Black Rose Irish Pub

21 09 2008
  • 100 Ionia Ave. SW
  • Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • (616) 456-7673
  • Website
  • Menu
Black Rose Irish Pub near Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids

Black Rose Irish Pub near Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids

After spending a whole bunch of time planning out meals and asking for suggestions, we threw that all out the window and decided to just wing it for lunch Saturday afternoon in downtown Grand Rapids.  I’m not sure what we were expecting, but we were kind of hoping for a little walkable shopping district.  We didn’t find it, but we did find a few restaurants near Van Andel Arena.  The circus was in town the day we were down there so all the parking lots only had event parking at $7.  We ended up driving around for another ten minutes looking for a meter.  We finally found one a few blocks away.

The Black Rose sits right across the street from arena on an old brick street in downtown Grand Rapids.  The building really sticks out.  It’s a nice corner building decorated in the typical Irish pub fashion.  When we stepped inside, we were met by a host who took us to the non-smoking section behind the bar.  The decor inside is, again, typical of an Irish pub.  There is a lot of dark woods, Guinness signs, and the such.  A waitress came over menus which were pretty thick.  We ordered drinks and looked over the menu.  It had been a few days since I had a burger, so that’s what I went with. Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Bar, Burgers, Downtown, Grand Rapids, Irish Bar, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews, Sandwiches

Fresh Market – Grand Rapids

21 09 2008
  • 5114 28th St. SE
  • Grand Rapids, MI 49512
  • (616) 940-1103
  • Website
Fresh Market in Grand Rapids

Fresh Market in Grand Rapids

We get to our hotel Friday night and I check my e-mail to find a couple comments telling me to check out Fresh Market near I-96.  The funny thing is, Fresh Market is right across the street from our hotel and I told J on our way in that we should check it out in the morning.  After sitting in our hotel room and relaxing for a little bit, we decided to see if they were still open.  It was 9:30 and no they weren’t so we were gonna have to check back in the morning.

After we got up and got moving, we checked out of the hotel and headed over to the Fresh Market.  It’s located in a little shopping plaza just off the Interstate.  Once again, it’s a good thing there’s not one right down the street.  This is another one of those great grocery stores.  Even though it’s a chain, they haven’t taken the human element out of it or seen how much product they can buy to try and keep costs down.  Instead, they have quality, hard to find products.  We zipped through the produce section without seeing anything really unique because I noticed the butchers in the back. Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : 4 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Grand Rapids, Grocery, Michigan, Reviews

Malarky’s

20 09 2008
  • 3210 Deposit Dr NE
  • Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  • (616) 808-2956
  • Website
  • Menu
Malarkys at I-96 and Beltline in Grand Rapids

Malarky's at I-96 and Beltline in Grand Rapids

After an amazing day in Traverse City, we headed back to Grand Rapids for the night.  We couldn’t find a hotel under $100 up north,so we came back as far as Grand Rapids and found a Red Roof Inn for not even half that much.  After getting settled, we both got a little hungry, so we hoped in the car and started heading towards downtown.  First, we wanted to check out Fresh Market, but it was too late and they were closed.  That would have to wait until the next morning.  For some reason, our GPS took us the long way back to the Interstate and we ended up on Beltline Road.  Just before we got to I-96, we hit this bar that looked like a chain, but wasn’t a chain we had ever heard of.  I-96 West was closed at that interchange, so we had to drive around and come back.  On the way back, we just decided to give Malarkey’s a try.  Really, all we wanted was a drink and an appetizer, so why keep driving when there was a place right here.

Once we got inside, Malarky’s again looked like a chain.  The hostess station was right inside the door in it’s own little room.  Through a doorway to the right was the bar.  To the left was the dining room.  We made our way into the bar and found a pub table along the wall, so we sat down.  A waitress noticed us and came over for a drink order.  I got a 14 oz. Bud Light and J got a frozen daquiri.  the waitress came back with a 24 oz. Bud Light instead.  It was only $.50 more so I just took it and didn’t say anything.  She tried to walk away, but we stopped her to put in an order of nachos. Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : 11 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Bar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Reviews, Sports Bar

Moomer’s Homemade Ice Cream

20 09 2008
  • 7263 N. Long Lake Rd.
  • Traverse City, MI 49648
  • (231) 941-4122
  • Website
  • Menu
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream near Traverse City

Moomer's Homemade Ice Cream near Traverse City

Earlier this summer, I was watching an ABC program when I saw a promo for Good Morning America Weekend.  I usually tune out because who wants to get up early enough on a Saturday to watch GMA?  This time I paid attention.  Not because there was some important news item they were teasing.  What happened is that they were teasing the results for the voting for the Best Ice Cream Shop in the country.  The winner of that contest?  Moomer’s in Traverse City, Michigan.  Since we were planning a trip to Traverse City, we made sure that Moomer’s was on our list of places to go.

