April 2013 - GRM

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38

Contents April 2013 / Vol. 50 / No. 4

Features 38 / 2013 Pizza Challenge GRM invited pizzerias to deliver pies to Uptown Kitchen to be tasted by five judges. After sampling more than 50 slices, the results are in.

By Jeremy Johnson

46 / Comic collectors Why do some people collect thousands of comic books? The reasons include the investment, the artwork, nostalgia and relating to the super — and not so super — characters.

By Paul R. Kopenkoskey

4 Grmag.com \ April 2013

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toDAy

i am a s i am a c urvivor. i can ac ompetitor. complis h

AnYTh ing.

i am wHAt will

Your Story Be?

CiDent CAR AC

- 2008

Start TODAY.

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contents April 2013 / Vol. 50 / No. 4

departments back & forth 10 / From the Editor

58 / Chef Profile: Adam Watts, Grand Rapids Brewing Co.

10 / Letters, social media and more

64 / Grand Vine: Oregon pinot noir

12 / Contributors

66 / Top Shelf: Potato vodkas

Life & style 14 / Noteworthy items include earth-friendly apparel; Soap Deli; Jersey Junction’s 50th anniversary; Noto’s Spring Charity Wine Fest

68 / HeFedSheFed: Pizza on the barbie

15 / My Stuff: landscaper Cindy McCoy

31

16 / Siciliano’s Market

“I grew edibles, designed gardens, spent more time in nature, and read a lot of books — on topics from deep ecology to microbiology.”

— Ashley Lieber

18 / Living Local: Christine Helms-Maletic 20 / The Crane Wives 21 / Reading Room: Poets and song 22 / Say yes to green

26

Art & Design 24 / Gallery Profile: Perception Gallery

22

30 / Justagirl: A dash of color 31 / Artist profile: Ashley Lieber

Near & far 74 / Village of Ada Out & about 78 / April highlights 79 / Calendar 80 / Nightclub & comedy venue listings and highlights

26 / Art gallery listings and highlights.

28 / Art Talk: Tiepolo etchings at GRAM

86

50

86 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights 88 / Snapshots 96 / Afterthoughts: Rachel Hood

32 / At Home: Renovation trends 36 / Frame Works: Anatomy of a storefront Food & Drink 50 / Dining Review: Chez Olga 52 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan

On the cover: Judges gave top honors to Wealthy Street Bakery’s Veggie pizza in the Specialty category of Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2013 Pizza Challenge.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

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back & forth CONNECT WITH US

The call of spring, the inspiration of environment

G

Join Managing Editor Marty Primeau at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays as she presents City Beat with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio FM 88.5 and 95.3.

GR MAGAZINE staff members often receive reader love, and we want you to know how appreciated and energizing it is as we share life along the Grand River. Reading through this issue is invigorating for the many local stories reported (which may serve to inspire readers with their own ideas).

But it is more than that — more than the story topics or talented writers and photographers. It is what’s reflected in this mirror of the metro area that is so invigorating. It is the energy of a community of tremendous creativity and civic involvement. You are the inspiration.

For example: Local First’s Local Hero award recipient Christine Helms-Maletic, Fulton Street Farmers Market’s project development manager, is perseverance personified. Local First executive director and Living Local columnist Elissa Hillary notes on page 18 that Helms-Maletic “spearheaded the campaign to revamp FSFM, including a covered vending area, new plaza area, repaved parking lot and more.” The last phase of the $2.7 million project that created a year-round facility is set to be completed in May. Another example: Grand Rapids Brewing Co.’s Executive Chef Adam Watts. As readers know, Beer City USA breweries are offering patrons far more than the once-expected “tavern fare.” Some information for the next friend who opines that the fresh brew experience is “expensive”: The GRBC’s kitchen story includes an onsite butcher “employed to best

use the whole animal.” Watts’ onsite smoker is used for a variety of items from meat and fish to other meal-time ingredients. Watts told writer Julie Burch: “We smoke local trout to make our Brewer’s Chips n’ Dip, and our own salmon for the salmon burgers.”

Having winter behind us is the thrill of April, even if it rains every day — in fact, we might pray that it will. As boatyards fill up and beaches are groomed for the summer season, Lake Michigan water levels are at the lowest on record. Not since 1918, when records were first taken, has the preliminary water level measure been so low, according to the Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office. The experts say it will take years for nature to refill the Great Lakes Basin, even with winters of hardy snow and spring rains.

Grand Rapids Magazine this month talks to Rachel Hood, executive director of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (see After Thoughts, page 96). She told GR Magazine her greatest fear is “that the Great Lakes will die in my life time.” Hood is celebrating environmental team work in a “You Are Here” campaign. Perhaps readers will join in or help clean the river banks during the Grand River GreenUp in Grand Haven.

Be inspired!

Carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

LAST MONTH’S ONLINE QUESTION:

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

“That’s simple…. Pepperoni AND sausage, tomatoes, onions with mushrooms and green olives on my wife’s half (ewww).” — Red Kingman

“Current favorite toppings are brussel sprouts, pancetta, slivered garlic, fresh mozzarella and parm.”

— Jon Waalkes

“Pesto, sun dried tomatoes, feta and grilled chicken.”

— Jill Raby “Sausage, onions and green olives, along with a great sauce and mozzarella cheese. This is one of my favorites!” — Rose DiPiazza

“I’m not a mushroom fan, but I like pretty much everything else. However, fruit and pizza should be enjoyed separately.” — Christopher Busch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Tweeted...

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Photography by johnny quirin

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contributors BEHIND THE SCENES

GRM’s taste buddies, who ate lots of pie Jeremy Johnson

We’re all ears … tell us what you like or dislike in this issue. Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Send to Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or email to letters@grmag.com.

Letters may be edited for reasons Visit us Follow us Like us on grmag.com @grmagazine Facebook of space and clarity.

THIS MONTH’S ONLINE QUESTION:

What’s your one tried and true way to tell spring is here?

We want to know what you like to do and where you like to go. Respond at facebook.com/grmag.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP AND CENTER); ISTOCKPHOTO.COM (BOTTOM)

THANKS TO Kelly LeCoy, owner of Uptown Kitchen, where our first Pizza Challenge was held, and our five judges, who ate their way through more than 50 pies.

Pictured, from left, Molly Clauhs, chef and owner of Silver Spork Food Truck and Grand Rapids Cooking School; Kelly LeCoy; Amy Ruis, owner of Art of the Table; John Russo, owner of Carrettino Italian Market & Wine; Shelley Irwin, producer and host of WGVU’s The Morning Show; and Jeremy Johnson of HeFedSheFed.com.

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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com

info@grmag.com

PUBLISHER: John H. Zwarensteyn

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Carole Valade MANAGING EDITOR: Marty Primeau COPY EDITOR: Donna Ferraro CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Joseph A. Becherer, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Elissa Hillary, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Julie Burch, Chris Carey, Alexandra Fluegel, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson, Daina Kraai, Tricia van Zelst EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Emma Higgins DESIGN PANEL: Joseph A. Becherer, John Berry, Kevin Budelmann, Jim Caughman, Timothy Chester, Sam Cummings, Oliver Evans, James Ludwig, Ray Kennedy, Henry Matthews, Wayne Norlin, Wayne Visbeen DESIGN & PRODUCTION NEW MEDIA, DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Scott Sommerfeld

ASSISTANT DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Chris Pastotnik

ART COORDINATOR: Kelly J. Nugent DESIGNERS/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS:

Melissa Brooks, Kristen Van Oostenbrugge, Robin Vargo CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Adam Bird, Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Johnny Quirin SALES GENERAL SALES MANAGER:

Randy D. Prichard

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANTS:

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Emily Bernath, Theresa Henk, Kathie Manett, John Olsa ADVERTISING SALES ASSISTANT/COORDINATOR:

Karla Jeltema

CIRCULATION & MARKETING CIRCULATION & MARKETING MANAGER:

Scott T. Miller

CIRCULATION & MARKETING COORDINATOR:

Dana Blinder

CIRCULATION & MARKETING ASSISTANT:

Shane Chapin

TO ORDER SUBSCRIPTIONS: (616) 459-4545 TO CHANGE ADDRESS: subscribe@geminipub.com

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER:

Pamela Brocato, CPA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Tina Gillman RECEPTIONIST/CLERICAL ASSISTANT:

General Inquiries: info@grmag.com Lorraine Brugger

TO ORDER REPRINTS: Karla Jeltema

PhotograPhy by johnny quirin (toP anD CEntEr); iStoCKPhoto.CoM (bottoM)

(616) 459-4545

Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Publications, a division of Gemini Corporation. Publishing offices: 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 4594545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag. com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com.

Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright Š 2013

by Gemini Publications. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444.

Subscription rates: one year $24, two years $34, three years $44, in continental U.S.; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and U.S. possessions, one year $35. Subscriptions are not retroactive; single issue and newsstand $3.95 (by mail $6); back issue $6 (by mail $7.50), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at www.grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

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life & style PeoPLe / trenDs / books / Fashion / Fitness

EARTH-FRIENDLY APPAREL

Remember when mom said she’d wash your mouth out with soap?

Rose Dubridge orders organic fabric in bulk, hand-dyes it, cuts it and sews it into chic

These yummy cinnamon rolls and sweet treats look good enough to eat, but don’t be fooled. The deli case at Soap Deli, 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, is filled with a variety of bath products, from natural soap bars to unique shampoos and shower gels. The shop also has soy beeswax candles and a whole array of soaps for kids. mysoapdeli.com.

clothing for women and kids. The Rockford woman specializes in hemp, bamboo, soy, wool and recycled materials.

Check out her fashions, including her new bridal collection, at consciousclothing.us or etsy. com/shop/consciousclothing.

intereSting tidBitS We tHoUgHt yoU SHoUld KnoW

Cheers for charity More than 300 international wines will be featured at Noto’s Spring 2013 Charity Wine Fest April 19 at the restaurant, 6600 28th St. SE. The event will benefit

PhotograPhy by michaeL buck (toP right); courtesy istockPhoto.com (bottom); rose DubriDge (toP LeFt)

noteworthy

local nonprofits, including the Greater Grand Rapids Chefs Association, Franciscan Life Process Center and others. There will be plenty of Noto’s Italian cuisine, live entertainment and wine/culinary auctions. For info and tickets, visit notosoldworld.com

FREE SCOOPS

or call 493-6686.

Jersey Junction, the iconic ice cream shop in Gaslight Village, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with fun contests and giveaways every month. The shop, opened in 1963 by Doris Van Allsburg, mother of author Chris Van Allsburg who wrote “The Polar Express,” was purchased by Elias and Mindy Olivarez in 2008.

“My parents began bringing me to Jersey before I had teeth,” Elias said.

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My StUFF

Playing in the dirt Cindy McCoy has some tips for those who just can’t wait for spring.

Spring may be a crazy time for landscaper Cindy McCoy, but it’s also her favorite season.

“It’s when everything comes back to life,” she said.

Since opening Cin’s Eden in 1998, McCoy and crew have tackled a variety of projects, from installing trees and shrubs to lawn care and her specialty — planting perennials.

One common concern for most homeowners is when and how to prune, and McCoy offers this advice: “Certain things need to be pruned when they’re dormant and others you can prune all summer. But when in doubt — prune it. Like if a shrub is 12 feet tall and it’s supposed to be 4, prune it. Or if something’s rubbing against the side of the house, prune it.”

McCoy has amassed a collection of tools that she uses on her landscaping jobs. She recommends investing in quality tools that won’t snap or break. And her gardening gloves? “Rubber, so your hands don’t get wet.”

Contact Cin’s Eden at 698-0332.

Fiskars pruning shears.

She prefers a model made for small hands.

A strong, skinny shovel.

“Mine is about 12-14 inches long and about 5-6 inches wide with a short handle.

You can dig deep and lift a lot of weight without putting much pressure on the handle. Makes it easier to lift clay or rock.”

A cultivator. It looks like a scratching tool and it’s great to till soil.

Hedge trimmers. “I use manual trimmers. I don’t want the ones that need a battery or a cord.”

Loppers to cut 1-inch or smaller limbs. “I like titanium because they won’t break. If I’m cutting anything bigger, I use a saw.”

PHOtOGRaPHY BY JOHnnY QUIRIn

— MaRtY PRIMEaU

cindy’S eSSentiAl gArdening toolS:

April 2013 / grmag.com 15

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life & style PeoPLe / trenDs / books / Fashion / Fitness

At Siciliano’s Market, Curtis Norris pours barley into a grinder as owner Steve Siciliano looks on. Below, homebrew supplies at the market include malt extract.

Bottom left, Bryan Dougherty shops for beer at Siciliano’s, named Top Beer Grocer in the country by RateBeer.com.

Supporting the home brewer of craft beer. Along with the vast collection of beers, the market also carries a large selection of wine, liquor, coffee and tea.

“We have a really solid homebrew community, the breweries are world class and there’s a synergy,” owner Stephen Siciliano said of Grand Rapids. “The more home brewers there are, the more craft beers there are. They feed off each other.”

He became involved in craft brews while trying to make ends meet at his struggling party store, which he purchased in 1993.

“I wasn’t doing well,” he said. “I had to be innovative and look for things to turn it around. The craft beer scene was slowly starting to arise, so I started getting these beers no one else had.”

He offered them in singles, allowing customers to put together their own sixpacks — a unique idea at the time. Three square feet of floor space dedicated to homebrew supplies soon followed — to get “more customers in the door,” Siciliano said.

“It was scary in a sense that I had to invest $300 dollars I didn’t have and thinking, ‘Is this $300 I’m just throwing away?’” he said.

But the customers soon began to flock

in, and Siciliano expanded the homebrew section, eventually adding a humidor for cigars and bulk teas and coffees to the store’s offerings.

To further put Siciliano’s Market on the map, Siciliano’s Market Press was formed to publish homebrewing books, both recipes and histories. The market’s 10th Annual Homebrew Competition wraps up this month, with winners to be announced in May. On Saturday, May 4, an outdoor Big Brew event downtown, in honor of National Homebrew Day, will help begin the buzz for the national American Homebrewers Association 2014 Conference to be held at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.

“Getting the AHA convention is a big deal,” Siciliano said. “This event will show folks we do have a solid homebrew community.”

Visit sicilianosmkt.com to read Siciliano’s blog and to order homebrew supplies.

— Pat Evans

S

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

At tHe HeArt oF tHe crAFt beer boom in the United States are millions of home brewers.

And leading that charge? Siciliano’s Market here in Grand Rapids.

In January, the specialty store at 2840 Lake Michigan Drive NW was named the Top Beer Grocer in the country by ratebeer. com for its 1,200 square feet of homebrew supplies and more than a thousand types

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Are knee, hip, foot or ankle pains keeping you from the activities you love? Spectrum Health Medical Group offers a uniquely coordinated approach to care that includes surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Discover greater possibilities for pain-free living. Call 616.267.8860 or visit shmg.org/orthopaedics.

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A Local Hero’s story living locAl iS all about making small daily choices that have big consequences — choices that enrich our lives and create opportunity in our community.

This month, I’m honored to share the story of Christine Helms-Maletic, Fulton Street Farmers Market’s project development manager who was recognized as this year’s Local Hero at the Local First Annual Meeting.

In her words, here’s how the Midtown resident lives local with her husband and two teenage daughters: “We have been shifting our spending slowly over a number of years, partly because we prefer to use our car as little as possible, and partly because more and more businesses are located within walking distance from our house.

“My involvement with our neighborhood association, the East Fulton Business Association, the Fulton Street Farmers Market and the Uptown Corridor Improvement planning process taught me first-

living local

“We have been shifting our spending slowly over a number of years, partly because we prefer to use our car as little as possible, and partly because more and more businesses are located within walking distance from our house.”

— Christine Helms-Maletic

hand how important shopping locally is for the economy and for environmental sustainability.

“As we shifted our shopping practices, we got to know and establish relationships with the owners and employees of the establishments we were patronizing, which makes spending money all that much more satisfying!

“Our family of four owns a single car: an eight-year-old Prius, which spends a lot of time sitting in the driveway. All four of us use alternate transportation when possible, including riding The Rapid. We make every effort to shop locally for food, clothing and gifts.

“Our favorite dining and drinking establishments are within walking distance from our house, as is our dentist, hairdresser and mechanic. We support local nonprofit organizations like WMEAC (West Michigan Environmental Action Council), the Community Media Center and our neighborhood association.

“When we dine out, we always eat at locally owned restaurants, whether we are in GR or on a road trip. A large part of our food budget is spent at the Fulton Street Farmers Market, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Bakery, Art of the Table and Wealthy Bakery. The rest goes to Meijer, which is still a privately owned family business based here in GR. We have even taken to filling our gas tank exclusively at Meijer gas stations.

“For our hardware needs we shop at Rylee’s Ace Hardware. When we Christmas shop, we make every effort to obtain the items on our list from locally owned businesses rather than going to the mall or ordering online.”

— ELIssa HILLaRY

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

Built in 1922, the market at 1147 E. Fulton St. is Grand Rapids’ oldest and largest. In the height of the growing season, more than 100 vendors sell a wide variety of locally grown produce, meats, artisan cheeses, baked goods, butter and eggs, as well as plants, herbs and honey.

In May 2012, after a sixmonth, $3 million renovation, FSFM re-opened to the public.

The market is open year

round. From January to the end of April, its hours are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.

From May to December, it is open 8 a.m.3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

A new LEED-certified building, housing eight to 12 vendors and wheelchairaccessible restrooms, will be finished in time for the May 4 opening of the summer season.

For more information and a list of vendors, visit fultonstreetmarket.org.

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin (toP); courtesy istockPhoto.com (bottom)

FUlton Street FArMerS MArKet:

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

“People at bars don’t usually care about the music, but with us, they’re like, ‘Shut up and listen.’ It’s strange but cool.”

— Ben Zito

Playing a weekly gig at a Chinese restaurant isn’t where you’d expect a regionally successful band to plant its roots.

But that’s where Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury of The Crane Wives were performing their original material under the name of the now-touring regional act. The vocalists of the group soon teamed up with Tom Gunnels on banjo and Dan Rickabus on drums and decided to record an album.

Rickabus recruited Ben Zito, a classmate at Grand Valley State University, to record the indie-folk album. Before long, Zito had found his way into the band’s lineup.

“They let me record the album, and I said, ‘You need some bass and I happen to play bass,’” Zito said.

“Basically, I forced them into letting me play with them.”

That debut album, “Safe Ship, Harbored,” released in May 2011, went on to be much-celebrated in the Grand Rapids market. It earned Local Spin of the Year from former Grand Rapids Press writer

John Sinkevics and several WYCE Jammie awards, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year.

Paste Magazine also named The Crane Wives one of the top five acts to watch from Michigan.

That success took them by surprise.

“We knew we had something special, but we were just having fun,” Zito said.

“And that’s all it was — fun.”

After releasing a second album in September 2012, “The Fool in Her Wedding Gown” — which won Best Rock/Pop Album and Listener Choice Best Album at the 2013 Jammies — the band started play-

ing more gigs outside of West Michigan.

“It’s a balancing act,” Zito said, adding the band still doesn’t make enough money to leave their day jobs. But each time it plays in a new market, it’s like reliving the early days in Grand Rapids and helps reignite the passion.

“People at bars don’t usually care about the music, but with us, they’re like, ‘Shut up and listen,’” Zito said. “It’s strange but cool.”

Catch The Crane Wives April 6 at The Intersection. For a full schedule of shows, visit thecranewives.com.

— Pat Evans

Photography by Johnny quirin

Shut up and listen ...

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reAding rooM

PhotograPhy by michaeL buck (toP); courtesy riDgeWay Press (bottom)

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

Connecting poetry and music Linda Nemec Foster, Grand Rapids’ first poet laureate (2003-2005), was intrigued when musician Laszlo Slomovits contacted her in 2011 and said he’d put several of her poems to music.

The Detroit-area musician had received a copy of Foster’s chapbook “Ten Songs from Bulgaria,” published by Cervena Barva Press in 2008. Foster based the poems on photographs by Jacko Vassilev of marginalized people in Eastern Europe.

Foster, of Polish descent, had immediately connected with the photographs, published in Harper’s Magazine, and began writing poems based on them.

Slomovits, born in Budapest, Hungary, connected with the poems he read in Foster’s book and began using them as lyrics for his music.

Foster and Slomovits performed together — she read, then he sang and played — in April 2012 at Grand Rapids Community College’s Poets Conference and knew immediately there was more to the story.

“I knew Laz’s work was special, but when we worked together, I knew this project was really something special,” said Foster. “I was so moved when he sent me those first four songs on a CD. There is an overriding feel of folk melodies from that part of the world; he honored the culture and heritage of Eastern Europe.”

Now the pair will present the world premiere of “Cry of Freedom,” the CD that features the music of Slomovits written

“I knew Laz’s work was special, but when we worked together, I knew this project was really something special.”

— Linda Nemec Foster around the rhythms and refrains of Foster’s poems. They will perform at 7 p.m. April 12 at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE. Books and CDs will be available for purchase.

For more information, visit poetryinto — ann BYLE song.com.

‘song of the Owashtanong’ GRAND RAPIDS POET LAUREATE David Cope has compiled works by 16 local poets in “Son of the Owashtanong: Grand Rapids Poetry in the 21st Century” (Ridgeway Press, $12.95). This historic collection, spanning two generations of poets who have lived and worked in the city, will be available this month.

“I have followed the poets of this city from the ’60s onward and, consequently, I knew which poets had done the hard work of publishing their work — gathering honors for it, as well as those who had labored long and hard to perfect their craft even if in relative obscurity.”

Cope said all proceeds from the sale of the CD go to the Grand Rapids Poet Laureate fund.

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

green

Aveda’s spring/ summer makeup collection, Art of Nature, includes jade vine eyeliner and eye shadows in lemongrass and papyrus.

Coiffeteria Salon in Gaslight Village also carries organic, vegan nail polish by SpaRitual, including this pale green called Introspective.

Mention “emerald” and most people think of the precious gemstone — or the Land of Oz. But as Pantone’s 2013 color of the year, the bright, lush green is popping up everywhere, from fashion to home décor.

In West Michigan, experts have varying interpretations of the color — and their own preferences for how to incorporate green hues.

At Leigh’s in Breton Village, visual merchandizing director Patrick Plank describes Pantone’s emerald as “almost pastel, but not quite,” while Heather White, manager of UBU Home Furnishings at RiverTown Crossings mall, says the color is more of a “bluey green.”

Matt Sova, manager of AK Rikk’s, said every clothing line in the upscale boutique is touting some variation of green.

“But we didn’t want to jump on the whole Pantone thing,” he added. “Of course, we do have some emerald, but for us it’s more about citron, lime and grass for women and men.”

