December 2010 - GRM

100+ GLASSES OF WINE AT RESERVE » PG94

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Volume 47 Number 12

December 2010 FEaTurEs aLL Star DoCtorS

HealthGrades Recognized Doctor Data compiles a list of Kent County physicians who meet its quality standards. ........................... 40 artPriZe 2010

A photo album captures the 19 days of Grand Rapids’ unique art competition. .................54

Vote

Dr. B

2 grand rapIds December 2010

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Look good for goodness’ sake.

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64

Volume 47 Number 12

December 2010 on the cover:

Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/Jonathan Brizendine

26

94

In Every Issue Life & Style

Sweet Revenge Patisserie; Wege Institute of Mind, Body & Spirit; Great Lakes photo contest; the Lost Bus; Gina’s Boutique. . .......................... 9-15 Profile

Mary K. Hoodhood, founder of Kids’ Food Basket, received the Presidential Citizen’s Medal. . ................ 20

Speaking Up Etc.

By Carole Valade..................... 7 Travel

By Mary Radigan Caring for a lighthouse on the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. ............................. 16 Grand Times

By Gordon G. Beld The Christmas snowstorm of 1910. ............. 18

Design

Professional decorators take on holiday decorating. .......26 City Guide

Marge Wilson of Marge’s Donut Den profiled; complete dining list; Steve Talaga; Reserve GR wine bar. ................. 63-96

Critic’s Choice

By Mark F. Miller A look inside the “Christmas House.”............. 28 Art Appreciation

By Joseph Antenucci Becherer ArtPrize winner “Cavalry, American Officers, 1921.” .................... 30

Calendar of Events. ........... 85 Dining Review

By Ira Craaven Rock Fire Grille. . ............... 64 Grand Vine

By A. Brian Cain Affordable California wines blind taste test. . .................. 75 Fresh Hops

By Jon C. Koeze Beer cocktails....................... 82 4 Grand Rapids December 2010

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comfort

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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

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John H. Zwarensteyn: jzwarensteyn@geminipub.com Editor

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Matt Baker, Joseph A. Becherer, Gordon G. Beld, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze Contributing Writers

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Nick Capisciolto, Colleen Keehl, Candace Price 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

Avenue Cocktail Table

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Congratulations to our physicians for making the “Best Doc’s” list.

INTERNAL MEDICINE William H. Baer, II M.D. Daniel R. Drumm, M.D. Gary N. Humphries, M. D. Melonie S. Ice, M.D. Lisa J. Kinsey Callaway, M.D. Peter A. Kuhl, M.D. Bruce A. Langerak, D.O. John R. Maurer, M.D. David M. McGrath, M.D. Kyle A. Rasikas, M.D. Jeffery A. Woo, M.D. Heidi L, Flamming, N.P. Jennifer L. Pals, N.P.

Joyce M. Jensen, N.P. Tara L. Webb, N.P. FAMILY MEDICINE Michael J. Bultje, DO John W. Hamersma, M.D. Jennifer L. Pals, N.P. GASTROENTEROLOGY Michael J. Madura, M.D. Andrew M. Welch, M.D. SLEEP & PULMONARY MEDICINE William M. Katz, M.D. Heather L. Matheny, PA-C

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Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com (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) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag. com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2010 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.

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6 Grand Rapids December 2010

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Etcetera

A legacy of design

by Carole Valade

One of the often unspoken attributes of the greater Grand Rapids community is its long and storied history as a center of design. It is most notable to the world in representation by Herman Miller and Steelcase. It is an attribute that cannot be taken away because it is deeply seeded in the consciousness of this place.

The continuing legacy of design was the reason Grand Rapids Magazine began its focus in the Design section of every issue, and impaneled its most notable area experts.

And so it was with great curiosity that staff observed a survey constructed and completed by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research of West Michigan companies, which circuitously determined the importance of design in various industries — especially manufacturing, but also pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, food products and processing, electronics and computers.

The study was requested by Design West Michigan, a professional association, with funding from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art & Design. Kendall is itself a headline in this regard, now achieving rank as Michigan’s largest school of art and design.

The study found that 75 percent of the surveyed firms strongly indicated their business success relied on ability to compete on product and service design, ranking it more significant than engineering waste from the current system. Those firms so ranking design saw their profits grow by an average of 9.93 percent, compared to an average of 5.4 percent growth for other firms.

The survey is unparalleled in the United States, though the British Design Council — created as an economic development arm — has reported similar findings.

It is especially noteworthy for area residents that the Society of Industrial Design considers West Michigan “the Petri dish” of design, according to John Berry, executive director of Design West Michigan.

Kendall President/Vice Chancellor Oliver Evans noted: “This report is significant because it provides evidence of the role that design and design thinking play in a business’s success.

Beyond that, the overriding significance of this report is its development of a research meth-

odology that can identify that significance. The report goes beyond the anecdotal and breaks ground in developing research that supports design’s significance.

“For a college that prepares its graduates for professional lives as designers, this report both affirms the reality and value of the new paradigms in design education Kendall is developing and implementing. As a part of Ferris State University, with its commitment to economic development and the professional preparation of its graduates, Kendall College of Art & Design is proud to have been able to support Design West Michigan and the Upjohn Institute in this significant study.”

The importance of such studies and the validation of this region’s talents offer the “creative class” advantage that businesses desire.

Certainly such talent is made obvious by an event such as ArtPrize, but the underlying talent of the region is reason for its vitality — and its treasure.

Letters We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Please send letters in care of: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503, or e-mail to letters@grmag. com. Letters may be edited for reasons of clarity and space.

December 2010 Grand Rapids 7

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Life & Style

“I think clients see that I have a passion for what I do and they trust me to be their fashion expert.”

— Gina VanGessel » pg15 Photography

by Michael Buck

Inside » Sweet revenge 10

» Wellness 11

» Great Lakes PHotos 12

» Lost bus 14

» Gina’s Boutique 15

December 2010 Grand Rapids 9

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Life & Style

The sweet life

— Marty Primeau Photography by Michael Buck

“I like to see how different things work together. Like lavender cupcakes with citrus cream cheese frosting. And coconut curry cupcakes that are both sweet and spicy.”

— Campbell Evett

Campbell Evett returned to Grand Rapids a year ago on a wave of cupcakes and French macaroons.

In May, the 26-year-old pastry chef launched Sweet Revenge Patisserie, offering a variety of custom-baked goods for every palate and occasion.

“It seemed like the right time,” said Evett, who has degrees from Kendall College of Art & Design and from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. “People are really into cupcakes right now.”

Her specialty? Unexpected flavor combinations.

“I like to see how different things work together,” she said. “Like lavender cupcakes with citrus cream cheese frosting. And coconut curry cupcakes that are both sweet and spicy.”

Or her “gourmet Twinkie”: an orange cardamom cake filled with vanilla butter cream.

She also loves French macaroons, a treat she discovered in Paris. “They come in different colors and flavors, and they’re really fun to play with,” she said.

Her dream is to open a bakery storefront in Grand Rapids, but until she finds the right spot, Evett is renting a commercial kitchen on 28th Street SE and marketing via Facebook. With help from her mom, Debbie, she churns out confections for weddings, graduations, birthdays and more.

During the summer, she sold her goodies on Sundays at the Fulton Street Artisans Market.

That’s how Kurt Stauffer, owner of Rowster New American Coffee, discovered the young baker.

“Some friends of mine who are chefs tried her macaroons at the market and told me, ‘Wow, you’ve got to call this chick.’”

Stauffer wanted an item that would “complement the coffee without stealing the show.” Evett concocted the Noz Cookie with a Portuguese influence.

“It’s spicy with hot chili peppers,” Stauffer said. “It’s incredible with coffee.”

To see Evett’s confections, visit the Sweet Revenge Patisserie page on Facebook. Contact Evett at (616) 617-4566 or email feed.my.revenge@ gmail.com.

10 Grand Rapids December 2010

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Life & Style

Music therapy and acupuncture are two of the holistic treatments offered at the Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit. Above, Peter Muszkiewicz plays guitar for a Saint Mary’s patient.

Services also are offered to the public.

A balanced approach to wellness

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Photography by Michael Buck

The Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit offers 10 types of massage to soothe everything from stressed shoulders to pregnant bellies.

But it’s not a spa, insists Katina Wood, manager of the integrative health care program at Saint Mary’s Health Care.

“There’s no glam or glitz,” she said.

“We’re located in a hospital, so there is a consent process and our therapists wear white jackets. We get a complete medical history on every client — it loses a little of the spa appeal.”

That doesn’t seem to discourage the growing number of people who come for the holistic treatments to ease pain, calm nerves or just relax. They come, Wood said, because the institute blends traditional healing methods with innovative therapies for “a balanced approach to wellness.”

Mind, Body and Spirit was the first complementary medicine facility in Grand

Rapids, founded 11 years ago by Peter Wege. Besides therapeutic massage, the program includes art, pet and music therapies — and acupuncture.

For patients, it’s all free, thanks to Wege. Others pay a fee for services.

“We do a lot of work in the oncology arena for cancer patients,” Wood said.

The institute conducts ongoing seminars to help doctors and the medical staff understand the workings of Oriental healing practices.

Acupuncture and massage help manage such symptoms as fatigue, nausea, headache and pain.

“We get people who come for acupuncture because it’s in a hospital setting,” she said.

Same for massage, which includes classic Swedish, traditional Thai, hot stone, deep tissue, facial, sports, craniosacral, aromatherapy, pregnancy and reflexology — all performed by licensed and credentialed therapists.

Pet therapy is a “huge mood elevator, even for the staff,” Wood said. Same for art and music. “It’s hard to be depressed or in a bad mood with music playing.”

Just in time for the holidays, $60 gift certificates for a one-hour massage will be sold at half price with no purchase limit in the McCauley Gift Shop. For more information, contact Wood at woodkatm@ trinity-health.org.

— Marty Primeau December 2010 Grand Rapids 11

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Life & Style

Cari Weber won a prize for her photo of an egret capturing a fish near Lake Erie; John Dykstra captured top honors for a photo of two surfers on Lake Michigan.

Many great works of art hang on museum walls or in galleries, but winners of the Great Lakes Forever photography contest will have a different venue.

The grand prize photos will be printed on beer coasters and distributed to bars and restaurants in the eight Great Lakes states.

The sixth annual competition, sponsored by the Biodiversity Project and Anheuser-Busch, is meant to help protect the world’s largest fresh water resource.

This year, two Jenison residents snagged top honors: John Dykstra won first place in the professional category, while Cari Weber was the amateur first-place winner.

Both say inspiration came easily.

“I go other places in the country and I always come back to Michigan,” said Dykstra, who owns a studio in Hudsonville and offers photography and classes. “It’s my favorite place; it’s so beautiful.”

He went to Lake Michigan on a whim one day and was just in time to take his winning photograph of surfers capitalizing on high winds and intense waves.

“I always travel with my camera on me,” he said. “I didn’t go there with the intention to take pictures of surfers — it’s just about being ready for the moment.”

Weber received her first 35mm camera when she was 17 and has had a passion for photography ever since.

After taking third place in the amateur category of the 2007 competition with a picture of the Grand Haven pier, Weber decided to submit again. She traveled to Magee Marsh by Lake Erie to capture her photo of an egret that had just caught a fish.

As Weber continues to train her photographer’s eye, she said these kinds of fleeting natural moments are becoming easier and easier for her to spot and shoot.

“If you look close enough, you see small miracles in nature every day,” she said. “And the Great Lakes have such a beautiful environment to photograph.”

— Jackie Zimmermann

Photography Courtesy cari weber (Left); John Dykstra (right)

Helping the Great Lakes, one beer at a time

12 Grand Rapids December 2010

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Photography Courtesy cari weber (Left); John Dykstra (right)

December 2010 Grand Rapids 13

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life & Style

The Lost Bus hits the road and a plan to save the environment. it’s the lost bus, an organization three west Michigan 20-somethings formed to inspire people across the nation to reconnect with their communities. in January, Derek evenhouse, Chad Deters and ben tucker will launch their “lending our Services traveling” road trip across america, stopping along the way to volunteer wherever help is needed. the idea began a year ago as a desire for a little adventure. the three friends — all graduates of Holland Christian High School — brainstormed ideas about how to improve the lives of others. “we’re mostly passionate about the environment and keeping america beautiful,” said tucker. evenhouse has a degree in recreation, parks and leisure

administration from Central Michigan university. Deters is a garbage collector. tucker, a grand rapids Community College grad, was in Montana training alaskan Huskies for the iditarod. they purchased a 1996 school bus for $1,400 on ebay, with plans to convert it into an eco-friendly mobile home. they researched using waste veggie oil as an alternative to fossil fuels. “this is a really good opportunity for us to lead by example,” evenhouse said. and it’s cheap. wvo can be acquired from restaurants trying to avoid paying for their used oil to be picked up and recycled. “we can use 80 percent of the veggie oil itself,” evenhouse said. “the plan is to visit restaurants in every city or town. Most have friers.” the bus can also run on diesel or biodiesel fuel. the guys removed the seat-

ben tucker, Derek evenhouse and chad Deters get ready to hit the road in their revamped school bus.

ing from the bus and added bunks, benches, a composite toilet, a refrigerator, stove and oven. Many of the building materials were rescued from a landfill.

“Chad has a garbage route,” tucker said, “and he always comes home with stuff and says ‘Hey, we can use this!’” their travel plans will start in the South, heading west to texas, north to Colorado and ending up in washington by the end of the summer. as the rainy season hits the Pacific northwest, they will spend the winter traveling down the California coast.

Money is an issue. they’d like the lost bus to be a nonprofit or find a nonprofit to sponsor their venture. in the meantime, they’re footing the bill and accepting donations. they hope to take away from the experience just as much as they give. “we hear a lot of ‘i wish i

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE GOALS OF DEREK, BEN AND CHAD AND FOLLOW THEIR PROGRESS, VISIT LOSTBUS.COM.

would have done something like that when i was a kid,’” said Deters. “i want to be that 70-year-old man telling a great story.” and, while the road ahead is laden with both figurative and literal speed bumps, the lost bus remains a project the friends believe in. “there is a probability that it fails miserably, that three months in we run out of money,” Deters said. “but then so be it; we tried and got a great experience out of it.”

— Jackie ZiMMerMann

PhotograPhy by Jim gebben

THREE GUYS, ONE SCHOOL BUS

14 Grand rapids December 2010

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Life & Style

Gina from the block

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Jim Gebben

L

ondon, England, is a long way from Gina VanGessel’s hometown in Greenville, Mich. But the owner of Gina’s Boutique in downtown Grand Rapids said an internship offered by the London College of Fashion “changed the way I looked at the industry.”

In the summer of 2002, VanGessel was knee deep in purses, jewelry, belts and floral hair accessories at Johnny Loves Rosie, an iconic accessories company located in London’s fashion district. “I gained more respect for fashion,” she said. “I saw that you really can make a career of it.”

Back in the U.S., VanGessel — armed with a degree in fashion merchandising and design from Central Michigan University — took jobs in store management and merchandising before launching her own business.

In 2004, she opened Gina’s Bou“I try to never be satisfied with tique at 40 Monroe Center NW, sellhow the stores are doing because ing contemporary clothes and accessories.

I know there is always something Back then, she said, fashion bouI can do better.” tiques were scarce in the downtown — Gina VanGessel area.

“Now you can find everything from designer denim to a formal gown,” she said. In 2009, she partnered with Rosa Piccione to open Lia Rose next door to Gina’s. The second boutique is aimed at a more mature shopper.

“I think clients see that I have a passion for what I do and they trust me to be their fashion expert,” said VanGessel, who handles everything from buying, merchandising and selling at Gina’s and shares those responsibilities at Lia Rose. “I try to never be satisfied with how the stores are doing because I know there is always something I can do better.”

VanGessel has teamed up with other independent fashion clothing retailers for such events as Fashion’s Night Out and Grand Rapids Fashion Weekend.

In September, she and her staff won the top award in Style Battle 2010, showcasing local retailers, photographers, makeup artists, models and hairstylists.

“I had never been a part of anything like that and I was amazed at how creative everybody was,” said VanGessel, who used a 12-foot boa constrictor and baby alligators as props.

“We knew we had to have some sort of ‘wow’ factor.”

— Melissa Black

December 2010 Grand Rapids 15

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life & Style: travel

Getting away from it all by mary raDigan

location: nine miles north of northport, off M-22 and north lighthouse Point road, at the tip of leelanau State Park on lake Michigan.

Dates: volunteers needed December through april. cost: $100 per night (twonight minimum) for up to four people; children welcome.

Process: Must apply to program coordinator and meet specifications for approval. Membership in the grand traverse lighthouse Museum is required. Cost: $15 for single membership; $25 for family.

More information: (231) 386-7195 or e-mail progcoor@ triton.net.

are open to the public during the winter, but the museum and retail shop are closed.

Before you settle in, a staff member will provide an orientation and a little history. You never know if a visitor might knock on the door asking for information. During your stay, the walks may need to be plowed, birdfeeders filled, security checks conducted and minor maintenance performed. If a holiday is involved, decorating may be part of the responsibilities.

Children can share in some tasks.

Sure, the weather is cold, the water often is roiling and the skies may spit snow, but you pretty much have the place to yourself. No standing in lines to climb the lighthouse tower or jockeying for a position to get a glimpse of the museum’s artifacts. If you’re lucky, a gen-

erous staff member will take you on a personal tour through the museum and even open the gift shop for browsing and buying at a 10 percent discount.

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse was closed by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1972. It stood vacant until area residents in 1985 formed the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum in order to preserve the buildings and property. The group also wanted to create educational opportunities and a historical perspective for the public.

PhotograPhy by michael l. hale

GRAND TRAVERSE LIGHTHOUSE:

InsTeaD of HeaDIng south for the winter, how about caring for a lighthouse on the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula?

Yes, really.

If you’ve ever fantasized about being a lighthouse keeper but don’t have time for the week-long commitment expected for summer keeper programs, consider the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum’s Winter Keeper’s Program.

Perched on the shoreline of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, the lighthouse and its cozy living quarters present an experience you don’t have to share with the crowds of summer.

Best of all, you’re the boss.

Starting in December, approved volunteers can stay in the lighthouse a minimum of two nights at $100 a night for up to four people. The fee supports the maintenance and restoration of the historic lighthouse, originally built in 1852.

The program runs though the end of April and helps provide additional security for the grounds and lighthouse quarters. Located in Leelanau State Park, the lighthouse grounds

16 Grand rapids December 2010

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL L. HALE

Life & Style: Travel The lighthouse reopened in 1987, and volunteers have donated thousands of hours to restore and maintain the grounds. This past year about 20,000 summer visitors toured the lighthouse museum, while another 100,000 people utilized Leelanau State Park services, campground and picnic area.

This is the second year for the Winter Keeper’s Program, which last season hoped to fill 10 nights. Instead, reservations accounted for 27 nights, netting $2,700 for the lighthouse museum.

“We had people who wanted to volunteer to help and live in the lighthouse but couldn’t commit during the full (summer) season,” said Lisa Drummond, program coordinator. “We had a successful first year and decided to do it again.”

With all of its original floors, the first floor of the living quarters features an eat-in kitchen, living room, bedroom and a small half-bath. Through a door and up the stairs is another bedroom and full bathroom on the second floor. The kitchen is well furnished, but you must bring your own food. Keepers also bring their own linens and clean the living quarters before departure.

The ascent to the tower is 42 steps to the enclosed platform, from which, on a clear day, you can spot the Fox Islands, Manitou Islands and sometimes Beaver Island. It’s a cold climb, but the breath-taking view and winter roar of Lake Michigan may have you climbing up more than once. The sunsets alone can be a photographer’s dream.

A nice perk for the winter program permits children under 18 to share the experience with adults, which is not allowed during the busier summer season. In addition to the required tasks, there’s hiking, cross-country skiing, sledding and exploring the grounds to enjoy the stark beauty of winter.

During the last snowy days of April last year, help was needed to prepare the museum’s retail shop, including pricing items and stocking shelves. “Before we started this program, stuff just was not getting done until the last minute,” said Stefanie Staley, the lighthouse museum’s executive director. “The added help gets us further along with the projects on deck for the year.”

Mary Radigan is a Grand Rapids freelance writer who spent a weekend tending the lighthouse.

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History: grand times

Christmas a century ago by gorDon g. belD

cents. Herpolsheimers was selling toy trains with an engine, coal tender and four cars for $1.25 and dolls for between 25 and 29 cents.

In Washington, President William Howard Taft finished his Christmas shopping on Dec. 23. Fond of giving books and jewelry as gifts, he spent much of his time rummaging the shelves of booksellers and jewelers, according to news reports. One also noted that, like many other shoppers, he started on his tour of shops with a long list of names and probable purchases.

Special musical programs at mid-town churches attracted many of the 113,000 resi-

dents of Grand Rapids on Christmas morning.

A new organ at St. Mark’s Cathedral was used for the first time at the service with Phelps Cowan at the keyboard, and yule songs were sung by a choir of 45 men and boys. Music at Fountain Street Baptist Church was led by Mrs. William Fenton, who took over as director of music for the congregation that day. At St. Andrews Cathedral, organist Paul C. Flerle played Christmas selections on the chimes, beginning at 4:30 in the morning.

Residents of Grand Rapids were generous as they remembered underprivileged neighbors. “The Herald Santa Claus Girls found no ‘scrooges,’” the newspaper reported in its Christmas morning edition, adding that contributions gave 600 children a happy holiday.

A day earlier the Herald reported that over 200 children “were stirred and made to glow with happiness” when the local corps of the Salvation Army held its annual yule celebration for Sunday school students and any others who cared to attend.

On the day after Christmas, not all citizens were happy, however. Howard A. Thornton, an attorney who lived on South College Avenue, had left the city with his family the day before Christmas to spend the holiday with his parents. When they returned, they discovered burglars had broken into their home early Christmas morning, ransacked it and took virtually everything of value.

But there was one happy ending to the holiday. Arriving in the city Christmas Eve on a train from Saginaw was 11-year-old Albert Galzan, an orphan who was to be adopted by a family in Conklin. However, the man who was to meet him at Union Depot failed to show up.

Alone, with no money and unaquainted with anyone in the city, Albert was befriended by stationmaster C.C. Pratt, who bought supper for the boy and put him to bed in his office.

With the help of police and the staff of St. John’s Orphan Home, the boy was soon placed on an interurban car of the Grand Rapids, Grand Haven & Muskegon Railway and taken to his new home at Conklin the next day.

Gordon G. Beld has written more than 200 historical features for newspapers and magazines since the 1960s.

C

YO

It’s PhotograPhy courteSy gorDon g. belD

Wind from the southeast at 8 miles per hour increased to 20 and whipped the snow into drifts.

Most trains were late, the Herald said, some of them 45 minutes.

CHrIsTMas In Grand Rapids a hundred years ago was dazzling white.

Shortly after noon on Dec. 25, 1910, snow started falling in earnest and the storm ended up as “a real gee-whizzer,” according to the Grand Rapids Herald the next morning. Wind from the southeast at 8 miles per hour increased to 20 and whipped the snow into drifts. Most trains were late, the Herald said, some of them 45 minutes.

Before the storm, downtown stores had been open evenings before Christmas but there were comparatively few last-minute shoppers.

“I really expected to see more people down,” one merchant said. “The weather was just right for a big turnout, but it failed to materialize.”

Prices were right, though, according to Dec. 24 newspaper ads. At Smith’s Department Store women’s sweaters, regularly $4, were going for $2.69. Steketees offered ladies’ silk vests for $1.50 and men’s Elgin shirts for 85

18 Grand rapids December 2010

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Profile: Influential Women

Speaking up for hungry kids Mary K. Hoodhood, recipient of the Presidential Citizen’s Medal, overcame personal tragedy and founded the Kids’ Food Basket. By Alexandra Fluegel

W

That process has required determination and patience, and Hoodhood has plenty. In 1980, she was involved in a car accident that resulted in a C 4-5 spinal injury, and she has been in a wheelchair ever since. She refers to the accident as the defining moment of her life; it led her to volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program at God’s Kitchen, where the seeds for Kids’ Food Basket were sown.

When Hoodhood proposed the idea for Kids’ Food Basket in 2001, she was working as a volunteer coordinator at God’s Kitchen. “It was the post-9/11 economy; most places were cutting programs, not starting them,” she said. “So I asked, ‘If money is the only problem, if I raise the money, can I do it?’”

And she did.

Hoodhood reached out and solicited enough money in private donations to begin serving Mary K. Hoodhood 125 sack suppers at three local Organization: Kids’ Food Basket schools each week with the help Website: www.kidsfoodbasket.org of a small group of volunteers.

Residence: Grand Rapids “I remember struggling when we Community Involvement: Board member, Indian first started. When we began feedTrails Camp; member, Americans With Disabilities ing kids, we were at donated locaAct Advisory Committee, city of Grand Rapids; tions — that was not a good thing,” member, Advisory Board, Kent County Juvenile she explained.

Court; Citizen’s Representative, Kent County Kids’ Food Basket found a perChapter of American Red Cross board; six-year manent home on the city’s southmember, Community Relations Commission, city of Grand Rapids west side, as well as a passionate executive director, Bridget Clark Whitney, who was fresh out of Aquinas College’s community leadership program. After discovering the shocking statistics of Michigan’s nutritionally at-risk children, she said, “we realized the responsibility we had.”

Hoodhood and Whitney knew they couldn’t do it alone. In the first few years, their volunteer base had grown steadily, but Hoodhood admitted, “That can be a real stumbling block — getting the manpower.” One method they devised to recruit volunteers was to offer a wide choice of opportunities.

“One of the key reasons we are “It’s about seeing yourself as part of the solution and not the problem. so successful is because we have I do the same thing with my disability. You have to concentrate on the programs in the morning, evening and the weekends,” Hoodhood positive things and the successes you can measure.” said. “If you want to bring your — Mary K. Hoodhood

Photography by Johnny Quirin

hen Grand Rapids Magazine profiled Mary K. Hoodhood in 2007, she made one thing clear: “I’ve got a big mouth when it comes to childhood hunger!”

And three years, a new facility and more than a million sack suppers later, Hoodhood continues to be one of the loudest voices speaking up for hungry children in Grand Rapids — loud enough that even President Barack Obama took notice.

Mary K. Hoodhood was personally selected by Obama, along with 13 others, from a pool of 6,000 nominations to receive the Presidential Citizen’s Medal for her work with Kids’ Food Basket. The medal is the second highest honor a citizen may receive, but Hoodhood was quick to point out, “I didn’t do this by myself.

It’s been a real process over the years.”

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Photography by Johnny Quirin

Profile: Influential Women

friends, we have something you can do; if you want to bring your Bible study group, we have something you can do.”

Currently, Kids’ Food Basket has more than 3,000 volunteers, which averages out to 100 volunteers daily working six days a week. In June, the organization was honored with the Michigan Community Service Commission’s Outstanding Volunteer Program of the Year award.

The growth of Kids’ Food Basket in the last five years has allowed the organization to hire five full-time employees.

It now provides more than 2,500 sack suppers daily to 26 area schools, but there are still 16 schools on the waiting list.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Kids’ Food Basket does not receive funding from any national, state, or local governments.

Grants, local businesses, individuals and community organizations provide the entire annual budget of $1.4 million.

“It’s been a really sad thing that we’re feeding all these people, but it’s a really good thing because our community has embraced our mission,” Hoodhood said.

Between 2000-2008, Grand Rapids saw the largest spike in poverty levels among any U.S. city and is currently estimated to have a 19.4 percent food hardship rate — higher than Detroit (18.8 percent) and Chicago (17.4 percent), according to the Brookings Institute.

Hoodhood admits the numbers can be disheartening, “but it’s about seeing yourself as part of the solution and not the problem. I do the same thing with my disability. You have to concentrate on the positive things and the successes you can measure.”

One measure of the organization’s current success is a new, larger location at 2055 Oak Industrial Drive. Hoodhood said she never thought Kids’ Food Basket would grow out of its former home, “but now we’ll be able to expand our services.”

The organization estimates it will be able to double the number of children it serves within the next three years. One lesson Hoodhood has learned in the past 10 years is that growth requires more money and more helping hands — but she isn’t worried.

“Even if you don’t have any money — I don’t have any money, so I give my time, my energy. This is our community — a great community, and we want it to be the best that it is.”

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Design Professional decorators can make use of existing holiday ornaments and collectibles to create a whole new look. » PG26 PHOtOGraPHy by JOHNNy QuiriN

iNSiDe » SOLVED 26

» CRITIC’S CHOICE 28

» ART APPRECIATION 30

december 2010 Grand rapids 25

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Design: Solved

Sprucing up for the holidays Professional decorators will do everything from putting up the Christmas tree to finding the perfect wreath for the front door. by Marty Primeau

G

Photography by Johnny Quirin

ot holiday overload? It’s that Scrooge-like feeling of despair when you see boxes of Christmas decorations in the attic and wonder when you’ll have the time or energy.

Turn to the experts.

Professional decorators can transform a home or office, using existing ornaments and collectibles or creating a whole new look. They’ll put up the tree, trim the mantel, assemble centerpieces and so much more.

Some even offer to pack up decorations after the holidays and store them until next year.

“It’s really nice for people who are so busy to be able to come home and the tree is all decorated,” said Susan Wall, special events coordinator at Eastern Floral.

Right after Thanksgiving, Wall and

26 Grand Rapids December 2010

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Photography by Johnny Quirin

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Design: Solved

her crew go into hyper-decorating mode. Besides private homes, they’ll transform the Amway Grand Plaza, the JW Marriott, Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus and the Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones law firm.

“That week is nuts,” she said. “That’s when Christmas really goes into full swing.”

And despite the recession, professional decorators aren’t slowing down.

“We mostly work for a lot of professionals who don’t have the time or don’t want to bother,” Wall said. “But they want their homes to look nice for the holidays.”

