, 20 - LowellArts House Concerts: Jan. 6, Bruce Matthews Band. Jan. 20, Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers. 7 p.m. 223 W. Main St., Lowell. $12. lowellartsmi.org. Jan. 7 - Winter Jam: Christian rock tour with multiple artists, including Skillet, Kari Jobe and John Crist. 6 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $15. vanandelarena.com. Jan. 12 - Germanic Classics: West Michigan Symphony performs music by classical German composers. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 79
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Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $25-$57, $10 students. westmichigansym phony.com.
Jan. 12-13 - “All-Tchaikovsky”: GR Symphony performs music by the classical composer with pianist Gabriela Montero. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18-$90. grsymphony.org. Jan. 12, 26 - Alley Door Club: Jazz, blues and folk in downtown Muskegon. Jan. 12, Vince Hayes. Jan. 26, Big Daddy Fox & Friends. 7-10 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $10. frauenthal.org. Jan. 13, 26 - The Block Concerts: Jan. 13, Arturo Ziraldo, chamber music. Jan. 26, The Oblivion Project, nuevo tango. 7:30 p.m. The Block, 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $20$35, $10 students. theblockwestmichigan. org. Jan. 14 - Avenged Sevenfold: Rock band concert with Breaking Benjamin and Bullet for My Valentine. 6:25 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $25-$75. vanandelarena. com.
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Jan. 15 - Monday Night Jazz: West Michigan Jazz Society presents Walt Gutowski and The Bridge Street Band. 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Knickerbocker - New Holland Brewing, 417 Bridge St. NW. $10, $5 members. wmichjazz. org. Jan. 17 - Tower of Power: Urban soul music 50th anniversary tour. 7:30 p.m. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $40$60. fhfineartscenter.com. Jan. 18 - “Dvorak & Brahms”: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center concert series. 7:30 p.m. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $38-$43. scmc-online.org. Jan. 18-20 - STOMP: Broadway Grand Rapids presents a troupe using unconventional percussion instruments. 7:30 p.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $38-$147. broad waygrandrapids.com. Jan. 19 - Chris Young: Country music singer performs Losing Sleep tour with Kane Brown and LANCO. 7:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $37.50-$57.50. vanandelarena. com. Jan. 19-20 - Hope College’s Great Performance Series: Cashore Marionettes. 7:30 p.m. Miller Center, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland. $22 adults, $16 seniors, $6 kids 18 and under. hope.edu. Jan. 20 - GRFA Acoustic Saturday Night Concerts: Grand River Folk Arts presents
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Mustard’s Retreat. 7 p.m. Wealthy Theatre Annex, 1110 Wealthy St. SE. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students, $10 members, $5 kids under 12. sites.google.com/site/grfolkarts.
Jan. 25 - GRCC International Guitar Series: Brian Morris. 7:30 p.m. Albert P. Smith Music Building, 142 Ransom Ave. NE. $15 adults, $10 seniors and students. grcc.edu/music/ internationalguitarseries. Jan. 26-28 - “Blockbuster Broadway”: GR Symphony performs songs from “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Annie,” “Jersey Boys,” “The Sound of Music,” “Chicago,” “CATS,” “The Lion King” and “A Chorus Line.” 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18$90. grsymphony.org.
LECTURES & WORKSHOPS Jan. - American Sign Language Classes: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services’ eightweek classes meet weekly on Mon., Wed. or Thu. beginning Jan. 8, 10 or 11. 6-8 p.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 3680 44th St., Suite 201, Kentwood. $90. deafhhs.org.
