The Grill Room in Grand Haven with Guest Diva Barbara Lee

Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance at the Jingle Bells parade downtown Grand Haven!  Bari found a condo balcony to capture this bird's-eye view just in time.  

One local retailer estimated there could be as many as 20,000 people in downtown Grand Haven for this year's Jingle Bells Parade.  And, in fact, there were thousands lining the streets to await the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Central Park. So, what fun it was to plan our Diva Review to coincide with all the holiday festivities!

Because we knew we'd be in downtown Grand Haven already (Nancy to play with the Prevailing Winds Community Band in Central Park, Bari hosting the Rotary party at Consider It Done/Desserts by Design, and Kelle and Guests joining the Rotary party) along with thousands of others, we thought a reservation would be in order. 7:00 p.m. at The Grill Room (2 Washington Ave. at the corner of Washington and S. Harbor Drive).

Sarah Sanders treated Bari Johnson to a face painting session at Consider at Done/Desserts by Design at the Rotary party.

Trio of Violinists at Consider It Done/Desserts by Design 

Barbara Lee, Founder of Extended Grace (left) and Kendra Higgins 

Nancy Levenburg, playing flute with Prevailing Winds in Central Park, was the last to arrive for dinner so she could accompany the community singing of three Christmas carols after the tree was lit.  

After Santa and Mrs. Claus made a pass through downtown, we were ready to come in from the cold and glad we had a reservation in place at The Grill Room. Our server, Cole, was especially cheerful and very attentive.  We were glad our Guest Diva, Barbara Lee, brought her friend and Board President, Kendra Higgins, to join our adventure.  

Needless to say, not only did we love the food and ambiance, we hung out until 10:00 pm with our guests since we had so much to talk about!  Barbara is incredibly passionate about some upcoming events she has in the community.  

"Extended Grace focuses on Social Justice and Human Rights.  Our mission is to nurture, educate and inspire the individual so that together we can address social justice and human rights.  We are a collaborative agency, seeking to connect people who want to make a difference with opportunities to do so... we don't believe it is anyone's job to solve all the problems, but we do believe everyone can do something.  Extended Grace is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Mental Illness on January 11th at the Grand Haven Community Center at 6:30 pm."

More information is on our website at www.extendedgrace.org.  

As always, we included some fine dining with our group discussion!  Bari and Kelle decided an appetizer and half a salad would be enough for dinner.  Nancy, Barbara, and Kendra treated themselves to a succulent entree.  We noticed the side dishes are an extra charge (Kendra had a whopping serving of mashed potatoes with her pork tenderloin) and they are plentiful.  As in, we think it's possible to make a meal out of a couple side dishes (hint, next time!).    

Seared Ahi Tuna - spice crusted, cucumber slaw, pickled ginger $13.50

Kelle:  "Outstanding, delish, will gladly go back for more!"

Nancy decided to order the Grilled Sea Scallops ($21.95), which were accompanied by root vegetables (sweet and regular potatoes), smoked almonds, baby spinach, and herb pesto.  The serving size was plentiful - very sharable with four good-sized scallops! - and absolutely delicious!  The almonds, in particular, added a crunchy, fun touch.

The Grill Room Salad - iceberg wedge, roma tomatoes, housemade roquefort dressing, local bacon $8.50

"This half salad serving size was just enough to enjoy with an appetizer at the same time."

Tuscan Mussels - toasted bread, marinated tomatoes, garlic, white wine broth, parmesan cheese $14.95

Bari:  "The mussels were excellent.  The best I've had there.  The broth was so good that I had to share... Kelle and Nancy were dipping their bread in it."  

Flourless Chocolate Cake

"Even though everyone was stuffed, we couldn't possibly break tradition and leave before splitting one dessert with five forks.  To be honest, it was four forks since Bari doesn't like chocolate.  Simply divine!"  


Happy Holidays! 


The Grill Room
2 Washington Avenue
Grand Haven, MI  
616.846.3299

The Divas want it to be noted, with all due respect, that the views and opinions shared in this venue do not represent those of the Grand Haven Tribune and are entirely based on each individual dining experience we encounter.  Perhaps on any other occasion, they may differ.  Our dining experience is entirely at our own expense and not covered by the Grand Haven Tribune or any dining establishment.  

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Http://www.facebook.com/westmichdiningdivas 

The Lake House in Muskegon with Guest Diva Cindy Anderson

We can't help but brag a second month in a row about our summer season in beautiful West Michigan, which made it real easy to pick a destination right on the water that captures the sun sinking into Lake Michigan at approximately 9:20 pm. 

Terrace Point Marina in Muskegon Lake (Bari Johnson snapped this photo just in time!)

