To Michigan’s economy, restaurants are kind of a big deal. The industry currently employs 10 percent of Michigan’s total workforce, registering $13.1 billion in annual sales. The National Restaurant Association projects a 5.8 percent increase in employment over the course of 2014, which means the creation of 23,000 jobs in the state.
Half of our menu can be made either gluten free or vegan. I love to cater to things like that. People who are close to me, myself included, have dietary restrictions. So I'm very in-tune to that.
There's a saying that pizza is like sex. Even when it's bad, it's pretty good. But when it's good, holy s***. While we never turn down pizza, regardless of how bad it is, there are just some pies that make life on earth a little bit like heaven. We've searched all over West Michigan to find the most heavenly slices out there, and there's no messing with these ones. From light-your-mouth-on-fire hot to artisan to a pizza with a twist, here are our pizza picks.
We asked our staff members to choose their last West Michigan meal on Earth. Here are their picks.
There’s been few instances since my move to West Michigan that restaurant outbreaks make headlines. While probably a good thing, it’s not particularly exciting - and probably poor journalism. Though GR has clearly stepped it up in the beer and art departments, we struggle to produce the major food-borne outbreaks that truly make up a city. So I took it upon myself to hear the stories that make you despise the mongrels who prepare your food.
Going gluten free doesn't mean you have to give up baked goods and sweets compeltely. Here are some local places that specialize in gluten-free goodies.
You never have to wait too long for a food event to pop up in West Michigan. You just need to know where it's at and what's going down. Interested in the traditional or maybe the offbeat? Something relaxing or lively? No matter the theme, there are really just two must-haves for a successful food event.
In the past few years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) and organic food delivery services have recently seen significant expansion in their food-conscious customer base. These options are alternatives to food and produce with GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and pesticides added, resulting in healthier and fresher options.
It's hard to remember a time when bacon was just a side order at breakfast. Over the past couple of years, the salty strips have found their way into everything from popcorn and liquor to cupcakes and ice cream. It almost feels like you can't leave the house without running into the temptation of a bacon-infused, bacon-sprinkled or bacon-wrapped something or other.
The New Old Pal is a house favorite among the bourbon drinkers at the dimly lit Ionia Avenue hideaway.