UBU Home Furnishings Even before Pantone’s big announcehas an eclectic assortment of green ment last December, White said she was décor, including a shade that manager seeing signs that green would be a hot trend Heather White calls, “grellow,” a mix of in home furnishings. green and yellow. She has paired it with blue throughout the RiverTown Crossings “For me, greens say spring because they Mall store. tend to be refreshing. It’s all about rebirth and growth.”

While she’s offering a variety of green throughout the store, her preferred shade is “grellow” — a mix of green and yellow.

So why did Pantone choose emerald?

“Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so imporSip Organic tant in today’s complex world. This powerful and Juice Bar in the universally appealing tone translates easily to Aquus Building, 6770 Old 28th St. SE, sells more both fashion and home interiors,” Leatrice Eisegreen juices and smoothman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute, ies than any other color. explained in a press release.

Owner Jennifer Pohlman “As it has throughout history, multifaceted says wheatgrass is a popular elixir.

Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate.”

— MARTY PRIMEAU

Photography by michael buck (middle); courtesy istockphoto.com (top); Katherine Tippett (bottom)

Say yes to

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green HAS AlWAyS been a great bike color and “appeals to outdoorsy people,” says Jill Martindale at Ada Bike Shop. This Electra Townie Ladies 3i comes in leaf green, while the men’s Townie 7d is moss.

At leigH’S in Breton

PhotograPhy by michaeL buck (bottom right); courtesy craFt-reViVaL JeWeLers (bottom LeFt); the sharPe coLLection (miDDLe); aDa bike shoP (toP right); Leigh’s (toP LeFt)

PhotograPhy by michaeL buck (miDDLe); courtesy istockPhoto.com (toP); katherine tiPPett (bottom)

Village, bright green accessories are must-haves for spring and summer.

This Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. shoulder bag is available in jungle green.

in tHe AUtoMotive indUStry, green is one of the least popular colors — black, silver and white top the list.

Options for green lovers include a 2013 Chevy Spark in Jalapeno or a 2013 Ford Fusion in Ginger Ale. And there’s always the classic MINI Cooper in British Racing Green.

trUe eMerAld green! This 18 karat white gold ring features 13 matched oval emeralds totaling 1.99 carats and more than a half carat of colorless brilliant cut diamonds in an organic wave design. Priced at $11,000 at Craft-Revival Jewelers.

green FASHionS at A.K. Rikks, 6303 28th St. SE, include a Hugo Boss cotton jersey dress in mint, emerald, blue and watermelon. For guys, forest green jeans by Isaia are paired with a grey-green jacket by L.B.M 1911 and a lime print shirt. Shoes by Cole Haan.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

> Perception Gallery Location: 210 E. Fulton St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri.

Photography by Michael Buck

Contact: (616) 451-2393

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GR’s other art museum Kim Smith of Perception Gallery focuses mostly on American art from 1850 to 1960 — but you never know what you may find.

W

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Michael Buck

hen Perception Gallery moved into new digs at 210 E. Fulton St. last year, it was a breath of fresh air compared to its previous dwelling on Ionia Avenue.

With a lot more sunlight and increased cohesion, the space shows off Perception’s many treasures, including American and European oil and acrylic paintings, an eclectic collection of furniture, as well as some sculpture and other artifacts.

The brick building that once housed Eyekons Gallery has 2,000 square feet of gallery space and a 2,200-square-foot workshop.

“We haven’t looked back,” said owner Kim Smith, who has been working in the Grand Rapids art gallery scene since 1976.

He opened Perception in 1989.

Perception specializes in historical art, and Smith holds on to pieces until they sell, creating a space that is part gallery and part museum.

“Some pieces have sold literally within

Pictured clockwise, from lower left: “The Cloak,” 1962, by Sergio Agostini; “Portrait of Bertha Honoré Palmer,” circa 1915, by Cartaino Sciarrino Paolo; Jacobean chair, circa late 19th century, artist unknown; “Abstract Oil on Canvas,” 1960,

by Sam Middleton.

five minutes of me bringing them into the gallery,” Smith said. “Others have been here for 22 years, but I have not lost confidence in them. I just know someone will come in here one day and fall in love.”

Smith is a meticulous and wellinformed researcher, fully versed in the history and value of each item in his gallery.

“I want my customers to be able to purchase from me with confidence,” he said. “I look at a piece’s track record and thoroughly investigate other similar works and their value in order to ascertain what I charge for them.”

The gallery doesn’t have any contemporary art. Smith focuses on work from 1850 to 1960, mostly by American artists.

“A lot of people like to buy what is famil-

iar — hence, the large numbers of Michigan artists in here.”

But visitors can never be too sure what they’ll find on the walls at Perception.

Smith once got his hands on a painting by the Russian avantgarde artist Natalia Goncharova.

“Have you ever heard of her?” Smith asked. “Because she just so happens to be one of the highest-selling female artists of all time.”

It is his keen eye and networking ability that enables Smith to pick up gems such as the Goncharova before anyone else gets a chance.

“I am well connected,” he said. “I get phone calls from all over the country. If people think I would be interested in purchasing something, they will call me.”

As well as his art dealing, Smith builds conceptual frames and offers appraisals to anyone who walks through his door with artwork. “I valued 866 items in 2012 and I bought nine of them.”

It is this unwavering honesty and discerning eye that makes Smith such an interesting gallery owner and that keeps Perception so richly stocked. You never know what the next phone call might — Emma Higgins unearth.

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art & design TrENDS / PEoPLE / INNoVaTIoN / PLacES

Local art galleries COMPILED BY EMMA HIGGINS

1/ first thursDAy. Many art galleries along South Division Avenue stay open from 7-11 p.m., sometimes in conjunction with an exhibition reception, to give patrons an opportunity to visit after working hours. Avenue for the Arts (Division between Fulton and Wealthy streets), avenueforthearts.com.

2/ miscellAny: Exhibition by Katie Bell, a Midwestern native living and working in Brooklyn.

Bell has an interest in domestic interiors and how surfaces and textures within the home relate to artistic abstraction. 136 S. Division Ave., (810) 923-7158, Facebook.

1/ Avenue for the Arts stays open after hours.

106 Gallery and Studio: Thru April 26, advance photography student exhibition. 106 S. Division Ave., calvin.edu/centerartgallery/studio.

Betsy Ratzsch Pottery: Adabased gallery features ceramics, artwork and gifts made by American artisans. 584 Ada Drive, 682-0266, betsyrpottery.com.

Calvin College Center Art Gallery: Thru April 27, Windows to Heaven: Treasures from the Museum of Russian Icons, Calvin FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle, 526-6271, calvin. edu/centerartgallery.

Cascade Art Gallery: Multi-media art, exhibits of extensive print collection, framing, gifts. 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 949-4056, cascadegallery. blogspot.com.

C.O.D.A. Gallery: Teaching gallery in Heartside. 44 S. Division Ave., 401-7382, coda-gallery.com.

Con Artist Crew: Art collective and gallery. 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW, North Building, No. 198, (734) 6466186, Facebook.

Craft House: Collaborative art exhibition and discussion space. 40 S. Division Ave., crafthousegr. com and Facebook.

3/ Justin Kellner’s scenes of the natural world at LaFontsee Galleries, beginning April 19.

DAAC: Artist-run space hosts art, discussions and music. 115 S. Division Ave., thedaac.org.

Design Gallery at Design Quest: Thru mid-April, Dreamweavers, rugs and pillows made from recycled objects. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-0131, designquest.biz.

Fire and Water Gallery: Local art, sculpture, jewelry. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, 890-1879, fire-and-waterart.com.

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center: Apr. 16-18, FHPS student art exhibit; reception 6-7:30 April 16. 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. 493-8966, fhfine artscenter.com.

Gallery 154: Local and national multi-media art, gifts, jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154. com.

Gallery at ICCF: Showcases work from local artists and craftspeople. 920 Cherry St. SE, iccf.org/current_exh ibit.htm.

Gaspard Gallery: Artist-operated gallery provides exhibition space for artists and collectors.

235 S. Division Ave., spiri tuallake.com.

Grand Gallery: Fine art, reproductions, restoration, gifts, framing.

596 Ada Drive, Ada, 6764604, grandgallery.com.

Grand Rapids Art Museum: See Museums & Attractions.

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

Ice Cream Gallery and Toys: Artwork and toys.

117 S. Division Ave., 9014582, Facebook.

2/ Opening reception for Katie Bell exhibit is April 12, 6-11 p.m.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: See Museums & Attractions.

Kendall College of Art and Design: Work by students and faculty and nationally recognized artists in four gallery spaces: three at 17 Fountain St. NW and one in the Federal Building. kcad.edu LowellArts King Gallery: 27th annual West Michigan Regional Art Competition.

Reception 2-4 p.m. April 7. 149 S. Hudson, Lowell, 897-8545, lowellartscouncil.org.

MercuryHead Gallery: Work by local artists plus gifts and framing. 962 E. Fulton St. 456-6022, Facebook.

Muskegon Museum of Art: See Museums & Attractions.

Nice Gallery: Artist-run gallery features contemporary artwork. 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW, No. 4C, 284-1771, thenicegallery.com.

Open Concept Gallery: Open platform for innovation, showcasing local and international art. mARTini: Art Talks feature presentations on issues in the art world, last Tue. of month. 50 Louis St. NW, opencon ceptgallery.org.

Sanctuary Folk Art: Salon-style gallery displays and sells local folk art. 140 S. Division Ave., 454-0401, Facebook.

The Shallows Art Gallery: Upand-coming local artists. 1054 W. Fulton St., (906) 748-0941, shallow sart.com Tanglefoot Artists: Working studio/gallery of Michael Pfleghaar and Tommy Allen. 314 Straight Ave. SW (entrance on north, dock 8), tangle footstudio.com.

Perception Gallery: Fine art gallery also offering home décor, art restoration and appraisal services.

210 E. Fulton St. 451-2393.

Terryberry Gallery: April 3-30, Westside Stories II, artists living on the lower west side of Grand Rapids share their take on life. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE (lower level), 459-2224, scmc-online. org/building/terryberry-gallery.

Richard App Gallery: Fine art from local and U.S. artists. 910 Cherry St. SE, 458-4226, therichardapp gallery.tumblr.com.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Art: Thru May 12, Limit(less).

Artists explore the theme of limits. 2 W. Fulton St., 454-7000, uica.org.

PhoToGraPhy courTESy aVENuE for ThE arTS (ToP LEfT); kaTIE bELL (rIGhT); LafoNTSEE GaLLErIES (boTTom LEfT)

April 4

3/ lAfontsee GAlleries: 5-8 p.m. April 19, Justin Kellner – Solo, opening reception. Kendall grad’s first solo show displays diverse collection of paintings that blur abstraction with scenes of the natural world. 833 Lake Drive SE, 451-9820, www.lafontsee.us.

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We’re right in your own backyard

myflowerland.com | facebook.com/myflowerland Wyoming • Comstock Park • Kentwood

Best of

Photography courtesy Avenue for the Arts (top left); Katie Bell (right); LaFontsee Galleries (bottom left)

2012-13 Readers Poll

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the collection of prints, drawings and photographs at the Grand Rapids Art Museum is among its most distinguished and illuminating treasures.

Truly a community asset, the collection has grown significantly with the extraordinary gift from Cate and Sid Jansma Jr. of a suite of 24 etchings by the celebrated Venetian painter and printmaker Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727-1804) describing the flight into Egypt — a compelling journey in the early life of Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph.

A master draftsman, Tiepolo describes this lesser-known moment in the life of the Holy Family with fascinating details and enthusiastic skill.

Common during both the Renaissance and Baroque eras, Tiepolo was from a much-celebrated family of artists. His father was the prolific and prodigious Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, among the most sought-after European artists of the 18th century.

Giovanni Domenico initially studied under his father and assisted him with major commissions. His stature and international reputation grew rapidly for his lively scenes of Venice, images of the famed Commedia dell’ Arte and his religious subjects.

art talk

“The Holy Family Descending a Forest Path, Near a Flock and Some Shepherds,” top, and “The Holy Family on the Bank of a River,” above, are two of Tiepolo’s etchings from “The Flight Into Egypt” series.

“The Flight Into Egypt” and “Stations of the Cross” suites, or series, are his most well known.

In an era when books were rare and precious to a collector, the role of prints took on dimensions we might not imagine today. These works of art were intended to be experienced intimately and truly contemplated as they were examined. Frequently, they would be held in hand or carefully considered on a tabletop or easel-device. Viewers would delight in the details of form and levels of craftsmanship.

Masters of series or cycles like Tiepolo literally took the viewer on a visual journey through time and place.

Individually and collectively, “Flight Into Egypt” is a masterwork of the highest level that delivers a Biblical subject to audiences through the energy and drama of a Venetian master.

— JosePh a. becherer

A master draftsman, Tiepolo describes this lesser-known moment in the life of the Holy Family with fascinating details and enthusiastic skill.

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

WhAt to looK for: > Allow time to consider each print in the series.

What elements are shared across the series and which differ from scene to scene? In what ways does the artist attempt to convey a sense of movement and drama befitting such a journey?

> Carefully examine the master’s use of line.

Notice the diversity of thickness and repetition.

Consider the use of line to create areas of light and shadow. > Consider the landscape: What role does the landscape play in this

series? How does the artist’s description of the landscape and description of the figures and their attire compare and contrast?

> Take in the other masterworks included in the exhibition The Jansma Print Collection: Five Centuries of Masterpieces (through

Sept. 1). In what ways does Tiepolo’s style seem similar to and unique from that of masters like Dürer and Rembrandt?

PhoToGraPhy courTESy GraND raPIDS arT muSEum/JaNSma coLLEcTIoN

A visual journey

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Small pieces of furniture and accessories are less intimidating when it comes to the process of painting — I wouldn’t choose your great-grandmother’s secretary as the first piece to experiment with.

JustaGirlblog.com

A dash of color Chris Carey suggests how to inject pops of color into your home décor. more colorful and bright. If I ended up not liking it, it wouldn’t be too bothersome and I could just repaint it. It also allowed me to go a little bold with the accessories, and it ended up being just right.

Small pieces of furniture and accessories are less intimidating when it comes to the process of painting — I wouldn’t choose your great-grandmother’s secretary as the first piece to experiment with. Use Craigslist, thrift stores or garage sales to find pieces that are inexpensive and less — CHRIS CAREY challenging.

Chris Carey is a Rockford wife, mom, school teacher and avid do-it-yourselfer who shares her home projects and decorating tips on her justagirlblog.com

Photography courtesy Chris Carey

Using colors — especially bright ones — in your house can be intimidating. If you’re like me and are particularly in love with neutrals, it can be downright scary.

My advice? Use it in small doses.

If you love a bright color, you don’t have to paint your walls with it. A bright green room can be pretty overwhelming, but a cute accent table in that color? Perfection!

Adding pops of color to your home is quite easy. Don’t be intimidated by paint.

It can be an inexpensive fix, and the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become.

When adding color, I tend to find small pieces of furniture that won’t overwhelm a space. A brightly colored side table, nightstand or even a small lamp can really bring life to a room, so play around with what you’ll add.

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By Emma Higgins

The ecology of art

A

shley Lieber has a solution for urbanites who don’t get

PhoToGraPhy by aNDrEa DIrhEImEr (ToP); courTESy ISTockPhoTo.com/ SErGEy JarochkIN (rIGhT); VITaLI DyaTchENko (cENTEr rIGhT)

PhoToGraPhy by courTESy chrIS carEy

enough green in their lives. Her ecological artwork — mossy creations that look like tiny urban pastures — will lift anyone’s spirits.

“If you can’t be outdoors experiencing nature, my art will bring it into your home,” she said, citing studies that show people are healthier psychologically and physically — “and even heal faster” — when they have regular exposure to green landscape and plants.

Lieber’s moast recent series, “Moss for Meditation,” debuted in Chicago in June 2011 and has received critical acclaim. The series encompasses works as large as 8-by-8 feet and tiny montages that provide a more affordable option for those who don’t want to commit to a larger work, she said.

“Now I’m working with sustainably harvested moss and lichen from all over the world.

The materials continually captivate me.”

Lieber says her work “spawns conversations about ecology, life cycles, and personal and planetary health. I’m interested in creating visual, tactile and edible experiences

that demonstrate or exemplify aspects of sustainability.”

In 2010, she earned an MFA from the University of Michigan, but most of her time was spent not in the art studio but in the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

“My advisors were biologists, ecologists, behavioral psychologists and literary theorists, as well as professional artists. I was constantly challenged, both as an artist and scholar, by innovative thinkers in vastly different fields of study.”

These challenges led Lieber to spend large amounts of her time researching and experimenting, working out how best to tie together her ecological concerns and artistic practice.

“I grew edibles, designed gardens, spent more time in nature, and read a lot of books — on topics from deep ecology to microbiology.”

Lieber has some interesting new projects in the pipeline.

Ashley Lieber works with sustainably harvested moss and lichen to create her “Moss for Meditation” pieces. Her pieces were on display at the Green Zebra restaurant in Chicago.

“I recently started working with an established industrial designer who resides in Grand Rapids. I can’t say anything yet, but there’s surely more to come!

More vertical wall gardens and art that brings lush, green, vibrancy to interiors.”

Visit rosscontemporary. com to see more of Lieber’s Gr work.

“I grew edibles, designed gardens, spent more time in nature, and read a lot of books — on topics from deep ecology to microbiology.”

— Ashley Lieber

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

By Susan Smith Photography by Michael Buck

Overhauling your castle Local builders offer tips for tackling renovation projects to update your home and make it more livable.

W

When the walls of the house you thought was your dream home begin to close in, it’s time to contemplate the big R. While renovation can be scary and messy and take more time and money than you may have, the end result can make the whole experience worthwhile.

So what to do? Whether you’ve bought a fixer-upper at a bargain price or are thinking of sprucing up and staying put for the long haul, local builders have suggestions for the best renovations to adapt, renew and revitalize your home.

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take back existing space Paula DeHaan, owner of p.a. dehaan, says her most successful renovations involve changing the way an existing house functions.

“Long gone is the dining room that you use twice a year,” she said. “I love using this space for something else — like adding it to the kitchen and creating an open area for gathering.”

She says homeowners often think they need a big addition. “We’re able to avoid that by taking down and moving walls and reorganizing what they have.”

Older homes are often made up of a series of small, boxed-in rooms. Removing walls can make a home feel lighter and larger in addition to being more functional — moving from more formal to more normal.

“It’s really a puzzle, adapting new lifestyles to old homes,” DeHaan said. “Your home can be changed to fit who you are and the way you want to live.”

the updated kitchen Updating the kitchen is and probably always will be the No. 1 remodel project, says Bruce Heys of Bruce Heys Builders.

“It’s the focal point of the home where everyone comes together and it’s important to function well for food preparation,” he said. “We’re continuing to see additions of islands where family and friends can gather.”

His most popular remodels include

upgrading countertops — often to quartz or concrete, adding refrigerator drawers and installing sleek, European-styled cabinetry. Many times a kitchen remodel includes a recycling center and a customized pantry.

Kitchen designers report that trends in kitchen design include simpler, sleeker lines, fewer wall cabinets, open shelving and less ornamentation.

“I think people are being more bold with their choices,” he said. “Our remodeling business has been strong and appears to be continuing, often with contemporary styling.”

Heys said recent clients often have been people in their late 40s and 50s who realize they have survived raising their kids “and now they can upgrade their spaces to be the way they want them. They aren’t quite so concerned about the wear and tear of children.”

Josh Berghuis of Berghuis Construction said kitchen remodeling plans often change rather significantly with the needs of the family.

“A younger family is usually pretty

Removing walls to open up a galley kitchen gave this home a whole new look without the expense of a new addition. To complete the look, builder Paula DeHaan added a vaulted ceiling and built-in bookshelves.

Designer & Custom Jewelry Expert Jewelry Repair Tu-Fr 10-5 Sat 12-4 616-459-5075 * call for spring break schedule * 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids shop@metalartstudioinc.com April 2013 / GrmaG.com 33

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VASER® Shape VASER® Shape is a non-surgical fat removal treatment that smooths and shapes your body with no downtime. Unlike other non-surgical treatments, VASER® Shape can treat multiple areas from the neckline down.

To find out if VASER® Shape is right for you, call 616 451 4500 to schedule your complimentary consultation today!

As seen on The Dr. Oz Show

model

Douglas L. Vander Woude, MD • John D. Renucci, MD Marguerite E. Aitken, MD • David R. Alfonso, MD LOCATED IN THE AMWAY GRAND PLAZA HOTEL 616 451 4500 800 419 4702 psa-gr.com

WHERE

FASHION MEETS ART Please Join Us

There’s No Place Like Home: Where Fashion Meets Art

For more than 20 years, Liz’s House has welcomed and brought comfort to women facing enormous challenges surrounding homelessness. More recently, Bridge Street Place has become a welcoming solace of permanent housing for survivors of domestic violence.

This spring, we will again celebrate the work of Liz’s House and Bridge Street Place and the extraordinary courage of those taking their first steps toward a new life.

Sponsored By:

The Daniel and Pamella DeVos

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 5:30pm – 8:00pm Tickets $50 Goei Center 818 Butterworth St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 To purchase tickets or for more information: Please visit our website at www.dwellingplacegr.org or contact Corrine at 616-855-0425.

There’s No Place Like Home Where Fashion Meets Art

F o u n d a t i o n

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art & design TrENDS / PEoPLE / INNoVaTIoN / PLacES

before you tear down those walls: Ask yourself what is bothering you about your home. If you can’t identify the problem, you certainly won’t come up with a solution. Have a list of issues when you meet with the builder.

Do your homework: Whether it is looking at magazines, touring home shows or researching on the Internet, make sure you have gathered ideas about what is available.

Check out smartphone and iPad apps like Houzz, DreamHome, ColorSnap and Color Capture.

This drop zone by Cutting Edge Builders allows plenty of space to hang coats, backpacks and sporting equipment, plus overhead basket cubbies for extra gear.

One dandy book on remodeling is “Staying Put: Remodel Your House to Get the Home You Want” by architect Duo Dickinson. His “do’s and don’ts” include such sage tidbits as: “Your house is a mirror, not a 12-step program.”

Presents

award winning

artist

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5-pm8 Running Through May 24 th

“It’s more than a back-entry closet. A drop zone is where you put everything away — and today’s kid has a lot of stuff.”

— Paula DeHaan practical — adding drop zones or basic kitchens. But empty-nest couples are asking for wet bars or a lovely new fireplace in the kitchen.”

Drop zones Many of us call them mudrooms and we’re glad to have them, but the updated term is “drop zone.”

No, it has nothing to do with skydiving: A drop zone is a space at the side or back of a house where kids enter and drop their stuff.

