City Pulse

THE LOCAL FOOD SCENE

This week's stories

TOP 5 MEXICAN CHAIN RESTAURANTS

Based on your votes in City Pulse’s 2024 Top of the Town contest. Bon appétit! Acapulco Mexican Grill Lansing Colorful eatery serving familiar Mexican dishes with …

New Daily Bagel a morning oasis for hungry downtowners

From breakfast sandwiches to deli-style lunch options, The New Daily Bagel offers fast, on-the-go, hearty fare perfect for downtown Lansing workers.

I write this column having just inhaled a No. 7 from one of my favorite downtown Lansing lunch spots: The New Daily Bagel. I could tell you that it was research for …

Poppa’s Cookbook expands into Rathbun Accelerator Kitchen

Courtesy Poppa’s Cookbook
Poppa’s Cookbook owner Eric King awaits customers at the Rathbun Accelerator Kitchen during his opening day on July 2.

Five years ago, Eric King, 51, started a battle he knew he couldn’t win. To keep his cooking skills sharp, he challenged his friend Gregory Winfree to a chili cookoff. King wasn’t …

TOP 5 MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANTS

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

King Subs’ bread is unbeatable

I was staycationing last week, and after a long-overdue and rather intense massage, I decided to treat myself further at King Subs. Being in the sandwich business myself, I had long heard of King …

The syrups of summer

Cheong (chi-yong) is a Korean way of preserving fruits and vegetables by making a sweet, flavorful syrup that you suddenly find indispensable. In ancient times, various types of cheong were used …

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SHE ATE / HE ATE

Choose your own adventure at Barrio

Upon being seated at Barrio, you’ll receive a checklist of à-la-carte items with which to build your own tacos or bowl.

There’s a selection of Mexican restaurants in East Lansing, but Barrio is something special. It isn’t just because it’s more of a bar than a traditional restaurant, giving off …

TOP 5 LATE-NIGHT FOOD SPOTS

Based on your votes in City Pulse’s 2024 Top of the Town contest. Bon appétit! Conrad’s Grill – all locations No-frills eateries offering a wide array of …

La Mulata brings authentic Cuban cuisine to the south side

Yasmin Lopez (center right) and Juan Jose Alejandrez (far right) pose in front of a mural painted by their daughters, Gabriella (far left) and Genesis (center left), at the family’s new Cuban restaurant, La Mulata.

Trucking company owners Yasmin Lopez and Juan Jose Alejandrez bought Lansing’s old Elks lodge not for the building itself, but for the acre of empty space behind it. By the time they …

Though seasonally inappropriate, Mi Sushi & Noodles’ tonkotsu ramen is worth breaking a sweat for, Lizy Ferguson says.

Run to Mi Sushi & Noodles for remarkable ramen

I don’t have air conditioning in my house or car, yet despite this and the recent high temperatures, I couldn’t deny a strange and sudden craving for ramen this past …

We shook hands to make it official. If my tacos were the best ever, as claimed, I would win the wager. Otherwise, victory would go to my adversary. It was admittedly the most audacious of claims, the …

More food

Hank’s Cuisines has a lot of heart

Hank’s Cuisines 1200 W. Willow St., Lansing 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday (517) 483-2893 hankscuisines.com

TOP 5 LASAGNA

Based on your votes in City Pulse’s 2024 Top of the Town contest. Bon appétit! Bravo! Italian Kitchen Upscale-casual Italian chain serving pasta, pizza, …

Bento’s creative cuisine will cause cravings

It was the tofu that first attracted my attention. During the thick of the pandemic, we were all staying home.

Worshipping at the altar of Looking Glass Brewing Co.

Looking Glass Brewing Co. 115 N. Bridge St., DeWitt Noon-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday Noon-10 p.m. Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (517) 668-6004 …

More about local food!

FOOD: FEATURES FROM ELSEWHERE

5 simple ways to save and extend your budget

(BPT) - No matter your budget, you can always benefit by finding ways to save. Perhaps it's only a dollar here and there, but these savings can add up and help you reach financial goals or pay for …

How to inspire your inner chef: Recipes from the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

(BPT) - If you've dreamed of going to the iconic Food & Wine Classic in Aspen — the nation's premiere culinary festival — you can do the next best thing: explore recipes demonstrated …

The scoop on America’s ice cream preferences, according to Instacart

Instacart reports that vanilla remains America's top ice cream flavor, while adventurous choices like pistachio and tropical flavors are on the rise.

Protein goes plant: 5 surprising ways to power your day with plants

(BPT) - You don't have to go vegan to get the benefits of plant-based protein. Here's how to sneak more into your routine — without overhauling your diet.Forget food fads and restrictive rules. …

Easy Painted Sugar Cookies

9 Paint iconic holiday-themed designs onto frosted sugar cookies using Flavor Paints – a delicious mix of extract and food color.

Unlock the Ancient Secret to Nutritious Meals and Snacks

(Family Features) If you're looking for an easy way to add nutrients to your meals, the ancient grain sorghum could be the solution you've been looking for.

Entertaining Made Easy

(Family Features) Avocado Shrimp Sushi Boats offer a fresh and flavorful twist on sushi. You can also elevate your entertaining with a Sushi Grazing Board packed with fresh salmon, crisp veggies and a medley of bold dipping sauces.

