Grand Rapids Magazine - December 2018

CELEBRATING CITY LIFE

www.grmag.com

Homes that have it all

Modern, sustainable homes can still be warm and inviting

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FINDING FRIENDS WHEN YOU’RE NEW TO GR

DECEMBER 2018

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From left: Johanna R. Krebiehl, MD, John D. Renucci, MD, FACS, Douglas L. Vander Woude, MD, FACS, David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS, Marguerite E. Aitken, MD, FACS

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AROUND THE WORLD

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2018

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Contents DECEMBER 2018 / VOL. 55 / NO. 12

FEATURES 30 / Homes that have it all Grand Rapids-area houses offer modernism, warmth, sustainability and one-of-a-kind living spaces.

BY LAUREN SPANGLER

36

36 / Finding friends Life coach suggests following passions to meet new people in a new city.

BY JULIE BONNER WILLIAMS

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contents DECEMBER 2018 / VOL. 55 / NO. 12

departments BACK & FORTH 10 / From the Editor, contributors and letters

74 / Nosh & sip: Making use of vermouth

24

80 / Cocktail hour: Holiday milk punch

12 / Social media, GRMag.com sneak peeks, previews and more

82

LIFE & STYLE 14 / Noteworthy items include the BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley, Under the Vines and winter fun at Outside Coffee Co.

The architecture of these buildings strips away an overreliance on contrived massing and overwrought materials while effectively breaking from the current fads of too much architectural gimmickry and not enough architectural thought.

60

CAUSE & EFFECT 82 / D.A. Blodgett St. John’s OUT & ABOUT 86 / December highlights 87 / Calendar

15 / Rodolfo Gonzales Interior Design in downtown GR

88 / Comedy & nightclub venue listings and highlights

16 / Health & wellness: Blending psychology and the metaphysical

92 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights 94 / Snap shots

19

18 / Reading room: “Uncharted Waters: Romance, Adventure, and Advocacy on the Great Lakes” by Mary McKSchmidt

96 / After thoughts: Jennifer Maxson of Jennifer Maxson & Associates

19 / GR’s Top 5 places for tea lovers ART & DESIGN 20 / Artist profile: “Coming Home” at UICA 22 / Art gallery listings and highlights

92

24 / Frame works: GR’s West Side development ON THE COVER: Deer Haven is a LEED Platinum pending home heavily influenced by sustainable design and an emphasis on outdoor living space. Learn more in “Homes that have it all” on page 30.

FOOD & DRINK 60 / Dining review: Reserve 62 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan 66 / Chef profile: Stephan VanHeulen at Cygnus 27

15

Photography courtesy Jason Keen

8 GRMAG.COM \ DECEMBER 2018

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BRINGING A

FRESH PERSPECTIVE TO GRAND RAPIDS NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURES & SKIN CARE

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IMPLANT-BASED • MALE BREAST REDUCTION

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) • LIPOSUCTION • FAT GRAFTING • ARM LIFT (BRACHIOPLASTY)

THIGH LIFT • BODY CONTOURING AFTER MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS • CHEST WALL RECONSTRUCTION • LOWER EXTREMITY RECONSTRUCTION • SKIN

CANCER RECONSTRUCTION • AFTER RESECTION SCAR REVISION • LACERATION REPAIR

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back & forth CONNECT WITH US

No place like home

T

THE WEATHER MAY BE FRIGHTFUL, but for many Grand Rapidians, there’s no place like home this time of year.

Those looking for ways to spruce up their own dwelling may feel inspired this month. In this month’s feature, “Homes that have it all,” GRM contributing writer Lauren Spangler took a peek inside two Grand Rapids homes that have been designed with modern, sustainable features while still feeling warm and inviting, with attractive attributes like abundant natural light, neutral colors, material palettes and even a bio-

fuel fireplace. And on page 15, contributor Marla R. Miller got in touch with Rodolfo Gonzales, who opened Rodolfo Gonzales Interior Design downtown this summer, bringing a touch of nostalgia back to the Furniture City: “Returning to his roots, accomplished designer Rodolfo Gonzales wanted to return Baker Furniture to its roots as well, by bringing a ‘big city’ furniture showroom back to downtown.”

Reading Room this month features the work of Mary McKSchmidt, a passionate Michigander with hope for positive change. As McKSchmidt told GRM contributor Sam Easter, “My hope is that when people read this book, they will ... write an email to their congressman or to the governor or to their representative, and just ask, ‘What have you done for the health of the Great Lakes recently? What are you going to do?’”

Cause & Effect reveals the inspiring efforts of D.A. Blodgett St. John’s this holiday season. As contributing writer Ann Byle noted, “Providing holiday gifts for roughly 1,000 kids — all ages, all sizes, all different needs — is no easy task for the D.A. Blodgett St. John’s staff. But they do it because the children DABSJ serves, almost all of whom are in foster or residential care, deserve something for Christmas.”

Amid the many stresses of the holiday season, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy your loved ones, too.

Sarah Tincher Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

This month we asked some of our contributors, “What’s your favorite holiday tradition?”

Ann Byle,

Kara McNabb,

Julie Bonner Williams,

WRITER

WRITER

WRITER

“HOLIDAY HELP FOR HURTING CHILDREN,” PAGE 82

“BLENDING TECHNIQUES,” PAGE 16

“FINDING FRIENDS,” PAGE 36

“Making cranberry orange bread from my mom’s recipe and hanging the ornaments that each of my four kids made for me in kindergarten.”

“Creating Christmas morning magic for my son and going to Lake Michigan on Christmas day.”

“My husband and I are avid antiques collectors, and around the holidays, we spend a lot of time in antiques malls buying antique Christmas ornaments.”

Correction: The September issue dining review incorrectly identified the chef at Donkey Taqueria. Daryl Rector is the executive chef and Shawn Polluch is a line cook.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK

Q&A:

10 GRAND RAPIDS \ DECEMBER 2018

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Imagine yourself with a new smile..

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK

Call us today to learn how you can have the Healthiest and Most Beautiful Smile in All of West Michigan!

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US GRAND RAPID’S “BEST DENTIST” FOR 6 CONSECUTIVE YEARS!

Dr. Thomas J. Lambert D.D.S. 3300 Grand Ridge Dr NE | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 | Phone 616.364.6490

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back & forth CONNECT WITH US

Inside Grand Rapids Magazine Stay connected with Grand Rapids Magazine in print, at grmag.com and on social media.

Coming up next issue …

Best of Grand Rapids It’s time, once again, for Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll! See where your favorite people and places stack up.

READY TO COZY UP WITH A HOT CUP OF TEA? Find our favorite tea specialists around Grand Rapids on page 19 and at grmag.com.

Satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting Rise Bakery and Squibb Coffee’s new venture. Visit grmag.com

On the radio

Trying to figure out what to wear this winter? Check out our feature story on personal stylists. Visit grmag.com

Join Managing Editor Sarah Tincher at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays, as she presents the Weekend City Guide with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio FM 88.5 and 95.3.

When do you start looking forward to the holidays?

Our social media followers respond: 15% All year round!

18% October

Keep those New Year’s resolutions with tips from area experts.

Keeping it dry this January? GR|MAG offers up some alcohol-free cocktails to help you.

NEXT MONTH’S QUESTION: 18% December 49% November

What do you look forward to most in January?

We want to hear from you There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Email: letters@grmag.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or Facebook: @grmag Twitter: @grmagazine Instagram: @grmagazine on social media:

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (FAR LEFT & FAR RIGHT); COURTESY RISE BAKERY (TOP CENTER); OLIVIA FITZPATRICK (LOWER CENTER); THINKSTOCK (BOTTOM RIGHT)

At grmag.com

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TM

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com

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EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: Sarah Tincher COPY EDITOR: Tom Mitsos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Joseph A. Becherer, Jaye Beeler, Ann Byle, Ira Craaven, Pat Evans, Sam Easter, Elissa Hillary, Kara McNabb, Marla R. Miller, Mark F. Miller, Torrence R. O’Haire, Amy Ruis, Tylee Shay, Lauren Spangler, Julie Bonner Williams, Tricia van Zelst

DESIGN & PRODUCTION NEW MEDIA, DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER: Scott Sommerfeld ART COORDINATOR: Kelly J. Nugent DESIGNERS/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS:

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (FAR LEFT & FAR RIGHT); COURTESY RISE BAKERY (TOP CENTER); OLIVIA FITZPATRICK (LOWER CENTER); THINKSTOCK (BOTTOM RIGHT)

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Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Media. Publishing offices: 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo @grmag.com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag. com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2018 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444.

Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $4.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

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

noteworthy INTERESTING TIDBITS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Coffee in the garden

It takes a village

O

wner Sandra Otte was determined to reopen Under the Vines, 959 Cherry St. SE, after a fire damaged the building in August. The store is full of Michigan-made products, from beer, wine and cider to food items and gifts — one of the motives behind Otte’s determination. “If I cannot sell products, that’s their loss, too,” Otte said.

About six weeks later, on the grand reopening day, the East Hills neighborhood came together to support Under the Vines, with 23 nearby stores offering discounts to customers who shopped at — ALLISON ARNOLD Under the Vines that day.

The goal of Outside Coffee Co. is to create a cozy environment and a place for people to reconnect outdoors, even in the winter. Outside Coffee Co. will be participating in the Holiday Shop Hop, in addition to offering holiday drink specials.

— ALLISON ARNOLD

THE BYOB HOLIDAY LIGHTS TROLLEY will be cruising around Grand Rapids for the second year this holiday season, featuring scenic, four-hour tours of the city’s best holiday light displays. In addition to the festive displays, this holiday party on wheels includes light snacks, gift bags, music trivia and prizes, and guests are free to bring their own adult beverages to enjoy on the ride.

Tours are available Wednesdays through Saturdays throughout the month of December.

Book a tour on the BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley or find more information online at holiday lightstrolley.com.

— ALLISON ARNOLD

Top center and above: Under the Vines owner Sandra Otte with Michigan-made products.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP CENTER, RIGHT); COURTESY BOB TAYLOR (BOTTOM); OUTSIDE COFFEE CO. (TOP LEFT)

Located outside Woosah Outfitters, 738 Wealthy St. SE, is a 1956 camperturned-coffee shop, serving delicious drinks and snacks, including gluten-free and vegan options. Outside Coffee Co. has gained popularity for its charm and uniqueness, situated in a community garden with hammocks, Adirondack chairs and, now, three igloos made from transparent plastic and PVC pipe, complete with heaters, allowing the coffee shop to stay open year-round.

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Bringing GR back to its roots

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP CENTER, RIGHT); COURTESY BOB TAYLOR (BOTTOM); OUTSIDE COFFEE CO. (TOP LEFT)

R

eturning to his roots, accomplished designer Rodolfo Gonzales wanted to return Baker Furniture to its roots as well, by bringing a “big city” furniture showroom back to downtown.

After months of hunting for the perfect space, he and co-owner Robert Gross opened the upscale showroom featuring Baker Furniture and other high-end lines in the historic Peck Building.

Rodolfo Gonzales Interior Design, 40 Monroe Center NW, is the only authorized Baker dealer in the area. Baker’s history dates back over a century with factories in Allegan, Holland and Grand Rapids, but the company relocated its production facilities to North Carolina in 2006.

“We thought there was a great historical connection,” Gross said. “We wanted to be part of the downtown. We wanted something with character.”

The 4,200-square-foot space offers more than 250 furniture pieces on the floor and a fine art gallery representing artists from throughout the region and world.

RGID’s full-service interior design services include custom designs for new construction, room renovations and interior furnishings. They work with client builders, architects and individuals to ensure customer satisfaction from order to delivery and comprehensive integrated design.

Services include floor planning, remodeling, general contractor coordination, staging, lighting design, custom millwork, cabinetry and furniture.

“We’re more of a boutique interior design firm when it comes to execution,” Gonzales said. “I design the whole project and let the client execute it at their leisure.”

While individuals can walk in and order off the showroom, they focus on building client relationships and help customers select furniture styles, fabrics and colors to create a custom piece that will last for years to come.

“Really, what I do is match the piece to the person,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales, whose design career spans more than 30 years, grew up in Holland and began his career with Baker Furniture doing IT support. Both of his parents also

“We’re more of a boutique interior design firm when it comes to execution. I design the whole project and let the client execute it at their leisure.”

— Rodolfo Gonzales worked for Baker. His dad was a carver and his mother painted and hand-glazed furniture.

In the 1990s, he transferred to Chicago to intern for the furniture company’s design department while attending Harrington Institute of Interior Design. He worked his way up from a designer in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart to lead interior designer for Baker Furniture’s retail and trade showrooms.

RGID opened its first showroom and design studio in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2007. Gonzales said it was his experience with Baker that led to connections with other high-end furniture manufacturers.

“They allowed Bob and I to really build our business off our relationships with them,” he said. “We’ve been able to maintain a really beautiful symbiotic relationship within the design industry.”

Gonzales and Gross, a Grand Rapids native, relocated from North Carolina to open their business in Grand Rapids. They also have an office in Chicago, and Gonzales travels the country to work with existing clients.

— MARLA R. MILLER

DECEMBER 2018 / GRMAG.COM 15

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health & wellness

BY KARA MCNABB

Rachel Gerson works with a client.

“Being psychic is a normal human thing.

Psychic senses include hearing, sight, smell, taste, intuition, feeling and sensing energy, and more.”

— Rachel Gerson

RACHEL GERSON WAS diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder at age 20, though she acknowledges experiencing manic and depressive episodes since childhood.

Two years later, however, she was undiagnosed by two separate psychologists.

Her approach to healing didn’t include medication; rather, it led with unconventional, and quite intentional, practices that blended psychology and the metaphysical.

Gerson attributes her bipolar symptoms to intense psychic experiences. Psychic can be defined as relating to the psyche (mind, personality, soul) and as sensitivity to nonphysical sources or influences.

By using mindfulness to track her behavior on an hourly basis, she said she began to notice that every episode coincided with people around her experiencing heightened anxiety, excitement, depression or change.

Gerson said it became clear that learning to manage her psychic sensitivity to others’ emotional energy was imperative. “Energy is the space between molecules. It’s the stuff we can’t see, and each of us is influenced by energy,” she said. If you’ve ever walked into a room and noticed “you could cut the tension with a knife,”

you’ve felt the energy of emotion.

“Every person has their own essence,” Gerson said. “When other energies infiltrate another person’s field, it can dampen or push out your own essence — the core of who you are.”

With this awareness, metaphysical practices that helped to clear energy and reconnect to her core, in tandem with cognitive behavioral therapy, were key to the undiagnosis and, ultimately, living free of manic and depressive episodes.

Not all energy infiltration results in severe mental illness. “When you get a cold, your body’s immune system fights off what’s not yours,” Gerson said. “The same is true for energy. Your body might fight energy that’s not yours with anxiety, for example,” which may be accompanied by other physical symptoms, like itching, butterflies in the belly, tingling or chills.

“Being psychic is a normal human thing,” Gerson said. “Psychic senses include hearing, sight, smell, taste, intuition, feeling and sensing energy, and more.” You might recognize these as clairvoyance (seeing), clairsentience (physical feeling) or claircognizance (knowing), for example.

“The more open you are to your emotions, thoughts and physical sensations, the more likely you are open to the psychic part of yourself, as well,” she said. But too often, these experiences are deemed as crazy, which brings a heavy sense of shame, exacerbating the issues.

This drives Gerson’s passion to bridge Western mental health practice and metaphysics. By combining her 13 years of metaphysical experience and her studies in mental health (she’s currently pursuing her degree), she helps others understand, uncover, manage and normalize their psychic senses in tandem with their doctors and medication through her business, Doorway to Self.

— Kara McNabb is a traditional naturopathic practitioner at Continuum Healing and member of the Wellness Collective Grand Rapids. Follow her on Instagram at @grandrapidsnaturopath.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN

Blending techniques

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AROUND THE WORLD

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2018

PARTY ‘TIL DAWN SLEEP ‘TIL NOON. Get ready for Grand Rapids’ most lavish New Year’s Eve party! Spend the night at the Amway Grand Plaza and get access to an epic, multi-ballroom party for the ages.

Travel from Iceland to Paris to Morocco in each of our extravagant ballrooms. After the ball drops, crash in a luxurious room and receive late check-out at 2pm!

To book or learn more, visit amwaygrand.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

@AMWAYGRANDPLAZA

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

READING ROOM

Navigating uncharted waters a piece of advice from a friend: “You are responsible for your efforts on this Earth, not necessarily the results.” It’s this remark that seems to echo through the book.

“Uncharted Waters” is available at Amazon and other booksellers online and around the country.

— SAM EASTER

“My hope is that when people read this book, they will choose to get engaged. That they will, maybe for the first time, write an email to their congressman or to the governor or to their representative...”

— Mary McKSchmidt

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (RIGHT); COURTESY MARYMCKSCHMIDT.COM (LEFT); THINKSTOCK (BACKGROUND)

In Mary McKSchmidt’s latest book, “Uncharted Waters: Romance, Adventure, and Advocacy on the Great Lakes,” she’s sailing with her husband on Lake Michigan, taking a view of its eastern edge, when she’s overcome by a nearly spiritual wonder. She’s scanning the shoreline for the spot she stood as a girl — recalling a vibrant springtime that left her in love with the water she sailed.

“At that moment, I suddenly realized how one-sided my relationship was with nature,” McKSchmidt said.

“I was euphoric in her presence yet knew so little. Intimacy ... required knowing, understanding and caring. It was, I realized, why I became informed and engaged in addressing the issues plaguing Lake Michigan.”

Capped with soaring images of the trees and the water, it’s perhaps the most poetic moment in “Uncharted Waters.” Released in July, the book combines McKSchmidt’s life story with her passion to protect those waters. We meet her as a Michigan State University undergraduate running out of money and scrounging for drinking water during a formative trip to South Africa. We watch her return to the U.S., learn to sail, marry her husband and navigate the business world, where she becomes a health care executive. But she’s drawn continually back to the lakes — where she seems most at home.

The book begins a memoir but finishes as a call to action. There are chapters about Flint’s water crisis, Asian carp and the Straits of Mackinac. In a passage about northwest Indiana, she bemoans lakeencroaching industry.

“My hope is that when people read this book, they will choose to get engaged,” McKSchmidt said. “That they will, maybe for the first time, write an email to their congressman or to the governor or to their representative, and just ask, ‘What have you done for the health of the Great Lakes recently? What are you going to do?’”

But she recalls throughout the book 18 GRMAG.COM \ DECEMBER 2018

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GRAND RAPIDS’ TOP 5

Clockwise from top center: Some of the fragrant blends found at Spice & Tea Merchants include Smoked Mango, Sunshine in Jamaica, Turmeric Ginger Rooibos, Jasmine Pearls, Thai Chai and White Christmas.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (RIGHT); COURTESY MARYMCKSCHMIDT.COM (LEFT); THINKSTOCK (BACKGROUND)

Teatime go-tos WITH COLD WEATHER UPON US, there’s no better time to enjoy a steaming hot cup of tea to warm the soul. Whether you’re looking for a place to sit down and relax or just need to restock your tea collection, there are plenty of tea specialists to visit around Grand Rapids.

Global Infusion has been a staple in the East Hills neighborhood since 2004, serving its famous chai and offering a large selection of organic looseleaf tea, coffee and spices for purchase. Grab a cup of tea and browse the fair-trade gifts, clothing and home goods from around the world. 143 Diamond Ave. SE. For over 10 years, The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand has been a go-to for the warm atmosphere, the great

beverages and treats, and the large selection of periodicals for purchase. Sparrows has a variety of loose-leaf tea to choose from, and the shop’s Dirty Harry (Earl Grey tea and honey latte) and Chai Masala are fan favorites. 1035 Wealthy St. SE.

