June 2011 - GRM

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Volume 48 Number 6

June 2011 Features Hot town, summer in the city!

June is a great month to get out and enjoy downtown Grand Rapids. To get you started, check our list of 10 must dos. ............................. 46 Urban homesteaders

These 21st century ecopioneers practice living simply and self-sufficiently by producing their own food and other basic needs. .............. 52

2 Grand Rapids June 2011

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Volume 48 Number 6

June 2011 on the cover:

Photography courtesy Guy Orr

24

60

In Every Issue Life & Style

Minty Keen; Lady Floyd; West Michigan Custom Clothing; Teamwork Bags; Cartoon Resources; Deb DeGraaf. .................... 9-15

Speaking Up Etc.

By Carole Valade..................... 7 Travel

By Matt and Alexandra Baker Capital celebrity chefs. ...... 16

Profile

Grand Times

Tami VandenBerg has a passion for music and community — but also for helping the “vulnerable, forgotten folks.” ................. 20

By Gordon G. Beld “The Branded Hand” monument in Muskegon. ............. 18

Design

The new CityFlats Grand Rapids, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, offers one-of-a-kind guest rooms in the renovated Fox Jewelers building. .......................... 23-30 City Guide

Kyle Liu, sushi master at XO Asian Cuisine; complete dining list; Rocky’s Bar and Grill. ................................ 59-96 Calendar of Events. ............85

Critic’s Choice

By Mark F. Miller A 10,000-square-foot home inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright....................................24 Art Appreciation

By Joseph Antenucci Becherer Alfred Sisley’s oil on canvas “The Seine at St. Mammes.” ..................... 30 Dining Review

By Ira Craaven six.one.six. ........................... 60 Grand Vine

By A. Brian Cain Can Merlot survive “Sideways”? ......................... 72 Fresh Hops

By Jon C. Koeze Rating malternatives. ........84

4 Grand Rapids June 2011

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Grand Opening Sale Celebrate the Grand Opening of our Grand Rapids Superstore with store wide savings on everything.

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Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964

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info@grmag.com Publisher

John H. Zwarensteyn: jzwarensteyn@geminipub.com Editor

Carole Valade: cvalade@geminipub.com Managing Editor

Marty Primeau: mprimeau@geminipub.com Copy Editor

Donna Ferraro: dferraro@geminipub.com Contributing Editors

Matt Baker, Joseph A. Becherer, Gordon G. Beld, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze Contributing Writers

Julie Burch, Alexandra Fluegel, Tricia van Zelst Editorial Intern

Alice Keyes 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

Sensei Sofa

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Downtown Holland · 212 S. River Ave., Holland · (616) 395-5554 Open Mon.–Sat. 10:00–5:30

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Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Jeff Hage, Jack Poeller, Johnny Quirin General Sales Manager

Randy D. Prichard: rprichard@geminipub.com Advertising Sales Consultants

or gan ic | organ’ik | Denoting a relation between elements of something such that they fit together harmoniously as necessary parts of a whole: The organic unity of the integral work of art.

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Marie Barker: mbarker@geminipub.com Theresa Henk: thenk@geminipub.com Kathie Manett: kmanett@geminipub.com John Olsa: jolsa@geminipub.com Advertising Sales Assistant/Coordinator

Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com Circulation & Marketing Manager

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Bakery Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Pizza Hours: Open daily Noon to 12 p.m.

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General Inquiries: info@grmag.com To Order Reprints

Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com (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) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: grminfo@grmag. com. General editorial inquiries: editorial@grmag.com. Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2011 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.

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6 Grand Rapids June 2011

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Etcetera

‘We’re all in this together’

by Carole Valade

Finally! The art juried for presentation at the country’s largest all-volunteer art festival is getting as much attention as the food.

Perhaps there is some debt owed to ArtPrize for its widespread education/appreciation of art, though it also seems that a younger generation is more appreciative of the creativity of local artists who, for more than 40 years, have prepared with all diligence for Festival of the Arts.

What is not appreciated enough is that Festival has become a multi-generational event, not just among its participants but also because of the “young people” of this area who participate as volunteers — and therefore help keep the national ranking.

Festival, which marks the beginning of outdoor summer events in West Michigan just as ArtPrize closes the season in the fall, is the most comprehensive arts celebration in the region for its inclusion of every type of “the arts” — from visual arts such as paintings and sculptures, to performance art that includes song and dance, to poetry, storytelling and film-making.

It is important to note, too, that the annual Grand Rapids Magazine Parade of Downtown Living was canceled this year — because of its success among developers. The June Parade annually featured tours of the new downtown condominium units that opened for public view and sale. Ticket proceeds from the Parade were

Letters

donated to Dwelling Place. This year, developers have sold the remaining condominium units and no new units have been constructed to be shown in their place.

Throughout the recession, Grand Rapids has considered itself to be “better off” than other areas of Michigan, and people in West Michigan certainly share that perception. It has been a point of pride that this “second city” finally is getting noticed by others in the state.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder made remarks in this regard when he addressed more than 700 business and community members at a Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon in April. He also told his audience that, as he travels across the state, business owners tell him they are recovering and are forecasting a good revenue year — that the economy is picking up.

Snyder noted the bashing Michigan has received as the poster child of the Great Recession, and he encouraged his audience to share their successes, emphasizing: “It’s our toughest single issue: changing our culture. Our heads are down. People have a negative attitude.” He offered his focus as an example and perhaps as a new mantra for Michigan: “Relentless Positive Attitude.”

Snyder also encouraged the community to stop drawing lines between east and west, and any other line that creates divisiveness — whether differences between gender, race or political base. “We’ve got too much of a win-lose attitude,” he said. “When one loses, we all lose.

We’re all in this together.”

We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number. Please send letters in care of: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503, or e-mail to letters@grmag.com. Letters may be edited for reasons of clarity and space.

Wrong location In the article, “Waiting in style,” in the April issue, Todd Wenzel Chevrolet was identified as being in Grandville. It is located in Hudsonville.

Also, photos on page 28 are inside the Buick GMC facility in Grand Rapids.

June 2011 Grand Rapids 7

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Life & Style “It’s important we design products that are going to last.

What’s the point of using recycled materials if it’s just going to get thrown away a few weeks later?”

— Nick Stygstra » pg13 Photography by Johnny Quirin

Inside » Minty Keen 10

» Lady Floyd 11

» custom clothing 12

» cartoons 14

» Deb DeGraaf 15

June 2011 Grand Rapids 9

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Life & style

ANGIE SEABERT, OWNER of eco-friendly vintage shop Minty Keen, has everything: handmade home décor, vegan snacks, retro bathing suits, furniture, fresh flowers, bikes, vintage fabric, eco-friendly bath products — even a kitchen sink. already on the planet and support Michigan artists and crafters.

“Vintage is the ultimate recycle,” said seabert, who sports a pair of vintage glass frames. a handful of her products have brightly colored tags telling customers they are “upcycled.” upcycling is a recycling process that converts products that would go to waste into new products of better quality or environmental value. “basically,” seabert explained, “it’s using products in a different way — a way you wouldn’t normally think of.” seabert doesn’t have a magic secret on how to nab great vintage finds. “i just keep my eye out — online, garage sales,” she

said, although with business being steady, she hasn’t had much time to go on the hunt. “i’m the only employee here as of right now, so i can’t leave to go to shows or anything, but i’ve got a few eyes out there looking for me,” she said with a laugh.

tor,” said seabert, who began selling vintage furniture on etsy.com and handmade goods at local craft shows. “When you have a booth, it’s hard to advertise,” she said, which led her to make the leap from online dealings and craft-show booths to a brickand-mortar store. seabert opened Minty Keen nine months ago in the heart of downtown and says she was excited to be a part of the movement to bring more retail there. “i wanted to create something fun downtown,” she said, and she has done just that by offering unique funky finds made in the Mitten state. offering local products is one way seabert stays true to her mission to use what’s

dropping into Minty Keen to pick up a handmade card or a bouquet of flowers only takes a few minutes, but searching for the perfect gift may require a bit more time. seabert is an expert at helping customers find exactly what they want, and the discovery is half the fun. “everything in here has a story. everything has come from somewhere, and now it’s going to move along to someplace else.” to visit Minty Keen, stop by 125 ottawa ave. nW (near Pearl). For more information, visit www.mintykeen.com.

— alexandra Fluegel

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

“i’ve always been a pack rat, a collec-

10 Grand rapids June 2011

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Life & style

Telling the story of africa with beads

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

“I

lady aakhu Seshaqua Floyd

’vE got a rEal cool vibE and when I step in here, it’s gonna be on,” Lady Aakhu Seshaqua Floyd said of her initial thoughts about setting up shop at the Fulton Street Farmers Market.

Sixteen years ago when the jeweler first began to sell at the market, she was the sole artisan among the growers. After three years of appearing every market day, the management made her a regular season vendor with her own stall.

“People say some crazy things about my jewelry — I think they’ve warmed up to it a bit more now,” she said. “People have said things like ‘this is voo-doo jewelry’ without really knowing what that word means.”

The Grand Rapids native uses a combination of beads and natural materials like bones, seeds and stones to create her jewelry. The distinctive pieces stem from her African heritage, as she incorporates items that hold meaning and historical significance to communicate a message.

“One kind of bead that I have is an ostrich egg shell,” she said. “South African elder men have a necklace consisting of ostrich egg shells and a stone bead in the center.

That particular necklace says to people ‘I’m an elder in this community.’”

Floyd said her mission is to use her ability to craft meaningful jewelry to educate herself and others on “the story of Africa from an African perspective.”

“I asked for a way to better educate people about themselves. I had been (back in Grand Rapids for) a year,” Floyd said.

“I meditated and prayed, went back to Columbia, S.C., and got an audience with an African elder. We, in turn, meditated and prayed about it and he gave me my first lot of beads.”

That bag of beads grew to what is now a collection of more than 3,000, attained from vendors around the globe, and a calling that has brought Floyd’s work into galleries and the hands of individuals throughout the country.

— aliCe KeYeS

June 2011 Grand rapids 11

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Life & Style

“All these little things … they add to the functionality, they add to the uniqueness.

You’re just not going to get that on rack clothing.”

— Bob Roth

C

asual Fridays and “no tie required” may be the current trend, but Sean Chalfin isn’t worried.

“Fewer people are dressing up,” he said. “But those people who are dressing up are wearing nicer clothes.”

As owner of the West Michigan Custom Clothing Co., Chalfin has been making nicer clothes for 19 years. He specializes in men and women’s custom suits, shirts, jackets and pants.

His customers love his attention to detail.

“I got hooked,” said Bob Roth, president and CEO of RoMan Manufacturing Inc., after being introduced to Chalfin’s custom suits 12 years ago. Roth opened his jacket to show the rows of pockets for business cards, pens — even a reinforced pocket for his cell phone. A strap connects the vents across the back to hold everything in place on a windy day.

“All these little things … they add to the functionality, they add to the uniqueness,” Roth said. “You’re just not going to get that on rack clothing.”

Chalfin begins with more than 2,000 choices of fine fabrics from around the

world and 80 different linings. He finishes with the details, from embroidered name tags stitched at the collar, waistband and pant cuff to using pick stitching on the lapels and adding a slant to the pockets.

Bob Roth gets sized by Sean Chalfin in his home.

But designing fine clothing wasn’t a career Chalfin envisioned growing up on an Indiana farm. He left the fields to study economics at Purdue University. While visiting a friend who was selling custom clothing, he was smitten with the world of measuring and designing.

He trained with Tom James, an international retailer of custom clothing, before launching his own label in 1998.

“I spent five years with them and was convinced I could do it a little bit better,” he said.

When Michigan’s economy started to slide six years ago, Chalfin moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., traveling back to West Michigan to serve his clients. But as his Midwest business picked up, he decided to return to Grand Rapids and open West Michigan Custom Clothing Co. Though he has an office in Ada, he usually meets his clients at their office or home. “I’ll go through my client’s closet and wardrobe and build it based on what they do, where they go, who they see, what do they want to look like,” he said. “I’m all over it.”

Contact Chalfin at (616) 644-0704.

— Katie Brown

Photography by Johnny Quirin

He suits you just fine

12 Grand Rapids June 2011

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Life & Style

Nick Stygstra, co-founder of Teamwork Bags, sorts through old rubber from tire tubes to make messenger bags, totes and wallets, at right.

Below, Stygstra and his business partner, Nick Stockton, cut sails for the eco-friendly bags.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Photography by Johnny Quirin

From boats to bags Twenty-five-year-old military canvas collecting dust in a warehouse would look like junk to most people, but to the duo behind Teamwork Bags, it was the perfect material to create a line of unique roughand-ready bags.

“We’ll basically use anything we can get our hands on,” said Nick Stygstra, who, along with friend Nick Stockton, founded the company in 2008. The two met while studying at Kendall College of Art and Design, and after college they began to sow the seeds that would become Teamwork Bags.

They started out screen-printing T-shirts, which Stockton explained is where the “teamwork” part of the company’s name originated. “One person was holding up the screen while the other put together the T-shirt.”

Stygstra added, “We were joking about calling it Teamwork and we kinda ended up just going with it.”

The name proved to be a good fit, as they began making bags to accompany the T-shirts they sold during live art events and craft shows. Stockton made the first bag out of a used canvas sail out of necessity, but as the company developed, the two lakeshore guys began to brainstorm about materials they might use.

“We asked ourselves, ‘What does Michigan have an excess of?’ and we started thinking about how many sailboats there are,” Stockton said. They also began salvaging old rubber from tire tubes. “We wanted to keep it out of landfills,” Stygstra said.

Sometimes recycled and repurposed goods aren’t the most durable, which is why they’ll sometimes combine repurposed materials with new. “It’s important we design products that are going to last,” Stygstra said. “What’s the point of using recycled materials

if it’s just going to get thrown away a few weeks later?”

They also pride themselves on using local materials.

“If you’re making products now in the current context of the environment, knowing where your products are sourced from is very important. You can have a product that claims to be really good for the earth, but then it’s made in China,” Stygstra said. “How much energy did it take to ship it?”

Stockton explained that a lot of their materials are donated by people who hear of their company. “They’ll call and say, ‘I’ve got this sail in my trunk; the sailboat is long gone and I don’t know what to do with it.’ They don’t want to get rid of it because it holds some type of meaning. They don’t want to just throw it away.”

The bags come in a variety of styles from messenger bags to totes, and range in price from $45-$165. A limited number of each bag is created, based on how much of a given material is available. Designs are available to view and purchase on the company website, www.teamworkbags.com.

— Alexandra Fluegel

June 2011 Grand Rapids 13

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Life & Style

Ever wonder where publications find their cartoons?

Chances are, some of those funnies are found and licensed through Grand Rapidsbased CartoonResource.com. The digital stock cartoon agency represents the work of about 40 of the leading cartoonists in the nation and licenses their work for use in advertising, print and promotional materials.

The searchable database contains tens of thousands of cartoons and comic strips and allows clients to browse using keywords and then buy the images off the website.

“We’ve brought the delivery system of these kinds of images up to the moment,” said Andrew Grossman, director, who works out of his Grand Rapids home. If there isn’t a stock cartoon to fit a client’s needs, he said, the company provides a free search to find exactly what they’re looking for.

The cartoonists have had their work published on greeting cards and in a variety of publications including The Wall Street Journal and Good Housekeeping, and used by such companies as Disney and Warner Brothers.

“Being a freelance cartoonist is a quantity business,” Grossman said, “but we are primarily concerned with every cartoon being well drawn and on target for what we think the customer’s going to want.”

Cartoon Resource has an international staff of cartoonists, but it also employs artists with local ties to Kendall College of Art and Design. As the prevalence of digital media increases, Grossman said there is a growing demand for digital color images. He recruits students to colorize black-and-white cartoons.

“Bringing the single panel black-and-white cartoonists together with the students has

Elizabeth Zimmerman, a 2010 graduate of Kendall College, colorizes blackand-white cartoons.

been very important to us,” Grossman said.

“The future is color.”

The company has recently expanded and now offers such consumer products as T-shirts, mugs, tote bags, mouse pads and greeting cards. “Until this point, we were purely a business-to-business company,” he said. “But with so many people visiting the site, we decided to offer our own service image products.”

While the trends of cartoon publishing have changed drastically over the years, Grossman said that what’s “funny” generally has not.

“For the most part, the same types of things continue to be funny with a little updating and variation here and there. We use humor that understands the perspective of our clients.”

For more information or to see updated daily cartoon listings, visit www.cartoon resource.com.

— Alexandra Fluegel

Photography by Johnny Quirin (top & middle); illustrations courtesy Cartoonsresources.com (bottom)

Funny business

14 Grand Rapids June 2011

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Life & style eXpLorIng your optIons deb degraaf tells customers to sink their fingers into the deep pile of a multi-colored carpet sample. she encourages them to step back and look at the design in another. informing customers about wood or vinyl flooring, ceramic tiles and countertop materials is just part of the job for this business owner, flooring expert, wife and mother. degraaf, who co-owns degraaf interiors with her brother, dean, meets with customers, builders and designers every day at the company’s third and newest location at 1144 east Paris ave. se. the store officially opened in november 2010, but it wasn’t until the sign went up in January of this year that business really took off. “everything happened with such rhythm and ease; nothing made me sit back and question our decision,” said degraaf. one of the most popular items is wood flooring, and degraaf sees a trend toward wider planks — 5 inches or more — indicating “people are wanting something different in wood.”

carpet remains popular, she said, with customers gravitating toward small-scale patterns, soft, thick pile, and both deep earth tones and vibrant colors. gray also is making a comeback, she said. degraaf interiors began in 1963 in hudsonville, where the company still has a store at 6450 28th st. sW. the company expanded in 2003 with the purchase of Kemp Floor covering on Plainfield avenue. about 10 years ago, degraaf and her brother joined their father in the business; he has since retired. she also handles the human resources side of the business and oversees a busy household that includes her 8-year-old daughter, 6-year-old son and two stepsons. “i can do that because i have a team of people who are incredible,” she said. “there are definitely days that are tough, but i look around at West Michigan businesses that haven’t stayed afloat. it’s hard to get upset, because we’ve grown.”

— ann BYle

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Life & Style: Travel

Capital celebrity chefs

by Matt and Alexandra Baker

Art Smith, winner of multiple James Beard Awards and former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, is the celebrity chef at Art and Soul, one of the top restaurants in Washington, D.C.

For a recent getaway in the nation’s capital, we decide to eat exclusively at restaurants boasting celebrity chefs.

Washington, D.C., has attracted an impressive pantheon of kitchen gods who create every type of fare, from American Southern to traditional Japanese izakaya. We’re drawn as much by the prospect of spotting a chef we’ve seen only on a cookbook cover as by the food itself.

Who we’re stalking: José Andrés at Zaytinya, Wolfgang Puck at The Source and Art Smith at Art and Soul.

The place to stay, when stalking celeb chefs, is the Omni Shoreham Hotel, if for no other reason than that it’s supposedly haunted. For $1,500 a night, you can stay in the Ghost Suite, a presidential suite where two women (a housekeeper and, later, the adopted daughter of one of the hotel’s shareholders) died — one supposedly by suicide.

Alternatively, for $300 a night, you can stay in one of the guestrooms and then, for a $5 tip, bribe one of the concierges (we’d recommend Marko) to take you into the Ghost Suite for a ghost-hunting tour.

At some point during our tour (as we’re chanting “Juliette, Juliette,” trying to lure the housekeeper’s ghost out of whatever light fixture or potted plant she’s hiding in), it

occurs to us that tomorrow for lunch we’ll be stalking the elusive and as-legendary-as-aghost José Andrés in a fairly similar fashion.

And so we do. Zaytinya (nearest metro stop: Gallery Pl-Chinatown Station) is at 9th and G, across the street from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Celebrity chef José Andrés is a native of Spain and the winner of a James Beard Award (what Time magazine has called “the Oscars of the food world”). The interior, with its ocean blue tones and arched walls, suits the Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.

At our server’s recommendation, we order two to three mezze (small plates) per person, meanwhile on the lookout for José. We start with the htipiti spread — a blend of red peppers and feta cheese that highlights Zaytinya’s pillow-like pita — and then sample the grapeleaf dolmades, a mixture of golden raisins, fennel, tomatoes, pine nuts and rice swaddled in a tangy grape leaf and balanced by a mild labneh.

The charred octopus santorini, sitting in a pool of split pea puree, is one of the more unusual items on the menu, but Zaytinya’s must-have item is the Adana kebab: juicy lamb served with grilled tomatoes and thinly sliced onions, alongside a spicy harissa sauce. After all of this, we still haven’t had any José sightings, although our server keeps insisting he visits several times a week.

That night we try The Source (nearest metro stop: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station), which overlooks Pennsyl-

photography Courtesy Moshe Zusman Photography

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Life & style: travel

PhotograPhy CourteSy MoShe ZuSMan PhotograPhy

PhotograPhy CourteSy MoShe ZuSMan PhotograPhy

vania Avenue and occupies three levels in the Newseum with floor to ceiling windows.

The Source’s celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, is a native of Austria and winner of multiple James Beard Awards (and an Emmy). Our server tells us not to get our hopes up: Puck lives on the West Coast and only appears occasionally. We knew he lived in Los Angeles — we’d read the backs of his cookbooks — but still, he must come to D.C. occasionally.

For our Japanese izakaya dinner, we try the spicy tuna roll, served with a chili aioli sauce (which our server assured us would be very spicy, but which turns out to be more jalapeño than habanera). Next are Kobe beef sliders topped with onion marmalade, and then the meal’s highlight — tempura green beans that come in a Jenga-looking pile. Before we’ve even finished our lemongrass cheesecake and green tea ice cream, we’ve given up on Wolfgang.

Art and Soul (nearest metro stop: Union Station) is a couple of blocks from Columbus Circle and Lower Senate Park.

Its celebrity chef, Art Smith, is a U.S. native, winner of, again, multiple James Beard Awards. Former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, Smith has also cooked for Romero Britto, Carl XVI Gustaf (King of Sweden) and Barack Obama.

We start with pantry hoecake, a cornmeal flatbread topped with frissée, caramelized apples and blue cheese. The dish teases our taste buds; it’s reminiscent of an apple pie, until the blue cheese pops in our mouths. The braised beef short ribs, served with roasted vegetables and cheddar grits, are so tender we cut them with a spoon.

Art and Soul has upscale, contemporary décor, but with a grandmother’scooking-in-the-kitchen sort of smell.

Another diner tells us she actually saw

Art once at the restaurant, but when we try to ask the servers about him, nobody will say anything — it’s as if Art’s name is one they’ve agreed should not be spoken aloud.

In the end, we see exactly as many celebrity chefs as we see ghosts: zero. But in the ghost suite at the Omni Shoreham,

one of the light fixtures does an eerie amount of wobbling and flickering. And in Zaytinya, The Source and Art and Soul, we do feel the chefs’ presences, at least, somewhere among the flavors.

Contributing writer Matt Baker and his sister, Alexandra, are chef-stalkers from Grand Rapids.

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history: grand times

‘The Branded Hand’ tHougH JonatHan walKEr has been dead for more than 130 years, his granitecarved right hand is part of a 10-foot monument at his grave in Muskegon’s Evergreen Cemetery.

Walker’s hand was branded with a double “S” in 1844 after his conviction in Florida on a charge of slave stealing.

The incident was the subject of a stirring antislavery poem by John Greenleaf Whittier.

In an effort to help seven slaves gain their freedom, Walker took them aboard his ship at Pensacola and headed toward the Bahamas.

He was incapacitated by severe sunstroke, and the others aboard were unable to navigate the boat. Rescued by a wrecking sloop, they were taken to Key West and then Pensacola, where Walker was imprisoned.

Tried and convicted, he was condemned to a pillory where he was the target of rotten eggs thrown by George Willis, one of the owners of the slaves, and other local citizens. When the “SS” — signifying “slave stealer” — was burned into his palm, he became the only person to be branded by order of a federal court.

In describing the experience, Walker wrote that the branding iron was pressed against his hand and held firmly for 15 or 20 seconds. “The pain was severe while the iron was on, and for some time aferwards.”

Walker was imprisoned and released after 11 months, when northern abolitionists paid $596.05 for his fine and costs.

The punishment for aiding slaves was not the first distress Walker had encountered. At the age of 15, he fell through ice on a frozen pond and nearly perished. At 17, he began sailing, and soon, after becoming ill in the Indian

Ocean, was put ashore among strangers who didn’t speak his language. He recovered after 20 days and returned to familiar shores. Less than a year later, a fierce gale in the English Channel knocked him senseless to the deck of his ship. About a year after that, during a voyage from Europe to the United States, another gale blew him from atop a yardarm into the ocean during the dead of night. Luckily, he caught hold of a dangling rope and was pulled to safety. Five years later, he contracted yellow fever in Havanna, but again survived.

About a decade later, he began correspondence with Benjamin Lundy, lecturer and publisher of an anti-slavery newspaper. With his 12-year-old son and another youth, Walker sailed to Metamoras, Mexico, to see the 138,000 acres the Mexican government had given Lundy to establish a colony for freed slaves.

From there, the trio made several chartered voyages back to New Orleans carrying business correspondence. When they reached shore in Mexico on the last trip, they were attacked by robbers. Walker’s son ran back into the sea and the other young man tried to escape but was captured. Walker was shot twice but managed to swim away despite bleeding profusely and being unable to use his wounded arm. When it became dark, the father and son made it safely to shore.

For five years after his release from the jail in Pensacola, Walker lectured against slavery.

He came to Muskegon about 1850. In 1863, he purchased a few acres at the west end of Mona Lake where he raised fruit until his death in 1878.

On the base of the monument at his grave is engraved one of the verses of Whittier’s poem, “The Branded Hand”: Then lift that manly right hand Bold ploughman of the wave!

Its branded palm shall prophesy Salvation to the slave!

Hold up its fire-wrought language, That whoso reads may feel His heart swell strong within him, His sinews change to steel.

Gordon G. Beld has written more than 250 historical features for newspapers and magazines since the 1960s.

PhotograPhy FroM the ColleCtion oF the laKeShore MuSeuM Center

by gordon g. beld

18 Grand rapids June 2011

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Photography from the Collection of the Lakeshore Museum Center

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Profile: Influential

An activist and an organizer

T Tami VandenBerg Profession: Co-owner, Meanwhile Bar and The Pyramid Scheme Residence: Eastown Family: Partner, Trannie Carter; daughter Sylvia VanCarterBerg Community Involvement: Chair of board of Grand Rapids Red Project; vice chair of Uptown Corridor Improvement Authority and chair of economic restructuring committee.

he lanky construction worker in snug jeans and a hard hat standing outside The Pyramid Scheme was actually Tami VandenBerg, co-owner of GR’s newest music venue. It was the first of April — less than a month before the opening concert — and she was conducting tours of the space at 68 Commerce Ave. SW. Usually it’s hard to mistake VandenBerg, who sports a distinctive shock of wavy blond hair. But this day, her cropped mane was tucked under a protective helmet.

“I cut it myself, and this is what it does,” she said. “I let it do what it feels it needs to do.”

Her hair, it seems, is as fiercely independent as she is.

VandenBerg and her brother, Jeff, are ardent supporters of local art, music and community — a shared interest that inspired them to open Meanwhile Bar, a neighborhood pub at 1005 Wealthy St. SE. The duo spent five years renovating

the rundown building in what was, at the time, not a trendy destination.

Now the siblings have teamed up with Mark and Michelle Sellers, owners of Hopcat, Stella’s Lounge and The Viceroy, to open The Pyramid Scheme, a venue for live rock and alternative music shows.

But VandenBerg’s passion goes beyond entertainment. The Calvin College graduate has also fought to help “the vulnerable, forgotten folks.”

She’s been volunteering and serving on nonprofit boards since she was 24, and works for Community Rebuilders, a job that evolved from doing social work to running the HUD program.

“I think it’s innately in me,” she said.

“I love being around creative, problemsolving people who are trying to work on issues.”

After college, she spent a year in AmeriCorps, living in Louisiana where she revitalized a drop-in center for people who’d been released from mental institutions.

Back in Grand Rapids, she joined Well House Community, an agency that helps provide the transition between emergency and permanent shelter for homeless women and families.

VandenBerg also joined forces with her older brother to promote arts in the city.

The siblings have different skill sets, she explained. “He’s an artist. I’m more of an activist/organizer” — as in helping organize several events for the Eastown Community Association, including the Eastown Street Fair and the Eastown Bizarre Bazaar, a free event that kicks off the summer with a wide variety of handmade arts and crafts created by local artists, live music, plus a chance to sample fare from neighborhood restaurants.

And while Jeff is the artsy one, she said, “I’m more of the business side, handling the finances and community relations. We work well together as long as we give each other freedom and don’t micromanage.”

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Tami VandenBerg has a passion for music and community — but also for helping the “vulnerable, forgotten folks.” By Marty Primeau

20 Grand Rapids June 2011

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Profile: influential

Their first project, the Meanwhile, took a long time and was very “off and on,” VandenBerg said. “We were looking for an art-music kind of space and stumbled upon this building. We weren’t really thinking about a bar. But we thought it might be fun. We talked to investors, got the funds and started renovating.”

Alas, the building was in worse shape than they had realized. “There were a lot of different stops and starts. It was through sheer willpower we finally got it open.”

And they’ve been surprised at how well their little bar has been received.

“It’s significantly more successful than we originally thought,” she said. “We just did things we thought would be fun and cool. We didn’t know people would embrace it so firmly.”

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

“i love being around creative, problem-solving people who are trying to work on issues.”

— tami Vandenberg In the back of their minds, though, the siblings still wanted a live music venue.

“We didn’t want partners,” she said.

“We’re fiercely independent — but we also realized that the scale we wanted for this project was only possible if we brought someone in.”

They’d met Mark and Michelle Sellers when the Meanwhile opened. “They had just moved to town from Chicago and they said they felt at home here.”

Luckily, she said, “we have a lot in common, like how we run the business and our focus on Michigan beer.” Pyramid Scheme, a 425-capacity club, offers a mix of local and national entertainment.

Away from the two very public venues, VandenBerg keeps her private life pretty private. She and her longtime partner, Trannie Carter, have a 4-year-old daughter, Sylvia. VandenBerg also serves on the Red Project Board for HIV prevention, and is vice chair of the Uptown Corridor Improvement Authority.

