Grand Rapids, Michigan

I have heard that Gaia's (sp?) is a much better-than-average vegetarian restaurant in Grand Rapids.  In addition, you will be about half an hour from Nashville (that's right, Nashville, MI), home of Helmut's Kafeehaus. HK is a complete anomaly, a very competent central European kitchen located in the middle of farm country.  (I posted the story of how Helmut ended up here in an earlier thread.)  Nashville is in the (relatively) attractive southern Michigan glaciated strip, with lots of little lakes, hills, etc.; so the drive is not bad.  And, of course, I second the idea of high-tailing it to Lake Michigan.

Someone wrote:

>Can anybody recommend restaurants (and/or things to do) in Grand Rapids,
>Michigan? I will be there approximately May 13-24 on business and have
>never been there before. Thanks for any help.
>                                                ---Marcia Grodsky
>                                                   [email removed]
>

Where to eat? A few suggestions from a resident:

  -- The Thornapple Village Inn. Here you'll find a first-class gourmet
restaurant, with prices to match. Food's very creative and very, very good. They also have what they call the Tap Room, an extension of their bar. Prices are lower but the food still is great. Try the deep-dish pizza; best I've had anywhere. Located in Ada, about 10 miles from downtown.
   -- Trattoria. The owner is the chef and he can cook like nobody's
business. The best Italian food, bar none, in West Michigan. Fantastic pasta, calimari, veal ... you name it. The creamy garlic dressing for the salads is to die for. Service can be haphazard, though. Prices are very reasonable. Not a lot of atmosphere, but the food compensates. On 28th Street SE.
   -- Jimmy's Grill. Home cooking is the name of the game here, and the
portions are HUGE. Pork roast and pot roast are your best bests. For dessert -- as if you'll have room -- try a big wedge of homemade pie. Ridiculously cheap. Located in Lowell, way out in farm country, about 15-20 minutes from downtown. Call for directions and ask about hours, 'cause they're weird.
   -- Charley's Crab. A Chuck Muer place. They do seafood the way most
folks like it, which is my way of damning with faint praise. What you have here is basically an upscale chain restaurant. The dishes are created by an "executive chef" somewhere and served at just about all locations, but the prices are way out of line with that type of food. If you're on an expense account, go ahead. Located downtown.
   -- Gutherie's. Fine dining, if you will. Lots of original ideas. I
haven't been to this one for a few years, but one of their big draws used to be a soup bar that came with all the meals. The soups always were totally astounding. Prices run to the high side. Located in the Ramblewood Apartments complex off 44th Street SW, about 10 minutes from downtown.
   -- Tillman's. I saved the best for last. This family-owned
neighborhood steakhouse is one of the best-kept secrets in Grand Rapids. Always packed on the weekends, and deservedly so. Super-stiff drinks, huge steaks, and the best sauteed frog legs ever. Stop in, have a few drinks and tuck into something tasty. I've been going to this place for 15 years and I've never been disappointed. Located nearly downtown, on Monroe Avenue. Call for directions or cab it.
   -- One more thing: Places to avoid. Stay out of any of the Sam's Joints
(they should be called Clip Joints), the restaurants at the Amway Grand Plaza (good food, but the prices ruin your digestion) and almost all of the Chinese places (Yen Ching is an exception, and there's a location downtown).

Have a great stay!