May 2013 - GRM

Eclectic fun: 5 ways to explore and enjoy West Michigan CELEBRATING CITY LIFE

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BEYOND THE SCREEN: LOCAL BLOGGERS PROFILED

www.grmag.com

SPECIAL INSIDE:

CULINARY ESCAPES

MAY 2013

$3.95

HISTORIC HERITAGE HILL STEAK FAJITA MARINADE RECIPE TWO PLATE: ACORN GRILLE

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DESIGNER FURNITURE

OUTLET GRAND OPENING 40 TO 75% OFF EVERYDAY

Factory Closeouts • Factory Showroom Samples Special Purchases • Inventory Closeouts You’ll find incredible savings on quality designer closeouts now in our NEW Designer Furniture Outlet. 1. BETTER BUYS: we buy manufacturer showrooms, overruns and one time special buys.

2. BETTER VALUES: we shop the world and buy only the best values — better quality, lower prices. 3. LOWER PRICES 40 T0 75% OFF: we’re determined to find the very lowest price on everything we buy, so we can pass the savings on to you.

4. CHANGES WEEKLY: every week we are receiving new closeouts. When they are gone – they’re gone. So shop often for the best designer looks. 5. IMMEDIATE DELIVERY: on everything in our Designer Furniture Outlet. Here’s your chance to buy designer furniture at rock bottom prices. Just hurry, the best goes fast.

DESIGNER FURNITURE • OUTLET PRICED

GRAND RAPIDS 28th Street at Breton • 616.243.5466 • www.gormans.com GRM_05.13_PG01.13.indd 1

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Best of 2012-13 Readers Poll

“I am so thankful to Dr. Lambert for helping me to regain the beautiful smile of my youth.”

BEFORE

Changing People’s lives, one smile at time.

Call Dr. Lambert today for your complimentary smile consultation.

Comfortable leading edge care in a relaxed, spa like environment.

3300 Grand Ridge Dr NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Phone 616.364.6490

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True Fun The hardest part about visiting Traverse City is deciding what to do first.

True North

wineries & tasting rooms| charming port towns | eclectic boutiques | sugar-sand beaches art galleries | four-season outdoor recreation | resorts & spas | cozy lodging

TraverseCity.com | 800-TRAVERSE /VisitTraverseCity

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@TraverseCity

/TraverseCityCVB

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Contents

May 2013 / Vol. 50 / No. 5

FeAtUreS 42 / Embracing springtime After what seemed like a never-ending winter in West Michigan, it’s finally time to emerge from hibernation.

Spring weather inspires us to get out and try new things.

BY JereMY JOhnSOn AnD eMMA hIGGInS

48 / Eat, sleep and blog Got something to tell the world?

Today’s bloggers write about everything from their unusual collections to their favorite recipes. Some just want to share their personal stories.

BY ABBY heUGeL AnD DAnA BLInDer

48 4 GrmaG.com \ May 2013

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Connoisseurs of Style & Quality

www.DesignQuest.biz

Cascadia is a great solution anywhere that space is limited, and terrific for a home office. The collection includes a Desk, a Mobile File Cabinet and a versatile Console/Laptop Desk. A clean, linear design with beautifully finished surfaces. Available in white or walnut.

Shown with the Setu速 chair from Herman Miller速.

The Format collection is elegant and modern. It is available in two finishes: a striking combination of Natural Walnut/Satin White or a classic Black Stained Oak finish with satin finished, nickel-plated steel details.

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

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contents May 2013 / Vol. 50 / No. 5

departments back & forth 10 / From the Editor

66 / Grand Vine: Promising young Bordeaux

10 / Letters, social media and more

68 / Top Shelf: Spring beers

12 / Contributors

70 / HeFedSheFed: Memorial Day party

Life & style 14 / Noteworthy items include hand-painted shoes, Cult Pizza, Michigan winery events, Windsor Cottage and a local plant sale.

Near & far 80 / Heritage Hill Out & about 84 / May highlights

15 / My Stuff: Misty Hendrick’s tote for twins

54

16 / Sally England’s macramé

Public turns out to be a nice surprise, unexpected in this part of the world.

18 / Living Local: GR is weird, too

84

Pho

20 / Reading Room: Write Michigan 85 / Calendar

22 / Fashion Forward: Trybe women’s apparel

NA 89 / Nightclub & comedy venue listings and highlights

Art & Design 26 / Gallery Profile: Gallery 154

94 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights

28 / Art gallery listings and highlights.

14

96 / Snapshots 112 / Afterthoughts: Veronica Ramirez Garcia

30 / At Home: Kitchen countertops 34 / Art Talk: Helen Frankenthaler’s “Code Blue” 36 / Justagirl: Simple succulents

Pho

38 / Frame Works: State Street revival Food & Drink 54 / Dining Review: Public in Zeeland On the cover: Jamie Newman and Angela Steil savor a sweet treat at Kilwins in downtown Grand Rapids.

56 / Restaurant listings for West Michigan 62 / Chef Profile: Chris Campos at Lindo Mexico

36

66

Photography by Adam Bird

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Great craftsmanship and outstanding design

Photo by Michael Buck

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BUILDER | HIGH QUALITY YOU DESERVE | PERSONAL ATTENTION & SERVICE

Photo by Megan TerVeen, ©Visbeen Architects

DESIGN HOME 2013 IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE Another incredible Visbeen designed home at 875 Skyevale Dr, Ada, MI

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Dr. Brad Bengtson, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, offers patients natural, restored, youthful and proportional results. Fine detail and excellence are central to your surgical procedure and your entire experience. Dedicating half of his practice to breast related surgeries, he is a nationally recognized leader in breast procedures including: Breast Augmentation, Revisional/Secondary Breast Surgery, Lifts and Breast Fat Grafting.

• Over 3,000 breast augmentations serving the patients of West Michigan for over 20 years • First and only VECTRA® 3D Imaging System in West Michigan, you can now visualize your Afters… before surgery • 24 Hour Fast-Trak Recovery Program for breast augmentation • Largest current single surgeon Natrelle™ 410 Highly Cohesive Gel “Gummy Bear” Implant augmentation practice in the U.S. • Surgeon, Leader, Researcher, Speaker and Educator in breast aesthetics • Allergan Executive Council founding member of only 10 Plastic Surgeons selected in the U.S. • Member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery • Selected as Grand Rapids “Best” Plastic Surgeon the past 3 years in a row and Selected by his peers for “Best Doctors” in America for the last 17 years

An Innovator in Plastic Surgery Dr. Bengtson uses advanced techniques and devices to ensure the best possible results for his patients, “I feel fortunate to be involved in some of the most exciting things happening in plastic surgery today”. Dr. Bengtson provides the latest in new breast implant shapes such as Natrelle 410, to VECTRA 3D imaging and simulation, and in breast revision cases, Dr. Bengtson incorporates materials such as the Strattice™ and Alloderm® tissue matrices, layers of tissue that act as internal reinforcements to hold and define breast shape as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkling, rippling and excessive scar tissue.

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Best

“I believe the Plastic Surgery is in patients you can’t tell have had it!”

- Dr. Brad Bengtson

Best of

Best of

2011-12 Readers Poll

2012-13 Readers Poll

Actual Natrelle™ Patient - Katelyn (mom of 4)

Women’s Health Center 555 MidTowne Street NE, Suite 110 | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

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back & forth CoNNECT WITH US

metro area marks milestone in public transportation

G

GRaND RaPIDS MaGaZINE has a long history of connecting people, and connecting people and places. Fact is, we’re now connecting more than 1 million people in this metro area.

U.S. Census Bureau reports of the 2010 census are finally becoming available, although not all segments are ready. Sister publication Grand Rapids Business Journal reported last month that educational attainment also has increased, and so likely will the amount of household incomes. The new census data indicates the number of degree completions has increased 82 percent, which includes every type of program from certificates for the trades (like welding) to Ph.Ds. The number of daily commuters into Grand Rapids from surrounding counties or outbound to Ottawa County and surrounding communities also is expected to show increases.

While celebrated for the economic impact, these facts also lead to growing pains — and solutions. The projections of growth have been long anticipated, and planning groups such as the West Michigan Alliance and Grand Valley Metropolitan Council have been writing and revising plans to assure regional sustainability for almost 20 years. The Great Recession gave pause to many of those plans, but this year, activity is again becoming obvious.

The announcement a few weeks ago of The Rapid’s long-anticipated Bus Rapid Transit

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

(also referred to as the SilverLine) is the result of a 10-year effort. Construction has started on 29 of the 33 independent bus stations to be located on a designated line connecting three area communities (and others by virtue of geography). That partnership is what drew Gov. Rick Snyder to the city to make celebratory remarks at the “three corners” of Kentwood, Wyoming and Grand Rapids.

The BRT is being constructed along Division Avenue from 60th Street into and looping through the downtown and along the Medical Mile. While each station takes 12-14 weeks to construct, that work is occurring simultaneously. The entire route will be ready for riders at this time next year, though official celebrations are planned for August 2014.

The fast transit lines are expected to be used primarily by working commuters and college students. It also affords suburban residents a direct connection into downtown for such events as ArtPrize. One connecting station along the downtown route is a “welcome center” to the new Downtown Market opening this month.

It’s another milestone for the metro area — and for connecting people and places.

carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

laST MoNTH’S oNlINE QUESTIoN:

What’s your one tried and true way to tell spring is here?

“When my favorite ice cream shop opens!”

— Julie Schenk-archer

“Drinking a Bell’s Oberon watching Tigers baseball.”

“It never fully feels like spring until odd-even parking ends.”

— Michelle Doetsch

“The ‘PING!’ of a little league baseball or softball bat!”

— Terry Spetoskey

PHoToGraPHY BY mIcHaEL BUcK

— Todd Drenth

“Wrong way driving tourists in Holland.”

— Marvin Martin

10 GraND raPIDS \ May 2013

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GRAND OPENING of our new location

PHoToGraPHY BY mIcHaEL BUcK

Storewide Savings on Premium, Custom Upholstery For 117 years, Klingman’s has offered the very finest in quality home furnishings.

From casual lifestyle to luxurious leather, from rich traditional to gleaming contemporary, you will discover all of the latest styles at Klingman’s. And now during the Grand Opening of our new location, come enjoy the value that has made Klingman’s your home furnishings store of choice since 1896.

Since 1896

1-8-klingmans | 2984 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 | klingmans.com GRM_05.13_PG01.13.indd 11

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contributors BEHIND THE ScENES

2/

A/V • Lighting • Automation

3/

1/

THIS MoNTH’S oNlINE QUESTIoN:

The origin of true sound 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers

Visit us at our Lifestyle Showroom!

Breton Village Mall East Grand Rapids Mezzanine level avigroup.biz | (616) 942-1000

What’s your favorite thing to grill?

Are you a burgers and hot dog kind of griller, or do you get more gourmet and adventurous?

Respond at facebook.com/grmag.

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

Visit us grmag.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us @grmagazine

1/ aBBy HEUGEl is an editor and writer for national trade publications. In her free time, she blogs at abby hasissues.com. Though no one pays her to write it, she can be bought and will welcome any offer that will allow her to work on her exotic container gardens while tirelessly devoting herself to perfecting the slow motion “Baywatch” jog.

2/ SUSaN SMITH, former writer for The Grand Rapids Press, loves home design and blogging about her travels around the world.

Catch up on her trips at designdestinations.org. In this month’s issue of GRM, Smith wrote about alternatives to granite when choosing a kitchen countertop.

3/ GRM intern HEaTHER RoWaN is a graduate of Kendall College of Art & Design. She is a freelance photographer who does lifestyle portraiture and food shots for clients. She also admits to being a “coffee enthusiast.”

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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com

info@grmag.com

PUBlISHER: John H. Zwarensteyn

eDitOriaL EDIToR: Carole Valade MaNaGING EDIToR: Marty Primeau CoPy EDIToR: Donna Ferraro CoNTRIBUTING EDIToRS: Joseph A. Becherer, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Elissa Hillary, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze CoNTRIBUTING WRITERS: Julie Burch, Chris Carey, Alexandra Fluegel, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson, Daina Kraai, Tricia van Zelst EDIToRIal aSSISTaNT: Emma Higgins EDIToRIal INTERN: Heather Rowan DESIGN PaNEl: Joseph A. Becherer, John Berry, Kevin Budelmann, Jim Caughman, Timothy Chester, Sam Cummings, Oliver Evans, James Ludwig, Ray Kennedy, Henry Matthews, Wayne Norlin, Wayne Visbeen DesigN & PrODuctiON NEW MEDIa, DESIGN & PRoDUCTIoN MaNaGER:

Scott Sommerfeld

aSSISTaNT DESIGN & PRoDUCTIoN MaNaGER:

Chris Pastotnik

aRT CooRDINaToR: Kelly J. Nugent DESIGNERS/PRoDUCTIoN aSSISTaNTS:

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

Adam Bird, Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Johnny Quirin saLes GENERal SalES MaNaGER:

Randy D. Prichard

aDVERTISING SalES CoNSUlTaNTS:

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Emily Bernath, Theresa Henk, Kathie Manett, John Olsa aDVERTISING SalES aSSISTaNT/CooRDINaToR:

Karla Jeltema

circuLatiON & MarketiNg CIRCUlaTIoN & MaRKETING MaNaGER:

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CIRCUlaTIoN & MaRKETING CooRDINaToR:

Dana Blinder

CIRCUlaTIoN & MaRKETING aSSISTaNT:

Shane Chapin

To oRDER SUBSCRIPTIoNS: (616) 459-4545 To CHaNGE aDDRESS: subscribe@geminipub.com

fiNaNce & aDMiNistratiON FINaNCE & aDMINISTRaTIoN MaNaGER:

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aDMINISTRaTIVE aSSISTaNT: Tina Gillman RECEPTIoNIST/ClERICal aSSISTaNT:

General Inquiries: info@grmag.com Lorraine Brugger

To oRDER REPRINTS: Karla Jeltema

(616) 459-4545

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

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

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

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

www.geminipub.com

Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI)

May 2013 / GrmaG.com 13

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

noteworthy interesting tidbits we thought you should know

You try to eat and shop local, so why not plant local? On May 8, Kent Conservation District will present a workshop from 6:30-8 p.m. on how to use Michigan plants in your garden. Expert grower Vern Stephens will help participants make the right choices. Stock up on plants May 10 at the KCD Native Plant Sale. Both events at 3260 Eagle Park Drive NE, Suite 111. (kentconservation.org)

support local agriculture by using primarily Michigan grapes and other fruits. Check out these upcoming winery events: • May 4-5, Spring Sip & Savor: Leelanau Peninsula Vintners (www.lpwines.com) • May 18, Blossom Day: Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (wineriesofoldmission.com) • June 15, Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country (miwinetrail.com)

Artsy footwear Buy a pair of Toms Shoes and the L.A.-based company will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. At ecofriendly Clothing Matters, 141 Diamond Ave. SE, you can buy a one-of-a-kind pair of Toms painted by local glass artist Joe Sherry.

The shoes have been so popular, the store has asked Sherry to add his artistic touch to leggings, T-shirts and more. (clothingmatters.net)

Join The Cult Cult Pizza, that is, featuring artisan pizzas topped with seasonal local produce. It’s the latest venture by Ryan Cappelletti, founder of Bartertown Deli. The pizza menu includes vegan/vegetarian options, as well as glutenfree pies. 10 Jefferson St., open 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Thursday to Sunday. (cultpizza.com)

Photography by Johnny Quirin (center and bottom right) courtesy John Bagley (top right); thinkstock.com (top and bottom left)

101 Michigan wineries

Windsor Cottage, the high-end furniture consignment store at 2899 Thornapple River Drive SE in Cascade Township that carries such upscale brands as Baker, Kindel and Haworth, has opened a second location at 923 Cherry St. SE. The new 3,000-square-foot store also will carry new lamps, artwork and accessories. (windsorcottageonline. com)

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My stuFF

Double the pleasure Misty Hendricks, who’s in charge of marketing and ticket sales for Grand Rapids Ballet, says twins Tristan and Gabriel were born at a perfect time.

“Summer is off season for the ballet, so I was able to stay home with the boys for 3 months,” she said, adding with a chuckle, “I’m lucky they didn’t arrive during ‘Nutcracker.’”

In those early days, Hendricks said she packed everything in the house for every outing.

“Now I’ve really streamlined with some key items. And if it’s just a quick trip to the store and back, I’ll just throw a burp cloth and some toys into my purse.”

She and husband Jeff expected that caring for two babies would mean total craziness — “we heard all the twin stories” — so they’ve been pleasantly surprised that they’ve only had “normal chaos. As first-time parents, we don’t know any better,” she quipped. “That’s probably a good thing.”

As they approach their first birthday next month, blue-eyed, fair-haired Tristan and his fraternal twin, Gabriel, who has brown eyes and lots of brown hair, also are developing opposite temperaments.

The trick, said Hendricks, is trying to keep them on a similar schedule.

— maRTY PRimEaU

Packing for two means living large

PHoToGraPHy By mIcHaEL BucK

PHoToGraPHy By JoHNNy QuIrIN (cENTEr aND BoTTom rIGHT) courTESy JoHN BaGLEy (ToP rIGHT); THINKSTocK.com (ToP aND BoTTom LEFT)

Misty Hendricks will celebrate her first Mother’s Day this month.

The oversized changing pad (shown in photo) “was a great gift from my sisterin-law, a lot nicer than the tiny changing pads that come with most diaper bags.”

the go-to list For a day out: The basics: Diapers and wipes; changing pad; hand sanitizer and extra changes of clothes.

— because they will inadvertently be dropped or thrown in the nearest mud puddle or dirty place!”

Keeping tidy: Burp cloths (for cleaning anything and everything); extra bibs — “We’re been in the drool-y phase for what seems like forever. Bibs are a part of our daily wardrobe”; toys — “A couple of teethers and toys that are easily washed

Most versatile: Light muslin blankets — “These were great for swaddling early on, now for laying out to play on, wrapping around chilly arms or keeping the sun out of faces. Love these blankets!”

May 2013 / GrmaG.com 15

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

Custom Cabinets The art of tying knots

Design Center 4265 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI

Factory & Showroom 665 Construction Ct. Zeeland, MI

616.956.3070 woodwayscustom.com

Macrame artist Sally England studied knot tying in Portland, Ore,. before returning home to Michigan.

There is something pleasingly organic about England’s creations — huge knotted wonders that subtly hypnotize the viewer with their intricate and understated beauty.

England honed her skills while attending a craft and design program offered by Pacific Northwest College of Art and Oregon College of Art & Craft.

“When I started the program, I began my macramé practice by doing some experimenting on a smaller scale to learn the basic knots — then jumped right into a 6-by-6-foot piece with a continuous design using a half-inch rope.”

England, who also works as a display coordinator for Anthropologie in Breton Village, recently exhibited a 15-foot black plant hanger at R 20th Century design gallery in New York City and says the requests for her work are piling up.

“I’m continuing to get more and more interesting macramé commissions, so I have a feeling I won’t be doing much relaxing anytime soon.”

Visit sallyengland.com.

— Emma Higgins

Photography courtesy Nick Stockton

Produced locally by our talented craftsmen

Artist Sally England uses familiar macramé techniques in unfamiliar ways.

Her oversized wall-hangings and plant holders provide a contemporary take on a craft considered by many to be rather passé.

“I’m definitely inspired by the history and tradition of macramé but wanted to use these techniques in a modern way that speaks to our bigger-is-better culture,” said the Grand Rapids artist.

Macramé is an ancient craft that gained widespread popularity in the 1970s as people began to create resilient clothing, jewelry and home décor items.

England believes a revival could prove beneficial.

“I see a need to bring back the value of knotting and other types of handwork, not only because of the artistic potential but also because of the potential as a therapeutic process.”

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Photography courtesy Nick Stockton

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living local Weird is wonderful

CELEBRATE GRAND RAPIDS: > Celebrate West Michigan’s “weirdness” at the 10th Annual Local First Street Party June 1. This annual celebration of local food, beer and music will take place from 3 p.m. to midnight in front of Bistro Bella Vita. Details can be found at localfirst.com.

Mike Hayataka of Atomic Hoop Troop performs at a Local First Street Party.

Grand Rapids’ expanding East Hills district is comparable to Austin’s Second Street neighborhood with local boutique, antique and consignment stores, right.

Thinking local first creates a joyful place and culture.

It creates opportunities and jobs.

It attracts tourism and industry.

Austin exemplifies that perfectly.

And, I’m proud to say, so does Grand Rapids. staying “weird” and supporting the things that make it unique.

Sometimes people question whether supporting “local first” is naïve or protectionist. It’s not.

Thinking local first creates a joyful place and culture. It creates opportunities and jobs. It attracts tourism and industry. Austin exemplifies that perfectly. And, I’m proud to say, so does Grand Rap— ELISSA HILLARY ids.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

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

THIS SPRING, my husband and I spent a long weekend vacationing in Austin, Texas. As a rule, we really enjoy visiting places with a unique culture — art, food, shopping — that we can’t experience at home.

Austin exemplifies that perfectly. Like Grand Rapids, Austin is one of the pioneers of the “local first” movement. Residents proudly encourage each other to “Keep Austin Weird” by supporting locally owned independent businesses. That “weirdness” has created a one-of-a-kind downtown and neighborhoods for the community to enjoy. In addition, these distinct places help attract top talent and tourists desiring a unique experience.

From the moment you enter the Austin airport, it is clear the city prides itself on being different. Instead of generic national food vendors and retailers, the airport features Austin-specific merchants. Amy’s Ice Cream, a Texas company, and The Salt Lick, a local barbecue restaurant, provide regional cuisine. Painted guitars highlight the liveliness of Austin’s art and music scene. The presence of these institutions sets the tone, and this love for local businesses continues throughout the community.

What MoDiv (the retail incubator on Monroe Center) is to Grand Rapids, food trucks are to Austin. Clustered in vacant lots, these trucks provide a win-win: Food entrepreneurs are able to take advantage of a low-overhead opportunity to test a new business model, and city residents and adjacent businesses enjoy the increased walkability this infill provides. Many of these incubated businesses have gone on to open bricks-and-mortar restaurants, just as our retailers are expanding their footprint in downtown Grand Rapids.

Both of Austin’s primary shopping districts are anchored by locally owned businesses. Downtown, institutions such as independently owned Book People and Waterloo Records have a regional pull. Local boutique, antique and consignment stores attract shoppers to the Second Street neighborhood — an area comparable to Grand Rapids’ expanding East Hills district.

Austin is a cool city, there’s no doubt. In large part that can be credited to its commitment to

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Photography by Michael Buck

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life & style PEoPLE / TrENDS / BooKS / FaSHIoN / FITNESS

“It was so surreal to find out I was a finalist; I didn’t even have words. The day they were announcing the winners, I opened up an email and found I was the winner. I was mind-blown, totally shocked.”

— Rhonda Wilson, Judges’ Choice award reading rooM

Write Michigan Emma Seif in the youth category.

“I’d been wanting to write for a long time but never entered a contest,” said Wilson, a Grandville mother of four.

For Rogers, who also lives in Grandville, the contest’s Michigan base was part of the allure, as well as the opportunity to build his writing platform. “I said to my wife that if I can just make the finals of the contest, it’ll be a success,” said Rogers, a marketing manager at Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Winning the Readers’ Choice award inspires me to keep writing.”

Judges for the adult category were Shelley Irwin, host of WGVU’s “The Morning Show,” and Liesel Litzenburger, an award-winning Michigan author whose books include “The Widower” and “Now You Love Me.” Judges for the youth category were D.J. De Smyter, author of the young adult novel “Hunted”; Laurie Keller, children’s book author and illustrator; and Maranda, WOTV4 family expert and host of “Where You Live.”

KDL’s Nagle said she hopes to expand the Write Michigan Contest, doubling the entries and getting more statewide investment from libraries, sponsors and participating organizations.

“WRITE MICHIGAN 2013 ANTHOLOGY” Price: $14.95 Order online at writemichi gan.org or schulerbooks. com, or purchase a copy at any Schuler Books & Music store.

“I was incredibly humbled by the nature of the award.

I’m keenly aware that this happened because a lot of people helped me out.

It inspires me to keep going.”

— Andrew Rogers, Readers’ Choice award

— ann BYLE

Two new titles from University of Michigan Press > the north Country trail”

> “MiChigan legends”

Ron Strickland has compiled a guide for hiking America’s longest National Scenic Trail. The 7.92-mile hike from the Lowell River Walk to Fallasburg Park Drive NE is one of 13 trails in Michigan.

Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Sheryl James has collected stories of legendary people, events and places from Michigan’s real and imaginary past.

PHoToGraPHy (cLocKwISE From ToP rIGHT) courTESy ISTocKPHoTo.com/ IzaBELa HaBur; amaNDa BrIDLE; rIcK BIELaczyc/wayNE STaTE uNIvErSITy/EDITED By mJ murawKa; NorTH couNTry TraIL aSSocIaTIoN

The first annual Write Michigan Contest began as a way to draw people into local libraries.

Kent District Library, Grand Rapids Public Library and Schuler Books & Music joined forces to create a contest that grew to include writers across the state.

The winning stories are in “Write Michigan 2013 Anthology,” published by Schuler Books’ Chapbook Press and printed on its Espresso Book Machine.

“Our initial goals for Write Michigan were to foster writers’ talent, encourage them in their work and offer them exposure for their work,” said Heidi Nagle, KDL’s communications manager.

“This contest is different than simply self-publishing authors’ own stories because they have the accountability of the judges and readers and the credibility of the contest.”

