The 616 Ten: Ten Question, One Guest, All Grand Rapids

Ep8: Raphael Jones | Garden District Grand Rapids

Episode 8 of The 616 Ten features Raphael Jones, chef and co-owner of Garden District in downtown Grand Rapids. Michael sits down with Raphael to talk about food as memory, the influence of family and New Orleans roots, and what it means to cook with intention. From gumbo and red beans to open kitchens and hospitality, this conversation goes beyond the plate and into legacy, culture, and community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves food, storytelling, and the people shaping Grand Rapids. 🎙️ The 616 Ten is sponsored and produced by CastHouse.

Episode 7: Faith from @faithsfoodblog

This week, Michael sits down with Faith from @faithsfoodblog, one of GR’s favorite local food accounts, to run through the official 616 Ten – ten rapid-fire questions about the best eats in and around the city. Faith shares how a grainy iPod Touch and childhood food pics turned into a full-blown Grand Rapids food blog, growing up in Rockford, and why exploring local spots after college made her fall in love with this city’s food scene even more. Then she locks in her picks for: * Best burger in Grand Rapids (and why ambiance matters) * The Detroit-style pizza that converted her * Her go-to coffee shop for an iced latte (even in winter) * A fun, low-pressure first date spot * The tiki bar cocktail that’ll make you forget it’s snowing * Her favorite sweet treat pop-up worth taking PTO for * The tiny spot she’d hit for her “last meal” in GR * A Lake Michigan coast must-stop * The best tacos in the city * And the cozy “secret” Korean spot she almost didn’t want to share If you’re always asking “Where should we eat in Grand Rapids?” this episode is your new cheat sheet. Follow Faith on Instagram: @faithsfoodblog Follow The 616 Ten on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and visit the616ten.com to catch every episode.

Episode 6: 10 Heart-Healthy Activities in Grand Rapids with the American Heart Association

The 616 Ten steps beyond food this week. Host Michael shares his personal story living with Ebstein’s anomaly and welcomes Julie Neuhaus and Remi Monaghan from the American Heart Association (AHA) – Michigan to spotlight 10 heart-healthy activities you can do around Grand Rapids as the temps drop—think ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle, snowshoeing and XC at Indian Trails, pickleball, sledding “sneaky cardio,” and more. We also talk 150 minutes of weekly movement, why hands-only CPR matters, and the Grand Rapids Heart Walk on October 4 at Aquinas College—free to attend, family-friendly, with a kids zone, mascot race, and live CPR demos. Highlights * Michael’s “why”: living with a congenital heart defect (Ebstein’s anomaly) * 10 actionable ways to move more in GR through fall/winter * Kids need 60 minutes of daily activity—easy ideas that actually happen * AHA’s mission + how local research and community programs save lives * Heart Walk details, registration, and how to start/join a team Links & Shoutouts * AHA Michigan: @ahamichigan * Grand Rapids Heart Walk (Oct 4, Aquinas College): heart.org/grandrapidswalk * Hands-Only CPR resources: heart.org/handsonlycpr

Episode 5: Janelle from @grandrapidsgourmet takes The 616 Ten

We’re live with a very special guest — Janelle from @GrandRapidsGourmet [https://www.instagram.com/grandrapidsgourmet]. If you’ve seen her page, you know she makes every bite look irresistible. From smash burgers at Little Bird to Detroit-style pizza at Corinos, to hidden gems like Rumi’s Garden Afghan food truck — Janelle takes us deep into GR’s foodie scene with passion, humor, and insider knowledge. 💡 What you’ll hear in this episode: * Why West Michigan’s food scene runs deeper than you think * Janelle’s top picks for burgers, pizza, tacos, cocktails, and more * The secret to her mouth-watering food photography * How a simple glass of milk became part of her brand lore Big thanks to our sponsors for powering The 616 Ten: ✨ VICI Web Design & Marketing – Grand Rapids’ husband-and-wife marketing team. Stunning websites, smart ads, and Velocity CRM to keep your business moving. Visit vicico.io. ✨ The Factory – coworking and community space in the heart of downtown GR. Private offices, podcast studios, and the vibes you need to get out of the house and get creative. Follow us everywhere: 📲 Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts 👉 Want to sponsor an episode or get featured? DM us or visit the616ten.com

Episode 4: Emily Joyce (Emily In Grand Rapids)

n Episode 4 of The 616 Ten, host Michael Vicinelly welcomes a very special guest, Emily Joyce, known across social media as Emily in Grand Rapids. Emily has built a following by digging beneath the surface of Grand Rapids and uncovering the restaurants, coffee shops, cocktail bars, and hidden gems that make the city unique. She is more than just a “bad influence” as she jokingly calls herself—she’s a trusted guide for anyone who wants to truly experience GR food and culture. During this conversation, Emily takes the hot seat and answers ten questions that every local foodie debates. We cover everything from her pick for the best burger and pizza in town, to where you’ll find the most memorable cup of coffee, to the cocktail lounge that feels like a secret speakeasy. She doesn’t stop there—Emily also shares her favorite sweet treat in the city, the last meal she would have before leaving Grand Rapids, and even the rooftop that offers the best summer evening vibes. Along the way, she gives us her “secret spot” that feels like an insider tip you almost don’t want to share. This episode is both a local’s guide and a love letter to Grand Rapids. If you’ve ever wondered where to eat, drink, or explore in the 616, this is the episode that will inspire your next night out. Follow Emily’s journey here: * Instagram: @emilyingrandrapids * TikTok: @emilyingr * Facebook: Emily Joyce For more behind-the-scenes content from The 616 Ten, subscribe to our Substack where we share stories, extended interviews, and local insights you won’t hear anywhere else: the616ten.substack.com