AHC Hospitality has announced the opening of MDRD, a Spanish-inspired full-service restaurant at the Amway Grand Plaza, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Located on the 27th floor of the recently renovated glass tower and overlooking the city and river below, MDRD (pronounced Madrid), brings a vibrant all-occasion dining option to Grand Rapids, with modern Spanish cuisine, lavish libations and an energetic atmosphere.
Designed by global design and architecture firm Gensler, the restaurant has been inspired by Madrid, a city brimming with culture and world-class cuisine. The team set out to create an energetic and artful experience that offers design and dishes one would expect in a major city, while also providing an accessible and unfussy environment where locals can relax and enjoy good food and company.
The fresh design approach allows diners to select from a variety of experiences depending on the occasion, ranging from the casual social lounge to the cosy, welcoming bar area and high-end dining room.
A custom tile installation spills through the space, reminiscent of falling confetti and the classic costumes associated with Spain’s famous Carnival celebration. Meanwhile, custom lighting hangs above, representing a modern take on the hoops and batons of street performers, while bright murals of Spanish neighbourhoods handcrafted by local artist Maddie Jackson adorns the walls.
The renovation also expands to a number of private dining options. Each is themed based on one of Spains’ many cultural and historical moments, including the Chueca High Heel Race, the matadors of Salamanca, Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, Agustina of Aragón, and the El Rastro flea market.
Executive Chef Stephan VanHeulen will oversee MDRD’s flavourful menu, which features inventive yet approachable dishes ranging from meat and seafood dishes to Spanish classics such as patatas bravas and paella.
Specialities on the menu include beef tenderloin steak with piquillo pepper and black garlic sauce, thumbelina carrot, wild mushroom, confit potato and anise jus; and bacalao al ajillo, lightly salted cod in garlic sauce with grilled scallion, chorizo oil and potato pave.
Alongside these delicacies, diners can also expect decadent desserts by Pastry Chef Doug Orr and innovative cocktails and wines with a focus on Spanish grape varieties.
“With its upscale yet comfortable ambiance, MDRD will offer an exciting new dining concept in Grand Rapids’ Hotel District,” comments George Aquino, Vice President and Managing Director of AHC Hospitality. “With the most coveted city views in Michigan, MDRD will be a fun and intimate spot for date nights, evenings out on the town and special events — for locals and visitors alike.”
“We can’t wait to see how diners at MDRD respond to Chef VanHuelen’s take on Spanish classics, his love letter to Spain. Combined with our staff’s impeccable service and the space’s mesmerising views, every dining experience at MDRD will be one to remember,” says General Manager Parker Bulliment.
