REVUE February 2023

WEST MICHIGAN’S ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FOR 35 YEARS » FEBRUARY 2023

FREE!

ART OUT LOUD: A FESTIVAL FOR BOLD CONVERSATIONS

PINK SKY: NEW HORIZON, TOTAL DEVOTION

UNCONVENTIONAL FITNESS IN WEST MICHIGAN

PLAN YOUR VALENTINE'S DATE

LOVE ON HIGH: CANNABIS DATE IDEAS

COZYING UP OUTDOORS

FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 35, ISSUE 2

FEATURED 20

MUSIC 12

DINING

14

CANNABIS 16

DRINKING 18

ARTS 26

I’ve lived in West Michigan my whole life. You’d think at some point, I would’ve grown used to winter.

Not so. Every year, the clouds arrive and the freezing temperatures set in, and I have to remind myself not to hibernate until May.

The key to surviving winter isn’t staying inside on your couch—it’s getting outside and realizing that honestly, it’s not so bad out there, especially if you’re staying active. Apparently, there are millions of people every year who actually look forward to winter, because they have hobbies they can only enjoy in the snowy season. Maybe it’s time you (and I) became one of these people, who pray for snow instead of fearing it.

Well, that’s what this issue is all about. We dive into all the different ways you can get out and have fun this season with our Winter Adventure Guide. It’s not just about surviving, it’s about actively experiencing the world and making memories.

Of course, we all need to relax sometimes, so we also look at places around West Michigan to cozy up—outdoors!

Still not sold on going outside? That’s fine, because we also have a spotlight on Fitness this month, helping guide you to not only gyms and trainers in the area, but unconventional ways to exercise, from kickboxing to dance lessons to pole.

Shifting gears, love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is upon us. Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or just want to spend some quality time with friends, we have a ton of great date ideas for all around West Michigan—along with ideas specifically for 4/20-friendly couples.

Plus, we catch up with GR institution The Bitter End, take a look at new eatery Chartreuse Sisters, and talk to local band Pink Sky about their newest music and show.

Just remember, even if things are looking gray outside, there’s still plenty of adventure to be had.

’Til next time,

JOSH VEAL Managing Editor josh@serendipity-media.com

FEB COMING UP

CANNABIS

SPOTLIGHT SECTION: Nightlife

From provisioning centers to grow operations and head shops, we dive into Michigan's fast-growing cannabis industry, the people working in it and the events around it.

PUBLISHER

Serendipity Media, LLC

President, Kasie Smith

www.serendipity-media.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor, Josh Veal josh@serendipity-media.com

LAYOUT

Designer, Courtney Van Hagen

MARKETING

Marketing Director, Loren Eisenlohr Marketing Coordinator, Jasa West

DISTRIBUTION

Kelli Belanger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Zachary Avery

Kelly Brown

John Kissane

Eric Mitts

ADVERTISING / (616) 458-8371

Media Sales Manager, Kelli Belanger kelli@revuewm.com

FIND US ONLINE: revuewm.com revuewm.com/arts

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Revue is published monthly by: Serendipity Media LLC

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All rights reserved.

WHAT’S GOING ON, FEB '23

2/2

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS

LET’S CELEBRATE

Van Andel Arena

Feb. 2-5

vanandelarena.com

Eight shows across four days! Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the ultimate party when Disney On Ice skates into your hometown with more than 50 unforgettable Disney characters. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, go on an adventure through 14 of the greatest Disney stories ever told.

WEIRD AL

Kalamazoo State Theater

404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo

Feb. 2, 7 p.m. kazoostate.com

It’s the perfect time to see Weird Al, hot off the release of his pseudobiopic. He’s back on the road with “The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, IllAdvised Vanity Tour,” which is perfect for the superfans. He’s playing more intimate venues with more stripped down concerts, pulling deep from his back catalogue of 14 studio albums.

ROB LITTLE

Midtown

123 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

Feb. 2-4

themidtowngr.com

A Michigan native himself, comedian Rob Little uses his training from the world famous Second City Improv Comedy Club to create routines that are inventive, funny, spontaneous, and completely unique. Having established himself as one of the peak performers in clubs, colleges, cruises, and corporates within the country, it’s easy to understand why Last Comic Standing on NBC named him The Happiest Comic in America.

2/3

ICE, WINE, BEER AND BLUES FEST

Franke Center for the Arts, 214 E. Mansion St., Marshall Feb. 3-4 choosemarshall.com

The Ice, Wine, Beer and Blues Fest is a two-day celebration of winter, booze, and blues! Choose to attend one or both

nights of fun. The festival is a Marshall favorite featuring specialty wine and beer tastings on Friday night and a blues concert at The Franke Center on Saturday. Friday’s popular festivities feature a wine and beer tasting throughout Marshall’s downtown starting a 6pm. Enjoy food, craft beers and specially selected wines. There will also be live ice sculpting!

2/5

MANIA - THE ABBA TRIBUTE

DeVos Performance Hall

303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

Feb. 5, 8 p.m.

devosperformancehall.com

Since 1999, this show has toured the world in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish ‘Supergroup’ to their millions of fans, old and new. ABBA’s timeless songs were written to be enjoyed live and MANIA gives you exactly that. Two hours of uplifting, dance inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting and effects.

2/10

NSFW FEST: CUPID’S NIGHT

The Pyramid Scheme

68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

Feb. 10, 8 p.m. pyramidschemebar.com

NSFW Fest hosts curated events featuring local artists and performers in Grand Rapids, including this special night at the Pyramid Scheme, Kick off your romantic weekend with a night to remember, featuring local favorites in burlesque, pole, and other performances. And come dressed to impress, because there will be contests, raffles, games, and more!

2/13-16

VALENTINE’S WINE DINNER SERIES

Gilmore Collection

Feb. 13-16

thegilmorecollection.com

This month, you have four different opportunities to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s wine dinner featuring the wines of Argentina’s Catena Zapata. The restaurants include Bostwick Lake Inn, Paddock Place, Blue Water and Judson’s Steakhouse.

2/14

VALENTINE’S DAY DISCO DANCE: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

Creston Brewery

1504 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids

Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. facebook.com/crestonbrewery

Join for a Valentine’s Day Disco dinner with dancing, drinks and a DJ! The Golden Age space will be transformed into a disco party, so grab your besties, your main squeeze or even your mom and dad to come move and groove together while spreading the love—after a delicious meal, of course.

LOVE ON ICE

Rosa Parks Circle

135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids

Feb. 14, 6-9 p.m. worldofwintergr.com

The World of Winter is Grand Rapids’ way of making life not just bearable, but incredibly fun and magical in the heart of winter, with over 100 free events and a ton of unique interactive art installations. Just one of those events is Love On Ice, an annual opportunity to come skate with your loved one, get your initials carved on a giant ice wall, and get a free professional photo op.

ON THE WINGS OF LOVE

Kalamazoo Nature Center

7000 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m. naturecenter.org

Bring someone special to join for a 70s-80s themed Valentine’s Day. You’ll enjoy wine and cheese pairings along with visits from Kalamazoo Nature Center’s winged sweethearts. Take a photo with your valentine, dance to the music, and listen for love calls from owls on the Vista Deck.

VALENTINE’S DAY

COOKIE DECORATING

Happy Cat Café

447 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids

Feb. 14, 6 p.m. happycatcafe.as.me

Decorate sugar cookies with your favorite person and the cutest cats around. Each person will get to

decorate two cookies in the cafe, then spend the remaining hour in the cat lounge. The cats will be sporting their finest bowties for this special night. Tickets are $20 a person and include all needed supplies, a complimentary beverage, and an hour with the cats!

2/18

ART BATTLE GRAND RAPIDS

Zeal Aerial Fitness

1111 Godfrey SW, Grand Rapids

Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. artbattle.com

What is Art Battle? It’s competition painting, in which painters create the best work they can in 20 minutes, with a live audience watching. There’s 12 artists across 3 rounds, so you get to watch four paint at a time. Then, you help to vote to determine the ultimate winner, and all artwork will be available for silent auction. Plus, you get to BYOB!

2/24

WYCE JAMMIES XXIII

The Intersection

Feb. 24, 6 p.m. sectionlive.com

Founded in 1999, the WYCE Jammie Awards is an annual celebration of the year’s best Michigan music. The event is intended to highlight our diverse, high quality music community, strengthening the relationship between artists and listeners, and features over a dozen bands on three stages. The Jammies gives out a wide variety of awards to artists across West Michigan.

