THE LOCAL FOOD SCENE
This week's stories

TOP 5 BUBBLE TEA

Based on your votes in City Pulse’s 2024 Top of the Town contest. Bon appétit! Bento Kitchen Cravings Casual spot serving traditional Korean and Korean-fusion …

Kin Thai owners launch second Lansing Shuffle eatery

Pan Yang shows off a freshly made sushi bowl in front of her new Lansing Shuffle restaurant, Lalafish. She and her husband, Yace Hang, own another Shuffle eatery, Kin Thai, as well as two restaurants at Grand Rapids’ Downtown Market.
When Pan Yang’s youngest son, Teddy, was a baby, he struggled to pronounce the name of his older sister, Charlotte.

Beirut Kitchen’s batata sandwich hits the spot

Whether you’re fresh off a trip to the gym, just drank two beers and smoked a blunt or need to run out to grab a quick lunch between Zoom meetings, Beirut Kitchen’s batata sandwich, a toasty pita wrap encasing french fries, coleslaw, garlic sauce, pickles and ketchup, will satisfy.
The food I’d choose to eat prior to a visit to the gym and what I’d pick after a workout vary wildly from one another. Beforehand, I’m generally inclined toward a menu’s more nutrient-dense options.

Joe’s on Jolly’s ‘adult’ grilled cheese is a grown-up’s guilty pleasure

Maybe it’s because I love grilled cheese, but I always thought this classic sandwich was for everyone, not just kids. However, on my recent visit to Joe’s on Jolly, my curiosity was piqued by an adult grilled cheese. Since when has there been an “adult” version?

TOP 5 BRUNCH

Based on your votes in City Pulse’s 2024 Top of the Town contest. Bon appétit!

It’s back: that seedy feeling

My first seed catalog of 2025 arrived in late November. The timing couldn’t have been better. Thanksgiving sticks a fork into the growing season and ushers in a quiet time of rest, contemplation, hot beverages and heavy reading.
SHE ATE / HE ATE

Revamped Irish Pub is better than ever

The Irish Pub offers a selection of dishes inspired by United Kingdom cuisine, like its take on Welsh rarebit, which consists of breadsticks covered with garlic and melted cheese.
The Irish Pub 1910 W. Saginaw St., Lansing 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday (517) …
Bobcat Bonnie’s offers unique takes on classic dishes, from wings dusted with edible gold to Brussels sprouts topped with toasted almonds and a honey-sriracha drizzle.

From burgers to breakfast burritos, Bobcat Bonnie’s New American fare is brilliant

Bobcat Bonnie’s 637 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday (517) 657-7522 bobcatbonnies.com

Sandwiches steal the show at Arms & Embers grill

Whether it’s a burger, a breakfast sandwich, a grilled PB&J or a Moroccan chicken hoagie, you can’t go wrong with a handheld at Grand Ledge’s Arms & Embers Grill.
Arms & Embers Grill 219 N. Bridge St., Grand Ledge 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday (517) 731-6131 armsembers.com
The Lebanese breadsticks and accompanying ranch dressing at Jimmy’s Pub have long been a favorite of both She Ate/He Ate critics.

Savoring old and new memories and dishes at Jimmy’s Pub

Jimmy’s Pub 16830 Chandler Road, East Lansing 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday Noon-8 p.m. Sunday (517) 324-7100 jimmyspub.net

The best of both worlds: Toscana’s food is as appealing as its atmosphere

The Toscana Stack, offered during brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, is both an eyeful and a mouthful.
Toscana 3170 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday 4-10 p.m. Friday 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4-10 p.m. Saturday 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4-9 p.m. Sunday (517) 246-4980 toscanalansing.com
More food

Under-the-radar eats to explore in 2025

Courtesy
Operating out of the Ruckus Ramen kitchen from 5 to 10 p.m. every Sunday, Snakzilla offers creative, ever-rotating takes on the traditional taco.

I ate out a lot in 2024, but I still managed to miss out on several noteworthy spots in our local dining scene.

Crème brûlée flambé

Tossing pinches of cinnamon into the flames of a crème brûlée set ablaze with whiskey makes for a pleasing display of fragrant pyrotechnics.

Fire can be as cleansing and creative as it can be destructive, provided you can rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

Revamped Irish Pub is better than ever

For many years, Lansing’s old Irish Pub was the traditional gathering spot for Sexton High School graduates in the days leading up to Christmas. The place was like us — a bit gritty, …

Revamped Irish Pub is better than ever

For many years, Lansing’s old Irish Pub was the traditional gathering spot for Sexton High School graduates in the days leading up to Christmas.

Paradise Biryani Pointe’s goat is the GOAT

Served over fluffy, floral-scented basmati rice, the goat korma at Okemos’ Paradise Biryani Pointe is spicy, complex and just a little gamey.

While the standard Indian restaurant dishes, like chicken tikka masala and saag paneer, are standards for a reason, I always feel compelled to branch out and try new things, especially at eateries that are new to me.

FOOD: FEATURES FROM ELSEWHERE

The Ultimate Guide to Game Day Hosting: 6 tips to host a game day gathering like a pro

(Family Features) From kickoff to the final whistle, game day is all about spending time with friends and family while rooting for your favorite team. When it's your turn to host, you can bring all the fun of a tailgate party to the comfort of your couch with the proper plan for hosting and recipes like Hot Honey Bacon Cheddar Dip with Pretzel Bites.

