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Welcome Letter Last Call Guide to Hotel Dining Calendar of Events
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20 Questions for Jesse Girod Appetizer Advisor T Time Rendezvous Up North Batter Up 48 Hours in Grand Rapids Creative Class
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Editorial Director | Dave Kantor Creative Director | Wendy Wassink Editor | Amy Marinari Design | Kantorwassink
O N T H E C OV E R Photography Mitch Ranger Photography Styling Mimi Ray Style: Design
A N A H C + H OS P I TALI T Y P U B L I C ATI O N
Chief Marketing Officer | Chad LeRoux SOLACE Ad Sales | Ashley Savransky SOLACE™ magazine is published two times per year by Kantorwassink on behalf of AHC+Hospitality. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of AHC+Hospitality. For advertising information, please call 616.776.6980 or visit us online at solacemag.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/solacemagazine and Twitter @solacemag.
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DEAR GUEST, Welcome to West Michigan! Patios and beer gardens fill with people. Sailboats zig and zag across every area lake. Long lines form in front of every food truck. And the unmistakable scent of Coppertone is in the air. It must be summer in West Michigan. With that, let me be the first to welcome you to the Spring and Summer issue of SOLACE Magazine. And allow me to encourage you to get out there and enjoy some of the spectacular opportunities that only West Michigan can offer. Perhaps the first thing to do is get yourself properly dressed for summer success. Find out where to get the right T-shirt that sends the right Michigan message in “T Time” (p.16). For further fashion advice, turn to our 20 questions article and get the answers from Grand Rapids’ foremost authority on fashion, Fitzgerald’s Jesse Girod (p.12). Once you know what to wear, you’ll need to know where to go. Look no further than the pages of SOLACE. If you’re from out of town and only have a few days to spend in our fair city, “48 Hours In Grand Rapids” provides a great guided overview (p.28). Plus an amended 8-hour tour if time is tight. To see beyond the sights of the city and into its soul, see p.38 for the article titled “Creative Takes Flight,” where you can meet some of the shining stars who have sent the entrepreneurial spirit soaring in West Michigan. If it’s food you fancy, we’ve got you covered there, too—from fancy to friendly to funky. For starters, “The Appetizer Advisor” lets you know where to find the eight exceptional apps currently on the tips of everyone’s tongues (p.14). Find out why toast doesn’t stand a chance in “Batter Up,” an article that sums up where to find Grand Rapids’ greatest pancakes, waffles, and crepes (p.26). If you’re wondering why it’s so easy to get a restaurant reservation downtown, on a Friday night, in July, wonder no more. You’ll find the answer on p.24 in “Up North,” an article about lake living and West Michigan’s obsession with cottage culture. In addition to the articles about what to do, who to meet, and what to eat, we’ve included an article about a place very near and very dear to our hearts, the lobby of the Amway Grand Plaza. Our recent renovation has given way to Rendezvous, part restaurant, part lounge, part gathering place, and part of a new era in the way hotel lobbies are becoming the social hubs of their communities (p.18)—better still, see for yourself by making a visit! As Chief Marketing Officer for AHC+Hospitality—the operator of the Amway Grand Plaza, the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, and the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott—I’m thrilled to welcome you to your go-to guide to what’s happening right here, right now in West Michigan.
Chad LeRoux Chief Marketing Officer AHC+Hospitality
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By Kantorwassink Photography by Geoff Shirley
JESSE GIROD The style-maker and scion of Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store talks summer, style, and the perfect Manhattan. We assume you’re dressed for summer right now? I am. Summer in West Michigan is the perfect season for peacocking your style. So what’s your summer wardrobe philosophy? Less is more. That sounds kinda naughty. Be comfortable. Less layering. Lighter-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk blends. Unconstructed and unlined soft coats. You should have a completely different wardrobe for summer. Bare feet, whenever possible. Why make menswear your life? I was born into it. My family’s business, Fitzgerald's, opened in 1980, and I grew up in the store. I made the coffee and broke down boxes before school. Later on, I would skip class and go on buying trips with my dad. Today, it is a choice, and I find fulfillment in making people look and feel good. Our customers are like family. I see many of them weekly, and helping them with their personal style, to succeed in all aspects of life, is what I love to do. When you’re dressed to the nines, where do you go? Hmmmm. I dress when required. Typically to be appropriate at events like weddings, meetings, quinceaneras, bar mitzvahs and/or sexy parties. You grew up in West Michigan; what spot says "summer" to Jesse Girod? The lakeshore. Bumming around on the water from Saugatuck to Grand Haven equals my happy place. Flagrant cocktailing required. Why Grand Rapids? Is this a trick question? Seriously. It’s the easiest town ever. Also, new things are popping up all the time. There has been such an amazing renaissance downtown. Music. Museums. Restaurants. The West Side. Plus, people in GR need trousers. What would they do without me? Go pantless? It’s a heavy responsibility.
When you’re dressed "down" where do you go? Everywhere. Dressed down is my preferred state. Especially in summer, when beer gardens are in full bloom. What’s the biggest fashion change you’ve seen in Grand Rapids since you started in the business? So many stores have closed. Today, very few true haberdashers remain. I'm proud of our products, services, and history. I want it to continue to benefit the community. In this digital age it is nice to escape back to a bygone era and experience an industry that has remained, for the most part, unchanged. If you left Grand Rapids, where would you go? I would never leave. GR will always be a part of my life. My family, friends, business, and network are here. I live downtown and it gets better every day. I imagine I will end up on an island at some point. I visualize drinking out of a coconut with a little umbrella. What does your perfect summer day in West Michigan look like? No stress and no agenda. Do what feels good, when it feels good. Maybe an early-morning jog and a lazy breakfast. A crossword puzzle. Hot dogs and lunch beers. Time in the sun and on the water. A nap. Cocktails at 4. Dinner to follow. Coffee or a digestif. Maybe a dive bar or a beach fire. Oh, and laughing. Laughing is my favorite.