The Lake House restaurant, bar and conference center is located on Muskegon Lake behind the Shoreline Inn and overlooks the Terrace Point Marina.  You can dine inside or enjoy the view with music when you sit outside on their spacious deck. We went on a Tuesday night and the place was packed! 

We were excited to have Carla Hill back for a review. Being the CEO of the West Michigan Symphony is a busy job, so we don't get to see her all the time.  But when we asked her to join us at The Lake House, she made sure to wipe her slate clean and leave the office on time!  She told us about a few acting gigs she has coming up -- "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" at the Howmet Playhouse in August and at The Block in September.    

We love ALL our guests and how diverse they are.  We could hardly wait to meet our Guest Diva, Cindy Anderson, from Grand Haven.  She amazed us with one story after another which is why we hung out past sunset.  From her hiking up a mountain in Uganda (East Africa) to watch the gorillas in action, to supplying desks and building a school for children in Uganda, to chairing the 100 Women or More Who Care in Spring Lake, to heading up a fundraiser for Humanity for Prisoners in Grand Haven this fall... the list goes on.  She literally puts her heart and soul into helping others and is a walking definition of compassion.  We are planning to see her again on September 24th at the Humanity for Prisoners community event.  We asked her to tell us a little more about the two people that are coming to speak and why. Oh my, we learned a lot at dinner.  

Cindy Anderson

"Currently I serve on the Board for an organization called Humanity for Prisoners (HFP).

On September 24th, HFP in conjunction with The Bookman, is thrilled to introduce the inaugural Community Read and Discussion by bringing Ronald Cotton and Jennifer Thompson to tell their story and discuss their book, PICKING COTTON. Ronald Cotton spent eleven years in prison for a crime he did not commit.  The woman who identified him, Jennifer Thompson, was filled with guilt for wrongly identifying him as the culprit.  

The news is filled with similar horror stories in prisons, from wrongful convictions to abuse to terrible living conditions. Through HFP, Doug and Matt Tjapkes work daily to right some of these wrongs and help establish a system better able to address the injustices. 

Years ago, Doug became friends with Jennifer Thompson, who was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept. After she escaped, she told police she was certain she could identify the man who had been inches from her face. She picked Ronald Cotton out of a lineup. Ronald insisted that she was mistaken, but Jennifer's positive identification was the compelling evidence that put him behind bars. After serving 11 years in prison, Ronald was released when a DNA test proved his innocence. Two years later, Jennifer and Ronald met face to face - and forged an unlikely friendship that changed both of their lives. 

Their story offers a glimpse into what happens when the system fails both the victim and the accused, a story that will challenge our ideas of memory and judgment while demonstrating the profound nature of human grace and the healing power of forgiveness.

We are encouraging book clubs, churches, university students and the community at large to read the book, PICKING COTTON and attend the event. We hope this event encourages discussion, raises awareness and helps fund the work of Humanity for Prisoners.  Tickets are available at the Bookman in Grand Haven or on the Humanity for Prisoners website www.humanityforprisoners.org."

Bruschetta $11
Fresh baked crostini - tomato - mozzarella - basil - yellow tomato - sunflower seed/lemon/mint pesto - parmesan - balsamic drizzle

"If you have it once, you'll want it every time you go to the Lake House.  Yup, it's that good."  

Oberon Beer-Battered Seabass Tacos $16

Nancy:  "I always like seabass (a mild-flavored, grouper-like fish that's often used in Asian foods).  And I also like Oberon beer (Bell's Brewery).  So, why not the two together?  These tacos (two for $16) and REALLY good!  The mango/watermelon salsa is colorful, fresh and sweet.  And the red chili mustard adds a little kick - even for those who aren't a fan of the "M" word (mustard)!"  

Bari:  "Very nice red wines--I tried two different full-bodied reds; they were both good. I believe the price was $9/glass. 

The bruschetta small plate was very tasty from the fresh baked crostini with red and yellow tomatoes to fresh basil and mozzarella to the sunflower seed/lemon/mint pesto to the balsamic drizzle. It was a perfect size to share or would easily make a meal for someone.

There are so many interesting menu items that it might be hard to choose. Among our divas there was much discussing with our delightful server about the pros and cons of the dishes. Only Carla knew immediately what she was having as she's a regular. I settled on the tacos after getting our server's advice between the perch or the seabass. She indicated the Oberon really made a difference and the batter wasn't heavy. 

She was correct about the taste and the lightness of the batter! The taco was generously filled with sea bass--unusual in my fish taco experience where there's more filling than fish--while the guacamole, cilantro and red chili mustard blended nicely. Having the salsa on the side so I could add it as I wanted was was a good touch. It was a splendid fish taco and one that I would order again. 

