Grand Rapids Magazine - March-April 2024

Exactly where you should be.

When

Imagine Wow

come to play

The energy is happenin’, the table action is off-the-charts and there’s over 2,200 of the hottest slots around. Options, endless. Entertainment, you got it. Deliciousness, served with every dish at our chophouse, buffet, brewpub, and sports bar.

Have one of those nights you’ll never forget at...

30 THE ERAS TOUR EXPLORING THE CITY BY DECADE THROUGH ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN.

BY ANDREA ROWLAND

38 FRESH PLACES THE NEWEST BARS & TASTING ROOMS, AND RESTAURANTS, REIMAGINED.

BY PAT EVANS

every issue

8 editor's letter

114 dining guide

A guide to the area's best eateries

128 gr gems

Meyer May House

people + places

10 city

How to safely view the solar eclipse from the Blue Bridge.

11 guide

An art student's perspective on pursuing design locally.

12 issues

Going cashless; The good, the bad and the ugly!

14 spotlight

Q&A with new GRAM Director

Cindy Meyers Foley

15 profile

A veritable treasure trove, library provides a lot more than books.

18 voice

The future of canna-business –industry insider offers insight.

look + feel

20 style

The eyes have it! Exploring new trends in lashes and brows.

22 expert

Designing outdoors; the architect behind our priceless parks.

23 experience

Knapp's Corner visionary's Bistro gets a refresh.

26 home

A Pinterest-pin-worthy home on an East Grand Rapids lake.

28 wellness

Studies show stress melts away when you take a vacay.

food + drink

86 table

Delectable Tandoori Chicken that's fit for a Maharaja.

90 cheers

Moonshine, BBQ & a whole lot of honky-tonk coming to Bridge St.

91 on-the-go

Eastown eatery makes NYT's Top 23 Dishes in the U.S. list.

92 must-try

The area's top Irish pubs to visit on St. Paddy's Day!

94 create

Not Ham! Try this lamb and root vegetable recipe on Easter Sunday.

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com

Publisher: Jason Hosko

Editorial

Managing Editor: Lisa Enos

Contributors: Ann Byle, Kelsey Dunneback, Pat Evans, Gabriel Rose, Sadie Rose, Andrea Rowland, Pasha Shipp

Design

Creative Director: Lindsay Richards

Art Director: Keagan Coop

Senior Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel

Contributors: Bryan Esler, Stacy Feyer-Salo, Teri Genovese, Amanda Kamppinen, Ryan Olbyrsh, Sarah McMenemy, Ashley Wierenga

Sales

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Account Executives: Nick Irwin, Maddy Gill, Jessica Laidlaw

Production Production Director: Jenine Knox

Senior Production Coordinator: Jill Berry

Production Artist: Jonathan Boedecker

Advertising Coordinators: Rachel Beltowski, Amanda Kozlowski

Graphic Designer: Jim Bibart

Digital Director of Digital Strategy: Travis Fletcher

Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo

Digital Development Specialists: Jim Bowser, Luanne Lim

Digital Media Assistant: Robyn Banks

IT

IT Director: Jeremy Leland

Circulation

Audience Development Director: Geralyn Wilson

Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers

Senior Circulation Coordinators: David Benvenuto, Rachel Moulden

Circulation Coordinators: Susan Combs, Cathy Krajenke, Michele Wold

Circulation Customer Service: (866) 660-6247

Marketing

Marketing & Events Manager: Jodie Svagr

Marketing & Events Coordinator: Jaime Presnail

Communications & PR: Regan Blissett

Marketing & Events Assistants: Crystal Baker, CeCe Neinstedt, Danielle Young

Administration

Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki

Assistant Office Manager: Natasha Bajju

Senior Accounting Associate: Andrew Kotzian

Accounting Associates: Kate Manley, Austin Schmelzle

Published By Hour Media

CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo

From drafting table to the dinner table

In between the pages herein, we're inviting you to view our city through a different lens. Welcome to the design issue!

Our Architectural Eras tour walks us through a diverse range of buildings that have shaped the Grand Rapids skyline. From historic landmarks to contemporary structures, we examine their greatness and complexities. Pat Evans leads the way to the latest additions to the city’s hospitality scene, from new spaces that shape the way we socialize and unwind, to the reopening of some of our city’s finer restaurants, re-imagined after a hiatus.

On the outskirts, a 12-year-old restaurant lauded as ultramodern, state-of-the-art, and on the cutting-edge of technology recently announced a “refresh” of its interior and menu. Johnny Brann talks us through the inspiration behind his Michigan bistro and its groundbreaking Apple-led design, a project that put him on the path to purchasing Hayworth’s Interphase Interiors.

GRAM Director Cindy Meyers Foley talks to us about changes at the museum, both physical and philosophical. Pasha Shipp leads one of our city’s renown landscape designers through a thoughtful Q&A. Ann Byle educates us about the vast and dynamic offerings available at our libraries. Sadie Rose provides some scholarly insight on pursuing a visual arts degree.

It seemed apropos to explore the tradition of Irish watering holes this month. Did you know the proliferation of some 7,000 Irish pubs throughout the world is due, at least in part, to a Dublin based turnkey design-and-build firm? B’gosh and begorrah!

Closer to home, a husband-and-wife team turn an empty Fisk Lake lot into a design-and -build opportunity and one of the city’s older west side buildings situated where Harmony Hall used to sit is in the middle of a makeover. A local moonshine brand is going all out, giving it a first-rate honky-tonk overhaul. When done, we’ll have a taste of Nashville right here in our hometown.

On the strictly culinary side of things, there’s a fantastic Easter dinner recipe on page 94 and further into the food and drink section, two distinctly good ethnic restaurants – KCM and Palace of India – get four thumbs up for flavor.

Lisa Enos Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

The best ways to reach us:

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

Next issue

Best of Grand Rapids Winners! MeXo's Chef Oscar Moreno Festival Founders

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Pasha Shipp

GR Mag: Pasha, you’ve been writing for Grand Rapids Magazine for a long time. Do you have an all-time favorite story that you’ve done for us?

PS: I've been writing since 2015, which is crazy – almost 10 years! My absolute favorites have been the profiles done during the art issue for ArtPrize, the September/October 2021 issue. It was really special for me because I got to chat with some Grand Rapids "greats" in terms of art in the community, people who were or still are in some cases voices for art in our city.

THE

» PLUS: SOLAR ECLIPSE OF THE HEARTSIDE

STUDYING DESIGN

THE CASHLESS DILEMA

Fallout Boy

MARCH 26 AT VAN ANDEL ARENA

TThe 4-piece punk band from the Chicago suburb of Wilmette known for “Sugar, We're Goin Down,” and “My Songs Know What You Did in The Dark” are set to shake Van Andel Arena Tuesday, March 26. In tow are Jimmy Eats World, known for their breakout hit “The Middle” as the opening act. The show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival AT VARIOUS

MICHIGAN VENUES

More than 100 internationally renowned artists will travel to Michigan to perform for 19 straight days beginning April 24.

"The Gilmore Piano Festival will again bring the world to Kalamazoo and the surrounding community,” said Pierre van der Westhuizen, the festival’s executive and artistic director.

“Audiences will enjoy a diverse lineup of spectacular artists usually heard in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Berlin, Cape Town, or Tokyo,” he said. Concerts will be presented in collaboration with partners including the Grand Rapids Symphony in a pre-festival event featuring Jean-Yves Thibaudet on March 28.

Visit thegilmore.org for more information.

Total Eclipse Party

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is inviting members of the public to witness a “rare and awe-inspiring” event at its Total Solar Eclipse Party, April 8, 2024.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in between Earth and the Sun, and it completely blocks the surface of the Sun, with only the faint circle of the corona visible around the outside circumference of the Moon.

So, is it a total eclipse of the Heartside?

Not quite. Here in Grand Rapids, the eclipse will not result in 100% coverage, as it will in

some parts of Ohio, Indiana and other states.

The partial eclipse begins at 1:55 p.m. and reaches peak coverage at 3:11 p.m. Visitors can watch live streams from partner locations in the Meijer Theater and safely observe the eclipse through special solar telescopes on the Blue Bridge. (It’s not safe to look directly at the Sun.)

The day will be filled with astronomy and sun-themed educational activities. Find out more about what’s on offer at the GRPM Eclipse Party by visiting the museum’s website, grpm.org

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in between Earth and the Sun, leaving a faint edge visible around the moon.

CITY APRIL 8 AT THE GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM

Degrees in visual expression

An art student's perspective on the hometown design programs worth exploring

BY SADIE ROSE

It is no secret that Grand Rapids is a city flourishing with creativity. For those looking to refine their artistic skills, there are a myriad of institutions dedicated to nurturing creative talent right within the city limits.

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University

Community Workshops, Undergraduate Programs, and High School Dual Enrollment

For those aspiring to turn their passion into a profession, Kendall College of Art and Design provides education to help anyone flourish as an artist.

Community workshops

Kendall has many workshops for people of all ages and all artistic skill levels. This includes classes for elementary students, teenagers, and adults.

Kendall’s elementary courses serve as a vibrant introduction to the world of art. Students may choose from courses in a variety of mediums such as drawing, photography, weaving and more. Teen and Adult classes likewise cover many mediums such as fiber arts, drawing, comics, and watercolors.

Undergraduate Programs

Kendall offers an abundance of undergraduate programs such as interior design, fashion, product design, medical illustration, digital arts, art history, illustration, and photography. These programs aim to help students refine both technical skills and conceptual skills, helping to create artists who balance critical thinking alongside masterful artistic skills.

High School Dual Enrollment

For high school students passionate about an artistic career, Kendall College's dual enrollment program is a golden opportunity. By participating in this initiative, students not only gain a head start on their art degrees but also earn valuable college credits, propelling them toward a promising future in the arts.

Grand Rapids Community College

Kendall has many workshops for people of all ages and all artistic skill levels. This includes classes for elementary students, teenagers, and adults.

Culinary Arts Associates

The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College offers an array of opportunities for aspiring chefs. GRCC's Culinary program is designed to prepare students for a diverse range of culinary settings. Whether aspiring to become chefs in high-caliber restaurants, venturing into catering, or pursuing a career as a personal chef, the program ensures students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await. Through hands-on experiences students learn both food preparation and presentation through a variety of cuisines. The program offers courses such as Bear, Wine and Spirits Management, Modern American Cuisine and Pastry and Bakery classes.

Calvin University

Graphic Design

Calvin offers various arts-related programs, but it's primarily known for its strong liberal arts curriculum. While Calvin College doesn't have a dedicated design school, it offers majors and minors in areas such as art, art history, and digital media. Students intersted in studying graphic design will find themselves immersed in an environment tailored for creative expression and effective communication in commercial or non-profit realms.

Sadie Rose is a senior at University of California’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts in Irvine, Califoria. She is a 2020 alumni of Forest Hills Public Schools, and a former student at Kendall College of Art & Design.

Kendall 's location in a city known for its vibrant arts community, provides students with unique opportunities for collaboration, networking, and realworld experiences.

The pros and cons of the cashless society

A digital dollar may offer some benefits, but too many questions remain unanswed.

BY LISA ENOS // ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN OLBRYSH

In late December of 2023, an altercation outside J Burger N Wings, 2023 Eastern Ave. SE in the Seymour Square area ended in shots being fired at a woman and her son. The reason? She didn't have cash to pay for her order, she wanted to pay with a card. While this incident represents the absolute worst of what can happen in the real world cash or card debate, according to federal law private businesses have the freedom to establish their own policies regarding the acceptance of cash unless prohibited by state law. Additionally, there's no federal law requiring private businesses, individuals, or organizations to accept cash or coins as payment for goods or services.

In Michigan, individual businesses may set their own policies regarding payment methods, including whether they accept cash, credit cards, or other forms of payment. Small businesses may opt not to accept credit card payments because the costs associated with credit card processing fees outweigh the benefits. According to The Motley Fool, credit card processing fees for merchants equal approximately 1.3% to 3.5% of each credit card transaction. It adds up.

To muddy the waters further, in June of 2023, the Detroit News reported

that Detroit's city council voted to “prohibit businesses from rejecting cash payments through an ordinance that includes misdemeanor penalties for establishments that don't accept dollar bills or change” in the city of Detroit.

Further adding to the confusion is a lot of talk about Central Bank Digital Currencies, a digital form of a country's official currency, distinct from cryptocurrencies. With CBDCs, each unit is a digital representation of a country's official currency, issued by a central bank and regulated by that country's government. Now, there are some good arguments for going cashless under a system like that, some bad aspects, and then there's the downright ugly.

The Good Convenience. Hygiene. Traceability. Anyone who’s old enough to remember sending money through Western Union can attest that when cash was the primary form of payment life was a little more complicated. If you didn't make it to the bank on a Friday afternoon, you might not have enough cash to make it through the weekend.

The rise of card readers popping up everywhere was a welcome site, especially for germaphobes who no longer had to handle filthy bills that had the potential to spread pathogens. A deeper benefit to opting into a cashless system that the government controls is that going cashless will help authorities stamp out crime by monitoring large amounts of money changing hands that could be linked to dangerous crimes like the drug trade or human trafficking. This sounds great. Why would anyone be opposed?

The Bad

The old. The young. The disenfranchised. There are still people who don’t have bank accounts or smartphones. Buying and selling at flea markets and yard sales would require investment in technology. In a cashless society, there would be no roadside "honor" boxes at produce stands, no quick way to give or receive charity.

For kids, going cashless means no lemonade stands, no going door-to-door to shovel snow or mow lawns for money.

The major players

To stay informed about developments related to CBDCs and other financial innovations, follow updates from these key entities in the financial and regulatory landscape. Here are some important regulatory bodies to watch for announcements:

• Federal Reserve (Fed)

• U.S. Department of the Treasury

• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)

• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

• Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

• International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• Other public announcements and speeches by key figures (see sidebar at right).

people + places / issues

No tooth fairy, no taking back the cans for a bit of dosh, no piggy banks, which help teach kids how to save money.

The Ugly Security. Privacy. Survival. Four years ago I took a day trip to Chicago with my daughter's art class. There been a security breech at my bank recently, and I was awaiting a new card in the mail. No problem! I went to my bank and took out plenty of cash to take with me, but I was stymied when the café we chose for lunch only accepted cards. I was outraged! The kids who were with me didn't blink. Their entire lives have been spent online. If a switch to CBDCs was announced, it's likely they'd fall in line, as many have not yet been through the process of waiting for a government employee to pick up the phone. If the U.S. decides to adopt a currency controlled by one central government controlled bank, what will customer service look like?

The representatives at my bank listen intently when there's a charge on my account that I don't recognize. (Ever tried arguing with the IRS?) If my transactions all go through one central bank that can see all my purchases, will I be able to put my car payment on the back burner to make a pressing purchase that might be deemed nonessential by the technocracy running the system?

What will happen to the people working in the private banking sector or at credit unions if a new system is implemented? How many businesses or jobs will go the way of the dodo?

Finally, one can’t ignore that a cashless economy would be vulnerable to fraud, cyber attacks, and other technological catastrophes. It's already a major concern, but not as much for the folks who keep a fair bit of cash at home in a safe.

The CBDC issue may seem somewhat far-fetched and futuristic, but some countries, like China, are making progress toward implementing these currencies into their financial systems, while the U.S. is taking a cautious approach. Considering the implications are extensive in terms of privacy, and the time it would take to establish a regulatory framework, it's safe to say that for now cash is still king.

Who's in charge?

By regularly checking the official websites and subscribing to newsletters or press release notifications, individuals can stay abreast of the latest information and updates related to CBDCs and other financial matters. Additionally, following key figures on social media platforms or participating in relevant webinars and conferences can provide additional insights. Here are some figures to follow (and their Twitter handles) for more information:

1. Jerome Powell –Chair of the Federal Reserve @federalreserve

2. Janet Yellen –U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (Former Chair of the Federal Reserve) @SecYellen

3. Christine Lagarde –Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) @Lagarde

4. Agustín Carstens –General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) @AgustinCarstens

5. Randal Quarles –Vice Chair for Supervision, Federal Reserve Board @federalreserve

6. Gary Gensler –Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) @GaryGensler

7. Brian P. Brooks –Former Acting Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) @BrianBrooksOCC*

8. Heath Tarbert –Former Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) @ChairmanHeath*

*Note: This handle was active during this person’s tenure but may have changed.

