August 2013 - GRM by Grand Rapids Magazine

CELEBRATING CITY LIFE

www.grmag.com

2013-14 BALLO T INSIDE

BEST

Summer Dining

YOUR COF GR HA TO VOT NCE E!

2013 Restaurant Week GR Preview Dining Review: Zing Eat/Drink Special: Taste This! Dining Guide

THE AREA’S BRIGHTEST STUDENT LEADERS PETS! (AND THEIR PEOPLE)

AUGUST 2013

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Contents AUGUST 2013 / VOL. 50 / NO. 08

FEATURES 62 / West Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best and brightest student leaders These college students come from a variety of backgrounds and places. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re armed with a positive attitude, a penchant for risk taking, and the understanding that hard work still pays off. BY ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL

70 / Pets with their people Photographer and dog owner Jean Orians learned a lot about animals while shooting more than two dozen photos for her ArtPrize 2012 exhibit. BY MARTY PRIMEAU

76 / Restaurant Week GR 2013 More than 65 local restaurants will offer special menus and celebrate farm-to-fork cuisine. BY MARTY PRIMEAU

4 GRMAG.COM \ AUGUST 2013

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contents AUGUST 2013 / VOL. 50 / NO. 08

departments BACK & FORTH 8 / From the Editor

94 / Nosh & Sip: Reds for summer grilling

8 / Letters, social media and more

96 / Top Shelf: Rum liqueurs

10 / Contributors

LIFE & STYLE 14 / Noteworthy items include beer — two ways; Abby Still Has Issues; Kelly Toland’s French macarons, Jamie Miller’s dog art and a Gaslight Village yoga festival.

98 / HeFedSheFed: Neighborhood hangouts

104

13 / Working out with silks 14 / What’s new at MoDiv

“At Trattoria di’ Stagione, our focus is on the seasonal cuisines of Italy.” — Dan Chudik

16 / Lori Slager at Creative Youth Center 18 / Living Local: Back-toschool shopping

NEAR & FAR 104 / Glen Arbor OUT & ABOUT 110 / August highlights

20 / Reading Room: Peg Cochran’s new mystery

111 / Calendar

21 / Travel blogger Laura Holmes

114 / Nightclub & comedy venue listings and highlights 118 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights

ART & DESIGN 22 / Gallery Profile: Amazwi Contemporary Art

120 / Snapshots

24 / Art gallery listings and highlights

128 / After thoughts: Teresa Weatherall Neal

26 / Art Talk: Mark di Suvero’s “Motu Viget” 27 / Justagirl: Getting organized for school 28 / Local guys on the tube

M 22

FOOD & DRINK 82 / Dining Review: Zing in Douglas

84 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan 90 / Chef Profile: Dan Chudik at Trattoria di’ Stagione

ON THE COVER: Dining al fresco outside CityFlatsHotel on Monroe Center.

110 Photography by Michael Buck

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06.

7/2/13 2:18 PM

G Try cre rand at C es a restau ive co ockt t re ran ckta ail st a t s a i l s ura nd at p 2013 ntw vot art eek e fo icip gr.c r yo atin om ur g , Au gus t 124!

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SAVOR SUMMER. Taste the best of Michigan’s seasonal harvest during Restaurant Week Grand Rapids 2013. Splurge on sumptuous menu creations that are farm-to-fork fresh at more than 65 restaurants. See menus and make reservations today at www.restaurantweekgr.com!

AU G U ST

1 4 - 24 65+ Restaurants | 3 Courses | $25 or 2-for-$25

Amore Trattoria Italiana, Aryana’s Restaurant, Bar Divani, Bistro Bella Vita, Bistro Chloe Elan, Bobarino’s, Bombay Cuisine, Brann’s on Leonard, Brewery Vivant, Bull’s Head Tavern, Charley’s Crab, CitySen Lounge, Crooked Goose, Cygnus 27, Dugan’s Pub & Grill, El Barrio, El Granjero, Fire Rock Grille, Gilly’s, Grand Rapids Brewing Company, Green Restaurant, Grove, G’s Grill, Honey Creek Inn, HopCat, J.Gardella’s Tavern, Ju Sushi Lounge, Judson’s Steakhouse, Kitchen 67, Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen, Lindo Mexico Restaurant, Mangiamo!, Marco New American Bistro, McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon, Monkey Bar, Olive’s Restaurant & Bar, One Trick Pony, Pearl Street Grill, Peppino’s, Pietro’s, Red Jet Café, Reds on the River, Reserve Wine & Food, Rezervoir Lounge, Rockwell Republic, Rush Creek Bistro, San Chez, Shiraz Grille, six.one.six, SpeakEZ Lounge, Spinnaker Restaurant, Stella’s Lounge, Sundance Grill & Bar, Tavern on the Square, Terra GR, The Acorn Grill at Thousand Oaks Golf Club, The Cottage Bar & Restaurant, The Grand Woods Lounge, The Green Well, The Landing Restaurant at Riverfront Hotel, The Melting Pot, Timbers Inn, Trattoria Di Stagione, Tre Cugini, Twisted Rooster, Watermark Grille, Z’s Bar & Restaurant.

Major Partners

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Underwritten By

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& GRAH AM BROT LA

Supporting Partners Valley City Linen Jeltema Brothers

BLACK STAR FARMS

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back & forth CONNECT WITH US

Savion Sanford

Join Managing Editor Marty Primeau at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays as she presents City Beat with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio FM 88.5 and 95.3.

THERE IS A LOT OF ENERGY generated in August as students prepare for advancement in learning opportunities, and one could say that energy is metaphorical for the learning process itself. The “learning environment” extends far past the classroom. Athletes and academics inspire whole communities, and colleges and universities participate in those communities through service programs and other interaction. Within downtown Grand Rapids alone, more than 31,000 college students are part of the urban population, while more than 50,000 participate in the near-downtown areas. The impact is significant both for what is seen and what is unseen. Grand Valley State University hosts the greatest number of students and continues to grow its presence in downtown. Its CookDeVos Center for Health Sciences on Michigan Street’s Medical Mile will expand in the near future, as did its Seidman College of Business with the newly opened L. William Seidman Center on the banks of the Grand River. The

facility includes the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation — a school of choice for growing numbers of students and one heartily welcomed by business leaders. The high-tech Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons on GVSU’s Allendale campus is described by the architect, SHW Group, as “a model for the new 21st-century digital learning environment.” Lee Van Orsdel, dean of GVSU libraries, describes it as “an information knowledge market,” the equivalent of an “academic mall.” Both the Seidman Center and library will be celebrated with public events next month. Lou Glazer, president of Michigan Future Inc., has noted that staying ahead of the curve in terms of being able to provide a quality, technical-based education will produce longterm dividends. “(GVSU is) of major importance for preparing a future work force for the region.” Michigan Future, an Ann Arborbased nonprofit think tank, has been recognized nationally for its economic analysis of education impacts and influence in economic development and talent attraction. Glazer has noted in previous stories that “(GVSU) is an important part of the asset base to attracting people and development to downtown.” That “talent” is given a face and a voice in this issue in interviews with area college and university student leaders. It’s energizing. Carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

LAST MONTH’S ONLINE QUESTION:

You have a whole day free and a full tank of gas — what are your plans? “Ride my bike or sit by the pool knowing that tomorrow I’ll still have a full tank of gas. That’s Pure Michigan.” — Kurt Bouma

“Tigers game if they are home, or Traverse City area to hit some vineyards.” — Anne Van Timmeren

“I’d head up 131 to Traverse City, then over to Sleeping Bear and work my way back down 31, stopping at Ludington, then Muskegon.” — @ImAFrugalGuy

“I would just start driving along the lakeshore, enjoying the view from my convertible — only stopping to take incredible photos!” – Julia Talmadge

What’s your favorite cool and refreshing summer recipe? Respond at facebook.com/grmag.

THIS MONTH’S ONLINE QUESTION:

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP); COURTESY THINKSTOCK (BOTTOM)

Higher education, students have significant impact

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contributors BEHIND THE SCENES

Vineyards & Wine Cellar

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THREE OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS SHARE THEIR GOALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS.

Visit Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar and sample from more than 25 award winning wines. You’ll discover what we mean when we say it’s...

Free wine tasting Wine tasting tours Award winning wines Winery direct discounts

1/ ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL,

2/ JEAN ORIANS,

Writer

Photographer

3/ DANA BLINDER,

“BEST AND BRIGHTEST STUDENT LEADERS,” page 62

“PETS WITH THEIR PEOPLE,” page 70

“COMING SOON TO DOWNTOWN GR,” page 88

What I loved about college: The challenge. And being surrounded by people driven by curiosity and a desire to positively impact their world.

Take a Vineyard Tasting Tour on the “Grape Train” or experience a Cellar Tasting Tour.

www.fennvalley.com 800-432-6265 6130 - 122nd Ave. | Fennville, MI 49408 I-196 exit 34, follow the “winery” signs. Open year around. Check our website for hours

/ /fennvalley

I write best when? I’m in a coffee shop with headphones on or on the bus with a notebook. Proudest achievement? It’s a toss-up: reading poetry in public or natural childbirth. Both were terrifyingly wonderful and taught me to never underestimate natural abilities.

My favorite photo? One of my grandson Dylan Jack Matthews behind a goldfish bowl. The water in the bowl distorted his face into something that is so comical. The most difficult pets to shoot? Chopper and Bryan because everything in the photo was black. My thanks to Michael Cook and his lighting skills. My next photo project? “Walk a Mile in Her Boots” highlighting female veterans of war.

Writer

Why I’m excited about Downtown Market opening: The option to meet and buy from local West Michigan vendors is awesome. I’m really looking forward to visiting Aperitivo and trying a burrata cheese that’s oozy and delicious. My favorite food? Pasta. Any shape, any sauce, any time. My proudest achievement? It’s a small achievement, but my spring outdoor flowers are still alive. For a brown thumb, that’s worth celebrating!

We’re all ears … tell us what you like or dislike in this issue. Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Send to Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email to letters@grmag.com. Letters may be edited for reaFollow us Visit us Like us on @grmagazine grmag.com sons of space and clarity. Facebook

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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com

info@grmag.com

PUBLISHER: John H. Zwarensteyn

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Carole Valade MANAGING EDITOR: Marty Primeau COPY EDITOR: Donna Ferraro CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Joseph A. Becherer, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Elissa Hillary, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Julie Burch, Chris Carey, Alexandra Fluegel, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson, Daina Kraai, Tricia van Zelst EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Emma Higgins EDITORIAL INTERN: Heather Rowan DESIGN PANEL: Joseph A. Becherer, John Berry, Kevin Budelmann, Jim Caughman, Timothy Chester, Sam Cummings, Oliver Evans, James Ludwig, Ray Kennedy, Henry Matthews, Wayne Norlin, Wayne Visbeen DESIGN & PRODUCTION NEW MEDIA, DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Scott Sommerfeld

ASSISTANT DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Chris Pastotnik

ART COORDINATOR: Kelly J. Nugent DESIGNERS/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS:

Melissa Brooks, Kristen Van Oostenbrugge, Robin Vargo CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Adam Bird, Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Johnny Quirin SALES GENERAL SALES MANAGER:

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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 ÂŠ 2013 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 $3.95 (by mail $6); back issue $6 (by mail $7.50), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at www.grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions. audited by

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AUGUST 2013 / GRMAG.COM 11

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life & style PeoPle / trends / books / Fashion / Fitness

PARTY ON THE ROOF All For One is a yoga festival in Gaslight Village with music, arts, entertainment and “compassionate cuisine” sponsored by the new owners of Seva Yoga. The Aug. 10 event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on the top level of the Gaslight Parking Structure. Donations of $5 will go to the Humane Society of West Michigan. Facebook.

C’EST BON! Kelly Toland’s macarons (pronounced mak-ah-rohns) taste just like the light-asa-feather confections you’ll find in any Parisian bakery.

guzzle it hot or cold

Andrew and Laura Pickard create boozy ice cream called Frosty Pints using local craft beers. Flavors include such heavenly combinations as Vanilla Java Porter, Cerise Almond and S’mores with Perrin’s Chocolate Milk Stout. Find ’em on Facebook. If you prefer hot and spicy beer, consider Founders’ Mango Magnifico con Colar, brewed with mangos and Michigan-grown habaneros for a fruity heat. This high-gravity beer is part of Founders Brewing Co.’s Backstage Series and will be released this month. foundersbrewing.com

“I make you feel normal …”

noteworthy interesting tidBits we thought You shouLd know

Local humorist Abby Heugel — and frequent GRM contributor — has released her second installment of witty essays, compiled from her blog abbyhasissues. com. We dare you not to laugh. “Abby Still Has Issues” is available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle download.

The owner of A Piece O’ makes the colorful meringue cookies in a variety of yummy flavors with help from her dad, John Kobus. Since moving to Grand Rapids with her hubby, Toland has been selling the treats at Fulton Street Farmers Market and is considering a GR storefront. Stay tuned. lebonmacaron.com.

THAT’S MY PUP Lovers of dogs and contemporary art will swoon over the oversized, pet portraits by artist Jamie Miller. His oil paintings were on display during the Spring Parade of Homes. “I work on the eyes to capture the dog’s personality,” he said. Check out jamiemillerart on Facebook.

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin (bottom riGht); courtesy kelly kobus toland (bottom leFt); thinkstock (toP leFt); Frosty Pints & Founders breWinG co. (center); abby heuGel (toP riGht)

Cake bakery in Lansing

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Aerial arts is something most people have watched in awe at a circus. Athletes use “silks” made of special polyester fabric to knot themselves into various positions — often hanging 25 feet in the air. They tumble, twirl, climb and pose in an impressive display of strength and dexterity. “Aerial is something that has transformed my life and my health,” said Jackie Joy, founder of Aerial 4 Me in Grand Rapids, shown at right. “I’ve gained a new perspective of what can be accomplished with the power of positive attitude and determination.” Also known as aerial acrobatics, aerial dance or aerial silks, the movements engage core, legs and upper body. “Some of our students who are runners use it as a cross trainer,” said Joy, who began dancing at the age of 3 and started teaching aerial silks in 2011. Aerial arts attracts people “I love how empowering of all ages and ability. aerial arts are. It’s very “I would recommend it satisfying to engage to anyone who, like me, is in an activity that your interested in working out but brain says, ‘No, you hates the normal routines can’t’ and your fear like running or going to the gym,” said Annie Compersays, ‘No, you’d better chio, who has taken aerial not’ — and proving workshops. “With aerial, them both wrong.” you are so focused on what — Jackie Joy you’re doing, you can’t help but build muscle.”

PhotoGraPhy courtesy annie comPerchio

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin (bottom riGht); courtesy kelly kobus toland (bottom leFt); thinkstock (toP leFt); Frosty Pints & Founders breWinG co. (center); abby heuGel (toP riGht)

Aerial acrobatics for all

KNOTTY BITS VENTURE Jackie Joy’s other venture is Knotty Bits, an entertainment company specializing in sideshow and cirque-style entertainment, including aerial silks, fire eating, glass walking, snake charming and more. “I love performing at street festivals and state fairs because the audience usually consists of families and hardworking folks who aren’t able to get out and see a cirque-style show,” she said. Knotty Bits will perform Aug. 24-25 at the Michiana Renaissance Festival in Mishawaka, Ind., and Aug. 30 at Fifth Third Ball Park. knotty bitssideshow.com.

Classes are capped at nine students. Even though the moves can seem daunting, Joy said some students come to her with no exercise experience. “I love how empowering aerial arts are,” she added. “It’s very satisfying to engage in an activity that your brain says, ‘No, you can’t’ and your fear says, ‘No, you’d better not’ — and proving them both wrong.” Aerial 4 Me is based at Grand Rapids Gymnastics at 1601 Galbraith Ave. SE. Beginner classes are designed for people who have no experience with aerial silks. Drop-in sessions also are available. — eMMA HigginS Check out the website at aerial4me.com.

August 2013 / GrmaG.com 13

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life & style PeoPle / trends / books / Fashion / Fitness

Deborah and Courtney Hunt,

HUMANITY BOUTIQUE

The indoor mall at Monroe Center and Division has new boutiques and gourmet doughnuts. Visit shopmodiv.com for updates. FASHIONABLE FAMILY Get four sisters and a mom together and you’ve got the makings for a fashionable business. The Hunt women — Deborah and her grown daughters Jodi, Kelly, Katie and Courtney — opened Humanity Boutique earlier this year. The inspiration behind Humanity stems from each daughter’s experience studying abroad. The women wanted to incorporate influences from a variety of cultures and carry a range of patterns, colors and details to reflect that worldly muse. Each country the women have visited provided trend ideas: bright tribal prints from Australia, edgy/rocker influences from London, and classic shapes and patterns from France. Owning a clothing boutique has been a dream for the Hunts for more than a decade, and Humanity is their first business venture. The women drew from their retail working experience to bring the shop to life.

“We’re excited to be a part of the growing fashion culture of Grand Rapids, and MoDiv offers such amazing downtown shopping,” said Courtney, 28, the youngest daughter, who works in the store with her mom. Humanity carries clothing, jewelry and accessories — from graphic necklaces to tribal print leggings to high-low dresses. The store also will carry lines from Sweden and Australia, and the women hope to sponsor fashion shows presenting new trends. They believe in making fashion accessible, so every piece is under $100. The merchandise currently comes from wholesalers in Los Angeles. They only order a handful of each item, which allows updating the stock more frequently and bringing in new items on a weekly basis. “We want to keep things unique and fresh,” said Deborah. While retro zigzag maxi dresses and studded details have been summer must-

Tory O’Haire,

PROPAGANDA DOUGHNUTS

haves, the Hunts will introduce new trends for fall. Look for tweeds, leather accents, a tuxedo influence, rich green tones and neutral color blocking. For more information, visit Facebook or humanity-boutique.com.

DOUGHNUTS ARE THE NEW CUPCAKE Erase any preconceived notions. The doughnuts created by Tory O’Haire at his new downtown GR eatery are not the typical, deep-fried doughy concoctions. “I love French pastry, that’s my background,” said O’Haire, a.k.a. The Starving Artist. His Propaganda Doughnuts are made with high-quality oils, organic flour, local ingredients “and a lot of nice flavor combinations that people don’t associate with doughnuts.” Think gourmet dark chocolate with absinthe. Or cinnamon sugar with a dash of Chinese five-spice powder.

PhotoGraPhy by michael buck

What’s happening at Modiv?

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Amber Peters,

PhotoGraPhy by michael buck

JAGGER MADISON BOUTIQUE

O’Haire’s custard-filled doughnuts are made with goat cheese from Dancing Goat Creamery in Byron Center, and his jelly doughnuts are French brioche filled with homemade jams. “I want to show off the versatility and creativity of using local ingredients,” he said. And while he knows doughnuts aren’t exactly health food, “if you eat good foods, it’s completely fine to indulge in a treat. I don’t expect people to eat a dozen every day.” The concept of Propaganda Doughnuts, located inside MoDiv in the former Kitchen Sinc location, is “grab and go.” The space has been renovated to have a small retail space where “people can walk in, buy doughnuts and a cup of drip coffee in a Styrofoam cup.” Artisan doughnut shops have been sprouting around the country, and O’Haire said he’s thrilled to be on the cutting edge of a trend. While Propaganda Doughnuts is a key pursuit, O’Haire wears several toques. In his primary business as The Starving Artist,

he’s a private chef and mixology consultant to local bars and restaurants. He also founded The Full Moon Supper Club — basically a nonprofit dinner party that floats around the city and is open to anyone for the cost of ingredients. Plus, he teaches a variety of cooking classes. When planning the doughnut shop, O’Haire said he decided on a pulp fiction detective theme. “It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I’ve always had the knack for being subversive.” Besides the usual morning hours — “8 a.m. until we run out” — Propaganda reopens at 8 p.m. for the late-night crowd. “During ArtPrize and other big downtown events, we’ll stay open until everyone goes home.” Visit propagandadoughnuts.com or Facebook.

FLOWERS TO FASHION Amber Peters is eager to share her excitement for fashion. “I’m passionate about helping others feel their best in their everyday lives,” she said. “When you’re confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing, it shows.”

Earlier this year she opened Jagger Madison boutique, carrying an interesting array of apparel, jewelry and gift items. Desigual, a Barcelona company, provides all the clothing, from dresses to casual wear. Peters says she was drawn to the line’s vivid colors and bold prints. Jagger Madison also stocks Votivo candles and Julia Knight glassware, along with a variety of accessories — including jewelry by local designer Liz Smith of EAS Designs — and home décor items. Peters says her goal is to cater to women of every age. She’s confident everyone can find something to take home, whether for herself or as a gift. The Knoxville, Tenn., native moved to Grand Rapids 10 years ago and has owned Mulick Floral in Ada since July 2012. She’s excited to be part of the growing downtown business district. “Grand Rapids is heading in a direction that’s bringing more people downtown,” she says. “We’re excited to be a part of that.” Find Jagger Madison on Facebook for updates on events and new merchandise. — HeAtHer rOWAn MArty PriMeAu August 2013 / GrmaG.com 15

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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

As owner of popular hangout The Sparrows Coffee Tea & Newsstand, Lori Slager has been an instrumental part of the revitalization of the Wealthy Street Business District. Six years later, she’s opened the doors of another space on the street and is giving kids in search of adventure a place to find it — and maybe learn a thing or two along the way. The building at 758 Wealthy St SE is the new home for the Creative Youth Center, the nonprofit Slager helped found in 2010 and now serves as executive director. The mission of the organization is to “prepare kids for life’s advenLori Slager, center, tutors Donny Hernandez and Shirley Hernandez-Diaz at the Creative tures by supporting their writing Youth Center. and amplifying their voices.” The organization publishes the worked during college — approached her with the idea work created by the students, which Slager said helps of opening a writing center similar to 826 (National), a them develop a sense of identity and encourages an national nonprofit literacy organization. enthusiasm for learning. Initially, the center operated through partner organi“I always dreamed of opening a tutoring center,” zations, including Grandville Avenue Arts and HumaniSlager said. She received her degree in art education ties and Grand Rapids Public Schools. from Calvin College and has spent time volunteering and “We really needed to have a location because we teaching through area arts education programs. started to feel confined as far as what we could serve. We One of those programs was the Cook Arts Center, felt like we were missing a lot of potential students, and facilitated by the Grandville Avenue Arts and Humaniwe also wanted to have a place that students could be ties, which gives underserved children and adults in the inspired by,” she said. neighborhood the opportunity to develop a deeper appreAs the search for a space began, Slager said Sparrow’s ciation of the arts. became an important outreach tool and the catalyst for an While teaching classes in painting, drawing and “lots important step toward her dream for a permanent home of jewelry making,” Slager came up with the idea of offerfor the organization: funding. ing a creative writing workshop. “It just seemed like a “I was talking with a regular customer about the CYC, really good fit. There was dance, drama, art — and writing just the way you talk about anything you’re passionate was a natural choice.” about, and he turned out to be a granting officer with the Slager said writing allows students to become more Kellogg Foundation,” she explained. comfortable and confident in speaking their minds. Slager submitted a proposal. Last December, the cen“Sometimes kids are nervous to tell you their thoughts ter received a $225,000 grant from the foundation to be because they think they have to have the right answer. used in opening a permanent space. Creative writing allows them the freedom to be silly and “Having our own space is so exciting. It’s allowed us say what they want without having to worry.” the chance to expand our programming and give students She’s also learned how therapeutic writing can be. a place to find us,” she said. Many of the students Slager taught and now serves Slager said her new role caused her to take a step through the Creative Youth Center deal with difficult back from the daily operations of Sparrow’s, where she issues, such as poverty and language barriers, and she was often behind the counter, but she says she’s enjoyed said she’s amazed at how the young writers can articulate the challenge. their experiences and find meaning in them. “It’s caused me to be a different kind of role model,” The CYC was launched in 2009 after Cecile Fehsenshe said, “and that’s a very good thing.” feld — owner of Schuler Books and Music, where Slager — Alexandra Fluegel

Photography by Michael Buck (top); courtesy thinkstock (background)

Preparing kids for life’s adventures

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Photography by Michael Buck (top); courtesy thinkstock (background)

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Goodbye summer, hello school

Elissa Hillary is executive director of Local First, a nonprofit organization supporting locally owned businesses in West Michigan.

“Back-to-school time doesn’t have to be just about shopping for school supplies and clothes. It can also be about finishing our summer on a great note.” — Tammy Gillette

Sara Lachman shops for shoes at Gazelle Sports with her sons, James, 5, and Henry, 12.

also shops locally at Clothing Matters and V&A Shoes for school apparel. Sara Lachman has four sons with different interests, so back-to-school shopping requires a variety of gear. When buying shoes for her oldest, she shops at Gazelle Sports for brands that are “comfortable and wear better and longer than cheap knock-offs.” For the younger boys, “Snapdragon has the biggest kid shoe selection in town.” Another bonus? The store, in East Grand Rapids, has a “little room with a TV and fun kid furniture,” she said. “That allows me to have one kid get fitted at a time without the others going wild in a big store.” The family also shops at Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus for cool clothes, jackets and gear. The back-to-school routine always includes a stop at Jude’s Barbershop and a trip to Pooh’s Corner to find chapter books for her oldest son. “After all that shopping, we prepare for our annual No S’more Summer Party,” Lachman said. “We grab all the s’more fixings at Meijer and have all the kids from the block and their parents come roast s’mores the night before school starts. It’s a good way to say goodbye to the summer and to celebrate community.” — ELISSA HILLARY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

living local

AUGUST IS A TIME of transition, especially for families who try to squeeze in some last adventures before summer vacation ends and the school year begins. I asked two moms to share the ways they celebrate the end of summer and prep for the school year. “Back-to-school time doesn’t have to be just about shopping for school supplies and clothes. It can also be about finishing our summer on a great note,” said Tammy Gillette, who has two sons attending East Oakview Elementary School. “All summer we work to keep up with academics by reading our favorite stories and randomly quizzing the boys with a little math trivia. When it gets closer to back-to-school time, we get out the flash cards and we start to ask the boys to write stories for us.” Orientations and sports practices make it difficult for the family to plan a lengthy vacation in August, so the Gillettes schedule short camping trips or take in a Tigers game. “Our sons also enjoy visits to John Ball Zoo, Meijer Gardens and AJ’s Fun Park.” When it’s time to stock up on school supplies, Gillette said she heads to Meijer. “They have great prices and are a one-stop source for folders, pencils, pencil boxes, hand sanitizer, expo markers, erasers, crayons, etc.” She

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PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quitin

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life & style PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

Custom Cabinets Reading Room

A healthy way to write

Design Center 4265 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI

Factory & Showroom 665 Construction Ct. Zeeland, MI

The author of “Allergic to Death” and “Steamed to Death” describes herself as a “late bloomer” because it took a few tries at different genres to come up with a recipe for success.

Summer literary events:

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Award-winning poet Ian Haight will launch his new book, “Magnolia & Lotus,” during a Great Lakes Commonwealth of Letters event 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at 758 Wealthy St. SE. Haight’s poetry has placed in or won several award contests. His essays, poetry, interviews and translations have appeared in literary journals and periodicals both in Korea and

the United States. For other events and workshops, visit readwritelive.org. If you haven’t taken part in GR Reads, a “summer reading program for adults,” you still have time. A dozen activities are planned this month, from cheesemaking with Dancing Goat Creamery to a Vintage Trailer Show. All events are

related to 10 books chosen by librarians at Grand Rapids Public Library. On Aug. 7, you can tour the little brick building on the city’s west side that achieved LEED Platinum certification, or on Aug. 17, catch the movie “Hubble 3D” at Celebration Cinema to take a journey through distant galaxies. Visit grpl.org/grreads.