“It’s more than a back-entry closet,” DeHaan said. “A drop zone is where you put everything away — and today’s kid has a lot of stuff.”

Doug Kleinheksel of Cutting Edge Builders says his company is doing lots of drop zones, many times having to think creatively to find such a space in older homes.

“We’ve worked with spaces under stairways and/or areas that, at first look, seemed unusable,” he said.

“Sometimes we need to add on a small amount of footage so that each kid can have a locker, bin and cubby for backpacks, sports equipment, boots and hats and sports shoes.”

Families love drop zones, he said, “because all this gear doesn’t end up in the family room or dumped on the kitchen floor.”

Gr

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frame works Anatomy of a storefront

LOCAL STOREFRONTS TO CONSIDER: Rowster Coffee, Nourish and Johnny B’z, 632-636 Wealthy St. SE Art of the Table (without canopy), 606 Wealthy St. SE Wealthy Street Bakery (with canopy), 610 Wealthy St. SE Premier Skate, 14 Weston St. SE Monarch Club, 646 Stocking Ave. NW Bitter End Coffee House, 752 W. Fulton St.

Storefront elements: 1) Bulkhead 2) Display window 3) Storefront entrance 4) Transom 5) Beam

(The) beam is often used to advertise the business with signage, either on the beam or as a projecting sign mounted to the building wall.

Rowster Coffee on Wealthy Street SE is a good example of a well-designed storefront.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK; DIAGRAM COURTESY MARK F. MILLER

Architect Mark F. Miller is an urban designer at Nederveld, and has led the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

CREATING A PLEASING STOREFRONT is the key to attracting people to enter a retail establishment.

Although storefront character varies from region to region, there are some common features.

The most typical configuration consists of a low wall at the sidewalk, known as a bulkhead, on which large panes of glass are set — the display windows. These windows provide the visual connection between the inside and outside of the building and include the main store entrance, typically located in the center of the composition.

This main entry is commonly recessed to provide a space for the door to swing into (so it is not opening directly into the sidewalk) and also to offer protection from the weather for customers entering the store.

Above the display windows there is often a band of narrow horizontal panes of glass known as transoms or clerestory glazing. These transoms are usually divided into small panes of decorative or colored glass, and in many cases have an awning projecting from them.

A horizontal expression band or storefront beam caps the storefront, extending the entire length of the glass that it is above.

This beam is often used to advertise the business with signage, either on the beam or as a projecting sign mounted to the building wall.

Not all exemplary storefronts are traditional. Modern buildings, such as Purple East at 250 Ionia Ave. SW, have successfully incorporated the urban configuration of traditional storefronts into the — MARK F. MILLER building’s design.

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then a home First a house

By J. stapleton Burch

Photography by Michael Buck; diagram courtesy Mark F. Miller

E

very woman knows that it takes a well-sculpted foundation to make that designer gown really sparkle.

The same is true for a house: The glamour starts with what is underneath. Long before it can become a cherished home, it all starts with a superbly built house.

Such is the case with the “Heartsworth” — the fabulous home Stacey and Rich Rendon, owners of Infiniti Custom Homes, are building in Ada’s gated Skyevale community for Design Home 2013. Its substantial foundation walls were set and poured by Don Andrews Concrete, with special attention given to the added height-dimension requirements to accommodate the in-home half-court basketball court on the lower level. In addition, the Rendons always include foam insulation under the basement floors of the homes they build.

“It provides a better thermal barrier and adds an extra level of insulation,” Stacey explained.

The Rendons sourced Carter Lumber for most of the building materials for the 7,500-square foot structure. “Carter Lumber not only provides excellent service, but they always have a good selection of quality stock on hand and are prompt in their deliveries,” Stacey noted. Carter is supplying everything from framing lumber, joists and trusses to top-quality Jeldwen windows.

The home’s impressive exterior boasts fire-resistant and pest-proof James Hardie fiber cement-board siding from Fox Broth-

ers Company, along with a stonework façade from Belden Brick & Supply Co. that adds a sense of durable timelessness. To create this home’s striking first impression, Stacey worked with Heather James at Belden Brick & Supply to select the precise stone characteristics and coordinating colors for the paintable siding. “We selected Benjamin Moore’s ‘spice gold’ color for the siding, and Boral Ancient Villa ledgestone in the ‘siena’ color for the stonework,” James noted. “It’s very earthy, with warm browns, creams and gold accents that make it the ideal complement to the siding because it brings all the architectural elements together in perfect harmony.”

Overhead, the steeply pitched roof and multiple gables play an important role in the profile of the Design Home. According to Greg Sheridan of Eikenhout Roofing, Stacey chose the GAF Camelot II “lifetime

designer shingle” in a charcoal tone. “It brings a premium look with an upgraded architectural style suitable for a luxury home,” Sheridan said.

Stay with us as the adventure of Design Home 2013 continues to unfold and Infiniti Custom Homes turns this spectacularly built house into a truly magnificent home.

2013

DesIgn Home 2013 Partners: Belden Brick & Supply, Carter Lumber, Eikenhout, Fox Brothers Company, Engineered Protection Systems, Gerrit’s Appliance, Infiniti Custom Homes, Klingman’s Furniture , Modern Hardware, Overhead Door Company of Grand Rapids, Richards Kitchen and Bath Showroom, Rockford Floor Covering, The Lighting Corner, Top of the World Granite , Visbeen Architects, Wahlfield Drilling Co., Woodways Custom Cabinets In collaboration with

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Design Home 2013 vIP tour/event this august to benefit

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By Jeremy Johnson Photography by Johnny Quirin

2013

a z z i P

e g n e l l a Ch In the Specialty Pizza category, “prettiest pizza” went to Rose’s Express for the Bruschetta Chicken, pictured in the center, with herb oil, marinated tomatoes, grilled chicken, whipped feta, a mozzarella-provolone blend, fresh arugula and a balsamic reduction. Other popular pies at Rose’s include Pesto Chicken, left, and The Sicilian, made with salami, kalamata olives, banana peppers, feta, mozzarella-provolone blend and fresh tomatoes and herbs.

Grand Rapids Magazine seeks the best slice in the city

F

ew foods ignite more passion and discussion than the humble pizza. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what matters most — the sauce, the cheese, the dough or the toppings.

And as we recently discovered, there are many versions to be found right here in Grand Rapids.

A bit of history: Although pizza was introduced to the U.S. by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century, it didn’t gain mass appeal until after World War II when soldiers returned from overseas with a newfound taste for this simple food.

The East and West coasts first saw demand rise before the boom

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s Thank e h t ll a to ants: p i c i part

BC Pizza, Brick Road Pizza, Crooked Goose, DiPiazza’s Pizzeria, Flo’s, Fratelli’s Pizza, Fred’s Pizza, Fricano’s, GRPD, Gus’ Original, JB’s, Joe’s Pizza, Licari’s, Marinade’s, Mr. Pizza, Nantucket Bakery, Papa K’s, Peppino’s, Pietro’s, Pizzeria Grande, Rose’s Express, Russo’s Pizza, Uccello’s, Villa Pizza, Vito’s and Wealthy Street Bakery.

We look forward to next year's entries!

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spread to the country’s interior. Eventually, it crept into Chicago, then finally to Michigan.

Fricano’s Pizza Tavern in Grand Haven is widely considered to be the first pizzeria in Michigan (circa 1949), although G.B. Russo began serving pizza in the Roma Hall on S. Division in Grand Rapids as early as 1940.

Since then, pizza places have settled into nearly every neighborhood, regularly serving up pies to hungry patrons who quickly align with their favorites and defend them with unbridled loyalty.

Favorites can be subjective, however. If these pizzas were put to a panel of discerning judges, which would emerge victorious?

We posted an open invitation to any pizzeria in the area to compete in the first Grand Rapids Magazine pizza challenge. Many legendary local joints immediately responded, eager to test their recipes against other establishments.

Nearly 50 different pizzas were submitted from 26 restaurants.

Five judges were selected for their knowledge of food and familiarity with the Grand Rapids area: Amy Ruis (Art of the Table); Molly Clauhs (The Silver Spork); Shelley Irwin (WGVU); John Russo (Carrettino Italian Market & Wine); and Jeremy Johnson (HeFedSheFed.com).

All assembled at UpTown Kitchen, where competing pizzas were delivered by the competitors at allotted times for each category.

The challenge was split into three main styles: Traditional, Thin Crust and Specialty. (Deep Dish/ Sicilian was also a category, but only one pizzeria entered.)

Traditional and thin crust pizzas were judged on crust, sauce and cheese, with no additional toppings allowed. Specialty pizzas were judged on crust, sauce, toppings and creativity. Each category (crust, sauce, etc.) was rated from one to 10, with 10 being best, and an average was taken to determine the overall winner. Additionally, specialty pizzas were judged in the categories of Best Veggie, Best Meat, Most Unusual and Prettiest Pie. Here are the results. It is important to note that the difference between average scores was extremely tight. In many cases, less than half a point separated GR the winner from the nearest competitor. Now that’s close!

Traditional

Winner: Peppino’s

Judges’ notes: “Sweet, succulent sauce that marries well with a chewy crust and perfect blend of cheese to achieve synchronicity.”

From the pizzeria: “The crust is made from an unbleached and unbromated patent flour that requires several steps to stage and proof. It is lightly oiled and cooked in a pan through a convection oven. We topped it with Peppino’s pizza sauce and block mozzarella. There have been no variations to the original pizza sauce recipe from 1976.”

Runners-up: Brick Road Pizza, Russo’s Pizza, Wealthy Street Bakery

Best Crust: Fred’s Pizza Best Sauce: DiPiazza’s Pizzeria, Peppino’s

Best Cheese: Brick Road Pizza, Peppino’s, Wealthy Street Bakery

Thin Crust Winner: Peppino’s

Judges’ notes: “Beautiful

basil bang on top of fresh, sweet sauce and crust with a touch of garlic. Gorgeous presentation.”

From the pizzeria: “The thin crust entry was cooked directly on a stone and topped with marinara sauce (instead of pizza sauce), fresh mozzarella (instead of traditional block), fresh basil and marinated Roma tomatoes.”

Runners-up: Fricano’s, Nantucket Bakery

Best Crust: Nantucket Bakery

Best Sauce: Peppino’s Best Cheese: Fricano’s

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Specialty

Winner: Wealthy Street Bakery — Veggie Judges’ notes: “Fresh

riot of artichoke hearts, red onion and roasted peppers topped with melt-in-your mouth goat cheese. Love it!”

From the pizzeria: “Our pizzas always include the freshest of ingredients. The Veggie Pizza included sliced red onions, roasted red and yellow peppers, artichoke hearts, and fresh goat cheese served over homemade tomato sauce, and topped off with fresh herbs and spices. Our pizzas are baked to perfection in a classic hearth oven.”

Runners-up: Crooked Goose, Fratelli’s Best Crust: Fratelli’s Best Sauce: Fratelli’s Best Toppings: Wealthy Street Bakery: Veggie

Most Creative: Gus’s Original: Original (Chili Dog Pizza) Best Veggie: Wealthy Street Bakery: Veggie Best Meat: Crooked

J u dg e

Goose: Grand Valley Pie Prettiest: Rose’s Express: Bruschetta Chicken Most Unusual: Licari’s: Signature Schiacciata

t I’d ea “ : s e t favori

that again!”

After all the scores were tabulated and winners chosen, we asked each judge about their highest ranking pizza:

Molly Clauhs

“The Wealthy Street Bakery Veggie pizza was fresh and delicious, with tasty, thin crust and crunchy, flavorful veggies. The goat cheese literally melted in my mouth. Even after eating lots of pizza, I genuinely enjoyed a few bites of this one. It wasn’t too heavy and definitely hit the spot.”

Shelley Irwin

“Truly, the combination of a thick crust and gooey cheese wins my double thumbs up... most of the time. Fricano’s Pizza Primavera won me over with its thin crispy crust and virtual garden of spinach, zucchini, black olives, broccoli, green onions, pea pods, asparagus on top. It was a nice change of variety.”

Jeremy Johnson

“Anybody who knows me knows that I like weird stuff. I enjoy strange beers with exotic ingredients and I love food that pushes boundaries. That’s why I scored the Sweet Ham from Joe’s Pizza so high. Mandarin oranges on a ham, pineapple, mushroom pizza? Now that’s what I call thinking outside the box!”

Amy Ruis

“I loved the bright zing of jalapeño and banana peppers juxtaposed with fresh tomatoes and spicy sausage chunks on Fratelli’s Spicy Deluxe. Sauce played nicely with all the toppings, while the crust remained strong with the appropriate amount of ‘sog’ or give. This pizza is a seriously tasty meal!”

John Russo

“I liked Fratelli’s Spicy Deluxe because it had a lot of the traditional elements that good pizza should have. I grew up in the industry and used to work in my family’s original pizzeria in the ’50s. I am not big on the newer styles of pizza that are out there today. Some are OK, but I much prefer traditional Sicilian-style pizza.”

Wealthy Street Bakery’s Veggie pizza took top honors in the Specialty category.

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Inseparable: beer and pizza Can you imagine eating a thick slice loaded with pepperoni, sausage, cheese, and green peppers without an icy cold brew close at hand? Let’s face it, beer and pizza just naturally go together. So it makes perfect sense that breweries often feature some kind of flatbread to complement their liquid refreshment.

Recently, Founders Brewing Co., 235 Grandville Ave. SW, made Grub Street New York’s list of top pizza offerings in the “outré” category for its French bread pizza. To those of us who grew up in Michigan, we’re pretty familiar with a slab of French bread slathered with sauce and cheese, but Founders offers nearly a dozen toppings beyond that, from smoked ham to spinach to black olives. Any of the beers should go nicely with this thick snack, though if you opt for jalapeño, you might also consider the Spite Pepper Ale. Want something a bit more upscale? Head to Harmony Brewing Co. for its large selection of wood-fired pizzas. You can get the classic Margherita or take a walk on the wild side with Aloha Goat, featuring sausage, goat cheese, basil and charred pineapple. Harmony’s shandy, Grapefruit Moon, is a fun pairing.

Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, Mitten Brewing Co., 527 Leonard St. NW, knocks gourmet pizza out of the park. The menu lists such twists as Chipotle Barbecue, Thai Cobb (with a peanut sauce instead of tomato) and The Heater, a spicy pie with Everidae sweet habanero sauce. But it’s the tangy, yeasty, addictive dough that keeps you coming back for more. Taps rotate frequently; if you can get it, try the “sessionable” Triple Crown Brown at only 4.1 percent ABV.

Pizza trends Innovative chefs perpetually experiment with familiar foods, nudging them into unexpected and original territory; pizza is no exception. Although traditional cheese and sauce will forever be a staple, consumer demand continues to push the evolution of a great “slice.”

Gluten-free pizza is the fastest growing menu change, and with good reason.

Depending on which study you rely on, as few as 7 percent and as much as 50 percent of the world’s population has some degree of gluten sensitivity. No wonder restaurants are motivated to cater to this potentially lucrative market segment. In Grand Rapids, options for gluten-free pizza include GRPD, Brick Road Pizza Co., Florentine’s, Uccello’s and many more. You can even order glutenfree at most chains now.

Another trend is the proliferation of flatbread concoctions. Composed of long, rectangular dough baked crispy, these pizzas tend toward unusual toppings and sauces such as balsamic reduction, arugula or suckling pig. Flatbreads tend to be more

At Harmony Brewing Co. 1551 Lake Dr. SE in Eastown, the Aloha Goat pie features sausage, goat cheese, fresh basil and charred pineapple.

The creative pie is paired with a mug of Grapefruit Moon, a classic Harmony shandy.

Top right: Creative flatbread pizzas at Trillium Haven Restaurant, 1429 Lake Drive SE, include a Mushroom Flatbread made with two kinds of ‘shrooms — Crimini and hen of the woods — in a cream sauce with fresh mozzarella, SarVecchio parmesan cheese, herb oil and kale.

expensive but you typically get what you pay for when ordering anything labeled “artisan.”

Seek out the fun and creative flatbreads at Trillium Haven, including curried lamb or a pie made with clams and smoked whitefish.

Finally, the heat continues to rise. No, not the heat from the pizza oven but rather, spicy toppings. More and more, diligent foodies seek out ingredients with extra kick like jalapeño, habanero and hot Italian sausage.

If you dig a little zing, do yourself a favor and try the Spicy Supreme at Fratelli’s with pepperoni, sausage, jalapeño and banana peppers. That’ll get your blood pumping!

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c i m o C ectors

Why do some people collect thousands of comic books? The reasons include the investment, the artwork, nostalgia, and relating to the super — and not so super — characters.

C

By Paul R. Kopenkoskey Photography by Adam Bird

omic book fans often are categorized by stereotypes that run almost as deep as the fictional characters that populate their sought-after narrative works of art.

The stock typecast is that comic book guys — and it is, primarily, guys — live in an alt-universe fertilized with a steady purchase of collectibles.

The typecasting continues: These devotees of sequential art still live in their parents’ basements, rarely work and only do so to fund their must-have hobby.

Then there’s the reality. A recent visit to the Grand Rapids Toy and Comic Expo at the Home School Building in Wyoming proved to be an image-softening reveal: Groomed, employed men in their 20s and 30s provided thoughtful reasons for doling out hard-earned cash to increase their

already-expansive, personal comic book collections.

The thrill of the hunt is a key reason comic buyers rifled through the cache of comics with laser-beam focus, all the while oblivious (or indifferent?) to a Darth Vader pressing the flesh on the makeshift sales floor while an actor garbed in a Styrofoam-made Transformer costume made faux attack gestures.

The local toy and comic exhibition draws an average of 1,500 people. It’s a trip well worth it, said Kevin Lehnert. The assistant professor of marketing at Grand Valley State University boasts a collection of about 6,000 comics, and growing.

Lehnert said he realizes “The Simpsons” obese slob of a comic book collector, Comic Book Guy, and the über comic-loving nerds on TV’s “The Big Bang Theory”

Illustration courtesy istockphoto.com/fatmayilmaz and Booka1

coll

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into Batman, t o g I id k a , “As l, the darker o o h c s h ig h then in ff. Now as an u t s e r b a c a m more en’s comics.” r d il h c ’s it , adult

Superman?

No way. Dad’s my hero ...

IllustratIon courtesy Istockphoto.com/fatmayIlmaz and classIx

IllustratIon courtesy Istockphoto.com/fatmayIlmaz and Booka1

Kevin Lehnert, assistant professor of marketing at Grand Valley State University, boasts a collection of about 5,000 comics. He shares his children’s comics with his 3-year-old son, Jon.

don’t do much to champion the image of comic fans. That is why he doesn’t parade his hobby for all to see.

Fortunately, he added, the off-putting image of comic book enthusiasts has been tempered a bit by the huge popularity of movies based on comic characters.

Lehnert said he particularly enjoys the interplay of colorful art combined with some old-fashioned didactic storytelling, particularly the older Superman tales.

“He shows what it means to be honorable,” Lehnert, 37, said of the Man of Steel, adding he shelled out $100 for 50 comics at the expo. “Superman isn’t just a man of steel, but helps other people. As a kid I got into Batman, then in high school, the darker, more macabre stuff. Now as an adult, it’s children’s comics.”

Adding to their collections isn’t the only

reason people stockpile comics, said Todd Lange, owner of Lange’s Sports in Muskegon, who started selling comics in the late 1980s and makes it a point to regularly attend comic expos. Other reasons people buy gently used comics include a known or perceived appreciation of a certain title, hoped-for financial gain and that wistful affection for nostalgia.

Some folks seek out comics that feature first appearances of characters, which many collectors consider to be the most valuable. Some look for what’s known as a subscription crease, a specific flaw in the condition of a comic book.

Others, such as those within the GLBT community, find comics a solace from a repressive culture. Comic book publishers have taken notice. Alan Scott, the first superhero to be called Green Lantern,

came out as a gay man, and in Marvel Comics’ “Astonishing X-Men” issue No. 51, the character Northstar and his boyfriend, Kyle, were married.

While the Internet (think eBay) has made it easy to find hordes of titles, customers still frequent shows to inspect the condition of a sought-after comic book or just enjoy the hunt for a certain character, story theme or rare edition, according to Lange.

“Comic people prefer still to grab and see it, and check the grade themselves,” said Lange. “If they want a super high grade, they only go to shows.”

Sometimes, selling comics becomes an avocation or profession that just can’t be denied.

“Vendors are a hobby gone wrong,” said Mark Hodges, who is organizing the Grand April 2013 / GrmaG.com 47

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“I still want the action of the superhero but I’m also interested in the ancillary character of the story. I understand the struggles he’s going through …”

Rapids Comic-Con in October (see p. 49).

“A lot of vendors get into it at first for collecting … and when the collecting becomes too much, they sell their inventory.”

Some customers are more than happy to make pricey purchases. While the majority of Lange’s stock is in the $3-$5 range, “keepsake” comics — only available for review from behind a display table — may range from $30 to $75 — or, on the high end, a $300 Spider-Man No. 300 that introduced supervillain Venom for the first time.

Comic books emerged in pop culture in the 1930s due to the popularity of superhero characters Superman, Batman and Captain Marvel. Since the 1960s, two publishers have dominated the American comic book industry: Marvel Comics, publisher of Spider-Man, X-Men and Fantastic Four; and DC Comics, which publishes titles such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

Other large publishers include Image Comics, IDW and Dark Horse Comics.

As comic books regained popularity, fans organized conventions where they could meet to discuss their favorite comics with each other and, eventually, with the creators themselves. Conventions now are held around the world, with San Diego Comic Con considered to be the largest and best-known in the U.S. Comic fans often prefer characters that resonate with them. For 24-year-old Jordon Hawkins of Bay City, a medical laboratory scientist, the struggles with which the X-Men wrestle is something he can relate to more than, say, the near-perfect Superman.

“I love how the X-Men always work together as a team and know each others’ strengths and weaknesses,” said Hawkins, who estimates he owns 1,200 comics.

“They all have their own problems and issues I can relate to, and they all want to work on their issues.”

Then there are fans like Robert Draegen, 30, of Grand Rapids, who shops stores

and expos nearly every week. He’s fussy about the comics he adds to his estimated 7,200 collection. Favorites include the Batman series printed in the 1980s and written by Alan Oswald Moore, an English writer primarily known for his work in comic books, including “Watchmen,” “V for Vendetta” and “From Hell.”

But Batman only works for Draegen to a point.

“Batman is a cool superhero, but I can’t connect with him because he’s a multimillionaire,” said Draegen, an auditor. What he does relate to is Spider-Man, or rather his alter ego, Peter Parker — “because of the nerdy side of him.”

“I still want the action of the superhero but I’m also interested in the ancillary character of the story. I understand the struggles he’s going through with personal relationships, with shyness, the need for money — with typical things most people can relate to.”

