Sandy Point Beach House with Guest Divo Doug Tjapkes

The Divas decided to end 2016 by inviting a local icon as our Guest Divo for a special occasion! 

We know Doug enjoys an occasional glass of red wine so the Divas presented him with a bottle of Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon that we graciously received from the wine cellar of Scott Pranger in Spring Lake. 

Doug Tjapkes, founder of Humanity for Prisoners in Grand Haven, turned 80 years old on November 11th and we couldn't resist having our own little celebration with Doug and his lovely wife, Marcia.  

He once mentioned how much he enjoys dining at the Sandy Point Beach House, so we made sure to reserve a table on a Monday night.  Since there weren't a lot of people out that night, we took advantage of setting the table exactly to our liking.  Diva Sharon Bedford (owner of Edible Art Catering) got busy moving the table, chairs, and place settings around to cozily accommodate our small party of five.  

Since Doug is a pretty special guy to many, there had already been a big birthday party in town with well over 100 people that Doug has known over the course of his lifetime and THREE different careers.  Yes, Doug is well into his third career at 80 years old!  Doug founded Humanity for Prisoners over 15 years ago along with close friend, Maurice Carter, who spent many years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.  Doug details his journey into the criminal justice system as an advocate for Maurice in his book, Sweet Freedom. 

Here's what Doug told us about HFP.   "We are the only agency in the state that focuses ONLY on one-to-one assistance for prisoners.  With compassion for Michigan's imprisoned, HFP provides, promotes and ensures---with strategic partnerships---personalized, problem-solving services for incarcerated persons in order to alleviate suffering beyond the just administration of their sentences."   

We started out with a scrumptious House Smoked Halibut Pate with mixed cheeses and House Crisps.  It was incredibly yummy and enjoyed by everyone.  Our entree choices included: 



 

Tuna Tacos - $16 - Blackened Yellow Fin Tuna (Thunnus albacares), Slaw, Pico de Gallo, Creme Fraiche 

Bari:  "I always enjoy hearing about the ongoing work of HFP since it's a unique one-of-a-kind organization that meets a specific need in the state of Michigan.  It was a pleasure sharing a meal with Doug and Marcia and celebrating Doug's milestone birthday.  

We always make the best of our dining adventures whether we are crazy about a meal or not.  I ordered the tacos and couldn't help but admire the fabulous presentation.  But, I'm not sure I would order them next time since I barely tasted any fish, the part I was most looking forward to.  Like the others, I had my eye on the decadent carrot cake we picked up for Doug's birthday and enjoyed it down to the last bite!" 

Doug's Breaded Whitefish was the special that evening!   

Coffee Braised Short Ribs - $22
Cabernet Glace, Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, Fresh Veggies

Sharon:  "After our delicious appetizer, I ordered the Roasted Beet salad with mixed greens, shaved onion, Yukon crisps and champagne vinaigrette.  It was delicious and beautifully garnished.  My entree, the Coffee Braised Short Ribs, was somewhat disappointing.  The short ribs served in a trendy black mini casserole appeared and tasted like a tender pot roast with a Stroganoff sauce and in no way resembled a dark, rich Cabernet sauce.  The Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and roasted carrots were very tasty, but needed some sort of garnish.  It just made me eager to wrap my lips around the rich, beautiful carrot cake!"  

Kelle:  "Like Sharon, I ordered the short ribs, too.  I love short ribs and pictured something completely different arriving on my plate.  Sharon and I were caught off guard with what looked and tasted exactly like pot roast with gravy.  It tasted fine, but wasn't what we thought we were getting.  We couldn't help but wonder if they ran out of ribs and substituted with a pot roast.  They mentioned being out of a few entree choices after the weekend.  Last summer I had one of their gourmet burgers they are known for and highly recommend them!"  

The Divas delighted Doug with this homemade Carrot Cake from the mother-daughter team at Elegance of the Seasons in downtown Grand Haven!  

Great community event coming up soon with HFP!  

Sandy Point Beach House

7175 Lakeshore Drive

West Olive, MI  49460

www.sandypointbeachhouse.com
Check out the music and events calendar on their website!

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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