Photography courtesy Peg Cochran

Produced locally by our talented craftsmen

Peg Cochran knew at age 7 she wanted to be an author. “I finished my first Nancy Drew and decided I was going to write mysteries.” Yet the author of “Allergic to Death” and “Steamed to Death” describes herself as a “late bloomer” because it took a few attempts at different genres to come up with a recipe for success. Cochran, who lived in New Jersey until moving to Grand Rapids 11 years ago, tried writing romance and young adult fiction — but couldn’t sell either. Her first try at a mystery was a bust, too. In fact, she received 400 rejection letters from agents. So she stopped writing for a bit, but she didn’t quit. “I couldn’t,” she said. “I don’t have hobbies. I don’t knit or sew. I don’t scrapbook.” And then she got word the Berkley Publishing Group was looking for someone to write a series. “It was a work-for-hire thing and writers had to audition.” Berkley liked her style, and Cochran landed the job writing the Sweet Nothings Mystery Series, starring fashionista Emma Taylor. “I wrote it under a pen name because the publishing company owns the concept,” Cochran said. But while working on the series, she pitched an idea for another mystery. “The editor at Berkley is a foodie, and I told her my idea for a mystery about a gourmet health food caterer.” She sent a manuscript, the editor loved it and Cochran had her own Gourmet De-Lite mystery series, including healthy recipes and a slew of colorful characters. Protagonist Gigi Fitzgerald, who cooks for a small group of clients, “is constantly stumbling over dead bodies and becomes an amateur sleuth.” — Marty Primeau Just like Nancy Drew.

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Best thing to do … … in Michigan is to hike the North Country Trail. “It goes across Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, and is longer than the Appalachian Trail. It’s a hidden gem.” … in the U.S. is to visit Sedona, Ariz. “There’s something about the red rocks, the sunsets and the amazing views that make me want to go back again and again.” … in the world is to go on an African safari. “The magnitude of the space and the animals — you’ll never see a full migration of 1,000 wildebeests anywhere else in the world.”

Photography by Michael Buck (Top left); courtesy Laura Holmes (right)

Chatting about travel A 2001 trip to Africa was the push Laura Holmes needed to share her writing. “I always, even as a kid, kept a journal about things that happen, details and places,” she said. “My journal really became epic after a group safari and climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.” Now, with many more trips under her belt, Laura uses her blog — “Gotta Chat” — and book — “I’ve Gotta Pack” — to document the important but often forgotten details of her journeys. Her blog is a live narrative of her excursions, from her jaunts in West Michigan to travels abroad. “I jot down things that are funny — small stories, travel humor or unexpected things that happen,” she said. “Those things tend to jump out at me as blog posts.” She recently posted about a trip to Sedona, Ariz. “I usually try to go somewhere new every time I travel, but I’ve been to Arizona three times already,” she said. “I’ve never heard anybody say anything bad about it. Just don’t go in the summer.” Though she’s a safari-loving, rockclimbing adventurist, Holmes said West Michigan is her favorite location. “A friend invited me to go to Zanzibar, a small island off the eastern coast of

Africa, and I thought, ‘Wait. It’s summer in Michigan — I already live in paradise.” If traveling isn’t your cup of tea, read on anyway. Home dwellers can appreciate Holmes’ wit and charm. “Sometimes a blog post isn’t even about traveling; it’s about a funny thing that happened to me at a book shop,” she said. “The goal is to inspire people to get out there and to see things — be it locally or internationally.” Holmes is working on a new adventure travel book due out in 2014. Follow her blog at contentqueens.net/blog. — Dana Blinder Laura Holmes’ travels have taken her from Michigan (top left) to Arizona, Peru and Alaska (top to bottom). Top left: Laura Holmes hikes in the Bass River Recreation Area, a 1,665-acre site in central Ottawa County.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Modern Africa speaks Saugatuck gallery is a treasure trove of contemporary art from across the African continent.

tepping inside Amazwi Contemporary Art in Saugatuck, visitors are immersed in the rich sounds and colors of Africa — so authentic even natives of Africa find it a comfort. “A few times, we’ve had African people seek us out because they are homesick. Visiting Amazwi simply makes them happy,” said Wally Petersen, who co-owns the gallery with Mike Tischleder. Amazwi, which means “voices” in Zulu, is a treasure trove of contemporary art from all over the African continent. “The gallery is giving a voice to scores of emerging artists living and working thousands of miles away. We’re devoted

to raising awareness and appreciation of their work,” said Tischleder. “We really wanted to focus on contemporary art and try and dispel this mythical vision people have of African art as dusty and antiquated.” Tischleder and Petersen visit Africa at least once a year to find new work. Customers have responded “most enthusiastically” to work from the southern and eastern areas of the continent, so the owners have made several trips to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe “reconnecting with our established arts and seeking new and emerging ones, many of whom are now friends,” Tischleder said.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

“We really wanted to focus on contemporary art and try and dispel this mythical vision people have of African art as dusty and antiquated.” — Mike Tischleder

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black tourmaline and diamond earrings by Scott Carey

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Customers also are inspired by the African spirit. “In the face of what many in America would consider harsh conditions, the African spirit remains strong and vibrant,” he added. Though mainly filled with paintings and sculpture, Amazwi recently incorporated more house wares and decorative pieces — including jewelry — into the gallery’s inventory. “Originally, we carried mainly paint-

> amazwi Contemporary Art Location: 249 Culver St., Saugatuck Summer hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.-Tue., 11-7 Wed.-Sat. September-October: 11-5 Thu.-Sun., 11-2 Mon. November-December: 11-5 Fri.-Sun. Contact: (269) 857-5551; amazwi.com

ings, but we wanted to make things available to anyone who walks in. So now we have art at every price point. There is something of a gift-shop aspect to the gallery now — but gifts that are all helping an unusually great cause,” Tischleder said. Craft items and jewelry are handmade and each is unique. “Many of the artisans and craftspeople are the sole breadwinners for their families, so the proceeds often help support an average of 11 to 14 people,” he said. Most items in the store are labeled with the names and sometimes even photos of the crafter, personalizing each purchase. “Over the years, our artists have developed a deep appreciation for what Amazwi has been doing: exposing their work to a much larger audience while giving them the financial resources to continue to pursue their artistic passion,” Petersen said. “Our customers are a critical part of that cycle, and they too should take a great deal of satisfaction from helping to support and develop these talented souls.” — Emma Higgins

Designer & Custom Jewelry Expert Jewelry Repair Tu-Fr 10-5 Sat 12-4 616-459-5075 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids shop@metalartstudioinc.com August 2013 / Grmag.com 23

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Local art galleries

Aug 3

1/ Artwork by Michael Schaeffer will be on display at LaFontsee’s Douglas location throughout August.

Compiled by Emma Higgins

1/ LaFontsee Galleries: On Common Ground opens Aug. 3 (reception 5-8 p.m.) at LaFontsee’s Douglas location, featuring new artworks by established artists including Christy DeHoog, Meridith Ridl and Michael Schaeffer. Live jazz from the Paschke Trio 6-8 p.m. Exhibition runs through Sept. 1. Grand Rapids location includes Urban Craft Boutique. 150 Center St., Douglas, and 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, 451-9820, lafontsee.us. 2/ Design Gallery at Design Quest: Opening Aug. 16 (thru Oct. 13) with announcement of winners and prizes, Recycle Challenge is an annual juried exhibition featuring works by local artists and designers made out of at least 95 percent recycled materials. Thru Aug. 11, Wall To Wall Michigan, extra-large canvas photographs of Michigan landscapes by Roger Bruinekool. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-0131, design quest.biz.

Allen+Pfleghaar Studio at Tanglefoot: Working studio/gallery of Michael Pfleghaar and Tommy Allen. 314 Straight Ave. SW (entrance on north, dock 8), tanglefootstudio.com. Art Gallery 318: Fine art by Kathleen Mooney. 318 E. Main St., Lowell, 890-1879, facebook.com/ArtGallery 318FineArt. Betsy Ratzsch Pottery: Ceramics, artwork and gifts from American artisans. 584 Ada Drive, 682-0266, betsyrpottery.com.

Cascade Art Gallery: Multi-media art, print collection, framing, gifts. 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 9494056, cascadegallery.blogspot.com. Con Artist Crew: Art collective and gallery. 1111 Godfrey SW, North Building, No. 198, conartistcrew.com. Craft House: Collaborative exhibition and discussion space. 40 S. Division Ave., crafthousegr.com and Facebook. DAAC: Artist-run space hosts art, discussions and music. 115 S. Division Ave., thedaac.org. Flat River Gallery and Framing: Co-op of local and national artists. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, 987-6737, flatrivergalleryandframing.com. Gallery 154: Local and national multi-media art, gifts, jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154. com. Gallery at ICCF: Work from local artists and craftspeople. Thru Aug. 6, Water and Field – Michigan Moods, pastels by Kathleen Harris. 920 Cherry St. SE, iccf.org/current_exhibit. htm. Gaspard Gallery: Artist-operated gallery. 235 S. Division Ave., 4017533, gaspardgallery.com.

UICA Chroma exhibit

Grand Gallery: Fine art, reproductions, restoration, gifts, framing. 596 Ada Drive, Ada, 676-4604, grandgall ery.com. Grand Rapids Art Museum: See

Museums & Attractions. Heartside Gallery: Folk, outsider and intuitive art by self-taught Heartside residents. 48 S. Division Ave., 235-7211, ext. 103, heartside.org. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: See Museums & Attractions. Kendall College of Art and Design: Work by students, faculty and national artists in four gallery spaces: three at 17 Fountain St. NW and one in the Federal Building, kcad. edu/galleries. LowellArts King Gallery: Community gallery with seven rotating exhibits throughout year. Thru Aug. 15, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Exhibition features artwork from illustration department students and alumni of Kendall College of Art and Design. Closing reception 6-7:30 Aug. 15. 149 S. Hudson, Lowell, 897-8545, lowell artscouncil.org. MercuryHead Gallery: Work by local artists plus gifts and framing. 962 E. Fulton St. 456-6022, Facebook. Muskegon Museum of Art: See Museums & Attractions. Open Concept Gallery: Open platform for innovation. Local and international art. mARTini: Art Talks on issues in the art world, last Tue. of month. 50 Louis St. NW, openconcept gallery.org. Perception Gallery: Fine art gallery also offers home décor, art res-

2/ This critter was an entry in last year’s Design Quest Recycle Challenge. toration and appraisal services. 210 E. Fulton St., 451-2393. Richard App Gallery: Fine art from local and U.S. artists. 910 Cherry St. SE, 458-4226, therichardapp gallery.tumblr.com. Sanctuary Folk Art: Salon-style gallery displays and sells local folk art. 140 S. Division Ave., 454-0401, Facebook. UICA: Thru Aug. 18, Festival 2013 Regional Art Exhibition, including paintings, drawings, prints, photography, three-dimensional and multimedia works. Also thru Aug. 18, Chroma, artwork that focuses on color, or lack of color. 2 W. Fulton St., 4547000, uica.org. Check websites for hours of operation.

Photography courtesy Michael Schaeffer (top left); Meg Sorensen (middle); Jaclyn Clark (bottom)

106 Gallery and Studio: Calvin College-run gallery in Heartside features student and local artists’ work. 106 S. Division Ave., calvin.edu/center artgallery/studio.

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Photography courtesy Michael Schaeffer (top left); Meg Sorensen (middle); Jaclyn Clark (bottom)

...

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Summer’s final swing

art talk

Joseph A. Becherer is curator of sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and a professor at Aquinas College.

tHings to ConsiDer: Make your way to the open space north of City Hall and west of the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building. Walk all the way around the sculpture from a moderate distance so you can see the whole work at once. Note how the sculpture changes as you move around it. Take the time to venture aboard the tire swing. Perhaps someone will give you a good, firm push. While swinging, consider how you are experiencing the sculpture and the space. Think about how your perception of the sculpture differs from when you were walking around it.

Among tHe most proDigious and prolific sculptors working today, Mark di Suvero has emerged as an icon for American art — and American sculpture, in particular. Born Marco Polo di Suvero in 1933 to Italian diplomats living in Shanghai, China, the family was forced to immigrate to the United States with the emergence of the Fascist movement in their native Italy. He studied philosophy at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and moved to New York in the late 1950s where he supported himself working construction. The dominant artistic movement at the time was Abstract Expressionism, where artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem DeKooning and David Smith were exploring non-representational imagery and the bold use of materials — and in the process were redefining the visual arts. Di Suvero’s work in urban construction sites and the materials used for his sculptures soon merged. Scavenged wood, tires and metal were joined by industrial I-beams and torchcut plates of metal. The grit and rigor of the burgeoning American century became synonymous with his sculptural endeavors. The scale of his pieces was not for the gallery or the faint of heart, but truly architectural. From the early 1970s to the present day, his sculptures have populated public plazas, sculp-

ture parks and museum grounds across the United States and Europe. He truly has left his mark on communities from coast to coast — and Grand Rapids is especially important. “Motu Viget” of 1977 was a major commission for the artist and was timed to coincide with the building of the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building in downtown Grand Rapids. The sculpture is composed of a series of colossal I-beams composed to form a kind of open pyramid. The longest of the beams points decidedly heavenward and directs the viewer’s attention upward. Perhaps the most beloved element is the gigantic tire swing suspended from within the open pyramid, encouraging visitors to venture aboard and swing. The incorporation of movement within a work of sculpture was introduced by Alexander Calder in the 1930s, but never at this scale and never with human participation in mind. In many of his sculptures, Di Suvero is not only interested in three-dimensional exploration but also the appreciation of space and time. As you move around the sculpture, you may experience many of the same sensations of other large-scale works, but the chance to actually ride in and through a work of art is truly something special. — JOsEPH a. BECHERER

For a greater appreciation and understanding of Di Suvero, consider enjoying two additional colossi on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “Ben Webster” welcomes visitors at the main entrance, and “Scarlatti” is sited in the Sculpture Park.

PhOTOgRAPhy by JOhNNy QuIRIN

Enjoy this iconic work in comparison to Alexander Calder’s “La Grande Vitesse” in the neighboring Vandenberg Plaza. Consider how the use of scale is comparable but the use of color and materials is not. The latter two make for very different artistic statements.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

It may take some work up front, but implementing these ideas — even a couple JustaGirlblog.com

— will make for a much

Ready for school

smoother transition into the school year.

Photography courtesy Chris Carey

Photography by Johnny Quirin

A little organization goes a long way toward preparing for busy schools days. As a teacher, it’s important for me to prepare the house for the hectic schedules that will most definitely ensue when school starts. These preparations have worked for me and, hopefully, they’ll work for you too. Get ready for the homework: Homework completion relies heavily on structure so I have everything readily accessible for the kids to get started after school. A homework box works perfectly. The kids know they go to the drawer, grab the box and start working. It has all the supplies needed for daily assignments so it prevents the stall tactic of looking for something they need. Prepare the junk drawer: I picked up a couple of inexpensive drawer organizers and velcroed them to the bottom of the drawer to keep them in place. The color-coordinated supplies are a visual tactic to keep things where they belong, and it remains almost perfectly organized for some time. Key word: almost. Utilize a drop zone: If you’re coming and going as much as we are, you know a drop zone is a must. We don’t have time to search for keys or sunglasses, so we try to keep all those things in one organized place. The cabinet is right

by our back door, and it holds all those musthaves for our daily schedule. The absence of excess mail in this area could be a whole article on its own. Just know that we go through our mail immediately and get rid of anything unneeded. A file folder holds any paperwork we’ll need for another time. Find a lunch station: Making lunches is one of my least favorite things to do, but having all the supplies in one container makes it much easier. We keep all the non-perishables in a drawer and all the refrigerated items in a container in the fridge. It also serves as a visual for which items we’re running low on. Make a mudroom: A mudroom can involve something as easy as hooks for backpacks or a couple of bins by the backdoor for hats and gloves. Kids need to have a designated place for their school items, or backpacks and lunch boxes will take over your entry. Not only does a mudroom (makeshift or built-in) keep things neat, but it also teaches your children to be responsible for their belongings. — Chris Carey is a Rockford wife, mom, teacher and avid doit-yourselfer who shares her home projects and decorating tips on her justagirlblog.com. August 2013 / Grmag.com 27

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Two local men, Jason Kakabaker and Tylor Devereaux, recently experienced the intensity of competing on national television shows.

Reality TV: stressful but amazing

Competing on nAtionAL teLeVision can be daunting — especially for everyday people vying with their peers to prove they’re the best at what they do. Two local men who survived similar reality TV challenges say their experiences were crazy but also amazing. Jason Kakabaker, owner of The Cakabakery, faced off against three other bakeries on The Food Network’s popular series “Cupcake Wars” and took second place May 19. Interior designer Tylor Devereaux was one of 10 contestants vying for a chance to host his own television show on “HGTV Star.” He was eliminated in the third episode that aired June 23.

PhOTOgRAPhy COuRTESy hgTV/SCRIPPS NETwORkS (TOP); ThINkSTOCk (bACkgROuND & bOTTOm)

By Marty Primeau

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Photography courtesy HGTV/Scripps Networks (top); Shutter Sam (bottom); thinkstock (background)

Photography courtesy HGTV/Scripps Networks (top); thinkstock (background & bottom)

“Doing the show was like doing a parade home every day for a summer.” — Tylor Devereaux

Both found the atmosphere to be stressful but also felt the experience was rewarding. “It’s even more intense than it looks,” said Devereaux, who spent five weeks filming in Los Angeles earlier this year. Each episode, the contestants were given decorating challenges and a timeframe to complete the task. “When you realize they’re giving you a certain amount of hours for something that usually takes weeks, the first thought is, ‘I can’t do this. My career is over.’ But the next second you get an adrenalin rush and it all just comes together.” Kakabaker, whose bakery specializes in custom cakes and desserts made from scratch, also flew to L.A. with assistant Michelle Baker (yes, their names are real) for a day of competing and half a day of interviews. “It was surreal,” he said. “A lot happens even before they start taping. It’s like 16 hours of work for a one-hour

show. There are producers and cameras all over the place.” He won the first two rounds, making it to the final — and most demanding — round of the show. “Baking 1,000 cupcakes in two hours was just crazy,” he said. Though he didn’t take home the $10,000 top prize, he said the exposure has helped his business. After work-

ing out of a commercial kitchen since 2010, Kakabaker has opened his first retail location at 1436 Wealthy St. SE in Eastown. Devereaux’s journey started last November with an open audition in Chicago. By late January, he learned he would be one of the contestants — and was sworn to secrecy. “I couldn’t tell anyone, not even my

Tylor Devereaux on the set of “HGTV Star” in Los Angeles, pictured opposite page and above. Jason Kakabaker, a contestant in The Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” confers with Peter Jacob, his life and business partner.

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2013

In collaboration with: Infiniti Custom Homes, Visbeen Architects and Klingman’s

to attend the exclusive cocktail reception and tour at Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2013 Design Home to benefit Bethany Christian Services. Location: 875 Skyevale, Ada Date: August 22, 2013 from 6-9 p.m.

Limited tickets are available for purchase via 2013designhome.eventbrite.com

Singer/Songwriter/Musician and Kalamazoo native Brian Vander Ark will be performing live for this Design Home Event. (His smash hit “The Freshmen” sold over 3 million albums for his band, The Verve Pipe.)

Attire is cocktail casual. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided. Accessible parking on-site. With proceeds to benefit:

In association with:

Catering services provided by:

applause

catering + events

Wine provided by:

Henry A. Fox Sales Co.

Design Home 2013 Partners: All Condition Painting, Applause Catering & Events, Audio Video Interiors, Belden Brick & Supply, DeHamer Brothers Garden Center, Eikenhout, Engineered Protection Systems, Fox Brothers Company, Gerrit’s Appliance, Henry A. Fox Sales Co., Infiniti Custom Homes, James Hardie Building Products, Inc., Klingman’s Furniture, Modern Hardware, Ophoff Masonry, Overhead Door Company of Grand Rapids, Pascucci Marble & Granite, Phillip Elenbaas Millwork, Richards Kitchen and Bath Showroom, Rockford Floor Covering, Siegel Jewelers, The Lighting Corner, Top of the World Granite, Visbeen Architects, Wahlfield Drilling Co., Woodways Custom Cabinets

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Shadow box bow ties - Museum Glass

“A lot happens even before they start taping. It’s like 16 hours of work for a one-hour show.” — Jason Kakabaker

PhOTOgRAPhy COuRTESy ShuTTER SAm (TOP); ThINkSTOCk (bACkgROuND)

f r a m i n g

son,” he said. “That was probably the hardest part. I had to make up a story about a big condo project in Costa Rica with a very private client.” He said each challenge was similar to his experiences with Grand Rapids Parade of Homes. “When decorating a parade home, we don’t get in until the last 24 hours to do all the accessories. So I’m usually up all night tweaking. The next day you have to be out of the house before the public arrives at 10 a.m. — and then you sleep for two days! Doing the show was like doing a parade home every day for a summer.” Some of the challenges required working with another contestant to complete a project. “You wonder if the person is going to stab you in the back,” he said. “Add that to the worry of ‘How do I look? How do I sound? Is my forehead greasy?’” Most frustrating was the inability to use artwork to decorate a space. “Art finishes a room,” he said. “But it’s a whole license thing, and even if you’re using a fake print from Target, you’d have to get clearance from the original artist. That’s why all the art used is created by the contestants.” Devereaux said he has a new-found

confidence. “Just being on the show, out of thousands nationwide who tried out, and knowing they saw something in me that could make me a possible candidate for my own show — that was fantastic. “ It also made him realize how much he loves Grand Rapids. “They coach you with suggestions of what you should say during the oncamera interviews,” he said. “They wanted me to say that I’m ready to bust out of Grand Rapids. So I kept telling them I wasn’t going to say that because it’s not true. Our city is up-and-coming, and I’m glad to be here.” gr

f r a m i n g

When it comes to the protection and presentation of your personal treasures, experience is everything.

833 Lake Drive SE, GR MI 616.451.9820 www.lafontsee.us

August 2013 / gRmAg.COm 31

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An impressive landscape

By J. Stapleton Burch

for a magnificent home

OW THAT OUR Design Home adventure is in the final stretch, the outdoor work is underway. According to builder Stacey Rendon, who owns Infiniti Custom Homes with husband Rich, the meticulous landscaping of the Skyevale property has been entrusted to Wade Vugteveen, co-owner of DeHamer Brothers Garden Center. “Whenever you work with a great Visbeen design like ‘The Heartsworth’ home, it’s all about making the plants highlight the unique features of the design,” Vugteveen explained of the process. “Infiniti always does a great job building these houses, which makes our job very easy because its distinct design sets it up nicely for a really unique landscape. We’re excited to be involved in the project.” Vugteveen so enjoys the Visbeen-Infiniti collaboration that he temporarily hangs up his “owner’s” hat to get involved hands-on.

“This is not work to me,” he noted with a smile. “This is fun. When working with Infiniti on a Visbeen design, my job is just to accent the great work they are doing and bring focus to its beauty.” Besides the color of the home, one of the special design features Vugteveen has taken into consideration is the impressive stonework of the home’s façade. He and Stacey worked together to select the trees, bushes, flowers and plants that would best enhance the stone’s special characteristics. According to Heather James of Belden Brick & Supply, the initial color and stone scheme has since been reconsidered in order to provide a more harmonious flow from the outside, in. “We are really excited to bring a natural product to the outside of this house,” she said. “We have chosen a mix of Sherwood and Willington from Rolling Rock. It is real stone rather than an engineered product

and it has lots of great variances in color. Its earthy tones of browns, grays and charcoal are so right to carry through to the warm colors used on the inside of this home.” “It’s a brand new product that is a natural thin stone veneer with an inch or so of face cut off to reveal its rich colors. It’s the real deal,” added mason contractor Aaron Baeder of Ophoff Masonry, responsible for all of the installation and mason work on the home’s exterior. “There are also some earthy rust colors and quartz stone adding a little bit of shine from flecks of mica.” In the backyard, it will also be veneered to the stone-surround of the outdoor kitchen with its built-in barbecue. A spectacular outdoor living space is another hallmark of the homes built by Infiniti Custom Homes. “We really wanted to add something special in the backyard to take advantage of the great views this

DESIGN HOME 2013 PARTNERS: All Condition Painting, Applause Catering & Events, Audio Video Interiors, Belden Brick & Supply, DeHamer Brothers Garden Center, Eikenhout, Engineered Protection Systems, Fox Brothers Company, Gerrit’s Appliance, Henry A. Fox Sales Co., Infiniti Custom Homes, James Hardie Building Products, Inc., Klingman’s Furniture, Modern Hardware, Ophoff Masonry, Overhead Door Company of Grand Rapids, Pascucci Marble & Granite, Phillip Elenbaas Millwork, Richards Kitchen and Bath Showroom, Rockford Floor Covering, Siegel Jewelers, The Lighting Corner, Top of the World Granite, Visbeen Architects, Wahlfield Drilling Co., Woodways Custom Cabinets

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property offers,” Stacey explained. “The buyer of this home will have an outdoor living space as beautiful as the home itself, complete with a fully functioning kitchen, expansive patio and fireplace.” Top quality, outdoor-grade appliances from Gerrit’s Appliance will complete the kitchen suite, with David Israels and our friends at Klingman’s adding the final touches of comfort to the patio with a selection of coordinating furnishings to complete this inviting outdoor haven. Don’t miss the upcoming big reveal of The Heartsworth. This exciting charity gala on August 22nd will include food, wine, live music, an auction and of course, bragging rights that you were among the first to enjoy the environs of this magical home. Best of all, proceeds will benefit our friends at Bethany Christian Services. Visit 2013designhome.eventbrite.com for event details.

In collaboration with

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2013

Limited tickets are available for purchase via 2013designhome.eventbrite.com

to attend the exclusive cocktail reception and tour at Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2013 Design Home to benefit Bethany Christian Services. Singer/Songwriter/Musician and Kalamazoo native Brian Vander Ark will be performing live for this Design Home Event. (His smash hit “The Freshmen” sold over 3 million albums for his band, The Verve Pipe.)

Design Home 2013 VIP tour/event August 22 to benefit

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Great NEWS

FOR GRAND RAPIDS.

Two of the area’s premier bike shops have joined forces! Grand Rapids Bicycle Company and Ada Bike Shop are teaming up to serve the Grand Rapids area. With four locations, tons of great brands, and a wealth of product and service knowledge, we’ve got all your cycling needs covered! East Paris Shop • 1200 E. Paris Ave SE • 616-855-7467 Gaslight Village Shop • 644 Lovett Ave SE • 616-272-4861 grandrapidsbicycles.com

Ada Shop • 597 Ada Drive Se • 616-682-2453 Grand Rapids Shop • 1311 E. Fulton • 616-458-2200 adabike.com

Big changes are in the works for the Trailhead Café too! Extended hours, a larger space, and a new drink list are on the way! Stop by to check our progress and to grab some delicious food in a casual atmosphere! 1200 E. Paris Ave SE • 616.284.3664 • trailheadcafegr.com

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Special Advertising Section

S. “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” — Derek Bok

Albion College Aquinas College Calvin College Cornerstone University Ferris State University Grand Valley State University Kendall College Oakland University Saginaw Valley State University

Colleges & Universities

d d

t is with great pleasure that Grand Rapids Magazine presents 13 Colleges and Universities that shape and define our community through their contributions and the education of our youth.