Gr

IllustratIon courtesy Istockphoto.com/fatmayIlmaz and classIx

Robert Draegen, who has more than 7,000 comics in his growing collection (all neatly organized in boxes), says he relates to SpiderMan’s nerdy side.

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East meets West Anime (pronounced an-e-may) is the name given to animated productions such as movies and television shows of Japanese origin (think “Pokémon” and “Dragon Ball Z”).

Though anime has existed since the turn of the 20th century, Western culture only became widely familiar with the style in the 1980s. Since then, the rise in popularity of this genre has been meteoric, and West Michigan has become a notable hotspot for many fans.

Grand Valley State University has a thriving anime club — Otaku no Anime — whose members gather on Sundays to watch DVDs from a library of more than 6,000.

The university is also home to JAFAX (Japanese Animation, Film and Art Expo), the second-largest free anime convention in North America. Despite humble beginnings in 1995, the convention now attracts more than 3,500 visitors to

... Every sense awakened Each one satisfied...

GVSU’s Allendale campus every June.

This month, anime devotees will gather April 5-7 at Lansing Center for Shuto Con, an annual Anime Convention that focuses largely on Cosplay — short for Costume Play.

“Cosplaying is more than just dressing up,” said organizer and chairman Stephanie Shall. “It’s being able to act out your favorite characters and become them, if

Illustration courtesy istockphoto.com/fatmayilmaz and Classix

only for a little while.”

And in October, anime fans can attend the first Grand Rapids Comic-Con at the Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, in Wyoming. Organizer Mark Hodges said the Oct. 12 expo will include vendors, a short student film festival, three to five comic book artists who have had their work published professionally, a handful of guests that will tie into anime or manga, and actors who have played in genre films or been involved behind the scenes.

For more information, visit grcomic con.com and facebook.com/grandrapids ddcomiccon.

Award Winning

To learn more about Shuto Con, go to shutocon.com.

Authentic Italian

Cuisine

www.trecugini.com

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dining review Address: 1441 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 233-4141 Website: chezolga.com Dining ratings: Category: Latin American/ Caribbean Food: *** Service: *** Beverages: ** Atmosphere: ** Price: ¢-$ > Must try: Shrimp Marinade, one of the best shrimp appetizers we’ve tasted. > Not so much: Service, while cheerful, can be slow.

Guide to ratings: **** *** ** *

Exceptional Above Average Satisfactory Poor

¢ $ $$

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

(Prices based on average entrée.)

Flavors of the Caribbean IT’S A LITTLE HARD to spot the entrance, but once you do, you’ll find some spicy Caribbean heat behind the Hobbit-hole door leading to Chez Olga.

Haitian immigrant Olga Benoit opened this humble eatery in summer 2010, and any worries that she might not pull it off in Grand Rapids were allayed when almost three years later, we spotted Mayor George Heartwell enjoying a meal there.

The space is small but welcoming, with natural light and about a dozen tables. Chef Olga is likely to peek over the top of the kitchen partition with a friendly greeting as you take your seat.

The restaurant features colorful Creole fare and the flavors of the Caribbean. Signature dishes include her spicy Jerk Chicken — boned meat sautéed with white and green onions in a creamy coconut jerk sauce and served with red beans and rice — and an okra and onion-based gumbo, to which you can add chicken, shrimp or all seafood. One of Benoit’s more unique selections is the Goat Ragu, simmered with onions and mushrooms in a spicy-sweet, coconut-milkbased sauce.

There is no alcohol at Chez Olga, but beverages include Haitian coffee and ginger tea, with fruit-based Haitian Island drinks that combine papaya with other fruit flavors — a nice way to offset some of the heat in the entrees.

Appetizers run the gamut from Fried Plantain, Shrimp Marinade, fried or baked Creole pastries called pate filled with chicken, beef or vegetables, Griyo Ak Ban-nann — fried pork with plantain served with spicy coleslaw, and acra

Chef Bodlie Benoit, daughter of owner Olga Benoit, cooks in the Chez Olga kitchen.

— a fried root vegetable known as coco-hood or malanga in Haiti that is served with Creole sauce for dipping.

We especially enjoyed the crisp plantain with its mild, squash-like flavor perfectly offset by the spicy coleslaw accompaniment, and the seasoned and flash-fried Shrimp Marinade, which is served with a sweet and tangy dip.

Most selections can be tailored to individual tastes with a sliding heat scale from 0-10. We found the jerk chicken tender and plenty spicy (ordered at a 5), which was tempered with the sweet coconut-milk accents of the sauce and the accompanying generous portion of red beans and rice.

One person in our party who loves hot fare decided to order his gumbo at a level

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Chez Olga

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Haitian immigrant Olga Benoit opened this humble eatery in summer 2010, and any worries that she might not pull it off in Grand Rapids were allayed when almost three years later, we spotted Mayor George Heartwell enjoying a meal there.

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Michael Buck

Chez Olga’s shrimp soup is tomato based and loaded with vegetables. Most dishes at the Eastown eatery can be tailored to individual tastes with a sliding heat scale.

9 until a diner at a nearby table overheard and issued a friendly warning. Chef Olga brought out a small sample of her full-strength habanera sauce to taste — and the heat request was lowered considerably.

One dish described as “not too spicy” is the chicken and broccoli in a sweet teriyaki and coconut sauce. There are also sandwich options and soups, plus a version of Caribbean fried rice with a choice of shrimp, beef or chicken mixed with carrots, peas, green beans and corn.

The spinach rice can be ordered with shrimp or chicken.

Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate the fact that they have options, as well, including

potato lasagna and a Creole tofu plate.

Desserts include Creole cheesecake, chocolate cake and an amazing rice pudding that is made when you order it and served warm. The pudding takes extra time, but it’s well worth it.

Service can be a bit slow since there’s often only one server and Chef Olga. But Benoit makes up for the relaxed tempo with her friendly hospitality and eagerness to explain the cuisine, or talking about growing up in Haiti. She admits she enjoys times when the small restaurant is not too crowded so she can spend time getting to know — Ira Craaven her guests.

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

dining listings

A guide to restaurants in Grand Rapids and beyond

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

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

brews are paired with seasonal, cutting-edge fare. Tavern small plates, oysters, seafood and more. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob. $-$$ com. L (Sat), D

New American Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys.

Graydon’s Crossing — English pub serves Indian food with a British influence. Full bar features impressive array of specialty beers.

1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydons $ crossing.com. L, D

Bar Divani — Wine flights, large array of spirits; classy surroundings. European-inspired food with plates meant for sharing, flatbreads, sushi and a variety of entrees. Closed Sun. 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. bar-divani.com. L, D $-$$

Green Well Gastro Pub — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. L, D $-$$

Bistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com.

L, D $

Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, Rockford 863-3300. grilloneeleven.com. B (Sun), L, D $-$$

Bistro Chloe Élan — Diverse menu features American cuisine with French, Asian and southwestern influences, as well as soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily, Sat dinner only; Sunday brunch and dinner.

445 Ada Dr, Ada, 432-3345. chloeelan.com. L, D $-$$

Brewery Vivant — House-made beer and food in the style of traditional French and Belgian country dishes. The East Hills pub/ brewery is housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors.

Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. brew eryvivant.com. L, D $-$$ _ Citysen Lounge — Limited but tantalizing selection of soup, salads, sandwiches and sharable small-plate creations. Happy Hour daily 4-7 pm. CityFlats Hotel, 83 Monroe Center, (866) 609-CITY. cityflatshotel.com. L, D

¢-$

Electric Cheetah’s Pan-Seared Salmon and Bangers and Mash.

Cobblestone Bistro — Eclectic, globally inspired menu executed with pizzazz in attractive surroundings, complete with fireplace, waterfalls and koi pond. 9818 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 588-3223. mycobble stone.com. B (weekends), L, D $ Cygnus 27 — Stylized décor reflects a celestial theme that matches the views from the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Seasonally driven menu encourages sharing.

Open Tue-Sat eves; Sun brunch Labor Day to Mother’s Day. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand.com. D $$ Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations in urban setting. Unique Sunday brunch. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$ Gilly’s At The B.O.B. — Hand-crafted micro-

The Heritage — GRCC culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine available with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D $-$$ Marco New American Bistro — Frenchcountry-casual offers creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 9429100. marcobistro.com. L, D $-$$ Olives — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. L, D ¢-$ One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music.

Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetri ck.biz. L, D ¢-$

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Blue Water Grill — Wood-burning rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven allow for inspired dishes from fresh seafood to beef. Nice wine selection and The B.O.B.’s microbrews. Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace, fullservice bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater.php. L, D $-$$

OGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course meals with a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Closed Mon. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant.com.

D $$

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S:7.125”

interesting how a

S:9.875”

client is more agreeable at a

meeting

Photography by Johnny Quirin

when there’s steak and wine involved.

Grand Rapids | 616.776.6426 | Inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | ruthschris.com

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

FReserve — Wine bar with extensive bythe-glass selections and culinary options to match. Opens at 4, closed Sun. 201 Monroe $-$$ Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. D

Rockwell Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from sushi to creative comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465 or 5513563. republicgrandrapids.com. L, D $-$$ Rose’s — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a varied menu and a three-season porch. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 4584646. thegilmorecollection.com/roses.php. B (weekends), L, D $ San Chez, A Tapas Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. L, D $-$$

golf course views. Open daily in season. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, 447-7750. thousandoaks golf.com. L, D $$

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

Seafood selections augmented by innovative sauces and toppings; also chicken, beef and pasta dishes. 1100 East Paris Ave SE, 9497861. bonefishgrill.com. D $-$$

Six.One.Six — Contemporary American fare.

JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethejw.com. B, L, D $-$$

Bostwick Lake Inn — Gilmore restaurant offers steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Open daily for dinner, lunch on weekends. 8521 Belding Road, Rockford, 874-7290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick.php.

L $-$$ (weekends), D

SpeakEZ Lounge — Casual and friendly pub setting with eclectic menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrees (available after 4).

Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakEZlounge.com. L, D $

Boulder Creek Restaurant — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves a varied menu with golf-course views from inside or on the deck. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. L, D ¢-$

Tavern On The Square — Tapas-style fare plus house specialties. Patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavernonthesq.com. L, D ¢-$

Brandywine — Café atmosphere, with extensive breakfasts, lunches with vegetarian choices, dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-1723. brandy winegr.com. B, L, D ¢-$

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

FTrillium Haven — Owned by Jenison farmers Anja Mast and Michael Vanderbrug, this Eastown eatery features fresh from the farm fare, including organic veggies and humanely raised meats. Beer and wine. Closed Mon. Sat and Sun brunch. 1429 Lake Dr SE. trillium havenrestaurant.com. B, L, D $-$$

Winchester — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food in reclaimed centuryold space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com.

L, D ¢-$

Classic American Restaurants and diners serving traditional dishes popular across the country.

Acorn Grille At Thousand Oaks — Blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, artfully presented in handsome dining room with

Brann’s Sizzling Steaks And Sports Grille — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets, Mexican entrées and bar munchies. See website for list of eight locations in Greater Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Portage and Caledonia. branns.com. L, D $ Bull’s Head Tavern — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtav ern.com. L, D $ Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. Facebook. L, D $-$$ Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood from a menu

that changes nightly. Located on the Grand River. Early menu (4:30-6 pm daily), Sun brunch. GR Steamer Bar has its own menu.

63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com. L, D, $-$$ C

The Chop House — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6184. thechophouserestaurant.com.

D $$ Dugan’s Pub & Grille — Casual dining with steaks, seafood, pasta and more at The Elks at the Highlands Golf Club. Adjacent Glendevon offers banquet facilities. 2715 Leonard St NW, 453-2451. grandrapidselks.org. L, D $-$$ Fall Creek — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. L, D ¢-$ FireRock Grille — Country club dining plus option to cook your own filet, shrimp or ahi tuna on a 500-degree stone. Open daily. Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. $ stonewatercc.com. L, D Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building on the river. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmore collection. com/flatriver.php. L, D $-$$ Fleetwood Diner — Extensive diner-style menu with Greek influences. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving dinner until 8 pm Mon-Thu, 9 pm Fri-Sat. Outdoor patio. 2222 44th St SE, 281-2300. B, L, D

¢-$ Forest Hills Inn — A casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771. foresthillsinn.com. B, L, D $ Fry Daddy’s Fresh Fish — Fried fish, wingdings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with fries. Also to go. Closed Mon. Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, Kentwood, 455FISH. L, D ¢-$ Grand Villa — Longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. L, D $ Great Lakes Shipping Co. — Everything from beef, seafood and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. Patio open in summer. No lunch, but open Sun afternoons. 2455 Bur-

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ton St SE, 949-9440. greatlakesshippingcom pany.com. D $-$$

Green Restaurant — Sandwiches, salads, burgers and seafood. Menu includes ostrich and elk burgers. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-8294. greenrestaurantgranddrapids.com.

L, D $ Grille 29 — Menu includes specialty panini and a variety of entrées. Full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Holiday Inn Select, 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 285-7600. holi dayinn.com. B, D $ Grille At Watermark — Innovative menu in relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course.

Mon-Sat; Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. watermarkcc.com. L, $-$$ D Grill House & Rock Bottom Bar — Grill-yourown steakhouse with grillmasters on call.

Bottomless salad bowl and potato bar. 1071 32nd St (M-40), Allegan, (269) 686-9192. grill house.net. L (downstairs), D $-$$ Honey Creek Inn — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honeycreekinn.com. L, D ¢-$ Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$

Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks and more. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, 4547455. louisbenton.com. L, D $-$$

Marn E. Walkers — Everything from na-

chos to chicken Marsala, pizzas, burgers, steaks. Weekend breakfast buffet, pizza and pasta lunch buffet Mon-Fri. Open daily; Sun for breakfast only. 4322 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 453-3740. marnewalkers.com. B (Sat, Sun), L, D ¢-$

Educating for a sustainable future.

• Rated by Princeton Review and Kaplan Guide as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible and cutting-edge green colleges.

• Graded one of the top 50 colleges and universities nationwide by the Sustainable Endowment Institute in their most recent campus sustainability report card.

• Named the country’s 16th greenest university by Sierra Club, the highest-ranking Michigan institution on the list.

Judson’s At The B.O.B. — Award-winning steak house offers steaks, seafood and chops.

Casual atmosphere and award-winning wine list. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thebob.com. D $$ Kitchen 67:Brann’s Café — Fast-casual restaurant with high-tech design serving Brann’s sizzling steaks and burgers plus bagels, pressed sandwiches, salads and more.

Michigan wines and craft beers. Breakfast includes baked goods, oatmeal and smoothies. 1977 East Beltline Ave. NE. kitchen67. com and Facebook. B, L, D ¢ The Landing — Nautical décor with windows overlooking the Grand River. Menu features American favorites and German specials. 270 Ann St NW (Radisson Riverfront Hotel at US 131), 363-7748. radisson.com/ hotels/mi grapno/dinings. B, L, D $

At Grand Valley State University, sustainability is infused throughout the curriculum to provide students with the theory and applied skills they need for the new green economy. gvsu.edu/sustainability | 616.331.7366

FLeo’s — Combines fine dining (fresh seafood is the specialty) and casual comfort.

Street level in parking ramp at Ottawa and Louis. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$

Louis Benton Steakhouse — Premium

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Best of 2012-13 Readers Poll

Meadows Restaurant — GVSU’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio and dining room overlook golf course. Full menu offers everything from burgers to NY strip steak. Seasonal hours; closed Sun. 1 W Campus Dr, Allendale, 895-1000. gvsu.edu/ meadows/. L, D $-$$ Middle Villa Inn — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands. Banquet rooms available. Closed Mon and Wed. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villa-inn.com. L, D $ Pal’s Diner — A real diner offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options all day. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner.com. B, ¢ L, D Pearl Street Grill — Bright, airy restaurant in downtown Holiday Inn. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-7611. B, L, D $ Radix Tavern — Southern-style fusion food featuring local, seasonal and sustainable products. Slow-cooked barbecue, pulled pork, cornbread, stews, hearty vegetarian options. 1420 Lake Dr SE (Eastown), 458-5583. radixtavern.com. D ¢-$ Rainbow Grill — Breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Ramona’s Table — EGR deli with madefrom-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals. Takeout and catering. Closed Sun. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 4598500. ramonastable.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Red Jet Café — Gilmore restaurant in the former Creston Heights library. Coffee bar and menu ranging from omelets to specialty pizzas. Full bar; opens 8 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollection.com/red jet.php. B, L, D (Mon-Sat) ¢-$

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — The classic American steakhouse now in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s fully renovated former 1913 Room. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 774-2000. $$ amwaygrand.com. L, D Saburba — Specializes in take-out. Everchanging, diverse menu of entrees, sandwiches, soups, baked goods and coffee.

Doughnuts served Sat. mornings. Catering service. Closed Sun. 7277 Thornapple River Dr., Ada, 682-5290. saburba.com and Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$ Sam’s Joint — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia.

Extensive menu includes Mexican selections; full bar. Half a dozen locations, plus a couple of banquet facilities. sams-joint.com.

L, D $ Spinnaker — Menu features seafood and landlubber entrees. Sunday brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. B, L, D $-$$ Sundance Grill — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition with a margarita bar.

5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 9565644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food. com. B, L, D $ Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf. Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles, dinner menu.

5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninn motel.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Terrace Grille At Bay Pointe Inn — Casual gourmet dining, martini bar and lakeside terrace. Seasonally changing menu emphasizes regional fare. Sunday brunch. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville, (269) 672-5202. bay pointe inn.com. L, D $-$$ Tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. tillmansrestaur ant.com. L, D $-$$

Audio / Video Lighting Control Automation Systems

Reds On The River — Located on the Rogue River, Reds combines casual sophistication with Tuscan sensibilities. Closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com.

L, D $-$$

Visit us at our Lifestyle Showroom!

Breton Village Mall East Grand Rapids Mezzanine level

Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. riograndsteakhouse.com. L, D $-$$

Timbers Inn — Menu ranges from appetizers to wild game offerings and meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Sunday omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 8745553. timbersinn.net. L, D ¢-$

Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. sunny brookcc.com. L, D $

Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twisted-rooster.com. L, D ¢-$$

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Custom Cabinets Walker Roadhouse — Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare in a casual but handsome setting. Lunch served weekdays, dinner Mon-Sat; closed Sun. 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 453-3740. thewalkerroadhou se.com. L, D $

Vegetarian Bartertown Diner — Vegetarian/vegan/raw offerings in worker-owned and -operated diner. Promotes use of fresh, local ingredients. Open daily (hours change seasonally, check website). 6 Jefferson Ave SE, 233-3219. bartertowngr.com. L, D $ Gaia Café — Totally vegetarian fare served in a cozy atmosphere. Closed Mon. No alcohol.

209 Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. Facebook.

B, L ¢

Pubs & Taverns 84th Street Pub and Grille — American fare from pizzas to steaks in laidback setting, fullservice bar. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr, Byron Center, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. L, D ¢-$ Bar Louie — Urban décor at Woodland Mall, with sandwiches, appetizers, burgers and hearty entrées. More than 20 beers, along with a nice wine selection and specialty cocktails.

Outdoor seating. 3191 28th St SE, 885-9050. barlouieamerica.com. L, D $-$$ Bobarino’s At The B.O.B. — Grill on 2nd floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from woodfired pizza to upscale entrées. New lunch menu offers custom-made deli sandwiches, salads, burgers and a pizza buffet ($6.50).

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

B.O.B.’s Brewery At The B.O.B. — Microbrews ranging from unique to standard with a variety of small plates that go beyond standard pub fare. Open Thu (Mug Club)-Sat. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bobs brewery. D ¢-$ Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more.

Takeout available. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 3619782. budandstanleys.com. L, D ¢-$ Cascade Sports Grill — Varied menu and sizable bar with 10 brew taps and extensive martini menu. Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St SE, 974-3338. Facebook. L, D $ Charlie’s Bar & Grill — Well-rounded menu features dinners ranging from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also Mexican fare, sandwiches and more. Full-service bar.

3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. L, D

¢-$

Cheero’s Sports & Sushi Grill — Japanese fare along with pizza, burger and microbrews. Outdoor patio next to Michigan Athletic Club. Open daily. 2510 Burton St SE, ¢-$ 608-3062. cheerosgrill.com. L, D Cheers — Popular neighborhood spot with large menu offering something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield ¢ Ave NE, 363-1188. B, L, D Corner Bar — Rockford’s spot famous for brews and chili dogs, but with extensive menu. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 866-9866. rockfordcornerbar.com. L, D ¢ Cottage Bar — Longtime favorite since 1927.

Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chili and more. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave ¢ SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D Crooked Goose — Meritage Hospitality Group restaurant offers full menu of “oldschool tavern favorites.” Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave NW, Walker. crookedgoose.com. L, ¢-$ D Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derby station.com. L, D $ Flanagan’s — Popular Irish pub. Imported beers, 20 on tap. Entrees with an Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢ Founders Brewing Co. — Sip microbrew samples in the spacious taproom, serpentine bar and stage for live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches.

Covered (heated) porch. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. L, D ¢ Frankie V’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar — Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta entrées, plus burgers and Mexican. Weekday lunch buffet. Tap your own 100-ounce beer tower.

1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com.

L, D ¢-$

Produced locally by our talented craftsmen Design Center 4265 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI

Factory & Showroom 665 Construction Ct. Zeeland, MI

Grand Rapids Brewing Co. — Serving 10 organic brews plus hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-to-table menu includes sharable plates, house-made sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees. Open daily. 1 Ionia Ave. SW, 459-7000. grbrewingcompany. com. L (Sat.-Sun. only), D ¢-$ GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant.

Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, along with salads and sandwiches.

Closed Sun. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776continued on page 60

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

> Adam Watts Title: Executive chef, Grand Rapids Brewing Co. Location: 1 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

Adam Watts seasonal gastro-pub menu is beer-focused and predominately relies on local or regional ingredients from family farms.

“As a downtown community venue, we want to offer a communal experience that brings people together.”

— Adam Watts

W

hen Grand Rapids Brewing Co. re-emerged on the downtown city scene last December, it was love at first sight for the beer-drinking public. But its 100 percent certified-organic brews are only half of the equation. The culinary stylings of Executive Chef Adam Watts constitute the other half.

Watts’ gastro-pub menu is beerfocused and predominately relies on local or regional ingredients from family farms.

“Everything we do, we think: Will this go great with beer?” he noted, adding with a chuckle that most things do.

In GRBC’s kitchen, an onsite butcher is

employed to best utilize the whole animal.

Watts especially enjoys the onsite smoker.

“We smoke local trout to make our Brewer’s Chips n’ Dip, and our own salmon for the salmon burgers,” he explained.

