Does it seem like the world has suddenly gone gluten-free? You’re not imagining things. The NPD Group, an organization that analyzes and tracks consumer trends, recently reported that nearly 30% of Americans are interested in eliminating or cutting down on gluten – a protein most commonly found in wheat, rye, and barley – in their diets, and brands have responded by offering more and more gluten-free options.

Grand Rapids restaurateurs have also heeded the demand, creating menu items – and sometimes, entire menus – that cater to gluten-free diners.

Consumers avoid gluten for a variety of reasons, says Luke Theaker, chef at Bistro Bella Vita in Grand Rapids. “Some people are sensitive to gluten, some are allergic to it and others have severe gluten allergies. And then there are the customers who are living a gluten-free lifestyle for the health benefits,” which are reported to include better digestion, more energy and even weight loss.

He names another kind of customer, too: the friend or family member of the gluten-free diner who decides to try a gluten-free dish on a whim…and becomes a convert. “People realize the benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle and then want to share that lifestyle with their friends,” Theaker says. “When we serve a high-quality, delicious gluten-free meal, people see it as a valid option and realize that the lifestyle could work for them, too.”

And that’s exactly the kind of experience that Bistro Bella Vita has become known for. Many of their most popular menu items, like Boeuf Bourguignonne (recipe below) and paella, also happen to be gluten-free. “We don’t want to experiment with chemicals or extra ingredients into our foods to make them gluten-free,” Theaker says. Instead, each dish must adhere to the resturant’s driving principles: fresh, local, and natural.

When a menu item isn’t gluten-free, Theaker says the staff is always willing to make accommodations when possible. For example, a pasta dish can be created using risotto instead, or the restaurant’s creamy polenta – which happens to be gluten-free, even though many people don’t even know it! – can be substituted for another side.

The staff is also careful to prepare the meal based on the diner’s needs. “If a guest has severe gluten allergies, we go as far as changing our aprons, have a new cutting board brought in, use a new pair of tongs, a new knife, wash hands and put on gloves.”

That kind of care and attention to detail is one of the reasons Bistro Bella Vita has been so popular with gluten-free diners since introducing their gluten-free menu a few years ago. “We’ve noticed a significant rise in the trend over the last five years, and I think a lot of people want to come to our restaurant because they know they will have a delicious meal and their needs will be met,” says Theaker.

Grand Rapids diners hoping for more casual gluten-free fare are also in luck. At the year-and-a-half-old Green Restaurant, located at 2289 E Beltline Rd NE, “practically everything” is either specifically gluten-free or can be made that way. Specializing in burgers made from free-range, local, grass-fed beef and other, less usual, meats (current special: goat burgers), Green Restaurant also offers a wide variety of gluten-free options including bread and pizza crust made from garbanzo bean flour, chicken strips, mozzarella sticks and even chocolate-chip cookies.

Chef and owner Michael Meyer reports that business is steadily growing, and that the restaurant is very close to getting its liquor license. Will the Green Restaurant serve gluten-free beer? That depends, says Meyer.

“I have to taste-test any beer I would consider selling,” he insists. “If something doesn’t taste good, I won’t serve it.”

Want to learn more about a  gluten-free lifestyle or connect with the gluten-free community in and around Grand Rapids? This Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, be sure to attend the 7^th Annual Gluten-Free Food Fair at the DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center.

Crisp Country Acres stand at the Grand Rapids Outdoor Market on opening day

The farm to table movement in Grand Rapids continues to grow, as restaurants like Grove and Trillium Haven wow restaurant-goers with dishes like the Gazelle Perfect Protein Salad (Trillium Haven) and Jambalaya (Grove)— two of my go-to favorites.

As more restaurants embrace sustainable cooking, more residents find themselves in search of fresh, local ingredients to prepare in their own kitchens. Last Saturday, Grand Rapidians had of plenty produce (and meat, cheese, baked goods, and kettle corn…) to choose from, with the 91^st opening of the Fulton Street Farmers Market and the grand opening of the new Outdoor Market downtown.

photo courtesy of Fulton Street Market

As people milled about at the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market, they noticed a big change from the last time they visited: as part of their ongoing $2.6 million renovation, this year there’s a new indoor space that can be used year-round. You’ll find it at the south end of the farmer’s market and be tempted inside right away by the treats at Fantabulous Fudge Co. After you decide on your favorite favor of fudge, you’ll discover more treasures as at the stands of Real Food Farm, The Local Epicurean, the Rakowski Family Farm, and August’s Kitchen. The indoor space also includes new restrooms, a welcome addition.

August’s Kitchen stand, courtesy of Fulton Street Market

Outside, the aisles are full of vendors like Lubbers Farms and Little Rooster Bread and Bova Bakery, who continue to offer fresh produce, meats, cheeses, flowers and more. The roof added during renovations last year provides shade and some protection from rain for shoppers selecting the perfect tomatoes and basil for their next meal.

The Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. until December 22, when winter hours begin. Be aware, though, that as with most farmer’s markets, not all vendors stay until the very end. (Early birds, rejoice.)

In addition, on Sundays from June 9 – September 29, you’ll also find an Artisan Market at Fulton Street, where you can buy jewelry, sculptures, textiles and other artistic creations.