Nearly 600 writers representing 155 Michigan ZIP codes entered short stories. Entries — divided by age into 17-and-under and 18-and-older — were read and rated by more than 90 library and bookstore staff. Readers’ Choice and Judges’ Choice winners were selected from the top 10 finalists.

“Archived” by Andrew Rogers was picked by readers in the adult category, and “Chasing Cars”

by Sarah McLellan was their choice in the youth category. Judges chose “Untitled” by Rhonda Wilson as adult winner, and “Walk in the Light” by

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Find them at your Living Kitchen dealer.

Photography (clockwise from top right) Courtesy istockphoto.com/ Izabela Habur; Amanda Bridle; Rick Bielaczyc/Wayne State University/edited

by MJ Murawka; North Country Trail Association

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life & style PEoPLE / TrENDS / BooKS / FaSHIoN / FITNESS

It’s all in the family at Trybe.

Rebecca Clark and Molly Kircher are the creators of a modern clothing line for women.

See the collection Owned by Michigan-based North Coast Design Group, Trybe has distributors in New York and Los Angeles, and the clothing is sold in more than 23 states. To see the entire line, visit trybe.co.

Fashion Forward

Feel good fashion Don’t expect Trybe women’s apparel to be trendy or high fashion.

Even though Rebecca Clark once worked for designer Vera Wang, she and business partner Molly Kircher have eschewed haute couture and created a line of modern, affordable clothing for real women.

Trybe, based in Northern Michigan, is fashion that “looks good and feels good,” Kircher said. “It’s more multi-tasking than fashionista.”

The two Michigan natives launched Trybe last fall after talking about starting a clothing line for many years at family gatherings.

Kircher is married to the president of Boyne Resorts and lives in Walloon Lake.

Clark is married to Molly’s cousin Peter and spent several years in New York City working for top designers.

When Clark and family moved to Lansing in 2009, she taught design classes at Michigan State University and opened Michigan Fashion Proto, an apparel sample and production business.

But she wanted to get back to designing

clothes. After much brainstorming, Kircher and Clark incorporated Trybe and introduced their first collection in fall 2012.

Clark is lead designer and president. While working for Vera Wang, she designed and marketed the Simply Vera line sold at Kohl’s.

“I don’t have a background in fashion,” said Kircher, who serves as Trybe’s CEO. “But fashion has always been a sideline passion.”

Kircher says their styles are inspired by the women in their families.

“Our aunts and cousins range in age from 16 to 70. Everyone wants to look good, but they don’t have a lot of time to fret and be perfect.”

The collections are heavy in neutrals. “Our summer line will include some bright colors like kelly green and royal blue that work well with neutrals. But for the most part, our clothes are still very much earthy and muted tones.”

Trybe samples are made at Michigan Fashion Proto, and the women use a New York factory for the majority of production.

Eventually, they hope to have all the clothing made in Michigan. — maRTY PRimEaU

PHoToGraPHy courTESy Tom GENNara

Michigan natives launch Trybe women’s apparel.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Eclectic Eastown icon Gallery 154 dates to the 1970s and is still the place to find everything from lithographs to Christmas ornaments.

> Gallery 154 Location: 1456 Lake Drive SE Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. TuesdaySaturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday, or by appointment.

Contact: (616) 454-2154; gallery154.com

Photography by michael buck

A

rt comes in all shapes and sizes, and chances are you can find most of them at Gallery 154.

Described as offering “just about any art form known to man or beast,” the gallery is one of the oldest art hubs in town and offers an eclectic collection of work from more than 70 artists.

“It’s not just paintings,” co-owner Christine Lichtenstein said. The gallery carries everything from lithograph prints to an extensive selection of handcrafted jewelry, which she says keeps customers coming back year after year.

The gallery’s roots date back to 1976 when Christine and husband Ron opened a location at 154 Louis St. in downtown

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Lika Behar

PhOTOGRAPhy by mIChAEL buCk

PhOTOGRAPhy by mIChAEL buCk

“We started out with just local artists, but we’ve expanded. We look for things that are different.”

— Christine Lichtenstein

Grand Rapids. Christine attended Kendall College of Art and Design and said she’d always wanted to have a gallery, and one day “just decided to do it.”

A year and half after opening, the pair had the opportunity to move shop uptown to the Eastown neighborhood. Lichtenstein said the 1400 block of Lake Drive — now very much a part of a vibrant, eclectic business district — looked much different when they moved into a former bank building there.

“When we first moved in here, the only thing around was the post office,” she said.

The couple still felt the area was a good fit, and Lichtenstein said the gallery grew along with the neighborhood.

“We started out with just local artists, but we’ve expanded,” she said. The gallery now carries work by artists from all over the country. “We look for things that are different.”

The two floors are filled with shelves of items perfect for home decor and giftgiving, and one can’t help but look up at the unique ornaments and mobiles that hang from the ceiling.

“The range of things we carry has really helped us,” Lichtenstein said.

She also noted the increase in local artists.

“There’s a lot more artists compared to 1976. And people have become more educated to the arts, too.”

The gallery carries a large inventory of pottery, and Michigancentric works that range from vintage maps to Heritage Hill lithographs by Susan Logie.

“They fit the style of this place,” she said of the local-minded works.

In the early years, the gallery hosted exhibitions, but now Lichtenstein said they just maintain a constant rotation and influx of new work. She said they’re always looking for new items to keep the inventory fresh and, after 36 years, they’re still discovering new and interesting ways that art takes shape.

— ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL

Designer & Custom Jewelry Expert Jewelry Repair Tu-Fr 10-5 Sat 12-4 616-459-5075 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids shop@metalartstudioinc.com May 2013 / GRmAG.COm 27

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Local art galleries COMPILED BY EMMA HIGGINS

1/ desiGn Gallery aT desiGn QuesT: Thru June 16, ReTech

1/ Design Quest exhibits unique and functional furniture and art hybrids using salvaged materials by artist Asher.

106 Gallery and Studio: Calvin College-run gallery featuring student and local artists’ work. 106 S. Division Ave., calvin.edu/centerartgallery/ studio.

Betsy Ratzsch Pottery: Ceramics, artwork and gifts from American artisans. 584 Ada Drive, 682-0266, betsyrpottery.com.

Calvin College Center Art Gallery: Permanent collection, student and staff work, visiting exhibitions.

Calvin FAC, 1795 Knollcrest Circle, 526-6271, calvin.edu/centerartgallery.

Gallery 154: Local and national multi-media art, gifts, jewelry. 1456 Lake Drive SE, 454-2154, gallery154. com.

Gallery at ICCF: Work from local artists and craftspeople. 920 Cherry St. SE, iccf.org/current_exhibit.htm.

Gaspard Gallery: Thru May 31, “Conditions,” a new body of work by local artist Jeff Kraus. 235 S. Division Ave., spirituallake.com.

C.O.D.A. Gallery: Teaching gallery in Heartside. 44 S. Division Ave., 4017382, coda-gallery.com.

Grand Rapids Art Museum: See Museums & Attractions.

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

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

Flat River Gallery: Artists’ cooperative shows art, wood products, furniture, textiles, jewelry, clay and photography. 219 W. Main St., Lowell, flatrivergalleryandframing.com.

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

Perception Gallery: Fine art gallery also offers home décor, art restoration and appraisal services. 210 E. Fulton St., 451-2393.

Forest Hills FAC: May 17-June 12, Grand Rapids-born artist Sheryl Budnik uses the power of paint to express her emotional connections to nature’s elements. 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. 493-8966, fhfineartscenter. com.

Cascade Art Gallery: Multi-media art, print collection, framing, gifts.

2840 Thornapple River Drive SE, 9494056, cascadegallery.blogspot.com.

Con Artist Crew: Art collective and gallery. 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW, North Building, No. 198, (734) 6466186, Facebook.

2/ daac: First Thursday: 6-9 p.m. May 2, artist-run community space hosts solo exhibition Restoring Spring, by local artist Jenn Schaub, whose new woodcuts explore the transition, then destruction, of a 10-year relationship. 115 S. Division Ave., thedaac.org.

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

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

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: See Museums & Attractions.

Kendall College of Art and Design: May 7-11, Kendall’s Student Exhibition Week features work from students in 17 art and design programs, covering 11 floors in two buildings. kcad.edu.

LaFontsee Galleries: Noon-3 p.m.

May 11, watch award-winning artist

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

2/ The DAAC hosts work by printmaker Jenn Schaub.

Justin Kellner at work and see his solo exhibition thru May 24. 833 Lake Drive SE. “Come out and Celebrate” opening reception 5-8 p.m. May 3. 150 Center St. Douglas. 451-9820, lafontsee.us.

LowellArts King Gallery: Beg. April 30, Junior Regional Art Competition features artwork from four counties by ages 13-18. Closing reception/ awards presentation 1-4 p.m. May 30. 149 S. Hudson, Lowell, 897-8545, lowellartscouncil.org.

MercuryHead Gallery: Work by local artists plus gifts and framing.

962 E. Fulton St. 456-6022, Facebook.

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

Muskegon Museum of Art: See Museums & Attractions.

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

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

The Shallows Art Gallery: Upand-coming local artists. 1054 W. Fulton St., (906) 748-0941, shallowsart. com.

Tanglefoot Artists: Studio/gallery of Michael Pfleghaar and Tommy Allen. 314 Straight Ave. SW (entrance on north, dock 8), tanglefootstudio. com.

Terryberry Gallery: May/June: Rivertown Artists Guild group show.

Opening reception 5-8:30 p.m. May 10. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE (lower level), 459-2224, scmc-online.org/building/terryberrygallery.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Art: Thru May 12, Limit(less).

7-9 p.m., May 9, Quirkshop: Tiny Terrariums; no art experience needed, call to register. May 31-Aug. 18, Festival 2013 Regional Art Exhibition. May 31-Aug. 18, Festival 2013 Regional Art Exhibition. 2 W. Fulton St., 454-7000, uica.org.

PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy DESIGN quEST (TOP); jENN SChAub (bOTTOm)

Thru June 16

by Asher, one-off functional art pieces made from reclaimed materials. Lamps, tables and other items illustrate ReTech’s philosophy “to reinvent using the discarded remnants of our past.”

4181 28th St. SE, 940-0131, designquest.biz.

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Photography courtesy design quest (top); jenn schaub (bottom)

art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

For those who don’t want a cookie-cutter countertop, take heart: There’s a dizzying array of other choices.

Beyond granite

Tired of granite countertops?

You aren’t alone.

Don’t misunderstand: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with granite as a counter surface. It does its job well and looks great for years. However, its increasing popularity has a lot of people looking for something else.

“I think granite has become too avail-

able,” said Todd Wiley, a kitchen designer and owner of TruKitchens in Cascade.

“It has moved from custom homes to production homes. Nothing wrong with that, but our custom customer wants something different. And that’s where trends start,” he said.

Granite also has a tendency to hog the spotlight. The mirror finish on most

Wood countertops are enjoying a bit of a renaissance with new finishes that are safe and impervious to water damage. Using a wood top on a kitchen island and a different material elsewhere adds interest.

Photography courtesy trukitchens

T

By Susan J. Smith

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granite makes it difficult for granite to be subtle. This works much of the time, but sometimes a less in-your-face material is needed.

The good news is that if you don’t want a cookie-cutter kitchen or would rather your counters didn’t take center stage, a dizzying array of exciting choices await you.

PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy TRukITChENS

warMTH of wood Wiley is thrilled when a client is looking for something other than granite. “Right away, I suggest wood,” he said.

He works with a company that offers two options. “One is food safe and, with an oil finish, you can cut on it and refinish it yourself,” he said.

The other is the extremely durable Durata, a wood countertop finish that makes it impervious to water damage.

Wood counters are currently enjoying a bit of a renaissance because of the new finishes and designers who know how to work with them.

Using a wood top on the kitchen island and a different material around the perimeter of a kitchen is a terrific way to add interest and function. It can add warmth to a stark, contemporary setting.

“I really like using wood, and with the new finishes and processes, they are practical,” said Bonnie Schut, kitchen designer and owner of Kitchen Design Studio in Gaslight Village.

“And what I really like is, if you lean on the counter, it’s much softer and more comfortable than a cold stone. It’s more like being at a table. This is especially nice for islands where people eat.”

MarBle eleGance Wiley also likes using marble when he has a client who can deal with some of its less-than-practical aspects.

“It’s gorgeous, and for the right client, I love using it,” he said. “But they need to be relaxed about the variances and its tendency to stain.”

Marble can be a good choice for contemporary kitchens, especially if the rest of the house is more traditional. It tones down the contemporary edge with a classic elegance.

QuarTZ consisTency Probably the most popular alternative

to granite is manufactured quartz.

Schut is using a lot of quartz in projects because of the wide range of colors and patterns.

“There’s less maintenance and yet it is practical like granite,” she said. “You can get a super-consistent and predictable look, which some clients want.”

Quartz composites are made from stone aggregate and polymers that are compressed under high pressure. The resulting material is practically nonporous and just as strong as most natural stones. Since it is a manufactured product, it has consistent colors and patterns.

It is highly resistant to heat and can be polished or honed. Often, quartz products are combined with a wood island or with stainless steel.

Rick Donaldson, retail sales manager of the new Bekins Appliance store in Grand Rapids, points out Cambria’s Buckingham pattern.

“This is so popular that they are having trouble keeping up with production,” he said.

Why? It has a granite look but a consistent pattern and all the advantages of quartz. It is worth taking a look at if you can’t quite give up the look of granite but don’t want the irregularities that come with it.

The Bekins showroom offers a wide variety of countertops, including the newest on the radar: porcelain by the sheet from Neolith-Nieve.

D OUG L A S

2013 Even t Schedule

May 3 rd REVEAL/CONCEAL

June 8 th CRAYONS PENCILS AND PAINT

July 6 th SLIGHTLY OBSESSIVE

August 3 rd A BEAUTIFUL VIEW

September 7 th UNUSUAL MATERIALS

solid surface coMeBacK Before the big move to granite and natural stone 10 to 15 years ago, Corian and the rest of the products that make up the solid surface category were the go-to counter material. It is worth a look because of the new colors and textures.

Solid-surface products remain the only countertop material that can be seamed invisibly. sooTHinG soapsTone If you prefer natural stone but want something other than granite, soapstone is an option.

It is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but can be used in modern ones, as well. It needs to be oiled regularly.

150 Center St , DOUGLAS MI

616.45 1.9820 www.lafontsee.us

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Stainless steel for foodies Serious cooks love having stainless steel counters in heavy-duty food prep areas because it is heat- and rust-resistant and very clean.

Stainless steel was invented in the early 1900s and made its way into commercial kitchens shortly after that. It was a short step from commercial to residential kitchens and has been a standby in urban lofts and ultra-contemporary homes.

The birth of foodie culture in the United States has brought with it a renewed interest in stainless steel as a counter material. The downside is that it will scratch, although some people order their stainless steel counters pre-scratched. It screams “gourmet cook” to those in the know.

Wiley says he doesn’t see a huge interest in stainless in Grand Rapids. “This market tends to be more traditional, but we do use it as accents or right by the stove top.”

Schut said she likes stainless “because it is anti-bacterial and upscale looking.”

Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns with all the practicality of granite and less maintenance.

Everlasting laminate Don’t forget laminate. It used to be thought of as a cheap but boring option, but not so much anymore. Look for products from Wilsonart, Nevamar, Formica and Abet Laminati.

“Yes, it is price friendly,” said Schut.

“What’s exciting is that we are seeing and using new patterns, colors and textures.

For a while we didn’t want to touch it, but the new fun patterns are making this a great choice for the budget minded.”

Glass encounters And then there’s glass, a material that can offer a sleek, clean, modern look. Manufacturers now offer a range of colors and textures that are sturdy enough to withstand a fair amount of use.

“It is really worth considering, especially for contemporary interiors, but make sure it is at least 3/4-inch thick and tempered,” Schut said.

Good news Too many choices? While options are abundant, many modern kitchens have two or maybe even three different counter surfaces — one for the island or eating area, another for the cooking/prep area and maybe another by the sink. You don’t have to choose just one.

For more information about countertop options, a great source is houzz.com. Click on “Ideabooks” and then “Kitchens.” GR

Photography Courtesy Randy Riksen Photography

Concrete variety Another option — and one that is gaining in popularity — is concrete. If you want a more modern, urban feel, this is one to consider. Concrete countertops are very durable and can offer rich texture and color.

It is important to work with a reputable provider so that you get a stain-resistant material.

Wiley says he’s doing more concrete counters because Grand Rapids has a very good fabricator, Hard Topix, a company that has figured out a finish to make it work well.

“They can also do a lot of variety,” he said. “It’s really worth taking a look at if you are tired of granite.”

“We’ve really found that concrete has moved from being thought of as only for urban lofts or edgy downtown environments,” he said. “We’re doing one in a very traditional home in East Grand Rapids right now.”

Doug Meekhof, senior project manager at Bruce Heys Builders, says he loves working with concrete but, from a builder’s standpoint, it takes some planning. “It has to cure and sometimes this can add 10 days to the project.”

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A study in blue but of a size and an abstract visual power that no one before had dreamed possible. As a result she became one of the central figures in the movement commonly referred to as Post-Painterly Abstraction.

“Code Blue” is a 2008 masterpiece by Frankenthaler in the permanent collection of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, which is celebrated for its extremely fine collection of American art.

Seen from a distance, it is a powerful study in its namesake blue. Though the central part of the canvas is lighter and more open, the density of color increases dramatically near the painting’s rectangular contours.

This study in color is perhaps also a study in mood, for it effectively plays on numerous interpretations of the word “blue” and even the ramifications of the shorthanded “code blue.”

In keeping with the ideas central to her career, Frankenthaler allows paint and surface to merge into one, but as a part of the heritage of Abstract Expression, the work is intended to overwhelm the viewer visually and emotionally.

— JOSEPH A. BECHERER

wHaT To looK for:

> Stand back from the painting and then slowly move toward it. How does your perception of the work change as you move forward? > While looking at the

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

work up close, can you see any evidence of the artist’s presence? Does anything you see reveal the artist’s working processes? Are you able to detect the surfaces of the canvas?

> Imagine this painting in another color, such as red or green. How would this affect you physically and emotionally? > Seek out other works

by American artists from the second half of the 20th century on view at the KIA. In what ways does Frankenthaler relate to and differ from these works?

Though the central part of the canvas is lighter and more open, the density of color increases dramatically near the painting’s rectangular contours.

PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy kALAmAZOO INSTITuTE OF ARTS

art talk

Helen franKenTHaler (1928-2011) was among the most influential and respected American artists of the 20th century. Central to a generation of artists based in New York who came of age in the era of Abstract Expressionism, she was among the few who actually furthered the movement — and one of the only women in an art world almost totally dominated by men.

Following her studies at Bennington College in Vermont, she returned to her native New York and immersed herself in the heady artistic environment of the 1950s, with such luminaries as Jackson Pollock and Willem DeKooning.

Frankenthaler was able to move beyond the definitions of Abstract Expressionism with its expressive brushwork and dripped paint surfaces. Instead, she went on to explore the power of paint by diluting oil paint with turpentine.

Her imagery was loose to the point of fluidity because she was literally staining the raw canvases rather than painting them. In essence, she created large-scale works where the paint and the surface were one in the same.

Her technique was reminiscent of watercolor,

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3100 29th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512

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PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy kALAmAZOO INSTITuTE OF ARTS

DIVE INTO CREATIVE WATERS!

OAK PARK ARCHITECTURE TOUR Travel to Oak Park, Illinois, home of Frank Lloyd Wright

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

JusTaGirlBloG.coM

Simple succulents These versatile plants add a touch of greenery without a lot of fuss.

I like to use some form of top layer to hold everything in.

Broken up shells, fish tank rocks, small beads, or even some faux moss work well, and a little goes a long way.

PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy ChRIS CAREy

If you’re like many who struggle to keep houseplants alive, a new trend in home decor might just be for you.

Succulents have become the new “it” plant for people who want fresh greenery but don’t have the green thumb to keep plants alive long enough to actually enjoy them.

The best thing about succulents? They can grow in just about anything. They don’t have a deep root structure so they don’t require a large planter. From placing a single plant in a tea cup to planting a whole variety in a serving platter, succulents are extremely versatile.

The second best thing? They’re easy to maintain. I heard you. You just guffawed at that. Trust me: They’re easy. As long as you stick with a few key factors, you should be able to grow succulents in every corner of your home. Well, almost.

First and foremost, start with good soil. Succulents need loose soil that won’t compact around the plant (most garden centers carry it). Since it’s loose, I like to use some form of top layer to hold everything in. Broken up shells, fish tank rocks, small beads, or even some faux moss work well, and a little goes a long way.

Secondly, don’t over-water them. When a succulent dies, it is usually because it was over-watered. They need very little, and we tend to want to saturate our greenery. When you’re about to water, step away! Come back in a few days. If you’re not sure, feel the soil with your finger. It should be damp, but certainly not muddy.

And lastly, succulents like sun — but not too much. They like to be in a sunny place, but not where it’s beating down on them all day. Sounds more high-maintenance than it is. Play around with them in your home to see if they take to one spot more than another.

— Chris Carey is a Rockford wife, mom, school teacher and avid do-it-yourselfer who shares her home projects and decorating tips on her justagirlblog.com.

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PhOTOGRAPhy COuRTESy ChRIS CAREy

May 2013 / GRmAG.COm 37

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frame works

Pictured left to right: Josh Leffingwell, Lynée Wells and Tyler Doornbos

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

> Other recent Better Block projects have been successfully completed in Dallas, New York City, Boston, Denver, St. Paul, Baton Rouge, Melbourne and Tehran. > Better Block was founded in Dallas by Jason Roberts and Andrew Howard. The Grand Rapids initiative was conceived and is being executed by Josh Leffingwell, Tyler Doornbos and Lynée Wells. Wells is a planner at Williams and Works, Doornbos is a web designer and cofounder of Bike Friendly GR with Leffingwell, who is also part of the city’s Sustainable Streets Task Force. All three are committed urbanists.

State street revival THis MonTH a Group of local volunteer urbanists will temporarily transform State Street SE — a several-blocks-long connector between Heritage Hill and downtown Grand Rapids — into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood center.

State Street, which runs between Madison and Jefferson avenues, is an overlooked stretch with too few buildings and too many parking lots. Organizers of Build a Better Block: re:STATE will create a variety of pop-up shops, restaurants and demonstration projects during the two-day Heritage Hill Home Tour May 18-19 that attracts hundreds of visitors to the area.

The project, based on the international Better Block initiative, will demonstrate the importance of people-centered design and will challenge conventional planning paradigms.

“We’re working with business owners and neighbors to show what the street could look like with cafés, stores, bike corrals and more,” said Josh Leffingwell, one of the organizers.

Bus shelters will be decorated by local artists and a Rapid bus will be available to help residents understand how to use the city’s transit system.

Volunteers will use tape to make the wide lanes narrower to encourage people to slow down and take notice of the surroundings. Bike lanes will be added.

“We’re testing new ideas that have been tried in other parts of the country,” said Leffingwell.

In Dallas, Better Block workers transformed

a rundown neighborhood near downtown into a trendy, bohemian area with shops and street cafes.

The Downtown Development Authority is contributing $15,000 to the project.

“They wondered why we weren’t asking for more money,” Leffingwell said. “But what we really want is for neighbors to swing a hammer and get involved. The money is just to help us get going.”

“We’re working with business owners and neighbors to show what the street could look like with cafés, stores, bike corrals and more.”

— Josh Leffingwell After the two-day project, the organizers, including Lynée Wells, an urban planner and project manager for Williams and Works, and Tyler Doornbos, a web designer and owner of Doornbos Design, will analyze what they’ve learned and write a report.

Build a Better Block: re:STATE will create, envision, evaluate and teach people about building a place that is based on sociability, accessibility, dynamic uses and comfort, and will continue the dialogue regarding city building. For more information on the project, visit betterblockgr.com or facebook.com/BetterBlockGR/page_map#!/Better — MARK F. MILLER BlockGR.

PhOTOGRAPhy by jIm GEbbEN

a BeTTer BlocK: > The temporary transformation of State Street takes place May 18-19 in conjunction with the Heritage Hill Home Tour. It will start each day at 10 a.m. and continue into the evening until about 8 p.m.

Expect to see a food truck area, temporary parks, popup businesses and more.

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Photography by jim gebben

At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, your vacation comes to life with a backdrop of 900 acres of rolling greens, woodlands, and beach, surrounded by orchards, vineyards, and the beautiful blue waters of Lake Michigan. It’s the surprising destination that has it all: exceptional golf, beach club, soothing spa, shopping and delicious food and drink.

800-748-0303 | grandtraverseresort.com Owned & Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians

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Watch Barefoot TV

Request our magazine

Friend us online

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adventure The

heats up in Master Suite

By J. stapleton Burch

a

s the adventure of Design Home continues, keep in mind that this fabulous spec home being built

by Infiniti Custom Homes is looking for an owner who appreciates a gracious lifestyle — yet at the same time, it offers all the amenities to comfortably support a rambunctious family. That’s why the master suite is designed as a peaceful sanctuary. If you’re seeking a new home, it will be love at first sight.

“The master suite is truly incredible,” said Stacey Rendon, who owns Infiniti Custom Homes with her husband Rich.

“It’s situated a few steps up from the main level, so it actually feels like a private retreat within the heart of the home.” Complete with its own sitting room, tranquil outdoor deck with pictorial views, an ensuite His and Hers bath (that’s an understatement!), and plenty of closet space, the spacious-yet-intimate area will provide many an “Ahhhhh” moment of relaxation away from the worries of the world.