Flavorful Snacks Packed with Lean Protein

(Family Features) Living a happier, healthier life often begins in the kitchen. From lunches on the go to sit-down family meals, keeping flavor at the center of your meal planning is key to maintaining healthy habits.

Convenient Breakfasts to Kickstart the New Year

(Family Features) Starting the morning on the right foot can set the tone for a productive day. Even when crunched for time before work or school, eating a filling breakfast like this Quick Breakfast Skillet or One-Pot Rice Shakshuka before heading out the door is an important part of setting yourself up for success.
Snack Smarter With Protein Tortilla Chips
Snack Smarter With Protein Tortilla Chips
(NewsUSA) - Do you crave crispy, tasty tortilla chips, and want a snack that you and your family can feel good about? If so, then you'll be happy to hear about a new chip that is now available …
Tackle Wellness Goals by Adding a Touch of Green: Better-for-you recipes inspired by savory salad kits
(Family Features) Around the start of a new year, many people are setting their wellness intentions, from incorporating a variety of greens into meals to boosting daily step goals, drinking more water and practicing gratitude.
6 ways to prioritize mental wellness this year
(BPT) - The new year means resolutions, reflection and recharging. It's a fresh start, a time when new, healthier habits seem possible. This year, along with eating healthier and exercising more, …
5 sous vide recipes that are sure to impress holiday guests
(BPT) - The holiday season is the time for hosts and home chefs to shine. Of course, cooking a holiday feast for friends and family is time-consuming, and with so many moving parts, accidents do …
Registered Dietitian Amy Goodson's Tips and Recipes for a Delicious Holiday Gathering
(BPT) - This holiday season, make your gatherings sparkle with festive appetizers and easy party tips that will impress guests and take the stress out of hosting. From cozy family get-togethers to …

Cozy, Comforting Recipes to Take On the Cold

(Family Features) Add a bit of comfort to your weeknight menu with this Loaded Chicken Bake that's ready in about half an hour. For another true cent saver, try Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Beets.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth with a Better-for-You Swap

(Culinary.net) Baking doesn't have to be hard when you make simple swaps and use ingredients that keep things easy.

Perfect Homemade Holiday Decor with a Pop

(Culinary.net) These Holiday Wreath Popcorn Treats and Cranberry Popcorn Balls join forces for a dashingly decorative and delicious dessert that show off your festive side.

5 expert tips to create an effortless holiday spread

(BPT) - Nothing brings folks together during the holiday season like food. Whether you're hosting a low-key gathering or throwing a festive party, choosing and preparing the right food can make the …

How to Feed a Couple or Crowd: 5 Easy, Filling Recipes for the Busy Holiday Season

(BPT) - It's the most wonderful time of the year, and as family and friends gather to mark the festivities, more often than not, they'll be doing so around the table. Each feast is an opportunity to …

Less stress. More magic. Holiday hosting made simple.

(BPT) - It's December. And you know what that means. It's time to finish that list and check it twice. Nobody is feeling the holiday bustle quite like the host. From buying the gifts to wrapping the …

How To Deep Fry a Thanksgiving Turkey to Perfection: Chef Secrets Revealed!

How To Deep Fry a Thanksgiving Turkey to Perfection: Chef Secrets Revealed!

(NewsUSA) - The popularity of deep-fried turkey continues to rise and it’s no wonder, a 12-pound turkey takes less than 45 minutes to cook! The rule of thumb is 3.5 minutes per pound. Home cooks …

Make Your Holiday Bar Merry and Bright with Seagram’s Escapes

Make Your Holiday Bar Merry and Bright with Seagram’s Escapes

(NewsUSA) - The winter holidays are here, and whether you are hosting a large crowd or intimate group of family and friends, you can up your holiday bar game without much effort.When planning your …

Transform Holiday Leftovers into Vibrant, Flavorful Meals

(Family Features) Reinvent your holiday extras through fresh takes on classic dishes like this comforting Leftover Holiday Biscuit Pot Pie or spicy Leftover Turkey Carnitas Tacos.

Ready, Set, Entertain! 5 Must-Have Tools for Holiday Hosting
(BPT) - From big brunches to cozy dinners, get ready for holiday gatherings with kitchen tools that will delight your guests and make hosting easier. Here are five products that will elevate your …
7 delicious ways to add fruits and vegetables to your holiday feast
(BPT) - Holiday gatherings are all about friends, family, and fabulous food — and adding more fruits and veggies to the mix can be a great way to keep the party delicious and nutritious. Only 1 …
Dark Sweet Cherries Are Key to Secretly Healthy Holiday Sides
(BPT) - The holiday season is here, and that means celebrations and gatherings are in the works. And where celebrations and gatherings are found, so are indulgent dishes to complement and enhance the …
Fall into Cafécore: Your Guide to a Home Café Setup
(BPT) - Feeling nostalgic for the ambiance of neighborhood coffee shops before takeout and apps became the norm? You're not alone. In early 2024, Pinterest predicted a trend called Cafécore, …
America’s farmers grow top ingredients to the cheers of beer drinkers.
Anheuser-Busch Celebrates American Growers
(NAPSI)—Behind every sip of Anheuser-Busch’s industry-leading beers is a farmer who worked hard to grow the high-quality rice, barley, corn, or hops inside that beer. That is why Anheuser-Busch …

(BPT) - The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories with family and friends, whether at an intimate dinner or a lively gathering. One of the simplest ways to impress your guests …
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