Grand Rapids Magazine May-June 2023

BY PASHA SHIPP

BY ANN BYLE

BY ABBY POIRIER

every issue

10 editor's letter

107 dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

128 gr gems

Apartment Lounge– an enduring community institution.

people + places

14 issues

Riverfront amphitheater plans progress.

16 spotlight

Couple sees success with Gold record for "Peaches."

17 profile

For the birds: hobbyists flock to Reeds Lake.

20 voice

"Chicken Scratch" author talks inspiration from a flock of hens.

look + feel

24 home

Couple's tastes combine in condo redesign.

26 wellness

Third generation takes the reins at Harvest Health Foods.

28 expert

A holistic approach to functional fitness at 8th Day Gym.

29 experience

Cherry Street: Kicking it on the cobblestone.

food + drink

98 table

The riverview bar that decided to become a restaurant.

102 create Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this "delicioso" tortilla recipe.

103 cheers

Bob's Bar: Forget the flute. Try the Chambong!

104 must-try

Papusas and more – authentic cuisine from El Salvadore.

105 top picks

Beer gardens spring to life!

Editorial

Managing Editor: Lisa Enos

Contributors: Ann Byle, Kelsey Dunneback, Sam Easter, Pat Evans, Kat Moore, Abby Poirier, Matthew Rothenberg, Tylee Shay, Pasha Shipp, Gil Stansell

Design

Creative Director: Lindsay Richards

Art Director: Keagan Coop

Senior Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel

Contributors: Bryan Esler, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Teri Genovese, Amanda Kamppinen, Johnny Quirin, Alfield Reeves, David Sparks, Tylee Shay, Ashley Wierenga

Sales

General Inquiries: advertising@hour-media.com

Account Executives: Nick Irwin, Maddy Gill, Haylee Mozug To Order Reprints: Receptionist – (616) 459-4545

Production

Production Director: Jenine Knox

Senior Production Coordinator: Jill Berry

Production Artist: Jonathan Boedecker

Advertising Coordinators: Helena Hill, Amanda Kozlowski

Graphic Designers: Jim Bibart, Kathryn Dave

Web

Digital Director: Nick Britsky

Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo

Digital Development Specialists: Jim Bowser, Marissa Jacklyn, Luanne Lim, Kevin Pell

IT Director: Jeremy Leland

Circulation

Audience Development Director: Gerilyn Wilson

Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers

Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247

Marketing

Marketing & Events Manager: Jodie Svagr

Marketing & Events Coordinator: Jaime Presnail

Communications & Events Lead: Cathleen Francois

Marketing & Events Intern: Elassia Elias

Administration

Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki

Publishing and Sales Coordinator: Mikala Bart

Assistant Office Manager: Natasha Bajju

Senior Accounting Associate: Andrew Kotzian

Accounting Associates: Samantha Dick, Austin Schmelzle

Next issue

Lakeshore getaways: From daytrips and glamping to the coastline's best beaches, BBQs and B&Bs.

A River Runs Through It

Hello. Happy merry month of May!

In this issue we celebrate people who’ve dedicated their lives to making other people feel better.

We reveal the top doctors of Grand Rapids and shine a spotlight on others, too, like Henry Diedering, who founded Harvest Health Foods in 1952, and 8th Day Gym owner, Joe Cebulski.

We investigate the subject of “family medicine” by talking to doctors who are related to other doctors to find out what makes these birds of a feather flock together.

Speaking of birds…

Did you know that Reed’s Lake has become quite the destination for avian spotting? Birders from near and far tell us all about this unique hobby and what makes Reeds Lake a hotspot.

Just down the road, in the East Hills Business District, Tylee Shay takes us on an experience of Cherry Street, from its crimson-colored cobblestone to the shops that dot the charming stretch of road.

We focus on another neighborhood a lot in this issue, too: the riverfront. Kat Moore talks to an enterprising couple who skillfully remodeled their Boardwalk Condominium. Pat Evans reviews Linear, a place where the views are as good as the drinks and the food. This river packed issue also provides a history lesson and explores the progress of a riverfront amphitheater that's in the works.

Pasha Shipp has put together a guide to summer festivals. From Cinco de Mayo to Pride, she delves into the details of all the major city events that are on the calendar for May and June. And I’ve picked a few of my favorite beer gardens for you to visit.

We talk to some local musicians who were recently awarded a gold record and a restauranteur from El Salvador who has the best pupusas around. Last, but not least, Bob’s Bar clues us in on what the heck a chambong is.

Cheers!

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

What's one of the most interesting interior design jobs you've had in Grand Rapids? I was hired as a set decorator on "Perfectly Prudence," a TV movie starring Jane Seymour. It was filmed in Ada at the residence of Dr. Jim and Carolyn Ringler. They were interior design clients of mine. They used their 12,000-square-foot home and acerage as the entire set. The director was about to head to Detroit for filming, but I helped make the connection and the rest is history.

Lisa Enos Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

Kat Moore

PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHLEY WIERENGA

Jeffrey Mendel & Angela Mattson of In the Valley Below

ISSUES

The 'Grand' plan

Riverfront amphitheater planned for Market Avenue inches closer to groundbreaking amid concerns about the price tag increasing.

BY SAM EASTER

For years, Grand Rapids has been in the midst of a surge in downtown development. City leaders are closely watching the future of one property in particular: 201 Market Ave. SW, where in just a few short years, they hope a 12,000-capacity amphitheater will expand the downtown footprint and bring a jolt of development to a row of riverside lots.

The new amphitheater project has been a darling of local leaders for years, but a shifting economy makes it look especially important now, when it stands to keep catalyzing Grand Rapids.

“Our city has grown over the last two decades,” said Kara Wood, the executive director of Grand Action 2.0, a key private development group driving the project. She called the amphitheater plan a “bold vision” for the city’s growth.

“We're trying to continue that momentum regardless of the economic situation,” she said.

The project could soon be moving to a new phase. 201 Market Avenue SW is currently owned by the city but is expected to be sold as soon as June to the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/ Arena Authority, or CAA – a key milestone that had been held up in the planning process in recent years.

“We have closing checklists,” Kate Berens, Grand Rapids’ deputy city manager, said. “The typical kind of real estate transaction, we’re checking through those things and feeling pretty confident that the CAA will feel like it’s in a position to close on that time frame.”

A successful sale would be a signal that the project is speeding toward construction, something Wood said should “absolutely” happen soon.

Richard MacKeigan, executive director of the CAA, said in a March interview that Grand Action is in the “driver’s seat” for organizational work that’s underway ahead of that sale — managing the needs of the city and the CAA through closing and focusing on some final design and pricing. Previously, the project has been estimated to cost around $116 million, likely to be paid

“Our city has grown over the last two decades... We're trying to continue that momentum regardless of the economic situation.”

Kara Wood

for with a mix of private and public funding.

“The initial costing has come in to identify that it can fit within the (project’s) budget,” he added. “Now it’s a function of, okay, exactly how many seats are under cover? Exactly how many dressing rooms do you need? Exactly how many concessions stands and bathrooms are required?”

At a March meeting on economic development, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss pointed out that rising construction and lending costs are giving leaders an increasing sense of urgency to get shovels in the ground before expenses get much higher.

“We are concerned about the price tag increasing,” said Bliss, who is a member of the CAA’s board. “So, there is an urgency on the part of (project leaders) to get moving as quickly as possible and to be able to have concerts to generate revenue to start paying back any of the bonds that we may need to take out.”

And Wood points out that supply chain snarls have made for yet another hurdle.

“If we want power at the site, there are certain elements that need to be ordered early so that they're available six months down the road when we get ready to install them,” she said.

When the amphitheater comes online, MacKeigan said it will probably bring about 30 concerts each year, with plenty more smaller events. Though Van Andel Arena will likely lose a few large concerts, he said, the net gain will be significant.

As downtown grows, the amphitheater also presents a choice about what kind of city Grand Rapids is going to be. Think of the difference between visiting Detroit (skyscrapers and parking structures) and Ann Arbor (charming , but good luck

finding a parking spot). Berens points out that there will be some parking at the amphitheater and existing parking in the city center.

“We're always trying to strike that balance between walkable and convenience,” Berens said. “We certainly hear a lot about parking. And I would expect us to continue to hear a lot about parking. And we try to take that into account when we develop these things.”

City leaders hope to see the entire amphitheater area rejuvenated — what’s now a relatively dreary stretch along the river could soon be transformed not just by the new venue, but by large residential developments spurred by the new project. Efforts to restore the rapids could even boost the nearby river’s appeal.

“As we're in a new moment, postCOVID, providing amenities and attractions for people is even more important,” said Tim Kelly, president and CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. “People have more choices, not only where they live, but obviously, where they work. So, creating experiences that people seek out, is a huge part of continuing to attract investment.”

River restoration efforts hit a snag this year when regulators raised environmental concerns on a plan for redevelopment. The future shape of the project is unclear, though Berens, the deputy city manager, said she still feels optimistic that construction could get underway — in some form — as soon as next year.

“We are partnering with Grand Rapids WhiteWater to redesign the lower reach (of the Grand River) to address the concerns we've heard,” Berens said. “So, there will still be a river restoration project, we have a commitment from (the state) to be partners with us in developing a new application.”

But the amphitheater still has a lot of momentum. It’s an idea that’s been around, MacKeigan said, for at least a decade — and watching it come this far has been encouraging. Grand Rapids has changed a lot in the last 20 years.

“But the next 20 years looks even better,” MacKeigan said. “And I think the amphitheater and the river — and everything that's going on with this amphitheater development — is a significant part of that.”

“But the next 20 years looks even better. And I think the amphitheater and the river — and everything that's going on with this amphitheater development is a significant part of that.”

Richard MacKeigan

Peaches goes Gold

Duo’s passion for music and one another leads to hit single

BY GIL STANSELL // PHOTO BY ASHLEY WIERENGA

When Grand Rapids residents Angela Mattson and Jeffrey Mendel became pregnant 11 years ago they were planning on giving up on the dream of performing in the band they had formed, “In the Valley Below.” After writing and releasing the song, “Peaches,”and sending it to every label they could think of with zero response, they believed they had no choice but to pursue something else. Luckily, someone put “Peaches” on Spotify and changed everything.

“Peaches” eventually rose to number 18 on the US Alternative Songs Chart and, in March of this year, achieved Gold record status, selling 500,000 units in Canada. Mattson describes the band’s sound as “dark” and “hopeful.” Their music is reminiscent of Depeche Mode, Eurthymics, OMD and can be found on Spotify and YouTube.

The passion this couple has for music –and for each other – is palpable.

“While we fell in love early, it didn’t immediately transfer into commercial success,” said Mendel. Soon after the song was uploaded to Spotify, manager Pete Dalli contacted Mattson and Mendel, encouraging them to write more and to start playing shows. Mattson and Mendel had performed with many bands in L.A., neither had a lot of experience as lead singers, or even as duet performers.

As most performers will relate, their first show was not the smashing success for which they had hoped. Years later, the couple learned their debut went so poorly that Dalli considered dropping them. Fortunately, he offered encouragement instead, which motivated the couple to keep at it.

After about a year of performing, they began feeling more confident, and then the record labels started calling. In 2014, "ITVB" signed with Capitol Records, and released their first album, “The Belt.” The band later signed with Bright Antenna Records to produce “The Pink Chateau,” accompanied by an album-length music video, evocative of French cinema.

Mattson described the “crazy” rise in the popularity of the duo’s single that went Gold: “It takes a lot to get a song on the radio. Record labels promoted the song for a while, and then it dried up, only resurging a few years later, when people started requesting the song on the radio.”

Currently, Mattson and Mendel are working on a new album and will be debuting some new tracks at Local Spins Fest May 20, 2023 at Studio Park. In The Valley Below, scheduled as the closing act, will take the stage at 9 p.m.

Immature Snail kite, (Columbia, South America)

The bird(er)s of Reeds Lake

The hobby that becomes an obsession.

BY LISA ENOS

When Mike Papenfus of Corvallis, Oregon found out he would be attending the Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids last year, he packed his binoculars and his birding journal.

“I knew the conference was going to be on the river,” said Papenfus, a researcher for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Then I started looking at the eBird (a smartphone application) map and saw that, actually, Reeds Lake was a real hotspot.” As soon as he had some downtime, he hopped on a bus to East Grand Rapids, hopeful that he would

be able to add some new birds to his list, because that’s what birders (don’t call them birdwatchers) do; they make lists.

“And it was in May, which is migration season. Not only do you get to see the resident birds, but you see ones that are passing through,” said Papenfus.

He’s glad he made the trip because he hit the jackpot. Within just two or three hours he saw five new species of birds he hadn’t seen since he began keeping a journal: a Baltimore oriole, a mute swan, a northern cardinal, a common grackle and a warbling vireo.

The eBird App referenced by Papenfus is popular with birders all over, according to Felix Perdue of Kentwood. Birders use it to identify areas of interest and to input data about the birds they see so that others may find them, a practice Perdue refers to as “citizen science.”

Perdue’s interest in birding started in the nineties when he was a student at Calvin University (formerly, Calvin College). While on a picnic with his girlfriend, his attention was drawn to a nearby pond where a large bird was spearing fish, one after the other, with its beak. Perdue noticed that the bird knew how to manipulate the fish so that when tossed in the air, they went in the bird’s mouth headfirst.

“If it went in tail first, the gills would get caught in the bird’s throat on the way down,” said Perdue. The skillful bird enamored Perdue so much that he soon found himself in a Kentwood retail store, Wild Birds Unlimited, purchasing a field guide, "Sibley Birds East". He found out the bird he had seen was a great blue heron.

“I thought about it that night. I wanted to see it again.” Perdue went back to the same spot to get a closer look with some binoculars. The same bird (or one that looked identical to it) was there.

“Most birders have a spark bird, that one bird that first piqued your interest. That great blue heron was my spark bird,” he said.

Perdue has always been interested in nature. He grew up in the city of Wyoming at a time when there were still empty fields everywhere, like the one behind his house where he used to see ring-necked pheasants. “I was always in nature and watching nature shows like Wild Kingdom and Wild America with my dad. Still do, till this day, I watch shows like that.”

One aspect of birding that really appeals to Perdue is that it can be done anytime, anywhere. “On vacation, at the in-laws, in your backyard, a local park, ball field, soccer field,” said Purdue, who used to do a little birding while on the job, too. Purdue is a retired Grand Rapids Police Department patrol officer. A lot of time on duty was spent in area parks and cemeteries.

“I always had a set of binoculars in the car,” said Purdue, who’s become known as the “go-to bird guy” by his peers. “I still get emails from people I worked with, sending me photos of birds they’ve seen on vacation, asking me to identify them.”

What started out as a hobby grew over the years into a passion. Purdue is now known, not only by his friends on the police force, but in the local birding community, which keeps tabs on birds (and one another) through eBird and other groups on WhatsApp and Discord.

“Most birders have a spark bird, that one bird that first piqued your interest. That great blue heron was my spark bird.”

Felix Perdue

Red-tailed hawk (Roselle Park)

A great blue heron catches dinner at Reeds Lake, March, 2023

“I can put out a text on either of those saying, ‘I just saw a white-winged scoter at Reeds Lake’ or ‘I just saw a slaty-backed gull at the garbage dump on 100th Street’ and birders will just flock there. The Muskegon Wastewater Treatment Plant, is another one. It’s a gold mine…gold.”

Known officially as Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center, the plant uses a land treatment process that encompasses 11,000 acres, with basins, lagoons and irrigated cropland rich with nesting and migrating fowl.

“Anyone who’s a birder knows that one,” Purdue said.

He’s not wrong. David Bratt, who frequents the Reeds Lake boardwalks with a long-lens camera, concurs: “Muskegon wastewater is the Mecca, but there are other great places to look. Huff Park is a great place to see various kinds of woodpeckers. Ball Perkins Park has a pond that hosts egrets and herons. Reeds Lake has a little bit of everything, including a couple of bald eagles that sort of rule the lake,” said Bratt, who got into the hobby during the COVID19 pandemic.

“I was interested in photography before I really got interested in birds. When travel wasn't an option, I needed photographic subjects that were close by. And I needed

Local birding hotspots:

Ken-O-Sha Park

1353 Van Auken St SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Huff Park

2399 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI

Ball Perkins Park

1675 Perkins Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI

Muskegon County

Resource Recovery Center

698 N Maple Island Rd, Muskegon, MI

*To visit, passes must be obtained. Call (231) 724-3440 or visit mcresourcerecovery center.com

to get outdoors…Before I knew it, I'd found my way into a kind of mindfulness practice. Then I started posting the photos to Instagram (@dwbratt), which was a way to connect with friends and family over my new hobby during the lockdown, when I didn't get to see them much. So, it became a way to connect with nature, and a way to connect with people when I couldn't see them in person,” Bratt said.

Perdue agrees birding is a great way to connect with people. In fact, guiding people through their birding journey is becoming a bit of a vocation for the retired police officer.

“What’s really cool about it is that everyone can do it. Young, old, black, white, it’s for everyone,” Perdue said, and noted a special camaraderie he feels when he meets a fellow birder. Perdue said he’s usually suspicious of strangers, but when he finds out someone is into birding…

“Next thing I know I’m out in the middle of nowhere looking at birds with some guy I just met.”

Perdue has made lifelong friends and often meets up with three other birders to discuss their shared obsession. Bill Sweetman, his mentor who leads a birding interest group at Calvin University, is one of them. The group calls themselves “The Four Amigos.” Perdue has been on multiple birding excursions with one or more of the “amigos”– from Costa Rica to Panama and as far south as Columbia, where he co-lead a group. What’s next for Perdue? The Quatros Amigos are going to Ecuador next year and in the future, he has plans of starting a bird guide LLC of his own: LTD Birding 365.

“LTD stands for Living the Dream,” Perdue said. Look him up on Facebook: LTD Birding 365.

Get involved: Anyone who would like to see what birding’s all about can attend monthly meetings at the Grand Rapids Audubon Club. Visit graud.org to find out more.

Winged mountain tanager (Columbia, South America)

Ann Byle feeds her chickens, the inspiration for her new book, "Chicken Scratch."

Scratching the surface of creativity

An interview with author, Ann Byle

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

Grand Rapids Magazine writer Ann Byle has written a book entitled “Chicken Scratch: Lessons on Living Creatively from a Flock of Hens.” The book will be published by Broadleaf on May 23, 2023. We sat down to talk to her about, well, chickens.

GR Mag: How did you come to own chickens in the first place?

AB: My son, who is now 22, attended Goodwillie Environmental School for fifth and sixth grades, with the sixth graders raising 100 chickens. When the year ended, the chickens needed a new home so we bought four of them. We’ve had them ever since, though not the same ones. We’ve raised a few batches of chicks over the years, too, which is always fun.

GR Mag: What is it about chickens that sparked your creativity to write this book? AB: One day I was working on my laptop at a table on my deck. Up popped a chicken, who stared at me over my laptop and seemed to ask, “What are you doing, Ann? Can I help? Got any snacks?” I started putting pictures of them on Instagram and people liked it. Pretty soon I was discovering how creative chickens really are, and how we would all do well to mirror that creativity in our lives. It was an interesting and funny juxtaposition—chickens and creativity—but it worked. I had originally planned to do the book just for writers, but my publisher asked to expand its audience to all creatives. A creative and brilliant idea.

GR Mag: Tell us a little about your writing journey. AB: I started out writing book jacket and catalog copy at a book publisher in Chicago, then worked for eight years as a copyeditor and book review editor at The Grand Rapids Press. I then wrote marketing materials for a couple of years before becoming a freelance writer 26 years ago. I’ve written for a number of publications, including this one, and written or co-written a number of books. The most recent is When Angels Fight with Leslie F. King, a local advocate for trafficked individuals and founder of Sacred Beginnings. I’ve talked to so many interesting and creative people over the years, from poets to novelists, from entrepreneurs to nonprofit founders, from famous people such as John Grisham to everyday people making a difference in the world.

GR Mag: What did you learn about yourself as you wrote this book? AB: I learned that my inherent nosiness about life and people is about being curious, and that my role as a journalist and writer is part of that. It’s OK to be a little nosy—despite what my kids used to say about not talking to any of their friends. Also, that creativity is fun. I loved learning how to play the ukulele, decorate a cake, knit, and draw chickens as part of writing this book. Being creative is about living life in the fun lane—and that’s where I want to be.

FOLLOW ALONG: annbylewriter.com

Instagram: @annbyle

Facebook: Ann Byle

GR Mag: What did you learn about chickens? AB: Chickens are smart animals! They can learn and remember things, communicate, and express their opinions. Also, who knew that the color of the egg is most often determined by the color of a chicken’s ear lobes? Our hens have red/brown ear lobes and lay brown eggs. White earlobes? White eggs.

GR Mag: Tell us about your chickens. AB: We have three chickens at this point. We had four, but one died over the winter. We’ve had as many as five at a time, which is enough for our yard. They roost in a coop my husband built that includes a back door into a small, fenced yard, and a ramp up into a space in our garage that used to be storage cupboards. Their space has a heat lamp and heated water dispenser for the winter when they stay in the coop. They don’t go out in the snow. Most days in spring, summer, and fall, they roam our large, fenced back yard or peck at our deck door and look pointedly at the dog food until we give them some.

GR Mag: What do you hope readers take away from “Chicken Scratch?” AB: I wanted readers to take away that each one of us is creative in our own unique way. And that nurturing, that creativity is not only good for our souls, but also the souls of the people we love because we become better people. That creativity is also good for the community and the world as we find our niche and contribute what only we can give.

Two "Chicken Scratch" events: A book launch party at Baker Book House, May 23, 7 p.m. and a reading at Schuler Books, June 15, 6:30 p.m.

"... Pretty soon I was discovering how creative chickens really are, and how we would all do well to mirror that creativity in our lives."

