June 2012 - GRM

We’ve changed: New look, new columnists and more!

CELEBRATING CITY LIFE

www.grmag.com

2012-13 BALLO T INSIDE

BEST

Live to 100

YOUR COF GR HA TO VOT NCE E!

Learn the secrets to aging gracefully

Is hormone replacement right for you?

TheModeLife picks cool gifts for Dad Inside the local yoga scene

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COASTAL COTTAGE

By Gorman’s

Gorman’s makes it easy to choose the perfect furnishings to create your very own coastal cottage retreat, no matter how far you live from the water. At Gorman’s you’ll find a huge selection of timeless casual pieces and talented designers to help you put it all together, at prices you’re going to love. Add our pool and patio selections and it’s easy to see — you only have to go to one place to get it all…GORMAN’S.

BEAUTIFUL HOMES BEGIN AT

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Exceptional Gifts for Every Occasion!

Whether you need a gift for a newborn, graduation or wedding, look no further than Woodland Mall. With over 100 stores, you’re sure to find an exceptional gift for that special someone.

Apple Pottery Barn Brookstone Fossil J.Crew Swarovski The North Face Williams-Sonoma Kay Jewelers Visit shopwoodlandmall.com for a complete list of mall stores and the most current sales and events.

E X C E P T I O N A L

S H O P P I N G

Shop 100 stores including Macy’s, jcpenney, Sears, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Pottery Barn, Apple, The North Face and The Cafés in the Woods Food Court.

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Come in today for your complimentary in-gallery consultation and bring luxury into your home with scott shuptrine interiors — exclusively inside select Art Van furniture locations.

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Contents

June 2012 / Vol. 49 / no. 06

FeAtUreS 42 / The hormone discussion: to replace or not to replace?

Is replacing hormones that our bodies stop making as we age a good thing?

BY terrI FInch hAMILtOn

48 / What’s the secret of living to 100?

Five West Michigan seniors share their stories of aging with grace and purpose.

BY Ann BYLe

54 / Body, mind and spirit A look at three yoga styles, Iyengar, Anusara and Vinyasa, and three local studios.

BY ALeXAnDrA FLUeGeL

48 4 GrmaG.com \ June 2012

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contents June 2012 / Vol. 49 / No. 06

departments back & forth 10 / From the Editor

Food & Drink 66 / Dining Review: Wild Dog Grille in Douglas.

10 / Letters, social media and more.

68 / Restuarant listings for West Michigan.

Life & style 14 / Noteworthy items, including Betty’s Soap, Off The Cuff, herb markers from Heather Lane Pottery and more.

15 / Reading room: Local author Kristina Riggle has a fifth novel coming out this month.

76 / HeFedSheFed: Jeremy and Juliet Johnson grind their own burgers.

82 / Chef Profile: Rick Van Dam is still cooking up vegetarian cuisine at Gaia Café.

86 / Grand Vine: Big ripe reds of Paso Robles.

66

16 / Elder & Sage, a modernday apothecary.

Wild Dog Grille in Douglas features a variety of tasty entrees, including the popular Honey-Chipotle Pork Chops.

17 / My stuff: Huntington Bank’s Michael Lindley opens his golf bag.

18 / TheModeLife: Some cool gift ideas for Dad’s Day.

92 / Fresh Hops: Perry hard cider.

Near & far 96 / Creston neighborhood residents have a history of digging their heels in to get things done.

Out & about 100 / June highlights

19/ Jude’s Barbershop offers classic haircuts with a fun twist.

24

101 / Calendar

20 / Living Local: Fresh food and exercise.

104 / Nightclubs & comedy venues listings and highlights

Art & Design 22 / City Art Gallery, local art in an urban locale.

106 / Museums & attractions listings and highlights 110 / Snapshots

24 / Art gallery listings and highlights.

25 / Art Talk: A close look at the Calder.

26 / Universal design accommodates accessibility issues and lifestyle changes.

14

28 / The Haworth & Interphase Showroom in MoDiv illustrates the crossover of office and residential furniture.

30 / Frame Works: The Brookby Estate.

On the cover: Carolyn Heines was one of the first people to bring yoga to Grand Rapids. The founder of The Yoga Studio teaches Iyengar yoga and, at age 75, is still able to do a handstand.

96

Photography by Johnny Quirin

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Best of 2011-12 Readers Poll

Dr. Crete’s patient before treatment.

Voted Grand Rapids Best Dentist.

Grand Rapids Magazine 2011-2012 Readers Poll. T hank you!

We strive to be the practice that sets the standards for excellence in comprehensive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care in the Grand Rapids area.

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

3514 Rivertown Point CT, SW, Grandville, MI

616-534-0135 | www.rivertowndental.com GRM_06.12_PG01.13.indd 7

Dr. Mike Crete

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Summer at Thousand Oaks and The Acorn Grille at Thousand Oaks Join us for liVe Music

WedneSday night’S

starting at 6pm on the deck at thousand Oaks. tap your toes to some Motown, sing along to, “Brown eyed girl”, even open mic nights!

June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27 July 4 July 11 July 18 July 25 august 1 august 8 august 15 august 22 august 29

New!

Breakfast at the Oaks Saturday & Sunday from 7:00-11:00 am

summer specials monday

tueSday

WedneSday tHurSday Sunday

Specialty MartiniS

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Burger & Beer $5 Half off featured Wines Thousand oaks Prime rib with Soup or Salad $12 (2:00-6:00pm) Beer Specials …

Buckets, Brews, Bottles ….

Kids eat free

SaMpler platter SpecialS

Featured WineS

“Like” us on Facebook at The Acorn Grille at Thousand Oaks

the Oxymorons the Oxymorons Belke unplugged the Oxymorons curt hines Jim & angie dow Jim & angie dow the Oxymorons the Oxymorons the Oxymorons Jim & angie dow Jim & angie dow the Oxymorons

SuShi nightS

www.thousandoaksgolf.com

4100 Thousand Oaks Drive Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 447-7750

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back & forth CONNECT WITH US

A new design focused on community, renewal

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

G

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE exists to mirror the metro area, and the entire staff strives to find new and interesting ways to do so. That’s probably evident as readers review this issue featuring an entirely new design, which also is intended to reflect the manner in which this community is connected … beginning with this page, now home not only for letters to the editor but also a reflection of the social media buzz.

GR Magazine also reflects the community by sharing the expertise so alive in the Grand Rapids area. Writers, columnists, photographers and artists are a part of the team and readers are given specific examples of their

work in the community and a new format for the dialog they initiate. Look for the new book page featuring local authors and highlighting specific events.

We are pleased to add a column written by Local First Executive Director Elissa Hillary, who can guide readers to an entire network of local businesses.

Grand Rapids Magazine is part of a “design centric” community, one with a tremendous design legacy exemplified by residential furniture such as that made by Baker, as well as the three largest office furniture makers in the world. Go to www.design westmichigan.com for updates from more than 700 members of Design West Michigan. An update in this issue features the new Haworth & Interphase Showroom. The community also is growing as an art community and each month we will highlight the work of local artists.

So it is with homage to a community steeped in design that the GR Magazine staff labored to refresh the pages here. Concepts, ideas, reconfiguration of content and creative ways to connect with readers here and online have been months in the making. Production and Design Manager Scott Sommerfeld’s work with designers Kelly Nugent and Melissa Brooks the past several months brought the million ideas together, solved problems and applied their most excellent design skills through months of trial and retrial.

This issue is another beginning in renewal.

Carole Valade Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

What’s your all-time favorite concert?

“Went to see Carlos Santana in 1974 at the Grand Valley Dome. After the awesome concert, I drove back to GR and decided to have food at the Holiday Inn on Ann St.

About 15 minutes after being seated, the hostess is seating a group of people right next to me. I look over and it’s Carlos and his band. Unbelievable! Carlos then says

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ ALEN POPOV (BOTTOM)

ONLINE QUESTION OF THE MONTH:

10 GRMAG.COM \ JUNE 2012

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Your Compounding Experts Facebook poll

23% I’m not sure

31%

Do You WAnT To lIVe To Be 100?

46% Yes

No

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Atlanta Chastain Park- Blues Concert with BB KING. A warm summer night, BB had us on our feet dancing with his unbelievable music. I love going to a concert that compels you to get up and dance!

KEYSTONE PHARMACY Specializing In Your Health

4021 Cascade Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-974- 9792 www.keystonerx.com

— lisa Denison

PHoToGraPHY coUrTESY ISTocKPHoTo.com/ aLEN PoPoV (BoTTom)

“I would say Peter Frampton. It was the 4th of July. The weather was hot and beautiful. We spread out a gourmet dinner picnic. The crowd was full of energy and to top it off, we had fireworks to end a fabulous evening. I would love to come back to G.R. and make more wonderful memories.”

— Micki Jansen

hi and stands up and introduces himself and shakes my hand. I said I was at his concert and really enjoyed it. He said thank you and sat back down to eat. When I went up to pay, the cashier said Mr. Santana was taking care of the bill. I was shocked.”

— Danny Broyhill

Gary Byker Janel Joppie

An Award Winning Team !

BUILDER DESIGNER

BuildandDesign.net 616-292-1398 June 2012 / GrmaG.com 11

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contributors Control in the palm of your hands.

BEHIND THE SCENES

2/

3/

1/

1/ TERRI FINCH HAMILTON a former reporter and writer at The Grand Rapids Press, writes for a variety of publications, businesses and individuals. Her exploration into the world of hormone replacement therapy convinced her that she doesn’t intend to get old.

JULY’S ONLINE QUESTION:

What’s your favorite thing to do in Grand Rapids?

We want to know what you like to do and where you like to go. Respond at facebook.com/grmag.

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

Visit us grmag.com 12 GRMAG.COM \ JUNE 2012

Like us on Facebook

Follow us @grmagazine

2/ Photographer JOHNNY QUIRIN is a San Diego native who has lived in West Michigan for 10 years. When he’s not shooting photos, he travels the country with his wife and two children in the family’s motor home.

3/ ANN BYLE is a freelance writer and author of several books, including “The Edge of Redemption” with local hip-hop pastor Troy Evans. She enjoys interviewing people from all walks of life, especially those whose lives inspire and encourage others.

Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com

info@grmag.com

PuBlISHeR: John H. Zwarensteyn

editoriaL eDIToR: Carole Valade MAnAGInG eDIToR: Marty Primeau CoPY eDIToR: Donna Ferraro ConTRIBuTInG eDIToRS: Joseph A. Becherer, A. Brian Cain, Ira Craaven, Elissa Hillary, Mark F. Miller, Jon C. Koeze ConTRIBuTInG WRITeRS: Julie Burch, Alexandra Fluegel, Juliet and Jeremy Johnson, Daina Kraai, Tricia van Zelst eDIToRIAl InTeRnS: Peter Frost, Katelyn Sandor DeSIGn PAnel: Joseph A. Becherer, John Berry, Kevin Budelmann, Jim Caughman, Timothy Chester, Sam Cummings, Oliver Evans, James Ludwig, Ray Kennedy, Henry Matthews, Wayne Norlin, Wayne Visbeen design & Production DeSIGn & PRoDuCTIon MAnAGeR:

Scott Sommerfeld

ASSISTAnT DeSIGn & PRoDuCTIon MAnAGeR:

Chris Pastotnik

ART CooRDInAToR: Kelly J. Nugent DeSIGneRS/PRoDuCTIon ASSISTAnTS:

Melissa Brooks, Robin Vargo

Custom“Where Design Furniture quality meets sophistication”

ConTRIBuTInG PHoToGRAPHeRS:

Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Alissa Lane, Jack Poeller, Johnny Quirin saLes GeneRAl SAleS MAnAGeR:

Randy D. Prichard

ADVeRTISInG SAleS ConSulTAnTS:

General Inquiries: advertisingsales@grmag.com Emily Bernath, Theresa Henk, Kathie Manett, John Olsa

2875 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Phone (616) 575-9004 | Fax (616) 575-9008 www.customdesignfurnitureinc.com

ADVeRTISInG SAleS ASSISTAnT/CooRDInAToR:

Karla Jeltema

circuLation & Marketing CIRCulATIon & MARKeTInG MAnAGeR:

Scott T. Miller

CIRCulATIon & MARKeTInG CooRDInAToR:

Jocelyn Burkett

CIRCulATIon & MARKeTInG ASSISTAnT:

Shane Chapin

To oRDeR SuBSCRIPTIonS: (616) 459-4545 To CHAnGe ADDReSS: subscribe@geminipub.com

Finance & adMinistration FInAnCe & ADMInISTRATIon MAnAGeR:

Pamela Brocato, CPA

ADMInISTRATIVe ASSISTAnT: Tina Gillman ReCePTIonIST/CleRICAl ASSISTAnT:

General Inquiries: info@grmag.com Lorraine Brugger

To oRDeR RePRInTS: Karla Jeltema

(616) 459-4545

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

Periodical postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI. Copyright © 2012

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

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

www.geminipub.com

Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI)

June 2012 / GrmaG.com 13

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

noteworthy interesting tidbits we thought you should know

Betty’s Soap Co.> Soap-making started as a hobby for Betty Mounts 14 years ago. Now the Grand Rapids woman is churning out more than 40 products, from a lavender room spray to Kitchen & Garden soap with ground oatmeal for scrubbiness and ground coffee for deodorizing.

All of Betty’s soaps are made with olive, palm and coconut oils and most are scented with essential oils. Natural pigments add color. If you’re heading outdoors this summer, try her Skeeter Beater Soap containing citronella, lavender, eucalyptus and lemongrass to repel pesky insects.

Betty’s Soap Co. products are available through West Michigan Co-op or contact her at bettysoapsco@hotmail.com.

Hats off!

Need an affordable gift for Dad? Check out the goods at Off The Cuff in the Shops at MoDiv, the retail incubator at 40 Monroe Center NW. The menswear shop, launched

by Len Ables, is the male partner of of nearby Chai Boutique, opened by his wife, Sarah Ables. The stores sell new and

of the nation’s alcohol and drug abusers are women.

Our Hope in Grand Rapids is a facility dedicated to womencentered recovery, offering residential and outpatient pr­o­grams. Visit ourhopeassoc ­iation.org.

well as furniture (ask about the pieces they’ve repurposed). Find both stores on Facebook.

Pedal power

Eat at Reds on the River on Mondays through October and the Rockford restaurant will donate 10 percent of the tab to the Friends of the White Pine Trail.

The only catch: You have to be riding a bike. Reds and the Friends want to increase awareness of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, a 92-mile trail that extends from northern GR to Cadillac. To check out the menu, visit reds-live.com. For park info, go to whitepinetrail. com.

Photography by (clockwise from top left) Johnny Quirin; courtesy Heather Lane Pottery; Michael Buck; Courtesy istockphoto.com/NI QIN

30

%

vintage apparel — as

Add a little pizzazz to your garden with these handmade herb markers from Heather Lane Pottery in Ada. Owner Susan Hathaway and her team make a variety of home and seasonal décor — including some cool Lake Michigan-­inspired pieces. Visit heatherlanepottery.com.

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Riggle’s advice to wannabe authors?

“Carve out time every day and make writing part of your routine — not just when you’re inspired.”

Hoarding and OCD:

Reading Room

With the birth of her first child in 2002, Kristina Riggle decided to leave her job as a newspaper reporter and concentrate on writing fiction.

“It’s not like I quit to be a writer,” she said, “but after seven years, I was getting burned out covering small town politics.”

So the Grand Rapids mom stayed home with her son and wrote. But as rejection letters from agents and publishers filled her mailbox, Riggle realized she wasn’t having fun as an aspiring author.

“I was trying to write a commercially acceptable book,” she said. “And that wasn’t working.”

She decided to throw out all the rules.

“I started writing a book I would like

Photography by Michael Buck

Photography by (clockwise from top left) Johnny Quirin; courtesy Heather Lane Pottery; Michael Buck; Courtesy istockphoto.com/NI QIN

Throwing out the rules

Local news and events for book lovers

to read,” she said. “I figured that way, at least I’d enjoy doing it.”

The result was “Real Life & Liars” and a bidding war for the rights to publish the character-driven novel about Mirabelle and Max Zielinski and their three adult children.

When the book was released in 2008, Publishers Weekly dubbed it a “delightful debut” with “humorous and humane storytelling.”

Riggle followed up her success with three more novels. “Keepsake” — her fifth novel in which she writes about a compulsive hoarder and her estranged sister — is due out this month.

Meanwhile, she’s already working on her next book, to be published in fall — Marty Primeau 2013.

> Author Elizabeth Kostova will talk about her most recent novel, “The Swan Thieves,” June 19 as part of the Grand Rapids Public Library’s GR Reads series. She’ll answer questions and sign books.

The event begins at 7 p.m. in Ryerson Auditorium in the Main Library, 111 Library St. NE.

While writing “Keepsake,” Riggle did lots of research, including reading “Stuff” and other books about hoarding and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She even filled out a workbook for hoarders as her protagonist, Trish. Riggle said she was intrigued that most people know someone who has a dysfunctional relationship with their stuff. “It’s just all in different degrees.”

On her reading list: “Ann Tyler is my literary hero.” Other favorite authors include Elizabeth Berg, Marissa de los Santos and Elizabeth Strout.

> Icapsa Used Books is open in Eastown’s Kingsley Building. Brothers Steve and Mark Howells, who’ve been in and out of book sales for many years, hope the new store — along with nearby Argos Books and Redux Books — will help Eastown become a used-book haven for bibliophiles.

> Gordon G. Beld, who has written more than 50 history articles for Grand Rapids Magazine, has compiled those stories and more in “Grand Times in Grand Rapids,” available in bookstores and from online booksellers. The collection highlights the unique character of the city and its people.

June 2012 / Grmag.com 15

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life & style PeoPle / trenDs / books / fashion / fitness

A modern day apothecary

“It’s about bringing about your health naturally and trying to understand what the body is telling us.”

— Doran-Fisher

Walking into Elder and Sage feels like stepping into an old apothecary.

Herbs, spices and custom herbal tea blends are housed in large glass jars that line the shelves, and coowner Kathryn Doran-Fisher is on hand to assist visitors in whatever they may need.

Described as an “herb and natural remedies shop,” Elder and Sage carries a variety of nature-based cures and organic products. DoranFisher, a board-certified doctor of naturopathic medicine, offers health consultations and provides traditional naturopathic therapies.

Naturopathy is a health approach that focuses on natural remedies and the body’s ability to heal and maintain itself.

“It’s about bringing about your health naturally and trying to understand what the body is telling us,” Doran-Fisher said.

In her consultations, Doran-Fisher seeks to identify and remedy the cause of a person’s health issues as opposed to treating the symptoms. She conducts extensive interviews with clients regarding their health history and concerns, and then makes recommendations for dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as natural supplements that may help.

While receiving training from the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and

Education in Mount Pleasant, Doran-Fisher was working in a natural remedies store when she first had the idea of opening her own shop.

“I had the desire to get out on my own, but I didn’t have a lot of experience with the business side of things,” she explained.

But her parents did. Bruce and Jo Doran have a combined 70 years of retail and business experience, and they said they were thrilled with the idea of co-owning the shop with their daughter.

The family opened Elder and Sage at 944 E. Fulton St. a year ago, and DoranFisher said she loves being a part of the East Hills Business District. The shop also serves as an official drop-off/pick-up location for a community-supported agriculture program, and offers weekly classes on a variety of natural health topics.

For more information, visit elderand sage.com or call (616) 242-1355.

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

— aLeXaNDra FLueGeL

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> his books: Lindley wrote his first novel, “The Seasons of EmmaLee’ in 2008, followed by “On Past Horton Creek” in 2009. Both are set in Charlevoix and tell stories of families and relationships challenged by class and racial barriers as well as past tragedies. His latest work is “Grayton Winds,” a historical novel set in Florida during Prohibition. > Fishing pole: Yes, he’s been known to stash a fishing pole in his golf bag with hopes of finding just the right pond on the course. > running shoes: Lindley expects to compete in eight to 10 triathlons this year. He qualified for the prestigious 2012 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, which takes place in Burlington, Vt., in August. > msu Football: The East Lansing native is a graduate of Michigan State University (daughter Kristen is a recent MSU grad, while son Chase chose Central Michigan University). Go Spartans!

my stuFF PhotograPhy by michael buck

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

> titleist golF balls: The 58-year-old golfer has an 8 handicap.

What’s in Mike Lindley’s golf bag

H

e’s been hitting balls since he was 8 years old, but Mike Lindley wasn’t interested in becoming a golf pro.

Instead, after spending much of his childhood in northern Michigan where his family had a small lake cabin, he dreamed of someday being a writer — “or a fisherman.”

Today the man of many interests is marketing director for Huntington Bank,

a novelist and a triathlete. He and his wife, Karen, live in Ada where they raised two children. He admits there are never enough hours in the day for all of his outdoor activities. He plays golf whenever he can. He has completed nine triathlons.

And going back to that childhood dream, Lindley said he loves to fly fish.

— Marty PriMeau

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life & style PeoPle / trenDs / books / fashion / fitness

the coFFee lover

Forget the tie Agonize no more! Here are some Father’s Day gift ideas for that special — and hard to buy for — Dad. the scotch snob If Dad enjoys fine spirits, peruse the aisles at G.B. Russo & Son, 2770 29th St. SE. Pair a bottle of 12-year-old single malt Dalmore Scotch ($45.99) with the Vinturi Spirit Aerator ($39.99) and a Glencairn whisky glass ($9.99).

Is your dad the master of the backyard grill or the computer geek who doesn’t go anywhere without his electronic gizmos?

Whatever his passion, he’ll feel appreciated when you present him with a heartfelt gift that shows you care.

Set dad up with the proper BBQ tools and spices and you can count on some scrumptious meals all summer long. Gift sets at Herman’s Boys in Rockford include a grill wok, tongs, hickory chips and Java Jolt seasons (made with coffee, a natural enhancer, blended with various spices $39-$59). Or if he’s not yet master of the grill, sign him up for a cooking class, $25 at the store, 220 Northland Drive, and offered monthly.

— tiFFaNy SKiLLiNG

the techie To help your guy look cool while making sure he doesn’t damage his precious iPad 3, get him the STM Grip ($45), a sleek and slim folio. At Peninsula Trading, 972 Cherry St. SE.

the adventurer The year’s It gift is the GoPro HD Hero 2 ($299), a high-definition sports video camera that is wearable, gear mountable and waterproof to 197 feet. It can capture full 170-degree wide angle, 1080 pixel video and 11 megapixel photos at a rate of 10 photos per second. Available at Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus, 1200 East Paris SE.

PhotograPhy by alissa lane

themodeliFe.com

Caffeine fiends will love the Father’s Day gift box ($55) , complete with specialty ground coffee, sweet treats, coffee mug and coaster set, available at Grand Rapids Coffee Roasters, 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW. While you’re there, pick up some handcrafted Awesome Chocolates, made by Henry Klok in Wayland.

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Dudes head to Jude’s

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

PhotograPhy by alissa lane

Guys looking for a classic barbershop experience with a modern twist can find it at Jude’s, a chain of shops offering precision haircuts in a fun atmosphere.

Founded seven years ago in downtown Grand Rapids, family-owned Jude’s Barbershop now has 26 locations in Michigan with plans to expand to Indiana and Ohio.

All the shops feature brightly colored walls covered with posters of rock stars and movie idols. Most of the stylists are female.

“At Jude’s, we tailor our services to each client while providing an old-fashioned barbershop experience,” said owner Thomas Martin, who added that fond memories of trips to the barbershop as a boy inspired the founding of Jude’s.

The services vary from a mustache or bang trim ($5-$8) to “color your gray away” treatments ($25 and up). The “Jude’s Haircut” ($17-$22) includes a relaxing scalp massage/shampoo, hot towel treatment, vibrating shoulder massage and straightrazor neck clean-up: “You’ll just love to touch the back of your neck after it’s done,” said Martin, who describes his own hairstyle as “the messy look” on top with buzzed sides.

Until a few years ago, Jude’s also handed out a complimentary Pabst Blue Ribbon to patrons, until the state of Michigan

nixed the practice. Customers still inquire, he said.

Customers also ask about the name.

On Jude’s website, judesbarbershop. com, Martin tells how the shop was named after his father, Wilbur Jude Martin, born in 1938 on Beaver Island.

“When my Grandmother was about to give birth to my father, the nuns on Beaver Island called to Charlevoix to summon the doctor,” he wrote. “They were told that the doctor was in jail for performing an abortion.”

The nuns did not think his grandmother would live through the delivery so they convinced the judge to temporarily release the doctor.

“The doctor was flown from Charlevoix to Beaver Island on the night of March 20,” he continued. “Saint James Harbor was still frozen over so they had everyone on the island bring their Christmas trees out on the ice to light on fire when they heard the airplane’s engines overhead. The modest ‘runway lights’ helped to guide the pilot to a safe landing, and the doctor delivered my father the next day.”

The nuns suggested to Martin’s grandmother that she name the baby after St. Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes.

— raCHeL MeLViLLe

At Jude’s Barbershop, Maryann VanDyke gives Gareth Clark a shave. The family-owned shops offer precision haircuts in a fun atmosphere.

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living local Eating local, a healthy choice

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

HERE ARE SOME GREAT LOCAL FOOD OPTIONS: > Bos Greenhouse: Thirdgeneration-owned greenhouse with fresh produce, annuals and perennials.

> Forest Hills Foods: Fullservice grocery store with a wide variety of local produce, cheese, baked goods, frozen foods, Michigan beer and wine, etc.

LAST SPRING, WHILE VISITING relatives in Italy, my husband and I were astonished at the number of elderly men and women we spied strolling up mountains and down valleys, all the while conversing with friends.

Even in their late 80s, these people were happy and healthy, enjoying life to the fullest.

I’m not sure what you know about Italian culture, but fresh local food and exercise are key components.

My husband and I love to cook together.

Most Saturday mornings find us headed to the Fulton Street Farmers Market. We’ll swing past Common Ground on our walk, so that we can enjoy fair-trade coffee while searching for the ingredients that will inspire our weekend culinary feats. Crisp asparagus, juicy strawberries, spicy greens — it is hard to go wrong with fresh produce this time of year. In addition, we pick up eggs from a local farmer, bread from a local baker, milk from a local cow, etc.

We love to walk. Both my husband and I

Buying local food allows us to support this place we call home, especially the farmers who take care of our land. grew up in small farming communities where you had to drive a ways to get to work, school, the grocery store, etc. When deciding where to purchase our first home, we took into serious consideration what would be within walking distance, and we narrowed our search to the neighborhoods adjacent to the Fulton Street Farmers Market and Kingma’s Market.

Eating locally is not just good for our personal health, it’s also good for the health of our community. Buying local food allows us to support this place we call home, especially the farmers who take care of our land.

For more information on finding local GR food, visit localfirst.com.

> Kingma’s Market: A familyowned and -operated retailer providing fresh produce, 250plus cheese varieties, gourmet coffee, a deli, groceries, a butcher shop, dairy, microbrew beers, wines and a lawn and garden center.

> The Local Epicurean: A specialty food company featuring handmade organic pasta, raw natural sauces, fresh ravioli, chocolate truffles, etc.

> Making Thyme Kitchen: Made-from-scratch, ready-tocook dinner entrees, created from whole foods, and locally raised hormone and chemicalfree meats. Vegetarian and gluten free.

> Reserve: A wine bar with house-made charcuterie and Michigan cheeses.

