Taste This 2012 - GRM by Grand Rapids Magazine

Grand Rapids Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

2012 Restaurant Guide

www.grmag.com

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Taste This...

What are you in the mood for? A big juicy steak? Fantastic Italian fare? A great Sunday brunch? Superb seafood? A cutting-edge food and wine pairing experience? How about some casual comfort food or a decadent dessert? Whatever you crave, whatever your dining pleasure, Grand Rapids has an app for that. The local dining scene is filled with delights. It offers a vast array of impressive destinations to fit any mood or satisfy any hunger. In this guide we offer a peek into some of the area’s most distinctive dining venues – and when we say “peek,” we mean it virtually. Grand Rapids Magazine has embedded Quick Re-

sponse (QR) codes into this restaurant guide, which will let your smartphone transport you to the restaurant for a virtual visit and truly give you a peek into the venue. Watch the chefs creating in the kitchen, check out the ambiance of the dining room, and salivate over the meals to come. All you have to do is download a free app that will allow your smartphone to read QR codes. Then scan the code and watch the fun begin. (Sorry; we haven’t figured out how to convey all those tantalizing aromas just yet, but give us time.) Come explore Grand Rapids’ dynamic dining scene…

By J. Stapleton-Burch Photography by Michael Buck

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©istockphoto.com/ekash

(616) 459-2500 // mUER.com

Charley’s Crab – A 30-year Grand Rapids tradition of exceptional riverside dining fiNDiNG fRESh fiSh and seafood this close to the great Lakes is easy: just visit charley’s crab in the heart of downtown grand Rapids. Whether seated in the elegant, floor-to-ceiling window-fronted dining room, the casual steamer raw bar, or eating alfresco on the deck, guests enjoy a truly fine dining experience with a majestic view of the grand River below. just a short walk to area attractions, charley’s crab offers some of the city’s

most mouthwatering creations with the freshest seafood and finest steaks. it is a favorite of both culinary aficionados and those who simply love a good meal. charley’s crab provides professional, comfortable tableside service while behind the scenes, their top-notch culinary staff combine their considerable talents to present the day’s freshest catches. seafood is flown in five days a week and menu items change daily to reflect

the best of the market. guests enjoy a full range of creative cuisines from lipsmacking appetizers and delectable entrees to delicious desserts, an awardwinning sunday brunch (10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) and a fantastic happy hour from 4-7 p.m. weekdays. Another advantage is the large parking lot and free valet parking. No matter what the occasion, you’ll find an incomparable dining experience awaits you at charley’s crab.

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(616) 774-2000 // cYGNUs27.com

Cygnus 27 – Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s AAA Four-Diamond dining destination fROM itS LOftY PERch atop the Amway grand Plaza, cygnus 27 enjoys unsurpassed panoramic views of the city. With its modern, vibrant, big-city atmosphere, gracious, hospitable service and globally elegant dining options, it’s easy to understand the logic behind AAA’s Four Diamond rating. cygnus 27 offers an extraordinary dining experience that showcases the talents of chef de cuisine Werner Ab-

senger. His adventuresome spirit and culinary liberties add an atypical spin to his locally sourced, globally inspired cuisine. Menu options spanning from small plates to full multi-course meals will surprise and delight the eye as well as the palate. An evening here is enhanced by a professional wait staff that leaves you feeling pampered and special, and valet parking is complimentary. Prior to a show or for a night on the

town, cygnus 27’s lounge offers a wide selection of specialty cocktails, liqueurs and premium wines, with Happy Hour specials daily from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and $5 martini Wednesdays. they have two private dining spaces that can accommodate 32 guests for intimate dinners, or up to 80 for mix-and-mingle affairs. A visit to cygnus 27 will make you proud of this city.

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(888) 456-3463 // THEcHoPHoUsEREsTAURANT.com

The Chop House — Prepare to be pampered!