Ann Byle

look+feel

Westward Expansion

FUNCTIONAL FITNESS

SOMETHING ABOUT CHERRY

The remodel project was not only about aesthetics, and creating a home that reflects both of their personalities, but the couple wanted to reconfigure the kitchen to accommodate their shared love of cooking and entertaining.

Boardwalk Empire

Couple combines minimalism with glam for grand slam on riverfront renovation.

BY KAT MOORE // PHOTOS BY DAVID SPARKS

Welcome to the urban chic remodel project of the Dynamic Design Duo: Natalie Pickup and Will Bransdorfer. This hip couple not only has a passion for interior design, but they both own their own design companies. Natalie, “an athletic, fashion loving, fontobsessed graphic designer and illustrator” owns and operates her own high fashion t-shirt company. Will co-founded “The Mitten State,” featuring “super-soft apparel celebrating all things that make Michigan such a great place to live.”

When the couple met in 2018, it was an instant connection. They had a marathon seven-hour date, hitting some of Grand Rapids' best spots. The date started with Maru Sushi, then Buffalo Trader’s Lounge and they ended up in the iconic West Side dive bar, The Anchor. Natalie had recently purchased her own downtown condo in the historic Boardwalk Building. As Will and Natalie’s relationship

(Top left and above) Kitchen before and after the renovation.

(left) Natalie Pickup and Will Bransdorfer.

progressed, her solo remodel project soon became a labor of love for the two of them. They were able to combine Natalie’s sophisticated Hollywood “glam” style with Will’s penchant for mid-century modern minimalism to form a style that is urban and chic.

They’ve incorporated some very personal items as well. In their shared office space, a collection of retro Herman Miller summer picnic posters is artfully displayed on the wall. The series dates back to the 1970s. Will received his first poster from his grandmother. They also have a collection of Picasso reproductions, reminiscent of their trips to Will’s birthplace of Spain. They have traveled to Barcelona several times together and had a romantic engagement on the island of Menorca.

The remodel project was not only about aesthetics, and creating a home that reflects both of their personalities, but the couple wanted to reconfigure the kitchen to accommodate their shared love of cooking and entertaining. By removing the center island, they created a larger, counter-height seating area that extends around the perimeter of the kitchen. This allows for more counter

space where they can each let their dual cooking creativity flow. Especially notable is the untouched natural industrial wood ceiling with the raw beams. It makes for such an interesting juxtaposition of rustic and glam styles. It maintains the integrity and history of the building itself, which was originally the Berkey and Gay Furniture Factory, built in 1882. Will and Natalie have even more personal history now associated with their urban lifestyle, as they had their very own intimate rooftop wedding in Grand Rapids on New Year’s Eve of 2022.

For this creative, entrepreneurial powerhouse couple, truly.... The Sky is the Limit!

For more information visit nataliepickup.com and themittenstate.com.

It maintains the integrity and history of the building itself, which was originally the Berkey and Gay Furniture Factory, built in 1882.

(Above) A bold blue sectional sofa is accented by a glass top table.

(Above) A framed "Femme Assise a la Robe Bleue" by Pablo Picasso (lithograph on paper) adorns the wall.

Harvest Health heads west

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

To say Henry Diedering achieved the American Dream would be an understatement. More than seventy years after opening Harvest Health Foods, the name and his legacy live on. That sort of thing doesn’t happen by accident. It takes dedication to a mission by people who share the vision. For Diedering, those people are his heirs.

Diedering immigrated from the Netherlands in 1950 with his fiancé, Tena and began his endeavors in the grocery business delivering milk. It soon became apparent that his customers from the old country weren’t satisfied with the local supermarkets, himself included. To many, there was nothing wonderful about Wonder Bread. They wanted the wholesome brown bread they were accustomed to.

Diedering put himself to work, sourcing bulk and unpackaged items he wanted to see on local store shelves and started his own business. He began delivering brown bread door to door. Those efforts blossomed into what is now Harvest Health Foods, in business since 1952. Very soon after forming the business, Diedering was operating out of the Eastern Avenue location where the origial Harvest Health Foods stands today.

He eventually brought his family into the fold, merging his love for healthy food with his way of life, centered around family.

Today, the interior of the original Harvest Health Foods store, at a glance, could be

mistaken for any small corner grocery in any city. But look a little deeper; the rear of the store is home to an organic only produce section. A separate area off to the right has the appearance of an apothecary shop. You see, brown bread wasn’t the only item missing from immigrants’ pantries in 1952.

“It began with herbs. We were the first place to get dry, whole herbs,” said Harvest Health Foods Director of Marketing Silvia Atsma.

Sometimes referred to as folk medicine, home remedies passed down from generation to generation were important to Diedering's customers. Not only fellow Dutch immigrants, but people from many different backgrounds wanted herbs and spices that they had used in their home countries to add flavor to food and as medicine.

Harvest Health Foods remains committed to providing items that may not be easily found elsewhere.

“We are here to offer alternatives. We even saw this throughout the (COVID-19) pandemic. We couldn’t keep things like NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) or Quercetin on the shelf. Some of those are very traditional and have been on the shelves a long time,” said Atsma.

With all of the information now available at people’s fingertips, the business is seeing an uptick and a wider range of customers trending younger than the 45-and-up crowd it was used to. People are interested in what they can do differently for themselves and also for the planet.

“We are there with knowledge to meet people wherever they are at on their health journey,” Atsma said.

Store employe Jessie Lair displays locally grown greens from Green Wagon Farm of Ada.

“It’s through the whole team we are able to do what we do. We all bring different views and strategies. We are one company, one culture, have one.”

Emily Nol (pictured with her husband Mitch Nol)

Third generation owners to open fourth store in Holland by end of 2023.

Diedering’s daughter, Cathy, grew up at the Eastern Avenue grocery store and eventually became an accountant. In 1991, after working alongside her father for 20 years, she took over the business. Her husband, Henry Atsma, enjoyed a long career at Steelcase before joining his wife’s family business in 1997.

“That’s where our growth began,” said Emily Nol CEO, CFO, CPA and third generation owner of Harvest Health Food.s Emily’s father knew business. He had an MBA and brought that knowledge to Harvest Health. In 1998, Henry and Cathy Atsma opened a second store in Cascade and a third Harvest Health Foods in Hudsonville in 2004. That's when Henry Atsma’s brother, Howard, and his wife Silvia joined the team.

“And then our purchaser Bill Rieffer came on...It’s through the whole team we are able to do what we do. We all bring different views and strategies. We are one company, one culture, have one goal,” Emily said.

In 2019, Henry and Cathy Atsma retired and Emily was in a good position to take over. She had studied accounting at Hope College and had a dedicated partner ready to help grow her family’s legacy. She met Mitch Nol in high school at South Christian.

Mitch began working at the Cascade store when he was in college at Grand Valley State University. After only three months, he had made such an impression, he was made the Assistant Manager.

Emily is thankful for Mitch's commitment to the business and lifestyle.

“We have pages and pages of standards,” said Mitch, referring to ingredients allowed in the food and other products the store carries. “No artificial dyes, perfumes.”

He and Emily know the farmers they source from and stock local products whenever possible.

“It’s been built on relationships, vendors, local people, ingredients. We’re not going to compromise,” said Atsma. “If we wouldn’t eat it, we won’t sell it.”

When Mitch and Emily took over in 2019, they wanted to expand but also wanted people to know they were committed to the neighborhood.

“My parents owned the business for 30 years and we wanted to continue the commitment to the communities we were already in,” said Emily. “We wanted to grow in multiple facets, so we looked to technology.”

The first pece was the creation of an

The Harvest Health Foods Family & Timeline

1952 – Diedering starts the business that would eventually be called Harvest Health Foods.

1991 – Diedering's daughter, Cathy, who worked with her father for 20 years, takes over.

1997 – Cathy's husband, Henry Atsma, joins the family business.

1998 – Harvest Health Foods opens a second location at 6807 Cascade Rd. SE.

2004 – A third location opens at 4150 32nd Ave. in Hudsonville. Henry Atsma’s brother, Howard Atsma, and his wife, Silvia, join the family business.

2019 – Cathy and Henry Atsma retire. Daughter, Emily, and her husband, Mitch Nol take over.

2019 – Emily Nol, a Hope College graduate, and CPA by trade, becomes CEO and CFO. Mitch, a Grand Valley State University graduate with a finance degree, becomes President.

2020 – Harvest Cart, an online shopping experience with in-store pickup and delivery options is launched.

2021 – Henry Diedering passes away at the age of 95 on Sept. 24. Mitch and Emily Nol start renovating the Eastern Ave. location.

2022 – Harvest Health Food holds its 70th anniversary, purchases a 16,000 square foot property, located at 12683 Greenly St. in Holland, which will become the fourth Harvest Health Foods grocery store.

online shopping system called Harvest Cart, and then launching delivery in 2020, just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic..

In 2021, Mitch and Emily had the original Harvest Health Foods store remodeled. “We wanted people to know we’re committed to the corner,” said Emily, referring to the store’s ultra-urban Seymour Square location, where Eastern Avenue meets Burton Street in the southeast quadrant of Grand Rapids.

Like her parents before her, Emily wanted to open more stores and had her sights set on Holland, the city where she attended college. ‘I spent four years in Holland and fell in love with the community,” Emily said.

In 2022, Emily and Mitch purchased a 16,000 square foot property, located at 12683 Greenly St. in Holland, which will become the fourth Harvest Health Foods grocery store, slated to open by the end of 2023.

(Top) Historic photo of Harvest Health, located at 1966 Eastern Avenue, SE. (Above) Local raw honey from Fase Apiaries of Lowell. (Left) Organic produce lines the shelves at Harvest Health Foods.

Functional Fitness

A chat with two-time Olympic Decathlon qualifier Joe Cebulski of 8th Day Gym

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY ALFIELD REEVES

I was wondering what type of exercise I could do to get myself bathing suit-ready for summer. So, I reached out to Joe Cebulski, owner of 8th Day Gym. His answer surprised me.

“At 8th Day Gym, we stress the importance of how you feel as you move through summer, not how you look moving through it,” said Cebulski, who takes a holistic (mind, body, spirit) approach to training. His philosophy is that it’s the satisfaction of being able to complete a movement – like a pull-up, for instance – not “how you look naked” that builds true confidence. For that reason, there are no “before” and “after” pictures taken at 8th Day Gym, no measuring of waistlines.

Cebulski’s gym also has a “no headphones” policy. “It’s a community, the way church was meant to be,” Cebulski said. The gym’s exercise classes offer community and bondedness. “So many tears have been shed when someone completes a movement that they couldn’t before, like a wall push-up, and then ends up in a pile on the floor in tears surrounded by people celebrating that victory with them.”

Cebulski grew up in Grand Rapids, and attended NorthPointe Christian, where he played every sport the school offered. There weren't enough students for a track team. No problem for Cebulski.

Baseball was his game.

He joined the team at Taylor University in Indiana. A lifelong goal was to make it to the pros. Unfortunately, despite his athletic abilities and eagerness to please, he and the coach, Larry Winterholter, just didn’t see eye to eye.

“I don’t know if it was because I had a ponytail,” said Cebulski, straining to recollect what the problem may have been. “I was a good kid, but he was old-school.”

Despite putting forth every effort to succeed on the ball field, on most days Cebulski was relegated to the role of benchwarmer. One fateful day during practice he wasn’t even awarded that luxury. Winterholter gave him a bucket of paint and sent him out to centerfield to paint the fence. Unaware of what he’d done to be given such a task, he didn't push back, he set to work painting. When a line drive nearly beaned him in the back of the head, he decided he’d had enough abuse. (Not his words, but what else would you call it?)

Behind the baseball diamond, the Taylor University track and field team was practicing. Cebulski hopped the fence and decided to join them. The rest was history. Cebulski went on to become a track and field star and, after college, a two-time Olympic Decathlon qualifier.

When Cebulski moved back from California more than a decade ago, he had one mission in mind: to change fitness in Grand Rapids. The concept of functional fitness – a type of training designed to improve functional strength that aids in everyday movements – had been the norm in the fitness circles Cebulski inhabited. While working as a personal trainer at another gym, like the day he quit the baseball team, Cebulski made a bold move and told his dozen or so clients if they wanted to keep training with him, they would have start attending group classes. Thus, 8th Day Gym was born, where Cebulski continues to make history.

One day, well into his fitness career, redemption came for Cebulski when he got a call out of the blue from Coach Winterholter, who had since taken on an administrative role at the university. The news? Cebulski was to be inducted into the Taylor University Athletic Hall of Fame. Cebulski bears him no grudge and – referring to his 5,000-square foot functional fitness facility – smiles and says, “All of this came about because he made me paint the fence.”

Contact: 8thdaygym.com

Gym goers train at 8th Day Gym, 130 Market Ave SW.

"At 8th Day Gym, we stress the importance of how you feel as you move through summer, not how you look moving through it."

Joe Cebulski

Kicking it on the cobblestone

There's

BY TYLEE SHAY

n the east side of Grand Rapids, tucked in the East Hills district, sits a red brick road with a colorful community. Cherry Street has always been a popular spot to shop, sip, and dine, and its recent new additions have made it even more of a desirable destination. This corner of town may be quaint, but it holds a wide range of small businesses with big hearts.

Shopping on Cherry Commune

As soon as its doors opened a few years ago, Commune quickly became a local favorite. Commune is a modern trendy home decor shoppe. Their wide selection of home goods, artwork, kitchen and dining accessories, coffee table books, and more is beautifully curated. Commune recently moved to a bigger and better location on Cherry Street, and its new space is even more inviting and inspiring than before. If you’re redecorating a corner of your home, hosting a dinner party, or searching for the perfect gift, stop by Commune and explore their wonderful collection.

Honey Jewelry Co

New to town, Honey is a high-end jewelry company founded by Nick Ahlberg. Ahlberg believes that everyone should have access to fine jewelry, and he decided to move his family to Grand Rapids from California and dig roots into the West Michigan community with his flagship store on Cherry Street. Honey Jewelry Co offers high-quality jewelry ranging from wedding rings to everyday accessories complete with ethically sourced diamonds. Plus, their beautifully designed space is a true reflection of the gorgeous customizable jewelry they create.

Books & Mortar

This popular neighborhood bookstore recently jumped across Cherry Street to a larger storefront. The added space has opened up more opportunities for events

like book signings, book club meetings, children's book readings, and more. Plusthere’s no shortage of plush armchairs sprinkled throughout the shop providing an open invitation to curl up with a good book. Their focus on stocking the shelves with progressive and consciously curated titles creates an atmosphere of endless stories to get lost in.

Adored Boutique

Adored is a clothing boutique with a mission to end human trafficking and support local artisans. In 2015 owner Emily Smith felt called to create a women’s boutique with purpose, and Adored has been bettering our community and the world ever since. The boutique is dedicated to fairly made products from vendors whose manufacturing practices are thoroughly assessed. In addition, a minimum of 15% of profits are given back to organizations in West Michigan and the greater United States. Stop by Adored and shop apparel, accessories and home goods, and know that your purchase is making a difference.

A few more shops to visit along Cherry Street are Gemini Handmade, Covet, Iris Boutique, Hopscotch Children’s Store, and Metal Art Studio Fine Jewelry.

Sipping on Cherry

Cherry Street is located in one of the City of Grand Rapids’ newest Social Districts, where alcoholic beverages sold by multiple qualified establishments may be consumed by purchasers in a shared, specifically designated zone. People can walk freely within the district with alcohol purchased from a participating bar or restaurant. The businesses included in this district are Paddock Place (on Lake Drive), The Meanwhile (on Wealthy Street), and on Cherry Street: Pickwick, Grove, Greenwell, Brewery Vivant, Less Traveled and Maru Sushi.

Less Traveled

The brand-new cocktail lounge by Long Road Distillers features a modern ambiance and eclectic drinks. Long Road was the first craft distillery to open in Grand Rapids, and they quickly made an effort towards sustainability and contributing to the community

If you’re redecorating a corner of your home, hosting a dinner party, or searching for the perfect gift, stop by Commune and explore their wonderful collection.

The pastry case at Le Bon Macaron. Books & Mortar (right).

by connecting with local farmers. Each spirit at Long Road Distillers has been made with ingredients sourced from local farms, and you can now enjoy these spirits shaken into signature craft cocktails at Less Traveled on Cherry Street. Some of their exciting new cocktail recipes include 30 Seconds to Summer, a sweet citrusy drink with raspberry liquor, raspberry purée, lemon, and rosemary. A more savory option is the Heart of Darkness cocktail, a deep-colored drink made from dry gin, dry vermouth, cuttlefish ink and dill. You can end the night with the Float On, a decadent dessert cocktail made with vodka, almond milk, root beer and star anise. Stop in for a sip in their upscale space, or enjoy your beverage under the string lights of their outdoor patio.

Le Bon Macaron

This Parisian cafe is the perfect escape for an afternoon treat. Their made-from-scratch macarons cover a wide array of flavors, including popular options like Tiramisu, Sugar Cookie Lavender, and Passion Fruit. Order a specialty drink from their coffee and espresso menu, or slowly work your way through a kettle with their gourmet tea selections and cozy up in the sunny window seat with some French-inspired treats.

Brewery Vivant

One of the city's most popular microbreweries is based out of a refurbished historic funeral home on Cherry Street. Brewery Vivant has been an advocate for good beer, great vibes, and community sustainability for many years. Stop in to sample their variety of culturally inspired beers, and pair it with one of their from-scratch food menu items. Stop by on Sunday evenings to play Pub Quiz or visit on Monday evenings for $5 Stein Night.

Another place to sip something out of the ordinary on Cherry Street is Kava Kasa. Kava is a beverage or extract made from the Piper methysticum plant, a shrub of large leaves of South Pacific Islands. Chemicals called kavalactones that are found in kava are said to reduce stress and anxiety.

Dining on Cherry

Partage

A new culinary experience is coming to Cherry Street in 2023: Partage. What started as a food truck will soon become a trendy cafe located on Cherry Street. Partage will offer a grab-and-go food menu, coffee drinks, as well as prepped to-go meals for families so that dinner can become a way to reconnect around the table at home like it was always designed to. Construction has begun on the café and it is scheduled to open in summer, 2023. In the meantime, Partage is offering “Sidedoor Sammies.” Think of it as a neighborhood sandwich speakeasy. Order a sandwich to-go from their secret sandwich society, and keep an eye out for the café doors to swing open soon!

The Green Well

A longtime favorite local restaurant has been recently remodeled with a fun retroinspired interior. With the remodel, The Green Well also revamped their hours and are now open Mondays so you can dine daily! Stop in Monday through Friday from 3 - 6 p.m. for one of the best Happy Hours in town, and enjoy the new colorful and nostalgic diner vibes.

Furniture City Creamery

No meal on Cherry Street is ever complete without a scoop or two from Furniture City Creamery. Madefrom-scratch ice cream flavors are served daily, with fan favorites including Cookie Monster, Carrot Cake and Peanut Butter Oreo. Vegan and Gluten Free options are always available, as well as a mini fridge that is fully stocked with pup cups and to-go pints. Furniture City Creamery is also known for giving back to our community. They often feature ‘fundraiser flavors’ where a portion of all sales from a particular flavor are donated to organizations within West Michigan. So stop in for a cone, ask if they're scooping a fundraiser flavor, and enjoy a cone for a good cause!

A few more places to dine on Cherry Street include Cherie Inn, Grove, and Maru Sushi.

The next time you’re deciding where to go for a date night, a family outing, or a weekend stroll, pay a visit to Cherry Street and support some of these wonderful local businesses. By supporting them, you're supporting their missions. This crimson-colored road may be a small part of our city, but it has a big impact.

This crimsoncolored road may be a small part of our city, but it has a big impact.

A neon sign hangs above the bar at Long Road Distillers' Less Traveled by, located at 959 Cherry Street.

Furniture City Creamery storefront

MAKE THE BEST OF THE SEASON WITH EXPERT ADVICE

Spring is underway, and with that the urge to do some requisite freshening up. Whether it’s deciding whether or not the items in your closet spark joy or taking stock of your home and property—and making some needed upgrades—the season represents revitalization on many levels. It’s

also prime time to start making summer vacation plans, and gathering ideas on what to do and where to go is likely front of mind. As long as you’re considering all things new, evaluating your healthcare provider might be on your do-do list, too.

Here we’ve gathered a range of experts who

can speak on the topics that are important to you right now. Whether you have travel, landscaping, or medical decisions on your mind, these industry pros have the expertise to point you in the right direction. Before you make your next move, take a moment to see what they have to say!

Q: How are independent practices transforming the health care landscape in West Michigan?

Q: What are some tips for choosing the right landscaper to transform my property?

A: A lot of that depends on the type of work you want done—and your budget. When a prospective client calls us, we first determine whether they want to freshen up their existing landscape or start completely over. You need a qualified professional no matter what, but to what extent depends a lot on the project scope. We recommend you first find out their years of experience and

you up remember, for.

and retaining walls, for example, are more complex than they may seem, and getting the right specifications, preparations, and materials is extremely important to a successful, long-lasting outcome. Equal to their qualifications is their reputation. Do they stand behind their work and will they complete your project within your schedule? Make sure you know this up front and, years areas expertise, it’s landscape architecture, horticulture, or both. Patios

Alfresco Landscapes

Paul Burd, Owner 616-453-2530

alfresco-landscapes.com

Q: How are independent practices transforming the health care landscape in West Michigan?

A: Independent physicians and health care providers focus exclusively on the unique needs of each patient. Since Answer Health is not part of any health system, our providers are free to refer patients to a facility of their choice, based on their individual interests.