In addition to offering delicious treats, teas and coffees, Le Bon Macaron also hosts Afternoon Tea. With a reservation, you can indulge in a mix of sweet treats accompanied by a hot pot of tea. 951 Cherry St. SE.

The Bitter End Coffeehouse, located on the West Side, has a large menu, including a variety of loose-leaf teas, delicious homemade chai and bubble tea, as well as coffee and snacks.

752 W. Fulton St.

Spice & Tea Merchants, located in the Downtown Market, not only sells numerous loose-leaf teas, infusers and teapots, but also an assortment of herbs and spices for cooking.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Celebrating the Mitten

W Above: Photographer Emily Najera and a sample of her Grand Rapids-based photos on display in UICA’s “Coming Home” exhibition.

Opposite page, top: Photo by “Coming Home” contributor Zachary Trebellas

ith unmatched beauty and natural wonders, eclectic cities and vast diversity, fascinating shorelines and endless outdoor splendor, Michigan always has been grounds for cultivating creativity and fostering inspiration — and a platform for many artists to discover and explore their craft.

In Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts’ “Coming Home” exhibition, the Mitten’s many artistic attributes come to life.

“Coming Home” is a collection of solo exhibitions from four emerging and established artists who either are from Michigan, currently based in Michigan or have spent a considerable amount of time in Michigan, and greatly attribute it to their creativity.

The exhibit highlights various parts of the state, with a specific spotlight on the city of Grand Rapids.

One of the artists featured in the gallery, Emily Najera, calls this exhibit her “homecoming.” Najera received her undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University,

then moved to Nevada to pursue work as a photographer and educator for a few years.

It wasn’t long before she returned to Grand Rapids, where she now is a visiting professor of photography at GVSU. Najera credited Michigan for much of her inspiration.

“Michigan is where I began as a photographer,” she said, “and it has influenced my practice and style in many ways.”

Najera’s “Coming Home” contribution is a collection of 20 photographs of Bridge Street that are a part of her larger body of work called “West Grand,” which she describes as a visual archive showcasing and documenting the everyday landscape of this familiar street.

“I began photographing Bridge Street in 2006. Ten years later, I was moved to pick the project back up,” Najera said. “My work is research-based and inspired by redevelopment. I chose locations based on quiet yet familiar beauty, and the series celebrates the individuality of the West Grand neighborhood.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN (LEFT); COURTESY EMILY NAJERA (RIGHT)

Artists pay homage to Michigan with locally inspired exhibition.

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“Pampille” necklace

by Dorine Decayeux, designer/creator of Vlum jewelry.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN (BOTTOM); COURTESY ZACHARY TREBELLAS (TOP)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN (LEFT); COURTESY EMILY NAJERA (RIGHT)

Zachary Trebellas, another artist featured in “Coming Home,” points the spotlight toward the Burton Heights neighborhood in a series of portraits called “Hidden Histories.”

Trebellas photographed several locations that are deteriorating, shuttered and deserted with the intent to shift the stigma about these sites. Trebellas said he hopes his artwork will cause viewers to find an underlying beauty and optimism in the destructed buildings throughout Burton Heights.

“By seeing those places alongside their proud residents, I want the audience to walk away with a positive association and remember that shuttered locations are not necessarily symbols of failure but can be symbols of joy,” he said.

After growing up in a Chicago suburb, Trebellas moved to Grand Rapids for its upward momentum, its focus on visual art and its surprisingly urban atmosphere. He said he’s been entranced by the River City ever since. “‘Coming Home’ is a very important exhibit, as it puts a spotlight on the great

talents living in or coming from our state,” Trebellas said. “I’m thankful to be a part of a Michigan-focused show.”

“Coming Home” also includes work by stone artist Jason Quigno and painter/illustrator Pat Perry. The exhibition will be on display at UICA through Jan. 25.

— TYLEE SHAY

“Coming Home” exhibitor Jason Quigno, a stone artist, exhibits work that tells Anishinaabe stories, history and legends, carving simple flowing lines and various textures from 5,000-pound granite boulders. Quigno’s exhibition within “Coming Home” includes dozens of pieces of work, including those shown here: “Truth,” “Wisdom,” “Bravery,” “Honesty,” “Love,” “Respect,” “Humility” and “River Stone,” as translated from the original Ojibwe.

Shop for the perfect gift! Introducing Vlum Jewelry - created in a Parisian workshop by sculpting fine tresses of vibrant nylon thread into wearable art.

The best selection of hand crafted designer jewelry is at Metal Art Studio!

978 Cherry St SE, GR MI 616-459-5075 shop@metalartstudioinc.com December Hours: Tu-Fr 10-6, Sat 11-4 DECEMBER 2018 / GRMAG.COM 21

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Thru.

Dec. 29 1/ “Coalesce” highlights work from a variety of local artists.

Local art galleries COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ LAFONTSEE GALLERIES: Grand Rapids location: Thru Dec. 29, “Coalesce” features artwork by various artists, including “And Yet There Were No Clouds” by Justin Kellner. Also, Dec. 8, Artist Demos and Boutique Trunk Show noon-4 p.m. 833 Lake Drive SE, 451-9820. Douglas location: 410 W. Center St., 451-3850. lafontsee.us.

2/ GVSU ART GALLERIES: Student artwork and exhibits by renowned artists. Allendale campus: Thru March 1, “Strange & Magical Beasts: Etchings by Tony Fitzpatrick” features 21 artworks of creatures drawn from the artist’s imagination at Kirkhof Center Gallery. Thru Dec. 14, “Wandering Seeds: Experiencing and Engaging Haiti Through Study Abroad” at Lake Ontario Hall. 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, 331-2563.

Pew Grand Rapids campus: Thru Dec. 14, “Plastination: The Art of Preservation” at Blue Wall Gallery.

DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton St., 331-3638, gvsu.edu/artgallery.

3/ FRANCISCAN LIFE PROCESS CENTER: Changing exhibits by local artists. Guardian Gallery - Grand Rapids: Thru Feb. 1, “Franciscan Artists Group Show.” 654 Davis St. NW. Guardian Gallery - Lowell: Thru Dec. 31, “Communicating Through Art” includes both abstract and realist artwork by Irene Bakhuyzen Wordhouse. 11650 Downes St. lifeprocesscenter.org.

Design Quest Gallery: Furniture store exhibits art in a gallery setting.

Thru Jan. 6, Modern Holidays Artisan Market. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-9911, designquest.biz.

Fed Galleries @ Kendall College of Art and Design: Work by contemporary visiting artists. Thru Dec. 7, “Indigenous Future Dreaming” by KCAD students. 17 Pearl St. NW, 451-2787, kcad.edu/galleries.

2/ “Strange & Magical Beasts” is at GVSU’s Allendale campus.

The Artist’s Studio: Studio and gallery with work by Jim Starkey and Rose Ellis; also custom framing. Thru Dec. 22, “New Works for Fall.” 40 Monroe Center NW, 454-6650, face book.com/theartistsstudio1.

Aquinas College Gallery: Work by students, faculty and visiting artists.

Thru Dec. 14, New Forms Class Exhibit. Art & Music building, 1607 Robinson Road SE, 632-8900, aquinas.edu/art/ gallery.

Calvin College Center Art Gallery: Student, faculty and alumni work, plus exhibits by visiting artists.

Thru Dec. 15, “Tia Wierenga and Elizabeth Brandt.” Thru Jan. 23, “Prints from the Permanent Collection.” Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE, 526-6271, calvin.edu/centerartgallery.

Cascade Art Gallery: Work by regional, national and international artists, plus multimedia art, print collection, glass, sculpture, jewelry, custom framing and gifts. 2840 Thornapple

Flat River Cottage: Fine art, jewelry, antiques and home décor; also, paintings by Kathleen Mooney. 317 E. Main St., Lowell, 897-8601, flatriver cottage.com.

Flat River Gallery & Framing: Artist cooperative shows work in a variety of mediums; plus gifts, framing and workshops. Dec. 1-Jan. 31, visiting artist Barbara Price; reception 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, 987-6737, flatrivergalleryandframing. com.

GRCC Collins Art Gallery: Exhibits by visiting artists, faculty and students. Thru Dec. 7, “Paul Collins Exhibition.” 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, 2343544, grcc.edu/artgallery.

LowellArts: Changing exhibitions of works by Michigan artists. Thru Dec. 23, Holiday Artists Market. 223 W. Main St., Lowell, 897-8545, lowell artsmi.org.

Heartside Gallery: Folk, outsider and intuitive art by self-taught Heartside residents. 48 S. Division Ave., 235-7211 ext. 103, heartside.org.

MercuryHead Gallery: A variety of work by local artists. Also, gifts, photo restoration, digital printing on canvas and framing. 962 E. Fulton St., 456-6022, facebook.com/mercuryhe adgallery.

Kruizenga Art Museum: Art from Hope College’s permanent collection and visiting exhibitions. Thru Dec. 15, “Living Tradition: Contemporary Ethiopian Christian Art from the Sobania Collection.” 271 Columbia Ave., Holland, 395-6400, hope.edu/kam.

Leep Art Gallery: Work by a variety of visiting artists. Thru Jan. 2, “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” by Kendra Postma. Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th St. SE, piner est.org/leep-art-gallery.

Terryberry Gallery: Local and international art. Thru Jan. 25, “Oh, Where Did the Summer Go?” by Jim Johnson; reception 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7. Lower level, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, scmc-online.org/visit-terryberry-gal lery.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts: Innovative contemporary exhibits and installations. Thru Jan. 25, “Coming Home” with work by Emily Najera, Pat Perry, Jason Quigno and Zachary Trebellas. Also, Dec. 1, UICA Holiday Artists Market. 2 W. Fulton St., 454-7000, uica.org.

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center: Artist-in-residence program offers exhibits by local and regional artists during the school year; also exhibits

by Forest Hills Public Schools students and staff. Thru Dec. 19, FHPS Staff & Community Exhibit; reception 6-7 p.m. Dec. 6. 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 493-8965, fhfineartscenter.com.

Van Singel Fine Arts Center: Changing exhibits by local artists.

Thru Jan. 11, “Mixed Media” by Byron Center Public School artists; reception 5-6 p.m. Dec. 17. 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, vsf ac.com/programming/art-gallery.

Fountain Street Church Keeler Gallery: Art exhibits in a variety of mediums by visiting artists. 24 Fountain St. NE, 459-8386, fountainstreet. org/art.

Gallery 154: Eastown gallery shows local and national multimedia art, gifts and jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154.com.

Merizon Studio: Art, mirror and glass design, custom framing and limited-edition prints by Armand Merizon. 9087 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia, 485-5752, merizonstudio.com.

Check websites for hours of operation.

3/ “Communicating Through Art” is at Lowell’s Guardian Gallery.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY LAFONTSEE GALLERIES (TOP); GVSU ART GALLERY (LEFT); IRENE BAKHUYZEN WORDHOUSE (BOTTOM)

River Drive SE, 949-4056, facebook. com/cascadeartgallery.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY LAFONTSEE GALLERIES (TOP); GVSU ART GALLERY (LEFT); IRENE BAKHUYZEN WORDHOUSE (BOTTOM)

frame works

BY MARK F. MILLER

Urban architecture: a way forward

intermixed with walls and storefronts, it does not fall into the trap of overly exaggerated vertical articulation.

The four stories above this base step back from the street wall, with the more prominent upper-level mass rendered in a single-color silver metal panel. The subordinate eastern upper level is clad in a slightly darker silver metal panel and red brick. This brick has a few strategically placed “basket weave” details below the punched window openings that accentuate the wall composition without confusing the architectural design. Both upper building masses include wall surfaces that align with the street-level pilasters and extend their verticality to the building cornice, subtly dividing the building into smaller elements that are consistent with the surrounding context and a human scale.

While the building on Bridge Street provides an example of how restrained design, simple masses, limited material and basic proportion can effectively make a better urban structure, the building to its north along Seward Avenue and First Street provides an equally compelling example for how to design urban architecture.

Facts & figures Integrated Architecture designed the market building along Bridge Street, while Lott3Metz Architecture designed the WMCAT building. The third building on this block, which will include affordable housing by the Inner City Christian Federation, will be designed by Progressive AE. The upper floors of the market building also house The Hendrik, a 116-unit apartment building above the grocery store.

The $60-million project includes a 300-space parking deck that will be masked from the street by the three buildings.

Bridge Street Market is a 37,000-square-foot urban grocery store owned by Meijer. The store boasts 22-foot ceilings, a Mayan Buzz Café and plenty of local products, including bread and croissants from Field & Fire Bakery and doughnuts from Sprinkles Donut Shop.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

MUCH HAS BEEN WRITTEN about Rockford Construction’s dynamic mixed-use development on the West Side of Grand Rapids since it was first announced in the summer of 2016. Extending from Seward to Stocking avenues on Bridge Street and anchored by a long-awaited urban grocery store, the project provides a refreshing example of urban architecture.

This architecture comprises two different buildings, each designed by a different architect, and relies on simple massing and composition, as well as a restrained use of materials to provide authenticity and scale that supports fine-grained urbanism.

The mixed-use building along Bridge Street is anchored at the ground level by a heavy masonry base rendered in a singlecolor tan brick that provides a street presence for the Bridge Street Market. Near the corner of Seward Avenue, this building base simply and effectively frames the entrance to the grocery store while providing three garagestyle doors designed to give the market an open-air atmosphere. The base is uncomplicated and dignified, and because it maintains a basic and regular cadence of pilasters 24 GRMAG.COM \ DECEMBER 2018

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

This three-story, L-shaped building, which includes ground-floor retail along First Street and the new offices of the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology on its third floor, takes simplicity and design restraint to another level. The building cladding essentially is limited to two different materials, and its form and massing, while modern, still follow the strictures of high-quality urban architecture.

The structure’s eastern façade along Seward is adorned with a single-color, deep red brick and hovers above a colonnade that defines access to the internal site parking. The size of the brick on this façade substantially accentuates the human scale by using a standard brick size rather than the larger brick sizes that are on so many new buildings, including the market. This material selection effectively maintains a scale that can be more credibly viewed while traveling at a 3 mph pedestrian speed, rather than a 40 mph car speed.

As the WMCAT building turns the corner at First Street, the upper-level brick gives way to silver metal panels that continue the Seward Street composition and mass by providing a relatively solid and horizontal element that floats above building columns. Like the eastern façade, the First Street building wall uses the structure of columns to accentuate vertical cadence at street level, providing a counterpoint to the market building’s more literal pilasters. These regularized columns define the street wall and help to frame the two storyglass curtain wall storefront that is set back from the sidewalk.

The architecture of these buildings strips away an overreliance on contrived massing and overwrought materials while effectively breaking from the current fads of too much architectural gimmickry and not enough architectural thought. These

buildings, using different levels of coherent architectural language, provide a new paradigm for urban fabric buildings — a paradigm, perhaps, from which we can learn as we establish a path forward in designing and building urban infill.

— Architect and planner Mark F. Miller is managing director of planning and design at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. He has led the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Not all scars show, not all wounds heal.

Sometimes you can’t always see the pain that someone feels.

Turn to Forest View Hospital to help with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance use.

Take the first step, help is a call away. We offer free confidential assessments and referrals 24/7.

1055 Medical Park Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

800-949-8439 • forestviewhospital

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HOLIDAY 2018

Harvey Cadillac Vibrant in design and purpose — meet the First-Ever Cadillac XT4.

Wishing you and yours the Season’s Best and a Happy New Year!

Cadillac Luxury Since 1966 HarveyCadillac.com

Stonesthrow Give the gift of contemporary style this Christmas. The Halifax chair is a modern accent chair with a laid-back, industrial feel. Upholstered panels rest on a precision welded, powder-coated steel frame. Walnut finished armrests help soften the strong lines of this unique design.

1428 Plainfield Avenue NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505 616.459.4167 www.stonesthrowliving.com

City Flats Hotel Create an environment worthy of a luxurious escape with our plush bamboo CityFlatsHotel bedding — your concierge to comfort. The CityDrēm and CitySlēp bedding make the perfect holiday gift this holiday season, learn more about our collection and browse products at CityShop.

Locations in Holland and Grand Rapids 616.796.2100 61 E 7th St Holland 83 Monroe Center St NW 616.451.1892 • cityflatshotel.com

Rylee’s Ace Hardware Your Helpful Place for Gift Buying.

When you think of Rylee’s you think of hardware, but we also have a great selection of gift items for stocking stuffers and gift exchanges that will keep you on budget.

Three Grand Rapids locations: Michigan St. 616.451.0724 Walker 616.453.7741 W. Fulton 616.233.4711 RyleesAce.com

Thomas J. Lambert, DDS Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry New to Grand Rapids, and just in time for the holidays — “Vlum” by Parisian jewelry designer Dorine Decayeux.

Dorine’s sculptural designs are delicate and graceful, light and vibrantly colorful, and you’ll only find them at Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry.

978 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49506 616.459.5075 • metalartstudioinc.com

Sparkling Smile! Whiten and brighten your smile for the Holidays! From whitening strips to custom whitening trays your new smile is waiting. $49-$299.

Gift certificates available.

3300 Grand Ridge Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616.364.6490 www.smilegrandrapids.com

Witte Travel & Tours This holiday season, surprise the travelers in your life with a gift that keeps on giving: a Witte Travel Gift Certificate! Gift certificates are available in any amount.

Order yours today!

3250 28th Street S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616.942.5112 vacation@wittetravel.com

The Williams Outlet The perfect way to enjoy music in the shower, the AquaTunes wireless Bluetooth speaker is waterproof, shock resistant and boasts great sound quality. It easily mounts to any standard shower rail and can be removed just as easily for true portability.

658 Richmond NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616.771.0505 www.thewilliamsoutlet.com

Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry

Cascade Optical Great sunglasses are the best way to get some color in the Michigan winter.

Cascade Optical keeps a large selection of hard-to-find brands such as Vuarnet, Anne et Valentin, DITA, and Moscot all season.

6740 CASCADE ROAD SE, Ste. 1 GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 cascade-optical.com 616.942.9886

Alpen Rose Restaurant and Catering Give the gift of good taste!

Alpenrose has gift cards available for Holiday gift giving in any amount.

Order online, call, or stop in today!

4 East 8th Street Holland, MI 49423 616.393.2111 alpenroserestaurant.com

For over 95 years we have been providing exquisite gifts.

From our renowned watch and jewelry lines to our one-of-a-kind custom designs, we have something for everyone.

4518 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids 616.363.4902 www.ShopMedawar.com

Women At Risk, International Give the gift of hope! If you’re looking for a creative way to pay it forward this Holiday season, consider donating on behalf of a loved one to Women At Risk, International, and make a powerful difference in the lives of women and children around the world.

2790 44th St SW Wyoming, MI 616.855.0796 warinternational.org

DeGraaf Interiors Perfect for Holiday Gatherings!

Stunning vinyl plank ooring from Coretec by UsFloors is the perfect look and waterproof, spill proof, pet proof and party proof! Available at our three locations; Hudsonville, Grand Rapids, and Cascade. www.degraafinteriors.com

DeVries Jewelers Since 1901 This Frederic Sage pendant is from the Venus Collection. We have many other pieces to choose from for the perfect holiday gift. DeVries Jewelers has been locally owned and operated since 1901.

411 Leonard ST NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616.454.6892Â

Grand Pearl Spa Give the gift of glowing skin.

Celebrate skin health and wellness this holiday season with a Grand Pearl Spa gift card. Grand Pearl offers the latest in luxurious skincare and beauty treatments to ensure you always look your absolute best.