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Jan. - ARTbreak: Documentaries and discussions explore art and art-related topics. Jan. 2, 9: “Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs” documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at Matisse’s iconic modern art exhibition. Jan 16: “Artist’s Talk: Southwest Michigan Art Quilters.” Jan 23: “Talk: We Are Edison Photography Project.” Jan. 30: “Talk: Were You a Hippie?” Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo. Noon. Free, donations welcome. kiarts.org. Jan. - GR Public Libraries: Adults: The Wives (and Lives) of the Early Dutch Pastors, History Detectives: Sleuthing for Local History, Music in the Stacks, book clubs, computer/technology instruction. Kids: Mindstorm Saturdays, Teen Council, Evening Explorers. grpl.org. Jan. - Kent District Libraries: Adults: Early Childhood Essentials, Tea & Canvas, The Great Break Escape Room, book sales, book discussions, computer/technology instruction. Kids: Escape from Azkaban, Cabin Fever Cupcakes, Meet the Sled Dogs, KDL Lab Experience, Rhyme Time Music and Movement, author visits, story times. kdl.org. Jan. 3-23 - The January Series: Calvin College’s 30th annual series offers free lectures on a variety of topics by renowned authors, educators and political commentators. 12:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at Calvin College FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. Also, more than 45 remote webcast locations in multiple
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states and livestreaming audio. Schedule: calvin.edu/january-series/index.html.
Jan. 5 - First Friday Contra Dance: Grand River Folk Arts Society hosts instruction and dancing. 7 p.m. 701 Fifth St. NW. $10 adults, $8 members, $5 students and seniors. sites. google.com/site/grfolkarts. Jan. 16 - Nourishing Ways of West Michigan: “The Power of Energy Testing for Health” by Cynthia Brant. 7 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N. Division Ave. nour ishingways.org. Jan. 23 - Dyslexia Seminar: Information from New Chapter Learning. 6:30 p.m. 4120 Chicago Drive, Grandville. Free; register at 534-1385. newchapterlearning.net. Jan. 25-27 - Calvin Symposium on Worship: Worship planners, pastors, musicians, artists, scholars and worshipers in dialogue, hosted by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary. $270, $30 students. calvin.edu/worship.
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Jan. 25-27 - Michigan Music Conference: Workshops and performances for music educators. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW; Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave. NW; and JW Marriott, 235 Louis St. NW. michiganmusicconference.org. Jan. 26 - Opera GR Master Class: With baritone Mark Rucker. 2-4 p.m. Betty Van Andel Opera Center, 1320 E. Fulton St. Free. operagr. org/education-programs/master-classes. Jan. 27 - GRAM Workshop: “Painting with Natural Pigments” includes tour of Alexis Rockman’s “Field Drawings” and make-yourown-paint from plants, minerals and spices. 10 a.m.-noon. Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center St. NW. $30. artmuseumgr. org. Jan. 29 - GR Audubon Club: “Nocturnal Flight Calls” by Caleb Putnam. 7:30 p.m. Aquinas College Donnelly Center, 1607 Robinson Road SE. Public welcome. Free. graud.org.
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Comedy & nightclub venues COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST
1/ RIVER CITY IMPROV: Local comedy improv team uses audience suggestions to perform skits, games and songs that are unique. This month, the shows start at 7:33 p.m. on Jan. 6 and 20. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students and kids. Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE, rivercity improv.com.
1/ Local comedy group River City Improv
2/ 20 MONROE LIVE: 2,500-seat venue hosts live music, entertainment and special events. Comedian Kathleen Madigan performs her “Boxed Wine and Bigfoot” tour Jan. 26. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $37.50. 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, (844) 678-5483, 20monroelive.com. 3/ FOUNDERS BREWING CO.: Large taproom features live music Thu. and Sat., plus Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra on the first Sunday of each month. On Jan. 18, psychedelic Motown musician Diane Coffee performs at 9:30 p.m. Ages 21+ only. The show is free. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, 776-2182, foundersbrewing.com.
