By Alyssa Snyder
Amway Grand Plaza
AHC Hospitality announces the opening of MDRD, a Spanish-inspired full-service restaurant at the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton Thursday, Nov. 17.
Located on the 27th floor of the recently renovated glass tower, MDRD (pronunciation: Madrid) will bring a vibrant all-occasion dining option to Grand Rapids, with modern Spanish cuisine, lavish libations, an energetic atmosphere and unobstructed river and city views.
“With its upscale yet comfortable ambiance, MDRD will offer an exciting new dining concept in Grand Rapids’ Hotel District,” said George Aquino, vice president and managing director of AHC Hospitality, the management company behind Amway Grand Plaza and MDRD. “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.”
Designed by global design firm Gensler, MDRD will provide a dramatic and energetic experience in an accessible, decidedly unstuffy environment. The fresh approach will allow diners to select from a variety of experiences depending on the group or occasion, ranging from the casual social lounge to the cozy, welcoming bar area and high-end dining room, where every seat is the “best seat in the house” thanks to innovative stadium-style seating. A custom tile installation will spill through the space, reminiscent of falling confetti and the classic costumes associated with Spain’s famous Carnival celebration. Custom lighting will hang above, a modern take on the hoops and batons of street performers, while bright murals of Spanish neighborhoods handcrafted by local artist Maddie Jackson will adorn the walls.
With accomplished Chef Stephan VanHeulen as executive chef, MDRD’s flavorful menu will be inventive yet approachable, including meat and seafood main dishes like fileta a la plancha, 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.
Spanish classics like patatas bravas and paella will also grace the menu, plus beautiful and decadent desserts by pastry chef Doug Orr, innovative cocktails and an extensive wine list with a focus on Spanish varietals.
“We can’t wait to see how diners at MDRD respond to Chef VanHuelen’s take on Spanish classics, his love letter to Spain,” said general manager Parker Bulliment. “Combined with our staff’s impeccable service and the space’s mesmerizing views, every dining experience at MDRD will be one to remember.”
MDRD will be open for dinner service from Tuesday to Thursday, 4:30 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m. Proper COVID precautions will be taken in accordance with state and local guidelines. For more information on Amway Grand Plaza and MDRD, please visit www.amwaygrand.com/dining/mdrd.