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Spring Arbor University Thomas M. Cooley Law School Wayne State University Western Michigan University

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Proven success.

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94% of Albion College students are placed within six months of graduation. Whether they land their first job, continue their education or volunteer, Albion graduates are prepared for a successful future. How? Through the Albion Advantage, an intensive, individually designed program that blends the liberal arts tradition with career preparation. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect balance for every student who walks on campus â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an education that will work just as hard for you as you worked for it. Our graduates have proven it.

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“

With lots of people working together we can make change happen. —Gail Heffner, Calvin’s director of community engagement

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reflecting Calvin’s Mission

Plaster Creek restoration Children haven’t played safely in Plaster Creek for decades. Pollution is the culprit, coming mainly from the stormwater that hunts its way down our rooftops and parking lots. Calvin College is collaborating with local schools, churches and organizations to restore the health of our beautiful watershed. The project, funded in part by state grants, includes education, research and cleanup. It’s just the start of a long process that includes our community working together for the good of Plaster Creek. The Plaster Creek project is a natural reflection of Calvin’s mission: To help students ask how the knowledge, skills and values they learn at Calvin be used to clear a part of the human jungle, restore some part of the lost loveliness of God’s world or introduce some novel beauty into it. And whether our graduates choose the kind of work that restores places like Plaster Creek, or another kind of good work, they live this mission. It will be years before parents will let their children explore the waters of Plaster Creek again, but that’s okay. With your help, we’re doing what we can, where we’re planted. We’re doing that around the corner and across the globe. Learn more about the Plaster Creek project at www.calvin.edu/go/plastercreek

www.calvin.edu

Calvin College admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

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CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY Build a life that matters.

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INTELLECTUAL COMMUNITY. CHRIST-CENTERED WORLDVIEW. At our core, we are compelled and inspired by Jesus Christ. Of all the relationships youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll walk away with from Cornerstone, your relationship with Him rises above the rest. Academic excellence, accessible resources and a culturally rich community are building blocks to help you attain a rewarding education, fulfilling career and a meaningful life. Our students rise to the high standards put before them with the help of a supportive community surrounding them. We invite you to visit our campus and experience a day at Cornerstone. We offer individual and group visits throughout the year where you can hear great chapel speakers, visit classes, meet professors, tour the residence halls, attend an athletic event, explore opportunities for overseas trips and ask as many questions as you want. To schedule a visit or for more information, visit www.cornerstone.edu.

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Special Advertising Section

Grand Valley State University

do best – teach. Even the innovative research projects

has established a reputation

undertaken by faculty are viewed as an opportunity to

for preparing students to

collaborate with students to enhance the learning

excel in virtually every field.

experience. In this way, undergraduate students gain

The university’s focus on

research experience that is more typically reserved for

individual student achieve-

graduate students at other colleges and universities.

ment has created unique undergraduate and graduate across the country and around the world.

EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS

ACTING FROM A STRONG FOUNDATION

of high-achieving students

Grand Valley’s liberal education focus and commitment to

and faculty are contem-

economic, social, and environmental sustainability put an

porary campuses in Grand

emphasis on critical thinking, creative problem solving,

Rapids and Allendale. Both campuses include state-of-

and cultural understanding. Virtually all of the university’s

the-art learning, living, and research centers. In addition,

more than 200 areas of academic study, including

the university has more than 340 clubs and organizations

31 graduate programs, incorporate these skills into the

that keep students involved and active. Plus, Grand Valley

learning process. The result is that graduates are better

features championship-level NCAA Division II sports, and

prepared to meet new challenges with confidence and

a vast array of athletic, social, religious, and fine arts

professional expertise, and are empowered to positively

activities. Grand Valley also has a full-service campus in

affect the global community now and in the future.

Holland, and centers in Muskegon and Traverse City.

A LEARNING COMMUNITY DEFINED BY MOMENTUM

To learn more about the academic and teaching excel-

Preparing students to achieve

or visit www.gvsu.edu.

learning opportunities that attract top students from

Supporting this network

lence at Grand Valley State University, call 616.331.2025

at a higher level puts a premium on teaching excellence. Grand Valley faculty come from some of the country’s leading institutions because the university encourages them to do what they

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“Best in the Midwest.” – The Princeton Review

AT THE TOP OF OUR CLASS. Grand Valley is leading the way with professionally relevant academic programs, real-world research opportunities, and outstanding campus facilities. Plus, our students benefit from personalized instruction made possible by small class sizes and dedicated professors. It’s all part of our liberal education foundation that provides a great return on investment and makes Grand Valley a top choice in the Midwest and beyond. gvsu.edu/GRAND | (800) 748-0246

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Make art. Design a career. Create your world. Kendallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expert faculty and supportive atmosphere guide students to succeed in more than 17 specialized programs. Call 800 676.2787 or visit kcad.edu to get started.

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NON-CREDIT CLASSES FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS

Create. Equate. Make it with math. Professional Development Classes for educators and other professionals will enrich your skills. Continuing Education clock hours are available for some classes. kcad.edu/youth-and-adults/continuing-education

Go to our website to sign up for classes: kcad.edu/youth-and-adults For more information: 1800.676.2787 ext 3012

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Ana Cousineau | Freshman | Athletic Training major from Grant, Mich. | Grant HS, Class of 2012

High achieving students can participate in one of six selective â&#x20AC;&#x153;Programs of Distinction.â&#x20AC;?

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Class size averages 24 students, and no courses are taught by graduate assistants.

Almost 50% of our state-of-theart campus has been constructed over the last decade.

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I am starting something new. A basketball and volleyball player in high school, Ana Cousineau experienced her share of injuries to her back, knees and ankles. “I felt like I was in rehab all the time,” Ana said. She was grateful for the help she received from her school’s athletic trainer, who convinced her that working with athletes is an enormously rewarding career. So when she decided on a whim to visit SVSU, Ana already knew that in some way athletics would continue to be a part of her life. “Visiting SVSU was a last-minute decision,” Ana said. “But as soon as I stepped foot on the campus, I fell in love with it. I just knew right away that this was the place for me. When I returned home, I set my bags down and looked at my mom and I was like: ‘I’m going there.’ She was shocked (‘What?? You don’t even know anybody over there!’). I just knew I belonged at SVSU; there was just something about it—I was very impressed with how friendly everyone was; the person who gave us a tour was great. I love sports, so

I was very happy that our tour guide took me over to the Ryder Center to show me the athletic facilities.” Ana joined the “Stairway to Success” program, in which she receives advice from a mentor on decisions such as choosing a major, what classes to take, how to join an intramural sports team, and many other things.” Like most first-year students, Ana’s strategy is to focus on making a successful transition to college life, and as time goes on explore opportunities to expand her involvement in student organizations and also seek part-time employment. The Grant, Mich., native said she “never thought in a million years” that she would venture away from her small hometown where both her immediate and large extended family all live. “It was a big deal for me to leave home because I’m the first in my family to attend college,” Ana said. “But this has been the best last-minute decision I’ve ever made. Living for the first time away from home, I’ve learned so much about myself.”

Want to be bold and “start something new?” Meet with an SVSU admissions representative, tour the campus or attend the Fall 2013 Open House on Saturday, November 9. Learn more at svsu.edu/admissions or call (800) 968-9500. 7400 BAY RoAd | UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI 48710 (800) 968-9500 | svsu.edu/admissions

More than 130 student clubs and organizations provide ample opportunities for leadership.

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Nearly 75% of freshmen opt to live in on-campus residence halls, which come with wi-fi.

Scholarships, financial aid and the most affordable tuition of Michigan’s state universities.

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BECOME SOMEONE YOU NEVER KNEW YOU COULD BE. AND DO IT ALL WITH PURPOSE. Because a title may define your job, but a purpose gives it meaning.

Whether you’re declaring a major, or embarking on a new career path, Spring Arbor University offers 120 undergraduate and graduate degrees that form teachers, nurses, CEOs, counselors, creative directors, accountants, and writers who want to make more than just a profit. They want to make a difference. Spring Arbor University’s main campus is located in Spring Arbor, Mich., with 15 additional learning sites across Michigan and Ohio, including our NEW GRAND RAPIDS LOCATION. Visit arbor.edu or call 800.968.0011 to find out more.

arbor.edu LIVE ON PURPOSE

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cooley.edu

Cooley Law School graduates lead in

Civil Rights Class Actions Communications & Media Contracts Corporate Law a aw Criminal Law a aw Debtor/ r Creditor r/ Discrimination Education Enviro r nment ro Family Law a aw Finance Foreign Government General Practice Government Relations Health Care Human Rights Identity t Theft ty f ft Immigration & Citizenship Insurance Inttellectual Pro r perty ro t ty Intternet & E-Commerc re rc Labbor & Employment

Legal Justice Le Leggislature Liaability t ty Maalpractice Military Mi Real Estate Securities Security t ty T xation Ta T rts To Affffifirmative Action Af Arbitration Animal Rights Banking & Mortg t ages tg Bankruptcy & Foreclosure Business Charities & Nonpro r fif t ro

Hon. Sara J. Smolenski Chief Judge, 63rd District Court in Grand Rapids Sara J. Smolenski, a Grand Rapids native, serves as chief judge for the 63rd District Court, and carries on a family legacy of judges. Both her father and brother were judges in Michigan. And for more than 20 years, Judge Smolenski has earned a reputation as a distinguished judge among her peers, and a strong leader in her community, having spent countless hours as a legal advocate, contributor and activist. Judge Smolenski firmly believes that education is the path to improve lives and community. She frequently speaks at community events, for charitable organizations, as well as civic and community groups. In addition to her legal work and community service, she has established herself as a popular local humorist, frequently exhibiting her unique â&#x20AC;&#x153;real lifeâ&#x20AC;? humor for many organizations.

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DAVID GRUMBINE, Whirlpool Senior Counsel

HON. JANE MARKEY, Michigan Court of Appeals Judge

JANENE MCINTYRE, Lansing City Attorney

HON. MARK GRISANTI, New York State Senator

NICK MARTINEZ, Physician and Attorney

DENNIS SWAN, Health System CEO

SHARON HANLON, Florida Super Lawyer

HON. RASHIDA TLAIB, Michigan State Representative

HON. RUBY MAKIYAMA, Japanese Legislator

HON. JOHN ENGLER, Former Governor of Michigan

LAWRENCE P. NOLAN, Michigan Super Lawyer

BILL NIELSEN, Microsoft Outreach Director

VALERIE SMULDERS, Law Firm Founder in Grand Rapids

COL. RODNEY WILLIAMS (RET), Veterans Affairs Manager

HON. NICHOLAS P. SCUTARI, New Jersey State Senator

HON. BART STUPAK, Former U.S. Congressman

Cooley is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. Since the school's founding 40 years ago, our alumni have gone on to become leaders - in every state in the nation and around the world. We proudly feature just a few of these graduates who serve their clients, constituencies and communities with care, skill and dedication. Cooley Law School Graduates Lead. Cooley stresses legal knowledge, practice skills, and professional ethics, concepts that are now receiving much attention in legal education, but have been in place at Cooley since its founding in 1972. Learn about Cooley Law School at cooley.edu 40Years of Excellence

Find Out More About Cooley’s Alumni

Thomas M. Cooley Law School is committed to a fair and objective admissions policy. Subject to space limitations, Cooley offers the opportunity for legal education to all qualified applicants. Cooley abides by all federal and state laws against discrimination. In addition, Cooley abides by American Bar Association Standard 211(a), which provides that “a law school shall foster and maintain equality of opportunity in legal education, including employment of faculty and staff, without discrimination or segregation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.”

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GO WEST. GRM_08.13_PG34.61.indd 60

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A new life is out there. PeoPle come here because they’re looking for something. For them it’s not about packing up the car and going to a different town. For them, it’s all about discovery. What they find is a challenge— something unexpected—that opens up new frontiers. When you come here, you’ll find there are frontiers already inside you, just waiting to be found. Go West. Discover. Explore. This is one of America’s great universities. A lot of people who have become successful—skilled, happy, wealthy and influential—started by heading West. Western Michigan University. It’s your turn to grab the reins.

wmich.edu/goWest

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by alexandra fluegel

W E S T

photography by johnny quirin

BEST AND BRIGHTEST STUDENT LEADERS M I C H I G A N ’ S

Savion Sanford

62 Grmag.com \ August 2013

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his year’s best and brightest students come from a variety of backgrounds and places, and they bring with them experiences that have cultivated a curiosity about the world around them. Though there is often talk about doom and gloom when it comes to the job market and today’s college grads, these students are armed with a positive attitude, a penchant for risk taking, and the understanding that hard work still pays off. Each school was asked to recommend students who are active on-campus and in the community, and who demonstrate a passion for leadership. We asked the students about their experiences and what they envision for themselves in the future. Their responses were collected and condensed, and seek to illustrate what great potential and leadership the city has waiting in its wings. Grand Rapids is lucky to have each one of these individuals as members of the community, where hopefully they will remain long into the future.

Emily Smitter

Savion Sanford Cornerstone University Psychology/Family Studies Hometown: Grand Rapids Savion Sanford said the way he decided to attend Cornerstone University was “kind of interesting.” Sanford received a scholarship offer from the school’s president to study at the university based on his impressive leadership experience, and Sanford said he jumped at the opportunity. “I really wanted to get involved right off the bat,” he said. During his first year, the Grand Rapids native landed a position as a student senator. “It’s hard for younger students to get roles because they aren’t acquainted with the school’s culture, but you just have to keep working.” And he did. The following year, Sanford became the student body vice-president, the youngest in the school’s history at that time. Flash forward to his senior year and Sanford spent a year of service as the student body president, a role he described as “very challenging.” During his presidency, Sanford helped organize neighborhood clean-up initiatives, partnering with other area schools and nonprofit organizations, and said

“I have surrounded myself with people who always push me, even when I want to give up on myself.” — Emily Smitter he always aimed to be seen as a leader with an “open door policy,” which wasn’t always easy. “My biggest challenge in college was learning how to work with and for people,” said Sanford, who says his dream is to go into counseling. “I love to help people. I love to work with people. I want to do that for the rest of my life.”

Emily Smitter Grand Rapids Community College Hospitality Management Hometown: Grand Rapids “I’m always going at 100 mph,” said Emily Smitter, whose on-campus involvement includes two presidencies and an event coordinator position with the Campus Democrats organization. She said her road to Grand Rapids Community College was tough, so once she arrived she wanted to do everything she could to make the most of her time there.

Smitter credits the school’s TRiO program, designed to assist first-generation college students, with helping her feel confident in her academic pursuits. To return the favor, she has served as a mentor for incoming students in the program. “I’ve been able to say, ‘I’ve been in your position; here’s what you need to do,’” she said. Having that support has led Smitter to become an award-winning student, and she is currently pursuing a coveted hospitality industry internship in California. “I have surrounded myself with people who always push me, even when I want to give up on myself.” She said that, although the internship may take her away temporarily, Grand Rapids is where she wants to live. “Grand Rapids is becoming a popular city, and the hospitality industry is really blossoming. It would absolutely break my heart to move.”

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Tennille Benedict Davenport University Nursing Hometown: Hastings, Mich. “How am I going to get through nursing school with seven children?” This was the question Tennille Benedict found herself asking a year and a half ago when the first generation college student decided the time was right for her to pursue her lifetime goal of helping others. Benedict started nursing school at 19, yet made the decision to take a break to work full-time when her husband, Joe, lost his job. After he regained employment, the couple discussed the best choice for their family, and she returned to finish her schooling. “Growing up, I always wanted to do something helpful,” said Benedict, who

described her childhood as “very difficult.” “I’m a survivor. When you come out of something difficult, you know your purpose and there’s that innate drive to do it and support people.” Benedict is a mentor for Sacred Beginnings, a rehabilitation group for women who have fallen victim to human trafficking, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as the founder of a support group for families facing issues related to Hallerman Syndrome, a rare disease that affects 200 people worldwide.

“I’m a survivor. When you come out of something difficult, you know your purpose, and there’s that innate drive to do it and support people.” — Tennille Benedict After she receives her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a doctorate degree with the aim of opening a practice specializing in natural family planning. While there are days when it’s hard to maintain a positive outlook, Benedict said the support she receives from family, faculty and friends has made all the difference. “I’m doing my best, and we celebrate the little victories.” She said her children serve as one of her biggest motivations. “I’m setting the example for them and showing them how important an education is. Even though it’s been challenging, it has been totally worth it.”

AMANDA CARMER

Tennille Benedict

Kendall College of Art and Design Studio Art Hometown: Mishawaka, Ind. After teaching art to elementary students, Amanda Carmer decided she wanted to do something more. Enter Kendall College, where Carmer is pursuing her MFA in studio art while teaching undergraduate photography classes and being active in the local arts community. Carmer recently helped launch Craft House, an artist resource center on South Division she describes as a “support system” for artists by artists. “There was this need that existed in the artist community for professional development tools,” she said of the catalyst for the idea. “We’re sort of like a guidance counselor. We offer exhibition space as well as tutorials on how to write grants, résumés, use online resources and build portfolios — things artists really need but are somewhat difficult to come by.” Craft House was awarded funding from Start Garden earlier this year, which Carmer said helped drive momentum for the work they do.

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Amanda Carmer and Salvador Jimenez

“It was really eye-opening. There’s so many resources that Start Garden offers in addition to the funding, and that was helpful for us since we’re not doing this so much to make money, but rather because we’re passionate about something.” That something is quite simple, according to Carmer. “If you show up, stuff happens, so show up and do something.”

Salvador Jimenez Kendall College of Art and Design Drawing Hometown: Jamay, Jalisco, Mexico Salvador Jimenez sees himself as an observer. Before moving to Grand Rapids to pursue his MFA, he lived in Chicago, where he said he would often walk around watching and talking to people around him. “Chicago was very formative for me. It was a vibrant, artistic community,” he said of his neighborhood, which he described as a cross-section of immigrant populations. “I decided early on that I wanted to make art that sends a message — has a purpose — and use it as a venue of activism.” Jimenez immigrated to the United States at age 15 and said his struggles with identity, culture, language, injustice and immigration have been major themes that have emerged in his work. “If someone is touched by my work or

it changes their perspective, I see that as a powerful thing. Something visual can change someone, or at least make them stop and reconsider what their conclusions are.” He is hesitant to call himself a leader, but rather looks at himself as someone who tends to have initiative. “I want to be a leader who is replaceable, a leader who helps create other people that have the same initiative. I find there’s a difference in choosing to lead for power and control, and leading for the common interest of the community.”

Jack Iott

“If someone is touched by my work or it changes their perspective, I see that as a powerful thing. Something visual can change someone, or at least make them stop and reconsider what their conclusions are.” — Salvador Jimenez

Grand Valley State University Finance/Business Economics Hometown: Milford, Mich. There are four things that drive Jack Iott: “Pride, character, teamwork and a commitment to excellence,” said the Grand Valley State University student who has been active in student government and was a member of the school’s track team for four years. “If I’m going to do something, I’m going to give 100 percent, and if I’m not, I’m not doing it justice,” he said. Iott came to Grand Valley to run track and said that experience taught him the importance of teamwork and perseverance. August 2013 / Grmag.com 65

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“The track season is all year round, and so it teaches you about hard work. It gave me the confidence to attack anything that I want,” he said. That includes student government, which Iott became involved in during his sophomore year. “I felt passionate about campus affairs, and I was really impressed by the students and by how much GVSU cared about listening to us and working with us to make GV a better place,” he said. His work with student senate has translated into a desire to serve in politics postgraduation, and even amidst the current contentious political climate, he remains confident his generation can have a positive impact. “We can help. Our generation has a really good opportunity. Heated discussions happen, which calls for an importance for leaders to listen, understand, and try and connect people to the greater cause.”

Jack Iott

Shayna Moon Ferris State University Digital Animation and Game Design Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Shayna Moon is part of the burgeoning industry of video game design and said it was the challenges of the field that attracted her to it. She studied economics at Hope College for two years, but after watching a film about game design, she decided to change schools and majors. Surprisingly, she didn’t play a lot of video games growing up. “I never understood how a game could be used to convey emotion and wonderful characters, and it was something I wanted to try,” she said. Moon said she enjoys the freedom the

Shayna Moon

industry allows. “It’s a Wild West situation. There’s very little regulation — everyone’s out there on their own trying to succeed. There are companies developing software and publishing platforms, and they want content.” The program at Ferris has taught Moon how to be a part of that production and her studies at Hope have helped her understand the business aspect of driving interest toward her product. Above all, she said the artistic merit of what she creates is most important. “If you can create something innovative and beautiful, someone will be interested.”

Madeleine Burns Aquinas College Sustainable Business Hometown: Almont, Mich. Madeleine Burns likes being involved. During her sophomore year, she was the budget director for the student senate and an assistant for the Campus Life office that helps orchestrate large-scale events on campus. She tries to make a difference in any way she can. Making a difference was one of the reasons she elected to change her major to sustainable business at the beginning of her second year. “The recent talks of what’s happening in the world really hit home. I began to think about where the world will be in 20 years — it’s scary, but good. It’s making people seek change,” she said. The major’s combination of science and business also drew her in. “Companies are beginning to see the value in being sustainable. They’re beginning to have a triple bottom line that includes profit as well as social and environmental issues,” she said. Burns said educating people about ways to be more sustainable is essential. “That’s the best thing we can do — educate people about the issues in the world, not hide them. We can’t improve upon things if we don’t acknowledge their existence.” She plans to continue to seek out opportunities to lead during her remaining years at Aquinas. “I’ve learned so much and I want to continue to spur change.” Her motto: “Have vision and be persistent.”

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“The recent talks of what’s happening in the world really hit home. I began to think about where the world will be in 20 years — it’s scary, but good. It’s making people seek change.” — Madeleine Burns

Madeleine Burns

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Aquinas College Communications/Writing Hometown: Plymouth, Mich. “If you can collaborate, you can make something cool happen,” said Kay Borst, a student at Aquinas College. “It’s helpful to work with others with different areas of expertise.” Through her work as a resident assistant and planning student events, Borst learned firsthand that, while working together isn’t easy, it’s worth the effort. She said technology makes it easier than ever to collaborate, which brings new opportunities as well as increased responsibility. “It’s easier now to communicate instantly with people, and it’s important to watch what you say. It happens so fast, and everyone has to learn what messages are OK to send and when.” Since it’s still early in her college career, Borst said she isn’t certain what she would like to do when she’s finished with school,

Kay Borst

but she said it’s important for her to find something she loves. “If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t be happy. With any role, there are going to be parts that aren’t so glamorous. There’s going to be some dirty work. Finding something that you’re really passionate about means you know you’re always going to try your hardest to do a good job.” Her biggest piece of advice for anyone? “Learn small lessons everywhere.”

Ryan Struyk Calvin College Political Science/Mathematics Hometown: Grand Rapids Although Ryan Struyk is pursuing degrees in political science and mathematics, journalism is what really gets him going. While interning for a local political party, he began writing articles for them and soon discovered the downfalls of partisan writing. “I became more passionate about the factual reporting and truth in politics,” he said.

This led him to become involved with Calvin’s on-campus newspaper, Chimes. He was the publication’s first online editor. “There were a lot of people interested in having an online presence that was more than an archive,” said Struyk. As online editor, Struyk said he’s made it a priority to increase the content and strives to engage students by offering them up-to-date, correct information. “Social media changes the dynamic of what news is and how it spreads and breaks and who’s reading it. It puts importance on making sure facts are right. The first run will go viral, but the corrections will not.” Struyk said he believes the increase in citizen journalism, exemplified by the recent tragedy at the Boston Marathon, presents an interesting situation. “It opens the floodgates for misinformation. People are live-tweeting what’s going on, and the media has to decide what to report.” He sees this as a good thing, though. “It shows the importance of good information and pursuing truth.”

Joella Ranaivoson Calvin College Interdisciplinary Birthplace: Madagascar Joella Ranaisvoson is hesitant to name a hometown given that she’s called a number of places around the world home before coming to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin College. Her parents were missionaries, and Ranaivoson has lived in numerous countries including Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Kenya. As a student, Ranaisovson and a few other students began the school’s first organization focused on global missions. “All of us had a heart for missions, and we thought the global missionary work was missing as a focus,” she explained. Ranaisvoson — whose interdisciplinary degree combines studies of international relations, religion and writing — also helped assist in new student orientations. She said working for the school helped her to learn a lot about infrastructure and begin to understand how organizations operate. “It’s easy to dislike things when you don’t understand how they work,” she said. Enrolled in Calvin’s seminary program, Ranaivoson said she plans on continuing her ministry work and going where God takes her. “Growing up as a missionary kid, I was like, ‘Oh, I need to leave the U.S. and be around non-missionary people,’” said Ranaisvoson. But after a powerful trip to New York City, she said she is keeping missionary work as an open path. “If I’m working with people who have a GR different view, that’s the best.”

Photography Courtesy Kathryn Borst

Kay Borst

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“Social media changes the dynamic of what news is and how it spreads and breaks and who’s reading it. It puts importance on making sure facts are right. The first run will go viral, but the corrections will not.” — Ryan Struyk

PhotoGraPhy courtesy Kathryn Borst

Ryan Struyk and Joella Ranaivoson

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Bo Bently with Rebecca Thompson

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BY MARTY PRIMEAU PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ORIANS

pets

with their people Photographer Jean Orians learned a lot about animals while shooting more than two dozen photos for her ArtPrize exhibit. Pigs don’t take orders. Snakes can be loveable. And even though a hairless Sphynx may look kind of eerie, the cats are really quite friendly. Grand Rapids photographer Jean Orians learned those tidbits of animal trivia and more when she was working on her 2012 ArtPrize entry, “Pets with their People.” A dog owner herself — she has two Chihuahuas named Fibie and Milly — Orians was volunteering for Safe Haven Humane Society in Lowell when she got the idea of photographing pets. She was also experimenting with a new 50mm lens. “I discovered that if I focused on the eyes of the animal, everything else would go out of focus,” she said. The concept of having owners in the background with

the pets as the stars appealed to Orians. She started contacting friends and acquaintances to find cooperative subjects. “I really wanted a variety of animals,” she said. It was easy to find cats and dogs. But once she put out a call for more unusual critters, Orians connected with goats, horses, birds, reptiles, goldfish and rodents. In all, she snapped two dozen photos with help from friend and fellow animal lover Rebecca Thompson. Some of those photographs now will hang on the walls at the Safe Haven Humane Society. “I’m glad they’ll have a home,” she said. Orians, who volunteers her time to walk shelter dogs, also takes pictures of pets in need of adoption. See all the photos at jeanoriansphoto.wordpress.com

“He tugged on my heart strings. He walked up to me, put his head on my chest and sighed. He’s so big, when his head is on my chest, his nose touches my neck.” — Rebecca Thompson

Bo Bently with Rebecca Thompson

“

ebecca is a good friend so I started the project with a photo of her and the Great Dane,” Orians said. It was a dog Thompson had no intention of adopting. The animal lover had two older rescue dogs — a border collie/ husky mix and a border collie/sheltie mix — and a small backyard. But fate intervened.

