Sam and Janene Cumming's Visit to Restaurant Bloom
Bloom is a small, casual restaurant. We love food, creating unique and exciting flavor combinations and making dining "an experience." Our menu changes often, as it is based on the best ingredients available.
Eat Local Challenge Participants: Janene and Sam Cummings, Owners of Second Story Property
Locally Owned Business: Restaurant Bloom (962 Cherry Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506)
What did you eat? Janene started her meal with sweet corn soup, bacon and lime. Sam kicked-off his with "nature's bounty" served warm with dominus olive oil and grey salt. For their entrees, Janene enjoyed the chicken, beet, and eggplant with soy caramel. Sam feasted on the seared scallops (not local!), carrots, braised pistachios and black olives. All of the vegetables came from Ingraberg Farm in Rockford, MI.
What did you learn? A husband and wife team run the show (he's the cook and she's the pastry chef). The menu includes seasonal ingredients and changes frequently.
Why did you take the Eat Local Challenge? We are steadfast advocates of supporting local busiesses and even in other cities, the local fare is what we like to experience. The "taste of Grand Rapids" should have an element of the Grand Rapids' enterpreneurial spirit and culinary expertise. We think that it does and continue to enjoy the new offerings as well as the seasoned veterans.
Anything else? Mmmm.... Chad and Gwen are experts at creating unique and delicious flavor combinations!