February 2013 - GRM

CELEBRATING CITY LIFE

www.grmag.com

FUN (yes, fun!)

FITNESS IDEAS

*

HOLISTIC HEALING CO-WORKING SPACES SPARK CREATIVITY MEANDER THROUGH MIDTOWN TWO PLATE: GILLY’S AND BOSTWICK LAKE INN

Mixology’s Kellie Rowland, pg. 16

Love in the city

Romantic bedrooms / a DIY French feast / dancing lessons / local Valentine’s cards / gourmet goodies / 4 great dates

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Grand Opening Gorman’s is proud to announce the GRAND OPENING of Thomasville Furniture. Now available only at our Grand Rapids Showcase, 28th Street at Breton.

Now you can experience the fashion, the quality and value that is the heritage of Thomasville, and see it in beautiful lifestyle presentations available only at Gorman’s.

Adding Thomasville to Gorman’s 100 Brands means you only have to go to one place to see it all. Gorman’s in Grand Rapids, 28th Street at Breton.

Gorman’s unquestionably has Western Michigan’s best selection of quality home furnishings both traditional and contemporary.

Experience Thomasville at Gorman’s today.

Harden During our

Beautiful Homes Begin At Home Furnishings & interior design

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Style

PURE

Winter Sale 1/4/13 2:28 PM

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Contents

FEBRUARY 2013 / Vol. 50 / No. 2

54 FeAtUreS 54 / Fitness fanatics From booty slapping to ab crunches to mountain biking, exercise in Grand rapids takes many forms.

BY terrI FInch hAMILtOn

58 / Complementary medicine: healing more than symptoms many of these therapies — including acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, hypnotherapy, chinese herbs and naturopathic medicine — have been around for centuries.

BY Ann BYLe

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contents February 2013 / Vol. 50 / No. 2

departments back & forth 10 / From the Editor

44 / Frame Works: Two Beards Deli

11 / Letters, social media and more

Food & Drink 62 / Dining Review: Leo’s

12 / Contributors

64 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan

Life & style 14 / Noteworthy items include I Love Bread and Butter; ceramics at K Studio; cool services for readers at Kent District Libraries; Valentine flowers and Everidae Sauce.

15 / Sydney’s Boutique in Eastown 16 / My Stuff: Mixologist Kellie Rowland’s cocktails 18 / Living Local: Romantic dates

72 / Local cupcakeries 76 / Top Shelf: Trappist Chimays 80 / Chef Profile: Jason Leek at Radix Tavern 84 / HeFedSheFed: French feast

84

Gourmet foodies Juliet and Jeremy Johnson keep it simple yet elegant on Valentine’s Day with a home-cooked, French feast.

20 / Getting in shape for the River Bank Run

Near & far 90 / Midtown neighborhood Out & about 94 / February highlights

21 / Merrell Trail for cyclists

95 / Calendar

22 / Dancing in the aisles

14

23 / Reading Room: Patricia Clark

96 / Nightclub & comedy venue listings and highlights 100 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights

24 / Fashion Forward: 50 shades of red

102 / Snapshots

Art & Design 26 / Gallery Profile: Gaspard Gallery 28 / Art gallery listings and highlights

88 / Grand Vine: California wine touring

26

128 / Afterthoughts: Jenn Schaub

94

30 / Art Talk: Hanneke Beaumont’s No. 25 & 26 32 / Justagirl: Handmade gifts 34 / Valentine’s Day cards 36 / Car customizer Joel Kowalski 38 / At Home: Romantic bedrooms

On the cover: Kellie Rowland, senior mixologist at JW Marriott’s Mixology lounge.

Photography by Michael Buck

41 / The end of the office?

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Best of 2011-12 Readers Poll

Dr. Crete’s patient before treatment.

We strive to be the practice that sets the standards for excellence in comprehensive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care in the Grand Rapids area.

Let us help you achieve and maintain optimum oral health for each day of the rest of your life with the latest in dental technology.

Voted Best Dentist with Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2011-2012 Readers Poll.

3514 Rivertown Point CT, SW, Grandville, MI

616-534-0135 | www.rivertowndental.com

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Dr. Mike Crete

1/8/13 9:59 AM

Our investment in West Michigan goes well beyond exceptional care.

At Spectrum Health, our commitment to the communities we serve is impacting lives in ways people don’t always see. As a not-for-profit health system rooted in West Michigan, we invest in improving patient care, building and renovating facilities, providing health education and funding programs that proactively address disease and illness. All told, our efforts have brought hundreds of millions of dollars into our communities. To see the full value of a health system creating greater possibilities, visit spectrumhealth.org/csr.

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Community Benefit Community Engagement

9+

Education Employee Engagement Healthier Communities Innovation Regional Relationships Research Sustainability

Ways we are creating greater value

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back & forth CoNNECT WITH US

Grand rapids: a point of pride

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

I

I CoUlD NoT HAVE predicted when we first began to publish a monthly “beer column” in the New Millennium that Grand Rapids would become known far and wide as Beer City USA. The column idea was the brainchild of Community Media Center founder and longtime executive director Dirk Koning, a home brewer. After his death in 2005, another home brewer — and Dirk’s good friend — took readers experimenting in the Fresh Hops column. Now Jon Koeze is expanding his scope, including spirits as well as beer in his Top Shelf column.

Another bit of news that traveled across the globe at year-end, via sister publication Grand Rapids Business Journal and its social media stream, was the announcement that this city

has been selected to host the American Homebrewers Association National Homebrewers Conference in June 2014.

Koeze wrote in the Grand Rapids Magazine “Beer City” issue (November): “To know why Grand Rapids is Beer City USA is to know the breweries, the beers and the people of Grand Rapids.”

It seems particularly appropriate to make note of his words this month, as Experience Grand Rapids and the city host the inaugural Cool Brews Hot Eats event beginning Feb. 18, matching brews to food at restaurants throughout the metro region for two weeks.

Good thing: The eighth annual Winter Beer Fest, to be held Feb. 23 at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, sold out within 13 hours of tickets going on sale, even before the dawn of the New Year.

One could also use Koeze’s quote as a reflection of the city, period. Grand Rapids Magazine began publishing a new neighborhood series, Near and Far, last summer. Standing back to appreciate the characteristics of every corner of the city is inspiring. This month, readers are invited to tour Midtown and some of its popular local businesses.

While these are the places that give the city its unique flavor, it is the residents who make us proud. The Midtown Neighborhood Association, like others in the city, has worked together to contribute to Grand Rapids’ “sense of place.” It is a point of pride for all of us.

The local observation often heard here is that those living in the metro area are never much more than 15 minutes away from the action and attractions. And you’re never far away from people who make a difference.

Heart GR.

PHoToGraPHY BY aDam BIrD

carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

10 GraND raPIDS \ FEBRUARY 2013

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lAST MoNTH’S oNlINE QUESTIoN:

How do you stay fit when it’s cold outside?

“No cookies, pastries, pie or sugar ever. Go for the veggies, nuts and cheese. There are usually plenty around.”

— Frank Van Haven (Facebook)

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PHoToGraPHY BY JoHNNY QUIrIN

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FEBRUARY 2013 / GrmaG.com 11

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contributors BEHIND THE ScENES 2/

Custom Cabinets 1/

3/

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

Factory & Showroom 665 Construction Ct. Zeeland, MI

1/ TERRI FINCH HAMIlToN, a freelance writer and former reporter at The Grand Rapids Press, says she was wowed by the fitness fans she interviewed for a feature on how Grand Rapids stays fit (p. 54). “I was at the Belmont YMCA with a horde of exercisers at 5 a.m. when the doors opened. This is not likely to ever happen again.”

Terri lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and two sons.

2/ ABBY HEUGEl is an editor and writer of national trade publications. For enjoyment, she is a blogger at Abby Has Issues where she “runs mental marathons in yoga pants, eats things from the ground and documents her brilliant insights.” She also selfpublished a book of the same name, donating all profits to charity. She forced herself to sample cupcakes for “Sweets for your sweetie” on p. 72.

3/ JIM GEBBEN enjoys telling stories and illustrating ideas through photography. When he’s not working, he is busy organizing, participating in and showing his work at events. He likes to explore the wonder and natural beauty of Northern Michigan with his family and four dogs.

Gebben is known for his miniature photographic work of small wooden people, miniature gnomes and Matchbox cars.

THIS MoNTH’S oNlINE QUESTIoN:

What would your ideal day-trip look like?

We want to know what you like to do and where you like to go.

Respond at facebook.com/grmag.

616.956.3070 woodwayscustom.com

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

Letters may be edited for reaFollow us Visit us Like us on @grmagazine grmag.com sons of space and clarity.

Facebook

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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com

info@grmag.com

PUBlISHER: John H. Zwarensteyn

eDitoriaL EDIToR: Carole Valade MANAGING EDIToR: Marty Primeau CoPY EDIToR: Donna Ferraro CoNTRIBUTING EDIToRS: Joseph A. Becherer, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Elissa Hillary, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze CoNTRIBUTING WRITERS: Julie Burch, Chris Carey, Alexandra Fluegel, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson, Daina Kraai, Tricia van Zelst EDIToRIAl INTERN: Emma Higgins DESIGN PANEl: Joseph A. Becherer, John Berry, Kevin Budelmann, Jim Caughman, Timothy Chester, Sam Cummings, Oliver Evans, James Ludwig, Ray Kennedy, Henry Matthews, Wayne Norlin, Wayne Visbeen Design & ProDuction NEW MEDIA, DESIGN & PRoDUCTIoN MANAGER:

Scott Sommerfeld

ASSISTANT DESIGN & PRoDUCTIoN MANAGER:

Chris Pastotnik

ART CooRDINAToR: Kelly J. Nugent DESIGNERS/PRoDUCTIoN ASSISTANTS:

Melissa Brooks, Kristen Van Oostenbrugge, Robin Vargo CoNTRIBUTING PHoToGRAPHERS:

Adam Bird, Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Johnny Quirin saLes GENERAl SAlES MANAGER:

Randy D. Prichard

ADVERTISING SAlES CoNSUlTANTS:

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

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circuLation & Marketing CIRCUlATIoN & MARKETING MANAGER:

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To oRDER SUBSCRIPTIoNS: (616) 459-4545 To CHANGE ADDRESS: subscribe@geminipub.com

finance & aDMinistration FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIoN MANAGER:

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(616) 459-4545

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

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

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

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

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life & style PEoPLE / trEnDS / booKS / FaShion / FitnESS

noteworthy

inTERESTing TidBiTS WE THoUgHT YoU SHoULd KnoW

EVERYDAY PEOPLE Fans of Shelly Klein’s whimsical pillows and wall art will be thrilled to discover her new line of ceramics. The Grand Rapids artist — who opened K Studio with her mom, Mary, in 2004 — now offers white porcelain plates and mugs decorated with her charming characters.

Classy callas

dog mug set.

Visit kstudio home.com.

ADD A LITTLE HEAT Dominic Sorenson’s Everidae Sauce is a multipurpose, multidimensional sauce that “brings sweet and spicy together in a whole new way.” Made with fresh, all-natural ingredients, the sauce is available at 100 Meijer stores as part of the “Buy Michigan” initiative. Sorenson, who calls his premium pepper business Scoville Farms (a nod to measurement of heat in peppers), says the sauce goes great with everything. Check out recipes on his Facebook page.

A new twist to your PB&J We know him as the Composting Guy, but Ken Freestone is showing his prowess in the kitchen. Last year, the environmental consultant launched I Love Bread and Butter, selling his artisan breads and spicy peanut butter online and in select stores. His secret ingredient? Orange habanero chili peppers. Try some at Tree Huggers on Wealthy Street or order online at ilovebreadandbutter.com.

Looking for a good book?

Kent District Library offers a Personalized Picks service.

Just fill out a form of your reading tastes and a KDL librarian will reply with a customized book list. KDL also offers What’s Next, a database that allows readers to search by author and title, series title or even main character to see a list of every book in the series.

Check it out at kdl.org under the Books & More tab.

PhotograPhy by johnny quirin (bottom cEntEr); courtESy iStocKPhoto.com (toP LEFt); K StuDio (toP cEntEr); charLES anDErSon (miDDLE); iStocKPhoto.com ((miDDLE right)

A red rose isn’t the only way to say “I love you.”

Bokay by Eastern Floral has a variety of sophisticated floral gifts for your Valentine. “Calla lilies make such a pretty presentation and come in a wide range of colors,” said manager Cherie Jaworowicz.

Other choices include miniature orchids, red and white tulips, and such flowering tropical plants as bromeliads and kalanchoes. 40 Monroe Center NW inside MoDiv.

We’re partial to the cute wiener

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On-the-go fashion

PhotograPhy by jim gEbbEn

PhotograPhy by johnny quirin (bottom cEntEr); courtESy iStocKPhoto.com (toP LEFt); K StuDio (toP cEntEr); charLES anDErSon (miDDLE); iStocKPhoto.com ((miDDLE right)

Women’s lives are busier than ever and demand a wardrobe as versatile as they are. Enter Sydney’s Boutique, a shop that specializes in dressing girls on-the-go.

Store owner Kristian Grant said women usually try to fit into clothes — literally and figuratively — and that shouldn’t be the case.

“At Sydney’s, we carry pieces that fit into your lifestyle,” said Grant, who moved her business to 1479 Lake Drive SE in Eastown in June 2012.

Sydney’s, named after Grant’s daughter, specializes in essential items that blend effortlessly into a woman’s day while accentuating her personal style. “We have lots of classic pieces that have a spin — a personality.”

This translates into an inventory full of basic items such as blazers and blouses mixed in with must-have dresses perfect for happy hour. Grant handpicks all of the store’s inventory, working with vendors from New York and Los Angeles, and said she looks for items that women on the go are able to move about in throughout the day. “Everyone is always on their way somewhere,” she said.

Grant knows a thing or two about the importance of a wardrobe that fits a busy lifestyle.

The 25-year-old entrepreneur said the catalyst for opening the boutique was putting together fashion shows for Radiating Excellence in All Areas of Life, a nonprofit she founded while a student at Michigan State University.

“That was my first introduction to fashion, other than dressing myself,” she said.

After the success of the yearly events, Grant discovered a love for dressing others that had been incubating since she was a child.

“I would daydream about one day owning my own special place,” she wrote on the store’s website.

She received the boost she needed from LINC Community Revitalization Inc.’s business incubator program, which she graduated from last summer. Grant opened Sydney’s original location in October 2011 in one of the organization’s retail spaces and said she gained the business knowledge that has been integral to the boutique’s success.

She keeps up with trends and in touch with local fashionistas through a strong online presence that includes a store, a weekly style blog and social media outlets. She said she plans to continue expanding the store’s inventory and will soon begin carrying more shoes as well as new items from Jessica Simpson and BCBG. Visit Sydney’s online at SydneysBoutiqueGR.com and @Syd neysGR. — ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL

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life & style PEoPLE / trEnDS / booKS / FaShion / FitnESS

RECiPES: THE PARTRidgE Gently press five sage leaves into the bottom of a Collins glass with a muddler (a bartender’s tool used like a pestle to mash fruits, herbs and spices in the bottom of a glass to release their flavor).

Add ice and: 2 ounces Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka 1 ounce St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur 2 ounces white cranberry juice ½ ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice Stir and garnish with lemon wedge.

Fig nEWTon Wet rim of martini glass with orange wedge and roll in graham cracker crumbs.

In a shaker add: 2 ounces Courvoisier cognac 2 ounces molasses simple syrup ½ ounce plum sake Shake until chilled and pour into martini glass.

CHERRY CoRdiAL 1 ounce Grey Goose Cherry Noir 1 ounce Godiva Dark Chocolate liqueur 1 ounce crème de cocoa 1 ounce cream Nutmeg Christian Brother’s Brandyinfused cherries Build over ice in a short glass and garnish with nutmeg and two cherries.

mY STUFF

K

ellie rowland didn’t want to sit at a desk all day. armed with a degree in communications and merchandising from Western michigan university, she opted to mix drinks instead.

Four years later, she’s senior mixologist at jW marriott’s mixology lounge. and apparently, rowland knows her liquor: her Lavender rose Sangria was one of three winners in marriott internation-

al’s cocktail global contest.

Experience grand rapids and the Kent county Lodging association awarded her the 2012 WaVE for nightlife, an honor given to outstanding service providers in the hospitality industry. and she was nominated for a Stars of the industry award given annually by the michigan Lodging & tourism association. Winners will be announced next month. “mixing drinks is the fun aspect of

being behind the bar,” said rowland.

“We change the menu every three months, and the jW allows us to create new drinks from scratch.” tequila is her go-to liquor, adding fresh-squeezed juices and simple syrups made in-house.

So what does she like to drink? “honestly,” she chuckled, “i’m more of a wine drinker.”

— MARTY PRIMEAU

PhotograPhy by michaEL bucK

A dash of this, a splash of that and voilà!

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PhotograPhy by michaEL bucK

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living local

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

gET TogETHER in THE KiTCHEn: > Fondue 6:30 p.m. Feb 4 at Uptown Kitchen, 423 Norwood SE Kate Leeder, cheesemonger at Art of the Table, teaches a fondue class, including all the many cheese options (plus a little chocolate fondue for dessert!).

Reserve a spot by calling the store at 301-1885.

> Cooking with your Valentine 6-9 p.m. Feb. 9 and 14 at Kissing Rock Kitchens, 2750 Kissing Rock Ave., Lowell Township Put on your aprons and work as a team to prepare a Valentine’s dinner. You’ll be greeted with appetizers to enjoy while preparing a dinner of Pecan Crusted Chicken with Frangelico Cream Sauce, Spinach Pecan Salad, Asparagus Tarts and, for dessert, Millefeuille and Whoopee Pies. Bringing your own adult beverage is permitted. For reservations and wine suggestions, call 987-9597.

Locally inspired romance ALTHoUgH iT’S THE shortest month of the year, February sometimes seems like the longest to me.

It’s that frosty time in Michigan, perfect for curling up next to a fire and reading a good book.

It is also time to start cooking up plans for a Valentine’s date — whether that takes place Feb. 14 or another time during the month. What better way to show your love for your sweetheart (and community) than by dreaming up a one-of-akind, locally inspired date?

Here are a few suggestions to get your wheels turning: Antiquing adventure: My favorite kind of treasure hunt! Head over to the 900 block of East Fulton Street and start your search at Bluedoor Antiques. The owners carry a wide array of art deco items for your home and your person. Don’t forget to checkout the neighbors: City Antiques and East Fulton Art & Antiques. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Little Africa, a vegetarian Ethiopian restaurant, or a cup of coffee at Van’s Pastry (check out the cookie jar collection!). dinner and a show: Enliven your senses with a meal at Grove. With a focus on fresh, local, sustainable ingredients, Grove offers a culinary experience that is hard to beat. Partake in the “three courses for $30” offer and make dining your main event. Or, if you’d like to extend your date, check

out an independent flick at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, or catch some live theater at the Lake Effect Fringe Festival at Dog Story Theatre.

Learn together: Do you enjoy cooking? Make memories by taking a cooking class together at Kissing Rock Kitchens or at Uptown Kitchen. Last February, my husband and I signed up for a class led by one of the chefs at Amway Grand Plaza.

Now, each time we prepare candied pecans, we reminisce about the fun we had learning to make them.

Just relax: If you’re ready to simply hide away, check out one of our independent hotels or bed and breakfasts. Amway Grand Plaza, City Flats, Leonard at Logan and Peaches Bed & Breakfast all offer relaxing accommodations that will let you unwind. And, if you decide to venture out, you’ll be surrounded by an array of local restaurants within walking distance. Stroll over to Leo’s for some fresh seafood or pop into Reserve for a glass of wine.

At the core, thinking Local First is about relationships — between people, businesses and this place we call home. As you decide how to celebrate your special relationships, remember to let your favorite local businesses help you along the — ELISSA HILLARY way.

PhotograPhy by johnny quirin

> Folk Medicine Making 101 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 9 at Uptown Kitchen, 423 Norwood SE Join Herbalist Lisa Rose Starner of Burdock & Rose for an allday herb class on apothecary basics. Prepare infusions, decoctions, syrups, herbal honeys, herbal oils and herbal salves and leave with a smattering of fun samples. Visit uptownkitchengr.com or call 776-2655 for more info.

Cygnus 27

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Photography by johnny quirin

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

Emily Bernath’s notes...

Dana Blinder’s says...

I used to hate run-

I am at my happiest when I have a fresh blister

ning. As a soccer player

or two.

throughout high school, mid-fielder was my least

I’d been a long-time casual runner until about

favorite position because it

two years ago, when a

required the most aerobic

summer of 5Ks turned into

stress. I never ran track

a slow but steady six-mile

or cross-country. It wasn’t

performance on a marathon

until my college years

relay team. If I could get to

when running became my

six, I wondered if I could get

passion.

At that point in my life,

to 13. Mid-wonder, I signed

I was entering junior year

up for a half-marathon.

at Saint Mary’s College. I

I could lie and say the four months of training

was met with unmatched

was a beautiful journey,

stress. Running quickly

but it wasn’t. Some days

became an escape, my

I’d start my run still sore

stress reliever. It was the

from the day before; some-

one thing I could control.

I’ve always been small,

rain would put a damper in my training plans. Some days I’d put on my running gear just to fall back on the couch and spoon into a carton of ice cream.

But other times I’d shock myself by pushing through a hard run, watching my pace improve.

After a racing hiatus since my first half marathon last April, I’m feeling ready to tackle a long-distance race again. This will be my first River Bank Run, and longest race yet. My goal is to keep a steady pace and finish strong — in other words, to be the tortoise, not the hare.

And they’re off!

Two GR Magazine staffers begin to train for the Fifth Third River Bank Run. Follow their progress at facebook.com/grmag.

What’s more fun than running through the streets of downtown Grand Rapids? Doing it with 21,000 other runners.

This will be the 36th year the Fifth Third River Bank Run shuts down the streets for the mid-May 5K, 10K and 25K races. Fear not readers who have been more diligent about holiday snacking than working out: There’s still hope “February is actually great timing to start training for the 5K and 10K,” said race director Kristin Aidif. “Pick up a training guide at any Fifth Third Banking Center, West Michigan YMCA or Gazelle Sports location.”

Though the race isn’t new, several aspects of it are.

“New this year is our app, which provides access to training schedules and events, contains a mile tracker feature and offers up a free song of the week for training,” Aidif said.

And if you need a little extra motivation to get moving, her team has you covered.

“We have free training clinics the first Saturday of each month at the David D. Hunting YMCA starting at 7:15 a.m. and plenty of — DANA BLINDER other options to make training more social.”

so weight loss has never been my goal. Running is my outlet, my sanity-minder, always will be.

I get up early — 5 a.m. early — and hit the pavement. If I do not, my day is hindered and my general persona is a little crabby.

This will be my second River Bank Run pursuit.

Last year, I ran the race in 2:55:24. Though I tell myself it isn’t about speed, I can’t help but get down on myself for this slow pace!

My goal for this year is to begin training at the proper time (not a month prior) and to set a PR of 2:25:59 — 30 minutes quicker.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

times stomach aches or

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PhotograPhy by johnny quirin

PhotograPhy by johnny quirin

Merrell Trail: a rollercoaster ride In 2010, Grand Rapids was voted Best Town for Mountain Biking by adventure travel magazine Outside. Since then, Kent County has upped its game.

Rockford’s new Merrell Trail — named after Rockford-based Wolverine Worldwide’s popular shoe brand — is the first of its kind in Michigan. Six miles of rugged biking trails vary in difficulty, appealing to all levels of cyclists.

“I’ve been fortunate to ride a lot of great trails across the country,” said Danielle Musto, a professional endurance mountain biker and Grand Rapids resident, “and Merrell competes with the best of them.”

Musto said she will be incorporating the trail into her training schedule.

“While it is beginner friendly, it offers more technical options that will allow me to work on my skills,” she said. “It’s also close to several other trails in the area, so “I’ve been fortunate to ride a lot of great I can easily string together a lot trails across the country and Merrell of single track riding on my endurcompetes with the best of them.” ance days.”

— Danielle Musto Cyclists ride different routes and in different directions depending on the day of the week, which keeps the experience fresh and reduces wear on the trail.

Merrell Trail winds through an old forest with mature trees, giving riders the opportunity to scale ravines, negotiate gnarly roots and maneuver huge side slopes. One online reviewer compared his experience to riding on a rollercoaster.

The trail is the result of a partnership between the West Michigan Mountain Biking Association and Wolverine Worldwide, whose employees volunteered more than 3,400 hours of their time to help build it.

Construction is not complete: An additional 1.5 miles is proposed for spring 2013. The trail is set in a park system that will eventually include BMX trails and an archery center, an oasis in progress for West Michigan’s many outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Trail riding is free, with a parking lot located down a gravel access drive behind Macatawa Bank at 2908 10 Mile Road NE. For information, visit facebook.com/MerrellTrails.

— EMMA HIGGINS

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

Dancing in the aisles Dance instructor Cheri LaForest works with Olivia Wielhouwer and Mike Boone as they practice a first dance for their June 1 wedding.

“I’ve always done private lessons for couples who want to be ready for their first dance at the reception. But now it’s more than just the bride and groom.”

— Cheri LaForest

Photography by johnny quirin

Credit the popularity of “Dancing with the Stars.” Or perhaps it was the viral 2009 YouTube video of a wedding party merrily prancing down the church aisle to Chris Brown’s “Forever” as astonished guests looked on.

Whatever the inspiration, more couples are adding special dance moves to their wedding plans.

Ballroom dance instructor Cheri LaForest of Rockford says she has received numerous requests for choreographed wedding dances.

“I’ve always done private lessons for couples who want to be ready for their first dance at the reception,” she said. “But now it’s more than just the bride and groom.”

Some newlyweds include their parents and family.

“And I’m working on receptions where the bride and groom have picked out a song and they want the whole wedding party involved,” she said.

“They want something really special for their big day.”

To meet the demand, LaForest has partnered with Moveir Dance Studio in Wyoming. The studio has open dance on Friday and Saturdays where couples can practice their moves.

“A lot of times, members of the wedding party are out of town, so I have to do a YouTube and record the choreography,” she explained. “It’s kind of like a flash mob: I have to get everybody on the same page.”

LaForest says she’s relieved the younger generation is embracing ballroom dancing. “It’s been bump and grind for so many years,” she said.

Most of her students are guys — “and about 95 percent will say, ‘I have two left feet.’ That’s not the case. They just don’t know what to do.”

After six weeks most have transitioned into confident dancers, ready to do some dips and spins to impress the guests.

“It’s very cool to watch,” she said.

For more information, email LaForest at onceinalifetimedance@gmail.com or visit moveir — MARTY PRIMEAU dancestudio.com.

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Reading Room

Photography by johnny quirin (top); courtesy Ascension© 2012/Stan Krohmer (middle)

Photography by johnny quirin

A spiritual place A poem about a dead skunk on the side of a road?