Located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel 616 888 3100 GrandPearlSpa.com

Grand Rapids Magazine Grand Rapids Magazine offers special holiday gift subscriptions for just $15 each for a one-year subscription! A card will be sent to announce your gift.

Offer valid through 12/31/18.

616.459.4545 Shop.grmag.com/discount/GRMGIFT

Northwestern Home Furnishings Brighten and Sparkle their room and holidays with this grey leather and stainless steel accent chair.

637 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, 49503 616.454.4439 nwhomefurnishings.com

Shoremate Waterfront Products A gift for you and your family.

A Shoremate boat lift and dock to fit your lakefront needs. Treat everyone to the experience of getting on and off the water in no time.Contact us for our Holiday pricing.

9230 Belding Rd. NE Rockford, MI 616.874.5438 www.shore-mate.com

HOMES THAT HAVE IT ALL Grand Rapids-area houses offer modernism, warmth, sustainability and one-of-a-kind living spaces.

By Lauren Spangler

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BILL LINDHOUT

ROMENCE HOME T FIRST GLANCE, passersby might not assume that two homes — one on a large, secluded plot in the woods of Cascade, the other on a small lot in residential Grand Rapids — have much in common beyond a modern façade. They would be surprised to discover, however, that the homes, while unique in their own ways, share striking similarities once you step through their thresholds.

The homes, referred to as Deer Haven and the Romence House, were designed and crafted with meticulous planning and attention to detail to convey the values of their owners and to create modern, sustainable, functional and one-of-a-kind living spaces. Thomas and Evan Mathison, the father and son principals and cofounders of Mathison Mathison Architects, discussed their creative process, how the two homes came to be and the common

threads that connect the seemingly distinctive spaces.

The Romence House, named after the street it sits on, was completed in May and is situated in an established neighborhood on Grand Rapids’ northeast side. Nestled on a narrow lot among neighboring homes that have been in place for roughly 50 years, the home has curb appeal aplenty, with an inviting porch, a cheerful blue door and minimal, yet appealing, landscaping.

Inside, the space is open and airy, yet comfortable and warm. While the house is a modest 2,120 square feet, the circulation and design of the space lend the air of a much larger house. “One of the key objectives for this house, and for many of our projects, was that we never want to be walking or circulating through the house and see a wall at the end,” Evan said. “You always see out; even if a house is small, it feels much bigger.”

The Romence House was designed to be open and airy, sitting on an outdoor courtyard that serves as an extension of the indoor living space.

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While the Romence House is a modest 2,120 square feet, the home was designed to feel much larger, incorporating sustainable features such as ample natural light.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BILL LINDHOUT

“One of the key objectives for this house, and for many of our projects, was that we never want to be walking or circulating through the house and see a wall at the end. You always see out; even if a house is small, it feels much bigger.”

— Evan Mathison

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DEER HAVEN HOME

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JASON KEEN

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BILL LINDHOUT

The light-filled interior sits on an outdoor courtyard that serves as an extension of the indoor living space, complete with a screened-in porch, deck, grassy yard and raised garden beds. “They’re going to grow their own food. They have their own little environment, and really, it’s an outdoor room,” Evan said. “You’re always focused on an outdoor space rather than an indoor space. The planning of this house was always based on a void; the outdoor room was as important as the indoor rooms.”

In addition to the outdoor living space,

the house itself promotes sustainable design throughout. “The most sustainable thing about this house is the shape of it, the size of it, the orientation, where the windows are,” Evan said. “You don’t have to use lights at all in this house if it’s daytime; that’s kind of a cool thing for them.

You kind of have a different sensibility of the outdoors.”

The outdoor space was created with the intention of suitability for a young family. With plush grass, windows from which parents can keep watch, and the

Every aspect of the Deer Haven home was influenced by sustainable design, from the orientation of the home, which takes advantage of the sun, to a green roof and solar panels.

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Deer Haven, a 3,100-square-foot home settled on an acre lot in wooded Cascade, feels like a departure from the more modest Romence House at first blush. “The Deer Haven project is kind of in the woods; it’s allowed to sort of have a little bit of a free spirit,” said Evan, who, in addition to serving as the architect for the project, also owns and resides in the home. Despite its differences, the Deer Haven residence exemplifies many of the same qualities that make the Romence House so remarkable.

“I think what makes us interesting is that we integrate a warm and modern approach, which we think is a bit unique in West Michigan. We really integrate that with our sustainable thinking.”

— Evan Mathison

Deer Haven, situated on a wooded lot in Cascade, lends itself to the nature around it.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JASON KEEN

security and privacy of a space virtually enclosed by the surrounding houses, the courtyard is a perfect fit for families with children. “One of the things I liked about the courtyard concept was that they have small children, and the children could be outside playing in the yard and they could be supervised from virtually anywhere in the house because there were so many windows with eyes on the courtyard,” Thomas said.

Evan added, “Both of these houses were designed for families with small kids.”

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“The Deer Haven project is kind of in the woods; it’s allowed to sort of have a little bit of a free spirit.”

— Evan Mathison

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JASON KEEN

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JASON KEEN

Despite its modern design, Deer Haven still feels warm and cozy through minimal, neutral colors and material palettes, as well as utilizing natural elements.

Deer Haven is LEED Platinum pending, and every aspect of planning that went into the creation of the home was influenced by sustainable design. These details ranged from prioritizing the use of sustainable products; to the orientation of the house, which takes advantage of the natural path of the sun; to a green roof and solar panels, which aim to fulfill a larger goal down the line.

“There’s no gas or oil to this house. The fireplace is a biofuel,” Thomas said. “Your utility bills are extremely low.”

“In eight years, we’ll probably double the amount of solar that goes on the house and cut from the grid,” Evan added, “but now, we just kind of wanted to get the systems in place. So much of having a house that’s sustainable is just learning how to use it.”

Deer Haven, like Romence House, also emphasizes outdoor living space. The home features a large deck, which faces the back of the home’s wooded lot and is partially covered by a built-in trellis. “The deck is where we spend a lot of our time, so thinking about the sun trellis and how that helps protect the direct sunlight from these big windows, that was kind of a big thing,” Evan said. “At the same time, it creates the sense of an outdoor room, so it kind of does two things. And with sustainability, you’re always wanting to think about how each decision you make can impact not just the performance but also the experience and the feeling you get.”

While distinctly modern in feel and form, the Romence House and Deer Haven

residence manage to feel undeniably warm. This has been achieved primarily through the intentional use of minimal, neutral colors and material palettes, as well as utilizing natural design elements. “I think what makes us interesting is that we integrate a warm and modern approach, which we think is a bit unique in West Michigan,” Evan said. “We really integrate that with our sustainable thinking.”

The two homes, while individualistic in scale and environment, share a commonality in the care and precision by which they were imagined, the process by which they were designed and the attention to detail by which they were crafted.

“We talk about this concept a lot, this ‘one plus one equals 10.’ You make a few decisions, but then how the results are much more than just one plus one; you sort of get a lot out of setting up the right deciGR sions,” Evan said.

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Life coach Terri Spaulding picked up rock climbing to meet new people.

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Finding friends

Life coach suggests following passions to meet new people in a new city.

By Julie Bonner Williams Photography by Johnny Quirin

“We’ve been here 6 1/2 years. It’s time to put an expiration date on it and move on,” said Kim Carignan, 54, a resident of Grand Rapids’ northeast side.

Carignan, who has lived in Detroit, Chicago, New York and Naples, Florida, said she and her husband haven’t been able to make the friendships they’d hoped for in West Michigan, something she said was easier in the other places she’s lived.

“In about our third or fourth year here, I told Dan we need to build some sort of life here, or we need to put this house up for sale and go somewhere else,” Carignan said. After joining Nextdoor, an app to introduce people to their neighbors, going to the Women’s Resource Center, hosting a neighborhood party and holding an annual Christmas party, Carignan said she felt discouraged.

“Nothing ever came of it,” she said.

“If we had people here I felt close to and connected to, we would stay. I guess what I’ve always felt like we’re lacking is a real major connection with others. We’re not religious; part of it’s our age. Doesn’t anybody around here just have some wine and a reading group that’s not so serious and just fun?” Carignan asked.

West Michigan folks are all about fun, though being

new to an area — or making a shift in lifestyle — can make meeting friends challenging.

So how can newcomers, or people making that lifestyle shift, make friends? It can be a challenge, even a chore, to get out and meet people. In our 20s, we tend to be surrounded by people like us: most are single, have no children and are looking for social life. Within about 10 years, many people are married and looking to get together as couples; and when a couple begins a family, the shift in friendships centers around doing things with other parents so the children have playmates. High school activities and sports also connect parents with involved teenagers. So, after moving to a new city or finding commonalities with old friends fading, what’s the best way to meet people and form friendships?

Life coach Terri Spaulding advised determining what you’re truly passionate about and pursuing it. From there, she said, the friendships will follow.

“In coaching, I start out asking questions. What fuels your soul? With so many choices now, you can go online

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Hudsonville resident Erik Morsehead with co-worker Matt Schantz.

and look at all the different things going on around town — art classes, small groups — approach it from the right direction. That’s how you find the friends you want to make. Be yourself and enjoy what you’re doing, that’s how you find people and a common spark,” she said.

Spaulding, 56, speaks from personal experience.

She and her husband spent much of their time with, and formed friendships around, other couples with children in the same age group as her two sons. Now her two sons are grown.

“When a lot of my friends’ children grew up, they were empty nesters, things had been centered around their children, a lot of those people’s friends went by the wayside when their children moved away. So, you go, ‘Who am I? What are my interests?’ Trying something new, that’s how you can meet friends,” Spaulding said.

For Spaulding and her husband, deciding to try rock climbing at a local YMCA was one such move. The couple became rock climbing enthusiasts and, eventually, joined the Grand Valley Rock Climbing Club, where they met others who share their enthusiasm for the sport.

According to Spaulding, getting connected is easy.

“On any given day, you can use your phone to find out where events are,” she said, adding that fallback solutions to ‘how do I meet people?’ like ‘join a gym’ or ‘meet people at church’ aren’t always the best answers. “You’re there to do your own thing,” Spaulding explained, noting the solitary nature of each.

While time on a treadmill with headphones on isn’t optimal for meeting people, group fitness classes, how-

ever, can be rich environments for meeting others.

After moving to Grand Rapids from Sioux City, Iowa, in July, Shirley McArdle, 69, and her husband were happy to be living near their grandchildren but also sought friendships. Like the Spauldings, in previous years they’d established friendships around their children, who were involved in high school sports.

“This is the first time I’ve had to work at it,” McArdle said.

And work at it she did, reaping rewards. Starting with contacting the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, McArdle found they offered classes that interested her.

“We signed up for an enhanced fitness class, yoga and Zumba. I’m still with those classes, I know a lot of people through there. I get invited out to coffee through those classes,” McArdle said, adding, “The next thing I did … I found a group called Newcomers (Newcomers Club of Greater Grand Rapids). This group is unbelievable! There are many, many members. They meet at a church in Cascade once a month, and they have games, walking groups, social groups on Saturday nights and they meet Friday mornings at a bakery. Just this week, I went bowling with the group.”

Hudsonville resident Erik Morsehead and his wife moved to West Michigan from Wisconsin over two years ago. Both were native Michiganders but grew up on the east side of the state. As parents of a 2-year-old daughter, they have made friends through meeting other parents at the daycare their daughter attends. A self-described

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“The first thing is you have

to ask questions. Find out what resources are available to you.

I find people waiting for resources to fall in their lap. You have to actively seek them out; that’s how it happened for me.”

— Tianna Dusseljee

Above: Shirley McArdle attends a group exercise class at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan.

Right: Tianna Dusseljee, right, and friend Christina Correa on a playdate with their sons Tristan and Alex.

“social introvert,” Morsehead said making friends is about shared interests.

“We go quality over quantity, finding people we enjoy being with and really investing in those relationships.

We focus on the people we really enjoy,” he said. “But with people we don’t have a lot in common with, it’s not that they’re not nice people, it’s just that we don’t have a lot in common.”

While meeting other couples with young children has led to friendships, the Morseheads are looking into social groups through their church to extend their social connections.

Like Morsehead, Tianna Dusseljee and her husband have a toddler at home, something that led Dusseljee to set aside a career in social work and dedicate herself to being a mom. After living in Grand Rapids for eight years, Dusseljee, 28, and her husband relocated to Muskegon in July.

Dusseljee’s solution to making friends when new in town?

“The first thing is you have to ask questions. Find out what resources are available to you. I find people waiting for resources to fall in their lap. You have to actively seek them out,” she said. “That’s how it happened for me.”

Dusseljee used social media to find groups doing things in her area and to connect with neighbors, finding groups even specific to the street she lived on and her neighborhood.

“It’s uncomfortable to put yourself out there, but you just have to do it. If I heard someone talking about faith, I would (say), ‘I go to so and so church’ or if I heard someone talking about their kids’ school, I would say, ‘Oh, how do they like that school?’ and a lot of times that’s where it would take off,” said Dusseljee, who also recommends volunteering as a way to meet other like-minded people.

Whether it’s social media, neighborhood groups or finding that new activity, hobby or class, the solution seems to be in finding others who share your interests — and they’re out there; maybe your new best friend is there GR now.

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Transforming the Home of your Dreams Q U A R T E R LY H O M E A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

C o n s t r u C t i n g homes, b u i l d i n g relationships

Troy DeHoop | rob vis p: 616.299.2178 | 616.291.1808

www.celebritybuildersllc.com

e: info@celebritybuildersllc.com www.facebook.com/CelebrityBuilders

BY ALEXAN DRA FLU EG EL • PH OTO GRA PH Y CO URTESY CELEBRITY BUILD ERS LLC

FROM HO-HUM TO HOME RUN

TRANSFORMING THE PERFECT LOCATION INTO THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS

H

ome — it tells a story of who we are. It’s more than the walls, rooms, and decor — it’s where we come from, where we grow up or grow old, where we raise children and welcome them back.

The place we call ‘home’ reflects us, and when something doesn’t seem right, you notice.

Perhaps there’s a room that isn’t as useful as you’d like it be. Or your family structure is changing —

expanding or shrinking — and your home doesn’t ‘fit’ quite like it used to. Finding a new place to call home isn’t always an option, and when that’s the case, calling the team at Celebrity Builders is a smart first step.

In addition to being an area top choice for new construction, the Grand Rapids-based company has been guiding home remodeling journeys since 2003.

Owned by longtime friends turned business partners,

GRAND RAPIDS HOME 3

Owned by longtime friends turned business partners, Troy DeHoop and Rob Vis, Celebrity Builders offers high-quality custom remodeling services that are the perfect solution for homeowners who love their home but want it to better reflect who they are.

Troy DeHoop and Rob Vis, Celebrity Builders offers high-quality custom remodeling services that are the perfect solution for homeowners who love their home but want it to better reflect who they are.

With the same emphasis on detail, craftsmanship, and customer care that they bring to new build projects, they have helped families all over West Michigan transform homes to fit new or changing needs. Whether it’s a longloved home in need of an update or a new purchase that is almost perfect, DeHoop and Vis’ team has earned a reputation for excellence and quality that is second to none.

4 GRAND RAPIDS HOME

Best of 2017-18 Readers Poll

Location, Location, Location Remodeling is a perfect option for homeowners who have the location of their dreams, but not the house. “Many people love where they live. They’ve formed relationships and established roots in their ideal location, but they don’t love their house anymore,” said DeHoop.

From simple updates that reflect new trends and technologies to more complex changes in layout, the team at Celebrity Builders works hard to find inventive ways to transform existing homes into places that are liveable and lovable. Sometimes that means helping homeowners figure out what’s ‘not quite right.’

“We understand that sometimes homeowners don’t know exactly what they want, all they know is the home isn’t working for them anymore,” Vis explained. “We bring innovative ideas to the table along with decades of experience and knowledge of the industry. We find creative solutions to problems that clients may not have thought of.”

Whether it’s changes in family size or life-

style, DeHoop and Vis excel at working with homeowners to determine which changes will deliver the best results. Their wealth of experience include full-scale custom remodels for homes all over West Michigan, working closely with families to determine what their needs are and how to most effectively meet those needs.

GRAND RAPIDS HOME 7

BEFORE

“We understand that sometimes homeowners don’t know exactly what they want all they know is the home isn’t working for them anymore. We bring innovative ideas to the table along with decades of experience and knowledge of the industry. We find creative solutions to problems that clients may not have thought of.”

— ROB VIS

8 GRAND RAPIDS HOME

Given the area’s competitive housing market, remodeling is also a good solution for homebuyers who have found the perfect location but desire a home that better reflects their style and needs. “We’re available to accompany homebuyers on walk-throughs and help them envision how a less-than-desirable property in a location they desire might be transformed into a home they love,” said DeHoop.

Customization: Accepting the Challenge This ability to customize a home to fit individual needs and tastes is a main reason so many choose to remodel, but it presents its own unique challenges. “Remodeling isn’t easy, but the challenge is fun. We like it,” said Vis.

Imagine the Possibilities

4658 West River Dr Comstock Park, MI www.dreammakergr.com

BEFORE

First, there’s the fact that many homeowners choose to live in the residence during the remodel — something Celebrity Builders doesn’t take lightly. “Relationships get a lot more intimate during a remodel,” said Vis. “Working in a client’s personal space is a big deal and we go to great lengths to protect the home and ensure their comfort.”

To assure privacy and protect the areas of the home not being remodeled, the team spends entire days of the project building temporary walls and installing preventative measures. “We do everything we can to protect the unaffected spaces,” said Vis. There’s also the challenge of turning

ideas into practical and safe realities. “Often a remodel requires structural changes,” said DeHoop. “And that’s where our experience in building really becomes important.” Vis and DeHoop recognize the intricacies of constructing and restructuring homes, and rely on their expertise — and the expertise of their contractors and suppliers — to ensure the highest degree of quality.

GRAND RAPIDS HOME 11

“We’ve been in the industry for so long and have seen a lot, which has really helped broaden our ideas on how to solve particular problems,” said DeHoop.

The company has also built a time-honored, professional team of contractors and industry experts who understand the importance of privacy, efficiency, and trust. ”We only hire contractors and suppliers that are trustworthy and established, and have a proven track record,” said Vis. “This is our team. We trust them.”

Building Relationships It’s this trust that serves as the foundation for everything they do. DeHoop and Vis work hard to ensure they know and trust their team, and that their clients know and trust them, too.

Maximum transparency in process, budget, and decisions is integral to the way they work, and the company is rooted in its values of honesty, integrity, and quality.

12 GRAND RAPIDS HOME

“Relationships get a lot more intimate during a remodel. Working in a client’s personal space is a big deal and we go to great lengths to protect the home and ensure their comfort.”

— ROB VIS

BEFORE

GRAND RAPIDS HOME 13

FLOORS AND MORE

Merry Christmas Wishing you peace and all the best the holiday has to offer. May this season of giving bring you joy that lasts throughout the year.

616-662-0140 www.degraafinteriors.com

From idea to completion...

From start to finish, whether it’s a new construction or remodel project, DeHoop and Vis are personally involved. The pair visit each site, talk with the homeowner, asking questions and taking pictures. “Celebrity [Builders] is really me and Rob,” said DeHoop. “We’re the guys you see on the job site throughout the entire project and we’re involved in every decision. We’re there managing our team, from getting set up on Monday morning to tidying up the site on Friday afternoon, we’re the faces you see.”

DeHoop and Vis agree their combined backgrounds and unique skill set that have made Celebrity Builders the successful company it is today. Vis has worked in the painting, heating and cooling fields, and is the self14 GRAND RAPIDS HOME

FEATURING SOMERSET PENDANTS

BEFORE

described “details guy” of the team. His meticulous eye and dedication are key to making sure all the details of a project are executed to the highest degree of quality.