SPOTLIGHT

Catalyzing Creativity

‘The museum of the 20th Century is the art itself’

BY LISA ENOS

What propelled you to choose a career in museums? I’m from southern Ohio. I did not grow up near a lot of museums. My dad was a prosecuting attorney and we traveled. I fell in love with museums through travel. I was passionate about art and the art experience. I went to the University of Kentucky orientation, while we were at the (campus) museum, I remember my mom went up to the desk and asked if they had work study. I secured a position on the work study path and haven’t left the museum since.

What are your goals at GRAM? Using art as a way to engage different individuals, get them to think and be more playful, and it brings joy! A good museum can bring you not only beauty but make you curious enough to make you wonder and then ask questions. As an art museum, we don’t have the answers, but we can help people by making them curious.

Any fun new exhibits? In one of our more traditional galleries, there’s a voting booth. There are about seven different animals hidden in different works of art and people vote on which animal (they identify with). We wanted social engagement. All of a sudden, you have people from different groups participating. Another activity you’ll find is in front of a body of modernist paintings. We invite folks to [play] around with shapes and share those on social media.

The GRAM Creative Learning Center is a 4,500 square foot expanded educational space designed for hands-on creative exploration, and new learning and creativity programming for all ages. It features a 1,036 square-foot interactive Discovery Gallery, new GRAM Studio workshop classrooms, and an expanded orientation area and meeting space for school groups, tours, and meetings.

Grand Rapids Magazine spoke with Cindy Meyers Foley about her position at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Foley took over as the museum’s director in June after a 17-year career at the Columbus Museum of Art. Meyers. Foley holds a Bachelor of Arts in individual arts studies from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in art education from The Ohio State University.

GR Mag: What drew you to Grand Rapids? CMF: GRAM has an experimental mindset, enticing for me as someone who likes to try new things. I could tell they were evolving and paying attention. What I was most drawn to was the museum’s Creative Learning Center*, an experimental gallery. We need museums and not only as spaces that can amaze us and get us to think, but as social spaces, places to get us to connect. The museum of the 20th Century is the art itself.

What a powerful statement. Tell me more. I think what we’re doing is adapting to the changing needs of our community, an interesting place we find ourselves in. One of our objectives is how to get people to slow down and take something in at a time when our phones make life so rapid pace.

Tell me about the early years. After college I started working at the gallery associate level and was passionate about what museums can represent. I thought I’d become an artist. While I like making art, I love talking about art. I enjoyed the art, but it was the experience of seeing art and juxtaposing permanent collections.

Who’s your audience at GRAM? If you take the big museums across the US, the MOMA, on average, 76 percent of MOMA is international tourism. That’s a very different museum than Grand Rapids. Probably 95 percent of the visitors are from Michigan. Our primary [target] are people looking to have a unique experience with their family. Education is secondary. We see ourselves as part of the learning ecosystem in the community and working with educators not only to see extraordinary exhibits but to get their kids to think.

What challenges do you encounter in your field? One of the interesting research studies years ago, some folks felt anxiety (at the thougght of going to a museum). We want you to feel connected to the people you came with. So much joy can happen when you experience art with other people. It can have an immediate impact on our serotonin levels.

Anything else you want to share? We have an upcoming exhibition that digs at the border between the U.S. and Mexico – a photographer and a sculptor that documents the human experience without the human being seen.

I’m excited. It’s going to be a beautiful exhibition and poignant.

*The Creative Learning Center

Kids play in the Discovery Gallery at Grand Rapids Art Museum. Inset: Cindy Meyers Foley

A whole lot more than books

Kent County's libraries offer an abundance of items and resources for residents

BY ANN BYLE

“When in doubt go to the library,” said bestselling author J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame. A sentiment echoed by every single library staff person in every single branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library and Kent District Library, the two systems that serve almost all of Kent County.

Libraries are among our community’s greatest assets—places of information, entertainment, exploration, community and connection that are open to all people regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic status.

“Libraries build healthy communities by providing resources to all members of the community. We serve all of our neighbors and we’re an important and critical link to the rest of the city,” said John McNaughton, director of GRPL.

Adds Megan Biggins, Public Services Director of GRPL, “We hope we are the first thought people have when they need a third space: home, work and the library. We’re here to help you find your version of fun.”

PROFILE

people

That fun can be GRPL’s vast collection of books, magazines, movies, music, audiobooks, graphic novels, or board games. It can be one of its many events for children, teens, and adults. It can be take-home activity kits, the Books By Mail program, or a visit to the Grand Rapids History Center.

The Ryerson Building, with its Carrara marble steps and high ceilings, is the centerpiece of GRPL, which was founded in 1871 and led, first, by Miss Frances Holcomb as head librarian. Martin A. Ryerson gifted the Ryerson Building to the library, with its cornerstone laid on July 4, 1902. A large addition was finished and dedicated in 1969. Branches now include the Main Library, Madison Square, Ottawa Hills, Seymour, Van Belkum, West Leonard, West Side (the first branch library, opened in 1908), and Yankee Clipper.

According to the July 2022 - June 2023 Annual Report, GRPL has 44,577 library cardholders and branches were visited a total of 423,829 times. A total of 770,950 physical items were borrowed and 528,421 digital items borrowed. Add to that the number of databases searched, Wi-Fi connections made, digital archival items viewed, events attended, and questions asked and answered, and it becomes clear that GRPL is a hub of activity for all kinds of people looking for all kinds of things.

The same can be said for the Kent District Library with its 20 branches, an Express library and Bookmobile that serves nearly 440,000 residents in 27 different municipalities in Kent County. Think of the systems as a donut: GRPL serves the hole in the middle while KDL serves the cake that surrounds it.

Jennifer DeVault is Director of Library Operations for KDL. She, too, sees the KDL branches as the third place after work and home. “We are trending toward being a community place for people to come,” she said.

Residents come to the library for a variety of programs including hundreds of children’s storytimes a month, teen and adult programs, book discussions, craft programs, summer reading events and more. 2023 program attendance was just over 195,000, according to KDL.

Physical checkouts in 2023—books, movies, vinyl, music, audiobooks, video games, magazines and more—totaled 2,801,914. Digital checkouts—e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, e-music, e-videos—totaled 2,420,616. That puts total checkout at just over 5,200,000.

According to DeVault, the average library patron checks out about $1,300 worth of

Below:

“Libraries build healthy communities by providing resources to all members of the community. We serve all of our neighbors and we’re an important and critical link to the rest of the city.”

John McNaughton

Right: Libraries serve as a place to connect with others in the community.

A longstanding tradition of local libraries is children's story time.

products per year. Products they didn’t have to buy, such as Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake at 1,563 checkouts, Lesson in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus at 1,362 checkouts, and the audiobook Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros at 3,619 checkouts.

These aren’t just average library systems here in Grand Rapids. KDL was rated a Five-Star Library by the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, which rates libraries around the country, and has the largest digital collection in Michigan, according to DeVault. Also, KDL won the coveted Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize for 2023, which comes with national recognition and $250,000 in grant monies. KDL executive director Lance Werner will accept the award at the PLA 2024 Conference (Public Library Association) in April.

Both library systems expand their outreach yearly. GRPL piloted its Mobile Library last year and will officially launch the program in 2024. The Mobile Library is available for community events, festivals and neighborhood programs, offering library card registration, giveaways, information and even lawn games. The system also hired a resource navigator who has office hours at each branch to help vulnerable patrons connect with the community resources they need. Board games are now available to check out, and video games and toys are coming soon.

“Libraries are neighborhood centers that reflect the community they serve,” said McNaughton. “Libraries are Dynamic, socially responsive institutions that are constantly finding ways to adapt and serve their communities.”

Kent District Library has reinstituted its community reading initiative with On the Same Page, bringing in Tom Lake author Patchett for a free event on April 24. Its WonderKnooks at each branch invite children into their special area for storytimes, play and discovering new books. Each one is designed with that branch in mind: Ada’s WonderKnook looks like a covered bridge, Lowell’s, a trading post and Walker’s, a vet clinic.

KDL, which is funded through 2040 thanks to the millage passing in November 2023, “is one of the last places families can go and not have to pay a fee to participate,” said DeVault.

GRPL and KDL both are well past libraries simply being a place to borrow books. “It’s not about what books are on the shelves, but how we can serve the patrons of Kent County better,” said DeVault.

Get to Know Your Libraries

• GRPL and KDL offer free computer and Wi-Fi use, as well as Hotspot checkouts

• GRPL and KDL offer free personal care items such as diapers, deodorant, menstrual products and more at area branches.

• National Library Week is April 7-13, 2024

• Visit grpl.org and kdl.org for complete details on library resources

Grand Rapids Public Library

• Hundreds of databases are available for free including Mango Languages, Consumer Reports, CreativeBug and more.

• The Small Business Resource Center at the Main Library offers help for starting, managing and growing your business.

• Check It Out! offers passes to area museums, Blandford Nature Center, John Ball Zoo, Meijer Gardens and, occasionally, sports and music venues.

• Sensory Tool Kits are available to use during visits to any GRPL location.

• Self-service Hold Lockers allow patrons to pick up items placed on hold at Ottawa Hills, Seymour and West Side hold locker locations

• Use Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, TumbleBooks and LinkedIn Learning for e-books, audiobooks, film, online courses and talking picture books.

Kent District Library

• Beyond the Books allows patrons to check out Nintendo Switch game consoles, metal detectors, Majhong sets, trekking poles, stud finders, ukuleles and more.

• Book Club in a Bag, with over 300 titles to choose from, includes 12 copies of the book, two largeprint copies and a discussion guide.

• GO! Packs feature disc golf sets, Floor is Lava, Primary Learning Science Lab, Cross Section Models and more.

• PerkPass offers complimentary guest passes to library card holders for Meijer Gardens, GRAM, GR Children’s Museum and more.

• Personalized Picks service allows staff to choose an assortment of books or movies based on your preferences.

• Online resources include Kanopy, Freegal Music, Hoopla, OverDrive

• Patrons can print 50 pages per week for free on KDL printers

• Talking Book & Braille Center offers free materials for visually impaired people.

World of weed

West Michigan canna-business market is 'saturated' and 'tough' in 2024.

BY PASHA SHIPP

Jamie Cooper is making her mark on West Michigan by building bridges and creating connections in the cannabis industry. We talked with her about where the business is today and what’s next.

GR Mag: How did you get into the canna-business? Jamie Cooper: I became a cannabis consumer in Colorado while living there, and I was there when legalization was voted on and the first year it got rolled out. When I moved to Michigan in 2014, I started getting involved in legalization efforts. I started a Women Grow chapter, which is an organization that started out in Denver to connect, empower and educate women who are interested in starting businesses in the cannabis industry, and I started hosting monthly networking events for women entrepreneurs in Grand

Rapids. Then I launched a company called CannaBIZ Connection and was speaking to city councils and townships and hosting weekly networking events and getting business professionals together throughout the state, and eventually started Sensi Magazine – a cannabis lifestyle magazine.

GR Mag: What’s going on in the world of weed right now? JC: It looks very different than it did 10 years ago. On a national scope, half of our country has adult use at this point and the federal government is looking at

"We've really come a long way. It's a breath of fresh air to see how much it's [the world of weed] changed in just a decade."

Jamie Cooper

rescheduling cannabis. We've really come a long way. It's a breath of fresh air to see how much it's changed in just a decade.

GR Mag: How do you think things will look in five years? JC: The industry looked a lot different even two years ago. The market has hit saturation. Right now, it's a tough world to be in business because there's just not a whole lot of profit. People think there is, but there really isn't. There are companies going under every single week and there are lots of mergers and acquisitions happening. I think we’ll see a lot of turnover.

GR Mag: A lot of the dispensaries seem to leverage interesting architecture or bold colors. Why do you think that is?

JC: A lot of these businesses want to fit in the areas around them, and they also want to stand out because the industry faces a lot of challenges around marketing to consumers. We don't get the same marketing avenues as a traditional business, so it’s about really standing out and honestly building relationships with the consumers.

GR Mag: What are your top three cannabis dos and don’ts? JC: Dos – 1. Do experiment and find your sweet spot – find what works for you. 2. Do ask those around you how they like to consume. You could learn a lot from your peers before just jumping in. 3. Do try different stores; give everyone a try and see what places you like most. Don'ts – 1. Don’t judge a product just by the THC percentage. 2. Don’t consume for the first time if you are on alcohol or a prescription medication. 3. Don’t give it to a child. Lock it up and make sure you’re very responsible with how you store your cannabis. You don’t want your pets to get into it either.

VOICE

KLH

» PLUS: THE EYES HAVE IT EXPERIENCE KNAPP'S CORNER A STRESS FREE GETAWAY

PHOTOGRAPH BY DIANA PAULSON/LINEA

A Human Canvas

Exploring the trending lash and brow designs

BY KELSEY DUNNEBACK // PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WIERENGA

The world of creativity has far-reaching, sometimes unexpected outlets and while what comes to mind when imagining the design scene might not be your own face, that’s exactly what the lash and brow industry brings to a thriving Grand Rapids scene.

Christina Lynn Perez, owner of Lash Lounge and Brow Bar, Siren & Proper, likens it to the same artistry of other beauty industries: “It's like contouring with makeup, only this is something you don't have to wash off and reapply every day. And it's lifting and brightening your expression without injectables.”

Siren & Proper was early to the growing industry, opening in 2014 as Grand Rapids’ first Lash Lounge and Brow Bar and quickly becoming a West Michigan powerhouse.

Founders Christina Lynn Perez and KL Christoffersen started with small scale services at Cheeky Strut hair salon and saw the energy that was building behind the industry. They took a chance opening Siren & Proper

Rachel Elizabeth, a lash artist at Siren & Proper, designs on a canvas of a different kind.

2024 Trend

Predictions:

CHRISTINA:

Lashes: More relaxed curls, “fox” or “eyeliner” shaped lash sets

Brows: A “straightish” looking brow, where the tail sits higher than the beginning, helping to elongate the face.

SHELBY:

Lashes: Brown lashes for a more subtle look and a “wet” look for lashes typically using a lighter diameter lash without a fanning technique which creates a wet, darker, and denser look opposed to your typical classic extensions.

Brows: Staying big and bold! Brow laminations will continue—they can transform a thinner basic brow into a thicker brow with a lot more texture.

which paid off big time, with eyelash and eyebrow beauty services skyrocketing in popularity in the last decade.

Lash and brow services include various options, from lash extensions to eyebrow shaping and tinting, which can help enhance your appearance (and confidence!), much like haircuts or highlights, on a more intimate level.

Shelby Tolan, who got her start as an artist at Siren & Proper and now owns local Checked Out Lash & Brow Co., notes, “For me, the most important aspect of being a lash and brow artist is the feeling of fulfillment after you watch a client fall just a little bit more in love with themselves and

knowing you helped them get there.”

If what comes to mind when thinking of lash and brow services is heavily tinted eyebrows or XL lashes that seem “fake,” I implore you to take a closer look.

“Lash extensions have become a way of life for busy moms, nurses, and doctors,” Shelby notes. “The ease of waking up and having an enhanced natural look without applying any makeup has changed the original high maintenance label on lash extensions making them a great option for low maintenance women too.”

Much like any other personal style, the right fit can be tailored to be as unique as you— subtle shapes or

tints that enhance natural beauty or more glam, dramatic looks that make a statement.

If (like many) your 2024 resolutions involve

more self-care and creativity, treating your lashes and brows to a day at the salon might be exactly the experience you’re looking for.

Owner Christina Lynn (above) has two Siren & Proper locations; Ada and downtown at 217 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids.

Steve Garvelink works the front desk at the Ada location (top).

The lobby at Siren & Proper, located at 7270 Thornapple River Drive SE in Ada, has the soothing effect of a theatre green room; a place for clients to unwind and wait their turn in the spotlight.

Who's behind our parks?

Landscape designer blends love of the outdoors with affinity for architecture

BY PASHA SHIPP

While you might not know Mark Vysoky personally, you’re surely familiar with his work. Vysoky's resume includes such greenspaces as Thornapple Riverbend and Millennium Parks. We had a chat with him to learn more about his passion for connecting people to the natural world.

GR Mag: Grand Rapids Magazine: Tell me about your background in landscape architecture; how did you get into it? Mark Vysoky: As a child I always had a love for building architecture. With my creativity and love for design, I had my heart set on being an architect. As I got into high school, I went through an assessment of my strengths and interests, and landscape architecture was one of the five professions that surfaced through the Q&A evaluation. I had no idea the profession existed prior to the guidance office’s evaluation. It seemed to capture my love for architecture as well as my love for the outdoors. I visited several landscape architectural design firms and that confirmed my decision to study landscape architecture in college.

