February 2012 - GRM

FLORAL TRENDS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

PAIRING CHOCOLATES AND WINES

CELEBRATING CITY LIFE

TWO PLATE: GILLY’S OR THE GRILL ROOM

THE AREA’S PREMIER DINING LISTINGS

WHAT IS SALSALOGY?

www.grmag.com

LET’S GO!

8 LOCALS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE WORKOUTS

GR’s coffee culture SPECIAL SECTION:

Grand Rapids Wedding

FEBRUARY 2012

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VOLuMe 49 NuMber 2

February 2012 FEaTUrEs diFFerent strokes For diFFerent Folks

Staying fit doesn’t have to mean running on a treadmill or three sets of pushups. ......................................40 CoFFee breWing 101

Photographer Adam Bird visited four local establishments to show four different methods of brewing that perfect cup of java. .............. 48

2 Grand rapids February 2012

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We sleep knowing that a brilliantly crafted bed changes everything.

We sleep with a passion and a conviction and a desire to share it with the world because we know it will change you as well.

Learn more at Design Quest.

Design Quest 4181 - 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 616-940-9911 www.DesignQuest.biz

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VOLUME 49 NUMBER 2

February 2012

70

28

Photography

by Johnny Quirin of Dana Friis-Hansen

ON THE COVER:

IN EVERY ISSUE LIFE & STYLE

Literary Life Bookstore; Harvest Health Foods; Higher Ground climbing wall; Striders; weekend getaway essentials. .........9-14

SPEAKING UP ETC.

By Carole Valade .................... 7 LETTERS

Readers’ words ........................ 7 GRAND TIMES

Casey Reed, founder of Salsalogy Dance Academy, is taking dance to a new level. ............................. 18

By Gordon G. Beld Globe Knitting Works was an ideal workplace for Grand Rapids women a century ago. ..................... 16

DESIGN

CRITIC’S CHOICE

A different twist on Valentine’s Day flowers; jewelry designer Lisa Lehmann. ....................... 21-30

By Mark F. Miller, AIA American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. .........................26

PROFILE

ART APPRECIATION CITY GUIDE

Restaurant listings; profile of Jackie Ziehm, owner of Ramona’s Table; The Establishment; Hot Shots at local events and more. ...................... 57-89 Calendar of Events. ........... 78

By Joseph Antenucci Becherer Robert Rauschenberg. ..... 30 DINING REVIEW

By Ira Craaven GoJo’s Ethiopian Cuisine. .................................65 GRAND VINE

By A. Brian Cain Wine and chocolate. ..........70 FRESH HOPS

By Jon C. Koeze Brewery explosion in West Michigan. .................. 75 12

4 GRAND RAPIDS FEBRUARY 2012

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Exceptional Gifts for Exceptional Couples!

From engagements and showers to weddings and anniversaries, Woodland Mall has over 100 stores filled with exceptional gifts for your favorite couples: Ann Taylor Apple Brookstone Fossil Francesca’s Collections Kay Jewelers Swarovski The North Face Things Remembered Williams-Sonoma Zales Visit shopwoodlandmall.com for a complete list of mall stores and the most current sales and events.

E X C E P T I O N A L

S H O P P I N G

Shop 100 stores including Macy’s, jcpenney, Sears, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Apple, The North Face and The Cafés in the Woods Food Court.

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2 012 COLLEC TOR EDITION C A BINET

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

T

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info@grmag.com Publisher

his cabinet, reflecting influences of the English Arts and Crafts Movement, is equally at home in the living room or the bedroom. Featuring an adjustable shelf and an intricate inlay of Mother of Pearl, pear, maple, magnolia and makore wood, this Collector’s Edition is available in either solid oak or cherry and will only be made in the year 2012. Own it before it’s history.

John H. Zwarensteyn: jzwarensteyn@geminipub.com Editor

Carole Valade: cvalade@geminipub.com Managing Editor

Marty Primeau: mprimeau@geminipub.com Copy Editor

Donna Ferraro: dferraro@geminipub.com Contributing Editors

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

Julie Burch, Alexandra Fluegel, Tricia van Zelst Editorial Intern

Timothy McAllister 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

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Design & Production Manager

Scott Sommerfeld: ssommerfeld@geminipub.com Assistant Design & Production Manager

Chris Pastotnik: cpastotnik@geminipub.com Art Coordinator

Custom Design Furniture 2875 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Phone (616) 575-9004 | Fax (616) 575-9008 www.customdesignfurnitureinc.com

Kelly J. Nugent: knugent@geminipub.com Designers/Production Assistants

Melissa Brooks: mbrooks@geminipub.com Robin Vargo: rvargo@geminipub.com Contributing Photographers

Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Jeff Hage, Jack Poeller, Johnny Quirin General Sales Manager

Randy D. Prichard: rprichard@geminipub.com Advertising Sales Consultants

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Emily Bernath: ebernath@geminipub.com Theresa Henk: thenk@geminipub.com Kathie Manett: kmanett@geminipub.com John Olsa: jolsa@geminipub.com

What’s YOUR reason?

Advertising Sales Assistant/Coordinator

Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com

Put a little

Get inMiller: smiller@geminipub.com Scott T.

Circulation & Marketing Manager

Step Romance into your life ... for the Try Dancing! Holidays!

COUNTRY CLUB

Circulation & Marketing Coordinator

Jocelyn Burkett: jburkett@geminipub.com Circulation & Marketing Assistant

Shane Chapin: schapin@geminipub.com

CHARITY EVENT

Finance & Administration Manager

Pamela Brocato, CPA: pbrocato@geminipub.com Accounting & Credit assistant

WEDDING

Diane Perham: dperham@geminipub.com Administrative assistant

Tina Gillman: tgillman@geminipub.com

VACATION

Reception/Clerical Services

General Inquiries: info@grmag.com To Order Reprints

CRUISE

Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com (616) 459-4545

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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 © 2012 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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Etcetera

The ‘ruse’ of the Creative Class

by CarOLe VaLaDe

THESE ARE INTERESTING times indeed — you can tell by the robo-calls.

The Grand Rapids metro area has famously embraced a newness and a pride based on the building of structures like the Medical Mile developments, which anchor new economic development, and of things “social” like ArtPrize, which anchors continued development of “place.”

There inherently has been a stamp of approval of the “Creative Class,” grounded in the founding economic principles of author Richard Florida, who moved the world from measuring smokestacks to measurements of technology, talent and tolerance. Cool City concepts are embedded in public policy from the federal and state level to local governments and are shared universally with great fervor — although the fervent often miss some key

Letters Editor: It has come to our attention that an inaccuracy has occurred in your December issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. It pertains to your article on da Vinci urological procedures in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Dr. Brian Lane stated that “I do more of those (robotic prostatectomies) than anyone else in West Michigan.” This is an inaccurate statement. Dr. Thomas J. Maatman of Michigan Urological Clinic currently leads most, if not all, physicians in number of robotic prostatectomies in this area.

Sincerely, The staff at Michigan Urological Clinic A STATEMENT FROM DR. LANE’S OFFICE INDICATED “THE INTENTION OF THE STATEMENT IN QUESTION WAS THAT HE SPECIALIZES IN ROBOTIC UROLOGIC SURGERY, WITH THE LARGEST VOLUME OF ROBOTIC PROSTATECTOMIES AT SPECTRUM HEALTH.”

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.

underpinnings of the three Ts (such as education).

This month, the Creative Class principles often seem in contrast to the fervor of Republican presidential hopefuls rallying Michigan’s most conservative citizens for the state’s Presidential Primary Feb. 28 (in which Democrats also cast a primary vote).

Is it past and present colliding, or could it be just another required plank in the bridge to the future of continuous improvement? It is interesting to note that some national publications in late 2011 declared the passing of Richard Florida fervor, and more than a few commented on the “ruse of the Creative Class.”

It is doubtful that all economic development measures will return to those of the manufacturing era, but they likely may extend into the new economy in greater balance.

Grand Rapids Magazine has long celebrated this city’s “life and style” with inclusivity and reflection of its diversity. GRM continues to highlight this region’s dominance in all aspects of design industries, from industrial to architectural to “artful” design. In the coming months, Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design will open a new portion of its expanded campus in the former Federal Building, used as the city’s art museum for many decades. Grand Valley State University is continuing to expand its presence in both the number of students and the expansion of its campuses off Fulton Street and on the Medical Mile.

In addition, the Avenue of the Arts will continue to flourish, and the new Urban Market will become more evident not far from that Division Street enhancement.

This has long been a community marked by education and creative growth. That creativity is given national rank by the number of entrepreneurs who continue to create this region’s “newness.” It’s as much a part of the DNA as conservative viewpoints and high voter turnouts — whether Richard Florida is or is not a ruse.

This has long been a community marked by education and creative growth. That creativity is given national rank by the number of entrepreneurs who continue to create this region’s “newness.”

February 2012 Grand rapids 7

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Is it Spiderman? At Higher Ground Rock Climbing Centre, Paulie Abissi scales the ceiling 25 feet above the gym floor. » pg12

Photography byJohnny Quirin

Life & Style Inside » Literary Life 10

» Harvest Health 11

» Higher Ground 12

» Striders 13

» Fashion 14

February 2012 Grand Rapids 9

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Life & Style

Literary Life Book Store at 758 Wealthy St. SE is housed in a former Old Kent Bank building. Below, Zachary Tomaszewski stocks books; Maria Bultsma and Jayne VerBeek check out a magazine.

D

r. Roni K. Devlin has always had a passion for all things literary.

Despite her busy schedule as an infectious disease specialist, in 2007 she opened Literary Life Book Store at 758 Wealthy St. SE. Devlin renovated the deserted Old Kent Bank building into a cozy space with a fireplace and plush sofas, and filled it with books and more.

Why open a bookstore? I think I have always been intrigued by the idea of owning a small business. There is something wonderful about having a vision and seeing it through to a tangible end. There is also something appealing about being one’s own boss. Given that my interests outside of medicine most often have to do with reading and writing, the development of a bookstore made perfect sense to me.

What’s your greatest challenge? It was clear as I entered the bookselling world that it would be difficult to sustain a small neighborhood bookstore.

Books have lost their value (you can buy a book for a penny online!), and there are technologies available now that could render the printed book obsolete. I still believe that bookstores like LitLife offer more to their communities than a simple retail transaction. We strive to match every reader with a book that will transport, inspire or invigorate them. We support local liter-

ary efforts by helping writers find readers, by hosting events and by encouraging their work. We influence young children with our love of books. And we donate time, money and books to worthy charities and organizations.

As a small indie bookstore, how do you choose titles? This is actually trickier than you might think. There are hundreds of thousands of books published via the traditional route each year, and nearly three times that number of

self-published books. It can be hard to rake through and find books worthy of being on our shelves. So, we do our homework. We read trade publications, we listen to NPR to hear which books are getting good buzz, we faithfully peruse The New York Times Book Review, and we pay attention to the

literary chatter online. We also read a lot of galleys (advance copies of books). We also choose classics that still deserve a reader’s attention in this day and age. And, finally, we listen to our customers — many books have ended up on our shelves at the recommendation of a well-read customer.

Literary Life does a lot of store events. Which has been the most memorable? Oh, tough question. I don’t think I have a favorite event, as so many of them have been memorable for me. As a great reader and a wanna-be writer, it is simply thrilling to enjoy an author’s works, meet them in person and share their words with others. I, of course, will never forget our very first event with Paula Nangle, author of “The Leper Compound.” I’ve also greatly enjoyed featuring some of our talented regional writers. And we’ve got a full calendar of events already lined up for 2012 — it’s possible that my favorite event has not yet happened. — Marty Primeau

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Just what the doctor ordered

10 Grand Rapids February 2012

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Life & Style

Health food pioneers

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Photography by Johnny Quirin

“Oooh, do you eat that stuff?”

It was a question Cathy Atsma often heard growing up in the 1960s. Her family owned the Harvest Health Foods store, and she recalls being the only kid in school eating sandwiches on whole wheat bread.

“Those were the Wonder Bread years, so other children always asked about my brown bread,” said Atsma, now CEO of the family-run business. “Being a kid, that was pretty embarrassing.”

But all those natural foods, herbs and supplements that seemed odd back in the day are now the darlings of health-conscious Americans.

“People tend to think of health food as a recent trend, but we’ve seen a steady growth since my father started the business 60 years ago,” Atsma said. “People want foods that can help them maintain or regain their health. And that’s what we’re all about.”

Henry Diedering moved to Michigan from the Netherlands in 1950 and didn’t care for the highly processed foods Americans were eating. So when his job deliv-

ering whole wheat bread turned into an opportunity to open a store on Wealthy Street, he launched his health food business. In 1957, he moved into a former IGA grocery store at 1944 Eastern Ave. SE, one of three locations the family still runs. The other two are at 6807 Cascade Road SE and 4150 32nd Ave. in Hudsonville.

Diedering, age 85, still works at the Eastern store a few days a week. “He does the packing, something he did back in the early days Elise Kemler stocks organic produce at Harvest Health Foods when we shipped out a lot at 1944 Eastern Ave. SE, one of three stores founded by Henry of herbs all over the coun- Diedering and still family owned. The health food market ships try,” Atsma said. Harvest herbs around the country.

Health Foods built a reputation as a place to buy medicinal herbs.

“We teach our “We were one of the few places where people could order a pound of red clover customers and they or chamomile.” teach us. It’s difficult Today, the stores offer a plethora of products (see harto be educated about vesthealthfoods.com), but all every condition or health still fit Diedering’s vision of being natural with no artificial trend. So it’s really sweeteners, colors or hydrogenated fats. a sharing thing.”

“Everything we sell is cer— Howard Atsma tified organic,” said Howard Atsma, Cathy’s brother-inlaw, who works as operations manager of the stores. “We don’t mingle in conventional foods. And we seek out local suppliers. Our milk is from Hilhof Dairy, the only local organic bottler in Michigan.

We helped them get established in the retail market.”

The staff is trained to help customers, especially those who have health issues. “We teach our customers and they teach us,” Howard said. “It’s difficult to be educated about every condition or health trend. So it’s really a sharing thing.”

— Marty Primeau

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Life & Style

Climbing the walls Rock climbing is one of the more unusual ways to get a workout. But since Michigan is not known for its mountains, you might be tempted to start climbing your walls.

Luckily, Higher Ground, 851 Bond Ave. NW, is there to indulge your lust for “up.”

This family-owned business has been around since 1994, offering walls as high as 25 feet to scale. There are three rooms with about 100 pre-determined routes to follow, all of varying difficulty.

“We try to set the routes to simulate something you would actually find in nature,” said Lena Abissi, who owns the business with husband Frank. “If you climb and train a lot in here, it’s not that difficult to make the transition to outdoors.”

Rock climbing is suitable for people of nearly any age or physical condition, and it delivers an excellent full-body workout.

“It’s really great exercise,” Abissi said.

And don’t worry if you don’t own the proper equipment. Higher Ground has everything you could possibly need available for rental, including shoes.

There’s a lot of jargon to learn if you’re going to start climbing. For example, the act of climbing with a rope and harness is called “belaying.” But when you’re at Higher Ground, you might also do some “bouldering” (short climbs with no rope) or some “campusing” (climbing thin wooden boards using only the hands).

“We make it as safe as possible but still maintain that element of risk,” Abissi said.

Higher Ground is open seven days a week: 5-10 p.m. weekdays, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Visit www.higround.com for more information.

— Tim McAllister

Using a technique to keep a climber from falling far, Pat McCarthy assists Mackenzie Wellman as she climbs at Higher Ground; Emily Williams and Paulie Abissi are high above the gym floor.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Frank Abissi, co-owner of Higher Ground Rock Climbing Centre, set a world record in 2009 for most number of feet climbed indoors — 251,040 feet (47.449 miles).

12 Grand Rapids February 2012

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Life & Style

Photography by Michael buck

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Run for your life The running movement in West Michigan just keeps on growing.

Last year more than 4,000 runners participated in the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, and organizers expect a 20 percent growth for the Oct. 21, 2012, event.

On May 12, the Fifth Third River Bank Run will celebrate 35 years. The 25K will involve more than 21,000 people, making it the largest in the country.

That growth is one reason Striders, a running specialty store in Grandville, decided to expand, opening a second location at 1551 Wealthy St. SE in Eastown.

“We’re catering to a demographic of younger, fit-conscious people who live near downtown,” said Ben Pickel, store manager.

Steve and Deb Webster opened the original Striders in 1998 to help people make running or walking a part of their lives. And that continues to be the store’s mission.

“Our goal is to help customers find the right shoes and equipment, whether they’re beginners or experts,” said Pickel, an avid runner since college.

He remembers when just a handful of people were running 10Ks or marathons.

“Now we’re seeing a lot more people running triathlons.”

Having the right gear is essential, he said. Striders carries more than a dozen brands of running shoes, from such well-

known manufacturers as Nike and Asics to smaller companies dedicated to running.

“The whole goal at the store is ‘sit and fit,’” Pickel said. “Our staff takes the time to evaluate a person’s foot type.”

The store also has shoes for barefoot runners. “The trend started mid-2009 and really exploded in 2010,” he said. “A lot of runners are exploring barefoot, and we see it as a tool to add diversity to training.”

Seeking advice of other runners is essential, Pickel said.

“At Striders, we have staff members with a huge variety of backgrounds to keep you motivated and help form a plan of attack. It’s like dieting. You want to lose weight but it’s easy to fall off. We keep people encouraged and give them the tools to be successful.”

Striders in Eastown plans to sponsor a variety of clinics and runs, including spin classes geared to triathletes.

Pickel also is planning a free beginner 5K class with a fitness assessment and morning runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more information, check out the Striders Facebook page or call the store at 459-7000.

— Marty Primeau

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Life & style

Lightweight cotton scarves are a great way to change up each outfit.

Wear them as an adornment around neck or shoulders, as a sarong for a stroll on the beach, or tossed around the waist as a belt.

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r Make You n Today! io t a v r e s e R (269) 983-4518 521 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, MI www.theboulevardinn.com

it’s that time of year when Michiganders think about escaping to warmer climates.

For a long weekend getaway in the sun, choose a neutral color palette and pack some versatile accessories.

Lightweight cotton scarves are a great way to change up each outfit. Wear them as an adornment around neck or shoulders, as a sarong for a stroll on the beach, or tossed around the waist as a belt. hartford’s spring collection comes in a variety of fun prints so you can wear one every day in a different way and never look the same. the canvas Mason bag by heritage Leather Co. is an ideal carry-on and can even double as a beach tote. Made of 100 percent natural cotton duck canvas and top grain moccasin leather, this chic bag has an inner aluminum frame that gives it a sturdy form.

For more outfit tips and closet consultations, — tIffany sKIllIng visit theModeLife.com.

hartford scarves available at a.K.a., 5761 28th St. Se; Mason bag is sold at Lamb, 949 Cherry St. Se.

PhotograPhy by MiChaeL buCK; CourteSy iStoCKPhoto.CoM/SteVe baxter (baCKgrounD)

Getaway essentials

14 Grand rapids February 2012

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Spectacular Waterfront Dining

Photography by Michael buck; courtesy istockphoto.com/Steve Baxter (background)

¶ For business luncheons, intimate dinners or appetizers & cocktails with friends, Charley’s Crab is dedicated to ensuring that your visit is excellent.

Join us in our Lounge for HAPPY HOUR Monday-Friday 4-7pm Fabulous $3 • $4 • $5 Cocktail, Wine & Martini Features & Delicious $3 • $4 • $5 Appetizer Specials Check out our exclusive on-line offer — Three courses for $25.99! muer.com • ON-LINE Reservations Now Available 63 Market Street SW • Grand Rapids, MI 49503 • 616.459.2500

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History: Grand Times

A close-knit group Downtown’s Globe Knitting Works was an ideal workplace for Grand Rapids women a century ago.

Some were proud that they helped produce what was called “the world’s most renowned underwear.” Others were just glad to have a job — especially one with good conditions and friendly companions. They were the women of the work force of the old Globe Knitting Works, which sprawled along Goodrich Street between Commerce and Ionia avenues in downtown Grand Rapids.

For the city’s women who were looking for work outside the home a century ago, it was the place to go. After all, most already knew a good deal about knitting. The work wasn’t overly strenuous. The pay was appropriate. Trolleys provided transportation from outlying areas.

And the association with other young women who had the same interests and problems contributed to the camaraderie.

During the last few years of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th, Globe Knitting provided employment for hundreds, including several men. Today, as Globe Apartments, the renovated building offers living accommoda-

tions in the heart of the central city.

Globe came into being in 1897 soon after Eilert Alfred Clements, a Norwegian immigrant, went to Chicago to visit a former employer at the Princess Knitting Co. When he arrived, the building was in flames and he helped carry out some of the equipment. The owner sold him three of the salvaged knitting machines, and he took them to Grand Rapids and installed them on the fourth floor of a building on Pearl Street, just west of Monroe Avenue.

After buying sewing machines and other necessary equipment, he was ready to start work. Without other fabric handy, he removed his undershirt and put it under the needles to knit the first item to be produced by Globe Knitting. You might say the company started “on a shirttail.” At the beginning, Clements did the knitting himself but hired eight women to assist in production. He also hired a salesman and another man for boxing, billing and shipping.

Unlike earlier undergarments, Globe’s products offered improved comfort and appearance, which was accomplished by cutting and sewing the fabric to fit the body.

When the company’s salesman showed samples to the purchaser at Voigt-Herpolsheimer and Co. and asked if he’d be able to sell them, he was told that if the garments could be produced in quantity, the store would take all Globe could make.

Business boomed, and the company built a three-and-a-half story building at the Goodrich-Commerce location and moved into it in 1900. A five-story addition was constructed in 1910, and the other section was raised to four stories. In 1917, a seven-story addition expanded the plant to Ionia Street. Another floor was added to the southeast side of the building in 1928.

Globe produced clothing for the U.S. Army and Navy during both World Wars, though the company’s work force was diminished by employees leaving for military service. With the labor shortage caused by World War II, Globe

Photography courtesy Gordon G. Beld

by Gordon G. Beld

16 Grand Rapids February 2012

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History: Grand Times

You have a choice.

Photography courtesy Gordon G. Beld

Photography courtesy Gordon G. Beld

Women who worked at Globe Knitting Works in downtown Grand Rapids enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine on the building’s roof. The company employed hundreds of women and men from 1897 until 1952, when the business was sold.

stepped up efforts to recruit women and produced a slick brochure.

“At this time,” the publication said, “we have openings for girls and women in practically all our hosiery and underwear manufacturing departments. We would like you to come in and talk with us.”

Listed benefits included clean and wholesome surroundings, two rest periods, vacation with pay and health insurance “at no cost to you.” The women also had the opportunity to buy lingerie and hosiery at wholesale prices. The company provided a sunny dining room and cafeteria for employees. The roof was an attraction for many ladies who enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.

But all of that ended in 1952 when Globe was sold and its operations were moved to the South.

Gordon Beld has written more than 250 historical features for newspapers and magazines since the 1960s.

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Profile: Influential

Taking dance to a new level At his newly expanded Salsalogy Dance Academy, Casey Reed blends hip-hop and ballroom techniques to create a unique style of dance. By Alexandra Fluegel

18 Grand Rapids February 2012

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Profile: Influential

Custom Cabinets

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asey Reed and Molly Thompson will dance anywhere.

A Viennese waltz in an Applebee’s? Been there. The salsa in the produce aisle when the right song comes on? Done that. Needless to say, the couple is a bit different, and they’re bringing a fun, fresh take on dance to Grand Rapids with Salsalogy Dance Academy.

“We take the technique of ballroom dancing and make it work in a social setting,” said Thompson, salsa instructor and the academy’s business manager.

“Ballroom can be a little sterile, and we add the passion, fun and energy of club dancing to that technique.”

Reed established Salsalogy Dance Academy in 2009 after years of training in a variety of dance styles.

“I started off really young in the Michael Jackson era, scratching my aunt’s classic records on her turntables.

And watching a lot of the break dancing in the ’80s really fed my soul,” the Grand Rapids native described. “Being in a diverse, urban setting gave me the opportunity to get into the hip-hop style and brought a creative outlet for me.”

After years of dancing in clubs and on the street, Reed entered a worldrenowned ballroom training program.

“Things were a little tough for me. It took me into a trajectory of what dance was

Casey Reed Photography by michael Buck (page 18)

Company: Salsalogy Dance Academy Website: salsalogydance.com Address: 2228 28th St. SE Events: Salsa Socials on Friday nights are offered for students of all levels. Reed plays a mix of hot salsa, merengue, bachata, American rumba and cha-cha so newcomers can practice steps and experienced dancers can work on techniques. Cost: $10/ nonmembers; $5/members.

that was totally different,” he said.

Reed didn’t mention his hip-hop background to his fellow ballroom dancers.

“It’s a totally different world,” he said.

“But one day everything changed.”

He was at a club with members of his dance program when he noticed his hip-hop friends battling on the other side of the room. “I immediately rushed over there,” he said. “My ballroom friends saw me and said, ‘Where has this been in you?’ Once I understood that these two worlds needed to blend, my world atomized together.”

It is his variety of experience and styles that helped Reed craft a unique blend of dance that is drawing attention from other professional dancers.

“Other cities are starting to come here to study what we’re doing; they see us as contemporaries.” But he pointed out Salsalogy isn’t just for the pros. “People can see things on TV and then, through us, they can still find a tangible way of becoming a beautiful dancer.”