Why not, asks Patricia Clark, a poet and English professor who writes about people, nature and everyday stuff.

“I tend to write about things that call out to me,” she mused. “All those things are the imagery to deal with deeper topics.”

Her fourth poetry collection, “Sunday Rising,” is due out this month.

“Many things in life pull us down, but I like to think that there’s a movement upward — an uprising, like a revolt,” said Clark, who teaches creative writing and is poet-in-residence at Grand Valley State University.

She was poet laureate of Grand Rapids from 2005-2007.

“This book is my declaration of what I believe and the beauty of things that take us to a spiritual place.”

A Seattle native, Clark studied economics at the University of Washington.

“To be a poet — that was a crazy thing to say you were going to do back then,” she said. “There were no writers in my family. I majored in economics so I could get a job and make lots of money.”

Most days, she said with a chuckle, she tucked a book of poetry in front of her econ textbook.

She was influenced by the work of Theodore Roethke, a Michigan poet who later taught at the University of Washington.

“His work was very lyrical, a lot of water — that fit both the Great Lakes and the Seattle area.”

After earning a master’s degree at the University of Montana and a doctorate at the University of Houston, she accepted a position at GVSU in 1989.

“It was cool coming to Michigan and a

“This book is my declaration of what I believe and the beauty of things that take us to a spiritual place.”

— Patricia Clark

place where Roethke had lived.”

Writers see the world differently than most, she said.

“The average person sees something and thinks, ‘Wow, look at that.’ It’s the writer who says, ‘I’m going to write about this.’ A lot of days, you get nowhere. But some days, something lucky happens.”

— MARTY PRIMEAU

Viewshed A twenty-i nch feather An acorn with its ca with black bars. Sto p beside it nes I’ve pic like a cup. ked up.

Chunks of gypsum fr om a postcard of a heron a mine I explored, —eye glitte ring, not b ored.

Pens and pencils nes tled in a m A magnify eta ing glass fo r peering a l box. t flowers a nd rocks.

A clump of lic One pressed hen, gray blue, sm elling like leaf with a smok black spot —from an e.

Dusty gold eighty-foo t oak. w so slender ing of a half-eaten it wriggled moth— in, hid und er a cloth.

A three-p ronged bra nch Whatever ripe swellin -tip—with unopened g, they en ded up du buds. ds.

Ahead th rou needles, d gh the glass stand appled gro our wood und, color smearing th s going bare—pine e air.

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life & style PEoPLE / trEnDS / booKS / FaShion / FitnESS

red FASHion FoRWARd

Fifty shades of

Accessorize with red: coral beaded necklace and large filigree cuff from Dear Prudence in Gaslight Village; NCI handbag from JB & Me in Breton Village; red and gold wrap bracelet at Lamb.

Emerald green may be Pantone’s chosen hue for 2013, but red will always be the color of love.

From burgundy to tomato, red is also a fashion favorite.

“It’s a magic color,” said color expert Mary Leslie, owner of The Leslie Studio, 3535 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE. “The trick is learning how to wear it.”

One of the best ways to add red to an outfit is with accessories. “Like a bag or a belt. I have red suede gloves this year and they make me feel great.”

When wearing red around the face, it’s important to find a shade that complements skin tone.

Barn or brick red is a good choice for darkhaired women with golden skin tones. Blondes with warm skin do better with an orangey hue.

Anyone with rosy skin tones should stick with a soft, watermelon red.

As for lipsticks? “There’s a red for everyone,” Leslie said. “Just — LEAH KANE experiment.”

PhotograPhy by johnny quirin

Afraid to wear red? The hot color comes in many shades and will add punch to any outfit.

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PhotograPhy by johnny quirin

Sarah Pickerd Ables, owner of Chai Boutique, 40 Monroe Center, wears Joe’s skinny jeans in Rouge Red from JB & Me in Breton Village, a red bag, multi-hued scarf and bracelets from her boutique, and thread earrings from Lamb, 949 Cherry St. SE in East Hills.

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art & design treNDs / PeoPle / iNNoVatioN / PlaCes

Envisioning a

How do we make Grand Rapids a destination for art

> gasPard gallery

Gaspard Gallery held an opening night reception for photographer John Hanson in December.

Location: 235 S. Division Ave., No. 111 Hours: Fri., Sat., and by appointment Contact: gaspardgallery.com, (616) 401-7533, @gaspardgallery, gaspardgallery@gmail.com

PhotograPhy by Jim gebbeN (toP); Courtesy leah sChreiber (bottom)

G

aspard Gallery has joined Grand Rapids’ art revolution, and the owners have plans to stir things up.

“If we want to keep thinking of ourselves as a ‘city for the arts,’ then we have to make it a place where artists can live and sell work,” said co-owner Chris Cox. “We don’t want local artists to have to ship their work to Chicago to make money. We want the whole package right here.”

Cox, along with Jacob Bullard and Ben Biondo, initially opened the gallery last September on South Division Avenue as a temporary exhibition space for their work during ArtPrize 2012. The response was so positive they decided to make the residence — originally, Biondo’s home — into a full-time gallery.

Gaspard Gallery has a small and rather traditional setup, with plenty of natural light and high ceilings to ensure the viewer’s experience is an intimate and impactful one. But it’s the philosophy of the founders that makes the gallery stand out.

Cox said he sees Gaspard as a contemporary gallery — within an avenue of con-

Leah Schreiber

More to know about Gaspard Gallery and its owners …

> duet exhibition Gaspard Gallery presents artists Leah Schreiber and Laura Hobson, whose work focuses on abstraction in multiple mediums. Large-scale drawings and naturally dyed textile work is highlighted. Opening reception 7-11 p.m. Feb. 7.

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‘city for the arts’

PhotograPhy by Jim gebbeN (toP aND Far right); Courtesy laura hobsoN (bottom)

PhotograPhy by Jim gebbeN (toP); Courtesy leah sChreiber (bottom)

collectors on the hunt? The owners of Gaspard Gallery have some ideas.

temporary galleries — that could put Grand Rapids on the map.

He’s working with other gallery owners to begin hosting regular monthly shows.

Eventually, he’d like to offer First Thursday openings, when galleries would stay open late. It’s standard practice in artsy areas of most major cities, Cox said.

So far, Gaspard has been relying on local artists to stock the walls, but an ongoing open call on the gallery’s website means everyone is welcome and encouraged to apply.

“My concern is not with showing friends’ work but with showing interesting work,” said Cox. “We’re starting off with a handful of locally established artists that we know, but in the future we will put out calls for various themed and group shows, hopefully rotating those on a monthly basis.”

Cox says he and the other founders are still working out all the details of running a gallery.

“We’re artists,” he said. “We don’t really know how best to manage a gallery yet. Luckily, we all have different strengths to bring to the table and so far we’ve managed to do all our designing, curating and promotion in-house.”

Cox, originally from Syracuse, N.Y., said he’s glad to be in Michigan.

“When deciding where to set up, I considered all the usual places such as Los Angeles and New York, but Grand Rapids is so accessible. I feel like we could really make a difference here.”

Visit gaspard.com for gallery hours, exhibition schedules or to make — eMMa HiGGiNS arrangements for a drop-in visit.

Gaspard means “treasured one” in Persian. Owners say the gallery will only be showing “treasured things.”

Gallery owners Jacob Bullard, Chris Cox and Brian Voortman help John Hanson hang his photographs prior to the opening reception.

> As well as helping run Gas-

> Ben Biondo is a freelance

pard, Jacob Bullard is a vocalist and guitarist in local band Antrim Dells.

graphic designer in charge of much of Gaspard’s promotional material. View a selection of his work at benbiondo.com.

> Visit chriscoxphotographer. com to see some of Chris Cox’s photography and excerpts from the book “Spiritual Lake” by Cox and Jacob Bullard.

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art & design treNDs / PeoPle / iNNoVatioN / PlaCes

Feb. 10

Local art galleries

1/ Artist reception for watercolor artist James L. Johnson at Terryberry Gallery.

COMPILED BY EMMA HIGGINS

1/ terryberry gallery presents the watercolors of James L. Johnson, a graduate of The Art Institute of Chicago. After a long career as an illustrator, Johnson retired to paint full time in 2006. Exhibit runs Feb. 1-27; artist reception Feb. 10. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, scmc-online.org/building/terryberry-gallery.

2/ Forest hills Fine arts Center highlights work by veteran photojournalist Erik Holladay Feb. 8-28. “I am always looking for that perfect and often-fleeting moment where light, action and composition come together wonderfully,” he said. Artist reception 6-7 p.m. Feb. 14. 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. 493-8966, fhfineartscenter.com.

Betsy Ratzsch Pottery: Ceramics, artwork and gifts by American artisans. 584 Ada Drive, Ada, 6820266, betsyrpottery.com.

Calvin College Center Art Gallery: Thru Feb. 16, Seeing Christ in the Darkness, Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist. extensive permanent collection plus work by students, faculty and others. Calvin FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle, 526-6271, calvin. edu/centerartgallery.

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

CODA Gallery: Thru Feb. 21, Indianapolis artist Meredith Setser’s Coalescence Germination, an installation composed of wood, felt and plant material. 44 S. Division Ave., 401-7382, coda-gallery.com/tag/grand-rapids.

Con Artist Crew: Art collective

and gallery. 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW, North Building, No. 198, (734) 6466186, Facebook.

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

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

Design Gallery at Design Quest: Thru Feb. 17, Jim Spoelstra Retrospective. Painter known for portraiture explores new mediums in digital photo manipulation, color and patterns. 4181 28th St. Se, 940-0131, designquest. biz.

First United Methodist Church: Feb. 1-13, 40th anniversary of Celebration of the Arts, a juried exhibition of spiritual and sacred art. Artist reception and awards presentation 7-9 p.m. Feb. 1; Gala Opening 3 p.m.

Feb. 2 with music from James Croon (free). 227 e. Fulton St., 451-2879, grandrapidsfumc.org.

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

2/ An exhibit of photographs by erik Holladay opens Feb. 8 at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.

GVSU Art Gallery: Thru Mar. 20, Mystery, Magic and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic, artifacts from the golden era of magic.

1121 PAC, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, (616) 331-2563.

Gallery 154: Multi-media art, gifts, jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive Se, 4542154, gallery154.com.

Gallery at ICCF: Diverse work from local artists and craftspeople.

920 Cherry St. Se, iccf.org/current_ exhibit.htm.

Gaspard Gallery: Artist-operated gallery provides exhibition space for artists and collectors. 235 S. Division Ave., spirituallake.com.

Grand Gallery: Fine art, reproductions, gifts, restoration, framing. 596 Ada Drive, Ada, 676-4604, grandgal lery.com.

Grand Rapids Art Museum: See Museums & Attractions.

GRCC Collins Gallery: Beg. Feb. 19, faculty exhibition. 143 Bostwick Ave. Ne, cms.grcc.edu/artgallery.

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

Ice Cream Gallery and Toys: Artwork and toys. 117 S. Division Ave., 901-4582, Facebook.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: See Museums & Attractions.

Kendall College of Art and Design: Work by students and faculty and nationally recognized artists in four gallery spaces: three at 17 Fountain St. NW and one in the Federal Building. kcad.edu.

LaFontsee Galleries: Thru Feb. 16, Go Figure explores the use or suggestion of the human figure. 833 Lake Drive Se, 451-9820; lafontsee.us.

Lowell Arts: Feb. 12-Mar. 9, Punch-

Line Art exhibition, a look at life on the lighter side. 149 S. Hudson, Lowell, 897-8545, lowellartscouncil.org.

MercuryHead Gallery: Work by local artists, gifts and framing. 962 e.

Fulton St. 456-6022, Facebook.

Miscellany: Boutique store and gallery space. 136 S. Division Ave., (810) 923-7158, Facebook.

Muskegon Museum of Art: See Museums & Attractions.

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

Open Concept Gallery: Open platform for innovation, showcasing local and international art. Last Tue. of month: mARTini: Art Talks feature presentations on art-world issues. 50 Louis St. NW, openconceptgallery.org.

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

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

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

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts: Thru Feb 17, Utopia/Dystopia imagines future geo-political landscape-with optimism and utopian hope or cynicism and dystopian fear.

2 W. Fulton St., 454-7000, uica.org.

PhotograPhy Courtesy eriK hollaDay (bottom); James l. JohNsoN (toP)

(106) Gallery and Studio: Operated by Calvin College art department, exhibitions include faculty, student and other artwork. 106 S. Division Ave., calvin.edu/centerartgallery /studio.

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Healthy Living PhotograPhy Courtesy eriK hollaDay (bottom); James l. JohNsoN (toP)

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to MVP Sports Clubs for the choicest options in kids programming! With swimming, tennis, sports performance, Kid’s Stuff and so much more, MVP provides an environment of active fun that promises to get kids moving!

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Standing near and walking around these sculptures, the viewer is easily captivated by their physical power yet engaged by the mystery of potential meaning or narrative.

An emotional narrative

art talk

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

cloaked in simple garments that are not exactly classical or contemporary, her forms are intended to suggest a widespread universal humanity.

The generalized descriptions of the figures liberate the artist to focus on poses, gestures and physical attitudes that suggest broader psychological and emotional narratives.

Standing near and walking around these sculptures, the viewer is easily captivated by their physical power yet engaged by the mystery of potential meaning or narrative.

Beaumont frequently presents her figures singularly, but pairs and small groups are also encountered. Although Number 25 and Number 26 are shown together and posed opposite one another, they are considered independent works.

The artist rarely comments on her meaning or message for a given work because she wants the viewer to consider a greater depth and breadth of interpretation. Such open and limitless emotional and intellectual engagement with a work of art is one of the most memorable experiences of seeing a sculpture or painting first-hand. — JOSePH a. BeCHerer

what to notiCe about 25 & 26: > Although Beaumont has developed a certain type of figure, stand at a distance and consider the ways in which these sculptures compare and contrast.

> Beaumont creates her works first in clay before translating them to iron or bronze. Notice how the surfaces of these two works maintain the surface and texture of the original clay.

> Notice the differing positions of the body, particularly the head and limbs, and consider how such physical descriptions help suggest differing moods and emotions.

> The sculptor has designed the bases for each figure. Notice how the simplicity and geometry of each complements the respective figures.

> After viewing the Beaumont figures, consider nearby historical masterpieces by Auguste Rodin

and Germaine Richier, for example, and consider the heritage of her work.

PhotograPhy Courtesy William J. hebert

dutCh sCulPtor hanneKe beaumont has earned widespread international acclaim for her mood-evocative figures in clay, iron and bronze.

Born in 1947 and raised in Maastricht, The Netherlands, she maintains an active studio practice in Brussels, yet casts her work in the famed sculpture center of Pietrasanta, Italy.

Her work is featured in public and private collections across Europe and the United States, including an enigmatic pair of bronzes, Number 25 and Number 26, in the permanent collection of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

The history of art is largely populated by figurative sculpture, save for the last third of the 20th century when abstract and nonrepresentational modes of expression were pursued by many sculptors.

Against this background of both recent and extended art history, Beaumont has developed a solid repertoire in recent decades for her stylized figures.

Neither decidedly male nor female, and

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Photography Courtesy William J. Hebert

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art & design treNDs / PeoPle / iNNoVatioN / PlaCes

This idea is versatile, affordable and — most importantly — easy to do …

Justagirlblog.Com

A personalized thank-you Chris Carey decorates hand-soap containers for affordable and easy go-to gifts.

The next part is the most fun! Decorate the container using stickers (clear backgrounds look best) and ribbons.

I like to add some sort of tag for dimension, which I punch out with a craft punch. A simple “thank you,” initial, etc., works well to personalize the tag. I print out the text on decorative paper on my computer. The possibilities are really quite endless, but don’t feel overwhelmed.

For multiples, choose a theme or a color and decorate several bottles at one time to expedite things. I keep a few decorated bottles stocked in my craft room so I have them on hand when the occasion calls for it.

I have yet to find a recipient who couldn’t use a bottle of hand soap — especially one that’s decorated just for — CHriS Carey them.

Since presentation is half the battle,

I use inexpensive buckets as the wrapping. Tip: Use pleated paper coffee filters instead of tissue paper. They hold their form and present much better.

PhotograPhy Courtesy Chris Carey

DIY doesn’t have to involve nail guns and jig saws. Sometimes finding a simple, personalized gift can mean doing it yourself.

This idea is versatile, affordable and — most importantly — easy to do: I purchase clear hand soap dispensers or hand sanitizers and transform them into personalized housewarming/ teacher/coach/neighbor gifts.

The supplies are easy enough: some type of sticker remover (baby oil will work in a pinch), and decorative stickers and ribbons.

Make sure the label can be cleanly taken off the bottle. It should peel right off, leaving only a little adhesive residue behind.

Using the sticker remover, wipe off the excess adhesive and clean with soap and water.

You should be left with a clean, clear bottle of hand soap.

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!

W O N E L A S TICKETS ON om er.c

t go to ticketmas

MARCH 7-17, 2013

Lewis Black

D.L. Hughley

Joel McHale

Jim Breuer

Garfunkel & Oates

LaughFest features free and ticketed events with laughter in all of its forms including comedy, performance, improv, film and a variety of seriously funny stuff. including

Wayne Brady

GuN LAKE CASINO pRESENTS

StAnd-Up CoMedy CoMpetition

James Adomian

Cy Amundson Ron Funches

Al Jackson

Jamie Lee

Julian McCullough

Mary Lynn Rajskub

Andrew Schulz

Brendon Walsh

Mike Winfield

MEIJER pRESENTS

Bill Burr

Brian Regan

fAMiLy fRiendLy SeRieS

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat

Super Saturday Kids Zone

Saturday Nite Teen Zone

BISSELL pRESENTS

CLeAn CoMedy SHoWCASe

PhotograPhy Courtesy Chris Carey

Fortune Feimster

Jackie Kashian

pete Lee

Cash Levy

Jamie Lissow

Mark Normand

Andy pitz

Erik Rivera

Justin Willman

Bengt Washburn

and much more!

Check out the full list of showcases, talent and events to date at Chris Hardwick

laughfestgr.org

Gary Valentine

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

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Remember exchanging Valentine’s in grade school? Some things never change.

By Dana Blinder Photography by Johnny Quirin

F

I b you

For Christmas, it’s standard practice to give a gift. On New Year’s Eve, a smooch at midnight will do. But arriving home without a card for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day will put you in the dog house until St. Patrick’s Day, at least.

Despite a growing collection of flirty and funny e-card and electronic options, folks are still taking pen to paper for this “Hallmark” holiday.

“Valentine’s Day is still a very relevant holiday,” said Susan Birnbaum, creative director at Design Design, a gift and stationery manufacturer based in Grand Rapids.

The company, which sells and distributes products to more than 14,000 retail stores in the United States, Canada and Great Britain, has an in-house design team that creates everything from romantic sayings to special embellishments.

“Our offices, distribution center and printing company are located in Grand Rapids,” said Colin Littler, marketing director. “The bulk of our line is made right here.”

Grand Rapids also has many artists and illustrators who design and create cards and stationery. We talked to a few about Valentine trends.

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Christy Beckwith When Beckwith isn’t sipping coffee and card creating, she’s out shopping — for inspiration.

“I get a lot of ideas for cards from the clothing or home-goods sections of stores,” she said. “That helps me stay away from too much red and pink, and embrace graphic and geometric patterns that are becoming popular now.”

She makes cards for Recycled Paper Greetings, which are sold at such superstores as Meijer, Target and Wal-Mart. Her cards are also for sale online at christy-beckwith.artist websites.com.

“I do pen-and-ink drawings and paint them in. each card is different and unique and has its own little flaws that give it some charm,” she says.

Abbey Fowler Not comfortable being suggestive? Opt for Abby Fowler’s standard line of Valentine cards.

But goofy-spirited card givers will appreciate her somewhat naughty line — like one showing a bale of hay that reads, “Feel like rollin’ around?”

Fowler, who owns 6.25 Paper Studio in MoDiv, the retail mall at 40 Monroe Center NW, says most of the ideas for her cards “just pop in my head out of nowhere. I really can’t go looking for inspiration. It usually finds me.”

It doesn’t hurt that she’s always had a way with words and a dry sense of humor. “I try to replicate that in my own designs and the cards I carry in the store,” she says.

As for those naughty cards? She wrote the entire line on a road trip back from her parent’s home in a small Indiana farm town “while listening to country music.”

Susan Birnbaum For Susan Birnbaum at Design Design, the Valentine’s magic often begins after the initial artwork comes in. Birnbaum and her smallyet-talented team at this local stationery goods company pride themselves on valuing the details.

“It’s all about the sender, receiver and the occasion,” she says. “A Valentine’s Day card for a young girl will have the sparkles, glitter and feminine font that a guy’s Valentine’s Day card won’t have.”

Cropping, color correcting, foiling, embossing, adding sparkles and choosing fonts are just a few of the processes the creative team and Design Design employ to craft trendy cards.

“This year, big Valentine’s Day trends will be sparkles and bling, technology trends like QR codes and plays on Twitter, and chevron stripes,” Birnbaum says.

Designer & Custom Jewelry Expert Jewelry Repair Tu-Fr 10-5 Sat 12-4 616-459-5075 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids metalartstudioinc.com February 2013 / grmag.Com 35

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“I used to go to the junkyard and piece together two Corvettes.

It was the same thing at the track. If the cars got smashed up, I would fix them because we had to race the next day.”

By A. J. Dufendach Photography by Johnny Quirin

Heavy metal

A passion for customizing cars, especially classic Chevrolets, struck Joel Kowalski early and has continued for more than 50 years.

At age 14, Joel Kowalski and his brother purchased a 1936 Chevy for $35 at a local junkyard, hauling it to the family gas station before getting it to run.

It would be the first of many auto restorations.

Kowalski, 69, is a metal-machining wizard in Muskegon who has built more than 50 high-end cars, racing some and selling others for more than $100,000 — often garnering national attention.

“I enjoy the challenge of building something different every time and the thrill of doing something no one else has done,” he said. “Not run-of-the-mill stuff.”

His passion started early. By the time Kowalski finished high school, he had assembled four cars, essentially from scratch, with guidance from his father and older brother. All were customized, one-of-kind renditions.

“I had a Studebaker that I put a Packard engine in, and I put a Chrysler engine in a Model A,” he said. “I tried anything that would make them go down the road.”

His father owned a gas station/garage in Whitehall where trial-and-error harmonized with creative engineer-

ing. Kowalski’s eye for functional design continued into college where he studied to be a master engineer.

From the early 1960s to the mid-1980s, Kowalski owned or was a major part of numerous pattern, foundry and machine companies, such as Master Pattern and Superior Fixture, which machined parts for CAT tractors.

Now he owns Park Street Machine, a Muskegon Heights company that builds leveling mechanisms for large shipping containers.

While metalworking parts for other businesses, Kowalski always made time to work on cars — and even race them. In the ’60s, he traveled the Sports Car Club of America race circuits as far as California and Florida, competing against the likes of actor Paul Newman and cultivating his passion for Corvette running gear, including all elements connecting the body of the vehicle to the road.

“I used to go to the junkyard and piece together two Corvettes,” he said. “It was the same thing at the track. If the cars got smashed up, I would fix them because we had to race the next day.”

W

Joel Kowalski, a metal-machining wizard in Muskegon who is highly respected in the hot-rod world, poses with one of his latest custom car projects — a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible featuring a supercharged LS-3 Corvette engine.

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Kowalski became extremely familiar with the Corvette chassis and suspension in the pits, which set the stage for future customized creations. His 1931 Chevy sedan with a Corvette engine graced the cover of Rod & Custom Magazine in 1970. Three years later, Kowalski was featured in Hot Rod Magazine for a one-ofa-kind Corvette Stingray he built from scratch.

His Corvette passion continued through the years.

In 2001, he finished a customized 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, built on a frame he made with a Corvette suspension and powered by a beefy Corvette LT-1 engine. The car was featured in a hot rod magazine and eventually purchased by NASCAR driver Tony Stewart for a modest $87,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction.

Five years later, he fashioned a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible with modern Corvette running gear and a Corvette LS-1 engine. The car was on the streets of Las Vegas when magician Criss Angel made an offer of $180,000, which Kowalski turned down. It sold for $215,000 in Hemmings Motor News a week later.

In recent years, work on Kowalski’s classic Chevrolet customs has been streamlined. Instead of digging through junkyards to find the right piece of metal, he now orders new metal shells from such suppliers as Real Steel. This cuts the production

process to just under a year, on average.

He still builds his own frames, but all Corvette hardware is stock, even down to the ZR-1 wheels. Kowalski does all assembly and paint work himself. He outsources interior and upholstery work to local businesses in the Muskegon area.

Kowalski finished his latest project last May, just in time for the annual Hot Rod Power Tour in Arlington, Texas. He drove the deep purple 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible — boasting over 600 horsepower with a supercharged LS-3 Corvette engine — cross country for the weeklong tour. It’s the seventh year he has participated in the tour with thousands of other gear heads across the continental U.S. His “built not bought” mentality has allowed him to dream up some wild and fun custom rides that continue to please new owners once he’s done enjoying them. Kowalski is highly respected in the hot-rod world, even beyond West Michigan, but don’t ask him to build a car specifically for you.

“I’ll get it done my way,” he said. “You can

buy it if you like it.” GR

f r a m i n g

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When it comes to the protection and presentation of your personal treasures, experience is everything.

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Five elements to consider when designing a romantic bedroom.

And guess what? No televisions allowed.

Sanctuary for the senses

A

By Susan J. Smith Photography by Johnny Quirin

Admittedly, our bedrooms are the most

intimate spaces in our homes. It’s where we can stretch out like cats, strip off the veneer of the outside world and interact with our loved ones. We recharge, dream and play on an intimate level.

Unfortunately, bedroom design often is neglected.

Rock Kauffman, long-time Grand Rapids-based interior designer, laments that frequently the last part of the home to be “done” is the bedroom.

“It’s too bad,” he says. The bedroom is your nest, your comfort zone, where you begin and end the day, shutting out the world and enjoying your partner. And that is important in our crazy-busy world.

Having a space to be alone is good for people.

“No one can be close to others without also having frequent opportunities to be alone,” says noted architectural theorist Christopher Alexander.

Obviously, the bedroom is where we are most likely to make that happen.

So think about it and maybe find inspiration in the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Here are five elements of romantic bedroom design to consider.

Element 1:

Think comfort Comfort means different things to different people.

It might mean an upholstered headboard or fabric-covered bench at the end

of the bed; lots of fluffy pillows piled high; a pared-down minimalist design; high thread-count sheets; the size of the bed; room-darkening window treatments.

“The reality is that people are more likely to feel romantic and sexy if they are comfortable,” said Kathryn Chaplow, a Grand Rapids designer.

Ask yourself: What do you need to be truly comfortable?

