Sheshco Mediterranean Grill, 2121 Celebration Dr NE - 2/12/13

Conveniently located near Celebration Cinema North movie theater, we recently made our third visit before heading for the movie. This is a large restaurant divided into two rooms, both of which are heavily decorated with things that include a stuffed bird and framed daggers. Light fixtures are also diverse and somewhat interesting but it seems to be a bit much overall.

There’s a large counter that services take-out orders, and behind that is an open kitchen with a brick, gas-fired oven. Cool oven with flames visible but the counter gives the room a strange vibe, making it seem more like a counter-order restaurant.

Each visit found us seated in booths right next to other diners when plenty of other seating was available. We would have seated ourselves otherwise but the sign clearly asked us to wait to be seated (so we dealt with the loud-talkers oblivious of their surroundings).

We always experienced friendly and efficient service but the highlight of this restaurant will always be the puffy pita bread automatically brought out with a fantastic garlic spread (garlic, jalapenos, lemon juice, and olive oil). This alone warrants a visit.

Both the Falafel and Fried Kibbeh were slightly over fried but otherwise alright. The lamb vegetable soup was delicious, and the house salad was fresh with a nicely seasoned dressing.

Hommous topped with lamb is highly recommended but the Shawarma had a really heavy all-spice flavor that was too strong for us. The Beef Shish Kabob with the crisp vegetables was nicely spiced and spot-on.

Take-out seems to be a big part of their business as we watched many people walk in for their orders. The restaurant does not have a liquor license but instead offers raw and freshly squeezed juices. The owner also owns the two Le Kabob locations in Grand Rapids. Find them all on Facebook.

We later inquired about the origination of the name of the restaurant and heard back from the owners that it was derived from "Shish Lick or Shish Cabab" and "Co" from "A Cook."  Inventive enough.

This is a fine addition to Grand Rapids’ Middle Eastern restaurants and a nice alternative to Ming Ten for Celebration Cinema North attendees.

www.sheshcogrill.com

The Derby Station, 2237 Wealthy St SE – 11/24/10

We had passed this by a few times last summer and decided to visit this East Grand Rapids restaurant today. We walked in and were greeted by a mostly empty restaurant and an offer to seat ourselves. The entrance is off Wealthy and brings you into the middle of the restaurant. Tables and a few booths are located on either side and the bar is located straight ahead. A large outdoor patio is off to your left.

It’s a comfortable, pub atmosphere with an open ceiling, dark wood paneling, tables, and booths, which all contrast nicely with the lighter wood floor. We seated ourselves in a high-backed booth and were promptly provided with a large beer/wine menu along with a smaller food menu.

It apparently began as a sister restaurant to Graydon’s Crossing but has since modified the menu. Few traces of British/Indian food can be seen although Fish & Chips is still available. Instead, the emphasis is on fresh, local ingredients, and the menu has many creative and interesting selections. By the time we looked up the online menu to assist in writing a review, it had already changed to December selections. The menu not only changes but is also kept up-to-date online.

We began with the mushroom and tomato bruschetta, and it was amazingly delicious. Sauteed tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, pearl onions, and an herb goat cheese spread were served on grilled bread, topped with an over easy egg. The egg is a European influence and it was a suitable addition. Everything combined beautifully.

Our first main dish was pumpkin gnocchi served with andouille sausage, sauteed wild mushrooms, and leeks in a black peppercorn parmesan cheese sauce. Overall it was a tasty and well-prepared dish, but the andouille sausage overpowered everything. A little less of it, and in smaller pieces, would have resulted in a much more balanced item. 

The second main selection was grass-fed lamb, braised with white beans, parsnips, carrots, garlic, and wintergreens, and served in a rich creamy sauce. It was topped with gremolata and parmesan crisps, and served with crostinis. Everything was nicely prepared and presented. We’re both fond of lamb, not mutton, and this was perfect.

The Derby Station presents a welcoming atmosphere, friendly and prompt service, and good food. But if you just want drinks at an attractive bar, you will still be more than satisfied with the available selections. What more can you ask for in a neighborhood pub?

12/29/12 Revisit  - We had horrible service, i.e., our server brought menus and then did not return for over 15 minutes. We had no water, no wine, and couldn't get an appetizer ordered. Then we had to return a bottle of watery wine but did finally enjoy great bruschetta. All of our entrees were lukewarm but otherwise alright. Seated in the dining room behind the bar is not a good place to be.

                                                                                                          

www.derbystation.com