2/25

WINTER BEER FEST

LMCU Ballpark

Feb. 25, 1-6 p.m. mibeer.com

It’s back again at LMCU Ballpark! Winter Beer Fest is one of the defining events of West Michigan. Beer, local music, wacky performances, ice sculptures, and it’s all outdoors in the snow. Your ticket includes admission and 15 tokens for beer samples, with hundreds of beers to choose from. Bundle up, and cheers.

BIZ BEAT

FEBRUARY 2023

A round-up of the biggest openings, closings, and other changes for local businesses.

1 Carlton Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. Head here for authentic handmade Mexican food. Try their popular queso fundido, grilled elote, wet burritos, and molcajetes.

Alger Heights got a new watering hole with the arrival of Sip Coffee and Cocktails , now open at 806 Alger SE, Grand Rapids. They’re serving up cocktails both with alcohol and without, every kind of espresso drink you could hope for, and bagels/ flatbreads for food. Come on in to get some work done with coffee and then relax with a cocktail.

There’s a new boba “and bites” spot at 2230 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids. Check out Pink Piggy for a nice selection of boba teas and tons of food made by owner Echo Shao. She draws on inspiration from her original home, China, while adding her own twist to the menu. Scallion pancakes, chicken entrees, bao bun sandwiches, potstickers and cold Beijing noodles— they have it all.

made with handcrafted ingredients, alongside a large liquor selection. It’s all served in an elegant, plush space.

Nonla Burger recently arrived in Grand Rapids after seeing much success in Kalamazoo. This popular eatery focuses on doing a relatively small menu very, very well, with super creative specials that change daily. If you like burgers, chicken sandwiches and fries, head to 449 Bridge St. NW.

OPENED:

Last Mile Café joined the scene at 1006 Hall St. SE, Grand Rapids. This Black- and woman-owned coffee shop has been selling its premium coffee beans since 2021, but just opened the café itself. Beans are ethically sourced, everything is sustainable, and 10% of revenue is donated to customernominated charities.

On Wealthy Street, Chartreuse Sisters recently opened doors. Head to 800 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids for a FrenchAmerican fusion of patisserie, café and dry bar. Inspired by the sisters’ heritage and experience traveling abroad, they’re serving up housemade pastries and beverages.

Eastown has a new bar and “modern market” in the form of Pursuit of Happiness , now open at 1426 Robinson SE, Grand Rapids. While not much information is available yet, they serve up bubbles, more bubbles, beer, wine, liquor and coffee.

There are more sushi options than ever in downtown Grand Rapids now that

Nagoya Hibachi Steak House & Sushi has joined the lineup. In the former Osteria Rossa space, at 16 Monroe Center St. NE, Nagoya has opened a second location (in addition to their 28th Street space) serving up hibachi dinner, bento boxes and tons of sushi.

Rad Bagels has arrived! From the people behind Field & Fire Bakery comes this new bagel and waffle shop with a boldly colorful 80s-themed space in the Downtown Market. Head on in at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids for a wide selection of creative and unique bagels (such as gochujangscallion), bagel sandwiches, and waffles both savory and sweet.

In Kalamazoo, Hub Tavern + Grill is now serving up pub food and drinks in the city’s social district. Visit 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall for burgers (both smashed and grilled), sandwiches, bar bites, and a bunch of wood-fired pizzas, which is their real specialty. There’s something for everyone here, including various cocktails and craft beer.

Cantina Los Amigos has taken over Danzon Cubano’s former space at

Drip Drop Cocktail Room has taken over the former upper level of The Sovengard, bringing even more drink choices to the bustling Bridge Street. At 445 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, Drip Drop is raising the cocktail game and serving up thoughtful signature drinks

Rad Bagels, Hub Tavern + Grill, Drip Drop Cocktail Room. COURTESY PHOTOS

For better or worse, Grand Rapids electronic music duo Pink Sky say they owe their new sound and evolution to COVID-19.

“Until the pandemic, our live show was the foundation of the band, and everything was built upon it, especially in regards to the instruments we recorded with,” Pink Sky multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Angelica Hay told Revue

Known for their instrumental use of analog synthesizers and drum machines during their elaborate, visually engrossing live shows, Pink Sky consisted of married couple Angelica and Ryan Hay, since before they first emerged with their debut album, FORMS , back in 2018.

At the time, the pair had described Pink Sky as an “indie electronica art band,” and used the project as a way to process their harrowing personal traumas into stunning multimedia live shows that completely transformed clubs, galleries, and non-traditional performance spaces.

But once the pandemic hit and lockdown went into full effect in 2020, the duo found that approach unsustainable, so they adopted the completely opposite philosophy for recording and producing songs with no regard for how – or if – they’d ever perform them live.

PINK SKY: New Horizon, Total Devotion

| by Eric Mitts

Knowing she couldn’t sing and play her drum machines and synths all at the same time live, Angelica invited her drum teacher Jordan Pelphrey to add the dynamic sound of live drums to Pink Sky’s performance experience.

The band has also started working with some other multi-instrumentalists in the area, and might expand to include a fourth member onstage as they prepare to tour in support of their brand new album, Total Devotion (due out Feb. 17).

“Like many other bands, all of our plans to tour were cancelled just as we were building momentum,” Ryan Hay said. “It was a gut punch. For a moment, quitting the project was on the table. Everything about Pink Sky was predicated on the live show, so it was hard to imagine moving forward. We knew we needed to keep playing music together for our personal wellbeing and connection—it is part of our fabric now. But we also knew we couldn’t proceed as planned, and that might mean the end of Pink Sky.”

Instead of stopping, the duo went inward, reexamining their roles as collaborators, bringing in more live instruments, and diving into the world of creating music on the computer for the first time in their careers.

“In 2021, we started releasing an instrumental song every two weeks to regularly engage with our audience,” Ryan Hay said. “It was fun but tiring, and not really our authentic medium. We prefer to make albums and embrace the story building they enable. Unsurprisingly, after a few months of biweekly singles, we were burned out and disillusioned by the approach. And, all the while, we were a few months deep into recording music with vocals, which was infinitely more exciting than releasing all of the remaining singles. The instrumental music wasn’t as exciting, in part because it wasn’t as scary. So we pivoted and went fully towards our new lyrical music, even though it had significant implications.”

Those implications collided with the already established identity of the band, and what it meant for them as an outlet for deep, personal reflection and healing.

“We never intended to become a vocal band,” Angelica Hay said. “We fell into discovering our voices unintentionally. We thought it’d be cool to have a few songs with lyrics, but had originally intended on having someone else sing our lyrics, but when we laid down the scratch takes, we were surprised by how much we liked our voices. We had no experience singing, and it was an exciting new way to express ourselves. It was also terrifying, but in the invigorating and challenging way that usually foreshadows personal growth.”

“We named ‘Total Devotion’ after the final song on the album,” Angelica Hay said. “‘Total Devotion’ really encompassed everything the album was about on a multidimensional level. The album is about the total devotion we have to the band, to one another, to creating art and music—and it’s about the rewards and the costs of that devotion. At times, our commitment to each of these things has been so powerful that it’s eclipsed other parts of our lives, which is profoundly meaningful but also distressing.

“So really, it’s about dealing with the consequences and rewards of our choices and recognizing that our relationship to Pink Sky is best understood as an exchange,” she added. “The rewards of ‘Total Devotion’ can be extraordinary, but the path requires significant risk, sacrifice, and faith. We hope that the album ‘Total Devotion’ conveys the intensity of our dedication to the band, to our growth, and to each other.”

Pink Sky has also completed a sister album, entitled Disenchantment , with plans to possibly release that as early as later this year.

“The whole time we wrote and recorded these songs, I was so afraid – afraid of being inadequate and of being too old to start sharing like this,” Ryan Hay said. “I was afraid of alienating myself from friends and family. I was afraid nobody would like the new music, which was so much more ‘me.’ I was afraid of being unable to finish the album and of being unable to share the songs, but mostly, I was afraid of not being able to perform them. I feared that I’d write all these songs and be too ashamed to perform them, and that’d be the end of my musical career. The end of my identity as I know it.

“For over a year, all of this was on my mind and on the line. Each song was a battle against these fears. So more than anything else, all the songs I wrote are me working through the most difficult trial of my life, fighting to overcome years of unchecked fear and negative self-esteem.” ■

PINK SKY Wsg. Ethereal, Hi-Ker

The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Feb. 3, 7 p.m., $15 advance, All-ages pinkskymusic.com

Pink Sky. PHOTOS BY HWA-JENN NA

Fast becoming a festival favorite – with performances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees, and other destination events last year – Florida indie-rock outfit flipturn has won over more and more fans with their warm vibes and high-energy live show.