“My boyfriend went to look at a used truck for sale,” Thompson said. The owner was a young woman who’d been taking care of horses. “She had decided to go back to school and didn’t need the big truck.” She also didn’t need her Great Dane. While negotiating the sale of the truck, the woman said she’d make them a good

deal if they’d take her large AKC canine. “I’ve wanted a Great Dane since I was little,” Thompson said. “But I could never justify going to a breeder when there are so many rescue dogs that need a home.” After several texts from Bo’s owner, Thompson agreed to go and meet the dog. “He tugged on my heart

strings,” Thompson said. “He walked up to me, put his head on my chest and sighed. He’s so big, when his head is on my chest, his nose touches my neck.” After a couple of weeks of acclimating with her smaller dogs, the three became best friends. “They snuggle and sleep together on the couch.” AUGUST 2013 / GRMAG.COM 71

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Pumba and piglets with Athena Placencia

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“

Monster and Zeus with A.J. Paschka

had a preconceived notion that the Sphynx cats would be skittish and not very friendly,” Orians said. “I’d done one shoot with cats and they ran under a bed and didn’t want to come out.” Instead, when she met with Paskchka and his yelloweyed felines, the hairless cats were extremely social and friendly — even posing for the

camera. In fact, Paskchka says his two Sphynx are the “most uncatlike cats you’ll ever find.” Despite the lack of hair, they’re healthy and engaged. Monster, in the forefront, is very athletic, while Zeus “is more like a dog. They greet me at the door when I come home.”

Daaé with Laura Russman

Monster and Zeus with A.J. Paschka

“

Daae ´ with Laura Russman

’m not a snake person,” Orians explained. (Read that to mean she’s scared of most slippery reptiles). “But this snake was only 4 feet long, and the owner just adored it.” Orians said she was fascinated by the snake’s survival story: The royal python almost died after an encounter with duct tape. “Daaé was in a box with tape holding the cover down.

She wriggled out. When they found her the next day, the tape had stuck to her and wouldn’t come off.” Luckily, a vet was able to surgically remove it, and Daaé survived with medical care and lots of attention. “Laura plays guitar,” Orians said. “When she does, the snake loves to sit by her because of the vibration of the instrument.”

Pumba and piglets with Athena Placencia

“

thena had moved to Lakeview after college to be close to her parents’ farm,” Orians said. Among the animals was a Duroc pig and her litter. “The farm is a beautiful place on the lake just an hour’s drive from Grand Rapids,” the photographer recalled. “We shot in the barn. I set up the

lights and Athena let the pigs out.” That’s when she discovered that pigs can be ornery. “Pigs don’t listen to you,” she said with a chuckle. “I ended up lying in the sawdust while Rebecca tossed them some food.” Thompson went along as assistant and said it was her

favorite shoot. “The pigs ran around squealing,” she said. “I didn’t realize how curious pigs are. They would run up to the light stands and try to bite them to see if they were food. They stuck their noses in the camera bag. It was a riot.”

“I didn’t realize how curious pigs are. They would run up to the light stands and try to bite them to see if they were food. They stuck their noses in the camera bag. It was a riot.”

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Chopper with Bryan Hall

“

hen I was searching for pets to photograph, I remembered reading an article about a motorcycle rider who rode around with a dog sitting on the tank.” After some inquiries, she found biker Bryan Hall, whose canine companion rides in a special sidecar on his Harley. “His first dog had died and he swore he’d never get another,” Orians said. Even when a friend offered him a pup from a litter — a rat terrier and lab mix — Hall refused. “I was so torn up when

Stormy was killed,” he said. “But after a few months passed, I asked him if he still had the puppy. I told him my house was getting awfully quiet. I’m single and I was used to having a buddy.” He went to meet the 4-month-old dog, and Chopper jumped into his lap. A friendship was forged. “Bryan takes that dog everywhere,” Orians said. “When I asked him to describe their relationship, he said, ‘He’s my best buddy, my companion. He’s my everything.’ It was so touching it made me want to cry.”

Moe with Steve Killips

“

Kade with Patrick Baker

his shoot wasn’t as response dogs for people with easy as I thought it seizure disorders and service would be,” Orians said. dogs for children with autism. “Moe was quite concerned To learn more about assisabout what I was doing. I’m tance dogs, visit pawswitha sure it had to do with all his cause.org. training to be a service dog.” Steve Killips underwent surgery for brain stem cancer in 2002. Moe, a Moe with Steve Killips golden Lab raised for Paws With A Cause, has been with him for five-and-a-half years. “Moe can do a lot for me like picking up dropped objects, getting a phone for me, opening and closing doors, pulling me in my wheelchair and lots more,” Killips said. “Not everything he does is lifesaving but sometimes it’s the small things that count.” Paws With A Cause has placed more than 2,500 assistance dogs, including service dogs for people with physical disabilities, hearing dogs for the deaf and hearing impaired, seizure

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Duke with Russ Morren

ne of the most difficult pets to photograph was a normal grey cockatiel. “The only way to make the image work is to focus on the eyeball of the pet,” Orians said. “The bird is quite small and moved very quickly and kept flying back to his perch.” But the bird finally settled on Russ Morren’s hand. “He’s an incredible little pet,” he said. “Very affectionate.” Morren said he and his

wife really aren’t pet people. “Eight years ago, our neighbors couldn’t keep him so we took him in.” The 16-year-old bird tends to “rule the roost,” he said. “We let him out when we’re home and he goes to his perch above the fireplace mantel.” That’s also his favorite spot for watching television — especially sports. “We watch Tiger games and the Lions,” Morren said. “Duke likes TV.”

“I’ve always been crazy about animals. For some people it’s a phase, but I never grew out of it. I have become more knowledgeable, however, and I only choose pets I can take care of properly.” — Kathy Weeks

Narrah with Kathy Weeks

Facebook post asking about unusual pets got a response from Kathy Weeks, an animal lover in Belmont. “She had such an interesting array of pets,” Orians said. The big decision was what to photograph. In her “rainforest room,” Weeks has a small eyelash viper snake, a 4-foot iguana, three parrots, a small green tree monitor — and Narrah, her 4-year-old

Narrah with Kathy Weeks

blue panther chameleon. She also has two bunnies, six sugar gliders, three rats, one chinchilla, four parakeets and a dove. Oh, and five saltwater tanks and a couple small dogs and two cats. “I’ve always been crazy about animals,” Weeks said. “For some people it’s a phase, but I never grew out of it. I have become more knowledgeable, however, and I only choose pets I can take care of properly.”

Kade with Patrick Baker

he Belgian Malinois is one of six dogs working in the K-9 Unit of the Grand Rapids Police Department. “For the photo, we met in a park where the officers train and work with the dogs,” Orians said. Every week the canines train at least six hours, Baker said. “The first year we’re with

them is start-up training before they go on the streets. After that, we spend at least six hours a week — usually quite a bit more — for the rest of their careers.” And while Kade loves going to work, he also enjoys time off. “He’s a work dog when he’s working,” said Baker, whose three daughters play with the family pet. “He’s a home dog when he’s at home.” August 2013 / Grmag.com 75

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4-0',% 2&# 13++#0 04#12 :HHN W Q D U DX W V H 5 Now in its fourth year, Restaurant Week GR will again challenge local eateries to step up to the plate. By Marty Primeau Photography by Michael buck

The Green Well 76 Grmag.com \ August 2013

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“

oly cow, this is really happening.”

Chef Elijah Lopez vividly recalled the opening day

of Restaurant Week GR 2011 as dozens of patrons — _ regulars and newcomers alike — poured into Citysen

Savoring

Lounge on the first day of the weeklong event.

“It was our first Restaurant Week and we weren’t sure what to expect,” said Lopez, executive chef for CityFlatsHotel. “We were jam packed the whole week. It was amazing” And a little scary. “We realized that year that we’d need to come up with delicious dishes that we could deliver rapidly to guests.” The eatery on Monroe Center is one of more than 65 participating Aug. 14-24 in Restaurant Week 2013. The focus this year is “savoring the summer harvest farm-to-fork style,” so

restaurants have been asked to create menus featuring produce and products grown and raised in West Michigan. Restaurants will offer either three-course dinners for $25 per person or two threecourse dinners for $25. One dollar from every meal sold will be donated by each of the restaurants to a student scholarship fund at Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. “Restaurant Week has been an awesome addition to the West Michigan food culture,” said James Berg, managing partner of Essence Restaurant Group, which

the summer Harvest

includes Bistro Bella Vita, The Green Well and Grove. When preparing menus, Berg said each restaurant team tries to find a balance between core concepts and creative opportunities. “You want to appeal to the person looking for an innovative experience,” he said. “But you don’t want to lose sight of who you are. So we also sprinkle in some basics.” Essence eateries and other local restaurants work closely with area farmers to know what products will be available. Restaurant Week menus will include such fresh produce as vine-ripened tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, beans, onions, carrots, corn and artisan greens. Watermelon, fresh berries and peaches also will

be in season this month. Lake Michigan perch and whitefish from the Great Lakes as well as grass-fed and organic beef, lamb, pork and chicken will be popular. Artisan breads, locally harvested honeys and homemade ice cream and gelato are expected to show up on many menus. Besides the summer harvest, Restaurant Week GR 2013 is highlighting ethnic cuisine. One of the restaurants participating this year is Lindo Mexico in Wyoming. “We use a lot of fresh ingredients,” said Gricelda Mata, who runs the Wyoming restaurant with her brother, Chris Campos. She’s excited about participating in Restaurant Week and

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grand cocktail 2013 Staff members of restaurants participating in Restaurant Week will show off their mixology skills in the Grand Cocktail 2013 competition. Categories include Best Creative Cocktail and Best Manhattan. Each

cocktail must use Woodford Reserve craft bourbon and fresh, local ingredients. Woodford Reserve is the national spirits sponsor of the event.

can taste the cocktails and then vote for their faves at restsaurantweekgr.com. Winners will be announced on or after Aug. 24.

Beginning Aug. 1, the public

Left: Amore Trattoria Italiana took top honors in last year’s Grand Cocktail contest. First Place in the judged competition was Amore’s Bacardi Oakheart Cocktail, pictured right, while the Grey Goose Cherry Noir Cocktail was second. 78 Grmag.com \ August 2013

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Photography by

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showing off family recipes. “In May, we offered a mole sauce that we make from scratch, and our customers loved it,” she said. “So we thought, why not bring it back during Restaurant Week.” Mata said the sauce is used on enchiladas and as a topping for grilled chicken served with rice and beans. “It’s time consuming to make it,” she said, “but it’s one of my favorites and I think it will be a hit with new customers.”

_ At Citysen, Lopez said he’s planning a couple of entrée options. “One seafood dish I really enjoy is a pan-seared red snapper, served with tomato caper relish and a wilted spinach garnish. It’s salty and tart, but very light.” The Monroe Center restaurant also will prepare a vegan spaghetti made with summer veggies and avocado purée. “It’s also gluten free and has no nuts, so it’s perfect for people with food allergies.” gr

instagram photo New this year is My Restaurant Week GR Instagram Photo Contest. To participate, diners are invited to capture the “art of dining out” during Restaurant Week and share their photos on Instagram using #MyRWGR. Photos with the most likes will receive prizes, including gift cards to come back and enjoy some favorite GR restaurants. Winners will be announced after Aug. 24, the final evening of Restaurant Week.

2013 PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

restaurant Week Gr DoWnToWn Gr Bar Divani 15 Ionia Ave. SW 616.774.WINE bardivani.com Bistro Bella Vita 44 Grandville Ave. SW 616.222.4600 bistrobellavita.com Bobarino’s at the B.o.B.

20 Monroe Ave. NW 616.356.2000 thegilmorecollection.com Bull’s head tavern 188 Monroe Ave. NW 616.454.3580 thebullsheadtavern.com the cottage Bar 18 Lagrave Ave. SE

616.454.9088 cottagebar.biz charley’s crab 63 Market Ave. SW 616.459.2500 muer.com _ citysen lounge 83 Monroe Center NW 616.608.1725 cityflatshotel.com cygnus 27 at Amway grand Plaza 87 Monroe Ave. NW 616.774.2000 cygnus27.com gilly’s at the B.o.B. 20 Monroe Ave. NW 616.356.2000 thegilmorecollection.com grand rapids Brewing company 1 Ionia Ave. SW 616.458.7000 grbrewingcompany.com grand Woods lounge 77 Grandville Ave. SW 616.451.4300 woodslounge.com hopcat 25 Ionia Ave. SW 616.451.HOPS hopcatgr.com J. gardella’s tavern 11 Ionia Ave. SW 616.459.8824 jgardellastavern.com

six.one.six

Judson’s steakhouse 20 Monroe Ave. NW 616.356.2000 thegilmorecollection.com

McFadden’s restaurant & saloon 58 Ionia Ave. SW 616.454.9105 mcfaddensgrandrapids.com Monkey Bar at the B.o.B. 20 Monroe Ave. NW 616.356.2000 thegilmorecollection.com one trick Pony grill & taproom 136 E. Fulton St. 616.235.7669 onetrick.biz Pearl street grill 310 Pearl St. NW 616.235.7611 pearlstreetgrillgr.com Peppino’s Downtown grille and Pizzeria 130 Ionia Ave. SW 616.456.8444 peppinospizza.com reserve Wine & Food 201 Monroe Ave. NW 616.855.9463 reservegr.com rockwell republic 45 S. Division Ave. 616.551.3563 rockwellsrepublic.com san chez Bistro & cafe 38 W. Fulton St. 616.774.8272 sanchezbistro.com six.one.six 235 Louis St. NW 616.242.1448 ilovethejw.com

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SpeakEZ Lounge 600 Monroe Ave. NW 616.458.3125 speakezlounge.com

The Green Well 924 Cherry St. SE 616.808.3566 thegreenwell.com

Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. SW 616.742.4444 stellasgr.com

FireRock Grille 7177 Kalamazoo Ave. SE 616.656.9898, ext. 1 firerockgrille.com

Sundance Grill 40 Pearl St. NW 616.776.1616 4gr8food.com

Grove 919 Cherry St. SE 616.454.1000 groverestaurant.com

Tavern on the Square 100 Ionia Ave. SW 616.456.7673 tavernonthesq.com

G’s Grill 3603 S. Division Ave. 616.608.4521 gsgrill.net

Tre Cugini 122 Monroe Center St. NW 616.235.9339 trecugini.com Z’s Restaurant & Bar 168 Louis Campau NW 616.454.3141 zsbar.com

Northeast The Acorn Grill at Thousand Oaks 4100 Thousand Oaks Drive 616.447.7750 thousandoaksgolf.com El Barrio 545 Michigan St. NE 616.301.0010 4gr8food.com Green Restaurant 2289 East Beltline Ave. NE 616.447.8247 greenrestaurantgrandrapids. com Honey Creek Inn 8025 Cannonsburg Road NE 616.874.7849 cannonsburgvillage.com Kitchen 67 1977 East Beltline Ave. NE 616.272.3778 kitchen67.com Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen 2869 Knapp St. NE 616.608.6912 licarispizzakitchen.com The Melting Pot 2090 Celebration Drive NE 616.365.0055 meltingpot.com/grandrapids Red Jet Cafe 1431 Plainfield Ave. NE 616.719.5500 thegilmorecollection.com Reds on the River 8 E. Bridge St., Rockford 616.863.8181 reds-live.com

4-0',% 2&# Ju Sushi Lounge 1144 East Paris Ave. SE 616.575.5858 jusushi.com

Lindo Mexico Restaurant 1292 28th St. SW 616.261.2280 lindomexicorestaurant.com

13++#0 04#12 :HHN W Q D U X D W 5HV Mangiamo! 1033 Lake Drive SE 616.742.0600 thegilmorecollection.com

Lindo Mexico Restaurant

Rezervoir Lounge 1418 Plainfield Ave. NE 616.451.0010 rezlounge.com

Timbers Inn 6555 Belding Road, Rockford 616.874.5553 timbersinn.net Twisted Rooster 1600 East Beltline Ave. NE 616.301.8171 twisted-rooster.com

Northwest Amore Trattoria Italiana 5080 Alpine Ave. NW 616.785.5344 amoretrattoriaitaliana.com Brann’s on Leonard 401 Leonard St. NW 616.454.9368 branns.com Crooked Goose 355 Wilson Ave. NW 616.791.2362 crookedgoose.com Dugan’s Pub & Grill 2715 Leonard St. NW 616.453.2454 dugansgr.com El Granjero 950 Bridge St. NW

616.458.5595 elgranjerogr.com

The Landing, Riverfront Hotel Grand Rapids 270 Ann St. NW 616.363.9001 ontherivergr.com

Southwest Rush Creek Bistro 624 Port Sheldon SW 616.457.1100, ext. 1 rushcreekbistro.com

Southeast Aryana’s Restaurant 5700 28th St. SE 616.957.1775 hiaryana.com Bistro Chloe Elan 445 Ada Drive SE 616.432.3345 chloeelan.com Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Drive SE 616.456.7055 bombaycuisinegr.com Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE 616.719.1604 breweryvivant.com

Marco New American Bistro 884 Forest Hills Ave. SE 616.942.9100 marcobistro.com

Olive’s Restaurant & Bar 2162 Wealthy St. SE 616.451.8611 eatatolives.com

Pietro’s Italian Restaurant 2780 Birchcrest Drive SE 616.452.3228 rcfc.com/pietros Shiraz Grille Persian & Mediterranean Cuisine 2739 Breton Road SE 616.949.7447 shirazgrille.com Spinnaker 4747 28th St. SE 616.957.1111 hiltongrandrapids.com/ spinnaker Trattoria di’ Stagione 1420 Lake Drive SE 616.458.5583 trattoriadistagione.com Terra GR 1429 Lake Drive SE 616.301.0998 Watermark Grille 1600 Galbraith Ave. SE 616.949.0570, ext. 1 watermark-grille.com

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Out of the ordinary tWO yEARs AgO, two transplanted Chicago businessmen launched Zing Eat/ Drink in the space formerly occupied by Blue Moon restaurant on the Blue Star Highway in Douglas. Jim Petzing and Randy Wolf thought it would be fun to own and operate their own eatery. The casual fine dining establishment has spent a couple seasons working to maintain a consistent schedule. Through last winter, Zing was open Friday and Saturday evenings. Now that warm weather has arrived, it’s open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Pulling into the parking lot, we were bombarded with color. The building sports neon green and red awnings with a bright purple canopy over the patio near the east entrance. Multicolored signs proclaimed the zany nature of the place. Entering the “drink” entrance, we encountered the martini bar decorated in zebra and leopard print and lit with red, yellow and green spotlights. The dining room also is a riot of mismatched styles, combining art deco with more animal prints. As we made our way to the host stand, tunes from the ’80s leaked out of speakers. Oddly, at 7 p.m., the place was almost empty. Our server was only two days on the job but friendly and enthusiastic. Unfortunately, she all but disappeared near the end of our meal so water glasses were not refilled promptly. Zing’s wine list is succinct but a bit mundane for the restau-

Zing Eat/Drink

dining review

Dining ratings: Category: New American Food: *** Service: ** Beverages: ** Atmosphere: * Price: $$

Must try: Definitely try one or two of the innovative “appiteazers” before your meal. Not so much: Quirky design overwhelms and confuses the senses. All that zebra print can’t be good for digestion.

guide to ratings: **** *** ** *

Exceptional Above Average Satisfactory Poor

¢ $ $$

Inexpensive (under $10) Moderate ($10-$20) Expensive (Over $20)

(Prices based on average entrée.)

PhotograPhy by michael buck

address: 310 Blue Star Highway, Douglas; Phone: (269) 857-3287; Website: zingeatdrink.com

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Photography by michael buck

rant’s pretense of aspiration. I ordered a glass of the Coppola Pinot Noir ($9), while my partner took the lighter side with Coppola’s Santé Chardonnay ($9). Both served us well with our starter and entrees. Although the Tzatziki Dip and Lobster Spring Rolls tempted us from the “appiteazers” section of the menu, one of the owners stopped by and encouraged us to try the Spinach Dip ($10) because it was its final day on the menu. It arrived as a huge plate of sliced cucumber, carrot, red peppers, toasted French bread and pita wedges. In the center was a piping hot bowl of spinach dip topped with melted cheese and crispy artichoke halves. The artichoke was coated in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. It crunched nicely, the leaves delicate on the tongue yet full of flavor. The dip was a gooey delight of pungent white cheddar and earthy spinach in a thick, creamy base punctuated by chestnut slivers. It was clear we were in good hands with Chef Brad Kelley, formerly of nearby Wild Dog Grille. Entrees range from Lake Superior Whitefish and Sea Scallops to Barbeque Baby Back Ribs. There’s also a filet mignon and rib eye steak. My companion’s order of Oven Roasted Half Chicken ($22) is a gloriously golden hunk of juicy fowl, skin expertly cooked to crackling perfection and simply seasoned with salt and pepper — very good. Simple roasted potato, green beans with bacon and a sprig of lightly dressed frisée make for a classic French presentation. I couldn’t resist the Zing Pasta ($22). Thick

strands of linguine coated lightly in sauce slither through a bowl laden with chunks of tangy stewed tomato, blackened chicken, spicy sausage, salty black olive and sweet sautéed onion. A gigantic artichoke half was draped over the top. True to its name, it provided enough “zing” to make it unique and highly desirable. On a subsequent visit, we were impressed with the Lobster Spring Rolls ($15) — bursting with flavor and accompanied by a sesame dipping sauce and sriracha aioli — and the Zing Original ($12), a hearty appetizer flatbread pizza topped with slow-roasted pork, roasted onions, smoked cheddar cheese and barbecue sauces with apple bacon slaw — definitely an appiteazer to share. There were some disappointments: Asparagus soup had a grainy texture; the Lobster BLT had an “off” taste we couldn’t determine. And then came dessert. Our server insisted we try the Chunks & Chips ($6), billed as a fresh-baked cookie cup topped with Palazzolo gelato. The gelato was amazing, but the cookie was stale and dry. Though the dining room was still half empty when we left, the outdoor patios were filling up and the lounge was packed with patrons singing along with the evening’s performer. Saturday night appeared to just be getting started. Zing’s popularity begins at the bar, it seems. — Ira Craaven

It was clear we were in good hands with Chef Brad Kelley, formerly of nearby Wild Dog Grille. Entrees range from Lake Superior Whitefish and Sea Scallops to Barbeque Baby Back Ribs.

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

dining listings

A guide to restaurants in Grand Rapids and beyond

The recommendations and reviews in the listings are the opinions of the editors.

Marco New American Bistro — Frenchcountry-casual offers creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942$-$$ 9100. marcobistro.com. L, D

New American Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys.

➧ McKay’s Downtown — Chef Michael Mc-

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.

Bar Divani — Wine flights, large array of spirits; classy surroundings. European-inspired food with plates meant for sharing, flatbreads, sushi and a variety of entrees. Closed Sun. 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. bar-divani.com. L, D $-$$ Bistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. L, D $-$$ Bistro Chloe Élan — Diverse menu features American cuisine with French, Asian and southwestern influences, as well as soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily, Sat dinner only; Sunday brunch and dinner. 445 Ada Dr, Ada, 432-3345. chloeelan.com. L, D $-$$ Blue Water Grill — Wood-burning rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven allow for inspired dishes from fresh seafood to beef. Nice wine selection and The B.O.B.’s microbrews. Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace, fullservice bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater.php. L, D $-$$ Brewery Vivant — House-made beer and food in the style of traditional French and Belgian country dishes. The East Hills pub/ brewery is housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors. Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. brew eryvivant.com. L, D $-$$ _ Citysen Lounge — Limited but tantalizing selection of soup, salads, sandwiches and sharable small-plate creations. Happy Hour daily 4-7 pm. CityFlats Hotel, 83 Monroe Center, (866) 609-CITY. cityflatshotel.com. L, D ¢-$

Cygnus 27 — Stylized décor reflects a celestial theme that matches the views from the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Seasonally driven menu encourages sharing. Open Tue-Sat eves; Sun brunch Labor Day to Mother’s Day. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand.com. D $$ Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations in urban setting. Unique Sunday brunch. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$ Gilly’s At The B.O.B. — Hand-crafted microbrews are paired with seasonal, cutting-edge fare. Tavern small plates, oysters, seafood and more. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob. com. L (Sat), D $-$$ Graydon’s Crossing — English pub serves Indian food with a British influence. Full bar features impressive array of specialty beers. 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydons crossing.com. L, D $ Green Well Gastro Pub — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. L, D $-$$ Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, Rockford 863-3300. grilloneeleven.com. B (Sun), L, D $-$$ OGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course meals with a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Closed Mon. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant.com. D $$

The Heritage — GRCC culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine available with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D $-$$

Kay Santo offers only Michigan-produced ingredients. Micro, small and large plates include rabbit, lamb, duck, fish, Bubbles & Squeak and ratatouille, along with pub grub. Downstairs bar (Prohibition) has speakeasy atmosphere. Across from Van Andel Arena. 25 Ottawa Ave. NW, 419-4493. Facebook. L, $-$$ D

Olives — 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 One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music. Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetri ck.biz. L, D ¢-$ FReserve — Wine bar with extensive bythe-glass selections and culinary options to match. Opens at 4, closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. L, D $-$$

Rockwell Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from sushi to creative comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465 or 551$-$$ 3563. republicgrandrapids.com. L, D Rose’s — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a varied menu and a three-season porch. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 4584646. thegilmorecollection.com/roses.php. B (weekends), L, D $ San Chez, A Tapas Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. L, D $-$$ Schnitz Ada Grill — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. 97 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. L, D ¢-$$

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S:7.125”

a juicy steak dinner can turn a

S:9.875”

private

party get-together into a

you’ll never forget.