A former skater — she was one of the original Grand Raggedy Roller Girls — she stays in shape by taking Zumba classes at the downtown YMCA. “I am very fortunate,” she said. “Every day is different.” gr

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Design The design of this 10,000-square-foot West Michigan home was inspired

by the architecture of

Frank Lloyd Wright. » pg24

Photography by Michael Buck

Inside » Critic’s choice 24

» Angles 26

» art appreciation 30

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Design: Critic’s Choice

Massive but thoughtfully scaled by mark F. miller, aia

OVERLOOKING THE 6TH FAIRWAY at Watermark Country Club is one of the most unique, recently constructed residences in West Michigan. Inspired by the details of Frank Lloyd Wright and the vernacular architecture of the American Southwest, the home boasts a rare combination of immense size and precise detailing. This unique range of detail, combined with custom finishes and thoughtfully scaled spaces, wonderfully humanizes the 10,000 square feet of space — making the home feel quaint and giving it a livability that is often lost in a home of this size.

The architect, Gerald Depersia, worked with the homeowners and BDR Homes to craft the spaces of this voluminous structure into a livable scale by creatively utilizing deflected views, changes in floor elevations, custom room

screens, built-in furniture and deft detailing.

The attention to detail has led to rooms that have a unique character and intimate relationship with the residents.

The front door is flanked by customdesigned stained glass windows and transoms that represent the vertical transition from earth to trees to sky through a geometric combination of colors and shapes. This entry opens into the sunken living room and is bounded by massive brick and stone walls that materially extend from the inside to the outside — effectively drawing from Prairie-style motifs, replete with horizontally accentuated brick shapes. A custom carpet created by the Scott Group — a local carpet manufacturer that also has produced carpets for the White House — mirrors the design of the stained glass at the entry.

The living room’s wall of glass provides expansive views of the pastoral landscape behind the home, while also allowing light to flood the interior. Anchored by a monumental

photoGraphy by michael buck

Inspired by the details of Frank Lloyd Wright and the vernacular architecture of the American Southwest, the home boasts a rare combination of immense size and precise detailing.

24 Grand rapids June 2011

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photoGraphy by michael buck

photoGraphy by michael buck

Design: Critic’s Choice

natural stone fireplace, the room’s Wrightinspired cathedral ceiling is trimmed by a horizontal band that hovers just below the ceiling plane, effectively reducing the proportions of the room.

The massive gourmet kitchen is separated from the living room by a built-in buffet and an Arts and Crafts inspired wood screen. Like the living room, it has expansive views through large floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen, built for entertaining, boasts an expansive center island with a double-thickness counter of granite and custom cabinets that reinforce the home’s impeccable craftsmanship. The floor is made from African Doussie wood that combines the warmth of cherry with substantial durability and hardness while also blending seamlessly with the cherry trim throughout the home.

The lower walk-out level of the house contains an additional full kitchen and a wine cellar, along with a generous family room, saltwater indoor pool (the first such pool in Michigan) and a THX-certified home theater. The pool room has large glass doors that can be opened onto the professionally designed rear gardens, further blurring the lines between exterior and interior.

The exterior of the home also is defined by the strong horizontality emblematic of the prairie style. A low-slung pitched roof with deep overhangs and wood soffits floats over the brick wall planes and is anchored to the landscape by an immense chimney. Judiciously placed win-

dows, stone bands, massive piers and cleverly angled walls help to scale the large home to the neighborhood and also skillfully mask the twolevel, five-stall garage.

The home provides a testament that large houses do not need to be devoid of detail, scale and livability, but instead can be full of the charm usually reserved for much smaller structures.

Mark F. Miller, AIA, is an architect and urban designer at Nederveld and the former chairman of the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission.

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Design: Angles

Modern, relevant and fresh The new CityFlats Grand Rapids, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, offers one-of-a-kind guest rooms in the renovated Fox Jewelers building. By Marty Primeau

expected. And we had to dig out the basement for restrooms and kitchen functions.”

But there were some nice surprises, such as a light well coming down the center of the building that had been covered up. “We were able to utilize that and allow natural light coming through.”

The lobby had to be redesigned because of a “change in elevation we didn’t see up front,” Reid said. “But it actually turned out better than we imagined, with a nicer flow to it.”

On the first floor is CityScene Lounge, a bar with table and chairs made by CHi. “We’ll serve hearty small plates, but it’s not

illustrations courtesy charter house innovations

T

wenty-eight rooms, 28 different looks.

“Definitely a dream project,” said Molly Marsh, creative design manager at Charter House Innovations. Her team of a dozen designers chose all the colors, fabrics and furnishings to make each guest room unique in the new CityFlats Grand Rapids, a boutique hotel at 83 Monroe Center.

The five-story, LEED-certified hotel opened recently after several months of renovating the historic building that once housed Fox Jewelers.

It’s the second hotel project for CHi, which opened CityFlats Holland in 2008 to showcase the company’s design concepts and products.

“We are a design company that happens to manufacture furniture,” said Chuck Reid, CHi president and principal of CityFlats Grand Rapids. That’s one reason each guest room has its own design, a concept Reid plans to repeat with each CityFlats hotel that Charter House builds.

“The hotels will all be different, but they’ll have the same brand identity.”

Each hotel will have modern, minimalistic décor, featuring earth-friendly materials such as cork flooring and bamboo linens that “don’t sacrifice style or the planet.”

Renovating the 137-year-old building presented a few challenges, said Rob DenBesten, project manager. “Some foundations weren’t what we thought. Beams weren’t where they were 26 Grand Rapids June 2011

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Spectacular Waterfront Dining

illustrations courtesy charter house innovations

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meant to be a full-service restaurant,” he said. “It’s more of a place where people can gather.”

The guest rooms, ranging in size from 275 to 375 square feet, will be distributed equally, with seven going on each of the four upper floors. No two rooms will be exactly alike.

“We got everyone together to pull color schemes,” said Marsh, who cochaired the design team with Brandi Weiss. “We wanted to keep it modern, relevant and fresh — not something that would look dated within a year.”

Neutral browns and grays are accented with pops of brighter aqua, purple, lime and yellow. Marsh said the hotel has more of a city vibe than the Holland hotel.

“Grand Rapids is a little more urban, so we pushed the envelope a little more.”

The designers specified floor and wall finishes, selecting materials and designing the furniture that CHi manufactures at its Holland facility. They also specified the design for the CityDrem mattress made by a local manufacturer.

DenBesten said a lot of research went into choosing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures — “like the dual flush toilets and low-flow shower heads.”

There are no coffee machines in the rooms: “All those heating elements are inefficient, so instead, we’re offering free coffee in the lobby.” Newspapers won’t be delivered to the rooms, to encourage people to come downstairs. And each guest room will have recycle bins.

“Even the shampoo and other toiletries are from local sources,” DenBesten said.

Reid believes the hotel’s central location will allow guests to discover downtown Grand Rapids.

“It’s a nice walking distance pretty much to everything,” he said. gr

illustrations courtesy charter house innovations

Design: Angles

28 Grand rapids June 2011

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Design: Art Appreciation

Impressions of a summer landscape

broad sky, expansive water and a majestic tree have been rendered with the prototypical characteristics of the impressionist movement.

ALFRED SISLEY’S OIL ON CANVAS “The Seine at St. Mammes” (1867-69) combines the preferred genre of landscape with the popularity of Impressionism. It is an iconic work at the Muskegon Museum of Art and offers an opportunity to reflect on the history of landscape painting and one of art history’s most beloved movements.

Impressionist landscapes seem familiar to even the most casual of viewers. Yet for how well we think we know the work of artists such as Monet and Renoir, it is refreshing to approach landscape painting and Impressionism, and by extension its less renowned masters, with new perspectives on the genre, movement and artist.

The landscape as a respectable genre of painting is really quite new. The narrative painting (historical, religious and allegorical) reigned supreme, followed by portraits, still lifes, scenes of everyday life, and then landscapes, including seascapes and cityscapes. It was not until the 17th century that scenes of the natural world found value with the Dutch merchant class, and such French painters as Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorraine found respectability. The preeminence of landscape

was solidified in the 19th century with British icons John Constable and J.M.W. Turner, and a handful of American painters in the Hudson River area.

By the middle of the 19th century, the landscape was accepted but it was largely artificial: Painters may have made sketches out of doors, but the actual painting was composed and executed inside a studio. The effects of light, color and atmosphere might be suggested, but the environment tended to be stiff and studied.

Enter paint available in novel tubes, and young artists bounded out of doors, canvas in hand. They began to paint “plein-air,” and the effects of natural light, living color and experienced atmosphere appeared among the trees, across the waters and on their canvases.

In essence, by the end of the 1860s and early 1870s, Impressionism was born in France with succeeding waves of Impressionist artists active across Europe and America through the 1930s. Surprisingly, the Impressionists were broadly rejected by early audiences in France and Europe. The open compositions — short and broad brushstrokes, light and colorful palettes — seemed unfinished and sketchy.

In 1873, Monet, Renoir, Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley banded together in a loose association with similar artistic aims and joined together the following year in the first Impressionist exhibition.

By the mid-1880s, the radical art movement had gained acceptance. Though practitioners of an Impressionist style faded by the advent of World War II, admiration for the movement has only gained momentum.

Although born of British parents, Sisley (1839-1899) lived most of his life in France. Like Monet, he focused exclusively on the landscape and found aesthetic fulfillment in capturing the effects of light and atmosphere over time as they applied to a given location.

“The Seine at St. Mammes” is a quintessential example of his work. Broad sky, expansive water and a majestic tree have been rendered with the prototypical characteristics of the Impressionist movement.

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

photoGraphy courtesy muskeGon museum oF art/GiFt oF martin a. ryerson on the 20th anniversary oF the hackley art Gallery

by Joseph antenucci becherer

30 Grand rapids June 2011

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Photography courtesy Muskegon Museum of Art/Gift of Martin A. Ryerson on the 20th anniversary of the Hackley Art Gallery

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630 Kenmoor Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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719 PLYMOUTH SE – EAST GRAND RAPIDS This tastefully restored Georgian Colonial home features a thoughtful balance of historic character with modern convenience. Once inside, you will find a notable inventory of architectural appointments throughout. The gourmet kitchen renovation includes a commercial grade Viking range, dual Sub-Zero refrigerators and dual Fischer Pakel dishwasher drawers. A very symmetrical home featuring a balance of both formal and informal living space, three fireplaces, a master bedroom/bath suite, 3 additional bedrooms and 2 additional full baths.

Located on a street of deeply set homes, unique architectural styles, manicured landscaping and century old trees. No expense was spared in reinstating this home to the opulent grandeur of the 1920’s! $699,000

1749 ALEXANDER SE – EAST GRAND RAPIDS The classic architecture of this home exudes the details of an English Tudor styled home that was built in the 1920’s. A gracious foyer with a sweeping staircase to the 2nd floor immediately sets the tone of the home. The focal point of the home is the outstanding kitchen, offering high end appliances, centerisland and granite counter tops. Also included on the main floor you will find and an elegant living room and dining room with intricate plaster molds, polished hardwood floors and original lead paned windows. The informal family room with fireplace and wet bar is equally conducive to entertaining family & friends. A master bedroom/bathroom suite, 3 additional bedrooms & 2 full baths complete the living space on the 2nd floor of this magnificent home! $549,000

7101 GLADYS SE – CASCADE TOWNSHIP A unique opportunity to be on the Thornapple River, in Cascade Township. This quality built home features approximately 852 sq.ft. of open living space.

A wall of french doors opens to the magnificent setting of the in-ground pool surrounded by lush landscaping & patio. You will find this cozy home to be as charming as it is inviting. An ideal property & location for entertaining, especially in the summer months. The 2nd level offers a master bedroom overlooking the living space on the main floor.

Hardwood flooring, oversized windows & detailed appointments are found throughout. An unattached 3 stall garage offers additional storage space. A home that could easily be added on to for additional square footage. Beautifully landscaped with marvelous views of the river. A perfect location and a rare find on the river. $495,000

8380 BAILEAU OAKS NE – ADA Just east of the Village of Ada, you will find a winding road accented with an umbrella of towering trees that leads to this custom designed home on 4.6 acres. Once inside, the eye is drawn to the abundance of natural light provided with floor to ceiling windows, custom designed fireplaces and polished hardwood floors.

The gourmet kitchen, which features granite countertops and top of the line appliances is the heart of this family home. And the perfect respite at the beginning or end of your day is the screened-in porch located directly off the kitchen. A spacious master bedroom/bathroom suite, 2 additional bedrooms & full bath complete the living space on the 2nd floor. The lower level provides a media room, in-home office, 2 bedrooms & bath. A pleasure to show! $749,000

4/29/11 12:32 PM

Special Advertising Section

t

GR Home Showcase: DeGraaf Interiors, Floors and More

Owners Dean and Deb DeGraaf with their smallest member of the team, Chewy.

Discover the DeGraaf difference Photography by Michael Buck

iled his de, ht m rs. nart he in us dhe m, to

Grand Rapids | Home

he ils he se he deron ng ds, ed ce ng e, he nt

GRM_06.11_HOME.indd 35

Whether you are considering a bathroom project, a simple countertop or backsplash change, or full renovation of a lakefront home, DeGraaf Interiors offers an unparalleled experience that provides immense value to their customers, thanks in no small part to their practically unheard of lifetime warranty on residential installations.

By J. Stapleton-Burch

4/29/11 12:33 PM

Grand Rapids | Home

Special Advertising Section

“We love what we do, and take it very personally,” explained Deb DeGraaf, who together with her brother Dean owns DeGraaf Interiors, Floors and More. “My brother and I started working with Dad (Daryll DeGraaf) long before he retired, just to help him out,” she continued. “Since then, Dean and I have been able to contribute our own unique aspects and independent styles to growing the business successfully.”And grow they did. In 2003 they purchased the long-established Kemp Floor Covering and moved it into a new building near its original Plainfield Avenue location under the management of Mark Smith, an original Kemp employee.

Deb’s husband Mark Lewis manages their original location in Hudsonville.

All the while Deb gives credit to Mark for the encouragement and support throughout the decision-making process in adding their third location. Just last year they opened their Cascade showroom located at 1144 East Paris in front of Bonefish Grill, and it has been much appreciated by local clientele.

“People often have the misconception that we are expensive because of the

GRM_06.11_HOME.indd 36

variety of products we offer, the scope of the projects we have completed, or the level of service we offer,” Deb observed. “I would like to invite them to stop in and see just how competitive our pricing can be; it may surprise them.”

Plainfield Manager Mark Smith agreed. “We have an excellent staff with an enormous amount of product knowledge and professional, experienced installation crews,” he said. “We also have a long-standing reputation for fair prices and excellent service. We do it the right way or we don’t do it at all.”

“I thank God for our installers,” Deb agreed.

“They maintain our reputation through to delivery and are an important part of the whole DeGraaf experience.

We hope that when customers come in, excited about a project, they will see and experience our passion for what we do from the front desk to our sales people to the

owners. We want to offer them value and provide a good experience from start to finish.”

According to Cherie Smith, who can be found at the front desk of the Cascade store, that shouldn’t be hard to do. “It is so easy to work with our designers and staff,” she said. “I can’t get over how much they pick up on what your specific desires are and within a few minutes can come up with something for your presentation. There’s a real connection and an overall friendly, professional atmosphere that will let you relax with a project, knowing it’s in the hands of the experts. They’ll give you a feeling of complete trust in the process without overwhelming you with too much product or too much cost.”

DeGraaf also has a large presence in downtown Grand Rapids. Their work can be seen in the 183 condos and common areas of Union Square.

Dean DeGraaf is an integral part of the commercial flooring division at DeGraaf Interiors. From the complexity of transforming old school hardwood and terrazzo bathroom floors into beautiful residential floorcoverings, Dean demonstrated the depth of DeGraaf Interiors abilities. More recently they completed the remodel of Railside Golf Club, Thousand Oaks, the suites at Acadia Bluffs, The Fitzgerald, 38 Commerce and Gallery on Fulton. CityFlats, the newest hotel in Grand Rapids is also among their successful projects.

“We work with custom-home builders and larger contractors, and have developed great relationships there also,” Dean explained. “They tell us we’ve brought to them a fresh perspective with a strong attention to value,”

4/29/11 12:33 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GR Home Showcase: DeGraaf Interiors, Floors and More

Brother-Sister Team, Deb and Dean DeGraaf, Owners Three locations: Cascade: (616) 264-3424 Grand Rapids: (616) 363-3513 Hudsonville: (616) 662-0140 info@degraafinteriors.com degraafinteriors.com Credentials: Three of the leading brands within our industry have selected us for the highest level of partnership allowing us to provide advantages to our customers: We are the only independent floorcovering retailer in the Midwest recognized as a Shaw Design Center®, StainMaster Flooring Center® and Mohawk ColorCenter Elite Showroom.

Photography by Michael Buck

According to Mark Lewis, it’s not only competitive pricing but also the staff that makes DeGraaf Interiors special. “We don’t just have employees. We have people that are passionate about what they do.”

he noted. “ I spend a great deal of time monitoring the project and making sure things are done right. I have an extremely high level of commitment and understanding of the commercial side of the business.”

Deb has served on four national industry committees and provides advice on the early phases of development with companies like Mohawk and Shaw. “We’re there at the beginning giving insight and direction to large manufacturers and this allows me to come back with powerful learning experiences that translates to our customers,” she said. Deb also currently serves on the World Floor Covering Association Board of Directors.

And although they are serious about what they do at work, another important aspect of the DeGraaf experience is having fun. “I like to think we’re smiling as a company,” Deb noted.

And who could help but smile when you meet their unofficial mascot,

GRM_06.11_HOME.indd 37

“Chewy,” a Maltese mixed breed that Deb and Mark adopted last year from MacKenzie’s Animal Sanctuary. “I was measuring for flooring at a local TV station and Chewy was the guest of honor,” Deb recalled. “I had never thought a dog would fit into our busy lifestyle; what I didn’t realize is how Chewy would transform our office. He has a way of touching those that work at DeGraaf’s, and customers love him too! He is a part of the company. He comes to work with us and if a customer requests it, he will even tag along on a measure.”

DeGraaf Interiors understands the importance of value, selection, quality and service. Isn’t it time for you to discover the DeGraaf Difference?

GRAND RAPIDS | HOME

DEGRAAF INTERIORS, FLOORS AND MORE

Inspirations: We continually grow our expertise through formal education programs on the latest trends and most fashionable flooring and hard-surface options available. We work with the most well respected manufacturers in our industry. Making our customers happy is a constant inspiration.

Career high point: Last year, out of 252 dealers in our region, Mohawk selected us as the recipient of the ColorCenter® Dealer of the Year – an award that recognizes overall business practices, steady growth, involvement in our local communities and a staff well educated in every aspect of flooring.

Personal high point: We are extremely blessed to have been able to open a third location in Cascade.

We have already seen a great outpouring of customer response and support in our decision despite the economic conditions. It has allowed us to begin building a stronger sense of community beyond our two other locations in Grand Rapids and Hudsonville.

5/3/11 1:34 PM

Grand Rapids | Home

Special Advertising Section

GRM_06.11_HOME.indd 38

4/29/11 12:33 PM

Special Advertising Section

By Lisa M. Jensen

Grand Rapids | Home

Hidden Treasures

Today, brand-new furnishings ranging from contemporary to traditional are being paired with pieces reclaimed, refurbished and repurposed. In West Michigan, “where” to find these one-of-a-kind gems is just as much of a find.

“M

Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/ChuckSchugPhotography (opposite page)

uch of what we do is custom,” shared Carol Dick, who with her husband, Al, runs Petite Redu in Grand Rapids. “Customers often bring us family heirlooms or pieces with great sentimental value that may not fit their décor, but they don’t want to part with it.”

Reinterpreting what such treasures can be is the couple’s specialty, although they relish reinventing found items of their own, as well. One recent project from their 2,500-square-foot studio includes an old bow-front buffet that was relieved of a top drawer and refitted to house a DVD player. Offering space above for a flat-screen TV and plenty of storage in side doors and lower shelving, the repurposed piece wellserves a modern family’s lifestyle.

“Many furnishings we redo become multipurpose,” Carol noted. “The wonderful thing about most old furniture is that it’s made of solid wood; we come across a lot of different grades of mahogany, but walnut and cherry, too. Even the frame in a recent cabinet we refurbished was made of solid oak — you just don’t see that

GRM_06.11_HOME.indd 39

often now in new furniture.”

Having grown up immersed through his family’s business in the new furniture industry, Jason Talsma unleashes his own inventiveness at Second Chance Design, which he shares with his designer wife, RandiLynn.

The couple has an undisputed knack for making furniture and accessories fun again by virtue of insightful refinishing, reupholstering, repainting and other savvy solutions.

“So many people like the idea of finding an old piece and fixing it up into something great,” Jason said. “But after 50 or more years, the condition of these pieces can be pretty sketchy. Sometimes it’s structural, sometimes cosmetic. That’s where I come in.”

Early 1900’s Wing Back Chair custom reupholstered and painted base by Petite Redu.

Although much of her husband’s skills as a craftsman are founded on his knowl-

4/29/11 12:33 PM

Grand Rapids | Home

Special Advertising Section

It sold that afternoon to a couple who wanted to use it at the top of their stairs as a bookshelf.”

Top left: Mission style Patio set made from reclaimed barn wood by Fence Row Furniture. Top right: 80 years of different paints made way for a blend of gorgeous color. The top is stained to showcase the age of the maple. Made by The Superior Furniture Company in Cheboygan Wisconsin. Restored by Second Chance Design. Below: Funky blast from the past of the 50’s. This two toned lounge chair has the original vintage texture vinyl. Available at Second Chance Design.

edge of furniture construction and design, RandiLynn noted, his inherent resourcefulness along with their collaborative creativity leads to the evolution of dynamic “punch” pieces to supplement core furnishings.

“Once he came back with an old four-shelf floor piece in this awful ’80s country blue,” she illustrated. “He disappeared with it for a while and came out looking like an Oompa Loompa, but the piece was just gorgeous, layered in these vibrant hues.

Inspired by their own family’s multi-generation farming roots, Kluting brothers Joe and Bob joined their father, Mike, in offering barn restoration services as a side business in 2005. The abundance of durable, character-infused wood collected has since resulted in hand-crafted furniture ranging from Mission, Cottage and Farmhouse styles that include kitchen cabinetry, flooring and outdoor collections at Fence Row Furniture Co. in Marne.

“We opened the showroom last fall because the demand for reclaimed barn wood was growing so fast,” noted Tammy Kluting, Joe’s wife, adding that the company does custom work as well. “Bright cottage fabrics and upholstery on repurposed wood is becoming especially popular now.”

While the art of it all infuses fun into the creation and offering of such furniture pieces, these artisans — members of the Michigan Barn Preservation Network — find equal enjoyment in sharing their rich heritage.

“Being able to turn what used to be burned down into something people love to bring home,” Tammy said, “just feels great.”

To learn more, visit: www.fencerowfurni ture.com; www.petiteredu.com and www. secondchancedesign.net.

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4/29/11 12:33 PM

Special advertiSing Section

Grand rapids | Home

Gr home Showcase: Zhang Financial

Zhang Financial team (left to right): stephanie Hall, Lynn Chen Zhang, Charles Zhang, Jessica Rossana, James Walsh and Christine Lindberg.

Photography by Michael Buck

Buildingdreams

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your oWN dream home may be one of the largest investments you ever make. Finding the right financial advisor may help shorten the path to your goals and offers a smart way to help you turn those dreams into reality. the nationally recognized, independent financial management firm, Zhang Financial, could be just the ticket you need to carry you into a successful future.

the mission of Zhang Financial is to provide each of their clients with sound, unbiased advice, excellent service and unsurpassed products while acting in their best interest at all times.

they don’t get much better than Zhang Financial.

By J. Stapleton-Burch

4/29/11 12:33 PM

Grand Rapids | Home

Special Advertising Section

Zhang Financial is a private wealth management group based in Portage that, since 2004, has consistently ranked among the top financial advisors in the nation by renowned financial magazines such as Barron’, Worth, and Research*.

An independent, family-owned financial services firm owned by Charles C. Zhang and his wife Lynn Chen-Zhang, the firm has 15 people on staff who are all highly educated and well trained to service your financial needs. They recently added a Grand Rapids office to their existing locations in Portage and Battle Creek, and have plans to open yet another in Naples, Florida in the near future. Through their affiliation with LPL Financial — the largest independent brokerage firm in the United States (as reported in Financial Planning Magazine June 1996-2010, based on total revenue) — they are backed by the largest in-house research team of any independent broker/dealer. “This lets us offer the feel of a local firm but with

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national support,” explained Charles, who is managing partner. “We thoroughly analyze the product research and only select investments that are best suited to our clients’ needs.”

Working only with clients who have at least a quarter-million dollars to invest, Zhang Financial works to benefit and enrich the lives of their clients by upholding a high standard of care. Because they are independent, they are able to work without the constraints of proprietary products, conflicts of interest or hidden agendas. Taking a holistic approach, they aim to manage all aspects of a client’s financial situation, providing in-house experts for tax, investment, retirement, insurance, education and estate planning, with access to additional expertise from trusted associates such as local CPA firms and attorneys.

“Our goal is to be a nationally recognized, highly ranked independent financial services firm that offers our clients unpar-

alleled financial advice and first-class service,” Charles noted. “Financial planning is an ongoing, dynamic process. That is why we offer periodic service meetings, portfolio rebalancing and retirement planning, because as clients’ needs change, so must their investment strategy.”

Zhang Financial’s “open architecture” investment platform gives them access to thousands of mutual funds, ETFs and alternative investment options that best suit each individual client. In addition, they offer clients the opportunity to work for a competitive, fee-only basis, which ties their compensation directly to the performance of a client’s account. “It’s not about sales. We don’t work for a big company; we work for our clients,” Charles added.

In an industry that has been tarnished by mistrust and deceit, clients of Zhang Financial appreciate working with independent Certified Financial Planners® who are fully licensed and well credentialed, along with a professional staff that

4/29/11 12:33 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GR Home Showcase: Zhang Financial

truly takes the clients’ best interests to heart and puts them first in order to provide the best possible solutions available for managing their finances.

Zhang Financial is obviously doing something right. Throughout the nation’s financial downturn and market instability, their client retention rate was 99.5-percent while many other financial firms lost over 30-percent of their client base.

Taking on only 80 new clients a year, Zhang Financial manages over 1.2 billion dollars in assets through LPL Financial.

Charles has more than 20 years experience in the industry. Charles earned his first significant industry achievement in 1996 at age 29 when he was named the #1 advisor at American Express nationwide. Since then he has earned national recognition for his financial planning expertise and is often interviewed and quoted by many national media sources such as CNBC, CNN, MSN Money, PBS and Fox Business, as well as publications including Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, Barron’s Reuter’s, Forbes and U.S. News & World Report — just to name a few!

Through it all, Charles remains humble and has a strong commitment to his community, spending over 250 hours serving local charities in the past year. He meets personally with clients when making important investment decisions, and each client works closely with their fully-registered Client Services Manager. “We are committed to accommodating our individual cli-

GRM_06.11_HOME.indd 43

ent’s needs and answering their important questions within 24 hours,” he noted. “And by being independent, we have no limitations on what we can recommend to them.

We can give our clients the best of the best with knowledge, expertise and objectivity because we continually educate ourselves on what is happening in our industry.”

Equally as important is the caring staff at Zhang Financial who provides some of the best client services in the industry.

“Products are important, but clients want a staff that cares about them,” Charles concluded. “The most important thing to Lynn and I is top satisfaction from our clients.”

Choosing a financial planner may be one of the most important decisions you ever make. See how Zhang Financial sets a new standard for your finances.

To learn more about Zhang Financial, their education, credentials and services, visit www.zhangfinancial.com. *Disclosures: Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. 1Rankings for Barron’s 2004-2007, and 2009-2010. Rankings for Worth 2004-2007. Ranking methodology includes revenue, quality of practices and assets under management. Factors include assets under management, revenue and client satisfaction. Ranked by Research Magazine 2005-2008.

Ranking methodology available at www.wcorg. com.

See disclosures above for years ranked and ranking methodology.

ZHANG FINANCIAL Founders, Charles C. Zhang, Managing Partner and Lynn Chen-Zhang, Partner Three Michigan locations to serve you: Portage: (269) 385-5888 Battle Creek: (269) 965-0777 Grand Rapids: (616) 235-5777 (888) 777-0126 zhangfinancial.com Career high point: After being recognized six-times as the #1 advisor out of more than 12,000 Ameriprise financial advisors nationwide, Charles and Lynn chose to leave their long and successful association with American Express/ Ameriprise Financial to found their own independent wealth management firm that is free of any product biases and can offer the best quality financial services to clients.

GRAND RAPIDS | HOME

THE ZHANG FAMILY FEELS THAT THEY HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE AND HAVE A PASSIONATE INVOLVEMENT WITH “MINISTRY WITH COMMUNITY,” A KALAMAZOO-BASED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

Personal high point: The Zhang family feels that they have been very fortunate and have a passionate involvement with “Ministry with Community,” a Kalamazoo-based non-profit organization associated with North Presbyterian Church that provides over 100,000 meals a year to adults with no other place to turn. They provide food, daytime shelter and other basic services to central Kalamazoo’s homeless, poor, mentally ill and hard-to-serve people, 365 days a year in an atmosphere of dignity, hope and unconditional acceptance. Every weekend, Charles and his 13-year-old son Alex volunteer to serve lunch to the homeless. In addition, Lynn serves on the investment board for the WMU Foundation. Their 16-year-old son Mitchell is one of the top students attending Groton School in Boston.

5/3/11 1:32 PM

REDESIGNING HOME 2011

Interior elements PART THREE

Between fixtures and products both new and reclaimed, gathered European treasures and innovative techniques, Steve and Karen Patterson’s* extensive Reeds Lake renovation feels like the timeless French country farmhouse it was intended to be. BY LISA M. JENSEN

A

fter spending 12 years in Europe

custom-made, Woodland Harvest Shutters

along with their now school-age

by Lafayette Venetian Blinds.

son, Steve and Karen Patterson

“Shutters on windows are extremely

accumulated more than their share of cul-

French,” Roberts noted. “The Shade Shop

ture. During the duration of their residency,

was really great about pre-installing them

the couple had collected a prized diversity

in all the bathrooms and private areas of

of French and Belgian antique furniture, art

the home so we could be sure they fit, then

and décor — and a strong desire for their

taking them off so our painters could finish

“new” home back in Michigan to suit these

them to match the woodwork in these vary-

keepsakes’ Old World flair.

ing spaces.”

“We’d also been busy acquiring antique

Roberts worked, too, with Trish Keyzer

architectural elements like the French lime-

from Infusions By Etna on 36th Street in

stone fireplaces and much of the lighting,”

Grand Rapids to select fixtures and faucets

Steve shared. “But if it was a challenge to

that would further enhance the Patterson

create the impression of a French farmhouse

home’s rich, French vintage charm. Products

on the exterior, it was even more so to give

from both Jado and Jaclo lines were ulti-

a 1950s’ American interior that European feeling.”

