Local Grand Rapids Eats

El Granjero came highly recommended by a number of people who claimed they’d experienced some of the best authentic Mexican cuisine in all of Michigan. We were intrigued and our hopes were high. Fortunately for us, El Granjero did not disappoint.

Located near the corner of Lane and Bridge, El Granjero is owned by Mercedes Lopez and her daughter Paola. Formerly of Mexico City, the family moved to Grand Rapids 5 years ago and opened the restaurant 3 years ago. We had the pleasure of chatting with Paola and her sister Gabriela, who told us about El Granjero, and gave some great recommendations as to what we should order.

We started with the chips & salsa and the Queso Fundido which was served with flour tortillas.

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If you’re up for a drive, there’s a hoppin’ little Mexican restaurant downtown Sparta called Trini’s. Thanks to Local GR Eats friends, Kim & Cindy, we decided to give them a try for lunch this week.

From the main road in Sparta, it almost seems as though Trini’s is hidden. Signage is very minimal, but there is a neon cactus in the front window and that’s what gave it away. Upon walking in it felt like there was a fiesta happening all the time. Even though I was still standing in the doorway, I knew this was going to be good. (more…)

We arrived at Maggie’s Kitchen about a half hour before the rest of our crew so we ordered chips and salsa and sat down to look over the menu. After a few minutes Luis, Maggie’s son, came over and asked if we had any questions. I inquired about the barbacoa (that’s beef cheek for those that are curious), which I had heard was fantastic and he said he’d bring me a sample. Expecting a skimpy piece of meat on a toothpick, you can imagine my amazement when he came out with a big tray looking like sample heaven.

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