The soft, welcoming hues painted by All Condition Painting create a calming vibe throughout this magnificent master suite. The DuPont Smart Strand carpet from Rockford Flooring provides insular warmth and low-level resonance as well as comfort and style. “It’s luxuriously soft but with exceptional durability,” noted their sales representative, Brian Tobey.

“The newest fiber in the carpet industry, it is produced with corn solids, making it an eco-friendly ‘green’ choice that cleans up with hot water.” The cut pile chosen imparts a look of sophistication. A built-in

bookcase is conveniently integrated near the sitting area flooded with natural light.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

With the aesthetics and sensibilities of a pampering spa, the master bath is an oasis by itself. Its chrome, gray and white color palette exudes vacation vibes. The bright, barreled ceiling overhead lends an open, airy feeling, while the tile floors gleam with glass accents. Gray-toned cabinetry — custom designed for the room

by Woodways Custom — is topped with “Fantasy Brown” quartzite counters, fabricated and installed by Top of the World Granite. This stunning premier stone was sourced through

Pascucci Marble & Granite, a 40-year premium materials distributor whose three facilities include a Grand Rapids location.

“We import this stone from India,” described Scott Haight of their GR facility.

“It resembles granite, but it’s a denser and harder stone, which makes it very durable in a bathroom application.”

Eye-catching cabinet handles sourced through the third-generation-run Grand Rapids business, Modern Hardware, add extra panache with decorative hardware.

2013

desIgn home 2013 Partners: All Condition Painting, Belden Brick & Supply, DeHamer Brothers Garden Center, Eikenhout, Fox Brothers Company, Engineered Protection Systems, Gerrit’s Appliance, Infiniti Custom Homes, Klingman’s Furniture, Modern Hardware, Overhead Door Company of Grand Rapids, Pascucci Marble & Granite, Phillip Elenbaas Millwork, Richards Kitchen and Bath Showroom, Rockford Floor Covering, The Lighting Corner, Top of the World Granite, Visbeen Architects, Wahlfield Drilling Co., Woodways Custom Cabinets

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The tiled walk-in shower with its spectacular trim is balanced by a magnificent standalone tub, with fantastic Kohler fixtures from the everreliable Richards Plumbing that seem almost futuristic: They extend from the walls sink-side, gently rain from squares in the shower, and arise from the floor at the bath. “We chose the ‘X’ handles for the faucets because it is a subtle reflection of that design element in the home’s stairwell front windows,” Stacey noted.

In addition, Stacey’s woman-centered instincts always add something special to the homes built by Infiniti Custom Homes.

Her stylish design tweaks add utilitarian details that make so much sense; such as the vanity space she has incorporated adjacent to the furniture-quality storage hutch that’ll hide all your beauty secrets.

“What woman doesn’t want her own

In collaboration with

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makeup counter?” she asked with a smile.

From The Lighting Corner, Stacey found a pair of chandeliers — yes, chandeliers in the bathroom; way cool! — along with above-the-sink fixtures that add a classy glow to the task at hand.

Those are just a few of the tantalizing details of this magnificent master suite.

But you don’t have to simply take our word for it. Be among the first to fall in love with this home at the upcoming Design Home 2013 unveiling gala. The event is only a few months away, with proceeds to benefit Bethany Christian Services.

“The master suite is truly incredible. It’s situated a few steps up from the main level, so it actually feels like a private retreat within the heart of the home.”

— Stacey Rendon, Infiniti Custom Homes

design home 2013 vIP tour/event august 22 to benefit

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BY JEREMY JOHNSON & EMMA HIGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM BIRD

It was a long time coming, but now that mild weather is here, head out and enjoy it.

Embracing

e m i t g n spri aFTER WHaT SEEMED LIKE a NEVER-ENDING WINTER in West Michigan, it’s finally time to emerge from hibernation. Spring weather inspires us to get out and try new things. Here are just a few suggestions for embracing the season.

where you can make passersby jealous.

Adding to the plethora of ice cream shops in West Michigan is Love’s Ice Cream, opening this summer in the new Downtown Market. Stay tuned.

But perhaps the hottest (or should we say coolest?) craze is self-serve frozen yogurt. Spoonlickers has three locations serving up 10 flavors and more than 40 toppings (many homemade, like peanut butter sauce and chocolate ganache) with no artificial anything. This month, Spoonlick-

ers is going mobile, catering at private events and festivals.

Sweet Yo’s, with stores in Gaslight Village and downtown GR, serves up such delights as tangy mango, bubblegum and caramel pecan cheesecake, plus non-dairy sorbets — and a myriad of yummy toppings.

The Pump House Frozen Yogurt Bar at 2090 Celebration Drive NE offers 21 yogurt flavors and more than 100 toppings daily, including wasabi peas, bacon, potato chips and balsamic vinegar.

Models, page 43: JaMie NewMaN aNd aNgela steil

W

hen temperatures start to rise, the image of an icy treat is like a balm against the heat. All thoughts of New Year’s resolutions and beach-ready bodies fall by the wayside. We want ice cream and we want it now!

Petoskey-based Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream opened last summer across from Rosa Parks Circle, a perfectly situated location for pedestrians exploring downtown Grand Rapids. Stop in for a waffle cone of salted caramel ice cream and enjoy it on the patio

Cool scoops

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Models, page 43: Jamie Newman and Angela Steil

Savor a sweet treat at Kilwins in downtown Grand Rapids.

We want

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Try a pint

h Blonde or Delilah DeWilde-Berry Wheat

Go retro taste, there is treasure here many times over.

Blue Star’s wide variety of offerings comes from nearly 200 regional dealers from Chicago to Detroit. Linger over racks of colorful dinnerware and imagine throwing potlucks with friends.

Peruse the well-crafted pieces of furniture constructed years ago.

Take your time, wander the rows, and enjoy the laid-back pace of antiquing.

Getting hungry? You’re in luck. Right next door is Saugatuck Brewing Co., where you can order anything from Cashew Crusted Brie to Fish and Chips or Lobster Mac & Cheese at its Lucky Stone Pub. If you’re in the mood to wet your whistle, try a pint of the

Oval Beach Blonde Ale or Delilah DeWylde-Berry Wheat — summery beers that pair well with food. Oh, and don’t forget to buy a little something at the antique store first. You’ll get a small discount when you show the receipt at the brewery.

Don’t want to leave town? GR has oodles of great antique shops.

Check out City Antiques at 954 E. Fulton St. and nearby Blue Door Antiques at 946 E. Fulton St. Grab a healthy lunch at Little Africa Cuisine offering Ethiopian fare (a local haven for vegans).

Model: laUreN MilligaN at saUgatUcK BrewiNg co.

Meander over to the big lake for an te af rnoon at Blue Star Antique Pavilion, topped off with a stop at Saugatuck Brewing Co.

W

ith spring cleaning out of the way, you may realize your abode could use a little sprucing up — maybe some cool dishes from the ’50s, a grandfather clock you’ve always yearned to hear chiming the hours, or pre-prohibition posters mounted on that blank wall in the living room?

What to do? Hop in the car and drive to the lakeshore!

On the outskirts of Douglas, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion, 2948 Blue Star Highway, looms large. The huge warehouse boasts more than 22,000 square feet of high-ceilinged space crammed with artifacts from a past era, carefully laid out and displayed in well-lit aisles. Depending on your

of the oval Beac

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G

Models: JasoN saNdFord aNd soNs Noel, eBaN aNd colUM

Model: laUreN MilligaN at saUgatUcK BrewiNg co.

eocaching has been around for many years, but most folks haven’t participated in the treasure hunt.

You’ll need some kind of GPSenabled device. The quickest way to begin is to install a geocaching app on your mobile phone.

Sign up at geocaching.com and find a “cache” — a hidden treasure — near you.

Once you’re ready, fire up your GPS and head out. As you get closer to the coordinates, you’ll have to keep an eyeball peeled.

GPS isn’t pinpoint accurate, but it will get you in the neighborhood.

The cache can be as small as a pill bottle or as large as an ammo box. It’s usually well hidden so “muggles” (non-geocaching players) won’t find it accidentally. Good geocachers will take care when they discover the location, so as not to alert muggles nearby.

When you find the cache, open it carefully and examine the contents. There will often be a logbook and writing utensil so you can record the date and your team name — proof that you found the cache. There may also be “treasure” inside, usually trinkets or keepsakes pertaining to the cache’s theme (if

Geek out there is one), or something that has meaning for other players.

In most cases, you’re allowed to take one item if you exchange it for a similar item. When you’re through with the cache, replace it in the same hiding place.

In some cases, there’s just a virtual cache.

The cache c as a pill bot an be as small tle or as an ammo as larg e box.

The point is simply to find a location where you might learn something new about the area.

The person who set it up may require you to solve a riddle to discover the true nature or exact location of the cache. You might even have to pose for a webcam to prove you were there!

Fire up S your GP and

head out!

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car r u o y Leave garage in the

7 ork !

1 y a m al to w ed

and p

D

iehard cyclists may ride all winter, but most folks wait for the warm weather before they dust off their bikes and head out for a cruise. A good place to start is Rapid Wheelmen, a GR bicycle club that promotes rides, races, tours and more for riders of all ages and levels of experience.

June 1 is the club’s 100 Grand Bicycle Tour, with 17-, 35-, 65-, 105-, and 141-mile options throughout Kent, Ottawa, and neighboring counties — with rest stops every 20 miles or so offering great food and on-the-road repair services. Check out all the events,

Pedal power trail maps and more at rapid wheelmen.com.

Thinking about cycling to work? Leave your car in the garage May 17 and pedal to work on National Bike to Work Day. It’s part of Active Commute Week in GR, a movement created to encourage people to use public transportation or their own energy. Pit stops with snacks will be set up between 7-9 a.m. for commuters to refuel.

June 29 is West Michigan’s first Gran Fondo cycling event, a scenic ride that starts and ends at The B.O.B. and offers three

route lengths: 12-, 35- or 80-mile loops. Food and drink will be a key element. Gilmore Catering will host Superfood Stops featuring local products, and Gears for Beers will greet returning riders with microbrews, wine tastings and live music. Sponsored by the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, the event is a fundraiser to support MSU’s skin cancer research in Grand Rapids.

You can or

der

food and d rand Rapids Film Festival returns this month with a showing of local, regional and national features, shorts and documentaries.

Starting May 16, screenings take place at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts and at Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus. Organizers merged with Michigan Film Festival and will place a greater focus on film production; professional workshops will be held at Kendall College of Art & Design’s Federal Building and at Compass College of Cinematic Arts.

On May 17, a free outdoor screening of “Bicycle Dreams,” named best feature documentary at the 2009 GRFF, will be shown at

Rosa Parks Circle. For more info, visit grfilmfestival.com.

Meanwhile, the Waterfront Film Festival (June 13-16) has expanded this year, moving from Saugatuck to South Haven. Over the course of four days, visitors will have the opportunity to see short films and features of various genres, including many premiers.

Don’t be afraid to sign up for special events like seminars and parties. You may get the chance to rub elbows with famous filmmakers or stars, and they’re usually happy to engage in conversation.

See waterfrontfilm.org.

And good news for movie buffs — Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is opening a location in downtown Kalamazoo

where Rave Cityplace used to be on the corner of South and Portage streets. In addition to showing hard-to-find indie pics, it will specialize in state-of-the-art projection systems to show the latest 3D and 48fps films like “The Hobbit.”

Each showing features a customized program tailor-made to the movie. Plus you can order food and drink at any time during the movie. Want a pear and gorgonzola pizza and a cold pint of Michigan microbrew? Just jot down what you want, stick it in the special slot on your table, and a server will noiselessly pick it up and deliver your food when it’s done. Visit drafthouse.com.

ie!

MODELS, PAGE 47: ASHLEE VINSON, JOSH MCVETY AND MICHAEL SHEPPARD

G

Pass the popcorn

rink

at any time during the mov

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models, page 47: Ashlee Vinson, Josh McVety and Michael Sheppard

Dust off your bi ke and head out s for a cruise.

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Eat, sleep and blog Local bloggers write about everything from their unusual collections to their personal stories.

By Abby Heugel and Dana Blinder Photography by Johnny Quirin

Food blogger Liz Della Croce, who has maintained a 65-pound weight loss, likes to break the myth that healthy fare is boring. She is a contributor for The Huffington Post and Cooking Light and her recipes and food photography have been featured on several websites including Shape Magazine, Food Network blog, The Cooking Channel, TODAY Food and more.

B

LOGGING. ISN’T THAT WHAT underwear-clad dudes do in their basements? Or how new moms chronicle baby’s first spit up? Well, yes and no.

It’s likely your coworker, babysitter and neighbor are blogging at home, too. With a plethora of free blogging websites, anyone who has something to say or a hobby to share now writes a blog — and most do it while fully clothed.

Some of Grand Rapids’ best content is pumped out daily by these underground authors. They are sports junkies who give their two cents on a ref’s whack call, home cooks who share recipes for drool-worthy treats, and natural-born storytellers who prompt desktop giggles with a recap of a simple grocery store trip gone wrong.

While it’s possible to make money by selling ads and promoting sponsored content, most bloggers pour in hours and words without any monetary compensation. Most of these amateur journalists, photographers and marketers produce content just for the love of it.

Here are just a few of the people behind some of GR’s blogs.

Grand Rapids Magazine will continue to spotlight bloggers in coming months, so stay tuned. And let us know which bloggers you follow by contacting GRM on Facebook or Twitter.

THELEMONBOWL.COM Liz Della Croce, creator of The Lemon Bowl food blog, grew up watching NBC’s “The Today Show.” Appearing on the show had always been a dream.

That dream came true in January 2012 when the Grand Rapids woman appeared live on the show’s set to cook with Al Roker, Savannah Gutherie and Natalie Morales.

“Just about every opportunity for publicity — from The Huffington Post to Shape Magazine — has come to me out of sheer luck,” Della Croce said. “I have entered less than a handful of cook-

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ADER FAVORITEisSlike PERSONAL ANDkinRE r favorite recipes you g

d pic “Someone once sai said. “Very true! e child,” Della Croce picking your favorit of my favorites.” few a are e her d, That being sai es tmeal Protein Pancak Apple Cinnamon Oa ping Sauce Dip Soy eet Sw h cakes wit Zucchini Scallion Pan Flank Steak Garlic Soy Marinated Caramelized Onions h wit eat Wh gur Lentils and Bul Donuts ed Bak ce Spi Pumpkin on Bowl blog: Lem The on s Most popular recipe t Beef Briske Bread Blueberry Oatmeal rgy Balls Ene ter But nut Chocolate Pea ad Sal ek Gre e Brown Ric

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ing contests in my entire life, but one of those happened to land me a cooking segment on ‘The Today Show.’”

While she might humbly call it luck, it’s really a combination of hard work, passion and creativity that sets her blog apart from millions of other food blogs on the Internet.

Friends and family of the self-proclaimed foodie have always asked her for recipes. When she began a weight loss journey in 2006, those requests became more frequent as people wanted to know what she was eating.

The ultimate push to write a blog came when she was featured in George Aquino’s blog, My Hotel Life, in 2010. She started The Lemon Bowl (thelemonbowl.com) the very next week.

“The Lemon Bowl is a healthy food blog focused on easy and delicious recipes that just so happen to be good for you,” said Della Croce, who has shopped at Fulton Street Farmers Market her entire life. “By using whole foods with an emphasis on seasonality, I create flavorful dishes the whole family will love. After all, it doesn’t matter how healthy food is if it doesn’t taste good.”

Della Croce also provides complete nutritional information for every recipe. Whether you want to eat more protein, increase your fiber intake or watch your cholesterol, the information is there.

“Since I eat much of what I share on The Lemon Bowl, I figured it only made sense to share the nutritional information that I value for reaching and maintaining my personal health goals,” she said.

Della Croce comes from a long line of cooks on both sides of her family. Whether prepping a turkey for Thanksgiving or helping her Great-Aunt Vieve garnish a hummus platter, she was involved.

“My inspiration comes from the women in my family,” she said. “It’s my grandma’s beef brisket recipe that I shared and — no surprise — it instantly became one of the top recipes on The Lemon Bowl.”

A passion for traveling also has impacted her recipes and writing. Her family traveled often when she was growing up, and she has continued to do so.

“In college, I had the opportunity to visit Spain, Greece, Morocco, Italy and other countries throughout Europe,” Della Croce said.

“Now as an adult, whenever we plan a trip, we always think about what type of cuisine we want to sample.”

The number of bloggers is growing all over the world, and that is certainly the case in West Michigan. Last fall Della Croce cohosted the Taste of Michigan Blogging Conference with another Michigan food blogger, Rachel Gurk (rachelcooks.com). They limited the event to 20 people in its inaugural year to guarantee an intimate event that would allow them to experience a wide variety of locally owned food and beverage venues throughout Grand Rapids.

“The event sold out, and we were thrilled to welcome bloggers from throughout West Michigan and as far as New York City, Chicago and even Mississippi,” she said.

While blogging for Della Croce is a 24/7 gig, she can do it on her own schedule. Many of her posts are written in the evenings and on weekends when her husband is home to watch their young son.

“With regards to the business side, up until very recently I had a day job that required me to be at my computer most of the day, which helped me keep in touch with PR reps and other clients who are on a typical weekday schedule,” she said.

In April, she left her hospitality sales job to focus on The Lemon Bowl full time.

“I am grateful for the experience and skills I’ve obtained over the past 10 years which I apply to my blogging career on a daily basis.” she said. “I’m a busy working mother wearing many hats, just like many of my readers. I’ve gotten very good at multi-tasking and, in fact, I think I thrive on it.”

Lori Harrison-Smith’s blog is like a living and breathing photo album, including stories of her life with husband Scott and son Devin.

FRESHPERSPECTIVE.COM Lori Harrison-Smith has been blogging since before blogging was cool. Her blog, Fresh Perspectives, is a 10-year collection of stories, recipes and photos that now serve as a simplistic time capsule.

“I worked for a web development company and learned about blogging through industry people I’d been following,” she said. “With my love of writing, I thought I’d give it a try.”

After picking up a camera several years later, her blog transformed from short personal stories to a living and breathing photo album. Her style is simple, fresh and friendly; a few minutes scrolling through her site feels like a quick catch-up with an old friend.

“When my son was 2 we had a hilarious encounter with a bumblebee. When I was describing it to my husband, I knew right then it had to go on my blog,” she said.

Not every day — or month, for that matter — offers enough free time for blogging, but the honest and good-hearted nature of her posts are worth the wait.

“I see it as simply a place to record my thoughts and photographs as you would in a journal, but obviously with the knowledge that it doesn’t have that privacy.”

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FYGR.TUMBLR.COM When Joel Leo unearthed a box of 1919 love letters in a 2008 home renovation project, he uncovered a curiosity for Grand Rapids research and history. Three years later that curiosity led to curation in the form of his f***yeahgrandrapids blog.

“I’ve been in marketing for 12 years, focusing on search engine optimization and online marketing,” he says. “In a way, my job has helped me become more creative and efficient in my blog research.”

The hunger for local details isn’t just an interest. His site, which he operates with the occasional help of friends, recently reached 600 regular followers.

“There’s plenty about Grand Rapids that people don’t know, like that the building San Chez is in once was home to one of the largest refrigeration companies in history,” he said. “I have an interest in uncovering that stuff and have found that others enjoy hearing about it.”

Leo’s collection of Grand Rapids history often reads like a virtual celebration of life in Grand Rapids.

As for the edgy name, it’s a play off other Tumblr blogs with similar names.

“There’s such a want here to celebrate the area and I wanted to capture that excitement.”

“When my son was 2 we had a hilarious encounter with a bumblebee. When I was describing it to my husband, I knew right then it had to go on my blog.”

— Lori Harrison-Smith

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“When I started incorporating tutorials for unique and quick hair styles and different ways to tie scarves, I really saw my traffic take off.”

— Kayley Heeringa

Sidewalk Ready started as a blog about Kayley Heeringa’s daily outfits, photographed by husband Kai Heeringa. Now she includes tutorials on a variety of her DIY projects, like how to create a J.Crew-style belt using embroidery thread.

SIDEWALKREADY.COM Fashion fanatic Kayley Heeringa stumbled upon blogging as a means of keeping up with a long-distance friend.

“When we’d meet up while she was in town, she always commented on my outfits,” she said. “She suggested I look into fashion blogging. I didn’t know anything about it up until then.”

And with that, Sidewalk Ready was born. Kayley, a hairstylist by day, started capturing her daily outfits on her blog. Soon after, she found more to write about than layering chambray shirts with cardigans and statement necklaces.

“A lot of my hobbies — like photography, fashion and hair styling — are intertwined,” she said. “When I started incorporating tutorials for unique and quick hair styles and different ways to tie scarves, I really saw my traffic take off.”

Her DIY projects expanded to include quick home décor ideas and inexpensive ways to transform accessories. And while readers eat up her almost-daily posts, Kayley hardly spends all day behind her computer.

“I try to dedicate large chunks of time to knocking out several posts at once,” she said. “I found I’m more productive that way than spending an hour here or an hour there.”

What’s the future blogging trend for this fashionista? “At this point my goal is to keep doing what I’m doing and to see where it takes me.”

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DULLTOOLDIMBULB.BLOGSPOT Long before he started collecting words on his blog, Dull Tool Dim Bulb, Jim Linderman collected pop culture memorabilia.

His repurposed collection of vintage music won him a Grammy in 2009; two years later his blog capturing the stories behind his treasures landed him a profile in The New York Times.

“I’ve been blogging just about every day for five years,” he said. “Just the other day I was written about on a website based out of Croatia. It’s exceeded any hopes I had of blogging success, though I don’t make a dime from it.”

Dull Tool Dim Bulb is one of three blogs — or should we say, virtual museums — operated by Linderman. Blogging is his way of cataloging his collections for future curious minds and Google searchers.

“I’ll find a picture of a woman with the world’s biggest potato and look it up to see if she really did have the world’s biggest potato,” he said. “I’ve been contacted by grandchildren who found the blog post I wrote with the photo of a pin-up girl thanking me for keeping their grandmother’s memory alive.”

His hobby is something that helps him fill the day, but in reality his goal is to fill his digital footprint.

“I see kids that think the only real things in the world are what’s on the web. I’m trying to show them things of value beyond the Internet.”

GR

“I see kids that think the only real things in the world are what’s on the web. I’m trying to show them things of value beyond the Internet.”

— Jim Linderman

Grand Haven resident Jim Linderman has been blogging for five years as a way of cataloging his collections for future curious minds and Google searchers.

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dining review Address: 131 E. Main Ave., Zeeland Phone: (616) 741-9772 Website: publiczeeland. com Dining ratings: Category: New American Food: **** Service: **** Beverages: *** Atmosphere: *** Price: $ > Must try: Save room for dessert, especially the cobbler with a big scoop of gelato on top. > Not so much: Really would have liked some Michigan beers on draught, but the small space probably won’t accommodate a tap system.

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

Exceptional Above Average Satisfactory Poor

¢ $ $$

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

(Prices based on average entrée.)

I’m struck by the unique mix of plates exhibiting both Michigan and West Coast influence.

The Chicken Lettuce Wraps or Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlet, for instance, would not be out of place in Napa.

an unexpected surprise PuBLiC OPENED LasT May in downtown Zeeland, smack-dab in a small town and on the cusp of culinary trends sweeping through West Michigan.

At its helm, aptly named Chef Lucas Grill brings skills learned from The Culinary Institute of America and from working at other restaurants in the region. Having attended Michigan State University, it only makes sense he would settle down in this part of the world to realize his vision of owning and operating his own eatery.

Recently, my dining companion and I made the short drive from downtown Grand Rapids for an early dinner. Unmetered street parking in Zeeland is plentiful and it’s a pleasant stroll to Public.

Dark wood mingles with exposed brick, while strategically installed mirrors make the limited space seem bigger. On one side is a modest bar.

The rest of the room is devoted to varied seating, including bench seating along the walls and a long table down the center.

Once seated, our server (who also is the bartender) arrives to take our drink order. My companion opts for a glass of Hess Chardonnay ($7).

I’m in the mood for microbrew and ask what they have on tap. Turns out, they have no beers on draught, only bottles. The selection of Michigan brews, though, has been cultivated carefully.

I choose the Oro de Calabaza ($15) from Jolly Pumpkin, knowing the golden, slightly sour ale will pair with most foods.

I’m struck by the unique mix of plates exhibiting both Michigan and West Coast influence. The Chicken Lettuce Wraps ($8) or Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlet ($14), for instance, would not be out of place in Napa.

To test the theory, we choose the Avocado Egg Rolls ($8) from the small plates section. They arrive on a cutting board: thick, deep-fried avocado slices steepled over a generous smear of dipping sauce. The crispy wonton wrappers are light and airy, not at all greasy, perfectly couching the fresh avocado within. Thin slices of water chestnut have been inserted between the avocado and the golden exterior, serving to temper the rich, buttery avocado while firming up the inside. A quick swipe through the “sweet & spicy citrus créma” confirms it’s honey and hot mustard sprinkled with lime zest. It all works wonderfully, precisely balanced in texture, heat and flavor. If I close my eyes, this could be a wine bar in Sonoma.

We turn our attention to the house specialties and larger plates. I’m tempted by the Public Pot

Pie ($10), to which you can add smoked bacon ($3), chicken ($4), or lobster ($6). Beef is calling my name tonight, though. I select the 24-Hour Braised Short Rib ($17), while my companion goes for the Public Mac & Cheese ($10) with the lobster add-on. Our server commends us on our choices, reminding us each comes with a house salad. We can upgrade to a Caesar or Leroy St. (crumbled bleu cheese, pine nuts, dried cherries) if we like, but neither of us wants to overdo it tonight.

