Grand Rapids Magazine - January 2019

OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THE BEST PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS IN THE CITY! CELEBRATING CITY LIFE

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www.grmag.com

JANUARY 2019

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300+ READER FAVORITES IN MORE THAN 100 CATEGORIES NOMAD GALLERY TAKES THE SHOW ON THE ROAD OUR TOP 5 FITNESS CLASSES | DINING REVIEW: GROVE DINING COUPON: ANNA’S HOUSE

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Thank You Grand Rapids!

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO DO WHAT WE LOVE.

VOTED #BESTOFGR IN 2018.

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Contents JANUARY 2019 / VOL. 56 / NO. 01

FEATURES 40 / Best of Grand Rapids The people have spoken! From craft cocktails to doggie daycares, see what came out on top across the board.

BY ANDREA STRAW AND ALLISON ARNOLD

40 4 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2019

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contents JANUARY 2019 / VOL. 56 / NO. 01

departments BACK & FORTH 8 / From the Managing Edi­­tor, contributors and letters

56 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan 68 / Chef profile: Patrick Rubley at Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar

10 / Social media, GRMag.com sneak peeks, previews and more

72 / Nosh & sip: Reds of the Rhône

LIFE & STYLE 12 / Noteworthy items include Epilogue Books, Pottery Lane and Love’s Ice Cream’s new confectionary.

75 / Cocktail hour: Festive Champagne cocktails CAUSE & EFFECT 80 / Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

14 / GR’s Top 5 fitness classes

12 26

16 / Reading room: Michigan murders and mysteries by Tom Carr

“The idea is to do some radically different shows than what you’d see at most brick-and-mortar galleries.”

— Richard App 80 OUT & ABOUT 84 / January highlights

30

18 / Health & wellness: Ayurvedic care

54

85 / Calendar 88 / Comedy & nightclub venue listings and highlights

20 / Women who made a mark: Vernis Schad

92 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights

22 / Holistic living for better health

94 / Snap shots

ART & DESIGN 26 / Art gallery profile: Nomad Gallery by Richard App

96 / After thoughts: Alexis Reame, Lake Michigan Credit Union

30 / Art gallery listings and highlights 32 / Frame works: Lions & Rabbits 36 / Modern yet vintage downtown condo renovation FOOD & DRINK 54 / Dining review: Grove

72

ON THE COVER: Grand Rapids Magazine’s Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll has returned for its 16th year. Last summer, thousands of votes were cast in categories including food, drink, entertainment, experiences, shopping and services. How did your favorites fare? See page 40 for this year’s results!

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Best in Grand Rapids for 5 years F A M I LY F R I E N D S V E T E R I N A R Y H O S P I TA L A N D P E T C A R E CENTER NOW HAS 9 DOCTORS TO SERVE YOU!

Top row, left to right: Dr. Maika Sharpe, Dr. Kathryn Sutphen, Dr. Randall Carpenter, Dr. Ryan Carpenter, Dr. Roe Froman, Bottom row, left to right: Dr. Christina Cooper, Dr. Lindsey Scudder, Dr. Kelli Davis, Dr. Katie Johnson

Best of

“Thank you for voting Family Friends Veterinary Hospital the Best Animal Clinic in Grand Rapids!”

2018-19 Readers Poll

S H A R I N G Y O U R PA S S I O N F O R P E T S

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS 5 YEARS IN A ROW!

Veterinary Services w Rehabilitation w Lodging w Grooming w Doggie Daycare 6555 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | www.familyfriendsvet.com | 616.575.6520 GRM_01.19_PG01.11.indd 7

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back & forth CONNECT WITH US

“School of Rock”

Ring in the new year

T

THE NEW YEAR OFTEN BRINGS resolutions and plans for new adventures and healthier habits, along with a little bit of cabin fever.

If you’re hoping to try something new or even just get out to enjoy what Grand Rapids has to offer, may we suggest the Grand Rapids Magazine Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll favorites and staff picks? From craft cocktails to dancing to florists, these are the places, events and venues most popular among fellow Grand Rapids Magazine readers. Or, go your own way, but tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to share your discoveries with us!

Plus, this month’s calendar is full of fun events and excursions. In light of Martin Luther

King Jr. Day on Jan. 21, Grand Rapids Community College will host its 33rd annual Inherit the Dream communitywide program Jan 21; and Jan. 21-25, Grand Valley State University will host events and programs throughout the week, including keynote speaker David Stovall, University of Illinois professor of African-American studies, as well as a silent march.

Families looking for ways to keep the kids entertained can look forward to Broadway Grand Rapids’ performance of “School of Rock” Jan. 8-13; as well as myriad activities, from indoor ziplining to rock climbing and more, at the Kids & Family Expo on Jan. 26.

And, of course, the Griffins Great Skate Winterfest, a fundraiser for the Griffins Youth Foundation, is back again this year (Jan. 19-20). T his fan favorite features demonstrations, games and a 24-hour skating marathon with members of the Grand Rapids Griffins.

If health is a top priority this year, see a few of our favorite fitness classes around Grand Rapids in this month’s T op 5 list; or, take an alternative approach to better health with a little help from Kelly Smith, founder of Yoga for You Online and the “Mindful in Minutes” podcast. On page 22, GRM contributing writer T ylee Shay interviewed Smith for some tips to living a happier, healthier life through yoga and meditation: “Yoga is a journey to the self through the self. It’s a self-discovery, and no one achieves that just through the shape of their body.”

Sarah Tincher Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

This month, we asked some of our contributors, “What are you looking forward to most in 2019?”

Allison Arnold,

Torrence R. O’Haire,

Andrea Shaw,

WRITER

WRITER

WRITER

“BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS,” PAGE 40

“SPARKLING THROUGH MIDWINTER BLUES,” PAGE 75

“BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS,” PAGE 40

“I’m applying to grad school, so I’m excited to see where that takes me. Also, travel.”

“In 2019, I’m looking forward to committing more to making my free time more enriching.”

“All the wine nights in my PJs snuggling Ernie (my French Bulldog)!”

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY EVAN ZIMMERMAN

Q&A:

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Imagine yourself with a new smile

Call us today to learn how you can have the Healthiest and Most Beautiful Smile in All of West Michigan!

Thankyou

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY EVAN ZIMMERMAN

FOR VOTING US GRAND RAPIDS “BEST DENTIST” FOR 7 CONSECUTIVE YEARS!

Best of

Best of

Best of

Best of

Best of

Best of

Best of

2017-18 Readers Poll

2016-17 Readers Poll

2015-16 Readers Poll

2014-15 Readers Poll

2013-14 Readers Poll

2012-13 Readers Poll

2018-19 Readers Poll

Dr. Thomas J. Lambert D.D.S. 3300 Grand Ridge Dr NE | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 | Phone 616.364.6490

www.smilegrandrapids.com GRM_01.19_PG01.11.indd 9

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back & forth CONNECT WITH US

Inside Grand Rapids Magazine Stay connected with Grand Rapids Magazine in print, at grmag.com and on social media.

Coming up next issue …

GR Weddings Getting hitched? From wedding planning tips to day-of makeup and hair inspiration, we’ve got you covered.

Have you visited new lingerie store Naughty Bettie yet? Be sure to check out the Bettie Page product line. Visit grmag.com

On the radio

Learn to “fly” at the newly opened Zeal Aerial Fitness. The studio also accommodates private parties. Visit grmag.com

What do you look forward to most in January?

Our social media followers respond: 18% Crushing your New Year’s resolutions 67% Being one month closer to the end of winter

11% Being done with the holidays 4% New year, new me

At grmag.com The Michigan Adventure Winter Edition Race comes to Grand Rapids this month.

Get outside and enjoy Michigan’s winter season with suggestions for having fun in the snow.

NEXT MONTH’S QUESTION:

What’s your ideal first date in Grand Rapids?

We want to hear from you There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Email: letters@grmag.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or Facebook: @grmag Twitter: @grmagazine Instagram: @grmagazine on social media:

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (FAR LEFT); COURTESY MOD BETTIE PORTRAIT BOUTIQUE (TOP CENTER); ZEAL AERIAL FITNESS (LOWER CENTER); THINKSTOCK (BOTTOM & FAR RIGHT)

NEW YEAR, NEW WORKOUT! Find our favorite fun and unique ways to get fit this season on page 14 and grmag.com.

Join Managing Editor Sarah Tincher and Digital Editor Charlsie Dewey at 9:45 a.m. Thursdays, as they present the Weekend City Guide with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio FM 88.5 and 95.3.

10 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2019

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TM

Coming Early 2019

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com

info@grmag.com

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR: Sarah Tincher COPY EDITOR: Tom Mitsos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jaye Beeler, Ann Byle, Ira Craaven, Pat Evans, Kara McNabb, Elizabeth Morey, Mark F. Miller, Torrence R. O’Haire, Amy Ruis, Tylee Shay, Julie Bonner Williams, Tricia van Zelst EDITORIAL INTERN: Allison Arnold

DESIGN & PRODUCTION NEW MEDIA, DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER: Scott Sommerfeld ART COORDINATOR: Kelly J. Nugent DESIGNERS/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS:

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

Adam Bird, Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Rex Larsen, Johnny Quirin SALES ADVERTISING DIRECTOR:

Jenn Maksimowski ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANTS:

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Chelsea Carter, Theresa Henk, Jessica Laidlaw, Kathie Manett, Sandy Morgan, Craig R. Rich, Susan Smalley ADVERTISING SALES ADMINISTRATOR:

Karla Jeltema CIRCULATION & MARKETING

www. c asc ade -o pt ical. c o m

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CIRCULATION & MARKETING MANAGER:

Scott T. Miller MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR:

Andrea N. Straw CIRCULATION & MARKETING ASSISTANT:

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

com FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (FAR LEFT); COURTESY MOD BETTIE PORTRAIT BOUTIQUE (TOP CENTER); ZEAL AERIAL FITNESS (LOWER CENTER); THINKSTOCK (BOTTOM & FAR RIGHT)

Pamela Brocato, CPA RECEPTIONIST/CLERICAL ASSISTANT:

General Inquiries: info@grmag.com Michael Kohlenberger TO ORDER REPRINTS: Karla Jeltema

(616) 459-4545 PUBLISHED BY GEMINI MEDIA, LLC CEO: Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT: John Balardo

Grand Rapids Magazine (ISSN 1055-5145) is published monthly by Gemini Media. Publishing offices: 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo @grmag.com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag. com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2019 by Gemini Media. 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 $4.95 (by mail $7.50); back issue $7 (by mail $9), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at grmag.com or by request. Grand Rapids Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

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Voted a favorite dentist Grand Rapids Magazine Poll 2013-2018 JANUARY 2019 / GRMAG.COM 11

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

noteworthy INTERESTING TIDBITS WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Love’s dips into new territory

I

Valerie and Pat Burkholder opened Epilogue Books at 10 E. Bridge St. in Rockford last summer, offering a wide variety of new books, in addition to local gifts such as greeting cards, coffee mugs and bookmarks. Epilogue Books has a wide variety of genres available, including work by local authors and books about Michigan, as well as a large children’s section, which features a mural by local artist Rebecca Haigler.

— ALLISON ARNOLD

— ALLISON ARNOLD

Getting crafty POTTERY LANE, 401 Hall St. SW, is a studio space for artists and creatives to gather and create, hosting walk-in studio hours, workshops, classes and events, as well as membership options for more experienced ceramic artists.

On Friday evenings, Pottery Lane hosts Girls Night Out, an hour-anda-half session where participants get to complete a project. Sign up for classes or workshops specific to your level of expertise, including wheel throwing, handbuilding, introductory classes and more.

With various rooms and studio spaces, Pottery Lane also offers the space for corporate and group gatherings or private group classes.

For more information on available services, visit potterylanegr.com.

— ALLISON ARNOLD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (FAR LEFT); COURTESY DOWNTOWN MARKET (TOP); POTTERY LANE (BOTTOM)

NEW BOOKSTORE ON THE BLOCK

n November, Love’s Ice Cream expanded its offerings in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW, to include chocolate and candy confections.

Love’s has become well-known for its artisan, made-from-scratch ice cream, unique flavors and large selection of vegan ice cream options. T he in-house open confectionary kitchen is where the candies are made — from chocolate-covered bonbons and nuts to caramels and toffee. T he expansion allows Love’s to experiment with ice cream flavors and mixins, which means more creative ice cream flavors, too! Love’s also offers dessert cocktails and boozy ice cream floats.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (FAR LEFT); COURTESY DOWNTOWN MARKET (TOP); POTTERY LANE (BOTTOM)

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST MEN’S STORE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU IN 2019!

A.K. RIKK’S 6303 28TH STREET SE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 616.957.3242

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life & style

L

PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

A GRAND RAPIDS’ TOP 5

Fitness classes

P

Ov J tod

NEW YEAR, NEW WORKOUT. Whether you’re tired of not reaching your fitness goals or maybe just getting bored with the same old routine, it’s time to get out and try something new. Here are a few of our favorite fun, unique and effective fitness classes around Grand Rapids.

Hop on a trampoline and bounce the calories away with Sky Zone Trampoline Park’s SkyFit class — a dynamic full-body workout disguised as fun! (3636 29th St. SE, Kentwood)

Unleash your inner ninja with RockFit Ninjas, an “American Ninja Warrior” gym focused on obstacle course training.

RockFit Ninjas offers training programs for all ages and aims to instill “courage and confidence to overcome the obstacles” life brings outside

Matt Grotenhuis at Sky Zone

the gym, as well. (8830 Belding Road NE, Rockford) Kick your workout up a notch with a group kickboxing class at CKO Kickboxing.

All classes are adaptable to any skill level and members can easily work at their own pace. CKO prides itself on being welcoming and committed to making cardio workouts enjoyable. (820 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 150) The Dailey Method Barre & Cycle Studio offers both barre and indoor cycling classes for all skill levels, including a full-body workout

class that combines the cardio and strength training of each. Plus, The Dailey Method offers in-studio child care.

(1551 Wealthy St. SE)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (RIGHT); COURTESY FZIQUE (LEFT)

Fzique

Fitness classes at Fzique will have you wondering, “Is this a workout or a party?” These full-body cycling classes are set to high-energy music in an exciting, upbeat atmosphere to get you moving: “We dance on bikes, unleash our intentions and chant in the dark.” (740 Michigan St. NE, Suite 110)

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Is this the year you

LEARN HOW TO PLAY? West Michigan’s #1 choice for Music Lessons!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (RIGHT); COURTESY FZIQUE (LEFT)

Over 700 students will take our lessons this January. So visit our website or call us today to secure your lesson time before all of the prime lesson spots are gone!

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

READING ROOM

The dark side of the Mitten

“We all love human stories, and what’s more human than a murder story?

There’s murder and there’s love. Those are the two great human stories.”

— Tom Carr

blanks to take us there.”

Carr’s debut book, “Blood on the Mitten: Infamous Michigan Murders, 1700s to Present,” is a collection of murder stories, running the gamut from serial killers to pirates and everything in between.

After the release of his first book in 2016, Carr decided to continue his Great Lakes crime series with an account of some of the most sensational cases in Michigan’s history. “MI Bad: Robbers, Cutthroats & T hieves in Michigan’s Past & Present” covers stagecoach holdups, train robberies, prison break-

outs, brothels, shootouts, bank stickups and more.

Keeping up a pace of writing 500 words a day, even when traveling for appearances, fans can expect more works from Carr to hit the shelves in the near future.

In his next book, Carr promised to stick to the theme of crimes in Michigan’s history but said he plans to take a new twist on the topic, such as “the dark side of some of the industrial titans of the state.”

— ELIZABETH MOREY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (CENTER); COURTESY HEATHER SHAW/ MISSION POINT PRESS (RIGHT); THINKSTOCK (TOP RIGHT & BOTTOM)

For author T om Carr, writing about the crimes of Michigan’s past allows him to travel through time and witness some of the most interesting and sordid events in history.

“I love the seamy, gritty history,” said Carr, a Grand Rapids native who moved to Northville as a child and currently resides in the Traverse City area. “I don’t like looking at history through rose-colored glasses.”

Carr, who studied journalism at Michigan State University, began his career bouncing around Michigan writing for daily newspapers, including the T raverse City Record-Eagle and the Sault Ste. Marie Evening News.

But he said he always knew journalism wasn’t supposed to be the last stop of his career.

So, when a couple of friends started Mission Point Press and suggested he submit a book proposal, Carr agreed.

Editor Heather Shaw gave him some ideas to work with, and when she mentioned chronicling the murders that have happened in different areas of Michigan, Carr recalled, “T hat was the one that kind of rang my bell.”

“We all love human stories, and what’s more human than a murder story?” he said. “There’s murder and there’s love. T hose are the two great human stories.”

Giving accurate accounts of Michigan’s criminal history has been a daunting task, though, requiring a great deal of research and some occasional guesswork.

“I do want to tell a compelling story, and I don’t want to tell it falsely,” Carr said. “You’re trying to be as honest as you can, but you have to fill in some 16 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2019

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®

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (CENTER); COURTESY HEATHER SHAW/ MISSION POINT PRESS (RIGHT); THINKSTOCK (TOP RIGHT & BOTTOM)

featuring items from our new vegan menu!

Best of 2018-19 Readers Poll

thank you for voting us best breakfast, best brunch & best vegan & vegetarian restaurant in grand rapids!

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health & wellness

BY KARA MCNABB

Leanna Jacques

“For someone who feels spacey, anxious or experiences digestive problems during this time of year, a slow, nurturing abhyanga for 30 minutes will be very helpful.”

— Leanna Jacques

WHEN WE LIV E IN ALIGNMENT with the rhythms of nature — seasons, food harvest, time of day — we can balance the health of our body according to the system of Ayurveda, Sanskrit for “the science of life.”

Ayurvedic health counselor Leanna Jacques helps her clients discover how to live in balance with nature and their unique personal rhythms.

She recommends ritucharya, a seasonal alignment practice that anyone can implement to restore health or to simply become more in tune with yourself.

Winter is cold and dry, and, in Ayurveda, characterized by the elements air and ether.

Imbalance happens from excess accumulation of one thing. For example, frequently consuming iced drinks, ice cream, tropical fruits and air-popped corn during cool seasons creates accumulation.

To balance yourself, nourish with the opposite. “Ayurveda is quite logical,” Jacques said.

Warm drinks and soups counter winter’s frigid temperatures. Root vegetables, grown directly in the soil of the earth, are grounding — a counter to the season’s airiness. Oil counters dryness.

A cleansing morning routine also is supportive. “Overnight, we collect ama, or toxicity, as our organs detox during sleep,” Jacques explained.

Scrape your tongue and swish with warming sesame oil for at least 10 minutes. Scraping your tongue stimulates digestion and noticing changes on your tongue daily puts you more in tune with what’s happening in your body.

Swishing with oil, also known as oil pulling, helps pull toxins accumulated in your tissues.

(Don’t swallow this oil!)

Irrigate your nostrils with a neti pot to clear out sinus passages. Nasya is oiling of the nostrils to lubricate mucosal membranes and nourish passageways to the brain. Herbally infused oils can support mental clarity or your body’s unique makeup.

Clean your eyes with pure water (not tap water) or spritz with rose water. T his is especially helpful for those who are often in front of a computer screen.

Another practice Jacques loves is called abhyanga, a self-massage with sesame oil.

Opposite to ether and air, oil doesn’t move easily; it’s opposite to dry, as it lubricates.

“For someone who feels spacey, anxious or experiences digestive problems during this time of year, a slow, nurturing abhyanga for 30 minutes will be very helpful,” Jacques said.

After rubbing oil onto your whole body, take a warm shower or sauna without soaping off.

Warmth penetrates the oil further in, so it’s also great for dry skin.

Not only does a morning practice cleanse you from nighttime ama, she said, “it sets the tone for your day. You’re more connected to yourself, which helps you become more in tune with what you need throughout the day, rather than what someone else tells you you need.”

Jacques emphasizes this attention to self.

While Ayurveda is a system, ultimately, it’s a guide to bring you back in tune with knowing what nourishes you.

— Kara McNabb is a traditional naturopath at Continuum Healing and member of the Wellness Collective. Follow her on Instagram at @grandrapidsnaturopath.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN; LOCATION COURTESY THE YOGA STUDIO

Harmony with the rhythms of nature

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN; LOCATION COURTESY THE YOGA STUDIO

As Michigan As Euchre.

Find out more at FiveStarMichigan.com GRM_01.19_PG12.25.indd 19

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life & style

GR HISTORY: WOMEN WHO MADE A MARK

Living legend

From helping women shatter the glass ceiling to fostering progress in local schools, Vernis Schad has spent decades standing up for Grand Rapids.

ernis Schad has been part of the fabric of Grand Rapids for more than 70 years. She’s seen the best the city has to offer and lived through some of the most difficult years. These days, Schad is pleased a hundred times over that Grand Rapids has a woman as mayor.

“The biggest change I’ve seen is women becoming involved in politics,” said Schad, who is 93 and lives at Porter Hills. She helped with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss’s mayoral campaign in 2015 — a natural fit for Schad, who celebrated her birthday on the day Bliss was first elected as a city commissioner back in 2005.

“There are now women in the workforce and who own businesses. That wasn’t true when I was young,” Schad said.

Her ancestors first settled in Zeeland, then migrated to northwest Iowa, where she was born. When World War II commenced, her father moved the family to California so he could work in the shipyards. She returned to attend Calvin College for a year, went back to California and then moved to Grand Rapids permanently when she married George Schad in 1947.

Her children got her involved in the community. In those days, Grand Rapids was full of tiny school districts scattered across the area. Her children attended North Park Public School, a K-8 district northeast of Grand Rapids. The school, on Cheney Avenue and North Park Street, still stands today.

In the 1960s, a law was passed that all school districts had to offer K-12 education.

The small districts could consolidate or be annexed to the city of Grand Rapids. North Park Principal Helen Weller “dragged me to all these meetings,” she said, “and that’s how I got my start.”

The North Park district, which ran from 3 Mile to 4 Mile roads, opted for annexation.

Schad got the bug and became involved in parent-teacher organizations. She ran for the Grand Rapids Board of Education in 1972 and served until 1984, including four years as president.

Schad was part of the struggle for racial integration in public schools in the early 1970s, a hard time for her and the city. “We

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

PEOPLE / TRENDS / BOOKS / FASHION / FITNESS

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (LEFT); COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY, ARCHIVES, GRAND RAPIDS, MI (RIGHT)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Above: Vernis Schad holds up an article about her that appeared in the Grand Rapids Press.

Right: Vernis Schad, 1961

spent a lot of time trying to figure out a way to make it work. At the time, I don’t know how we could have done it better,” she said. “It spilled into the community and there was a lot of tension. My biggest regret is not being able to have school integration without the racial tension.”