DeHoop holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Grand Valley State

Santa needs his cookies!

Come check out our new Holiday decor.

1428 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 616.459.4167 www.stonesthrowliving.com GRAND RAPIDS HOME 15

LOVE YOUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD? University, and has worked in the construction field since the age of sixteen. He loves working with people, learning their stories, and walking them through the home building and remodeling journeys with maximum efficiency and care.

“We really are relationship-driven, and that starts with us,” said DeHoop. “We cherish all the relationships we have built and look forward creating new connections.”

For more information on Celebrity Builders, please visit CelebrityBuildersLLC.com Grand Rapids HOME is a quarterly advertising section showcasing area home products and services and home design and building professionals.

Alexandra Fluegel is a freelance writer spending time in both Grand Rapids and metro Detroit.

When stairs become a barrier, a residential elevator can allow you to stay in the home and neighborhood you love.

Your elevator can be designed to match the existing woodwork, cabinetry and hardware fixtures in your home.

Contact Tom McNally to get your personalized quote.

McNallyElevator.com 16 GRAND RAPIDS HOME

1-800-MCNALLY Tom McNally

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BUCK

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE – AT HARVEY AUTOMOTIVE

A

ALONG 28TH STREET, you can shop for anything. And a half mile west of Woodland Mall, you’ll find a sophisticated experience at Harvey Automotive. From new to pre-owned of all makes and models — arranged for easy browsing on the spacious campus. Their teams share the

thrill their clients get from driving a vehicle — By Harvey.

“When you come through our doors, you’ll notice the difference immediately,” said John M. Leese, President and Owner of Harvey Cadillac, Lexus, Auto Outlet and All Car Collision. “We try to

BUSINESS SHOWCASE HARVEY AUTOMOTIVE

treat our clients like they were a guest in our own home.”

“It’s about the experience. You can get across the country in any kind of vehicle. It’s how positive your experience is and the relationship you have with the team behind that vehicle. That’s what’s important.”

That experience was established in 1966 with the opening of Harvey Cadillac, followed by Lexus in 1990. In 2015 Harvey Auto Outlet — a new concept at which most pre-owned vehicles are priced around $15,000 or less — was opened.

“With the addition of the Outlet, we truly offer something for everyone’s budget,” Leese noted.

He is also looking forward to new changes ahead with both luxury brands.

“Cadillac is about half-way through their ten year, $12 billion renaissance with the latest crossover — the 2019 XT4.

It’s in our showroom now, with more new models on the way. At Lexus, the 2019 ES sedan has arrived, with the all-new UX crossover arriving soon!”

Whether you stop in for a new, Certified, or pre-owned vehicle, the team at Harvey Automotive is committed to providing an experience that keeps you coming back.

HARVEY AUTOMOTIVE 2500 to 2600 28th Street SE 2601 29th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Harvey Cadillac (616) 949-1140 Harvey Lexus: (616) 949-1010 Harvey Auto Outlet: (616) 975-6480 Harvey All Car Collision: (616) 954-1144 HarveyAutomotive.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BUCK

FLOORING DESIGNS FROM THE EXPERTS

BUSINESS SHOWCASE DEGRAAF INTERIORS

T

THE SURFACES OF your home lay the foundation for everything else you do to make your home a sanctuary. If your floors or countertops are worn, outdated or if you just need a change, the design consultants at DeGraaf Interiors can help you find the perfect flooring and countertops to fit your needs. They can also complete the job with installation by their experienced, licensed and insured installers.

As a member of the National Flooring Alliance, DeGraaf Interiors clients have exclusive access to some of the newest trends sooner. “It says something about our business,” said Deb DeGraaf, co-owner of the company, “the rigorous process required to join the alliance, regarding business practices, materials and partners, validates the high standards of our company.”

Deb DeGraaf is co-owner of the business with her brother Dean. Together they are proud to continue the work of their father who started the company.

“We are both passionate about our business and carrying on the legacy that my dad left,” she said, adding that part of the work they do is to empower employees to be creative and find ways to work with customers to ensure their satisfaction.

“Our people are able to work outside the box to care for the customer day-today,” she said.

Flooring design consultants have an average of more than 15 years of flooring experience, and continue to receive formal education on new trends in the industry.

Their expertise and customer service is coupled with a lifetime installation warranty on retail flooring purchases, to set the customer’s mind at ease.

Products and materials include carpets from Shaw Industries, Stainmaster,

and Mannington, hardwood flooring and tile, as well as laminate and vinyl flooring. Window coverings and an option of granite, quartz, solid surface, and laminate countertops can complete your project.

Where to begin?

Go to any of their locations throughout the Grand Rapids area, or you can have a professional come to your home for an estimate, complete with samples.

Because their people are part of what sets the company apart — in flooring design, sales, installation and more — Deb DeGraaf shares they are always looking for additions to their team.

Find your perfect surfaces today at degraafinteriors.com.

LOCATIONS Hudsonville 6450 28th Ave Hudsonville, MI 49426 616.662.0140 Cascade 1144 E Paris Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616.264.3424

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BUCK

E

GOING THE EXTRA MILE “EVERY DAY WE GO to work with a customer-first approach,” said Todd Wenzel, owner of Todd Wenzel Automotive Group. “From offering the largest inventory selection and a staff that truly knows their stuff, to bold rewards after the deal. We work to make sure our customers enjoy buying or servicing their vehicle.”

When he was 18 years old, Todd began working at a GM dealership in Grand Rapids. His knowledge of and passion for the auto industry was evident, and he was quickly promoted to Finance Director. It was during this time that he set his sights to one day own his own dealership.

“I want our customers to experience,

BUSINESS SHOWCASE TODD WENZEL AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

and our employees to deliver, a much better approach than our competitors at every level,” said Wenzel. “The customer comes first, they are everything.

It doesn’t matter how successful you are, you need to have this attitude with every single interaction.”

Todd Wenzel Automotive Group has four locations in West Michigan, one in Davison, and one in Metro Detroit. They boast a robust staff of nearly 450 employees who know their customers are at the heart of their success. They are the largest Buick GMC dealer group outside of Metro Detroit and in the North Central Region. Their Chevrolet dealership in Hudsonville is the second largest Chevy dealership in West Michigan.

“With four GM franchises, and a preowned superstore, in Michigan, we have a very large selection for our customers to choose from,” said Wenzel. “We have nearly 500 pre-owned vehicles and over 2,500 new vehicles to choose from.

We are able to move vehicles between stores to make it more convenient for our customers.”

LOCATIONS Todd Wenzel Buick GMC 2727 28th Street SE Grand Rapids Todd Wenzel Chevrolet 3156 Highland Blvd.

Hudsonville Todd Wenzel Pre-Owned Superstore 4130 32nd Ave Hudsonville Todd Wenzel Collision & Appearance Center 2700 29th Street SE Grand Rapids (888) 452-2721 toddwenzel.com

The popular eatery has a uniquely modern and classy vibe without feeling pretentious or unwelcoming.

Top: Chestnut campanelle, made of wild Michigan mushrooms, chestnuts, crispy kale, thyme and sherry cream.

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF downtown Grand Rapids, Reserve Wine & Food is much larger than it appears from the street, complete with three floors of dining space, including the multiple private dining options, as well as two outdoor patios. The popular eatery has a uniquely modern and classy vibe without feeling pretentious or unwelcoming.

Reserve’s menu features a little bit of everything, from burgers to seafood, complete with wine pairing recommendations for most items — a helpful guide for those overwhelmed by the restaurant’s extensive wine list.

On a quiet Wednesday evening, our group of three began the evening with a couple of cocktails, Saturn ($12) and Baby, You’re Driving ($13). The Saturn, made with gin, passion fruit, lemon, falernum and orgeat served on the rocks, was full of layers of tropical flavors. Baby, You’re Driving, featuring, bison grass vodka, grapefruit liqueur, blanc vermouth and lime, was a perfectly mixed cocktail and the ideal combination of sweet and sour.

For appetizers, we chose the mussels & toast ($12) and the pierogies ($11). The mussels were seasoned with white wine and served with salumi and leeks. The mussels were tender but slightly chewy, and the toast soaked up the mussels’ broth deliciously. Adding salumi and leek gave the dish added depth and flavor.

The pierogies were packed with potato and Gouda filling, walnuts, whey creamed leeks and scallions, complemented with homemade tangy sauerkraut. This was comfort food at its finest; the buttery, flaky bread was outstanding.

Moving on to the entrées, the chèvre gnocchi ($24), Michigan grass-fed ribeye ($36) and the duck breast ($26) each piqued our interest. The gnocchi was hearty and flavorful, served with Italian sausage, kale, broccoli, pesto and topped with chili flakes. The perfectly cooked duck was tender and savory. Reserve put its own twist on the dish, served with soft wheat berries, summer’s end fruit — including peaches, plums and grapes — marcona almonds, arugula, wild sumac tea and drizzled with mint yogurt, cherry, plum and fig mostarda; a must-have for duck lovers.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

A class act

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dining review

BY IRA CRAAVEN Lastly, the Michigan grass-fed ribeye, which was presented with warm smashed potato salad, bacon, scallions, dilly beans and steak sauce, was like heaven on Earth. Another perfectly cooked entrée that exploded with flavor and was so tender it melted in our mouths.

During a later visit on a busy Thursday evening, a friend and I were seated in the upstairs dining area, which was quite cozy. We started out with an order of the pork fat fries ($7), deciding to hold off on drinks until we ordered our meals. The fries, thick and crispy with a hint of pork flavor, were a satisfying option to hold ourselves over.

When it came time to order our entrées, our server quickly informed us the kitchen was out of the wild Alaskan salmon and instead was offering golden tilefish sourced from Hampton, New York, which he described as having a flaky texture and buttery taste similar to crab or lobster.

We decided to give the golden tilefish ($32) a try, paired with a glass of Sacha Lachine rosé ($10), per his recommendation, as well as the ribeye. Just as he suggested, the fish, served atop a bed of roasted potatoes and green beans, was light and flaky with a lemon-buttery flavor without a “fishy” taste — and it certainly did not disappoint; it may even be a new favorite. And just as before, the ribeye was melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy and full of flavor — absolutely to die for.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist the “S’more of what?” ($9) — a small glass filled with layers of dark chocolate, caramelized honey graham mousse, cocoa nib crunch, graham cracker crumble and burnt honey caramel topped with toasted marshmallow fluff. It was an explosion of flavor that seemed to be the cherry on top of a great meal.

GR

Reserve Address: 201 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 855-9463 Website: reservegr.com

Dining ratings: Food: **** Service: **** Beverages: **** Atmosphere: **** Price: $-$$

Must try: Ribeye Not so much: Saturn

Guide to ratings:

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

**** Exceptional *** Above Average ** Satisfactory * Poor ¢ $ $$

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

(Prices based on average entrée.)

Above: Pan-roasted duck breast Left: Executive chef Lucas VerHulst

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

dining listings

A GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS IN GRAND RAPIDS AND BEYOND

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

L, D $

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 79).

Cinco De Mayo — Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar.

Open daily. 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayo1.com. L, D $

DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 1 Bun Restaurant — Build-your-own hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and sloppy Joes — all served on hot dog buns. Closed Sun. 2140 S Division Ave, 279-2943. Facebook. L, D ¢

– Lounge — Soups, salads, sandwichCitysen es, burgers and small-plate creations. Beer and wine; happy hour 4-7 pm. Open daily.

CityFlatsHotel, 83 Monroe Center NW, 6081725. cityflatshotel.com/location/grand-rap ¢-$ ids. B, L, D

Angel’s Thai Café — Extensive Thai fare.

Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option.

Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily.

136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthai cafe.com. L, D ¢-$

Cottage Bar — Longtime favorite since 1927.

Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chilis and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. 18 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D ¢

Bangkok Taste Cuisine — Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. L, D ¢-$

Cygnus 27 — Stunning view from 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Menu features Mediterranean and Latin influences.

Full bar. Closed Mon. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand.com/dining/cygn $$ us-27. Brunch (Sun), D (Tue-Sat)

Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. L (SunFri), D ¢-$

Bobarino’s at The B.O.B. — Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers.

Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bob arinospizza. L, D ¢-$ Brick & Porter — Appetizers, burgers, salads and sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. 47 Monroe Center NW, 226-6928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), L, D ¢-$ Bull’s Head Tavern — Large selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Entrées include pasta, fish, chicken and steak along with burgers and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed

Bistro Bella Vita

Sun. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. the bullsheadtavern.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$

Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood in a fine dining atmosphere with views of the Grand River.

Gluten-free menu. Beer and extensive wine list. Sun brunch 10-2:30. Open daily. 63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com/charleyscrab. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ The Chop House — Aged prime beef, seafood, pork and lamb chops, chicken and more.

Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451$$ 6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. D City Built Brewing Co. – Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Ricaninspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com.

Flanagan’s — Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence.

Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢ Founders Brewing Co. — Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches.

Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing. com. L, D ¢ Gilly’s Smokehouse — Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more.

Closed Sun-Mon. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thebob.com/gillysrestaurant. D ¢-$ GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant.

Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily.

Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/gp-spo rts. L, D $

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Bistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily.

44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobella vita.com. L, D $-$$

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

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Grand Rapids Brewing Co. — Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-to-table menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewing company.com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$

Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-by$-$$ wolfgang-puck. L, D

FLeo’s — Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm Mon-Fri. Closed

Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrest $-$$ aurant.com. L (Mon-Fri), D

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

Grand Rapids Garage Bar and Grill — “AllAmerican grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-0321. garagebargr.com. ¢ L, D Grand Woods Lounge — Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Year-round alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. L, D ¢-$ G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas.

No alcohol. Open daily, with a few tables for dining in. 340 State St SE, 742-4773. grand rapidspizza.net. L, D ¢-$ The Heritage — GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, $-$$ 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888.

L, D ¢-$ Jamaican Dave’s — Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. L, D ¢ J.D. Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge at The Boardwalk offers American, southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities. Outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. L, D ¢-$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. Three floors of seating. Closed Sun. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 4598824. jgardellastavern.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢

joy of

the season…

The Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition has been delighting children and adults alike for 24 years. Take a journey around the world in 42 magnificent trees and displays representing unique international cultures and customs, from November 20 through January 6.

Judson’s at The B.O.B. — Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops.

Notable wine list. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsons steakhouse. D $$ The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck — Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Amway

1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 Toll-Free Phone 888-957-1580 • MeijerGardens.org DECEMBER 2018 / GRMAG.COM 63

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Social Kitchen & Bar — Refined comfort food, sandwiches, pizzas, extensive cocktail menu. Vintage décor, patio. Open daily.

Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 7244464. socialkitchenandbar.com/grand-rapi $-$$ ds.html. Brunch (Sat-Sun), L, D

Open daily. 95 Monroe Center NW, 419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢

Lucky Luciano’s — Fifty gourmet pizza options, whole or by the slice. Takeout, delivery available. Serves beer and wine. Open daily.

15 Ionia Ave SW, Suite 140, 356-4600. lucky lucianos.com. L, D ¢-$

SpeakEZ Lounge — Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and glutenfree. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. L, D $

Luna Taqueria y Cocina — Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. 64 Io¢-$ nia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. L, D MeXo — Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. B (Sun), L, D $

New Hotel Mertens — French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era New Hotel Mertens. Seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. newhotelmertens. com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), B (Mon-Fri), L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetrick.biz. L, D ¢-$ Osteria Rossa – Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Closed Sun. 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriaro ¢-$ ssa.com. L (Mon-Fri), D Palace of India — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestau rant.com. L, D ¢-$ Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$ - FReserve — Wine bar offers extensive bythe-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr. com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$

Roam by San Chez Bistro — The San Chez

Tavern On The Square — Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Six.One.Six

Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. B, L, D $

Rockwell Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating.

Full bar. Open daily. 45 S Division Ave, 551$-$$ 3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. D Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ru ths-chris-steak-house. L, D $$ FSan Chez Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées.

Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. 38 W Fulton St, 7748272. sanchezbistro.com. B, L, D $-$$ Six.One.Six — Features new French cuisine in a cosmopolitan setting. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/din ing/six.one.six. B, L, D $-$$ Slows Bar-B-Q — Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides. Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slows barbq.com. L, D ¢-$

Wheelhouse Kitchen and Cocktails — Eclectic American bistro fare with seasonal recipes using Michigan ingredients. Large bar and porch. Open daily. Arena Place, 67 Ottawa Ave SW, 226-3319. wheelhousegrand rapids.com. L, D $-$$ Z’s Bar & Restaurant — Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available.

Open daily. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

WEST SIDE Ando Asian Kitchen & Bar — Asian fusion eatery featuring small plates, bentos, rice bowls, raw bar, noodles, soup, salad and more. Wide selection of wine, plus local, domestic and international beer. Full bar. 415 Bridge St NW, 608-0789. andoasiankitchen. com. L, D $ Blue Dog Tavern — West Michigan craft brews on tap. Good selection of tots, dogs and burgers. Open daily. 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr.com. L, D ¢ Broadway Bar & Grill — Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations, especially at Christmas. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally.

740 Broadway Ave SW, 454-0565. Facebook. ¢ L, D FButcher’s Union — Meat-and-whiskeycentric gastro-pub. Full bar. Outdoor seating available. 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), L, D $ Continued on page 68

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Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant — Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar. com. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$

Stella’s Lounge — Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items.

Full bar, known for its whiskey selection.

Open daily. 53 Commerce Ave SW, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢-$

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STEPHAN VANHEULEN Title: Chef de cuisine Location: 187 Monroe Ave. NW

Chef de cuisine Stephan VanHeulen brings palpable passion to the penthouse kitchen at Cygnus 27.

T “You think that you know how to cut up a tomato, cut up a pepper, until you gotta do it for 6,000 people. It sharpens your basics like none other, and it’s a great learning experience.”

— Stephan VanHeulen

wo hours before dinner service commences, Cygnus 27 chef de cuisine Stephan VanHeulen has deftly inspected the kitchen, marveling at the diver scallops — gorgeous, pearly pink and way more substantial than anything you can buy at a supermarket; smelling the exhilarating earthiness of the fluffy hen-ofthe-woods, royal trumpet and white beech mushrooms; and tasting the whipped root vegetable purée. But it’s the massive octopus with eight tentacles, a dangerously delicious beast, that stopped him in his tracks.

The Spanish octopus — so unassumingly named on the menu — anchors a plate of striking contrasts. The snow-white plate first is dramatically brushed with a jet-black squid ink vinaigrette followed by a tangle of two octopus tentacles, fried fingerling potatoes, dehydrated kalamata olives, pimentón oil (smoked paprikainfused oil) and fresh watercress. “Octopus is one of my favorite things,” VanHeulen said. “It really speaks to the kinds of creative showstopping dishes that I love to make.”

Oh, yes, it’s all drama around here.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

‘Going the extra mile’

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Perched on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, Cygnus 27 feels like a freewheeling dream with gorgeous vistas of Grand Rapids coupled with over-thetop delectability that makes you wonder — how did the chef do that? No snotty, stuck-up attitude here, though; the restaurant vibes with Spain’s swankiest flavors and culinary characteristics that VanHeulen harnesses into a dazzling newness.

The montaditos de salmón (citruscured salmon) makes your eyes dilate because you’ve never seen a presentation quite like this. A trio of baguette slices, black from squid ink, showcases a fennel pâté, pickled mustard seeds, fresh greens, and salmon — razor-thin and draped out like a delicate ribbon. “I want it to be very beautiful and memorable, so I’m passionate about the flavors on each plate,” he said. “Everything here is 100 percent housemade, and that is something that is really important to me.”