East

mately chosen. tile floor and designing heavy,

builder/

knotty alder wood French

designer and “reclaim” specialist Jeffery

Grand

Rapids-based

doors which Zeeland Archi-

Roberts couldn’t have been more enticed by

tectural

such a mission if it had been gift-wrapped

hold French iron grills the Pattersons

— which is exactly why the Pattersons

brought back.

chose him to oversee the authentic refurbishing of their Reeds Lake dream home.

“In our ‘wish file,’ we had some photos of an old Belgian house that combined old-

custom-built

to

“We finished these front doors off with

“Jeffery provided a clear idea of what

the home’s original hardware,” Roberts

the homeowners wanted to accomplish as

noted, “as one of many ways to honor the

far as style,” Keyzer said. “He was also able

home’s integrity.”

to reuse existing elements and blend them

wood, wide-plank flooring with slate floors,” Steve said.

with new products to create exactly the look

Sharing The Vision

they wanted.”

Roberts found reclaimed oak timbers,

While the Pattersons communicated

“We found a kitchen faucet from an Ital-

had them sawed into wide-plank floor-

product dimensions and installation ideas

ian maker in Belgium, and Jeffery fit it in,”

ing and added for interest in some por-

primarily from overseas, Roberts paired

Steve illustrated.

tions Montauk slate insets. Other of the

European artifacts he uncrated with new

While brand-new exterior light fixtures

builder/designer’s visionary interior addi-

products that lent always-been-there

chosen from Kichler, Minka, Troy and Hud-

tions included a tin ceiling in the mudroom,

appeal. From The Shade Shop on Leon-

son Valley purchased through Grand Rapids

repurposing several original sinks, a triple

ard Street in Grand Rapids, Barry McKey

Lighting punctuate the home’s Old World

application of dark wax to “age” a new hex-

assisted in the selection and installation of

character outdoors, specialists at Bridge

GRM_06.11_HOME.indd 44

5/3/11 1:28 PM

Wilcox Gardens A place whose time has come, again

“R

EDESIGNING HOME” is being presented as a special prelude to Design Home 2012, the first custom residence to be built at Wilcox Gardens in East Grand Rapids.

In sharing Steve and Karen Patterson’s renovation journey — which culminates in a photographic tour of their French farmhouse on Reeds Lake in the October issue — Grand Rapids Magazine introduces readers to the expert team that is also crafting distinctive, European country-style homes in Wilcox Gardens, as well as the ingenuity and attention to historic detail that will set Design Home 2012 apart.

Street Electric in Grand Rapids meticulously

heirlooms to their original patinas, replace

refurbished and restored antique light fix-

missing parts with authentic pieces, and

tures the Pattersons and Roberts had collected.

“All chandeliers, sconc-

ultimately, use and enjoy.

“My role as an interior designer was to interpret the informa-

es and lamps imported

tion and pictures Steve and

from Europe needed to be

Karen gave me, and then

rewired (or in some cases,

push the vision beyond what

completely electrified),” Steve

they saw in their mind’s eye,”

shared. “We also needed to

Roberts said. “The vendors we

obtain new shades that would

worked with were all right in

complement some fixtures.”

sync. It’s this team effort that

Since 1929, Bridge Street Electric’s restorative arm has only grown stronger,

resulted in a home that’s so personal and unique, on so

Located within immediate proximity to schools, shopping and recreation, Wilcox Gardens will offer the rare opportunity to build within the land-locked community of East Grand Rapids.

This site-condominium development will be a combination of existing and new single-family homes. Jeffery Roberts Homes, in conjunction with Visbeen Associates, Inc., has developed several design concepts for these exceptional historic home sites. Don’t miss this opportunity to build in one of America’s most livable communities. To inquire about available lots in Wilcox Gardens please contact Katie Karczewski at (616) 575-0119.

JEFFERY ROBERTS HOMES

INC

many different levels.”

noted owner Deb Dagley, as more customers like the Pattersons are wishing to return recycled lights and family

GRM_06.11_HOME.indd 45

*Homeowners’ names have been changed to protect their privacy.

4/29/11 12:33 PM

Photography Courtesy Guy Orr

John Arnold twirls Rita Schwartz at Rosa Parks Circle, where the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society gathers every Tuesday night.

46 Grand Rapids June 2011

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4/29/11 11:10 AM

When warm weather hits West Michigan, many residents head for the lakeshore.

But not so fast. There’s plenty of activity in downtown Grand Rapids.

Hot town,

summer in the city Eat

Photography by Johnny Quirin (top); Michael Buck (bottom)

Photography Courtesy Guy Orr

No matter what cuisine you’re craving, there’s probably a restaurant in downtown GR that serves it — from veal to vegan. One urban dweller says one of the joys of living downtown is “being able to walk a block or two to find international offerings — Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Thai and more.”

Now that warm weather has settled in, al fresco dining is the way to go,

Katie McNary and Andrea Robbins check out the accessories at Lee & Birch, a hip boutique at 50 Louis St.

Urban dwellers stroll downtown in search of dinner.

whether checking out the action at Rosa Parks Circle from a street-side table at Tre Cugini, or kicking back on the rooftop deck at Rockwell & Republic.

If you just want a morning cinnamon roll or an afternoon cupcake, Grand Cakes Grand Rapids is a new full-service bakery in the lower level of McKay Tower. The best news: order and pay by phone and Grand Cakes will deliver the baked goods to your car. The bad news: It could spell trouble for that low-carb diet.

Also new: San Chez A Tapas Bistro Café is offering lunchtime bike delivery downtown.

Shop Yes, you can shop ’til you drop in downtown GR. While there’s nary a mall in sight, there are plenty of stores and galleries carrying everything from high-end fashion to books, sporting goods, fountain pens, gifts and more.

Popular newcomers include Lee & Birch, a hip boutique selling women’s clothing and accessories, and Minty Keen, an eclectic shop selling vintage items and upcycled crafts. Father-son duo Brandon and Jayson Case have opened Craft-Revival, a jewelry store “aimed at the younger generation.”

June 2011 Grand Rapids 47

GRM_06.11_Sec05_PG46.51.indd 47

4/29/11 11:11 AM

Photography by Alissa Lane

Tyler Doornboos and Josh Leffingwell founded Bike Friendly GR to encourage more people to get out and ride.

48 Grand Rapids June 2011

GRM_06.11_Sec05_PG46.51.indd 48

5/3/11 1:21 PM

Drink Fine wine, craft beer or a creative cocktail — take your pick. While Reserve is the hot new destination for wine drinkers, Bar Divani continues to offer a variety of events for oenophiles.

Beer fans have oodles of choices, including Hopcat, named “third best beer bar in the world” by Beer Advocate magazine, and the newly expanded Founders Brewing Co, which is throwing its fourth annual street party June 18, an outdoor bash with local, national and regional bands, local food vendors, arts and crafts — “and plenty of Founders beer.”

Mixed drink lovers can order a Seething Leopard at the hip Leopard Lounge inside Louis Benton Steakhouse, or sip a summery cocktail at Cygnus 27 while they admire the views from the 28th Floor Of The Amway Grand Plaza.

Walk

Photography by Michael Buck (bottom); courtesy Craig Vander Lende (top)

Photography by Alissa Lane

On a sunny day, you’re bound to see pedestrians strolling across the Blue Bridge or jogging through Millennium Park. Some urbanites prefer to explore with a purpose, and one nifty option is

the city’s Outdoor Art Inspirations brochure at www.grand-rapids.mi.us/down load_upload/parks_Outdoor_Art_Inspir ations_Walking_Tour.pdf.

Learn

Cygnus 27

the GR Tag Tour, an interactive tour of downtown that you can access on your smart phone with a QR reader. The onemile walking tour provides information, historical stories, user-submitted photos and more, at 13 locations. See www.grtag tour.org.

You also can download a list and a map of the historical manses in Heritage Hill at heritagehillweb.org (click on Tour Information, then Walking Tour), or

Downtown has museums aplenty, from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Opening this month at the Public Museum is Thank God for Michigan!

Stories from the Civil War, an interactive exhibit showcasing more than 100 artifacts from the museum’s vast collection, including uniforms, weapons, photographs and letters. While the battles took place in other states, the people of Michigan were deeply involved in the Civil War. Kendall College of Art & Design is offering some interesting classes this summer, including Etsy 101 June 18 for those who want to sell homemade crafts and artwork online. Local interior designer C.J. VanDaff-Zondervan will teach a Cottage Style Design workshop June 27-30 for tips on renovating a cottage. (www.kcad.edu/youth-adults-coursebook-summer-2011).

Blues on the Mall crowds watch as Keegan Loye breaks a move.

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thank goD For MiChigan! stories from the Civil War opens June 13, in recognition of the date the first local soldiers left to join the battle. this interactive exhibit showcases more than 100 artifacts from the Museum’s permanent collection, including uniforms, weapons, photos, letters and more.

admire It doesn’t take much to find art downtown: Murals on sides of buildings depict everything from giant faces to skyrocketing plants.

Division Avenue is filled with art galleries and artist live/work spaces. Avenue of the Arts is the official name of the area of South Division between Wealthy and Fulton where commercial, nonprofit and residential groups aggregate to form a cultural center.

Mexicains San Frontieres is the multimedia art space of local artist and musician Hugo Claudin. Located in a sunlit artist’s loft near Cherry Street, the space combines a contemporary art studio with a live music venue, and is open to the public during events and by appointment.

Works by longtime GR resident Reb Roberts hang from light posts and decorate windows all over the city. Witticisms about happiness and hell are just some of what makes up his folk art pieces on display at Sanctuary Folk Art, his gallery at 140 S. Division Ave. The gallery

blues concert every Wednesday night at Rosa Parks Circle June 8-Aug. 10. Dance to music from national blues performers and enjoy a variety of food and goods from local vendors.

The June 11 Local First Street Party is all about celebrating local food, local beer and local music — “all things that make it a great community for us,” said Elissa Hillary, executive director of Local First.

Party June is party month in downtown GR, starting June 3-5 with the 42nd Festival of the Arts, the country’s largest community art festival organized and operated entirely by volunteers. This year, organizers are partnering with Grand Rapids Art Museum to offer an expanded variety of exhibits and activities in and around the museum. GRAM will host the Festival’s regional arts exhibition and indoor classical concerts, as well as the film competition. Visit www.festivalgr. org for a complete schedule of events.

The 97 LAV Budweiser Blues on the Mall is a free live

stephanie squibb, owner of Formless yoga studio, has been teaching yoga since 2003. she’ll be offering classes at the new Zen buddhist Center at 156 e. Fulton st. Visit her website at formlessyogastudio.com.

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin (bottoM); Courtesy granD raPiDs PubliC MuseuM (toP)

Grand Rapids Art Museum is partnering with John Ball Zoo for Trolley Day June 25. Guests can hop a free trolley to migrate between the museum’s exhibition — Birds of America: Audubon Prints from Shelburne Museum — to the zoo to see birds in their natural habitat.

also showcases works from other local artists.

New on the scene is Green Lion Gallery, a contemporary gallery committed to showcasing work in eccentric and original ways.

Whatsyourartgr.com is an online resource that provides a comprehensive guide to arts events around the city and up-to-the-minute news and discount information.

Gallery Guides, which offer maps to local art galleries and tips for getting the most out of your experience, can be picked up at the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids at 532 Ottawa Ave. NW.

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dhism and Zen,” said the Venerable Deokwun Sunim Russell Pitts, a GR native who returned to the city after being ordained as a Buddhist monk.

“People often get confused and think Buddhism and Zen are the same. But you can practice Zen regardless of your faith tradition,” he said.

Besides a Sunday morning service and social gathering, the center at 156 E. Fulton St. will be open for meditation noon-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. To check out the schedule of yoga classes, taught by Stephanie Squibb, visit www. grzen.org or call (616) 822-2465.

Bike So maybe downtown isn’t always the safest place to go biking — heck, sometimes it’s treacherous driving a car. But as the city plans more designated bike lanes, advocacy groups such as Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition are getting things rolling in the right direction.

New on the scene is Bike Friendly GR, co-founded by Josh Leffingwell and Tyler Doornboos, two biking enthusiasts who ride every day and refuse to wear neon spandex. The guys are selling T-shirts emblazoned with their logo to raise funds for fun projects, such as family rides to the Fulton Street Farmers Market.

They’re also fixing up old bikes — upcycling — to sell at affordable prices.

“Cycling is getting safer in Grand Rapids,” Leffingwell said.

“The new bike lanes really help because just seeing the symbol on the road makes people more aware.” Get more info at bikefriendlygr.org.

Ready for a fun ride with lots of people? Check out the 100 Grand Bicycle Tour with scenic, low-traffic roads (along with snacks and a full lunch at the conclusion!) with options ranging from 17 to 141 miles. To register, go to 100grand@ rapidwheelmen.com.

GR

By Grand Rapids Magazine Staff.

At Green Lion Gallery, 150 E. Fulton, artist Johnny Clauson and gallery owner/graffiti artist B.J. Johnson (a.k.a. SOBA) check out the “Wish You Were Here” wall mural that looks as though you’re stepping into a desert.

Leading up to ArtPrize 2011, the temporary gallery space will host shows and serve as an ArtPrize venue.

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Johnny Quirin (bottom); Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum (top)

Watch People watching is a favorite pastime in downtown, and what better spot than Rosa Parks Circle. On Tuesday evenings you can catch members of the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society dancing the night away. And now organizer Steve Zaagman is launching a new project: Upside Down Movie Nights, where folks can watch movies projected on the ceiling of the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s atrium. “People will have to bring a pillow or something soft to lie down on,” he said.

Or perhaps theater is your thing. The choices this month range from “Reefer Madness! The Musical,” at Spectrum Theater to “Shrek The Musical” at DeVos Performance Hall. Other plays include “Hairspray” at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, and Neil Simon’s “45 Seconds from Broadway” at Spectrum, presented by Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids.

Meditate Need a moment? Besides a plethora of churches, downtown GR has a new Zen Buddhist Center, “a place for people to come to learn and practice both Bud-

Pikositos Authentic Mexican Tacos & Salsas at 122 S. Division Ave. celebrates its one-year anniversary this month. The popular eatery serves up tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Find Pikositos (the name is derived from the Spanish word for “hot and spicy”) on Facebook or call 454-3847.

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Rick Beerhorst

These 21st century eco-pioneers practice living simply and self-sufficiently by producing their own food and other basic needs. BY DAINA KRAAI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BUCK

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L

ong tendrils of pepper plants weave their way around the small corner of the kitchen where homeowners Pete Spring and Nancy Yagiela have been trying to contain them.

The roots spring up out of bubbling water while long lights hum overhead. “One year, I had one tomato plant take over my entire kitchen,” said Yagiela, who is experimenting with an indoor hydro-garden that produces tomatoes as early as mid-December.

Spring and Yagiela are two of the city’s new urban homesteaders — 21st century eco-pioneers who practice self-sufficiency by producing some or all of their food and other basic needs.

It’s a twist on the Homestead Act of 1862, when undeveloped land west of the Mississippi was populated by homesteaders who braved the elements to carve out a life for their families. They were offered 160 acres in exchange for a five-year commitment to improve their piece of land by building a house and cultivating crops.

Today’s urban homesteaders choose to cultivate their land and home within the city limits, while maintaining a simpler, more sustainable, slower-paced lifestyle that many would associate with rural life.

“We do this in the city because we love the density of people and the culture that comes with a city of our size,” said Rick Beerhorst,

who lives on a “micro urban farm” with his wife and six children at 106 Fuller Ave. SE. “We also love nature and seek to cultivate that yearning right here where we live.”

Besides keeping chickens and rabbits and maintaining a garden for food, the family sells their artwork and crafts as a means of support. “We like pulling up carrots and picking Swiss chard and going right into dinner prep with these beauties from the garden,” he said.

“All of this makes us not only physically healthy, but living this way makes us feel more alive.”

Around the block, Spring and Yagiela have been cultivating every inch of their land on Benjamin Avenue for the last 25 years, including the kitchen hydro-garden. In the tightly compact neighborhood on the eastern edge of the East Hills neighborhood, they have a small 40-by-15-foot backyard with no grass in the front. Yet they have managed to create a 30-by-15 garden plot, fertilized by a rabbit. They chopped down a tree to provide more sunlight so they can grow plants in pots along the driveway.

“It’s enough for us,” said Yagiela. “My parents grew up in the city during the war, when a lot of people grew food to survive. People my age and younger are so used to having everything available to them, but it was not always that way.”

The two are not only committed to their land, but also to the

Pete Spring and Nancy Yagiela are committed to sustainability in their home and garden, including a hydro-garden in their kitchen. The couple walk or bike almost everywhere in their East Hills neighborhood.

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sustainability of their home. They had their home inspected for energy efficiency and have invested in highefficiency windows, furnace and insulation. They also are looking into solar panels and a wind turbine for back-up power, especially for the hydro-garden, which Yagiela admits uses more energy than she would like.

In the winter they keep their heat turned down, and in the summer generally live on their screened-in porch. The couple also walk or bike almost everywhere in their neighborhood.

“I can walk to five coffee shops, the credit union and a grocery store,” said Spring, who at 70, just retired from the Grand Rapids Symphony and now frequents local coffee shops and volunteers at West Michigan Environmental Action Council — also within walking distance. “Life in the city allows us a social time with others we normally would not talk with.”

The couple is committed to investing their entertainment dollars into local restaurants and venues.

“We place value on good food,” Spring said. “We are definitely in the minority in so many ways: We rarely go to movies and we have no TV. We buy our clothes at Goodwill

“We do this in the city because we love the density of people and the culture that comes with a city of our size.”

— Rick Beerhorst

Rick Beerhorst and family live on a “micro urban farm” on Fuller Avenue SE, maintaining a produce garden and selling artwork and crafts as a means of support.

They entered their Beerhorst Family Wonder Wagon, a mobile art studio and gypsy encampment along the Grand River, during ArtPrize 2009.

because it is cheap and a form of recycling. We don’t have fancy furniture — most of it has been handed down. We split up the housework equally. We don’t have a lot of toys, outside of bicycles, but I feel very lucky. We have a home paid for, I was in the arts all my life, and food is available.”

Yagiela agrees. “I have never looked at it as homesteading,” she said. “I have just considered it as the way I want to live.”

Holly Bechiri, who lives with her husband and five others in a multiunit community near the Baxter neighborhood, sums it up simply: “The way life should be.”

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Holly Bechiri, top left, lives with her husband and five others in a multi-unit community near the Baxter neighborhood. The seven members of Franklin Farm share chores, crock pots, transportation and “urban foraging.” Pictured bottom left are Dan Elzinga and Peter Sander. Above, from left, Greg Grutman, Bechiri, Massi Bechiri, Lindsay McHolme and Carolyn Schief.

“People think it is strange the way we live in community and share a backyard garden. They think that I am a hippie, but I am not,” she said with a laugh. Bechiri, who is in her 30s, grew up on a farm in Iowa.

“To know your neighbors and be connected to your food just seems normal to me.”

When the Bechiris moved into a duplex near the intersection of Franklin Street and Eastern Avenue, the building needed lots of work.

“When we first bought it, this apartment was a drug hole,” she said. “The walls were yellow from cigarette smoke and full of holes.”

Today, the house stands as a testament to the months of hard work the two put into restoring it to its original 1900’s charm, complete with wood floors and original kitchen cupboards.

Bechiri calls her property and the two-family house next door, which they also own and restored, the Franklin Farm. The farm was a way for Bechiri and her family to

spend time in a community while maintaining their own space, making it sustainable over time. The seven members eat meals together once a week and share things such as crock pots and transportation.

“It’s not too intense,” Bechiri said. “The only requirement is that you are willing to be a good neigh-

“It’s not too intense.

The only requirement is that you are willing to be a good neighbor and share in the garden work.”

— Holly Bechiri bor and share in the garden work.”

The “farm” consists of green space surrounding both houses, including a front yard with apricot trees and flowering squash, and the combined back lot converted into a full-scale garden with vegetables, herbs, grapes, a patio and future greenhouse. Members freeze, dry

and store foods, allowing them to eat off their land into February.

“Because we have this garden, we can eat local and organic with a significantly lower budget than the average family,” said Bechiri.

Members also practice the forgotten art of urban foraging. “We hear of people’s yards that have fruit trees like mulberries and Juneberries or apples,” she said. “It is amazing how much you can find in this city just through word of mouth.”

Connections like these are something Bechiri truly appreciates about homesteading within an urban environment as opposed to a more isolated rural environment.

“The appeal of urban homesteading seems to be more focused on not leaving the city,” she said.

“It’s this desire to remain a part of society, but still try to live a more sustainable life.”

After eight years of renting in Vancouver, British Columbia, where housing prices are expensive, David and Helen Aupperlee

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recently returned to Grand Rapids.

As parents of an infant son, they’re in search of affordable land to farm in the city.

“A lot of people see a vacant lot or even their own backyard as a place they have to manage or tame. They may even see dollar signs, like, ‘How much is it going to cost to landscape my property?’ or ‘How long is it going to take me to mow the lawn this weekend?’ It is almost as if it is a chore as opposed to seeing it from a different angle of creativity, like ‘What can I do with this space?’ and ‘How can I see this as a gift and use it to share with others?’” he said.

The Aupperlees hope to find a double lot that will allow them to grow food for their family and sell what is left over.

“Farming in the city means farming in a really small space, and I think we are ready for that. I don’t know if we are ready for the country and the isolation,” said David. “And we have grown to appreciate and love the culture that the city offers.”

“We are urbanites really,” added Helen, who is originally from England. “It is difficult to imagine ourselves outside the city.”

Grand Rapids also offers them closeness to David’s family. “The

goal is not to be self-sufficient but coupled with hospitality and inviting others in,” Helen said.

In Vancouver, the couple was inspired by people growing food and raising chickens and bees in small spaces surrounding their homes. Helen also was inspired by what people were doing inside their homes.

“As humans, we live out of a sense of place,” said Helen. “So for me, urban homesteading is a way to live out of the home that reclaims this idea, and it affects everything: transportation, what we wear, how much we work, our definitions of family and relationships.”

They hope to continue living simply and working part-time in order to contribute more time to their future home, doing things such as gardening, knitting clothes, raising their son, hand-making things like soap and candles and getting to know neighbors. They also hope for a two-family home to help generate income.

“It’s been a gradual shift for us to see our work as in the home and also out of the home,” said Helen.

“We might not get paid for it, but we will get paid for it in lettuce and honey and tomatoes.”

GR Daina Kraai is a freelance writer and urban homesteader in Grand Rapids.

David and Helen Aupperlee, parents of an infant son, recently returned to Grand Rapids and plan to find enough land in the city to grow food for their family and sell what is left over. They enjoy gardening, knitting clothes and making soap and candles.

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City Guide The six.one.six dinner menu, inspired by the theme “eat local, feel global,” is not expansive yet offers an interesting mix of cuisines. » pg60 Photography by Michael Buck

Inside » Dining Review 60

» grand vine 72

» Chef profile 78

» Fresh Hops 84

» clubs ‘n’ pubs 92

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City Guide: Dining Review

Seduction of the senses

by Ira Craaven

On another visit we were quite impressed with the new chef’s willing and welcoming suggestion to our vegetarian guest to make dinner selections from among the fresh produce on hand.

Six.one.six has found its niche.

When the restaurant inside the upscale JW Marriott opened in 2007, many expected a dining experience on a par with The 1913 Room — minus the opulent Louis XVI décor. But it wasn’t quite there. Sure, there were some great meals, but the food sometimes missed the mark and service tended to be spotty.

After some rather major adjustments — including the recent arrival of Justin Dalenberg as executive chef — the contemporary eatery with views of the Grand River is among the best in the city.

The six.one.six dinner menu, inspired by the theme “eat local, feel global,” is not expansive yet offers an interesting mix of cuisines. Sixone-six tends its own herb garden just beyond the outdoor Jdek patio area, providing guests with a colorful view and wonderful fragrance.

Salads are tossed with local greens, fruits and artisan cheeses. Small eats include the decadent truffle fries ($9), made with white truffle oil and served with black truffle mayo. The fresh sushi selection includes six.one.six style hamachi with serrano chili, yuzu, soy, garlic chips and cilantro ($11). Or guests can dine on one of the flatbreads, including a wild mushroom version with red onion preserve, Maytag blue cheese, charred onion and arugula ($12).

Big Eats run the gamut from Duck Leg and Breast ($25) to Lobster and Parisian Gnocchi ($34) — and such Michigan favorites as Pan Seared Michigan Whitefish ($26).

From the moment we walked in on a busy Friday, our server was attentive and knowledgeable. When asked about the differences between a Rhône Valley red wine and one from the Loire Valley, he was able to describe both and suggest food pairings. We went with the 40.4.40 deal, several choices of reds and whites offered at one reasonable price. We chose the Domaine Mirelle & Vincent Côtes du Rhône 2006 and ordered the antipasto with marinated veggies, artisanal cheeses, cured meats and crackers ($12).

It was a perfect size for two, with a sampling of spicy coppa and sopressata, a port wine reduction cheesecake made in house, plus a nice hunk of Stilton and two Grassfields artisan cheeses — cheddar and goat — made in nearby

Photography by Michael Buck

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City Guide: Dining Review

Diners awarded

98

Points

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by Michael Buck

Six.one.six 235 Louis Campau NW (616) 242-1448 ilovethejw.com/dining.html

Coopersville. The combination of tastes and textures, including house-made crackers and a basket of warm bread, was a perfect start to the meal.

We decided to mix our entrees, ordering a few small plates as well as the Char Crusted New York Strip Steak ($33). The winter beet salad was an attractive dish with whole endive leaves, tangy frisée, along with blood orange, smoked pecans and a local chevre, with just enough pomegranate vinaigrette. We also tried the fish ‘n’ chips, a nicely crisp (not greasy) tempura fried perch with green herb aioli and crisp potatoes.

The steak was cooked to order, nicely seasoned and served with salt baked potatoes, braised Brussels sprouts and brown butter hollandaise for dipping. The carnivore was pleased.

Dessert was a difficult choice. The sweet endings menu listed everything from the JW “Apple Pie” with bourbon spiced caramel, oat crumble and cinnamon sugar gelato ($7) to the Dueling Chocolate Semifreddo made up of house-made marshmallow, graham cracker, bittersweet chocolate, caramel and candied bacon ($9) — seems bacon paired with chocolate is the must-have dessert) — plus six gelatos and sorbets.

We ordered the Brioche Bread Pudding ($7), served with a bourbon toffee sauce and crème fraiche gelato. Harney & Sons teas, dessert wines and post-dinner drinks also are available.

On another visit we were quite impressed with the new chef’s willing and welcoming suggestion to our vegetarian guest to make dinner selections from among the fresh produce on hand, even visiting the table to best understand her preferences. On this occasion, we also ordered the Berkshire Pork ($25) accompanied by parsnip puree, fresh butternut squash, turnips and pineapple chunks. The meat was wonderfully moist, prepared with a light crust of herbs.

Service was on target all evening, even with a full house in the dining area and the adjacent Mixology lounge, where bartenders are “challenged to become chefs, using freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice to create perfect cocktails.” Mixology offers such creative drinks as Green Torino — Hendrick’s gin, orange juice, cucumber and cilantro — with the note that “Steelcase is the brain behind the intelligent drink, designed by designers.”

Another bonus is the free valet parking for six.one.six diners, both at lunch and dinner. GR

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City Guide

Pour for charity In March, Mike Mraz served up cocktails at Olives in East Grand Rapids as part of the restaurant’s Pour for Charity program. Each month local celebrities volunteer to work behind the bar for one evening, and the restaurant donates 20 percent of the sales to their favorite charity. Mraz raised more than $850 for the March of Dimes March for Babies. Musicians Gerry Kaminsky and Tim Sobie are scheduled to tend bar June 7.

emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 61 E 7th St, Holland, (616) 796-2114. cityvubistro.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ COBBLESTONE BISTRO — Eclectic, globally in­­ spired menu executed with pizzazz in attractive surroundings, complete with fireplace, waterfalls and koi pond. Full bar. Open for weekend breakfasts. 9818 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 5883223. mycobblestone.com. H, (B), L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $

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

New American

Upscale, contemporary cooking including ethnic twists on familiar standbys.

25 KITCHEN AND BAR — Dining and bar space on separate levels and a menu that offers 25 pizzas, 25 beers, 25 specialty cocktails, 25 appetizers and inventive entrees artfully presented.

Open daily 11 am-2 am. 25 Ottawa Ave SW, 8055581. twentyfivegr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BAR DIVANI — Wine flights, large array of spirits; classy surroundings. European-inspired food with plates meant for sharing, flatbreads, sushi and a variety of entrees. Closed Sun. 15 Ionia Ave SW, 774-9463. bar-divani.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ FBISTRO 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 (downtown), 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $ BLUE HOUSE BISTRO — Neo-American Creole fusion fare from New Orleans-trained chef/ owner. Entrees reflect best of market, while jambalaya, gumbo and a creative steak dish are staples. Also, appetizers, soups, sandwiches/ wraps and pizzas. Not licensed for alcohol. Closed Mon. 220 W 8th St, Holland, (616) 355-1994. blue housebistro.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE $ BLUE WATER GRILL — Wood-burning rotisser-

ie and wood-fired pizza oven allow for inspired dishes from fresh seafood to beef. Nice wine selection and The BOB’s microbrews. Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace, full-service bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmore collection.com/bluewater.php. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BOBARINO’S AT THE BOB — Grill on 2nd floor of The BOB offers a wide variety, from woodfired pizza, burgers and sandwiches to pasta and up-scale entrées. Full-service bar with The BOB’s microbrews on tap. Live entertainment in Cisco’s Island Lounge. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 3562000. thegilmorecollection.com/bobarinos.php.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ BUTCH’S — New York-style deli by day, fine dining cuisine by night. Menu changes seasonally.

More than 200 bottled beer selections and 700 varieties of wine available for takeout. Closed Sun. 44 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-8227. butchs.net.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$ CAJUN CAT — Cajun-influenced menu features by-the-pound or half-pound fish and seafood selections from catfish and cod to shrimp, lake perch and more. Gumbo, red beans and rice, sandwiches with Andouille sausage, pulled pork barbecue, chicken salad. Take-away or grab one of eight seats. Shares parking lot with Walker Roadhouse. 3280 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 735-2416. On Facebook. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ CITYVU BISTRO — Top-floor restaurant in Hol­ land’s eco-friendly City Flats Hotel specializing in creative flatbreads and small-plate fare with an

DERBY STATION — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derbystation.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $ ELECTRIC CHEETAH — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Sandwiches, soups, salads, entrees, house-made desserts and unique Sunday brunch in modern setting. Liquor license pending. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electric ¢-$ cheetah.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFÉ — Changing bistro menu from appetizers through dessert.