Across town at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, The Outdoor Market portion of the long anticipated Downtown Market was also filled with shoppers choosing fresh, local food. David Tilley, Marketing Manager for the Downtown Market, expects that they’ll have an average of 80 Michigan vendors at the market, depending on the day, weather, and season.

opening day, Grand Rapids Outdoor Market

This past Saturday, the stalls were filled with fresh-smelling goods that I couldn’t stop buying, like this maple syrup from Melody Bee Farms in Ada, MI.

At the Green Spirit Farms stall, Milan Kluko, President, explained how they use vertical growing stations to grow produce year round, in vacant or underutilized buildings, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and increasing yield. He said their basil was so popular it sold out in the first hour. We missed the basil, but enjoyed a delicious salad with their tender lettuce just last night.

Meanwhile, a sweet aroma drew visitors across the aisle and down a few stalls to GoNuts, where Andrea and Jared Swiger were making tiny doughnuts as fast as they could sell them. Visitors queued up for the powered sugar covered minis, which cost $2 for 6 or $3 for 12. (Cinnamon sugar and vanilla flavors are also available for the same price; other flavors cost $.50 more.)

Other vendors, like Trillium Haven Farm and Crane Dance Farm, helped visitors fill their reusable bags for the week, keeping local food in kitchens across Grand Rapids.

Diemers Winter Gardens stand at the Outdoor Market

In an effort to make sure all kitchens have access to fresh food, the Outdoor Market accepts SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Fresh, and WIC. “It wasn’t even a question that we wouldn’t offer these programs to support those who are underserved and underprivileged. We feel that it’s not only our obligation, but it’s a part of why we exist—to make healthy food accessible to all,” says Tilley.

In addition to fresh produce and tasty treats, you’ll find gorgeous bouquets and flowers for your garden at the market. And in just a couple of weeks, the market is hosting its 1st Annual Flower Market Days. Join other garden aficionados on May 22 and May 29 (2:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.) to find just the right items for your garden. You’ll find oodles of hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, and more. Artisans will also offer landscape ornaments and furniture to keep your garden beautiful all season long.

The Outdoor Market is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Thursday evenings from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The indoor section of the Downtown Market, which will house a commercial kitchen, a rooftop greenhouse, a farmer’s market, a restaurant, and a brewery, is expected to open in August 2013.

In the meantime, you can enjoy the outdoor farmer’s markets and use your fresh, local veggies and herbs in this recipe, courtesy of Executive Chef Joel Wabeke, Trillium Haven Restaurant.

A few of Founders Brewing Co.’s many offerings

Grand Rapids has Beer Week, a Winter Beer Festival (outside!), a burgeoning home brewing community and chefs who use beer in brownie sundaes.

It’s also home to 15 fantastically different breweries, so residents weren’t one bit surprised when their craft beer-loving city was awarded the moniker Beer City USA in 2012 or when it was named one of the Top 10 Best Vacation Cities for Beer Lovers.

Locals know what fans far and wide are discovering: Grand Rapids brews great beer. In fact, our breweries are collecting awards worldwide. A sampling of their honors:

• Hopcat was selected as the #1 brewpub in the US and #3 beer bar in the world
• Founders Brewing Company was named the world’s 3rd best brewery
• Grand Rapids Brewing Company’s “Rosalynn Bliss Blonde” was a gold-medalist at the World Beer Championship
• Brewery Vivant’s collaboration with New Belgium Brewing Company (Colorado), “Escoffier,” was named one of the best 25 beers in the World by Draft Magazine
• Founders’ “Bolt Cutter” also made World Draft Magazine’s top 25 list

Not bad, huh?

But brewing in Grand Rapids isn’t just about hops and foam.

Sustainable breweries are a key part of the Grand Rapids beer scene, with Grand Rapids Brewing Company and Brewery Vivant leading the charge.

Brewery Vivant

When founders Jason and Kris Spaulding opened Brewery Vivant, for example, they reverse engineered the brewery to fit the footprint, decided only to use aluminum cans (no bottles) because of cans lower impact on the environment, and committed to producing an annual Sustainability Report. “We’re trying to create a long term difference and a very regional footprint,” says Jason Spaulding.

Brewery Vivant quickly became one of a few LEED certified breweries in the country and in 2012 they were named a Best & Brightest Sustainable Company. This January, Brewery Vivant received the LocalMotion Triple Bottom Line Award for Best up and Coming Business for their strong commitment to the Triple Bottom Line (environmental, social and economic measurements—sometimes referred to as people, planet and profit).

In this year’s Sustainability Report, cleverly entitled Beer the Change, the brewery shares statistics like these:

• 63.5% of BVs money was spent at locally owned businesses (up from 48.8%)
• 11.3% of BVs food ingredients came from within 250 of Grand Rapids (up .5%)
• 228,000 pounds of grain were purchased from within 250 miles (2.1%)
• 25.1 cows were consumed (16,040 burgers sold)
• 25 cows were fed (gave away 228,210 pounds of spent grain to local cattle farmer)

Less than two miles away, you’ll find Grand Rapids Brewing Company, another brewery focused on sustainability. When they re-launched downtown in 2012, they pledged to use solely organic grains and became Michigan’s only USDA certified organic brewery.

GRBC is owned by BarFly Ventures, which also owns HopCat (one of my favorite watering holes, with crack fries worthy of their name), McFadden’s, and Stella’s Lounge (Best Burger in America – GQ Magazine).

