Foodies

Even though this represents a lifetime of discovery and now categorizing my experience of West Michigan’s finest eateries I’ve done my best to keep the read time of this list short. I am sure that you may have already found some of these restaurants for yourself but hopefully I’ll have a few new places to help spice up your next Date Night, or speed you along in developing your own list of favorites.

American:

• One Trick Pony (Downtown, Fulton Street) – nicer fare than the
• Cottage Bar (directly adjacent…GR’s oldest establishment). Each has its place in GR Iconography.
• Forest Hills Inn (Forest Hills Ave & Cascade Rd) – You throw the Thompson name around here and you’ll get a friendly smile and some good plain food like everyone else. If you want to avoid your Design/Build Remodeler don’t eat here.

Bakery:

• Wealthy Street Bakery (West of Eastern Ave 4-6 blocks through Eastown) – Up and coming bakery that does things right.
• Vans Bakery (Fulton Street & Diamond) – GR Classic, try the frosted cinnamon bread to make your own French Toast or have it on the menu at Cherie Inn.

Breakfast:

• Cherie Inn (Cherry & Diamond) – This is a family favorite since the mid-1980s.
• Marie Katrib (Cherry & Diamond) – This is a bit newer, cooler, hipper cafe style restaurant. Also excellent lunch & desserts.
• Cafe Solace (Downtown, Division & Monroe Center) – Omelette Bar & fantastic rosemary potato side
• Charlie’s Crab (Downtown on the Grand River, Market Street Exit off US 131 Southbound) – Pricey Sunday brunch that will change your life.
• Real Food Cafe (Eastern & Alger) – The name says it all! (Not a greasy spoon.)

Hotdogs:

• Yesterdog (Eastown, Wealthy Street) – Oh come on, you gotta slum with the lowly hotdog now and then!

Indian:

• Bombay Cuisine (Lake Drive in Eastown) – Mango Lasse smoothie-like drink is worth the $3, Chicken/Lamb Korma (has grapes in it), Butter Chicken spiced up to a number 7+ is fantastic!

Italian:

• Perredie’s (Holland, 18th Street & Washington Square) – Kristin/Ben first date. Good Italian beyond the sentimental value.
• Pietros (28th Street, West of Breton) – Go to the backdoor for Chicago style pizza. Front door for dinner for 2 specials.
• Bistro Bella Vita (Downtown, behind the Van Andel Arena) Upscale, maybe for dinner before a show, not so much a hockey game.

Lebanese:

• Ostas (Gaslight Village) – I haven’t been recently but the finest humus I’ve had.
• Sami’s Gyros (28th Street & Lake Eastbrook Blvd., East of E. Beltline) – Lunch time, beat the rush.

Mexican:

• El Arriero (28th Street, West of E. Beltline, East of Breton) – My favorite fresh salsa, cheap combos, fast & tasty bean dip to take the edge off.
• Maggie’s Kitchen (Bridge Street, West of US-131) Very good authentic food, bordering on an okay neighborhood.
• Margarita’s (Holland) – Kristin/Ben dating favorite. Salsa is almost as good as El Arriero. Harder to find.

Ribs:

• Sandman’s (Corner of Wealthy St & Fuller St, West of Eastown) – The smells out front tell the story of what is to come.

Sushi:

• Shogun (Breton Rd & 28th Street) – If you don’t want to play sushi there are many cooked options. Try the boat.

Spanish:

• San Chez (Downtown, Fulton St) – I know you’ve seen it, now it’s time to experience it. Family favorites are the Fried Yuca, seared tuna, any meats, cold turkey tenderloin w/ curry mayo & chutney, goat cheese, menu always changing.
• Mezze next door is more Gen X, more Ethiopian, plus fancy sandwiches.

Subs:

• Subs ‘N More (Holland, 8th Street) – Hot subs, excellent after a day at the beach.
• Eastown Deli (Eastown, Wealthy Street) – Wide fries, warm subs.

Vegetarian:

• Gaia (Diamond & Cherry Street) – This is the place to not eat meat! The food is very good.

Happy eating.
Warmly,
Ben Thompson