Interior designers all advise good lighting with all fixtures on dimmers. Avoid bright overhead lights.

Jan Parker McCollum, new to GR’s design world, said often people think if they have overhead lighting, the room will be well lit. She recommends instead using lamps with different kinds of lampshades, wall-washer fixtures that deliver a wash of light, and up-lights.

“You can create interesting shadows and design effects with lighting,” she said.

The bedroom is the most logical spot to invest in plush carpeting or a great area rug.

And don’t neglect the bedding. Think about creating a space with a serene puffy cloud. Alyce Greeson, a Holland designer with a shop dedicated to bedding, says she

thinks romantic bedrooms are all about layers of luxurious fabrics and soft textures.

“And yes, we’re thread-count snobs here,” she said. “We like them high.”

Element 2:

Create a distraction-free space An interior designer and author, Kelly Hoppen resists the idea of combining a bedroom with an exercise area or office.

“How can you really enjoy your bedroom — rest and retreat — if you are surrounded by equipment that makes you feel guilty?”

While you are at it, get rid of the television. Not only is it a distraction, says Grand Rapids designer Tylor Devereaux, it’s ugly.

“A TV is just a big black box when not turned on. Why have one when we have so many hand-held options? I’d rather see a great piece of art where that black box is.”

Julee Rosso, innkeeper at Wickwood Inn in Saugatuck, also believes bedrooms should be distraction free. She focuses on the details — creating romantic and restful retreats for a loyal clientele who are seeking pampered privacy.

“We use a lot of grayed-green colors

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The colors of an African adventure give the Kilimanjaro bedroom at Hidden Garden Cottages and Suites in Saugatuck a warm, romantic atmosphere. Innkeepers Gary Kott and Jonathan Schreur have created selfcontained rooms where guests can be transported to another world.

because it is soothing. Most rooms have fireplaces and all have music. We don’t have TVs because we believe people are coming to reconnect.”

Element 3:

Mood enhancers The critical question here is: What makes you feel good?

Is it a design theme like “Out of Africa,” or frilly, floral French-style confections? Maybe you prefer sleek and uncluttered urban sophistication.

Do you like clutter-free spaces or collections? The bedroom is the place to surround yourself with treasures that make you feel happy, whether family photos or that treasured ceramics collection given to you by Aunt Maud.

Are you in a situation where you have a fabulous view and lots of privacy? Rock Kauffman says that rooms with a view need less furniture and art.

“If you don’t have a view or need privacy, then the design needs to be focused inward,” he says. “This is the time to do interesting things with dressers and art.”

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Julee Russo, innkeeper at Wickwood Inn in Saugatuck, focuses on the details to create romantic and restful retreats. All rooms have music and most have fireplaces. “We don’t have TVs because we believe people are coming to reconnect.”

monochromatic colors, but Chaplow says, “Don’t be afraid to use a pop of color if it makes you and your partner feel good.”

Her advice to clients: “If you think beige is boring, be brave. Choose colors that look great on you.”

Clodagh, a New York-based designer says, “In our especially stressful lives, no room is more luxurious than a bedroom stripped down to its bare essentials.”

She tells readers in her book “Total Design” to ask these questions: What do you need? What do you want? What can you discard?

Talk about “walking the talk”: Clodah is so minimal, she uses only one name.

nature’s idea of romantic. Whether silk or real, there’s nothing quite like flowers to evoke romance. Roses are thought to be the most romantic flower, with daises and tulips coming in second and third.

Another important element is music.

Today, we’re fortunate that we don’t need to create space for sound systems and speakers. Just plug in your iPod. And probably the No. 1 detail in a romantic bedroom: the all important candle — actually, lots of them. If fragrance is a sense enhancer, think about scented candles.

Element 5:

Create the feeling of a vacation Element 4:

Don’t forget the details “Never underestimate the power of good art in any space. A boring bedroom can be transformed with the right piece of art,” says Chaplow.

The bedroom also can be energized with pieces that are important to you. In a world where everything sometimes look like everything else (think Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel), injecting your own style — maybe something quirky — is good.

Remember to include flowers —

Take a lesson from the experts: the owners of successful bed and breakfasts.

You have to look twice to find the Hidden Garden Cottages & Suites in Saugatuck. The house, built in the 1880s for a ship captain, is camouflaged with store fronts. But behind the facade is a retreat for the romantic.

With only four rooms, innkeeper Gary Kott says he and his partner, Jonathan Schreur, have worked to created self-contained, beautifully decorated rooms where guests can be transported to another world.

“We don’t have any public gathering spaces. Instead, each suite has a kitchenette, which we stock with continental breakfast and coffee. They are all built to be self-contained,” he said, believing this is one way to achieve a romantic ambiance.

You may not be able to add a kitchen, but you can create a world away from everyday stress.

Interior designer McCollum said she has had clients ask for specific room themes with special memories.

“I did one bedroom with Hawaiian fabrics and pictures because the clients enjoyed their Hawaiian honeymoon so much. It reminds them of their happy experience.”

GR

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By Alexandra Fluegel | Photography by Michael Buck

Co-work spaces provide everything from Internet tools to social interaction for those who don’t want or need a traditional office environment.

The end of the office?

Freelance web developer Greg Braman has never worked in a cubical, and he isn’t alone. More and more freelancers, startups and corporations are utilizing open-plan, co-work spaces over traditional offices.

Grand Rapids has a variety of co-work facilities, including LINC Community Revitalization Inc., The Factory and GRid70.

For people like Braman whose jobs allow the freedom to work wherever they please, co-work environments are a viable option.

“I worked out of coffee shops for a bit, but it can be noisy and the Internet connection isn’t always solid — and for me, that was a big concern,” he said.

Braman also tried working from home but said he found himself becoming stir crazy and craving the interaction of working with other people.

After checking out some of the options in town, Braman decided on the space at

The Factory

The Factory

LINC Community Revitalization Inc., a nonprofit that houses a variety of programs related to economic development, including a co-work space.

“We take a holistic approach to revitalization,” said Jorge Gonzalez, LINC’s director of economic development. He views the co-work space as an opportunity for the organization to accommodate more business owners and entrepreneurs.

LINC includes many of the amenities that workers like Braman are looking for: fast wireless Internet, meeting spaces, and access to printing, scanning and copying equipment. It also provides various social aspects — sometimes even more so than what may be found in traditional offices.

Gonzalez said LINC’s diverse clientele creates a unique culture that helps connect those who might not otherwise be connected, and also encourages the exchange of ideas.

“We have people of different backgrounds, different ethnicities and different

socioeconomic statuses coming together.

It’s really metropolitan, but also inner city.

It’s the first of its kind.”

Braman said he has enjoyed getting to know some of his fellow workers at LINC and he values learning about areas outside of his expertise.

These types of interactions are typical of co-working spaces, where the relaxed environment encourages the free exchange of ideas and conversation and allows users to be inspired by and even collaborate with their neighbors.

This spirit of collaboration is one of the founding principles at The Factory, a cowork space at 38 W. Fulton St. in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and a popular choice for local startups and freelancers.

“In cubicles, you can become sort of lost,” said Annie Klooster, who takes care of day-to-day operations of the space. “With an open work environment, it’s fresh, it’s different, it’s fun,” she said. “It really helps bring out the creativity.”

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Klooster also helps coordinate events and activities that encourage co-workers to get to know one another. For example, The Factory hosts a community lunch each week where everyone working that day is invited to eat together. Every Friday there’s a happy hour meet-up dubbed Beer Thirty.

“People can end the week on a high note — relax, talk with each other on a different level. It’s a way for people to get to know one another,” she said.

While the appeal of co-work spaces seems obvious when it comes to freelance workers and those starting new businesses, they also are becoming preferred alternatives to traditional office spaces for some companies — especially tech companies that often use remote workers.

Dave Brondsema has been working at The Factory since it opened three-and-ahalf years ago. He works as a team leader for SourceForge, a San Francisco-based company whose website hosts open source soft-

LINC Community Revitalization Inc.

ware. The Factory gives Brondsema access to online collaboration tools such as Skype that he uses to communicate with his team members and clients.

He said being able to discuss new technologies with other workers in the space is invaluable and said the personal relationships he has formed are a perk. “We’re able to talk about what we’ve been working on and share ideas,” he said.

Tech companies aren’t the only corporate entities utilizing the benefits of co-work spaces.

David Tilley was hired as Mercantile Bank’s first creative media specialist and spends one day every other week working at The Factory. His job involves handling the bank’s social media and utilizing videos,

LINC Community Revitalization Inc.

graphic design and creative events to aid in branding and community outreach.

He said being able to pitch ideas to his coworkers at The Factory and receive feedback has been a great asset to his work.

“If I was just working in the bank all the time, it’d be a bit harder to get new ideas,” he said.

“It keeps me fresh and excited to work on new projects and innovations.”

Pitching ideas is a common practice at GRid70, the innovation and design hub that houses creative talent from Amway, Meijer, Steelcase and Wolverine Worldwide.

Kyle Ross of Rockford Development Group, which owns the building, said the collaboration that occurs in the space helps the companies increase efficiency and get products to market faster.

Workers from the four companies occupy most of the space in the building at 70 Ionia Ave. SW, which is made up of open office space, conference and meeting rooms, and a test kitchen for Meijer. Ross said the teams collaborate frequently.

“They have various opportunities where they have similar interests in design and innovation. They’re asking the same questions, but the practical application is different.”

Ray Sierengowski, Meijer’s corporate

research chef, said working at GRid70 allows his team to have a live, daily focus group. “It’s especially difficult to create time with other companies for things like brainstorming, and this setup allows for that cross-pollination — what we like to call ‘happy accidents.’”

Utilizing co-work spaces is part of the natural evolution of businesses, said Tom Manikowski, senior business development manager at office furniture manufacturer Haworth, which operates a co-work space in the MoDiv retail incubator.

“You’re starting to see a shift to distributive work,” he said, citing mobile technological advances and the rising cost of real estate as key factors in this trend.

Haworth’s space is open to the company’s employees, clients, partners and prospects, and allows it to have a presence in the downtown area. It’s commonly used to host business meetings or as a workspace for employees who may be traveling or who find the downtown location more convenient.

The MoDiv space also allows Haworth furniture to be elegantly displayed and used in a practical manner.

“It’s a great showcase for the Haworth collection, but it’s not showroom-intensive,” Manikowski said.

The space is filled with pieces that create more of a home-feel than an office environment, complete with couches and a kitchen area. Manikowski said it was

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Photography Courtesy allsteel

designed intentionally to replicate a more casual workspace.

“Laptops and smartphone technology have allowed us to step away from those tethers that have existed over the years.

How we work in spaces is less traditional.”

He points out that this shift does not necessarily represent the end of the cubicle.

“There’s still a need for spaces that are created for task-intensive work, and traditional office environments can be very effective in terms of cost and space utilization.”

More and more companies are beginning to understand the rewards that come with using off-site workspaces: For a new generation of young workers, these offerings can be powerful attractors.

“You have to create a culture that supports that transition from conventional thinking to a different approach,” said Manikowski, who said he believes the co-work space/showroom will improve Haworth’s retention and attraction of young talent within the region.

Community organizer Johannah Jelks is launching a co-work space geared toward exactly that this year. As founder of Generation X and Y for Michigan, a grassroots group aimed at promoting local neighborhoods and retaining talent, Jelks utilized co-work space and became inspired.

“I think it’s the wave of the future. There are so many people doing contract work and not wanting a traditional office environment. When you’re in a co-work office, you have the opportunity to expand your mind, meet other members. And you’re also in an environment that’s more flexible and allows you to be more creative and produce at a higher rate,” said Jelks.

She said her goals are to strengthen young, minority entrepreneurs and assist in creating a generation of entrepreneurs with direct ties to Michigan. Jelks formed a partnership with LINC, which means that any member of the Generation X and Y co-work space will have access to LINC’s incubator program. Individuals using the space also will benefit from united marketing strategies, which Jelks said she hopes will nurture a feeling of camaraderie.

“We’re all young. We’re all fresh. We’re all invested in the community and progressing our individual organizations, but we want to bring a sense of unity between what GR we’re doing.”

Allsteel

Zeeland’s IDa Design is ahead of the curve in creating new concepts in contract furniture.

Designing for a new dynamic

Y

ou know those times when a hallway conversation goes longer than anticipated? Eventually, you start to fidget, lean against the wall or perch on a windowsill.

Enter The Hedge.

It’s a piece of furniture created by the team at IDa Design in Zeeland for any office situation when you don’t want to stand — “but you don’t want to commit to the sit,” said Mitch Bakker, IDa’s principal designer.

“It came out of a lot of research,” he said of the unique and versatile piece made by Allsteel. “The Hedge is one of our more interesting and innovative concepts.”

Bakker and his team design contract furniture and collaborate with manufacturers who build the pieces used in such commercial settings as offices, hospitals, universities and more.

Like most designers, the IDa (pronounced “idea”) team is challenged — and invigorated — by changes in the workplace. Ten years ago, the contract industry revolved primarily around workstation products and systems intended for constant use in permanent spaces.

“Back then, employees in a white-collar office went to work at a certain time and stayed all day,” Bakker said. “Everybody did the same thing. In terms of work space and furniture, that was the dynamic.”

But armed with iPads, laptops and smartphones, many employees are no longer tethered to a desk or even a building.

“So we have to keep our eyes on where things are heading,” Bakker said. “Do you

need an office at all? Yes, but it will be different.”

A key word in office design is “collaboration,” and designers are looking for ways to provide productive spaces for employees to work beyond traditional workstations. IDa has succeeded, racking up numerous industry awards — including at NeoCon, the premier annual event for the contract furnishings industry.

“Our real success is partnering with our clients,” Bakker said. “Usually, the companies that hire us don’t have an internal design staff, or they need someone to supplement their creative resources.”

The IDa team is involved early in the process: “We do a lot of listening before any products are developed.”

Then the research begins, “working with their engineers and ours,” and figuring out the best materials to use — a crucial step as more companies focus on reducing waste and energy consumption.

“Even though our clients are well educated on sustainability, it’s not easy for them to find the right materials,” said Jennifer Wammack, senior designer. “So we try to be their eyes and ears.”

She’s always “trolling for new materials,” including, for instance, bio-based plastic to replace the more common petroleum-based plastic.

Bakker said IDa stays involved throughout the entire process, from idea formation to product launch.

“We start early,” he said, “and stay — Marty Primeau late.”

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frame works

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

> Two Beards is open 7 a.m.10 p.m. daily, and serves breakfast fare that includes not only oatmeal, yogurt and coffee but also a selection of breakfast sandwiches named after (you guessed it) folks with beards, such as Hulk Hogan and Omar Sharif. > In addition to Cherry Deli and Two Beards, the Schulzes also owned 4th Street Deli on Grand Rapids’ west side until it closed in April 2012. They brought all five employees from that deli to Two Beards.

They also brought many of the most popular sandwiches to the new location and have selections to satisfy any craving, including vegan, vegetarian and any combination of meat you can imagine.

Artfully crafted deli amid a gathering of elected officials, dignitaries, developers and bankers, three cute kids stole the show last November during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Two Beards Deli.

Jacob, Maddie and Chloe are children of coowners Scott and Suzanne Schulz (she’s also the city’s planning director). They pulled the ribbon tight as Mayor George Heartwell assisted in formally opening the deli.

Two Beards adds to the growing list of downtown GR restaurants and fills a void along Commerce Avenue in the Heartside District. The deli, featuring 100 sandwiches named after famous bearded people, is the latest venture from the folks who created the thriving Cherry Deli in East Hills.

The eatery is located in a street-level storefront at 38 Commerce, a mixed-use liner building containing market rate apartments and offices that wraps around a city parking deck.

Constructed in 2010, 38

Commerce has filled the majority of its storefronts and now boasts an eclectic delicatessen that is primed to serve hundreds of students and office workers in the blocks surrounding it.

While the exterior of the business involved few alterations, due primarily to the design and newness of the building, the sparse and narrowdepth interior required careful thought in making Two Beards come alive.

This interior, almost completely designed by the owners, is an artfully crafted space that has softened the hard lines of the contemporary architecture with judiciously placed vintage and handcrafted elements.

There are cheerful paint colors, antique objects (selected from local stores), and hand-carved gnome statues with brightly painted hats, wry smiles — and, of course, beards.

Two of these cheery fellows flank the front entry door to greet visitors.

In addition to the eclectic mix of new and old, the deli

PhotograPhy by Jim gebbeN

two beards deli: > 38 Commerce is a liner building developed by Locus Development. Liner buildings are those that wrap around parking decks and are typically between 30 to 60 feet in depth. This combination allows the parking deck to be masked from the street, effectively giving the street a sense of vibrancy and activity without sacrificing parking needs.

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You’re just two feet away from changing your life!

This interior, almost completely designed by the owners, is an artfully crafted space that has softened the hard lines of the contemporary architecture with judiciously placed vintage and handcrafted elements.

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Forecast?

Photography by Jim Gebben

Photography by Jim Gebben

Rain and shine.

has tables that are locally sourced through an innovative reuse of city trees that were damaged by the emerald ash borer. Created and constructed by the local firm Studio Wise Design, the tables were partially funded by a Kickstarter campaign and now fill the deli with warm, inviting and contemporary places to sit.

With a menu brimming with sandwiches and soups, Two Beards Deli has filled a — Mark F. Miller niche in Heartside.

Because life is unpredictable.

616.459.1171 | www.lawweathers.com

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Wow! What a design!

By J. Stapleton Burch

J

UST AS ANY JOURNEY requires a map — or at least a sense of direction — Design Home 2013 is reliant on a solid home design that will guide us to our ultimate destination. That is where award-winning architect, Wayne Visbeen, of Visbeen Architects, comes in.

As the designer of the 7,500-square-foot “Heartsworth” — the home Infiniti Custom Homes is building for Design Home 2013 — Visbeen describes his creation as a traditional home, but with some exciting twists. Stacey and Rich Rendon, owners of Infiniti Custom Homes, are known for contributing their own distinguishing de-

DESIGN HOME 2013 PARTNERS: Belden Brick & Supply, Eikenhout, Engineered Protection Systems, Gerrit’s Appliance, Infiniti Custom Homes, Klingman’s Furniture , Modern Hardware, Richards Kitchen and Bath Showroom, Rockford Floor Covering, Top of the World Granite , Visbeen Architects, Woodways Custom Cabinets

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2013

ority for us in the homes we build,” added Stacey Rendon. The “Heartsworth’s master will include a casual sitting area and a private deck that overlooks the beautiful nature preserve and pond at the back of the property. The master bath will feature a barreled ceiling, complete with chandeliers, along with unique His-and-Hers design elements that I love to include in our homes.”

“On the second floor we have three large bedroom suites, each with their own private bathroom, and a wonderful passage to the kids’ retreat,” Visbeen continued. “That was the first thing I added to the original design,” agreed Rendon, who blends her busy roles of both mother and builder to ensure a family-oriented design that is loved by all. “I wanted to make sure the plan included the addition of a fun passageway that leads to the spacious playroom just for kids over the garage.”

Along with a roomy guest bedroom and bath, there are some phenomenal surprises on the lower level. “As you go down the stairs, you come to a landing that overlooks an in-home gymnasium with a half-court basketball court and plenty of space for additional exercise equipment,” Visbeen explained. A few steps farther down will bring even more pleasant surprises. “There, you’ll be on a level that is a couple steps up from the main entertainment area, with a wonderful, well-appointed bar,” he said. “The lower level also features a fantastic library — with an overlook of the entertainment area — leading out to the rear yard.”

We hope we’ve tantalized you with a few of the exciting details of the “Heartsworth” design. Stay with us over the coming months as we watch this magnificent home come to life as the adventure of Design Home 2013 continues.

sign details to the homes they build.

The home is perfectly situated to make the most of its two-acre lot in Ada’s gated Skyevale development. Its exterior impresses on the approach: “The exterior is peppered with some industrial components that really add a sense of style and set the home apart,” Visbeen described.

Inside, the home’s extraordinary, open design also offers up private havens for every family member. “The master suite is raised up three steps from the main level to create a sense of retreat and interest,” Visbeen said.

“A fantastic master suite is always a pri-

In collaboration with

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Design Home 2013 VIP tour/event this spring to benefit

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SHoWcaSe ALMASSIAN JEWELERS

TRENT AND SHANNON ALMASSIAN, OWNERS 1144 EAST PARIS AVE. 616.949.8888

ALMASSIANJEWELERS.COM

A ring as special as the one you love…

f

BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH of love and romance. Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate a lifetime love with a beautiful piece of jewelry or redesign your current piece. It’s an ideal time to ask that special someone to share their life with you.

Could there be anything more romantic than a custom designed engagement ring to reflect everything that’s in your heart, or that truly captures the character and spirit of the one you love? The friendly staff at Almassian Jewelers can help.

Owners Trent and Shannon Almassian can turn your romantic dreams into reality. Both are

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Graduate Gemologists from the Gemological Institute of America, and Trent is also a Graduate Jeweler. Before the couple opened their store at 1144 East Paris Avenue in 2006, they worked in Southern California and Chicago. Since then, their creative designs and evident passion for the jewelry business have become well known across West Michigan. Their store is a member of the American Gem Society, a designation reserved for only the top five percent of jewelers in North America. The American Gem Society requires that its members participate in continuing education. This assures that the staff at Almassian Jewelers is aware of all of the current design trends as well as any new gemological treatments that are being used on gemstones.

Creating a unique design is a very hands-on process. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Almassian Jewelers will work closely with you to come up with an original drawing. The drawing is then turned into a computer-aided design. A threedimensional wax model is produced by the computer to guarantee that the design exceeds your expectations. After your approval, a master craftsman will cast the model into the precious metal of your choice and hand set all of the gemstones. In

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addition to their remarkable custom design capabilities, Almassian Jewelers carries exclusive bridal designer lines such as Simon G., Zeghani, American Jewelry Design and many more.

As the third generation in his family to be in the jewelry business, Trent has a well-established reputation with his suppliers. “My diamond cutters send me the most beautiful diamonds in their inventory because they know that I only sell exceptional diamonds,” Trent explained. “My relationships allow us to sell phenomenal gemstones at terrific prices.” Clients are often pleasantly surprised to discover that the cost of a custom created engagement ring from Almassian Jewelers is more affordable than they think. In fact, prices are typically similar to many of their stock selections. Family heirloom or inherited

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pieces can also be incorporated or completely redesigned to create a new and unique piece of jewelry that retains its original heritage and sentiment.

“I am a romantic at heart and I love working with couples.

It is fun to be part of such a special process,” Trent observed. “In our business, we have the benefit of being instrumental and involved in special moments in people’s lives. That is easy for me to be passionate about.”

Above: Owners Trent and Shannon Almassian Photo by: Michael Buck Facing page: Maurice Lacroix Pontos-S Left: Simon G. diamond engagement ring

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SHoWcaSe CENTRAL DISTRICT NATE PHELPS, OWNER 52 MONROE CENTER 616.719.1265

CENTRALDCYCLERY.COM

Central District… Outfitting you for your next adventure

o

ONE OF THE MOST satisfying ways to experience a city is by getting right into the thick of it. A bicycle can put you immediately in touch with your environment – whether wheeling through the city or exploring one of West Michigan’s many trails. It also affords a sense of freedom – you can explore the unbeaten paths at your own pace, and you’ll never have to worry about finding a good parking space. And then there’s that whole double-eco aspect: ecology and economics – good for both. No wonder it’s a favored mode of urban transportation around the globe.

According to Nate Phelps, owner of downtown GR’s full-service cyclery shop, Central District, the growth of Grand Rapids has led to its emergence as a great cycling

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BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

community. “With designated street bike lanes and the vast network of bicycle-friendly nature trails, we’ve got so much more access than we’ve ever had before,” he observed. Once an avid mountain biker, Phelps now considers himself more of an urban cyclist. “My transportation is a bike,” he said, noting that he enjoys his bicycle commute from his home in the East Hills neighborhood to the welcoming space of Central District’s storefront at 52 Monroe Center. Celebrating its first anniversary in March, the warm, inviting space retains historic architectural elements such as the beautifully finished woodwork throughout, and it offers everything a bicyclist or urban commuter could possibly need, whether looking for that entry-level bike for you or your children, seek something more advanced, or need accessories, clothing, components, a tune-up, repairs or even a rental. Featuring such bikes as the renowned BMC, along with Kona, All-City, Linus, Surly, and the winter-capable Fatback, Phelps prides himself on Central District’s selection of unique, smaller brand bikes that carry bigquality reputations among fellow bikers. “Linus is a good urban bike that is popular with our customers,” he said.

“It’s a simple city bike with three to eight speeds that works well in an urban envi-

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ronment or a commute of eight miles or less.”

Already lauded for its customer service, Central District offers an onsite, full-service bicycle workshop. The shop can have you safely back on the road no matter what the issue, or can custom build a bike that is tailored just for you. “A bike purchase is a big deal,” Phelps noted. “We want to give our customers good products at a good price point, backed by excellent customer service.” They also offer bike rentals – by the hour, day or week, which not only provides a fun way to tour the city streets, but can also provide a non-committed way to explore a bike’s performance if considering a future purchase. At Central District, they’ll apply the rental fees toward the cost of the bike.

Central District is a dream come true for Phelps.

With a background in manufacturing distribution, purchasing and inventory, he had longed to work for himself in a business he loved. He is eager to share his biking expertise and get you on the road to your own great biking adventure.

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Facing page left: Red Banjo Bros metro backpack, waterproof and secure.

Facing page right: Build a bike.

Select a frame and we help you with a build kit for your dream bike.

Left: Fatback Bikes Fatbike frame made in the USA

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SHoWcaSe RIVERTOWN DENTAL ASSOCIATES

MICHAEL CRETE, DDS 3514 RIVERTOWN POINT CT., SW, SUITE A, GRANDVILLE 616.534.0135

RIVERTOWNDENTAL.COM

Let Rivertown Dental Associates give you something to smile about

s

SOME PEOPLE HARBOR a secret fear of the dentist, but at Rivertown Dental Associates in Grandville, you’ll feel at home the minute you walk in the door. They consider each patient to be part of their extended family, and their home to be your

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BY J. STAPLETON-BURCH

home. They’ll put you at ease and provide personal attention and the ultimate in dental care.

Rivertown Dental is a unique team of dental professionals who are not only passionate about promoting optimum oral health and aesthetics, but are committed to providing the highest level of excellence in care and service. Their mission is to always exceed patients’ expectations.

It’s a mission they have been fulfilling since they were established in 1986. The level of care, the wide array of available services and the personable Rivertown Dental staff is what makes this practice truly unique. Owner, Dr. Michael Crete, is passionate about educating every patient on how to obtain and then maintain optimum dental health so that they can keep their teeth for a lifetime.