Oh, and it’s beautiful, all right; Instagrammable beautiful — his shaved cucumber salad turned up as one of the Travel Channel’s “12 Instagram-Worthy Restaurant Dishes” in June, and it’s easy to see why. The prettiness can’t be denied with its “cucumber slices twirled into little rolls, sweet teardrop peppers, radishes, salsa verde and coconut cheese, which is a faux cheese made of coconut milk and sprinkled on the top,” VanHeulen said.

“It’s 100 percent vegan and easy to share.”

After graduating from Lowell High School in 2004, VanHeulen moved to Grand Rapids, working two to three restaurant jobs at once, figuring it was a good way to pay the bills. “I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I fell in love with this,” said VanHeulen, who at 24 went back to school, enrolling at Secchia Institute of Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College while cooking full time at Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown. In 2013, with his fresh culinary associate degree, VanHeulen joined the banquet team at Amway Grand Plaza, where the hotel stages massive events.

“You think that you know how to cut up a tomato, cut up a pepper, until you gotta do it for 6,000 people,” VanHeulen said. “It sharpens your basics like none other, and it’s a great learning experience.”

Not long after, in the spring of 2015, VanHeulen literally was moving on up — from the basement kitchens to the penthouse restaurant, 27 floors up in the sky. VanHeulen’s stellar cooking led to his promotion to sous chef, then to chef de cuisine after a brutal audition against ambitious chefs from New York City and Chicago who hungered for AAA Four Diamond mark of distinction prestige.

Taking the purest ingredients helps VanHeulen turn them into the most painterly dishes that you’ve ever seen. His whole roasted trout, sourced from Harrietta Hills, is dramatically wrapped with serrano ham, greens, watermelon radish and salsa rosa; his 16-ounce Sobie bonein pork chop, brined and spiced rubbed, is cooked to perfection then shingled out on the plate with herb butter and bitter green salad; and those seared diver scallops with fresh herb risotto, sherry-glazed seasonal mushrooms, serrano ham crisp and lemon beurre blanc is every bit as haute bourgeois as you would expect in a penthouse restaurant.

“If it’s going on this menu, then I have to love eating it,” VanHeulen said. “This is joy, the kind of joy that should surround dining out. No matter what, I’m going the extra mile.”

— JAYE BEELER

Citrus-cured salmon (Makes 12-16 appetizer servings) 4 pounds salmon 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, toasted, ground 2 tablespoons cumin seeds, toasted, ground 2 tablespoons allspice, whole 2 tablespoons fennel seeds, toasted, ground 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, ground 1 tablespoon black pepper, whole 4 cups granulated sugar 4 cups kosher salt 1 lemon, zested 1 lime, zested 1 orange, zested To make the curing mixture, in a small skillet, lightly toast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, allspice, fennel seeds, mustard seeds and black pepper over moderate heat, shaking the pan, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer the seeds to a spice grinder or mortar and let cool completely. Process or crush the seeds as finely as possible with a pestle. In a mixing bowl, mix together spices, sugar and salt.

Skin and clean salmon filet. In a small bowl, combine lemon, lime and orange zest; and rub citrus zest on the top of the salmon. Spread an even ½-inch layer of the curing mixture on the bottom of a large roasting pan. Place citruscoated salmon on top of mixture and cover completely with the remainder of the curing mixture. Cover the salmon loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 days.

When ready, remove curing mixture by gently rinsing. With a sharp knife, slice fish very thin. On a serving tray, fan it out and serve with your favorite accouterments.

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El Granjero — Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ El Sombrero — Offers “the original” wet burrito, dry ones, too. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. ¢ elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. L, D Harmony Hall — West Side brewpub with a German beer hall atmosphere serves pizza, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9186. har ¢-$ monybeer.com/harmony-hall. L, D The Holiday Bar — Established in 1905, menu features appetizers and sandwiches.

Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden in warm months.

Open daily. 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. the holidaybargr.com. L, D ¢ Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery — Dexterbased brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available.

Open daily. 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jolly $ pumpkin.com. L, D The Knickerbocker – New Holland Brewing — Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. 417 Bridge St NW, 345-5642. newholland brew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), L, D ¢-$ Long Road Distillers — Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of house-made snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroad ¢-$ distillers.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), D

Sun-Mon. 608 Bridge St NW, 608-5766. one bourbongr.com. D ¢-$

O’Toole’s Public House — Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily.

448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. ¢-$ L, D Pearl Street Grill — Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. B, L, D $ Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant — Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily.

654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatores gr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ FThe Sovengard — Midwest meets Scandinavian spirit, with a focus on seasonal and local sourcing. Restaurant and outdoor beer garden in a historic West Side building. Open daily. 443 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. D $ Two Scotts Barbecue — Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. L ¢-$ Westside Social — “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, housemade appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials avail-

UPTOWN Big Willy’s Italian Beef — Authentic Chicago cuisine, featuring Italian sausage, Polish dogs and Chicago dogs, as well as Italian ice drinks. Open daily. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 2885824. bigwillysitalianbeef.com. L, D ¢ Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India.

Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycui $ sine.com. L, D FBrewery Vivant — Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. brewery $-$$ vivant.com. L (Sat-Sun), D

Brick Road Pizza — Traditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (gluten-free crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpiz za.com. L, D ¢-$ Brown Butter Creperie & Café — Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. 1436 Wealthy St SE, 288-5038. brownbuttercrepes.com. B, L, D (Wed-Sat) ¢ Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare.

Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available.

No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. L, D ¢-$ Curry Kitchen — Authentic Indian cuisine.

Daily lunch buffet. Kids menu. Takeout.

Open daily. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 2421300. currykitchengr.com. L, D $

Maggie’s Kitchen — Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol.

Closed Sun and Mon. 636 Bridge St NW, 4588583. Facebook. B, L, D ¢

Donkey Taqueria — Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station.

Full bar. Open daily. 665 Wealthy St SE. don keygr.com. B (Sat-Sun), L, D ¢-$

The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing. com. L, D ¢-$

East West Brewing Co. — Traditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwest brewingcompany.com. L (Fri-Sat), D ¢-$

Monarchs’ Club — Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. 646 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. L, D ¢ One Bourbon — Trendy, two-level restaurant serving creative shareable plates, burgers, hot sandwiches and entrées. Full bar features more than 120 whiskies. Closed

able Mon-Fri. Open daily. 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. L ¢-$ (Tue-Sun), D

Donkey Taqueria

➧Eklectico Greek Kouzina — Scratch-made traditional Greek entrées, gyros, desserts and more. Catering and take-out available.

Closed Sun. 2401 Eastern Ave SE, 591-2132. eklecticogreekkouzina.com. D ¢

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a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Open daily. 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. L, D $ Jonny B’z — Beef, turkey and veggie hot dogs available, as well as burgers, sandwiches,

Grove

Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Sun brunch. Open daily. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451¢-$ 4779. electriccheetah.com. L, D Elk Brewing Co. — Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. L ¢ (Fri-Sun), D Erb Thai — Thai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol.

Open daily. 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. L, D ¢ Forty Acres Soul Kitchen — “Authentically American” southern comfort food, featuring po’boys, grits, gumbo and more. To-go catering available. Closed Mon. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 481-6971. fortyacresgr.com. L, D $

wings, ribs and kids menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 701 Wealthy St SE, 551-1108. jonnybz. com. L, D $

Little Africa Ethiopian Cuisine — Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash

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Georgina’s — Authentic Asian and Latin taqueria with appetizers, tacos, tamales, noodle bowls and more. No alcohol. Open daily. 724 Wealthy St SE, 454-1860. face book.com/georginasgr. L, D $-$$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Gojo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli — Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew) dishes served with injera flatbread.

Carry-out available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. 421 Norwood Ave SE, 459-3383. gojo $ ethiopiancuisine.com. L, D The Green Well Gastro Pub — Menu features comfort fare with a flair, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808-3566. $-$$ thegreenwell.com. L, D OGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course offerings. Vegan menu available. Full bar. Open daily. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant. com. L, D $$

PURELUDINGTON.COM/NYE

Harmony Brewing Co. — Custom brews with DECEMBER 2018 / GRMAG.COM 69

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. 16 28th St SE, 2450494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $

or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. L, D ¢

Maru Sushi & Grill — Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. L, D $-$$

Big E’s Sports Grill — Sports lounge serving pizza, classic American appetizers and other entrées. Full bar includes a variety of Michigan-made beer and cider. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. 2321 East Beltline Ave SE, 608-8825. bigessports grill.com. L, D ¢-$

Matchbox Diner & Drinks — Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry-out available. Open daily. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com.

B, L, D $

Wealthy Street Bakery — Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu.

Closed Sun. 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. ¢-$ wealthystreetbakery.com. B, L, D Wikiwiki Poke Shop — Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials. Carry-out available. Closed Sun. 1146 Wealthy St SE, 288-5646. wikiwikipoke shop.com. L, D ¢-$ The Winchester — Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in century-old space.

Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com.

B (Sat-Sun), L, D ¢-$ Yesterdog — Specializes in the “good oldfashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢

EAST GRAND RAPIDS Big Bob’s Pizza — Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar.

Open daily. 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$ Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen — Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar.

Open daily. 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. D $ Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. Open daily. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 3013236. derbystation.com. L, D $ José Babushka’s — Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos

Terra

and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas. com. L, D $

Olive’s — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. L, D ¢-$ Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Large selection of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.

Serves beer and wine. Takeout and catering available. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L (TueFri), D ¢-$ Rose’s — Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch.

Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection. com/roses. L, D $

SOUTHEAST GRAND RAPIDS/ KENTWOOD 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$$ Al-Bos Eurocafe-Bakery — Authentic south­ eastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials.

Open daily. 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. ¢-$ al-bos.com. L, D Asian Palace — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 141 28th St SE, 534-7770.

Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos. com. L, D ¢-$ Cantina Mexican Grill — Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drivethru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily.

2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantina mexicangrill.biz. L (Sun-Thu), D $ Daddy Pete’s BBQ — Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddy petesbbq.com. L, D ¢-$ East Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol.

Open daily. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. L, D ¢-$ El Arriero Mexican Grill — Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections.

Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas.

Open daily. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarri ¢-$ eromexicangrill.com. L, D El Globo Restaurant — Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Face¢-$ book. L, D Florentine Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Lounge — Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Ganders — Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. facebook.com/ gandersgr. B, L, D ¢-$$ Golden Gate — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. 4023 S

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

FTerra — Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch $-$$ (Sat-Sun), L (Mon-Fri), D

Brass Ring Brewing — Small-batch, stylespecific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. L, D $

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Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D

¢

Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant — Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. L, D $ Hall Street Bakery — Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu.

Closed Sun. 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hall streetbakery.com. B, L, D ¢-$ India Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. 3760 S Division Ave, 243¢-$ 1219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D La Taqueria San Jose — Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 1338 S Division Ave, 284-2297.

Facebook. L, D ¢ Last Chance Tavern and Grill — Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelast ¢ chancetavern.com. L, D Le Kabob — Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. L, D ¢-$ Mi Tierra — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D ¢ Mikado Sushi — Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese

cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol.

Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mik ¢-$ adogr.com/main. L (Mon-Fri), D

Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. 2055 28th St SE, 452¢-$ 0065. nuthaibistro.com. L, D The Old Goat — Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads.

Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. B (Mon-Fri), L, D ¢-$ Pal’s Indian Cuisine — Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol.

Open daily. 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsin $ diancuisine.com. L, D Pho Anh Trang — Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 2469966. L, D ¢-$

shanghaiichiban.com. L, D

$-$$

Shiraz Grille — Authentic Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, vegetarian options. Full bar. Closed Mon. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 9497447. shirazgrille.com. L (Fri-Sun), D $-$$ Sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni. ¢-$$ net. L, D Taquería El Rincón Mexicano — Wide variety of Mexican breakfast, small plates, dinner dishes and soups, including several vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 2055 28th St, 246-7000. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ Thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiex pressgr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢

Pho Soc Trang — Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily.

4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. L, D ¢-$

Thai Fusion — Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. L, D ¢-$

Pietro’s Italian Restaurant — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. L, D $

Tokyo Grill & Sushi — Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyo grillsushi.com. L, D ¢-$

Shanghai Ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120.

Village Inn Pizza & Sports Grille — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$ Wei Wei Palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. No alcohol. Open daily. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. weiweipalace.com.

L, D $ Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. Open daily.

4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

SOUTHWEST GRAND RAPIDS 84th Street Pub & Grille — American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar. Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com.

L, D ¢-$

Shiraz Grille

Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. blueginger kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$ DECEMBER 2018 / GRMAG.COM 71

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

ronment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. ¢ cheersgrandrapids.com. B, L, D

Cheshire Grill — Sandwiches, soups, salads, creative burgers. Open daily for breakfast (served all day) and lunch. No alcohol. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 635-2713. cheshiregrill. com. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢-$

Frankie V’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar — Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs. com. L, D ¢-$

Creston Brewery — More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. L, D ¢-$

Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily.

627 28th St SW, 531-2800. L, D $ Kitzingen Brewery — German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed SunMon. 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingen¢-$ brewery.com. L, D

Erb Thai Xpress — Thai fare for takeout only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 820 Michigan St NE, 454-0444. erbthaigr.com/erbthai_ xpress.html. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢ Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Bar — Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com.

L, D ¢-$

Little Bangkok — Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Main Street Pub — Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. L, D ¢-$ Mi Casa Restaurante — Fresh, authentic Dominican appetizers, dishes and seafood, plus weekly specials, in Dominicanthemed, family-friendly atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Mon-Tues. 334 Burton St SW, ¢-$ 350-9123. micasagr.com. L, D

Blue Water Grill

than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads. Open daily. 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/ grand-rapids. L, D ¢-$

Birch Lodge — Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. L, D ¢

Monelli’s Italian Grill & Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace.

Open daily. 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 5309700. monellis.com. L, D ¢-$

Blue Water Grill — Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection. com/bluewater. L, D $-$$

Tamales Mary — Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 15 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. 1253 Burton St ¢ SW, 288-5007. tamalesmarygr.com. L, D

Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available.

Serves alcohol. Open daily. 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. L, D ¢-$

Woody’s Press Box — Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spec trumlanes.com. B (Mon-Sat), L, D $

Charlie’s Bar & Grille — Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charlies barandgrille.com. L, D ¢-$

NORTHEAST GRAND RAPIDS 7 Monks Taphouse — Beer bar with more

Cheer’s Good Time Saloon — Menu offers something for everyone in a log-cabin envi-

Fred’s Italian Restaurant — Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. freds italian.net. L, D ¢-$ Fuji Yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabis ¢-$ tro.com. L, D Golden Wok — Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials.

Full bar. Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwok grandrapids.com. L, D ¢-$ Gravity Taphouse Grille — Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse. com. L, D ¢-$ Graydon’s Crossing — Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscross ing.com. L, D $ Gus’s Original — Appetizers, salads and soups, stone-oven pizzas, gourmet sandwiches; coffees and ice cream bar. Outdoor seating. No alcohol. Open daily. 3123 Leonard St NE, 805-5599. gussoriginal.com. B, L, D ¢

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano — Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 1742 28th St SW, 261-2280. lindomexicogr.com. L, D ¢-$

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Jaku Sushi — Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more.

Open daily. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 6490407. jakusushi.com. L, D $

Kitchen 67 — Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers.

Open daily. 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 2723778. kitchen67.com. L, D ¢-$ La Huasteca — Homemade recipes, vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. L, D ¢ Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net.

L, D ¢-$

Lucy’s Café — Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. B, L $-$$ Mill Creek Tavern — Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektavern gr.com. L, D ¢-$ Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat Japanese/ Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily.

2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 3653989. mingtenrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Nick Fink’s — Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollec $ tion.com/nickfinks. D

Palio — Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. L, D $-$$ Reds At Thousand Oaks — Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck.

Open daily. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 4477750. eatatreds.com. L, D $-$$ Rezervoir Lounge — Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily.

1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge. com. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$ Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 3646266. riograndsteakhouse.com. L, D $-$$ The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. the score-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar.

Open daily. 2869 Knapp St NE, 608-6912. licarispizzakitchen.com. L, D $

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nosh & sip

BY AMY RUIS

Vermouth for the winter win!

BRANDS THAT ARE WORTH THEIR BITTER > Dolin

> Cinzano > Kulla tincidunt > Noilly Prat > Punt e Mes (vermouth

+ extra bitters)

> Carpano Antica Formula

VERMOUTH IS AN ingredient that was in my house growing up; I knew the green (dry) bottle went into dad’s martinis and the red (sweet) bottle went into mom’s Manhattans. Decades later, that remains, in my estimation, a good use of vermouth! However, today’s uses go way beyond that to some classy efforts of sipping vermouth on the rocks or adding to today’s version of cocktails. It’s not just grandma’s Martini & Rossi anymore, though it may work in a pinch.

Vermouth is a wine-based concoction inoculated with sugar and alcohol along with some creative blends of bitter, sweet and acidity, as well as botanicals of varying sorts.

Dry vermouth displays refined flavors using wormwood, mint, eucalyptus and green bitter herbs, while sweet vermouth, on the other hand, tastes a bit like cola — yes, like the soda pop — with herbal notes that center more on sage, clove, cardamom, nutmeg and barks/ roots. Many recipes for brands of vermouth still are based on the “original recipe” and are very

protected, so we’re never quite sure what’s in them. The “better” brands, however, clearly are head and shoulders above the rest.

Vermouth has been around for centuries, first existing as a medicinal tincture; just about any ailment could be put in check with vermouth. Today, we sip on apéritifs (before dinner) or digestifs (after dinner) with soda and a twist of lemon or orange; and we use them to create potentially lighter cocktails, as the alcohol rings in at the 16-18 percent level versus the Campari-style liqueur, which usually clocks in around the 20-30 percent range.

A favorite winter drink of mine made with dry vermouth is reminiscent of a Manhattan, but instead of sweet vermouth, utilizes a 2-to-1 ratio of rye whiskey and dry vermouth with 1/4 ounce of maraschino liqueur and a few dashes of Angostura or orange bitters. Shake or stir and strain into an Old Fashioned glass with one large ice cube.

A good winter cocktail with a sweet vermouth base takes Carpano Antica, the most famous of the brands (as well as the original) with its bouquet of vanilla, citrusy and dried fruit notes; 2 ounces of aquavit; 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth; 1/4 ounce Leroux Kirschwasser; and two dashes Angostura bitters. Stir over ice, strain into a glass and garnish with an orange twist and cherries.

Make it a winter of vermouth appreciation! And in the words of my father, “Try it, you might like it!”

— Amy Ruis, owner of Art of the Table and Aperitivo, is a wine enthusiast who is working on her Level II Sommelier certification

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Vermouth has been around for centuries, first existing as a medicinal tincture; just about any ailment could be put in check with vermouth.

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

Sheshco Grill — Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill. $ net. L, D Thai Chef — Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. L, D $ Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar features local beers/wines. Open daily. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twisted-rooster.com. L, D ¢-$$ Vander Mill — Seasonal menu with many locally sourced ingredients. Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style.

Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. 505 Ball Ave NE, 259-8828. vandermill.com. L, D (MonSat) $-$$

NORTHWEST GRAND RAPIDS

10 E. Bridge Street, Rockford - paperdollboutique.com

Amore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. Housemade desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrat toriaitaliana.com. D (Tue-Sat) $ Balinski’s — Polish-American soups, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and entrées, including pierogis, golabki and kielbasa; plus, traditional American options and Polish desserts. Closed Mon. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 288-5440. balinskis.com. L, D ¢-$ China Chef — Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices.