Cost for decorating the average home runs a couple of hundred dollars, she said, depending on the client’s desires.

Interior decorator Jamie Bloomquist also has a wide range of holiday clients, from young people just starting out to emptynesters who want something new.

She said people who’ve been decorating for years “often struggle with putting the same things up every year in the exact same place. They want me to do something fresh.”

Others have watched design shows on HGTV and want a holiday décor theme. “But they’re worried that a theme would involve too much expense and creativity,” she said. “So I help them create a theme within their own taste and budget.”

Tradition still rules and both decorators know how to incorporate family treasures into an overall plan. In recent years, Wall and Bloomquist say the green movement has influenced decorating trends.

“I think people are leaning toward natural materials, such as fresh greens and pine cones,” Wall said. “We’re still doing glitz, but not as much as in the past.”

Bloomquist encourages clients to change just one thing each season.

“Do something new with the tree,” she said. “Or take one room and create a theme, rather than redoing the whole house.

Interior decorator Jamie Bloomquist (above) offers holiday solutions for all budgets. (Jamie@ interiorsplashes.com or (616) 530-2633). Opposite page, an Eastern Floral crew, including Holly Crumback, Antoinette Kiewiet and Cherie Jaworowicz (top) and Penny Diephouse (below) decorate the lobby of the Amway Grand. (easternfloral.com or (616) 949-2200).

Most people have good taste, but they have no idea how to pull everything together.”

In most cases, she said, she advises clients to think simple.

“I like to mix natural and synthetic,” she said. Many of her arrangements include a glass vase or bowl, some ball ornaments, holiday ribbon and boughs cut from her pine tree and holly bush.

While red, green, silver and gold are traditional holiday colors, Bloomquist said trendy hues emerge every year.

“Maybe you don’t want to do a whole house in blue, but you can do one room that way,” she said. “It’s always exciting to pick up new things.”

GR December 2010 Grand Rapids 27

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Design: Critic’s Choice

GR’s Christmas House

by Mark F. Miller, AIA

Often a house becomes more than just a dwelling, thanks to the personality and interests of its owner. The home at 47 Union Ave. SE — known as the Christmas House — is a fine example.

Originally constructed in the mid-1890s on the grounds of the Waters Estate, the house is reminiscent of the shingle style prevalent on the East Coast during the mid-19th cen-

tury. Although not a pure example, the house exhibits many of the style’s signature characteristics, including wall cladding of continuous wood shingles, steeply pitched roof lines and an extensive porch that is at least partially incorporated within the building mass.

The home’s exterior also offers glimpses of festive charm. Its front porch columns have been painted to resemble red and white striped candy canes. A neon Santa Claus centered in the attic window high in the peak of the gambrel roof is framed by a wreath. As Christmas approaches each year, garlands are added to the spans between the columns, and elf statues appear on the porch.

David Eppelheimer purchased the home in 1990 and has since turned it into a whimsical extension of his personality. The retired kindergarten teacher and co-owner of Elves Antiques, he has transformed the interior of his wonderfully maintained house into a year-round Yuletide experience using his substantial collection of Christmas antiques.

A large Christmas tree, decorated with vintage ornaments and a nativity scene at its base, anchors the living room. This carefully created nativity scene, or putz, is a decorative Christmas village that was common in early-colonial American Moravian homes and is rooted in the holiday traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Photography by Michael Buck

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Design: Critic’s Choice

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Michael Buck

It was featured on Martha Stewart’s “2001 Christmas Special,” when Eppelheimer shipped it to her studio and helped to recreate it on the set.

Complementing this ensemble are several small feather trees (made of bird feathers and representing some of the earliest artificial Christmas trees), all fully decorated with a variety of brightly colored and glimmering ornaments.

The house is filled with other Christmas antiques, including Soviet-era ornaments from

Russia complete with the hammer and sickle symbol, a vintage Macy’s window advertisement, and a moose head appropriately named, “Olive, the other reindeer.”

Each year, Eppelheimer throws an annual holiday gathering for kindergarteners and their families. Since he describes his home as “obnoxiously over-decorated,” Eppelheimer has designated one of his many trees to be

the Broken Ornament Tree in preparation for inevitable breaks during scavenger hunts and games of “I spy.”

This 5-foot tree is nearly filled, not because of errant children, but rather because of the eagerness of their adult escorts.

The Christmas house, just south of Fulton Street in a quiet residential neighborhood, will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 4.

Nearly everything inside is for sale, including some unique finds from when Eppelheimer “mines the attic.”

Mark F. Miller is an architect and urban designer at Nederveld and chairman of the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission.

December 2010 Grand Rapids 29

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Design: Art Appreciation

‘Cavalry’ merges past and present

by Joseph Antenucci Becherer

Chris LaPorte’s monumental drawing, “Cavalry, American Officers, 1921” — winner of ArtPrize 2010 — is a stunning tour de force of craftsmanship and content, composition and character.

In an age when everything digital reigns supreme and some artists can produce good work without getting their hands dirty, it seems almost incomprehensible that a labor-intensive project would be viable.

LaPorte, a drawing professor at Aquinas College, said the pencil drawing involved over 800 hours of his time. If one were to take into consideration just one of the 53 men presented in the work, examining the form and scrutinizing the individual pencil markings, the project would be daunting to even the heartiest of craftsmen.

Drawing is often seen as a means to an end, associated with preparation, not finished products. Historically, there have been a myriad of virtuoso draftsmen, and their endeavors

are traditionally feasts for the eye. But their work tends to be intimate, requiring an experience close at hand. Even large-scale drawings, commonly referred to as cartoons, never quite reach the conquest LaPorte has presented.

Measuring 8 feet tall by 28 feet wide, “Cavalry, American Officers, 1921” is cinematic in scope.

LaPorte drew his inspiration from an old photograph discovered in a second-hand shop.

Although he does draw from life, drawing from a photograph encourages a certain aesthetic and two-dimensionality the artist has embraced. The men depicted seem to range from their early 20s through mid-life. Perhaps many were veterans of the recently concluded world war. In our own era, much romance has been invested in the Civil War and World War II, yet popular culture is largely quiet about the American military life between such powerful endeavors. It may be incorrect to view this particular work as homage, but it certainly stirs

Photography by Michael Buck

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PhotograPhy by michael bucK

Design: Art Appreciation

a sense of reverence and gratitude for those depicted.

Both the title and subject are blissfully ironic. Simply think about “cavalry” and the date 1921. Here is the decline of the old world and centuries of equine military, and the rise of the automobile and mechanical warfare that is part of the modern world. LaPorte seems to have seized upon this precious moment of change and preserved it, just as he has seized upon the time-honored art of drawing and rescued it from the precipice of unfamiliarity in the age of computer and digital technology.

As noted, the monumental scale of “Cavalry” is impressive. Such size is difficult to visually control. So much space could overwhelm, or at least dizzy, the viewer. Yet the artist is a master of composition or visual organization. To conquer and control this vast space, LaPorte relies on several key elements. Structure is provided by the arrangement of the figures. The rows of officers are subtle bands that stretch horizontally and rise vertically in three rows, granting fundamental stability to the image.

Second is the uniformity of materials, pencil and the monochromatic palette ranging from deep gray-black to white.

Third is the frontality of the image. Figures are right at the edge of the picture plane and fully present themselves to the viewer. In fact, their presence is inescapable.

The overarching character of this work is authoritative benevolence. La Porte is in command of his craft as these men were once in command of their demeanor for the original photograph, and, one supposes, in command of their steeds and their troops. The scale of the drawing and the confrontational quality of the work place the audience under the command of both artist and subject.

Viewers are left spellbound, yet neither artist nor subject is imposing nor emphatic. Save for the physical scale, there is nothing bold or brash about this ArtPrize winner. Aesthetically and intellectually, it is a most worthy work that merges past and present.

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

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Wilcox Gardens Let us build Design Home 2011 for you!

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Happy Holidays JEFFERY ROBERTS HOMES CHICAGO 312.560.5500

INC

GRAND RAPIDS 616.454.9490

W W W. J E F F E RY R O B E RT S . c o m

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Special Advertising Section

Photography courtesy Lafontsee Gallery

Grand Rapids | Home

Clay Stauffer “Mercurey” Oil on Canvas

In Search Of Art

Whether art is viewed as an accessory, an afterthought, or a personal experience is subjective. But finding the right piece can make all the difference.

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By Lisa M. Jensen

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Above left: Marianna Heule “Millers House and Windmill in Rockanje” Soft Pastel on Paper Above right: Marella Morris “Winter Solstice” Acrylic Below: Richard Hawk “Slumber” Oil on canvas

The wall is white.

Or dark red, brown or blue. Regardless of hue, a bare spot in a home that’s new or newly renovated sends out an almost audible plea: Find something to fill me!

“It’s not uncommon for many customers to come in to the gallery with swatches,” said Neil Lederman, owner of The Coffee Gallery in Spring Lake. “They might say, ‘What do you have that will go well with this couch?’ They aren’t really interested in subject matter.”

“While the client’s we’re seeing want art to fit into their home’s décor, they’re also looking for something that grabs their eye, something that causes an emotional response”, said Marella Morris, president of Grand Gallery in Ada. Characteristically passionate about art for art’s sake, gallery owners nevertheless appreciate the pressure many homeowners feel after moving in to a new home that’s not quite “done” — and offer kind guidance for those seeking a quick, yet quality, fix.

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“If a home’s décor is more traditional, yet clients want to make it feel lively, I will suggest eclectic artwork,” Lederman said.

“Bold colors on walls are big right now — and it’s OK to choose equally bold artwork for them, even if it contradicts your wall’s color scheme. Art can be moved around.”

While Morris noted the majority of paintings sold consist of oils and acrylics on canvas, Lederman has observed a burgeoning interest in hand-blown glass and Asian art — from paintings to sculptures.

“A unique sculpture that deviates in style from the rest of a home’s furnishings makes a great conversation piece,” he noted.

“Regardless, adding any piece of quality art to even the most modest room in a home, with the correct lighting, can completely change that home’s demeanor.”

Taking the leap

Insecurity often prevents homeowners from enjoying art fully, said Scott LaFontsee, who owns Grand Rapids-based LaFontsee Gallery with his wife, Linda. “Particularly people who are well-educated don’t want to put themselves in a situation that might make them uncomfortable.

“But (West Michigan) galleries work hard to be inviting, help people find and understand what kind of art they like — to feel good about taking that ‘art leap.’”

Photography courtesy Lafontsee Gallery (top left); Grand Gallery (top right); Coffee Gallery (bottom left)

Grand Rapids | Home

Special Advertising Section

11/1/10 11:25 AM

Grand Rapids | Home

Special Advertising Section

Gallery owners offer these tips: Spend time in galleries and museums.

“Take a day, a couple hours or even a lunch break to explore your local galleries and really get to know the staff. They can offer you tips and ideas that you may not have otherwise considered”, Morris said.

“You’ll also be sure to learn of upcoming events, which is a great way to consider new works while being able to connect with the artists.”

Explore a medium’s diversity. “Like shopping for an automobile, explore a type of work you like at different galleries until you feel comfortable enough to purchase,” Lederman said. LaFontsee agreed: “Listen to your stomach; you’ll know what makes you feel good.”

Photography courtesy Grand Gallery

Photography courtesy Lafontsee Gallery (top left); Grand Gallery (top right); Coffee Gallery (bottom left)

Discover what you like. “We know you think your kids could do a lot of this stuff,” LaFontsee said. “The beauty of art is that it’s subjective. When I’m with new clients, we’ll just walk around. What peaks your interest? Why that painting — is it the texture, the color, the subject? My job is to help you look, then get a feel for what other artists you might like.”

Give art time. “A friend gives you a new CD they love, but after you listen, at first you think it’s just OK, at best,” LaFontsee said. “Then you listen a couple more times, and a certain song starts to grow on you. Art is like that. You might not ‘get’ something at first, but over time, you may

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connect to the artist’s wavelength.” Work with a gallery that allows you to bring a piece home before buying, he added.

“A different environment can really impact how a work looks and feels.”

Above: Kathleen Kalinowski “Lonnie’s Farm in Winter” Oil

Make it special. Many couples are opting to choose a new piece of art together for an anniversary or the holidays, rather than buying one another obligatory gifts that lack emotional value. “Beyond enjoying the art itself, you’ll have a reminder of the good time you had finding it,” LaFontsee said. “And that’s half the fun and value of art.”

To learn more, visit www.coffeegallery. net. www.lafontsee.us. www.grandgal lery. com.

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Special Advertising Section

WilcoxGardens Beyond a builder

Having five Grand Rapids Magazine Design Homes to his credit, internationallyrenowned architect Wayne Visbeen and his award-winning work are familiar to many readers. Now, based in both Grand Rapids and Chicago, builder/designer Jeffery Roberts and Visbeen are combining their prolific skills sets for the first time. Their dynamic partnership, in collaboration with homeowners, promises an entirely new Design Home experience in 2011.

BY LISA M. JENSEN

A

uthentic Old World character, cuttingedge amenities: Grant Park — the inviting residence proposed to become

GRM’s 2011 Design Home — will showcase how both can be crafted efficiently into a Green-built, high-end new construction.

Now, designer/builder Jeffery Roberts and architect Wayne Visbeen are ready to add ideas and details that will make Grant Park truly distinctive. These they await from yet-tobe buyers of the prime lot reserved for Design Home in East GR’s historic Wilcox Gardens.

“We both bring to this project an historical, architectural and international perspective,” Roberts said of Visbeen and himself. “But formal education in art and design expands my perspective beyond that of just builder.”

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Special Advertising Section

THIS EXHILARATING DESIGN HOME CAN BE YOURS. CONTACT KATIE KARCZEWSKI OR JEFFERY ROBERTS.

A Unique Approach

Jeffery really understood what this house

Classically trained in the fine arts to

was telling us it wanted to be,” Dennis said.

enhance architecture and interior design

While Roberts efficiently managed

degrees, Roberts operates his own firm —

everything from new electrical wiring, heat-

Jeffery Roberts Homes and Jeffery Roberts

ing and roofing to reclaiming attic space

Interior Design — in downtown Chicago and

and building a new kitchen in a different

East Grand Rapids, where he also resides.

part of the house, Kathy noted he thought

He revels in this historic, family-orient-

of small details like adding corner blocks

ed community that merges global aware-

to baseboards for an aged look

ness with small-town values. “This is why

and hunted for unique touches

Caroline Wilcox sent architects overseas to

like reclaimed brackets to add

research European designs for her children’s

interest.

homes,” he noted. “Family and architectural integrity are her legacy.”

“That helped us maintain our budget,” she said, “but beyond

Though Roberts’ international portfolio

that, I doubt other builders

includes modern projects in Malibu and New

would have had the time or

York as well, he’s renowned for reinventing

interest in all of this.”

products and materials from the past into

Pairing this artistic approach

artful, functional features and creating a

to building with Visbeen’s archi-

timeless sense of “home.”

tectural expertise brings the

Here, past clients including Dennis and Kathy Jones refrain, Roberts excels.

L

OCATED WITHIN immediate proximity to schools, shopping and recreation, Wilcox Gardens will offer the rare opportunity to build within the land-locked community of East Grand Rapids. This site-condominium development will be a combination of existing and new single-family homes. Jeffery Roberts Homes, in conjunction with Visbeen Associates, Inc., has developed several design concepts for these exceptional historic home sites. Don’t miss this opportunity to build in one of America’s most livable communities.

To inquire about available lots in Wilcox Gardens please contact Katie Karczewski at (616) 575-0119.

design process for Grant Park full circle, Roberts said. “Atten-

Having lived for more than a decade in

tion to every detail,” he assured,

Europe, the couple had searched almost two

“will be to the highest level of

years before uncovering “home” in East GR:

quality. And the result will be

A spacious, French Country farmhouse built

one-of-a-kind.”

JEFFERY ROBERTS HOMES

INC

in 1950 that had stood vacant for five years.

“As a designer as well as builder, only

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A -star d ct rs T

he best time to find a doctor is when you don’t need one.

Great advice, but most people tend to wait until they’re sick, then ask a friend or co-worker for a recommendation.

While word of mouth is often a good method, sometimes it’s nice to know the facts. HealthGrades is an independent health care ratings organization that rates physicians on objective criteria.

The following list is excerpted from the 2010 edition of HealthGrades Recognized Doctors. To create the list, HealthGrades identifies those physicians who meet its quality standards. These doctors must: • Never have had his/her license on probation, suspended, surrendered, or revoked (since HealthGrades started collecting data in 2000).

• Be free of state or federal disciplinary actions (sanctions) for the last five years.

• Be free of any malpractice judgments, adverse arbitration awards, or monetary settlements for the last five years.

• Be board certified in his/her practice specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (doctor of osteopathic medicine), or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The HealthGrades list of doctors in Kent County is massive, with thousands of doctors in hundreds of specialties. A sampling is listed here; for additional listings, visit the GRM website at www.grmag.com.

GR

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chooSiNG A PhYSiciAN cAN be A dAUNtiNG tASK, So heALthGrAdeS ideNtiFieS doctorS Who meet QUALitY StANdArdS.

40 Grand rapids december 2010

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John Key Metro Heart & Vascular 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW Wyoming (616) 241-2333

Mark Millar Allergy and Asthma Care Western 1179 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 957-1912

Michael Vredenburg West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000

Vincent Dubravec Allergy & Asthma Specialist 5055 Plainfield Ave. NE (616) 988-8515

Roger Shammas Grand River Cardiology 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 949-8554

Paul Kovack Metro Heart & Vascular 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW Wyoming (616) 241-2333

Allergy & Immunology, Internal Medicine Edward Stern 2120 43rd St. SE (616) 455-6700

William Frauenheim West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000

Prerana Manohar Heart and Wellness Institute 5043 Cascade Road SE (616) 719-5939

Cardiology, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Bohuslav Finta West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000

Richard Foster Grand River Cardiology 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 949-8554

Raymond Gonzalez Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 315 (616) 459-4601 Thomas Miller Allergy Associates Western Mich.

3185 Macatawa Drive SW Grandville (616) 531-6900 Allergy & Immunology, Pediatrics Christine Schafer Grand Rapids Allergy PLC 970 Parchment Drive SE (616) 949-4840 Richard Townley Allergy Associates Western Mich.

3185 Macatawa Drive SW Grandville (616) 531-6900 Sara Uekert Grand Rapids Allergy PLC 970 Parchment Drive SE (616) 949-4840 Cardiac Surgery, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology Michael Lojek West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Cardiology Brian Schafer Grand River Cardiology 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 949-8554

PhotoGrAPhY coUrteSY iStocKPhoto.com

Maurice Norman West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000

Allergy & Immunology Karyn Gell Grand Rapids Allergy PLC 970 Parchment Drive SE (616) 949-4840

David Johnson West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Gregory Miller Grand River Cardiology 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 949-8554 Helayne Sherman West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000

Cardiology, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine Alan Woelfel West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Darryl Elmouchi West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Cardiology, Internal Medicine Bob Davidson West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 David Langholz West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Ellen Jansyn Michigan Medical Cardiology, PC 4100 Lake Drive SE (616) 974-4567 John Call West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 John Formolo Grand River Cardiology 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 949-8554 John Mulligan West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Lynn Cronin West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Matthew Sevensma Metro Heart & Vascular 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW Wyoming (616) 241-2333

Michael Dickinson West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000

Ronald Vanderlaan Grand Rapids Cardiology 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 717-5141 Timothy Fritz West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology David Wohns West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Dennis Dunning West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Eric Walchak Metro Heart & Vascular 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW Wyoming (616) 241-2333 Gregory Pellizzon Grand River Cardiology 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 949-8554 James Collins West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 752-5000 Jihad Mustapha Metro Heart & Vascular 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW Wyoming (616) 241-2333 Raymond Roden West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Pulmonology Jeffrey Wolfson Grand River Cardiology 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 949-8554

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Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology Duane Berkompas Michigan Medical Cardiology, PC 4100 Lake Drive SE (616) 974-4567 Robert Wolyn Michigan Medical Cardiology, PC 4100 Lake Drive SE (616) 974-4567 Dermatology Brian Gerondale Dermatology Associates W. Mich.

655 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite 200 (616) 949-5600 Bridget Green Dermatology Center of G.R. 426 Michigan St. NE, Suite 201 (616) 459-8209 Dipa Patel Dermatology Center of G.R. 426 Michigan St. NE, Suite 201 (616) 459-8209 Evelyn Vanderveen Dermatology Center of G.R. 426 Michigan St. NE, Suite 201 (616) 459-8209 Jack Dekkinga Skin Revitalizing Center 4285 Parkway Place SW Grandville (616) 257-1582 John Miner Dermatology Associates W. Mich.

655 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite 200 (616) 949-5600 John Vydareny John R. Vydareny MD PC 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 395 (616) 459-1144 Michelle Emery Dermatology Center of G.R. 426 Michigan St. NE, Suite 201 (616) 459-8209 Richard Ashack Dermatology Associates W. Mich.

655 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite 200 (616) 949-5600 Dermatology, Dermatopathology Daniel Dapprich Dermatology Associates W. Mich.

655 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite 200 (616) 949-5600 Marek Stawiski Psoriasis/Eczema Treatment Center of Western Michigan 426 Michigan St. NE, Suite 202 (616) 459-1361 december 2010 Grand rapids 41

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Daniel Devries Michigan Medical Patient Care 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 459-4601 David Figg Spectrum Health Medical Group 3230 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 456-8613

Nicole Bossenbroek Lakeshore Dermatology Laser & Medical Spa 1550 3 Mile Road (616) 784-9300 Dermatology, Internal Medicine Robert Lamberts Dermatology Associates West Michigan 655 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite 200 (616) 949-5600 Dermatology, Pediatric Dermatology Mary Yurko Dermatology Center of G.R. 426 Michigan St. NE, Suite 201 (616) 459-8209 Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology, Internal Medicine Ruggero Battan Saint Mary’s Diabetes & Endocrine Center & Thyroid Specialist of Michigan 300 Lafayette St. SE, Suite 2045 (616) 685-8760 Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatrics Michael Racine DeVos Children’s Hospital Pediatric Clinic 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3933 Fertility & Reproductive Endocrinology Douglas Daly Grand Rapids Fertility and IVF 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 774-2030 General Surgery Anthony Foster Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 459-4601

David Scheeres Spectrum Health Medical Group General Surgery 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 977-6243 Dean Smith Spectrum Health Wound Healing 221 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-8635 Frank Lovell Healthquest Surgical Associates 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 458-1200 Ivars Zadvinskis Healthquest Surgical Associates 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 458-1200 James Foote Grand Health Partners 2060 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 956-6100 Jane Pettinga Spectrum Health Medical Group Breast Care & Surgical Oncology 145 Michigan St. NE (616) 486-6333 Jaret Beane Grand River Surgery 2093 Health Drive SW, Suite 300 Wyoming (616) 532-8100 Jay Labine West Michigan Surgical Specialists 245 Cherry St. SE (616) 456-5311 Jayne Paulson Healthquest Surgical Associates 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 458-1200 Jeffrey Gawel Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 459-4601

Carlos Rodriguez Healthquest Surgical Associates 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 458-1200

John Rienstra Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 459-4601

Colleen App MMPC-Advanced Breast Care Center 4069 Lake Drive SE (616) 726-8600

Joseph Marogil Grand Rapids Vein Clinic 1720 Michigan St. NE (616) 454-8442

Daniel Borreson West Michigan Surgical Specialists 245 Cherry St. SE (616) 456-5311

Kenneth Minks Grand River Surgery 2093 Health Dr. SW, Suite 300 Wyoming (616) 532-8100

Kenneth Post 4070 Lake Drive SE (616) 954-1763 Larry Robson West Michigan Heart 2900 Bradford St. NE (616) 885-5000 Laura Kelsey Plastic Surgery Associates 220 Lyon St. NW (616) 451-4500 Leon Oostendorp Spectrum Health Medical Group 3230 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 456-8613 Lewis DeKryger VeinSolutions 4085 Burton St. SE (616) 284-8888

Thomas Tavarone Healthquest Surgical Associates 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 458-1200 Wayne Vanderkolk West Michigan Surgical Specialists 245 Cherry St. SE (616) 456-5311 Willard Stawski Healthquest Surgical Associates 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 458-1200 William Passinault Saint Mary’s Wound Care Center 300 Lafayette Ave. SE, Office 4400 (616) 685-5170

Lonson Barr 2000 Burton St. SE (616) 246-6262

General Surgery, Family Practice Gregory Johnson West Michigan Surgical Specialists 245 Cherry St. SE (616) 456-5311

Marianne Melnik Spectrum Health Medical Group Breast Care & Surgical Oncology 145 Michigan St. NE (616) 486-6333

General Surgery, Hand Surgery Daniel Olsen 2000 Burton St. SE (616) 241-5534

Melissa Sandman 4070 Lake Drive SE (616) 975-6553

General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Daniel Robertson Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan 330 Barclay Ave. NE, Suite 202 (616) 458-1722

Michael DeJong West Michigan Surgical Specialists 245 Cherry St. SE (616) 456-5311 Michael Jarvis Jarvis and Friedl MDs 4047 Saladin Drive SE (616) 949-5342 Michael Leahy West Michigan Surgical Specialists 245 Cherry St. SE (616) 456-5311 Randal Baker Grand Health Partners 2060 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 956-6100 Richard Wilcox Healthquest Surgical Associates 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 458-1200 Stanley Sherman West Michigan Surgical Specialists 245 Cherry St. SE (616) 456-5311 Stephen Friedl Jarvis and Friedl MDs 4047 Saladin Drive SE (616) 949-5342 Steven Ottenweller Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 459-4601

James Decou Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan 330 Barclay Ave. NE, Suite 202 (616) 458-1722 Marc Schlatter Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan 330 Barclay Ave. NE (616) 458-1722 General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery Mohammad Riahi 250 Cherry St. SE (616) 459-8700 Robert Hooker West Michigan Cardiothoracic Surgeons 100 Michigan St. NE, MC103 (616) 459-7258 Tomasz Timek West Michigan Cardiothoracic Surgeons 100 Michigan St. NE, MC103 (616) 459-7258 General Surgery, Vascular Surgery Christopher Chambers SHMG Vascular Surgery 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 312 (616) 459-8700

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Amanda Huver Internal Medicine Outpatient Services 2795 Orange Ave. SE (616) 954-2099 Andrew Maternowski Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139

Peter Wong SHMG Vascular Surgery 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 312 (616) 459-8700 Robert Cuff SHMG Vascular Surgery 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 312 (616) 459-8700 Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery Bernard Maupin Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 957-4263 Donald Condit 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 954-1442 Julian Kuz Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery Dean Toriello Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Marilee Mead Grand Rapids Hand 1787 Grand Ridge Court NE (616) 363-9900 Mark DeHaan Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Paul Luce Hand and Plastic Surgery Center 245 Cherry St. SE, Suite 302 (616) 459-4131 Steven Naum Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Internal Medicine Adam Wolfe Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201 Alice Emery Hospice of Michigan 989 Spaulding SE (616) 454-0924

Andrew Ramsahoi Grand Rapids VA Outpatient Clinic 3019 Coit Ave. NE (616) 365-9575 Andrzej Chebes Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 726-8700 Anna Grabowska-Chebes Michigan Medical PC Internal Medicine 4100 Lake Drive SE (616) 974-4820 Anna Papes Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201 Benjamin Horn Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139 Bernard Eisenga Hospitalist’s of West Michigan 1840 Wealthy St. SE (616) 774-5221 Bruce Brintnall Ferguson Adult Health Center 75 Sheldon Blvd. SE (616) 776-2400 Bruce Langerak Grand Valley Medical Specialists 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-3158 Bruce Springer Hospitalists of West Michigan 1840 Wealthy St. SE (616) 774-5221 Bryan Hull Wege Internal Medicine 300 Lafayette Ave. SE Office 3000 (616) 685-6919

Clinton Harris 3600 Fulton St. East (616) 942-6623 Dale Wiersma Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139 Daniel Carrel Visiting Physicians Association 3260 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 942-7400 Daniel Kennedy Metro Health 4200 Division Ave. North Comstock Park (616) 252-1670 Daniel Osborne Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139 Danielle Light Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139 David Delongpre Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201 David Edgar Grand Rapids Home for Veterans 3000 Monroe Ave. NE (616) 364-5300 David Heyboer Spectrum Health Medical Group Internal Medicine 6105 Wilson Ave. SW, Suite 202 (616) 486-5299 David McGrath Grand Valley Medical Specialists 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-3158 Dawn White Grand Health Partners 2060 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 956-6100 Donna Harold Michigan Medical Patient Care Internal Medicine & Pediatrics 1300 Michigan St. NE, Suite 202 (616) 464-2888

Gary Humphries Grand Valley Medical Specialists 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-3158 Gregory Deines Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 284-8950 Gursharn Dosanjh 3181 Prairie St. SW Grandville (616) 531-1871 Hakima Aqel Grand Rapids VA Outpatient Clinic 3019 Coit Ave. NE (616) 365-9575 Jadvinder Goraya Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 776-7430 James Barron Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139 James Geissler Spectrum Health Medical Group 4444 Kalamazoo Ave. SE (616) 391-5600 James Pochert Spectrum Health Urgent Care 2332 Alpine Ave. NW (616) 391-6220 James Samuelson Michigan Medical Patient Care Internal Medicine 3550 Fairlanes Ave. SW Grandville (616) 531-7220 James Veldkamp Spectrum Health 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-1872 Jayaseeli Bastin Hospitalists of West Michigan 1840 Wealthy St. SE (616) 774-5221 Jayne Courts 3600 Fulton St. East (616) 942-6623

Carlos Merritt Hospitalists of West Michigan 1840 Wealthy St. SE (616) 774-5221

Elizabeth Kozak Internal Medicine of West Michigan 3200 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 285-9090