The sandwich selections include hand-cut fries. “With our volume, it’s practically a full-time job just cutting fries,” Watts said. “It would be an easier route to buy frozen french fries, but it’s a deliberate choice to stay true to our craft — and that means making things from scratch. We stick to our guns here.”

Those guns are loaded with such sharable items as gravy and cheese-curd-load-

Photography by michael Buck

There’s more than beer brewing

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gious Grand Rapids venues before heading west, including Tre Cugini and Cygnus.

His says his love for cooking grew out of necessity.

“I traveled a lot because I was a cyclist and raced both on the road and as a member of the Junior Olympic mountain-bike team in my late teens,” he said. “I had to cook for myself and was always carboloading, but I got sick of pasta, so I had to figure out other ways to nourish myself, carbo-load, yet still stay healthy. Plus my mother always cooked, so that inspired me, as well.”

He recalls sitting in a class at Western Michigan University when he spotted Chef Angus Campbell teaching a cooking class across the hallway. He was intrigued.

“Chef Angus invited me to come tour the facility at GRCC, and I loved it. Until then, I couldn’t find a degree I loved, but culinary arts was it for me. It’s creative and there is a camaraderie and team effort that I just really enjoy.”

He gets pleasure from sharing his skills with others. “I love teaching and watching people grow while doing things they love to do. Some day I’d like to teach and be one of those mentors like I had at GRCC.” Watts and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of 15-month-old Opal.

— Julie Burch

Grand Rapids Brewing Co. Beer Fondue Prep time: 30-40 minutes Serves: 5-6 (makes 1 quart)

1 yellow onion, finely chopped ½ tablespoon garlic, minced 4 ounces bacon fat or butter 4 ounces all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon red chili flakes 1 tablespoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 cups whole milk 1 cup brown ale (GRBC John Ball Brown) 4 ounces white cheddar cheese 2 ounces blue cheese Pinch of finely chopped green onions

In a small stockpot, melt bacon fat or butter and add garlic and onions; cover and sweat the veggies until slight color forms, and then add flour and whisk in until smooth.

Reduce heat to low and cook, whisking constantly, for about 10 minutes, making sure not to burn the roux.

Slowly stir in milk and bring mixture up to a simmer; then add beer, seasonings and cheddar cheese. While keeping a close eye, let fondue cook until it has reached its consistency (thick), about 15 minutes. Pull off the heat and garnish with blue cheese and chopped green onions.

Serve with grilled artisan bread seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper. Try it with sliced raw seasonal vegetables or even some of your favorite sausages.

Photography by michael Buck

Photography by michael Buck

ed poutine, pork belly lollipops, Scotch egg, kale “popcorn” and fried Michigan dill pickles, to name a few, along with soups and wild boar chili, sausages, burgers and sandwiches, a small selection of large plates and beer-centric sweet treats.

And though he is passionate about using as many Michigan products as possible, don’t be surprised to find southern influences. Since beer and sausage are historically linked (pun intended), GRBC has established a hand-cranked sausage program made with Michigan proteins.

“It’s something we are trying to establish as a ‘unique to Grand Rapids’ experience,” he explained. “I love knowing where our food comes from and being able to translate that onto a menu and onto a plate that’s been designed around beer. As a downtown community venue, we want to offer a communal experience that brings people together.”

Originally from Grand Haven, Watts was eager to return to Michigan with his young family after living for six years in Boulder, where he worked for two top restaurants, The Kitchen Café and Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar. A graduate of GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education (and degreed in culinary management from the Art Institute of Colorado), Watts worked at presti-

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

continued from page 57 6495. amwaygrand.com. L, D

$

Grand Woods lounge — Year-round alfresco dining complete with fireplace. Eclectic menu selections mix with upscale comfort foods.

Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious bar.

77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. L, D $-$$ Harmony Brewing Co. — Eastown’s latest addition to the craft-brewing scene offers custom brews with a full bar, wine selections and menu of wood-fired pizzas. 1551 Lake Drive SE. Facebook. L, D $ Holly’s Back Door Bar & Grill — Full menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. B, L, D $ HopCat — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr. com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$ Hub’s inn — Sandwiches, burgers, Mexican food and thin-crust pizzas. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. Facebook. L, D ¢ JD reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. B, L, D $-$$ J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive bar is matched by gargantuan menu ranging from homemade chips to build-your-own burger.

Three floors of seating. Open Sun for arena events. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellas tavern.com. L, D ¢ Main street pub — Large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Open 11 am daily; breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com. B (Sun), L, D ¢-$ McFadden’s restaurant & saloon — New York-style Irish menu includes “recreated” pub fare, contemporary and regionally inspired dishes. Transforms into nightclub late at night. Open daily. 58 Ionia Ave SW, 4549105. mcfaddensgrandrapids.com. L, D $ Mill Creek Tavern — Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, from-scratch soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 7843806. L, D ¢-$

info@alfresco-landscapes.com | 616.885.3404 | alfresco-landscapes.com

The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted

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beers with gourmet pizzas. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Mojo’s — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, plus late night “munchy menu.” RSVP for dinner early, show starts at 8 pm Wed-Thu, 7 pm FriSat. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospia ¢-$ nobar.com. D (Wed-Sat) Nick Finks — Mexican fare in historic tavern, part of The Gilmore Collection. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Occasional live music, open mic nights. 3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-9886. thegilmorecol lection.com. L, D $ O’Toole’s Public House — Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Peppino’s Ristorante Pizzeria and Sports Lounge — Italian specialties, Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. Separate sports bar. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444. peppinospizza.com. L, D ¢-$$ Pub 43 — Caters to all, but is especially popular with gay crowd. Menu ranges from burgers to upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division Ave, 458-2205. Facebook. D ¢-$ Rezervoir Lounge — Former Sazerac Lounge has full menu of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, some with a Cajun flavor. Open Tue.Sun. for lunch and dinner (opens 4 p.m. Mon) 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. Facebook.

L, D ¢-$

Make the outdoors yours.

Outdoor Kitchens Hand-Made Brick Natural Stone

Rockford Brewing Co. — Located alongside the White Pine Trail with an up-north atmosphere. Food menu includes dips, subs, panini, soups and more, served alongside its hand-crafted brews. Closed Mon. 12 E. Bridge St., Rockford, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing. com. L, D ¢-$ The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with varied menu. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Shamrock Bar & Grill — Diverse menu includes specialty burgers and wide range of entrees. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888. ¢-$ Facebook. L, D Shepards Grill & Tavern — Bar food with flare, from appetizers to Kobe top sirloin.

Open daily. Weekday happy hour specials 3-6:30 p.m. Cascade Center, 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Get inspired. Visit our new outdoor showrooms.

Grand Rapids 616-459-8367 Saginaw 989-573-8171 BeldenBrickandSupply.com April 2013 / Grmag.com 61

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Stella’s Lounge — Mostly vegan menu but a stuffed burger for carnivores. Advertises strong drinks and more than 200 whiskies.

53 Commerce Ave, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. L, ¢-$ D Teazers Bar & Grill — Burgers and pastas, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites.

Kids menu. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teazersbar.com. L, D ¢-$ The Viceroy — Classic hors d’oeuvres (finger sandwiches to tenderloin tips) and desserts to accompany cocktails, house-infused whiskeys, beer and wine. Kitchen open 5 pm-1 am Wed-Sat. 53 Commerce Ave SW, 744-8423. viceroygr.com. D $ Village Inn Pizza Parlor — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican and more. Karaoke nights Thu-Sat. Open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th St SE, Kentwood, 281-1444; 934 Washington St, Holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Sports Lounge & Pizzeria — Pizza and pasta plus panini and wraps in sportscentric surroundings. Outside deck, live entertainment. Open daily. 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-2526, takeout 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. L, D ¢-$ Woody’s Press Box — Complex includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sandwiches and shrimp, barbecue fare. Breakfast and lunch only Sun. 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. B, L, D $ Z’s — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs. Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. Carryout available. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

Italian/ European FAmore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using some local products as well as Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs a specialty. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitali ana.com. L (not Sat), D $

Angela’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Italian dinners, pizza, stromboli, subs and desserts. Lunch buffet, full-service bar. Delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 240 E Division, Sparta, (616) 887-1913. L, D ¢-$ Big Bob’s Pizza — A neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village with wine and beer on tap, available to go. 661 Croswell SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L, D $ Bella Mia Pizzeria & Italian Grill — Italian dishes and New York-style pizza. Daily lunch

buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, ¢-$ 554-9930. L, D

Brick Road Pizza — Specializing in gourmet, traditional and vegan pizzas. Gluten-free crusts available on request. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719¢-$ 2409. brickroadpizza.com. L, D Chicago 7 Pizzeria — Family-owned pizzeria offers New York and Chicago-style pies along with specialty pizzas. Also subs and calzone.

Open daily. 3012 28th St SW, Grandville, 5387777. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Euro Bistro — European bistro fare plus wood-fired pizzas. 11 am-10 pm Mon-Fri. 4-10 pm Sat, closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 7192017. eurobistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Florentine Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices, thin-crust pizzas. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Florentine Ristorante — Italian and American cuisine. Pizza and pasta served in the lounge until midnight; full-menu dinner 4-10 pm. Closed Sun. 3245 28th St SW, 534-5419. florentineingrandville.com. L, D $ Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante Sports Bar — Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian entrees and even Mexican entrees. Multiple big screen TVs; take-out available. Open daily. 1259 Post Drive, Belmont, 785-1001. florentines.biz. L, D ¢-$ Franco’s Pizzeria — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. L, D ¢-$ Fred’s Pizza And Italian Restaurant — Long-time favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredspizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Also, pasta dinners with a sauce that has made its way to the retail market. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com.

D ¢-$ GoodFellows Pizza — In Byron Center’s former Monelli’s Pizza location. Pizza, full Italian dinners and more. Dine-in, takeout or delivery. No alcohol. Open daily (Sun at 4 pm).

2185 84th St, 878-1100. goodfellowspizza. com. L, D $ G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery of-

fers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas.

Delivery Thu-Sat until 2:30 a.m. No alcohol.

Open daily, with a handful of tables for dining in. 340 State St, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza. net. L, D ¢-$

Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties include Sfinciuni, thick-crust Sicilian pizza and Sciacciata, stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrees, calzones and desserts made from family recipes. Open daily.

2896 Knapp St NE in Celadon New Town.

608-6912. Facebook. L, D $ Mangiamo — Historic mansion houses family-friendly Italian eatery. Italian fare plus steaks and seafood. Extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 7420600. thegilmorecollection.com/mangiamo. php. D $-$$ Marinade’s Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Catering available. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro. ¢ com. L, D Monelli’s Italian Grill And Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace.

5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 530-9700. ¢-$ monellis.com. L, D Noto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant décor and extensive menu. Special wine cellar dinners in unique surroundings; lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com.

D $-$$ Pietro’s Italian Ristorante — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu, meeting room and takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. rcfc.com/pietros.

L, D $ Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant — Sicilian and southern Italian fare using family recipes.

Separate sports bar; patio seating. Weekday lunch buffet. All menu items, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Closed Sun. 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvat oresgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Seasonal Grille — Hastings’ Italian-themed eatery features fresh, locally sourced, creative fare in handsome surroundings. Full bar, craft cocktails, nice wine list. Open daily. 150 W State St, Hastings, (269) 948-9222. seasonal grille.com. L, D $ Tre Cugini — Innovative Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties. Outdoor seating in mild weather. Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 235-

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relax...

9339. trecugini.com. L, D

$-$$

Uccello’s Ristorante — Pizzeria, grill and sports lounge. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 9542002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor SE, 891-5958. uccellos.com.

L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s — Serving traditional regional dishes from family recipes since 1966. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door, 458-2090), takeout 458-3766. the originalvitales.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Of Ada — Multi-regional, upscale dishes made from scratch. Also pizza, subs and burgers. Family-friendly; microbrews to martinis in separate sports pub. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from original Vitale family recipes. 59 W Washington St, Zeeland, (616) 772-5900, vitaleszeeland.com; 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudson ville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 530-8300. vitales.us. L, ¢-$ D

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

Asian Including Thai and Indian fare.

Akasaka Sushi — Sushi plus Korean and Japanese offerings in low-key atmosphere in Cascade Centre. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 6252 28th St SE, 977-0444. L, D ¢-$

*

Akita Buffet — Across from RiverTown Crossings Mall, with sushi bar, hibachi grill and Chinese buffet with set price for lunch and dinner. Serves alcohol. 3540 Rivertown Point Ct SW, 257-7777. L, D ¢-$ Angel’s Thai Café — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option.

Vegetarian-friendly. No alcohol. Open daily.

136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthai cafe.com. L, D ¢-$ Asian Palace — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each cuisine.

Family owned and operated. No alcohol.

Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok Taste — Thai fare with lunch buffet.

No alcohol. Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550; 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok View — Thai food and Chinese fare.

Lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 531-8070. bangkokviewthai food. com. L, D ¢-$ Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch specials. No alco-

* **

DELIGHT IN THE DETAILS

**

truffle herb-gruyere scalloped potatoes beech mushroom bordelaise

Because everywhere else, it’s just a steak.

20 Monroe Ave NW / Downtown Grand Rapids 616.356.2000 / www.thebob.com April 2013 / Grmag.com 63

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grand vine

Contributing editor A. Brian Cain is a certified wine educator.

> 2010 Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon, $29: This wine doesn’t even look like Oregon pinot noir.

The rich black/red color and huge, mouth-filling, somewhat tannic flavor makes this wine the Cab-drinkers pinot. To carry that analogy a step further, one cannot help but recognize the depth of black fruit notes and currant-like scents.

Drinkable Oregon pinot piNOT NOir’s DEliCATE FlAVOrs and high acidity come across best when grown in a long, cool growing season. If that cool growing season is anything short of sunny and dry, the wine comes across as light and thin.

At its best, pinot noir’s rich chocolate, cherrylike fruit mingles with mushroomy forest floor subtleties finishing with velvety tannin and a crisp acidic zing.

Although I have never seen such healthy pinot noir vines anywhere in the world as I have seen in Oregon, the generally damp climate exacerbates pinot’s tendency toward lean and mean in most vintages.

Though Oregon’s pinots have a reputation as being some of the world’s best, most wine drinkers prefer fat and fruity and find Oregon’s pinots to be an acquired taste.

Here are some bottles that just plain taste good and are enjoyable from the first sip — even to those who have never tasted Oregon pinots before: 2010 sokol Blosser Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills pinot Noir, Oregon, $53: Solid brick-red color and light fruit essence is the first thing one notices. As the wine airs out, a complex truffle-like smell grows. Perhaps it is organically grown grapes that explain why this wine epitomizes that combination of earth and cherries that defines Oregon pinot.

Although I have never seen such healthy pinot noir vines anywhere in the world as I have seen in Oregon, the generally damp climate exacerbates pinot’s tendency toward lean and mean in most vintages.

2010 Benton lane Willamette Valley pinot Noir, Oregon, $25: The color is more mature looking than the vividly fresh burst of spicy fruit that greets the nose. This generous finish shows the richness and persistence of raw red fruit one normally expects from wines grown in a warmer climate. Good value.

2009 st. innocent Willamette Valley, shea Vineyard pinot Noir, Oregon, $45: The richly mature color and complex bouquet of wood, earth, ripe red fruits and minerals maintains its balance and suppleness. It may be the most lush and ripe of any of the pinots I tasted.

— a. BrIan CaIn

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

BriAN’s FAVOriTE OrEGON piNOT NOirs: > 2010 Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir, Oregon, $44: The nose is full of floral, herbal scents, even green veggies. As the wine crosses the palate, layer upon layer of flavorful fruit, earth and spice emerge. This rich pinot noir will only get better with a bit of time in the cellar.

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

hol. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitch engr.com. L, D ¢-$

Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. 5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market strip mall), 261-8186. bluegingergr.com. L, D ¢-$ Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from Northern India.

Full bar. Lunch buffet Mon.-Fri. and Sun. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr. SE, 4567055. bombaycuisinegr.com. L, D $ China Chef — Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices.

No alcohol. Closed Mon. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 5299 Eastern Ave SE, 257-7038. L, D ¢-$ China Gourmet Buffet — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items. Dinner buffet served all day weekends; discount for seniors and children 10 and under. No alcohol. 2030 28th St SW, 252-1379. L, D ¢-$ Chinatown Restaurant And Japanese Steak House — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available. Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar.

69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngrand rapids.com. L, D ¢-$ China Yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 Eastern Ave SE, 241-3885. L, D ¢-$

2870 East Beltline NE • 616.363.0902 • www.harrisonchiro.com

Looking for peace of mind?

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East Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol.

6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. L, D ¢-$ Empire Chinese Buffet — All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet served all day. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirebuffet.net.

L, D ¢-$

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Erb Thai — Traditional Thai fare, will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. 950 Wealthy St SE, Suite 1A, 356-2573. L, D ¢ Far-East Restaurant — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes; vegetable-oil-only cooking. Carryout and catering available. No alcohol. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176.

Facebook. L, D $ First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out. Full bar. Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088. firstwokgr.com. L, D $

Hunter Law Offices, PLLC S. Christopher Hunter, Attorney 125 Ottawa Avenue, NW, Ste. 245, Grand Rapids

Call 616.719.2467 or email chris@hunterlegalcounsel.com to schedule your consultation.

In-home consultation available. www.hunterlegalcounsel.com April 2013 / Grmag.com 65

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top shelf This spud’s for you

JON sAMplED THEsE pOTATO VODKAs: > Luksusowa Vodka: One of the most popular Polish potato vodkas, it’s inexpensive and readily available at most liquor stores and some grocery stores. Expect a full mouth flavor with sweet undertones.

Try it in a Vodka Gimlet or Sweet Martini.

> Vodka Monopolowa: The bottle says the Austrian distillery was established in 1782, making it one of the older distillers in Europe. This inexpensive vodka is a little drier than the Luksusowa and has slight hints of anise. It’s my choice for a Lemon Drop or with anything sweet. > Chopin Potato Vodka: A bit more refined, this Polish potato vodka has a complex and smooth flavor profile. I found it just fine to sip from a shot glass. Distant hints of chocolate cordial and the same full-mouth experience make it my favorite.

— tequila and ouzo being others — that are customarily consumed straight up, by the shot and in great quantity. If you are not experienced with drinking straight liquor, proceed with caution.

Personally, if I am going to drink vodka like they do in Eastern Europe, I would prefer a potato vodka over a grain or fruit vodka. But if I’m drinking Harvey Wallbangers, I think just about any vodka will do.

— JOn C. KOeZe

The potatoes produce a complex, thick and earthy undertone that is quite flavorful in a “non-vodka” way.

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

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

WriTiNG ABOuT THE TAsTE OF VODKA is challenging because vodka isn’t supposed to have any taste. It’s often described as clean, smooth or fresh — in other words, tasteless.

But most vodkas actually are flavorful, so rather than talk about how good vodka doesn’t taste, let’s talk about the tasteful vodkas made from potatoes.

Vodka has only a few ingredients. There is sugar, traditionally from grains or potatoes but sometimes from such things as molasses, soybeans, grapes or sugar beets. The sugars are fermented and then distilled, usually three times or more, and then diluted into a mixture of about 40 percent ethanol (80 proof) and about 60 percent water.

Obviously, the raw materials have a lot to do with the final taste. Grain and potatoes are mostly starch and must first be converted to sugar, a process called mashing (just like beer), and then fermented to produce the alcohol. When naturally grown sugars are used, like those in grapes, the fermentation does not require a mash and the fermentation can readily occur (similar to wine). All of this, along with any flavors introduced by the water, will affect the taste of the vodka.

So how does potato vodka taste?

It is not the “clean, smooth, fresh” description mentioned above.

The potatoes produce a complex, thick and earthy undertone that is quite flavorful in a “non-vodka” way.

When taken neat, you will note a mellow taste on the back of your tongue, particularly after the fusel flavors of the alcohol wear off.

This mellow flavor will become more pronounced as your mouth becomes used to the alcohol and the nuances of complex flavors and undertones arrive.

When used with light mixers such as in a martini or a gimlet, the unique flavors of the vodka will slightly alter the finishing taste of the drink, and when mixed with heavier ingredients such as orange juice, the flavors will not tend to disappear as easily.

Vodka is one of the few liquors

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

Fuji yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables with chef preparations, or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 7191859. letseat.at/fujiyama. L, D ¢-$ Fortune Chef — Chinese and American fare.

Opens 6 am weekdays, 8 am weekends with breakfast served all day. No alcohol. 9353 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1388. fortunechefcaledonia.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 627 28th St SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. L, D $ Golden Dragon — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse.

Full bar. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. goldendragongr.com. L, D $ Golden Gate restaurant — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, egg rolls, sweet-and-sour dishes, with some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D ¢

Great Products. Great People. Great Service. Always.

www.degraafinteriors.com

GRAND RAPIDS 616.363.3513 | HUDSONVILLE 616.662.0140 | CASCADE 616.264.3424

Golden Wok — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers lunch and dinner options, including Hunanspiced dishes. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com.

L, D ¢-$ Grand lakes — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. No alcohol. Next to Breton Village D&W. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 9542500. L, D ¢-$ Hibachi Grill & supreme Buffet — PanAsian cuisine from sushi to buffet, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American dishes. No alcohol. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Ridge Shopping Center), 785-8200. letseat. at/hibachigrillsupremebuffet. L, D ¢ Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese for dine-in or carry-out. All-you-caneat lunch buffet. No alcohol. 150 E Fulton St, 235-3888. B, L, D ¢-$

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

Hunan — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups. No alcohol. 1740 44th St SW, 530-3377; 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr.com. L, D $ india Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan in a humble atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D ¢-$ Jade Garden — Chinese cuisine with some American dishes. Children’s menu, large selection of tropical cocktails. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. L, D ¢-$ Ju sushi & lounge — Sushi and sashimi seApril 2013 / grMag.coM 67

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

She fed: “There have been a few near misses, including a concoction involving snow peas and Craisins, but whether they’re grilled or baked, Jeremy’s pizzas trump any we could order in.

I frequently request his Reuben pizza: ribbons of pastrami or corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut baked on a pumpernickel crust and generously drizzled with Thousand Island. One memorable creation included cubed salami, sliced broccoli florets, Roma tomatoes and smoked mozzarella. Another was smashed pinto beans as the base, orange bell-pepper rings, hefedshefed.com

“I get bored easily so when it comes time to make one of my innovative pizzas, I seldom make the same thing twice.

Usually I’ll start by selecting a dough from G.B. Russo — like ciabatta, herb or whole grain.

Then I poke around in the fridge, grabbing leftover bits of meats and veggies until an idea forms. I’ve used peanut butter, olive oil, or fig jam instead of tomato sauce. Dried cranberries and prosciutto?