Impressive wine list with appropriate food pairings served in comfortable atmosphere. Open daily for dinner. 11 Center St, Douglas, (269) 8574240. everydaypeoplecafe.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ GILLY’S AT THE BOB — Innovative takes on seafood on the 1st floor of The BOB, complete with raw bar. Seasonal menu offers cutting-edge fare from appetizers to desserts. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. H, L (Sat), D, C, 3, V, MC, AE $-$$ 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. graydonscrossing. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $ GREEN WELL GASTRO PUB — Daily menu features comfort fare with a flare, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. Full bar; more than 20 rotating draught beers, many from area microbreweries. Open daily. 924 Cherry St SE, 808-

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Dining listings

FCYGNUS 27 — Stylized décor reflects a celestial theme that matches the views from the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Casual, 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. H, $$ D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP

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dInner and drInkS aL freSco Indulge in dinner and drinks at the JW Marriott's stylish outdoor patio haven, jdek. Serving inviting dishes that tempt taste buds, jdek offers a stylish, seasonal setting with authentic cosmopolitan views.

2 3 5 Lo u I S St r e e t n W g r a n d r a p I dS M I c h I g a n 49 5 03

6 1 6 . 2 4 2 .1 44 8

I L o v e t h e J W. c o M

Chicago’s miffed and New York City won’t return our calls.

Sometimes, jealousy is a good thing. Cygnus 27 is redefining fine dining in a big way. Whether you come for drinks and the exceptional views or to savor Chef Absenger’s culinary creations, one thing’s for certain.

You’ll leave satiated, body and soul.

EAT. DRINK. CONNECT. Serving American food, bistro-style.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

LocAted inSide the downtown courtyArd by mArriott

616.776.3400

ourcourtyArdgr.com

located atop the amway grand plaza hotel

cygnus27.com

616.774.2000

20% OFF valid for dinner only

reserve your table by calling 616.242.1448.

Bring in this coupon to receive 20% off of your next dinner at six.one.six. valid June 1–30, 2011. does not apply with any other discounts or offers. an 18% gratuity is added prior to discount. Located in the JW Marriott grand rapids.

 Look for new offerings in next month's issue!

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City Guide

GRILL ONE ELEVEN — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge on the lower level. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, 863-3300. grilloneeleven.com. H, B (Sun), L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ THE HERITAGE — Grand Rapids Community College culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine offered with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year.

Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ FMARCO NEW AMERICAN BISTRO — Cozy dining in French-country-casual, white-linen atmosphere. Creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu available for takeout.

Full bar, nice wine list. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$

Hot off the grill Arnie’s, a longtime Grand Rapids’ favorite, has two new projects.

The landmark facility on Leonard Street NW that was destroyed by a fire in 2009 will be rebuilt in the two-story office building that survived the inferno, so the new facility will retain some of the original architectural elements. Another new Arnie’s restaurant, bakery and banquet facility is taking shape at Knapp’s Corner with an expected 2012 opening.

Another Grand Rapids’ hometown favorite, Taco Boy, opened its fifth operation at 180 Monroe Ave. NW in the former It’s All Greek location downtown.

MIA & GRACE BISTRO — Locally grown products creatively composed by husband/wife team chefs and owners are served in an intimate, artsy space in downtown Muskegon. Breakfast/ lunch service year-round with special dinners during growing season. Bakery, too. 1133 Third St, Muskegon, (231) 725-9500. miaandgrace.com. H, B, L, (D) V, MC, AE $

(616) 355-5501. saltandpepperpub.com. H, L, D, $ C, V, MC, AE, DS

St, Holland, (616) 392-5888. 8thstreetgrille.com.

H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE $

SALT OF THE EARTH — Rustic fare and bakery emphasize locally sourced products ranging from wood-fired pizzas to an array of affordably priced entrees. Full bar; closed Sun. 114 E Main St, Fennville, (269) 561-7258. saltoftheearthfenn ville.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$

84 EAST FOOD & SPIRITS — Neat restoration lends atmosphere; varied menu includes unique pasta dishes and thin-crust pizzas. Closed Sun. 84 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-8484. 84east pasta.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$

OLIVES — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring locally grown produce and hormone-free, organic meats.

Full bar; two-level seating and alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

SCHNITZ ADA GRILL — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night in cozy surroundings with full bar.

Nice selection of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, pasta and more. 597 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. H, L, D, C, V, ¢-$$ MC, AE, DS

ABERDEEN STEAK HOUSE — All-natural, grainfed, choice-cut aged steaks, prime rib, lamb and pork chops, Greek-style roasted chicken and halfpound burgers in refurbished surroundings. Full bar; closed Sun. 785 W Broadway, Muskegon, (231) 733-6400. aberdeen-steakhouse.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$

ONE TRICK PONY — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines, creative lunch and dinner specials.

Congenially casual surroundings; dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music. Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. onetrick.biz. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

- SIX.ONE.SIX — Market-fresh, contemporary American fare “with a global soul.” Interact with chefs in the mini Chef’s Lab exhibition kitchen, or visit Mixology lounge. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1500. ilovethejw.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, $-$$ MC, AE, DS, DC

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. thousandoaksgolf.com. H, L, D, C, $$ 3, V, MC, AE, DS

TAVERN ON THE SQUARE — Tapas-style fare with small plate/appetizers, soups, green plate/ salads, house specialties and desserts. Full bar with wine; nice list of microbrews. Open daily; patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavern onthesq.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

ARBOREAL INN — New England-style inn offers fresh whitefish, Alaskan king crab, tournedos Oscar and more. Cozy atmosphere with dining and bar area. Portion of menu requires 24-hour notice. Closed Sun. 18191 174th Ave, Spring Lake, (616) 842-3800. arborealinn.com. H, D, C, 3, V, $$ MC, AE, DS, RSVP

PIPER — Stunning lake view, fun décor, good service and a menu with everything from appetizers, pasta and wood-fired pizza to creative entrées and homemade desserts. Closed Sun and Mon during winter. 2225 South Shore Dr, Macatawa, (616) 335-5866. piperrestaurant.com. H, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ ROCKWELL-REPUBLIC — Diverse menu emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. California cuisine, sushi, steaks, Great Lakes fish, chicken, pastas, creative comfort food, plates to share.

Multi-level, arts-inspired décor with upper-level outdoor seating. 45 S Division Ave, 608-6465 or 551-3563. republicgrandrapids.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ ROSE’S — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a variety of sandwiches, salads, pastas, wood-fired pizzas, entrées and desserts.

Comfortably casual; three-season porch seating.

550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 458-4646. thegilmo recollection.com/roses.php. H, B (weekends), L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ SALT & PEPPER SAVORY GRILL & PUB — Pubgrub with creative twists using Michigan-sourced ingredients. Full bar. Back patio for alfresco dining. Closed Sun. 11539 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland,

WILD DOG GRILLE — Interesting appetizers, salads, sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas and entrees marry a complexity of flavors. Desserts made in-house. Closed Mon in winter months. Fullservice bar. 24 Center St, Douglas, (269) 8572519. thewilddoggrille.com. H, L (Fri-Sun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$ WINCHESTER — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food; affordably priced comfort food specialties, reclaimed century-old space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St, SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

Classic American

Restaurants and diners serving traditional dishes popular across the country.

8TH STREET GRILL — Entrées range from catfish Valdosta to ribs, with sandwiches, salads, burgers and pasta also on the menu. Closed Sun. 20 W 8th

ARNIE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT — Uniquely GR. Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 454-3098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants.com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE $ 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. mainstreetmed iagroup.com. B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$ BEAR LAKE TAVERN — Historic North Muskegon tavern offers favorites that include yellowbelly lake perch dinner, BLT burger and hand-cut onion rings. 360 Ruddiman Rd, North Muskegon, (231) 744-1161. 4gr8food.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BENTHAM’S RIVERFRONT RESTAURANT —

Photography Courtesy Innovative Design pc

3566. thegreenwell.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$

64 Grand Rapids June 2011

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City Guide Upscale selections served in casually elegant surroundings. Open daily in the Amway Grand Plaza, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com/benthams.html. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ BIL-MAR RESTAURANT — Beachfront dining with a great view of Lake Michigan; a wide selection of fine-dining entrées. Full bar; open daily.

1223 S Harbor St, Grand Haven, (616) 842-5920. bil-margrandhaven.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, $$ DC THE BISTRO — Formerly Blue Plate in the Marriott Downtown Courtyard Hotel; offers warm, urban décor with large-screen TVs, wraparound bar and barrista serving Starbucks. Casual menu covers all tastes from breakfast through dinner.

Open daily. 11 Monroe Ave NW, 242-6000, ext 6646. marriott.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ BOATWERKS WATERFRONT RESTAURANT — Vintage motorboat ambiance overlooking Lake Macatawa. Spacious outdoor patio and two menus: casual dining in main dining room, bar and patio, with another room for fine dining. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, (616) 396-0600. boat werksrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, $-$$ DC BONEFISH GRILL — Offers fresh-from-the-seas fare. 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.

H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ ➧BONFIRE GRILL & PUB — Muskegon smokehouse in the former Sardine Room space.

Rotisserie chicken, ribs and brisket are the claim to fame; also an extensive menu filled with interesting items like lobster tacos, alligator snaps, creative “samiches,” specialty dogs, burgers and full gamut of entrees. 2536 Henry St, Muskegon, (231) 760-5204; bonfiregrillpub.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ BOSTWICK LAKE INN — Roomy, cottage-style eatery offers regionally influenced cuisine in casual surroundings. Favorites include fresh seafood, pasta, steaks and ribs. Open Tue-Sat, also Mon between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 8521 Belding Rd NE, Cannon Township, 874-7290. bostwicklakeinn.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $

Photography Courtesy Innovative Design pc

BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves an affordable selection of appetizers, sandwiches and salads as well as fowl, seafood and beef for dinner. Enjoy golf-course views from inside or on the deck.

5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BRANDYWINE — Pleasant café atmosphere serving extensive breakfasts, innovative lunches with vegetarian choices and salads, and dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 East Beltline Ave NE, 3631723. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC ¢-$ BRANN’S SIZZLING STEAKS AND SPORTS GRILLE — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets and Mexican entrees. All locations offer high-tech projection screens and sporting events. Menu tweaked to add more bar munchies. Brann’s of Grandville, 3475 Fairlanes, Grand Village Mall, 531-6210; Mike & Johnny Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 401 Leonard St NW, 454-9368; Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille,

4157 S Division Ave, 534-5421; John Brann’s of Cascade, 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800; Brann’s of Holland, 12234 James St, (616) 393-0028; Brann’s of Muskegon, 5510 Harvey St, (231) 7981399; Brann’s of Portage, 700 Martin Luther King Dr, (269) 321-8852. branns.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, $ MC, AE, DC, DS BULL’S HEAD TAVERN — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Lunch menu showcases salads, soups and sandwiches. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullsheadtavern.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ C.F. PRIME CHOPHOUSE & WINE BAR — Prime NY strips and some all-natural beef selections.

Gourmet treatment from starters through salads, plus seafood, vegetarian options and desserts made on-site. Impressive wine list, full-service bar. Closed Sun. 950 W Norton, Muskegon, (231) 737-4943. cfprime.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ CASCADE ROADHOUSE — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu from fish and chips and gourmet burgers to fine-dining appetizers and entrées. Good bar, wine list. Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th St), 949-1540. H, L, $-$$ D, C, V, AE 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP $-$$ 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ FTHE CHOP HOUSE — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. A la carte sides are big enough to share.

Great wine list. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6184. thechophouserestaurant.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $$ COUSIN’S TASTY CHICKEN — A 25-year local alternative to the chains with some of the tastiest fried chicken and side dishes around. Also serving seafood and other fried fare. Closed Sun. 1209 Leonard St NE, 456-5244. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, ¢-$ DS CRAZY HORSE STEAK HOUSE & SALOON — Holland’s family-friendly eatery, renowned for steaks and prime rib. Saturday night special is prime rib and lobster. 2027 North Park Dr, Holland, (616) 395-8393. crazyhorsesteakhouse. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $$ DEE-LITE BAR & GRILL — Nice selection of appetizers, house-made soups, salads and sandwiches. “Fresh-Mex” dinner selections, plus seafood, chicken, steak and pasta. Live music and martinis in the Theatre Bar. Open daily; Sun brunch. 24 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 844-5055. harborrestaurants.com/deelite/. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ THE DINING ROOM AT CLEARBROOK — New entrées daily feature locally grown products.

Known for hand-cut steaks, double-cut lamb chops, Canadian walleye. More casual dining in The Grill Room. Open daily in summer. Clearbrook

Golf Club, 6594 Clearbrook Dr (just north of Saugatuck), (269) 857-2000. clearbrookgolfclub. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC, RSVP $-$$ DOCKERS FISH HOUSE & LOUNGE — Waterside dining on Muskegon Lake with lively summer tiki bar, seafood and land-lubber options. Full bar, dockside seating. Dockhands assist with boat tie-up. Closed Oct-Mar. 3505 Marina Point View, Muskegon, (231) 755-0400. dockersfishhouse. $-$$ com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ THE FALCON’S NEST — Creative lunch menu with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, barbecue ribs, appetizers, chili and salads. Open 11 am-7 pm. 17000 Lincoln Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 842-4040. grandhavengolfclub.com. H, L, D, C, V, ¢-$ MC, AE FALL CREEK — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches, house-made desserts, and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek dining.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ FIREROCK GRILLE — Sunny, bistro-style atmosphere, nightly features and extensive menu of imaginative fare that includes FireRock options: cook your own on a 500-degree stone. Open daily.

Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. stone watercc.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ FLAT RIVER GRILL — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building on the river in Lowell. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from American comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar with extensive wines by the glass and The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. Superb brunch. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmorecollection. com/flatriver.php. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ FLEETWOOD DINER — Extensive diner-style American menu with Greek influences. Famous for Hippie Hash. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving dinner until 8 pm MonThu, 9 pm Fri-Sat. Outdoor patio. 2222 44th St SE, 281-2300. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ FOREST HILLS INN — A casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza.

Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ FRY DADDY’S FRESH FISH — Fried fresh fish, wing-dings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with French fries in pleasant surroundings or to go. Closed Mon. In Kentwood’s Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, 455-FISH. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ GRAND RAPIDS BREWING CO. — Microbrewery with extensive menu that matches the handcrafted beers and natural ales. 3689 28th St SE, 285-5970. michiganmenu.com/grbrewing.html.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ THE GRAND SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR — In Grand Haven’s former Grand Theatre. Oyster and sushi bar, seafood and steaks. Open daily. 22 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 847-8944. harborrestaurants.com/thegrand. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ June 2011 Grand Rapids 65

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City guide grand traVerse pIe co. — bakery and café offer an extensive menu that covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with quiche, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries. open daily. 3224 28th st se, 977-7600. gtpie.com. h, b, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$

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. higrand haven.com. h, b, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae, Ds $-$$

grand VIlla — longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar.

Closed sun. 3594 Chicago Dr sw, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. h, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae, DC, Ds $

kIrby grIll — Casual side of the Kirby house offers more than an average grill with innovative touches to the american menu. family-friendly dining upstairs. 2 washington ave, grand haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmorecollection.com/kirby. php. l, D, C, v, MC, ae $

great lakes shIppIng co. — Kitchen does everything from beef, seafood, fowl and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. patio open in summer. no lunch, but open sun afternoons. 2455 burton st se, 949-9440. h, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, Rsvp $-$$

kopper top — uniquely gR. Raw copper tops the bar and tables at this gR staple with a longstanding tradition of seasonal decorations. entrées with a homemade taste. no lunch sat, closed sun. 638 stocking ave nw, 459-2001. l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae ¢

grIll house & rock bottoM bar — allegan’s grill-your-own steakhouse with grillmasters on call. bottomless salad bowl and potato bar; 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) $-$$

➧lake house waterFront grIlle — in former Rafferty’s spot overlooking Terrace point Marina with laidback-yet-sophisticated décor. small plates, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, specialty burgers. select entrees emphasize locally grown ingredients. live entertainment. open daily. 601 Terrace point, Muskegon, (231) 722-4461. lakehouserestaurant.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, DC $-$$

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) 846-3299. thegilmorec ollection.com.grillroom.php. h, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $$ 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. holidayinn.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 $-$$ ➧handsoMe henry’s — smartly decorated, big-city vibe dining room and sports-screenpacked bar offer tasty options with signature twists. extensive menu ranges from appetizers, pizzas and from-scratch soups to perch, fall-offthe-bone ribs and hand-cut, aged steaks at reasonable prices. 3065 henry st, Muskegon, (231) 747-8583. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $ honey creek Inn — Daily specials are the highlight, mixed with traditional fare that earns rave reviews from patrons. Closed sun. 8025 Cannonsburg Rd, Cannonsburg, 874-7849. honey creekinn.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC ¢-$ hudsonVIlle grIlle — steaks, chops, chicken, soups, salads, sandwiches, Mexican favorites and breakfast, as well as fish specialties. full bar; closed sun. 4676 32nd ave, suite f, hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. h, b, l, D, v, MC, Ds ¢-$ J bar — The bob’s steakhouse restaurant caters to those with a penchant for meat and potatoes with style and expertise. open 5-11 pm; closed sun. 20 Monroe ave nw, 356-2000. thebob.com. h, D, C, local 3, v, MC, ae $$ Jack’s — breakfast and lunch, plus dinner menu

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/dinings. h, b, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, DC, Ds $ Oleo’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, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, Rsvp $-$$ louIs benton steakhouse — upscale steakhouse with a big-city ambiance features premium buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks, lamb, pork and veal chops, seafood and more. superb wine list. Closed sun. free valet parking at ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center ave nw, suite 100, 454-7455. louisbenton.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, DC, Ds, Rsvp $-$$ 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 $$ Meadows restaurant — gvsu’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio and dining room overlook golf course. full menu offers everything from burgers to nY strip steak. seasonal hours; closed sun. 1 w Campus Dr, allendale, 895-1000. gvsu.edu/meadows/. h, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae, Ds, Rsvp $-$$ MIddle VIlla Inn — weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands; in grand Rapids call 891-1287 for

restaurant info. open daily. 4611 n Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villa-inn. com. h, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, Ds $ Moe’s coney & grIll — Coney island-style hotdogs and extensive menu from sandwiches to entrees. wide-ranging breakfast menu, all reasonable prices. open daily; closes 2 pm sun. 3603 s Division ave, 514-1650. h, b, l, D, v, MC, Ds ¢-$ Mr. burger — longtime favorite serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2101 lake Michigan Dr nw, 453-6291; 5181 northland Dr ne, 363-3888; 2300 28th st sw, 538-4439; 1750 44th st se, 4558604; 950 44th st sw, 538-0363; 5835 balsam ave, hudsonville, 662-5088. mrburger.com. h, b, l, D, v, MC ¢ noel restaurant — it’s Christmas year-round at this restaurant in a former church and parsonage family-style dinners, lighter fare on lunch menu. gift shop on lower level. hours now by reservation only; parties of 10 or more preferred.

2371 Riley st, Jamestown, 896-6427. noelrestaur ant.com. h, l, D, v, MC, Rsvp ¢-$$ ottawa taVern — The full-service, full-menu sister restaurant sharing space with downtown’s bite. sports venue with weekday happy hour bar specials 4-7 pm. Closed sun. 151 ottawa ave nw, 451-8000. thegilmorecollection.com/ot.php. h, b, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$$ pal’s dIner — a real diner with breakfast, lunch and dinner all day, served in fun surroundings. no alcohol served. Closed sun. 6503 28th st se, 942-7257. palsdiner.com. h, b, l, D, v, MC, Ds ¢ pearl street grIll — bright, airy restaurant in the downtown holiday inn (formerly Days hotel). breakfast, lunch and steaks, pasta, chicken and fish for dinner. open daily. 310 pearl st nw, 2357611. guestservice@higrdt.com. h, b, l, D, C, v, MC, ae $ pop’s FaMIly restaurant — family-friendly spot serves breakfast all day long, along with classic american comfort food and Mexican specialties. open daily. 1339 walker village Dr nw, 453-9339. h, b, l, D, v, MC ¢-$ raInbow grIll — longtime favorite offers breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily luncheon specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed sun. 4225 32nd ave, hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr sw, grandville, 534-8645. h, b, l, D, 3, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ red Jet caFÉ — gilmore Collection restaurant in the former Creston heights library. Coffee bar along with breakfast, omelets, crepes, soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, specialty pizzas and more in casual, upbeat surroundings. full bar; opens 7 am. 1431 plainfield ave ne, 719-5500. thegilmorecollection.com/redjet.php. h, b, l, D (Tue-sat), C, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ Freds on the rIVer — located on the Rogue River, Reds combines casual sophistication with Tuscan sensibilities. varied menu, good wine list. lunch served 11-4 pm; closed sun. 2 e bridge st, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, DC $-$$ rIo grand steak house & saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more are offered at these western-style schelde restaurants. open daily. 5501 northland Dr ne, 364-6266; 1820 44th st sw, 534-0704. michiganmenu.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $-$$

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City Guide ROSEBUD — Sandwiches, soups and pizza for lunch; steaks, ribs, pasta and more pizza for dinner. Live music Thu-Sat. Open daily. 100 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-7788. rosebudgrill.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ ROSIE’S DINER — The original 1946 Paramount diner made famous by paper towel commercials continues the tradition of classic homemade diner fare. Open daily. Half-mile east of US 131.

4500 14 Mile Rd, Rockford, 866-3663. rosies diner.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ RUSH CREEK BISTRO — Diverse menu of starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, generous entrees and desserts, all done with flair in handsome, club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ RUSS’ RESTAURANTS — Fast service, family friendly, inexpensive fare. Closed Sun. 3966 Plainfield Ave NE, 381-7545; 2750 28th St SE, 949-8631; 2340 28th St SW, 538-3410; 531 Alpine Ave NW, 784-2230; 6444 S Division Ave, 281-2790; 4440 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 531-1146. russrestaurants.com. B, L, D, 3 ¢ SAM’S JOINT — Award-winning ribs and unique décor of antiques and memorabilia. Extensive menu includes Mexican selections; full bar. 2412 Briggs Rd, Gun Lake, (269) 795-3965; 7449 68th St, Dutton, 698-1833; 107 E Main St, Caledonia, 891-1128; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-3324; 6618 Old Grand Haven Rd, Norton Shores, (231) 7987155; 15520 48th Ave, Coopersville, 837-8558; 1665 Viewpond SE, Kentwood, 455-2111. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC $ SANDI’S FAMILY RESTAURANT — Home-cooked meals, family-friendly dining in casual surroundings. Daily specials; all-you-can-eat ocean perch on Fri. Senior discount Mon-Tue. Closed Sun. 6597 S Division Ave, 281-3160. sandisfamilyrestau rant.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ SPINNAKER — Upscale menu features large selection of seafood and landlubber entrees in a nautical themed dining room. Open daily, Sun brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. H, B, L, D, C, $-$$ 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP SUNDANCE GRILL — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers a dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition. Selection of steaks, salmon, salads and pasta, along with a margarita bar. 5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 9565644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ SWAN INN RESTAURANT — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf, daily specials, and burgers, chicken, seafood and more. Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles as well as dinner menu. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel.com. H, B, L, C, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ TERRACE GRILLE AT BAY POINTE INN — Casual gourmet dining, impressive wine list, martini bar and lakeside dining on terrace. Seasonally changing menu includes seafood, steaks, pasta and specials emphasizing regional fare. Open daily. Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville (off US 131), (269) 672-5202 or (888) GUN-LAKE. baypointeinn.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC, RSVP $-$$

Hot off the grill Bob Johnson, owner of West Michigan Caterer and the former Bobby J’s, has taken ownership of Centennial Country Club and plans to make Sticks Lounge, the club’s restaurant, an inviting dining venue that emphasizes fresh, from-scratch fare and top-notch service.

THAT PLACE ON PLAINFIELD — Classic American diner food, along with some surprises like Filipino and vegetarian dishes, in diner-style surroundings at reasonable prices. Closed Sun. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 365-6669. H, B, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢ TILLMAN’S — Uniquely GR. Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste, from liver and onions to frog legs and escargot. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, RSVP $-$$ TIMBERS INN — Menu ranges from appetizers, gourmet salads, sandwiches and charbroiled burgers to wild game offerings and lumberjack meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings.

Open daily. Sun omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE ¢-$ TULLYMORE — Restaurant at Tullymore Golf Club offers seasonally inspired menu with layers of flavors and artful presentations in beautiful surroundings. Expansive views, large patio for outdoor dining. 11969 Tullymore, Stanwood, (800) 972-4837. tullymoregolf.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ TWISTED ROOSTER — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. Open daily. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twistedrooster.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢-$$ VILLAGE INN PIZZA PARLOR — Longtime local favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, soups, salads, Mexican and more, with karaoke nights Thu-Sat. Full bar. Open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th St SE, Kentwood, 281-1444; 934 Washington St, Holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza. net. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ WALLDORFF BREWPUB & BISTRO — Microbrewery with menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, barbecue specialties, small plates, steaks, pork and lamb chops, duck, pastas and wood-fired pizzas. 105 E State St, Hastings, (269) 945-4400. waldorffbrewpub.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ WEST COAST GRILLE — Daily breakfast buffet, hearty lunch fare and dinner menu ranging from quesadillas and burgers to prime rib to seafood, inside Holland’s Doubletree Hotel. Open daily.

650 E 24th St (just off US 31), Holland, (616) 3940111. holland.doubletree.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $ WHITEFISH LAKE GOLF AND GRILL — Menu offers hand-cut steaks, barbecued ribs, fresh seafood and other dining specialties grilled over

an apple-wood fire. Open daily. 2241 Bass Lake Rd, Pierson, (616) 636-5260. whitefishgolfand grill.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ WINTER INN — Seafood, steaks and prime rib along with such specialties as seafood au gratin and pan-fried walleye in historic inn. Convivial bar.

Banquet facilities. 100 N Lafayette St, Greenville, (616) 754-7108. thewinterinn.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC $ WOODY’S PRESS BOX — Pulled pork with pizzazz in a restaurant complex that includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sandwiches and shrimp as well as barbecue fare. Open daily (breakfast and lunch only Sun). 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC $

Daytime casual Eateries that specialize in breakfast and lunch.

ANNA’S HOUSE — Family dining offers great breakfast fare. Open daily for breakfast and lunch until 2 pm. 3874 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8500. H, B, L, V, MC ¢ CHERIE INN — Café is relaxed setting for upscale breakfasts and innovative specials, served until 3 pm. Closed Mon. 969 Cherry St SE, 458-0588. B, L, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ FAT BOY BURGERS — Uniquely GR. Legendary burger joint in the Cheshire neighborhood offers breakfast 6-11 am weekdays (7 am Sat) and lunch until 3 pm in newly renovated surroundings. Closed Sun. 2450 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-7075. H, B, L, V, MC ¢ GARDEN ROOM CAFÉ — Cheery spot in Grand Central Plaza offers great breakfast and lunch with an “outside the box” menu. Open daily. 2055 28th St SE, 452-8544. H, B, L, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ THE GATHERING PLACE — Cozy setting and country décor complement an imaginative menu.

Terrific homemade soups, dessert selections.

Open daily until 2 pm. 6886 Cascade Rd SE, 9493188. H, B, L, V, MC, AE, DS $ OMELETTE SHOPPE & BAKERY — A plethora of omelets, along with baked-fresh daily pecan rolls, cinnamon pastries and more. Open daily til 3 pm.

545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 726-7300. omletteshoppe.com. H, B, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ REAL FOOD CAFÉ — Open early for breakfast and lunch, with everything made fresh from scratch by chef owners in cheery locale in Alger Heights.

Second location on the northeast side. Open until 2 pm; closed Mon. 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 2414080; 5430 Northland Dr NE, 361-1808. H, B, L ¢ RED GERANIUM CAFÉ — Popular spot is known for its specialty omelets, homemade soups, breads and desserts. Two locations: 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave. 532-8888. H, B, L ¢ SUSIE’S CAFÉ — Coffees, baked goods, breakfast served through lunch. Sandwiches, homemade soups and burgers from the grill. Malts, shakes, smoothies and ice cream. Walk-up window open late in summer. Open daily. 1120 Knapp St NE, 363-1530. H, B, L ¢ WOLFGANG’S — Popular spot renowned for

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City Guide breakfasts. Menu includes omelets, salads and sandwiches. Private meeting rooms available.

Open 6:30 am-2:30 pm daily. 1530 Wealthy St SE, 454-5776. mattwolfgang.com. H, B, L, 3 ¢

Vegetarian GAIA CAFÉ — Innovative, totally vegetarian fare served in a cozy atmosphere. Closed Mon. 209 Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. On Facebook. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ LITTLE AFRICA CUISINE — Humble storefront café with dining area offers vegetarian dishes only. Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings are served on Ethiopian flat bread. Sample other Ethiopian specialties. Cash or checks only. Open daily. 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. H, L, D, 3 ¢

Pubs & Taverns

Restaurants that prefer to be known as “bars that serve food.”

84th STREET PUB AND GRILLE — Broad menu offers pub grub and American fare from pizzas to steaks in modern, laidback surroundings with flat-screen TVs and full bar service. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr, Byron Center, 583-1650. 84thstpub. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ 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. barlouieamer $-$$ ica.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS BUD & STANLEY’S — Mirrored bar and TV sets galore. Mexican and Italian dishes, burgers, starters, salads and sandwiches. Main entrées range from homemade pasties to one-pound Texas cut sirloin. Takeout available. Open daily. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ CAMBRIDGE HOUSE — Wash down fish ’n chips with a pint of John Courage at this pub, complete with pool tables and dart board. Hoagies, Reubens and burgers; appetizers (served until 11 pm) satisfy snackers. Lots of liquor choices and good-size wine list. Takeout available. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 356-1622. cambridgehousegr. com. L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

sandwiches, soups, nibbles, etc. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 866-9866. rockfordcornerbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢ THE COTTAGE BAR — Uniquely GR. Longtime favorite since 1927. Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chili, house-made soups and sandwiches, daily specials, imported beers, full bar and cordial atmosphere. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.com. L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢ THE CURRAGH — Downtown Holland traditional Irish pub features all the fun foods, spirits, music and environment of Old World Ireland. Enjoy a pint and authentic Irish fare from a full menu.