Grand Rapids | 616.776.6426 | Inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | ruthschris.com

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Six.One.Six — Contemporary American fare. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethejw.com. B, L, D $-$$

ends. 8521 Belding Road, Rockford, 874-7290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick.php. L (weekends), D $-$$

SpeakEZ Lounge — Casual and friendly pub setting with eclectic menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrees (available after 4). Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakEZlounge.com. L, D $

Boulder Creek Restaurant — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves a varied menu with golf-course views from inside or on the deck. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. L, ¢-$ D

Tavern On The Square — Tapas-style fare plus house specialties. Patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavernonthesq.com.  L, D ¢-$

Brandywine — Café atmosphere, with extensive breakfasts, lunches with vegetarian choices, dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-1723. brandy winegr.com. B, L, D ¢-$

FTerra GR — (Formerly Trillium Haven.) Eastown eatery featuries foods from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers and wines from small wineries around the world. 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. Facebook. B (brunch Sat and Sun), L, D $-$$

Winchester — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food in reclaimed centuryold space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. L, D ¢-$

Classic American Restaurants and diners serving traditional dishes popular across the country. Acorn Grille At Thousand Oaks — Blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, artfully presented in handsome dining room with golf course views. Open daily in season. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, 447-7750. thousandoaks golf.com. L, D $$ Arnie’s Bakery & Restaurant — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 4543098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants. com. B, L, D $ Aryana Restaurant & Bar — Comfortable dining room in the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and fine dining selections from an extensive seasonal menu. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 957-1770. mainstreet $-$$ mediagroup.com. L, D Bonefish Grill — Casual, white-linen dining. Seafood selections augmented by innovative sauces and toppings; also chicken, beef  and pasta dishes. 1100 East Paris Ave SE, 9497861. bonefishgrill.com. D $-$$ Bostwick Lake Inn — Gilmore restaurant offers steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Open daily for dinner, lunch on week-

Brann’s Sizzling Steaks And Sports Grille — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets, Mexican entrées and bar munchies. See website for eight locations in Greater Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Portage and Caledonia. branns.com. L, D $ Bull’s Head Tavern — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtav ern.com. L, D $ Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. Facebook. L, D $-$$ Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood from a menu that changes nightly. Located on the Grand River. Early menu (4:30-6 pm daily), Sun brunch. GR Steamer Bar has its own menu. 63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com. L, D, C $-$$ The Chop House — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6184. thechophouserestaurant.com. D $$ Dugan’s Pub & Grille — Casual dining with steaks, seafood, pasta and more at The Elks at the Highlands Golf Club. Adjacent Glendevon offers banquet facilities. 2715 Leonard St NW, 453-2451. grandrapidselks.org. L, D $-$$ Fall Creek — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. L, D ¢-$ FireRock Grille — Country club dining plus option to cook your own filet, shrimp or ahi tuna on a 500-degree stone. Open daily. Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. stonewatercc.com. L, D $

Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building on the river. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmore collection.com/ flatriver.php. L, D $-$$ Fleetwood Diner — Extensive diner-style menu with Greek influences. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving dinner until 8 pm Mon-Thu, 9 pm Fri-Sat. Outdoor patio. 2222 44th St SE, 281-2300. B, L, D ¢-$ Forest Hills Inn — A casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771. foresthillsinn.com. B, L, D $ Fry Daddy’s Fresh Fish — Fried fish, wingdings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with fries. Also to go. Closed Mon. Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, Kentwood, 455FISH. L, D ¢-$ Grand Villa — Longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. L, D $ Great Lakes Shipping Co. — Everything from beef, seafood and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. Patio open in summer. No lunch, but open Sun afternoons. 2455 Burton St SE, 949-9440. greatlakesshippingcom pany.com. D $-$$ Green Restaurant — Sandwiches, salads, burgers and seafood. Menu includes ostrich and elk burgers. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-8294. greenrestaurantgranddrapids.com. $ L, D Grille 29 — Menu includes specialty panini and a variety of entrées. Full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Holiday Inn Select, 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 285-7600. holi dayinn.com. B, D $ Grille At Watermark — Innovative menu in relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course. Mon-Sat; Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. watermarkcc.com. L, D $-$$ Grill House & Rock Bottom Bar — Grill-yourown steakhouse with grillmasters on call. Bottomless salad bowl and potato bar. 1071 32nd St (M-40), Allegan, (269) 686-9192. grill house.net. L (downstairs), D $-$$ Honey Creek Inn — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honeycreekinn.com. L, D ¢-$

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Hudsonville grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Judson’s At the B.O.B. — Award-winning steak house offers steaks, seafood and chops. Casual atmosphere and award-winning wine list. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thebob.com. D $$ Kitchen 67 — Fast-casual restaurant with high-tech design serving Brann’s sizzling steaks and burgers, small plates, pasta, fish, chicken, sandwiches, salads and more. Michigan wines and craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily. 1977 East Beltline Ave. NE. kitch en67.com and Facebook. L, D ¢-$ the Landing — Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. Menu features allAmerican favorites and monthly specials. Music and dancing in the lounge. 270 Ann St NW (in Riverfront Hotel Grand Rapids at US 131), 363-7748. ontherivergr.com. B, L, D $ FLeo’s — Combines fine dining (fresh seafood is the specialty) and casual comfort. Street level in parking ramp at Ottawa and Louis. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$

Louis Benton steakhouse — Premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks and more. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, 4547455. louisbenton.com. L, D $-$$ Marn E. Walkers — Everything from nachos to chicken Marsala, burgers, steaks. Weekend breakfast buffet, pizza and pasta lunch buffet Mon-Fri. Open daily; Sun breakfast only. 4322 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 453-3740. marnewalkers.com. B (Sat, Sun), L, D ¢-$ Meadows Restaurant — GVSU’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio and dining room overlook golf course. Full menu offers everything from burgers to NY strip steak. Seasonal hours; closed Sun. 1 W Campus Dr, Allendale, 895-1000. gvsu.edu/meadows/. L, D $-$$ Middle Villa inn — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands. Banquet rooms available. Closed Mon and Wed. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villa-inn.com. L, D $ Pal’s Diner — A real diner offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options all day. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner.com. B, L, D ¢ Pearl street grill — Bright, airy restaurant in downtown Holiday Inn. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-7611. B, L, D $

Rainbow grill — Breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Ramona’s table — EGR deli with madefrom-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals. Takeout and catering. Closed Sun. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 459-8500. ramonastable.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Red Jet Café — Gilmore restaurant in the former Creston Heights library. Coffee bar and menu ranging from omelets to specialty pizzas. Full bar; opens 8 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollection.com/red jet.php. B, L, D (Mon-Sat) ¢-$ Reds On the River — Located on the Rogue River, Reds combines casual sophistication with Tuscan sensibilities. Closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com. L, D $-$$

Serving the finest Italian & American cuisine in our family dining & banquet rooms, or enjoy the fun in Grand Rapids favorite Sports Lounge!

Back to School Gift Card Special all during the month of August, buy $25 worth of Gift Cards and get $5 free!

Rio grand steak House & saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. riograndsteakhouse.com. L, D $-$$ Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. sunny brookcc.com. L, D $ Ruth’s Chris steakhouse — The classic American steakhouse now in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s fully renovated former 1913 Room. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com. L, D $$ saburba — Specializes in take-out. Everchanging, diverse menu of entrees, sandwiches, soups, baked goods and coffee. Doughnuts served Sat. mornings. Catering service. Closed Sun. 7277 Thornapple River Dr, Ada, 682-5290. saburba.com and Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$ sam’s Joint — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia. Extensive menu includes Mexican selections; full bar. Half a dozen locations, plus a couple of banquet facilities. sams-joint.com. L, D $ spinnaker — Menu features seafood and landlubber entrees. Sunday brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. B, L, D $-$$ sundance grill — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition with a margarita bar. 5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 956continued on page 92

GRANDVILLE

3940 RIVERTOWN PWY 616.249.9344 616.249.9370 TAKE OUT

CALEDONIA

8256 BROADMOOR SE 616.891.1100 616.891.5958 TAKE OUT

STANDALE

4787 LAKE MICHIGAN DR. 616.735.5520 616.735.5522 TAKE OUT

GRAND RAPIDS 2630 EAST BELTLINE SE 616.954.2002 616.954.6702 TAKE OUT FRANCHISING AVAILABLE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.UCCELLOS.COM August 2013 / grmag.com 87

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

Downtown Market’s indoor venue is expected to open later this month with more than two dozen year-round vendors.

oodies, downtown dwellers and curious shoppers alike have been eagerly anticipating this moment. It’s been a long time in the making, from the announcement of the Downtown Market project in 2011 to its planned completion later this month. Getting a 51,305-plus-square-foot indoor market up and running has been no easy task for Downtown Market’s team, led by Mimi Fritz, president and CEO. The market faced multiple setbacks that pushed the final competition date several weeks beyond what was originally announced. Fritz said the extra time was necessary. “We felt from the beginning that we wanted to open right,” she said. “We think we have an obligation to the community to do so.” Delays weren’t due to building issues

or financial difficulty, but rather meticulous vendor vetting and a lengthy selection process. “Finding the right vendors has been a long process — longer than we anticipated,” she said. “We had many more vendors interested in being in the market than we have room for — sometimes five to 10 vendors vying for one spot.” Fritz and her team spent a full year meticulously selecting the 24 to 27 indoor vendors. “It’s been a big jigsaw puzzle to find the one bakery and one meat market that would work best in the space,” she said. “It wasn’t just accepting applications; we talked to people, tried their food, vetted their shop atmosphere and studied who sourced locally. Each decision has been a tremendous process.”

After the decision was made, the lengthy legal and architectural design process began. “A lot of our business owners are new and haven’t done anything like this before; they too want to make sure they get everything right,” she said. Ironing out vendor details isn’t the only to-do item on Fritz’s plate. The market has space for two large eateries: The operators of both as of late-June had yet to be secured. Similar to vendor selection, Fritz and her team held discussions with several operations, determining whose mission was most in line with the focus of the market. “We’ve been planning to put a farm-totable focused restaurant in the front space near the market hall,” Fritz said. “That farm-to-table focus is something that will carry through the entire market, so it was

GROCER’S DAUGHTER Jody Dotson said the deci-

National Park, so we get

fles such as thyme-orange,

sion to open a second Gro-

a lot of visitors from the

white chocolate fennel and

cer’s Daughter Chocolate in

Grand Rapids area, and we

whiskey fig.

Downtown Market — many

visit Grand Rapids quite a

miles from the original

bit, too,” she said.

shop in Empire — was a no-

exciting right now because

Dotson and partner D.C.

of the growing local food

Hayden will be selling hand-

movement. We’re excited to

“Our shop is right near

dipped truffles and honey

be a part of that.”

the Sleeping Bear Dunes

caramels, plus herbed truf-

brainer.

D.C. Hayden and Jody Dotson

“Grand Rapids is especially

PhotograPhy anD illustrations courtesy Downtown market

Coming soon to downtown GR

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Ken and Karen Bryan

important to us that the restaurant embodies that in their practices.” Rumors swirled around town for months regarding who might take up shop in the market’s back restaurant, a space built to house on-site brewing production.

PhotograPhy anD illustrations courtesy Downtown market

“We had many more vendors interested in being in the market than we have room for — sometimes five to 10 vendors vying for one spot.” — Mimi Fritz “It could be a brewery, a cider house, or a distillery, but our hope is that the back space is more of a beverage-themed restaurant,” said Fritz. In June, the market was talking to five different entities for potential use of the space. Beyond food and shopping, the market will offer a community atmosphere unlike any other area downtown, Fritz said. “You may be taking a cooking class, learning how to compost, practicing tai chi, or attending an event,” she said. “We’re going to have all sorts of different things happening at the same time.” The education focus was an important component of the market from its

inception. Various adult classes and afterschool programs for kids will be offered year-round, in addition to rentable kitchen space. The greenhouse serves as an example of the market’s dedication to multi-purpose spaces and multi-purpose ways to serve the community. “The greenhouse is going to be used for education, growing, and as an event space too,” she said. “Everything will be focused on health, wellness, agriculture, buying local and sustainability. There will be a lot going on, but a lot of fun and a lot of vibrancy.” The staff plans to launch with an aggressive, all-accessible community plan. “The indoor market will be open seven days a week,” said Fritz. “If a customer wants to shop, the shop must be open for them.” Vendors will be expected to have the same hours as the market. “We’re at the intersection of where three neighborhoods meet,” Fritz said. “We have the ability to fill the void for fresh local food in that area. The market is a fun place to visit, but it’s also a place where you can get your fish, meat, bread, produce, spices and more. It’s going to be really cool to provide that for the community.”

MAKING THYME Sometimes you just don’t have time to make a healthy dinner. Making Thyme owners Karen and Ken Bryan have been catering to folks with this busy yet health-oriented mentality for eight years at their Cherry Street location. “We make ready-to-cook dinner entrées from locally grown and raised ingredients,” Karen said. The Bryans’ familiarity with similar city markets in Columbus, Boston and Chicago led to their decision to relocate to Downtown Market. “To get in there at the beginning is a risk that’s well worth it,” she said. Besides their pre-packaged fare, the Bryans will have a deli case filled with pre-made and cooked foods “such as meatloaf or quinoa chicken salad, plus more entrées to cook at home,” Karen said. “We’ll also have the ability to create new seasonal options based on what’s fresh at the market each week.”

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

Dan Chudik, a graduate of New York’s Culinary Institute of America, has worked and traveled extensively throughout the culinary capitals of the world.

Seasonally inspired Italian fare

astown’s new Trattoria di’ Stagione — “restaurant of seasons” — is a joint venture between Chef Dan Chudik and Balwinder Bal, owner of Bombay Cuisine. The comfortably stylish eatery has assumed the adjacent space formerly occupied by Radix Tavern. Chudik’s love for cooking took root in his childhood, when he enjoyed kitchen time with his mother and grandparents, all good cooks. It continued to blossom through high-school-age summer jobs that exposed him to from-scratch cooking techniques and at locally renowned restaurants such as the former Point West in Holland. A 1986 graduate of New York’s prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Chudik has worked and traveled extensively throughout the culinary capitals of the world, where he enriched his vast knowledge base and wide-ranging expertise.

DAN CHuDiK Title: Chef, Trattoria di’ Stagione Location: 1420 Lake Drive SE

The Chicago native relocated to Grand Rapids in the mid ’90s to run Cygnus in the Amway Grand Plaza and was onboard with the Gilmore Collection to open Rose’s. As one of the founders of the former Tuscan Express, he brought the delicious flavors of central Italy and beyond to this region, so bringing Trattoria di’ Stagione to life is right up his alley. Throughout his career he has garnered awards and honors, including recognition as one of the Great Chefs of Michigan. “At Trattoria di’ Stagione, our focus is on the seasonal cuisines of Italy,” Chudik said. “We’re using a lot of local product and sourcing from local purveyors, as well as imported products from Italy and other artisanal producers in the Midwest and around the country, to bring a nice seasonal menu based upon the best available at that time of year.” The seasonal aspect extends to the sustainable seafood selections offered, which are among his favorite things to cook. Chudik features fish as menu specials in order to ensure the freshest and best available. “It’s so dependent on weather; if they can’t get out, they can’t fish,” he said. In the kitchen, everything is made from scratch, including

PhotograPhy by michael buck

“We’re using a lot of local product and sourcing from local purveyors, as well as imported products from Italy and other artisanal producers in the Midwest and around the country, to bring a nice seasonal menu based upon the best available at that time of year.” — Dan Chudik

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breads, pastas, fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheeses and ice creams. It was important to Chudik to keep the entire menu affordable and approachable. He credits his collaboration with Bal for that achievement. “I think diners will be pleasantly surprised with what we’re doing with the price point,” he noted. “Bombay Cuisine has been here quite awhile, and we don’t have many of the cost burdens of other new restaurants. That allows us to keep dishes priced very well.” He added that the well-trained staff is proving their capabilities at taking on the challenge of making Trattoria di’ Stagione a successful restaurant. Although currently open for dinner only, plans are afoot to offer a lunch menu this fall. “We want to make sure it’s something the community really wants first,’ he noted. “It’s not only cooking and creating food for people that makes this profession fun, but knowing that they really appreciate it that makes it something really special.”

8 servings

Two pounds peeled and diced tomatoes Whisk together and then add to tomatoes to marinate: ½ cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons garlic 4 tablespoons fresh basil 1 cup extra virgin olive oil Salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste Four pieces grilled sourdough bread 8 tablespoons ricotta seasoned with salt and pepper 2 cups clean baby arugula Lemon vinaigrette: Combine ¼ cup lemon juice, 1 teaspoon minced shallots and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Whisk in 1 cup olive oil and flavor with salt and pepper to taste. Cut grilled bread in half and top each piece with a tablespoon of seasoned ricotta, marinated tomatoes and baby arugula. Drizzle with one cup of lemon vinaigrette. Enjoy with your favorite Italian red wine.

PhotograPhy by michael buck

— JulIe BurCH

trattoria di’ Stagione Bruschetta

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

Chef August Treu

continued from page 87 5644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food. com. B, L, D $

swan inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf. Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles, dinner menu. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninn motel.com. B, L, D ¢-$ terrace grille At Bay Pointe inn — Casual gourmet dining, martini bar and lakeside terrace. Seasonally changing menu emphasizes regional fare. Sunday brunch. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville, (269) 672-5202. bay pointe inn.com. L, D $-$$

Baked goodies at Fulton Street Farmers market Inside the new building at Fulton Street Farmers Market, Chef August Treu is surrounded by delectable baked goodies. But it doesn’t take long for the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffeecakes and Broccoli-Mushroom Quiches to disappear as shoppers snatch them up. August’s Kitchen has been selling Treu’s gourmet treats at FSFM since August 2011. He also has a bakery at 1604 Diamond Ave. NE and juggles catering jobs and Etsy orders. “I’m happiest when I’m cooking,” he said with a grin. Among his favorite desserts are the Marbled Chocolate Dulce de Leche Bars, a divine combination of caramel, swirled chocolate and crunchy shortbread. Treu is adding canning and cheesemaking to his repertoire, along with chili, salsa and marinara sauce. Gourmet sausages and jerky are also in the works, including two specialty sausages — Portuguese linguica and Italian luganega. Treu’s résumé includes time at Walloon Lake Country Club in Petoskey and the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. He offers cooking classes at his bakery January through April, and does Chef’s Table dinners for 10-12 people. Stop by his booth at FSFM for samples or visit augustskitchen.com. — HeatHer rOWan

tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. tillmansrestaur ant.com. L, D $-$$ timbers inn — Menu ranges from appetizers to wild game offerings and meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Sunday omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 8745553. timbersinn.net. L, D ¢-$ twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twisted-rooster.com. L, D ¢-$$ Walker Roadhouse — Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare in a casual but handsome setting. Lunch served weekdays, dinner Mon-Sat; closed Sun. 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 453-3740. thewalkerroadhou se.com. L, D $

VeGetAriAN Bartertown Diner — Vegetarian/vegan/raw offerings in worker-owned and -operated diner. Promotes use of fresh, local ingredients. Open daily (hours change seasonally, check website). 6 Jefferson Ave SE, 233-3219. bartertowngr.com. L, D $ gaia Café — Totally vegetarian fare served in a cozy atmosphere. Closed Mon. No alcohol. 209 Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. Facebook. B, L ¢

pubs & tAVerNs 84th street Pub and grille — American fare from pizzas to steaks in laidback setting, fullservice bar. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr, Byron Center, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. L, D ¢-$

Bar Louie — Urban décor at Woodland Mall, with sandwiches, appetizers, burgers and hearty entrées. More than 20 beers, along with a nice wine selection and specialty cocktails. Outdoor seating. 3191 28th St SE, 885-9050. barlouieamerica.com. L, D $-$$ Bobarino’s At the B.O.B. — Grill on 2nd floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from woodfired pizza to upscale entrées. New lunch menu offers custom-made deli sandwiches, salads, burgers and a pizza buffet ($6.50). Full-service bar. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thegilmore collection.com/bobarinos. php. L, D ¢-$

B.O.B.’s Brewery At the B.O.B. — Microbrews ranging from unique to standard with a variety of small plates that go beyond standard pub fare. Open Thu (Mug Club)-Sat. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bobs brewery. D ¢-$ Bud & stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Takeout available. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 3619782. budandstanleys.com. L, D ¢-$ Cascade sports grill — Varied menu and sizable bar with 10 brew taps and extensive martini menu. Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St SE, 974-3338. Facebook. L, D $ Charlie’s Bar & grill — Well-rounded menu features dinners ranging from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also Mexican fare, sandwiches and more. Full-service bar. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. L, D ¢-$ Cheero’s sports & sushi grill — Japanese fare along with pizza, burger and microbrews. Outdoor patio next to Michigan Athletic Club. Open daily. 2510 Burton St SE, 608-3062. cheerosgrill.com. L, D ¢-$ Cheers — Popular neighborhood spot with large menu offering something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. B, L, D ¢ Corner Bar — Rockford’s spot famous for brews and chili dogs, but with extensive menu. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 866-9866. rockfordcornerbar.com. L, D ¢ Cottage Bar — Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chili and more. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D ¢ Crooked goose — Meritage Hospitality Group restaurant offers full menu of “old-school tavern favorites.” Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave NW, Walker. crookedgoose.com. L, D ¢-$ Derby station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty

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beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derby station.com. L, D $

Flanagan’s — Popular downtown Irish pub. Imported beers, 20 on tap. Entrees with an Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr. com. L, D ¢

Thai and more. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. B, L, D $-$$

J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive bar is matched by gargantuan menu ranging from

homemade chips to build-your-own burger. Three floors of seating. Open Sun for arena events. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellas tavern.com. L, D ¢

Main Street Pub — Large-screen TVs and

Founders Brewing Co. — Sip microbrew samples in the spacious taproom, serpentine bar and stage for live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Covered (heated) porch. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. L, D ¢ Frankie V’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar — Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta entrées, plus burgers and Mexican. Weekday lunch buffet. Tap your own 100-ounce beer tower. 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com. L, D ¢-$ Grand Rapids Brewing Co. — Serving 10 organic brews plus hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-to-table menu includes sharable plates, house-made sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees. Open daily. 1 Ionia Ave. SW, 459-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. L ¢-$ (Sat.-Sun. only), D GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant. Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, along with salads and sandwiches. Closed Sun. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com. L, D $ Grand Woods Lounge — Year-round alfresco dining complete with fireplace. Eclectic menu selections mix with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious bar. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge.com. L, D $-$$ Harmony Brewing Co. — Eastown’s latest addition to the craft-brewing scene offers custom brews with a full bar, wine selections and menu of wood-fired pizzas. 1551 Lake $ Drive SE. Facebook. L, D Holly’s Back Door Bar & Grill — Full menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. B, L, D $ HopCat — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr. com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$ Hub’s Inn — Sandwiches, burgers, Mexican food and thin-crust pizzas. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. Facebook. L,  D ¢ JD Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, August 2013 / Grmag.com 93

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nosh & sip

Amy Ruis has traveled many of the wine countries and has passed the first step in becoming a Master Sommelier. She owns Art of the Table, a specialty food, beverage and tabletop store.

Where there’s smoke, there’s … reds yEs, it’s suMMER and many of us turn to whites as our wine of choice. But what you serve at your next backyard grilling extravaganza or pack for Picnic Pops or sip around the campfire does not have to be light and bright. Any number of reds from around the world will work in a fabulous way with grilled fare. Though I love to cook, my food inspiration this month comes from Making Thyme Kitchen, soon to open in Downtown Market. If you don’t have time to get creative or you’ve got guests with differing food desires, Making Thyme does the slicing and dicing for you. All you have to do is grill and open the wine! Grilled foods are extremely versatile with wine. On the lighter side, pinot noir is a classic summer red that conjures up a nose of strawberries, earthy cherries and spice. Pinot pairs nicely with Making Thyme’s Polynesian Honey Ginger Chicken, served with a heaping spoonful of rice and fresh summer veggies. With slightly heavier fare, like Turkey Sliders with Sweet Curry Aioli, my pick is a Sangiovese wine. Often referred to on the bottle as Chianti, it is native to Italy and has the body of a champ for grilling: It’s big enough to stand up and fight but light enough not to take over.

My selection of Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Tomato Chili Jam paired with a Spanish Grenache because I found that the earthy, inky, just-bold-enough spice let the tomato and chili strike a balance and speak a little louder than the wine.

Though I love to cook, my food inspiration this month comes from Making Thyme Kitchen, soon to open in Downtown Market. Finally, if a hearty bottle of bold California red zinfandel or soft Washington merlot are what you want, grab a serving of Making Thyme’s Asian Peanut Beef Satay or Lime Marinated Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde. The smoky, spicy, slightly more fatty entrees will love the rounded full fruits found in the bottle. — amy ruIS

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

Tip: Don’t be afraid to put a slight chill on your reds. Just 10-15 minutes in the fridge or freezer will do any red wine a lot of good for summer drinking.

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Open 11 am daily; breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com. B (Sun), L, D ¢-$

McFadden’s Restaurant & saloon — New York-style Irish menu includes “recreated” pub fare, contemporary and regionally inspired dishes. Transforms into nightclub late at night. Open daily. 58 Ionia Ave SW, 4549105. mcfaddensgrandrapids.com. L, D $ Mill Creek tavern — Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, from-scratch soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 7843806. L, D ¢-$ the Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Mojo’s — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, plus late night “munchy menu.” RSVP for dinner

early, show starts at 8 pm Wed-Thu, 7 pm FriSat. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospia nobar.com. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$

to upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division Ave, 458-2205. Facebook. D ¢-$

Nick Finks — Mexican fare in historic tavern, part of The Gilmore Collection. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Occasional live music, open mic nights. 3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-9886. thegilmorecol lection.com. L, D $

Rezervoir Lounge — Former Sazerac Lounge has full menu of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, some with a Cajun flavor. Open Tue.Sun. for lunch and dinner (opens 4 p.m. Mon) 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. Facebook. 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 ¢-$

Rockford Brewing Co. — Located alongside the White Pine Trail with an up-north atmosphere. Food menu includes dips, subs, panini, soups and more, served alongside its hand-crafted brews. Closed Mon. 12 E Bridge St, Rockford, 951-4677. rockfordbrew ing.com. L, D ¢-$

Peppino’s Ristorante Pizzeria and sports Lounge — Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. Separate sports bar. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444. peppi nospizza.com. L, D ¢-$$ Pub 43 — Caters to all, but is especially popular with gay crowd. Menu ranges from burgers

the score — Restaurant and sports bar with varied menu. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ shamrock Bar & grill — Diverse menu includes specialty burgers and wide range of entrees. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

3100 29th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

www.whiskerspetresort.com

2855 29th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512

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A taste of the Caribbean

top shelf

Contributing editor Jon C. Koeze has made and tasted beer since 1980.

ON A RECENt tRiP to Jamaica we were surprised to find a whole selection of rum-based cream liqueurs at the airport duty-free store. We grabbed a bottle of Sangster’s Jamaica Rum Cream with no idea how it tasted. It proved to be a rich blend of dark rum and cream with subtle hints of fruit and caramel. Sadly, Sangster’s is not available in Michigan so I looked for something comparable. I didn’t find one, but I did find a few rums to try. Cruzan Rum Cream: This will remind you of Baileys Irish Cream, except Baileys uses Irish whiskey and this uses dark rum. Though similar in color and texture, the Cruzan lacked the rich cream and fruity flavor of Sangster’s. It is certainly a good substitute

YUM! mmingbird A Hu

because all of the other rum cream liquors we tried were flavored with spices. Try it mixed with coffee or Kahlua, or as a substitute for recipes calling for Baileys. RumChata: Many Mexican restaurants serve a drink called Horchata. It has a sweet, milky, cinnamon flavor that goes great with Mexican food. RumChata is very similar in flavor but adds a little kick, as it’s about 17 percent alcohol by volume. In addition to the obvious flavors of cinnamon, cream and rum, there are more subtle flavors of rice and almonds. It is good right out of the bottle or on the rocks, but it can also replace cream in a White Russian cocktail. tres Leches: The bottle says it is made with three creams — hence the name, and flavored with vanilla. Like the RumChata it is made with light rum, and like the Sangster’s it is very creamy. But the interesting thing is how well the rum and cream go together with the vanilla bean flavor. If you’re not real sure you’re going to like cream-based liqueurs, you might try this one first. — JOn C. KOeZe

Rum drink recitipnies. . >

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cream liqueur 1 ounce rum ueur ria coffee liq 1 ounce Tia Ma 1 ounce milk p awberry syru 1/2 ounce str na Half of a bana a blender. ushed ice in rve. Blend with cr glass and se ne ca rri hu Strain into a

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quiriin

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

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Shepards Grill & Tavern — Bar food with flare, from appetizers to Kobe top sirloin. Open daily. Weekday happy hour specials 3-6:30 p.m. Cascade Center, 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Stella’s Lounge — Mostly vegan menu but a stuffed burger for carnivores. Advertises strong drinks and more than 200 whiskies. 53 Commerce Ave, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Teazers Bar & Grill — Burgers and pastas, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites. Kids menu. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teazersbar.com. L, D ¢-$ The Viceroy — Classic hors d’oeuvres (finger sandwiches to tenderloin tips) and desserts to accompany cocktails, house-infused whiskeys, beer and wine. Kitchen open 5 pm-1 am Wed-Sat. 53 Commerce Ave SW, 744-8423. viceroygr.com. D $ Village Inn Pizza Parlor — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican and more. Karaoke nights Thu-Sat. Open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th St SE, Kentwood, 281-1444; 934 Washington St, Holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Sports Lounge & Pizzeria — Pizza and pasta plus panini and wraps in sportscentric surroundings. Outside deck, live entertainment. Open daily. 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-2526, takeout 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. L, D ¢-$ Woody’s Press Box — Complex includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sandwiches and shrimp, barbecue fare. Breakfast and lunch only Sun. 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. B, L, D $ Z’s — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs. Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. Carryout available. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

Hunter Law Offices, PLLC S. Christopher Hunter, Attorney 125 Ottawa Avenue, NW, Ste. 245, Grand Rapids

Call 616.719.2467 or email chris@hunterlegalcounsel.com to schedule your consultation. In-home consultation available. www.hunterlegalcounsel.com

e strive to be the practice that sets the standards for excellence in comprehensive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care in the Grand Rapids area. Let us help you achieve and maintain optimum oral health for each day of the rest of your life with the latest in dental technology.