All in all we had a delightful dining experience, with Cindy Anderson adding a fun dynamic. Learning about her new project with Doug Tjapkes made it extra special. I'm sure she'll be back for another evening."

Mesquite Grilled Hawaiian Swordfish $28

Cindy:  "It was a real treat to be asked to join the Dining Divas in Muskegon for dinner at The Lake House.  I already knew and enjoyed Bari and Kelle.  Meeting Nancy and Carla was fun and interesting.  The wonderful dinner was even better with excellent company.

Our server set the tone of a fabulous dining experience with her delightful smile and her complete and enticing descriptions of each dish.  She was attentive and efficient throughout the meal.  I ordered the swordfish special of the day.  It was absolutely delicious.  The fish was prepared perfectly with a light lemon butter sauce and accompanied with asparagus and roasted new potatoes.  The appetizer we ordered, a bruschetta, and the swordfish filled me up so much I didn’t have room for dessert, one of my favorite things to order.  I will definitely return to The Lake House in the future for the wonderful food, view and service."  

Mussels ~ chorizo - fennel - leeks - tomatoes - garlic - shallots - rustic bread - white wine broth $16

"Carla gets her favorite dish every single time!"

Cajun Seafood Linguini $24

Kelle:  "Even though I love pasta dishes, I rarely order them when dining out.  However, this one really caught my eye (and taste buds) with all the seafood mixed in the sauce which has a nice kick, but not too spicy.  Just how I like it.  They sure know how to make garlic toast too.  I'd gladly get it again."   

The Lake House
730 Terrace Point Blvd
Muskegon, MI  49440
231.722.4461
www.thelakehousemi.com

The Divas want it to be noted, with all due respect, that the views and opinions shared in this venue do not represent those of the Grand Haven Tribune and are entirely based on each individual experience we encounter.  Perhaps on any other occasion, they may differ.  Our dining experience is entirely at our own expense and not covered by the Grand Haven Tribune or any dining establishment.  

Follow us on Facebook at:  http://www.facebook.com/westmichdiningdivas 

Righteous Cuisine in Grand Haven with Guest Diva Stacie!

Summertime in Western Michigan is certainly a highlight and not only for residents, but just as much for all the tourists that flock to our area to enjoy our pristine beaches, gorgeous walking trails, quaint towns, boating on our many inland lakes, and especially Lake Michigan (also known as Michigan’s Gold Coast!).  

Nancy and Kelle decided to jumpstart this summer by participating in the Junior Achievement (JA) Golf fundraiser at Spring Lake Country Club on June 8th.  Out of 32 teams involved in the event, we are proud to say that we have had the only all-women’s team for the past four years… and we didn’t finish in last place!  We always have a color theme of matching outfits for our foursome, which makes it almost as fun to get dressed as it does to play golf!  

Kelle Lynn - Heidi Sunderhaft - Nancy Levenburg - Cari Draft

While at the event, we met Stacie Stevens-Venhuizen who was recently hired on as JA's program manager. She joined us for the luncheon they provided before the shotgun start at noon.  We enjoyed her company and enthusiasm for the event.  So we asked her if she would like to join us for a Dining Diva adventure and tell us a little more about JA… and the $60,000+ that JA raised at the fundraiser!   

Stacie Stevens-Venhuizen

Stacie Stevens-Venhuizen is the Program Manager for Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes ~ Lakeshore (Grand Haven office).  Stacie works collaboratively with school Superintendents, Principals and Teachers, as well as C-level executives from local corporations, to secure both educational programs and mentor partnerships emphasizing entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness for Kindergarten through Grade 12 aged students in Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo and Mason counties.  She also manages speaking engagements through Junior Achievement “JA Reverse Job Shadow” programming, allowing business professionals to bring the workplace to the classroom and share their experiences with the students.

After going north and south for our last two reviews, we decided to stay closer to home and picked a destination in Grand Haven that just opened last December.  We heard they use the fresh, locally grown ingredients from the Grand Haven Farmer's Market and we simply can't resist a meal out that includes fresh produce!  So we met on a nice warm Wednesday night in June at Righteous Cuisine and secured the outdoor picnic table for the four us.  

We were certainly happy to have our non-stop traveling Diva, Bari Johnson, join us for another review so we could hear a little about her recent trip to Brazil with the Rotary Club.  Diva stands for Diverse,Interesting,Vivacious, and Adventurous, which describes Bari to a tee.  Plus she's always doing projects that benefit others. 