Outdoor seating, live entertainment, valet parking. 73 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393-6340. curragh holland.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$$ ELBOW ROOM BAR & GRILL — Cozy neighborhood watering hole with bar food to match: burgers, sandwiches, nachos, salads, chicken fingers, etc. Open daily 10 am-2 am. Play darts, Golden Tee or the jukebox. 501 Fuller Ave NE, 454-6666.

H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ FLANAGAN’S — Popular Irish pub, imported beers, 20 on tap, includes Guinness stout.

Homemade soups and stews, specialty sandwiches, munchies and entrées with an Irish influence.

Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢ FOUNDERS BREWING CO. — Sip microbrew samples in the spacious taproom, serpentine bar and stage for live music Thu and Sat. Expanded menu features sandwiches and light pub fare.

Covered (heated) porch. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. H, L (11-2 MonFri), 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ GP SPORTS — Sports bar and restaurant with three big screens and 40 flat-screen TVs. Menu features create-your-own pizzas and burgers, along with salads and sandwiches. Closed Sun. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6495. amway grand.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $ GRAND WOODS LOUNGE — Year-round alfresco dining complete with fireplace. Eclectic menu selections mix with upscale takes on comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious bar. 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoods lounge.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$

INTERSECTION CAFÉ — Roomy entertainment venue offers sandwich wraps and panini, great burgers, quesadilla selections, soups, salads, appetizers, flatbread pizza, vegetarian options.

Full bar. 133 Grandville Ave SW, 459-0977. sectionlive.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢ JD REARDON’S — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more, with nibbles, soups, sandwiches, dinner-size salads, steaks and other appealing entrées. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$ J GARDELLA’S TAVERN — Massive antique 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. jgardellastav ¢ ern.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS LOGAN’S ALLEY — Free popcorn complements a premium-libation special in these cozy digs. From two Reubens to a garden burger, the 18-item sandwich-and-appetizer menu even lists pizza rolls. Seasonal deck seating. Open daily. 916 Michigan St NE, 458-1612. logansalley.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ MILL CREEK TAVERN — Comstock Park’s cozy eatery offers appetizers, from-scratch daily soups, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and wet burritos, as well as full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 784¢-$ 3806. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS MOJO’S — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, with starters, pastas, sandwiches, salads and reasonably priced entrées, plus late night “munchy menu.”

RSVP for dinner early, show starts at 8 pm WedThu, 7 pm Fri-Sat, DJ, dancing, pool tables, VIP Room and flat-screen TVs on 2nd floor. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com.

H, D (Wed-Sat), C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ NEW HOLLAND BREWING CO. — Munchies, salads, pizza and sandwiches augment a wide array of handcrafted beer. 15-minute lunch menu.

Beer and wine only. Closed Sun. 66 E 8th St, Holland. (616) 355-6422. newhollandbrew.com.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ NITE CAP BAR & GRILL — Roomy and bright with outdoor patio, pool tables, video games, bigscreen TVs, Keno and karaoke Thu-Sat evenings.

Daily drink specials, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs, flame-broiled burgers, Mexican selections and dinners. 801 W Fulton St, 451-4243. nitecap bar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢

CASCADE SPORTS GRILL — Not your average sports bar: calamari, crab cakes, potstickers, stuffed ’shrooms, sandwiches, chicken, steak and more. Sizable bar with 10 brew taps and extensive martini menu. Pool tables, dartboards, TVs and other amusements. Live DJ Sat night. Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St SE, 974-3338. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $

THE HOLIDAY BAR — Classic 40-foot horseshoe bar with nine HD TVs, 12 beers on tap, a variety of appetizers and homemade “porter” pulled pork.

Fun atmosphere with pool tables, darts, Golden Tee, Nudgemaster and Club Keno. 801 5th St NW (at Alpine Ave), 456-9058. On Facebook. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS c-$

CHEERS — Popular neighborhood spot with something for everyone: munchies, salads, south-of-the-border favorites, fish, steaks, burgers, breakfast fare, omelets, served daily in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢

HOLLY’S BACK DOOR BAR & GRILL — Fullservice menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel.

Opens 5 pm; closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $

CHEQUERS — Creative cuisine with a British flair ranges from beef tips Sherwood to Welsh rarebit, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and imported beer served in an English pub atmosphere. Open daily in summer. 220 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 8571868. H, L, D, V, MC,AE $

HOPCAT — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar, and tasty fare including appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr.com. H, L (SatSun), D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE — Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

CORNER BAR — Rockford’s much-loved spot for a brew and a chili dog, with hall-of-fame status for quantity gorging. Bar fare includes burgers,

HUB’S INN — Sandwiches, burgers, wet burritos and thin-crust pizza. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. hubsinn.com. H, L, D, C ¢

PUB 43 — Cozy atmosphere caters to all, but is especially popular with artists and the gay crowd. Board games, more than a dozen TVs,

PEPPINO’S RISTORANTE PIZZERIA AND SPORTS LOUNGE — Contemporary ambience, separate sports bar. Italian specialties and pizza, char-grilled Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 4568444. peppinospizza.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$

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Can Merlot survive ‘Sideways’?

The top producers still make great Merlot wines that, by and large, cost much less than Cabernet or Pinot Noir for comparable quality.

If the movie “Sideways” was the best thing that ever happened to Pinot Noir, it was the worst thing to happen to Merlot. Granted, only a small fraction of the public saw the movie.

But wine drinkers with only a small bit of wine knowledge probably got two things out of the many references to wine: Pinot Noir is hip and Merlot is not.

Funny how a small bit of misinformation changed the wine industry. Within six months of the movie’s release in 2004, every reputable Pinot Noir producer was out of wine, and growers couldn’t get more roots in the ground fast enough.

Ten years later, Pinot Noir is still hip (and by association, so is Pinot Grigio), and Merlot is still not cool. Certainly, Pinot Noir deserved to be better appreciated than it had been in most of the later part of the 20th century. Since it is very difficult to grow and make well, the countless disappointments had forced many producers to give up on it.

Now that any old Pinot Noir is marketable, there is no shortage of mediocre Pinot Noir in the marketplace. On the flip side, there is a glut of good Merlot. Premium growers have had to resort to drastic price reductions to sell grapes, and producers have followed suit.

In the late ’70s, Merlot was king. Wineries such as Clos du Bois and Rutherford Hill produced almost nothing but Merlot and couldn’t keep up with demand. Merlot had become synonymous with red wine. The top producers still make great Merlot wines that, by and large, cost much less than Cabernet or Pinot Noir for comparable quality.

by A. Brian Cain

Ironically, the main character in “Sideways” spoke reverently about his favorite wine, Chateau Cheval Blanc, St. Emilion — a Merlot.

Our friends Durk and Kathy Piersma recently put on a double-blind red wine tasting. Those attending did not know the type or brands of wines we judged. I kept thinking that the wines were every bit as complex and elegant as Cabernet Sauvignon, but very plump and Syrahlike. Unlike Syrah, these very fruit-forward ripe wines finished with plenty of soft tannins completing the mouth feel. The fact that it took 15 people the better part of an hour to figure out that we were drinking Merlot speaks volumes about how below the radar Merlot has become.

Contributing editor A. Brian Cain is a certified wine educator and freelance wine writer.

Merlot double-blind tasting We started with a pair of Merlots. We learned later that the first was a 2005 Bodega del Desierto la Palma 25/5 Mendoza Merlot, Argentina, $10.59.

The aroma was as pure as the finest Cabernet. Oak, cedar, plum and black cherry on the nose glided into coffee, smoke and velvet like a classy mature French Bordeaux. I scored it 91 points.

The second warm-up wine was a 2007 Santa Ema Maipo Valley Merlot Reserve, Chile, $14.89.

The big, bright, blueberry nose convinced me that I was at a Syrah or Zinfandel tasting. The creamy midpalate reinforced that opinion, but the firm velvety finish gave me nagging doubts. I gave it 86 points.

We proceeded to the tasting tables and evaluated eight more wines. The following are listed in order of the group ranking, followed by my tasting notes and my score. There seems to be a direct correlation between cost and preference.

1st place: 2006 Nickel & Nickel Suscol Ranch Napa Valley Merlot, Calif., $47.69. This is a complete wine. Cedar, earth and a bit of green herb are heaped upon black fruits and raspberries. The tannin is still rather tough, making it hard to evaluate. (86 points) 2nd place (tie): 2007 Ferrari Carano Sonoma County Merlot, Calif., $21.19. The rich fruit aroma is nothing short of exotic. Big, dense red fruit combines with floral and even a bitter (in a good way, like Campari) tropical fruit flavors, finishing lush and long. (88 points)

Photography by Johnny Quirin

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City guide: grand vine

6.11.11 STAY TUNED ON FACEBOOK FOR

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SATURDAY

JUNE 11 IN FRONT OF BISTRO BELLA VITA

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

4pm–Midnight

2nd place (tie): 2006 Franciscan Oakville Estate Napa Valley Merlot, Calif., $19.99. This was easily my favorite. The huge ripe fruit nose includes plenty of smoke and cedar nuances going on to a complex layered mouth feel and a velvety fruity finish that goes on and on. (93 points) 4th place: 2006 Gundlach Bundschu Estate Vineyard Sonoma Merlot, Calif., $28.59. Cranberry, pomegranate and juicy cherry greet the nose and palate. This was the densest of the bunch, making its many charms fleeting as its firm tannin texture coated the mouth. The finish is long, rich and persistent. it certainly has a future. (90 points) 5th place: 2008 Horse Heaven Hills (Columbia Crest) Columbia Valley Merlot, wash., $14.89. i really liked the juxtaposition of sweet, supple red fruit on one hand, and big, complex earthy, creosote, burnt cherries on the other. it is a straight wine, pulling all of its attributes together on the finish. it boggles the mind that an expressive, artisanal wine can be made in such vast quantities at this price.

(90 points) 6th place: 2008 Kirkland Alexander Valley Merlot, Calif., $9.42 at Costco. The classic chocolate-cherry aroma should have let the cat out of the bag. This is quintessential Merlot — yet, we fumbled around for another half hour trying to figure it out. Ripe, red fruit with hints of earth and pleasant, softly tannic finish offer a good package for the money. (84 points) 7th place: Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Merlot, Calif., $15.89. another chocolatecherry nose starts with juicy strawberries and finishes with exotic, spicy, perfumed wood essences. i drink this wine often. oddly, i didn’t recognize it or the varietal. (84 points) 8th place: L de Lyeth Sonoma County Merlot, Calif., $12.69. fine, fresh red fruit that lingers as distinct sweet oak, leather and spice combine with soft, plump, cherry preservelike fruit that stays throughout the finish. (82 points)

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City Guide

Let’s talk turkey The Chef’s Knife, a carving cart located in Van Andel Arena’s new concourse expansion area, features fresh products from Michigan turkey producers during arena events. Prepared by Executive Chef Chris Simpson and team of SAVOR …

Grand Rapids/Catering by SMG are such delectables as the carved turkey grinder — breast meat piled high on a sourdough roll with cherry chutney and pesto mayo — or a Griffins jumbo wing rubbed with ancho chili spice, fire-roasted and served with southwest ranch dipping sauce or sweet barbecue sauce.

SHAMROCK BAR & GRILL — Small but interesting menu offers choices such as coconut shrimp and housemade tortilla soup in addition to burgers and steak. Nice children’s menu. Open daily at 11 am. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888. H, L, D, ¢-$ C, V, MC fully stocked bar with usual bar fare from burgers to more upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division Ave, 458-2205. H, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ QUEEN’S PUB SPORTS BAR — Adjacent to Bombay Cuisine with English pub grub, full bar and lots of beers on tap. Big-screen TVs, pool table, dart boards, wireless connection. 14201424 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ QUINN & TUITE’S IRISH PUB — One of the largest selections of Irish whiskies in the area and Guinness on tap. Traditional Irish music, Celtic rock, open mic Fri eves, live bands Sat. Typical bar fare includes burgers, brats, sandwiches, munchies. 1535 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-8380. quinnandtuites.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ ROCKY’S BAR & GRILL — Burgers, appetizers, fried fish baskets, sandwiches and more. Art Deco bar, pool table. Kitchen open late; check for evening entertainment. Open daily, Sun at 5 pm with $1 beer specials. 633 Ottawa Ave NW, 356-2346. myspace.com/rockysgr. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ SAZERAC LOUNGE — New Orleans-style lounge featuring bar food with a Cajun bent. Live entertainment Sat nights. Open for lunch Tue-Sat, Mon at 4 pm. 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. myspace.com/sazeraclounge. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE $ THE SCORE — Restaurant and sports bar with a wide-ranging menu that includes pizza, ribs,

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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC ¢-$ TAPHOUSE LOUNGE — Renovated historic surroundings with dozens of beers on tap. Sports bar menu runs the gamut from appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches to entrées such as ribs, perch and steak. Atrium cigar lounge. Open daily until 2 am. 8 Ionia Ave SW, 774-3338. taphouse gr.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $ TEAZERS BAR & GRILL — Burgers and pasta entrées, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites. Kids menu. Look for live music on the stage.

Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teaze rsbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ VITALE’S SPORTS LOUNGE & PIZZERIA — Serving pizza and pasta plus legendary panini sandwiches and wraps in sports-centric surroundings. Multiple screens, outside deck, live entertainment, 29 beers on tap. Open daily. 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-2526, takeout 784-5011. vitalessportsbar.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ WEST SIDE BAR — No-frills neighborhood tavern with bar-food menu that includes the Hog Burger, a half-pound burger made fresh daily and stacked with a choice of ham or bacon and all the fixings.

Live entertainment weekends. 1568 Broadway NW, 459-1240. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢ Z’S — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs.

Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. Features 43-foot bar and multiple TVs. Carry-out available. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

Delis, Dogs & Bagels Places that serve sandwiches, bagels and/or hot dogs.

BAGEL BEANERY — All locations bake a variety of bagels and serve great breakfast and deli sandwiches. Vegetarian options, soups, salads and specialty coffees. Catering, kids meals, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating. 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, 249-9500. bagelbeanery. com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ BIG APPLE BAGELS — Fresh bagels and 15 cream cheese mixtures. Choose your favorite bagel to wrap around the sandwiches or breakfast options, or build your own from the deli. 3915 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-1919; 2058 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-2390; 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 554¢ 7915. babcorp.com. H, B, L, D, 3 BIGGBY COFFEE — East Lansing-based chain offers specialty coffee and non-coffee drinks, fresh-daily selection of baked goods, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, bagel sandwiches. Wi-Fi, seasonal outdoor seating. More than a dozen locations in West Michigan (see website): www.biggby.com.

BITE — Deli side of Ottawa Tavern features daily soups, big wraps, salads and build-your-own burgers. Weekday Happy Hour drink and appetizer specials 4-7 pm. Closed Sun. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 451-8000. thegilmorecollection.com/bite. php. H, B, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$$ BITTER END — Full array of specialty coffee drinks, bagels, muffins, pastries and deli sandwiches in atmosphere of a 1930s French café.

Free Wi-Fi. Open 24/7. 752 W Fulton St, 4516061. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ BOARDWALK SUBS — 20 huge Jersey-style subs using family-recipe Italian dressing and specialty meats such as capicola and prostitini in addition to familiar choices. Also soups, chili, salads,

Photography by Michael Buck

hand-cut steaks, seafood, chicken and comfort dishes like meatloaf.

5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescore-restaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

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City Guide chips, fresh-baked cookies, ice cream and kids meals. Take out or eat in. Catering and delivery.

Open daily. 5422 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 7242492. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ CAFÉ SCALA — Tre Cugini’s cousin in the Ledyard Building offers sandwiches and other Euro nibbles at reasonable prices. Open 11:30 am-2:30 pm Mon-Fri. 125 Ottawa Ave NW, 2359115. trecugini.com. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢ CHERRY DELI — Extensive menu offers more than 50 sandwiches, a dozen salads, five soups, with catering and takeout options. Outdoor patio; closed Sun. 834 Cherry St SE, 459-6182. cherry deli.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ CORNUCOPIA — Bakery, sandwich spot, pizzeria, take-home specialties, lunch buckets, freshground coffees, one-of-a-kind wine selection.

Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6428. amwaygrand.com. H, B, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE ¢-$ CRAZY CHARLIE’S — Coney Island-style dogs plus a daily soup, chips, shakes, slushies, fountain drinks and soft-serve ice cream service with walkup window on Bagley Ave in warmer months.

2184 Wealthy St SE, 451-6720. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ DAM DOGS — On the dam in downtown Rockford serving everyone’s favorite variation on the hot dog theme in old-time surroundings, plus ice cream. 51 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-9565. H, L, ¢ D THE DOG PIT — Every variation on a hot dog, with house-made chili topping a specialty.

Large variety of condiments. Also daily soups.

Closed Sun. 132 Monroe Center NW, 988-1508.

H, L, D ¢ FERRIS COFFEE AND NUT CO. — Breakfast and light lunch items in Plaza Towers on West Fulton.

Both locations feature global gourmet coffees, nut selections and sweet treats. Gift baskets available at Winter Ave location. 235 W Fulton St, 227 Winter Ave NW, 459-6257. ferriscoffee.com.

H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢ FRENZ COFFEE HOUSE — Besides tea and coffee specialties, menu offers soups, salads and wrap sandwiches. Closed Sun. Musicians on Fri. Free Wi-Fi. Local artists display and sell their work.

8 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8750. frenzcoffee house.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢ THE GRAND CONEY — Home-style dinners, burgers, salads, sandwiches, Mexican fare, desserts and all-day breakfast in addition to authentic Coney Island hot dogs. Open 24/7. 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580. H, B, L, D, Cash only ¢

Photography by Michael Buck

JERSEY JUNCTION — Sandwiches, ice cream treats, candies and hot dogs served in old-fashioned “soda shop” atmosphere. Open daily in season beginning March 1. 652 Croswell Ave SE, Gaslight Village, EGR, 458-4107. jerseyjunction. com. H, L, D ¢

Forest Hill Ave SE, 285-1695. H, B, L, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ KAVA HOUSE — Uniquely GR. Popular Eastown spot with bakery items (known for the scones) and java served in bowl-sized cups. Plenty of seating (outdoors, too). Bakery includes homemade pizzas, spinach pies, sausage rolls and soup. 1445 Lake Dr SE, 451-8600. Facebook. H, B, L, D, 3, V, ¢ MC KAVA HOUSE BY GEORGE — Separately owned store in Gainesville Township offers bakery items and light lunch fare like wraps and seasonally inspired soups and chili. Full array of coffees. Free Wi-Fi. 6633 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 971-4560. H, B, L, ¢ 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS LOCAL MOCHA — Downtown location offers favorite coffee specialties and smoothies as well as grilled breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 96 Monroe Center NW, 4590082. localmochagr.com. H, B, L, V, MC, AE ¢ MAMA’S PIZZA & GRINDERS — Busy spot in Thornhills Plaza offering large grinders (half-size available), pizza, salads and pasta selection. 6504 28th St SE, 954-1964. mamaspizzaandgrinders. com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ MUSEUM CAFÉ — Deli-style sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and beverages on the second floor of the Van Andel Museum Center with a view of the riverfront. Closed Sun. 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977. H, L ¢ NUNZIA’S CAFÉ — Combo specials of soups, chili, salads, sandwiches, pasta and Italian dishes.

In Merrill Lynch building by Calder Plaza. Open 11 am-3 pm weekdays. 250 Monroe Ave NW, No. 140, 458-1533. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ OLGA’S KITCHEN — Greek-style wrapped sandwiches, salads and desserts, with uniquely flavored fries, appetizers, smoothies and desserts.

Open daily. 2213 Wealthy St SE, 456-0600; 3195 28th St, 942-8020; 3700 Rivertown Parkway SW, Grandville, 531-6572. olgaskitchen.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ ONE STOP CONEY SHOP — Hot dogs plus salads, sandwiches, fries and house-made original condiments in downtown GR. Open 11 am-9 pm Mon-Sat. 154 E Fulton, 233-9700. onestopconey shop.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ .RAMONA’S TABLE — EGR deli with selections made from scratch: soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals from 8 am-8 pm Mon-Sat; takeout and catering. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 4598500. ramonastable.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ RITZ KONEY BAR & GRILLE — Hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads plus chicken fingers, nachos, wings and fries. Full bar with limited wine list. Closed Sun. 64 Ionia Ave SW, 451-3701. ritzkoneybarandgrille.com. H, L, D, ¢-$ C, 3, V, MC

JONNY B’Z DOGS AND MORE — Southern-style, all-meat chili dogs on Texas-toast-style buns: fatty’s (all beef), skinny’s (all turkey) hotdogs, house-made gumbo, burgers, “cajon” sausage, smoked brisket, sandwiches, vegan dogs, vegetarian chili; lots of toppings; modern-retro ambience. Closed Sun, open until 2 am Thu-Sat. 638 Wealthy St SE. Facebook. L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢

SCHNITZ DELICATESSEN — Deli with a German flair. Sandwiches, creamy potato salad and fudgy brownies. All available for takeout. Closed Sun. 1315 E Fulton St, 451-4444; Schnitz East, 597 Ada Dr SE, 682-4660; Schnitz South, 1529 Langley St SE, 281-5010. schnitzdeli.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC ¢-$

JW’S — Art gallery meets coffeehouse with rotation of local artists’ works. Specializing in light, health-conscious lunch fare, plus every coffee drink under the sun. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 850

TASTE OF THE GARDENS CAFÉ — At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Deli selections, soups and fresh-baked pastries. Brunch on second Sun of month by reservation only. 1000 East June 2011 Grand Rapids 75

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City Guide Beltline Ave NE, 977-7691. meijergardens.com. H, L, 3, V, MC ¢-$

Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 719-2409. brick roadpizza.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$

URBAN MILL CAFÉ — Deli-style, grilled and baked specialty sandwiches on freshly baked breads. Top-notch soups, salads, desserts, baked goods. 629 Michigan St NE, 855-1526. urbanmill. com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE ¢-$

FLORENTINE PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices in addition to thincrust pizzas. Ten beers on tap. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, Foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

VANILLAS COFFEE TEA CAFÉ — Gourmet coffees, teas, smoothies and pastries. Special-order bakery for cakes, cookies, cupcakes. Check out the dollar menu. Closed Sun. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE, Plainfield Plaza, 447-0080. vanillascafe.com.

H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ WEALTHY STREET BAKERY — Fresh breads, cinnamon rolls and pastries in reclaimed, roomy location, with sandwiches and daily soup specials.

Club, specialty and vegetarian sandwiches on fresh-baked breads. Free Wi-Fi. Closed Sun. 608 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery. com. H, B, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ WG GRINDERS — Oven-baked gourmet grinders, excellent variety of deli and signature salads, soups and desserts. A few hot pasta selections. Catering, delivery and takeout.

Closed Sun. Esplanade Center, 5769 28th St SE, 974-3354. wggrinders.com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ WINDY CITY GRILLE — Authentic Chicago-style sandwiches: gyros, Italian beef, Chicago dogs and more. Greek and chicken salads, soups and, with 24-hour notice, will make tabbouleh to suit.

Cozy atmosphere peppered with Chicago photos.

Closed Sun; will cater. 5751 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, 261-2489. On Facebook. H, L, D, V, MC, (AE w/$50 purchase), DS ¢ WIRED ESPRESSO BAR — A gamut of coffee concoctions, espresso-based beverages, baked goods, sandwiches and more in Creston Business District. Free wireless Internet and occasional live weekend entertainment. 1503 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-5245. wiredgr.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ YESTERDOG — Uniquely GR. The city’s favorite hot dogs in a fun, nostalgic Eastown setting. Try the Ultradog. Closed Sun. 1505 Wealthy St SE, ¢ 262-3090. yesterdog.com. L, D

European ALPENROSE — European-inspired restaurant with fare ranging from Certified Aged Black Angus steaks to poultry and fish dishes. Five private dining rooms, banquet facility, bakery and café.

Award-winning Sun brunch buffet. 4 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 393-2111. alpenroserestaurant.com.

H, B, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC, DS, RSVP ¢-$$ AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA — Authentic regional Italian dishes using local produce, meats and cheeses as well as Italian imports.

House-made desserts. Banquet facility available.

Closed Mon; no lunch Sat. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC $ BELLA MIA PIZZERIA & ITALIAN GRILL — Italian dishes and New York-style pizza (even dessert pizzas) in roomy, window-fronted dining room.

Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, 554-9930. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ BRICK ROAD PIZZA — A nice selection of pasta, pizza, salads, desserts and vegan specialties.

Buffet available at lunch. Meatball crust specialty.

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. florentin eingrandville.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC $ FRANCO’S PIZZERIA — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). Cash only; open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. H, L, D ¢-$ FRANKIE V’s PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR — Roomy space with pool tables, jukebox, covered patio. 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. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ FRED’S PIZZA AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT — Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar.

Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. ¢-$ fredspizza.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE 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. H, D, C ¢-$ MANGIAMO — Historic mansion houses familyfriendly Italian eatery. Steaks and seafood in addition to pasta and pizza. Open daily for dinner; extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 742-0600. thegilmorecollection.com/ mangiamo.php. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, DC $-$$ MARINADE’S PIZZA BISTRO — Specialty woodfired pizzas, ethnic salads, sandwiches, appetizers, dips, soups, desserts and coffee. Open daily. 2844 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-0200; 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300; 450 Baldwin, Jenison, 457-7400. marinadespizzabistro.com.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ MARRO’S — Authentic Italian fare and housebaked goods, extensive array of pizza toppings.

Open mid-April through autumn; closed Mon. 147 Waters St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-4248. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ MONELLI’S RESTAURANT AND SPORTS BAR — Southern Italian cuisine from the folks who own Monelli’s Pizza. Spacious sports bar with big screen TVs; family-friendly dining room with fireplace. 5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 5309700. monellis.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING — Elegant decor, extensive menu and impeccable service. Offerings include appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, veal, fish and desserts. Special wine cellar dinners in unique surroundings; lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. H, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ PEREDDIES — Italian fine-dining and a deli with baked breads, salads, meats, pâté, desserts and

imported food. Wine list, full bar, wine to go.

More casual fare in Scusi lounge. Closed Sun. 447 Washington Ave, Holland, (616) 394-3061. pereddiesrestaurant.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DC $-$$ PIETRO’S BACK DOOR PIZZERIA — Tucked behind Pietro’s Restaurant off 28th Street, featuring Chicago-style, thin-crust, Sicilian pan and wood-fired pizzas. Also skillet pastas, paninis, appetizers, salads and desserts. Kids menu. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-7488. rcfc.com/backdoor pizzeria/. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ PIETRO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Fresh-baked breads, Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Nightly features. Kids menu, meeting room and takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. rcfc.com/pietros. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, AE, DS $ RESTAURANT TOULOUSE — Seasonally inspired menu with French classics such as cassoulet and bouillabaisse. Delectable appetizers and desserts. Award-winning wines. Hours vary seasonally; private parties can be arranged. Sun brunch during summer. 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1561. restauranttoulouse.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, RSVP $$ 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. salvatoresgr.com.

H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ SAN CHEZ, A TAPAS BISTRO — Legendary downtown hotspot offers Spanish bill of fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 7748272. sanchezbistro.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS $-$$ 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. seasonalgrille. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ TRE CUGINI — Authentic high-end Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties, plus beef, veal, lamb, chicken and seafood dishes. Outdoor seating in mild weather.

Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 235-9339. tre cugini.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ TWO TONYS TAVERNA GRILLE — Italian, Greek and American specialties with full-service bar, extensive wine list. Menu includes wood-fired pizzas and nightly specials. Artsy ambience, open kitchen and large patio. Closed Sun. 723 E Savidge Rd, Spring Lake, (616) 844-0888. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE — Pizzeria, grill and sports lounge with Italian cuisine, American dishes and an array of freshly baked pizzas.

Open daily. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor SE, 891-5958. uccellos.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, DS ¢-$ VITALE’S — The original. Traditional Italian ristorante serving regional dishes from family recipes since 1966. Open daily. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door,

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City Guide 458-2090), takeout 458-3766. theoriginalvitales. com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ VITALE’S OF ADA — Multi-regional, upscale, from-scratch menu in the trattoria style of modern-day Italy. Family-friendly atmosphere; microbews to martinis in separate sports pub.

Open daily. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$ 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, vitaleshudsonville. com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 530-8300. vitales.us. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE ¢-$

Asian

Including Thai and Indian fare.

ABACUS — Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine; buffets at lunch, dinner and all day on weekends.

Nice cocktail selection. Open daily. 2675 28th St SW, 530-3300. H, L, D, C, V, MC, DS, DC ¢-$ AKASAKA SUSHI — Sushi plus Korean and Japanese offerings in low-key atmosphere in the Cascade Centre. Occasional sushi classes offered. Closed Sun. 6252 28th St SE, 977-0444.

H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ ALPINE TERIYAKI AND SUSHI — Sushi selections with some deep-fried roll options, shrimp tempura and more, all masterfully presented.

Pleasant, diminutive surroundings; closed Sun. 4089 Alpine Ave NW, 647-9935. H, L, D, V, MC, ¢-$ DS ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ — Extensive Thai fare; menu includes a your-choice stir-fry option from a long list of ingredients. Vegetarian-friendly, fromscratch sauces. Pleasant surroundings. Open daily. 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angels thaicafe.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP ¢-$ ASIAN PALACE — Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each cuisine. Family owned and operated. Try the “Bo 7 Mon” specialty, a seven-course beef sampling. Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, ¢-$ DC BANGKOK PALACE — Wide selection of traditional Thai, noodle and curry dishes with vegetarian, chicken, seafood, beef, pork, duck and chef specialty selections (and name-your-spice-level options). Closed Mon. 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 534-5010. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BANGKOK TASTE — Features fresh Thai fare at reasonable prices. Nice lunch buffet, with Pad Thai, Thai curry and Thai fried rice prepared fresh daily. Closed Sun. 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 6678901; 15 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, 3565550. bangkoktaste.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ BANGKOK VIEW — Thai food and Chinese fare.

Lunch buffet. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 5318070. bangkokviewthaifood.com. L, D, V, MC ¢-$ BEIJING KITCHEN — Extensive menu featuring Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines at reasonable prices. Cashew chicken is a specialty.