Currently on the second leg of their headlining tour in support of their critically-acclaimed debut album, Shadowglow , (released last August) flipturn has hit the road hard this month, stopping at The Pyramid Scheme Feb. 16, and playing nearly every single day this month, before finishing their tour back in Florida with a set at this year’s Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival on March 5.

“I do think living and growing up in Florida had somewhat of an influence on our sound and perhaps gives it a ‘summery’ feel at times,” flipturn lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Dillon Basse told Revue . “It is the sunshine state, so when we’re writing or listening back to ideas, it’s usually in a summery climate.”

Even though they’re not excited to experience winter weather for the first time while touring, the young fivepiece is looking forward to making new memories and having new experiences after growing up together in the small town of Fernandina Beach in Northeastern Florida, where Basse, bassist Madeline Jarman, and lead guitarist Tristan Duncan formed the band back in 2015 while still in high school.

“We just moved from our hometown this month to the neighboring big city, Jacksonville,” Jarman said. “We like sticking together as a unit, and we’re best friends with each other. I think that bit can be attributed to us being from a smaller town. After our tours end, I love going home to

Florida because it’s where all of our families are, and it’s like a nice warm blanket of familiarity. We experience so much on the road, so it’s nice just to go back home to see loved ones and try to get back into our normal daily routines.”

Formed in Jarman’s garage, flipturn developed their sound playing long college-bar shows in Gainesville, and gigging almost right out of the gate.

“It is honestly really freaking surreal,” Jarman said. “Being in a touring band was something that we all dreamed of doing when we were younger. The fact that people even listen to our music is insane. I feel incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received over the years. It’s wild to think about how we started this band seven years ago, when we were just seniors in high school. So much life has happened since then, and I’m so proud of us for sticking to our guns to make this dream of ours a reality. I’m super appreciative of all of my bandmates for grinding and prioritizing the band so that we can live out our dreams and make our little teenager selves proud.”

Although they’ve since received strong reviews for their album Shadowglow , from indie outlets like Consequence and Paste , flipturn’s success really comes from appearing on over 260,000 playlists independently created by fans, helping them cross the coveted 1 million monthly listeners mark on Spotify, amassing over 60 million streams on the platform and counting.

Gaining momentum on the road right before COVID-19 hit, however, flipturn had to pull a 180 when the pandemic closed everything down in 2020.

“It was definitely a big change,” lead guitarist Tristan Duncan said. “We feel that playing live really helps us hone

FLIPTURN: Summery Sound, Shadowy Glow

| by Eric Mitts

in our songs, so losing that outlet made us have to work a little differently – as was the case for anyone at that time. Considering it in a glass-half-full sort of sense, I think it gave us a break in time to figure out things with ourselves.”

In addition to headlining its own sold-out shows from coast to coast, flipturn has opened for acts like Mt. Joy, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Wilderado, reaching countless new fans before hosting their own event, the Playground Music Festival, last summer in Gainesville in celebration of the Shadowglow release, and the next chapter of the band.

“I think a lot of our older material was very influenced by the artists we grew up listening to, but with this new record I think we really tried to hone in on sounds that were unique to us and could be identified as flipturn,” Basse said. “I’m not sure exactly what direction we’re headed in next, but we’re always trying to improve and evolve our sound. We’ve always tried to let each record stand on its own, so whatever it is I know it’ll be a bit different from ‘Shadowglow’ or any other of our projects.” ■

FLIPTURN

Wsg. Hotel Fiction, The Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Feb. 16, 7 p.m., $17 advance, All-ages Flipturn.band, Pyramidschemebar.com

flipturn. PHOTOS BY AMANDA LAFERRIERE

|

by John Kissane

CHARTREUSE SISTERS:

A TASTE OF FRANCE

Alyson and Mallory CaillaudJones, born to a Muskegon father and a French mother, spent their childhood summers in the south of France. The village of Roquebrun was not large, its population never straying much from the mid-hundreds.

The girls quickly learned to get along with each other. They had to. They were the only young people around.

Their grandmother was a warm presence. “She loved baking,” Mallory said. The girls would take her pie dough and twist it into their own strange shapes, an act that Mallory credits with having kindled her love of baking.

“There was a specific smell to her house,” she said. “She had a huge, open wood hearth. Just a very comforting, nostalgic smell.”

Film was also a passion. Several members of the French side of the family had worked in film and video. The girls spent hours watching, and falling for, old movies. They went on to study film. After graduating, Alyson found herself behind the camera, and Mallory acting in front of it.

To make ends meet, they took side jobs: selling coffee, scooping ice cream. One sister would get her foot in the door, then act as a reference for the other, who would join her. Things could get stressful, but when they did, Mallory turned to baking, which helped. Still, they had the sense that they could be

doing more than they were.

Sitting at a café in Detroit, they decided to open their own place. It made sense. Or maybe it didn’t; to do it successfully would take a tremendous amount of work, and even then the odds weren’t great. But they had learned a lot from their grandmother, and from their parents, both of whom loved food and entertainining guests. They decided to give it a try.

“Somehow being an actor in Grand Rapids seemed more realistic than being a baker,” said Mallory, laughing. Still, she enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College’s culinary program. One semester in, the pandemic hit, forcing a pause: a potential dealbreaker.

Undaunted, Mallory created her own curriculum, further sharpening already sharp skills. The pair began making small, custom orders. They weren’t always French pastries; Michigan cottage law only allows you to cook in a residence if you’re making shelfstable products—which doesn’t include most French desserts. Still, they were making progress.

Stress hadn’t disappeared. But sisterhood helped. Spending so much time in France without other children around, they had learned to be each other’s best friend. They had done the work of learning conflict resolution. More, as sisters, they could be vulnerable with each other, and lean on each other for strength.

They started a subscription service, which provided reliable income and the chance to get to know customers over time. They hand-delivered orders to customers’ doors in rain, shine, and, in one case, a blizzard. E-mails came in, telling them what products customers loved and providing them some of that connection they craved.

But a café was always the dream. In early 2021, they began looking for space. They figured they could find something small and practical: a starter home, to be left later when they were ready for something bigger and better. They settled on a list of must-haves. One day, their realtor called and said he had a property to consider. It included exactly zero of their must-haves, but he said they should look at it anyway.

The building at 800 Wealthy, a former pharmacy, needed a lot: pipes, electricity, gas line, water, more. The tin ceiling was gorgeous but clearly needed work; the tiled floor, too. Still, it was clear, this was the place.

In France, pastry shops are often located in centuries-old buildings, settings that provide a sense of continuity and even romance. Squinting past the former pharmacy’s flaws, the sisters could see the beauty. “We said, ‘This is perfect.’ It’s a piece of history.”

Loans secured, they began the process of renovation. A construction

crew handled the specialized work, but the sister did everything else: scraping, painting, polishing, and more, learning new skills, and the use of new tools, in the process.

On Thursday, January 5th, their café began its two-day soft launch; Chartreuse Sisters had opened its doors. As French music played, visitors chose from among galettes, eclairs, madeleines, and more. The pastries, like their creators, were part-French, part-American; the “financier,” a traditional French treat, was given an American twist: it was now a cupcake.

Mallory, as head baker, was mostly responsible for the pastries. Alyson’s realm was drinks: in addition to MadCap coffee and coffee-adjacent drinks, the café offered non-alcoholic cocktails. One was the Candy Apple Tonic, featuring malt, cinnamon bark syrup, malic acid, bitters, dandelion tonic, and dried apple. Another, made of orange sec, cranberry juice, maple syrup, ginger beer, and dried orange, was named “The Owls Are Not What They Seem,” a reference to Twin Peaks and a nod to their love of film and video.

Each month, the menu will vary, both in food and drink. “We wanted to do what they do in France: change flavor profiles based on the season.” In creating a small, seasonal menu, the sisters are staking their claim: Chartreuse Sisters will offer carefully cultivated pastries and drinks, and it will offer them at the right time.

A couple of months before the soft opening, I visited France for the first time, taking full advantage of the food scene. Walking through Chartreuse Sisters during the soft launch, it was as if I had dragged a chunk of Paris back to Grand Rapids—or rather, that the Caillaud-Jones sisters, in offering something like the warmth from their grandmother’s hearth, had created a door that could take you across the sea.

Having taken my purchases home (Chartreuse Sisters has no seating; at least, none yet), I employed a great degree of willpower, setting aside an éclair for my wife and madeleines for our children. Then I got down to business.