“I believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile,” Dr. Crete noted. He also believes that maintaining optimum oral health is a lifelong process. He and his team treat children as young as three years old, as well as teenagers, young adults and mature seniors. As part of their patient-focused philosophy, you’ll not only be coached on how you and your loved ones can obtain ideal dental health, but you’ll be treated by a complete team of dental professionals who maintain the highest standards of excellence for dental treatment that is available today. The staff continually trains in the most ad-

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vanced dentistry techniques, and Dr. Crete invests in superior technology to provide patients with the best dental care in the Grand Rapids area. You’ll be pampered and comforted at each and every visit by their friendly, professional staff, who goes above and beyond to make each visit a positive, fun experience. “Our patients are what we are all about; they’re our friends, plain and simple,” noted RDA Patient Care Coordinator Tricia Warsen. “Over the years, we have built relationships that can never be replaced and it feels good to do special little things for them when they come in. We love celebrating life’s important moments with them, and genuinely enjoy when they share pictures of their kids and grandchildren. We consider our patients family.”

“The most rewarding thing for me in my practice is to see a patient ‘transform’ their dental

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health,” Dr. Crete added. “Whether it’s someone who has neglected their dental care and then made the commitment to upgrade their dental health, or someone who has had a complete smile makeover, when a patient says ‘thank you’ and truly values their dental health and smile, we know we’ve done our job!”

If you’re interested in finding a practice where you will always be known by name and treated as an individual, contact the office to experience customer service at its best. Tricia, Sue and Lisa will make you feel at home, answer your questions and schedule your initial appointment. Their office is conveniently located across from the RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville, just east of the Applebee’s restaurant. For more information, visit their website at www.rivertowndental.com.

Facing page: Dr. Crete and his assistant, Sonia Bouwman treat a patient while she enjoys stereo noise canceling headphone music.

Above: Dr. Crete’s staff is commited to exceptional customer service.

Team members pictured: (L-R) Tricia Warsen, Patient Care Coordinator, Dr. Mike Crete, Sonia Bouwman, RDA, CDA Dental Assistant. Team members not pictured: Lisa Feldmeier, Sue Hickey, Kris Niekamp, Anna Chambers, Jolie O’Connor, Jami Zalenski.

1/8/13 10:29 AM

Fitness

fanatics From booty slapping to ab crunches to mountain biking, exercise in Grand Rapids takes many forms.

By Terri Finch Hamilton Photography

by Michael Buck

Artistic Grace fitness instructor Brandi Angelosanto leads a Booty Beat class at CARE Ballet Studio.

L

isten. You can hear the sound of people sweating.

Over at Brandi Angelosanto’s dance exercise studio, it sounds like hip-hop music, punctuated by the occasional “Woo!” and the sound of women slapping their booties. Here, sweating is sexy.

At the VanBonn House in East Grand Rapids, it’s the sound of laughter, then mountain bike tires hitting the road as the whole family bikes together, including a college kid and a Detroit daughter who return for the fun.

And if you’re awake at 5 a.m., turn your ear toward the YMCA in Belmont, where 82-year-old Fred Peeples burns up the fitness equipment and cheerfully chats with his many fans. You’ll hear a lot of “Hey, Fred!”

All over town, fitness sounds good.

Finding fitness through dance Saturday mornings with Brandi Angelosanto are booty busting.

For music, think Pitbull, T-Pain and Nicki Minaj.

Picture yourself as a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader. Wiggle seductively like an exotic dancer. Slap your booty. You get the idea.

It’s pure fun, with a dose of sexy.

These aren’t your mom’s exercise moves.

Or, maybe they are. Everybody’s welcome at Booty Beat class, and it has a way of making you feel 10 years younger.

“At Booty Beat, you laugh, you giggle, you have fun,” instructor Angelosanto, 35, says.

“Each move has a name: girl fight; boom, boom, pow; booty flurry. Put the moves

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“We work so much in life. When it comes time to exercise, the last thing we want to do is work some more. People think, ‘I have to go to the gym, I have to run on the treadmill, I have to lift weights.’

It becomes mundane and boring, and that’s how we lose people.”

— Brandi Angelosanto

together, and you’re dancing.”

Angelosanto, lithe and cheerful with swingy red hair, has been dancing since she was 3 years old.

“I loved it so much, even as a little kid,” she says. “I clicked with it, and it became part of me.”

She has photos of herself as a kid at dance class, arms and legs in perfect position — as all the other little girls stare off into space.

If it’s dance, she’s done it: ballet, jazz, modern, tap. She twirled batons and shook pompons. She competed in ballroom dance, perfecting her fox trot and cha cha.

When she learned Grand Valley State University was offering a new minor in dance, she went back to school to earn one, even though she had already graduated.

She has a master’s degree in exercise physiology, a bachelor’s in physical education/corporate fitness and wellness, and a long list of dance fitness certifications. She’s been a fitness instructor for 12 years.

Ask her to describe what it is about dance, and Angelosanto gets poetic.

“When I dance, I get instant gratification,” she says. “A sense of comfort — like I’m doing something I belong to. I feel joy, excitement. A piece of music could come on in my car, and I start grooving.”

She laughed. “People probably look at

me funny. I can’t help it. I feel the music.”

She thinks for a minute. “That’s it, right there,” she says. “I feel the emotion that comes out of the music and I interpret those emotions through my dancing.”

Her mission is to make fitness fun — through dance.

Exercise is viewed as work, she says.

“We work so much in life. When it comes time to exercise, the last thing we want to do is work some more. People think, ‘I have to go to the gym, I have to run on the treadmill, I have to lift weights.’ It becomes mundane and boring, and that’s how we lose people.

“It’s very intimidating,” she says. “They see all these machines and they don’t know what to do. It’s work. It should be fun.”

On her travels to fitness conventions in Miami, New York and Chicago, she saw fun classes.

“I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh — why don’t we have these in Grand Rapids?”

She was one of the first Zumba instructors in town back in 2007. These days, her Artistic Grace studio — space rented for now from CARE Ballet Studio, 2661 29th St. SE — offers Booty Beat; Piloxing, a calorie-busting mix of boxing, dance and Pilates; Hip Hop Hustle; and Diva Tease. That last one is a special class for private group celebrations.

Think feather boas and Girls’ Night Out parties.

Next up: pole dancing. Angelosanto took a training class in July to teach it.

“It’s becoming huge in the fitness world,” she says. “People think it’s stripping, but it actually started in India 2,000 years ago as a sport. American women didn’t start doing it until the Depression, to make money. We’ve kind of poisoned the art.”

Booty Beat works the whole body — more so than running, she says. Really put your booty into it and you can burn 800 to 900 calories working your legs, arms, cardio and core.

She eats natural and organic, does yoga once in a while and loves stretching.

But mostly, she dances. And smiles.

“I want to attract women who want a great workout but who want to feel like a woman, too,” she says. “People who want that element of play.”

Fitness, family style On Thanksgiving, when most people are loosening their belts after too much pie or poring over Black Friday ads, Todd and

Kelly VanBonn and their two adult children get out next year’s calendar and fill the weekend squares with races.

Bike races. Running races. Races the four of them will do together — after they start the day at a 5:15 a.m. spin class at the YMCA. The logistics aren’t easy. Daughter Kelsey, 24, is a teacher at Waterford Public Schools in the Detroit area. Son Kohl, 21, is a junior at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. But they make it work, because for this East Grand Rapids family, fitness — and togetherness — is a priority.

“It’s been nice,” Kohl says of the time spent mountain biking with his dad. “He goes mountain biking with me a lot. It’s definitely nice.” He smiles. “Until he beats me.”

“That’s why I do it,” 49-year-old Todd says with a grin. “I like to beat him.”

The family fitness routine started evolving about eight years ago when Kelly heard herself encouraging Todd to start exercising. It would help manage his Type 1 diabetes, she told him.

“I weighed 260 pounds then,” she says.

“I thought to myself, ‘Wait a minute. You have a disease you’re not in control of, too.”

The real turning point came when she was on a flight for her job as a travel agent and she had to ask for a seat belt extension.

“That was embarrassing,” she says.

So she joined Weight Watchers.

“It was just timing,” she says. “It’s hard to do something like that when your kids are little. Mine were in high school, and I could say, ‘I’m going for a walk. You can come or you can stay.’ I finally had the freedom to say, ‘I’m doing this for me.’ When you’re a mom, everything is about your kids.”

At first, she says, she was too overweight to exercise.

“But after I lost about 40 pounds, I started walking a little,” she says. Todd walked with her.

“I’m diabetic,” he says. “And I guess my wife wants me to live forever.”

“The key is to have support,” Kelly says.

“Even if it’s one person reminding the other one: ‘Remember, we were gonna walk tonight.’”

Before, she says, “We were a family of slugs. We watched a lot of movies.”

Kohl, a cyclist, was the only one who exercised.

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The VanBonn family rides mountain bikes together whenever possible. Below, the family of four ran the Whoville 5K, held in Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park. Everybody dressed as characters from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

many 21- and 24-year-olds do you know who want to spend the weekend with mom and dad?”

“At work, everybody thinks it’s odd,” says Kelsey, a high school English teacher.

“When everybody talks about what they’re doing over the weekend, and I say I’m going to bike with my family, they all look at me funny.”

Todd and Kelly bought an RV so the family can camp together when they travel for races. “Those camping weekends — I wouldn’t trade them,” Todd says.

For their 25th anniversary, Kelly and Todd climbed in the rig and headed to Kentucky to go mountain biking for 10 days.

Really?

Kelly laughs. “It’s just what we do,” she says.

A lifetime of fitness It’s 5 a.m. at the YMCA in Belmont, and 82-year-old Fred Peeples is through the door the minute it opens. He hits the weight room, the elliptical machine and the stair stepper in an impressive round of earlymorning fortitude.

Dirk Bruyn looks on as Peeples hits the floor with a handled wheel, rolling back and forth with his sinewy arms.

“There’s few of us who use this,” Peeples notes as he rolls.

That’s probably because it looks really hard, Fred.

“It is hard,” he says with a grin.

He’s an inspiration,” says Bruyn, a residential builder from Belmont. “I can’t do all he does.”

“Now to the crunch machines,” Peeples announces, heading to the Nautilus Nitro about a five-mile ride. A year later, at one of her son’s mountain bike races, “I thought, ‘That looks cool. I think I can do this.”

For Mother’s Day, she got a mountain bike. For Father’s Day, Todd got one.

“I was the last one to join the biking,” Kelsey says. A longtime runner, she still prefers that, and she and her mom enjoy running marathons together. But as she attended the bike races to cheer the rest of her family on, she started to feel left out. So she got a bike, too.

Suddenly, they were a family of mountain bikers.

Weight Watchers helped the whole family switch to healthier eating habits, Kelly says.

“We totally changed the way we eat,”

she says. Whole oats and grains, few processed foods. “I had to learn what a normal-sized portion is.”

When they’re apart, they still run together, sort of.

They e-mail each other daily about their runs, checking in with each other about how far they went.

Kelly got an e-mail from Kelsey just before Thanksgiving.

It wasn’t asking about turkey or pie. It said, “I’ll be home the day before — think we can get eight miles in?”

“The coolest thing is the family part of it,” Kelly says. “How

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“When I first started going, I’d say good morning to everybody, and a lot of them looked at me like I was crazy. But I kept it up ... I got everybody involved.

I’m a people person.”

— Fred Peeples

At age 82, Fred Peeples still hits the YMCA early in the morning for some aerobics and strength training.

Plus abdominal machine.

Peeples’ workout is punctuated by a lot of, “Hey, Marty!” “Hello, Danny — how ya’ doin’ buddy?” and “This is Denise. How are you, Denise?”

“Everybody knows him and everybody loves him,” Bruyn says. “He knows every person here by name. This is like his family.” He smiles. “Fred works hard and he socializes hard.”

“I don’t want to achieve the body of Charles Atlas,” Peeples notes as he squirts disinfectant on the machine he just used. “I just want to stay healthy.”

He’s been at it his whole life. He started roller skating when he was 6 and kept it up until he was 76, often hitting a roller rink every night and skating three to four hours — “just for the joy and the relaxation and the exercise,” he says.

He couldn’t skate much during his four years in the Air Force, but picked it up again when he got out.

“I traveled a lot after my retirement from GM,” he says. “And wherever I went, I took my roller skates.”

But by age 76, Peeples started to worry.

He saw friends his age suffer broken bones from falls and watched as they never fully recovered. So he hung his skates up in the garage, where they still remind him of good times. Then, he joined the YMCA. He’s there when the doors open Monday through Friday. Most days he hits the Belmont Y, but at least once a week he goes downtown. He has friends at both places, and Fred is a friendly sort of guy. “I like to see everybody,” he says.

Usually he spins and lifts weights, but you also might find him on the elliptical or taking some laps in the pool.

On days he isn’t working, it might be 9 a.m. before he leaves. Four hours of exercise, Fred?

He laughs. “Oh, no,” he says. “It takes me that long to get out the door because you have to talk to everybody. Well, I have to talk to everybody.

“I like to find out the history of a person,” he muses, as he hits the stair stepper. “If you keep to yourself, you don’t get the opportu-

nity to get knowledge about other people.”

Peeples retired from General Motors as a supervisor in 1986, but some days he works as a fill-in maintenance worker at apartments managed by the Grand Rapids Housing Commission. On those days, he has to get in, exercise, and get out to be on the job at 7:30 a.m.

“I do it to stay healthy and fit,” he says.

It appears to be working. He’s 82, but Peeples doesn’t look a day over 50.

“I don’t look my age at all,” Peeples notes. “And I don’t feel it, either.”

He had hip replacement surgery in August and was back on the treadmill eight weeks later. He passed his last physical a few weeks ago with flying colors. He says his doctors are always complimenting him.

“I have five siblings and I’m the only one left,” he says. “And I’m the only one who exercised. I look at other people younger than me, and they don’t look as fit as I am.”

When he worked at GM, all the supervisors had scooters to get them around the expansive plant at Burton Street and Burlingame Avenue SW in Wyoming.

“I didn’t want one,” he says. “I walked.”

Years ago, he was a smoker, but he quit at the age of 42.

“I gained 45 pounds,” he says. “Oh, my, I

didn’t know food could taste so good.”

The weight gain bothered him, so when a co-worker suggested he eat just once a day, Peeples tried it.

“The first four days, I got a headache,” he says. “The fifth day, I didn’t have a headache and I’ve been eating one meal a day ever since.”

He’s been married for 64 years to his wife, Helen. They have a daughter and two granddaughters.

Peeples loves the camaraderie at the Y. He sort of started it.

“When I first started going, I’d say good morning to everybody, and a lot of them looked at me like I was crazy,” he says. “But I kept it up — ‘Good morning. Good morning.’

I started introducing people to each other. I got everybody involved.” He smiles. “I’m a people person.”

When he shows up at 5 a.m., he takes “roll call,” he says, and if any of the 5 a.m. regulars aren’t there, they have to explain their absence to him the next day.

On his 80th birthday, his Y pals threw a party for him with cookies and balloons.

“I have so much fun,” he says. “I talk to everybody. It’s very soothing, at my age. I know it’s good for my mind, as well as my GR body. It’s like therapy, you know?”

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At Holistic Care Approach, Dr. Kate Heineman demonstrates an osteopathic manipulation, top right. A cranial treatment helps relieve headaches and sinus problems. Left, massage therapist Michelle Doetsch gives Jarred Hibma a hot stone massage.

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Music therapy helps patients at the Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit. Julie Mohr listens as her friend Mary Navarre plays drums and sings with music therapist Lindsay Perrault.

By Ann Byle | Photography by Johnny Quirin

Complementary medicine: healing more than symptoms

T

he spicy sweet smell is the first hint that this will be no typical doctor visit. Dimmed lights are a welcome contrast to the fluorescents that brighten many medical offices. Quiet music filters through the speakers.

Cup of tea? Glass of water?

Patients who enter the Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit at Saint Mary’s Health Care know immediately they’re getting something different. Those who walk into Holistic Care Approach in Plainfield Township recognize that treatment will take a new turn.

These places and others like them are tapping into a form of health care that encompasses more that simply treating a patient’s symptoms.

These practitioners look at the complete person — diet, stress levels, emotional

state, symptoms, exercise, etc. — and prescribe complementary therapies designed to address fundamental issues far beyond the symptoms a patient experiences.

For Kate Heineman, doctor of osteopathy at Holistic Care Approach, the goal is to bring about wellness via healing mechanisms the body already possesses.

“One of the principles of osteopathic medicine is that the body possesses selfhealing mechanisms,” she said. “My role, through manual diagnosis or treatment, is to bring that patient into new balance.”

Complementary therapies — many of them around for centuries — include acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, hypnotherapy, naturopathic medicine and Chinese herbs, among many others. The therapies are used to treat everything from dizziness to chronic pain, from digestive disorders to PMS. Those suffering from

“One of the principles of osteopathic medicine is that the body possesses self-healing mechanisms. My role, through manual diagnosis or treatment, is to bring that patient into new balance.”

— Kate Heineman

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A rose by any other name Even in the dead of winter it’s easy to detect something special about the gardens of La Vie de la rose. Located on nearly an acre of land behind three adjacent urban properties in grand rapids, the gardens aren’t seen by many, but the product of their blooms is used all over the world.

Since 2006, the gardens have contained flowers grown for La Vie de la rose Flower Essences, a grand rapids-based company that creates natural remedies intended to “accelerate spiritual growth.”

Natalia Schotte, a spiritual counselor with a doctorate and more than 25 years of practice, began the gardens after a trip to Scotland. “It inspired me to see if I could create something sacred right here,” she said. She had been using the healing powers of flower essences in her counseling practice since 1986.

“It’s energy medicine. It’s part of complementary and alternative health.”

Developed by English bacteriologist, pathologist and homeopath Edward Bach in the 1930s, flower essence remedies are created using flower petals. In Schotte’s gardens, flowers hit their peak in late spring and early summer and are selected for use in the tinctures, a mix of brandy or vinegar and distilled flower petals.

“It’s an intuitive science,” she said. “I experience what it does, and through my experience I know its healing property.” the essences are used by placing a drop under the tongue once a day for general support, or up to three times a day if the user is trying to resolve a specific challenge.

La Vie de la rose also offers a personal guidebook and a boxed set of cards describing the flower essences to help customers select which to use. there are 30 varieties of La Vie de la rose Flower Essences, all made in Schotte’s studio, and each is said to activate a unique pattern of higher consciousness. Each has a name and is described to assist with particular issues; however, to determine which essence will work best, Schotte said, intuition is the best strategy.

“It doesn’t matter what path people have chosen, the flower essences will assist them on their path and quicken their growth.” to purchase her essences, visit laviedelarose. com or call (866) 511-5535 for more information.

— ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL

PhotoGraPhy courtesy Jeff Dykehouse PhotoGraPhy

Dr. Natalia Schotte

insomnia, fibroid tumors, arthritis and even stroke can benefit.

The Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit — the oldest center of its kind in the Midwest — is seeing an uptick in those requesting its services, following lean times during the economic downturn.

After moving to temporary offices at Saint Mary’s about five years ago, the institute began construction of new offices at the hospital, which it plans to move into in June.

“Our intent is to have people feel like they are walking into a very different place,” said Katina Wood, administrative director of the Wege Institute. “We want the new offices to have a spa-like swankiness.”

That means paying close attention to wall colors and textures, traffic flow, sound systems, shutting out outside noise, and where file rooms, office machines, restrooms and doctor offices are located. A color palette inspired by nature — wheat, water, rocks, sand, bird eggs — is designed to create a welcoming and peaceful space. Chairs are comfortable and walls are curved.

“We are very intentional about the patient care experience,” said Wood. “We’re all about decompressing, de-stressing and finding balance.”

The new Mind, Body and Spirit offices will offer six acupuncture rooms, several massage rooms including one for Thai massage, a hydromassage space and a reflexology room. Music and aroma therapists will offer services, as will pet therapists through West Michigan Therapy Dogs. The waiting area, called the Zen Zone, is separate from the registration desk. All spaces comply with hospital standards for wheelchair accessibility and safety.

At Holistic Care Approach, the view out the windows includes woodland and lawn, with feeders drawing a variety of birds.

Guests can attend yoga classes, take advantage of the spa and browse naturopathic remedies for purchase, including compounds for ADHD, pregnancy and digestive health.

Patients are seen by massage and acupuncture therapists, as well as by Heineman, who completed her residency in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine and has 500 hours of additional training in manual treatment techniques.

Heineman speaks of the four principles of osteopathic medicine: The body, mind and spirit operate as a unified whole; the body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing and health maintenance; structure and function are interrelated; rational treatment is based on the above three principles.

She says that traditional doctors, often under pressure from insurance companies, spend a limited amount of time with a

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patient and focus mainly on symptoms, while holistic care takes time to work with the whole person. Most complementary therapy offices don’t work with insurance companies, so services are on a fee-for-service basis.

Patients can submit their treatment costs to insurance for possible reimbursement or take advantage of flex spending accounts.

“Doctors of last resort” Complementary care practitioners often are called doctors of last resort. Patients who have been to their family doctor, have been referred to specialists and have had numerous tests done yet have not found relief often seek out massage therapy or acupuncture because nothing else has worked.

The results can be tremendous.

Dr. Craig Houchen, a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine at Mind, Body and Spirit, has seen positive results from acupuncture that range from controlling the side effects of breast cancer radiation to alleviating dry mouth caused by head and neck radiation treatments. Some patients come in thinking, “This won’t work,” he says, but he’s seen them walk away with less pain or lessened symptoms.

Local philanthropist Peter Wege’s vision and monetary gifts allowed the center to open 13 years ago.

“Peter Wege was way ahead of his time.

He understood that people were headed toward a place where they wanted more than surgery or medicine,” Houchen said.

“I’m OK with being a doctor of last resort,” said Holistic Care’s Heineman. “If

Rachel Houchen performs an aroma therapy massage at the Wege Institute, which offers a variety of complementary care therapies at Saint Mary’s Health Center.

“We are very intentional about the patient care experience.

We’re all about decompressing, de-stressing and finding balance.”

— Katina Wood they’ve sought me out, they are probably ready to make a change in their lives.”

Some patients are looking for a better quality of life.

“Sometimes the goal isn’t curing the disease process,” said Heineman, “but instead is improving the level of functioning for the

individual, achieving a new level of balance.”

The Wege Institute’s Mind, Body and Spirit is eager to work with the general public, but also has a long reach into Saint Mary’s Health Care. Patients in the hospital can request a massage — often requested by women in labor or who have just given birth — or other therapies and receive them free (outpatient services are fee based). Music therapy, pet therapy and acupuncture are often requested. The Wege Foundation funds these in-patient requests.

“This is not a money-making business within the scheme of the hospital, but it’s a holistic approach that the hospital feels strongly about offering,” Wood said.

Mind, Body and Spirit has seen success in therapies for children with ADHD and autism. It has seen a decrease in security calls to the psychiatric ward when music and massage therapies are used. The institute also reaches out to oncology and neurology patients and those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Holistic Care Approach echoes that success, offering patients alternatives to traditional medication and testing.

“When something goes wrong, the body must compensate in one way or another,” said Heineman. “The stresses can be physical, emotional, environmental, nutritional.

Getting to the core problem is the key to GR healing.”

Photography Courtesy Jeff Dykehouse photography

Types of complementary therapies Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, that promotes natural healing through stimulation using fine filaments on parts of the body known as meridians.

Meridians are thought to be connected to organs, structures and systems of the body, and tapping into these points releases blockages

and causes energy to circulate and restore balance within the body.

Six filaments equal the size of one hypodermic needle.

Aromatherapy: Using aromatherapy oils to enhance the massage experience. Oils can be customized for each patient, with benefits including deeper relaxation, relief from head and neck aches and increased rejuvenation.

Hydromassage: A type of massage using warm water. It applies the techniques of traditional massage but uses water to relax muscles, increase blood circulation and relieve muscle pain and tension.

Hypnotherapy: Brings the conscious and subconscious minds together to find reasons for behaviors, accept beneficial ideas and suggestions, change behaviors and bring new understanding.

Massage therapy: Kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, shaking and vibrating areas of the body to improve muscle tone, circulation and joint flexibility. Many forms of massage exist, including cranial sacral massage, hot stone massage and sports massage.

Music therapy: Applies the curative affects of music to the physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and social needs of patients; addresses stress and pain management and physical rehabilitation.

Naturopathic medicine: Practice of preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions using therapeutic methods including natural medicines, manipulative therapies, acupuncture and other methods.

Pet therapy: Hands-on visits by trained dog-handlers and their pets, or a patient’s own pet. Interacting

with animals is shown to decrease blood pressure and stress levels, and improve pain management.

Reflexology: A method of activating the healing power of the body based on the theory that the foot is a microcosm of the body; relieving tension in certain parts of the foot brings relief to corresponding parts of the body.

Thai massage: A cross between acupressure, yoga and shiatsu, it uses slow, rhythmic compressions and stretches along the body’s energy lines, tailored to a patient’s specific therapeutic needs.

Traditional Chinese medicine: Originated in ancient China and includes acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion, Chinese herbal remedies, Chinese massage, tai chi, qigong, mind-body therapy and dietary therapy.

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PhOtOGRaPhy by michaeL buck

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dining review leo’s never fails to please iN iTS CLOSE TO nine-year history, Leo’s has established its place among the best in the city.

Accolades earned over the years in Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best of GR popular vote range from Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Downtown Restaurant to Best Chef and Best Bartender. Leo’s also has repeatedly earned the top spot in GRM’s annual dining awards.

PhOtOGRaPhy by michaeL buck

PhOtOGRaPhy by michaeL buck

This is classic fare at its finest, well prepared and served by an experienced staff.

Owner Leo Beil is often on hand to greet diners and welcome them to the open dining room with its lively and casually sophisticated atmosphere.

Known for the wide variety of jet-fresh seafood, the creative menu also boasts superior meat selections, poultry — even a Cajun pasta.

This is classic fare at its finest, well prepared and served by an experienced staff. However, it’s not a restaurant for those diners looking for unique, experimental twists or locally sourced foods.

For starters, the selection included fresh shucked oysters, Prince Edward Island mussels, flash-fried calamari, tuna sashimi, chicken spring roll, shrimp cocktail, lobster and shrimp cake, and almond brie, along with our two selec-

tions, with prices ranging from $7.50-$10.75.

We chose the Oysters Florentine with four in-the-shell selections that were perfect from presentation to texture and flavor. The baked oysters were topped with a stuffing mixture of spinach, bacon and onion and sprinkled with asiago cheese, which added a punch of flavor.

Wild Mushroom Escargot is not the usual escargot. It’s served in a casserole, sautéed in garlic butter with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, pieces of asparagus, dollops of goat cheese and served with grilled flatbread crostini. The dish carried depths of perfectly balanced flavors.