“We get people all the time that ask, ‘Do you have a class for people with no skills and two to three left feet?’” Thompson said, “A few weeks later, they wonder what they ever did before they danced.”

Salsalogy has a range of classes in Latin and traditional ballroom techniques that can accommodate any skill level and all ages.

“Dance becomes a part of you; it fits everybody — all shapes, makes and models,” Reed said.

In addition to the range of dance classes, the studio offers aerobics, group and private lessons, monthly workshops and weekly social dances.

“We dance. We have a world of fun.

We party. We educate,” Reed said, “We try and take it to a different level.”

Salsalogy Dance Academy’s newly expanded studio is located at 2228 28th St. SE near Breton Road. For more information on classes and upcoming events, visit salsalogydance.com or call (616) 5141400.

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Design Four ways to say ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ with flowers. » pg22 Photography by Michael Buck

Inside » Trends 22

» Critic’s choice 26

» People 28

» art appreciation 30

February 2012 Grand Rapids 21

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design: Trends

Everything’s coming up … reD roSeS areN’t the oNly ValeNtiNe FloWer. We aSkeD Four FloriStS hoW they create roMaNtic arraNgeMeNtS uSiNg leSS traDitioNal blooMS aND colorS. by aleXandra Fluegel

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“Classic, understated and interesting” neW desIgn Floral by ludeMas 973 Cherry st. se » Grand rapids, Mi 49506 P: 356-2446 » ludemas.com

choices for gifts because they’re delicate, yet still easy to maintain. She described the shop’s creations as “classic, understated and interesting,” and said she attempts to provide options that are fuss-free.

“The great thing about giving live plants is that they’re sure to last long after the holiday,” she said. “They’re timeless.”

The florist also suggested selecting one perfect flower and accenting it with something unexpected such as beargrass or seeded eucalyptus — and then using a simple vase in a striking color.

At Eastern Floral, which has several locations in Grand Rapids and others on the lakeshore, Antoinette Kiewiet’s pink bouquet is a fresh take on the traditional dozen roses. Her arrange-

“Sometimes, less is more” Wealthy at charles 738 Wealthy st. se » Grand rapids, Mi 49503 P: 458-6664 » wealthyatcharles.com

PhotograPhy by Michael buck (bottoM); courteSy iStockPhoto.coM (toP)

ed roses may be the traditional symbol of love and romance, but they aren’t the only flowers suitable for a Valentine Day bouquet. Some local florists are creating Valentine arrangements that feature everything from yellow blooms to live orchid plants.

“Sometimes, less is more,” said Mike Schimpf, co-owner of Wealthy at Charles, 738 Wealthy St. SE. “I try to stay very organic and really emphasize the beauty of the flowers.”

He creates European hand-tied bouquets using a realm of flowers, including tulips, stargazer lilies and a variety of greens. “Tulips are unexpected and come in all the right colors.”

Geniene Hourigan-Culp at New Design Floral

by Ludemas, 973 Cherry St. SE, said live plants such as orchids, rose bushes and ferns are great

22 Grand rapids February 2012

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“A fresh take on the traditional dozen roses” PhotograPhy by Michael buck

PhotograPhy by Michael buck (bottoM); courteSy iStockPhoto.coM (toP)

design: Trends

eastern Floral Multiple locations P: 949-2200 » easternfloral.com

February 2012 Grand rapids 23

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Credit Timothy White

design: Trends

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ment includes varying shades of pink tulips, roses and gerbera daisies, accented with mini green hydrangea, dianthus and green trachelium. To contrast the romantic feel of the flowers, she included greens to give the arrangement a dramatic appeal.

“A new look in flowers” is Modern Day Floral’s motto. The shop, which recently moved to 1551 Richmond NW, created a Valentine’s Day arrangement of yellow roses and gloriosa lilies in a white ceramic vessel adorned with a wide fuchsia ribbon.

“Yellow roses are given as often for Valentine’s Day,” said owner Jennifer Ederer. “The combination of the yellow and fuchsia is unconventional, which makes it fabulous and unforgettable. gr

“A new look in flowers” Modern day Floral 1551 richmond nW » Grand rapids, Mi 49504 P: 454-4747 » moderndayfloral.com

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

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24 Grand rapids February 2012

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March 8-18, 2012 If IT MaKES yOu SMILE... yOu WILL fINd IT aT GILda’S LauGhfEST! a 10-day fesTiVaL of sTand-uP CoMedy, iMProV, LiVe shoWs, sPeakers, fiLMs, shoWCases, MusiC, danCe, PeTs and oTher seriousLy funny sTuff!

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* Performing together for a special Gilda’s Club Evening, Saturday, March 17, 2012.

All proceeds will benefit the cancer, grief and support programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.

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Design: Critic’s Choice

Home away from home

By Mark F. Miller, AIA

Over the past decade, the Grand Rapids’ medical community has become a leader in research and treatment of cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders. This leadership role is expressed by a collection of cuttingedge health care facilities concentrated along Michigan Street’s iconic Medical Mile and within the Heartside neighborhood surrounding Saint Mary’s Hospital. These two districts provide examples of the medical growth that has made Grand Rapids a destination for medical treatment.

An outcome of this success is the dilemma when out-of-town patients and family members are required to stay for extended periods of time during treatment. Helping ease the burden One of its secondary corners is is the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, which offers a even accentuated with unique free home-away-from-home for circular windows that add visual cancer patients and their caregivers. The 38,000-square-foot interest to the architecture. building at the northwest corner of Cherry Street and Jefferson Avenue is one of only 31 such buildings in the United States, and the only one of its kind in Michigan.

Celebrating its fourth anniversary this month, the structure houses a mix of uses that serve the community in a variety of ways.

The Hope Lodge Peter Wege Guest House incorporates 20 guest rooms, four kitchens, a dining area, community living rooms, meditation spaces, game rooms, a library and laundry facilities that serve patients and their caregivers.

The complex also includes the American Cancer Society’s Robert & Barbara Wood West Michigan Service Center, an expansive, light-filled first-floor office that administers the orga-

nization’s community outreach, resources and programs.

The building’s exterior reflects its urban environment in scale, mass and materials. The structure has a rusticated split-face stone base capped by brick that starts as an alternating pattern of tan and orange-brown stripes and eventually transitions to a field of orangebrown at the second floor. These transitions are separated by decorative stone bullnose banding that creates an interesting pedestrianscaled wall texture along the sidewalks.

The architectural design incorporates consistent materials and detailing on all four sides of the building, giving it four “front facades” to reinforce its strong presence. One of its secondary corners is even accentuated with unique circular windows that add visual interest to the architecture.

The northern portion of the building is a long, two-story horizontal composition marked by solid masonry walls and punched window openings along Jefferson Avenue. These walls are interrupted by a series of regularly spaced bay windows clad in metal and accentuated with corresponding angular cornices at the roof line. These rhythmic bays provide unique spatial opportunities for the interiors of the guest rooms, and in conjunction with the articulated cornice, frame a well-balanced front façade.

The southern end of the building is anchored by a four-story composition. A pronounced corner has a curved bay window that projects from the main wall and punctuates the heavy materiality expressed by the masonry walls.

While this detailing effectively provides an architectural solution for the corner, it may have been more impactful if extended to the sidewalk. This criticism aside, the building provides a convincing architectural presence that is compatible to both the adjacent apartment buildings and the surrounding institutional structures.

This simple and dignified building has removed the institutional feel that is normally associated with structures of this type, instead conveying the intimate comforts of home to visitors in times of need.

Contributing editor Mark F. Miller, AIA, is an architect and urban designer at Nederveld.

Photography by Michael buck

26 Grand Rapids February 2012

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Photography by Michael buck

Photography by Michael buck

Design: Critic’s Choice

February 2012 Grand Rapids 27

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design: People

The bead girl liSa lehMaNN uSeS traDitioNal MetalWorkiNg techNiQueS to create JeWelry FroM SeMi-PreciouS StoNeS, beaDS, Wire aND Metal. by aleXandra Fluegel

PhotograPhy by JohNNy QuiriN

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hen Lisa J. Lehmann was allowed to play with fire in a metal-smithing class 10 years ago, she knew there was no turning back. Now, the mother of four — known to her Twitter followers as The Bead Girl — owns and operates StudioJewel, an artisan jewelry line handcrafted in her home studio.

“There’s something beautiful about creating something long-lasting with one’s hands,” she said.

Lehmann creates wearable, eyecatching pieces made from a range of quality materials, including semi-precious stones, beads, wire and metal. Her pieces are fun yet refined.

She hasn’t always been a jewelry maker, though. After obtaining a fine arts degree in photography and illustration, Lehmann ran her own graphic design company for years until realizing she hated working at a computer all day.

“It was too confining, and I was ready to be done with the high-pressure business world.”

Or so she thought.

Lehmann’s hands touch every piece that bears the StudioJewel name, even though her orders have more than doubled in the past three years.

“I have been asked many times to consider outsourcing so I could sell more and more, but that’s just not me,” she said. “That’s not what is at the heart of handcrafted jewelry. If it’s mine, it’s got to have my stamp on it.”

Lehmann also acts as her own sales and marketing team, attending arts shows, visiting current and prospective retailers, maintaining an Etsy site, a personal blog and a consistent social media presence.

In fact, she credits social media with the recent boom in business.

“It’s time consuming, but I love connecting with people. It’s like a dance: You want to be personal, yet you want to be professional.”

And don’t be surprised if you see

28 Grand rapids February 2012

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design: People

Premovation Audio/Video

616.396.6405 Downtown Holland

The Wireless Hi-Fi System

PhotograPhy by JohNNy QuiriN

PhotograPhy by JohNNy QuiriN

“it’s time consuming, but i love connecting with people. it’s like a dance: you want to be personal, yet you want to be professional.”

— lisa J. lehmann Lehmann posting about her progress during the wee hours.

“I work late. Very late. Nighttime is often the only time I get to be in my studio uninterrupted. But being a night owl, I don’t mind it. I find my creativity is at its highest when the sun goes down.”

Though she enjoys being able to create her own hours, she said it does come at a price.

“When I finally decide to lay my head down and give into that thing called sleep, my body is ready. My mind? Not so much.

At that point, the ideas are spinning recklessly in my head — the stones I set aside, the pattern that appeared in a fired piece of metal. Sometimes, I can tuck them away until morning, but usually I have to get up and grab a pencil and paper and at least try to transfer my thoughts into a legible drawing that will make sense in the daylight.”

She said she sometimes puts in 80 to 90 hours a week.

“The pressure is there, but I love what I do. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Recently, she expanded her line to

Starting at $299

include men’s items, and said she hopes to continue to grow her business while still maintaining the hand-crafting. “It’s all about balance.”

Lehmann’s designs are sold at retailers in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, including the Grand Rapids Art Museum, DeVries Jewelry and Right at Home in Rockford.

Although her designs may take longer to create and may cost more than pieces at chain stores, they also are much more than unique pieces of high-end jewelry.

“You are receiving a piece of wearable art.”

To learn more, visit studiojewel.com or follow Lehmann on Twitter @studio jewel. gr

February 2012 Grand rapids 29

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Design: Art Appreciation

An American master

Check out Rauschenberg Three upcoming presentations at the Grand Rapids Art Museum — Robert Rauschenberg in Context, Robert Rauschenberg at Gemini, and Synapsis Shuffle (1999) — will provide an introduction to the defining aspects of the American artist’s work.

The first two open Feb. 3 and run through May 20: In Context includes works by related artists to examine where Rauschenberg fits within the American art movements; At Gemini is an exhibit of Rauschenberg’s diverse prints and multiples from the famous Gemini G.E.L., an artists’ workshop and publisher of limited edition prints and sculptures in Los Angeles.

Synapsis Shuffle is a participatory exhibition including a 52-panel work of art that has visited only two cities worldwide — New York and Paris — before its arrival March 2 in Grand Rapids.

For more information, visit artmuseumgr.org/ home/page/Rauschenberg.

ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG (1925-2008) is considered one of the most influential American artists of the last century. A native of Texas, he is more commonly associated with New York City where he emerged in the late 1950s at a moment between Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. He and his close associate, Jasper Johns, were willing to experiment with a wide variety of everyday found objects — some with personal or biographical significance. He was willing to utilize techniques and processes of art making that went far beyond traditional notions of creating a sculpture, painting or print. In the end, the complexity of his work was linked to both the objects and materials he employed and how he employed them.

While most artists wanted a work that appeared as if it emerged from great consideration and control, Rauschenberg was open to the laws of chance. For this, and for his experimentation, he opened the floodgates for younger artists.

“Sterling/Whirl,” 1993, is a large scale, multi-media work in the permanent collection of Grand Rapids Art Museum, which is hosting a large exhibition of Rauschenberg’s work this month.

The complexities and visual dynamics of “Sterling/Whirl” are two-fold. First are the collage effects of the overlapping and slightly blurred faces of clocks and windmills seemingly churning before our very eyes. Ideas of movement and motion, time and projection abound in these recognizable but boldly overlapping forms.

The second element is the array of materials at play. The work consists of an acrylic screenprint, acrylic hand painting, fire wax and silver pigment dust on Lexan in an aluminum frame. More than a mouthful to say, it bears evidence to the degree of experimentation that was hallmark to Rauschenberg’s career. In this instance, it is specific to printmaking but is valid in the fields of painting and sculpture as well.

“Sterling/Whirl” has a strong environmental message. Bold references to time through the clock faces and alternative energy through the windmills in full tilt point to the artist’s

long-held concern for the environment. The precious nature of time — or to be precise, the passage of time — and movement or motion is not missed even by the most casual of viewers.

The circular forms and references unite the three forms visually, but the bold message that emerges is confident and compelling: The time is here and passing for the serious consideration of alternative energy.

Environmental concerns are but one aspect of Rauschenberg’s expansive repertoire that included such themes as cities, technology and multiculturalism. Although much of his work could be political or have political overtones, it could also be personal and narrative. Regardless, it is almost certainly a witness to the time and place in which it was created.

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

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM

BY JOSEPH ANTENUCCI BECHERER

30 GRAND RAPIDS FEBRUARY 2012

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Special Advertising SEction

Grand Rapids | Home

GR Home Showcases Gorman’s

Exercise & Fitness Room No More Excuses

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1/6/12 11:27 AM

GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL is pleased to announce that Susan Ford Bales will be returning to Grand Rapids as the keynote speaker for the biennial “The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan” luncheon event.

Please join us on March 7, at the newly-remodeled Ambassador Ballroom at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, as we celebrate the achievements of Susan and her mother, Betty Ford, and honor “The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan.”

Reserve your seats now at grbj50.eventbrite.com.

Keynote Address by Susan Ford Bales

March 7, 2012

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in the Ambassador Ballroom 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

grbj50.eventbrite.com

For additional event information, contact Jocelyn Burkett at 616.459.3222 or jburkett@geminipub.com

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Special Advertising Section

Grand Rapids | Home

GR Home Showcase: Gorman’s

Photography by Micheal Buck

You will find it at Gorman’s GRM_02.11_HOME.indd 33

When they say “your style, your way, our brands,” you can be sure that Gorman’s can stand behind their claims. Michigan’s premier home furniture store proudly boasts 100 different brands and is backed by over 70 years experience in providing customers with the state’s best selection of quality furniture — and at price points to meet every budget.

by J. Stapleton-Burch

1/6/12 11:27 AM

Grand Rapids | Home

Special Advertising Section

Above: Gorman’s has more quality home brands than virtually anyone in Michigan. Shown above is the Marseilles collection from Henredon — one of the finest brands in home furnishings and just one of the 100 Brands Gorman’s offers. Bottom: From sleek contemporary designs like this Garda dining room to traditional furnishings, you can easily find your style in Gorman’s 8 lifestyle collections and 15 specialty shops.

“We are incredibly happy to be back in western Michigan and Grand Rapids,” said Gorman’s partner and President, Tom Lias. “We were here for 15 years and now we’re back in the very same loca-

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tion on 28th Street just west of Breton.”

He explained that when their leased building was purchased by another in 1996, Gorman’s departed Grand Rapids and honed their focus on the eastern side of the state. “During that time we really reinvented ourselves as Michigan’s destination for quality home furnishings and interior design. Our platform is 100 brands, which basically is the exact opposite of stores that call themselves ‘exclusive,’ and offer a single cookie-cutter brand. In contrast, we offer unlimited options and furniture solutions to fit any way you want to live.”

Intensely customer focused, Gorman’s takes the confusion out of shopping for home furnishings. Their beautiful showrooms, with locations in Grand Rapids, Southfield, Troy, Novi and Lakeside, are

1/6/12 11:27 AM

Special advertiSing Section

Gr home Showcase: Gorman’s GORMAN’S

Credentials: Gorman’s is a 70-year Michigan-based home furnishings company with five locations that offers 100 name brands, dozens of lifestyles, 15 specialty shops and experienced designers that help transform houses into dream homes.

Inspirations: Gorman’s buyers shop all over the world to stay on top of the newest styles and hottest trends in order to bring you the finest selections and very best values in home furnishings and accessories.

Just one of the designer brands offered at Gorman’s, Paula Deen’s Home collection emphasizes the importance of creating a home that is both comfortable and inviting. Pieces in the collection seem to say “come on in, you’re always welcome here.”

separated into lifestyles and augmented by 15 specialty shops that have been edited to make the whole process easier for their customers. “this way you can see everything that has a similar look to fit your specific lifestyle — from traditional to contemporary and all stops in between — grouped together in their own area of the store,” lias explained.

Gorman’s specialty shops concentrate on specifics and run the gamut from leather furniture, kids’ rooms and casual dining, to home office, home entertainment, the motion shop for recliners, a sleep shop for bedding, and more. It’s a formula that has proven to be exceptionally helpful for the self-directed customers or those shopping for one particular item. another advantage Gorman’s offers within each lifestyle and shop are valuebased categories such as good, better, best and exceptional, because people have different needs at different times in their lives or for different rooms in their home. “We have more price points

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and more style options available than anybody in Michigan, from moderately priced sofas for those just starting out or starting over, to top-of-the line custom designed furniture,” lias said, adding that Gorman’s Intro collections include style-leading quality furnishings at their most modest prices in all lifestyle categories. “So if you need a different solution for different parts of your home — you might want a special henredon dining room ensemble, yet a casual sofa for the lower level — you can find it all at one destination.”

In addition to offering the broadest selection of the best brands in home furnishings, another way Gorman’s makes it easy to select incredible style and value for your home is through the complimentary services offered by their experienced design staff. a whole lot more than just a furniture store, Gorman’s is a complete design resource for your interior projects. their talented interior designers are friendly, approachable, and above all, knowledge-

Career Highpoint: Gorman’s is proud to have been voted Michigan’s Best Home Furnishings Stores by the Detroit News and chosen as one of the Top Workplaces for the last two years by the Detroit Free Press and Style Magazine Readers.

Grand rapids | Home

Tom Lias, President 2320 28th Street SE (616) 243-5466 gormans.com

Personal Highpoint: “Returning to the Grand Rapids market has been very satisfying, but we are especially proud to have celebrated our 70th year of helping tens of thousands of Michigan families create their own beautiful homes.”

able about the store’s complete selection of furnishings, window treatments, fabrics, lighting, wood or stone flooring, custom and oriental rugs and decorating accessories that will add that certain something special to your home’s decor. and because customer satisfaction is what Gorman’s is all about, their unparalleled selection and incredible price range is all backed by Gorman’s “Must be right” policy and their “national low price” guarantee. “It must be right or we’ll make it right,” lias emphasized.

“We price everything at the lowest prices we can offer, but if you should find it for less, we’ll gladly make up the difference.

We want Gorman’s to be accessible to everyone, and we treat each and every customer with the highest respect. We pledge to make your Gorman’s experience an outstanding one.”

1/6/12 11:27 AM

Grand rapids | Home

Special advertiSing Section

NO MORE EXCUSES

I

t seems no matter your resolve to make physical fitness a priority in life, somehow the thought of donning the proper apparel, packing up the necessities and schlepping off to the gym on a regular basis — especially come mid-winter in West Michigan — presents an obstacle on the path to that resolve.

The easiest way to eliminate that first obstacle is to build your own fitness center. Creating a fitness room within the personal comfort zone of your home is not only a perfect way to maintain your resolve for a healthier you, but it also allows you to personalize and target the space to meet your own specific goals. Luckily, there are plenty of resources just waiting to help.

A great place to start is with one of the on-staff designers at DeGraaf Interiors.

Their professional staff can help solidify your vision of a home fitness room, identify your individual requirements and turn it into a workable plan purposed to fit those needs: Will you practice yoga? Run on a treadmill? Work with free weights?

Share the space with others? According to owner Deb DeGraaf, flooring is an important consideration in a home fitness room design.

“A majority of the fitness rooms we provide floor coverings for are also used as guest bedrooms or TV rooms, so the flooring has to be versatile for a number of uses. In that scenario, carpet in a lower pile and tighter weave is a beneficial choice,” DeGraaf explained. “However, for those that want a true at-home gym

BY J. STAPLETON-BURCH

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Grand rapids | Home

Special advertiSing Section

Top: American Home Fitness has the largest selection of treadmills, ellipticals and other quality fitness equipment in Michigan. Left: When transforming or creating a genuine home fitness studio some choose to replicate the atmosphere of a fitness center. Equiptment, mirrors, music, and TV’s all play an important part but underneath it all is the rubber flooring picked in the color and thickness of your choice available at DeGraaf Interiors.

where the use of the room will be limited to fitness and exercise, we offer rubber flooring. It can be purchased by the carton and assembled like a large puzzle with interlocking pieces, or in rolls that are affixed to the sub-floor to remain in place.” A visit to any of their three locations — on Plainfield Ave. in Grand Rapids, in the East Paris Crossings Center in front of Bonefish Grill, or in Hudsonville — will introduce you to a wide variety of quality flooring options that best support a home fitness room. And DeGraaf Interiors is so confident in their professional installers that they back every residential install with a rare lifetime warranty.

THE NEXT STEP

When you’re ready to commit, a great source for equipment is American Home Fitness (4485 Canal Street) in Grandville.

Celebrating their 10-year anniversary, they are a specialty exercise equipment store that offers a full range of exercise equipment for the home. Whether

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your goals include cardiovascular health, strength training, agility or weight loss, store manager Brock Myers and his well-informed staff — each with exercise backgrounds — can suit you up

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Special Advertising Section

Grand Rapids | Home

different areas of the body.” For larger equipment, he recommends an incline treadmill with varying speeds. “A treadmill gives the most benefit because it’s all natural motion and you’re supporting all of your own weight,” he noted.

with everything from full home gyms, ellipticals and treadmills to free-weights, various exercise accessories and even training videos. “We offer the best fitness equipment in the state of Michigan,” Myers noted. “We have everything to satisfy your fitness needs for your home, and with prices to realistically fit anybody’s budget.” He recommends a wellbalanced fitness routine that combines both cardiovascular health and strength building. “The elliptical and treadmills are the two most popular cardiovascular pieces, while for the strength aspect, a home gym or free weights added to the program make for a well balanced fitness regimen.”

Offering much more than the necessary physical equipment, American Home Fitness distinguishes itself with services

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to help keep you on target. “Our certified staff will talk with you about your individual goals and help you get there,” Myers continued. “We can help with everything from nutrition guidance to setting you up with specific routines or personal trainers. We will not only find you the right solution for your equipment needs, but we will be there for you after the sale to help you successfully achieve your fitness goals.”

Achieving those goals is also the objective of personal trainer Boualem Aggoune, whose specialty is in-home training. As owner of Personal Trainer 4 You (personaltrainer4you.com), Aggoune will come to your home and guide your workouts toward success. According to him, it doesn’t take much to get started.

“Technically you don’t need much to get a good workout. For less than $100 you can get a set of dumbbells, a set of rubber bands for resistance training and a stability ball,” he said. “After that, add an adjustable weight bench that allows you to change it from flat to an incline or decline. This lets you target different muscles in

Passionate about helping others in their quest for physical fitness, prior to taking on a new client Aggoune provides a complimentary initial consultation to establish goals and help set the stage for accomplishing them. “The first thing I do is clean the kitchen,” he said with a smile.

“Before we start any kind of workout, I go through their kitchen and clean it of the bad foods and give them a lesson on nutrition.” But don’t misunderstand: A native Parisian who worked as a chef before coming to America, Aggoune doesn’t believe in dieting. “I enjoy food to enjoy life. But there are healthy foods and it’s about choosing the right ingredients when cooking. That means the right kinds of fat, the healthiest proteins, the good carbohydrates and drinks. My goal is to really help people and it is more than just the exercise.” Aggoune leads several fitness classes at gyms in the Muskegon area, including a thorough kickboxing routine that has become popular with women. If your new fitness room has enough space, he can conduct group workout classes for you and your friends. If you plan to go solo, it will be very hard to ignore that personal trainer at your front door.

Now what’s your excuse?

To learn more, visit www.degraafinte riors.com, www.americanhomefitness. com and www.personaltrainer4you.com.

1/10/12 1:55 PM

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shelley irWin Host/producEr, WGvu “MorninG sHoW” Describe your fitness routine. It depends on my next racing adventure. To get ready for a triathlon, I do a balance of swimming, biking and running with emphasis on swim and bike. If the temperature dips under 40 degrees, I do indoor biking and running and swim laps in a pool. a longer workout is always done on the weekends.

What’s your fitness history? I’ve always been athletic and won awards in high school. I ran my first 5K in 1985, my first marathon in 1996, and my first outdoor tri in 2011. I began the indoor tris in 2008 and won several in my age group.

