GRDine

So perhaps I’m skipping out of my responsibilities by revisiting a restaurant before building a larger foundation of restaurants on GRDine, but it was my birthday celebration, and San Chez is the perfect venue.

Our group of 10 did the usual round of tapas and several pitchers of mixed sangria topped with champagne.  It was like drinking Kool-Aid.  After enjoying our favorites we branched out to a few newer tapas we hadn’t experienced.  The table gave the Gambas Asadas al Fuego (Spicy Moroccan fire-roasted shrimp, white rice, sweet banana mustard cream) a try and I think we ended up with four orders.  The other note-worthy dish was the Chuletilla de Cordero (Lamb rib* medium rare, raspberry chili salsa, potato-chorizo mash)…incredible taste.  A little pricy at nearly $12, but give it a try and see why.

As dinner progressed, one of my friends noticed a pretty well known figure in the hockey world. Dan Bylsma, the coach of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburg Penguins, was having dinner with what appeared to be his wife and another couple.  Michigan is dangerous grounds considering they took out the Wings, but I understand he is from West Michigan…so we give him a pass?

Dan is kind of a pseudo-celebrity, but it got you to read the blog right?  Next time I hope to bring a Will Smith or Angelina Jolie/Brad Pitt combo.  I believe San Chez is of the right caliber to draw this audience.

PS: Thank you San Chez for the complimentary birthday cake.  Our group enjoyed it very much! -JD

A couple of months ago I was having a conversation with a friend around the perfect date spot.  She was asking me about some options in Grand Rapids, and without much thought I suggested San Chez.  The rational around this selection:

1. The ambiance is exciting with a ton of local art surrounding the establishment.
2. The fantastic service resulting is a lack of waiting time between drinks and the several courses that are bound to ensue.  Perfect opportunity to avoid those lulls in conversation.
3. The authentic tapas bistro has incredible food and drink that really creates conversation.
4. Tapas are meant to be passed and shared.  Everyone shares a similar meal, but the experiences are really unique.

These factors don’t only make it the perfect first date spot, but the perfect spot for any occasion.  I have experienced several birthday parties, a few dates with the wife, and even New Years Eve.

San Chez (www.sanchezbistro.com ) is an authentic tapas bistro serving a blend of European and Mediterranean cuisine.  Located at 38 West Fulton in downtown Grand Rapids, this landmark destination has been serving up great food for several years!

The selection of food and drink go well beyond your typical restaurant.  When it comes to drinks, it would take at least 10 visits to sample from their offerings…The typical favorite would be the Sangria (which is excellent), but did you know they have Cardenal Mendoza Spanish Brandy??  This is one of the most sought after brandies in the world…Also…you’ve heard the stories of Picasso and his love of Absinthe…Well, San Chez serves up Lucid Absinthe, or as they call it “Death in the Afternoon”.  I can go on and on about the drink menu.

Outside San Chez

The food menu is just a diverse as the drink menu.  Some of my favorites include Gambas al Ajillo (Sautéed shrimp, olive oil, garlic, and pepper) and Fritos de Azul (Blue cheese fritters with red pepper alioli).  Most tapas dishes come with an alioli or olive oil that bread can be dipped in.  I was recently made aware of a new dish they serve, the Gran Paella… This paella costs around $45, but easily serves 6 people.  This dish is stuffed with lobster, shrimp, chorizo and an assortment of other fish.  I had a taste and would gladly go for this again, but only with a big group.  (Menu: http://www.sanchezbistro.com/images/pdf/Main%20Menu%202009.pdf )

San Chez is really one of a kind.  It beats out a lot of the tapas experiences I’ve had in Chicago or anywhere else for that matter.  The combination of ambiance, food and drink continues to make this an attraction restaurant in Grand Rapids.

Let’s call this post San Chez part 1 as I am going to have additional experiences I will want to share.  -JD