Back Forty Saloon: Line dancing and live country bands Sat. DJs Thu.-Fri. 48 W. Fulton St., 742-4040, thebackfortysaloon.com. Billy’s Lounge: Eastown bar and music venue hosts live music with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com. The B.O.B.: The Big Old Building houses multiple entertainment options: dueling pianos at Bobarino’s Wed.-Sat.; DJs and dance floor at
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DAN MILLER (TOP); LUZENA ADAMS (RIGHT); CARA ROBBINS (BOTTOM)
3/ Motown musician Diane Coffee
Eve on weekends; live music at House of Music and Entertainment (H.O.M.E.); stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 3562000, thebob.com. Dr. Grins Comedy Club: Nationally acclaimed comedians perform Thu.-Sat. Jan. 4-6, Pete Lee. Jan. 1113, Rob Little. Jan. 18-20, Jamie Lee. Jan. 25-27, John Heffron. The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, the bob.com/drgrinscomedy. Grand Rapids Brewing Co.: Restaurant/taproom features live music Fri.-Sun. 1 Ionia Ave. SW, 458-7000, grbrewingcompany.com. Grand Woods Lounge: Restaurant/bar with dance floor hosts DJs and live music Fri. and Sat. 77 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-4300, grandwoods lounge.com. The Intersection: Four-bar concert venue hosts nationally known bands. 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 4518232, sectionlive.com. J. Gardellas Tavern: Dance club Fri. and Sat. nights on third floor with DJs. 11 Ionia Ave. SW, 459-8824, jgardellastavern.com. Mixology: Lobby lounge overlooking downtown GR and Grand River has live music Fri. and Sat. nights and live jazz brunch on Sun. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St. NW, 242-1500,
ilovethejw.com/dining/mixology. Mojo’s: DJs and dance floor on second level Wed., Fri. and Sat., with dueling pianos show on main floor Wed.-Sat. nights. 180 Monroe Ave. NW, 776-9000, mojospianobar.com.
2/ Comedian Kathleen Madigan
Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 451-0775, facebook.com/mulliga nspubgr. One Trick Pony: Live music 8-11 p.m. Thu. and Sat. Reservations accepted. 136 E. Fulton St., 235-7669, onetrick.biz. The Orbit Room: Regional and national music acts, occasional standup comedy. Open floor, seated balcony. 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 942-1328, orbitroom.com. Pop Scholars: Four-person comedy improv team performs 8 p.m. Dec. 1. $12. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, 549-4788 ext. 130, popscholars.com. The Pyramid Scheme: Heartside pub and live music venue. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, pyramidschemebar. com. River Rock at The Grand River Hotel: Live music Fri. and Sat. and jazz brunch Sun. 270 Ann St. NW, 363-9001, thegrandriverhotel.com.
ery Fri., featuring DJs and live acts. 633 Ottawa Ave. NW, 356-2346, facebook.com/rockysbarandgrill. Stella’s Lounge: Drink features and live DJs every Fri. and Sat. 53 Commerce Ave. SW, 742-4444, stell asgr.com. Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill: Live music acts and DJs, plus Comedy Tuesdays. 760 Butterworth St. SW, 272-3910, Facebook.
Rocky’s Bar & Grill: Dancing evJANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 83
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Blandford Nature Center: Special events: Jan. 4, Owl Moon. Jan. 6, Snowshoe Hike. Jan. 13, Winter Fort Build. Jan. 18, Owl Prowl. Jan. 19, GR Story Spinners Storytelling. Jan. 20, Winter in Blandford Woods. Jan. 27, Kombucha Workshop. Permanent attractions: 143 acres of trails, heritage buildings, farm. Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center open Mon.-Sat. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. $3. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, bland fordnaturecenter.org.
Opening Jan. 13 1/ Photos of Harlem by Dawoud Bey will be on exhibit at KIA.
Coopersville & Marne Railway: Closed for the season; reopens in March. 311 Danforth St., Coopersville, 997-7000, coopersvilleandmarne.org. Coopersville Farm Museum: Special events: Jan. 2 and 16, Acoustic Jam Night. Every Saturday, Coopersville Rocks! Jan. 27, Kids, Crafts & Critters. Open Tue., Thu., Sat. $4 adults, $2 kids 4-12, kids 3 and under free. 375 Main St., Coopersville, 9978555, coopersvillefarmmuseum.org. Downtown Market: Market hall, open daily year-round, features culinary-related products at more than 20 local businesses, plus several restaurants, cooking classes and private rentals. Special events: Jan. 10, Nature Day. Jan. 27, Wedding Showcase. 435 Ionia Ave. SW, 805-5308, downtownmarketgr.com. Felt Mansion & Gardens: Closed for the season. 6597 138th St., Holland, 335-3050, feltmans ion.org.
COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST
1/ KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS: Special exhibitions: Opening on Jan. 13, “Dawoud Bey: Harlem, USA, and Harlem Redux” includes photographs of Harlem in 1979 and again more recently as the community has become more gentrified. The exhibit is open thru April 11. Thru Jan. 21, “Circular Abstractions: Bull’s Eye Quilts.” Thru March 4, “Round & Round: The Circle at Center Stage.” Thru March 25, “Rhythmic Vitality: Six Principles of Chinese Painting.” Closed Mon. $5 adults, $2 students with ID; members and kids 12 and under free. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Feb. 11, “Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics.” Open daily. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 college students, $4 ages 6-18, kids 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St. NW, 2540400, fordlibrarymuseum.gov.
2/ MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 21, “Shift: Daniel Clayman” highlights the glass artist’s installations that convey a sense of captured light and give the illusion of tangible form to empty space. His pieces vary from a few inches to sev2/ “Blue Circular Object” by Daniel Clayman is at Muskegon Museum eral feet and include vessels, natural forms and of Art. abstract geometric shapes. Thru Jan. 14, “Points of Resonance: The Museum Project Gift.” Open daily. $10 adults, $7 college students, kids 16 and under free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegonartmuseum.org.
Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 14, “Christian Marclay: Video Quartet.” Thru Feb. 11, “Carl Wilson: Her Purse Smelled Like Juicyfruit and Other Tales” and “Andy Warhol’s American Icons.” Jan. 27-April 29, “Alexis Rockman: The Great Lakes Cycle.” Special events: See GRAM Workshop in Special Events. Drop-in Family Saturdays: Art activities, kid-friendly tours, 1-4 p.m. Closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students, $5 kids 6-17, kids 5 and under free; free admission Tue. and 5-9 p.m. Thu. 101 Monroe Center St. NW, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org.
3/ DEGRAAF NATURE CENTER: Special events: The center’s annual fundraiser, Frosty Fun Day, on Jan. 27 is a family-friendly affair with outdoor activities and self-guided snowshoeing/ walking on torch-lit trails. There also is indoor live music with Tiki O’Riley Irish Band and homemade soups/stews and breads. The event is 3-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $3. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, 355-1057, cityofholland.com/ degraafnaturecenter.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Permanent activities: Little GR, Bubbles!, Wee Discover, musical instruments and more. Toddler Time 10 a.m.-noon Tues. Family Night 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thu. ($1.75). Closed Mon. $8.50, $7.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org. Grand Rapids Public Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 7, “Brain: The World Inside Your Head” and “The Life of the Mind.” Thru May 20, “Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids.” Special events: Jan. 11, Beer Explorers: Beer & Doughnuts. Thru Jan. 7, Snowflake Break. Science Tuesdays feature themed activities and interactive displays 10 a.m.-
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DAWOUD BEY (TOP); MARK JOHNSTON (BOTTOM)
Museums & attractions
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 7, “Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World” and “Rodin and the Contemporary Figurative Tradition.” Special events: Thru Jan 6, Winter-Time Walks. Jan. 9-Feb. 27, Cozy Tales for Chilly Days. Jan. 27-28, Orchid Show. Open daily. $14.50 adults, $11 seniors and students, $7 kids 5-13, $4 kids 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580, meijergardens. org.