The ginger cookie was big, rich, and buttery, and tasted strongly of real ginger; it could have been a meal in itself. The Candy Apple Tonic was just what I’d hoped for: tart, refreshing, and complex; a drink to savor. The galette, rich, savory, acidic, and peppery, was as nuanced as it was delicious, leaving me both satisfied and excited to start telling people about it. I’d just finished eating and already nostalgia was setting in. ■

CHARTREUSE SISTERS

800 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids chartreusesisters.com

Chartreuse Sisters. COURTESY PHOTOS /

TOP LEFT PHOTO BY RANDALL BURGHART

LOVE ON HIGH:

CANNABIS DATE IDEAS

| by Josh Veal

For decades, date nights have been depicted as a glass of wine, a steak dinner and a box of chocolates—that was before cannabis came along.

Nowadays, romance can mean popping gummies and watching a dumb movie, or rolling a joint by hand and smoking it together before ordering pizza delivery. It’s less about putting on a show and more about getting comfy and finding peace with each other. So if you and your loved one are 4/20 friendly, here are a few ideas for spending a unique Valentine’s Day (or any other evening) together.

ENJOY LOCAL CANNABIS EVENTS

Cannabis intake at social events is now legal in Michigan (when properly licensed), and it’s time to start taking advantage of that. While we aren’t sure what’s on the slate for February, some recent events include an Infused Cooking Class at Horizen Hydroponics, a “grass-rooted” sound bath at The Grand Rapids Yoga Company, and a Puff-n-Paint experience at Higher Perceptions Art studio.

MOVIE NIGHT

While we never recommend getting too high to function and going out in public, what we can recommend is taking some mellow edibles and getting a ride to your favorite theater for a transportive experience like Avatar in IMAX 3D. Just don’t fall asleep in the big heated recliners!

COOKING WITH CANNABIS

Once you’ve learned how to cook with cannabis, it’s a great way to take your meals to the next level. Make a special meal just for your loved one using cannabis butter made from local flower, then you’ll both enjoy dessert even more once you’re riding high.

RECORD NIGHT

Get high with your favorite local product and then sit back and put on some vinyl bought from a shop like Vertigo or Corner Record Shop. Don’t have a record player? No worries—head to Spotify and search for “Revue Road Trip Playlist” to find an easygoing, but adventurous mix of pure West Michigan music.

PLAY A SMOKING GAME

Drinking games are out, smoking games are in. As long as your tolerance can handle it, try playing a game like Never Have I Ever or Cheers to the Governor, but with light puffs on the vape pen instead of shots of liquor. The game may not last long, but it’s fun to watch how it devolves as everyone ascends.

ELEVATED YOGA

You don’t have to wait for a cannabis yoga class to pop up in town—do it yourself! While it’s probably not a great idea to get high and head to a hot yoga class, we suggest picking out a relaxing strain at your local dispensary and putting on a YouTube session (such as Yoga With Adriene) at home. Doing yoga with your loved one is relaxing, great for bonding, and sometimes full of giggles.

TRY OUT THC LUBRICANT

That’s right, they make THC and CBD lube. The intention isn’t to get you high per se, but to enjoy the relaxing and calming effects of cannabis. You can get Sundara THC Lubricant at Joyology in Grand Rapids if you want to bring your love life to the next level, or start with something less explicit, like the medicated body rubs from Chill Medicated. Give your partner a nice pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory massage to set the mood, and hopefully we don’t have to tell you what to do next.

TOUR A CANNABIS FARM

Many couples prefer to get out and do something unique together for their dates, and one option new to Michigan is touring a cannabis farm. While many local production facilities would likely say yes to a supervised tour if you ask nicely, one spot already offering it is IndiGrow in Muskegon. Their whole business model is built around having you come in, see where the product is grown up close and personal, and then buy some to take home. Now that’s intimate. ■

PLAN YOUR VALENTINE'S DATE with REVUE

| by Revue Staff

It’s February, which means love is in the chilly winter air once again—Valentine’s Day is here. As life keeps moving forward and new distractions constantly arise, it’s easy to let romance slip through the cracks, which is why Valentine’s provides the perfect opportunity to give your significant other the attention they deserve. It’s not just about buying expensive jewelry, but doing something thoughtful and intentional to show you care. We’ll let you handle the gifts, but we’re here to help provide a few ideas for the perfect Valentine’s Day dates with your loved one, whether it’s going out to eat, cooking together, learning to dance or snapping some intimate photos.

swing dance. Bust out your new moves at the next dance party and all your friends will be jealous.

COUPLES MASSAGE

Design 1 Salon Spa

Multiple locations design1.com

learn how, and doing so together is a great date on its own! Head somewhere like The Local Epicurean, where you can take basic cooking classes that require no background, like Pasta 101, making ribbons and ravioli. These classes also come with a cooked meal, and you can buy tasty drinks while there.

SEE THE GARDENS IN A NEW LIGHT

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids meijergardens.org

Just about everyone has been to Frederik Meijer Gardens at some point in the sunny seasons, but you might not know they’re just as beautiful in winter! Enjoy a nice warm time inside with cacti, big tropical plants and art galleries. Then head outside for sculptures and the Japanese Gardens, designed to be enjoyed in winter.

GO OUT FOR DINNER

This is the classic, tried-and-true Valentine’s experience. It’s the perfect excuse to splurge on a nice dinner you wouldn’t typically have a Tuesday night. While absolutely any eatery can be a date spot as long as you treat it like one, here are just a few of our suggestions:

MDRD: Upscale and high up (27 floors). Get your reservation ASAP!

Reserve: Gourmet but not pretentious. Lots of wine = lots of love.

Grove: Experimental and forwardthinking, for the true blue foodies.

Principle: Modern deliciousness and craft cocktails in Kalamazoo.

San Chez: Tapas! Perfect for sharing, and sharing, and sharing.

VISIT THE PLANETARIUM

Grand Rapids Public Museum

272 Pearl St., NW, Grand Rapids grpm.org

Nothing says romance like lying back in a dark room and soaring through the stars while holding hands. You could visit on Valentine’s Day itself for one of the fun cosmic movies like Under Starlit Skies and Big Astronomy, or wait for Concerts Under the Stars, featuring live local music and visuals. February has Phabies performing Feb. 23 and 24 with artist KB Brown.

LEARN TO DANCE

Moveir Dance Studio

2483 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming moveirdancestudio.com

Dancing with your loved one is a bit of a lost art, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to work and move together with a dance class at Moveir, teaching you whatever styles you want to learn, whether it’s a casual and social waltz to a more complex and physical

The only thing more relaxing than a massage is getting to see your partner relax along with you. There are a few places around West Michigan that offer side-byside massages, and at Design 1 you can even ramp up the experience with special touches like hot stones, warm bamboo or cupping. Head home blissed out and cozy up!

LOVE ON ICE

Rosa Parks Circle

135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids

Rosa Parks Circle is back open and ready for all skaters, but the season ends February 26, so don’t wait! They’ve streamlined things with 90-minute skating sessions (and resurfacing in-between), which you can either reserve ahead of time or just show up and walk in. There’s nothing like holding hands, desperately trying to keep each other from falling on the ice while laughing the whole time. Head to a café nearby for hot cocoa afterward.

BOOK A BOUDOIR SHOOT

Mertens Prime: French excellence in a gorgeously historic setting.

Divani: Sexy and sleek, but also fun. Cocktails you’ll remember.

Café Mamo: Cute and cozy, with an everchanging, always fantastic menu. ■

LEARN HOW TO COOK TOGETHER

The Local Epicurean

1440 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids thelocalepicurean.com

Cooking for your significant other can certainly be romantic, but first you should

We have an incredible amount of quality photographers in West Michigan who are highly skilled at boudoir shoots—the perfect gift to spice things up with your significant other, or even just to help yourself feel empowered and sexy! A great boudoir photographer will help you pose, hype you up and do everything possible to make you comfortable. Boudoir X Alyssa, K. Suzanne Photography, and Mod Bettie Portrait are just a few local choices.

Grand Rapids Public Museum, Lego Planetarium The Local Epicurean Rosa Parks Circle Divani.

COURTESY PHOTOS

SITTING COMFORTABLY CLOSE AT THE BITTER END

| by Zachary Avery

An old, slim-built former bank has been host to Grand Rapids’ most prolific and enthusiastic coffee drinkers for the past 19 years. It’s called The Bitter End Coffehouse, and it’s owned by a friendly couple named John and Karisa Sprite. Open 24 hours, seven days a week, Bitter End’s interior has the most eclectic collection of art and photography you’ve ever seen.

“It kind of became a landmark place,” John said. “It’s not so much a coffeehouse as it is an experience. I’ve seen thousands of degrees earned here, people meeting for their first date and coming back years later married with kids.”

