Another entry in the Lola's Favorite Restaurants series...
If you're in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, I'd suggest you work in a trip to visit one of the areas' most interesting and unique new dining options...Reds on the River.
Located approximately 10 ~ 15 minutes north of Grand Rapids in Rockford, Michigan, Reds...which sits astride the banks of the picturesque Rogue River is quickly becoming a much loved dining hot spot.
My interest in Reds on the River was peaked by a blog post by a colleague & fellow Grand Rapids broker, Eric Webster. Although it took me some time to head over to check things out for myself, I recollected his enthusiastic, yet balanced description of how much he and his wife enjoyed their dining experience.
Yesterday evening, on a whim, we decided to head 'up north.' The restaurant is located in the quaint, historic Rockford Village downtown area. It's a huge building with a Tuscany inspired architecture. Walking up to the door, I marveled at how large the place seemed to be. Well, that's because there's more to this restaurant than the main dining room. Included in the complex are a very well stocked wine shop, banquet and catering facilities, business offices in the upstairs area and a patio dining area which runs the entire length of the building; providing an unrivaled view of the riverfront.
We choose outdoor seating as it was a beautiful summer evening. The service was superb. From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, the wait staff were attentive, prompt and well informed about the menu.
Now let's talk food...The menu presents an interesting and somewhat eclectic mix of options. Reds prides itself on it's extensive array of wines...particularly the red wines, and the steak and seafood selections. According to their site, the seafood is flown in fresh daily.
Our waiter informed us about the fact that their steaks are aged on site for approximately 3 weeks. In addition, the restaurant works with local farms to provide fresh produce of a seasonal variety. The bread which was also from a local Grand Rapids, Michigan bakery was deliciously warm, moist and hearty. I, in particular appreciate a restaurant which cooperates with local farms to benefit it's patrons and our community.
For starters, we ordered the chicken empanadas which were served on a bed of lettuce greens trickled over with a seasoned mayonnaise. An inventive touch to the empanadas was the addition of raisins...a nice complement to the savory blend of spices in the filling. My husband had a crock of French Onion Soup.
I decided to try the Torch Lake Chicken for my main entree and my husband opted for a Cuban inspired dish, the Ropa Veija. I wondered if the pristine, upper mid-Michigan lake was the inspiration. The cherry glaze was the hint. The chicken was succulent and the cherry glaze was not overly sweet. A bed of whipped Yukon potatoes served as a robust base atop which curly crisp onion rings added a whimsical touch.
Saving room for dessert is highly recommended as the sweets selections are prepared on site. There were many options, but I decided on the Tres Leches Cake one of my favorites. Reds on the Rivers' twist on Tres Leches included a fruit compote (in red syrup of course) and a raspberry sorbet.
As the sun began to work it's way down and the evening cooled, the Meijer White Pine Trail allowed walkers, joggers and cyclists to enjoy the view too. After dinner, we strolled around the building along the river...a perfect way to end a lovely evening.
photo courtesy of mandj98's photostream on flickr.com
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. Thanks for visiting our blog. Here are links to some of our most popular posts for you to enjoy!
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Lola, you painted such a lovely evening with this locale, the food, and the walk by the river. One of those perfect days we all love to have. Thank you so much.
Gary, it was a nice experience. I'm glad that Eric recommended it. I'm only sorry that it took me 6 months to finally get over to there.
Let's talk fooooodd! Oh, that sounds wonderful!!!!
I should have taken pictures last night of the place we went to. But the food overtook the want to take pics for blog. lol!
This place sounds wonderful and if I ever come visit...you...we'll go there :)
BTW: You know you opened the door for chit chat with Sally once in awhile don't you ??? Muuuaaahhhhhaaaahahaaa
Lola,
I'm so glad my post inspired you to (eventually) get there! It is still one of my favorite restaurants in the West Michigan area!
Maybe I'll see you there sometime.
Sally, you would absolutely love this place! If you ever come this far into the mainland, this is a must stop part of your tour. :) We decided to go so much on a whim that I didn't take my camera. When we go again, I'll try to remember to take some shots. It's a really nice setting.
Eric, with this recommendation, I must say I appreciate your judgements with regards to good food! If we ever do an Active Rain get together in GR...this would be one of my top picks. :)
Hi Lola,
You created a beautiful background and elegant environment with the creative cuisine of sweet smelling savor with fabulous food!
Wow, Dan...what a delightfully worded comment. Thank you very much. If you're ever in Grand Rapids...this is one spot worth checking out. :)
This sounds wonderful -- I almost felt like I could taste the food. It looks like a place one would want to go back to again and again.
Lola~
OK...if/when I can get away from the mountains for our family reunion in Michigannext month, , I may (based on this fabulous review) just head on over to REDS...
I think you should be a restaurant critic. I don't even like going out to eat (too paranoid about gaining weight) but your food description made me hungry! =)
I would love to be out on the patio enjoying the food in nature, it looks serene. Who says we can't have a delicious seafood meal on the Great Lakes!
Joan...yes, I think this restaurant deserves repeat visits.
janeAnne, if you're in Michigan and you have a moment, this will be well worth your time. Better yet, give a heads up to Mary Bigelow & I and we'll round up a crew to meet you over there! :)
Lisa...now, that's a thought...restaurant critic! :) But, I think I like blogging better.
Absolutely Carol!
Lola, Sounds like a restaurant I would love. I have been in Rockford once before. If I ever get back that way around dinner time I'll have to stop in.
I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I am relatively new to AR and have noticed you have received a lot of points and have achieved a remarkable high ranking. Congratulations! May I ask if you have had success in turning your high ranking into business? I am curious if it has been a profitable venture personally as well as financially. Thanks for sharing and best of luck in your business.
Russ, defintely a place worth stopping at if you're in Rockford! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi James, Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your questions. Blogging and being on the Internet is an important part of real estate primarily because real estate consumers have made it so.
I just read a real estate magazine which indicates that searching for real estate related information is one of their highest search terms on Google. My experience has been that having a well defined Internet presence is crucial for marketing today.
Not only has it brought new clients, it has enabled us to communicate effectively with people who have used our service in the past. I would encourage you to be diligent in your ongoing efforts.
The restaurant sounds absolutely fabulous. I've heard several great comments about Reds and can't wait to try it!