Why work out? It’s a lifestyle, a benefit both physically and mentally, setting a goal and working out to achieve it. Plus, less guilt with weekend eating!

Who’s your fitness guru? Olympic decathlete bruce Jenner was so talented in a variety of sports. That was inspiring. I also admire anyone doing the ultimate Ironman. It’s on my bucket list.

What do you wear? I like asics shoes. and I wear a standard wet suit in light blue/black to make me stand out from the traditional black.

Do you listen to music while you exercise? a mix of high techno beat plus a dash of Lady Gaga and The black eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling.”

What’s your proudest fitness moment? I just finished the New york City Marathon (my third marathon). Plus, I completed my first Grand rapids Triathlon in June 2011. I made it through the swim portion backstroking.

Do you eat anything special to prepare for a race? yes, pasta the night before.

How do you reward yourself after a good workout? reward? I’m the one who just ordered the full-size plate of nachos!

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By Marty Primeau

/

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Different strokes for different folks S taying fit doesn’t have to mean running on a treadmill or three sets of pushups. There are many ways to get into shape and stay healthy, so we asked some Grand Rapidians to share their workout routines and, more importantly, their motivations for exercising. Some prefer a solitary experience; others need the camaraderie of a group. Some must have music in the background; others like serene quiet. For a few, exercise allows them to enjoy food indulgences without guilt. Others want more energy and less stress. And all understand that fitness is an important lifestyle choice.

Dana Friis-Hansen Executive director, Grand Rapids Art Museum Describe your fitness routine. I try to work out every morning — either swimming or running at the Downtown Y or at least putting in a little time on the treadmill in my apartment building. But lately I’ve also been hearing more and more about the importance of adding a little bit of aerobic exercise to the rest of your day. To me this means climbing the stairs rather than taking the elevator, parking farther away from the store, and — most fun of all — riding my bike around town.

I’ve got an old-fashioned commuter-style bike and have added baskets on the front and back in order to hold my briefcase, coffee and lunch. If the weather is good, I ride to the Downtown YMCA on my bike, too.

Do you exercise alone, with a buddy or a group? I swim, run and bike alone. … It helps me clear my head.

Sum up your fitness history. Sporadic.

Why do you work out? I know that to stay healthy and live a long, sustainable life, I’ve got to make an effort to stay fit.

Do you listen to music while you exercise? I created a master workout mix of about 500 rock, R&B, punk and electronica selections, and a rotating playlist of 75 songs sorted by “least recently played” to keep it pretty fresh. It’s good for running and biking, but I keep my iPod out of the pool. I know that waterproof cases exist, but I just don’t want to risk it.

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rosalynn Bliss coMMiSSioner, 2nD WArD, city oF grAnD rAPiDS Describe your typical fitness routine. My routine depends largely on my schedule for the day. If I have a late morning meeting, I work out in the morning, but if I have a full day, I often work out later in the evening. My goal is to do strength exercises/lift weights at least three times a week. Other days, I walk and/or do yoga.

Do you exercise alone, with a buddy or in a group? I most often work out alone. I sometimes participate in exercise or yoga classes, but this depends on my availability.

What’s your fitness history? I have been regularly exercising since college either independently, at an exercise club, or in an organized exercise class. I have participated in a number of different types of exercise classes including water aerobics, dance, kick-boxing, Pilates, yoga, etc., and found that yoga is my favorite.

For a few years, I had a membership to a health club but learned that I preferred the solitude of my home while exercising. In addition to exercising, I am quite active, particularly in the warmer months. I like to walk, hike, kayak, swim, work outside and bike.

Why do you work out? I enjoy working out and do it to stay healthy and to relieve stress. I find it provides me with time to think and often helps clear my head after a long day of work.

Who’s your fitness guru? Behnje Masson, who is a co-owner of From the Heart Yoga, has been a tremendous inspiration to me. She introduced me to anusara yoga, which is a heart-oriented form of yoga that helps me feel centered.

Do you listen to music while you exercise? No, I never have. I prefer the peacefulness of silence.

What’s your proudest moment?

It was either my second or third year of yoga when I was able to do a handstand. I was also quite proud when I performed in the Make-A-Wish Dancing with the Stars event. I had been practicing three to four times a week for months at the Salsalogy Studio and it was physically exhausting.

When we performed, I did a back flip and several other physically challenging moves and was extremely proud to have been able to master the dance.

Any special drink/food/supplements? I take a Nutrilite Double X packet each day and drink a lot of water. Cooking healthy meals with many fresh vegetables is also a priority.

How do you reward yourself after a good workout? When I exercise in the evenings, it is often followed with a glass of wine.

Jennifer PasCua AncHor, WzzM 13 “WeekenD Morning neWS” Describe your fitness routine. I work out once a week with fitness trainer rob Martin at Spring Lake aquatic Center. We do a series that usually includes cardio, kettle bells and the uber-tough TrX workout.

I also started doing Pure barre (a lowimpact workout that combines stretch and strengthening moves with a ballet barre and music) after doing a segment for the “Weekend Morning News” and “Healthy you” on WZZM 13.

On my own, I try to take cardio classes at the yMCa and do some Hot yoga at Funky buddha yoga Hothouse.

Do you exercise alone, with a buddy or in a group? There’s absolutely no way I could work out on my own. There’s a lot of guilt knowing you’re going to ditch a workout, especially if you have a workout buddy that relies on you just like you rely on them.

Sum up your fitness history. When I was younger, I regularly did hip hop dance and hula classes, cheerleading, tennis, track, and was always moving. When I became a “grown-up,” work and keeping up with a family of five made it easy to say I was “too busy” to fit exercise in my schedule.

What’s your favorite outfit? I usually go with the black leggings and funky exercise tops.

I like to stick with black … because it’s most

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Jennifer Pascua does TrX with her personal trainer, rob Martin, at the Spring Lake aquatics Club.

WS” slimming. but who am I kidding, it can’t hide everything. Just got some purple KSwiss blade running shoes like Jillian Michaels wears!

Do you listen to music while you exercise? a little hip hop/rap with eminem, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Pitbull is crucial when I’m doing TrX and lifting. Heavy metal/hard rock like Pantera and Saliva when it’s cardio time. When I dance, I turn to black eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake and, of course, my girls — Jennifer Lopez and britney Spears. Cooling down, I crank up a little Incubus and Jack Johnson.

What’s your fitness goal? I tell my trainer we’re working toward a “Jennifer Lopez body.”

Clearly, I have a long way to go. I have crazy high blood pressure, so I definitely want to get off the medication. My mom has diabetes, so I want to make sure I work not to get it. really, I just want to be healthy so I’m around to keep annoying my kids for a very long time.

What’s your proudest moment? In the past six months, I’ve been able to drop two dress sizes because I’m losing inches. That’s a pretty big deal.

How do you reward yourself after a good workout? The answer to make my trainer happy? a good night’s sleep. (but sometimes, the crème brûlée at Charley’s Crab is a delicious reward I can’t refuse.)

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Pat Miles Business law attorney, Dickinson Wright

Tami VandenBerg Co-owner, The Meanwhile and The Pyramid Scheme Describe your typical fitness routine. I usually make it to Zumba classes at the YMCA and at The Pyramid Scheme three or four times a week. I also do Pilates Reformer sessions with Tara Lindquist once or twice a week. I love yoga but attend those classes at the Y less often, depending on my schedule.

Do you exercise alone, with a buddy or in a group? I prefer group exercise, as I am very unlikely to leave in the middle of a class and tend to work out longer when I am with people.

It also becomes a community, and we hold each other accountable to some degree. I do like the Pilates Reformer with a very small group, as we get to talking and forget we are working out.

What’s your fitness history? I’ve always been quite active, but I’ve also always greatly enjoyed food and beverages. I was a successful athlete in high school in track and field and swimming.

I also played roller derby with Grand Raggidy Roller Girls a few years back.

I am in the entertainment business, so I am surrounded by delicious food and drink every day. However, I am probably in the best shape of my life. When I hit 35, I decided it was time to get

serious about health.

Why do you work out? I work out primarily for increased energy and decreased stress. I own two businesses, volunteer and have a family, so I need to have energy and an outlet for any stress that builds up. I also want to avoid diabetes and heart disease since both run in my family. Of course, I wouldn’t mind dropping a few pounds either.

What’s your proudest moment?

I think the first time I skated onto the track for my first roller derby bout in front of a few hundred people. Since then, I have lost many inhibitions. Now I have no problem making a fool of myself and dancing in front of a hundred people or so.

Any special drink/food/supplements? I am a vegetarian and I tend to have low iron, so I take a multi-vitamin with iron from Harvest Health Food.

I also try to eat local and organic as much as possible to maximize nutrition and minimize pesticides/chemicals. I also avoid fast food and soda.

How do you reward yourself after a good workout? I usually take a long, very hot bath after a great work out. That is my indulgence.

Describe your typical fitness routine.

I am a member of the downtown YMCA and I have two different workout routines. Either I (1) start with seven different core exercises, stretch, walk a half mile on the track, run a couple miles and finish with a halfmile walk; or (2) I start with seven different core exercises, stretch, lift weights on some of the machines, then do upper body free weights. Usually I exercise in the evenings after work and Saturdays during the winter months. In summer, spring and fall, I play golf and walk rather than ride in a cart.

Do you exercise alone, with a buddy or in a group? My schedule is very full and irregular. Some days I have early morning meetings, lunch meetings, and/or meetings after work. Consequently, it is difficult to make plans to work out at the YMCA regularly with others at specific times on a regular basis.

What’s your fitness history? I played baseball from age 10 through my freshman year of college. I tore my rotator cuff playing in a summer baseball league before the start of my sophomore year of college. In high school, I spent winters at the old downtown Y on Library Street lifting weights and playing catch indoors with my dad to keep my pitching arm in shape. Since my college days, I have played basketball for fun and exercise. I started running indoors about five years ago.

Who’s your fitness guru? My dad is very disciplined. He’s very healthy and active at age 76. He works out every day.

He stretches, does calisthenics, lifts free weights and walks. He probably weighs about the same as he did in college. I doubt I’ll ever get back to my college weight without a tapeworm or a severe allergy to desserts and baked goods. But I hope to stay flexible and active like my dad for many years to come.

Do you listen to music when working out? I never listen to music on ear buds when I work out. I read somewhere a while ago that during strenuous exercise, our ears are more sensitive to sound, and loud music can damage hearing. I don’t know whether that medical conclusion is accurate, but when I stand next to someone working out in the gym wearing ear buds, and I can hear their music, I doubt it’s healthy for their ear drums.

Any special drink/food/supplements? I drink a lot of water when I exercise.

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Mike Brann Sr. Co-owner, Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille Describe your fitness routine. I lift weights and run on a treadmill five to six days a week at home. I do martial arts training weekly at Ronin Martial Arts Academy located inside West Side Fitness.

Why do you work out? I work out to hopefully live a long, healthy life. No guarantees, but I want to give myself the best chance to enjoy my family and see my grandchildren grow up. The hardest part is getting started, but once I get going, the benefits make it worthwhile.

Who’s your fitness guru? My uncle, Ted Nicolette, has worked out his entire life. He’s in his 80s and in great shape.

What’s your proudest moment?

Making the high school wrestling state finals. That taught me that hard work and dedication produce results, which holds true for most things in life and business.

What’s your favorite fuel? I drink a Reliv nutritional shake every day.

How do you reward yourself after a good workout? Gatorade and a protein bar.

Mike Brann Sr., right, works out with Krav Maga instructor Craig Gray at Ronin Martial Arts Academy.

Kelly Jansens Boos Owner, Black Dog Productions and Green Dog Pet Accessories Describe your typical fitness routine.

Three to four days a week I do cardio/weight training at the downtown YMCA. I take walks with my lab, Bodie, one to two times a day. I get outside as much as possible and stay active in sports, including snowboarding, walking, water sports and running. Whenever I travel to warmer locations, I surf!

Do you exercise alone, with a buddy or in a group? At the YMCA, I try to meet up with a friend, but mostly I work out alone.

What’s your fitness history? I’ve always been in sports and actively working out since I was a teen.

Why do you work out? I work out because it makes me feel better in both mind and body.

My health is something that I will never take for granted.

Do you listen to music when working out?

Sometimes, when I need some extra motivation. … Some Kid Rock really gets me moving.

What’s your proudest moment? The first time standing up on a surfboard. It is hard to describe the feeling of freedom … water below and sky above you. No one can touch you. It is just you and the elements. Love, love this feeling!

Any special drink/food/supplements?

Body By Vi, which is both drink and vitamin supplement. This has made a huge difference in my energy and fitness level.

How do you reward yourself after a good workout? Working out for me is a lifestyle, so I guess I really don’t think about rewarding myself. My reward is good health.

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Photos and text

by Adam Bird

Coffee breWing 101 Local establishments show some diversity in their preferred method for making that perfect cup of java.

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f e f co e There are many ways of brewing coffee and many philosophies for preparing that perfect cup or pot. While far removed from the hills and farms that grow coffee berry bushes, Grand Rapids has a vibrant and varied coffee culture in both its restaurants and coffee shops. Here’s a look at four methods at four local establishments.

Drip:

Drip coffee sometimes gets a bad rap: Aficionados often look down their upraised espresso cups at those big American mugs filled with java. But most Americans make drip coffee at home, setting timers before bedtime so they can gratefully sip that first cup of coffee in the morning.

And there are people who do drip coffee well, like the staff at Sundance Grill downtown.

All of the coffee beans are roasted by Magnum Coffee of Nunica a day before the fresh, custom blend is delivered. Every batch of coffee — brewed a gallon and a half at a time — has fresh grounds. Sundance uses Bunn coffeemakers made of stainless steel. Coffee grounds are put in a large filter and hot water drips through into a pot before being transferred to vacuum carafes for serving.

Letting gravity pull water through grounds is one of the most common and most effective methods of making coffee. There are arguments over how much coffee can be made well at one time, but if done well, a flavorful highquality brew can be made easily every time.

Drip coffee can be drunk black, but also takes well to sugar and milk.

Properly made, drip coffee is deep and rich, with only slight notes of bitterness — a good balance against the acidity of coffee. Too much bitterness turns the coffee into the thick brew commonly associated with all-night gas stations.

at Sundance Grill’s downtown location at 40 Pearl St. NW, the staff uses fresh grounds every time to keep the drip coffee tasty even when making 1.5 gallons at a time.

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The trick is to agitate the coffee vigorously yet delicately using a small bamboo utensil that resembles a stick.

As the coffee flows through the filter, it spirals in grooves down the inside of the ceramic cone. Moving the grounds ensures that all are saturated as evenly as possible.

Pour-over:

On the other end of gravitypowered coffee is the pour-over method. Coffee shops such as MadCap Coffee and others are taking advantage of this high-science, low-tech method. The process does not lend itself to making gallons at a time and requires careful attention.

A paper filter is placed inside a ceramic cone over a small glass coffee pot. Grounds are place in the filter and a very small amount of hot water is poured over them to create a bloom of oils as the coffee reacts.

The trick is to agitate the coffee vigorously yet delicately using a small bamboo utensil that resembles a stick. As the coffee flows through the filter, it spirals in grooves down the inside of the ceramic cone. Moving the grounds ensures that all are saturated as evenly as possible. As the grounds are mashed and stirred, a cascade of aroma is released. MadCap encourages customers to watch and smell as each cup of coffee is prepared so they can engage with the process and ask questions.

This method makes a very delicate cup of robust, almost berrylike coffee with sweet notes — without requiring the addition of sugar.

Unlike other types of coffee preparation, pour-over tends not to grow bitter as it cools, maintaining the flavor and aroma of the beans.

Pour-over makes a complex drink that tastes as bright and cheerful to the palate as it is dark and rich to

the eye.

MadCap uses a Vv60 Hario cone with a large opening at the bottom that allows for finer grinds than cones that have a V-shape or flat bottom.

In many ways, this is coffee as art. As with anything done well, the quality of the coffee is in direct relation to how much care and attention go into brewing it. The barista has control over the speed of the pour, over what part of the grounds and how much the grounds are agitated by the bamboo paddle. All elements play a role in making a perfectly balanced cup of coffee.

At MadCap, 98 Monroe Center NW, Stacey Wieck agitates grounds while water flows through them. The secret is in the balance between water temperature, freshness and quality of the grounds, a paper filter and a little gravity to pull the water through. Below, the grounds blossom and release a froth called crema when water is added.

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Water is added to just below the lip of the pot, heated to a boil, then removed from heat to simmer down three times. The taper of the pot causes the grounds to move through the water, carried by the energy of the boil. Much like pour-over, Turkish coffee requires attention and action in the brewing process.

At Marie Carib’s, the process of making Turkish coffee starts by adding spices and coffee and boiling them together three times using a special pot that narrows near the top.

Cardamom and sugar accent the rich froth at the top.

Turkish: Coffee bushes originated in the

Ethiopian region of Kaffa in northeast Africa.

Mediterranean cultures have been drinking it socially and as medicine for at least a thousand years.

The method of making Turkish coffee works so well, it has withstood the rise and fall of civilizations, time and distance. It involves the simplest of technologies: a pot, a grinder and a heat source. Brewing requires an open flame, so it most typically happens on a kitchen range rather than on a bar, table or countertop.

At Marie Catrib’s, the very hot Turkish coffee is brewed by the chefs on a gas range.

The coffee beans are roasted within a day or two of brewing. The beans are ground nearly to powder before joining sugar and cardamom at the bottom of a small, specially shaped pot with a gentle taper near the top. This narrowing of the pot is key.

Water is added to just below the lip of the pot, heated to a boil, then removed from heat to simmer down three times. The taper of the pot causes the grounds to move through the water, carried by the energy of the boil. Much like pour-over, Turkish coffee requires attention and action in the brewing process. Since it is made over an open flame, without careful attention, it can easily boil over or burn — which makes for really bad coffee.

The pot is served alongside a very small cup. This is strong, brazen coffee with incredible amounts of caffeine. In spite of its strength,

however, the sugar and cardamom make this a robust, sweet coffee with a pleasant aroma.

Never drink it down to the bottom of the cup or pot. Since the grounds are put in the water with no filtration process, drinking the last drops of coffee makes for an unpleasant experience.

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Espresso is perhaps the least accessible method of brewing, requiring a machine that pushes water through tamped, finely ground coffee at 8.8 atmospheres of pressure, or 130 pounds per square inch.

Espresso: The unique sounds and smells

coming from an espresso machine bring a smile to the face of anybody looking for that mainline dose of coffee.

Espresso is perhaps the least accessible method of brewing, requiring a machine that pushes water through tamped, finely ground coffee at 8.8 atmospheres of pressure, or 130 pounds per square inch.

The brew is quite different from other types of coffee. While coffee is essentially a solution, espresso is also a suspension of solids and an emulsion. Science and espresso go hand in hand. A proper espresso is capped with golden-brown crema that resembles foam — the reward for being able to master the machine.

Brew too long or too cool, and the coffee becomes bitter. Brew just right, and this small dose of coffee served in a demitasse is rich in complexity, sweet in tone and high (per volume) in caffeine. Espresso is a favorite of anyone looking for a rich coffee experience.

GR Adam Bird is a photographer and writer who doesn’t mind the cold in Grand Rapids.

Amanda Ebenhoeh of The Sparrows coffeeshop, 1035 Wealthy St. SE, prepares a cup of espresso, filling the shop with hisses from the massive espresso machine. Espresso (Italian for fast) is a mechanical process, the industrial age’s answer to strong coffee made quickly. Water is pushed through grounds at high pressure and precise temperatures.

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February 2012 Grand Rapids 55

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33rd Annual

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City Guide Chocolate with a twist The oversized Double Chocolate Muffin at Nantucket Baking Co. may look totally decadent, but it’s a vegan-friendly, heart-healthy creation made with olive oil instead of butter. Pastry Chef Brittany Suhan said orange juice concentrate replaces the eggs. “You just get a hint of the citrus taste,” she said. But make no mistake, this is truly a chocolate-lovers delight, made with Dutch-style cocoa and dark chocolate mini-chips. Sells for $2 at the bakery, 200 Union St. NE. Check out the Facebook page for more goodies.

PhOTOGRAPhy by JOhNNy QuiRiN

iNSiDe » CHEF PROFILE 58

» DINING REVIEW 65

» GRAND VINE 70

» FRESH HOPS 75

» CLUBS ‘N’ PUBS 83

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City Guide: Chef Profile

More room at the table Ramona’s Table in Gaslight Village has an expanded dining area with plans to offer farm-to-table Chef Table dinners. by Julie Burch

E

ast Grand Rapids has a great little dining secret: Ramona’s Table.

Owner Jackie Ziehm has created a warm and welcoming boutique deli with a menu that defies its deli classification: house-roasted meats, creative condiments, original salads, inventive sandwich combinations, tempting sweet treats and even a daily half-pound burger, all made from top-quality ingredients — most of which are locally sourced.

Now the restaurant has expanded to include an inviting little window-walled room hosting Chef Table dinners made exclusively with Michigan products. Available by reservation only, the room seats up to 20 people, and through an association with Martha’s Vineyard, can offer wine with its catered affairs.

Originally from Chicago, Ziehm left the corporate world and followed her heart to her husband Charlie Palm’s hometown of Grand Rapids. “We owned a chain restaurant for four years and soon discovered that we’re not really chain people,” she said. “We wanted to do food the way we thought it should be done, and wanted something smaller and more manageable where you could get to know your customers.”

on Reeds Lake from 1897 to 1955.

“I loved the name and thought it was perfect, so I planned to call it Ramona’s,” she said. “Later, I was trying to come up with a word that would encompass everything that I was trying to do here and the word ‘table’ seemed appropriate — come to the table, break bread, share food.”

In addition to the restaurant fare, Ramona’s Table caters parties up to 150 guests and customizes every menu.

“We’ve even made grandma’s cannolis for a client who brought in their own family recipe for us to make for their event,” Ziehm said. “We can do things like that because, being smaller, we have a lot more flexibility.”

GR

Armed with a concept, the search was on to find the right location for it to unfold. Although they had initially checked out the former Kabookie’s site in EGR’s Gaslight Village, it was close to a year before its price tag came within reach.

The doors opened a little over three years ago, and the community welcomed the new business with open arms. “Who doesn’t love a great sandwich?” Ziehm said with a laugh. “You can come in and, within a short period of time, you can get really good, homemade, quality food in a convivial atmosphere that isn’t at all highbrow.”

The name of the restaurant came about before the couple even knew they’d locate it in EGR. “I chose this name because I wanted something with historical significance,” she said. Her research turned up information about Ramona Park, the amusement park located

Photography by Michael Buck (pages 58-59)

“We wanted to do food the way we thought it should be done, and wanted something smaller and more manageable where you could get to know your customers.”

— Jackie Ziehm

58 Grand Rapids February 2012

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Photography by Michael Buck (pages 58-59)

In addition to deli fare, Ramona’s Table caters parties up to 150 guests and customizes every menu. Pictured in the foreground is Ahi Tuna on Cucumber Slices with a Key Lime-Wasabi Cream Sauce.

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City Guide

Dining listings

Dining listings are not determined by advertising. While the magazine staff updates listings periodically, calls to confirm information are recommended. If you know of any additions or corrections, please email mprimeau@ geminipub.com. Symbols are defined in a legend at the end of this listing.

THE HERITAGE — GRCC culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly.

Wine available with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D $-$$

New American

local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries.

Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808-3566. the $-$$ greenwell.com. L, D

FMARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO — Frenchcountry-casual offers creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. $-$$ marcobistro.com. L, D

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. 25 Ottawa Ave SW, 805-5581. twentyfivegr. com. L, D $-$$

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

OLIVES — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. L, ¢-$ D

GROVE — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course meals with a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Open 5-9 pm Tue-Sat. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant.com. $$ D

ONE TRICK PONY GRILL & TAPROOM — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music. Closed Sun. 136 E ¢-$ Fulton St, 235-7669. onetrick.biz. L, D

Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys.

BAR DIVANI — Wine flights, large array of spirits; classy surroundings. European-inspired food with plates meant for sharing, flatbreads, sushi and a variety of entrees. Closed Sun. 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. bar-divani.com. L, D $-$$ FBISTRO BELLA VITA — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. 44 Grandville Ave SW, 2224600. bistrobellavita.com. L, D $ BLUE WATER GRILL — Wood-burning rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven allow for inspired dishes from fresh seafood to beef. Nice wine selection and The BOB’s microbrews. Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace, full-service bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection. $-$$ com/bluewater.php. L, D _ CITYSEN LOUNGE — Limited but tantalizing selection of soup, salads, sandwiches and sharable small-plate creations. Happy Hour daily 4-7 pm. CityFlats Hotel, 83 Monroe Center, (866) 609-CITY. cityflatshotel.com. L, D ¢-$ COBBLESTONE BISTRO — Eclectic, globally inspired menu executed with pizzazz in attractive surroundings, complete with fireplace, waterfalls and koi pond. 9818 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 588-3223. mycobblestone.com. B (weekends), L, D $

ELECTRIC CHEETAH — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations in urban setting.

Unique Sunday brunch. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 4514779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$ 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.

20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. L (Sat), D $-$$ 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. L, D $ GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing

Granola and more Molly Dawson has always eaten granola and started making her own so she could tweak the recipe to suit her needs.

Her family loved it and so did friends. “Everyone kept telling me to start selling the stuff,” she said.