Jeevarathna Subramanian Spectrum Health Academic Medical Associates 25 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3785

Carlos Tavera Spectrum Health Academic Medical Associates 25 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3785

Elizabeth Neubig Advantage Health/ Saint Mary’s Health 245 State St. SE (616) 685-1800

Jeffrey Woo Grand Valley Medical Specialists 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-3158

Carole Montgomery Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139

Eryn Quinn Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201

Jeffry Knibbe Michigan Medical Patient Care Internal Medicine 3550 Fairlanes Ave. SW Grandville (616) 531-7220

44 Grand rapids december 2010

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Kenneth Nelson East Paris Internal Medicine 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 957-9237 Kevin Furlong Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201

Matthew Blair Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201

Piyush Bhatnagar Hospitalists of West Michigan 1840 Wealthy St. SE (616) 774-5221

Matthew Marvin Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139

Randall Green O’Brien, Green & O’Connor MDs 4070 Lake Drive SE (616) 774-8200

Jenifer Krause Hospitalists of West Michigan 1840 Wealthy St. SE (616) 774-5221

Kevin McCormick Spectrum Health Medical Group 4444 Kalamazoo Ave. SE (616) 391-5600

Melonie Ice Grand Valley Medical Specialists 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-3158

Raymond Fuller Health Intervention Services 15 Andre St. SE (616) 475-8446

Jennifer Cory Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201

Khan Nedd Infusion Associates 3230 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 954-0600

Michael Bergquist Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139

Kristin Kitzsteiner Saint Mary’s Heartside Clinic 359 Division Ave. South (616) 685-3800

Michael Bodley Michigan Medical PC Internal Medicine 1900 Wealthy St. SE (616) 459-0292

Richard Feenstra Michigan Medical Patient Care Vascular Surgery 1300 Michigan St. NE, Suite 103 (616) 459-8338

Jennifer Hemingway 2215 44th St. SW Wyoming (616) 252-4765 Jody Heilman Wege Internal Medicine 300 Lafayette Ave. SE Office 3000 (616) 685-6919

Kurt Koepnick Michigan Medical Patient Care Internal Medicine 3550 Fairlanes Ave. SW Grandville (616) 531-7220

John Marvin Internal Medicine of West Michigan 3200 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 285-9090

Kyle Rasikas Grand Valley Medical Specialists 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-3158

John Maurer Grand Valley Medical Specialists 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-3158

Laura Vandermolen Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139

Jon Gans Internal Medicine of West Michigan 3200 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 285-9090

Laurence Feenstra Spectrum Health 25 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3746

Josebelo Chong Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139 Josip Divic Spectrum Health Primary Care 80 68th St. SE (616) 391-8295 Juliana Grey Hospitalists of West Michigan 1840 Wealthy St. SE (616) 774-5221

Leslie Pelkey Ferguson Adult Health Center 75 Sheldon Blvd. SE (616) 776-2400 Lisa Kinsey Callaway Grand Valley Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW, Suite 200 Wyoming (616) 459-3158 Malar Vasanthan Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139

Michael McCully Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201 Mohammad Saleh East Beltline Office of Advantage Health Physical Network 1471 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite 201 (616) 685-8620 Narjis Kazmi Hospitalists of West Michigan 1840 Wealthy St. SE (616) 774-5221 Nasir Khan Wege Internal Medicine 300 Lafayette Ave. SE, Office 3000 (616) 685-6919 Patricia Lagrand Advanced OBGYN 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 971-0060 Peter Goebel Metro Health Cedar Springs 14211 White Creek Ave. NE Cedar Springs (616) 252-6320 Peter Kuhl Grand Valley Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW, Suite 200 Wyoming (616) 459-3158

Richard VanDyken Michigan Medical Patient Care Vascular Surgery 1300 Michigan St. NE, Suite 103 (616) 459-8338 Rima Shah Spectrum Health Academic Medical Associates 25 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3785 Robert Camp Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139 Robert Gleffe Health Park Medical Specialists 2093 Health Drive SW Wyoming (616) 284-5201 Robert Riley Michigan Medical PC Internal Medicine 4100 Lake Drive SE (616) 974-4820 Robert Rood Center for Diabetes and Endocrine 300 Lafayette Ave. SE, Office 2045 (616) 685-3098 Robert VanTuinen Michigan Medical PC Internal Medicine 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-0292 Roderick Kim East Paris Internal Medicine 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 957-9237

Karen Gawel Michigan Medical PC Weight Loss Specialist 4100 Lake Drive SE (616) 791-4400

Marcus Beversluis Spectrum Health Medical Group 4444 Kalamazoo Ave. SE (616) 391-5600

Kathleen Mosentine Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139

Marian Oleszkowicz Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 726-8700

Philip Weighner East Paris Internal Medicine 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 957-9237

Roger Miller West Michigan Center Family Health 1260 Ekhart St. NE (616) 233-0933

Keith Crane East Paris Internal Medicine 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 957-9237

Mary Richardson Internal Medicine of West Michigan 3200 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 285-9090

Phillip Roslaniec Internal Medicine of West Michigan 3200 Eagle Park Drive NE (616) 285-9090

Ronald Hoogmoed East Paris Internal Medicine 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 957-9237

Peter Vande Haar 620 Cambridge Blvd. SE (616) 245-1997

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OAM G

World-class care with a West Michigan focus.

As West Michigan’s largest and most accomplished orthopaedic practice,

all focused on your personalized care.

CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOOT & ANKLE GENERAL & SPORTS MEDICINE HAND & UPPER EXTREMITY INSTITUTE OF SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICAL MEDICINE SPINE TOTAL JOINT TRAUMA

Excellent medicine. Personalized care.

616-459-7101 www.OAMichigan.com

Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM) provides total orthopaedic care — from diagnosis, to surgical and nonsurgical intervention, to rehabilitation therapy and wellness. OAM boasts eight specialized centers, staffed by more than 30 highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons and supported by scores of clinical specialists,

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Sasko Gjorgjievski Saint Mary’s Hospitalist Group 200 Jefferson Ave. SE (616) 685-5039 Shahnaz Ali Age Management and Hormone Center 1787 Grand Ridge Court NE (616) 808-2695 Sohail Qadir Spectrum Health Academic Medical Associates 25 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3785

Andrew Vanslooten West Michigan OB/GYN 221 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-7035

Douglas Van Drie Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1800

Anita Avery OB/ GYN Office of Advantage Health Physician Network 309 Jefferson Ave. SE (616) 685-8750

Elizabeth Leary Michigan Medical PC OB/GYN 3800 Lake Michigan Drive NW (616) 453-8225

Anita VanDeBurg Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200 Barbara Bradley Spectrum Health OBGYN Residency Program 330 Barclay Ave. NE (616) 391-2160 Brad Irving Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200

Theresa Osborne Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 726-8700

Brooke Bollin-Richards Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200

Thomas Brink Spectrum Health Medical Group 4444 Kalamazoo Ave. SE (616) 391-5600

Calvin Leazenby Spectrum Health Medical Group 4444 Kalamazoo Ave. SE (616) 391-3302

Todd Stevens East Paris Internal Medicine 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 957-9237

Constance Leahy OB/GYN Office of Advantage Health Physician Network 309 Jefferson Ave. SE (616) 685-8750

Vidyulatha Talla Michigan Medical PC 100 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-3139 William Baer Grand Valley Medical Specialists 1900 Wealthy St. SE, Suite 200 (616) 459-3158 William Foley East Paris Internal Medicine 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 957-9237 Yelena Yavich Michigan Medical PC Internal Medicine 4100 Lake Drive SE (616) 974-4820 Obstetrics & Gynecology Adam Blickley Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200

Darla Olson Spectrum Health OBGYN Residency Program 330 Barclay Ave. NE (616) 391-2160 David Menapace Michigan Medical PC OB/GYN 3800 Lake Michigan Drive NW (616) 453-8225 Davis Dalton Davis L Dalton DO PC 2000 Burton St. SE (616) 241-5000 Diana Bitner Michigan Medical PC OB/GYN 3800 Lake Michigan Drive NW (616) 453-8225 Domenic Federico Michigan Medical PC OB/GYN 3800 Lake Michigan Drive NW (616) 453-8225

Andola Mathis Advantage Health Physician Network OB/GYN 309 Jefferson Ave. SE (616) 685-8750

Donald Heggen Associates in OB/GYN and Infertility 545 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-2400

Andrea Wolfe Spectrum Health Obstetrics & Gynecology 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 391-3315

Dorsey Ligon Area-Wide OB/GYN Health Service 80 68th St. SE, Suite 301 (616) 458-7591

Elizabeth Luce Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NW (616) 588-1200 Fred Rohn West Michigan OB/GYN 221 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-7035 Geron Turke Saint Mary’s OB/GYN Specialists 1471 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite 101 (616) 685-8600 Jason Bennett Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200 Jean Craig Spectrum Health OBGYN Residency Program 330 Barclay Ave. NE (616) 391-2160

Judith Florido Michigan Obstetrics/Gynecology 2221 Health Drive SW, Suite 2100 Wyoming (616) 532-5025 Katherine Hansul Michigan Obstetrics/Gynecology 2221 Health Drive SW, Suite 2100 Wyoming (616) 532-5025 Katheryn Knudson Michigan Medical PC OB/GYN 3800 Lake Michigan Drive NW (616) 453-8225 Kerry Gorsuch Saint Mary’s OB/GYN Specialists 1471 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite 101 (616) 685-8600 Kirsten Anderson Saint Mary’s OB/GYN Specialists 1471 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite 101 (616) 685-8600 Lara Freeburger Associates in OB/GYN and Infertility 545 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-2400

Jeffrey Dood West Michigan OB/GYN 221 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-7035

Laurence Burns OB/ GYN Office of Advantage Health Physician Network 309 Jefferson Ave. SE (616) 685-8750

Jeffrey Frank Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200

Liana Rinzler Michigan Medical PC OB/GYN 4829 East Beltline Ave. NE (616) 363-9069

Jerry Wittingen Spectrum Health Medical Group Family Medicine 6105 Wilson Ave. SW, Suite 203 Grandville (616) 486-5025

Lisa Andersson-Zetye Associates in OB/GYN and Infertility 545 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-2400

Jessica Lalley Michigan Medical PC OB/GYN 3800 Lake Michigan Drive NW (616) 453-8225 John Hartmann OB/GYN Office of Advantage Health Physician Network 309 Jefferson Ave. SE (616) 685-8750 John Lagrand Advanced OBGYN 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 971-0060

Mary Grey Michigan Obstetrics/Gynecology 2221 Health Drive SW, Suite 2100 Wyoming (616) 532-5025 Megan Looby 2540 Woodmeadow Drive SE (616) 942-2675 Melinda Johnson Spectrum Health OBGYN Residency Program 330 Barclay Ave. NE (616) 391-2160

Joseph Oettinger 2000 Burton St. SE (616) 245-2401

Michael Bennett Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1800

Joseph Talcott 1505 44th St. SW Wyoming (616) 734-0900

Michelle Backus-Walzer Spectrum Health Medical Group 330 Barclay Ave. NE (616) 391-2967

48 Grand rapids december 2010

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some of the Best hands in ameriCa. While elite Plastic surgery provides an exceptionally soothing environment and compassionate care, it’s our surgeons that set our work apart. named as HealthGrades® 2010 Recognized Doctors™ – Plastic Surgery, drs. Cullen and Ford are Certified by the american Board of Plastic surgery, and are Fellows in the american College of surgeons.

Compassionate care, distinguished histories, superior results… it’s who we are.

Congratulations to Drs. William T. Cullen and Ronald D. Ford on being the best of the best.

® MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

downtown Grand rapids and Byron Center | 459-1907 | eliteplasticsurgerygr.com

® MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

® MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

® MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

Ronald d. FoRd M.d. | WilliaM T. Cullen M.d. | liCensed aesTheTiCians on sTaFF GRM_12.10_Sec05_PG40.53.indd 49

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Michelle Klyn Spectrum Health Obstetrics & Gynecology 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 391-3315 Nancy Pranger Cherry Street Health Services 550 Cherry St. SE (616) 235-7272 Peter Kaczkofsky Michigan Obstetrics/Gynecology 2221 Health Drive SW, Suite 2100 Wyoming (616) 532-5025 Peter Marks Spectrum Health OB/GYN 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 391-3315 Rebecca VanValkenburg Area-Wide OB/GYN Health Service 80 68th St. SE, Suite 301 (616) 532-1410 Renee Elderkin West Michigan OB/GYN 221 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-7035 Robert Bowes Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200 Robert Roberts 781 Kenmoor Ave. SE (616) 726-1300 Robyn Hubbard Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200 Rodman Taber Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200 Roger Edvenson Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200 Ruth Brandt Grand Rapids Women’s Health 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 588-1200 Sandra Wisebaker Michigan Medical PC OB/GYN 4829 East Beltline Ave. NE (616) 363-9069 Sharla Ulstad Spectrum Health Obstetrics & Gynecology 555 Midtowne St. NE (616) 391-3315

Stephen Dalm 2566 Woodmeadow Drive SE (616) 247-1700

David Frye 1945 Boston St. SE (616) 243-7900

Stephen Rechner West Michigan OB/GYN 221 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-7035

David Rispler River Valley Orthopedic 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 456-8515

Steven Lown Michigan Obstetrics/Gynecology 2221 Health Drive SW, Suite 2100 Wyoming (616) 532-5025

Dayle Maples DeVos Pediatric Orthopedics 1425 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-9814

Susan Hicks West Michigan OB/GYN 221 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-7035

Donald Bohay Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101

Susan Vandenbosch West Michigan OB/GYN 221 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-7035

Geoffrey Sandman River Valley Orthopedic 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 456-8515

Tazim Dowlut-Mcelroy Advantage Health Physician Network OB/GYN 309 Jefferson Ave. SE Byron Center (616) 685-8750

Gregory Golladay Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101

Trisha Zylstra Saint Mary’s OB/GYN Specialists 1471 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite 101 (616) 685-8600 W. Irving Metro Health Breton 1925 Breton Road SE (616) 252-4100 Orthopedic Surgery Brian Hotchkiss DeVos Pediatric Orthopedics 1425 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-9814 Casey Bartman Orthopedic Spinal Associates 751 Kenmoor Ave. SE (616) 754-6827 Charles Bukrey Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Cheryl Sales 2060 43rd St. SE (616) 281-1426 Clifford Jones Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 459-7101 Dale Mead River Valley Orthopedic 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 456-8515 David Bielema Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 459-7101

J. Todd Brown Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 James Bakeman Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 459-7101 James Kosiur 2591 44th St. SE (616) 281-2773 James Ringler Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 459-7101 James Stubbart Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 John Maskill Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-2396 John Anderson Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE, Suite 100 (616) 459-7101 Karl Roberts West Michigan Orthopaedics 1000 East Paris Ave. SE (616) 949-8945 Keith Crocker 4300 Cascade Road SE (616) 245-4513

Kenneth Easton Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Kevin Howard Metro Health Southwest 2215 44th St. SW Wyoming (616) 252-5777 Kevin Kane River Valley Orthopedic 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 456-8515 Kim Eastman River Valley Orthopedic 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 456-8515 Kyle Randall Michigan Orthopedics/ Sports Medical 2911 Knapp St. NE (616) 451-9925 Mark Asperheim Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 459-7101 Melissa DeNiel 877 Forest Hill Ave. SE (616) 949-4400 Michael Forness DeVos Pediatric Orthopedics 1425 Michigan St. NE (616) 391-9814 Michael Jabara Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 459-7101 Patricia Kolodziej River Valley Orthopedic 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 456-8515 Peter Ugolini Michigan Street Orthopedic Specialists 1300 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-9515 Randy Lovell Michigan Street Orthopedic Specialists 1300 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-9515 Richard Bereza Michigan Street Orthopedic Specialists 1300 Michigan St. NE (616) 774-9515 Robert DeMaagd Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101

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Scott Burgess Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 957-4263 Scott Russo Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Susan Day Michigan Medical Patient Care 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 117 (616) 459-4601 Terrence Endres Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 230 Michigan St. NE (616) 459-7101 Thomas Malvitz Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Tim Lenters River Valley Orthopedic 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 456-8515 Timothy Henne River Valley Orthopedic 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 456-8515

Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Peter Theut Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Thomas Matelic Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 William Schwab Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation James Ellis Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Brian Giersch Rehabilitation Medicine Associates 245 Cherry St. SE, Suite 302 (616) 458-1088

Derek Lado Michigan Pain Consultants PC 4100 Lake Drive SE (616) 285-1235 Patrick Ronan Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Ramin Rahimi West Michigan Rehab and Pain Center 4955 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite A (616) 531-8100 Randal Palmitier Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Randolph Russo Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 1111 Leffingwell Ave. NE (616) 459-7101 Sampson Ho Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Specialist 350 Lafayette Ave. SE (616) 459-0801

Plastic Surgery Benjamin Rechner Center for Plastic Surgery 426 Michigan St. NE (616) 454-1256 Bradley Bengtson Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery 555 Midtown Ave, Suite 110 Grandville (616) 588-8880 David Alfonso Plastic Surgery Associates 220 Lyon St. NW (616) 451-4500 Dennis Hammond Center/Breast and Body Contouring 4070 Lake Drive SE, Suite 202 (616) 464-4420 Douglas Leppink Center for Plastic Surgery 426 Michigan St. NE (616) 454-1256 Douglas Vander Woude Plastic Surgery Associates 220 Lyon St. NW (616) 451-4500 John Iacobucci Spectrum Health South Pavilion 80 68th St. SE (616) 974-0100

Experience - Excellence - Integrity

Celebrating over 25 years in practice…

Our gift to you is 15% off physician fees for cosmetic surgery.

(Consultation to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010, and surgery to be completed by Feb. 28, 2011.)

Scott Brundage, MD • Douglas Leppink, MD • Benjamin Rechner, MD • Roxanne Cornelius, PA-C • Jacki Solon, RN Visit our website for additional information and “before & after” photos.

Located on Michigan Medical Mile 426 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 454-1256

www.gr-cps.com

December 2010 Grand Rapids 51

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John Renucci Plastic Surgery Associates 220 Lyon St. NW (616) 451-4500 Marguerite Aitken Plastic Surgery Associates 220 Lyon St. NW (616) 451-4500 Mithilesh Mishra West Michigan Plastic Surgery 1400 Michigan St. NE (616) 454-5878 Robert Mann Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital 426 Michigan St. NE (616) 486-5885 Ronald Ford Elite Plastic Surgery 245 Cherry St. SE, Suite 308 Byron Center (616) 459-1907 Scott Brundage Center for Plastic Surgery 426 Michigan St. NE (616) 454-1256 Steven Ringler Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery 2680 Leonard St. NE (616) 328-8800

See the doctor at every visit.

Dr. Daly performs all procedures and ultrasounds.

Lecture Series FREE Held in conference room on lower level of Women’s Health Center December 13, 2010 7:00 pm - Donor Issues, Sperm & Oocytes 8:00 pm - Donor Embryos, Carrier Pregnancies January 10, 2011 7:00 pm - Basic Infertility Evaluation 8:00 pm - Basic IVF/ICSI February 14, 2011 7:00 pm - Endometriosis & Infertility 8:00 pm - Basic IVF/ICSI March 14, 2011 7:00 pm - Tubal Disease 8:00 pm - Basic IVF/ICSI April 11, 2011 7:00 pm - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss 8:00 pm - Fibroids, Polyps, Septums, etc.

May 9, 2011 7:00 pm - Anovulation/PCOS 8:00 pm - Basic IVF/ICSI June 13, 2011 7:00 pm - Male Fertility, Vas Ligation Options 8:00 pm - Basic IVF/ICSI Visit our website for more information

William Cullen Elite Plastic Surgery 245 Cherry St. SE, Suite 308 Byron Center (616) 459-1907 William Moore Plastic Surgery Associates 220 Lyon St. NW (616) 451-4500 Plastic Surgery & Facial Surgery Jeanne Eyde Metro Health Cosmetic Treatment Center 2215 44th St. Wyoming (616) 252-8500 Thomas Pfennig Grand Rapids Ear Nose and Throat 1555 44th St. SW Wyoming (616) 249-8000

Dr. Douglas Daly, MD Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology Obstetrics & Gynecology

© Copyright 2010 HealthGrades, Inc. and may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without its express written permission. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement, which can be viewed at www.healthgrades.com.

Disclaimer: HealthGrades obtains its information from sources it believes to be reliable. While we endeavor to provide the most accurate, up to date information available, because of the possibility of human and mechanical error as well as other factors, HealthGrades cannot be responsible or liable for any errors or admission in its information or the results obtained from the use of such information.

Users should obtain any additional information necessary to make an informed decision.

555 Midtowne St., Suite 300 www.grandrapidsfertility.com 800-695-5941 • 616-774-2030 52 Grand rapids december 2010

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®

• Blue Cross Blue Shield and Priority Health along with other insurance carriers are now reimbursing for the Sleeve Gastrectomy.

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Five Star Doctors

are the regions • Our leaders in this new procedure.

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• Experience matters! Our surgeons have performed over 5500 laparoscopic procedures including band, sleeve, gastric bypass and duodenal switch.

Contact us for more information or to register to attend a free informational seminar at 616.956.6100 or 1.888.691.0050 www.grandhealthpartners.com

Congratulations to our Five Star Doctors!

Dr. Randal Baker | Dr. James Foote | Dr. Paul Kemmeter | Dr. Derek Nagle | Dr. Dawn White

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2010 ArtPrize

“greeting card to the World,” by Paul storm PHOtOGrAPHY BY JOHNNY QUiriN AND MiCHAeL BUCK

ArtPrize: tHe SOPHOMOre YeAr

A

rtPrize 2010 statistics were hard to ignore: 1,713 artists; 192 venues; 44,912 registered voters; 465,538 votes cast. An estimated $7,000,000 in economic impact.

The discourse was equally impressive, from serious debates on “What is art?” to such oft-heard comments as “Wow, that’s cool!”

The second ArtPrize — a 19-day competition open to any artist willing to let the public choose the $250,000 grand prize

winner — attracted national attention.

Kathy Lee raved about the grass-roots event on the “Today Show.” Articles on ArtPrize were published in USA Today and The New York Times. Numerous highprofile art critics blogged about it.

But in the end, it was the community spirit that ruled. People filled museums. They traipsed through restaurants, churches, bars and businesses. They tweeted and texted. And they came back to see more.

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

What started as a grass-roots art experiment in 2009 expanded into an even larger art extravaganza that had lots of people talking.

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Photography by Johnny Quirin

Photography by Johnny Quirin

“Mural for Grand Rapids,” by Jeff Zimmermann December 2010 Grand Rapids 55

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2010 ArtPrize

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tHe tOP teN:

“you kind of have to take your hat off. it’s amazing that this kind of energy can be generated by something like this.”

— Douglas fogle, chief curator anD DePuty Director of the hammer museum source: artPriZe

1. “cavalry, american officers, 1921” by chris laPorte of grand rapids 2. “svelata” by mia tavonatti of santa ana, calif.

3. “lure/Wave” by beili liu of austin, texas 4. “a matter of time” by Paul baliker of Palm coast, fla.

5. “Vision” by David spriggs of montreal, canada 6. “helping mom one penny at a time”

by Wander martich of grand rapids 7. “Dancing With lions” by bill secunda of butler, Pa. 8. “salt and earth (garden for Patricia)” by young kim of Winston-salem, n.c.

9. “steam Pig experiment” by Joachim Jensen and thomas birks of grand rapids 10. “elephant Walk” by fredrick Prescott of sante fe, n.m.

PhotograPhy by michael buck (toP anD far left); Johnny Quirin (left)

artPrize founder rick DeVos congratulates grand Prize winner chris laPorte.

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“it really impressed me what they’ve achieved downtown, which is normally so bleak in various cities, you know? you can’t help but embrace it in some way.”

— tom eccles, eXecutiVe Director of the center for curatorial stuDies at barD college source: artPriZe

“evaporative buildings,” by alex schweder la

“invitation/Decalogue,” by liviu mocan 2010 ArtPrize

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PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin (toP anD center); michael buck (bottom)

PhotograPhy by michael buck (toP anD far left); Johnny Quirin (left)

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mason armano enjoys “street Pianos - Play me, i’m yours,” by luke Jerram

Detail of the hand of “John the baptist,”

by James Wisnewski

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PhotograPhy by michael buck (toP, center left anD center right); Johnny Quirin (bottom left anD bottom right)

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Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Michael Buck (top, center left and center right); Johnny Quirin (bottom left and bottom right)

2010 ArtPrize

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“I think that one of the great things about ArtPrize is that even if people don’t agree on the quality of work here and whether something is good or bad, they’re talking about it and they’re figuring it out for themselves.”

— Paul Ha, Director of Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis Source: ArtPrize

Photography by Johnny Quirin (bottom); Michael Buck (top and center)

“Benchmark Experience,”

by Scott Naylor

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2010 ArtPrize

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Photography by Johnny Quirin (top); Michael Buck (bottom)

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“Loop de Loop” by Tanya Vanden Bosch as seen from inside the JW Marriot.

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HopCatGR.com 451-HOPS (4677) . 25 Ionia Ave.

complimentary parking

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616-235-1342

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City Guide Lake house waterfront Grill overlooking Muskegon Lake offers an affordable menu and friendly bar.

See Hot off the Grill. » pg68 Photography by Johnny Quirin

Inside » Dining Review 64

» Grand Vine 75

» Fresh Hops 82

» Making Tracks 90

» clubs ‘n’ pubs 94

december 2010 Grand Rapids 63

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City Guide: Dining Review

Mixed reviews at Rock Fire Grille

82

Points Awarded

by Ira Craaven

There’s a lot to enjoy at Rock Fire Grille.

The restaurant on East Paris Avenue is pleasant and inviting, with a décor featuring warm earth tones, tabletop candles, a large bar and a cozy seating area by the fireplace. The menu offers a wide selection of appetizers, soups and salads, pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, seafood, meat and poultry.

Rock Fire also offers enticing specials, from half-price wine on Wine Down Wednesdays to a free appetizer or dessert for every two entrees ordered on Saturday “date night.” There’s live entertainment on the weekends.

But the dining experience received mixed reviews. On one visit, dining panel members found the food to be innovative and well prepared. A second visit wasn’t so stellar. One dish was sent back to the kitchen and another should have been.

The third visit was summed up as Rock Fire Grille “bland.”

1144 East Paris Ave. SE Comments about the service Grand Rapids also varied, from “helpful” to (616) 977-9900 “annoying.” www.rockfiregrille.com Let’s start with the good night.

We chose an appetizer from the Fire Starter lounge menu.

Loaded Waffle Fries ($5.95) — a large serving of crispy fries — were topped with a sprinkling of smoked Gouda cheese, bits of bacon, roasted jalapeños, red onion, tomatoes and chives. The server also brought a basket of warm, poppy-seed-topped rolls along with whipped tomato-herb butter. All very tasty, especially paired with a crisp Black Star Farms Pinot Gris from Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula ($26).

The full bar can accommodate any cocktail order and the wine list offers a selection of affordable wines along with specialty martinis, ports, bottled beers, draughts and micro-brews. Most wines can be ordered by the taste, glass or bottle.

For an entrée, one diner or­­ dered the Petite Surf and Turf

($19.95), including a chili-rubbed petite filet sliced and placed around a pile of spiced chipotle mashed potatoes. Also in the mix were honeysoy-marinated grilled scallops — sweet and tender and surrounded by a moat of braised pineapple relish with a chili-infused sauce. The dish was prepared to specifications and very flavorful.

Overall, a thumbs up.

On the second visit, we started with the Steak Gorgonzola Crostini ($7.95). Two toasted crostini were piled with balsamic-marinated grilled steaks topped with melted gorgonzola and garnished with haystack onions, chives and a rosemary-infused demi-glace: a nice combination. We also tried the Coconut Shrimp appetizer ($8.95), beer-battered and coconut-crusted shrimp that were crisp and tasty.

But the entrees weren’t as satisfying.

One panel member chose the Braised Pork Belly, a Chef’s Featured Special. The server winced. “I wouldn’t order that,” he said. “It’s 70 percent fat. If you want pork, I recommend the filet.” But the Bacon Wrapped Pork Filet topped with pineapple salsa ($15.95) arrived over-seasoned and undercooked.

The Veggie Risotto ($15.95) was a better choice, though not memorable. The dish combined roasted corn, asparagus, tomatoes and red pepper with a parmesan risotto topped with grilled portabella mushroom and mushroom leek broth.

On the third visit, the dinner experience was simply bland. The same pork dish was dubbed “flavorless.” (And we had to argue with the server that we did not want the pork served medium rare.) Crab-Stuffed Whitefish ($16.95) was nicely presented, but also lacked flavor. Only the Fried Calamari appetizer ($8.95) and the mashed potatoes earned kudos.

Desserts — all made in-house — also received mixed reviews. One night the Chocolate Chili Decadent Cake ($6.95) with dots of caramel sauce and orange chili sauce surrounding a wedge of flourless chocolate cake was deemed a “delight.” Another night, the chili flavor completely overwhelmed the chocolate. In contrast, the Key Lime Pie, made with real Key West lime juice, proved creamy and satisfying.

A nice touch: The menu offers specialty coffee blends with a French press option.

GR

Photography by Michael Buck (pages 64-65)

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Photography by Michael Buck (pages 64-65)

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City Guide

Grand Rapids Magazine has compiled this list of selected area restaurants as a service to our readers. The recommendations and reviews in the listings are the opinions of the editors. Restaurants are included in the guide 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.

of the Amway Grand Plaza. Casual, 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. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $$

fare and comfort foods featuring locally grown produce and hormone-free, organic meats.

Full bar; two-level seating and alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. ¢-$ eatatolives.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS

DERBY STATION — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derbystation.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $

ONE TRICK PONY — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines, creative lunch and dinner specials.