We knew while eating dinner at Boone’s Long Lake Inn (review HERE) that we needed to save room for ice cream.  Our plan was to eat dinner, grab some ice cream then head back to Grand Rapids where we were spending the night.  We both ate quite a bit at dinner, but we were not going to leave the area without a stop at the best ice cream shop in America.

Moomer’s sits on Long Lake Rd outside of Traverse City.  It’s a stand alone shop with a log cabin feel.  Even late in September at 7:00 at night, quite a few people were crowded into the shop enjoying some ice cream.  Since we were pretty full, we both went with a small serving which is one scoop in a cup. Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : 3 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Ice Cream, Local Flavor, Michigan, Reviews, Traverse City

Boone’s Long Lake Inn

20 09 2008
  • 7208 Secor Rd.
  • Traverse City, MI 49648
  • (231) 946-3991
  • Website
  • Menu
Boones Long Lake Inn outside Traverse City

Boone's Long Lake Inn outside Traverse City

Whenever we go on a trip, I like to find the place where the locals go for a meal.  You can always find good spots in the tourists hubs as well, but it’s those out of the way places that a tourist might have a hard time finding where the real gems are.  Boone’s Long Lake Inn came from a recommendation from Ang who said she and her fiance will find a reason to drive to Traverse City just so they can go to Boone’s.  That was a good enough recommendation for me, so we headed out of town to find Boone’s.

Boone’s is located a few miles outside of town on Secor Rd.  I damn near missed the turn for the driveway.  The sign came up on me pretty fast, but since there was no one behind me, I slowed down in a hurry to make the turn.  The restaurant sits at the end of a short drive.  When we got up the hill, we came into a huge parking lot that was pretty empty.  We were pretty early for dinner, so it was questionable whether we would even be able to get a meal here.  There’s a sign posted on the outside of the restaurant with the hours and they just opened for dinner about ten minutes prior to our arrival.

When we got inside, we were met by a host and shown to a table.  The dinning room is massive.  It’s divided into three separate, gigantic spaces.  In addition to the dining rooms, there’s a bar and banquet rooms.  Boone’s is huge.  Our waitress came over for drinks and told us about the specials.  Steaks had been recommended, but I don’t normally eat steak at restaurants.  Too expensiveand I’m a little picky with how it’s cooked.  I like it medium rare and that seems to be open to interpretation for some reason.  There was plenty on the menu that looked good.  I ended up ordering the single bacon wrapped pork loin.  The pork chop came with choice of potato and a salad.  I chose french fries for the potato and got a side salad with Italian dressing.  The most interesting thing about the salad were the croutons.  They were obviously homemade.  They were crispy on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside.  Before the meal, the server brought out a loaf of warm, homemade bread.  I would assume the croutons are made from that left over bread.  Side salads are usually uninteresting and bland, but the croutons made this salad just the opposite. Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Local Flavor, Michigan, Reviews, Traverse City

Kilwin’s Chocolate Shoppe

20 09 2008
  • 129 E. Front St
  • Traverse City, MI 49684
  • (231) 946-2403
  • Website
Kilwins Chocolate Shoppe in downtown Traverse City

Kilwin's Chocolate Shoppe in downtown Traverse City

Fudge is a weakness of mine.  I have a hard time walking by a candy shop where I can see them making it in the window.  After we left The Cherry Shop (review HERE), we continued walking down Front Street.  It wasn’t long before we walked by two guys in the window making candy.  They weren’t making fudge, but they were making caramel apples.  I grabbed J and pushed her towards the door.  When we got inside, my suspicions were confirmed.  They had the most delicious looking fudge in a glass case near the door.

I didn’t know where to start.  I do know I love peanut butter.  I also know I love fudge.  If you put the two together, it should make an incredible confection.  They had a special going where if you bought two pieces of fudge, you got one free.  J wanted a piece of the cherry fudge and since we were going to get a free one, I got a wedge of the vanilla.  Each wedge was a half a pound.  There were no prices posted so I was a little shocked when it rang up at $17, but it was a lot of fudge.  Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Candy, Chocolate, Michigan, Reviews, Specialty Shop, Traverse City

The Cooks House

19 09 2008
  • 439 E. Front St.
  • Traverse City, MI 49686
  • (231) 946-8700
  • Website
  • Menu
The Cooks House near downtown Traverse City

The Cooks House near downtown Traverse City

7:30 AM is early.  Not for most people, but for J and me, anything before about 11 AM might as well be pre-dawn.  Why were we up so  early, you ask?  Our goal was to be on the road by 9:00 AM and in Traverse City by lunch.  Guess what?  We made it!  Out the door by 8:30 and in the Cherry Capitol by noon.  Our first stop was going to be lunch.  I had been scouting this one out for a while.  I noticed a blog on Good Food Hunting called From Behind the Stove.  The writer is a chef at a tiny restaurant near downtown Traverse City.  I knew if we ever made it north, The Cooks House would definitely be a stop.

