The Union Cabaret & Grille features no shortage of impeccable Southern flare. Chefs who got their start in places like New Orleans and Kansas City have put together a menu that features showstoppers like St. Louis-style ribs and Gumbo. Also available are six different barbeque sauces, all gluten free.

It's an optimistic time of year. The days are noticeably longer and temperatures are getting warmer. Not that you need to rely on the weather to heat things up—a spicy bite or sip can do the trick just as well.

Jeff Jacobson spends his days as an attorney, but one who harbored a secret desire: to open a brewery. However, it wasn't a task to be accomplished on his own. He had been doing some trademarking work for his soon-to-be business partner, Mark Gongalski, to whom he expressed his interest to open a brewery. They joined forces but were missing a crucial piece, the brewer.

Since Examiner got rid of its Beer City USA poll, it looks like Grand Rapids will be the nation's champ forever. Or until another beer-related poll pops up. But until then, we will celebrate our win indefinitely.