dininglist | Culinary adventures
Hot off the grill ANTICIPATION IS BUILDING over the expected late August opening of locally owned Essence Restaurant Group’s newest venture, Grove, in the former Corez wine bar location, 919 Cherry St. SE in East Hills. As the newest member of Essence, joining Bistro Bella Vita and The Green Well Gastro Pub, Grove will offer “creative conscientious cuisine” within its localfirst, earth-to-table concept. “The menu will consist primarily of ingredients sourced from local, family and sustainable farms,” said James Berg, Essence managing partner, who described the fare as modern, authentic cuisine with fresh, natural sauces and a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Executive Chef Patrick Wise added that Grove’s dishes will be innovative with a hint of classic. “We will guide our guests through a unique culinary journey with each visit.” Daily prix-fixe menus will feature a three-course dining experience pairing wine and food. Eclectic and premium spirits will be offered to complement each meal, and a limited craft beer menu will round out the alcoholic beverage offering. EVEN MORE RESTAURANTS ARE expected to participate in GR’s second annual Restaurant Week, scheduled Nov. 3-13. The 11-day event is designed to raise awareness of quality restaurants in the city by offering creative three-course meals for a set price of $25. In 2010, 57 restaurants took part, selling more than 19,000 dinners. Restaurants donated $1 from every meal sold to the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. Doug Small, president of Experience Grand Rapids, said he hopes the number of participating restaurants this year will hit 75. For more information, go to restaurantweekgr.com. tasty desserts. Rock Bottom Bar opens 11 am daily; Grill House opens 5:30 pm weekdays, 11 am Sundays. 1071 32nd St (M-40), Allegan, (269) 686-9192. grillhouse.net. H, L (downstairs), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP (weekends) $-$$
twists. Extensive menu ranges from appetizers, pizzas and from-scratch soups to perch, fall-off-the-bone ribs and hand-cut, aged steaks at reasonable prices. 3065 Henry St, Muskegon, (231) 747-8583. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $
THE GRILL ROOM — Aged steaks/chops, fresh seafood and fine wines in top chophouse tradition, served in an unpretentious atmosphere. Closed Sun during winter. Kirby House, 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 8463299. thegilmorecollection.com.grillroom.php. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$
HONEY CREEK INN — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare that earns rave reviews from patrons. Closed Sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honeycreekinn.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$
GRILLE 29 — Varied menu includes salads, soups, specialty panini, pasta, pizza and variety of entrées. Full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Holiday Inn Select, 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 285-7600. holiday inn.com. H, B, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ THE GRILLE AT WATERMARK — Innovative menu in relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat; Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Banquet facilities. Reservations accepted. 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. watermarkcc.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, RSVP $-$$ HANDSOME HENRY’S — Smartly decorated, big-city vibe dining room and sports-screenpacked bar offer tasty options with signature
HUDSONVILLE GRILLE — Steaks, chops, chicken, soups, salads, sandwiches, Mexican favorites and breakfast, as well as fish specialties. Full bar; closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Suite F, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ J BAR — The BOB’s steakhouse restaurant caters to those with a penchant for meat and potatoes with style and expertise. Open 5-11 pm; closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. H, D, C, local 3, V, MC, AE $$ JACK’S — Breakfast and lunch, plus dinner menu with appetizers, wine by the glass and a wide range of entrées, located on the Grand River at Grand Haven Waterfront Holiday Inn. 940 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, (616) 846-1370. higrandhaven.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$
KIRBY GRILL — Casual side of the Kirby House offers more than an average grill with innovative touches to the American menu. Familyfriendly dining upstairs. 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecol lection.com/kirby.php. L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ KOPPER TOP — Uniquely GR. Raw copper tops the bar and tables at this GR staple with a long-standing tradition of seasonal decorations. Entrées with a homemade taste. No lunch Sat, closed Sun. 638 Stocking Ave NW, 459-2001. On Facebook. L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE ¢ LAKE HOUSE WATERFRONT GRILLE — Laidback-yetsophisticated décor, overlooking Muskegon Lake.. Small plates, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, specialty burgers. Select entrees emphasize locally grown ingredients. Live entertainment. Open daily. 730 Terrace Point (between Terrace Pointe Marina and Shoreline Inn), Muskegon, (231) 722-4461; thelakehousemi.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ THE LANDING — Nautical décor with windows overlooking the Grand River. Menu features American favorites and German specials. Live music and dancing in the lounge. 270 Ann St NW (Radisson Riverfront Hotel at US 131), 363-7748. radisson.com/hotels/migrapno/din ings. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ ✯LEO’S — Combines fine dining and casual comfort with great service, impressive wine list and full bar. Fresh seafood is the specialty, but steaks and other dishes are just as good. Street level in parking ramp at Ottawa and Louis. Closed Sun. 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 4546700. leosrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ LOUIS BENTON STEAKHOUSE — Upscale steakhouse with a big-city ambiance features premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks, lamb, pork and veal chops, seafood and more. Superb wine list. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, Suite 100, 454-7455. louisben ton.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$ MAIN STREET PUB — Casual restaurant and sports bar offers large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and nice entrée selections. Open 11 am daily, with breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ MAXFIELD’S — Vast lunch and dinner menus are enhanced by daily feature buffets. Open Tue-Sun. 11228 Wyman Rd, Blanchard, (800) 550-5630. maxfieldsrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$ MEADOWS RESTAURANT — GVSU’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio and dining room overlook golf course. Full menu offers
56 Grand rapids City Guide 2011-12
GRM_07.11_CG_Sect6_48.79.indd 56
6/3/11 10:25 AM