GR Mag: You knew what you were going to study – what did you do next? MV: I studied landscape architecture at Ohio State University. It was a program that was within the College of Engineering and the School of Architecture. This 5-year degree covered a variety of classes rooted in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental sciences.

“Landscape architects evaluate the strengths and limitations of a site to help achieve sustainable outcomes. When we plan and design outdoor spaces, we aim to achieve a balance between our human desires and our natural environments.”

Mark Vysoky

GR Mag: Let’s get down to the details. What’s the most important thing to consider when beginning a new landscape architecture project? MV: There is a lot that determines what the most important factors are to consider from project conception. Generally, you need to consider the site and the overall context of the project vision. Our municipal government agencies and higher education centers, for example, have planning ordinances and design guidelines that govern land development. They provide a framework to prevent the least amount of impact on our waterways and create healthy outcomes for all people and environments. Landscape architects evaluate the strengths and limitations of a site to help achieve sustainable outcomes. When we plan and design outdoor spaces, we aim to achieve a balance between our human desires and our natural environments.

GR Mag: From there, how do you come up with your design solutions? MV: Landscape architecture starts with an understanding of people and place. Our development should reflect a thorough understanding of human interaction with each other and should create places that function in harmony with our surroundings. This delicate balance is what we strive for in design. When coming up with designs for a project, we must first understand basic elements such as soils, slope, vegetation, and drainage patterns. These all impact our design and are the foundations from which we can create successful engineered design solutions that are in harmony with each other. As architects plan and design indoor spaces, landscape architects plan and design outdoor spaces. We want our design to emit a sense of place, leave memorable human impressions, and minimize environmental impact.

EXPERT

Above, a rendering of an alley in Ludington. The redevelopment would transform it into an activated urban space to be used for community functions. At left, plans for Eastern Ave. in Alger Heights aim to create more space for outdoor dining, music, activities.

A Knapp’s Corner Standout

Sleekly designed restaurant is the apple of its owner’s eye

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY BRYAN ESLER

When one thinks of Knapp’s Corner, the words “on the cutting edge of design” probably aren’t what comes to mind. But if we zero in on one particular establishment conceived by local restauranter and businessman Johnny Brann, we’re presented with a shining example that goes against stereotype for an area otherwise characterized by strip malls and chain stores and the utilitarian lackluster design styles that accompany them. That restaurant is Kitchen 67 – A Michigan Bistro, located at 1977 E Beltline Ave. NE.

The 4,600-square-foot location was unique when it opened in 2012 due to its emphasis on innovation and technology; tabletop iPads, wireless smartphone charging stations, a Gentex glass video wall, and a customizable high-res LED ceiling, one of only three in the world at the time. A concept Brann said he came up with in 2011 while walking through the Woodland Mall past the Apple store, admiring its sleek design.

Kitchen 67's Sizzle Bowl (pan fried noodles, grilled chicken, red peppers, green peppers and portobello mushrooms, and garnished with scallions and sesame seeds. Served with a spicy sesame garlic sauce).

“I thought, ‘how I can I incorporate that?’” Brann said. “I was running the Brann’s restaurants in town, and I wanted to venture out on my own and not have the resources come from my family, make my own way so to speak.”

Brann happened to know Apple’s Chief Marketing Officer, at the corporate office in California, so he reached out, and that person connected him with the Apple’s in-house Design team.

“I connected with their team, started laying out and designing with their team,” Brann said. Apple’s design team came up with the design, Bob Isreals here in town oversaw the project. The local architect to help put it all together was Jeffery Parker.

Brann wanted to involve as many of the larger global companies headquartered in the area as possible.

“I toured Hayworth. I wasn’t affiliated with them at the time. I was blown away with everything they had out at their Holland Headquarters.

“We were one of the first places to have inductive charging, use iPads for ordering and to play games. That came from Fulton innovation invented through Amway. We became the first place in America to have inductive charging,” Brann said.

He partnered with Gentex to put some displays up.

“We had an LED ceiling– one of three in the world. The others were in Vegas and outside of London. We used it to display content over the years. We would

incorporate logos, fun designs for the groups coming in, he said.

“I negotiated with Verizon and put some of their technology in my bar here back when iPads were new.

By August of 2012, just 18 months after the original idea, Kitchen 67 – A Michigan Bistro opened its doors.

“At the time it was just me and Twisted Rooster out here,” said Brann, referencing a restaurant that occupied the building where Meritage Restaurant Group’s Morning Belle is now located. “There weren’t really any other local restaurants in this area. It was a special place for me. I grew up in Forest Hills.”

A few years passed and Brann was settling into the role, and very much enjoyed seeing his old teachers, and having put his stamp on the community, when something quite surreal happened.

“I got a text message from a customer.” It read: “You’re the number one sandwich to try before you die in Huffington Post,” referencing an article that came in the Dec. 6, 2016 issue of the newspaper.

“Then MLive called and a lot of other media,” Brann said.

The restaurant was and remained very busy for several months making great efforts to meet the demand.

Above, right: The "Bird in Hand" chicken sandwich, voted "#1 sandwich to try before you die" by the Huffington Post.

Above, left: Kitchen 67's dining area has been recently refreshed with a cosmetic makeover.

look + feel / expe ience

“I was back there cooking chicken sandwiches every day during that time. We had a great chef. We used my grandpa’s seasoning, Founders’ beer to create the batter, and the chicken is of course the top-quality chicken that I’ve used in my family’s restaurants for decades,” he said.

Brann’s grandfather was the owner of the original Johnny Brann’s Steakhouse in the Burton Heights neighborhood. The restaurant was a Grand Rapids icon in the 1960s that by 1967 was selling 800-900 “sizzlers” per night. People used to line up for their sizzlers around the block. My grandpa invented that cut of meat.

The name, Kitchen 67, is an homage to that flagship year. The operation expanded to several other locations and has now sold more than 25 million sizzlers,” said Brann, quite proud of his family’s accomplishments.

And with that pedigree comes purpose. Brann is actively involved in the community and estimates half of his time is spent on his businesses, while the other is spent on community minded endeavors. Some of the boards and other positions he holds include Economic Club of GR Membership Chair; Corewell Health Foundation Board; Corewell Health Gala Chair; Grand Action Advisory Board and Fundraising Board; West Michigan Policy Forum Policy Chair; Municipal Council Policy Chair; West Michigan Sports Commission Board Member; West Side Corridor Authority Board Member; and Mary Free Bed Fundraising committee for the Joan Secchia Rehabilitation Hospital.

“I got the honor of being close with Peter Secchia,” said Brann. Secchia was a New Jersey born businessman who settled in Grand Rapids and served as the United States Ambassador to Italy (19891993). “He always used to call Grand Rapids the center of the universe. It’s spectacular, so unique and that’s down to the people.”

In late 2023, Kitchen 67 announced a “refresh” of its restaurant. By that time Brann had purchased Interphase Interiors, Hayworth’s exclusive dealer and leveraged those resources to realize the overhaul of the interior. “I utilized a lot of the Hayworth product and the design team. I have my own staff of designers to work with and I work with Amanda Huizenga, a really wonderful designer here in town,” Brann said. Along with some cosmetic changes, there are new dishes on the menu. “Our chef did a wonderful job. "

“It’s been a great experience. It taught me a lot, being in the area. There was a certain expectation here in Knapp’s that was a little ahead of its time.

Twisted Hot Yoga's Sweet Heat class.

Grand Rapids Magazine’s other Knapp's Corner must-trys/-dos

Restaurants

Italian:

Licari’s Pizza Kitchen

Chinese:

Golden Wok

Thai:

Thai Chef

Mediterranean: Sheshco; Zesty Gyro; Pita Way (new!)

Sushi:

Jaku North

Mexican:

Tia Juana

Candy:

Koeze

Other ammenities

Clothing:

Lennon & Willow Boutique (new!)

Yoga:

Twisted Hot Yoga

Gym:

Orange Theory Fitness

School:

The Goddard School

Condos:

Celedon Complex

Apartments:

Knapp’s Corner Flats

Spa:

Woodhouse Day Spa

Pet store:

Chow Hound

Pet Supplies

What else does Knapp’s Corner have to offer?

One can’t overlook the influence that John D. Loeks, and the family theater chain he started that operates under the name "Studio C" has had on the area. Studio C, was responsible for the shape of most of what has evolved on the northwest corner of Knapp and E. Beltline NE. Celebration Cinema North is the company’s most attended theatre in the state of Michigan and has been a movie and event hub ever since it opened in 2001, Emily Loeks, director of community affairs for Studio C told Grand Rapids Magazine. That’s due to its gracious indoor lobbies and event spaces. These spaces have been home to “Wizard’s Ball” fundraisers, collectively garnering more than a million dollars for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and the “Make a Wish” foundation, she said.

“We’ve recently renovated, and put full kitchens into service, along with heated recliners,” Loeks said.

Studio C owns the property. All of the businesses in the building connected to Celebration North are their tenants, including Tree runner adventure park, which houses more than 60 obstacles and 12 ziplines, with 5 different difficulty levels and 9 different trails to choose from. The park invites visitors to climb, swing, and balance their way through the trees behind the Celebration Cinema.

A Celebration Cinema's employee pours a bucketful of the most notorious movie-goer's accoutrement – popcorn!

Character, detail & flair

Designers go all-in on a Pinterestpin-worthy new construction on East Grand Rapids' Fisk Lake

BY ANDREA ROWLAND

When a family of four approached Liz and Kevin Hoekzema with an idea for new construction, the design-build duo had just the spot.

Only months earlier, the KLH Custom Homes co-founders had purchased a lot off Durant Street on Fisk Lake in East Grand Rapids, knowing the perfect client would come along. “We had come across the lot through a realtor in town and snatched it up. It became the perfect spot for them,” said Liz Hoekzema, Creative Director for KLH.

Working closely with the clients, the "Durant project" began to take shape. While the overall aesthetic of the home is light, bright, and modern, KLH took special measures to give the home unexpected flair. “I think whenever you have a brand-new home like this, it’s important to inject some character and detail,” Liz explained. For the Durant project, details such as rough-sawn beams were added in the kitchen to provide texture and age, as well as exposed copper plumbing in the lower-level bar. “It’s all brand new, but it feels like it’s been there longer than it has,” she said.

The showstopper in the home is the two-story library, which Liz describes as having an inky, moody vibe. It was one of the design elements the homeowners brought to the table. “It really started the whole architectural design of the house and we worked backward from there,” Liz said.

And while the library is Pinterest-pin-worthy, it isn’t the

The kitchen and dining area (top left) details such as rough-sawn beams were added to provide texture and age. In the living room (above), floor-to-ceiling windows create an airy ambiance. The main staircase (left) is situated near the front entrance.

home’s only architectural feat. The main staircase serves as another focal point. The floor-to-ceiling window floods the entry with light, while the wood-paneled stairwell anchors the space, adding natural warmth.

Kevin and Liz celebrated a decade in business in 2023, no small feat while juggling family life with four children. Last year, KLH reorganized a portion of its growing service offerings into an architecture and interior design off-shoot, TEN Design Studio, which has 17 employees.

Ready to refresh a space of your own? When designing, Liz believes that going all-in always pays off. This could be dipping a room in full color, as in the Durant project library, or bringing tile to the ceiling, as in the laundry room. “Embrace the space to its full extent, instead of checking a list, Liz advises. “Breaking the rules can make it personal to you and eye-catching. That is where we get really excited.”

“I think whenever you have a brand-new home like this, it’s important to inject some character and detail.”

Liz Hoekzema

The upper level of the "Pinterest-pin-worthy" library has a balcony for easy access to books (above left). A comfy reading chair is situated next to the fireplace in the library's lower level (above right). The exterior façade of the home features a covered entryway (top).

Getting away from it all

Nonstop flights and limited travel time are your tickets to a stress free vacation!

BY LISA ENOS

Traveling can have numerous health benefits, both mental and physical. Taking a vacation allows one to break away from daily routines and experience new environments, which promotes relaxation. Exposure to new stimuli can inspire creativity and sharpen problem-solving skills, as it encourages individuals to think outside their usual frames of reference.

All that said, sometimes traveling in and of itself can be a major stressor. One way to get around that is to cut your time

Exposure to new stimuli can inspire creativity and sharpen problemsolving skills, as it encourages individuals to think outside their usual frames of reference.

en route down to the bare minimum. Another trick is to take advantage of smaller regional airports much like our beloved Gerald R. Ford International. The best way to go is with nonstop a flight, but it’s not always possible. Pro tip when booking: be sure to sort flights by duration to avoid long layovers.

Rather than going for the least expensive ticket, factor in the cost of what you’ll be spending on airport meals (if you can even find anything open at the time of your arrival, departure, or layover) and consider the benefits of Uber or Lyft in an environment where you don't know the lay of the land as opposed to renting a car.

Most of all, keep it simple. The idea is to take a break from stress, not create more of it!

Tampa/Saint Petersburg, FL

Bask in the Gulf Coast charm. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront or spend the day browsing shops. Allegiant's direct service to TPA and PIE (airport codes) makes this Florida getaway easily accessible.

Distance: 1, 246 miles

Flight time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Fun fact: Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first arrived in the Tampa Bay area in the year 1513.

Stay here:

• Tampa Riverwalk

• The Belleview

• Bellair Beach Resort

Grab this grub:

• Barfly

• Ulele

• The Columbia

Things to see/do:

• Salvador Dali Museum

• Safety Harbor

• Indian Rocks Beach

Venice Beach, CA

Embark on an adventure to Venice Beach. Allegiant offers nonstop service to LAX MayOctober. If the prospect of navigating LAX is too daunting, Frontier Airlines flies into Ontario Airport, 45 minutes east of LA.

Distance: 2,194 miles

Flight time: 4 hours, 45 minutes

Fun fact: The first documented surfing demonstration on the mainland of U.S.A took place in Venice, CA.

Stay here:

• Venice Suites*

• Su Casa*

• Hotel Erwin

Grab this grub:

• Plancha Tacos

• Sidewalk Café

• Fig Tree

Things to see/do:

• Stroll the boardwalk

• Visit the canals

• Santa Monica Pier

* These hotels offer kitchenettes.

Chicago, IL

Indulge in the vibrant energy of the Windy City. For a hassle-free trip, Amtrak offers a 6 a.m. daily departure from downtown GR, or you can park in New Buffalo and take a convenient commuter train.

Distance: 177 miles

Train time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Fun fact: Chicago has more major railroads serving the city than any other place in America.

Stay here:

• Warwick Allerton

• The W

• Kimpton

Grab this grub:

• Big Star

• The Berghoff

• Obelix

Things to see/do:

• The Art Institute of Chicago

• Wrigley Field

• Magnificent Mile

eras tour

From Furniture City and Beer City USA to the birthplace of ArtPrize, Grand Rapids has garnered a national reputation for creativity, commerce and collaboration.

The buildings tell a similar story. Each brick, stretch of milled pine, and layer of paint point to a legacy of innovation. A closer look at the architecture of downtown’s iconic buildings speaks to the city’s past, as well as a glimpse into her future. 1969

BY ANDREA ROWLAND

The Waters Building

161 Ottawa Avenue

THE MERE SIZE AND masonic detail of the red-brick Waters Building hint at its original purpose. Floor-toceiling windows line the sidewalks along Ottawa Avenue like an exhibition hall, beckoning passersby to peer in. After nearly 125 years, the architecture is still doing its job.

In the late 1800s, industrialization was changing America, and in Grand Rapids, furniture production was burgeoning. Still decades before the Model-T would be introduced,

Klingman brought his idea to the Waters family, whose wealth had grown from West Michigan’s early lumber industry. By 1899, the fivestory Waters Building was erected, and within a year, the demand for space was so high that a sixth floor was added.

travel was limited to horse, boat and train. Hoteliers and retailers on the hunt to find the perfect furnishings were required to travel to each manufacturing site, often taking them around the country.

It was at this time that Phillip Klingman, a young entrepreneur in the furniture business, had an idea that would change the industry. Klingman dreamed of a centralized exposition hall where furniture manufacturers from all around the country would rent showroom space, making Grand Rapids the single destination for furniture buyers across America. He needed a building – a large building – to launch this feat.

“The building was open only twice a year,” said Candice Smith, Founder of Tours Around Michigan. Smith leads walking architectural tours of Grand Rapids. “Furniture companies would put their items on trains and ship them to Grand Rapids. [The Waters Building] was the largest building in the world for furniture exhibition and an important piece of Grand Rapids becoming Furniture City.”