Happy hour or after hours? Yes, please. I am a man of excess. Best summer job ever? Ballpark concessions. Endless hot dogs. Best Manhattan in town? Tough call ... I don't discriminate ... Side Bar. Lumber Baron. Butchers Union. Tillman's, if I'm feeling dive-y. Best hidden swimming hole? I will never tell. Swim trunks or Speedos? There’s a joke here somewhere. What’s next for Jesse Girod? Well, maybe a new pair of trousers. A few chuckles with friends and a cordial beverage. Probably just enjoying GR and soaking in the diverse styles that it has to offer. Maybe a jog around Reed's Lake. Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store Breton Village 1894 Breton Road SE fitzs.com Left: Jesse Girod is pictured with his grandfather’s bike in the family-owned Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store. Jesse is wearing a sport coat by Hardwick, sport shirt by Faherty, and trousers by Paige. Shop this look at Fitzgerald's Men's Store.
What are you reading this summer? Nothing. I can’t sit still long enough. My friend Zach sends my horoscope every day. Beach or black tie? Beach, duh. Breakfast or lunch? Brunch. I’m a multitasker. Lunch or dinner? Dinner. Lunch is for wimps.
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By Jackie Peterman Illustration by Kantorwassink
THE APPETIZER ADVISOR Grand Rapids’ Most Incredible Appetizers Have you ever found yourself at a concert where the opening band was more memorable than the lead performer? I’d like to take a moment to celebrate the restaurant equivalent. Starters so delish, you might just leave the main event, I mean entrée, behind. With the influential and ever-expanding dining experiences in Grand Rapids, sometimes dinner is best served à la carte. Here, in my hungry opinion, are some of Grand Rapids' most incredible appetizers. Vegetable Spring Rolls at Citizen This place had me at “hello.” Any establishment that offers tropical cocktail concoctions in a hollowed-out pineapple is aces in my book. And while I could gush on about the exotic décor and drink menu, it is Citizen’s Pacific Rim-inspired food menu that will truly transport you to a tropical island. Its elevated take on the traditional spring roll is a must. Loaded with rice noodles, carrots, and onions, and served with a housemade sweet chili mango sauce, these lightly fried rolls are poised to please every palate. Truffle Tater Tots at Gravity Taphouse Grille The truffle-seasoned tater tots are a perfect start to your night—especially if you like a savory snack. These crispy balls of fried goodness are topped with truffle-infused sea salt and served with warm Parmesan fondue. Exquisite as-is, but if you are feeling particularly adventurous, upgrade to Gravity’s loaded tots, served bursting with Boursin, scallion, crispy ham, and cheddar cheese sauce. Yum! Empanadas at Zoko 822 Zoko’s tapas-inspired menu is all about the shareable. One starter that always finds its way to our table: the empanadas. These flaky pastries, prepared daily, are packed with an assortment of delicious fillings such as ham and Manchego, blue cheese and mushroom, and artichoke with goat cheese, all served with a side of zesty salsa and crema.
Chimichurri Shrimp at The Winchester Spicy. Light. Flavorful. If this is what you seek in an appetizer, stop right here. This neighborhood gastro pub has elevated the expectation of traditional pub fare to new culinary heights. The chimichurri shrimp is no exception. Presented in a cast-iron skillet, this appetizer is flavored with garlic, scallions, sun-dried tomatoes, and pepper flakes, for just the right amount of heat. The side of crusty baguette is the perfect vessel to bring all these flavors together in one scrumptious bite. Black Bean Avocado Cakes at Georgina’s My favorite fusion eatery in Traverse City has made its way to GR, and I could not be happier. The black bean avocado cakes are an unexpected favorite. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is filling but also so, so delicious: lightly breaded in panko and served with housemade salsa and greens. It is a great bite to share, but no judgment if you decide to keep it all to yourself. Cheese Board at Rendezvous If you are like us, and cheese is your guilty pleasure, then start your evening with a cheese board at Rendezvous. With an assortment of both local and French cheeses, this lounge is suitable for any turophile. Located in the lavish lobby of The Amway Grand Plaza, Rendezvous is the perfect place for guests and locals to post up and sip on a gin fizz, and if you are lucky enough to visit on a weekend, even catch some live jazz. Roasted Onion Tart at New Hotel Mertens Once a historic hotel, now brasserie, NHM derives influence from both its vintage roots and French-inspired cuisine. So, it should come as no surprise that the roasted onion tart is nothing short of fantastique. The savory custard filling is baked in a butter crust and served with micro greens, which makes us feel slightly less guilty about our indulgence. This is one appetizer you definitely will not want to share.