She found a commercial kitchen and launched Daily De-lish.

Dawson starts with organic oats, almonds and walnuts, and gets creative with different combinations. Her best seller is Peanut Butter Coconut, with Michigan Dried Cherry Festival also a crowd pleaser.

“I even make one with chocolate called Campfire Crunch.”

She’s branched out to granola bars and whole wheat cookies, adding more fiber and protein to make a healthier version.

But her main focus is granola, available in 10 stores in West Michigan plus the Fulton Street Farmers Market and Ada Farmers Market. Dawson also takes online orders and ships around the country. Limited delivery is available.

Check out her products at dailyde-lish.com.

photography by Michael Buck

FCYGNUS 27 — Stylized décor reflects a celestial theme that matches the views from the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Seasonally driven menu encourages sharing. Open Tue-Sat eves; Sun brunch Labor Day to Mother’s Day. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand.com. $$ D

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S:7.125”

interesting how a

S:9.875”

client is more agreeable at a

meeting

photography by Michael Buck

when there’s steak and wine involved.

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

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City Guide

What the heck is a kohlrabi? How many ways are there to eat a turnip? Do you have to cook collards?

Two local foodies are hoping to answer those questions and more as they encourage West Michiganders to eat organic seasonal produce year round.

Doorganics, a weekly delivery service, is bringing in organic vegetables grown in warmer climates to package in bins for customers. Mike Hughes launched the service last summer, teaming up with Ingraberg Farms in Rockford to make it convenient for people to eat fresh vegetables direct from the farm.

Nourish Organic Market at 634 Wealthy St. SE works with more than a dozen local farms and suppliers to sell everything from organic dairy and local meats to bulk grains, seeds, herbs and more.

“The demand for local organic food is definitely growing,” said owner Sheri Rop. “Unfortunately, right now there aren’t enough Michigan farms to meet the demand in the winter.”

In January, she launched Fresh For You, working with an organic farm in Chelsea to sell boxes of root vegetables and other winter crops.

Eventually, when local produce is depleted, she’ll also bring in produce from warmer areas.

“With this program, we’re hoping to show area farmers there is a demand for some of the lesser-known winter vegetables,” she said.

Hughes started his business in July when Michigan produce doorganics owner Mike hughes, left, delivers a bin of vegetables to was plentiJerry Marogil. ful. He was inspired to open the delivery service because he could never find the time to get to the farmers market.

“I wanted to support local farms,” he said.

“And the selection of local produce in grocery stores was very limited.”

He partnered with Ingraberg Farms, delivering produce that the farm staff picked that morning. Each week he put together small or large bins of eight to 10 seasonal items. Small bins are $29 per week and large are $49.

“During the cold months, Ingraberg is sourcing organic produce from farms around the country,” he said. The produce will be stored in a 3,000-square-foot warehouse until delivery. sheri rop, owner of nourish organic Hughes also expanded his inventory to include Market, prepares a vegetable slaw. locally sourced meats, baked goods and other specialty items.

But just introducing the veggies isn’t enough. Hughes and Rop realize they have to educate consumers by offering recipes and basic info about how to use the lesser known veggies. Nourish will also schedule cooking classes and demonstrations throughout the year.

For more information, check out www.doorganicsgr.com and nourishorganicmar ket.com.

ROcKWell-RePublic — Diverse menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from sushi to creative comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465 or 551-3563. republicgrandrapids.com. L, D $-$$ ROSe’S — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a varied menu and a three-season porch.

550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 458-4646. thegilmore collection.com/roses.php. B (weekends), L, D $ SAN cheZ, A TAPAS biSTRO — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 7748272. sanchezbistro.com. L, D $-$$ SchNiTZ ADA GRill — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. 97 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. L, D ¢-$$ SiX.ONe.SiX — Contemporary American fare. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethejw. com. B, L, D $-$$ TAVeRN ON The SQuARe — Tapas-style fare plus house specialties. Patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavernonthesq.com. L, D ¢-$ WiNcheSTeR — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food in reclaimed century-old space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. L, D ¢-$

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

AcORN GRille AT ThOuSAND OAKS — Blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, artfully presented in handsome dining room with golf course views. Open daily in season. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, 447-7750. thousandoaksgolf.com. L, D $$ ARyANA ReSTAuRANT & bAR — Comfortable dining room in the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and fine dining selections from an extensive seasonal menu. Open daily.

5700 28th St SE, 957-1770. mainstreetmedia group.com. L, D $-$$ beNThAM’S RiVeRFRONT ReSTAuRANT — Upscale selections served in casually elegant surroundings. Open daily in the Amway Grand Plaza, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com/benthams.html. B, L, D $ 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.

D $-$$ bOulDeR cReeK ReSTAuRANT — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves a varied menu with golf-course views from inside or on the deck.

5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. L, D ¢-$ bRANN’S SiZZliNG STeAKS AND SPORTS GRille — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets, Mexican entrees and bar munchies. Brann’s of Grandville, 3475 Fairlanes, Grand Village Mall, 531-6210; Mike & Johnny Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 401 Leonard St NW,

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

Year-round organics

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

62 Grand rapids February 2012

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2 3 5 Lo u i s s t r e e t N W g r a N d r a p i d s m i c h i g a N i Lov e 6 1 6 . c o m 6 1 6 . 24 2 . 1 4 4 8

20% PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

OFF

Bring this coupon in to receive 20% off of your next bill at The Bistro.

EAT. DRINK. CONNECT. Serving American food, bistro-style.

LOcAted inSide the dOwntOwn cOurtyArd by mArriOtt

616.776.3400

OurcOurtyArdgr.cOm

Valid February 1–29, 2012. Not valid on holidays or with any other discounts.

An 18% gratuity is added prior to discount.

Located in the Downtown Courtyard

by Marriott.

valid for lunch or dinner only

 GRM_02.12_Sec8_PG56.77.indd 63

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City Guide 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; Brann’s Caledonia, 6450 100th St, 891-6055. branns.com. L, D $ BULL’S HEAD TAVERN — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtavern.com. L, D $ CASCADE ROADHOUSE — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 9491540. L, D $-$$ CHARLEY’S CRAB — Fresh seafood from a menu that changes nightly. Located on the Grand River.

Early menu (4:30-6 pm daily), Sun brunch. GR Steamer Bar has its own menu. 63 Market Ave $-$$ SW, 459-2500. muer.com. L, D, C FTHE CHOP HOUSE — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 4516184. thechophouserestaurant.com. D $$ DUGAN’S PUB & GRILLE — Casual dining with steaks, seafood, pasta and more at The Elks at the Highlands Golf Club. Adjacent Glendevon offers banquet facilities. 2715 Leonard St NW, 453-2451. grandrapidselks.org. L, D $-$$ FALL CREEK — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreekdining. com. L, D ¢-$ FIREROCK GRILLE — Country club dining plus option to cook your own filet, shrimp or ahi tuna on a 500-degree stone. Open daily. Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. stonewatercc. com. L, D $ FLAT RIVER GRILL — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building on the river. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver.php. L, D $-$$ GRAND VILLA — Longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar.

Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. L, D $ GREAT LAKES SHIPPING CO. — Everything from beef, seafood and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. Patio open in summer. No lunch, but open Sun afternoons. 2455 Burton St SE, 9499440. greatlakesshippingcompany.com. D $-$$ GRILLE 29 — Menu includes specialty panini and a variety of entrées. Full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Holiday Inn Select, 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 285-7600. holidayinn.com. B, D $ GRILLE AT WATERMARK — Innovative menu in relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course.

Mon-Sat; Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. watermarkcc.com. L, D $-$$ GRILL HOUSE & ROCK BOTTOM BAR — Grillyour-own steakhouse with grillmasters on call.

Bottomless salad bowl and potato bar. 1071 32nd

St (M-40), Allegan, (269) 686-9192. grillhouse. net. L (downstairs), D $-$$ HONEY CREEK INN — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honeycreekinn.com. L, D ¢-$ HUDSONVILLE GRILLE — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Suite F, Hudsonville, 6629670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ J BAR — The BOB’s steakhouse restaurant.

Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. the $$ bob.com. D KOPPER TOP — Raw copper tops the bar and tables at this GR staple with a long-standing tradition of seasonal decorations. No lunch Sat, closed Sun. 638 Stocking Ave NW, 459-2001. Facebook.

L, D ¢ 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. radis son.com/hotels/migrapno/dinings. B, L, D $ OLEO’S — Combines fine dining (fresh seafood is the specialty) and casual comfort. Street level in parking ramp at Ottawa and Louis. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. $-$$ L, D LOUIS BENTON STEAKHOUSE — Features premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks and more. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, Suite 100, 454-7455. louisbenton.com. L, D $-$$ 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. L, D $$ MEADOWS RESTAURANT — GVSU’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio and dining room overlook golf course. Full menu offers everything from burgers to NY strip steak.

Seasonal hours; closed Sun. 1 W Campus Dr, Allendale, 895-1000. gvsu.edu/meadows/. L, D $-$$ MIDDLE VILLA INN — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands. Banquet rooms available. Closed Mon and Wed. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) $ 795-3640. middle-villa-inn.com. L, D PEARL STREET GRILL — Bright, airy restaurant in the downtown Holiday Inn. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-7611. guestservice@higrdt.com. B, L, D $ RED JET CAFÉ — Gilmore Collection restaurant in the former Creston Heights library. Coffee bar and menu ranging from omelets to specialty pizzas. Full bar; opens 7 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollection.com/redjet.php. ¢-$ B, L, D (Tue-Sat) FREDS ON THE RIVER — Located on the Rogue River, Reds combines casual sophistication with Tuscan sensibilities. Closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com. L, D $-$$ RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. michiganmenu.com. L, D $-$$

RUSH CREEK BISTRO — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. L, D $ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE — The classic American steakhouse now in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s fully renovated former 1913 Room. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 774-2000. amway $$ grand.com. L, D SAM’S JOINT — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia. Extensive menu includes Mexican selections; full bar. 2412 Briggs Rd, Gun Lake, (269) 795-3965; 7449 68th St, Dutton, 698-1833; 107 E Main St, Caledonia, 891-1128; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-3324; 6618 Old Grand Haven Rd, Norton Shores, (231) 7987155; 15520 48th Ave, Coopersville, 837-8558; 1665 Viewpond SE, Kentwood, 455-2111. L, D $ SPINNAKER — Menu features seafood and landlubber entrees. Sunday brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton. com. B, L, D $-$$ SUNDANCE GRILL — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers a dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition with a margarita bar. 5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 956-5644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner TueSat), 776-1616. 4gr8food.com. B, L, D $ SWAN INN RESTAURANT — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf.

Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles, dinner menu. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, ¢-$ 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. B, L, D TERRACE GRILLE AT BAY POINTE INN — Casual gourmet dining, martini bar and lakeside terrace.

Seasonally changing menu emphasizes regional fare. Sunday brunch. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville (off US 131), (269) 672-5202 or (888) GUN-LAKE. baypointeinn.com. L, D $-$$ TILLMAN’S — Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. L, D $-$$ TIMBERS INN — Menu ranges from appetizers to wild game offerings and meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Sunday omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn. net. L, D ¢-$ TULLYMORE — Restaurant at Tullymore Golf Club offers seasonal menu in beautiful surroundings.

Large patio for outdoor dining. 11969 Tullymore, Stanwood, (800) 972-4837. tullymoregolf.com. $-$$ L, D TWISTED ROOSTER — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. Open daily. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twistedrooster.com. L, D ¢-$$ WALLDORFF BREWPUB & BISTRO — Microbrewery with varied menu. 105 E State St, Hastings, (269) 945-4400. waldorffbrewpub.com.

L, D ¢-$ WINTER INN — Seafood, steaks and prime rib along with seafood specialties in historic inn setting. Banquet facilities. 100 N Lafayette St, Greenville, (616) 754-7108. thewinterinn.com. L, D $

continued on page 67

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City Guide: Dining Review

Eat with your fingers

by Ira Craaven

For those who like a little kick in their fare, Ethiopian is the way to go. A good way to sample the fine flavors of Ethiopian cuisine is a visit to GoJo’s lunch buffet (11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday), where diners can sample nine dishes along with age-old injerra, an airy, spongy flatbread that is somewhat crepe-like and very mildly flavored. The bread is essential as a utensil and for sopping up the not-to-bemissed meat sauces.

At GoJo Ethiopian Cuisine in Eastown, there’s no fancy sign-in stand, but as soon as you enter, the owner greets you from the open kitchen area that faces the door. No one gets in or out without recognition. It’s a seat-yourself situation, and in our instance, the host, server, chef, manager and owner were one and the same.

Photography by Michael Buck

The entire dining experience was more akin to being invited into someone’s home and fed by someone who is proud of what they have to offer.

The entire dining experience was more akin to being invited into someone’s home and fed by someone who is proud of what they have to offer.

Owner Sam Terfa patiently explained everything to us and seemed to enjoy the opportunity to answer our questions. He mixes his own special spice blends for each dish, and some have as many as 18 spices in the mix, similar to a garam masala used in Indian cookery. Some dishes feature beef, chicken and lamb, but GoJo also offers a vegetarian menu.

Ginger, garlic and a variety of chili peppers — including an unripe cayenne — and curries are the dominant spices, adding just enough heat to keep things interesting, although some in our party found some of the dishes too spicy.

Delicate palates might want to stick with the vegetables. The buffet included Atkiit Alicha, a flavorful compilation of cooked cabbage, potato, carrots and spices, and spiced green beans, which were cooked with mustard greens and packed just enough garlic flavor to count among our favorites.

Diners awarded

87

Points

GoJo Ethiopian Cuisine and Deli 421 Norwood Ave. SE (616) 459-3383 www.gojoethiopiancuisine.com

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City Guide: Dining Review There were also mild lentils (which still packed a bit of heat) and Shiro Watt — spiced chick peas — both of which were cooked just right, holding their shape and not gone to mush.

The house rice held together like sticky rice and was lightly flavored with turmeric or some other yellow-inducing spice. It made a perfect bed and nice foil for the spicier meat dishes, which included both chicken and beef selections. (The owner explained he was out of lamb on the day of our visit.) Chunks of tender chicken swam in a spicy, slightly sweet red sauce, while the ground beef mixture kicked it up on the Scoville heat scale. There was also a “dressing” that seemed to consist of a mixture of injerra bread, the spicy beef and perhaps a bit of coconut milk or curry, which resulted in a hint of sweetness followed by a bit of heat — a heavenly combination.

At $7.95, the buffet is exceedingly reasonable and lets you sample some of everything.

To wash it all down, one of our party

Ira’s Rating System Food: Selection, variety, product quality, taste, preparation, innovation and consistency.

Service: Hospitable, knowledgeable and prompt.

Value: Pricing, number of à la carte items, consistency.

Beverages: Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Ambiance: General atmosphere; overall cleanliness.

(Grand Rapids Magazine editors, American Culinary Federation Greater Grand Rapids chapter, GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education instructors and beverage distributors all contributed to these established guidelines.)

ordered a Coke ($1.50), while two others chose the Ethiopian tea ($2), which was gingery and sweetly spiced. No alcohol, but they have Coke products, mango, guava and papaya/pineapple juices, and the Ethiopian tea — if you like it, Terfa has bags to sell.

The tea went especially well with the only dessert on the menu: mini sweet potato pie ($3; whole pies can be preordered for $9). We shared two of the mini treats between the three of us and it made a nice ending to a most interesting dining experience, with the sweet and gingery pie calming our over-excited taste buds.

The evening experience is also homey with the same welcome and personal service. Plated meals range from $9.95 to $13.95. We ordered the sampler combo (enough for two), a large pizza-size platter with injerra on the bottom topped with dollops of the various meats and veggies, with two smaller rolls of injerra on the side. Our picky diner requested a fork — and got a chuckle from Terfa.

The place isn’t fancy, with thatching over the kitchen counter area and bamboo accents evocative of Ethiopian huts. But GoJo definitely feels cozy. Large chalkboards and oversized colored chalk encourage interaction, and several photos of Ethiopian children adopted locally add to the overall home-like ambience.

GR

Your family is our family!

West Michigan Obstetricians and Gynecologists is one of the oldest and largest private practice OB/GYN groups in Michigan. Our facility permits women to receive most of their care without having to travel elsewhere. Specialty services available at our office include a board certified specialist in maternal-fetal medicine and on-site genetic counseling as well as board certified physicians specializing in da Vinci® Robotic surgery. Other services include in office sterilization and endometrial ablation, bone densitometry, medical massage treatment and laboratory services.

We are also committed to delivering and maintaining open, trusting relationships with our patients along with an emphasis on keeping patients informed of our services, treatment options and the importance of preventative care for you and your family in the future!

Locations:

221 Michigan St., Suite 600 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

4249 Parkway Place Grandville, MI 49418

616-774-7035

www.westmichiganobstetrics.com

David A. Kreuze, M.D. Stephen F. Rechner, M.D. Andrew J. Van Slooten, M.D. Renee J. Elderkin, M.D. Russel D. Jelsema, M.D.

Susan L. VandenBosch, M.D. Jeffrey J. Dood, M.D. Susan K. Hicks, D.O. Jane K. Cottingham, D.O. Fred A. Rohn, M. D.

Michael S. Werkema, M.D. Marka J. Steensma, M.D. Emily E. Dietrich, M. D. Cathe E. Reigle, NP-C Lani S. Cantu, NP-C

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City Guide continued from page 64

Daytime casual Eateries that specialize in breakfast and lunch.

ANNA’S HOUSE — Family dining with breakfast and lunch until 2 pm. 3874 Plainfield Ave NE, 3618500. B, L ¢ CHERIE INN — Relaxed setting for upscale breakfasts and innovative specials, served until 3 pm. Closed Mon. 969 Cherry St SE, 458-0588.

Facebook. B, L ¢ FAT BOY BURGERS — Legendary burger joint in the Cheshire neighborhood offers breakfast 6-11 am weekdays (7 am Sat) and lunch until 3 pm.

Closed Sun. 2450 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-7075. B, ¢ L THE GATHERING PLACE — Cozy setting and imaginative menu, including homemade soups and dessert selections. Open daily until 2 pm.

6886 Cascade Rd SE, 949-3188. B, L $ OMELETTE SHOPPE & BAKERY — A plethora of omelets, along with pecan rolls, pastries and more. Open daily til 3 pm. 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 726-7300. omletteshoppe.com. B, L ¢-$ REAL FOOD CAFÉ — Open early for breakfast and lunch. Open until 2 pm; closed Mon. 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 5430 Northland Dr NE, 3611808. Facebook. B, L ¢ RED GERANIUM CAFÉ — Popular spot for specialty omelets, homemade soups, breads and desserts. Two locations: 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave. 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. B, L ¢ SUSIE’S CAFÉ — Breakfast served through lunch.

Sandwiches, soups and burgers from the grill with malts, smoothies and ice cream. 1120 Knapp St NE, 363-1530. B, L ¢ WOLFGANG’S — Popular Eastown spot renowned for breakfasts. Lunch includes salads, sandwiches. Open 6:30 am-2:30 pm daily. 1530 Wealthy St SE, 454-5776. mattwolfgang.com. B, L ¢

Vegetarian GAIA CAFÉ — Totally vegetarian fare served in a cozy atmosphere. Closed Mon. No alcohol. 209 ¢ Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. Facebook. B, L LITTLE AFRICA CUISINE — Humble storefront café offers hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. Sample other Ethiopian specialties. Cash or checks only.

Open daily. 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook.

L, D ¢

Pubs & Taverns 84th STREET PUB AND GRILLE — Menu offers American fare from pizzas to steaks in laidback surroundings with flat-screen TVs and full-service bar. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr, Byron Center, 5831650. 84thstpub.com. L, D ¢-$ BAR LOUIE — Urban décor at Woodland Mall, with sandwiches, appetizers, burgers and hearty entrées. More than 20 beers, along with a nice wine selection and specialty cocktails. Outdoor seating. 3191 28th St SE, 885-9050. barlouieamer ica.com. L, D $-$$ BOBARINO’S AT THE BOB — Grill on 2nd floor

of The BOB offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Full-service bar with The BOB’s microbrews on tap. Live entertainment in Cisco’s Island Lounge. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thegilmorecollection.com/bobarinos.php. $ L, D BUD & STANLEY’S — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more.

TVs galore and takeout available. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. L, D ¢-$ CASCADE SPORTS GRILL — Varied menu and sizable bar with 10 brew taps and extensive martini menu. Games, TVs and live DJ Sat night.

Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St SE, 974-3338. $ Facebook. L, D CHEERO’S SPORTS & SUSHI GRILL — Japanese fare along with pizza, burger and microbrew.

Several TVs and outdoor patio next to Michigan Athletic Club. Open daily. 2510 Burton St SE, 608¢-$ 3062. cheerosgrill.com. L, D CHEERS — Popular neighborhood spot with something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. B, L, D ¢ CORNER BAR — Rockford’s spot for a brew and a chili dog. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 866-9866. ¢ rockfordcornerbar.com. L, D COTTAGE BAR — Longtime favorite since 1927.

Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chili and more. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave SE, 4549088. cottagebar.biz. L, D ¢ DERBY STATION — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derbystation.com. L, D $ ELBOW ROOM BAR & GRILL — Cozy neighborhood watering hole serves burgers, nachos and more. Games and jukebox. 501 Fuller Ave NE, 454-6666. L, D ¢-$ FLANAGAN’S — Popular Irish pub. Imported beers, 20 on tap. Entrees with an Irish influence.

Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. — Sip microbrew samples in the spacious taproom, serpentine bar and stage for live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Covered (heated) porch. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 7761195. foundersbrewing.com. L, D ¢ FRANKIE V’s PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR — Roomy space with pool tables, jukebox, 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. L, D ¢-$ GP SPORTS — Sports bar and restaurant with three big screens and 40 flat-screen TVs. Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, along with salads and sandwiches. Closed Sun. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6495. amway grand.com. L, D $ 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. L, D $-$$ HOLIDAY BAR — Classic horseshoe bar with 12 beers on tap, bar food, pool tables, darts and more. 801 5th St NW (at Alpine Ave), 456-9058.

Facebook. L, D c-$

HOLLY’S BACK DOOR BAR & GRILL — Full menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. B, L, $ D HOPCAT — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr.com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$ HUB’S INN — Sandwiches, wet burritos and thincrust pizza. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. hubsinn.com. L, D ¢ INTERSECTION CAFÉ — Roomy entertainment venue offers sandwich wraps, burgers, vegetarian options and more. 133 Grandville Ave SW, 4590977. sectionlive.com. L, D ¢ JD REARDON’S — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. B, L, D $-$$ J. GARDELLA’S TAVERN — Massive bar is matched by gargantuan menu ranging from homemade chips to build-your-own burger. Three floors of seating. Open Sun for arena events. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellastavern.com. L, ¢ D LOGAN’S ALLEY — Free popcorn complements a premium-libation special. Sandwich-and-appetizer menu. Seasonal deck seating. 916 Michigan St NE, 458-1612. logansalley.com. L, D ¢-$ MAIN STREET PUB — Large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Open 11 am daily; breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com. B (Sun), L, D ¢-$ MILL CREEK TAVERN — Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, from-scratch daily soups, sandwiches as well as full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 784-3806. L, D ¢-$ MOJO’S — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, plus late night “munchy menu.” RSVP for dinner early, show starts at 8 pm Wed-Thu, 7 pm Fri-Sat, DJ, dancing, pool tables, VIP Room and flat-screen TVs on 2nd floor. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 7769000. mojospianobar.com. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$ NICK FINKS — Mexican fare and drinks in historic tavern, part of The Gilmore Collection. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Occasional live music, open mic nights. Daily happy hour 3-6 pm.

3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7849886. thegilmorecollection.com. L, D $ NITE CAP BAR & GRILL — Roomy with outdoor patio, pool tables, video games, big-screen TVs, Keno and karaoke Thu-Sat evenings. Soups, salads, sandwiches, flame-broiled burgers, Mexican selections and dinners. 801 W Fulton St, 4514243. nitecapbar.com. L, D ¢ O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE — Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. L, D ¢-$ OTTAWA TAVERN — Full-service, full-menu sister restaurant sharing space with Bite. Sports venue with weekday Happy Hour 4-7 pm. Closed Sun. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 451-8000. thegilmorecoll ection.com/ot.php. L, D ¢-$$ February 2012 Grand Rapids 67

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City Guide PEPPINO’S RISTORANTE PIZZERIA AND SPORTS LOUNGE — Italian specialties, Sicilianstyle steak and chicken, burgers, etc. Separate sports bar. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 4568444. peppinospizza.com. L, D ¢-$$ PUB 43 — Caters to all, but is especially popular with gay crowd. Board games, TVs, fully stocked bar. Menu ranges from burgers to upscale items.

Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division Ave, 458-2205.

D ¢-$ QUEEN’S PUB SPORTS BAR — Adjacent to Bombay Cuisine in Eastown with English pub grub, full bar and lots of beers on tap. Pool table, dart boards, WiFi. 1420-1424 Lake Dr SE, 456¢-$ 7055. Facebook. L, D QUINN & TUITE’S IRISH PUB — Large selection of Irish whiskies and Guinness on tap. Typical bar fare. Irish music, live bands Sat. 1535 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-8380. quinnandtuites.com. L, D ¢-$ ROCKY’S BAR & GRILL — Burgers, appetizers and more. Art Deco bar, pool table. Kitchen open late; some evening entertainment. Open Sun at 5 pm with $1 beer specials. 633 Ottawa Ave NW, ¢-$ 356-2346. myspace.com/rockysgr. L, D 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. L, D THE SCORE — Restaurant and sports bar with varied menu. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. ¢-$ thescore-restaurant.com. L, D SHAMROCK BAR & GRILL — Diverse menu includes special burgers and a wide range of entrees. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888. L, D ¢-$ SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN — Bar food with flare, from appetizers to Kobe top sirloin. Open daily. Weekday happy hour specials 3-6:30 p.m.