Soup or salad is a tough choice with such soup options as Leo’s Salmon & Corn Chowder that includes a dash of pancetta. We decided to split the warm goat’s cheese salad topped with a lobster and shrimp cake. The crunchy-outside, soft-inside cake tasted great on the blend of mixed spring greens with roasted red onions and thin slices of Granny Smith apples, sprinkled with candied pecans and dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.

For dinner we chose the Surf & Turf ($38), combining Maine lobster tail and a melt-in-yourmouth six-ounce filet. The steak was spot on and the lobster was exceptionally tender. The hot butter and fresh lemon provided everything needed to make a superb feast. The entrée came with tasty sour cream-chive mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus cooked tender-crisp.

From the “fresh catch specials” section of the menu, we chose the Canadian Walleye, a nicely sized, thick filet encrusted with almonds and sautéed just right to give it a crunchy crust. The flavor of the mild fish was ramped up a notch with its dollop of amaretto-almond butter.

Dessert selections change seasonally, but on the night of our visit they included tiramisu, eggnog cheesecake, coffee-ice-cream-stuffed creampuffs, white chocolate crème brulee, and an autumn fruit crisp. We shared the creamy, crunchy-topped crème brulee along with cups of whipped-cream-topped Spanish coffee.

A plus, especially this time of the year, is the easy-access parking in the adjacent garage. Diners are just an elevator ride from the dining room, so no traipsing through the cold and snow.

— irA crAAVeN

Leo’s Address: 60 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 454-6700 Website: leosrestaurant.com Dining ratings: Category: Classic American Food: **** Service: **** Beverages: **** Atmosphere: **** Price: $-$$ > Must try: The Wild Mushroom Escargot was a standout starter. > Not so much: If you want to nitpick, the butter was overly chilled.

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

Exceptional Above Average Satisfactory Poor

¢ $ $$

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

(Prices based on average entrée.)

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

dining listings

A guide to restaurants in Grand Rapids and beyond

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

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

New American 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 $-$$ OBistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. $ L, D Bistro Chloe Élan — Diverse menu features American cuisine with French, Asian and southwestern influences, as well as soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily, Sat dinner only; Sunday brunch and dinner. 445 Ada Dr, Ada, 432-3345. Facebook. L, $-$$ 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 B.O.B.’s microbrews.

Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace, full-service bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 3635900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. $-$$ php. L, D Brewery Vivant — House-made beer and food in the style of traditional French and Belgian country dishes. The East Hills pub/ brewery is housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors. Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. L, D $-$$ _ Citysen Lounge — Limited but tantalizing sel­ection of soup, salads, sandwiches and sharable small-plate creations. Happy Hour daily 4-7 pm. CityFlats Hotel, 83 Monroe Center, (866) 609-CITY. cityflatshotel.com. L, ¢-$ D

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

Open Tue-Sat eves; Sun brunch Labor Day to Mother’s Day. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. $$ amwaygrand.com. D Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations in urban setting. Unique Sunday brunch. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$ Gilly’s At The B.O.B. — Hand-crafted microbrews are paired with seasonal, cutting-edge fare. Tavern small plates, oysters, seafood and more. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. L (Sat), D $-$$ Graydon’s Crossing — English pub serves Indian food with a British influence. Full bar features impressive array of specialty beers.

1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydons crossing.com. L, D $ Green Well Gastro Pub — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808-3566. thegreenwell.com. L, D $-$$ Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, Rockford 8633300. grilloneeleven.com. B (Sun), L, D $-$$ FGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course meals with a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Closed Mon. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant. com. D $$

The Heritage — GRCC culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine available with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234$-$$ 3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D Marco New American Bistro — Frenchcountry-casual offers creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu.

Full bar. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. L, D $-$$ Olives — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. L, D ¢-$ One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music.

Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. one trick.biz. L, D ¢-$ Reserve — Wine bar with extensive by-theglass selections and culinary options to match. Opens at 4, closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. D $-$$ Rockwell Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from sushi to creative comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465 or 551-3563. republicgrandrapids.com. L, D $-$$ 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. thegilmorecollection.com/roses. php. B (weekends), L, D $ San Chez, A Tapas Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchez bistro.com. L, D $-$$ Schnitz Ada Grill — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. 97 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. L, D ¢-$$ FSix.One.Six — Contemporary American

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S:7.125�

nothing like

S:9.875�

juicy gossip over a

filet with the girls.

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

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

fare. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethejw.com. B, L, D $-$$ SpeakEZ Lounge — Casual and friendly pub setting with eclectic menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrees (available after 4).

Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakEZlounge.com. L, D $ Tavern On The Square — Tapas-style fare plus house specialties. Patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavernonthesq.com.

L, D ¢-$ Trillium Haven — Owned by Jenison farmers Anja Mast and Michael Vanderbrug, this Eastown eatery features fresh from the farm fare, including organic veggies and humanely raised meats. Beer and wine. Closed Mon. Sat and Sun brunch. 1429 Lake Dr SE. Face$-$$ book. B, L, D Winchester — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food in reclaimed centuryold space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. ¢-$ L, D

Brann’s Sizzling Steaks And Sports Grille — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets, Mexican entrées and bar munchies. See website for list of eight locations in Greater Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Portage and Caledonia. branns.com.

L, D $ Bull’s Head Tavern — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullshead $ tavern.com. L, D Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare.

Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. 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 $-$$

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

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

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. thousandoaks golf.com. L, 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 $-$$

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. main streetmediagroup.com. L, D $-$$

Fall Creek — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. L, D ¢-$

Bonefish Grill — Casual, white-linen dining.

Seafood selections augmented by innovative sauces and toppings; also chicken, beef and pasta dishes. 1100 East Paris Ave SE, 949-7861. bonefishgrill.com. D $-$$ Bostwick Lake Inn — Gilmore restaurant offers steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Open daily for dinner, lunch on weekends. 8521 Belding Road, Rockford, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. php. L (weekends), D $-$$ 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 ¢-$

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 turn-of-century building on the river. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap.

201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmore collection.com/flatriver.php. L, D $-$$ 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, 949-9440. greatlakesshippingcompa ny.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, 2857600. 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 — Grill-yourown 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, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Judson’s At The B.O.B. — Award-winning steak house offers steaks, seafood and chops. Casual atmosphere and award-winning wine list. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. D $$

Kitchen 67: Brann’s Café — Fast-casual restaurant with high-tech design serving Brann’s sizzling steaks and burgers plus bagels, pressed sandwiches, salads and more.

Michigan wines and craft beers. Breakfast includes baked goods, oatmeal and smoothies. 1977 East Beltline Ave. NE. kitchen67. com and Facebook. B, L, D ¢ The Landing — Nautical décor with windows overlooking the Grand River. Menu features American favorites and German specials.

Live music and dancing in the lounge. 270 Ann St NW (Radisson Riverfront Hotel at US 131), 363-7748. radisson.com/hotels/mi grapno/dinings. B, L, D $ -FLeo’s — Combines fine dining (fresh seafood is the specialty) and casual comfort.

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

Louis Benton Steakhouse — Premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks and more. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, 454-7455. louisbenton.com. L, D $-$$

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Marn E. Walkers — Everything from nachos to chicken Marsala — pizzas, burgers, steaks, you name it. Weekend breakfast buffet, pizza and pasta lunch buffet Mon-Fri. Open daily; Sun for breakfast only. 4322 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 453-3740. marnewalkers.com. B (Sat, Sun), L, D ¢-$

chef-driven, Michigan-inspired food. Everchanging, diverse menu of entrees, sandwiches, soups, baked goods and coffee. Doughnuts served Sat. mornings. Catering service for small affairs. Closed Sun. 7277 Thornapple River Dr., Ada, 682-5290. saburba.com and Facebook. B, 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 $-$$

Sam’s Joint — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia.

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

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-villainn.com. L, D $

Spinnaker — Menu features seafood and landlubber entrees. Sunday brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. B, L, D $-$$

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

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), 9565644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food. $ com. B, L, D

Radix Tavern — Southern-style fusion food featuring local, seasonal and sustainable products. Slow-cooked barbecue, pulled pork, cornbread, stews, hearty vegetarian options. 1420 Lake Dr SE (Eastown), 458-5583. radixtavern.com. D ¢-$

Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf. Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles, dinner menu.

5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninn motel.com. B, L, D ¢-$

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 8 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollec tion.com/redjet.php. B, L, D (Mon-Sat) ¢-$

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. baypointe $-$$ inn.com. L, D

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

L, D $-$$ Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. riograndsteakhouse.com. L, D $-$$ Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. $ sunnybrookcc.com. 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. amwaygrand.com. L, D $$

Saburba — Specializes in take-out featuring

Tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. tillmansrestaur $-$$ ant.com. L, D 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$-$$ 4837. tullymoregolf.com. L, D Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twisted-rooster.com. L, D ¢-$$

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

Daytime casual Eateries that specialize in breakfast and lunch.

Anna’s House — Usual breakfast items plus Twilight French Toast, Breakfast Lasagna and Hippie Hash. Burgers and sandwiches for lunch. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Open daily. 3874 Plainfield Ave. ¢ NE, 361-8500. Facebook. B, L Bentham’s Riverfront Restaurant — Breakfast and lunch include buffet or a la carte options Mon.-Sat. Brunch buffet or a la carte breakfast on Sun. Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave. NW, 774-2000. amwaygrand. $ com/benthams.html. B, L Café Stella — Eggs and breakfast burritos for breakfast, long list of sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch. Chef Tommy Fitzgerald emphasizes local products; deli meats roasted on site. Open Mon-Fri. 678 Front St NW (Riverview Center), 454-8605. tommy ¢ fitzgerald.com. 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 Cheshire Grill — Everything made fresh: comfort food, breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and more. Open 7 am-4 pm daily. 2162 Plain¢ field Ave NE, 635-2713. 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. Open daily. 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 $ Nunzia’s Café — Combo specials plus Italian dishes. Open 8:30 am-2 pm weekdays. In Merrill Lynch building, 250 Monroe Ave NW, 458-1533. Nunziascafe.com. 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.

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We Like Your Style!

34th Annual

West Michigan

Surprises around every corner will inspire you at the West Michigan Home & Garden Show!

Unique ideas, innovative solutions and expert information is what you will find this winter at the West Michigan Home & Garden Show at DeVos Place. You’ll be able to shop for home products and services, including remodeling, new construction and interior design. Enjoy magnificent gardens, landscaping and retail garden centers. Free seminars on the Garden Stage, Home Stage & Cooking Stage!

Buy your tickets online and receive a BONUS subscription to Better Homes & Gardens Magazine with your purchase!

Home &Garden Show

• Cari Cucksey from HGTV’s Cash & Cari on the Home Stage • Garden Stage features Joe Lamp’l “Growing a Greener World” • Huge Feature Garden by the Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals • 12 Fantastic Gardens • Standard Kitchens Cooking Stage with Chef Angus Campbell

DeVos Place

FEB 28-MAR 3, 2013 SHOW HOURS Thursday 3-9pm, Friday 12noon-9pm, Saturday 10-9pm, Sunday 11-6pm MICHIGAN GARDEN CLUBS District IV

Sponsored in part by

www.WestMichiganHomeShow.com Follow us on Facebook!

™

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 5430 Northland Dr NE, 361-1808. Facebook. B, L ¢

Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/ bobsbrewery. D ¢-$

Red Geranium Café — Popular spot for specialty omelets, homemade soups, breads and desserts. 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6569800; 5751 Byron Center Ave. 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. B, L ¢

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 ¢-$

Sugar Momma’s Bakery & Café - Full-service bakery with breakfast and lunch options, homemade soups, full espresso bar.

Closed Sunday. 6504 28th St SE, 957-2122. ¢ sugarmommaspastries.com. 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. matt wolfgang.com. B, L ¢

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

209 Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. Facebook. ¢ B, L

Pubs & Taverns 84th Street Pub and Grille — Menu offers Am­­ eri­can fare from pizzas to steaks in laidback surroundings with flat-screen TVs and fullservice bar. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr, Byron Center, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. L, D ¢-$ The Back Forty — A kicked-back country feel featuring food, country bands and DJ, and dance floor. Open 5 pm-2 am Wed-Sat. 48 W Fulton St, 742-4040. thebackfortysa loon.com. D $ Bar Louie — Urban décor at Woodland Mall, with sandwiches, appetizers, burgers and hearty entrées. More than 20 beers, along with a nice wine selection and specialty cocktails. Outdoor seating. 3191 28th St SE, 885-9050. barlouieamerica.com. L, D $-$$ Bobarino’s At The B.O.B. — Grill on 2nd floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from woodfired pizza to upscale entrées. Full-service bar with The B.O.B.’s microbrews on tap.

Live entertainment in Cisco’s Island Lounge.

20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thegilmore $ collection.com/bobarinos.php. L, D B.O.B.’s Brewery At The B.O.B. — Microbrews ranging from unique to standard with a variety of small plates that go beyond standard pub fare. Open Thu (Mug Club)-Sat. 20

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, 9743338. 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. Fullservice bar. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 3640567. 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, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D ¢ Crooked Goose — Meritage Hospitality Group restaurant offers full menu of “old-school tavern favorites.” Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave NW, Walker. crookedgoose.com. L, D ¢-$ Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derby station.com. L, D $ Eastown Sports Bar & Grill — Burgers and light fare. Open daily: Mon-Fri 5-11:45 pm, Sat 3 pm-2 am, Sun 9 am-11:45 pm. 1520 Wealthy St SE, 356-4950. Facebook. 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, 776-1195. 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 ¢-$ ➧Grand Rapids Brewing Co. — Serving 10 organic brews plus hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-to-table menu includes sharable plates, house-made sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees. Open daily. 1 Ionia Ave. SW, 459-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. L ¢-$ (Sat.-Sun. only), D GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant 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. amwaygrand.com. L, D Grand Woods Lounge — Year-round alfresco dining complete with fireplace. Eclectic menu selections mix with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious bar. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. $-$$ grandwoodslounge.com. L, D Harmony Brewing Co. — Eastown’s latest addition to the craft-brewing scene offers custom brews with a full bar, wine selections and menu of wood-fired pizzas in cool, eclectic surroundings. 1551 Lake Drive SE. Facebook. 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), 4569058. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Holly’s Back Door Bar & Grill — Full menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. $ B, L, D HopCat — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr. com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$ Hub’s Inn — Sandwiches, burgers, Mexican food and thin-crust pizzas. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. Facebook. L, D ¢ Intersection Café — Roomy entertainment venue offers sandwich wraps, burgers, vegetarian options and more. 133 Grandville Ave SW, 459-0977. sectionlive.com. L, D ¢ JD Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge in The

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Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating.

940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons. com. B, L, D $-$$ J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive bar is matched by gargantuan menu ranging from homemade chips to build-your-own burger.

Three floors of seating. Open Sun for arena events. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellas tavern.com. L, D ¢ Logan’s Alley — Free popcorn complements a premium-libation special. Sandwichand-appetizer menu. Seasonal deck seating. 916 Michigan St NE, 458-1612. logans alley.com. L, D ¢-$ Main Street Pub — Large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Open 11 am daily; breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com.

B (Sun), L, D ¢-$ McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon — New York-style Irish has a menu that includes “recreated” pub fare, contemporary American choices and regionally inspired dishes.

Transforms into a lively nightclub late at night. Open daily. 58 Ionia Ave SW, 454-9105. mcfaddensgrandrapids.com. 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 ¢-$ The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseballthemed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Mojo’s — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, plus late night “munchy menu.” RSVP for dinner early, show starts at 8 pm Wed-Thu, 7 pm FriSat, DJ, dancing, pool tables, VIP Room and flat-screen TVs on 2nd floor. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. D (WedSat) ¢-$ 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. 3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-9886. 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, 451-4243. nitecapbar.com. L, D ¢ continued on page 74 FEBRuARy 2013 / GRmaG.cOm 71

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Sweets for your sweetie Three local bakers create unique cupcakes and use clever marketing techniques to make their gourmet goodies stand out.

METRO CUPCAKES GR In fall 2011, Amy Wondolkowski, owner of Metro Cupcakes GR, and her fiancé, Patrick Sullivan, decided to combine her passion for baking and creative “tinkering” with his longstanding family experience in the restaurant industry.

The goal was to bring a fresh twist to the local cupcake experience.

“Metro Cupcakes uses quality products and ingredients native to the local Grand Rapids area or those produced in Michigan to create fresh, high-quality gourmet cupcakes,” Wondolkowski said. “It’s our goal to create an instant connection and sense of community through our cupcakes — whether it’s through the name recognition in our menu offerings or the ingredients we feature in our recipes.”

RitaGirl’s Bakery

Metro Cupcakes GR

Those recipes are what help set them apart, with everything — from the cake, curds and creams, all the way to the bourbon caramel, candied pecans and walnuts — made from scratch with a balance of flavors that doesn’t overwhelm the palette.

“Inspiration comes out of finding a great local or Michigan ingredient,” Wondolkowski said.

“I found a great vanilla cinnamon wine from B. Nektar Meadery out of Ferndale and created a cupcake flavor we named the Honey Bee Mine — and now feature every February for Valentine’s Day. “We also have a large local Dutch population, and seeing as I love holiday banket staven (a Dutch pastry) and marzipan, I tinkered around with recipes and combinations to capture it in our Cupket Staven,” she said.

Metro Cupcakes’ signature offerings are named for a connection to the Grand Rapids area or lakeshore community, such as the Van Apple named for the Van Andel family, and the Laker Stout cupcake that features a Founders beer along with chocolate whis-

key filling and Baileys-infused buttercream.

Key Lime, Margarita, Peanut Butterfinger and Strawberry Champagne — filled with champagne custard from a proprietary recipe — are also popular.

Metro Cupcakes is housed inside Uptown Kitchen at 423 Norwood SE just off Wealthy Street. Later this spring, Wondolkowski will open a store front (check website for details and updates).

The business also has a partnership with Art of the Table, 606 Wealthy St. SE, and has been providing product to the store with great success.

“For Valentine’s Day we do cupcake/ cake-pop bouquets or boxed bouquets; we have our Metro Crushed Cakes packaged in jars; customized cakes; February Valentine flavor offerings; gourmet boxed cakes; gift baskets of our cakes, curds, dessert sauces, etc.,” Wondolkowski said, adding that orders can be placed via phone at (616) 669-6074 or online at grcupcakes.com, and products can be delivered or picked up at Art of the Table.

“The fun and creativity are endless.”

RITAGIRL’S BAKERY If you’re planning to be in the heart of downtown, be sure to swing by RitaGirl’s Bakery located in the Shops at MoDiv, 40 Monroe Center NW. What started last summer with a sidewalk cart has turned into a sweet store run by Micki Ackerman and her niece, Chef Maria Tornga.

“When Maria graduated from the French Pastry School in Chicago and moved back to Grand Rapids, we felt that was a ‘meant to be’ kind of thing for us to do this adventure together,” Ackerman said. “It’s funny; we didn’t set out to be a ‘cupcake shop,’ but people just love them and so we’re having fun making them.”

While their most popular cupcakes are the Pink Champagne and Red Velvet, less traditional options are on the menu at Grand Rapids Brewing Co.: Tornga created “The Drunken Elvis” — a chocolate/banana stout cupcake with a peanut butter frosting. Another chocolate stout cupcake with

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Vanilla cake with chai buttercream, red velvet cake filled with chocolate ganache — words that capture the sweet side of life. But how do you capture the feel of Grand Rapids in a bite of a decadent cupcake?

Three local bakers are doing just that — providing freshly baked gourmet creations with flavors that capture the big city flair but small town feel this city has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for traditional favorites or something brand new, cupcakes are one more way to capture the spirit of the city — and possibly the heart of your Valentine.

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PhOtOGRaPhy by jOhnny QuiRin

PhOtOGRaPhy by jOhnny QuiRin

maple butter cream is topped with caramelized bacon.

“Along with the cupcakes, Maria’s brownies are, by far, the best around,” Ackerman claimed.

“The signature chocolate recipe gets toppings such as coconut cream, salted caramel made ourselves, peanut butter cream or butterscotch bacon, just to name a few.

“We have also come into quite a glutenfree following,” she continued. “We have a gluten-free carrot cake and cheesecake, as well as a chewy chocolate cookie that we absolutely can’t keep stocked.”

For Valentine’s Day, the bakery will offer romantic combinations of decadent chocolates, champagne flavors and spicy fruits for cupcakes, as well as truffles and other assorted desserts.

More information can be found on the shop’s Facebook page or by calling (616) 710-1580.

STiLETTO SWEETS Noddea Skidmore, owner of Stiletto Sweets and “accidental cake stylist,” is an expert when it comes to combining creativity, design and tasty decadence. From untying the ribbon to opening the cover of the box and lifting out a parchment-wrapped creation, every layer of Stiletto Sweets is laced in pleasure.

Skidmore’s goal since 2010 has been to merge clients, culture and the heartbeat of the city through a communal love of deliciousness.

“My background is in events, PR, bridal styling and performance, and my degree is in advertising and PR from Grand Valley State University,” Skidmore said.

“I started out as a hobby cake decorator and then realized that my background in various areas was lending a special attention to detail and design that made my work stick out.”

A Stiletto Sweets cupcake is light and airy — and high on design. Skidmore’s love for styling and detail come together to create what Stiletto Sweets has become — a one-woman show churning out unique and personalized creations that taste as amazing as they look.

Flavors range from the Original (white cake with blueberry buttercream filling and vanilla buttercream frosting) to the Sexpot (white cake with pink champagne butter-

Stiletto Sweets

cream and sugar dust).

“Our most popular are the PMS cupcake: chocolate cake filled with caramel, topped with vanilla buttercream, caramel drizzle, mini-chocolate chips and sea salt — the perfect blend of sweet and salty — and the Velvet Redhead: red velvet cake filled with chocolate ganache, topped with cream cheese buttercream and mini chocolate chips,” Skidmore said.

“One of our most unique is the Pete’s Dragon — a chocolate cupcake with avocado buttercream and Campari-soaked, candied grapefruit zest.”

While Skidmore’s business doesn’t currently have a storefront, ordering information and a menu of flavors are listed on the Stiletto Sweets’ Facebook page, or orders can be placed by emailing stilettosweets@ gmail.com.

As a freelance calligrapher, Skidmore has the ability to write lovely messages on edible cupcake toppers. Between that and choosing your favorite flavors, you can easily customize a sweet treat for your Valentine.

— ABBy heuGel

2845 Lake Eastbrook Blvd Grand Rapids • 616.949.7370 wwww.siegeljewelers.com FEBRuARy 2013 / GRmaG.cOm 73

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

continued from page 71 O’Toole’s Public House — Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily.

448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com.

L, D ¢-$ Peppino’s Ristorante Pizzeria And Sports Lounge — Italian specialties, Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. Separate sports bar. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444. peppinospizza.com.

L, D ¢-$$ Pub 43 — Caters to all, but is especially popular with gay crowd. 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. Facebook. D ¢-$ The Pubb — Sports bar serving sandwiches, burgers and munchies. Open daily 11 am-2 am, Happy Hour 11 am-7 pm. 1568 Broadway Ave NW, 608-7420. pubbbar.com. 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. quinnand tuites.com. L, D ¢-$ Rezervoir Lounge — Former Sazerac Lounge has full menu of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, some with a Cajun flavor. Open Tue.-Sun. for lunch and dinner (opens 4 p.m. Mon) 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010.

Facebook. L, D ¢-$ 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 $1 beer specials. 633 Ottawa Ave NW, 356-2346. myspace.com/rockysgr. L, D ¢-$ The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with varied menu. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Shamrock Bar & Grill — Diverse menu includes special burgers and a wide range of entrees. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888.

Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Shepards Grill & Tavern — Bar food with flare, from appetizers to Kobe top sirloin.

Open daily. Weekday happy hour specials 3-6:30 p.m. Cascade Center, 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Stella’s Lounge — Mostly vegan menu but a stuffed burger for carnivores. Advertises strong drinks and more than 200 whiskies.

53 Commerce Ave, 742-4444. stellasgr.com.

L, D ¢-$

Teazers Bar & Grill — Burgers and pastas, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites.

Kids menu. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teazersbar.com. L, D ¢-$

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

The Viceroy — Classic hors d’oeuvres (finger sandwiches to tenderloin tips) and desserts to accompany a wide range of cocktails, house-infused whiskeys, beer and wine.

Kitchen open 5 pm-1 am Wed-Sat. 53 Commerce Ave SW, 744-8423. viceroygr.com. D $

Boardwalk Subs — 20 huge Jersey-style subs in addition to familiar choices. Catering and delivery. Open daily. 901 Gezon Parkway SW, Wyoming, 724-2492. boardwalksubs.net. 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. 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 sandwiches and shrimp, barbecue fare. Breakfast and lunch only Sun. 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. B, L, D $ Z’s — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs. Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. Carryout available. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

Café Aromas — Sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups plus a variety of coffee drinks. 880 Grandville Ave SW, 245-7379. tastycafearo mas.com. B, L, D ¢ 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. cherrydeli.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, sandwiches, pizza, take-home 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 dogs plus ice cream.

25 Squires St, Rockford, 863-9565. L, D ¢

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

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 ¢

Alley Cat Deli — Sandwiches, soups and salads. Smoked meat is a specialty and all breads and desserts are made in-house. Closed Sun. 5355 Northland Dr NE, 447-8844. 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 ¢

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, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, 249-9500. bagelbeanery.com. 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 ¢

Biggby Coffee — East Lansing-based chain offers coffee and non-coffee drinks, baked goods, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, bagel sandwiches. For locations, see biggby.com. ¢ Bitter End — Specialty coffee drinks, bagels,

JW’s — Art gallery meets coffeehouse with rotation of local art. Coffee drinks, pastries and desserts, sandwiches. Open ‘til 6, closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 285-1695.

Facebook. B, L, D ¢ Kava House — Popular Eastown spot with bakery items (from scones to spinach pies) and java served in bowl-sized cups. 1445

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Lake Dr SE, 451-8600. 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.biz. B, L, D ¢ Newk’s Express Café — Modern space with counter-order/table-delivery service and well-stocked condiment and beverage site.

Superbly composed sandwiches, salads, soups and chili, 10-inch pizzas and “homemade” desserts. Open daily. 2650 East Beltline Ave SE, 956-5980. newkscafe.com. L, D ¢-$ 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, 2339700. onestopconeyshop.com. L, D (M-F) ¢ Rico’s Deli — Relocated to the Boardwalk building, offers deli sandwiches, subs, wraps, paninis, soups, breakfast selections and daily specials at modest prices. Also houses Liquid Cargo coffee shop. Open daily. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 451-0225; ricosdeli.com. B, L, D (weekdays) ¢

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, sandwiches and daily soup specials.