Answer Health providers embrace the principles of value-based care, focusing on the best clinical outcomes and experience for our patients. Our physicians intentionally spend more time with patients who need it most and consistently

generate among the highest quality results in Michigan, while managing costs. With more than 1,100 providers and 200 practice locations, Answer Health’s network includes many market-leading independent practices across Western and Northern Michigan. We provide clinical, operational, and financial support, enabling independent practices to thrive in a rapidly changing health

more time with who need it most and care environment.

Expert Q&A May June 2023.indd 1

Q: Why should vacationers visit Ludington in 2023?

A: First of all, it’s Ludington's 150th anniversary this year and there are events galore throughout 2023! It’s always the right time to stay and play in Mason County’s largest city, but this extended series of activities and events promises to be especially exciting. Our primary sesquicentennial event will be the Love Ludington Weekend, June 9-11. There’ll be a downtown street party that will also feature live music, kids’ games, food vendors, and fireworks; plus, other fun events throughout the weekend.

Two Ludington icons will also be celebrating: House of Flavors, with its 75th anniversary, and the S.S. Badger, with its 70th Anniversary Birthday Bash. Other noteworthy events are Ludington’s Lumbering Heritage Program April 20, Sesquicentennial Concert with the Scottville Clown Band June 14, Maritime Heritage Day August 12, and the Sesquicentennial Ball October 7. Go to ludington150.com to find the full calendar. We’re still adding events, so be sure to check back. We can’t wait to see you!

Answer Health

Michael App, MD, MPH, President 616-552-1500 answerhealth.com

It’s time to shed your winter coat, don your sunglasses, and trade your snow tires for sunscreen. Winter is in the rearview, and the boundless possibilities of summer are on the horizon. If you haven’t already booked up your weekends with beach trips and bike rides, you’re in for a treat. May and June are sure to usher in summer with tons of festivals and activities for the whole family to enjoy, all while learning about our history, different cultures, and celebrating the diverse people that make up our community.

Evette Pittman, the manager in the office of special events for the city of Grand Rapids, explains why the city is committed to hosting festivals and celebrations.

“Events add value to the Grand Rapids community because they help to build social and emotional connectivity and engagement. When events happen, our city is vibrant, residents feel a sense of ownership, tourists

(Left) Dragons "dance" at the AsianPacific Festival.

(Here) A crowd gathers for a performance during the Grand Rapids Pride Festival.

visit, and businesses benefit economically. Many of the events the city permits are open and free, so they have a greater impact on creating equity, which is a city of Grand Rapids value.

“The Office of Special Events has been systematic about creating and sustaining events, public art celebrations, and culture in Grand Rapids. In 2021, we introduced the Special Events Sponsorship Program by partnering internally with Mobile GR and the Office of Equity and Engagement. This program supports open and free events throughout the City of Grand Rapids with sponsorship awards.”

C I N C O D E M A Y O

The Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan is hosting its inaugural festival, on May 5 at noon in Rosa Parks Circle, to commemorate La Batalla de Puebla, also known as Cinco de Mayo. Gabriella de la Vega, the president of the Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan, shares more about the history of the holiday and what’s in store for the festivities.

“The mission of the Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan is to promote our Mexican heritage and culture. Since 1969, we celebrate every September the Mexican Independence Day. Many people think that Cinco de Mayo is our independence, but in fact is a meaningful day for both countries – the USA and México. We want to add the cultural part to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Through this event, we learn more about our communities and build stronger relationships.

“The battle of the mole, in the state of Puebla, México, is where the Cinco de Mayo battle occurred. The mole, a delicious Mexican dish, is very famous and popular, so we are having a contest to find the best mole in

our community. There will also be music, children’s activities, information, food vendors, and Mexican crafts. I am excited about the opportunity to get together and share more about our culture, the collaboration with other organizations, the performers, the food, and the giveaways.”

M E M O R I A L

D A Y P A R A D E Memorial Day commemorates those who have lost their lives serving our country. Eric Nelson, the parade coordinator of the United Veterans Council of Kent County, encourages parade goers to consider the meaning of this holiday as they gather on May 30.

“To me, Memorial Day is a time of mourning and reflection. For several centuries, men and women have sacrificed their lives for the United States. They have given all they could so our constitution will remain intact, that our nation will continue on under the greatest form of government ever put in place, that their own progeny will have a life of freedom and prosperity. These men and women gave their all for the citizens of the United States of America. Their sacrifice was great. Remember, Memorial Day is a solemn occasion and not the day for barbeques and fun. It is not a day of convenience.

“My committee is trying to educate those folks who come down to watch the parades. To some extent, we want to revive the feeling of patriotism in our community. I would like to invite everyone to come down and see the parade; pay your respect to our fallen military; come over to the

Festival of the Arts features make and take art for kids of all ages.

Veterans Memorial Park. Plans are to place 2,000 poppies in the park in order to remind us of Flanders Field; please join us. The parade starts at 6 pm on Division under the I-196 overpass, it goes south on Division, and then east on Fulton to the park.”

F E S T I V A L

O F T H E A R T S

In 1969, Alexander Calder’s sculpture “La Grande Vitesse'' (“The Great Swiftness”) was installed in front of City Hall in downtown Grand Rapids. A celebration a year later commemorating the installation of “The Calder” is said to have served as the inspiration for Festival of the Arts – a yearly event that, ever since, has marked the start of Grand Rapids’ summers.

An aptly named new executive director, Missy Summers, was appointed in January and now leads the Festival of the Arts in this, its 54th year.

“I am excited to join the team at Festival of the Arts. I have deep passion and love for volunteering,” said Summers, who – along with hundreds of volunteers – will bring art, music, dance, food and other activities to Calder Plaza June 2, 3 and 4.

The three-day family friendly event is free and features several performance stages, a juried arts exhibition and dozens of food booths. The festival also offers creative activities for children and adults to enjoy with opportunities to purchase art from many West Michigan artists. festivalgr.org

Back for its seventh year, the Asian-Pacific festival invites people from the community to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultures of Asia and the Pacific Island nations. Ace Marasigan, one of the founders of the event, shares more about what you can expect to see in Calder Plaza from June 9-11.

“Friday, we have the grand opening, we have the lion, we have the dragon, we have people dressing up, we have three DJs performing. We got DJ Kohei, he actually sang for ‘Naruto’, so he’s going to be there. Then we have a K-Pop dance cover competition on that Friday; it’s going to be fun.

“Saturday is like the big day, where all our multicultural performers are going to be. We have Sudden Rush and then we have another band. We even have a punk band to just kind of play along with us. We have the Vietnamese variety show –Saturday’s the whole bit.

“Sunday, we’re calling it ‘Ohana Day,’ which is different. Ohana means family, so family day. We have more Polynesian or Pacific Island performances on Sunday. We’re going to lei people, there’s scavenger hunts and then the rock, paper, scissors competitions. There’s something going on every day.

“You don’t have to be Asian-Pacific to attend the Asian-Pacific Festival. It’s just a celebration of the AsianPacific culture by the entire community. It’s so important because it’s an opportunity for us to come together and learn from one another. This is an open invite for everyone to come and celebrate the Asian Pacific culture.”

The 35th annual Grand Rapids Pride Festival is taking over Calder Plaza on June 17th from 12-10pm. Last year, over 25,000 guests came through to celebrate and take part in the festivities. Jazz McKinney, the executive director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, gives you a sneak peek of what you can see at the fest this year.

“We’ll have live entertainment throughout the day; drag shows will be part of that. I’m hoping to have a band, a hip-hop artist, an R&B artist, comedy and spoken word. We’ll also have a family fun zone, an area that’s for 18 and under. We have a variety of food trucks that’ll be there, we’ll have a beer garden with different varieties of beer and spirits.

“We need a day to celebrate being proud of who we are –being joyful. Everything is so depressing. We know that folks are still being killed. We know folks are protesting, and we still have a lot to be proud of. The fact that they’re scared of us is why we should be proud. Just like the fact that they feel like they have to organize to try to keep us down. It means we’re doing something good because that means they are paying attention to us and recognizing that we’re here and we’re going to be here.”

J U S T I C E 4 A L L

J U N E T E E N T H J A M

The third edition of the Justice

4 All Juneteenth Jam may be happening the same day as the Grand Rapids Pride Festival, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy both events. The Juneteenth celebration will be held in Rosa Parks Circle from 1-5pm. Julius Rogers, the founder of Justice 4 All gives guests a taste of what they can expect on June 17th.

“The event this year is going to incorporate several different

things that are cool. Along with having Black-owned vendors displaying their products and services throughout the event, we will have performances by Over the Top Academy of Dance and a breakdance battle in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Dancers will be able to register and compete for a $500 prize and entry into the Midwest Breakin’ Battle at the One Peace hip-hop festival on August 13th.

“I am really excited to have all the guests come back and continue to experience everything that our amazing Black culture has to offer. The vibes and energy last year were perfect and created an extremely welcoming environment for everyone to take advantage of while at the event. I am excited to see what the vendors have in store for this year as well. I know a lot of them sold out of their products, so I’m looking forward to seeing them shine again this year.

“The federal holiday recognition is a big step in the right direction, however, the impact of the significance of this holiday will not fully be felt until it is more widely recognized. It must be understood that although these federal holiday designations and city proclamations are very much appreciated and needed, they are merely starting points on the necessary journey to true equity for Black Americans. Emancipation for Black citizens in the United States of America was not willingly given, it was fought for and won. So, I believe it is our duty to celebrate Juneteenth as a true day of freedom for all.”

Colorful pageantry is on display, from dragons to martial arts presentations, at The Asian-Pacific Festival.

DRAGON, DANCE (OPPOSITE) COURTESY BRYAN ESLER/DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS INC.

GRAND

BY ANN BYLE

RIVER:

THE HEART OF THE CITY

The Blue Bridge is a pedestrian only bridge that provides walkability between downtown and Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center.

he Grand River flows through the heart of Grand Rapids, its currents and eddies and swiftly flowing water are truly the heartbeat of our city. It has always been so for the Grand Rapids portion of the 252-mile river, the longest in Michigan, that has its source in a spring south of Jackson and its mouth at Grand Haven.

The rapids, which defined both the river and the early settlement of the region, are long gone, lost to the needs of commerce. Yet those 300 yards of 10- to 15-foot tall rapids—created as limestone beneath the river cracked and formed a series of ledges and shelves—named a city.

Reviving the rapids is part of a broader plan to continue to draw people to Grand Rapids. Doug Small, president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids, sees the Grand River as a huge asset to the city.

“Those destinations that have water as a big part of the landscape have an advantage,” he said. “The Grand River gives us the opportunity to be a city with an active waterway.”

He points to the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum located along the river, the city’s largest hotels and multiple restaurants near the river, as well as the trail system that runs along its banks.

“When you have an asset like the river and riverfront and you can enhance that area, it gives Grand Rapids a leg up, and that excites us,” said Small.

EARLY INHABITANTS

The river drew the earliest inhabitants of the area. The Hopewell Indians appeared over 2,000 years ago and settled near present-day Grandville. There were originally 46 burial mounds attributed to the culture. The Converse Mounds, located along the river near downtown, no longer exist after being razed to make way for farms and construction. The Norton Mounds, also along the Grand River, are among the best preserved and were excavated in the 1870s and again in the 1960s. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the Hopewell Indian Mounds Park sits between the Gerald R. Ford Freeway and the Grand River.

By the late 17th century, the Grand River band of Odawa (Ottawa) Indians had created settlements along the river. They called the river “O-wash-ti-nong,” meaning

“THE GRAND RIVER IS A REALLY INTERESTING PIECE OF WILD ADVENTURE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN URBAN SETTING.”

—AARON GROMASKI

“far away water” or “long-flowing river.” The Odawa, Ojibwe (Chippewa), and Potawatomi were called the Three Fires Confederacy, part of the Algonquin Nation, and were said to have fought a great battle with the Prairie Indians on the west bank of the river near what is now Fulton Street and Mount Vernon Avenue.

The first European people to come to the region were French missionaries and fur traders, followed by the English. White settlers soon came in droves, driving the native peoples away and prompting treaties such as the 1821 treaty in which the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi ceded all lands in the Michigan Territory south of the Grand River.

Rev. Isaac McCoy of the Baptist Missionary Convention established the Thomas Mission in 1824 on the west side of the river near what is now Bridge Street, with the famous Odawa Chief Noonday’s village next to the mission, according to Grand River historian Don Chrysler in The Story of Grand River: A Bicentennial History.

The city of Grand Rapids was officially born in 1826 on the east side of the river when Louis Campau settled there. By 1835, the native peoples were mostly gone from

the area and the rapids were beginning to be submerged by the white settlers. By the 1850s, the Grand River was being used as a highway for the millions of trees harvested in the lumber boom of that era. The great trees harvested from the original-growth forests were brought to the Grand River and floated down to Grand Haven, and from there directed to sprawling cities such as Chicago that grew up thanks to Michigan lumber.

The Monroe North area of the Grand River shows the Fourth St. Dam, with the Sixth St. and Leonard St. Bridges in the distance.

(Below) This photo was taken in 1928 and is a view of the dams in the Grand River, looking north from the east bank near Bridge Street. The Fourth Street dam is in view, as is the Sixth Street Bridge beyond it. Fine Arts Furniture Company can be seen on the right side of the image, with the Fox Typewriter factory and the AddIndex Corporation, which manufactured adding machines, on the left.

The Grand River—as well as the Rogue, Flat and Thornapple rivers—offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.

Canoeing and Kayaking

AAA Rogue River Canoe Rental—Two- and four-hour trips that end at the Rockford Dam (616-866-9264).

Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus—Rents kayaks for day, weekend or week-long adventures. Call 616-458-1684 for availability.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Living Water Adventures—Rents and delivers paddleboards in the Grand Rapids area for lake and river fun. Recommendations include the eight miles of the Grand River from Lowell to Ada, Mill Pond on the Flat River in Lowell, and the Grand River Heritage Water Trail (35.7 miles) on the west end of the Grand River. Call 616-340-3960 or visit website for information.

Riverboat Cruise

The Grand Lady Riverboat offers live music cruises, sightseeing and field trip cruises, and private charters starting at the Steamboat Park Campground, 825 Taylor St., Jenison, from May to October. Bring your own food, with all beverages purchased on board. Call 616-457-4837 for details.

Fishing

Fishing takes place on all area rivers, with anglers especially excited about the spring steelhead run. Fish the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids from the Sixth Street Dam or the concrete flood wall, with access to the river from Fish Ladder Park on the west bank and Sixth Street Bridge on the east bank. The Rogue River offers great fishing below the Rockford Dam. Check out the Michigan.gov website for the latest Michigan Fishing Guide and always purchase a fishing license.

Boating

The Grand River has several public boat launch sites: Johnson Park Boat Launch, Sixth Street Bridge Park, Riverside Park, Knapp Street Bridge Boat Access, and the Grand River Riverfront Park and Lowell Recreation Park in Lowell.

Riverside Parks

The Grand River is the backdrop for numerous county, city, and township parks.

A partial list includes Riverside Park, Roselle Park, Ah Nab Awen Park, Michael McGraw Park, Chief Hazy Cloud County Park, Johnson Park.

Along the Rogue: Rogue River Park and Grand Rogue Park.

On the Thornapple: Ruehs Park, Leslie E. Tassell Park, Thornapple Riverbend Park

On the Flat River: Fallasburg Park, Recreation Park and Fairgrounds

MOVING ON THE RIVER

River transportation is and always has been plentiful, with paddle wheels and steamboats sharing space with canoes, rowboats, crew boats, and, more recently, motorboats and jet skis. The Grand Rapids Boat and Canoe Club drew the city’s elite to its clubhouse, hosting crew competitions, regattas and parties. The private club was gifted to the city in the late 1920s, with the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club still there today at the corner of North Park Street and Monroe Avenue. The North Park Pavilion, positioned next to the club, was another riverside draw.

The Valley City, one of the largest steamboats of the day, launched in 1892, a time when steamers plied the river. The first steamboats—the Gov. Mason and the Owashtinong—were launched in 1837. The City of Grand Rapids, a 64-feet long, 17-feet wide stern-wheeled riverboat, was built by L.D. Clyde Curtis in 1967. With its two decks and John Deere tractor motor, the boat operated as a charter/tour boat running the 11 miles between Ann Street’s Holly’s Landing and Ada from 19671973. It docked near the city’s North Park Bridge.

These days it’s the Grand Lady Riverboat offering pleasure cruises on the river (see sidebar). Crew teams practice on the river, particularly in the northern sections, while fishing boats, canoes and kayaks are seen as well.

The Grand River has a long history as a center of commerce, but it’s not always an easy trading partner. Rains caused the river to rise in 1883, which the lumbermen used to float even more logs down the river. An enormous logjam ensued at the D. & M. railroad bridge, with one report saying the logs were stacked 30 feet deep and seven miles up the river. Finally, the bridge gave way, sending 100,000,000 feet of logs through the town in less than two hours, according to the 1925 Old Grand Rapids by George Fitch.

The river routinely flooded its banks, including a catastrophic 1926 flood that inundated the West Side. Floodwaters in 1892 took out the Knapp Avenue bridge, which floated downriver and slammed into the Plainfield Bridge, which buckled in the middle and broke in half. Swimmers and fishermen have drowned. The river has struggled as human and commercial interaction brought pollution and endangered habitats and ecosystems.

Organizations such as WMEAC (West Michigan Environmental Action Council) with its annual Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup and Grand Valley State University’s Grand River Campus to Campus Cleanup and many others are doing good work in the river cleanup space, helping make the river visually more appealing.

For Wendy Ogilvie, director of environmental programs at the Grand Valley Metro Council and director of LGROW (Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds), an agency of the Metro Council, cleanup begins with controlling what is going into the river when it rains. By cleaning up the stormwater runoff—whether agricultural byproducts, lawn fertilizers, urban pollutants—the river becomes cleaner.

“This is the cleanest the river has been in 40 years,” said Ogilvie, citing the separation of stormwater and sewer

The Grand Lady Riverboat

Kayaking the Grand River

systems as a key factor. “We’ve improved the water quality tremendously. The city has been taking water quality measurements for years; we’ve seen the Water Quality Index rising and improving for decades.”

THE RIVER’S FUTURE

For fishing aficionados such as Aaron Gromaski, the Grand River provides a way for him to connect with nature right in the city. He dove into fishing the Grand more seriously during the pandemic, using a float setup to lure migratory species such as salmon, trout, and steelhead that swim up the river to spawn. Last year he caught a male chinook that he figured had to be 35 inches long, which he let go.

“Fishing in the Grand River connects me to my own history,” said Gromaski, who worked for the DNR but who now is an assistant manager at the Amazon Fulfillment Center. “My grandmother and grandfather both grew up here and both fished the river. My Grandma’s brothers were all big Grand River fishermen.”

He points to the opportunity for community connection the Grand River brings as people congregate there, as well as the recreational and economic boons. “When you get people to care about something like the river, that’s when you get them to preserve it,” he said, adding he’s all for removal of the dams and the return of the rapids to improve river ecology.

Ogilvie adds, “If we want to encourage people to get in the river, we have to make sure it’s clean and safe. There is a misconception that the river is polluted and your foot will melt off if you touch the water. But we encourage everyone to touch the river.”

Doug Small points to the dry portion of the river—its banks and nearby green spaces—as an important aspect of future improvements. He wants the river accessible and equitable for all, which means a trail system that connects urban areas easily to the river, as well as an enhanced trail system along the river. He has other dreams as well.

“The next thing to be talked about is a series of access points along the river. We envision a landing area near the amphitheater where people can get out and get a meal or a beer,” he said. “If we want to activate the river for our community, we need to make it safe for people to get in and out of the river.”

The Grand River remains at the core of Grand Rapids. The future of the river reflects the future of the city, a place for residents and visitors to feel the city’s heartbeat.

“People connect with nature right in the heart of downtown. The river connects the wild to the modern world,” said Aaron Gromaski.

Angler Aaron Gromaski displays a brown trout, a species introduced to Michigan in 1883. Michigan was one of the first states to import them into North America

A photo of the 1883 logjam at the D. & M. railroad bridge. Rains caused the river to rise, which lumbermen used to float more logs down the river. After the bridge gave way, 100,000,000 feet of logs were sent through the town very quickly.

FAMILY MEDICINE

Is the white coat passed down from generation to generation, or does inspiration alone call doctors to the forefront & bestow them with purpose?

This page: Siblings, Dr. Sarah Elmouchi and Dr. Peter Theut

Opposite page: Dr. Michael App and Dr. Colleen App, husband and wife.

In this edition you’ll see a list of the top doctors in Grand Rapids, the physicians and caregivers who rose to meet the challenges of medicine in West Michigan over the past year. How did this list come about? We contracted Professional Research Services to conduct an online peer-review survey. All practicing and active physicians within the area were eligible and were encouraged to log on and cast their votes.

If you’ve read our Top Docs stories in previous issues, you’ve probably noticed many doctors share the same last names. This intrigued us, so we decided to investigate the phenomenon and found that many physicians are married to one another. Many others are related by blood.

We reached out and talked to some of 2023’s Top Doctors and discussed things like what it’s like to meet your significant other in med school, how being closely related to another physician helps (or hinders) their own practice and how being related to a physician may have played a role in their decision to practice medicine.

There’s no denying the power of caring for others, and the impact of having a compassionate role model. Does the white coat pass down from generation to generation, or does inspiration alone call doctors to the forefront and bestow them with purpose?

Read on and find out:

App.

page: wife, App and App.

“FOR ME, BECOMING A SURGEON is definitely a calling from before day an prevention.”

DR. MICHAEL AND DR. COLLEEN APP

For Dr. Michael App, medicine is all about family. He’s married to breast surgeon Dr. Colleen App while carrying on the legacy of his father, Dr. Peter App, a family physician, who served the Grand Rapids community for almost 50 years.