Cascade Center, 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604.

Facebook. L, D ¢-$ STELLA’S LOUNGE — Mostly vegan menu but a stuffed burger for carnivores. Advertises strong drinks and more than 200 whiskies. 53 Commerce ¢-$ Ave, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. L, D TEAZERS BAR & GRILL — Burgers and pastas, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites. Kids menu. Look for live music on the stage. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teazersbar. ¢-$ com. L, D VILLAGE INN PIZZA PARLOR — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican and more. Karaoke nights Thu-Sat. Open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th St SE, Kentwood, 281-1444; 934 Washington St, Holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$ VITALE’S SPORTS LOUNGE & PIZZERIA — Pizza and pasta plus panini sandwiches and wraps in sports-centric surroundings. Multiple screens, outside deck, live entertainment. Open daily.

3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7842526, takeout 784-5011. vitalessportsbar.com. L, D ¢-$ WEST SIDE BAR — No-frills neighborhood tavern with bar-food menu. Live entertainment weekends. 1568 Broadway NW, 459-1240. L, D ¢ WOODY’S PRESS BOX — Complex includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sand-

wiches and shrimp, barbecue fare. Breakfast and lunch only Sun). 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530$ 3242. spectrumlanes.com. B, L, D Z’S — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs.

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

Delis, Dogs & Bagels

Places that serve sandwiches, bagels and/or hot dogs.

BAGEL BEANERY — All locations serve breakfast and deli sandwiches plus specialty coffees.

Vegetarian options. Catering, kids meals, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating. 455 Michigan St NE, 2357500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, 249-9500. bagelbeanery. com. B, L, D ¢-$ BIG APPLE BAGELS — Fresh bagels and 15 cream cheese mixtures. 3915 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-1919; 2058 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-2390; 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 554-7915. babcorp. com. B, L, D ¢ BIGGBY COFFEE — East Lansing-based chain offers specialty coffee and non-coffee drinks, baked goods, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, bagel sandwiches. Wi-Fi. For locations, see biggby. com. ¢ 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. thegilmorecollection.com/bite. php. B, L, D ¢-$$ BITTER END —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, 451-6061. B, L, D ¢ BOARDWALK SUBS — 20 huge Jersey-style subs in addition to familiar choices. Catering and delivery. Open daily. 5422 S Division Ave, Kentwood, ¢ 724-2492. L, D ➧CAFÉ AROMAS — Sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups plus a variety of coffee drinks. Open 6:30 am-5:30 pm Mon-Fri. 880 Grandville Ave SW, 245-7379. tastycafearomas.com. B, L ¢ 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. L, D ➧CHICAGO STYLE GYRO — Gyros, salads, sandwiches, shish kebab and more, plus Kurdish tea made from a secret family recipe. Open 11 am-7 pm Mon-Sat. Delivery available. 539 Leonard St NW, 451-0021. chicagostylegyro.us. L, D ¢ CORNUCOPIA — Bakery, sandwichs, pizza, takehome specialties, coffees, one-of-a-kind wine selection. Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6428. amwaygrand.com. B, L, D ¢-$ CRAZY CHARLIE’S — Coney Island-style dogs and more. 2184 Wealthy St SE, 451-6720. L, D ¢ DAM DOGS — On the dam in downtown Rockford serving several hot dog plus ice cream. 25 Squires St, Rockford, 863-9565. L, D ¢ THE DOG PIT — Several hot dog variations with house-made chili topping and variety of condiments. Also daily soups. Closed Sun. 132 Monroe

Center NW, 988-1508. Facebook. L, D

¢

THE GRAND CONEY — Home-style dinners, Mexican fare and all-day breakfast in addition to Coney Island dogs. Open 24/7. 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ JONNY B’Z DOGS AND MORE —All-meat dogs, burgers and sandwiches, plus vegan options.

Closed Sun, open until 2 am Thu-Sat. 638 Wealthy St SE. Facebook. L, D ¢ JW’S — Art gallery meets coffeehouse with rotation of local artists’ works. Light fare plus coffee drinks. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 285-1695. Facebook. B, L ¢ KAVA HOUSE — Popular Eastown spot with bakery items (from scones to spinach pies) and java served in bowl-sized cups. 1445 Lake Dr SE, 4518600. On Facebook. B, L, D ¢ LOCAL MOCHA — Downtown location offers coffee specialties and smoothies as well as grilled breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 96 Monroe Center NW, 459-0082. localmochagr.com. B, L ¢ NUNZIA’S CAFÉ — Combo specials plus Italian dishes. Open 8:30 am-2 pm weekdays. In Merrill Lynch building, 250 Monroe Ave NW, No. 140, 458-1533. B, L ¢ ONE STOP CONEY SHOP — Hot dogs plus salads, sandwiches, fries and house-made condiments in downtown GR. Open 11 am-7:30 pm Mon-Fri. 11 am-3 pm Sat. 154 E Fulton, 233-9700. onestopconeyshop.com. L, D (M-F) ¢ RICO’S DELI — Large array of breakfast and lunch items, coffees and teas. Vegan-friendly. Closed Sun. 940 Monroe Ave NW (in The Boardwalk), 451-0225. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ RITZ KONEY BAR & GRILLE — Hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches and more. Full bar with limited wine list. Closed Sun. 64 Ionia Ave SW, 451-3701. ritzkoneybarandgrille.com. L, D ¢-$ RIVERFRONT CAFÉ @ THE BLUE BRIDGE — Breakfast plus sandwiches, soup and salads in Plaza Towers complex. Ferris coffee drinks served. Art of the Table sells gourmet foods. 235 W Fulton St, 459-6257. riverfrontcafegr.com, ferris ¢-$ coffee.com. B, L, D SCHNITZ DELICATESSEN — Deli with a German flair. Ada location has full bar. 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. L, D (Ada only) ¢-$ URBAN MILL CAFÉ — Deli-style specialty sandwiches, soups and salads plus baked goods. 629 Michigan St NE, 855-1526. urbanmill.com. B, L, D ¢-$ VANILLAS COFFEE TEA CAFÉ — Gourmet coffees, teas plus special-order bakery for cakes, cookies, cupcakes. Closed Sun. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE, Plainfield Plaza, 447-0080. vanillascafe. com. B, L, D ¢ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY — Fresh breads, pastries with sandwiches and daily soup specials.

Vegetarian options. Free Wi-Fi. Closed Sun. 608 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery. com. B, L ¢ WG GRINDERS — Variety of grinders plus 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. L, D ¢-$

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City Guide WINDY CITY GRILLE — Chicago-style gyros, Italian beef, dogs and more. Closed Sun; will cater. 5751 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, 2612489. Facebook. L, D ¢ WIRED ESPRESSO BAR — Coffee concoctions, baked goods, sandwiches and more in Creston Business District. Free Wi-Fi and occasional weekend entertainment. 1503 Plainfield Ave NE, ¢ 805-5245. wiredgr.com. B, L, D YESTERDOG — Hot dogs in a fun, nostalgic Eastown setting. Closed Sun. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 262-3090. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢

Family Casual ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants.com. B, L, D $ THE BISTRO — Urban décor with large-screen TVs, wraparound bar and barrista serving Starbucks. Casual menu covers all tastes. Open daily. Marriott Downtown Courtyard Hotel, 11 Monroe Ave NW, 242-6000, ext 6646. marriott. com. B, L, D $ BRANDYWINE — Café atmosphere, with extensive breakfasts, innovative lunches with vegetarian choices, dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 ¢-$ East Beltline Ave NE, 363-1723. B, L, D

CAJUN CAT — Cajun-influenced menu features fish and seafood selections, gumbo, sandwiches. Take-out or small seating area. 3280 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 735-2416. Facebook. ¢-$ L, D CHARLIE’S BAR & GRILL — Well-rounded menu features dinners ranging from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also Mexican fare, sandwiches and more. Full-service bar. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. L, D ¢-$ COUSIN’S TASTY CHICKEN — Local alternative to the chains with tasty fried chicken and side dishes. Also seafood and other fried fare. Closed Sun. 1209 Leonard St NE, 456-5244. L, D ¢-$ FLEETWOOD DINER — Extensive diner-style menu with Greek influences. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving dinner until 8 pm Mon-Thu, 9 pm Fri-Sat. Outdoor patio. 2222 44th St SE, 281-2300. B, L, D ¢-$ FOREST HILLS INN — A casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza.

Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771. B, L, D $ FRY DADDY’S FRESH FISH — Fried fish, wingdings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with fries. Also to go. Closed Mon. Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, Kentwood, 455-FISH. L, D ¢-$ GRAND TRAVERSE PIE CO. — Bakery and café offer extensive menu, with quiche, soups, salads,

sandwiches and pastries. Open daily. 3224 28th St SE, 977-7600. gtpie.com. B, L, D ¢-$ THE LYON DEN — Bakery, deli and convenience store with breakfast burritos, baked goods, salads, sandwiches, hotdogs, pizza bar and cotton candy. Also gluten- and sugar-free selections.

Open daily. 200 Ionia Ave NW, 805-5692. thelyon dengr.com. B, L, D ¢ MAMA’S PIZZA & GRINDERS — Thornhills Plaza eatery offers grinders, pizza, salads and pastas.

6504 28th St SE, 954-1964. mamaspizzaand grinders.com. L, D ¢ MR. BURGER — Longtime favorite serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2101 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-6291; 5181 Northland Dr NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St SW, 538-4439; 1750 44th St SE, 4558604; 950 44th St SW, 538-0363; 5835 Balsam Ave, Hudsonville, 662-5088. mrburger.com. B, L, D ¢ NOEL RESTAURANT — Christmas year-round in this former church and parsonage. Family-style dinners, lighter fare on lunch menu. Gift shop.

Hours by reservation only; parties of 10 or more preferred. 2371 Riley St, Jamestown, 896-6427. noelrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$$ OLGA’S KITCHEN — Greek-style sandwiches, salads, desserts and smoothies. 2213 Wealthy St SE, 456-0600; 3195 28th St (Woodland Mall), 9428020; 3700 Rivertown Parkway SW, Grandville, 531-6572. olgaskitchen.com. L, D ¢

continued on page 72

SIX CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN KENTWOOD, WALKER, GRAND RAPIDS, GRAND HAVEN, MUSKEGON AND GREENVILLE TO BETTER SERVE YOU!

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City Guide: Grand Vine

A perfectly sweet pairing

by A. Brian Cain

What’s better than chocolate?

Chocolate paired with the new breed of sweet wines.

For a real treat, sip a chocolate Pinot Noir.

Nothing says “love” as succinctly as wine and chocolate. I visited local stores to get a sampling of hand-made, candy store and mass-produced chocolates. (I couldn’t resist including the dark chocolate-dipped macaroons from Nantucket Bakery, as well.)

Then, I picked out a selection of wines, some I knew from past experience would pair nicely, and several other wines I had a hunch might work. My wife, Alice, and I invited some friends to help sort out which wines worked and which didn’t.

We started with 2005 Saint-Hillaire Blanquette de Limoux Brut. As suspected, brut sparkling wine was right at home with milk or dark chocolate with or without nuts, nougat or toffee. It’s hard to beat sparkling wine and chocolate. The other traditional partner to sweets is port. A Fenn Valley Classic Port paired nicely with the coconut/chocolate macaroons but not with the other chocolate candies.

Another wine that typically ends up on the table when sweets are present is Riesling. We tasted the 2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection California Riesling and decided that Riesling and chocolates are not a good pairing. Even a very balanced Riesling such as this has too much acidity to work well with sweet or bittersweet chocolate.

So why did the sparkling wine, the most acidic of acidic wines, work so well? Unable to answer that question, we moved on to the new breed of sweet wines now found everywhere in the market. We loved the 2010 Cherry on Top Sweet California White and California Red, and the slightly drier 2009 Apothic California Red Blend with all of the chocolates, nougats and toffees — especially the hand-made chocolate truffles.

This is a category of wine that has taken the market by storm. Ménage à Trois, Sweet Bliss,

Sweet Cakes, Blackstone Red Blend, Voluptuous Red, Free Range Red and Sweetie Pie Red are just a few of the many new entries into this category of sweet wine.

For the most part, the white wines in this category appear sweeter than the reds, owing to a significant dollop of Moscato in the blend. Most of the reds possess a barely detectible sweetness that is best described as soft and yummy and decidedly not tannic or heavily textured. Unless your sweetie is a real connoisseur, this is the wine of choice with chocolate.

Another new craze is chocolate wine. We tasted Choco Noir, a chocolate Pinot Noir wine specialty. To our surprise, it was delicious. It compares well to Bailey’s Irish Cream and its imitators. The volatility of the chocolate-infused alcohol pretty much guaranteed a good match with anything sweet, nutty or creamy.

That being the case, what about the real connoisseur? How do the classic noble varietals work with chocolate?

First, we sampled a couple of Rhone vari-

Photography by Johnny Quirin

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City Guide: Grand Vine

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Independence day... every day. etals (2008 Ravenswood Vintners California Petite Sirah and 2009 Quivera Dry Creek Valley Mourvedre, which were by no means outside the margins of chocolate pairing, but didn’t hit the sweet spot, either.

From there, we waded into the Bordeaux varietals. We started with 2008 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Merlot. The wine was spectacular and my favorite with bittersweet dark chocolate.

The sweet, vanilla-like oak component and creamy soft tannins really quell the bitterness of the high cocoa concentration of good dark chocolate.

We also tasted the Big House Usual Suspect California Cabernet Sauvignon to see if Cab might not be just a bit too tannic. Remarkably, this highly aromatic Cabernet reminiscent of the lavender fields near Santa Cruz was comfy with a variety of chocolates but best with the bittersweet.

Inspired by the Big House, I pulled a couple more wines out of the cellar to compare. First, we nibbled chocolate and sipped a bottle of 2007 Estancia Paso Robles California Meritage. The Cab/Merlot blend was not only a stunningly good bottle of red wine, but absolutely excited the palate with caramel, toffee and nougat — though only passable with chocolate.

Amazed that one could dare serve a really good, dry red with sweets, I went back to the cellar for a newly arrived future purchase of 2009 Chateau Tour St. Bonnet Medoc, Bordeaux. Although the wine was as hard as nails at this point, I believe it actually softened and expanded with some dark bittersweet chocolate. Who’d have thought?

Enjoy in good health!

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

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FEBRUARY 2012 GRAND RAPIDS 71

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City Guide continued from page 69 PAL’S DINER — A real diner with breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner.com. B, L, D ¢

ican cuisine. Pizza and pasta served in the lounge until midnight; full-menu dinner 4-10 pm. Closed Sun. 3245 28th St SW, 534-5419. florentine $ ingrandville.com. L, D

POP’S FAMILY RESTAURANT — Breakfast all day long, plus classic comfort food and Mexican specialties. 1339 Walker Village Dr NW, 4539339. B, L, D ¢-$

FRANCO’S PIZZERIA — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 ¢-$ Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. L, D

RAINBOW GRILL — Breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. B, L, D ¢-$

FRED’S PIZZA AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT — Long-time favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar.

Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. ¢-$ fredspizza.com. L, D

RAMONA’S TABLE — EGR deli with made-fromscratch soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals. Takeout and catering. Closed Sun. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 459-8500. ramonastable. ¢-$ com. B, L, D RUSS’ RESTAURANTS — Fast service, 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 ¢ SANDI’S FAMILY RESTAURANT — Home-cooked meals in casual surroundings. Daily specials; allyou-can-eat ocean perch Fri. Senior discount Mon-Tue. Closed Sun. 6597 S Division Ave, 2813160. sandisfamilyrestaurant.com. B, L, D ¢-$ THAT PLACE ON PLAINFIELD — Classic American diner food along with some ethnic and vegetarian dishes. Closed Sun. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 365-6669. B, L, D ¢

Italian/ European AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA — Regional Italian dishes using some local products as well as Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs a specialty. House-made desserts. Banquet facility.

Closed Mon; no lunch Sat. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitalia $ na.com. L (not Sat), D ANGELA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA — Italian dinners, pizza, stromboli, subs and desserts. Lunch buffet, full-service bar. Delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 240 E Division, Sparta, (616) 887-1913. L, D ¢-$ BIG BOB’S PIZZA — A neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village with wine and beer on tap, available to go. 661 Croswell SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L, D $ BELLA MIA PIZZERIA & ITALIAN GRILL — Italian dishes and New York-style pizza. Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, 5549930. L, D ¢-$ BRICK ROAD PIZZA — Specializing in gourmet, traditional and vegan pizzas. Gluten-free crusts available on request. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroad pizza.com. L, D ¢-$ FLORENTINE PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices, thin-crust pizzas.

Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, Foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ FLORENTINE RISTORANTE — Italian and Amer-

FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Also, pasta dinners with a sauce that has made its way to the retail market.

Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. D ¢-$ G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. Delivery Thu-Sat until 2:30 a.m. No alcohol. Open daily, with a handful of tables for dining in. 340 State St, (616) 742-4773. grandrapidspizza.net. H, L, D ¢-$ MANGIAMO — Historic mansion houses familyfriendly Italian eatery. Italian fare plus steaks and seafood. Extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 742-0600. thegilmorecol lection.com/mangiamo.php. D $-$$ MARINADE’S PIZZA BISTRO —Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Catering available. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com.

L, D ¢ MONELLI’S ITALIAN GRILL AND SPORTS BAR — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus familyfriendly dining room with fireplace. 5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 530-9700. monellis.com.

L, D ¢-$ NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING — Elegant décor and extensive menu. Special wine cellar dinners in unique surroundings; lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. D $-$$ PIETRO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu, meeting room and takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. rcfc.com/pietros. L, D $ SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT — Sicilian and southern Italian fare using family recipes.

Separate sports bar; patio seating. Weekday lunch buffet. All menu items, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Closed Sun. 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com.

L, D ¢-$ SEASONAL GRILLE — Hastings’ Italian-themed eatery features fresh, locally sourced, creative fare in handsome surroundings. Full bar, craft cocktails, nice wine list. Open daily. 150 W State St, Hastings, (269) 948-9222. seasonalgrille. com. L, D $ TRE CUGINI — Innovative Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties. Outdoor seating in mild weather. Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 235-9339. trecugini. com. L, D $-$$ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE — Pizzeria, grill and sports lounge. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 9542002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-5520;

8256 Broadmoor SE, 891-5958. uccellos.com. L, D ¢-$ VITALE’S — Serving traditional regional dishes from family recipes since 1966. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door, 458-2090), takeout 458-3766. theoriginalvitales. ¢-$ com. L, D VITALE’S OF ADA — Multi-regional, upscale dishes made from scratch. Family-friendly; microbrews to martinis in separate sports pub. Open daily. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada. ¢-$ com. L, D VITALE’S PIZZERIA — Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from original Vitale family recipes.

59 W Washington St, Zeeland, (616) 772-5900, vitaleszeeland.com; 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 5308300. vitales.us. L, D ¢-$

Asian

Including Thai and Indian fare.

AKASAKA SUSHI — Sushi plus Korean and Japanese offerings in low-key atmosphere in Cascade Centre. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 6252 28th St SE, 977-0444. L, D ¢-$ AKITA BUFFET — Across from RiverTown Crossings Mall, with sushi bar, hibachi grill and Chinese buffet with set price for lunch and dinner.

Serves alcohol. 3540 Rivertown Point Ct SW, 2577777. L, D ¢-$ ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option.

Vegetarian-friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe. com. L, D ¢-$ ASIAN PALACE — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each cuisine. Family owned and operated. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. L, D ¢-$ BANGKOK TASTE — Thai fare with lunch buffet.

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

Lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 531-8070. bangkokviewthaifood.com. L, D ¢-$ BEIJING KITCHEN — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch specials. No alcohol.

342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchengr.com.

L, D ¢-$ BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol.

5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market strip mall), 261-8186. bluegingergr.com. L, D ¢-$ BOMBAY CUISINE — Indian fare includes tandoori and vindaloo dishes. Full bar service, live music Thu-Sat eves. Takeout available. Closed Tue. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. Facebook. L, D $ CHINA CHEF — Family-style Chinese restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices.

No alcohol. Closed Mon. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ CHINA CITY — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 5299 Eastern Ave SE, 257-7038. L, D ¢-$

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City Guide CHINA GOURMET BUFFET — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items. Dinner buffet served all day weekends; discount for seniors and children 10 and under. No alcohol. 2030 28th ¢-$ St SW, 252-1379. L, D CHINATOWN RESTAURANT AND JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available.

Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar. 69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngrandrapids.com. L, D ¢-$ CHINA YI WANG — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 Eastern Ave ¢-$ SE, 241-3885. L, D EAST GARDEN BUFFET — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. L, D ¢-$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II — All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet served all day. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. www.empirebuffet.net. L, ¢-$ D ERB THAI — Traditional Thai fare, will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. 950 Wealthy St SE, Suite 1A, 356-2573. L, D ¢ FAR-EAST RESTAURANT — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes; vegetable-oil-only cooking.

Carryout and catering available. No alcohol. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. L, D $ FIRST WOK — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out. Full bar. Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 5759088. firstwokgr.com. L, D $ FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO — Hibachi grill tables with show-chef preparations, or eat in the dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections.

Full bar. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. lets eat.at/fujiyama. L, D ¢-$

Ridge Shopping Center), 785-8200. letseat.at/ ¢ hibachigrillsupremebuffet. L, D HONG KONG EXPRESS — Szechuan and Cantonese for dine-in or carry-out. All-you-caneat lunch buffet. No alcohol. 150 E Fulton St, 2353888. B, L, D ¢-$ HUNAN — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups. No alcohol. 1740 44th St SW, 530-3377; 1263 Leonard St NE, 4580977. hunangr.com. L, D $ INDIA TOWN — Indian fare in a humble atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatown4u.com. L, D ¢-$ JADE GARDEN — Chinese cuisine with some American dishes. Children’s menu, large selection of tropical cocktails. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 4558888. L, D ¢-$ JU SUSHI & LOUNGE — Sushi and sashimi selections, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrees in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquet space. 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. L, D ¢-$

HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET — PanAsian cuisine from sushi to buffet, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American dishes. No alcohol. 785 Center Dr NW (Green

SHANG HAI ICHIBAN — Chinese and Japanese cuisine; food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. shang $-$$ haiichiban.com. L, D SOC TRANG — Wide selection of Chinese and Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. 1831 Market Place Dr, Caledonia, 871-9909. gosoctrang.com.

L, D ¢-$

SZECHUAN GARDEN — Diverse Chinese menu in Eastown. Lunch specials daily 11 am-4 pm. No alcohol. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 456-9878. L, D ¢-$

MARADO SUSHI — Sushi bar offers a wide selection of Japanese fare and a few Korean specialties. No alcohol. 47 Monroe Center, 742-6793.

Closed Sun. L, D ¢-$ MIKADO SUSHI — Sushi and sashimi à la carte.

Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, ¢-$ 285-7666. Facebook. L, D

MYNT FUSION BISTRO — Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$

GRAND LAKES — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. No alcohol. Next to Breton Village D&W. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 954-2500. L, D ¢-$

SEOUL GARDEN — Chinese and Korean cuisine with full bar. Banquet and catering facilities available. Closed Sun. 3321 28th St SE, 956-1522. grseoulgarden.com. L, D $-$$

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

Cocktails. Open daily. 2460 28th St SE, 5303300. L, D ¢-$

GOLDEN 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 627 28th St SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. L, D $

GOLDEN WOK — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers lunch and dinner options, including Hunan-spiced dishes. No alcohol. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, ¢-$ 363-8880. L, D

RED SUN BUFFET — All-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections. No alcohol. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. redsunbuffet.com. L, D ¢-$

SUSHI KUNI — Japanese and Korean cuisine, plus fusion fare. Private groups can eat in traditional Japanese tatami room. Serves alcohol.

Closed Sun. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushi kuni.net. L, D ¢-$$

MING TEN — All-you-can-eat buffet: Japanese, Chinese, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. A la carte sushi. No alcohol. 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), (616) 365-3989. ¢-$ mingtenrestaurant.com. L, D

GOLDEN GATE RESTAURANT — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, egg rolls, sweet-and-sour dishes, with some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D ¢

¢

RAK THAI BISTRO — Thai-fusion fare with Chinese and Japanese influences. No alcohol.

5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. rakthaibistro. com. L, D ¢-$

LAI THAI KITCHEN — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. Facebook, laithaikit chen.com. L, D ¢-$

FORTUNE CHEF — Chinese and American fare.

Opens 6 am weekdays, 8 am weekends with breakfast served all day. No alcohol. 9353 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1388. fortunechef caledonia.com. B, L, D ¢-$

GOLDEN DRAGON — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse.

Full bar. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. golden dragongr.com. L, D $

hol. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. B, L, D

NING YE — Family-owned Chinese restaurant also serves Korean fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun during winter. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676-5888. $ ningye.info. L, D NU-THAI BISTRO — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, curries and noodle dishes; seafood and duck specialty plates. No alcohol. 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. L, D ¢-$ PALACE OF INDIA — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections.

Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO — Upscale chain known for modern Chinese dishes from Mongolian Beef to Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Cocktails, beer and wine. Order online for takeout. The Village at Knapp’s Crossing, 2065 Apple Orchard Ave, 4472060. pfchangs.com. L,D $ PHO SOC TRANG — Vietnamese cuisine. No alco-

THAI EXPRESS — Thai specialties, spiced to specification. No alcohol. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. L, D ¢ THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare, with daily lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. 3330 Alpine Ave NW, Target Plaza, 785-3888. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI — Japanese tatami rooms, sushi bars. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, plus Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. L, D ¢-$ WEI WEI PALACE — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. Serves beer. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818.

L, D $ WONTON EXPRESS — No-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy Hunan and Kung-Po dishes. No alcohol. 6719 S Division Ave, 281-8816. L, D ¢-$ FXO ASIAN CUISINE — Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine in downtown GR with full service bar. Vegetarian options and lunch specials MonSat. Free valet parking with $30 purchase. Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. xoasiancui sine.com. L, D $-$$ YUMMY WOK — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 8272068. L, D ¢-$

Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean MARIE CATRIB’S — Middle-Eastern fare with onsite bakery, seasonal specialties and Turkish coffee. Vegetarian options. Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat. Lunch/dinner starts 11 am weekdays, noon Sat. Closed Sun. No alcohol. 1001 Lake Dr February 2012 Grand Rapids 73

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City Guide SE, 454-4020. mariecatribs.com. B, L, D

¢-$

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL — Gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta.

All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade $ Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. L, D OSTA’S LEBANESE CUISINE — Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout and catering. Features Lebanese beer and wine.

Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L, D ¢-$ PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE — Mediterranean appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs and more. No alcohol. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$ PITA HOUSE — Gyros and other Middle East specialties. No alcohol. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 4541171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029; 4533 Ivanrest Ave SW, 261-4302; 134 Monroe Center NW, 2334875. thepitahouse.net. L, D ¢ FSHIRAZ GRILLE — Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, khoreshts, vegetarian options. Full bar, wine list, martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. L (Sun), D $

Mexican/Latin American/ Caribbean 7 MARES — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. ¢-$$ Facebook. B, L, D ADOBE IN & OUT — Mexican offerings served quickly (Grandville location is drive-through only).

617 W Fulton St, 454-0279; 1216 Leonard St NE, 451-9050; 4389 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 2577091. L, D ¢ FBELTLINE BAR — Americanized Tex-Mex menu; wet burritos are the claim to fame. Full bar.

The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $ CABANA TRES AMIGOS — Authentic Mexican fare with full bar, take-out service, vegetarian selection. Spacious with fireplaces and Mexican décor. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. L, D ¢-$

Celebrate Michigan’s craft beer industry The 7th Annual Michigan Winter Beer Festival will be held 1-6 p.m. Feb. 25 at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park. The event is sponsored by the Michigan Brewers Guild with more than 50 microbrewery members featuring 300-plus craft beers. Learn more about the guild and purchase tickets ($40 in advance) at www.michiganbrewersguild.org. service. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. L, D $ CORAZON — Authentic Mexican food in stylish surroundings on the Avenue for the Arts. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 122 S Division Ave, 454-3847. L, D ¢ DON JULIO’S — Mexican restaurant and bar offers specialties, combination plates, vegetarian options. 5039 28th St SE, 575-9171. L, D ¢-$ DOWNTOWN TRINI’S — Sparta’s destination offers traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. down towntrinis.com. L, D ¢-$

Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. L, D

¢

GRAND VILLA DUNGEON — Mexican food is the specialty. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr $ SW, 534-8435. villadugeon.com. L, D JAMAICAN DAVE’S — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies. Limited seating; takeout is best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. L, D ¢ JOSE’S RESTAURANTE — Authentic Mexican fare, with jukebox, pinball and video game. No alcohol. 3954 S Division Ave, 530-7934. L, D ¢

EL ARRIERO —Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, Margaritas.

2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. L, D ¢-$

LAS CAZUELAS — Open for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner daily. Genuine Hispanic flavors.411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. B, L, D ¢

EL BARRIO MEXICAN GRILL — Tasty and creative twists on otherwise-traditional Mexican. Full bar. 545 Michigan St NE, 301-0010. elbarriomexi ¢-$ cangrill.com. L, D

LINDO MEXICO — Daily specials, including tacos de barbacoa, tripitos or lengua. No alcohol. 1292 28th St SW, 261-2280. lindomexicorestaurant. com. L, D ¢-$

CANTINA — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties with full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. L, D $

EL BURRITO LOCO — More than 70 authentic Mexican selections. Complimentary chips and salsa. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 4470415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. L, D ¢-$

LITTLE MEXICO CAFÉ — Traditional Mexican food and cocktails. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. L, D $

CHEZ OLGA — Caribbean and Creole fare.

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

EL GRANJERO — Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes to à la carte selections and menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas.

950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. B, L, D ¢

CINCO DE MAYO — Mexican eatery offers the usual fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar

EL SOMBRERO — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed

CAFÉ SAN JUAN — Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban menu. No alcohol. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. cafesanjuan.net. B, L, D ¢-$ CANCUN RESTAURANT — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 2482824. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$

MAGGIE’S KITCHEN — Homemade Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. 36 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. B, L, D ¢ MICHOACAN — Mexican fare plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. No alcohol. Open at 9 am.

334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. B, L, D ¢-$ MI TIERRA RESTAURANT — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive through. No alcohol. 2300 S

Courtesy Michigan Brewers Guild

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

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City Guide: Fresh Hops

West Michigan brewery explosion

Photography by Michael Buck

Courtesy Michigan Brewers Guild

by Jon C. Koeze

Last September, Grand Rapids Brewing Co. announced it would relocate from 28th Street to the Brass Works building at 648 N. Monroe Ave., a space formerly occupied by Founders Brewing Co. With that move, there will be four breweries in the downtown area, including The Brewery at The BOB, Founders and HopCat. I believe this will designate Grand Rapids with the highest concentration of breweries per square mile in Michigan.

And just a short trip up Wealthy Street, there are two more breweries with plans to open in 2012: Elk Brewing Co. has plans for a rehabbed building on the corner of Henry Street and Wealthy Avenue. Owners approached the Grand Rapids Planning Commission last September with plans for a microbrewery/pub to serve this neighborhood. Stay tuned for more info on an opening date.

Harmony Brewing Co., at 1551 Lake Drive SE near the intersection of Wealthy Avenue and Lake Drive, is in the heart of Eastown. “We are planning a cafe atmosphere where friends and family can enjoy beer, pizza and a good time,” said Heather Van Dyke, one of the owners.

Meanwhile, Hideout Brewing Co. at 3113 Plaza Drive NE in Grand Rapids has a new landlord and new owners.

The building was recently acquired

by Nick Humphrey and Scott Colson, who also are purchasing the brewery operation from Ken and Laura McPhail, who started the brewery in 2005.

“Were not going to change the name, the beer, or anything that has made this brewery a favorite of Grand Rapids’ north end,” said Humphrey. “We simply want to bring more beer to more people by increasing distribution and the annual output.

We will be increasing the brewing capacity from a five-barrel to a 10-barrel system. Once the rehab construction of the unused portion of the building is finished, we will have plenty of room to store more beer.”

Looking further north to Rockford and Comstock Park, two new microbreweries are planning to open in 2012. Rockford Brewing Co. expects to open this spring in a building at 12 E. Bridge St. in downtown Rockford, just off the White Pine Trail. Perrin Brewing Co. also has 2012 plans.

This new microbrewery will be located in a 12,000-square-foot facility at 5910 Comstock Park Drive NW. Plans include an ambitious output of 2,500 to 3,500 barrels in the first year.

Regarding the landscape of Grand Rapids area breweries, I can’t help but notice a huge void to the south and the west. I have to give White Flame Brewery due respect for opening in Hudsonville, despite that city’s history of banishing alcohol for generations. It is an island between Grand Rapids and Holland if you are looking for good beer.

It is my wish that, eventually, there will be a brewery within walking distance — or at least a short bike ride — of every neighborhood in the Grand Rapids area.

Contributing Editor Jon Koeze is cable television administrator for the city of Grand Rapids. He has made and tasted beer since 1980.

It is my wish that, eventually, there will be a brewery within walking distance — or at least a

short bike ride — of every neighborhood in the Grand Rapids area.

February 2012 Grand Rapids 75

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City Guide Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D

¢

TACO BOB’S — Fresh-Mex offerings, taco salads and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell wrapped in a soft shell, with nacho cheese in between. No alcohol. Open 11 am-2 pm, Mon-Fri. 250 Monroe Ave ¢ NW, 458-1533. tacobobs.com. L TACO BOY — Traditional Mexican offerings. No alcohol. 3475 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-7111; 6539 28th St SE, 956-3424; 509 44th St SE, 257-0057; 2529 Alpine Ave NW, 365-9255; 180 Monroe Ave ¢ NW, 233-0701. tacoboy.biz. L, D TACOS EL CAPORAL — Two locations serving Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. Takeout.

No alcohol. 1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. B, L, D ¢

A beautiful smile can be easy ...

TACOS EL RANCHERO — Mexican fare in low-key surroundings to eat in or take out. Cash only. No alcohol. 1240 Burton St SW, 245-6514. L, D ¢ TRES LOBOS GRILL & BAR — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar. Lunch ’til 4 pm daily.

825 28th St SE, 245-5389. treslobosrestaurant. com. L, D ¢-$

Lakeshore: New American CARROLL FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Joel T. Carroll, D.D.S.

4310 Leonard St. NW, Suite 202, Grand Rapids, MI

(616) 453-6323

carrollfamilydentistry.com

Complete Dental Services Available: • Free Cosmetic Consultation • Gentle Dentistry for Children and Adults • Immediate Emergency Treatment • Latest Laser Technology • Dentures (Same Day Repair) • Cosmetic Dentistry, Bleaching CROWNS THE SAME DAY OF APPOINTMENT HOUR USING E 4D TECHNOLOGY

Pain free dentistry is our goal!

THAI, JAPANESE, CHINESE

Asian Dining Award of Excellence 5 years in a row!

xo

• Full service Sushi Bar

(Half-price every Tuesday, dine in only).

• Beer and Wine & Spirits Available

ASIAN CUISINE 58 Monroe Center Phone (616) 235-6969

www.xoasiancuisine.com

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

BLUE HOUSE BISTRO — Neo-American Creole fusion fare from New Orleans-trained chef/ owner. Also, appetizers, soups, sandwiches/ wraps and pizza. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 220 W 8th St, Holland, (616) 355-1994. bluehouse bistro. com. L, D $ BUTCH’S — New York-style deli by day, fine 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. L, D $$ – CITYV U BISTRO — Top-floor restaurant in Holland’s City Flats Hotel specializes in creative flatbreads and small-plate fare with emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 61 E 7th St, Holland, (616) 796-2114. cityvubistro.com. B, L, D $-$$ EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFÉ — Changing bistro menu from appetizers through dessert.

Impressive wine list with appropriate food pairings. 11 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-4240. everydaypeoplecafe.com. D $-$$ LAKE HOUSE WATERFRONT GRILLE — Overlooks Muskegon Lake. Small plates, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, specialty burgers. Live entertainment. 730 Terrace Point, Muskegon, (231) 722-4461; thelakehousemi.com. L, D $-$$ MIA & GRACE BISTRO — Husband/wife chef/ owners serve locally grown products in artsy space. Breakfast/lunch year-round, special dinners during growing season. Bakery, too. No alcohol. 1133 Third St, Muskegon, (231) 725-9500. miaandgrace.com. B, L, (D) $ PIPER — Lake view and a menu with everything from appetizers, pasta and wood-fired pizza to creative entrées and homemade desserts. Large selection of beer, wine, martinis. Closed Sun and Mon during winter. 2225 South Shore Dr, Macatawa, (616) 335-5866. piperrestaurant.com.

D ¢-$$ SALT & PEPPER SAVORY GRILL & PUB — Pubgrub with creative twists using Michigan-sourced ingredients. Full bar. Back patio for alfresco dining. Closed Sun. 11539 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland,

76 Grand Rapids February 2012

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City Guide (616) 355-5501. saltandpepperpub.com. L, D

$

SALT OF THE EARTH — Rustic fare and bakery emphasize locally sourced products ranging from wood-fired pizzas to affordably priced entrees.

Full bar. 114 E Main St, Fennville, (269) 561-7258. saltoftheearthfennville.com. D ¢-$ THEODORE’S — Eclectic menu features American/Spanish/Mediterranean-influenced dishes in stylish surroundings with granite bar, glassed-in wine cellar and outdoor patio. Open Thu-Sat at 5 pm. 217 E 24th St, Holland, (616) 392-6883. theo doresholland.com. D (Thu-Sat) $-$$ WILD DOG GRILLE — Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas and entrees marry a complexity of flavors. Closed Mon in winter.

Full-service bar. 24 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-2519. thewilddoggrille.com. L (Fri-Sun), D $-$$

Lakeshore: Classic American 8TH STREET GRILL — Entrées range from meatloaf to ribs, with sandwiches, salads and pasta also on the menu. Beer and wine served. Closed Sun. 20 W 8th St, Holland, (616) 392-5888.

8thstreetgrille.com. L, D $ 84 EAST FOOD & SPIRITS — Neat restoration lends atmosphere. Varied menu includes unique pasta dishes and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Closed Sun. 84 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 3968484. 84eastpasta.com. L, D ¢-$ ARBOREAL INN — New England-style inn offers fresh whitefish, Alaskan king crab, tournedos Oscar and more. Separate dining and bar area.

Closed Sun. 18191 174th Ave, Spring Lake, (616) 842-3800. arborealinn.com. D $$ BEAR LAKE TAVERN — Historic North Muskegon tavern fare ranges from yellowbelly lake perch to wet burritos. 360 Ruddiman Rd, North Muskegon, (231) 744-1161. thebearlaketavern.com. B (week¢-$ ends), L, D BIL-MAR RESTAURANT — Beachfront dining with a great view of Lake Michigan. Wide selection of fine-dining entrées. Full bar. 1223 S Harbor St, Grand Haven, (616) 842-5920. bil-margrand haven.com. L, D $$ BOATWERKS WATERFRONT RESTAURANT — Vintage ambiance overlooking Lake Macatawa.

Spacious patio. Two menus: casual in main dining room, bar and patio, with another room for fine dining. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, (616) 3960600. boatwerksrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ BONFIRE GRILL & PUB — Muskegon smokehouse. Rotisserie chicken, ribs and brisket are claim to fame; extensive menu with items such as lobster tacos, alligator snaps, creative “samiches,” specialty dogs, burgers. 2536 Henry St, Muskegon, (231) 760-5204; bonfiregrillpub.com.

L, D $-$$ C.F. PRIME CHOPHOUSE & WINE BAR — Prime NY strips, seafood, vegetarian options and desserts made on-site. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 950 W Norton, Muskegon, (231) 737-4943. cfprime.com. D $-$$ CRAZY HORSE STEAK HOUSE & SALOON — Southwest style family-friendly eatery, known for steaks and prime rib. 2027 North Park Dr, Holland, (616) 395-8393. crazyhorsesteakhouse.

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

B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner

¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)*

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

- — Reviewed in this issue

➧ — New listing . — Listing update O — GRM’s 2010 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2010 Award of Excellence

— Chef Profile in this issue

ROSEBUD BAR AND GRILL — Sandwiches, soups and pizza for lunch; steaks, ribs, pasta and pizza for dinner. Open daily. 100 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-7788. rosebudgrill.com. ¢-$ L, D WEST COAST GRILLE — Daily breakfast buffet, lunch fare and dinner menu ranging from quesadillas and burgers to prime rib and seafood. Open daily. Doubletree Hotel, 650 E 24th St (just off US 31), Holland, (616) 394-0111. holland.doubletree. com. B, L, D $

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.

com. L, D

offers innovative touches to the American menu.

Family-friendly dining upstairs. 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecol lection.com/kirby.php. L, D $

$$

DEE-LITE BAR & GRILL — “Fresh-Mex” dinner selections, plus American fare. Diner-style breakfasts. Live music and martinis in the Theatre Bar. Sun brunch. 24 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 844-5055. harborrestaurants.com/dee $ lite/. B, L, D DINING ROOM AT CLEARBROOK — Menu features locally grown products. More casual dining in The Grill Room. Open daily in summer.

Clearbrook Golf Club, 6594 Clearbrook Dr (just north of Saugatuck), (269) 857-2000. clearbrook golfclub.com. L, D $-$$ DOCKERS FISH HOUSE & LOUNGE — Waterside dining on Muskegon Lake with summer tiki bar. Seafood and land-lubber options. Full bar.

Dockhands assist with boat tie-up. Closed OctMar. 3505 Marina Point View, Muskegon, (231) $-$$ 755-0400. dockersfishhouse.com. L, D FALCON’S NEST — Creative lunch menu with hot and cold sandwiches, barbecue ribs, appetizers, chili and salads. Open 11 am-7 pm. 17000 Lincoln Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 842-4040. grandhaven golfclub.com. L, D ¢-$ GRAND SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR — In Grand Haven’s former Grand Theatre. Oyster and sushi bar, seafood and steaks. 22 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 847-8944. harborrestaur ants.com/thegrand. D $-$$ THE GRILL ROOM — Aged steaks/chops, fresh seafood and fine wines in top chophouse tradition. Closed Sun during winter. Kirby House, 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmoreollection.com.grillroom.php. D $$ HANDSOME HENRY’S — Big-city vibe dining room and sports bar offer signature twists.

Extensive menu ranges from pizzas to hand-cut, aged steaks. 3065 Henry St, Muskegon, (231) 747-8583. L, D $ JACK’S — Breakfast and lunch, plus dinner menu with wide range of entrées, wine by the glass. On Grand River at Waterfront Holiday Inn. 940 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, (616) 846-1370. higrand haven.com. B, L, D $-$$

Lakeshore: Pubs & Taverns CHEQUERS — Creative cuisine with British flair ranges from beef tips Sherwood to Welsh rarebit and shepherd’s pie. Imported beer served in English pub atmosphere. Open daily in summer.

220 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1868. L, $ D THE CURRAGH — Downtown Holland Irish pub features foods, spirits, music and environment of Old World Ireland. Authentic Irish fare from a full menu. Outdoor seating, live entertainment, valet parking. 73 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393-6340. curraghholland.com. L, D ¢-$$ NEW HOLLAND BREWING CO. — Gourmet pizzas, salads and sandwiches augment handcrafted beer and artisan spirits. Live music every Fri and Sat. 66 E 8th St, Holland. (616) 355-6422. newhollandbrew.com. L, D ¢-$

Lakeshore: European ALPENROSE — European fare ranges from Certified Aged Black Angus steaks to poultry and fish dishes. Five private dining rooms, banquet facility, bakery and café. Sun brunch buffet. 4 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393-2111. alpenroserestau rant.com. B, L, D ¢-$$ MARRO’S — Italian fare and house-baked goods, extensive array of pizza toppings. Open mid-April through autumn; closed Mon. 147 Waters St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-4248. L, D $-$$ PEREDDIES — Italian fine-dining and 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. pered diesrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ RESTAURANT TOULOUSE — Seasonally inspired menu with French classics such as cassoulet and bouillabaisse. Award-winning wines. Hours vary seasonally; private parties can be arranged.

Sun brunch during summer. 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1561. restauranttoulouse. $$ com. L, D TWO TONYS TAVERNA GRILLE — Italian, Greek and American specialties with full-service bar, extensive wine list. Menu includes wood-fired pizzas and nightly specials. Open kitchen, large patio. Closed Sun. 723 E Savidge Rd, Spring Lake, $ (616) 844-0888. L, D

KIRBY GRILL — Casual side of the Kirby House February 2012 Grand Rapids 77

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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 Feb 4 - MUSKEGON SNOWFEST: Greater Muskegon Jaycees hosts annual event with trivia night, euchre, Battle of the Bowls, snow volleyball, snow cornhole and kids fest. www.muskegon snowfest.org.

Thru Mar 4 - ICE SKATING AT ROSA PARKS CIRCLE: Outdoor ice skating in downtown GR. Skates available 6-9:30 pm Mon-Tue, noon-9:30 pm Wed-Thu and Sun, noon-10 pm Fri-Sat. $1 skating, skate rentals free with picture ID. www. visitgrandrapids.org.

Feb 2-5 - GRAND RAPIDS CAMPER, TRAVEL & RV SHOW: A dozen West Michigan RV dealers showcase 100 RV lines. 3-9:30 pm Thu, noon9:30 pm Fri, 10 am-9 pm Sat, 11 am-6 pm Sun. DeVos Place. $8 adults, $3 ages 6-14. www.grand rapidsrvshow.com.

Feb 4 - ETHNIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL: GR Public Museum celebrates ethnic groups that call West Michigan home, with music, dancing, food, crafts and ethnic displays. 9 am-5 pm. 272 Pearl St NW. Free.

Feb 8 - MOTHERS AGAINST WIFE BEATERS: Event to raise awareness of domestic abuse with guest speakers, silent auction, mini-massages and complimentary vitamin level testing. 4-6 pm.

Brann’s Steakhouse, 401 Leonard St NW. Contact debby@dressagesavvy.com.

Feb 10-12 - WEST MICHIGAN GOLF SHOW: Info about equipment, courses and resorts, plus retail displays and a chance to tee off. 4-9 pm Fri, 10 am-7 pm Sat, 10 am-5 pm Sun. DeVos Place. $9 adults, $4 ages 6-14. www.westmichigangolf show.com.

Feb 14 - STORY SPINNERS: Folk tales and original stories for all ages. 7 pm. Meijer Gardens Café, 1000 East Beltline Ave NE. www.storyspinners. net. Free.

Feb 15-19 - GRAND RAPIDS BOAT SHOW: New power boats, pontoons, ski boats, deck boats, runabouts, canoes, kayaks and other family-fun boats, plus brokers, marinas and other boating services. 3-9:30 pm Wed and Thu, 11 am-9:30 pm Fri, 10 am-9 pm Sat, 11 am-6 pm Sun. DeVos Place. $9 adults, $4 ages 6-14. www.grboatshow. com.

Feb 17-18 - AFTERNOON OF FASHION AND TEA: Guided tour of the opulent Victorian-era Voigt home, plus tea and sweets in the formal dining room. Reservations required (456-3977). 1-2:30 pm. Voigt House, 115 College Ave SE, www.grmus eum.org. $12, $10 members.

Feb 21 - DOUGLAS MARDI GRAS PARADE: New Orleans-style parade through downtown Douglas, ending at a local restaurant and bar for prizes and dancing. Starts at 7 pm.

Feb 23 - SOUP’S ON ALONG THE LAKESORE: God’s Kitchen 11th annual benefit includes soups, desserts and live entertainment. 6-9 pm. Above and Beyond, 513 W Pontaluna Rd, Muskegon.

Tickets: $35 (www.soupsonforall.org).

Feb 25 - COOPERSVILLE OUTHOUSE 500: Winter festival with a parade of decorated outhouses, plus an outhouse race, chili cook-off, euchre tournament and beach party. 10 am.

Coopersville. www.coopersville.com.

Feb 25 - MOM 2 MOM SALE: Great deals on gently used children’s clothes, toys, strollers, bouncy seats etc. Proceeds benefit Orchard Hill Christian Learning Center. No strollers for first hour. 9 am-1 pm. Orchard Hill Church, 1465 Three Mile Rd NW. $1. www.mom2momgr.com.

Feb 25 - PUTTIN’ ON THE GREEN: Celebrate St Patrick’s Day early, with Irish step dancing, food, and bands featuring Craic Wisely and Gasta. 3:30 pm-12:30 am. St Adalbert’s Hall, 701 5th St NW. $10, kids under 10 free (at door).

Feb 25 - WINTER BEER FESTIVAL: Seventh annual event celebrates Michigan’s craft beer industry and the winter season with 50 participating breweries and 300 beers to sample. 1-6 pm. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $40 in advance (www. michiganbrewersguild.org), $45 at door (includes 15 tasting tokens).

Feb 25-26 - WEST MICHIGAN WEDDING ASSOCIATION BRIDAL SHOW: Everything you need to plan a wedding, plus two fashion shows. 2-6 pm Sat, noon-4 pm Sun. DeVos Place. $7 (at door). www.westmichiganweddingassociation.com.

hit the trails

With more than seven miles of nature trails, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for Environmental Education in Hastings is an ideal place to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The institute, a mix between a nature center and biological field station, is open to the public yearround, free of charge, and offers a variety of programs.

On Feb. 11, Cedar Creek is sponsoring a 2½ mile snowshoe hike to explore the fields and forest both on and off trail. A limited number of snowshoes will be available to rent ($5 for nonmembers), so call ahead to reserve. For more information about the institute or programs, call (269) 721-4190 or visit www. cedarcreekinstitute.org.

Feb - CALVIN COLLEGE CONCERTS: Student Affairs Office hosts various musical guests. 8 pm Feb 3, Aradhna ($10 adults, $5 students), Calvin College FAC. 8 pm Feb 13, Shad ($15/ $5), FAC. 8 pm Feb 15, Sharon Van Etten, with guest Shearwater ($15/$5), Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd SE. 8 pm Feb 20, My Brightest Diamond with members of the Calvin College Orchestra ($15/$5), FAC. Tickets: Calvin College box office or 526-6282.