It’s a good thing we didn’t. The House Salad is nearly overflowing the bowl, spring greens tossed in a light honey-mustard vinaigrette. The variety of lettuce is mind-boggling and delightful, but a few cubes of tomato don’t add much flavor or texture. The dressing is well-balanced, with just enough puckery sweetness to be addictive.

Sous chef, Ryan Thompson

Empty plates are removed and entrees delivered.

My short rib reclines against a mound of mashed potatoes, a wading pool of thin jus surrounding it. Capers have been sprinkled over the meat and lend a faintly pickled taste to the lightly seasoned and fork-tender beef. The combination

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

Public

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a whiff of black pepper. The gelato melts over the crunchy granola crust like a comforting blanket of creamy sweetness. It is the best I’ve ever had. We finish the entire dish, fighting for melted gelato to the last spoonful.

Public turns out to be a nice surprise, unexpected in this part of the world. The oversized portions show that the restaurant knows its clientele.

A light hand with the seasoning tells me the chef has a strong command of his preparation and vision of what each flavor profile should be. Service and ambiance are exemplary. We will make the trek to Zeeland again, if only to try the pot pie — with cobbler afterward, of course.

Left, Bethany Jansen serves drinks at Zeeland’s Public. Below, Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlet with lemon butter sauce, cauliflower and squash salad is on the large plate menu; Avocado Eggs Rolls with a swoosh of sweet and spicy citrus crema is a popular small plate.

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Michael Buck

— Ira Craaven

of creamy mashed potatoes and short rib is the definition of comfort food. Though I’ve found this recipe to be heavy on both fat and wine reduction at other restaurants, Public’s version is simple, balanced and allows the quality ingredients to speak for themselves. Even the jus is deftly seasoned. My only complaint is a strip of cartilage that might have been trimmed before braising, but with this cut of meat, you expect those kinds of imperfections. Capers are a stroke of genius in an otherwise straightforward dish.

I am not a true lover of lobster, but I am curious about my companion’s pasta. In the small, hot skillet is an abundance of tortiglioni or ditalini pasta sprinkled with parmesan and cracker crumble. My first bite is surprising: creamy, sweet mascarpone, toothy pasta, crunchy topping and enough lobster to satisfy any seafood lover. The shellfish has a citrus zing that elevates it above the butter poaching. I steal more than a couple of spoonfuls.

As expected with West Michigan portions, our appetites have been quenched.

Dessert? Out of the question. Even so, I peek at the list. Each item is only $3. Our server announces the cobbler of the day is peach, and I know my companion has a fondness for peaches so we get it to share. We are warned it is made to order and will take up to an extra seven minutes. I also ask for a scoop of Brown Butter Gelato on top, only $1 more.

The cobbler is exactly what I’d hoped for: big chunks of firm fruit baked in a miniature skillet, lightly seasoned with brown sugar, cinnamon and May 2013 / Grmag.com 55

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

dining listings

A guide to restaurants in Grand Rapids and beyond

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

Gilly’s At The B.O.B. — Hand-crafted microbrews are paired with seasonal, cutting-edge fare. Tavern small plates, oysters, seafood and more. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob. $-$$ com. L (Sat), D

New American Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys.

Graydon’s Crossing — English pub serves Indian food with a British influence. Full bar features impressive array of specialty beers.

1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydons crossing.com. L, D $

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

Bar Divani — Wine flights, large array of spirits; classy surroundings. European-inspired food with plates meant for sharing, flatbreads, sushi and a variety of entrees. Closed Sun. 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. bar-divani.com. L, D $-$$

Green Well Gastro Pub — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808$-$$ 3566. thegreenwell.com. L, D

Bistro Bella Vita — Big-city casual; fresh French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com.

L, D $

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

Bistro Chloe Élan — Diverse menu features American cuisine with French, Asian and southwestern influences, as well as soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily, Sat dinner only; Sunday brunch and dinner.

445 Ada Dr, Ada, 432-3345. chloeelan.com. L, D $-$$

Brewery Vivant — House-made beer and food in the style of traditional French and Belgian country dishes. The East Hills pub/ brewery is housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors.

Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. brew eryvivant.com. L, D $-$$ _ Citysen Lounge — Limited but tantalizing selection of soup, salads, sandwiches and sharable small-plate creations. Happy Hour daily 4-7 pm. CityFlats Hotel, 83 Monroe Center, (866) 609-CITY. cityflatshotel.com. L, D

¢-$

Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine offers a variety of sampler and combination plates.

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

Open Tue-Sat eves; Sun brunch Labor Day to Mother’s Day. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6425. amwaygrand.com. D $$ Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations in urban setting. Unique Sunday brunch. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$

The Heritage — GRCC culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine available with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D $-$$ Marco New American Bistro — Frenchcountry-casual offers creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu. Full bar. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 9429100. marcobistro.com. L, D $-$$ Olives — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. L, D ¢-$ One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music.

Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetri ck.biz. L, D ¢-$

Photography by Michael Buck

Blue Water Grill — Wood-burning rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven allow for inspired dishes from fresh seafood to beef. Nice wine selection and The B.O.B.’s microbrews. Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace, fullservice bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater.php. L, D $-$$

OGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course meals with a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Closed Mon. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. groverestaurant.com.

D $$

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S:7.125”

nothing like

S:9.875”

juicy gossip over a

filet Photography by Michael Buck

with the girls.

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

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

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

sizes locally sourced ingredients from sushi to creative comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465 or 5513563. republicgrandrapids.com. L, D $-$$

rockwell republic — Diverse menu empha-

rose’s — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds

Lake with a varied menu and a three-season porch. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 4584646. thegilmorecollection.com/roses.php. B (weekends), L, D $

san Chez, a Tapas Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. L, D $-$$ schnitz ada Grill — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. 97 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. L, D ¢-$$ six.One.six — Contemporary American fare.

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

Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakEZlounge.com. L, D $ Tavern On The square — Tapas-style fare plus house specialties. Patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavernonthesq.com. L, D ¢-$ FTrillium Haven — Owned by Jenison farmers Anja Mast and Michael Vanderbrug, this Eastown eatery features fresh from the farm fare, including organic veggies and humanely raised meats. Beer and wine. Closed Mon. Sat and Sun brunch. 1429 Lake Dr SE. trillium havenrestaurant.com. B, L, D $-$$

Winchester — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food in reclaimed centuryold space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com.

L, D ¢-$

clAssic AmericAN Restaurants and diners serving traditional dishes popular across the country. acorn Grille at Thousand Oaks — Blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, artfully presented in handsome dining room with golf course views. Open daily in season. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, 447-7750. thousandoaks golf.com. L, D $$ arnie’s Bakery & restaurant — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 4543098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants. com. B, L, D $ 58 grMag.coM \ May 2013

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Aryana Restaurant & Bar — Comfortable dining room in the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers breakfast buffet, lunch and fine dining selections from an extensive seasonal menu. Open daily. 5700 28th St SE, 957-1770. mainstreet mediagroup.com. L, D $-$$ Bonefish Grill — Casual, white-linen dining.

Seafood selections augmented by innovative sauces and toppings; also chicken, beef and pasta dishes. 1100 East Paris Ave SE, 949$-$$ 7861. bonefishgrill.com. D Bostwick Lake Inn — Gilmore restaurant offers steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Open daily for dinner, lunch on weekends. 8521 Belding Road, Rockford, 874-7290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick.php.

L (weekends), D $-$$ Boulder Creek Restaurant — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves a varied menu with golf-course views from inside or on the deck. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. L, ¢-$ D Brandywine — Café atmosphere, with extensive breakfasts, lunches with vegetarian choices, dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-1723. brandy winegr.com. B, L, D ¢-$

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

L, D $ Bull’s Head Tavern — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtav ern.com. L, D $ Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. Facebook. L, D $-$$ Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood from a menu that changes nightly. Located on the Grand River. Early menu (4:30-6 pm daily), Sun brunch. GR Steamer Bar has its own menu.

63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com. L, D, C $-$$ The Chop House — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6184. thechophouserestaurant.com.

D $$

Registered Landscape Architects 4353 Three Mile Road N.E. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 616-363-6400 www.kappeslandscapes.com May 2013 / Grmag.com 59

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

kitchen studio Dugan’s Pub & Grille — Casual dining with steaks, seafood, pasta and more at The Elks at the Highlands Golf Club. Adjacent Glendevon offers banquet facilities. 2715 Leonard St NW, $-$$ 453-2451. grandrapidselks.org. L, D

Fine Cabinetry Luxury Appliances Exceptional Design

Fall Creek — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. L, D ¢-$ FireRock Grille — Country club dining plus option to cook your own filet, shrimp or ahi tuna on a 500-degree stone. Open daily.

Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. stonewatercc.com. L, D $ Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building on the river. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmore collection.com/ $-$$ flatriver.php. L, D Fleetwood Diner — Extensive diner-style menu with Greek influences. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving dinner until 8 pm Mon-Thu, 9 pm Fri-Sat. Outdoor patio. 2222 44th St SE, 281-2300. B, L, D

¢-$ Forest Hills Inn — A casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771. foresthillsinn.com. B, L, D $ Fry Daddy’s Fresh Fish — Fried fish, wingdings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with fries. Also to go. Closed Mon. Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, Kentwood, 455FISH. L, D ¢-$ Grand Villa — Longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. L, D $

Please visit our new downtown location

Great Lakes Shipping Co. — Everything from beef, seafood and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. Patio open in summer. No lunch, but open Sun afternoons. 2455 Burton St SE, 949-9440. greatlakesshippingcom pany.com. D $-$$

222 E Fulton Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.454.2563

Green Restaurant — Sandwiches, salads, burgers and seafood. Menu includes ostrich and elk burgers. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-8294. greenrestaurantgranddrapids.com.

L, D $

www.LifestyleKitchenStudio.com

Grille 29 — Menu includes specialty panini and a variety of entrées. Full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Holiday Inn Select, 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 285-7600. holi

dayinn.com. B, D

$

Grille At Watermark — Innovative menu in relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course.

Mon-Sat; Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. watermarkcc.com. L, $-$$ D Grill House & Rock Bottom Bar — Grill-yourown steakhouse with grillmasters on call.

Bottomless salad bowl and potato bar. 1071 32nd St (M-40), Allegan, (269) 686-9192. grill house.net. L (downstairs), D $-$$ Honey Creek Inn — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, ¢-$ 874-7849. honeycreekinn.com. L, D Hudsonville Grille — Varied menu includes Mexican favorites and breakfast. Full bar.

Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Judson’s At The B.O.B. — Award-winning steak house offers steaks, seafood and chops.

Casual atmosphere and award-winning wine list. Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thebob.com. D $$ Kitchen 67:Brann’s Café — Fast-casual restaurant with high-tech design serving Brann’s sizzling steaks and burgers plus bagels, pressed sandwiches, salads and more.

Michigan wines and craft beers. Breakfast includes baked goods, oatmeal and smoothies. 1977 East Beltline Ave. NE. kitchen67. com and Facebook. B, L, D ¢ The Landing — Nautical décor with windows overlooking the Grand River. Menu features American favorites and German specials. 270 Ann St NW (Radisson Riverfront Hotel at US 131), 363-7748. radisson.com/ hotels/mi grapno/dinings. B, L, D $ FLeo’s — Combines fine dining (fresh seafood is the specialty) and casual comfort.

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

Louis Benton Steakhouse — Premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks and more. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, 4547455. louisbenton.com. L, D $-$$ Marn E. Walkers — Everything from nachos to chicken Marsala, pizzas, burgers, steaks. Weekend breakfast buffet, pizza and pasta lunch buffet Mon-Fri. Open daily; Sun for breakfast only. 4322 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 453-3740. marnewalkers.com. B (Sat, Sun), L, D ¢-$ Meadows Restaurant — GVSU’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio

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MAVB-33 GR Mag_Layout 1 03/04/2013 10:55 Page 1

Choose your path

Michigan s Upper Peninsula

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPle / reviews

Chris Campos likes to add his own touch to the flavorful recipes served up at Lindo Mexico.

Fresh fare for Cinco de Mayo > CHris CaMPOs Title: Chef, Lindo Mexico Location: 1292 28th St. SW, Wyoming

likes to add his own touch. His personal philosophy is one of continual improvement.

“Anything I do in life, I always try to make it even better the next time.”

He insists on preparing everything from scratch, using only the freshest of ingredients. It’s a standard that requires him to start his workday at 5 a.m.

“The flavors start with the freshness of your base,” he explained. “I’m very picky with what I eat and I think that

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

F

or nine years, Lindo Mexico quietly built an avid fan base in a little spot on Clyde Park Avenue in Wyoming. In 2010, the family restaurant owned by Gricelda Mata relocated to a much roomier locale at 1292 28th St. SW, earning a liquor license along the way.

Though it’s a team effort, Mata’s oldest brother, Chris Campos, makes the magic happen in the kitchen. He is quick to point out that younger brother Salvador assists as sous chef, while brother Daniel expedites the line, making sure every plate that leaves the kitchen measures up to their high standards.

You’ll find the very gracious Gricelda taking charge of the front of the house, while Campos and his crew serves up an extensive, fresh-from-scratch, made-to-order menu that appeals to all palates.

“Our menu has both authentic Mexican food — like carne asada and mojarras (fried whole tilapia) — and some Tex-Mex-style, too,” Campos said. “But we blend in the authenticity of the Mexican spices so they can still taste that flavor of Mexican food, but not to the point that scares the people who can’t tolerate the true spiciness of it.”

Sauces can be tailored to taste from mild to hot, and several dishes offer the option of being cooked with bell or jalapeño peppers.

“We found a way to keep our food the most authentic we can and still be able to grow by appealing to more people.

There are a lot of small Mexican restaurants serving the most authentic foods, but they don’t grow, and it is important for any business to grow.”

Campos noted that in Mexico, flavors vary from state to state, so the word “authentic” can cover a broad range.

“Each has their own spices and flavors, so you can go from one state to the next one and even though the food is called the same, such as enchilada or burrito, it will have different flavors.”

Originally from the Mexican state of Michoacan, Campos learned the art of cooking from an early age at the side of his father, who owned a restaurant in Chicago. The family returned to Mexico, but eventually moved back to America to settle in Grand Rapids, where other family members had put down roots.

“Dad wanted a better life for us, and Grand Rapids was more peaceful than what was going on in Chicago,” Campos said.

As descendents of a long line of restaurateurs, perhaps it was predestined for this generation, as well. “I’ve always liked cooking. For me it’s just a natural thing, and my sister and I wanted to start something for ourselves.”

Though he learned to cook from his father, Campos

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helps with what I cook.”

That artisan approach extends to Lindo Mexico’s cocktails. The staff uses fresh lime juice in the margaritas and they make their own tamarind syrup for the famed Margarita Tamarindo.

In addition to daily lunch specials, Lindo Mexico plans to offer some special dishes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

On Saturday evenings, the restaurant features live mariachi music. Weekends are their busiest times, and they are considering an expansion that would add a bar to their spacious dining room.

“If people try us, they won’t be disappointed,” Campos said. “You may have to wait a little bit longer than at a fastfood restaurant because our food is made when you order it, but I’d rather my food take a little longer for that taste and flavor of freshness.”

Menus are available at lindomexicorestaurant.com.

— Julie Burch

Salvador and Chris Campos are descendents of a long line of restaurateurs.

Lindo Mexico Steak Fajitas Marinade Serves: 4 (enough marinade for two pounds of meat) Marinates two hours to overnight.

2 pounds skirt steak ¼ cup orange juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, crushed ½ teaspoon mesquite seasoning 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon ground black pepper In a large re-sealable plastic bag, mix together the orange juice, olive oil, garlic, mesquite seasoning and salt, and then stir in paprika and black pepper. Place meat in the marinade bag to cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Cook as desired.

Photography by Michael BucK

Photography by Michael BucK

“We found a way to keep our food the most authentic we can and still be able to grow by appealing to more people.

There are a lot of small Mexican restaurants serving the most authentic foods, but they don’t grow, and it is important for any business to grow.”

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

and dining room overlook golf course. Full menu offers everything from burgers to NY strip steak. Seasonal hours; closed Sun. 1 W Campus Dr, Allendale, 895-1000. gvsu.edu/ meadows/. L, D $-$$

Middle Villa Inn — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands. Banquet rooms available. Closed Mon and Wed. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villa-inn.com. L, D $ Pal’s Diner — A real diner offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options all day. Closed Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner.com. B, L, D ¢ Pearl Street Grill — Bright, airy restaurant in downtown Holiday Inn. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-7611. B, L, D $ Radix Tavern — Southern-style fusion food featuring local, seasonal and sustainable products. Slow-cooked barbecue, pulled pork, cornbread, stews, hearty vegetarian options. 1420 Lake Dr SE (Eastown), 458-5583. radixtavern.com. D ¢-$ Rainbow Grill — Breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Ramona’s Table — EGR deli with madefrom-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals. Takeout and catering. Closed Sun. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 4598500. ramonastable.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Red Jet Café — Gilmore restaurant in the former Creston Heights library. Coffee bar and menu ranging from omelets to specialty pizzas. Full bar; opens 8 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollection.com/red ¢-$ jet.php. B, L, D (Mon-Sat) Reds On The River — Located on the Rogue River, Reds combines casual sophistication with Tuscan sensibilities. Closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com.

L, D $-$$

American steakhouse now in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s fully renovated former 1913 Room. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com. L, D $$

Saburba — Specializes in take-out. Everchanging, diverse menu of entrees, sandwiches, soups, baked goods and coffee.

Doughnuts served Sat. mornings. Catering service. Closed Sun. 7277 Thornapple River Dr., Ada, 682-5290. saburba.com and Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$ Sam’s Joint — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia.

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

L, D $ Spinnaker — Menu features seafood and landlubber entrees. Sunday brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. B, L, D $-$$ Sundance Grill — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition with a margarita bar.

5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 9565644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food. $ com. B, L, D Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf. Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles, dinner menu.

5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninn motel.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Terrace Grille At Bay Pointe Inn — Casual gourmet dining, martini bar and lakeside terrace. Seasonally changing menu emphasizes regional fare. Sunday brunch. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville, (269) 672-5202. bay pointe inn.com. L, D $-$$ Tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. tillmansrestaur ant.com. L, D $-$$

Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. riograndsteakhouse.com. L, D $-$$

Timbers Inn — Menu ranges from appetizers to wild game offerings and meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Sunday omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 8745553. timbersinn.net. L, D ¢-$

Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. sunny brookcc.com. L, D $

Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twisted-rooster.com. L, D ¢-$$

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — The classic

Walker Roadhouse — Diverse menu with in-

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teresting twists on classic fare in a casual but handsome setting. Lunch served weekdays, dinner Mon-Sat; closed Sun. 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 453-3740. thewalkerroadhou se.com. L, D $

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

209 Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. Facebook.

B, L ¢

Pubs & Taverns 84th Street Pub and Grille — American fare from pizzas to steaks in laidback setting, fullservice bar. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr, Byron Center, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. L, D ¢-$

Bar Louie — Urban décor at Woodland Mall, with sandwiches, appetizers, burgers and hearty entrées. More than 20 beers, along with a nice wine selection and specialty cocktails.

Outdoor seating. 3191 28th St SE, 885-9050. barlouieamerica.com. L, D $-$$ Bobarino’s At The B.O.B. — Grill on 2nd floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from woodfired pizza to upscale entrées. New lunch menu offers custom-made deli sandwiches, salads, burgers and a pizza buffet ($6.50).

Full-service bar. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thegilmore collection.com/bobarinos. php. L, D ¢-$

B.O.B.’s Brewery At The B.O.B. — Microbrews ranging from unique to standard with a variety of small plates that go beyond standard pub fare. Open Thu (Mug Club)-Sat. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bobs brewery. D ¢-$ Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more.

Takeout available. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 361-

9782. budandstanleys.com. L, D

¢-$

Cascade Sports Grill — Varied menu and sizable bar with 10 brew taps and extensive martini menu. Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St SE, $ 974-3338. Facebook. L, D Charlie’s Bar & Grill — Well-rounded menu features dinners ranging from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also Mexican fare, sandwiches and more. Full-service bar.

3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. L, D ¢-$ Cheero’s Sports & Sushi Grill — Japanese fare along with pizza, burger and microbrews. Outdoor patio next to Michigan Athletic Club. Open daily. 2510 Burton St SE, ¢-$ 608-3062. cheerosgrill.com. L, D Cheers — Popular neighborhood spot with large menu offering something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. B, L, D ¢ Corner Bar — Rockford’s spot famous for brews and chili dogs, but with extensive menu. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 866-9866.

s...

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grand vine Promising young Bordeaux

Contributing editor A. Brian Cain is a certified wine educator.

OTHEr GrEaT yOuNG BOrDEauX: > 2010 Chateau Peyruchet, Bordeaux, France, $15: Cherries, strawberry jam, candied orange peel and pomegranate aromas give way to minerals and a soft, fat mid-palate. Firm tannin with a slight astringency on the finish beg for a few more years in the cellar.

> 2010 Chateau HautPlanty, Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, France, $16: Big black currant, blood orange and prickly pear aromatics fill the senses. Classic Bordeaux barnyard terroir and vanilla flavors mingle with soft velvety tannin (two to eight years in the cellar).

> 2009 Chateau La Fleur Plaisance, MontagneSaint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France, $18: Blackberry fruit, leather and wild forest berry liquor-like tingle in the nose giving way to clay bricklike smells and rich tannins.

aBOuT a yEar aND a HaLF aGO, I bought 14 cases of 2009 Bordeaux futures to rest in my cellar. Though traditional thinking about these merlot/cabernet-based wines is that they take five to 10 years to be drinkable, the 2009 Bordeaux are so up front and fruity, they are drinking better than similarly priced California merlots and cabs.

Over the past few weeks, I purchased some 2010 wines at the Village Corner in Ann Arbor and Martha’s Vineyard in Grand Rapids to compare to the 2009s. Critics say the 2010s will be even better if given a few years in the cellar. (Of course, what they really mean is most of the 2009s are sold, and there are lots of 2010s to sell.)

Some advice to novice collectors would be to buy moderately priced Bordeaux such as those reviewed here. Wine, in general, has gotten so much better, one no longer needs to spend big bucks to enjoy great wine.

2009-10 Chateau Tour st. Bonnet, Cru Bourgeois Medoc, Bordeaux, France, $20: The 2009 has slightly less intense black-red color than the others tasted, but no less of the rich, viscous legs on the glass. It is clearly Grand Cru quality with rich black currant, cedar and violets in the aroma changing to a sausage-like pork fat subtlety on the mid-palate. A long, exotic concentration of intense black fruits and tobacco almost makes one not notice the massive tannins that will insure a long life.

The 2010 was nearly identical, just a tad more supple and exotic. In particular, the concentration of violets in the nose gives it a class and depth superior to the most expensive wines available a few decades ago.

2009 Chateau sauman, Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux, France, $12 ($15+ for 2010): Keep an eye open for the 2010 because I think the 2009 is probably gone.

The extraordinarily dark color is followed by exotic, ripe, spicy Zinfandel-like fruit of concentrated Italian prune plums. The jam-like fruit stays all the way to the finish.

Again, the opulent fruit is misleading. Make no mistake. This wine has plenty of rich tannin to age will. It is a big wine with big — a. BrIan CaIn stuff.

Some advice to novice collectors would be to buy moderately priced Bordeaux such as those reviewed here. Wine, in general, has gotten so much better, one no longer needs to spend big bucks to enjoy great wine.

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food & drink

W

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Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

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

¢

Cottage Bar — Longtime favorite since 1927.

Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chili and more. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D ¢

Best of 2011-12 Readers Poll

Dr. Mike Crete

Voted Best Dentist

Crooked Goose — Meritage Hospitality Group restaurant offers full menu of “oldschool tavern favorites.” Open daily. 355 Wilson Ave NW, Walker. crookedgoose.com. L, D ¢-$ Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derby $ station.com. L, D

Dr. Crete’s patient before treatment.

Flanagan’s — Popular Irish pub. Imported beers, 20 on tap. Entrees with an Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢ Founders Brewing Co. — Sip microbrew samples in the spacious taproom, serpentine bar and stage for live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches.

Covered (heated) porch. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. L, D ¢

3514 Rivertown Point CT, SW, Grandville, MI

616-534-0135 | www.rivertowndental.com

Frankie V’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar — Appetizers, subs, stromboli, pizza, pasta entrées, plus burgers and Mexican. Weekday lunch buffet. Tap your own 100-ounce beer tower.

1420 28th St SW, 532-8998. frankievs.com.

L, D ¢-$ Grand Rapids Brewing Co. — Serving 10 organic brews plus hard cider, wine and spirits. Farm-to-table menu includes sharable plates, house-made sausages, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees. Open daily. 1 Ionia Ave. SW, 459-7000. grbrewingcompany.com. L (Sat.-Sun. only), D ¢-$

Photography by Johnny Quirin (page 66)

GP Sports — Sports bar and restaurant.

Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, along with salads and sandwiches.

Closed Sun. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 7766495. amwaygrand.com. L, D $ Grand Woods Lounge — Year-round alfresco dining complete with fireplace. Eclectic menu selections mix with upscale comfort foods.

Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious bar.