John is being modest here, since it’s narrowly impossible to discuss morning coffee with any Grand Rapidian without first mentioning this beloved Westside spot. From the nostalgic interior design to the wide assortment of flavorful, fresh brews, it’s no wonder the small establishment has become a community mainstay and daily ritual for so many in town.

“In the morning, we definitely get people that come and go, they’re on their way to work and they’re stopping in for their red eye,” Karisa said. “We do get students during all hours, but we have a lot of community members that are regulars and you’ll see them everyday here.”

When you first enter The Bitter End, its remarkable, unique atmosphere may very well affirm your belief in the possibilities of time travel. Once you’ve stepped through its well-preserved Neo-Classical facade (complete with original oakwood faux-pillars), you’re greeted cheerfully by a cracked, beautiful tiling that’s well over a century old, as well as a recently renovated drop ceiling that only further accentuates the coffeehouses’s distinct deco and European style.

“We’ve got a lot of visual stimulation with all the pictures and all the artwork,” Karisa said. “It’s dark, as opposed to light and bright. It’s just kind of got a little bit of a more cozy aspect to it.”

Karisa, whose own uncle worked on the city’s westside for several decades as a professional ceramicist, has long been a proponent for the local community and its many faces, not the least which being Grand Rapids’ own vibrant art scene. Serving as an ArtPrize venue regularly for the past several years, John and Karisa Sprite cannot help feeling forlorn over the beloved event’s uncertain future. However, with its proclivity for holding onto anything intriguing and one-of-a-kind, The Bitter End boasts an impressive collection of art, including one sketch mural by a former employee which proudly displays the portraits of many of their coffee regulars. All

in all, The Bitter End beautifully reflects the goodnatured attitude that many of their customers hold.

“I’ve actually gotten random feedback from people about how comfortable they feel, and how it’s a safe place,” Karisa said. “That’s something that’s important to us, is that whatever walk-of-life you’re in, however you identify, that you’re safe here.”

Those efforts for inclusivity and community seem to start right from your first step through the door, as each and every barista at the coffeehouse offer a friendly hello. And once they brew your drink, the friendliness does not stop there. Many employees will strike up conversation with patrons as they enjoy their hot drinks, asking questions about their day and plans for after work. This openness then encourages the customers to do the same with their fellow coffeedrinkers.

“I’m sure you’ll hear this anywhere, with the pandemic and all its strains, we struggled with staff,” Karisa said. “But, we have a really great staff right now. They’ve all been here for a long time. It’s a relief.”

It’s true, the baristas of The Bitter End are a class all their own. Brewing fan-favorite drinks from the French Kiss to the French Toast, their aromatic chai always leave an impression. John Sprite believes in one reason why this may be true.

“We keep all the roasts small, so we’re rotating through it,” John said. “We probably get the freshest roasts here, because we have such a limited supply.”

Delicious coffee and an impressive service team; These are the hallmark traits of The Bitter End. But, the Sprites are not the only Grand Rapids locals to have claim to some fantastic coffee experiences in the city. Located only a stone’s throw from other great offerings such as Rise Baking Company, The Bitter End certainly has worthy competition. So, over their nearly two decades of constant innovation and experimentation, they’ve landed on a simple strategy that they believe stands apart.

“It’s made expressly for you, not for distribution,” John said. “It’s just a different model.”

An old, former bank with a rich, storied past has planted its roots firmly down in Grand Rapids’ westside. It’s a coffeehouse called The Bitter End. Its decorations may be alarming, its tile floor may be crumbling, but its counter-culture identity is persevering. With anything in their shop, the Sprites’ humor and wit match The Bitter End’s relentless, independent, and industrious attitude.

And when you stop by, don’t forget their motto.

“You have to buy a drink, that’s our only rule,” John said. “And don’t be a jerk.” ■

Winter Adventure GUIDE

iving in West Michigan means four distinct, beautiful seasons, including a long and snowy winter.

While it’s understandable to crave the summer sun in these freezing temperatures, a real winter means we get to do tons of things our Southern neighbors don’t. Snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, sledding, even ice fishing—these are unique experiences only certain parts of the world are able to enjoy, so why not take advantage if you’re going to live here? Especially since we have so many incredible venues to do so, many of which have multiple winter offerings. Getting active and outdoors in the winter is by far the best way to fight off seasonal affective disorder, and the more you move, the warmer you’ll be. Invest in winter hobbies and you’ll actually find yourself craving the snow, rather than waiting impatiently for June to arrive. So as we enter the coldest, snowiest month of the year, here’s Revue ’s guide to your outdoor winter adventures.

STAY SAFE

Before we get to the many winter offerings of West Michigan, let’s make sure to do all activities comfortably and safely—otherwise you might not want (or be able to) come back for round two. We have a few tips:

LAYER UP. Even if all you’ve done is shovel your driveway, you’ve likely learned the importance of layering. Winter exercise means you’ll start cold and dry, and finish hot. Being sweaty is terrible in the winter, so removing layers is key.

SAFETY GEAR. Headlamps, reflective gear, helmets, running spikes, whatever it takes.

DON’T FORGET SUNSCREEN. Harmful UV rays don’t know it’s winter, and they’ll still burn you. Moisturizer helps too.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Whether it’s cross-country skiing, fat tire biking or hitting the slopes, just don’t push yourself too hard. Winter adds complications to anything you do.

CANNONSBURG SKI AREA | 6800 Cannonsburg Rd. NE, Belmont

With 21 runs and nine lifts, Cannonsburg is the biggest hub for skiing and snowboarding in the area. This is the place to go in West Michigan whether you want to start learning or are a seasoned pro. Cannonsburg also has excellent groomed trails through the woods for fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, not to mention equipment rentals. Plus, a cozy lodge offers food, hot cocoa, coffee, craft beer and more.

BITTERSWEET SKI RESORT | 600 River Rd, Otsego

About halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, you’ll find Bittersweet, a ski resort with 350 vertical feet, 20 runs and six lifts. Looking to try out your tricks? Check out the updated terrain park with multiple rail features. Looking to learn how to stay on your feet? Try Bittersweet’s Ski and Snowboard School, offering hour-long lessons.

MULLIGAN’S HOLLOW | Mulligan Dr., Grand Haven

Considered the “local skill hill,” this ski bowl has a 130-foot vertical drop with six slopes with adjoining trails, and rope tows all around instead of lifts. Affordable, community-focused, and offering a number of group lessons, Mulligan’s might just be the fit for you.

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN | 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville

If you’re willing to make a trip out of it, Crystal Mountain is a huge resort with tons of offerings. With a 375-foot vertical drop, 59 downhill slopes, multiple glade areas and three terrain areas, there’s a perfect run for everyone here. Plus, they have trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, not to mention a skating rink.

Cross Country Skiing

PALMER PARK | 1275 62nd St. SW, Wyoming

With groomed cross-country ski trails, heated restrooms and ski rentals available, this is the perfect place to try out one of the most unique winter activities. Smooth, efficient and relatively easy.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING CONTINUED...

PICKEREL LAKE PARK | 6001 Ramsdell Rd NE, Cannonsburg

While many of the best trails don’t offer rentals, including Pickerel, you can always head somewhere like Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus for daily/weekend rentals of cross-country ski equipment. Then head to this lovely trail around the lake, great for beginners.

LUDINGTON STATE PARK | 8800 M-116, Ludington

20 miles of pristine trails and views of Lake Michigan and Au Sable Lighthouse. Escape the city life for hours of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through one of West Michigan’s best kept secrets.

WAHLFIELD PARK | 6811 Alpine Ave., Alpine Township

A mix of hills and flatlands, valleys and open fields make for a great intermediate experience.

LUTON PARK | 5950 10 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford

With a mix of nearly 10 miles of ungroomed trails, you can pick your own length and difficulty here at Luton.

MILHAM PARK GOLF COURSE | 4200 Lovers Ln, Kalamazoo

Maintained by the Kalamazoo Nordic Skiers, this trail around the golf course’s perimeter is lovely and even has a ski shop for rentals.

PIGEON CREEK PARK | 12524 Stanton St., West Olive

Over 10 miles of groomed and tracked ski trails wind through mature forests across 282 acres of land. Plus, a sledding hill nearby!

Showshoeing

BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER | 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

Now with 264 acres to explore and miles of trails, Blandford is the perfect place to trek year-round. Snowshoe rentals are cheap at just $6 for adults, and there’s tons of amazing wildlife to see at this nature center and animal habitat.

HEMLOCK CROSSING | 8115 West Olive Rd, West Olive

Cheap rentals and more than six miles of trails across a 239-acre park makes Hemlock another excellent option for snowshoeing along a river and through a forest.