Why not! Shredded habanero cheese and broccoli? Give it a try! Sure, I’ve had one or two misfires, but there’s no reward without risk.

Pizza on the barbie Whether using prepared dough or fresh made, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson say grilled pizza is what’s for dinner.

The next time you’re at a loss for what to make for dinner, raid the pantry for your favorite toppings and fire up the grill to make your own pizza.

Never heard of grilling pizzas? You don’t know what you’re missing. Start with the dough. You can whip up your own with just a bit of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, warm water and patience.

announces that this week’s

tro when it came off the grill.

My spring fave? Multigrain crust slathered with fig preserves, then layered with salty prosciutto and pungent gorgonzola crumbles. Divine with a glass of rosé on the deck!”

— Juliet

Find recipes and more photos at ReadTheFeed at hefedshefed. com.

Don’t have enough extra time in your busy day to mix up a zen house-made dough available at G.B. Russo, although Pillsbury also offers an artisan pizza crust suitable for grilling.

Once the grill is heated to at least 400 degrees, roll out the risen dough into a manageable 12-inch circle. Toss it onto the hot grill and close the lid. No peeking! You may be dismayed rise back into place.

Wait three agonizing minutes. Now, flip it over and close

pizza experiment is the best

the grill again for another 90 seconds. Remove the crust from

yet, and what more could a

the grill. Top it with your favorite ingredients, then put it back

guy ask for than a hot grill and

on the grill over indirect heat so the cheese melts and the top-

a happy wife?”

pings cook slightly.

— Jeremy

jack cheese sprinkled with cilan-

fresh batch? No problem. We prefer the many varieties of fro-

to see the dough sagging into the grates but don’t panic; it will

More often than not, Juliet

thin-sliced red onion, and pepper

Once the pizza looks done, remove, cool for 15 minutes, slice and eat!

Photography by Johnny Quirin

He fed:

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lections, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings.

Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquet space. 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. L, D ¢-$

Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. Facebook, laithai kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$ Mandarin — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends. Cocktails. Open daily. 2460 28th St SE, 530-3300. L, D ¢-$ Marado Sushi — Sushi bar offers a wide selection of Japanese fare and a few Korean specialties. No alcohol. 47 Monroe Center, 742-6793. Closed Sun. L, D ¢-$ Maru Sushi & Grill — Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. 925 Cherry St. SE. marurestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Mikado Sushi — Sushi and sashimi à la carte.

Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat buffet: Japanese, Chinese, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), (616) 365-3989. mingten restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Mynt Fusion Bistro — Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$

www.kw-gr.com • 616.575.1800 630 Kenmoor Street, suite 101 • Grand Rapids

CONNECT WITH US

It’s not the thunder, it’s the lightning.

Ning Ye — Family-owned Chinese restaurant also serves Korean fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun during winter. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 6765888. ningye.info. L, D $ Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, curries and noodle dishes; seafood and duck specialty plates. No alcohol. 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro. com. L, D ¢-$

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Osaka Steakhouse — Japanese cuisine, including steak, seafood, sushi. Same owners as XO Asian Cuisine. Open daily. 4977 28th St. SE, 419-4628. Facebook. L, D $

To stop bad things from getting worse.

Palace Of India — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindia restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ P.F. Chang’s China Bistro — Upscale chain known for modern Chinese dishes from Mongolian beef to chicken lettuce wraps. Cocktails, beer and wine. Order online for takeout.

616.459.1171 | www.lawweathers.com

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

The Village at Knapp’s Crossing, 2065 Apple Orchard Ave, 447-2060. pfchangs.com. L, D $

Pho Soc Trang — Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. L, D ¢ Rak Thai Bistro — Thai-fusion fare with Chinese and Japanese influences. No alcohol.

5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. rakthaibis tro.com. L, D ¢-$ Red Sun Buffet — All-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections. No alcohol. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. redsunbuffet.com. L, D ¢-$

Grand Rapids • Rockford • Plymouth • Birmingham

www.oldworldolivepress.com • (616)884-0107

Seoul Garden — Chinese and Korean cuisine with full bar. Banquet and catering facilities available. Closed Sun. 3321 28th St SE, 9561522. grseoulgarden.com. L, D $-$$ Shang Hai Ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine; food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. shanghaiichiban.com. L, D $-$$ Soc Trang — Wide selection of Chinese and Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. 1831 Market Place Dr, Caledonia, 871-9909. gosoc ¢-$ trang.com. L, D Sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, plus fusion fare. Private groups can eat in traditional Japanese tatami room. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni.net. L, D ¢-$$ Thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to specification. No alcohol. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. L, D ¢

The Shade Shop, Inc. 422 Leonard St NW Grand Rapids MI M-F: 10 to 5:30 Sat: 10 to 2:00 616-459-4693 theshadeshop.hdwfg.com

Three Happiness Restaurant — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare, with daily lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. 3330 Alpine Ave NW, Target Plaza, 785-3888. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

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Tokyo Grill & Sushi — Japanese tatami rooms, sushi bars. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, plus Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi. com. L, D ¢-$ ➧Tokyo Roadhouse — Japanese (sushi) and Chinese menus, lunch specials. Order online for pickup, delivery (until 8 p.m.) or express dine-in. No alcohol. Opens daily at 11 a.m.

4095 Plainfield Ave. NE, 365-3719. tokyoroad house.com. L, D ¢-$

Wei Wei Palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. Serves beer. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. L, D $

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It’s all about ...

One-of-a-Kind.

Wonton Express — No-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy Hunan and Kung-Po dishes. No alcohol. 6719 S Divi¢-$ sion Ave, 281-8816. L, D FXO Asian Cuisine — Thai, Chinese and Viet-namese cuisine with full service bar.

Vegetarian options and lunch specials MonSat. Free valet parking with $30 purchase.

Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. $-$$ xoasiancuisine.com. L, D

Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. L, D ¢-$

Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Le Kabob — Huge appetizer selection, soups, salads and sandwiches, large choice of Mediterranean entrees and combos. Kids menu.

No alcohol. Open daily. 4022 Alpine Ave NE, 647-9722, and 2923 28th St SE, 272-4135. lekabob.com. L, D ¢-$ Marie Catrib’s — Middle-Eastern fare with on-site bakery, seasonal specialties and Turkish coffee. Vegetarian options. Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat. Lunch/dinner starts 11 am weekdays, noon Sat. Closed Sun. No alcohol. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecat ribs.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Mediterranean Grill — Gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta. All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. L, $ D Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offering Mediterranean specialties with drivethrough, delivery and catering available.

Open daily. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. ¢-$ mrgyrosdrivethru.com. L, D Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout and catering. Features Lebanese beer and wine. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L, D ¢-$ Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs. No alcohol. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$ Pita House — Gyros and other Middle East specialties. No alcohol. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029; 4533 Ivanrest Ave SW, 261-4302; 134 Monroe Center NW, 233-4875. thepitahouse.net. L, D ¢

Sheshco Grill — Lebanese cuisine including lots of appetizers, salads and soups; entrees such as shish kabob, lamb shanks, quail and sautéed meats, plus vegetarian and seafood options. No alcohol. Open daily. 2121 Celebration Dr. NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.com. L, D $ FShiraz Grille — Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, khoreshts, vegetarian options. Full bar, wine list, martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. L (Sun), D $

Zeytin — Turkish-American cuisine with extensive beer and wine lists. Takeout available. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin $ turkishrestaurant.com. L, D

African Little Africa Cuisine — Humble storefront café offers hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread.

Sample other Ethiopian specialties. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Open daily. 956 E ¢ Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. L, D Gojo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli — Authentic Ethiopian dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew-like) dishes served with injerra flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Tue-Fri lunch buffet, dinner 5-8 pm; Sat buffet 4-8 pm; closed Sun and Mon. 421 Norwood SE (Eastown), 459-3383. gojoethio $ piancuisine.com. L, D

Mexican/Latin American/ Caribbean 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$$ Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu; wet burritos are the claim to fame. Full bar.

The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $ Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare with full bar, take-out service, vegetarian selection. Spacious with fireplaces and Mexican décor. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. L, D ¢-$ Café San Juan — Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban. No alcohol. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. cafesanjuan.net. B, L, D ¢-$

Contemporary Art Dolls

by Jennifer Gould

Cancun Restaurant — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. 1518 Grandville Ave ¢-$ SW, 248-2824. L, D Cantina — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties with full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. L, D $

966 Cherry St. | Grand Rapids, MI Phone (616) 451-8817 yourstrulygalleria966@gmail.com April 2013 / Grmag.com 71

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

- Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare.

Vegetarian/vegan options. Lunch specials.

No alcohol. Open until 2 am Fri-Sat, closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga. ¢ com. L, D

Cinco De Mayo — Mexican eatery offers the usual fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. L, D $ Donk’s Mexican Joint — Tex-Mex selections including wet and dry burritos. Kids menu, drive-thru available. 820 Michigan St. NE, ¢ 883-6036. donksjoint.com. L, D

Lindo Mexico Restaurant — Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Happy hour 2-6 pm.

Kids menu. 1292 28th St SW, Wyoming, 2612280. lindomexicorestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Little Mexico Café — Traditional Mexican food and cocktails. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. L, D $ Maggie’s Kitchen — Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. 36 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. B, L, D ¢ Michoacan — Mexican fare plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. No alcohol. Open at 9 am. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. B, L, D ¢-$

Downtown Trini’s — Sparta destination offers traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. downtowntrinis.com. L, D ¢-$

Mi Tierra Restaurant — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive through. No alcohol. 2300 S Di¢ vision Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D

El Arriero —Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, Margaritas. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. L, D ¢-$

Taco Bob’s — Fresh-Mex offerings, taco salads and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell wrapped in a soft shell. No alcohol. Open 11 am-2 pm, Mon-Fri. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 4581533. tacobobs.com. L ¢

El Barrio Mexican Grill — Tasty and creative twists on otherwise-traditional Mexican. Full bar. 545 Michigan St NE, 301-0010. elbarrio mexicangrill.com. L, D ¢-$ El Burrito Loco — More than 70 authentic Mexican selections. Complimentary chips and salsa. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. L, D ¢-$

Tacos El Caporal — Two locations serving Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. 1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. B, L, D ¢ Tres Lobos Grill & Bar — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar. Lunch ’til 4 pm daily. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389. treslobosrest aurant.com. L, D ¢-$

FEl Granjero — Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes to à la carte selections and menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. elgranjerogr.com. B, L, D ¢

El Sombrero — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. L, D ¢ Grand Villa Dungeon — Mexican food is the specialty. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. villadugeon.com. L, D $ Jamaican Dave’s — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies. Limited seating; takeout is best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. L, D ¢ Las Cazuelas — Open for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner daily. Genuine Hispanic flavors. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. B, L, D ¢ La Huasteca — Homemade recipes. All items can be accommodated for vegetarians. Mostly take-out with a small dining room. No alcohol. Open daily. 1811 Plainfield Ave. NE, 4477733. Facebook. L, D ¢

Dining Guide Legend Grand Rapids Magazine has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers.

B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner ¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)* $ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — Expensive (Over $20)*

* Prices based on average entrée.

- — Reviewed in this issue — Chef Profile in this issue ➧ — New listing O — GRM’s 2012 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2012 Dining Award Winner Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email mprimeau@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

By Marty Primeau

The up-and-coming village of Ada is considering a major re-design to open up access to the Thornapple River.

A river runs through it town atmosphere with its picturesque shops, galleries and restaurants.

“Ada is a jewel,” said Phil Vogelsang, president of the Ada Arts Council. He and his wife moved to Ada from West Palm Beach, Fla., in 1990 when they were searching for an ideal place to raise their young children.

“Once we looked around this area, we

fell in love with it,” he said. “Living in Ada, you get to know everybody on a first-name basis. Yet we’re close enough to bigger cities to get the full spectrum of lifestyles.”

Beyond all the village charm, Ada — corporate home of Amway — also is an upand-coming community, says Bob Kullgren, a member of the Downtown Development Authority.

Students rehearse at West Michigan Youth Ballet in Ada. The nonprofit was founded in 2007 by Marlene Kenneway and Brigitte Nelson with help from dedicated parents.

Photography by Jim Gebben

Q

“Quaint” and “scenic” are words often used by Ada residents when describing the small village 12 miles east of Grand Rapids.

They talk with pride about the historic Ada Covered Bridge, built over the winding Thornapple River and one of just nine covered bridges still standing in Michigan.

And they rave about the friendly, small

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Nature paths and trails abound in Ada Township, which recently approved plans to connect a bike trail to the new M21 bridge. Below, the historic Ada Covered Bridge is one of only nine still standing in the state. Bottom left, Jacob and Pam Heglund live on 16 acres with their horses just four minutes from downtown Ada.

Photography by Jim Gebben (bottom); courtesy Mind-Share Media (top and right)

Photography by Jim Gebben

Five years ago the DDA helped expand the Ada Farmers Market, which has grown from a couple of farmers to 35 regular vendors. Now the group is working on a major project to open up access to the Thornapple River along Ada Drive.

“There’s a big chunk of property along the river that is hidden behind stores and

businesses,” Kullgren said. “Amway purchased about 20 acres of that land and has asked the DDA to spearhead a project to develop it.”

Enhancing access to the river has been part of Ada’s master plan for many years, he added. In 2006, a task force spent four months gathering information and feed-

back from the community to create the Ada Village Design Charrette.

“I remember going to one of the meetings at a school cafeteria,” said Kullgren, who has lived in Ada Township for 28 years. “There were at least 200 people.

The task force wanted to know people’s perceptions of the best and worst things in Ada, and we got a good idea of what people really like.”

Though change will take time, residents say it’s a positive first step.

“We have a beautiful stretch of the Thornapple River that is inaccessible to the public. Nobody knows it’s there,” said Real Estate Broker Jacob Heglund, 32, who grew up just outside of Ada. “As a kid, I used to sneak down there to play. I wish we’d done this sooner.”

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

“A woman in line overheard us talking about where to live, and she announced, ‘You want to live in Ada. The schools are great.’ So we looked at this area and loved it.”

— Catherine Jacobs

The Clever Ewe, a yarn shop housed inside a 100-year-old building, is one of several shops and galleries in downtown Ada.

beauty by virtue of native vegetation or other natural features.” Their house is four minutes from downtown Ada on 16 acres of land where they keep horses.

“Even though there has been a lot of development in Ada throughout the years,” Heglund said, “I think it has been thoughtful development with a conservation effort, as well, that has helped maintain an urban rural feel.”

Ada was founded in 1821 by fur trader Rix Robinson. The post office was estab-

lished in 1837 and the township was named for Ada Smith, daughter of the first postmaster.

Through the years, residents have strived to find the balance of rural charm and natural beauty that attracts the township’s 13,000-plus residents.

At times, it’s been a struggle for owners of retail businesses in the village, who’ve realized that, despite its charm, Ada isn’t a walking town.

“We tend to get people who drive here with an agenda,” said Betsy Ratzch, a potter and jewelry maker who opened an American craft gallery at 584 Ada Drive SE 18 years ago. “They go to Clever Ewe, the yarn shop next door, and to see the covered bridge and eat lunch.”

To attract visitors and encourage patronage, Ada has organized a variety of activities to bring people to the village, from the Tinsel, Treats & Trolley event before Christmas to Arts in Ada, a May festival including dozens of artists and children’s dance performances.

“We’re also getting more sporting activities, including three or four bike races and the Grand Rapids Triathlon,” said Catherine Jacobs, an attorney who moved to

Photography by Jim Gebben

Sarah Andro is co-owner of Saburba, a mostly take-out restaurant that opened last summer in the village.

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upcoMinG eVents in AdA > May 4-5: “spring into the past” A tour of 22 Tri-River Historical Museums. Stop by Averill Historical Museum in Ada for a brochure with locations and times.

> June 9: Grand rapids triathlon 2013 USA Triathlon sanctioned event starts and ends in Ada. All skill levels compete on a scenic riverside course. Visit grandrapidstriathlon.com.

> June 16:

PhotoGraPhy by Jim Gebben

PhotoGraPhy by Jim Gebben

Catherine and Ken Jacobs chose Ada when moving to West Michigan because of the family-friendly environment. Enjoying movie night at home are, from left, Noah, Maria, Mallory, Catherine, Ken and Chloe.

Tom Sytsma, left, works at Godwin Ada Hardware in the village. As a boy, he lived with his family above the store when his dad owned the original Ada Hardware.

Ada with her husband and children nine years ago.

“We came in June to look at homes, and we had stopped in the Lowell Meijer store to buy tickets to the Parade of Homes,” she said. “A woman in line overheard us talking about where to live, and she announced, ‘You want to live in Ada. The schools are great.’ So we looked at this area and loved it.”

Tom Sytsma, 62, grew up in Ada and lived with his family above Ada Hardware, once owned by his father. Today, he still works at the store, acquired by Godwin Hardware 20 years ago.

He has seen some changes through the years. “The biggest difference in my thinking is that the village has a more touristy feeling with all the shops and galleries.”

He noted that Ada Township has acquired a reputation as “more of an upper-class neighborhood, with big executive-type homes. it’s very prestigious to live in this area.”

Jacobs agrees that some houses cost millions of dollars. “But there are plenty of other modestly priced homes. Ada still exists for people who are just starting out.”

Gr

run 4 a cause A 5K run and a 1.5-mile family fun run through Ada to fund services at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Register at run4acauseada.com.

> July 4 celebration Festivities include a parade, followed by rides, food and music. Fireworks at dusk.

> sept. 28: roselle park river Festival and Grand river run Includes exhibitors, artists, games, activities, food and live music, plus an 8K run on paved and non-paved trails and 1.5-mile Family Fun Run. See grandriver-run.com.

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A FEW GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

SPECIAL EVENTS April 18 BARK AT THE B.O.B.: Dinner, live music, silent auction and celebrity auction benefit Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, the Midwest’s largest no-kill dog sanctuary that provides homes for abused, abandoned and neglected dogs.

SPORTS April 13 GAZELLE GIRL: Women’s half marathon and 5K benefits Kent County Girls on the Run, West Central Michigan YWCA and Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women.

S

April 20 AN EVENING IN VERONA: Grand Rapids Ballet’s spring gala includes an Italian dinner catered by Amore Trattoria, and excerpts from May’s season finale, “Romeo and Juliet,” a highly acclaimed ballet created for GRBC in 2011.

Save the earth!

Monday April 22 is Earth Day, organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet. Here are some local activities.

April 16 - WEST MICHIGAN NEEDS WATER: Founders Brewing Co. and West Michigan Environmental Action Council present their fifth annual Earth Day Celebration 7-10 p.m. at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. An expanded format includes dinner, folk music, a silent auction, and a

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presentation from freshwater advocate Maude Barlow, author of “Blue Gold.” Tickets are $60, $100 for couples. Seating is limited. Buy tickets at earthday. wmeac.org.

April 20 - GRAND RIVER GREENUP: WMEAC and Grand Haven Area Jaycees join vol-

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM(TOP LEFT); CAROL FRIEDMAN (TOP RIGHT); MICHAEL AUER (BOTTOM)

april events

MUSIC April 19 BOBBY MCFERRIN: SPIRIT YOU ALL: Grammy Award winner known for “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” performs at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.

unteers to clean up the Grand River. Harbor Island in Grand Haven. See Special Events

April 20 - LAKESHORE EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: Eighth annual Grand Haven event includes the Earth Rock Concert. See Special Events

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“You’ve tried the rest...

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

NOW EAT THE BEST ”

Calendar Editor, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, e-mail caleditor@ geminipub.com, fax (616) 459-4800. High-resolution photos welcomed. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue by the 15th of the month.

Special eVeNtS April 4-6 - indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Show: Exhibits, demonstrations and special display of “coprolite” from dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles and more. 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Thu.Fri., 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. Rogers Plaza Town Center, 972 Rogers Plaza SW, Wyoming. Free. indianmoundsrockclub.com.

April 5-6 - Circle Celebrates: The First 10 Years: Circle Theatre hosts a fundraiser with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and musicals performed at Aquinas PAC venue. 7:30 p.m., prereception 7 p.m. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Road SE. $35, $30 season ticket members (456-6656 or circletheatre.org).

April 11-13 - Fashion and Tea: Tour the Streets of Old Grand Rapids and learn about Victorian fashion. Sweet treats and tea. 1-2:30 p.m. GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $15, $13 members. grmuseum.org.

photoGraphy courtesy heather merrItt

photoGraphy courtesy Istockphoto.com(top left); carol frIeDman (top rIGht); mIchael auer (bottom)

April 12 - Art.Downtown.: Downtown GR art hop with 300 artists and 30 destinations. Free trolleys; maps and volunteers to provide guidance. 6-11 p.m. avenueforthearts.com.

April 19-21 - Chilly Blues Festival: Grand Haven’s annual Chili Cook-Off and Blues Festival. Venues include Snug Harbor, Kirby Grill, Theatre Bar, The Grand, The Dee-Lite and others. haborrestaurants.com.

April 20 - An Evening in Verona: GR Ballet’s annual fundraiser includes dinner, excerpts from “Romeo and Juliet.” Time TBD. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth SW. $150 (454-4771, ext. 13). grballet.com.

April 20 - Grand River Greenup: WMEAC and Grand Haven Jaycees celebrate Earth Week, with 400 volunteers needed to clean up the Grand River in Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg. 9 a.m., Harbor Island, Grand Haven. Breakfast, lunch, T-shirt included.

Info/registration: grandrivergreenup.com.

April 20 - Groovewalk: Walk or take the GrooveXpress to hear 13 bands at various locations in downtown Holland. Drink specials at each venue. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $15 in advance or $20 night of. groovewalk.com.

April 13 - West Michigan Mom’s Sale: Clothes, toys, nursery furniture and other gently used items. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. DeVos Place. $1. westmichiganmomsale.com.

April 20 - Lakeshore Earth Day Celebration: Grand Haven events include Earth Rock Concert. Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus St. Facebook (Lakeshore Earth Day Celebration).

April 16, 30 - Culinary Walking Tours: GR Downtown Alliance and Square Peg Events host walking tours in downtown GR with food and beverage sampling. April 16, Down Under Gems Tour. April 30, W(h)ine Not Tour. 21 years or older. 7-9 p.m. $40 in advance only (squarepegevents.com).

April 20 - Party for the Planet: Celebrate Earth Day at John Ball Zoo and learn about saving the world’s resources and protecting wildlife, plus activities and giveaways. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1300 W. Fulton St. $5 adults, $4 kids 3-13, kids 2 and under free. 336-4300, johnballzoosociety.org.

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April 18 - Bark at The B.o.B.: Dinner, live music, silent auction and celebrity auction benefit Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary. 6 p.m.