As the success of the Waters Building grew, other buildings sprouted up around the city supporting demand for furniture exposition space. The iconic red brick Waters Building served as a furniture exhibition space until 1958 when the industry largely moved South.

Today, the original red brick exterior remains intact, standing testament to one man’s daring and a community’s support. Its usefulness lives on, housing the Homewood Suites by Hilton as well as retail, office space, and condos.

TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY

The

McKay Tower

146 Monroe Center NW

ACROSS FROM ROSA PARKS Square stands the McKay Tower. Aptly named, the 16-floor building tells the story of the city’s growth and prosperity that marked the roaring twenties. The first four stories of the landmark were constructed in 1914, home of Grand Rapids National City Bank. The opulence of the neoclassical design was tantamount to the economic growth of the City’s industries. The building’s rectangle footprint is enhanced by dramatic columns and stone-carved details, reminiscent of a Greek temple. Inside, the space was equally opulent. Pamela VanderPloeg’s book Grand Rapids Downtown Buildings describes separate lounges for the Bank’s male and female customers, as well as club rooms and a handball court for employees.

By 1925, Grand Rapids’ economy was booming. Work began to add 12 floors, making it the tallest building in Grand Rapids, a title it held until the Amway Grand Tower was completed in 1983.

A feature in a 1926 Sunday Herald dedicated the building, “The Grand Rapids National Bank, as an expression of the confidence it reposes in our city’s progress, has completed its splendid 16-story home on Campau square, dedicating it to the Greater Grand Rapids of the future.”

The building’s namesake, however, didn’t come along until 1942. Frank D. McKay purchased the building and cemented his name to the legacy, both literally and figuratively. Two more mechanical floors were added in the 1940s.

Today, the former banking lobby has been converted into an event space, the McKay Ballroom. Pieces of the original grandeur remain intact, including granite surfaces and the beveled columns that tower two stories high.

National Bank of Grand Rapids, built in 1940, later became McKay Tower. The building stands to the east of Campau Square.

Herpolsheimer's Department Store

1 Monroe West

WAR HAD ENDED. Soldiers were returning home. A new breath of optimism was surging through American streets and Grand Rapids was no exception. In the spirit of a fresh start, a popular downtown department store, Herpolsheimer’s, constructed a building to reflect this new era.

“It was an extraordinary building that heralded the end of World

War 2 and the beginning of a new economic boom,” said Pamela VanderPloeg, local architectural historian and author. Designed by Boston-based architects Perry, Shaw and Hepburn, the store’s main display window stretched three stories high, boasting the status of tallest in the nation. The wildly modern exterior was reported by the Grand Rapids Press to have

used enough cement to pave eight highway miles.

“It was a classic combination of Mid-Century Modern with a little bit of international style,” said Bob Daverman of Daverman Architecture. “It was more like the Mid-Century Modern of Palm Springs and Hollywood. It had storefront windows that were like the ones you would see in Chicago.”

The basement of Herpolsheimer’s was home to Santa’s Express Monorail, which inspired “The Polar Express,” a children’s book by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsberg.

The downtown department store closed in 1990, and by 2001 the renovated space became the Grand Rapids Police Station.

THE

Top, Herpolsheimer's Department Store on the southwest corner of Monroe Center and Division Avenue (1952). At left, the former department store is now home to GRPD.

Grand Rapids’ City-County Building

GRAND RAPIDS CITY HALL is most easily recognized as the dark 10-story structure towering beside Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse. Designed by Chicago architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the brown Canadian granite exterior accentuates the building’s geometric lines and lack of ornamental decoration, both elements of international-style architecture. Set on the sprawling Vandenberg Plaza, City Hall arose as part of an immense revitalization effort in the 1960s known as urban renewal.

As the suburbs exploded with growth, downtown fumbled. Many

Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse was the first piece of art funded by the National Endowment of the Arts’ Art in Public Places program. Since it was installed on Vandenberg Plaza in 1969, the famed red sculpture has become an icon of Grand Rapids, even incorporated into the City’s logo.

of the buildings once filled with office space and retail were vacant, and land value was plummeting. City leaders planned a series of new buildings that aimed to reduce urban blight and create a vibrant downtown that would attract businesses and patrons alike. A centerpiece of the City’s urban renewal initiative was the Vandenberg Center, a 40-acre plane bordered by Michigan Street, Ionia Avenue, Lyon Street, and the Grand River, and home to the new City Hall and County Building. Approximately 120 buildings were cleared to make way for the new city center.

1969

THE EIGHTIES:

Mirror on Monroe

THE 1980S USHERED in a new era for downtown with the wave of historical restoration projects. With many historic structures now lost in the name of urban renewal, the new decade brought a revived interest from developers and investors to save the existing buildings.

It was partly for this reason that the newly designed Mirror on Monroe building garnered acclaim. Built in 1982, architect Robert

Wold used his modern design to enhance the historic buildings surrounding it. By wrapping the bold, rectangular building in reflective materials, the edifice mirrored the sky and architectural gems around it. In a 1982 interview with the Grand Rapids Press, Wold explained, “We wanted a simple design statement reflecting the surroundings against the sky.” The design was so successful that it won the Michigan Society of Architects’ Gold Medal Award that same year.

The exterior isn’t the only visual to pay homage to the architectural beauty around it. Inside, the wallto-wall metal-framed windows allow occupants to view the surrounding streetscape. Today, the building is home to PNC Bank and a handful of other entities.

DeVos Place

CONTINUING WHAT WAS started in the 1980s and 90s, DeVos Place architecture embodies the dual values of the new millennium: preserving the old while building the future.

The Welsh Civic Auditorium was constructed during the Great Depression as a way to provide jobs to Grand Rapids workers. Funded by a $1.5 million public bond, craftspeople were paid in scrips, emergency money issued by banks due to lack of physical currency which could then be used to buy food and clothing at a scrip store. It was constructed from Detroit-made steel and limestone from Indiana.

Situated on a 13-acre stretch between the Grand River and Monroe Avenue, architectural firm Ellerbe Beckett with the Progressive AE project team were careful to reflect the surrounding landscape into the building. One of DeVos Place’s most notable features is the curved roof line, setting it apart in the city skyline.

“The waved roof was a gesture

The curved roof of DeVos Place was designed to reflect the surrounding landscape; to emulate the curl of the water cascading toward the dam.

of the river cascading over these various dams, picking up the curl of the water,” said Bob Daverman, who served as Progressive AE’s project manager for the DeVos Place project.

References to the river are reflected in interior finish choices as well, including the terrazzo floor, a finish made from cement, sand and ground minerals, which is polished into a shiny hard surface. Even the serpentine light fixture is intended to mimic a water snake cutting through the rapids.

Despite being new construction, historic preservation also fell under the project scope. The building site included the 1932 Welsh Civic Auditorium on Lyon Street. As plans for the new performance hall were underway, efforts to preserve the entirety of the auditorium were entertained, which included the feasibility of moving the building to a nearby location.

“It was a very loved building,” Daverman recalled. “The front lobby and south portico were the only components of it that were protected by the local historical landmark status.”

In the end, the façade and lobby of Civic Auditorium were preserved, and with it, a piece of Grand Rapids’ story. Recognizable by the grand neoclassical pillars facing Lyon Street, the structure is one of the few remaining downtown buildings with an Art Deco influence.

Yet even for the portion of the Civic Auditorium that was demolished, not all was lost. Pieces of the building were salvaged, including a series of Art Deco carvings, which were integrated into the hallways around the Steelcase Ballroom.

NEARLY BRAND SPANKING NEW:

The Flatiron Building

40 Louis Street NW

AMONG THE NEWEST additions to Grand Rapids cityscape, the Flatiron Building is a near mirror image of the site it sits on. Situated like a slice of pie on the rectangleshaped lot between Louis Street, Ionia Avenue, and Fulton Street, the flatiron style refers to its close resemblance to a clothing iron.

The wedge-shaped lot has been home to several uses over the years, starting in 1890 as the Ringe, Kalmbach & Logie Shoe Boot Factory and, more recently, a flatsurface parking garage. Yamasaki Associates of Troy, Michigan

was hired to design a home for Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown. Yet the firm’s roots can be traced back to 1955 when famed architect Minoru Yamasaki set out on his own. Yamasaki’s most notable work was the Twin Towers in New York City’s World Trade Center.

Today, the triangled parcel houses a 14-story, 147-room hotel. The street level is home to waffles, coffee and cocktails restaurant Social Misfits, and its newly opened sister restaurant, The Foolery, selfcoined as a “fine” dive bar.

Yamasaki Associates of Troy, Michigan designed the Flatiron Building; the same firm that designed the Twin Towers.

THE BEST NEW

REIMAGINED BARS

RESTAURANTS

WRITTEN BY

AND | PHOTOS BY

PAT EVANS AMANDA KAMPPINEN

bartender Morgan Applegarth puts the finishing touches on a freshly made Negroni.

Opposite page: Scholar's Chicken Liver Pâté.

NORTHERN DISTILLERY COMES DOWN TO GRAND RAPIDS

THE GRAND RAPIDS COCKTAIL scene has exploded in recent years and the addition of Mammoth Distillery on Wealthy Street is no slouch.

The distillery started up in Central Lake in 2016 and has since expanded to several tasting rooms across the state. In November 2023, the cocktail lounge at 710 Wealthy St. SE opened and has helped add to the growing eclectic set of nightlife options on the stretch of the busy street.

The space is large and has room for more than 150 people during months the backyard patio is open. But the interior is where the moody atmosphere strikes with its brick walls and dim lighting. The hardwood floors and a bar built on top of piles of wood only adds to the rustic feel that can make it feel like you’re north of Cadillac.

Like many distilleries, Mammoth has set its sights on creating a portfolio of unique whiskeys, and in particular has focused on a rye whiskey project where it growing Rosen rye on South Manitou Island for its Northern Rye Whiskey, a nod to Michigan’s Prohibition contributions.

MAMMOTH DISTILLERY

Here: Mammoth Distillery's rustic chic interior. Right: from top, the Brinks Old Fashioned, Berry Rhubarb Sour, Mammoth Gin and Tonic.

A SPACIOUS NEW HOME FOR EASTERN KILLE IN ROCKFORD

WHEN

COREWELL HEALTH

EASTERN KILLE

purchased Eastern Kille’s original Ottawa Avenue building, it provided owners Steve Vander Pol and Brandon Voorhees the opportunity to scale up their operation.

First, they opened a Wealthy Street outpost serving up cocktails with the excellent spirits they produce. Then, this winter, they opened the new $4.2 million distillery, cocktail bar and restaurant in Rockford.

The new space sits on 16 acres of field and forest next to the White Pine Trail and is home to a beautiful new distillery space that looks like it belongs with many of the gorgeous distillery buildings in Kentucky. It features 8,000 square feet of distillery space and 4,000 square feet for its restaurant.

Eastern Kille hopes its new facility helps create a little enclave of outdoor and beverage fun in Rockford.

“With our neighbors Third Nature Brewing and direct access to the trails, we look forward to making this a new destination and unique experience for visitors from across the state and country,” Vander Pol said. “We look forward to the full summer experience with outdoor space to eat, drink and play with the whole family, including the dog.”

Eastern Kille concentrates on whiskey, with five special bourbons aged in various European casks throughout the year.

“Good whiskey takes time –and is a distinct product of the climate where it is aged,” Vander Pol said. “Michigan’s notoriously fickle weather creates a whiskey profile unique to our state. Our new facility highlights nature’s impact on our whiskey as we continue in our goal to make world-class whiskey in West Michigan.”

Along with their whiskey, Eastern Kille features its other spirits in cocktails throughout its menu.

As for food, it features pizzas — including vegan and gluten free options — and small plates perfect for soaking up a delicious tipple.

Here: a Negroni. Opposite page: Various food items including the mozzarella & basil pizza (bottom right), a Negroni (bottom left), and a Blue Spruce cocktail (top right), amongst other salads and pizzas.

THE FOOLERY

DIVE BAR FOOLIN’

LAST YEAR, THE OWNERS of Social Misfits decided to take the space vacated by Wahlburgers and turn it into a “fine dive bar.”

The oxymoronic concept has the hip crowd in Grand Rapids eating square pizzas and a variety of other swings at Midwestern classics, like smoked whitefish dip and pasties.

The Foolery hopes to evoke nostalgia from the clientele, littering the places with photos from 80s and 90s movies, while using wood panels that are seen across Midwest basements on the walls.

Opposite page, from top to bottom: Chef Brandon Miller; a sausage and rice pastie; and a Smooth Criminal cocktail. Food items here, clockwise from top left: sausage and rice pasties, potatoe and leek pasties, smoked whitefish dip, and the meat- za pizza.

SCHOLAR

SCHOLARLY DRINKS

ONE OF THE SWANKIEST places to open in recent memory is Scholar, 11 Ionia Ave. SW

Formerly the home to J. Gardella’s Tavern, the three-level building is now offering up a cozy place to grab drinks and dinner. While the dinner is an above average affair for Grand Rapids, it’s the ability to hole up in a variety of nifty settings to grab a drink that can appeal to almost everyone in Grand Rapids.

The main bar near the main entrance is a centerpiece in and of itself and a perfect place to saddle up for a beverage.

But it’s the basement nooks and crannies, with a warm fireplace at its core, that can make even the dullest date seem exciting.

Scholar's main bar, a familiar spot, formerly J. Gardella's Tavern.

At left, from top: Honey Beez Old Fashioned, Aperol spritz, and a look at Mangiamo's new bar; Mo’s Cocktail Lounge. Here: Mangiamo's newly renovated dining area.

MANGIAMO

ITALIANO ELEVATO

ONE OF GRAND RAPIDS’ most iconic restaurants has returned to one of its previous names.

The Gilmore Collection reopened Mangiamo as the restaurant at 1033 Lake Dr. SE, replacing Paddock Place, the group’s establishment in the historic mansion since 2018. The original Mangiamo opened in the East Hills neighborhood house in 2005.

Dark and sexy in its new decor, Mangiamo offers up a selection of meals perfect for a date night or special occasion.

The starters on their own could provide a group a delightful table full of dishes to share and fill bellies for the evening. Perhaps the most devilishly good item is the truffled reds, which sound are simply “crispy truffled redskin potatoes, parmesan cheese and truffle aioli.” Mangiamo’s classic “Baseball” meatball also makes a return.

A hearty steak menu is available, with multiple cuts of Snake River Farms Wagyu beef. Other entrees like the Kurobuta pork shank and wild caught scallops were delectable.

The five pasta choices run the gamut, from a thick lasagna Bolognese to shrimp alla vodka to the Pebble Creek mushroom ravioli.

“We’re trying to strike a balance between the requests we’ve had for the return of Mangiamo’s classic Italian menu and what we feel is a burgeoning demand for more elevated dining experiences in the city,” Gilmore Collection Executive Chef Wes Davis said.

The home was built in 1873 for Augustus Paddock, a lumber baron and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovations for the Mangiamo has kept the bones of the building intact and helps show off the beauty of the old mansion.

Along with the new restaurant is an additional bar concept: Mo’s Cocktail Lounge. In the former wine cellar of Paddock Place, the new cocktail bar includes a separate entrance and allows up to 35 patrons to enjoy a secretive drink.

SØVENGÅRD THE GROWSSØVENGÅRD UP

NEARLY TWO YEARS OF waiting comes to an end this spring for a heralded Grand Rapids restaurant.

The Søvengård is set to complete its move westward down Bridge Street and open at its new location, 1232 Bridge St. NW, by mid-April, according to owner Rick Muschiana at the time the magazine went to print.

The Søvengård opened in 2016 at its original 442 Bridge St. NW location and quickly became a hit with West Michigan foodies, even garnering a Grand Rapids Magazine nod as best restaurant in Grand Rapids in March 2020.

The new spot is a collaboration with Ben M. Muller Realty Co. and it is a maturation of sorts for the restaurant, Muschiana said. Ten Ring Construction is finishing the build out.

“We’re going to lean further into our concept,” he said of the restaurant’s Midwest-meets-New Nordic ethos. “That’s not just a concept, it’s a philosophical life style choice for how we want to conduct our business and what we think is important.

“It’s more than having people come in and give us their money. We want people to identify with our choices to support local and what we’re doing for the environment and the culture we create.”

Muschiana said the business has always strived to be an asset for the community while working to help improve the city. Taking the restaurant further west will help lengthen the Bridge Street corridor, while also working to become a neighborhood anchor and focal point at that far end.

“We’ve just kind of hit the tip of the iceberg for what we can precipitate what we’re forming and the philosophies we hold,” he said.