RADiAtiNG A cOOL, urban vibe that’s sophisticated yet comfortable, this PRiMe American steakhouse impresses even the most discriminating diners. just across the street from the Amway grand Plaza, the chop House is a perfect combination of ambiance, exceptional service and unparalleled fare, offering only the best usDA Prime beef, wet-aged 28 days

to flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. (Only two-percent of all u.s.A. beef is graded Prime.) Delight in the finest and freshest top-catch and premium seafood selections, along with only the best-rated chicken, lamb, pork and veal chops. the chop House recently launched Menuvative menu tablets — the latest technology that puts a wealth of food and wine pairing information, elegant menu descriptions, wine scores and tasting notes on an easy-to-read digital menu. this is an interactive menu experi-

ence sure to change the way you look at menus. For after-dinner delights, indulge in La Dolce Vita’s dessert and cigar lounge on the lower level. it offers handcrafted cigars, signature martinis, top-shelf liquors, after-dinner drinks and sinfully rich house-made desserts. Private function rooms are also available. When you crave the very best steak, forget those national chains. Our readers have already voted this Michigan-grown steakhouse “best steak” in the city.

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(616) 301-8171 // TWIsTED-RoosTER.com

Twisted Rooster – Something to Crow About it DiDN’t tAKE LONG for grand Rapids to embrace the inspired food stylings found at twisted Rooster — comfort food with a decidedly tasty twist. Focusing on fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients from within a 20-mile radius of the restaurant, the menu of this Michigan-based venue offers creative takes on classic American favorites. executive chef Mark Noseda ii ramps up the flavor of normally traditional dishes like Mac & cheese, Fish tacos and their twisted tower of Ribs as well as nearly 50 signature items he designed exclusively for the menu. Noseda ex-

tends that “special twist” philosophy to encompass even the smallest details, such as the Flash-Fried calamari, their twisted House salad and specialty Desserts. twisted Rooster changes their menu seasonally to complement Michigan’s growing seasons. Michigan handcrafted beer, wine, liquor and soda are also offered at their full-service bar as part of their “commit to the Mitt” campaign, whose aim is to create growth within Michigan’s economy by keeping things local. Open daily, the capacious dining room and convivial

lounge exudes a welcoming, casual atmosphere with its comfortable seating and warm wood accents. there is a positive vibe that is palpable. there is even a kids’ menu; and its accessible location on the east beltline offers plenty of parking. One visit to twisted Rooster and you’ll be hooked.

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(616) 957-1111 // HILToNGRANDRAPIDs.com/sPINNAKER

Spinnaker – Making New Memories ALREADY A 30-YEAR grand Rapids tradition, spinnaker’s new executive chef, William Read, is out to impress. He has recreated the menu, combining the pleasures of the past with exciting new palate pleasers that are built upon a philosophy of fresh, local products. it remains the place to sail into for scrumptious seafood. Harbored within the Hilton grand Rapids Hotel, spinnaker offers inspired dishes made from only the freshest seafood. However, the diverse menu also pays equal attention to non-seafood items, in-

cluding premium, aged beef selections. chef Read — who honed his culinary skills for over a decade at Amway restaurants — and his team create fresh, daily lunch and dinner specials (plus a breakfast buffet). their excellent sunday brunch has often been recognized by grand Rapids Magazine readers as among the best. they also have a well-rounded, global wine list and full-service bar that proudly pours Michigan microbrews. the classic, yet welcoming atmosphere includes giant aquariums and other nautical touches

of polished brass and etched glass that is casual yet elegant. Larger parties enjoy the semi-private captain’s table or the cove; private banquet rooms can seat 300. the separate, spacious spinnaker Lounge offers cozy booths, large granitetopped bars and comfy sofa seating with great happy hour specials. Whether it’s for a casual meal or a special event, let spinnaker put the wind in your sails.

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(616) 242-1448 // ILovE616.com

six.one.six – A world-class feast for all the senses

JW MARRiOtt’S SiGNAtuRE restaurant, six.one.six, exudes an inviting cosmopolitan vibe that cleverly combines come-as-you-are comfort with urban sophistication. the focus of its cuttingedge fare is creativity and freshness. the restaurant’s unique name underscores its commitment to serving locally grown, top-quality cuisine, hand chosen from local farms and regional producers.

Passionate about growing the culinary experiences of its guests, executive chef christian Madsen’s simple-yet-refined menu is dictated by the seasons and the best that local farmers have to offer. Having led the 1913 Room to its exclusive AAA Five-Diamond status as well as opening Ruth’s chris steak House at the Amway grand Plaza, he brings his culinary artistry to bear at this beautiful destination venue overlooking the grand River. the six.one. six mantra is: “eat local. Feel global” — a philosophy they accomplish daily. utilizing the freshest, best-quality ingredients, chef christian and his talented culinary crew create globally inspired dining experiences that keep patrons coming back for more.

in addition to the upscale casual dining room and alluring outdoor “jdek” — complete with fire pits, lounge sofas and heaters — guests enjoy sitting at the chefs Lab, an interactive culinary bar that hosts up to 17 at a counter that opens to the kitchen. it encourages friendly conversation with the restaurant’s culinarians as they prepare food and offer complimentary bite-sized appetizers from the chef. it’s a fun and tasty learning experience not to be missed. you’ll fall in love with jW’s six.one.six.