Ken Bryan marinates meat at Making Thyme Kitchen in Eastown.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

NO TIME TO COOK? CHECK OUT THESE OPTIONS: > The Green Well: A gastro pub specializing in natural, slow-cooked fare made from seasonal produce and local ingredients.

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A GETAWAY FOR THE SENSES WITH SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT DINING

PhotograPhy by Johnny Quirin

Three Course Pre Fixe Menu 25.99 HAPPY HOUR $2.50 - $5.00 • MONDAY–FRIDAY• 4PM–7PM SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET 10AM–2:30PM O N L I N E R E S E RVAT I O N S AT M U E R .CO M

63 Market Avenue, SW • 616.459.2500 • facebook.com/CharleysCrabGR GRM_06.12_PG14.21.indd 21

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art & design trenDS / PeoPle / innoVation / PlaceS

Local art in an urban locale City Art Gallery encourages local artists to show their stuff and commune with others like them.

T

> City Art gAllery Location: 1168 Ionia Ave. NW Summer hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue. thru Fri.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. Contact: (616) 451-0705; cityartgr.com, Facebook

Upcoming events to check out at City Art Gallery...

> let me tell you A Story ... illuStrAtionS in liFe: Featuring the work of illustrators Donna St. John, collage (book “Let Me Tell You a Story”

by Brenda Berg, Donna St. John, Amy Strach) and Maggie Flynn, pastel (book “One Baby Boy, A Counting Book” by Helen Ketterman). Through June 9.

> wAter: Featuring the work of Jacob Koster, ceramics; Amy Culp, jewelry; Pat Cole, watercolor; Michelle Gort, painting; Mary Andersen painting. Artist reception 6-9 p.m. June 22. > Color: Featuring the work of Roger Timmermanis, painting, Linda Laughter, painting; Pamela Weston, ceramics; Christine

PhotograPhy by Michael buck

ucked away in a largely industrial area of town, City Art Gallery is actually quite easy to find — just look for the bright red door.

“We do seem a little out of place,” said Pamela Weston, who is one of four women who opened the gallery. The contrast of color amidst steel and smoke actually lends itself well to the gallery’s aesthetic.

It was named City Art Gallery in homage to its local focus and urban locale.

“Our mission is to showcase original work by emerging area artists,” Weston said. Of the more than 30 artists currently represented, most are based in Grand Rapids.

The gallery is located in the lower level of a residential office building owned by Judy VanDam, who was part of the founding foursome. Unlike typical galleries, the walls inside are warm and tawny instead of stark white, which emphasizes the home-like layout of the space.

Visitors walk through rooms filled with works in a variety of mediums, including paintings in a variety of styles, photography, fiber, woodworking, sculpture, glass, printmaking and jewelry. Weston said the gallery seeks to give exposure to those who may not have had the opportunity to exhibit.

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“Our artists don’t just drop off their work and leave. They also volunteer at the gallery and gather with the other artists for roundtable discussions and workshops.”

— Pamela Weston

Photography by Michael buck

Photography by Michael buck

“We enjoy being a venue for artists that may be right out of school or for people that may not produce art as their main way of making a living but are good at their craft and desire to have their work in a gallery.”

Weston said that once an artist’s work is in the gallery, it seems to spur new ideas and projects. “A lot of our artists who were doing it more as a hobby, once they have a place to show, they really get creative and start to work more and produce new work.”

The gallery also aims to create a sense of community between the artists who show their work. “Our artists don’t just

Towner. encaustic painting, and Jean Lash, origami collage. Artist reception 6-9 p.m. July 26.

> ArtPrize Venue, preview and artist reception 6-9 p.m. Sept. 14.

> Furniture and Fiber Show, Oct. 11- Nov. 9 Artist

drop off their work and leave,” Weston said. They also volunteer at the gallery and gather with the other artists for roundtable discussions and workshops.

“It’s nice for them to be able to get to know one another,” Weston said.

During its inaugural year, the gallery participated in ArtPrize and Art.Downtown, and offered artist demonstrations for the public. Currently, the gallery unveils a new exhibit every six weeks, and Weston said they are excited to continue to find more ways to connect with the commu— Alexandra FluegeL nity.

Paul J. Asselin, a photographer, designer and artist, hand tints some of his black and white photos at a City Art Gallery event in March. At left, potter Mary Kingsbury talks about her clay jewelry with gallery patrons. City Art Gallery unveils a new exhibit every six weeks featuring local artists.

reception 6-9 p.m. Oct. 11.

> Holiday Show, Nov. 10-Dec. 24. Holiday Open House Sat. Nov. 10.

> Coming in 2013 February show featuring artist couples; Equestrian art show...

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art & design trenDS / PeoPle / innoVation / PlaceS

Local art galleries COMPILED BY ALEXANDRA FLUEGEL

1/ terryberry gAllery: Rebecca Green’s artwork isn’t limited to gallery paintings. The Kendall College of Art & Design grad also dabbles in stop motion and sculpture. Becca is represented by Byrneboehm Gallery.

Check out her website at myblankpaper.com. Her oil and acrylics will be exhibited June 1-28 at St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE (lower level), 459-2224, scmc-online.org/building/terryberry-gallery.

2/ deSign QueSt gAllery: Local artist Ben Tamminga explores the emotional expression of his craft using natural woods and other raw materials to produce sculpted furniture. The exhibit is free. 4181 28th St. SE, 940-0131, d2d2d2.com.

3/ lAFontSee gAllerieS: Fresh Squeezed & Locally Grown includes new work from long-standing artists Renee Hartig, Christy DeHoog, Elizabeth Mayville and more at LaFontsee’s lakeshore location, 150 Center St. in Douglas. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Visit lafontsee.us for more information or call 451-9820. The exhibition runs through July 20.

1/ Artist Rebecca Green says she enjoys coffee, autumn and road trips.

Byrneboehm Gallery: Original art

by West Michigan artists. 959 Lake Drive SE, 336-0209, byrneboehmgall ery.com.

MercuryHead Gallery: Work by local artists, gifts and framing. 962 E. Fulton St., 456-6022, Facebook.

Mexicains Sans Frontieres: Multimedia alternative art and music. 120 S. Division Ave., 706-7963, Facebook.

Cascade Art Gallery: Multi-media original art from local artists and around the world, changing exhibits of extensive print selection, framing, gifts.

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

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

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

2/ Ben Tamminga’s wood and glass coffee table is one of several pieces inspired by nature.

Grand Gallery: Fine art, reproductions, restoration, gifts, framing. 596 Ada Drive, Ada, 676-4604, grandgall ery.com.

Grand Rapids Art Museum: See Museums & Attractions.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: See Museums & Attractions.

LaFontsee Galleries: Two- and three-dimensional art by gallery artists, gifts and framing. 833 Lake Drive SE, 451-9820, lafontsee.us.

Open Concept Gallery: Open platform for innovation, showcasing local and international art and artists. 50 Louis St. NW, openconceptgallery.org.

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

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts: See Museums & Attractions.

3/ Renee Hartig strives “to show the process of the land and its interconnection with man’s influence.”

PhotograPhy courteSy ryan PaVloVich (toP); eyekonS gallery/ Phil SchaaFSMa (center); laFontSee gallerieS (bottoM)

City Art Gallery: Thru June 9, Let Me Tell You a Story: Illustrations in Life by Donna St. John and Margary Flynn; 1168 Ionia Ave. NW, 451-0705, cityartgr.com.

Muskegon Museum of Art: See Museums & Attractions

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Cherished city symbol were foreign to many, Grand Rapidians have long since embraced the work as a civic symbol as much as one of the most important sculptures created in the last 100 years.

Calder was born to a family of artists but was trained as an engineer. As a result, balance, harmony and composition are the critical components of his work. Through an extended stay in Paris as a young artist, he became familiar with the most important currents of modern art and grew com-

fortable with abstraction.

On one hand, his knowledge of engineering allowed him to pursue issues of movement in his mobiles (kinetic sculptures) and suggest movement in his stabiles such as “La Grande Vitesse.” On the other hand, it gave him the confidence to create sculptures on an architectural scale, utilizing materials and construction practices normally reserved for high-rise buildings. As a result, Calder changed the definitions of sculpture forever. gr

art talk PhotograPhy by Michael buck

PhotograPhy courteSy ryan PaVloVich (toP); eyekonS gallery/ Phil SchaaFSMa (center); laFontSee gallerieS (bottoM)

AleXAnder “SAndy” CAlder (18981976) is among the most significant sculptors in the history of art and certainly one of the most revolutionary artists of the 20th century.

His much beloved and iconic masterwork “La Grande Vitesse,” on Ottawa Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids, is universally heralded as among his most important works and a landmark for public art in America.

Although when it arrived in 1969 its bold, abstract shapes and vivacious color

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

> “Calder Red” was one of the master’s signature colors. Used most frequently for large outdoor works, the paint also protects the steel from the elements.

them as references to waves of water cascading over river rapids — specifically, the Grand Rapids, or in French “La Grande Vitesse.”

> The arcs and curves

> Calder’s public works

of “La Grande Vitesse” are intended to suggest movement. Calder saw

were site specific and intended to work with the surroundings. Note

the dynamic relationship of the colorful and organic sculpture against the black granite and geometric design of the city and county buildings.

> Explore the work by walking around and even through the sculpture.

Unlike paintings and prints, works of

sculpture made “in-theround” are intended to be considered from all sides.

> To enjoy other works by this master, visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum just a few blocks away.

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art & design TRENDS / PEOPLE / INNOVATION / PLACES

Universal design accommodates accessibility issues and lifestyle changes as people age.

By Kate Dernocoeur

A

bicycling accident eight years ago left Susan Smith with fractures in both her right shoulder and left elbow — and unanticipated mobility challenges. It took almost a full year to recover.

“I learned how difficult it was to get around,” said Smith, 64, a retired journalist.

So when she and her husband, Jack, remodeled their East Grand Rapids home in 2007, she said, “We thought consciously about how to improve the house so we could stay here as long as possible.”

The couple incorporated several features of universal design, a term referring to products and construction that require low physical effort, are intuitive and easy to use, and have a high tolerance for error.

As the population ages, more people are considering universal design principles when they build or renovate their homes.

“It’s definitely a conversation that’s out

there. It’s a boomer conversation,” said Ben Thompson, owner of Thompson Remodeling Inc. He said clients arriving to discuss a remodeling project often have universal design ideas already in mind.

Joel Peterson, a partner with Dave Morren at Insignia Homes, agreed.

“A lot of our clients are baby boomers who are building what they feel to be their final home. They place a lot of emphasis on the fact that they want to be able to grow old there without having to move into assisted care down the road.”

The Smiths installed an elevator to the lower-level guest bedroom five years ago to facilitate visits by Susan’s elderly mother.

That feature came in handy last year when Jack broke his foot. The elevator saved him

Renee and Terry Thompson Jr. built their Caledonia home to be accessible to everyone. The zero step entrance allows strollers, wheelchairs, furniture and more to easily move in and out. All interior doors have handles instead of knobs.

the hazard and nuisance of using crutches on the stairs to get to his lower-level office.

Other considerations might include building or remodeling for wider doorways and hallways. In the kitchen, pull-out shelves in cabinets are helpful.

In bathrooms, pedestal sinks accommodate mobility-assist equipment best, as do no-step showers. Continuous handrails on stairs, thoughtful lighting, zero-step access to the garage and lever door handles all are typical universal design ideas.

The good news, said Thompson, is that the result “doesn’t have to look horrible or industrial or like a hospital.”

Peterson agreed. “There are subtle things you do so nothing looks out of place.

It doesn’t even necessarily have to be something that’s going to affect the value of the home — and might even enhance it.”

Thompson views universal design as a great way to enable the ebb and flow of

Photography by Johnny quirin

Happily ever after at home

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“They place a lot of emphasis on the fact that they want to be able to grow old there without having to move into assisted care down the road.”

— Joel Peterson

Photography by michael buck (top); Johnny quirin (bottom)

Photography by Johnny quirin

home ownership and shed the inevitability of moving out of the family home.

“People want to stay in their home and recreate it according to their needs,” he said. For instance, a young couple might have hobby rooms for sewing or crafting that later evolve into children’s rooms. He admitted that his home office just became his newest child’s bedroom — leaving him to work in a converted closet.

Later, those rooms can transition back to hobby rooms or support live-in care.

Another approach is to renovate the basement so that someone needing primary care can stay there while the family moves

back into the upper floors.

“Then there’s that crazy time between being an empty-nester and when the kids return with more kids,” said Thompson.

“You need the table for 12 or 16, and ways to get people in and out of the house and handle their shoes and coats. People who have the chance to get everyone back to the family house want to be able to do that — and then return to empty nesting.”

For Renee Thompson, a certified occupational therapy assistant, it’s about making sure every guest in her home can feel at ease. Though still in their 30s, she and her husband built their Caledonia home with

several universal design features.

“We have friends with disabilities and aging grandparents,” said the young mother of two children. “I want them to be welcome in my home.”

Peterson said universal design “allows a person to feel comfy in the fact that they can age in their own home without having to look at alternatives in the event they become differently mobile, as it were.”

For more resources on Universal Design, contact ZeroStep, a program established by Disability Advocates of Kent County, at zerostep.org.

GR

Walk-in showers with zero clearance entries, built in seats and adjustable showerheads have become popular for homeowners of all ages. A sliding door allows for wider entrance to the bedrooms.

Top: Chuck Pierson of Image Builders Marketing, zips around the wide spaces in his Sparta home.

An auto accident in his teens left him confined to a wheelchair.

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art & design trenDS / PeoPle / innoVation / PlaceS

the haworth & interphase showroom in MoDiv illustrates the crossover of office and residential furniture.

Downtown living room

By Marty Primeau Photography by Michael Buck

I

it’S not A tyPiCAl Showroom. The 1,800-square-foot Haworth & Interphase space inside MoDiv at 40 Monroe Center doesn’t offer oodles of office cubicles or an array of desks and chairs made by Haworth, the second largest office furniture manufacturer in the U.S. “Nothing here really says office furniture except for one workstation,” said Tom Manikowski, Haworth’s senior business development manager.

Instead the showroom looks more like a modern living space that showcases some of Haworth’s prestigious products created by leading architects, industrial designers and artists.

The Haworth Collection is a division featuring brands the company partners with, including works handcrafted around the world.

In one area of the showroom, there’s a three-seat Kennedee sofa and Archibald leather chairs — both created by French

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“The lines between work and home life are starting to blur.

With today’s high level of technology, we’re more mobile, working in coffee shops and corporate centers.”

— Tom Manikowski

designer Jean-Marie Massaud — along with a contemporary coffee table and a sleek, bio-fuel fireplace. Beyond that is a large table with bar stools that are part of the Cappellini brand, founded in 1946

by Italian furniture maker Enrico Cappellini. The Cappellini company has 18 pieces in the permanent design collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Striking red Tulip chairs — oversized swivel armchairs designed by Marcel Wanders of The Netherlands that are becoming a Haworth icon — are lined up along the picture window facing Monroe Center.

Haworth created the Grand Rapids showroom to be used as an event and meeting space by community leaders, nonprofits and area businesses. Since opening in mid-January, Haworth & Interphase has been steadily booked with parties and conferences. Kendall College of Art & Design has reserved time for studentcentered activities.

“We want to show people how this space can be used as the downtown living room,” said Randy DeBoer, owner of Interphase Interiors, Haworth’s West Michigan dealer. “Some corporate clients want to get offsite and use our space.”

And in the process, Haworth and Interphase want people to see how workspaces are becoming more casual and homelike.

“More and more in corporate America, the 8-to-5 job is migrating to a differ-

ent type of experience,” Manikowski said.

“The lines between work and home life are starting to blur. With today’s high level of technology, we’re more mobile, working in coffee shops and corporate centers.”

Work environments are becoming more residential in nature, DeBoer said.

“When I work at home, I sit at the kitchen counter or in an easy chair by the fireplace,” he said. “So we’ve incorporated those pieces into our space. We’re starting to see more products that cross over from home to work because they’re starting to look alike.”

Corporate clients also understand the importance of how to make use of space, Manikowski said. “We’re seeing more formal workstation environments becoming more open and collaborative.”

That translates to movable walls and adaptable work spaces — exactly what’s happening at the Shops at MoDiv. “We’ve had a lot of fun with this retail incubator,” DeBoer said. “We’re using Haworth walls to create different size stores that are flexible and adaptable.”

The showroom also gives the Hollandbased company a presence in downtown Grand Rapids. “We want to be part of the transformation along Division street,” Manikowski said. “It’s pretty amazing what’s gr happened in the last five years.”

Haworth furnishings in the downtown GR showroom include many pieces from The Haworth Collection, a division featuring brands the company partners with, including works handcrafted around the world.

Metal Art Studio

inc.

fine jewelry

Designer Jewelry Custom Jewelry Expert Jewelry Repair Tu-Fr 10-5 Sat 12-4 616-459-5075 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids metalartstudioinc.com < June 2012 / grMag.coM 29

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frame works

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

> Brookby is a Georgian Revival style home. This style was prominent in American architecture from 1880 to 1955 and is part of the broader Colonial Revival style inspired

by Colonial American homes constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Features include a front door that is centered on the home and framed by a portico, double-hung window sashes (usually with multi-pane glazing) and a symmetrical composition. deSign deFinitionS: > Portico: A portico was the principal entrance to a Greek temple. In Classical Revival style architecture, it was often used in lieu of a porch for the front entry transition into the building.

> Corinthian: One of the three classic orders of ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

Corinthian columns were the most elaborately detailed of the three orders and included acanthus leaves and scrolls on the column capital.

Brookby: testament to an era the roAring ’20S, as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” were a time of prosperity, optimism and elaborate excess. The lifestyles described in the novel paint an image of artistic, social and cultural dynamism embodied by jazz, flappers and expressionism.

This dynamic era was manifested by the elaborate estates that sprawled along the Gold Coast of Long Island and which ultimately

inspired the fictional estate of Jay Gatsby. These suburban estates were envisioned by architects such as Stewart Walker and Leon Gillette, prolific New York City designers who worked at various scales in a myriad of architectural styles.

Completing high-society townhouses in the city and colossal estates in the country, they also crafted such soaring Art Deco skyscrapers as the Fuller Building, still dotting New York’s skyline.

Walker and Gillette brought their flair for glorious estates to Grand Rapids when they were hired to design a home for John Wood Blodgett.

The resulting house was as impressive as their previous work: They built a structure reminiscent of the precise detailing and grand stature of their Long Island mansions.

The Blodgett mansion, a Georgian Revival style masterpiece completed in 1928, has a rich history, a dominant façade and an imposing mass that anchors the northwestern edge of East Grand Rapids. Often referred to as Brookby,

Built in 1928 as a home for John Wood Blodgett, the Georgian Revival style mansion anchors the northwestern edge of East Grand Rapids. Overlooking trees and a meandering brook, it’s often referred to as Brookby.

PhotograPhy courteSy SaM cuMMingS

eXtrA deSign tidbitS: > Former Brookby owners Sam and Janene Cummings donated 5.4 acres of the estate to Aquinas College last year.

The main home will become the personal home of Dr. Juan R. Olivarez, the college president, and will be used for Aquinas functions.

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the manor sits on a gentle slope overlooking a vast rolling landscape of trees and a meandering brook (hence the name of the estate).

Erected by Owen-Ames-Kimball, Brookby’s limestone and red brick exterior forges a rigorous symmetry that, when paired with restrained architectural detail, blesses the home with an elegant presence at the corner of Plymouth Avenue and Robinson Road. This exterior is punctuated with an array of fenestration that includes distinctive, arched main level windows and a center entry door framed by a portico with a round pediment sup-

Photography Courtesy sam cummings

Walker and Gillette brought their flair for glorious estates to Grand Rapids when they were hired to design a home for John Wood Blodgett. ported by Corinthian columns.

The eight-acre estate is surrounded by a distinctive brick wall that encloses its picturesque formal gardens, terraces and rolling hills — all covered with a large canopy of mature trees. This pastoral setting was designed by the Olmstead brothers, who also were responsible for New York City’s Central Park and the Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C. Framing this landscape are the estate’s accessory buildings, which include houses for the gatekeeper, gardener and chauffer.

These architectural follies are compelling in their own right, with brick-and-stone exteriors that are stylistically compatible with the main residence, even though each building maintains its own distinct character.

While the Gatsby era came and went in a flash of history, its optimism and exuberance remain in the well-preserved former Blodgett estate. The mansion’s buildings and grounds stand as a testament to the architecture, patrons and architects of this GR gilded era.

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the hormone discussion

To replace or not to replace?

By Terri Finch Hamilton Photography by Michael Buck

It’s Hormone Happy Hour at Keystone Pharmacy, where 50-something women sip wine, scoop hot pepper hummus onto pita chips, and hear how hormone replacement can take the bite out of aging.

Hormone replacement for the dastardly hot flashes and sleepless nights of menopause has been both common and controversial.

But the latest touting comes from advocates who say replacing the hormones that our bodies stop making as we age is good for all kinds of things — from bone health to cardiovascular zest to better sex.

Keystone pharmacist Mary PreFontaine is sold on it. She’s one of four pharmacists in the state who has completed a fellowship in functional medicine and anti-aging with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She specializes in helping men and women figure out the right hormone replacement regime, working with their doctors.

“Historically, our lifespan, before the Industrial Revolution, was 50 years,” PreFontaine, 46, said. “That’s when we lose all these hormones and get ready to die. Well, that’s OK if you’re going to die, but what if you live another 40 years and you want to be out dancing and traveling? You don’t want to dry up and fall apart. So you have to do something about it.”

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“I’ve been called a fairy godmother.

Women have said, ‘You gave me my life back.’

‘You changed my life.’ ‘My husband thanks you.’

— Mary PreFontaine

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the hormone discussion

“It’s amazing how many people give up that area of their lives when they don’t have to. The kids are out of the house — have a little fun.”

— Dr. Steve Lasater

Dr. Steve Lasater

What suffers when the hormone factory slows to a stall? Tissues, for one thing, PreFontaine said, especially genital tissues. There’s also an increased risk of osteoporosis. Even brain function depends on a certain level of hormones, she said — hence that foggy brain syndrome. Cardiovascular health is compromised, as well, she said.

That’s all pretty alarming, so you go to your doctor and say, “Hey — maybe I should replace my dipping hormones.”

Good luck with that.

“There’s a groundswell of opposition in mainstream medicine toward hormone replacement,” said Dr. Steve Lasater, whose PhysioAge office is on Cascade Road SE. Lasater’s medical practice is based on the use of bio-identical hormone replacement for healthy aging. Like pharmacist PreFontaine, he said replacing the hormones our bodies stop making makes us healthier and more vital as we age.

But the American Medical Association doesn’t buy it. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health several years ago called the Women’s Health Initiative concluded that some hormone replacement is harmful, so the AMA decried the

entire practice, he said.

Lasater sighed. “I feel like installing a big metal spike on my office wall that I can bang my head against,” he said.

Back at Keystone Pharmacy, PreFontaine practically gnashes her teeth at that study, a 15-year, multi-million-dollar project initiated in 1991 to research health problems of postmenopausal women.

The study on estrogen and progestin replacement concluded that it caused an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer. The study included just two synthetic hormones: Premarin and Provera, PreFontaine said.

“But they applied the results of the study to all hormones,” she said. “They said hormone replacement increased the risk of breast cancer, but only the Provera did.

It was a knee-jerk reaction. So physicians were told to only give hormones if they’re desperately needed and for a short time to help with hot flashes,” she said.

Lasater explained it as “painting things with too broad of a brush. It seeped into the thinking of doctors that hormones are bad.”

The hormone replacement therapy PreFontaine and Lasater support uses

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bio-identical hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones women make in their bodies. Making these hormones starts with a natural substance, such as soy or yams, and then chemically altering it to be exactly like the hormones our bodies produce.

Patients sometimes gush about the results.

“I’ve been called a fairy godmother,” PreFontaine said with a laugh. “Women have said, ‘You gave me my life back.’ ‘You changed my life.’ ‘My husband thanks you.’

“I also have failures,” she added.

“Sometimes I try all year to treat somebody’s symptoms with hormones and I can’t. So they turn to something else — acupuncture or herbal remedies.”

At Lasater’s PhysioAge office, the doctor hooks up his patients to a myriad of gizmos to determine their “real” body age.

“Skin elastometer?” he offered. He said it reveals the actual age of a person’s skin after all those years of baking in the sun.

Lasater was a family practice physician for 30 years before turning to the specialty of anti-aging. He offers a compre-

hensive assessment of the health of each major physiological system and then a tailored program of exercise, diet, nutritional supplements and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to slow, and in some cases, he says, reverse the decline in their physiological age.

The initial consultation, which lasts three to four hours, costs $850; comprehensive lab tests are another $900. Lasater charges an $85 monthly maintenance fee for his ongoing support and consultation.

He doesn’t accept insurance.

The hormones themselves, typically a cream men and women rub onto their skin a couple of times a day, generally cost $100 per month or less, he said.

“I can’t guarantee everyone who comes in here will live longer,” Lasater said. “But we can reverse the detrimental effects the middle-aged person has from low hormones. We can make some difference. It’s not just the years in your life. It’s the life in your years.”

Lasater said patients gain cardiovascular strength, bone density, mental clarity — and sex drive.

“It’s amazing how many people give up that area of their lives when they don’t have to,” he said. “The kids are out of the house — have a little fun.”

Debby Buck DeJonge rummaged in the back seat of her car and pulled out a big bottle of vitamin supplements called “Stay Young and Sexy.” The capsules, made by Health Freedom Nutrition, are part of her personal anti-aging regimen, along with bio-identical hormone replacement.

DeJonge, who once ran the Longevity Center on East Paris with her late husband, Robert, was at her class reunion recently, scrutinizing her former classmates.

“I looked around and could tell you who was on bio-identical hormone therapy,” said DeJonge. “Two women: One looked great. One looked phenomenal.”

DeJonge gives hormone replace-

Christy Roth, a certified medical assistant at PhysioAge, ues a SthygmoCor to measure the condition of blood vessels. At right, the InBody520 is a tool used

by PhysioAge to measure body mass index.

June 2012 / Grmag.com 45

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the hormone discussion

Debby DeJonge

When estrogen is low, an unpleasant line-up of seven dwarves show up: “Itchy, Bitchy, Bloaty, Crabby, Saggy, Naggy and Baggy.”

— Debby DeJonge

ment credit for everything from her energy and vitality to her young-looking skin, and she travels the country speaking on the subject. She’s blond and tan with a khaki dress cinched tightly at her tiny waist.

She doesn’t mince words when she holds forth on the value of hormone replacement. The people seated nearby in an Ada coffee shop got an earful as she continued.

“When you have low estrogen, you lose elasticity in your skin. You get a muffin top, your boobs droop. You get dry dock (her term for vaginal dryness). Brad Pitt could walk up to you with a bottle of champagne and you’d say, ‘Not tonight, honey.’”

The replacement hormones come in different forms. She prefers monthly injections. “I’ve taken capsules; I’ve done creams. It’s a discussion you have with your doctor,” she said.

When estrogen is low, she says, an unpleasant line-up of seven dwarves show up: “Itchy, Bitchy, Bloaty, Crabby, Saggy, Naggy and Baggy,” she recited.

She’s been replacing her hormones for six years. Ask her age and DeJonge gets cagey.