No alcohol. Open daily. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. L, D ¢-$ China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. L, D ¢-$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

➧ DeHop’s Brewing Co. and Café — Specialty and build-your-own burgers, “authentic Mexican” tacos, salads and sharable appetizers. Closed Sun-Mon. 363 Cummings Ave $ NW, Walker, 805-3363. dehops.com. D

Empire Chinese Buffet II — All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol.

Open daily. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. L, D ¢-$ Franco’s Pizza — Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. Takeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. D ¢-$

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market.

Full bar. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. D ¢-$ Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — PanAsian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsu premebuffet.letseat.at. L, D ¢ Home Team Grill — Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill.word press.com. L, D ¢-$ Hunan Chinese Restaurant — Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. L, D ¢-$ The Landing — Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. All-American favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/ dining/the-landing-restaurant. B, L, D $ Linear — Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 2004343. linearrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. mrgyros ¢-$ drivethru.com. L, D Perrin Brewing Co. — Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. 5910 Comstock Park ¢ Dr, 551-1957. perrinbrewing.com. L, D Stan Diego Baja Taco Kitchen — Baja California-inspired menu, featuring a-la-carte taco menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standi egogr.com. L, D ¢-$ Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel. com. B, L, D ¢-$ Three Happiness Restaurant — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888.

threehappinessgr.com. L, D

¢-$

Tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse in former warehouse district. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Full bar. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. till mansrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Walker Roadhouse — Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 7919922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $ Zoko 822 — Basque-inspired cuisine, featuring Northern Spanish and Southern French small plates, served family style; plus, “graband-go” lunch serviced through the Bodega 822. Full bar boasting over 45 selections of gin. Open daily. 822 Ottawa Ave NW, 8281118. zoko822.com. Brunch (Sun), L (Mon$-$$ Sat), D

ADA/CASCADE/LOWELL Ada Pour House — Fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a twist on comfort food. Salads, sandwiches and entrées, including fish and steak. Craft beers and wine. Closed Sun. 6749 E Fulton St, Ada, 920-7941. pourhouse usa.com. L, D $-$$ Aryana Restaurant & Bar — Comfortable dining room in Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana. $-$$ com. B, L, D Big Boiler Brewing — Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and cider.

Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboil erbrewing.com. D $ The Blue Moose Sports Pub — Farm-totable sports bar features a food menu made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. 6240 28th St SE, 734-6333. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. L, D ¢-$ Cork Wine & Grille — Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. cork wineandgrille.com. L, D $-$$ Dan’s Diner — Formerly Pal’s Diner. Retro-

style diner with both classic and upscale breakfast and lunch options; breakfast served all day. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 6503 28th St SE, 719-0304. dansdinergr.com. B, L ¢-$

Emonae Korean BBQ — Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. 6246 28th St SE, 649-3984. emonaekoreanbbq. com. L, D $-$$ The Euro Bistro — European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, woodfired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. euro $-$$ bistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. L, D $-$$ Holland & Fitz Delicatessen — Deli sandwiches with in-house baked bread featuring corned beef hash and pork shoulder. Breakfast and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 7277 Thornapple River Dr SE, Suite B, 9207090. hollandandfitzdelicatessen.com. B, L, D $

FJu Sushi & Lounge — Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. L, D ¢-$$ La Laguna — Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu.

No alcohol. Open daily. 6250 28th St SE, ¢-$ 805-8821. Facebook. L, D Little Bangkok — Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr. com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Main Street BBQ — Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork.

Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. L, D ¢-$ Marco New American Bistro — French country casual offers small, medium and large plates for dinner fare; salads, sandwiches and mains for lunch. Full bar. Take-

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brutzeln (SI ZZL E)

FLAVOR YOU CAN HEAR BEFORE YOU TASTE.

out menu. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. L, D $-$$

Mynt Fusion Bistro — Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$

When it comes to grilling a New York Strip, perfection lies in the details. Details like a coarse salt rub before grilling and a charred wooden plank to infuse our steak with added subtlety. Dressed with a parmesan-herb butter and served with locally sourced vegetables, the Alpenrose New York Strip turns perfection into exquisite reality.

Join us to experience this and a few more of our favorite things.

Ning Ye — Family-owned restaurant serves Chinese and Korean fare. No alcohol. Open daily. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676-5888. ningye.info. L, D $ Noco Provisions — Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. 4609 Cascade $ Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. L, D FNonna’s: The Trattoria — Fresh, Europeanstyle pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch Tues-Sat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna. com. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢-$

alpenroserestaurant.com The corner of 8th and Central Holland, MI | 616-393-2111

FNoto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, $-$$ 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. D Osaka Steakhouse & Japanese Restaurant — Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabushabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. 4977 28th St SE, 419-4628. Facebook. L, D $ Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar — Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororam ¢-$ enbar.com. L, D Schnitz Ada Grill — Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682¢-$$ 4660. schnitzadagrill.com. L, D Shepards Grill & Tavern — Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily.

6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Thornapple Brewing Co. — Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert. Brunch on Sun. 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. L (Sat), D $ Trailhead Café — Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 2843664. trailheadcafegr.com. B, L ¢ DECEMBER 2018 / GRMAG.COM 77

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

Vintage Prime & Seafood — Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintage $$ atcork.com. D Zeytin — Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin $ turkishrestaurant.com. L, D

GRANDVILLE/HUDSONVILLE/ GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP Bangkok Taste — Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 674 Baldwin St, 667-8901. bangkok ¢-$ taste.com. L, D

White Flame Brewing Co. — Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. ¢-$ whiteflamebrewing.com. L, D

ROCKFORD AREA Bostwick Lake Inn — Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. 8521 Belding Rd, 874-7290. thegilmorecollection.com/bost wick. L (Sat-Sun), D $-$$

The Dungeon — Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily.

3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadungeon.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢-$

Boulder Creek Restaurant — Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See website for seasonal hours. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolf club.com/restaurant. L, D ¢-$

El Burrito Loco — More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily.

4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 530-9470. elburritoloco4.com. L, D ¢-$

Cedar Springs Brewing Co. — German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. L, D $

GrandVilla — Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar.

Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadun ¢-$ geon.com. L, D

Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven. $-$$ com. L, D

Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hud ¢-$ sonvillegrille.com. B, L, D Osgood Brewing Co. — Craft brewery serves shareables, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and salads. Kids menu. Open daily.

4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 432-3881. osgoodbrewing.com. L, D ¢-$ Pike 51 Brewing Co./Hudsonville Winery — Craft brewery and winery under one roof.

Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées.

Open daily. 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. L, D ¢-$ Rainbow Grill — Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbow ¢-$ grillmichigan.com. B, L, D Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily.

Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro. com. L, D $

Honey Creek Inn — Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. L, D ¢-$ Marinades Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro. com. L, D ¢ Ramona’s Table — Gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, small plates, homemade desserts. Farm-to-table specials.

Michigan beers, wine. Kids menu. Open daily.

17 Squires St Square NE, 951-7100. ramonas table.com. L, D ¢-$ Rockford Brewing Co. — Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Handcrafted brews on tap. Open daily. 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing.com. Brunch (Sun), L, D ¢-$ Timbers Inn — Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar.

Open daily. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. L (Wed-Sun), D ¢-$

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Anna’s House — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and exceptional desserts; dinner menu, too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) $ 672-6627. annashouseus.com. B, L Arnie’s Bakery & Restaurant — Breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and sandwiches. Menu includes extensive gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 722 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 2650 East Beltline Ave SE (Centerpointe Mall), 956-7901; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesres $ taurant.com. B, L, D Brann’s Steakhouse & Sports Grille — Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 $ 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. L, D First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstwokgr. com. L, D $ Herb & Fire Pizzeria — Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria. com. L, D $ HopCat — Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature crack fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Peppino’s Pizzeria and Sports Grille — Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily.

130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza. com. L, D ¢-$$ Pita House — Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. L, D ¢ Real Food Café — Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and madefrom-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only.

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

B, L ¢

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Timeless Beauty ...

Sundance Bar & Grill — Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sun $ dancegrill.com. B, L, D (Mon-Sat) Tacos El Caporal — Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. B, L, D ¢ Tacos El Cuñado — Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Open daily. 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-8000; Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW. tacosgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Uccello’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar.

Open daily. 122 Monroe Center NW, 773-1687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 7355520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes.

Full bar. 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitales ada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 6622244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales.com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

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cocktail hour

BY TORRENCE R. O’HAIRE

A cup of holiday cheer I HAVE THE GREAT FORTUNE of having been raised in a family of exceptional cooks, both professional and hobbyist. As you might imagine, this means I’ve got a lot of particularly special holiday memories of the unending cookie plates, tables piled with festivity and incredible scents wafting from the kitchen at all hours of the day and night.

These memories formulate one of my most cherished hospitality techniques. Between the “holiday bar,” which always had a few welcoming bottles ready to enjoy, and the “holiday table” — a side table always piled with a rotating assortment of cookies, candies and pastries to pluck from throughout the season (and never allowed to be emptied) — the idea was simply to make sure every guest could be offered something special and sweet as a bit of holiday cheer.

Dinner parties and formal invitations are one thing but being ready to welcome all sorts of guests, from neighbors dropping by with gifts to a roving band of holiday carolers, truly creates the feeling of community and caring that’s most important to build throughout the holiday season, regardless of what specific holiday you do (or do not) celebrate.

With that in mind, I like to keep a couple of cocktail and punch recipes on-hand that can be pre-made in a large batch and pulled out both for a planned party or to fill the cup of a surprise guest. One of my favorites for this (and something a little underrepresented in the common Midwestern repertoire) is a good, old-fashioned milk punch.

Often, when I say, “milk punch,” I get skeptical looks — people either expect something achingly sweet, like some sort of boozy ice cream drink, or imagine essentially a glass of

Torrence’s holiday milk punch

4 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup Cognac 1 cup aged gold rum ½ cup cream sherry ½ cup demerara sugar 2 teaspoons Angostura bitters Freshly grated nutmeg, to top Twist of orange, to garnish Combine all ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust with a bit more sugar if needed, or a bit more milk to lighten. Keep cold until serving; pour over ice and top with some fresh nutmeg and a twist of orange.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

This recipe makes around a half-gallon — serve as much as you’d like and keep the leftovers in the fridge; they’ll last all week.

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Get ready for holiday gatherings with stylish new shades and save.

100

$ REBATES STARTING AT milk with a shot of gin stirred in (a horrific idea). The truth, however, is that milk makes a wonderful stand-in for the tea or juice component in classic, turn-of-thecentury punches; and with the right balance, they can be light and just barely sweet in a way that delights and surprises the first-timer. Add some holiday spice notes, and you’ve got a fabulous addition to your cocktail table.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Often, when I say, “milk punch,” I get skeptical looks — people either expect something achingly sweet, like some sort of boozy ice cream drink, or imagine essentially a glass of milk with a shot of gin stirred in (a horrific idea).

With milk punch, it’s important to know your limits — it must be kept quite cold, otherwise it tends to taste thin. You mustn’t add any intense acids (no lemon or orange), or you’ll end up with a hideous glass of alcoholic curds and whey. And because the fat in the milk adds an element of weight to the drink, it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to sweetness, lest your guests get tired of drinking before they’ve finished their first glass.

The recipe construction is very easy: pick your favorite spirit (or two — milk punch is a great opportunity to combine spirits that work well together, like Cognac and rye whiskey); pick a sweetening element that will complement the spirit (the milk doesn’t really add much flavor on its own, so you’ll need to think more directly on the palate of the spirit base); and pick a complement or two to add complexity (a liqueur, a bittering element, a spice). Combine well, chill thoroughly and serve over ice. While this doesn’t need to be “shaken to order” if time is an issue, another nice thing about milk punch is that serving it from a shaker will give you a lovely frothy head.

Top with a pinch of ground spices or a bit of fresh orange zest (the only moment you can risk incorporating a touch of citrus without curdling the drink), and you’ve got a lovely holiday cocktail that’s both refreshing and comforting.

— Torrence R. O’Haire, of The Starving Artist, is a chef, entrepreneur and restaurant consultant specializing in wine, spirits and cocktails. He also founded the Grand Rapids Cocktail Guild.

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cause & effect PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST MICHIGAN

BY ANN BYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

D.A. Blodgett St. John’s aims to brighten the spirits of those in foster or residential care with clothing, toys.

Holiday help for hurting children

P

roviding holiday gifts for roughly 1,000 kids — all ages, all sizes, all different needs — is no easy task for the D.A. Blodgett St. John’s staff. But they do it because the children DABSJ serves, almost all of whom are in foster or residential care, deserve something for Christmas.

These children are often abused or neglected; have entered the system through circumstances out of their control; who are yearning to be part of a family; and for whom the holiday season might be particularly difficult. These are the children DABSJ has been helping for well over 100 years.

Bishop Henry Richter began asking the Catholic community to help build an orphanage back in the 1880s, and by 1889,

the St. John’s Orphan Asylum opened at the corner of Leonard Street and Lafayette Avenue.

At the same time, Jennie Blodgett and Emily Clark were working to create the Children’s Aid Society with funding from Jennie’s husband, Delos Abiel Blodgett.

The Blodgett-Clark project opened at 42 Lafayette Ave. in 1887, later becoming the D.A. Blodgett Home for Children.

Despite the care the children received, both agencies recognized the children needed families for them to really thrive.

In the early 1920s, both established foster care programs. As foster care and adoption grew more accepted, the need for orphanages waned, yet the needs of children grew.

Where once orphanages cared for children

Jim Visser, chief advancement officer for DABSJ

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Shelly Friend, Holiday Giving Drive administrative coordinator, sorts through a box of donated gifts.

without families, now children with families were endangered by violence, abuse and neglect.

D.A. Blodgett focused on abused and neglected kids and prevention services for vulnerable families, with mentoring programs added in 1965. St. John’s Home focused on treating victims of abuse via its residential program, which moved to Knapp Street in 1992 and added the KidsFirst program in 1998 to provide emergency shelter.

“At some point (no one knows the exact date), the two agencies began collaborating. A St. John’s orphan became a D.A. Blodgett for Children adopted child, and a D.A. Blodgett for Children foster child came to St. John’s Home for treatment,” according to the DABSJ website.

After years of operating separately but with much of the same mission, in 2009, leaders at both St. John’s Home and D.A. Blodgett for Children began to talk of merging. It became official Jan. 1, 2010, and now boasts more than 20 programs under its Family Preservation, Foster Care & Adop-

D.A. Blodgett St. John’s reached over 8,800 children and families in 2017 through mentoring programs, counseling services, foster care, adoption, residential care and emergency shelter care.

DABSJ wish list Interested in giving to a child in need? DABSJ is looking for the following: > Cash donations > Baby items: Diapers size 3 and up, wipes, baby wash, diaper rash cream, teething toys > Gift cards: $5/$10/$25 cards to restaurants, Amazon, gas; bus passes > Home: Kitchen and bedding supplies (twin XL bed sets), hygiene supplies, ethnic hair products > Toys/games/art: Bikes and helmets, books, building toys, board games for all ages, construction paper, coloring books, craft kits > Other: Tickets to Adler Planetarium, Kroc Center, YMCA; sensory items such as fidget spinners, stress balls, weighted blankets > For more information, visit dabsj.org or call (616) 451-2021.

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cause & effect PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST MICHIGAN

Coats for Kids Doyle & Ogden Insurance Advisors started donating new winter coats to school children because one employee knew one Grand Rapids Public Schools teacher whose children were coming to school without winter coats. In 2009, employees gathered 50 coats; by 2017, that number had grown to 450.

“We found there were other schools with the same issue,” said Tina Leazier, administrative assistant at Doyle & Ogden who helps oversee Coats for Kids. “Teachers were seeing kids come without coats or missing school because of no coats and, thus, missing meals the school provides.”

What started with 50 donations has become an organized shopping strategy of purchasing new, high-quality winter coats with Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains and endof-season sales. Most coats cost $12-$14 each and are paid for by donations from individuals inside and outside the insurance business, organizations such as Knights of Columbus and other philanthropy groups.

“We reach out to schools and get names, then deliver directly to the kids,” Leazier said. “We feel strongly that we are a partner with the schools and that we plan to sustain this program.”

Leazier remembers the first time she went with the group to hand out coats, after years of working behind the scenes. “It was so emotional for me. Kids were smiling ear to ear and asking if the coat was for them,” she said. “Now, we try to get as many people involved as we can when we deliver the coats.”

Coats for Kids gives free, new winter coats to elementary school students grades K-6 in sizes ranging from 4T to men’s XL. For more information, visit doyle-ogden.com/our-community.

Coats for Kids organizer Tina Leazier sorts through some of the more than 400 coats the program has collected for donation.

tion and Residential Treatment divisions.

DABSJ reached over 8,800 children and families in 2017 through mentoring programs, counseling services, foster care, adoption, residential care and emergency shelter care.

The Christmas gift program focuses primarily on children in foster care or residential care, with names and details such as age, clothing and shoe size, and the

child’s needs and wants passed from program directors to coordinators of the gift program. The monumental task of matching donors with children occurs throughout the autumn, with gifts dropped off Dec. 10-14.

For Doyle & Ogden Insurance Advisors, connecting with DABSJ was a good fit. The company had several connections with the nonprofit, including sharing extra West

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“We want to have families get what they need, like socks and underwear and jeans, but also fun things like toys. That’s what Christmas is about.”

— Tina Leazier Michigan Whitecaps season tickets with the mentoring program, getting referrals for its internal Coats for Kids program and donating backpacks for the back-to-school drive.

“The holiday season giving has been the most recent piece for us,” said Tina Leazier, an administrative assistant at Doyle & Ogden who helps oversee the DABSJ donations. “We got involved in 2016 when we provided gifts for one family; in 2017, we asked for two families. We want to have families get what they need, like socks and underwear and jeans, but also fun things like toys. That’s what Christmas is about.”

For the 44 employees at Doyle & Ogden, giving is natural. “We try to perpetuate that there is always something we can do or give,” Leazier said.

For D.A. Blodgett St. John’s, with its 350 full-time equivalent employees and a $21.3-million budget, it’s always about helping children and families in need.

“Whatever every other kid wants, these kids want,” said Jim Visser, chief advancement officer for DABSJ. Gifts are distributed starting around Dec. 15, with additional gifts given to children who come into the system between GR Christmas and New Year’s.

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december events A FEW GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

SPECIAL EVENTS Dec. 6 CHRISTMAS CABARET: Meijer Gardens’ annual holiday gala includes access to “Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World” exhibition, cocktails, dinner and “Joy to Your Ears” by GR Symphony. 6 p.m. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. $150. meijergardens.org.

MUSIC Dec. 6-9 HOLIDAY POPS: GR Symphony plays seasonal favorites accompanied by guest vocalist Justin Hopkins. Symphony and Youth choruses, and Embellish Handbells.

7:30 p.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18-$90. grsymphony.org.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar!

DEC. 1 - ROCKFORD SANTA PARADE: Par-

DEC. 6 - UPTOWN HOLIDAY SHOP HOP:

ade through downtown Rockford. Santa visits at Rotary Pavilion with cookies, hot chocolate and free carriage rides. rock fordmichamber.com.

See Special Events

Stores in East Hills, Eastown and on E. Fulton and Wealthy streets offer shopping deals, entertainment and free trolleys between neighborhoods. uptowngr. com. See Special Events

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DEC. 6-9 - “THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER”: University Wits presents the story of a group of delinquent children getting roles in a Sunday school Christmas play. Dog Story Theater. See Stage & Film

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TIM MOTLEY (TOP LEFT); FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK/ANTHONY NORKUS PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP RIGHT); GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY/TERRY JOHNSTON (BOTTOM LEFT)

STAGE & FILM Dec. 14-23 “THE NUTCRACKER”: GR Ballet presents the timeless holiday classic. 7:30 p.m.

Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $20-$77. Also see Clara’s Nutcracker Party in Special Events. grballet.com.

