One night in GR

[tcizma]

I'll be in Grand Rapids tomorrow, Sunday.

Staying downtown and would like to go out for a fun, pre holiday dinner ( sending two of my five off to Chicago Monday morning on the train ) with all the kids in tow.

would like to be within walking or short cab ride of the amway, holiday spirit, atmosphere and service ( + beverage list ) are primary factors.

Kids are all veteran diners

thoughts?

[Alex]

All of these are within walking distance (1/2 mile or less) of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. I won't be able to speak to their holiday spirit, but otherwise...

1) Leo's: Specializes in seafood but the meats are supposed to be good, too. So-so wine list but some decent selections. Very relaxing space -- high ceiling, lots of space between tables. Generally very good service.

2) Bistro Bella Vita: Varied menu, upbeat atmosphere, good wine list, local products when feasible. Here's a special dinner they're doing on January 9.

3) San Chez Bistro: Tapas and mezze, plus some entrees. Usually busy. I haven't been there in a while but I used to like going there.

4) Tre Cugini: (web site down at the moment) On Monroe Mall. Very good higher-end Italian food w/prices to match. Almost exclusively Italian wines. Cozy, warm atmosphere.

5) Six One Six, at the JW Marriott down the street from the Amway, has gotten good reviews but I haven't been there yet.

[tcizma]

Thanks, 616 is the only one of those i've been, Chef is John State, who I've known for years ( was chef at Disney Orlando Contemporary hotel )

We have had great meals several times there.

TC

[nsxtasy]

All of these are within walking distance (1/2 mile or less) of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. I won't be able to speak to their holiday spirit, but otherwise...

1) Leo's: Specializes in seafood but the meats are supposed to be good, too. So-so wine list but some decent selections. Very relaxing space -- high ceiling, lots of space between tables. Generally very good service.

2) Bistro Bella Vita: Varied menu, upbeat atmosphere, good wine list, local products when feasible. Here's a special dinner they're doing on January 9.

3) San Chez Bistro: Tapas and mezze, plus some entrees. Usually busy. I haven't been there in a while but I used to like going there.

4) Tre Cugini: (web site down at the moment) On Monroe Mall. Very good higher-end Italian food w/prices to match. Almost exclusively Italian wines. Cozy, warm atmosphere.

5) Six One Six, at the JW Marriott down the street from the Amway, has gotten good reviews but I haven't been there yet.

←

Gee, Alex, as much as I love the first two, the menus for the other three sound great too. Maybe we can get together again at one of them when I come back to GR some time in the new year!