“I have a son, 28, a son, 27, and a daughter, 19,” she said with a grin. “So how young can that make me?

“Can you put hormone cream on and your wrinkles will go away? No. It works from the inside out,” she said. “It’s about feeling good and being productive in your own life. You have the energy to do things.”

Any side effects?

“Yes,” she said. “Happiness. Energy.”

DeJonge said people become frustrated by the “mixed bag” of opinions about bio-identical hormone replacement — which sometimes occur in one person.

“I’m an extreme optimist and an extreme pessimist,” said Dr. Michael Fossel of Ada, who has written extensively about anti-aging medicine and lectured on the subject all over the world.

He was founding editor of the Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine and former executive director of the American Aging Association.

“Most of what we can do now for antiaging is not all that sexy,” said Fossel, a medical consultant for Cerner Corp., a

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health care information technology business. “Things are on the horizon that’ll be much, much better.”

Fossel talked enthusiastically about cellular research that will allow doctors to help us grow new, younger knees, and science lab developments that will extend life by re-setting our genes. “In the lab, we can reverse aging,” he said. “It’s just beginning to break now.”

And hormones?

“The medical community poo poos it,” Fossel said. “If hormones go down with age, does that automatically mean we should boost them back up? It’s not that simple. There is some benefit, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. And there’s no evidence that it can reverse or delay aging.”

Fossel, 61, said he’s not replacing any of his dwindling hormones. “Maybe I should be,” he mused. “I don’t know.”

In the seven years she’s been in the field, pharmacist PreFontaine said she’s seeing more doctors coming around to hormone replacement. “It used to be a struggle to find a physician to work with a patient,” she said.

But even PreFontaine doesn’t believe hormone replacement is a miracle drug.

“You know what is a miracle drug?

Exercise. It helps with mental clarity, osteoporosis, your cardiovascular health.”

“Most of the best stuff you can do now is the stuff your grandma told you to do,” Fossel said. “That’s not advice that sells well. We just don’t do it.

“People ask me, ‘How can I live longer?’

I say ‘Fasten your seat belt and stay away GR from people with loaded weapons.’”

June 2012 / Grmag.com 47

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What’s the secret of living to 100?

These five West Michigan seniors open up about aging with wisdom and purpose.

By Ann Byle

G

These men and women remember the Great Depression, World War II, the turbulent 1960s, the Vietnam War and endless conflicts in the Middle East.

They have experienced the advent of television, the Internet, cell phones and microwave ovens. And they are not alone.

In Michigan, about 15,000 residents were age 90 according to the state’s 2010 census. By age 95, that number dropped to just under 5,000. There were about 1,500 centenarians between 100 and 104.

We invite you to meet a few of our most senior West Michigan residents, folks who have liberated Nazi concentration camps, spirited U.S. pilots out of occupied Europe, endowed university centers and hospital facilities, and who continue to ballroom dance, volunteer, design wedding gowns and attend church.

Virgil Westdale walked 1.6 miles on April 19 with his grandson, Paul Westdale.

Such a walk is a bit of feat at age 94, but imagine walking that distance between the Nazi concentration camps Auschwitz and Birkenau.

Westdale was invited to attend this year’s International Walk of the Living and related activities in Poland for his role as a liberator of Dachau, the camp in Germany that Westdale and his 442nd Regimental Combat team helped open at the end of World War II. The walk took place on Holocaust Remembrance Day. WWII was a life-altering event for this man with a Japanese father and American mother. His pilot’s license was taken away, but he doesn’t linger on the discrimination or difficulty of the war years.

“At first, I was negative about losing my flying career, but now I have no regrets,” said Westdale. “My first day back from the war, I received a call about becoming a commercial pilot, but my grandmother said no. So I went to college.”

Westdale earned two college degrees,

Photography by johnny quirin (opposite page)

rand Rapids is home to a good number of nonagenarians and centenarians, those hale and hearty folks who have passed their 90th year and even their 100th.

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Virgil Westdale Age 94, World War II Veteran Pilot “I say to keep busy.

If you don’t have interests, you don’t have expectations and have no imagination.”

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worked as a chemical engibers visiting Mississippi neer and became princiwith her mother and how Rosie Bell Russell pal scientist for AM Interthey couldn’t go into resnational. He holds 25 U.S. taurants where whites were Age 107, patents, retiring at age 68. served and couldn’t use the Great-great-grandmother same bathrooms. She also He retired from his second career as a security officer recalls racism at home in “She loves kids, at Gerald R. Ford InternaGrand Rapids, when she she fed hobos that came wasn’t served at a counter tional Airport at age 91. by, she loves dogs, “I say to keep busy. If in a downtown soda shop cats and everybody. you don’t have interests, and how her teachers used you don’t have expectapaper towels to cover the She once told me, tions and have no imaginadoorknobs that black chil‘I feed anybody tion,” he said. “Keep active dren used. who’s hungry.’” and keep your imagination “Momma made para— Berdean Quinn working — you’re more alert chutes during the war and to the things happening was the best seamstress around you.” they had, but she couldn’t Westdale’s book “Blue Skies and Thunget the award for making the most parader” was published in 2010. He reads, ballchutes because she was a black woman,” room dances and uses his computer and said Rosie’s daughter Birdean Quinn. “But cell phone daily. she was a firm believer in keeping our integrity. She’d say, ‘They’ll reap what they Rosie Bell Russell was born July 23, sow,’ and ‘Don’t come down to their level.’”

1904, in West Point, Miss., the daughter of Rosie’s daughters credit her long life sharecroppers. She and her husband came with staying active and loving people. north in 1942 to escape the racism that “She loves kids, she fed hobos that pervaded the South before the Civil Rights came by, she loves dogs, cats and everyMovement of the 1960s. body,” said Berdean. “She once told me, ‘I Her daughter, Fannie Norman, rememfeed anybody who’s hungry.’”

Photography by michael buck

Shown left, Birdean Quinn, Rosie Bell Russell and Fannie Norman

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Rosie still lives at home, cared for by Pam Anderson. She loves to look out her window, loves when people come to visit.

While she’s past gardening and making her famous peach cobbler and chicken and dumplings, she’s still got an “overwhelming heart,” according to her children, 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren.

Photography by johnny quirin

Photography by michael buck

occupied the country. She met her American husband at the USO in Paris in 1951.

The pair settled in his hometown of Wayland, but after they divorced in 1960, Gladu and their son moved to Chicago.

Her sewing skills served her well as a dress designer for Carol Gown, a bridal manufacturer. Gladu met Pierre Gladu in Chicago and they were married in 1971.

They retired to Holland to be near her son.

Mireille Gladu designs her own clothPierre died in 2002. ing, creating chic dresses that fit her small This impeccably dressed lady with a frame perfectly. She’s currently designing French accent still entertains, goes out with a wedding dress for a clifriends, and talks to her sisent. This 89-year-old Holter every day. She loves the land resident also walks 45 Italian and French food of Mireille Gladu minutes every day. her youth, and the Cajun “I really push myself. My food that Pierre so loved.

Age 89, feet hurt, but that doesn’t “I wake up in the mornmean I don’t do the exering and the sun is up, and I Clothing Designer cise,” said Gladu. “And I am happy,” she said. laugh a lot. Laughing is good “I really push myself. medicine.”

Perhaps one of the My feet hurt, but that Gladu was born in Tunimost visible centenarians doesn’t mean I don’t sia in 1922 to an Italian is Ralph Hauenstein, who do the exercise, and I father and French mother. turned 100 in March. laugh a lot. Laughing She lived out the war in He’s had several careers is good medicine.”

Tunisia, working as a balin his long life: soldier, edilet dancer after the Germans tor of the Grand Rapids

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Photography courtesy Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University

Herald, chief of the Intelligence Branch of we went,” said Hauenstein of the center the Army’s European theater under General that was completed in 2009 and treats Dwight Eisenhower, international import/ patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis export entrepreneur, philanthropist.

(ALS), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, These days he spends four months and spine, sleep and neuro-ophthalmologeach year in Florida and the rest in Grand ical disorders. The center also works with Rapids. He attends meetings, gives lecAlzeimer’s patients, important to Hauentures, enjoys his children, nine grandchilstein because his wife, Grace, died of the dren and 20-some great-grandchildren — disease. and he exercises.

Hauenstein is also the inspiration for Hauenstein keeps his entrepreneurial the Hauenstein Center for Presidential spirit challenged by seeing a need and Studies at Grand Valley State University. meeting it. He is the spirit behind the The Hauenstein Center stands on four pilHauenstein Neuroscilars: the Cook Leadership ence Center at Saint Mary’s Academy; its world-class Health Care, a facility that is lectures, debates and conRalph Hauenstein close to his heart. ferences; the interactive He pays tribute to his website allpresidents.com; father and Jay Van Andel, a Age 100, and its book collection. close friend, both of whom Hauenstein stays in close Entrepreneur died of Parkinson’s disease. touch with Gleaves WhitWhen Saint Mary’s CEO “Keep your mind active ney, director of the center.

Phil McCorkle expressed a “I’ve done nothing in and carry out your need for a Parkinson’s cenmy life that says, ‘This is ideas. That’s the most ter, Hauenstein stepped up. the secret to a long life.’ I’m important thing.”

“I knew we’d better get just an ordinary guy,” said something going, and there Hauenstein. “I keep my

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Photography by michael buck

Photography courtesy Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University

mind very active. I never could just sit around; I like to get up and move around.”

Hauenstein is a patriot through and through, dedicated to doing good in the world. The bakery he set up in Haiti and the factory in the Dominican Republic attest to that.

“I don’t climb ladders anymore and I don’t buy green bananas,” said this centenarian entrepreneur with a laugh. “Keep your mind active and carry out your ideas. That’s the most important thing.”

to help rescue Jews and later downed Allied pilots Diet Eman during her five years in the Dutch Resistance.

Age 92, “It was scary, but it had Interpreter to be done,” said the small woman who still, at 92, has a schedule that would put “I thank God every most 30-year-olds on the morning that he gives couch. me strength and that I She attends lectures wake up to another day. and events around the And I thank him for my city, participates in many hearing aids. I pray each activities at MapleCreek morning, ‘Lord, let me senior housing, where she see what you want lives, and volunteers regme to do today.’” ularly at Health Intervention Services. She speaks at churches and schools Diet Eman uses her Spanish language about her exploits during WWII, events skills to interpret for doctors and dentists recorded in the book “Things We Couldn’t at Health Intervention Services, a clinic Say” by James Schaap (Eerdmans Publishfor those who lack health insurance. She ing Co.). uses English to speak daily with her many “I thank God every morning that he friends here in Grand Rapids, where she gives me strength and that I wake up to has lived since 1969. another day,” Eman said. “And I thank him She also speaks Swedish, Russian, for my hearing aids. I pray each morning, French and German.

‘Lord, let me see what you want me to do GR Eman used her native Dutch language today.’”

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y Carolyn Heines leads a class in Iyengar yoga at The Yoga Studio.

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By Alexandra Fluegel Photography by Johnny Quirin

yoga body, mind and spirit The ancient practice of yoga takes many forms, three of which are practiced in these local studios.

“You do the poses in the best way possible for your particular body, and you focus on holding the individual asanas as opposed to flowing between them,”

— CAROLYN HEINES

i

IT’S BEEN A WHILE SINCE JOHN, PAUL, George and Ringo helped thrust the ancient Indian tradition of yoga into the spotlight. Over time, its popularity has increased exponentially in Western culture and its styles are now as varied as the individuals who practice.

The Sanskrit term “yoga” means “yoke” and is derived from the root “yuj,” which means to join or unite. The practice originated in India over 4,000 years ago within the Hindu philosophy as a means for attaining enlightenment through the union of mind, body and spirit.

The Greater Grand Rapids area is home to a vast array of yoga studios and centers, giving those who walk through the doors a chance to connect with the community and themselves.

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“This method really spoke to my heart, that inner quality where the poses come from the inside out as a deep artistic expression of who you truly are. It was about empowering each individual person and the way you express yourself to the world.”

— BEHNJE MASSON

Carolyn Heines, founder of The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry St. SE, was one of the first people to bring yoga to Grand Rapids.

In the late ’70s, Heines, who had been studying Eastern philosophy and delving into meditation, attended a retreat with Guru Swami Joti, who encouraged her to try hatha yoga.

“The physical discipline is used to encourage your self-reflection — the quieting of the mind — and takes you in the direction of meditation. Incorporating that aspect helped me tremendously,” she said.

For Heines, IYenGAR YOGA was a perfect fit. Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, the style focuses on structural alignment of the body during poses and aims to connect the mind, body and soul. Poses are held for extended periods of time, and props — such as blocks, belts and blankets — are used as modification tools, allowing each person to explore the poses as their body allows.

“You do the poses in the best way pos-

sible for your particular body, and you focus on holding the individual asanas as opposed to flowing between them,” Heines explained.

In Iyengar classes, instructors often use precise verbal directions and physically assist students in finding ways to enhance and fully engage a pose. Heines said the careful attention to alignment and technique teaches students to be mindful of their bodies, which can be beneficial in identifying trouble areas.

The props are helpful for students who may have physical limitations due to age or injury. Kat McKinney, who became coowner of The Yoga Studio in January 2011, began practicing yoga after cancer almost caused her to lose one of her legs.

“I was not a pretty picture,” she said of her six months on crutches. “My instructor was able to pinpoint things for me and help me develop that sense about myself.”

She said that, at her two month check-up, her doctor couldn’t believe her progress,

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and after two years, she had regained two inches in height she lost during her illness.

In addition to her dramatic physical recovery, McKinney said Iyengar yoga gives her a sense of discovery. “There’s an unfolding understanding of each pose. The depth of detail means you’re progressively working deeper — no pose is ever the same twice.”

The focus on alignment also helps in the day-to-day care of the body. “Setting a stable base, keeping your body well aligned in nourishing — it functions better and there are lifelong benefits,” McKinney said.

“If there’s a testimony for the practice, it’s people like Carolyn and Mr. Iyengar himself.”

Heines, 75, quipped: “My peers are not able to do handstands.”

In 1997, an American-born yoga instructor, John Friend, developed AnuSARA YOGA, a style based on Iyengar that is grounded in the philosophical underpinnings of the yoga tradition. For Behnje Masson, co-owner of From the Heart Yoga Center, 714 Wealthy St. SE, it was this added emphasis that led her to the Anusara style.

She had begun by practicing Iyengar yoga and said she felt a need to create more than an outer form.

“This method really spoke to my heart, that inner quality where the poses come from the inside out as a deep artistic expression of who you truly are. It was about empowering each individual person and the way you express yourself to the world,” the former dancer explained.

Masson and Rick Powell opened From the Heart in 1999 with the intention of creating a place where the community could gather and connect with one another. Since opening the center, Masson said the local culture of yoga has changed dramatically.

“It’s become more accepted as an avenue or form of health and wellness and spiritual practice,” she said. “There were only a handful of places to practice and now they’re everywhere,” Powell added.

Another major shift has been that more men in the area are beginning to practice yoga, Masson said. “There was a perception that yoga was all about flexibility and perhaps it was too soft for men, but there is a lot of strength involved. Once they came to a class, it demystified it for them.”

Masson said that many students over the years have come in focusing solely on the physical aspect and benefits of yoga, but as they continued, the spiritual aspect became equally important. “You see people melt into their practice when they real-

ize it’s deeper than the physical action.

They’re able to really connect and find that space within themselves to be at ease.”

Feeling at ease can be difficult, especially in the beginning stages of practice, and Masson and Powell said they’ve heard “I feel like I’m doing it wrong” more times than they can count. Masson said that although an instructor may help a student with a pose, it’s more to enhance the benefits of the pose than to show them the “right” way to do it.

There also are a variety of physically rigorous styles of yoga. VInYASA YOGA, also known as power yoga or flow yoga, creates a dynamic flow between poses that aligns breath and movement. Ujjayi is the breathing style used in the practice and is characterized by audible inhalations and exhalations that coordinate with the flows.

The combination of the vinyasa flows and ujjayi breathing increases the body’s inter-

Behnje Masson and Rick Powell teach Anusara yoga at their From the Heart Yoga Center.

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“It was like my secret glass of lemonade. Yoga gives you time to decompress, to take off those layers and shells of stress that have accumulated over the course of the day, and dissolve those mental problems that we haven’t been able to let go — leave those at the door.”

— CAROLINE LEHMAN

nal temperature, resulting in purification through sweat and increased circulation.

“Heat adds the element of making the muscles leaner and more pliable,” said Amber Kilpatrick, senior staff instructor at the Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse, 1331 Lake Drive SE. Vinyasa yoga can be a great addition to an existing cardio routine, she said. “We’re seeing a lot of individuals who are runners and cyclists and use yoga as part of their cross training. It’s an excellent complement.”

Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse has teamed up with Eastown neighbor Striders to offer a run-yoga combination.

Opposite page, Katie Vandenakker, Ben Pickel, Cristina Stavro and Liz Pickel do yoga stretches before running to the studio.

where we become truly creative, productive and inspiring, but not pushing yourself hard enough so that you fall.”

Lehman, who teaches yoga in area studios and fitness centers, began practicing yoga as a student at Grand Valley State University as a way to balance a busy lifestyle.

“It was like my secret glass of lemonade. Yoga gives you time to decompress, to take off those layers and shells of stress that have accumulated over the course of the day, and dissolve those mental problems that we haven’t been able to let go — leave those at the door.”

She said it’s essential for each person to discover which practice is best for them.

“Try different places and see what works best for what you’re looking for. You don’t have to stick with one place — or one style, for that matter. It’s all about what will drive you back to your mat.”

Most instructors advise that practicing yoga in a group setting is the best way to avoid injury and enrich one’s experience.

“When you practice alone, you don’t receive any feedback,” Heines said. “Being in a group also helps you learn from others — it motivates you and it keeps you practicing.”

Lehman added, “All the styles offer different benefits, but when you practice in a group, you feel like you have those other people in your corner. You might not notice it, but the support you receive from yoga and others engaged in the practice is GR definitely going to change your life.”

Funky Buddha recently teamed up with Eastown neighbor Striders to offer a run-yoga combination twice a week. Participants meet for a three- to four-mile run and finish with a yoga class in the studio’s 95-plus degree room.

Caroline Lehman, 25, has practiced a variety of yoga styles, and described vinyasa as a balance between effort and ease.

“It allows us to push ourselves to the point

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Special Advertising Section

GR Home Showcase: Custom Design Furniture

From left to right: Jan Brown, Laberta Willett, Elizabeth Van Vels, Jerry Ludwick, Al Collins, Mary Collins. Not pictured: Tiffany Lewkowski

Enjoy an unparalleled furniture shopping experience Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to get frazzled in a big-box furniture store: so many questionable choices, so little service beyond the sale.

At the other end of the spectrum, the people at Custom Design Furniture are proud to offer an unparalleled furniture shopping experience that extends from their comprehensive design services and topquality furnishings selection to the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere of their Lake Eastbrook Avenue store, located just south of 28th Street.

By J. Stapleton-Burch

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CUSTOM DESIGN FURNITURE Owners, Mary Collins, President, and Jan Brown, Vice President 2875 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE (616) 575-9004 customdesignfurnitureinc.com Credentials: After numerous years in the furniture and design industry, Mary Collins and Jan Brown founded Custom Design Furniture four years ago, which is West Michigan’s exclusive dealership for world-renowned L. & J.G. Stickley furniture. Their top-quality selections include a wide array of high-end furniture brands as well as the Stickley-owned John Widdicomb and Nickels & Stone Furnishings.

All-inclusive interior design services are also a part of the Custom Design Furniture experience.

Inspirations: “Our inspiration is to create a non-intimidating furniture shopping experience for our customers in a comfortable and relaxed environment,” noted store manager Al Collins. (A goal they have apparently achieved since it is not unusual for past customers to stop by just to say “hi” and enjoy a cookie and a cup of coffee while checking out the regularly arriving new stock.)

Career Highpoint: “Being appointed the exclusive Stickley dealership in June 2008.”

Focused on offering only the best American-made furniture brands, they boast the exclusive dealership on this side of the state for L. & J.G. Stickley furniture, a New York-based brand that is known around the world for its impeccable quality and heirloom characteristics.

While most furniture aficionados are well acquainted with Stickley’s original Mission Collection, which earned international fame in the early 20th century for its solid construction and handrubbed finishes, today’s Stickley offers a wide variety of additional furniture styles from the well-known arts and crafts

GRM_06.12_HOME.indd 2

The Stickley Mission collection represents a treasure of prize designs, new and reissued. Rooted in a deep love of the heritage of America’s Arts & Crafts movement these cherished pieces bring warmth and beauty to your home. and beauty to your home.

period to modern, urban leathers and contemporary suites.

The combined years of industry experience brought to play by owners Mary Collins and Jan Brown have led them to be selective in their offerings. They stand behind every manufacturer they represent with complete confidence in the total satisfaction of their customers.

That same level of confidence is instilled in the entire staff of Custom Design Furniture. “We make sure our staff is trained to the utmost and they are highly knowledgeable about the manufacture of what we offer,” said store manager Al Collins. “They regularly visit our suppliers’ factories and observe the products being made, from the staining and

assembly processes to sewing and even restoration services — the whole production process — so they really get to know the products on a profound level.”

Custom Design Furniture also extends that knowledge to the community by hosting well-attended yearly presentations by the Stickley corporate historian.

The staff at Custom Design Furniture takes customer service very seriously.

They take the time to build a trusting relationship with each client and will be there offering guidance and support throughout the entire process. Whether the scope of your project is a single piece of furniture, one room or an entire house, you’ll have your own personal consultant from start to finish. And when

5/11/12 3:55 PM

Special Advertising Section

GR Home Showcase: Custom Design Furniture

Styled for every taste, perfect for every setting, the Craftsman leather collection combines the world’s finest and most unique leather’s with careful tailoring, old world construction and legendary comfort.

they say “from start to finish,” they mean a whole lot more than the average furniture store that considers it ‘case closed’ once the sale is completed. At Custom Design Furniture you get the whole process, from an in-store meeting and house calls to full-service interior design.

The person you work with can help with everything from paint colors and custom window coverings to carpet, flooring, area rugs, bedding and beyond, including all those little designer details that give your space an exquisite personal touch. “Our people will also personally inspect your new furniture and furnishings to ensure it’s exactly as you wanted, and we’ll even come along to the house to make sure it’s properly placed,” Collins said. “That’s our beginning to end.”

Because they are a commission-free store, Custom Design Furniture can offer their customers a more relaxed,

no-pressure furniture shopping experience. “We want our customers to work with whom they are most comfortable with and not be stuck with whoever was ‘next up’,” Collins explained, adding that because of the diverse expertise of the staff, they can tap into as many experts as is needed for your project. They also offer detailed computer-generated drawings that allow you to view a virtual reality of the intended design for your room, right down to the inclusion of extended family members seated for a formal holiday dinner.

“We are seeing a definite trend back toward quality,” Collins reported concerning today’s consumers. “People are once again appreciating the quality of the long-lasting Stickley furniture, which is heirloom furniture that can be passed on to your children and grandchildren.

We’ve even had customers bring in their

Custom Design’s Furniture showroom offers both a large selection of quality furniture and a very warm and inviting setting. Conveniently located on Lake Eastbrook Blvd just south of 28th Street.

children to help pick out the finish, explaining to them that ‘one day this will be yours.’”

The coffeepot is always on at Custom Design Furniture. They invite you to stop by anytime.

Special Advertising Section

From left to right: Anicia Latter and Kelly Roggow, Medical Alert Specialists at EPS Security

Home is where the heart is. That is why most people prefer to age in place, living out their lives comfortably in the familiar surroundings of their own home. However, the Center of Disease Control reports that about one in three Americans over the age of 65 will fall in any given year, and at least half of those who do so require assistance getting up.

If they receive help within one hour of a fall, 90-percent will continue to live independently, a statistic that falls to only ten-percent if a senior remains unassisted for 12 or more hours.

By J. Stapleton-Burch

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Photo by Michael Buck

Independence dayâ&#x20AC;Ś every day

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GR Home Showcase: EPS Security

EPS Security’s Medical Alert system extends far beyond the reach of traditional systems to allow coverage while outdoors.

Photo by EPS Security

Photo by Michael Buck

Special Advertising Section

Late last year, EPS Security recognized the need for a ‘better mousetrap’ to serve the aging population living independently at home. The company recognized the shortcomings of today’s common medical alert systems – those that operate from a base unit often several rooms away – and decided to introduce a new EPS Medical Alert service to advance the notion of “Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up” service for senior citizens.

Unlike most competing technologies, the EPS Medical Alert system pairs the latest pendant technology with a live EPS operator at the Grand Rapids Central Station, where every operator has been trained to the highest industry standards to provide any level of help needed.

Not much bigger than a business card, the LifeControl™ pendant is a powerful voice-to-voice emergency alert device that is the smallest in the market, yet has hundreds of feet more range than the rest. This means that it will work not only within the walls of your

home, but be just as effective from that ice-covered driveway or while puttering in the garden. And because the device is waterproof, it will even work from the shower – a common place for mishaps. Up to four pendants and/or wall mounted stations can be used as part of one system, making it the perfect solution for group living, and the pendants can be worn as a lanyard, on the wrist, or attached to a wheelchair or walker.

Best of all, the pendant puts you or your loved one in direct contact with a live, local operator around the clock, and because the communication device is worn, there is no need to yell out across the room as other systems require. In addition, EPS staffers work with clients and their families to customize response instructions, establishing whom to call among family, friends and neighbors beyond emergency response teams when appropriate. While the system currently requires a standard phone line, EPS will be offering a cellular version of the medical alert unit later this year as well.

“A personal emergency response system is only as good as its communication range,” noted EPS Director of Sales and Marketing, David Hood. “That is one of the things that sets our medical alert system apart from the rest. And with our state-of-the-art central monitoring and dispatch station operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we can provide the most essential component of any such system – fast and responsive service. And because its powerful range works both inside and outside the home, it’s the perfect two-way voice solution for people who want to age in place and continue to live independently in their own homes.”

In today’s world, practically everybody has a family member or friend that could benefit from a medical alert system such as that offered by EPS Security. It not only protects them in an emergency situation, but also allows for that much coveted need for independence while providing peace of mind to loved ones.

Special advertiSing Section

Gr home Showcase: EPS Security

EPS SECURITY 750 Front Avenue, NW Grand Rapids, MI 616.459.0281 Email: sales@epssecurity.com Web: epssecurity.com Credentials: EPS Security is a Grand Rapids-based leader in security and life safety services. The family-owned companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successful track record dates back to the original Grand Rapids location that opened in 1955.

Today they rank among the top 30 largest security companies in the United States and they are one of only nine companies in the country that have earned the distinction of Five-Diamond, UL and FM certification status for its Central Station facility.

EPS maintains the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest fleet of service vehicles on the road and operations with a staff of more than 175 security professionals who provide flexible and responsive service around the clock.

Inspirations: Ensuring the safety of the homes, lives, businesses and property of our customers.

Awards and Expansion: EPS Security has been recognized nationally with multiple awards, including the 2011 Circle of Excellence award from First Alert Professional. EPS recently expanded operations through the acquisition of Grand Rapids-based Eagle Security, further confirming their legacy as the largest security company in West Michigan. Today EPS protects more than 19,000 commercial and residential clients.