77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. L, D $-$$ Harmony Brewing Co. — Eastown’s latest addition to the craft-brewing scene offers custom brews with a full bar, wine selections and menu of wood-fired pizzas. 1551 Lake Drive SE. Facebook. L, D $ Holly’s Back Door Bar & Grill — Full menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in May 2013 / Grmag.com 67

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top shelf

Springtime is beer time

sEasONaL BrEWiNG, as it was practiced many centuries ago, involved ingredients and procedures particular to those seasons. Changes in temperature and the availability of various grains had a lot to do with the seasonal styles of beer produced and consumed during the year.

This practice continues in the seasonal recipes of many regional and microbreweries.

In the summer we like light, crisp and refreshing wheat beers. In autumn there are pumpkin-flavored beers to enjoy. Winter offers the heavy, carb-filled dark beers.

So what are some springtime beers?

Here are some options I found at local beer specialty stores. My focus on the American craft-brew industry is intentional. It seems to me this industry is still trying to figure out what Americans will buy in the spring. smitten: This is a golden rye ale from Bell’s Brewery. The only thing that makes this a spring brew is the label sporting a blue sky and a daisy shedding its petals.

Smitten is filtered and deep golden in color with a lively head and a surprisingly hoppy

May BEEr EVENTs: > On May 5, area breweries release the newest BeerCity collaboration, this time with a sessionable pale ale or IPA. The brewers will aim for a beer with alcohol by volume of 5.5 percent, with an international bitterness unit of 55. Prior beers in the series included the BeerCity Pale

Ale last summer, the Grand Pumpkin in the fall and the BeerCity Grand Series for the Michigan Brewers Guild Beer Festival in February.

(Voting for 2013 BeerCity USA title takes place May 6-10; American Craft Beer Week takes place May 13-19.) > Siciliano’s Market hosts the American Homebrew-

ers Association Big Brew Day May 4 at Calder Plaza.

The event is geared toward getting Grand Rapids excited about the AHA convention coming to town in 2014. > Brewery Vivant releases its fan favorite Big Red Coq ale May 5. The beer has citrus, mango and pineapple hints with malty character.

The beer lasts until it’s gone.

one I tasted, made by Fort Collins Brewery, is a deep reddish-copper color, perhaps a little bit darker than I would expect for a Maibock, with lots of caramel flavor from the malted barley. The hop profile is flavorful but more noticeable in the finish than the initial gulp. And yes, there is a bit of — Jon C. KoeZe alcohol in the beer.

> Founders Brewing Co. releases its specialty beer Double Trouble, an imperial IPA with huge hop notes and a whopping 9.4 percent alcohol by volume. The brew is only available in May and June. > Up north, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa hosts its Fifth Annual Beer and Brat Festival May 29,

matching great beers with awesome brats. > Hudsonville’s White Flame Brewing Co. is now distilling small batches of artisan — Pat evanS spirits.

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

Contributing editor Jon C. Koeze has made and tasted beer since 1980.

explosion in your mouth. This American pale ale has tons of flavor and a clean finish — a hop-lovers delight. alpine spring: Brewed under the Samuel Adams brand by The Boston Beer Co., this beer’s label says it’s made only with German Tettnang hops. Bright golden and unfiltered, it was a bit more balanced between malt and hop flavors and a bit lighter in body. I wasn’t crazy about it at first but I found it very easy to drink a second glass.

Dig: This interesting pale ale is from New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colo.

It boasts three hops: Sorachi Ace hops from Japan, Nelson Sauvin from New Zealand and Cascade from the U.S. It poured out copper colored with a tall, sticky head. This pleasant beer tasted lighter than its color with a crisp attack in the mouth and a clean finish. The interplay of hops in the flavor profile is really what this beer is all about, but there is a bit of balance with the grains and yeast, as well.

Maibock: Maibock is the only traditional seasonal beer associated with spring.

It’s a lighter and paler variation of dark German bock beer brewed with lots of malted barley and fermented to high alcohol levels. The

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. B, L, D $

HopCat — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr. ¢-$ com. L (Sat-Sun), D

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Hub’s Inn — Sandwiches, burgers, Mexican food and thin-crust pizzas. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. Facebook. L, D ¢ JD Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. $-$$ jdreardons.com. B, L, D J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive bar is matched by gargantuan menu ranging from homemade chips to build-your-own burger.

Three floors of seating. Open Sun for arena events. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellas tavern.com. L, D ¢

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www.degraafinteriors.com GRAND RAPIDS 616.363.3513 | HUDSONVILLE 616.662.0140 | CASCADE 616.264.3424

Main Street Pub — Large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Open 11 am daily; breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com. B (Sun), L, D ¢-$ McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon — New York-style Irish menu includes “recreated” pub fare, contemporary and regionally inspired dishes. Transforms into nightclub late at night. Open daily. 58 Ionia Ave SW, 4549105. mcfaddensgrandrapids.com. L, D $ Mill Creek Tavern — Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, from-scratch soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 7843806. L, D ¢-$

Photography by Michael Buck

The Mitten Brewing Co. — Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Mojo’s — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, plus late night “munchy menu.” RSVP for dinner early, show starts at 8 pm Wed-Thu, 7 pm FriSat. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospia nobar.com. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$ Nick Finks — Mexican fare in historic tavern, part of The Gilmore Collection. Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Occasional live music, open mic nights. 3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-9886. thegilmorecol lection.com. L, D $ O’Toole’s Public House — Pub grub in-

French Bistro Comfort food perfectly prepared for you!

Stylish and friendly atmosphere.

Happy Hour 3:30 - 6:30, Specials on Cocktails & Appetizers

Open for lunch. • Private room for up to 25 people available.

6450 28th St. SE Cascade, MI • 616-719-2017 • www.eurobistrogr.com May 2013 / Grmag.com 69

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

This year, we’re dodging Mother Nature by hosting a Bloody Mary Poker Luncheon.

No matter what the weather, good friends, hot cards and a stiff beverage are a winning combination.

Hefedshefed.com

“The beauty of the poker party is that if the weather decides it wants to cooperate, you

Indoor potluck In an effort to outsmart Mother Nature, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson weather-proof their plans for Memorial Day.

can always move the table outdoors. After a long winter sequestered indoors, playing cards on the deck tends to brighten everyone’s mood.

Transfer drinks to coolers and shuttle out bags of chips, and you’re all set. Plus, being outside allows you to monitor the grill so you don’t overcook the chicken. And that smell! Toss some jalapenos on the open flame to enliven the senses and tantalize the appetite. If you really want to gain the upper hand during the game, load up a cast-iron skillet with bacon and let it sizzle away. The aroma will throw off the other players’ concentration, increasing your odds of bluffing a really bad hand.”

— Jeremy

She fed: “Guests love a Bloody Mary bar and we’re only too happy to oblige. We typically offer one plain and one peppered vodka.

Growing up in West Michigan, we remember more Memorial Day weekends blighted by inclement weather than not.

Now, as adults, we wait with anticipation to dust off the patio furniture, grill up some burgers or dogs, and celebrate the unofficial start of Michigan’s summer — only to have chilly temps and liquid sunshine ruin our plans. (Raise your hand if you’ve used an umbrella while grilling.)

This year, we’re dodging Mother Nature by hosting a Bloody Mary Poker Luncheon. No matter what the weather, good friends, hot cards and a stiff beverage are a winning combination.

The menu is simple: Beer Can Chicken, cooked on the grill or in the oven (what could be more American than a local, organic bird perched atop a can of PBR?); chopped veggie salad; and warm flatbreads.

We make it a potluck and enlist our friends to bring additional sides, snacks and drinks. No need for one of us to play bartender; we set up a Bloody Mary bar and fill a big galvanized tub with a variety of Michigan brews on ice.

Lunch is slated for noon to give everyone a chance to relax and catch up with one another. Poker commences at 1:30 p.m. sharp. We keep it to eight players at the table, with additional activities handy for those non-card players, though our friends tend to congregate near the buffet to pick at leftovers.

For recipes and poker setup, visit HeFedSheFed.com.

If the weather cooperates, we’ll grill up tomatoes and peppers in advance for a homemade Bloody Mary mix (an easy and impressive party upgrade).

Otherwise, there’s plenty of fabulous store-bought mixes.

I swear the juice from Wickles brand sweet-spicy pickles, sold locally, takes any Bloody Mary to the next level. Just add a good glug from the pickle jar to your mix. Be sure to offer a variety of garnishes: green and black olives, pickled pearl onions, carrot and celery sticks, pickle spears, cubed salami and cheese and whole pepperoncini. Don’t forget the horseradish, Tabasco, celery salt and fresh ground pepper.”

— Juliet

Photography by Jim Gebben

He fed:

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!

WUISINCNALERR EVIVAL

BEST M D® 2011 TONY AWAR

cludes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. L, D ¢-$

Peppino’s Ristorante Pizzeria and Sports Lounge — Italian specialties, Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. Separate sports bar. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444. peppinospizza.com. L, D ¢-$$ Pub 43 — Caters to all, but is especially popular with gay crowd. Menu ranges from burgers to upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division ¢-$ Ave, 458-2205. Facebook. D Rezervoir Lounge — Former Sazerac Lounge has full menu of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, some with a Cajun flavor. Open Tue.Sun. for lunch and dinner (opens 4 p.m. Mon) 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. Facebook.

L, D ¢-$ Rockford Brewing Co. — Located alongside the White Pine Trail with an up-north atmosphere. Food menu includes dips, subs, panini, soups and more, served alongside its hand-crafted brews. Closed Mon. 12 E. Bridge St., Rockford, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing. com. L, D ¢-$

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The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with varied menu. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Shamrock Bar & Grill — Diverse menu includes specialty burgers and wide range of entrees. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888.

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

Open daily. Weekday happy hour specials 3-6:30 p.m. Cascade Center, 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Photography by Jim Gebben

Stella’s Lounge — Mostly vegan menu but a stuffed burger for carnivores. Advertises strong drinks and more than 200 whiskies.

53 Commerce Ave, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Teazers Bar & Grill — Burgers and pastas, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites.

Kids menu. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teazersbar.com. L, D ¢-$ The Viceroy — Classic hors d’oeuvres (finger sandwiches to tenderloin tips) and desserts to accompany cocktails, house-infused whiskeys, beer and wine. Kitchen open 5 pm-1 am Wed-Sat. 53 Commerce Ave SW, 744-8423. viceroygr.com. D $

DEHAMER BROTHERS GARDEN CENTER 3741 64th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Village Inn Pizza Parlor — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican and more. Karaoke nights Thu-Sat. Open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th St SE, Kentwood, 281-1444; 934 Washington St, Holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Sports Lounge & Pizzeria — Pizza and pasta plus panini and wraps in sportscentric surroundings. Outside deck, live entertainment. Open daily. 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-2526, takeout 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. L, D ¢-$ Woody’s Press Box — Complex includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sandwiches and shrimp, barbecue fare. Breakfast and lunch only Sun. 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. B, L, D $ Z’s — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs. Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. Carryout available. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

Italian/ European FAmore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using some local products as well as Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs a specialty. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitali $ ana.com. L (not Sat), D

Angela’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Italian dinners, pizza, stromboli, subs and desserts. Lunch buffet, full-service bar. Delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 240 E Division, Sparta, (616) 887-1913. L, D ¢-$ Big Bob’s Pizza — A neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village with wine and beer on tap, available to go. 661 Croswell SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L, D $ Bella Mia Pizzeria & Italian Grill — Italian dishes and New York-style pizza. Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, 554-9930. L, D ¢-$ Brick Road Pizza — Specializing in gourmet, traditional and vegan pizzas. Gluten-free crusts available on request. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 7192409. brickroadpizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Chicago 7 Pizzeria — Family-owned pizzeria offers New York and Chicago-style pies along with specialty pizzas. Also subs and calzone.

Open daily. 3012 28th St SW, Grandville, 5387777. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Euro Bistro — European bistro fare plus wood-fired pizzas. 11 am-10 pm Mon-Fri. 4-10 pm Sat, closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 719-

2017. eurobistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D

$-$$

Florentine Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices, thin-crust pizzas. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Florentine Ristorante — Italian and American cuisine. Pizza and pasta served in the lounge until midnight; full-menu dinner 4-10 pm. Closed Sun. 3245 28th St SW, 534-5419. florentineingrandville.com. L, D $ Flo’s Pizzeria Ristorante Sports Bar — Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian entrees and even Mexican entrees. Multiple big screen TVs; take-out available. Open daily. 1259 Post Drive, Belmont, 785-1001. florentines.biz. L, D ¢-$ Franco’s Pizzeria — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). No alcohol. Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. L, D ¢-$ Fred’s Pizza And Italian Restaurant — Long-time favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredspizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Also, pasta dinners with a sauce that has made its way to the retail market. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com.

D ¢-$ ➧Georgio’s Gourmet Pizza — Downtown pizzeria with more than 50 varieties of gourmet pizza, whole or by the slice. Beer on tap or by the bottle. Delivery available. Open daily. 15 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 140, 356-4600. georgios gourmetpizza.com. L, D ¢-$

GoodFellows Pizza — In Byron Center’s former Monelli’s Pizza location. Pizza, full Italian dinners and more. Dine-in, takeout or delivery. No alcohol. Open daily (Sun at 4 pm).

2185 84th St, 878-1100. goodfellowspizza. com. L, D $ G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas.

Delivery Thu-Sat until 2:30 a.m. No alcohol.

Open daily, with a handful of tables for dining in. 340 State St, 742-4773. grandrapidspizza. net. L, D ¢-$ Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties include Sfinciuni, thick-crust Sicilian pizza and Sciacciata, stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrees, calzones and desserts made from family recipes. Open daily.

2896 Knapp St NE in Celadon New Town.

608-6912. Facebook. L, D $

Mangiamo — Historic mansion houses family-friendly Italian eatery. Italian fare plus steaks and seafood. Extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 7420600. thegilmorecollection.com/mangiamo. php. D $-$$ Marinade’s Pizza Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more. No alcohol. Catering available. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300. marinadespizzabistro. com. L, D ¢ Monelli’s Italian Grill And Sports Bar — Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace.

5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 530-9700. ¢-$ monellis.com. L, D Noto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant décor and extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com.

D $-$$ Pietro’s Italian Ristorante — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 4523228. rcfc.com/pietros. L, D $ Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant — Sicilian and southern Italian fare using family recipes.

Separate sports bar; patio seating. Weekday lunch buffet. All menu items, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Closed Sun. 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvat oresgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Seasonal Grille — Hastings’ Italian-themed eatery features fresh, locally sourced, creative fare in handsome surroundings. Full bar, craft cocktails, nice wine list. Open daily. 150 W State St, Hastings, (269) 948-9222. seasonal grille.com. L, D $ Tre Cugini — Innovative Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties. Outdoor seating in mild weather. Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 2359339. trecugini.com. L, D $-$$ Uccello’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Open daily. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, 8915958; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, 249-9344. uccellos.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s — Serving traditional regional dishes from family recipes since 1966. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door, 458-2090), takeout 458-3766. the

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Looking for peace of mind?

Estate Planning • Long Term Care Planning • Wills • Trusts Powers of Attorney • Guardianship • Conservatorship Probate • Elder Law • VA Benefits originalvitales.com. L, D

¢-$

Vitale’s Of Ada — Multi-regional, upscale dishes made from scratch. Also pizza, subs and burgers. Family-friendly; microbrews to martinis in separate sports pub. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from original Vitale family recipes. 59 W Washington St, Zeeland, (616) 772-5900, vitaleszeeland.com; 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudson ville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 530-8300. vitales.us. L, ¢-$ D

Asian Including Thai and Indian fare.

Akasaka Sushi — Sushi plus Korean and Japanese offerings in low-key atmosphere in Cascade Centre. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 6252 28th St SE, 977-0444. L, D ¢-$ Akita Buffet — Across from RiverTown Crossings Mall, with sushi bar, hibachi grill and Chinese buffet with set price for lunch and dinner. Serves alcohol. 3540 Rivertown ¢-$ Point Ct SW, 257-7777. L, D

Hunter Law Offices, PLLC S. Christopher Hunter, Attorney 125 Ottawa Avenue, NW, Ste. 245, Grand Rapids

Call 616.719.2467 or email chris@hunterlegalcounsel.com to schedule your consultation.

In-home consultation available. www.hunterlegalcounsel.com

Angel’s Thai Café — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option.

Vegetarian-friendly. No alcohol. Open daily.

136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthai ¢-$ cafe.com. L, D Asian Palace — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each cuisine.

Family owned and operated. No alcohol.

Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok Taste — Thai fare with lunch buffet.

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

Lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 531-8070. bangkokviewthai food. com. L, D ¢-$ Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch specials. No alcohol. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitch engr.com. L, D ¢-$ Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. 5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market strip mall), 261-8186. bluegingergr.com. L, D ¢-$ Bombay Cuisine — Traditional Indian dishes with spices and flavors from Northern India.

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Succulent raisins enveloped in a doughy pillow, accentuated by the dulcet notes of citrus and swirled with cinnamon.

Intrigued? Is your mouth watering?

This stellar concoction is the Krenten loaf, a customer favorite crafted

by Mari Reijmerink at Kismet Bakery.

An extension of Kismet Fruit Farm in Fennville, Kismet Bakery offers a variety of breads and baked goods. Its signature loaf is the Seedy Salt, a sourdough bread baked full of savory seeds and sprinkled with French sea salt.

Another popular choice is Mari’s Multigrain, a rich and hearty bread ideal for sandwich making. The bakery also sells several vegan loaves.

Kismet Fruit Farm was established in May 2004 by Reijmerink and husband Chris, and the bakery followed in September 2012.

Reijmerink started baking while working at the former Journeyman Café in Fennville. After the restaurant closed, she and Chris talked about opening their own bakery.

“We use an Old World process — nothing fast and fancy, but it makes exceptional products,” she said. Recently, they have focused on expanding the bakery’s pastry selection.

Scones, doughnuts, cookies and tartlets are available Friday to Sunday.

Carry-out pizza options — including such creations as Pot Roast Pizza and a pie loaded with pickled veggies and meatballs — are sold on Sunday nights.

“We’re just getting started,” she said. Her goal is to continue developing the pizzas and further expand the retail space to make Kismet a “destination for the area.”

GR residents can get a Kismet fix at Nourish Organic Market, 634 Wealthy St SE. Visit kismetfarmbak ery.com for a full bread and pizza menu, and like Kismet Bakery on Facebook to find out about daily specials.

— Heather Rowan

Mari Reijmerink pulls loaves of The Original Seedy Salt Bread from the wood-fired oven at Kismet Bakery in Fennville.

Full bar. Lunch buffet Mon.-Fri. and Sun. Takeout available. 1420 Lake Dr. SE, 4567055. bombaycuisinegr.com. L, D $

China Chef — Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices.

No alcohol. Closed Mon. 4335 Lake Michigan ¢-$ Dr NW, 791-4488. Facebook. L, D China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 5299 Eastern Ave SE, 257-7038. L, D ¢-$ China Gourmet Buffet — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items. Dinner buffet served all day weekends; discount for seniors and children 10 and under. No alcohol. 2030 28th St SW, 252-1379. L, D ¢-$ Chinatown Restaurant And Japanese Steak House — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available. Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar.

69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngrand ¢-$ rapids.com. L, D China Yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 Eastern Ave SE, 241-3885. L, D ¢-$ East Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol.

6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. L, D ¢-$ Empire Chinese Buffet — All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet served all day. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirebuffet.net. L, D ¢-$ Erb Thai — Traditional Thai fare, will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. 950 Wealthy St SE, Suite 1A, 356-2573. L, D ¢ Far-East Restaurant — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes; vegetable-oil-only cooking. Carryout and catering available. No alcohol. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. L, D $ First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out. Full bar. Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088. firstwokgr.com. L, D $ Fuji Yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables with chef preparations, or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 7191859. letseat.at/fujiyama. L, D ¢-$ Fortune Chef — Chinese and American fare.

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

Photography by Johnny Quirin

A slice of Kismet

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... Every sense awakened Each one satisfied...

Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 627 28th St $ SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. L, D Golden Dragon — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse.

Full bar. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. $ goldendragongr.com. L, D Golden Gate Restaurant — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, egg rolls, sweet-and-sour dishes, with some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. 4023 S Divi¢ sion Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D Golden Wok — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers lunch and dinner options, including Hunanspiced dishes. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. ¢-$ L, D Grand Lakes — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. No alcohol. Next to Breton Village D&W. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 9542500. L, D ¢-$

Award Winning

Authentic Italian

Cuisine

www.trecugini.com

122 Monroe Center St. NW (616) 235-9339

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — PanAsian cuisine from sushi to buffet, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American dishes. No alcohol. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Ridge Shopping Center), 785-8200. letseat. at/hibachigrillsupremebuffet. L, D ¢ Hong Kong Express — Szechuan and Cantonese for dine-in or carry-out. All-you-caneat lunch buffet. No alcohol. 150 E Fulton St, 235-3888. B, L, D ¢-$ Hunan — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups. No alcohol. 1740 44th St SW, 530-3377; 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr.com. L, D $ India Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan in a humble atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D ¢-$

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Jade Garden — Chinese cuisine with some American dishes. Children’s menu, large selection of tropical cocktails. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. L, D ¢-$ Ju Sushi & Lounge — Sushi and sashimi selections, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings.

Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquet space. 1144 East Paris Ave ¢-$ SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. L, D Lai Thai Kitchen — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. Facebook, laithai kitchen.com. L, D ¢-$

ROCKFORD, MICHIGAN 866.462.LIFT • WWW.SHORE-MATE.COM May 2013 / Grmag.com 75

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Mandarin — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends. Cocktails. Open daily. 2460 28th ¢-$ St SE, 530-3300. L, D Marado Sushi — Sushi bar offers a wide selection of Japanese fare and a few Korean specialties. No alcohol. 47 Monroe Center, ¢-$ 742-6793. Closed Sun. L, D Maru Sushi & Grill — Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. 925 Cherry St. SE. marurestaurant.com. L, D $-$$ Mikado Sushi — Sushi and sashimi à la carte.

Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, ¢-$ 285-7666. Facebook. L, D Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat buffet: Japanese, Chinese, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. No alcohol. 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), (616) 365-3989. mingten ¢-$ restaurant.com. L, D Mynt Fusion Bistro — Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$ Ning Ye — Family-owned Chinese restaurant also serves Korean fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun during winter. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 6765888. ningye.info. L, D $ Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, curries and noodle dishes; seafood and duck specialty plates. No alcohol. 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro. ¢-$ com. L, D Osaka Steakhouse — Japanese cuisine, including steak, seafood, sushi. Same owners as XO Asian Cuisine. Open daily. 4977 28th St. SE, 419-4628. Facebook. L, D $ Palace Of India — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. No alcohol. 961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindia restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ P.F. Chang’s China Bistro — Upscale chain known for modern Chinese dishes from Mongolian beef to chicken lettuce wraps. Cocktails, beer and wine. Order online for takeout.

The Village at Knapp’s Crossing, 2065 Apple Orchard Ave, 447-2060. pfchangs.com. L, D $ Pho Soc Trang — Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. L, D ¢ Rak Thai Bistro — Thai-fusion fare with Chinese and Japanese influences. No alcohol.

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

Red Sun Buffet — All-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections. No alcohol. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. redsunbuffet.com. L, ¢-$ D Seoul Garden — Chinese and Korean cuisine with full bar. Banquet and catering facilities available. Closed Sun. 3321 28th St SE, 956$-$$ 1522. grseoulgarden.com. L, D Shang Hai Ichiban — Chinese and Japanese cuisine; food prepared tableside by hibachi chefs in Japanese area. Serves alcohol. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. $-$$ shanghaiichiban.com. L, D Soc Trang — Wide selection of Chinese and Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. 1831 Market Place Dr, Caledonia, 871-9909. gosoc trang.com. L, D ¢-$ Sushi Kuni — Japanese and Korean cuisine, plus fusion fare. Private groups can eat in traditional Japanese tatami room. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141. sushikuni.net. L, D ¢-$$

xoasiancuisine.com. L, D

$-$$

Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. L, D ¢-$

Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Le Kabob — Huge appetizer selection, soups, salads and sandwiches, large choice of Mediterranean entrees and combos. Kids menu.

No alcohol. Open daily. 4022 Alpine Ave NE, 647-9722, and 2923 28th St SE, 272-4135. lekabob.com. L, D ¢-$ Marie Catrib’s — Middle-Eastern fare with on-site bakery, seasonal specialties and Turkish coffee. Vegetarian options. Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat. Lunch/dinner starts 11 am weekdays, noon Sat. Closed Sun. No alcohol. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecat ribs.com. B, L, D ¢-$

Thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to specification. No alcohol. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. L, D ¢

Mediterranean Grill — Gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta. All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. L, D $

Three Happiness Restaurant — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare, with daily lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. 3330 Alpine Ave NW, Target Plaza, 785-3888. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Mr. Gyros — Family-owned restaurant offering Mediterranean specialties with drivethrough, delivery and catering available.

Open daily. 2260 Alpine Ave NW, 791-6660. ¢-$ mrgyrosdrivethru.com. L, D

Tokyo Grill & Sushi — Japanese tatami rooms, sushi bars. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, plus Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi. com. L, D ¢-$

Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout and catering. Features Lebanese beer and wine. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L, D ¢-$

➧Tokyo Roadhouse — Japanese (sushi) and Chinese menus, lunch specials. Order online for pickup, delivery (until 8 p.m.) or express dine-in. No alcohol. Opens daily at 11 a.m.

4095 Plainfield Ave. NE, 365-3719. tokyoroad house.com. L, D ¢-$

Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs. No alcohol. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, D ¢-$

Wei Wei Palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. Serves beer. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. L, D $ Wonton Express — No-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy Hunan and Kung-Po dishes. No alcohol. 6719 S Division Ave, 281-8816. L, D ¢-$ FXO Asian Cuisine — Thai, Chinese and Viet-namese cuisine with full service bar.