Congenially casual surroundings; dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music. Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetrick.biz. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys.

ELECTRIC CHEETAH — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Sandwiches, soups, salads, entrees, house-made desserts and unique Sunday brunch in modern setting. Liquor license pending. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electric cheetah.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$

25 KITCHEN AND BAR — Dining and bar space on separate levels and a menu that offers 25 pizzas, 25 beers, 25 specialty cocktails, 25 appetizers and inventive entrees artfully presented.

Open daily 11 am-2 am. 25 Ottawa Ave SW, 8055581. twentyfivegr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$

EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFÉ — Changing bistro menu from appetizers through dessert.

Impressive wine list with appropriate food pairings served in comfortable atmosphere. Open daily for dinner. 11 Center St, Douglas, (269) 8574240. everydaypeoplecafe.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$

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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, $-$$ DS

GILLY’S AT THE BOB — Innovative takes on seafood on the 1st floor of The BOB, complete with raw bar. Seasonal menu offers cutting-edge fare from appetizers to desserts. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. H, L (Sat), D, C, 3, V, MC, AE $-$$

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 (downtown), 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. H, L, D, C, $ 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP

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. graydonscrossing. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $

New American

FBLUE WATER GRILL — Wood-burning rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven allow for inspired dishes from fresh seafood to beef. Nice wine selection and The BOB’s microbrews. Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace, full-service bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thebluewatergrill. thegilmorecollection.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BOBARINO’S AT THE BOB — Grill on 2nd floor of The BOB offers a wide variety, from woodfired pizza, burgers and sandwiches to pasta and up-scale entrées. Full-service bar with The BOB’s microbrews on tap. Live entertainment in Cisco’s Island Lounge. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thebob.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ BUTCH’S — New York-style deli by day, fine dining cuisine by night. Menu changes seasonally.

More than 200 bottled beer selections and 700 varieties of wine available for takeout. Closed Sun. 44 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-8227. butchs.net.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$ CITYVU BISTRO — Top-floor restaurant in Holland’s eco-friendly City Flats Hotel specializing in creative flatbreads and small-plate fare with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 61 E 7th St, Holland, (616) 796-2114. cityvubistro.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ COREZ NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY & BAR — Ever-changing Midwest-inspired menu with imaginative twists on small and “not so small” dishes.

Extensive wine list, top-shelf spirits, crafted beers and cocktails. Opens 4 pm Mon-Sat, 919 Cherry St SE, 855-2310. corezwinebar.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ FCYGNUS 27 — Stylized décor reflects a celestial theme that matches the views from the 27th floor

GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, $-$$ DS GRILL ONE ELEVEN — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge on the lower level. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, 863-3300. grilloneeleven.com. H, B (Sun), L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ THE HERITAGE — Grand Rapids Community College culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine offered with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year.

Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ MARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO — Cozy dining in French-country-casual, white-linen atmosphere. Creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu available for takeout.

Full bar, nice wine list. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ MIA & GRACE BISTRO — Locally grown products creatively composed by husband/wife team chefs and owners are served in an intimate, artsy space in downtown Muskegon. Breakfast/ lunch service year-round with special dinners during growing season. Bakery, too. 1133 Third St, Muskegon, (231) 725-9500. miaandgrace.com. H, B, L, (D) V, MC, AE $ OLIVES — Seasonally inspired menu of creative

PIPER — Stunning lake view, fun décor, good service and a menu with everything from appetizers, pasta and wood-fired pizza to creative entrées and homemade desserts. Closed Sun and Mon during winter. 2225 South Shore Dr, Macatawa, (616) 335-5866. piperrestaurant.com. H, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ REPUBLIC — Asian-influenced California cuisine, from steaks, seafood and chicken to pastas and plates to share. Multi-level, arts-inspired décor with upper-level outdoor seating and attentive bar service. Sister to adjacent Rockwell’s Kitchen & Tap. Closed Sun. 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465. republicgrandrapids.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, $-$$ DS RESTAURANT BLOOM — Imaginative American fare with an ever-changing seasonal menu and innovative desserts. Upscale ambience. Nice wine list and microbrew beers. Lunch served 11-4. Sun brunch. Closed Mon. 40 Monroe Center, 6322233. bloomgr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ FROSE’S — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a variety of sandwiches, salads, pastas, wood-fired pizzas, entrées and desserts.

Comfortably casual; three-season porch seating. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 458-4646. thegilmorecollection.com/rosesrestaurant.html.

H, B (weekends), L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ SALT OF THE EARTH — Rustic fare and bakery emphasize locally sourced products ranging from wood-fired pizzas to an array of affordably priced entrees. Full bar; closed Sun. 114 E. Main St, Fennville, (269) 561-7258. saltoftheearthfenn ville.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ SCHNITZ ADA GRILL — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night in cozy surroundings with full bar.

Nice selection of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, pasta and more. 597 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ SIX.ONE.SIX — Market-fresh, contemporary American fare “with a global soul.” Interact with chefs in the mini Chef’s Lab exhibition kitchen, or visit Mixology lounge. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethejw.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ TAVERN ON THE SQUARE —Tapas-style fare with small plate/appetizers, soups, green plate/ salads, house specialties and desserts. Full bar with wine; nice list of microbrews. Open daily; patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavern onthesq.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ WILD DOG GRILLE — Interesting appetizers, salads, sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas and entrees marry a complexity of flavors. Desserts made in-house. Closed Mon in winter months. Fullservice bar. 24 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-

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A m wAy G r And PlAzA hotel

Jw mArriott GrAnd rAPids

downtown CourtyArd by mArriott

This New Year’s Eve, celebrate in classic style at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel by taking advantage of the following fabulous packages:

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the JW Marriott with Grupo Aye and Arthur Murray Grand Rapids!

Its a new stay. The newly renovated Downtown Courtyard by Marriott offers easy access to everything, as well as this great New Year’s Eve package:

Classic Room* Starting at $229 per couple and includes overnight accommodations, parking, and full access to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s Top 40s New Year’s Eve party and access to the JW’s Global Pachanga party after 10 p.m.

Tower Club Room and Tower Club Lounge Access Package* Starting at $349 per couple and includes upgraded overnight accommodations, Tower Club Lounge amenities, parking, and full access to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s Top 40s New Year’s Eve party and access to the JW’s Global Pachanga party after 10 p.m.

For complete package details, please visit amwaygrand.com.

Located in Grand Rapids’ vibrant downtown, the JW Marriott is the place to be and be seen this New Year’s Eve. Celebrate in lush style, and dance in the New Year with our Global Pachanga party: Global Pachanga Package* Starting at $279 per couple and includes luxurious accommodations in a deluxe room for two, complimentary valet or selfparking, two tickets to Global Pachanga— the hottest NYE party around, cash bar and food court (open until 1 a.m.), entertainment by Grupo Aye, party favors, and access to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s Top 40s New Year’s Eve party after 10 p.m.

For complete package details, please visit ilovethejw.com.

For reservations, please call 616.774.2000.

Standard Room* Starting at $229 per couple and includes overnight accommodations, parking, and entry to both the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s Top 40s New Year’s Eve party and the JW’s Global Pachanga party after 10 p.m.

The Downtown Courtyard by Marriott will also be offering light hors d’oeuvres throughout the night and a champagne toast at midnight.

For complete package details, please visit ourcourtyardgr.com.

For reservations, please call 616.242.6000.

For reservations, please call 616.242.1500.

Experience all the action in downtown Grand Rapids this New Year's Eve. The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, JW Marriott Grand Rapids, and Downtown Courtyard by Marriott are steps away from the ball drop in Rosa Parks Circle and everything else downtown Grand Rapids has to offer!

Enjoy entertainment access to all three hotels after 10 p.m. *Certain entertainment options are included with packages. Beverages are limited by packages. Please inquire about package details. Certain restrictions may apply.

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City Guide

Lake House Waterfront Grill, shown right, overlooking Ter­race Point Marina and Muskegon Lake in the former Rafferty’s location, has a laidback, contemporary décor and affordable menu. Small plates, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, specialty burgers and select entrees emphasize locally grown ingredients. (601 Terrace Point, just off Shoreline Drive, Muskegon; (231) 7224461; shorelineinn.com, click on Dining) Also open in Muskegon is Handsome Henry’s, from the same family that brought Hobo’s Tavern to North Muskegon. The extensive American/Italian menu ranges from appetizers, pizzas and from-scratch soups to perch, ribs and hand-cut, aged steaks. (3065 Henry St., Muskegon, (231) 747-8583; Facebook) Muskegon’s Bonfire Grill claims “the best smoke in town.” Rotisserie chicken, ribs and brisket are its claim to fame, but the menu is filled with interesting items, such as lobster tacos, alligator snaps, creative “samiches,” specialty dogs and more.

(2536 Henry St., Muskegon, (231) 760-5204; bonfiregrillpub.com) In Grand Rapids, Louis Benton Steak House has added the Leopard Lounge nightclub to its venue at 77 Monroe Center NW. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m.-2 a.m., this “cocktail boutique” offers a full bar, signature cocktails, small-plates menu, and a disco-reminiscent, LED-based light show for dancing to DJ-driven tunes.

Gipper’s Sports Bar & Grill has returned to its former home on Kraft Avenue just south of 28th Street in Cascade. Its popular half-off-drinks Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m. is back, with soups, salads, appetizers, flat-bread pizzas, and pub-grub entrees gracing the menu. The Gipper includes three 9-ounce burgers with chili, cheese and bacon, along with fries and a 42-ounce domestic draft beer for $19. (2929 Kraft Ave. SE; 551-0841) 2519. thewilddoggrille.com. H, L (Fri-Sun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$ WINCHESTER — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food; affordably priced comfort food specialties, reclaimed century-old space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St, SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

Classic American

Restaurants and diners serving traditional dishes popular across the country.

8TH STREET GRILL — Entrées range from catfish Valdosta to ribs, with sandwiches, salads, burgers and pasta also on the menu. Closed Sun. 20 W 8th St, Holland, (616) 392-5888. 8thstreetgrille.com.

H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE $ 84 EAST FOOD & SPIRITS — Neat restoration lends atmosphere; varied menu includes unique pasta dishes and thin-crust pizzas. Closed Sun. 84 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-8484. 84east

pasta.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS

¢-$

ABERDEEN STEAK HOUSE — All-natural, grainfed, choice-cut aged steaks, prime rib, lamb and pork chops, Greek-style roasted chicken and halfpound burgers in refurbished surroundings. Full bar; closed Sun. 785 W Broadway, Muskegon, (231) 733-6400. aberdeen-steakhouse.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ ACORN GRILLE AT THOUSAND OAKS — Blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, artfully presented in handsome dining room with golf course views. Open daily in season. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, 447-7750. thousandoaksgolf.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $$ ARBOREAL INN — New England-style inn offers fresh whitefish, Alaskan king crab, tournedos Oscar and more. Cozy atmosphere with dining and bar area. Portion of menu requires 24-hour notice. Closed Sun. 18191 174th Ave, Spring Lake, (616) 842-3800. arborealinn.com. H, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $$ ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT — Uniquely

GR. Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants.com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE $ BEAR LAKE TAVERN — Historic North Muskegon tavern offers favorites that include yellowbelly lake perch dinner, BLT burger and hand-cut onion rings. 360 Ruddiman Rd, North Muskegon, (231) 744-1161. 4gr8food.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BENTHAM’S RIVERFRONT RESTAURANT — Upscale selections served in casually elegant surroundings. Open daily in the Amway Grand Plaza, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com/benthams.html. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ BIL-MAR RESTAURANT — Beachfront dining with a great view of Lake Michigan; a wide selection of fine-dining entrées. Full bar; open daily.

1223 S Harbor St, Grand Haven, (616) 842-5920. bil-margrandhaven.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $$ BLUE PLATE — Inside downtown’s Courtyard by Marriott, menu covers all tastes. Popular Pasta Station available at lunch. Light fare in lounge.

Open daily. 11 Monroe Ave NW, 242-6000, ext 6646. marriott.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ BOATWERKS WATERFRONT RESTAURANT — Vintage motorboat ambiance overlooking Lake Macatawa. Spacious outdoor patio and two menus: casual dining in main dining room, bar and patio, with another room for fine dining. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, (616) 396-0600. boat werksrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ BONEFISH GRILL — Offers fresh-from-the-seas fare. Casual, white-linen dining. Seafood selections augmented by innovative sauces and toppings; also chicken, beef and pasta dishes. 1100 East Paris Ave SE, 949-7861. bonefishgrill.com.

H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BOSTWICK LAKE INN — Roomy, cottage-style eatery offers regionally influenced cuisine in casual surroundings. Favorites include fresh seafood, pasta, steaks and ribs. Open Tue-Sat, also Mon between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 8521 Belding Rd NE, Cannon Township, 874-7290. bostwicklakeinn.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, $ RSVP BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves an affordable selection of appetizers, sandwiches and salads as well as fowl, seafood and beef for dinner. Enjoy golf-course views from inside or on the deck.

5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. H, L, D, C, V, ¢-$ MC, AE, DS BRANDYWINE — Pleasant café atmosphere serving extensive breakfasts, innovative lunches with vegetarian choices and salads, and dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 East Beltline Ave NE, 3631723. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC ¢-$ BRANN’S SIZZLING STEAKS AND SPORTS GRILLE — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets and Mexican entrees. All locations offer high-tech projection screens and sporting events. Menu tweaked to add more bar munchies. Brann’s of Grandville, 3475 Fairlanes,

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Hot off the grill

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City Guide

pile

Grand Village Mall, 531-6210; Mike & Johnny Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; John Brann’s of Cascade, 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800; Brann’s of Holland, 12234 James St, (616) 393-0028; Brann’s of Muskegon, 5510 Harvey St, (231) 7981399; Brann’s of Portage, 700 Martin Luther King Dr, (269) 321-8852. branns.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ BULL’S HEAD TAVERN — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Lunch menu showcases salads, soups and sandwiches. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtavern.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ C.F. PRIME CHOPHOUSE & WINE BAR — Prime NY strips and some all-natural beef selections.

Gourmet treatment from starters through salads, plus seafood, vegetarian options and desserts made on-site. Impressive wine list, full-service bar. Closed Sun. 950 W Norton, Muskegon, (231) 737-4943. cfprime.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$

smile

CASCADE ROADHOUSE — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu from fish and chips and gourmet burgers to fine-dining appetizers and entrées. Good bar, wine list. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. H, L, D, C, V, AE $-$$ 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$

clutter creates chaos. With our expert space planning, custom fit and finish, and one-day installations, you can find peace of mind in no time. call for a complimentary consultation and see your space in 3-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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ FTHE CHOP HOUSE — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. A la carte sides are big enough to share.

Great wine list. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6184. thechophouserestaurant.com. H, $$ D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC COUSIN’S TASTY CHICKEN — A 25-year local alternative to the chains with some of the tastiest fried chicken and side dishes around. Also serving seafood and other fried fare. Closed Sun. 1209 Leonard St NE, 456-5244. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

Photography by Johnny Quirin

CRAZY HORSE STEAK HOUSE & SALOON — Holland’s family-friendly eatery, renowned for steaks and prime rib. Saturday night special is prime rib and lobster. 2027 North Park Dr, Holland, (616) 395-8393. crazyhorsesteakhouse. $$ com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS CROWNE ROOM — Comfortable dining room in the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and fine dining selections from an extensive seasonal menu. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 9571770. mainstreetmediagroup.com. B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$ DEE-LITE BAR & GRILL — Nice selection of appetizers, house-made soups, salads and sandwiches. “Fresh-Mex” dinner selections, plus seafood, chicken, steak and pasta. Live music and martinis

AUTHORIZED DEALER

ORG West Michigan 616.458.9700

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OWM_GRMagAd_0410.inddStatement 1 of Ownership, Management and Circulation (RequiRed by PS FORM 3526)

1. Title of publication: Grand Rapids Magazine 2. Publication number: 0997-340 3. Date of filing: October 1, 2010 4. Issue frequency: Monthly 5. Number of issues published annually: 12 6. Annual subscription price: $24.00 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 549 Ottawa Ave. N.W., Ste. 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Contact: Scott Miller.

Telephone: (616) 459-4545.

8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of Publisher: Same as #7 9. Publisher: John H. Zwarensteyn, 549 Ottawa Ave. N.W., Ste. 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Editor: Carole Valade. Managing Editor: Marty Primeau. All addresses same as above.

10. Owner: Gemini Corporation; John H. Zwarensteyn, both addresses same as #7.

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

12. Tax status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates): Has not changed during the preceding 12 months.

2/2/10 2:56:55 PM

13. Publication title: Grand Rapids Magazine 14. Issue date for circulation below: October 2010 15. Extent and nature of circulation: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months/actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date. a) Total number of copies (net press run): 15,000/15,000. b1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 1,501/1,448. b2) Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 4,883/5,154. b3) Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS paid distribution: 3,633/3,860. b4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail through USPS (e.g. 1st Class Mail): 307/331. c) Total paid distribution: 10,324/10,793. Free distribution by mail: d1) Outside-county: 148/0. d2) In-county: 386/0. d3) n/a. d4) Free distribution outside the mail: 3,307/4,000. e) Total free distribution (sum of 15d section): 3,841/4,000. f) Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): 14,165/14,793. g) Copies not distributed: 835/207. h) Total (sum of 15f and 15g): 15,000/15,000. i) Percent paid and/or requested circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100): 72.88%/72.96%.

16. Publication Statement of Ownership publication required. Will be printed in the December 2010 issue of this publication.

17. I certify that the statements made above are correct and complete (signed): Scott Miller, Circulation & Marketing Manager, 10/1/10

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City Guide in the Theatre Bar. Open daily; Sun brunch. 24 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 844-5055. harborrestaurants.com/deelite/. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ THE DINING ROOM AT CLEARBROOK — New entrées daily feature locally grown products.

Known for hand-cut steaks, double-cut lamb chops, Canadian walleye. More casual dining in The Grill Room. Open daily in summer. Clearbrook Golf Club, 6594 Clearbrook Dr (just north of Saugatuck), (269) 857-2000. clearbrookgolfclub. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC, RSVP $-$$ DOCKERS FISH HOUSE & LOUNGE — Waterside dining on Muskegon Lake with lively summer tiki bar, seafood and land-lubber options. Full bar, dockside seating. Dockhands assist with boat tie-up. Closed Oct-Mar. 3505 Marina Point View, Muskegon, (231) 755-0400. dockersfishhouse. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ THE FALCON’S NEST — Creative lunch menu with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, barbecue ribs, appetizers, chili and salads. Open 11 am-7 pm. 17000 Lincoln Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 842-4040. grandhavengolfclub.com. H, L, D, C, V, ¢-$ MC, AE FALL CREEK — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches, house-made desserts, and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ FLAT RIVER GRILL — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building on the river in Lowell. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from American comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar with extensive wines by the glass and The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. Superb brunch. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmorecollec tion.com/flatrivergrill.html. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ FLEETWOOD DINER — Extensive diner-style American menu with Greek influences. Famous for Hippie Hash. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving dinner until 8 pm MonThu, 9 pm Fri-Sat. Outdoor patio. 2222 44th St SE, 281-2300. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ FOREST HILLS INN — A casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza.

Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ FRY DADDY’S FRESH FISH — Fried fresh fish, wing-dings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with French fries in pleasant surroundings or to go. Closed Mon. In Kentwood’s Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, 455-FISH. H, L, D, V, ¢-$ MC GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. — Microbrewery with extensive menu that matches the handcrafted beers and natural ales. 3689 28th St SE, 285-5970. michiganmenu.com/grbrewing.html.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ THE GRAND SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR — In Grand Haven’s former Grand Theatre. Oyster and sushi bar, seafood and steaks. Open daily. 22 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 847-8944.

harborrestaurants.com/thegrand. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ GRAND TRAVERSE PIE CO. — Bakery and café offer an extensive menu that covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with quiche, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries. Open daily. 3224 28th St SE, 977-7600. gtpie.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ GRAND VILLA — Longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar.

Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ FGREAT LAKES SHIPPING CO. — Kitchen does everything from beef, seafood, fowl and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. Patio open in summer. No lunch, but open Sun afternoons. 2455 Burton St SE, 949-9440. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ THE GRILL AT 1913 — “Kid sister” of Amway Grand Plaza’s Five-Diamond The 1913 Room.

Warm ambience and seasonal entrées featuring prime, custom-aged beef. Closed Sun. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/ the_grill_at_1913.html. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $$ GRILL HOUSE & ROCK BOTTOM BAR — Allegan’s grill-your-own steakhouse with grillmasters on call. Bottomless salad bowl and potato bar; tasty desserts. Rock Bottom Bar opens 11 am daily; Grill House opens 5:30 pm weekdays, 11 am Sundays.

1071 32nd St (M-40), Allegan, (269) 686-9192. grillhouse.net. H, L (downstairs), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP (weekends) $-$$ THE GRILL ROOM — Aged steaks/chops, fresh seafood and fine wines in top chophouse tradition, served in an unpretentious atmosphere. Closed Sun during winter. Kirby House, 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecol lection.com/kirbygrillroom.html. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$ GRILLE 29 — Varied menu includes salads, soups, specialty panini, pasta, pizza and variety of entrées. Full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Holiday Inn Select, 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 285-7600. holidayinn.com. H, B, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ THE GRILLE AT WATERMARK — Innovative menu in relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat; Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Banquet facilities.

Reservations accepted. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. watermarkcc.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, RSVP $-$$ HONEY CREEK INN — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare that earns rave reviews from patrons. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honey creekinn.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE — Steaks, chops, chicken, soups, salads, sandwiches, Mexican favorites and breakfast, as well as fish specialties. Full bar; closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Suite F, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ J BAR — The BOB’s steakhouse restaurant caters to those with a penchant for meat and potatoes with style and expertise. Open 5-11 pm; closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com.

H, D, C, local 3, V, MC, AE $$

JACK’S — Breakfast and lunch, plus dinner menu with appetizers, wine by the glass and a wide range of entrées, located on the Grand River at Grand Haven Waterfront Holiday Inn. 940 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, (616) 846-1370. higrand haven.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ KIRBY GRILL — Casual side of the Kirby House offers more than an average grill with innovative touches to the American menu. Family-friendly dining upstairs. 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecollection.com/kirby $ grillroom.html. L, D, C, V, MC, AE KOPPER TOP — Uniquely GR. Raw copper tops the bar and tables at this GR staple with a longstanding tradition of seasonal decorations.

Entrées with a homemade taste. No lunch Sat, closed Sun. 638 Stocking Ave NW, 459-2001. L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE ¢ THE LANDING — Nautical décor with windows overlooking the Grand River. Menu features American favorites and German specials. Live music and dancing in the lounge. 270 Ann St NW (Radisson Riverfront Hotel at US 131), 363-7748. radisson.com/hotels/migrapno/dinings. H, B, L, $ D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS OLEO’S — Combines fine dining and casual comfort with great service, impressive wine list and full bar. Fresh seafood is the specialty, but steaks and other dishes are just as good. Street level in parking ramp at Ottawa and Louis. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant. $-$$ com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP LOUIS BENTON STEAKHOUSE — Upscale steakhouse with a big-city ambiance features premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks, lamb, pork and veal chops, seafood and more. Superb wine list. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, Suite 100, 454-7455. louisbenton.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$ MAIN STREET PUB — Casual restaurant and sports bar offers large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and nice entrée selections. Open 11 am daily, with breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ MAXFIELD’S — Vast lunch and dinner menus are enhanced by daily feature buffets. Open Tue-Sun. 11228 Wyman Rd, Blanchard, (800) 550-5630. maxfieldsrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$ 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/. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ MIDDLE VILLA INN — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands; in Grand Rapids call 891-1287 for restaurant info. Open daily. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villa-inn. com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, DS $ MOE’S CONEY & GRILL — Coney Island-style hotdogs and extensive menu from sandwiches to entrees. Wide-ranging breakfast menu, all at reasonable prices. Open daily; closes 2 pm Sun. 3603 S Division Ave, 514-1650. H, B, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$

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City Guide MR. BURGER — Specialty wood-fired pizzas, ethnic salads, sandwiches, appetizers, dips, soups, desserts and coffee. Antique/garden atmosphere at the bistro near GVSU. Open daily. 2844 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-0200; 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300; 450 Baldwin, Jenison, 4577400. mrburger.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ NOEL RESTAURANT — It’s Christmas year-round at this restaurant in a former church and parsonage Family-style dinners, lighter fare on lunch menu. Gift shop on lower level. Hours now by reservation only; parties of 10 or more preferred.

2371 Riley St, Jamestown, 896-6427. noelrestaur ant.com. H, L, D, V, MC, RSVP ¢-$$ OTTAWA TAVERN — The full-service, full-menu sister restaurant sharing space with downtown’s Bite. Sports venue with weekday Happy Hour bar specials 4-7 pm. Closed Sun. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 451-8000. thegilmorecollection.com/ottawatav ern.html. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ PAL’S DINER — A real diner with breakfast, lunch and dinner all day, served in fun surroundings.

No alcohol served. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢ PEARL STREET GRILL — Bright, airy restaurant in the downtown Holiday Inn (formerly Days Hotel).

Breakfast, lunch and steaks, pasta, chicken and fish for dinner. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 2357611. guestservice@higrdt.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ RAINBOW GRILL — Longtime favorite offers breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily luncheon specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, ¢-$ DS RED JET CAFÉ — Gilmore Collection restaurant in the former Creston Heights library. Coffee bar along with breakfast, omelets, crepes, soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, specialty pizzas and more in casual, upbeat surroundings. Full bar; opens 7 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollection.com/redballjetcafe.html. H, B, L, D (Tue-Sat), C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ REDS ON THE RIVER — Located on the banks of the Rogue River in Rockford, Reds combines casual sophistication with Old-World Tuscan sensibilities. Varied menu, good wine list. Lunch served 11-4 pm; closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more are offered at these Western-style Schelde restaurants. Open daily. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. michiganmenu.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ -ROCK FIRE GRILLE — Entrees include fresh seafood, steaks, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, stellar desserts in casually elegant surroundings.

Full bar, extensive wine list, specialty cocktails.

Closed Sunday. Open M-F for lunch. 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 977-9900. rockfiregrille.com. H, L (except Sat), D, C, V, MC, AE $-$$ ROSEBUD — Sandwiches, soups and pizza for lunch, a variety of steaks, ribs, pasta and more pizza for dinner. Live music Thu-Sat. Open daily.

100 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 8467788. rosebudgrill.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$

ROSIE’S DINER — The original 1946 Paramount diner made famous by paper towel commercials continues the tradition of classic homemade diner fare. Open daily. Half-mile east of US 131.

4500 14 Mile Rd, Rockford, 866-3663. rosies diner.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ RUSS’ RESTAURANTS — Fast service, family friendly, inexpensive fare. Closed Sun. 3966 Plainfield Ave NE, 381-7545; 2750 28th St SE, 949-8631; 2340 28th St SW, 538-3410; 531 Alpine Ave NW, 784-2230; 6444 S Division Ave, 281-2790; 4440 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 531-1146. ¢ russrestaurants.com. B, L, D, 3 SAM’S JOINT — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia. Extensive menu includes Mexican selections; full bar. 2412 Briggs Rd, Gun Lake, (269) 795-3965; 7449 68th St, Dutton, 698-1833; 107 E Main St, Caledonia, 891-1128; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-3324; 6618 Old Grand Haven Rd, Norton Shores, (231) 7987155; 15520 48th Ave, Coopersville, 837-8558; 1665 Viewpond SE, Kentwood, 455-2111. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC $ SANDI’S FAMILY RESTAURANT — Home-cooked meals, family-friendly dining in casual surroundings. Daily specials; all-you-can-eat ocean perch on Fri. Senior discount Mon-Tue. Closed Sun. 6597 S Division Ave, 281-3160. sandisfamilyrestau rant.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ SAYFEE’S — Uniquely GR. Longtime favorite with well-rounded lunch and dinner menus.

Chateaubriand served tableside; luscious dessert cart; early-dining specials. Live music and dancing Wed-Sat eves. Deck open in summer. Closed Sun. 3555 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, 949-5750. say $-$$ fees.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS SPINNAKER — Upscale menu features large selection of seafood and landlubber entrees in a nautical themed dining room. Open daily, Sun brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$ SUNDANCE GRILL — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers a dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition. Selection of steaks, salmon, salads and pasta, along with a margarita bar.

5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 956-5644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ SWAN INN RESTAURANT — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf, daily specials, and burgers, chicken, seafood and more. Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles as well as dinner menu. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. H, B, L, C, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ TERRACE GRILLE AT BAY POINTE INN — Casual gourmet dining, impressive wine list, martini bar and lakeside dining on terrace. Seasonally changing menu includes seafood, steaks, pasta and specials emphasizing regional fare. Open daily. Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville (off US 131), (269) 672-5202 or (888) GUN-LAKE. baypointeinn.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC, RSVP $-$$ THAT PLACE ON PLAINFIELD — Diner ambiance serving breakfast all day, along with soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, vegetarian options and desserts. Open daily 7 am-8 pm (8 am-3 pm

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City Guide: Chef Profile

Who doesn’t love Marge?

T

he slogan at Marge’s Donut Den is: “Where you meet old friends and make new ones.”

Ever since life circumstances thrust owner Marge Wilson into the bakery business, she has been carving a loving community out of her storefront coffee and donut shop at 1751 28th St. SW in Wyoming.

An amicable divorce in 1975 left Marge with a failing Dixie Cream donut shop that had unpaid back taxes and supplier bills.

“I didn’t want any part of it,” said Marge, who’d spent 20 years in the banking industry. “But life changes and throws

you curves, and you have to be prepared for all different circumstances.”

So she spruced up the place, renamed the shop, whittled away at the bills and involved her now grown children — Ronda, Scott and Susan — who were ages 10, 11 and 12.

