GRDine

Warning:  I’m about to gush like a 13 year-old girl after her first kiss.  Situated in Gaslight village right next to the high school, Ramona’s Table (http://www.ramonastable.com/) fashions itself as a boutique deli (and caterer) that uses in season produce whenever possible.  All of the food is made fresh and the owners certainly know what they’re doing.

The Ambiance

Stepping into the deli you’ll notice the floor plan provides a cozy feel that I would describe as somewhat trendy.  Because it is a deli, one wouldn’t reasonably expect a first rate atmosphere, but it was nice enough.  It has an outdoor seating area to the side of the building.

The Food

Whoa.  The day I was there it was fairly busy, and everyone I was speaking with about the food was absolutely raving about it.  When took my first bite of my McCallister I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of deliciousness.  The herb focaccia bread was amazing, and it blended perfectly with the turkey, ham, bacon, and swiss cheese.  My wife’s caprese sandwich was also good (I quick took a bite when she wasn’t looking), especially considering it has no meat.

The Summary

Truly, this deli rivals Cherry Street Deli as the best place in town to grab a sandwich.  I really think it’s a matter of time before this place becomes better known, but I guess you can never really tell with these things.  I realize the post sounds a little like an advertisement, but I don’t care:  its food is truly exceptional.  If I were to order catering, I would without a doubt pick this place since they pair with Martha’s Vineyard (Martha’s does the beverages).  -TM

I’ve lived in Grand Rapids off and on for about 8 years, and 7 of those years I’ve lived within 3 miles of The Gathering Place in Cascade at Thornapple and Cascade Road and never knew they existed!  This place has managed to keep a low profile…No website… No pictures online…  Can’t find a menu unless you visit.  From the outside it manages to blend into the strip of retail all connected on the same lot of land.  The inside reminds me of an older cottage with aged, squeaky wood floors and décor that comes from my great aunts home.  Somehow this place manages to pack their fairly large two room dining area every time I visit during the weekend.  I visited last Saturday around 9am (extremely early as we are typically battling the church crowds around noon) and was seated at the very last 2 top table in the very back.

The Gathering Place is my newest favorite breakfast spot in town.  I use to frequent The Red Geranium downtown on Michigan, but unfortunately that location has closed up shop and needed a new “Go To” spot (and it is 1 mile from my house).  The Gathering Place serves the typical breakfast cuisine, is dirty cheap, and tastes fantastic.  Between two people, the average tab reaches about $15 with tip.  This tab typically includes my order of pancakes and sausage and maybe a side of hash browns as well…Just depends on the previous night’s activities and whether or not I need the additional greasy food.

The one thing I would warn readers: The service tends to be slow.  I’m usually pretty hungry when I go, so my patience level is relatively low.  I’m sure this can also be attributed to how busy this place tends to get.

Give it a shot and share your thoughts with me.  Any other preferred breakfast spots? -JD