Photo by EPS Security

The EPS Security Medical Alert system makes use of a small pendant to transmit directly to live, local operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

dining review Wild Dog Grille Address: 24 Center St., Douglas Phone: (269) 857-2519 Website: Thewilddog grille.com Dining ratings: Category: Lakeshore, New American Food: **** Service: *** Beverages: ** Atmosphere: *** Price: $-$$

> not so much: We’re not big fans of mounted big game trophies and the main dining room has a few on the walls.

Opt instead for the outdoor patio or the sleek bar area.

While in Douglas, check out the many art galleries and shops.

Guide to ratings: ***** Perfect, needs no improvement **** Exceptional *** Above Average ** Satisfactory * Poor $$ $ ¢

Over $20 $10-$20 Under $10

Homemade flair, international flavors WiLD DOG GriLLe in downtown Douglas has multiple personalities.

Up front it’s all about the sleek bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks and gossip while keeping an eye on the sports channel.

In back, the atmosphere transforms into a casual family dining room with tables, a fireplace and African game trophies mounted on the walls.

Outside, when warm weather brings thousands of tourists to this artsy lakeshore community, the cozy patio is an ideal spot for alfresco dining.

No matter where you sit, the food is top notch.

The menu features a range of modern American fare, from burgers and gourmet grilled cheese to entrees designed to please a variety of palettes.

Worth noting are the interesting international flavor combinations. The panko-breaded crab cake appetizer features an edamamecarrot salad with a sesame-chili vinaigrette that elevates the dish to new heights. Sweet

potato fries are dusted with toasted coconutginger spice. The baby back ribs have a Texas twang thanks to a chili rub, and salmon is served with a hoisin-sriracha sauce and coconut-lime risotto.

Wild Dog also gets points for preparation. The braised beef short ribs, served with house-made pasta, are melt-off-the-bone tender — or as one diner noted, “Tastes like grandma was cooking all day.”

Soups-of-the-day also have homemade flair. The chicken corn chowder was thick and hearty and, yes, you could really taste the poultry. Salads are crisp and fresh with creatively seasoned dressings.

Recipes are a compilation of styles. Since Jeff and Diana Vickers opened the restaurant in 2007 with Sam Kendall, Wild Dog has had three executive chefs, each adding their own twist. Jon Kiewel took over the kitchen a year ago after serving as sous chef.

Kendall said the most popular item is the unique Wild Dog burger, a half-pound, Cajunseasoned, grilled Angus beef burger topped with gorgonzola, avocado mayo, haystack

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

> Must try: The Wild Dog burger and Tilapia Tacos are tops sellers, but don’t overlook the pork dishes. The baby-back ribs were really tender, with a taste that is tangy and not too sweet.

(If you’re not a lumberjack, consider the half slab.) The honey-chipotle chops also are delish. The Ironstone Cabernet 2009 was a nice pairing.

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The braised beef short ribs, served with house-made pasta, are melt-off-the-bone tender — or as one diner noted, “Tastes like grandma was cooking all day.”

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

Sous Chef Tim Moore prepares a plate in the Wild Dog kitchen. At right, dining patrons cozy up to the bar.

Opposite page, Honey Chipotle Pork Chops are grilled and served with lemon-garlic-smothered rainbow chard, finished with an apple-brandy cream.

onions and — instead of catsup — a jam made with grape tomatoes.

The adobe-spiced tilapia tacos, a favorite with vegetarians, also get high marks, as do those crispy crab cakes.

Kendall said the bar serves “lots of martinis, but we’re also heavy on wine. We focus on affordable premium wines that most places wouldn’t pour by the glass.” While the selection isn’t extensive, the choices pair nicely with the food offerings.

The décor is very “Out of Africa,” with photos, masks, posters and those mounted heads.

“It’s inspired by a photo safari and hunting trip to South Africa we took in 2005,” Kendall said.

The name, Wild Dog, refers to their love of dogs.

“Jeff and Dee opened Stray Dog restaurant in New Buffalo, so they wanted to retain part of that theme,” Kendall said. “We’d also like to coordinate with endangered animal charities.”

— IRA CRAAVEN

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

dining listings

A guide to restaurants in Grand Rapids and beyond

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

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.

Electric Cheetah — Eclectic menu changes weekly with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations in urban setting. Unique Sunday brunch. 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779. electriccheetah.com. L, D ¢-$

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. 25 Ottawa Ave SW, 8055581. twentyfivegr.com. L, D $-$$

Gilly’s At The Bob — Innovative takes on seafood on the 1st floor of The BOB, complete with raw bar. Seasonal menu offers cuttingedge fare. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com. L (Sat), D $-$$

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

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

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

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

L, D $

Brewery Vivant — House-made beer and food in the style of traditional French and Belgian country dishes. The East Hills pub/ brewery is housed in a renovated funeral chapel. Most dishes are made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors. Open daily. 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. $-$$ breweryvivant.com. L, D _ Citysen Lounge — Limited but tantalizing sel­ection of soup, salads, sandwiches and sharable small-plate creations. Happy Hour daily 4-7 pm. CityFlats Hotel, 83 Monroe Center, (866) 609-CITY. cityflatshotel.com.

L, D ¢-$ Cobblestone Bistro — Eclectic, globally in-

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

Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen in Celadon New Town, 2869 Knapp NE, serves up family recipes passed down through generations.

Opened in April by Gianni and Lisa Licari, the eatery specializes in Sicilian style pies. Sciacciata is a classic stuffed pizza with a crispy crust on the top and the bottom. Sfinciuni is pizza with a thick pan crust, chunky sauce and bits of cheese buried under the sauce. Appetizers include arancini, crispy rice balls filled with meat sauce and mozzarella. Also on the menu are calzones, pasta and desserts. See licarispizzakitchen.com. spired menu executed with pizzazz in attractive surroundings, complete with fireplace, waterfalls and koi pond. 9818 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 588-3223. mycobble $ stone.com. B (weekends), L, D

Grill One Eleven — American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Sunday Brunch buffet 10 am-2 pm, otherwise opens at 11 am. 111 Courtland Dr, Rockford 8633300. grilloneeleven.com. B (Sun), L, D $-$$ FGrove — Earth-to-table concept focuses on three- and four-course meals with a tilt toward sustainable seafood. Open 5-9 pm Tue-Sat. 919 Cherry St SE, 454-1000. grove restaurant.com. D $$ The Heritage — GRCC culinary arts students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan fare at a reasonable cost. Menu changes weekly. Wine available with dinner. Open Tue-Fri during academic year. Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234$-$$ 3700. grcc.edu/heritage. L, D Marco New American Bistro — Frenchcountry-casual offers creative dinner fare and pizza with a more casual lunch menu.

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Blue Water Grill — Wood-burning rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven allow for inspired dishes from fresh seafood to beef. Nice wine selection and The BOB’s microbrews. Lakeside views, outdoor patio with fireplace, full-service bar. 5180 Northland Dr NE, 3635900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. $-$$ php. L, D

Cygnus 27 — Stylized décor reflects a celestial theme that matches the views from the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza. Seasonally driven menu encourages sharing.

Open Tue-Sat eves; Sun brunch Labor Day to Mother’s Day. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 7766425. amwaygrand.com. D $$

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S:7.125”

great steak enjoy a

S:9.875”

guys night out over

Photography by Johnny Quirin

and a few beers.

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

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Full bar. Closed Sun. 884 Forest Hill Ave SE, 942-9100. marcobistro.com. L, D $-$$ Olives — Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE, 451-8611. eatatolives.com. L, D ¢-$ One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom — Eclectic menu with samplings of vegetarian, Mexican and European cuisines. Dine alfresco on street-front patio. Occasional live music.

Closed Sun. 136 E Fulton St, 235-7669. one ¢-$ trick.biz. L, D Reserve — Wine bar with extensive by-theglass selections and culinary options to match. Opens at 4, closed Sun. 201 Monroe Ave NW, 855-9463. reservegr.com. D $-$$ Rockwell-Republic — Diverse menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from sushi to creative comfort food. Upper-level outdoor seating. 45 S Division Ave, 6086465 or 551-3563. republicgrandrapids. com. L, D $-$$ Rose’s — Dockside dining on EGR’s Reeds Lake with a varied menu and a three-season porch. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. Takeout at Rose’s Express, 2224 Wealthy St SE, 458-4646. thegilmorecollection.com/roses. $ php. B (weekends), L, D San Chez, A Tapas Bistro — Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style appetizers, side dishes and entrées. Extensive wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. L, D $-$$ Schnitz Ada Grill — Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. 97 Ada Dr, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzdeli.com. L, D ¢-$$ FSix.One.Six — Contemporary American fare. JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 2421500. ilovethejw.com. B, L, D $-$$ SpeakEZ Lounge — Continental “peasant” fare, with starters like garlic and fig brie.

French onion soup, creative sandwiches, salads, and entrees such as saffron asparagus risotto and diver scallops with squid ink linguini. Sun brunch followed by live cabaret. Open daily. 600 Monroe Ave NW, 4583125. speakEZlounge.com. L, D $ Tavern On The Square — Tapas-style fare plus house specialties. Patio seating. 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. tavernonthesq.com. ¢-$ L, D Winchester — Locally sourced menu aims to reinvent bar food in reclaimed centuryold space with shuffleboard court-patio. 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr.com.

L, D ¢-$

Classic American Restaurants and diners serving traditional dishes popular across the country.

Acorn Grille At Thousand Oaks — Blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, artfully presented in handsome dining room with golf course views. Open daily in season. 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr, 447-7750. thousandoaks golf.com. L, D $$ 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. mainstreetmediagroup.com. L, D $-$$ Bentham’s Riverfront Restaurant — Upscale selections served in casually elegant surroundings. Open daily in the Amway Grand Plaza, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com/ $ benthams.html. B, L, D

River. Early menu (4:30-6 pm daily), Sun brunch. GR Steamer Bar has its own menu.

63 Market Ave SW, 459-2500. muer.com. L, D, C $-$$ The Chop House — In the tradition of the best American chophouses with aged prime beef and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6184. thechophouserestau $$ rant.com. D Dugan’s Pub & Grille — Casual dining with steaks, seafood, pasta and more at The Elks at the Highlands Golf Club. Adjacent Glendevon offers banquet facilities. 2715 Leonard St NW, 453-2451. grandrapidselks. org. L, D $-$$ Fall Creek — Appetizers, gourmet pizzas and creative entrées. Closed Sun-Mon. 201 Jefferson St, Hastings, (269) 945-0100. fallcreek ¢-$ dining.com. L, D

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. D

Firerock Grille — Country club dining plus option to cook your own filet, shrimp or ahi tuna on a 500-degree stone. Open daily. Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. $ stonewatercc.com. L, D

Boulder Creek Restaurant — Boulder Creek Golf Club restaurant serves a varied menu with golf-course views from inside or on the deck. 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, (616) 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com.

L, D ¢-$

Flat River Grill — Casual atmosphere in turnof-century building on the river. Al fresco dining on patio. Menu ranges from comfort food to wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The BOB’s House of Brews beers on tap. 201 E Main St, Lowell, 897-8523. thegilmorecollec $-$$ tion.com/flatriver.php. L, D

Brann’s Sizzling Steaks And Sports Grille — Famous sizzler steaks with grill items and salads, baskets, Mexican entrées and 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) 798-1399; Brann’s of Portage, 700 Martin Luther King Dr, (269) 321-8852; Brann’s Caledonia, 6450 $ 100th St, 891-6055. branns.com. L, D Bull’s Head Tavern — A dozen appetizers from brie to pot stickers. Dinners include warm bread and chef-selected sides. 188 Monroe Ave NW, 454-3580. thebullshead $ tavern.com. L, D Cascade Roadhouse — Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare.

Closed Sun. 6817 Cascade Rd SE (at Old 28th $-$$ St), 949-1540. L, D Charley’s Crab — Fresh seafood from a menu that changes nightly. Located on the Grand

Grand Villa — Longtime favorite serving prime rib, seafood, complete salad bar, full service bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 538-1360. grandvillarestaurants.com. L, D $ Great Lakes Shipping Co. — Everything from beef, seafood and beyond in comfortable dockside motif. Patio open in summer. No lunch, but open Sun afternoons. 2455 Burton St SE, 949-9440. greatlakesshippingcompa $-$$ ny.com. D Grille 29 — Menu includes specialty panini and a variety of entrées. Full-service bar. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Holiday Inn Select, 3063 Lake Eastbrook SE, 285-7600. holidayinn.com.

B, D $ Grille At Watermark — Innovative menu in relaxing atmosphere overlooking golf course.

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

Bottomless salad bowl and potato bar. 1071

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPLe / reviews

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

Closed Sun. 4676 32nd Ave, Suite F, Hudsonville, 662-9670. hudsonvillegrille.com. B, L, D ¢-$ J Bar — The BOB’s steakhouse restaurant.

Closed Sun. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. the bob.com. D $$ 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 (Rad-isson Riverfront Hotel at US 131), 363-7748. radisson.com/hotels/ migrapno/dinings. B, L, D $

Sip Organic Juice Bar in Cascade has been serving up a variety of drinks made from freshly squeezed veggies and fruits since February, when Jennifer Pohlman opened the doors at 6770 Old 28th St. in the AQUUS building.

Response has been so enthusiastic the raw foods aficionado is opening a second Sip in the Kingsley Building at the intersection of Robinson Road and Lake Drive in Eastown.

“Juicing is huge right now,” she said.

“People want an avenue for good health.

And they want information about how to make fresh juice at home, which I encourage.”

Her Sip menu ranges from such pure concoctions as Beet The Blues, made with the juice of fresh beets, carrots, celery, apple, ginger and lemon, to smoothes, including Is This Love, a blend of açai, banana, almond butter and spirulina.

Customers can also create their own combos using any of the fresh produce available.

Pohlman has been selling her raw, organic Jenergy Bars since 2010 and designed a 3 Days Raw detox program that she offers through Sips.

For info on hours, menus, classes and more, visit sipjuicebar. com

Louis Benton steakhouse — Features premium Buckhead beef, wet- and dry-aged steaks and more. Closed Sun. Free valet parking at Ionia entrance. 77 Monroe Center Ave NW, Suite 100, 454-7455. louisbenton. com. L, D $-$$ 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.

L, D $$ Meadows restaurant — GVSU’s professional and student-staffed restaurant; patio and dining room overlook golf course. Full menu offers everything from burgers to NY strip steak. Seasonal hours; closed Sun. 1 W Campus Dr, Allendale, 895-1000. gvsu.edu/ meadows/. L, D $-$$ Middle Villa inn — Weekly prime rib specials, salad bar, casual atmosphere, occasional live bands. Banquet rooms available.

Closed Mon and Wed. 4611 N Middleville Rd, Middleville, (269) 795-3640. middle-villainn.com. L, D $ Pearl street Grill — Bright, airy restaurant in the downtown Holiday Inn. Open daily. 310 Pearl St NW, 235-7611. guestservice@higrdt. com. B, L, D $ red Jet Café — Gilmore Collection restaurant in the former Creston Heights library. Coffee bar and menu ranging from omelets to spe-

PhotoGraPhy by aLissa Lane

Do you want bee pollen in that smoothie?

FLeo’s — Combines fine dining (fresh seafood is the specialty) and casual comfort.

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

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cialty pizzas. Full bar; opens 7 am. 1431 Plainfield Ave NE, 719-5500. thegilmorecollec tion.com/redjet.php. B, L, D (Tue-Sat) ¢-$ Reds On The River — Located on the Rogue River, Reds combines casual sophistication with Tuscan sensibilities. Closed Sun. 2 E Bridge St, Rockford, 863-8181. reds-live.com.

L, D $-$$ Rio Grand Steak House & Saloon — Texasstyle barbecue ribs, steaks and more. 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266; 1820 44th St SW, 534-0704. michiganmenu.com. L, D $-$$ Rush Creek Bistro — Diverse menu in clublike surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials. Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. L, D $ Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — The classic American steakhouse now in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s fully renovated former 1913 Room. 187 Monroe Ave NW, 774-2000. amwaygrand.com. L, D $$ 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, 6981833; 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, 8378558; 1665 Viewpond SE, Kentwood, 4552111. L, D $ Spinnaker — Menu features seafood and landlubber entrees. Sunday brunch. 4747 28th St SE (Hilton Grand Rapids Airport), 957-1111. thehilton.com. B, L, D $-$$

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISSA LANE

Sundance Grill — Breakfast-and-lunch spot also offers a dinner menu in the California/ Southwestern tradition with a margarita bar.

5755 28th St SE (Esplanade Plaza), 9565644; 40 Pearl St NW (breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sat), 776-1616. 4gr8food. com. B, L, D $ Swan Inn Restaurant — Home-cooked meals such as pot roast, Salisbury steak and meatloaf. Huge breakfasts. Cygnet Lounge offers cocktails and nibbles, dinner menu. 5182 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1245. swaninnmotel. com. B, L, D ¢-$ Terrace Grille At Bay Pointe Inn — Casual gourmet dining, martini bar and lakeside terrace. Seasonally changing menu emphasizes regional fare. Sunday brunch. 11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville (off US 131), (269) 672-5202 or (888) GUN-LAKE. baypointe inn.com. L, D $-$$

Tillman’s — Chicago-style chophouse that’s been “hidden” in a warehouse district for more than 25 years. Known for steaks but something for every taste. Closed Sun. 1245 Monroe Ave NW, 451-9266. L, D $-$$ Timbers Inn — Menu ranges from appetizers to wild game offerings and meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Sunday omelet bar til 2 pm. 6555 Belding Rd NE, 8745553. timbersinn.net. L, D ¢-$ Tullymore — Restaurant at Tullymore Golf Club offers seasonal menu in beautiful surroundings. Large patio for outdoor dining.

11969 Tullymore, Stanwood, (800) 9724837. tullymoregolf.com. L, D $-$$ Twisted Rooster — Classic dishes with unexpected twists. Full bar featuring 18 beers on tap, local beers/wines. 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171. twistedrooster.com. L, D ¢-$$ Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro — Micro-brewery with varied menu. 105 E State St, Hastings, (269) 945-4400. walldorffbrewpub. com. L, D ¢-$ Winter Inn — Seafood, steaks and prime rib along with seafood specialties in historic inn setting. Banquet facilities. 100 N Lafayette St, Greenville, (616) 754-7108. thewinterinn. com. L, D $

DAYTIME CASUAL Eateries that specialize in breakfast and lunch.

Anna’s House — Family dining with breakfast and lunch until 2 pm. 3874 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8500. B, L ¢ Cherie Inn — Relaxed setting for upscale breakfasts and innovative specials, served until 3 pm. Closed Mon. 969 Cherry St SE, 458-0588. Facebook. B, L ¢ Cheshire Grill — Everything made fresh: comfort food, breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and more. Open 7 am-4 pm daily. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 635-2713. Facebook. B, L ¢ Fat Boy Burgers — Legendary burger joint in the Cheshire neighborhood offers breakfast 6-11 am weekdays (7 am Sat) and lunch until 3 pm. Closed Sun. 2450 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-7075. B, L ¢ The Gathering Place — Cozy setting and imaginative menu, including homemade soups and dessert selections. Open daily until 2 pm. 6886 Cascade Rd SE, 949-3188. B, L $ Omelette Shoppe & Bakery — A plethora of omelets, along with pecan rolls, pastries and more. Open daily til 3 pm. 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; 1880 Breton Rd SE, 726-7300.

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

omletteshoppe.com. B, L

¢-$

Real Food Café — Open early for breakfast and lunch. Open until 2 pm; closed Mon. 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 5430 Northland Dr NE, 361-1808. Facebook. B, L ¢ Red Geranium Café — Popular spot for specialty omelets, homemade soups, breads and desserts. Two locations: 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave. 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. B, L ¢

Cascade Sports Grill — Varied menu and sizable bar with 10 brew taps and extensive martini menu. Games, TVs and live DJ Sat night. Cascade Centre, 6240 28th St SE, 9743338. Facebook. L, D $ Cheero’s Sports & Sushi Grill — Japanese fare along with pizza, burger and microbrew.

Several TVs and outdoor patio next to Michigan Athletic Club. Open daily. 2510 Burton St SE, 608-3062. cheerosgrill.com. L, D ¢-$

Susie’s Café — Breakfast served through lunch. Sandwiches, soups and burgers from the grill with malts, smoothies and ice cream. 1120 Knapp St NE, 363-1530. B, L ¢

Cheers — Popular neighborhood spot with something for everyone in a log-cabin environment. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188.

B, L, D ¢

Wolfgang’s — Popular Eastown spot renowned for breakfasts. Lunch includes salads, sandwiches. Open 6:30 am-2:30 pm daily. 1530 Wealthy St SE, 454-5776. matt wolfgang.com. B, L ¢

Corner Bar — Rockford’s spot for a brew and a chili dog. 31 N Main St, Rockford, 8669866. rockfordcornerbar.com. L, D ¢

Vegetarian Bartertown Diner — Vegetarian/vegan/raw offerings in worker-owned and -operated diner. Promotes use of fresh, local ingredients. Sandwiches, tacos, pizzas, entrees.

Open daily (hours change seasonally, check website). 6 Jefferson Ave SE, 233-3219. www. bartertowngr.com. L, D $ Gaia Café — Totally vegetarian fare served in a cozy atmosphere. Closed Mon. No alcohol. 209 Diamond Ave SE, 454-6233. Facebook. B, L ¢

Pubs & Taverns 84th Street Pub and Grille — Menu offers Am­­ eri­can fare from pizzas to steaks in laidback surroundings with flat-screen TVs and fullservice bar. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr, Byron Center, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. L, D ¢-$ Bar Louie — Urban décor at Woodland Mall, with sandwiches, appetizers, burgers and hearty entrées. More than 20 beers, along with a nice wine selection and specialty cocktails. Outdoor seating.

3191 28th St SE, 885-9050. barlouieamer ica.com. L, D $-$$ Bobarino’s At The Bob — Grill on 2nd floor of The BOB offers everything from woodfired pizza to upscale entrées. Full-service bar with The BOB’s microbrews on tap. Live entertainment in Cisco’s Island Lounge. 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thegilmorecollec $ tion.com/bobarinos.php. L, D Bud & Stanley’s — Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. TVs galore and takeout available. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. L, D ¢-$

Cottage Bar — Longtime favorite since 1927.

Famous Cottage burgers and fries, signature chili and more. Closed Sun. 8 LaGrave Ave ¢ SE, 454-9088. cottagebar.biz. L, D Derby Station — Sophisticated pub grub with full bar featuring an array of specialty beers. 2237 Wealthy St SE, 301-3236. derby station.com. L, D $ Eastown Sports Bar & Grill — Burgers and light fare. Open daily: Mon-Fri 5-11:45 pm, Sat 3 pm-2 am, Sun 9 am-11:45 pm. 1520 ¢ Wealthy St SE, 356-4950. D Elbow Room Bar & Grill — Cozy neighborhood watering hole serves burgers, nachos and more. Games and jukebox. 501 Fuller Ave NE, 454-6666. L, D ¢-$ Flanagan’s — Popular Irish pub. Imported beers, 20 on tap. Entrees with an Irish influence. Frequent live music. Closed Sun. 139 Pearl St NW, 454-7852. flanagansgr.com. L, D ¢ Founders Brewing Co. — Sip microbrew samples in the spacious taproom, serpentine bar and stage for live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Covered (heated) porch. 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. founders brewing.com. 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. L, D ¢-$ 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. amwaygrand.com. L, D

$

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. grandwoodslounge.com. L, D $-$$ Harmony Brewing Co. — Eastown’s latest addition to the craft-brewing scene offers custom brews with a full bar, wine selections and menu of wood-fired pizzas (expanded menu to follow) in cool, eclectic surroundings. 1551 Lake Drive SE. Facebook. L, D $ Holiday Bar — Classic horseshoe bar with 12 beers on tap, bar food, pool tables, darts and more. 801 5th St NW (at Alpine Ave), 4569058. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Holly’s Back Door Bar & Grill — Full menu and good selection of munchies at the bar in Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Closed Sun & Mon. 255 28th St SW, 241-1417. hojogr.com. B, L, $ D HopCat — Crafted brews with close to 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare from meatloaf to mussels. Open daily. 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677. hopcatgr. com. L (Sat-Sun), D ¢-$ Hub’s Inn — Sandwiches, wet burritos and thin-crust pizza. Closed Sun. 1645 Leonard St NW, 453-3571. hubsinn.com. L, D ¢ Intersection Café — Roomy entertainment venue offers sandwich wraps, burgers, vegetarian options and more. 133 Grandville Ave SW, 459-0977. sectionlive.com. L, D ¢ JD Reardon’s — Restaurant and lounge in The Boardwalk offers American, Southwest, Thai and more. Banquet facilities; outdoor seating. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 454-8590. jdreardons.com. B, L, D $-$$ J. Gardella’s Tavern — Massive bar is matched by gargantuan menu ranging from homemade chips to build-your-own burger.

Three floors of seating. Open Sun for arena events. 11 Ionia Ave SW, 459-8824. jgardellas tavern.com. L, D ¢ Logan’s Alley — Free popcorn complements a premium-libation special. Sandwich-andappe-tizer menu. Seasonal deck seating. 916 Michigan St NE, 458-1612. logansalley.com.

L, D ¢-$ Main Street Pub — Large-screen TVs and varied menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches and entrées. Open 11 am daily; breakfast 8 am Sun. 11240 University Parkway, Allendale, 895-1234. mainstpub.com. B (Sun), L, D ¢-$ Mill Creek Tavern — Comstock Park eatery

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPLe / reviews

Simple, fresh-ground hamburgers satisfy in a way that those from any restaurant that buys pink slime cannot.

“There’s a communal aspect to our grinding the beef. Juliet preps the cubes, then, later, John and I feed them into the grinder. I shove handful after handful into the hopper, and he gently presses them through.

On the second pass, more comes out the sides because fat seems to clog the center holes. The patties form perfectly. I salt and pepper one side, then toss on a medium-hot grill. Ten minutes later, we’re dressing the oat buns with mayo, mustard, a touch of BBQ sauce, sweet pickle slices and a few leaves of arugula. My first bite is savory, peppery, enticing and somehow alive. Although I usually mow down on burgers, I take this one slow ... relish it.

Too soon, it is gone. Although mine could have used a touch more fat, everyone else claims to love theirs. Next time: oxtail!”

— JEREMY JOHNSON

HeFeDsHeFeD.COM

Join the daily grind

She fed: “What’s surprising is how quick and simple the process is; I’m

Two foodies go back to basics for the best burger, then relish the tasty result.

not sure why we didn’t try it

The question seems simple: Why eat hamburger comprised of anything other than good quality beef?

Many restaurants offer a superior burger made from fresh meat ground daily, sans any ammonia-treated ingredients (aka “pink slime”). We’ve enjoyed patties at local eateries like Reserve and Brewery Vivant that are amazing and flavorful, and that leads us to wonder if we can recreate them at home.

Armed with our trusty KitchenAid and grinder attachment, we invite friends over to help us experiment. There are many recipes, but Alton Brown’s Serious Eats article is most helpful.

He explains his own ratio tests during the quest to grind a perfectly balanced burger.

We opt for a pound of top sirloin, a pound of chuck roast, and a tiny wedge of duck proscuitto (gift from a friend). We cube the meat, then freeze it for an hour before sending it through a coarse grind twice. Four voluptuous patties soon sizzle on the grill.

