by Latesha Lipscomb
This month, I set out to discover and indulge in local foods, drinks and destinations that set my soul on fire, inspired by the epicurean revolution happening right here in our own back yard. This season we have much to be thankful for as these ten tasty finds are notably worth the experience. After enjoying this month’s trend adventures, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll thank me later.
Sietsema’s Orchards & Cider Mill
They say an “apple a day, keeps the doctor away” but what if you could drink it? Sietsema’s Apple Orchard and Cider Mill is a fifth generation family farm that harvests some of the most mouthwatering apples on this side of the state. Sietsema’s 1/2 gallon apple cider can best be described as sweet, refreshing and nothing short of amazing. Beautifully packaged and full of flavor, I was astonished at its mesmerizing taste. This is a delightful, crisp, fresh and festive beverage. Serve it up this season, hot or cold, and experience “love at first sip”.
Dave’s Sweet Tooth Candies
It’s toffee and it’s amazing. The label boasts: “real butter, real sugar, real milk chocolate and hand sliced almonds prepared with love, one batch at a time, every time”.While Toffee is an age-old recipe that has probably been passed down in many families for generations, Dave’s Sweet Tooth surpasses them all. The repurpose ball jars are packaged simply but beautifully and makes for great gifts during the holidays. The sweet buttery crunch of this toffee comes in four delicious flavor combinations: Original, Dark Chocolate, Cookies & Cream and Coffee Toffee. Dave’s Sweet Tooth is available locally at Forest Hills Foods, Grand Central Market & Deli, The Shaker Messenger and John Russo’s Wine Warehouse. You should also keep your eyes peeled for a sweet tooth booth at local holiday craft & trade shows. Savor the flavor with Dave’s Sweet Tooth exquisite toffee candies.
Beanilla Premium Vanilla
Specializing in vanilla beans from around the world, this company provides the most pure and wholesome form of vanilla possible. Beanilla vanilla beans are of the highest possible quality and can be… no, – “must be” used in some of your family holiday recipes that call for vanilla extract. Not only is the packaging impeccable for trendy gift-giving this season to your foodie friends but the difference in taste, when using Beanilla, is astonishing. The Tahitian Vanilla Sugar is organic cane sugar infused with select tahitensis vanilla beans from Tahiti and Papua New Guinea. It’s perfect for warm drinks like coffee or chai tea. The Vanilla Fleur de Sol is a sea salt scraped from rocks off the coast of France and combined with premium ground vanilla beans. When sprinkled on meat before grilling, this sea salt adds incredible flavor to your entrée. For more information on this hidden gem in Comstock Park, please visit them on-line at www.beanilla.com
Nourish Organic Market
With the tag line, “The little food market with the big idea,” Nourish offers delicious foods, samples and information about how local farmers cultivate the food we eat. And if you’re a transplant here in Grand Rapids whose been looking for a Trader Joes or Whole Foods market, look no further than this ultra-hip neighborhood establishment in Uptown. Nourish carries a complete line of traditional foods; including vegan, gluten free and organic options to suit your dietary needs. You seem to “feel better” the moment you Walk through the door to peruse an array of specialty finds that range in variety from hand-crafted breads, pastas and jams to locally harvested honey and syrup.Nourish is less than one-month old and is located at 634 Wealthy Street. For great “comfort food,” that’s wholesome and simple, nourish your mind, body and soul by shopping local.
Dorothy & Tony’s Gourmet Kettle Corn
Snap – Crackle – Pop – into something good and indulge in a yummy bag of gourmet kettle corn from Dorothy and Tony’s. Derived from a secret family recipe, their gourmet kettle corn is 100% natural with no preservatives or saturated fats. Located on Plainfield Ave, Dorothy and Tony’s reminds you of the sweet sensation you get from home-made goodies during the holidays. One of the best parts about this experience is not only the sweet aroma exuding from the gigantic melting pots but also the way it warms your heart to watch them make the popcorn right before your eyes. Grab a bag of kettle corn for you or someone you love by stopping in the store or ordering online at www.dorothyandtonys.com. You’ll be left holding the bag, but in this case, it’s totally worth it.
Raspberry Chocolate Silk Wine
A delicious and intense specialty wine, Raspberry Chocolate Silk is to die for. This delectable drink is a full-body wine, rich in chocolate and raspberry flavors.Created right here in town, Cascade Winery has been crafting fine wine for the last 9 years. You can sample their award winning variety at the tasting bar, pick up a few recipes or even create your own customized bottle of wine. Join them for a special event like the Winemakers Dinner or pick up a bottle of Raspberry Chocolate Silk for a swanky, private dinner party at home. This luxurious local find retails for the delightfully low price of $15.50 and can be purchased at Cascade Winery on 44th Street and the East Beltline. Ooh La La… drink Raspberry Chocolate Silk and be merry!
