Summer Sushi: Ju Sushi & Lounge
Damn, it's hot. How about some chilled sushi in a posh atmosphere to keep your hunger pangs at bay as you abstain from your next gallon of sweet tea? Instead, indulge in the Tokyo Ice Tea or the Ju Caramel Apple. The latter is an apple, cherry and orchid ornamented martini of Van Gogh Caramel Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Apple Pucker and sparkling sake chilled in a caramel-swirled glass, while the former is a simple, sweet infusion of raspberry iced tea, Zen Green Tea and Stoli Raspberry. For those with ulterior motives, check out the 20-plus sake selection available for bombing. Now that the shock of cold air has dried your brow and your thirst briefly quenched, you can focus on the menu. The Tako (octopus) is tender and the Toro (blue-fin tuna belly) quite tasty, but there are two literally flaming specialty sushi rolls of awesome (also literal) that will make summer black tar parking lots look and feel frigid—The Playboy and Fire Mountain. The Playboy Roll, although pricey (half-off on Tuesdays, thankfully) is a spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, and cream cheese roll garnished with more tempura shrimp and served in a splendid singed sauce. The Fire Mountain Roll is a sight on fire, the spicy salmon, tempura shrimp, crab salad, albacore tuna and avocado almost seems like an afterthought until the roll drips its sauces onto your tongue and seeps down your throat—you'll freeze from the ecstasy. If you'd like to really kick up the fire, try the Volcano Roll 2 (not the sissy California Roll-based Volcano 1) with shrimp, salmon, and crab in a fire sauce. Ju Sushi offers a two-for-$9 and three-for-$12 lunch special seven days a week from 11-3 p.m., followed by happy hour from 3-6 p.m., 40-percent-off bottles of wine on Thursdays and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. 1144 E. Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 575-5858, jusushi.com
Taste of Grand Rapids 2013
Taste of Grand Rapids returns this summer at Fifth Third Ballpark, where the field will be covered with food tents featuring Grand Rapids' best and tastiest local grub. Dance and jiggle your full bellies to live music that plays throughout the day, or you could enter the barbecue competition that could win you $500. Although entry to the event is free, you won't have any luck getting some tastes without coughing up a little cash. Come on an empty stomach, because you'll be leaving with a full one. $1 and up, July 19 - 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 4500 W River Dr. NE, Plainfield Township; 1013thebrew.com
Burger Bar Happy Hour at Dee-Lite
Stop in at Dee-Lite Bar & Grill Monday through Thursday for a not-so-average happy hour from 5-7 p.m. This Grand Haven grill features a burger happy hour with a retro feel. Dee-Lite's newly installed Burger Bar features local, fresh and hand-pressed burgers on a flattop grill. Pick any style of retro beer (Blatz, Black Label, Old Style or Schlitz) to go with your burger for only $6. Cooking and grilling since 1937, Dee-Lite's experience in popping taste buds plus this crazy classic deal will make you want this special to last just one hour longer. Monday-Thursday, 5-7 p.m., 24 Washington Ave., Grand Haven; (616) 844-5055, harborrestaurants.com/deelite