“The kids would come in and wash the pans by hand, and every Sunday after church, they mopped the floor, and then we’d go to a movie. They all learned at an early age to be hard workers, and all three of them are exceptionally smart — but more importantly, they’re kind.”

Marge eventually left the bank to work full time at the bakery. Eighteen years ago, she married Gene Wilson, a former baker from Valdosta, Ga., who tends to their pecan orchard and farm down south and spends winters in Grand Rapids. They have 17 grandchildren between them.

According to Marge, kindness is one of the most important qualities in life, which she exemplifies through her interaction with customers, her volunteerism with Big Sisters and AMBUCS, and her sponsorship of the Pinery Park Little League team.

She is a charter member of the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Grand Rapids Area chamber, and was the first woman elected to the board of the Retail Bakers Association. To serve her customers, the Donut Den is open 365 days a year — yes, there are even Christmas morning regulars.

In homage to her old high school, the last Tuesday of the month is always South High Day (from 1-4 p.m.). Marge’s offers a cupboard of vintage South High yearbooks.

“It’s cool if South High people come in to just share their experiences and memories.”

How did you learn to be a baker? Initially, I just watched the bakers and learned how. I didn’t get a lot of cooperation and they were very reluctant to share recipes, but I wrote it all down.

Photography by Alissa Lane

For 35 years, Marge Wilson has been serving up donuts, baked goods and lots of love. By Julie Burch

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City Guide: Chef Profile

Photography by Alissa Lane

Photography by Alissa Lane

Who or what has been most influential in your career? My grandmother, Anna Winters, whom I never met. She was my father’s mother and had to raise three boys totally by herself after her husband died. She started a millinary shop, and it was absolutely unheard of for a woman alone to have a storefront business. I admire her courage and her ability to raise three boys in the early 1930s.

What would you like readers to know about Marge’s Donut Den? They just have to come and see for themselves.

“If I am going to sell anything to another individual, it has to be the best or it has to make their event wonderful, or I couldn’t do it.”

— Marge Wilson We have unbelievable fruitcakes over the holidays, which are made with the pecans from our trees down in Georgia. We call it Gene’s Perfection Fruitcake and they’re really moist. My husband taught us how to make it.

How has Marge’s menu evolved over the years? Now we have 60 different kinds of donuts, cookies and pastries, plus custom cakes, cupcakes and cannoli, all baked fresh daily. In 1975, all we had was donuts. Then I added cookies, and then I added muffins; then I tried bagels, but we couldn’t make the bagels right and I couldn’t find any that were as good as New York bagels, so I just stopped doing that. Then we added cakes. Now a lot of it (the cake business) is orders, and the kids will draw me pictures of what they want on their cakes. I like to sit down with them while they tell me what colors they want and what they want their cake to look like. We only do three wedding cakes

a week. That’s because I’m so fussy, and for me, the bride has to have the most perfect cake, so the frosting has to be whipped fresh that day, because it’s all about making sure the bride has a perfect day. (Marge’s Donut Den employs between 14 to 22 people.)

Do you cook at home? (Amid much laughter): Since I bought a new set of pans, I’m trying to learn to cook. I never had time to cook. The kids and I were brought up on pizzas and anything that could be delivered to the bakery — that and microwave popcorn.

Do you have a signature donut or one that is most popular? The apple fritters and long johns are the two most popular ones on a daily basis. But Paczki Day has become our biggest day of the year.

Do you have a business or kitchen philosophy that guides you? It’s got to be clean; it’s got to be quality. If I am going to sell anything to another individual, it has to be the best or it has to make their event wonderful, or I couldn’t do it.

What do you think makes the Donut Den so special? Everybody that walks in my front door has over 150 places to get a cup of coffee, and they picked me. So every person that walks in that door — I’m grateful to them, so they have to get the very best that I can offer. I’ve seen my customers’ children grow up and now they’re bringing back their grandchildren. The customers have become my extended family.

GR

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City Guide continued from page 71 Sun). 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 365-6669. thatplace onplainfield.com. H, B, L, D ¢ TILLMAN’S — Uniquely GR. Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste, from liver and onions to frog legs and escargot. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, RSVP $-$$ TIMBERS INN — Menu ranges from appetizers, gourmet salads, sandwiches and charbroiled burgers to wild game offerings and lumberjack meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings.

Open daily. Sun omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE ¢-$ TULLYMORE — Restaurant at Tullymore Golf Club offers seasonally inspired menu with layers of flavors and artful presentations in beautiful surroundings. Expansive views, large patio for outdoor dining. 11969 Tullymore, Stanwood, (800) 972-4837. tullymoregolf.com. H, L, D, C, V, $-$$ MC, AE, DS, RSVP TWISTED ROOSTER — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. Open daily. 1600 East Beltline Ave. NE, 301-8171. twistedrooster.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢-$$ VICTORY CLUB — Ada’s “sports dining destination” with spacious dining room and lounge, fireplaces, TVs and sports-centric décor. Menu offers standard fare plus out-of-the-norm pizzas, some Mexican dishes and comfort food, desserts and Michigan wines. 396 Pettis Ave SE, 4257050. victoryclubada.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ VILLAGE INN PIZZA PARLOR — Longtime local favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, soups, salads, Mexican and more, with karaoke nights Thu-Sat. Full bar. Open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th St SE, Kentwood, 281-1444; 934 Washington St, Holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza. net. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

zazz in a restaurant complex that includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sandwiches and shrimp as well as barbecue fare. Open daily (breakfast and lunch only Sun). 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC $

Pubs & Taverns

Restaurants that prefer to be known as “bars that serve food.”

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. barlouieamer ica.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BUD & STANLEY’S — Mirrored bar and TV sets galore. Mexican and Italian dishes, burgers, starters, salads and sandwiches. Main entrées range from homemade pasties to one-pound Texas cut sirloin. Takeout available. Open daily. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ CAMBRIDGE HOUSE — Wash down fish ’n chips with a pint of John Courage at this pub, complete with pool tables and dart board. Hoagies, Reubens and burgers; appetizers (served until 11 pm) satisfy snackers. Lots of liquor choices and good-size wine list. Takeout available. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 356-1622. cambridgehousegr. ¢-$ com. L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS CASCADE SPORTS GRILL — Not your average sports bar: calamari, crab cakes, potstickers, stuffed ’shrooms, sandwiches, chicken, steak and more. Sizable bar with 10 brew taps and extensive martini menu. Pool tables, dartboards, TVs and other amusements. Live DJ Sat night.

Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St SE, 974-3338. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ CHEERS — Popular neighborhood spot with something for everyone: munchies, salads, south-of-the-border favorites, fish, steaks, burgers, breakfast fare, omelets, served daily in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢

hood watering hole with bar food to match: burgers, sandwiches, nachos, salads, chicken fingers, etc. Open daily 10 am-2 am. Play darts, Golden Tee or the jukebox. 501 Fuller Ave NE, 454-6666.

H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ FLANAGAN’S — Popular Irish pub, imported beers, 20 on tap, includes Guinness stout.

Homemade soups and stews, specialty sandwiches, munchies and entrées with an Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. — Sip microbrew samples in the spacious taproom with vaulted ceilings, serpentine bar and stage for live music Thu and Sat. Expanded menu features sandwiches and light pub fare. Covered (heated) porch.

235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrew ing.com. H, L (11-2 Mon-Fri), 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ GP SPORTS — Sports and entertainment venue patterned after ESPN’s Zone and Dave and Buster’s, with interactive sports games, giant video screen and TVs. Menu features createyour-own pizzas, burgers, salads and such.

Closed Sun and Mon. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $ GRAND WOODS LOUNGE — Year-round alfresco dining complete with fireplace. Eclectic menu selections mix with upscale takes on comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious bar. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ HOLLY’S BACK DOOR BAR & GRILL — Fullservice menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel.

Opens 5 pm; closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ HOPCAT — Downtown pub offers crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled.

Full bar, and tasty fare including appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr.com. H, L (Sat-Sun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

CHEQUERS — Creative cuisine with a British flair ranges from beef tips Sherwood to Welsh rarebit, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and imported beer served in an English pub atmosphere. Open daily in summer. 220 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857$ 1868. H, L, D, V, MC,AE

HUB’S INN — Sandwiches, burgers, wet burritos and thin-crust pizza. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. hubsinn.com. H, L, D, C ¢

CORNER BAR — Rockford’s much-loved spot for a brew and a chili dog, with hall-of-fame status for quantity gorging. Bar fare includes burgers, sandwiches, soups, nibbles, etc. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 866-9866. rockfordcornerbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢

INTERSECTION CAFÉ — Roomy entertainment venue offers sandwich wraps and panini, great burgers, quesadilla selections, soups, salads, appetizers, flatbread pizza, vegetarian options.

Full bar. 133 Grandville Ave SW, 459-0977. sectionlive.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢

THE COTTAGE BAR — Uniquely GR. Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chili, house-made soups and sandwiches, daily specials, imported beers, full bar and cordial atmosphere. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.com. L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢

JD REARDON’S — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more, with a nice selection of nibbles, soups, sandwiches, dinner-size salads, steaks and other appealing entrées. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardo $-$$ ns.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS

WINTER INN — Seafood, steaks and prime rib along with such specialties as seafood au gratin and pan-fried walleye in historic inn. Convivial bar. Banquet facilities. 100 N Lafayette St, Greenville, (616) 754-7108. thewinterinn.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC $

THE CURRAGH — Downtown Holland traditional Irish pub features all the fun foods, spirits, music and environment of Old World Ireland. Enjoy a pint and authentic Irish fare from a full menu.

Outdoor seating, live entertainment, valet parking. 73 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393-6340. curragh holland.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$$

J GARDELLA’S TAVERN — Massive antique 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. jgardellastav ern.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢

WOODY’S PRESS BOX — Pulled pork with piz-

ELBOW ROOM BAR & GRILL — Cozy neighbor-

WALLDORFF BREWPUB & BISTRO — Microbrewery with menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, barbecue specialties, small plates, steaks, pork and lamb chops, duck, pastas and wood-fired pizzas. 105 E State St, Hastings, (269) 945-4400. waldorffbrewpub.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, ¢-$ DS WEST COAST GRILLE — Daily breakfast buffet, hearty lunch fare and dinner menu ranging from quesadillas and burgers to prime rib to seafood, inside Holland’s Doubletree Hotel. Open daily.

650 E 24th St (just off US 31), Holland, (616) 3940111. holland.doubletree.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ WHITEFISH LAKE GOLF AND GRILL — Menu offers hand-cut steaks, barbecued ribs, fresh seafood and other dining specialties grilled over an apple-wood fire. Open daily. 2241 Bass Lake Rd, Pierson, (616) 636-5260. whitefishgolfand grill.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$

LOGAN’S ALLEY — Free popcorn complements a premium-libation special in these cozy digs.

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City Guide: Grand Vine

Affordable California wines

by A. Brian Cain

On my list of favorite inexpensive wines — those I could drink every day and never tire of — most are imported. Many are from Spain.

So how do inexpensive California wines compare?

Today, all of the California wines selling in the low teens or under $10 are mass produced.

Several years ago, Australia made its mark in the U.S. by selling inexpensive, mass-produced wines that delivered remarkable quality. Have the big wine producers in California caught on?

I chose a couple of brand names, selecting several varietals within each. Since I sell some of these wines, I felt they needed to be tasted blind and opinions other than mine needed to be considered. I assembled five other tasters who are consumers with no wine industry connection.

I did not know which wines were in my glass until we had tasted and evaluated all of the wines. The other five tasters were “double blind” — they didn’t even know which wines were included in the tasting. I did tell them that all were inexpensive California wines except for one. I was particularly interested to see if it would be possible to identify the grape variety of wines in this price range.

As a barometer of quality, I included a $23 bottle of Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot. I wanted to see if the $8-$13 wines would be close in quality or if this wine would stand out.

I have listed the wines in order of preference based on the average group score (my scores are in parentheses). Of the 14 wines tasted, I recommend 10 based on the group scores and comments of the tasters. Most can be purchased in grocery stores for a couple of dollars less than the suggested retails listed here.

Contributing editor A. Brian Cain is a certified wine educator and freelance wine writer.

sweet floral nose start it off. The fruit is quite prominent up front although it finishes very soft and lighter than one expects. 90 points (85 points) 2009 Cupcake Vineyards California Red Velvet (Zin/Cab Sauvignon/Merlot), $13. This was a big surprise. The deep black-red color alerts one to the avalanche of black cherry that follows. On the palate, it is very slightly sweet yet balanced, with good grip-

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Blind taste test: Reds 2008 Robert Mondavi Private Selection California Meritage (Cab Sauvignon/Petite Verdot/ Malbec/Cab Franc/Merlot), $12. The big ripe nose reminds one of Syrah or Zinfandel. This very solid table wine is delicious and easy to enjoy. The velvety finish reinforces the big ripe fruit with black cherry nuances. 94 points (88 points) 2008 Blackstone Winemaker’s Select California Cabernet Sauvignon, $12. Good rich color and a december 2010 Grand Rapids 75

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city guide: grand vine

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ping texture in the finish. 86 points (86 points) 2008 Cupcake vineyards barossa valley (australia) shiraz, $13. had i realized this was not from california, i would not have included it, but clever packaging will fool most consumers if they don’t read the fine print. This wine clearly demonstrated its varietal content and clearly hailed from a dry region with lots of sun.

The big ripe nose is so intense, it reminds one of native fruit such as cynthiana/norton. The palate is rich and spicy. 83 points (91 points) 2009 Woodbridge by robert Mondavi California Cabernet sauvignon, $9. it is hard to identify the cabernet varietal character, but it does offer plenty of fresh, clean blackberrylike aromatics. This is a simple, pleasant table wine from the central valley. 80 points (83 points) 2008 blackstone Winemaker’s select California Merlot, $12. Deep black-red color, a rich texture and lots of complexity make this remarkable. cedar, earth, blackberry jam and spice come as a surprise at this price point. 79 points (92 points) 2007 robert Mondavi napa valley Merlot, $23. although this wine stood out to me as the class act of the tasting, the other tasters scored it middle to low. a beautiful deep color leads into ripe plum, smoke, sweet chocolate cherry and toasted oak. on the palate, huge velvety tanning coats the tongue, leaving a rich fruit saturated presence for several seconds.

73 points (96 points)

blind taste test: Whites

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2009 Woodbridge by robert Mondavi California Moscato, $9. here it the perfect grape for the clear warm climate of the central valley delta region. The Moscato fruit is among the purest and cleanest i have tasted. hints of maraschino, lychee, rose petal and honey spice combine to keep this fairly sweet wine balanced and very pleasant. 92 points (90 points) 2009 blackstone Winemaker’s select California Chardonnay, $12. unmistakably chardonnay, this wine correctly exhibits a beautiful creamy nose with distinct buttery oak nuances and a long smooth finish. 85 points (87 points) 2009 robert Mondavi Private selection California riesling, $12. This is not a typical Riesling. it is much brighter and drier than expected. it is a nice wine to serve with all sorts of medium to lighter foods. The crisp, clean taste is neither heavy nor sweet and finishes with floral notes. 82 points (85 points)

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City Guide From two Reubens to a garden burger, the 18-item sandwich-and-appetizer menu even lists pizza rolls. Seasonal deck seating. Open daily.

916 Michigan St NE, 458-1612. logansalley.com.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ MILL CREEK TAVERN — Comstock Park’s cozy eatery offers appetizers, from-scratch daily soups, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and wet burritos, as well as full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 784¢-$ 3806. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS MOJO’S — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, with starters, pastas, sandwiches, salads and reasonably priced entrées, plus late night “munchy menu.”

RSVP for dinner early, show starts at 8 pm Wed-Thu, 7 pm Fri-Sat, DJ, dancing, pool tables, VIP Room and flat-screen TVs on 2nd floor. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com.

H, D (Wed-Sat), C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ NEW HOLLAND BREWING CO. — Munchies, salads, pizza and sandwiches augment a wide array of handcrafted beer. 15-minute lunch menu.

Beer and wine only. Closed Sun. 66 E 8th St, Holland. (616) 355-6422. newhollandbrew.com.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ NITE CAP BAR & GRILL — Roomy and bright with outdoor patio, pool tables, video games, bigscreen TVs, Keno and karaoke Thu-Sat evenings.

Daily drink specials, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs, flame-broiled burgers, Mexican selections and dinners. 801 W Fulton St, 451-4243. nitecap ¢ bar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC PEPPINO’S RISTORANTE PIZZERIA AND SPORTS LOUNGE — Contemporary ambience, separate sports bar. Italian specialties and pizza, char-grilled Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. 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. H, L, D, C, V, ¢-$$ MC, AE, DS 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ PUB 43 — Cozy atmosphere caters to all, but is especially popular with artists and the gay crowd. Board games, more than a dozen TVs, fully stocked bar with usual bar fare from burgers to more upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division Ave, 458-2205. H, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ QUEEN’S PUB SPORTS BAR — Adjacent to Bombay Cuisine with English pub grub, full bar and lots of beers on tap. Big-screen TVs, pool table, dart boards, wireless connection. 14201424 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ QUINN & TUITE’S IRISH PUB — One of the largest selections of Irish whiskies in the area and Guinness on tap. Traditional Irish music, Celtic rock, open mic Fri eves, live bands Sat. Typical bar fare includes burgers, brats, sandwiches, munchies. 1535 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-8380. quinnandtuites.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ ROCKWELL’S KITCHEN & TAP — The more casual kid sister adjacent to Republic restaurant.

Classic American pub features comfort foods with a twist; upper-floor outdoor balcony seating.

45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsgrandrap ids.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ ROCKY’S BAR & GRILL — Burgers, appetizers, fried fish baskets, sandwiches and more. Art Deco bar, pool table. Kitchen open late; check for evening entertainment. Open daily, Sun at 5 pm with $1 beer specials. 633 Ottawa Ave NW, 356-2346. myspace.com/rockysgr. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ SAZERAC LOUNGE — New Orleans-style lounge featuring bar food with a Cajun bent. Live entertainment Sat nights. Open for lunch Tue-Sat, Mon at 4 pm. 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. myspace.com/sazeraclounge. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ THE SCORE — Restaurant and sports bar with a wide-ranging menu that includes pizza, ribs, hand-cut steaks, seafood, chicken and comfort dishes like meatloaf. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ SHAMROCK BAR & GRILL — Small but interesting menu offers choices such as coconut shrimp and house-made tortilla soup in addition to burgers and steak. Nice children’s menu. Open daily at 11 am. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC ¢-$ TAPHOUSE LOUNGE — Renovated historic surroundings with dozens of beers on tap. Sports bar menu runs the gamut from appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches to entrées such as ribs, perch and steak. Atrium cigar lounge. Open daily until 2 am. 8 Ionia Ave SW, 774-3338. taphouse $ gr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC TEAZERS BAR & GRILL — Burgers and pasta entrées, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites. Kids menu. Look for live music on the stage.

Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teaze rsbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ VITALE’S SPORTS LOUNGE & PIZZERIA — Serving pizza and pasta plus legendary panini sandwiches and wraps in sports-centric surroundings. Multiple screens, outside deck, live entertainment, 29 beers on tap. Open daily. 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-2526, takeout 784-5011. vitalessportsbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ WEST SIDE BAR — No-frills neighborhood tavern with bar-food menu that includes the Hog Burger, a half-pound burger made fresh daily and stacked with a choice of ham or bacon and all the fixings.

Live entertainment weekends. 1568 Broadway NW, 459-1240. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢ Z’S — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs.

Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. Features 43-foot bar and multiple TVs. Carry-out available. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

Delis, Dogs & Bagels Places that serve sandwiches, bagels and/or hot dogs.

BAGEL BEANERY — All locations bake a variety

of bagels and serve great breakfast and deli sandwiches. Vegetarian options, soups, salads and specialty coffees. Catering, kids meals, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating. 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, 249-9500. bagelbeanery. ¢-$ com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS BIG APPLE BAGELS — Fresh bagels and 15 cream cheese mixtures. Choose your favorite bagel to wrap around the sandwiches or breakfast options, or build your own from the deli. 3915 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-1919; 2058 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-2390; 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 5547915. babcorp.com. H, B, L, D, 3 ¢ BITE — Deli side of Ottawa Tavern features daily soups, big wraps, salads and build-your-own burgers. Weekday Happy Hour drink and appetizer specials 4-7 pm. Closed Sun. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 451-8000. bite.thegilmorecollection.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ BITTER END — Full array of specialty coffee drinks, bagels, muffins, pastries and deli sandwiches in atmosphere of a 1930s French café.

Free Wi-Fi. Open 24/7. 752 W Fulton St, 4516061. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ BOARDWALK SUBS — 20 huge Jersey-style subs using family-recipe Italian dressing and specialty meats such as capicola and prostitini in addition to familiar choices. Also soups, chili, salads, chips, fresh-baked cookies, ice cream and kids meals. Take out or eat in. Catering and delivery.

Open daily. 5422 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 7242492. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ CAFÉ SCALA — Tre Cugini’s cousin in the Ledyard Building offers sandwiches and other Euro nibbles at reasonable prices. Open 11:30 am-2:30 pm Mon-Fri. 125 Ottawa Ave NW, 2359115. trecugini.com. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢ CHERRY DELI — Extensive menu offers more than 50 sandwiches, a dozen salads, five soups, with catering and takeout options. Outdoor patio; closed Sun. 834 Cherry St SE, 459-6182. cherry deli.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ CORNUCOPIA — Bakery, sandwich spot, pizzeria, take-home specialties, lunch buckets, freshground coffees, one-of-a-kind wine selection.

Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6428. amwaygrand.com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE ¢-$ CRAZY CHARLIE’S — Coney Island-style dogs plus a daily soup, chips, shakes, slushies, fountain drinks and soft-serve ice cream service with walkup window on Bagley Ave in warmer months.

2184 Wealthy St SE, 451-6720. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ DAM DOGS — On the dam in downtown Rockford serving everyone’s favorite variation on the hot dog theme in old-time surroundings, plus ice cream. 51 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-9565. H, L, ¢ D THE DOG PIT — Every variation on a hot dog, with house-made chili topping a specialty. Large variety of condiments. Also daily soups. Closed Sun. 132 Monroe Center NW, 988-1508. H, L, D ¢ FERRIS COFFEE AND NUT CO. — Breakfast and light lunch items in Plaza Towers on West Fulton.

Both locations feature global gourmet coffees, nut selections and sweet treats. Gift baskets available at Winter Ave location. 235 W Fulton St, 227 Winter Ave NW, 459-6257. ferriscoffee.com.

H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ FRENZ COFFEE HOUSE — Besides tea and coffee specialties, menu offers soups, salads and wrap december 2010 Grand Rapids 77

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City Guide sandwiches. Closed Sun. Musicians on Fri. Free Wi-Fi. Local artists display and sell their work.

8 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8750. frenzcoffee house.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢

ads, sandwiches, fries and house-made original condiments in downtown GR. Open 11 am-9 pm Mon-Sat. 154 E Fulton, 233-9700. onestopconey ¢ shop.com. H, L, D, V, MC

THE GRAND CONEY — Home-style dinners, burgers, salads, sandwiches, Mexican fare, desserts and all-day breakfast in addition to authentic Coney Island hot dogs. Open 24/7. 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580. H, B, L, D, Cash only ¢

RAMONA’S TABLE — EGR deli with selections made from scratch: soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals from 8 am-8 pm daily; takeout and catering. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 4598500. ramonastable.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

JERSEY JUNCTION — Sandwiches, ice cream treats, candies and hot dogs served in old-fashioned “soda shop” atmosphere. Open daily in season beginning March 1. 652 Croswell Ave SE, Gaslight Village, EGR, 458-4107. jerseyjunction. com. H, L, D ¢ JONNY B’Z DOGS AND MORE — Southern-style, all-meat chili dogs on Texas-toast-style buns: fatty’s (all beef), skinny’s (all turkey) hotdogs, house-made gumbo, burgers, “cajon” sausage, smoked brisket, turkey or ham sandwiches, vegan dogs, vegetarian chili; lots of toppings, artisan salts; modern-retro ambience. Closed Sun, open until 2 am Thu-Sat. 638 Wealthy St SE. Facebook. L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ JW’S — Art gallery meets coffeehouse with rotation of local artists’ works. Specializing in light, health-conscious lunch fare, plus every coffee drink under the sun. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 285-1695. H, B, L, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ KAVA HOUSE — Uniquely GR. Popular Eastown spot with bakery items (known for the scones) and java served in bowl-sized cups. Plenty of seating (outdoors, too). Bakery includes homemade pizzas, spinach pies, sausage rolls and soup. 1445 Lake Dr SE, 451-8600. Facebook. H, B, L, D, 3, V, ¢ MC KAVA HOUSE BY GEORGE — Separately owned store in Gainesville Township offers bakery items and light lunch fare like wraps and seasonally inspired soups and chili. Full array of coffees. Free Wi-Fi. 6633 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 971-4560. H, B, L, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢ LOCAL MOCHA — Downtown location offers favorite coffee specialties and smoothies as well as grilled breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 96 Monroe Center NW, 4590082. localmochagr.com. H, B, L, V, MC, AE ¢ MAMA’S PIZZA & GRINDERS — Busy spot in Thornhills Plaza offering large grinders (half-size available), pizza, salads and pasta selection. 6504 28th St SE, 954-1964. mamaspizzaandgrinders. ¢ com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS MUSEUM CAFÉ — Deli-style sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and beverages on the second floor of the Van Andel Museum Center with a view of the riverfront. Closed Sun. 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977. H, L ¢ NUNZIA’S CAFÉ — Combo specials of soups, chili, salads, sandwiches, pasta and Italian dishes.

In Merrill Lynch building by Calder Plaza. Open 11 am-3 pm weekdays. 250 Monroe Ave NW, No. 140, 458-1533. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ OLGA’S KITCHEN — Greek-style wrapped sandwiches, salads and desserts, with uniquely flavored fries, appetizers, smoothies and desserts.

Open daily. 2213 Wealthy St SE, 456-0600; 3195 28th St, 942-8020; 3700 Rivertown Parkway SW, Grandville, 531-6572. olgaskitchen.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ ONE STOP CONEY SHOP — Hot dogs plus sal-

RITZ KONEY BAR & GRILLE — Hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads plus chicken fingers, nachos, wings and fries. Full bar with limited wine list. Closed Sun. 64 Ionia Ave SW, 451-3701. ritzkoneybarandgrille.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC ¢-$ SCHNITZ DELICATESSEN — Deli with a German flair. Sandwiches, creamy potato salad and fudgy brownies. All available for takeout. Closed Sun. 1315 E Fulton St, 451-4444; Schnitz East, 597 Ada Dr SE, 682-4660; Schnitz South, 1529 Langley St SE, 281-5010. schnitzdeli.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC ¢-$ TASTE OF THE GARDENS CAFÉ — At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Deli selections, soups and fresh-baked pastries. Brunch on second Sun of month by reservation only. 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, 977-7691. meijergardens.com. H, L, 3, V, MC ¢-$ URBAN MILL CAFÉ — Deli-style, grilled and baked specialty sandwiches on freshly baked breads.

Top-notch soups, salads, desserts, baked goods.

629 Michigan St NE, 855-1526. urbanmill.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢-$ VANILLAS COFFEE TEA CAFÉ — Gourmet coffees, teas, smoothies and pastries. Special-order bakery for cakes, cookies, cupcakes. Check out the dollar menu. Closed Sun. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE, Plainfield Plaza, 447-0080. vanillascafe.com.

H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY — Fresh breads, cinnamon rolls and pastries in reclaimed, roomy location, with sandwiches and daily soup specials.

Club, specialty and vegetarian sandwiches on fresh-baked breads. Free Wi-Fi. Closed Sun. 608 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery. com. H, B, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ WG GRINDERS — Oven-baked gourmet grinders, excellent variety of deli and signature salads, soups and desserts. A few hot pasta selections. Catering, delivery and takeout. Closed Sun. Esplanade Center, 5769 28th St SE, 974-3354. wggrinders.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ WIRED ESPRESSO BAR — A gamut of coffee concoctions, espresso-based beverages, baked goods, sandwiches and more in Creston Business District. Free wireless Internet and occasional live weekend entertainment. 1503 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-5245. wiredgr.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ YESTERDOG — Uniquely GR. The city’s favorite hot dogs in a fun, nostalgic Eastown setting. Try the Ultradog. Closed Sun. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 262-3090. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢

European FTHE 1913 ROOM — AAA Five-Diamond rating.

Innovative, French-inspired fare, excellent wine list and superb desserts, lavish French décor and impeccable service. Closed Sun. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave NW, (800) 253-

3590 for reservations desk, 776-6426 for restaurant. amwaygrand.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $$ ALPENROSE — European-inspired restaurant with fare ranging from Certified Aged Black Angus steaks to poultry and fish dishes. Five private dining rooms, banquet facility, bakery and café.

Award-winning Sun brunch buffet. 4 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393-2111. alpenroserestaurant.com.

H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP ¢-$$ AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA — Authentic regional Italian dishes using local produce, meats and cheeses as well as Italian imports.

House-made desserts. Banquet facility available.

Closed Mon; no lunch Sat. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC $$ BELLA MIA PIZZERIA & ITALIAN GRILL — Italian dishes, pasta dishes and hand-tossed New Yorkstyle pizza (even dessert pizzas) in roomy, window-fronted dining room. Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, 554-9930. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ BRICK ROAD PIZZA — A nice selection of pasta, pizza, salads, desserts and vegan specialties.

Buffet available at lunch. Meatball crust specialty.

Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brick ¢-$ roadpizza.com. H, L, D, V, MC FLORENTINE PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices in addition to thincrust pizzas. Ten beers on tap. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, Foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ 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. florentin eingrandville.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC $ FRANCO’S PIZZERIA — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). Cash only; open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. H, L, D ¢-$ FRANKIE V’s PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR — Roomy space with pool tables, jukebox, video games, TVs, covered patio. 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ FRED’S PIZZA AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT — Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar.

Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredspizza.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ 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. H, D, C ¢-$ MANGIAMO — Historic mansion houses familyfriendly Italian eatery. Steaks and seafood in addition to pasta and pizza. Open daily for dinner; extensive wine list, evening entertainment.

1033 Lake Dr SE, 742-0600. thegilmorecollection. com/mangiamo.php. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ MARINADE’S PIZZA BISTRO — Specialty wood-

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City Guide fired pizzas, ethnic salads, sandwiches, appetizers, dips, soups, desserts and coffee. Open daily. 2844 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-0200; 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300; 450 Baldwin, Jenison, 457-7400. marinadespizzabistro.com.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ MARRO’S — Authentic Italian fare and housebaked goods, extensive array of pizza toppings.

Open mid-April through autumn; closed Mon. 147 Waters St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-4248. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ MONELLI’S RESTAURANT AND SPORTS BAR — Southern Italian cuisine from the folks who own Monelli’s Pizza. Spacious sports bar with big screen TVs; family-friendly dining room with fireplace. 5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 5309700. monellis.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

seafood dishes. Outdoor seating in mild weather.

Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 235-9339. tre $-$$ cugini.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS TWO TONYS TAVERNA GRILLE — Italian, Greek and American specialties with full-service bar, extensive wine list. Menu includes wood-fired pizzas and nightly specials. Artsy ambience, open kitchen and large patio. Closed Sun. 723 E Savidge Rd, Spring Lake, (616) 844-0888. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE — Pizzeria, grill and

sports lounge with Italian cuisine, American dishes and an array of freshly baked pizzas.

Open daily. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor SE, 891-5958. uccellos.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ VITALE’S — The original. Traditional Italian ristorante serving regional dishes from family recipes since 1966. Open daily. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door, 4582090), takeout 458-3766. theoriginalvitales.com.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING — Elegant decor, extensive menu and impeccable service.

Offerings include appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, veal, fish and desserts. Special wine cellar dinners in unique surroundings; lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ PEREDDIES — Italian fine-dining and a deli with baked breads, salads, meats, pâté, desserts and imported food. Wine list, full bar, wine to go.

More casual fare in Scusi lounge. Closed Sun. 447 Washington Ave, Holland, (616) 394-3061. pereddiesrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC $-$$ PIETRO’S BACK DOOR PIZZERIA — Tucked behind Pietro’s Restaurant off 28th Street, featuring Chicago-style, thin-crust, Sicilian pan and wood-fired pizzas. Also skillet pastas, paninis, appetizers, salads and desserts. Kids menu. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-7488. rcfc.com/backdoor ¢-$ pizzeria/. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS PIETRO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Fresh-baked breads, Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Nightly features. Kids menu, meeting room and takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. rcfc.com/pietros. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, $ DS RESTAURANT TOULOUSE — Seasonally inspired menu with French classics such as cassoulet and bouillabaisse. Delectable appetizers and desserts. Award-winning wines. Hours vary seasonally; private parties can be arranged. Sun brunch during summer. 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1561. restauranttoulouse.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, RSVP $$ 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. salvatoresgr.com.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ SAN CHEZ, A TAPAS BISTRO — Legendary downtown hotspot offers Spanish bill of fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 7748272. sanchezbistro.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$ FTRE CUGINI — Authentic high-end Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties, plus beef, veal, lamb, chicken and

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City Guide VITALE’S OF ADA — Multi-regional, upscale, from-scratch menu in the trattoria style of modern-day Italy. Family-friendly atmosphere; microbews to martinis in separate sports pub.

Open daily. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitales ada.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ 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, vitaleshudsonville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 5308300. vitales.us. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

Asian

Including Thai and Indian fare.

ABACUS — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends.

Nice cocktail selection. Open daily. 2675 28th St SW, 530-3300. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS, DC ¢-$ AKASAKA SUSHI — Sushi plus Korean and Japanese offerings in low-key atmosphere in the Cascade Centre. Occasional sushi classes offered. Closed Sun. 6252 28th St SE, 977-0444.

H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ ALPINE TERIYAKI AND SUSHI — Sushi selections with some deep-fried roll options, shrimp tempura and more, all masterfully presented.

Pleasant, diminutive surroundings; closed Sun. 4089 Alpine Ave NW, 647-9935. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option from a long list of ingredients. Vegetarian-friendly, fromscratch sauces. Pleasant surroundings. Open daily. 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angels thaicafe.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP ¢-$ ASIAN PALACE — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each cuisine. Family owned and operated. Try the “Bo 7 Mon” specialty, a seven-course beef sampling. Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ BANGKOK PALACE — Wide selection of traditional Thai, noodle and curry dishes with vegetarian, chicken, seafood, beef, pork, duck and chef specialty selections (and name-your-spice-level options). Closed Mon. 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 534-5010. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BANGKOK TASTE — Jenison eatery features fresh Thai fare at reasonable prices. Nice lunch buffet, with Pad Thai, Thai curry and Thai fried rice prepared fresh daily. Closed Sun. 674 Baldwin St, 667-8901. www.bangkoktaste.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ BANGKOK VIEW — Thai food and Chinese fare.

Lunch buffet. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 5318070. bangkokviewthaifood.com. L, D, V, MC ¢-$ BEIJING KITCHEN — Extensive menu featuring Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines at reasonable prices. Cashew chicken is a specialty.

Lunch specials priced at $5.95. Open daily. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. www.beijingkitchengr. com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN — Extensive Asian menu that is vegetarian-friendly. Noodlebased Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries, fried rice. Open daily. 5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market strip mall),

261-8186. bluegingergr.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BOMBAY CUISINE — Indian fare includes tandoori and vindaloo dishes spiced to diner’s satisfaction. Naan (bread) is cooked to order. Full bar service, eight beers on tap, live music Thu-Sat eves. Takeout available. Closed Tue. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. Facebook. H, L, D, C, V, MC $ CHINA CHEF — Family-style Chinese restaurant in Standale strip mall with some innovative dishes. Szechuan-style entrées are popular. Hunan choices, too. Closed Mon. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ CHINA CITY — Nice selection of Chinese cuisine.

Lo mein is a specialty, along with Hong Kong-style chow mein noodles. Lunch prices all day Tue; free soup and egg roll Sun; closed Mon. 5299 Eastern Ave SE, 257-7038. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ CHINA GOURMET BUFFET — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items to choose from. Dinner buffet served all day on weekends; discount for seniors; special prices for children 10 and under. Open daily. 2030 28th St SW, 2521379. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ CHINA INN — Menu includes Mandarin, Szechuan, Hunan and Cantonese cuisine; cocktails served at West Shore Drive location only.

Open all week at two locations: 2863 West Shore Dr, Holland, (616) 786-9230; 1080 Lincoln Ave, Holland, (616) 395-8383. chinainnrestaurants. $ com. L, D, V, MC CHINA PALACE — Chinese eateries with all the amenities; large selection of popular dishes.

Open daily. 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-9668; 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $ CHINATOWN RESTAURANT AND JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available.

Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar service. Open daily. 69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngr andrapids.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ CHINA WONG — No-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy Hunan and Kung-Po dishes. Open daily. 6719 S Division Ave, 281-8816. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ CHINA YI WANG — Chinese dishes including seafood, beef, poultry and chef specialties, combination plates and spicy Hunan dishes. Open daily. 1947 Eastern Ave SE, 241-3885. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ EAST GARDEN BUFFET — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine in Kentwood. Open daily with buffet and large menu selection. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II — Full scale, all-youcan-eat Chinese buffet served all day. More than 80 freshly made items, reasonably priced. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available.

4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EMPIRE WOK BUFFET — More than 150 daily selections of fresh Chinese food, complete with Mongolian barbecue and sushi stations. Open daily. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9928. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $ ➧ERB THAI — Traditional Thai roots. Appetizers, soups, salads, noodle dishes, stir-fried rice, curries, chicken, beef, pork, tofu, shrimp, scal-

lops and crab; desserts, kids’ menu, bubble tea smoothies. Will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG, etc. Simplistic surroundings. Open daily. 950 Wealthy St SE, Suite ¢ 1A, 356-2573. L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC FAR-EAST RESTAURANT — Serving Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes; vegetable-oilonly cooking. Carryout and catering available.

Open daily. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. L, D, V, MC, DC, DS $ FIRST WOK — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out seven days a week.

Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 28th St SE, 5759088. firstwokgr.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, RSVP $ FORTUNE CHEF — Chinese cuisine and a range of American fare from sandwiches to pork chops and steak. Opens 6 am weekdays, 8 am weekends with breakfast served all day. 9353 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1388. fortunechefcaledo ¢-$ nia.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC GOLDEN 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu.

Seasonal specialties and family dinners, served in an elegant atmosphere. Closed Mon. 627 28th St SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. H, L, D, V, MC, DS $ GOLDEN DRAGON — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse, occasionally excellent. Closed Sun. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC $ GOLDEN GATE RESTAURANT — Tasty Chinese fare in pleasant, roomy surroundings, affordably priced. All-inclusive lunch combination plates, tasty egg rolls, great sweet-and-sour dishes with some hot and spicy choices. Takeout, too. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. H, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ GOLDEN WOK — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers wide variety of lunch and dinner options, including Hunan-spiced dishes along with other favorites in a cheery dining room. Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-8880. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ GRAND LAKES — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. Take out or dine in, next to Breton Village D&W. Open daily. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 954-2500. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ HONG KONG EXPRESS — Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine for dine-in or carry-out. Allyou-can-eat lunch buffet; reasonable prices.

Open daily. 150 E Fulton St, 235-3888. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ HUNAN — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups, efficient service in pleasant surroundings. 1740 44th St SW, 5303377; 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr. com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, RSVP $ INDIA TOWN — Indian fare in a humble but cozy atmosphere. Tandooris are especially good.

Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. india town4u.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ JADE GARDEN — Extensive menu of Chinese cuisine, limited selection of American dishes, children’s menu and an array of tropical drinks. All dishes cooked with vegetable oil, no MSG. Open daily. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP ¢-$ KOBE JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE — Chefs enter-

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city guide tain behind giant grills as they slice, dice, toss, grill and flambé filet mignon, shrimp, chicken, salmon, scallops and lobster. separate à la carte sushi counter. 3434 Rivertown point ct, grandville, 301-8696. kobesteakhouse.com. h, l (sat/sun), D, c, v, Mc, ae, Ds ¢-$$

appetizers, soups, and Thai salads to fried rice, curries and noodle dishes with options to add chicken, tofu, vegetables, beef, pork, shrimp scallops or seafood. also seafood and duck specialty plates. 2055 28th st se, 452-0065. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Ds, Rsvp ¢-$

LaI thaI KItChen — vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. closed sun. 1621 leonard st ne, 456-5730. h, l, D, v, Mc ¢-$

oysy teppanyaKI and sushI bar — korean and Japanese fusion fare with a single-priced allyou-can-eat lunch from the sushi buffet or teppanyaki grilled fried rice and vegetable option with chicken, steak or shrimp choices. closed sun. centerpointe Mall, 3665 28th st se, 575-8110. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Ds $-$$

Marado sushI — sushi bar in downtown gR also offers a wide selection of Japanese fare along with a few korean specialties. 47 Monroe center, 742-6793. closed sun. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Ds, Dc ¢-$ MIKado — separate menus for sushi and sashimi à la carte; lunch specials served with soup and rice. Dinners offer a full range of Japanese cuisine. closed sun. 3971 28th st se, 285-7666. h, l, D, 3, v, Mc, Rsvp ¢-$ Mynt FusIon bIstro — classy surroundings with a fusion of asian fare that includes Thai, korean and chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. closed sun. 800 w Main st, lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Ds ¢-$ nIng ye — Family-owned chinese restaurant in ada also serves korean fare. closed sun during winter months. 6747 e Fulton st, ada, 676-5888. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae $ nu-thaI bIstro — More than 70 options from

paLaCe oF IndIa — indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes 20 vegetarian-friendly selections. lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. open daily.

961 e Fulton st, 913-9000. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Ds ¢-$ peKIng woK — cheery window-fronted chinese eatery, affordably priced, in the cascade centre. closed sun. 6264 28th st se, 956-6525. h, l, D, v, Mc ¢-$ pho soC trang — vietnamese cuisine in large, windowed dining room. variety of appetizers and soups, plus vermicelli and rice plate options. open daily. 4242 s Division ave, 531-0755. h, b, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Ds ¢ raK thaI bIstro — Thai-fusion fare with chinese and Japanese influences and a sliding scale for spiciness. appetizers, soups, sal-

ads, stir-fries, curries, pad Thai noodle dishes and more. no alcohol, but try the fruity, milkshake-like bubble tea. 5260 northland Dr ne, 363-2222. rakthaibistro.com. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Ds, Rsvp ¢-$ red sun buFFet — all-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, chinese, american, italian and Japanese selections along with soups, salads, desserts and more, plus a menu of house specialties. open daily. 4176 28th st se, 940-9999. redsunbuffet.com. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Ds ¢-$ seouL garden — chinese and korean cuisine with full bar, elegant surroundings. banquet and catering facilities available. closed sun. 3321 28th st se, 956-1522. grseoulgarden.com. h, l, D, c, 3, v, Mc, ae, Ds, Rsvp $-$$ shang haI IChIban — authentic chinese and Japanese cuisine served in two distinct areas.

Food prepared tableside in the Japanese area by hibachi chefs. 3005 broadmoor ave se (at 29th st), 773-2454. shanghaiichiban.com. h, l, D, c, v, Mc, ae, Dc, Rsvp $-$$ shogun — authentic Japanese and korean cuisine including sushi, teriyaki, hibachi, tempura, bulgogi and more. private groups can eat in traditional (shoe-free) Japanese tatami room. closed sun. 2901 breton Rd se, 241-4141. h, l, D, v, Mc, ae, Rsvp ¢-$$ soC trang — chinese and vietnamese restaurant in caledonia with a wide selection of offer-

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City Guide: Fresh Hops

Revisiting beer cocktails

by Jon C. Koeze

Who would guess that the barley and hop flavors of the stout perfectly complement the dry fizzy flavor of the champagne?

Four years ago, I wrote a column about mixing beer with other liquids to produce such concoctions as a Black and Tan, a combination of Guinness Stout and Harp Lager. It was fun mixing up some of those beer cocktail recipes, so this month I’m revisiting the subject with ideas for holiday entertaining.

Skip and Go Naked: This was a popular punch in the late ’60s and ’70s. The basic ingredients are beer, your favorite liquor and lemon juice — followed by whatever other ingredients you desire. Frozen lemonade works well because it’s cold and has lots of sugar. I suggest you look up the hundreds of recipes on the Internet and create your own version.

Black Velvet: Mixing grape and grain is a good way to get a bell-ringing hangover. This drink is a mixture of equal parts Guinness Stout and extra dry Champagne. Who would guess that the barley and hop flavors of the stout perfectly complement the dry fizzy flavor of the champagne?

Mix and serve in a tall wine flute.

Snake Bite: This drink is served with equal parts beer and hard cider. If stout is used, the flavor profile will be similar to the recipe above without the fizz or the hangover. I used Corona mixed with Wood Chuck Cider to produce a lighter version that was sweet, dry and refreshing.

Shandygaff: Also known as Shandy, this cocktail goes by several names in Europe where is it believed to have originated in the 17th century. Shandy is a mixture of beer and such carbonated drinks as ginger ale, ginger beer and lemonade, or lemon-lime soda. The drink is practically nonalcoholic due to dilution of the beer and, in some places, is considered a kind of energy drink. It is refreshing and the two flavors marry quite well.

In Germany, this drink is called the Radler, German for

cyclist, but if you order a Shandy in Japan, you’ll get a lager mixed with cola and they call it a Broadway or a Diesel. If you order lager mixed with cola in Germany, they call it Colaweizen.

Raging Bull: Hmm ... a stimulant mixed with a depressive. This drink is a mixture of Corona, tequila and the caffeine-laced Red Bull. I confess to drinking it in the evening and having a hard time sleeping. Perhaps the mix wasn’t right. The flavors seem to occupy different real estate on the tongue and in the mouth.

First there is a splash of the Red Bull’s sweetness on the tip of the tongue, followed by the dry, full mouth taste of hops, and then a rush of tequila down the back of the throat.

Cerveza preparada: This is Spanish for “prepared beer” and it describes a family of recipes that mix beer and tomato juice. It is very popular in Mexico where tequila is often added to the mix. A Michelada is a spicy version with soy sauce, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper, similar to a Bloody Mary with beer and tequila instead of gin or vodka. If you pull the liquor out, you get a Chelada. Both are sometimes made with clamato juice (tomato and clam juice) or V8, along with a measure of Mexican beer. Anheuser-Busch has been producing Budweiser and a Bud Light version of Chelada with clamato juice since 2007, but I prefer mixing the drink with fresh ingredients just before consumption.

This only scratches the surface of what is possible when mixing the wonderful taste of beer with other liquids, with or without alcohol.

I suggest thinking twice before using an expensive quality beer unless the recipe calls for it.

You might not appreciate mixing a $5 bottle of Belgium ale with ice and tomato juice. Usually, a full bodied lager will do just fine.

Jon C. Koeze, cable television administrator for the city of Grand Rapids, has made and tasted beer since 1980.

photography by Michael Buck

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City Guide ings representing both cuisines. Open daily. 1831 Market Place Dr, 871-9909. gosoctrang.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ SPICES ASIAN CAFÉ — Byron Center eatery serves authentic Chinese fare with create-yourown stir fry options, Korean dishes, vegetarian options and broasted chicken dinners and buckets to go. Open daily. 2237 84th St SW, 878-0109. spicesasiancafe.com. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ SZECHUAN GARDEN — Diverse Chinese menu of beef, chicken, pork, seafood and vegetable dishes in Eastown. Lunch specials daily 11 am-4 pm.

Open daily. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 456-9878. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL — Mid-East fare: gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta. All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Cozy, attractive dining room with hand-painted murals. Closed Sun. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. raadmediterraneangrill.com. H, L, D, V, MC $

THAI EXPRESS — Humble storefront belies the quality of these made-in-front-of-you Thai specialties, spiced to specification. Popular curry dishes, great noodles and affordably priced lunch specials. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢

OSTA’S LEBANESE CUISINE — Authentic Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava.

Takeout and full-service catering. Closed SunMon. 2228 Wealthy St SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, DS ¢-$

THAI HOUSE RESTAURANT — Broad-ranging menu, from three-alarm spicy to subtle. Lunch and dinner specials. Try the Thai banana pie.

Closed Sun-Mon. 6447 28th St SE, 285-9944. L, $ D, V, MC

PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE — Mediterranean appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs and more. Open daily.

80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. pizzubs.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

THAI PALACE — Holland’s authentic Thai restaurant offers a full gamut of Thai selections. Closed Mon. 977 Butternut Drive, (616) 994-9624. thai palacefood.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan regional fare, affordably priced with daily lunch and dinner specials.

Call ahead service. Open daily. 3330 Alpine Ave NW in Target Plaza, 785-3888. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI — Japanese-style tatami rooms, sushi bars and atmosphere. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura and fresh sushi. Hot and cold sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ WEI WEI PALACE — Chinese seafood restaurant features huge menu of Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. Fresh lobster and crab.

Superb selection of dim sum at lunchtime, with tasty selections from the barbecue pit, as well.

Open daily. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $ FXO ASIAN CUISINE — Upscale Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine in downtown GR. Vegetarian dishes available; lunch specials MonSat. Full-service bar. Open daily (free valet parking with $30 purchase). Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. xoasiancuisine.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ YEN CHING/ROARING ’20s — Expertly prepared entrées served amid elaborate décor, a perennial favorite. 4605 28th St SE, 773-1587. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $$

photography by Michael Buck

roundings in East Hills Center. “Care-free food” includes Middle-Eastern-leaning fare. On-site bakery; seasonal specialties; Turkish coffee.

Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat, with lunch/ dinner starting at 11 am weekdays, noon on Sat. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecatribs.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$

YUMMY WOK — Combo platters, sweet and sour dishes, Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes, chow and lo mein, chop suey, tofu and Peking sizzling dishes in nice surroundings. Open daily. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$

Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean MARIE CATRIB’S — Eclectic eatery in bright sur-

THE PITA HOUSE — Gyros with all the trimmings, chicken salad with cucumber sauce and a variety of other Middle East specialties. Open daily. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 9403029; 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8722; 134 Monroe Center NW, 233-4875. thepitahouse.net.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ SHIRAZ GRILLE — Fine Persian cuisine: firegrilled kabobs, beef, chicken, lamb, seafood and rice dishes, khoreshes (delicate stews), vegetarian options and desserts. Full bar, fine wine list, martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgril le.com. H, L (Sun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $ ZEYTIN — Turkish-American cuisine reflects influences from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, including saganaki, borek, dolma, shish kebab, falafel, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh. Extensive beer and wine lists. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestau $ rant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS

Latin American/ Caribbean 7 MARES — Full-scale Mexican meals and specialty dishes that go well beyond the norm. Excellent seafood selections, along with Friday fish fry by the pound. Super breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. H, B, L, D ¢-$$ ADOBE IN & OUT — The usual Mexican offerings served quickly at drive-through or seated (Grandville location is drive-through only). Open daily. 617 W Fulton St, 454-0279; 1216 Leonard St NE, 451-9050; 4389 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 2577091. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ BELTLINE BAR — Longtime local favorite. Big wet burritos are the claim to fame from the Americanized Tex-Mex menu. The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ CABANA TRES AMIGOS — Large menu of authentic Mexican fare: daily specials, children’s menu, à la carte items, full bar, take-out service and nice vegetarian selection. Spacious surroundings with

fireplaces and Mexican décor. Open daily. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ CAFÉ SAN JUAN — Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban menu offers bistec, chuletas and pollo dishes along with appetizers, soups and sandwiches. Open daily. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. cafesanjuan.net. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ CANCUN RESTAURANT — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. Open daily. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 248-2824. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ CANTINA — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties in an authentically decorated setting with fullservice bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS, AE $ CHEZ OLGA — Caribbean and Creole fare in former Don Rafav’s Eastown spot. Red beans and rice, gumbo, fried plantain, Creole chicken, pork ragout and more, made fresh and preservativefree. Vegetarian/vegan options. Lunch specials.

Open until 2 am Fri-Sat, closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. L, D, V, MC ¢ CINCO DE MAYO — Mexican eatery offers fajitas, tacos, burritos and enchiladas, as well as carnitas and steak asada. Full bar service. Second location in downtown Grand Rapids. Open daily. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ COSTA AZUL — American/Latin fusion and fresh-made Mexican fare in the unassuming former JoJo’s Americana Supper Club space, 107 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, (269) 857-1523.

Facebook. H, D, C (wine/beer), V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ DOWNTOWN TRINI’S — Sparta’s destination for Mexican food. Traditional taco, fajita and wet burrito offerings are augmented with other creative dishes. Gigantic portions; full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. ¢-$ downtowntrinis.com. H, L, D, V, MC, DS EL ARRIERO — Authentic taste of Mexico in an airy location near Woodland Mall. Extensive menu offers favorites and specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, great Margaritas. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EL BURRITO LOCO — More than 70 authentic, affordable Mexican selections in contemporary surroundings. Complimentary chips and salsa; beer, wine and good margaritas from the full bar.

Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EL GRANJERO — Generous portions of tasty Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes and dinner platters to à la carte selections and traditional menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢ EL SOMBRERO — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. H, L, D ¢ GRAND VILLA DUNGEON — Mexican food is the specialty. 40-inch TV screen broadcasts satellite programs and sporting events. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. grandvillarestaurants. com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ GRINGO’S GRILL — Latin American-inspired fare such as scallop or sticky-shrimp tacos, burritos, empanadas, chiles rellenos, chicken and seafood dishes and filet medallions served with polenta december 2010 Grand Rapids 83

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City Guide and fried goat cheese. Open daily at 11 am. 2863 West Shore Dr, Holland, (616) 994-9722. gringos grill.net. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and spicy “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies; plus Jamaican fruit cake. With only a couple tables, takeout is the best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. H, L, D, 3 ¢ JOSE’S RESTAURANTE — Authentic Mexican fare in a low-key locale with jukebox, pinball and a video game. Patrons crave their chalupas, burritos and tostadas. Open daily. 3954 S Division Ave, 530-7934. H, L, D ¢ LAS CAZUELAS — Opens for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Genuine flavors from Hispanic kitchen features chalupas, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, carne asada, fajitas, tampiquena and more. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢

TACO BOY — Tasty fare including burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tostadas to combination plates. 3475 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-7111; 6539 28th St SE, 956-3424; 509 44th St SE, 257-0057; 2529 Alpine Ave NW, 365-9255. tacoboy.biz. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ TACOS EL CAPORAL — Two locations serving generous portions of Mexican fare with menudo served Sat and Sun. Open daily; quick takeout.

1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢ TACOS EL RANCHERO — Mexican fare in lowkey surroundings to eat in or take out. Cash only.

1240 Burton St SW, 245-6514. H, L, D ¢ TRES LOBOS GRILL & BAR — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar has 10 Mexican beers, top-shelf tequilas. Lunch ’til 4 pm daily in GR; closed Mon in Holland. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389; 381 Douglas, Holland, (616) 355-7424. treslobos restaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

LINDO MEXICO — Daily specials feature true Mexican fare, including specials such as tacos de barbacoa, tripitos or lengua. Enchiladas, burritos, combo plates and more. Open daily. 1292 28th St SW, 261-2280. lindomexicorestaurant.com. H, L, ¢-$ D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC LITTLE MEXICO CAFÉ — All new space at its original location offers some of Grand Rapids’ most beloved traditional Mexican food and cocktails.

Favorites include fajitas, burritos and margaritas.

Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $

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FMAGGIE’S KITCHEN — Authentic Mexican food, homemade with a lighter taste in bright café setting. Great choice for breakfast too. Cafeteriastyle ordering. 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. H, B, L, D ¢ MEXICAN CONNEXION RESTAURANTE — Mexican favorites in large, inviting surroundings.

Open daily. 131 S Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-4403. L, D, V, MC ¢-$ MICHOACAN — Restaurante y taqueria offers a huge selection of Mexican dishes plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. Jukebox and flat screen TV. Open daily at 9 am, breakfast options.

334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ MI TIERRA RESTAURANT — Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other traditional Mexican dishes from Spanish-speaking staff whether dining in or driving through. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533.

H, L, D, V, MC ¢ SAN MARCOS — Mexican Grill with extensive menu. Top-shelf tequilas, complimentary chips/ salsa, kids menu, lunch specials, desserts and veggie plates. Mariachi band plays monthly. Open daily. 9740 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 8912511. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$$ SU CASA — Full array of Mexican choices with burritos especially popular. Breakfast served beginning at 8:30 am; open daily in the Super Mercado, 306 W Main St, Fennville, (269) 5615493. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$

Same Day Service Monday - Saturday 30 Locations to Serve You Best

616-957-4000

TACO BOB’S — Fresh-Mex tacos, burritos, quesadillas, taco salads and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell taco wrapped in a soft shell, with nacho cheese in between. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 4581533. tacobobs.com. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢

Dining Guide Legend GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers.

H — Handicapped accessible B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner C — Cocktails 3 — Checks accepted V — Visa MC — MasterCard AE — American Express DC — Diner’s Club DS — Discover Card RSVP — Reservations preferred

¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)*

$ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — Expensive (Over $20)* * Prices based on average entrée.

- — Reviewed in this issue

➧ — New listing . — Listing update O — GRM’s 2009 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2009 Award of Excellence

— Chef Profile in this issue Additions, corrections and/or changes must

be submitted for the editors’ consideration by calling Grand Rapids Magazine, 459-4545, or write: The Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503.

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City Guide Calendar of Events Grand Rapids Magazine

is pleased to provide this extensive list of area events.

Commonly requested venue and ticket outlet information is at the end of this listing.

Special Events Thru Dec 11 - HOLIDAY KERSTMARKT: Open-air European Christmas Market with unique gifts and authentic Dutch holiday treats, including greenery, trees, wreaths, hand-knit clothing and accessories, wooden boxes and toys, pet items, ornaments, folk art, handmade jewelry, warm snacks and beverages. 10 am-8 pm Nov 26, 9 am-5 pm Nov 27, 3-8 pm Nov 30 and Dec 3, 9 am-5 pm Dec 4, 3-8 pm Dec 10, 9 am-5 pm Dec 11. Eighth Street Market Place, 150 W Eighth St, Holland. www.downtownholland.com.

Thru Dec 30 - HOLIDAY ROAD: 360-degree holiday light show incorporates 14 houses and 200,000 lights synchronized to music. View the show from the car and listen to the music on the radio. Free; donations accepted. 6-9 pm Sun-Thu, 6-10 pm Fri-Sat. Heather Court, Spring Lake. www.holidayroadlights.com.

Thru Jan 2 - NITE LITES: Experience the wonder of more than 1 million lights at this drive-thru Christmas light show with more than two miles of animated displays, plus Santa’s House (photos with Santa) and fully lit Santa sleigh ride.

Open every night 6-10 pm. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $12/car. 292-1434, www.nitelites show.com.

Dec 3 - SINTERKLAAS EVE PARADE: In true Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas arrives on his white horse surrounded by mischievous Zwarte Piet helpers. Begins 7 pm at Holland Area Arts Council (150 E 8th St), goes down Eighth St to the Market Place (Holiday Kerstmarkt) where the mayor will officially “welkom” Sinterklaas. www.downtownho lland.com

Dec 2 - MEIJER GARDENS HOLIDAY GALA: An enchanted evening of horse-drawn carriage rides through the sculpture park, viewing of cultural trees and displays, globally inspired cuisine and roaming entertainment. 7 pm. Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1000 East Beltline Ave NE. $125 (9753143).