Lunch specials priced at $5.95. Open daily. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchengr.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN — Extensive menu is vegetarian-friendly. Noodle-based Thai

dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries. Open daily. 5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market strip mall), 261-8186. bluegingergr. com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ BOMBAY CUISINE — Indian fare includes tandoori and vindaloo dishes spiced to diner’s satisfaction. Naan (bread) is cooked to order. Full bar service, eight beers on tap, live music Thu-Sat eves. Takeout available. Closed Tue. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. On Facebook. H, L, D, C, V, MC $ CHINA CHEF — Family-style Chinese restaurant in Standale strip mall with some innovative dishes. Szechuan-style entrées are popular. Hunan choices, too. Closed Mon. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ CHINA CITY — Nice selection of Chinese cuisine.

Lo mein is a specialty, along with Hong Kong-style chow mein noodles. Lunch prices all day Tue; free soup and egg roll Sun; closed Mon. 5299 Eastern Ave SE, 257-7038. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ CHINA GOURMET BUFFET — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items to choose from. Dinner buffet served all day on weekends; discount for seniors; special prices for children 10 and under. Open daily. 2030 28th St SW, 2521379. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ CHINA INN — Menu includes Mandarin, Szechuan, Hunan and Cantonese cuisine; cocktails served at West Shore Drive location only.

Open all week at two locations: 2863 West Shore Dr, Holland, (616) 786-9230; 1080 Lincoln Ave, Holland, (616) 395-8383. chinainnrestaurants. $ com. L, D, V, MC CHINA PALACE — Chinese eateries with all the amenities; large selection of popular dishes.

Open daily. 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-9668; 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $ CHINATOWN RESTAURANT AND JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available.

Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar service. Open daily. 69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngr andrapids.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$ CHINA WONG — No-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy Hunan and Kung-Po dishes. Open daily. 6719 S Division Ave, 281-8816. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ CHINA YI WANG — Chinese dishes including seafood, beef, poultry and chef specialties, combination plates and spicy Hunan dishes. Open daily. 1947 Eastern Ave SE, 241-3885. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ EAST GARDEN BUFFET — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine in Kentwood. Open daily with buffet and large menu selection. 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II — Full scale, all-youcan-eat Chinese buffet served all day. More than 80 freshly made items, reasonably priced. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available.

4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EMPIRE WOK BUFFET — More than 150 daily selections of fresh Chinese food, complete with Mongolian barbecue and sushi stations. Open daily. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9928. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $ ERB THAI — Traditional Thai roots. Appetizers, soups, salads, noodle dishes, stir-fried rice, June 2011 Grand Rapids 77

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City Guide: Chef Profile

Get your sushi on

S

hortly after opening its doors in downtown Grand Rapids, the accolades started rolling in for XO Asian Cuisine.

Its authentic, fine-dining approach to Chinese, Thai and Southeast Asian fare has earned the restaurant several nominations for Grand Rapids Magazine Dining Awards of Excellence, as well as the coveted award itself.

Last year, XO added a sushi bar, where sushi master Kyle Liu

showcases his skills. Although his English skills are limited, he shared his story with us through a helpful interpreter.

Born in Guangzhou City, the capital of Canton province in China, Kyle Liu immigrated to the United States with his parents, brother and sister in 2001. He was 29 years old at the time, and with a respectable roster of fine restaurants in his native land already on his résumé, he easily found work as a sushi master at Chicago’s Chi Tong restaurant.

Liu found his way to Grand Rapids via the Internet when XO posted a job opportunity for a new sushi chef.

How did you get started cooking? Since I was young in China, I was already into this kind of job and started as a cook, but then worked to become sushi master. I much prefer to make sushi.

What does it take to become a sushi master?

Much work — apprenticing with other top sushi masters and learning all the time. You have to know how to slice the different kinds of fish just right for best taste and presentation. It is like art.

Do you have a kitchen philosophy that guides you? When somebody sits down at the sushi bar, it’s my job to make the customer happy. I get to deal directly with the customer at the sushi bar — not like being back in the kitchen. What I like is to interact with people and see them smile when they taste my sushi.

For the uninitiated, what is the difference between sushi and sashimi? When ingredients are wrapped or layered with rice, then it is sushi.

Sashimi is raw fish alone that is served with separate condiments. Nigiri sushi is shaped by hand.

Maki sushi is rolled in a sheet of nori (seaweed). I like to use edible rice paper.

Is there a difference between Chinese and Japanese sushi? Not really. In China and Japan, sushi is pretty much the same.

Do you stay true to the cuisine or does cooking for the American palate influence your recipes? Only a little bit of it is Americanized with the crunch. In Japan, they don’t like the crunch. But 90 percent is the same you would find in Japan and China.

Is there a cooking utensil or tool important to making sushi? Only the hands — that is the most important thing in making sushi if you are a sushi master. Others may use a mat to help make rolls.

What are some of the most popular sushi selections at XO? One thing is the Amazing Roll,

Photography by Michael Buck

Kyle Liu, sushi master at XO Asian Cuisine, knows how to slice the different types of fish for the best taste and presentation. By Julie Burch

78 Grand Rapids June 2011

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with fried salmon in tempura batter, because some people don’t like raw fish.

It also has avocado and is topped with spicy crabmeat and crunchy roe. There are many sushi options that do not include raw fish.

What spices are essential to making sushi? Mostly wasabi. We also may use a little bit of spicy mayonnaise for American palates if wasabi is too spicy for them. Soy sauce is served separately to dip. The sushi meshi or shari (sushi rice) is flavored with a dressing of rice vinegar, sugar and salt.

That is called sushi-zu.

What would you like our readers to know about XO’s sushi bar? We always have something new. I create a special roll every day. On Tuesdays we have halfpriced sushi, which is a good way to try different things if you are not familiar with it already. It is so popular that if you don’t have enough time to wait, then come between 2 to 5 p.m., otherwise we get very busy.

Do you have a recipe to share with us? It is not a recipe so much that I use. I make it from my heart and from my hands and the best ingredients available.

GR

GRAND RAPIDS LIGHTING CENTER

Serving West Michigan for over 40 Years!

3800 29th Street S.E. (616) 949-4931 Grand Rapids, MI 49512 www.grandrapidslighting.com June 2011 Grand Rapids 79

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City Guide curries, chicken, beef, pork, tofu, shrimp, scallops and crab; desserts, kids’ menu, bubble tea smoothies. Will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG, etc. Simplistic surroundings. Open daily. 950 Wealthy St SE, Suite 1A, 356-2573. L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢ FAR-EAST RESTAURANT — Serving Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes; vegetable-oilonly cooking. Carryout and catering available.

Open daily. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. L, D, V, MC, DC, DS $ FIRST WOK — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out seven days a week.

Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088. firstwokgr.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, RSVP $ FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO — Attractive surroundings offer seating at hibachi grill tables with show-chef preparations, or in the dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 7191859. letseat.at/fujiyama. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ FORTUNE CHEF — Chinese cuisine and a range of American fare from sandwiches to pork chops and steak. Opens 6 am weekdays, 8 am weekends with breakfast served all day. 9353 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1388. for tunechefcaledonia.com. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ GOLDEN 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu.

Seasonal specialties and family dinners, served in an elegant atmosphere. Closed Mon. 627 28th St SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. H, L, D, V, MC, DS $ GOLDEN DRAGON — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse, occasionally excellent. Closed Sun. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC $ GOLDEN GATE RESTAURANT — Tasty Chinese fare in pleasant, roomy surroundings, affordably priced. All-inclusive lunch combination plates, tasty egg rolls, great sweet-and-sour dishes with some hot and spicy choices. Takeout, too. 4023 S ¢ Division Ave, 534-7087. H, L, D, V, MC, AE

and family dinners for groups, efficient service in pleasant surroundings. 1740 44th St SW, 5303377; 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr. com. H, L, D, 3, V, MC, RSVP $ INDIA TOWN — Indian fare in a humble but cozy atmosphere. Tandooris are especially good.

Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. india ¢-$ town4u.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DC, DS JADE GARDEN — Extensive menu of Chinese cuisine, limited selection of American dishes, children’s menu and an array of tropical drinks. All dishes cooked with vegetable oil, no MSG. Open daily. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. H, L, D, C, V, ¢-$ MC, AE, DS, RSVP LAI THAI KITCHEN — Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. Closed Sun. 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ MARADO SUSHI — Sushi bar in downtown GR also offers a wide selection of Japanese fare along with a few Korean specialties. 47 Monroe Center, 742-6793. Closed Sun. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ MIKADO — Separate menus for sushi and sashimi à la carte; lunch specials served with soup and rice. Dinners offer a full range of Japanese cuisine. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666.

H, L, D, 3, V, MC, RSVP ¢-$ MYNT FUSION BISTRO — Classy surroundings with a fusion of Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. H, L, D, V, ¢-$ MC, AE, DS NING YE — Family-owned Chinese restaurant in Ada also serves Korean fare. Closed Sun during winter months. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676-5888.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE $ NU-THAI BISTRO — More than 70 options from appetizers, soups, and Thai salads to fried rice, curries and noodle dishes with options to add chicken, tofu, vegetables, beef, pork, shrimp scallops or seafood. Also seafood and duck specialty plates. 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP ¢-$

GOLDEN WOK — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers wide variety of lunch and dinner options, including Hunan-spiced dishes along with other favorites in a cheery dining room. Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 363-8880. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

OYSY TEPPANYAKI AND SUSHI BAR — Korean and Japanese fusion fare with a single-priced allyou-can-eat lunch from the sushi buffet or teppanyaki grilled fried rice and vegetable option with chicken, steak or shrimp choices. Closed Sun. Centerpointe Mall, 3665 28th St SE, 575-8110. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$

GRAND LAKES — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. Take out or dine in, next to Breton Village D&W. Open daily. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 954-2500. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$

PALACE OF INDIA — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes 20 vegetarian-friendly selections. Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. Open daily.

961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET — PanAsian cuisine from sushi to buffet, offering 200plus Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American dishes at reasonable prices. Watch chefs prepare specialties at the glassed-in hibachi grill. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Ridge Shopping Center), 785-8200. letseat.at/hibachigrillsupremebuffet.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢

PEKING WOK — Cheery window-fronted Chinese eatery, affordably priced, in the Cascade Centre.

Closed Sun. 6264 28th St SE, 956-6525. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$

HONG KONG EXPRESS — Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine for dine-in or carry-out. Allyou-can-eat lunch buffet; reasonable prices.

Open daily. 150 E Fulton St, 235-3888. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ HUNAN — Full menu of Chinese options, house

PHO SOC TRANG — Vietnamese cuisine in large, windowed dining room. Variety of appetizers and soups, plus vermicelli and rice plate options.

Open daily. 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. H, B, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ RAK THAI BISTRO — Thai-fusion fare with Chinese and Japanese influences and a sliding scale for spiciness. Appetizers, soups, salads, stir-fries, curries, pad Thai noodle dishes and more. No alcohol, but try the fruity, milk-

shake-like bubble tea. 5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. rakthaibistro.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, ¢-$ DS, RSVP RED SUN BUFFET — All-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections along with soups, salads, desserts and more, plus a menu of house specialties. Open daily. 4176 28th St SE, 940-9999. ¢-$ redsunbuffet.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS SEOUL GARDEN — Chinese and Korean cuisine with full bar, elegant surroundings. Banquet and catering facilities available. Closed Sun. 3321 28th St SE, 956-1522. grseoulgarden.com. H, L, D, C, 3, V, MC, AE, DS, RSVP $-$$ SHANG HAI ICHIBAN — Authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine served in two distinct areas.

Food prepared tableside in the Japanese area by hibachi chefs. 3005 Broadmoor Ave SE (at 29th St), 773-2454. shanghaiichiban.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DC, RSVP $-$$ SOC TRANG — Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant in Caledonia with a wide selection of offerings representing both cuisines. Open daily. 1831 Market Place Dr, 871-9909. gosoctrang.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ SPICES ASIAN CAFÉ — Byron Center eatery serves authentic Chinese fare with create-yourown stir fry options, Korean dishes, vegetarian options and broasted chicken dinners and buckets to go. Open daily. 2237 84th St SW, 878-0109. spicesasiancafe.com. H, L, D, V, MC, DS ¢-$ Sushi Kuni — Authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine including sushi, teriyaki, hibachi, tempura, bulgogi and more, and fusion fare. Private groups can eat in traditional (shoe-free) Japanese tatami room. Closed Sun. 2901 Breton Rd SE, 241-4141.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE, RSVP ¢-$$ SZECHUAN GARDEN — Diverse Chinese menu of beef, chicken, pork, seafood and vegetable dishes in Eastown. Lunch specials daily 11 am-4 pm. Open daily. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 456-9878.

H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ THAI EXPRESS — Humble storefront belies the quality of these made-in-front-of-you Thai specialties, spiced to specification. Popular curry dishes, great noodles and affordably priced lunch specials. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ THAI HOUSE RESTAURANT — Broad-ranging menu, from three-alarm spicy to subtle. Lunch and dinner specials. Try the Thai banana pie.

Closed Sun-Mon. 6447 28th St SE, 285-9944. L, D, V, MC $ THAI PALACE — Holland’s authentic Thai restaurant offers a full gamut of Thai selections. Closed Mon. 977 Butternut Drive, (616) 994-9624. thai palacefood.com. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan regional fare, affordably priced with daily lunch and dinner specials.

Call ahead service. Open daily. 3330 Alpine Ave NW in Target Plaza, 785-3888. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI — Japanese-style tatami rooms, sushi bars and atmosphere. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura and fresh sushi. Hot and cold sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com.

80 Grand Rapids June 2011

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City guide h, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, ae, DC, Ds

¢-$

weI weI palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features huge menu of Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. fresh lobster and crab. superb selection of dim sum at lunchtime, with tasty selections from the barbecue pit, as well. open daily. 4242 s Division ave, 724-1818. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds $ Fxo asIan cuIsIne — upscale Thai, Chinese and vietnamese cuisine in downtown gR. vegetarian dishes available; lunch specials Monsat. full-service bar. open daily (free valet parking with $30 purchase). will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. xoasiancuisine.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $-$$ yuMMy wok — Combo platters, sweet and sour dishes, Cantonese, hunan and szechuan dishes, chow and lo mein, chop suey, tofu and peking sizzling dishes. open daily. 4325 breton Rd se, 827-2068. h, l, D, v, MC ¢-$

middle eastern/ mediterranean MarIe catrIb’s — eclectic eatery in bright surroundings in east hills Center. “Care-free food” includes Middle-eastern-leaning fare. on-site bakery; seasonal specialties; Turkish coffee. breakfast 7 am Mon-fri, 8 am sat, with lunch/ dinner starting at 11 am weekdays, noon on sat.

1001 lake Dr se, 454-4020. mariecatribs.com. h, b, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds, DC ¢-$ MedIterranean grIll — Mid-east fare: gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta. all meats are halal, in accordance with islamic requirements. Cozy, attractive dining room with hand-painted murals. Closed sun.

Cascade Center, 6250 28th st se, 949-9696. raadmediterraneangrill.com. h, l, D, v, MC $ osta’s lebanese cuIsIne — authentic lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava.

Takeout and full-service catering. Closed sunMon. 2228 wealthy st se in egR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. h, l, D, C, 3, v, MC, Ds ¢-$ parsley MedIterranean grIlle — Mediterranean appetizers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs and more. open daily.

80 ottawa ave nw, 776-2590. pizzubs.com. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ the pIta house — gyros with all the trimmings, chicken salad with cucumber sauce and a variety of other Middle east specialties. open daily. 1450 wealthy st se, 454-1171; 3730 28th st se, 9403029; 6333 Kalamazoo ave se, 698-8722; 134 Monroe Center nw, 233-4875. thepitahouse.net. h, l, D, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢ FshIraZ grIlle — fine persian cuisine: firegrilled kabobs, beef, chicken, lamb, seafood and rice dishes, khoreshes (delicate stews), vegetarian options and desserts. full bar, fine wine list, martinis. 2739 breton Rd se, 949-7447. shirazgril le.com. h, l (sun), D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds, Rsvp $ ZeytIn — Turkish-american cuisine reflects influences from the Mediterranean and Middle eastern regions, including saganaki, borek, dolma, shish kebab, falafel, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh. extensive beer and wine lists. 400 ada Dr se, ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestau rant.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $

latin american/ Caribbean

Vi n e y a r d s & Wine Cellar

7 Mares — full-scale Mexican meals and specialty dishes that go well beyond the norm. excellent seafood selections, along with friday fish fry by the pound. super breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo ave se, 301-8555. on facebook. h, b, l, D ¢-$$ adobe In & out — The usual Mexican offerings served quickly at drive-through or seated (grandville location is drive-through only). open daily. 617 w fulton st, 454-0279; 1216 leonard st ne, 451-9050; 4389 Chicago Dr, grandville, 2577091. h, l, D, v, MC ¢

A great wine experience is close at hand. Visit Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar, where you can sample from over 25 award winning wines.

FbeltlIne bar — longtime local favorite. big wet burritos are the claim to fame from the americanized Tex-Mex menu. The big enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car. 16 28th st se, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae $

You’ll discover what we mean when we say it’s

cabana tres aMIgos — large menu of authentic Mexican fare: daily specials, children’s menu, à la carte items, full bar, take-out service and nice vegetarian selection. spacious surroundings with fireplaces and Mexican décor. open daily. 1409 60th st se, 281-6891. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae ¢-$

“the lake effect everyone loves.”

caFÉ san Juan — puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban menu offers bistec, chuletas and pollo dishes along with appetizers, soups and sandwiches. open daily. 3549 burlingame ave sw, 530-2293. cafesanjuan.net. h, b, l, D, v, MC ¢-$

Enjoy our popular educational wine tasting tours in the vineyard, free wine tasting in the tasting room and winery direct discounts.

cancun restaurant — neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. open daily. 1518 grandville ave sw, 248-2824. h, l, D, v, MC ¢-$ cantIna — extensive menu of Mexican specialties in an authentically decorated setting with fullservice bar. 2770 east paris ave se, 949-9120. h, l, D, C, v, MC, Ds, ae $ cheZ olga — Caribbean and Creole fare. Red beans and rice, gumbo, fried plantain, Creole chicken, pork ragout and more. vegetarian/ vegan options. lunch specials. open until 2 am fri-sat, closed sun. 1441 wealthy st se, 2334141. chezolga.com. l, D, v, MC ¢ cInco de Mayo — Mexican eatery offers fajitas, tacos, burritos and enchiladas, carnitas and steak asada. full bar service. open daily. 123 Courtland st, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center nw, 719-2404. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds $ costa aZul — american/latin fusion and fresh-made Mexican fare in the former JoJo’s americana supper Club space. 107 blue star highway, Douglas, (269) 857-1523. on facebook. h, D, C (wine/beer), v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ downtown trInI’s — sparta’s destination for Mexican food. Traditional taco, fajita and wet burrito offerings are augmented with other creative dishes. gigantic portions; full bar. Closed sun and Mon. 134 e Division ave, sparta, 887-2500. downtowntrinis.com. h, l, D, v, MC, Ds ¢-$ el arrIero — authentic taste of Mexico in an airy location near woodland Mall. extensive menu offers favorites and specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, great Margaritas. 2948 28th st se, 977-2674. h, l, D, C, v, MC, ae, Ds ¢-$ el burrIto loco — More than 70 authentic, affordable Mexican selections in contemporary surroundings. Complimentary chips and salsa;

grmag

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www.vitalesada.com

xo

Thai, Japanese, Chinese Business luncheons, intimate dinners, appetizers and cocktails. Or, our award winning Sunday brunch. Charley’s Crab is dedicated to ensuring your visit is excellent.

Mon - Thurs 11:30 - 10 and Fri 11:30 - 11 Sat 4:30 - 11 (no lunch) Sun Brunch 10 - 3, Dinner 4:30 - 9

• Sushi Bar half price every Tuesday (Dine-in only) • Full service bar

in Cascade

asian Cuisine

58 Monroe Center • Grand Rapids Phone: (616) 235-6969 www.xoasiancuisine.com

Buy one dinner enTrée, geT one Free!

63 Market St., Downtown Grand Rapids 616.459.2500 www.muer.com

Award Winning

(Up to $13.00) Dine in only, not valid on Holidays.

One coupon per table | Expires 12-30-11

Open to the Public Mon-Thur 11:30-10 | Fri-Sat 11:30-11:30 | Sun 10-8

www.watermarkcc.com • 616.949.0570

Now is the time for change Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

Fine Persian Cuisine Restaurant and Banquet

2010 Dining Award of Excellence 310 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids

616-235-1342 complimentary parking

NW corner of Breton & 28th St. • Grand Rapids

(616) 949-7447 For full menu, upcoming events and specials, visit our website www.shirazgrille.com

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City Guide beer, wine and good margaritas from the full bar.

Open daily. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$ EL GRANJERO — Generous portions of tasty Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes and dinner platters to à la carte selections and traditional menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢ EL SOMBRERO — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. H, L, D ¢ GRAND VILLA DUNGEON — Mexican food is the specialty. 40-inch TV screen broadcasts satellite programs and sporting events. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. grandvillarestaurants. com. H, L, D, C, ✓, V, MC, AE, DS $ GRINGO’S GRILL — Latin American-inspired fare such as scallop or sticky-shrimp tacos, burritos, empanadas, chiles rellenos, chicken and seafood dishes and filet medallions served with polenta and fried goat cheese. Open daily at 11 am. 2863 West Shore Dr, Holland, (616) 994-9722. gringos grill.net. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $-$$ JAMAICAN DAVE’S — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and spicy “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies; plus Jamaican fruit cake. With only a couple tables, takeout is the best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. H, L, D, ✓ ¢ JOSE’S RESTAURANTE — Authentic Mexican fare in a low-key locale with jukebox, pinball and a video game. Patrons crave their chalupas, burritos and tostadas. Open daily. 3954 S Division Ave, 530-7934. H, L, D ¢ LAS CAZUELAS — Opens for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Genuine flavors from Hispanic kitchen features chalupas, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, carne asada, fajitas, tampiquena and more. 411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢ LINDO MEXICO — Daily specials feature true Mexican fare, including specials such as tacos de barbacoa, tripitos or lengua. Enchiladas, burritos, combo plates and more. Open daily.

1292 28th St SW, 261-2280. lindomexicorestau rant.com. H, L, D, V, MC, AE, DS, DC ¢-$ LITTLE MEXICO CAFÉ — All new space at its original location offers some of Grand Rapids’ most beloved traditional Mexican food and cocktails.

Favorites include fajitas, burritos and margaritas.

Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS $ MAGGIE’S KITCHEN — Authentic Mexican food, homemade with a lighter taste in bright café setting. Breakfast, too. Cafeteria-style ordering. 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. H, B, L, D ¢ MEXICAN CONNEXION RESTAURANTE — Mexican favorites in large, inviting surroundings.

Open daily. 131 S Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-4403. L, D, V, MC ¢-$ MICHOACAN — Restaurante y taqueria offers a huge selection of Mexican dishes plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. Jukebox and flat screen TV. Open daily at 9 am. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. H, B, L, D,V, MC ¢-$ MI TIERRA RESTAURANT — Tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other traditional Mexican dishes

from Spanish-speaking staff whether dining in or driving through. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533.

H, L, D, V, MC ¢ SAN MARCOS — Mexican Grill with extensive menu. Top-shelf tequilas, complimentary chips/ salsa, kids menu, lunch specials, desserts and veggie plates. Mariachi band plays monthly. Open daily. 9740 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 8912511. H, L, D, C, V, MC ¢-$$ SU CASA — Full array of Mexican choices with burritos especially popular. Breakfast served beginning at 8:30 am; open daily in the Super Mercado, 306 W Main St, Fennville, (269) 5615493. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ TACO BOB’S — Fresh-Mex tacos, burritos, quesadillas, taco salads and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell taco wrapped in a soft shell, with nacho cheese in between. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 4581533. tacobobs.com. H, L, V, MC, AE, DS ¢ TACO BOY — Burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tostadas to combination plates. 3475 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-7111; 6539 28th St SE, 956-3424; 509 44th St SE, 257-0057; 2529 Alpine Ave NW, 3659255. tacoboy.biz. H, L, D, V, MC ¢ TACOS EL CAPORAL — Two locations serving generous portions of Mexican fare with menudo served Sat and Sun. Open daily; quick takeout.

1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 261-2711. H, B, L, D, V, MC ¢ TACOS EL RANCHERO — Mexican fare in lowkey surroundings to eat in or take out. Cash only.

1240 Burton St SW, 245-6514. H, L, D ¢

different

stay

nightly. weekly. monthly.

FurnishedApartmentsGR.com Text WC 53555 for more information

final 4-21-2011 Advertisement.pdf 1 4/21/2011 4:45:18 PM 888-856-0410

TRES LOBOS GRILL & BAR — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar has 10 Mexican beers, top-shelf tequilas. Lunch ’til 4 pm daily in GR; closed Mon in Holland. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389; 381 Douglas, Holland, (616) 355-7424. treslobos restaurant.com. H, L, D, C, V, MC, AE, DS ¢-$

Dining Guide Legend GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers.

C

H — Handicapped accessible B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner C — Cocktails ✓ — Checks accepted V — Visa MC — MasterCard AE — American Express DC — Diner’s Club DS — Discover Card RSVP — Reservations preferred ¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)* $ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — Expensive (Over $20)* *Prices based on average entrée. ✍ — Reviewed in this issue ➧ — New listing ✎ — Listing update ✯ — GRM’s 2010 Restaurant of the Year ✦ — GRM’s 2010 Award of Excellence — Chef Profile in this issue

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS and/or changes must

be submitted for the editors’ consideration by calling Grand Rapids Magazine, 459-4545, or write: The Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503.

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City Guide: Fresh Hops

No wine in these coolers

Beverage writers refer to them as “malternatives” or “alcopop.”

by Jon C. Koeze

Remember wine coolers? You might think they’re still available, but look carefully at the label. If it doesn’t specifically say “wine” cooler, most likely it’s a malt beverage. Drinks such as Bacardi Silver, Captain Morgan Gold and Jack Daniel’s Original Hard Cola are all distant cousins of my favorite beverage: beer.

These drinks appeal to the “I don’t like beer” market, people who prefer “pop and shot drinks” or “wine highballs.” This market has been a battleground for the alcohol industry market share ever since wine coolers were introduced. Bartles & Jaymes

by Gallo Winemakers, one of the original wine coolers, was an attempt in the 1970s by the wine industry to divert undiscerning beer drinkers over to fermented fruit drinks.

The spirits industry also got into the game. Seagram’s wine coolers were one of the first to woo this market, but I’m not sure if the drinks were originally a grain or fruit product. In the 1980s, wine coolers began to be replaced by malt beverages that were lighter and less costly to produce. Zima, a turning point for malt beverages, was a product of the Adolph Coors brewery. It won back some of the cooler market from the wine and spirits industry; it tasted more like Fresca than a wine highball. Distillers took note and began to market to the “pop and shot” market with mixeddrink and soda-flavored “drink-a-likes.”

Today, we have malt liquors, beverages made with alcohol from malted grain as opposed to raw fermentation (wine) or distillation (vodka).

But because the term “malt liquor” is more commonly identified with products such as Colt 45 and Old English, beverage writers refer to them as “malternatives” or “alcopop.”

My wife Katherine and I sampled several malternatives — all are the bad boys of the industry, ranging from 8 to 12 percent alcohol by volume. They taste more like soda pop than anything related to beer and seem to be marketed

for alcohol content rather than flavor. I bought these instead of Smirnoff Ice or Skyy Blue to see where the industry has traveled since the mid1980’s introduction of Zima.

The dark side of these sweet drinks is how easy it would be for underage or inexperienced drinkers to overindulge. With alcohol levels comparable to wine but with the flavor of Kool-Aid, it would be easy to consume a 16-ounce can in a matter of minutes. Drink with caution.

Mike’s Harder Blueberry Lemonade. It’s “harder” because it’s 8 percent alcohol by volume, about twice as strong as Mike’s other hard lemonades. Blueberry does seem to mix well with the lemonade; it isn’t as sweet as I would have expected. But if you like Mike’s other drinks — and I do on occasion — I would advise the lower alcohol variety.

Melonball A:M. This watermelon-flavored drink by the Minhas Craft Brewery (formerly Joseph Huber) is as drinkable as Mike’s hard lemonade but much sweeter. Rose colored, light and fruity, it tastes more like a cooler than a soda pop. At 12 percent abv, it has about the same alcohol content as wine.

Four Loko Grape. Four Loko, produced by Phusion Projects of Chicago, was originally a highly alcoholic energy drink. The word “four” refers to its four main ingredients: alcohol, caffeine, taurine and guarana. In Michigan, as in many other states, the combination of alcohol and caffeine has been banned, so this is a new recipe sans caffeine. Taste wasn’t bad, but after it warmed to room temperature I thought it tasted like grape soda. Katherine thought more of it when compared to the last two.

TILT Blue. Offered by Anheuser-Busch, this has a berry/blueberry flavor with a blue soda pop color to match. It was drinkable right out of the refrigerator — although very sweet and syrupy — but by the time we finished, it had warmed up and was barely drinkable at all.

Sparks Red. This was an alcoholic energy drink by MillerCoors that also has recently undergone a recipe change. It tasted sweet and tangy, but the sweetness was very unnatural and left a Saccharine-like aftertaste.

Contributing editor Jon C. Koeze, cable administrator for the city of Grand Rapids, has made and tasted beer since 1980.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

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City Guide

Calendar of Events

Special Events

Grand Rapids Magazine is pleased to provide this extensive list of area events. Commonly requested venue and ticket outlet information is at the end of this listing.

Jun - ADA FARMERS MARKET: Locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, breads and flowers. Noon-6 pm every Tue beginning Jun 21.

Community Church parking lot, 7239 Thornapple River Dr SE.

Rising star Frankie Ballard to perform at Birthday Bash

Jun - FULTON ST FARMERS MARKET: A GR tradition since 1922 featuring locally grown produce, plants and flowers, baked goods, meat and cheese. 8 am-3 pm Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat. 1145 E Fulton St (just west of Fuller Ave). www.fulton streetmarket.org.

Photography Courtesy Clay Patrick McBride

While country music lovers across the nation are discovering Frankie Ballard, countless Grand Rapidians know him as the local boy who hit it big. Establishing quite a fan base with his recent country hits “Tell Me You Get Lonely” and “A Buncha Girls,” Ballard is now on the heels of stardom, opening for megastar Taylor Swift on her Speak Now World Tour 2011, including an appearance at Detroit’s Ford Field June 11.

Born and raised in Battle Creek, Ballard attributes his early love of music to his parents.

“My Dad loved Elvis and Merle Haggard, and my mom would always be singing around the house,” recalled Ballard, riding on his tour bus. “In fact, one of my very earliest memories is layin’ on the ground and listening to my Dad sing.”