“I grew up watching my father and he loved practicing medicine,” Michael said. “He has a long shadow and set a high bar,” he added.

Michael App said his father, who was the son of generations of lawyers, made the decision to pursue medicine after a life-changing accident in which he was pronounced clinically dead before being resuscitated and recovering. His father never forgot what doctors did for him and decided to use his life to care for others.

“What was unique about my dad is he always talked about how grateful he was to have been given the opportunity to be a physician,” Michael said. “That is always part of what I remember about my daddy, he just,

to the end, he would say that they could have chosen anybody, and they chose me. He was certainly the model for me, the inspiration, and the reason that I wanted to do it (practice medicine). I'm 56 and now that I've been doing it for 25 years, I completely understand what he was talking about, but I can't say I did when I was growing up.”

Although he has been practicing medicine for 25 years, Michael refers to his wife, a breast surgeon at the Breast Health & Wellness Center in Grand Rapids as “The Real Doctor App.”

The pair met in college.

“I spotted him on the first day of medical school,” Colleen App said.

“I did everything I could to try to talk her out of going into surgery but she wasn't listening,” Michael said, laughing. “And I'm glad that she didn't because she has just a real, genuine, authentic love for the women that she takes care of. I'm wildly proud of her.”

“I think women in medicine, particularly women surgeons, which are, actually, a bit of a rarity, are the real medical heroes. She really came up in medical school and in her residency and surgery at a time where you saw few women (in surgery).”

Colleen said while she believes medicine runs in families for many people, for her it was a unique vocation.

“For me, becoming a surgeon is definitely a calling from God that became apparent to me before the age of 10,” she said. “I am grateful every day for my ability to treat cancer and be an integral part of cancer prevention.”

Colleen added that she loves being married to someone in the same profession as they constantly encourage each other and are able to understand the daily struggles they face in their field.

“Even though we are different specialties we are a team with a common goal: to provide unprecedented patient care,” she said.

Michael said he believes that medicine does run in families and said during his time in medical school he was surprised by how many of his fellow students were the children of physicians as well.

“Ultimately, I think there's caregivers that

are born in the world and they just have it in them to help,” he said. “And I think they see it in their parents, and that's probably what the motivation is. Most children are to some extent what they see.”

His wife agrees, adding that the couple is anticipating contributing to the next generation of physicians as their son, also named Michael, heads into the field.

“Michael will be a freshman at Hillsdale College this fall studying pre-medicine,” she said. “If Michael continues on the medical path, he will be a third-generation physician, which I think is something to be proud of.”

Michael App Sr. is a board-certified internal medicine physician and a boardcertified pediatric physician. He practices at Internal Medicine and Pediatrics of West Michigan and received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan.

Colleen App is a board-certified breast surgeon and serves as medical director of The Breast Health & Wellness Center. She also is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. She attended Wayne State University School of Medicine and graduated medical school in 1993.

For Colleen, finding joy in her work, she said, revolves around two principles: "When you love your work, it is not work" and " When you love what you have, you have everything you need." She said for her and her husband, “Internal Medicine & Pediatrics of West Michigan and The Breast Health & Wellness Center are not work for either of us but rather a way of life.”

Michael App added that for him, the most gratifying part of his work is seeing children he cared for as infants grow into adulthood and have children of their own, which they, in turn, bring to him for care. He said those are the strongest relationships he has with patients, and it brings him joy to see them in all their stages of life.

DR. SARAH ELMOUCHI

Pediatrician Dr. Sarah Elmouchi cares for children from birth to adulthood, watching them navigate their most formative years. While she works from a private practice, her husband, Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, is the president of one of West Michigan’s largest health care providers– Corewell Health.

Elmouchi is not only married to one of Grand Rapids’ biggest names in health care, she is also the sibling of Dr. Peter Theut, an area orthopedic surgeon. She said her familial relationships in health care have helped her get to know the medical community in West Michigan better.

“My brother and I, we refer patients to each other,” she said. “And with my husband (our relationship) has given me a lot of opportunity to get to know different medical specialists and different people within the medical community that I might not have otherwise met.”

Elmouchi wasn’t originally from Grand

This page: Dr. Michael App Opposite page: Dr. Sarah Elmouchi

Rapids, moving to the area in 2006, only four years after she completed her residency. Her husband, now president of Corewell Health in West Michigan, was then a cardiologist working at West Michigan Heart.

“Having Darryl in his position, and Pete in his position was kind of an easy segue into getting a better understanding of the medical community here and getting to know people.”

She also reflected on the differences between her work and her husband’s, noting that while they work in different types of health care systems, they have shared desires and experiences in the field that help them relate to each other’s work.

“It's been interesting from an overall business perspective and looking at the medical community,” she said. “I get to have eyes on two very different types of medical systems, the private world and then a big hospital world, so it gives me a little different perspective sometimes, I think.”

She added that while her husband no longer practices clinical medicine he can still provide the support she needs on a daily basis.

“There are certain things that are really hard for people who aren't in medicine or treating patients to understand without having been through that experience. It’s nice to have somebody who really understands both the good and the bad of (medicine).”

She said from her perspective it makes sense that doctors tend to marry other doctors and form close relationships, especially given the crucible that medical school tends to be.

“It’s your early to mid-twenties and you spend an enormous amount of time together enmeshed in this common experience,” she said. “That certainly was how it was for my husband and I.”

Elmouchi said she and her husband met on their very first day of medical school at the University of Michigan.

In regard to whether or not the couple’s medical interests will be passed on, Elmouchi said, laughing: “That's a funny one because we have three kids, and I don't think any of our three are going to become physicians.”

Elmouchi is a pediatrician with Cascade Pediatrics in Grand Rapids. She received both her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Michigan and completed her pediatric and chief residencies at the University of California,

“I GET TO HAVE EYES ON two very different types of medical systems, the private world and then a big hospital world, so it gives me a little different perspective sometimes.”

DR. SARAH ELMOUCHI

San Francisco in 2002. In addition to her work, she serves on the board of directors for Youth Solutions, a Benton Harbor youth leadership nonprofit.

She said after more than 20 years in the field her work still “feels like a privilege.” The most gratifying part of her work is experiencing the unbridled chatter of young children. “Little toddlers or preschoolers, they just say the funniest things and they're so real and genuine and some of the stuff that comes out of their mouth you just, well, you just have to laugh,” she said.

DR. PETER THEUT

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter Theut said while he and his sister, Dr. Sarah Elmouchi, didn’t come from a “long lineage of physicians,” their family imbued them with something just as important– a desire to help and care for others.

“Neither of our parents were doctors,” Theut said of his family. “Our grandparents were not physicians. Our older siblings are not physicians, et cetera, but nonetheless it has been interesting and generally a very positive experience to have my sister in the same community as me, along with, of course, her husband, my brother-in-law.”

Theut’s sister works as a pediatrician at Cascade Pediatrics in Grand Rapids, while her husband, Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, is president of Corewell Health in West Michigan.

“We're in different specialties, so that's good I think because we can kind of bounce things off of each other and get a different perspective,” Theut said. “(I’m) a surgeon and she's in primary care and pediatrics (so) we kind of come at things from a different way.”

He said he appreciates the ability to collaborate with his sister as they see different types of patients and can often advise one another on areas of care they might be less familiar with.

Theut said that he and his sister come from a non-medical family background, and weren’t pressured to go into the medical field.

“It's just kind of a thing I always wanted to be growing up,” he said. “My dad's an attorney and my mom was a teacher. There was never any expectation that we would be physicians.”

I think the notion of helping people and being involved in a rewarding career was instilled in us. That carried some import,

and medicine seemed like a natural means for that.”

While Theut has three children of his own, none of them are in medicine currently.

“I get asked that question all the time, ‘Are your kids going into medicine?’” he said. “I don't think there was anything overt within my parents saying, ‘You have to become a doctor,’ and yet I did. There certainly was nothing overtly from me saying, ‘Don't become a doctor.’ It just didn't seem to be their interests.”

Theut is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint reconstruction. He is associated with

the Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Surgery Center at MidTowne, Corewell Health and University of Michigan HealthWest. He earned his undergraduate degree from University of Michigan and his M.D. from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He is currently team physician for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

He said the most gratifying part of his job is when, “a patient takes the time to just say thanks or take note of how you've helped them. Sometimes you'll have a little old lady or a grandmother who'll give you a hug or something like that. And honestly that just makes my day.”

“NEITHER

OF OUR PARENTS WERE

DOCTORS. Our grandparents were not physicians. Our older siblings are not physicians, et cetera, but nonetheless it has been interesting and generally a very positive experience to have my sister in the same community as me, along with, of course, her husband, my brother-in-law.”

DR. PETER THEUT

This page: Siblings, Dr. Sarah Elmouchi and Dr. Peter Theut

Opposite page: Dr. Peter Theut

Grand Rapids magazine's exclusive list of Top Doctors

TOP 2023 DOCS

The following pages contain the doctors

Professional Research Services (PRS) is a research company located in Troy, Mich. They specialize in conducting peer review surveys of different professionals within markets nationwide. A large part of their research focuses on the medical field, specifically M.D. and D.O. physicians. PRS reaches out to both physicians and health systems within a specific area, encouraging them to vote for their peers who they believe deserve the honor of being a “Top Doctor” for their geographical area. These physicians excel within their medical specialties and positively contribute to the medical profession as well as the community at large.

The research for Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Doctors was conducted from November 3rd, 2020 until January 3rd, 2021. Physicians throughout Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan counties were contacted by email and/or postcard, and they were encouraged to log onto the PRS survey site and cast their votes. PRS also contacted hospitals and medical clinics, informing them about the research. Some health groups joined in the effort by distributing the survey to their practicing physicians. For the survey itself, each doctor was able to log on and vote for up to three physicians within 71 board-certified specialties. The physicians with the highest number of votes within each of the specialties were the ones who were fact-checked further with the state of Michigan, as well as their individual practices. Each name that is published as part of Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Doctors list is an active and practicing physician in the area who is in good standing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The final list of winners reflects extremely talented and esteemed physicians practicing in the Grand Rapids area.

Professionals may be screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through various applicable boards, agencies and rating services. For further information, visit prscom.com or email PRS at apotter@prscom.com.

ADDICTION MEDICINE

Cara Poland, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Paul Trowbridge, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Academic Specialty Medicine

Grand Rapids

ADOLESCENT MEDICINE

Lisa Lowery, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Justin Triemstra, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

Mark M. Millar, M.D. Allergy & Asthma Care of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Vincent Dubravec, M.D. Allergy and Asthma Specialists of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Thomas Miller, M.D. Allergy Associates of Western Michigan PC Grandville

Karyn Gell, M.D. Grand Rapids Allergy Grand Rapids

Christine Schafer, M.D. Grand Rapids Allergy Grand Rapids

Sara J. Uekert, M.D. Grand Rapids Allergy Grand Rapids

in adult and pediatric specialties, as voted by their peers.

Dariush Orandi, M.D. Orandi Allergy + Asthma Center Wyoming

Frederick DeTorres, M.D. Shoreline Allergy Muskegon

Nicholas Hartog, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Theodore Kelbel, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Jacqueline Eastman, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Amanda Holsworth, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Courtney Abernathy, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Dennis Ahmad, D.O. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Matthew Armstrong, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Payal Boss, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Laurie Chalifoux, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Todd Hart, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Paul Jaklitsch, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Peter Knoester, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Eric L. Larson, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Matthew A. Parlmer, D.O. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Matthew Reynolds, M.D. Anesthesia Practice Consultants

Grand Rapids

Ashley Agerson, M.D. Haven Spine + Pain Grand Rapids

Brandon Wong, M.D. West Michigan

Anesthesia PC Grand Rapids

BREAST SURGERY

Jessica L. Keto, M.D. Bronson Breast Surgery Specialists Kalamazoo

Amie Hop, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Melinda Miller, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Jayne Paulson, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Colleen A.C. App, M.D. The Breast Health & Wellness Center, PC Grand Rapids

Jamie Caughran, M.D. Trinity Health Breast Center Grand Rapids

CARDIAC SURGERY

Edward Murphy, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Tomasz Timek, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Richard Downey, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group - Cardiothoracic Surgery - Muskegon

CARDIOLOGY

David Fermin, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Milena Jani, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Ali Mahajerin, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Michael McNamara, M.D. Corewell Health Wyoming

Richard McNamara, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Michael Vredenburg, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

David Bonnema, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Cardiology Muskegon

Roger Shammas, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group,

CardiovascularEast Paris Grand Rapids

Abiy Nigatu, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, CardiovascularEast Paris Grand Rapids

Barbara Karenko, D.O.

University of Michigan

Health-West -

Professional Building

Wyoming

Matthew Sevensma, D.O.

University of Michigan

Health-West -

Professional Building

Wyoming

Eric Walchak, D.O.

University of Michigan

Health-WestProfessional Building

Wyoming

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY

Nadav

Dujovny, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Ryan Figg, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Rebecca Hoedema, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Donald Kim, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Martin

Luchtefeld, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Arida Siripong, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Antonia Henry, M.D. University of Michigan - Healthpark

Wyoming

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE AND PULMONARY DISEASE

Stephen Fitch, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Marc McClelland, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Shelley Schmidt, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Glenn VanOtteren, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Eric Geiser, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Pulmonology Grand Rapids

Paul Harris, D.O. Trinity Health Medical Group, Pulmonology

Grand Rapids

Gregory Neagos, M.D. University of Michigan Health-West Wyoming

Timothy Daum, M.D. University of Michigan Health– West Metro Health Sleep Disorders Center Wyoming

Terrance Barnes, M.D. University of Michigan Health– West Professional Building Wyoming

James Hoekwater, D.O. University of Michigan Health– West Professional Building Wyoming

CRITICAL CARE SURGERY

Alistair Chapman, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Charles Gibson, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Elizabeth Steensma, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

DERMATOLOGY

Eileen Axibal, M.D. Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Lisa M. Bedford, M.D. Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Stephen C. Cahill, D.O. Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Daniel C. Dapprich, M.D. Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Brian J. Gerondale, M.D. Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Rebecca M. Jansen, M.D. Dermatology Associates of West Michigan Grand Rapids

John E. Miner, M.D. Dermatology Associates of

West Michigan Grand Rapids

Dipa S. Patel, M.D. Dermatology at MidTowne, PC Grand Rapids

Adam Asarch, M.D. Forefront Dermatology Grand Rapids

Nicholas Bontumasi, M.D. Forefront Dermatology Grand Rapids

Kristi Hawley, D.O. The Dermatology Institute of West Michigan Caledonia

Gina C. Ang, M.D. West Michigan Dermatology Grandville

Bridget A. Green, M.D. West Michigan Dermatology Grandville

Douglas A. Winstanley, D.O. West Michigan Dermatology Grandville

Ryan Freeland, M.D. Wolverine Dermatology Wyoming

EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT

Andrew Behler, D.O., M.P.H. Grand Rapids

Veronique Wan, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Chad Afman, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Francis Hart, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

James Thompson, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Darryl J. Elzinga, M.D. Ear Nose & Throat Center, PLLC Grand Rapids

Mark R. Winkle, M.D. Ear Nose & Throat Center, PLLC Grand Rapids

Gregory J. Artz, M.D. Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Grand Rapids

Claudell Cox, M.D. Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Grand Rapids

Robert J. Meleca, M.D. Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Grand Rapids

Devin Mistry, M.D. Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Grand Rapids

Joseph C. Taylor, M.D. Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat Grand Rapids

Michael F. Foster, D.O. Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists

Grand Rapids

Richard J. Strabbing, D.O. Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists

Holland

Maraya Baumanis, M.D. University of Michigan Health– West Grand Rapids

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dana Hop, D.O. Certified Emergency

Medicine Specialist PC

Wyoming

Adam Anderson, M.D. Grand River Emergency Medical Group

Grand Rapids

Joshua Reynolds, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Eric VanDePol, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Bradley Riley, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Samuel Kluger, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Androni Henry, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group

Grand Rapids

Todd Hartgerink, D.O.

University of Michigan Health–West Hospital Wyoming

David Berg, D.O. University of Michigan Health– West Certified Emergency Medicine Specialists

Wyoming

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES,

AND METABOLISM

Nathan Pomeroy, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Cyprian Gardine, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Diabetes and Endocrinology

Grand Rapids

Ashley Therasse, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Diabetes and Endocrinology

Grand Rapids

Edward Kryshak, M.D. University of Michigan Health– West Grand Rapids

Emilie Collins, M.D. West Michigan Endocrine Grand Rapids

FAMILY MEDICINE

Frank Brown, M.D. Corewell Health Byron Center

Christopher Barnes, D.O. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Kirk Agerson, M.D. Kirk Agerson, M.D. PC Grand Rapids

Karen Kennedy, M.D. Lacks Primary Care, Trinity Health Medical Group– South Caledonia

Nicholas Blank, M.D. Nova Direct Primary Care Grand Rapids

Matthew Falkiewicz, M.D. Nova Direct Primary Care Grand Rapids

David Rosner, D.O. Remedy Hair Restoration & Medical Spa

Grand Rapids

Neil Colegrove, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group– Primary Care & Pediatrics Byron Center

David Henderson, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Academic Family Medicine

Grand Rapids

Eugene Tay, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Academic Family Medicine

Grand Rapids

Camille Riddering Ryan, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Primary Care & Pediatrics - Rockford Rockford

Kristi Kern, D.O. University of Michigan Health– West Beltline Health Center Grand Rapids

Edwin Kornoelje, D.O. University of Michigan Health– West Beltline Health Center Grand Rapids

Christina Garcia, D.O. University of Michigan Health– West Cedar Springs

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Jeremy Barber, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Courtney Ferch, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Ben Kieff, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Matthew Moeller, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Thomas Rupp, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Ryan Wong, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Eugene Zolotarevsky, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Allan Coates, D.O. Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan, PLC Wyoming

J. Bradley Morrow, M.D. Grand River

Gastroenterology Grand Rapids

Curtis R. Weaver, M.D. Grand River Gastroenterology

Grand Rapids

Stephen T. Webster, M.D. Grand River

Gastroenterology

Grand Rapids

Michelle MuzaMoons, M.D. University of Michigan Health– WestHealthpark Wyoming

Luke DeRoo, D.O. University of Michigan Health-West–Healthpark Wyoming

Ryan Hamby, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West - Healthpark Wyoming

Ammar Hassan, M.D. University of Michigan Health–West - Healthpark Wyoming

GENERAL SURGERY

M. Mura Assifi, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Jeffrey Gawel, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Kenneth D. Minks, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Lora Silverman, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Kerent D. Pihl, D.O. Grand Rapids Surgical Associates PLLC Wyoming

Joel Anderson, M.D. Muskegon Surgery Center Muskegon

Gregory Myers, M.D. Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.C. Muskegon

Jill Onesti, M.D. Trinity Health Richard J. Lacks Cancer Center Grand Rapids

Jaret Beane, D.O. West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Daniel Borreson, M.D. West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Michael Dejong, M.D. West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Joel Green, M.D. West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Michael Leahy, M.D. West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Eric Mitchell, M.D. West Michigan

Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

GENETICS

Caleb Bupp, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Laurie Seaver, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Afriyie Gray, D.O. Trinity Health Medical Group, Geriatrics Grand Rapids

Robert Riekse, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Geriatrics Grand Rapids

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Leigh Seamon, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Gregory Gressel, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Mae Zakhour, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Kevin Brader, M.D. University of Michigan Health– West Grand Rapids

HAND SURGERY

Donald P. Condit, M.D. Condit Hand Clinic Grand Rapids

Stephen Duquette, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Daniel Hess, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Levi Hinkelman, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Matthew Fahrenkopf, M.D. Hand & Plastic Surgery Centre, PLC Grand Rapids

Randy Lovell, M.D. Lovell Hand & Orthopedic Center Grand Rapids

S. Andrei Ostric, M.D. Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.C. Muskegon

Scott Burgess, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Viet Do, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Julian Kuz, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Johanna R. Krebiehl, M.D. Plastic Surgery Associates Grand Rapids

HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY

Kathryn B. Alguire, M.D. Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan Norton Shores

Eric D. Batts, M.D. Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan Holland

Brett T. Brinker, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Sreenivasa R.

Chandana, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan

Grand Rapids

Yuanbin Chen, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan

Norton Shores

Thomas E. Gribbin, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan

Grand Rapids

Jared D. Knol, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan

Norton Shores

Nehal Lakhani, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Erin M. Pettijohn, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan

Norton Shores

Haritha G. Reddy, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan

Grand Rapids

Manish R.

Sharma, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan

Grand Rapids

Andrew L. Sochacki, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan

Grand Rapids

Amy C. Vander Woude, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Frances Wong, M.D.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Michael Zakem, D.O.

Cancer & Hematology

Centers of Western Michigan Grand Rapids

Stephanie Dublis, D.O. University of Michigan Health– West Cancer Center Wyoming

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Bradd Hemker, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Gretchen Roe, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

John Mulder, M.D. Holland Home–Grand Rapids

Steven Dupuis, D.O. Trinity Health Medical Group, GeriatricsBroadway Grand Rapids

Joel Phillips, D.O.

Trinity Health

Neurosciences

Grand Rapids

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Jorgelina de Sanctis, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Habiba Hassouna, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Russell Lampen, D.O. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Brian Petroelje, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Liam Sullivan, D.O. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Nnaemeka Egwuatu, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Infectious Disease Grand Rapids

Minerva Galang, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Infectious Disease Grand Rapids

Andrew Jameson, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Infectious Disease Grand Rapids

Mohamad El Mortada, M.D. University of Michigan Health– West Professional Building Wyoming

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Michael J. App, M.D. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics of West Michigan

Grand Rapids

Kelly Barcheski, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

TaLawnda Bragg, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Benjamin Busman, D.O. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Kathleen Jarrett, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

James Passinault, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Academic Internal Medicine

Grand Rapids

William Baer, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Concierge Medicine

Grand Rapids

Brian Stewart, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Hospital Medicine

Grand Rapids

James Fitzgerald, D.O. Trinity Health Medical Group, Primary Care East Paris Grand Rapids

Adam Wolfe, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Beltline Health Center Grand Rapids

David Albrecht, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Southwest Health Center

Wyoming

Natalie Parr, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Southwest Health Center

Wyoming

Eryn Quinn, D.O.

