Eating Grand Rapids: Reserve

Oh, Grand Rapids...  You full on seduced me with your foodie fare.  Let's just say I ate a lot of things I shouldn't have, but I loved every minute of it!

View from my seat... Mmmmm....

On my first night in town, I dined at Reserve.  It was a crowded, eclectic place, and we were seated at one of the few places available during such a busy time (ArtPrize) at dinner:  the counter at the charcuterie.  We had a great view of all the cheeses and meats being prepared, so we definitely indulged in a some cheese and (per my request) some delicious pork and garlic rillette... basically a spreadable meat topped with lard/fat that you put on the bread pieces.  And yes, it was delicious.  Great chutney and cheeses too.

We were already digging in when I remembered to snap a photo...

One of my companions also ordered the vanilla bacon.  It was like a beautiful little bouquet of salty and sweet goodness.  I mean, bacon as a small plate?  This place is after my own heart.

When it came time to choose a dinner option, I was a hot mess.  The cheese guy was willing to assist, but I was bouncing back and forth over too many different options: Chevre Gnocchi, Spinach & Egg Risotto, Magret Duck Breast, Chicken & Dumplings...

In the end, I had to go with an old standby: the Cheeseburger.  Okay, no judgment here, this is no ordinary cheeseburger, and it came highly recommended.  This burger is not only made with fresh ground daily grass-fed beef, but it is 15% PORK BELLY.  Whenever I hear the phrase "pork belly", I make Homer Simpson-like "Mmmmm" sounds.  It came with a suggested wine pairing, which I felt I needed to try given the theme of the restaurant being about pairings.

But I would say the piece de resistance of the meal may have been the Pork Fat Fries.  You read that correctly.  They fry in lard, the same way people did 100 years ago... and these were hands down some of the best fries I have ever had in my life.  Insane in the membrane.

When I'm back in Grand Rapids for work, you can bet your bippy I'll be coming back here.  There was just too much on the menu not to return and have an amazing experience, all paired with the perfect glass of wine.  If this restaurant were in Nashville, they could count me in as a regular!