WITTENBACH WEGE CENTER | 11715 Vergennes St., Lowell

Head to Lowell for 140 acres of forests, prairies, wetlands and open fields at the Wittenbach. You’ll find several different trails for snowshoeing, plus rentals.

MILLENNIUM PARK | 1415 Maynard Ave. SW, Walker

Unplowed and ungroomed, this park is perfect for snowshoers who have their own pair. Walk along 18 miles of paved trails and see the popular park in a new light.

SEIDMAN PARK | 8155 Conservation Road, Ada

Take a quick hike or snowshoe for nearly four miles—either way, Seidman is an excellent choice.

Ice Skating

ROSA PARKS CIRCLE | 135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids

This is the place to skate outdoors in Grand Rapids. The Rosa Parks ice rink has been open for many years, and it keeps getting better. This year, the rink has 90-minute skating sessions with resurfacing in-between, which makes it easy to sign up for a time and be sure you won’t have to wait. Plus, the skate rentals are cheap and easy! Bring your loved one, friends and family.

ICE SKATING CONTINUED...

MUSKEGON LUGE ADVENTURE SPORTS PARK | 462 Scenic Drive, Muskegon

Previously known as Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, this truly unique spot has recently put the spotlight on their luge track—only one of four in the United States. However, they have much more to offer, including a large skating rink and a one-of-a-kind ice skating trail through the woods. This quarter-mile trail is lit at night and great for even beginners to enjoy. By the way, they also offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing!

SOUTH HAVEN ICE RINK | 546 Phoenix St., South Haven

This family-friendly skating rink in South Haven is under a covered pavilion to protect from precipitation, but still open to the great outdoors. Plus, if you want to learn to curl, you can contact the rink and arrange a group lesson.

Fat Tire Biking

INDIAN TRAILS GOLF COURSE | 2776 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids

In the winter, this golf course converts to a fat bike park groomed by clubhouse staff, with bikes available for rental and concessions on-hand as well. Head here for nearly 4 miles of quality bike trails, alongside separate trails for snowshoeing and skiing.

MERRELL TRAIL | 8320 Belmont Ave., Belmont

Up for a bit of a challenge? Hit up this 6.4-mile single-track trail through the woods in Rockford.

DRAGON TRAIL | Newaygo

This trail is new and still growing, but nearly 22 miles are available already, with much of the trails open and groomed for fatbiking.

YANKEE SPRINGS | 2104 S. Briggs Rd, Middleville

This single-track trail near Gun Lake has 6.5 miles of groomed trail, plus plenty ungroomed for the adventurous

Ice Fishing

ANYWHERE

That’s right—just about any inland lake in Michigan works for ice fishing, as long as the ice is actually frozen enough (at least 3 inches) to hold you. And while there’s plenty of additional gear you can bring along, all you really need is a rod, an auger, and safety equipment for emergency. For extra safety and camaraderie, try to head somewhere with other fishers, such as Reeds Lake (pike, bluegill), Long Lake (pike), and Gun Lake (pike, bluegill, walleye).

Sledding

RICHMOND PARK | 1101 Richmond St. NW, Grand Rapids

Long hill, beautiful woods, pond at the bottom.

BELKNAP PARK | 30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids

Massive, steep, powerful — maybe too big to handle. Provides beautiful city overlook.

JOHNSON PARK | 2600 Wilson Ave. SW, Walker

Long and large. One YouTube video demonstrates an impressive 30-second long ride.

SUGAR BOWL DUNE | Near South Scenic Drive in Muskegon

Extreme, steep, completely natural. Excellent view of Lake Michigan. It’s a dune, but with snow. ■

COZYING UP

If trekking through the snow and speeding downhill isn’t how you like to spend winter, there’s still plenty to enjoy outside in West Michigan.

It’s important to get out of the house and do enriching things, experiencing new places and spending time around people, especially in these cold and gray months. One silver lining of the past few years is a huge increase in the number of covered patios and heated domes for restaurants and bars, along with big beer gardens and fire pits.

So, here are just a few of our ideas (with some help from Experience Grand Rapids) for staying comfy while getting out of the house this winter.

OASIS HOT TUB GARDENS

Multiple locations | oasishottubs.com

We all know hot tubs are the ultimate luxury in winter, but not many of us can actually afford to have and maintain one at home. That’s why Oasis Hot Tub Gardens exists, but they take things a step further by having tubs of all different sizes across heavily themed rooms. Sail away to Fiji, cross the pond to Santorini or head up north to Nova Scotia with one of these fun, private tubs equipped with jets and speakers for music.

IDC

187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids | idontcaregr.com

An outdoor, covered, heated patio is open year-round at this hip little disco-themed bar hidden inside the Amway Grand Plaza.

FOUNDERS BREWING CO.

235 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | foundersbrewing.com

The largest beer garden/patio in the city is open, with its many outdoor heaters and fireplaces blasting, as usual.

GARAGE BAR AND GRILL

819 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids | garagebargr.com

Garage is well-known for its street-side patio, and now it’s heated, cozy and partially enclosed.

LUNA

64 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | lunagr.com

This award-winning Mexican restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids now boasts spacious, enclosed huts with windows right outside. Great for people watching and taco eating.

OUTDOORS

| by Josh Veal

JDEK AT MARGAUX

235 Louis St. NW, Grand Rapids

The riverside outdoor space at this French-inspired entry is lined with private dining domes when winter sets in.

TACO BORRACHO

755 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids

A garage door at this authentic Latin restaurant opens up to a covered outdoor patio with heaters, planters and privacy shades A massive indoor-outdoor marble bar serves up margaritas and other cocktails.

DONKEY TAQUERIA

665 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids

This Mexican street food concept winterizes its spacious outdoor patio with heated outdoor domes in winter, now available for reservation!

OUTSIDE COFFEE CO.

734 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids | outsidecoffeeco.com

Not that it matters, but Outside Coffee was doing private, heated domes before just about everyone else. This community coffee shop welcomes guests to a lovely garden year-round, the perfect place to cozy up with a cup of joe or tea.

THE MITTEN BREWING CO.

527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids

This baseball-themed brewery and pizza joint serves outdoor guests in the Base Camp, complete with campfires and warming huts, when it turns cold.

NEW HOLLAND BREWING - THE KNICKERBOCKER

417 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids

The outdoor beer garden at this Bridge Street brewery/ restaurant is equipped with a retractable roof and overhead heating system to keep guests comfortable in any weather, not to mention fire-lit tables to warm your mittens.

THE PEOPLE’S CIDER CO.

539 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids | thepeoplescider.com

The Leonard Street Shanty out front of the business is equipped with solar lights, tower heaters and plexiglass wind protection so you can enjoy their hyper-local draft ciders even when the weather outside is frightful.

ARCHIVAL BREWING

6266 W. River Dr. NE, Belmont

One of the area’s newest breweries boasts a spacious patio equipped with as-needed firepits and heaters for cozy consumption of their made-from-scratch beer, cider, mead and food.

THIRD NATURE BREWING

7733 Childsdale Ave. NE, Rockford | thirdnaturebrewing.com

With tons of free space to roam around, this nature-centric, dog-friendly biergarten in Rockford features fire pits and private domes in winter.

CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO.

95 N. Main St., Cedar Springs

A summer biergarten transforms into an outdoor wintergarten to accommodate fans of this Germaninspired restaurant and brauhaus.

RISE BAKERY + SQUIBB COFFEE

1220 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids

Is there anything cozier than sipping coffee and snacking in a heated, private little greenhouse while snow falls outside? Not really! Come cozy up with a book or a pal, or WFG (work from greenhouse).

BELL’S ECCENTRIC CAFÉ

355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo | bellsbeer.com

Bell’s has a big, beautiful outdoor space with their beer garden, and over the years they’ve used firepits, heaters and domes to keep you warm while sipping a nice craft brew.

DOG & THE BANK

200 E. Bridge St., Plainwell

This beloved and innovative eatery in Plainwell (north of Kalamazoo) offers gourmet American meals, along with multiple first-come, first-serve heated igloos.

THREE BLONDES BREWING

1875 Phoenix St., South Haven | threeblondesbrewing.com

This brewery run by three (blonde) sisters proudly features heated Blondomes (igloos) on the patio in winter. Firstcome, first-served, no extra fee! ■

UNCONVENTIONALFITNESSin West Michigan

If you think you hate working out, chances are you just haven’t found the right exercise for you.

Trust us, working out can be so much better than signing up for Planet Fitness and waiting for your favorite machine to open up. Beyond the outdoor winter adventures we explore in this issue, there are also tons of fitness centers that go beyond your typical gym experience (although there are plenty of excellent local gyms in town).