Dec 3-18 - CARRIAGE RIDES: Carriage rides in downtown Douglas and Saugatuck every Fri and Sat. More info: (269) 857-1620.

Dec 2 - UPTOWN HOLIDAY HOP SHOP: Stores throughout the Uptown district (East Fulton, Eastown, East Hills/Cherry St and Wealthy St districts) welcome visitors with music, refreshments, in-store promotions and events. Carolers and choirs will roam the streets and trolleys/busses will shuttle visitors from one area to another.

4-9 pm.

Dec 3 - COOPERSVILLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE: Floats, decorated vehicles and fire trucks along Main Street. Kids can visit Santa, too. 7 pm. www. coopersville.com.

Dec 3-Mar 6 - ICE SKATING AT ROSA PARKS CIRCLE: Outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids begins Dec 3 (and Grand Rapids Art Museum lights up its Christmas tree).

Skates available; times vary. www.visitgrandrapi ds.org.

Dec 4 - JINGLE BELL PARADE: Grand Haven’s nighttime parade features lighted floats and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Parade route thru downtown ends at Central Park for tree lighting. 6 pm.

Dec 4 - LOWELL CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES AND PARADE: Daytime activities include ice sculptures, Santa visits, Rudolph’s craft workshop and a pancake supper. 5:45 pm lighting of Christmas tree, 6 pm parade, beginning at Lowell Fairgrounds and traveling east on Main St, ending at First United Methodist Church. 897-9161, www. discoverlowell.org.

Dec 4 - LUMINARY LANE: Lights, carolers, refreshments and a visit from Santa and his elves.

6-8 pm. Beery Field, Center St, Douglas.

Dec 4 - MUSKEGON HOLIDAYS IN LAKESIDE: Visits from Santa, carriage rides, carolers, elves, community bake sale, gift basket raffle, holiday movies, great gifts at specialty shops. Sponsored

by Lakeside Business Association. www.lakeside district.com.

Dec 4 - ROCKFORD SANTA PARADE: 67th annual parade through the streets of downtown Rockford features floats, music and St Nick. 11 am.

Dec 4 - SAUGATUCK CHRISTMAS PARADE: Saugatuck-Douglas CVB sponsors this annual parade. 1 pm. (269) 857-1701, www.saugatuck. com.

Dec 4 - WHITE LAKE CHRISTMAS PARADE: Parade travels from Whitehall City Hall to Montague with Santa’s sleigh and visits from Santa. 2 pm.

Winter at Meijer Gardens Photography Courtesy William J. Hebert

Horse-drawn carriage rides through the festive grounds of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park have been a highlight of its annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World for 15 years. High in demand, the carriage rides are offered Dec. 7, 14, 21, 22 and 23 — and reservations fill quickly.

Other activities through Jan. 9 include Sing-A-Long Trolley Rides, the Railway Garden, strolling Dickens Carolers and more than 40 international trees and displays. New this year is a Polish Szopka nativity set created by artist David Motak. The Diwali exhibit, a colorful natural-inspired floor design called Rangoli, has been enhanced.

For a complete listing of special events and times, go to meijergardens.org.

See Special Events

Dec 5 - FORD OPEN HOUSE: Gerald R Ford Museum’s annual holiday open house includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus (and a few of his reindeer) and holiday stories from Jenifer Strauss. 1-5 pm. 303 Pearl St NW, 254-0400, www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov. Free.

Dec 6 - ARC HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Anxiety Resource Center hosts family-friendly event with live music; gourmet coffee, tea and cookies; and silent auction. 6-8 pm. 312 Grandville Ave NW. www.anxietyresourcecenter.org. Free.

Dec 7, 11, 14, 17 - BOB CRATCHIT DINNERS: Women’s City Club hosts a seven-course holiday dinner with entertainment by high school choirs.

6 pm social hour, 7 pm dinner. 254 E Fulton St. $37 (reservations required: 459-3321).

Dec 9 - HOLLAND MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE: Music, refreshments and holiday merriment in the lobby of the Holland Museum. 5:30-7:30 pm.

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City Guide

Canadian invasion Two Canadian singers will perform in grand rapids this month. Crooner Michael Bublé will present his Crazy love Tour Dec. 3 at Van andel arena, while rocker Bryan adams hits the DeVos performance Hall stage Dec. 6 with his Bare Bones Tour.

Their styles are different, but both have won multiple grammy and Juno awards.

Bublé, 35, has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide. He’ll sing from his newest collection of tunes, including such torch songs as “Cry Me a river” and “georgia on My Mind.” adams is the bestselling Canadian male recording artist of all time, famous for such hits as “Cuts like a knife,” summer of ’69” and “(everything I Do) I Do It for You.” The 51-year-old also is a photographer and philanthropist, whose foundation helps improve education for people around the world. His Bare Bones tour is a solo acoustic performance. See MUSic

Dec 10 - UP ON THE ROOFTOPS TOUR: Tour upper floors of homes and businesses in the historic buildings of downtown Holland decorated for the holiday season, followed by appetizers and drinks at Fifth Third Bank. 6-9:30 pm. $20 (Downtown Holland Principal Shopping District Office, 44 W Ninth St). www.upontherooftops. com.

Dec 14 - DESIGN 1 FASHION EVENT: Kids and adults fashion show, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, DJ and more, benefits Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. 6:30 pm doors open, 8 pm runway show. The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave NW. $75, $100 VIP seating (Design 1 Salon Spas in Grandville, Cascade, Plainfield and South). www.design1.com.

Dec 17-19 - BROOKSIDE LIVING NATIVITY: 15th annual telling of the Christmas story with actors, animals and music. Hot chocolate and cookies served inside. Shows at 7 pm, 7:30 pm and 8 pm. Brookside Christian Reformed Church, 3600 Kalamazoo Ave SE. Free. www.brooksidecrc.org.

Dec 21 - STORY SPINNERS: Hear folk tales and original stories. All ages. 7 pm. Terraces of Maple Creek, 2000 32nd St. www.storyspinners.net.

Free.

Dec 23 - WYCE BUBBLE BASH: Sample 12 sparkling wines and champagnes, plus hors d’oeuvres and a raffle with prizes to benefit WYCE. 6 pm.

The Crush at the BOB. $25. www.wyce.org.

Dec 27 - NIGHT AT YOUR MUSEUM: Inspired

Dec - THE INTERSECTION: Nightclub hosts local and national music. Dec 1 Family Force 5 and Forever the Sickest Kids. Dec 2 Justin Moore.

Dec 3 Mega 80s. Dec 5, Dec 12 and Dec 19 High School of Rock: Battle of the Bands. Dec 6 Linfinity. Dec 11 Nightmare Before Christmas featuring Mushroomhead. Dec 14 Twiztid. Dec 17 Mega 80s. See website for updates. Ticket prices vary (Beat Goes On, Purple East, Vertigo Music, Intersection box office or Ticketmaster).

133 Grandville Ave SW. www.sectionlive.com.

Dec - MUSIC AT MID-DAY: Free concerts 12:1512:45 pm Tue. Dec 7 EGR High School Madrigals.

Dec 14 Caledonia High School Choralaires. Dec 21 Phyllis Miner, harp, and Carol McNally, organ.

Park Congregational Church, 10 E Park Place NE. www.parkchurchgr.org.

Dec - ONE TRICK PONY CONCERTS: Restaurant offers occasional live music at 8 pm. Dec 2 13th Hour. Dec 11 Natchez Trace. Dec 15-16 Lazy Blue Tunas Christmas Show. See website for updates.

One Trick Pony, 136 E Fulton St. www.onetrick. biz.

Dec 1 - ADVENT JAZZ VESPERS: Bethlehem Lutheran Church presents a service with guest pianist Rob Clearfield, Carmen Maret on flute and Andrew Bergeron on guitar. 7 pm. 250 Commerce Ave SW. Free.

Dec 1 - CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS: Concert by an old-time string band from Durham, NC, presented by Calvin College student activities office. 8 pm. Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd SE. $20 adults, $10 students. www.calvin. edu/boxoffice.

by the similarly named movie, guests tour all three floors of the museum as characters from the exhibits come to life. Dinner buffet, souvenir flashlight and honorary security guard badge included. 6-9 pm. Public Museum. $20 (456-3977 or www.grmuseum.org).

Dec 31 - DANCEgr NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE: One-hour dance lesson at 8 pm followed by social dance with music from Motown’s Dynamic Duo, Tim “DJ TJ” Johnson and Becky Larson. Women’s City Club, 1449 E Fulton St, www.dancegr.com.

Tickets TBD. Dec 31 - NEW YEAR’S EVE AT ROSA PARKS CIRCLE: Live music and a ball drop at midnight, plus warming tents, hot beverages and free shuttles to parking lots. Family-friendly interactive area at GR Art Museum. Begins 5:30 pm. Rosa Parks Circle. Free. www.hotnewyearseve.com.

Dec 31 - SAUGATUCK FIREWORKS: New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight over Saugatuck Harbor.

Music Dec - AQUINAS CONCERTS: 5-6:30 pm Dec 5, A Service of Lessons and Carols, St Thomas the Apostle Church, 1449 Wilcox Dr. 7:30-9 pm Dec 6, Double A’Peal, a joint Christmas Concert by Valenti Handbell Ensemble and Calvin College Ensemble, location TBD. 3-4:30 pm Dec 12, Christmas Concert from the Music Department Ensembles, Aquinas PAC. www.aquinas.edu/ music. Free.

Dec - FRIDAY NIGHTS AT GRAM: GR Art Museum hosts live music, social games, cash bar and din-

Dec 2 - THE BAD PLUS: St Cecilia’s Jazz Series features this progressive jazz trio. 7:30 pm. St Cecilia Music Center. $30-$35 adults, $10 students; pre-concert wine and appetizer reception $15 (459-2224). www.scmc-online.org.

Dec 3 - MICHAEL BUBLE: Grammy-awardwinning crooner performs his Crazy Love Tour. 8 pm. Van Andel Arena. $51.50-$91.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Dec 3-4 - HANDEL’S “MESSIAH”: Calvin Oratorio Society performs Handel’s “Messiah” with the Calvin Orchestra, directed by Robert Nordling. 8 pm. Calvin FAC. $22-$30 (526-6282).

Dec 4 - GR WOMEN’S CHORUS: A winter concert and reception. 7 pm doors open, 7:30 pm concert.

Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE. Free; $10 suggested donation. www.grwc.org.

Dec 4 - “CHRISTMAS BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT”: Schubert Male Chorus presents its holiday concert. 7:30 pm. EGR High School PAC. $17 (752-7470 or www.schubertmalechorus.org).

Dec 4-5 - HOPE COLLEGE CHRISTMAS VESPERS: Takes place 4:30 pm and 8 pm Dec 4, 2 pm and 5 pm Dec 5. Dimnent Memorial Chapel, Hope College, Holland. Tickets TBD. Dec 5 - LESSONS AND CAROLS: Calvin College Campus Choir and Women’s Chorale performs songs, hymns and scripture readings. 3 and 6 pm.

LaGrave Ave Christian Reformed Church. Free.

Dec 5 - “A WINTER’S TUNE”: Area singer-songwriters perform holiday classics and new original songs, plus a silent auction to benefit WYCE. 2

PhotograPhy Courtesy Van anDel arena (toP); DeVos PerformanCe hall (bottom)

Holland Museum, 31 W 10th St, (888) 200-9123, www.hollandmuseum.org. Free.

ner options 5-9 pm every Fri. Dec 3, tree lighting and opening of Rosa Parks Circle ice rink. Dec 24, museum closes at 5 pm. Dec 31, New Year’s Eve celebration. $5 nonmembers, members free.

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City Guide pm. Wealthy Theatre. $10. www.wyce.org.

Dec 5, 12, 20 - METROPOLITAN CHOIR OF PRAISE: The choir performs three holiday concerts. 6-8 pm Dec 5 and Dec 20 at Meijer Gardens (free with admission). 7:30 pm Dec 12 at First Byron Center CRC, 2450 85th St SW (free-will offering). www.metropolitanchoir.org.

Dec 6 - BRYAN ADAMS BARE BONES TOUR: Solo acoustic performance by Canadian singer famous for hits such as “Cuts Like a Knife,” “Summer of ’69,” “Kids Wanna Rock” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You.” 8 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $37.50-$77.50 (DeVos Hall and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster).

Dec 6 - HANDBELL ENSEMBLE: Calvin College handbell group presents a free concert. 7:30 pm.

Calvin Fine Arts Center.

Dec 6 - HANDEL’S “MESSIAH”: GVSU Department of Music students and faculty present the Christmas portion of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” 8 pm. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE. Free.

Dec 7 - OZZY OSBOURNE: Rock legend and reality TV star performs in concert. 7:30 pm. Van Andel Arena. $29.50-$85 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Dec 10 - GRAND STRING ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT: St Cecilia Music Center presents a concert of holiday music. 7:30 pm. St Cecilia. $10, children 10 and under free (459-2224).

Dec 10 - MAJIC CONCERT SERIES: Musical Arts for Justice in the Community hosts Embellish Handbell Ensemble. 7 pm. Bethlehem Church Sanctuary, 250 Commerce Ave SW. $10 suggested donation; proceeds benefit GR Coalition to End Homelessness. www.grmajic.org.

Photography Courtesy Van Andel Arena (top); DeVos Performance Hall (bottom)

Dec 10-11 - “THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE SEASON”: West Michigan Symphony presents a holiday concert celebration, including a performance by Muskegon Civic Theatre’s Children’s Chorus, audience sing-a-long and pre-concert visit from Santa. 7:30 pm. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $10-$35 (231-726-3231, ext 23). www.westmichigansymphony.com.

Dec 11 - HOLLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Holiday concert features the Holland Symphony and Holland Chorale. 3:30 and 7:30 pm. Dimnent Chapel, Hope College, Holland. $17 adults, $14 seniors, $5 students. www.hollandsymphony.org.

Dec 11, 18 - ACOUSTIC SATURDAY NIGHTS: Grand River Folk Arts Society hosts singers and songwriters Sat nights at 8 pm. Dec 11 Nobody’s Darlin’. Dec 18 Seth Bernard and May Erlewine.

Wealthy St Theater, 1130 Wealthy St SE. $12 adults, $10 students and seniors, $9 members, $3 children (at door). www.grfolkarts.org.

Dec 12 - SACRED SOUNDS OF ST MARK’S: Service of Advent Lessons and Carols, directed

by Gregory Crowell. 5 pm. St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N Division Ave, www.stmarksgr.org.

Free.

Dec 12 - “STAR OF LOVE: THE CAROLS OF ALFRED BURT”: First United Methodist Church hosts a Christmas celebration with children, youth and adults choirs, handbells and liturgical dancers. 5 pm. 227 E Fulton St. www.grandrapi dsfumc.org. Free.

Dec 14 - MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER: 25th Christmas Anniversary Tour of group’s holiday show, known for mixing renaissance instruments with rock ’n’ roll beats. 7:30 pm. DeVos

Many Times. Many Ways.

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD November 23–January 9

This exhibition is sponsored in part by:

MeijerGardens.org

The Meijer Foundation Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

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City Guide Performance Hall. $47.50-$74.50 (DeVos Performance Hall box office or Ticketmaster).

Dec 16 - “’TIS THE SEASON TO EMBELLISH”: Holiday concert by Embellish, a community handbell group. Time and location TBD. In advance: $10 adults, $7 students, $25 family (915-0134).

At door: $12 adults, $10 students, $30 family. www.embellishhandbells.com.

Dec 17-19 - NESTLE GERBER HOLIDAY POPS: GR Symphony’s holiday concert features the Symphony Chorus, a visit from Santa, a singalong and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” 8 pm, 3 pm Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $28-$77 (Grand Rapids Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony.org.

Dec 18 - JAZZ VESPERS: Live jazz lessons and carols with MacNaughton Blvd. 6 pm. First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St. www.grandra pidsfumc.org. Free.

Dec 19 - BELLISTIC YOUTH HANDBELL CHOIR: A handbell ensemble of 8th-12th graders performs. 2 pm and 2:45 pm. Public Museum. Free with admission.

Dec. 19 - CANDLELIGHT CONCERT: Holiday concert includes three choral ensembles, handbell choir, harp, flute, brass quartet with timpani, plus organ and piano. 4 pm. Park Congregational Church, 10 E Park Place NE. www.parkchurchgr. org. Free.

Dec 19 - EDELWEISS CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Presented by Grand Rapids Edelweiss Club’s choir. 4 pm. St Mary’s Church, 423 1st St NW. www.edelweissclubgr.com. Free.

Dec 20 - JAZZ GUMBO: West Michigan Jazz Society presents cabaret concerts every third Monday. 6:30-8:30 pm. Kopper Top Guest House, 639 Stocking Ave NW. $12 includes gumbo or chili; other food available. Cash bar.

Dec 29 - TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA WINTER TOUR: Symphonic rock concert. 3 pm and 8 pm.

Van Andel Arena. $27.50-$61 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Dec 31 - IRISH CELEBRATION: Fenian’s Irish Pub hosts an Irish New Year’s Eve and St Stephen’s Day celebration with traditional music session and song. 7 pm. 19683 Main St, Conklin, www. feniansirishpub.com. Free.

Art Dec 3-4 - GHAAC CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS: 37th annual Grand Haven Area Arts Council show with more than 45 booths of arts and crafts. 10 am-7 pm Fri, 10 am-3 pm Sat. 1045 Columbus St, Grand Haven, www.ghaac.org.

Dec 3-4 - UICA HOLIDAY ARTISTS’ MARKET: One-of-a-kind works by regional artists, plus snacks and drinks and a children’s workshop. 5-9 pm Dec 3, 10 am-5 pm Dec 4. UICA. Dec 4 - HEAVENLY CREATION CRAFT SHOW: More than 50 booths and a bake sale, plus concessions. 9 am-3 pm. St John’s Lutheran School, 525 Taylor Ave, Grand Haven. $1.

Dec 10-11 - HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: More than 60 vendors with a wide variety of crafts. 4-9 pm Fri, 9 am-4 pm Sat. Holland Town Center, 12330 James St, Holland. $1.

Dec 11 - HAPPY ELVES CRAFT SHOW: More than 100 booths to browse, plus food. 9 am-4 pm. White Pines Middle School, 1400 S Griffon, Grand Haven.

Dec - AQUINAS COLLEGE GALLERY: Thru Dec 17, New Forms Class Exhibit. Aquinas Art & Music Center (enter off Fulton St), 632-2408, www. aquinas.edu/art/gallery.html.

303 Monroe Ave NW. Dec 6-9 BFA Exhibit: Ashley Harriger and Mackenzie Whims; reception 5-7 pm Dec 9. GVSU Performing Arts Center, Room 1121, Allendale campus. www.gvsu.edu/artscalendar.

Dec - BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH GALLERY: Thru Feb 7, Musical Arts for Justice in the Community presents “I’m One of Those Americans,” a photo essay on the culture of garage sales in Michigan by David McGowan. 250 Commerce Ave SW, 456-1741, www.grmajic.org.

Dec - HOLLAND AREA ARTS COUNCIL: Thru Dec 4, Balance. 150 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-3278, www.hollandarts.org.

Dec - CALVIN CENTER ART GALLERY: Thru Dec 11, The Humor and Wit of Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

Calvin College Covenant FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle, 526-6271, www.calvin.edu/centerartgall ery.

Dec - DEPREE GALLERY: Dec 3-15 Juried Student Art Show. Hope College, Holland, (616) 3957500, www.hope.edu.

Dec - DESIGN QUEST GALLERY: Thru Jan 16, Motawi Tileworks by Ann Arbor artisans. 4181 28th St SE, 940-0131, www.d2d2d2.com.

Dec - FOREST HILLS FAC: Dec 1-16 FHPS Staff and Community Services Exhibit; reception 6-7:30 pm Dec 9. 600 Forest Hill Ave SE, 4938965, www.fhfineartscenter.com.

Dec - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: Thru Jan 2, sculptors celebrate the legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer. Permanent exhibits include more than 100 world-class sculptures indoors and in the 30-acre park. See Museums & Attractions.

Dec - GALLERY UPTOWN: Thru Dec 29, Holidays at 2nd and Washington, annual show of artwork

by Gallery Uptown artists; reception 7 pm Dec 3.

201 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 8465460, www.galleryuptown.net.

Dec - GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM: Thru Feb 16, Diana: A Celebration includes 150 personal objects including her royal wedding gown, 28 designer dresses, family heirlooms, personal mementos and rare home movies ($20 adults, $18 seniors/students, $15 children 6-17, 5 and under free). Thru Mar 1, Selections From 100 Years/100 Works of Art. 10 am-5 pm Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat; 10 am-9 pm Fri; noon-5 pm Sun; closed Mon. General admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors/students with ID, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www. artmuseumgr.org.

Dec - GVSU ARTISTS: Thru Dec 10, Bling! Flash!

Art!, graphic design and photography senior thesis exhibit. Grand Valley Balcony, DeVos Place,

Dec - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Thru Dec 31, Forever Young: A Retrospective of Bob Dylan Photographs by Douglas Gilbert. Thru Mar 19, Be Prepared! Celebrating a Century of Scouting.

Dutch Galleries exhibit 17th- to 20th-century Dutch paintings and cultural objects. Also see Museums & Attractions.

Dec - KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS: Thru Dec 5, Wondrous Ink: Selections from the Richard Fabian Collection. Thru Dec 12, Light Works: Photographs from the Collection. Thru Jan 2, In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits.

Thru Jan 2, A Passion for Collecting: Prints of the 1960s and 1970s from the Collins Collection.

Dec 11-Apr 24 Ukiyo-E Redux: Contemporary Japanese Prints. Dec 18-Apr 10 Familiar Surroundings. Interactive gallery for kids (free with admission). 10 am-5 pm Tue-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $8 adults; $6 students, seniors; $4 members. 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, www.kiarts.org.

Dec - KENDALL GALLERY: Thru Dec 4, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Beth Jacobson and Jan Dean.

Thru Dec 12, Justin Quinn, print-making. Kendall College of Art & Design, 17 Fountain St NW, 4512787, www.kcad.ed Dec - LEEP ART GALLERY: Thru Jan 4, Healing Hands, staff exhibit. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, 300 68th St SE. Dec - LOWELL AREA ARTS COUNCIL: Thru Dec 23, Sleigh Bells and Holly: A Gallery of Fine Arts and Gifts by more than 30 artists. 149 S Hudson St, Lowell, 897-8545, www.lowellartscouncil.org.

Dec - MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART: Thru Jan 23, Splendid Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese Kimonos. Thru Jan 16, The Enduring Gifts of Martin A. Ryerson. Noon-4:30 pm Sun; closed Mon and Tue; 10 am-4:30 pm Wed, Fri and Sat; 10 am-8 pm Thu. $5 adults (Thu free); members, students, kids under 17 free. 296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, www.muskegonartmus eum.org.

Say cheers!

I

f sparkling wine is your thing, don’t miss the Bubble Bash Dec. 23 at Crush inside The BOB. The Gilmore Collection puts on the annual fundraiser for WYCE, the independent community radio station. The $25 ticket includes a buffet spread of appetizers and entrées plus a sampling of 12 sparkling wines from around the world.

Unlike most WYCE events, there isn’t live music, but the staff will put together a holiday-infused soundtrack for the evening.

See Special Events

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City Guide Dec - SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Thru Dec 27, Move! Whirligigs, Mechanical Toys and Pop-Up Books. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri. 400 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-2399, www. sc4a.org. Free.

Dec - TERRYBERRY GALLERY: Dec 1-Jan 30 The Good Stuff Show, oil and pastel by Connie Kuhnle and Kathleen Putnam. Artist reception 5:30-8 pm Dec 10. Lower floor, St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE, www.scmsonline.org.

Stage Dec - DR GRINS COMEDY CLUB: Stand-up comedians perform Thu at 9 pm, Fri and Sat at 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Dec 2-4 Dave Landau. Dec 9-11 Rob Little. Dec 16-18 Eddie Gosling. Dec 30-31 Ian Bagg. The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave NW. $5 Thu, $10 Fri and Sat (356-2000, www.thebob.com).

Thru Dec 11 - “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Master Arts Theatre presents the classic holiday story.

7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St SW. $15 adults, $13 seniors and students (4551001, www.masterarts.org).

Thru Dec 12 - “WHITE CHRISTMAS”: Cornerstone University presents a musical about two showbiz buddies who put on a show at a Vermont inn and find perfect mates in the bargain. 7:30 pm Thu-Sat, 2:30 pm Sat and Sun. Matthews Auditorium, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, 3000 Leonard St NE. $14 adults, $12 seniors and students (254-1663 or www.cornerstone.edu/ theatre).

Dec 1-12 - “WICKED”: Long before Dorothy arrived in Oz, two girls grew up to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Times vary. Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo. $40$125 (www.millerauditorium.com).

Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/Diane Diederich (opposite page)

Dec 2-4 - “SHAKESPEARE ON LOCATION”: Calvin Theatre Company presents a studentdirected performance where the audience journeys around the Calvin grounds to see Shakespeare scenes performed in unconventional ways. 7:30 pm. Begins in the Calvin Lab Theatre. $5 (Calvin box office, 526-6282).

Dec 2-11 - “DISTRACTED”: Actors’ Theatre presents the story of 9-year-old Jesse; teachers think he has ADD, his dad says he’s just a boy, and his mom is on a quest for answers. 8 pm. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE. $24 adults, $20 students and seniors (234-3946). www.actorstheatre grandrapids.org.

Dec 3-4 - “CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN”: Master Arts Theatre presents a youth production of hyper-efficient Dad and his 12 children. 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. Hudsonville Cultural Center, 5578 School Ave. $10 adults, $5 seniors and students (Hudsonville City Hall and Gary Byker Memorial Library, 455-1001). www.masterarts.org.

Dec 3-4 - THE DON’T WE BOYS: Sketch comedy improv group includes Dave Lyzenga, Matt Sterenberg and Joe Anderson. 8 pm. Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson Ave SE (just south of Fulton). $10 (www.dogstorytheater.com).

Dec 3-12 - “THE NUTCRACKER”: Grand Rapids Ballet Company, Grand Rapids Symphony and dozens of local children unite for this holiday tradition. 7:30 pm Fri, 2 pm and 7:30 pm Sat, 1 pm and 5:30 pm Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $20$53 (ballet box office or Ticketmaster). www. grballet.com.

Even the busiest people treasure time away from the rush of the season to enjoy a glistening glass of wine and the laughter of those they love.

Offer the gift of time to your family and friends.

If you cannot join us at our vineyard winery and restaurant, celebrate with us at: Saugatuck - Tabor Hill Wine Port Downtown, 214 Butler St. 269-857-4859 Benton Harbor - Tabor Hill Wine & Art Gallery 80 W. Main St. • 269-925-6402 Bridgman - Tabor Hill Champagne Cellar I-94 Exit 16, 10243 Red Arrow Hwy. 269-465-6566

185 Mt. Tabor Rd. 800-283-3363

Buchanan, MI 49107 www.taborhill.com December 2010 Grand Rapids 89

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City Guide: Making Tracks

Heartside sketches Steve Talaga’s latest CD is a jazz-rock, fusion-oriented music tribute to GR’s Heartside neighborhood. By Colleen M. Keehl

S

teve Talaga is what you might call a seasoned performer.

A jazz pianist, composer and arranger, he’s been playing professionally for more than 25 years. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including 2008 Jazz Musician of the Year from the West Michigan Jazz Society.

Talaga has taught music at several West Michigan colleges — currently at Hope and Aquinas — and has served on the faculty at prestigious jazz camps. He has released five CDs, is pianist for many small and large jazz ensembles, and has performed with a plethora of jazz greats.

He’s also a guy with a heart.

Talaga’s newest CD includes a suite of tracks called “Heartside Sketches.” Commissioned by Musical Arts for Justice in the Community, which raises money for homeless programs, Talaga wrote 11 tracks — “jazz-rock, fusion-oriented music” — inspired by the Heartside neighborhood. The CD also includes two “sound paintings” that Talaga composed when he was a gradu-

ate student at Western Michigan University.

“My hope is that we made some honest music,” he said.

“Writing a piece inspired by Heartside just seemed a very organic way to go about doing that. I was merely trying to capture in music a feeling I got from each of the places described in the titles.”

He also wants listeners to notice “all of the progress made so far in revitalizing the area and the promise that the future holds.” Armed with optimism, a grant from Aquinas College and a few dollars from his own pocket, Talaga hopes this album will not only help aid charities such as Grand Rapids Coalition to End Homelessness, but also improve the situation of families living in the downtown neighborhood.

“I hope that the CD returns my investment, plus a zillion dollars that I can turn back over to Coalition to End Homelessness so that the project will do some tangible good in our community,” he said. “I hope the album draws some attention to the Heartside neighborhood.”

Although he arranged and wrote all of “Heartside Sketches,” others contributed to the CD, including Rob Smith, Tom Lockwood, Carmen Maret, Mike Dodge, Andrew Bergeron, Randy Marsh, sound engineer Rob Mulligan and members of the Catholic Central High School Capella Choir.

Steve Talaga Category: Jazz History: Has played with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Steve Talaga Trio, Evidence quintet, Mind’s Eye quartet, The Steve Hilger Band and Grupo Aye. His CDs include “Yin Yang,” “Mirage,” “Basement Alchemy,” “Two Worlds,” “Contemplating the Heavens,” “Heartside Sketches.”

Geography: Grand Rapids Parity: Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea

The CD includes improvisation by each collaborator, giving the CD an unexpected twist. “It’s a balance between complete freedom and certain harmonic rhythmic constraints.”