Smorrebrod at The Sovengard Pronounced smuhr-broht, these open-faced Danish sandwiches are the best thing to hit town since sliced bread. We mean it. Chef Patrick Conrade has curated a sustainable yet unique menu, transforming locally farmed ingredients into new Nordic creations. Smorrebrod begins with a dense slice of rye bread, piled with flavorful combinations such as smoked duck cracklins and beets, or panko fried squash and apple jam. These are best enjoyed in the beer garden, paired with a Belgian ale or local sour. Citizen 2115 Plainfield Ave NE 2.8 miles from hotel New Hotel Mertens 5 Oakes St SW 0.8 miles from hotel The Sovengard 443 Bridge St NW Suite 1 0.8 miles from hotel Gravity Taphouse Grille 3210 Deposit Dr NE 4.7 miles from hotel The Winchester 648 Wealthy St SE 1.9 miles from hotel Rendezvous Amway Grand Plaza 187 Monroe Ave NW amwaygrand.com/dining/rendezvous Georgina’s 724 Wealthy St SE 2 miles from hotel Zoko 822 822 Ottawa Ave NW 0.9 miles from hotel 11
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By Tommy Valdez Photo by The Mitten State
T TIME What We Wear Says a Lot About the Cloth We’re Cut From Located in Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Street corridor is Woosah Outfitters. Founded by Detroit area native Erica Lang in 2014, this outdoor-themed retailer and print shop is equal parts brand, aesthetic, and philosophy. As their mission statement puts it, “Take a deep breath in, and exhale; that’s Woosah.” During a recent visit to Woosah, I found Lang working in her studio, which adjoins her retail space. Lang, a Kendall College of Art and Design graduate, was busy etching a groove out of what would eventually become a brand-new woodcut graphic. “Having my studio open to the public in the retail store has allowed for so many genuine connections to happen,” said Lang. “It still feels like a vulnerable thing to do: to draw, carve, and create in front of complete strangers daily. But through that vulnerability those strangers become friends. Or if nothing else, a cool conversation occurs from it. It also challenges me to not take creating so seriously.” Watching Lang work is one of the rare joys that can only come out of a place like Grand Rapids. Here, artists can be accessible, and live and work among us. Lang’s work is organic; her carved waves, Petoskey stones, and towering trees remind us just how connected we are to the land here in West Michigan. “I think there’s a large community of people in Michigan who appreciate the outdoors, and are just stoked to connect with other like-minded folks,” added Lang. Geoffrey Holstad, Michigander and senior graphic designer at Patagonia, echoed those sentiments. “The Great Lakes are really special,” said Holstad. “I think a slice of relatively untouched and untracked wilderness is rare
anywhere. Michigan holds the keys to a globally crucial watershed and pristine playground.” This passion for our environment has led Holstad to support grassroots activists through his design. In 2016, Holstad collaborated on the documentary film “Great Lakes, Bad Lines,” which addresses the growing environmental concern over an aging oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac. The film spreads the word about the issue while the fundraising collateral helps keep the cause alive. “Those full-time volunteers defending the creeks in our backyards deserve effective messaging tools,” said Holstad. “Designers and creatives everywhere should be doing all they can to support real, action-based change in defense of the planet.” You can learn more about “Great Lakes, Bad Lines” at flowforwater.org. Matt Fulk, proprietor of the Grand Rapids design and screen-printing company Citizenshirt, believes that “People are looking for a sense of belonging.” Citizenshirt has been operating out of its Godfrey SW shop for just shy of a decade now. Citizenshirt is always bustling, whether Fulk is busy printing shirts for local companies or designing regional apparel of his own. “The companies I have worked intensively with are more for locals, but the tourist aspect is real, too,” said Fulk. One such Citizenshirt design that is a personal favorite of mine speaks to Fulk’s altruism: a black shirt with yellow text that reads “Support local people.” If you’re curious, you can check out the rest of his designs at citizenshirt.com.
operating within the state. Thankfully for Michiganders and welcomed guests, Michiganthemed merch has thrived in a robust cottage industry over the past decade. Artisans, activists, craftspeople, and savvy entrepreneurs like Lang and Fulk continue to fill an important niche in the statewide fashion scene. Here you won’t find stiff, scratchy shirts emblazoned with generic graphics. You’ll discover products made of high-quality fabrics or materials, printed responsibly and sold locally. Some designs are playful while others espouse more topical issues. The only problem you might run into is finding some of these products in stock. Just a few years ago, the Grand Rapids-based company The Mitten State started out selling its wares from a kiosk in the Woodland Mall. Due to the demand for and popularity of its products you can now browse apparel and goods in its gorgeous brick-and-mortar store on Bridge Street. Whether you “Say yes to Michigan!” or support “The team. The team. The team.” there’s bound to be a shirt out there that best speaks to your state pride. The Mitten State 415 Bridge St NW 0.6 miles from hotel Woosah 738 Wealthy St SE 2 miles from hotel Citizen Shirt 926 Division Ave 0.5 miles from hotel
Woosah and Citizenshirt are just two of the many Made in Michigan apparel shops currently 13
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By Kantorwassink
RENDEZVOUS Check In to the New Lobby Bar at the Amway Grand Plaza A distinguished-looking man in suit and tie reads the newspaper over his cappuccino; three very, very animated 30-something women discuss last night’s late night out; another couple sits silently at the table next to them, obviously eavesdropping, enjoying every juicy detail of their conversation. All this, already, and breakfast service is just getting underway. Both eatery and lobby lounge, Rendezvous, Amway Grand Plaza’s hotel lobby-lounge for the 21st century, opened at the beginning of this year. In the past, hotel lobbies and hotel lounges were places you would go to check in and wait for your friends to come down. Today, they have become hotels’ social centers—expressions of how a hotel wants to be seen by its guests and its local audience. Tammy Augustoni, who led the project, considers Rendezvous “a stunning mashup" of the two distinct sides of the Amway Grand Plaza’s history, bringing together the elegant historical tapestry of the Pantlind side of the hotel and the bright, light-filled, contemporary design of the newer 29-story glass tower. Resulting in, in Tammy’s words, “a BIG WOW!” In the morning, you can grab breakfast while you have a quick meeting or plan your day. Afternoons, it serves as a quieter, more peaceful location where guests can catch up on work or just relax. Come evening, it’s the ideal place to grab a craft cocktail, or charcuterie or snacks—or better still, all of the above. One hotel guest described Rendezvous like this, “It’s like I have my own living room, so that’s how I treated it. I invited the entire group I was travelling with ‘over’ for drinks – kind of an impromptu happy hour – and everyone had a great time. Me, especially, since my living room at home doesn’t come with waiters and bartenders, and a happy-to-serve staff to clean up after me.”