The new space includes three separate rooms, and while they all flow together, Muschiana said they can also be separated for private event usage. One room also connects to the outdoor beer garden, what he called a porch. It’s long, shotgun style design includes two big skylights, a gas fireplace and a big door that will open up onto the beer garden when the weather permits.

As for the beer garden, it will take the concept from the original locations, which was by all accounts the best outdoor beer garden in the city and improve it. It will have 100 seats or so, garden and living wall and likely another outdoor bar.

“There’s no Søvengård without a beer garden,” he said. “It will return. We think it will feel like it grew up a little bit. A little more ‘neighborhoody.’

“When I was first dreaming of this restaurant, I envisioned people walking down, pushing strollers, and activating it in that way.

The kitchen also will expand, providing the staff with more room to explore their culinary creativity.

Along with improving the initial iteration of Søvengård, Muschiana said the new space will also allow for a new piece of the business: a small mini market. That will allow the farmers to sell produce straight to consumers.

“If you sit down and have a dish with amazing tomatoes, you can go take some home and support in those ways and have the same access we do,” he said.

It will also allow The Søvengårdto sell other local artisan products. Nothing too crazy, he said, but perhaps the perfect package of food and beverage for a lovely picnic.

“We loved what our other space was, but there were a lot of operational challenges,” Muschiana said. “This is our brand growing up a few years and feeling more in line with where we’re at with life.”

Jarrod Dawson (left) of Ten Ring Construction stands with Søvengård's owner Rick Muschiana in the construction zone of The Søvengård's new location.

MIZIZI

FROM FOOD TRUCK TO RESTAURANT

THIS WINTER, KIREL SHAW took his Street Chef Shaw food truck concept and opened up a fullblown restaurant.

The African-Latin American fusion menu is truly unique for the Grand Rapids market.

The small spot, 1539 Plainfield Ave.

NE in Creston neighborhood, was Rinaldi’s Pizza Shop but has been transformed into Mizizi by Street Chef Shaw, the culmination of more than three years of work with the food truck for Shaw and co-owner Mike Worthem.

The menu includes items ranging from tacos and quesadillas to barrio ramen and East African Chapattis, a stuffed flatbread.

Here: Birria Ramen. At right, from top to bottom: house made chips, serrano queso, Hog’s Breath salsa rojo, and Dragon’s Breath salsa verde; Kirel Shaw, owner of Mizizi; and an East African Chappatis wrap.

6275 28TH ST. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-957-2333 | BEKINS.US

Bekins on 28th Street in Grand Rapids is Michigan’s premier showroom for luxury appliances. It’s not just an appliance and electronics store; it’s an experience in world-class customer service from the moment you walk through their doors until their installers walk out of yours.

You’ll find kind, polite, knowledgeable people who look forward to helping you navigate the 13,000 sq. ft. of appliances, electronics, and design inspiration. The interactive showroom allows you to experience products and

make informed decisions—with no regrets.

Enjoy your Bekins visit and then expect red carpet treatment of your home from the highly trained Bekins teams who install and service their appliances.

Bekins’ appliance and electronics experts welcome every customer and budget! Whether you’re in desperate need of a new refrigerator or leisurely planning the appliances and smart home electronics for your dream home, trust Bekins to be the same price with better service.

THE FACE OF RYAN LA HAIE — 42° NORTH - ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

6744 CASCADE ROAD SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 616-340-8047 | 42NORTHARCHITECTS.COM

At 42° North, it has always been a goal to design timeless homes in Michigan and beyond. After a decade, they still offer uniquely experience-centered service, appropriately known as Design … at your doorstep™. The professionalism and the level of care they bring to their clients is tangible, and has evolved into deep and lasting friendships.

The driving force behind 42° North’s boutique experience is its owner and national award-winning designer, Ryan La Haie.

With experience that extends well over a quarter-century, La Haie attributes the success of 42° North to the fact that he’s not quick to put pen to paper, and his best asset is his ears and not his hands.

Staying true to design styles representing different time periods, La Haie is credited with not having a specific design style. Instead, he honors authentic architecture while designing one-of-a-kind homes.

5200 PLAINFIELD AVE. NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 | 616-447-1201 | ANNASHOUSEUS.COM

Anna’s House is celebrating 20 years of serving and delighting guests across the state of Michigan. Established in 2003 on Plainfield Ave in Grand Rapids, Anna’s House has embraced diverse dietary needs with a menu that features gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Anna’s House currently has 11 restaurants, with a new location opening in Spring of 2024 in Byron Center. Their latest restaurant opened in November of 2023 on Northland Drive in Grand Rapids and complements the

existing locations on Plainfield Ave and East Beltline Ave. Anna’s House showcases a retro-styled diner feel with its brightly colored textures, large hand-painted murals, and famous toaster walls. Guests are provided the same “Anna’s House Experience” at each location, where every guest leaves feeling better than when they arrived. Anna’s House thanks their communities for the support given as the brand continues its mission in “Saving the world from an ordinary breakfast!”

As a truly local bank that’s been around for more than 135 years, United Bank believes a banking relationship should be more than just an account; it’s having a trusted financial partner you can count on. Their team is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of West Michigan and helping local businesses thrive.

United Bank makes banking simple and efficient, so you can

focus on what you do best: running your business. Member FDIC.

Team members include (pictured L-R, seated): Carrie Seifert, Lindsey Younglove, Breanna Chase, Robin Beckwith, Kara Novak, and Kara Vugteveen; and (standing, L-R): Nicolette Happie, Matt Bachicha, Alex Crow, Jack Verville, Tammy Karas, Nolan Rauser, Terri Prince, Katie Niemchick, Stephanie Wilson, Lisa Banas, and Ben Briggs.

5747 28TH ST. SE,

RAPIDS,

49546 | 616-432-3103 | BESTGRANDRAPIDSCHIROPRACTOR.COM

Dr. Matthew S. Phinney happened on a career in health care while playing rugby with the Canadian National team. On a rugby tour to New Zealand, he injured two discs in his neck during a match. The damage was so severe, he was ruled out of any competition by team doctors and was told his career as a rugby player was essentially over.

The limited ability of conventional medicine to understand and treat his injury left a strong impression on him. It wasn’t until he returned to his home in Victoria, BC, that a chiropractor was able to help him restore function in his body and get him

back into competition. That’s when Dr. Phinney decided to pursue a career in health care.

Dr. Phinney has committed himself to lifelong learning. He reads, attends seminars, and pursues clinical excellence by keeping up with information that might give his patients a winning edge when it comes to their health and their life. He’s dedicated to helping all individuals, businesses, organizations, and community groups that want to experience improved health, vitality, productivity, and performance. His concern for others drives his pursuit of excellence in his work and in service to the community.

BRANDING

212 S. HARBOR DRIVE, SUITE 200, GRAND HAVEN, MI 49417 | 616-776-1111 | BRANDHAVENAGENCY.COM

When Bill McKendry, founder and chief creative officer of BrandHaven, brought on Jason Vanderground as partner and president of the agency, the two were building on a 25-year relationship of blending their creative and strategic experience.

Under their direction, over the past three years the agency has evolved from its origins as a creative boutique into the area’s top agency, managing nationally recognized campaigns and marketing initiatives for corporate and nonprofit brands.

“Jason’s client-side experience with Steelcase, Corewell

Health, and Irwin Seating enable him and our expanded team to manage large, complex, and integrated marketing initiatives for organizations of all types and sizes,” McKendry says.

Now, after more than 40 years in the marketing industry and with momentum under the agency he founded, McKendry is tapping Vanderground to take the helm. The duo will remain close partners, with McKendry helping create powerful ideas and breakthrough messaging insights for their world-changing clients.

Since 1979, The Cancer & Hematology Centers has experienced significant growth. Today, it encompasses a team of more than 25 oncologists and dozens of essential advanced practice providers. It operates seven clinical centers and regional practices, solidifying its position as the largest physician-owned oncology practice in Michigan.

CHC takes pride in its diverse subspecialty teams that specialize in areas such as breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, lung, melanoma, benign and malignant

hematology, and other rare cancer malignancies.

Mark Campbell, M.D., the founder and president of CHC, is committed to combating the impact of cancer on families. “We despise cancer and what it does to families. We recognize the complexities of oncology care, which involve the use of new drugs and therapy options, cost challenges, emerging scientific knowledge, and breakthrough therapies. CHC remains at the forefront of new drug studies, particularly in Phase I, II, and III cancer research trials. We won’t give up.”

THE FACES OF

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

6355 E. PARIS AVE. SE, CALEDONIA, MI 49316 | 616-698-5000 | FIRSTCOMPANIES.COM

Today’s construction environment is full of hurdles, whether it’s the uncertain market, labor and supply shortages, or competitive demand for space. You can get help to navigate every challenge, ensuring a successful outcome.

With more than 55 years of experience in West Michigan, First Companies is a proud leader in construction, real estate, development, and property management. Their track record of on-time, in-budget projects is backed by partnerships with highly regarded local organizations. As

a locally-owned and operated business, they know what it means to be fully invested in your projects and your people.

First Companies’ team of construction leaders is ready to guide your next project from ideation to completion. They work every day to make West Michigan a more beautiful, engaging, and desirable place to live. Let’s get started. Find an extensive portfolio of past work, testimonials from clients, and a comprehensive list of services at firstcompanies.com.

1661 CRYSTAL SPRINGS BLVD. SE, CALEDONIA, MI 49316 | 616-326-0114 | DERMINSTITUTEOFWMI.COM

The Derm Institute of West Michigan offers skin care solutions that cater to all aspects of your life. Their knowledgeable and dedicated staff, led by Dr. Kristi Hawley, provides advanced medical care for skin conditions and treatments for maintaining a youthful appearance. They take pride in their patient-first approach and commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.

Dr. Hawley, a board-certified dermatologist, brings expertise, experience, and a holistic approach to each patient. She’s nationally recognized and highly sought after as a speaker,

focusing on psoriasis and eczema. Dr. Nathan Nartker, a boardcertified dermatologist, has a passion for helping patients achieve confidence in their own skin. Dr. Nicole Bossenbroek, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist joined the team in 2024 and aligns perfectly with their mission.

The Derm Institute of West Michigan understands the struggles and challenges associated with skin conditions. Whether you’re seeking treatment, advice, or guidance, they will help you feel and look your best.

FACES OF

DIGITAL EXPERIENCES

99 MONROE

NW, SUITE 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 513-815-5649 | THEDIGTEAM.COM

DIG is a digital agency dedicated to helping their clients develop successful product strategies and deliver amazing experiences all while having a little fun along the way. They dig deeper into understanding the problem or challenge and work alongside their clients to create informed research-backed strategies and exceptional user-centered experiences.

Founded in 2017, DIG has collaborated with innovative brands to deliver digital experiences used by humans across the globe. DIG is proud to be based in the Great Lakes state,

where they partner with outdoor companies and clients who work to improve our waterways and conservation efforts. They are also doing great work with advanced technology industries, startups, and connected product companies.

DIG’s amazing team of people bring a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds to the table that make them multi-faceted, nimble in their approach and thought leaders in their space. Pictured Bonnie Van Volkinburg CXO, Nate Smith, COO, Mike Simon, CEO (seated).

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

THE FACES OF ROCKFORD

CONSTRUCTION

601 FIRST ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 | 616-285-6933 | ROCKFORDCONSTRUCTION.COM

The facilities management team at Rockford understands the importance of the built environment. As a company offering construction management, development, property and facilities management services, they bring a holistic perspective as owners, builders, and operators who are rooted in safety and committed to craftsmanship. They know your facilities can contribute to the overall comfort, safety, and efficiency of business operations, and the quality and condition of your buildings can affect those who live, work, and play within those spaces.

Maximizing a space’s longevity and functionality requires a dedicated team ready to tackle any aspect of your operations. The facilities management team at Rockford offers clientcentered service driven by expertise in managing vendors, conducting facilities assessments, developing and managing preventive maintenance programs, and leading special projects.

From residential to commercial clients, they believe successful facilities management service isn’t solely about the built environment; it’s also about the people who interact with it.

FACES OF

4085 BURTON ST. SE, SUITE 200, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 | 800-517-7712 | MVPSPORTSCLUBS.COM

Known for providing innovative programming, world-class equipment, and quality services, MVP Sports Club has been a leader in fitness, sports, and wellness across West Michigan since 2005. Its five local facilities span Grand Rapids, Holland, and Rockford. The clubs offer a wide range of programming for all skill levels and serve nearly 30,000 members annually.

Opening this summer, a new pickleball facility will be introduced at the Crahen Club in Grand Rapids, establishing

itself as West Michigan’s largest dedicated pickleball complex. The new facility, including a 17,000-square-foot building that houses six indoor courts, six additional outdoor courts, and an outdoor social area, will offer endless opportunities for both MVP members and the community to experience America’s fastest-growing sport: pickleball.

With a variety of pickleball offerings available for all ages, MVP is proud to be West Michigan’s leader in both fitness and racquet sports. Visit mvpsportsclubs.com to learn more.

THE

2911 KNAPP ST. NE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 | 616-208-9292 | GRANDRAPIDS3MI@GODDADSCHOOLS.COM

Whitney Mooney, owner of The Goddard School – Knapp’s Corner, knows the importance of early childhood education.

At The Goddard School, Mooney and her team of highly educated and innovative teachers create individualized opportunities for exposure to new ideas and materials. Programming is specifically designed so your child can embrace authentic learning in its most natural way: through play and exploration.

From engaging with science, technology, engineering,

art, and math concepts to focusing on social and emotional growth, Goddard’s safe, flexible, and caring environment gives your child the space to take chances, make connections, and experience authentic learning to become school-ready, careerready, and life-ready.

“We’re a family-owned business that’s focused on giving back to the community we love by educating its future leaders,” Mooney says. “We’re arming our students with the tools they need to be successful throughout their schooling and life.”

FACES OF

The expert team at Tru Kitchens understands the importance of creating a space that reflects your unique style and meets your practical needs. Tru Kitchens’ designers and carpenters are dedicated to turning your vision into reality, whether you’re looking to update a single room or undergo a complete home transformation.

With a focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, they’ll work closely with you to bring your ideas to life while

ensuring that the remodeling process is as smooth and stressfree as possible. From modernizing kitchens and bathrooms to expanding living spaces or adding custom features, they have the expertise to handle projects of any scale.

Let them take care of every aspect of the project, from initial design concepts to final construction, and watch as your house is transformed into the perfect reflection of your lifestyle and taste.

2060 DIVISION S, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49507 | 616-475-8446 | EXALTAHEALTH.ORG

Exalta Health is a faith-based nonprofit clinic that serves people who are uninsured, underinsured, or refugees. Fiftyseven percent of their patients have no insurance, while fortyfour percent percent of their patients have incomes that are below the Federal Poverty Index.

Dr. Chris Shoemaker is one of two physicians who provide primary care. He graduated from the Wayne State University Medical School and did his residency at Trinity Health in Grand

Rapids. Pictured here with Dr. Shoemaker are Andrea Cervantes, clinical coordinator, and Laura Kass, advanced practice provider. Dr. Shoemaker and all of Exalta Health’s other team members are people who are dedicated to serving those who might otherwise slip through the cracks of the health care system.

Your support of Exalta Health through donations, prayers, and volunteerism helps a community that needs quality health care. Please visit exaltahealth.org for more information.

SUITE 225, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-965-2771 | CALDERGR.COM

Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a lower-middle-market investment bank serving business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, and private equity firms across the United States. Its team of professionals offer extensive industrial, distribution, construction, and business services industry experience, technological innovation, negotiation savvy, and key relationships to benefit their clients. Calder’s services include buy- and sell-side mergers and acquisitions, and advisory and business valuations.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Calder has grown to include nine locations nationwide. The firm closed 48 deals in 2023 and has grown 65.5 percent CAGR over the past five years.

With Calder’s combination of knowledge and expertise, it isn’t hard to see why the team has been widely recognized for its efforts. Calder Capital has been recognized as a BBB Torch Award for Ethics winner, a multiyear Inc. 5000 FastestGrowing Company recipient, and a National Best and Brightest Company to Work For winner.