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Voted Best Dentist

Photography by Johnny Quiriin

Italian/ European FAmore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using some local products as well as Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs a specialty. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitali ana.com. L (not Sat), D $

Angela’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Italian dinners, pizza, stromboli, subs and desserts. Lunch buffet, full-service bar. Delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 240 E Division, Sparta, (616) 887-1913. L, D ¢-$ Big Bob’s Pizza — A neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village with wine and

Dr. Crete’s patient before treatment.

3514 Rivertown Point CT, SW, Grandville, MI

616-534-0135 | www.rivertowndental.com

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Whether you’re looking for a quick beer or trivia at the large bar, a nibble in a booth under one of the many giantscreen televisions tuned to sports channels, or a more leisurely luncheon out on the enclosed patio, Woody’s aims to please. Woody’s Press Box

“When I’m hankering for pasta better than what I can find at a chain, I’ll drop by Monelli’s Italian Grill and Sports Bar, 5675 Byron Center Ave. SW in Wyoming. It might be a newer joint, but it’s become a fallback destination. The restaurant is split in two, with a more formal dining room on one side and a spacious sports tavern on the other. Brew City fries are thick cut and you can add cheddar and bacon if you’re feeling particularly sinful. Pepperoni rolls satisfy a craving for pizza, but if you want something more substantial, try the amazing stromboli. Otherwise, I tend to switch between the balsamic-dressed spinach salad with chicken or the deeply satisfying penne vodka with sausage.”

— Jeremy

She fed:

Neighborhood joints

“I might lose some foodie

Juliet and Jeremy Johnson scour the city for favorite hangouts in the area southwest of downtown.

Bakery and Restaurant

We drew straight lines at the intersection of highways U.S. 131 and I-196, then examined restaurants in the southwest quadrant. Any establishments that serve up memorable dishes or are wellknown for their longevity and quality were fair game. Grand Villa, 3594 Chicago Drive SW, has been around for more than 75 years and proudly exhibits its dual personality, housing two restaurants under one roof. Choose your door wisely, because you truly can’t get there from here — at least, not without going outside to a separate entrance. Upstairs, The Villa offers upscale preparations including prime rib, broasted chicken and broiled tilapia. Downstairs, The Dungeon provides a more relaxed and festive atmosphere, featuring enchilada dinners, fajita chimichangas and the infamous quarter-pound Dungeon Dog. Woody’s Press Box, 5656 Clyde Park Ave. NW, provides nourishment to bowlers taking a break from the attached Spectrum Lanes, and wets the whistles of poker players in the nearby card room. Whether you’re looking for a beer or trivia at the bar, a nibble in a booth under one of the many giant-screen televisions tuned to sports channels, or a more leisurely luncheon out on the enclosed patio, Woody’s aims to please. The barbecued pulled pork burrito delivers smoky-sweet, sauce-covered meat. Hungry for more? Put the Original Pulled Porker sandwich on your bucket list. Share your favorite places with us @hefedshefed #grjoints #readthefeed on Twitter!

cred, but I think Arnie’s is a go-to place, especially for lunch. It’s not the place for fancy fare, but it’s a quintessential neighborhood joint. Arnie’s began in 1905 and has four locations in the metro area, including one at 777 54th St. SW, Wyoming. The menu is extensive and the service consistently solid. The Riviera Salad is a summertime treat with fresh strawberries. The Lillyhammer Salad and Scandinavian Shuffle pay homage to one of the founding member’s Swedish heritage. And who can resist bringing treats from Arnie’s bakery back to the office after lunch?” — Juliet

Photography by michael buck

hefedshefed.com

He fed:

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beer on tap, available to go. 661 Croswell SE, $ 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L, D

Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 140, 356-4600. georgios gourmetpizza.com. L, D ¢-$

Bella Mia Pizzeria & Italian Grill — Italian dishes and New York-style pizza. Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, ¢-$ 554-9930. L, D

GoodFellows Pizza — In Byron Center’s former Monelli’s Pizza location. Pizza, full Italian dinners and more. Dine-in, takeout or delivery. No alcohol. Open daily (Sun at 4 pm). 2185 84th St, 878-1100. goodfellowspizza. com. L, D $

Brick Road Pizza — Specializing in gourmet, traditional and vegan pizzas. Gluten-free crusts available on request. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 7192409. brickroadpizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Chicago 7 Pizzeria — Family-owned pizzeria offers New York and Chicago-style pies along with specialty pizzas. Also subs and calzone. Open daily. 3012 28th St SW, Grandville, 5387777. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Euro Bistro — European bistro fare plus wood-fired pizzas. 11 am-10 pm Mon-Fri. 4-10 pm Sat, closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 7192017. eurobistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Florentine Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices, thin-crust pizzas. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Florentine Ristorante — Italian and American cuisine. Pizza and pasta served in the lounge until midnight; full-menu dinner 4-10 pm. Closed Sun. 3245 28th St SW, 534-5419. florentineingrandville.com. L, D $

Photography by michael buck

Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante Sports Bar — Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian entrees and even Mexican entrees. Multiple big screen TVs; take-out available. Open daily. 1259 Post Drive, Belmont, 785-1001. florentines.biz. L, D ¢-$

G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. Delivery Thu-Sat until 2:30 a.m. No alcohol. Open daily, with a handful of tables for dining in. 340 State St, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza. net. L, D ¢-$ Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties include Sfinciuni, thick-crust Sicilian pizza and Sciacciata, stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrees, calzones and desserts made from family recipes. Open daily. 2896 Knapp St NE in Celadon New Town. 608-6912. Facebook. L, D $ Mangiamo — Historic mansion houses family-friendly Italian eatery. Italian fare plus steaks and seafood. Extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 7420600. thegilmorecollection.com/mangiamo. php. D $-$$ Marinade’s Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. No alcohol. Catering. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 8633300. marinadespizzabistro.com. L, D ¢ Monelli’s Italian Grill And Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. 5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 530-9700. monellis.com. L, D ¢-$

Franco’s Pizzeria — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. L, D ¢-$

Noto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant décor and extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com.   D $-$$

Fred’s Pizza And Italian Restaurant — Long-time favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredspizza.com. L, D ¢-$

Pietro’s Italian Ristorante — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 4523228. rcfc.com/pietros. L, D $

Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Also, pasta dinners with a sauce that has made its way to the retail market. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. D ¢-$

Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant — Sicilian and southern Italian fare using family recipes. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Weekday lunch buffet. All menu items, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Closed Sun. 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvat oresgr.com. L, D ¢-$

Georgio’s Gourmet Pizza — Downtown pizzeria with more than 50 varieties of gourmet pizza, whole or by the slice. Beer on tap or by the bottle. Delivery available. Open daily. 15

Seasonal Grille — Hastings’ Italian-themed eatery features fresh, locally sourced, creative fare in handsome surroundings. Full bar, craft

cocktails, nice wine list. Open daily. 150 W State St, Hastings, (269) 948-9222. seasonal grille.com. L, D $

Trattoria di’ Stagione — Chef Dan Chudik prepares Italian dishes from pasta to seafood utilizing locally sourced ingredients. Lunch will be offered in near future. Closed Sun. 1420 Lake Drive SE, 458-5583. Facebook. D $ Tre Cugini — Innovative Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties. Outdoor seating in mild weather. Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 2359339. trecugini.com. L, D $-$$ Uccello’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Kitchen stays open until 1:30 am for dine-in, 1 am for take-out. Open daily. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, 891-5958; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, 249-9344. uccellos.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s — Serving traditional regional dishes from family recipes since 1966. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door, 458-2090), takeout 458-3766. the originalvitales.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Of Ada — Multi-regional, upscale dishes made from scratch. Also pizza, subs and burgers. Family-friendly; microbrews to martinis in separate sports pub. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from original Vitale family recipes. 59 W Washington St, Zeeland, (616) 772-5900, vitaleszeeland.com; 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudson ville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 530-8300. vitales.us. L, D ¢-$

Asian Including Thai and Indian fare. Akasaka Sushi — Sushi plus Korean and Japanese offerings in low-key atmosphere in Cascade Centre. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 6252 28th St SE, 977-0444. L, D ¢-$ Akita Buffet — Across from RiverTown Crossings Mall, with sushi bar, hibachi grill and Chinese buffet with set price for lunch and dinner. Serves alcohol. 3540 Rivertown Point Ct SW, 257-7777. L, D ¢-$ Angel’s Thai Café — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian-friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthai cafe.com. L, D ¢-$ August 2013 / Grmag.com 99

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Asian Palace — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each cuisine. Family owned and operated. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. L, ¢-$ D Bangkok Taste — Thai fare with lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550; 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok View — Thai food and Chinese fare. Lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 531-8070. bangkokviewthai food. ¢-$ com. L, D Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch specials. No alcohol. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitch engr.com. L, D ¢-$ Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. 5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. bluegingergr.com. L, D ¢-$ Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from Northern India. Full bar. Lunch buffet Mon.-Fri. and Sun. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr. SE, 4567055. bombaycuisinegr.com. L, D $

Erb Thai — Traditional Thai fare, will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. 950 Wealthy St SE,  Suite ¢ 1A, 356-2573. L, D

Hunan — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups. No alcohol. 1740 44th St SW, 530-3377; 1263 Leonard $ St NE, 458-0977. hunangr.com. L, D

Far-East Restaurant — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carryout and catering available. No alcohol. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. L, D $

India Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan in a humble atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243¢-$ 1219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D

First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out. Full bar. Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088. firstwokgr.com. L, D $

Jade Garden — Chinese cuisine with some American dishes. Children’s menu, large selection of tropical cocktails. 4514 Breton Rd ¢-$ SE, 455-8888. L, D

Fuji Yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables with chef preparations, or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719¢-$ 1859. letseat.at/fujiyama. L,  D Fortune Chef — Chinese and American fare. Opens 6 am weekdays, 8 am weekends with breakfast served all day. No alcohol. 9353 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1388. fortunechefcaledonia.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 627 28th St SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. L, D $

China Chef — Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Golden Dragon — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse. Full bar. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. goldendragongr.com. L, D $

China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 5299 Eastern ¢-$ Ave SE, 257-7038. L, D

Golden Gate Restaurant — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, egg rolls, sweet-and-sour dishes, with some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D ¢

China Gourmet Buffet — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items. Dinner buffet served all day weekends; discount for seniors and children 10 and under. No alcohol. 2030 28th St SW, 252-1379. L,  D ¢-$ Chinatown Restaurant And Japanese Steak House — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available. Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar. 69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngrand rapids.com. L, D ¢-$ China Yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 Eastern Ave SE, 241-3885. L, D ¢-$ East Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. L, D ¢-$ Empire Chinese Buffet — All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet served all day. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirebuffet.net. L, D ¢-$

Golden Wok — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers lunch and dinner options, including Hunanspiced dishes. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. L, D ¢-$ Grand Lakes — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. No alcohol. Next to Breton Village D&W. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 9542500. L, D ¢-$ Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — PanAsian cuisine from sushi to buffet, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American dishes. No alcohol. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Ridge Shopping Center), 785-8200. letseat. at/hibachigrillsupremebuffet. L, D ¢ Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese for dine-in or carry-out. All-you-caneat lunch buffet. No alcohol. 150 E Fulton St, ¢-$ 235-3888. B, L, D

Ju Sushi & Lounge — Sushi and sashimi selections, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquet space. 1144 East Paris Ave ¢-$ SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. L, D Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. Facebook, laithai kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$ Mandarin — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends. Cocktails. Open daily. 2460 28th St SE, 530-3300. L, D ¢-$ Marado Sushi — Sushi bar offers a wide selection of Japanese fare and a few Korean specialties. No alcohol. 47 Monroe Center, 742-6793. Closed Sun. L, D ¢-$ Maru Sushi & Grill — Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. 925 Cherry St SE. marurestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Mikado Sushi — Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat buffet: Japanese, Chinese, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), (616) 365-3989. mingten restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Mynt Fusion Bistro — Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$ Ning Ye — Family-owned Chinese restaurant also serves Korean fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun during winter. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676$ 5888. ningye.info. L, D Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, curries and noodle dishes; seafood and duck specialty plates. No alcohol. 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro. com. L, D ¢-$

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Osaka steakhouse — Japanese cuisine, including steak, seafood, sushi. Same owners as XO Asian Cuisine. Open daily. 4977 28th St. SE, 419-4628. Facebook. L, D $ Palace Of india — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindia restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ P.F. Chang’s China Bistro — Upscale chain known for modern Chinese dishes from Mongolian beef to chicken lettuce wraps. Cocktails, beer and wine. Order online for takeout. The Village at Knapp’s Crossing, 2065 Apple Orchard Ave, 447-2060. pfchangs.com. L, D $ Pho soc trang — Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. L, D ¢ Rak thai Bistro — Thai-fusion fare with Chinese and Japanese influences. No alcohol. 5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. rakthaibis tro.com. L, D ¢-$ Red sun Buffet — All-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections. No alcohol. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. redsunbuffet.com. L, D ¢-$ seoul garden — Chinese and Korean cuisine with full bar. Banquet and catering facilities available. Closed Sun. 3321 28th St SE, 9561522. grseoulgarden.com. L, D $-$$ shang Hai ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine; food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. shanghaiichiban.com. L, D $-$$

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soc trang — Wide selection of Chinese and Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. 1831 Market Place Dr, Caledonia, 871-9909. gosoc trang.com. L, D ¢-$ sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, plus fusion fare. Private groups can eat in traditional Japanese tatami room. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni.net. L, D ¢-$$ thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr. com. L, D ¢ three Happiness Restaurant — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare, with daily lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. 3330 Alpine Ave NW, Target Plaza, 785-3888. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ tokyo grill & sushi — Japanese tatami

616.437.1065 www.ClarkPlaceGR.com

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rooms, sushi bars. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, plus Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi. com. L, D ¢-$ Tokyo Roadhouse — Japanese (sushi) and Chinese menus, lunch specials. Order online for pickup, delivery (until 8 p.m.) or express dine-in. No alcohol. Opens daily at 11 a.m. 4095 Plainfield Ave. NE, 365-3719. tokyoroad house.com. L, D ¢-$

Wei Wei Palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. Serves beer. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. L, D $ Wonton Express — No-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy Hunan and Kung-Po dishes. No alcohol. 6719 S Division Ave, 281-8816. L, D ¢-$ FXO Asian Cuisine — Thai, Chinese and Viet-namese cuisine with full service bar. Vegetarian options and lunch specials MonSat. Free valet parking with $30 purchase. Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. xoasiancuisine.com. L, D $-$$

Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. L, D ¢-$

Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Le Kabob — Huge appetizer selection, soups, salads and sandwiches, large choice of Mediterranean entrees and combos. Kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. 2923 28th St SE, 272-4135. lekabob.com. L, D ¢-$ Marie Catrib’s — Middle-Eastern fare with on-site bakery, seasonal specialties and Turkish coffee. Vegetarian options. Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat. Lunch/dinner starts 11 am weekdays, noon Sat. Closed Sun. No alcohol. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecat ribs.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Mediterranean Grill — Gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, hummus, kafta. All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. L, D $

and catering. Features Lebanese beer and wine. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L, D ¢-$

Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs. No alcohol. 80 Ottawa Ave ¢-$ NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D Pita House — Gyros and other Middle East specialties. No alcohol. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029; 4533 Ivanrest Ave SW, 261-4302; 134 Monroe Center NW, 233-4875. thepitahouse.net. L, D ¢ Sheshco Grill — Lebanese cuisine including appetizers, salads and soups; entrees such as shish kabob, lamb shanks, quail and sautéed meats, plus vegetarian and seafood options. No alcohol. 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.com. L, D $ FShiraz Grille — Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, khoreshts, vegetarian options. Full bar, wine list, martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE,  949-7447. shirazgrille.com. L (Sun), D $

Zeytin — Turkish-American cuisine with extensive beer and wine lists. Takeout available. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin turkishrestaurant.com. L, D $

African Little Africa Cuisine — Humble storefront café offers hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. Sample other Ethiopian specialties. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Open daily. 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. L, D ¢ Gojo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli — Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew-like) dishes served with injerra flatbread. Carry-out. No alcohol. Tue-Fri lunch buffet, dinner 5-8 pm; Sat buffet 4-8 pm; closed Sun and Mon. 421 Norwood SE, 4593383. gojoethiopiancuisine.com. L, D $

Mexican/Latin American/ Caribbean 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301¢-$$ 8555. Facebook. B, L, D

Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offering Mediterranean specialties with drivethrough, delivery and catering available. Open daily. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. L, D ¢-$

Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu; wet burritos are the claim to fame. Full bar. The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $

Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout

Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare with full bar, take-out service, vegetarian selection. Spacious with fireplaces and Mexi-

can décor. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. L, D ¢-$

Café San Juan — Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban. No alcohol. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. cafesanjuan.net. B, L,  D ¢-$ Cancun Restaurant — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 248-2824. L, D ¢-$ Cantina — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties with full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. L, D $ Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Lunch specials. No alcohol. Open until 2 am Fri-Sat, closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. L, D ¢ Cinco De Mayo — Mexican eatery offers the usual fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. L, D $ Donk’s Mexican Joint — Tex-Mex selections including wet and dry burritos. Kids menu, drive-thru available. 820 Michigan St. NE, 883-6036. donksjoint.com. L, D ¢ Downtown Trini’s — Sparta destination offers traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. downtowntrinis.com. L, D ¢-$ El Arriero —Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, Margaritas. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. L, D ¢-$ El Barrio Mexican Grill — Tasty and creative twists on otherwise-traditional Mexican. Full bar. 545 Michigan St NE, 301-0010. elbarrio ¢-$ mexicangrill.com. L, D El Burrito Loco — More than 70 authentic Mexican selections. Complimentary chips and salsa. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. L, D ¢-$ FEl Granjero — Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes to à la carte selections and menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. elgranjerogr.com. B, L, D ¢

El Sombrero — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. L, D ¢ Grand Villa Dungeon — Mexican food is the specialty. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. villadugeon.com. L, D $ Jamaican Dave’s — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies. Lim-

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ited seating; takeout is best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. L, D ¢

Las Cazuelas — Open for breakfast at 10 am. Genuine Hispanic flavors. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. B, L, D ¢ La Huasteca — Homemade recipes. All items can be accommodated for vegetarians. Mostly take-out with a small dining room. No alcohol. Open daily. 1811 Plainfield Ave. NE, 4477733. Facebook. L, D ¢ Lindo Mexico Restaurant — Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Happy hour 2-6 pm. Kids menu. 1292 28th St SW, Wyoming, 2612280. lindomexicorestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$

Evelyn E. Vanderveen, M.D. Bridget A. Green, M.D. Connie M. Anderson, PA-C Melanie A. Stover, PA-C

Maggie’s Kitchen — Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. 36 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. B, L, D ¢ Michoacan — Mexican fare plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. No alcohol. Open at 9 am. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. B, L,  D ¢-$ Mi Tierra Restaurant — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive through. No alcohol. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D ¢

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Taco Bob’s — Fresh-Mex offerings, taco salads and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell wrapped in a soft shell. No alcohol. Open 11 am-2 pm, Mon-Fri. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 458¢ 1533. tacobobs.com. L Tacos El Caporal — Two locations serving Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. 1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. B, L, D ¢ Tres Lobos Grill & Bar — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar. Lunch ’til 4 pm daily. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389. treslobosrest aurant.com. L, D ¢-$

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 2012 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2012 Dining Award Winner Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email mprimeau@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Upcoming Two Plate Offers... September issue: Charley’s Crab October issue: Terra GR November issue: Jack’s Waterfront Bistro + Bar Schedule is subject to change.

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L I V I NG I N T H E

‘land of delight’ Glen Arbor attracts people from all walks of life for its breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities and slower pace. BY MARLA R. MILLER

Little Glen Lake and Big Glen Lake

gan and the Manitou Islands. The area offers spectacular scenery, outdoor adventure, water as blue as the Caribbean and national park appeal. Long before “Good Morning America” dubbed Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore its No. 1 Most Beautiful Place in America in 2011, the Ojibway Indians named the land Leelanau, meaning “land of delight.” Georgia Gietzen, who moved to Glen Arbor with husband Jeff a few years ago, said she feels a special connection to nature. “I am immersed in beauty,” said Gietzen. “Not a day goes by that I don’t bow in gratitude for all that surrounds me.” Seasonal residents from Chicago, Detroit and other parts of Michigan know the secret, too. Many cottages on Big and Little Glen

PhotoGraPhy courtesy the homesteaD/ 2fBrian walters PhotoGraPhy

erhAps it’s the cAll oF the WAter, the wilderness — the nearby wineries. Whatever it is, locals liken Glen Arbor and the surrounding area to a “little slice of heaven,” a paradise where year-round residents have realized quality of life matters more than quantity of things. The quaint village, a three-hour drive from Grand Rapids and a gateway community to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park, is situated on scenic M-22 between Glen Lake and Sleeping Bear Bay. Though the year-round population is less than 1,000, that number explodes during the summer, when cottage dwellers and vacationers bring life to the village and money to the local economy. Those who live in and around Glen Arbor bask in breathtaking views of Lake Michi-

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clockwise Photography courtesy lpwines.com (top left); Molly Connolly/North Coast Design (center and Bottom left); The Homestead/2fBrian Walters Photography (bottom right)

Photography courtesy The Homestead/ 2fBrian Walters Photography

Leelanau Vineyard

Thyme Inn Bed & Breakfast

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Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tavern, a Glen Arbor mainstay and local watering hole.

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Crystal River Outfitters

Cottage Book Shop

Georgia and Jeff Gietzen

Cherry Republic

yards and orchards. Spared from commercialization, there’s limited police presence, friendly people, good schools and respectful kids. Eccentric and eclectic, townspeople come from all walks of life. The area seems to be a haven for entrepreneurs and artists, foodies and farmers, nature lovers and water enthusiasts, and people who want a simpler life. Fresh faces flood the area in summer, when foreign travelers and millionaires mix with artists, farmers and shopkeepers. Most locals know each other by first name. They ride their bikes or walk to work, and honor the practice of buying local, giving back to the community and supporting their neighbors and friends. The only caveat for surviving the offseason: You’d better like winter and enjoy outdoor activities. The seasonal residents go home, the shops close down, the snow

falls and stays, and all that is left is the pristine beauty of nature. “People are surprised people really live here,” said Kim Guilbeau, a year-round resident since 2009 whose family ties go back three generations. “It’s compact, but it’s a big small town. You do have to love nature to be here. You need to like to go outside in the winter.” While its national park campgrounds, locally owned hotels and small B&B’s make it an affordable place to vacation, Guilbeau said, “I can’t say enough about the people who live here year-round. It’s a great place to raise kids. The school is really great.” Gietzen, who was owner of Grand River Grocery in Ada for many years, said she enjoys the seasonality of things — the ebb and flow of visitors, the hustle and bustle of summer and the slower pace in winter. She and Jeff vacationed in the area and visited regularly while their daughter attended

Clockwise Photography courtesy the homestead resort/Ken Haraburda (top left); Crystal River Outfitters (top center); Molly Connolly/ North Coast Design ( top right,center and bottom right)

lakes have remained in families for 100 years. Summering here as youngsters has prompted many adults to become yearround residents. “I fell in love with this area as a little girl,” said Katie Rabidoux, innkeeper with husband Jeff of the Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast. “There was something about Glen Arbor — the beauty, the lakes, the community itself.” The downtown business district includes restaurants, shops, bed and breakfasts, art galleries, and an active arts association that offers an artist-in-residence program, art classes, weekly exhibits and a summer music series. The best part: Almost everything is within walking distance. You can hit the beach on one end of Lake Street and boat at the other. Year-round residents describe Glen Arbor as safe and serene, surrounded by majestic sand dunes, rolling hills, vine-

Cherry Republic

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clockwise PhotoGraPhy courtesy the homesteaD resort/ken haraBurDa (toP left); crystal river outfitters (toP center); molly connolly/ north coast DesiGn ( toP riGht,center anD Bottom riGht)

Friends will flock. The Leelanau School. They definitely live a different lifestyle now, but moving didn’t mean retirement. The Gietzens own Northwoods Hardware, one of a few year-round businesses, and they are in process of renovating the village’s only gas station. While businesses flourish in the summer, Geitzen said, “People really struggle to make ends meet during the winter months. It’s about a quality of living versus a quantity of things.” In the world of real estate, the Glen Arbor area earns high marks for location and lakefront living. Being surrounded by preserved federal land in a county with 21,000 residents and more than 20 wineries makes private property a hot commodity. Real estate values held their own during the economic downturn, with most waterfront homes selling for more than $1 million, said Rob Serbin, a real estate agent and president of the local chamber. Serbin settled in the area in 1973 and said it has something to offer everyone: clean beaches, wineries, beautiful inland lakes, farmers markets, fine dining, shopping and small town charm. “It’s a safe area and it’s not pretentious,” he said. With little industry, most permanent residents are either retired, commute to work in Traverse City 30 minutes away, operate seasonal businesses, work in the hospitality industry, or have a couple of part-time jobs. “There’s an interesting dynamic here,” Rabidoux said. “Most people who live here year-round wear many hats. I waited tables, cleaned houses, worked a lot of jobs.” Rabidoux, 44, left her life in the Benton Harbor area 11 years ago to return to the place to which she felt most connected. This is her fourth season managing the Glen Arbor B&B. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding,” she said. “You meet a lot of interesting people. People from all over the country and globe stay with us.” Most year-round residents appreciate the outdoors and enjoy being active. They hike and bike the trails during the off season. The first phase of a 27-mile paved bike trail connecting Glen Arbor to Sleeping Bear Dunes opened last summer and has been a big hit with locals and vacationers, Gietzen said. Matt and Katy Wiesen, a young couple in their 30s, operate three businesses devoted to outdoor adventure and tourism: Crystal River Outfitters, M-22 Shop and

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

Association, which operates two sites: an arts center in the village and Thoreson Farm in the national park. “It’s a very lively and intelligent community,” said Peg McCarty, director. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful area. It’s just inspirational to people.” Every summer, the association organizes the Manitou Music Festival, an outdoor concert series featuring national and regional performers of classical, jazz and folk music in idyllic settings and family-friendly locations. This includes a free

Places to visit when in Glen Arbor!