Morning or evening, happy hour or not, Rendezvous is a perfect place for guests and locals to feel the vibe of downtown Grand Rapids. MORNING If New York is the "city that never sleeps," then Grand Rapids is the city that never sleeps in. Grand Rapids rolls out of bed early. Bright and early. Even more so in the summer. Rendezvous is ready with a morning menu that uses fresh, seasonal ingredients from our limitless source of local farmers and fruit growers to create breakfasts that range from full breakfast buffet to fresh-made breads and pastries, berries and cream, omelets, waffles, and a roster of cocktails, such as bloodies, mimosas, coffee drinks and cordials. No wonder guests and locals alike have Rendezvous on their morning agenda. Rendezvous is open for breakfast: Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m Some Morning Suggestions The breakfast buffet. Think farm-fresh eggs and made-to-order omelets, fresh seasonal fruits, locally sourced meats and cheeses, and madefrom-scratch breads and pastries. Hold a morning meeting no one will miss. This amazing setting with incredible morning light, tables that range from two-tops to 12-tops, comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a wealth of caffeine options inspires perfect attendance every time. Hang on to your Rendezvous receipt and receive up to three hours of free parking across the street at the Amway Grand Plaza parking garage off of Pearl Street.
head out for drinks, or dinner, or a show, or the symphony … or anything else that requires a launching pad to meet your friends. Or, just stay. All night. Craft cocktails, specialty drinks, and a blow-your-mind wine list, along with a sharing menu that includes local and international cheeses, charcuterie, finger sandwiches and a variety of salty/sweet snacks and deserts. Oh … and live jazz every Friday and Saturday night from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. The lounge is open: Monday – Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (food served until 10:00 p.m.) Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (food served until 11:00 p.m.) Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (food served until 11:00 p.m.) Sunday from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (food served until 10:00 p.m.) Some Evening Suggestions Sit at the bar. Along with having maybe the most comfortable bar stools in town, it’s a perfect place to watch bartenders make magical drinks and watch the room ebb and flow throughout the night. Try the Pyramide Goat’s Milk Cheese and see why this cheese from Zeeland, Michigan, is getting the goat of cheese makers across France. The Smoked Old Fashioned. Trust us, order it. Cristal Champagne was first created for Russian Czar Alexander II in 1876. Order a bottle, sit back, and celebrate your inner czar. For reservations or additional information, please call 616.774.2000 or visit AmwayGrand.com.
EVENING INTO NIGHT Thanks to its location—right in the very middle of thriving downtown Grand Rapids— Rendezvous is a great place to meet for drinks before you 15
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By Bob Merlotti
UP NORTH The Great Northern Summer Migration It’s 2 o’clock on a Friday. The promise of a summer weekend stretches luxuriously before you. What’s it going to be? Dinner out and a band? Watch the kids wear themselves out on the great lawn at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park? A day in Eastown? Or get out of Dodge? No matter how high your town ranks on some U.S. News & World Report’s Wanna-Stay-Put Scale, there’s nothing quite like heading where you can turn off your phone and plausibly claim there was spotty cell service when you return. Some cities have a specific summer vacation destination. In Manhattan, New Yorkers head for the Hamptons. In Boston, it’s Cape Cod. In Grand Rapids, the destination is more a state of mind than a specific place. When the urge to get away hits, Grand Rapidians head north on Highway 131, connecting to an offshoot road that takes them to Lake Michigan. Or Big Star Lake. Or Walloon Lake. Or any of the hundreds of big, little, or right-in-the-middle-sized lakes that dot Michigan’s West Coast. It all falls under the colloquialism “going up north.” Up north, there’s no place to “be seen,” because part of the appeal of vacationing here is not to be. Oh, there are plenty of things to do: fishing, barbecuing, boating, drinking beer, playing Battleship with the kids, reading, drinking wine, and reading while drinking wine, to name a few. It’s simply that none of these activities would make the society page. You’re reconnected to a slower pace. If summer is about stopping to smell the roses, going up north is about not bothering to get off the hammock to smell them because that would require too much effort.
“This sounds transcendent,” you’re hypothetically saying, “but where would I sleep?” If you’re a raccoon, you’d sleep under the stars, or in some pillowy garbage. Conversely, if you’re a human, you may want a lake house. If you’ve taken the fantasy this far, let’s add visuals to it. On the outside, what you’re looking for is, well, outside. A cottage on a hill overlooking a beautiful, shimmering body of water. Close enough to hear the waves lapping against the sides of your 1961 Chris-Craft tied to the dock and ready to go. Surrounded by trees, creating shade when you want it and tying posts for a hammock. Songbirds. Neighbors who visit only when invited, and then with a cooler of your favorite beer. The inside of your dream house can go any number of ways. There’s the “Call me Ishmael” whaling motif—which, quite frankly, plays better in Cape Cod. There’s “Pun Forward” décor, with cross-stitched pillows emblazoned with slogans such as “Life is a Beach” or “Keep it Shrimple.” But if you really want to know what makes the perfect Michigan vacation home, turn to an expert. Kathryn Chaplow, of the aptly named Kathryn Chaplow Interiors, stands ready to save vacationers from being the butt of biting lake décor jokes. Kathryn specializes in creating environments to bring your lake house dream to life.
