Nov 26, 2011

Viceroy Lounge Finds Its Hot Spot

Mixologist Steve lights up an orange for a classic cocktail twist

The Buzz: Viceroy Lounge opened as the first "legitimate" speakeasy in downtown GR.
The Vibe: It was a speakeasy dressed up as the overflow for punkish sister bar, Stella's Lounge, before its recent renovation. Former "dining area" is now part of Stella's Lounge. Thank you! The room is more intimate and definitely have that speakeasy atmosphere.
The Scene: For real cocktail connoisseurs. Young professional crowd drinking side cars and housed-infused liquors. Leave your PBR t-shirt at home. 
The Food: Viceroy scrapped the foo-foo vegan dishes for classic bar dishes such as Clams Casino, Tenderloin Tips Louisianne, Escargots Echezeaux and Scotch Egg. I was too full from dinner at another establishment prior to Viceroy, but this new menu is on my hit list. 
The Cocktails: My friend Sin Chun and I were enamored from watching mixologist (and I mean a real mixologist), Steve, concoct, mix and shake cocktails like a true pro. His skills are worth the price of admission. Yes, Viceroy offers beers and wines, but go big or go home. 
Loved: Mixologist Steve and the lineup of the new menu.
One More Try: Soft seating by the entrance takes up too much space. Add more seats or cozier sofas. 
Bonus: Jazz nights and sultry vocalist, for sure. And the code to get back in from the shared bathrooms with Stella's, 1-9-3-3. 

The Wig Party


Every November, Salon Centric hosts the craziest party involving 2,000 hairdressers from all over the country. When I heard the theme this year was "The Wig Party," I knew I had to check this party out with my camera in tow. I asked several of my buddies to join me for a pre-party cocktail before heading to the festivities at the Intersection club in

Nov 25, 2011

The Cristal Party at Cygnus 27


The annual Cygnus 27 Cyg-nature Cristal Party marks the beginning of another winter party season in Grand Rapids. The city's socialites showed up in full force; drinking Cristal and dancing to the tunes of DJ Slim Tim.

Life in Grand Rapids just keeps getting better

Revelers at this year's Just Wicked party (formerly the Deadutante Ball) at the JW
There isn't a better time to live in Grand Rapids than right now. Get a glimpse of what this past year has been like by reading my latest The Good Life column in Shore Magazine. Click here.

For more photos...see below

Nov 21, 2011

KO Cancer Celebrity Boxing - Jimmy Le vs Eric "EOB" O'Brien

video

An epic battle between Jimmy "Social Dragon" Le and Eric "Irish Hand Grenade" O'Brien at the second annual Frank's Fitness KO Celebrity Boxing Event at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. 100% of the proceeds will help kids fighting cancer at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

Nov 20, 2011

Christmas Holiday in Buenos Aires



Read about my Christmas holiday in Buenos Aires in the my Travel Column in the Grand Rapids Press by clicking here.

Click below for more photos