Vegetarian options. Free Wi-Fi. Closed Sun. 608 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreet ¢ bakery.com. B, L, D Windy City Grille — Chicago-style gyros, Italian beef, dogs and more. Closed Sun; will cater. 5751 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, 261-2489. 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. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 262-3090. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢

Family Casual

Ritz Koney Bar & Grille — Hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches and more. Full bar with limited wine list. Closed Sun. 64 Ionia Ave SW, 4513701. ritzkoneybarandgrille.com. L, D ¢-$

Arnie’s Bakery & Restaurant — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. No alcohol. Open daily.

3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestau $ rants.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)

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 $

Skywalk Deli — NY-style deli on the 2nd floor of Comerica Building. Fresh roasted meats, house-made soups, salads and addictive desserts. Open 7 am-3 pm Mon-Fri. Full-service, full-meal catering, too. 99 Monroe Ave NW, 732-5388. skywalkdeli.com. B, L ¢

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

Twisted Vine — Downtown Rockford café features Boars Head meats and cheeses on Schnitz Bakery breads, house-made soups, hearty salads and delightful desserts. Fullscale catering. 51 Bridge St, 866-2828. twisted vinedeli.com. L, D ¢

Cajun Cat — Cajun-influenced menu features seafood selections, gumbo, sandwiches.

Take-out or small seating area. 3280 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 735-2416. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Two Beards Deli & Catering — Spin-off of Cherry Deli serves breakfast items, sandwiches, panini and soups. Open daily 7 a.m.10 p.m. 38 Commerce, 719-3802. twobeards deli.com. B, L, D ¢ Urban Mill Café — Deli-style specialty sandwiches, soups and salads plus baked goods.

629 Michigan St NE, 855-1526. urbanmill. com. B, 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.

Serves alcohol. 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 ¢-$ Green Restaurant — Sandwiches, salads, burgers and seafood with an emphasis on farms with sustainable practices and humane treatment of animals. Menu includes ostrich and elk burgers. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-8294. 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. thelyondengr.com. B, L, D ¢ Mr. Burger — Longtime local favorite serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Six locations. ¢ mrburger.com. B, L, D Noel Restaurant — Christmas year-round in this former church and parsonage. Familystyle 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), 942-8020; 3700 Rivertown Parkway SW, Grandville, 531-6572. olgaskitchen.com. L, D ¢ Pal’s Diner — A real diner offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options all day. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner.com. B, ¢ L, D Pop’s Family Restaurant — Breakfast all day long, plus classic comfort food and Mexican specialties. 1339 Walker Village Dr NW, 4539339. B, 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 ¢-$ February 2013 / Grmag.com 75

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Meet the Trappist Chimays BELGiuM iS HOME to many of the world’s most flavorful beers. About six of the estimated 125 breweries in this small European country produce Trappist ales, beers produced in Trappist monasteries by the monks who live there, or under their direct supervision. The beers are known worldwide for their high quality and unique flavors.

Many Trappist ales of Belgium are available in Grand Rapids beers stores, but I’d like to focus on three made in the religious community of Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey under the Chimay label.

The Chimay brewery was established in 1862 to support the monastery and its charitable mission. The ales are brewed with spring water from a well inside the brewery.

They are also primarily fermented at this location until delivered to a nearby bottling facility to receive a second fer-

mentation and corked in 750ml dark brown glass bottles.

It is this secondary fermentation and the high quality of ingredients that raise the alcohol content to levels more comparable to wine than common beer.

Chimay is commercially available in three varieties distinguished primarily by their label colors.

Chimay Red Cap, or Premiere, is a brown ale, deep reddish brown in color with a full-flavored roasty malt taste that is sure to satisfy. Belgium beer recipes tend to value a balance between bitter (hops), sour (yeast) and body (malt). This beer is perhaps the least bitter, or driest, of the three. Alcohol content is 7 percent by volume, and cost is $11.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Chimay Blue Cap, or Grande Reserve, is a bit more intense in all categories. It is darker with a pronounced hint of chocolate or black malt flavors, drier with more

hops and, at 9 percent abv, much higher in alcohol. This would serve well as an afterdinner drink with soft cheese and crackers. This bottle was the most expensive at $13.99.

Chimay White, also known as Triple or Cinq Cents, is the most hopped of the three and considerably different from them.

Color is an orange to deep gold, with a light, crisp finish. If you like lighter, full-flavored beers, this may be more appealing to your taste. This bottle cost $13.49.

I appreciate super-hopped-up beers such as India Pale Ale, but I’ve also become quite fond of the unique flavor that yeast can give a well-fermented brew.

Belgium ales, in general, and Trappist ales, in particular, tend to be more balanced and include yeast flavors that are not usually given the attention they deserve.

— JON c. KOeZe

iNTERESTiNG TiDBiTS ABOuT CHiMAy BREWERy AND NOTRE-DAME DE SCOuRMONT ABBEy:

> The beer produced by the brewery has never been pasteurized or filtered. The haze in the glass is appropriate and even healthy.

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

> Only three beers are commercially available from the Chimay brewery but a fourth beer is produced for the monks of the abbey. It is said to be lower in alcohol and a bit lighter in flavor. It is

not generally available outside the monastery.

> In addition to exceptional beer, the monastery in Chimay also produces fine cheeses. > You can visit the Chimay Brewery, both physically and virtually. For more information, go to chimay. com.

> The Cistercian monks who enter the monastery take a vow of chastity, relinquish all personal property and prefer silence to talking.

They do not, however, take a vow of silence.

The beers are known worldwide for their high quality and unique flavors.

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76 GRmaG.cOm \ FEBRuARy 2013

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SAVE FEBRUARY 1 – APRIL 2, 2013 Ramona’s Table — EGR deli with madefrom-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals. Takeout and catering. Closed Sun. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 4598500. ramonastable.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Russ’ Restaurants — Fast service, inexpensive fare. Closed Sun. More than 10 locations in West Michigan. russrestaurants.com. B, L, D ¢ Sandi’s Family Restaurant — Home-cooked meals in casual surroundings. Daily specials; all-you-can-eat ocean perch Fri. Senior discount Mon-Tue. Closed Sun. 6597 S Division Ave, 281-3160. sandisfamilyrestaurant.com.

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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 ¢

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. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amoretrattoria italiana.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 $

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Bella Mia Pizzeria & italian Grill — Italian dishes and New York-style pizza. Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, 554-9930. L, D ¢-$ Brick Road Pizza — Specializing in gourmet, traditional and vegan pizzas. Gluten-free crusts available on request. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 7192409. brickroadpizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Chicago 7 Pizzeria — Family-owned pizzeria offers New York and Chicago-style pies along with specialty pizzas. Also subs and calzone. Open daily. 3012 28th St SW, Grandville, 538-7777. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Euro Bistro — European bistro fare plus wood-fired pizzas. 11 am-10 pm Mon-Fri. 4-10 pm Sat, closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 7192017. eurobistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Florentine Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Spacious location features Italian fare with

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

American and Mexican choices, thin-crust pizzas. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Florentine Ristorante — Italian and American cuisine. Pizza and pasta served in the lounge until midnight; full-menu dinner 4-10 pm. Closed Sun. 3245 28th St SW, 534-5419. florentineingrandville.com. L, D $ Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante Sports Bar — Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian entrees and even Mexican entrees. Multiple big screen TVs; take-out available. Open daily. 1259 Post Drive, Belmont, 785-1001. florentines. biz. L, D ¢-$ Franco’s Pizzeria — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). No alcohol.

Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307.

L, D ¢-$ Fred’s Pizza And Italian Restaurant — Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 3618994. fredspizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Also, pasta dinners with a sauce that has made its way to the retail market. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com.

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

2185 84th St, 878-1100. goodfellowspizza. com. L, D $ G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery 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, 742-4773. grandrapids pizza.net. L, D ¢-$ Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties include Sfinciuni, thick-crust Sicilian pizza and Sciacciata, stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrees, calzones and desserts made from family recipes. Open daily.

2896 Knapp St NE in Celadon New Town.

608-6912. Facebook. L, D $ Mangiamo — Historic mansion houses family-friendly Italian eatery. Italian fare plus steaks and seafood. Extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 7420600. thegilmorecollection.com/mangiamo. $-$$ php. D

Marinade’s Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more.

No alcohol. Catering available. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300. marinadespizza bistro.com. L, D ¢ Monelli’s Italian Grill And Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace.

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

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

L, D $ Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant — Sicilian and southern Italian fare using family recipes. Separate sports bar; patio seating.

Weekday lunch buffet. All menu items, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Closed Sun. 654 Stocking Ave NW, 4544280. 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 FTre 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. the originalvitales.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Of Ada — Multi-regional, upscale dishes made from scratch. Also pizza, subs and burgers. Family-friendly; microbrews to martinis in separate sports pub. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from original Vitale family recipes. 59 W Washington St, Zeeland,

(616) 772-5900, vitaleszeeland.com; 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitales hudsonville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 530-8300. 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, 257-7777. L, D Angel’s Thai Café — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option.

Vegetarian-friendly. No alcohol. Open daily.

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

Family owned and operated. No alcohol.

Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. L, ¢-$ D Bangkok Taste — Thai fare with lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550; 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667¢-$ 8901. bangkoktaste.com. L, D Bangkok View — Thai food and Chinese fare.

Lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 531-8070. bangkokviewthai food.com. L, D ¢-$ Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch specials. No alcohol. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijing ¢-$ kitchengr.com. L, D Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. 5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market strip mall), 261-8186. bluegingergr.com. L, ¢-$ D Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from Northern India. Full bar. Lunch buffet Mon.-Fri. and Sun. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr. SE, 456-7055. bombaycuisinegr.com. 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 East-

78 Grmag.com \ February 2013

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Learn more about women and heart disease

Share your experience Go Red Celebrating 10 Years of Going Red!

Make a difference Wear Red onate fo ffor or lifesaving research Make healthy lifestyle c h Donate choices West Michigan Take Ta T akeA A Action c Learn CPR Join in a Pa Pass Passion sssiio o Committee Go Red

Go Red ern Ave SE, 257-7038. L, D

¢-$

China Gourmet Buffet — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items.

Dinner buffet served all day weekends; discount for seniors and children 10 and under.

No alcohol. 2030 28th St SW, 252-1379. L, D ¢-$ Chinatown Restaurant And Japanese Steak House — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available.

Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar. 69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngrandrapids. com. L, D ¢-$ China Yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 East¢-$ ern 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 — All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet served all day. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirebuffet.net.

L, D ¢-$ Erb Thai — Traditional Thai fare, will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, glutenfree, 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

Help save lives toda Friday, February, 22, 2013

Join uss in10:00am-1:30pm our mission Get oc / Noto’s Oldinvolved World Cuisine locally

Learn nm more about and heart ea e a dis Wrap yourself in Redwomen and join us for a luncheon

lives today lives.Help The Go Red Forsave Women Luncheon raises money Make eadifference Wear Red for research and education of heart disease Make healthy lifestyle c choices h Share your ou experience Go Red celebration to help make a difference in women’s

Donate for or lifesaving research in women. The morning includes exhibits, networking

Learn ea e ar CPR our annual Purse-inalities silent auction.

Take A Action c andThen, Learn CPR Volunteer r enjoy lunch and passion speakers.

Join a Passion siio Committee

Go Red

Help save lives toda

Join uss in our mission Get involved locally oc

Learn nm more about women and heart ea e a dis Donate for lifesaving rresearch e Share your ou experience Go Red

Make eadifference

Golden Dragon — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse. Full bar. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363continued on page 82

Make adifferenc WearRed

Tickets are required for this event. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities visit www.GrandRapidsGoRedForWomen.org, call 616-617-4494 or email Joanne.Stockdale@heart.org Donate for or lifesaving research Make healthy lifestyle c choices h locally presented by

Take A Action c LearnCPR Love, Live & Learn Sponsor

Join a Passion siio Committee

Volunteer Go rRed

Tell 5 women you love ve v e

Go Red Help save lives today

©2011, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund. TM Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of DHHS.

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Something to feel good g 15 n rati about!

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Featured Presenters:

Michelle Grzybowski {re}imagined just for you Something Pinteresting is Going On! French Country – Shabby Chic – Rustic Farmhouse On Stage Everyday Miss Michigan Angela Venditti Meet & Greet Sponsored by Dr Pepper Snapple Group

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. letseat.at/fujiyama. 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

Wear Red

Tell 5 women you love

Sponsors include: National Presenting Sponsors, Macy’s and Merck; and Local Presenting Sponsor, Spectrum Health.

Other sponsors include Fifth Third Bank, Metro Health, Steelcase, Inc., Meijer, Inc. Huntington Bank, and Grand Valley State University.

Media sponsors for the event include Grand Rapids Magazine, Women’s Lifestyle Magazine, Star 105.7, and WOTV4 Women.

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

Fortune Chef — Chinese and American fare.

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

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Merri Davis Hoop Happy Hoop Healthy “Hoop Happy Girls Don’t Have Muffin Tops” On Stage Everyday Follow us on facebook February 2013 / Grmag.com 79

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food & drink RestauRants / PeOPLe / Reviews

Jason leek worked closely with owner Balwinder Bal to develop their take on comfort food for Radix Tavern.

Southern cuisine with ‘foodie’ flair Title: Executive chef, Radix Tavern Location: 1420 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids

“From that moment on, I was hooked.

I’d stay up late watching the Food Network and reading cookbooks. Then my roommates started bringing me ingredients to cook for them. I dove headlong into it.”

— Jason Leek

W

hen Radix Tavern opened last August in the remodeled Queen’s Pub location in Eastown, it was the realization of a dream for owner Balwinder Bal, who also owns the adjacent Bombay Cuisine. Although his vision had taken root years earlier, it was dependent on finding just the right executive chef to bring it to fruition.

Then, thanks to a well-placed ad on Craig’s List, he found Chef Jason Leek.

A native of Fort Scott, a little town in Kansas, Leek is a selfproclaimed “debate nerd” who attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., to join the debate team. With aspirations of becoming an attorney, he studied political science.

“But after two years of living above an incredible Italian restaurant surrounded by all those wonderful aromas every day and night, I decided that working in a kitchen sounded like more fun than sitting in an office,” he said.

“From that moment on, I was hooked. I’d stay up late watching the Food Network and reading cookbooks. Then my roommates started bringing me ingredients to cook for them. I dove headlong into it.”

After Danielle, the woman who would become his wife, accepted a professorship at Grand Valley State University, Leek relocated to Grand Rapids. He worked in banquets and various restaurants at The B.O.B. over a four-year stint with the Gilmore organization. He was sous chef at Judson’s Steakhouse and Gilly’s when he spotted Bal’s Craig’s List posting for an executive chef position.

“I was ready for something new and different,” he said. “Bal and I started talking, and everything just felt right. We began working on the concept and a menu, and he started the remodel. In six months, we went from not knowing each other to opening Radix Tavern.”

Radix is the Latin word for “root,” which is reflected in the restaurant’s striking wall mural painted by a local artist. The walls also provide free gallery space to area artists whose work is available for purchase.

“Our menu is primarily focused on comfort food from the southern regions of the United States, but with a ‘foodie’ twist that makes it a bit more adventurous, yet still approachable,” Leek said.

“Rather than traditional, it’s our take on comfort food, drawing influences from Cajun, Creole, soul food, barbecue, Tex-Mex – anything considered southern because we felt that it is very underrepre-

PhOtOGRaPhy by michaeL buck

> JASON LEEK

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sented in this area.”

Despite his classic French culinary training, it’s the kind of food Leek enjoys cooking at home, and his take on fried chicken has made it one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. The seasonally changing menu and weekly features incorporate as many local products as possible.

Leek has established relationships with Schnitzelstein Baking Co., Ingraberg Farms, Cowslip Creamery and Sobie Meats, along with about 15 Michigan microbrews that are on tap in the full-service bar.

The family-friendly restaurant also includes a kids menu and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

“One of Bal’s top priories was to keep the price point very affordable,” Leek said. “Grand Rapids has so many ‘special occasion’ restaurants, but our mission is to be the place people can go to twice a week and comfortably afford it. What we’re trying to do here is create a warm, comfortable place for people to congregate, socialize and enjoy good food and good drinks at reasonable prices.”

“I chose this recipe (to share with readers) because there aren’t so many ingredients, and mussels are the most affordable and sustainable seafood option around. We use mussels fresh from the Chesapeake Bay area and do them Cajun-Creole-style, cooked with andouille sausage, red peppers and Cajun seasoning. At the restaurant, we make our own dedicated tomato broth that has a lot of ingredients and takes hours to make, but to replicate it, the home cook can use V8 juice and it will work well. (The dish) goes great with your favorite — Julie Burch Michigan microbrew.”

Radix server Elizabeth Boland talks with customers Chelia Wallin and Casey McKellar. The Eastown restaurant features updated comfort food from the South.

Chef Jason Leek’s Radix Louisiana Mussels Prep time: Under 30 minutes | Serves: 2-3, or more by adding more mussels without

increasing quantities of the other ingredients.

1 teaspoon garlic, finely diced

2 teaspoons unsalted butter 2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon andouille sausage, chopped fine

2 tablespoons onion, finely diced

/2 cup tomato juice (V8 works great)

Crusty bread

1 red pepper, seeded, deveined and sliced thin

1

Photography by michael buck

Photography by michael buck

20 live mussels, rinsed and de-bearded

1

/4 cup white wine

2 teaspoons cajun seasoning Salt and pepper to taste

/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1

Place a large skillet over high heat for two minutes. Add the olive oil, onions, garlic, red peppers, andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning. Sauté over high heat for two minutes.

Add the mussels and continue sautéing for two more minutes.

Add the white wine, lemon juice, tomato juice, whipping cream and butter. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook, covered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season broth with salt and pepper to taste.

Carefully transfer mussels and broth to large serving bowl. Serve with crusty bread.

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

continued from page 79 1318. goldendragongr.com. L, D

$

Golden Gate Restaurant — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, egg rolls, sweet-and-sour dishes, with some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. 4023 S Divi¢ sion Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D Golden Wok — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers lunch and dinner options, including Hunanspiced dishes. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com.

L, D ¢-$ Grand Lakes — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. No alcohol. Next to Breton Village D&W. 1810 Breton Rd SE, ¢-$ 954-2500. L, D Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — Pan-Asian cuisine from sushi to buffet, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American dishes. No alcohol. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Ridge Shopping Center), 785-8200. letseat. ¢ at/hibachigrillsupremebuffet. L, D Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese for dine-in or carry-out. All-you-caneat lunch buffet. No alcohol. 150 E Fulton St, ¢-$ 235-3888. B, L, D Hunan — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups. No alcohol. 1740 44th St SW, 530-3377; 1263 Leon$ ard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr.com. L, D India Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan in a humble atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D ¢-$ Jade Garden — Chinese cuisine with some American dishes. Children’s menu, large selection of tropical cocktails. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. L, D ¢-$ Ju Sushi & Lounge — Sushi and sashimi 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 ¢-$ Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. Facebook, laithai ¢-$ kitchen.com. L, D Mandarin — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends. Cocktails. Open daily. 2460 28th ¢-$ St SE, 530-3300. L, D Marado Sushi — Sushi bar offers a wide selection of Japanese fare and a few Korean specialties. No alcohol. 47 Monroe Center, 742-6793. Closed Sun. L, D ¢-$

Maru Sushi & Grill — Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items.

925 Cherry St. SE. marurestaurant.com. L, $-$$ D Mikado Sushi — Sushi and sashimi à la carte.

Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat buffet: Japanese, Chinese, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), (616) 365-3989. ¢-$ mingtenrestaurant.com. L, D Mynt Fusion Bistro — Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, ¢-$ 987-9307. myntfusion.com. 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 ¢-$ ➧Osaka Steakhouse — Japanese cuisine, including steak, seafood, sushi. Same owners as XO Asian Cuisine. Open daily. 4977 28th $ St. SE, 419-4628. Facebook. L, D Palace Of India — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. No alcohol.

961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindia restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ P.F. Chang’s China Bistro — Upscale chain known for modern Chinese dishes from Mongolian beef to chicken lettuce wraps.

Cocktails, beer and wine. Order online for takeout. The Village at Knapp’s Crossing, 2065 Apple Orchard Ave, 447-2060. pf $ changs.com. L, D Pho Soc Trang — Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. L, D ¢ Rak Thai Bistro — Thai-fusion fare with Chinese and Japanese influences. No alcohol.

5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. rakthai bistro.com. L, D ¢-$ Red Sun Buffet — All-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections. No alcohol.

4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. redsunbuffet. com. L, D ¢-$ FSeoul Garden — Chinese and Korean cuisine with full bar. Banquet and catering fa-

cilities available. Closed Sun. 3321 28th St SE, 956-1522. grseoulgarden.com. L, D $-$$ Shang Hai Ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine; food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. $-$$ shanghaiichiban.com. L, D Soc Trang — Wide selection of Chinese and Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. 1831 Market Place Dr, Caledonia, 871-9909. gosoc trang.com. L, D ¢-$ Sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, plus fusion fare. Private groups can eat in traditional Japanese tatami room. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni.net. L, D ¢-$$ Thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to specification. No alcohol. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. L, D ¢ 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. tokyogrill ¢-$ sushi.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 ¢-$ XO Asian Cuisine — Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine with full service bar. Vegetarian options and lunch specials Mon-Sat. Free valet parking with $30 purchase. Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. xoasian cuisine.com. L, D $-$$ Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. L, D ¢-$

Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Marie Catrib’s — Middle-Eastern fare with on-site bakery, seasonal specialties and Turkish coffee. Vegetarian options. Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat. Lunch/dinner starts 11 am weekdays, noon Sat. Closed Sun. No alcohol. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecat ribs.com. B, L, D ¢-$

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Mediterranean Grill — Gyros, kabobs, shwarOne Year Anniversary ma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta. All

CELEBRATION

meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. L, D $

Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offerSaturday 6 April @9pm ing Mediterranean specialties with drivethrough, delivery and catering available.

Open daily. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. L, D ¢-$

Ellie & SEZ Band joined by all-star performers from the past year!

Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout and catering. Features Lebanese beer and wine. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L, D ¢-$ Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs and more. No alcohol. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$

Monthly "Moth"-style Pita House — Gyros and other Middle East specialties. No alcohol. 1450 Wealthy St SE, storytelling 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029; 4533 Ivanrestevents Ave SW, 261-4302; 134 Monroe Center NW, 233-4875. thepitahouse.net. L, D

¢

Weekday Lunch Special $7

Sheshco Grill — Lebanese cuisine including lots of appetizers, salads and soups; entrees such as shish kabob, lamb shanks, quail and sautéed meats, plus vegetarian and seafood options. No alcohol. Open daily. 2121 Celebration Dr. NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. $ sheshcogrill.com. L, D

Live local music every Wednesday FShiraz Grille — Persian cuisine: fire-grilled with $2 well drinks kabobs, khoreshts, vegetarian options. Full

Mon. 421 Norwood SE (Eastown), 459-3383. $ gojoethiopiancuisine.com. L, D

Mexican/Latin American/ Caribbean 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. 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, 257-7091. L, D ¢ Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu; wet burritos are the claim to fame. Full bar.

The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car.

16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $ Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare with full bar, take-out service, vegetarian selection. Spacious with fireplaces and Mexican décor. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. L, D ¢-$ Café San Juan — Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban 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, 248-2824. L, D ¢-$ Cantina — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties with full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. L, D $

bar, wine list, martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. L (Sun), 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 ¢

turkishrestaurant.com. L, D

Cinco De Mayo — Mexican eatery offers the usual fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. L, D $

Sunday Night Zeytin — Turkish-American cuisine with extensive beer and wine lists.

Takeout availJazz Jamm 7-10 able. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin $

African

Established in — 2012 Little Africa Cuisine Humble storefront café offers hearty vegetable Inspired by 1933 stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread.

Sample other Ethiopian specialties. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Open daily. 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. L, D ¢

Open Daily: 11am - 2am 600 Monroe Ave NW& 49503 Cuisine Deli — AuthenGojo Ethiopian

tic, homemade Ethiopian dishes including 616-458-3125 vegetarian options. Watt (stew-like) dishes served with injerra flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Tue-Fri lunch buffet, dinner 5-8 pm; Sat buffet 4-8 pm; closed Sun and

www.speakEZlounge.com

Corazon — Authentic Mexican food in stylish surroundings. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 122 S Division Ave, 454-3847. L, D ¢ ➧Donk’s Mexican Joint — Tex-Mex selections including wet and dry burritos. Kids menu, drive-thru available. 820 Michigan St. NE, 883-6036. donksjoint.com. L, D ¢ Downtown Trini’s — Sparta’s destination offers traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. downtowntrinis.com. L, D ¢-$ El Arriero —Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller

Established in 2012 Inspired by 1933 Open Daily: 11am - 2am 616-458-3125

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hefedshefed.com

A weekend affair He fed: Being the hopeless romantic,

Gourmet foodies Juliet and Jeremy Johnson keep it simple yet elegant on Valentine’s Day with a home-cooked, French feast.

I don’t shy away from my duties on Valentine’s Day. I Check. Chocolate? Check.

Wine? Check. Reservations?

Yup. Who in their right mind, though, wouldn’t give up all the standard trappings of the holiday to spend quality time at home, sharing wine and cheese with the love of your life?

Juliet is a fantastic cook, and I’ll always prefer her special dishes. My pitching in to help with preparations before she gets home also allows me time to light a few candles, put on some appropriate music and set the table.

Everything tastes better when we work together.

— Jeremy

We’re huge advocates of dining out, but at the risk of losing our foodie cred this Valentine’s Day, we’re staying in.

There’s an awful lot of pressure surrounding the holiday. Just getting a reservation at a restaurant can be an exercise in futility. If you’re like us, the thought of fighting traffic to get home, sprucing up after a long day at work, and then braving the cold again to get to your favorite eatery where the tables are packed isn’t very romantic.

A quiet night for two over scrumptious French fare sounds better. (Besides, we’ll head out to one of our regular dining spots the weekend after Valentine’s Day, when there’s a little less hustle and bustle.)

The weekend prior to the big day, we divide and conquer.

Instead of spending an exorbitant amount on flowers, Jeremy splurges on a couple bottles of wine and artisan cheeses. He chooses a bottle of bubbles to start and a hearty red to accompany dinner. The friendly staff at The Cheese Lady helps him select three varieties from France: a bleu from the Basque region; a

Is it possible to deliver a bistro-inspired meal cooked from scratch to the table with no muss or fuss? Absolument! raclette from the Alps near the Swiss border; and a goat’s milk cheese from Provence that’s soft-ripened like brie.

During my usual weekend trip to the market, I buy organic chicken and veggies for the coq au vin, along with chocolate and whipping cream for the mousse.

One night during the week, I spend about an hour prepping and browning the chicken and veggies. The coq au vin needs to simmer largely unattended for 45 minutes, which frees me up to handle other things. After a quick stir to dislodge any bits stuck to the bottom, I put the stockpot on our deck to cool. From there, it will chill in the refrigerator until Thursday night. The flavors will ripen and meld, making the dish even better than if we had eaten it the evening it was prepared.