where you might kayak to a friend’s house. A place where kids and grandkids are likely to take up summer residence. A place where you and your better half are at your very best. "It’s all about unplugging and tapping into your alternative self." The photos Kathryn walked me through looked warm and inviting: Casual dining areas that said, “Place a charcuterie on this and make like piranhas.” A simple desk that said, “Even on vacation, I’d like to fake like I’m working.” Bedrooms so inviting you wouldn’t dream of getting out until someone—perhaps your significant other—made you buttered toast and coffee and begged you to go jump in the lake. It was all there, in the "up north" imagery Kathryn graciously shared. Imagery that made me ask Kathryn what she thought of my dream cottage: a Christmas Story-inspired leg lamp, which lights my lean-to overlooking a cove I’d named “The Beering Strait.” Kathryn paused. “Bottom line, it’s your happy place, so if it makes you happy, you do it,” she chuckled. I think she gets it. Get in touch with your best lake self by visiting kathrynchaplow.com before you head up north.
“Making a vacation home feel like a vacation home is a whole different animal,” Kathryn told me when I called her on my custom-made vacation conch shell phone. “You’re in a place
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By Adam Barr
BATTER UP Toast Doesn’t Stand a Chance Every time I order pancakes, waffles, or crêpes, I feel like I’m getting away with something. Looking down, I’m thinking, “This is the most important meal of the day?” At the same time, I’m thinking, “How awesome is it that the same type of batter responsible for birthday cake is considered ‘part of this complete breakfast.’” And that’s before adding syrup and a surplus of butter into the equation. It’s not always this way, of course. These battered beauties come in many shapes and forms, from traditional takes to foodie favorites, from the unapologetically indulgent to the responsibly portioned. Recently, I spent a few mornings at tables across Grand Rapids and here’s what I found. One standout of my pancake patronage came at Long Road Distillers. It’s less about the pancake itself, although they are fluffy and delicious. Here, it’s all about the syrup, which is aged in oak barrels for a taste that’s closer to an Old Fashioned than a sugary condiment. It’s fantastic, and obviously fit for the setting. My other recommendation is Marie Catrib’s, where the pancakes come two ways: one called “Panukakku” (which runs away with the Best Name award) and another named “Andrea’s Buttermilk Cornmeal Pancakes” (my personal go-to). Whoever Andrea is, she did these right, with honey butter, well-balanced syrup, and a batter that tastes like it came straight out of Amish Country. An interesting option in the pancake pantheon presented itself at the Downtown Courtyard, where The Bistro serves its lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes, topped with blueberry reduction and Vermont maple syrup. If you’re lucky enough to start your day with a plate like this, you’re lucky enough.
On to waffles—the pancake’s partner in crime. The late, great comedian Mitch Hedberg once said, “A waffle is like a pancake with syrup traps.” He wasn’t wrong. Outside some low-key crunch factor, they’re made with the same raw ingredients and accommodate the same basic toppings. At the same time, waffles are in their own camp, so I went searching. My hands-down favorite comes from Madcap, where they’re made to order, then topped with a variety of seasonal spreads. They’re unlike your typical waffle—smaller, and served one at a time. Crisp on the outside, flaky on the inside. They’re made from the fermentation of a natural starter—much like sourdough bread—and pressed with bits of crystallized sugar that make each bite a little different than the last. They’re simply a delight. Then there’s the crêpe—arguably the most uppity of the group, but rightfully so. This thin, foldable pastry can be savory or sweet, making it more versatile than the aforementioned duo. There’s a place right on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids dedicated to the item of French descent. It’s called Brown Butter Creperie and Café. Located in a building that looks like a windmill, this quaint destination is just right for pleasing your palate, whether you’re craving something sweetly tart like their “sweet lemon” or something more savory like their “classic”— made with ham, Swiss cheese, grainy mustard, and fresh chives. Last but not least, most is more like it, there’s the buffet at six.one.six, located in JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids. There, Chef Todd Webb gives guests plenty of culinary creations ready to enjoy—including items with a cultural twist, like his new-addition crepes. “We’re looking to offer things you can’t get elsewhere,” says Webb.