There’s something respectful about starting with a cut of meat that looks at least somewhat like the animal it used to be, then preparing it for sustenance as artfully as possible. Simple, fresh-ground hamburgers satisfy in a way that those from any restaurant that buys pink slime cannot. Just ask our friends, or any of the customers who’ve had the good fortune and sense to order a burger prepared by a local, mindful chef.

Do try this at home! For more info, recipes, photos and videos, visit HeFedSheFed.com.

extolled the virtues of fresh

sooner. Regardless of working with high-profile chefs who’ve ground burger meat and despite having the right equipment at home, I assumed it would be difficult. We turn our experiment into an excuse to entertain friends and invite another couple over, knowing we’ve got Chinese delivery on speed-dial in case there’s a mishap. The guys get started in the kitchen while we gals sip wine and add commentary. The entire process to grind the meat, patty it up and toss it on the grill takes less than 20 minutes.

Our unembellished ingredients (well, maybe duck prosciutto is a bit frou-frou) pay off, yielding incredibly succulent burgers with delicious and authentic beefy taste.”

— JULIET JOHNSON

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

He fed:

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offers appetizers, from-scratch daily soups, sandwiches as well as full dinner options.

Full bar with separate dining room. 3874 West River Dr, 784-3806. L, D ¢-$

bay Cuisine in Eastown with English pub grub, full bar and lots of beers on tap. Pool table, dart boards, WiFi. 1420-1424 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. Facebook. L, D ¢-$

Mojo’s — Lively dueling piano bar and restaurant open for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat, plus late night “munchy menu.” RSVP for dinner early, show starts at 8 pm Wed-Thu, 7 pm Fri-Sat, DJ, dancing, pool tables, VIP Room and flat-screen TVs on 2nd floor. 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar. com. D (Wed-Sat) ¢-$

Quinn & Tuite’s irish Pub — Large selection of Irish whiskies and Guinness on tap.

Typical bar fare. Irish music, live bands Sat. 1535 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-8380. quinnand tuites.com. L, D ¢-$ rocky’s Bar & Grill — Burgers, appetizers and more. Art Deco bar, pool table. Kitchen open late; some evening entertainment. Open Sun

nick Finks — Mexican fare and drinks in historic tavern, part of The Gilmore Collection.

Draft beer, wine, sangria and cocktails. Occasional live music, open mic nights. Daily happy hour 3-6 pm. 3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-9886. thegilmorecollec tion.com. L, D $ nite Cap Bar & Grill — Roomy with outdoor patio, pool tables, video games, big-screen TVs, Keno and karaoke Thu-Sat evenings.

Soups, salads, sandwiches, flame-broiled burgers, Mexican selections and dinners.

801 W Fulton St, 451-4243. nitecapbar.com.

L, D ¢ 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.

L, D ¢-$ Ottawa Tavern — Sports bar/restaurant shares space with deli sister Bite for breakfast and lunch. Rebranding into upscale jazz club/restaurant with live jazz nightly, new menu. Closed Sun. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 4518000. thegilmorecollection.com/ot.php. D $-$$

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

Peppino’s ristorante Pizzeria And sports Lounge — Italian specialties, Sicilian-style steak and chicken, burgers, etc. Separate sports bar. 5053 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Allendale, 895-1615. Family-friendly Peppino’s Sports Lounge in downtown GR, 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444. peppinospizza.com.

L, D ¢-$$ Pub 43 — Caters to all, but is especially popular with gay crowd. Board games, TVs, fully stocked bar. Menu ranges from burgers to upscale items. Jukebox, occasional live entertainment. Open daily at 3 pm. 43 S Division Ave, 458-2205.

D ¢-$

Beverly Pepper and(detail), Giovanni Carandente Dale Chihuly.

The Sun 2010.

Photo by Scott Mitchell Leen. in Spoleto, 1962, with Gift of Icarus.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

BEVERLY PEPPER: PALINGENESIS 1962–2012 Friday, May 25–Sunday, August 26, 2012

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park presents the first major presentation on Pepper in recent years and the first to explore the power and vision of her work in metal. From welded steel of the early 1960s, to pristine geometric works of the 1970s, to the ascending monoliths of recent years — experience iconic works from across her repertoire. Plan your visit today at MeijerGardens.org .

The Pubb — Sports bar serving sandwiches, burgers and munchies. Open daily 11 am-2 am, Happy Hour 11 am-7 pm. 1568 Broadway Ave NW, 608-7420. pubbbar.com. L, D ¢ Queen’s Pub sports Bar — Adjacent to BomJune 2012 / GrmaG.com 77

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

After the storm, a rainbow. at 5 pm with $1 beer specials. 633 Ottawa Ave NW, 356-2346. myspace.com/rockysgr.

L, D ¢-$ Sazerac Lounge — New Orleans-style lounge featuring bar food with a Cajun bent. Live entertainment Sat nights. Open for lunch TueSat, Mon at 4 pm. 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 4510010. myspace.com/sazeraclounge. L, D $

We’ll watch your back during the storm.

The Score — Restaurant and sports bar with varied menu. 5301 Northland Dr NE, 3010600. thescore-restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Shamrock Bar & Grill — Diverse menu includes special burgers and a wide range of entrees. 2501 Wilson Ave NW, 735-3888. L, ¢-$ D Shepards Grill & Tavern — Bar food with flare, from appetizers to Kobe top sirloin.

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

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

53 Commerce Ave, 742-4444. stellasgr.com.

L, D ¢-$ Teazers Bar & Grill — Burgers and pastas, sandwiches, salads and Southwestern bites.

Kids menu. Open daily. 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 459-2481. teazersbar.com. L, D ¢-$ Village Inn Pizza Parlor — Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican and more. Karaoke nights Thu-Sat. Open daily; weekday lunch buffet. 2215 44th St SE, Kentwood, 281-1444; 934 Washington St, Holland, (616) 392-1818. vipizza.net. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Sports Lounge & Pizzeria — Pizza and pasta plus panini sandwiches and wraps in sports-centric surroundings. Outside deck, live entertainment. Open daily.

3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7842526, takeout 784-5011. vitalessportsbar. ¢-$ com. L, D West Side Bar — No-frills neighborhood tavern with bar-food menu. Live entertainment weekends. 1568 Broadway NW, 459-1240. L, D ¢

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Woody’s Press Box — Complex includes two bars, a patio and bowling. Menu offers sandwiches and shrimp, barbecue fare. Breakfast and lunch only Sun). 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 530-3242. spectrumlanes.com. B, L, D $ Z’S — Sports-themed eatery known for its ribs. Soup-salad-sandwich lunches. Carryout available. 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. L, D ¢-$

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Crazy Charlie’s — Coney Island-style dogs and more. 2184 Wealthy St SE, 451-6720. L, ¢ D

Bagel Beanery — All locations serve breakfast and deli sandwiches plus specialty coffees. Vegetarian options. 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. B, ¢-$ L, D

Dam Dogs — On the dam in downtown Rockford serving several hot dog plus ice cream.

25 Squires St, Rockford, 863-9565. L, D ¢

Big Apple Bagels — Fresh bagels and 15 cream cheese mixtures. 3915 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-1919; 2058 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-2390; 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 5547915. babcorp.com. B, L, D ¢

The Grand Coney — Home-style dinners, Mexican fare and all-day breakfast in addition to Coney Island dogs. Open 24/7. 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580. Facebook. B, L, D

¢

Biggby Coffee — East Lansing-based chain offers specialty coffee and non-coffee drinks, baked goods, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, bagel sandwiches. Wi-Fi. For locations, see biggby. com. ¢

Jonny B’z Dogs And More —All-meat dogs, burgers and sandwiches, plus vegan options.

Closed Sun, open until 2 am Thu-Sat. 638 Wealthy St SE. Facebook. L, D ¢

Bite — Coffee shop and deli side of Ottawa Tavern. Large selection of sandwich wraps, soups and salads, Craft Artisan Bakery brownies, cookies, muffins. Closed Sun. 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 451-8000. Thegilmorecol lection.com/bitesoupkitchen.html. B, L ¢ Bitter End —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, 451-6061. B, L, D ¢ Boardwalk Subs — 20 huge Jersey-style subs in addition to familiar choices. Catering and delivery. Open daily. 5422 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 724-2492. L, D ¢ Café Aromas — Sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups plus a variety of coffee drinks.

Open 6:30 am-5:30 pm Mon-Fri. 880 Grandville Ave SW, 245-7379. tastycafearomas. com. B, L ¢ 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. cherrydeli.com. L, D Chicago Style Gyro — Gyros, salads, sandwiches, shish kebab and more, plus Kurdish tea made from a secret family recipe. Open 11 am-7 pm Mon-Sat. Delivery available. 539 Leonard St NW, 451-0021. chicagostylegyro. us. L, D ¢ Cornucopia — Bakery, sandwichs, pizza, take-home specialties, coffees, one-of-akind wine selection. Open daily. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 776-6428. amwaygrand. com. B, L, D ¢-$

The Dog Pit — Several hot dog variations with house-made chili topping and variety of condiments. Also daily soups. Closed Sun. 132 Monroe Center NW, 988-1508. Facebook.

L, D ¢

JW’s — Art gallery meets coffeehouse with rotation of local art. Light fare plus coffee drinks. Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 285-1695. Facebook. B, L ¢ Kava House — Popular Eastown spot with bakery items (from scones to spinach pies) and java served in bowl-sized cups. 1445 Lake Dr SE, 451-8600. On Facebook. B, L, D ¢ Local Mocha — Downtown location offers coffee specialties and smoothies as well as grilled breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Closed Sun. Free Wi-Fi. 96 Monroe Center NW, 459-0082. localmochagr.com. B, L ¢ Newk’s Express Café — Modern space with fast-casual counter-order/table-delivery service and well-stocked condiment and beverage site. Superbly composed sandwiches, salads, soups and chili, 10-inch pizzas and “homemade” desserts. Open daily.

2650 East Beltline Ave SE, 956-5980. newks cafe.com. L, D ¢-$ Nunzia’s Café — Combo specials plus Italian dishes. Open 8:30 am-2 pm weekdays. In Merrill Lynch building, 250 Monroe Ave NW, No. 140, 458-1533. B, L ¢ One Stop Coney Shop — Hot dogs plus salads, sandwiches, fries and house-made condiments in downtown GR. Open 11 am7:30 pm Mon-Fri. 11 am-3 pm Sat. 154 E Fulton, 233-9700. onestopconeyshop.com. L, D (M-F) ¢ Rico’s Deli — Relocated to the Boardwalk building, offers deli sandwiches, subs, wraps, paninis, soups, breakfast selections and daily specials at modest prices. Also houses Liquid Cargo coffee shop. Open daily. 940 Monroe Ave NW, 451-0225; ricosdeli.

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

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Wake up and smell the chocolate Combine premium chocolate with cute packaging and clever names and you get MAC Bars, yummy candy made locally at Mary Ann’s Chocolates. The 2.75 ounce bars come in 18 quirky flavors, from Eat My Dirt (milk chocolate with gummy worms and chocolate cookie crumbs) to the sophisticated I’m Getting Pistoffeed (dark chocolate studded with pistachios and toffee).

The bars are a true team effort of Don Kallil’s Mary Ann’s Chocolates and Design Design Inc., his GR-based stationery company. Chocolatier Anthony Abraham concocted the flavors while the art department at Design Design sketched the MAC guy and came up with the fun names.

To see ’em all, visit maryannschocolates.com or drop by the shop at 2226 Wealthy St. SE in East Grand Rapids.

¢

ritz Koney Bar & Grille — Hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches and more. Full bar with limited wine list. Closed Sun. 64 Ionia Ave SW, 4513701. ritzkoneybarandgrille.com. L, D ¢-$ riverfront Café @ The Blue Bridge — Breakfast plus sandwiches, soup and salads in Plaza Towers complex. Ferris coffee drinks served. Art of the Table sells gourmet foods.

235 W Fulton St, 459-6257. riverfrontcafegr. com, ferriscoffee.com. B, L, D ¢-$ schnitz Delicatessen — Deli with a German flair. Ada location has full bar. 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. L, D (Ada only) ¢-$ skywalk Deli — NY-style deli on the 2nd floor of Comerica Building. Fresh roasted meats, house-made soups, salads and addictive desserts. Open 7 am-3 pm Mon-Fri. Full-service, full-meal catering, too. 99 Monroe Ave NW, 732-5388. skywalkdeli.com. B, L ¢ Twisted Vine — Downtown Rockford café features Boars Head meats and cheeses on Schnitz Bakery breads, house-made soups, hearty salads and delightful desserts. full-scale catering with expanded entrees. 51 Bridge St, 866-2828. twisted vinedeli.com. L, D ¢

urban Mill Café — Deli-style specialty sandwiches, soups and salads plus baked goods.

629 Michigan St NE, 855-1526. urbanmill. com. B, L, D ¢-$ Vanillas Coffee Tea Café — Gourmet coffees, teas plus special-order bakery for cakes, cookies, cupcakes. Closed Sun. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE, Plainfield Plaza, 447-0080. vanillas cafe.com. B, L, D ¢ Wealthy street Bakery — Fresh breads, pastries with sandwiches and daily soup specials. Vegetarian options. Free Wi-Fi. Closed Sun. 608 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthy streetbakery.com. B, L ¢ WG Grinders — Variety of grinders plus 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. L, D ¢-$ Windy City Grille — Chicago-style gyros, Italian beef, dogs and more. Closed Sun; will cater. 5751 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, 261-2489. Facebook. L, D ¢ Wired espresso Bar — Coffee concoctions, baked goods, sandwiches and more in Creston Business District. Free Wi-Fi and occasional weekend entertainment. 1503 Plainfield Ave NE, 805-5245. wiredgr.com. B, L, D ¢ yesterdog — Hot dogs in a fun, nostalgic Eastown setting. Closed Sun. 1505 Wealthy St SE, 262-3090. yesterdog.com. L, D ¢

fAmilY cAsuAl Arnie’s Bakery & restaurant — Breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts; dinner menu too. No alcohol. Open daily. 3561 28th St, 956-7901; 710 Leonard St NW, 4543098; 777 54th St SW, 532-5662; 34 Squires St, Rockford, 866-4306. arniesrestaurants. com. B, L, D $ The Bistro — Urban décor with large-screen TVs, wraparound bar and barrista serving Starbucks. Casual menu covers all tastes.

Open daily. Marriott Downtown Courtyard Hotel, 11 Monroe Ave NW, 242-6000, ext 6646. marriott.com. B, L, D $ Brandywine — Café atmosphere, with extensive breakfasts, innovative lunches with vegetarian choices, dinner selections from Mexican to beef Wellington. 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641; 2844 East Beltline Ave NE, 3631723. B, L, D ¢-$ Cajun Cat — Cajun-influenced menu features seafood selections, gumbo, sandwiches. Take-out or small seating area. 3280 Remembrance Rd, Walker, 735-2416. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Charlie’s Bar & Grill — Well-rounded menu features dinners ranging from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also Mexican fare, sandwiches and more. Fullservice bar. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 3640567. L, D ¢-$

PhotoGraPhy courtesy mary ann’s chocoLates

com. B, L, D (weekdays)

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Cousin’s Tasty Chicken — Local alternative to the chains with tasty fried chicken and side dishes. Also seafood and other fried fare. Closed Sun. 1209 Leonard St NE, 4565244. L, D ¢-$ Fleetwood Diner — Extensive diner-style menu with Greek influences. Open 6:30 am for breakfast (8 am-4 pm Sun), serving dinner until 8 pm Mon-Thu, 9 pm Fri-Sat. Outdoor patio. 2222 44th St SE, 281-2300. B, L, D ¢-$ Forest Hills inn — A casual neighborhood favorite with a broad menu, excellent pizza.

Closed Sun. 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 949-4771.

B, L, D $ Fry Daddy’s Fresh Fish — Fried fish, wingdings, walleye, orange roughy, catfish, blue gill, perch, smelt and shrimp, by the pound or in baskets with fries. Also to go. Closed Mon. Trinity Plaza, 1720 44th St SE, Kentwood, 455-FISH. L, D ¢-$

Wealthy St SE, 456-0600; 3195 28th St (Woodland Mall), 942-8020; 3700 Rivertown Parkway SW, Grandville, 531-6572. olgaskitchen.com. L, D ¢ Pal’s Diner — A real diner offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options all day. Closed

Sun. 6503 28th St SE, 942-7257. palsdiner. com. B, L, D ¢ Pop’s Family restaurant — Breakfast all day long, plus classic comfort food and Mexican specialties. 1339 Walker Village Dr NW, 4539339. B, L, D ¢-$

Independence day... every day.

Grand Traverse Pie Co. — Bakery and café offer extensive menu, with quiche, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries. Open daily.

3224 28th St SE, 977-7600. gtpie.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Green restaurant — Sandwiches, salads, burgers and seafood with an emphasis on farms with sustainable practices and humane treatment of animals. Menu includes ostrich and elk burgers. 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-8294. L, D $ The Lyon Den — Bakery, deli and convenience store with breakfast burritos, baked goods, salads, sandwiches, hotdogs, pizza bar and cotton candy. Also gluten- and sugar-free selections. Open daily.

200 Ionia Ave NW, 805-5692. thelyon dengr.com. B, L, D ¢

PhotoGraPhy courtesy mary ann’s chocoLates

Mama’s Pizza & Grinders — Thornhills Plaza eatery offers grinders, pizza, salads and pastas.

6504 28th St SE, 954-1964. mamaspizzaand grinders.com. L, D ¢ 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, 455-8604; 950 44th St SW, 5380363; 5835 Balsam Ave, Hudsonville, 6625088. mrburger.com. B, L, D ¢ noel restaurant — Christmas year-round in this former church and parsonage. Familystyle dinners, lighter fare on lunch menu. Gift shop. Hours by reservation only; parties of 10 or more preferred. 2371 Riley St, Jamestown, 896-6427. noelrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$$ Olga’s Kitchen — Greek-style sandwiches, salads, desserts and smoothies. 2213

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The owner of Gaia Café is a 35-year restaurant veteran who believes you have to be insane to be a chef.

Keeping the faith

S

urely Gaia, the mythological Greek goddess of the earth, is casting a smile on Grand Rapids. After all, her all-vegetarian namesake, Gaia Café, is approaching its 30-year tribute in her honor.

Owner Rick Van Dam has kept the vegetarian faith, offering fresh and faceless fare in homespun surroundings at 209 Diamond Ave. SE for close to three decades — quite an accomplishment when trans-

lated into restaurant years.

As a 35-year restaurant industry veteran who is not a vegetarian, Van Dam initially honed his skills at a popular steakhouse. Through stints at various fine-dining establishments, he realized his calling and earned a culinary arts degree from Oakland Community College.

Today, he says he continues to feed off the energy of the kitchen.

“You have to be insane to be a chef,”

he said. “It’s almost heroic what chefs do, making every dish the same every day and of the same quality every time — and you hope that it is or you’re going to hear about it. You have to demand of yourself constantly.”

Gaia Café’s menu includes soybean products such as tempah and, occasionally, tofu, while Gaia cookies — famously loaded with chocolate chips, granola, dates, coconut ribbons and walnuts —

> riCK VAn DAM Title: Owner of Gaia Café

PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck

Location: East Hills

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PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck

PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck

Gaia customers Jean Timmer and Alanna Timmer give their orders to Andrea Bumstead at Gaia.

make an excellent breakfast-on-the-go.

The cookies continue to lure customers in, especially when paired with a cup of house-made chai or Grand Rapids-based Schuil coffee to go.

Three years ago, Gaia added a popular juice bar, something it attempted in the early ’80s but found few takers. The carefully crafted juice selections target a variety of ailments from hangovers to detoxification. The menu explains its juices are a quick source of live enzymes owing to the natural state of their nutrients and minerals whose absorption is aided by micronutrients.

“I think, to some extent, things have changed over the years and more people are eating healthier,” Van Dam noted. “Even though we are a totally vegetarian restaurant, there are dozens now that also serve top-quality vegetarian food from pizza to sandwiches, and Asian restaurants that offer tofu. The choices now are wide and varied.”

Van Dam has always relied on locally grown products in season, but points out that he is hard pressed to find local produce in January.

“Since I’ve been in the business, chefs have always bought things local when they can. For me, growing up, I always thought it was cool to source things from other places.

“It’s almost heroic what chefs do, making every dish the same every day and of the same quality every time — and you hope that it is or you’re going to hear about it. You have to demand of yourself constantly.”

Smoothies at the juice bar and Gaia’s famous breakfast-on-the-go cookies, made with granola and other good stuff.

How cool to call Paris in the morning, and the next day you have giant white asparagus to play with.”

While local vegetarians have always sought out his fare, Van Dam said meateaters seem to enjoy his cheese-slathered dishes such as the veggie hash or burrito.

“We love all our customers and try our best to offer a really good product.” He believes that all food should be healthy and fresh — a philosophy that is manifested at — JULIE BURCH the Gaia Café.

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPLe / reviews

barbecued tofu

Can be made in large batches for future use.

Prep time: 65-75 minutes.

Defrost two pounds of extra-firm tofu and slice into ¾-inch slices. Squeeze the water out of the tofu until it’s fairly dry.

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Make a batter of a mixture of natural peanut butter combined with a little bit of coconut milk and a generous pour of naturally fermented soy sauce so it has the consistency of thin pancake batter.

Dip each tofu slice into the batter, place on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and bake in a 325-degree oven for 25-30 minutes until slightly dry.

Remove from oven and cool.

Line the bottom of a small cakepan with your favorite barbecue sauce and layer in the tofu slices, adding barbecue sauce to cover each layer.

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Tips from the chef: “We don’t serve it very often but it’s something that you can easily make at home, and kids typically like it,” Van Dam said. “The key is freezing the tofu, which helps to remove the liquids and makes it like a sponge so it picks up the flavors of the soy sauce and peanut butter and gives a resiliency to the palate.”

PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck

The Shade Shop

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Rainbow Grill — Breakfasts, homemade soup, chili, steak sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. Closed Sun. 4225 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 896-0033; 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. B, L, D ¢-$ Ramona’s Table — EGR deli with madefrom-scratch soups, sandwiches, salads, baked items and meals. Takeout and catering. Closed Sun. 2232 Wealthy St SE, 4598500. ramonastable.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Russ’ Restaurants — Fast service, 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, 2812790; 4440 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 531-1146. russrestaurants.com. B, L, D ¢ Sandi’s Family Restaurant — Home-cooked meals in casual surroundings. Daily specials; all-you-can-eat ocean perch Fri. Senior discount Mon-Tue. Closed Sun. 6597 S Division Ave, 281-3160. sandisfamilyrestaurant. com. B, L, D ¢-$ That Place On Plainfield — Classic American diner food along with some ethnic and vegetarian dishes. Closed Sun. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE, 365-6669. B, L, D ¢

Italian/ European Amore Trattoria Italiana — Regional Italian dishes using some local products as well as Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs a specialty. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon; no lunch Sat. 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park. 785-5344. amore trattoriaitaliana.com. L (not Sat), D $ Angela’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria — Italian dinners, pizza, stromboli, subs and desserts. Lunch buffet, full-service bar. Delivery and catering available. Closed Sun. 240 E Division, Sparta, (616) 887-1913. L, D ¢-$

Photography by Michael Buck

Big Bob’s Pizza — A neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village with wine and beer on tap, available to go. 661 Croswell SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. L, D $

wood-fired pizzas. 11 am-10 pm Mon-Fri. 4-10 pm Sat, closed Sun. 6450 28th St SE, 7192017. eurobistrogr.com. L (Mon-Fri), D $-$$ Florentine Pizzeria & Sports Lounge — Spacious location features Italian fare with American and Mexican choices, thin-crust pizzas. Big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, Foosball. 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. L, D ¢-$ Florentine Ristorante — Italian and American cuisine. Pizza and pasta served in the lounge until midnight; full-menu dinner 4-10 pm. Closed Sun. 3245 28th St SW, 5345419. florentineingrandville.com. L, D $ Franco’s Pizzeria — Spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, stromboli plus pizza and subs with fresh ingredients. Limited seating, takeout available (delivery offered). No alcohol.

Open daily. 2103 Alpine Ave NW, 361-7307. ¢-$ L, D Fred’s Pizza And Italian Restaurant — Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361¢-$ 8994. fredspizza.com. L, D Fricano’s Pizza Restaurant — Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Also, pasta dinners with a sauce that has made its way to the retail market. Closed Sun. 5808 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. ¢-$ D G.R.P.D. — Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery offers traditional, stuffed and specialty pizzas.

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

Open daily, with a handful of tables for dining in. 340 State St, 742-4773. grandrapids pizza.net. H, L, D ¢-$ ➧Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen — Specialties include Sfinciuni, thick-crust Sicilian pizza and Sciacciata, stuffed pizza with a crispy crust on top and bottom. Also pasta, entrees, calzones and desserts made from family recipes. Casual atmosphere. Open daily. 2896 Knapp St NE in Celadon New Town. 608-6912. Facebook. L, D $

Bella Mia Pizzeria & Italian Grill — Italian dishes and New York-style pizza. Daily lunch buffet. 6333 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Suite 450, 554-9930. L, D ¢-$

Mangiamo — Historic mansion houses family-friendly Italian eatery. Italian fare plus steaks and seafood. Extensive wine list, evening entertainment. 1033 Lake Dr SE, 742-0600. thegilmorecollection.com/ mangiamo.php. D $-$$

Brick Road Pizza — Specializing in gourmet, traditional and vegan pizzas. Gluten-free crusts available on request. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. 1017 Wealthy St SE, 7192409. brickroadpizza.com. L, D ¢-$

Marinade’s Pizza Bistro —Wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, sandwiches and more.

No alcohol. Catering available. 109 Courtland St, Rockford, 863-3300. marinades pizzabistro.com. L, D ¢

Euro Bistro — European bistro fare plus

Monelli’s Italian Grill And Sports Bar —

Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace.

5675 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming, 530-9700. ¢-$ monellis.com. L, D Noto’s Old World Italian Dining — Elegant décor and extensive menu. Special wine cellar dinners in unique surroundings; lounge menu features light fare. Closed Sun. 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686. notosoldworld.com. $-$$ D Pietro’s Italian Ristorante — Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu, meeting room and takeout available. 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. rcfc.com/pietros.

L, D $ Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant — Sicilian and southern Italian fare using family recipes. Separate sports bar; patio seating.

Weekday lunch buffet. All menu items, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Closed Sun. 654 Stocking Ave NW, 4544280. salvatoresgr.com. L, D ¢-$ Seasonal Grille — Hastings’ Italian-themed eatery features fresh, locally sourced, creative fare in handsome surroundings. Full bar, craft cocktails, nice wine list. Open daily.

150 W State St, Hastings, (269) 948-9222. $ seasonalgrille.com. L, D FTre Cugini — Innovative Italian menu, impressive wine list, fresh daily pastas and risotto specialties. Outdoor seating in mild weather. Closed Sun. 122 Monroe Center, 235-9339. trecugini.com. L, D $-$$ Uccello’s Ristorante — Pizzeria, grill and sports lounge. 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 9542002; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor SE, 891-5958. uccellos. com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s — Serving traditional regional dishes from family recipes since 1966. 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368 (Vitale’s Sports Lounge next door, 458-2090), takeout 458-3766. ¢-$ theoriginalvitales.com. L, D Vitale’s Of Ada — Multi-regional, upscale dishes made from scratch. Also pizza, subs and burgers. Family-friendly; microbrews to martinis in separate sports pub. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 676-5400. vitalesada.com. L, D ¢-$ Vitale’s Pizzeria — Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from original Vitale family recipes. 59 W Washington St, Zeeland, (616) 772-5900, vitaleszeeland.com; 4676 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitales hudsonville.com (no alcohol served); 5380 S Division Ave, Kentwood, 530-8300. vitales. ¢-$ us. L, D June 2012 / Grmag.com 85

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That slight minty subtlety in most of the red wines reminds me of the potent French Rhône reds that have a subtle nuance often described as menthol-like.

i AM A TerrOir FAnATiC. In my opinion, in a blind tasting it is easier to pick out two wines made from different grape varieties but from the same region than it is to pick out two wines made from the same grape variety but from different regions.