BarFly isn’t just thinking about the environment by using organic grains at GRBC. Their other establishments focus on sustainability, too. Barfly establishments recycle fryer oil and spent grains, are lowering their electric usage by switching to LED light bulbs, and last year they implemented a recycling and composting program to reduce their landfill waste by up to 85%.

Apparently, what’s good for the environment is good for business. Breweries in Grand Rapids are flourishing. There are newcomers on the horizon (Osgood Brewing plans to open this summer) and Barfly has announced plans to expand to nearby Lansing, MI.

But the best part?

Flourishing bottom lines mean creative brewers can continue to experiment and provide customers with a variety of top-notch brews for every palate in every season. That’s a win for every beer drinker who visits Grand Rapids.

Home brew set up of Rob Qualls,co-founder of the GR Homebrewers Club

Home brewers score, too, with more supplies and events targeted at celebrating their craft. May 4, 2013, home brewers can gather at Calder Plaza for the American Homebrewers Association’s Big Brew sponsored by Siciliano’s Market. Sciliano’s is donating ingredients for 48 all-grain batches of “Beer City IPA,” as well as bottled water, a chilling station, and platform handcarts in celebration of National Homebrew Day. (Check their blog for details on registration.)

With all of these assets, it’s no surprise that Grand Rapids has already been nominated for Beer City USA 2013. But 18 other cities have been nominated, too, including Asheville, NC, who shared the title with Grand Rapids in 2012.

Will you help Grand Rapids keep the Beer City USA title for 2013?

YOUR vote could be the difference! Rally your friends and family and cast your votes for Grand Rapids as Beer City USA 2013. Voting begins at examiner.com on May 6 and runs through the 10^th. Click here to cast your vote!

One Trick Pony, Grand Rapids

You can’t visit Grand Rapids without feeling the impact of its philanthropic denizens. From beautiful Meijer Gardens (Frederik Meijer) to DeVos Performance Hall (Richard M. DeVos), evidence abounds. But philanthropy in Grand Rapids isn’t limited to corporate business owners. Restaurateurs and entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids have found creative ways to give back to the community, including one innovative program that aims to end hunger for children.

One restaurant owner who’s serious about giving back is Dan Verhil, owner of The Cottage Bar and One Trick Pony. “Philanthropy is contagious,” he says, “and this is a very philanthropic community we live in. There are a lot of good models of people who have given back. If I can do that in even a small way I’d like to emulate that.”

That’s exactly what he’s done—but in a rather big way.

Verhil is this year’s recipient of the Michigan Restaurant Association’s Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year award. He received the statewide award, which was created by the National Restaurant Association, for his commitment to community service and community projects. It’s the second time Verhil has been honored with the award; he was also the 2007 recipient.

As one of 50 nominees in contention for the National Award, which will be announced at the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference in Washington, DC. later this week, Verhil is eligible for a $5000 prize. If he wins, Verhil says he’ll direct the winning to support local charities in Grand Rapids. That’s not surprising, given that he’s been hosting charity events at his restaurants for thirty-two years.

The Cottage Bar held its first annual chili cook-off in 1981, pitting chili chef against chili chef in the streets outside the restaurant. That first year, says Verhil, 12 chefs competed for bragging rights and proceeds benefited the Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

The event has grown in popularity and these days Verhil limits participation: the first 40 chili competitors to sign up are in. He fences off the entire first block of LaGrave Avenue and brings in a stage for musicians so guests can enjoy live music while the chefs tend to their chili under the tents. At 3:00 in the afternoon, an impartial panel of judges chooses the winner. It’s one big charity block party, and over the years it’s netted more than $145,000 for Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids.

But Verhil’s philanthropy doesn’t stop there. Just around the corner, at One Trick Pony, he’s raised over $75,000 for a number of local charities through the Monday Night Hat Trick Concert Series. That event has come to a close, but Verhil and friend Ralston Bowles have teamed up to launch Earthwork Music Presents Monday Night Live, featuring artists from the Earthworks Music Collective label. The first show, with artist The True Falsettos, took place last week. There are 3 more scheduled this spring (artists begin at 7:30 p.m.):

• 4/22: Jen Sygit, Americana singer-songwriter
• 5/6: Red Tail Ring, progressive/traditional folk duo
• 5/20: Gifts or Creatures, progressive/nostalgic Americana

But Dan Verhil’s not the only philanthropic restaurateur in Grand Rapids.

The Gilmore Collection’s the B.O.B. hosts a twice-a-year fundraiser, Soups On For All!, which benefits Catholic Charities West Michigan. Each year the event raises over $100,000 to help CCWM deliver meals to the homebound, stock food pantries, and more

And chefs from a number of local restaurants join forces to annually to support the Signature Chefs March of Dimes Auction. (Last year’s participants included chefs from local favorites Amore Trattoria Italiana, Bostwick Lake Inn and six.one.six.) Guests at the fundraiser sample culinary delectables and bid on silent and live auction items to raise money for lifesaving research and educational programs, including the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

If all of these restaurants are making you think about going out to dinner, wait! Instead of just eating a meal out, you can score a deal, eat out, and help feed a hungry child in one fell swoop. How? Jonathan Kumar is glad you asked!

Kumar, founder of FoodCircles.net, wants consumers to stop and think—for just a minute—before we head out to eat for the evening. His company contracts with local restaurants to give customers a deal if they eat at their restaurant. Currently, that means $5 off of a $25 bill at San Chez, for example, or free crack fries at HopCat. When you redeem your voucher, FoodCircles makes a donation that helps feed a hungry child. Users choose whether to support Kids Food Basket, a local charity, or World Vision, an international charity. Either way, the restaurants gets customers, you get a deal, and a child gets a meal. It’s a win-win-win.