Feb - FRIDAY NIGHTS AT GRAM: GR Art Museum hosts live music, social games, gallery talks, cash bar and dinner options 5-9 pm. Feb theme: Ideas and Innovation. Feb 3, film: “Fully Awake: Black Mountain College.” Feb 10, Gallery Talk with artist Michael Pfleghaar: Reinforcing Objecthood. Feb 17, Art-related TED Talks. Feb 24, Rauschenberg Revisited: Gallery Talk with artist Richard App. See website for details. 101 Monroe Center. $5 adults, members free. www.artmuseumgr.org.

Feb - THE INTERSECTION: Nightclub hosts local and national bands. Feb 1, Children of Bodom.

Feb 2, Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime. Feb 3, Mega 80s night. Feb 4, Ryan Star. Feb 9, Colt Ford. Feb 18, Mega 80s night. Feb 22, Gaelic Storm. Feb 23, Allstar Weekend. Feb 25, Big Gigantic. See web-

PhotograPhy courtesy istockPhoto.com/james boulette

Music

78 Grand rapids February 2012

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City Guide site for updates. Ticket prices vary (Beat Goes On, Purple East, Vertigo Music, Intersection box office or Ticketmaster). 133 Grandville Ave SW. www.sectionlive.com.

Feb - MUSIC AT MID-DAY: Free concerts 12:1512:45 pm every Tue. Feb 7, Irene Beethe, organ.

Feb 14, Diane Biser, soprano, and Larry Biser, piano. Feb 21, Joel Gary, organ. Feb 28, Folias flute and guitar duo. First Park Congregational Church, 10 E Park Place NE. www.parkchurchgr. org.

Feb - ONE TRICK PONY: Downtown restaurant features live music (Acoustic Stew) every Thu, plus some Sat evenings. Feb 11, The Trace.

Feb 25, Blue Molly. Check website for updates.

Reservations recommended. 136 E Fulton St. www.onetrick.biz.

Feb - THE PYRAMID SCHEME: Pub and music venue in Heartside. Feb 2, This Will Destroy You. Feb 18, The Skies Revolt CD release, The Better Fight, Bangups, Fine Fine Titans. Feb 25, The Life and Times, Bars of Gold, Sweet Cobra. See website for updates. Ticket prices vary (Vertigo Music or www.ticketweb.com). 68 Commerce SW. pyramidschemebar.com.

Feb - SUNDAYS AT GRAM: GR Art Museum hosts classical chamber music 2-3 pm every Sun. Feb 5, Ralph Votapek, piano. Feb 12, Sylvia Norris, harp, and Jeffrey Norris, baritone. Feb 19, Andrew Le, piano. Feb 26, Igor Fedotov, viola, and Gary Hammond, piano. See website for details.

101 Monroe Center. Free with admission. www. artmuseumgr.org.

Feb 11 - FESTIVAL OF MUSIC SERIES: Embellish Handbell Ensemble concert with special guest Detroit Handbell Ensemble. 7 pm. Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Dr SE. www.embel lish.ws. Free.

Feb 11 - “LOVE NOTES CABARET”: Holland Chorale presents pop, jazz and big band standards. 8 pm. Saugatuck Brewing Co, 2948 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas. $20-$28 adults, $17-$25 seniors, $12-$20 students. www.hollandchorale. org.

Feb 11, 18 - ACOUSTIC SATURDAY NIGHTS: Grand River Folk Arts Society hosts acoustic concerts. Feb 11, Drew Nelson. Feb 18, Kim and Reggie Harris. 8 pm. Wealthy St Theater, 1110 Wealthy St SE. $12 adults, $10 students and seniors, $9 members, $3 children (at door). www. grfolkarts.org.

Feb 12 - ORGAN CONCERT: First United Methodist Church presents Scenes From a Gallery, an organ concert by Nancy Clouse, accompanying the Celebration of the Arts exhibit (see Art). 3 pm.

227 E Fulton St. www.grandrapidsfumc.org. Free.

Feb 12 - “RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES”: Broadway Grand Rapids presents a multi-media live concert of the Fab Four’s early hits and later classics. 7 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $27-$57 (DeVos Place, Van Andel and BGR box offices or Ticketmaster). www.broadwaygrandrapids.com.

Feb 2 - “THE MUSIC OF ABBA”: The band Arrival from Sweden performs some of ABBA’s greatest hits. 7:30 pm. Van Singel FAC, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center. $39.50 adults, $22.50 students (878-6800 or www.vsfac.com).

Feb 13-15 - “LIVE AND LET DIE: THE MUSIC OF PAUL MCCARTNEY”: GR Symphony’s pops concert features McCartney’s music, including hits with The Beatles and solo work. 8 pm Fri and Sat, 3 pm Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices; 4549451, ext 4; or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony. org.

Feb 3-4 - WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY: Carnival of the Animals with pianists Per Tengstrand and Shan-shan Sun. 7:30 pm Sat, 2 pm Sun. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $15-$42 adults, $5 students (231-726-3231 or www.westmichi gansymphony.com).

Feb 14 - JAMMIES XIV: WYCE 88.1 FM hosts its 14th annual local music awards show with more than 20 bands on two stages. Wear pj’s and get a free CD. All ages welcome. 5-11 pm. The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave SW. www.section live.com or www.wyce.org. Free.

Feb 7, 21 - FARM MUSEUM JAM NIGHT: Bring your guitar, fiddle or other non-electric instrument. Singers and listeners welcome. 5 pm doors open, 6-9 pm jam. Coopersville Farm Museum, 375 Main St, Coopersville. Free with admission ($4). www.coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

Feb 16 - CASTING CROWNS: COME TO THE WELL TOUR: Contemporary Christian rock band featuring Matthew West and Royal Tailor. 7:30 pm. Van Andel Arena. Tickets TBD (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb 8 - ST OLAF CHOIR: Calvin College Artist Series presents this a cappella choir with more than 75 voices. 7:30 pm. Calvin College FAC. $35 adults, $5 students (Calvin box office, 526-6282).

Photography Courtesy AHA

Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/james boulette

Feb 1 - TAIZE SUNG PRAYER SERVICE: Repeated choruses accompanied by instruments and vocal solos. 7 pm. First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St. www.grandrapidsfumc.org.

presents romantic music by guest pianist Lise de la Salle. 8 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices; 4549451, ext 4; or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony. org.

Feb 9 - NICHOLAS PAYTON: St Cecilia’s Jazz Series presents a jazz trumpeter and his quartet.

7:30 pm. St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE. $35 adults, $30 seniors, $10 students (4592224, www.scmc-online.org).

Feb 10 - MAJIC CONCERT SERIES: Musical Arts for Justice in the Community hosts Wazobia and Badenya. 7 pm. Bethlehem Church Sanctuary, 250 Commerce Ave SW. $10 suggested donation; proceeds benefit GR Coalition to End Homelessness. www.grmajic.org.

Feb 10-11 - “ROMANTIC PIANO”: GR Symphony

Feb 17 - FESTIVAL CONCERT: “WORKS BY MESSIAEN”: Calvin College presents a concert featuring Ensemble Montage and Guests. 6:30 pm keynote lecture by Stephen Schloesser, historian at Loyola University Chicago Music and Christian Scholarship; 8 pm concert; 9:30 pm post-concert reception. Calvin College FAC. $10 adults, students and children free (Calvin College box office, 526-6282).

Wear Red For Women The statistics are staggering.

According to the American Heart Association, only 55 percent of women realize heart disease is their No. 1 killer. Less than half know the risk factors.

So every year since 2004, the AHA has sponsored National Wear Red Day as part of the Go Red For Women movement to raise awareness.

On Feb 3, wear a red dress, a red shirt, a pin or even red lipstick.

Encourage women to go to the AHA website at www.goredfor women.org to learn the warning signs of heart attack and stroke — very different from a man’s symptoms — and other life-saving information.

The Go Red For Women Luncheon will be held 9:30 a.m.1 p.m. at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, an event to raise money for research and education. For tickets, call the AHA at (616) 482-1512.

Feb 17-18 - “LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING”: GR Symphony’s Symphonic Boom concert includes the complete film, projected in HD, with more than 200 musicians performing the score. 7 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $32-$90 (Grand Rapids Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony.org.

Feb 18 - “FIRES ON A COLD NIGHT”: Holland Chorale presents love songs such as “The Fire February 2012 Grand Rapids 79

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City Guide College Great Performance Series presents an Amsterdam-based classical ensemble. 7:30 pm.

Dimnent Chapel, Holland. $18 adults, $13 seniors, $6 students and children 18 and under (DeVos ticket office or 616-395-7890). www.hope.edu.

Feb 18 - JAZZ VESPERS: Live jazz by the Dave Collee Quartet with Ginny Dusseau. 6 pm. First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St. www. grandrapidsfumc.org. Free.

Art

Feb 23-24 - “TWO BRANDENBURGS”: GR Symphony’s Rising Stars presents Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 4” and Moravec’s “Brandenburg Gate,” plus Brahm’s “Serenade No. 2.” 7 pm Thu, 8 pm Fri. Royce Auditorium, St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE. $18-$34 (box office; 454-9451, ext 4; or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony.org.

Feb 28 - CALEFAX REED QUARTET: Hope

Feb - AQUINAS COLLEGE GALLERY: Thru Feb 10, Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition. Feb 19-Mar 23, Madeline and Darlene Kaczmarczyk, ceramics and photography; reception 2-4 pm Feb 19.

Aquinas Art & Music Center (enter off Fulton St), 632-2408, www.aquinas.edu/art/gallery.html.

Feb - CALVIN CENTER ART GALLERY: Thru Feb 18, Alumni Painting Exhibition, and In My Own Back Yard by Mary Abma. Calvin College FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle, 526-6271, www.calvin. edu/centerartgallery.

And the Oscar goes to …

IF YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED of walking the red carpet, here’s your chance.

Waterfront Film Festival is throwing an academy awards-sanctioned oscar night america party Feb. 26 at the goei center, complete with champagne, celebrity guests, live music — even swag bags. attendees at the gala will watch the 84th academy awards on big screens while sipping champagne and dining at specialized food stations. the oscar night america party kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and the academy awards air on abc affiliate WZZm tv-13 beginning at 8 p.m. last year’s gala raised more than $15,000 for the volunteer-run Waterfront Film Festival, held each june in saugatuck to promote and support independent film. tickets are $65 per person (two drink tickets included); $125 for a viP ticket that includes open bar access and reserved seating. a viP table for 10 is $1,000.

For more information, visit waterfrontfilm.org.

Feb - FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Feb 10-22, 39th Anniversary of Celebration of the Arts, a juried exhibit of spiritual and sacred art; reception and awards 7-9 pm Feb 10. Also, 9:30 am Feb 12 and noon Feb 15, Gallery Walk with Nancy Clouse, GRCC artist and faculty member. 227 E Fulton St, 451-2879, www.thecelebra tionofthearts.com.

Feb - FOREST HILLS FAC: Feb 2-24, Kathleen Mooney, paintings and mixed media; reception 6-7 pm Feb 9. 600 Forest Hill Ave SE, 493-8965, www.fhfineartscenter.com.

Feb - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: Thru Apr 29, Essence: The Horses of Deborah Butterfield. Permanent exhibits include world-class sculptures indoors and in the 30-acre park. See Museums & Attractions.

Feb - GALLERY UPTOWN: Thru Feb 22, Winter Art Festival, juried show; reception 5-8 pm Feb 3. Feb 27-Mar 31, Seasons on the Grand, fine arts show and sale to benefit the Grand River Greenway. 201 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-5460, www.galleryuptown.net.

Feb - GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM: Thru Feb 12, Gazing at GRAM, collaboration with Spectrum Health Continuing Care Expressive Arts program. Feb 3-May 20, Robert Rauschenberg at Gemini and Robert Rauschenberg in Context.

Feb 10-Apr 22, Michael Pfleghaar: Reinforcing Objecthood. See Music for Friday Nights at GRAM and Sundays at GRAM. 10 am-5 pm Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat; 10 am-9 pm Fri; noon-5 pm Sun; closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students with ID, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www.artmuseumgr.org.

Feb - GVSU ART GALLERY: Thru Mar 1, Saudi Arabia: 1946-1954 by Ilo Battigelli, Red Wall Gallery, Lake Ontario Hall, Allendale campus.

Thru Apr 28, PIC’s Pics: A Study Abroad Photo Contest, Faculty/Staff Dining, Kirkhof Center.

Thru Apr 28, Tjukurrpa: Aboriginal Dreamtime Paintings: Works from the GVSU Permanent Collection, West Wall Gallery, Eberhard Center.

Thru Mar 23, Regionalism and Art of the WPA: Selections from the Muskegon Museum of Art, 1121 PAC, Allendale campus. www.gvsu.edu/art gallery.

Feb - HOLLAND AREA ARTS COUNCIL: Thru Feb 25, Letting Paint Be Paint by Christine Tower, Michelle Gort and Emerson Schreiner. Also, works

by Ladislav Hanka and Marcia Perry. 150 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-3278, www.hollandarts.org.

Feb - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Dutch Galleries exhibit 17th- to 20th-century Dutch paintings and cultural objects. See Museums & Attractions.

Feb - KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS: Thru Mar 4, The Strange Life of Objects: The Art of Annette Lemieux. Thru Mar 18, Infrared Photography by Christopher Light. Thru Apr 7, Hefner Collection of East Asian Art. Feb 4-22, Young Artists of Kalamazoo County. 10 am-5 pm Tue-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. Free; $5 suggested donation. 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, www.kiarts.org.

Feb - LEEP ART GALLERY: Thru Apr 3, Unspoken

by Julie Quinn. Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th St SE, 222-4530, www.pinerest.org.

Feb - LOWELLARTS!: Thru Feb 5, Works in Progress; reception 2-4 pm Feb 5. Feb 14-Mar 14, Punch Line. 149 S Hudson St, Lowell, 897-8545, www.lowellartscouncil.org.

PhotograPhy courtesy WaterFront Film Festival (toP); istockPhoto.com (bottom)

Songs” by Lauridsen, “Danny Boy,” “And So It Goes,” “The Way You Look Tonight.” 7:30 pm.

Dimnent Chapel, Hope College, Holland. $14-$22 adults, $12-$20 seniors, $5 students. www.hol landchorale.org.

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City Guide Feb - MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART: Thru Feb 9, Postcard Salon; reception and sale 5:30-8 pm Feb 9. Thru Feb 19, Tiny Treasures: Small Scale Works from the MMA Collection. Feb 16-May 6, 1934: A New Deal for Artists. 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, children under 17 free. 296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, www. muskegonartmuseum.org.

Feb - TERRYBERRY GALLERY: Feb 1-28, Valerie Allen, mixed media; reception 5:30-8 pm Feb 19.

Lower floor, St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE, 459-2224, www.scms-online.org.

Feb - VAN SINGEL FINE ARTS CENTER: Thru Feb 10, Textile Figures: Coming Full Circle by Jennifer Gould. Feb 11-Mar 16, Paintings by Tim Kranz.

8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, www.vsfac.com.

Film Feb - CELEBRATING THE CLASSICS: Film reviewer John Douglas introduces the Tue and Thu 3 pm and 5:45 pm screenings of Hollywood classic films, which show at 12:15 pm, 3 pm and 5:45 pm Tue and Thu, and 1:30 pm Sat-Sun. Feb 4-9, “Some Like It Hot.” Feb 11-16, “The Philadelphia Story.” Feb 18-23, “Mary Poppins.”

Feb 25-Mar 1, “Vertigo.” Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr NE. $4. www.celebra tioncinema.com/classics.

Feb - UICA: Urban Institute for Contemporary Art shows independent, foreign and documentary films ($8, $4 members). Also: 7 pm Feb 7, “More Than a Month” (free). Chiaroscuro Foreign Film Series: 2 pm Feb 12, “Autumn Spring/Babi Leto,” and 2 pm Feb 26, “Ushpizin/Holy Guests” (free).

2 W Fulton St, 454-3994, www.uica.org.

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Healthy Hearts’- A Natural Approach

Seminar by Dr. Dale Tamminga, Naturopathic Doctor from Healthy for Life.

See our event calendar for more information at www.HarvestHealthFoods.com Eastern at Burton

616-245-6268

Hudsonville at 32nd & I-196

616-896-6630

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616-975-7555

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Look Good. Feel Good.

Feb - WINTER FILM SERIES: Feb 6-11, “The Way.” 7:30 pm. Knickerbocker Theater, Holland. $6 adults, $5 seniors and students.

Photography courtesy Waterfront Film Festival (top); istockphoto.com (bottom)

Stage Feb - COMEDY MONDAYS: Dog Story Theater presents improv, standup, sketches, films, music, puppets, magic, one-act plays at 8 and 9 pm ($5); free, open improv jam at 10 pm. 7 Jefferson Ave SE. www.dogstorytheater.com.

Feb - DR GRINS COMEDY CLUB: Stand-up comedians perform 9 pm Thu, 8 and 10:30 pm Fri and Sat. Feb 2-4, Roy Wood Jr. Feb 9, Bill Bushart.

Feb 10-12, Aisha Tyler. Feb 16-18, TBD. Feb 23-25, Dan Cummins. See website for updates. The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave NW. Ticket prices vary (3562000, www.thebob.com).

Thru Feb 4 - “NEXT FALL”: Actors’ Theatre presents a witty and provocative look at faith, commitment and unconditional love. 8 pm. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE. $24 adults, $20 students and seniors (234-3946). www.actorsthea tregrandrapids.org.

Thru Mar 1 - ACTORS’ THEATRE SCRIPT DEADLINE: Ninth annual 10-minute play festival Living on the Edge with theme “Evil Things” invites Michigan writers to submit scripts. Final 12 selected for public reading in Apr. Five finalists produced in Jun. Submit to script_submissions@ atgr.org with “LOTE IX” in subject line or to Actors’ Theatre, LOTE IX, 143 Bostwick NE, Grand Rapids 49503. www.actorstheatregrandrapids. org.

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City Guide Feb 2-25 - “REHEARSAL FOR MURDER”: Master Arts Theatre presents a mystery about a playwright whose new play indicates he thinks his fiancé was murdered. 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sat. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St SW. $15 adults, $13 seniors and students (455-1001, www.master arts.org).

Feb 3-4 - “THE MAGIC FLUTE”: Opera Grand Rapids presents Mozart’s Egyptian story, with the Queen of the Night, ancient Greek gods, the Temple of Light, snake-killing ladies and the Wicked Sorcerer. 7:30 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $29-$94 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb 3-12 - “THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA”: GVSU Opera presents the story of a young American tourist in Italy in 1953 who falls in love with an Italian. 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. Louis Armstrong Theatre, PAC, GVSU Allendale Campus. $6-$14 (331-2300 or www.gvsu.edu/theatre).

Feb 4, 18 - RIVER CITY IMPROV: Calvin College alumni improv team weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions. 6:30 pm doors open, 7:33 pm show. Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd SE. $10 (at door or Calvin box office). www.rivercityimprov.com.

Feb 9-10 - “THAT TAKES OVARIES! BOLD WOMEN, BRAZEN ACTS”: Presented by GVSU. 7 pm. Feb 9, Kirkhof Center, Allendale campus. Feb 10, Wealthy St Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE. $15 adults, $10 students (331-2748).

Feb 10 - PEKING ACROBATS: Chinese troupe of tumblers, contortionists, jugglers, cyclists and gymnasts accompanied by musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments. 7:30 pm.

Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave SE. $28-$40 (box office, 493-8966 or Ticketmaster). www. fhfineartscenter.com.

Feb 10-12, 17-19 - “AMORE & MORE”: GR Ballet Company presents stories of human emotion in “Red Angels,” “The Envelope,” “Con Amore” and “The Flower Festival in Genzano.” 7:30 pm Fri and Sat, 2 pm Sun. Peter Martin Wege Theatre. $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 children (ballet box office or Ticketmaster). www.grballet.com.

Feb 19 - “GOOD VS EVIL: AN EVENING WITH ANTHONY BOURDAIN AND ERIC RIPERT”: Two chefs and unlikely friends share stories about food, including insight into what really goes on behind kitchen doors. 7 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $32.50-$125 (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb 19 - “SPENCER’S THEATRE OF ILLUSION”: Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents a show of illusions where people levitate, walk through walls, vanish and reappear. 4 pm. 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $25 adults, children 17 and under free. www.sc4a.org.

Feb 22-26 - “MARY POPPINS”: Broadway Grand Rapids presents the story and songs of an English nanny with a magical touch. 7:30 pm Tue-Thu, 8 pm Fri, 2 pm and 8 pm Sat, 1 pm and 6:30 pm Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $28-$62.50 (DeVos Place, Van Andel and BGR box offices or Ticketmaster). 6:30 pm Feb 26, Family Night, includes free children’s ticket with adult ticket, plus pre-show activities at 5 pm. www.broadway grandrapids.com.

Feb 24-25 - DANCE 38: A presentation by Hope College. 8 pm. Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children 18 and under.

Feb 24-Mar 18 - “BYE BYE BIRDIE”: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents a musical about a rock-and-roll singer in the 1950s who is about to go into the army. 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. 30 N Division Ave. $16-$30 adults, $16 students (box office or Star Tickets). www.grct.org.

Feb 29 - “POP GOES THE ROCK” BY CIRQUE DREAMS: Rock-and-roll musical with international cast of singers, dancers, acrobats and musicians. 7:30 pm. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave SE. $38-$50 (box office, 493-8966 or Ticketmaster). www.fhfineartscenter.com.

Museums & Attractions Feb - BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER: 143 acres of diverse ecosystems, trails, natural history exhibits, Heritage Buildings (log cabin, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse). Interpretive Center open 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, 735-6240, www.blandfordnaturecenter.org. Free.

Feb - CAPPON & SETTLERS HOUSE MUSEUMS: Restored Cappon House is the Italianate Victorian home of Holland’s first mayor, 228 W 9th St, Holland. Tiny Settlers House recalls hardships of early settlers, 190 W 9th St, Holland. For admission prices and hours, see Holland Museum. (616) 392-6740, www.hollandmuseum.org.

Feb - COOPERSVILLE FARM MUSEUM: Thru Mar, Dolls of Our Lives exhibit. Regular exhibits include tractors from 1930 to present, eclipse windmill, 100-year-old 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, 997-8555, www.coopersvillefarm museum.org.

Feb - DEGRAAF NATURE CENTER: 18-acre preserve includes Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch and more than 240 plant species. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 9 am-5 pm Tue-Fri, 10 am-5 pm Sat, closed Sun, Mon and holidays. 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, (616) 355-1057, www.degraaf.org. Free.

Feb - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: See Art for sculpture exhibits. Also see events in Lectures & Workshops and Kidstuff.

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, 11 am-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.

Feb - GERALD R. FORD MUSEUM: Permanent exhibits include The 1970s; Watergate scandal; White House Oval Office; New Mood at the White House. 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.fordlibrarymus eum.gov.

Feb - GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM: See Ethnic Heritage Festival in Special Events. Feb 11-May 6, Facing Mars ($4 plus general admission). 5-9 pm Feb 15-18, Mars Madness Nights include general and exhibition admission, dinner and planetarium show ($12, $6.50 members).

4-6 pm Feb 13, Facing Mars After-School Special/ Educator Preview Night, includes free general and exhibition admission and planetarium show

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City Guide: Clubs ’n’ Pubs

The Establishment Dave and Paul Reinhart have opened a trendy nightspot with a fresh new look and vibe in the space formerly known as Monte’s. by Alexandra Fluegel

C

hange can be a good thing. In the case of The Establishment, it’s a really good thing.

Located in the digs that previously housed late-night spot Monte’s, The Establishment has a new look and a distinctly different vibe.

Owners Dave and Paul Reinhart, whose holdings include Rockwell/Republic and O’Toole’s Public House, revamped the former nightclub, and the result is urban sophistication. The decor is a contemporary blend of intimate lighting and plush seating, and the refurbished brick and wood walls create a New York SoHo loft feel not often found in the Midwest.

The new interior has few traces of its previous life. The former dance floor has been transformed into a stage. Live music is offered most nights of the week, featuring everything from ’80s and ’90s cover bands to some of the best local acts Grand Rapids has to offer.

Cocktail tables have been replaced by pub-style pieces and rows of cozy booths, and the drink menu and specials were revamped to include a higherquality, eclectic range of options.

Thursdays are one of the best nights to visit, especially for females. All Establishment cocktails are half off, and the list offers such cleverly named options as Stephano, Big Star and Fionne. The Kings Milk is perfect for someone looking to try a drink that’s a bit out of the ordinary. A surprising combination of bourbon, Grand Marnier, Ricard Pastis (an anise-flavored liqueur), house-made grenadine, egg white, fresh lemon juice and nutmeg, this concoction is definitely not for the faint of flavor.

If artisan cocktails aren’t your thing, The Establishment also offers 26 craft beers on tap and a variety of brews from popular breweries in bottles, including Breckenridge, Short’s, Bell’s and

It has a fresh look and a new attitude, and is definitely worth stopping by to see what all the fuss is about.

Flying Dog. It’s an impressive inventory, adding this spot to the growing list of havens for craft beer enthusiasts.

While Monte’s was a popular place for those looking to blow off steam on the dance floor, The Establishment maintains the tradition of relaxation — sans strobe lights — and libations. It has a fresh look and a new attitude, and is definitely worth stopping by to see what all the fuss is about.