At the age of 5, Ballard started joining his dad in singing Elvis’ “Jailhouse Rock” and shot his first music video in the basement of the family’s home. Yet surprisingly, Ballard said he didn’t learn to play guitar until he was 18.

“I got a bit of a late start, but it was around this age that I really noticed this incredible passion for music welling up in me,” said Ballard, who at the same time was accepting a scholarship to play baseball at Western Michigan

University. “I became determined to play music, write music, live music.”

And while he says the West Michigan area wasn’t known as a music hub back then, Ballard did begin to create a fan following, participating in local blues jams and various other events around town.

“I played birthday parties, weddings and any other possible club who would let me play,” said Ballard, who opened for music legend Bob Seger during his April tour stop in Grand Rapids. “After graduation I quickly realized that to succeed in country music, it’s really important to have a presence in Nashville, so I even began to commute to Nashville one week out of every month.”

Things began to turn in the summer of 2008, when Ballard won Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star regional competition in Michigan. In April 2009, Ballard waved goodbye to Michigan for the bright lights of Nashville. This past January, he accomplished every country newcomer’s goal with his Grand Ole Opry debut.

“People ask me a lot if I feel like I have ‘made it’,” said Ballard, who will perform this month at the B93 Birthday Bash. “And it’s funny, because I always said that the day I sit in the back of a tour bus would be the day I felt I had made it. But I don’t know. Getting started in country music is a grind. I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have achieved everything I have done so far, but I have a ton more goals on my plate.”

Jun - GRAND HAVEN FARMERS MARKET: Seasonal produce, flowers and baked goods. 8 am-2 pm Wed and Sat. Next to Chinook Pier, 1000 S Harbor Dr. Jun - HOLLAND FARMERS MARKET: More than 50 vendors offer fresh produce, flowers, plants, baked goods and meats plus garden art and furniture. 8 am-4 pm Wed and Sat. Kids activities 10 am Wed. Chef Series 10 am Sat. Eighth St Marketplace. www.hollandfarmersmarket.com.

Jun - HOLLAND STREET PERFORMERS: Musicians, acrobats, face painters, balloon artists, jugglers, magicians, storytellers, theatrical troupes and more. 6:30-8:30 pm every Thu Jun 9-Aug 25.

Downtown Holland.

Jun - LOWELL FARMERS MARKET: Open 12:30-6 pm Thu, Jun 2-Sep 29. Tractor Supply Parking Lot, 2111 W Main St. Jun - PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP FARMERS MARKET: Open 2-7 pm Tue and Thu Jun 14-Oct 27.

Plainfield Ave and 5 Mile Road.

Jun - ROCKFORD FARMERS MARKET: Local vendors sell produce, flowers, pastries and bread.

8 am-1 pm Sat. South Squires St parking lot off Main St. Jun - SAUGATUCK/DOUGLAS GREENMARKET: Produce, flowers, organic meats and artisanbaked goods 8 am-2 pm Fri beginning Jun 2.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St. Jun - SPRING LAKE FARM & GARDEN MARKET: Open-air market with flowers, plants and garden items. 9 am-2 pm Thu. Church St east of library.

Thru Jun 11 - SPRING PARADE OF HOMES: Home and Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids presents its showcase of home construction, design and interiors. 1-9 pm. $12 adults, children 13 and younger free (281-2021 or www. hbaggr.com).

Jun 2 - TASTE OF WHITE LAKE: Howmet Playhouse’s annual fundraiser includes local food and music. 5-8 pm. 304 S Mears Ave, Whitehall. $18 (Whitehall City Hall), $20 (at door). www.howmet playhouse.org.

Jun 3-5 - FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: Celebrate all the arts with Grand Rapids’ 42nd downtown extravaganza. Music, dance, drama, storytelling, poetry, film, video and visual art, plus kids activities. Everything is free but the food; money raised is for area churches and nonprofits. Downtown GR. Full schedule at www.festivalofthearts.org.

Jun 8-9 - HOT ROD POWER TOUR: Hundreds of hot rods and classic cars cruise downtown Muskegon Wed night (with pub crawl and live music) before Hot Rod Magazine’s Power Tour arrives Thu. Plus car show and performance fair. www.hotrod.com.

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City Guide Jun 9-11 - ROCKFORD START OF SUMMER CELEBRATION: Free activities and entertainment, including parades and fireworks. Begins Thu evening. www.rockfordmichamber.com.

Jun 18 - HOLLAND VINTAGE CAR SHOW: Antiques, classics, customs, muscle, street rods, motorcycle/scooters and tractors. 9 am-2 pm.

Holland Town Center, 12330 James St. Free.

Jun 10 - RENDEZOO xxII: Outdoor zoo fundraiser includes food, big band swing, dancing, silent auction and more. 4-11:30 pm. John Ball Zoo, 1300 W Fulton St. $75 (336-3036). www. johnballzoosociety.org.

Jun 18 - SUMMER SOLSTICE BENEFIT: Cocktails, dining, dancing, plus silent and live auctions to benefit Saugatuck Center for the Arts. 6-11 pm.

400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $175 (269-857-2399 or www.sc4a.org).

Jun 10-11 - RELAY FOR LIFE: 24-hour fundraiser for American Cancer Society research and programs includes food, activities and silent auction.

1 pm Fri-1 pm Sat. Ab-Nab-Awen Park, downtown Grand Rapids. www.relayforlife.org/relay/.

Jun 18-19 - TASTE OF MUSKEGON: Muskegon’s best restaurants, bakeries and more serve their specialties. Proceeds benefit Downtown Muskegon Now. 11 am-8 pm Sat, 11 am-6 pm Sun. Western Ave. Free admittance, $1-$5 food. www. tasteofmuskegon.com.

Jun 11 - LOCAL FIRST STREET PARTY: Eighth annual celebration of local food, wine, beer and live music, presented by Founders Brewing Co. Bands TBA. 4 pm-midnight. Outside Bistro Bella Vita, 44 Grandville Ave SW. www.localfirst.com/ events/.

Jun 11 - TILT!: Muskegon Museum of Art’s 99th Anniversary Gala, based on its pinball art exhibition, includes live and silent auctions, cocktail party, dinner and dancing. 5:30 pm. 296 W Webster Ave. $150, $125 members (231-7202571). www.muskegonartmuseum.org.

Jun 11-12 - FEAST OF THE STRAWBERRY MOON: Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg celebrate their heritage with a re-creation of 18th century life. Historic merchandise, period costumes, entertainment and food along the Grand River.

9 am-5 pm. Harbor Island, Grand Haven. $3.50, $12.50 family (842-0700, www.tri-citiesmuseum. org).

Jun 11-12 - YOUNG CHAMPIONS CHEER AMERICA: Michigan Regional Cheer Competition. 7 am7 pm. DeltaPlex. $3. www.youngchampions.us.

Jun 14 - STORY SPINNERS: Folk tales and original stories for all ages. 7 pm. Meijer Gardens Cafe. www.storyspinners.net. Free.

Jun 14-18 - SPRING LAKE HERITAGE FEST: Dog walk, family fun night, 5K run, BBQ wing cook-off, live music, fireworks and more. Downtown Spring Lake. www.slheritagefestival.com.

Jun 15 - BISSELL BLOCKTAIL PARTY: Bring your dog(s) and mingle with fellow dog lovers while enjoying music, appetizers, cocktails and silent auction. Benefits Humane Society of Kent County. 6-9 pm. Mangiamo, 1033 Lake Dr SE. Tickets TBD. www.bissellblocktailparty.com.

Jun 15-18 - MISS MICHIGAN PAGEANT: Miss Michigan & Miss Teen Scholarship Pageant 2011 Preliminaries (Wed/Thu) and Finals (Fri/Sat).

7 pm. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $30 (box office or Star Tickets).

Swim, bike, run Athletes of varying skill levels will have the chance to swim the Thornapple River, pound the pavement of Ada’s streets and bicycle through the township in the first Grand Rapids Triathlon.

The June 5 event, sanctioned by USA Triathlon, will allow participants to choose a distance: Sprint, Olympic or Half Iron.

“The Greater Grand Rapids area is becoming known for our health and running enthusiasts, and we look forward to hosting hundreds of triathletes from many different areas to show off our great quality of life,” said Mike Guswiler, executive director of the West Michigan Sports Commission.

Organized by Tris4Health, the triathlon will raise funds for Miles for Special Smiles, a local nonprofit that helps disabled children reach their potential.

To register for the Grand Rapids Triathlon or for more info, visit www. grandrapidstriathlon.com.

SEE SPORTS

Jun 18 - EGR USED BOOK SALE: EGR Library holds its semi-annual book sale, with thousands of books sorted into more than 30 categories, as well as videos, CDs and DVDs. Most items range from $1-$3. 9 am-4 pm. EGR Middle School, 2425 Lake Drive SE.

Jun 17 - ART ATTACK: Lowell Area Arts Council’s fundraiser includes buffet, cash bar, live and silent auctions. 6 pm. Lowell Fairgrounds. $40 (897-8545), $50 (at door). www.lowellartscoun cil.org.

Jun 18 - FIELD OF GREEN FESTIVAL: Blandford Nature Center hosts a summer festival with live music, sustainability-themed vendors, kids games, horse-drawn wagon rides, petting zoo and more. 11 am-5 pm. 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, 735-6240, www.blandfordnaturecenter.org. $5.

Jun 17-18 - WEST MICHIGAN CHALK ART FESTIVAL: Artists display creativity using chalk to decorate the pavement; anyone can register at www.wmcaf.com. Plus music, face painting and other activities. 11 am-9 pm Fri, 8 am-9 pm Sat. Downtown Byron Center.

Jun 18 - FOUNDERS FEST: Founders Brewing’s fourth annual outdoor beer and music festival with local food vendors and artists. Tickets (21 and over only) available in person at Founders or at www.foundersbrewing.com. 3-11 pm. 235 Grandville Ave SW.

Jun 23 - LET’S GO TO BAT FOR KIDS: Local media celebrities and priests compete in a softball game to benefit child abuse prevention and recovery programs of Catholic Charities West Michigan. Free games and activities for kids.

5:45 pm gates open, 6:30 opening ceremonies, 7 pm game. Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W River Dr, Comstock Park. $5 (at gate or Catholic Charities West Michigan in Muskegon or Grand Rapids), 12 and under free. www.ccwestmi.org.

Jun 25 - OTTAWA HILLS WALKING TOUR OF GARDENS: Self-guided walking tour in historic Ottawa Hills neighborhood. 9 am-1 pm. Park at GR Christian Elementary School; maps at 1050 Iroquois SE. Free.

Jun 25 - SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST: Annual contest at Grand Haven’s city beach. Groups, families and individuals are judged and awarded prizes after two-hour contest. 9-9:45 am registration, 10 am-noon sculpting. www.grandhaven.org.

Jun 26 - ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MARKET: 400 exhibitors (200 inside, 200 outside) rain or shine, last Sun of month. No pets allowed. 8 am-3 pm. $4. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Dr, Allegan. 735-3333, www.allegan antiques.com.

Jun 30-Jul 9 - MUSKEGON SUMMER CELEBRATION: Big-name bands (Jul 1, Pop Evil. Jul 9, Trey Songz), plus Battle of the Bands, parade, kids activities, craft market, Art in the Park, sand sculpture contest, midway and fireworks are part of this extravaganza. Muskegon’s Heritage Landing. www.summercelebration.com.

Music Jun - LAV BUDWEISER BLUES ON THE MALL: Free Wed night concerts 6-9 pm Jun 8-Aug 3.

Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown GR. Jun - DANCIN’ ON THE GRAND: Wed night big band dances 7-9 pm Jun 15-Aug 25. Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven. $2.

Jun - FRIDAY NIGHTS AT GRAM: GR Art Museum hosts live music, social games, gallery talks, cash bar and dinner options 5-9 pm every Fri. Jun theme: new media. See website for details. $5 nonmembers, members free. www.artmuseum gr.org.

Jun - GRAND HAVEN/SPRING LAKE CONCERTS: Tuesdays in the Park: big band concerts 7-8:30 pm Jun 14-Aug 23, Central Park, Grand Haven.

Thursdays at the Point: local musicians play 7-8:30 pm Jun 16-Aug 25, Mill Point Park, Spring Lake.

Jun - HOLLAND SUMMER CONCERTS: Live music 6:30-8:30 pm Fri. Jun 17, Delilah DeWylde

illustration Courtesy istoCkPhoto.CoM

Jun 11 - EASTOWN BIZARRE BAZAAR: Annual event features handmade arts and crafts with live music and food. 9 am-5 pm. Wealthy/Lake Drive area. Free.

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City Guide & the Lost Boys. Jun 24, Jive At Five. Kollen Park, Holland. Free.

Jun - THE INTERSECTION: Nightclub hosts local and national music. Jun 3, Wayland. Jun 18, Mega 80s. See website for updates. Ticket prices vary (Beat Goes On, Purple East, Vertigo Music, Intersection box office or Ticketmaster). 133 Grandville Ave SW. www.sectionlive.com.

Jun - JAZZOO: Free jazz concerts 6-8 pm Mon, Jun 20-Sep 5. John Ball Zoo Bandshell, 1300 W Fulton St. www.wmichjazz.org.

Jun - LOWELL SHOWBOAT SIZZLIN’ SUMMER CONCERTS: Free Thu concerts 7-9 pm Jun 16-Aug 25. Jun 16, National Guard 126 Army Band. Jun 23, Adams Family Band. Jun 30, Stolen Horses. Riverwalk Plaza along Flat River. Bleacher seating or bring chairs. www.lowellartscouncil. org.

Jun - MEIJER GARDENS SUMMER CONCERTS: National acts perform in outdoor amphitheater.

Jun 8, Huey Lewis & The News ($72). Jun 16, Matt Giraud ($30). Jun 19, G Love & Special Sauce ($37). Jun 23, Buddy Guy with Quinn Sullivan ($47). Jun 26, Steve Martin performing with the Steep Canyon Rangers ($65). Jun 27, Elvis Costello & The Imposters ($77). Jun 30, k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang ($60). Lawn seating (bring blankets or low-rise chairs). Picnics allowed; no alcohol (available inside gates). Gates open 6 pm, concerts start 7 pm. www.meijergar dens.org.

Jun - MUSIC IN THE PARK: Live performances 7-9 pm every Wed Jun 22-Aug 24. Wicks Park Gazebo, Water Street, Saugatuck.

Jun - ONE TRICK PONY CONCERTS: Restaurant offers live music at 8 pm. Jun 2, Lipbone Redding.

Jun 11, Kimber Cleveland. Jun 25, Lazy Blue Tunas. See website for updates. 136 E Fulton St. www.onetrick.biz.

Jun - PARTIES IN THE PARK: Live music, beverage tents, children’s activities 5-9 pm every Fri thru Aug 26. Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon.

Jun - ROGUE RIVER BLUES: Rockford’s Tue evening concerts showcase jazz, blues and folk music artists 7-9 pm Jun 14-Aug 9. Bring blankets or chairs. Garden Club Park, along Rogue River.

Free.

Jun - WORSHIP ON THE WATERFRONT: Free outdoor summer worship series with music 7:308:45 pm Jun 26-Aug 28. Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven. www.worshiponthewaterfront.org.

Illustration courtesy istockphoto.com

Jun 1 - TAIZE SUNG PRAYER SERVICE: Taize worship consists of repeated choruses, often accompanied by instruments, vocal solos. 7 pm.

First United Methodist, 227 E Fulton St. www. grandrapidsfumc.org.

Jun 2 - GOOD NEIGHBOR CONCERT: North American Choral Company features high school and middle school choirs along with the NACC’s after-school choirs. 7:30 pm. Creston HS Auditorium, 1720 Plainfield Ave NE. $2 (7749268, www.thechoralcompany.com).

Jun 3 - FIDDLEFIRE: THE PANNING FAMILY: Contemporary folk and bluegrass music. 7 pm.

First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St. Free-will offering.

Jun 3-4 - CHASING THE SUN: FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT: West Michigan Symphony presents Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and John David Earnest’s

“Chasing the Sun,” with pianist Gleb Ivanov. 7:30 pm. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $10-$35 (Frauenthal box office or Star Tickets).

Jun 4 - DAN HICKS AND THE HOT LICKS: Folk jazz performer blends elements of swing, jazz, folk and country music. 8 pm. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $35 (269857-2399 or www.sc4a.org).

Jun 6 - TIMELESS: A TRIBUTE TO CLASSIC ROCK: Kelly Carey and her band pay tribute to the era of artists such as Eric Clapton, Janis Joplin, The Eagles, The Who, Journey and Aerosmith. 7 pm. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $15 (456-6656, www.circletheatre.org).

Jun 7, 21 - FARM MUSEUM JAM NIGHT: Bring your guitar, fiddle or other non-electric instrument. Singers and listeners welcome. 5 pm doors open, 6-9 pm jam. Coopersville Farm Museum, 375 Main St, Coopersville. Free with admission ($4). www.coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

Jun 13 - THE DIVAS OF SOUL: Hits from divas such as Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, EnVogue and Beyonce. 7 pm. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $15 (456-6656, www.circlethea tre.org).

Jun 14, 28 - EGR SUMMER CONCERTS: Toetapping live music every other Tue at 7 pm.

Jun 14, When in Rome. Jun 28, Jeanie B! and Jelly Beans Band. Bring chairs or blankets. John Collins Park, East Grand Rapids. www.eastgr.org.

Jun 18 - JAZZ VESPERS: Live jazz. 6 pm. First United Methodist Church, 227 E Fulton St. www. grandrapidsfumc.org. Free.

Jun 18-19 - B-93 BIRTHDAY BASH: Country music station sponsors outdoor music bash, including Josh Kelley, Ty Stone and Ashton Shepherd. US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin. Tickets TBD (Star Tickets Plus). www.b93.com.

Jun 21 - RALEIGH RINGERS CONCERT: Embellish Handbell Ensemble hosts a concert of sacred, secular and popular music. 7:30 pm. Grandville High School Auditorium, 4700 Canal Ave SW. $15 (915-0134 or tickets@embellishhandbells.com), $20 (at door). embellish.ws.

Jun 23-25 - BIG TICKET FESTIVAL: Christian music festival (110 bands on seven stages) includes extreme sports, Kids Zone, speakers, ministry tents and prayer tents. Ionia Fairgrounds. www.bigticketfestival.com.

Jun 25 - REAL OLDIES AT THE BALLPARK: WGVU Real Oldies presents The Eschelons playing 50-60’s rock-n-roll, do-wop, ballads and blues and Peter Riviera Unplugged. 7 pm. Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W River Dr, Comstock Park. $20 (www.realoldies1480.org or Fifth Third Ballpark box office).

Art

am-4 pm Sat. Bronson Park, Kalamazoo. www. kiarts.org.

Jun 18 - REEDS LAKE CLOTHESLINE ART FESTIVAL: 45th annual juried show includes more than 130 booths of fine arts and crafts. Wealthy St and Lakeside Dr, East GR. 9 am-5 pm. Free. www. gvami.com.

Jun 18-19 - WHITE LAKE ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: 33rd annual juried event with more than 150 artists, plus music, food. 10 am-5 pm Sat, 11 am-4 pm Sun. Funnell Field, Franklin and Hanson, Whitehall. www.whitelake.org.

Jun 19 - SAUGATUCK ARTS & CRAFTS: Sponsored by the Saugatuck/Douglas CVB. 10 am-6 pm. Downtown Saugatuck. www.saugatuck.com.

Jun 25-26 - GRAND HAVEN ART FESTIVAL: 50th annual juried show of fine art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed media and more from more than 150 artists. 10 am-5 pm. 233 Washington Ave, Grand Haven.

Free. www.artfestival.com.

Jun - CASCADE GALLERY: Thru Jun 11, The Civil War: A 150th Anniversary Exhibition. 2840 Thornapple River Dr SE at Cascade Rd, 9494056.

Jun - DESIGN QUEST GALLERY: Thru Jul 10, sculptural masks by Laura Goodrich, who worked with Civic Theatre and GR Ballet for 30 years.

4181 28th St SE, 940-0131, www.d2d2d2.com.

Jun - FIRE AND WATER GALLERY: Thru Jun 30, Deidre Wingelaar, mixed media. 219 W Main St, Lowell, 890-1879, www.fire-and-water-art.com.

Jun - FOREST HILLS FAC: Jun 6-24, Tamara Fox; artist reception 6 pm Jun 16. 600 Forest Hill Ave SE, 493-8965, www.fhfineartscenter.com.

Jun - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: Jun 3-Aug 21, Laura Ford: Actual, Factual Fables. Permanent exhibits include more than 100 world-class sculptures indoors and in the 30-acre park. See Museums & Attractions.

Jun - FULTON ST ARTISANS MARKET: Open air market featuring photography, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, woodworking and more. 11 am-3 pm Sun Jun 12-Sep 25. 1147 E Fulton St. Jun - GAINEY GALLERY: Jun 3-Aug 20, West Michigan Printmakers featuring prints by Lee Ann Frame, Jean Boot, Erin Hoffman and Cindi Ford; artist reception 2-3:30 pm Jul 24. Van Singel FAC, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center, (616) 8786800, www.vsfac.com Jun - GALLERY UPTOWN: Jun 1-29, Catherine McClung (watercolor), Mike McClung (furniture), Randall Higdon (painting) and Stacy Neidgiwicki (photography); artist reception 5:30-8 pm Jun 3. 201 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 8465460, www.galleryuptown.net.

Thru Jun 16, 30 - ARTPRIZE REGISTRATION: Open art competition Sep 21-Oct 9 in downtown GR registers artists thru Jun 16 and matches artists and venues thru Jun 30. www.artprize.org.

Jun - GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM: Thru Jun 11, Festival of the Arts: Regional Show. Thru Aug 14, Birds of America: Audubon Prints from Shelburne Museum. Thru Aug 14, Awash in Color: Watercolors by Michigan Artists from the Permanent Collection. 10 am-5 pm Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat; 10 am-9 pm Fri; noon-5 pm Sun; closed Mon. General admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors/students with ID, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www. artmuseumgr.org.

Jun 3-4 - KIA ART FAIR: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts kicks off summer with its 60th annual art fair with more than 210 artists. Noon-7 pm Fri, 9

Jun - HOLLAND AREA ARTS COUNCIL: Thru Jul 1, Tulip Time Regional Exhibit. Thru Jul 1, Juneteenth: The Works of Jon MacDonald. Thru

Thru Jun 3 - CALL FOR ARTWORK: Lowell Area Arts Council invites artists 13 and older to drop off art for Going Green: Blending Art and Nature exhibition Jun 7-Jul 14. More info: 897-8545 or www.lowellartscouncil.org.

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City Guide Jul 2, Randy Schroder: Tulip in Photographs, and Amelia Hansen: Wildlife Illustrations. 150 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 396-3278, www.hollandarts.org.

Jun - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Thru Sep 25, Dutch Arcadia: 19th Century Romantic Landscapes. Jun 10-Sep 4, Good Sports. Dutch Galleries exhibit 17th- to 20th-century Dutch paintings and cultural objects. See Museums & Attractions.

Jun - KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS: Thru Jun 19, High School Area Show. Thru Jun 26, West Michigan Area Show. 10 am-5 pm TueSat, noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $8 adults; $6 students, seniors; $4 members. 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, www.kiarts.org.

Jun - KENDALL GALLERY: Thru Jul 20, Graduate Studio Excellence Awards. Kendall College of Art & Design, 17 Fountain St NW, 451-2787, www. kcad.edu.

Jun - LEEP ART GALLERY: Thru Jul 1, Healer’s Art, work by 16 staff members. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, 300 68th St SE, 222-4530.

Jun - LOWELL AREA ARTS COUNCIL: Jun 7-Jul 14, Going Green: Blending Art and Nature. 149 S Hudson St, Lowell, 897-8545, www.lowell artscouncil.org.

Dine al Fresco!

GRAND RAPIDS FINEST

OUTDOOR DINING

COME EXPERIENCE OUR EXTENSIVE CHOICES B E Y O N D T H E O R D I N A R Y.

Jun - MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART: Thru Jun 26, Horse Power: Images of Horses from the Permanent Collection. Thru Jul 31, Flippers and Flash: The Art of Pinball. Thru Aug 3, 83rd Regional Exhibition. Noon-4:30 pm Sun; closed Mon; 10 am-6 pm Tue and Thu; 10 am-4:30 pm Wed, Fri and Sat. $5 adults (Thu free); members, students, kids under 17 free. 296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, www.muskegonart museum.org.

Jun - RIVERTOWN ARTISTS GUILD: Jun 1-30, Gene Sampson, Walker Library, 4293 Remembrance Rd. Jun 1-30, Mary Andersen, EGR Library, 746 Lakeside Dr. Jun 1-30, Loretta Sailors and Kacey Cornwell, Wyoming Library, 3350 Michael St. Jun 1-30, Donna Stressman, GR Association of Realtors, 660 Kenmoor SE. Artists reception: 6:30-8:30 pm Jun 17, 654 Croswell SE, EGR. Jun - SUNDAY ART MARKET: Grand Haven features work from local artists, including jewelry, painting and ceramics. 11 am-2 pm Sun, Jun 5-Sep 11. Chinook Pier, Grand Haven.

Jun - TERRYBERRY GALLERY: Thru Jun 30, A Closer Look: Jennifer Gould and Ann Willey, textiles. Lower floor, St Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave NE, 459-2224, www.scmsonline.org.

Film Jun - UICA: Urban Institute for Contemporary Art shows independent, foreign and documentary films. Call for schedule. 41 Sheldon Blvd SE. $4-$7 (454-7000, www.uica.org).

Award winning for Excellence in Ethnic Dining Grand Rapids Magazine Dining Awards

Jun 9-12 - WATERFRONT FILM FESTIVAL: Saugatuck’s 13th annual festival includes independent and foreign films at many venues. Complete schedule and tickets: www.waterfrontfilm.org.

Stage

122 MONROE CENTER, ST NW • DOWNTOWN G.R.

Phone 616-235-9339 • www.trecugini.com

Jun - COMEDY MONDAYS: Dog Story Theater presents improv, standup, sketches, films, music, puppets, magic, one-act plays at 8 pm and 9 pm, and a free, open improv jam at 10 pm. 7 Jefferson Ave SE. $5. www.dogstorytheater.com.

Jun - DR GRINS COMEDY CLUB: Stand-up

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City Guide comedians perform 9 pm Thu, 8 pm and 10:30 pm Fri and Sat. Jun 9-11, Jessi Campbell. Jun 16-18, Rodney Laney. Jun 23-25, Andy Kindler.

Jun 30-Jul 2, Mike Merryfield. See website for updates. The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave NW. Tickets TBD (356-2000, www.thebob.com).

Thru Jun 4 - “REEFER MADNESS! THE MUSICAL”: Actors’ Theatre presents the story of Jimmy, who becomes a murderous fiend after being led astray by the “devil weed.” 8 pm.

Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE. $24 adults, $20 students and seniors (234-3946). www.actorstheatregrandrapids.org.

Jun 2-18 - “RUMORS”: Circle Theatre presents a farce about the deputy mayor of New York who has just shot himself while guests gather for his 10th wedding anniversary. 7:30 pm, 5 pm Sun. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $23 (456-6656, www.circletheatre.org).

Jun 3-4 - “ORPHANS”: Dog Story Theater presents the story of two nearly feral brothers and the mysterious businessman who befriends them. 8 pm. 7 Jefferson Ave SE. $10. www.dogstorythea ter.com.

Jun 3-11 - “ARSENIC AND OLD LACE”: Master Arts Theatre presents a comedy about sisters who populate their cellar with socially “acceptable” roomers. 7:30 pm Fri, 2 pm and 7:30 pm Sat. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St SW. $12 adults, $10 seniors and students (455-1001, www. masterarts.org).

Jun 9 - JERRY SEINFELD: American stand-up

comedian best known for joking about the little things in life that relate to everyone. 7 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $47.50-$77.50 (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster).

Jun 10-Jul 2 - “HAIRSPRAY”: GR Civic Theatre presents larger-than-life Tracy Turnblad as she dances her way through social boundaries and forces TV to integrate. 7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. 30 N Division Ave. $16-$30 (Civic box office or Star Tickets). www.grct.org.

Jun 16-26 - “45 SECONDS FROM BROADWAY”: Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids presents Neil Simon’s play about a coffee shop and the eclectic characters that hang out there. 8 pm, 3 pm Sun. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE. $18 adults, $15 seniors, $5 students (Spectrum Theater box office or 234-3946). www.jtgr.org.

Jun 17-18 - “TREASURE ISLAND”: Master Arts Theatre Hudsonville Summer Production presents Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. 7 pm Fri, 3 and 7 pm Sat. Hudsonville High School, 5037 32nd Ave, Hudsonville. $7 (Hudsonville City Hall, Gary Byker Memorial Library, 455-1001 or www.masterarts.org).

Jun 17-Aug 12 - “CHILDREN OF EDEN”: Hope Summer Repertory Theatre presents a Biblical musical adventure. 8 pm. DeWitt Theatre, 141 E 12th St, Holland. $20-$26 adults, $17-$24 seniors, $10 children 18 and younger (box office, 616-395-7890 or www.hope.edu/hsrt).

Jun 21-26 - “SHREK THE MUSICAL”: Broadway GR presents the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre

and a cast of misfit fairy-tale characters. 7:30 pm Tue-Thu, 8 pm Fri, 2 pm and 8 pm Sat, 1 pm and 6:30 pm Sun. DeVos Performance Hall. $32$62 (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster). Kids Night Jun 22: free ticket for child up to age 18 with a full-priced adult ticket, includes free activities and story time 6-7:30 pm with Maranda.

Jun 24-Jul 17 - “CHICAGO”: Mason Street Warehouse presents the Tony-Award-winning musical about murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery. 8 pm, 7 pm Sun. 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $36.50-$39.75 (269857-4898 or www.masonstreetwarehouse.org).

Jun 24-Jul 26 - “TAKING STEPS”: Hope Summer Repertory Theatre presents a comedy about a rundown, haunted house that’s for sale. 8 pm.

DeWitt Theatre, 141 E 12th St, Holland. $20-$26 adults, $17-$24 seniors, $10 children 18 and younger (box office, 616-395-7890 or www.hope. edu/hsrt).

Jun 25 - RIVER CITY IMPROV: Calvin College alumni improv team weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions. 6:30 pm doors open, 7:33 pm show. Gezon Auditorium, Calvin College, 3201 Burton St SE. $9 (at door or Calvin box office). www.rivercityimprov.com.