When he talks about kids and hunger, Kumar is passionate about the cause. “The ultimate solution is education and awareness for the parents,” he explains, “but while were in this process kids shouldn’t have to suffer. These kids aren’t able to study and play when they want to because they’re operating on an empty stomach. After two years, that has permanent effects. It impacts their high school experience, their college, their future, their job. It all starts with getting basic dinners at home.”

Since the FoodCircles website and free app premiered in Grand Rapids just a year ago almost 1300 children have been fed.

FoodCircles will be launching a new easier-to-understand model in the next few months, where consumers will purchase a coupon for an appetizer, dessert, or non-alcoholic drink at participating restaurants for just $1. “Think of it like a Groupon with a conscious,” says Kumar, “where 100% of your $1 goes to feed kids in need.” Grand Rapids restaurants benefit from increased traffic and additional sales, says Kumar, and he believes these patrons are likely to be repeat customers. “Essentially restaurants are able to meet new customers who are very passionate and loyal to causes,” says Kumar. “They’re getting a customer who believes what they believe: that no one should go hungry.”

The Brewhouse at Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids

Whether you’re looking for a stout, a pale, or an IPA, Grand Rapids breweries (15 and counting) have plenty to quaff.

Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids

Each Grand Rapids brewery is distinct, sporting its own personality and vibe. Some are laid back, some full of energy; some are hyper-focused on doing small batches while others are growing by leaps and bounds. On Saturdays, you can get a behind-the-scenes peek at two very different Grand Rapids breweries, Founders and Brewery Vivant. For $10, you can see where they make the goods and hear about wort, fermentation, and much more.These guys take their beer seriously, so come prepared to learn and enjoy tasting the wares.

Because the brewers take their gigs seriously, they’re producing some very cool brews, and it’s not just the locals who think so. In 2012, Grand Rapids was voted Beer City USA and named one of the Top 10 Best Vacation Cities for Beer Lovers.

Individual breweries received acclaim as well, with Hopcat garnering awards for both the #1 brewpub in the US and #3 beer bar in the world. Nearby Founders was recently recognized as the world’s 3rd best brewery by RateBeer.com. And over in Eastown, Brewery Vivant recently received the Triple Bottom Line, Up & Coming Business Award from Local First.

A few newcomers joined the Grand Rapids’ brewing scene in 2012.  A newly revitalized Grand Rapids Brewing Company opened downtown, the first USDA Certified organic brewery in Michigan. Across town, two old friends opened Mitten Brewing Company in a historic firehouse, and in February of 2012 Harmony Brewing Company debuted in the burgeoning Eastown area.

Harmony Brewing Company; photo by Doug Titus

But beer in Grand Rapids is more than just a business. These breweries are built on the philosophies of their owners, who hire dedicated brewers and encourage them to do what they do best: taste, learn, tinker, and make great beer.

Jackson Van Dyke, head brewer and co-owner of Harmony Brewing Company explains that making small batches of beer allows him to be both creative and reactive. In honor of the cold winter season, for example, Van Dyke brewed a special winter warmer, Winter Nights.

Winter Night; photo by Doug Titus

“Winter Nights is really smooth and easy to drink,” says Van Dyke, “but at the same time it’s got a lot of character to it. It has a big malt profile—you can tell a lot of grain went into that beer.” Harmony serves Winter Nights in a snifter so your hands warm it as you hold it, which Van Dyke says allows the beer to change a little as you’re drinking it. “It’s a really experiential beer to drink,” he says.

Brewer Jackson Van Dyke, Harmony Brewing, photo by Doug Titus

Another fun beer to drink—and one of my favorites among Grand Rapids’ beers—is Founder’s Double Trouble Imperial IPA. Head Brewer Jeremy Kosmicki says he wouldn’t necessarily describe Double Trouble as a balanced or delicate beer, as it clocks in at over 9% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), but that the malt bill effectively keeps the bitterness in check. “It provides a sweet backbone and still allows the hops to steal the show.” The first time Kosmicki brewed Double Trouble, he invited his dad to Founders to help him make it. “One of my brewers, Laura Houser, gave it the name Double Trouble,” he explains, “on account of two Kosmickis loose in the brewhouse.”

Founder Brewing Co.’s Header Brewer, Jeremy Kosmicki, at Founders Fest 2012

If you’re in the mood for something with a little less kick, Founders All Day IPA is a session beer that comes in at less that 5% ABV. “Since I usually drink beer all day, literally, it’s part of the job,” says Kosmicki, “I wanted to create a beer in which I could enjoy excellent hop aroma and flavor without the generally high alcohol level of an IPA or Double IPA.”

Kosmicki worked on the recipe for a long time, trying to find a way to keep the alcohol level down and the beer balanced and delicate. “When I finally got the recipe dialed in a few years ago, it won a silver medal in the session beer category at the Great American Beer Festival.” (Its working name at the time was Endurance IPA Jr.)

As Grand Rapids’ brewers continue to refine and create, beer aficionados all over the world look forward to Grand Rapids’ next best beer—which, if you’re lucky enough to be in Grand Rapids, you’re likely to find at one of your favorite local watering holes.