The Glen Arbor area has been a popular vacation destination since Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore became a national park in 1970. The big draws include the Lake Michigan beaches, boating and water sports on Big and Little Glen Lake, and fishing and canoeing on the Crystal River.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (sleepingbeardunes.com) Points of interest include the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, the restored logging village of Glen Haven, and dune overlooks at Sleeping Bear, Empire and Pyramid Point bluffs about 400 feet above Lake Michigan. Activities include sightseeing, camping, canoe trips,

100 miles of hiking trails, along with Lake Michigan’s magical sunsets.

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (nps.gov/slbe/ planyourvisit/sbht.htm) The new Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail provides more than four miles of paved trails for biking and walking and is groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter. When completed, it will be a 27-mile, multi-use trail connecting the village of Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor and Port Oneida.

Glen Arbor Art Association (glenarborart.org) Aug. 2-3 is the fifth annual Plein Air Paint Out weekend (see website for details). The association also offers frequent gallery shows, plus art

classes and workshops taught by professional artists at its Thoreson Farm location.

Port Oneida Rural and Cultural Fair (leela nau.com/fair) Aug. 9-10: A celebration of rural arts and culture in the Port Oneida Historic Farm District within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Exhibits and demonstrations take place at five farms and the Port Oneida Schoolhouse.

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail (lpwines.com) With 25 wineries on Leelanau Peninsula, visitors can spend the day tasting wine and enjoying the scenery. Three new loops make it easier to plan tours. Brochures with a

handy map are online at lpwines. com and at each winery. A free iPhone app can be downloaded for easy access to Leelanau wineries, lodging, restaurants and more. The annual Harvest Stompede is Sept. 7-8 this year. It starts with a race/ walk through the vineyards, followed by a self-guided tour of 23 Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association wineries offering food pairings and wine tastings. Other helpful websites: visitglenarbor.com empirechamber.com leelanauchamber.com lelandmi.com suttonsbayarea.com leelanau.com/glenlake

Photography courtesy Georgia Gietzen

The Cyclery. Crystal River rents kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. The Cyclery offers bicycle rentals and repair and winter sports equipment. M-22 features clothing and a wine-tasting bar with 13 custom blends by Black Star Farms. “It’s a very small town,” Katy said. “Everybody knows everybody. We work hard and play hard.” The scenic beauty provides a great backdrop for painters, photographers and writers. Glen Arbor has a vibrant arts community, supported by the Glen Arbor Art

concert every July that draws thousands to the national park’s popular Dune Climb. This year, the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra performed as people picnicked with friends. More concerts take place throughout August, frequently on the stage in the backyard of Lake Street Studios, a renovated 1930’s car garage in the heart of Glen Arbor. Lake Street also includes Cottage Book Shop, Glen Lake Artists Gallery and Becky Thatcher Designs. Sisters Cherrie Stege and Beth Bricker, along with another partner, took over Lake Street Studios from their parents and have lived in the area for years. Their family cottage on Glen Lake dates to 1918. After living in Kalamazoo and Suttons Bay, Stege moved to Glen Arbor full time because it’s “where my heart was,” she said. She built a house with her husband near her grandparents’ original cottage in 2006. “I wanted to move back to the real community I felt a part of,” she said. “Driving here into town, I can see Lake Michigan with the islands in the distance. There’s always something beautiful to look at.” Many people also make a living by farming in the summer and working on orchards and vineyards. Beyond the dunes and rolling countryside left by glacial formations, farm stands and wineries dot the landscape throughout Leelanau County. Grapes, cherries and apples grow a plenty near the 45th parallel. Cherry Republic, headquartered in Glen Arbor,

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PhotoGraPhy courtesy GeorGia Gietzen

A West Michigan First in laser body sculpting! offers gourmet cherry products, gifts, baked goods and wine at its Lake Street store. The Glen Arbor area also offers unique places to dine. Trattoria Funistrada serves authentic Italian dishes, and La Bécasse features French country cuisine, both near Big Glen Lake in Burdickville. In the village, the upscale Blu specializes in contemporary American fare with flavors from around the world and views of Sleeping Bear Bay. Looking for a casual spot with good burgers and beer? Art’s Tavern, a Glen Arbor mainstay and local watering hole, has been in operation under various names since before prohibition. It is one of the few eateries open in the winter, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 360 days a year from 7 a.m. until the regulars leave. Art’s features tavern fare with a twist, said owner Tim Barr. The kitchen staff grounds the hamburger on site and makes soups in house, using local ingredients when possible. The bread comes from a local bakery and the fish from 18 miles down the road. Barr and his wife, Bonnie Nescot, bought Art’s in July 2000 after managing the establishment for years. People with summer homes often stop in Art’s Tavern on Friday to see what is going on and stop in for breakfast on Sunday before going home, Barr said. Another popular draw is The Homestead Resort, a short drive out of town on M-22 as you head up the peninsula toward Michigan’s wine coast. Former Grand Rapids resident Dave Thomasma got his first taste of quiet village life during the winter this year, but said he’s extremely happy he made the move. His daughter lives in Traverse City. “It was a little eye opener, but Traverse City is only a half hour away,” he said. “It’s a very friendly town, a very friendly area.” Like so many others, Thomasma grew up coming to the area and spending summers at his grandparents’ cottage on Glen Lake. He bought Synchronicity – Gallery of Michigan Art on M-22 in spring 2012 and lives in an apartment attached to the business. He was looking for a change. “It’s just such a unique area,” he said. “We have spectacular inland lakes, countryside, a lot of wineries, and a lot of summer and winter sports. The air is fresh and clean. It just feels good to be here.” gr

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out & about Where to Go / What to do

august events A FeW gReAt tHiNgs to Do tHis MoNtH!

MusiC Aug. 17-18 gRANDJAZZFest: This free jazz festival featuring diverse local and national musicians, including headliner Nick Colionne, a Chicago-based guitarist and vocalist, is now in its second year at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. The festival has expanded to two days with 10 jazz performers/bands and a student jazz jam section. grandjazzfest.org.

sPeCiAL eVeNts Aug. 5-11 MiCHigAN PiRAte FestiVAL: This Grand Haven festival launched in 2007 with a small group of pirates and reenactors who wanted to share a vision of what life might have been like during the Golden Age of Piracy. The family-oriented festival includes swashbucklers, a marketplace, time-period cannon demonstrations and plenty of activities for kids of all ages. michiganpiratefestival.com.

Saxophonist Phil Denny

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to mark your calendar!

Aug. - tuesDAY eVeNiNg MusiC CLuB: Local musicians perform each week at Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. The lineup includes Bennett/AG Silver, Robin Connell/Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Afro

Zuma and The Soil & The Sun, and Ralston Bowles and Friends. Bring blankets or low-rise chairs. See Music

family-friendly concert by Swedish tribute band Waterloo on the lawn at Cannonsburg Ski Area. See Music

Aug. 1-2 - PiCNiC PoPs: ABBA: GR Symphony presents a

Aug. 3 - MiLLeNNiuM tRiAtHLoN: Millennium Park event

PhotoGraPhy courtesy Phil denny (left); fastPhotoPro (toP riGht); thinkstockPhoto (bottom riGht)

sPoRts Aug. 24 gRAND RAPiDs MuD RuN: This 5K obstacle course event is expected to bring 10,000 mud-crazed adventure runners together to test endurance and strength. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a Kids Mini Mud Run. Participants can run solo or in teams.

includes 500-meter swim, 14.8-mile bike ride and 5K run, presented by West Michigan Multisport Racing, plus kids events. See Sports Aug. 9-10 - FReD MeiJeR WHite PiNe

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“You’ve tried the rest...

To list your event Send calendar information to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o

NOW EAT THE BEST ”

Calendar Editor, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, e-mail 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 15th of the month.

Special Events Thru Aug. 4 - Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: National military festival honors the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, with parades, live music, carnival, picnic, children’s activities, car show, ship tours and fireworks. coastguardfest.org. Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Holland Street Performers: Musicians, acrobats, face painters, balloon artists, jugglers, magicians, storytellers and more perform free along 8th Street in downtown Holland. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Downtown Holland.

Aug. 3 - Art in the Park: 44th annual juried fine arts and crafts fair with 300 artists from eight states. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave., Holland. hollandfriendsof art.com. Aug. 3 - White Lake Wine & Jazz Fest: Wine tasting, live jazz, appetizers, desserts, art and silent auction. 3-7 p.m. Goodrich Park, Whitehall. $25, $30 (at door). whitelake.org/event/ white-lake-wine-jazz-fest.

Photography courtesy lifehouse

Photography Courtesy phil denny (left); Fastphotopro (top right); thinkstockphoto (bottom right)

Aug. 2 - August in Ada: Petting zoo, pony rides, food, crafts, space walk, music and giant slide. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Village Green, 7215 Headley St., Ada. Free.

Aug. 3-4 - GR’s Got Talent: Top 100 contestants, based on public vote, compete. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth SW. $5, kids 10 and under free. grsgottalent.com. Aug. 4 - Sunday Art Market: Juried open air market of West Michigan artists’ original art and fine crafts. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Under the canopy at Chinook Pier, Grand Haven. grand havenchamber.org. Aug. 5-10 - Coopersville Summerfest: Annual celebration includes Del Shannon Car Show, tractor show, Miss Coopersville Pageant, vintage train rides, tractor show, teddy Trail 200-Mile Relay: Begins Friday in Comstock Park and continues along trail toward Cadillac. The run consists of 36 spurs to be divided by each crew of six to 12 runners. fredmeijer whitepinetrail200.com. See Sports

bear parade, soap box derby, food, music and more. coopersville.com/summerfest.

Aug. 5-10 - Kent County Youth Fair: Activities include tractor/horse/pony pulls, theater, dance, karaoke, music, talent show, carnival and food. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Kent County Fairgrounds, 225 S. Hudson St., Lowell. kcyf.org. Aug. 5-11 - Michigan Pirate Festival: Reenactors, cannon demonstrations, activities. Library, downtown and Central Park in Grand Haven. michiganpiratefestival.com. Aug. 9-10 - Holland Sidewalk Sales: More than 100 merchants bring great deals outdoors, plus street performers, food booths and more. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Downtown Holland. Aug. 9-11 - Riverstock: Newaygo’s celebration includes live music, arts, raft race on the Muskegon River and barbecue competition. newaygonaturally.com. Aug. 13 - The Mixing Pot: Third annual free multicultural family festival with live music, dancing, pizza party, kids entertainment. Noon-10 p.m. Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR. Aug. 14-17 - American Quilter’s Society Show: Workshops, contests, materials and supplies from 300 vendors, plus hundreds of quilts on display. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. DeVos Place. $12 adults, $22/ two-day pass, $11 seniors, $6 kids 6-12, under 6 free. aqsshows.com/AQSGrandRapids. Aug. 14-24 - Restaurant Week: More than 60 area restaurants offer farm-to-fork threecourse dinner menus priced at $25. For list of restaurants and menus, visit restaurantweek gr.com. Aug. 15 - Saugatuck & Douglas Sidewalk Sales: Merchant sales and entertainment. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Aug. 20-22 - Rock the Rapids: Three-day rock festival headlined by ZZ Top and special guest Kenny Wayne Shepherd returns to Fifth Third Ballpark after two years in downtown GR. The festival spans a variety of genres. See Music

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Aug. 16-17 - Grand Haven Sidewalk Sales: Area merchant sales and entertainment. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Washington Ave. between Harbor and Third. Aug. 17 - Art on the Riverfront: 13th annual juried art show with more than 40 artists presented by Grand Haven Area Arts Council. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2 p.m. awards. Grand Haven City Marina. downtowngh.com/visitor-arts/arton-the-riverfront. Aug. 17 - Grand Duck Race: Epilepsy Council of West Michigan fundraiser features plastic ducks racing down the Grand River for prizes. 1 p.m. Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. $5/ duck. epilepsycouncil.org. Aug. 17 - Striders Sunset Series: 5-mile road race, dinner, local beer and wine, concert. Striders, 4045 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville. $30. stridersrun.com/sunset-series. Aug. 17 - White Party: West Shore Aware fundraiser with cocktails, dinner, silent/live auctions, open bar, live music and dancing. 6:30 p.m. Laketown Conference Center, Saugatuck. $85 (269-857-2460 or westshoreaw are.org). Aug. 22 - Green Gala: Friends of Grand Rapids Parks third annual fundraiser with live music, cocktails, food, silent auction, raffle, photo booth. Plante & Moran/Christman Building at Fish Ladder Park, 634 Front Ave. NW. 7-11 p.m. $75. green-gala.com. Aug. 22-25 - Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival: Celebration of Polish food, music and beer, with continuous live polka entertainment, kids activities, vendors, cultural displays, cooking demos, beverage tent. Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR. Time TBD. polishheritagesociety.com. Aug. 23 - Kelly-Miller Circus: Tri-Cities Kiwanis presents a circus with tigers, elephants and other animal acts, aerialists, clowns and games. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Harbor Island, Grand Haven. See website for ticket prices: tricitieskiwanis.org. Aug. 23-24 - 28th Street Metro Cruise: Ninth annual cruise with 15,000 special interest cars and 15 miles of cool cars along 28th Street in Grandville, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Cascade. Also, Car Corral, Swap Meet, Sock Hop Dance Contest and cruising. 1-9 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. 28thstreetmetrocruise.com. Aug. 23-24 - Traverse City Summer Microbrew and Music Festival: 5th annual festival celebrating Michigan microbrews, live music and food. Age 21 and up only. Tickets TBD. tcbeerfest.com.

Aug. 23-25 - Yassou! Greekfest: Live music, dancing, imported Greek crafts and ethnic foods. 3-10 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Drive NE. grgreekfest. com. Aug. 24 - GR Zine Fest: New event celebrates self-publishers and zine lovers. (106) Gallery, 106 S. Division Ave. Noon-6 p.m. grzinefest. wordpress.com. Free. Aug. 25 - Allegan Antiques Market: 400 exhibitors (200 inside, 200 outside) rain or shine, last Sunday of month thru Sept. No pets allowed. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Drive. $4. alleganantiques.com. Aug. 25 - Taste of Saugatuck: Street festival of fine foods sponsored by Saugatuck-Douglas CVB and area restaurants. Noon-7 p.m. Downtown Saugatuck. Aug. 28 - Grand Rapids House Party: Second annual networking party includes cocktails at a downtown home, then afterglow party at Drueke Building, 605 Seward NW. 5:30-10 p.m. 771-0331 or grandrapids.org/ houseparty. Aug. 31-Sep. 2 - Newaygo Logging Festival: Celebrating Newaygo’s logging history. Music, entertainment, sidewalk sales, arts and crafts, food, parade, kids games. newaygo naturally.com.

Sports Aug. - West Michigan Whitecaps: Professional minor league baseball team, member of the Midwest League and Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Home games: Aug. 3-6 vs. Dayton Dragons. Aug. 10-12 vs. South Bend Silver Hawks. Aug. 14-16 vs. Lansing Lugnuts. Aug. 24-26 vs. Lake County Captains. Aug. 2830 vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps. Game times vary. Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Drive NE, Comstock Park. $6-$14 (ticket office, 800-CAPS-WIN, whitecaps-baseball.com). Aug. 3 - Color Run: Fun 5K run in downtown GR starts and finishes at Calder Plaza, 315 Ottawa Ave. NW. Volunteers “ambush” participants with colored dust at each km mark. All ages and abilities invited to participate. 9 a.m. thecolorrun.com/grandrapids.

200-Mile Relay: Race from Comstock Park to Cadillac in 36 relay increments along the White Pine Trail. 7 a.m. 3924 W. River Drive NE, Comstock Park. fredmeijerwhitepinetrail 200.com. Aug. 10 - Hey 5K Run/Walk: Fourth annual run thru downtown Muskegon; proceeds go to Muskegon Community Radio 88.9. 8 a.m. $30. goracego.com Aug. 13 - Medaling Monkey 5K Run/Walk: Special Olympics fundraiser. 5 p.m. registration, 6:30 p.m. run/walk. John Ball Zoo. ashley. diersch@somi.org or 583-1202. Aug. 17 - Miles for Hope 5K Run/Walk: Moving Toward a Cure run/walk raises funds for brain tumor research. 9 a.m. Comstock Riverside Park. $25. braintumorevents.org/ grandrapids2013. Aug. 17 - Mitchell’s Run Thru Rockford: 15th annual 5K run/walk and kids run raises money for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research, plus family picnic, music, silent auction and more. 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. kids run. mitchellsrun.org. Aug. 18 - Gaslight Criterium: Circuit bicycle race in EGR’s Gaslight Village. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. gaslightcrit.com. Aug. 24 - Grand Rapids Mud Run: 5K course with obstacles, slide and mud. Participants can run solo or in teams. Also, Kids Mini Mud Run for kids 6-12 (2.5K). 7:30 a.m. 1200 60th St. SE, Kentwood. $50 adults, $17 kids. grandra pidsmudrun.com. Aug. 24 - King of Wake: Athletes from around the world compete on this pro wakeboard tour. Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard St. SW, Walker. transworldwake.com. Aug. 25 - Michigan Titanium: Triathlon: 2.4mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run, plus relays, half-tri and aquabike races. 7 a.m. Versluis Park, Plainfield. $195-$575. mititanium. com. Aug. 31 - Reeds Lake SUP: Second annual 5K and 10K Stand Up Paddle Board race. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. race. John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE, EGR. $40, $50 Aug. 31. reedslakesup.com.

Stage & Film

Aug. 3 - Millennium Triathlon: 500-meter swim, 14.8-mile bike ride and 5K run, presented by West Michigan Multisport Racing, plus kids events. 8 a.m. Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave. SW. $70 adults, $90 team, $25 kids. millenniumtriathlon.com.

Aug. - Hope Summer Repertory Theatre: Thru Aug. 8, “Romeo and Juliet.” Thru Aug. 9, “The Light in the Piazza.” Thru Aug. 10, “All Shook Up.” See website for times, locations. Tickets TBD (DeWitt box office, 616-3957890 or hope.edu/hsrt).

Aug. 9-10 - Fred Meijer White Pine Trail

Aug. - Howmet Playhouse: Aug. 1-3, “Leaving

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Iowa.” Aug. 8-10, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Aug. 15-17, “Love Letters.” Aug. 22-24, “Steel Magnolias.” 7:30 p.m. 304 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall. $18 adults, $14 students (city of Whitehall or Howmet Playhouse box offices, 231-894-4048). howmetplayhouse.org.

Thru Aug. 4 - “12 Dancing Princesses”: GR Civic Theatre presents a children’s play. See website for times. 30 N. Division Ave. $10-$16 (222-6650 or grct.org). Thru Aug. 4 - “Changing Minds”: GR Civic Theatre presents a children’s musical about high school. See website for times. 30 N. Division Ave. $10-$16 (222-6650 or grct.org). Thru Aug. 4 - Traverse City Film Festival: Special emphasis on foreign films, American independents and documentaries. Free classic movies shown outdoors in Open Space Park. Panel discussions with writers, directors, actors and other members of film industry. traversecityfilmfest.org.

Relax

•

Dine

•

Play

•

Celebrate

Thru Aug. 9 - Children’s Performance Troupe: “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful and Her Dog!” 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Studio Theatre, lower level of DeWitt Theatre, Holland. $10 (DeWitt box office, 616-3957890 or hope.edu/hsrt).

521 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, MI • 800-875-6600 • theboulevardinn.com

Thru Aug. 11 - “Game Show”: Mason Street Warehouse presents the story about a live broadcast of a fictional TV game show. See website for times. 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. $29-$42 (269-857-4898 or masonstreetware house.org).

Forecast?

Thru Aug. 31 - Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition: Saugatuck Center for the Arts calls for short films (five minutes or less) for juried film competition Oct. 12. Ten films will be screened. Guidelines at sc4a.org. Aug. 1-10 - “American Buffalo”: Heritage Theatre Group presents a story of misguided misfits who plot to steal a rare coin collection. 8 p.m. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students (heritage theatregr.org).

Rain and shine.

Because life is unpredictable.

Aug. 8-24 - “Boeing Boeing”: Circle Theatre presents a 1960’s French farce about a man with three fiancées. 7:30 p.m., 5 p.m. Aug. 18. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Road SE. $25 (456-6656, circletheatre.org). Aug. 9, 23 - Movies in the Park: Free familyfriendly movies shown at dusk. Aug. 9, “Madagascar 3.” Aug. 23, “Happy Feet 2.” Bring lawn chairs or blankets. John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE, EGR. eastgr.org.

616.459.1171 | www.lawweathers.com

Aug. 15-17 - “Quilters”: Master Arts Theatre presents a musical tribute to the courage and August 2013 / Grmag.com 113

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Aug 15

1/ The Appleseed Cast performs at The Pyramid Scheme, with special guests Des Ark and Heartbreak Landscape.

Comedy & nightclub venues COMPILED BY EMMA HIGGINS

1/ PYRAMID SCHEME: 8 p.m. Aug. 15: Kansas natives The Appleseed Cast have

eight albums under their belt and have been performing since the late ’90s. Recently, their angst-driven melodies have evolved into a post-rock sound with emphasis on guitar. With special guests Des Ark and Heartbreak Landscape. $12 in advance, $14 at door: FusionShows.com, Vertigo Music and Pyramid Scheme front bar. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, 272-3758, pyramidschemebar.com.

2/ Alonzo Bodden performs at Dr. Grins Comedy Club, Aug. 22-24.

The B.O.B: The Big Old Building houses several entertainment options, including nightclubs Crush and Eve; live blues on Weds. after Blues on the Mall at Bobarino’s (thru Aug.); stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com. Billy’s Lounge: Eastown bar and music venue hosts live music with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com. Diversions: Dance club/gay bar offers DJs, karaoke, special events. 10 Fountain St. NW, 4513800, diversionsnightclub.com. Founders Brewing Co.: Large taproom features live music. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, 776-2182, founderbrewing.com. J. Gardellas: Dance Club Fri. and Sat. nights on third floor. 11 Ionia Ave. SW, 459-8824, jgardel lastavern.com. Grand Woods Lounge: Restaurant/bar with

Comic Standing.” Before he became a comic, Bodden worked as an aircraft mechanic. Teaching mechanics prompted his career change. “I had to make my students laugh!” In 2011, he was a panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait ... Don’t Tell Me!” Nationally acclaimed stand-up comedians perform 9 p.m. Thu., 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com.

dance floor; DJs and bands Thu.-Sat. 77 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-4300, grandwoodslounge.com.

order tickets at rivercityimprov.com or Calvin box office, 526-6282, or at door.

The Intersection: Large downtown nightclub hosts local and national bands. Tickets at Purple East, Shakedown, Vertigo Music and box office. 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-8232, sectionlive.com.

Rocky’s Bar & Grill: Dance floor opens every Fri. featuring DJs and live acts. 633 Ottawa Ave. NW, 356-2346, rockysbarngrill.com.

Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. All shows 21 and over, no cover. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 451-0775, mulligans-pub.com.

Stella’s Whisky Lounge: Retro Dance Party with DJ Todd Ernst every Sat. 53 Commerce Ave. SW, 742-4444, stellasgr.com.

Monte’s Lounge: Dancing every Fri. and Sat. 438 Bridge St. NW, 774-5969, monteslounge.com.

SpeakEZ Lounge: Bar/restaurant features live music, open mic nights. 600 Monroe Ave. NW, speakezlounge.com.

The Orbit Room: Club offers regional and national music acts, occasional stand-up comedy. Multiple bars. Open floor and seated balcony. 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 942-1328, orbitroom.com.

Sunday Night Funnies: Midwest comics perform (free) 8:30 p.m. every Sun. at Riverfront Hotel Landing Lounge, 270 Ann St. NW. See Facebook for line-up.

River City Improv: Comedy team weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions. Calvin College Gezon Auditorium, 3201 Burton St. SE. Pre-

Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill: Regular live music and Comedy Night every Tue. 760 Butterworth St. SW, 272-3910, Facebook.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY GRAVEFACE RECORDS (TOP); ALONZO BODDEN (LEFT)

1/ DR. GRINS COMEDY CLUB: Aug. 22-24, Alonzo Bodden, star of NBC’s “Last

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spirit of the nation’s pioneers. 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. 75 77th St. SW. $18 adults, $16 seniors and students (455-1001 or masterarts.org).

Aug. 16-Sep. 1 - “Closer Than Ever”: Mason Street Warehouse presents a musical about life, love, youth, parents and aging. 8 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun., 2 p.m. Sep. 1. 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. $29-$42 (269-857-4898 or masonstreetwarehouse.org).

Music Aug. - Blues on the Mall: Free Wed. night concerts 6-9 p.m. thru Aug. 21. Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR. wlav.com

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Aug. - Dance on the Waterfront: Wed. night big band dances 7-9 p.m. thru Aug. 21. Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven. $3. visitgrand haven.com. Aug. - EGR Summer Concerts: Familyfriendly, free music at 7 p.m. Aug. 13, Potato Moon. Aug. 27, Jill Jack. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE, EGR. eastgr.org.

Great Products. Great People. Great Service. Always. GRAND RAPIDS 616.363.3513 | HUDSONVILLE 616.662.0140 | CASCADE 616.264.3424

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Photography courtesy Graveface records (top); Alonzo Bodden (left)

Aug. - GRAM on the Green: Friday night free music and dancing on art museum’s terrace. 5:30 p.m. dance fitness. 6:15-8:30 p.m. live music: Aug. 2, Orquesta Tradicion (Caribbean salsa, meringue, bolero and bachata); Aug. 9, An Dro (Celtic/world beat); Aug. 16, Randy Marsh/Ron Getz Trio (modern jazz, guitar improv); Aug 23 (in GRAM lobby), Neil Jacobs (gypsy and world 12-string guitar). 8:30-10 p.m. ballroom dancing (Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR). Aug. - Grand Haven/Spring Lake Concerts: Local musicians play from 7-8:30 p.m. Thru Aug. 20, Tuesdays in the Park, Central Park, Grand Haven. Thru Aug. 22, Thursdays at the Point, Mill Point Park, Spring Lake. Free. visit grandhaven.com. Aug. - Holland Summer Concerts: Live music 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Fri. thru Aug. 16. Aug. 2, Tejano Sound Band. Aug. 9, Nobody’s Darlin’. Aug. 16, No Where Band. Kollen Park, Holland. Free. holland.org. Aug. - Jazzoo: Free jazz concerts 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mon. Aug. 5, Michele Covington and Company. Aug. 12, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. John Ball Park band shell, 1300 W. Fulton St. wmichjazz.org. Aug. - Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts: Free concerts 7-9 p.m. Aug. 1, Kathy LaMar and Bob Van Stee. Aug. 15, Karl Lynch Band. Aug. 22, 13th Hour. Riverwalk Plaza along Flat River. Bleacher seating or bring chairs. lowellartscouncil.org.