University of Michigan Health–West Southwest Health Center

Wyoming

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Ryan Madder, M.D. Corewell Health

Wyoming

Richard McNamara, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Araya Negash, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

David Bonnema, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Cardiology Muskegon

Barbara Karenko, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Professional Building Wyoming

Eric Walchak, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Professional Building Wyoming

Rajinder Marok, M.D. West Michigan Cardiology Grand Rapids

MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE

Thomas Balaskas, M.D. Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, PC Grand Rapids

David Colombo, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Marcos Cordoba Munoz, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Erin Fricke, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Vivian Romero, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Lisa Thiel, D.O. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Michael Tsimis, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

NEONATAL AND PERINATAL MEDICINE

Mitchell De Jonge, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Nga Dinh, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Claudia Nadernejad, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Jeannette Prentice, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Steven Gelfand, M.D. Trinity Health

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Grand Rapids

NEPHROLOGY

Ramandeep S. Banga, M.D.

Renal Associates of West Michigan, P.C.

Grand Rapids

Mark R. Boelkins, M.D.

Renal Associates of West Michigan, P.C.

Grand Rapids

Mark R. Boelkins, M.D.

Renal Associates of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

Kseniya V. Filippova, M.D. Renal Associates of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

Daniel J. Legault, M.D. Renal Associates of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

James A. Visser, M.D. Renal Associates of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

Gregory Downer, M.D. West Michigan

Nephrology

Muskegon

NEUROLOGY

Muhib Khan, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Muhammad Farooq, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Neurosurgery - Cherry Grand Rapids

Christopher Morgan, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Sleep MedicineGrand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

Christopher Goshgarian, M.D.

Trinity Health

NeurosciencesGrand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

Jessica Hedeman, D.O.

Trinity Health

NeurosciencesGrand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

Audrey Sanders, D.O.

Trinity Health

NeurosciencesGrand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

Herman Sullivan, M.D. Trinity Health NeurosciencesGrand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

Melanie Taylor, M.D. Trinity Health NeurosciencesGrand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

Min Zhu, M.D. Trinity Health NeurosciencesGrand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

David Ehrhardt, D.O. University of Michigan Health-WestProfessional Building Wyoming

Jordan Taylor, D.O. University of Michigan Health-WestProfessional Building Wyoming

NEUROSURGERY

Justin C. Clark, M.D. Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates, P.C. Grand Rapids

Bryan E. Figueroa, M.D. Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates, P.C. Grand Rapids

John F. Keller, M.D. Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates, P.C. Grand Rapids

Todd D. Vogel, M.D. Great Lakes Neurosurgical Associates, P.C. Grand Rapids

Paul Mazaris, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Sanjay Patra, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Justin Singer, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Todd Vitaz, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Moises Googe, D.O.

Corewell Health

Spine & Pain Management -

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Steve Klafeta, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Neurosurgery - Cherry Grand Rapids

Jurgen Luders, M.D.

Trinity Health Medical Group, Neurosurgery - Cherry Grand Rapids

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Ruth Brandt, M.D. Grand Rapids

Women’s Health

Grand Rapids

Monica Gary, M.D. Grand Rapids

Women’s Health

Grand Rapids

Robyn Hubbard, M.D.

Grand Rapids

Women’s Health

Grand Rapids

Sarah Mattson, M.D. Grand Rapids

Women’s Health

Grand Rapids

Sara DeNolf, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Jeffrey Dood, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Alicia Eichenberg, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Jessica Lalley, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Casey Parini, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Andola Mathis, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Obstetrics and Gynecology - Cherry

Grand Rapids

Geron Turke, D.O. Trinity Health Medical Group, Obstetrics and Gynecology - Cherry

Grand Rapids

Diana Bitner, M.D. True Women’s Health

Grand Rapids

Stephanie Getz, D.O. University of Michigan HealthWest - OB/GYN At The Village Wyoming

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Eiyass Albeiruti, M.D. Eye Center of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Jasmina Bajric, M.D. Eye Plastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Adam S. Hassan, M.D. Eye Plastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Thomas Cowden, M.D. Grand Rapids Ophthalmology

Walker

Yosef Gindzin, M.D.

Grand Rapids

Ophthalmology

Walker

Parin Gohel, M.D. Grand Rapids

Ophthalmology

Grandville

Marcus Muallem, M.D. Grand Rapids

Ophthalmology Rockford

Leslie Norris, D.O. Grand Rapids

Ophthalmology

Walker

Laura Piippo, M.D.

Grand Rapids

Ophthalmology Rockford

Michael D. Harrison, M.D. Harrison Eye Center PC Grand Rapids

Marko

Habekovic, M.D. Marko Habekovic

Ophthalmology

Grand Rapids

Michael Boyle, M.D. Oculoplastic Associates of West Michigan, PLC Grand Rapids

Tiffany Kent, M.D. Oculoplastic Associates of West Michigan, PLC Grand Rapids

Patrick J. Droste, M.D. Pediatric

Ophthalmology P.C.

Grand Rapids

Thomas M. Aaberg Jr., M.D. Retina Specialists of Michigan

Grand Rapids

Gregory Bever Jr., M.D. Retina Specialists of Michigan

Grand Rapids

Joseph Boss, M.D. Retina Specialists of Michigan

Grand Rapids

Nathan Pezda, M.D. Retina Specialists of Michigan Grand Rapids

Liliya Sutherland, D.O. Retina Specialists of Michigan Grand Rapids

Scott J. Westhouse, D.O. Retina Specialists of Michigan Grand Rapids

Nathan Reed, D.O. Shoreline Vision Muskegon

Lee Webster, M.D. Shoreline Vision Muskegon

William Rhoades, M.D. Specialty Eye Institute

Adrian

Matthew Borr, D.O. University of Michigan Health-WestOphthalmology

Wyoming

Paul Brown, D.O. University of Michigan Health-WestOphthalmology

Wyoming

Douglas Doyle, D.O. University of Michigan Health-WestOphthalmology

Wyoming

Ann M. Renucci, M.D. Verdier Eye Center

Grand Rapids

Karl J. Siebert, M.D.

Verdier Eye Center

Grand Rapids

David D. Verdier, M.D. Verdier Eye Center Grand Rapids

Kathleen DeHorn, M.D. Vitreo-Retinal Associates Grand Rapids

Frank Garber, M.D. Vitreo-Retinal Associates Grand Rapids

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

John Anderson, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

David J. Bielema, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Scott Burgess, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Kristopher Danielson, D.O. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Terrence Endres, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Erik Hedlund, D.O. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Tim D. Henne, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Michael Jabara, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Kory J. Johnson, D.O. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Tim Lenters, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates

of Michigan Grand Rapids

Thomas Matelic, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Scott Russo, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Geoffrey A. Sandman, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Peter Theut, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Rick A. Baszler, D.O. Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon Muskegon

James R. Ringler, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon Muskegon

Jon D. Hop, M.D. Shoreline Orthopaedics Holland

Kendall Hamilton, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Matthew Karek, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

James Lebolt, D.O.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Matthew Steensma, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Derek Axibal, M.D.

Corewell Health Hastings

Karl Roberts, M.D. West Michigan

Orthopaedics

Grand Rapids

Carl Wierks, M.D. West Michigan Orthopaedics

Grand Rapids

PAIN MEDICINE

Marc Korn, M.D. Haven Spine + Pain Grand Rapids

Ann M. Monroe, M.D. Holland Hospital–Pain Management Holland

Keith Javery, D.O. Javery Pain Institute Grand Rapids

Joshua Suderman, M.D. Javery Pain Institute Grand Rapids

Thomas Basch, M.D. Michigan Pain Consultants, PC Wyoming

John Birgiolas, M.D. Michigan Pain Consultants, PC Wyoming

Eric Kozfkay, D.O. Michigan Pain Consultants, PC Grand Rapids

Kevin M. Nemeth, M.D. Michigan Pain Consultants, PC Holland

Bindu PopatLewis, D.O. Michigan Pain Consultants, PC Grand Rapids

Adam Powell, D.O. Michigan Pain Consultants, PC Grand Rapids

Yi Jia Chu, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

PATHOLOGY

William V. Chopp, M.D. Michigan Pathology Specialists, PC Grand Rapids

Anthony J. Kubat, M.D. Michigan Pathology Specialists, PC Grand Rapids

Meryem M. Langenbach, M.D. Michigan Pathology Specialists, PC Grand Rapids

Meggen A. Walsh, D.O. Michigan Pathology Specialists, PC Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC / ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY

Carolyn King, M.D. C. King Psychiatry

Grand Rapids

Lindsey Bailey, M.D. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids

Heide Rollings, M.D. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Yasser Al-Khatib, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Enrique (Oliver)

Aregullin Eligio, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Sihong Huang, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Kim Lee, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Jeffrey Schneider, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Stanley Sedore, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Julie SommerfieldRonek, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Heather Sowinski, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Ronald Grifka, M.D. University of Michigan Health– West Beltline Health Center Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC CRITICAL

CARE MEDICINE

Robert Fitzgerald, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Elizabeth Rosner, D.O. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Dominic Sanfilippo, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY

Katherine Foster, D.O. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

Yaw AppiagyeiDankah, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Donna Eng, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Christel Keefe, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Emily Miller, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

Ryan Cox, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Peter Freswick, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Sarah Henkel, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC

HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY

Allison Close, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Albert Cornelius, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

James Fahner, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Beth Kurt, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Deanna Mitchell, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Kristy Pilbeam, D.O. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Matthew Pridgeon, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE

George Fogg, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Daliya Khuon, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Rosemary Olivero, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY

Yi Cai, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Jens Goebel, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Julia Steinke, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Jason Thomas, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY

Olufemi Soyode, M.D. Center for Adolescent and Child Neurology

Grand Rapids

Steven DeRoos, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Daniel Fain, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Angel Hernandez, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Jena Krueger, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Brian Woodruff, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGERY

M. Michael Bercu, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Casey Madura, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY

Susan Millard, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

John Schuen, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Johanna ZeaHernandez, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

James M. DeCou, M.D. Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

Emily Durkin, M.D. Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

Elliot Pennington, M.D. Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

Marc G. Schlatter, M.D. Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

Neal D. Uitvlugt, M.D. Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

Daniel Watkins, M.D. Pediatric Surgeons of West Michigan, P.C. Grand Rapids

PEDIATRIC UROLOGY

Theodore D. Barber, M.D. Urologic Consultants, P.C. Grand Rapids

David L. Weatherly, M.D. Urologic Consultants, P.C. Grand Rapids

PEDIATRICS (GENERAL)

Ron Hofman, M.D. Alger Pediatrics Grand Rapids

Jayne Rauwerda, M.D. Alger Pediatrics Grand Rapids

Lisa B. Brown, M.D. Cascade Pediatrics Grand Rapids

Erika K. Crane, M.D. Cascade Pediatrics Grand Rapids

Sarah Elmouchi, M.D. Cascade Pediatrics Grand Rapids

Alison Gehle, M.D. Cascade Pediatrics Grand Rapids

Greg Jereb, M.D. Cascade Pediatrics Grand Rapids

Mark Weirich, M.D. Cascade Pediatrics Grand Rapids

William Bush, M.D. Forest Hills Pediatric Associates Grand Rapids

Cara Zokoe, M.D. Forest Hills Pediatric Associates Grand Rapids

Abeba Berhane, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Jill Golden, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Miranda Hillard, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Jeri Kessenich, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Kira Sieplinga, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Candace SmithKing, M.D.

Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Karen Vander Laan, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Meghan Coleman, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Southwest

Health Center Wyoming

Tiffany Letts, M.D. University of Michigan Health–West Southwest Health Center Wyoming

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

A.J. Rush, M.D. Grand River Rehabilitation

Grand Rapids

Kelly Armstrong, M.D. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Grand Rapids

Benjamin Bruinsma, M.D. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation

Grand Rapids

Daniel Fechtner, M.D. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Grand Rapids

Michael Jakubowski, M.D. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Grand Rapids

Christopher Morelli, D.O. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Grand Rapids

Meagan Smith, D.O. Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation

Grand Rapids

Carolyn Vollmer, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

James Ellis, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

James Lee, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan

Grand Rapids

Randy Russo, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Ramin Rahimi, D.O. Rahimi Rehab + Pain Center Grand Rapids

Sara L. KaneSmart, M.D. Shoreline Orthopaedics Holland

David Hakopian, D.O. Trinity Health Medical Group, Physical Medicine and Spine - Cherry Grand Rapids

David Hakopian, D.O. Trinity Health Medical Group, Physical Medicine and Spine - Cherry Grand Rapids

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Ewa Timek, M.D. Advanced Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

David Alfonso, M.D. Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Brad Bengtson, M.D. Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Steven L. Ringler, M.D. Center for Aesthetics And Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Douglas Leppink, M.D. Centre for Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Benjamin Rechner, M.D. Centre for Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Shannon Armstrong, M.D. Elite Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

William T. Cullen, M.D. Elite Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Matthew Martin, M.D. Elite Plastic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Melissa MeldrumAaberg, M.D. Eye Plastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Grand Rapids

Matthew Fahrenkopf, M.D. Hand & Plastic Surgery Centre, PLC Grand Rapids

S. Andrei Ostric, M.D. Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.C. Muskegon

Ryan P. Ter Louw, M.D. Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.C. Muskegon

Dena W. Thayer, D.O. Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.C. Muskegon

Viet Do, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Dennis Hammond, M.D. Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan Grand Rapids

Andrea Van Pelt, M.D. Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan

Grand Rapids

Terri Zomerlei, M.D. Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan

Grand Rapids

Marguerite E. Aitken, M.D. Plastic Surgery Associates

Grand Rapids

Johanna R. Krebiehl, M.D. Plastic Surgery Associates

Grand Rapids

John D. Renucci, M.D. Plastic Surgery Associates

Grand Rapids

Douglas L. Vander Woude, M.D. Plastic Surgery Associates

Grand Rapids

Andrew Livingston, M.D. Plastic Surgery Specialists PLLC Grand Rapids

Anna Carlson, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

John Girotto, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Ronald Ford, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

PODIATRY

Joshua R. Decker, D.P.M. Foot & Ankle Specialists of West Michigan Grand Rapids

John Harris, D.P.M. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Marisha Stawiski, D.P.M. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Daniel Koschtial, D.P.M. University of Michigan Health–West - Comstock Park Health Center Comstock Park

Michael Emiley, D.P.M. University of Michigan Health– WestPodiatry (Foot & Ankle)

Grand Rapids

PSYCHIATRY

Chidinma Isinguzo, M.D. Network180

Grand Rapids

Kevin Kunzer, M.D. Neuropsychology Associates Kalamazoo

Jack Mahdasian, M.D. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

Grand Rapids

Ryan Marin, M.D.

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Vegas Coleman, M.D.

Trinity Health Behavioral Health

Muskegon

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Matthew W. Packard, M.D. Lakeshore Area Radiation Oncology Center Holland

Derek Bergsma, M.D. Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center

Grand Rapids

Eric Buth, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Patrick L. Fabrizio, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Brian Kastner, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Michael Mahacek, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Matthew Tate, M.D. Trinity Health Johnson Family Cancer Center

Muskegon

Julie Forstner , M.D. Wyoming

RADIOLOGY

Bradford Betz, M.D. Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Jamie Frost, D.O. Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Joseph Junewick, M.D. Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Jarrod MacFarlane, D.O. Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Chris Therasse, M.D. Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Stuart Vollmer, M.D. Advanced Radiology Services PC

Grand Rapids

Andrew Zbojniewicz, M.D. Advanced Radiology Services PC

Grand Rapids

Baljit S. Deol, M.D. Kent Radiology, P.C. Grand Rapids

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY /INFERTILITY

Emma Giuliani, M.D. The Fertility Center

Grand Rapids

Valerie I. Shavell, M.D. The Fertility Center Grand Rapids

Mili Thakur, M.D. The Fertility Center Grand Rapids

RHEUMATOLOGY

Lakshmi P. Kocharla, M.D. Bronson Rheumatology Specialists

Kalamazoo

Danielle M. Robinett, M.D. Holland HospitalRheumatology

Zeeland

James

Birmingham, M.D. River City Rheumatology

Ada

Andrew Lewandowski, D.O. River City Rheumatology

Ada

Barakat Thabet, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Peter Zadvinskis, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Nour Zleik, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Aaron Eggebeen, M.D. West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC Grand Rapids

Andrew Head, M.D. West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC Grand Rapids

Richard Martin, M.D. West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC Grand Rapids

Eric Slavin, M.D. West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC Grand Rapids

SLEEP MEDICINE

Jason Coles, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Timothy Daum, M.D. University of Michigan Health– West Metro Health Sleep Disorders Center Wyoming

Rudolph Addy, M.D. University of Michigan Health-West - Sleep Disorders Center Wyoming

SPORTS MEDICINE

Michael Jabara, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan

Grand Rapids

Peter Theut, M.D. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan

Grand Rapids

Bruce A. Stewart, M.D. Shoreline Orthopaedics Holland

Matthew Axtman, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Jason Lazor, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Derek Axibal, M.D. Corewell Health Hastings

Kristi Kern, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Beltline Health Center

Grand Rapids

Edwin Kornoelje, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Beltline Health Center Grand Rapids

Aryn Johnson, D.O. University of Michigan Health–West Caledonia

Kenneth Dood, D.O. University of Michigan Health– West Cedar Springs

THORACIC SURGERY

Geoffrey Lam, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Edward Murphy, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Tomasz Timek, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Charles Willekes, M.D. Corewell Health

Grand Rapids

Bruce Shabahang, M.D. Trinity Health Richard J. Lacks Cancer Center Grand Rapids

TRAUMA SURGERY

Kristopher Danielson, D.O. Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan Grand Rapids

Alistair Chapman, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Charles Gibson, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Elizabeth Steensma, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Eric Mitchell, M.D. West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

Wayne VanderKolk, M.D. West Michigan Surgical Specialists PLC Wyoming

UROLOGY

Thomas J. Maatman, D.O. Michigan

Urological Clinic

Grand Rapids

Kenneth F. Shockley, D.O. Michigan

Urological Clinic

Grand Rapids

Christopher Brede, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

George Ghareeb, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

John Humphrey, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Brian Lane, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Christopher Riedinger, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Conrad Tobert, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Jon Curry, M.D. Corewell Health Greenville

John G. Anema, M.D. Urologic Consultants, P.C. Grand Rapids

Jannah H. Thompson, M.D. Urologic Consultants, P.C. Wyoming

Erik M. Ratchford, D.O. Urology Associates of Grand Rapids, PC Grand Rapids

Paul N. Rodriguez, M.D. Urology Associates of Grand Rapids, PC Grand Rapids

Randall S. Kuntzman, M.D. Urology Surgeons, P.C. Grand Rapids

John R. Lobo, M.D. Urology Surgeons, P.C. Grand Rapids

Navneet S. Mander, M.D. Urology Surgeons, P.C. Grand Rapids

Michael Traver, M.D. Western Michigan Urological Associates Holland

VASCULAR / INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

Orrie Close, M.D.

Advanced Radiology Services PC

Grand Rapids

Michael Doherty, M.D. Advanced Radiology Services PC

Grand Rapids

Michael Knox, M.D.

Advanced Radiology Services PC

Grand Rapids

Jarrod

MacFarlane, D.O. Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Bryan Mustert, M.D. Advanced Radiology Services PC

Grand Rapids

William Rozell, D.O. Advanced Radiology Services PC Grand Rapids

Manish Varma, M.D. Advanced Radiology Services PC

Grand Rapids

Baljit S. Deol, M.D. Kent Radiology, P.C. Grand Rapids

Christina Bakalis, M.D.

University of Michigan Health– West Wyoming

Guillermo Sanchez, M.D.

University of Michigan Health– West Wyoming

Matthew Tiede, M.D.

University of Michigan Health– West Wyoming

VASCULAR SURGERY

Lawrence Mallon, M.D. Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.C. Muskegon

Christopher Chambers, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Justin Simmons, D.O. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Jason Slaikeu, M.D. Corewell Health Grand Rapids

Joshua Greenberg, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Vascular Surgery Grand Rapids

Michelle Kosovec, M.D. Trinity Health Medical Group, Vascular Surgery - Grand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

John Morris, D.O. Trinity Health Medical Group, Vascular Surgery - Grand Rapids Campus Grand Rapids

Honoring the Professionals Who Help Keep West Michigan Healthy

Over the last decade, West Michigan has grown to become one of the most highly rated destinations for healthcare. Whether you’re focusing on preventive care, managing a short-term ailment, or tackling a serious illness, you’re in competent hands—right in your own backyard. From those serving the Medical Mile to the many providers throughout the region and on the lakeshore, there are numerous top-notch physicians to address your needs and concerns.

In addition to trusted primary care and family medicine doctors, there are highly skilled orthopedists, rheumatologists, chronic pain specialists, endocrinologists, allergists and ENT doctors, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, and more—all with a passion for helping their patients receive quality care.

The Featured Physicians and Top Docs who are profiled in this special section have demonstrated their dedication to the medical profession. They have earned the respect and admiration of their peers and the gratitude of the community they serve. They are lifelong learners, as well as teachers, authors, and mentors to the younger generation entering their field of study. In this issue, we’re celebrating them! 

