Grand Rapids Restaurant Week 2015: CitySen Lounge

Restaurant Week 2015 is going on now in Grand Rapids!

Over 60 restaurants are participating with unique, 3-course meals through August 23. My wife and I visited CitySen Lounge downtown to celebrate. Read the full review.

My wife Jessica and I arrived at CitySen just after 6:00PM on Monday. Upon arrival, a sign invites you to seat yourself.

The restaurant was over half full, but there was still seating available in the main dining area, at the bar or outdoors. We took one of the last spots in the main dining room.

After a few minutes we received our Restaurant Week menus, then placed our orders.

Since we were celebrating Restaurant Week Grand Rapids, it seemed fitting to order a local drink off of their selection of Michigan beers.

I chose Brewery Vivant's "Undertaker". My wife stuck with water.

Course 1: Monroe Street Fries, Soba Noodle Salad or Summer Roll.

I chose the Monroe Street Fries (Batonnet cut jicama tossed with sambal oelek, ginger, sugar, green onions, and sesame seeds). The fries were light, crisp and a little spicy. A very summery dish.

Jessica went with the Summer Roll (Fresh herbs, carrots, cucumbers, mango, julienned beets, avocado, and Mae Ploy sauce). Lots of flavors here. Herbs and a sweeter sauce. Tastes like summer.

Note: my wife shared a few bites of each item. She is a saint.

Course 2: Sirloin with Patatas Bravas, Moroccan Fish or Chile Rubbed Tofu.

I chose the Moroccan Fish (Lightly dusted & fried dover sole, couscous, stewed tomatoes, peppers, olives, and mushrooms). This is how I like my fish. "Lightly dusted and fried" so it adds some flavor and texture, but you can still taste the fish. The couscous/tomatoes/peppers/olives/mushrooms reminded me of a stuffed pepper. A nice combo.

Jessica had Sirloin with Patatas Bravas (Grilled steak, chimichurri, grilled potatoes, spicy tomato aioli, and garlic-almond green beans). More good flavor combinations.

Course 3: Peanut Butter Fudge with Sweet & Salty Peanuts, Chocolate Truffle Oreo Fries with Raspberry “ketchup” and Cream Cheese “Aioli” or Chocolate Bark with Raspberries and Almonds.

I had the Chocolate Bark with Raspberries and Almonds. Very good. Tastes like a combination of milk chocolate and dark chocolate. I can be a bit of a chocolate snob and this passes my test.

Jessica had Chocolate Truffle Oreo Fries. If you love Oreos and Oreo desserts, you owe it to yourself to try this.

Our stay at CitySen Lounge was about 1 hour and 15 minutes. We were in no rush and savored our food.

One of the great things about Grand Rapids Restaurant Week is that it gives you a good excuse to go out and try a new restaurant or maybe visit an old favorite to try the new Restaurant Week menu items.

I'd never been to CitySen Lounge before, but I'm looking forward to my next trip.

P.S. CitySen has the longest forks ever.