Her years serving GRPS included developing the Blandford and Zoo schools and City High School, as well as developing a partnership program with schools in Costa Rica.

Schad’s advocacy for woman also was behind her helping create the Women’s Resource Center in 1973, a nonprofit that helps women with job readiness and other skills, and the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council in 1990. She was president of the World Affairs Council for a year and served on the Progressive Women’s Alliance and, as a nonagenarian, was elected precinct delegate for Porter Hills.

Schad’s “met them” list includes Helen Claytor, the first African-American president of the local and then national YWCA and an integration activist; Govs. William Millikan and Jennifer Granholm; and former president and first lady Gerald and Betty Ford.

She’s still well aware of the challenges women face today.

“Sexual harassment is a big issue that needs to be addressed, and we’re far from

“Sexual harassment is a big issue that needs to be addressed, and we’re far from being successful in dealing with that. And equal pay. We’re not talking about that anymore, but it’s an issue we really need to face.”

— Vernis Schad being successful in dealing with that,” she said. “And equal pay. We’re not talking about that anymore, but it’s an issue we really need to face.”

Schad said her life’s work hinges on the “importance of being involved in activities that give other people a chance in life, in doing things that improve the community.”

She urges younger women to “be part of a movement to make your community a better place.”

One chance encounter sums up her love of life and service: “I met a woman on a plane from Denver who asked if I was Vernis Schad. She said that she’d been divorced when her children were young and got help from the Women’s Resource Center. She went back to work and eventually helped Amway open business in China.”

— ANN BYLE

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

BY TYLEE SHAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM GEBBEN

More than a New Year’s resolution

What’s the one thing you can do this year to benefit your physical, mental and emotional well-being? Meditate.

Meditation for beginners Kelly Smith’s tips for beginners to meditation:

“For beginners, meditation can be big, scary and unknown, but there’s no wrong way to mediate. You can’t fail meditation.”

— Kelly Smith

> Set yourself up for success by turning off all distractions, removing your Apple Watch and turning off your phone. > Choose either the first 10 minutes or last 10 minutes of your day.

> Close your eyes to eliminate external stimulus. > Just do it! “Although it only takes eight to 10 minutes per day, it can take 16 weeks to notice the benefits,” Smith said.

“Some days will feel more successful than others, and that’s OK. It’s a constant pursuit of trying to connect with your deeper self, and your deeper self is always changing and evolving. So, even if it feels awkward or foreign, stick with it and just do it!”

Kelly Smith

Skip the resolutions this year and, instead, try incorporating something into your routine that is guaranteed to grant you physical, mental and emotional benefits: meditation.

Kelly Smith, founder of Yoga for You Online and the “Mindful in Minutes” podcast, explained that humans have an innate tendency to let their minds control them rather than being in control of their minds. Meditation is simply the act of reclaiming control of the mind, and, according to Smith, choosing to meditate for just eight to 10 minutes per day can offer a surplus of benefits.

Meditation has been shown to offer mental benefits (better logic, decision-making, memory, emotional control and neuron development); emotional benefits (decreased anxiety and depression, enhanced relationships, higher self-esteem and body image); and physical benefits (improved sleep, lowered blood pressure, hormonal balance, alleviated stress and stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension and IBS).

Smith believes she is a living testament to how mindfulness, yoga and meditation can benefit every sphere of your life. “I’ve become more comfortable and secure with who I am,” Smith said. “Through meditation, I’ve been able to master my mind, become so much more selfaware, and I’ve realized that I am enough just the way that I am, which was always extremely hard for me.”

Smith’s journey to meditation began with a love for yoga that started at age 16 when her mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and she became her mother’s primary caregiver. Smith researched the therapeutic benefits of yoga and started attending gentle, restorative yoga classes with her mom.

She continued her pursuit of yoga into college, visiting the small yoga studio in her college town daily, and she started to learn that yoga

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was far more than physical poses.

“People often come to yoga for the physical aspects, the stretching, strengthening and flexibility, but just doing the poses and putting your body into shape is one-eighth of the practice of yoga,” she said, explaining that yoga was founded on the concept of ashtanga, meaning “eight limbs,” and is essentially an eightfold path to meaningful and purposeful living. T he poses practiced in yoga, called asanas, are just one of the limbs. T he remaining seven include yama (moral discipline), niyama (positive behaviors), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (enlightenment or bliss).

“Yoga is a journey to the self through the self. It’s a self-discovery, and no one achieves that just through the shape of their body,” Smith said. “Everything you do, how you interact with people, speak to people, speak to yourself — it is all a practice of yoga.

To me, that’s what it’s all about.”

Because of her personal life improvement through the practice of yoga and meditation, Smith has made it her career and life mission to share this with others.

Smith opened her first yoga studio in Missouri, originally called Kirksville Yogi’s then later named the Yoga for You Studio.

When she moved to Grand Rapids in 2017, Smith sold the physical studio and turned it into Yoga for You, a digital platform for students to practice their yoga training online.

She also started recording guided meditations and launched her podcast in November 2017.

Smith intended for the podcast to make meditation more approachable to people by giving them something easily attainable to walk them through it. “People have a common misconception about what meditation is like,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know how to do it and they need something to listen to.”

Smith’s meditation podcasts are roughly 10 minutes each, and they focus on various topics, including anxiety, insomnia, joy, confidence, intuition, grief and more, based off the requests of her listeners.

“For beginners, meditation can be big, scary and unknown, but there’s no wrong way to meditate,” she said. “You can’t fail GR meditation.”

24 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2019

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

‘Radically different’ Traveling Nomad Gallery takes a unique approach to keeping art alive in Grand Rapids.

26 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2019

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WHERE IS THE GALLERY NOW? Find Nomad Gallery

by Richard App on Facebook or call (616) 901-8736.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

W

alking through the doors of Nomad Gallery at T he Morton, 55 Ionia Ave. NW, visitors can reimagine the space as it was in the 1920s as T he Morton Hotel. What was once a grand lobby filled with wandering guests is now a vast space filled with art.

Nomad Gallery is artist and curator Richard App’s latest venture, created in cooperation with Rockford Construction.

The bittersweet closing of the Richard App Gallery in 2018 did not mark the end for App, but a new beginning — with an interesting twist.

After 17 years of owning the Richard App Gallery on Cherry Street, App wanted to do something different. While the upper levels of T he Morton are home to apartments, there is no permanent tenant for the basement and first two floors of the building, which have been vacant for the last five years. T he goal of App’s partnership with Rockford Construction is to bring spaces to life through art in hopes of attracting a permanent tenant.

“Nomad Gallery is a traveling gallery

that activates space by putting in artwork,” App said. Lending to the name, Nomad Gallery temporarily will activate vacant spaces through art, bringing visibility to the available building before moving to a new space.

“The idea is to do some radically different shows than what you’d see at most brick-and-mortar galleries. You have to change to be relevant, and I think that’s what we’re doing here.”

— Richard App “T he sense of curiosity walking into this building and not knowing what it looked like, or knowing what it looked like, and seeing what it looks like now hopefully drives you to come in and, hopefully, the quality of the work does the same thing,” App said.

Given the grand, over 17,000-squarefoot space, App has been able to host pieces by multiple artists at a time, including numerous ArtPrize winners, in addition to JANUARY 2019 / GRMAG.COM 27

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art & design

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

featuring large pieces of art that wouldn’t typically fit in a traditional gallery space.

What’s exciting to App, he said, is being able to do projects unique to the space he’s in.

“T he idea is to do some radically different shows than what you’d see at most brick-and-mortar galleries,” he said. “You have to change to be relevant, and I think that’s what we’re doing here.”

Among the artists most recently featured at Nomad Gallery are Maggie Bandstra and Keemo. Visitors will find bold colors and shapes, clean lines and deep meaning in Keemo’s paintings, often depicting abstract images of faces and animals. Bandstra is a Grand Haven-based artist whose pottery and colorful paintings are reflective of nature and landscapes. Her ArtPrize 10 entry, “Converging Realities #PrettyPro ject,” now lines the gallery’s walls. Inspired by photographs on social media with the hashtag “#pretty,” Bandstra created a series of 48 paintings during ArtPrize depicting these images.

In the basement of Nomad Gallery, visitors will find the original bank vault from the former Kent State Bank, filled with works of art by various artists, recently including that of local painter Paul Collins.

Woodblock-printed and silkscreened

draperies gracefully hang from the ceiling in the exhibit, “The Prey-Beasts and the Lawless Forest,” by artist Amelia Volwiler-Stanley; while local artist Corey Van Duinen’s 9-by-5.5-foot woodworking piece, “Narcissus in the Garden of Malcontent,” stands tall in its own cove nearby. In 2018, “Narcissus in the Garden of Malcontent” won top juried selection at the second annual Experience Art Rapids in Elk Rapids.

While the gallery often features local works, App also intends to branch out beyond the Mitten. “My idea is to really kind of branch out as much as I can and bring in artists not just from West Michigan, but from all over to introduce people to artists from outside Grand Rapids and really get them in the space by doing so,” he said.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Local art galleries

Jan. 11

COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ URBAN INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS: Innovative, contemporary exhibits and installations. Opening Jan. 11, “Warm Water: New Works by Charles Williams” explores the event that sparked the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. Reception 5:30-9 p.m. Jan. 11. The exhibit runs through April 28. 2 W. Fulton St., 454-7000, uica.org.

1/ UICA hosts an exhibit by Charles Williams.

2/ AQUINAS COLLEGE GALLERY: Work by students, faculty and visiting artists. Jan. 17Feb. 15, “Presence • Distance” features large-scale painting and drawings by David Kohan.

Reception 4:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 17. Art & Music building, 1607 Robinson Road SE, 632-8900, aquinas.edu/art/gallery.

3/ FOREST HILLS FINE ARTS CENTER: Artist-in-residence program offers exhibits by local and regional artists during the school year; also exhibits by Forest Hills Public Schools students and staff. Jan. 9-Feb. 1, featured artist Wietze Adema displays paintings depicting urban settings. Reception 6-7 p.m. Jan. 17. 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 493-8965, fhfineartscenter.com.

The Artist’s Studio: Studio and gallery with work by Jim Starkey and Rose Ellis; also, custom framing. Thru Jan. 20, “A Burst of Bubbles” by Rose Ellis. 40 Monroe Center NW, 454-6650, facebook.com/theartistsstudio1.

Calvin College Center Art Gallery: Student, faculty and alumni work, plus exhibits by visiting artists.

Jan. 7-Feb. 23, “Was God Dead? Biblical Imagination in German Expressionist Prints”; reception 5-8 p.m.

Jan. 24. Jan. 7-Feb. 23, “Elaine Tolsma Harlow: Solo Exhibition.” Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE, 526-6271, calvin. edu/centerartgallery.

Cascade Art Gallery: Work by regional, national and international artists, plus multimedia art, print collection, glass, sculpture, jewelry, custom framing and gifts. 2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 949-4056, facebook. com/cascadeartgallery.

Design Quest Gallery: Furniture store exhibits art in a gallery setting.

Thru Jan. 6, Modern Holidays Artisan Market. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-9911, designquest.biz.

Fed Galleries @ Kendall College of Art and Design: Work by contemporary visiting artists. Thru Jan. 26, “She Stares Back.” 17 Pearl St. NW, 451-2787, kcad.edu/galleries.

lendale, 331-2563. Pew Grand Rapids campus: Thru March 1, “Seeds Museums: Viewing and Using Nature

by Shilin Hora” at Eberhard Center.

DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton St., 3313638, gvsu.edu/artgallery.

Flat River Cottage: Fine art, jewelry, antiques and home décor; also, paintings by Kathleen Mooney. 317 E. Main St., Lowell, 897-8601, flatriver cottage.com.

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

Flat River Gallery & Framing: Artist cooperative shows work in a variety of mediums, plus gifts, framing and workshops. Thru Jan. 31, visiting artist Barbara Price. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, 987-6737, flatrivergalleryand framing.com.

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University: Work by students in graduate-level programs and special community projects. Jan. 4-31, “Process/Print: KCAD Juried Printmaking Exhibition.” 17 Fountain St. NW, 451-2787, kcad.edu/galleries.

Fountain Street Church Keeler Gallery: Art exhibits in a variety of mediums by visiting artists. 24 Fountain St. NE, 459-8386, fountainstreet. org/art.

LaFontsee Galleries: 2D and 3D works by gallery artists, plus framing and restoration services. Grand

Franciscan Life Process Center: Changing exhibits by local artists.

Guardian Gallery - Grand Rapids: Thru Feb. 1, “Franciscan Artists Group Show.” 654 Davis St. NW. Guardian Gallery - Lowell: Jan. 1-Feb. 28, “Colors of Michigan” by Kristen Thornton.

11650 Downes St., 897-7842, lifepro cesscenter.org.

Gallery 154: Eastown gallery shows local and national multimedia art, gifts and jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154.com.

3/ “Rider” by Wietze Adema is at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.

7

JIM

Fin Ab

Leep Art Gallery: Work by a variety of visiting artists. Thru Jan. 2, “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” by Kendra Postma. Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th St. SE, pine rest.org/leep-art-gallery.

Und Rus

1

LowellArts: Changing exhibitions of works by Michigan artists. Thru Feb. 9, “Who’s Who: LowellArts Members Exhibition.” 223 W. Main St., Lowell, 897-8545, lowellartsmi.org.

NI

Les Co

MercuryHead Gallery: A variety of work by local artists. Also, gifts, photo restoration, digital printing on canvas and framing. 962 E. Fulton St., 456-6022, facebook.com/mercuryhe adgallery.

Und Wo for

Merizon Studio: Art, mirror and glass design, custom framing and limited-edition prints by Armand Merizon. 9087 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia, 485-5752, merizonstudio.com.

2

Terryberry Gallery: Local and international art. Thru Jan. 28, “Oh, Where Did the Summer Go?” by Jim Johnson.

Lower level, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, scmconline.org/visit-terryberry-gallery.

In c

Van Singel Fine Arts Center: Changing exhibits by local artists.

Thru Jan. 11, “Mixed Media” by Byron Center Public School artists. Jan. 14-March 3, “Mostly Michigan” includes paintings by Karen VanDam Michmerhuizen. 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, vsfac. com/programming/art-gallery.

GRCC Collins Art Gallery: Exhibits by visiting artists, faculty and students. Jan. 14-31, “Madeline Kaczmarczyk: Ceramic Exhibition.” 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, 234-3544, grcc. edu/artgallery.

GVSU Art Galleries: Student artwork and exhibits by renowned artists. Allendale campus: Thru March 1, “Strange & Magical Beasts: Etchings by Tony Fitzpatrick” at Kirkhof Center Gallery. 1 Campus Drive, Al-

Rapids location (includes Urban Craft Boutique with gifts, accessories and home décor): 1-4 p.m. Dec. 8, Artist Demos and Boutique Pop Up Shop.

833 Lake Drive SE, 451-9820. Douglas location: 410 W. Center St., 4513850. lafontsee.us.

Check websites for hours of operation.

W PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CHARLES WILLIAMS (TOP); DAN HOJNACKI (LEFT); WIETZE ADEMA (BOTTOM)

2/ David Kohan’s “Afterlife” is at Aquinas College Gallery.

30 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2019

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The The of

Und The

GRA Seri

CALVIN COLLEGE PRESENTS

201 9

3

Covenant Fine Arts Center 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. EST free admission calvin.edu/january

7

Monday

Tuesday

TODD CIOFFI AND CHRISTIANA deGROOT The Transformative and Redemptive Power of (a Christian) Education

9

Underwritten by Holland Litho Printing Services and Howard Miller

KARA POWELL

MARIELA SHAKER

Finally, Some Good News About Cancer

Growing Young: Helping Young People Discover and Love the Church

Finding Refuge on the Stage

14

Monday

10

Wednesday

JIMMY LIN

Underwritten by Russ and Leann Jelsema

MODERATED CONVERSATION WITH JENNA BUSH HAGER

Underwritten by I.C.N. Foundation

Telling Stories that Inspire

Underwritten by Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning

15

Tuesday

Thursday

Underwritten by The Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation and Holland Home

16

17

Wednesday

Thursday

4

Friday

ARTHUR C. BROOKS Bringing America Together Underwritten by Barnes & Thornburg, LLP and the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics

11

Friday

CRAIG DETWEILER Searching for the Image of God in a Digital Age Underwritten by Calvin Center for Innovation in Business

18

Friday

NICHOLAS KRISTOF

LELAND MELVIN

WILLIAM POWERS

ERIK W. CARTER

RUTH CARTER

Lessons from 30 Years of Covering the World

Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances

Sustainability, Happiness, and the ‘Slow’ Movement

Incomplete without You: The Church and People with Disabilities

The Art of Storytelling Through Costume Design

Underwritten by World Renew and the Center for Excellence in Preaching

21 PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CHARLES WILLIAMS (TOP); DAN HOJNACKI (LEFT); WIETZE ADEMA (BOTTOM)

8

Thursday

Monday

Underwritten by Bruce and Mary Okkema and GMB Architects + Engineers

22

Tuesday

WILLIE JENNINGS

In celebration of MLK day

RACHAEL DENHOLLANDER

The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race

A Time to Speak: Addressing Justice and Forgiveness

Underwritten by The Stob Lecture Series

Underwritten by Samaritas

GRATEFUL TO OUR SPONSORS Series partners

Underwritten by Friends of the January Series

23

Underwritten by Howard Miller

Parking / shuttle service available from the Prince Conference Center. For further information, visit us at calvin.edu/january or call 616-526-7018.

Wednesday

MARY ROBINSON Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future

Sign language interpretation available with 48-hour notice. The Covenant Fine Arts Center is barrier-free.

Underwritten by Miller Johnson

Community partners

Underwritten by Celebration! Cinema

@JSeriesCalvin

Creative partners

50+ remote webcast sites across Michigan, the U.S. and abroad! Visit calvin.edu/january for more information.

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frame works

BY MARK F. MILLER

COMMUNTIY TIES:

The Creston neighborhood is an eclectic mix of new and long-standing businesses, including Creston Brewery, Central District Cyclery, Creston Market, StonesThrow Furniture, Graydon’s Crossing and Choo Choo Grill. All of these places and many more contribute a diverse mix of uses that create a vibrant place full of life — just like Lions & Rabbits does in a single retail space.

Hannah Berry, a Kendall College of Art and Design alumna, collaborated with Shawn MacCartey, the former owner of the building, to develop not only her vision for the space but also to fuel and direct her passions as an artist. Their fortuitous meeting happened while Berry was working at the Winchester. MacCartey also bought the first piece of artwork she ever sold.

Where history meets innovation JUST NORTH OF LEONARD STREET, in the Creston Business District, sits a quintessential early 20th-century building with expansive storefronts facing Plainfield Avenue. Architecturally, the building’s one-story mass is divided into three distinct sections by four pilasters that extend above the cornice line. T hese extended pilasters accentuate the verticality of the primarily horizontal structure while promoting a pedestrian-scale view at the sidewalk.

The two middle pilasters, topped with decorative terra-cotta globes, frame the arched doorway centered on the building front. The other pilasters bookend the structure’s façade, giving the building a formal organization and crisp edges. The two primary bays flanking the front door have large display windows that flood the building interior with natural light and provide display opportunities to capture the interest of passersby.

T he building is unusually ornate for both its era and location.

The façade features a dark-blonde brick background that’s outlined and accentuated with cream and green polychromed terra-cotta tiles. The juxtaposition of the brick and the terra cotta provides a rich materiality and inviting texture through the blending of shapes, symbols, colors and patterns.

The exterior brick is composed in a variety of patterns, including stacked bond at the pilasters and basket weave pattern in the horizontal expression bands above the windows. T he terra cotta punctuates the center of the pilasters, frames the expression bands with a double ring and underscores

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Located at 1264 Plainfield Ave. NE, Lions & Rabbits has been open since October 2016 and has been an ArtPrize venue for two years.

32 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2019

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the simple cornice. T he terra cotta also includes a variety of cross-like shapes and decorations that give clues to the building’s former life as a St. Vincent de Paul’s thrift store.

T oday, this historic architectural tapestry has been expertly transformed into a dynamic hub that serves as an art gallery,

community space, retail shop, educational resource and event center for people from all walks of life to learn, create and gather.

T he artistic hub, named Lions & Rabbits, signifies the strength, tenderness and beauty found throughout the animal kingdom. T his animal motif is found in much of owner Hannah Berry’s art and mural

work that is exhibited on both the inside and outside of the building. Many of the exterior murals spill bright and jubilant artwork into the neighborhood and surround the building on both the eastern and southern walls, as well as many of the walls adjacent to the small parking lot.

Lions & Rabbits, while serving as a studio and art gallery for Berry and other artists, the space also operates as a popup retail space for Dayna Walton’s Solstice Handmade and Nathan Veeneman’s Green NV floral design shop. In addition, the space accommodates yoga classes, art therapy classes, performance art and artmaking classes for kids. As a licensed event space, Lions & Rabbits provides space for weddings, parties and other events.

T he diverse and eclectic program and curating of this space is a growing trend amongst small shops in both large cities and small towns, where a variety of divergent functions mesh in one space to provide neighborhood activity through multiple platforms and events. These events are synchronized to strengthen and promote community, creativity and experience.

T his dynamic combination of old structure and new ideas is interestingly manifested in many of Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods. In the case of Lions & Rabbits, the combination is even more dynamic through not only fostering art and experience but also providing a plethora of other opportunities and activities that reinforce and complement a community.

— Architect and planner Mark F. Miller is managing director of planning and design at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. He has led the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Today, this historic architectural tapestry has been expertly transformed into a dynamic hub that serves as an art gallery, community space, retail shop, educational resource and event center.

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Thank You!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

For voting us the Best Childcare Provider 4 Years In A Row

Best of 2018-19 Readers Poll

www.appletreekids.cc

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BY JULIE BONNER WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

MODERN ELEMENTS MEET

DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS CONDO RENOVATION INCORPORATES CONTEMPORARY DESIGN WHILE STILL HIGHLIGHTING ORIGINAL FEATURES OF PRE-PROHIBITION-ERA BUILDING.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

“It’s a mix of two opposite styles. Prohibition alludes to that speakeasy feel, you had to go underground. It’s a little more vintage, vintage style with modern elements: stainless steel, cleaner edges.”

— Deidre Remtema

“PROHIBITION MODERN” IS HOW ONE LOCAL COUPLE DESCRIBES THE INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE CONDOMINIUM THEY PURCHASED IN DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS IN 2014.

T he feel of a speakeasy merged with a sense of modernism.

Theirs is a one-of-a-kind location, with a two-story advertisement mural discovered on an exterior wall of the former Herpolsheimer’s department store building extending from the front sitting area to the kitchen, to the butler’s pantry and then to the main level bedroom. The painted brick advertisement features a woman in widebrimmed hat with the words, “Ira M. Smith Fifty Money Saving Departments.” While the precise age of the mural is uncertain, it’s estimated to date to about 1907. While the mural predates Prohibition by an estimated 13 years, the stately woman in cold weather apparel would have watched over the city during that era, had the construction of the Minnhaar Building in 1914 not blocked her from view until about 2004. It was then that

the mural was discovered and became part of the interior design at 49 Monroe Center.

