October 2013 - GRM by Grand Rapids Magazine

The [Man] Issue: Bourbon / Cars / Fries / Beer / Steak / Rock nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roll Celebrating City Life

www.grmag.com

THE most INTERESTING MAN in Grand Rapids

on REINVENTING HIMSELF and STAYING THIRSTY WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS and MARK SELLERS is not HOME, OPPORTUNITY WAITS

October 2013

$3.95

Plus 10 other interesting men: the barber, the artist, the activists, the humanitarian, the author, the creatives, the boxer and the dim sum master | Two Plate: Terra GR

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Don’t Compromise

CUSTOMIZE

Vanguard

Gorman’s has more “Made in America” brands than anyone in Michigan. Shown are four of our best “Made in America” brands that are totally customizable. You can pick the finishes, woods and sizes to make anything you select uniquely yours. There are also a dozen other “Made in America” brands and over 20 upholstery or leather brands where everything is made right here in America. So don’t compromise, customize. Exclusively at Gorman’s.

Hickory Chair

Century

Harden

Home Furnishings & interior design GRAND RAPIDS 28th Street at Breton 616.243.5466 www.gormans.com GRM_10.13_PG01.13.indd 1

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oyster perpetual, cosmograph and daytona are trademarks.

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Contents

OctOber 2013 / VOl. 50 / NO. 10

FeAtUreS 34 / Mark Sellers: Gr’s most interesting man Daredevil, jazz pianist, human calculator, rock musician, accounting student, MENSA member, foodie, investor, writer, introvert, hedge-fund operator, bar owner, Titanic artifacts preserver, movie lover, band namer …. BY terrI FInch hAMILtOn

40 / Modern-day renaissance men Scott Erickson and Kevin Budzynski have their fingers in lots of creative projects at any given time. This fall, the 20-somethings will release their short film “The Fly.” BY heAther rOWAn 44 / Grand river Whitewater project: Where is it now? Chris Muller and Chip Richards founded Grand Rapids Whitewater in 2009 in support of bringing the rapids back to the Grand River. Since then, the idea has blossomed into a full-scale restoration project. BY ALeXAnDrA FLUeGeL

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made in america made to order built to last

www.DesignQuest.biz

Audrey dining: The double â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; formation of the Audrey Dining Table trestle creates a state of dynamic tension giving the design a rigid base that provides diners with plenty of unobstructed leg room. Tables and Buffets are available in a number of sizes and configurations to meet the needs of almost any dining space. The Audrey Dining Room is crafted in solid American black walnut or solid cherry hardwood.

Design Quest 4181 - 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-940-9911 www.DesignQuest.biz

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contents October 2013 / Vol. 50 / No. 10

departments back & forth 10 / From the Editor

50 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan

10 / Letters, social media and more

53 / Top Shelf: Bourbon’s comeback

12 / Contributors

58 / Chef Profile: Hua Zhang of Wei Wei Palace

Life & style 14 / Noteworthy items include The Michigan Beer Film; GR Griffins prepare to defend Calder Cup; Regular Coffee Co.; Vault of Midnight; Marvin Sapp

64 / Nosh & Sip: Washington’s Cabernets 68 / HeFedSheFed: Saburba lunch

15 / Sahara Hookah Lounge 16 / The Spoke Folks 18 / Living Local: Pledge to eat local 20 / Frank’s Knockout Fitness 21 / Reading Room: Author Tobin Buhk

“These garages are becoming living spaces. I’ve built game rooms, video rooms, wet bars — you name it.” — Scott Christopher 74

22 / Foremost Barbershop Near & far 74 / Black Hills

Art & Design 24 / Gallery Profile: Sanctuary Folk Art

Out & about 78 / October highlights 79 / Calendar

14 78

80 / Nightclub & comedy venue listings and highlights 86 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights 88 / Snapshots

96 / After Thoughts: Q&A with Dan Verhil

26 / Art gallery listings and highlights 28 / Justagirl: A tightwad’s DIY 29 / Art Talk: Mayor Lyman Parks sculpture

HALLOWE

30 / At Home: The garage Food & Drink 48 / Dining Review: Euro Bistro

ON IONI

On the cover: Grand Rapids entrepreneur Mark Sellers poses with models Taylor Washburn and Stephanie Howard of the Matthew Agency at Stella’s. Photography by Adam Bird Styling by Alexandra Holton; assisted by Eric Stoike.

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True Autumn The hardest part about visiting Traverse City is deciding what to do first.

True North

TraverseCity.com | 800-TRAVERSE /VisitTraverseCity

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@TraverseCity

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back & forth cONNect WITH US

WHAt A rIOt! The new Downtown Market, imagined more than five years ago as a place to unite the local food scene and the unlimited agricultural bounty of this region, is a place where one wants to sit and linger. It’s a place that extends the energy and talent of almost 20 (so far) local businesses. The opening of the Indoor Market just a month ago will extend the adventure through the winter months. The two rooftop greenhouses were imagined as part of that year-long draw. If one wanted to observe a microcosm of the community, it is as evident here as during a summer night at Rosa Parks Circle. The market adds a big bonus to convention and tourism opportunities in the city and to the Heartside neighborhood it now dominates. It is particularly community oriented not only for the local businesses and farm trucks in the

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.

carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

Correction: Jody Greenier is the executive chef at Bistro Chloe Elan (“Fine Dining in Ada” in the September issue). Peter Setterington left and is the new executive chef at Kent Country Club.

lASt MONtH’S ONlINe QUeStION:

What favorite gadget or tech item do you own?

“iPad, because I can read and watch TV shows.” –lupita Garza-Grande

“A tie between my iPhone and my Garmin 210. One keeps me connected, the other helps me get lost on runs (in the best possible way!).” — Jessica Molloy tHIS MONtH’S ONlINe QUeStION:

“Apple TV, because it allowed me to ‘cut the cord.’” — Greg Allison “Google Chromecast. High def, low-cost way to get movies, videos, and screen casts from your phone to tablet, or desktop to your TV.” — David conner

How do you gear up for the holidays? Respond at facebook.com/grmag.

PHoToGraPHY coUrTESY THINKSTocK (BoTTom); ILLUSTraTIoN coUrTESY DoWNToWN marKET (ToP)

market and river projects unite urban dwellers

outdoor market but for an endeavor that brings area residents together. It’s not possible to get any closer to agricultural artisans unless you pull on your boots and head directly to West Michigan’s countryside. Fall is the time to take the family on a hay wagon ride at area farms and orchards. The embrace of farm-to-table is no better celebrated than with the initiative to go/see what’s happening there. Landlubbers are not alone in the move to “fresh.” Grand Rapids residents have a long history of stepping into the Grand River with fishing lines and bait. October is generally the most celebrated fall month for the salmon run. Wait or wade near the Sixth Street Bridge and the Fish Ladder sculpture. Or, readers may be game for one more canoe or kayak trip during the blaze of fall color, before the river takes its winter form. GR Magazine this month highlights the continuing work of Grand Rapids Whitewater, which formed in 2009 primarily to organize those local residents interested in the possibility of restoring the rapids to the river. In his State of the State speech early this year, Gov. Rick Snyder noted it is as important a project in Grand Rapids as any other. The project now involves full river restoration — and the involvement of local businesses, community members and organizations, and local, state and federal expertise. It is another anticipated community experience.

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Make Ludington Your Fall Getaway.

PHoToGraPHY coUrTESY THINKSTocK (BoTTom); ILLUSTraTIoN coUrTESY DoWNToWN marKET (ToP)

Click here to view fall travel deals like 50% OFF Second Night Stay and more!

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contributors beHIND THE ScENES

You

imagine it.

create it.

the spark

tHree OF OUr cONtrIbUtOrS SHAre tHeIr tHOUGHtS ...

1/ terrI FInch hAMILtOn,

Writer

“MARK SELLERS,” page 34

GRAND RAPIDS ZEELAND MEXICO CHICAGO

Custom Cabinetry & Furniture

616.956.3070

I work best when: The weather is lousy. What surprised me about Mark Sellers: He didn’t offer me a beer. I solve writer’s block with: Triscuits, Diet Coke, and Foster the People played at high volume.

2/ DeLAL PeKtAS,

3/ tYLer MerKeL, Writer/Photographer

“RELAX WITH HOOKAH,” page 15

“HAIRCUTS FOR REGULAR DUDES,” page 22

Writer

I work best when: I’m at a coffee shop, surrounded by people, music, laughter, conversations or even rare silence. I’m inspired by: Perseverance. Some of the best stories I have covered are of people who have persevered, shown amazing strength and not lost faith regardless of the situation. Favorite hookah flavor: I don’t usually smoke hookah but I’d probably go with mango.

My current project is: Retelling Grand Rapids’ design history through photos, interviews and research on modern homes with my blog: midcenturymichigan. com. Why I love mid-century modern architecture: It was ahead of its time. I work best when: I am handed a bundle of raw ingredients.

woodwayscustom.com 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 sons of space and clarity. grmag.com Facebook 12 GrmaG.com \ OctOber 2013

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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, Ira Craaven, Elissa Hillary, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze, Amy Ruis 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:

Randy D. Prichard

ADVertISING SAleS cONSUltANtS:

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Emily Bernath, Theresa Henk, Kathie Manett, John Olsa ADVertISING SAleS ASSIStANt/cOOrDINAtOr:

Karla Jeltema

circuLation & Marketing cIrcUlAtION & MArKetING MANAGer:

Scott T. Miller

cIrcUlAtION & MArKetING cOOrDINAtOr:

Alex Fluegel

cIrcUlAtION & MArKetING ASSIStANt:

Shane Chapin

tO OrDer SUbScrIPtIONS: (616) 459-4545 tO cHANGe ADDreSS: subscribe@geminipub.com

finance & aDMinistration FINANce & ADMINIStrAtION MANAGer:

Pamela Brocato, CPA

ADMINIStrAtIVe ASSIStANt: Tina Gillman recePtIONISt/clerIcAl ASSIStANt:

General Inquiries: info@grmag.com Lorraine Brugger

tO OrDer rePrINtS: Karla Jeltema

(616) 459-4545

Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Publications, a division of Gemini Corporation. Publishing offices: 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 4594545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag. com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright 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 grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions. audited by

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Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI)

OctOber 2013 / GrmaG.com 13

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

noteworthy interesting tidbits we thought you should know

Super heroes, rejoice! Vault of Midnight, an Ann Arbor-based comic book and game shop, has opened at 95 Monroe Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Co-owner Curtis Sullivan says the store offers “the best comics, graphic novels, board games and a slew of art toys,” and plans to host a variety of events with other local businesses. Visit vault ofmidnight.com.

Defending the Calder Cup Grand Rapids Griffins coach Jeff Blashill is still excited about the hockey team’s Calder Cup win last season. “It was outstanding to see the excitement and joy in our players. The playoffs were great drama, which makes it fun when you win.” Blashill plans on doing the right things to create another winning season. “We have pieces in place to have a good team,” he said. “We have the character and talent.” The Griffins start the 201314 season on the road but return to Van Andel Arena for their first home game in defense of the Calder Cup Oct. 18. See griffinshockey.com for a complete schedule.

Pass the popcorn

“Ghosts of Grand Rapids”

a regular cuppa joe “We like coffee. Hell, who doesn’t? And yeah, we can tell the difference between gas station battery acid and a fresh-roasted gourmet cuppa. What we don’t like is standing in line behind some be-spectacled coffee shop lurker while he interrogates a nosein-the-air barista about growing altitudes and roasting temperatures.” So goes the pitch for Regular Coffee Co., a local subscription service that will deliver a tube of freshroasted whole-bean coffee to your door. Cost is $20 per tube — enough coffee to supply one person with 2.5 cups per day for a month (the average American rate of consumption). Order at regularcoffee.com.

by Nicole Bray and Robert Du Shane with Julie Rathsack pokes into urban legends, like the guests who never quite checked out of the Amway Grand or why Heritage Hill is Michigan’s most haunted neighborhood. Meet the authors 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Schuler Books, 2660 28th St. SE, 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at Barnes & Noble Grandville or 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at B&N Woodland Mall.

Photography courtesy thinkstock (Top & bottom left); Mark Newman (top center); regular coffee company (bottom right)

Kevin Romeo of Kalamazoo’s Rhino Media really loves beer. So the film director and his creative team traveled throughout Michigan speaking to movers and shakers in the brewing industry, documenting the entrepreneurial spirit and the economic growth of craft beer. The resulting “The Michigan Beer Film” was released in September. Visit mibeerfilm. com and Facebook for information.

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flavors and juke box entertainment. Manager Emad Shatara said he doesn’t necessarily see Sahara as competition. “Grand Rapids is growing, and Sahara offers another alternative in downtown,” he said, adding that Eastown’s is more of an event-based hookah lounge and attracts a younger crowd. El-Zaghir said Sahara Hookah, at 235 W. Fulton St. in the small strip center next to the Blue Bridge, will also offer entertainment, including poetry and karaoke nights. It is open every day from 4 p.m. until the last person leaves. Customers can rent hookah pipes and smoke hookah starting at $12.95. No alcohol is served, but snacks, soft drinks and tobacco mixes are available for sale, — DELAL PEKTAS along with free Wi-Fi.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK (TOP & BOTTOM LEFT); MARK NEWMAN (TOP CENTER); REGULAR COFFEE COMPANY (BOTTOM RIGHT)

Relax with hookah Walk into the Sahara Hookah Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids and you’re greeted by the fruitful aroma of shisha, boisterous pop music and patrons lounging on custom couches. Walls feature desert paintings of camels and Egyptian pyramids, giving the 4,730-square-foot space a Middle Eastern ambience. Sahara is the city’s second hookah lounge, a trend becoming more popular as folks look for an option to bars and nightclubs. “People come here to do their homework, hang out with their friends, or just come in to relax,” said Sulaiman Chalabi, who opened the lounge with co-owner Shadi El-Zaghir in May. They also own the Grand Valley Hookah Lounge near Grand Valley State University in Allendale Township. Hookah, a long-time pastime in the Middle East, refers to the practice of smoking flavored tobacco, called shisha, through a single or multi-stemmed water pipe. Sahara offers more than 100 flavors, including mango, lemon mint and double apple — a top seller. “You can literally sit there and go for quite a long time without having to try the same flavor twice,” said David Teunis, 26, a

regular at the lounge. He says he likes having a “Middle Eastern type of place to hang out” in downtown. In Eastown, The Hookah Lounge, 1522 Wealthy St. SE, has been a hotspot for relaxation and conversation since opening in 2005. This smaller lounge is just under 3,000 square feet and offers a variety of entertainment, including spoken word poetry and karaoke. It also offers snacks and soft drinks, more than 50 different tobacco

Zack Davison and Torry Clevenger relax in the Sahara Hookah Lounge that opened in May in downtown Grand Rapids. Below, co-owner Sulaiman Chalabi places tobacco inside an orange to add flavor to the hookah experience.

OCTOBER 2013 / GRMAG.COM 15

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life & style PeoPle / trenDs / books / fashion / fitness

Young Jerr y Ford Hendrik Booraem V F O R E WO R D

Hank Meijer

In this biography Hendrik Booraem traces the early life of President Gerald Ford in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to his high school graduation in 1931. Ford’s childhood offers telling glimpses of family and school, sports and recreation, and Western Michigan life in the Jazz Age and the Depression.

“A wonderful early life portrait of my dad. . . . This book is a great read.” —STEVE FORD 63 black-and-white photographs ISBN 978-0-8028-6942-5 152 pages · paperback · $14.00 At your bookstore, or call 800-253-7521 www.eerdmans.com

3535

Jay Niewik, co-founder and head mechanic at The Spoke Folks, is joined by Mariah Kennedy and Keean Mansour.

A community of cyclists You or your kids probably own a bicycle. But do you know how to properly maintain it? For most people, the answer is no. The Spoke Folks, a bicycle co-op in Grand Rapids, can help. Jay Niewik is co-founder and head mechanic at the co-op headquartered at 221 Logan St. SW. For the past year, he and his wife, Cari, and an army of volunteers have been renovating the 800-squarefoot former loading dock into a charming workshop.

“I think the most rewarding part of my job is when I see people leave with a new sense of ownership and pride in their bike.” — Jay Niewik “I’m passionate about making sure that people have access to resources,” Niewik said. “We are not a bike shop in any traditional sense. We are not competing with for-profit shops. We will sell you the odd part or a new set of tires, but the idea is really for people to learn about their bikes and teach themselves how to take care of it in a non-judgmental environment.” Events are planned throughout the month, from bike-fitting classes, where

cyclists can learn how to make sure their bike is correctly fitted to their body, to women-only evenings where females can learn basic self-defense and bike maintenance. The co-op is open to everyone, from experienced cyclists who need a work space to novice riders with no idea of how to fix a bike. Visitors can rent a spot to work on their bike for $5 per day or invest $50 for an annual membership that includes full access to tools, work spaces and advice. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. “I think the most rewarding part of my job is when I see people leave with a new sense of ownership and pride in their bike,” Niewik. “This happens no matter what kind of riding they are doing, what their income is, or how nice their bike is. The sense that they are excited to go and ride their bike is just great.” He said he hopes The Spoke Folks will continue to grow as a community resource and as a way to introduce more people to the merits of bike travel. Visit thespokefolks.org or call 6663708 for more information. — eMMa hIGGINS

PhotoGraPhy by Jim Gebben

AT H L E T E AND CITIZEN

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The right leadership can help enhance an organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture.

The RighT insuRance can help enhance its bottom line.

PhotoGraPhy by Jim Gebben

BHS has become the leading independent insurance agency in West Michigan by offering our clients more than just a policy. We understand the significance of our role in assessing your business and its vulnerabilities to keep you properly protected and on the track to profitability and success.

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living local

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

A pledge to eat local FAll is uPOn us and that means we are in the height of harvest season. It is hard to find an easier time to eat local foods. Did you know that with the exception of California, we live in the most agriculturally diverse region in the United States? Not every farm market in the nation can sell locally produced squash, raspberries, cheese, bacon, arugula, honey and pears at the same time — but ours can. We should take pride in the abundance that surrounds us. And let’s be honest — eating local is an intensely pleasurable act. It is hard to top the sweet juiciness of a peach picked ripe from a tree, or the fresh acidity of tomatoes still warm from the sun. Visiting a nearby apple farm to purchase fresh-pressed cider, apples and donuts isn’t a chore, it’s fun. So is a trip to the farmers market where you may bump into your neighbors or a long-lost friend. Learning new ways to prepare kale or zucchini from a local chef gives you an excuse to get creative while crafting much needed sustenance for your family. Each item we consume was grown somewhere, by someone. We have the privilege

of choosing where to purchase those items and the responsibility of knowing how our purchase affects the greater community. Shifting $1 in every $10 we currently spend to locally owned businesses would create $140 million in new economic impact and 1,600 jobs in Kent County. A small change in our shopping behavior can have a big impact. This fall, I challenge you to take Local First’s $10 x 10 Shift. For each of 10 weeks, pledge to shift $10 you’d normally spend on foods not grown or produced in Michigan and find ways to keep those dollars closer to home. The change could be as easy as buying Michigan-grown apples or frequenting a local independent coffee shop for your morning caffeine hit. Sign up for the pledge at localfirst.com; you’ll receive a weekly email chock full of tips, recipes and invites to local food events. In addition, you’ll create opportunities for your friends and neighbors to earn a living as a farmer, producer, baker, vintner or brewer. What could be better than that? — elISSa hIllary

PhotoGraPhy courtesy tiberius imaGes

Join Local First Oct. 24 from 5-9 p.m. for Fork Fest. A $25 ticket buys samples from more than 40 of West Michigan’s best food producers, chefs and grocers. Guests also can enjoy locally brewed beer, wine and hard cider inside the Romence Gardens greenhouse. For a full list of participants, visit localfirst.com.

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• Ch • Ch

Cush • Ch

From Inspiration to Delivery in 30 Days!

WHY CHOOSE TALSMA?

Photography courtesy Tiberius Images

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

Old-fashioned fitness

“I’m old school and that’s how I teach my classes.” — Frank Perez

Frank Perez is a father figure to many of the clients at Frank’s Knockout Fitness. His fitness regime combines aerobics and punching bags.

ing at the front of the room. But Perez is not just barking out instructions. While correcting someone’s form (“Don’t drop your shoulders!”), he also includes personal banter (“How’s your new job?”). He obviously cares about his members. For the past four years, Perez has organized a charity event for cancer research because one of his trainees had a relative stricken with the disease.