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(616) 785-1001 // FLORENTINES.BIZ

Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante Sports Bar – A Hidden Treasure BELMONT RESIDENTS have a secret, but we’re willing to tell: Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante Sports Bar is the place to be and well worth any necessary drive. Whether seeking family-friendly dining with fantastically flavorful fare, or a place to savor a favorite pizza and take advantage of Happy Hour specials while cheering on a favorite team with friends, you’ll find it at Flo’s. In the culinary tradition of a Grand Rapids’ mainstay — Uccello’s — Dan and David Uccello’s separately owned Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante Sports Bar stands alone. Their distinctive commitment to unsurpassed quality and top-shelf service puts them in a class all by themselves. The diverse menu, masterfully

executed by Executive Chef Corissa Gould, features authentic, made fromscratch Italian dishes, along with house specialties such as their made-onsite sausage and peppers, tender steaks, barbecued ribs, seafood and chicken dishes, subs, sandwiches, burgers, nibbles and signature desserts. Alfresco diners enjoy the beautiful, newly installed deck, while the dining room — which is also available for private parties — is spacious and comfortable. The lounge is just as roomy, with a myriad of large and small screens visible from every seat, and incredible daily food-and-drink Happy Hour specials both early and late (2-6 pm & 10-midnight) and during important

sports events. How ‘bout a three-topping $2.99 personal pizza available every night from 10 - midnight, except during sports events. Other weekly specialty pricing makes dining here a real value — especially given the quality of Flo’s fare and attentive, friendly service. Belmont’s secret is out!

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(616) 454-6700 // LEosREsTAURANT.com

Leo’s – Fine dining for every day AftER EiGht YEARS YEARS, Leo’s remains a favorite downtown restaurant. Leo’s is a popular choice with our readers, often being voted “best seafood Restaurant” and “best Downtown Restaurant,” as well as “best chef” and “best bartender.” Leo’s offers a diverse wine list, and the creative menu is based on the high-

est standards of quality and taste. it boasts a wide variety of seafood flown in daily, but those who prefer top superior meat, poultry or pasta will find plenty to tempt them, too. And don’t think that the spectacular cuisine, ambiance and service translate to prices out of reach for daily dining. Leo’s offers a variety of entrée selections under $20. it’s also an ideal lunch destination with many sandwich and salad choices available. their

spacious bar, elegant décor and big city views make for a comfortable environment which make Leo’s the downtown dining destination for everyday fine dining. but it’s not amazing food alone that makes Leo’s such a great restaurant. the well-trained attentive staff provides gracious service and is committed to total guest satisfaction. it’s clear that owner Leo beil understands the importance of considering every aspect that influences the dining experience. His belief has always been that “success rests on a foundation of unwavering quality, honest value and attentive service.”

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(616) 45-GRILL // LoUIsBENToN.com

Louis Benton – Grand Rapids’ Premier Steakhouse iN fEBRuARY 2012, Louis benton steakhouse celebrated its tenth anniversary of bringing “comfortable” fine dining to downtown grand Rapids. Louis benton is renowned for the finest steaks seasoned with signature spice rubs, superb seafood, price-conscious mouthwatering entrée selections and delectable desserts. executive chef Matthew McNaughton’s award-winning menu offers American classics such as Midwestern

grain-fed filet mignon and all-natural New york strip steak along with herbroasted prime rib and the freshest of seafood that is hand selected daily. the superior dining experience they offer — complete with complimentary valet parking — has garnered them “best steaks” awards year after year from Grand Rapids Magazine readers, and they have been recognized with an Award of excellence from Wine spectator magazine. signature libations can be found in their casual dining room bar,

and on weekends their cosmopolitan nightclub, the Leopard Lounge, offers specialty cocktails with a lively Dj and dancing from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. For special occasions, Louis benton will astound even the most discerning with private rooms available for smaller parties, business meetings and celebrations, while their banquet facilities can accommodate up to 350 guests. Open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and for dinner from 5-10 p.m. Monday through saturday, Louis benton steakhouse stands ready to impress. come see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