Museums & Attractions Jun - AIR ZOO: More than 50 rare aircraft, plus exhibits, educational activities, full-motion flight simulators, 4-D Missions Theater, Magic Planet,

Visual Stories.

Laura Ford uses traditional materials and found objects to convey visual stories through sculpture. At first glance, her charming creatures (reminiscent of Aesop and Beatrix Potter) disarm the viewer with humor and warmth, but upon further consideration offer a deeper lesson on the human condition. Experience these compelling visual stories through August 21, only at Meijer Gardens.

MeijerGardens.org Laura Ford. Headthinker VI, 2003.

Photo courtesy of Gallerie Sheffel.

Laura Ford: Actual, Factual Fables is sponsored by BISSELL Inc., Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, The Meijer Foundation, Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

LAURA FORD: ACTUAL, FACTUAL FABLES

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City Guide

Michigan’s own critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Greg Nagy has many reasons for celebration these days. The guitar-wielding Nagy recently released his second album, “Fell Toward None,” and inked a deal with the VizzTone label group in Boston.

“We are excited,” Nagy said. “VizzTone is a very well-known label and we feel very blessed to be with them.”

The Flint native, who played guitar for the Root Doctors, received acclaim for his solo album “Walk That Fine Line,” nominated in the Best New Artist Debut category at the 2009 Blues Music Awards. On his new CD, Nagy teams up with Jim Shaneberger on bass and Kevin Depree on drums.

Join the band at 8:30 p.m. June 3 for a CD release show at Billy’s Lounge in Eastown (www.billyslounge.com). For more info on Nagy, visit gregnagy.com.

Space Ball, Zero G, Michigan Space Science Center. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun. 6151 Portage Road, Portage, (269) 382-6555, www. airzoo.org. See website for admission prices.

Jun - BINDER PARK ZOO: Animals are exhibited in natural, lush forest setting, including 50-acre Wild Africa exhibit. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am-6 pm Sat, 11 am-6 pm Sun. $12.95 adults, $11.95 seniors, $10.95 children 2-10, under 2 free. 7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, 269-979-1351, www. binderparkzoo.org.

Jun - BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER: Jun 9, Composting 101 ($3). Jun 11, Rain Barrel Workshop (cost TBD). Also see Field of Green Festival in Special Events. 143 acres of diverse ecosystems, trails, natural history exhibits, Heritage Buildings (log cabin, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse). Interpretive Center open 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, 735-6240, www. blandfordnaturecenter.org. Free.

Jun - CAPPON & SETTLERS HOUSE MUSEUMS: Restored Cappon House is the Italianate Victorian home of Holland’s first mayor, 228 W 9th St, Holland. Tiny Settlers House recalls hardships of early settlers, 190 W 9th St, Holland. Noon-4 pm Fri and Sat. For admission prices, see Holland Museum. (616) 392-6740, www.hollandmuseum. org.

Jun - COOPERSVILLE FARM MUSEUM: Regular exhibits include tractors from 1930 to present, eclipse windmill, 100-year-old barns, interactive kids area. 10 am-2 pm Tue, Thu and Sat. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children 3-18, under 3 free. 375 Main St, Coopersville, 997-8555, www.coopers villefarmmuseum.org.

Jun - COOPERSVILLE & MARNE RAILWAY: Restored 1920s-era railway has regular excursion rides at 11 am and 1 pm Wed and Sat. $10.50 adults, $9.50 seniors 60 and over, $7.50 ages 2-12, under 2 free. 311 Danforth St, Coopersville,

997-7000 (for advance tickets), www.coopersville andmarne.org.

Jun - DEGRAAF NATURE CENTER: 18-acre preserve includes Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch and more than 240 plant species. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 9 am-5 pm Tue-Fri, 10 am-5 pm Sat, closed Sun, Mon and holidays. 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, (616) 355-1057, www.degraaf.org. Free.

Jun - FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK: Jun 18-19, Spring Rose Show.

Outdoor exhibits include Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, 30-acre sculpture park, boardwalk nature trail, tram tours, themed gardens. Indoors has sculpture galleries, tropical conservatory, carnivorous plant house, Victorian garden, café and gift shops. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, 9 am-9 pm Tue, 11 am-5 pm Sun. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students with IDs, $6 ages 5-13, $4 ages 3-4. 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, 957-1580, www.meijergardens.org.

Jun - GERALD R. FORD MUSEUM: Thru Jun 17, The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute to Soldiers and Marines from the Civil War to Iraq.

Permanent exhibits include The 1970s; Watergate scandal; White House Oval Office; New Mood at the White House. 9 am-5 pm daily. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 college students, $3 kids 6-18, 5 and under free. 303 Pearl St NW, 254-0400, www. fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

Jun - HOLLAND MUSEUM: Cultural attractions from the “old country” and exhibits that explore local history. I Spy Adventure and kids activities in Mark’s Room. 10 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, children 5 and under free, members free. 31 W 10th St, Holland, (888) 200-9123, www.hollandmuseum.org.

Jun - JOHN BALL ZOO: See Rendezoo in Special Events and Jazzoo in Music. 10 am-5 pm Jun 18, Reptile Day. 9 am-1 pm Jun 25, Audubon Day. Attractions include Mighty Mike and his

Jun - KALAMAZOO NATURE CENTER: 1,100 acres of forests, prairies and wetlands. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat, 1-5 pm Sun. $6 adults, $5 seniors 55 and over, $4 children 4-13, children under 4 free. 700 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, (269) 381-1574, www.naturecenter.org.

Jun - KALAMAZOO VALLEY MUSEUM: Jun 18-Sep 5, Wizard of Oz. Thru Aug 21, Go Figure.

Permanent exhibits include simulated mission to space, 2,300-year-old mummy and Science in Motion. See website for planetarium shows ($3) and activities. 9 am-5 pm Mon-Thu and Sat, 9 am-9 pm Fri, 1-5 pm Sun. 230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, (800) 772-3370, www.kalamazoo museum.org. Free.

Jun - LAKESHORE MUSEUM CENTER: Thru Jul 31, Collector’s Corner: Dice. Exhibits include Michigan Through the Depths of Time; Body Works: It’s All Up to You; Habitats and Food Webs; Science Center; and Voices of Muskegon.

9:30 am-4:30 pm Mon-Fri, noon-4 pm Sat-Sun. 430 W Clay, Muskegon, (231) 722-0278, www. muskegonmuseum.org. Free.

Jun - LOWELL AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits about Lowell history, and a Victorian parlor, dining room and porch. 1-4 pm Tue, Sat and Sun, 1-8 pm Thu. $3 adults, $1.50 children 5-17, under 5 free, families $10 max. 325 W Main St, 897-7688, www.lowellmuseum.org.

Jun - MEYER MAY HOUSE: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house restored by Steelcase in 1986-87 features many original furnishings.

Open for guided tours 10 am-2 pm Tue and Thu, 1-5 pm Sun (last tour begins one hour prior to closing). 450 Madison Ave SE, 246-4821, meyer mayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.

Jun - NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE THEME PARK: All things Dutch: import shops, Delftware, Dutch architecture, canals, windmills, klompen shoes, cheese making and petting zoo. Theme park open daily 10 am-6 pm; gift shops open 9 am-6:30 pm.

12350 James St (at US 31), Holland. Theme park admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $7 children 3-15; shops free. (616) 396-1475, www.dutchvill age.com.

Jun - PUBLIC MUSEUM: Jun 20-Sep 3, Summer Fun Days include themed activities 11 am-3 pm daily. Extended thru Jun 19, Bodies Revealed ($15 adults, $14 seniors, $10 children; includes general admission). Jun 13-Jun 2012, Thank God for Michigan!: Stories from the Civil War, more than 100 artifacts including uniforms, weapons, photographs and letters (free with admission).

Permanent exhibits include: Streets of Old Grand Rapids; 1928 carousel ($1). 9 am-5 pm Mon, WedSat, 9 am-8 pm Tue, noon-5 pm Sun (closed Sun, Jun 26-Sep 4). $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 3-17. Van Andel Museum Center, 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org.

Jun - ROGER B. CHAFFEE PLANETARIUM: Stateof-the-art, Digistar-powered shows. Thru Jun 19: 2 pm daily, 7 and 8 pm Tue, 1 pm Sat and Sun,

PhotograPhy Courtesy Jarrett gaZa

nagy celebrates new release

crocodile pals, a new bobcat, colubus monkeys, New Guinea baboons, ring-tailed lemurs, Lions of Lake Manyara, penguins, Komodo dragon, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island and Living Shores Aquarium. Redesigned petting zoo includes goats, Mexican micro pigs, a cow and more. 9 am-6 pm daily. $8.50 adults and seniors over 62, $6.50 kids 3-13, kids 2 and under free. 1300 W Fulton St, 336-4300, www.johnball zoosociety.org.

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City Guide “Our Bodies in Space.” Beginning Jun 20: 1 pm Sat and Sun, 7 pm Tue, “Solar System Safari.”

2 pm daily, 8 pm Tue, “Discover Your Universe.”

Museum admission plus $3. Entire month: 3 pm Sat and Sun, “Under Starlit Skies,” free with museum admission. Van Andel Museum Center (see Public Museum).

Jun - TRI-CITIES HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Exhibits include train depot, Michigan Logging and Early Pioneers. 9:30 am-7:30 pm Tue-Fri, 12:307:30 pm Sat and Sun. 200 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, 842-0700, www.tri-citiesmuseum. org. Free.

Dave

Dave and Todd, your Automotive Primary Care Providers.

A Healthy Choice

Jun - VEEN OBSERVATORY: Astronomical observatory owned and operated by GR Amateur Astronomical Association. Public viewing: 9:30 pm-midnight Jun 11 and Jun 25, weather permitting (call 897-7065 for updates). $3 adults, $2 kids 5-17, children under 5 free. 3308 Kissing Rock Ave SE, Lowell, www.graaa.org.

Shuttle, STAT Low Cost Rentals - Vehicle Pickup/Delivery

lectures & Workshops Jun - BABY BELOVED CLASSES: 10 am Jun 18 or 6 pm Jun 22, Breastfeeding: Getting a Strong Start ($40). Registration required. Baby Beloved, 555 Midtowne St NE, Ste 100, 977-5683, www. babybelovedinc.com.

www.CommunityAutomotive.com or call (616) 774-7048

Jun - ENHANCE FITNESS: Senior Neighbors fitness program increases strength and endurance and improves balance. Varying times and locations. (616) 233-0283 or www.seniorneighbors. org. $2 suggested donation.

846 E. Fulton – Just 1 mile east of downtown

Jun - GRAND RIVER FOLK ARTS SOCIETY: Dance instruction events. 7 pm Jun 10, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, $5. 7 pm Jun 24, 4th Friday Contra Dance with music jams, 5th St Hall, 701 5th St NW, $6. www.grfolkarts.org.

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Jun - GR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Programs include: adult computer classes, Michigan Calvary in the Civil War: The Gettysburg Campaign, Vintage Views Along the West Michigan Pike: From Sand Trails to US 31, Parks for Everyone: The Story of Grand Rapids Parks, book clubs and kids activities (see Kidstuff). Complete schedule at GRPL Main Library, 111 Library St NE, or www.grpl.org.

Free.

800-292-3831 indiantrails.com

ED

Jun - GRAND VALLEY ARTISTS: 7:30 pm Jun 2, Artist Critique Night. 7:30 pm Jun 9, Program Night. Free and open to public. GVA Gallery, 1345 Monroe Ave NW, Ste 130, www.grandvalley artists.com.

Todd

PhotograPhy Courtesy Jarrett gaZa

Jun - GR TANGO: Beginner and intermediate dance lessons 8-9:30 pm Thu, followed by free practice 9:30-10:30 pm. Richard App Gallery, 910 Cherry St SE, www.grtango.org. $12 drop-in.

Jun - KENT DISTRICT LIBRARIES: Programs include book discussions, computer classes, Early Childhood Essentials and kids activities (see Kidstuff). See website for complete list. www.kdl.org.

Jun - METRO STROLLER FIT: Metro Health offers Mommy and Me Stroller Workout. 1-2 pm every Wed. Registration: 252-7117. Metro Health Professional Building Lobby, 5900 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming. $5.

Jun - SWING DANCING AT ROSA PARKS CIRCLE: Grand Rapids Original Swing Society hosts swing, ballroom and line dancing with live music in downtown GR. Instruction begins 7 pm every Tue, thru Sep 27. Free (donations accepted).

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City Guide: Clubs ’n’ Pubs

A pub with a punch Rocky’s Bar and Grill offers a perfect mix of neighborhood lore and 21st century bar standards, serving up everything from live music to craft beers. By Alexandra Fluegel

Rocky’s Bar and Grill Location: 633 Ottawa Ave. NW Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Fri.; 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat.-Sun. Contact: (616) 356-2346; www. myspace.com/rockysgr Features: Happy Hour: 2-7 p.m.

Mon.-Fri.; all day Sun. Nightly specials begin at 9 p.m.

There’s free darts every day and a pinball machine for those looking for fun and games.

It’s a perfect mix of neighborhood lore, pictures of the former tenants on the cover of the menu, and 21st century bar standards — Keno, Internet jukebox and flat screens galore. The bar staff is friendly and helpful, willing to offer suggestions on food (that they cook!), drinks and which days to come, depending on the type of music you like.

On nights with live music, there is usually a cover ranging from $3-$5, offset by Rocky’s nightly specials. Thursdays may be the best night to stop by: There’s a 3-2-1 special — $3 calls, $2 wells and $1 PBR pints. If you’re looking for a deal on microbrews (or hot wings), stop by on Tuesday and receive a dollar off any microbrew you choose and snag a half pound of wings for only $3.

After the sun sets isn’t the only time to swing by. Rocky’s has great lunchtime offerings, and its location — just north of Michigan on Ottawa — makes it a downtown eatery without the downtown parking hassle. There are plenty of on-street spots sans meters, so there are no sprints to feed the meter mid-meal. And having a couple rounds for Happy Hour just feels natural.

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Photography by Johnny Quirin

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t’s a former grocery store with live music, wing baskets and Michigan craft beers. Rocky’s Bar and Grill has something for everyone, making it quite the — you guessed it — “knockout.”

The blue collar bar, located just east of the Grand River in a predominantly industrial block, was formerly home to Frank Callaghan’s Grocery and later Jack’s Beer Garden.

For the past decade, Rocky’s has been serving up everything from specialty jumboburgers to walleye baskets, all at “blue collar prices.”

Rocky’s also offers a range of live music every Thursday and Saturday, housing up-and-coming folk singers as well as bands that prompt the audience to yell, “You can NEVER have too much guitar!” On Fridays, local DJ’s take over the upper level, giving patrons the opportunity to dance away their work week.

The lower level boasts a spacious bar that serves up 14 beers on tap, including a handful from such Michigan craft breweries as Founders, Mt. Pleasant Brewing Co. and New Holland.

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City Guide Jun 2, 9, 16 - DRIVING TO ZERO: 3 POWERFUL HOURS TO CRASH PREVENTION: Three-hour course offering on-road solutions to reduce vehicular crashes, designed for parents of new teen drivers and older adult drivers. 6-9 pm. 6090 E Fulton St, No. C, Ada. Register at www.youngdri verinstitute.com, 888-405-7627 or chris@young driverinstitute.com.

Jun 4 - DANCEgr: Ballroom dance lesson with guest instructor Andre Matthews, followed by social dance. 7-8 pm lesson, 8-11 pm dance. St Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr SE, www.dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both.

Jun 6 - FRESH START COOKING CLASS: Metro Health presents a healthy, hands-on cooking class focusing on Father’s Day dinner and grilling on the barbie. 5:15-8:30 pm. Family Fare, 3960 44th St SW, Grandville. $15 (pre-paid registration: 252-7117).

Coming this December ...

Five-Star DoctorS

The first “Top Doctors” list tied to patient outcomes at hospitals and other objective criteria, not subjective consumer surveys.

Designed to help patients find the best doctors.

Jun 9 - MEN AND HEART DISEASE: Metro Health presents Paul Kovack, heart and vascular cardiologist. 6:30-7:30 pm. Metro Health Professional Building, Lower Level Conference Room, 2122 Health Dr SW, Wyoming. Registration: 252-7117.

Free.

Jun 10 - HEALTH AND WELLNESS BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING: GRCC’s Older Learning Center presents author and gerontologist Dr. Henry Holstege. 9:30-11:30 am. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Road SE. Free. Register: 234-3400 or www.grcc.edu/ workforcetraining.

Call (616) 459-4545 to subscribe or advertise

Jun 12 - ACTORS’ THEATRE WORKSHOP: “The Child in Contemporary Theatre” by Randy Wyatt, Aquinas College professor and playwright. 1:30 pm. Grand Rapids Ballet building, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW. $20 (www.atgr.org).

Jun 14 - FOUNDATION FOR WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS: Free community workshop on Trigger Point Massage. 6 pm. 4150 East Beltline Ave NE, Ste 4. Reservations: 447-9888. Seating limited to 30.

Jun 21 - NOURISHING WAYS OF WEST MICHIGAN: Condiment Class by Laurie Tanis. 7-8:30 pm. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N Division Ave, www.nourishingways.org. Free.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Jun 22, 29 - CALVIN SUMMER LECTURES: Jun 22, “God Sends His Love: The Mystery and Gift of Preaching” by Scott Hoezee. Jun 29, “How We Learn in Church” by David I Smith. 7:30 pm.

Gezon Auditorium, Calvin College. Free.

Jun 22, 29 - CPR/FIRST AID: Metro Health offers first aid, automated external defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. 6-9 pm. Metro Health Professional Building, Lower Level Conference Room, 2122 Health Dr SW, Wyoming. $75. Registration: 252-7117.

Asian Dining Award of Excellence 4 years in a row!

Sports

• Beer and Wine & Spirits Available

Jun - WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS: Professional minor league baseball team, member of the Midwest League and Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Home games: May 31-Jun 2 vs Quad Cities River Bandits. Jun 3-5 vs Cedar Rapids Kernels. Jun 17-19 vs Lake County Captains. Jun 27-29 vs South Bend Silver Hawks.

Jun 30-Jul 2 vs Fort Wayne TinCaps. Game times vary. Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W River Dr, Comstock Park. $6-$13 (800-CAPS-WIN, www. whitecaps-baseball.com).

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THAI, JAPANESE, CHINESE

xo

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

• Full service Sushi Bar

(Half-price every Tuesday, dine in only).

ASIAN CUISINE 58 Monroe Center Phone (616) 235-6969

www.xoasiancuisine.com

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Shop Around

City Guide Jun 5 - GRAND RAPIDS TRIATHLON: First-ever event. Sprint, Olympic and Half-Iron distances.

Swim in Thornapple River, bike and run through Ada, Cascade, Lowell and Clarksville. 7 am-4 pm. $90-$195. www.grandrapidstriathlon.com.

Jun 6 - KIDSFIRST GOLF OUTING: Benefits KidsFirst emergency shelter care program of DA Blodgett – St. Johns. 11:30 am lunch, 12:30 pm shotgun start at Stone Water Country Club, 7111 Kalamazoo Ave SE. Noon lunch, 1 pm shotgun start at Watermark Country Club, 5500 Cascade Rd SE. $600/foursome, $800/foursome plus tee sign (361-4138).

Custom restoration of your furniture is our specialty.

Reupholster, repair, paint or stain ...

447 Century SW Grand Rapids

Offering fully stocked ice cream carts for your graduate’s event.

• Premium Choices • First Class Presentation • Five-Star Service Contact us for more information!

bumblebeeicecream.com

you decide!

(616) 356­2368

Visit us on Facebook and at www.PetiteRedu.com

Come visit us, the “safe wash” experts!

Expose your business to over 48,000 readers each month!

To advertise, call (616) 459-4545

Alexis Designs Sip a latte while you shop for furniture, unique decor, art and more!

$3.99 Exterior Washes Available Interior and Exterior starting at $14.99

(616) 447-9560

Located in front of Celebration Cinema IMAX on Eastbeltline NE at the corner of Knapp.

Jun 11 - GRAND RIVER KAYAK RACE: Community kayak event with kayak and canoe races, water safety info, demos and raffles. 9 am. Lakeshore Kayak Rental, 14023 Green St, Grand Haven. $35 adults, $10 children; free to watch. www.lake shorekayakrental.com.

Jun 13 - GUIDING LIGHT MISSION GOLF OUTING: 19-hole shotgun golf scramble in support of Spiritual Truth and Recovery Training addiction recovery program. 1-6 pm. Deer Run Golf Course, 13955 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell. http://lifeonthestreet.org.

Jun 24-26 - MEIJER STATE GAMES OF MICHIGAN: Three-day multi-sport competition brings 3,500 athletes from all over the state. Sports are based around amateur athletes and open to all Michigan residents. www.stategamesofmichigan. com.

Jun 25 - REEDS LAKE RUN: Bank of America sponsors a 5K run and walk, 10K run and kids races beginning at 8 am in downtown East Grand Rapids. Post-race awards and party at John Collins Park. Info and registration: www.reedslake run.com.

Kidstuff Home of the Design Cafe

Full Service Detailing

Jun 6 - WEDGWOOD GOLF CLASSIC: 26th Annual Wedgwood Christian Services golf event raises funds for youth. Shotgun starts 8 am and 1:30 pm. Egypt Valley Country Club, 7333 Knapp St SE. $215/morning or $235/afternoon includes driving range, 18 holes, cart, breakfast/lunch or lunch/dinner, awards and gift. Register at 9422392 or www.wedgwood.org/golf.

Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7-5 pm Tuesday and Thursday 7-6 pm Saturday 7-4 4187 Chicago Dr. Suite 6 (across from Rainbow Grill) Grandville MI 49418 (616) 531-7576 www.alexisdesigns.net

Jun - ALL DAY WITH THE ARTS: GR Art Museum offers family programming every Sat, with artmaking activities, family activity guides and garden room art stations. Jun theme: Audubon’s Birds of America. Kid-friendly tours 11 am and 1 pm. Free with admission.

Jun - FINE ART FOR KIDS: Cynthia Hagedorn’s studio offers themed fine art time for kids. 194½ S River Ave, Holland, www.cynthiahagedorn.com.

Jun - GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Thru Jun 5, Izzy’s World of Shapes. Jun 14-Sep 12, Happy Animal Clinic. Jun 14-Sep 19, Excavation Station. Permanent exhibits include Mercantile Wee Bank, Spin Table, Buzzy Beehive, Mom and Pop Store, Funstruction. Toddler Tue for ages 3 and under (10 am-noon). Thu Family Nights (5-8 pm), $1.50. 9:30 am-5 pm Tue-Sat, until 8 pm Thu, noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $6.50, under 2 free. 22 Sheldon Ave NE, 235-4726, www.grcm. org.

Jun - GR PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Literacy classes for babies, toddlers and kids include storytelling, music, dramatic play and art activities.

Special events include The Verve Pipe, Kevin

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City Guide noon. Public Museum. Free with admission.

Jun 18 - TULIP CITY TINY TRIATHLON: A splash, pedal and dash event for ages 5-14. 8 am checkin, 9 am race. Smallenburg Park campus, including Bouw’s Pool. In advance: $15/residents, $20 nonresidents. Day of: $25/$30. www.cityofhol land.com/recreation.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts is moving into its new building at 2 W. Fulton St. July 25. But before closing the doors on the 41 Sheldon Blvd. location, UICA will host a garage sale June 2-4. Also planned is a Moving Day Parade June 30, with staff and volunteers forming a human chain to transfer moving boxes to 2 W. Fulton St. For more information, go to uica.org.

Kammeraad: Friends Around the World and teen author Reshonda Tate Billingsley. Times and locations vary. Complete schedules at any branch or www.grpl.org. Free.

Jun - GYMCO: Jun 3, Circus Night. Every Wed and Fri, Bike Clinic. 8:30 am-6 pm daily, Gymtime Day Camp. Jun 18, Dad and Me Night. Jun 29, Kids Day Away. Gymco Sports, 2360 Camelot Ridge Ct SE, 956-0586, www.gymco.com.

Jun - HOP SCOTCH CHILDREN’S STORE: Free events 10:30 am Mon. Jun 6, Balloon Ball Games.

Jun 13, Puppet Making Workshop 1: Socks and Spoons. Jun 20, Story Time. Jun 27, Board Game Day. 909 Cherry St SE, 233-4008, www.hopscotchstore.com.

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY BUILT FORM ARCHITECTURE, CHICAGO

Jun - JAVA GYM: Children’s entertainment center with four levels of soft play, toddler area, party rooms, and coffee and free wi-fi for parents. 8:30 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am-8 pm Sat, 10 am-6 pm Sun. 2211 East Beltline Ave, Ste C, 361-9800, www.javagymgr.com. $7 (3 and older), $3 (2 and younger).

Jun - KENT DISTRICT LIBRARIES: Story times for young children, plus Summer Reading Club (Jun 13-Aug 6), Animal Crackers Petting Zoo, Dinosaurs Around the World with Paleo Joe, Kevin Kammeraad, Marimbamania with David Hall, Magician Tom Plunkard and Flying Aces. Teen programs include Zumba, Steam Punk Junque, Salsa Dance, Minute-To-Win-It and Caricature Drawing. See www.kdl.org.

Jun - KINDERMUSIK: Playgroup for ages 2-4 with music, stories, crafts and snack. 9-11:30 am or 12:30-3 pm every Wed. $63 for four weeks (4506995 or kindermusikwithtrish@gmail.com).

Jun - SMALL TALK FOR KIDS: Language classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese or French at six locations for up to age 5. $195 (990-2591, www. smalltalkforkids.com).

Jun - STORY TIME WITH THE MIGHTY WURLITZER: Storybook characters and animals brought to life through the tweets, whistles, wheezes and bangs of the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Every Mon at 10:30 am, 11:15 am and

Jun 24 - KIDS TUNES AT NOON: Live music noon1 pm every Fri beginning Jun 24 with Gemini, twin brothers Laz and San. Kollen Park, Holland. Free.

Jun 29-Jul 2 - “ROBIN HOOD”: Circle Theatre presents the story of the heroes of Sherwood Forest as they outwit the greedy prince and evil sheriff of Nottingham. 10 am and 7 pm Jun 29, 10 am and 1 pm Jun 30-Jul 1, 1 pm Jul 2. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $10 (4566656, www.circletheatre.org).

90% Sold

New Pricing

Developer Closeout

Average discount of

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Open House Sundays 1-4pm 940 Monroe Ave. NW

616 . 988 . 6466 www.boardwalkgr.com

We saved the BEST DEALS for last.

New pricing gets you $12,000 to $83,000 off!

1 Bed. River View. $142,900.

2 Beds. River View. $162,900.

3 Beds. 2 Baths. $177,900.

19 Custom Condos under $200,000.

3% Down. Fixed Rate. No PMI.

Calendar Legend COMMONLY REQUESTED VENUE AND TICKET OUTLET INFORMATION FOLLOWS.

VENUES Aquinas Performing Arts Center, 1607 Robinson Road SE, 456-6656 The DeltaPlex Entertainment & Expo Center, 2500 Turner Ave. NW, 364-9000, www.deltaplex.com DeVos Place (DeVos Performance Hall), 303 Monroe Ave. NW, 742-6600, www.devosplace.org Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 493-8966, www.fhfineartscenter.com Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, (231) 722-9750, www.frauenthal.info Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, 957-1580 (main), 975-3147 (class registration line), www.meijergardens.org Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, www.artmuseumgr.org Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., 222-6650, www.grct.org Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, 456-3977, www.grmuseum.org St. Cecilia Music Center, (Royce Auditorium, Dexter Ballroom), 24 Ransom Ave. NE, 459-2224, www.scmsonline.org Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE, 234-3946 Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA), 41 Sheldon Blvd. SE, 454-7000 (film hotline 454-3994), www.uica.org Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., 742-6600, www.vanandelarena.com Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, 878-6800, www.vsfac.com

TICKET OUTLETS

Grand Rapids Symphony office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, 454-9451, www.grsymphony.org Star Tickets, (800) 585-3737, www.startickets.com Ticketmaster, 456-3333, www.ticketmaster.com

List your event Calendar items must be submitted two months prior to the magazine issue date. Please send submissions for the August calendar no later than June 15. E-mail caleditor@geminipub.com, fax (616) 4594800 or mail to Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Like Facebook.com/grmag

On the move

Jun 23, 30 - MARANDA’S PARK PARTIES: Join Maranda for six Park Parties around West Michigan every Thu thru July. Parties include free treats, climbing wall, Super Slide, Dixie Twister, entertainment by local children and teenage performers, and info from local nonprofits. Noon-2 pm. Jun 23, Greenville High School Complex. Jun 30, Lamar Park, Wyoming. www.marandatv.com.

CONDOS

For Contests, Photos, Sneak peeks, Event news, Special offers and much more! grmag.com Facebook.com/grmag Twitter.com/grmagazine

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City Guide: Hot Shots

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Events honor the work of talented women 1. Marge Potter and Carol Goss

Music, received a 2011 Achievement & Courage Award from the Michigan Women’s Foundation at an April 12 luncheon at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. More than 400 attended the annual event, which also honored Terri Lynn Land and Detroit award recipients Carol Goss, Marian Ilitch and Denise Ilitch. The foundation, which supports ending the sex trafficking of young women, spotlighted its new Angel Loan Fund for financially strapped women entrepreneurs.

2. Carol Peterson, Misty Cabrera and Julie Ledsworth 3. Carolyn Cassin and Stacie Behler 4. Bobbie Butler and Angela Bunn 5. Ken Kuipers and Elizabeth Hopkins 6. Caroline Older, T’Alyne

A reception for local artist T’Alyne, whose work centers and Marjorie Kuipers on fresh water, was held April 6 at the The Arts Council of 7. Teri Genovese and Greater Grand Rapids. “Living in Michigan surrounded by fresh Ben Lambert water I continually observe and am 5 fascinated by its constantly changing form while it trickles, seeps and flows,” she said. “I discover patterns when it freezes. I am spellbound when it floats in the air. Water is capable of great power and destruction.” T’Alyne has exhibited her work internationally. She is represented by the Cascade Gallery in Grand Rapids and the Waterstreet Gallery in Douglas.

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Photography by Johnny Quirin (1-4); Michael Buck (5-7)

Cecile Cave Fehsenfeld, co-founder of Schuler Books &

96 Grand Rapids June 2011

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An exquisite dining experience set in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Treat your senses to all that is Leo’s in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 616.454.6700 | www.leosrestaurant.com

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“Restaurant of the Year” Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 “Dining Awards”

Gift certificates and menus are available online at leosrestaurant.com

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