So, we pull into downtown Traverse City just after noon.  I was a little worried because I kept reading about how great this place was and how it was starting to catch on with foodies.  Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.  I was really hoping that wouldn’t be the case with lunch.  The Cooks House is located just a few blocks from the main downtown business district on Front Street.  It’s a very inconspicuous building.  We actually drove by it without realizing it. We found a parking garage two blocks up then headed back the way we came on foot to seek out the shop. Read the rest of this entry »


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : BBQ, Downtown, Fine Dining, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews, Traverse City

Checked out for the Weekend

19 09 2008

J and I are heading to Traverse City today and Grand Rapids tomorrow just to hang out and see what we can find.  The plan is to eat lunch at Cook’s House when we get to Traverse City.  For dinner, we’re looking at Boone’s for dinner. 

Tonight, we’re heading back to Grand Rapids where we’ve got a Red Roof Inn booked.  Red Roof’s don’t offer free Wi-Fi with rooms, so there probably won’t be any blog updates until at least tomorrow night or Sunday.  Saturday’s plans are to check out Grand Rapids.  I don’t have much as far as restaruants go in GR.  I’ve heard good things about Real Food Cafe and Wealthy St. Bakery for lunch.  We’ll see what we can find.  Dinner?  Not sure.  Maybe find something in GR..maybe drive back to Portland and try Duke’s Cajun Bar & Grill.  Not sure.  We’ll see.  If you have any suggestions, leave them here.  We may be able to find Wi-Fi at a McDonald’s or something so I can at least check e-mail and the blog.


Comments : 5 Comments »
Tags: , , , , ,
Categories : Grand Rapids, Michigan, Traverse City

Press Release – Old Town Oktoberfest

18 09 2008

From a press release….

Old Town Oktoberfest Tickets Now Available
­­­­­­­­­­­Celebrate fall at Old Town’s version of a classic German festival

OLD TOWN, LANSING, Mich. – In just a few weeks, festival patrons will be able to step into Bavaria, enjoying all the polka music, authentic German food and beer they can handle, without ever leaving Lansing. Get tickets now for the third annual Old Town Oktoberfest, Old Town Lansing’s ode to the largest festival on the planet.

On Friday & Saturday, October 3 & 4, Old Town Oktoberfest patrons will be transported into the heart of German culture. The festival features German music and dance, authentic German fare and world-renowned German and Oktoberfest-style beer.

Tickets for the event are now on-sale. One day admission is $13 in advance, $17 at the door or $15 for students and seniors (ID required). For two-days of German fun, purchase a Weekend Pass, good both Friday & Saturday, for only $25. Admission to Oktoberfest includes a souvenir Oktoberfest mug and three food/drink tickets.

Tickets are available at selected Old Town retailers including, Grace, Prespective2 and Mama Bear’s Café, as well as in the OTCA office, located at 1232 Turner St. Patrons can also purchase tickets online at www.oldtownoktoberfest.com.

This year, anyone can enjoy Oktoberfest like a VIP. Private Parties are still available for the entire Oktoberfest weekend. Great for client and employee appreciation or a night out with a group of friends, a Private Party package includes one reserved table in the VIP tent, admission to the festival and drink/food tickets for eight people, private restrooms, a great view of the entertainment and your very own satellite drink station, so Private Party guests will never have to wait in line for a drink. Parties are $400 per night or $700 for the weekend.

Old Town Oktoberfest is presented by and a fundraiser for the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA). The funds raised from this event helps to beautify the district, recruit businesses, produce special events and preserve Old Town’s unique character.

Old Town Commercial Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Lansing’s Old Town through socioeconomic development, historic preservation, business recruitment and community outreach. For additional information, please visit www.iloveoldtown.org.

###


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan, Old Town

Press Release – SOS Office Accepting Donations for Harvest Gathering

18 09 2008

From a press release…..

Helping residents put a meal on the table
Secretary of State branches accept Harvest Gathering donations

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that Michigan residents again can drop off nonperishable food items at branch offices to benefit needy families in their communities for the 18th annual Michigan Harvest Gathering.

“Your donations help put a meal on the table for someone in need,” Land said. “Of the
1 million Michigan residents expected to visit a food bank this year, 38 percent are children and
14 percent are senior citizens. I encourage you to contribute to Michigan Harvest Gathering to help your less-fortunate friends and neighbors, including our most vulnerable populations.”

The campaign, which is coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, helps supply the state’s regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.

People can drop off donations at all Secretary of State branch offices through Dec. 12. Requested items include peanut butter, canned tuna and other meat, and canned fruits, vegetables and soups, although all nonperishable food items are welcome. Envelopes will be available for those who wish to mail cash donations, which are used to cover the cost of collecting and distributing the food.

In 2007, the Michigan Harvest Gathering collected more than $400,000 and 289,000 pounds of food. The 2008 goal is $430,000 and 300,000 pounds of food.


Comments : 1 Comment »
Tags: , , , ,
Categories : Food News, Lansing, Michigan, Politics

« Previous Entries Next Entries »