Whether you prefer group classes, dancing, pole or stretching, there’s a fitness option for you in West Michigan. Here are just a few of our suggestions.

CKO KICKBOXING

820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids ckokickboxing.com

This kickboxing spot has been open for years in Grand Rapids and has developed quite the following, thanks to intense yet fun workout sessions. You can sign up now for a free trial class and learn what kickboxing is all about, from punching and kicking a big bag to jumping and planking. It’s a great way to let stress go with no judgment, and you’re guaranteed to sweat. Most people who join CKO have never touched kickboxing before, but quickly became addicted to the workout.

WELLSPRING DANCE ACADEMY

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo wellspringdance.org

If you need to actually feel like you’re achieving something while exercising, one great way is to learn how to dance. At Wellspring, they’ll teach you everything from modern to jazz to ballet, even if you come in not knowing a single move. You’ll gain a better understanding and awareness of your body while developing strength, flexibility and stamina—not to mention a sense of rhythm.

THE BARRE CODE

547 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids thebarrecode.com

You don’t have to know ballet to do barre—a blend of the classic dance style, yoga and pilates. Barre is a great workout for runners or anyone who walks/stands for most of their day. A typical class involves five segments: warm-up, arms, thighs, seat (glutes) and core. The thigh and seat work focus heavily on glute and hip activation. Moves like “pretzel” will have your hips on fire. A long stretch at the end of class allows you to lengthen your muscles and find relief for tight hamstrings, quads and glutes.

ZEAL AERIAL FITNESS

1111 Godfrey Ave SW, Grand Rapids zealaerialfitness.com

Take your fitness to new heights! Zeal Aerial is a welcoming and safe space that offers pole, silks, hoop, yoga, hammock, and flexibility classes at various levels from beginner to advanced. You’ll be shocked at what you can accomplish in the air with a little practice! Additionally, Zeal offers personal events, parties, and kid’s classes.

FLIRT FITNESS STUDIO

5366 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 5312 Grand Haven, Norton Shores flirtfitnessgr.com

We’ve moved far past the idea that pole classes are limited to those who use the skills professionally. Pole is perfect for dancers and yoga-lovers alike, thanks to the fluid poses you move between, but it’s also great for total beginners thanks to relatively simple basics that lead into challenging moves. The goal here is to make you both stronger, helping you do things with your body you never thought were possible. Climb, twist and twirl your way to confidence.

LUNAR CYCLE

601 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids lunarcyclestudio.com

There are plenty of stellar cycle spots throughout West Michigan, but we love that Lunar Cycle is totally locally owned. Members of Revue’s team love the judgementfree and welcoming attitude, the immersive atmosphere and the unforgettable playlist. Music is the core driver behind any spin class, pumping you up and keeping you motivated for these intense workouts that torch calories.

CLUB PILATES

1886 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids clubpilates.com

Flexibility, strength, body awareness, control—Pilates is meant to do it all. At Club Pilates, they’re true experts and lovers of the method, with each instructor boasting more than 500 hours of training. Join for high-energy, low-impact classes that use springboards, chairs, mats and more to stretch and move. You’ll get stronger while fighting soreness and avoiding injury.

GRAND

RAPIDS CITY PARKS DEPARTMENT bit.ly/grexercise

Not sure where you want to start on your fitness journey? Try a low-risk class option with the Grand Rapids City Parks Department. Their group of instructors teach classes like ZUMBA, spin, barre, ballroom dancing, pilates, and even stand-up paddleboard in the summer. Their low-cost community classes make it easy to try a few fitness methods before picking your favorite. ■

| by Josh Veal & Kelly Brown

Zeal Aerial Fitness, The Barre Code, Lunar Cycle, CKO Kickboxing. COURTESY PHOTOS

FINDING THE GYM FOR YOU

If you want to get moving but don’t know where to start, your best bet is finding an expert to train you and a community to cheer you on.

There’s a wide variety of gyms and trainers in West Michigan, with some specializing in getting jacked, others focused on looking lean, and many that just want to help you find an exercise you actually enjoy. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start, so here are a few of our ideas, depending on what you’re looking for.

COMPLETE FREEDOMMVP SPORTSPLEX

Multiple locations

mvpsportsclubs.com

When you want to be able to choose between swimming, running, weightlifting, machines, group fitness, court sports and more, MVP has it all. This is the all-in-one package with a large community and multiple locations around West Michigan.

Center. The coaches at Coachman specialize in adult programs, athlete performance, and online programming. Their health-focused community is centered on helping you reach one goal: a sustainable fitness lifestyle.

FOR THE “LOST CAUSE”BODY BY CHOICE

4070 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids bodybychoicetraining.com

SPORT & FITNESS

FUNCTIONAL FITNESSVALEO

109 S River Ave., Holland valeotraining.com

It’s fitness for your everyday life! In other words, it’s functional fitness, and it’s meant to mimic the movements you utilize day-to-day. Their team offers group fitness classes or one-on-one personal programming. Get started by scheduling a strategy session with one of the exceptional and highly educated instructors at Valeo.

LIFE/WORK BALANCELIFE ADDICTS STUDIO

2427 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids lifeaddictsstudio.com

If you’re a “high performer” who always has a full schedule and needs a way to develop healthy habits, this is the place for you. The mission of Life Addicts is to exercise often, eat well, engage community and enjoy the lifestyle. It’s as simple as that! Their signature “Group PT” style classes offer all the positives of personal training in a community group fitness setting.

ATHLETIC ENHANCEMENTCOACHMAN TRAINING SYSTEMS

7780 Clyde Park Ave SW, Byron Center coachmantrainingsystems.com

If you love the idea of training like an athlete (or want to get back to your college sport days), then visit the team at Coachman Training Systems in Byron

If you think you’re a lost cause and just aren’t “one of those exercise people,” Body By Choice will prove you wrong. This personal training studio is full of experts with years of experience who just want to help you get healthier, stronger and more confident, no matter where you’re at in your journey. They even have online training, if you’re shy or struggle to leave the house!

I JUST WANT A GYMFAMILY FITNESS CENTERS

Multiple locations

familyfitnessmichigan.com

If you want a solid gym that’s not a big national chain, Family Fitness Centers are a great choice. Their locations all have tons of modern machines, free weights, group classes, tanning beds and available personal trainers, all with 24/7 member access—basically, everything you could want from your local gym!

GET CROSSFIT - 8TH DAY GYM

130 Market Ave., Grand Rapids 8thdaygym.com

Call it Crossfit, call if functional fitness, call it whatever you want. Just know it gets results. 8th Day Gym is one of the most successful gyms in Grand Rapids, utilizing natural and functional movements with everyday objects. As they put it, “we teach you how to move your body as it was designed, then challenge this movement with variables such as weight, speed, and duration.” ■

ART OUT LOUD:

A Festival for Bold Conversations

| by Josh Veal

An innovative, inspiring film festival is back again at Saugatuck Center for the Arts, but with a new approach. What was once known as Mountainfilm on Tour is now Art Out Loud Festival, a multi-week experience that centers on one big community festival. Packed with action, adventure and excitement, Art Out Loud is serving up a day full of creativity through award-winning short documentaries (provided by Mountainfilm on Tour) alongside tours of SCA’s current exhibition, outdoor hikes and an after party with live music.

To learn more about what’s new at the festival this year and why you should join, we talked with Whitney Valentine, education and exhibitions manager.

CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOU MADE THE SHIFT TO ART OUT LOUD?

We rebranded our spring festival to allow for annually broadening our approach, our scope, partners and our community engagement. Art Out Loud is an inspiring trifecta for us: utilize a variety of art mediums (one of which is film) to provoke bold conversations while celebrating our beautiful local landscape and gazing outward at more global perspectives. This immersive experience engages all senses, and highlights the impact of artful collaboration for all ages.

WHAT’S THE BIG EVENT ART OUT LOUD HINGES ON?

Art Out Loud is centered around and inspired by Mountainfilm on Tour. The festival has been designed to spark

wonder and provide inspiration during an otherwise gray and inactive time of year. Our 2-day experience is centered around storytelling and community: both days are packedfull parties, with Friday (March 24) as our all ages outdoor kickoff and Saturday (March 25) as a day full of themed film screenings.

Curious minds, adventure lovers, storytellers, environmentalists, film buffs, and entertainment enthusiasts will enjoy the Art Out Loud experience. At only a 30-45 minute drive from Grand Rapids, guests can come for the day or make a mini-vacation out of it and stay overnight!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY PEOPLE GET OUT OF VIEWING THESE FILMS?