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(616) 855-WINE // ReserveGR.com

Experience Reserve

Executive Chef Matthew Millar, a James Beard Semi-Finalist, has created a seasonally driven menu highlighting West Michigan’s diverse agriculture. Working closely with local farmers, Chef Matthew provides a constantly changing offering of the freshest and most unique foods in Grand Rapids. The menu also includes Michigan’s most extensive selection of local and international artisan cheeses as well as numerous housemade charcuterie items. Reserve has a strong focus on wines by the glass, offering up to 102 of them in their custom cruvinet wine system, many coming from Michigan wineries. The Reserve staffs’ passion goes well beyond wine though, as reflected in their extensive beer and cocktail programs that feature craft oriented and local options. Select from a list of carefully chosen bottled and draft beers or one of their famous handcrafted cocktails. Located adjacent to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Performance

Hall, Reserve is located in the heart of downtown. Its main floor offers dining with communal high-tops and private tables; or dine outside on the secondfloor patio adjacent to the mezzanine dining room. Private dining space is also available for special occasions, client dinners, business meetings, or casual gatherings with friends. Reserve opens at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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(616) 242-6000 // mARRIoTT.com/GRRDT

The Bistro â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Located inside The Downtown Courtyard By Marriott thE BiStRO provides guests with fresh offerings, a large choice of starbucks beverages and artistic cocktails. comfortable seating, surrounded by HD televisions and WiFi, create a relaxing and pleasurable experience. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week, the bistro is a casual option for a delicious meal. in addition to their regular menu, they offer a create-yourOwn-Pasta option for lunch as well as weekly menu specials. the bistro Lounge provides a relaxing place to meet friends or colleagues for a great glass of wine, an artful cocktail or a draft from their selection of Mich-

igan Micro-brews on tap. they offer a daily Happy Hour from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., which includes great food and beverage specials. the bistro offers a private dining space accommodating 20 guests for intimate dinners, working lunches, or mixand-mingle affairs. in addition to everything else ... guests receive two hours of complimentary self and valet parking for dining at the bistro. A visit to the bistro is a welcoming change of pace!

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UccELLos.com

Uccello’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge – Exceeding guests’ expectations thE fAMiLY-OWNED uccello’s Ristorante is well known to both culinary and sports enthusiasts alike. they offer the fresh taste of pasta imported directly from italy, served with homemade sauces whose recipes have been passed down over generations. besides specialty pastas and authentic italian entrees, uccello’s also offers American cuisine: tender steaks, baby back ribs, and thick and juicy burgers. the talented culinary crew with eyes — and taste buds

— for detail, makes all menu items from scratch. it is the perfect place for relaxing family dinners. sports fans revel in cheering for their teams on the HD big screens while eating some of the city’s finest appetizers and handmade pizzas. grand Rapids Magazine readers have often recognized uccello’s as the “best Happy Hour,” “best sports Lounge,” and awarded them the top honor for “best Pizza” in town. each of the four locations – grand Rap-

ids, caledonia, standale and grandville — has several HD big-screen tVs, flatscreen tVs throughout the bar and dining room, and a great view of the game from every seat. they have an extensive wine list and 22 beers on tap, featuring Michigan microbrews. Activities like NtN trivia, texas Hold’em, keno, pool tables, video games and free wireless internet keep diners busy in the sports lounge, while summer months offer lively alfresco dining on the patios. it’s a famous gathering spot for socializing, and their banquet rooms are ideal for rehearsal dinners, parties and business meetings. uccello’s will exceed your expectations.

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(616) 235-1342 // HIGRDT.com

Pearl Street Grill – Discover the delights of the Downtown Holiday Inn iNSiDE thE grand Rapids Downtown Holiday inn is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Pearl street grill is an outstanding full-service restaurant and lounge that offers remarkable fare at exceptional prices. With an emphasis on fresh Michigan products, the restaurant even has its own garden that yields garden-fresh produce throughout the growing season. their popular American cuisine offers something for all tastes, from thick juicy burgers and steaks, to items like sea-

food and a succulent rack of lamb. Daily chef specials are always just that — very special indeed — creatively composed to please the palate and put a smile on guests faces. the hospitable, full-service lounge is not only welcoming, but also offers an impressive Happy Hour from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with popular Michigan beers, wine and liquor on hand. it’s the perfect place for meeting up with friends after work or to gather for downtown events.

the pleasant atmosphere of Pearl street grill and Lounge lends a homeaway-from-home feeling that is both comfortable and relaxing, with an attentive service staff that aims to please. Dining patrons are extended the courtesy of complimentary parking — a real bonus in downtown grand Rapids. Pearl street grill: Put it on your radar. it’s the place to go when you want real food, real fresh, real fast.

