"It's like everything I hate about Middle America threw up on itself."

[urbanwuff]

This was my quote as we turned onto 28th St, near East Grand Rapids, a couple hours ago. Picture every brand name shop/restaurant/strip mall staple you've ever seen, from BD's Mongolian BBQ to Toys R Us to a cookie cutter "Brewery" corporate style restaurant. Take out any form of individuality or imagination. Mix in any sort of "Mall Sprawl"

Comments

[preciousbayne]

Because the locals of your ilk HATE Arnie's. Arnie's is everything you hate about Grand Rapids. Arnie's is penny pinching generations of Dutch that rule from the throne of their superior morals and treat people like ASS. Arnie's is mice in the kitchen and cockroaches in the dishroom and the West Side laughed when the shop over there burned down. One of the owner's use dto have his wife work mornings so she could try to save your immortal soul. She was really sweet, though.

they weren't staring that much. *I* used to work there, so they're used to a bit of weird. Not everyone shows up to work in vinyl and a spiked collar needing to change into work clothes.

If you were at a Polish Hall, you were probably just down the street from the Grand Coney, which you would love. Greasy classic diner food and hot Asian - Betty Page hostesses. And not far from Wolfgangs, where I took you.

You just have to know how to do Grand Rapids right. I guess there's going to be a week long mini Burning Man thing on the banks of the Grand. I've heard talk of encampments. I need to find out. That just reminded me.

[twoofdtm]

Oh. They were staring that much. As were the patrons. *shrugs*

I'm not upset by it though. I like to fight against the boundaries of normal people.

[preciousbayne]

Oh, the patrons totally will. Arnie's gets the ultra-conservative Dutch Christian Reformed that will tip 7%, you know? I used to work mornings and get all of the pastors that would come in and inquire as to what they could pray for you on. And then leave an insultingly small tip.

Go down to Easttown next time. There's an awesome vegetarian restaraunt with most excellent breakfast served all day.