Grand Rapids-area breweries

The B.O.B., Brewery Vivant, Founders Brewing Company

Grand Rapids Brewing Company, Harmony Brewing Company, Hideout Brewing

HopCat, Jaden James Brewery, Perrin Brewing Company

Pike 51 Brewery, Rockford Brewing Company, Schmohz Brewing Company

The Mitten Brewing Company, Walldorff Brewpub, White Flame Brewing Company

Osgood Brewing Co. (opening summer of 2013)

Other West Michigan breweries

Saugatuck Brewing Company (Douglas)
Our Brewing Company (Holland)
Olde Peninsula Brewpub (Kalamazoo)
Old Hat Brewery & Grill (Lawton)
Old Boys Brewhouse (Spring Lake)
New Holland Brewing Company (Holland)
Michigan Beer Cellar (Sparta)
Arcadia Brewing Company (Battle Creek)
Bell’s Brewery (Kalamazoo)

Can you help Grand Rapids retain our “Beer City” designation in 2013?

In 2012, Examiner.com named Grand Rapids Beer City USA - a huge honor for our city, establishing us as a leader in the brewing industry. This year we’re determined to bring the title home again where it belongs! To help, we need YOU to vote - and encourage your friends to vote! – in this year’s Beer City USA vote, May 6 – 10. Check back to cast your vote for Grand Rapids as Beer City, USA as soon as voting opens May 6!

When Rob Qualls created his first batch of beer last July, he says it was “love at first brew.” The 29-year-old Grand Rapids resident and co-founder of the fledgling Grand Rapids Homebrewers Club has since brewed about 25 five-gallon batches and has no plans to quit. “I’m completely enthralled by every facet of brewing,” he says.

Qualls is far from alone. While Grand Rapids may have received its “Beer City USA” designation in 2012 due to the number of high-quality craft breweries dotting the city, a steadily-growing legion of home brewers are taking their passion for beer out of the brewpub and into their homes.

“The GR homebrewing scene is booming,” says Qualls. “It seems that everyday I have a new friend that is starting to homebrew, and the local brew store is becoming more and more packed every time I go there.”

It’s important to note that home brewers and local breweries aren’t in competition with each other, but rather, complement one another. “Most of the folks who open breweries were at one time home brewers,” points out Steve Siciliano, owner of Siciliano’s Market.

Named 2013’s Top Beer Grocery Retailer in the United States (ratebeer.com), Siciliano’s provides one of the largest craft & imported beer selections in West Michigan, along with homebrewing supplies for enthusiastic hobbyists. “Home brewers and breweries feed off each other: there’s a wonderful synergy at work,” says Siciliano.

Eric Fouch, President of the Prime Time Brewers Club, agrees. “The brew pubs around town are great supporters of the homebrewing community,” he says. “There are so many great places [in Grand Rapids] to try different craft beers, and you can actually talk to the professional brewer about his or her recipe and how they made that beer. Most of the time you can get tips and advice on how to try to duplicate that great brew at home, right from the person who perfected it!”

Fouch says local breweries often organize events like pub crawls and brewing competitions specially for home brewers, and allow clubs to hold meetings in their brew pubs. “The cooperation and outreach is fantastic.”

“Brewers just like good beer, so it’s no surprise that you’ll see them at Founders, Brewery Vivant, Hopcat, Harmony, and The Hideout – just to name a few – all the time,” says Qualls. “People find a beer they really love and want to be able to produce it at home. Once you do that, you’re hooked and brewing every weekend.”

That’s not to say home brewers only copy local breweries’ recipes, however. “I’m trying to develop my own brewing identity, so that when people drink my beer they say, “Wow, yes, this is definitely a Rob Qualls brew.”

Whether you’re interested in copying your local brewpub favorites or coming up with your own unique recipes, Grand Rapids is a great place to begin your homebrewing adventure.

Getting Started:

If you’re ready to take the plunge and begin brewing at home, follow these tips from a few of Grand Rapids’ local home brewing pros:

Join a club: “There is no substitute for sharing your homebrew with another homebrewer and comparing notes.  Anybody who wants to improve their brewing skills needs to join a club,” says Eric Fouch.

Watch and Learn. “Watch somebody brew first just to get the feel of it,” advises Qualls, who says he watched a lot of YouTube videos when he was first starting out. A homebrewing club is a great place to find somebody to “apprentice” under.

Read. Eric Fouch suggests The Complete Joy of Homebrewing, Homebrewers Companion, and the online Homebrew Digest.

Find a Homebrew Store. “One of my biggest pieces of advice to a beginner: develop a good relationship with your local homebrew store,” says Qualls. “They should be your go-to for information. There’s a lot of bad information on the Internet, so trust your local homebrew shop first.” Siciliano’s, B&B Liquors, O’Connors and Pauly’s all get high marks from local brewers.

Keep it clean. “Any home brewer will tell you the most important aspect to brewing is sanitation,” says Qualls. “I usually spend a couple hours cleaning up before and after to make sure all my equipment is germ free. One germ and an entire batch of beer is ruined.”

Attend an Event. There’s no shortage of events for home brewers in the Grand Rapids area. Check out these two:

• The Big Brew on Calder. On May 4, 2013, Siciliano’s Market will help celebrate National Homebrew Day by sponsoring an AHA-recognized “Big Brew.” Siciliano’s will be donating supplies to make 48 all-grain batches of “Beer City IPA”. The event will be held at Calder Plaza and is open to the public.