NEW: EXTENDED HOURS & SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

There’s no better time for OAM NOW than when you have an unexpected sprain or fracture. Starting May 22 we will be open Mondays-Fridays at 8 am – 8 pm and Saturdays at 9 am – 5 pm. AND you can walk in when you need us, or call us for urgent same/next day appointment availability!

More benefits of receiving urgent care at OAM NOW:

• We charge for just a specialty office visit versus an emergency room visit.

• We can take X-rays and fit you for a brace or splint onsite.

• We facilitate further testing and follow up appointments with our specialized providers and licensed therapists.

SEE

John Anderson, MD* Foot & Ankle

David Bielema, MD* Joint Reconstruction, Trauma

Donald Bohay, MD, FACS Foot & Ankle

J. Todd Brown, DO Spine

Scott Burgess, MD* Hand & Upper Extremity

Kristopher Danielson, DO* Joint Reconstruction, Trauma

Viet Do, MD* Hand & Upper Extremity, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Kenneth Easton, MD Spine

Julian Kuz, MD* Hand & Upper Extremity

James Lee, MD* Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Thomas Malvitz, MD Joint Reconstruction

John Maskill, MD Foot & Ankle

Thomas Matelic, MD* Sports Medicine

B. Kent Maupin, MD Hand & Upper Extremity

Stephen O’Neil, DO Sports Medicine Randy Russo, MD* Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

BONE HEALTH CLINIC

OAM strives to promote bone health, reduce fracture risk, accelerate healing and prevent refractures. They provide comprehensive bone health care, including: osteoporosis screening, diagnosis, treatment, therapy, and education.

THERAPY SERVICES

Our onsite therapists work closely with OAM physicians to provide a continuum of quality care that maximizes patient outcomes. Therapy services include: Hand to Shoulder Therapy (with Certified Hand Therapists), Physical Therapy (with pool therapy), and Work Conditioning, as well as providing custom orthotics and medical braces.

MRI

OAM offers the convenience of full diagnostic imaging services, including onsite MRI, that are also among the most cost-effective in the area.

SURGERY CENTER

Patients can save an average of 30%-50% versus the hospital, when having surgery at the OAM Surgery Center at MidTowne.

James Ellis, MD* Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Terrence Endres, MD* Orthopaedic Trauma

Leland Gossett, MD Hand & Upper Extremity

Erik Hedlund, DO* Joint Reconstruction, Sports Medicine

Adam C. Hull, DO Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Michael Jabara, MD* Joint Reconstruction, Sports Medicine

Kory Johnson, DO* Joint Reconstruction, Trauma

Kenneth Kozlow, MD Spine

Scott Russo, MD* Spine

Benjamin Strong, MD Joint Reconstruction, Trauma

James Stubbart, MD Spine

Peter Theut, MD* Joint Reconstruction, Sports Medicine

Kirk Agerson, M.D.

Dr. Kirk Agerson is a board certified family medicine physician who has been in independent practice in Grand Rapids for more than 40 years. He is welcoming

new patients and emphasizes that the small size of his practice allows him to provide personalized attention—much more so than a typical primary care practice. Dr. Agerson also offers

conveniences such as same or next-day appointments that start on time with minimum appointment duration of 30 minutes. He has the time and experience to listen to and delve into his patients’ issues with more thoughtfulness, and to expedite and advocate for their care with specialists.

Dr. Agerson strongly believes that communication and personalized healthcare are paramount to a person’s health and well-being. He appreciates the recognition he has received from his fellow physicians and credits his team for their support in providing exceptional care. ■

Keith Javery, D.O.

Five years in a row, Dr. Keith Javery has been nominated by his peers as a Top Doc—an award and recognition he is honored to have received.

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Javery has treated his patients with the most advanced techniques available in interventional chronic pain and is considered one of the most experienced specialists in his field. These factors are only part of what makes him so effective. Dr. Javery feels that the key is to connect with people on a personto-person basis—and that this individualized approach to medicine isn’t taught…it’s lived. He understands that most patients do not fit into convenient “boxes”, nor do they respond or benefit from treatments in the same ways. Despite challenges in the healthcare system, Dr. Javery continues to provide personalized, compassionate care, and lives by the mantra, “So long as you do right by and for your patient, you can never go wrong.” ■

Kristi Hawley, D.O., F.A.A.D.

Kristi Hawley, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist who has been serving the greater Grand Rapids community since 2016. Dr. Hawley thrives as a medical skincare professional providing personalized treatment with a holistic approach. Dr. Hawley is nationally recognized for her expertise in treating psoriasis and eczema and has spoken across the nation on these topics.

As an Ohio native, she fell in love with Michigan during her residency at Michigan State University. Since then, she has delved into all aspects of skincare, becoming a rash expert, working closely with the National Psoriasis Foundation, and opened her own practice in 2019, The Derm Institute of West Michigan in Caledonia.

Dr. Hawley is eager to help patients feel confident and bring out the clear skin within. ■

The Derm Institute of West Michigan 1661 Crystal Springs Blvd. SE Caledonia, MI 49316 616-326-0114

derminstituteofwmi.com

Nathan Nartker, M.D., F.A.A.D.

Growing up with severe acne and seeing a handful of dermatologists himself, Nathan Nartker, MD, wanted to connect with similar patients struggling with skin conditions to help them put their best foot forward.

After completing three years of residency at Wayne State University, Dr. Nartker was drawn to The Derm Institute of West Michigan because of Dr. Kristi Hawley’s passion for people and patientcentered care. He shared the same philosophies as Dr. Hawley and joined the team with an eagerness to help patients feel confident in their own skin.

When he’s not treating patients at the office, Dr. Nartker can be found exploring West Michigan with his wife and tinkering in the garage with electronics, cars, tractors, and other small engines. ■

The Derm Institute of West Michigan 1661 Crystal Springs Blvd. SE Caledonia, MI 49316

616-326-0114

derminstituteofwmi.com

Michael Foster, D.O.

ANeurotologist with Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists, Dr. Michael Foster specializes in disorders of the ear including cholesteatoma and otosclerosis, skull base tumors, pediatric hearing loss, and cochlear

implantation for patients struggling to hear despite hearing aids. Board certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastics, he offers comprehensive ear and hearing care for patients, and has a passion for educating

them regarding their diagnosis and treatment plan. This approach, he feels, is often lacking in modern medicine.

Dr. Foster is vigilant in providing his patients with all care options and believes strongly that the surgeon and patient must be on the same page when developing a plan for surgery or medical treatment. He accomplishes this by providing ample details, thoroughly discussing all risks and benefits, and answering all questions. Dr. Foster truly enjoys every aspect of his job and cherishes his relationships with his partners, staff, and patients. ■

Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists

739 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-994-2770

michiganentallergy.com

Richard Strabbing, D.O.

Dr. Richard Strabbing, a West Michigan native, is the founder and President of Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists. Board certified in Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery, he treats people of all ages,

from newborns to seniors. Dr. Strabbing has a passion for helping his patients with ear and sinus issues—and feels fortunate to be able to serve the West Michigan community.

Dr. Strabbing strives to offer his

patients many options, including minimally-invasive procedures conducted in the office, such as balloon sinuplasty. A pioneer in the field, he was one of the first physicians in the state of Michigan to perform the technique in 2007. He also offers effective treatment options for allergies, such as allergy injections or allergy drops. He is proud of his strong team, their unparalleled work ethic, and their efforts to get all patients seen in a timely fashion. The practice has six locations throughout West Michigan. ■

michiganentallergy.com

Featured Physicians // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

Dr. Eric Kozfkay, a leader in minimally invasive pain management using the latest technologies. With access to a large toolbox that most practitioners don’t offer, he focuses on reducing his

Eric Kozfkay, D.O.

patients’ pain and suffering, which, in turn, helps them regain joy and improve their quality of life.

When evaluating a patient’s symptoms, Dr. Kozfkay considers the person as a whole and uses active

listening to understand their needs and concerns. This creates a calm, comforting, open experience that helps build trust and communication.

Dr. Kozfkay is passionate about Orthobiologics, a process that uses patients’ own cells through platelet rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentration (BMAC) mesenchymal stem cells. He also thrives on helping people who suffer from PTSD, through the use of Stellate ganglion blocks, ketamine, and breathing techniques, which can be a solution—and offer hope—when other therapies and treatments have failed. ■

Michigan Pain Consultants, PC 2060 E Paris Ave. SE, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 800-281-3237

michiganpain.com

Patrick Droste, MS, M.D.

Dr. Patrick Droste is a pediatric ophthalmologist, strabismologist, and founder of Pediatric Ophthalmology PC. This specialized field cares for pediatric patients with glaucoma, cataracts, orbital tumors, amblyopia,

strabismus, and congenital syndromes. Adults who have eye misalignment and double vision are also medically and surgically treated at his practice.

Droste’s medical career began in respiratory therapy at Henry Ford

Hospital. He obtained a master’s degree and medical degree from Wayne State School of Medicine, and continued his education with a year of internal medicine and four years of ophthalmology residency at Henry Ford Hospital. He also obtained a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and ocular motility at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Droste is a clinical professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Additionally, he serves on several community and medical specialty boards in leadership, education,

research capacities.

grpedoph.com

Physicians // GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

Melissa MeldrumAaberg, M.D.

Adam S. Hassan, M.D.

Jasmina Bajric, M.D.

Dr. Melissa Meldrum-Aaberg is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon who has served the West Michigan community for more than 20 years. She is honored to be named a Top Doctor by Grand Rapids Magazine year after year, and takes pride in helping her patients look and feel their best, through treatments and techniques that address cosmetic and functional issues of the eyelids, brows, and face. It is her goal to develop personalized and trusting relationships with her patients to better understand their motivations behind seeking eyelid surgery and what they hope to achieve.

“I dedicate time to each patient to create a treatment plan that is specific to their needs,” Meldrum-Aaberg says. “My team and I are truly passionate about restoring our patients’ self-confidence and vision with refined and natural-looking outcomes. Our extensive training and years of experience, combined with stateof-the-art procedures and technology, allow us to provide outstanding results.” ■

Anative of Michigan, Dr. Adam Hassan has been serving the Grand Rapids region for 16 years. “I am very honored to be named a top doctor this year,” Hassan says, referring to be named a Top Doctor by Grand Rapids Magazine in 2023. “It is a privilege to help a wide variety of patients by providing surgical care for complex eyelid and orbital conditions. I also feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help others look and feel their best by providing cutting edge cosmetic techniques.” Hassan received his medical degree from the University of Michigan where he also completed residency and fellowship. He served on the faculty at the U-M until moving to Grand Rapids in 2007. He is board certified and a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Since 2012, Hassan has served as the division chief of ophthalmology for Spectrum Health. ■

Eye Plastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgery 2757 Leonard NE, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-942-6687

In 2021, Dr. Jasmina Bajric joined Eye Plastic and Facial Cosmetic Surgery, a decade after graduating from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She is a board certified ophthalmologist and oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and is also fluent in Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian and conversational in Spanish. She completed her ophthalmology training at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and her fellowship in oculoplastics through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

After her training, Bajric was an assistant professor and head of oculoplastic and orbital surgery at the University of South Florida, where she was one of the team physician for the Tampa Bay Lighting. “I am excited to be back in Grand Rapids to provide functional and cosmetic care for the community,” Bajric says. “I pride myself on my compassion, patience, and ability to listen and understand the needs of my patients.” ■

Eye Plastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgery

2757 Leonard NE, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-942-6687

Eyeplasticsgr.com

Eyeplasticsgr.com

Eyeplasticsgr.com

West Michigan Rheumatology, PLLC

West Michigan Rheumatology is an academically oriented specialty group that has provided consultative care for more than 140,000 patients since 1991. The physicians understand and embrace the multiple roles that specialists provide, including managing complex and life-threatening diseases, prescribing powerful medications, and “solving the riddle.”

“We feel that it is an honor to be trusted to participate in our patients’ care,” says

Richard W. Martin, M.D., M.A., one of four rheumatologists on staff. “We take this confidence seriously and promise to place their interests first.” The physicians at WMR have broad and deep experience in providing the full range of clinical care, which has been sharpened by conducting years of academic research. This includes sustained threads of investigation related to rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus, myositis, and psoriatic arthritis.

WMR physicians are all board-certified and have trained at different national centers of excellence: Mayo Clinic, University of Tennessee – Memphis, University of Pittsburgh, and University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. This diversity of education provides a unique, multi-faceted perspective that greatly benefits the patient. “I have learned as much from my colleagues at WMR as I did during my fellowship.” Dr. Eric Slavin says. “Collaborating with my partners has made me a better physician.”

The rheumatologists at WMR are faculty of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine; thus patient care, medical learner education, and research are all part of daily practice.

“We are among the few rheumatologists who provide in-patient consultations for critically ill patients in the region. This is available at Trinity Health St Mary’s Hospital,” Dr. Andrew Head says. This has given the physicians extensive experience in managing patients with multisystem vasculitis and complex forms of systemic lupus erythematosus while coordinating care with nephrology, pulmonary, and neurology colleagues.

In addition to their clinical responsibilities, the physicians at WMR have been leaders in translational research about shared decision making: a process in which clinicians and patients work together to make decisions and select tests, treatments, and care plans based on clinical evidence. This work is consistent with the core values of listening and caring, embodied by everyone at WMR.

For five consecutive years, the Centers for Medicare Services have recognized West Michigan Rheumatology as having exceeded the MIPs Quality “Exceptional Threshold,” distinguishing our practice as providing the highest quality care. “We want our work to make a difference in your life,” Dr. Aaron T. Eggebeen says.

The partners at West Michigan Rheumatology are Richard W. Martin, M.D., M.A.; Andrew J. Head, M.D.; Aaron T. Eggebeen, M.D.; and Eric T. Slavin, M.D. 

Bruce A. Stewart, M.D., M.B.A.

Jon D. Hop, M.D.

Sara L. KaneSmart, M.D.

Dr. Bruce A. Stewart is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He has extensive training and experience in caring for athletes and treating fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries.

Dr. Stewart takes an individualized approach, spending time with each patient to understand what is important to them and tailoring their treatment plan to their goals. He believes that truly listening to what is important to the patient, combined with years of experience and commitment to continuous improvement, leads to exceptional outcomes. Dr. Stewart is always looking for ways to improve his practice, remaining open to new ideas and embracing new technologies. ■

Specializing in hip and knee surgery, Dr. Jon D. Hop is one of the most experienced fellowship-trained total joint replacement surgeons in the region. He is passionate about helping patients regain their function and mobility to continue to live enjoyable and productive lives. Dr. Hop strives to provide personalized service and treatment for each patient’s individual needs, and spends as much time as possible with them to know their specific concerns and treat their underlying condition. He takes a team approach to patient care and support, and is continually integrating new technologies with proven techniques to optimize patient outcomes. ■

Dr. Sara Kane-Smart is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with a passion for helping people participate in life to the highest degree possible. She seeks to minimize or eliminate pain and finds alternative ways to function if there is a neurologic or musculoskeletal limitation. Dr. KaneSmart begins every consultation with a thorough history and examination including assessment of alignment, then reviews imaging and other testing and takes time to discuss with and educate her patients about the implications of the findings. Together, they come up with a treatment plan that could include simply stretching or modifying their activities, or may involve medications, physical or occupational therapy, injections or referral to a surgical or interventional pain specialist. ■

Shoreline Orthopaedics

370 North 120th Avenue

Holland, MI 49424

616-396-5855

shorelineortho.com

Shoreline Orthopaedics

370 North 120th Avenue

Holland, MI 49424

616-396-5855

shorelineortho.com

Honoring the Professionals Who Help Keep West Michigan Healthy

For over three decades, the dedicated and talented team at Plastic Surgery Associates has been delivering life-changing results to countless satisfied patients. The physicians at Plastic Surgery Associates are trained specialists with comprehensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures and provide the latest face, breast, body contouring and hand procedures in their two state-of-the-art facilities in West Michigan. Grand Pearl Spa, a division of Plastic Surgery Associates, is an exclusive spa located downtown Grand Rapids that provides comprehensive skincare, facials, cosmetic injectables, and body treatments in a full-service spa. SkinCeuticals SkinLab by Plastic Surgery Associates, located in Breton Village, offers focused signature skin treatments, injectables, and laser treatments to deliver great skin in under an hour. Together, Grand Pearl Spa and SkinCeuticals SkinLab strive to promote healthy skin and wellness through customized skincare and treatment solutions tailored to the client’s needs. Come meet our incredible team today!

Over the last decade, West Michigan has grown to become one of the most highly rated destinations for healthcare. Whether you’re focusing on preventive care, managing a short-term ailment, or tackling a serious illness, you’re in competent hands—right in your own backyard. From those serving the Medical Mile to the many providers throughout the region and on the lakeshore, there are numerous top-notch physicians to address your needs and concerns.

Scan the QR code to learn more or schedule a consultation!

In addition to trusted primary care and family medicine doctors, there are highly skilled orthopedists, rheumatologists, chronic pain specialists, endocrinologists, allergists and ENT doctors, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, and more—all with a passion for helping their patients receive quality care.

The Featured Physicians and Top Docs who are profiled in this special section have demonstrated their dedication to the medical profession. They have earned the respect and admiration of their peers and the gratitude of the community they serve. They are lifelong learners, as well as teachers, authors, and mentors to the younger generation entering their field of study. In this issue, we’re celebrating them! 

616.451.4500 | www.psa-gr.com

Dr. Douglas Vander Woude Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Marguerite Aitken Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

From left to right: Nicole Devos, RN Injection Specialist; Dr. Jeanne Eyde, Board Certified ENT- FPS Practicing Aesthetic Medicine, Medical Director, Injection and Laser Specialist; Bryan Brooks, MSN, RN, FNP-C Injection Specialist; Dr. Andrea Wolfe, Board Certified OB/ GYN; Dr. Marka Steensma, Board Certified OB/ GYN; Pam Jendritz, RN, BS Clinical Director, Injection and Laser Specialist

Dr. Johanna Krebiehl Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. John Renucci Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gregory J. Artz, M.D.

Claudell Cox, M.D.

C. Taylor, M.D.

Dr. Gregory J. Artz is a Neurotologist who specializes in complex ear, sinus, and skull base surgeries and treats patients with all forms of hearing and balance disorders. He is one of the only ENT surgeons in West Michigan who is fellowshiptrained in ear and skull base surgery. Originally from Bloomfield Hills, Dr. Artz completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and earned his Medical Degree from Wayne State University’s School of Medicine. He operates and has privileges at all of the major hospitals in the Grand Rapids area. ■

Dr. Claudell Cox is a boardcertified otolaryngologist who specializes in the treatment of diseases, disorders, and cancers of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. He also has specialized training in surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands as well as the latest treatment for sleep apnea including Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan, where he was also an Otolaryngology resident. He was voted the #1 ENT for West Michigan kids in 2017 and is committed to providing the most up-to-date care. ■

Dr. Joseph C. Taylor is a boardcertified Otolaryngologist who specializes in the treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders in children and adolescents. He also treats adults in the areas of hearing loss, sinus, throat, and head and neck malignancies. Dr. Taylor grew up in Charlotte, Michigan and attended the University of Michigan for both undergraduate and medical school. He continued his studies at the University of Michigan for his otolaryngology residency and pediatric fellowship. ■

Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat 1425 Michigan St. NE, Suite A Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-459-4514

grentpc.com

Grand Rapids Ear Nose & Throat 1555 44th St. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-249-8000 grentpc.com

Emilie Collins, M.D.

After practicing for 14 years at Trinity Health in Grand Rapids, Dr. Emilie Collins founded West Michigan Endocrine in March of 2022. The practice focuses on general endocrinology and accepts all major insurances. Dr. Collins is passionate about ensuring her patients are—and feel—informed, and instilling confidence in them through her expert care. She and her team at West Michigan Endocrine pride themselves on treating each patient as an individual and providing personalized care in a small-office atmosphere. Dr. Collins has earned her reputation as a Top Doc and is grateful to have been nominated and awarded the designation several times. ■

Dr. Joel Anderson is a board-certified surgeon trained in all areas of general surgery, with a special interest in surgical endoscopy and has been in practice since 2009. After graduating with honors from Grand Valley State University, Anderson received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Michigan State University and completed his residency in general surgery at the Michigan State University Grand Rapids campus. He completed his fellowship in surgical endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery at Ohio State University. Previously, he was an associate staff member at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He has now returned to West Michigan to serve patients at Muskegon Surgical Associates in the general surgery division. He continues to care for patients in all aspects of general surgery as well as advanced endoscopy including Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogrphy (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Anderson has access to the latest innovations and advanced treatment methods, and says he provides quality care with personal attention and a commitment to treating not just the problem, but also the whole person. ■

West Michigan Endocrine

5060 Cascade Road, Suite C1

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616-255-9521

westmichiganendocrine.com

Tony Ochoa shares family's flour tortilla recipe with a twist.

PHOTOGRAPH BY STACY FEYER-SALO

On the Waterfront

Linear’s location on the river positions it as a contender

BY PAT EVANS // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

It can be easy for a restaurant to open and to force its concept on customers.

Sometimes, the original concept works and customers flock to the establishment and all is swell. Other times, the entire idea collapses and the restaurant goes out of business, which is why so many fail to make it beyond three years.

But more often than not, those restaurants that do survive happen to evolve with customers to determine where they fit into a community.

That last scenario is exactly how Linear, 1001 Monroe Ave. NW, has turned into one of the boundary-pushing eateries of Grand Rapids. Co-owner Todd Hoort said when the restaurant opened in 2018, the initial belief was that it would be a small plates restaurant, with the bar being the true draw of the place.

Maitake Mushroom Pavé: beluga lentils, watermelon radish, asparagus, cippolini onion, celeriac, vegan demi glaze, sun-dried tomato dust.

