Whether the words “home cooking” make you cringe or recall your favorite Steak Au Poivre recipe, we all have strong feelings about it. Some claim to be ramen noodle experts, while others use every square inch of their counter space to store the latest kitchen gadgets. With a rise in one-pot meals and BuzzFeed Tasty videos over the past year, it’s never been easier to call yourself a home chef.

For some of us, getting through a meal without any pain is just too boring. Most spice fanatics opt for Indian or Thai, but if you’re looking to expand your spice horizons, West Michigan has plenty to offer. We’ve rounded up some of the most blazing hot dishes around that don’t sacrifice flavor for suffering.

There’s a new French restaurant in the heart of Grand Rapids and frankly, it’s about time. Most western cooking dances around — if not completely bows in supplication to — classic French cookery and technique, but it is understandable, however, that a region so laden with Dutch heritage could dodge a brasserie for so long.

Well, it’s a new year. We’ve all white-knuckled our way through the first full year of our 45th President, and perhaps our self-care routines have lapsed a little? I know mine have! So let’s eat right. 

Here’s my experience on a one-day tour of salads from around Grand Rapids, some from rookie establishments and some old favorites.