Fire Up the Fourth with these Flavorful Pork Cuts

(BPT) - As Fourth of July nears and grills fire up across the country, pork is claiming its place at the center of the celebration. Grilling isn't just about cooking, it's a summer ritual steeped in …

Elevate Summer Hosting with Refreshing Grape Recipes

(Family Features) Gearing up for outdoor entertaining this summer calls for seasonal decor, plenty of seating, yard games and more, but just about everyone’s favorite element is the main attraction: the food.

5 ways to prioritize self-care during the busy summer months

(BPT) - Summer brings fun in the sun and is often accompanied by packed schedules filled with travel, family gatherings and long days outdoors, making it easy to let wellness habits slip.However, …

Sweet Eats for Slow Summer Days

(Culinary.net) Take it slow this summer with a shareable dessert perfect for lazy days in the sun.

How sprouted grains benefit gut health

(BPT) - By Kourtney Johnson, RDIf you're constantly looking for ways to improve your health, you're in good company. With summer at our doorsteps and allergies and colds all around, you might be …

How to make an exciting grown-up lunch using healthy lunch box ideas

(BPT) - By Kourtney Johnson, RDIf you're like most people, you're always open to new, healthy and quick lunch ideas for work. You might be looking for a more exciting, grown-up option than the same …

5 hosting hacks to make summer entertaining effortless

(BPT) - Whether you're planning a big summer barbecue or just having friends over for burgers and a bonfire, summer entertaining should feel fun — not frantic. What's the secret to keeping …

Power Your Summer with 100% Orange Juice

(Family Features) Comprised of nearly 90% water and delivering essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, 100% orange juice can serve as a healthy complement to your hydration routine.

Protein-Packed Summer Sweet Treats: Bring joy to your health journey with quick and easy summer recipes

(Family Features) Frosted Peach Lemonade allows you to travel to a tropical island from the comfort of home. Protein Marshmallow S’mores lets you embrace a sticky treat without sacrificing your nutritional goals.

Expert Advice to Cook for a Summer Crowd: 7 chef-inspired tips to reduce hosting stress

(Family Features) To help make your next cookout a success without the sweat, consider these tips and tricks for hosting (and feeding) large groups with Bundle Skewer Street Tacos as your savvy solution.

5 expert tips for incorporating protein into your diet from celebrity chef & health advocate, Robert Irvine

(BPT) - How much protein do you eat? Protein is key to keeping your muscles in tip-top shape and your body functioning at its best.If you're on a GLP-1 medication, ensuring you have enough protein in …

How acts of kindness become acts of patriotism

(BPT) - We've all heard of random acts of kindness — those spontaneous moments of generosity that warm hearts and spark smiles. Especially deserving of kindness are our military service members …

A simple swap in the kitchen, like using olive oil, can support your brain health

(BPT) - It's no surprise that more Americans are prioritizing whole and minimally processed foods, considering the growing data surrounding ultra-processed foods' impact on health span and longevity. …

7 ways outdoor wifi can upgrade your summertime fun

(BPT) - Imagine streaming your favorite show from your backyard hammock or enjoying a playlist with friends by the pool this summer. From relaxing escapes to backyard gatherings, elevate your outdoor …

Top myths you may have heard about induction cooking, busted

(BPT) - Are you always seeking new ways to improve your culinary creations — as well as your process? If so, you may have heard about induction cooking. But if something is holding you back …

Enjoy Healthier Family Treats This Summer

(Family Features) The best memories of summer are those casual times spent together enjoying cool, creamy treats like Strawberry Kefir Overnight Oats and Frozen Greek Yogurt Banana Pops.

Elevate your summer evenings: How to light up outdoor family moments

(BPT) - There's something magical about summer evenings, with warm breezes and moonlit skies inviting everyone to linger outdoors, savoring moments together. To fully enjoy your outdoor space, the …

The Michelin Guide has retained its iconic red cover for more than a century.
Matthieu Delaty/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images via The Conversation

The Michelin Guide is Eurocentric and elitist − yet it will soon be an arbiter of culinary excellence in Philly

The famed Michelin Red Guide is coming to Philadelphia, and inspectors are scouting local restaurants to find some worthy of Michelin awards.

5 ways to boost wellness and build community with sports

(BPT) - Sports aren't just about competition; the thrill of a game has a way of bringing folks together. Playing a team sport is also a great way to move your body and maintain wellness, all while …

6 Father’s Day Whiskey Gifts for Every Type of Dad

(BPT) - Father's Day is all about honoring the men who've shaped you, supported you, and shared their wisdom. This year, skip the novelty mugs and neckties and treat Dad to something he'll truly …

Behind the scenes: The making of the 'world's best peanut butter'

(BPT) - Peanut butter is one of those foods that evokes sensory memories baked in from childhood: classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, that "ants on a log" celery stick creation, plus a wide …

The text on a single bag of coffee can feel like information overload.

Lost in the coffee aisle? Navigating the complex buzzwords behind an ‘ethical’ bag of beans is easier said than done

If you’ve decided to look for coffee that’s better for the earth or the people making it, you might need some help translating all the industry lingo.