T o create the Prohibition modern look the family desired, they hired interior designer Deidre Remtema, owner and principal interior designer at Deidre Interiors.

“It’s a mix of two opposite styles,” Remtema said. “Prohibition alludes to that speakeasy feel, you had to go underground.

It’s a little more vintage, vintage style with modern elements: stainless steel, cleaner edges.”

T he door to the condo opens into a modern kitchen and a thick wood-top dining table made from wood salvaged from the Heinz pickle factory and a vintage metal base obtained from a local metal company.

Original thin-plank flooring reminiscent of a school gym floor extends throughout much of the main floor, with a mix of area

Portions of the two-story mural painted on the condo’s brick walls can be seen in the kitchen and butler’s pantry. To complement the colors in the mural, interior designer Deidre Remtema selected an Ann Sacks tile for the kitchen, as well as green paint for the cupboards in the butler’s pantry.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

rugs in the living room that offers a unique upper-floor view of Monroe Center.

Citing the importance of lighting choices, Remtema pointed out a sizable hanging globe fixture in the butler’s pantry, as well

as a nearby chandelier and simple, modern lighting over the dining table.

“I love big lighting; I tend to push the limits as to how far I can go. We needed a big light there, the globe light almost has a

vintage feel to it, like it came from a movie theater, but it’s actually new,” Remtema said.

Continuing the eclectic feel of Prohibition modern design, a mix of metals including gold, brushed nickel and stainless steel provides a sense of hardware and accents that have been acquired over time instead of all at once. Wood colors also are mixed, with black doors framed by walnut-stained moldings in a room with light wood flooring.

Working with the majestic mural, Remtema selected an Ann Sacks tile for the kitchen with a pattern that includes a green hue to complement the colors in the images and lettering. Green paint also was chosen for the cupboards in the butler’s pantry, where a portion of the mural is the focus from the hallway.

Yet, there were challenges involved with wanting to showcase as much of the antique advertising as possible. T his required expertise in designing kitchen cupboard space for optimal storage without installing cupboards that would cover much of the image.

“In traditional kitchens, you have base cabinets and upper cabinets,” she said. “I didn’t want to put in upper cabinets (so we could) show off the (painted) brick.

We installed base cabinets and then upper cabinets above the stove — that was one challenge, how to get enough storage without losing the cool look.”

One of the condo’s focal points is the industrial design stairs in stamped, antiqued metal that rises from the main floor living area to the upper level. T he stairs have a modern, almost suspended look.

T he homeowners, who purchased the condo — their offseason home — for a reprieve from driving in from their home near Lake Michigan during the winter months, have settled in and love the ease of GR living downtown.

The condo features a variety of patterns and styles throughout, including some that were designed specifically to reflect the overall feel of the space.

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Choose your gracious style of living.

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Best of Grand Rapids The people have spoken! From craft cocktails to doggie daycares, see what came out on top across the board.

B Y A N D R E A S T R AW A N D A L L I S O N A R N O L D

I

t’s no secret that it’s the people who make this city special. From the baker that never forgets your name to the dry-cleaning service that always goes the extra mile, Grand Rapids really is one amazing place because of the people who carry out their ideas, their passions and their dreams every day. It’s the people of GR that form a true community and make it a better place for us all to live, work and play.

From bike shops to breweries, live

music venues to law firms, florist shops to fine dining to festivals, the Best of Grand Rapids Readers Poll is back for its 16th year. With over 100 categories and a record-breaking number of votes, Grand Rapids Magazine readers were not shy about showing all of their favorite local businesses, people and places the love they deserve. You voted on all of your favorite local food, drinks, entertainment, shops, people and experiences in GR, and your responses reflect a thriving, vibrantly

diverse city packed with exciting, passionate and top-notch people and businesses.

T he results are in, and it’s time to see if your favorites made the cut. May this list encourage you to be adventurous, explore new places and try new experiences! Shall we get started? (As always, don’t forget to show all your love and community support by using #BestOfGR on Facebook, GR Twitter and Instagram!)

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S TA F F P I C K

Best Murals Mural artist Lara Nguyen’s “Palate/ Palette” offers a larger-than-life pop of color along the north side of the recently opened Bridge Street Market.

Comprising a beehive-like pattern of hexagonal shapes, each with its own colorful fruit or vegetable painted within, this vibrant, 23-by-108-foot display is a celebration of the market’s long-anticipated arrival to the West Side. Nguyen worked with Richard App of Nomad Gallery, in collaboration with Rockford Construction, to craft the mural. (405 Seward Ave. NW) Located not even 400 feet from each other, you can’t see one mural without paying a visit to the other. Artist Tracy Van Duinen’s “Imagine That,” a vibrant mosaic featuring the faces of children at play, was created for the outside of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum as an entry in the first ArtPrize in 2009, where it earned second place.

Just a few steps away, across Fulton Street, is Van Duinen’s “Metaphorest,” located on the east side of the former West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology building. Van Duinen worked with students from WMCAT to create this massive multimedia mosaic mural for ArtPrize 2011, where it, too, took second place. “Metaphorest” represents the power and potential of arts and youth, depicting youth building a large face amid a colorful landscape, accom-

FoodI Drink Appetizers The Best: HopCat Other favorites: San Chez Bistro Rockwell Republic

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Bakery The Best: Nantucket Baking Co. Other favorites: Wealthy Street Bakery Field & Fire Bakery Bar/Pub The Best: Founders Brewing Co. Other favorites: HopCat Brewery Vivant BBQ The Best: Two Scotts Barbecue Other favorites: The Pit Stop Main Street BBQ Beer & Wine Merchant The Best: Martha’s Vineyard

panied by the words “visualize,” “input,” Other favorites: Rishi’s International Beverage Horrocks Market Bloody Mary The Best: Rockwell Republic Other favorites: The Winchester Butcher’s Union Breakfast The Best: Anna’s House Other favorites: Real Food Café Wolfgang’s

“process” and “create.” Van Duinen bases much of his work on children and included them in the design process for both of these murals. (11 Sheldon Ave. NE and 98 E. Fulton St.) “You Are Here,” a 2010 ArtPrize entry by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is hard to miss. The massive, colorful mural fills the entire seven-story wall on the north side of Kendall College of Art and Design, featuring a little bit of everything: abstract shapes and patterns, such miscellaneous items as a hot dog, and even the faces of a few Grand Rapid-

Brewery The Best: Founders Brewing Co. Other favorites: Brewery Vivant Perrin Brewing Co.

ians. Prior to painting the piece, Zim-

Brunch The Best: Anna’s House Other favorites: Real Food Café Terra

capture photos of people in the commu-

mermann, who is known to incorporate portraits of community members into his work, walked around Grand Rapids with a camera, asking permission to nity to add to his mural. (Kendall College of Art and Design - Pearl Street)

— Allison Arnold JANUARY 2019 / GRMAG.COM 41

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READERS PICK

Best Florist Shop: Eastern Floral Stop and smell the roses at Eastern Floral! Located at 2836 Broadmoor Ave. SE, this full-service floral shop has been blooming throughout the Grand Rapids and West Michigan community for more than 60 years, offering options for a diversity of occasions, including bereavement, weddings, special events, holidays and more.

“From designers to customer service, our team makes the flower-buying experience a rewarding one, and it’s because they are passionate about what they do,” said Kiersten Schulte, director of corporate relations and major accounts. “We wouldn’t be who we are today if it wasn’t for the continuous support of our loyal customers.”

If smelling the roses just isn’t enough, check out Eastern Floral’s blog for topics like how to pick the perfect houseplants, proper sympathy flower etiquette, tips for giving the perfect teacher gifts and more at easternfloral.com/blog.

— Andrea Straw

S TA F F P I C K

Best Place for Indecisive Eaters Downtown Market The Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW, is home to 138,000 square feet of restaurants and specialty shops. Whether you’re looking for a cup of coffee or a smoothie, a quick bite to eat or want to try a little bit of everything, the Downtown Market is a great option due to its diverse selection of food. If you’re looking for a traditional sit-down restaurant experience, check out Social Kitchen or Slows Bar-B-Q. Some of the market vendors include Tacos El Cuñado, Rák Thai, Fish Lads, Carvers, Sushi Market, Field & Fire Bakery, Juju Bird, Malamiah Juice Bar and Aperitivo. For dessert, be sure to stop by Sweetie-licious Bake Shoppe, Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate or Madcap Coffee.

— Allison Arnold

Date Night Restaurant The Best: Amore Trattoria Italiana Other favorites: Butcher’s Union Bistro Bella Vita

Butcher Shop The Best: Sobie Meats LLC Other favorites: Byron Center Meats Kingma’s Market

Dessert The Best: Amore Trattoria Italiana Other favorites: Bistro Bella Vita Grove

Coffeehouse The Best: Madcap Coffee Co. Other favorites: Ferris Coffee Herman’s Boy

Distillery The Best: Long Road Distillers Other favorites: The Knickerbocker — New Holland Brewing Co. Gray Skies Distillery

Craft Cocktails The Best: Long Road Distillers Other favorites: Butcher’s Union Donkey Taqueria

Doughnuts The Best: Marge’s Donut Den Other favorites: The Donut Conspiracy Robinette’s

Cupcakes The Best: The Salted Cupcake Other favorites: Cakabakery Arnie’s

Food Truck The Best: What the Truck Other favorites: Two Scotts Barbecue Daddy Pete’s BBQ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Burger The Best: Stella’s Lounge Other favorites: HopCat Cottage Bar

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French Fries The Best: HopCat Other favorites: Stella’s Lounge Brewery Vivant

S TA F F P I C K

Froyo Shop The Best: Spoonlickers Other favorites: The Pump House Sweet Yo’s

and restaurants lining Cherry Street in the East Hills neighborhood.

Happy Hour The Best: Rockwell Republic Other favorites: Donkey Taqueria Uccello’s

cup of coffee or tea at Le Bon Macaron or Kava Kasa. Then, spend

Hard Cider The Best: Vander Mill Other favorites: Farmhaus Cider Co. Robinette’s Hot Dog The Best: Yesterdog Other favorites: Jonny B’z Corner Bar

Best Street to spend a day Cherry Street It can be easy to spend a day roaming in and out of the shops From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, the four blocks between Eastern and Diamond avenues are lined with numerous bests that Grand Rapids has to offer.

Start your day at Cherie Inn for a delicious breakfast, or grab a the rest of the day roaming through unique shops such as Hopscotch Children’s Store, Windsor Cottage, Peninsula Trading and Under the Vines. Books & Mortar has a great selection of books and gifts; or, enhance your wardrobe at Denym, Adored Boutique, Lennon & Willow Boutique, Yours Truly Galleria and Metal Art Studio.

Brewery Vivant is a must. Housed in a former funeral home, the ambiance is just as unique as the brewery’s Belgian-inspired food and beer. Cherry Deli is a staple in the neighborhood, serving dozens of homemade sandwiches, each named after a street in Grand Rapids. Maru Sushi, Grove and The Green Well are great options for dinner or drinks. For dessert, grab an ice cream cone at Furniture City Creamery, known for its unique flavors, like Fruity Pebbles and — Allison Arnold

Lucky Charms.

Ice Cream Parlor The Best: Jersey Junction Other favorites: Furniture City Creamery Love’s Ice Cream

Outdoor/Deck Seating The Best: Founders Brewing Co. Other favorites: Rose’s Bostwick Lake Inn

Mac and Cheese The Best: Twisted Rooster Other favorites: The Electric Cheetah HopCat

Pizza The Best: The Mitten Brewing Co. Other favorites: Vitale’s Harmony Brewing Co.

Impossible (Meatless) Burger The Best: Stella’s Lounge Other favorites: Anna’s House The Mitten Brewing Co.

Restaurant Service The Best: Amore Trattoria Italiana Other favorites: Anna’s House Leo’s

READERS PICK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP); MICHAEL BUCK (BOTTOM)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Best Place to Go Dancing: Eve at The B.O.B. Looking for the best place to cut a rug in GR? You won’t have to boogie far! Designed to rival nightclubs in big cities like New York and Chicago, Eve looks to give its guests an exclusive, VIP experience like no other in the Beer City. The nightclub can be found on the top floor of The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, and getting there is half the fun. To enter, guests must walk across a suspended, hologram-like, clear crystal bridge, offering nothing short of a grand entrance. Eve features a large designated dance floor, top-of-the-line sound, lighting and CO2 effects systems, and arguably the best DJs in town, making it the perfect place to get your groove on. The space is contemporary, minimalistic and aspires to make their guests feel like they are in a cosmopolitan atmosphere without having to leave the heart of the city.

More than just a nightclub, the fourth floor of The B.O.B. also serves as an event space.

“Eve is, first and foremost, a special event space on the top floor of The B.O.B. that morphs into a dance club on Friday and Saturday nights,” said Katrina Danko, public relations and social media manager for The Gilmore Collection, which owns The B.O.B. “Whether you are looking for the best place to dance on the weekend or a premium special events venue for your next party or reception, you will find everything you’re looking for at Eve.”

— Andrea Straw JANUARY 2019 / GRMAG.COM 43

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READERS PICK

Best Mac and Cheese: Twisted Rooster We like our mac and cheese the way we like our jokes — the cheesier, the better. No one knows mac and cheese better than Twisted Rooster, located at 1600 East Beltline Ave. NE. The restaurant currently offers three types of mac and cheese. Here’s what we’ve decided your Twisted Rooster famous mac and cheese

READERS PICK

Best Music Venue: 20 Monroe Live Let’s be honest — this place is incredible. Open just shy of two years, 20 Monroe

choice says about you.

The Lobster Mac (cavatappi pasta, bold

Live already has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Travis Scott,

five-cheese blend, poached Maine lobster,

Young the Giant, Vance Joy, Miike Snow, 2 Chainz, Modest Mouse, Lord Huron, 21

sweet peas, roasted corn, Old Bay bread-

Savage, Kaleo, Matt and Kim, and so many more. Among the venue’s most memorable

crumbs and fresh herbs): You are not afraid

shows to-date, marketing manager Amber Stokosa said, “The Flaming Lips — it was

to treat yo‘ self. You enjoy the finer things in life

probably the most colorful our stage has ever been; lead singer Wayne Coyne rode

and don’t hesitate to delight your taste buds. As

through the crowd on a unicorn and floated atop the crowd in a hamster ball-type

a matter of fact, you’ll also take a glass of the

bubble.”

establishment’s finest Champagne — you fancy

But there’s more to this building than just the names and fun it attracts. 20 Monroe Live brings the people of GR a little closer together with every event it hosts, encour-

The Classic Mac (cavatappi pasta, bold

aging both musical and communal harmony in the area. “We just love being here,”

five-cheese blend, toasted garlic, bread-

Stokosa said. “There’s really a sense of community in Grand Rapids, and we enjoy

crumbs and fresh herbs): You’re the girl/boy

getting to know everyone who comes through our doors.”

next door. You value traditions and keep your

A home for live music, entertainment and special events, 20 Monroe Live has

room extremely tidy. If life was all about tak-

capabilities that allow the venue to accommodate nearly 2,600 guests right in the

ing risks, you’d skip the hand sanitizer before

heart of the city across the street from Van Andel Arena. Visit 20monroelive.com

snacking, but you don’t. That would just be

to find an event calendar, info on the venue’s premium seating program and more.

crazy. You’re a classic mac gal/guy.

— Andrea Straw

The Twisted Mac (cavatappi pasta, bold five-cheese blend, bacon, smoked chicken, broccoli, sweet peas, roasted tomatoes, toasted garlic breadcrumbs and fresh herbs): You live your life on the edge. You have your cake and eat it, too. You are as bold and daring as the flavors in this dish. You believe it’s important to change things up a bit every now and then, both in life and (most importantly) in your entrée decisions.

— Andrea Straw

Salads The Best: Terra Other favorites: Bliss & Vinegar The Green Well

Seafood The Best: Leo’s Other favorites: Fish Lads Blue Water Grill

Sandwich The Best: Founders Brewing Co. Other favorites: Schnitz Deli Cherry Deli & Catering

Soup The Best: Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop Other favorites: Auntie Cheetah’s Soup Shop Horrocks Market

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP LEFT); MICHAEL BUCK (TOP RIGHT)

pants, you.

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Steak The Best: Butcher’s Union Other favorites: Judson’s Steakhouse Leo’s Sushi The Best: Maru Sushi & Grill Other favorites: Jaku Ju Sushi & Lounge Tacos The Best: Donkey Taqueria Other favorites: Tacos El Cuñado Taqueria San Jose Tater Tots The Best: Blue Dog Tavern Other favorites: Gravity Taphouse Grille Logan’s Alley Vegan/Vegetarian Menu The Best: Anna’s House Other favorites: Brick Road Pizza Co. Stella’s Lounge Wine Bar The Best: Reserve Wine & Food Other favorites: Divani Aperitivo Wine List The Best: Reserve Wine & Food Other favorites: Amore Trattoria Italiana Noto’s Old World Italian Dining

EntertainmentI Experiences Annual Festival The Best: Festival of the Arts Other favorites: Pulaski Days Gilda’s LaughFest Female TV Personality The Best: Rachael Ruiz, WOOD TV 8 Other favorites: Deanna Falzone, FOX 17 Terri DeBoer, WOOD TV 8 Escape Room The Best: Grand Rapids Escape Room Other favorites: The Ruse Escape Rooms Escape Michigan Golf Course The Best: Egypt Valley Country Club Other favorites: Thousand Oaks Golf Club Blythefield Country Club Hike/Bike Trail The Best: White Pine Trail Other favorites: Kent Trails Millennium Park Live Music Venue The Best: 20 Monroe Live Other favorites: Frederik Meijer Gardens

& Sculpture Park Van Andel Arena

S TA F F P I C K

Take a coffee shop, add a wine bar, and you have Squibb, a trendy and sophisticated, yet friendly and relaxed gathering space.

Whether you’re looking for a place to do work or socialize over a glass of wine, Squibb has ample space and drink options to suit your needs. While its menu is large, there is no lack of quality or creativity. If you’re looking for a caffeine fix, there are plenty of options on the coffee and tea menu, including unique drink PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP LEFT); MICHAEL BUCK (TOP RIGHT)

Best of Both Worlds Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar

specials. In addition to the curated wine list, there is a large selection of beer and cider. Pair your drink with small snacks and toasts, such as feta toast and vegan dip and, of course, indulge in the great selection of cheese and charcuterie. The charm and versatility of Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar will keep you coming back. (955 Wealthy St. SE)

— Allison Arnold

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Male TV Personality The Best: Mike Avery, FOX 17 Other favorites: Casey Jones, WOOD TV 8 Bill Steffen, WOOD TV 8

Park The Best: Millennium Park Other favorites: Riverside Park John Ball Park

Meteorologist The Best: Bill Steffen, WOOD TV 8 Other favorites: Gary Frank, FOX 17 Terri DeBoer, WOOD TV 8

Performing Arts The Best: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Other favorites: Grand Rapids Symphony Broadway Grand Rapids

Museum The Best: Frederik Meijer Gardens

& Sculpture Park Other favorites: Grand Rapids Public Museum Grand Rapids Art Museum

Place to go Dancing The Best: Eve at The B.O.B. Other favorites: Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar Rumors Nightclub

Open Mic The Best: Dr. Grin’s Comedy Club Other favorites: Founders Brewing Co. Billy’s Lounge

Professional Sports Team The Best: Grand Rapids Griffins Other favorites: West Michigan Whitecaps Grand Rapids Drive

S TA F F P I C K

Best Dog-Friendly PLace open Year-Round Outside Coffee Co. Outside Coffee Co., 734 Wealthy St. SE, has gained much popularity for its uniqueness, located outside Woosah Outfitters and serving delicious drinks and vegan-friendly snacks out of a 1956 camper. Situated in a community garden with hammocks, Adirondack chairs and plastic, igloolike “geo-domes,” which are heated in the winter for year-round enjoyment, Outside Coffee Co. is the perfect place to bring your dog while you relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.

— Allison Arnold

READERS PICK

Best Escape Room: Grand Rapids Escape Room You won’t need to escape GR to find

marketing. “However, it’s really not about

It’s no mystery that Grand Rapids

a fun place to challenge your brain on all

any of that. It’s about family, friends, fun

Escape Room is passionate about giving

sorts of levels! If you’ve ever wondered

and enjoying being in a game.

guests a fun, challenging and rewarding

what it would be like to participate in a heist, solve a murder or stop a bomb from

“We just love our guests, our rooms and staff,” he added.

night out. Are you up for the challenge?

— Andrea Straw

detonating, this is exactly what you’ve been looking for (minus all the hazards of doing them in real life!). Grand Rapids Escape Room, at 2675 East Paris Ave. SE, is a reallife escape experience where the concept is simple: you are locked in a room with only 60 minutes to make it out. Grab some friends, choose from one of three rooms (each featuring a different scene) and put your wits to the test to solve puzzles, crack codes and find clues before the time runs Since opening in September 2017, Grand Rapids Escape Room has taken great pride in its staff’s ability to bring joy to their guests.

“An escape room is about a lot of things.

Timing is important, not overthinking and just using the information you receive is needed,” said Trent Larkins, director of

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

out.

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READERS PICK

Best Burger and Best Impossible Burger: Stella’s Lounge Why win just Best Burger when you could win both Best Burger and Best Impossible (a.k.a. meatless) Burger in Grand Rapids? Anyone else not surprised that Stella’s Lounge took home the buns for both?

“Stella’s patrons have come to expect a great burger when they visit us, and we don’t want to disappoint.

I’ve always felt that if you are going to do something, you should try to be the best,” said Randy Taylor, executive kitchen manager for Stella’s.

Whether you’re ordering the “Hippie Stuffed” burger, a house-crafted black bean and lentil burger stuffed with tempeh sausage, pesto and vegan Thousand Island dressing; or “The Big Ballah,” a black Angus burger topped

READERS PICK

Best Coworking Space: Worklab by Custer Sometimes you just need a change of scenery from working at your office or home —

and that’s OK! No one understands that more than Mark Custer, who co-owns Worklab by Custer with his wife at 99 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 200.

with cheddar-stuffed jalapeño poppers and bacon, Stella’s doesn’t exclude any burger-lover out there. “There are plenty of delicious vegan, vegetarian, glutenfree and, of course, carnivorous options to choose

With its modern furnishings, state-of-the-art technology, opportunities to collaborate

from,” Taylor said.

with the member network and skyline views of downtown Grand Rapids, Worklab provides a high-performance work environment to propel its guests’ focus and concentration.