Viewing the film “playlists” allows viewers to broaden their perspectives, travel the globe, embrace adventure, learn about different cultures, activism, social justice initiatives and inspire audiences about several different topics. Films will motivate viewers and communities to advance solutions for a livable, equitable world.

Take a deep dive into cultures, stories, and traditions from around the globe through film, music, food, and more. Open minds and hearts through reels of award-winning short films provided by Mountainfilm on Tour (via the acclaimed Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, CO). Playlists feature films about our climate, our waterways, creatures and adrenaline rushing adventure; as well as stories of triumph, trauma, adaptive sports and so much more.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER ASPECTS YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?

In addition to the film playlists, we’re really excited about the multi-sensory elements of the festival. We’ll be highlighting several talented Michigan creatives over the course of these two days: SCA Creative Fellow Chef Mindy Trafman, SCA Exhibition Artists Ruth Crowe, Corridor Exhibition Artist (and Grand Rapids based) Megan Megan Klco Kellner and jazz pianist Rufus Ferguson.

CAN YOU MAYBE SAY SOMETHING SHORT AND SWEET ABOUT THE JOURNAL PROJECT AND THE MINI-TOURS WITH THE RUTH CROWE AS WELL?

We’re proud to be debuting The Journal Project and believe that Ruth Crowe’s courageous messages will have deeply impactful ripple effects for our viewers. Ruth’s show – and what she embodies as a person – authentic, raw, storytelling and openended art is what we as a community-based art center are striving to serve up. How can we amplify creative voices? How can art act as a bridge and a connector? How can film provide a peek into differing perspectives?

ANYTHING ELSE YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW?

It’s more than just entertainment - Art Out Loud is also the celebration of, and funding source, for more than 20 years of work in local schools with our annual Children’s Film Festival. Every year, we partner with schools throughout West Michigan to bring unique experiences, perspectives, and stories to children through the power of film.

In 2022, we served nearly 4,000 students and we can’t wait to open up a world of possibilities for more students again this year. Every ticket purchased for Art Out Loud helps us keep our Children’s Film Festival free for local schools.

In addition, in 2019 we introduced the Film For Families branch of Art Out Loud. Film is more than just a fun thing to do as a family, it’s also an entertaining and approachable way to introduce conversations and new ideas to kids. We have curated a special set of family-friendly Mountainfilm on Tour shorts that will be shown in our theater followed by all-ages activities with community partners. Film For Families takes place on March 18 and a single ticket includes passes for up to 4 people. ■ ART

GRTV:

GRAND RAPIDS ON AIR

| by John Kissane

Fifty five years ago, DCTV, located in Dale City, Virginia, was the site of an experiment, or an act of faith. Airtime was given over to local residents, who, free of commercial concerns, could create content that would speak directly to other members of the community. Other stations followed, and soon public access was an established player. In 1980, work began on GRTV, Grand Rapids’ own public access station; its first show would air in 1982.

The station’s most notable star may have been The Great Daryl Nathan. An AfricanAmerican man, Nathan performed behind a keyboard while wearing a long, Framptonesque wig. He passed away on July 22nd, 2022, but his music remains accessible via YouTube.

His song “4th of July” consists solely of the following lyrics: “On the fourth of July, strange things started happening as the pretty girls walked by.” It’s difficult to recommend sonically; it’s a repetitive,

oddly elliptical song (just what were those strange things?), and not tremendously well-produced. Yet, Nathan’s passion and sincerity come through loud and clear.

In his idiosyncrasy and openness, Nathan represented the promise of public access television: to give a platform to voices that might not otherwise have one, voices transmitted not from Los Angeles or New York City, but from people right here. They're people we might run into at the gas station or the grocery store.

Revue spoke to Johannah Jelks, new Marketing Manager of GRTV. A young Black woman, she grew up watching the station. “It was always a big deal when somebody in our community got a show. It’s like they were Oprah! A lot of our leadership was on GRTV.”

Jelks sees GRTV as having provided minority communities, and local talent generally, with equipment, training, and access: tools necessary in order to be heard.

“You could tell your own story, and it would be aired. It’s a wonderful legacy.”

As with all legacy media, GRTV today faces the challenge of remaining relevant in the modern world. Today’s audience faces an abundance of options. A friend might text you a link to Aretha Franklin’s live performance of “What A Fool Believes,” which could trigger a search for 70s fashion, in turn leading to a blog post about the film Boogie Nights , before ending with an investigation into prosthetics. Someone raised on the internet, used to such freeflowing inquiries, might balk at tuning into a particular channel. Actually, the idea of doing so may never even occur to them.

So, GRTV is going where the kids are: livestreaming, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and more, while remaining accessible to all generations via channel 25. “My goal is to reintroduce GRTV to our generation,” Jelks said. “That and recruiting new programmers who appeal to this generation.”

As much as GRTV is a showcase for content, it also helps foster it, offering classes

in camera usage, editing, podcasting, and more. The goal of these classes is not to dictate what’s aired, but to refine it, helping creators make the best version of what they envision. To Jelks’ knowledge, the organization has never turned down a program.

Among its current offerings is Focus on Issues, a show providing roundtable discussions on local issues such as homelessness, sexual assault, refugees and immigration, and more. City Connection features Mayor Bliss answering viewer questions live. Songs From The Second Floor presents live performances recorded for WYCE.

Still, it may be that GRTV’s most compelling shows have yet to be made. By offering classes, equipment, and mentoring, GRTV has provided a chance for anyone to step into the spotlight and be heard. Jelks is hoping that the opportunity will be seized. ■

GRTV, Johanna Jelks (bottom left). COURTESY PHOTOS

FEBRUARYARTSCalendar

In 2023, arts organizations are largely back on their feet and offering full seasons of art, conversations, fun and community involvement. The season ahead has an incredible lineups of concerts, symphonies, dance performances, art exhibitions, musicals, plays and more. This month, you can visit the ballet for a classic tale of love and loss, the symphony for an incredible piano concerto, and the theater for a certain beloved musical with a controversial film adaptation. Check it out.

FARMERS ALLEY

THEATRE KALAMAZOO

221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo farmersalleytheatre.com

THE GREAT LEAP,  Jan. 27-Feb.12

GILMORE THEATRE/WMU THEATRE

1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo wmich.edu/theatre

DONTRELL, WHO KISSED THE SEA,  Jan. 26-Feb.5

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM

101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org

PRESENCE: THE PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION OF JUDY GLICKMAN LAUDER, Feb. 11-April 29

DARK DAYS, BRIGHT SKIES: ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE, Through Mar. 5

SALVADOR DALI: THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL, Through Mar. 11

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids grballet.com

ROMEO & JULIET, Feb. 17-19

GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grct.org

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND,  Jan. 20-Feb. 5

GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY

300 Ottawa Ave. NW Ste. 100, Grand Rapids grsymphony.org

RACHMANINOFF 3 + SERGEI BABAYAN, Feb. 3-4 BEETHOVEN’S FIRST, Feb. 24

JEWISH THEATRE GRAND RAPIDS

2727 Michigan NE, Grand Rapids jtgr.org

THE CREATION OF THE WORLD AND OTHER BUSINESS, Feb. 2-12

KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE

329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo kazoocivic.com Clybourne Park, Feb. 3-5

FIRST DATE, Feb. 10-19

KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS

314 South Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org

UNMASKING MASCULINITY FOR THE

21ST CENTURY – THE REMIX, Through March 12

ART, MUSIC & FEMINISM IN THE 1950S, Through March 7

EXPRESSIONS IN PAPER AND CLAY, Through May 14

KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo kalamazoosymphony.com

JURASSIC PARK, Feb. 24

MILLER AUDITORIUM

2200 Auditorium Dr, Kalamazoo millerauditorium.com

CATS, Feb. 17-18

MUSKEGON CIVIC THEATRE

425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon muskegoncivictheatre.org

INSPECTING CAROL,  Through Dec. 4

MISS HOLMES, Feb. 10-25

MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART

296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org

GOLDEN LEGACY: 80 YEARS OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK FROM GOLDEN BOOKS, Feb. 16-April 30

DAVID LUBBERS: THE MYSTERIOUS LANDSCAPE, Through May 14

THE RISE OF PRINT: REMBRANDT & COMPANY, Through March 19

SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org

THE JOURNAL PROJECT, Feb. 10-May 12

ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER

24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids  scmc-online.org

ARTEMIS, Feb. 16

WHARTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

750 E. Shaw Ln., East Lansing whartoncenter.com

JAGGED LITTLE PILL,  Jan. 31-Feb. 5