The 616 Ten: Ten Question, One Guest, All Grand Rapids

Episode 8 of The 616 Ten features Raphael Jones, chef and co-owner of Garden District in downtown Grand Rapids.Michael sits down with Raphael to talk about food as memory, the influence of family and New Orleans roots, and what it means to cook with intention. From gumbo and red beans to open kitchens and hospitality, this conversation goes beyond the plate and into legacy, culture, and community.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves food, storytelling, and the people shaping Grand Rapids.🎙️ The 616 Ten is sponsored and produced by CastHouse.

This week, Michael sits down with Faith from @faithsfoodblog, one of GR’s favorite local food accounts, to run through the official 616 Ten – ten rapid-fire questions about the best eats in and around the city.Faith shares how a grainy iPod Touch and childhood food pics turned into a full-blown Grand Rapids food blog, growing up in Rockford, and why exploring local spots after college made her fall in love with this city’s food scene even more. Then she locks in her picks for:Best burger in Grand Rapids (and why ambiance matters)The Detroit-style pizza that converted herHer go-to coffee shop for an iced latte (even in winter)A fun, low-pressure first date spotThe tiki bar cocktail that’ll make you forget it’s snowingHer favorite sweet treat pop-up worth taking PTO forThe tiny spot she’d hit for her “last meal” in GRA Lake Michigan coast must-stopThe best tacos in the cityAnd the cozy “secret” Korean spot she almost didn’t want to shareIf you’re always asking “Where should we eat in Grand Rapids?” this episode is your new cheat sheet.Follow Faith on Instagram: @faithsfoodblogFollow The 616 Ten on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and visit the616ten.com to catch every episode.

The 616 Ten steps beyond food this week. Host Michael shares his personal story living with Ebstein’s anomaly and welcomes Julie Neuhaus and Remi Monaghan from the American Heart Association (AHA) – Michigan to spotlight 10 heart-healthy activities you can do around Grand Rapids as the temps drop—think ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle, snowshoeing and XC at Indian Trails, pickleball, sledding “sneaky cardio,” and more.We also talk 150 minutes of weekly movement, why hands-only CPR matters, and the Grand Rapids Heart Walk on October 4 at Aquinas College—free to attend, family-friendly, with a kids zone, mascot race, and live CPR demos.HighlightsMichael’s “why”: living with a congenital heart defect (Ebstein’s anomaly)10 actionable ways to move more in GR through fall/winterKids need 60 minutes of daily activity—easy ideas that actually happenAHA’s mission + how local research and community programs save livesHeart Walk details, registration, and how to start/join a teamLinks & ShoutoutsAHA Michigan: @ahamichiganGrand Rapids Heart Walk (Oct 4, Aquinas College): heart.org/grandrapidswalkHands-Only CPR resources: heart.org/handsonlycpr

We’re live with a very special guest — Janelle from @GrandRapidsGourmet. If you’ve seen her page, you know she makes every bite look irresistible. From smash burgers at Little Bird to Detroit-style pizza at Corinos, to hidden gems like Rumi’s Garden Afghan food truck — Janelle takes us deep into GR’s foodie scene with passion, humor, and insider knowledge.💡 What you’ll hear in this episode:Why West Michigan’s food scene runs deeper than you thinkJanelle’s top picks for burgers, pizza, tacos, cocktails, and moreThe secret to her mouth-watering food photographyHow a simple glass of milk became part of her brand loreBig thanks to our sponsors for powering The 616 Ten:✨ VICI Web Design & Marketing – Grand Rapids’ husband-and-wife marketing team. Stunning websites, smart ads, and Velocity CRM to keep your business moving. Visit vicico.io.✨ The Factory – coworking and community space in the heart of downtown GR. Private offices, podcast studios, and the vibes you need to get out of the house and get creative.Follow us everywhere:📲 Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts👉 Want to sponsor an episode or get featured? DM us or visit the616ten.com