• The National Homebrewers Conference. This yearly event showcasing homebrewing and home brewers is held in a different location each year. In June 2014, between 3000 and 3500 home brewers will head to Grand Rapids for the four-day convention, which includes seminars, brewing, and socializing.

Can you help Grand Rapids retain our “Beer City” designation in 2013?

In 2012, Examiner.com named Grand Rapids Beer City USA - a huge honor for our city, establishing us as a leader in the brewing industry. This year we’re determined to bring the title home again where it belongs! To help, we need YOU to vote - and encourage your friends to vote! – in this year’s Beer City USA vote, May 6 – 10. Check back to cast your vote for Grand Rapids as Beer City, USA as soon as voting opens May 6!

Grand Rapids is known for great shopping, from the bountiful chain stores of Woodland Mall to the quaint shops of East Grand Rapids. But visitors don’t have to stray far from their downtown hotel rooms to experience an eclectic array of boutiques and specialty stores.

One such store is blue, an enterprise of Goodwill Industries. The store is a higher-end alternative to the well-known resale shop, carrying clothing from designer brands like BCBG and Free People as well as a selection of handbags, jewelry and accessories, home furnishings, and decor.

The store’s mission is similar to that of its mothership, Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids. Like a regular Goodwill store, blue offers a mix of resale and new merchandise, and profits go to provide job training and placement programs in the community.

But that’s where the similarities end, says store manager Katie Harney, who says the shopping experience is totally different from your usual Goodwill store. “A lot of people don’t even realize it’s a Goodwill store until they look at their receipt,” says Harney. “We want to attract customers that typically wouldn’t shop at a Goodwill store.”

And the strategy is paying off. Harney says that the store – which opened almost exactly one year ago – has thrived in the bustling, funky MoDiv shopping center at the corner of Monroe Center and Division, which offers a variety of shopping experiences from clothing to stationery to floral arrangements, and is located within easy walking distance of downtown hotels and restaurants.

The store is currently open Monday and Wednesday from 10 – 6, Thursday through Saturday from 10 – 8, and Sunday from 11 – 6.  Check blue’s Facebook page for special events and offers.

Another MoDiv resident and relative newcomer to the Grand Rapids shopping scene, Chai Boutique opened just two years ago in a tiny strip mall space and relocated the following October, after owner Sarah Ables discovered – and fell in love with – the space at MoDiv during ArtPrize. The unique shop offers everything from on-trend clothing to vintage buttons and handmade accessories, meaning you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind item each time you shop.

But the repurposed vintage pieces and trendy apparel isn’t just for the young, hip crowd, says Ables.  “We cater to shoppers of all ages, and see a lot of out-of-towners from the downtown hotels sending guests our way,” she says. Men, too: Last April Ables’ husband, Len, started a men’s line called Off the Cuff, which offers affordable men’s clothing, hats, accessories, and watches.

Chai is currently open Monday through Wednesday 11- 6, Thursday 11 – 7, Friday 11 – 6, and Saturday 11 – 5.  You can keep up with special events, like their upcoming Ladies Night Out from 6-9 pm on April 18, on their Facebook page.

What styles are Grand Rapids shoppers going crazy for this spring?  Katie Harney says that at blue, bright colors like neon greens and yellows are hot, as well as Aztec prints. “Shoppers are looking for pieces that make a statement and stand out,” says Harney.

Not sure if you want to take the risk on head-to-toe Day-Glo? Harney says it’s smart to invest in neutral staples, like black or tan blazers and pants. Then, you can dabble in those bright trends by buying less expensive pieces – like a top, scarf, or belt – in fashion-forward colors and prints.

And the nice thing about shopping at blue? “You don’t have to spend as much money on either the trendy pieces or the basics,” says Harney. Sounds like a great reason to head downtown and shop.

Store hours and days are subject to change. Please verify before you visit! 

When they titled Grand Rapids Beer City USA, I think the people throughout Grand Rapids all shouted “heck yeah!”, raised their stein in salute and proceeded to dream up way after way to make sure we never, ever lose this title. We love our beer here. More importantly we love our craft beer here. So much so that we will use beer as an excuse to throw a party time and time again.

This weekend Founder’s, one of the first breweries to start craft beer mania in the area, is releasing its Kentucky Breakfast Stout with a four day extravaganza to celebrate. Lest you think this is overkill for the release of a beer, may I remind you that Rate Beer ranked it the 4th best beer in the WORLD (take that Germany and Belgium).

Beer fans were able to buy tickets in advance to purchase up to 12 bottles of KBS at the Founder’s Taproom before it went on sale to the general public. Fans of the legendary beer from far and wide (seriously, people are flying in for this beer) were so anxious to get their hands on some KBS that the site crashed from all the traffic. Tickets were completely sold out in a few hours. But the best part is all these ticket sales triggered a donation to Grand Rapids Whitewater.

Here is what local beer afficianado Kelly McDaniel from Momma Needs a Beer has to say:

Founders KBS was one of those “gateway” craft beers for me. I was always a beer lover, especially when it came to stouts; but Founders KBS took my love of beer to an entirely new level. The hints of chocolate & coffee… the bourbon-barrel aged goodness. I’m drooling just thinking about it! Founders KBS Release Party is an exciting opportunity to try the newest batch of KBS, fresh from the tap. This party is also a fun way to welcome spring with fellow beer enthusiasts each year, as part of the event takes place outdoors. Since the demand for KBS is so high, attending this event may be one of the few opportunities to savor this rare beer on tap… until next year.