Prior to opening his gym and developing his fitness classes, Perez practiced what he now preaches. The Catholic Central High School graduate was a Golden Gloves boxer in the ’70s and a professional boxer and kickboxer in the ’80s. After spending the first several years at 820 Monroe Ave. and the last seven on Bridge Street, in August Perez moved his business to a 16,000-square-foot facility in Rogers Plaza in Wyoming, gaining 12,000 feet in the move. Perez is very excited about some of the new features, including a forest-like obstacle course. His regulars, like 59-year-old Bill Wakefield, intend to keep working out at the new location. “I used to be in great shape — then came kids and I didn’t have time,” said Wakefield, who’s been working with Perez for three years. “This was a great and fun way to get back in shape. And if you have stress, hitting a bag is a great way to work it out.” For more information, visit franksfit — Matthew Molter ness.com.

Photography by Jim Gebben

Frank Perez is a man who gets excited about what he does for a living. The long-time Grand Rapids resident is owner, teacher, receptionist and janitor at Frank’s Knockout Fitness. He’s also a patriarch to his clientele. “This group is like a family,” said Lisa Spaugh, a cycling enthusiast who has been working out with Perez for five years. “And Frank is the father figure, yelling at us, telling us to work harder and keep going.” Perez, who opened the gym in 1993, offers an intense workout that combines aerobic exercise and old-fashioned boxing skills (think punching a bag). The workout is meant to “confuse” the muscles in order to work them harder. It pre-dates similar systems such as Tae-Bo in the ’90s and the more recent P90x. “I’m old school and that’s how I teach my classes,” said the middle-aged father of three. At Frank’s Knockout Fitness, members don’t hit anyone. They commit to 45 minutes of sweat and effort — and there’s a good chance that between hard breaths, they’ll laugh, too. As clients warm up, the music plays low, paling in comparison to the man yell-

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“It was a case so outrageous, so bizarre, that when the story broke on April 22, 1918, it captivated headlines for a week, pushing news of the Great War to the margins.”

reAding rOOM

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

PhotoGraPhy by Jim Gebben

Michigan’s ‘lonely hearts killer’ It’s hard to pigeonhole author Tobin Buhk. The Jenison man is a middle-school teacher who has written such historical crime books as “True Crime Michigan” and “True Crime in the Civil War.” He even spent a year following the Kent County medical examiner to research a book about “what life is really like in the morgue.” But Buhk also is an antiquarian who has penned numerous articles about collectibles and antiques. He says he likes to spend time hiking and kayaking with his wife and two daughters. Buhk says he is “fascinated by lonely hearts killers.” He was researching the case of serial killers Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck, whose victims included a Grand Rapids-area woman and her daughter, when he came across the man known as the “Royal Oak Bluebeard.” In his latest book, “The Shocking Story of Helmuth Schmidt: Michigan’s Original Lonely Hearts Killer,” Buhk tells the story of the German immigrant who worked as a machinist for Ford Motor Co. and found his female victims through newspaper personal ads. Schmidt, who went by numerous pseudonyms, lured New York housemaid Augusta Steinbach to move to Detroit. Her body was cremated in the basement of his Royal Oak home.

“It was a case so outrageous, so bizarre, that when the story broke on April 22, 1918, it captivated headlines for a week, pushing news of the Great War to the margins,” Buhk writes in the preface. Buhk said he spent many years playing historical detective, gathering clues and recreating the investigation by researching court records, newspaper accounts and more. “I spent a lot of time in the archives,” he said, adding he is drawn to cases that “can’t easily be googled.” Buhk, whose style brings the characters to life, invites readers to follow as he reconstructs the murder case that never went to trial. “Pay attention to the evidence, listen to the witnesses and evaluate possible ulterior motives,” he writes. Just as intriguing is reading about Detroit in that era — “the biggest boomtown in America.” Though the case happened almost a century ago, Buhk said the lessons apply to anyone who visits a chat room or uses an online dating service. “Meeting mates through a third party still happens. It’s just the technology that has changed.”

Buhk’s next book, the story

of a northern Michigan woman who poisoned her family, will be published next June.

— Marty PrIMeaU

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

Haircuts for regular dudes

Theile’s cash-only services... include $16 cuts and $25 shaves. Each hair cut is finished with hot shaving cream and a straightrazor neckline shave. An assortment of old-school talc, toner and other products also go into the process.

In addition to razor-sharp cuts, Theile offers products such as Shiner Gold pomade, and Piñon and Fir Balsam incense by Incienso de Santa Fé. Made from pure wood, the incense evokes the masculine aroma of a sweet-smelling campfire.

Photography by Tyler Merkel (top); thinkstock (bottom)

When Andrew Theile decided to open Foremost Barbershop in downtown Grand Rapids earlier this year, he wanted it to be a comfortable place for guys to hang out. Having established himself as a barber behind the chairs of two Chicago chop shops, Theile, 27, decided to return to Michigan. “I chose Grand Rapids because it has what I need,” he said. “It’s got the discerning clientele that brings my barbershop to life.” Upon first approach, the atmosphere at Foremost Barbershop, 152 E. Fulton St., is simple, almost oldfashioned. Theile and his wife renovated the space, sourcing such reclaimed pieces as the antique iron sinks and repurposed buffets. Clients sit in antique Koch barber chairs and the walls are lined with an assortment of curiosities, from an aged American flag to an oversized vintage map of Kent County. “I didn’t want this space to feel like a salon and I didn’t want to set up with the trends,” said Theile, whose comedic banter accompanies each cut or shave. “What I did want is to make the shop look appealing to just dudes. Coming here to get your hair cut is like going to your neighborhood drinking hole to meet your favorite bartender.” His business philosophy is simple: no “fast as hell” haircuts like you get at a chain; no shoulder rubs and shampoos like those offered at pricey salons. “I’m just a regular dude, and I’m not claiming Foremost Barbershop to be the greatest place in the world. But if you come here, I’ll get to the point of a haircut, and you’ll get to hang out in a cool space just for men.” To keep up with growing demand, Theile plans on adding an extra barber this fall. Though customers have the option of booking an appointment, in true old-school fash— Tyler Merkel ion, walk-ins are always welcome

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Choose your path

UPtravel.com

Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Upper Peninsula

PhotoGraPhy by tyler merkel (toP); thinkstock (bottom)

3100 29th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512

www.whiskerspetresort.com

2855 29th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Sanctuary Folk Art With the increase in young professionals moving into Avenue of the Arts, Reb Roberts sees an opportunity to serve a new generation of art lovers.

By Joe McCuaig

> sanctuarY FOlK art Location: 140 S. Division Ave. Hours: Mon.-Sat. noon-5 p.m. Contact: (616) 454-0401; sanctuaryfolkart.com, Facebook

Above: By Bob Hoke Right: By Reb Roberts, David Warmenhoven and James Van Eizenga

asily some of the most recognizable work in Grand Rapids, Reb Roberts’ brightly colored folk art contains messages like these. His pieces hang from the light poles of neighborhoods and on the walls of local businesses, and during his 20-year-plus career, his art has helped breathe life into the city’s abandoned spaces. Roberts’ home base is Sanctuary Folk Art, a gallery he owns with wife Carmella Loftis. Inside the space on South Division Avenue near Cherry Street that the couple opened in 1999, you’ll find art by the couple and other, mostly local, folk artists. Folk art is the term generally given to work created by artists with no formal training, and it is the gallery’s specialty. Roberts had a career in education prior to opening Sanctuary and pursuing his art full time. He said he was drawn to the work of the outsider artists who frequented the Heart-

side Ministries art program and wanted to locate his gallery near that energy. Most people were leery of his choice to lease a space on South Division. “There was nothing here, really. Everything was boarded up, except for the social services,” he said. Roberts had formed connections with “the few” artists living and working in the Heartside area. “I admired their work,” he said. Loftis had previously worked at God’s Kitchen in a nearby block, so Roberts said they were comfortable with moving into the area, even when there were virtually no retail spaces and the neighborhood suffered from a harsh stigma. “There was a vision for part of downtown at that time — near the arena, but not Division street,” Roberts explained. “It just wasn’t an option with developers at that time.” The area is widely known for its transient population and concentration of homeless shelters and outreach services. He recalled moving in: “Someone lived in the doorway — it was their house. I took

PhOTOGRAPhy by mIChAEL buCK

“Try today to be captain nice.” “Good morning, let the s*** start.” “This really sucks.” “We are small, we know it all.”

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Bernd Wolf

PhOTOGRAPhy by mIChAEL buCK

Reb Roberts, who opened Sanctuary Folk Art in GR’s Heartside neighborhood in 1999, says South Division is experiencing a new wave of development.

were there people coming to buy art. If people did come, it was more out of curiosity than anything else.” In 2003, nonprofit Dwelling Place began to investigate how to revitalize the neighborhood by offering live/work spaces aimed at attracting artists. Roberts said he worked with the organization to recruit other creative people to live in the area. “All the artists, all the musicians, the performers, the actors — all living down here because they were willing to live in the city because they didn’t want it to all be the same. They wanted to be someplace that had a bit of edge to it.” Roberts has witnessed a large number of artists set up and take down shop along the stretch of Division now referred to as Avenue for the Arts. He’s proud to have remained in his space — and that his neighbors have noticed his gallery’s longevity. “There’s this respect that’s sort of evolved after being here so long. People respect that we’ve hung on and continued to do what we’ve always done,” he said. The area is now their living space.” experiencing a new Roberts does not define wave of development a home by four walls and a with a focus on resiroof, and his spirit of comdences and retail, and munity comes alive when he Roberts said he believes discusses his space. the street’s greatest “Like in any neighbordays lie ahead. With the hood, we’re their neighbors, increase in young proeven if they don’t have a fessionals moving into home or a place to be. It’s the area, Roberts sees still a neighborhood.” an opportunity to serve This sentiment also a new generation of art comes alive in much of his lovers. work: Some paintings are “A lot of people buyBy Reb Roberts tagged with words such as ing work these days are “kindness” and “courage.” younger people,” he said. “But art isn’t like He said perhaps it is the intuitive, frank hamburgers, right? People don’t have to quality of his work that puts people at ease, consume it every day — but some people and that may be what has helped the gallery do.” stay afloat despite tough economic patches. He said while there is promise in the Roberts said in the beginning, there new development, it’s important to rememwere rarely people visiting his space, and he ber what’s served as the “life blood” of the and his contemporaries would host shows area: art. in empty storefronts. “Art has always been the foundation, “A lot of times it would just be us, hangthat’s been what’s kept it all together.” ing out. We’d trade a lot of work — seldom — aLEXanDRa FLuEGEL

Designer Jewelry, Custom Jewelry Expert Jewelry Repair (estimates are always free) Tu-Fr 10-5 Sat 12-4 616-459-5075 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids shop@metalartstudioinc.com OctOber 2013 / GRmAG.COm 25

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Local art galleries

Oct. 14

COMPILED BY EMMA HIGGINS

1/ craft House: Transliterate opens Oct. 14 (thru Nov. 8) and will include photography, printmaking and sculpture by six local artists. The exhibit explores the theme of translating text into an image or object. Opening reception 6-10 p.m. Oct. 18. 40 S. Division Ave., crafthousegr.com and Facebook. 2/ Forest Hills Fine art center: Oct. 2-28 (opening reception 6-7 p.m. Oct. 17), On the Michigan Wine Trail a show by local painter Stephanie Schlatter. Schlatter says she is drawn to the lush areas of the state and her work is inspired by the vibrant colors and rich soil where vines live and grow. “It’s more than just a series of paintings attempting to re-create Michigan’s beautiful scenery. It explores the essence of its wine regions’ many seasonal faces.” 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. 493-8966, fhfineartscenter.com.

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-me-

dia art, print collection, glass, sculpture, jewelry, custom framing, gifts. 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 949-4056, cascadegallery.blogspot. com. Con Artist Crew: Art collective and gallery. Thru Oct. 6, ArtPrize venue. 1111 Godfrey SW, North Building, No. 198, conartistcrew.com. Design Gallery at Design Quest: Thru Oct. 13, Recycle Challenge, an annual juried exhibition featuring works by local artists and designers made out of at least 95 percent recycled materials. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-0131, designquest.biz. 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. 920 Cherry St. SE, iccf.org/current_exhibit.htm. Gaspard Gallery: Artistoperated contemporary gallery. 235 S. Division Ave., 4017533, gaspardgallery.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. LaFontsee Galleries: A diverse exhibition of new work by more than 15 artists on display at the Douglas gallery thru Oct. 6. Two locations: 150 Center St., Douglas, and 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids location includes Urban Craft Boutique. 451-9820, lafontsee.us. LowellArts King Gallery: Community gallery with seven rotating exhibits throughout year. 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. Nice Gallery: Artist-run gallery features contemporary artwork. 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW, No. 4C, 284-1771, thenicegallery.com.

2/ Stephanie Schlatter’s colorful paintings are inspired by the seasonal scenery of Michigan’s wine country.

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, opencon ceptgallery.org.

Perception Gallery: Fine art gallery also offers home décor, art restoration 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. SiTE:LAB: Thru Oct. 6, former Public Museum building is ArtPrize venue (winner of juried award Best Venue for past two years). 54 Jefferson Ave. SE, new.site-lab.org. Terryberry Gallery: Monthly exhibits feature local and international artists in the lower level of St. Cecilia Music Center. Thru Oct. 6, ArtPrize venue: works of 12 artists and listening stations for hearing compositions of 80 musical artists. Mid-October thru Nov., Jeff Condon’s oils and pastels. 24 Ransom Ave. NE (lower level), 459-2224. UICA: ArtPrize venue. Opening Oct. 30, Pulso/Pulse, spanning between Kendall College of Art & Design and UICA, this exhibit is rooted in an exploration of the ways in which regional boundaries affect the perception of Art. 2 W. Fulton St., 454-7000, uica.org. Check websites for hours of operation.

PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy AmANDA CARmER (TOP); STEPhANIE SChLATTER (bOTTOm)

106 Gallery and Studio: Calvin College-run gallery in Heartside features student and local artists’ work. Thru Oct. 6, ArtPrize venue. 106 S. Division Ave., calvin.edu/centerart gallery/studio.

1/ Work by photographer Amanda Carmer and five other local artists will be on display during the Transliterate exhibition at Craft House.

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Fall in Love with Jack’s A lakeshore getaway any time of year, fall truly brings a season of change to Jack’s as our weekly specials and express lunches make a return. Join us for our year-round live entertainment, Thursday comedy nights, and delicious features.

PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy AmANDA CARmER (TOP); STEPhANIE SChLATTER (bOTTOm)

Please Join Us for

The Rehabilitation Center at MapleCreek MapleCreek provides individualized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. We specialize in physical, occupational and speech therapy for seniors. To arrange your personal visit contact Helen at 616.284.5741 or hadam@LSSM.org

LAUGHTER. HOSPITATLITY. WELLNESS. COMMUNITY.

1950 32nd Street SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Presidents and their First Ladies Tuesday, October 21, 2013 at 7 p.m. William and Sue Wills will perform a reenactment of President Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt Located at the Terraces at MapleCreek 2000 32nd Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

This event is free and open to the public. Please reserve your spot • by calling 616-452-5900 or email ContactMC@lssm.org

www.maplecreek.org

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

JustaGirlblog.com

A tightwad’s guide to room renovation Chris Carey transforms her son’s room into a teen environment.

Wooden planks from pallets make a great — and inexpensive — feature wall in a guy’s bedroom.

It’s no secret I feel strongly about doing things myself when possible. I’ve found that the more often you do it, the more comfortable you become. My husband and I spent a weekend transforming our son’s room into a teenage environment. And the best part? We did most of it for free. The difficult task was finding wood pallets for planks for the feature wall. I wasn’t willing to pay for them (duh), but I wasn’t exactly sure where to get them. My strategy? Drive around town looking for businesses with pallets stacked outside and ask for them. Complex, no? I found a couple of companies that said, “Take what you need,” and I loaded up my truck. The second most difficult task was taking the pallets apart. Luckily, my husband took on this laborious chore, but it was a two-person job. We used a reciprocating saw to cut the screws. Taking them out would have been nearly impossible, plus I wanted the screw heads left in the planks for a more authentic look. To prep, I sanded the pallet strips where

needed and then vacuumed them. We ended up using about 20 to 25 pallets, so we made sure to arrange the strips by size as much as possible. It made it easier as we were nailing them to the wall if they were close in size/width. And now for the fun part! While it’s not necessary, I painted the wall behind the planks a dark gray to keep from seeing it between each piece. Then we started from the top to make sure our work was level and we wouldn’t have to shave a layer off if it didn’t fit right. We didn’t use any glue. We drew lines where the studs were placed in the wall and tried to line up with those as much as possible. Nailing the planks to the studs held beautifully. Staggering each layer, the planks went on easily and quickly. We removed the baseboard so the planks could go all the way to the floor, but you could easily leave the baseboard if you prefer. Chris Carey is a Rockford wife, mom, teacher and avid do-it-yourselfer who shares her home projects and decorating tips on her justagirlblog.com.

Photography Courtesy Chris Carey

The feature wall came out exactly as we had hoped, and we couldn’t get over how easy it was. Time consuming? Yes. Difficult? No. If you’re willing to think a little “outside the box,” you can change the look of a room for very little — if any — money.

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

PhOTOGRAPhy by JOhNNy QuIRIN

PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy ChRIS CAREy

Standing tall and stately a statelY imaGe in bronze of Mayor Lyman Parks is positioned to welcome all citizens and visitors to Grand Rapids. Newly created and installed thanks to the generosity of Peter Secchia and his family through their Community Legends project, the bronze celebrates the life of the city’s first African-American mayor and a steadfast community leader for peace and social equality. The 7-foot representational sculpture was created by celebrated portrait sculptor Antonio Tobias (Toby) Mendez and placed in front of Grand Rapids City Hall at 300 Monroe Ave. NW. Parks (1917-2009) is the fifth in a series of notable figures from across the history of Grand Rapids to be so honored. Secchia was inspired both to celebrate those who helped form and guide the city and to inspire its current and future citizens by their examples. “How will you know who you can be if you do not know who you have been,” is the remindful phrase the former U.S. ambassador often shares. The series also includes statues of Chief Noahquageshik (Chief Noonday), Lucius Lyon, Bishop Frederic Baraga and Jay Van Andel in the immediate downtown area. Each has been donated by the foundation; the sculpture of Parks was donated to the city of Grand Rapids.

Born in Lyles Station, Ind., Parks moved to Grand Rapids in 1966 to become the pastor of the First Community AME church. In 1968, he became the first African-American to serve as a city commissioner. He was elected mayor protem in 1971 to fill a vacancy and then elected mayor in 1973. In addition to guiding the city toward the acceptance of diversity during a time of racial strife prevalent across the nation, Parks also was instrumental in persuading Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel to purchase and renovate what is now the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, which became foundational to downtown resurgence. In crafting the sculpture, Mendez chose to focus on a likeness of Mayor Parks during his tenure in city government. Standing tall, neatly tailored and quietly introspective, the figure projects a timeless calm and confidence, qualities for which Mendez is deservedly celebrated in his sculpture. Mendez also created the statue of Chief Noonday and one of U.S. Sen. Arthur Vandenberg that sits at the corner of Pearl and Monroe — JOSEPh a. BEChERER Center streets.

tHinGs tO cOnsiDer: > When walking around the sculpture, notice how the artist balances areas of detail, as in the face and hands, with more general areas of the clothing. If everything was highly detailed, it would be difficult for our eyes to focus.

> Observe how light falls across the form, causing areas of highlight and shadow. Imagine how this changes based on the time of day and the seasons. > Note the small book held in the mayor’s hands. Although there is no title, consider the subject’s biography and imagine what the book might symbolize.

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art & design

T Not your grandfather’s garage By Matthew Molter

wo or more cars, multiple bikes and motorized toys, a mower, trash, recycling cans — plus an assortment of stuff banished from the house. Sound familiar? “The garage is the last frontier of the house,” said Tom Francis of Slide-Lok, a business focusing on garage floor coating and shelving. “People waited all this time through a down economy and are now breaking free.” Builders and designers say they are addressing ways to transform the garage into a more usable and attractive space for everything from storage to entertaining. Projects range from organizing with custom shelves to adding a whole new level to the building. Scott Christopher of Scott Christopher Homes said he has seen a spike in the trend of building a second “underground” garage under the existing street-level garage with access to the house’s basement. In most

cases, he explained, the house is a walkout style. “Families will have three stalls on the top and another three on the bottom,” said Christopher, a 31-year veteran of the building industry. “They need room for the boats, lawn mowers, toys, the work area — and they want to be able to bring them directly from the basement to the garage.” Instead of pouring 4-foot walls, the crew goes down eight feet “with a ridge and hollow-core decking in the middle.” Christopher said car lifts also are one way to fit more vehicles into the garage. “People are busier and busier and they design homes more than ever for recreation,” he said. “They need the space, and this space is relatively cheap because you don’t need a new building in the yard.” At Slide-Lok, Francis said his sales have been at an all time high as homeowners invest in polyaspartic, a floor coating that

Photography courtesy Scott Christopher Homes

TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

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doesn’t chip or break, has a lifetime warranty, and comes in such attractive shades as Tuxedo, Terrazzo and Tech Blue. “Once that floor is down, it’s not going anywhere,” Francis said. Builders say most clients view the garage as an extension of the house rather than just a place to park the cars. It can be a space for children’s parties (no worries about spilling food and drinks), graduation parties and more. “It has always been that way in the South — the garage has been part of the house,” Francis said. “The trend is now exploding in Midwest cities like Grand Rapids.”