n Episode 4 of The 616 Ten, host Michael Vicinelly welcomes a very special guest, Emily Joyce, known across social media as Emily in Grand Rapids. Emily has built a following by digging beneath the surface of Grand Rapids and uncovering the restaurants, coffee shops, cocktail bars, and hidden gems that make the city unique. She is more than just a “bad influence” as she jokingly calls herself—she’s a trusted guide for anyone who wants to truly experience GR food and culture.During this conversation, Emily takes the hot seat and answers ten questions that every local foodie debates. We cover everything from her pick for the best burger and pizza in town, to where you’ll find the most memorable cup of coffee, to the cocktail lounge that feels like a secret speakeasy. She doesn’t stop there—Emily also shares her favorite sweet treat in the city, the last meal she would have before leaving Grand Rapids, and even the rooftop that offers the best summer evening vibes. Along the way, she gives us her “secret spot” that feels like an insider tip you almost don’t want to share.This episode is both a local’s guide and a love letter to Grand Rapids. If you’ve ever wondered where to eat, drink, or explore in the 616, this is the episode that will inspire your next night out.Follow Emily’s journey here:Instagram: @emilyingrandrapidsTikTok: @emilyingrFacebook: Emily JoyceFor more behind-the-scenes content from The 616 Ten, subscribe to our Substack where we share stories, extended interviews, and local insights you won’t hear anywhere else: the616ten.substack.com

Chef Jenna Arcidiacono (Archie-dee-AHH-koh-noh) has spent her career blending authentic Italian cuisine with a deep commitment to community. From her early days slinging chili dogs at Cook’s Drive-In to learning the art of casalinga cooking in Milan, Jenna’s journey led her to open Amore Trattoria Italiana, one of West Michigan’s most celebrated restaurants.In this conversation, we talk about:How her first job shaped her approach to hospitalityHer vision for making Grand Rapids the Italian-American capital of the U.S.The creation of Food Hugs and the impact it’s had on thousands across the communityThe challenges and opportunities facing the restaurant industry todayIt’s a mix of food, heart, and big ideas for the future of Grand Rapids.Follow Jenna:Amore Trattoria Italiana → [insert link]Food Hugs → [insert link]Subscribe to our free Substack for behind-the-scenes content → the616ten.com