“It’s very important to think about work modes and traffic flow when planning a coworking space,” Custer said. “The fact that outside companies/people will be coming into your space to have meetings or to work makes it challenging because they all work and meet differently. But people still like common areas, gathering areas, private areas and quiet areas, so in some cases, it is similar to our traditional design approach for single-user companies.”

Inspired by the concept of honeycombs, the hexagon shape became the core of the design behind Worklab’s environment and culture. “The power of people coming together in one space reminded me of honeycomb cells coming together,” Custer said. “So, we worked with the hexagon shape as our foundation — you will see it in our flooring, on backsplashes, in our ceiling tiles and in our marketing/branding.”

Membership amenities include services such as high-speed Wi-Fi, concierge services,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP); MICHAEL BUCK (BOTTOM)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

beverages and snacks, 24/7 access to an on-site fitness center, copy and printing services, networking events and more. However, Custer noted a membership isn’t neces-

In response to being named both Best Burger and Best Impossible Burger in GR, Taylor said, “It feels wonderful. The kitchen team works very hard to make sure every plate is sent out looking and tasting great. It is nice to be recognized for our hard work.”

Don’t forget to order it with a side of Chronic Fries and wash it down with one of the more than 250 kinds of whiskeys available.

— Andrea Straw

sary to test out Worklab.

“Worklab by Custer is available for anyone to use! Try us for an off-site meeting or just to work in a great place anytime you are downtown,” Custer said. “A common misconception about coworking space is that you have to be a member to use it or book a meeting in our space. Ninety percent of our meeting space customers are not members of Worklab — large companies like Steelcase, Amway, Wolverine and Spectrum Health use our space for meetings, as well as several small to medium-sized businesses that want to have off-site meetings. You can also work out of our coworking space with day passes or punch cards and do not have to be a member of Worklab.”

— Andrea Straw

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Shopping

Radio Personalities The Best: Free Beer & Hot Wings,

97.9 WGRD Other favorites: Connie and Fish, Mix 95.7 Eric Zane, WBBL

Antiques The Best: Eastown Antiques Other favorites: Lost & Found – Treasures of Old and New Pinky’s Place

Radio Station The Best: 91.3 WCSG Other favorites: 93.7 B-93 88.1 WYCE

Art Gallery The Best: LaFontsee Galleries Other favorites: Lions & Rabbits Muse GR

Tourist Attraction The Best: Frederik Meijer Gardens

& Sculpture Park Other favorites: Founders Brewing Co. Downtown Market

Auto Dealership The Best: Fox Motors Other favorites: Berger Chevrolet Todd Wenzel Automotive Bike Shop The Best: Village Bike & Fitness Other favorites: Freewheeler Bike Shop Grand Rapids Bicycle Co.

Trivia Night The Best: Stella’s Lounge Other favorites: The Mitten Brewing Co. Grand Rapids Brewing Co.

Bookstore The Best: Schuler Books & Music Other favorites: Books & Mortar Baker Book House

TV Station The Best: WOOD TV 8 Other favorites: FOX 17 WZZM 13

Car Wash The Best: Breton Auto Wash Other favorites: Cascade Car Wash Thunder Mountain Car & Dog Wash

Wedding Venue The Best: Frederik Meijer Gardens

& Sculpture Park Other favorites: The Cheney Place Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Cigar Shop The Best: Grand River Cigar Other favorites: Siciliano’s Market Tuttle’s Select Cigars & Tobaccos Comic Book Store The Best: Vault of Midnight Other favorites: Argos Book Shop The Comic Signal Consignment Store The Best: Urban Exchange

Consignment Boutique Other favorites: Gild the Lily Georgie’s Consignment Clothing Farmers Market The Best: Fulton Street Farmers Market Other favorites: Rockford Farmers Market Metro Health Farm Market Florist Shop The Best: Eastern Floral Other favorites: Horrocks Market Ball Park Floral & Gifts Furniture Store The Best: Talsma Furniture Other favorites: Klingman’s Fine Furniture & Design Eastown Antiques

READERS PICK

Best Pizza: The Mitten Brewing Co. On the corner of Leonard

pizza would be such a big part of

Street and Quarry Avenue NW in

The Mitten Brewing Co. We were

statewide distribution of Mitten

the historic Engine House No. 9,

pleasantly surprised but had to

cans and supporting community

sits the best pizza place this city

learn a lot about the restaurant

projects through Mitten Founda-

has to offer. But to The Mitten

business in our first few years.

tion.

GRM: Which pizza is an

er Chris Andrus and his team, it’s

absolute MUST for guests to

about much more than the pizza.

try if they’ve never been to

GRM: What makes The Mitten’s pizza so special?

The Mitten before?

Andrus: The Westerdog.

GRM: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Andrus: Whenever you eat Mitten pizza, you’re contributing to a worthy local cause. Our non-

Andrus: In a word, the peo-

Developed with the help of Yes-

profit wing, Mitten Foundation,

ple! The creativity of our kitchen

terdog in Eastown, The Wester-

donates funds raised from Mitten

team is what makes our pizza

dog is a Coney Dog pizza and a

food sales to area nonprofits.

unique and exciting. Though we

West Side institution. We con-

2018 projects included support-

have a core menu, the weekly

templated taking it off the menu

ing mobile food pantries at West

pizza specials are what entice

for a season, but our customers

Side GRPS schools, no-cost

our customers to try something

found out and revolted! We had

school uniforms for Harrison

new.

to promise to keep it on the menu

Park Elementary, program under-

forever.

writing at Autism Support of

GRM: What’s one thing you can tell us about The Mitten

GRM: What are you guys

Kent County and Comprehensive

that most people might not

most looking forward to in

Therapy Center, and winter heat-

know?

2019?

ing bill assistance for our West

Andrus: (Co-owner) Max Trierweiler and I never thought that

Andrus: Besides continued growth at all three Mitten loca-

Side neighbors.

— Andrea Straw

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Brewing Co. co-owner/co-found-

tions, we’re looking forward to

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Garden Center The Best: Horrocks Market Other favorites: Countryside Greenhouse Flowerland Grocery Store The Best: Meijer Other favorites: Horrocks Market Forest Hills Foods Hardware Store The Best: Rylee’s Ace Hardware Other favorites: Rockford Ace Hardware Alger Hardware & Rental Home Décor Store The Best: Rebel Other favorites: Talsma Furniture Design Quest Jewelry Store The Best: DeVries Jewelers Other favorites: Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry Siegel Jewelers

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN (TOP); COURTESY JEFF DICKERMAN (BOTTOM)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Men’s Fashion The Best: A.K. Rikk’s Other favorites: Jurgens & Holtvluwer Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store

READERS PICK

Best Women’s Fashion: Lee & Birch Ever wonder where the name Lee & Birch came from? “Lee is a family name — my greatgrandfather’s name, mother’s middle, my middle and now my daughter’s. The birch tree represents new beginnings and the promise of what is to come,” said Nikki Gillette, owner of Lee & Birch. “At the time of my life when I started the store, this felt like the perfect representation.”

Now with locations in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Rockford, and plans to open a fourth

Record Store The Best: Vertigo Music Other favorites: The Corner Record Shop Dodds Record Shop

location in 2019, Lee & Birch has been bringing smiles and styles to women for over 11 years.

Shoe Store The Best: Mieras Family Shoes Other favorites: A.K. Rikk’s VanHoecks Footwear

ing better and more confident than they were when they walked in, and that they have found a

Specialty Grocer The Best: Horrocks Market Other favorites: Martha’s Vineyard Kingma’s Market

Being a clothing boutique that is 100 percent owned and operated by women, Lee & Birch understands the importance of feeling good.

“We believe in offering a personalized shopping experience to each and every customer that walks into our stores,” Gillette said. “We want every woman who shops with us to leave feelplace to return to time and time again because the relationship is one not only of customer to business, but of friendship.”

As for being named Best Women’s Fashion by readers of Grand Rapids Magazine, Gillette said, “We would love to thank our customers for supporting us over the 11 years we’ve been in business. We have been able to work with so many amazing people, and many of them have become like family.”

Stop by the Grand Rapids location at 759 Wealthy St. SE or shop online at leeandbirch.com for favorite brands such as Gentle Fawn, AG Jeans, Hudson, Bella Dahl and more.

— Andrea Straw

S TA F F P I C K

Best Place to Stargaze: James C. Veen Observatory Looking for the perfect place to enjoy the night sky? The James C. Veen Observatory is by far the best place to catch a clear view of all the stars and planets. With three astronomical telescopes, you can see all of the stars and planets. On select Saturdays from May through October, the observatory hosts Public Nights, including tours and observations through the telescopes. Group tours also can be scheduled. (3308 Kissing Rock Ave. SE, Lowell)

— Allison Arnold

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Thrift Store The Best: New 2 You Thrift Shop Other favorites: Helping Hands Mission Store Nice Twice Resale Shoppe Women’s Fashion The Best: Lee & Birch Other favorites: Leigh’s A.K. Rikk’s

Services Animal Clinic The Best: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital Other favorites: Cascade Hospital for Animals Southkent Veterinary Hospitals Auto Repair The Best: Community Automotive Repair Other favorites: Fox Motors Westside Garage

Bank The Best: Mercantile Bank Other favorites: Northpointe Bank Independent Bank Caterer The Best: Martha’s Catering Other favorites: Kangaroo Kitchen & Catering The Pit Stop

READERS PICK

Best Party Bus/Limo: Affordable Limousine and Party Bus Affordable Limousine and Party Bus is a West Michigan-based, family-owned and -operated business providing specialty, luxury and corporate transportation throughout the area since 2006. With a mission to, “go above and beyond to assure your experience will be memorable,” how could you not want to let these hot wheels take you for a spin?

The company’s fleet includes stretch limousines and stretch SUVs, trolleys, limo buses and party buses, shuttle buses and corporate/ executive vehicles, allowing you to ride in style for just about every occasion under the sun.

Find out more about Affordable Limousine and Party Bus’ rates and amenities, including brewery tours, wedding services and Detroit sporting event transportation, at affordablel imogr.com.

— Andrea Straw

READERS PICK

Best Tacos: Donkey Taqueria ¡Bienvenidos! Let’s “taco-bout” some seriously good tacos. But first, did you know that Donkey Taqueria handmakes every one of its tortillas and juices every lime for margaritas? Taste doesn’t lie, you guys. That’s a lot of handmade goodness.

Donkey Taqueria, 665 Wealthy St. SE, has been open since December 2013, and the place has been nothing short of a fiesta since. Tina Iker, Donkey’s director of operations, told us the taco al pastor has long been a fan favorite, but there’s also been quite an infatuation with the taqueria’s Brussels sprouts taco as of late! (Either way, our mouths “We love that we have a massive amount of neighborhood support full of regular guests but that we also have first-time guests in every day still,” Iker said. “We love that tacos and tequila usually equal happy, fun guests!”

Looking to eat in a hurry? Donkey also offers takeout. “We just recently started offering online ordering, which is great since we don’t have a phone and parking can be a bit tricky in our area in the winter,” Iker noted. “Just order 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to pick up and we’ll have the order packed up and ready to go! Easy cheesy!”

With its amazing food and drink selection, fun atmosphere and speedy, friendly service, it’s hard to say no to a night out at Donkey.

— Andrea Straw

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

are watering.)

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Child Care Provider The Best: AppleTree & Gilden Woods Other favorites: Milestones Child Development Center Rainbow Child Care Center Chiropractic Center The Best: iChiro Clinics Other favorites: Novo Chiropractic Sports &

Wellness Centers Cascade Chiropractic Clinic Coworking Spaces The Best: Worklab by Custer Other favorites: The Factory Start Garden

READERS PICK

Best Distillery and Best Craft Cocktails: Long Road Distillers It’s not surprising that Long Road Distillers was voted No. 1 for both Best Distillery and Best Craft Cocktails in Grand Rapids. Long Road is no ordinary distillery. With the slogan, “Honor the journey. Respect the craft. Take no shortcuts.,” this West Side bar and restaurant, at 537 Leonard St. NW, invites you to take its slogan quite literally. “Our tagline embodies what we’re all about. Doing things right, the way they’re meant to be done, and not taking any shortcuts along the way,” said Kyle Van Strien, Long Road co-founder and co-owner. “All too frequently in our industry, folks are sourcing spirits from elsewhere and slapping a nice-looking label on the bottle and presenting the product as ‘handcrafted’ without offering any transparency about what they’re doing. We want our products to be an honest representation of the agriculture available to us in the region and the exceptional spirits that we can make from it.”

Never enjoyed a libation from Long Road? Van Strien recommended trying the popular Polish Falcon to quench your thirst. Made with the distillery’s multi-award-winning vodka, housemade ginger beer, a splash of fresh lime juice and topped with a mint sprig, it’s Long Road’s

Credit Union The Best: Lake Michigan Credit Union Other favorites: Adventure Credit Union West Michigan Credit Union

refreshingly delightful twist on a Moscow Mule that’s been quite the crowd pleaser since open-

Day Spa The Best: Design 1 Salon Spa Other favorites: Aspara Spa Heidi Christine’s Salon & Spa

be found at longroaddistillers.com.

ing its doors in 2015.

The team at Long Road truly embraces the journey to develop spirits worthy of people’s appreciation and provide every guest with an experience as honest and unique as their spirits!

More on Long Road, including info on spirits and event spaces, menu offerings and a blog can — Andrea Straw

Dentist The Best: Thomas J. Lambert, D.D.S. Other favorites: Karen O’Rourke, D.D.S. Marcos Cid, D.D.S. Dermatologist The Best: Richard J. Ashack, M.D. Other favorites: Robert J. Lamberts, M.D. Jack A. Dekkinga, M.D.

S TA F F P I C K

Best Coffee Shops to get work done Grand Rapids is home to numerous unique coffee shops and cafés. But between the noise level, chance of getting a table and menu selection, it can be difficult to find the perfect work environment. Here are our picks: Roots Brew Shop is a great spot for studying or getting some work done. Due to its size, there are plenty of large tables with enough room for your computer and books.

Roots has a large drink menu, from coffee and tea to kombucha and LaCroix. And the best part: when you work up an appetite, there’s soup, bagels and pastries to satisfy your craving. (600 Seventh St. NW)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

The Bitter End Coffee House is a West Side staple, serving delicious coffee made from beans roasted in-house, 24 hours a day. From coffee and tea drinks to kombucha and smoothies, visitors have plenty of options, including a daily selection of bagels and pastries. While the shop is small, The Bitter End is typically quiet, making it a great work environment. (752 W. Fulton St.) Madcap Coffee Co.’s third location is spacious, with plenty of tables, a stand-up workspace and outdoor seating when the weather permits. In addition to Madcap’s coffee menu, the modern shop serves waffles with seasonal spreads. (1041 E. Fulton St.)

— Allison Arnold

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Doggie Day Care/Pet Boarding The Best: Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa Other favorites: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital Cascade Hospital for Animals

Mani/Pedi The Best: Design 1 Salon Spa Other favorites: A Charmed Life Nail Salon Sara’s Nails & Spa

Doula/Midwife Services The Best: West Michigan Midwifery Other favorites: Gold Coast Doulas GR Doulas LLC

Place to Work Out The Best: MVP Sports Clubs Other favorites: Allegro Coaching Flirt Fitness Studio

Dry Cleaner The Best: Sheldon Cleaners Other favorites: Afendoulis Cleaners & Tuxedos Curtis Cleaners

Plastic Surgeon The Best: Bradley P. Bengtson, M.D. Other favorites: John D. Renucci, M.D. Steven L. Ringler, M.D.

Hair Salon The Best: Design 1 Salon Spa Other favorites: Cheeky Strut Chasing Vanity Salon & Spa

Real Estate Firm The Best: Five Star Real Estate Other favorites: Keller Williams Grand Rapids Greenridge Realty Inc.

Hotel The Best: JW Marriott Other favorites: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel CityFlatsHotel

Retirement Community The Best: Porter Hills Other favorites: Holland Home Beacon Hill at Eastgate

Law Firm The Best: Varnum LLP Other favorites: Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey PLC

Tattoo Parlor The Best: Mos Eisleys Other favorites: Screaming Needle Anarchy Ink Tattoos LLC

Limousine/Party Bus The Best: Affordable Limousine

and Party Bus Other favorites: Dadd’s Bus and Limo Grand Rapids Beer Trolley

Yoga Studio The Best: Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse Other favorites: AM Yoga Twisted Hot Yoga

READERS PICK

Best Garden Center and Best Specialty Grocer: Horrocks Market Horrocks Market, 4455 Breton Road SE, truly is the cream of the crop when it comes to farmers markets. Since opening in October 2002, the store has strived to create a courteous, team-oriented environment where people love to work and shop every day.

Horrocks’ garden center is every green thumb’s dream. From garden seeds to custom blend potting soil to garden accessories to birding supplies, Horrocks has everything you’ll need to make a beautiful and lush oasis right in your own

Best Creative Class: Brush Studio Sip on beer or wine while painting a masterpiece at Brush Studio in downtown Grand Rapids. Brush is a paint and sip studio offering instructional art classes. Pick a date and choose from a variety of painting classes to create a beautiful canvas or wooden sign. Brush Studio also offers classes for private or corporate events. Let the staff know ahead of time, and you can have the class catered or bring in your own snacks to nibble on. (50 Louis St. NW)

— Allison Arnold

backyard.

Not much of a green thumb? No problem! Horrocks also took home the gold for Best Specialty Grocer. At Horrocks, you’re invited to celebrate your sense of taste. While you’re there picking up the essentials, the market encourages guests to explore through its diverse variety of departments, where you might discover your next favorite food. The shelves at Horrocks are stocked with all sorts of culinary treasures, including German, Italian, Dutch, Asian and Mexican favorites, as well as fine oils and vinegars, organic foods, unique condiments, pastas, pickles, teas, natural cereals, frozen foods, and gluten-free, sugar-free or no-sugar-added products.

— Andrea Straw

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

S TA F F P I C K

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Executive chef Jeremy Paquin

For dinner, we opted to try a little bit of everything, and luckily for us, Grove encourages customers to do just that by offering th ee courses for $42.

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dining review

BY IRA CRAAVEN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (PAGES 54-55)

Award-winning experience WINNER OF GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE’S Restaurant of the Year five of the past six years, as well as the city’s Best New Restaurant shortly after opening its doors in 2011, Grove has been serving seasonal, locally sourced, upscale farm-to-table meals in the East Hills neighborhood that continue to impress year after year.

T he restaurant, which has a happy hour menu from 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, as well as Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., is part of Grand Rapids-based Essence Restaurant Group, with Jeremy Paquin as its executive chef since 2016.

On a frigid T uesday night, Grove’s contemporary, modern vibe welcomed us, as we managed to beat the dinner rush and have the entire restaurant to ourselves for a bit.

T he establishment features a brightly lit bar area with two T Vs for watching the game on one side and a more dimly lit, cozy dining area on the other side — perfect for a more intimate experience.

We started our evening with two cocktails: A Dark & Stormy ($13) and T ime in a Bottle ($14). The Dark & Stormy had a bit of a kick to it, with dark rum, allspice dram, spicy ginger syrup, lime, bitters, ginger beer — a perfectly balanced drink. T he T ime in a Bottle, on the other hand, definitely was a sipper. With Suntory T oki whisky, plum sake, chestnut syrup, arrack, fennel, lemon and pear bitters, this drink featured a bit too much alcohol, which prohibited us from enjoying the added flavors.

For an appetizer, we opted for the Rabbit Nuggets ($6 happy hour) — three perfectly fried bites of heaven. The rabbit meat was juicy and tender, enhanced by the kimchi ketchup, charred pok and miso caramel to give the dish a tangy sweetness. This offering was a favorite and will have us coming back for more.

For dinner, we opted to try a little bit of everything, and luckily for us, Grove encourages customers to do just that by offering three courses for $42. T he portion of the courses remain the same, but our waiter suggested we

get two lighter courses and one heavier course.

Not only does it give the table the ability to try multiple menu items, but at $42, it’s quite the bargain considering a few entrées are over $20.

We tried the apple salad ($12 regular menu price), okonomiyaki, or Japanese pancakes, ($14), and the quail ($19). T he apple salad was a perfect beginning to our three-course meal, tossed with pickled apples, beet molasses, sous-vide fennel, lettuce, sunflower seeds and topped with a light citrus vinaigrette. Every ingredient tasted fresh and every bite offered a delicious crunch.

The okonomiyaki featured pork belly, scallions, aioli, bonito and nori. The flavors meshed beautifully, and the tender pork belly melted in our mouths. Our only grievance was the serving size was not as large as we had hoped, leaving us craving for more.

Lastly, the quail came with toasted freekeh oatmeal porridge, carrots, baharat, apple, celery, squash seeds tahini, carrot top harissa. The perfectly cooked meat featured a slight gamey taste that was pleasant. Again, this dish had many different flavors that complemented one another wonderfully.

We also tried the fried chicken sandwich ($16) paired with a generous serving of crunchy, crispy French fries. T he sandwich was topped with buttermilk chicken, pickle slaw, garlic aioli on a seeded potato bun — a delicious offering that gives Colonel Sanders a run for his money.

T he awards speak for themselves, Grove offers a top-notch dining experience and unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

GR

Bartender Nate Walters

Grove Address: 919 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 454-1000 Website: groverestaurant.com Dining ratings: Food: **** Service: **** Beverages: *** Atmosphere: **** Price: $-$$

Must try: Okonomiyaki Not so much: Time in a Bottle

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 (page 74).

DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 1 Bun Restaurant — Build-your-own hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and sloppy Joes — all served on hot dog buns. Closed Sun. 2140 S Division Ave, 279-2943. Face¢ book. L, D

Cygnus 27 — Stunning view from 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Menu features Mediterranean and Latin influences.

Full bar. Closed Mon. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand.com/dining/cygn $$ us-27. Brunch (Sun), D (Tue-Sat)

Bangkok Taste Cuisine — T hai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. L, D ¢-$

Divani — European-inspired food includes small plates for sharing and a variety of entrées. Full bar. Closed Sun. 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. divanigr.com. D $-$$

Brick & Porter — Appetizers, burgers, salads and sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”).

Open daily. 47 Monroe Center NW, 226-6928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), ¢-$ L, D Bull’s Head Tavern — Large selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Entrées include pasta, fish, chicken and steak along with burgers and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. the

Osteria Rossa

bullsheadtavern.com. L (Mon-Fri), D

$-$$

Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood in a fine dining atmosphere with views of the Grand River.

Gluten-free menu. Beer and extensive wine list. Sun brunch 10-2:30. Open daily. 63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com/charleyscrab. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ The Chop House — Aged prime beef, seafood, pork and lamb chops, chicken and more.

Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 4516131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. D $$ City Built Brewing Co. – Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Ricaninspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com.

L, D $ Cinco De Mayo — Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar.

