I’m all about supporting local business, and Motu Viget Spirits is one of my personal favorites in town.
My husband and I randomly had a free night last night, so out we went!
The collaboration was at Social House, in the Arena District of Grand Rapids. I always recommend taking an Uber to any alocohol related event, because chances are you’ll drink more than you plan. The parking in this area of town can also be a bear. So, it was a win/win.
Below are some highlights from the night!
I saw a post this week on Hopcat’s Instagram, that they are now serving brunch, and of course I had to go right away.
My husband had plans for the day, so I made it a solo trip. I have also never been to their Knapp’s Corner location, and despise trying to find parking downtown, so I headed to the Beltline.
This Hopcat location is in a spot that has struggled in the past. It’s been through many restaurants, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that they invested in the look of the place, in order to make it uniquely Hopcat.
I sat at the bar and almost started drooling as I saw the beautiful beer-cap mural covering the back wall. It was gorgeous and shiny, and everything a drink photographer ever dreamed of.
I love Hopcat, and it was definitely past noon, but I challenged myself to stay on the “Brunch Menu” while ordering.
I started with a French Spritz and got to work showing off that perfect backdrop. The drink itself was well balanced. I was surprised that it had grapefruit without that abrasive sour after-taste that grapefruit drinks tend to have. Definitely something I would choose over a mimosa any day.
French Spritz - $9: St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Aperol, grapefruit juice & soda water. Served over ice.
For brunch I ordered the “Egg in the Hole” and it was delicious, but I was wishing my husband had come with, because then I would have gotten to sample something else. It wasn’t as “breakfast-y” as I wanted it to be. It felt a little bit more like a burger with an egg on top then a decadent brunch dish. I think it would have been greatly enhanced if they turned it into a fork and knife dish with some delicious hollandaise or béchamel. BUT it was delicious, and probably more of an ordering mistake than a bad option.
I also befriended one of the nice bartenders and asked her to make me something pretty. As a result, I got this beautiful Raspberry Mojito (pictured below). It wasn’t too sweet and gave me a chance to show off the reflective bar.
Egg in the Hole - $10: Fresh custom blend beef patty, rye bread, egg, hickory-smoked bacon, garlic aioli, stout caramelized onions & Swiss. Served with breakfast potatoes & arugula salad.
Raspberry Mojito - About $9 (Not on the Menu)
The staff was the perfect amount of attentive and friendly for someone dining alone, and I appreciate it so much. The employees were great about reminding everyone that Hopcat has a rewards app, and you get a free appetizer the first time you sign up. You also get points for every time you eat there, just give the code to your server!
Overall I will visit this specific location again. For a Sunday afternoon it wasn't;t overwhelmingly busy, and it still has that downtown Hopcat feel. Next time I will try a more “brunch-y” meal, but Hopcat never disappoints in the drink department.
Where should we go for brunch next?
If I make this a regular thing would you read it?
Just putting some feelers out there!
There are few things my husband (Caleb) and I enjoy more than a long brunch on a Sunday afternoon. This Sunday I was desperate for a nap so I slept well past brunch and was fully into Linner (or Dunch) territory, and that turned out to be a great thing.
My friend Chelsea (chelseamichalart) posted about River North Public House this morning and their menu was enticing enough to make it our choice for the day.
As some of you may remember when it used to be Citizen, the parking situation is a little confusing, but there are plenty of spots behind the restaurant, and the walkway to the front door is fun enough that it felt like a runway (see below).
Not pictured, the many DABs that occurred, corresponding with the Kanye West music blasting from the speakers. .
As we walked in, I felt right at home. The decor is all out, and it feels like the kind of place I could hang out all day (but I’m partial to the gold and navy combo).
The staff was debriefing from a great brunch service when we arrived, and we had the place to ourselves, which couldn’t have been more perfect. They were so friendly and excited about their jobs, and I felt like we were old friends by the end of our meal. Everyone we talked to was excited about the new vision of the restaurant, and we felt genuinely welcome to stay as long as we liked.
They also had happy hour when we arrived, so some beer was priced at a stay-all-day price.
For our appetizer we got the chicken wings. They were dry rubbed with a smoky seasoning that was good on its own, but the dipping sauces put them over the edge. I’m trying to avoid dairy, and the blue cheese ranch was worth a taste for sure!
Pictured above:
Drink service.
Chicken Wings: $9
House special dry rubbed, with buffalo blue cheese ranch and chipotle soul sauce
The appetizers came with our first round of drinks specially chosen for us by the staff. We ended up getting the Unicorn Rum Punch and a custom made Cherry Limeade (with vodka of course).
Pictured above:
Unicorn Rum Punch - $8: Spiced Rum, Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Blue Curacao.
Cherry Limeade - Not on the menu
For dinner we had the Riverside Burger, which accidentally had cheese on it, but #worthit, and the Beer Battered Cod. They came with the most incredible waffle fries. Usually, in my mind, waffle fries are soggy and disappointing, but these were crispy and perfectly seasoned. Honestly, I would stop by just for an order of fries and to socialize with the staff, and I just might in the future. The portion sizes were definitely enough to fill you up, which is always a win in my book.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that the ketchup they serve is incredible. My Illinois native husband said, “I don’t normally eat Ketchup, but this stuff is so good.”
