THE LOCAL FOOD SCENE

This week's stories

MK Pho brings Hmong cuisine to south Lansing

Maikou Vang chats with customers at her new Asian restaurant, MK Pho, which opened April 22.

When Maikou Vang gave ownership of Ming Dynasty Asian Cuisine to her daughter and son-in-law in 2022, she did so with the intention of retiring.

Maria’s is a master of mole

The mole sauce at Maria’s Cuisine in Old Town has a depth of flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Mexican food is so popular, and there are so many different places to choose from, but one can’t help developing favorites. Last week, I ventured out of my comfort zone of Pablo’s and El …

Fragrant lily dumplings

You can’t have a potsticker without some kind of allium inside, which is why dumplings are the perfect meal for incorporating the spring harvest of chives, green onions, garlic scapes and beyond.

Eating my first potsticker belongs on the list of life experiences that I’ll never forget. It happened at the Oriental Garden Chinese restaurant in my hometown. They were labeled Peking …

TOP 5 GREEK FOOD

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

Candy is dandy at Williamston’s new sweet shop

When Williamston City Council member Steve Jenkins learned that a storefront would be opening up in downtown Williamston, he saw an opportunity to bring a longtime idea to fruition: a modern-day penny candy shop.

Bangos has perfected an American classic

It’s always a surprise to me when I find out someone hasn’t heard of Bangos. Tucked inside Strange Matter Coffee in downtown Lansing,

Facebook

SHE ATE / HE ATE

‘Good food in the neighborhood’: D’Nulffos opens in East Lansing

D’Nulffos, a high-end seafood restaurant and chophouse, is tucked away behind The Morning Post, a casual breakfast spot in East Lansing.

Tucked away behind The Morning Post, a casual East Lansing breakfast spot with a newspaper theme, is a seafood restaurant and chophouse with chandeliers, curtains and a full bar.

Sultan’s off to a promising start in Delta Township

The chicken shawarma at the new Sultan’s Mediterranean Cuisine location in Delta Township is a tantalizing treat for the taste buds.

My family and I used to frequent Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill. It was one of the many eateries we ordered from during the COVID lockdown — that is, until the allegations about the workplace came …

Sultan’s hopes to hook westsiders with authentic Mediterranean cuisine

Sultan’s Mediterranean Cuisine owner Bassam Mahmoud awaits customers at his new second location in west Lansing.

When west Lansing restaurant Zaytoon closed last summer, owner Samy Aburashed didn’t want the area to suffer a loss of quality Mediterranean food.

Say yes to marry-me-chicken pizza at Phillips Cider Bar

Based on a viral late-aughts social media recipe, Phillips Cider Bar’s marry-me-chicken pizza is a proposal you can’t say no to.

You may know the name Phillips in relation to the St. Johns cider mill, the charming counterpart to hectic Uncle John’s across the road,

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

Mr. Leslie’s Cheesecakes ‘comes full circle’ with first standalone location

A beloved local bakery has moved out of the Allen Neighborhood Center’s accelerator kitchen and into the building where the concept was born.

Just as the kitchen often functions as the hub of a household, a restaurant can stand as the backbone of a neighborhood. Looking around the Lansing area, our region is full of locally owned and …

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

Cooking Up Comfort with Ease and Convenience

(Culinary.net) Checking all the boxes with family meals - convenience, nutrition and, of course, deliciousness - can be a tall task.

Make Fresh Produce a Summertime Staple

(Family Features) Summer brings sunshine-filled days along with the season's bounty of some of the most delicious, locally grown produce. Now is the time to enjoy those in-season fruits and vegetables when they are at the peak of freshness.

These 5 foods may be secretly causing your inflammation

Hone Health explains how inflammation-causing foods can wreak havoc on your body, and provides suggestions on what to eat more of instead.

Beyond the best-by date: Spotting old spices and preserving freshness

(BPT) - Before you wrap your spring cleaning this season, did you remember to check your spice cabinet? A 2025 survey conducted by Suzy, a leading end-to-end market research platform, found that 70% …

Healthy Breakfast Solutions for Busy Mornings

(Family Features) Hustling to get out the door for a busy day may tempt you to skip breakfast but taking a few extra minutes to nourish your body helps ensure you can keep up with the day's demands. Start your morning with a nutritious and delicious shake like this Vanilla Coffee Protein Shake. Or, if you're craving something a little heartier, mix up a batch of Chai Oatmeal Energy Bites.