“We want to help people to enjoy the food they love, but also offer some items they’ve maybe never had—specifically European.” Even if you’re not a guest at the JW Marriott, head that way if you’re in the mood for a delectable crepe, filled with a sweetened cheese mixture—much like a Danish. Then, top it off with fresh fruit sauce and Chantilly cream—the exact amount of which is completely up to you. And there you have it. I still feel like pancakes, waffles, and crêpes are desserts in disguise, but as long as they’re on brunch menus everywhere, I’m not going to be the one that disturbs the peace. Long Road Distillers 537 Leonard St NW 1.9 miles from hotel Note: Brunch served weekends only Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Drive SE 2 miles from hotel Note: Closed on Sundays Madcap – Fulton Location 1041 Fulton St E 2.5 miles from hotel The Bistro 11 Monroe Ave NW Located in the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott Brown Butter Creperie and Café 1436 Wealthy St SE 2 miles from hotel Note: Closed on Mondays six.one.six 235 Louis St NW Located in JW Marriott Grand Rapids
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Written by Carrie Kolehouse Photography by Tommy Valdez
Grand Rapids’ Metro area population has surpassed the 1 million mark—and it isn’t just the area’s burgeoning industry that’s attracting new talent. The flourishing culture and variety of vibes available in the city’s neighborhoods mean almost anyone, no matter their palate or predilection, can find a place to belong and something to delight in here. If you have just one weekend in our fair city, I recommend you spend it this way, and hope that you find at least one fact, flavor, or feeling that leaves you craving another visit to Michigan’s secondlargest city. 20
16:00 West Side Happy Hour Hop
Just a short jaunt over the Gillett Bridge, you’ll find that downtown’s “up-and-coming” neighborhood has officially arrived. Bridge Street, once a struggling strip, is now a blossoming community that’s retained just enough of its offbeat edge to make your Friday afternoon memorable. You can’t miss the enormous presence of The Knickerbocker, New Holland Brewing’s megaplex, or the charm of its neighboring hangouts. Butcher’s Union offers a vintage-meets-modern atmosphere with an impressive whiskey collection, O’Toole’s and Anchor Bar boast cheap specials with a no-frills vibe, and Sovengard is host to a delightfully unusual menu of Scandinavian fare along with a back patio complete with yard games and a bar made from a shipping container that somehow feels very upscale. Further down the street, sample house-made sausages —reflective of the neighborhood’s Polish heritage—along with craft brews at Harmony Hall and super-cold beverages (you can set your glass in an actual ice bar) at The Steelcat.
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Local Global French Fare
six.one.six, the signature restaurant within the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, has always been known for its incorporation of local ingredients into global cuisine, serving everything from sushi and flatbreads to hearty pastas and steaks. Now this downtown staple, with its chic outdoor bar and patio known as the “jdek,” is kicking its worldly atmosphere up a notch with French flair, including an artisan bread display, rotisserie in the open chef’s kitchen, and selection of traditional French menu items. Try one of the French classics like coq au vin, escargot, Lyonnaise salad, or beef tartare—and don’t forget to begin with a bowl of French onion soup.
21:30 Pinball Party
Just a short walk from the city’s sophisticated hotel and restaurant scene is the Pyramid Scheme: an art gallery, arcade, bar, music venue, and dance club, all rolled up into one uncommon destination. The Scheme’s back venue area has hosted sold-out shows for indie up-and-comers, veteran hip-hop artists, and local DJs putting on epic dance parties, while its bar in front is host to a rare and abundant collection of pinball machines, local art, and reliably stiff cocktails.
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09:00 Wake and Wander
Satisfy your morning cravings, whatever they may be, within steps of your hotel room at Rendezvous, the Amway Grand Plaza’s newest restaurant concept. Located in what was once the Garden Court Lounge, this reimagined area just opposite the historic hotel’s front desk is a breakfast buffet in the morning and an elegant lounge in the evening. Fill up on made-to-order omelets and sip coffee beside the windows overlooking Pearl Street, or watch to see hotel guests from the Plaza’s 682 rooms pass by. Then head to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to awaken all your senses, with Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, five indoor theme gardens, outdoor gardens, nature trails, and sculpture collections. Exotic butterflies are blooming in the conservatory in spring, while the Japanese Garden is a lush and tranquil setting for a stroll all summer long.
13:00 Lunch and Linger
Creston neighborhood, just outside of downtown, is a well-established community that is re-establishing itself as a place for both long-time residents and newcomers. One of the gathering places anchoring Creston’s rebirth is Creston Brewery, which provides fantastic beer, food, and “an atmosphere equivalent to a perfectly timed hug.” Try the Bulgogi Burrito or Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich to feel globally inspired, yet right at home. A five-minute walk down Plainfield will take you to Lions & Rabbits, a gallery, boutique, and event space where you can buy art, or participate in art therapy, Zentangling, or yoga classes.
17:00 Step Into a Time Machine
When so much of the city is changing, it can be comforting to know that some things will stay the same. And if there’s one place you can count on for old-school dining at its finest, it’s Tillman’s Restaurant. While it’s not far outside downtown, you’ll feel decades away while sitting around the 360-degree bar, in a cozy booth, or in a club chair. In a place that’s been serving Old Fashioneds since they were actually, well, old fashioned, you can get a solid cocktail, prime rib, and traditional seafood such as cocktail shrimp and lobster tail with a side of nostalgia.
19:00 Paging Captain Bizarro
Keep your evening extraordinarily out of the ordinary with a stop into Captain Bizarro’s Treasure World, a locally owned shop on Leonard Avenue with collectibles from “Star Wars” figures to T-shirts to vintage beer bottles to video games.
20:00 Perfectly Crafted Cocktails
Long Road Distillers got its name from the “long road” its liquor makes from conception to glass—they don’t take any shortcuts in the distilling or preparation process, and your taste buds can tell when you sample refreshing and well-balanced cocktails like the Lower West Side, and especially when you sip the spirits straight. Now step next door for dinner.
22:30 Adventures in Pizza
You won’t be surprised to learn that celebrities like Oprah have stopped by this relatively new-but-already-reputable pizzeria and brewery right next door to Long Road. Located in an old engine house, The Mitten, one of the first breweries to open on Grand Rapids' nowbustling West Side, knocks the socks (and mittens) off of residents with its specialty pizzas. Get yourself a pizza flight so you can try the Thai Cobb, Mediterranean, Westerdog, and Mac Daddy varieties without overdoing it.