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
A “must do” this season, Robinette’s offers spectacular activities such as hayrides, a corn maze, a cider mill, winery and mountain bike trails, just to name a few. This destination is heaven on earth for families who want to discover the true essence and beauty of autumn in Michigan. It’s like a theme park in an apple orchard. With so much to see, taste, smell and do, it’s no wonder visitors are encouraged to “come to the Apple Haus for a high-quality taste of Michigan.” Robinette’s is a family owned and operated fruit farm, having been a staple in Michigan since 1912. In 1973 they opened the Apple Haus, which is home to the bakery, lunch counter, cider mill and more. There you can indulge in the wonderful aroma of fresh baked breads, donuts, pastries and pies. In the apple room, you can get a taste of many different apple varieties; depending on the season you can purchase apricots, nectarines, peaches and pumpkins as well.At Robinette’s you can select Michigan-made products to take home or give as gifts.I particularly enjoyed the Robinette Cellars Cherry Wine, which is a natural fruit table wine, perfect for entertaining. On November 19, Robinette’s will be unveiling a new Limited Edition Hard Cider in Apple-Ginger Cinnamon in honor of their 100 anniversary all day long. Plan on a trip to Robinette’s – your family, friends and palate will thank-you!
Rowster New American Coffee
They say “history repeats itself” and if you’re looking for a cool place to enjoy a warm and trendy cup of joe, look no further than Rowster’s. Early American and industrial in its décor and vibe, the shop roasts all of their coffee in-house It’s served up in ball jars with a friendly smile and impeccable service. For coffee aficionados, Rowster also sells unique brewing equipment, coffee T-shirts and stunning pictures from local photographers that capture the beauty and diversity of our evolving community. One of my favorite offerings at Rowster’s is the Bali Organic Kintamni Natural blend, which is a fruity and sultry coffee that tastes like hot chocolate-covered cherries. A weeks supply of the Bali Daily Roast retails for only $9.95, so you can fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of Rowster’s before walking out of your front door this winter. If you rarely leave the warmth of your fireplace, Rowster’s is currently working on a home-delivery system- which is set to launch some time early next year. So whether you stop in for a luscious Vanilla Latte or a tall cup of their famous New American Style Coffee – best served black – you’ll fall in love with this local and uber-cool coffee shop.
photo courtesy of facebook.com/grovegr
Grove Restaurant
“Creative Conscientious Cuisine” – Grove is the latest and greatest in trendy and lush restaurants to hit the local scene, and adds to the Uptown flair on Cherry Street. The concept is earth to table and Grove provides just that with its modern authentic and eclectic menu. The menu changes daily and includes fresh, natural, local ingredients. Expect an ultimate dining experience as Executive Chef Patrick Wise (of Bistro Bella Vista and The Green Well fame) manages Grove) and has made it his “restaurant home.” Grove is an awesome neighborhood eatery (located at 919 Cherry Street SE), yet a destination for those with a taste for beautiful accomodations and impeccable service. Parking is available along Cherry Street, Lake Drive, behind the Green Well and behind the ICCF building (directly across the street). Open for dinner and/or cocktails (as well as mocktails), Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 9pm. Be sure to check them out on-line at www.groverestaurant.com for reservations and an incredible listing of local, family and sustainable farms from which they food source their ingredients. Hip, hot and happening, when you can’t stay in, dine-out at Grove.
Derby Station Pumpkin Chili
Interested in trying a new spin on an old favorite, how about some pumpkin chili to warm your insides? Creatively blended with paprika, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice, the pumpkin chili at Derby Station is scrumptious. The chefs use locally owned Crescent Farms ground beef as a base and roast pumpkins in-house before mixing the puree into the chili. The end result is unusually gratifying. You can purchase a cup ($4) or bowl ($6) now thru the end of December. Derby Station is located at 2237 Wealthy St. Ste 130 and their extensive menu features a variety of dishes with locally grown ingredients.With outstanding chefs and an awesome team of culinary enthusiasts, Derby Station does not disappoint.
Got a hip, hot or happening tip I should know about in or around West Michigan? Share the news by emailing the expert at latesha@womenslifestyle.com.
Latesha Lipscomb is the go-to person for all that is hip, hot and happening NOW in West Michigan. Contact her at Latesha@womenslifestyle.com
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