Photography courtesy Scott Christopher Homes (top and center); Eric Hughes (bottom)

Photography courtesy Scott Christopher Homes

Above and at left, Scott Christopher has built underground “man caves” below the garage. Below, a detached garage with a connector to the house is a solution for those concerned with environmental issues.

An updated garage also is perfect for traditional man cave activities. “You’ll have the guys over, play some cards, smoke some stogies, but you don’t want that in the house,” he said. “With a garage suited for this, I now have people who are at my house but not in my house — and it’s just as comfortable.” Francis said clients also are adding screens to their finished garages to provide more of a porch setting. While attached garages tend to be most popular, some homeowners who are concerned about environmental issues still prefer a detached garage, said Eric Hughes, owner of Image Design LLC, a design firm specializing in LEED-certified homes. With all the chemicals and fumes that can be present in a garage, some families want to isolate them as much as possible. “The healthiest way to do a garage is to detach it.”

Clients often include a covered connector from the detached garage to the house to withstand the Michigan weather elements. Some homeowners also add garage apartments as a “creative way to separate those you want to help but not necessarily have in the same house,” Hughes said. Christopher agrees. “These garages are becoming living spaces. I’ve built game rooms, video rooms, GR wet bars — you name it.”

“People are busier and busier and they design homes more than ever for recreation. They need the space, and this space is relatively cheap because you don’t need a new building in the yard.” — Scott Christopher

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

“My daughter learned to ride her bike yesterday because she could find it.” — Lavonne Schaafsma

6 steps to an orgainzed garage Step one Take everything out of the garage. Yep, everything. You don’t know what you’ve got until you touch each item, from broken toasters to Grandpa’s antique golf clubs.

Step three Separate things into categories to be installed in zones: Gather tools in one area and paint supplies in another. Do the same with plumbing products, car maintenance supplies, gardening stuff and sports equipment. Step four Now you can start to think about storage. You will find many options based on your budget, interests, creativity and needs. Ask yourself these questions: Do you need a potting shelf and space for pots and potting soil? Do you want a clean, tidy look? If so, think about cabinets with doors. Do you need to lock up items like guns or poisonous products? How can you make the most efficient use of walls and ceilings? Have you remodeled a kitchen or know someone who has? Maybe you can repurpose old kitchen cabinetry for storage. Have you considered pegboard? It has worked for years. Outline the tool you are hanging on the board so that it is easy to see where to replace it after use. Step five Be creative, inventive and practical. Use that rope hammock you won at a benefit dinner to hold balls or lightweight seasonal stuff. Can you install shelves over the garage door for Christmas decor you use once a year? Think about convenience. You want your snow shovel where you can easily grab it in the winter. Step six Invest in good containers and label everything. Large see-through plastic bins work especially well.

Online resources:

closetconceptsofgr.com simplyorganizedgr.com houzz.com thestowcompany.com containerstore.com checkeredfloor.com

AFTER

BEFORE

Take back the garage

Organizers offer tips for reclaiming this often-cluttered space.

avonne Schaafsma and her family are amazed at the difference a neat and tidy garage has made in their lives. “My daughter learned to ride her bike yesterday because she could find it,” she said. Professional organizer Joanna Case and her assistant, Susan Bigoness, spent a Saturday at the beginning of the summer following all the steps for putting the Schaafsma family’s garage in order. They sorted, eliminated, regrouped, stored, labeled and found new homes for all kinds of stuff. “We used to keep the bike helmets in

the house, but now I have a place in the garage near the bikes,” Schaafsma said. “The kids are much better about using them. I feel less stressed because I’m organized.” And you can feel this way too. But before you consider fancy storage systems, home gyms and other accouterments of envy-worthy garages, you must first reclaim the space. For many people, this is a problem they put off tackling as clutter accumulates. It doesn’t need to be so. Just allocate a sunny Saturday and follow the six steps. — Susan J. Smith

Photography courtesy Joanna Case

Step two Sort. Sort. Sort. Throw out the junk and the rusted and busted. Give away anything usable. Repurpose. Donate to Goodwill. Sell on Craig’s List. Hold a garage sale. If you haven’t used it in a year or so, get rid of it. Rene Cook at Closet Concepts said people come to her showroom at 1254 Scribner Ave. NW and are eager to buy cabinets and hanging systems. “I tell them to sort and organize first. Once you have gotten rid of the stuff you don’t need or want, it is amazing how easy it is to create a Parade of Homes worthy garage.” Part of Closet Concepts’ service is a free design and estimate of the cost to install their system.

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PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy JOANNA CASE

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2013

With great appreciation We gIve our humble thanks to those who made this year’s Design Home a wonderful success. Please look for the Design Home section in the December issue of Grand Rapids Magazine.

In collaboration with

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, HardTopix Precast Concrete, Henry A. Fox Sales Co., Infiniti Custom Homes, James Hardie Building Products, Inc., Klingman’s Furniture, Modern Hardware, Ophoff Masonry, ORG West Michigan, 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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by terri fincH Hamilton pHotograpHy by adam bird

mark sellers: tHe most interesting man in the world (of gr) daredevil, jaZZ pianist, Human calculator, rock musician, mensa member, foodie, investor, writer, introvert, Hedge-fund operator, bar owner, titanic artifacts preserver, movie lover, band namer â&#x20AC;Ś

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“He looks at everything from the customer’s view. He’s constantly elevating, always wanting to make things better. Then, when the rest of us get to that point, he says, ‘Hey, while

I was waiting for you guys, I built another level.’” — Garry Boyd

Mark Sellers at HopCat, one of three bars he owns in downtown GR, shown from top: Grand Rapids Brewing Co., HopCat and Stella’s Lounge.

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hen Mark Sellers was 3, he liked to hang from the monkey bars by one hand, daredevil style. “He liked to climb,” says his mother, Pamela Sellers. “Metaphorically, still today, he likes to climb.” Sellers, 45, is known locally for being the beer bar guy. He owns HopCat, named third best beer bar in the world by Beer Advocate Magazine. He also owns Grand Rapids Brewing Co., Stella’s Lounge and McFadden’s Irish Saloon. He’s a skilled investor and chairman of the company that owns the salvage rights to the Titanic. (That last bit usually gets a “Wait — what?”)

But there’s a whole lot more to Sellers. He dropped out of Michigan State University to travel as a musician with rock bands, living gig to gig. Later, as a big money guy surrounded by millions, he told the Harvard University investment club that the best investors are good writers. Every once in a while he heads to the woods by himself to camp. He’s a member of MENSA — the high IQ society. He won a Songwriter of the Year award. He recently went skydiving. He’ll spend three weeks in October in Nepal teaching English to Buddhist monks. He’s a human calculator. “Ask him what 5,420 divided by 135 is, and he’ll tell you right away,” his mother says. “It’s really kind of scary.

“He’s a very surprising person,” she adds. “But he doesn’t talk about himself much.” Ice clinks in glasses and mellow jazz plays as the lunch rush winds down at HopCat. The bar’s famous “crack fries” seem to be on every plate. Sellers heads upstairs to a leather-chair-filled lounge and tells the story of how all the bouncing around he did as a kid helped make him the kind of guy who goes from English major to rock musician to stock analyst to hedge-fund operator to Titanic protector to beer bar owner. He grew up in Grand Rapids but moved around a lot. He started out in Montessori schools, but by fourth grade his parents October 2013 / Grmag.com 37

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self an introvert. “I’m the one who comes up with the concept and handles the business,” he says. “I wouldn’t be good behind the bar.” It’s important to know that kind of stuff about yourself, he says. “Nine-tenths of life is finding out what you’re good at,” Sellers says. “Then, do it.” Sellers is good at a lot of things. His colleague Garry Boyd calls him “freaky intelligent.” But he had a rocky start. He dropped out of MSU, where he was studying English. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I stopped going to classes and failed every one of them,” he says. His English-teacher mom was appalled. Then, at age 20, he decided he wanted to be a jazz pianist — only he didn’t know how to play piano, so he took some lessons, then practiced obsessively. “I practiced 12 hours a day,” he says. “I’d go to a coffee shop and sit there for hours on end, memorizing the notes. Then I’d go home and play them on the piano. I progressed pretty quickly.” “Mark loves a challenge,” his mother says. “He loves to start with something he knows nothing about, then succeed at it.” Sellers auditioned for the Berklee College of Music in Boston — the best jazz school in the country, he says. “I played Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’ and a jazz song called ‘Autumn Leaves,’” he says. “They let me in.” But after a year, he dropped out. “I realized you only need a degree if you want to teach,” he says. “Bands don’t care if you have a degree. They only care if you can play.” He joined a rock band in California and spent the next few years playing keyboard and guitar in bands with names like Radio I Ching and Two-Headed Sam. It was just like you’d imagine, he says. “I’d wake up at 11, go to Starbucks, smoke three cigarettes on the patio,” he recalls. “Back then you could get coffee refills for 10 cents. I’d save my cup for four days.” He and his band mates traveled in a beat-up van, living on the $150 they earned for each gig. Slowly, Sellers realized he liked the business end more than playing music. So he went back to MSU, took accounting classes and became obsessed with Warren Buffet. His grade point average this time around: 4.0. “I figured out what I wanted to do,”

Photography Courtesy premier exhibitions inc.

“I bought the stock because I thought it was undervalued,” Sellers says. “But over time, I’ve really come to care about the artifacts. I own 35 percent of the company. It’s my duty to protect it from people who would pilfer from it, or people who would hide the whole thing away.”

had split up and he moved to Saranac and public school. Then he spent four years living in Ada, a year at Grand Rapids Christian High and finally ended his school career at East Kentwood High School. “I didn’t have any continuity in my school life or in my family life,” he says. “Looking back, it was pretty disruptive to my childhood.” His younger brother, John, wrote a book about their eccentric dad, who’s also named Mark: “The Old Man and the Swamp: a True Story About My Weird Dad, a Bunch of Snakes and One Ridiculous Road Trip.” The senior Mark Sellers is a former associate pastor who ditched that career to chase after snakes. When Sellers and his brothers, John and Matt, were kids, their dad would take off for long periods of snake surveying for various state fish and wildlife departments. His mom is a retired English teacher who taught at Forest Hills Central High School and Grand Rapids Community College. She has a Ph.D. He gained good things from each of his parents, Sellers says. “My mom taught me about good work ethic and how to be a good person,” he says. “And I get my liberal side from my dad. I’m very, very, very openminded. I don’t judge people. As long as you’re not hurting anybody, I don’t care what you do.” All that moving around helped shape who he is today, he says. “I’ve reinvented myself as an adult now three times,” he says. He smiles. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll do it again.” Despite being a bar owner, Sellers calls him-

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he says. “I wanted to be an investor. And I didn’t pick that career for the money; I picked it because I was good at it. Pick your job based on what you’re good at.” After graduating from college, he landed a job with GE Capital in Chicago, at the same time earning a master’s degree in business administration at Northwestern University. Then he moved to the Morningstar investment firm as chief equities strategist. His English background came in handy: Morningstar put him in charge of its customer newsletter, which had a circulation of about 8,000 readers. The newsletter bored the heck out of him so he scrapped it and started over, spicing it up with investor tips and stock trends. By the time he left Morningstar, its circulation had soared to 40,000. His mother recalls: “I met somebody in Copenhagen on a tourist boat there, and said something about my son writing a newsletter for Morningstar. The guy said, ‘Your son is Mark Sellers? Tell him he can’t leave there until I retire.’ I guess Mark helped him make a lot of money.” But what Sellers really wanted was to start his own hedge fund. He left Morningstar to start Sellers CapI’m ital, and by 2008, he was managing a $300 million portfolio. The guy who used to save his as Starbucks cup for days to get 10-cent refills now had plenty of money. “For a while, I thought I couldn’t do anything wrong,” he says. “I had the golden touch. Then, when the market crashed in 2008, that went away real fast.” He lost half his money in one quarter. “It’s easy to lose sight of who you really are when you have money,” he says. “That’s a lesson I learned that I won’t ever forget.” Sellers sold all of his funds’ stocks except one — Premier Exhibitions. Sellers is chairman of the company that holds salvage rights to the Titanic and operates touring exhibitions including “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” which just spent several successful months at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The Titanic connection makes for pretty cool dinner party conversation. “At the time, the sinking of the Titanic was as big a story in the press as 9-11 was for us,” he says. The story has everything,

Sellers says: greed, class conflict between the rich and poor, the arrogance of owners who thought their ship could defy nature. “Then there’s the buried treasure.” But Sellers wasn’t thinking about any of that when he bought the stock in Premier Exhibitions. “I bought the stock because I thought it was undervalued,” he says. “But over time, I’ve really come to care about the artifacts. I own 35 percent of the company. It’s my duty to protect it from people who would pilfer from it, or people who would hide the whole thing away.” Sellers loves to travel and has hit every U.S. state except for North and South Dakota. He’s visited dozens of countries. He figures he’s been to more than a thousand bars and breweries all over the world. Those visits inspired his bar designs. “A bar is a work of art — everybody decides for themselves whether it’s good

BarFly Ventures — the holding company of Sellers’ Grand Rapids bars — is “ringleader,” which is way more fun to have on a business card than “operations manager.” That viewpoint is part of Sellers’ success, Boyd says. That, and what Boyd calls a “maniacal” drive to succeed. “He’s constantly elevating, always wanting to make things better,” Boyd says. “Then, when the rest of us get to that point, he says, ‘Hey, while I was waiting for you guys, I built another level.’” Sellers loves movies and barbecue and the bands Pavement and Guided by Voices. He’s a foodie who doesn’t cook. Does he collect anything? “Memories,” he says. Sellers talks passionately about fair trade and how coffee farmers and other farmers in Third World countries are taken advantage of, barely making enough money to survive. His mother says he’s always had a strong sense of justice. She tells of running into one of his My mom taught me about former classmates, now working at a video store. All the kids used to bully him. “He said, ‘Your sons were the from my dad only boys who were nice to me,’” she recalls. Sellers still talks of giving things very, very, very open-minded. away. As long “Before I die, I’m going to give away all my money to charities,” you’re not hurting anybody, Sellers says. “I’m not religious, so I don’t care what you do. I won’t be giving it to any organizations with religious affiliations. It — Mark Sellers wouldn’t be fair to pick just one religion.” or not. I don’t draw or paint, so I express You have to wonder: What happened myself through my bars.” to the musician? Any sign of him? He recently opened a second HopCat Sellers smiles. He reaches into his in East Lansing. jeans pocket and pulls out his phone. He “Having a bar is like a party you throw starts scrolling. seven days a week. All you can give people “I keep this list of band names,” he is a good time,” Sellers says. explains. When he thinks of a good one, he Sellers likes to say how he and his wife, makes a note of it. Michele, opened HopCat so they’d have a “How about Breakdancing Unicorns?” bar they liked to go to. The couple is going he reads from the list. “Atomic Cog. Hot through a divorce, but Sellers continues Cheeseburger. Safecracker. Snaggletooth.” to see his bars through the customer’s He grins. “I have a lot of names.” experience. You never know when a guy might “You could be sitting at the bar next to GR need one. the owner and not realize it,” says Sellers’ business colleague Garry Boyd. (One clue: He’d likely be drinking a Shorts Brewing Co. Huma Lupa Licious.) “He looks at everything from the customer’s view,” says Boyd, whose title at

“ good work ethic and how to be a good person. And I get my . liberal side

Photography Courtesy premier exhibitions inc.

I don’t judge people.

”

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By Heather Rowan

Two local guys keep busy collaborating on projects and sharing their enthusiasm with other creatives.

Modern-day

Scott Erickson and Kevin Budzynski have their fingers in lots of creative projects at any given time. The 20-somethings, graduates of Rockford High School, wrote the concept for HGTV’s successful “Renovation Raiders.” This fall, they are releasing their short film “The Fly.” The guys also collaborated with several local breweries earlier this year to create a promotional video for the Beer City USA voting campaign. “One day, we’ll finish all our projects and then we can take a trip to Disneyworld,” quipped Erickson, 25, who is perhaps best known for his work on the 2011 Grand Rapids lip dub video set to the tune of Don McLean’s “American Pie.” The self-proclaimed “professional goofball” is an actor, comedian, musician, producer and writer. He was a founding member of Status Creative with Jeff Barrett and Rob Bliss, with whom he collaborated on

the video. After the trio went their separate ways, Erickson founded Scott Erickson Films and also heads up Diligent Music. Budzynski, 26, produces and directs music videos for local artists, including Ajax Stacks, Willie the Kid and Simien the Whale. He also worked on two films: “Chaos Experiment” with Val Kilmer and “30 Minutes or Less” starring Jesse Eisenberg. The owner of Whiskey Neat Productions has written his own feature-length films and says he’s inspired by “ET” and Robert Rodriguez. The two men constantly collaborate and use each

Photography By Michael Buck (opposite page); courtesy thinkstock (top)

Renaissance Men

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Photography By Michael Buck (opposite page); courtesy thinkstock (top)

From left, Kevin Budzynski and Scott Erickson Opposite page: Scott Erickson worked on the 2011 GR Lip Dub video set to the tune of Don McLean’s “American Pie” that earned national attention.

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Willie the Kid, who stars in “The Fly,” with Kevin Budzynski and assistant director Ted Stewart.

other as sources of inspiration. They say they are eager to share their enthusiasm with fellow creatives. “I want to help other artists and empower other creative people around me,” said Erickson. “We just love the process,” Budzynski added. “Entertainment is our way of connecting with others.” Their clients include NBC, Amway, Amtrak and DTE, and their work has been featured on “ABC World News,” “Good Morning America” and The Huffington Post. They met at Rockford High School, where Budzynski garnered attention when he won a Regional Student Emmy for a video he created for the school’s food drive. He attended Grand Rapids Community College and Compass Film Academy before moving to Georgia for work. After graduating from high school, Erickson moved to Detroit for a year and worked a number of odd jobs. He left in 2009 to join Budzynski in Georgia, where they worked for indie film producer Philippe Martinez. In 2010, they returned to West Michigan to become fulltime entrepreneurs. Following the success of “The Grand Rapids LipDub” — which currently has more than 5 million views on YouTube and was called “the greatest music video ever made” by the late Roger Ebert — Erickson and Budzynski were approached by an executive for DIY and HGTV to brainstorm ideas for a new show. They submitted a concept for “Dinner and a Kitch-

en,” a show in which contractors rush to renovate a kitchen while the homeowners are out to dinner. Erickson said they “honed in on the core idea of, ‘What if this renovation takes place as a heist?’ It became the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ of home renovations.” The concept was expanded to include other parts of the home, renamed “Renovation Raiders” and scheduled for a prime time slot on HGTV. After a successful debut averaging 6 million viewers, the show was renewed for a second season. On deck is Erickson and Budzynski’s short film “The Fly,” starring local performer Willie the Kid and local actress Linnae Caurdy. The 30-minute flick follows masked rapper The Fly as the bartender by day/performer by night deals with personal relationships and anonymity as he becomes more famous in the world of underground hip-hop. Budzynski and Jackson began writing the story outline in the spring of 2012, and then brought on Erickson for the production this past January. Budzynski describes it as “’Purple Rain” meets “Good Will Hunting.’” With high competition and multiple projects constantly in motion, they say it’s important to love what they’re doing — especially when dealing with budget constraints. But they insist it’s enabled more creativity. “We have to find a way to be in a box but think outside the box,” Budzynski said. “If you have a camera and a creative idea, you can do it yourself.”