“We figured we’d be a place to come hangout, have a few drinks and food would be secondary and just there,” Hoort said. “That was our initial vision, but we’ve evolved into a more traditional restaurant. We quickly learned customers wanted us to be more full-service, more sit-down and we’ve transformed more into that than anyone considering us a bar.”

The concept of transitioning from a bar to a full-fledged restaurant is not to say Linear is a place where one can’t find an excellent beverage. In fact, quite the contrary. The bar is center stage in the dining room, just set back after walking into the front door. The place is full of natural light from the big windows that line the walls, greenery and all with a view of the wonderful public space along the Grand River on North Monroe Ave.

It is a perfect setting to grab a beer or well-designed cocktail after work. Heck, order up a few of the appetizers and the initial vision certainly still works. If they’re on the menu, grab the ginger-miso pork meatballs; absolutely delightful.

But West Michigan is a place that is hard to change minds, and palates. Add in the complete unknown for the hospitality industry that was COVID-19 and Linear has pushed its focus to cater to guests, or as Hoort puts it, “We’ve become more focused on what guests are and less about what we think and less of what we want. But it’s in a good way.”

Restaurateurs and chefs can get in their own heads. Egos can grow easily as they look across a food scene and recognize the holes left or how they can bring innovative ideas from bigger markets to a small, Midwestern city.

“A lot of times, we look at Chicago, New York, Nashville, cities like those and we want to be them,” Hoort said. “Grand

(Above) bar area (right) Spinach Coconut Salad: papaya, cucumber, spiced macadamia nuts, puffed rice, honey marscapone, with white balsamic

With the recent shift to a new dinner menu, Linear is ready to help Grand Rapids continue its evolution into its next phase as a city.

Rapids often is not ready right away for some of those trends. That’s not a bad thing, but if something is cool in Chicago, it will be cool in Grand Rapids in two years.”

It’s tough to be a trailblazer in a city, as many restaurateurs continue to learn in Grand Rapids. Many take a similar approach to Linear’s and then pull back to meet customers in the middle. Few get to actually stretch the wings the way they want, but it takes a little bit of flexibility to get there when all is said and done. At Linear, Hoort said really, they just need to let people have a say in where it is going.

“Eventually, people have to show up and have fun,” he said. “They get to dictate what happens versus us steering them the ways we want them to go. That’s how eventually you get to a happy medium.”

The menu at Linear has always had some standouts, from the spinach coconut salad to the duck breast and the wagyu flank steak, as well as any fish on the menu.

But the restaurant rolled out a new menu this spring.

“We finally feel like we’ve hit our sweet spot where we can express ourselves but find the customers where they are and what they want,” Hoort said. “We’ll push the boundaries with some of the items, but we’ll also have some super easy, clean stuff. You can bring in your weird aunt and we have Cacio e Pepe, so we can say we have a simple pasta and cheese.

“We found our menu balance; it’s our most put together menu.”

Along with the new menu, Linear also in recent times has opened up its hours to include brunch on the weekends and lunch on weekdays.

Brunch has many delicious options to choose from, including a latin hash, croque madame, flat iron steak and eggs and a strawberry stuffed French toast. The brunch prices are incredibly reasonably priced (most are below $15 per dish). But perhaps the highlight is the brunch special

Blackened Mahi Mahi: mango relish, purple cabbage, rainbow swiss chard, corn grits, with champagne coulis.

"We found our menu balance; it’s our most put together menu."

Todd Hoort

Chefs Mitchell Cook (left) and Alex Vernier.

which allows diners to choose two different entrees and a bottle of bubbles for $45.

More recently, Linear launched its lunch. That was personal for Hoort, who likes eating out for lunch more than dinner.

“Maybe that’s because I work for a restaurant, but it’s a cool time to get together with people and it’s not as big of a deal,” he said. “It’s also, we talk about wanting downtown vibrancy and being down to the river. Well, you have to be open all day, you can’t open at five and ask why no one is down here. We want to promote that Grand Rapids is walkable and we think lunch and brunch instills that thought.”

The lunch menu includes some entrees from the dinner menu, but its own as well, like a mojo pork tostada or fish ‘n’ chips. Sandwich offerings are excellent as well, including a braised beef, chicken salad and one featuring the ginger miso meatballs highlighted earlier. The salads are perhaps a can’t miss feature of the Linear menu, with refreshing takes on flavors and colors. Like brunch, the lunch offerings carry a wallet friendly price with most dishes priced under $16.

With the recent shift to a new dinner menu, Linear is ready to help Grand Rapids continue its evolution into its next phase as a city. With a hopeful future of a restored river and the entire riverfront activated, including the massive proposed amphitheater not too far away, Linear’s position on the far end of downtown positions itself for continued traffic growth.

“Grand Rapids is becoming more and more of a city and slowly, you get to attract a different crowd that is excited to spend money on exciting food and not excited about getting the most amount of food for the cheapest price,” Hoort said, adding the growth the North Monroe district continues to become a more vibrant neighborhood as factories turn to new developments, including a massive new office for Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health).

Beyond that, the summer provides diners the perfect time to fully experience Linear. There is a massive outdoor space the restaurant does not get to utilize during the winter. But with the river’s exciting potential, Hoort knows the asset Linear holds with its outdoor dining space.

“We love the outdoor seating we have and we try to improve it a little bit each year,” Hoort said. “I’ve been trying to work with downtown to throw some events outside, to try to help bring back life to the river.”

Clockwise from right: Spinach Coconut Salad, Maitake Mushroom Pavé, Sweet Potato & Walnut Tostada and Blackened Mahi Mahi.

A family recipe

Tony Ochoa of the Cottage Bagel shares his beloved Abuelita’s flour tortilla recipe.

RECIPE BY TONY OCHOA // PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO

A tortilla is a type of flatbread that can be traced back thousands of years to people of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. Originally made from ground corn, the ancient "cakes" have evolved over time.

This recipe makes about 10-12 tortillas and have a noticeable fluffiness to them compared to your typical flour tortilla. Instead of using only a teaspoon, or omitting it entirely, Ochoa's Abuelita (Spanish for grandmother) used a tablespoon of baking powder.

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 tbsp shortening or lard

1 cup warm water (see note below)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add flour, baking powder, salt, and mix. With your hands, incorporate the shortening or lard until it resembles coarse meal.

2. Add the warm water a little at a time until the dough forms and the flour is fully incorporated. The dough should slightly sticky. Note: tortillas made in the summer will require less water than tortillas made in the winter due to higher humidity.

3. Cover with a towel and let rest for ten to 15 minutes. Remove the towel and divide the dough into ten to 12 golf ball sized portions. Cover again and let rest for an additional 20 minutes.

4. Preheat your griddle on high/medium-high heat while dusting your working surface with flour, but just enough! Too much flour will toast on the surface of the tortilla and give a distracting texture. Place your portioned tortilla dough on the surface. Using a rolling pin, start in the center of the “ball,” rolling forward and backward. After a few rolls, the ball will elongate and form an oval. Rotate the dough 45 degrees and roll again in the same direction. It should now look like a square with rounded corners. Rotate 45 degrees and roll, rotate and roll, rotate and roll. Eventually, the rolling pin will round out the edges and you should be left with a circle of tortilla dough. The dough should be thin but not too thin that it tears when you pick it up. Special note: You will be tempted to roll in all directions as you chase that elusive perfect tortilla circle but Ochoa's Abuelita would disapprove. “One direction only, mijo.” Trust the process and practice.

5. Place the tortilla on the hot griddle. The tortilla will start to bubble. After a few seconds, flip using a fork or spatula (or if you’re Ochoa's Abuelita – just your bare fingers). Cook on the other side for a few more seconds. Be on the lookout for great contrast: some nice dark brown spots where the dough has come in contact with the griddle while the rest of the tortilla should be off white. If the tortilla is not bubbling or you’re coming away with pale brown tortillas, the griddle might not be hot enough or the tortilla might be too dry. Try spritzing your dough with water, cover and rest a bit longer while you wait for the griddle to continue heating.

6. Remove the tortilla from griddle and place in kitchen towel. This keeps your tortillas warm while you continue cooking and soften them so they are more pliable. Serve with your favorite toppings!

Try one while you’re cooking! Lather it with butter (or a buttery spread) and sprinkle with salt. Be sure to roll it up in a way that does not drip butter out of the end or Abuelita will not be happy...

PRO TIP

CHEERS

Bob’s Bar: A Hometown Staple

87-year-old sports bar boasts chambongs, Chicago dogs & a diverse set of patrons.

BY KELSEY DUNNEBACK //

BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Step inside Bob’s Bar on the corner of Michigan St. in Grand Rapids and you’ll be immediately welcomed in by its down-to-earth atmosphere and homey presence. Not to be confused with seedy dive bars, Bob’s is a classic sports bar with clean, warm wood tables strewn throughout the space, complete with a myriad of string lights and a gleaming stained glass “Bob’s Bar” neon sign above the bar top with 14 beers on tap.

Bob’s Bar has been a local staple for 86 years, started in 1937 by Bob Lynch in a building that was a former grocery store. In the 100+ year old building, Bob’s welcomes in a diverse set of customers from morning until night. There are the regulars, of course– the staple of any hometown bar. But there’s also everyone from the third-shift nurses coming in for a post-shift drink at 7 a.m. to the younger crowd on late nights rocking out to the sounds of the jukebox.

Bob Quay, the current owner of Bob’s Bar (coincidentally also named Bob) agrees he has a diverse set of patrons and wouldn’t have it any other way. “I want people to feel safe and comfortable here; it’s a place to be yourself and have fun.” He also cites his friendly, long-time staff as a big part of the appeal that keeps people coming back.

A testament to Bob’s Bar’s fun atmosphere is their top-selling signature “Chambong” (aka a Champagne Bong), a special Bob Quay brought to Grand Rapids after seeing it at a bar on Mackinac Island. He had a hunch it just might work at his bar. Wedding parties, girls’ nights out, or just anyone looking for a good time can be served up a swig of champagne in a flute shooter for a fun way to toast the day or night.

Make sure to stay for more than just a drink at Bob’s Bar. With a food menu that includes a Pickle Pizza that’s touted as the best in town, as well as authentic Chicago dogs with Vienna beef, poppy seed buns and neon-green relish ordered in from Chicago, the staff knows a thing or two about food. You can find a special almost every night. Tuesdays feature their burger and beer for $7 with Music Bingo. Wednesdays are all about two hot dogs, chips and a beer for $6, and all-day, all weekend you can grab $3 tacos.

No matter who you are, this is your local bar. Sports, games, happy hours, wedding after parties, third-shift happy hours or a fun night out, Bob’s Bar is a laidback staple here to welcome you in.

(Middle) Chicago style hot dogs served with chips and a beer costs $6 on Wednesdays.

(Above) The neighborhood bar – a Michigan Street staple since 1937 – is decked out for St. Patrick's Day.

"I want people to feel safe and comfortable here; it’s a place to be yourself and have fun."

Bob Quay

PHOTOS

"A Chambong is a champaign shot. It's served in a curved flute with an opening on both ends. It's our best-selling item on the weekends."

– Bob Quay

¡Viva las pupusas!

BY MATTHEW ROTHENBERG // PHOTOS BY STACY FEYER-SALO

In El Salvador, pupusas are more than a fad. These thick tortillas (made with corn or rice flour, then stuffed with cheese and other tasty ingredients) date back more than 2,000 years.

In every U.S. town with a Salvadoran community, you’ll probably find a pupusería. That includes Grand Rapids’ número uno pupusa palace: Pupuseria El Salvador, a world-class pupusería in a modest storefront on Division Ave. just south of 44th Street.

Blink and you’ll miss it, but this place is a local center of Salvadoran culture.

For here (or para llevar), Pupuseria El Salvador is home to flavors you won’t find anywhere else in town — and varieties that owner Dina Suarez has created to delight Hispanic diners beyond her native El Salvador.

Suarez has been in the pupusa game for 40 years, ever since moving to California at age 19. After she arrived in Grand Rapids, Suarez saw potential for a brick-and-mortar location that would serve up Salvadoran food and culture. “The restaurant came about because there was no sign of Salvadoran culture in Grand Rapids,” Suarez said. “I wanted to share my culture through food.”

Suarez opened Pupuseria El Salvador in February 2005 with a simple menu that’s grown over the years. “Because of our popularity, we’ve expanded to encapsulate other cultures,” like Mexican and Honduran cuisines. “For sure, it’s a place for people from all walks of life.”

The most popular traditional combination are pupusas revueltas, stuffed with cheese, beans and chicharron (fried pork). But if you like your pupusas vegan, ask the kitchen to substitute refried black beans.

From there, you’ll want to sample some ingredients that have been part of Mesoamerican cuisine for thousands of years but are hard to find in Grand Rapids:

Loroco is a perennial vine native to Central America. Its edible, green buds have a delicate, subtly flowery flavor. (Think asparagus.)

Chipilin is a leafy green vegetable with a passing resemblance to watercress.

Like the name suggests, flor de calabaza (“pumpkin flower”), is the edible blossom of the pumpkin plant. Picked when they are young and still closed, the blossoms have a

Papuseria expanded to encapsulate other cultures.

Pupusa Special (front): steak pupusas, beans, cream, and plantains. Curtido, a tangy pink cabbage slaw (middle). Banana empanadas (back).

delicate and slightly sweet flavor.

Be sure to check out Suarez’s pupusa innovations designed for Mexican palates, such as pupusas stuffed with huitlacoche, an edible fungus that grows on young ears of corn. It’s a nutritious and tasty variation on mushrooms. Another pupusa combination inspired by Mexico combines jalapeños and nopale cactus.

Other products of Suarez’s pupusa experimentation include pupusas with shrimp, chicken and steak. The pupusas come with a side of homemade salsa as well as curtido, a tangy pink cabbage slaw. I recommend the combination plate with your choice of two pupusas, sweet fried plantain and Salvadoran sour cream.

Pupuseria El Salvador offers a fiesta of other Central American dishes, from fried tilapia to pollo en pipian (Mexican chicken in a sauce made from ground pumpkin seeds) to tacos and burritos.

Señora Suarez recommends her assortment of Salvadoran seafood appetizers or warm up with one of the pupuseria’s soup selections. And for dessert, try the torrejas en miel (a sort of Salvadoran French toast prepared with honey) or the sweet empanadas made from plantains.

Suarez said she’s grateful to her customers for sharing her culture and inspiring her to introduce new dishes and ingredients. “I thank the community for being here — and also God, my family and my workers.”

As they say in El Salvador, “¡Si la vida te da loroco, haz pupusas!” (If life gives you loroco, make pupusas!) ¡Comamos!

TOP 4 Four places to enjoy libations 'al fresco'

Beer gardens

BY LISA ENOS

If you love being outside, somewhere sunny throwing back some super fantastic hometown brew, try these four beer gardens.

The Knickerbocker, 417 Bridge St NW

In early spring, some days are deceptively sunny, merely masquerading as summer. And let’s face it, while in most parts of the lower 48 it’s March that comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, here in Michigan that month is May. If the light streaming in the window is making you hanker for a day on the deck, but the mercury says otherwise, New Holland’s Knickerbocker has you covered, er – uncovered, actually. A retractable roof installed last fall makes beer garden drinking accessible without the sting of the chilly spring breeze at your back. If you're feeling like something hoppy, try a Tangerine Space Machine. A Knickerbocker blueberry gin & lemonade is a refreshing beverage that also hits the spot!

The Holiday Bar, 801 5th St NW

If you haven’t been to the bar since its renovation, make it a priority this summer. They classed it up, quite a bit. An outdoor bar and patio surrounded by a privacy fence keeps wind in check. During the day, the place doubles as a proper outdoor restaurant, with menu items like calamari, escargot, bahn mi and pork belly tacos. At night it takes on a general party atmosphere. With the twinkly lights overhead and delicious booze infused slushies, it could be mistaken for Cabo, depending on the number of slushies consumed, of course).

Harmony Brewing,

1551 Lake Dr SE

This place reminds me of a song made popular by Louis Armstrong. With its southwest facing tables, the sun, if it’s out, is almost always beaming on this delightful brewpub's outdoor dining area. With some of the most interesting, flavorful beer in town (do you like hints

of vanilla and lavender in your beer? I do) and items like shitake bacon, scrumptious summer salads and some of the best pizza around, this easily one of my favorites in town for early summer outdoor dining and drinking. So, as the song goes, “grab your coat, get your hat, leave your worry on the doorstep. Just direct your feet to that sunny side of the street.”

Joey’s Tavern, 1125 Fulton St W

This established casual west side bar's another one with a full sun patio. Known for its burgers and big selection of pub fare, from some funky house made egg rolls to nachos, sandwich baskets, and more, this neighborhood bar is full of locals and baseball fans. Every Sunday there's a Tigers home game, the bar hosts a potluck during which folks can win swag and a free mystery shots (for any Tiger home run). In May and June, the potlucks are on May 14, & 28 and June 11 & 25. The fun starts at 1 p.m.

"The restaurant came about because there was no sign of Salvadoran culture in Grand Rapids. I wanted to share my culture through food.”

Dina Suarez

A retractable roof creates an indoor-outdoor beer garden at New Holland's Knickerbocker, 417 Bridge St.

Owner Dina Suarez and brother, Joseph Marlo Guerrero at Papuseria El Slavador, 4635 Division Ave. in Wyoming.

dine

OUR STAFF'S GUIDE TO THE AREA'S BEST EATERIES

For any additions or changes, please email lenos@grmag.com and write "Dining Guide" in the subject line of the email.

Downtown GR

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ

Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

APERITIVO

A wine bar with a small menu that includes cheese and charcuterie plates and monthly sandwich specials. The retail section includes tinned fish, which can be enjoyed on-site with pickled veggies, cultured butter and Field & Fire bread. It is located within the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Open Daily. // 435 Ionia Ave SW, 259-7045. aperitivogr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE

Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BEACON CORNER BAR & COASTAL FARE

Owned by the group behind San Chez and Roam, the restaurant offers up seafood from the three coasts: East, West and Michigan. // 38 W Fulton St, 383-3800. beaconcornerbar.com. Dinner, $$-$$$

BEIJING KITCHEN

Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$

BISTRO BELLA VITA

Big-city casual; modern 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. bistrobellavita.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

BLACK NAPKIN

High quality burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and homemade sodas. Takeout only, Tuesday-Saturday. // 966 E. Fulton St. Lunch, Dinner $

BOB’S BAR

Down home sports bar with 10 HD TV's. 14 Beers on Tap specializing in Chicago cuisine. Open daily. // 725 Michigan St NE. 774-0512. bobsbar.org.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

BOBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B.

Grill on second floor of The 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/bobarinospizza. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRICK & PORTER

Appetizers, burgers, salads, 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), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BRICKYARD TAVERN

Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

BROOKLYN BODEGA BAGEL & DELI

Bringing the bagel shops and delis of the East Coast to the third coast. Whether a bagel, egg and cheese or a hearty turkey sandwich, Brooklyn Bodega has it. Open Monday-Saturday // 10 Jefferson Ave SE, 724-4275 Breakfast, Lunch $

THE CHOP HOUSE

Aged prime beef, seafood, pork, lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. // 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. Dinner $$$

CITY BUILT BREWING CO.

Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

CINCO DE MAYO

Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. // 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

CITYSEN LOUNGE

Soups, salads, sandwiches, 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-rapids.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $

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. Dinner $$-$$$

DUBLIN HALL

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FIELD & FIRE CAFÉ

All-day breakfast, sandwiches, soups, salads, toasts, croissants, muffins and tarts. On weekends brunch is available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 820 Monroe Ave NW Suite 100, 616-608-4533. fieldandfire.com.

Breakfast, Lunch $-$$

FLANAGAN’S

Downtown Irish pub features imported beers, entrées with Irish influence. Frequent live music. Open Daily. // 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

FORTY PEARL

A wine bar serving oysters, cured meats,cheeses, baked goods, sweets, soups and salads, shareables, sandwiches, rice bowls and entrées like salmon, seared scallops and Cornish hen. Open daily. // 40 Pearl St. NW, 608-7741. fortypearl.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

FOUNDERS BREWING CO.

Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $

dine / estau ants

FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB

A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR

Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO.

Organic brews, hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-totable menu includes sharable plates, sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Open daily. // 1 Ionia Ave SW, 458-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. Lunch (SatSun), Dinner $-$$

GRAND RAPIDS GARAGE BAR AND GRILL

“All-American grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. / 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 4540321. garagebargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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. grandwoodslounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE HERITAGE

GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

HONG KONG EXPRESS

Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $

THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK

Comfort 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-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

KNOOP ROOFTOP BEER GARDEN

Upscale rooftop beer garden offers Dutch and German inspired cuisine with a modern touch. Madefrom-scratch shareables, small bites, hand-crafted cocktails and scenic views of downtown Grand Rapids. // 131 Ionia SW, 8th Floor, 616-456-6200, canopygrandrapidsrestaurants.com/knoop/ Dinner $$-$$$

LEO'S CONEY ISLAND ON TAP

An east side favorite located in Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids serves up classic Coney Island favorites, cocktails and beer on tap. Perfect for before and after a movie at Celebration. // 122 Oakes St SW Suite 100, 805-3780, leosconeyisland.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LEO’S SEAFOOD

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, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

2022 DINING AWARD WINNER

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, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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, 4194168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

2022 DINING AWARD WINNER

MARGAUX

A contemporary French bistro. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. // JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY

A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll.

Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. D $$-$$$

2022 DINING AWARD WINNER

MDRD

Overlooking the Grand River from its location on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, this restaurant serves modern Spanish cuisine including tapas and paella. Reservations available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 187 Monroe Ave. NW, 776.6425. amwaygrand.com/dining. Dinner $$$

MERTENS PRIME

French-inspired, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-century-era hotel. Steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. mertensgr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

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. Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$

MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR

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. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$

NOODLE PIG

Unique ramen noodles made in-house with fresh, highend ingredients and served with nutrient-rich broths. // 601 Bond Ave NW Suite 102, 327-2922, www. noodlepig.com. Dinner $-$$

ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN

This restaurant offers elevated American fare; fried chicken sandwiches, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl, starters, small & large plates, handhelds a kids menu & more! Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

PALACE OF INDIA

Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PARSLEY MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE

Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, combos. Catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PIND INDIAN CUISINE

A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free,

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vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$$

REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY

Contemporary seafood restaurant that offers premium fresh fish and seafood from the waters of New England to the Great Lakes. // 141 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids, (888) 456-3463, realseafoodcorestaurant.com.

Dinner $$$

RESERVE WINE & FOOD

Wine bar offers extensive by-the-glass selections and culinary options to match, including charcuterie. Closed Sun. // 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

ROCKWELL REPUBLIC

Diverse menu emphasizes local ingredients from sushi to comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. Full bar. Open daily. // 45 S Division Ave, 551-3563. rockwellsrepublic.com. Dinner $$-$$$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$

SAN 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, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

SANDY POINT BEACH HOUSE GR

Originating in West Olive, dishes include “traditional beach house favorites,” such as prime beef burgers, fresh halibut, steak and frites, and roasted chicken and mussels. Full bar. Open daily. // 822 Ottawa Ave. NW, 828-1118. sandypointbeachhouse.com. Brunch (SatSun), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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. slowsbarbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SOCIAL HOUSE

A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters,soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$

SOCIAL MISFITS

An interesting concept mashing waffles (sweet or savory,) with other food, accompanied by creative cocktailss. The business also introduces Great Lakes Coffee Roasters to town. // 43 W. Fulton St, 272-4984. thesocialmisfits.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

SPEAK EZ LOUNGE

Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and gluten-free. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. // 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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, 7424444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$

TERRA BAGEL

A quaint place to grab a bagel, a schmear and some coffee. The sister restaurant of Terra Bagel and Terra GR in Eastown. Open Daily // 40 Pearl St. NW, terrabagels.com, 616.465.4343 Breakfast, Lunch $

TUPELO HONEY

This southern kitchen & bar serves southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains. // 140 Ottawa Ave NW STE 100, 239-7158, tupelohoneycafe.com. Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch $$

TURNSTILES

Bodacious bar food in a music-themed atmosphere. Cocktails, drafts, and the largest selection of nonalcoholic beverages in GR. Nightly live music with no cover. Free on-site parking. // 526 Stocking NW. turnstilesgr.com. 616-330-LIVE. Lunch, Dinner $

WAHLBURGERS

Celebrity-owned (by Mark Wahlburg and brothers) burger joint offering up a fast-casual experience. // 10 Ionia Ave NW, 616-719-1788. wahlburgers.com. Lunch, Dinner, $$

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, 4543141. zsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

West Side

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. Lunch, Dinner $

BROAD LEAF WESTSIDE

Progressive craft brewery and distillery. Award winning gin. Cocktail slushies. Burgers, Asian street food inspired menu. Large outdoor beer garden. // 443

Bridge St NW, 254-0105, broadleafbeer.com. Lunch (Fri.-Sun.), Dinner $$

BROADWAY BAR & GRILL

Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. // 740 Broadway Ave SW, 4540565. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

BURGER THEORY

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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

BUTCHER’S UNION

Meat-and-whiskey-centric gastro pub with a wide menu and festive atmosphere. Craft drinks and a full bar. Outdoor seating available. // 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$

CONDADO TACOS

Stylish Bridge Street Mexican restaurant serving build your own tacos, tequila, margaritas and more. Come as you are! // 449 Bridge St NW, 734-6815, condadotacos.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

DRIP DROP COCKTAIL ROOM

Upscale, plush craft cocktail lounge with a NYC ambiance. // 445 Bridge St NW Unit 2, dripdropcocktailroom.com. Snacks, Cocktails $$

EL GRANJERO

Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. // 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

EL SOMBRERO

Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. Lunch, Dinner $

FRATELLI’S KITCHEN & BAR

Italian cuisine based on family recipes from Sicily with a “modern twist.” Full service bar. Open daily. // 443 Bridge St NW, Suite 2. 389-4963. fratellisgr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

THE HOLIDAY BAR

Established in 1905, the menu features appetizers, snacks and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden. Open daily. // 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. theholidaybargr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $

JOLLY PUMPKIN PIZZERIA & BREWERY

Dexter-based brewery offers salads and sandwiches in addition to pizza. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 428 Bridge St NW, 419-4676. jollypumpkin.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

From the bottom of our hearts Teresa & I would like to thank all of our Grand Rapids Magazine readers for voting us one of the Top

2022. It

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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, 3455642. newhollandbrew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LONG ROAD DISTILLERS

Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$

MAGGIE’S KITCHEN

Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

THE MITTEN BREWING CO.

Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MARU

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. andosushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

MONARCHS’ CLUB

Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 233-9799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $

NONLA BURGER

Nonla Burge offers both traditional, 100% beef hamburgers and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine. // 449 Bridge St NW Suite 102, Grand Rapids, nonlaburger. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ONE BOURBON

Trendy, 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. onebourbongr.com. Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave

NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch $-$$

WESTSIDE SOCIAL

“Reimagined” American-style tavern with locally sourced, house-made 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.

Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

Uptown

BASALT

Modern Tex-Mex cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. The menu focuses on breakfast tacos, quesadillas and tortas. Closed Mondays. // 1450 Wealthy St. SE, 719-2146. basaltgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Thurs-Sat) $

BREWERY VIVANT

European style craft beer and food. Spirits, wine and cider are also available. Locally sourced menu. Housed in a renovated funeral home chapel with a large patio and geer garden. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Fri.-Sat.), Dinner $$-$$$

BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ

Locally sourced, made-from-scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 2885038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $

CANTINA LOS AMIGOS

Cantina Los Amigos features tacos, chicken flautas, birria stew, stuffed plantains, other authentic Mexican fare and vegan friendly! // 1 Carlton Ave SE suite A, 988-9791, cantinalosamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CHEZ OLGA

Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE COMMONS

1970s-themed restaurant with “retro comfort food.” Full bar, including craft beer and ’70s-inspired cocktails. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 547 Cherry St SE, 458-2704. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

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. donkeygr.com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

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. gojoethiopiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

THE GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB

Not your run-of-the-mill New American fare. Full bar with more than 20 rotating draft beers, many from local breweries. Open Tue–Sun. // 924 Cherry St SE, 8083566. thegreenwell.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

GROVE

Fresh, farm-to-table unique takes on American fare in a presentation unlike most experienced before. Multiple-time Grand Rapids Magazine Dining Award winner. Open Wednesday-Saturday // 919 Cherry St SE, groverestaurant.com, (616) 454-1000 Dinner, $$$

HANCOCK

Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

HARMONY BREWING CO.

Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood-fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am-4 pm. Dog-friendly patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

KCM

A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sandos, open-faced toast with meat, egg salad, curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu, chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean-style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues.-Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $

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. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

QUARANTINO’S

Detroit-style pizza restaurant offering unique pizza options finished with Satori Wisconsin Parmesan. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 1444 Lake Drive SE, 734-6833. quarantinosgr.com. Dinner $$

THE PUB AT PADDOCK

“Happy hour all the time” with elevated pub fare. Full bar. Closed Mondays. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 3562627. thegilmorecollection.com/pubatpaddock.

Dinner $-$$

TERRA

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), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

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, 3012950. wealthystreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE WINCHESTER

Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in centuryold space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com.

Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

YESTERDOG

Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. // 1505 Wealthy St SE, 3360746. yesterdog.com. Lunch, Dinner $

ZIVIO

Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

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. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE

An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$

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. Dinner $$

GASLIGHT KITCHEN ASIAN CUISINE

Asian restaurant specializing in Chinese-American dishes. // 2128 Wealthy St. SE, 454-8677, gaslightkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PERA PIZZARIA

Pera Pizzaria features several different Mediterranean style pizzas, shish salads and a surprising pizza made with Nutella. // 2224 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4810, perapizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PINK PIGGY

A casual contemporary boba and Asian fusion restaurant for dine-in or takeout. Open Tues-Sun. // 2230 Wealthy St. 805-3949, pinkpiggy.online. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ROSE’S

Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$

Northeast GR

BIRCH LODGE

Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

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. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CAFÉ MAMO

An American restaurant inspired by grandma's garden. Classic Midwestern dishes paired with tasty wine in a warm, comfortable setting. Open daily. // 1601 Plainfield Ave. NE, 350-3430. mamohsp.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun) Dinner (Mon-Sat) $-$$

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. charliesbarandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CHEER’S GOOD TIME SALOON

Menu offers something for everyone in a logcabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

DETROIT WING CO.

Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders with 19 house-made sauces. Its menu also includes mac n’ cheese, poutine, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and cheesecake. Detroit Wing Co. was founded in Detroit. Open daily. // 2004 East Beltline Ave. NE, 214-8331. detroitwingco.com. Lunch, Dinner $

FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR

Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. fredsitalian.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. fujiyamabistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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GAIA HOUSE CAFÉ

A neighborhood vegetarian café offering items like the Mean Green Burrito and Gaia cookies, as well as fresh-pressed juices and specialty coffees. Open Wed-Sun for take-out only. // 1553 Plainfield Ave. NE. Visit on Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch. $

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. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. graydonscrossing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

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, 272-3778. kitchen67.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LA HUASTECA

Authentic Mexican restaurant offering burritos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

LAI THAI KITCHEN

Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. licarispizzakitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

LUCY’S CAFÉ

Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-yourown breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$-$$$

MAI’S THAI

Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $

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. millcreektaverngr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

POKE TOKI

Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$

RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON

Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE

A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$

THE SCORE

Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

VANDER 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, 259-8828. vandermill.com. Lunch, Dinner

(Mon-Sat) $$-$$$

Northwest GR

AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA

Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana.com. Dinner (Tue-Sat) $$

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.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CHINA CITY

Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Dinner $-$$

HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET

Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet. letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$

HUMMUS & FALAFEL

MIDDLE EASTERN GRILLE

Located near the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, eatery serves “healthy and tasty”

Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and

THE ULTIMATE BOOK

dine / estau ants

more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $

HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT

Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Breakfast,

Lunch, Dinner $$

MR. GYROS

Family-owned restaurant offers Mediterranean specialties. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. // 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 7916660. mrgyrosdrivethru.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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, 5511957. perrinbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $

STAN DIEGO BAJA TACO KITCHEN

Baja California-inspired menu, featuring a-lacarte taco menu, chorizos, tamales, handcrafted margaritas and kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 355 Wilson Ave NW, 591-9806. standiegogr.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

SWAN INN RESTAURANT

Home-cooked meals, huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles. Open daily. // 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

WALKER ROADHOUSE

Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 791-9922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (MonFri), Dinner $$

Southeast GR

7 MARES

Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

AL-BOS EUROCAFE-BAKERY

Authentic southeastern 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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ASIAN PALACE

Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 141 28th St SE, 5347770. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

BELTLINE BAR

Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

BRASS RING BREWING

Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

BROAD LEAF BREWERY & SPIRITS

Pub fare including snacks, meat and veggies on a stick and entrées like drunken noodles, burgers, tempeh and more. Open daily. Brunch on Sun. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

CABANA TRES AMIGOS

Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

CAFÉ DE MIRO

A café offering Kurdish, Armenian and Greek foods. Traditional Mediterranean breakfast and side dishes; skillets, scrambles and acai bowls; pastries; toasts; soups; sandwiches; salads; Turkish coffee; tea; desserts; and more. No alcohol. // Breton Village Shopping Plaza, 1878 Breton Rd SE, (616) 719-1462. Facebook. Open daily. Breakfast, Lunch $

CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL

Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drive-thru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily. // 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantinamexicangrill.biz. Lunch (Sun-Thu), Dinner $$

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. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

EAST GARDEN BUFFET

Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

EL GLOBO RESTAURANT

Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FIREROCK GRILLE

Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GANDERS

Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

GURSHA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT

Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

HALL STREET BAKERY

Breakfast sandwiches and pastries; pizza, entrée salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

INDIA TOWN

Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. thelastchancetavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MI TIERRA

Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $

MIKADO SUSHI

Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials.

Thacker SleighT, founded by connie Thacker and alliSon SleighT, are family law attorneys, negotiators, litigators, and problem-solvers who have a reputation for being fearless, meticulous, and thorough in the face of unexpected life challenges.

Thacker, a certified arbitrator, is a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and completed course study to become a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. She’s also certified in collaborative divorce and mediation.

Sleight tailors her legal services to the unique circumstances of her clients and believes each party she represents requires a unique approach. She enjoys researching new ways to address the legal problems her clients face and working through the complexities of custody, parenting time, and asset issues — particularly when parties are at an

From the bottom of our hearts Teresa & I would like to thank all of our Grand Rapids Magazine readers for voting us one of the Top Butchers in 2022. It is so humbling to us & our amazing crew that you think

personally

impasse. She has been recognized by her peers and past clients as a leader in her field in several publications. ■

From Left to Right: Connie Thacker and Allison Sleight.

Thank you for

Donut Den as BEST DONUTS!

recognition for their commitment to quality and customer service is very rewarding and truly an honor for our hardworking and dedicated staff. They really appreciated your vote.

We are inspired to continue serving the BEST products we can along with generous doses of friendliness. Our hearts and place in the community is “where you come to meet old friends and make new ones.’’ I personally want to Thank all of you for your loyalty, support, Love and friendship from myself, my family, and my staff since 1975.

dine / estau ants

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mikadogr.com/main. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

NU-THAI BISTRO

Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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.

Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE

Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $

PHO ANH TRANG

Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PHO SOC TRANG

Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

SIP COFFEE & COCKTAILS

Café by day with breakfast bites that transforms into a bustling nighttime cocktail lounge, serving flatbread and appetizers. Closed Sun, hours vary. // 806 Alger St. SE, 805-3517 $$

STEAK & SPICE BY CURRY KITCHEN

Authentic Indian cuisine. Daily lunch buffet. Open daily. No alcohol. // Located inside the Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids at 5700 28th Street SE. 957-1775. currykitchengr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

SUSHI KUNI

Japanese and Korean cuisine, Asian fusion fare. Traditional Japanese tatami room for groups. Serves alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2901 Breton Rd SE, 2414141. sushikuni.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

TACON MADRE

Mexican hamburgers, Tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and more with and a variety of proteins (pastor, Barbacoa, birria, tripe, Chicharron, Trompo and more) to choose from. Aguas frescas and other authentic Mexican specialties. // 3501 Division Ave. S. Wyoming, 5700322, taconmadre.com. Lunch, Dinner $

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. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

THAI EXPRESS

Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $

THAI FUSION

Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. tokyogrillsushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

VILLAGE 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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

Southwest GR

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY

Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées, including summer chicken and pea ravioli. Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$

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. bluegingerkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

GOLDEN 28

Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800. Lunch, Dinner $$

3 GATOS BREWERY

German-style beers with Brazilian bar food. Closed Sunday and Monday. // 1760 44th St SW, 307-2215. 3gatosbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LINDO MEXICO RESTAURANTE MEXICANO

Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1742 28th St SW, 2612280. lindomexicogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

LITTLE BANGKOK

Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

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, 530-9700. monellis.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

NOBLE

Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$

PETE’S GRILL & TAVERN

Casual bar and grill with tavern burgers, Detroit style pizza, sandwiches and entrees. Open daily. // 2588 84th St SW, Byron Center, 878-9582. petesgrillandtavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

WOODY’S PRESS BOX

Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 5302400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$

Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area

ADA GARAGE BAR & GRILL

High quality bar appetizers, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, burgers and a variety of entrees. Plus there's

always a $2 draft, a $3 well and a $4 glass of wine every day. // 518 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-3002, adagaragebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. bigboilerbrewing.com. Dinner $$

CASCADE ROADHOUSE

Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 259-7439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. corkwineandgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

THE EURO BISTRO

European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$

FLAT RIVER GRILL

Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

JU SUSHI & LOUNGE

Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. // 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

LA LAGUNA

Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$

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, 9873352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MYNT FUSION BISTRO

Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA

Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch TuesSat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$

NOTO’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. Dinner $$-$$$

OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$

SABOR MEXICANO

Burritos, tortas, quesadillas, quesabirrias, tamales (pork or chicken) and tacos served the authentic way, menu items for kids and more. // 109 Riverside Drive in Lowell, 987-5027. Lunch, Dinner $

SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR

Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN

Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$

VINTAGE PRIME & SEAFOOD

Intimate setting with upscale menu that includes prime

steaks and fresh seafood. International wine list. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. vintageatcork.com. Dinner $$$

ZEYTIN

Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

Grandville/Hudsonville Area

BANGKOK TASTE

Thai fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 667-8901. bangkoktaste.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

HUDSONVILLE GRILLE

Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar, catering and banquet services. Closed Sun. // 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 6629670. hudsonvillegrille.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MICHIGAN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY

A distillery with starters, sandwiches, salads and sides with a barbecue theme. Many of the items include Bobby Q sauce. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 4005 Chicago Dr SW in Grandville, 259-1000. michiganmoonshine.us. Dinner $$

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. rainbowgrillmichigan.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$

RUSH CREEK BISTRO

Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com.

Lunch, Dinner $$

WHITE FLAME BREWING CO.

Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches,

dine / estau ants

wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com.

Lunch, Dinner $-$$

THE WIN TAVERN

Family-friendly restaurant offering cooked-toorder meals, including starters, salads, burgers, sandwiches & steak. Sunday breakfast, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$

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, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$

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. bouldercreekgolfclub.com/ restaurant. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

GRILL ONE ELEVEN

American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. // 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

HONEY CREEK INN

Pub setting offers beyond pub fare and daily specials. Closed Sun. // 8025 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. cannonsburgvillage.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MARINADES PIZZA BISTRO

Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches. Michigan craft beer. Catering. Open daily. // 109 Courtland St, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro.com.

Lunch, Dinner $

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), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

TIMBERS INN

Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like

surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. // 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. Lunch (Wed-Sun), Dinner $-$$

THIRD NATURE BREWING COMPANY

Located near the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, Third Nature Brewing is a rustic brewery and taproom offering “comfort foods” such as pizzas and hot sandwiches, as well as healthier options like power bowls and salads. Open daily. // 7733 Childsdale Ave. NE in Plainfield Township, 616512-9314. thirdnaturebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

THE TOASTED PICKLE

Handcrafted unique sandwiches, soups, salads, cocktails and more. // 17 Squires St Square NE, 8840498.thetoastedpickle.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

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. Breakfast, Lunch $$

BAGEL BEANERY

Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 249-9500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

ELECTRIC CHEETAH

Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. Cascade location closed on Sun. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779; 6450 28th St. SE, 2655301. electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$

FIRST WOK

Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$

GRAND CONEY

Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, tradition al breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St,

930-3596; 6101 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-9999. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

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. Lunch, Dinner $$

HOPCAT

Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

MORNING BELLE

This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171; 434 Bridge St NW, 855-6907. morningbellebrunch.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$

MR. BURGER

Breakfast, burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts. // 2101 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 453-6291; 950 44th St. SW, 538-0363; 1750 44th St. SE 455-8604; 5181 Northland Dr. NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St. SW; 538-4439; 5835 Balsam Dr., Hudsonville, 662-5088. mrburger.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

MUDPENNY

Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 259-5353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

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. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$

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. Lunch, Dinner $

REAL FOOD CAFÉ

Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and made-from-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. Breakfast, Lunch $

RED GERANIUM

Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $

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. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (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 SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $

TACOS EL CUÑADO

Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266;

455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

TAMALES MARY

Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 18 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007; 1551 Wealthy St. SE, 724-4269. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $

THE OMELETTE SHOPPE

Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 7267300. omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $

UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE

Italian fare, pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 7731687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256

Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

VITALE’S PIZZERIA

Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from family recipes and a wide variety of American fare; burgers, subs, entrées and appetizers. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales. com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

‘Where friends meet’

Welcoming beacon for all walks of life turns 52

BY PASHA SHIPP // PHOTO BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

While there aren’t as many gay bars and social venues as there once were in Grand Rapids, The Apartment Lounge is one of those community institutions that has endured. The 52-year-old gay bar is a welcoming beacon for folks from all walks of life.

Originally owned by Milt Lennox and Ed Ladner, The Apartment Lounge has hosted countless customers, decades of celebrations. Perhaps it’s fate that Bob Johnson, the current owner of about 11 years, is at the helm today; he knew Lennox and Ladner well.

“I met them on my 21st birthday in the old Apartment Lounge, and Milton embarrassed me in front of the whole wide gay world by taking my driver’s license and telling everybody they had a newbie,” Johnson said. “We became friends over the next five years. We always talked about me buying it, and when he got sick, he called me in and said, ‘You know, I don’t know how long I’m going to be here; I’m worried about The Apartment’s future, and I want you to be the new owner,’ I was so excited.”

The bar’s slogan is, “The place where friends meet,” but of course, it’s also a place where couples meet. Kurt Moore and John Ruud met at the bar 12 years ago, though Ruud has been a patron since it stood at its previous location on the corner of Monroe and Fulton.

“A lot of us from our generation, we kind of grew up, and that was a special place – that’s where the gays went,” Ruud said. “I think culturally, it’s more of a touchstone because we were a group of people that couldn’t just go to any bar without being closeted, because at the time you really couldn’t.”

Though a few things at The Apartment Lounge have changed since the couple met, the core tenants are the same.

“It’s a safe place,” Moore said. “It’s kind of like my living room, with friends in it. It’s like Cheers. We love the outside part, but it’s kind of funny – gays went from being hidden in a way, to now, when we’re outside, we’re just like, ‘If someone has a problem, they have a problem,’ I’m tired; I’m 60; I’m not going to apologize for being gay.”

A historic photo of the current location of The Apartment Lounge, 33 Sheldon St. NE.

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