DEC. 7 - SINTERKLAAS EVE: Sinterklaas arrives on a white horse to lead parade to Centennial Park for ceremony. Photos, crafts and refreshments at Holland Museum after parade. holland.org.

See Special Events

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

Calendar Editor, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, email caleditor@ geminipub.com, fax (616) 459-4800. High-resolution photos welcomed. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue by the 10th of the month.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thru Dec. 8 - Holiday Kerstmarkt: Open-air European Christmas Market with Dutch gifts, handmade crafts and food. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dec. 1, 3-8 p.m. Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 8.

150 W. Eighth St., Holland. kerstmarkt.word press.com.

Thru Dec. 23 - LowellArts! Holiday Market: Arts and gifts by more than 50 artists including pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, glass, candles, ornaments and woodwork. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 223 W. Main St., Lowell. lowellartsmi.org.

Thru Dec. 31 - Christmas Lite Show: Driving route with 2 miles of seasonal lights and 50 animated displays. 5:30-9:30 p.m. every night. Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W. River Drive NE, Comstock Park. $22/car. christmasliteshow.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY SESAME STREET LIVE!

Thru Feb. 24 - Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle: Outdoor ice skating in downtown Grand Rapids. Open daily, weather permitting; see website for times. 135 Monroe Center NW. $3 adults, $1 age 17 and younger; skate rental free. facebook.com/rosaparks skating.

Dec. 1 - 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl: Selfguided bar crawl at participating downtown GR locations; bus transportation provided.

Noon-8 p.m. $14-$25. xmasbarcrawl.com/ grandrapids.

Dec. 1 - Ada Christmas Parade: Parade begins at 11 a.m. with free cookies, hot chocolate and pictures with Santa from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Ada Township Fire House, 6990 E. Fulton St. adamichigan.org.

Dec. 1 - Allendale Artisan and Craft Market Place: More than 120 vendors including jewelry, artwork, candles and food. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

DEC. 7 - CREATIVITY UNCORKED: Grand Rapids Art Museum hosts social evening and art workshop “Linocut Cards.” Ages 21 and up. Registration required. artmuseumgr.org/learn/ creativityuncorked. See Lectures & Workshops

Allendale High School, 10760 68th Ave. Free. bit.ly/AllendaleArtisan.

Dec. 1 - Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade: Nighttime parade at 6 p.m. through downtown features lighted floats, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Parade ends at Central Park for tree lighting and caroling. visitgrandhaven.com.

Dec. 1 - Grand Rapids Toy Show: Dealers, collectors and enthusiasts. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming. $5 adults, 12 and under free. midmichigansupershows.com/grandrapids-toy-show.

Dec. 1 - Light Up Downtown: The Ford Museum hosts annual holiday open house and tree lighting, with seasonal music, Santa and reindeer visits and the Breton Village Train exhibit. 5 p.m. 303 Pearl St. NW. Free. fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR NEXT HOME PROJECT? Visit the HBA at the

REMODELING & NEW HOME SHOW January 11-13, 2019 at the DeVos Place and get all your questions answered.

Can’t wait for the show?

mygrhome.com

Dec. 1 - Lowell Christmas Festivities and Parade: Daytime activities include Rogue River Artisans Holiday Sale (see below), Santa visits on the Riverwalk Plaza, Rudolph’s craft workshop, pancake supper and Eat with Santa. Nighttime “Songs of Christmas” parade from Lowell Fairgrounds along Main Street begins at 6 p.m. discover lowell.org.

Dec. 1 - Rockford Santa Parade: Seventyfifth annual parade at 11 a.m. through downtown Rockford. Santa visits at Rotary Pavilion (50 S. Squires St. Square) noon-2 p.m. with cookies, hot chocolate and free carriage rides. rockfordmichamber.com.

Dec. 1 - Rogue River Artisans Holiday Sale: Thirty-sixth annual holiday market includes art and gifts from more than 110 artists. 9 a.m.4 p.m. Lowell High School, 11700 Vergennes Road. $2. lowellholidayartshow.com.

DEC. 29-30 - “SESAME STREET LIVE! MAKE YOUR MAGIC”: Magician visits characters from the TV show including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover and more. DeVos Performance Hall. devosperformancehall.com.

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Comedy & nightclub venues COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

Dec. 28 1/ Rock band Four Lincolns will perform at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.

1/ TIP TOP DELUXE BAR & GRILL: Live music acts and DJs, plus Comedy Tuesdays. Grand Rapids-based rock band Four Lincolns performs at 9 p.m. Dec. 28. Ages 21+. Tickets are $5. 760 Butterworth St. SW, 272-3910, Facebook.

2/ DR. GRINS COMEDY CLUB: Nationally acclaimed comedians perform Thu.-Sat. Dec 27-31, comic Chris Porter performs. Tickets for his show are $5-$40. Also, thru Dec. 1, Joe List. Dec. 6-8, Greg Fitzsimmons. Dec. 13-15, Chad Daniels.

Dec. 20-22, Frank Roche. Shows are 8 p.m. Thu.; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri.; and 5:30, 8 and 10:30 p.m Sat. B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob. com/drgrinscomedy.

3/ 20 MONROE LIVE: 2,500-seat venue hosts live music, entertainment and special events.

On Dec. 15, country singer and “American Idol” season 10 winner Scotty McCreery performs the Seasons Change tour with Jimmie Allen and Heather Morgan. The concert starts at 8 p.m. All ages welcome. Tickets are $24-$59. 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, (844) 678-5483, 20monroelive.com.

Billy’s Lounge: Eastown bar and music venue hosts live music with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com.

The B.O.B.: The Big Old Building houses multiple entertainment options: live music Fri. and Sat. at Bobarino’s; DJs and dance floor at Eve on Fri. and Sat.; live music at House of Music and Entertainment (H.O.M.E.); stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins. 20

Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob. com.

Flanagan’s: Irish pub with live music from local bands on Fri. and Sat.; also live Irish music on Thu. and Sun. 139 Pearl St. NW, 980-0705, flanaga nsgr.com.

Founders Brewing Co.: Large taproom features live music Thu. and Sat., plus Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra on the first Sunday of each month.

235 Grandville Ave. SW, 776-2182, foundersbrewing.com.

Grand Rapids Brewing Co.: Restaurant/taproom features live music Fri.-Sun. 1 Ionia Ave. SW, 458-7000, grbrewingcomp 3/ Country singer any.com.

Scotty McCreery will Grand Woods Lounge: perform Dec. 15 at Restaurant/bar with dance 20 Monroe Live. floor hosts DJs and live music Fri. and Sat. 77 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-4300, gra ndwoodslounge.com.

The Intersection: Fourbar concert venue hosts nationally known bands.

133 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-8232, sectionlive.com.

J. Gardellas Tavern: Dance club Fri. and Sat. nights on third floor with DJs. 11 Ionia Ave. SW, 4598824, jgardellastavern.com.

Mixology: Lobby lounge overlooking downtown GR and Grand River has live music Fri. and Sat. nights and live jazz brunch on Sun. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St. NW, 242-1500, ilovethe jw.com/dining/mixology.

Mojo’s: DJs and dance floor on second level Wed., Fri. and Sat., with dueling pianos show on main floor Wed.-Sat. nights. 180 Monroe Ave. NW, 776-9000, mojospianobar.com.

Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 451-0775, facebook.com/mulliga nspubgr.

One Trick Pony: Grill and taproom hosts live music 8-11 p.m. Thu. and Sat. Reservations accepted. 136 E. Fulton St., 235-7669, onetrick.biz.

The Orbit Room: Regional and national music acts, occasional standup comedy. Open floor, seated balcony. 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 942-1328, orbitroom.com.

Pop Scholars: Four-person comedy team performs improv show at 8 p.m. Dec. 14. $12. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, popscholars. com.

The Pyramid Scheme: Heartside pub and live music venue. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, pyramidschemebar. com.

2/ Comedian Chris Porter River City Improv: Comedy improv team performs at 7:33 p.m.

Dec. 1, 15 and 29. $12 adults, $6 students and kids. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, 752-8570, rivercityim prov.com.

River Rock at The Grand River Hotel: Live music Fri. and Sat. and jazz brunch Sun. 270 Ann St. NW, 363-9001, thegrandriverhotel.com.

Rocky’s Bar & Grill: Dancing every Fri., featuring DJs and live acts.

633 Ottawa Ave. NW, 356-2346, face book.com/rockysbarandgrill.

Rumors Nightclub: Gay bar and dance club. 69 S. Division Ave., 4548720, rumorsnightclub.net.

Stella’s Lounge: Drink features and live DJs every Fri. and Sat. 53 Commerce Ave. SW, 742-4444, stellas gr.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TYLER STEIMLE/GHOST CODE STUDIOS (TOP); CHRIS PORTER (MIDDLE RIGHT); JEFF RAY (BOTTOM)

Back Forty Saloon: Line dancing and live country bands Fri. and Sat., DJs Thu. 48 W. Fulton St., 742-4040, thebackfortysaloon.com.

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Dec. 1 - Saugatuck Holiday Festivities: Holiday Parade begins at 1 p.m. on Butler Street. Santa’s Workshop includes kids crafts, tree decorating, music and photos with Santa from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Annex (Coral Gables), 220 Water St. Tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Village Square (Butler and Main streets) with caroling and hot chocolate. saugatuck douglas.com.

Dec. 1 - UICA Holiday Artists Market: Thirtieth annual event features works by regional artists, plus live music and food. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Steelcase Town Hall, 901 44th St. SE. Free. uica.org.

Dec. 1 - White Lake Christmas Parade: Sixty-sixth annual parade with more than 50 participants and Santa in horse-drawn carriage. 2 p.m. Whitehall to Montague along Business 31/Colby Street. visitmuskegon.org.

Dec. 3 - Grandville Tree Lighting: Annual holiday celebration with elementary choirs and caroling. 7 p.m. Library Amphitheater, 4055 Maple St. SW. cityofgrandville.com.

Dec. 5-7 - Feel the Zeel of Giving: Downtown Zeeland hosts holiday events, including carriage rides, reindeer, photos with Santa, extended holiday shopping. 5:30-8 p.m. feel thezeel.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TYLER STEIMLE/GHOST CODE STUDIOS (TOP); CHRIS PORTER (MIDDLE RIGHT); JEFF RAY (BOTTOM)

Dec. 5, 12 - Santa Visits in Rockford: Santa visits with kids, plus free cookies and hot cocoa. 6-8 p.m. Rockford Rotary Pavilion, 50 S. Squires St. Square. Free. rockfordmicham ber.com.

Dec. 6 - Christmas Cabaret: Meijer Gardens’ annual holiday gala includes access to “Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World” exhibition, cocktails, dinner and “Joy to Your Ears” by GR Symphony. 6 p.m. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. $150. meijergardens.org.

Dec. 6 - Powerfully Pink: Susan G. Komen luncheon celebrating heroes in the community includes movie screening of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” 11:30 a.m.

Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Drive NE. $50. komenmichigan.org/powerful lypink.

Dec. 6 - Uptown Holiday Shop Hop: Participating stores in East Hills, Eastown and on E. Fulton and Wealthy streets offer shopping deals, entertainment and free trolleys between neighborhoods. 4-10 p.m. uptowngr.com.

Dec. 6 - Walker Winter Fest: Tree-lighting ceremony, ice skating, Santa visits, live reindeer, kids crafts, hot cocoa. 5-7:30 p.m. Walker Ice & Fitness Center, 4152 Remembrance Road NW, Walker. Free. walker.city.

Dec. 7 - First Friday Gallery Hop: Participating galleries, shops and eateries stay open 6-9 p.m., presented by Avenue for the Arts. South Division between Fulton and Cherry streets. avenueforthearts.com/firstfriday-gallery-hops.

Dec. 7 - Kentwood Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting: Holiday Light Parade, tree lighting, caroling, Elves Express Gift Shop, carriage rides, hot chocolate/cookies, caroling and Santa visits. 5-8 p.m. Kent District Library, 4950 Breton Road SE. Free. kent wood.us/parks.

Dec. 7 - Sinterklaas Eve: Family games and crafts at the Holland Armory (16 W. Ninth St.) at 6 p.m. Sinterklaas arrives on a white horse at 7 p.m. to lead parade to Centennial Park (250 Central Ave.) for ceremony and tree lighting.

Photos, crafts and refreshments at Holland Museum (31 W. 10th St.) after parade. holl and.org.

Dec. 7 - Up on the Rooftops: Self-guided tours of upper floors in historic buildings of downtown Holland decorated for the season, plus dessert reception at Fifth Third Bank, 36 E. Eighth St. 6-9 p.m. $25. holland.org/events/ rooftops.

Dec. 8 - Happy Elves Craft Show: More than 120 vendors offer jewelry, candles, dog treats, wood signs/art and food. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. White Pines Intermediate School, 1400 S. Griffin St., Grand Haven. Free. facebook.com/happyelv escraftshow.

Dec. 8 - Holland Shopping Jam: More than 30 downtown merchants open early for shopping specials. 8-10 a.m. holland.org.

Dec. 8 - Jenison Museum Open House: Jenison Historical Association hosts Christmas open house. 1-4 p.m. 28 Port Sheldon, Jenison. jenisonhistory.org.

Dec. 12 - WMJS Holiday Party: West Michigan Jazz Society hosts dinner, dancing and live music with The John Shea Trio. 6 p.m. Watermark Country Club, 5500 Cascade Road SE. $50, $45 members. wmichjazz.org.

Dec. 14 - Rockford Live Nativity: Re-telling of Jesus’ birth. 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Speed Merchants Bicycle Shop, 106 E. Bridge St. Free. rockfordmichamber.com.

Dec. 15-16 - Brunch with Santa: Wheelhouse hosts brunch buffet, photos with Santa, cookie decorating and kids activities. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

67 Ottawa Ave. SW. $29.95 adults, $14.95 kids. wheelhousegr.com.

Dec. 16 - Clara’s Nutcracker Party: Lunch, crafts and photos with Nutcracker characters at 11 a.m. before GR Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

2 p.m. performance. Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave. NW, and DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $65-$100 includes admission to ballet. grballet.com.

Dec. 27 - Night at Your Museum: Guests tour all three floors of the museum as exhibit characters come to life, plus entertainment, food, Mighty Wurlitzer concert and planetarium show. 6-9 p.m. GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. grpm.org.

Dec. 31 - New Year’s Early Eve: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum hosts a kids celebration 6-8 p.m. with countdown/balloon drop at 7:30 p.m. 11 Sheldon Ave. NE. $12, $10 members. grcm.org.

SPORTS Dec. - Grand Rapids Drive: National Basketball Association G League team is the primary affiliate of the Detroit Pistons. Home games: Dec. 12 vs. Texas Legends. Dec. 14 vs.

Toronto Raptors 905. Dec. 15 vs. Westchester Knicks. 7 p.m. DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW. $5-$30. grandrapids.gleague.nba.com.

Dec. - Grand Rapids Griffins: Grand Rapids’ American Hockey League team, primary affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Dec. 1 vs.

Texas Stars. Dec. 5 vs. San Antonio Rampage.

Dec. 14 and 31 vs. Rockford IceHogs. Dec. 15 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Dec. 19 and 29 vs.

Cleveland Monsters. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $19-$40. griffinshockey.com.

Thru Dec. 2 - Gymnastics on the Grand: More than 2,400 gymnasts compete; hosted

by Grand Rapids Gymnastics. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. gymnasticsonthegrand. com.

Dec. 9 - The Whoville 5K: Seventh annual holiday run includes 5K run/walk and kids fun run. 1 p.m. Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. NW. $37.50 5K, $15 kids run. whoville5k. com.

STAGE & FILM Thru Dec. 2 - “Becky’s New Car”: Muskegon Civic Theatre presents the story of a middleaged woman on an adventure with a millionaire. 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Beardsley Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $22 adults, $20 seniors and students. muskegon civictheatre.org.

Thru Dec. 2 - “Jersey Boys”: Broadway Grand Rapids presents a musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m.

Sat., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $42.50-$82.50. broadwaygrandrapids.com.

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Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (Required by PS Form 3526)

1. Title of publication: Grand Rapids Magazine 2. Publication number: 997-340 3. Date of filing: October 1, 2018 4. Issue frequency: Monthly 5. Number of issues published annually: 12 6. Annual subscription price: $24.00 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: Gemini Media LLC, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Ste. 201, Grand Rapids, MI 495031474. Contact: Scott Miller. Phone: 616.459.4545.

8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of Publisher: Same as #7 9. Publisher: John Balardo. Managing Editor: Sarah Tincher. Both addresses same as #7.

10. Owner(s): Gemini Media LLC; John Balardo and Stefan Wanczyk. Both addresses same as #7.

11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: none.

12. Tax status: Has not changed during the preceding 12 months.

13. Publication title: Grand Rapids Magazine 14. Issue date for circulation below: October 2018 15. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months/ actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date. a) Total number of copies: 11,000/10,000. b1) Paid outside-county mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541: 1,333/1,317. b2) Paid in-county subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541: 4,890/4,753. b3) Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS paid distribution: 2,332/2,203. b4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0/0. c) Total paid distribution: 8,505/8,273. Free distribution by mail: d1) Outside-county: 100/0. d2) In-county: 323/0. d3) 0/0. d4) Free distribution outside the mail: 1,873/1,429. e) Total free distribution: 2,296/1,429. f) Total distribution: 10,801/9,702. g) Copies not distributed: 199/298. h) Total: 11,000/10,000. i) Percent paid: 78.74%/85.27%.

16. Electronic Copy Circulation. a) Paid electronic copies: 0/0. b) Total paid print copies + paid electronic copies: 8,505/8,273. c) Total print distribution + Paid electronic copies: 10,801/9,702. d) Percent paid (both print & electronic copies): 78.74%/85.27%.

17. Publication Statement of Ownership publication required. Will be printed in the December 2018 issue of this publication.

18. I certify that 50% of all distributed copies (electronic & print) are paid above a nominal price and that all statements made above are correct and complete (signed): Scott Miller, Circulation & Marketing Manager, 10/1/2018.

Thru Dec. 8 - “A Christmas Story”: Holland Civic Theatre presents the story of a young boy in the 1940s who wants a BB gun for Christmas. 7 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 50 W. Ninth St., Holland. $10. hol landcivictheatre.org.

Thru Dec. 8 - “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: Master Arts Theatre presents the story of four friends who discover a magical world through a door in an old wardrobe. 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat. 75 77th St. SW. $17 adults, $15 seniors and students, $8.50 kids under 12. masterarts.org.

Thru Dec. 13 - “Prospect”: Sci-fi film about a teenage girl and her father who travel to an alien moon to find gems. See website for times. UICA, 2 W. Fulton St. $8, $4 members. uica.org.

Thru Dec. 16 - “The Little Mermaid”: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents the love story between a mermaid and a human prince.

7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 30 N. Division Ave. $33. grct.org.

Dec. 1-2 - GVSU Fall Dance Concert: Performance by GVSU Dance Company and Freshman Dance Company. 7 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus. gvsu.edu.

Dec. 1-2 - “The Nutcracker”: West Michigan Youth Ballet presents the holiday classic about Clara and her Nutcracker prince. 1 and 4:30 p.m. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $18-$23 adults, $13-$17 students, $8 kids 5 and under. Also, Clara’s Nutcracker Tea Party at 11:30 a.m. ($20). wmyb.org.

Dec. 6 - “Satan and Adam”: Film about racial tension and the transformative power of music. 7 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. $10, $8 members. sc4a.org/ satan-adam.

Dec. 6-8 - “Good Kids”: Presented by GRCC Players. 8 p.m. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $12 adults, $5 students. grcc. edu/theater/grccplayers.