20 Monroe Ave. NW. Tickets TBD (693-2490). mackenzies.info.

April 20 - Second Best Sale: First United Methodist Church rummage sale includes clothes, household items, toys, furniture, appliances and computers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 227 E. Fulton St. Free. grandrapidsfumc.org.

Dine in and enjoy our multiple big screen TVs or take-out available at 616.784.5555

APRiL 20 - PARTY FoR THE PLAnET: Conservation-minded groups come together at John Ball Zoo to remind visitors that saving the planet also means protecting its wildlife.

See Special Events

APRiL 27 GREEn MARKET AnD inFo EXPo: Recycled art, jewelry and accessories will be on display along with organic fruits and veggies

(even organic pet food). 10 a.m.3 p.m. April 27 at the downtown Grand Rapids Public Library.

Look for artist Heather Merritt of Re-Zip It!, who transforms zippers into creative pieces.

Local green organizations will answer questions about everything from home energy to bike repair. Visit grpl.org for info.

www.florentines.biz

Banquet area for 80-120 people.

Catering available

1259 Post Drive, Belmont (10 Min. N. of Grand Rapids) 616.785.1001 APRiL 2013 / GrmaG.com 79

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Billy’s Lounge: Eastown bar and music venue hosts live music of all genres but with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 4595757, billyslounge.com.

The B.O.B.: The Big Old Building houses several entertainment options, including stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins and live music at Crush, Bobarino’s and Eve, which presents Eve Has Bass: Dubstep@The B.O.B., Thursday nights beginning at 10 p.m., produced

by SuperDre and hosted by DJ K2Roc. 18+ welcome, no cover before 11 p.m. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com.

1/ Nicki Bluhm appears with her band, The Gramblers, at Founders.

Dog Story Theatre: All-volunteer organization hosts stand-up San Diego collective ALL-Star Comedy on its Great Lakes tour, 7 and 9 p.m. April 8. Tickets: $10. 7 Jefferson Ave. SE, 894-1252, dogstorytheater.com.

Grand Woods Lounge: Restaurant and bar with dance floor, regular DJ sets Thursday-Saturday. 77 Grandville Ave. SW, 4514300, grandwoodslounge.com.

J. Gardellas Tavern: Dance Club every Friday and Saturday night on the third floor featuring DJ Kermit. 11 Ionia Ave. SW, 4598824.

Comedy & nightclub venues

Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. All shows are 21+ with no cover charge. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 451-0775, mulli gans-pub.com.

Monte’s Lounge: Drinks specials and dancing Friday and Saturday nights. 438 Bridge St. NW, 774-5969, monteslounge.com.

Compiled by emma HiGGins

1/ FoUnDERS BREWinG Co. welcomes Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers April 4. All the

way from San Francisco, this six-piece ensemble plays a self-described mix of “rocking country soul with a tinge of vintage.” With special guests Rayland Baxter and Desert Noises. Doors 9:30 p.m. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, 776-2182, founderbrewing.com.

2/ Punk rock band Sum 41 will perform at The Intersection, April 1

2/ THE inTERSECTion hosts Canadian punk rock band Sum 41, a Grammynominated group that has toured internationally and topped the U.S. charts with its 2002 hit “Fat Lip.” April 1, doors open 7 p.m. Tickets: $20/advance, $23/day of (available at Purple East, Shakedown, Vertigo Music and Intersection box office).

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

3/ DR. GRinS CoMEDY CLUB presents

Josh Blue, who gained national attention as the winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Most recently, Blue debuted a new special, “Comedy Central Presents: Josh Blue,” which earned rave reviews. April 25-27. The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com.

The Orbit Room: Regional and national music acts perform; occasional stand-up comedy. Open floor and seated balcony.

2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 942-1328, orbitroom.com.

The Pyramid Scheme: Heartside neighborhood pub and music venue. Tickets at FusionShows.com, Vertigo Music and front bar. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, 272-3758, pyram idschemebar.com.

River City Improv: Weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions. 1st and 3rd Saturdays. Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE. Pre-order tickets at river cityimprov.com or call Calvin box office at 526-6282.

Rocky’s Bar & Grill: Dancing every Friday with DJs or live music. 633 Ottawa Ave. NW, 356-2346, rockysbarngrill.com.

Stella’s Lounge: Retro Dance Party with DJ Todd Ernst every Saturday. 53 Commerce Ave. SW, 742-4444, stellasgr.com.

Sunday Night Funnies: Comics from throughout the Midwest. 8:30 p.m. Sundays at Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge (270 Ann St. NW); 8 p.m. Wednesdays at Howard Johnson’s Bar & Grill, 255 28th St. SW. brianb comedy.com.

photoGraphy courtesy noa aZoulay-sclater (top); James mInchIn III (bottom)

April 4

Diversions Nightclub: Nightclub offers Wednesday-Friday drink specials. 10 Fountain St. NW, 451-3800, diversionsnightclub. com.

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April 24 - Aquinas outstanding Woman Awards: Jane Hibbard Idema Women’s Studies Center 11th annual event celebrates female students, staff, faculty and alumnae.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Donnelly Center, Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Road SE. aquinas. edu/womenscenter/programs.html.

Dr. Mike Crete

April 24 - Women of Achievement and Courage Awards: Michigan Women’s Foundation’s 24th annual luncheon event. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Meijer Gardens, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. $100 (313-962-1920, ext. 204, or miwf.org).

April 24 - There’s no Place Like Home: Where Fashion Meets Art: Annual fundraiser for the Dwelling Place (for homeless women and children) with cocktails and fashion show from Leigh’s and Fitzgeralds. 5:30-8 p.m. Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St. SW. $50 (dwellingplacegr.org).

April 25 - Hometown Heroes: American Red Cross of Greater GR honors local individuals or organizations that have acted bravely in time of need or dedicated their life to charitable service. 6 p.m. reception with strolling dinner, silent auction; 7 p.m. awards, live auction, dessert. DeVos Place. $100 (redcross.org/news/event/HometownHeroes-Celebration).

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photoGraphy courtesy noa aZoulay-sclater (top); James mInchIn III (bottom)

April 26 - Eat, Drink, Be Merry: St. Cecilia Music Society’s annual fundraiser includes live music, auction, food and wine. 6 p.m. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $35 (Martha’s Vineyard or 459-2224).

April 26 - Gathering Thunder Foundation: Annual gala and fundraiser. The mission of GTF is to assist in the preservation of Native American culture and help Native Americans in need. 6 p.m. Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $45, $25 students, 8 and younger free (gatheringthunderfoundation.org).

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April 27 - Adoption Carnival: Humane Society of West Michigan hosts a 12-hour adoption event with games, demonstrations and adoption specials. 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

3077 Wilson NW. hswestmi.org.

April 27 - March for Babies: March of Dimes annual walk in Grand Rapids. Also April 13 in Holland and May 4 in Kalamazoo and Muskegon. Registration and start times vary; see marchforbabies.org or marchofdimes.com/ Michigan.

April 28 - Allegan Antiques Market: 400 exhibitors (200 inside, 200 outside) rain or shine, last Sunday of month thru Sept. No pets allowed. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Drive. $4. alleganantiques.com.

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It’s back: a jam-packed evening of local art, music and performance at some 30 venues. The April 12 event is free. Attendees will find engaging exhibitions featuring the work of emerging, established and underground Grand Rapids artists, organizer Jenn Schaub said.

Trolleys, maps and volunteers will help guide people to shops, studios, galleries, restaurants and parking locations.

“What makes Art.Downtown. unique this year are our discussions and workshops. I’m excited to hear the dialogue that goes on at these events,” said co-organizer Krzysztof Lower.

The blockbuster of last year’s event was SiTE:LAB’s takeover of the old Herkimer Building on South Division Avenue. This year the team will re-enter the 2012 Art Prize venue at the old Public Museum on Jefferson Avenue to create an immersive experience.

Call 855-0435 or visit avenueforthe arts.com for details.

April 28 - Walk for Autism Awareness: Autism Support of Kent County’s 2.5K walk includes activities for all ages, live music, silent auction, Community Resource Fair and art gallery. Noon-3 p.m., walk begins 1 p.m.

Kuyper College, 3333 East Beltline Ave. NE. 752-8577, autismsupportofkentcounty.org.

Sports April - Golden Gloves Tournament: April 13 and 19, West Michigan championships. April 26-27, State Championships. Grand Valley National Guard Armory, 1200 44th St. SW, Wyoming. michigangoldenglovesboxing.com.

April - Grand Rapids Griffins: GR’s American Hockey League team, primary affiliate of Detroit Red Wings. Home games: April 10 vs.

Chicago Wolves. April 12 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. April 13 and April 19 vs. Peoria Rivermen. See website for times. Van Andel Arena. $14-$32 (Van Andel box office, Meijer or Star Tickets). griffinshockey.com.

April - West Michigan Whitecaps: Professional minor league baseball team, member of the Midwest League and Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, kicks off the season.

Home games: April 4-7 vs. Dayton Dragons.

April 8-10 vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps. April 19-21 vs. South Bend Silver Hawks. April 22-24 vs.

Lake County Captains. Game times vary. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $6-$14 (ticket office, 800-CAPS-WIN, whitecaps-baseball. com).

April 13 - Gazelle Girl: Women’s half marathon and 5K, benefiting Kent County Girls on the Run, West Central Michigan YWCA and Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. 8 a.m. Rosa Parks Circle, downtown GR. $85 half marathon, $30 5K. growbusiness.org or gazellesports.com.

April 13 - Lubbers Cup Regatta: Co-ed collegiate rowing races (GVSU, Eastern, MSU, U-M, Ohio State, U of Kansas). Spring Lake Yacht Club, 17500 West Spring Lake Road. Begins 8 a.m. lubberscup.com.

April 27 - Calvin 5K Spring Classic: Calvin Alumni Association hosts run/walk and family fun run. Entry fees go toward scholarships.

9 a.m. Hoogenboom Health and Recreation Center, Calvin College. $25 by April 5, $27 by April 25, $30 April 26-27, $18 students. calvin. edu/classic.

April 27 - Hurt the Dirt: 10K, half marathon and marathon trail race. 8 a.m. Luton Park, Rockford. $35 10K, $52 half marathon, $66 marathon. 1.5-mile kids fun run free. thezombie dash.com.

Stage & Film Thru April 6 - “[title of show]”: Actors’ Theatre presents the story of friends with writers’ block who enter a musical theater festival. 8 p.m. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $24-$26 adults, $20-$22 seniors and students (box office or 234-3946). actorstheatre grandrapids.org.

April 5-13 - “The Good Person of Setzuan”: GVSU Opera Theatre presents an examination of the struggle between selfishness and charity. 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. Louis Armstrong Theatre, PAC, Allendale campus. $12 adults, $10 seniors, $6 students (616-3312300). gvsu.edu/theatre.

April 9 - WMEAC Film Series: West Michigan Environmental Action Council screens environmental documentaries, followed by discussion. This month: “The Last Mountain.” 6-9 p.m. GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $5 suggested donation. wmeacfilm series.org.

April 12-20 - “The Taming of the Shrew”: Cornerstone University Theatre Department presents Shakespeare’s comic tale. 7:30 p.m.

Thu.-Fri., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 p.m.

Sun. Matthews Auditorium, GR Theological Seminary, 3000 Leonard St. NE. $12 adults, $10 seniors and students (516-0000 or corner stone.edu/theatre).

April 12-May 9 - “Grains of Hope: Refugee Experiences in West Michigan”: Calvin Theatre Company presents stories of people who live in GR refugee communities in this ethnography by Stephanie Sandberg. See website for details: calvin.edu/academic/ cas/ctc.

April 12-20 - “Stage Door”: Hope College theater department presents the story of 16 young women in a boarding house pursuing acting careers. 8 p.m. DeWitt Theatre, Hope College, Holland. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 students (box office, 616-395-7890).

April 12-13, 26-27 - “Movemedia”: GR Ballet presents new choreography by Brian Enos and others. 7:30 p.m. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth SW. $25 (ballet box office or Ticketmaster). grballet.com.

April 14 - David Sedaris: Humor writer, NPR contributor and author of “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “When You Are Engulfed in Flames.” 7 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $32.50-$55 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

April 18-21 - “Hotel Cassiopeia”: Aquinas College Theatre presents a dreamlike fantasia on the life of shadowbox artist Joseph Cornell.

8 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. 1607 Robinson Road SE. $10 adults, $5 students (456-6656). aquinas. edu/theatre.

April 18-May 11 - “The Great Divorce”: Mas-

Illustration courtesy istockphoto.com/Marina Zlochin

art.downtown.

April 1-6 - Knickerbocker Winter Film Series: “Amour.” 7:30 p.m. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. $6 adults, $5 seniors. hope.edu/arts/knick.

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ter Arts Theatre presents the story of a group of people on a bus ride between heaven and hell. 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. $16 adults, $14 seniors and students (455-1001 or masterarts.org).

April 19-28 - “Ann of Green Gables”: GR Civic Theatre presents a family musical about the misadventures of an independent-minded orphan. 8 p.m. 30 N. Division Ave. $12-$20 adults, $12 students (222-6650 or grct.org).

April 22-May 8 - “Speak Up! The Bully Busting Project”: Calvin Theatre Company creates and leads workshops with school children to stop bullying. Multiple locations. calvin.edu/academic/cas/ctc.

Illustration courtesy istockphoto.com/Marina Zlochin

April 23 - “Beneath the Willows”: Cornerstone University presents annual outdoor event, scenes directed by theater students and alumni. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

7:30 p.m. At the pond by GR Theological Seminary, 3000 Leonard St. NE. Free. cornerstone. edu/theatre.

April 25 - “All Hands on Deck!”: 1940s musical based on Bob Hope’s USO tour. 7:30 p.m.

Van Singel FAC, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center. $22.50-$39.50 (616-878-6800 or vsfac.com).

Music

April 25-27 - “The Deliverer”: Turning Pointe School of Dance presents an original ballet of the story of Christ. 7 p.m. Fri., 2 and 7 p.m. Sat. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. $16 adults, $12 students (Hope’s DeVos ticket office, 616-395-7890); $18/$14 (at door).

April - Music at Mid-Day: Free lunchtime concerts 12:15-12:45 p.m. every Tue. April 2, Barbara Dulmage, organ. April 9, River City Jazz Band. April 16, Chris Dekker, organ. April 23, Bruce Robey, vocalist. April 30, Ian Sadler, organ. First Park Congregational Church, 10 East Park Place NE. parkchurchgr.org.

April 25-May 5 - “The World According to Aleichem”: Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids presents three short plays bound together by Mendele, the book seller. 8 p.m., 3 p.m. Sun. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $20 adults, $18 seniors, $5 students (theater box office or 234-3946). jtgr.org.

April 2 - Emerson String Quartet: Presented

by Hope College’s Great Performance Series.

7:30 p.m. Dimnent Memorial Chapel, Hope College, Holland. $18 adults, $13 seniors, $6 students and children (box office, 616-3957890). hope.edu/gps.

April 26-May 11 - “Steel Magnolias”: Lowell’s Thebes Players present a dramedy about women in a beauty shop in Chinquapin, La. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. play; 1:30/2:30

p.m. May 5. Larkin’s Other Place, 301 W. Main St., Lowell. $12 play, $24 dinner and play (897-8545 or lowellartsmi.org).

April 3 - Kid Rock with Buckcherry and Hellbound Glory: American rap/rock singer performs Rebel Soul Tour. 7:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $49.50-$85.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

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April 11 - Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Featuring works by Dvorak, Dohnanyi and Weber. 7:30 p.m. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $30-$35 adults, $10 students (459-2224, scmc-online. org).

April 12 - Alley Door Club: Jazz, blues and folk music in downtown Muskegon. This month: The Vincent Hayes Project. 7-10 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.). Frauenthal Theatre, Muskegon. $6 at door or in advance (231-7278001).

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

April 12 - MAJiC Concert Series: Musical Arts for Justice in the Community hosts We Are the Ink Monkey. 7:30 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. SW. $10 suggested donation; proceeds benefit GR Coalition to End Homelessness. Facebook.

April 12-13 - “Bolero”: GR Symphony presents a program of music that reflects the Latin spirit. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $18$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.

April 12-13 - Mighty Wurlitzer Concerts: GR Public Museum’s theater organ concerts feature Bill Tandy. 7-9 p.m. Fri., 2-4 p.m. Sat. Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $10 adults, $5 children 3-17, $8/$4 members (ticket counter or 456-3977).

April 13, 20 - Acoustic Saturday nights: Grand River Folk Arts Society hosts acoustic concerts. April 13, Louise Mosrie. April 20, Red Tail Ring. 8 p.m. Wealthy St. Theater, 1110 Wealthy St. SE. $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $9 members, $3 children (at door). grfolkarts.org.

April 15 - Monday night Jazz: West Michigan Jazz Society presents Steve Talaga, with Tom Lockwood, Scott Veenstra and Diane VanderWater. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bobarino’s at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW. $10, $5 members and students. wmichjazz.org.

April 19 - Bobby McFerrin: Spirit You All: Grammy Award winner known for “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” 7:30 p.m. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $40-$48 (box office, 493-8966 or Ticketmaster). fhfineartscenter. com.

April 19 - Metropolitan Choir of Praise: 50th season concert celebration. 7:30 p.m. Fellowship Reformed Church, 6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville. metropolitanchoir.org.

April 19-20 - “Women as Muses”: West Michigan Symphony celebrates music inspired by women, including works by Tsontakis, Mendelssohn and Schumann. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $15-$45

adults, $10 students (231-726-3231 or west michigansymphony.com).

April 19-21 - “Cirque Mechanics”: GR Symphony’s Pops concert presents high-flying aerialists as they spin to Symphonic music. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony. org.

April 20-21 - Holland Symphony orchestra: “Classics III: Choral Masterworks.” 7:30 p.m. Sat., 3:30 p.m. Sun. Zeeland East HS, 3333 96th Ave., Zeeland. $20 adults, $17 seniors, $5 students (796-6780, hollandsymphony.org).

April 25 - Kenny Chesney with Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves: Country music singer performs No Shoes Nation tour. 7:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $49.50-$79.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

April 27 - Patty Larkin: Urban-folk/pop music singer and songwriter. 8 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. $30 (269-857-2399 or sc4a.org).

April 28 - Sounds of Saugatuck: Third annual free music event at 15 venues in Saugatuck and Douglas. Free shuttle. Begins 4 p.m. saugatuck.com/SOS_Event.htm.

April 28 - Vocal Music Workshop: “Around the World” features VMW Chorale, Concert Choir and Children’s Choir singing songs from Bollywood, Chinese opera, European and Japanese stages and more. 7 p.m. Meijer Theater, GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. Freewill offering. vocalmusicworkshop. org.

lectureS & WorKSHopS April - American Sign Language Classes: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services presents eight-week conversational sign language classes meeting once a week: 6-8 p.m. Thu., begins April 11, or 10 a.m.-noon Fri., begins April 12. 2133 McKee Ave. $130, includes workbook. deafexpressions05@gmail.com.

April - GR Public Libraries: Programs include: Reading the Great Lakes, More Than Everything You Wanted to Know About Birds, Green Market and Info Expo, Moving by Bicycle, Growing Together: A Family Gardening Workshop, Early Childhood Essentials, small business classes, author visits, adult computer classes, reading clubs, kids activities. Complete schedule at Main Library, 111 Library St. NE, or grpl.org. Free.

April - GR Tango: Beginner and intermediate dance class 8-9:30 p.m. Thu., followed by

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Es tat e le a S y l r e w e J y r t a P ’ s 0 &5 Annual

free practice. Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St. SE, grtango.org. $12 drop-in.

April - Kent District Libraries: Programs include book discussions, Early Childhood Essentials, career transition workshops, kids programs. Complete schedule at kdl.org.

April 1, 18 - GGR Chapter Mothers and More: April 1, One on One with Dr. Irving of Michigan Obstetrics and Gynecology. April 18, Preschool Round Table. 7-9 p.m. St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1448 Grace Drive. grmothersandmore.org. Free.

April 3 - GRCC Psychology Speaker Series: “Mental Toughness: The X-Factor in Sport and Life,” by Edmund O’Connor, Performance Excellence Center, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. 1-2:30 p.m. GRCC Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St. NE. Free. grcc.edu/psychology.

April 5, 12, 26, - Grand River Folk Arts Society: Dance instruction. 7 p.m. April 1, First Friday Contra Dance, 5th Street Hall, 701 5th St. NW ($9 adults, $7 members, $5 students/ seniors). 7 p.m. April 12, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE ($5). 7 p.m. April 26, Fourth Friday Contra Dance/Jam, Fifth Street Hall, 701 5th St. NW ($9 adults, $7 members, $5 students/seniors). grfolkarts.org.

April 9, 11 - Meijer Gardens Spring Gardening Mini-Series: April 9, Year-Round Container Gardens, Wildflowers for the Home Garden and The Deer-Resistant Garden.

April 11, Gardening in the Shade, Rhododendrons and More, and Pruning Trees and Shrubs. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. $15, $10 members (957-1580 or meijergardens.org).

April 11 - Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County: Advocacy Skills: how to advocate for your child and kids in the community. 5:45-8 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. Free dinner and child care. RSVP: 632-1007. greatstartkent.org.

April 11-13 - Calvin College Festival of Faith and Music: Biennial conference discusses and celebrates music that explores the issues of faith; workshops and keynote speakers. Concerts include Welcome Wagon with guest Andrew Rose Gregory ($15), Andrew Bird ($38), and Josh Garrels with Mason Jar Collective ($15). $125 adults, $75 students. calvin.edu/admin/sao/festival.

April 15 - Calvin College Passport to Adventure: “Majestic Montana” by Steve Gonser. 7 p.m. Calvin FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. $5 adults, $2 students (at door, box office or 526-6282).

April 16 - nourishing Ways of West Michigan: “All About Seeds: Heirlooms, Hybrids, GMOs and More,” by Rachelle and Andrew Bostwick. 7-8:30 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N. Division Ave., nourishing ways.org. Free.

April 18 - Divorce Seminar for Women: Monthly seminar provides basic legal, psychological and financial info. 6 p.m. Women’s Health Pavilion, 555 MidTowne St. NE. $45 (divorceseminar.org).

2013

April 18 - Creativity Uncorked: GR Art Museum hosts a social evening including art class, gallery tour and wine, in conjunction with Graphic Design: Now in Production.

Ages 21 and up. 7 (doors open 6:15)-9:30 p.m.

101 Monroe Center. $30, $25 members (register: uncorked.kintera.org). artmuseumgr.org.

April 19 - GRAM Day Trip: GR Art Museum and Cynthia Hagedorn host The Art Mixer, a day trip to Holland to meet artists, gallery owners and patrons. Hands-on art, lunch, reception. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $95 includes transportation, lunch and refreshments, $75 members (831-2912). artmuseumgr.org.