Talaga believes music is a deeply soul-affirming experience. “There are moments where I completely lose my sense of self. There are moments that seem like true telepathy. It’s impossible to describe.”

GR

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Curiosity: Performing with Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 at Founders Brewing Co.; solo piano performance at Mangiamo 7-10 p.m. Dec. 16. For a full list, see www.stevetalaga.com.

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City Guide Dec 4, 18 - RIVER CITY IMPROV: Calvin College alumni improv team weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions. 7:33 pm (doors open 6:30 pm). Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd SE. $8 (at door or Calvin box office). www. rivercityimprov.com.

Dec 6 - “A CHORUS LINE”: Tony-Award-winning production about 17 dancers auditioning to dance on Broadway. 7:30 pm. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. $34-$48 (FHFAC box office or Ticketmaster). www.fhfineartscenter.com.

Dec 6-7 - “AWAY IN THE BASEMENT: A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS”: Musical comedy set in 1959 on the day of the Sunday School Christmas program. 7:30 pm. Van Singel Fine Arts Center. $29.50 adults, $18.50 students (878-6800, www.vsfac.com).

Dec 6-7 - STUDENT DANCE CONCERT: Presented by Hope College. 8 pm. Hope College Dow Center, Holland. Free.

Dec 10-12, 17-19 - “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Dickens’ Christmas tale featuring Ebeneezer Scrooge, ghosts and lovable Londoners is brought to life by community performers. 8 pm Fri, 2 pm and 8 pm Sat, 7 pm Sun. Saugatuck Women’s Club, 303 Butler St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-6193. Tickets TBD. Dec 10-18 - “GREATER TUNA”: Central Park Players present the tale of Judge Roscoe Buckner, who dies of an apparent stroke while wearing a 1950’s one-piece swimsuit. 8 pm, 2 pm Sat. Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus St, Grand Haven. $14 adults, $11 seniors and students (971-1329). www.centralparkplayers.org.

Dec 10-18 - “THE PROMISE”: Turning Pointe School of Dance presents a Christmas story using scripture, and contemporary and classical ballet and music. 7 pm Fri, 2 pm and 7 pm Sat. Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland. $15 adults, $10 students (394-7109 or www.turningpointedance. org) or $17 adults, $12 students (at door).

It’s like you’re there!

Dec 11-12 - “THE NUTCRACKER”: West Michigan Youth Ballet presents the complete ballet. 1 pm and 4:30 pm Sat, 1 pm Sun. Forest Hills FAC. $12 adults, $6 children (www.wmyb.org). Also, Nutcracker tea 11:30 am Dec 11 ($12).

Dec 17-18 - “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” WITH TOM HARRYMAN: One-man performance of Dickens’ classic tale. 7:30 pm. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $12 (box office, 231-727-8001 or Star Tickets).

Dec 22-23 - “CIRQUE DE NOEL”: GR Symphony’s Symphonic Boom concert includes jugglers, acrobats and aerialists combined with holiday music. 7:30 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $42$90 (Grand Rapids Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony. org.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Museums & Attractions Dec - BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER: Noon5 pm Dec 11 Homestead Holiday with crafts, wagon rides, snow games and hot chocolate ($5). 143 acres of diverse ecosystems, trails, natural history exhibits, Heritage Buildings (log cabin, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, etc.). Interpretive Center open 9 am-5 pm MonFri. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, 735-6240, www.blandfordnaturecenter. org. Free.

Dec - CAPPON & SETTLERS HOUSE MUSEUMS: Restored Cappon House is the Italianate Victorian

Giro d’ Italia (The Italian Tour)

Each month is a different region. Experience the tastes with a six course meal and the finest selected wine pairings.

Visit our website for details at www.trecugini.com

122 Monroe Center St., NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-235-9339 December 2010 Grand Rapids 91

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City Guide home of Holland’s first mayor. 1-4 pm Dec 11-12 Victorian Christmas Tea, reservations required, $10 adults, $6 children 5 and under. Tiny Settlers House recalls hardships faced by early settlers.

Noon-4 pm Fri and Sat. For admission prices, see Holland Museum. Cappon House, 228 W 9th St, Holland. Settlers House, 190 W 9th St, Holland, (616) 392-6740, www.hollandmuseum.org.

Dec - COOPERSVILLE FARM MUSEUM: Thru Jan 8, photo/art contest exhibit: Folk Music and Instruments of Rural America. Thru Jan 22, Kyle Preston. Regular exhibits include tractors from 1930 to present, an eclipse windmill, 100-yearold barns, interactive kids area. 10 am-2 pm Tue, Thu and Sat. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children 3-18, under 3 free. 375 Main St, Coopersville, 9978555, www.coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

Dec - COOPERSVILLE & MARNE RAILWAY: Restored 1920’s-era railway has regular excursion rides Wed and Sat at 11 am and 1 pm ($10.50 adults, $9.50 seniors 60 and over, $7.50 ages 2-12, under 2 free). Dec 4-19 Santa Train: 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm Sat; 1 pm and 3 pm Sun ($14.50 adults, $13.50 seniors 60 and over, $11.50 ages 2-12, under 2 free). 311 Danforth St, Coopersville, 997-7000 (for advance tickets), www.coopersville andmarne.org.

Dec - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: Thru Jan 9, annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibit features 300,000 lights, more than 40 international trees and displays, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and Holiday Express train exhibit.

5-8 pm Dec 7, Dec 14 and Dec 21 Santa visits. 6-8 pm Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 21 the Original Dickens Carolers. 6-8 pm Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 20-23, Dec 27-29, Dec 30 Art Activities for Families. 1-4 pm Dec 4, Dec 11, Dec 18 Roof Top Reindeer with live reindeer for pictures and petting. 5:30-8:50 pm Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 20-23 Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides ($50 up to four members, $80 up to four non-members; reservations required: 975-3151).

5:30-8:30 pm Dec 20-23 Sing-Along Trolley Rides ($8 adults, $5 children). Outdoor exhibits include Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, 30-acre sculpture park, boardwalk nature trail, tram tours, themed gardens. Indoors has sculpture galleries, tropical conservatory, carnivorous plant house, Victorian garden, café and gift shops.

9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat; 9 am-9 pm Tue and Dec 20-23, Dec 27-29 and Dec 30; noon-5 pm Sun. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students with IDs, $6 ages 5-13, $4 ages 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, 957-1580, www.meijergardens.org.

adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, children 5 and under free, members free. 31 W 10th St, Holland, (888) 200-9123, www.hollandmuseum.org.

Dec - JOHN BALL ZOO: See Breakfast with Santa/ Christmas for the Animals in Kidstuff. Attractions include: colubus monkeys, New Guinea baboons, ring-tailed lemurs, Lions of Lake Manyara, penguins, Komodo dragon, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island and Living Shores Aquarium. 10 am-4 pm daily, $3.50 adults and seniors, $3 kids 3-13, kids 2 and under free. 1300 W Fulton St, 336-4300, www.johnballzoosociety. org.

Dec - KALAMAZOO VALLEY MUSEUM: Thru Jan 2, Race: Are We So Different?, a scientific investigation of race and human variation. Thru Jan 16, Identity and the American Landscape: The Photography of Wing Young Huie. Permanent exhibits include simulated mission to space, 2,300-year-old mummy and Science in Motion.

See website for planetarium shows ($3) and scheduled activities. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Thu and Sat, 9 am-9 pm Fri, 1-5 pm Sun. 230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, (800) 772-3370, www.kalamazoo museum.org. Free.

Dec - LAKESHORE MUSEUM CENTER: Thru Dec 31, You Should See This, items from the museum’s collection chosen by community and staff.

Permanent exhibits include Michigan Through the Depths of Time; Body Works: It’s All Up to You; Habitats and Food Webs; Science Center; and Voices of Muskegon. 9:30 am-4:30 pm MonFri, noon-4 pm Sat-Sun. 430 W Clay, Muskegon, (231) 722-0278, www.muskegonmuseum.org.

Free.

Dec - LOWELL AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits about Lowell history and a Victorian parlor, dining room and porch. 1-4 pm Tue, Sat and Sun, 1-8 pm Thu. $3 adults, $1.50 children 5-17, under 5 free, families $10 max. 325 W Main St, 897-7688, www.lowellmuseum.org.

Dec - MEYER MAY HOUSE: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house, meticulously restored

by Steelcase in 1986-87, features many original furnishings. Open for guided tours 10 am-2 pm Tue and Thu, 1-5 pm Sun (last tour begins one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave SE, 2464821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.

Dec - GERALD R. FORD MUSEUM: See Ford Open House in Special Events. Thru Feb 27, Betty Ford: An Extraordinary Life. Permanent exhibits include The 1970s, An Overview; video history of the Watergate scandal; replica of the White House Oval Office; New Mood at the White House, a holographic presentation. 9 am-5 pm daily. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 kids 6-18, 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St NW, 254-0400, www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

Dec - PUBLIC MUSEUM: See Night at Your Museum in Special Events and Snowflake Break in Kidstuff. Thru May 1, Bodies Revealed, human skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, reproductive and circulatory systems (admission plus $15). 6-9 pm Dec 8 Life Drawing Night.

Thru Dec 31, Amway: 50 Years of Helping People Live Better Lives. Permanent exhibits include: Streets of Old Grand Rapids; Newcomers, The People of This Place; Anishinabek, The People of This Place; 1928 carousel ($1). 9 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat, 9 am-8 pm Tue, noon-5 pm Sun; open until 9 pm Dec 28-31. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org.

Dec - HOLLAND MUSEUM: See Holland Museum Open House in Special Events. Dec 27-30 Christmas Vacation Week with free holiday crafts, activities and refreshments. Cultural attractions from the “old country” and exhibits that explore local history: Lake Michigan maritime, shipwrecks and resorts; agriculture and manufacturing; religious foundation of the Holland Kolonie. I Spy Adventure and activities in Mark’s Room for children. Hours: 10 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat. $7

Dec - ROGER B. CHAFFEE PLANETARIUM: Stateof-the-art, 3-D, Digistar-powered shows. 1 pm Sat and Sun Holiday Laser Light Show accompanies favorite Christmas songs. 2 pm daily Our Bodies in Space. 7 pm Tue Skytellers. 8 pm Tue Everybody’s Sky: Star Stories from Around the World. 3 pm Sat and Sun Under Starlit Skies.

Museum admission plus $3 (3 pm show free with admission). Van Andel Museum Center (see Public Museum).

Dec - TRI-CITIES HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits include a train depot display, Michigan Logging and Early Pioneers. 9:30 am-5 pm TueFri, 12:30-5 pm Sat and Sun. 200 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, 842-0700, www.tri-citiesmu seum.org. Free.

Dec - VOIGT HOUSE VICTORIAN MUSEUM: 1895 home of the Carl Voigt family features three floors of original furnishings and personal possessions.

Decorated for the season and open 10 am-5 pm Dec 11 and Dec 18, noon-5 pm Dec 12 and Dec 19.

Tours include music, ornament decorating and refreshments. 115 College Ave SE, 456-4600, www.grmuseum.org. Public Museum members free, $5 adults, $3 children. Also see Christmas Break Kids Camps in Kidstuff.

Lectures & Workshops Dec - ENHANCEFITNESS: Seniors Neighbors and Metro Health offer a fitness program for seniors that increases strength and improves balance. 1 pm Mon, Wed and Fri. Metro Health Village. $2. www.seniorneighbors.org.

Dec - FREE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: Dec 7 Trigger Point Massage. 6 pm. Foundation for Wellness Professionals, 4150 East Beltline Ave NE, Ste 4.

Reservations: 447-9888. Seating limited to 30.

Dec - GRAND RIVER FOLK ARTS SOCIETY: Dance instruction events. 7:30 pm Dec 3, First Friday Dance with Brookfarm Stringband, caller Mike Clark, 5th St Hall, 701 5th St NW, $8 adults, $7 students/seniors, $6 members. 7 pm Dec 10, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, $5. 7 pm Dec 24, 4th Friday Contra Dance with music jams, 5th St Hall, 701 5th St NW, $6. www.grfolkarts.org.

Dec - GRAND VALLEY ARTISTS: 7:30 pm Dec 2 Artist Critique Night. 7:30 pm Dec 9 Program Night. Free and open to public. GVA Gallery, 1345 Monroe Ave NW, www.grandvalleyartists.com.

Dec - GR TANGO: Beginner and intermediate dance lessons 8-9:30 pm every Thu, followed by free practice 9:30-10:30 pm. Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St SE, www.grtango.org. $12 drop-in.

Dec 4, 18 - DANCEgr: One-hour dance lesson followed by social dance that includes East and West Coast swing, salsa, tango, waltz, cha cha, rumba, foxtrot and more. 7-8 pm lesson, 8-11 pm dance. Women’s City Club, 1449 E Fulton St, www.dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both. Also see New Year’s Eve Dance in Special Events.

Dec 9 - BOOK READING AND SIGNING: Schuler Books & Music presents Heather Sellers, author of “You Don’t Look Like Anyone I Know.” 7 pm.

2660 28th St SE, 942-2561. Free.

Dec 11, 13 - THEATER AUDITIONS: Master Arts Theatre auditions for “Belles on Their Toes,” the sequel to “Cheaper by the Dozen.” Casting four males, two females, seven boys and seven girls (ages 6-17). Show will run Mar 18-26. Auditions: 10 am Dec 11 and 6:30 pm Dec 13. 75 77th St SW, www.masterarts.org.

Dec 13 - CANCER WORKSHOP: Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids presents “Frankly Speaking About Colorectal Cancer” with Larry McCahill, GI surgical oncologist from Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Mary’s, discussing current treatments, symptoms and side-effect management strategies.

6-7:30 pm. Gilda’s Club, 1806 Bridge St NW, 4538300, www.gildasclubgr.org. Free.

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City Guide Dec 15 - BREASTFEEDING CLASS: Breastfeeding basics from a board-certified consultant; registration required. 5:30-8:30 pm. Baby Beloved, 555 Midtowne St NE, Ste 100, 977-5683, www.baby belovedinc.com. $40.

Super Hero Training. Dec 17 Kids Night Out. Dec 18 Cartwheel Clinic. Dec 20-23 and Dec 27-30 GymTime Day Camp. Dec 22 and Dec 29 Kids Day Away. Gymco Sports, 2360 Camelot Ridge Ct SE, 956-0586, www.gymco.com.

Dec 16 - POETRY READING: Literary Life Bookstore hosts three poets: Michael Sikkema, LS Klatt and Chad Sweeney. 7 pm. 758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418. Free.

Dec - KENT DISTRICT LIBRARIES: Story times for young children, Max and Ruby Party, Crafts Around the World and Experience Egypt. Teen programs include Gaming and Manga. See www. kdl.org for dates and locations.

Dec 18 - CHRISTMAS IN SIGN LANGUAGE WORKSHOP: Deaf Expressions presents a workshop of signs and songs about Christmas, plus a potluck lunch. 11 am-2 pm. Home School Building, Wyoming. $20. Register before Dec 14: 856-9885 or deafexpressions05@gmail.com. www.deafexp ressions.net.

Sports Dec - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS: Grand Rapids’ American Hockey League team, primary affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Home games: Dec 4-5 vs San Antonio Rampage. Dec 8 vs Milwaukee Admirals. Dec 10 and Dec 12 vs Texas Stars. Dec 15 vs Houston Aeros. Dec 17 vs Peoria Rivermen.

Dec 22 vs Toronto Marlies. Dec 26 vs Lake Erie Monsters. Dec 31 vs Toronto Marlies. Times vary.

Van Andel Arena. $13-$30 (Van Andel box office, Meijer or Star Tickets). www.griffinshockey.com.

Kidstuff Dec - ALL DAY WITH THE ARTS: GR Art Museum offers family programming every Sat, including art-making activities, family activity guides and garden room art stations. This month’s theme: Winter Spots and Dots: Great Women of the Permanent Collection, Jennifer Bartlett. Kidfriendly tours 11 am and 1 pm. Free with admission.

Dec - KINDERMUSIK: Playgroup for ages 2-4 with music, stories, crafts and snack. 9-11:30 am or 12:30-3 pm every Wed. $63 for four weeks (4506995 or kindermusikwithtrish@gmail.com).

Dec - SMALL TALK FOR KIDS: Language classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or French at six locations for up to age 5. $195 (990-2591, www. smalltalkforkids.com).

Dec - STORY TIME WITH A TWIST: Caledonia Dance Center hosts free preschool story time with music, dance, rhymes, instruments, finger plays and more. 9:30-10 am Mon. 131½ E Main St, Caledonia, 891-1606, www.caledoniadance center.com.

Thru Dec 19 - “PETER PAN”: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents a family musical with Tinker Bell, Peter, the Lost Boys and the crocodile. 7 pm, 2 pm Sun. $16-$30 (Civic box office or Star Tickets). www.grct.org.

Thru Dec 24 - SANTA’S HOUSE: Visit Santa in

Dec - BARNES & NOBLE: My Grown Up and Me story/craft times, 10:30 am Mon, Thu and Fri, Woodland Mall. Preschool Storytime, 10:30 am Tue and Thu, Rivertown Crossings Mall. www. barnesandnoble.com. Free.

his downtown Holland home on Eighth St. Times vary: see www.downtownholland.com. Free.

Dec 2 - FIRST SATURDAY FOR KIDS: Literary Life Bookstore hosts Susan Collins Thoms, author of “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Michigan.” 11 am. 758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418.

Dec 4 - BREAKFAST WITH SANTA/CHRISTMAS FOR THE ANIMALS: Join Santa for pancakes and sausage at John Ball Zoo from 8:30-10 am ($15 adults, $12 children 12 and under, 2 and under free; members $13/$10). Reservations required: 336-4326. Then, join the zookeepers from 10 am-2 pm as they demonstrate the importance of animal enrichment. If you donate an item for animal enrichment (see website for list), admission is free. John Ball Zoo, 1300 W Fulton St, 3364300, www.johnballzoosociety.org.

Dec 4 - “THE NUTCRACKER”: Balletmore presents a sneak peek into Sugarplum Fairy’s land of the sweets with a celebration of dance for all ages. Plus activities, treats and crafts. Noon and 1 pm. GRAM. Tickets TBD. www.balletmore.com or www.artmuseumgr.org.

Dec 4, 18 - YMCA KID ZONE DATE NIGHTS: Activities, movies, swimming and gym time for age 2 months to 12 years. 2-7:30 pm Dec 4 and 5-10:30 pm Dec 18. Visser Family YMCA, 3540 Fairlanes SW, Grandville. $15 child or $30 family members, $20/$40 non-members. 530-9199, www.grymca.org.

Open through May 1

Dec - FINE ART FOR KIDS: Drop into Cynthia Hagedorn’s studio for themed fine art time for kids in kindergarten and older. 194½ S River Ave, Holland, www.cynthiahagedorn.com.

Dec - GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Thru Jan 20, To The Rescue safety exhibit with Lil’ Red Fire Truck No. 5, Rescue Helicopter, Fire Safety House and Rescue Med Center. Permanent exhibits include Rainbow Run, Buzzy Beehive, Mom and Pop Store, Funstruction. Toddler Tue for ages 3 and under (10 am-noon). Thu Family Nights (5-8 pm) $1.50 admission. 9:30 am-5 pm Tues-Sat, until 8 pm Thu, noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $6.50, under 2 free. 22 Sheldon Ave NE, 235-4726, www.grcm.org.

Dec - GR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Literacy classes for babies, toddlers and kids include storytelling, music, dramatic play and art activities. Also, holiday concert with Kevin Kammeraad. Times and locations vary. Complete schedules at any branch or www.grpl.org. Free.

Photo from Bodies Exhibit

Dec - DEANNA’S PLAYHOUSE: 15,000-squarefoot play environment includes art room, imagination village, performing arts stage, music room, infant-parent area, café and more. 10 am-3 pm Mon-Sat. 11172 Adams St, Holland, (800) 5777661, www.deannasplayhouse.com. $5.

272 Pearl St. NW • Grand Rapids, MI 616.456.3977 • grmuseum.org Check grmuseum.org for extended evening and weekend hours.

Dec - GYMCO: Dec 4 Family Open Gym. Dec 11 December 2010 Grand Rapids 93

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City Guide: Clubs ’n’ Pubs

An oenophile’s paradise

A

woman waiting her turn in reserve’s chic ladies room smiled as she adjusted her silky top.

“Isn’t this something?” she cooed. “This is the kind of place we go to when we’re in Chicago or new York.” reserve, downtown’s newest wine bar, does offer an urban experience. and judging by the crowd waiting to be seated on a friday evening, it’s a concept west Michigan is embracing.

Co-owned by Dick and Betsy DeVos with Martha’s Vineyard owner kameel Chamelly, the bar features more than 100 varietal whites and reds by the glass, two-ounce sample or flights

— made possible by the state-of-the-art cruvinet system that preserves wine after being uncorked.

It’s an oenophile’s paradise.

Our first visit was the final weekend of artprize and just a month after the bar’s sept. 21 official opening. The place was packed, with people waiting outside for a table. Others were drifting in to catch a glimpse of rand Ortner’s “Open water no. 24,” the 2009 artprize winning entry prominently displayed over the bar.

The space in the windquest Building — originally a bank in the early 1900s — is impressive, an interesting mix of old and new. reserve has three floors, with an open stairway leading from the main bar area up to a quieter mezzanine dining level and outside deck. The lower level is a tasting room, where the old bank vault has been converted into a cellar for some

Reserve GR location: 201 Monroe Ave. NW Hours: 4 p.m. – midnight Mon – Thurs; 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. Fri and Sat contact: (616) 855-WINE; www.reservegr. com; also on Facebook and Twitter Drink prices: 2-ounce glass $2-$14; 6-ounce glass $5-$42; dessert & port 3-ounce glass $6-$26

of the premier wines. we were lucky to snag a table on the mezzanine, though even upstairs the din is equal to that of a college frat party. But it’s a friendly din, with lots of laughter and friendly chatter.

Our server gave us a charcuterie menu offering housemade pates, salamis, aged hams and a variety of cheeses — many locally sourced. But it’s the wine list we were eager to peruse. even the experts at the table were impressed with the selection. “not many places offer a good Barolo by the glass,” one quipped.

The young staff is kept really busy.

Throughout the evening, we had at least four people taking orders and dropping off wine and food. The goal, said manager Chris pawlisz, a certified sommelier, is for every server to know the wines and be able to guide patrons with selections. as the small plates and small pours were served, we were caught up in the experience. pawlisz said most people sip a few two-ounce samples before deciding on a six-ounce glass. pinot noir has been a top choice in reds, and reisling a handsdown favorite in whites. The price range is impressive, from $5 for a 6-ounce glass of Chianti to $42 for a krug Champagne.

Before leaving, we took a quick tour of the space, designed by Valerie schmieder and Brian Barkwell of Via Design. They managed to retain historical aspects of the building — like the original moldings around the ceiling — while adding elements of modern design. The lighting throughout sets the tone, from the arty glass pendants over the main floor bar to the woven wood-veneer shades hanging from the ceiling. a circle theme in the stairway railing was inspired by the bottom of a wine bottle. all of the artwork was handpicked by the owners, and more will be added to create a gallery-like experience.

GR

PhotograPhy by miChael buCk

reserVe gr, the neWest Wine bar in DoWntoWn granD raPiDs, offers more than 100 Wines by the glass. BY MARTY PRIMEAU

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City Guide Dec 11 - SANTA’S WORKSHOP: Coloring contest, holiday crafts, seasonal snacks and visits with Santa and his elves. Pre-registration requested (355-1130). 10 am-noon. Holland Civic Center.

Pre-registration: $5 Holland residents, $7 nonresidents. At door: $7/$10. www.cityofholland. com.

Dec 11, 19-20 - “THE NUTCRACKER”: Caledonia Dance Center presents the classic choreographed

by Akop Akopian. 3 and 5:30 pm Dec 11, 3 pm Dec 19, 10:30 am Dec 20 (special children’s show).

Duncan Lake Middle School PAC, Caledonia. $15$25 (www.caledoniadancecenter.com).

Dec 18-Jan 2 - SNOWFLAKE BREAK: Public Museum offers buy-one-get-one free general admission on weekends and school break days (closed Dec 25 and Jan 1). Plus, free seasonal crafts and carousel rides from noon-4 pm.

Dec 20-22, 28-30 - CHRISTMAS BREAK KIDS CAMPS: The Voigt House hosts one-day camps for kids 7-12 with music, baking, crafts and learning about holiday traditions in the Victorian era.

10 am-3 pm. 115 College Ave SE, 456-4600, www.grmuseum.org. Limited space; registration required (456-3977). $50.

GET AN AMAZING NEW LOOK THIS SEASON. SAVE $25 TO $200

PER UNIT* ON SELECT STYLES. NOW THRU DECEMBER 15 TH

YOU’LL ENJOY THE VIEW ALL YEAR LONG. With some of the most generous rebates Hunter Douglas has ever offered, there’s never been a better time to update your window fashions. Not only will your home look beautiful for the holidays, but you’ll appreciate how Hunter Douglas window fashions enhance the beauty, comfort and energy efficiency of your home.

The Shade Shop

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

calendar legend COMMONLY REQUESTED VENUE AND TICKET OUTLET INFORMATION FOLLOWS.

*Rebate offer valid for purchases made 9/25/10 – 12/15/10. Limitations and restrictions apply. Ask for details. ©2010 Hunter Douglas. ® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas.

16555

VENUES aquinas performing arts center, 1607 Robinson Road SE, 456-6656 the Deltaplex entertainment & expo center, 2500 Turner Ave. NW, 364-9000, www.deltaplex.com Devos place (Devos performance Hall), 303 Monroe Ave. NW, 742-6600, www.devosplace.org Forest Hills Fine arts center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 493-8966, www.fhfineartscenter.com Frauenthal center for the performing arts, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, (231) 722-9750, www.frauenthal.info Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580 (main), 975-3147 (class registration line), www.meijergardens.org Grand Rapids art Museum (GRaM), 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www.artmuseumgr.org Grand Rapids civic theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., 222-6650, www.grct.org public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org St. cecilia Music center, (Royce Auditorium, Dexter Ballroom), 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, www.scmsonline.org Spectrum theater, 160 Fountain St. NE, 234-3946 Urban institute for contemporary arts (Uica), 41 Sheldon Blvd. SE, 454-7000 (film hotline 454-3994), www.uica.org van andel arena, 130 W. Fulton St., 742-6600, www.vanandelarena.com van Singel Fine arts center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, www.vsfac.com

PhotograPhy by miChael buCk

TICKET OUTLETS

Grand Rapids Symphony office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, 454-9451, www.grsymphony.org Star tickets, (800) 585-3737, www.startickets.com ticketmaster, 456-3333, www.ticketmaster.com

Where Will 96 million people find a doctor this year?

HealthGrades, the #1 website for people to research and select doctors and hospitals. www.healthgrades.com/mag/GR

list your event Calendar items must be submitted two months prior to the magazine issue date. Please send submissions for the February calendar no later than Dec. 15. e-mail caleditor@geminipub.com, fax (616) 4594800 or mail to grand rapids magazine, 549 ottawa ave. nW, suite 201, grand rapids, mi 49503.

© Copyright 2010 Health Grades, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

May not be reprinted or reproduced without permission.

DeCember 2010 Grand rapids 95

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City Guide: Hot Shots

1

2

3

Betty Ford honored; awards for local theater

6

4

7

Photography by Michael buck (1-3); Johnny Quirin (4-7)

The Alliance for Health honored former first lady Betty Ford with the 2010 Hillman Award at the Once in a Blue 1. Stephanie Lee and Moon @ High Noon luncheon Sept. 22. Her son Steve Ford Mary Alice Enrich accepted the award on behalf of his mother, who co-founded 2. Terri Lynn Land, Lody the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and the Betty Zwarensteyn and Paul Keep Ford Breast Care Services in Grand Rapids. The Hillman 3. Jennifer Taylor and Award is presented annually to visionaries in the health care Chad Griffith industry.

4. Jody McCargar, Kathy “Little Shop of Horrors� walked away with eight trophies Wagner and Edie McCargar Oct. 3 at the 14th annual Grand Awards celebration. The 5. Chad Jordan and event, highlightHeather VanderZee ing the best of 6.

Katie Szostak, 5 local theater, was Emily Elderkin and held at Spectrum Delaney Piggins Theater on the 7. Scott McGuire and campus of Grand Michele Yamazaki Rapids Community College. Comic actress Christy Beatty received the Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement Award. Proceeds benefit the Combined Theatre Scholarship Fund.

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Ring it in!

Leo’s Restaurant invites you to join us during the festive Season and in the winter months ahead.

Fresh seafood, Certified Black Angus Beef, Colorado Rack of Lamb and innovative desserts served in an elegant, yet casual atmosphere, makes us the perfect choice for this very special time of the year.

Best Wishes for a Joyous and Peaceful Holiday Season!

!

Leo’s Gift Certificates This holiday season, give that special someone on your list an experience they’ll remember at Leo’s.

Available in $10, $25, $50 and $100 denominations.

Gift certificates are also available online at www.leosrestaurant.com

Year”

e rds”

“Best Seafood Restaurant”

Grand Rapids Magazine 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 “Readers Poll”

day

“Restaurant of the Year”

Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007 & 2009 “Dining Awards” 60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 454.6700 | www.leosrestaurant.com Lunch Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Dinner Monday – Thursday 4:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 4:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. | Closed Sunday

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Chili with cornbread on top or cornbread with chili on the bottom?

It’s hard to put your finger on what makes it perfect. Maybe it’s the chili with slow-cooked beef brisket. Or maybe it’s the sweet, soft cornbread on top. Either way, together they make a sweet, smoky meal that’s better with every bite. Try our new All-Natural Steak Chili with Cornbread today.

Introducing a Loyalty Program

that Rewards you with Surprises

panerabread.com

©2010 Panera Bread. All Rights Reserved.

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