Photography courtesy THE FLY FILM LLC/Sean Glombowski

“We just love the process. Entertainment is our way of connecting with others.” — Kevin Budzynski

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“I want to help other artists and empower other creative people around me.” — Scott Erickson

Photography by michael buck (bottom)

Photography courtesy THE FLY FILM LLC/Sean Glombowski

Grand Rapids has proved to be the ideal location for fostering their talents. “There’s a lot of self-made people here who are eager to give others the same opportunities,” Budzynski said. “It’s the perfect environment for trying things and transitioning to a bigger market,” Erickson agreed. “There are so many amazing, talented people here.” So what’s next? Erickson says he’d like to hone his stand-up comedy and finish his first mix tape as hip-hop/rap artist

Due Diligence. He also is working on releasing the first of a series of children’s books he’s writing entitled “A Dog Goes.” Continuing to manage local performers and going on tour are on his to-do list, as well. Budzynski plans to finish up the screenplay for a feature film and complete production on “The Fly.” He collaborates regularly with Rob Bliss for corporate promotional videos and will travel to New York for work later in the year. The two are also in the process of developing a comedy series for television and are always pitching ideas for new shows. They work as production assistants as much as possible for shows and movies that film in the area. The guys stay very busy. “Do what you love and do it a lot,” Budzynski said. “We’re hustlers,” Erickson added. “You have to be, in this business.” Also important, he said: “We’re patient and we believe in what we’re doing.” GR

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bY ALeXANDrA FLUeGeL PHOtOGrAPHY bY JOHNNY QUIrIN

graND river

WHITEWATER PROJECT:

Where is it now?

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early five years ago,

“We want to give the city its river back. The idea has evolved into a much larger and more dynamic project that can benefit more user groups, which is what we continue to hope to do.” — Chris Muller

a couple of mountain bikers had the idea of making the Grand River “better.” Chris Muller and Chip Richards founded Grand Rapids Whitewater in 2009 in support of bringing the rapids back to the Grand River and creating a Midwest haven for kayakers. Since then, the idea has blossomed into a full-scale restoration project that could be a powerful tool for continued urban renewal. Waterfronts have always served as cradles of civilization, providing those who live near banks and shorelines with everything from sustenance and commerce to recreation and beauty. In the past decade, the downtown area has experienced a dramatic resurgence in urban dwellers and commerce, and that trend is expected to continue. Advocates for the $27.5 million river restoration project, which include local businesses, community members and organizations as well as local, state and federal governments, say the new population of downtown residents wants access to green spaces and recreation, and the Grand River offers exactly that. In the early 1800s, rapids flowed from

Sixth Street Bridge to Wealthy Street, inspiring the name of the city founded along its path. The river offered residents plenty of recreation as well as important transit pathways for local commerce. “We want to give the city its river back,” Muller said. “The idea has evolved into a much larger and more dynamic project that can benefit more user groups, which is what we continue to hope to do.” Urban waterways can be powerful economic drivers, and many cities have begun to explore how to rescue and maintain these bodies of water, which often have fallen victim to abuse and neglect. Twelve of these projects, including the Grand River, were granted Urban Waters Federal Partnership designations in May, something City Planning Director Suzanne Schulz said is significant for the continued momentum of the project. “It’s a statement about how everyone is on the same page, shares the same vision and is committed to working together to make it a reality,” she said. The federal designation does not come with any monetary gain, but Schulz said it spotlights the project and brings awareness to other agencies that may help it move forward in the future. The project already had gained support

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from Gov. Rick Snyder and Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, and was awarded $125,000 from the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority. That money has been used to fund studies on the potential economic and environmental impact. Schulz compared the amount of research to the preparations taken before the Van Andel Arena was built and said the GRWW project likely could have the same magnitude of effect in the downtown district. “The river could be a magnet for activity and excitement, which could spur additional economic development and growth,” she said. Schulz explained the project is still in the early stages of evaluation. Ideas proposed in the initial studies include removing or modifying the five man-made dams between the Sixth Street Bridge and Wealthy Street, the development of two new riverfront parks near Ann Street and Market Street, installing boulders to mimic whitewater conditions, and a new river trail connecting Riverside Park to Canal Street Park. When the idea was first voiced, there were plenty of opponents. “It was an uphill battle to get people to listen,” Muller said. “Since then, we’ve been able to get people to assist in bringing folks together in the discussion.” One of the major concerns is the invasive sea lamprey, which are currently contained by the Sixth Street Dam and pose a threat to the ecosystem of Lake Michigan if released. After the project received the Urban Waters designation last spring, Deputy Regional Director Charles Wooley at the U.S. Department of the Interior stated he would assign staff to study the issue. Advocates of the world-class fishing the river offers also were early opponents because of the changes the restoration would pose to the current habitat. However, many of those detractors have rallied in support of a compromise and are participating in the planning processes as the Grand Rapids Future Vision organization. “This is a very complex process. Federal, state, local bodies, philanthropists, business leaders and community members all have different interests and they’re all going to be involved,” Schulz said. “There will be extensive community engagement. We want to know what Grand Rapidians want the river to be.” Muller said the engineering studies that seek to answer questions about what the river would look like and how it will function are continuing. “We have a hope for what we’d like to see, but the engineering studies will let us know for sure. We know there are some core items that are constraints.” Funding for the multi-million dollar project also remains an issue, yet Muller points

to early support from Founders Brewing Co., which supplied the initial $25,000 needed in 2010 to receive the DDA’s matching grant, as evidence of the community’s willingness to fiscally support a project it believes in. “It’s been great to see the continued progress and support locally, statewide, and now federally — especially since GRWW is a 100 percent volunteer-run organization,” Muller said. “This project shows how the private and the public sectors can come together. It’s what Grand Rapids is known for.” GR

“The river could be a magnet for activity and excitement, which could spur additional economic development and growth.” — Suzanne Schulz

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French fare in Cascade

To begin, we ordered the Housemade Charcuterie with Classic Garnishes ($12), an enormous plate featuring herb-infused liver pâté slathered on crusty French bread that sent my dining companion into blissful exclamations between mouthfuls.

Tartine of Tuna with Grilled Sourdough & Arugula

iot” on the list. There are other spelling aberrations on the menu and signage, too. Our server returned with the wine, but my glass was water spotted with a ghost of lipstick on one edge. She apologized profusely and replaced the glass quickly. (Later, my glass of DeLoach Pinot Noir contained a few annoying flecks of bottle foil floating on top.) Ostensibly a French bistro, the dishes reflect a global vibe with some Italian and Spanish creations. To begin, we ordered the Housemade Charcuterie with Classic Garnishes ($12), an enormous plate featuring herb-infused liver pâté slathered on crusty French bread that sent my dining companion into blissful exclamations between mouthfuls. Onion slivers and roasted red peppers were pickled perfectly, though the sweet pickles and artichoke hearts may have been procured straight from a jar. Meats included exquisite, dry prosciutto and silky, oily folds of salami. We moved on to the Sautéed Calamari ($10). It piqued my curiosity because of the avocado and spicy “chilli.” Avocado seems an odd ingredient to pair with squid. Indeed, my initial taste was off-putting, the buttery avocado clashing with the seawater tartness of the calamari. However, once the dish started to cool, a forkful of all ingredients — including macer-

Photography by Michael Buck

Bartender Jeff Minnema prepares a Euro Mojito

In a space once occupied by the popular Tuscan Express, Euro Bistro opened a few years ago to a rocky start. The Cascade restaurant initially struggled with liquor licensing woes and an inconsistent dining experience. Now, under new management, the restaurant is poised to bolster its reputation as a destination for authentic French fare. Euro Bistro is housed in one-half of a strip mall on 28th Street that also contains an immediate care center. It is an odd pairing of businesses, particularly for diners seated on the front patio. But once inside, all thoughts of the incongruous exterior melt away. Warm wood paneling and furniture provide contrast with the soothing, soft green wall treatments and crisp, white tablecloths. A tall counter in the bar offers a view of the open kitchen. Tasteful artwork livens up the space, extending into the adjunct dining room. Our hostess led us to our table, and we received smiles and nods from the kitchen staff as we passed by. Our server promptly brought water, reeling off the daily specials. Red and white wines are given a full page each, the selections solid with a few unusual listings added. While my partner opted for a glass of Brancott Sauvignon Blanc, I began with the Mark West Pinot Noir. Only, it’s spelled “pin-

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PhotoGraPhy by michael buck

dining review ated chunks of fresh tomato and strips of basil — revealed what the chef intended: a synchronous medley of the Mediterranean. Sadly, there was no detectable heat from the chilis. Despite the allure of Steak Frites ($23) or Wood Fired Pizza ($11-$12), I chose the Charred Asparagus Risotto ($14). A glorious mound of Arborio rice contained chunks of asparagus that were delicately charred. Atop it all, shards of parmesan softened beneath fresh-cut basil and a sprinkling of parsley. My first bite attested to the perfect temperature and preparation, with just a bit of tooth to the risotto. Seasoning is light so as not to overwhelm the vegetable or creamy rice. Risotto is a dish that seems so simple, yet is no small feat to cook properly. My partner was in similar throes of ecstasy over the Homemade Egg Noodles ($16) with rich marsala cream sauce and three kinds of fresh wild mushrooms. On a second visit we tried the Selected French Cheeses ($11) and received a platter with three hearty servings of cheese, warm baguette slices and a sprinkling of fresh blueberries. Each cheese was drizzled with a sauce or honey, rather than having the accompaniments on the side — a touch my companion didn’t care for. We also ordered the Coq Au Vin ($17), a classic French dish of stewed chicken, red wine, bacon, mushrooms and pearl onions. Euro Bistro’s version is served over egg noodles rather than potatoes. While the chicken was fall-offthe-bone tender and tasty, the sauce wasn’t as rich and flavorful as we like. Perhaps more mushrooms? Our server listed dessert choices, revealing

Euro Bistro Arancini with Crab

Address: 6450 28th St. SE Phone: (616) 719-2017 Website: eurobistrogr.com

dining ratings: Category: european Food: *** Service: ** Beverages: ** Atmosphere: *** Price: $ > Must try: risotto is not an easy dish to prepare correctly, yet this was one of the best we’ve had. > not so much: Dirty wine glasses and spelling errors on the menu make you wonder about overall attention to detail.

Guide to ratings:

that none are made on-premises. We shared the Almond Cream Cake ($7) — good, but not extraordinary. As we prepared to leave, more diners materialized at nearby tables though occupancy remained a fraction of what it should be, midweek or not. If more attention to detail were applied, Euro Bistro could easily overcome any stigma from past performance. The risotto alone is enough to keep this restaurant on our favor— irA CrAAVen ites list.

**** *** ** *

exceptional Above Average Satisfactory poor

¢ $ $$

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

(prices based on average entrée.)

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

dining listings

a GuIde tO restaurants In Grand rapIds and beYOnd

Restaurants are included by virtue of overall quality. We have created symbols to area restaurant amenities, which are defined in a legend at the end of this listing (page 73).

Linking beer with trees If they’re not already cemented into Grand rapids history, the city’s brewers are ready to make it official, merging the city’s official designations of Beer City USA and Tree City USA. profits from beers released by 17 area breweries in August supported friends of Grand rapids parks’ Urban forest project. each brewery created a tree-themed beer, with such names as pine Tar Maple IpA

(Mitten Brewing Co.) and 100 Year Oak IpA (founders Brewing Co.). Beers ranged from barrel-aged brews to ales sweetened with maple syrup or flavored with flowers from a local park. On Oct. 17 at riverside park, brewers will come together for a ceremony to celebrate the planting of a Brewers Grove. Thirty trees will be planted at riverside, with 70 more funded for other groves across the city. “Grand rapids is becoming a national leader on urban forest issues, and I can’t think of another city in the country that could pull off such a unique way for the community to show their support of trees and parks,” said Steve faber, executive director of friends of Grand rapids parks. The brewers are set on turning the beer industry into more than just a social aspect of life. “We were looking for a tangible way to give back to the city that has been so supportive and enthusiastic about our industry,” said Barry vanDyke of Harmony Brewing Co., which is releasing a Dyad Ale infused with linden flowers. “All the brewers are having a blast coming up with tree-themed beers. I think folks will see some ridiculously delicious beers come out of this.”

— PAt eVAns

neW ameriCan Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys. 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

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

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

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S:7.125”

a juicy steak dinner can turn a

S:9.875”

private

party get-together into a

Photography by Johnny Quirin

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

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 $-$$ Graydon’s Crossing — English gastro pub serves Indian food with a British influence. Full bar features impressive array of specialty beers. 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. gray $ donscrossing.com. L, D Green Well Gastro Pub — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808$-$$ 3566. 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 $-$$ Marco New American Bistro — Frenchcountry-casual offers creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 9429100. marcobistro.com. L, D $-$$ McKay’s Downtown — Chef Michael McKay 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$-$$ 3563. republicgrandrapids.com. L, D Rose’s — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a varied menu and a three-season porch. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 4584646. thegilmorecollection.com/roses.php. B (weekends), L, D $ San Chez, A Tapas Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. L, D $-$$

old 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 $$ Arnie’s Bakery & Restaurant — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 4543098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants. com. B, L, D $ Aryana Restaurant & Bar — Comfortable dining room in the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and fine dining selections from an extensive seasonal menu. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 957-1770. mainstreet mediagroup.com. L, D $-$$

Schnitz Ada Grill — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. 97 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.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 $-$$

Six.One.Six — Innovative cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients in a cosmopolitan setting. Mixology lounge features unique cocktails. Al fresco dining on the Jdek overlooking the Grand River. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. Ilovethejw.com. B, L, 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 weekends. 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 century-

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

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top shelf

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

WHIsKeY Facts: > Whiskey is a general term for distilled alcohol aged in oak barrels.

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

Bourbon makes a comeback bOurbOn used tO evoke an image of old men drinking in smoky bars with spittoons. But today, bourbon appeals to men and women of all ages. Perhaps fueled by the success of micro-brewers, small batch and microdistilleries are on the increase, and some day may give the big fellas — Jim Beam, Evan Williams, George Dickel, etc. — the “what for” on store shelves. Bourbon is a sipping drink. If you gulp it down, you will taste very little as it races to your stomach. Let the liquor roll around in your mouth, mixing with your saliva. This will dilute it and warm it up. The dominant flavors will be hints of caramel and vanilla. Other flavors will appear depending on which bourbon you are savoring. After a few seconds, swallow it. Repeat. All bourbon is cut with water before it is bottled unless it is labeled “cask strength.” If you must further cut it with water, be careful. Too much and you’ll miss out on the subtle flavors that make it special. Last resort, put ice in the glass. This will cool it down, dilute it and make it even harder to taste, but you will get somewhat of an effect. Here are a couple of bourbons to try: breckenridge bourbon Whiskey: This

micro-distiller is located high in the Rockies of Colorado and uses snow run-off for water. You can really taste the full flavors of corn and rye with the charred wood and maybe a hint of licorice as it tracks down your throat. Highly recommended, this is the one to drink if you can only try one of these bourbons. Lexington bourbon: This is not labeled “straight bourbon,” so it may be aged less than three years. All legally labeled bottles of bourbon must be made from a minimum 51 percent corn mash (sugar). This one seems to have the corn flavor I would expect, but the other grain flavors seemed to stand out more. A slight hint of cherries was interesting. Very drinkable but not highly complex. traverse city Whiskey co. straight bourbon Whiskey: This is one of a few Michigan bourbons available. It is labeled “straight whiskey,” so it must be aged at least four years. It is mellow on the tongue with complex spice flavors just after leaving your mouth. This is a good example of what is possible with quality ingredients and micro-distilling. Also check out New Holland’s Zeppelin and Beer Barrel Bourbon whiskeys. — Jon C. KoeZe

> Whiskey is clear. If stored in charred oak barrels for several years, the flavors leach into the liquor and turn it a dark reddish brown color. > Whiskey is made from grains such as barley, rye and corn. Bourbon is an American whiskey made from at least 51 percent corn sugar mash. > Other whiskey styles include Scotch, Canadian, rye, Irish and Sour Mash. > Bourbon can be distilled anywhere in the world as long as it is manufactured legally and labeled appropriately. > If a bottle of whiskey is labeled “Straight Whiskey,” it has been aged at least four years in a wooden cask. > Whiskey does not age in a bottle. If a label says “10-year-old bourbon,” it means it was aged in a wood cask 10 years before it was bottled. > The name bourbon most likely came from distilleries set up in and around what is now Bourbon County, kentucky. OctOber 2013 / GrmaG.com 53

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

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 turn-of-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 ¢-$

Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, Kentwood, 455-FISH. L, D ¢-$

NW (in Riverfront Hotel Grand Rapids at US 131), 363-7748. ontherivergr.com. B, 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 $

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 $-$$

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 $-$$ Honey Creek Inn — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honeycreekinn.com. L, D ¢-$ Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Judson’s At The B.O.B. — Award-winning steak house offers steaks, seafood and chops. Casual atmosphere and award-winning wine list. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thebob.com. D $$

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 $

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 ¢-$

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.

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

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

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GRM_S

Grand Rapids I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Wine, Beer & Food F E S T I V A L

This is the event your friends have been talking about! Sample from more than 1,200 wines, beers and spirits from around the world along with creations from Grand Rapids’ finest restaurants!

DeVos Place

NOVEMBER 21-23, 2013 GRWineFestival.com

THE VINEYARD offers you the chance to visit with and sample from over 150 vintners from around the world including over 30 of Michigan’s finest. As you move through the Festival, expect to find friends in every aisle. DINE IN THE VINES Over 18 of the city’s finest restaurants participating. Sampling “small plates” of the best cuisine provides an unparalleled progressive dining experience. Special pairing experiences also allow for a one hour gourmet multicourse meal with specially chosen wines or beers. BREWER’S LOFT featuring over 200 craft brews and domestic beers! Also, try one of the new beer flights brought by local brew pubs. CIDER HOUSE, pouring over 60 varieties NEW! from funky, barrel-aged styles to dessert ciders.

Riverfront Market, where you can sample and purchase

breads, balsamics, teas, sauces, cheeses, oils, chocolates, spices and coffee from select producers. COMPLIMENTARY WINE AND BEER SEMINARS all weekend along with food workshops and the FOOD SEMINAR STAGE! HOURS

Thursday Friday Saturday

Nov. 21 Nov. 22 Nov. 23

5pm-10pm 4pm-10pm 12pm-10pm

ADULT ADMISSION *Must be 21 or older to enter

Thursday Friday/Saturday

$15 $20

$15 advance tickets available online until 11/21

Tasting tickets

50¢ each

The Midwest’s largest wine, beer & food celebration! GRM_10.13_PG48.73.indd 55 GRM_ShowSpanGRW13.indd 1

Sponsored in part by

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

Alto Bar, 6064 Linfield SE in Alto, has a reputation for Friday night “Rock Star” steak dinners, featuring locally sourced beef and all the fixings. The rolling steak count by mid-summer easily rolled well past 13,000. Some of the pleasure of the trip into downtown Alto — exactly one block long — is the drive, offering vistas of farmland and open country, the places from which menu items are procured. Owner Dave Burns energetically weaves between patrons (many of whom bring the entire family) and the outdoor grills smoking with tender cuts of beef. Other menu options include fish and other types of meats, but there are few orders for anything but steak. Outdoor deck seating offers the waft of grill fare, while indoor seating stretches from billiard tables, past the bar and out the back. Expect every seat to be filled but quickly cleared for new arrivals. The wait staff is equally energetic, assuring hungry guests are fed as soon as the meat comes off the grill, and well

Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com. L, D $-$$

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

watered as they wait from a full bar that includes a few selections of wine. Burns arrives in the wee hours of Friday to begin making vats of his twice-baked potatoes (served without the potato shell). His staff says that watching him whip up so many potatoes is amazing … and amusing. Fresh vegetable selections vary, but corn is almost always a part of the evening menu, except perhaps during asparagus season. Patrons can pre-order handcut steaks to their taste before noon on Friday. All others have choices between the “every Friday” fare of one-pound New York strip steaks (with baked or twicebaked potatoes, vegetable and roll for $11.95). T-bones and Porterhouse steaks are offered in almost any size a patron requests. On one late visit, the only choice left was a 32-ounce Porterhouse, an enormous thing of beauty most people would offer to share. Burns and his grill masters never

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 entrées. 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), 9565644; 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 creative dining, martini bar and lakeside terrace. Seasonal menu emphasizes

miss on preparation, even with minimal differentials between medium-rare and medium. They are the real rock stars on Friday nights. Friday night steak heaven begins at 5 p.m. and ceases at 8 p.m. though the doors stay open and billiard balls moving until bar closing time. — CArole VAlADe

fresh, regional fare. Holiday brunches. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville, (269) 672-5202. bay pointeinn.com. L, D $-$$

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 $

PhotoGraPhy courtesy thinkstock

Steak heaven

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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

custom brews with a full bar, wine selections and menu of wood-fired pizzas. 1551 Lake Drive SE. Facebook. 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 ¢

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 $

Gaia Café — Totally vegetarian fare served in a cozy atmosphere. Closed Mon. No alcohol. 209 Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. Facebook. B, ¢ L

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 ¢

Pubs & Taverns

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 ¢-$

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 $-$$

Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty 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 ¢

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 ($6.50). Full-service bar. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thegilmore collection.com/bobarinos. php. L, D ¢-$

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 ¢

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 ¢-$

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 ¢-$

Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Takeout available. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 3619782. budandstanleys.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 ¢-$

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 $ Photography courtesy thinkstock

large menu offering something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. B, 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

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, 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 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 ¢-$

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 $

The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. Facebook. 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 $-$$

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) ¢-$

Harmony Brewing Co. — Eastown’s latest addition to the craft-brewing scene offers

Nick Finks — Mexican fare in historic tavern, continued on page 60 October 2013 / Grmag.com 57

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hua Zhang is the real deal, a perfectionist who cooks everything himself with attention to detail.