Vegetarian options and lunch specials MonSat. Free valet parking with $30 purchase.

Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969.

Pita House — Gyros and other Middle East specialties. No alcohol. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029; 4533 Ivanrest Ave SW, 261-4302; 134 Monroe Center NW, 233-4875. thepitahouse.net. L, D ¢ Sheshco Grill — Lebanese cuisine including lots of appetizers, salads and soups; entrees such as shish kabob, lamb shanks, quail and sautéed meats, plus vegetarian and seafood options. No alcohol. Open daily. 2121 Celebration Dr. NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.com. L, D $ FShiraz Grille — Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, khoreshts, vegetarian options. Full

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bar, wine list, martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. L (Sun), D $

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

AFricAN Little africa Cuisine — Humble storefront café offers hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread.

Sample other Ethiopian specialties. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Open daily. 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. L, D ¢ Gojo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli — Authentic Ethiopian dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew-like) dishes served with injerra flatbread. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Tue-Fri lunch buffet, dinner 5-8 pm; Sat buffet 4-8 pm; closed Sun and Mon. 421 Norwood SE (Eastown), 459-3383. gojoethio piancuisine.com. L, D $

meXicAN/lAtiN AmericAN/ cAribbeAN 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$$

BUY

TICK ONLI ETS NE AT m

Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu; wet burritos are the claim to fame. Full bar.

The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $

yGRh ome.c om

Cabana Tres amigos — Authentic Mexican fare with full bar, take-out service, vegetarian selection. Spacious with fireplaces and Mexican décor. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. L, D ¢-$ Café san Juan — Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban. No alcohol. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. cafesanjuan.net. B, L, D ¢-$ Cancun restaurant — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 248-2824. L, D ¢-$ Cantina — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties with full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. L, D $ Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare. Vegetarian/vegan options. Lunch specials. No alcohol. Open until 2 am Fri-Sat, closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. L, D ¢ Cinco De Mayo — Mexican eatery offers the usual fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. L, D $

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Donk’s Mexican Joint — Tex-Mex selections including wet and dry burritos. Kids menu, drive-thru available. 820 Michigan St. NE, 883-6036. donksjoint.com. L, D ¢ Downtown Trini’s — Sparta destination offers traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. downtowntrinis.com. L, D ¢-$ El arriero —Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, Margaritas. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. L, D ¢-$ El Barrio Mexican Grill — Tasty and creative twists on otherwise-traditional Mexican. Full bar. 545 Michigan St NE, 301-0010. elbarrio mexicangrill.com. L, D ¢-$ El Burrito Loco — More than 70 authentic Mexican selections. Complimentary chips and salsa. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. L, D ¢-$ FEl Granjero — Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes to à la carte selections and menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. elgranjerogr.com. B, L, D ¢

LOOK, 2 PRIVATES 2 REFORMER $99* THREE PRIVATES $150*

El sombrero — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. L, D ¢

FEEL AND PERFORM AT YOUR BEST

Grand Villa Dungeon — Mexican food is the specialty. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. villadugeon.com. L, D $ Jamaican Dave’s — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies. Limited seating; takeout is best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. L, D ¢

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Las Cazuelas — Open for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner daily. Genuine Hispanic flavors. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. B, L, D ¢ La Huasteca — Homemade recipes. All items can be accommodated for vegetarians. Mostly take-out with a small dining room. No alcohol. Open daily. 1811 Plainfield Ave. NE, 4477733. Facebook. L, D ¢ Lindo Mexico restaurant — Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Happy hour 2-6 pm. Kids menu. 1292 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2280. lindomexicorestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Maggie’s Kitchen — Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. 36 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. B, L, D ¢

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New and getting better all the time!

Michoacan — Mexican fare plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. No alcohol. Open at 9 am. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. B, L, D ¢-$ Mi Tierra Restaurant — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive through. No alcohol. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D ¢ Taco Bob’s — Fresh-Mex offerings, taco salads and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell wrapped in a soft shell. No alcohol. Open 11 am-2 pm, Mon-Fri. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 4581533. tacobobs.com. L ¢ Tacos El Caporal — Two locations serving Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. 1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. B, L, D ¢ Tres Lobos Grill & Bar — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar. Lunch ’til 4 pm daily. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389. treslobosrest aurant.com. L, D ¢-$

Bistro Chloe Elan brings downtown flair and exceptional value to Ada. Open Mon-Fri lunch & dinner, Saturday dinner only Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 2-6pm Prix Fixe Menu Mon & Tues, 3 courses for $30 includes glass of wine.

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Summer Concert Series on the Lawn begins in June.

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- — Reviewed in this issue — Chef Profile in this issue ➧ — New listing O — GRM’s 2012 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2012 Dining Award Winner

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Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email mprimeau@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

By Daina Kraai Photography by Michael Buck

The diversity and richness of Heritage Hill’s architecture sparks pride in its residents.

History preserved for the future

W

ith its gorgeous old homes and tree-lined streets, Heritage Hill is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Grand Rapids.

The area near downtown was recognized last year by the American Planning Association as a Great Place in America.

In 2011, This Old House magazine named Heritage Hill one of the Best Neighborhoods in the United States.

So it’s hard to believe that in the 1960s, there was talk of razing the majority of the historic mansions that date back to the 1840s.

“Urban renewal was in fashion and

old was not,” said Jan Earl of the Heritage Hill Association. “The area was redlined by banks and in disrepair due to the lack of mortgage money and absentee owners who were not interested in improving their properties.”

Newspaper headlines ranged from “Blight in neighborhood around Saint Mary’s” to “Homeowners around Saint Mary’s outraged that neighborhood is called blighted.”

A handful of those angry homeowners got together and invoked historic preservation legislation, formed the Heritage Hill Association and eventually earned a Historic District designation,

Vicki Hudson, who has lived in Heritage Hill for 35 years, talks to neighbors Jack and Rebecca SmithHoffman in the foyer of their home. Rebecca has been researching the historic neighborhood for more than three decades. At right, a view of homes at the corner of Pleasant and Madison streets.

Opposite page, inside the home of Kim and Marie Koster at 553 Paris St. SE, one of the houses on this month’s Heritage Hill Tour of Homes.

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saving many homes from destruction in the early ’70s.

“Some of the houses took a lot of abuse, but they’ve come back,” said Rebecca Smith-Hoffman, who has been researching the Hill for more than 30 years. She is a principal in Past Perfect, a firm that does consultation on historic preservation.

“With the historic district, we have saved a big piece of this city for the future,” she said.

“These are buildings that can be reused, that people can live in over and over again. They make our city what it is.”

All 1,300 buildings in Heritage Hill have been surveyed and their histories researched. The oldest date back to around 1843, while the rest span into the 1920s.

A small number of homes were built in

the 1950s, and one was constructed in the 1980s.

The diverse architecture ranges from Greek Revival to Prairie Style, including two Frank Lloyd Wright houses (450 Madison St. SE and 505 College St. SE), and even an 1880 chateauesque castle at 455 Cherry St. SE. “After living here for eight years, I sometimes take the incredible diversity of architecture for granted,” said Mark Miller, an architect at Nederveld Inc. and father of two. “I walk by the Meyer May house every day on my way to work and, at some point last year, I sort of re-realized what a great piece of architecture it was.”

Each house tells a story.

“One of the first owners of my house was Otto Thum, who invented sticky fly-

“With the historic district, we have saved a big piece of this city for the future.

These are buildings that can be re-used, that people can live in over and over again.

They make our city what it is.”

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near & far

> Heritage Hill Association will hold its 44TH TOUR OF HOMES May 18-19, featuring eight historic homes.

The first tour was held in 1969 as a response to the threat of demolition.

Around 2,000 to 3,500 people attend the event each year. Times are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 during the weekend.

2013 Heritage Hill Tour homes: 510 Madison SE 416 Morris SE 223 Morris SE - 1st floor only 200 College NE 316 Union SE 553 Paris SE 462 Crescent NE 537 Crescent NE 2013 Public Buildings: Meyer May House, 450 Madison SE Child Discovery Center, 409 Lafayette SE

> A printable brochure outlining a SELF-GUIDED WaLKING TOUR of 37 homes in the neighborhood is available on the association’s website: heritagehillweb. org/tours-of-heritage-hill/selfguided-walking-tour.

> Other upcoming events include the HERITaGE HILL yaRD SaLE Day June 8, and the aNNUaL GaRDEN TOUR of private yards and garden spaces June 29.

The Meyer May House, 450 Madison Ave. SE, is a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house built in 1909. Steelcase acquired the house in 1985 and restored it to the original design. The restoration took two years. The Heritage Hill home is one of the most completely restored of Wright’s homes.

paper,” said Smith-Hoffman of her shingle-style house built in 1893. “Before the advent of screens, you could buy coils and a little tin, and then you’d hang it up and it would spiral out. … He sold it worldwide.

It was called the Tanglefoot Fly Paper Co., and his factory is still on the west side.”

While there have been tensions caused by construction and congestion of the Medical Mile, which backs up to the neighborhood’s northern boundary, the influx

of health care buildings and workers also has brought many renters who want to live within walking distance of work or school.

“Heritage Hill offers the greatest concentration of rental housing in the city due to the size of our homes,” said Earl. “In my near 30 years of working for Heritage Hill, I have never seen occupancy this high. It is hard to find an apartment in Heritage Hill. Until two years ago, I would not have said that.”

Julie Seaward, who has always had a fascination with Victorian homes, has been renting off and on in Heritage Hill for the past seven years.

“When I was younger, my parents would go to the historic districts of neighboring cities so I could look for three-story homes,” she said. “I like how close Heritage Hill is to downtown and Eastown, so walking and biking is really convenient.”

With Crescent and Pleasant streets as the north and south borders, and Union and Lafayette avenues bordering the east and west, Heritage Hill sits as the bridge between downtown and uptown. Sections of both Wealthy Street and Cherry Street business districts lie within its borders, and many neighbors like to frequent the plethora of shops and restaurants.

“The transformation on Wealthy has been great,” Smith-Hoffman said, who noted the new businesses have encouraged people to walk the streets.

Martha’s Vineyard at Lyon Street and Union Avenue has been a Heritage Hill staple for 32 years, changing from a convenience shop to a specialty grocery.

Owner Kameel Chamelly also opened a bakery in the building.

“Nantucket Baking Co. was started in the mid2000s to fill the need in the area for fresh and local from-scratch bread, pastries and gourmet pizza,” said Ilana Chamelly, Kameel’s daughter. “The local community and neighborhood is really what has helped us to develop throughout the years, and we love the customers that we interact with on a daily basis. They really make our job fun.”

PHotoGraPHY coUrtEsY stEELcasE INc. (toP LEft)

IN oUr BacK YarD / EXPLorING mIcHIGaN

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The Heritage Hill Tour of Homes raises funds for neighborhood improvement and crime prevention. This year’s tour on May 18-19 includes the home of Bob and Karen Henning at 462 Crescent St. NE, pictured at left and middle.

Below left is The Leonard at Logan House bed and breakfast, 440 Logan St. SE, built in 1914.

The Heritage Hill Association has programs to assist neighbors in addressing a variety of urban problems, from landuse issues to housing maintenance. It also sponsors events, including the annual Weekend Tour of Homes, begun in 1969 and held the third weekend in May. Funds are used to sustain the Crime Prevention

and Neighborhood Improvement programs and to promote the architectural heritage of the area.

Children in the neighborhood raised $600 at a lemonade stand during last year’s tour to help convert a parking lot into a park at the corner of Madison and Pleasant streets. Thanks to private fund-

Photography Courtesy Steelcase Inc. (top left)

ing, a state grant and a special tax assessment of nearby homeowners, construction of Pleasant Park will begin this spring, and the two-acre park should open in June 2014.

Some Heritage Hill couples whose children have grown up and moved away wonder if they should find a smaller home.

“We moved here because the houses were big and reminded us of when we were little — and they were inexpensive,” said Vicki Hudson who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 35 years. “We talk about how it’s impractical,” she said.

But then they realize they don’t want to leave.

“Sometimes I think the same thing, with just the two of us living in that big house,” said Jack Sytsma. “But I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s become about the people in the neighborhood.”

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out & about WhErE to Go / What to Do

a FEW GREaT THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

SPECIaL EVENTS May 25 COLOR ME RaD 5K: Runners in this 5K event at Millennium Park will be blasted with paint color bombs every few minutes. Proceeds from the colorful race will benefit Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Visit colormerad.com for details.

May 4 OPENING Day aT Fulton Street Farmers Market and the outdoor market at Downtown Market. A new feature at FSFM is the 2,000-squarefoot building housing about eight vendors including Local Epicurean, Rakowski Family Farm, Real Food Farms, August’s Kitchen and more.

It’s Tulip Time!

If it’s spring, it must be Tulip Time in Holland, a week-long celebration of Dutch culture and heritage with more than 6 million tulips, a thousand Klompen dancers, concerts, musicals, arts and crafts, kids events, fireworks, parades … go to tuliptime.com for a full schedule.

Downtown Market will feature nearly 70 local and regional farmers and artisans in its 91 stalls. Vendors are on-site 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays and 4-7 p.m. Thursdays.

MUSIC May 14 MIDWEST ROCK ‘N ROLL EXPRESS TOUR: REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent perform at Van Andel Arena.

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May 4 – aRT & CRaFT FaIR in Centennial Park begins (two-days). Dutch dancing all day long. Fireworks in evening.

May 4 – TULIP TIME RUN: 5K and 10K runs, and 1K Kids Fun Run. Kollen Park (10th

PhotoGraPhy courtESy color mE raD (toP lEft); Van anDEl arEna (riGht); iStockPhoto.com (bottom)

may events

St. and VanRaalte Ave.), Holland.

May 4-11 – “BREaKING UP IS HaRD TO DO,” a musical featuring songs by Neil Sedaka at Holland Civic Theatre.

May 7-9 – DUTCH CEL-

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“You’ve tried the rest...

To list your event Send calendar information to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o

NOW EAT THE BEST ”

Calendar Editor, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, e-mail caleditor@ geminipub.com, fax (616) 459-4800. High-resolution photos welcomed. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue by the 15th of the month.

PhotoGraPhy courtESy color mE raD (toP lEft); Van anDEl arEna (riGht); iStockPhoto.com (bottom)

SpecIAL eVeNtS Thru June 9 - artPrize Registration: Open art competition Sept. 18-Oct. 6 in downtown GR registers artists thru June 9 and matches artists and venues thru June 20. artprize.org.

supports the progress being made to fight the disease. 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk. Rosa Parks Circle, 1 Monroe Center St. cancer.org/ stridesonline.

May - Summer Dance: Swing dancing at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown GR. 7-10 p.m. every Tue. 1 Monroe Center. grandrapidsorig inalswingsociety.com.

May 4 - Moonlight on Morocco: GR Art Museum black-tie fundraiser with cocktails, dinner and entertainment. 6:30 p.m. 101 Monroe Center. $250 (831-2910 or gala.kintera.org).

May 2 - actors’ Theatre Spotlight Gala: Dinner, drinks, interactive murder mystery, silent and live auctions. 7-11 p.m. Centennial Country Club, 3361 Charlevoix Drive SE. $40, $70 couple (atgr.org), $50 (at door).

May 4-11 - 84th annual Tulip Time Festival: Holland celebrates its culture and heritage with tulips, fireworks, parades, Klompen dancers, outdoor concerts, music and variety shows, arts and crafts fair, children’s events. Also see Music, Stage & Film and Sports. tuliptime.com.

May 3 - Excellence in Business Gala: Davenport University presents the 2013 Peter Cook award to Michael J. Jandernoa. Keynote speaker is Laura Bush. 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner. DeVos Place. $250. davenport. edu/EIB. May 3-4 - Fiesta!: Latin Americans United for Progress annual celebration. Queen and king contest, low-rider car show, Latino entertainment, carnival, exhibitors and food.

Begins Fri. night with outdoor concert and food booths. Civic Center, 150 W. 8th St., Holland. laup.org.

May 4- Fulton St. Farmers Market: A GR tradition since 1922 opens for summer season, with locally grown produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, meat, cheese, honey. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Tue., Wed., Fri., Sat. 1145 E. Fulton St. fultonstreetmarket.org.

May 4 - Grace Hunger Walk: Annual Access of West Michigan 5K and 12K walk to support local programs. 8 a.m. registration, 8:30 walk. First United Methodist Church, 227 E. Fulton St. grandrapidsfumc.org or accessof westmichigan.org.

May 4 - Making Strides against Breast Cancer: American Cancer Society’s 5K walk EBRaTION dinner shows offer a culinary adventure in the Dutch tradition, followed by songs and folk dances in traditional costumes.

May 8 – GOV. RICK SNyDER gives the keynote

May 8 - Great Gardens Party: Meijer Gardens’ annual fundraiser includes hors d’oeuvres, sit-down dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions. 6-9 p.m. $100 (emc carthy@meijergardens.org, 975-3168). meijer gardens.org.

May 9 - TEDX Grand Rapids: International speakers share their world-changing ideas.

This year’s theme: “Tag: You’re It.” Also includes Livestream for Education. See website to apply for invitation. 8 a.m. GR Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. tedxgrandrapids.org.

May 10 - Chick-Fil-a Leadercast: Leadership event speakers include Condeleezza Rice, Mike Krzyzewski, Jack Welch and Sanya Richards-Ross. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Calvin College. $95 includes lunch, refreshments and materials (526-8425 or calvin.edu/inn ovation/chick-fil-a).

May 10, 17, 31 - Relay for Life: 24-hour fundraisers for American Cancer Society research and programs. May 10, Wyoming/ Grandville, Grand Haven. May 17, EGR, Comstock Park, Rockford. May 31, Caledonia. re layforlife.org.

address at the Tulip Time Festival Luncheon at Hope College’s DeVos Fieldhouse.

May 9-10 – SECOND CITy, Chicago’s sketch comedy theater, at Knickerbocker Theatre.

May 10 – COUNTRy MUSIC LEGEND KENNy ROGERS performs at Central Wesleyan Auditorium, 446 W. 40th St.

Offering delicious pizzas and more... check out our menu online at

www.florentines.biz Dine in and enjoy our multiple big screen TVs or take-out available at 616.784.5555 Banquet area for 80-120 people.

Catering available

1259 Post Drive, Belmont (10 Min. N. of Grand Rapids) 616.785.1001 May 2013 / GrmaG.com 85

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

Giant kites and kite fliers

from all over the world will gather May 17-19 for the Great Lakes Kite Festival at Grand Haven State Park. Activities include kite ballets, an inflatable obstacle course and kiteboarding demonstrations.

Visit mackite.com.

May 16-17 - Fashion and Tea: Tour the Streets of Old Grand Rapids and learn about fashion, vintage clothing, customs and culture from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Sweet treats and tea. 1-2:30 p.m. GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $15, $13 members (front desk, 929-1700 or grmuseum.org).

May 17-18 - Tight Lines for Troops: Charity fishing tournament for Michigan veterans helps disabled vets. Lake Michigan, Manistee. For registration/information: tightlinesfor troops.com.

May 17-19 - Great Lakes Kite Festival: Giant kites and kite fliers from all over the world, plus demonstrations and seminars.

Starts 4 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.5 p.m. Sun. State Park, Grand Haven. Free (state park parking fee). mackite.com.

May 18 - Gluten-Free Food Fair: Anchor Baptist Church presents its seventh annual fair with opportunities to taste gluten-free products. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. DeltaPlex. Free. glut enfreegr.com/foodfair.

May 18 - HOM Walk and Remember: Hospice of Michigan 2-mile walk in EGR to remember loved ones and support HOM’s mission of ensuring quality end-of-life care.

8 a.m., EGR Middle School, 2425 Lake Drive SE. Info: banderso@hom.org or 356-5266.

May 18 - Stargaze: Performance gala ben-

efits live performance and theater at Mason Street Warehouse. 6:30-11 p.m. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. $150 includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and open bar (269-857-2399 or sc4a.org).

May 18 - Walk MS: Three-mile fundraising walk benefits National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter. 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. walk. Aquinas College Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward SE. nationalmssoci ety.org.

May 18-19 - Heritage Hill Home Tour: Tour eight private houses and several historic buildings in GR’s historic district. $15 (herit agehilltours.org), $20 (day of), kids 12 and under free.

May 22-27 - Fruitport Old-Fashioned Days: Festival includes midway, fireworks, 5K/10K runs, ice-cream social, entertainment, parade and Ox Roast. Pomona Park, Fruitport. fruitportlions.com.

May 24-25 - Memorial Day Rib Fest: Live music, entertainment and “battle of the bones.” Kick-off party 3 p.m. Fri. with live music 7-11 p.m., ribs 5-9 p.m. Sat.: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Rib Fest, live music 2-6 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. 20 N. First St., Grand Haven.

pets allowed. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Drive. $4. alleganantiques.com.

May 27 - Grand Rapids Memorial Day Parade: Parade in downtown GR and Veterans Memorial Park. Begins 10 a.m.

May 27 - Holland Memorial Day Parade: Parade travels from Eighth St. and River Ave. east to Columbia Ave., south to 16th St. and east to Pilgrim Home Cemetery for brief ceremony. 9:30 a.m.

May 27 - Rockford Memorial Day Parade: Parade thru downtown Rockford includes floats, music and more. Time TBD. May 27 - Spring Lake Memorial Day Parade: Parade begins at Buchanan and Exchange Streets going east, turns south on Lake Avenue, east on River Street, north on Fruitport Road, ending at Spring Lake Township Cemetery for a memorial tribute. 10:30 a.m.

Sports

May 24-June 8 - Spring Parade of Homes: Home and Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids presents its showcase of home construction, design and interiors. 1-9 p.m.

Memorial Day, Wed., Fri. and Sat. $12 adults, children 12 and younger free. hbaggr.com.

May - West Michigan Whitecaps: Professional minor league baseball team, member of the Midwest League and Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Home games: May 1-3 vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels. May 4-6 vs. Quad Cities River Bandits. May 17-20 vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods. May 28-30 vs. Great Lakes Loons. Game times vary. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $6-$14 (ticket office, 800-CAPS-WIN, whitecaps-baseball.com).

May 26 - Allegan Antiques Market: 400 exhibitors (200 inside, 200 outside) rain or shine, last Sunday of month thru Sept. No

May 4 - Tulip Time Run: 5K and 10K runs, and 1K Kids Fun Run. 8 a.m. Kollen Park (10th St. and VanRaalte Ave.), Holland. $25

Photography by johnny Quirin

May 11 - Arts in Ada: Ada Arts Council hosts its spring art festival with more than 50 booths of jewelry, watercolors, stained glass, wood and more, plus food, dance and music performances. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Bronson Street near covered bridge. Free. adaarts.org.

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in advance, $30 day-of. Kids run: $10 in advance, $15 day-of (tuliptime.com/run).

May 11 - Fifth Third River Bank Run: 36th annual run features 25K, 10K and 5K runs, 5K walk and junior events. 7 a.m., packet pickup 6 a.m. Downtown Grand Rapids. 53river bankrun.com.

May 18 - Kent County Girls on the Run 5K: Girls in grades 3-5 run 5K. 9:30 a.m. East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. kcgotr.org.

Banking in the right direction.

Northpointe Bank is a client-focused company that offers competitive mortgage rates, great rates on CDs and excellent personalized service.

May 25 - Color Me Rad 5K: Racers dodge color paint bombs. Benefits Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. 9 a.m. Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave. SW. $45. colormerad. com.

May 25 - Kick-Off to Summer Run: Tri-Cities Family YMCA holds 5K run/walk, 1-mile family fun run/walk, and Tot Trot obstacle course for ages 3-6. 8:30-10:30 a.m. 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. tcfymca.com.

888-672-5626 | northpointe.com

May 31-June 2 - Grand Haven Offshore Challenge: Fishing competition with $10,000 grand prize. May 31, Women and Kids Tournament. June 1-2, Pro/Am. Chinook Pier, Grand Haven. grandhavenoffshore challenge.com.

BUY

StAGe & FILM Thru May 5 - “The World according to aleichem”: Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids presents three short plays bound together by Mendele, the book seller. 8 p.m., 3 p.m. Sun. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $20 adults, $18 seniors, $5 students (theater box office or 234-3946). jtgr.org.

Thru May 8 - “Speak Up! The Bully Busting Project”: Calvin Theatre Company creates and leads workshops with school children to stop bullying. Multiple locations. calvin.edu/academic/cas/ctc.

PhotoGraPhy by johnny Quirin

Thru May 9 - “Grains of Hope: Refugee Experiences in West Michigan”: Calvin Theatre Company presents stories of people who live in GR refugee communities in this ethnography by Stephanie Sandberg. See website for details: calvin.edu/academic/cas/ctc.

Thru May 11 - “The Great Divorce”: Master Arts Theatre presents the story of people on a bus ride between heaven and hell. 7:30 p.m.

Thu.-Fri., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. $16 adults, $14 seniors and students (455-1001 or masterarts. org).

Thru May 11 - “Steel Magnolias”: Lowell’s Thebes Players present a dramedy about

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We are dedicated to keeping your life illuminated, enlightened, aglow.

women in a beauty shop in Chinquapin, La. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. play; 1 and 2 p.m.

May 5. Larkin’s Other Place, 301 W. Main St., Lowell. $12 play, $24 dinner and play (8978545 or lowellartsmi.org).

May 3-4 - “La Traviata”: Opera Grand Rapids presents the tragic Verdi opera about Parisian courtesan Violetta who falls for Alfredo and leaves the city for a quiet romance in the countryside. 7:30 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $21-$98 (Opera and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). operagr. com.