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09:00 Coffee Sippin’ and Grave Peepin’
Near the legendary Fulton Street Farmers Market is MadCap Coffee’s second location, where a stylish outdoor patio makes for an urban but inviting spot to enjoy a cup of exquisite coffee on a summer morning. This location also places you near some of the city’s best historic neighborhoods, including Heritage Hill and East Hills. If you can look past the whole “being a cemetery” thing, the Oak Hill Cemetery offers not only lovely grounds to walk in but also Victorian markers rife with symbolism and unusual mausoleums. If you prefer to walk among the living, there is no shortage of gorgeous restored homes to view as you stroll to the East Hills neighborhood for breakfast.
11:00 Breakfast of Champions
Grand Rapids’ oldest restaurant, Cherie Inn, offers gracious service and European charm, nestled along Cherry Street among many other popular restaurants and shops. Both traditional-breakfast lovers and food adventurers will be delighted by the menu, which now includes several vegan options in addition to eggs, pancakes, and the like.
13:00 East Side Flavor Explosion
Continue your historic exploration through the neighborhoods of the city’s east side, and take in some Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at the Meyer May House, located on the corner of Logan and Madison and open for tours year-round. Afterward, sweeten your afternoon or stock up on gifts by stopping by Mokaya Chocolate and Art of the Table on Wealthy Avenue. If you’re up for the unusual, keep going on Wealthy until you reach the psychedelic wooden exterior of Chez Olga, a Caribbean-Creole restaurant with a menu that includes plantain sandwiches, jerk chicken, goat stew, and flavors that will transport you out of West Michigan.
Only have 8 hours? Even if you’re just hitting the streets from 9 to 5, you can still soak up some of the best sights the city has to offer! 09:00 Start the day with a double dose of Grand Rapids history, with breakfast at Cherie Inn on historic Cherry Street, followed by a walk through the historic East Hills neighborhood and a stop at the Meyer May House to take in classic Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
12:00 If you’re up for an adventure, try Chez Olga’s Caribbean-Creole cuisine, such as goat stew or jerk chicken. But if you’re feeling more traditional, you can still feast on delicious lunch fare—along with a perfect, peaceful lakeside view—at Rose’s on Reeds Lake.
14:00 Visit Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory with five indoor theme gardens, outdoor gardens, nature trails, and sculpture collections at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Just take in what you can, because you’ll be back.
16:00 Finish up downtown with a taste of Grand Rapids nightlife. Start out with happy hour at Divani, known as one of the city’s most romantic yet lively restaurants. You’ll find award-winning cocktails like the Midsummer Night’s Shrub, an out-of-this-world wine list, and a chef-driven menu with indulgent starters such as crisp calamari, Cape Cod mussels, bone marrow, and shrimp & grits. You’ll walk out feeling like you had a whole night out on the town, even if you’re out the door by 6— Just in time for a final stroll through downtown, past the Maya Lin-designed Rosa Parks Circle and back to your hotel.
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CREATIVE TAKES
////FLIGHT
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ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT///IS
SOARING////// IN//WEST MICHIGAN
RC Caylan creates with ruffles, beads and sparkly sequins, designing highend gowns in his downtown Grand Rapids atelier. He’s fancy. You can tell by that French word he uses for his designer studio. Across town at Mercy Supply Company on Wealthy Street, Rusty Zylstra’s tattooed hands guide sturdy denim through a clackety-clacking sewing machine as he crafts rugged leather and canvas workwear with sturdy zippers and rivets. Sequins to rivets, the creative class in Grand Rapids is diverse. And booming. Throughout the city, neighborhoods are brimming with creative types sewing, printing, painting. They’ve set up shop in cozy storefronts, sometimes living upstairs. They’re nestled among coffee shops and breweries, never too far from a coconut iced latte or peanut butter porter.
Obviously, creativity makes you thirsty.
Terri Finch Hamilton, Author Jesse David Green, Photography
RC Caylan has shown his high-end gowns at fashion shows in Rome, San Francisco, Chicago and Detroit. He’s headed to Fashion Week in New York in September. But he always comes back home to Grand Rapids, to his design studio at 80 Ottawa NW, where he designs and stitches up glittering wedding gowns and sleek red carpet dresses that show up on the pages of Vogue and on party-goers attending the Golden Globes. “People are starting to notice that there are people here with great talent,” Caylan says.
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RC//// //////
CAYLAN He wanted to be a fashion designer since he was 9, growing up in the Philippines surrounded by the paper patterns, scissors and sewing machines of his seamstress mother and grandmother. Caylan moved to Grand Rapids in 2011 and enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College’s fashion merchandising program, earning an associate degree. After an internship in Los Angeles, he came back home and created his first collection in his kitchen, ripping out the kitchen island so he’d have more space to create. Why should anybody spend $10,000 on a custommade wedding gown when they can get one at the bridal store chain for $1,000? To his credit, Caylan answers this without even rolling his eyes. “It’s a completely different thing,” he says. “Those dresses are made by a machine in China.
“I fly to New York for fabric that comes from Italy or France. It’s all made by hand, exactly for you, to match your eyes, your skin tone. It’s all about your wants, your needs — your fantasy, made real.” The fabric may be from Europe, but Caylan finds design inspiration right here, strolling downtown, appreciating the city’s old architecture, gazing at clouds. He loves clouds. While he walks, he sips a vanilla latte with cinnamon from Madcap Coffee across the street from his atelier. “I’m happy and proud to be here,” Caylan says. “This city is really up and coming. It’s a city of potential. It’s booming.” Caylan tells how he often hosts fashion design students from Kendall College of Art and Design as interns. “They always say, ‘Why are you still here? I’m going to New York or LA or Chicago.' You can do creative work anywhere,” Caylan says. “If we stay here, we can lift each other up.” RC Caylan recently received the award for Best Fashion Designer at The Global Beauty Awards, March 10,2018. To see more about RC Caylan and his work, visit him on Facebook.