With that in mind, I put together a tasting of 10 wines from Paso Robles, Calif., but included several different grape varieties.

This tasting confirmed that the wines that show best from this region, with its Mediterranean climate, are Cabs, Zins and Rhône varietals.

That slight minty

grand vine

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

subtlety in most of the red wines reminds me of the potent French Rhône reds that have a subtle nuance often described as menthol-like.

Making fresh, expressive white wines seems to be a challenge here, as we discovered with the first two wines: a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc from Don Sebastiani’s Project Paso. Though there was nothing wrong with these two white wines, it was quite obvious why Paso Robles is red wine country.

In the first red flight, we tasted three varietal wines and one Meritage blend.

This flight was composed of 2009 Austin Hope Paso Robles Grenache, 2007 Paso Creek Paso Robles Merlot, 2009 Estancia Paso Roles Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Estancia Paso Robles Meritage. Although the Paso Creek was a bit past its prime, all of these wines were really good, with that

minty flavor carrying through all of them.

The Meritage is at its peak.

The second flight consisted of 2009 Shimmin Canyon “The Pier” Paso Robles Zinfandel (Meijer private label), 2008 Rosenblum Paso Robles Zinfandel, NV Austin Hope Troublemaker Red Blend, and 2008 Rosenblum Sauret Vineyard Paso Robles Zinfandel Reserve. Again, a subtle minty flavor permeated all of these wines. In particular, the Shimmin Canyon had a remarkably bright, vivid, edgy, Mediterranean-style red-fruit purity that was just plain delicious. It was also the only wine under $10. The group score had it tied for fifth but I had it tied for first!

My other first-place wine was also the group favorite: Rosenblum Paso Robles Zinfandel. Incidentally, it was way better than the more expensive single vineyard offering.

> 2008 Rosenblum Paso Robles Zinfandel, $19 (93 points). Exotic aroma of black fruit, fresh mint and herbs lifts the sweet Zinfandel ripe fruit to a fine complex finish.

> 2007 Estancia Paso Robles Meritage, $30 (90 points). Well-balanced, mature blend of Cab, Petite Verdot and Merlot. Velvety, jam-like fruit finishes long and lush.

> NV Austin Hope Troublemaker Red, $17 (91 points). Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah blend is complex, with cherry-like fruit, coffee, eucalyptus and bacon and a long finish.

> 2009 Austin Hope Paso Robles Grenache, $33 (87 points). A whopping 15 percent alcohol!

Sweet oak combines with cherry nuances/chocolate/mint. The creaminess calms its youthful edge.

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin (toP); courtesy istockPhoto.com/enrico Fianchini (bottom)

Big ripe reds of Paso Robles

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPLe / reviews

AsiAN Including Thai and Indian fare.

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

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

Vegetarian-friendly. No alcohol. Open daily.

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

Family owned and operated. No alcohol.

Closed Mon. 825 28th St SW, 534-7770. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok Taste — Thai fare with lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550; 674 Baldwin St, Jenison, 6678901. bangkoktaste.com. L, D ¢-$ Bangkok View — Thai food and Chinese fare.

Lunch buffet. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 1233 28th St SW, 531-8070. bangkokviewthai food.com. L, D ¢-$ Beijing Kitchen — Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch specials. No alcohol. 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijing kitchengr.com. L, D ¢-$

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin (toP); courtesy istockPhoto.com/enrico Fianchini (bottom)

Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen — Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrees, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. 5751 Byron Center Ave (Bayberry Market strip mall), 261-8186. bluegingergr. com. L, D ¢-$ Bombay Cuisine — Indian fare includes tandoori and vindaloo dishes.

Full bar service, live music Thu-Sat eves. Takeout available. Closed Tue. 1420 Lake Dr SE, 456-7055. Facebook. L, D $ China Chef — Family-style Chinese restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. Facebook.

L, D ¢-$ China City — Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 5299 Eastern Ave SE, 257-7038. L, D ¢-$ China Gourmet Buffet — Daily lunch and dinner buffets with more than 100 items.

Dinner buffet served all day weekends; dis-

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPLe / reviews

Bringing farm to the city

count for seniors and children 10 and under.

No alcohol. 2030 28th St SW, 252-1379. L, D ¢-$

Anja Mast and Michael VanderBrug are bringing Trillium Haven Farm and its locovore values to the city.

For more than a decade, they’ve grown a wide variety of organic vegetables at their Jenison farm, supplying local restaurants, selling at Fulton Street Farmers Market and offering CSA shares.

Now they’re opening Trillium Haven, a farm-owned neighborhood eatery in the Kingsley building at the intersection of Lake Drive and Robinson Road in Eastown.

Chef Joel Wabeke will be dishing up what Mast calls “flextarian” cuisine with an international twist.

“People keep asking if we’ll have meat on the menu,” Mast said. “And yes, we will. But it will be ethically and humanely raised meat. And there will be vegetarian and vegan items every day because that’s the way we eat.”

International refers to culinary techniques, she explained.

“When you hear eggplant, you think Turkish or Greek. So we want to pull in the recipes from cultures that do best with each vegetable.”

Trillium’s food will also be simple, with veggies cut in bigger dice “so it’s a big chunk of tomato or potato. We really believe people want to see more vegetables on the menu.” The restaurant will also serve up ancient grains such as quinoa for those cutting back on meat consumption.

“In a lot of international cuisine, meat is not the highlight,’ Mast said. “There’s unbelievable stuff being grown in Michigan, like a variety of dried beans and

Chinatown restaurant And Japanese steak House — Chinese and Japanese cuisine with tabletop, Benihana-style meals available.

Lunch and dinner buffets. Full bar. 69 28th St SW, 452-3025. chinatowngrandrapids.com.

L, D ¢-$ China yi Wang — Chinese dishes including spicy Hunan dishes. No alcohol. 1947 Eastern Ave SE, 241-3885. L, D ¢-$ east Garden Buffet — Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol.

6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 698-8933. L, D ¢-$ empire Chinese Buffet ii — All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet served all day. Special seafood buffet Sat-Sun. Delivery available. 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. www.empirebuf fet.net. L, D ¢-$ erb Thai — Traditional Thai fare, will accommodate special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, no MSG. No alcohol. 950 Wealthy St SE, Suite 1A, 356-2573. L, D ¢ Far-east restaurant — Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes; vegetable-oil-only cooking. Carryout and catering available. No alcohol. 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. L, D $

cornmeal in different colors.”

The bar will serve beer, wine and spirits, including locally produced, chosen to complement the food.

The 108-seat eatery will provide a warm, rustic atmosphere with old brick walls, tables made of wood from old barns and lots of natural light — with an open kitchen designed so patrons can watch the chefs work.

Also in the plans are cooking classes, farm dinners and monthly seasonal celebrations.

Fuji yama Asian Bistro — Hibachi grill tables with show-chef preparations, or eat in the dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. letseat.at/fujiyama. L, D ¢-$ Fortune Chef — Chinese and American fare.

Opens 6 am weekdays, 8 am weekends with breakfast served all day. No alcohol. 9353 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1388. fortunechefcaledonia.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Golden 28 — Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin cuisine complemented by a Vietnamese menu. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 627 28th St SW, Wyoming, 531-2800. L, D $ Golden Dragon — Chinese, Mandarin and Japanese cuisines with Japanese steakhouse.

Full bar. 3629 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1318. goldendragongr.com. L, D $ Golden Gate restaurant — Chinese fare with all-inclusive lunch combination plates, egg rolls, sweet-and-sour dishes, with some hot and spicy choices. No alcohol. 4023 S Division Ave, 534-7087. Facebook. L, D ¢

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

Anja Mast, Chef Joel Wabeke and Michael VanderBrug

First Wok — Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Dine-in and take-out. Full bar. Three locations: 2301 44th St SE, 281-0681; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088. firstwokgr.com. L, D $

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Golden Wok — Knapp’s Corner eatery offers lunch and dinner options, including Hunanspiced dishes. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 3638880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. L,D ¢-$ Grand Lakes — A wide selection of Chinese dishes and specialties, along with daily lunch combination plates. No alcohol. Next to Breton Village D&W. 1810 Breton Rd SE, 954-2500. L, D ¢-$ Hibachi Grill & supreme Buffet — Pan-Asian cuisine from sushi to buffet, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American dishes. No alcohol. 785 Center Dr NW (Green Ridge Shopping Center), 785-8200. letseat. at/hibachigrillsupremebuffet. L, D ¢ Hong Kong express — Szechuan and Cantonese for dine-in or carry-out. All-you-caneat lunch buffet. No alcohol. 150 E Fulton St, 235-3888. B, L, D ¢-$ Hunan — Full menu of Chinese options, house and family dinners for groups. No alcohol. 1740 44th St SW, 530-3377; 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangr.com. L, D $

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india Town — Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan in a humble atmosphere. No alcohol. Closed Tue. 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. L, D ¢-$ Jade Garden — Chinese cuisine with some American dishes. Children’s menu, large selection of tropical cocktails. 4514 Breton Rd SE, 455-8888. L, D ¢-$ Ju sushi & Lounge — Sushi and sashimi selections, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrees in elegant surroundings.

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

PhotoGraPhy by Johnny Quirin

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

Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine.

Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Ming Ten — All-you-can-eat buffet: Japanese, Chinese, sushi bar, hibachi grill and American selections. A la carte sushi. No al-

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

cohol. 2090 Celebration Dr NE (2nd floor), (616) 365-3989. mingtenrestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Mynt Fusion Bistro — Asian fare that includes Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries: blue, peanut or yellow. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 800 W Main St, Lowell, 987-9307. myntfusion.com. L, D ¢-$ Ning Ye — Family-owned Chinese restaurant also serves Korean fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun during winter. 6747 E Fulton St, Ada, 676-5888. ningye.info. L, D $ Nu-Thai Bistro — Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, curries and noodle dishes; seafood and duck specialty plates. No alcohol. 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro. com. L, D ¢-$ Palace Of India — Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu that includes vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11 am-3 pm. No alcohol.

961 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindia restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ P.F. Chang’s China Bistro — Upscale chain known for modern Chinese dishes from Mongolian Beef to Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

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

5260 Northland Dr NE, 363-2222. rakthaibistro.com. L, D ¢-$ Red Sun Buffet — All-you-can-eat international buffet: sushi, Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese selections. No alcohol.

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

sushikuni.net. L, D

¢-$$

Szechuan Garden — Diverse Chinese menu in Eastown. Lunch specials daily 11 am-4 pm. No alcohol. 1510 Wealthy St SE, 4569878. L, D ¢-$ Thai Express — Thai specialties, spiced to specification. No alcohol. 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. L, D ¢ Three Happiness Restaurant — Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare, with daily lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. 3330 Alpine Ave NW, Target Plaza, 785-3888.

Facebook. L, D ¢-$ Tokyo Grill & Sushi — Japanese tatami rooms, sushi bars. Menu includes hibachi, teriyaki, Udon, tempura. Sake, plus Japanese and American beer and wine. Closed Sun. 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrill ¢-$ sushi.com. L, D Wei Wei Palace — Chinese seafood restaurant features Cantonese cuisine, dim sum and barbecue. Serves beer. 4242 S Division Ave, 724-1818. L, D $ Wonton Express — No-frills ambience serving authentic Chinese fare from spicy Hunan and Kung-Po dishes. No alcohol. 6719 S Division Ave, 281-8816. L, D ¢-$ XO Asian Cuisine — Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine in downtown GR with full service bar. Vegetarian options and lunch specials Mon-Sat. Free valet parking with $30 purchase. Will deliver. 58 Monroe Center, 235-6969. xoasiancuisine.com. L, D $-$$ Yummy Wok — Cantonese, Hunan and Szechuan dishes. No alcohol. 4325 Breton Rd SE, 827-2068. L, D ¢-$

Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Marie Catrib’s — Middle-Eastern fare with on-site bakery, seasonal specialties and Turkish coffee. Vegetarian options. Breakfast 7 am Mon-Fri, 8 am Sat. Lunch/dinner starts 11 am weekdays, noon Sat. Closed Sun. No alcohol. 1001 Lake Dr SE, 454-4020. mariecatribs.com. B, L, D ¢-$ Mediterranean Grill — Gyros, kabobs, shwarma, falafel, fattousch, hummus, kafta. All meats are halal, in accordance with Islamic requirements. Closed Sun. No alcohol. Cascade Center, 6250 28th St SE, 949-9696. L, D $ Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine — Lebanese cuisine, from grape leaf appetizer and tabbouleh to shish kebob, falafel and baklava. Takeout and catering. Features Lebanese beer and wine. Closed Sun-Mon. 2228 Wealthy St

SE in EGR, 456-8999. ostaslebanese.com. L, D ¢-$ Parsley Mediterranean Grille — Appet-izers, salads, soups, pitas, lunch and dinner combos of chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian entrees, kabobs and more. No alcohol. 80 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-2590. parsleymg.com. L, ¢-$ D Pita House — Gyros and other Middle East specialties. No alcohol. 1450 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029; 4533 Ivanrest Ave SW, 261-4302; 134 Monroe Center NW, 233-4875. thepitahouse.net. L, D ¢ FShiraz Grille — Persian cuisine: fire-grilled kabobs, khoreshts, vegetarian options. Full bar, wine list, martinis. 2739 Breton Rd SE, 949-7447. shirazgrille.com. L (Sun), D $ Zeytin — Turkish-American cuisine with extensive beer and wine lists. Takeout available. 400 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-2222. zeytin turkishrestaurant.com. L, D $

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

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

Mexican/Latin American/ Caribbean 7 Mares — Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfasts. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. Facebook. B, L, D ¢-$$ Adobe In & Out — Mexican offerings served quickly (Grandville location is drive-through only). 617 W Fulton St, 454-0279; 1216 Leonard St NE, 451-9050; 4389 Chicago Dr, Grandville, 257-7091. L, D ¢ Beltline Bar — Americanized Tex-Mex menu; wet burritos are the claim to fame. Full bar.

The Big Enchilada curbside service: call in your order and have it delivered to your car.

16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. L, D $ Cabana Tres Amigos — Authentic Mexican fare with full bar, take-out service, vegetarian selection. Spacious with fireplaces and

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Mexican décor. 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. L, D ¢-$ Café san Juan — Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban menu. No alcohol. 3549 Burlingame Ave SW, 530-2293. cafesanjuan.net. B, L, D ¢-$ Cancun restaurant — Neighborhood eatery specializes in Mexican seafood dishes but offers a full range of fare. 1518 Grandville Ave SW, 248-2824. H, L, D, V, MC ¢-$ Cantina — Extensive menu of Mexican specialties with full-service bar. 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. L, D $

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Chez Olga — Caribbean and Creole fare. Vegetarian/vegan options. Lunch specials. No alcohol. Open until 2 am Fri-Sat, closed Sun. 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com.

L, D ¢ Cinco De Mayo — Mexican eatery offers the usual fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. 123 Courtland St, Rockford, 866-3438; 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2404. L, D $

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Corazon — Authentic Mexican food in stylish surroundings on the Avenue for the Arts. No alcohol. Closed Sun. 122 S Division Ave, 4543847. L, D ¢ Downtown Trini’s — Sparta’s destination offers traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun and Mon. 134 E Division Ave, Sparta, 887-2500. downtowntrinis.com. L, D ¢-$ el Arriero —Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, with à la carte selections for smaller appetites. Mexican and domestic beers, Margaritas. 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. L, D ¢-$ el Barrio Mexican Grill — Tasty and creative twists on otherwise-traditional Mexican. Full bar. 545 Michigan St NE, 301-0010. elbarrio mexicangrill.com. L, D ¢-$ el Burrito Loco — More than 70 authentic Mexican selections. Complimentary chips and salsa. Full bar. 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 447-0415; 4499 Ivanrest SW, 530-9470; 4174 Alpine Ave NW, 785-4102. L, D ¢-$ Fel Granjero — Mexican fare, from steak and shrimp dishes to à la carte selections and menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. 950 Bridge St NW, 458-5595.

B, L, D ¢ el sombrero — Offers the wet burrito, and dry ones too. Weekly specials. No alcohol.

Closed Sun. 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. L, D ¢ Grand Villa Dungeon — Mexican food is the specialty. Full bar. Closed Sun. 3594 Chicago Dr SW, 534-8435. villadugeon.com. L, D $

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fresh hops

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

Perry FAVOriTes All of these were purchased at Siciliano’s Market, 2840 Lake Michigan Drive.

> Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery Perry — A Michigan product with a sharp, crisp bite and relaxing creamy finish.

> Magners Irish Pear Cider — A gluten-free import that’s sweet with lots of flavor.

> Fox Barrel Pacific Pear Cider — My favorite of the American samples. Lots of body and flavor, and glutenfree.

> Forty-Five North Pear Cider — A very pure Perry from a popular Northern Michigan winery made with only crushed ripe pears. It is very light, dry and delicate.

THe CrAFT Beer inDusTry has introduced hundreds of new beer recipes and changed the taste expectations of beer drinkers. The flipside to this beverage explosion is the introduction of new non-beer recipes.

Only a few decades ago it was difficult, if not impossible, to find hard cider. Today, hard cider is common in party stores.

Perry, a drink made from the fruit of the pear tree, has been around at least since Roman times. It had all but disappeared in America until the hard cider revival. It is now the newest product for the craft-beer-drinking audience.

When I sat down with friends to try some of these fermented pear drinks, we noticed a lot of variety — not only in flavor but also in ingredients.

Some Perry is made from fresh pear juice alone, making it light and dry in flavor. Most of the flavor seemed to melt away once it reached the back of the tongue. Other brands of Perry are made from fresh pear juice with

pear juice concentrate added to boost the flavor. These were the ones we preferred.

Most disappointing were those that were actually pear-flavored apple cider or made from a mixture of apples and pears. They tasted good but were so different from the delicate flavors of pure Perry that it seemed unfair to compare them.

We also tried Perry flavored with other fruits, specifically apricots and blackberries.

These were interesting but tasted more like a malt-flavored beverage, such as a wild berry cooler, rather than Perry.

Of the samples we tried, only two were imported: one Irish (Magners Irish Pear Cider) and one English (Sir Perry Traditional English Style Perry). These were flavorful but somehow different from the American versions. I suspect that European Perry is made from a type of pear that is completely unlike the Bartlett or Bosch pears used in American Perry.

Gr

PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck; courtesy Forty-Five north (bottom LeFt)

Hard cider revival

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food & drink restaurants / PeoPLe / reviews

Vi n e y a r d s & Wine Cellar

Jamaican Dave’s — Jerked, fricasseed or curried chicken; curry goat, oxtail, beef and chicken patties; jerked wings; salt fish and “escoveitched” fish; tofu-with-veggies. Limited seating; takeout is best bet. 1059 Wealthy St SE, 458-7875. jamaicandaves.com. L, D ¢ Jose’s restaurante — Authentic Mexican fare, with jukebox, pinball and video game.

No alcohol. 3954 S Division Ave, 530-7934. L, D ¢ Las Cazuelas — Open for breakfast at 10 am, serves lunch and dinner daily. Genuine Hispanic flavors.411 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, 726-6600. B, L, D ¢ Lindo Mexico restaurant — Featuring fresh Mexican food with “real Mexican flavor.” Happy hour 2-6 pm daily. Home of the Tamarind Margarita. Lunch and kids menus available. 1292 28th St SW, Wyoming, 2612280. lindomexicorestaurant.com. L, D ¢-$ Little Mexico Café — Traditional Mexican food and cocktails. Open daily. 401 Stocking Ave NW, 456-0517. L, D $ Maggie’s Kitchen — Homemade Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering.

No alcohol. 36 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. B, L, D ¢ Michoacan — Mexican fare plus seafood, chicken and steak dishes. No alcohol. Open at 9 am. 334 Burton St SW, 452-0018. B, L, D ¢-$

PhotoGraPhy by michaeL buck; courtesy Forty-Five north (bottom LeFt)

Mi Tierra restaurant — Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive through. No alcohol. 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. L, D ¢ Taco Bob’s — Fresh-Mex offerings, taco salads and the “funny taco,” a hard-shell wrapped in a soft shell, with nacho cheese in between. No alcohol. Open 11 am-2 pm, Mon-Fri. 250 Monroe Ave NW, 458-1533. taco bobs.com. L ¢ Taco Boy — Traditional Mexican offerings.

No alcohol. 3475 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-7111; 6539 28th St SE, 956-3424; 509 44th St SE, 257-0057; 2529 Alpine Ave NW, 365-9255; 180 Monroe Ave NW, 233-0701. tacoboy.biz.

L, D ¢ Tacos el Caporal — Two locations serving Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. Takeout. No alcohol. 1024 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, Wyoming, 2612711. B, L, D ¢ Tacos el ranchero — Mexican fare in lowkey surroundings to eat in or take out. Cash only. No alcohol. 1240 Burton St SW, 2456514. L, D ¢ Tres Lobos Grill & Bar — Lobster fajitas and parrilladas. Full-service bar. Lunch ’til 4 pm

daily. 825 28th St SE, 245-5389. treslobos restaurant.com. L, D ¢-$

lAkeshore: New AmericAN

A great wine experience is close at hand. Visit

Blue House Bistro — Neo-American Creole fusion fare from New Orleans-trained chef/ owner. Also, appetizers, soups, sandwiches/ wraps and pizza. No alcohol. Closed Mon. 220 W 8th St, Holland, (616) 355-1994. blue housebistro.com. L, D $

Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar, where you can sample from over 25 award winning wines.

Butch’s — New York-style deli by day, fine 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) 3968227. butchs.net. L, D $$ _ CityVu Bistro — Top-floor restaurant in Holland’s City Flats Hotel specializes in creative flatbreads and small-plate fare with emphasis on seasonal ingredients. 61 E 7th St, Holland, (616) 796-2114. cityvubistro.com. B, L, D $-$$

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

Feveryday People Café — Changing bistro menu from appetizers through dessert. Impressive wine list with appropriate food pairings. 11 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-4240. everydaypeoplecafe.com. D $-$$ Lake House Waterfront Grille — Overlooks Muskegon Lake. Small plates, salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, specialty burgers. Live entertainment. 730 Terrace Point, Muskegon, (231) 722-4461; thelakehousemi.com. L, D $-$$ Mia & Grace Bistro — Husband/wife chef/ owners serve locally grown products in artsy space. Breakfast/lunch year-round, special dinners during growing season. Bakery, too.

No alcohol. 1133 Third St, Muskegon, (231) 725-9500. miaandgrace.com. B, L, (D) $

Come to the vineyard on June 23rd and enjoy an afternoon at our annual Wine Festival.

Go to our website for complete details.

Piper — Lake view and a menu with everything from appetizers, pasta and wood-fired pizza to creative entrées and homemade desserts. Large selection of beer, wine, martinis. Closed Sun and Mon during winter.

2225 South Shore Dr, Macatawa, (616) 3355866. piperrestaurant.com. D ¢-$$ salt & Pepper savory Grill & Pub — Pub-grub with creative twists using Michigan-sourced ingredients. Full bar. Back patio for alfresco dining. Closed Sun. 11539 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland, (616) 355-5501. saltandpepperpub. com. L, D $ salt Of The earth — Rustic fare and bakery emphasize locally sourced products ranging from wood-fired pizzas to affordably priced entrees. Full bar. 114 E Main St, Fennville, (269) 561-7258. saltoftheearthfennville. com. D ¢-$

img.php 155×155 pixels

6130 - 122nd Ave. Fennville, MI 49408 800-432-6265 www.fennvalley.com

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food & drink Restaurants / PEOPLE / reviews

Theodore’s — Eclectic menu features American/Spanish/Mediterraneaninfluenced dishes in stylish surroundings with granite bar, glassedin wine cellar and outdoor patio.

Open Thu-Sat at 5 pm. 217 E 24th St, Holland, (616) 392-6883. theo doresholland.com. D (Thu-Sat) $-$$

17000 Lincoln Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 842-4040. grandhavengolfclub.com. L, D ¢-$ Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar — In Grand Haven’s former Grand Theatre. Oyster and sushi bar, seafood and steaks. 22 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 847-8944. harborrestaurants.com/thegrand. D

$-$$

-Wild Dog Grille — Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, stone-baked pizzas and entrees marry a complexity of flavors. Closed Mon in winter.

Full-service bar. 24 Center St, Douglas, (269) 857-2519. thewilddog grille.com. L (Fri-Sun), D $-$$

The Grill Room — Aged steaks and chops, fresh seafood and fine wines in top chophouse tradition. Closed Sun during winter. Kirby House, 2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-3299. thegilmoreollection.com /grillroom.php. D $$

Zing Eat/Drink — In Douglas’ former Blue Moon with an upscale, eclectic Greenery frames the patio at Wild Dog Grille in Douglas. Read the American/European menu in even review on page 66.

Handsome Henry’s — Big-city vibe more eclectic surroundings. Mardining room and sports bar offer tini/piano lounge. Sat-Sun brunch. signature twists. Extensive menu Bonfire Grill & Pub — Muskegon smokePatio seating. Reservations recommended. ranges from pizzas to hand-cut, aged steaks. house. Rotisserie chicken, ribs and brisket 310 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, (269) 8573065 Henry St, Muskegon, (231) 747-8583. L, are claim to fame; extensive menu with 3287. zingeatdrink.com. L, D $-$$ D $ items such as lobster tacos, alligator snaps, creative “samiches,” specialty dogs, burgers.

Jack’s — Breakfast and lunch, plus dinLakeshore: Classic 2536 Henry St, Muskegon, (231) 760-5204; ner menu with wide range of entrées, wine American bonfiregrillpub.com. L, D $-$$ by the glass. On Grand River at Waterfront Holiday Inn. 940 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, 8th Street Grill — Entrées range from meatC. F. Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar — Prime (616) 846-1370. higrandhaven.com. B, L, D loaf to ribs, with sandwiches, salads and NY strips, seafood, vegetarian options and $-$$ pasta also on the menu. Beer and wine desserts made on-site. Full-service bar. served. Closed Sun. 20 W 8th St, Holland, Closed Sun. 950 W Norton, Muskegon, (231) Kirby Grill — Casual side of the Kirby House (616) 392-5888. 8thstreetgrille.com. L, D $ 737-4943. cfprime.com. D $-$$ offers innovative touches to the American menu. Family-friendly dining upstairs. 2 84 East Food & Spirits — Neat restoration Crazy Horse Steak House & Saloon — SouthWashington Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846lends atmosphere. Varied menu includes west style family-friendly eatery, known for 3299. thegilmorecollection.com/kirby.php. unique pasta dishes and thin-crust pizzas. steaks and prime rib. 2027 North Park Dr, L, D $ Full bar. Closed Sun. 84 E 8th St, Holland, Holland, (616) 395-8393. crazyhorsesteak(616) 396-8484. 84eastpasta.com. L, D ¢-$ house.com. L, D $$ Rosebud Bar And Grill — Sandwiches, soups and pizza for lunch; steaks, ribs, pasta and Arboreal Inn — New England-style inn offers Dee-Lite Bar & Grill — “Fresh-Mex” dinner pizza for dinner. Open daily. 100 Washingfresh whitefish, Alaskan king crab, tourneselections, plus American fare. Diner-style ton Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 846-7788. rose dos Oscar and more. Closed Sun. 18191 174th breakfasts. Live music and martinis in the budgrill.com. L, D ¢-$ Ave, Spring Lake, (616) 842-3800. arboreaTheatre Bar. Sun brunch. 24 Washington $$

Bear Lake Tavern — Historic North Muskegon tavern fare ranges from yellowbelly lake perch to wet burritos. 360 Ruddiman Rd, North Muskegon, (231) 744-1161. thebearlake ¢-$ tavern.com. B (weekends), L, D Bil-Mar Restaurant — Beachfront dining with a great view of Lake Michigan. Wide selection of fine-dining entrées. Full bar. 1223 S Harbor St, Grand Haven, (616) 842-5920. bil-margrandhaven.com. L, D $$ Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant — Vintage ambiance overlooking Lake Macatawa.