Dec. 6-9 - “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”: University Wits presents the story of a group of delinquent children getting roles in a Sunday school Christmas play. 8 p.m. Thu.Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson Ave. SE. facebook.com/uniwits.

Dec. 7 - That Movie Shindig: Hudsonville hosts monthly movie night. This month: “I Can Only Imagine.” 21+ only. 7 p.m. Terra Square, 3380 Chicago Drive. $3. hudsonville events.com/that-movie-shindig.

Dec. 7-8 - GVSU Fall Senior Dance Concert: Performance by GVSU senior dance majors.

7 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus. gvsu. edu.

Dec. 7-15 - “The Promise”: Turning Pointe School of Dance’s ballet tells the Christmas story with scripture and music. 7 p.m. Fri., 2 and 7 p.m. Sat. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. Eighth St., Holland. $22-$24 adults, $17-$19 students. turningpointedance.org.

Dec. 8 - “The Nutcracker”: Balletmore presents a one-hour performance for young viewers with post-show photos with dancers. 5 p.m. Northview Performing Arts Center, 4451 Hunsberger Ave. NE. $12, $10 seniors. bal letmore.com.

Dec. 14-23 - “The Nutcracker”: GR Ballet presents the timeless holiday classic. 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $20-$77. Also see Clara’s Nutcracker Party in Special Events. grballet.com.

Dec. 15 - Holiday Showcase: Dance performance by Hearts in Motion. 7 p.m. DeVos Center for Arts and Worship, 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE. $5-$10. dcaw.org.

Dec. 29-30 - “Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic”: Magician visits characters from the TV show including Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover, Rosita, Count von Count and Gonger. 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $15-$60. devosperformancehall.com.

MUSIC Thru Dec. 1 - Handel’s “Messiah”: Calvin Oratorio Society performs with the Calvin Orchestra. 8 p.m. Calvin College FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $30-$35. calvin.edu.

Thru Dec. 2 - Hark Up 2018: Musical telling of the Christmas story. 7:30 p.m. Fri., 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sun. DeVos Center for Arts and Worship, 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE. $25-$32 adults, $21 kids and students, $65 family four-pack. harkup.com.

Dec. 1 - The Block Concerts: Cabaret with the Paul Langford Quartet. 7:30 p.m. The Block, 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $25 and up, $10 students. theblockwestmichigan. org.

Dec. 1 - La Sinfonia Navidena: GR Symphony presents a community concert. 7:30 p.m. Dan Heintzelman Fine Arts Center, 2587 Boulevard Drive SW, Wyoming. Free; tickets required. grsymphony.org.

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Dec. 1 - Post Animal: Hope College Concert Series. 8 p.m. Dimnent Chapel, 277 College Ave., Holland. $30. hope.edu.

Dec. 2 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve rock opera. 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $56-$77. vanandelarena.com.

Dec. 3 - The Many Moods of Christmas: GVSU holiday celebration concert with Arts Chorale. 7:30 p.m. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Free. gvsu.edu/fallarts/ holiday-celebration-7.htm Dec. 4 - Straight No Chaser: Male a cappella group performs One Shot Tour. 7:30 p.m.

DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $37-$67. devosperformancehall.com.

Dec. 5 - Ryley Walker: Indie-folk singer/ songwriter and guitarist. 8 p.m. Recital Hall, Calvin College Fine Arts Center, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $10. calvin.edu.

Dec. 6-9 - Holiday Pops: GR Symphony plays seasonal favorites accompanied by guest vocalist Justin Hopkins. Symphony and Youth Choruses, and Embellish Handbells.

7:30 p.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18-$90. grsymphony.org.

Dec. 15, The Bittersweet Christmas Band. 7 p.m. Wealthy Theatre Annex, 1110 Wealthy St. SE. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students, $10 members, $5 kids under 12. sites.google.com/ site/grfolkarts.

Dec. 9 - for KING & COUNTRY: Christian pop duo performs Little Drummer Boy: The Christmas Tour. 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $23-$68. vanandelarena.com.

Dec. 9 - Metropolitan Choir of Praise: Christmas concert. 3 p.m. Basilica of St. Adalbert, 654 Davis Ave. NW. Free-will offering. metropolitanchoir.org.

Dec. 9 - Sacred Sounds of St. Mark’s: A Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols. 5 p.m.

St. Mark’s Episcopal, 134 N. Division Ave. Free. stmarksgr.org.

Dec. 14 - Home for the Holidays: West Michigan Symphony performs seasonal favorites. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $24-$60. west michigansymphony.com.

Dec. 14 - Kent Philharmonic Orchestra: Concert with music by Gershwin and Copland. 7:30 p.m. St. Cecilia Music Center, 28 Ransom Ave. NE. $12 adults, $6 seniors and students. kentphilgr.org.

Dec. 7 - Josh Garrels: “The Light Came Down: A Christmas Concert.” 8 p.m. Chapel, Calvin College Fine Arts Center, 1835 Knollcrest Circle SE. $25. calvin.edu.

Dec. 14 - Kentwood Community Choir: Christmas concert with singalong favorites.

7 p.m. Heritage Baptist Church, 1570 60th St. SE. kentwood.us/parks.

Dec. 7-8 - GR Women’s Chorus: Annual winter concert. 7:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE. Free; donations accepted. grwc.org.

Dec. 14-16 - GRCMB Lessons and Carols: Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys concert: 7 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Cathedral of St. Andrew, 265 Sheldon Ave. grcmb.org.

Dec. 8 - The Accidentals & Friends: Indie folk-rock concert. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. frauenthal.org.

Dec. 15 - Schubert Male Chorus: Annual Christmas concert: “The Stories of Christmas.”

7:30 p.m. EGR High School PAC, 2211 Lake Drive SE. $20. schubertmalechorus.org.

Dec. 8 - Old Dominion: Country band performs Happy Endings World Tour. 7:30 p.m.

DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW. $32-$63. deltaplex.com.

Dec. 16 - Edelweiss Christmas Concert: Grand Rapids Edelweiss Club choir. 3:30 p.m.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 423 First St. NW. Free. edelweissclubgr.com.

Dec. 8 - Sleigh Ride Around the World: Calvin College Wind Ensemble presents a concert of holiday favorites. 10 a.m. Calvin College FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $5, $25 family. calvin.edu.

Dec. 16 - Grand Rapids Symphonic Band Concert: 3 p.m. Grandville High School PAC, 4700 Canal Ave. SW. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 students, $25 family. grsymphonicband. org.

Dec. 8 - Sounds of the Season: Holland Symphony Orchestra holiday concert with Dianne Penning. 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dimnent Chapel, 277 College Ave., Holland. $5-$20. hollandsymphony.org.

Dec. 16 - Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus: Holiday concert. 4:30 p.m. Basilica of St. Adalbert, 654 Davis Ave. NW. grsymph ony.org.

Dec. 8, 15 - GRFA Acoustic Saturday Night Concerts: Grand River Folk Arts concerts.

Dec. 8, Dennis Palmer and Ken Bierschbach.

Dec. 16 - Winter’s Gifts: Holland Chorale holiday concert. 3 p.m. First Reformed Church, 630 State St., Holland. $20 adults, $5 students. hollandchorale.org.

Dec. 19-20 - Cirque de Noel: GR Symphony’s SymphonicBoom concert combines seasonal music with Cirque performances. 7:30 p.m.

DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18-$90. grsymphony.org.

Dec. 21-22 - Mighty Wurlitzer Concerts: GR Public Museum’s theater organ concert features Lance Luce performing holiday songs.

7 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sat. 272 Pearl St. NW. $10 adults, $5 kids, $8/$4 members. grpm.org.

LECTURES & WORKSHOPS Dec. - Downtown Market Cooking Classes: Dec. 1, 8 and 15, Holly Jolly Cookie Bash. Dec. 4 and 13, Slow Your Roll: Beginner Sushi. Dec. 7, Get to Know Gnocchi. Dec. 14, DIY Thai. 435 Ionia Ave. SW. downtownmarketgr.com.

Dec. - Kent District Libraries: Adults: book sales, book discussions, computer/technology instruction. Kids: KDL Lab Experience, story times. kdl.org.

Dec. 1, 8 - LowellArts! Classes: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 1, Eco-Printed Silk Scarves ($28). 1-4 p.m.

Dec. 8, Holiday Embossing Workshop ($35).

223 W. Main St., Lowell. lowellartsmi.org.

Dec. 4 - Gluten Free Breads and Rolls: Cooking class with Jan Hendrick. 10 a.m.noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m. Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell. $25. lifeprocesscenter.org.

Dec. 7 - Creativity Uncorked: Grand Rapids Art Museum hosts social evening and art workshop “Linocut Cards.” Ages 21 and up.

Registration required. 6:45-9 p.m. 101 Monroe Center NW. $40. artmuseumgr.org/learn/crea tivityuncorked.

Dec. 7 - First Friday Contra Dance: Grand River Folk Arts Society hosts instruction and dancing. 7 p.m. 701 Fifth St. NW. $10 adults, $8 members, $5 students and seniors. sites. google.com/site/grfolkarts.

Dec. 7 - UICA First Friday Studio Night: “Perspective Drawing for Beginners Inspired

by Emily Najera.” 6-9 p.m. 2 W. Fulton St. Free with admission ($5), members free. uica.org.

Dec. 15 - Eastern Floral Design Class: “Keep It Outside.” 10 a.m. 2836 Broadmoor Ave. SE. $40. easternfloral.com/designclass/2018.

Dec. 16 - Messiah Sing-A-Long: Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids holiday concert. 7:30 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 E. Fulton St. chamberchoirgr.org.

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Museums & attractions COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

2/ BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER: Special events: Dec. 1, Animal Yoga; (Our) Work Is Loving the World: A Poetry Workshop; and Night Hike.

Dec. 7, Kids Night Out. Dec. 8, Pioneer Holiday Celebration. Dec. 15, Drop-In: Evergreens. Dec. 26-Jan. 1/ Revisit childhood favorites at 4, Winter Break Camp. Permanent attractions: 143 the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s acres of trails, heritage buildings, farm. Mary Jane “TOYS!” exhibit.

Dockeray Visitor Center open Mon.-Sat. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. $3. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandfordnaturecenter.org.

3/ FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 6, “Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture” and “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World.” Special events: Santa will visit the Gardens on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 5-8 p.m. for photos with guests. Dec. 4, 11 and 18, Original Dickens Carolers. Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, Rooftop Reindeer. Thru Jan. 5, Winter-Time Walks. See Christmas Cabaret in Special Events. Permanent attractions: Modern and contemporary 30-acre sculpture collection, Japanese garden, tropical conservatory, children’s garden, nature trails and boardwalk, café, gift shop. Open daily. $14.50 adults, $11 seniors and students, $7 kids 5-13, $4 kids 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580, meijergardens.org.

3/ Santa visits Frederik Meijer Gardens.

Coopersville & Marne Railway: Restored 1920s-era railway hosts Santa Train excursions on Sat. and Sun. thru Dec. 23. $21.25 adults, $20.25 seniors, $19.25 kids 2-12. 311 Danforth St., Coopersville, 997-7000, coopersvilleandmarne.org.

Coopersville Farm Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru March 30, Handmade Wooden Tractors. Special events: Dec. 4 and 18, Acoustic Jam Night. Dec. 8, Victorian Tea and Christmas Crafts. Dec. 15, Christmas Fair. Dec. 29, Kids, Crafts & Critters, and Make Celebration Soap with Happy Goat. Open Tue., Thu., Sat. $4 adults, $2 kids 4-12, kids 3 and under free. 375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersville farmmuseum.org.

Deer Tracks Junction: 100-acre farm with elk, whitetail deer, Tibetan yaks and reindeer. Special events: Thru Dec. 17, Christmas Experience includes wildlife safari tour with reindeer, Santa visits, Grinch and other characters. Check website for tour dates and times. $17, kids 2 and under free.

7850 14 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, 863-3337, deer tracksjunction.com.

DeGraaf Nature Center: Special events: Dec. 8, Homestead Holiday. Center open Tue.-Sat. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. Free. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, 355-1057, cityofholland.com/degraaf naturecenter.

Downtown Market: Special events: Dec. 5, Winter Wonderland. Dec. 11, Snacks with Santa.

Dec. 14-16, Visits with Santa. 435 Ionia Ave. SW, 805-5308, downtownmarketgr.com.

Felt Mansion & Gardens: Special events: Guided Holiday Tours Fri.-Sun. starting Dec. 7; and Dec. 31 and Jan 1. Also, Taste and Tour Dec. 13, 20 and 27.

6597 138th St., Holland, 335-3050, feltmansion.org.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 6, “In Step with Betty Ford: A Celebration of Her Centennial.” Open daily. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 college students, $4 ages 6-18, kids 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St. NW, 254-0400, fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 13, “Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present.” Thru March 3, “Dylan Miner: Water Is Sacred // Trees Are Relatives.”

Special events: Dec. 20, Light the Night. See Creativity Uncorked in Lectures & Workshops. Sunday Classical Concert Series: Live performances 2-3 p.m. every Sun. thru Dec. 16. Free with admission.

Drop-in Studio: 1-4 p.m. every Sat.: Inspired Garlands. Closed Mon. $10 adults, $8 seniors/students, $6 kids 6-17, kids 5 and under free; free admission 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue. and 5-9 p.m. Thu. 101 Monroe Center NW, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Handson permanent and traveling exhibits for kids 2-10.

Closed Mon. $8.50, $7.50 seniors, kids under 1 free.

11 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org.

Holland Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Dec. 29, “Mars: Astronomy and Culture.” Special events: Dec. 5-6, Deck the Halls. Dec. 18, Movies at the Museum: “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.” $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, kids 5 and under free. 31 W. 10th St., 796-3329, hollandmuseum.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM (TOP); DEAN VAN DIS (BOTTOM)

1/ GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM: Special exhibitions: Thru Sept. 8, “TOYS!” is an interactive, multigenerational exhibition displaying a huge variety of toys. Also, thru Jan. 27, “Ralph W. Hauenstein: A Life of Leadership.” Special events: Curiosity Labs every Sat. See Night at Your Museum in Special Events and Mighty Wurlitzer Concerts in Music. Permanent exhibitions: Streets of Old Grand Rapids; Newcomers: The People of This Place; West Michigan Habitats; Grand Fish, Grand River; and Be Curious. Also, restored 1928 Spillman carousel. Open daily. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 kids 3-17. 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grpm.org.

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NEW EVENT!

Coming in March 2019!

Ticket and more event information will be announced this winter!

Visit grbj.com for more details!

2/ Blandford Nature Center hosts outdoor holiday events this month. org. Also, Cappon House: Noon- 4 p.m. Dec. 15-16, Christmas at Cappon House with carols, stories, Victorian-era games and crafts ($10, $8 members, kids 5 and under free). 228 W. Ninth St. Settlers House: 190 W. Ninth St.

Contact sponsor@grbj.com for sponsorship opportunities.

John Ball Zoo: Open daily thru Dec. 1, then closed until March. $8.50 adults, $7.50 seniors and kids 2-12. 1300 W. Fulton St., 336-4300, jbzoo.org.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 6, “Inka Essenhigh: A Fine Line.”

Special events: Dec. 1, Holiday Sale. Closed Mon. $5 adults, $2 students with ID; members and kids 12 and under free. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM (TOP); DEAN VAN DIS (BOTTOM)

Meyer May House: Restored Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house includes original furnishings. Open for guided tours 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tue. and Thu.; 1-4 p.m. Sun. (last tour one hour before close).

Free. 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermay house.steelcase.com.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 6, “Armand Merizon: His Life and Art.” Thru Jan. 13, “FantasMenagerie: The Sculptures of Nat Rosales.” Dec. 13-March 10, “SONS: Seeing the Modern African American Male”; reception 5-7 p.m. Dec. 13. Dec. 13-March 10, “Ad Man: Joseph Gray II.” Special events: Thru Dec. 1, Santaland Diaries. Thru Dec. 2, Festival of Trees.

Dec. 15, Free Community Day. Dec. 17, “Black Man” documentary film premier. Closed Mon. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 college students, kids 16 and under free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 7202570, muskegonartmuseum.org.

Nelis’ Dutch Village: Special events: Dec. 1, Storytime with Sinterklaas. Park closed for season, shops open Mon.-Sat. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $10 kids 3-15. 12350 James St., Holland, 396-1475, dutchvillage.com.

Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Shows use Digistar production and surround sound. This month: “One World, One Sky - Big Bird’s Adventure,” “Dynamic Earth,” “Let it Snow!,” “Under Frozen Skies,” and “The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love.” $5, $4 with admission to the museum, members free. Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grpm.org/planetarium.

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 7:30 am to 9:30 am More details at grbj.com!

SPONSORED BY

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT SPONSOR@GRBJ.COM DECEMBER 2018 / GRMAG.COM 93

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out & about SOCIETY / FACES / PLACES

Runway models walk the Couture for a Cure event

Pritika Chopra and Morgan Moss

Sydney Bandy and Jeffery Roberts

Sheryl and Diana Haverkate and Maeve McInerney

Michelle McCormick, Adrian Butler and Rachel Green

Erica and Jane Dean

CAPTURING THE ACTION AROUND TOWN:

snap shots

GUESTS ATTENDED THE 13th annual Couture for a Cure on Oct. 11 at Van Andel Institute.

All proceeds benefit biomedical research and science education at Van Andel Institute.

Beauty Beyond Drag Productions and The B.O.B. presented Bell of the Ball: A Benefit for Suicide Prevention on Sept. 14. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Sparkle!, a welcome gala for the new artistic director of the Grand Rapids Ballet, James Sofranko, was held Oct. 18 at L3VEL at The B.O.B. and the Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

John Nienhuis, Doug Smith and Kelley Hughes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Emily Barrows, Grace Young, Peyton Field, Mari Beer and Ruby Staczek

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Shelby Sarnowski, Kya Kosheba and Chloe Taner

Mayra Martinez and Norma Ramos

Traci Alt and Wendy Mika Sophia Cerniglia, Lindsey Nyenhuis, Brenna De Young and Chelsea Stafford

Dustin Ter Haar, Morgan Wenzel, Ben Tobar and Kaele Olson

Marcus and Helle Ha

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

John Mitchell and Gina Ang

Beronna Sapphire

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after thoughts

Q:a

Jennifer Maxson forges her own path to inspire current, future leaders.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

O

riginally from Bay City, Jennifer Maxson moved to Grand Rapids to attend Grand Valley State University in 1990 and has called West Michigan home ever since. In 2017, after over 20 years in leadership development, Maxson decided to build her own business, Jennifer Maxson & Associates, with the goal to inspire current and future leaders. Jennifer Maxson & Associates now serves clients in both the U.S. and abroad, delivering customized coaching in leadership development and communication.

Maxson has received several awards honoring her entrepreneurship and leadership, including being named one of the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women in 2014 and, most recently, receiving the 2018 Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s ATHENA Award.

WHO INSPIRES YOU? My kids, Madison, Gage and Kendall. Every day, I see them taking risks and being courageous.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? Helping to inspire the next generation of leaders by encouraging others to be their authentic selves, while enhancing strengths and recognizing opportunities for growth to be an exceptional leader.

IF YOU HAD AN EXTRA HOUR EVERY DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT? Take the time to pause and reflect on the moments of the day. Sometimes we are so busy doing, that we miss the moments that really matter.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT GR? All the possibilities: the arts, the lakeshore, new and innovative organizations, and continued growth. This is where I am supposed to be.

WHAT WOULD YOU NAME YOUR BOAT IF YOU HAD ONE? “Fish On!” It has two meanings for me — first, a fish is on the line, and second, let’s fish all day.

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