5 hosting tips to make your Cinco De Mayo celebrations more festive

(BPT) - Cinco de Mayo, observed on the fifth of May, is a joyful celebration of Mexican culture, history and resilience — and a perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones. This year, draw …

Authentic flavor, simple ingredients – made without added whiteners, taste the difference with Galbani Fresh Mozzarella

(BPT) - Now more than ever, consumers are paying closer attention to the ingredients in their food, prioritizing high-quality products made with simple ingredients. With a growing demand for …

91 fast food breakfast sandwiches ranked by nutritional value

Hers analyzed 91 fast food breakfast sandwiches to find the best and worst options based on nutrition.

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Teachers and Nurses This May

(BPT) - Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9) and National Nurses Week (May 6–12) are dedicated times to recognize the vital contributions of teachers and nurses in our communities. From …

How to effortlessly elevate outdoor entertaining

(BPT) - Whether it's a backyard gathering, a park picnic or a casual evening on the patio, spring and summer offer countless opportunities to entertain in the fresh air.Bezel, the newest addition to …

A Springtime Twist on Classic Chicken Soup

(Family Features) This Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup calls to mind those classic brothy soups from when you were a kid but with a flavorful spring twist. Serve with fresh cucumber sandwiches for a veggie-forward meal.

Fresh Fish Hot Off the Grates: 5 tips for perfectly grilled seafood

(Family Features) Whether you're a seasoned grilling expert or new to backyard barbecuing, expanding your menu with seafood offers a fun, flavorful way to bring life to outdoor entertaining. Master the art of grilled seafood with these tips.

Tackle Your Family's Hunger with a Touch of Heat

(Family Features) If your family's meals are growing boring, all you need is a touch of heat to bring new life to the menu. With just the right balance of heat and honey, these Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Subs feature delicious sizzle and mouthwatering flavor. Solve afternoon hunger pangs with these Hot Honey Chicken Rice Crackers and Ranch Dip, loaded with the sweet heat of hot honey chicken and baked to crispy perfection.

Why gluten-free baking is having a moment

(BPT) - Consumers are increasingly choosing easy, convenient foods to support their active, busy lifestyles. This trend includes ready-to-bake treats such as brownies and cookies, but with …

The best grilled cheese sandwich for your zodiac sign

(BPT) - By Karla WalshWhether it's an after-school or after-work snack, a quick and easy lunch or a comforting dinner, there's no wrong time to savor a grilled cheese, if you ask us. In fact, add an …

5 easy ways to refresh your routine this spring

(BPT) - Do you feel like you're stuck in a rut? Spring is the perfect time to reset and refocus your routine. You don't need a full lifestyle overhaul to feel more energized — just a few …

Petals of possibility: 5 fantastic ways to use fresh flowers

(BPT) - Whether you've always had a green thumb or you're new to gardening, dreams of beautiful flowers spring to life this time of year. For inspiration, trusted seed packet company Ferry-Morse …

6 Expert Tips to Keep Your Routine on Track Ahead of National Exercise Day

(BPT) - Wellness is a full-body experience that requires creativity to avoid burning out and losing sight of your end goal. Ahead of National Exercise Day on April 18, Sports RD, Dawn Jackson …

Fresh, Filling Springtime Salads

(Family Features) When the crisp air of spring tickles your face and sunrays splash you with warmth, you know salad season has arrived. Consider this Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad, a Greek-inspired Jasmine rice dish loaded with fresh, tangy flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Fresh herbs, tomatoes, corn, basmati rice and a simple vinaigrette make Spring Corn and Rice Salad another delicious seasonal side.

Save your smile: Cut back on carbonated drinks.

Are Carbonated Drinks Bad For Your Teeth?

by Dr. Kyle Dosch (NAPSI)—You may know sugar-sweetened beverages are bad for your teeth, but did you know carbonated beverages can also be harmful to your smile in other ways? It’s true, …

A Simple, Savory Taco Solution

(Culinary.net) Skip the hot skillet and let your slow cooker do the work for your next taco night.

Serve Up a One-Pot Time-Saver

(Culinary.net) This Skillet Lasagna is a one-pot solution that makes cleanup a breeze so you can skip the craziness of home cooking.

Hot take: 3 reasons cheesecake is not just for dessert anymore

(BPT) - Cheesecake is having a moment — and it's not just after a celebratory steak dinner in a fancy restaurant. That's right, you can have cheesecake anytime morning, noon or night. Feeling …

Homemade Happiness: Create a better brunch at home

(Family Features) Whether it's a lazy day with the family or a weekend morning with friends, brunch is an ideal way to share tasty food and create memories with those you love.

The 5 Best Guadalajara Experiences for Arts, Culture and Culinary Lovers

(BPT) - Love diving into a rich heritage of food, art and history — in a city with a cool, contemporary vibe? As the birthplace of iconic Mexican heritage including tequila, mariachi, …

Connect with us