Flanagan’s — Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence.

Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢ Founders Brewing Co. — Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music T hu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches.

Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing. com. L, D ¢ Gilly’s Smokehouse — Twelve rotating craft beers from The B.O.B’s Brewery paired with smokehouse fare, including smoked beef brisket, Amish chicken, pork butt and more.

Closed Sun-Mon. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thebob.com/gillysrestaurant. D ¢-$ GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant.

Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open daily.

Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6495. amwaygrand.com/dining/gp-spo rts. L, D $ Grand Rapids Brewing Co. — Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-to-table menu includes sharable plates, sausages,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. L (Sun-Fri), D ¢-$

Bobarino’s at The B.O.B. — Grill on second floor of T he B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers.

Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bob arinospizza. L, D ¢-$

– Lounge — Soups, salads, sandwichCitysen es, burgers and small-plate creations. Beer and wine; happy hour 4-7 pm. Open daily.

CityFlatsHotel, 83 Monroe Center NW, 6081725. cityflatshotel.com/location/grand-rap ¢-$ ids. B, L, D

Cottage Bar — Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chilis and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. 18 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar. biz. L, D ¢

Angel’s Thai Café — Extensive T hai fare.

Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option.

Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily.

136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthai cafe.com. L, D ¢-$

Bistro Bella V ita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily.

44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobella vita.com. L, D $-$$

Open daily. 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayo1.com. L, D $

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soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewing company.com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$

Grand Rapids Garage Bar and Grill — “AllAmerican grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-0321. garagebargr.com.

L, D ¢

ALIGN YOUR INVESTMENTS WITH YOUR VALUES

Grand Woods Lounge — Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Year-round alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. L, D ¢-$ Heritage Hill Pizza — Offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas. No alcohol.

Open daily, with a few tables for dining in.

340 State St SE, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza. net. L, D ¢-$

The Heritage — GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open T ue-Fri during school year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, $-$$ 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. ¢-$ L, D Jamaican Dave’s — Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. L, D ¢

Call Ted Vogt and Carol Dehen about the potential benefits of a socially responsible portfolio.

616-949-0900 866-949-0907

J.D. Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge at The Boardwalk offers American, southwest, T hai and more. Banquet facilities. Outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. L, D ¢-$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive full bar and gargantuan menu includes hearty appetizers, salads, burgers, entrées. T hree floors of seating. Closed Sun. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 4598824. jgardellastavern.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢ Judson’s at The B.O.B. — Award-winning steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and chops.

Notable wine list. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/judsons steakhouse. D $$ ➧Juju Bird — Chicken-centered restaurant featuring comfort foods like buttermilk fried chicken, as well as sandwiches and “birdie cones.” Open daily. Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 258-8115. downtownmarketgr. com. L, D $

The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck — Comfort

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC All investing involves risk including loss of principal.

No strategy assures success or protects against loss.

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-by$-$$ wolfgang-puck. L, D

FLeo’s — Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Early dinner menu 4:30-6 pm Mon-Fri. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrest aurant.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Littlebird — Café-style restaurant featuring made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch, including a full coffee menu, house-made sodas and egg creams, and pastries. Full bar.

Open daily. 95 Monroe Center NW, 419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢ Lucky Luciano’s — Fifty gourmet pizza options, whole or by the slice. Takeout, delivery available. Serves beer and wine. Open daily.

15 Ionia Ave SW, Suite 140, 356-4600. lucky lucianos.com. L, D ¢-$ Luna Taqueria y Cocina — Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. 64 Ionia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. L, D ¢-$ ➧Marcona on Lyon — “Modern” Mediterranean cuisine, including appetizers, grilled skewers, falafel and more, as well as vegetarianand vegan-friendly options. Full bar. Closed Mon. 623 Lyon St NE, 828-1228. marcona onlyon.com. L, D $-$$

MeXo — Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. B (Sun), L, D $ Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant — Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar. com. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$ New Hotel Mertens — French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era New Hotel Mertens. Seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. newhotelmertens. com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), B (Mon-Fri), L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Full bar. Closed Mon. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetrick.biz. L, D ¢-$

Osteria Rossa – Casual Italian-inspired cuisine with Michigan roots from executive chef/owner Chris Perkey. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta. Full bar. Closed Sun. 16 Monroe Center NE, 988-9350. osteriaro ssa.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Palace of India — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestau rant.com. L, D ¢-$ Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$ Reserve — Wine bar offers extensive bythe-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr. com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Roam by San Chez Bistro — The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. B, L, D $ Rockwell Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating.

Full bar. Open daily. 45 S Division Ave, 5513563. rockwellsrepublic.com. D $-$$ Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ru ths-chris-steak-house. L, D $$ FSan Chez Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées.

Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. 38 W Fulton St, 7748272. sanchezbistro.com. B, L, D $-$$ Six.One.Six — Features new French cuisine in a cosmopolitan setting. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/din ing/six.one.six. B, L, D $-$$ Slows Bar-B-Q — Detroit-based restaurant offers extensive menu, including barbecue, sandwiches and sides. Michigan and national craft beers on tap. Open daily. Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 454-1588. slows barbq.com. L, D ¢-$ Social Kitchen & Bar — Refined comfort food, sandwiches, pizzas, extensive cocktail menu. Vintage décor, patio. Open daily.

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Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, 7244464. socialkitchenandbar.com/grand-rapi $-$$ ds.html. Brunch (Sat-Sun), L, D

SpeakEZ Lounge — Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and glutenfree. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. L, $ D Stella’s Lounge — Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items.

Full bar, known for its whiskey selection.

Open daily. 53 Commerce Ave SW, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢-$ Tavern On The Square — Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Wheelhouse Kitchen and Cocktails — Eclectic American bistro fare with seasonal recipes using Michigan ingredients. Large bar and porch. Open daily. Arena Place, 67 Ottawa Ave SW, 226-3319. wheelhousegrand rapids.com. L, D $-$$

Benjamin Moore® 2019 COLOR OF THE YEAR!

Z’s Bar & Restaurant — Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available.

Open daily. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

WEST SIDE Ando Asian Kitchen & Bar — Asian fusion eatery featuring small plates, bentos, rice bowls, raw bar, noodles, soup, salad and more. Wide selection of wine, plus local, domestic and international beer. Full bar. 415 Bridge St NW, 608-0789. andoasiankitchen. com. L, D $ Blue Dog Tavern — West Michigan craft brews on tap. Good selection of tots, dogs and burgers. Open daily. 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr.com. L, D ¢

Metropolitan AF-690

“Comforting, composed and effortlessly sophisticated, Metropolitan AF-690 exudes beauty and balance,” said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Director of Strategic Design Intelligence. “It’s a color in the neutral spectrum that references a contemplative state of mind and design. Not arresting nor aggressive, this understated yet glamorous gray creates a soothing, impactful common ground.”

Rylee’s

Broadway Bar & Grill — Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations, especially at Christmas. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally.

740 Broadway Ave SW, 454-0565. Facebook. ¢ L, D FButcher’s Union — Meat-and-whiskeycentric gastro-pub. Full bar. Outdoor seating available. 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), L, D $ El Granjero — Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. 950

MONDAY - SATURDAY 8AM-8PM SUNDAYS 10AM - 5PM

1234 MICHIGAN ST. NE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 616.451.0724

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Wheelhouse Kitchen and Cocktails

able to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily.

654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatores gr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$

FThe Sovengard — Midwest meets Scandinavian spirit, with a focus on seasonal and local sourcing. Restaurant and outdoor beer garden in a historic West Side building. Open daily. 443 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard.com. D $ Two Scotts Barbecue — Authentic barbecue smoked in-house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. L ¢-$ Westside Social — “Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, housemade appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. L ¢-$ (Tue-Sun), D

El Sombrero — Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorest ¢ aurantmi.com. L, D Harmony Hall — West Side brewpub with a German beer hall atmosphere serves pizza, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9186. har ¢-$ monybeer.com/harmony-hall. L, D The Holiday Bar — Established in 1905, menu features appetizers and sandwiches.

Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden in warm months.

Open daily. 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. the ¢ holidaybargr.com. L, D Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery — Dexterbased brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available.

Open daily. 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jolly $ pumpkin.com. L, D The Knickerbocker – New Holland Brewing — Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. 417 Bridge St NW, 345-5642. newholland brew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), L, ¢-$ D Long Road Distillers — Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of house-made snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroad ¢-$ distillers.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), D

Maggie’s Kitchen — Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol.

Closed Sun and Mon. 636 Bridge St NW, 4588583. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing. com. L, D ¢-$ Monarchs’ Club — Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. 646 Stocking Ave NW, 2339799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. L, D ¢ One Bourbon — T rendy, two-level restaurant serving creative shareable plates, burgers, hot sandwiches and entrées. Full bar features more than 120 whiskies. Closed Sun-Mon. 608 Bridge St NW, 608-5766. one bourbongr.com. D ¢-$ O’Toole’s Public House — Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily.

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

L, D ¢-$ Pearl Street Grill — Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. B, L, D $ Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant — Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine avail-

UPTOWN Big Willy’s Italian Beef — Authentic Chicago cuisine, featuring Italian sausage, Polish dogs and Chicago dogs, as well as Italian ice drinks. Open daily. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 288¢ 5824. bigwillysitalianbeef.com. L, D Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from northern India.

Full bar. Open daily. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. eastownbombaycui sine.com. L, D $ FBrewery Vivant — Beer and food in tradition of French and Belgian country dishes. Housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. brewery vivant.com. L (Sat-Sun), D $-$$

Brick Road Pizza — T raditional, gourmet and vegan pizzas (gluten-free crusts available); also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Sun Brunch Bar. Full bar. Closed Mon. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brickroadpiz za.com. L, D ¢-$ Brown Butter Creperie & Café — Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. 1436 Wealthy St SE, 288-5038. brownbuttercrepes.com. B, L, D (Wed-Sat) ¢ Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare.

Veggie/vegan options. T akeout available.

No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. L, D ¢-$ Curry Kitchen — Authentic Indian cuisine.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Bridge St NW, 458-5595. Facebook. B, L, D ¢

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Daily lunch buffet. Kids menu. T akeout.

Open daily. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 2421300. currykitchengr.com. L, D $

and more. Catering and take-out available.

Closed Sun. 2401 Eastern Ave SE, 591-2132. eklecticogreekkouzina.com. D ¢

➧Danzón Cubano — Authentic Cuban fare, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally made and Cuban sodas. Full bar; happy hour specials Mon-T hu. Open daily. 1 Carlton Ave SE, 988-9788. danzon $ cubano.com. L, D

Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available.

Open daily. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), L, D ¢-$

Donkey Taqueria — Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station.

Full bar. Open daily. 665 Wealthy St SE. don keygr.com. B (Sat-Sun), L, D ¢-$ East West Brewing Co. — T raditional American-style beers. Fresh, made-to-order American-style food and seasonal vegetarian menu items from local vendors. Open daily. 1400 Lake Dr SE, 288-5250. eastwest brewingcompany.com. L (Fri-Sat), D ¢-$ Eklectico Greek Kouzina — Scratch-made traditional Greek entrées, gyros, desserts

Elk Brewing Co. — Brewery with rustic industrial interior. Menu includes innovative sandwiches and snacks. Open daily. 700 Wealthy St SE, 238-5227. elkbrewing.com. L (Fri-Sun), D ¢

Georgina’s — Authentic Asian and Latin taqueria with appetizers, tacos, tamales, noodle bowls and more. No alcohol. Open daily. 724 Wealthy St SE, 454-1860. face $-$$ book.com/georginasgr. L, D Gojo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli — Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew) dishes served with injera flatbread.

Carry-out available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. 421 Norwood Ave SE, 459-3383. gojo $ ethiopiancuisine.com. L, D

Erb Thai — T hai fare; will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol.

Open daily. 950 Wealthy St SE, 356-2573. erbthaigr.com. L, D ¢

The Green Well Gastro Pub — Menu features comfort fare with a flair, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808-3566. $-$$ thegreenwell.com. L, D

Forty Acres Soul Kitchen — “Authentically American” southern comfort food, featuring po’boys, grits, gumbo and more. To-go catering available. Closed Mon. 1059 Wealthy St $ SE, 481-6971. fortyacresgr.com. L, D

- OGrove — Earth-to-table on three- and four-course menu available. Full bar.

Cherry St SE, 454-1000. com. L, D

concept focuses offerings. Vegan Open daily. 919 groverestaurant. $$

4JOY. 4WONDER. 4MOVEMENT. The First-Ever Unmistakable Cadillac XT4

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

HARVEY CADILLAC LOCATION 2600 28th Street SE St Grand Rapids, MI 49512 HarveyCadillac.com SALES 616.949.1140 Mon & Wed 9 am - 8 pm Tues, Thu, Fri 9 am - 6 pm Sat 9 am - 4 pm

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Harmony Brewing Co. — Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Open daily. 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. L, D $ Jonny B’z — Beef, turkey and veggie hot dogs available, as well as burgers, sandwiches, wings, ribs and kids menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 701 Wealthy St SE, 551-1108. jonnybz. com. L, D $

Little Africa Ethiopian Cuisine — Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. 956 E ¢ Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. L, D Maru Sushi & Grill — Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Matchbox Diner & Drinks — Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry-out available. Open daily. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com.

B, L, D $ FTerra — Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Wealthy Street Bakery — Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu.

Closed Sun. 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. ¢-$ wealthystreetbakery.com. B, L, D Wikiwiki Poke Shop — Fast-casual seafood restaurant featuring customizable poke bowls, plus oyster bar and rotating specials. Carry-out available. Closed Sun. 1146 Wealthy St SE, 288-5646. wikiwikipoke shop.com. L, D ¢-$ The Winchester — Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in century-old space.

Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com.

B (Sat-Sun), L, D ¢-$ Yesterdog — Specializes in the “good oldfashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢

EAST GRAND RAPIDS Big Bob’s Pizza — Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar.

Open daily. 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$

Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen — Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar.

Open daily. 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. $ carolinalck.com. D Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. Open daily. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 3013236. derbystation.com. L, D $ José Babushka’s — Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas. $ com. L, D Olive’s — 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 Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Large selection of Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.

Serves beer and wine. Takeout and catering available. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L (T ueFri), D ¢-$ Rose’s — Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. T hree-season porch.

Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection. com/roses. L, D $

SOUTHEAST GRAND RAPIDS/ KENTWOOD 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 301-8555. Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$$ Al-Bos Eurocafe-Bakery — Authentic south­ eastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials.

Open daily. 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. ¢-$ al-bos.com. L, D Asian Palace — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 141 28th St SE, 534-7770.

Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Beltline Bar — Americanized T ex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. 16 28th St SE, 2450494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $ Big E’s Sports Grill — Sports lounge serving pizza, classic American appetizers and

other entrées. Full bar includes a variety of Michigan-made beer and cider. Happy hour specials available Mon-Fri. Open daily. 2321 East Beltline Ave SE, 608-8825. bigessports ¢-$ grill.com. L, D

Brass Ring Brewing — Small-batch, stylespecific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. L, D $ Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. T akeout available. Open daily. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos. com. L, D ¢-$ Cantina Mexican Grill — Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drivethru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily.

2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantina mexicangrill.biz. L (Sun-Thu), D $ Daddy Pete’s BBQ — Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed Sun and Mon. 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddy petesbbq.com. L, D ¢-$ East Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol.

Open daily. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. L, D ¢-$ El Arriero Mexican Grill — Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections.

Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas.

Open daily. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarri eromexicangrill.com. L, D ¢-$ El Globo Restaurant — Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Florentine Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Lounge — Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Ganders — Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleT ree Hotel), 957-1111. facebook.com/ gandersgr. B, L, D ¢-$$ Golden Gate — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. Open daily. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D ¢ Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant — Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. 4301 Kalamazoo

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

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$

Hall Street Bakery — Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu.

Closed Sun. 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hall streetbakery.com. B, L, D ¢-$ India Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. 3760 S Division Ave, 243¢-$ 1219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D La Taqueria San Jose — Authentic Mexican fare in a casual, takeout setting. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 1338 S Division Ave, 284-2297.

Facebook. L, D ¢ Last Chance Tavern and Grill — Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelast chancetavern.com. L, D ¢ Le Kabob — Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. L, D ¢-$ Mi Tierra — T raditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D ¢ Mikado Sushi — Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol.

Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mik adogr.com/main. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, T hai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. 2055 28th St SE, 4520065. nuthaibistro.com. L, D ¢-$ The Old Goat — Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads.

Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. baaaaaaaa.com. B (Mon-Fri), L, D ¢-$ Pal’s Indian Cuisine — Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol.

Open daily. 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsin diancuisine.com. L, D $ Pho Anh Trang — Vietnamese, Chinese, T hai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 2469966. L, D ¢-$ Pho Soc Trang — Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily.

4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. L, D ¢-$ Pietro’s Italian Restaurant — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Take-

out available. Open daily. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. L, D $

Shanghai Ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE, 942-5120. shanghaiichiban.com. L, D $-$$ Shiraz Grille — Authentic Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, vegetarian options. Full bar. Closed Mon. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 9497447. shirazgrille.com. L (Fri-Sun), D $-$$ Sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni. net. L, D ¢-$$ Taquería El Rincón Mexicano — Wide variety of Mexican breakfast, small plates, dinner dishes and soups, including several vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 2055 28th St, 246-7000. Facebook. B, L, D ¢ Thai Express — T hai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. T owne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiex pressgr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢

Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. blueginger kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$ Far-East Chinese Restaurant — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. ¢-$ Facebook. L, D Frankie V’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar — Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta, burgers and Mexican. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Open daily. 1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs. ¢-$ com. L, D Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily.

627 28th St SW, 531-2800. L, D $ Kitzingen Brewery — German-style appetizers and entrées, plus kids menu and some American classics. Selection of wine and locally made German craft beer. Closed SunMon. 1760 44th St SW, 805-5077. kitzingenbrewery.com. L, D ¢-$

Thai Fusion — T hai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. L, D ¢-$

Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano — Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. 1742 28th St SW, 261-2280. lindomexicogr.com. L, D ¢-$

Tokyo Grill & Sushi — Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyo grillsushi.com. L, D ¢-$

Little Bangkok — Extensive T hai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$

V illage Inn Pizza & Sports Grille — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$

Main Street Pub — Varied appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. 1730 28th St SW, 532-2510. mainstpub.com. L, D ¢-$

Wei Wei Palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. No alcohol. Open daily. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. weiweipalace.com.

L, D $

Mi Casa Restaurante — Fresh, authentic Dominican appetizers, dishes and seafood, plus weekly specials, in Dominicanthemed, family-friendly atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Mon-Tues. 334 Burton St SW, ¢-$ 350-9123. micasagr.com. L, D

Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. Open daily.

4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Monelli’s Italian Grill & Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace.

Open daily. 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 5309700. monellis.com. L, D ¢-$

SOUTHWEST GRAND RAPIDS

Tamales Mary — Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 15 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. 1253 Burton St ¢ SW, 288-5007. tamalesmarygr.com. L, D

84th Street Pub & Grille — American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar. Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com.

L, D ¢-$

Woody’s Press Box — Complex includes

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-2400. spec trumlanes.com. B (Mon-Sat), L, D $

L, D

¢-$

licarispizzakitchen.com. L, D

$

NORTHEAST GRAND RAPIDS

Fred’s Italian Restaurant — Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. freds italian.net. L, D ¢-$

Lucy’s Café — Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. B, L $-$$

7 Monks Taphouse — Beer bar with more than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads. Open daily. 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/ grand-rapids. L, D ¢-$

Fuji Yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabis ¢-$ tro.com. L, D

Birch Lodge — Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. L, D ¢

Golden Wok — Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials.

Full bar. Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwok grandrapids.com. L, D ¢-$

Mill Creek Tavern — Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektavern gr.com. L, D ¢-$

Blue Water Grill — Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection. $-$$ com/bluewater. L, D Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available.

Serves alcohol. Open daily. 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. L, D ¢-$ Charlie’s Bar & Grille — Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charlies ¢-$ barandgrille.com. L, D Cheer’s Good Time Saloon — Menu offers something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. T akeout available. Full bar. Open daily. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. B, L, D ¢ Cheshire Grill — Sandwiches, soups, salads, creative burgers. Open daily for breakfast (served all day) and lunch. No alcohol. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 635-2713. cheshiregrill. com. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢-$ Creston Brewery — More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap at all times; plus, seasonal menu, featuring chicken, pork and beef entrées; tacos, burritos and quesadillas; soups and salads. 1504 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-4523. crestonbrewery.com. L, D ¢-$

Gravity Taphouse Grille — Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse. com. L, D ¢-$ Graydon’s Crossing — Global pub serves traditional English pub food and world-inspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscross ing.com. L, D $ Gus’s Original — Appetizers, salads and soups, stone-oven pizzas, gourmet sandwiches; coffees and ice cream bar. Outdoor seating. No alcohol. Open daily. 3123 Leonard St NE, 805-5599. gussoriginal.com. B, L, D ¢ Jaku Sushi — Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more.

Open daily. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 649$ 0407. jakusushi.com. L, D

Kitchen 67 — Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes Brann’s sizzling steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more. Full bar with craft beers.

Open daily. 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 2723778. kitchen67.com. L, D ¢-$ La Huasteca — Homemade recipes, vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. L, ¢ D

Erb Thai Xpress — T hai fare for takeout only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 820 Michigan St NE, 454-0444. erbthaigr.com/erbthai_ xpress.html. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢

Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, T hai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net.

L, D ¢-$

Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante & Sports Bar — Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen T Vs; takeout available. Open daily. 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com.

Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar.

Open daily. 2869 Knapp St NE, 608-6912.

Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat Japanese/ Chinese buffet, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. Open daily.

2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), 3653989. mingtenrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Nick Fink’s — Mexican fare and burgers in historic tavern. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Closed Sun and Mon. 3965 West River Dr NE, 784-9886. thegilmorecollec tion.com/nickfinks. D $ Palio — Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. L, D $-$$ Reds At Thousand Oaks — Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck.

Open daily. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 4477750. eatatreds.com. L, D $-$$ Rezervoir Lounge — Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily.

1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge. com. L (Tue-Sun), D ¢-$ Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 3646266. riograndsteakhouse.com. L, D $-$$ The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. the score-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Sheshco Grill — Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill. net. L, D $ Thai Chef — Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. L, D $ Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with Continued on page 70

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

PATRICK RUBLEY Chef Patrick Rubley, right, with sous chef Derian Frutos

Title: Chef/co-owner Location: 5570 28th St. SE

Chef Patrick Rubley goes the extra mile to serve up authentic Japanese dishes at Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar.

A

t Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar, chef and co-owner Patrick Rubley wants you to start with the hakata modern — a bowl of ramen in a gorgeous pork bone broth (tonkotsu) that takes 12-18 hours to simmer. T his combination of tare ripples with noodles, braised and sliced pork belly (chashu), marinated soft-boiled egg, marinated bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, scallions, garnished with roasted seaweed. “It’s the most well-balanced bowl of exceptional goodness that you’ll ever eat,” said Rubley, who pursues traditional Japanese techniques with an unwavering focus.