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

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Aug. - Meijer Gardens Summer Concerts: National acts perform in outdoor amphitheater. Aug. 1, The Beach Boys. Aug. 2, John Butler Trio. Aug. 3, Grizzly Bear. Aug. 5, Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” Radio Romance Tour, with special guest Sara Watkins. Aug. 8, Randy Newman. Aug. 11, Owl City. Aug. 15, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Aug. 21, Michael McDonald. Aug. 24, Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. Aug. 28, Smokey Robinson. Bring blankets or low-rise chairs. Picnics allowed; no alcohol (available inside gates). Times, prices vary. Tickets: box office, (800) 585-3737 or Star Tickets. Aug. - Parties in the Park: Live music, beverage tents, children’s activities 5-9 p.m. every Fri. Aug. 2, Jaded 8. Aug. 9, Fiddleface. Aug. 16, Stolen Horses. Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon. partiesinthepark.com. Aug. - Rogue River Blues: Rockford’s Tue. evening concerts showcase jazz, blues and folk music artists 7-9 p.m. thru Aug. 13. Bring blankets or chairs. Garden Club Park along Rogue River. Free. therockfordnetwork.com. Aug. - Tuesday Evening Music Club: Local musicians perform at Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. Gates open 6 p.m., concert 7 p.m. Aug. 6, Bennett/AG Silver. Aug. 13, Robin Connell/Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. Aug. 20, Afro Zuma and The Soil & The Sun. Aug. 27, Ralston and Friends. Free (included in admission). Bring blankets or low-rise chairs. Picnics allowed; no alcohol (available inside gates). meijergardens.org. Thru Aug. 16 - Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck: Music performed by area musicians. Aug. 1-2, Tesla Quartet. Aug. 8-9, Between Friends. Aug. 15-16, Bow and Bows, A String Finale. 7:30 p.m. Saugatuck Women’s Club, 303 Butler St. $20 adults, $10 students/$5 Fri. (269-857-1424 or saugatuck music.org). Aug. 1-2 - Picnic Pops: ABBA: GR Symphony presents family-friendly concert by Swedish tribute band Waterloo on the lawn at Cannonsburg Ski Area. Picnics allowed. Pre-concert entertainment and kids activities. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m. $24 adults, $22 seniors and students, $10 children 2-15, under 2 free (454-9451, ext. 4, Ticketmaster or grsymphony.org). Aug. 3 - Jam on the Grand: Blue Water Ramblers perform. 1-5 p.m. Island Picnic Shelter, Riverside Park. bluewaterramblers.com/jam_ on_the_grand. Aug. 6 - Wyoming Concerts in the Park: Stealin’ Hearts performs. Free. 7 p.m. Lamar Park. wyomingcec.org.

Aug. 7-10 - Unity Christian Music Festival: Main stage artists include Joel Weldon and The Unity Choir, Everfound, Crowder, Passion Worship Band, Hillsong, Rhett Walker Band, Casting Crowns, Matthew West, Jeremy Camp. Heritage Landing, Muskegon. Before Aug. 6: $20 one-day pass, $40 two-day pass, $50 three-day pass. At door: $25/$45/$55. unitymusicfestival.com. Aug. 8 - Blue Molly: Free, family-friendly bluegrass concert presented by Walker/ Standale Downtown Development Authority. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. 7-9 p.m. Walker Community Park, 700 Cummings Ave. ci.walker.mi/business/dda. Aug. 9 - Hats Off to Del Shannon: Rock n’ roll favorites by James Popenhagen and his band the HiLo’s. Fundraiser for Coopersville Area Historical Society Museum and Del Shannon Memorial. 7 p.m. Coopersville H.S. Centerstage Theater. $10 adults, $8 students (gallery293.com or at door). Aug. 9-10 - Cowpie Music Festival: Live bands, food, beverages and crafts. Camping available. Gates open noon Fri. and 9 a.m. Sat. Shagbark Farm, 7500 Alaska Ave. SE, Caledonia. Tickets TBD. cowpiemusicfestival.com. Aug. 12, 19 - Circle Theatre Summer Concerts: Aug. 12, Hits of the ’80s. Aug. 19, Webber & Rice. 7 p.m. Aquinas PAC, 1607 Robinson Road SE. $17 (456-6656, circletheatre.org). Aug. 12, 26 - Summer in the Studio: Live boutique performances. Aug. 12, Adrianne Gonzalez & Garrison Star. Aug. 26, Sam Corbin & Jen Sygit. 8 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. $15 (269-857-2399 sc4a.org). Aug. 17-18 - GRandJazzFest: Second annual free jazz festival featuring diverse local and national musicians, including headliner Nick Colionne. Noon-10 p.m. Sat., noon-7 p.m. Sun. Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR. grandjazzfest.org. Aug. 20-22 - Rock the Rapids: Three-day rock festival headlined by ZZ Top and special guest Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 West River Drive NE, Comstock Park. Tickets TBD. rocktherapids.org. Aug. 24-25 - Lakeshore Jazz Festival: Second annual jazz and blues celebration. Age 21 and over. 6 p.m. Heritage Landing, Muskegon. Tickets TBD (Star Tickets or Meijer stores). lakeshorejazzfestival.com.

Lectures & Workshops Aug. - GR Public Libraries: Programs include: Reading the Great Lakes, Adventures

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chill out. CitySēn Lounge offers everything from flavorinfused breakfast dishes to happy hour to the freshest lunch and dinner entrées. All perfectly paired with our signature cocktails.

in Antarctica, World’s Best LEED Building, A Night with John Steinbeck, Early Childhood Essentials, small business classes, author visits, adult computer classes, reading clubs. Kids activities include: Literacy classes for babies, toddlers and kids, plus Pippin Puppets Present Journey to the Center of the Earth and Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Complete schedule at Main Library, 111 Library St. NE, or grpl.org. Free.

Aug. - Kent District Libraries: Programs include book discussions, Early Childhood Essentials, career transition workshops. Kids programs include story times for young children, Parkapalooza, Ruff Readers, Family Building Bricks Party, Grandville Idol Talent Show and Get the Dirt on Great Desserts. See kdl.org. Aug. - Moveir Dance Studio: Dance lessons in various styles (line dancing, lindy hop, Latin, etc.) 7-8 p.m. every Sat. followed by open dance 8-11 p.m. $10 lesson, $10 open dance, $15 both. 2483 Burlingame SW, Wyoming. moveirdancestudio.com. Aug. - Social Dance Studio: Dance lessons in ballroom styles 7-8 p.m. every Fri.; open dance 8-11 p.m. $10 lesson, $10 open dance, $15 both. 4335 Lake Michigan Drive. social dancestudiogr.com. Aug. - Swing Dancing: Outdoor swing dancing and instruction in downtown GR 7-10 p.m. every Tue. Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR. grandrapidsoriginal swingsociety.com. Aug. 6 - Meijer Gardens Curator’s Choice: Walk through ongoing exhibition Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan with Joseph Antenucci Becherer, chief curator. 7 p.m. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 9571580, meijergardens.org. Aug. 9, 23 - Grand River Folk Arts Society: Dance instruction. 7 p.m. Aug. 9, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE ($5). 7 p.m. Aug. 23, Fourth Friday Contra Dance/Jam, Fifth Street Hall, 701 5th St. NW ($9 adults, $7 members, $5 students/seniors). grfolkarts.org. Aug 13 - GRAMStudio Workshop: Pen, Paper, Perspective (for adults 21 and older). 1-4 p.m., Grand Rapids Art Museum. $40/ members, $50/nonmembers. Registration required: artmuseumgr.org, click on Learning.

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Aug. 24 - DANCEgr: Ballroom dance instruction for beginners (7-7:45 p.m.), intermediate/ advanced workshop (7:45-8:30 p.m.), social dance (8:30-11 p.m.). $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both. St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE. dancegr.com. August 2013 / Grmag.com 117

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out & about Where to Go / What to do

Air Zoo: Aircraft, exhibits, activities, flight simulators, Michigan Space Science Center and amusement park-style rides. Open daily. $10 admission; see website for other costs. 6151 Portage Road, Portage, (269) 382-6555, airzoo.org. Blandford Nature Center: Trails, nature exhibits, heritage buildings on 143 acres. Interpretive Center open weekdays; trails open daily dawn to dusk. For workshops and activities, see website. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandfordnature center.org. Coopersville & Marne Railway: Restored 1920s-era railway. Special event: Summerfest Shuttle 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 10 ($4). Regular excursion rides 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wed. and Sat. ($11.50 adults, $10.50 seniors 60 and over, $9.50 kids 2-12, kids under 2 free). 311 Danforth St., Coopersville, 997-7000, coopersvilleandmarne.org. DeGraaf Nature Center: 18-acre preserve with Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch. Monthly workshops and classes. Closed Sun., Mon., holidays. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, (616) 3551057, degraaf.org. Free.

1/ Muskegon Museum of Art shows 12 paintings and related drawings of Michigan artist Andrea Kowch, whose 2012 ArtPrize entry, “Sojourn,” is now part of the GR Art Museum’s permanent collection. Shown: “The Cape.”

Museums & Attractions COMPILED BY DONNA FERRARO AND TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ MusKegoN MuseuM oF ARt: special exhibitions/events: Aug. 10, Popsicle Super Saturday, a free family fun day. Thru Aug. 11, Black/White: Works from the Permanent Collection. Thru Aug. 21, 85th Regional Exhibition. Thru Aug. 24, Some Like It Hot: Color from the Collection. Aug. 15-Oct. 27, Made in Michigan Artists series, Andrea Kowch: Dream Fields (5:30 p.m. Aug. 15 opening reception and artist talk). Permanent exhibitions: Paintings, prints, sculpture and glass. Closed Mon. $7 (Thu. free); $5 students; under 17 free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegonartmuseum.org. 2/ HoLLAND MuseuM: special exhibitions/events: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 25, Vintage Holland Boat Show, $3, includes admission to museum and ice cream. Thru Dec. 30, From Craft to Industry: The Boat Builders of Holland. Permanent exhibitions: Dutch Galleries of 17th- to 20th-century paintings; cultural attractions from the “old country”; local history. Closed Tue. $7, $6 seniors, $4 students, free 5 and under. Cappon House: 228 W. 9th St.; Settlers House: 190 W. 9th St.; Main building: 31 W. 10th St., (616) 796-3329, holla ndmuseum.org. 3/ CooPeRsViLLe FARM MuseuM: special events: Aug. 5-10, Summerfest Week. Aug. 6-10, Tractor Show. Acoustic Jam Nights 6-9 p.m. first and third Tue. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 31, Kids Day. special exhibitions: Aug. 1-Sept. 28, Quilts and Their Stories. Thru Sept. 28, Uniquely Fabric by Bridget Gazlay. Permanent exhibitions: Tractors, quilts, eclipse windmill, kids area. Open Tue.-Sat. $4, $2 ages 4-18, free 3 and under. 375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

3/ Coopersville’s annual Summerfest honors its native son, rock ‘n’ roll legend Del Shannon, including the Del Shannon Car Show Aug. 10. About 800 vintage vehicles will be on exhibit.

Felt Mansion & Gardens: Summer home of millionaire inventor Dorr E. Felt features architectural beauty of the 1920s. Self-guided tours 1-5 p.m. Sun.-Tue (except Aug. 4). $10, $8 age 65 and older (seniors free on Mon.), 12 and under free. 6597 138th St., Holland, (616) 335-3050, feltmansion.org. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Special events/exhibitions: Aug. 10-11, Meet Me at the Fair, farm-inspired family activities. Thru Aug. 25, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan. Thru Oct. 31, Bernar Venet, five large-scale steel sculptures. Aug. 31-Sept. 1, National Dahlia Show. Permanent attractions: World-class sculptures indoors and in 30-acre park; tropical conservatory, Victorian garden, café, gift shop. Open daily. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $6 ages 5-13, $4 ages 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580, meijergardens.org. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Special exhibition: Thru Jan. 2014, Growing Up Grand, an in-depth look at Ford’s formative years includes photos, documents and artifacts, and sets of his Union Street home, Boy Scout camp, Bill’s Place and more. Permanent exhibitions: The 1970s, Watergate, Oval Office, New Mood at the White House. Open daily. $7, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 age 6-18, free 5 and under. 303 Pearl St. NW, 254-0400, fordlibrarymuseum.gov. Gilmore Car Museum: Special events: Aug. 3, Red Barns Spectacular Car Show & Swap Meet. Aug. 17, Relix Riot Traditional Hot Rods, Customs & Motorcycles. Aug. 25, Pierce-Arrow Gathering. Permanent exhibitions: Automotive Heritage Center and six other buildings house exhibits and about 150 vehicles (open all year). Another 150 vehicles in restored barns on 90-acre campus open thru Nov. 30. $12, $11 seniors, $9 age 7-15, 6 and under free. 6865 Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, (269) 6715089, gilmorecarmuseum.org. Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Aug. 25, Improvisational Quilts of Susana Allen Hunter/American Regionalist Prints of the 1930s and ’40s. Thru Sep. 1, Jansma Print Collection: Five Centuries of Masterpieces. Thru Oct. 6, GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2012: Encore! Permanent exhibitions: 19th and 20th century art; design and modern craft; prints, drawings, photographs. Friday Nights at GRAM/GRAM on the Green: Thru Aug. 23, live music and dancing (see Music). Family programming: Drop-in activities for kids 1-4 p.m. Sat. Closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students, $5

PhotoGraPhy courtesy muskeGon museum of art (toP); holland museum (bottom)

Opening Aug. 15

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Sharing Your

Passion

2/ Aug. 25: Holland Museum’s Vintage Boat Show takes over 10th Street with more than 40 Holland-made boats and vintage travel trailers.

for

Pets

children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Special events: Thru June 2014, Kidstruction Zone. Permanent activities: Busy, Busy Bees; Bubbles!; Mom and Pop Store; Giant Lite Brite and more. Toddler Tuesdays, 3 and under (10 a.m.-noon). Family Nights 5-8 p.m. Thu., $1.50. Closed Mon. $7.50, $6.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 22 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org. Grand Rapids Public Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Nov., Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Storms and Stories. Permanent exhibitions: Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Anishinabek and Newcomers: People of This Place, Collecting A-Z, Furniture City, 1928 carousel ($1). $8, $7 seniors, $3 age 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grmuseum.org. John Ball Zoo: New this year: Meijer Grizzly Bear Exhibit, Jandernoa Children’s Outpost. Also, Lions of Lake Manyara, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island, Living Shores Aquarium. Summer experiences: zipline, budgie aviary, stingray lagoon, swan paddle boats. Open daily. $8.50 adults, $7.50 seniors 62 and older, $6.50 kids 3-13, under 2 free. 1300 W. Fulton St., 336-4300, john ballzoosociety.org.

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Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibitions: Thru Aug. 31, West Michigan Area Show. Thru Sept. 15, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art. Thru Sept. 15, Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle. Thru Sept. 29, For and Against Modern Art: The Armory Show + 100. Closed Mon. $5, $2 students with ID, 12 and under free. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 3497775, kiarts.org. Meyer May House: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house restored by Steelcase includes original furnishings. Guided tours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue. and Thu., 1-5 p.m. Sun. (last tour one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.

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Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Digistar and laser projectors produce special effects. Themed shows educate about the stars. GR Public Museum. $3 plus museum admission, laser light shows $7. grmuseum.org/planetarium. Tri-Cities Historical Museum: Permanent exhibitions: Two buildings house exhibits of Northwest Ottawa County. Closed Mon. 200 Washington Ave. and 1 N. Harbor, Grand Haven, (616) 842-0700, tri-citiesmuseum.org. Free. Veen Observatory: Astronomical observatory owned and operated by GR Amateur Astronomical Association. Public viewing dates and times: graaa. org. 3308 Kissing Rock Ave. SE, Lowell.

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AUGUST 2013 / GRMAG.COM 119

out & about Society / faces / places

Janet and John Baab Jane Patterson and Nancy Despres

Lee and Tonja Moyer

Melanie Wood and Nancy Crater

Asghar and Lindsay Khaghani

Skip and Susan Ross

Capturing the action around town:

snap shots

The American Heart Association honored Dr. Asghar Khaghani with the Richard M. DeVos Award June 4 at the Grand Rapids 2013 Heart Ball. Susan Ford Bales was featured speaker at the gala. Thousands of people gathered June 1 for the 10th annual Local First Street Party in downtown Grand Rapids for a celebration of local food, music and beer. Rooftop Cocktail brought together local bartenders, artists, musicians and fashionistas for a party on the fourth floor and roof of UICA June 14. Ashlie Bain, Chef Dave Ogren, Sam Abbasy and Roy Roach

Photography by Johnny quirin (top); michael buck (bott0m)

Crowds at Local First Street Party

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Gina VanGessell and Katie Harney Latunya Coleman and Eaton Maben

Crowds at UICA Rooftop Cocktail

Lindsey Katerberg, Naomi Goedert and Karrimi James Justin Walker, Hillary Rumsey, Dan Bebski, Ashley Trieu and Tom and Meghan Moyhan

Photography by michael buck

Photography by Johnny quirin (top); michael buck (bott0m)

Nate Cohn and Josh Dunigan

Jason Kunze and Alyssa Jenue

Janel, Eric and Harper Mullen August 2013 / Grmag.com 121

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SHoWcaSe deSign QUeSt

oWnerS, Meg, Jorgen and tHor SorenSen  tH Street Se ..

deSignQUeSt.BiZ

Incredible Design, Exceptional Value

THEIR NAME SAYS IT ALL: Design Quest. It’s a place where the quest for superbly designed home furnishings, unique accessories and gifts never ends. Meg and Jorgen Sorensen and their eldest son Thor search the world to bring the best in modern design to the Grand Rapids market. Their beautiful facility at 4181 28th Street features a 32,000-square foot showroom of unique international finds that truly puts the fun in functional. When they opened the doors over 40 years ago, it was clear that Design Quest was not your ordinary furniture store. Jorgen was born in Denmark, so the couple’s ini-

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BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

tial inspiration was to bring quality Scandinavian furniture to the Grand Rapids’ market. Despite warnings that their concept would never work in this town, the Sorensens had faith that the good people of Grand Rapids would recognize the superb design quality and simple beauty of their offerings once they saw and experienced it for themselves. “Everybody we consulted with told us that DanishModern furniture had been tried here in the ‘50s and it just wouldn’t work,” Meg recalled with a smile. Today, a visit to Design Quest is a true adventure. Everywhere you look you’ll find something to delight the eye as well as the imagination. From space-saving foldaway dining tables to multi-tasking sofas, chairs, office furniture and more, you’re bound to find something you’ve never seen before. “We work very hard at finding furniture that functions. It has to be needed, useful, well made and nicely priced,” Meg explained. “We constantly look for the best – but at the same time it must be affordable. That is something our customers tell us they really appreciate.” Over the last four decades, the Design Quest legacy has grown to in-

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Special Advertising Section

Facing Page: The Sequel office offers sophisticated wire management, great looks and sizes for working in the wired world. Above Left: The solid cherry, walnut or maple woods and innovative design, make the Astrid bedroom a pleasure to touch or look at. Above Right: A classic Eames chair or walnut stool are perfect accents.

clude sourcing the best designs from around the globe, with continued emphasis on versatility and functionality as well as quality, affordability and beauty. Many of their furniture selections could just as easily pass for a piece of art. In addition, they are the exclusive Michigan distributors of Hästens beds. Popular in Europe, they are made from horsehair and other natural materials, built to last a lifetime. Other popular brands include Stressless chairs – recliners that are made to fit the human form perfectly – along with an impressive list of office furnishings that include the push-of-a-button Sit-Stand desks, modern mobile filing systems and Herman Miller selections. Their Design Gallery

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changes every two months, so there is always something new to see and explore. For exceptional bargains, don’t forget to visit their clearance center. The future of design is always on the Sorensens’ minds. Design Quest holds an annual furniture design competition that brings artists and craftsmen from around the world to share their unique furniture creations. It is a much-anticipated competition showcasing one-of-a-kind designs and includes a Danish-style reception that is open to the public. For more information, visit their website at www.DesignQuest. biz. Better still, make it a point to stop by the store and discover for yourself its own special magic.

Left: Stressless sofas and recliners offer an unparalleled level of comfort. Stressless® Legend sofa and Stressless® Magic recliner with Duo Table and Ottomans in Classic Dark Blue / Natural.

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Special advertiSing Section

SHoWcaSe Fence conSUltantS oF WeSt MicHigan WitH tWo locationS to Serve YoU: in grand rapidS:  eleventH Street nW .. in Holland:  lincoln .. toll Free: ---

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Frame your home beautifully

THERE’S A REASON FOR THAT OLD ADAGE: “Good fences make great neighbors.” Since 1988, Fence Consultants of West Michigan Inc. has been proving its wisdom. w isdom. A distinctive fence not only frames a home beauttifully, ifully, but also adds character and enhances its value. It defines your property in a way that keeps your children and pets safely within, while keeping unwanted elements out. For business owners, it is an essential security measure. Celebrating 25 years of serving the communities of West Michigan, Fence Consultants is an award-winning northwest-side business with a second location in Holland that services the lakeshore. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer looking for materials, or if you desire a trouble-free, full-service design and installation, Fence Consultants is the place to go. Their highly skilled fencing professionals

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BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

will come to your home or business to assess your needs, taking into consideration security, aesthetic and budgetary requirements, and provide a wide-range of fencing options from which to choose. They will also make placement recommendations, complete installation and supply any required follow-up services as well as manufacturer warrantees. Known for their thorough attention to detail, Fence Consultants’ various installation crews are each dedicated to a specific area of expertise, from residential to commercial and the specific type or style of fence being installed. In addition to their frequently referred residential services, Fence Consultants has taken on such unique projects as the Grizzly Bear exhibit at the John Ball Zoo and the Japanese Gardens at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. They offer a full complement of fencing

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Special Advertising Section

products, from wood, glass, chain link, and ornamental designs to railings, gates and electric gate operating systems in a variety of styles and materials. “A lot of people want the custom-design look of a wood fence, but we also have a wide selection of maintenance-free products that are becoming very popular,” noted owner and company founder, Dan Hickey, C.F.P. “Ornamental fencing is another popular option – especially around swimming pools – and is available in a variety of styles and colors that maintain their original color and come with a lifetime guarantee.” Such ornamental fences include an array of finial and other decorative options that will make your fence a neighborhood standout. They also install stair and deck railings. “If you have a beautiful view, you might want to consider installing a glass railing to keep that view unobstructed,” Hickey suggested. Remote gate access is another consideration. “If you have a gate across your property, it can be motorized with various access options that range from radio-controlled devices to more

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sophisticated systems that provide a view of visitors or allows you to buzz someone through from your phone if you are away from home.” The ever-reliable Fence Consultants has developed solid relationships with area builders, contractors and landscapers. They are members of the Home Builders Association, Better Business Bureau, American Fence Association and Chamber of Commerce, among others. Hickey is also a staunch supporter of the local communities in which they serve. Fence Consultants supports and sponsors a wide range of community events, fundraisers, school programs and Little League teams. They also participate in the philanthropic Home Repair Services organization and Inner City Christian Federation. They have a proud history here in West Michigan, and look forward to helping homeowners fulfill their fencing needs now and well into the future. To check out their extensive photo gallery or request a consultation, visit www.fenceconsultants. com.

Above: Standing up from left to right: Tim Gruss, Cliff Bos, Dan Hickey, Bob Fallon, Chris Duffy, Paul DeVries Sitting left to right: Joe Plafkin, Tom Bement Photo by Michael Buck Facing page left: Ornamental aluminum fence or railing offers a combination of durability, strength, a clean appearance and is maintenance free. Ornamental aluminum is available in a variety of heights, styles, colors and options. Made in the USA. Facing page right: A custom built wood fence can add beauty and warmth to your landscaping by providing a natural appearance. Available in a variety of heights and styles, we can personalize a wood fence to your specific needs.

6/27/13 11:55 AM

SHoWcaSe liFeStYle KitcHen StUdio  e. FUlton ..

WWW.liFeStYleKitcHenStUdio.coM

The next generation in kitchen design BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

FOR CLOSE TO 30 YEARS YEARS, the design team at Lifestyle Kitchen Studio has been creating beautiful kitchens and bathrooms. Lifestyle is owned by Susan S usan Bloss, CKD, CAPS, Holly Marie Peterson, CKD, C KD, CAPS and Tory Peterson, AKBD. The entire design d esign team is certified by the Nation Kitchen Studio d io (National Kitchen and Bath Association), which is unique in the Midwest. In addition, Holly Marie was selected as one of 30 designers in the country to be a member of the “Thirty under Thirty” team in the National Kitchen and Bath Association. After 25 years in East Grand Rapids, Lifestyle Kitchen Studio has returned to downtown Grand

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Rapids where they originated. Their fully accessible, stunning new showroom is located in one of the oldest buildings in the city; 222 East Fulton is a stone “cottage” built in 1845 by Judge Truman Lyon. It is also one of the few remaining structures made from Grand River limestone. Its original charm has been restored and its integrity painstakingly preserved. With a large complimentary parking lot, the store is located on the hill, between Layfayette and Jefferson. No meters, no tickets! The original building provides the perfect setting for traditional kitchens, while the addition built in 1985 houses displays of more contemporary kitchen displays. Five of the kitchen displays are live, with working appliances. This will offer the client an opportunity to actually use an appliance before making their selection. A wide variety of plumbing products are also on display. Gaggenau is an exclusive appliance line at Lifestyle. The latest technology from Gaggenau is an induction unit that conforms to the size of your pan. You can place a pan anywhere on the cooktop and it will heat only in that area. Amazing! They also feature Wolf/SubZero and Miele appliances in full suites. Lifestyle has selected their offering of cabinets to allow you to work within your parameters – both in budget and in style. From contemporary to traditional, from moderate to exquisite, they can help you achieve your dream. With your goals in mind, Lifestyle will guide you through the design process.

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Special Advertising Section

Using the latest in computer-aided design, the designers will develop three-dimensional models to help you envision your space. Once the model is finished, working drawings are produced to give your builder the information needed to complete the installation. “Good design doesn’t cost more. It makes a big difference in beauty and function,” Susan Bloss noted. “Over the past twenty-eight years we have collected the best of the best: design, cabinets, appliances, and most of all, staff. We help you make selections that keep you within budget and create your dream. We are good listeners.” The staff at Lifestyle Kitchen Studio invite you to stop in, see their space, and enjoy. If you would like to receive attention at a special time, please call for an appointment. To learn more about them, visit www.life stylekitchenstudio.com! They also will be an Art Prize venue this year.

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From Left to Right: Elizabeth Wesley, Design Assistant. Susan Bloss CKD CAPS, Holly Marie Peterson CKD CAPS, Eleanor Peterson (the next generation), Tory Peterson AKBD Photo by Michael Buck

7/2/13 2:33 PM

after thoughts

Q:a

Teresa Weatherall Neal, commander in chief of Grand Rapids Public Schools, believes “if you really want to help a child, teach them to learn.”

Photography by Michael BUck

he’s been superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools for less than two years, but Teresa Weatherall Neal is no stranger to the district. The Creston High School alum has worked for GRPS in many roles for 35 years. She and her husband, Dennis, have two grown daughters who also work for the district, and two grandchildren. MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My great-grandmother’s Singer sewing machine. DAY OR NIGHT PERSON? I am definitely a day person. WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND? I work out or ride my bike. WHAT PERSON WOULD YOU LOVE TO MEET? Oprah Winfrey. PROUDEST MOMENT? Being appointed superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO POSSESS? I wish I could sing. YOUR WORST HABIT? I am a workaholic. THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson. HOW MANY TWITTER FOLLOWERS? I don’t tweet. FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME? “The Color Purple” BEST MEAL EVER? Thanksgiving is the best meal ever.

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