April 20-21 - “Tales of the Titanic”: GR Public Museum hosts renowned Titanic expert Floyd Andrick. 1:30 p.m. 272 Pearl St. NW. $3 (startickets.com). grmuseum.org.

April 25 - Dyslexia Seminar: New Chapter Learning offers info. 6:30 p.m. Grandville Middle School, Room 200, 3535 Wilson Ave. Registration: 534-1385. newchapterlearning. net. Free.

April 25 - Stephanie Schlatter Art Class: Painted Over Photos. 6-8 p.m. 2100 Timberpoint, Ada. $50 (includes supplies, snacks, beverages). Pre-registration encouraged. stephanieschlatterart.com.

April 27 - DAnCEgr: Ballroom dance instruction (7-8 p.m.), followed by social dance (8-11 p.m.). Women’s City Club, 254 E. Fulton St., dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both.

April 29 - GR Audubon Club: “Gardening for Birds and Butterflies” by Kay Charter, Saving Birds Thru Habitat. 7 p.m. social hour, 7:30 p.m. presentation. GR Seminary Auditorium, 3000 Leonard NE. Public welcome, free. glsga.org/grac.

April 30 - Meijer Gardens Master Lecture Series: Secchia Garden Lecture presents “Artful Containers” by Paula Hayes. 7 p.m.

1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. Free with admission, members free (957-3144 or skilroy@ meijergardens.org). meijergardens.org.

Grand Rapids April 27, 28, 29

2845 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE Phone: 616-949-7370 RSVP: SIEGELJEWELERS.COM/ESTATESALE Reserve your tickets online or in-store APRiL 2013 / GrmaG.com 85

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

April 20, 21

1/ Titanic researcher Floyd Andrick shares stories from his interviews with 14 survivors and memorabilia from his collection.

(See Lectures & Workshops in calendar.)

Air Zoo: More than 50 aircraft, exhibits, educational activities, full-motion flight simulators, 4-D Missions Theater, Magic Planet, Space Ball, Zero G, Michigan Space Science Center and amusement park-style rides. Open daily. 6151 Portage Road, Portage, (269) 382-6555, airzoo.org. $10 general admission; see website for other options.

Compiled by Donna Ferraro and Tricia van Zelst

1/ Grand Rapids Public Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru July 7, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, compelling stories told through 150 artifacts and room re-creations ($17 adults, $16 seniors, $12 kids 3-18; members: $12/$11/$10). Thru Nov., Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Storms and Stories. Permanent exhibitions: Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Anishinabek and Newcomers: People of This Place, Collecting A-Z, Furniture City, 1928 carousel ($1). Open until 9 p.m. April 1-7. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grmuseum.org.

2/ Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibits: Opening April 26, Oblique Angle

by Cranbrook Academy of Art head of sculpture, Heather McGill. Thru April 14, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s Chill. Thru April 21, Graphic Design: Now in Production. Thru Sept.

1, Jansma Print Collection: Five Centuries of Masterpieces. Permanent exhibitions: 19th and 20th century art; design and modern craft; prints, drawings, photographs.

Friday Nights at GRAM: Music, gallery talks, cash bar, dinner options 5-9 p.m., $5 adults, members free. All Day With the Arts: Drop-in activities for kids 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sat.; kid-friendly tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org.

3/ Gilmore Car Museum: Automotive Heritage Center and six other buildings house exhibits and about 150 vehicles (open all year). Another 150 vehicles in restored barns on 90-acre park-like historic campus open April 1-Nov. 30. 6865 Hickory Road, Hickory Corners. For hours, admission prices: gilmorecarmu seum.org.

2/ Opening April 26 at GRAM, Heather McGill’s patterned wall sculptures create color-shifting illusions as the viewer changes positions.

Coopersville Farm Museum: Petting Zoo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sat. Line dancing instruction 7-9 p.m. Fri. Acoustic Jam Nights 6-9 p.m. first and third Tue. Quilting Circle 10 a.m.-noon Thu. Permanent exhibitions: Tractors, tools, quilts, eclipse windmill, kids area. Open Tue., Thu. and Sat. $4 adults, $2 children 4-18, 3 and under free. 375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

DeGraaf Nature Center: 18-acre preserve with Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch and more than 240 plant species. See website for workshops and classes. Closed Sun., Mon. and holidays. Trails open daily dawn to dusk.

600 Graafschap Road, Holland, (616) 355-1057, degraaf.org. Free.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: See Spring Gardening Mini-Series and Master Lecture Series in Lectures & Workshops. Spring Break Camps April 1-5. Special exhibitions: Thru April 30, Butterflies are Blooming: Hundreds of butterflies and moths fly freely in the conservatory. Thru April 28, Connected and Disconnected: The Sculpture of Hanneke Beaumont. Thru Oct. 2013, Bernar Venet, five large-scale steel sculptures. Permanent exhibitions: World-class sculptures indoors and in 30-acre park. Indoor attractions: Tropical conservatory, Victorian garden, café, gift shop. Open daily. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students with ID, $6 ages 5-13, $4 ages 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580, meijergardens.org.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Special exhibition: Thru April 21, Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection, the story-telling pins of former U.S. secretary of state and ambassador to the U.N. Permanent exhibitions: The 1970s, Watergate scandal, Oval Office, New Mood at the White House. Open daily. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 kids 6-18, 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St. NW, 254-0400, fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Special activity: Thru June 16, Adventures in Balance.

Permanent activities: Aunt Daisy’s Farm; Bubbles,

Photography courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum (top); Grand Rapids ARt Museum (bottom)

Museums & Attractions

Blandford Nature Center: Spring break classes April 1-5, see website. 2-3:30 p.m. April 20, Earth Day Celebration ($6, $5 members). Trails, natural history exhibits, heritage buildings on 143 acres, plus workshops and activities. Interpretive Center open weekdays; trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandford naturecenter.org. Free.

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Sara Maatman

2/ April 1, Gilmore Car Museum’s historic campus opens for season, including this 1930’s service station and 150 more vehicles.

Bubbles, Bubbles; Mom and Pop Store; Giant Lite Brite. Toddler Tuesdays, age 3 and under (10 a.m.noon). Thu. Family Nights (5-8 p.m.) $1.50. Closed Mon. $7.50, $6.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 22 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org.

John Ball Zoo: See Party for the Planet in Special Events. See website for Spring Break Zoobilee and Zoofari. Special events: 8-9:30 p.m.

April 19, Twilight Tour. 9-10:30 a.m. April 27, Animal Enrichment Series. New this season: Meijer Bear Exhibit and Jandernoa Children’s Outpost. Other attractions: Lions of Lake Manyara, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island, Living Shores Aquarium. Open daily. Thru May 10, $5 adults and seniors, $4 kids 3-13, 2 and under free. 1300 W. Fulton St., 336-4300, johnballzoosociety.org.

Photography courtesy Gilmore Car Museum

Photography courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum (top); Grand Rapids ARt Museum (bottom)

Holland Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru April 14, Lost Holland. Thru May 12, 75th Anniversary Exhibition, Celebrating the Journey: Settlement to City. Permanent exhibitions: Dutch Galleries of 17th- to 20th-century paintings; cultural attractions from the “old country”; local history. Closed Tue. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, 5 and under free.

Cappon House, 228 W. 9th St., Settlers House, 190 W. 9th St., main building, 31 W. 10th St., (616) 7963329, hollandmuseum.org.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibitions: Thru May 19, Sight and Feeling: Photographs

by Ansel Adams. Thru May 26, Reflections: AfricanAmerican Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection. April 20-May 8, Young Artists of Kalamazoo County. Closed Mon. $5 adults, $2 students with ID, members and kids 12 and under free. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org.

Meyer May House: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house restored by Steelcase includes original furnishings. Guided tours 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tue. and Thu., 1-5 p.m. Sun. (last tour one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Special exhibitions: Thru May 19, Hughie Lee-Smith: Meditations.

Thru May 26, Laurie Keller: Storyteller, Illustrations for Snory Fellers. April 3-28, Expressions 2013: Student Art Exhibition. Permanent exhibitions: Paintings, prints, sculpture and glass. Closed Mon. and Tue. $7 adults (Thu. free); $5 students; members, children under 17 free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegonartmuseum.org.

Parades Trolley Tours Variety Shows Kids Events Concerts Carnivals Fireworks Dutch Market Dutch Dancers Art & Craft Fair

MAY 4-11

2013

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out & about Society / faces / places

Cindy Krzykwa and Julie VanHorn

Patti Flood and Greg and Audrey Sundstrom

Eric Foster and Bill Kirk

Susan and Barry McKey

Miranda Johnson

Lori Brooks and Christy Vierzen

Capturing the action around town:

snap shots

Local First handed out LocalMotion Awards Jan. 29 to individuals and businesses that made a significant impact on GR’s economy in 2012. Winners included Founders Brewing Co., Brewery Vivant, Essence Restaurants, Christine Helms-Maletic, Jaye Van Lenten of Spirit Dreams and LINC Community Revitalization Inc. The Home Builders Association Foundation also handed out awards at its Home & Hearth Benefit Feb. 8.

And Jan. 28’s Soup’s On For All event at The B.O.B. raised funds to benefit the food and pantry programs of Catholic Charities West Michigan.

Pam and Mike Mlnarik and Stan Greene

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Bailey and Chris Dykstra and Travis and Andrea Gray

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Christine and Joni Gill

Carlos Hernandez, Kaisa Kuiz and Val Gardner Kayla and Mary Riley

Terry and Joan Bowersox and Deborah Nykamp

J.C. Huizinga, Tammy Born, Tracye Tuinstra, Kris Blanker and Judy McCrumb

Rowdy and Jessica Lapham

Gloria and Glen Van Andel

Photography by Michael Buck (top); Johnny Quirin (bottom)

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Tony and Deb Vu

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Special advertiSing Section

SHoWcaSe Star colliSion carStar roger WilliaMS  plainField avenUe ..

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Star Collision CARSTAR says, “Relax, We’ll Take It From Here” ™

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THERE IS MORE THAN ONE REASON that Grand Rapids-area residents have made Star Collision CARSTAR their number one choice when it comes to comprehensive collision repair and total automobile restoration services. Founded in 1958 on the principle of raising the standards of the collision repair industry, their ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of customer and collision repair services has made them West Michigan’s foremost provider of auto body repair and meticulous restoration.

No matter what make or model, Star Collision CARSTAR will take care of you and keep your car

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BY J. STAPLETON-BURCH

looking like new. Nationally supported, but locally owned, they can offer the benefits of being part of the largest collision repair network in North America, while providing the trust and confidence that comes with being served – and your car cared for – by experts from within your own community.

“We realize that your car is most likely your second biggest investment, so we care for your car just as if it were our own,” noted Roger Williams, owner of Star Collision CARSTAR on Plainfield in Grand Rapids. Their solid reputation is built on a legacy of serving the greater Grand Rapids area for over half a century. From their long-tenured, skilled staff and expertly trained and I-CAR-certified technicians, to their state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, their goal is simple: To restore the safety and performance of your vehicle and give you something to be proud of now and into the future.

“Our number one priority is our customers,” Williams continued, but it’s a philosophy that doesn’t stop there. “We’re here to take care of people – not only our customers, but also our employees and our community.” As a result, they use only waterborne paints in their facility to protect employees and the environment, and they support other local area businesses, from auto parts suppliers and mechanics to office suppliers. In addition, they are actively involved with their Creston Business Association, the North Quarter Corridor Improvement Board, which collaborated on the Plainfield water quality islands, and they host the annual Creston Car Show,

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Special Advertising Section

which raises funds for local non-profit organizations (visit crestoncarshow.com for more information).

Dedicated to making your collision repair experience as easy and trouble-free as possible, when an accident happens, they’re ready to help with 24/7 accident assistance at 616-364-6222 or 1-800-CARSTAR (1-800-227-7827). They offer free vehicle pickup and delivery, or you can simply bring in your car and a claim number from your insurance company, and they’ll take it from there. The Star Col-

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lision staff will walk you through every step of the process, whether you need something simple like auto glass replacement or require full-service custom body and finishing work. They will arrange a tow, set up a low-cost rental or put you in a complimentary loaner car during the repair process. They work with insurance companies on behalf of their customers, and have established close working relationships with all of the major insurance carriers.

“This gives us the ability to directly manage your insurance claims, minimize your paperwork, and get your claim approved and promptly paid,” said General Manager Steve Sawicki, who has been with the company since 1993. “Car accidents interrupt life and create stressful situations. We are devoted to giving our customers an informed, hassle-free repair experience.” And although some insurance carriers may recommend a visit to the dealer or refer another body shop, auto owners have the right to take their car wherever they choose. It just makes sense to choose the best.

Above: Roger Williams, owner, and Steve Sawicki, GM, with a customer’s award winning ’69 Nova Photo by: Michael Buck Facing page: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible, frameoff restoration can be seen at www.starcollision.com/photogallery.php.

Left: STAR Collision CARSTAR’s Office on Plainfield Ave NE has been an icon in the Creston area since 1958.

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Special advertiSing Section

SHoWcaSe gorMan’S

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Gorman’s offers great style for everyone

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FOR MORE THAN 73 YEARS, Gorman’s has been instrumental in beautifying homes across the Great Lakes state and beyond. At the Grand Rapids location of this premier Michigan-based home furnishings company, you’ll find everything you need to take your home from “acceptable” to exceptional! Their comprehensive selection offers 100 quality furniture name brands intended to accommodate any lifestyle. Whether your tastes runs from traditional to contemporary, or falls somewhere in between, Gorman’s offers unlimited options and furniture solutions to fit the way you live.

As Michigan’s absolute leaders in fashion, style and design, Gorman’s buyers search the world over to bring the finest selection of the latest styles and

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BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

hottest trends in home furnishings and accessories to its Grand Rapids customers. And you just might be surprised by their excellent values. Because people have different needs at different times in their lives – or for different rooms in their home – at Gorman’s you’ll find price points to meet every budget. Their Intro Collection includes fashionforward quality furnishings made to suit any lifestyle – and at their most modest prices. So whether you are looking for exquisite custom furnishings, or are starting out or starting over, you’re sure to find it at Gorman’s.

Best of all, you can rely on the expertise of Gorman’s experienced designers to help find exactly what you need to create the home of your dreams.

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Special Advertising Section

“We’ve been fortunate to garner some of the best interior design talent in Grand Rapids,” noted the store’s co-owner and president, Tom Lias, who added that these design services are complimentary.

“Our design team is not only extremely talented and very friendly, but they know and truly understand our Grand Rapids customers because they have been working with them for years – and in some cases, even decades.”

In fact, the entire Grand Rapids staff is well seasoned in the local furniture industry, with years of experience behind them at either Gorman’s or other locally celebrated stores such as the former Klingman’s and Israel’s. Now they embody all the best of West Michigan and are eager to serve you at Gorman’s beautiful showroom on 28th Street SE, just west of Breton. You’ll find them to be a complete design resource for all of your interior proj-

GRM_4.13_Showcases.indd 93

ects, with an extensive selection of furnishings, window treatments, fabrics, lighting, wood and stone flooring, custom and oriental rugs and stylish decorating accessories that will add interest to any room.

And because customer satisfaction is what Gorman’s is all about, their unparalleled selection and incredible price range is all backed by their “Must be Right” policy and their “National Low Price” guarantee – making Gorman’s accessible to everyone. You can rest assured that when Gorman’s says, “Your style, your way, our 100 brands,” they really mean it. Stop by and see for yourself why Gorman’s is Michigan’s premier destination for quality home furnishings and interior design.

Above: Gorman’s entire staff is from Grand Rapids. Standing (Left to Right): Susan Hawking, Duane Petroskey, Greg Van Assen, Kristina Pothoven, Tom DeFouw, Joy Pupel, Jeff Tyler, Mary Mule’. Seated (Left to Right): Jan Idema, Terry Boedgieff, Teri Gabriel, Jim Miller, Evonne Koopmans, Jeri Trapp, Yvonne Wiggenhagen, Kreg DeVecht, Pat Lindquist Photo by: Michael Buck Facing page, left: Starting out or starting over? INTRO is where to start with sofa’s from $799. It’s great style…affordable.

Facing page, right: The 100 Best brands in furniture, including great names like Lexington, Henredon, Harden, Century, Marge Carson and Thomasville.

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Special advertiSing Section

SHoWcaSe dentiSt tHoMaS J. laMBert, ddS tHoMaS J. laMBert, ddS  grand ridge dr. ne ..

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Dentistry so advanced, it’s gentle

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IF YOU ARE SEEKING COMFORTABLE, leading-edge dental care that caters to you with spa-like luxuries, look no further than the office of Dr. Thomas J. Lambert. Awarded “Best Dentist” in Grand Rapids Magazine’s “Best of GR” read-

GRM_4.13_Showcases.indd 94

BY J. STAPLETON BURCH ers’ poll, his office – near Knapp’s Corner and the East Beltline – is one of the most technologically advanced dental offices in all of West Michigan.

They offer the latest cosmetic dentistry procedures and services, ranging from gentle ultrasonic cleanings, one-hour teeth whitening, sculpted tooth-colored fillings, lifelike dental implants, veneers, and computer-generated E-Max all-porcelain crowns, to diagnodent laser cavity detection, digital imaging (safer, low-dose x-rays), digital intra-oral cameras and high-definition monitors. He can also provide patients with snore-inhibiting sleep apnea appliances and a new headache suppression device known as the NTI. And it’s all done in a comfortable, spalike environment.

“My team and I are committed to providing our patients with exceptional, gentle, state-of-the-art dental care from highly trained professionals who really care,” Dr. Lambert noted. “Patient comfort is our clinical team’s top priority.” It is this commitment that really sets Dr. Lambert’s practice apart.

While being treated, patients are pampered with spa-like services that include soothing paraffin hand treatments, cool aromatherapy eye masks, lemonscented facial towels, cozy warm blankets, digital satellite headphones and complimentary, relaxing nitrous oxide.

As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Sports Dentistry, and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Lambert also has a longstanding commitment as a

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Special Advertising Section

dental lecturer and has spoken to dentists and their teams throughout the state of Michigan. For over ten years he has been sharing his passion for dentistry with students at Grand Rapids Community College, where he has served as an adjunct professor in the Dental Hygiene Program. Likewise, he’s committed to assisting local Baxter Community Center with its dental clinic, helping local families

GRM_4.13_Showcases.indd 95

in need. And with a nod to the environment, he is also leading the way in the paperless office with digital patient charting and electronic claim forms.

His top dental team is dedicated to ongoing excellence. They continually raise the bar with advanced training and certifications in the latest procedures, while providing a special kind of personalized care.

In fact, Dr. Lambert’s office boasts one of the top five hygienists in America, Lori Totten, as chosen

by American Dental Hygienists Magazine – quite a prestigious honor when you consider there are over 125,000 practicing dental hygienists in the nation.

Over the past three decades, thousands of West Michigan residents have turned to Dr. Lambert and his caring team for high-tech, highly personalized cosmetic dentistry services. For dental care beyond compare, contact the office of Dr. Thomas J. Lambert and ask for a complimentary smile makeover consultation. “We talk to, listen to, and build relationships with our patients,” he said. “We know you have a busy life. We welcome the opportunity to treat you special while you are visiting our office. It will be our pleasure to serve you.”

Above: Team Lambert- from left Jenny, Missy, Dr. Lambert, Karen, Lori, Colleen Photo by: Michael Buck Facing page: Our hygienist Lori Totten relaxes Karen with warm neck wrap, headphones and paraffin hand treatment.

Photo by: Michael Buck Left: Annette enjoying her complimentary paraffin treatment with warming mitts.

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after thoughts

Q:a

Happy Earth Day to Rachel Hood, executive director of West Michigan Environmental Action Council, who’s leading the organization to a new future and ensuring its sustainability.

96 GRMAG.COM \ APRIL 2013

The person you most admire?

Lisa Jackson, who led the EPA by considering our constitutional right to live healthy lives. She understands that emissions from energy production are killing thousands of people.

Your favorite item of clothing?

I just picked up a new suit from

Blue, the Goodwill resale shop on Cherry Street, for $30. Resale shopping is my favorite sport.

Most recent download? Ben Howard’s “Keep Your Head Up.” Day or night person? Night person, for sure!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

D

etroit native Rachel Hood fell in love with West Michigan 14 years ago when she spent a summer in Saugatuck, sailing and enjoying Lake Michigan.

Now the Michigan State University grad has made it her mission to make sure the Great Lakes are sustained for years to come — that and lots of other earth-friendly issues. She and her husband, Dave Petroelje, live in Grand Rapids with daughters Ineke and Evelyn.

What you committed to? My marriage, my daughters, my family and friends, and my mission to make the communities I can influence more sustainable and resilient.

Last time you laughed out loud? WMEAC’s staff meeting this morning. We have a good time together.

Guiltiest pleasure? Summer weekends spent on sailboats in Lake Michigan.

Proudest moment? Each time my little girls (ages 2 and 3) tell me no. It demonstrates that they have backbone. Also, WMEAC’s You Are Here campaign kickoff in the spring of 2012. It was a moment when a lot of hard projects and decisions catalyzed into a big win, affirming we are leading in the right direction.

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

The All New 2013 Cadillac ATS Sedan

Starting At

33,990*

$

The 2013 North American Car Of The Year!

Available With CUE & Many Other Options!

HARVEY

2600 28th Street SE 1/2 mile west of Woodland Mall 616-949-1140◆1-800-552-2339

HarveyCadillac.com

*Preproduction model shown. Actual model may vary. Starting MSRP of 2013 ATS sedan with rear wheel drive - plus tax, title, lic, & fees to qualfied buyers.

Q: What's Next?

A: The All New ES 350

Also available as a Hybrid!

Come in for your personal test drive today!

HARVEY LEXUS OF GRAND RAPIDS 2550 28th Street SE 1/2 mile west of Woodland Mall 616-949-1010◆1-800-551-5398

HarveyLexus.com

Be Smart. Buy Thrifty!

TM

2500 28th Street SE - Grand Rapids

Wide selection of vehicles - one-owner trades, specialty & Certified Pre-Owned.

Ask About Our Guaranteed Credit Approval!

Sales Line 616-975-6480 Toll Free 1-866-514-8663

ThriftyOfGrandRapids.com JML Ventures, a licensee of Thrifty Car Sales C 2013

Featuring Pre-Owned Vehicles From $5,000 to $50,000!

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Stand Up For Your Health

www.DesignQuest.biz

Take a stand with your work... and a seat if you like, too.

The ergonomically designed Sit-Stand desk contains a motorized adjustable desk top that allows you to change from a sitting to a standing position throughout the day, reducing injuries associated with working in a stationary position.

So you can be quick on your feet, or your seat!

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

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