FACES OF

MICHIGAN AUTO LAW

THE FACE OF BRANDON HEWITT, ATTORNEY, COO — MICHIGAN AUTO LAW

212 CESAR E. CHAVEZ AVE. SW, SUITE 105, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-333-0606 | AUTOLAW.COM

Brandon Hewitt, Attorney and COO of Michigan Auto Law, is a Grand Rapids native who is passionate about protecting people in West Michigan and throughout the State. At Michigan Auto Law, Brandon and his team of Top Lawyers (awarded by Grand Rapids Magazine) find their mission in helping those who have been injured or who have lost loved ones in a car or truck accident. Understanding how traumatic these experiences can be, they pride themselves on treating every client with respect, compassion, and empathy.

The Michigan Auto Law team is dedicated to guiding clients through Michigan’s complicated No-Fault system and holding insurance companies accountable to pay the benefits and compensation injured people deserve. Their commitment to West Michigan is demonstrated through their multiple scholarship programs for local students and in support of many community programs, including the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, John Ball Zoo, youth sports, and the arts.

185 OAKES ST. SW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 | 616-454-1751 | GRFOUNDATION.ORG

Grand Rapids Community Foundation aims to create a West Michigan where opportunity, prosperity, and belonging are the right of everyone who calls this region home. As the Community Foundation has stepped into a new century of service, its staff is hard at work listening to partners, testing theories, and pushing toward racial, social, and economic justice.

LaSandra Gaddy, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO, brings a renewed commitment to equity and social

change. She and the organization’s staff know progress requires vulnerability and new approaches.

The Community Foundation responds to community needs by providing grants to nonprofits, scholarships to students, and other forms of support to communities experiencing inequities. The time, financial resources, and thought partnership of countless philanthropists has made it possible for the Community Foundation to award more than $277 million since its inception.

PERSONAL INJURY LAW

THE FACES OF WEST MICHIGAN INJURY LAWYERS, PLC

380 W WESTERN AVE., SUITE 120, MUSKEGON, MI 49440 | 231-725-8444 | WMINJURYLAW.COM

West Michigan Injury Lawyers, PLCis one of West Michigan’s most successful personal injury law firms. From their offices in downtown Muskegon’s Hines Building to their ongoing practice in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan, their Michigan personal injury attorneys fight to win accident victims the compensation and closure they need and deserve. With more than 50 years of combined personal injury trial experience, you can trust your legal matter to be handled with

precision by attorneys Paul Shibley, Loryn Schlinker, and David Givskud. The entire team at West Michigan Injury Lawyers strives, day in and day out, to make sure defendants and insurance companies — not the victims — are held responsible for the consequences of accidents that lead to injury. Experienced. Aggressive. Compassionate. These are lawyers you can rely on, and a law firm you can trust. To meet with an attorney today, call 231-725-8444.

2213 WEALTHY ST. SE, SUITE 210, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506 | 616-242-9595 | BOVEEPILATES.COM

Break free from cookie-cutter fitness and in-the-box Pilates! Ahmé Bovée and her professional team are introducing a groundbreaking teaching philosophy called Freedomology™. Every class is a journey, unlocking hidden potential and leaving you feeling centered, strong, and liberated in both body and mind. Get ready for Pilates remastered, the Bovée way. It’s not just a workout; it’s life-changing!

In West Michigan, the name Ahmé Bovée is synonymous with Pilates excellence. As a top-ranked master instructor with more than 25 years of experience and expertise, she’s an international powerhouse in teacher training and a mentor to the most influential instructors and studio owners.

Today, Bovée is raising the bar with the rebranding of her studio from Pilates in East to Bovée Pilates. Come embrace the evolution of Pilates, the Bovée way.

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WEST MICHIGAN PROSTHODONTICS

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SENIOR LIVING

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Beacon Hill at Eastgate, a premier retirement community located in the Eastgate neighborhood of Grand Rapids, serves over 400 residents and employs more than 225 people. It has been recognized as one of the best continuing care retirement communities in the country by Newsweek for its commitment to resident care, and was included in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Nursing Homes list, with the highest possible rating of five out of five.

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DIVE INTO THE CITY’S GREATEST EATERIES AND BARS

Nashville Nights

Sip Shine moonshine, a brand made in Grand Rapids, is now on major retailers' shelves across the U.S. and will soon open a Nashvillethemed three-story flagship restaurant on Bridge Street.

» PLUS: THE BEST IRISH PUBS FANCY A CURRY?

NOT HAM... LAMB!

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

Indian dishes are served family style and are usually accompanied by rice. In the foreground is a vegetarian eggplantbased dish, Baingan Bharta, accompanied by Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala and a basket of Garlic Naan.

Fancy a curry?

Head to the Palace...

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

At Palace of India, their goal is to present the same culinary delights that were relished in the palaces of the Maharajas. That’s an admirable objective, but as someone who – to borrow a friend’s not-so-famous phase – never met an Indian dish I didn’t like, I suspect I’d be just as smitten with street food in Mumbai.

Entering the Palace of India, I couldn't help but harbor reservations. As someone who has lived in England, where Indian cuisine is plentiful and often dubbed the national cuisine with affectionate jest, I admit to being a bit snobbish about what constitutes good Indian food.

Conveniently situated across from the St. Cecilia Music Center, where I had to be for a concert by 7:30, ‘Palace’ proved to be the best choice for a dinner beforehand. It’s located in a pretty good spot, 138 Fulton St E. If you like sitting by large windows and people watching (I do), you’re in for a treat.

The tantalizing aroma of spices greeted us as we stepped through the doors. Great. It passed the smell test. The dining room is a little on the wide open side, sort of the opposite of cozy, but not in a bad way. One thing that stood out was the paper placemats instead of white tablecloths (which I think would look much nicer). I was probably being overly judgmental because, after all, we were looking for a quick bite before a show, not to linger for hours.

Another reason I entered reluctantly was that I was still getting over the sting of the Bombay Cuisine/East West Brewing closure. There was just something very appealing about the endeavor to merge a craft brewery with daring cuisine.

I say ‘daring’ because whenever I’m presented with a menu that has words on it that I’ve never seen before, I experience an

To sum it up, the food was well above average ... The price was amazing for the amount of food we ordered.

Samosas, doughfilled with spiced potatoes and peas (or chicken or meat), are served piping hot, with two separate sauces for dipping.

The dining area at Palace of India is bright and airy. North facing windows provide soft natural light.

The real showstopper at Palace of India, and the reason I’ll be returning again and again, was the Tandoori chicken.

amygdala hijack, a flush of panic. So many words! I’m too hungry to read all that, and besides, I’ve forgotten my reading glasses (I always forget my reading glasses).

I know Indian cuisine well enough to merely glance at the menu. I can appreciate some people not knowing how to “do” Indian. I’m sure a lot of people would feel about as comfortable ordering a “curry” as I do when I try to line dance. Not very.

So, here are some steps for how to “do” Palace of India.

Order a pot of tea. I ordered a pot of Jasmine tea for the table like I always do. If it’s a hot summer day (counting down the days myself), order a mango lassi instead. It’s a delicious smoothy type beverage made from, yep, you guessed it, mango.

Right off the bat, you’re going to want to order some samosas and papadums.

Papadums come out instantly and should be served with a variety of dips and chutneys. The samosas will take a while. Crisp and golden-brown papadums (thin wafer-like crackers made of lentil) provide a satisfying crunch, while piping hot samosas, dough-filled with spiced potatoes and peas (or chicken or meat), offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

They will ask you if you want naan. Say yes, but with your meal. I always choose garlic. No Indian meal is complete without this signature bread, soft and pillowy, with a slight char from the tandoor (clay oven). It’s served as the perfect accompaniment to mop up the rich gravies and sauces of the main dishes, which are served family style. Everyone digs in. Order the meal (see cheat sheet on opposite page).

That night there were four of us dining, and I got to sample quite a bit of the Palace’s offerings.

I voiced my suggestions: Baingan bharta, a vegetarian dish, and the iconic chicken tikka masala.

Baingan bharta is eggplant at its very best in my humble opinion. Roasted over an open flame to impart a smoky flavor, the tender eggplant is then mashed and cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, resulting in a luscious, soul-satisfying dish.

Next up, the iconic chicken tikka masala always takes center stage, its creamy tomato-based sauce enveloping chunks of succulent chicken. A harmonious blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, lends depth and warmth to this beloved dish, which has won the hearts of hungry curry lovers all over the world. To demonstrate just how good it is, and how often we ordered Indian food in London (it’s as common as pizza delivery here), every time my two-yearold heard the doorbell ring, she would get really excited and say: “The chicken tikka masalad (not a typo) man is here!”

Lamb Rogan Josh is a heavenly Kashmiri dish, with tender chunks of lamb simmered in a rich, velvety gravy infused with aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and complex flavors made it an instant hit. If you like a bit more heat, try Lamb Vindaloo.

Left: Tandoori Chicken

Right: Mango Lassi is a dessert drink made of sweet ripe mangoes blended with yogurt, sweetener, and a touch of cardamom. It's seen here with a plate of samosas at the top, and clockwise, from right, a dish of raita (yogurt sauce), Tandoori Chicken, Garlic Naan and Baingan Bharta, a vegetarian eggplant based dish.

Speaking of heat, pro tip: Order a cooling raita, a yogurt-based condiment infused with cucumber, mint, and spices that provides a refreshing respite from the spices, and adds balance to the meal.

The real showstopper at Palace of India, and the reason I’ll be returning again and again, was the Tandoori chicken. As the heaping platter of marinated chicken emerged from the kitchen, all eyes were cast upon the generous helping set down before us. The tender meat, imbued with smoky flavors and aromatic spices, was a testament to the culinary prowess of the chefs at Palace of India. It was by far this dinner’s winner. And there was enough left over to take home.

To sum it up, the food was well above average, the ambiance was a tiny bit lacking, but the right temperature. The price was amazing for the amount of food we ordered. No real complaints. Highly recommend.

Indian food cheat sheet

• Aloo: potato

• Bhindi Bhaji: fried okra

• Chana: chickpeas

• Curry: gravy

• Dal: lentils and split beans

• Gobbi: cauliflower

• Kafta: meatballs

• Masala: a spice blend

• Matar: peas

• Palak: spinach

• Paneer: cheese

• Papadum: thin seasoned Lentil crackers, generally served with chutney.

• Raita: a blend of yogurt with cucumber (adds flavor and a cooling effect to mitigate spiciness of dishes where more “heat” is present)

• Saag: greens

• Samosas: vegetables (or meat) stuffed in pastry and deep fried until golden brown

• Tandoori: means it’s cooked in a clay oven or pot

• Tikka: small chunks

• Vindaloo: a spicier version of curry with the addition of vinegar, potatoes and chili peppers

Behind the scenes at Palace of India, the dishes are prepared in the restaurant's ample kitchen.

Palace of India owner Jaswinder “Jassi” Dhami

CHEERS

Nashville Nights

Moonshine brand transforms historic hall into taste of Tennessee

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN

Sip Shine Moonshine, a national brand founded and headquartered in greater Grand Rapids, has quickly made its mark on the spirits scene since its inception in 2019. Inspired by a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Jenison native Kyle Search fell in love with the concept of a moonshine brand and set about distilling his own.

Drawing on the flavors and spirit of the South and powered by the momentum of the revival of the beverage, Sip Shine has crafted a unique line of moonshines and infused them with some unlikely, yet surprisingly delectable flavors like raspberry and watermelon, capturing the essence of the Great Lakes region. The beverage, currently on store shelves at major retailers in more than half of the states in the country, is distilled right here, using local Michigan corn.

But this isn't your grand pappy’s moonshine. The beverage known for its robust ABV (180 proof!) has been refined to a palatable 40 proof, all while maintaining its distinctive flavor profile, and will be perfect for pairing with what the brand has planned: a threestory Nashville-style tasting room, live music venue and barbecue restaurant all rolled into one.

Renovations are underway at the soon-to-be-opened Sip Shine, which is set to open its doors in June. Housed in the space formerly occupied by Harmony Hall, the venue promises to bring a taste of Tennessee to the heart of Michigan.

Putting down sticks at the bustling corner of Stocking and Bridge Streets in a building that once housed a German sausage factory, the team had its work cut out for them. Collaborating with architect Jeff Harwood at WLP, they embarked on a bold endeavor – preserving the building's structural integrity and vintage characteristics while infusing it with a honky tonk twist.

“It’s a concept that hadn’t been explored in the north yet,” said Sip Shine Experience Director Dale Kivinen.

The multipurpose space will feature a tasting room on the first floor, where guests waiting to be seated can indulge in samples and browse merchandise. Upstairs, a restaurant helmed by Chef Darin Ball will serve up mouthwatering ribs, brisket, and more meat smoked on-site in a 500-pound smoker.

The moonshine maker has also teamed up with media outlets and music artists to bring live music to a stage they say is high enough quality for professional tours. With an on-staff audio engineer, the venue promises an unparalleled live music experience.

A video wall will showcase live performances, while a rooftop deck provides stunning views of downtown Grand Rapids. The old space, which has been dormant since Harmony closed their doors in 2022 is being meticulously converted to meet all ADA requirements and is poised to become one of the hottest hubs of activity around.

With plans to open several more locations across the country in the next five years, Sip Shine looks well positioned to continue its ascent in the world of spirits and interesting spaces. Yee-haw!

"It’s [a Nashvillestyle restaurant and tasting room] a concept that hadn’t been explored in the north yet."

Dale Kivinen

Top, from left: Experience Director Dale Kivinen, Chef Darin Ball and Mark Bowen. Middle: A Raspy Mule made with Razzberry Shineade. Bottom: dining booths offer a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

the Best American Dishes of 2023” list. If you’re not familiar, Katsu is a Japanese dish that consists of strips of meat, breaded and fried. Think schnitzel, but not pounded flat.

What makes KCM stand out is that the dishes are not only meticulously crafted but also prepared with the freshest ingredients and served with impressive speed, resulting in an unparalleled dining experience. While the food at KCM is nothing short of delectable, it's fair to note that the dine-in atmosphere might not match the excellence found in the eatery’s dishes. The interior, clad entirely in echoing white, boasts seats that lean towards the less-than-comfortable side, and bright fluorescent lights, perhaps a stark contrast to the rich tapestry of flavors awaiting you.

American Katsu

New York Times: Eastown eatery serves one of the 23 best dishes in the country

BY GABRIEL ROSE // PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE

Nestled at the vibrant intersection of Cherry and Diamond Street, KCM stands as a culinary gem, seamlessly blending the flavors of Korea and Japan with an American twist. This fusion restaurant not only caters to diverse tastes but also offers options for any time of day.

From the delicate Tamago Inari, which consists of stuffed rice inside seasoned deep-fried tofu with tamago (egg) salad toppings, to the hearty fusion of egg and bacon in their Kimbap (a seaweed rice roll, reminiscent of sushi but without raw fish), each dish is a breath of fresh air for the Grand Rapids culinary scene. However, it's the Hire Katsu Curry that truly steals the spotlight, revealing the culinary prowess that landed KCM on a “New York Times 23 of

For those seeking a perfect compromise, KCM emerges as a top contender for a delightful takeout experience. The restaurant's ambiance might not scream comfort, but the taste of their carefully crafted dishes speaks volumes. It beckons explorers of flavor to savor the unique blend of Korean, Japanese, and American influences. I wholeheartedly recommend KCM to anyone eager to tantalize their taste buds with something refreshingly new. And while descriptions of the food I described may seem foreign and exotic, the katsu is a great choice for anyone who enjoys boneless, breaded fried meat.

You’ll be well served to do some research online beforehand. It’s a counter service establishment, so the staff are ready to take your order as soon as you get in the door.

ON-THE-GO

Chef and owner Jason Kim holds a plate of the Chicken Katsu with side dishes (above).

Hire Katsu Curry, Spam Masubi, and a Tamago Sando, with a Japanese Yuzu Fruit Soda (top right).

Irish Influence

The proliferation of pubs designed on the Emerald Isle

BY LISA ENOS // ILLUSTRATIONS BY SARAH MCMENEMY

It's estimated that there are as many as 7,000 Irish pubs in the world outside of Ireland in as many as 53 countries. Around 2,000 of those pubs are in Europe and 4,000 of them are right here in the U.S. The country of Nepal boasts the highest Irish pub situated at an elevation of 11,386 feet in Namche Bazar, a small town at the base of the Himalayas (only reachable by foot after a two-day trek). On the other side of the world near the gateway to Machu Picchu, Paddy's Irish Pub in Cuzco, Peru stakes its claim as the highest Irish-owned pub in the world, clocking in at 11,156 feet above sea level, proving that even the most remote places on earth play host to these familiar watering holes.