But don’t despair if you didn’t get tickets to the advance release (or drown your sorrows in an inferior beer). This Saturday March 30th there is an all day draft release party in the Founder’s taproom from 11am-2am. It is totally free to get in (although you have to buy your beer) and KBS will be on tap all day long. In the evening there will also be free entertainment.

Founder’s Brewery has been growing in popularity over the years and the demand for their craft beer has spread across the country. They are in the process of undergoing their 4th major expansion at their Grandville street location. This expansion allow them to increase production and keep up with the demand from the 23 states where Founder’s beer is currently sold. Post-expansion, they plan to make their way into even more states, good news for all the Michigan snow birds that head south in the winter.

It doesn’t look like Beer City USA will be giving up its love of craft beer anytime soon. And all the beer lovers raise their glasses…

Butterfly Exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens

This is a guest post written by Melody VanderWeide, founder of GRKids.com.

After a long winter filled with snow storms and snow days, my three kids (ages 2, 5 and 8) are clamoring for summer. While the calendar won’t cooperate with their request anytime soon, we did have a chance to escape the cold weather – and we didn’t even have to leave Grand Rapids!

The cure for our cabin fever? A trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens’ Butterflies are Blooming exhibit.

At home, the kids were bouncing with anticipation. “Would a butterfly land on me?” wondered my middle child. We decided to wear bright-colored clothing in hopes of attracting a butterfly. I also encouraged the kids to wear light-weight clothes in anticipation of the warm, humid air in the tropical conservatory.

During our drive to the Gardens we talked about how we could keep the butterflies safe by not trying to catch them and not running. I wasn’t sure if the two year old would be scared by the butterflies or not, so I started talking to her about butterflies and how they are nice and pretty.

As soon as we hit the parking lot, the kids were antsy to get inside. But we slowed down long enough to take photos on the blue butterfly in the entryway.

Our first order of business once inside was to hang up our coats in the coat room (this is tucked off to the right when you enter.) Next, potty break in the family restroom, and then we got our tickets.

Our visit was on a weekday, late in the afternoon when the exhibit was not very busy. Weekends and other peak times, however, draw bigger crowds. For that reason, visitors are directed through the desert garden and then into the Caterpillar Room.

“Oh yeah, oh yeah!” That’s what I heard when my daughter spotted a caterpillar for the first time. We spent 20 minutes it that room peering into the glass cages and searching for milkweed caterpillars on plants out in the open.

“I’m a great caterpillar-spotting girl!” she told me. “I found ten or five of them!”

I was also really impressed by the helpful volunteer who took time to explain that butterflies don’t make cocoons like moths do and  instead make a chrysalis.

I, on the other hand, was practically giddy with the sight of daffodils.

We were having so much fun, and we hadn’t even seen a butterfly yet!

The butterfly exhibit is regulated by the USDA. To ensure that the butterflies stay contained, visitors pass through a room with strips of screening. There are workers in the room, checking to see that there are no hitch-hiking butterflies. On your way out you get to do the “butterfly twirl” as we called it, so they can check you from all angles.

I chose to leave my stroller in the hall- and you’ll be encouraged to do the same- because space is tight inside the exhibit and it’s hard to maneuver during busy times. My two year-old had no problem handling the short walk through the conservatory. I also saw many parents wearing baby carriers, a smart way to go.

Butterflies swooped down to greet us as we entered the conservatory. At first it was shocking, but then it was fun. “I see one! There they are!” was all I could hear for minutes on end.

It was also great fun to spot a butterfly and match it up to the brochure we were given. The volunteer staff went above and beyond again with their friendly helpfulness.

Luck was on our side during our visit. One of the volunteers had been collecting butterflies off of the conservatory windows and was ready to re-release them into the middle of the room. He picked them up and set them free- but not before letting a few hang out on our hands for a minute!

The Butterfly Bungalow was also a big hit with the kids. The butterflies were emerging right before our eyes.  Once again, lots of questions asked and answered by the knowledgeable volunteers.

To make it more interesting for the kids, I had also brought their cameras along so they could take pictures like mommy. And we periodically played “statue” to see if we could get butterflies to land on us. I offered $10 to any child who had one land on their nose. Luckily I didn’t have to pay up…

We spent a good hour in the conservatory. We eventually did leave, we found our way to the back room with a toy replica of the sculpture park. We played for twenty minutes or so. If it had been nicer outside we would have ventured out to discover the butterfly-themed activities in the Children’s Garden.

Our last stop of the day was the gift shop, which is filled with many educational kid-friendly items and other toys. My daughter bought a butterfly wand as a souvenir, a great trinket to remember our magical times at Frederik Meijer Gardens, where the Butterflies are Blooming.

Guest Blogger Melody VanderWeide is a self-professed idea lover. Now a parent to three young children, she delights in late-night Netflix viewing, driving carpool and coordinating the happenings at Grand Rapids’ premier parent resource, grkids.com.

photo by jvh33 (via flickr)

When my oldest child outgrew his training wheels, my husband and I piled kids, helmets, bikes and water-filled sport bottles into our truck and began our first family bicycling adventure at a trailhead of White Pine Trail, just north of downtown Grand Rapids. At 93.5 miles, White Pine Trail is Michigan’s longest rail-trail (old railroad lines converted for recreational use) and we didn’t plan to cover even a tenth of it. But the initial section is paved—it was perfect for our family’s foray into biking.