A dim sum master

> Hua ZHanG Title: Chef and owner, Wei Wei Palace Location: 4242 S. Division Ave.

ua Zhang, chef and owner of Wei Wei Palace, is a master of dim sum, Cantonese-style barbeque and Chinese cuisine. Devotees come from all over the state — and Chicago — to experience his authentic fare. When Amway Corp. hosts conferences for its Chinese delegates, food is ordered from Hua (pronounced ah-wah). At the restaurant, everything is fresh — live fish and Maine lobsters are pulled straight from the tanks. Nothing is frozen. “I have no buffet here,” he said. “Everything I make is to your order.” You won’t find any recipes or measuring devices either. He relies on his vast experience and authentic ingredients to produce flavors tailored to the varied tastes of his largely Asian clientele. Through interpreter Cuong “Luey” Lu, he explained the diverse regional differences of Chinese cuisine. “In the south, the food is milder. We use just a little bit of salt and no sauce. Here, it’s all about the sauce.” Since everything is made to order and the flavor profiles adjusted to regional preferences, Hua is a focused perfectionist in

the kitchen. “When you are cooking, there is no talking in my kitchen because you have to pay attention,” he said. He is the restaurant’s sole cook because when he tried to hire an assistant, his guests noticed the difference. Hua’s barbequed dishes are as famous as his dim sum, all of which he rolls by hand in precise sizes to ensure even cooking in the steam pots. He works quickly, making everything from scratch — even the delicate dumpling wrappers. With dim sum, timing is everything. “If you cook it too long, it is ruined,” he said. Originally from Quangtong province in southeastern China, Hua apprenticed alongside master chefs in his homeland before immigrating to America. He continued to grow his culinary skills at restaurants owned by his family, cooking in New York, Florida, Indianapolis and at Detroit’s Golden Harvest, which is renowned for its dim sum. When he decided to branch out on his own, his research revealed a lack of dim sum delicacies in the Grand Rapids area. He opened Wei Wei Palace at 4242 S. Division Ave. in 2000. The restaurant in the Golden Bridge Plaza also houses the Asian market Kim Nhung Superstore. Hua and his wife, Jessica, who manages the front of the house, close the restaurant on Tuesdays to take time for themselves and their son, Henry, 6. They have recently completed the second expansion of the restaurant to include private party rooms that can accommodate up to 30 guests. The restaurant has also applied for a wine/beer liquor license.

Dim sum is the Chinese/Cantonese equivalent to such shared-plate dining as Spanish tapas, so everyone in your party gets a broad range of tastes and flavors. On weekends, Wei Wei palace offers a full dim sum experience. It includes servers wheeling trolleys piled high with steam baskets full of small Chinese delicacies. Diners simply select the dishes they want, while servers keep track of the selections on a checklist placed on the table and then tallied at checkout. Items range from $3.25 to $3.75 each. During the week, Wei Wei palace makes dim sum to order. Instead of selecting from items already made, the restaurant has a separate dim sum menu composed of fullcolor photos of each dish. Similar to the complete trolley experience, one simply has to point out the ones they want. The server we had on our visit, kim Nguyen, was extremely helpful in navigating the vast and varied selection since detailed descriptions are scarce. Among those we found appealing: The Shiu Mai, tender, open-faced, coarsely ground pork dumplings, seasoned with scallions with a touch of egg yolk atop adding color, packed tight and steamed in a light, translucent dumpling wrapper. Just as tender are the Steamed pork Balls, ground pork flavored with Chinese chives.

PhotoGraPhy by michael buck

sum more please

— Julie BurCh

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PhotoGraPhy by michael buck

relax...

In addition to the Sriacha and soy sauces on the table, three additional sauces are brought for dim sum dipping: sweet & sour, hot chili oil and oyster sauce. We enjoyed cross-tasting the various flavorful sauces on the different dishes we ordered, including the crispy, lightly fried spring roll (which can also be ordered steamed). It was stuffed with Chinese vegetables, pork and shrimp. Another tasty dish is the baked BBQ pork Bun, a soft, sweet and airy roll encasing a scattering of tasty barbecued pork, whose tang made a nice contrast to the subtly sweet roll. Steamed Shrimp Dumplings were another delight, a delicate see-through wrapper packed with tender, succulent shrimp. Shrimp kau, lightly fried shrimp balls, are dusted with grains of specially prepared rice prior to frying, adding to its thin, soft crunch. Wei Wei palace served up over 60 pounds of these popular balls on a recent Sunday. We also tried the miniature Beef Short ribs, which are totally infused with a tasty pepper sauce. Though not the fall-off-the-bone-style we expected, they were packed with flavor. Garlic Chive Dumplings were pan-fried and rife with subtle flavor, along with the stuffed eggplant with its rich black bean sauce. Steamed Chicken feet are prepared in a process that takes several hours. They are fried before steaming and coated with a savory chef-created combination of spices. Don’t look for the meat; it’s all about the puffed-up skin. Once you learn how to eat them (break off a section, pop it into your mouth, strip off the skin and spit out the bones), it’s an acquirable taste. We concluded our repast with Sesame Balls. An unheated dish, its dessert-like flavor is reminiscent of sweet potato pie, derived from the yummy lotus paste filling wrapped inside the dense sesame seedcovered roll. The restaurant also offers an extensive menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine and barbeque pit fare. — Julie BurCh

Registered Landscape Architects 4353 Three Mile Road N.E. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 616-363-6400 www.kappeslandscapes.com

Utilizing the best local produce, meats & specialty ingredients

20 Monroe Ave • Grand Rapids 616.356.2000 • www.thebob.com OctOber 2013 / GrmaG.com 59

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

continued from page 57

459-2481. teazersbar.com. L, D

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 $

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 ¢-$

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 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 ¢-$$

¢-$

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 $

Pub 43 — Caters to all, but is especially popular with gay crowd. Menu ranges from burgers to upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division ¢-$ Ave, 458-2205. Facebook. 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

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 ¢-$

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 $

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 ¢-$ 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 ¢-$ 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 an award-winning stuffed burger for carnivores. Advertises strong drinks and more than 200 whiskies. 53 Commerce Ave, 742-4444. stellas gr.com. L, D ¢-$ Teazers Bar & Grill — Burgers and pastas, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites. Kids menu. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW,

Italian/ European

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 $ 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 ¢-$ 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. francos pizzagr.com. L, 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 ¢-$

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. angelaspizza andrestaurant.com. 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 ¢-$

Big Bob’s Pizza — A neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village with wine and beer on tap, available to go. 661 Croswell SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.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 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 ¢-$ 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

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 $ 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

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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 $-$$ Marinade’s Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. No alcohol. Catering. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 8633300. marinadespizzabistro.com. L, D ¢ Monelli’s Italian Grill And Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. 5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 530-9700. ¢-$ monellis.com. L, D Noto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant décor and extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com.   D $-$$ 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 $

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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 ¢-$ 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.

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

We are dedicated to keeping your life illuminated, enlightened, aglow.

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 ¢-$

“Come See The Light” 4269 Chicago Dr. • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616.534.8560 1075 Jackson St. • Grand Haven, MI 49417 • 616.842.1650

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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.

“Listening, caring, and delivering – it’s what we do.”

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 ¢-$

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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 ¢-$

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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

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

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 $

China Yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 Eastern Ave SE, 241-3885. 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 ¢-$ China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 5299 Eastern Ave SE, 257-7038. 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 al¢-$ cohol. 2030 28th St SW, 252-1379. L,  D Chinatown

Restaurant

And

Japanese

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 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 Far-East Restaurant — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carryout and catering

available. No alcohol. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. 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 $ 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 $ Golden Dragon — Chinese, Mandarin and

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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.

> One source says that in 1987, Washington was home to 40 wineries. In 2012, there were 750. This shows great promise for more superb wines to come from this fine state. On a trip there two years ago, I was very impressed by the bold attitude of the winery owners — fair, honest wines with kind and passionate people. It’s Cabernet to respect.

Washington’s weighty Cabs It used tO be the only red wines from Washington state we could get in Michigan were either mass produced options at $7 a bottle or more expensive wines priced at $40 and up — lacking offerings in between. But a lot has changed. While the more expensive wine options are still out there and offer a value by Napa standards, Washington now has an abundance of excellent Cabs in the $40-and-under category. The state’s relatively predictable weather — including ample doses of sun, fog and rain — has helped Washington wine makers establish a reputation for quality and value among such varietals such as Merlot, Riesling — and Cabernet. Still fruit-driven with New World leanings, Washington wines generally come in as more structured and better balanced than wines produced by its southern neighbor at almost any price level. Washington Cabernet grapes make for wines that are full bodied, moderately high in tannins, and full of dark blue fruits such as blackberries, blueberries and plums. Add a little spice, a dollop of earth, and you’re on your way to weighty, delicious Cabernet. New Washington wine appellations are popping up everywhere, such as Wahluke

Slope and Naches Heights, and there is a huge boom of wineries in areas such as Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley. The cabs from the following vineyards are really impressive: L’ecole no. 41: This authentic, hand-crafted, second-generation winery crafts reliable and consistent wine. They are growers and creators alike. The focus on “terroir-driven, distinctive and expressive wines” give way to a “Classic Cab” bent. With layers of dark fruit, coffee and spiced herbs, the blackberry and dry, dark chocolate flavors are beefier than the tannins to show off its long, expressive finish. Around $40. Milbrandt: After visiting here last year, I had a new mindset on Washington wines. The bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon — no matter their pedigree or price ($15-$25) — are dense, fullbodied and complex. With a brooding C-flavored combo (cherry, chocolate and coffee), this wine will go with anything — including your fireplace at the cabin. airfield estates: There are several tiers of choice, ringing in from $22-$45. From a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Cab Franc, this rich bouquet of dark berries, spice and vanilla bean play well integrated. Tannins are — Amy ruis present but not screaming.

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

> This fall, drink to the honor of Washington Cabernet by enjoying a hearty steak on the grill with a side of ovenbaked butternut squash and a bunch of roasted beets. Or if that’s not your style, cook up a hearty pasta with red sauce and portobello mushrooms.

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse. Full bar. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. goldendragongr.com. 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 ¢

Enjoy the Show at The Hibachi Table or gather in the Bistro for the freshest and creative Sushi selections or Chinese and Thai cuisine. Mon-Thurs: 11am- 3pm, 4pm-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-3pm, 4pm-11pm Sun: 12noon-9pm

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 ¢-$

1501 East Beltline, NE | 616-719-1859 www.fujiyamabistro.com

Good times always happen around the

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 $ India town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan in a humble atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 2431219. indiatowngrr.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 ¢-$

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

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 ¢-$

Delectable Wines from Michigan’s famed “Gold Coast”

Lai thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. Facebook, laithai kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$ Little bangkok — Extensive menu of Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 8083153. littlebangkokgr.com. L, D ¢-$

Mandarin — Mandarin and Szechuan cui-

(269) 637-1211 12Corners.com

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

sine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends. Cocktails. Open daily. 2460 28th St SE, 530-3300. 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, 6765888. 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 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 $-$$ Shang Hai Ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine; food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. shanghaiichiban.com. L, D $-$$ 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 ¢ Thai Fusion — Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu for $5.99. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE (near 29th St), 301-8883. thaifusiongr.com. L, D ¢-$

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 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. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. wei weipalace.com. L, D $

Sat. 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 Grills — Gyros, kabobs, fala fel, shwarma, hummus, kafta. All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade Cen$ ter, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. 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 Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout 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 ¢

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 ¢-$

➧Raad’s Mediterranean Grill — East Hills eatery features all the Mediterranean favorites made fresh, including Lebanese family recipes. Meat, vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. 962 Cherry St. SE, 454-7223. Facebook. L, D $-$$

FXO Asian Cuisine — Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine with full service bar. Vegetarian options and lunch specials Mon-

Sheshco Grill — Lebanese cuisine including appetizers, salads and soups; entrees such as shish kabob, lamb shanks, quail and sautéed

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Four-time winner of Grand Rapids Magazine’s Award of Excellence Authentic Italian Cuisine Made from scratch dishes

meats, plus vegetarian and seafood options. No alcohol. 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.com. L, D $

A great wine selection

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 $

The world famous “Bellini” And ANNIVERSARY

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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 ¢

SAVE Select Styles

7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. Facebook. B, 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 $

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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 $

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

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the comforts of home and the huge savings of Mohawk’s Anniversary Sale, featuring SmartStrand® Silk™ carpet that’s luxuriously soft with exceptional durability and ArmorMax™ hardwood!

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 ¢

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

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October 2013 / Grmag.com 67

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

She fed: “On a separate visit, I enjoyed the shrimp, mango and red onion tacos. They were so incredible, I almost forgot about the pork tacos we’d previously shared. What really impresses me about Saburba, though, are the home-style desserts. The gooey butter cake is a true taste of the South — a cakey-crusty bottom layer topped with a decadently sweet, creamy filling. The carrot cake and banana cake come slathered with homemade brown sugar frosting. ed caramel brownie, a dense, fudgy treat run through with a layer of rich, homemade caramel topped with crunchy flecks

He fed: “I’m a tad touchy when it comes to tacos. I hate the hard shell — all those splintery shards jutting up into the roof of your mouth? No, thanks. Thankfully, Saburba does tacos right, with double-wrapped soft corn tortillas. The contents change daily: The one I tried was guava-rubbed pork with avocado, cilantro and onion. A squeeze of fresh lime, a sprinkling of lightly pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of smoky housemade red dragon sauce, and I was ready to bite in. Oh, my! The sweet pig mingles enticingly with the hot sauce. A slug of my lime Jarritos completed the experience. With a summer sun shining, I could be back in Cancun. These tacos are so addictive, I might need rehab.” — Jeremy

hefedshefed.com

Pigs on the wing Juliet and Jeremy Johnson head to Ada for “Honest Eats in the Burbs.” A 15-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids and we arrived at Saburba, 7277 Thornapple River Drive in Ada, in time for an early lunch. Though space inside the deli-counter-style takeout eatery is small, patio seating is available in mild weather. Pork and chicken feature prominently on the chalkboard menu, but the overall Asian-Spanish influence is somewhat surprising. Besides upscale sandwiches, salads, tacos and rice bowls also are offered, made fresh to order. We started with Bibimbap ($9), an oversized bowl of sticky white rice topped with Korean beef, bok choy, pickled carrots, housemade kimchi, scallions, and pickled mushrooms that look like they’ve been soaked in red wine. A glorious fried egg lounges at the peak, while a slash of sriracha was brushed along one inner wall — there if we need it. Mixed all together, the ingredients provide a slightly puckery pleasure with a tinge of sweet-hot. Our only complaint is the egg was fried just a touch too much, so we missed out on the oozing yolk. The Fried Chicken Bowl ($10) is simpler: sticky white rice, fennel slaw, pickled onions and chunks of rice flour fried chicken. Red dragon sauce, mixed in house, adds a bit of spice. Another fried egg — again, cooked seconds too long for a runny yolk — is draped over everything. We really liked the combo of the chicken and fennel, which brightens up a dish that could have been mundane. Follow @hefedshefed on Twitter to #readthefeed.

of sea salt. They’re divine! Best of all, the big slabs are generously proportioned, perfect for sharing — or not!” — Juliet

Photography by Michael Buck

But my all-time fave is the saltSaburba’s Bibimbap: “A slightly puckery pleasure with a tinge of sweet-hot.”

The salted caramel brownie: “Big slabs are generously proportioned, perfect for sharing — or not!”

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CLARK PLACE CONDOS FOR SALE Dowtown living at down to earth prices.

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

2 BED - 2 BATHS Starting at $179,900

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 ¢-$

Photography by Michael Buck

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 ¢-$

616.437.1065 www.ClarkPlaceGR.com

801 Broadway Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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 ¢

The Broadway Collection

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. villadungeon.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. Limited 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 ¢ La Taqueria San Jose — Authentic Mexican fare, including tacos stuffed with such options as goat, chicken, pork and cactus in a very casual, take-out setting. 1338 S Division continued on page 73

Sleek

CONTEMPORARY

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KENDALLLIGHTINGCENTER.COM GRAND RAPIDS | 616-459-8866

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

POP QUIZ, HOTSHOT. fill in the blanks: Would you like ________ with that? White Castle ________ only come in one size! “I am the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and ________.” —Stephen king

ow did you score? Yeah, you’d have to be from some other planet to fail that test, considering the prevalence of fries on almost every fast-food and restaurant menu featuring hamburgers. After all, a burger without fries is like the Lone Ranger without Tonto, the Cisco Kid without Pancho, or Don Quixote without Sancho Panza. The humble sidekick french fry has

Here in

Grand Rapids,

local restaurants recognize the

public’s ravenous appetite for

fries and offer

up their own spin on this simple

accompaniment.

long been a staple of the American diet. French fries, though, are not technically French. They’re of Belgian descent, a method of cooking potatoes to supplement diets during low fishing seasons, for instance. Depending on which version of history to which you subscribe, fries originated in the 17th or 18th century. The popular term was coined much later by American troops during World War I after tasting Belgian fries. The Belgian Army spoke French — hence, “french fries.” As with many food trends, time and the retelling of history often obscures origins. Even while Americans have adopted French fries as their own, chefs from around the world have continued to experiment with preparation. Tater tots, waffle fries and curly fries are just some of the unique variations we’ve come to love. Here in Grand Rapids, local restaurants recognize the public’s ravenous appetite for fries and offer up their own spin on this simple accompaniment. Are you hungry for something different? Seek out these city fry delights:

Hopcat 25 Ionia Ave. SW, hopcatgr.com Crack Fries at the Best Brewpub in the U.S. (2013 RateBeer.com) are aptly named. They look like normal beer-battered fries, uniformly cut and cooked to a slight golden color. The secret blend of spicy-sweet-salty seasoning, though, makes them so addictive, it’s nearly impossible to stop eating. In fact, HopCat hosts an annual Crack Fry eating contest if you’d like to test that theory.

stella’s Lounge SoUthern raW FrIeS at the eLeCtrIC Cheetah

53 Commerce Ave. SW, stellasgr.com The sister restaurant to HopCat and

PhotoGraPhy by michael buck; illustrations courtesy thinkstock

French fry culture in GR

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It’s not the thunder, it’s the lightning. pork fat fries at Reserve

To stop bad things from getting worse.

home to the Best Burger in America (2012 GQ magazine), Stella’s offers up an alternative version: Chronic Fries. These are cut much the same — thin fingers cooked to a golden yellow and crispy but tender inside. The coating is more spicy than sweet, and we have it on good authority that a dehydrated-rehydrated name-brand hot sauce provides the zingy flavor.

Tabletop Completion Event

Reserve

Now through October 25

201 Monroe Ave. NW, reservegr.com Named one of the top 10 wine flight destinations in the country (2012 USA Today), Reserve establishes its dominance in the food category with its decadent Pork Fat Fries. These hand-cut slabs of potato are submerged in boiling pig fat until just barely crisp, then very lightly salted before being delivered to your table piping hot. A traditional bottle of ketchup is at your disposal, or dip them into garlic mayonnaise for a truly European experience.

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Michael Buck; illustrations courtesy thinkstock

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The Electric Cheetah 1015 Wealthy St. SE, electriccheetah.com Southern Raw Fries at Electric Cheetah take the concept to a new level, hand-cranking a whole potato in spiral slices, then flash frying it. Topped with kosher salt and white balsamic vinegar, the lei of starchy goodness should be eaten while piping hot to maximize enjoyment.

2213 WEALTHY STREET SE GASLIGHT VILLAGE • EAST GRAND RAPIDS MASONJONESHOME.COM • 616.458.6116

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Hit a deer? We can repair that. • • • •

food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Attentive Customer Service Best Quality Repair Keep You Informed On-Time Delivery

616-364-6222 • www.starcollision.com On the corner of Lafayette & Plainfield since 1958 Detailing • Body Repair • Restoration • Customizing • Auto Glass • Car Rental

Smothered Tots at Logan’s Alley

Also amazing are Cheetah’s Sweet Potato Fries, seasoned with kosher salt and rosemary and your choice of sauces, mustard or aioli.

Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE, breweryvivant.com Inspired by the cuisine of rural France and Belgium, Brewery Vivant takes great pains to match its beer and food but infuse it with local flavor. That holds true for its Belgian Frites, which are fried in duck fat and then seasoned with your choice of truffle, garlic and parsley, or salt and pepper. These beg for a dunk in aioli.

For Contests, Photos, Sneak peeks, Event news, Special offers and much more!

grmag.com Facebook.com/grmag Twitter.com/grmagazine

Facebook.com/grmag

— Jeremy Johnson

Where’s your favorite spot to score some crispy, crunchy frites and wedges? Tell us on Twitter @grmag #grfries.

Photography by Michael Buck

Other Grand Rapids favorites While you can enjoy French fries with your favorite sauce anytime, some restaurants strive for artistic expression on a plate by adorning the lowly potato with stellar toppings. The gravy-soaked, cheese-curdspeckled poutine at Grand Rapids Brewing Co. is nearly a meal in itself. You can order poutine at Logan’s Alley, too, but its Smothered Tots will satisfy your craving for crunchy-creamy starch, topped with bacon, sour cream and lots of cheese.

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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.

continued from page 69 Ave, 284-2297. 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 ¢-$ 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 ¢ 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, 4581533. 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

83 Monroe Center / Downtown GR / 616.608.1720 / cityflatshotel.com

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PhotoGraPhy by michael buck

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

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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.

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

By Daina Kraai |

Photography by Jim Gebben

Black Hills residents are hopeful a positive trend will turn around the area once known for criminal activity and poverty.

Neighborhood on the upswing

here are multiple stories about how the Black Hills neighborhood acquired its name. One tale says it’s named for its black walnut trees, which attracted people from as far away as Chicago to gather the rare nuts on its hills. Another claims Native Americans dubbed the area Blackbird Hill after a famous chief.

“This neighborhood is called the Black Hills because of the black oak trees up here,” said Jerry Snow, a longtime resident. “The tallest one in the neighborhood is on Dorchester Street. That lady was offered $1,000 for that tree by a lumber company, but she wouldn’t sell it.” No matter which version you believe, one thing is indisputable: The neighbor-

hood sits on top of a hill. “You don’t need a boat up here,” Snow said with a chuckle. Even flooding rains like those experienced last spring aren’t a threat to residents. “The river would have to come up at least 40 feet,” he said. Bordered by the Grand River and Freeman Avenue on the north and west, Godfrey Avenue on the east and Hall Street

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on the south, the neighborhood’s isolated location sets it apart. “There’s only three ways in and three ways out, and it’s completely surrounded by power lines, trees and industry. We’re kind of like a gated community without any gates,” said resident Chip Ware. Barricaded by factories along Godfrey Avenue SW, the main way into the neighborhood is “up the hill.”

“In other parts of Grand Rapids, you don’t know exactly where each neighborhood starts and stops, but here you know because if you go down the hill, you’ve left the neighborhood,” said Michelle Cameron. “It is a community all by itself, isolated from other communities. You’ve got to come here on purpose,” added Phillip Holmes, pastor of Hillcrest Community Church, the only church on the hill. One program of United In Christ Ministries is the Motion Initiative, which teaches kids how to fix bikes and earn “bike dollars” to purchase one. Top left, Daniel Lazo watches as Lee Vanderham works on a bicycle. Above, neighborhood kids go on a supervised bike ride with Allen Ponarelli every Wednesday evening. Left, the Ware family moved to Black Hills nine years ago. Pictured from left are Chip, daughter Stephanie on the swing with mom Karen pushing, and daughter Renee swinging with her friend, Brianna Cantlon.

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

GETTING TO KNOW BLACK HILLS!

> THE FORMER Kensington Elementary School was turned into an adult education building and then closed. Still owned by the Grand Rapids Board of Education, it now sits empty, but neighbors hope it can be turned into something positive, even into a neighborhood school again. Most kids attend Southwest Community Campus or Cesar E. Chavez Elementary.

> TUCKED INTO THE southeast corner of Black Hills is the old Johnson Furniture factory, 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW, used by artists and small businesses that enjoy the low-rent, industrial space. “We chose the space after looking all over the city for a year,” said Dylan Gunnett, who owns Nice Gallery inside the Artist Collective, a 3,000-squarefoot studio shared with friends and artists for various projects. “It was the best spot we could find in the city with the versatility we wanted in a creative work space.”

> THREE YEARS AGO, a bike path, starting halfway up the hill on Oxford Street, was connected to Kent Trails, which runs 15 miles in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.

The Rev. Phillip Holmes, pastor of Hillcrest Community Church — the only church on the hill — and his daughter, Keelah. Below: Over the next few years, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County is planning to build six more homes in Black Hills.

Though the geographic isolation works to bond the community, in the past it had a negative impact — attracting crime. Ware, a Grand Rapids policeman, moved into the neighborhood six years

ago, but said he was already familiar with the area. “When I was first here as a police officer in 1990, the neighborhood was very rough — a lot of criminal activity, a lot of assaults, prostitution, lots of drug dealings, shootings and stabbings on a regular basis,” he said. “It was probably known as one of the more unsafe parts of Grand Rapids. Now there are still some unsafe areas but to a lesser extent.” Though residents admit their neighborhood has its problems, many say they have seen fewer of them in the last few years, which they attribute to new families moving in who care about the community. “When I first moved here, we heard gunshots all the time. We have five stray bullets inside of our house,” said Cameron. “We haven’t heard gunshots in probably four to five years. I think we’re on the upswing. We’re a neighborhood crying out for help, and we’re doing our best to grow local help and teach our kids to fix problems.” Cameron is part of United In Christ Ministries, a faith-based umbrella organization that has helped bring several nonprofits working in Black Hills together in

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a community center at 1035 Godfrey Ave. SW that focuses mainly on youth. She and others mentor young people through year-round tutoring and God’s Club, which meets on Saturdays. The club started in her home 11 years ago. “Since we were the new ones in the neighborhood, kids would just show up at our house on Saturday and want to play with the girls and the toys. We got to the point where we had 10 to 15 kids at our house, so I asked some friends at church to come help supervise, and that turned into what’s now called God’s Club. We’re up to 50 kids,” she said. UICM also encompasses a program called Motion Initiative where children learn how to fix bikes and earn “bike dollars” to purchase one. The shop is open every Monday night, depending on volunteers, who also take the kids out on bike rides throughout the city. “The bike shop really teaches kids that first you learn a trade and how to follow directions and be in a shop where you have to respect other people,” Cameron said.

Families enjoy the Wednesday night dinner at Hillcrest Community Church.

Hills to do a lot more renovations in the local area,” said Allen Pontarelli, director of UICM. The neighborhood also includes 80 low“In other parts of Grand Rapids, you don’t know income housing units exactly where each neighborhood starts and at Walnut Grove Apartstops, but here you know because if you go down ments, and Kensington the hill, you’ve left the neighborhood.” Park, where KaBOOM — Michelle Cameron — a national nonprofit — recently helped install playground “And if you work hard, you earn money to equipment. buy your own bike. Some kids don’t have a Besides the factories, the neighborhood good work ethic and others do, but I think includes only one business: a party store the bike shop helps to cement that.” that many older residents remember as a The community center also hosts ESL grocery store. and GED classes through a partnership “There used to be a meat market, and with the Hispanic Center of West Michigan. a lot of people got their groceries there. As Another positive thing happening a matter of fact, the butcher sold me my in the neighborhood is the work Habitat house,” said Snow. “The original owner for Humanity is doing there. Among the of the store did things to help the kids up 360 homes in the neighborhood, houses here. He would gather up all the young kids range from more than 100 years old to new once a year and take them to his farm, and homes built by Habitat. then he built a baseball diamond where the “This past year, and the next few years, apartments are now.” Habitat is really excited about six more The legacy of helping children remains. builds that will happen in the neighborOne of Snow’s neighbors is a 90-year-old hood. They are also purchasing a lot of land woman the kids call Granny. She’s known on Grandville Avenue just behind Black for passing out popsicles.

“Little kids used to see me with my tow trucks,” Snow said. “Now they’re grown men, but they remember me from when they were little. There have been a lot of changes over the years, both positive and negative, but it’s not been a bad place to live.” And despite some setbacks of violence, the neighborhood continues to draw new residents who are passionate about their community. “It was very hard moving here as a police officer, because every time I was here, it was always for the bad,” Ware said. “But once you’re here — once this is your neighborhood — you realize there are a lot more good people than there are bad. Most people up here are trying to raise a family and do the right thing.” GR

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out & about Where to Go / What to do

october events A FeW GreAt tHINGS tO DO tHIS MONtH!

MUSIc OCt. 4 tHe rIVer rOGUeS JAZZ bAND will host a CD launch party from 6-9 p.m. at Boulder Creek Country Club in Belmont. The band formed in 1996 and will perform old and new tunes. Free admission. Sandwiches and beverages available for purchase. theriverrogues.org

SPecIAL eVeNtS OCt. 5 VANDer FeSt: The fourth annual fall craft beer and cider festival held at Vander Mill in Spring Lake features local beer and cider producers as well as local restaurateurs. For more info, visit vanderfest.com or follow on Facebook.

s 5

Don’t forget to mark your calendar!

OCt. 26 HALLOWeeN ON IONIA: Hosted by McFadden’s Irish Saloon, this downtown GR street party on Ionia Avenue will offer the state’s largest cash prize for best costume, plus limited-edition beer brewed in collaboration with Grand Rapids Brewing Co. and Perrin Brewing Co. See Facebook. StAGe OCt. 24-26 tHrILLer! cHILLer! FILM FeStIVAL: Now in its eighth year, Thriller! Chiller! offers

Oct. 5 - GrAND rAPIDS UrbAN ADVeNtUre rAce: “Amazing Race” meets ArtPrize: Test yourself with running downtown, road and single-track biking away from downtown and map-reading/orienteering with a variety of chal-

HALLOWE

ON IONI

lenges — many of which involve ArtPrize venues and installations and “Amazing Race”-like challenges. See Sports

Oct. 12 - cOLOrbUrSt bIcYcLe tOUr: Rapid Wheelmen Bicycle Club hosts this tour, which has 17-, 30-,

PhotoGraPhy courtesy bryan esler (toP left); the river roGues JaZZ band (toP riGht); thinkstock (bottom riGht); terry Johnston PhotoGraPhy (bottom left)

three days and more than 30 hours of independent and cult classic movies from around the world in the genres of action, sci-fi, suspense and horror at Wealthy Theatre. thrillerchiller. com or Facebook.

62- and 100-mile loops offering great views of fall colors. The annual event raises money for MADD of Kent County and other local charities. Colorburst was started in 1983 as a memorial to Donna Ryskamp, who was killed by a drunk driver while bicycling. See Sports

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

Calendar Editor, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, 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 Oct. - Kent Harvest Trails: 20 farms participate in family farm fun, including tractor/ wagon rides, petting zoos, corn mazes, makea-scarecrow, donuts and cider. Participating farms and maps at kentharvestrails.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BRYAN ESLER (TOP LEFT); THE RIVER ROGUES JAZZ BAND (TOP RIGHT); THINKSTOCK (BOTTOM RIGHT); TERRY JOHNSTON PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM LEFT)

Oct. - New Salem Corn Maze and Haunted Woods: Activities Fri.-Sun. include 13-acre corn maze, haunted woods, flashlight maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo and pumpkin launcher. 11 a.m.-dusk, children’s daylight maze; dusk-11 p.m., woods and corn maze. See website for prices. 4516 24th St., Dorr. witchesofnewsalem.com. Oct. - The Haunt: 13th annual family-friendly Halloween attraction. See website for hours. 2070 Waldorf St. NW, Walker (one mile south of I-96 at Walker Ave. exit). the-haunt.com. Thru Oct. 5 - Grand Haven ArtWalk: Local art competition displays art in businesses and community buildings for public judging. Street parties, live entertainment, bike parade, kids events and food. ghartwalk.com. Thru Oct. 6 - ArtPrize: Fifth annual international art competition with more than 1,500 artists in more than 150 venues indoors and outdoors in downtown GR. $250,000 first prize for artist with most public votes. Preregistered visitors vote online or by text messaging. artprize.org.

Thru Oct. 27 - Harvestfest: 130-year-old farm offers horse-drawn hayrides, corn mazes, u-pick apples, pumpkins and squash, pony rides, homemade donuts, cider and lunch items. 5-9 p.m. Fri., noon-9 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 11966 Fruit Ridge Ave., Kent City. See website for prices. fruitridgehay rides.com. Oct. 3-5 - Zeeland Pumpkinfest: Family entertainment and activities, parade (3 p.m. Oct.

OCT. 20 - METRO HEALTH GRAND RAPIDS MARATHON: GRM has been described as a group of races designed by runners for runners. The 10th annual event includes a certified 26.2-mile course around downtown GR as well as a half marathon,

5), scarecrow displays, games, food, artwork. Various locations in Zeeland. pumpkinfestzeeland.org.

Oct. 4-6 - Pulaski Days: Annual event includes parade Oct. 5 and celebrates Grand Rapids’ Polish heritage. Noon-midnight Fri., 11 a.m.-midnight Sat., noon-11 p.m. Sun. pula skidays.org. Oct. 4-19 - Fall Parade of Homes: Lakeshore Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids present tours of homes of varying size, price range and style of construction. Remodeled homes tour Oct. 18-19. 1-9 p.m. Wed., Fri. and Sat. Tickets TBD. hbaggr.com.

Book your holiday party today. Bistro Chloe Elan offers 3 private dining areas for parties up to 75 people. Don’t fight downtown parking.... we have you covered in Ada with our no hassle front door parking. Holiday Gift Card Special through November: Buy $200 in gift cards and get $50 free! Buy $500 and get $125 free!

445 Ada Drive SE ~ in Thornapple Village 616.432.3345 ~ www.chloeelan.com

Oct. 4-Nov. 2 - Forest of Fear: 13th annual interactive haunted attraction in the Caledonia woods sponsored by Kentwood Jaycees. See website for hours. 8758 Patterson Road, Caledonia. $13 adults, $10 age 10 and younger. forestoffear.com. Oct. 5 - Eastown-Grand Haven Fallfest: Celebration begins at 9 a.m. with 5K run in Grand Haven, plus kids events, parade and Taste of Eastown. East Grand River Park, Grand Haven. eastowngrandhaven.org. Oct. 5 - Fuel Your Fire 5K Run/Walk: Wolverine World Wide Family YMCA hosts this event to benefit North Kent Community Service Center’s emergency pantry; bring nonperishable food item to registration. 9 a.m. 6555 Jupiter Ave. NE, Rockford. $30 (grymca. org/programs/detail/fuel-your-fire-5k-walkrun).

A local favorite for over 30 years Our menu mixes traditional favorites with creative new dishes

Oct. 5 - Light the Night Walk: Annual twomile walk by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raises funds for cancer research. 5 p.m. festivities, 7 p.m. walk. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Free. lightthe night.org/mi.

relay race and kids marathon. See Sports

OCT. 26 - ZOMBIE DASH: Sign up for this 5K night-time run as a zombie or a runner/survivor. Either way, it’s a fun (and scary) way to get ready for Halloween. The

event is sponsored by Gazelle Sports and begins at 6:30 p.m at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown GR. See Sports

616-957-1111 28th Street at Patterson in the Hilton Grand Rapids Airport www.hiltongrandrapids.com/spinnaker OCTOBER 2013 / GRMAG.COM 79

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out & about Where to Go / What to do

Oct 27

Comedy & nightclub venues

1/ The Toasters, a NYC ska band, will play at Founders Brewing Co.

Compiled by emma HiGGins

1/ FOUNDerS breWING cO.: Oct. 27: New York City ska band

The Toasters has been touring the globe for 33 years since breaking out in 1981. This year The Toasters has played two North American tours and gigs in South America, Europe, Southeast Asia and Russia. Music starts at 9 p.m. Free event. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, 776-2182, founderbrewing.com. 2/ bILLY’S LOUNGe: Oct. 10: Urban folk rock band Blue Dirt formed in 2008 and plays original and cover songs. The members are aficionados of blues, jam, grass, dub reggae and rock. Show begins at 8:30. $5 cover charge. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com.

Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. No cover charge. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 451-0775, mulliga ns-pub.com.

The B.O.B: The Big Old Building houses several entertainment options: Crush Thu.-Sun. (Crush Is Country, live country music every Fri.); live music at Bobarino’s Tue.Sat.; Eve (Fri. and Sat.); stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins (see below). 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob. com. Diversions: Nightclub offers video bar, dance floor, karaoke, special events. 10 Fountain St. NW, 451-3800, diversionsnightclub.com. Dr. Grins Comedy Club: 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.

Monte’s Lounge: Drink specials and dancing every Fri. and Sat. 438 Bridge St. NW, 774-5969, montes lounge.com.

The Intersection: Large downtown nightclub hosts local and national bands. Tickets at Purple East, Shakedown, Vertigo Music and box office. 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 4518232, sectionlive.com.

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

J. Gardellas: Dance Club Fri. and Sat. nights on third floor feature DJ Kermit. 11 Ionia Ave. SW, 459-8824, jgardellastavern.com.

The Pyramid Scheme: Heartside pub and live music venue. Tickets: FusionShows.com, Vertigo Music and Pyramid Scheme front bar. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, 272-3758, pyramid schemebar.com.

Grand Woods Lounge: Restaurant/bar with dance floor, DJs Thu.Sat. 77 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-4300, grandwoodslounge.com.

River City Improv: Comedy team weaves skits, games and songs with

audience suggestions. Calvin College Gezon Auditorium, 3201 Burton St. SE. Tickets at rivercityimprov.com or Calvin box office, 526-6282, or at door. Rocky’s Bar & Grill: Dancing every Fri. featuring DJs and live acts. 633 Ottawa Ave. NW, 356-2346, rockysbarngrill.com. Stella’s Whisky Lounge: Retro Dance Party with DJ Todd Ernst every Sat. 53 Commerce Ave. SW, 7424444, stellasgr.com. Sunday Night Funnies: Midwest comics perform 8:30 p.m. Sun. Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge, 270 Ann St. NW, Facebook. Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill: Live acts, including comedy (2nd and 4th Tue.) and music. 760 Butterworth St. SW, 272-3910, Facebook.

PhotoGraPhy courtesy meGalith records (toP); daniel novak (bottom)

2/ Blue Dirt is performing at Billy’s Lounge, Oct. 10.

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only the right palette of colors can create

Oct. 5 - Red Flannel Festival: 74th annual festival features a pirate theme, plus car and tractor shows, chicken BBQ, Queen Scholarship Pageant, bed races and parade. Downtown Cedar Springs. redflannelfestival.org.

a masterpiece. This is where nature has painted a landscape unrivaled in its vibrant beauty. From fall color tours to fall golf, or to simply get away and relax, the appeal is timeless.

Oct. 5 - Step Out Walk To Stop Diabetes: Two-mile walk through downtown GR raises awareness and funds for diabetes. 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk. Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR. Free. diabetes.org/ stepoutgrandrapids. Oct. 5 - VanderFest: Fourth annual craft beer and cider festival. 4-10 p.m. Vander Mill, 14921 Cleveland, Spring Lake. Tickets TBD. vanderfest.com. Oct. 5 - Walk for Wishes West Michigan: Family-friendly 5K walk benefits Make-AWish Foundation of Michigan. 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk. Meijer Gardens, 1000 East Beltline Ave. $20 adults, kids 17 and under free (wishmich.org/walkforwishes). Oct. 5 - Wedgwood Wellness 5K Run/ Walk: Fundraiser for Wedgwood services and tribute to Terry Chamberlain. 7:30-8:30 a.m. check-in, 9 a.m. run. Wedgwood Christian Services, 3300 36th St. SE. $25. wedgwood. org/5K.

Photography courtesy Megalith Records (top); Daniel Novak (bottom)

Oct. 5-6 - Blue Coast Artists Studio Tour: 24th annual tour of 12 studios between South Haven and Saugatuck featuring artwork, demonstrations and refreshments. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. bluecoastartists.com. Free.

