Food + Drink

Sam Slaughter, the author of Are You Afraid of the Dark Rum? has come to Grand Rapids and will be hitting the town tasting the distilleries and breweries we have to offer. 

This dish is perfect to enjoy in the early cold months of the winter, and a wonderful main for a dinner party.

A few years ago, Dietrich Orchards owner Dan Dietrich ventured to New Hampshire to find some budwood for special types of apples.

In the summer, it’s easy for a drink to be too heavy and become a drag in the high humidity heat of the Michigan sun.

Bourbon glazed Pork Chops with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli

Long Road Distillers has launched its second annual Happy Holidays Cocktail Pop-Up Menu.

A few years back, I was sitting in the office of Founders Brewing co-founder and President Dave Engbers when my phone buzzed.

When the clock strikes midnight on Thanksgiving, most of us are met with one of two feelings; the immediate excitement for the approaching holidays, or the anxious chest hum thinking of everything to check off your to-do list.

This week, I caught up with Essence Restaurant COO and Beverage Director Tristan Walczewski, one of the only Master Sommeliers around West Michigan, to see what he’s thinking about his wine choices heading into the holiday season.

Over the summer, we took a reader suggestion of featuring First Wok as an On The Go feature, and it is a perfect quick dinner idea for much of the Grand Rapids metro area.

On a sunny evening in September, Reserve Beverage Director Ben Vanderwaal and Executive Chef Josh Verhulst helped guide a number of dedicated diners through a special Italian Wine Dinner.

A few years ago, while working for the NHL team in Las Vegas, my wife brought home a new drink.

In West Michigan, it can seem like there is a pizza place on almost every corner.

Most meals have become dominated by a protein or lean too heavily to the vegetable.

Brett VanderKamp is steadfast in his push to make New Holland Brewing Company one that lasts for the ages.

Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches have become one of the flavors of the past decade, despite being a staple in the Tennessee city for decades.

This summer, Grand Rapids welcomed a high-end seafood restaurant ready to serve an underserved niche in the downtown food scene.

A “non la” is a conical leaf hat, an iconic image associated with Vietnam and probably the furthest image that comes to mind when one thinks of an American-style hamburger.

With costs rising at restaurants across the country, it’s refreshing when a spot offers up affordable, yet delicious cuisine.