Spacious patio. Two menus: casual in main dining room, bar and patio, with another room for fine dining. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, (616) 396-0600. boatwerksrestaur ant.com. L, D $-$$

Ave, Grand Haven, (616) 844-5055. harbor restaurants.com/deelite/. B, L, D $

West Coast Grille — Daily breakfast buffet, lunch fare and dinner menu ranging from quesadillas and burgers to prime rib and seafood. Open daily. Doubletree Hotel, 650 E 24th St (just off US 31), Holland, (616) 3940111. holland.doubletree.com. B, L, D $

Dining Room At Clearbrook — Menu features locally grown products. 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. L, D $-$$

Lakeshore: Pubs & Taverns

Dockers Fish House & Lounge — Waterside dining on Muskegon Lake with summer tiki bar. Seafood and land-lubber options.

Full bar. Dockhands assist with boat tie-up.

Closed Oct-Mar. 3505 Marina Point View, Muskegon, (231) 755-0400. dockersfish house.com. L, D $-$$

Chequers — Creative cuisine with British flair ranges from beef tips Sherwood to Welsh rarebit and shepherd’s pie. Imported beer served in English pub atmosphere. Open daily in summer. 220 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1868. L, D $

Falcon’s Nest — Creative lunch menu with hot and cold sandwiches, barbecue ribs, appetizers, chili and salads. Open 11 am-7 pm.

The Curragh — Irish pub features foods, spirits, music and environment of Old World Ireland. Outdoor seating, live entertainment,

Photography by Johnny Quirin

linn.com. D

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Predictable? Hardly!

MEN’S & WOMEN’S

CLOTHING

valet parking. 73 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 3936340. curraghholland.com. L, D ¢-$$ New Holland Brewing Co. — Gourmet pizzas, salads and sandwiches augment handcrafted beer and artisan spirits. Live music every Fri and Sat. 66 E 8th St, Holland. (616) 3556422. newhollandbrew.com. L, D ¢-$

Lakeshore: European Alpenrose — European fare ranges from Certified Aged Black Angus steaks to poultry and fish dishes. Five private dining rooms, banquet facility, bakery and café. Sun brunch buffet. 4 E 8th St, Holland, (616) 3932111. alpenroserestaurant.com. B, L, D ¢-$$ Marro’s — Italian fare and house-baked goods, extensive array of pizza toppings.

Open mid-April through autumn; closed Mon. 147 Waters St, Saugatuck, (269) 857$-$$ 4248. L, D Pereddies — Italian fine-dining and deli.

Wine list, full bar, wine to go. More casual fare in Scusi lounge. Closed Sun. 447 Washington Ave, Holland, (616) 394-3061. pered $-$$ diesrestaurant.com. L, D Restaurant Toulouse — Seasonally inspired menu with French classics. Award-winning wines. Hours vary; private parties can be arranged. Sun brunch in summer. 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, (269) 857-1561. restaurant $$ toulouse.com. L, D

A C l o t h i n g B o u ti q u e f o r M e n & W o m e n 963 Cherry • Grand Rapids 616-451-0800 w w w . s w i r l s b o u ti q u e . c o m

Best Pesto

Al Fresco!

Two Tonys Taverna Grille — Italian, Greek and American specialties with full-service bar, extensive wine list. Menu includes wood-fired pizzas. Large patio. Closed Sun. 723 E Savidge Rd, Spring Lake, (616) 844$ 0888. L, D

Dining Guide Legend

Photography by Johnny Quirin

Grand Rapids Magazine has created these symbols to area restaurant amenities as a service to our readers.

B — Serves breakfast L — Serves lunch D — Serves dinner ¢ — Inexpensive (under $10)* $ — Moderate ($10-$20)* $$ — Expensive (Over $20)*

* Prices based on average entrée.

- — Reviewed in this issue — Chef Profile in this issue ➧ — New listing O — GRM’s 2011 Restaurant of the Year F — GRM’s 2011 Dining Award Winner Additions, corrections and/or changes: Please email mprimeau@geminipub.com or write to Dining Guide, Grand Rapids Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

AlwAys fresh, creAtive And Authentic …the true nature of fine Italian cuisine.

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Award of Excellence 2011

www.trecugini.com Authentic Italian

Cuisine

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near & far iN our back yarD / eXPloriNg MichigaN

By Daina Kraai Photography by Johnny Quirin

Creston neighborhood residents have a history of digging their heels in to get things done.

MORe THInGS TO KnOW ABOuT CReSTOn > The CReSTOn neIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIOn is an active group that has provided resources to promote the social, economic and environmental health of the Creston community since 1979. For information about current projects and upcoming events, visit crestongr.com and join the Creston Neighborhood Association’s Facebook page.

> Chocolate lovers know SWeeTLAnD CAnDIeS, founded in 1919

by Greek immigrant Chris Naum.

Today, the fourth generation of the Naum family still makes and sells chocolates at two GR locations, including a shop at 2160 Plainfield Ave. NE. Most popular items are turtles, truffles and seafoam.

A spirit of commitment

“T

hirty years ago, I didn’t think about the ‘Creston neighborhood.’ I just thought I lived on the northeast side,” said Lisa Van Dyke, a second-generation Creston resident. “But I think the neighborhood has taken on an identity in recent years that is really exciting.”

Creston is one of the largest neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, beginning at Leonard Street and stretching as far north as 4 Mile, bordered by the Grand River on

the west and Fuller Avenue east to Knapp Street. Housing ranges from affordable apartments to mansions surroundings Kent Country Club.

Historically a working class, streetcar suburb, Creston was settled by Dutch, Polish, Irish, English and Canadian factory workers. Today, residents still believe in the tradition of working hard to improve their community.

Like the battle over saving Briggs Park Pool, originally built in 1926.

“The old pool our parents used was

based health facility dedicated to serving low-income, uninsured residents in the Creston and Belknap neighborhoods. It was started in 1996 by St. Alphonsus Church, Saint Mary’s Hospital and the Creston Neighborhood Association. Serving more than 5,000 patients a year, in 2011 it expanded to a larger building by renovating the St. Alphonsus School to become Gold LEED certified. For info, visit catherineshc.org.

Lauren and Sean Baker ride their bikes along Lafayette Avenue NE in the Creston neighborhood.

PhotograPhy by Michael buck (far left)

> CATHeRIne’S HeALTH CenTeR is a nonprofit community-

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Photography by Michael Buck (far left)

Missy and Troy Marckini join Gary and Anne Amodeo for games and drinks at Graydonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossing, a popular Creston restaurant and hangout.

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near & far IN OUR BACK YARD / EXPLORING MICHIGAN

Lisa and Dave Van Dyke shop at Kingma’s Market, right.

Neighborhood residents walk near the intersection of Boltwood Drive and Riverside Drive. Brothers Isiac and Elijah Roper play in front of their home.

still around when we got married in 1980,” said Lisa’s husband, David Van Dyke. “The city said it wasn’t maintainable, so they closed it down in 1986 and that was going to be the end of it.”

The neighbors rallied, making hundreds of phone calls to city officials asking for support and bringing their children dressed in bathing suits to city commission meetings. When the time finally came in 1990 to rebuild the pool, Mayor Jerry Helmholdt was there to swing the first hammer.

“There has always been a committed group of neighbors in Creston,” Lisa said.

“The neighborhood association serves as a gathering place.”

This year, Creston Neighborhood Association, churches and nonprofits collab-

orated on two community gardens with handicap-accessible raised garden beds and concrete walkways.

The next project, in conjunction with West Michigan Environmental Action Council and the city of Grand Rapids, will be to build seven water-retention islands with trees and native plants down the center of Plainfield Avenue NE, between Leonard and Dean streets.

The islands will provide environmental and safety benefits while beautifying this major artery, making it more pedestrian friendly and providing a gateway to the business district.

The businesses in Creston range from trendy restaurants and popular bars to retail.

Sazerac Lounge hosts such community events as Bottom 40 dance parties benefiting 20 Liters, a clean water initiative, or a trivia night to raise money for Tanzania. In May, the lounge hosted the 6th annual Art Battle 4 Community.

Graydon’s Crossing is another committed neighborhood stop, bouncing back from a 2009 fire and now featuring all organic, free-range meat and local ingredients.

These popular places are intermixed with vacant storefronts and convenience corner stores.

“It’s a mix,” said Lisa, describing the walkable business district that reflects the diversity of the neighborhood.

Farther north on Plainfield is the Cheshire business district, which has

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At left, shoppers at Stone’s Throw Furniture, a locally owned store selling modern furnishings and interior design services. Below, Pat Yocum works in a raised garden bed at the Carrier Street Garden, one of two handicap-accessible community gardens in Creston.

Annie Van Dyke, Karen Van Dyke and Jeny Mueller get together for lunch at Red Jet Café, a Gilmore restaurant in the building that once housed the Creston Public Library. Above, a Grand Rapids Park & Recreation Department soccer match at Aberdeen Park.

recently merged with South Plainfield to become The North Quarter as a way to make improvements to the street. Family businesses include Kay’s Pharmacy, Dorothy and Toto’s Gourmet Kettle Corn Shop and Kingma’s Market.

The Van Dykes were sad when one long-standing store closed after 30 years, but the couple is thrilled about the potential of a co-op in the neighborhood.

“It won’t be the same without D’Amico’s Market,” said Annie, the Van Dykes’ 25-yearold daughter. “But there’s hope that there are cool things to come, and not just things that will fit one economic class but something that will really appeal to everybody.”

This spirit of hope and activism and the affordability of housing stock is today

drawing young people to the neighborhood — or, in Annie’s case, back to the neighborhood.

“I didn’t think I’d stay in this neighborhood,” she said. My family was here, but it didn’t seem like staying in the neighborhood was a cool thing to do, including staying in Michigan.”

After college, Annie moved in with her parents because she couldn’t find a job.

Today, she rents her own home in the Creston neighborhood.

“I’m having a lot of fun, developing good friendships and getting to know my neighbors,” she said. “It really feels like a whole new city to me. It’s not boring old Grand Rapids, but it’s a thriving place and a thriving community with a bright future.” GR

“There has always been a committed group of neighbors in Creston. The neighborhood association serves as a gathering place.”

— Lisa Van Dyke

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

june events A few Great things to do this month!

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SPORTS June 10 2nd ANNUAL GRAND RAPIDS TRIATHLON: Athletes of all skill levels can compete on a scenic riverside course, with sprint, Olympic and half-iron distances. Swim in the Thornapple River, bike and run through Ada, Cascade, Lowell and Clarksville. grandrapids triathlon.com.

MUSIC June 21 Cherry Street Garden Summer Music Series: Three’s a Crowd performs at this family-friendly concert on the lawn at Inner City Christian Federation. Green Well restaurant offers boxed meals or bring a picnic. iccf.org/summer_music. htm.

STAGE & FILM June 14-17 Waterfront Film Festival: The 14th annual event in Saugatuck includes independent and foreign films at indoor and outdoor venues. “Virginia,”

June 9 - Local First Street Party: Ninth annual

June 13 - Bissell Blocktail Party: Bring your dog(s)

celebration of local food, wine, beer and live music, presented

by Founders Brewing Co. See list of bands at localfirst.com/events.

See Special Events

and mingle with fellow dog lovers while enjoying music, appetizers, cocktails and silent auction. Benefits Humane Society of Kent County. bissellblocktailparty.com. See Special Events

Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/Robert Dant (top); Glen Davis (middle); Marcela Barsse (bottom)

starring Jennifer Connelly and Ed Harris and filmed locally, has a special screening June 16. Written and directed by Dustin Lance Black, “Virginia” was produced

by TicTock Studios.

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Custom Cabinets To list your event Send calendar information to Grand Rapids Magazine, c/o

Calendar Editor, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, e-mail caleditor@ geminipub.com, fax (616) 459-4800. High-resolution photos welcomed. To meet publishing deadlines, information must be received two months prior to monthly magazine issue by the 15th of the month.

Special Events June - Meijer Gardens Summer Concerts: National acts perform in outdoor amphitheater with lawn seating. Jun 1, The B-52s ($48). Jun 8, Melissa Etheridge ($80). Jun 13, Jimmy Cliff ($45). Jun 14, Foreigner ($67).

Jun 17, Steve Miller Band ($82). Jun 18, Al Green ($73). Jun 28, Gov’t Mule ($37). Jun 29, Emmylou Harris ($53). Bring blankets or low-rise chairs. Picnics allowed; no alcohol (available inside gates). Gates open 6 pm, concerts start 7 pm. See meijergardens.org for July and August performances.

Thru Jun 9 - Spring Parade of Homes: Home and Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids presents its showcase of home construction, design and interiors. 1-9 pm Wed, Fri and Sat. $12 adults, children 13 and younger free (281-2021 or hbaggr.com).

June 1-2 - KIA Art Fair: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts kicks off summer with its 61st annual art fair with more than 210 artists. 3-8 pm Fri, 9 am-4 pm Sat. Bronson Park, Kalamazoo. kiarts.org.

Photography by johnny quirin

Photography courtesy istockphoto.com/Robert Dant (top); Glen Davis (middle); Marcela Barsse (bottom)

June - Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle: GR’s Original Swing Society hosts swing, ballroom and line dancing with live music in downtown GR. 7-10 pm every Tue thru Oct 9.

Free (donations accepted).

June 1-3 - Festival of the Arts: Celebrate all the arts at Grand Rapids’ 43rd downtown extravaganza. Music, dance, drama, storytelling, poetry, film, video and visual art, plus kids art activities. Everything is free but the food; food sales raise money for area churches and nonprofits. Noon-10 pm Fri, 10 am-10 pm Sat, 10 am-7 pm Sun. Downtown GR. Full schedule at festivalofthearts.org.

June 1-3 - Grand Haven Offshore Challenge: Fishing competition with $10,000 grand

prize. Jun 1, Ladies and Kids Tournament.

Jun 2-3, Pro/Am. Chinook Pier. grandhaven offshorechallenge.com.

June 2 - Chili Cook Off: Prizes are awarded for best non-red chili, people’s choice and best booth. 8 am setup, noon judging, 12:15 pm sales to public. DeltaPlex.

June 2-3 - West Coast Lighthouse Festival: First annual festival showcasing four lighthouses from Whitehall to Ludington: Big Sable and Little Sable Lights, Ludington North Breakwater Light and White River Light Station. Live music, craft fair, historic home tours, kids activities and more. 10 am-8 pm Sat-Sun. michigan-lighthouses.org.

June 3 - Hot Rod Power Tour: Hundreds of hot rods and classic cars cruise downtown Muskegon as the annual tour travels from Detroit to Texas. hotrod.com.

June 3 - Judy Collins: Iconic folk singer/ songwriter performs. 8 pm. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $45 (269-857-2399 or sc4a.org).

June 4-13 - Rock the Mic: Singing competition for ages 13-25 to promote anti-violence, presented by Silent Observer, area law enforcement, and area businesses. Top 10 contestants announced Jun 4. Public online voting closes Jun 11. Winners chosen by judges and online voting results 6:30 pm Jun 13 at Celebration Cinema North. silentobserver. org.

June 6 - “The Wall”: Roger Waters from Pink Floyd presents the band’s aural and visual masterpiece. 8 pm. Van Andel Arena. $57.50-$201.50 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

Produced locally by our talented craftsmen WoodWays design Center 4265 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI WoodWays FaCtory & shoWroom 665 Construction Ct. Zeeland, MI

June 7-10 - Rockford Start of Summer Celebration: Free activities and entertainment, including parades and fireworks, in down-

June 16 - Reeds Lake Clothesline Art Festival: The 46th annual juried show has more than 130 booths of fine arts and crafts. John Collins Park and Wealthy Street, EGR. eastgr.org. See Special Events

Meijer Gardens Summer Concerts: This month’s stellar lineup includes The B-52s, Melissa Etheridge, Jimmy Cliff, Foreigner, Steve Miller Band, Al Green, Gov’t Mule and Emmylou Harris. Check meijergardens.org for July and August performances.

See Special Events

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

town Rockford. Begins Thu evening. rockfordmichamber.com.

ist famous for “Could It Be Magic,” “Mandy” and “Copacabana.” 7:30 pm. Van Andel Arena. $29.99-$109.99 (Van Andel and DeVos Place box offices or Ticketmaster).

June 8 - Holland Vintage Car Show & Cruise Night: Antiques, classics, customs, muscle, street rods, motorcycle/scooters and tractors. 5-8:30 pm show, 8:45 pm cruise. 124 E 8th St. vintagecarclubholland.com.

June 14-16 - Big Ticket Festival: Christian music festival. Bands perform on six stages.

Also, extreme sports, Kids Zone, speakers, ministry and prayer tents, camping. Gates open 10 am Thu, 8 am Fri-Sat. Allegan. Single-day admission: $45 adults, $15 kids 6-11, kids 5 and under free. bigticketfestival.com.

June 8 - Rendezoo: Branching Out: Outdoor fundraiser for the zoo includes food, cash bar, entertainment by Sun Messengers, silent auction and more. 7-11 pm. John Ball Zoo, 1300 W Fulton St. $75-$150 (336-3036). johnballzoosociety.org.

June 14-17 - Waterfront Film Festival: Saugatuck’s 14th annual festival includes independent and foreign films at many venues.

Schedule and tickets: waterfrontfilm.org.

June 9 - Heritage Hill Yard Sales Day: 15th annual event of dozens of Heritage Hill neighborhood yard sales. See heritagehill web.org for list of addresses.

June 9 - MMA 100th Anniversary Gala: Muskegon Museum of Art’s black-tie event includes live and silent auctions, cocktail party, dinner and dancing. 5:30 pm. 296 W Webster Ave. $175, $150 members (231-7202571). muskegonartmuseum.org.

Wearable poster art Take home a unique memento of the 43rd annual Festival of the Arts, happening June 1-3 in downtown Grand Rapids.

The festival’s 2012 poster features a col-

June 9 - West Michigan Flight Academy Pancake Carnival: Academy fundraiser includes games, prizes, pony rides, face painting. 8-11 am. Riverview Airport, 805 Taylor St, Jenison. $10 adults, $5 kids 6-12, kids 5 and under free.

lage of brightly colored faces, animals and

June 9-10 - Feast of the Strawberry Moon: Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg celebrate their heritage with 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 (8420700, tri-citiesmuseum.org).

group that specializes in creating creative

June 9-10 - Homecoming of the Three Fires Traditional Pow Wow: 33rd annual gathering celebrates the unity of the three tribes of Michigan — Ottawa, Chippewa and Potawatomi — with dancing, music, crafts and food.

11 am-dark Sat, 11 am-5 pm Sun. Riverside Park, Monroe Ave NW, along the Grand River.

GR landmarks that represent the growth and evolving aspects of one of the state’s longest-running arts events.

Drawn and painted by Ideal Collective, a and inspiring arts related events, a poster will be sliced into 100 one-of-a-kind cuff bracelets to sell for $15-$25 as a fundraiser for the festival. Get yours starting June 1 in the Festival Art Sale Tent. For all festival info, visit festivalgr.org. walk, family fun night, car show, 5K run, golf scramble, live music, fireworks and more.

Downtown Spring Lake. slheritagefestival. com.

June 12-16 - Miss Michigan Pageant: Miss Michigan & Miss Teen Scholarship Pageant 2012 Preliminaries (Wed/Thu) and Finals (Fri/Sat). 7 pm. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $30 (box office or Star Tickets). miss michigan.org.

June 13 - 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 restaurant (outdoors), 1033 Lake Dr SE. $50 in advance (bissellblocktailparty.com), $60 day of.

June 12-16 - Spring Lake Heritage Fest: Dog

June 14 - Barry Manilow: Contemporary art-

June 16 - Reeds Lake Clothesline Art Festival: 46th annual juried show has more than 130 booths of fine arts and crafts. John Collins Park and Wealthy St, EGR. 9 am-5 pm. eastgr.org.

June 16 - Saugatuck Arts & Crafts Fair: Sponsored by the Saugatuck/Douglas CVB. 10 am-6 pm. Downtown Saugatuck. sauga tuck.com June 16 - 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-$250 (269-857-2399 or sc4a.org).

June 16 - T-Rex Fest: The Pyramid Scheme hosts an outdoor music and beer festival.

Music guests include Pinback, Dead Prez, El Ten Eleven, The Men, Frontier Ruckus, Jon Connor and Leslie & The Lys. Age 21 and over. 3-10 pm. 68 Commerce SW. pyramid schemebar.com.

June 16 - West Michigan Pride Festival: Annual GLBT celebration of diversity and community pride. 1:30-10 pm. Riverside Park. $5 suggested donation.

June 16-17 - 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. tasteofmuskegon.com.

June 16-17 - White Lake Arts and Crafts Fair: 34th annual juried event with more than 75 booths, plus music, food. 10 am-5 pm Sat, 11 am-4 pm Sun. Goodrich Park Annex, Whitehall. whitelake.org.

illustration Courtesy Festival of the Arts

June 9 - Local First Street Party: Ninth annual celebration of local food, wine, beer and live music, presented by Founders Brewing Co. 4 pm-midnight. Outside Bistro Bella Vita, 44 Grandville Ave SW. See bands at local first.com/events/.

June 16 - Field of Green Festival: Blandford Nature Center hosts a summer festival with live music, games, green vendors and nature-themed crafts. Noon-5 pm. 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, 735-6240, blandfordnature center.org. $5.

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TWISTS, TURNS, AND TIME TUNNELS

TIME TRAVEL: Historic Mackinac Interior Design Workshop with C.J. Zondervan

SATurDAY, JuNE 23 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

SESSION I: MAY 14 - JUNE 30 SESSION II: JULY 9 - AUG. 24

ART EDUCATOR’S

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT www.kcad.edu/youth-and-adults/ continuing-education/

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17 Fountain St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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We’re the largest orthopaedic practice in Michigan, with more than 30 skilled surgeons and trained specialists for each of your 206 bones.

If bone or joint issues are holding you back, you don’t want just any doc.

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

3/ Performing June 22 at Ottawa Tavern, saxophonist Joshua Quinlan.

June 22nd

1/ After 20 years as part of Brooks & Dunn, country music singer Ronnie Dunn is on his own.

Billy’s Lounge: Eastown bar and music venue hosts live music of all genres but with emphasis on blues. 1437 Wealthy St. SE, 459-5757, billyslounge.com.

Dog Story Theater: Comedy Mondays feature improv, stand-up, sketches and more at 8 and 9 p.m., $5; open improv jam at 10 p.m., free. 7 Jefferson Ave. SE, 8941252, dogstorytheater.com.

Dr. Grins Comedy Club: Nationally acclaimed stand-up comedians perform 9 p.m. Thu., 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave. NW. 356-2000, thebob.com.

One Trick Pony: Downtown restaurant features Acoustic Stew music series (local and national acts) every Thu. and some Sat. evenings at 8 p.m., reservations recommended. WYCE 88.1 Hat Trick Series (7:30 p.m. Mon. fall and winter) raises money for local nonprofits. 136 E. Fulton St., 235-7669, onetrick.biz.

The Orbit Room: Contemporary regional and national music acts perform with occasional stand-up comedy and other events. Multiple bars. Open floor and seated balcony offers choice of how up close concertgoers want to get.

2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 942-1328, orbitroom.com.

River City Improv: Calvin College alumni improv team weaves skits, games and songs with audience suggestions.

Every other Sat., 6:30 p.m. (doors open), 7:33 p.m. (show). $10 at door or in advance at Calvin box office, 526-6282.

Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd. SE, rivercityimprov.com.

Comedy & nightclub venues COMPILED BY MARTY PRIMEAU

1/ the InterSeCtIOn presents Ronnie Dunn, who for 20 years was part of Brooks & Dunn, one of the most successful duos in country music. Dunn went solo in September 2010, combining hard country and hard rock “with a healthy serving of down-home gospel soul.” Special guests: The Bronk Bros. and Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys. Ages 17 and over. 133 Grandville Ave. SW. Tickets: 2/ T-Rex Fest Frontier Ruckus, June 16 Purple East, Shakedown Street, Vertigo Music, The Intersection box office, 616723-8571, etix.com and section live.com.

2/ the PyraMId SCheMe hosts T-Rex Fest, an outdoor music and beer festival.

Music guests include Pinback, Dead Prez, El Ten Eleven, The Men, Frontier Ruckus, Jon Connor and Leslie & The Lys. Age 21 and over. 3-10 pm. 68 Commerce SW. pyramidschemebar.com.

3/ OttaWa tavern presents saxophonist Joshua Quinlan. The GR native now lives in Denver where he’s a professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder, the director of the Dazzle Recordings jazz record label and director of education for The Gift of Jazz, a nonprofit organization — and still finds time to tour. Last year he traveled the U.S., Peru and Costa Rica to promote his latest album, “Mountain Time Standards.” This Gilmore Collection restaurant/bar features live jazz 6-9 pm Wed, Thu, and 8-midnight Fri, Sat. 151 Ottawa Ave. NW, 451-8000, thegilmorecollection.com/ot.php.

PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTEsy PETER WOcHniAk (TOP lEFT); inTERsEcTiOn (TOP RiGHT); sEAn cOOk (bOTTOm)

The BOB: The Big Old Building houses several entertainment options, including nightclubs Crush and Eve, and Dr. Grins (see below). 20 Monroe Ave. NW, 3562000, thebob.com.

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June 21 - 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 at CCWM offices in Muskegon or Grand Rapids), 12 and under free. ccwestmi.org.

June 22-23 - West Michigan Chalk Art Festival: Artists display creativity using chalk to decorate the pavement; anyone can register at www.wmcaf.com. Music, face painting and other activities. 11 am-9 pm Fri, 7 am-9 pm Sat. Downtown Byron Center.

June 23 - Eastown Bizarre Bazaar: Annual event features handmade arts and crafts with live music and food. 9 am-5 pm.

Wealthy Street/Lake Drive area. Free.

STS9, Thievery Corporation and many more.

Rothbury, north of Whitehall/Montague. See electricforestfestival.com for ticket info.