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May 4-11 - “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”: Tulip Time presents a musical featuring songs by Neil Sedaka. 7 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. Holland Civic Theatre, 50 W. 9th St., Holland. $22 (Tulip Time office, 74 W. 8th St., Holland; 800-822-2770; or tuliptime.com).

May 5-9 - Jewish Film Festival: 4:30 p.m.

May 5, “Special Interview.” 6 p.m. May 5, “Dinner at the Cinema.” 7:30 p.m. May 5, “A Bottle in the Gaza Sea.” 7:30 p.m. May 6, “The Last Survivor.” 7:30 p.m. May 7, “Kaddish for a Friend.” 6 p.m. May 8, Film Festival Dinner. 7:30 p.m. May 8, “Orchestra of Exiles.”

7:30 p.m. May 9, “Remembrance.” Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Drive NE. $6 at door or $36 for eight admissions in advance (942-5553). jewishgrandrapids.org.

May 7 - WMEAC Film Series: West Michigan Environmental Action Council screens environmental documentaries, followed by discussion. This month: “Power Surge.” 6:30 p.m. GR Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $5 suggested donation. wmeacfilmseries. org.

May 8 - Chris Linn: Tulip Time performance by comedian and magician. 7 p.m. Knickerbocker Theater, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. $18 adults, $11 students (Tulip Time office, 74 W. 8th St., Holland; 800-822-2770; or tuliptime. com).

May 9 - Real to Reel: Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents “Detropia,” a documentary on Detroit and its woes. 7 p.m. 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. $7, $5 members (269-857-2399 or sc4a.org).

May 9-10 - Second City: Tulip Time presents Chicago’s sketch comedy theater. 8 p.m.

Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. $23 (Tulip Time office, 74 W. 8th St., Holland; 800-822-2770; or tuliptime.com).

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May 9-25 - “The Wedding Singer”: Circle Theatre presents the story of a 1980’s rockstar wannabe. 7:30 p.m., 5 p.m. May 19. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Road SE. $27 (456-6656, circletheatre.org).

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May 20

1/ California post-rock duo El Ten Eleven will perform at The Pyramid Scheme.

The B.O.B.: The Big Old Building houses several entertainment options, including live music at Crush and Bobarino’s, and standup comedy at Dr. Grins. Nightclub Eve presents Eve Has Bass: Dubstep@The B.O.B., a Thursday night extravaganza produced by SuperDre and hosted by DJ K2Roc, begins at 10 p.m. 18 and over welcome, no cover before 11 p.m. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 3562000, thebob.com.

Diversions: Nightclub offers Wed.- Fri. drink specials, dancing, special events. 10 Fountain St. NW, 451-3800, diversionsnight club.com.

Dog Story Theatre: Hosts improv, comedy, theater, concerts. Pop Scholars improv and sketch comedy group performs monthly. 7 Jefferson Ave. SE, 894-1252, dogstory theater.com.

Founders Brewing Company: Large taproom features live music and open mic events. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, 776-2182, founderbrewing.com.

J. Gardellas: Dance Club every Friday and Saturday night on the third floor featuring DJ Kermit. 11 Ionia Ave. SW, 459-8824, jgardellas tavern.com.

Grand Woods Lounge: Restaurant/bar with dance floor, regular DJs Thu.- Sat. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300, grandwoods lounge.com.

Comedy & nightclub venues PhotoGraPhy courtESy mark oWEn PhotoGraPhy (toP); brian blinn (bottom)

COMPILED BY EMMA HIGGINS

1/ PyRaMID SCHEME: 8 p.m. May 20: California indie duo El Ten Eleven showcases its new instrumental album “Transitions.” Guitarist Kristian Dunn says, “We threw ourselves into the new record and it called for more than just short pop structures.” $10 in advance, $12 night of, available at FusionShows.com, Vertigo Music and Pyramid Scheme front bar. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, 272-3758, pyramidscheme bar.com.

2/ BILLy’S LOUNGE: 8 p.m. May 24: Five-piece classic rock band In the Red performs, putting its own twist on popular hits from the ’80s to today. 21 and over, $5 cover. Eastown bar hosts live music of all genres but with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com.

3/ DR. GRINS COMEDy CLUB: May 2-4, comedian Josh Sneed, who finished second in Comedy Central’s “Top Comedians of 2008,” performs.

The 30-minute special, “Comedy Central Presents: Josh Sneed,” is currently re-airing. Nationally acclaimed stand-up comedians perform 9 p.m.

Thu., 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 356-2000, thebob.com.

The Intersection: Downtown nightclub hosts local and national bands. Tickets at Purple East, Shakedown, Vertigo Music and box office. 133 Grandville Ave. SW, 451-8232, sectionlive.com.

Mulligan’s Pub: Bar and music venue in Eastown. All shows are 21 and over, no cover charge. 1518 Wealthy St. SE, 451-0775, mulliganspub.com.

Monte’s Lounge: Drinks specials and dancing every Friday and Saturday. 438 Bridge St. NW, 774-5969, monteslounge. com.

The Orbit Room: Regional and national music acts perform with occasional standup comedy and other events. Multiple bars.

Open floor and seated balcony. 2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 942-1328, orbitroom. com.

River City Improv: Comedy team weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions. 1st and 3rd Saturdays. Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE. Pre-order tickets at rivercityimprov.com or Calvin College box office, 526-6282.

Rocky’s Bar & Grill: Dance floor opens up every Friday featuring DJs and live acts. 633 Ottawa Ave. NW, 356-2346, rockysbarngrill. com.

3/ Josh Sneed will be performing at The B.O.B., May 2-4.

Stella’s Whisky Lounge: Every Saturday, Retro Dance Party with DJ Todd Ernst. 53 Commerce Ave. SW, 742-4444, stellasgr. com.

Sunday Night Funnies: Variety of Midwest comics perform 8:30 p.m. Sun. at Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge, 270 Ann St. NW, and 8 p.m. Wed. at Howard Johnson’s bar & grill, 255 28th St. SW. brianbcomedy.com.

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May 10-19 - “Romeo & Juliet”: Grand Rapids Ballet presents Mario Radacovsky’s contemporary look at Shakespeare’s tragic love story. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth SW. $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 children (ballet box office or Ticketmaster). grballet.com.

May 14-19 - “Anything Goes”: Broadway Grand Rapids presents a musical aboard the S.S. American. 7:30 p.m. Tue.-Thu., 8 p.m.

Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $32-$74.50 (DeVos Place, Van Andel and BGR box offices or Ticketmaster). broadwaygrandrapids.com.

The 36th annual Fifth Third River Bank Run is expected to attract more than 21,000 participants for racing events, including the largest 25K road race in the country, a 10K run, 5K run and walk and junior events.

Race weekend opens with the Sports & Fitness Expo Friday, May 10, at DeVos Place, held in conjunction with event late registration/packet pick-up, pre-race pasta dinner, Gazelle Sports Fashion Show and panel discussion. Post-Race on Saturday, May 11, celebrate your finish at the Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party Village on Calder Plaza.

Get more info at 53riverbankrun.com.

Two Grand Rapids Magazine staffers have been training since February and are eagerly anticipating the race: Dana Blinder: “I’m ready for this thing — right? I’ve put in the mileage, missed some happy hours and wrapped enough blisters to make it to the tail end of my training plan.

My legs are ready, but my head was not. Coincidentally, I had a 13-mile-long run scheduled the same day as a Chicago lakefront half-marathon. I toyed with the idea of registering, and then finally did. The post-race sense of accomplishment — complete with hundreds of fellow 13.1 mile celebrating survivors — is special in a way that trotting solo along Breton Road isn’t. It wasn’t any longer (OK, it was .1 mile longer) than I would have run on my own that day, but mentally, it made all the difference.”

Emily Bernath: “The race is but a few days away and the nerves are quickly escalating. Will my laces remain tied? Will I get too hot? Too cold? Will I improve my time? One thing I know for sure, on May 12 I can get back to enjoying running. These past three months have been driven by a schedule.

Instead of wanting to run, I had to. There would be mornings when three miles were scheduled, which I could do in my sleep, but because I ‘had’ to, I revolted. My usual stress relief has been instigating stress.

I am looking forward to reviving my passion.”

May 23 - “An Evening with Garrison Keillor”: Storyteller, author and host of “A Prairie Home Companion.” 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $35-$125 (box office or 800-585-3737).

May 23-June 1 - “Looking for Normal”: Actors’ Theatre presents a funny play about an individual’s journey to personal truth and the effect on those around him. 8 p.m. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. $24-$26 adults, $20-$22 seniors and students (box office or 234-3946). actorstheatregrandrapids.org.

May 24-25 - Contents Under Pressure: Comedy improv team. 7 p.m. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St. SW. $7 adults, $5 seniors and students (455-1001 or masterarts.org).

May 31-June 16 - “Legally Blonde”: GR Civic Theatre presents Elle Woods’ journey from the mall to Harvard. 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun. 30 N. Division Ave. $18-$34 (222-6650 or grct.org).

MUSIC May - Music at Mid-Day: Free lunchtime concerts 12:15-12:45 p.m. May 7, Kim Hall, piano. May 14, Jim Metzler, organ. First Park Congregational Church, 10 East Park Place NE. parkchurchgr.org.

May 3 - Cool Jazz: Pianist Aaron Diehl. 7:30 p.m. Van Singel FAC, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center. $16.50 adults, $11.50 students (616-878-6800 or vsfac.com).

May 3, 10 - Vocal Music Workshop: “Disney Songs” features VMW In-School Choirs singing songs from Disney TV, movies and stages. 7 p.m. Creston High School, 1720

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

Runners, take your mark!

May 15-18 - Grand Rapids Film Festival: Kick-off party, 50 hours of screening at UICA and GVSU (downtown campus), classes and workshops at Kendall College and Compass College of Cinematic Arts, Producer’s Brunch, free outdoor screening of “Bicycle Dreams” at Rosa Parks Circle. See grfilmfes tival.com for details.

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Plainfield Ave. NE. Free. vocalmusicwork shop.org.

May 4 - GR Choir of Men and Boys: Spring Festival of Hymns. 7 p.m. St. Andrews Cathedral, 265 Sheldon Ave. grcmb.com. Free.

May 4 - White Lake Blues Fest: Headliner Zora Young and opening act Brian Curran. 7 p.m. Howmet Playhouse, 304 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall. $15; beer and food available for purchase. howmetplayhouse.org.

May 5 - Calvin College Gospel Choir: Concert directed by Dr. Charsie Sawyer. 4 p.m.

Central Reformed Church, 10 College Ave. NE. Freewill offering.

May 5 - FHACB Spring Concert: Forest Hills Adult Community Band. 2:30 p.m. Forest Hills Eastern High School, 2200 Pettis Ave. NE, Ada. fhacb.org.

May 5 - GR Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra: With special performance by Skip Gates Concerto Competition winners. 3 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $6 adults, $4 seniors and students (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster). grys.org.

May 5, 10, 18 - St. Cecilia Spring Concerts: 3 p.m. May 5, Grand Band and Grand String Orchestra (free). 5 p.m. May 18, Concert Orchestra and Concert Band ($10 adults, children 10 and under free). 8 p.m. May 18, Sinfonia and Philharmonic ($10 adults, children 10 and under free). St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, scmc-online. org.

Photography by michael buck (top); johnny quirin (bottom)

May 6 - Gordon Lightfoot: Singer/songwriter presents “50 Years on the Carefree Highway” tour. 7 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $32.50-$67.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

May 6 - MGMT: Calvin College presents pop/dance music concert. 8 p.m. Hoogenboom Center, Calvin College. $35 (Calvin box office, 526-6282). calvin.edu/sao/calendar.

May 7 - “FiddleFire”: Tulip Time brings this family group performing bluegrass, Irish, classical and French Canadian music. 7 p.m.

Knickerbocker Theater, 86 E. 8th St., Holland. $18 adults, $11 students (Tulip Time office, 74 W. 8th St., Holland; 800-822-2770; or tuliptime.com).

May 9, 23 - GRandJazzFest Auditions: High school and college students can join TrioJazz and local jazz artist Steve Hilger on second and fourth Thu. for informal jam sessions and auditions to play in festival Aug. 17-18 in downtown GR. No registration; free. 7 p.m. Noto’s, 6600 28th St. SE. grandjazzfest. org.

May 10 - Kenny Rogers: Tulip Time performance by country music star. 8 p.m. Central Weslyan Auditorium, 446 W. 40th St., Holland. $55 (Tulip Time office, 74 W. 8th St., Holland; 800-822-2770; or tuliptime.com).

May 10-11 - “The 3 Broadway Divas”: West Michigan Symphony presents Jan Horvath, Debbie Gravitte and Christiane Noll performing Broadway tunes. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $18-$48 adults, $10 students (231-726-3231 or westmichigan symphony.com).

May 10-11 - “Beethoven’s Solemn Mass”: GR Symphony celebrates the 50th season of the Symphony Chorus with a tribute to Beethoven. 8 p.m. DeVos Performance Hall. $18-$90 (Symphony and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.

May 11 - Spring Concert: Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus presents “A Song to Keep.”

8 p.m. EGR PAC, 2211 Lake Drive SE. grwc. org/events.

May 11 - Handbell Spring Concert: Embellish handbell ensemble presents its spring concert. 7 p.m. Aquinas College, Kretschmer Recital Hall, 1607 Robinson Road SE. $10 adults, students free with adult paid ticket (915-0134 or tickets@embellishhandbells. com); $12/free (at door). embellishhandbells. com.

May 14 - Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express Tour: Featuring REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent. 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena. $15$99.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

May 16-17 - “Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6”: GR Symphony’s Rising Stars concert. 7 p.m. Thu., 8 p.m. Fri. Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $18-$34 (box office; 454-9451, ext. 4; or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.

May 17 - “New Horizons”: Grand Rapids Symphony’s Coffee Classics include music

by Beethoven and Missy Mazzoli. 10 a.m. St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE. $12 (box office; 454-9451, ext. 4; or Ticketmaster). grsymphony.org.

May 17-18 - Mighty Wurlitzer Concerts: GR Public Museum’s theater organ concerts feature Joel Gary. 7-9 p.m. Fri., 2-4 p.m. Sat. Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. $10 adults, $5 children 3-17, $8/$4 members (ticket counter or 456-3977).

May 18 - Paris Blue: Hard rock and blues covers of songs by Journey, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, REO Speedwagon, Def Leppard, Van Halen and Kid Rock. Time TBD. Park TheMay 2013 / Grmag.com 91

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atre, 248 S. River Ave., Holland. Tickets TBD (hollandparktheater.com).

May 18 - SMC Spring Concert: Schubert Male Chorus spring concert “Futures: Men with Direction.” 7:30 p.m. E. Grand Rapids PAC, 2211 Lake Drive SE. $18 (616-752-7470 or schubertmalechorus.org.)

May 19 - Spring Concert: Girls Choral Academy’s spring concert. 3 and 5 p.m. Orchard Hill Church, 1465 Three Mile Road. Free. girlschoralacademy.org.

May 19 - Sacred Sounds of St. Mark’s: Evensong for the Holy Spirit: St. Mark’s Choir.

5 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N. Division Ave. stmarksgr.org. Free.

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May 21 - Embellish Auditions: Handbell ensemble auditions. Aquinas College Art and Music Center. More info: 915-0134, embellish@embellishhandbells.com or embel lishhandbells.com.

May 24-25 - Rock the Coast: Two-day Christian music festival includes Nate Fuerstein, George Moss, Jason Dunn, Disciple, Audio Adrenaline, Carielle, Finding Favour, Holly Starr, Mikeschair and Tenth Avenue North. Michigan’s Adventure, 4750 Whitehall Road, Muskegon. $54.99. rockthecoast. net.

May 31-June 1 - “Season Finale”: West Michigan Symphony presents pianist Alessio Bax performing Brahms’ Concerto No. 2. 7:30 p.m. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $15-$45 adults, $5 students (231-726-3231 or westmichigansymphony.com).

Lectures & Workshops May - GR Public Libraries: Programs include: Reading the Great Lakes, Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him, Cinco de Mayo, Ask-the-Lawyer Series, Community Resource and Senior Volunteer Fair, Early Childhood Essentials, small business classes, author visits, adult computer classes, reading clubs, kids activities. Complete schedule at Main Library, 111 Library St. NE, or grpl.org. Free.

May - Moveir Dance Studio: Dance lessons in various styles (line dancing, lindy hop, Latin, etc.) 7-8 p.m. every Sat. followed by open dance 8-11 p.m. $10 lesson, $10 open dance, $15 both. 2483 Burlingame SW, Wyoming. moveirdancestudio.com.

May - Social Dance Studio: Dance lessons in various ballroom styles 7-8 p.m. every Fri. followed by open dance 8-11 p.m. $10 lesson, $10 open dance, $15 both. 4335 Lake Michigan Drive. socialdancestudiogr.com.

May - UICA Classes: 7-9 p.m. May 9, Quirkshop: Tiny Terrariums ($25, $20 members).

May 14-June 4, Intro Class: The Potters Wheel ($95, $85 members). 2 W. Fulton, 454-7000, ext. 17, uica.org.

May 2-4 - MMA Call for Entries: Muskegon Museum of Art invites artists 18 and older to deliver up to two artworks for juror selection in 85th Regional Exhibition May 23-Aug. 21.

See website for guidelines: muskegonartmus eum.org.

May 3, 4, 10, - Grand River Folk Arts Society: Dance instruction. 7 p.m. May 3, First Friday Contra Dance, 5th Street Hall, 701 5th St. NW ($9 adults, $7 members, $5 students/ seniors). 7 p.m. May 10, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE ($5). Also, 5-10 p.m. May 4, May Picnic Dance, 1195 84th St., Byron Center (donation at door). grfolkarts.org.

May 4 - Men’s Mental Fitness Morning: Rockford HOPE presents suicide prevention education and mental health advocacy, featuring Eric Hipple, former Detroit Lion and outreach coordinator at U-M Depression Center. 9 a.m.-noon. North Rockford Middle School Auditorium, 397 E. Division, Rockford. $10 donation. rockfordhopegroup.org.

May 4, 11 - “Secrets for Successful Marriage”: Workshop topics include financial management, family background influences, marriage expectations. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th St. SE. $110/couple. Registration: 222-4566 or pinerest.org/ssm-registration.

May - Indoor Walking Program: Catherine’s Health Center walking program and free health screenings. 5:30-7 p.m. Mon. and Thu. Kent Hills Elementary School, 1445 Emerald NE.

May 6, 16 - GGR Chapter Mothers and More: May 6, Gardening and Food Preservation. May 16, CPR. 7-9 p.m. St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1448 Grace Drive. grmothers andmore.org. Free.

May - Kent District Libraries: Programs include book discussions, Early Childhood Essentials, career transition workshops, Minecrafting, kids programs. Complete schedule at kdl.org.

May 8 - Native Plant Workshop: Kent Conservation District workshop on how to use Michigan plants in your garden. 6:30-8 p.m.

3260 Eagle Park Drive NE. $5 (942-4111, ext.

100). kentconservation.org.

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Outdoor Living room Custom Fireplaces Natural Stone Outdoor Kitchens May 9 - Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County: Fatherhood Event. 5:45-8 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. Free dinner and child care. RSVP: 632-1007. greatstartkent.org.

May 16 - Divorce Seminar for Women: Monthly seminar provides legal, psychological and financial info. 6 p.m. Women’s Health Pavilion, 555 MidTowne St. NE. $45 (divorceseminar.org).

May 18 - DANCEgr: Ballroom dance instruction for beginners (7-7:45 p.m.), intermediate/advanced workshop (7:45-8:30 p.m.), social dance (8:30-11 p.m.). Women’s City Club, 254 E. Fulton St., dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both.

May 21 - Nourishing Ways of West Michigan: “Got Goat Milk?” by Mary Windemuller, Country Winds Farm. 7-8:30 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N. Division Ave., nour ishingways.org. Free.

May 22 - Healthy Living: Saint Mary’s Health Care offers health screenings, info booths, healthy snacks and door prizes.

12:30-4:30 p.m. Forest Hills FAC, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE. Free. enjoylearning.com.

May 23 - Dyslexia Seminar: Info from New Chapter Learning. 6:30 p.m. Grandville Middle School, Room 200, 3535 Wilson Ave. Registration: 534-1385. newchapterlearning. net. Free.

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May 23-24 - Institute for Healing Racism: Two-day workshop connects people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds to discuss thought-provoking topics. GRCC Diversity Learning Center. $200-$300 (2343390, grcc.edu/ihr).

May 30 - Stephanie Schlatter Art Class: Open Theme. 6-8 p.m. 2100 Timberpoint, Ada. $50 (includes supplies, snacks, beverages). Pre-registration encouraged. stephan ieschlatterart.com.

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out & about WhErE to Go / What to Do

1/ The most completely restored of Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes, Meyer May house provides visitors a chance to experience a prairie house as he intended.

Air Zoo: Aircraft, exhibits, activities, flight simulators, Michigan Space Science Center and amusement park-style rides. Open daily. $10 admission; see website for other costs. 6151 Portage Road, Portage, (269) 382-6555, airzoo.org.

Blandford Nature Center: Trails, nature exhibits, heritage buildings on 143 acres. Monthly workshops and activities. Interpretive Center open weekdays; trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, 735-6240, blandfordnaturecenter.org. Free.

Coopersville & Marne Railway: Restored 1920s-era railway. Excursion rides 11 a.m. Wed. and Sat. beg. May 15 (see website for prices). Special events: Murder Mystery Train, 7-9 p.m. May 4 and 11 ($30). Veterans Free Troop Train, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. May 27 ($9.50, vets and kids under 2 free). 311 Danforth St., Coopersville. 997-7000 for advance tickets. coopersvilleandmarne.org.

Coopersville Farm Museum: Acoustic Jam Nights 6-9 p.m. first and third Tue. Permanent exhibitions: Tractors, quilts, eclipse windmill, kids area. Open Tue., Thu., Sat. $4, $2 ages 4-18, free 3 and under. 375 Main St., Coopersville, 997-8555, coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

COMPILED BY DONNA FERRARO AND TRICIA VAN ZELST

1/ MEyER May HOUSE: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house restored by Steelcase includes original furnishings. Guided tours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue. and Thu., 1-5 p.m.

Sun. (last tour one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave. SE, 246-4821, meyermay house.steelcase.com. Free.

2/ FREDERIK MEIJER GaRDENS & SCULPTURE PaRK: Special events: See Great Gardens Party in Special Events. May 11-12, Michigan All-State Bonsai Show. May 25-26, Iris Show. Special exhibitions: May 24-Aug. 25, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan, . Thru Oct. 31, Bernar Venet, five large-scale steel sculptures.

Permanent attractions: World-class sculptures indoors and in 30-acre park, tropical conservatory, Victorian garden, café, gift shop. Open daily. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students with ID, $6 ages 5-13, $4 ages 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 9571580, meijergardens.org.

3/ GRaND RaPIDS aRT MUSEUM: Special exhibitions: Thru May 12, Stephen Frykholm: Herman Miller Picnic Posters. Thru July 14, Oblique Angle

by Heather McGill. Thru Sept. 1, Jansma Print Collection: Five Centuries of Masterpieces. May 10-Aug. 25, Improvisational Quilts of Susana Allen Hunter. Permanent exhibitions: 19th and 20th century art; design and modern craft; prints, drawings, photographs. Friday Nights at GRAM: Music, gallery talks, cash bar, dinner options 5-9 p.m., $5, members free. All Day With the Arts: Drop-in activities for kids 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Closed Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, art museumgr.org.

Felt Mansion & Gardens: Summer home of millionaire inventor Dorr E. Felt features architectural beauty of the 1920s. Self-guided tours 1-5 p.m.

Sun.-Tue. $10, $8 age 65 and older (seniors free on Mon.), 12 and under free. 6597 138th St., Holland, (616) 335-3050, feltmansion.org.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Special exhibition: May 7-Jan. 2014, Growing Up Grand, an in-depth look at the making of the 38th president.

Permanent exhibitions: The 1970s, Watergate, Oval Office, New Mood at the White House. Open daily. $7, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 age 6-18, free 5 and under. 303 Pearl St. NW, 254-0400, fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

Gilmore Car Museum: May 11, Dust-Off Car Show. Automotive Heritage Center and six other buildings house exhibits and about 150 vehicles (open all year). Another 150 vehicles in restored barns on 90-acre campus open April 1-Nov. 30. $12, $11 seniors, $9 age 7-15, 6 and under free. 6865 Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, (269) 671-5089, gilmorecarmuseum.org.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Special events: May 3, Doc’s Day. May 18, Red Grammer Day. Thru June 16, Adventures in Balance. Opening May 21, Kidstruction Zone. Permanent activities: Aunt Daisy’s Farm; Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles; Mom and Pop Store; Giant Lite Brite, etc. Toddler Tuesdays, 3 and under (10 a.m.-noon). Family Nights 5-8 p.m. Thu., $1.50. Closed Mon. $7.50, $6.50 seniors, kids under 1 free. 22 Sheldon Ave. NE, 235-4726, grcm.org.

2/ Looking East, Facing West features 27

pieces in various media by artist Zhang Huan, including “Long Island Buddha,” which will become part of the Japanese Gardens now under construction.

Grand Rapids Public Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru July 7, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, 150 artifacts and room re-creations ($17, $16 seniors, $12 age 3-18; members: $12/$11/$10). Thru Nov., Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Storms and Stories.

