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

Ramona's Table, 2232 Wealthy, East Grand Rapids - 5/22/12

We've described the restaurant and its format on a previous posting (here) but wanted to share our very pleasant experience here again today.


It was a beautiful day and as we ran through our mental list of restaurants with outdoor seating, we decided on Ramona’s Table since we’d only been here once before, last June. The patio has been expanded, and other than the very loud talkers next to us (it’s impolite, people), it’s a very lovely place to sit and enjoy good food.

There is no wait staff service (that is a negative for us) and we were given menus to review while we seated ourselves. One of us stepped back in to order at the counter and pay for the meal. Shortly thereafter the food arrived, and when we were ready for our take home bags, our server wrapped it up for us, like last time, in a paper bag - nice touch (unfortunately, they use styrofoam containers for the salads).


No appetizers are available (there are salads and soups) so we started right in with sandwiches and our first one was the portabella “burger.” The marinated portabella mushrooms came with Havarti cheese (not smothered with it, thankfully, but just a small amount for flavor), tomato, lettuce, and their chipotle mayonnaise. Not being a mayonnaise fan, I was wary of this but the smoked chili pepper flavor came through wonderfully and added a nice kick. 

Our second sandwich selection was the grilled Hawaii Five-O, which nicely blended ham, pineapple, Swiss cheese, bbq sauce, tomato, and wild, mixed greens on sourdough bread. There were no complaints from the ham fan. The textures and flavors complemented each other expertly.

Each sandwich is accompanied by your choice of kettle chips, red skin potatoes, house-made cole slaw or one of their deli salads (they all looked amazing and interesting). The cole slaw was refreshing with its inclusion of chopped pickles and was slightly sweet. The broccoli salad with raisins had a very light sauce and is highly recommended for healthy and delicious eating.


They shop locally, cook creatively, provide very friendly service, and overall offer a restaurant you should enjoy and support. And be sure to check out the old Grand Rapids photographs that populate the walls inside.

Our June 2011 Visit

Find them on facebook, twitter, and on their website at www.ramonastable.com

Sandmann's, 1200 Wealthy, R.I.P. - 5/22/12

The big news in Grand Rapids today, at least for food people, is the closing of Sandmann's, by the bank. Allegedly defaulting on a large business loan and not making sales tax payments to the state for some time are not good business practices, but every BBQ fan is sorry to see them go. 

This once dilapidated corner held an old gas station that was renovated into the current Sandmann's in 2004 (they lost their lease in their previous location across the street, opened in 2000). And before that, these enterprising Grill Masters sold their goods on their own to people on lunch break and to festival goers. 

Now the assets are seized and all that could be seen today were people reading the posted court order, and people photographing people reading the posted court order.

Here it is for your edification:

Sending very best wishes to the owners and hoping that things will work out and the restaurant and/or their food, will live on. Here's to sunnier days ahead...