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Oct. 5-6 - GVSU Renaissance Faire: Part of the Shakespeare Festival; includes bagpipers, jugglers, sword-fighting demonstrations, dancing, vendors, kids activities. Begins 10 a.m. On the greensward near Cook Carillon Tower, GVSU Allendale campus. gvsu.edu. shakes. Free. Oct. 5-6 - Rockford Harvest Festival: Includes entertainment, scarecrow building, hayrides, chili cook-off, kids activities and car show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Rockford. rockfordmichamber.com. Oct. 6 - Holland Train Show: Presented by GR Model Railroad Historical Society. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Holland Civic Center, 150 W. 8th St. $5 adults, kids 12 and under free. Oct. 10 - Couture for a Cure: Exclusive preview of Holiday 2013 and Spring 2014 collections from designer Cynthia Rose, plus cocktail reception and fashion preview from Leighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing store. Proceeds support research and education at Van Andel Institute. 6-8 p.m. VAI, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE. $75, $125 VIP (vai.org).

888-672-5626 | northpointe.com

Oct. 10 - Wine, Women and Chocolate: SevOctober 2013 / Grmag.com 81

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

enth annual Women’s Resource Center benefit includes hors d’oeuvres, wine, gourmet chocolates, auction and raffle. 5-7:30 p.m. Thousand Oaks Golf Club, 4100 Thousand Oaks Drive. Tickets TBD (458-5443 or grwrc. org).

Oct. 12 - Autoimmune Walk: Inaugural walk to raise awareness and funds for autoimmune disorders. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR. Free. autoimmunewalk.org. Oct. 12 - Bark in the Dark: Humane Society of West Michigan’s 5K run/walk benefit. Well-behaved dogs welcome. 5:30 p.m. registration, 7 p.m. run. 3077 Wilson NW. $30 (7918089 or bit.ly/barkinthedark). hswestmi.org. Oct. 12 - Bee Brave 5K Run/Walk: Breast cancer awareness run/walk near Thornapple River in southeast Kent County. 9 a.m. Catamount Farms, 6195 Buttrick Ave., Alto. $30. beebrave.com. Oct. 12 - Comic-Con: Costumes, car show, art show, anime and special guests. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming. $5 (at door). grcomiccon. com. Oct. 12 - Gaines Township Heritage Festival: Antique tractor show and parade, craft show, farmers market, hayrides, kids scavenger hunt, Civil War reenactment, scarecrow costume contest and firefighters’ hot dog roast. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Prairie Wolf Park, 8555 Kalamazoo Ave., Caledonia. Oct. 12 - Heart Walk: American Heart Association’s walk celebrates healthy living. 8 a.m. check in, 9:20 a.m. walk. Ab-Nab-Awen Park, downtown GR. grandrapidsheartwalk. org. Free. Oct. 12 - Lowell Harvest Celebration: Craft show, farmers market, chili cook-off, pet expo, family fun run/walk. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lowell Fairgrounds. lowellchamber.org/harvest celebration.html. Oct. 12 - The Carve: Nationwide culinary students compete in a fruit- and vegetable-carving competition. Holland Farmers Market, 8th St. Market Place, 150 W. 8th St., Holland. the carve.org. Oct. 12 - Wine & Wig Gala: West Michigan Woman presents new event benefiting Susan G. Komen West Michigan. Includes dinner, cocktails, entertainment, silent auction. 6-10 p.m. GR Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center. $100 (westmichiganwoman.com/wineandwig). Oct. 12-13 - Bridal Show: West Michigan Wedding Association presents wedding vendors including caterers, florists, photog-

raphers, honeymoon destinations, DJs and more. 2-7 p.m. Sat., noon-4 p.m Sun. DeVos Place. $7 (at door). westmichiganwedding association.org.

Oct. 12-13 - Fennville Goose Festival: 30th annual event includes parades, arts and crafts, car show, live entertainment, petting zoo, 5K run and more. Downtown Fennville. fennvillegoosefestival.org. Oct. 14-20 - Spa Week: Participating spas and wellness centers across the country offer signature services for $50 each. spaweek. com. Oct. 17 - Hope on the Hill Gala: 13th annual cancer benefit, A Night in the Secret Garden, includes local cuisine, martinis, live music and performance by The Silhouettes. 6 p.m. Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE. $200 (vai.org). Oct. 18 - Master Arts Theatre Showcase Banquet: Annual fundraising dinner. 6 p.m. Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th St. SE. Free; donations accepted (455-1001 or master arts.org). Oct. 19 - Beer Romp: Self-guided craft beer and food tour through downtown GR with 15-20 locations. $40 (beerromp.com), $50 at event. Oct. 19 - GRMom2Mom Craft Sale: Proceeds benefit Christian-based moms group. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Frontline Community Church, 4411 Plainfield Ave. NE. Free. Oct. 19 - Groovewalk: Visit 12 locations to hear 12 bands in downtown Holland with GrooveXpress rides and drink/appetizer specials. 9 p.m. Purchase wristbands to gain access: $10 in advance, $15 at door. groovewalk. com. Oct. 19 - Run Thru the Rapids/Fitness Expo: 5K/10K run benefits YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin Scholarship Fund. 9 a.m. run, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Health and Fitness Expo, 1:30 p.m. kids marathon. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW. runthrutherapids.com. Oct. 19-20 - Alpacafest: 18th annual Michigan International Alpacafest. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. DeltaPlex. Free. alpa cafest.org. Oct. 24 - Fork Fest: Local First fundraising evening featuring food and beverage samples from local restaurants, farms, grocers, bakeries, breweries and more. 5-9 p.m. Romence Gardens, 265 Lakeside Drive NE. Tickets TBD (616-808-3788 or localfirst.com). Oct. 24 - GRCM Trick or Treat: Children’s Museum hosts a Halloween party for trick or

treaters. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 22 Sheldon Ave. NE. $1.50 age 1 and up. grcm.org.

Oct. 24 - Great Artist Gala: St. Cecilia Music Center presents saxophonist David Sanborn and pianist Bob James at its annual fundraising gala. 6 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. concert. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $75. scmc-online.org. Oct. 24 - Run 4 Your Life 5K Fun Run: Run through downtown Holland and to the spooky Windmill Island to support Holland Free Health Clinic. Includes Lil’Pun’kins mini-run for kids 10 and under; costumes encouraged. 5:30 p.m. Curragh Irish Pub, 73 E. 8th St., Holland. $25, $15 additional family members. hfh clinic.org. Oct. 24 - Toasting Hope: Third annual West Michigan fundraiser for Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan includes wine and beer tasting, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, silent/ live auctions. 6:30 p.m. City Flats Ballroom, 77 Monroe Center St. NW. $75 (800-377-6226 or epilepsymichigan.org), $85 (at door). Oct. 25-26 - MOPS Consignment Sale: Mothers of Preschoolers hosts a sale of kids’ clothing, toys, books, equipment and maternity clothes. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-noon Sat. Sunshine Community Church, 3300 East Beltline Ave. NE. Oct. 26 - Family Halloween Party: CandyLand themed party hosted by Children’s Dyslexia Center of West Michigan includes games, food, DJ, dancing, prizes. 5-11 p.m. Masonic Temple, 233 E. Fulton St. $5 adults, $1 kids. dyslexiatutoring.org. Oct. 26 - Grand Haven Wedding Walk: Free, open-house-style wedding expo with food and beverage sampling, workshops and fashion show. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Downtown Grand Haven. grandhavenweddingwalk.com. Oct. 26 - Halloween on Ionia: McFadden’s Irish Saloon presents a street party in downtown GR with live entertainment and costume contest with cash prizes. 21 and older. 2 p.m.-midnight. Ionia Ave. between Weston and Oakes. $10 (McFadden’s, HopCat, GR Brewing Co., Stella’s Lounge, ticketweb.com), $15 (at gate). Oct. 26 - Saugatuck Halloween Harvest Festival: Music, entertainment, storytelling, arts and crafts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Costume parade at 4 p.m. Downtown Saugatuck.

Sports Oct. 5 - Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race: Biking, running, orienteering and Amazing Race-type challenges through Art-

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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. Prize venues in downtown GR. 9 a.m. AhNab-Awen Park, downtown GR. $65, $130 team. grurbanadventurerace.com.

Oct. 12 - colorburst bicycle tour: Rapid Wheelmen Bicycle Club hosts this tour, which has 17-, 30-, 62- and 100-mile loops, raising money for MADD of Kent County and other local charities. Registration and pancake breakfast 8 a.m. Event ends 4:30 p.m. Fallasburg Park, Lowell. $35, $60 family. rapidwheelmen.com/colorburst.html. Oct. 18 - Grand rapids Griffins: Grand Rapids’ American Hockey League team, primary affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, season home opener. 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $14$32 (Van Andel box office, Meijer or Star Tickets). griffinshockey.com.

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Oct. 19 - cornerstone University Alumni and Friends 5K: 19th annual 5K around campus. 7:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race. Hansen Athletic Center, Cornerstone University, 1001 East Beltline Ave. NE. $25 adults, $12 students. cornerstone.edu/alumni-5k.

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Oct. 20 - Metro Health Grand rapids Marathon: Tenth annual certified 26.2-mile course around downtown GR, plus half marathon, relay race and kids marathon. 8 a.m. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW. grand rapidsmarathon.com.

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Oct. 26 - Zombie Dash: Gazelle Sports sponsors a 5K night-time run, flag football course. 6:30 p.m. Ah-Nab-Awen Park, downtown GR. $45 runners, $15 zombies with shirt, free for zombies. thezombiedash.com.

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StAGe & FiLM thru Oct. 5 - “Much Ado About Nothing”: GVSU’s Shakespeare Festival. 7:30 p.m. Thu.Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Louis Armstrong Theatre, PAC, Allendale campus. $14 adults, $12 seniors, $6 students (616-331-2300, box office or Star Tickets). gvsu.edu/artscalendar. thru Oct. 5 - “Oliver”: Master Arts Theatre presents the story of an orphan who lives a life of crime on the streets. 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat. 75 77th St. SW. $18 adults, $16 seniors and students (455-1001 or master arts.org). thru Oct. 5 - “Great American trailer Park Musical”: Muskegon Civic Theatre presents a love triangle that results when a new tenant moves into Armadillo Acres. 7:30 p.m., 3 p.m. Sun. Beardsley Theater, Muskegon. $19 adults, $17 seniors (MCT or Frauenthal box offices or Star Tickets). muskegoncivicthe atre.org. Oct. 1-6 - “Jersey boys”: Broadway Grand

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Rapids presents the story of four blue-collar kids who become Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. See website for times. DeVos Performance Hall. $32-$72 (DeVos Place, Van Andel and BGR box offices or Ticketmaster). broadwaygrandrapids.com.

Oct. 4-12 - “Oh, The Humanity”: Hope College Theatre presents a play about two people seeking to find meaning and direction in life. 8 p.m. DeWitt Theater, Hope College, Holland. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 students and children (hope.edu). Oct. 5 - Gallagher’s Last Smash Tour: American comedian, famous for smashing watermelons during his show. 7 p.m. show, meet and greet 5:30 p.m. Ceglarek Fine Arts Center, 10760 68th Ave., Allendale. $20-$30 (800-956-9324 or allendale.k12.mi.us/allen dalefinearts). Oct. 5-6 - “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: CARE Ballet presents a one-hour student performance. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom NE. $15 adults, $10 students (464-3682 or careballet.org). Oct. 12 - Saugatuck Shorts: New short film competition screens top 10 film submissions and awards three prizes. 6:30 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. $35 adults, $10 students (sc4a.org). Oct. 17-27 - “The Whipping Man”: Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids presents a story set in 1865 of a wounded officer and two slaves. 8 p.m., 3 p.m. Sun. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $20 adults, $18 seniors, $5 students (box office or 234-3946). jtgr.org. Oct. 18-27 - “The Giver”: GR Civic Theatre presents the story of a utopian society and a boy chosen to become the Receiver of Memory. 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. 30 N. Division Ave. $16-$28 (222-6650 or grct.org).

Oct. 25-27 - “Beyond Therapy”: GVSU presents a farcical comedy about two Manhattanites seeking stable relationships with the help of their therapists. 7:30 p.m. Louis Armstrong Theatre, PAC, Allendale campus. $6 (616-331-2300, box office or Star Tickets), $7 (at door). gvsu.edu/theatre. Oct. 25-Nov. 2 - “Dracula”: GR Ballet’s Halloween production about the famous vampire. 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth SW. $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 children, $12 students (box office, 454-4771, ext. 10, or Ticketmaster). grballet. com.

Music Oct. 5 - Bassnectar Immersive Music Tour: Freeform electronic musician and DJ. All ages welcome. 8 p.m. DeltaPlex Arena. $37.50 (at door). Oct. 5 - “Musical Visions”: GR Symphony’s Crowe Horwath MusicNOW Series explores the music of composer Bill Hill. 8 p.m. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth SW. $18 and up (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org. Oct. 5 - Tiempo Libre: Cuban timba music concert features high-energy blend of salsa, R&B and traditional Cuban music. 8 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. $30 (sc4a.org). Oct. 10 - “An Acoustic Evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin”: Songwriters perform intimate folk/country concert. 7:30 p.m. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $38-$50 (box office, 493-8966 or Ticketmaster). fhfineartscenter.com. Oct. 11 - All Sons & Daughters: Christian acoustic folk duo. 8 p.m. Calvin College FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $10 (Calvin box office, 526-6282 or calvin.edu/boxoffice).

Oct. 18-Nov. 2 - “Over the River and Through the Woods”: LowellArts Thebes Players present a family comedy. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 play; 1 p.m./2 p.m. Sun. Larkins Dinner Theatre, 301 W. Main St., Lowell. $25 dinner and show, $13 show only (897-8545). lowellartsmi.org.

Oct. 11 - MAJIC Concert Series: Musical Arts for Justice in the Community hosts progressive bluegrass band Fauxgrass Quartet. 7:30 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. SW. $10 suggested donation; proceeds benefit GR Coalition to End Homelessness. Facebook.

Oct. 19 - Real to Reel Series: Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents the film “Gasland Part II.” 7 p.m. 400 Culver St. Free. sc4a.org.

Oct. 11-12 - Mighty Wurlitzer Concerts: GR Public Museum’s theater organ concerts feature Charlie Balough. 7-9 p.m. Fri., 2-4 p.m. Sat. Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $10 adults, $5 children 3-17, $8/$4 members (ticket counter or 456-3977).

Oct. 24-26 - Thriller Chiller: Locally grown film festival celebrates horror, action, sci-fi and suspense movies. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. $40 weekend pass, day passes also available (box office or thrillerchiller. com).

Oct. 11-12 - “Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto”: GR Symphony presents soaring melodies and technical fireworks. 8 p.m. DeVos Perfor-

mance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymp hony.org.

Oct. 13 - “Percussion Explosion”: GR Symphony’s Family Series presents a one-hour concert with free pre-concert activities for kids 8-13. 3 p.m. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $15 adults, $9 kids (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org. Oct. 17 - “Broadway Rox: The Best of Broadway Rocked by Broadway’s Best”: Live concert of popular hits from more than 20 Broadway musicals. 7:30 p.m. Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center. $42.50 adults, $22.50 students (box office, 878-6800 or vsfac.com). Oct. 19 - “Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses”: GR Symphony’s SymphonicBoom concert features popular video game series with live music performed by the orchestra. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $37$100 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org. Oct. 20 - The Temptations: Motown concert. 7:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $39.50-$49.50 (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster). Oct. 22 - Josh Groban: Singer/songwriter performs In the Round tour with guest Judith Hill. 7:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $39.50$84.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). Oct. 24 - Calje: Hope College’s Great Performance Series presents the Chicago Afro-Latin jazz ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Dimnent Chapel. $18 adults, $13 seniors, $6 students and children (hope.edu). Oct. 24 - Chris Tomlin: Contemporary Christian musician presents his Burning Lights Tour with Louie Giglio. 7:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $19.50-$36 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). Oct. 25 - Cowboy Junkies: Alternative country-folk-blues band. 8 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. $39 (sc4a.org). Oct. 25-26 - “Mozart and Schubert”: GR Symphony presents Mozart’s only composition to feature the harp, paired with Schubert’s final completed symphony. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org. Oct. 27 - Needtobreathe: American rock band. 8 p.m. Calvin College FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $25 (Calvin box office, 5266282 or calvin.edu/boxoffice).

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Oct. 30 - “An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt”: Singers/songwriters perform American country concert. 7:30 p.m. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $49.50-$61.50 (box office, 493-8966 or Ticketmaster). fhfineartscenter.com.

Lectures & Workshops Oct. - GR Public Libraries: Programs include: Ask-a-Lawyer Series, Reading the Great Lakes, book sale, community resource and senior volunteer fair, Remarkable Ramona Park, Dia de los Muertos, Early Childhood Essentials, small business classes, author visits, adult computer classes, reading clubs. Kids activities include: Literacy classes for babies, toddlers and kids; Young Dancers; and Creative Movement. Complete schedule at Main Library, 111 Library St. NE, or grpl.org.

Pop Evil: A band with purpose Local band Pop Evil has been touring relentlessly since its first studio album was released in 2008. But the road to success wasn’t easy. “It’s been a long journey,” said lead singer Leigh Kakaty. “We took a lot of heat for playing covers, but we developed our system and made it work. We had a dream and we knew it wasn’t going to happen overnight.” The band’s third album, “Onyx,” has helped it advance to being the power it set out to be when it formed in 2001. The top single “Trenches” gave the band its first No. 1 Rock Radio single in June. The band has toured with Three Doors Down, Papa Roach, Puddle of Mudd, Theory of a Deadman, Buckcherry and Seether. “We’ve got that blue collar following,” Kakaty said. “People see that we’re constantly on the climb, doing it from the ground up.” Pop Evil members still love to perform in West Michigan. “In the early days, we always said we wanted to get out,” Kakaty said. “But it’s — Pat Evans home. Coming back always brings us back to our roots.”

Oct. - KCAD Classes: Kendall College of Art and Design offers continuing study classes. Oct. 2, 9, 16, Glass Blowing. Oct. 12, Alla Prima Painting, and Etsy: Setting Up Your Shop. Times and prices vary. kcad.edu/youth-andadults. Oct. - Kent District Libraries: Programs include Connecting to the Past: Pine Hill Cemetery Walk, book discussions, Early Childhood Essentials, career transition workshops. Kids programs include story times, Connect with an Author: Mo Willems, Star Wars Reads, Happy Birthday Amelia Bedelia, and Awesome Autumn Adventure. See kdl.org. Oct. - Moveir Dance Studio: Group lessons in line dancing, Latin, etc., 7-8 p.m. Sat. followed by open dance 8-11 p.m. 2483 Burlingame SW, Wyoming. $10 lesson, $10 open dance, $15 both. moveirdancestudio.com.

Photography Courtesy Jayme Thornton

Oct. - Social Dance Studio: Group lessons in ballroom styles. 7-8 p.m. every Fri.; open dance 8-11 p.m. 4335 Lake Michigan Drive. $10 lesson, $10 open dance, $15 both. social dancestudiogr.com. Thru Oct. 15 - Swing Dancing: Outdoor swing dancing and instruction in downtown GR 7-10 p.m. every Tue. Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center, downtown GR. grandrapids originalswingsociety.com. Oct. 2 - GRCC Diversity Lecture Series: “Immigration: Not Legal, Not Leaving” by Jose Antonio Vargas. 7 p.m. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Free. grcc.edu/lecture. Oct. 3-4 - Institute for Healing Racism: Two-day workshop connects people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds to discuss thought-provoking topics. GRCC Diversity Learning Center. $200-$300 (234-3390, grcc.edu/ihr).

Oct. 7, 17 - GGR Chapter Mothers and More: Oct. 7, Open House. Oct. 17, Halloween DIY on the Cheap. 7-9 p.m. St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1448 Grace Drive. grmothersandmo re.org. Free. Oct. 10 - Gerald R. Ford Museum lecture: “Ike’s Bluff: President Eisenhower’s Secret Battle to Save the World” by Evan Thomas, journalist and author. 7 p.m. 303 Pearl St. NW. Reservations: 254-0384 or ford_events@nara. gov. fordlibrarymuseum.gov Oct. 11-12 - Great Lakes History Conference: GVSU hosts annual conference; this year’s theme is Collisions and Encounters: Migrations in a Global Perspective, 15th Century to Present. Pew Grand Rapids Campus. $20. gvsu.edu/history. Oct. 11, 25 - Grand River Folk Arts Society: Dance instruction. 7 p.m. Oct. 11, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE ($5). 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Fourth Friday Contra Dance/Jam, Fifth Street Hall, 701 5th St. NW ($9 adults, $7 members, $5 students/seniors). grfolkarts.org. Oct. 15 - Dyslexia Seminar: Info from New Chapter Learning. 6:30 p.m. Grandville Mid-

dle School, 3535 Wilson Ave., Room 200. Registration: 534-1385. newchapterlearning.net.