On Valentine’s Day, Jeremy arrives home about an hour before me, so he pops the coq au vin in the oven to reheat, puts the bubbles on ice, decants the red wine, brings the cheeses

Photography by jim gebben

usually plan ahead. Flowers?

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to room temp, and slices the baguette he bought on his way home. (Fresh bread is the only “day of” purchase required for this meal.)

I walk in the door to the intoxicating smell of red wine and chicken bubbling in the oven and the sight of a cheese tray made for a queen. It takes 15 minutes to make chocolate mousse in the blender and whipped cream in the mixer.

The ramekins go into the fridge to set, and we dig into the cheese first, then the chicken. Now this is Valentine’s Day! Is it possible to deliver a bistro-inspired meal cooked from scratch to the table with no muss or fuss? Absolument! Just follow our game plan above and you’ll enjoy a French lover’s feast that’s the rival of most dishes on any menu around town.

For all recipes and extra photos, visit HeFedSheFed.com.

Coq au Vin She fed: This is a great timeline for a busy couple. I love that I don’t have to make a special stop for any ingredients. And there are ways to simplify the meal prep even further.

4 slices of bacon (thick cut preferred), sliced into lardons 6-8 organic bone-in chicken thighs with skin 1 cup of flour generously seasoned with salt & fresh ground pepper 10 ounces mushrooms, cremini or button, rinsed and sliced or halved, whichever you prefer 6 large carrots, peeled and cut into very thick slices

2-3 garlic cloves, sliced thin 2 cups pearl onions 3-4 shallots sliced thin 1 bottle of red wine, something you would drink 1/2-1 cup chicken or vegetable stock a few sprigs of thyme 1-2 bay leaves

Peeling pearl onions is a real patience-tester, but you can always buy a bag of frozen pearl onions or just chop up a big onion. Baby carrots can be used instead of peeling and slicing whole ones. I used presliced cremini (baby bella mushrooms), which were the same price as whole.

Giving your better half part of

Photography by jim gebben

Photography by jim gebben

the shopping list helps, too.

He’s likely to find the wine and cheese under one roof at G.B. Russo’s, Martha’s Vineyard or a well-stocked grocery store.

— Juliet

Cook the bacon in a large ovenproof stockpot until crispy. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the stockpot.

Shake the chicken thighs two at a time in a paper bag with the flour mixture. (Be sure to hold the bag closed tightly to avoid a big mess.)

Brown the thighs in the stockpot. Don’t move them around, let them get “GBD” — golden brown delicious — on one side before you flip to brown the other side.

Once the thighs have a nice brown crust, transfer them to the paper towels with the bacon. Spoon off all the chicken fat & drippings except 1 tablespoon.

Sauté the veggies in the stockpot for 5-10 minutes until they begin to brown.

Pour half of the bottle of wine into the pan and bring to a boil over high heat for 10 minutes.

Add the rest of the wine, the chicken stock and the herbs. Bring to a boil and add the bacon, giving everything a quick stir. Nestle the chicken into the veggies and turn the heat to medium.

Cover and let simmer for 45 minutes.

At this point, the coq au vin can be eaten immediately or chilled for several days, then rewarmed in the oven for later in the week.

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

Serve over buttered noodles.

This recipe makes four generous servings (fabulous leftovers for later in the week!).

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appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, Margaritas. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. L, D ¢-$ El Barrio Mexican Grill — Tasty and creative twists on otherwise-traditional Mexican. Full bar. 545 Michigan St NE, 301-0010. elbarrio mexicangrill.com. L, D ¢-$ El Burrito Loco — More than 70 authentic Mexican selections. Complimentary chips and salsa. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. L, D ¢-$ FEl Granjero — Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes to à la carte selections and menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595.

B, L, D ¢ El Sombrero — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed ¢ Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. L, D Grand Villa Dungeon — Mexican food is the specialty. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. villadugeon.com. L, D $ Jamaican Dave’s — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies. Limited seating; takeout is best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. L, D ¢ Jose’s Restaurante — Authentic Mexican fare, with jukebox, pinball and video game. No alcohol. 3954 S Division Ave, 530-7934. L, D ¢ Las Cazuelas — Open for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner daily. Genuine Hispanic flavors. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. B, L, D ¢

La Huasteca — Homemade recipes including tacos, gorditas, sopes, tostadas, quesadillas, alambre and carne asada. All items can be accommodated for vegetarians. Mostly take-out with a small dining room. No alcohol. Open daily. 1811 Plainfield Ave. NE, 4477733. Facebook. L, D ¢ Lindo Mexico Restaurant — Featuring fresh Mexican food with “real Mexican flavor.” Happy hour 2-6 pm daily. Home of the Tamarind margarita. Lunch and kids menus available. 1292 28th St SW, Wyoming, 2612280. lindomexicorestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Little Mexico Café — Traditional Mexican food and cocktails. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. L, D $ Maggie’s Kitchen — 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 Di¢ vision 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. taco ¢ bobs.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, 2612711. B, L, D ¢ Tacos El Ranchero — Mexican fare in lowkey surroundings to eat in or take out. Cash only. No alcohol. 1240 Burton St SW, 2456514. L, D ¢ Tres Lobos Grill & Bar — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar. Lunch ’til 4 pm daily. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389. treslobos restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$

Lakeshore: New American 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. blue housebistro.com. L, D $ Butch’s — Deli by day, fine cuisine by night.

Menu changes seasonally. More than 200 bottled beer selections and 700 wines available for takeout. Closed Sun. 44 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-8227. butchs.net. L, D $$ _ CityVu Bistro — Top-floor restaurant in Holland’s City Flats Hotel specializes in flatbreads and small-plates with emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 61 E 7th St, Holland, (616) 796-2114. cityvubistro.com. B, L, D $-$$ Courses — Located within The Culinary Institute of Michigan, the restaurant is operated by the students of Baker College of Muskegon.

The restaurant is open through Aug 25 and reopens Oct 1. 336 W Clay, Muskegon, (231) 7776610. culinaryinstitutemi.com. L, D ¢-$ FEveryday People Café — Changing bistro menu from appetizers through dessert. Impressive wine list with appropriate food pair-

ings. 11 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-4240. everydaypeoplecafe.com. D $-$$ Lake House Waterfront Grille — Overlooks Muskegon Lake. Small plates, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, specialty burgers. 730 Terrace Point, Muskegon, (231) 722-4461; $-$$ 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 — Pub-grub with creative twists using Michigan-sourced ingredients. Full bar. Back patio for alfresco dining. Closed Sun. 11539 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland, (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. theodoresholland.com. D (Thu-Sat) $-$$ Wild Dog Grille — Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas and entrees.

Closed Mon in winter. Full-service bar. 24 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-2519. thewild doggrille.com. L (Fri-Sun), D $-$$ Zing Eat/Drink — Upscale, eclectic American/European menu in even more eclectic surroundings. Martini/piano lounge. SatSun brunch. Patio seating. Reservations recommended. 310 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, (269) 857-3287. zingeatdrink.com. L, D $-$$

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 $

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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) 396-8484. 84eastpasta.com. L, 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. thebearlake tavern.com. B (weekends), 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. bilmargrandhaven.com. L, D $$ Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant — Overlooks Lake Macatawa. Spacious patio. Two menus: casual in main dining room, bar and patio, with another room for fine dining. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, (616) 396-0600. boatwerksrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ 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 $-$$ Crazy Horse Steak House & Saloon — Southwest style family-friendly eatery. 2027 North Park Dr, Holland, (616) 395-8393. crazyhorse $$ steakhouse.com. 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. harbor restaurants.com/deelite. 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. clearbrookgolfclub.com. L, D $-$$ Dockers Fish House & Lounge — Dining on Muskegon Lake with summer tiki bar. Seafood and land-lubber options. Dockhands assist with boat tie-up. Closed Oct-Mar. 3505 Marina Point View, Muskegon, (231) 7550400. dockersfishhouse.com. L, D $-$$ 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) 8424040. grandhavengolfclub.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. harbor restaurants.com/thegrand. D $-$$

Hearthstone Bistro Bar Grill — European and American dishes. Interesting starters, small plates, salads, soups and sandwiches, and main plates that include fish, steaks and more. Open daily (Sun dinner only). 3350 Glade St., Muskegon, (231) 733-1056. hearth stonerestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ The Grill Room — Aged steaks and 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 $$

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) 3940111. holland.doubletree.com. B, L, D $

Lakeshore: Pubs & Taverns Chequers — 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 $

Handsome Henry’s — Big-city vibe dining room and sports bar offer signature twists.

Extensive menu ranges from pizzas to handcut, aged steaks. 3065 Henry St, Muskegon, (231) 747-8583. L, D $

The Curragh — Irish pub features foods, spirits, music and environment of Old World Ireland. Outdoor seating, live entertainment, valet parking. 73 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393¢-$$ 6340. curraghholland.com. 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. higrandhaven.com. B, 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) 3556422. newhollandbrew.com. L, D ¢-$

Kirby Grill — Casual side of the Kirby House offers innovative touches. Family-friendly dining upstairs. 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecollection. com/kirby.php. L, D $ Public — Handcrafted American comfort foods with a modern twist. Closed Sunday.

131 E. Main St., Zeeland, 616.741.9772, public zeeland.com L, D $-$$ 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. rose budgrill.com. L, D ¢-$

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

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

* Prices based on average entrée.

- — Reviewed in this issue — Chef Profile in this issue ➧ — New listing O — GRM’s 2011 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2011 Dining Award Winner Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email mprimeau@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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) 3932111. alpenroserestaurant.com. B, L, D ¢-$$ Crust54 — Artisan bread and specialty pizza (including vegan, Chicago and New York) shop offers dine in and take out. Closed Sun. 54 E. 8th St, Holland, (616) 394-3002. crust54.com. 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) 8574248. L, D $-$$ Pereddies — Italian fine-dining and deli.

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 $-$$ Restaurant Toulouse — Seasonally inspired menu with French classics. Hours vary. Sun brunch in summer. 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1561. restaurant toulouse.com. L, D $$ Two Tonys Taverna Grille — Italian, Greek and American with full-service bar, extensive wine list. Large patio. Closed Sun. 723 E Savidge Rd, Spring Lake, (616) 844-0888. $-$$ twotonysspringlake.com L, D

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grand vine California wine touring

TWO uNFORGETTABLE NAPA WiNES: > 2008 Bogle Amador Reserve Zinfandel, $25: Bogle has lots of other vineyard sources other than the Delta where the winery and home vineyards are located.

This beauty embodies everything one would expect from a big, ripe Amador zin: chocolate, cherry and fruit, leather-like condensed berry essence, plus something I cannot say I have ever tasted in a California wine. It really shows finesse and earth, similar to the way the greatest wines of Rioja, Spain, combine a sense of mahogany, clay, sweet vanilla and strawberry to create an exotic aromatic sense.

> 2010 Napa Cellars Napa Valley Stagecoach Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, $50: Even for a Napa cab, this has remarkably deep black-red color. The aroma is best described as elderberry, cocoa and wet stones. As it crosses the tongue, mouthcoating berry flavors saturate the palate and deliver liquorlike volatility. That sense of elderberry bitterness keeps the ripe, sweet, fruit dry, long and memorable on the finish.

the Trinchero Estate, home to wines from around the globe as well as some of Napa’s best. The most memorable cab was the 2010 Napa Cellars Napa Valley Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($50), grown some 1,700 feet above the valley floor on Atlas Peak.

One thing to remember is that West Coast wineries charge for tasting. In Napa Valley, most charge $25-$50 per person. In Sonoma, $15$25 seemed to be the norm, and in Oregon $10-$15 was typical.

FAVORiTE NAPA VALLEy WiNES: 2009 Grgich Hills Chardonnay, $45. Rich yet fresh, the aroma of minerals and sweet-sour fruit predicts the same on the palate. The wine has plenty of heft without much sweet oak or butter. Most of what one considers typical chardonnay flavors stay in the background, allowing the sense of this wine’s unique complexity to stay up front.

PhOtOGRaPhy cOuRtesy istOckPhOtO.cOm/haL beRGman (tOP); yinyanG (bOttOm)

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

ON A RECENT TRiP to Napa Valley, we flew into Sacramento International Airport, just a few miles from the Clarksburg Delta and LodiWoodbridge wine regions.

We had never visited the delta before and could not visualize the “islands” writers have described as “holes in the river.” Around the turn of the 20th century, Chinese laborers built dikes and levees throughout the delta to create thousands of acres of farmland from spongy savannah marsh. Today, this area is one of California’s most productive agricultural areas.

The roads are on top of the levees, with water on one side and vineyards on the other, well below water level.

At Bogle Vineyards, we sampled some reserve wines that are not in distribution. The best wine of our trip through Sacramento, Napa, Sonoma and up through Oregon to Portland was the 2008 Bogle Amador Reserve Zinfandel, $25.

An hour away in Napa Valley, we arrived at

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Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/DNY59

Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/Hal Bergman (top); YinYang (bottom)

We had never visited the delta before and could not visualize the “islands” writers have described as “holes in the river.”

Outfitting you for your next adventure.

2008 Hall Napa River Ranch Merlot, $50. From the cool Oak Knoll District, this merlot has a distinct mint-like subtlety in the nose. The rich texture is amplified as it hits your tongue with an avalanche of blackberry, herbs and wild berries. The finish is juicy and firm.

2008 Fortunati Estate Vinto Red Rhone Blend (Syrah/Viognier), $35. This blend shows the fruity side of syrah with jam-like berry texture. Floral with scents of violets, this wine opens up in layers with pure fruit tannin and a long, fresh finish.

2009 Hess Collection Mount Veeder 19 Block Cuvee, $35. There is something about mountain fruit that frames varietal character so vividly. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, syrah, merlot and petite verdot, the intense flavor of cabernet is unmistakable. The other varietals add finesse and complexity while reinforcing the black currant and cedar aspects.

— A. BRIAN CAIN

The key to a healthy life is a healthy spine!

2870 East Beltline NE • 616.363.0902 • www.harrisonchiro.com February 2013 / Grmag.com 89

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

Midtown neighbors describe themselves as ordinary and friendly, not the kind of folks trying to out-do anyone.

Long-time residents, family businesses

By Daina Kraai

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Photography by Adam Bird

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eighbors helping neighbors is a common scene in Midtown.

“One of my neighbors has lived in the neighborhood for 19 years, and he is famous for snowplowing the entire block,” resident Kelly Otto said. “Then he does the business district, all before 7 in the morning — just because he wants to be nice.”

Christine Helms-Maletic calls Midtown “a front-porch neighborhood. People are out and they talk to each other.”

Generations living and working side-by-side are a common sight, says Judy Lambert, who grew up in Midtown and says she resides in a third-generation house.

“My neighbor next door to me is in a third-generation house, and a lot of people on my street have lived there for over 20 years,” said Lambert, who knows everyone on her block and has helped organize block parties and meetings.

She also helps out the sick or elderly by shovelling snow or painting.

“Midtown is everything and everybody. No one is really putting on a show; they’re just normal people living. I think you will not find a friendlier group of people in town.”

Midtown is bordered on the north by I-196, on the east

by Fuller Avenue, on the south by Fulton Street, and on the west, generally, by Union Avenue north to Michigan Street, then west to College Avenue.

While residents may think of themselves as ordinary,

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“Midtown is everything and everybody.

No one is really putting on a show; they’re just normal people living. I think you will not find a friendlier group of people in town.”

— Judy Lambert

Clockwise, from left: Midtown residents Duane De Roo, Kelly Otto and Judy Lambert in front of Lambert’s house; Houseman Field building was built in 1920s with locally made yellow clay bricks; Fulton Street Farmers Market, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors per week, was renovated in 2012; holiday shopping on Fulton Street in December.

Midtown has an interesting history and has been home to interesting people, including Betty Bloomer, who grew up in the neighborhood and married Gerald R. Ford.

The history and diversity of Midtown are reflected in the affordable housing, which ranges from 1920’s bungalows to mid-century split-levels and ranches on large lots to Victorian houses backing up to historic Heritage Hill.

“My house is a Sear’s kit built in 1915, and my neighbor across the street has the exact same kit, just turned 90 degrees,” said HelmsMaletic.

Two of Midtown’s seven sub-neighborhoods — Brikyaat and Cegielnia Crossing — are named after the Dutch and Polish words for “brickyard,” testament to the immigrants who settled and worked in the neighborhood. In the late 1800s, clay was mined in the area and bricks were fired in a large kiln at Diamond Avenue and Lyon Street.

Houseman Field, a 10,000-seat stadium and field owned by Grand Rapids Public Schools and extensively renovated in 2009, is one of the sites where clay was mined. The yellow bricks used for the building, constructed in the 1920s, replicate the color of the bricks once made nearby. The welcoming sign at Midtown Green Park at Fountain Street and Eastern Avenue also replicates the yellow bricks.

Another historic Midtown landmark is Fulton Street Cemetery, located on one of the first pieces of land city founders purchased in 1838.

“It is sort of the engagement ring of Grand Rapids,” Otto said. “The neighborhood association is working on a sustainability plan for the cemetery and really trying to highlight the myriad groups of persons interred within.”

Many Civil War soldiers and some of the city’s most important citizens are buried there, including John Ball, the man who left 40 acres to the city for a park that is the site of John Ball Park and Zoo. “The cemetery is right at the end of my street, and we spend a lot of time walking around in there,” said Helms-Maletic. “It’s a really beautiful place to walk.”

Midtown also is home to Fulton Street Farmers Market. Opened in 1922, the market has become a popular destination, with up to 70

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

percent of customers coming from more than three miles away.

“You can’t miss it when you drive by,” said Helms-Maletic, who is the market’s development coordinator. “We have 10,000 people a week coming through.”

But the market has had its ups and downs in vendor participation and support. In the 1980s, attendance declined, said John Platte, a local farmer who ran the market for a dozen years.

The Midtown Neighborhood Association took over operations of the market in 2003 as part of an improvement project that helped it grow and expand. Phase one of an extensive renovation debuted in 2012, and construction is under way for phase two, a $2.9 million project that will include a building to house eight to 10 vendor stalls during the winter months.

Completion is expected by April 30, in time for the main season.

The farmers market is part of the East Fulton Business District, one of four business areas in Midtown, including Michigan Street, Lyon Street and Fuller.

East Fulton has lots of small, owner-run shops, galleries and eateries, including MercuryHead Gallery, Blue Door and East Fulton antique shops, Elder & Sage, Urban Exchange consignment, Baribeau Jewelry Hospital, Buffalo Tobacco Traders, Little Africa restaurant and more.

One of the oldest and most wellknown family-run businesses, Van’s Pas-

Midtown supports family-owned businesses > One of the oldest and most well-known familyrun businesses is Van’s Pastry Shoppe, at 955 E. Fulton St. The third-generation bakery now is run by John Vander Meer, whose grandfather began it in Grand Haven. Along with its sweet treats, Van’s boasts the collection of 450 cookie jars belonging to John’s wife, more than 250 of them on display. “We have the rest in the basement,” he said.

“Donna switches them out from time to time for the holidays.”

fine jewelry for four generations.

As fewer shops offer watch repair at reasonable prices, Steve Baribeau, shown left, has learned more about fixing a variety of timepieces, including luxury brands Rolex, Cartier and Tag Heuer. Stores around the country send their watches to him for repair. “Not a lot of people want to spend much time or energy on a 60-year-old watch, but it’s a puzzle that I love,’ Baribeau said.

The small store at 953 E. Fulton St. does business in more than 25 states.

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try Shoppe, opened in 1932. John Vander Meer, whose grandfather opened the bakery in Grand Haven and moved it to Grand Rapids, is the third-generation owner.

“We live right around the corner a block from the bakery, and we’ve lived there 54 years,” said Vander Meer. “We love living in the city and hearing the sounds of the city.”

The business area along Michigan Street is dotted with such national chains as Walgreen’s and Taco Bell, as well as locally owned eateries such as The Omelette Shoppe, El Barrio Mexican Grill, Logan’s Alley and Grand Coney.

On the edge of Heritage Hill, Martha’s Vineyard — a wine shop, grocery and deli — is located on the corner of Union Avenue and Lyon Street, along with adjacent Nantucket Baking Co., a full-service bakery.

Allison and Ben O’Connor recently opened O’Connor’s Home Brew Supply at 619 Lyon St. NE last March. The store sells supplies for beer- and winemaking.

“This area is booming with young people who are into the beer scene,” Allison said. “Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket were a big draw to us to move to this area, so when we saw that there was a commercial spot for rent, we jumped on it.”

The Midtown area along Fuller Avenue between Fulton and Michigan is a mostly industrial business district. That’s where Heather Zinn recently opened The Cheese Lady, a franchise of the original shop in Muskegon.

North of Michigan Street near College Avenue is the Women’s Health Center of West Michigan, 555 Mid Towne St. NE, which provides services for females of all ages. Nearby, Park Row Condominiums provide housing convenient to Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile. GR

Following their passion for beer, Ben and Allison O’Connor, top left, opened O’Connor’s Home Brew Supply in 2012; Fulton Street Cemetery; Lady Floyd is a local jewelry artist who has been a vendor at Fulton Street Farmers Market for 17 years; shoppers flood into City Antiques at 954 E. Fulton during the Uptown Holiday Shop Hop in early December. At left, John and Donna Vander Meer, owners of Van’s Pastry Shop, an anchor business on Fulton Street for three generations.

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

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MuSIC Feb. 21 LOCaL SPINS LIVe SerIeS: St. Cecilia Music Center’s unplugged contemporary folk music series features two local groups this month: Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, and The Crane Wives.

Post-concert meet-the-artists reception includes cash bar and dessert.

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Don’t forget to mark your calendar!

SPOrTS Feb. 3 MICHIGaN WINTer Try-aTHLON: Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offers the opportunity to try luge, speed-skating and cross-country skiing in a familyfriendly competition. The event is geared to folks who have never done at least one of the three sports. There are no awards and no pressure to win. It’s all about having fun and learning a new sport in the snow-covered dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan.

STaGe Feb. 8-9 “DON GIOVaNNI”: Opera Grand Rapids presents Mozart’s darkly comic and sexually charged masterpiece about Don Juan, the unrepentant seducer. The opera will be sung in Italian with English titles and conducted by Maestro Robert Lyall.

Feb. 9 - GraND raPIDS urbaN aDVeNTure raCe: Snowbiking, snowshoeing, tubing, running, orienteering and “Amazing Race” - like challenges.

See Sports

Feb. 10, 24 CHIarOSCurO INTerNaTIONaL FILM SerIeS: The UICA promotes cultural diversity and awareness with this series. This month’s free films are

PHOTOGRAPHy by micHAEl buck (TOP lEFT); cOuRTEsy muskEGOn WinTER sPORTs cOmPlEx (uPPER RiGHT); OPERA GR (miDDlE); isTOckPHOTO.cOm (bOTTOm)

a FeW GreaT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

“The Blue Kite” and “Die Architekten.” See Stage & Film

Feb. 18-MarCH 2 - COOL breWS, HOT eaTS: Food specials at area restaurants along

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“You’ve tried the rest...

NOW EAT THE BEST ”

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

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

speciAL eVeNts Thru Feb. 3 - Michigan International auto Show: More than 300 new vehicles, including sedans, trucks, vans, hybrids, SUVs and sport cars, are joined by concept cars and pre-production displays. 3-10 p.m. Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.6 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-14. grautoshow.com.

Feb. 8-10 - West Michigan Golf Show: Info about equipment, courses and resorts; retail displays and a chance to tee off. 4-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-14. westmichig angolfshow.com.

PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTEsy isTOckPHOTO.cOm/OliViER blOnDEAu

PHOTOGRAPHy by micHAEl buck (TOP lEFT); cOuRTEsy muskEGOn WinTER sPORTs cOmPlEx (uPPER RiGHT); OPERA GR (miDDlE); isTOckPHOTO.cOm (bOTTOm)

Thru March 1 - Ice Skating at rosa Parks Circle: Outdoor ice skating in downtown GR. Skates available 6-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Tue., noon-9:30 p.m. Wed.-Thu. and Sun., noon10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. $2 skating, skate rentals free with picture ID. Facebook.

Feb. 9 - Frozen in Time: Downtown Grand Haven stores host end-of-season sales with live mannequins depicting scenes from movies. 2-4 p.m.

Feb. 9 - Love, Wine & Chocolate: Entertainment, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine and chocolates, benefiting Center for Women in Transition. 6-9 p.m. Grand Ballroom, Grand Haven Spring Lake Waterfront Holiday Inn, 940 W. Savidge, Spring Lake. $35 (khiggins@higrandhaven.com).

Feb. 12 - Douglas Mardi Gras Parade: New Orleans-style parade through downtown Douglas, ending at local restaurant and bar for prizes and dancing. 7 p.m.

Feb. 13-17 - Grand rapids boat Show: Power boats, pontoons, ski boats, deck boats, runabouts, canoes, kayaks and other familyfun boats, plus brokers, marinas and boating

with beer tastings. Check it out on Facebook. See Special Events

Feb. 23 - DaSH DOWN DIVISION: 5K run/walk starts and ends at The Sal-

vation Army Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division, and includes a miniDASH kids fun run. See Sports

services. 3-9:30 p.m. Wed. and Thu., 11 a.m.9:30 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-14. grboatshow.com.

Feb. 15-17 - Skin Deep body art expo: Featured artists, seminars, entertainment, contests, pageant, on-site tattooing. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. DeltaPlex Arena. $10. skindeepbodyartexpo.com.

Feb. 18-March 2 - restaurant Week: Cool brews, Hot eats: Food specials at area restaurants, beer tastings. Facebook.

Feb. 21 - a Night to remember: a Tribute to Titanic: Titanic-themed dinner party benefits the GR Public Museum. Cocktails, tapas-style strolling dinner, music, silent auction, exhibition tour. Early 1900’s attire optional. 6 p.m. Public Museum. Tickets: $150 (929-1710).

Feb. 23 - Coopersville Outhouse 500: Winter festival with a parade of decorated outhouses, outhouse race, chili cook-off, euchre tournament and beach party. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Downtown Coopersville. coopersville.com.

Feb. 23 - Winter beer Festival: Eighth annual event celebrates Michigan’s craft beer industry and the winter season with 60 participating breweries and 400 beers to sample. 1-6 p.m. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $40 in advance includes 15 tasting tokens (michiganbrewersguild.org).

Feb. 23-24 - West Michigan Wedding association bridal Show: Everything you need to plan a wedding, plus two fashion shows.

2-7 p.m. Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place. $7 (at door). westmichiganweddingassocia tion.com.

Feb. 28 - Soup’s On along the Lakeshore: 15th annual benefit for God’s Kitchen includes soups, desserts and live entertain-

Feb. 25 - MarOON 5: Grammy-winning American pop-rock band, along with special guests Neon Trees and Owl City, performs at the Van Andel Arena. See Music

Offering delicious pizzas and more... check out our menu online at

www.florentines.biz Dine in and enjoy our multiple big screen TVs or take-out available at 616.784.5555 Banquet area for 80-120 people.