Permanent exhibitions: Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Anishinabek and Newcomers: People of This Place, Collecting A-Z, Furniture City, 1928 carousel

PhotoGraPhy by michaEl buck (toP); courtESy frEDErik mEijEr GarDEnS & SculPturE Park (bottom)

Museums & Attractions

DeGraaf Nature Center: May 18-25, Native Wildflower and Plant Sale. 18-acre preserve with Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch. Monthly workshops and classes. Closed Sun., Mon., holidays. Trails open daily dawn to dusk.

600 Graafschap Road, Holland, (616) 355-1057, degraaf.org. Free.

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3/ GRAM exhibits its complete set of 20 Herman Miller Picnic Posters; several are in MOMA’s permanent collection.

($1). Open until 9 p.m. May 27-31. $8, $7 seniors, $3 age 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, grmuseum.org.

Holland Museum: Special exhibitions: Thru May 12, 75th Anniversary Exhibition, Celebrating the Journey: Settlement to City. Permanent exhibitions: Dutch Galleries of 17th- to 20th-century paintings; cultural attractions from the “old country”; local history. Extended hours for Tulip Time May 4-11. Closed Tue. $7, $6 seniors, $4 students, free 5 and under. Cappon House: 228 W. 9th St.; Settlers House: 190 W. 9th St.; Main building: 31 W. 10th St., (616) 796-3329, hollandmuseum.org.

John Ball Zoo: Special events: May 3, Zoofari Kids Night Out (see website). Summer experiences (zipline, ropes course, stingrays etc.) open May 11.

Attractions: New this year: Meijer Bear Exhibit, Jandernoa Children’s Outpost. Also, Lions of Lake Manyara, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island, Living Shores Aquarium. Open daily.

Thru May 10, $5, $4 age 3-13, free 2 and under. May 11-Sep. 16: $8.50/$7.50/$6.50. 1300 W. Fulton St., 336-4300, johnballzoosociety.org.

PhotoGraPhy courtESy GranD raPiDS art muSEum

PhotoGraPhy by michaEl buck (toP); courtESy frEDErik mEijEr GarDEnS & SculPturE Park (bottom)

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibitions: Thru May 19, Sight and Feeling: Photographs

by Ansel Adams. Thru May 26, Reflections: AfricanAmerican Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection.

May 18-June 9, High School Area Show. Closed Mon. $5, $2 students with ID, 12 and under free. 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Special exhibitions: Thru May 19, Hughie Lee-Smith: Meditations.

Thru May 26, Laurie Keller: Storyteller, Illustrations for Snory Fellers. May 23-Aug. 21, 85th Regional Exhibition (see call for entries, Special Events). May 30-Aug. 11, Black/White: Works from the Permanent Collection. Permanent exhibitions: Paintings, prints, sculpture and glass. Closed Mon. and Tue. $7 (Thu. free); $5 students; under 17 free. 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegon artmuseum.org.

Forecast?

Rain and shine.

Because life is unpredictable.

Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Digistar and laser projectors produce special effects. Themed shows educate about the stars. Public Museum. $3 plus museum admission, laser light shows $7. grmuseum.org/planetarium.

Tri-Cities Historical Museum: Permanent exhibitions: Two buildings house history exhibits of Northwest Ottawa County. Closed Mon. 200 Washington Ave. and 1 N. Harbor, Grand Haven, (616) 842-0700, tri-citiesmuseum.org. Free.

Veen Observatory: Astronomical observatory owned and operated by GR Amateur Astronomical Association. Public viewing dates and times: graaa. org. 3308 Kissing Rock Ave. SE, Lowell.

616.459.1171 | www.lawweathers.com

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out & about Society / faces / places

Iracema Garcia and Maria Mier

Jelani and Chante Zarif

Lindsey Lehman and Rob Phillips

Eliane Schott and Charlotte Mason

Patti Griswold and Kevin Haviland Whitney and Travis Washington

Capturing the action around town:

snap shots

The Feb. 23 Legacy Ball honored those who work to promote diversity in Grand Rapids. Proceeds from the gala will help fund local nonprofits and scholarships.

CRUSH Grand Rapids Wine and Food Classic March 9 at Reserve featured nine culinary masters and winemakers from Celini Family Vineyards, all benefitting The Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.

LaughFest 2013 featured more than 200 free and ticketed shows during the 10-day community wide festival in March. Proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.

Lisa and Mark Saur and Betsy and Melissa DeVos

Photography by johnny quirin

Sarah Schaefer, Annie Brouwer and Molly Iwen

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LeAnn Arkema and David Sebastian

Kailey and Chuck Gallagher

Kevin Bassett, Briggs and Jessica O’Rourke

Jan Viglione and Dan Matthews

Elizabeth Leider, Kris Larson, David and Wendy Falb and Greg and Audrey Sundstrom

Chef John Korycki

Photography by michael buck (top); johnny quirin (bottom)

Photography by johnny quirin

Brandon Joldersma and Joel Wabeke

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SHoWcaSe todd WenZel

 tH Street Se, grand rapidS -  HigHland Blvd, HUdSonville -

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Find out why you “Get More…

Only at Todd Wenzel”

BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

O

ONE STEP INSIDE a Todd Wenzel Automotive dealership and you understand why readers of Grand Rapids Magazine ranked them among their favorites in the “Best of GR” annual readers’ poll.

It feels more like you’ve stepped into the lobby of a chic boutique hotel rather than a car dealership.

Their service waiting areas boast stylish design that

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includes comfortable seating, inviting snack areas that are well stocked with refreshments, large flat-panel televisions, Wi-Fi, and a kids’ playroom with DVD players and interactive computer games such as Wii. There is also a concierge on hand to ensure customers are comfortable and well taken care of. “We want to take every opportunity to let

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our customers know that they are appreciated,” said owner Todd Wenzel, who is always looking for ways to pamper his clients in a pressure-free, beautiful environment.

Serving West Michigan since 2001, Todd Wenzel Automotive (toddwenzel.com) is a General Motors dealer representing Chevrolet, Buick and GMC. In fact, General Motors has bestowed numerous awards upon the dealership, which employs around 165 people.

They offer a large selection of both new, GMcertified and used vehicles from two local locations: Todd Wenzel Buick GMC in Grand Rapids and Todd Wenzel Chevrolet in Hudsonville. Wenzel has earned the distinction of being the third largest volume Chevrolet dealer in West Michigan and the largest Buick GMC volume dealer outside of the Detroit market.

What really sets Todd Wenzel apart is their ongoing attention after the sale. Their comprehensive service offerings range from vehicle service and body shop service to vehicle customization, replacement parts, vehicle detailing – and beyond. Their renowned Todd Wenzel Platinum Program is an exclusive program for new and certified-used vehicle owners that provides several benefits, includ-

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ing free vehicle details, service pickup and delivery.

“We’re fortunate that the majority of our customers return time and again to purchase their cars from us,” Wenzel noted. “I know it’s not only because of our great product, but because of our staff – they’re friendly, knowledgeable and are absolutely committed to our customer’s complete satisfaction.”

In addition, Todd Wenzel believes in supporting the local communities in which he is involved and enjoys hosting special events throughout the year.

Their “Classics & Camaros” event has become legendary. Held every July at their Hudsonville location, it draws car enthusiasts from around Michigan as well as neighboring states. Beautifully restored classic vehicles and current high performance Camaro’s are on display throughout the event, and they provide lunch from a local eatery, with refreshments and a variety of items raffled throughout the day. Their GMC store is home to the “Dominator 2” tornado-chasing vehicle used by Reed Timmer and his team in the popular Discovery Channel series “Storm Chasers” (you can follow them at www.

Toddwenzel.com/web/storm_chasers/).

If you are in the market for a new or used car, turn to Todd Wenzel, where their friendly professionals pledge to give you more.

Facing page: Todd Wenzel Chevrolet in Hudsonville invites you to stop by and check out the latest models.

Photo by: Mitch Ranger Above left: In Grand Rapids, Todd Wenzel Buick GMC Salesman, Alex Pierre, explains the finer points of the 2013 Buick Encore. Alex is only one of the many friendly and knowledgeable staff you’ll find at the Todd Wenzel Automotive locations in both Grand Rapids and Hudsonville.

Above right: Todd Wenzel, owner Photo by: Michael Buck

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SHoWcaSe aUdio video interiorS avi groUp pHil littell/oWner  Breton avenUe, Se SUite  ..

avigroUp.BiZ

Find expert advice, latest technology at AVI Group

BY J. STAPLETON-BURCH

T

THERE ARE SO MANY EXCITING possibilities in the world of integrated technologies available today that the wise consumer knows it takes an expert to guide you through the process. You can rely on the skilled specialists at Audio Video Interiors (AVI Group) to show you the way when purchasing electronic equipment, from audio video systems, networkable devices and digitally controlled home automation systems, to distributed audio and video surveillance systems, intuitive universal remote controls, creative disguises for flat-panel TVs – and so much more. There’s a reason they were voted “Best Home Audio/Video Store” in the Grand Rapids Magazine annual readers poll.

Based in West Michigan, AVI Group is the area’s premier audio and video retailer and residen-

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tial and commercial technology integrator. They specialize in audio, video and automation systems design, sales and installation, and offer the only reference lifestyle showroom in West Michigan.

In addition, they are the only certified dealer for B&W, Classe and Rotel products in the region.

Recognized within the industry for their exceptional lifestyle technology showroom on the Mezzanine Level of Breton Village Mall, owner Phil Littell and his staff of professional technologists stand ready to assist you in making the perfect selection to fit your needs. They can even help take your systems to the next level. Their comfortable, home-like lifestyle showroom serves as proof that a home can have an abundance of technology without it overwhelming architectural details or compromising interior de-

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sign. The dynamic space features a “listening room” and a reference/home theater/media room to help customers visualize how a state-of-the-art system can be integrated into their own homes. “Many consumers have never experienced a true reference audio system or a custom-designed, custombuilt media room,” Littell explained. “This is a great place to get answers to your questions and find a solution that’s appropriate for your needs.”

Another popular technology on display in AVI’s showroom is their home automation system, which allows you to control your home from anywhere in the world. According to Littell, as energy costs continue to climb, smart-home automation is quickly

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becoming the norm in remodeling projects and new home construction. AVI’s automation systems can be tailored to specific needs and are designed on a platform that allows system expansion as those needs grow over time. “We can show you how to create a ‘green’ home that will save energy and resources by controlling your lighting, HVAC, irrigation, pool, spa, and other home systems. We can also incorporate a security interface so that you can keep an eye on your home while traveling or on vacation.” It’s a well-considered investment that pays off in the long run for those with larger homes or vacation property. “Purchasing quality electronics can really make all the difference,” Littell concluded. “No-name manufacturers might offer a product at a bargain-basement price, but name-brand manufacturers will offer products built with better components that will last longer and be more reliable over time.”

With so many technological options available today, the best place to start is with the friendly and knowledgeable professionals at AVI Group.

Above: Chris Jones, Operations Manager, Phil Littell, Owner, Nate Grooms, Systems Designer Photo by: Michael Buck Left: AVI’s tastefully appointed Living Room incorporates a 70” 1080p Pioneer Elite HDTV with B&W 805d speakers, JL Audio Subwoofer and Classe Electronics.

Photo by: Michael Buck Facing page: The Showroom’s Reference 7.1 Theater is comprised of B&W 800 Diamond Series Speakers, JL Audio’s “Gotham” subwoofer with Classe, Rotel and Marantz electronics.

The Theaters video display is a Runco Q Series LED projector and a motorized 110” Stewart Filmscreen.

Photo by: Michael Buck

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SHoWcaSe old World olive preSS

SHaSta FaSe and corY delong, oWnerS  Monroe center -  e. Bridge Street, rocKFord - coMing Soon: doWntoWn UrBan MarKet

oldWorldolivepreSS.coM

Deliciously healthy

W

WHEN CORY DELONG and Shasta Fase decided to leave the confines of the corporate world in order to start their own enterprise, they weren’t sure just what that would be. However, the couple knew they wanted to do something big – something that they would love.

That undefined “something” turned out to be the creation of Old World Olive Press, which offers the best and freshest selections of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, along with associated serving accessories, sea salts, spices, EVOO-based soaps and lotions, a wide range of customized gift

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BY J. STAPLETON BURCH

packs, and now a handful of select wines. It was a leap of faith that culminated from their combined interests in food, health, nutrition and a year of globe trotting, where they soaked in the culinary cultures of countries around the world. Now with four Michigan locations, they are poised to launch their fifth store July 1 in Grand Rapids’ new Downtown Urban Market. Already on the downtown scene is their charming, wildly popular shop with its authentic old-world feel in the historic Flat Iron building at 108 Monroe Center, which they opened over a year ago. It joined sister stores in Rockford, Plymouth and Birmingham – all of which have their own character and definitive charm.

A visit to Old World Olive Press is a welcoming, interactive one. Customers are encouraged to taste, sample and explore the wide range of products to discover their own personal preferences. A well-trained staff helps shoppers sort through the different varieties of oils and vinegars to determine what speaks to each palate. “We can dial it into how you cook, how you live, and any special diet program that you may be following,” Shasta explained.

“For us, the customer is the most important aspect of this whole experience. It is so satisfying to watch them try different pairings. You can see the light bulb come on… and they say ‘Oh wow!’... It’s such a great feeling.”

“Each customer is different,” Cory added.

“They’re really the flavor of the company.”

With generous hearts and teaching spirits, both

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Cory and Shasta love to cook. They also love sharing recipes, guiding customers through the tasting experience, and spreading the gospel of EVOO. Packed with vitamins, nutrients and disease-fighting antioxidants, the single-press, variously flavored

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oils offer multiple health benefits and add a gourmet flourish to any dish. Their small-batch products are worlds away from those mass-produced, longshelved oils typically found in grocery stores. The couple import from both hemispheres to ensure the freshest olive crops as they come into season. “We are pressing for the best quality, not for quantity,” Shasta noted.

Giving back to the communities that have embraced them so warmly is also important to the couple. They sponsor the Plymouth-Canton High School Culinary Program and recently launched a school fundraising partnership that will offer olive oil selections rather than those passé candy bars, cookie dough and subs. They are also supporters of the American Heart Association and The Pink Fund. Private tasting parties can be hosted in the stores – a great idea for Girls’ Night Out – and they frequently partner for wine dinners with local restaurants that use their products. They also offer recipes and a customer rewards program that provides a complimentary twelfth bottle. They invite you to stop by and discover for yourself the wonderful flavors and healthy benefits of Old World Olive Press.

Above: Cory DeLong and Shasta Fase, owners Photo by: Michael Buck Facing page, bottom: Old World Olive Press also offers private tasting parties in their charming shop on the first floor of the Flat Iron building in downtown Grand Rapids.

Left: With the launch of a fifth location on the horizon, the distinctive OWOP logo is becoming a familiar sight around town.

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Satisfying Your Inner Epicurean

Culinary Escapes

By Janice Binkert

W

hat is your idea of a perfect “culinary escape”? Perhaps it is enjoying dinner at an elegant downtown steakhouse with an uptown feel that loves to pamper its guests, or spending an afternoon among the vines or barrels of an award-winning winery. Relaxing on a stately porch on a warm summer day is an escape. The addition of a leisurely, seasonal lunch is a culinary delight. Culinary escapes surround us: kicking back at an evening grill party in a lakeside pavilion with live music and dancing, learning about (and tasting) delicious and healthy first-pressed olive oils and balsamics in an old-world atmosphere, experiencing serious farm-to-table fare prepared in new and different ways amid fun surroundings, or maybe even a vicarious journey to Spain to sample some world-class Cavas.

Whatever your inner epicurean is longing for you’ll find all of the information you need to satisfy it on the following pages—seven destinations that take you far from the ordinary ... where not only your palate but all of your senses come alive.

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Bay Pointe Inn

Fresh, local, innovative food with a twist, as well as handcrafted cocktails and a robust wine list, complement the casual lakefront atmosphere of the Terrace Grille at Bay Pointe Inn in Shelbyville. The restaurant and Inn are surrounded by beautiful perennial gardens, making alfresco dining in the summer even more enjoyable.

Scratch cooking and an abundance of seasonal ingredients characterize the culinary team’s creative menu, which also offers a

fresh catch of the day, seafood, steaks and pasta, as well as lighter fare, all served by an attentive and amiable staff.

The Inn specializes in lakefront weddings, corporate retreats, reunions and other special occasions, with food catered by the Terrace Grille.With its elegant guestrooms and whirlpool-fireplace suites, it is a favorite getaway destination for couples, families and groups alike. A landmark property that has hosted countless events and celebra-

tions since the turn of the 20th century and is known for its importance in American history and culture, the Inn is now on its third expansion, a result of the purchase of the adjacent Badger’s Boathouse, opened in May 2013.

“Incredible Gun Lake views, a relaxing ambiance, engaging service, and our exciting menu make the Terrace Grille at Bay Pointe Inn a favorite dining destination in the region,” says owner Michael Powers.

“But our service and culture is better experienced than explained. We have been rated ‘One of Michigan’s Top Resorts’ for eight consecutive years by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.”

Every Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Bay Pointe Inn and Terrace Grille host the Gun Lake Live Concert Series with music, food and cocktails in their Lakefront Event Pavilion from 6-10 pm. Also on the schedule annually are the popular Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Thanksgiving brunch/buffets. All of the events are open to the public. (www. bay pointeinn.com) Named “The Region’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant” by Shore Magazine and one of only two restaurants in Southwest Michigan

Sunny summer terrace 700 wines, 200 beers Innovative cuisine Fashionable dining room Grown-up cocktails Lively pub Elegant banquet room Knowledgeable staff Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence — and Butch 44 East Eighth Street, Holland MI 49423 Phone: 616.396.8227 www.butchs.net e-newsletter | facebook | twitter

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Food Dance

Butch’s

to earn Wine Spectator’s prestigious “Award of Excellence,” the Bistro on the Boulevard in downtown St. Joseph can turn any meal into a special occasion with its locally sourced, seasonal menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. The restaurant is located within the Boulevard Inn, situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.

Outdoor dining on the stately pillared front porch beckons in warm weather. See website for information on special wine and beer dinners, happy hour and Friday Night Wine Down. (www.theboulevardinn.com) Butch’s in Holland has earned Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” rating since 2006 — one of fewer than a dozen restaurants in Michigan to be so honored even once. With an inventory of 700 labels and a knowledgeable staff to help you make your selections, Butch’s is the place to drink wine on the lakeshore. But that’s only part of the story. Another part is food, because what Butch’s is all about is the “marriage” of wine and food. And its eclectic menus of classic and innovative dishes offer endless opportunities for gastronomic matchmaking. Finally, to make a great dining experience even greater, it helps to find yourself in surroundings that suit your mood. Butch’s offers half a dozen distinctive settings on premises, and dozens more in Spain, France and Italy that you can visit on “Butch’s Without Borders” wine tours. Sign up for the newsletter at (www. butchs.net).

The folks at Fenn Valley Vineyards, just south of Holland near Fennville, believe that learning about wines should be not only educational, but also entertaining —

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and one look at the upcoming agenda on their website attests to this. In addition to regular tasting room activities and cellar and vineyard tours, a host of wine and food pairing events are scheduled this year: Girls’ Afternoon Out, the Fenn Valley Wine Fest, Lunch with the Winemaker, Picnic in the Vineyards, and Performing Arts in the Vineyards all promise a to uncork good times among the vines.

Says marketing director Brian Lesperance, “At Fenn Valley, one of our goals is to take the mystery out of making world-class wine. We also aim to illustrate how wine and food work together to create a

sum that is truly greater than the component parts. And most importantly, we try to create a fun, unique and memorable experience for our visitors.” (www.fennvalley.com) “Farm to table” is more than a catchphrase at Food Dance in Kalamazoo. They butcher and cure local humanely raised animals, make all sausage in house, bake their own pastries and artisan breads, and purchase 80 percent of their products from local farmers, cheese makers and others who share the same core values of honoring the traditional craft of making foods by hand with care. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus change often and with the harvest of the farms. A long beverage list features Great Lakes beers on tap, hand-crafted cocktails, and a markedly international wine selection.

Fenn Valley

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Inside the restaurant is a small retail market offering bakery items, artisan cheeses, packaged wine and beer, specialty pantry products and unique housewares. Food Dance is also well known for its cooking and mixology classes. Upcoming themes include cupcake and cookie decorating, summer cocktails, and grilling on the rooftop. New classes are posted on the website regularly. (www.fooddance.net).

Old World Olive Press

Walk through the doors of Old World Olive Press, and it’s like stepping back into another time and place. Shops in Rockford, Plymouth, Birmingham and Grand Rapids carry the freshest and most unique array of pure extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world, all available for tasting before buying. A second Grand Rapids store will open in the new Downtown Market July 1.

“We fondly refer to our store as a food connoisseur’s playground — and not just for serious chefs. We help everyday cooks discover their inner ‘foodie,’” says Shasta Fase, co-owner of Old World Olive Press with Cory DeLong.

Knowledgeable staff members gladly answer questions, suggest pairings and provide recipes. They are also eager to educate customers about the health benefits of olive

oils and balsamic vinegars.

Recently inaugurated are in-store private tastings and chef demonstrations. “We bring people into our “kitchens” so they can learn to easily use our products in their kitchens,” says DeLong. (www.oldworld olivepress.com) At The Chop House in downtown Grand Rapids, dining is elevated to an art form — a rare combination of tradition and innovation that forms the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Exceptional cuts of USDA prime beef and other top-rated cuts of meat, premium fish and seafood, gourmet desserts, and an impressive array of fine wines, craft beers and top-shelf spirits are all served in elegant, yet relaxed and welcoming surroundings with a distinct urban vibe. Chef Zach Hammal and his crew are gastronomic experts in the kitchen, preparing unique menu items with skill and style and creating beautiful plate presentations worthy of the high-quality ingredients that go into each of them.

The latest technology also has its place at The Chop House. Recently launched Menuvative menu tablets put a wealth of food and wine pairing information, lively menu descriptions, wine ratings and tast-

Chop House

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Vineyards & Wine Cellar

Enjoy a true farm to bottle experience.

Visit Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar and sample from more than 25 award winning wines.

You’ll discover what we mean when we say it’s...

the lake effect everyone loves.

Enjoy free wine tasting, educational wine tasting tours, winery direct discounts and unique wine and food events throughout the year.

Visit www.fennvalley.com for dates and details.

/fennvalley

6130 - 122nd Ave. Fennville, MI 49408 I-196 exit 34, follow the “winery” signs.

Open year around. Check our website for hours 800-432-6265 www.fennvalley.com

Get Creative… Be your OWN personal chef!

Over 50 flavors of high quality, first pressed olive oils and balsamic vinegars available to you.

Grand Rapids | Rockford | Plymouth | Birmingham | www.oldworldolivepress.com | 616.884.0107

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ing notes literally at customers’ fingertips in easy-to-use, interactive form. And after dinner, those who choose to linger and discover even more of this venue’s appeal can retire to the adjoining La Dolce Vita lounge to indulge in house-made gourmet desserts, sip signature martinis, or enjoy a handrolled cigar from the on-site humidor’s extensive collection.

A meal at The Chop House is always a memorable event, but birthdays are truly a special occasion. As a way to say thank-you for choosing to celebrate here, the restaurant offers guests of all ages a free birthday dinner! (Restrictions apply. Must be on your birthday with valid identification. Call 888456-DINE for details.)

Says Harry Johnson, general manager of The Chop House, “We take pride in offering a unique dining experience. The quality of our menu selections is unparalleled. But what really sets us apart is our staff — they are thoroughly professional, upbeat and friendly, and uphold our motto in every way: ‘Prepare to be pampered!’” (www. thechophouserestaurant.com)

Relax

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Dine

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Play

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Celebrate

521 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, MI • 800-875-6600 • theboulevardinn.com

Local farmers are our secret ingredient.

Closer. Fresher. Better.

Exceptional locally produced hand-made food.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Eat. Drink. Shop.

Open every day of the week • 401 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo • 269.382.1888 • fooddance.net

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after thoughts

Q:a

Veronica Ramirez Garcia wears many hats at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

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Photography by michael buck

ince taking on the role of executive director of the WMHCC, Veronica Ramirez says her No. 1 goal has been to help small Latino and Hispanic businesses find the right resources to succeed. And she has the credentials to do it with a degree in finance and experience in both nonprofit and corporate accounting. Born in Mexico City, Ramirez lives in Holland with her family. She wants to spread the chamber’s influence across West Michigan, so she is traveling to Muskegon, Kalamazoo and other cities to raise awareness of the Grand Rapids-based organization.

Your proudest moment? Most recent proudest moment is hearing my 2-year-old son Yahir Garcia say the alphabet.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Add to my emergency fund, help my family and pay off my mortgage loan.

What living person do you most admire? My father. He is a hard-working, honest and humble person. My papa has been through so much in his life and still is a happy, wonderful man. He never looks behind and always looks at the bright side in every problem. His family comes first.

Day or night person? Day. Best meal you’ve ever eaten? Homemade pozole, a traditional soup in Mexico.

Most treasured possession? A scarf given to me by my grandmother, who lost her battle against cancer two years ago.

Your best personality trait? Persistence.

What’s the last greeting card you sent? Christmas cards last year.

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The right leadership can help enhance an organization’s culture.

The RighT insuRance can help enhance its bottom line.

BHS has become the leading independent insurance agency in West Michigan by offering our clients more than just a policy. We understand the significance of our role in assessing your business and its vulnerabilities to keep you properly protected and on the track to profitability and success.

616.531.1900 bhsins.com

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Comfort that makes a statement

637 Leonard NW Just West of US 131 • Grand Rapids

616.454.4439

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