One can even find an Irish pub on the swanky streets of Paris. La Virgule is situated on the hilly cobblestone of the artsy Montmartre district in the 18th arrondissement. From its outdoor patio the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica can be seen. This particular establishment was a sight for sore eyes the last time I was in Paris. After wandering around all day with only rudimentary knowledge of French trying to decipher which train to take on the Metro, which Rue de whatever was going to get

me to my next destination, which crêpe, œf or terrine I was going to order, a Guinness sounded pretty darn good. At least I would be able to pronounce it correctly, and with confidence.

in Athlone, Ireland is situated on the banks of the River Shannon in the middle of the country about halfway between Dublin and Galway. It's the oldest pub in Ireland, a title endorsed by Guinness Book of Records. The establishment, also known for its house made whiskey, dates back to 900 A.D. It is believed the process of distilling whiskey was invented in the region c. 500 – 600 A.D.

Generally characterized as cozy and welcoming, the unmistakable hallmark of Irish pubs is the presence of Irish whiskey and that aforementioned glorious stout. In fact, it is the Dublin based brewery, the maker of Guinness – in business since 1759 – that holds the key to unlocking the mystery of the rampant proliferation of the Irish pub concept the world over.

Together, with The Irish Pub Company, a Design and Build firm started by Dubliner Mel McNally, the idea of packaging the authentic Irish pub concept and selling it as an export was born, and the design firm was appointed by Guinness to act as their sole Irish pub concept designer.

The impetus for this concept started in the 1970s when McNally was still in college. He created a project titled "Best Designs within Dublin Pubs" that was so well received that it was exhibited in the mayor's mansion in Dublin where it remained for many months. Drawing inspiration from Ireland's finest public house constructions, the firm, now in business for 45 years, specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of authentic Irish Pubs. The concept was first exported to England and has grown into a worldwide endeavor, with Irish Pub Company pubs on multiple continents, and satellite offices in Atlanta and Dubai.

The Oldest Irish Pub Sean's Bar

Flanagan's, 139 Pearl St. NW, in downtown Grand Rapids was built in 1873.

Lucky winners

The best Irish pubs for celebrating St. Paddy's Day:

FLANAGAN'S

What's not to like about Flanagan's? It's centrally located, spacious, serves good pub grub, and the green beer is always flowing. About the only thing not to like is the fact so may people want to go there that you have to wait in line outside to get in. Sometimes, when the sun is shining, it can be fun. You meet new friends! The place frequently features live music and DJs and typically serves corned beef and cabbage, and other Irish fare, as well as top shelf whiskey. See you there!

If you're more of a West Sider, try O'TOOLE'S PUBLIC HOUSE. This West Side staple since 2003 located at 448 Bridge St. NW generally caters to a younger crowd, and immediate entrance is frequently hindered by a medium-long wait. Once inside, the Reuben egg rolls make the wait well worth it. This is bar none one of the best bar snacks in the city. Other pluses are the attractive aesthetics and the quick and friendly bartenders. The deep dark wood gives it a cozy authentic Irish pub vibe. Grab a table in the back and play some Jenga with your friends, or grab a seat at the bar and watch the latest sporting event on the TV solo. If you haven't been in a while, they've ceased the practice of serving peanuts to all and sundry, so bonus, the floor is a lot cleaner. Good times! Pro tip: there's a city parking

lot nearby. Don't even try to find parking on the street.

QUINN & TUITE'S

IRISH PUB located at 1535 Plainfield Ave. NE in Creston is the real deal, a self-proclaimed "dive bar" with more than 90 whiskeys to choose from. You won't be sorry you chose this lovable, albeit a bit weathered, establishment to party at on St. Paddy's. If you like to while away the hours by more than just sittin', there are pool tables, shuffleboard, and darts to amuse. The pub also hosts cornhole tournaments and live bands, and has plenty of authentic Irish music on the jukebox. It's as much a neighborhood bar as it is a destination for revelers from near and far on the big day.

A four-square review boasts "the best pour of Guinness in Michigan." Consume wisely, and remember, Uber is a lot cheaper than a DUI. A family friendly event on March 2 kicks off the "season" at Quinn & Tuite's, a community fundraiser for Kids Food Basket.

DUBLIN HALL

gets my vote for the most chill Irish bar in the city. Moreover, it's downright swanky (for a pub). Located a walkable distance from Studio Park and other prime downtown establishments, Dublin Hall would be my pick for a great place to wear my favorite green duds and grab a date night drink, soak up some suds. The menu is a bit limited, but there's something for everyone, a lot of cocktails and even a kid's menu if you want to make it a family affair. Dublin Hall's website landing page

features a countdown to the big day, so you know they'll be cooking up something good. Located at 100 Ionia Ave. SW, it's smack dab in the heart of Irish On Ionia, Michigan's most well attended Irish festival, which takes place this year on Saturday, March 16, the day before St. Patrick's Day. Buckle up!

Last, but certainly not in last place is an absolute gem in Holland called THE CURRAGH, located at 73 E 8th St. The pub offers betterthan-bar-food quality food. The menu is adventurous without being pretentious, a great combination of elevated offerings coupled with traditional pub grub. For example, whipped feta isn't something you'd expect to see on an Irish pub menu, but at Curragh it's listed right there in between the red pepper hummus and the Guinness cheese soup. Other starters include wings, a curious offering called Shrimp Ballyvaughan and mozzarella cheese sticks. Traditional Irish Music is frequently performed here, and the pub offers brunch, so with St. Paddy's falling on a Sunday this year, hopping in your car for a little jaunt out to the lakeshore just might be the move. The pub is named after an area in Ireland known as the Curragh plains, and is derived from a phrase that means "place of the running horse," a theme you will notice throughout the charming pub. If weather allows, the outdoor seating is pleasant and plentiful. The interior is spacious, and conveys quintessential Irish pub qualities.

The Curragh Holland

Dublin Hall

Quinn & Tuttes

O'Toole's

CREATE

Leg of lamb and root vegetables

Move over Easter Ham, Easter Lamb is the winner for Easter Dinner

BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY STACY FEYER-SALO

Lamb is one of those dishes that, if you like it, you love it. It has a distinct, strong flavor; very rich, and if cooked correctly, tender. It's a staple in Mediterranean regions, but in America is generally reserved for special occasions. One could say that, eating lamb is rare, which, coincidentally, is how it should be served.

Locally, the Fulton Street Farmers Market is the best place from which to procure lamb. S&S Farms of McBain make the journey each weekend with a truckload of fresh offerings that include Turkey, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and more. Though it is not "certified organic," the farm raises its livestock and grows its produce naturally– chemical free, and the livestock is fed only non-GMO grains.

According to the website: "Our animals are all pastured and free-ranged. If you are looking for products that come directly from the farm to your table, we would be happy to serve you."

Ingredients

For the lamb:

One 6-8 lb semiboneless leg of lamb 4-6 garlic cloves

3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp butter

Rosemary sprigs for garnish

For the vegetables:

1 lb of yams, peeled and quartered ¾ lb red potatoes, cleaned with peels on ½ lb beets, trimmed and cleaned

½ lb large carrots, peeled and halved 1 parsnip, peeled and halved ½ onion

6 garlic cloves

¼ cup olive oil

2 tbsp fresh thyme

5 sprigs fresh rosemary

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)

¼ tsp black pepper (or more to taste)

Preparation

For the lamb: Preheat oven to 350°F. Chop garlic into slivers. Score the lamb with a sharp knife and insert the garlic.

In a skillet, melt the butter and stir in the chopped rosemary, salt and pepper. Heat on low for five to 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool and then rub it all over the lamb. Let stand for about 30 minutes.

Roast lamb in the middle of the oven for roughly about 1½ to 1¾ hours, or until an instantread thermometer inserted two inches into thickest part of meat (do not touch bone) registers 130°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 15 to 25 minutes (internal temperature will rise to about 140°F for medium-rare).

For the vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut vegetables into chunks roughly 1½ inches wide. Place vegetables and garlic cloves into a large mixing bowl. Add three tablespoons olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until all vegetables are evenly coated with the oil, herbs, and spices. Brush a large, rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet and place the rosemary

sprigs on top of the vegetables. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 15 minutes. Stir the vegetables and return baking sheet to oven and continue to roast for approximately 15-25 more minutes, until the largest chunks are tender and the edges are starting to crisp.

Serving:

Thinly slice the lamb and plate with a serving of the root vegetables for a hearty dinner!

Go Confidently Into the Future Go Confidently Into the Future

When it comes to planning for college, as a parent or guardian, one of your most difficult tasks is likely to be finding the right balance between providing helpful input and letting your child have the autonomy to make some choices on their own. However, it’s a big enough commitment that they can’t go it entirely alone. Your role could be as simple as being a guide and a sounding board, or you may need to be more involved in encouraging them to be proactive and not procrastinate. If you have the financial capacity, your ability to assist with or fully cover their tuition will factor in and impact the final decision.

Most advice suggests that it’s never too early to start at least thinking about where to go, what studies to pursue, and what needs to be done to get there. But, given that some schools specialize in specific career paths, or may be well known for strong programs in certain fields, it’s important that your child has an idea of their areas of interest. Or, if they just don’t know yet

where they’re headed and they’re looking to their foundation courses to help steer them in a direction, that matters, too.

Areas where starting early will make a difference are in maintaining good grades, honing essay and communication skills, and developing good study habits. All of these set students up for success as they begin their search, leaving them with more options at the end. And, while some say SAT and ACT scores don’t matter as much as they used to, they may be an aid in qualifying for a better scholarship, so they should not be entirely dismissed. And, of course, if your child will need to apply for financial aid or scholarships, the earlier this happens, the better. Pro tip: look for free FAFSA® workshops offered through GRPS and other area school systems.

If you and your child feel like you’ve laid a good foundation, it’s time to start getting into the details. Do they want to stay in town or attend college in a different state? And, what are the financial and emotional implications of that choice? Is class size a concern? Is the vibe of the campus and its onsite amenities important?

Your child may have a specific career path in

mind, but is it actually a viable option? Finding out what jobs are available on that path, what they pay in comparison to the investment made in their education, where those jobs are, and what the growth potential is are answers you’ll want to have. Whether your child knows their field of study yet or not, researching the track record of a potential school is also part of the process. An institution’s graduation and placement rates should certainly be considered.

Even if your child has this all figured out and has narrowed down their top schools to apply to, remember, they still need to get accepted. And that, again, goes back to preparation—and doing so well before junior year. In addition to grades and performance, they should be thinking about what coursework, clubs, and extracurricular activities will help them stand out, and pursue them if they align with their interests.

Does this feel like a lot? We’re not going to tell you it isn’t. But the information contained in this section is intended to help you and your child get a better picture of what’s ahead and what to consider. After “Decision Day,” the best is yet to come! ■

It’s YOUR TIME! g

Aquinas College

1700 Fulton St. E • Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 616-632-8900, aquinas.edu

Aquinas College is an inclusive, nationally ranked liberal arts institution just two miles from downtown Grand Rapids. Student life thrives in Aquinas’ welcoming community with 35+ student organizations and 30 varsity sports.

Faculty and staff provide close mentorship and prioritize experiential learning through internships, service work, and hands-on opportunities to engage with subjects outside the classroom, setting students up for success. Aquinas is also piloting block/one-class-at-a-time scheduling for first-year students in 2024-2025. These courses are immersive and relationship rich, and create a steady routine.

Aquinas has a proven record, with 96% of its 2022 graduates employed, engaged in service work, or in graduate school within six months of graduation. 100% of traditional-age, first-year students receive financial aid. On average, students take on no more debt than they earn in their first year of work. ■

THE STATS Year founded: 1886 // Current enrollment: 1,300 // Student-faculty ratio: 11:1 // Number of undergraduate doegrees offered: 60 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 3 // Subject matter of expertise: Liberal arts, nursing, chemistry, sustainable business // In-state and out-of-state tuition: $37,720 // Top awards/recognitions: U.S. News and World Report 2024 Best Colleges National Liberal Arts Colleges list and Top Performers on Social Mobility. Named a 2023-24 Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. 2023-2024 Colleges of Distinction.

Calvin University

3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Enrollment Information: 708-987-5561, calvin.edu

Calvin University is a top-ranked liberal arts university in Grand Rapids. With a vibrant Christian community and a commitment to academic excellence, it provides an educational experience that prepares students for lives of service and leadership. Calvin offers more than 100 majors, minors, and programs, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Students have opportunities to study abroad, engage in research, and pursue internships that help them apply to real-life situations the things they’ve learned in the classroom. The 12:01 student faculty ratio ensures all students receive individualized attention from dedicated professors. Beyond the classroom, students participate in a wide range of activities, from sports and music to service and leadership programs.

At Calvin University, students are challenged to think critically, live faithfully, and serve wholeheartedly. ■

THE STATS Year founded: 1876 // Current enrollment: 3,364 // Student-faculty ratio: 12:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 125 // Master’s degrees offered: 22 // Subject matter of expertise: Health professions and related programs, education, business, management, marketing and related support services, engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, social sciences, visual and preforming arts, computer and information sciences and support services, psychology, and parks, recreation, leisure, fitness, and kinesiology. // In-state/ out-of-state tuition: $38,370 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 100%

Career-ready degrees and so much more.

You might have heard that Davenport University offers more than 80 career-ready degrees and certificates, and that 94% of our graduates are employed within six months of graduation. But that’s not the only reason we stand out.

Our small, safe campus features apartment-style residence halls with private and shared rooms. We also have 48 athletic teams, including 26 NCAA Division II teams, plus all kinds of clubs and activities. With 100% of our incoming freshman students receiving scholarships and an average student/teacher ratio of 16:1, our students get the resources they need to succeed.

Check us out at davenport.edu/newstudent or call us at 800.686.1600.

Davenport University

6191 Kraft Ave. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 800-686-1600, davenport.edu/go

For more than 150 years, Davenport University has stood apart from other universities because of its unrelenting focus on ensuring its graduates rise to the top of the job market. Its unique approach to education offers students a career-centered curriculum featuring more than 80 certificate and degree programs, and empowers them with real-world experience.

Davenport’s academic programs meet today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s needs. They’re so confident in their curriculum, they offer several programs with career guarantees, ensuring students obtain employment or are given the opportunity to come back for additional education with no tuition cost.

Davenport’s innovative approach and commitment to quality will help you get where the world is going — and arrive ahead of the pack. ■

THE STATS Year founded: 1867 // Current enrollment: 5,000 // Student-faculty ratio: 16:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 37 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 23 // Subject matter of expertise: Business, technology, health and urban education // In-state and out-of-state tuition: $27,840 // Top awards/recognitions: Davenport was voted the No. 1 safest campus in Michigan and among the top safest universities in the country by YourLocalSecurity.com

The NCAA has named Davenport among the top 10 universities in the country for student-athlete academic performance.

Davenport was named the 2020 Michigan Performance Excellence Award recipient by Michigan Performance Excellence (MIPEx).

Ferris State University

1201 S. State St. • Big Rapids, MI 49505

Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 231-591-2000, ferris.edu

With more than 250 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and certificate programs in fields including AI, criminal justice, optometry, and pharmacy, Ferris State provides students with the skillset to power Michigan’s future. Nearly 8,000 Bulldogs call Ferris State’s main campus in Big Rapids home. Students experience a lively campus culture, 220 student organizations, and NCAA Division One and Division Two athletics. Cutting-edge facilities, including the new Center for Virtual Learning, put the latest tools in students’ hands so they can shape tomorrow’s world. An additional 2,200 students take advantage of Ferris State’s local hubs across Michigan, robust online programs, and its Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. The Ferris Pledge program offers eligible students a path to earn their degree with no out-ofpocket costs. ■

UNLEASH THE BULLDOG IN YOU

From the classroom to the gridiron, Bulldogs never back down.

Learn to be relentless at Ferris State.

GET STARTED – FERRIS.EDU/NOW

Grand Valley State University

1 Campus Dr. • Allendale, MI 49401

Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 616-331-5000, gvsu.edu

Grand Valley State University prepares its more than 22,000 students for a fulfilling career and a life of impact. It starts with more than 300 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, and outstanding faculty members who focus on individual student achievement. Unique learning opportunities include student-directed research projects, in-the-field training, and a study abroad program that’s one of the best in the nation.