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3/ Frosty Fun Day includes snowshoeing and other outdoor activities. 6 p.m. Puzzle Room: Quest for Conviction. Open daily. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 kids 3-17. 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grpm.org. Holland Museum: Local history and Dutch galleries, featuring artwork from the Netherlands from the 1600s-1900s. Open Wed.-Sun. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, kids 5 and under free. 31 W. 10th St., 796-3329, hollandmuseum.org. Also, Cappon House: 228 W. Ninth St. Settlers House: 190 W. Ninth St.
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John Ball Zoo: Closed for the season; reopens in March. 1300 W. Fulton St., 336-4300, jbzoo.org.
Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Shows, which use Digistar production and surround sound, include “Subatomic: Detecting the Unseen,” “Under Frozen Skies,” “Star Lore,” and “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure.” $5/show, $4 with admission to the museum. Special event: Jan. 18, “Concerts Under the Stars.” Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grpm.org/ planetarium.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DEGRAAF NATURE CENTER
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DAWOUD BEY (TOP); MARK JOHNSTON (BOTTOM)
Meyer May House: Restored Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house includes original furnishings. Open for guided tours 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tue. and Thu.; 1-4 p.m. Sun. (last tour one hour before close). Free. 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com.
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out & about SOCIETY / FACES / PLACES
Patty McCormick and Kim Rantala
Nick and Becky Volpe
Audrey and Josh Spencer Cory and Stacy Anderson and Todd and Linda Bylsma
Chris and Courtney Greenup
CAPTURING THE ACTION AROUND TOWN:
snap shots
Jessica Fischer, Rachel Russell, Ashton Barter and Liz Schutte
Jill Monte and John DeBlaay
Tim and Nancy Albers and Caroll and Peter Perez
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE of Western Michigan held its signature fundraising event, the Red Shoe Gala, on Oct. 14 at the JW Marriott. The event raised more than $150,000 to support families of critically ill children. Van Andel Institute’s Couture for a Cure event featured an exclusive preview of Creature of the Wind’s fall 2017 collection. All proceeds from the event were put toward biomedical research and science education at VAI. Guests gathered to support Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital programs, therapies and patient care at the Mary Free Bed Foundation Gala at DeVos Place on Nov. 2.
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Debbye Turner Bell, Candace Matthews and Andreanna Simms
Rusty and Jenn Merchant
Linda Zarzecki and Erica Siebrasse
Kelly Koning-Ramic and Dan Parker
Couture For A Cure fashion show
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK
Brooke, Tesfa, Amarie, Adalie and Shiloe Smith
Molly Matusak and Maureen Stephens
Bill and India Manns JANUARY 2018 / GRMAG.COM 87
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after thoughts
Q:a
For Grand Rapids Drive President Steve Jbara, the sky is the limit.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
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nly a few short years ago, Steve Jbara was 25 years old, spending his days working at Ford Motor Co., when he decided it was time for a change. With the help of Wesley Weir, a friend he met while attending Trine University who worked for the Detroit Pistons, Jbara set out to spearhead the Pistons’ minor league program. Jbara, 29, successfully launched the program in 2014, when he became the founder and president of the Grand Rapids Drive. Jbara, a Kalamazoo native, was a finalist for NBA G League, formerly the NBA Development League, Executive of the Year in 2015 and was named a Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in 2017. BEST PART ABOUT YOUR JOB? Locally, I really like the ability of our team to kind of better people’s lives. MOST CHALLENGING PART? Making Grand Rapids realize how great this team is. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO POSSESS? Oh, boy… well, I’d love to be able to play the piano. I’m a little stiff on the dance floor, too. PROUDEST MOMENT? Acquiring my helicopter license. WHAT TIME IS YOUR ALARM SET FOR? I don’t sleep a lot, so I usually beat it. But if I don’t, I’m a 5:30 guy. FAVORITE THING ABOUT GRAND RAPIDS? Food, people and camaraderie.
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Cozy Up and chill out. It’s where everything just comes together. Where the warmth of good company meets the edge of a downhill thrill. Where each day is another chance to be in a pretty great place.
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T H E H O M E O F Q U A L I T Y, S T Y L E & P E R S O N A L S E R V I C E
2017-18 Readers Poll
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