Catering available

1259 Post Drive, Belmont (10 Min. N. of Grand Rapids) 616.785.1001 February 2013 / GRmAG.cOm 95

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Comedy & nightclub venues

Feb. 5

1/ Lotus, an instrumental, electronic jam band, performs at The Intersection.

Compiled by emma HiGGins

1/ THe INTerSeCTION presents Lotus Feb. 5 on the first leg of its 2013 national tour.

The five-piece ensemble based in Philadelphia is known for its impressive stage lighting and energetic performance style. Lotus has played sold-out shows in the U.S., Canada and Japan. Doors open 8 p.m. Tickets: $17.50/advance, $20/day of, available at Purple East, Shakedown, Vertigo Music and Intersection box office. 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-8232, sectionlive.com.

2/ Action Item will be performing at The Pyramid Scheme, Feb. 5

2/ THe PyraMID SCHeMe highlights this month include New Jersey’s Action Item,

an indie pop band performing Feb. 5 as part of its 2013 Resolution Tour. Doors open 6 p.m. Tickets $12, available at FusionShows.com, Vertigo Music and The Pyramid Scheme front bar. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, 272-3758, pyramidschemebar.com.

Saturday this month. Physicians at Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogynecology hope to create laughter while enlightening women about stress incontinence. “We want to offer women a fun evening out where they’ll see talented comedians and also pick up literature on what is available to them if they have incontinence problems,” says Dr. Jason Bennett. $1 from each ticket sold goes to the National Association for Continence. See grpelvicmed.com/drgrins. Nationally acclaimed stand-up comedians perform 9 p.m. Thu., 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com.

Billy’s Lounge: Long-time Eastown bar and music venue with a capacity of 250 hosts live music of all genres but with emphasis on blues.

1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com.

The B.O.B: The Big Old Building houses several entertainment options, including live music at Crush, Eve and Bobarino’s and stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins Comedy Club. Eve at The B.O.B. presents Eve Has Bass: Dubstep@The B.O.B, Thursday nights at 10 p.m. The event is produced by SuperDre and hosted by DJ K2Roc. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com.

Dog Story Theater: This month, hosting Lake Effect Fringe Festival, a collaboration between Dog Story Theater, GEM Theatrics, Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company and Stark Turn Players. 7 Jefferson Ave. SE, 894-1252, dogstorytheater.com.

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

The Orbit Room: Contemporary regional and national music acts perform with occasional

stand-up comedy and other events. Open floor and seated balcony offers choice of how up close concertgoers want to get. 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 942-1328, orbitroom.com.

River City Improv: This group brings its comedic talents to the Ladies Literary Club stage Feb. 2 and 16 at 7:33 p.m. Tickets are $10 at door. 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE. Pre-order tickets at rivercityimprov.com or call Calvin box office at 526-6282.

PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTEsy TObin VOGGEssER (TOP); biG PicTuRE mEDiA (bOTTOm)

3/ Dr. GrINS COMeDy CLub hosts Laugh Don’t Leak at 5:30 p.m. every

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ment. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fricano Banquet Center, 1050 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. Tickets TBD. soupsonforall.org.

Feb. 28-March 3 - Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic celebration starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Stitch, Nemo, the Incredibles and all the Disney princesses. 7 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Van Andel Arena. $15-$58 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb. 28-March 3 - West Michigan Home and Garden Show: More than 350 exhibitors of home products and services, remodeling, new construction, interior design, landscaping and retail garden centers. 3-9 p.m. Thu., noon-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.6 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-14 (at door). grhomeshow.com.

sports Feb. - Grand rapids Griffins: GR’s American Hockey League team, primary affiliate of Detroit Red Wings. Home games: Feb. 2 vs. Abbotsford Heat. Feb. 6 vs. Houston Aeros. Feb. 15 vs. Lake Erie Monsters. Feb. 17 vs. Charlotte Checkers. Feb. 23-24 vs. San Antonio Rampage. See website for times. Van Andel Arena. $14-$32 (Van Andel box office, Meijer or Star Tickets). griffinshockey.com.

Feb. 3 - Michigan Winter Try-athlon: Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offers the opportunity to try three winter sports: luge, ice speedskating and cross-country skiing. 10 a.m. 462 Scenic Dr., North Muskegon. mspo rts.org.

PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTEsy PREmiER ExHibiTiOns inc.

PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTEsy TObin VOGGEssER (TOP); biG PicTuRE mEDiA (bOTTOm)

Feb. 2 - Winter rush richmond Park 5K: Family-friendly extreme race, including sledding. 11 a.m. Richmond Park, 1101 Richmond St. NW. $30, $60 team of 4-6. winterrush.com.

Feb. 9 - Grand rapids urban adventure race: Snowbiking, snowshoeing, tubing, running, orienteering and Amazing Racelike challenges. 9 a.m. Cannonsburg Ski Area. $52. grurbanadventurerace.com.

Feb. 23 - Dash Down Division: 5K run/walk starts and ends at Kroc Center. Also, free miniDASH kids fun run. 9:30 a.m. 2500 S. Division Ave. $30. dashdowndivision.com.

stAGe & FiLM Feb 1-24 - Lake effect Fringe Festival: Celebrates new plays and new interpretations of the classics with performances all month long from University Wits, Southside Theater Company, Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company, Stark Turn Players, GEM Theatrics.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition In April 1912, within two hours of hitting an iceberg, the RMS Titanic sank in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. One hundred years later, people are still fascinated by the disaster that took the lives of more than 1,500 passengers and crew.

Artifacts from the ship will be on display at Grand Rapids Public Museum for five months, beginning Feb. 9. Upon admission, visitors will receive a replica of the boarding pass of a passenger, offering them the chance to step into the shoes of the traveler.

“People often don’t realize what a moving experience this exhibition is. You cannot help but identify with the person on your boarding pass,” said Alex Klingelhofer, a spokesman for Premier Exhibitions Inc., the parent company of RMS Titanic Inc. The exhibition brings 150 artifacts and recreations of the lavish accommodations, offering visitors insight into the grandeur of the ship and humanity of its passengers.

“The exhibition is very experiential. We tell the story of the conception and construction of the Titanic, all the way through to the maiden voyage and, eventually, the sinking,” Klingelhofer said.

The museum plans several related events, including a fundraising dinner — A Night to Remember: A Tribute to the Titanic — Feb. 21. “Participants will get to sample meals served aboard the boat, enjoy exhibit tours, music and more,” said Kate Moore, the — eMMa HiGGiNS museum’s public relations director.

Dog Story Theater. See dogstorytheater.com for info.

Museum. $5 suggested donation. wmeac filmseries.org.

Feb. 1-10 - “The Three Penny Opera”: GVSU Opera Theatre presents a political satire set in postwar London. 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. Louis Armstrong Theatre, PAC, Allendale campus. $14 adults, $12 seniors, $6 students (616-331-2300). gvsu.edu/theatre.

Feb. 7 - “Makers: Women Who Make america”: WGVU Engage Women & Girls hosts a red-carpet event to celebrate local “makers” after the related movie is shown. 6 p.m. Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr. NE. wgvu.org/engage. Free.

Feb. 5 - Who-Done-It Dinner Theater: Meijer Gardens presents a mystery-themed dinner.

Cash bar. Reservations required. 6:30-9 p.m. $65 (975-3151). 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE. meijergardens.org.

Feb. 7-March 2 - “Forever Plaid”: Master Arts Theatre presents the story of four singers killed in a car crash on the way to their first big concert, as they journey back from the afterlife to perform the show that never was. 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. $16 (455-1001 or masterarts.org).

Feb. 5 - WMeaC Film Series: West Michigan Environmental Action Council screens monthly environmental documentaries followed by speakers or panel discussions. This month: “Urban Roots.” 6-9 p.m. GR Public

Feb. 8 - “3 redneck Tenors”: Musical production about three yokels from Paris, Texas, February 2013 / GRmAG.cOm 97

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Standing on the empty stage of Royce Auditorium, pianist Wu Han yelled out: “Hi!” Then she clapped her hands. “Hear that?” she asked. “Just the right amount of reverb. Three to four seconds is most ideal.”

The amazing acoustics is just one of the reasons Han and her husband, cellist David Finckel, think the auditorium at St. Cecilia’s Music Center is fabulous.

“For a musician,” she said, “playing in this hall is like going to Disneyland.”

Finkel and Han are artistic directors of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York City. Last year, they formed a partnership with St. Cecilia to bring internationally renowned artists to Grand Rapids.

“We travel around the country,” Finkel said. “We perform for people who want to have art in their lives. They will gather in school auditoriums, libraries, even basements. But to come here, where not only is there desire but also a temple of great acoustics — it’s amazing.”

The couple was so impressed with SCMC, they met with Cathy Holbrook, its executive director, and formed a threeyear partnership.

“When we partner with another institution, we look carefully at the programming — who has been here,” Finkel said. “It’s like planning a great meal. We want to balance the courses and vary the diet.”

Each year Finkel and Han put on more than 200 events. They tour, do a radio series and partner with seven cities. They have their own recording label. “We have 115 musicians from 18 different countries,” Han said. ‘We can supply Grand Rapids with the very best.”

Lincoln Center musicians perform Feb. 7 in “Grand Statements,” the second of three concerts in the 2012-2013 series.

The final performance is April 11. For information, visit nyc2gr.com.

— Marty Primeau

who have operatic voices. 7:30 p.m. Van Singel FAC, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center. $22.50-$39.50 (616-878-6800).

Feb. 8-9 - “Don Giovanni”: Opera Grand Rapids presents Mozart’s story of Don Juan.

7:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $21-$98 (Opera and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). operagr.com.

Feb. 10 - Jeff Dunham: Disorderly Conduct: Ventriloquist and stand-up comedian performs. 3 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $44 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb. 10, 24 - Chiaroscuro International Film Series: Free film series promotes cultural diversity and awareness. This month: Feb. 10, “The Blue Kite.” Feb. 24, “Die Architekten.”

2:30 p.m. UICA, 2 W. Fulton St. gvsu.edu/ artscalendar/90926-2013-chiaroscuro-in ternational-film-series.htm.

Feb. 14-17 - “Program 3”: GR Ballet presents Balanchine’s “Who Cares?”; Kirk Peterson’s “Amazed in Burning Dreams”; and Olivier Wevers “The Sofa.” 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth SW. $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 children (ballet box office or Ticketmaster). grballet.com.

Feb. 15-17 - “Mama Won’t Fly”: Allendale Civic Theatre presents a comedy. 7:30 p.m., 3 p.m. Sun. Allendale High School, Ceglarek FAC, 10760 68th St. $7 adults, $5 seniors/students. allendalecivic.org.

Feb. 19-20 - “Pride and Prejudice”: Hope College’s Great Performance Series celebrates the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s play, presented by touring company L.A. Theatre Works. 7:30 p.m. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. $18 adults, $13 seniors, $6 students and children (box office, 616-395-7890). hope.edu/gps.

Feb. 22-23 - “Justice for Maurice Henry Carter”: Calvin Theatre Company presents the story of a falsely convicted man who fights for his freedom with the help of an unlikely ally. 7:30 p.m. Gezon Auditorium, Calvin College. Free. calvin.edu/academic/ cas/ctc.

Feb. 24 - “Trade of Innocents”: Screening of movie about human trafficking benefits Women at Risk’s 911 fund. Discussion follows. 6 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 227 E. Fulton St. $5 (grandrapidsfumc.org/ trade) or $8 (at door).

Feb. 24-25 - GR Civic Theatre Auditions: Auditions for “Ann of Green Gables”: three men/three women ages 25+, three women and one man ages 14-18, small chorus of adults and children. Show runs April 19-28.

Call 222-6654 or pnotter@grct.org.

Feb. 28-March 2 - “Based on a Totally True Story”: GRCC Players present the story of a struggling playwright whose world is turned upside down when a Hollywood producer decides to turn his play into a big budget horror movie. 8 p.m. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $5-$10. grcc.edu/theater.

Music Feb. - Music at Mid-Day: Free lunchtime concerts 12:15-12:45 p.m. every Tue. Feb. 5, Marilyn Ossentjuk, organ. Feb. 12, Deborrah Wyndham, piano. Feb. 19, Irene Beethe, organ. Feb. 26, Grandville High School Jazz II. First Park Congregational Church, 10 East Park Place NE. parkchurchgr.org.

Feb. 1-2 - “Hough Plays Liszt”: GR Symphony presents the second piano concerto

by Liszt and the seventh symphony from Bruckner, featuring concert pianist Stephen Hough. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $18$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.

Feb. 3 - Sacred Sounds of St. Mark’s: Songs of the World by Sandra Maytan, mezzosoprano, and Alison Reese, harp. 5 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N. Division Ave. stma rksgr.org. Free.

Feb. 7 - Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: “Grand Statements” program features works by Strauss, Rorem and Franck.

7:30 p.m. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $30-$35 adults, $10 students (459-2224, scmc-online.org).

Photography courtesy Christian Steiner

New York comes to GR

Feb. 21-24 - “Chicago”: Aquinas College Theatre presents the tale of celebrity criminal Roxie Hart. 8 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. 1607 Robinson Rd. SE. $10 adults, $5 students (4566656). aquinas.edu/theatre.

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Feb. 8 - Los Lobos: Grammy Award-winning American Chicano rock band. 7:30 p.m. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. $32$38 (box office, 493-8966 or Ticketmaster). fhfineartscenter.com.

Feb. 8 - MAJIC Concert Series: Musical Arts for Justice in the Community hosts Minsoo Sohn, classical pianist. 7:30 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. SW. $10 suggested donation; proceeds benefit GR Coalition to End Homelessness. majic ingr.com.

Feb. 9 - Journey: American rock band concert with guest Loverboy. 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $30-$99.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb. 9 - “Mozart and Friends”: West Michigan Symphony presents music by Mozart, Bach, Golijov and Bartok. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $15-$45 adults, $10 students (231-726-3231 or westmichigansym phony.com).

Feb. 10 - Avett Brothers: Folk rock band performs. 7 p.m. DeltaPlex Arena. $27.50-$47.50 (box office or The Intersection).

Feb. 10 - “Beloved That Pilgrimage”: Early Music Michigan, in collaboration with Hildegard Singers, presents an ensemble of early Spanish music. 4 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 227 E. Fulton St. Free.

Feb. 10 - Metropolitan Choir of Praise: Sunday concert. Time TBD. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1481 Baldwin St., Jenison. metropolit anchoir.org.

Feb. 13 - The King’s Singers: British ensemble performs. 8 p.m. Calvin FAC. $25-$35 (Calvin box office, 526-6282). calvin.edu/ music.

Photography courtesy Christian Steiner

Feb. 16 - Luke Bryan: “Dirt Road” country music concert, with guests Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line. 7:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $29.50-$77.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb. 16 - “Symphony with Soul”: GR Symphony presents 12th annual celebration of African-American music. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.

Feb. 18 - Monday Night Jazz: West Michigan Jazz Society presents Las Vegas vocalist Kathy LaMar and friends, featuring jazz pianist Bob VanStee. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bobarino’s at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW. $10, $5 members and students. wmichjazz.org.

Feb. 21 - Local Spins Live Series: St. Cecilia Music Center hosts unplugged contemporary

folk music series featuring local musicians.

Post-concert meet-the-artists reception includes cash bar and dessert. This month: Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, and The Crane Wives. 7:30 p.m. 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $15 adults, $10 students, $40 three-concert pass (459-2224, scmc-online.org).

Feb. 22-23 - “An American in Paris”: GR Symphony presents music by Andrew Norman, Adams, Respighi and Gershwin. 8 p.m.

DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.

Feb. 24 - GR Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra: Featuring piano concerto competition winner. 3 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $6 adults, $4 seniors and students (DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices or Ticketmaster). grys.org.

Feb. 24 - Vocal Music Workshop: “The Tony’s” features jazz vocalist Sunny Wilkinson and VMW music director Mark Jackson singing Tony Award-winning songs. 7 p.m.

Meijer Theater, GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $15. vocalmusicworkshop.org.

Feb. 25 - Maroon 5: Grammy-winning American pop-rock band, with special guests Neon Trees and Owl City. 7:30 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $29.50-$77.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Feb. 28-March 1 - “Handel, Bach and Respighi”: GR Symphony’s Rising Stars concert. 7 p.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri. Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $18-$34 (box office; 454-9451, ext. 4; or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.

Lectures & Workshops Feb. - American Sign Language Classes: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services presents 12-week classes that meet once a week; various dates and times. DHHS, 4328 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. $125 plus $30 book. Registration: (616) 732-7358.

Feb. - Grand River Folk Arts Society: Dance instruction. 7 p.m. Feb. 1, First Friday Contra Dance, 5th Street Hall, 701 5th St. NW ($9 adults, $7 members, $5 students/seniors). 7 p.m. Feb. 8, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE ($5). 7 p.m. Feb. 22, Fourth Friday Contra Dance/Jam, Fifth Street Hall, 701 5th St. NW ($9 adults, $7 members, $5 students/seniors). grfolkarts.org.

Feb. - GR Public Libraries: Programs include Taste of Soul Sunday, Reading the Great Lakes, Early Childhood Essentials, small business classes, author visits, adult

computer classes, reading clubs, kids activities. Complete schedule at Main Library, 111 Library St. NE, or grpl.org. Free.

Feb. - GR Tango: Beginner and intermediate dance lessons 8-9:30 p.m. Thu., followed by free practice. Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St. SE, grtango.org. $12 drop-in.

Feb. - Kent District Libraries: Programs include book discussions, Early Childhood Essentials, career transition workshops, kids programs. Complete schedule at kdl.org.

Feb. - Meijer Gardens Events: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 4, Making Art Accessible to People with Dementia ($5). Noon Feb. 8, Curator’s Choice, Hanneke Beaumont exhibit (free with admission). 2 p.m. Feb. 10, Lecture: Art and the Psyche by Suzanne Eberle, art history professor at Kendall College of Art and Design (free with admission). 1-3 p.m. Feb. 16, Gallery Walk/Poetry Class: A Poet’s Perspective by David Cope, GR Poet Laureate ($17, $10 members). 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 19, Experience Beer ($40). Noon Feb. 22, Perspectives by three staff members (free with admission). 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580, meijergardens.org.

Feb. 4, 21 - GGR Chapter Mothers and More: Feb. 4, Chocolate Tasting by Maryann’s Chocolates, 2226 Wealthy St. SE. Feb. 21, Importance of a Bra by Unique Bra Boutique, 4565 Wilson Ave. 7-9 p.m. grmothers andmore.org. Free.

Feb. 7 - Hope College Visiting Writer Series: Shane Book and Mat Johnson, poetry and novel. 7 p.m.; jazz at 6:30 p.m. Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. Free.

Feb. 13 - GRCC Diversity Lecture Series: “Dare You to Move” by L.Z. Granderson, commentator and sports writer. 7 p.m. Fountain St. Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Free. grcc. edu/lecture.

Feb. 19 - Nourishing Ways of West Michigan: “Heal Your Gut: Food Sensitivities, Digestive Issues and the GAPS Diet” by Kathryn Doran-Fisher. 7-8:30 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N. Division Ave., nourishing ways.org. Free.

Feb. 23 - DANCEgr: Ballroom dance instruction (7-8 p.m.), followed by social dance (811 p.m.). Women’s City Club, 254 E. Fulton St., dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both.

Feb. 25 - GR Audubon Club: “Michigan Nature Association: Past, Present and Future”

by Garrett Johnson. 7 p.m. social hour, 7:30 p.m. presentation. GR Theological Seminary Auditorium, Cornerstone, 3000 Leonard St. NE. Public welcome, free. glsga.org/grac.

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Feb. 1-April 21

1/ Kendall College of Art & Design and the GRAM present an exhibition looking at cutting-edge ideas in graphic design.

Shown left: detail, “Statement and Counter-Statement,” from Amsterdam’s Experimental Jetset.

Blandford Nature Center: 143 acres of diverse ecosystems, trails, natural history exhibits and heritage buildings. Frequent workshops and activities. Interpretive Center open weekdays; trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandfordnaturecenter.org. Free.

Compiled by donna Ferraro and tricia van zelst

1/ Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibitions: Feb. 1-April 21, Graphic Design: Now in Production. Feb. 15-April 14, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s Chill. Permanent exhibitions: 19th and 20th century art; design and modern craft; prints, drawings and photographs. Friday Nights at GRAM: Live music, gallery talks, cash bar, dinner options 5-9 p.m., $5 adults, members free. All Day With the Arts/Skate & Create: Drop-in activities for kids 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.; kid-friendly tours 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org.

2/ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Feb. 16, Gallery Walk/Poetry Class: A Poet’s Perspective

by David Cope, GR Poet Laureate. See more Feb. events in Lectures & Workshops. Special exhibitions: Feb. 1-April 28, Connected and Disconnected: The Sculpture of Hanneke Beaumont. Thru Oct. 2013, Bernar Venet, five largescale steel sculptures. Permanent exhibitions: Worldclass sculptures indoors and in 30-acre park. Indoor attractions: Tropical conservatory, Victorian garden, café, gift shop. Open daily. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students with ID, $6 ages 5-13, $4 ages 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580, meijergardens.org.

DeGraaf Nature Center: 18-acre preserve with Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch and more than 240 plant species. Frequent workshops and classes. Closed Sun., Mon. and holidays. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, (616) 355-1057, degraaf. org. Free.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Permanent exhibitions: The 1970s, Watergate scandal, Oval Office, New Mood at the White House. Open daily. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 kids 6-18, 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St. NW, 254-0400, fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Special activity: Thru June 16, Adventures in Balance. Permanent activities: Aunt Daisy’s Farm; Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles; Wee Discover; Mom and Pop Store; Giant Lite Brite; Amigo Amphitheater; Buzzy Buzzy Bees. Toddler Tuesdays, ages 3 and under (10 a.m.noon). Thu. Family Nights (5-8 p.m.), $1.50.

Closed Mon. $7.50, $6.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 22 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm. org.

3/ Muskegon Museum of Art: Special exhibitions: Grand Rapids Public Museum: Special Thru March 17, Innovators and Legends: Generations in exhibitions/events: Feb. 9-July 7, Titanic: Textiles and Fiber. Thru March 28, Regional Ekphrastic The Artifact Exhibition, compelling stories Poetry Competition. Feb. 14-May 19, Hughie Leetold through 150 artifacts and room re-creations. Feb. 21, A Night to Smith: Meditations. Permanent exhibitions: Remember, see Special Events. 11 Paintings, prints, sculpture and glass. Closed a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 23, Engineering Mon. and Tue. $7 adults (Thu. free); $5 students; Days, for grades 3-7. Thru Nov. under 17 free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, 2013, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, 3/ “Ikon” by Geary Jones, Grand Rapids artist and guest Storms and Stories. Perma(231) 720-2570, muskegonartmuseum.org. curator of the ongoing fiber and textiles exhibition at Muskegon Museum of Art.

nent exhibitions: Streets of

Photography Courtesy Experimental Jetset (top); Frederic Reinicke (bottom)

Museums & Attractions

Coopersville Farm Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru March 30, watercolor exhibit by Alan Adsmond; Dolls of Our Lives, an exhibit of 100 dolls from 100 years ago to the recent past. Special activities: Line dancing instruction 7-9 p.m. Fri.; Acoustic Jam Nights 6-9 p.m. first and third Tue.; Quilting Circle 10 a.m.-noon Thu. Permanent exhibitions: Tractors, farm tools, quilts, eclipse windmill, kids area. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue., Thu. and Sat. $4 adults, $2 children 4-18, 3 and under free.

375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersville farmmuseum.org.

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2/ David Cope, GR’s poet laureate, will lead a tour of the Meijer Gardens’ Beaumont exhibition, then teach how to translate perceptions into poems.

Old Grand Rapids, Anishinabek and Newcomers: People of This Place, Collecting A-Z, Furniture City, 1928 carousel ($1). Closed Sun. and Mon. thru Feb. 8. After Feb. 8, closed Sun. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grmuseum.org.

Holland Museum: Special exhibitions/events: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 2, Show, Tell and Share: Winter Sports Memories. Thru April 14, Lost Holland: Former Downtown Landmarks Remembered. Thru May 12, 75th Anniversary Exhibition: Celebrating the Journey: Settlement to City. Permanent exhibitions: Dutch Galleries of 17th- to 20th-century paintings; cultural attractions from the “old country”; local history. Closed Tue. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, 5 and under free. Cappon House, 228 W. 9th St., Settlers House, 190 W. 9th St., main building, 31 W. 10th St., (616) 796-3329, holland museum.org.

Meyer May House: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house restored by Steelcase features many original furnishings. Guided tours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue. and Thu., 1-5 p.m. Sun. (last tour begins one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.

Photography by johnny quirin

Photography Courtesy Experimental Jetset (top); Frederic Reinicke (bottom)

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibitions: Thru Feb. 17, Treasures from Kalamazoo Collections. Thru April 7, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and Clay. Thru May 19, Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams. Closed Mon. $5 suggested donation. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 3497775, kiarts.org.

Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Digistar and laser projectors produce special effects, accompanied by digital sound. Themed shows educate young and old about the stars. Van Andel Museum Center (Public Museum). $3 plus museum admission, laser light shows $7. grmuseum.org/planet arium for schedule.

Tri-Cities Historical Museum: Permanent exhibitions: Two buildings house exhibits telling history of Northwest Ottawa County. Closed Mon. Free admission. 200 Washington Ave. and 1 N. Harbor, Grand Haven, (616) 842-0700, tri-cities museum.org.

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out & about Society / faces / places

John Loeks and Simin Beg

Tom and Rachel VanBuskirk

Heather Dyke and Pat Hilla

Nancy Crater and Len Wright

Megan and Eric Nollet

Asa Woodbeck and Ashley Keselring

Capturing the action around town:

snap shots

Hobbit attire was welcome at Gandalf’s Gala, benefiting Spectrum Health Hospice and Palliative Care. The Dec. 13 event at Celebration! Cinema included a movie premier of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” Music from the Heart, an annual benefit for Dwelling Place, featured performances by Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet and Opera Grand Rapids. Guests at the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction sampled dishes prepared by more than 20 local chefs while bidding on unique silent auction items and culinary live auction packages.

Tori Marbury, Julie Johnson and Dennis Sturtevant Photography by johnny quirin (top); michael buck (bottom)

Steve Pastoor, Bernice Houseward, Carol Veltman and Patricia Westveer

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Jessica and Travis Henkaline

Alice, David, Christopher and Amber Goodell

Anna Ogg and Angela Muilenberg

Photography by michael buck

Photography by johnny quirin (top); michael buck (bottom)

Crowd at March of Dimes Signature Chefs auction

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Paul and Kristine Babcock

Jessica Hacker and DeWayne Cook

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