Over the years, we’ve discovered that White Pine Trail is just a drop in the bucket in the West Michigan bicycling scene. In fact, Grand Rapids was named a top “Bicycle-Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists in 2009 and the “Best Town for Mountain Biking” by Outside magazine in 2010.

photo by Jack Kunnen Photography

For riders who enjoy trail biking there are miles of scenic routes in and around Grand Rapids, from the 20-mile trails in Millennium Park to the slightly hilly 4.2 ride around Reeds Lake Trail to the 93.5 mile White Pine Trail where my family first ventured forth. If you have kids who can endure 4.2 miles on a bike, and you’re up for a family ride, I recommend cycling the Reeds Lake Trail, where you can start and end your ride in the quaint downtown area of East Grand Rapids. A can’t-miss ending includes treating everyone to dinner on the deck at Rose’s restaurant. But don’t order too much—the kids will want to swing by Jersey Junction afterwards to order a scoop of their favorite ice cream and score some old-fashioned penny candy.

Whirly Pops at Jersey Junction; photo by Steven dePolo via flickr

Grand Rapids’ trails also rise to the challenge for more serious bicycle enthusiasts, who prefer not to end their rides with penny candy.

Mountain bike and crisscross riders can tackle miles of trails, from a short 5-mile ride through Robinette’s apple orchard (and the nearby hills) to the steeper topography at Cannonsburg State Game Area or Cannonsburg Ski Area. With both flat and hilly terrain, the nine miles of trail at Luton Park in Rockford suits both advanced and beginning riders. (It’s also a multi-use trail, so be sure to yield to hikers and runners).

Road riders aren’t left in the dust in Grand Rapids—click here for a printable map street bike routes throughout the Grand Rapids area. The city plans to add 100 miles of bike lanes over the next 4 years.

Grand Cycling Classic Race; photo by music2fish2 (eric lanning) via flickr

We also have races. Lots of races! The Grand Rapids race season will kick off on March 23, 2013 with the fifth annual Founders Brewing Company Barry-Roubaix race. Open to road bikes, mountain bikes, cyclocross bikes, fatbikes, and tandem bikes, this race challenges riders with lots of gravel, a little pavement, and heaps of natural elements, including mud, sand and, possibly, snow. Riders climb 2200 feet over 35 miles, beginning and ending in Hastings, MI.

photo by Jack Kunnen Photography

The Barry-Roubaix race exemplifies the growing popularity of bicycling in West Michigan. In its first year, 280 riders participated in the Barry-Roubaix race at Long Lake Outdoor Center. Rick Plite, Race Director, and owner of Kisscross Events, which hosts the Barry-Roubaix race as well as others, says they maxed the capacity of that space the first year, and in 2010, he moved the event to the Yankee Springs Recreation Area. This year, increasing registration numbers prompted Plite, with support from staff at Founders Brewing Co., to move to the race to Hastings, MI. Capacity for this year’s race is capped at 3,000 participants.

Founders Brewing has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the Barry-Roubaix race. “My first foray into bike racing was the Kisscross Cyclocross series,” says Plite. “The motto was—and is—‘Racing for Beer,’ and it was a very casual event with between 40 to 80 people. I approached Founders and asked them to sponsor my event by donating two six-packs – one for the men’s winner and one for the women’s winner.” Founders agreed to that first donation and has been supportive of Plite’s races ever since.

Founders contribution has grown from providing 2 six-packs of beer to a couple of winners to sponsoring Plite’s Lumberjack 100, a challenging 100-mile mountain bike race through picturesque Manistee National Forest, as well as the upcoming Barry-Roubaix race—and its after party.

Yes, that’s right. Founders Brewing Co. sponsors the Barry-Roubaix after party.

“Last year, it was pretty simple,” says Plite. “But this year it’s going to explode! They’re closing 4 city blocks in downtown Hastings and one entire block will consists of the beer tent.” Plite says they’ll also have a DJ, a band that starts at 2:00, and plenty of food, with vendors What the Truck, Jets Pizza, Mongolian BBQ, and Sandy Schondelmayer pulled pork sandwiches providing appetizing sustenance for all. The Founders party begins at 11:00 a.m., is open to the public, and is expected to end around 6:00 p.m.

photo by Jack Kunnen Photography

If the idea of racing through difficult terrain appeals to you, the Grand Rapids area has several other races including the West Michigan Stage Race (May 17-19, 2013), the Herman Miller Brickyard Criterium (June 29, 2013), the Gaslight Criterium (August 18, 2013) and the Battle at the Burg (September 13 & 14, 2013).

Grand Rapids races aren’t limited to just bikes. If you want to add an adventure component to your bicycling—think canoeing, orienteering, and cross-country running—check out the Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race (June 29, 2013). For cyclists inclined to add swimming and running to your arsenal, the Grand Rapids Triathlon or the iron-length Michigan Titanium fit the bill.

Whether you’re registering for a race, taking the kids out for a spin, on vacation and want to experience the beautiful West Michigan landscape on your bike, or looking for a serious ride—which will still offer some serious scenery—Grand Rapids has the bike trail for you.

Related links:

Bike races.
Bike rentals. (Guests of the JW Marriott or Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown can also rent bikes through the hotel.)