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Photographer Adeshola Makinde documents progressive rap musicians at venues and parties here and in cities across the country. Look for his book of concert photos in the gift shops at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art. His creative heart and collaborative personality lead to too many ideas to capture only on camera. So he has other creative outlets. Makinde also dabbles in clothing design. Dabbles is probably the wrong word, more like delivers, including his powerful, statementmaking hooded sweatshirt that reads PLEASE DON’T SHOOT ME DOWN, part of his COMPLETE VII brand.
Talking to Adeshola, it becomes obvious he’s just getting warmED up.
His passion and commitment to his work, his beliefs and his city are nothing short of inspiring. “This city has definitely grown in the amount of people doing creative things,” says Makinde, who’s lived here since 2008. “There’s an ability to start things here.” Which is exactly what he’s done. Does. Is doing… The more people I talk to the more it seems like if you stick around this city long enough, meet enough other members of the creative class, you might just create something yourself.
////ADE– SHOLA
////// MAKINDE
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That’s what happened to Gracie Fenech, who cranks out invitations and business cards on her antique printing press at Freshly Squeezed Print Shop at 1121 E. Fulton St. Fenech got bored with her marketing desk job and, on a whim, bought a 1913 Chandler and Price printing press. Then she had to figure out how to get it out of the owner’s basement and to her house. “It weighs about 2,000 pounds,” she says. “Literally, a ton. My husband and eight of his strongest friends, through brute strength, somehow dragged it up the stairs.” She spent a lot of late nights on internet letterpress forums, printing and printing and printing until she got it just right.
“I thought letterpress was cool,” Fenech says. ”But I didn’t know if anyone else would.”
They did. Slowly, mostly through word of mouth, people started showing up. An architecture firm that wanted portfolio covers. Engaged couples craving hand-crafted wedding invitations. Artists interested in cooler-than-usual business cards. “The handmade craft aspect is really appealing to people,” says Fenech, who sees herself as part of a growing community of artisans who support each other, buy local and appreciate the value of goods made by hand. “The final product is so tangible,” Fenech says of her printed paper goods. “I use thick, toothy paper. I set the movable type, letter by letter. I print off the grid, using a foot treadle. I mix the ink by hand and cut the paper on an old guillotine paper cutter. You can see and feel the difference,” she says. It leaves an impression in a way digital printing doesn’t, “I think knowing somebody is putting their heart and soul into it is part of the appeal.”
FRESHLY/// SQUEEZED PRINT////// /SHOP
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//MERCY/// SUPPLY// COMPANY//////
This creativity boom isn’t confined to any one neighborhood's boundaries, or bound by any kind of boundary for that matter. This quest to see who's making what, and where they’re doing it, led us across town to Mercy Supply Co. at 634 Wealthy Street SE. (O.K., full disclosure: what really led me across town was the Winchester, one of my favorite watering holes with one of my favorite beer gardens.) But, fully refreshed, I walked just a few yards down Wealthy Street and into Mercy Supply. In plain sight, right out front is where I found founder Rusty Zylstra hard at work doing what he’s been doing since 2009: sitting behind his sewing machine, “making workwear that’s as tough as the people who use it.” The line of leather and canvas bags and the clothing the company makes can be found at the store on Wealthy, and in select stores all around the world. What makes each item so special is the sense of ownership that goes into each piece. Zylstra puts his heart and soul into every one of his designs. No cutting corners. No "half-assmanship." In fact, if something made by Mercy breaks, send it back and it gets fixed, for free. “It kinda comes with the territory,” says Zylstra. He continues, “Made in Michigan really means something to me. It means it has to be able to stand up to Michigan weather, Michigan work ethic and Michigan standards, which are as high as mine.”
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And that seems to be the story. A booming creative class choosing Grand Rapids as the place to bring their ideas to life, and in the process, creating a creative community that’s adding yet another boom to the booming growth of Grand Rapids.
VISIT US
RC Caylan 80 Ottawa Ave NW / Suite 308 616.570.2111 rccaylan.com 2 miles from hotel Adeshola Makinde 630.457.0319 adesholamakinde.com Freshly Squeezed Print Shop 1121 E. Fulton St. 616.617.7928 printfreshlysqueezed.com 2 miles from hotel Mercy Supply Company 634 Wealthy SE 616.480.0350 mercysupply.com 1.9 miles from hotel
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IT’S GIN FOR THE WIN
Because so little goes into this iconic drink, what matters most are great ingredients. When it comes to gin, the choices are endless. Pick something straightforward such as a London dry like Beefeater or Bombay, or try a local favorite like Long Road Distillers’ Dry Gin, or New Holland’s Knickerbocker Barrel Gin. Tonic can come from a bottle if you’re at home, or from a soda gun if you’re at the bar. Just remember, the key to the gin and tonic’s classic taste is to balance the bitterness of the tonic against the juniper and other flavors of the gin you choose.
The Gin & Tonic from The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
FRESH LIME GARNISH 3 OZ. NEW HOLLAND’S KNICKERBOCKER BARREL GIN
4 OZ. SCHWEPPES TONIC WATER ICE
Place ice cubes in chilled glass (cubes should come near the top). Add the gin, then the tonic water, and stir well. Garnish with fresh lime wedge, and serve immediately. Summer, we salute you!
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