Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine, 2228 Wealthy St SE, East Grand Rapids - 8/23/12

This is a sweet, little setting in which to enjoy mid-eastern fare. It’s casual space and holds about 11 tables. The take-out window was busier than the dining room when we visited.

Our server promptly brought us menus but didn’t take beverage orders and didn’t bring us water until we requested it when she returned a while later. Other than that initial bump, the service was perfect, attentive without being over-whelming, and well-timed dishes.

Beginning with the falafel appetizer, we enjoyed the three deep-fried fava bean patties served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tahini.

Fast upon this were our salads, fatoush and lebanese. Both were delicious, fresh, and lovely creations, and although there was too much of it, we ended up preferring the lemon vinaigrette dressing on the lebanese salad. The ingredients for the “zestier” fatoush dressing would not be revealed (but you can find their hummus recipe on their website).

We both chose pita sandwiches for our entrees: grilled lamb (marinated lightly in red wine with hommous - spelled differently in various places on their website so pick your spelling :), tomato and onion; and shawarma (thin slices of beef marinated in lebanese spices) with tahini, tomato, and onion. Visually identical, both sandwiches took a few bites to reach the onion and tomato but were excellent combinations of flavors. And don't miss the home-made, pickled turnip served on the side!

A woman who appeared to be an owner was very familiar and friendly with customers and spent a bit of time in the dining room. She greeted the two middle-schoolers seated next to us by name, and later we had the pleasure of helping them figure out what to tip the server, after they had an awkward moment with her. This friendly place is welcoming, offers freshly-prepared food, and is worthy of your business. 

Find more information about the background of the restaurant and view the menu at: http://www.ostaslebanese.com

SpeakEZ Lounge, 600 Monroe NW - 8/18/12

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

  

Bartertown Diner, 9 Jefferson - 7/12/12

The worker-owned vegetarian/vegan restaurant opened a little over a year ago, and not without controversy. People caught wind/sight of the mural being painted that included Che and Mao, and the comments flew, both on Facebook and Twitter. 

Adding fuel to the fire, the restaurant started deleting unwanted facebook posts (the twitter debate was not so easily stopped). In April, the restaurant promised to stop deleting comments they did not like, and things seemed to calm down. The diner opened in June 2011, and people could come in and judge for themselves, both the art and the food. (I am a fan of Anthony Bourdain but was still amused to see him roasting over a fire. If you watch his shows, you'll know why he's here.)

So onto the food. “Creative” barely covers what this little restaurant produces. The changing menu is small but reasonably varied, and daily specials are posted on the board. Here are some of our selections from various visits:

Collard greens topped with tempeh sausage.

Tofu rancheros - tofu scramble with black beans, onion and greens, vegan cheese, and cashew sour cream.

Son of the Bartertown Monster (Revisted) - Buffalo seasoned tempeh with hash browns, coconut-curry cole slaw, fresh greens, and maple-garlic aioli.

One of the two burrito choices on Burrito Thursday - falafel, hummus, coconut curry slaw, grilled parsnips, and brown basmati rice.

At their worst, the dishes are interesting and unique, and at their best, they are incredibly delicious.

The narrow restaurant space is decorated with a lot of art, and the furniture was created from recycled materials. The servers are friendly and informative, it’s busy at lunch, t-shirts are sold, and bike parking is available outside the restaurant.

Bartertown does an incredible job of recycling and prides itself on using organic and locally-produced ingredients. Their website is more of a blog and is updated frequently with informative and educational information; they have an active presence on Facebook.  

We really dislike calling any restaurant or food offering “the best” of anything seeing as how it is a completely subjective opinion but we will bestow “The Most Unique Restaurant in Grand Rapids” title on Bartertown Diner.  Do yourself a favor and stop in.

www.bartertowngr.com

Bistro Bella Vita, 44 Grandville Ave SW - 7/1/12

We love the Bistro and have lunched here many times. But tonight was the first time we took advantage of their '3 course meal for $25.00' offering. Available Sunday-Tuesday, it is so worth it. There are three choices for each of the three courses (antipasti, primi, secondi).

A Waldorf salad and summer salad were fine selections, with fresh ingredients. The Waldorf was unique and included honey-roasted chicken, dried fruit, goat cheese, and blueberry vinaigrette. The summer salad was beautiful to behold and to consume: apricots, hazelnuts, beets, arugula, strawberries, and a peppercorn vinaigrette.

Next course first brought us Tagliolini Caccaitore, a lovely combination of pasta and roasted mushrooms, brussel sprouts, kale, bacon lardons, and a tomato-demi glaze. 

Second was Albacore Tuna with cucumber gazpacho, quinoa fritter, and crispy kale. Just as good, and creative, as the previous item.

Third and final course selection began with Porchetta, served with carmelized onion bread pudding, cauliflower, and blueberry marmalade. It wasn't a favorite. The pork was a bit bland and the blueberry combination didn't work for us.

But the Ricotta Ravioli was exquisite. The ravioli was perfectly prepared and nicely presented with asparagus, corn, and cilantro, and a great lime zest flavor.

All in all, this is a great opportunity to have a 3-course meal for a reasonable price. This menu changes weekly, unlike their main menu. They have a wonderful outdoor patio and the service has always been great. The wait staff is knowledgeable and attentive, without being overbearing. The restaurant is owned by the Essence Restaurant Group, which also owns The Green Well and Grove. They obviously know what they're doing.

 

April 2010 Visit
www.bistrobellavita

Graydon's Crossing, 1223 Plainfield - 6/6/12

A beautiful day in early June required outdoor dining and Graydon's Crossing it was. 

We love the outdoor patio but haven't yet been able to enjoy the 2nd story

deck (never open when we're there).

The indoor restaurant area has dark wood, tall-backed booths and a long, attractive bar that exude cool pub ambiance. But we've enjoyed the food more on previous occasions.

Jerk and Jicama was our starter and the Jicama fries were interesting, as was the key lime aioli sauce. The fried clams were tough and chewy.

The Baingan Bharta was pretty to look at but tasted quite bland. The promised carmelized onion could not be found and the curried Dal had no kick to it. The chick peas and eggplant blended well and perhaps it was just our expectations that went wrong.

Drunken Drip Beef sandwich was their version of a French Dip and we added onion rings as a side. Pepperoncini and Italian seasoning make this their own, and it came on a toasted roll with provolone. The onion rings were huge and well prepared, as was the sandwich.

The menu is varied and frequently changes, the service is consistently good, and the atmosphere is wonderful. If you don't know Graydon's Crossing, do yourself a favor and stop in.

http://www.graydonscrossing.com/

Our June 2010 Visit