The main campus in Allendale is home to modern classrooms and labs, outstanding fitness and sports facilities, a comprehensive library, and more. The Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus and the growing Health Campus put students in the heart of Grand Rapids’ central business district, and along the Medical Mile. Finally, GVSU’s graduation rate is consistently one of the highest in the state. ■

THE STATS Year founded: 1960 // Current enrollment: 22,269 // Student-faculty ratio: 17:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 103 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 40 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 4 // Subject matter expertise: Business, nursing, psychology, education, criminal justice, computer science, exercise science, engineering, marketing // In-state tuition: $14,628 // Out-of-state tuition: $20,820 // Top awards/recognitions: Named one of the “Best Colleges in the Midwest” for 2024 by The Princeton Review . Named one of the best public schools in the nation for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report . Named to Forbes’ most recent list of “America’s Top Colleges”; #69 in the Midwest.

Kalamazoo College

1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 269-337-7166, kzoo.edu

Nationally renowned and globally oriented, Kalamazoo College is the home of the K-Plan, an individualized and integrated approach to the liberal arts and sciences. The K-Plan combines exceptional scholarship, study abroad, career development, civic engagement and independent research in a flexible curriculum that allows students to make the most of their unique interests and gifts. At K, administrators and faculty embrace our motto—“More in Four. More in a Lifetime.”—by offering students more opportunities to explore, more faculty and staff mentorship and support, and more preparation for meaningful careers that make a positive impact on the world. Wherever students want to go in life, their K-Plans can take them there. ■

THE STATS Year founded: 1833 // Current enrollment: 1,378 // Student-faculty ratio: 11:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 32 majors, 22 minors, and 13 concentrations // Subject matter of expertise: Nationally known for the K-Plan, which integrates a flexible curriculum with study abroad, experiential education, career preparation and independent research. // In-state and out-of-state tuition: $60,900 // Percentage of students on financial aid: 98% // Top awards: Named a Best Value College by the Princeton Review; Fulbright Top Producing Institution; listed among the 44 Colleges that Change Lives.

WHATEVER IS NEXT

For Grand Valley students, next is opportunity and innovation. Next is global, connecting and uniting us. It’s local, shaping the spaces in which we work and live. It’s a commitment to progress. Next is where minds are free to imagine what could be. At GVSU, next is now. And whatever’s next for you, we will help you get there.

gvsu.edu/next

Turn Four Into

MORE

“What I love the most about environmental studies at K is that I’m not just studying science—I’m studying history and anthropology.

I’m studying economics and policy. It’s really cool to see the reflections of a subject I love in new areas.”

Major: biology with a concentration in environmental studies

Study abroad plan: Thailand

Activities: ECO club board, Outdoor program leader

© Esther Tuttle Photography

PARENTS’ GUIDE TO EDUCATION

Kendall College of Art and Design

17 Fountain St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Enrollment Information: 616-259-1118, kcad.edu

Kendall College of Art and Design offers a world-class art and design education complemented by Ferris State University’s resources and support systems. While Ferris is known for its career-oriented majors, at KCAD you’ll find that the career-oriented and the creative intersect in powerful ways. KCAD’s immersive creative learning environment offers a wide range of specialized degree programs in design, fine art, and art history. Students in these programs receive a quality Ferris education while getting the expert instruction and personalized support they need to transform their creativity into a marketable skill set and a dynamic career.

In the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, KCAD students’ educational experiences are more hands-on than those typically found in creative degree programs within larger universities. KCAD’s faculty includes accomplished artists, designers, and scholars who become mentors and role models, leveraging their deep professional experience to help each student make the most of their education.

The classroom extends beyond the campus into West Michigan’s thriving art and design community, where KCAD’s strong relationships with arts organizations, industry-leading companies, and nonprofits help provide students with transformative, real-world learning experiences and invaluable professional connections. ■

Unleash your full potential among our 180+ degree programs, safe, welcoming community, and astounding environment. Explore nmu.edu.

To learn more about NMU, scan the QR code!

Northern Michigan University

1401 Presque Isle Avenue • Marquette, MI 49855

Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 906-227-1000, nmu.edu

Northern Michigan University is a four-year, public, comprehensive university that offers award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives, and nationally recognized academic programs.

NMU has a population of about 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and offers more than 180 degree programs, including 31 graduate programs. Over 75 percent of NMU’s faculty members have doctorates or the highest degree in their fields, and full-time faculty members teach at all levels, from freshmen through graduate courses. Small class sizes provide a level of one-on-one instruction that’s difficult to find elsewhere.

NMU’s 360-acre campus includes a theater, award-winning laboratories, a WellBeing Center, a technology and occupational sciences building, and a sports and recreation complex. The diversity of the surrounding geographical terrain serves as an extensive outdoor classroom. ■

THE STATS Year founded : 1899 // Current enrollment : 7,197 // Student-faculty ratio : 18:1 // Number of undergraduate degrees offered: 170 // Number of master’s degrees offered: 32 // Number of doctoral degrees offered: 1 // Subject matter expertise: Education, nursing, business, biology, earth, environmental, and geographical sciences (EEGS), medicinal plant chemistry, theater and dance, construction management // In-state tuition: $13,304 // Out-of-state tuition: $18,800 // Top awards/recognitions: Top 20 Best Public University in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report Best Online Colleges in the Midwest by Abound. Top 50 Best School in U.S. for Education Majors.

Western Michigan University

1903 W. Michigan Ave. • Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Undergraduate Enrollment Information: 269-387-2000, wmich.edu

Located in Grand Rapids’ Heartside district, Western Michigan University’s Grand Rapids campus provides regional access to meet students where they are. With modern amenities like HyFlex classrooms and an advanced manufacturing lab, the campus is a hub of academic exploration and community engagement.

The campus prioritizes programs aligned with local workforce needs, drawing on valuable partnerships with industry experts like Autocam Medical and GRCC to create seamless educational pathways and experiential learning opportunities. WMU Grand Rapids also offers handson dual-enrollment courses focused on career readiness, empowering students to thrive in their academic journey and build prosperous futures.

Committed to student success, Western Michigan University offers a dynamic educational experience, preparing students for diverse career paths while contributing to the vitality of their communities. ■

$18,218 // Top awards/recognitions: Classified as a high research university by the Carnegie Foundation, only Michigan institution in the Heterodox Academy’s Campus Community Network for viewpoint diversity, open inquiry, and constructive disagreement.

Broncos pursue meaningful careers and a life well-lived.

You’re an individual who is truly unique. We celebrate the passions that drive you and the possibilities that inspire you. Here, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where learning empowers you, well-being strengthens you and an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career.

Western is the place to become your best self.

Welcome Advice From Those in the Know

At home, in the grocery store, at the workplace, in the car…we’re constantly faced with decisions. Some sources say that humans may make as many as 35,000 decisions per day, which seems jaw dropping, and, yet, somehow very possible. They could be as small as what to eat for lunch or as big as our next financial step. And, when we quantify just how often our brains are making judgements and moving in different directions, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel fatigued by it all.

While we, at Grand Rapids Magazine, can’t help you with

everything that’s on your mind, we do have some area pros who have guidance on some of today’s most pressing issues. How to navigate the housing market as a homebuyer, where to send our children for daycare and early education, or what to look for in a dermatologist are just a few considerations in our personal lives. In the business realm, we might be wondering if it’s time to sell our business — and who to partner with if the opportunity arises.

If these issues are top of mind, read on to see what some of West Michigan’s experts have to say!

Q: I’m uncertain I can afford a home in the current market. What steps should I take?

A: Get ready now! Complete your financial inventory, meet with a loan officer, and then GET OUT THERE. Find a realtor who has experience; ask your loan officer to make a recommendation. They work with many different realtors, and they know who knows the business. In this competitive market, you need a realtor who listens to your needs and wants. A seasoned real estate professional will understand your budget and has the experience to negotiate on your behalf—and, they’ll have extensive knowledge of what’s available and be able to spot red flags. With inventory at historic lows, it’s going to take time to find “the one.” Offers will be made and lost several times over. The sooner you get in the game, the better the selection and the better the chances are of winning the deal.

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Kate McDougall, CMB®, AMP

Vice President Regional Mortgage Production 616-234-6634  LMCU.org

Q: What should new parents look for in quality childcare?

A: Finding the right childcare can be overwhelming. At Milestones, we recommend touring any center you’re considering for your child, and paying attention to a number of factors. First, note if the buildings, classroom, playground, and overall environment appear clean and feel secure. Ask questions about the staff, their education, and their professional development. Are there consistent teaching teams and quality materials? Is there a dedicated, long-term administration team?

A high percentage of staff turnover, in any capacity, could be a concern. You’ll also want to ensure that they’re following state regulations throughout the center, and they have policies and procedures in place for day-to-day care, tuition, and safety. Finally, give thought to the impression you get when you are in the center — and trust your gut. A sense of warmth, a nurturing atmosphere, and an extension of what you are doing at home should be felt.

Milestones Early Learning – Central Office

Jenny Abid

Executive Director of Brand and Communication

4527 Cascade Road SE, Suite B

Cascade, MI 49546

616-551-3200

milestonescdc.com

Q: What do prospective sellers typically overlook when seeking an M&A firm to represent them?

A: When selling a business, finding the best fit for the future while maximizing negotiation leverage hinges on creating a competitive buyer marketplace through a streamlined process. Sellers often overlook an M&A firm’s ability to attract and efficiently process the critical volume of buyer interest necessary.

Calder stands out by implementing automated communication via a sophisticated CRM, allowing consistent, robust outreach to potential buyers while recognizing that the majority will not pursue a given opportunity. This technology-driven approach sustains aggressive marketing, reduces team burnout, and supports Calder’s continued rapid scaling.

Contrastingly, our competitors limit their market strategy to a preselected list of buyers—an approach often touted as a confidentiality safeguard that actually obscures their inability to handle extensive buyer interest. It raises the question: How does restricting the buyer pool benefit the seller, when a broader market consistently yields better outcomes?

Calder Capital

Max Friar

Managing Partner 25 Division Ave. S, Suite 225 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-965-2771

caldergr.com

Q: What is important to know in seeking out an injector when considering Botox and filler?

A: When it comes to cosmetic injectable treatments, the most important part of the process is the knowledge and skill of the injector. Board-Certified Dermatologists (BCDs) have an advanced understanding of the aging face, including an in-depth knowledge of facial nerve and musculature. In order to achieve the most desirable outcome, Botox and filler require a very personalized, patient-dependent injection technique that cannot be learned from a book or weekend course; all faces are unique, and therefore require a unique approach suitable for that individual. Injectors without this advanced training and knowledge carry risks ranging from unnatural results to irreversible facial nerve and structure damage. We caution against bargain hunting; coupons and too-good-to-be-true discounts are typically offered by injectors with less experience. At The Derm Institute, we understand how important it is to protect your face and its natural beauty. This is why we’ve gained immense trust from our patients; they know they’ll leave their treatments looking natural, more youthful, and more confident.

The Derm Institute of West Michigan

Dr. Kristi Hawley, DO, FAAD

1661 Crystal Spring Blvd. SE Caledonia, MI 49316 616-326-0114

derminstituteofwmi.com

dine / estau ants

For any additions or changes, please email lenos@hour-media 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

dine

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

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 $$

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 $

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 (Sat-Sun), 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 $-$$

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 $$-$$$

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, 419-4168. 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 $-$$

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 $$-$$$

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, high-end 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, 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

dine / estau ants

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 $$-$$$

SCHOLAR

Swanky restaurant serving elevated old school American fare, situated on multiple levels, offering a variety of atmospheres. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 980--9073. scholargr.com.Drinks, 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 non-

alcoholic 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 $

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 $$

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 $-$$

SHOTS

Local neighborhood kitchen and bar serving a full menu, daily lunch specials, an abundance of taps featuring craft and domestic beer options, large patio, and plenty of big screen TV’s all contribute in making this the local favorite for food, drink, sports, and groups to meet. Open daily at 11 a.m. // 4259 Lake Michigan Drive NW, 453-7780, info@ shotsgrandrapids.com. Lunch, 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 $-$$

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 electriccheetah.com. Brunch (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. Multipletime 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 $$-$$$

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 $$

MANGIAMO

A Gilmore Collection restaurant that serves upscale Italian fare in a historic East Hills mansion. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 356-2627. 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, 301-2950.

dine / estau ants

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, 336-0746. 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 $-$$

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 $$

HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT

Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

JAKU SUSHI NORTH

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 steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more elevated fare. 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-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$

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 $-$$

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 $

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, 3010600. 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 $$

SHOTS ON THE RIVER

Full menu kitchen and bar with 22 taps offering craft and domestic beer options, daily lunch specials, large patio with outdoor seated bar, banquet rooms, numerous TV’s, pool table, and live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday featuring some of West Michigan’s top cover bands. Open daily at 1 p.m. and closed on Sundays. // 5760 West River Drive NE Belmont, 9516071, info@shotsgrandrapids.com. 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 $$

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 $-$$

EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II

All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 7858880. 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 $$

616 KABOB STOP EXPRESS

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 more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $

THE LANDING

Casual atmosphere with views of the Grand River. AllAmerican favorites and monthly specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 270 Ann St NW (Riverfront Hotel at U.S. 131), 363-9001. riverfronthotelgr.com/dining/the-landingrestaurant. Breakfast, 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

Northwest GR

AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA

Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed

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

dine / estau ants

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. 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 $$

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 $

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 RESTAURANT

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, 2597439. 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.

REFRESH & R ew

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, 6822222. 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, 662-9670. 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, 8960033; 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,

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-to-order meals, including starters, salads, burgers, sandwiches & steak. Sunday breakfast, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a buildyour-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, 616-512-9314. 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

Retro-style diner with a menu that caters to guests with a wide variety of dietary needs; gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Natural, local ingredients are utilized to create tasty classic breakfast entrees, benedicts, house bowls, salads, wraps, sandwiches, fresh-pressed juices, signature coffees, lattes and more. 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 $-$$

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, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 9303596; 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, 2595353. 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, 5328888. 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 $

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, 784-5011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$

Memory Lane

Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural gem

BY ANDREA ROWLAND

Set among hundreds of Victorian-era mansions in Grand Rapids’ historic Heritage Hill neighborhood sits a lone Prairiestyle home designed by globally famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Step into the wood-slatted entry and the entire house appears to be untouched by time.

Designed in 1908 for Grand Rapids clothing store owner Meyer May and his wife Sophie, Wright considered every detail of how the space would be experienced, a hallmark of his style. This included positioning windows closer to the floor to enhance May’s sight line, as he was of below-average height.

Once finished, the house was unlike any other around it. “Wright’s projects are significant because of his intent to shape an experience,” explained Don Dekker, director of the Meyer May House. “Wright had a vision for open spaces that connected to one another. This house lives differently than other houses in the neighborhood.”

An avid proponent of living in connection with nature, Wright took many of his design cues from the setting of the home. The Prairie style, which Wright and his associates made famous, refers to the emphasis on the horizontal lines of the home, intended to replicate

the flat landscape on which it’s situated.

Yet time did take its toll. By 1985, the house had fallen into disrepair and much of Wright’s original vision was altered. With a restoration plan, office furniture manufacturer Steelcase purchased the historic icon to bring it back to Wright’s exact specifications. The project was a way to honor Steelcase’s shared history with the famed architect. In 1939, Steelcase collaborated with and manufactured Wright’s furniture designs for the SC Johnson Administrative Building.

Furniture, which Wright had designed specifically for the Meyer May House, was located around Grand Rapids and meticulously restored. Today, the home features exact replicas of Wright’s original carpets, upholstery, and paint colors. Steelcase still maintains the property to historical standards and offers free tours three days a week. For more information, visit meyermayhouse.steelcase.com

Above: A view of the Meyer May House from the rear gardens.

Left: The living room of the Frank Lloyd Wright home, located at 450 Madison Ave. SE, in Grand Rapids.

Above: An early photograph found of the home showed a mural wrapping around the dining room wall. Beneath layers of paint, restoration experts discovered (and eventually uncovered) a watercolor mural of hollyhocks by George Mann Niedecken (pictured above). Niedecken collaborated with both Wright and Mahony on the interior details of the Meyer May and Amberg homes.

Fred & Dorthy Fichter Buttterflies are Blooming, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

John Ball Zoo

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

West Michigan Whitecaps at LMCU Ballpark

SPRING ADVENTURE STARTS HERE.

Before the hustle and bustle of summer begins, spring is the perfect time to explore Pure Ludington. While it can be hard to predict when it will arrive or how long it will last, spring is a "secret" season to be enjoyed by all. Hit the trails by foot or by bike to explore nature's rebirth. Wander down a secluded stretch of shoreline or grab a bite to eat and a locally-made brew on a nearby patio. No matter what you're seeking - fun for the whole family, a beach or outdoor adventure, a peaceful get-away, or just a community of friendly faces - you can find it here.

PURE LUDINGTON .COM