June 28-July 1 - Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival: Largest air show in Michigan, featuring US Air Force Thunderbirds, an F-86, T-6 Tuskegee Airmen, MIG-17, P-51 Horsemen and more. Music events feature Glory Days (Bruce Springsteen tribute band) and country singer Emma King, among others. See bcballoons.com for schedule, including fireworks.

June 29-July 8 - New Summer Festival: Muskegon features a summer music festival and Art in the Park (Jun 29-Jul 1). Multiple venues in downtown Muskegon and Heritage Landing. visitmuskegon.com.

June 30 - Waterfront Invitational Art Fair: Saugatuck’s summer fine arts fair. 10 am-5 pm. Cooks Park, Saugatuck.

June 23 - Founders Fest: Founders Brewing’s fifth annual outdoor beer and music festival (headliner is Soulive) with local food vendors and artists. Age 21 and over. 3-11 pm.

235 Grandville Ave SW. $20 (in person or foundersbrewing.com), $25 (at door).

Photography by johnny quirin

Photography Courtesy Peter Wochniak (Top left); Intersection (top right); sean cook (bottom)

June 28-July 1 - Electric Forest 2012: Fourday jam band music festival (originally Rothbury Festival) and much more: contests, camping, water park, horseback riding, Sherwood Forest, golf, etc. Music headliners include String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar,

June 2 - 100 Grand Bicycle Tour: 39th annual bike course with 17-, 35-, 65-, 105- and 141-mile options throughout Kent County and neighboring counties. 6:45 am registration. West Side Christian School, 955 Westend Ave NW, Grand Rapids. rapidwheelmen. com.

June 4 - Wedgwood Golf Classic: 27th 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, meals, awards and gift. Register at 942-2392 or wedgwood.org/golf.

June 10 - Grand Rapids Triathlon: Second annual event with sprint, Olympic and halfiron distances. Swim in Thornapple River, bike and run through Ada, Cascade, Lowell and Clarksville. 7:15 am-4 pm. $85-$260. grandrapidstriathlon.com.

June 23-24 - B-93 Birthday Bash 20: Country music station sponsors outdoor music bash, including Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Love & Theft, The Lost Trailers, Dustin Lynch and Jana Kramer. US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin. Tickets TBD (Star Tickets Plus). b93. com.

June 24 - Allegan Antique Market: 400 exhibitors (200 inside, 200 outside), rain or shine. No pets allowed. 8 am-4 pm. Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Dr. $4. alleganantiques.com.

June - West Michigan Whitecaps: Professional minor league baseball team, Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Home games: Jun 6-8 vs Fort Wayne TinCaps. Jun 9-11 vs Great Lakes Loons. Jun 22-24 vs South Bend Silver Hawks. Jun 25-27 vs Bowling Green Hot Rods. Game times vary. Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park. $6-$14 (ticket office, 800-CAPS-WIN, whitecaps-baseball.com).

June 9 - Grand River Kayak Race: Community event with kayak and canoe races, water safety info, demos and raffles. 9 am.

Lakeshore Kayak Rental, 14023 Green St, Grand Haven. $25 adults, $10 children; free to watch. lakeshorekayakrental.com.

June 23 - Grand Haven Sand Sculpture Contest: Annual contest at the city beach.

Groups, families and individuals are judged and awarded prizes after two-hour contest.

9-9:45 am registration, 10 am-noon sculpting. grandhaven.org.

June 23-24 - Grand Haven Art Festival/ Family Fun Day: 51st annual juried show of fine art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry and more from more than 150 artists, 10 am-5 pm. Family Fun Day is 10 am-2 pm Sat. 233 Washington Ave, Grand Haven. Free. artfest ival.com.

Sports

June 22-24 - Meijer State Games of Michigan: Three-day multi-sport competition brings 5,000 athletes from all over the state.

Sports are based around amateur athletes and open to all Michigan residents. state gamesofmichigan.com.

Homecoming of the Three Fires Traditional Pow Wow The 33rd annual gathering will celebrate the unity of the three tribes of Michigan — Ottawa, Chippewa and Potawatomi — with dancing, music, crafts and food. The pow wow ceremony embodies both the ancient practices and the modern mindset of the Native American culture in West Michigan.

June 25 - Guiding Light Mission Golf Outing: 19-hole shotgun golf scramble in support of addiction recovery program. 1-7 pm.

Centennial Country Club, 3361 Charlevoix Dr SE. lifeonthestreet.org.

June 30 - Reeds Lake Run: 5K run and walk, 10K run, and kids races begin at 8 am in downtown East Grand Rapids. Post-race awards and party at John Collins Park. Info and registration: reedslakerun.com.

June 30-July 1 - Soccer in the Sand Tournament: Nationwide beach soccer series.

Youth thru adults compete (5 on 5). Registration deadline: June 14. Grand Haven State Park. soccerinthesand.com.

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June 1st

3/ New at John Ball Zoo is the funicular tram that will take visitors up to the Bissell Tree House with great views of the city of Grand Rapids.

Coopersville Farm Museum: Special exhibits: Thru Jun 30, Art of Rural Life by Ryan Siminske.

Permanent exhibits: Tractors from 1930 to present, eclipse windmill, 100-year-old barns, kids area. Jam Night: 6-9 pm, first and third Tue. Bring guitar, fiddle or other acoustic instrument. Hours: 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, coopersvillefarmmuseum.org.

DeGraaf Nature Center: 18-acre preserve includes Interpretive Center, indoor pond, animals, SkyWatch and more than 240 plant species. Hours: 9 am-5 pm Tue-Fri, 10 am-5 pm Sat, closed Sun, Mon and holidays. Trails open daily dawn to dusk. 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, (616) 355-1057, degraaf. org. Free.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Special exhibits: Thru Jun 10, Bob Hope: An American Treasure. Jun 19-Sep 16, Beyond Comfort, Sense of Adventure and Creative Force. Permanent exhibits: The 1970s, Watergate scandal, Oval Office, New Mood at the White House. Hours: 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, fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

COMPILED BY DONNA FERRARO

1/ FeLt ManSIOn eState & GardenS: Tour the summer home of self-made millionaire Dorr E. Felt, who built the 17,000-square-foot, 25-room mansion for his wife and married daughters. Alas, both Felts died soon after moving in. The house eventually became a seminary, and then was used by Michigan State Police until the early ’90s, when Laketown Township purchased the property for $1 and began restoring it. Selfguided tours 1-5 pm Sun-Tue (check website to confirm) through Labor Day. $8 adults; $5 seniors/students; seniors free on Mon. Private tours and event rental available. 6597 138th Ave (between Holland and Saugatuck), (616) 335-3050, feltmansion.org.

2/ FrederIk MeIJer GardenS & SCULPtUre Park: Meijer Gardens joins forces with the Grand Valley Rose Society June 23-24 to showcase hybrid tea roses, miniatures, floribundas and old-fashioned types. Vote for the most fragrant rose and check out rose arrangements. Permanent exhibits: World-class sculptures indoors and in the 30-acre park. Outdoor attractions: Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, boardwalk nature trail, tram tours, themed gardens. Indoor attractions: Tropical conservatory, Victorian garden, café, gift shops. Hours: 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, meijergardens.org.

3/ JOhn BaLL ZOO: Beginning June 1, visitors can ride the new funicular, a tram that journeys 900 feet up to an overlook of the city skyline. Also new is the Idema Forest Realm featuring a nature walk and play area. John Ball Zoo has more than 1,100 animals, including Lions of Lake Manyara, a Komodo dragon, colubus monkeys, New Guinea baboons, penguins, Mokomboso Valley chimps, Spider Monkey Island and Living Shores Aquarium. Hours: 9 am-6 pm. $8.50 adults, $6.50 kids 3-13, kids 2 and under free. 1300 W Fulton St, 336-4300, johnballzoosociety.org.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Special activities: Happy Animal Clinic and Excavation Station. Permanent activities: Aunt Daisy’s Farm; Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles; Wee Discover; Mom and Pop Store; Giant Lite Brite; Amigo Amphitheater.

Toddler Tue for ages 3 and under (10 am-noon). Thu Family Nights (5-8 pm), $1.50. Hours: 9:30 am-8 pm Tue, Thu; 9:30 am-5 pm Wed, Fri-Sat; noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $7.50, under 1 free, $6.50 seniors.

22 Sheldon Ave NE, 235-4726, grcm.org.

Grand Rapids Public Museum: Summer special: Jun 5-Sep 1, Game On! includes vintage and carnival games, giant chess and ping pong, plus motioncontrolled dance party games (free with admission). Special exhibits: Thru Jun 30, Thank God for Michigan: Stories from the Civil War. Thru Sep 30, Chairmania: Fantastic Miniatures. Permanent exhibits: Streets of Old Grand Rapids, Anishinabek: The People of This Place, Newcomers: The People of This Place, Collecting A-Z, Habitats, Furniture City, 1928 carousel ($1). Hours: 9 am-8 pm Tue, 9 am-5 pm Wed-Sat, closed Sun-Mon. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 3-17. 272 Pearl St NW, 456-3977, grmuseum.org.

Holland Museum: Special exhibits: Thru Aug 5, Wish You Were Here: Selections from Mike Van Ark Postcard Collection. Thru Sep 2, Before the Festival: The Improbable Journey of Holland’s Favorite Flower.

Permanent exhibits: Dutch Galleries of 17th- to 20thcentury Dutch paintings, cultural attractions from the “old country,” local history. Cappon House is the

PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTEsy jOHn bAll ZOO (TOP); isTOckPHOTO.cOm/ElEnA ElissEEvA (bOTTOm)

Museums & Attractions

Grand Rapids Art Museum: Special exhibits: Thru Aug 26, Cities in Transition: A Suite of Exhibitions and Programs. Permanent exhibits: 19th and 20th century art; design and modern craft; prints, drawings and photographs. Friday Nights at GRAM: Live music, games, gallery talks, cash bar and dinner options, 5-9 pm with monthly theme, $5 adults, members free. Saturday Series: Lectures, films, talks and tours 2 pm Sat, free with admission. All Day With the Arts: Drop-in art activities for kids 10 am-3 pm Sat; kid-friendly tours 11 am and 1 pm. Hours: 10 am-5 pm Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat; 10 am-9 pm Fri; noon-5 pm Sun; closed Mon. Free admission Jun 1-3 during Festival of the Arts. $8 adults, $7 seniors/students with ID, $5 children 6-17, 5 and under free. 101 Monroe Center, 831-1000, artmuseumgr.org.

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Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

Pearl Street Lounge offers Michigan Martinis, Wines & Craft Beers

Victorian home of Holland’s first mayor, 228 W 9th St. Special event: 11 am-4 pm Jun 24, Cappon House Ice Cream Social. Settlers House recalls hardships of early settlers, 190 W 9th St. Hours: 10 am-5 pm Mon, Wed-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students, children 5 and under free. 31 W 10th St, Holland, (888) 200-9123, hollandmuseum.org.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Special exhibits: Thru Jun 24, Birds of a Feather: John Costin and John James Audubon. Thru Jul 28, Birds in Art 2011.

Thru Aug 18, A Conversation Between Monet and Sochi: Video Art by Lee-nam Lee. Hours: 10 am-5 pm Tue-Sat, noon-5 pm Sun, closed Mon. $5 suggested donation. Kalamazoo, (269) 349-7775, kiarts.org.

Meyer May House: Frank Lloyd Wright 1909 prairie-style house restored by Steelcase in 1986-87 features many original furnishings. Hours: 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, meyermayhouse.steelcase.com. Free.

1/ The 25-room Felt Mansion is open for self-guided tours and can be rented for special events.

Monthly Specials: •$3 Martinis every Wednesday in June •1/2 off any bottled wine every Thursday in June

Buy one get one free.

Good for one free lunch or dinner entrée with the purchase of a second entrée of equal or greater value. Dine in only.

• Not valid on groups of 8 or more, or on banquet functions.

Located inside Holiday Inn 310 Pearl St. NW Grand Rapids | (616) 235-1342

• Not valid with any other discount promotions or coupon offers.

• An 18% gratuity will be added to check before discount.

• Complimentary parking when dining in restaurant.

• Offer expires June 30, 2012

THAI, JAPANESE, CHINESE

Asian Dining Award of Excellence 5 years in a row!

xo

GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE

• Full service Sushi Bar

(Half-price every Tuesday, dine in only).

• Beer and Wine & Spirits Available Muskegon Museum of Art: Special exhibits: Thru Aug 8, 84th Regional Exhibition. Thru Oct 7, New Art for the New Century. Permanent exhibits: World-class collection of visual art. Hours: noon-4:30 pm Sun; closed Mon; 10 am-6 pm Tue and Thu; 10 am-4:30 pm Wed, Fri and Sat. $7 adults (Thu free); $5 students; members, children under 17 free. 296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, (231) 720-2570, muskegon artmuseum.org.

PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTEsy FElT mAnsiOn

PHOTOGRAPHy cOuRTEsy jOHn bAll ZOO (TOP); isTOckPHOTO.cOm/ElEnA ElissEEvA (bOTTOm)

Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: Computerized Digistar and laser projectors produce images and special effects, accompanied by digital sound.

Themed shows educate young and old about the stars. At GR Public Museum. $3.

ASIAN CUISINE 58 Monroe Center Phone (616) 235-6969

www.xoasiancuisine.com

Tri-Cities Historical Museum: Special exhibits: Thru Aug 31, Bling, A History of Costume Jewelry, and Birch Bark & Bateaux. Permanent exhibits: Two buildings house exhibits telling the history of Northwest Ottawa County. Summer hours: Closed Mon; 9:30 am-7:30 pm Tue-Fri; 12:30-7:30 Sat and Sun. Free. 200 Washington and 1 N. Harbor, Grand Haven, (616) 842-0700, tri-citiesmuseum.org.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Art: Special exhibits: Thru Jun 21, Urbanity, a multidisciplinary series. Thru Jul 8, Jeremy Hatch, sculpture. Thru Jul 8, Curtis Singmaster, Family Portrait, installation.

Permanent exhibits: Work from regional, national and international artists. Films: Independent, foreign and documentary films shown six days/week in 200seat theater. Hours: 11 am-9 pm Tue-Sat; noon-7 Sun. $5, age 5 and under free. Tue nights 5-9 pm free. 2 W Fulton St, 454-3994, uica.org.

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out & about WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO

June 30-July 4 - USA Table Tennis US Open: More than 750 players compete for $30,000 in prize money. DeVos Place. usopengrand rapids.com.

Stage & Film Thru Jun 3 - “Quidam: Cirque du Soleil”: Acrobats, musicians and singers tell the story of a young girl who slides into an imaginary world where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul. 7:30 pm Wed-Fri, 3:30 and 7:30 pm Sat, 1 and 5 pm Sun. Van Andel Arena. $35-$80 adults, $31.50-$67.50 seniors and students, $28-$65 children 12 and under (Van Andel and DeVos Place box office or Ticketmaster).

June 1-9 - “Welcome to Mitford”: Master Arts Theatre presents the story of Father Tim, whose life changes radically when he takes in an unruly teenager and a pretty young woman moves in next door. 7:30 pm Fri, 2 pm and 7:30 pm Sat. Master Arts Theatre, 75 77th St SW. $10 (455-1001, masterarts.org).

June 1-17 - “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents this fast-paced musical farce.

7:30 pm, 2 pm Sun. 30 N Division Ave. $16$30 adults, $16 students (box office or Star Tickets). grct.org.

June 7 - “We Were Here”: Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Real to Reel series presents a film about the profound issues raised by the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. 7 pm. 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $7 adults, $5 members. sc4a.org.

June 7-23 - “Escanaba in Da Moonlight”: Circle Theatre presents the comedy about a family’s deer season in the UP. 7:30 pm, 5 pm Sun. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $23 (456-6656, circletheatre.org).

June 14-24 - “Checking Out”: Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids presents a comedy about a 90-year-old stage actor who plans to throw a big party and then commit suicide. 8 pm, 3 pm Sun. Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE. $18 adults, $15 seniors, $5 students (theater box office or 234-3946). jtgr.org.

June 22-23 - “The Prince and the Pauper”: Master Arts Theatre Hudsonville Summer Production presents Mark Twain’s classic tale. 7 pm Fri, 3 pm and 7 pm Sat. Hudsonville High School, 5037 32nd Ave, Hudsonville. $7 (455-1001 or masterarts.org).

June 22-24 - “The Jungle Book: The Musical”: Allendale Civic Theatre and Pioneer Drama Service present the story of Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves, and his friends the bear Baloo, the panther Bagheera and the

python Kaa. 7:30 pm Fri-Sat, 3 pm Sun. Ceglarek FAC, 10760 68th Ave, Allendale. $7 adults, $5 students and seniors (895-1897, allendalecivic.org).

June 22-July 15 - “Avenue Q”: Mason Street Warehouse presents the musical comedy about a recent college grad who moves into a shabby NYC apartment as he and his friends struggle to find jobs, dates and a purpose in life. 8 pm, 7 pm Sun and Jul 4, 2 pm Jul 15.

400 Culver St, Saugatuck. $36.50-$39.75 adults, $33-$36.50 students and seniors (269-857-4898 or masonstreetwarehouse. org).

June 23 - “The Screwtape Letters”: National tour of a comedy based on the CS Lewis novel. Satan’s chief psychiatrist, Screwtape, tries to entice a human “patient” toward damnation. 4 and 8 pm. DeVos Performance Hall. $31.50-$92.50 (DeVos Place and Van Andel box offices or Ticketmaster).

June 28-July 1 - “The Adventure of Treasure Island”: Circle Theatre presents the tale of a young boy who finds a treasure map, eludes pirates and sets sail for Treasure Island. 7:30 pm Thu, 10 am and 1 pm Fri-Sat, 1 pm and 3 pm Sun. Aquinas College PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $10 (456-6656, circletheatre.org).

Music June - Blues on the Mall: Free Wed night concerts 6-9 pm beginning Jun 13. Rosa Parks Circle, downtown GR. Free. wlav.com June - Dance on the Waterfront: Wed night big band dances 7-9 pm Jun 13-Aug 29. Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven. $2.50. visit grandhaven.com.

June - EGR Summer Concerts: Familyfriendly music every other Tue at 7 pm beginning Jun 19. Bring chairs or blankets. John Collins Park, East Grand Rapids. eastgr.org.

June - Grand Haven/Spring Lake Concerts: Tuesdays in the Park: Big band concerts 7-8:30 pm Jun 12-Aug 21, Central Park, Grand Haven. Thursdays at the Point: Local musicians play 7-8:30 pm Jun 14-Aug 23, Mill Point Park, Spring Lake. visitgrandhaven. com.

June - Holland Summer Concerts: Live music 6:30-8:30 pm every Fri. Jun 15, Don Middlebrook & Living Soul. Jun 22, Soul’d Out Band. Jun 29, The Ragtops. Kollen Park, Holland. Free. holland.org.

June - Jazzoo: Free jazz concerts 6-8 pm every Mon. Jun 4, Student concert featuring East Kentwood Jazz Bands. Jun 11, Beltline Big Band. Jun 18, Groupa Aya. Jun 25, Rick

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Reuther with Tom Hagen Trio. John Ball Zoo Bandshell, 1300 W Fulton St. wmichjazz.org.

June - Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts: Free concerts 7-9 pm every Thu Jun 14-Aug 23. Jun 14, The Crane Wives. Jun 21, Vincent Hayes Project. Jun 28, Rhythm Section Jazz Band. Riverwalk Plaza along Flat River. Bleacher seating or bring chairs. www.lowellartscouncil.org.

June - Music in the Park: Live performances in Saugatuck 7-9 pm every Wed Jun 20-Aug 22. Wicks Park Gazebo, Water Street. saug atuck.com.

June - Parties in the Park: Live music, beverage tents, children’s activities 5-9 pm every Fri thru Aug 17. Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon. partiesinthepark.com.

June - rogue river Blues: Rockford’s Tue evening concerts showcase jazz, blues and folk music artists 7-9 pm Jun 12-Aug 14. Bring blankets or chairs. Garden Club Park along Rogue River. Free. therockfordnetwork.com.

June 1-2 - West Michigan Symphony: “Pictures at an Exhibition,” featuring the overture to “Benvenuto Cellini” and “Roy Lichtenstein Triptych.” 7:30 pm. Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon. $15-$42 adults, $5 students (231-7263231 or westmichigansymphony.com).

June 11, 18 - Circle theatre Cabaret Series: Jun 11, Unplugged: some of GR’s best talent performs acoustic music. Jun 18, Moonshine Serenade: Kelly Carey presents comedy and songs from the Golden Era of Country Music.

7 pm. Aquinas PAC, 1607 Robinson Rd SE. $13.50-$17 (456-6656, circletheatre.org).

June 21 - Cherry St Garden Summer Music Series: Third Thu of month, family-friendly performances on the lawn at Inner City Christian Federation. This month: Three’s a Crowd. Green Well restaurant offers boxed meals for concert or bring picnic (also lawn chairs or blanket). 6:30-8:30. 920 Cherry St SE. iccf.org/summer_music.htm.

June 30 - american Sing-a-Long: Familyoriented community sing-a-long of patriotic favorites and forgotten gems presented

by Holland Chorale. 7 pm. Calvary Baptist Church, Holland. $20 family of four or more. hollandchorale.org.

lectureS & WorKSHopS June - Blandford nature Center: Jun 14, Lost in the Woods: Story Time Hike ($6, $5 members). Jun 28, Wild Foraging ($12, $10 members). 6-7:30 pm. See Museums & Attractions.

June - Grand river Folk arts Society: Dance

instruction events. 7 pm Jun 8, Second Friday International Folk Dance, Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, $5. 7 pm Jun 22, Fourth Friday Contra Dance/Jam, Fifth Street Hall, 701 5th St NW, $6. grfolkarts.org.

June - Gr Public Library: Programs include Chasing the Impressionists, Three Months to a Better You, Musical Folktales, Early Childhood Essentials, adult computer classes, reading clubs, kids activities. Complete schedule at Main Library, 111 Library St NE, or grpl.org. Free.

June - 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, grtango.org. $12.

June - kent district Libraries: Programs include book discussions, Speak to a Geek, career transition workshops, Library Book Sale, Meet the Authors, kids activities. Complete schedule at kdl.org.

June 12 - dyslexia Seminar: New Chapter Learning offers info on thinking styles, learning differences and gifts of visual thinkers.

6:30 pm. Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. Registration: 534-1385. new chapterlearning.net. Free.

June 12-July 31 - Conversational american Sign Language: Eight-week class by Deaf Expressions. 6:30-8 pm Thu. 2133 McKee Ave SW. Registration required (deafexpres sions05@gmail.com). $130, includes workbook. deafexpressions.net.

June 14 - Great Start Parent Coalition: Kent County Coalition hosts meeting about early childhood initiatives in Kent County. Free dinner and childcare. 5:45-8 pm. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave. great startkent.org.

Come visit us, the “safe wash” experts!

June 16 - danCegr: Ballroom dance lesson (7-8 pm), followed by social dance (8-11 pm). Social Dance Studio, 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, dancegr.com. $10 lesson, $11 dance, $16 both.

June 19 - nourishing Ways of West Michigan: “Learn & Share: Time-Saving Kitchen Tips.” 7-8:30 pm. St Mark’s Episcopal, 134 N Division Ave, nourishingways.org. Free.

June 21 - divorce Seminar for Women: Monthly seminar provides basic legal, psychological and financial info. 6 pm. Women’s Health Pavilion, 555 MidTowne St NE. $45 (divorceseminar.org).

KiDStuFF For Kidstuff, pick up a copy of the June issue of Grand Rapids Family Magazine.

Full Service Detailing

$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.

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out & about Society / faces / places

Marcia and Gordon Koll

Arthur Murray dancers at the JW

Pat Miles and Lysette Garcia

Alice and Brad Ambrose Julie Spearin and Maggie Spearin

Steve and Julie Glass

Capturing the action around town:

snap shots

Chris Apol, Lois Brouwer, Maryanne Verstraete and Faith Apol

Shannon Gales and Katie Hiskes

Photography by michael buck (top group); johnny quirin (bottom group)

Seems thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always something happening in downtown Grand Rapids. In April, photographers Johnny Quirin and Michael Buck captured the action at a variety of events.

Dancers showed their stuff and celebrated 100 years of dance at Arthur Murrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100th birthday party April 4 at the JW Marriott as part of a worldwide webcast. Art.Downtown featured the work of 300 artists in 30 Heartside and downtown locations April 13. Thrive, a support program providing services for refugees in the Grand Rapids area hosted a wine dinner in the Haworth & Interphase showroom in the Shops at MoDiv.

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Michelle Haapala, Kristen Apol and Jackie Kosnik-Downs

Philip Quartey and Edna Bermejo

Anh Tran and Minnie Morey

Vedette Flier-Cery and Christina Flier

Paula VanDyk and Rosie Haugen Amanda Haight and Ian Anderson

Photography by johnny quirin

Photography by michael buck (top group); johnny quirin (bottom group)

Lyndsey Rhodes, Tyler Carlisle and Peter Baculi

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

An exquisite dining experience set in a casual yet elegant atmosphere.

“Restaurant of the Year” Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 “Dining Awards”

60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 616.454.6700 www.leosrestaurant.com

xo

ASIAN CUISINE

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

Spectacular WATERFRONT Dining

Fine Persian Cuisine Restaurant and Banquet

2010 & 2011 Dining Award of Excellence NW corner of Breton & 28th St. • Grand Rapids

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

2 courses featuring the freshest seafood available, going from sea to plate in 24 hours. $22 per person The B.O.B. / 20 Monroe / Grand Rapids 616.356.2000 / thebob.com

3 Courses $25.99 I Happy Hour I Sunday Brunch I Special Occasions 63 Market St. I Downtown Grand Rapids 616.459.2500 I www.muer.com

Real Food | Real Fresh | Real Fast Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

happy hour mon.-Fri., 4pm-7pm in pearl street lounge

Pearl Street Grill and Lounge

CHINESE RESTAURANT / Mandarin / Hunan / Szechwan Special OccaSiOn catering available

3 locations • Open 7 days a week

www.firstwokgr.com

are located inside Holiday Inn (conveniently located downtown) 310 Pearl St. NW | Grand Rapids

616-235-1342 complimentary parking

The best that Italy has to offer in the heart of Grand Rapids...

AWARD WINNING

616-855-WINE (9463) WWW.RESERVEGR.COM

Inspiration through Fermentation.

HopCatGR.com 451-HOPS (4677) . 25 Ionia Ave.

#&&3 t &7&/54 t 1"35*&4 t %*/*/( t #&&3

Fine dining redefined

LUNCH Mon - Fri 11:30-4:00 PM DINNER Mon - Thurs 4:00-10:00 PM Fri 4:00-11:00 PM Sat 5:00-11:00 PM

Downtown Grand Rapids

CORNER OF MONROE AVE. & LYON

122 MONROE CENTER, ST NW DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 616-235-9339 www.trecugini.com

616.454.7455 Complimentary Valet Parking •35 Ionia Ave NW

www.LouisBenton.com

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 Beautifully Crafted  Uncompromising freshness. Infused with inspiration. Skillfully served.

Join us for 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.

“Restaurant of the Year”

60 Ottawa NW | Downtown Grand Rapids | 616.454.6700 | www.leosrestaurant.com

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Grand Rapids Magazine 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 “Dining Awards”

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NORTHWESTERN HOME_Full_6-12

5/2/12

9:05 PM

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637 Leonard NW Just West of US 131 Grand Rapids 616.454.4439

www.nwhomefurnishings.com

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