GR

The Establishment Location: 438 Bridge St. NW

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Hours: Closed Mondays; 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday-Friday; 8 p.m.-2 a.m. SaturdaySunday Contact: (616) 774.5969; TheEstablishmentGR.com, Twitter and Facebook Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday: $3 craft drafts, $3 Cosmopolitans, $5 wine pours.

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City Guide

Feb - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Thru Aug 5, Wish You Were Here: Selections from the Mike Van Ark Postcard Collection. Feb 24-Sep 2, Before the Festival: The Improbable Journey of Holland’s Favorite Flower. Cultural attractions from the “old country” and exhibits that explore local history. I Spy Adventure and kids activities in Mark’s Room.

10 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, children 5 and under free, members free. 31 W 10th St, Holland, (888) 200-9123, www. hollandmuseum.org.

Feb - KALAMAZOO VALLEY MUSEUM: Thru May 28, Disease Detectives. Feb 4-Jun 17, Remember Me: Civil War Portraits. Permanent exhibits include simulated mission to space, 2,300-yearold mummy and Science in Motion. See website for planetarium shows ($3) and 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.kalamazoomuseum.org. Free.

Feb - LAKESHORE MUSEUM CENTER: Exhibits include Coming to the Lakes; Michigan: From the Depths of Time; Habitats and Food Webs; Science Center; Voices of Muskegon. 9:30 am-4:30 pm Mon-Fri, noon-4 pm Sat-Sun. 430 W Clay, Muskegon, (231) 722-0278, www.muskegonmus eum.org. Free.

Feb - LOWELL AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits about Lowell history, and a Victorian parlor, dining room and porch. 1-4 pm Tue, Sat and

Hand-tied art i n fly fishing, an artificial, hand-tied “fly” is used to catch fish. but some of those man-made lures never touch the water. instead they’re mounted or framed and put on display — even transformed into holiday ornaments. they’re works of art. “some guys would never consider throwing a fly into the river,” said terry Walker, a member of the grand river Fly tyers, a local club sponsoring its 4th annual celebration of Fly tying Feb. 25 at the knights of columbus hall in Wyoming. “of course, there are many who do,” he added. the convention of 30 or so fly tyers attracts hundreds of people who want

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.

Feb - MEYER MAY HOUSE: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house 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, 246-4821, meyer mayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.

Feb - ROGER B. CHAFFEE PLANETARIUM: Stateof-the-art, Digistar-powered sky shows. Feb 1-10: 2 pm Sun-Sat and 7 pm Tue, “Discover Your Universe”; 6 pm Tue and 1 pm Sat-Sun, “Solar System Safari”; 3 pm Sat-Sun, “Under Starlit Skies.” Feb 11-29: 11 am and 2 pm Sun-Sat, 6 pm and 7 pm Tue, 1 pm Sat-Sun, “Our Bodies in Space”; 3 pm Sat-Sun, “Under Starlit Skies.” GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St NW. See website for prices. www.grmuseum.org.

Feb - TRI-CITIES HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Thru Feb 28, Bling: A History of Costume Jewelry.

Exhibits include train depot, Michigan Logging and Fur Trading. 9:30 am-5 pm Tue-Fri, 12:30-5 pm Sat and Sun. 200 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, 842-0700, www.tri-citiesmuseum.org.

Lectures & Workshops Feb - GRAND RIVER FOLK ARTS SOCIETY: Dance instruction events. 7:30 pm Feb 3, First Friday Dance, 5th St Hall, 701 5th St NW, $8 adults, $7 students/seniors, $6 members. 7 pm Feb 10, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, $5. 7 pm Feb 24, 4th Friday Contra Dance with music jams, 5th St Hall, 701 5th St NW, $6. www.grfolkarts. org.

to check out the art and the lore of the fisherman. “each fly tyer has a different recipe,” Walker said. “they use different types of fur and feathers and some use special hooks.”

Demonstrations by such experts as christopher soule, a grand rapids native who has won several international fly-tying championships, will be shown on 32-inch monitors. the artists also will be available to talk about their creations. cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12-17 and free for younger kids. For more information, visit www.grandriver flytyers.org. contact Walker at ixlox7@ hotmail.com or call (616) 204-1669.

Feb - GR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Programs include adult computer classes, reading clubs, Taste of Soul Sunday and kids activities (see Kidstuff).

Complete schedule at GRPL Main Library, 111 Library St NE or www.grpl.org. Free.

Feb - GR TANGO: Beginner and intermediate dance lessons 8-9:30 pm Thu, followed by free practice 9:30-10:30 pm. Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St SE, www.grtango.org. $12 drop-in.

Feb - KENT DISTRICT LIBRARIES: Programs include book discussions, computer classes, career transition workshops, Early Childhood Essentials and kids activities (see Kidstuff).

Complete schedule at www.kdl.org.

Feb - MEIJER GARDENS PROGRAMS: Noon Feb 10, Curator’s Choice with Joseph Becherer. 2 pm Feb 25, Gallery Walk with Julie Wallace, horse trainer and rider. See meijergardens.org.

Feb - PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES: 2 pm Feb 4, In-Studio Beginner Photography Class for Parents. 2 pm Feb 18, Improve Your Photography.

9 am Feb 18, Intro to Studio Lighting. Will Fields Photography, 1415 Plainfield Ave NE. $120 (7455497 or www.willfields.com).

Feb 3, 9, 25 - BOOK SIGNINGS: Literary Life Bookstore hosts several book signings. 7-8:30 pm Feb 3, “Aquinas College: The First 125 Years”

by Gary Eberle. 7-8:30 pm Feb 9, “I Wish I Were Engulfed in Flames: My Insane Life Raising Two Boys With Autism” by Jeni Decker. 2-4 pm Feb 25, “A Case of Hometown Blues” by W.S. Gager.

758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418, www.literarylife bookstore.com. Free.

Feb 9 - GREATER GRAND RAPIDS WOMEN’S HISTORY COUNCIL: “Jesse Buttrick Davis and ‘His Boys’: A History of the Early Grand Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce” by Nan Schichtel, GRCC. 7 pm. GR Ford Museum, 303 Pearl St NW. Free. www.ggrwhc.org.

Feb 9 - GREAT START PARENT COALITION: Kent County Coalition’s monthly meeting: A Father’s Presence. Free dinner and child care. RSVP: 6321007. 5:45-8 pm. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. www.greatstartkent.org.

Feb 10 - ART AND SCIENCE OF AGING CONFERENCE: GVSU’s seventh annual conference, “Navigating the Transitions of Later Life,” includes new approaches to research and practice presented by GVSU faculty and community professionals in health care, social services and aging services. 8:30 am-4:30 pm. GVSU Pew Campus, Grand Rapids. $20, $15 students and adults over 60. www.gvsu.edu/gerontology.

Feb 14 - TORCH CLUB: “The Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans” by Beth Gumina. 5:30 pm social hour and dinner, program to follow. Reservations required, guests welcome. University Club, 111 Lyon St NW. $28 (www.torchclubgr.org).

Feb 14 - WOMEN’S CITY CLUB: Valentine’s dinner and program “Shades of Blue” from GRCC. 5 pm social, 6 pm dinner, program to follow.

Reservations required. 254 E Fulton St. $35, $30 members (459-3321).

Feb 15 - GRCC DIVERSITY LECTURE SERIES: “Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am” by Jeff Johnson, author, journalist and social activist. 7 pm. Fountain St Church, 24 Fountain St NE. Free. www.grcc.edu/lecture.

Feb 16 - DYSLEXIA SEMINAR: New Chapter Learning offers info on thinking styles, learning differences and gifts of visual thinkers. 6:30

PhotograPhy courtesy terry Walker

for licensed educators. Thru Feb 29, All Dressed Up: 1950s Style. Thru Jun 11, Thank God for Michigan!: Stories from the Civil War. Permanent exhibits include Streets of Old Grand Rapids and 1928 carousel ($1). 9 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat, 9 am-8 pm Tue, noon-5 pm Sun. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 3-17. 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org.

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City Guide

New Year ~ New Menu Here’s a sampling of some of our new lunch & dinner items:

pm. Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave, Grandville. Registration: 534-1385. www.new chapterlearning.net. Free.

Feb 18, 20 - THEATRE AUDITIONS: Master Arts Theatre auditions for “Importance of Being Ernest.” 10 am Feb 18 and 6:30 pm Feb 20.

Show runs Apr 19-May 12. 75 77th St SW, www. masterarts.org.

Feb 21 - NOURISHING WAYS OF WEST MICHIGAN: “Foods with Culture.” 7-8:30 pm. St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N Division Ave, www.nouri shingways.org. Free.

Feb 25 - COUPON CLASSES BY KRISTIE: Learn how to save 40-60 percent on groceries with one or two hours of couponing. 10 am. Deanna’s Playhouse, 11172 Adams St, Holland. $15 in advance (396-7566), $20 at door.

DINNER

LUNCH ~ Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese ~ Hunters Melt ~ Greek Salad ~ Mad Hatter Burger

Stop in and try something new!

Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

Feb 25 - DANCEgr: Ballroom dance lesson (7-8 pm), followed by social dance (8-11 pm). Social Dance Studio, 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, www. dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both.

Buy one get one free.

Good for one free lunch or dinner entrée with the purchase of a second entrée of equal or greater value.

Dine in only.

Feb 27 - GR AUDUBON CLUB: “The Wonders of Woodpeckers” by Kristen Hintz, Ottawa County parks naturalist. 7 pm social, 7:30 pm program.

Orchard View Church, 2777 Leffingwell NE. Free. www.glsga.org/grac.

Sports Feb - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS: Grand Rapids’ American Hockey League team, primary affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Home games: Feb 3-4 vs Hamilton Bulldogs. Feb 10-11 vs Houston Aeros. Feb 12 vs San Antonio Rampage. Feb 18 vs Peoria Rivermen. Feb 22 vs Hamilton Bulldogs.

Feb 24 vs Lake Erie Monsters. Times vary. Van Andel Arena. $13-$30 (Van Andel box office, Meijer or Star Tickets). www.griffinshockey.com.

Feb - MUSKEGON LUGE AND SPORTS COMPLEX: Luge, cross-country skiing on lighted ski trails, ice-skating and snowshoeing. Feb 5, Michigan Winter Triathlon. Feb 10, Midwest Youth Luge Challenge/Winter Sportsfest. Feb 19, O’Donna Invitational. Muskegon State Park. www. msports.org.

Kidstuff Feb - ALL DAY WITH THE ARTS: GR Art Museum offers drop-in art-making activities in the Education Studio 10 am-3 pm every Sat. Feb theme: Think in Ink. Kid-friendly tours 11 am and 1 pm. 101 Monroe Center. Free with admission.

photography courtesy Terry Walker

Feb - GIRLS COUNT MATH CLUB: Mind Boggle offers a free drop-in math club to boost confidence and increase math skills. Math activities geared to girls in grades 3-6, but others welcome. 6-7 pm Mon. Wyoming Public Library, 3350 Michael Ave SW. www.mind-boggle.org.

Feb - GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Thru Apr 16, Open Wide, dentist exhibit.

Permanent activities include Aunt Daisy’s Farm; Light Table; Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles; Wee Discover; Mom and Pop Store; Giant Lite Brite; Amigo Amphitheater; and Buzzy Buzzy Bees.

Toddler Tue for ages 3 and under (10 am-noon).

Thu Family Nights (5-8 pm), $1.50. 9:30 am-8 pm Tue, Thu; 9:30 am-5 pm Wed, Fri-Sat; noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $7, under 1 free, $6 seniors. 22 Sheldon Ave NE, 235-4726, www.grcm.org.

Feb - GR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Literacy classes for babies, toddlers and kids include storytell-

~ Hot Crab Dip Appetizer ~ Seafood Portobello ~ Rack of Lamb ~ Vegetarian Ravioli

• Not valid on groups of 8 or more, or on banquet functions.

• Not valid with any other discount promotions or coupon offers.

• An 18% gratuity will be added to check before discount.

310 Pearl St. NW Grand Rapids | (616) 235-1342

• Complimentary parking when dining in restaurant.

• Offer expires February 29th, 2012

Something to Feel Good About!

Over 400 Exhibits and Seminars.

Open to the public Tickets at door or advance at Meijer

March 9-11, 2012 www.kohlerexpo.com

Featured Presenters

Ali Vincent Meet & Greet NBC’s First Female Winner “Biggest Loser” Champion “Believe It – Be It” Follow us on facebook

Jeffrey Zaslow Author Meet & Greet “The Magic Room,” Girls from Ames, The Last Lecture & The Gabrielle Giffords Story

Shari Steinbach, MS RD Meijer Healthy Living Manager Meijer Healthy Living Cooking Stage Easy Meals for Healthy Families

Elizabeth Ann Wertenberger Miss Michigan “Continue to Dream” Sponsored by Dr Pepper Snapple Group Sponsor:

February 2012 Grand Rapids 85

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City Guide ing, music, dramatic play and art activities. Also, Treats for Tweets. Complete schedule at any branch or www.grpl.org. Free.

Feb - GYMCO: Noon-2 pm Mon-Fri, Lunch Bunch.

Noon-1 pm Mon-Sat, Open Gym. See website for prices. Gymco Sports, 2360 Camelot Ridge Ct SE, 956-0586, www.gymco.com.

Feb - JAVA GYM: Children’s entertainment center with four levels of soft play, toddler area and party rooms; coffee and free wi-fi for parents. 9 am-5 pm Mon and Wed-Fri, 9 am-8 pm Tue and Sat, 10 am-5 pm Sun. 2211 East Beltline Ave NE (near Knapp), 361-9800, www.javagymgr.com. $7 ages 3 and up, $3 ages 2 and younger.

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

FREE

The Art of Window Dressing idea booklet with this ad

Follow-us at The Shade Shop

*Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for purchases made 1/16/2012 – 3/31/2012. A qualifying purchse is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specificed quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebate offers may not be combined. All rebates will be issued in U.S. dollars, in the form of an American Express ® Prepaid Reward Card. ©2011 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas, Inc.

26805

Feb - KENT DISTRICT LIBRARIES: Story times for young children, Lego Family Block Party, Teddy Bear Clinic and Project Sleuth: An Art History Mystery. Teen programs include Wii games and 6th Annual KDL Teen Film Festival. See www. kdl.org for complete schedule with dates and locations.

Feb - MEIJER GARDENS EVENTS: 10 am Tue thru Feb 21, Cozy Tales for Chilly Days, preschool story time (free with admission). 11 am-1 pm Sat thru Feb 18, Family Art Activities (free with admission). 6-7:30 pm Feb 6, Animal Adventures: Growing Up Wild, in collaboration with John Ball Zoo ($7, $5 members). 1-3 pm Feb 18, Winter Family Day includes snow painting, seed mosaics, parade, ice sculptor and stories (free with admission). 1:30 pm Feb 18, Book Talk: My Favorite Horse Books by Linda Gidley (for 10-12 year olds, free with admission). www.meijergardens.org.

Feb - STORY TIME WITH A TWIST: Caledonia Dance Center hosts a free storytime with music, dance, rhymes, instruments and finger play. 9:3010 am Mon. 131½ E Main St, Caledonia, 891-1606, www.caledoniadancecenter.com.

Feb 1 - EGR DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE: Girls bring favorite father figure to a semi-formal dance that includes a crazy tie contest. 6:30-8:30 pm.

EGR Middle School, 2425 Lake Dr. $36/resident couple, $46/nonresident couple (949-1750).

Feb 1 - OPERATUNITY: St Cecilia Music Center offers middle and high school students and home school families an exploration of themes, characters and music in Opera Grand Rapids’ productions. Reservations: 459-2224. 6-8 pm. $10 per person per opera, includes pizza dinner and opera talk at St Cecilia Music Center, and dress rehearsal at DeVos Performance Hall.

Feb 3 - ROCKFORD DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE: Semi-formal gala is 6:30-8 pm at East Rockford Middle School and Rockford High School. Tickets TBD (863-6322).

Feb 3-4 - “SNOW WHITE”: Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company presents the classic tale. 7:30 pm Fri, 2 pm Sat. Peter Martin Wege Theatre. $12 adults, $10 seniors, $8 children (ballet box office or Ticketmaster). www.grballet.com.

Feb 3, 17, 20 - HOPE COLLEGE VISIT DAYS: Prospective college students and families can tour campus, attend classes; complimentary lunch in dining hall. Pre-registration requested (616-395-7850 or www.hope.edu/admissions/ visit). Begins 8:30 am. Maas Conference Center, 11th St and Columbia Ave, Holland. Free.

Feb 4 - FIRST SATURDAY FOR KIDS: Literary Life Bookstore hosts a story time. 11 am. 758 Wealthy St SE, 458-8418, www.literarylifebookstore.com.

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City Guide Feb 4 - MUSIC IN PICTURES; PICTURES IN MUSIC: Calvin College Community Symphony presents a 45-minute concert with projected images, plus an instrument “petting zoo,” music learning stations and instrument-building stations. 10:30 am. Calvin FAC. Free.

Feb 4-5 - “ROMEO AND JULIET”: Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble presents a condensed version of the classic ballet. 11 am and 3 pm Sat, 3 pm Sun. St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE. $12 adults, $8 children and students (4643682 or www.careballet.org).

Feb 7-8 - “THE COLOR OF JUSTICE”: Circle Theatre presents the story of a young black girl and a prominent lawyer and their battle for equal rights. For kids in grades 3-9. 10 am and 1 pm Feb 7 at Grandville High School. 10 am and 12:30 pm Feb 8 at Aquinas College PAC. $5 (456-6656, www.circletheatre.org).

Feb 9-10 - “HONEST ABE: A CHARACTER YOU CAN COUNT ON”: Circle Theatre presents the story of young Abe as he overcomes adversity every step of the way to becoming the 16th U.S. president. For kids in grades K-5. 10 am and 12:30 pm. Gerald R Ford Museum. $5 (456-6656, www. circletheatre.org).

Feb 11 - FEED THE BIRDS: MAKE A BIRD FEEDER: Ada Township Parks presents a family program.

10 am-noon. Ada Township Park Learning Center, 1180 Buttrick Ave. $10/feeder (676-0520).

Feb 11 - SNOWBIRD SAFARI: Business Alliance for Families hosts free activities and games for kids, plus Rick the Reptile Guy with many of his friends. 10:30 am-noon. Breton Village Mall.

942-9887.

Feb 13 - HOLLAND DAD AND DAUGHTER DANCE: Holland hosts a sweetheart swirl Valentine party for girls in kindergarten thru sixth grade and their male chaperones (dads, grandpas, uncles, brothers). Pre-registration encouraged: (616) 3551130. 6:30-8:30 pm. Holland Civic Center, 150 W 8th St. $22 resident couple, $25 nonresident couple, $7 additional guests.

Feb 15-16 - BUILD A BIRD FEEDER: Ada Township Parks Discovery Days holds a class for preschoolers and parents. 10 am-noon. Ada Township Park, 1180 Buttrick Ave. $5/child (676-0520).

Feb 16-17 - “RAMONA QUIMBY”: Circle Theatre presents the story of an exasperating but lovable third grader. For kids in grades 1-5. 10 am and 1 pm Feb 16 at Grandville High School. 10 am and 12:30 pm at East Grand Rapids PAC. $5 (4566656, www.circletheatre.org).

Feb 17 - ROCKFORD MARVEL-OUS MOTHER SON DANCE: Theme is Super Heroes Unite.

Sons dress as their favorite alter ego or super hero (costumes not required). 6:30-8 pm. East Rockford Middle School. www.therockfordnet work.com.

Feb 17 - WYOMING DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE: Wyoming Parks and Rec presents dancing, refreshments and special memories for young ladies and their favorite father figure. Preregistration required: 530-3164. 6:30-8:30 pm.

La Hacienda Banquet Hall, 1548 28th St. $13 resident couple, $19.50 nonresident couple.

Feb 19 - CHILDREN’S CONCERT: Presented by First United Methodist Church. 3 pm. 227 E Fulton St. www.grandrapidsfumc.org. Free.

Feb 20, 22, 24 - ENGINEERING WEEK 2012: Grand Rapids Public Museum, in partnership

with Western Chapter of Michigan Society of Professional Engineers and Western Michigan Branch of American Society of Civil Engineers offers Thinking Big and Building Small: Engineering Made Fun for kids in grades 3-7.

Kids can explore hands-on engineering activities such as robotics and electronics, bridge design concepts, road and pavement design, etc.

Reservations required. 9 am-3:30 pm. 272 Pearl St NW. $5 includes general admission (929-1754) Feb 26 - “DISNEY LIVE! THREE CLASSIC FAIRYTALES”: Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy bring the adventures of “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to the stage. 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Van Andel Arena. $18-$43 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb 26 - “WACKY, WAY OUT INSTRUMENTS”: GR Symphony presents a one-hour concert at 3 pm for kids 8-13, plus a pre-concert instrument “petting zoo” at 2 pm. Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. $15 adults, $9 children (box office; 4549451, ext. 4; or Ticketmaster). www.grsymphony. org.

Thru Feb 29 - AMERICAN GIRL PARTY REGISTRATION: Home School Building Bookstore and Library hosts an American Girl party for moms and daughters (6 and older) with crafts, historyfocused games, snacks and a doll parade. Party is 6:30-8 pm Mar 13, Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave SW, Wyoming. Registration: $5 per child (532-9422, ext 6, or resourcecenter@ homeschoolbuilding.org).

Calendar Legend COMMONLY REQUESTED VENUE AND TICKET OUTLET INFORMATION FOLLOWS.

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 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), 2 W. Fulton St., 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

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CHINESE RESTAURANT / Mandarin / Hunan / Szechwan Special OccaSiOn catering available

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(Breton Meadows Mall)

281-0681

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575-9088

3509 Alpine Ave. NW (Highpoint Center)

784-1616

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ENJOY A LATTE and in-store consultations, our compliments.

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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

Calendar items must be submitted two months prior to the magazine issue date. Please send submissions for the April calendar no later than Feb. 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.

Home of the Design Cafe

Located in Downtown Grandville 4187 Chicago Drive, Grandville, MI 616-531-7576 | www.alexisdesigns.net FEBRUARY 2012 GRAND RAPIDS 87

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24th Annual

TM

DeVos Place, Downtown Grand Rapids

February 10-12, 2012

Golf in February!

(Better than a day at the beach)

Are you dreaming of early mornings on perfectly groomed fairways, that perfect shot into the green? Is this going to be the year that you finally...? Don’t wait for the snow to melt — golf season opens at the West Michigan Golf Show! The excitement and promise of a Saturday morning foursome hits West Michigan this February.

Make your plans for that perfect golf vacation at resorts and courses around the U.S. and Michigan. Gear up with new equipment from huge retail displays. Brush the dust off your game with free golf lessons, enter driving, chipping and putting contests and try this year’s new clubs at the demonstration hitting area.

FREE Sleeve of Golf Balls with Internet Express ticket purchase at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com!

Use the promo code “GRMag” for $2 Off your online ticket!

FREE round of golf at TREETOPS with your paid admission! Just stop by the

Treetops Par 3 Challenge to register for your certificate!

• TREETOPS PAR 3 CHALLENGE • EXPERT SEMINARS • EQUIPMENT • COURSES & RESORTS SHOW HOURS Friday Feb. 10 4pm-9pm Saturday Feb. 11 10am-7pm Sunday Feb. 12 10am-5pm

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• SKILL CHALLENGES • FREE LESSONS, CLINICS • LADIES NIGHT - FRIDAY Gift Bags, Special Clinics, Doorprizes!

Golf Show Swee thear t Packa ge Special rates for hotel, dining and show tickets!

Grab a few golf balls, swing a few clubs and plan for your best golf season ever!

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City Guide: Hot Shots

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Rasing money for kids, families The Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet Company and Opera Grand Rapids shared the stage Nov. 30 at the Masonic Temple as part of Music From the Heart, raising more than $60,000 to benefit Dwelling Place, the nonprofit organization that creates affordable housing and support services for low-income families and serves as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.

1. Jim and Katie Karczewski The 3rd Annual Design 1 Fashion Event 2. Ben and Katie Knoester, — “A Journey Around the World” — raised Tom and Stacy Kuiper more than $25,000 for Helen DeVos Chil3. Jason Paulateer and dren’s Hospital. The Dec. 13 event at the JW Renne Williams Marriott featured fashions from A.K. Rikk’s 4. John Endres, Blair and and hair styles influenced by five internaDenise Dame tional cities. Makeup was provided by Aura 5. Sue Pellizzon and Skin Care & Cosmetics for models from The Jennifer Thompson Matthew Agency. The show opened with kids 6. Anna and Graham Walt from DeVos Children’s Hospital modeling clothes from K Bella Bambino. Throughout 7. Jessica and Jim Murray, Wayne and Marcia Visbeen, the evening, performers from the Daredevil Jefferey Roberts, Stacey Circus entertained guests.

McKellar

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Photography by michael buck

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A Match Made In Heaven!

Leo’s Surf and Turf Mouthwatering Maine Lobster Tail & Premium Black Angus Filet Mignon Pristine seafood and the highest quality beef, lamb and poultry – whether paired up or on their own, Leo’s offers irresistible entrées you’re sure to love.

“Restaurant of the Year”

Leo’s gift certificates available online at leosrestaurant.com

Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 “Dining Awards”

60 Ottawa NW

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Downtown Grand Rapids

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616.454.6700

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www.leosrestaurant.com

1/6/12 10:23 AM

637 Leonard NW Just West of US 131 Grand Rapids • 616.454.4439

www.nwhomefurnishings.com

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