Rubley fully understands what it takes to make a killer broth — the key is taking it slow and steady until every slurp becomes a guilty pleasure. “It can’t be rushed, no way,” he said. “There’s no middle ground.”

“I’m always standing in front of three 160-quart stock pots that are literally boiling all day,” he added. “Everything is constantly rolling here because I’m making fresh broth all the time.”

Besides the broth, the menu at Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar features fresh ramen noodles, sauces and other recipes made in-house, including gluten-free

and vegan ingredients. Even the beverage cooler is colorful with fun Japanese sodas, including Oi Ocha green tea and Calpis noncarbonated soft drinks.

Of course, ramen is a definitive national dish in Japan, and the noodle-broth combination is considered “Japanese comfort food,” Rubley said, “because it has that umami aspect that warms your insides and makes you feel better.”

In the broadest sense, a ramen bowl consists of four parts: tare (seasoning base), broth, noodles and toppings.

At Sapporo, Rubley starts at the bottom

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN HUVER

No shortcuts

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of the bowl and concentrates on making three types of ramen broth: miso, which is made from fermented soybeans; shoyu, a Japanese-style soy sauce; and tonkotsu, cooked long and slow.

While cheffing in Orlando for 10 years, Rubley was drawn to the city’s Mills 50 District, with its large Vietnamese population and restaurants where he grew to crave the soulful, warmly spiced beef broth. “I loved going there for a good bowl of pho,” he said.

If you’re serious about making ramen, Rubley insisted you first find an Asian specialty market and get the right stuff. He is very particular about ingredients and swears by the freshness and authenticity at Kim Nhung Supermarket in Kentwood.

Second, learn how to make a quality homemade broth. He encouraged beginners to start with a chicken broth that’s simmered down for several hours until a nice rich yellow hue indicates rich flavor.

“Making your own broth is just a very good thing to do,” Rubley said. “It just permeates good smells throughout your house.”

Finally, commit to it; give it the time and patience that it calls for. “On Sunday, my wife and I will spend 10 hours making broth. We’re doing other things like laundry, but we let the broth go all day,” Rubley said. “I’m glad that I married a chef!”

(Serves 2)

2 ounces red miso (available at Asian markets) 2 packages fresh ramen noodles (available at Asian markets) 8 ounces bone-in chicken breast or leg quarter cooked in the hot broth and pulled off the bone in strips (or alternatively grilled pork or beef)

“I’m always standing in front of three 160-quart stock pots that are literally boiling all day. Everything is constantly rolling here because I’m making fresh broth all the time.”

— Patrick Rubley

Broth 1 white onion 3 large carrots, peeled 5 celery stalks 4 pounds chicken or pork bones Toppings (optional, as many or few as you prefer) Soft-boiled (6-8 minutes) or hard-boiled eggs (over 10 minutes), peeled and halved Nori (sheets of umami-packed seaweed), cut into thin strips with scissors or crumbled atop the broth and noodles Whole kernel corn, fresh or frozen (thawed) Pickled bamboo shoots Bean sprouts, blanched Thinly sliced scallions Preparation: In a large sturdy pot, boil 4 quarts of water. Cut all the vegetables (onions, carrots and celery) into 2-inch pieces; set aside. Clean chicken or pork bones under cold water, place in boiling water and boil 4-5 minutes. Strain the bones and clean under cold water. Clean the pot, and bring 4 quarts fresh water to boil. Add the bones and vegetables, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours (skim and discard impurities). Strain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer.

Next, have all the ingredients ready to go, plus have one pot rolling with the broth and another one going with boiling water to cook the noodles. (Equally, you could blanch the noodles into the boiling chicken stock and eliminate the pot of boiling water for noodles.)

While the chicken broth is boiling, cook your chicken breast until tender, pull meat off the bone in strips; set aside.

Divide the red miso between the two bowls. Pour a bit of broth into the bowl and stir to incorporate. Cook the noodles until al dente in either boiling water or stock, and divide between the two bowls. Pour hot broth over the noodles and stir together a bit.

Top with several toppings of your choice, including chicken strips, soft-boiled egg halves, nori, corn kernels, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts and scallions.

Serve piping hot, slurp and enjoy.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN HUVER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN HUVER

— JAYE BEELER

Traditional Sapporo miso

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

Continued from page 66 unexpected twists. Full bar features local beers/wines. Open daily. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twisted-rooster.com. L, D ¢-$$

V ander Mill — Seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. Starters, salads, entrées and large plates served family style. Hard ciders on tap. Open daily. 505 Ball Ave NE, 2598828. vandermill.com. L, D (Mon-Sat) $-$$

NORTHWEST GRAND RAPIDS Amore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. Housemade desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrat toriaitaliana.com. D (Tue-Sat) $ Balinski’s — Polish-American soups, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and entrées, including pierogis, golabki and kielbasa; plus, traditional American options and Polish desserts. Closed Mon. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 288-5440. balinskis.com. L, D ¢-$ China Chef — Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices.

No alcohol. Open daily. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. L, D ¢-$ China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. L, D ¢-$ DeHop’s Brewing Co. and Café — Specialty and build-your-own burgers, “authentic Mexican” tacos, salads and sharable appetizers. Closed Sun-Mon. 363 Cummings Ave $ NW, Walker, 805-3363. dehops.com. D Empire Chinese Buffet II — All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol.

Open daily. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. L, D ¢-$ Franco’s Pizza — Italian entrées, stromboli, pizza and subs. T akeout available. No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. D ¢-$ Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market.

Full bar. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. D ¢-$ Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — PanAsian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsu premebuffet.letseat.at. L, D ¢

Home Team Grill — Sports-themed eatery with a selection of local, domestic and international beers. Open daily. 4322 Remembrance Rd, 551-3457. hometeamgrill.word press.com. L, D ¢-$ Hunan Chinese Restaurant — Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. L, D ¢-$ The Landing — Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. All-American favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/ dining/the-landing-restaurant. B, L, D $ Linear — Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 2004343. linearrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. mrgyros ¢-$ drivethru.com. L, D Perrin Brewing Co. — Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. 5910 Comstock Park Dr, 551-1957. perrinbrewing.com. L, D ¢ Stan Diego Baja Taco Kitchen — Baja California-inspired menu, featuring a-la-carte taco menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standi egogr.com. L, D ¢-$ Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel. com. B, L, D ¢-$ Three Happiness Restaurant — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse in former warehouse district. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Full bar. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. till mansrestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Walker Roadhouse — Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 7919922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. L (Mon-Fri),

D

$

Zoko 822 — Basque-inspired cuisine, featuring Northern Spanish and Southern French small plates, served family style; plus, “graband-go” lunch serviced through the Bodega 822. Full bar boasting over 45 selections of gin. Open daily. 822 Ottawa Ave NW, 8281118. zoko822.com. Brunch (Sun), L (MonSat), D $-$$

ADA/CASCADE/LOWELL Ada Pour House — Fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a twist on comfort food. Salads, sandwiches and entrées, including fish and steak. Craft beers and wine. Closed Sun. 6749 E Fulton St, Ada, 920-7941. pourhouse usa.com. L, D $-$$ Aryana Restaurant & Bar — Comfortable dining room in Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner selections from a seasonal menu and a full bar. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 957-1775. hiaryana. com. B, L, D $-$$ Big Boiler Brewing — Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer and cider.

Plus, new American cuisine, including burgers, fish, sandwiches and kids menu. Open daily. 318 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3155. bigboil erbrewing.com. D $ The Blue Moose Sports Pub — Farm-totable sports bar features a food menu made with locally sourced ingredients. Open daily. 6240 28th St SE, 734-6333. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. L, D ¢-$ Cork Wine & Grille — Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. cork wineandgrille.com. L, D $-$$ Dan’s Diner — Formerly Pal’s Diner. Retrostyle diner with both classic and upscale breakfast and lunch options; breakfast served all day. Beer, wine and vodka. Closed Mon. 6503 28th St SE, 719-0304. dansdinergr.com.

B, L, D ¢-$ Emonae Korean BBQ — Korean delicacies and tabletop grills allow patrons to grill meats and veggies to their liking. Soups, chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, seafood. No alcohol. Delivery available. Closed Mon. 6246 28th St SE, 649-3984. emonaekoreanbbq.

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nosh & sip

BY AMY RUIS

Reds of the Rhône

SOMETIMES, AS A WRITER ABOUT WINE, I feel like a broken record. I attempt to sneak in information about terroir whenever possible. (My staff knows it, too!) I love to stress that good wine is made from grapes that present differently depending on the terroir — the region, the earth, the climate. Well, here I go again.

One of the finest examples of terroir is France’s Rhône Valley. T his expansive appellation, a perfect example of terroir, is big enough to have north and south regions that present very differently. In the red wine department, it’s great for growing syrah, grenache and mourvedre as the main red grapes.

In the northern Rhône, syrah is it! Literally the only red grape allowed to be grown in the northern Rhône, these wines are of high integrity and age-ability compared to some of the more famous appellations, like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage.

In the south, however, famous regions include Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and the Côtes du Rhône. Here, red

— Amy Ruis, owner of Art of the Table and Aperitivo, is a wine enthusiast who is working on her Level II Sommelier certification.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Northern Rhônes often can be more tannic, requiring more aging in barrel and bottle.

These are great giftable, special wines.

wine grapes are complicated compared to the north, with 13 grape varieties allowed in blending. Blending adds complexities to aromas, helps to “soften” the wine and increase the textures or mouthfeel.

So, those are the grapes, but what about that terroir thing? In the northern Rhône Valley, the best vineyards are in steep, rugged hillsides filled with a variety of stony soil — huge stones, limestone, quartz, crazy minerals from old clay and gravel, iron and sand. In the southern Rhône Valley, I’ve heard it described as containing rocks, stone, sand, limestone and clay that would be “inhabitable for most,” but that syrah, grenache and the others love it.

Soils are not the only thing shaping the character of the wines. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a hot, dry region; however, the mistral winds save the area. Powerful gusts of cool winds line the valley, helping keep the grapes dryer and able to repel insects and disease. This also brings balanced acidity to the fruit, not becoming too syrupy or, on the flip side, too bright.

With the tannins from the seeds, stems and skins, and oak aging, we have great structure in the north and the south. Northern Rhônes often can be more tannic, requiring more aging in barrel and bottle. T hese are great giftable, special wines. On the flipside, many of the southern Rhônes and Côtes du Rhône wines are made for drinking now — with dinner on Tuesday or by the fireplace. You don’t have to choose, though. Buy a keeper and a drinker each time. Someday, you’ll see the patient wisdom of a northern Rhône syrah. Until then, drink up these tantalizing wines that are reminiscent of blackberry and stewed raspberry, coming through with a touch of herbs, and a faint hint of lavender and rosemary.

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

com. L, D

$-$$

The Euro Bistro — European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, woodfired pizzas. T akeout available. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. euro bistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building. Comfort food, woodfired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. the gilmorecollection.com/flatriver. L, D $-$$ Holland & Fitz Delicatessen — Deli sandwiches with in-house baked bread featuring corned beef hash and pork shoulder. Breakfast and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 7277 T hornapple River Dr SE, Suite B, 9207090. hollandandfitzdelicatessen.com. B, L, D $

FJu Sushi & Lounge — Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. T akeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. 1144 East Paris ¢-$$ Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. L, D La Laguna — Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu.

No alcohol. Open daily. 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Little Bangkok — Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr. com. L (Mon-Fri), D ¢-$ Main Street BBQ — Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork.

Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. L, D ¢-$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Marco New American Bistro — French country casual offers small, medium and large plates for dinner fare; salads, sandwiches and mains for lunch. Full bar. Takeout menu. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. L, D $-$$ Mynt Fusion Bistro — Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$ Ning Ye — Family-owned restaurant serves Chinese and Korean fare. No alcohol. Open daily. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676-5888. $ ningye.info. L, D Noco Provisions — Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on

the patio. Full bar. Open daily. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. L, D $

Sun. 674 Baldwin St, 667-8901. bangkoktaste. com. L, D ¢-$

FNonna’s: The Trattoria — Fresh, Europeanstyle pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch Tues-Sat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna. com. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢-$

The Dungeon — Mexican food and American favorites. Specialty burgers. Full bar with Michigan craft beers. Kids menu. Open daily.

3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. ¢-$ villadungeon.com. L (Fri-Sun), D

FNoto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, $-$$ 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. D Osaka Steakhouse & Japanese Restaurant — Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabushabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. 4977 28th St SE, 419-4628. Facebook. L, D $ Sapporo Ramen & Noodle Bar — Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. T akeout available. Closed Mon. 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororam ¢-$ enbar.com. L, D Schnitz Ada Grill — Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 6824660. schnitzadagrill.com. L, D ¢-$$

El Burrito Loco — More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily.

4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 530-9470. elburritoloco4.com. L, D ¢-$ GrandVilla — Steaks, all-you-can-eat fish, specialty burgers, daily specials, salad bar.

Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 538-1360. villadun ¢-$ geon.com. L, D Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hud ¢-$ sonvillegrille.com. B, L, D Osgood Brewing Co. — Craft brewery serves shareables, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and salads. Kids menu. Open daily.

4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 432-3881. ¢-$ osgoodbrewing.com. L, D

Shepards Grill & Tavern — Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily.

6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, ¢-$ D

Pike 51 Brewing Co./Hudsonville Winery — Craft brewery and winery under one roof.

Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées.

Open daily. 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. L, D ¢-$

Thornapple Brewing Co. — Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert. Brunch on Sun. 6262 28th St SE, 288-6907. thornapplebrewing.com. L (Sat), D $

Rainbow Grill — Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbow ¢-$ grillmichigan.com. B, L, D

Trailhead Café — Family-owned and -operated café with specialty breakfast items, plus gourmet burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. 1200 East Paris Ave SE, 2843664. trailheadcafegr.com. B, L ¢ V intage Prime & Seafood — Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintage $$ atcork.com. D Zeytin — Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Full bar, beer and wine lists. T akeout. Open daily. 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin $ turkishrestaurant.com. L, D

GRANDVILLE/HUDSONVILLE/ GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP Bangkok Taste — Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed

Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily.

Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro. com. L, D $ White Flame Brewing Co. — Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. ¢-$ whiteflamebrewing.com. L, D

ROCKFORD AREA Bostwick Lake Inn — Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. 8521 Belding Rd, 874-7290. thegilmorecollection.com/bost JANUARY 2019 / GRMAG.COM 73

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

wick. L (Sat-Sun), D

$-$$

Boulder Creek Restaurant — Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See website for seasonal hours. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolf club.com/restaurant. L, D ¢-$ Cedar Springs Brewing Co. — German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. L, D $ Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven. com. L, D $-$$ Honey Creek Inn — Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. L, ¢-$ D ➧Hot Box BBQ — Smoked brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, brisket and more. Closed Sun. 110 Courtland St, Rockford, 951-7160. Facebook.

L, D $

Marinades Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro. com. L, D ¢ Ramona’s Table — Gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, small plates, homemade desserts. Farm-to-table specials.

Michigan beers, wine. Kids menu. Open daily.

17 Squires St Square NE, 951-7100. ramonas table.com. L, D ¢-$ Rockford Brewing Co. — Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Handcrafted brews on tap. Open daily. 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing.com. Brunch (Sun), L, D ¢-$ Timbers Inn — Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar.

Open daily. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. L (Wed-Sun), D ¢-$

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Anna’s House — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and exceptional desserts; dinner menu, too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville; 3874 Plainfield Ave NE; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, (866) 672-6627. annashouseus.com. B, L $ Arnie’s Bakery & Restaurant — Break-

fast, burgers and sandwiches. Menu includes extensive gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. 722 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 2650 East Beltline Ave SE (Centerpointe Mall), 956-7901; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesres taurant.com. B, L, D $

Brann’s Steakhouse & Sports Grille — Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; 5510 $ 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. L, D First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstwokgr. com. L, D $ Herb & Fire Pizzeria — Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895. herbandfirepizzeria. $ com. L, D

SW, 261-2711. B, L, D

¢

Tacos El Cuñado — Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Open daily. 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-8000; Downtown Market, ¢-$ 435 Ionia Ave SW. tacosgr.com. L, D Uccello’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Italian specialties, including pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar.

Open daily. 122 Monroe Center NW, 773-1687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 7355520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. uccellos.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza, pasta and more from family recipes.

Full bar. 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitales ada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 6622244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales.com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784¢-$ 5011. vitalessportsbar.com. L, D

HopCat — Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature crack fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Peppino’s Pizzeria and Sports Grille — Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily.

130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880. peppinospizza. com. L, D ¢-$$ Pita House — Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. L, D ¢ Real Food Café — Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and madefrom-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only.

Closed Mon. 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook.

B, L ¢ Sundance Bar & Grill — Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sun dancegrill.com. B, L, D (Mon-Sat) $ Tacos El Caporal — Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St

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 2017 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2017 Dining Award Winner Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email stincher@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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cocktail hour

BY TORRENCE R. O’HAIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY KEVIN HUVER

Sparkling through midwinter blues

Champagne makes for fabulous simple cocktails because of its ability to add acid and texture to ingredients that might otherwise feel too heavy.

GOLD DRESSES, SHARP-EDGED TUXEDOS, dripping pearls and crystal chandeliers — Champagne has evoked feelings of luxury and celebration for centuries.

We can always announce the beginning of festivities with a “pop,” and following with a toast is all but required. T he only downside to this is that Champagne and sparkling wine often get so associated with that first toast, that if it’s not a celebration or if the first bottle is gone and we’re moving toward the dining table, we’re going to leave the Champagne behind.

I’m a die-hard fan of sparkling wine as a food pairing throughout dinner, exploring richer flavors and textures as the courses get heavier. Additionally, using Champagne in classic cocktails also can turn it from a light aperitif into more interesting variations that will carry you throughout your blues-defeating midwinter cocktail parties and alongside each new dish that’s served.

Classic Champagne cocktails have only one slight challenge for the modern mixologist: T he ultra-dry style of sparkling wine that’s become fetishized in the American palate is a very “contemporary” concept. It was once much more popular to have a touch of lingering sweetness in your bubbles. T hat said, some classic cocktails have become unpopular not because they’re inherently bad, but because when they were popular, the ingredients tasted different.

A great example is the Black Velvet.

Originating at royal parties in London in the 1860s, it’s a layered combination of Champagne and stout beer — sort of like a fancy Black and T an in a Champagne flute. It sounds strange, but honestly, it’s delicious. Unfortunately, it’s a hard cocktail to make “correctly” nowadays. If you layer JANUARY 2019 / GRMAG.COM 75

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food & drink RESTAURANTS / PEOPLE / REVIEWS

inexpensive brut Champagne with Guinness (a now-extremely dry style of stout), you get a glass that’s sharp, sour, and quite burnt and bitter. Your first thought might be, “Why on earth was this popular?”

Well, 150 years ago, Champagne was richer and sweeter, and Guinness wasn’t nearly as bitter and dry as it is now, especially in America. Fixing it requires a few minor ingredient swaps to take you straight back to a coronation ball in the late 19th century. Look for a Champagne or sparkling wine that says “demi-sec” on the bottle, which indicates a slight residual sweetness — not enough to even come close to dessert wine but just a touch to distract from the acidity and give it a little rounder mouthfeel. Instead of the classic Guinness stout, hunt around Beer City, USA, for a smooth milk stout or sweet stout — styles that won’t be nearly as dry and bitter. With that extra body, richness and sweetness, the Black Velvet gives you more of a roasty, fruity, creamy feel with lightness from the Champagne and a little lingering bite from the beer. Delicious and perfect with strong cheeses and antipasti.

Champagne makes for fabulous simple cocktails because of its ability to add acid and texture to ingredients that might otherwise feel too heavy. Experiment to your own delight, aiming for a balance between one part Champagne to two-four parts other ingredient, whatever that may be. Try a Lady Macbeth by mixing 2 ounces of ruby port and 4 ounces of Champagne with a twist of lemon. Lightly sweet oloroso sherry shines with caramel and spices when topped with a long pour of bubbles and an orange twist. Or, stick with the classic Champagne cocktail, using a small spoonful of sugar, a few dashes of bitters and enough sparkling wine to turn it a beautiful amber color.

Forget the sugary liqueurs and complicated processes. Relax this January and take advantage of special post-NYE bubbles sales with some new inspiration for these complex, food-friendly and simple Champagne cocktails.

— Torrence R. O’Haire, of The Starving Artist, is a chef, entrepreneur and restaurant consultant specializing in wine, spirits and cocktails. He also founded the Grand Rapids Cocktail Guild.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BUCK

CASCADE OPTICAL

‘SPEC’ WORK

F

FRAME JUNKIES. Spec-obsessed. Lovers of spectacles belong here. For decades, Cascade Optical has developed an unmatched reputation in West Michigan for a highly curated array of the world’s most excellent and designforward eyewear. Popular and mainstay brands include those of Theo, Anne et Valentin, Mykita, DITA, Lindberg, SALT, and Moscot.

“Our eyewear selection comes from all independently-owned shops and designers,” said Christopher Conens of Cascade Optical. “We believe in bringing our clients the most unique and one-ofa-kind pieces as to complement their personality and style.”

While we’re fortunate enough to live in a world where eyewear can be ordered and shipped directly to your door, Conens heeds online shoppers a bit of caution.

“Online shops have changed some things when it comes to eyewear, but the thing to keep in mind about these distributors are their obvious design limitations along with the practical issues of fitting, repair, and lens options.” Conens adds online shops can work for those with a simple prescription and generic taste, but for something special it is essential to see a good optician.

Cascade Optical is moving to the new Ada Village March 2019, alongside many

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

other local boutiques, inviting its clients to stop by, try on a pair (or a few!), and explore.

“It’s fun working with clients who

have stuck to one particular look for so long, and see them light up as they try something completely new and original,” said Conens. “We don’t like to ‘get customers’ as much as we like to cultivate long-term design relationships with people. Eyewear is an intimate, essential part of one’s Public Self; it needs to work well on every level.”

CASCADE OPTICAL 616.942.9886 www.cascade-optical.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BUCK

MAKING YOUR BUCKET LIST A REALITY

W

WORLD TRAVELERS, tropical vacationers, and first-time adventurers know booking and planning a vacation by yourself can be exhausting. The sheer volume of options and information available is staggering. Enter Witte Travel, the one-stop-shop for your next adventure.

“People don’t always realize there are a lot of different factors to compare and coordinate, such as flight

schedules, hotel amenities and room categories, dining reservations, off-site excursions, and so on,” said Witte Travel manager, Shelley Kohtz. “If you make choices based solely on price without taking everything else into consideration, you’re likely to find that the vacation you spent so much time planning and saving for doesn’t live up to your expectations. But we’ll take the time to get to know you and listen to your per-

BUSINESS SHOWCASE WITTE TRAVEL

sonal preferences and priorities. Then we’ll plan a vacation for you that checks all of those boxes without going over budget.”

