Text: Karla Jeltema
While preparing restaurant and staff for the current dine-in shutdown, Anthony Tangorra, managing member of Mertens Hospitality LLC and founder of New Hotel Mertens in Grand Rapids, added beer and wine delivery to enhance the at-home dining experience. The service is just one of several the French brasserie is providing individuals and families while in-house dining has been shuttered across the region.
New Hotel Mertens not only offers their regular delectable menu items, but also a Kid’s Package aimed at feeding currently home-bound, school-aged children. Some of the choices are mac and cheese with house-made pasta, fresh fruit or veggie plate, warm ham, egg and cheese on a croissant or baguette, and a selection of bakery items.
The restaurant also offers a Date Night Package, according to Tangorra. Through a partnership with Grand Rapids-based florist Ball Park Floral & Gifts, a bouquet of flowers and a romantic meal for two are delivered to customers. Tangorra noted they are particularly proud to employ their own delivery drivers so they can not only keep the food fresh and hot, but also can control the safety measures that need to be taken, such as wearing gloves to deliver meals.
Family-owned, New Hotel Mertens is located at 35 Oakes St. SW, offering delivery and pick up from their bakery and restaurant. The brasserie is located in a former 20th century hotel lobby and dining room and debuted its rooftop lounge, Haute, in 2018. When open, they have seated indoor and open-air rooftop dining to enjoy an exquisite meal and beverage with a view of the city.
Photos courtesy Mertens Hospitality LLC
