Grand Rapids - Gastromonic Center of the Universe or ????

I am opening a new store in Grand Rapids MI, next week. I will be there from 8-11 for 6 nights. Anyone familiar with restaurants - ORIGINALS LIKE - in the city? I checked the GR paper and was 'whelmed' with their reviewer. Looked around and couldn't find anything like LHB in the area. So, if you have lived there, traveled there often/recently, or have any information on places to dine I would appreciate it.

Thanks

Richard
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Beer is food, and Grand Rapids has one of the region's best, Founders Brewing Co.:

http://www.foundersbrewing.com/home.php

I looked into restaurants while preparing for to vacation in Michigan last year (i was born and raised, and spent most of my summers there)...

Honestly, the trend i've noticed is a lot of chains, lots of steak/chop/seafood houses.

Aside from Tribute in Farmington Hills (which is highly regarded nationally), i haven't been able to find much of a truly 'food savvy' restaurants or any online community specific to anywhere in Michigan.

(Though i did just read that the MGM Grand Detroit - opening late 07 - is gonna have a restaurant by Wolfgang Puck, and two by Michael Mina.)




Grand Rapids isn't too terribly large of a city, and last i remember - the demographic isn't as diversified as Louisville.

...Seriously, there's gotta be something out there.
if you find it, let me know.

I grew up in Grand Rapids and visit 1-2 times a year. Here are my favorites:

San Chez (and Mezze Cafe)
sanchezbistro.com
High-quality Spanish- and Cuban-inspired tapas, served in an artistically restored downtown building. Next door is the Mezze café, which offers Middle-Eastern fare. I haven’t been there, but it’s run by the same owners, so expect the same good quality. Don't miss San Chez.

Cottage Bar and Grill
http://www.cottagebar.biz
Probably GR’s oldest bar, housed in an 1850’s-era building. Real burgers that don’t taste like chain food, and real atmosphere that evolved on its own.

Gaia Café
209 Diamond Ave SE
(616) 454-6233
Really good, hearty vegetarian fare in a bohemian environment. Gaia has been around for decades and has a loyal clientele. I especially recommend it for a leisurely breakfast (the service isn’t the speediest), but lunch and dinner are great too.

I’ll let you know more as I think of them.

Hey! My band played there last night and do fairly often...there's some area's of Grand Rapids that are really awesome...if you're looking for a seriously great, inexpensive, diner style (yet a little more interesting) meal, go to Wolfgangs on Wealthy...I'll try and think of some more...