The Witte Travel team is comprised of well-traveled industry experts who have spent their careers exploring and studying their favorite spots in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska, the South Pacific and other destinations around the world. Their first-hand expertise, combined with their direct connections to the industry’s leading travel suppliers, is why the advisors at Witte Travel consistently deliver exceptional travel experiences and the best value.

Kohtz adds many travelers are looking for customized, immersive, culturally rich experiences. Now more than ever, people rely on travel advisors to make their bucket-list vacation plans a reality, and to ensure that everything goes smoothly along the way. “If something unexpected comes up during your trip, all you need to do is call us,” said Kohtz. “We’ll work with our contacts to get your issue resolved as quickly as possible”.

Next time you’re thinking about planning a vacation, save yourself hours of research and uncertainty. Instead, enlist the assistance and professional support of the team at Witte Travel.

“Our clients tell us all the time, ‘I don’t know why I didn’t work with you before!’ because once you book a trip with us, you see just how much stress is eliminated,” said Kohtz. “Everyone should be able to enjoy their vacation time!”

WITTE TRAVEL 3250 28th St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49512 wittetravel.com VACATION: 616.942.5112 TOURS: 616.957.8113 800: 800 GO WITTE

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cause & effect PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST MICHIGAN

BY ANN BYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors offers support, resources to help burn survivors recover — emotionally, psychologically and socially.

From surviving to thriving

T

he mythological phoenix is often seen as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, an apt metaphor for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Based in Grand Rapids, Phoenix Society is an international nonprofit that helps burn survivors recover psychologically, emotionally and socially from their burns.

Phoenix Society, founded in the 1970s by burn survivor Alan Breslau, is now led by executive director Amy Acton, herself a burn survivor and former burn unit nurse. After an electrical burn injury at her summer job, Acton chose burn care after graduating from her nursing training. She worked at the Blodgett Regional Burn Center, which later became the Spectrum Health Regional Burn Center, starting as a staff nurse in 1986 before becoming nurse manager in 1991, and began participating in Phoenix Society programming. She attended Phoenix World Burn Congress, the society’s largest annual event, in 1988 as a burn care nurse and burn survivor “My own perspective was limiting what I was offering patients and families,” Acton said. “I had a burn injury so I had my own perspective, but we tend to see what we want to see. T he World Burn Congress broadened my perspective.”

Acton became executive director in

Phoenix Society program director Pam Peterson (left) meets with Executive Director Amy Acton.

1998, moving the Phoenix Society headquarters from Pennsylvania, where Breslau lived, to Grand Rapids. The society was first housed in Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital and then moved to a space in Wyoming in 2005. It moved to its downtown location in 2018.

With an average of 40,000 people in the U.S. hospitalized for burns annually, according to the American Burn Association, and hundreds of thousands of others receiving

Phoenix Society wish list > Awareness: “We would love people to know who we are and what we do, that we work with survivors here and around the country,” said Amy Acton, Phoenix Society executive director. Visit the website at phoenix-society.org. > Engagement: “We want to empower the community to be comfortable with us as survivors; inclusion and acceptance of those who look different are important,” Acton said. > Financial support: “The need is great, and the impact is significant in individual lives and throughout the system,” she said.

medical care for burn injuries, the need for burn recovery support is clear.

Burn survivors can endure all the physical and occupational therapy there is, and they can receive skin grafts and have surgeries, but there is much more when it comes to healing from a burn injury. This is where Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors steps in with a wide variety of programs, including the World Burn Congress, which draws 8001,000 each year.

For Andy Hemker and his son Wyatt, World Burn Congress was their first introduction to Phoenix Society programs. In 2015, Hemker and his son, then 4, were on a skid steer (a small front-end loader) that exploded, burning both of them on their right sides, including their faces, arms, backs and shoulders. Andy was hospitalized for three weeks, and Wyatt for four-and-ahalf weeks at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

“My occupational therapist told me about the World Burn Congress, which happened to be in Indianapolis that year,” said

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“You talk about your scars at UBelong; it felt good talking about them with other kids.”

— Wyatt Hemker

=

Left: Burn survivors Andy and Wyatt Hemker sought help from the Phoenix Society after a skid steer explosion in 2015 caused severe burns to their faces, arms, backs and shoulders.

Above: Andy Hemker holds a photo of himself and Wyatt on the skid steer just days before the accident.

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Thank you Grand Rapids Magazine Readers for voting us as your #1 Car Wash!

cause & effect PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE IN WEST MICHIGAN

Spectrum Health Burn Center Medical Director Dr. Richard Wilcox consults with a young patient and her mother.

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Hemker, who lives in the city of Bronson.

“I met some people I’m still really good friends with. My wife said I came back with a changed attitude. I wasn’t so depressed.”

He volunteered at the 2018 World Burn Congress, held in Grand Rapids, and his son attended as well, participating in Phoenix UBelong, a program for kids ages 7-17.

“I made a lot of friends, and I like that they have art, so I can paint, draw and color,” Wyatt said. “You talk about your scars at UBelong; it felt good talking about them with other kids.”

For Hemker, his first World Burn Congress back in 2015 inspired him to help restart the Phoenix SOAR program at the Bronson Hospital burn unit. SOAR stands for Survivors Offering Assistance during Recovery and is a one-on-one, hospitalbased peer support program. Now, Hemker meets with burn survivors to help them through their experiences.

SOAR has more than 1,000 trained volunteers active in more than 70 hospitals across the country. One location is the Spectrum Health Burn Center, which sees about 140 admissions yearly and services many more in its outpatient clinic, according to Dr. Richard Wilcox, medical director of the burn center.

“T he Phoenix Society is so important for the aftercare; it’s one of the most important organizations I’ve worked with,” said Wilcox, who has been with the burn center

for 30 years.

T he center sees people from all over West Michigan and as far north as the eastern Upper Peninsula with small and large burns, burns that can be hidden and those that cannot. While the burn center cares for the physical needs of the patient, Phoenix Society cares for the patient’s other needs.

“Phoenix is a very important part of the burn community, especially in the long term and even lifelong term,” Wilcox said.

“Burn victims survive, thank God, and may follow up at our clinic for burn care, but things like employment and social interaction can get lost when they leave the hospital. That’s where the Phoenix Society comes in. T hey are available anytime, anywhere and with anybody.”

For Phoenix Society Program Director Pam Peterson, it’s about delivering products the burn community needs, however they need them delivered.

“We are increasing our digital footprint and packaging things so we can get engagement with the community and connect with each other,” said Peterson, who describes a Learning Management System going online in 2019.

“We want to give them the tools they need throughout their journey,” she said.

In addition to World Burn Congress, UBelong and SOAR offers myriad resources for the burn community, including programs such as Journey Back, which aims

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Grand Rapids Magazine Best of-v2.pdf

“Burn victims survive, thank God, and may follow up at our clinic for burn care, but things like employment and social interaction can get lost when they leave the hospital.

That’s where the Phoenix Society comes in. They are available anytime, anywhere and with anybody.”

— Dr. Richard Wilcox to ease the transition back to school, as well as behavioral tools for professionals to offer burn survivors to increase social confidence and control; and the Phoenix Education Grant, a national scholarship for student burn survivors, which awarded more than $23,000 in 2018.

T he society also fosters a supportive online community, featuring Peer Support Chat (weekly, live chat), social media networking, a resource library with stories and articles about all aspects of healing, and online courses.

Acton is especially proud of the work done by Phoenix Advocates and other partners to get the 2017 Fire Sprinkler Tax Incentive added to the federal tax code after 14 years of work. On the 15th anniversary of T he Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island that killed 100 and injured 230, Acton announced the incentive that will make it possible for nightclubs and other venues to be retrofitted with sprinklers to help avoid deadly fires.

The new home for the Phoenix Society, at 525 Ottawa Ave. NW, took advantage of that incentive, the owner retrofitting the building with a sprinkler system that was so important to a nonprofit working with burn survivors.

T he building, with windows that look out on downtown Grand Rapids, is fitted with advanced technology that allows for interactive learning and teaching in multiple locations and reflects Phoenix Society’s dedication to the future work.

With an annual budget of $2.3 million, “we’re in the building phase of what our GR future trajectory will be,” Acton said.

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Best of 2018-19 Readers Poll

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GRAND RAPIDS

GR|MAG offers original daily stories not found in print – visit grmag.com today for the best of Grand Rapids arts, entertainment, food & drink, culture, lifestyle and news.

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

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STAGE & FILM JAN. 8-13 “SCHOOL OF ROCK”: Broadway Grand Rapids presents a musical about a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns his students into a rock band. 7:30 p.m. Tue.-Thu., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $43-$78. broadwaygrandrapids.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS JAN. 4-5 GRAND RAPIDS BRIDAL SHOW: Wedding vendors and fashion show. 5-9 p.m.

Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $5, registered brides free. grbridalshow.com.

Jan. 24-27 GRAND HAVEN WINTERFEST: Activities for all ages include Human Sled Race, Bonfire Bash, Cardboard Sled Race, Polar Plunge, Winterfest Photo Contest and more. winterfestmi.org.

MUSIC JAN. 25-27 RAGTIME, BLUES AND ALL THAT JAZZ: GR Symphony pays tribute to Louis Armstrong with guest trumpeter Byron Stripling. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18-$90. grsymphony.org.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar!

JAN. 11-13 - GRAND RAPIDS REMODELING AND NEW HOMES SHOW: Hundreds of builders, remodelers, home improvement services, designers and homefurnishings stores.

See Special Events

JAN. 12, 19 - GRFA ACOUSTIC SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERTS:

JAN. 19-20 GRIFFINS GREAT SKATE WINTERFEST:

Grand River Folk Arts concerts. Jan. 12, Kyle Rasch. Jan. 19, Drew Nelson and Mark Shrock.

Wealthy Theatre Annex.

See Music

Winter sports demonstrations, games and activities, plus 24-hour skating marathon with Griffin players; benefi s Griffin Youth Foundation. See Sports

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY EVAN ZIMMERMAN (TOP LEFT); GRAND RAPIDS BRIDAL SHOW (TOP RIGHT); GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY/TERRY JOHNSTON (BOTTOM)

A FEW GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

JAN. 21-25 - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMEMORATION EVENTS: GVSU hosts keynote speaker David Stovall, followed by silent march. Other activities during week. gvsu.edu/mlk.

See Special Events

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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, email 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 10th of the month.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thru Feb. 24 - Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle: Outdoor ice skating in downtown Grand Rapids. Open daily, weather permitting; see website for times. 135 Monroe Center NW. $3 adults, $1 age 17 and younger; skate rental free. facebook.com/rosaparksskating.

Jan. 18 - Grand Rapids Wedding Affair: Grand Rapids Bride presents bridal show with vendors, live jazz, food and cocktails.

5-9 p.m. Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $15. grandrapidsweddingaffair. com.

Jan. 4 - First Friday Gallery Hop: Participating galleries, shops and eateries stay open 6-9 p.m., presented by Avenue for the Arts. South Division Avenue between Fulton and Cherry streets. avenueforthearts.com/first-fridaygallery-hops.

Jan. 18 - Wine About Winter: Local businesses in downtown Grand Haven host West Michigan artists and wine tasting. 5-9 p.m. bit.ly/WineAboutWinter2019.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY EVAN ZIMMERMAN (TOP LEFT); GRAND RAPIDS BRIDAL SHOW (TOP RIGHT); GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY/TERRY JOHNSTON (BOTTOM)

Jan. 4-5 - Grand Rapids Bridal Show: Wedding vendors and fashion show. 5-9 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $5, registered brides free. grbridalshow.com.

Jan. 5 - Jenison Museum Open House: Jenison Historical Association hosts open house. 2-4 p.m. 28 Port Sheldon, Jenison. jenisonhistory.org.

Jan. 11-13 - Grand Rapids Remodeling and New Homes Show: Hundreds of builders, remodelers, home improvement services, designers and home-furnishings stores.

Noon-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-14. showspan.com/grr.

Jan. 12 - Onesie Bar Crawl: Crawl With Us hosts bar crawl at more than eight venues, plus after party. 4 p.m.-midnight. $5-$25. crawlwith.us/grandrapids/onesie.

Jan. 17-20 - Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show: A dozen West Michigan RV dealers showcase 100 RV lines. 3-9:30 p.m.

Thu., noon-9:30 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $10 adults, $4 ages 6-14. showspan. com/grv.

JAN. 24-26 - CALVIN SYMPOSIUM ON WORSHIP: Worship planners, pastors, musicians, artists, scholars and worshipers in dialogue. $270, $30/students. worship.calvin.edu/symposium.

See Lectures & Workshops

Jan. 21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Program: GRCC’s 33rd annual Inherit the Dream communitywide program. 6 p.m.

Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. grcc.edu/mlk.

Jan. 21-25 - Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Events: GVSU hosts keynote speaker David Stovall, professor of AfricanAmerican studies at University of Illinois, followed by silent march on Mon. Other activities/speakers during week. gvsu.edu/ mlk.

Jan. 24-27 - Grand Haven Winterfest: Activities for all ages include Human Sled Race, Bonfire Bash, Cardboard Sled Race, Polar Plunge, Winterfest Photo Contest and more. winterfestmi.org.

Jan. 25-27 - Huntin’ Time Expo: More than 350 exhibitors and educational presentations. 1-9 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. DeltaPlex, 2500 T urner Ave. NW. $10 adults, $5 kids 5-12, kids 12 and younger free Sun. deltaplex.com.

Jan. 26 - Kids & Family Expo: Indoor zipline, Ga-Ga pit, inflatables, petting zoo, magician, Curiosity Dome, rock wall, toddler zone. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $7 adults, $4 kids 3-15. kidsandfamily expo.com.

JAN. 26 - KIDS & FAMILY EXPO: Indoor

JAN. 31-FEB. 9 “BURNT PART BOYS”:

zipline, Ga-Ga pit, inflatables, petting zoo, magician, Curiosity Dome, rock wall, toddler zone.

DeVos Place. kidsandfamily expo.com. See Special Events

Actors’ Theatre presents the story of a group of friends traveling to the coal mine where their fathers were killed. See Stage & Film

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Eurocafé - bakery 2930 Shaffer Ave. SE Kentwood, MI 616-325-2800 Find us on Facebook!

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We appreciate your loyalty.

Marge & Staff Marge’s Donut Den 1751 28th Street SW Grand Rapids, MI 49519 616-532-7413 www.margesdonutden.com JANUARY 2019 / GRMAG.COM 85

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Jan. 26 - Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan: Bridal vendors include gowns, limos, caterers, florists, reception facilities, photographers, DJs and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; fashion show 1 p.m. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $10. kohlerexpo.com.

Jan. 27 - Harlem Globetrotters: Basketball entertainment tour. 2 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $19-$104. vanandelarena. com.

Jan. 28 - Soup’s On For All: Catholic Charities West Michigan’s 20th annual benefit for God’s Kitchen includes soups, breads, desserts and live entertainment. 6:30-9:30 p.m. T he B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW. $50$60. soupsonforall.org.

Jan. 8-13 - “School of Rock”: Broadway Grand Rapids presents a musical about a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns his students into a rock band. 7:30 p.m. T ue.-T hu., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $43-$78. broadwaygrandrapids.com.

Jan. 31-Feb. 3 - Michigan International Auto Show: Hundreds of sedans, trucks, vans, hybrids, SUVs and sport cars. 11 a.m.9:30 p.m. T hu.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $12 adults, $5 ages 6-14. showspan. com/MAS.

SPORTS Jan. - Grand Rapids Drive: National Basketball Association G League team is primary affiliate of Detroit Pistons. Home games: Jan. 5 vs. Maine Red Claws. Jan. 10 vs. Northern Arizona Suns. Jan. 18 vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Jan. 21 vs. Capital City Go-Go. 7 p.m.

DeltaPlex, 2500 T urner Ave. NW. $5-$30. grandrapids.gleague.nba.com.

Jan. - Grand Rapids Griffins: Grand Rapids’ American Hockey League team is primary affiliate of Detroit Red Wings. Jan. 11-12 vs.

Belleville Senators. Jan. 19 vs. Milwaukee Admirals. Jan 23 vs. Manitoba Moose. Jane.

25-26 vs. San Jose Barracuda. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $19-$40. griffins hockey.com.

Jan. 5 - Yankee Springs Winter Challenge: Switchback Endurance presents 10K, 25K, 50K and 50-mile races. Start times: 6-10 a.m.

Long Lake Outdoor Center, 10370 Gun Lake Road, Middleville. $25-$105. switchbacken durance.com/yankee-springs-winter-chal lenge.

Jan. 19 - Michigan Winter Adventure Race: Running, orienteering, snowshoeing and fatbiking. 9:30 a.m. Camp Roger, 8356 Belding Road NE, Rockford. $69-$75. miadventure race.com.

Jan. 19-20 - Griffins Great Skate Winterfest: Skating, winter sports demonstrations, games and activities, plus 24-hour skating marathon with Griffins players; benefits Griffins Youth Foundation. Winterfest begins noon Sat. Great Skate runs 10 p.m. Sat.-10 p.m. Sun. Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center NW. Free; donations encouraged. griffinshockey. com/greatskate.

STAGE & FILM

Jan. 10-12 - “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey”: Presented by GRCC Players. 8 p.m. Spectrum T heater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $12 adults, $5 students. grcc. edu/theater/grccplayers.

Jan. 11-12 - “A Storybook Evening”: Master Arts T heatre’s Youth Acting Class presents three performances: “Rikki Tikki Tavi,” “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” and “The Death of a Hired Man.” 7 p.m. Fri., 2 and 7 p.m. Sat. 75 77th St. SW. $7. masterarts.org.

Jan. 11-27 - “And Then There Were None”: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents a murder-mystery whodunit. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 30 N. Division Ave. $29. grct.org.

Jan. 13, 27 - Chiaroscuro International Film Series: Free film series promotes cultural diversity and awareness. Jan. 13, “Phoenix.” Jan. 27, “Girlhood.” 2 p.m. UICA, 2 W. Fulton St. uica.org/movies.

W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $24 adults, $22 seniors and students. muskegoncivictheatre. org.

Jan. 24-Feb. 9 - “Night Watch”: Holland Civic T heatre presents a dramatic thriller.

7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. 50 W. Ninth St., Holland. $10-$18. hollandcivictheatre. org.

Jan. 26-27 - “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: CARE Ballet presents a one-hour performance of Shakespeare’s love story. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. East Grand Rapids PAC, 2211 Lake Drive SE. $15 adults, $10 students. careballet.org.

Jan. 31-Feb. 2 - “Spinning Into Butter”: Calvin College Theatre presents the story of racism at a seemingly idyllic New England school. 7:30 p.m. Lab Theatre, Calvin College, 3201 Burton St. SE. $15-$20 adults, $5-$10 students. calvin.edu.

Jan. 31-Feb. 9 - “Burnt Part Boys”: Actors’ T heatre presents the story of a group of friends traveling to the coal mine where their fathers were killed. 8 p.m. T hu.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Spectrum T heater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $28 adults, $24 seniors and students. actorstheatregrandrapids.org.

MUSIC Jan. 5 - Bob Seger: Rock singer-songwriter performs with The Silver Bullet Band. 8 p.m.

Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. vanandel arena.com.

Jan. 14 - Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: Characters from the PBS kids show present “King for a Day.” 6:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $27-$63. devosperformancehall.com.

Jan. 5, 19, 26 - LowellArts House Concerts: 6 p.m. Jan. 5, The Ryne Experience and The Preservers. 7 p.m. Jan. 19, Serita’s Black Rose.

7 p.m. Jan. 26, Josh Rose and the Founding Fathers. 223 W. Main St., Lowell. $12. lowell artsmi.org.

Jan. 17-19 - “Henry and Ramona”: LowellArts Players Youth T heater presents a comedy based on the book by Beverly Cleary. 7 p.m. T hu.-Fri., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sat. Lowell Performing Arts Center, 11700 Vergennes. $7. lowellartsmi.org.

Jan. 9 - Kentwood Winter Concert Series: Acoustic folk-rock concert with Eric Engblade T rio. 6:30-8 p.m. Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton SE. Free. kentwood.us/ winterconcerts.

Jan. 17-20 - “Stuart Little” and “Actor’s Nightmare”: GVSU’s Performance Studio Series presents two shows directed, performed and produced by students. Jan. 17-19, both shows at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 19, “Stuart Little” at 10 a.m.; Jan. 20, both shows at 2 p.m. Haas Center for Performing Arts, 10749 S. Campus Drive, Allendale. $8. gvsu.edu/theatre.

Jan. 18-26 - “The Old Settler”: Muskegon Civic T heatre presents a romance between two older people in 1943 Harlem. 7:30 p.m.

Thu.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. Black Box Theater, 425

Jan. 9 - Martin Sexton: Singer-songwriter blending rock, country, blues and gospel. All ages. 8 p.m. Wealthy T heatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE. $32.50. grcmc.org.

Jan. 11 - Classical Coffee Concert: GR Symphony presents a concert of classical music at 10 a.m. with coffee and pastries at 9 a.m. Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $16, $5 students. grsymphony.org.

Jan. 11 - “The Classical Concert: Viennese Masters”: GR Symphony presents music

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Jan. 18

Comedy & nightclub venues

1/ Power pop band Charly Bliss will perform at The Intersection.

COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ THE INTERSECTION: Four-bar concert venue hosts nationally known bands. Power pop band Charly Bliss performs at 7 p.m. Jan. 18. All ages welcome. Tickets are $15. 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-8232, sectionlive.com.

2/ 20 MONROE LIVE: 2,500-seat venue hosts live music, entertainment and special events. On Jan. 26, pop singer-songwriter Jesse McCartney performs. The concert starts at 8 p.m. All ages welcome. Tickets are $29-$45. 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, (844) 678-5483, 20monroelive. com.

3/ THE PYRAMID SCHEME: Heartside pub and live music venue. Indie-rock/pop band King Tuff performs The Infinite Smiles Tour at 8 p.m. Jan. 25. All ages welcome. Tickets are $18-$20. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, pyramidschemebar.com.

2/ Singer-songwriter Jesse McCartney will perform at 20 Monroe Live.

Founders Brewing Co.: Large taproom features live music Thu. and Sat., plus Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra on the first Sunday of each month. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, 7762182, foundersbrewing.com.

Grand Rapids Brewing Co.: Restaurant/taproom with live music Fri.-Sun. 1 Ionia Ave. SW, 458-7000, grbrewingcompany.com.

Back Forty Saloon: Line dancing and live country bands Fri. and Sat., DJs Thu. 48 W. Fulton St., 742-4040, thebackfortysaloon.com.

Billy’s Lounge: Eastown bar and music venue hosts live music with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com.