Pictured Above:
Riverside Burger - $13: Steak Burger, White Cheddar, Bacon Jam, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Fried Egg
Beer Battered Cod - $13: Cedar Springs Beer Battered Cod, True North Fries, Lemon Dill Aioli
For dessert we got an extra special treat, a visit to the kitchen. We ordered the Apple Fritters, and I got to watch them made and talk to the chef. Katelynn Hale works her butt of with the owner to create a wonderful food experience for all, and her passion for what she does really shines. Like the rest of the staff, she really sees the vision and potential this restaurant and owner have, and she is completely on board.
Dessert came with a final round of drinks and another quote from my hard to impress husband.
“That was Yum. “
Pictured above:
Apple Fritter Bites - $8: Fried Apple Fritter Bites, Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce.
Katelyn Hale - Head Chef and her Sous Chef
Blushing Sangria - $7: House made with Rose´ and fruit.
“Rainbow Paradise” - Not on the menu
Overall, we will definitely back and you should try it out. I am the queen of positive, but even my husband was super impressed. Any mistakes that may have happened were covered up with excellent service and the positive passion of the staff.
Now, have a picture of my husband, because it’s not a blog post unless I make him uncomfortable ;)
My good pal Peg suggested our work crew go to this event last Thursday, and it’s the kind of thing I never would have bought a ticket to in the past, but Peg is very convincing and I definitely don’t regret it.
I met new people and reconnected with old friends. I twerked my booty off. I got to participate in the first of many of these events and that was exciting.
It wasn’t everything I expected but I met some amazing people and got to spend time with some great friends!
Here are the images I have from the night.
(All images of me are either by my great Instagram husband or Joelle Martin)
Last night we celebrated a friend’s birthday and got to check out Craft Beer Cellar for the first time. It’s like your favorite craft beer and wine store combined with an interactive and relaxed bar. It’s the kind of bar that feels like home, and we had so much fun. It was also full but not over-crowded on a Friday night, which is a plus in downtown GR.
This is the kind of place where I could see myself being a regular. The staff was friendly and knowledgable, and they had board games!
This is my first foray into food blogging and I couldn’t think of a better way to start. My husband (Caleb) and I heard about Hancock and have been waiting to try it since it opened. We took our Friday date night there, and we weren’t disappointed.
We arrived and the staff were still working out the logistics, as they switched from all counter service to full service recently. We decided to get our food at the counter and eat outside, as they were busy enough to have a decent wait!
The outdoor seating options are unique and we loved them. This included “picnic style” grassy areas and stand up tables. My husband was impressed by the idea that you could lay down in the grass and relax while you wait for your food (see below).
We ordered the lot, because the menu had too many good options to pass up. The prices were a lot like the average in that area of Grand Rapids, and we were happy to order more than we needed for only $60.
The wait for food took a little bit but that gave us plenty of time to enjoy our seating choice and the liquor slush options they have! (In addition to the Stroh’s which is a must).
Caleb got the half chicken (extra hot), creamed corn grits, and broccoli salad, everything was better than you would expect, and he even had leftovers to bring home.
I got the chicken sandwich (perfect for people like me who are scared of chicken with bones), mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. The topping on the mac was the perfect blend of spicy and crunchy, and I loved it, in addition to the sandwich, which had pickles that gave the perfect amount of sweetness.
Overall, we would definitely visit again, and those slush’s are worth coming back for alone. Hancock is worth all the hype, and it will be even more worth it when they get the service kinks figured out!
I met up with Grace and Patrick to talk about their wedding in 2020, and they were kind enough to let me take a few shots of them. I am so excited to be a part of their wedding next year!
I work with Steve and it took some real arranging to get all these growing kids to be able to be at the session, but it was way worth it!
Another little personal life post. I’m challenging myself to bring my camera places even when it feels weird. Luckily our friends Adam and Katie were willing to model and follow all my photo whims. Also a picture of my sandwich at the Chicago Diner of course.
I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful night to take these pictures. This family welcomed me into their home for family dinner and a bonfire and it was such a fun night to get to know them all and document their crazy.
Hanging out with this beauty was so much fun. Senior sessions can be awkward, but she made it so easy with her lighthearted conversation. I got to hear all about her well planned future and I’m so excited for her to see how exciting this next phase of life is!
Wake Robin is a non-profit that puts on a monthly City Worship Night to promote unity among all the churches of West Michigan. All are welcome, all belong. I don’t normally post this many images, but I can and I will this time :) So grateful to know these people, and to get to experience the energy in this room regularly.
I loved getting to document these smiley kids. Their personalities shine, and it was so fun getting to know them.
I shot Amanda’s sister’s wedding earlier this fall (coming to the blog soon), and was inspired by the new love between Tim and Amanda. I was so glad when they decided to book me for one of my fall sessions! These two have no trouble cuddling or giving kisses and I love that.
This is the first of my fall mini shoots, and they were the perfect way to start the season. Locked cars and firetrucks excluded, we had a great time, and their little one warmed up quickly!
Got to tag along for Dellah’s one year pictures and snap some myself. I love her parents’ friendship and she is such a ham. So excited to know you for many more years Dellah.
This in home newborn session was so laid back and perfect. Ellora slept the whole time, even with prodding. I’m so excited to share these soft images with you!
Senior? More like fashion model! Shooting these was so fun, and she slayed the whole time.
We braved a rainy day for these beautiful fall images. Look at how precious this pup is!
Of course when your neighbors have a baby you have to bring your camera when you go to meet him. Welcome to the world Henry!