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(616) 235-9339 // TREcUGINI.com

Tre Cugini – Welcome to Chicago’s favorite Italian restaurant With OvER A DEcADE of unwavering high standards behind them, the awardwinning tre cugini has even earned recognition in the chicago media. Owners Adriano and carol Moscatelli, along with executive chef Roberto Huynh and Restaurant Manager jim schramm, pride themselves on tre cugini’s authentic italian, made-from-scratch menu that stretches from their soups, stocks, sauces and mozzarella to their breads, pastas and spectacular desserts. tre cugini’s multi-regional menu includes a variety of inventively prepared fresh pesce (seafood) selections along with creative carne (meat) entrees, Prime steaks and chops, and of course, primo pasta specialties, extraordinary risotto selections and daily chef creations that take advantage of the freshest seasonal offerings.

tre cugini’s full cocktail bar includes an extensive wine list specializing in regional italian wines chosen to enhance every meal. their well seasoned wait staff delivers outstanding service with the strictest attention to detail. the restaurant’s intimate, neo-rustic décor is reminiscent of a stylish italian courtyard, complete with a strolling accordion player weekend evenings. the adjacent catering facility, La scala, provides a distinctively unique venue for celebrations and private parties from 20 to 200. situated in the core of the city, the well-appointed alfresco patio overlooks the activities of Rosa Parks circle. tre cugini beckons with an authentic, upscale, fine italian dining experience that draws in guests from around the globe. come discover this local italian treasure that has chicago buzzing.

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(616) 676-5400 // vITALEsADA.com

Vitale’s of Ada – Famous for pizza, but so much more vitALE’S PiZZA is legendary — over the years it’s been repeatedly voted “best Pizza” by grand Rapids Magazine readers — but it would be a shame if you missed out on all that their varied menu has to offer. its madefrom-scratch, multi-regional italian fare offers a combination of secret family recipes and fresh trattoria-style selections — all of which can be delivered within their five-mile radius. While owners joe and Angela Polizzi celebrate the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, the pizzeria side of the business has been a popular Ada staple since 1985! bright and modern, the smartly designed full-service restaurant is homey and welcoming, upscale yet family-friendly. separated from the dining room, the sports Pub generates a lively atmosphere with its multiple large-screen tVs and daily

Happy Hour specials that beckon friends to kick back together and tap a few microbrews or sample signature handcrafted cocktails (as featured on FOX 17). Patrons enjoy live music thursday evenings. just as important as the fun atmosphere, the commitment to value and quality, and the fantastic food created by their talented team of chefs, is the hospitality and attentive service you’ll receive from the staff at Vitale’s of Ada. the Polizzis, whose son Franco has joined the ranks at the restaurant, have truly created a retreat from the ordinary. Angela has personally selected the impressive wine list to make your dining experience complete. take advantage of all Vitale’s of Ada has to offer. Open daily; visit vitalesada.com for seasonally inspired weekly dinner specials. Party-size pans of signature items are also available.

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LET YOUR TASTEBUDS BE THE JUDGE Voted 9 years in a row as Best Caterer by Grand Rapids Magazine, Applause Catering + Events knows how to entertain your palate as well as your guests.

From delectable appetizers for a corporate event, to inspired plated dinners for a wedding celebration, or a fun filled outdoor barbeque, the Applause Team of talented Chefs, experienced hospitality staff, and respected Sales + Event Designers will cover every detail.

applause

catering + events

We offer two exclusive catering facilities: Bridgewater Place, in beautiful downtown Grand Rapids and the Applause Event Center, conveniently located off 28th Street. Applause Catering + Events is a preferred caterer at the most prestigious venues in the area including Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Goei Center, and the Bissell Tree House at the John Ball Zoo. Call now to book your Holiday parties and events.

Contact our Sales + Event Designers at smcintyre@applause-catering.net or mpuplis@applause-catering.net 3755 Broadmoor Avenue SE Suite C Grand Rapids MI 49512 616.940.0001 www.applause-catering.net 21

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