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The restaurant opened last February in the old Cambridge House space, and we finally stopped in for a late lunch. The knight’s armor is gone as is the wall that divided the bar from the restaurant. The dark booths are still there along with the dark wood bar, low lighting, and cool atmosphere.
We took a booth and were promptly greeted by the server/manager on duty, who mentioned the appetizer special, which we took him up on, 3 jerk pork sliders for $1.00. It was an excellent start with very tender, well-spiced pork, topped with sharp cheddar, baby spinach and pineapple aioli, on fresh mini brioche buns.
The menu is one large page, with plenty of choices that include vegetarian and vegan items. Several selections offer a small and large portion option, and we began with Plum Crazy! Stir-Fry (small portion). It was a lovely combination of chicken, water chestnuts, carrots, baby corn, shallots, and julienne squash, tossed in a sweet and spicy plum sauce. Served over pineapple basmati rice, the dish was a bit sweet but still satisfying with fresh and crisp vegetables.
Pesto Pasta Primavera was our second entree choice (small portion) and it was beautifully prepared but with a slightly messy presentation. The dish contained sautéed asparagus, mushroom ménage, split grape tomatoes and shallots. Everything was tossed in a pesto voloute and served over wheat rotini. It all combined wonderfully - the pesto flavor did not overpower, the vegetables were not over-cooked, and we noticed the messy bowl only when looking at the photos later. And we loved the bowls that both dishes were served in; forget those shallow, filled-to-the-brim bowls that you cannot eat from without spilling. SpeakEZ has this solved.
About a week later, we visited on a Sunday when looking for a restaurant open downtown before 4pm. It was a very light crowd and we had the fortune to have our same server/manager. We tried to order the Catalonian Romesco but were told it was unavailable; the Sautéed Calamari was recommended in its stead. Served with shallots, thai sweet chili sauce, and fennel, it was a fine substitution.
Right upon the calamari delivery, we were brought Escargot Normandy, complete with burning rosemary, complementary, to make up for the absence of the Catalonian Romesco. It was a nice touch that was followed up by a visit from chef, Ken, who chatted with us about the restaurant and other Grand Rapids restaurants.
SpeakEZ took second place in the recent Grandwich contest (lost to Skywalk Deli by 8 votes so feel bad if you didn’t vote for them :) and still features the Jerk Pork Cuban as a special. It is one fine sandwich and here is their description:
“Locally sourced pork shoulder pulled and mixed with SpeakEZ's Signature Carribean jerk sauce, then topped with Fulton Street Farmers Market pickled zucchini, summer squash, and red onions. All topped with Mozzarella Cheese, and covered with chipolte mayo and pineapple aioli. Served on butter grilled ciabatta.” It is a very fine sandwich, being a lovely combination of flavors, slightly spicy, and is highly recommended.
Then the insane Irish Pirate sandwich arrived. From their menu: “by popular demand: roast beef, ham, turkey, bacon, cheeses: munster, swiss, parmesan, mozzarella; lettuce, tomato, pretzels, potato chips, roasted garlic aioli, mustard aioli and mayo. All served on sourdough bread; no side. Really?! really.”
This has to be the biggest sandwich you’ve ever seen, or tried to consume. There are several methods that have been tried to accomplish the task of eating this sandwich and our server commended us on the taking-it-apart-to-eat-it approach. It’s an interesting combination but we would prefer the pretzels and potato chips on the side :)
We don’t usually name servers/managers/chefs, for good or for bad, but Calin deserves a mention (as does the above-named, Ken) because he is knowledgeble and the perfect combination of good service - genuine attention without being obsequious, informative, and absent any of the fake cheeriness experienced with national chain employees (you know of what I speak).
SpeakEZ is a friendly, comfortable restaurant, with good food, great service, a fantastic Grandwich selection, and is so worthy of your patronage.
www.speakezlounge.com
10/13/11 Update: The owners have announced the closing of the Cambridge House as of 10/15/11
This has been a popular, local bar for a long time that features a comfortable, English-style atmosphere and a huge selection of wine and beer. Hardwood floors, dark wood, and low lighting create an appealing pub ambiance with a lot of character. Typical bar food was always available but when you thought about dining out, Cambridge House would not come to mind.
Things are changing. The focus is now more on food, with a small and interesting menu, ever-changing, and based on locally-produced ingredients. The pool table and dart boards are still there as is the fireplace seating. There’s a new dividing wall to set the bar apart but everything else looks the same.
We took a high-backed, dark wood booth along the bar around five o’clock and were promptly served with a bottle of water and menus. Scanning the menu, we were impressed by the selections but quickly realized that it was not a full menu with appetizers and entrees.
Instead we were offered a mix of sides, small plates, and a few other dishes; we needed a few minutes to sort it all out. Most selections are nicely paired with an appropriate beer and wine offerings.
We started with pierogies filled with Michigan potatoes, shrimp, and bacon. Caramelized onions and a pea puree accompanied the dish. Shrimp and bacon flavors were light but we were okay with that. The potatoes were creamy, and when each bite was combined with the onions and puree, it was a mouth-watering treat.
Next up was the Michigan Comfort, a tender filet of beef served with roasted potatoes and crimini (or do you say cremini) mushrooms in a rich gravy. Exquisite flavor and presentation, the beef was beautifully medium rare.
The description of the Goulash was irresistible and it didn’t disappoint as our second selection. Beef, buffalo, and lamb were simmered in a tomato-date sauce and was served with gemelli pasta and Dancing Goat chevre, with a small side salad of peppers, tomatoes, and onion. The pasta was prepared perfectly, the meat flavors were distinct but compatible, the tomato and date sauce was subtle, and the chevre topped it off wonderfully for a very well-balanced and highly recommended dish.
As you can see by the photos, these are not huge servings but they were reasonable portions. There is still a huge alcohol menu (it’s still a bar after all) and you can’t stop by for lunch; they don’t open until 4:00 p.m. Service was exemplary.
We’re fans of Derby Station and Graydon’s Crossing and their owners also own Cambridge House. We’re not fans of unattributed quotes but will leave you with theirs: “To be without good food and good drink...is a paltry existence.”
www.cambridgehousegr.com