🎧 Episode 2 – Matt Muscat: Burgers, Billionaires & Baked AlaskaWelcome back to The 616 Ten — your Grand Rapids cheat code for all things local food, drink, and community vibes. And today? We’ve got a big one.Marketing mastermind, mortgage man-about-town, and resident local expert Matt Muscat joins us in the studio for a whirlwind tour through the best eats, drinks, and hidden gems in Grand Rapids. And he came ready — no notes, no prep, just straight from the gut.In this episode, we dive into:What it’s like taking toddlers to Japan (spoiler: easier than you think)How Grand Rapids punches way above its weight in food and drinkThe secret private chef who will outcook Michelin stars in your own kitchenWhy local businesses deserve your dollars way more than national chainsAnd what happens when you try to name the best toilet in townFrom nostalgic shawarma to moody speakeasies, Matt delivers hot takes and heartfelt recommendations with the energy of someone who truly loves this city.Best Burger in Grand Rapids🏆 Butcher’s Union – A double cheeseburger with fries for $12. Bonus: top it off with a killer Old Fashioned.⚖️ Historical Shoutout: HopCat’s old $5 burger/beer/fries deal🍔 Smash Burger Pick: One Twenty Three Tavern at Studio ParkBest Pizza in Grand Rapids🍕 Martha’s Vineyard – Thin crust, specialty toppings; his go-to is the Red Dragon🍻 Add wine and dessert from their in-house bakery👨‍👧‍👧 Dine-in Option: Ari’s Pizza🧏‍♂️ Secret Tip: Buy Martha’s dough balls to make at homeBest Cup of Coffee (Café-Only)☕ Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge – Top-tier baristas and cozy downtown vibe🌿 Bonus: Ferris Coffee & Nut for their “coffee lab” and roasting facility🥜 Chain Option: Foxtail Coffee (pistachio latte + outdoor seating)Best Craft Beer & Brewery🍺 Brewery Vivant – The East Hills original with duck nachos and Farm Hand beer🧢 Experimental Pick: Broad Leaf Brewing🏡 Comfort Pick: Perrin Brewing Co. (outside patio + hearty fare)Best Cocktail Spot (and the Cocktail)🍸 Eastern Kille Distillery – Bourbon cocktails, housemade syrups, and a flaming Mai Tai served on fire🥃 Bougie Option: Nightwatch Lounge – A speakeasy with dress code, top-shelf drinks, and “moodiest bar bathroom in town”❄️ Honorable Mention: Aerbic – New cocktail program in the former Reserve spaceBest Sweet Treat🍨 Furniture City Creamery – Vegan no-bake cookie ice cream is the surprise standout🍰 Restaurant Dessert Pick:Aerbic – Constantly rotating, inventive dessert menu by pastry chef WanGrove – Farm-to-table desserts with surprising flavors that workYour Last Meal Before Leaving GR Forever🧉 Sheshco Mediterranean Grill – Chicken shawarma pita with extra pickles and bottomless pita bread. Comfort food with flavor, no frills.After a Full Day on the Boat – Best Lake Michigan Coastal Restaurant🚤 Big Excursion:Supper at the Mill – New Traverse City gem with fresh farm-to-table fareTrattoria Stella – Italian classics in a historic insane asylum basement🐔 Closer Option:The Southerner (Saugatuck) – Fried chicken, honey butter biscuits, cocktails, and that cozy riverfront charmFill-in-the-Blank: Chicago has the best ___, but Detroit has the best ___🌭 Chicago: Best hot dogs🍕 Detroit: Best pizza(Quote: “Chicago pizza is gross. It’s lasagna. Pick a lane.”)What Feels Like a Local Secret (and You Don’t Want to Tell Anybody About It)🧑‍🍳 Tiny Dinners – A private chef (Wes) who cooks multi-course meals in your house, cleans your kitchen, and drops mind-blowing creations like 7-layer Baked Alaska🍼 Bonus Secret: Chef Shack – A test kitchen pop-up space on Lake Drive featuring rotating chefs, baked goods, and small-batch surprisesMatt Muscat is a Grand Rapids food lover and Director of Marketing at Treadstone Mortgage, a local lender with offices across Michigan. He’s a champion of all things local and believes in backing businesses that make GR a better place to live, eat, and raise your kids.

Welcome to the very first episode of The 6 1 6 Ten Podcast—I’m your host, Michael Elli.Now, if you’re tuning in, odds are you’re either a Grand Rapidian yourself or at least Grand Rapids curious. Either way, you’re in the right spot. This show started from a simple question: Where should we eat tonight? My family and I moved to Grand Rapids not too long ago, and like anyone new to the area, we asked around. What we got in return was an avalanche of recommendations—everywhere from “You have to try this burger” to “That place changed my life.”And that’s when the lightbulb went off. What if we created ten carefully crafted questions to ask locals—about food, coffee, cocktails, beer, and all the consumables that make Grand Rapids taste like home? What if we packaged up those answers for anyone curious about the culinary soul of this city?That’s what the 6 1 6 10 is all about: 10 questions, one guest, and an insider’s guide to the best bites and sips in Grand Rapids. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, just got here last week, or you’re thinking about making the move—this is for you.And speaking of insiders, our first guest is someone who’s brave enough to be guest number one: wine guy, west-sider, content creator, and smooth operator—Matt Labonte. I met Matt at Crushed Grape when I needed a wine recommendation in a hurry. He nailed it. And ever since, he’s been my go-to for anything fermented.So let's get into it. Matt's in the hot seat. We've got our 10 questions queued up. And yes, historical answers are allowed. Let's go.

The 616 Ten is the podcast that puts Grand Rapids on the record — one plate, pint, and pour at a time. Each week, we ask a new local guest ten carefully crafted questions about the food, drink, and flavor that define life in the 616.From longtime residents to fresh faces, chefs to creatives, entrepreneurs to everyday enthusiasts — if you’ve got taste buds and an opinion, you’re in the right place.Funny, honest, and hyper-local — this show is for anyone who loves to eat, sip, and talk about it.Ten questions. All flavor. Only in Grand Rapids.