The B.O.B.: The Big Old Building houses multiple entertainment options: live music Fri. and Sat. at Bobarino’s; DJs and dance floor at Eve on Fri. and Sat.; live music at House of Music and Entertainment (H.O.M.E.) ; stand-up comedy at Dr. Grins. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 3562000, thebob.com.

Grand Woods Lounge: Restaurant/bar with dance floor hosts DJs and live music Fri. and Sat. 77 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-4300, grandwoods lounge.com.

J. Gardellas Tavern: Dance club Fri. and Sat. nights on third floor with DJs. 11 Ionia Ave. NW, 459-8824, jgardellastavern.com.

Sat. Reservations accepted. 136 E. Fulton St., 235-7669, onetrick.biz.

The Orbit Room: Regional and national music acts, occasional stand-up comedy. Open floor, seated balcony. 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd.

SE, 942-1328, orbitroom.com.

Pop Scholars: Four-person comedy team performs improv show at 8 p.m. Jan. 4 and 18. $12. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, pop scholars.com.

River City Improv: Comedy improv team performs at 7:33 p.m. Jan. 5 and 19. $12 adults, $6 students and kids. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, 752-8570, rivercityimprov. com.

Hotel: Live music Fri. and Sat. and jazz brunch Sun. 270 Ann St. NW, 363-9001, thegrandriverhotel.com.

Rocky’s Bar & Grill: Dancing every Fri., featuring DJs and live acts.

633 Ottawa Ave. NW, 356-2346, facebook.com/rockysbarandgrill.

Rumors Nightclub: Gay bar and dance club. 69 S. Division Ave., 4548720, rumorsnightclub.net.

Stella’s Lounge: Drink features and live DJs every Fri. and Sat. 53 Commerce Ave. SW, 742-4444, stellas gr.com.

Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill: Live music acts and DJs, plus Comedy Tuesdays. 760 Butterworth St. SW, 272-3910, Facebook.

River Rock at The Grand River

Mixology: Lobby lounge overlooking downtown GR and Grand River has live music Fri. and Sat. nights and live jazz brunch on Sun. JW Marriott, 235 Louis Campau St. NW, 242-1500, ilovethejw.com/dining/mixology.

Mojo’s: DJs and dance floor on second level Wed., Fri. and Sat., with dueling pianos show on main floor Wed.-Sat. nights. 180 Monroe Ave. NW, 776-9000, mojospianobar.com.

Dr. Grins Comedy Club: Nationally acclaimed comedians perform Thu.-Sat. B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com/drgrins comedy.

Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 451-0775, facebook.com/mulligans pubgr.

Flanagan’s: Irish pub with live music from local bands on Fri. and Sat.;

One Trick Pony: Grill and taproom hosts live music 8-11 p.m. Thu. and

3/ King Tuff

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JESSE MCCARTNEY (LEFT); SHERVIN LAINEZ (TOP); OLIVIA BEE (BOTTOM)

also live Irish music on Thu. and Sun. 139 Pearl St. NW, 980-0705, flanaga nsgr.com.

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by Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart. 8 p.m.

Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $26, $5 students. grsym phony.org.

Jan. 11 - Holland Blues Night with Mike Wheeler Band: Jazz/rock/blues concert. 8 p.m. Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave., Holland. $10-$15. parktheatreholland.org.

Jan. 11, 25 - Alley Door Club: Jazz, blues and folk in downtown Muskegon. Jan. 11, T he Vincent Hayes Band. Jan. 25, Big Daddy Fox & Friends. 6-10 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $10. frauenthal. org.

Jan. 12 - Winter Wheat Grand Rapids: Wheatland Music Organization presents 10th annual celebration of traditional music and dance. 1 p.m. Sat.-1 a.m. Sun. The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW. $25. wheatlandmus ic.org/winterwheat.

Cefalù, Sicily

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Jan. 12, 19 - GRFA Acoustic Saturday Night Concerts: Grand River Folk Arts concerts.

Jan. 12, Kyle Rasch. Jan. 19, Drew Nelson and Mark Shrock. 7 p.m. Wealthy Theatre Annex, 1110 Wealthy St. SE. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students, $10 members, $5 kids under 12. sites.google.com/site/grfolkarts.

3250 28th St SE, Grand Rapids | 616.942.5112

Thanks to Grand Rapids Magazine readers for voting for us. Also, special thanks to our awesome crew and loyal customers and most of all God. We are blessed with a successful business.

— Tim & Teresa Sobie

Jan. 18 - Hope College’s Great Performance Series: T he 5 Browns. 7:30 p.m. Jack H. Miller Center, Hope College, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland. $23 adults, $17 seniors, $6 kids 18 and under. hope.edu.

Jan. 18 - Winter Jam: Christian rock tour with multiple artists, including Newsboys, Danny Gokey, Mandisa, Rend Collective and LEDGER. 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $15. vanandelarena.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JESSE MCCARTNEY (LEFT); SHERVIN LAINEZ (TOP); OLIVIA BEE (BOTTOM)

Jan. 18-19 - “Rhythm of the Dance”: GR Symphony performs Latin-inspired music.

8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18-$90. grsymphony.org.

3450 Remembrance Rd NW Walker | (616) 453-7201 sobiemeats.com

Jan. 19 - The Block Concerts: Matt Beck, two pianos and percussion. 7:30 p.m. T he Block, 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. $25 and up, $10 students. theblockwestmichi gan.org.

Jan. 19 - “Hansel & Gretel”: GR Symphony presents a kid-friendly, modern-day version of the classic fairytale. 10:30 a.m. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $5. grsymphony.org.

Jan. 21 - Monday Night Jazz: Monthly West Michigan Jazz Society concert with Paul Brewer. 6:30-8:30 p.m. T he Old Goat, 2434 Eastern Ave. SE. $10, $5 members. wmich jazz.org.

Best of 2018-19 Readers Poll

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Timeless Beauty ...

out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Jan. 24-26 - Michigan Music Conference: Workshops and performances for music educa­tors. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW; Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave. NW; and JW Marriott, 235 Louis St. NW. michigan musicconference.org.

Jan. 25-27 - Ragtime, Blues and All That Jazz: GR Symphony pays tribute to Louis Armstrong with guest trumpeter Byron Stripling. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. $18-$90. grsymphony.org.

Jan. 29 - Panic! At the Disco: Rock band performs Pray for the Wicked Tour. 7:30 p.m.

Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. $28-$68. vanandelarena.com.

Jan. 31 - GRCC International Guitar Series: Classical guitarist TY Zhang. 7:30 p.m. Albert P. Smith Music Center, 142 Ransom Ave. NE. $15 adults, $10 seniors and students. grcc. edu/music/internationalguitarseries.

Since 1968 ...

4353 Three Mile Road N.E. | Grand Rapids | 616-363-6400 | kappeslandscapes.com

LECTURES & WORKSHOPS Jan. - Balletmore Winter Season: Nineweek classes begin Jan. 9 for adults in Ballet and Strength & Stretch. Kids BalletTap-T umble workshops begin Jan. 10. 2335 Burton St. SE. balletmore.com.

Everyone deserves

Jan. - Downtown Market Cooking Classes: Jan. 5 and 22, Wrap and Roll: A T aste of Vietnam. Jan. 8, Get to Know Gnocchi. Jan. 12, Tapas de Barcelona. Jan. 18, Asian-Inspired Apps. Jan. 20, Cooking with Craft Beer. Jan. 25, DIY Thai. Jan. 26, Slow Your Roll: Beginner Sushi. 435 Ionia Ave. SW. downtownmarket gr.com.

a healthy smile.

Jan. - Grand Rapids Public Libraries: Adults: Whoa Baby!, Music in the Stacks, Hygge Night, DIY@GRPL: Bullet Journaling 101, book clubs, computer/technology instruction. Kids: One Book One City for Kids, After the Bell on Thursday, CHAOS Lab, Evening Explorers, Mindstorm Saturdays, story times. grpl.org.

Jan. - Kent District Libraries: Adults: CreativiT ea, Early Childhood Essentials, KDaLe T our, book sales, book discussions, computer/technology instruction. Kids: Harry Potter Movie Marathon, Meet the Sled Dogs, Wonderful Winter Animals, Cabin Fever Cupcakes, KDL Lab Experience, story times. kdl.org.

A unique dental experience 3514 Rivertown Point Court SW | Grandville, MI 616-534-0135 | rivertowndental.com

Curtis E. Hahn, D.D.S Michael J. Crete, D.D.S

Thru Jan. 8 - Call for Artists: T he city of Holland and Holland Area Arts Council is hosting a Poster Art Competition for the first annual International Festival of Holland on Aug. 17. Artwork theme: diversity and inclu-

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sion. Submission info and award details at hollandarts.org.

Jan. 3-23 - The January Series: Calvin College’s 31st annual series offers free lectures on a variety of topics by renowned authors, educators and political commentators. 12:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. at Calvin College FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle SE. Also, more than 50 remote webcast locations in multiple states and live streaming audio. Schedule: calvin.edu/january-series/index.html.

p.m. Q&A at Martha Miller Center for Global Communication, 257 Columbia Ave., Holland.

7 p.m. reading at Miller Center for Musical Arts, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland. hope.edu/ arts/jack-ridl-visiting-writers-series/index. html.

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Jan. 4 - First Friday Contra Dance: Grand River Folk Arts Society hosts instruction and dancing. 7 p.m. 701 Fifth St. NW. $10 adults, $8 members, $5 students and seniors. sites. google.com/site/grfolkarts.

(SIZZL E)

Jan. 4 - UICA First Friday Studio Night: “Winter Landscape Painting Inspired by Pat Perry.” 6-9 p.m. 2 W. Fulton St. Free with admission ($5), members free. uica.org.

FLAVOR YOU CAN HEAR BEFORE YOU TASTE. When it comes to grilling a New York Strip, perfection lies in the details. Details like a coarse salt rub before grilling and a charred wooden plank to infuse our steak with added subtlety. Dressed with a parmesan-herb butter and served with locally sourced vegetables, the Alpenrose New York Strip turns perfection into exquisite reality.

Join us to experience this and a few more of our favorite things.

Jan. 13 - GRAM Workshop: Grand Rapids Art Museum presents Woodcut Relief Printing.

Ages 18+. Registration required. 12:30-3:30 p.m. 101 Monroe Center NW. $30. artmuseum gr.org.

Jan. 18 - Creativity Uncorked: Grand Rapids Art Museum hosts social evening and art workshop “Shadow Prints.” Ages 21 and up.

Registration required. 6:45-9 p.m. 101 Monroe Center NW. $40. artmuseumgr.org/learn/creat ivityuncorked.

Jan. 22 - Kentwood Cooking Class: Hearty Soups & Homemade Bread Bowls.

Registration: bit.ly/48thStCooking. 6-8 p.m.

Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. $40. kentwood.us/parks.

Jan. 24 - Johnson Center Workshop: “What It Really Means to Be an Executive Director in Grand Rapids” by T amela Spicer. 9 a.m.noon. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, 201 Front Ave. SW. $60. johnsoncenter.org/event/ workshop012419.

Jan. 24-26 - Calvin Symposium on Worship: Worship planners, pastors, musicians, artists, scholars and worshipers in dialogue, hosted by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin College and Calvin T heological Seminary. $270, $30 students. worship.calvin.edu/symposium.

Jan. 28 - GR Audubon Club: “Surface Water Sustainability in Grand Rapids” by Carrie Rivette. 7:30 p.m. Aquinas College Donnelly Center, 1607 Robinson Road SE. Public welcome. Free. graud.org.

Jan. 29 - Hope College V isiting Writers Series: Author Sophfronia Scott. 3:30-4:30

Jan. 30 - The Block Lunch n’ Learn: West Michigan Symphony presents Choral Fantasy. Noon-1 p.m. T he Block, 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. Free. theblockwest michigan.org.

alpenroserestaurant.com The corner of 8th and Central Holland, MI | 616-393-2111

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2929 29th St. SE, Grand Rapids Ph: 616-942-2929 • new2youshop.org Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10 am - 7 pm Closed Sun. JANUARY 2019 / GRMAG.COM 91

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

1/ Downtown Market is home to a variety of food vendors and restaurants.

Blandford Nature Center: Special events: Jan. 2-4, Winter Break Camp. Jan. 3 and 24, Owl Moon. Jan. 5, Snowshoe Hike. Jan. 12 and 19, Drop-in Snowshoe Hike. Jan. 12, Winter Fort Building. Jan. 17, Owl Prowl. Jan. 18, GR Story Spinners.

Jan. 19, Winter in the Cabin. Jan. 26, Kombucha Workshop. Permanent attractions: 143 acres of trails, heritage buildings, farm. Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center open Mon.-Sat. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. $3. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 7356240, blandfordnaturecenter.org.

Coopersville & Marne Railway: Closed for the season; reopens in March. 311 Danforth St., Coopersville, 997-7000, coopersvilleandmarne.org.

Coopersville Farm Museum: Museum honoring farming and rural life. Special exhibition: Thru March 30, Handmade Wooden Tractors. Special events: Jan. 1 and 15, Acoustic Jam Night. Jan. 26, Kids, Crafts & Critters. Permanent attractions: Tractors and other farming equipment; also Eclipse windmill. Open Tue., Thu., Sat. $4 adults, $2 kids 4-12, kids 3 and under free. 375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersvillefarmmuse um.org.

Deer Tracks Junction: Closed for the season. 7850 14 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, 863-3337, deertracksjunction.com.

COMPILED BY TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ DOWNTOWN MARKET: The Downtown Market is open daily with culinary-related products at more than 20 local businesses and restaurants, plus cooking classes (see Lectures & Workshops) and private rentals. Special events: Jan. 12, Wedding Showcase.

Jan. 19, Spicy Saturday. 435 Ionia Ave. SW, 805-5308, downtownmarketgr.com.

2/ GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Education and fun are all part of the museum’s hands-on permanent and traveling exhibits for kids 2-10. Special activities: Thru Jan. 6, Winter Break Program Activities. Jan. 10, Family Art Project with Kerry. Jan. 17, Pirate and Princess Family Night. Thru Feb. 17, Just Fort Fun. Permanent activities: Kidstruction Zone, Little GR, Bubbles!, Wee Discover, musical instruments and more.

Toddler Time 10 a.m.-noon Tue. Family Night 5-8 p.m. Thu. ($1.75). Closed Mon. $8.50, $7.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org.

3/ MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART: Special exhibitions: Thru March 10, “SONS: Seeing the Modern African American Male” is a photography exhibition in collaboration with photographer Jerry Taliaferro featuring African-American men from the Muskegon community who show how they are perceived and how they perceive themselves. Thru Jan. 6, “Armand Merizon: His Life and Art.” Thru Jan. 13, “FantasMenagerie: The Sculptures of Nat Rosales.” Thru March 10, “Ad Man: Joseph Gray II.” Closed Mon. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 college students, kids 16 and under free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegon artmuseum.org.

3/ MMA presents a photography exhibit of African-American men.

Felt Mansion & Gardens: Summer home of millionaire inventor Dorr E. Felt features 1920s architecture. Special events: Guided Holiday Tour 2-4 p.m. Jan. 1. 6597 138th St., Holland, 335-3050, feltmansion.org.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 6, “Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture” and “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World.” Special events: Thru Jan. 5, Winter-Time Walks. Jan. 8-Feb. 26, Cozy Tales for Chilly Days.

Jan. 26-27, Orchid Show. Permanent attractions: Modern and contemporary 30-acre sculpture collection, Japanese garden, tropical conservatory, children’s garden, nature trails and boardwalk, café, gift shop. Open daily. $14.50 adults, $11 seniors and students, $7 kids 5-13, $4 kids 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580, meijergardens. org.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum: Special exhibition: Thru Jan. 6, “In Step with Betty Ford: a Celebration of Her Centennial.” Permanent exhibitions: Highlights from Mr. and Mrs. Ford’s lives, plus featured online exhibits. Also, DeVos Learning Center. Open daily. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 college students, $4 ages 6-18, kids 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St. NW, 254-0400, fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 13, “Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present.” Thru March 3, “Dylan Miner: Water Is Sacred // Trees Are Relatives.” Jan. 26-April 28, “A Decade at the Center: Recent Gifts and Acquisitions.” Special events: See GRAM Workshop and Creativity Uncorked in Lectures & Workshops. Drop-in Studio: 1-4 p.m. every Sat.: Building Community Through Mosaic.

Closed Mon. $10 adults, $8 seniors/students, $6

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DOWNTOWN MARKET (TOP); JERRY TALIAFERRO (BOTTOM)

Museums & attractions

DeGraaf Nature Center: Eighteen-acre preserve with Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch. Knee-High Naturalist classes for kids 3-5. Center open Tue.-Sat. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. Free. 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, 355-1057, cityofholland.com/degraafnaturecenter.

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2/ Kids enjoy hands-on activities at the GR Children’s Museum.

kids 6-17, kids 5 and under free; free admission 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue. and 5-9 p.m. Thu. 101 Monroe Center NW, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org.

Grand Rapids Public Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 27, “Ralph W. Hauenstein: A Life of Leadership.” Thru April 28, “Expedition: Dinosaur.” Thru Sept. 8, “TOYS!” Special events: Curiosity Labs every Sat. Permanent exhibitions: Streets of Old Grand Rapids; Newcomers: The People of This Place; West Michigan Habitats; Grand Fish, Grand River; and Be Curious. Also, restored 1928 Spillman carousel. Open daily. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 kids 3-17. 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grpm.org.

Holland Museum: Permanent exhibitions: Local history and Dutch galleries, with artwork from the Netherlands from the 1600s-1900s. Also, Spark!Lab. Open Wed.-Sun. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, kids 5 and under free. 31 W. 10th St., 796-3329, hollandmuseum.org. Also, Cappon House: 228 W. Ninth St. Settlers House: 190 W. Ninth St. The Armory: 16 W. Ninth St.

ROCKFORD, MICHIGAN • 866.462.LIFT • SHORE-MATE.COM

Best of 2018-19 Readers Poll

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS CHILDRENS MUSEUM

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DOWNTOWN MARKET (TOP); JERRY TALIAFERRO (BOTTOM)

John Ball Zoo: Closed for the season; reopens in March. 1300 W. Fulton St., 336-4300, jbzoo.org.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibitions: Thru Jan. 6, “Inka Essenhigh: A Fine Line.”

Thru March 3, “do it.” Thru March 10, “Watanabe: Japanese Print Envoy.” Jan. 19-May 5, “The Expressionist Figure.” Closed Mon. $5 adults, $2 students with ID; members and kids 12 and under free. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org.

Meyer May House: Restored Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house includes original furnishings. Open for guided tours 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tue. and Thu.; 1-4 p.m. Sun. (last tour one hour before close). Free. 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com.

Nelis’ Dutch Village: Park closed for season, shops open Mon.-Sat. 12350 James St., Holland, 396-1475, dutchvillage.com.

Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Shows use Digistar production and surround sound. See website for complete schedule. $5, $4 with admission to the museum, members free. Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, 4563977, grpm.org/planetarium.

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out & about SOCIETY / FACES / PLACES

Lisa and Dan Verhill

Jessica DeJager and Emily Heyt

Mary and Daryl Mick

Kari Pater, Sarah Wyma and Ashley Benton

CAPTURING THE ACTION AROUND TOWN:

snap shots

VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE hosted Hope on the Hill Gala — Run for the Roses on Oct. 25. The Kentucky Derby-themed event raised funds for the institute’s biomedical research and science education programs.

Out of the Shadows, a costume party to support Mental Health Awareness Month, was held Oct. 27 at Wheelhouse, to support mental health and suicide prevention throughout Michigan.

The Mary Free Bed Foundation hosted its Thrive Gala on Nov. 3 at DeVos Place, featuring guest singer Johnny Manuel. The gala benefits pediatric programs at the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.

Judy Palmer, Peter Turner and Jean Enright

Anne Cusack, Jon Kreiger and Doyle Hayes

Jeffery Roberts, Carol and David Van Andel

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

Colleen and Tyler Carll, Christen Sarjeant and Mike Mellema

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Samantha Crossley and Katelin Kendall

Tim Pietryga, Eva Aguirre-Cooper, and Julie and Tom Brinks

Grace Fild, Anna Fild and Haley Bradley

Casey Jones, Jessica Jones and Elisabeth Bartrom

rner

sack, er and yes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK (TOP); JOHNNY QUIRIN (CENTER, BOTTOM)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

John and Patty Peters

Patrick Peters and Zoe Hawes

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after thoughts

Q:a

‘Emerging Leader’ Alexis Reame, Lake Michigan Credit Union community relations manager, is working her way to the top.

“Coming to America.”

IF YOU WERE PRESIDENT FOR A DAY, YOU WOULD...? Enact a paid parental leave policy in line with the rest of the world.

SOMETHING YOU’ V E ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY? An improv comedy class at the Civic Theatre.

WHERE’S YOUR “HAPPY PLACE”?

The Pacific Northwest. Fresh air, mountains and hiking. Yes, please.

PROUDEST MOMENT? Graduating with my master’s degree from Grand Valley State University. Where I grew up, going to

college wasn’t the norm, so I’ve always felt like I had a lot to prove. Walking across the stage with my husband and parents cheering me on was a great feeling.

PERSON YOU MOST ADMIRE? My dad. He doesn’t care what people think of him, and he isn’t afraid to ask for what he wants. As I get older, I appreciate those qualities more and more.

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? My own terrible jokes.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

A

lexis Reame, originally from Saginaw, made her way to West Michigan in 2006 to attend Grand Valley State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management and a master’s in communication.

After graduating, she said, “I somehow landed my dream job out of college working at the Grand Rapids Chamber’s Center for Community Leadership,” where she worked for three years as the program coordinator and program and events manager, planning community leadership programs. She then spent three years as the assistant director of Alumni Relations at GVSU. She joined Lake Michigan Credit Union as a community relations specialist in 2016 and then moved to community relations manager the following year. “I get to spend my days voldunteering alongside my colleagues, giving back and finding creative ways we can collaborate with our nonprofit partners,” Reame said.

Reame, who was awarded Emerging Leader of the Year during the GR Chamber’s EPIC Awards in October, also has been involved with numerous community organizations and is a member of the Leadership Grand Rapids class of 2019.

WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? I’m not a huge New Year’s resolution person but spending more time outside and less time on my phone is usually a reoccurring theme.

WHAT DO YOU LOV E MOST ABOUT GR? Our active and engaged citizens and vibrant neighborhoods.

FAV ORITE MOV IE OF ALL TIME? 96 GRMAG.COM \ JANUARY 2019

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downhill mornings upscale evenings

It’s where everything just comes together. Where you find out a path through fresh powder all the way down to an easygoing evening. Where every li le sip and every winter thrill reminds you that you’re in a pre y great place.

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Best of 2017-18 Readers Poll

BRATI LE

NG

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Thank You For Voting Us Best Furniture Store!

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