Who is ready for spring? Is it here? Because as I key this in, it sure is slow in arriving. The theme this month is bright and beautiful. I would love to paint you a picture of Editor Emily and I gleefully skipping into an airy oasis of glowing and beatific food whilst surrounded by chirping birds and budding tulips and oaks. Instead, we got a torrential downpour and a blazing fireplace (thank goodness). Bright and beautiful was lacking this particular evening, but warm and dark like a womb sufficed Read more [...]

I am big on wishful thinking. So, when the second day of spring arrived along with a snow storm, I vowed not to let it get me down. Instead, I decided to head someplace that reminds me of summer — Fork in the Road. The food brings back memories of warmer days spent outside enjoying a meal out of the restaurant’s food truck — Trailer Park’d , plus the restaurant is housed in a building that sports a beautiful mural of fresh veggies. Next to the entrance sits a garden the restaurant uses Read more [...]

Food gets me going. I love all the color and texture it adds to life. It is how we feed our body and our souls. I love reading about it, shopping for it and sitting down in front of it. Give it to me anywhere, anytime, in any capacity. Food is fun. Food is life. Now, we usually talk about specific restaurants in this column. This time however, we are going to do something different. We are going to wander around town at some of the best places to explore and sample new foods. And I am not just Read more [...]

Are you in the mood for an intimate evening? How about going someplace a little bit sexy? P Squared in downtown Lansing is a good place to start. P Squared is looking to make a name for itself with the wine lover. I think it can do so for all lovers. Whether already committed or looking for your next adventure in amore, this spot has plenty to offer. If we are discussing people, it’s low lighting and cozy atmosphere is perfect for date night. However, if you are single and looking to mingle, Read more [...]

Welcome to the New Year! It is a year to celebrate another shot at health and happiness. This is a goal I always strive toward with varying degrees of success. When Editor Emily and I were deciding which restaurant in the area offers the opportunity of both “health and happiness,” we were perplexed. “Health” obviously veers toward vegetables (i.e., salads) and for some of you, like me, “happiness” can be found in one lovingly created baked good. What was one to do? We somehow landed Read more [...]

Hurray! The holiday season is here! A season that starts with a rush of excitement and is always chock-full of love and joy. I, too, am chock full of love and joy, and it has a lot to do with a new and exciting restaurant —Red Haven. Let the festivities begin! A feast for the festivities is what Red Haven gave our beloved Editor Emily and me. I can’t help but get into a happy tizzy when confronted with a novel menu in a beautiful restaurant. Red Haven is the new brain child of Nina Santucci Read more [...]

How do you breathe new life into a classic? I am not sure you can, but at least we can remind everyone they are still there. Coral Gables sits on Grand River like an aging Grande Dame. She offers a solid menu and banquet halls (something to keep in mind as the holidays approach) and she offers history. One menu on the wall from the 1920’s wanted a whole quarter for a salad and another had a steak for $2.50. How cool would that be today? If we can’t go retro with the pricing, we can with the ambiance. Let Read more [...]

I can’t help it. When I think of fall I think of turning leaves and taxidermy. Yes, I said taxidermy. This is the time of year where my husband becomes the great white hunter in hot pursuit of the buck out in the woods meant to feed the family for the winter. And yes, my family eats it. You do not have to embrace this lifestyle, nor do you have to eat venison unless you want to. But you do have to catch a great meal at one of Lansing’s local Leo’s. With three locations to serve you, one Read more [...]

It's Friday night, what to do? A group of friends, including Editor Emily, decided to go out to dinner. We all heard great things about Tony Sacco’s, the new pizza place in Eastwood Towne Center, so we decided to give it a whirl. We walked up to a beautiful brick building with lots of windows and a spacious patio. The place was packed with patrons of all ages. We were greeted by a friendly hostess and handed a literal plastic piece of pizza that would let us know when we would be seated. In Read more [...]

Two Locations Where Food is Crafted to Please Where is the art in food? In the sauce? The quality of the ingredients? The harmony of how those ingredients come together? Or is it just the bottom line of “umm … that’s good." This month we set out to determine the answer by visiting a couple of well-known Asian food hot spots. Chen's Restaurant 600 E. Thomas St., Lansing On this particular excursion, looking for the art became a bit of a challenge. Not because of the food, but Read more [...]

Here at Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine we want to spread the love all the way around the capital area. So, I decided to do this month’s food review somewhere in the St. John’s area. I was told by many that Ryan’s Roadhouse was the hot spot to be. Dragging Editor Emily with me on a cold, rainy day in June (!), we hit up this recommended establishment. Right up front, I am going to tell you this review may be much more about observations than the actual food. First up, the Read more [...]

Okay dads. Actually, I call attention to pretty much any male specimen in the Capital area. This month our goal was to find the manliest dining experience possible. I am not sure what that means exactly – were we looking for a place with mirrors where you could flex and admire your biceps while you ate? Were there supposed to be power tools laying around like crayons at Denny’s? I do not know, but what we found was a no frills throw down centered completely around meat. How does that sound? The Read more [...]