Oct. 15 - Nourishing Ways of West Michigan: Movie Night. 7-8:30 p.m. Location TBD. nourishingways.org. Free. Oct. 17 - Divorce Seminar for Women: Monthly seminar provides legal, psychological and financial info. 6 p.m. Women’s Health Pavilion, 555 MidTowne St. NE. $45 (divorce seminar.org). Oct. 19 - 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.). Women’s City Club, 254 E. Fulton St. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both. dancegr.com. Oct. 24 - Calvin Passport to Adventure: “Yellowstone’s Trails and Tails” with Sandy Mortimer. 7 p.m. Calvin Covenant FAC. $6 adults, $3 students (at door, box office or 5266282). Oct. 24 - Stephanie Schlatter Art Class: Wine bottles. 6-8 p.m. 2100 Timberpoint, Ada. $50 (includes supplies, snacks, beverages). Pre-registration encouraged. stephanie schlatterart.com. October 2013 / Grmag.com 85

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Museums & Attractions Compiled by Tricia van Zelst

Landscapes tell stories of America’s past When Dana Friis Hansen begins a sentence with “Forgive me if I ramble,” you know he’s excited about something. And the executive director of the Grand Rapids Art Museum is stoked about the upcoming Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting 1820-1950, a collection of 48 paintings on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. “One of the key stories in this exhibit is how Americans discovered America through art,” he said. “There are so many stories embedded in each painting.” Artists include Thomas Cole, Albert Bierstadt, Martin Johnson Heade, George Inness, Winslow Homer, Arthur Dove, Georgia O’Keeffe and others — “key masters who shaped American art,” Childe Hassam, “Bathing Pool,” Appledore, 1907 Friis Hansen said. “Artists were on the forefront of charting and documenting what America looked like.” The exhibit also has environmental overtones, he explained. “This museum is the first LEED Gold certified art museum and our goal is to be a greener GRAM. Many of the landscapes portrayed in this exhibit have been destroyed or built upon. It gives us an opportunity to think about preservation for future generations.” Grand Rapids is the first U.S. city to host the exhibit. GRAM is planning a variety of — Marty Primeau activities and events. For info, visit gram.com.

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. $3. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandfordnature center.org. Coopersville & Marne Railway: Restored 1920s-era railway. Special event: 14-mile, 90-minute Pumpkin Train includes trip to pumpkin patch for kids to pick their own pumpkin. Sat. and Sun. (see website for times and prices). Regular excursion rides 11 a.m. Wed. 311 Danforth St., Coopersville, 997-7000, coopersvilleandmarne.org. Coopersville Farm Museum: Special exhibitions: Oct. 17-Dec. 12, Animals on the Farm Photo and Art Contest. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Wine & Cheese (Beer & Chocolate) Tasting Event ($15). Acoustic Jam Nights 6-9 p.m. first and third Tue. Line Dancing 7-9 p.m. Fri. nights Oct. 11-Nov. 29. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 26, Kids Day. Permanent exhibitions: Tractors, quilts, eclipse windmill, kids area. Open Tue.-Sat. $4 adults, $2 age 4-18, kids 3 and under free. 375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersvillefarmmuseum.org. DeGraaf Nature Center: 18-acre preserve with Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch. For workshops and classes, see website. Closed Sun., Mon., holidays. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, (616) 3551057, cityofholland.com/degraafnaturecenter. Free. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Special exhibitions: Thru Oct. 6, ArtPrize. Thru Oct. 31, Bernar Venet, five large-scale steel sculptures. Thru Jan. 5, Shattered: Contemporary Sculpture in Glass. Special events: Oct. 5-6, Fall Bon-

Albert Bierstadt “The Buffalo Trail,” about 1867

Photography courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

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sai Show. Thru Oct. 27, Chrysanthemums and More! Oct. 19-20, Giant Pumpkins at Michigan’s Farm Garden. Oct. 20, Mum Day and Giant Tissue Paper Mums. Permanent attractions: World-class sculptures indoors and in 30-acre park; tropical conservatory, café/restaurant, gift shop. Open daily. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $6 age 5-13, $4 age 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 9571580, meijergardens.org. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Special exhibition: Thru May 2014, Growing Up Grand, a look at Ford’s formative years, including photos, documents, artifacts and sets of his Union Street home, Boy Scout camp, Bill’s Place. Special events: See Lectures and Workshops. Permanent exhibitions: The 1970s, Watergate, Oval Office, New Mood at the White House. Open daily. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 age 6-18, kids 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St. NW, 2540400, fordlibrarymuseum.gov. Gilmore Car Museum: Special events: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30, Gilmore Spooktacular, trick or treating, hayrides, costume contest ($5/child, adults free). Permanent exhibitions: Automotive Heritage Center and six other buildings house exhibits and 150 vehicles (open all year). Another 150 vehicles in restored barns on 90-acre campus open thru Nov. 30. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $9 age 7-15, kids 6 and under free. 6865 Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, (269) 671-5089, gilmorecarmuseum.org.

seniors, $4 students, kids 5 and under free. Cappon House: 228 W. 9th St.; Settlers House: 190 W. 9th St.; Main building: 31 W. 10th St., (616) 7963329, hollandmuseum.org. John Ball Zoo: Special events: Oct. 25-27, Zoo Goes Boo includes trick or treating. Attractions: Meijer Grizzly Bear Exhibit, Jandernoa Children’s Outpost, Lions of Lake Manyara, Mokomboso Valley Chimps, Spider Monkey Island, Living Shores Aquarium. Open daily. $5 adults and seniors, $4 kids 3-13, kids under 2 free. 1300 W. Fulton St., 336-4300, johnballzoosociety.org. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibitions: Thru Dec. 1, Copley to Kentridge: What’s New in the Collection? Thru Feb. 2, Mountains and Waters, Landscape Paintings from China. Thru Dec. 8, Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review. Oct. 5-Jan. 26, Boo! Images of the Macabre. Closed Mon. $5 adults, $2 students with ID, kids 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. Muskegon Museum of Art: Special events: Oct. 12, Free Family Fun Day. Oct. 24, Bernhardt on Broadway, live musical performance ($35). Oct. 26, What’s It Worth Road Show ($15 per appraisal). MMA Arts and Humanities Festival all month, see ahfest.org. Special exhibitions: Thru Oct. 27, Andrea Kowch: Dream Fields. Thru Nov. 3, Cyril Lixenburg: An Artist’s Journey, and Mark Beltchenko: Narratives in Steel and Stone. Thru Nov. 7, Promises of Freedom. Thru Nov. 10, The French Connection. Oct. 31-Jan. 19, Jason Quigno: Harmony in Stone. Permanent exhibitions: Paintings, prints, sculpture and glass. Closed Mon. and Tue. $7 adults (Thu. free), $5 students, kids under 17 free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 7202570, muskegonartmuseum.org. Tri-Cities Historical Museum: 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 operated by GR Amateur Astronomical Association. Public viewing dates and times thru Oct. 26: graaa. org. 3308 Kissing Rock Ave. SE, Lowell.

Photography courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Oct. 6, ArtPrize 2013. Oct. 20-Jan. 12, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting 1820-1950. Thru Oct. 27, Cyril Lixenberg: The Story of Steel Water. Permanent exhibitions: 19th and 20th century art; design and modern craft; prints, drawings, photographs. Friday Nights at GRAM: Music, gallery talks, cash bar, dinner options 5-9 p.m. $5 adults. Drop-in Family Saturdays: Artmaking activities for kids and families, kid-friendly tours, 1-4 p.m. Closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/ students, $5 age 6-17, kids 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Special events/activities: See GRCM Trick or Treat in Special Events. Thru Oct. 31, Science Month, Happy Animal Clinic and To the Rescue. 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 adults, $6.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 22 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org. Grand Rapids Public Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Oct. 6, ArtPrize. Thru Nov., Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Storms and Stories. Thru Dec. 31, Grandmother Power: A Global Phenomenon. Oct. 26-April 27, Dinosaurs Unearthed. Permanent exhibitions: Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Anishinabek and Newcomers: People of This Place, Collecting A-Z, Furniture City, 1928 carousel ($1). $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 age 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grmuseum.org. Holland Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Dec. 30, From Craft to Industry: The Boat Builders of Holland, and Harnessing the Wind. Permanent exhibitions: Dutch Galleries of 17th- to 20th-century paintings; cultural attractions from the “old country”; local history. Closed Tue. $7 adults, $6 October 2013 / Grmag.com 87

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out & about society / faces / Places

Daniel Coleman and Claire Phillippi

Jeff and Janna Melville and Rick Treur

Christina Keller and Kim McLaughlin Terry Johnston and Roberta King

Sarah Rainero and Daniela Andrei

Caitlin Kennon and Monica Clark

cAPtUrING tHe ActION ArOUND tOWN:

snap shots

AtteNDeeS At tHe 3rD GreeN GALA, sponsored by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, feasted on locally sourced cuisine and listened to tunes by Fauxgrass at the Plante Moran/ Christman Building at Fish Ladder Park Aug. 22. Car connoisseurs lined a 15-mile stretch of 28th Street Aug. 23-24 to watch as new, classic and custom vehicles participated in the 9th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise. On Aug. 17-18, more than 9,000 people turned out for the second Grand Jazz Fest to hear local and national musicians at Rosa Parks Circle.

1911 Pierce Arrrow Model 48 owned and driven by Robert and Betty Reenders

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny quirin

Mark Reenders and his daughter Danielle in their Ford Model T

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Joann Miggins-Clark and Ida Miggins

Devin Higgins and Debbie Carlos

Larry and Cynthia Davis Crowd at Jazz Fest

Photography by michael buck (top); johnny quirin (bottom)

Photography by johnny quirin

Denny Byker and Bella

1930 LaSalle 7-passenger touring car with owner Mark Reenders

Arlyn Lohman with his Studebaker

Pinup girl contestants Becky Biesiada and Allison Jacot October 2013 / Grmag.com 89

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SHoWcaSe artHUr MUrraY FrancHiSed dance StUdioS KentWood:  tH Street, Se | .. plainField:  plainField ave. ne | ..

WWW. artHUrMUrraYgr.coM

grandville:  rivertoWn parKWaY, SUite  | ..

WWW.artHUrMUrraYgv.coM

A century of teaching the world to dance BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

PICTURE A WELCOMING PLACE aglow with the sounds of friendly greetings, convivial laughter and up-tempo music. On the spacious dance ﬂoor, dancers learn their steps under the gentle guidance of professionally trained instructors… You’ve just pictured the iconic Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios. For just over a century, Arthur Murray has been teaching the world to dance. Three local studios are among the more than 200 franchises around the globe. It’s a second-generation business for sisters Julie Spearin and Leslie Sharp, co-franchisees of the Kentwood and Plainfield locations. Their mother, Maggie Spearin, opened her first Grand Rapids’ studio in 1989. Three decades earlier, she had been a teacher in the Phoenix studio, where she met their father. He had worked for the real Arthur Murray at his 5th Avenue studio in New York in the 1950s. “We grew up in the business. Our parents owned studios our whole lives,” noted Leslie, a professional dancer

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who has ranked among the top six ballroom dance competitors in the country. She also judges competitions and serves on the National Dance Board. Their former staff members, Jenifer and Matt Werdon, are franchisees of the Grandville studio. A pioneer of dance instruction and a mid-century TV staple, Arthur Murray developed his renowned instruction method through the analysis and mapping of dance moves. He then divided them into easily taught steps, opening the world of dance to the common man and making its joy accessible to everyone. Continuing that tradition is the mission of GR’s Arthur Murray Dance Studios. Their dance instructors and staff regularly attend professional association conferences to maintain their leading edge on the latest dances and learner-friendly teaching techniques. Students also benefit from the expertise of traveling dance consultants and guest coaches that visit monthly. Instruction is geared for adults and can be enjoyed at any age. Some students start-

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ed dancing in their 80s. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, blue collar, white collar, no collar, singles and couples: Arthur Murray students come from all walks of life. “But they all have enjoyment of dancing in common,” observed Julie, who was one of the top supervisors in the organization for many years. The rewards go well beyond learning to dance. It’s a fun way to exercise and it’s done in a safe learning environment. It’s also a confidence booster. Students report one of the most noted benefits – aside from the enjoyment of their fellow dancers – is pure stress relief. “It provides a temporary escape from the real world,” Jenifer Werdon explained. “It’s a physical, mental, and spiritual challenge that involves the whole body, mind, and spirit that re-energizes you.”

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“Many people come in thinking they have two left feet or no rhythm at all, and then they discover a whole different potential in themselves,” Leslie added. “There are those who have always dreamt about dancing, and we help make their dreams come true.” For some married couples, it’s a regular date night. “It’s a night away from the television and you get to hold each other. It’s like you’re dating again,” she said. Arthur Murray Dance Studios offer low-cost introductory lessons, and students enjoy weekly practice sessions in the studio. Learn the latest steps for today’s dances: Salsa, Merengue, Rumba, Night Club, Fox Trot, Country, Ballroom, Hustle, Swing, Cha Cha, Tango, Mambo and more. Visit arthurmurraygr.com and put a little dance in your life.

Above: From left to right; Leslie Sharp, Martin Perez, Justin Kaiser and Julie Spearin Photo by Michael Buck

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SHoWcaSe BerendS HendricKS StUit inSUrance agencY, inc.  tH Street SW, grandville .. HUdSonville: .. BYron center: .. Holland: .. KalaMaZoo: ..

The right choice

BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

YOU NEVER KNOW when you might need it, but there is great peace of mind in knowing that you have the right insurance in place when it is needed. Whether you are a business owner seeking benefit coverage, assistance navigating the health care reform, risk management, wellness plans, comprehensive Human Resource consulting or 401k programs for your employees, or you are an individual looking for the best protection for your property and family, you’ll find it at Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance Agency. Whatever the need, Berends Hendricks Stuit has the

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right insurance for you. A local agency with a national presence, they service clients all over the country, offering insurance protection, risk management, employee benefits and financial services to the people and organizations they serve. With core values based on integrity and the highest ethical standards, BHS is recognized as a “BEST Practices” agency within the insurance industry and has been lauded with numerous top-level awards and honors as they approach their 75th anniversary. “We are an organization that strives to do what’s right,” explained shareholder and business principal, Jerry Niewiek. “Our success relates back to the early days when this organization’s founders laid our foundation with values strongly rooted in ethics and moral commitment. It is important to us that we continue that legacy.” Another important BHS value is contributing to the health and well being of the communities in which they serve. “We have been blessed, and we take it as our responsibility to be an organization that gives back,” Niewiek noted. With a constant focus on the best interests of their clients, BHS agents are on the forefront of breaking developments within the industry. This is especially important in today’s ever-changing world of technological advances and healthcare reform. Niewiek acknowledges the superior talents and unmatched services provided by the detail-oriented BHS team

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members. “We’re an organization that is built on the talent of our employees. Our success is truly our people,” he said, making note of their commitment to continuing education. “We are a team, and those of us that are owners are merely team leaders; we know that our success is not about us. It’s about hiring great people, supporting them with proper education and training, and then getting out of their way and letting them do what they do best. That’s a very big part of what has led to our success.” The insurance professionals at BHS include specialists in many business markets and industries, from non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, energy and public entities to contractors, financial institutions, manufacturing, the food industry and retail operations. They have developed an interactive process known as ResultsPlus that allows them a deeper understanding of each client, their businesses and the needs of its as-

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sociates, ensuring a service plan that creates a stronger and more productive organization, as well as happier employees. “We strive to be an organization that our clients and insurance companies want to do business with, as well as an organization that our people want to be a part of; that is important to the success of who we are,” Niewiek added. From personal insurance, property and casualty to employee benefits, complete with financial services, retirement planning, and access to the BHS value-added services team who can help develop wellness programs, healthcare plans and provide Human Resource assistance, Berends Hendricks Stuit Insurance has got you covered. They’re your West Michigan neighbor with national clout. Headquartered in Grandville, they also have branch offices in Holland, Hudsonville, Kalamazoo and Byron Center. Call or visit www.bhsins.com for more information.

Above: Left to Right: Tom Stuit, Zack VandenBerg, Pat Dalton, Steve Olson and Sharon VanLoon. Photo by Michael Buck Facing page: BHS has five locations in West Michigan. This is the Grandville office, located at 44th Street and Ivanrest.

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Special advertiSing Section

SHoWcaSe HarveY aUtoMotive

,  &  tH Street Se grand rapidS, Mi  HarveY cadillac: ... HarveY leXUS: ... tHriFtY car SaleS & rental: ... ...caddY ...leXUS ...

Harvey Automotive: They have it all!

SINCE 1966, Harvey Automotive has been earning West Michigan’s trust, one customer at a time. With a business philosophy p hilosophy predicated on incomparable customer servvice, ice, Harvey Duthler opened his Cadillac dealership to bring top-of-the-line luxury vehicles to the Grand Rapids market. That unwavering standard continues today, but has evolved to include a beautiful full-service campus

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BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

that offers quality automobiles and comprehensive automotive services to suit every need and meet any budget. Stretching from 2500 to 2600 28th Street SE, the Harvey Automotive campus offers a vast selection of both new and pre-owned certified cars through its Cadillac, Lexus and Thrifty of Grand Rapids dealerships – where you can even take advantage of rental options.

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Special Advertising Section

Owner and President, John M. Leese, is passionate about cars and proud to carry on the tradition established by his father-in-law almost 50 years ago. “We feel we should treat customers like guests in our home,” said the Grand Rapids native who has been with the dealership throughout his career. He credits their customercentered credo as the source for their longevity and wellearned trustworthy reputation. “Plus I have a lot of very capable, long-term employees that I think of as my secret weapon,” Leese added. “I have surrounded myself with great people who are very customer focused. That’s why our customers return year after year and generation after generation.” Over the past decade, Leese has firmly established Harvey Automotive as the destination for those in the market for a new car. Whether your aspirations lean toward luxury, you’re all about performance, or you seek something a little more utilitarian, Harvey has it. They also repair and service all makes and models, and offer

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full-service collision services as well. The addition of their Thrifty dealership in 2010 really made them your onestop car-shop location, where you’ll find a great selection of certified, pre-owned vehicles in all makes and models at budget-friendly price points. And if you just need to rent a car, Thrifty has that covered, too. At Harvey Cadillac and Harvey Lexus, you’ll find an equally impressive array of higher-end pre-owned cars, from Buicks and Toyotas to BMWs, Mercedes-Benz and, of course, Cadillac and Lexus vehicles. “We are very proud to be in Grand Rapids, serving all of West Michigan,” Leese noted. “We’d like to thank the people of West Michigan for partnering in our success all these years. We appreciate their business very much and look forward to serving them for years to come.” Now you know why the song says: “Luxury. Performance. Utility: By Harvey.” It’s because Harvey Automotive has it all.

Facing page: President & Owner of Harvey Automotive - John M. Leese’s first job in 1978 was preparing new vehicles for customer delivery, and he’s still in the customer service business! Photo by Michael Buck Left: The 2013 North American Car of the Year- The All New Cadillac ATS! Below: The All New 2014 Lexus IS shows off the new distinctive Lexus look!

8/26/13 10:09 AM

after thoughts

Q:a

As owner of The Cottage Bar and One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom, Dan Verhil demonstrates that food and philanthropy can go hand-in-hand.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

an Verhil started The Cottage Bar’s Annual Chili CookOff 32 years ago, raising more than $145,000 for Gilda’s Club. For more than a decade, WYCE’s Hat Trick Series was held at One Trick Pony on Monday nights, with donations totaling $75,000 distributed to more than 90 local charities. Now he’s working with singer Ralston Bowles and the Earthwork Music Collective to host Monday night concerts by a variety of Michigan acts to raise funds for area nonprofits. Recognizing Verhil’s philanthropic efforts, the Michigan Restaurant Association honored him as the Michigan Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year. The award goes to restaurant owners who go “above and beyond in community service and aim to inspire other restaurateurs to get or stay involved in their local communities.” WHEN I’M BORED I … I don’t ever get bored. Remember, I’m in the restaurant industry. MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My sense of humor. DAY OR NIGHT PERSON? Both. WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND? I get on my Harley and go for a long ride. WHAT PERSON WOULD YOU LOVE TO MEET? Bono. YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT? I have yet to experience that moment. YOUR WORST HABIT? Working too many hours. FAVORITE FOOD? Currently, the tacos at Taqueria San Jose. ONE FOOD YOU CAN’T STAND... I have not met a food that I won’t eat.

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Luxury. Performance. Utility. By Harvey. Since 1966.

The New 2014 Cadillac SRX Crossover

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*Options additional. Starting MSRP of 2014 SRX crossover with rear wheel drive - plus tax, title, lic, & fees to qualfied buyers.

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