Bari Johnson

Since we NEVER tell a dining establishment that we are on our way, we waited until after dinner to meet the owner, Matt Varley.  Matt joined us at our picnic table and told us how he started out with a food truck, before opening the Righteous Cuisine storefront restaurant.  We noticed he won a few local awards as well!  

Matt Varley

                     

We arrived at 6:00 pm and were glad we secured our table since the place was very busy with a lot of people dining in or getting take-out. Indoor seating only accommodates 15 people. Our starter was a shared plate of nachos and guacamole; we agreed these were some of the best nachos we’ve ever tasted! (The nachos and guacamole can easily be your meal!) Try them… you won’t be disappointed! Matt told us the nachos were a "Mexique" mix since the ingredients are Mexican and BBQ.

Mexique Nachos

Kelle:  "This was our shared appetizer, but as soon as I had my first bite, I told everyone I could have easily made this my entree selection.  It's that good!  I had the pork and shrimp tacos as well and really appreciated the culinary creativity that went into making them so delicious.  After having a bite of Stacie's salmon taco, I was smitten and seriously thought of ordering a few to take home and have for lunch the next day.  A few days later, Stacie and I were still talking about the salmon taco!"   

                                               

Bari:  "My Spring Spinach Salad ($6) w/added Chicken ($3) is listed: Spinach, Arugula, Radish, Corn Bread Croutons, Rancho Dressing, and Seasonal Pickings. Shrimp can be added for $5. 

After enjoying such a yummy and filling shared Righteous Nachos plate with a side of guacamole, I decided to try the salad to keep it on the light side. The salad was tasty and the pulled MexiQue chicken was generous, making the salad substantial. In the future, I would order the dressing on the side; it was, for me, too generous. Also, the salad came on top of paper – fun red and white checked – that covered the plate. This, we learned from Matt was not how it's supposed to be served. (New restaurant with new staff are still working out some of the kinks.)"

Stacie:  "When the Lakeshore Dining Divas invited me to join them to review Righteous Cuisine, I did not know what to expect about the eatery.  My assumptions of smoked meat and barbeque sauce were inaccurate.  As it articulates on their menu, website and social media sites ~ it is a “fusion of Mexican and BBQ cuisine that is described as righteous!”  Righteous Cuisine actually reminded me of a gastro pub minus the craft beers and wine pairings.

The venue combines imaginative upscale cooking with the casual dining experience.  The ingredients utilized changed any attempt from predictable to unbelievable.  The food is local and prepared with passion.  Righteous Cuisine seems like a farm to table concept, utilizing most of its products from local farmers.  It is a nod to the increasing importance of sustainable, socially and ethically responsible foods.  

The four us initially shared the Righteous Nachos ~ generous layers of homemade tortilla chips topped secret chili beans, succulent chicken breast, cheese, and a divine sauce that makes it all a meal in itself.  

I ordered the shrimp and salmon tacos.  The shrimp tacos provided a large portion of shrimp, mango salsa, avocado, mayo, queso fresco and cilantro.  The salmon taco was a delightful surprise – with salmon, curry coconut slaw, mango salsa, avocado, queso fresco, and cilantro.  They both were eclectic flavor combinations that came together nicely.  The food is prepared well with unique presentation.  It is creative, fresh and exciting.

My suggestion is to order a variety of the fare to share.  Everything is à la carte ~ and the menu makes it virtually impossible to order merely one dish.  The prices were reasonable. 

I definitely would recommend this place!  Righteous Cuisine is a hidden gem!"  

Nancy:  "Righteous Cuisine – especially with its chalkboard menu and outdoor dining option – has all the color and charm of a urban eatery in Seattle or Portland… or Bend (Oregon)!  The nachos were amazing; I also ordered a Citrus Shrimp MexiQue Taco ($4.50)… very good! And I couldn’t resist picking up one of Matt’s menu to send to my son and daughter-in-law, who are also thinking of starting a food truck business in Bend.  Coincidentally, all three obtained their culinary degrees from GRCC.

We all enjoyed our picnic-style dining experience. Righteous Cuisine's casual style fits the picnic table well. We look forward to a return to try other menu items, e.g., The Asparagus & Wild Mushroom and Chicken Burritos ($8), in particular."

Righteous Cuisine

211 North 7th Street

Grand Haven, MI

htttp://righteouscuisine.net

http://www.facebook.com/righteouscuisine

The Divas want it to be noted, with all due respect, that the views and opinions shared in this venue do not represent those of the Grand Haven Tribune and are entirely based on each individual experience we encounter.  Perhaps on any other occasion, they may differ.  Our dining experience is entirely at our own expense and not covered by the Grand Haven Tribune or any dining establishment.  

Follow us on Facebook at:  http://www.facebook.com/westmichdiningdivas