James & Shirley Balk Café
Artfully Delicious Dining
Enjoy lunch (or dinner on Tuesday evenings) at the James & Shirley Balk Café, with its dazzling glass ceiling sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Named Lena’s Garden in honor of Lena Meijer, the sculpture—comprising dozens of individual blown-glass pieces—spans the ceiling in a continuum of colors, from cool greens, cobalt blues and purples to brilliant oranges, yellows and reds.
With an emphasis on local products, Meijer Gardens' globally inspired menu changes with the seasons and features sandwiches, salads, small bites and a kid’s menu. You’ll find a colorful variety of beverages including soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, wine and a selection of Michigan craft beers. Guests could sit indoors in the colorful climate of Lena’s Garden or enjoy the picturesque water fountain and changing seasons of the outdoor Grand Rapids Press Terrace. Complimentary Wi-Fi available.
No outside food or beverages, please.
Hours
Hours
Daily: The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 9 am–5 pm.
Sunday: The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 11 am–5 pm.
Full menu service ends at 4 pm.
Tuesdays: The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 9 am–9 pm.
Full menu service ends at 8 pm.
Other Info
Fresh Express take away items are available during regular business hours.
No outside food or beverages are permitted in the café.
James & Shirley Balk Café Menu - Fall / Winter
In partnership with Local First, the James & Shirley Balk Café proudly supports the community by sourcing ingredients from local farmers, butchers and bakers.
Menu changes seasonally.
All kids meals are served with fruit juice and choice of graham Bug Bites or applesauce.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich $6.50 (Vegetarian)
All-Beef Hot Dog $6.50
Cheese Pizza $6.50 (Vegetarian)
Nantucket Baking Co. Pretzel $6.50 (Vegetarian)
With Honey Mustard
à la carte $4.25
Made from scratch and served with a warm ciabatta roll.
Ask about our daily selections.
Bowl (12 oz) $7.95
Cup (8 oz) $5.95
Served with side salad and pickle spear.
Meijer Gardens’ Favorite Chicken Salad $13.25
Fred Meijer’s Favorite! White meat chicken, pineapple, walnuts, dried Montmorency cherries, celery, heritage greens. Served on wheatberry bread.
Michigan Hot Brown $14.25
Oven-roasted turkey breast, apple butter, peppered bacon, smokey cheese sauce. Served on Nantucket sourdough.
Feta & Artichoke Flatbread $13.50
Italian artichoke hearts, sweety drop peppers, Mediterranean feta spread, fresh mozzarella, arugula. Served on naan flatbread.
Cubano $13.95
House-smoked pulled pork, applewood ham, baby Swiss, yellow mustard, McClure's pickles. Served on Nantucket telera roll.
Smoked Brisket Quesadilla $13.95
House-smoked beef brisket, sweet corn, caramelized onions, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, chipotle barbecue sauce. Served on jalapeño cheese tortilla.
Salads are served with a warm ciabatta roll.
Michigan Maple $13.75
Grilled natural chicken breast, candied pecans, dried Montmorency cherries, goat cheese, Michigan Maple vinaigrette. Served on heritage greens.
Vegetarian Option $10.50
Halloumi & Hummus Bowl $13.95 (Vegetarian)
Israeli couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, roasted carrot hummus, grilled halloumi cheese, oregano vinaigrette. Served with pita chips.
Rainbow Root Vegetable $13.75 (Gluten Free)
Roasted parsnips, carrots, beets, smoked blue cheese, peppered applewood bacon, heritage greens, pepitas, cider vinaigrette.
Vegan Soba Noodle Bowl $13.75
Buckwheat soba noodles, crisp cabbage slaw, wasabi peas, toasted cashews, togarashi spice, gochujang vinaigrette. (Vegan)
House-Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends $12.50
Zesty Jalapeño $8.95 (Vegetarian)
Applewood Smoked Bacon $9.95
Classic Smoked Gouda $8.95 (Vegetarian)
Ask about our Chef’s deli sides of the day or visit the Grab N’ Go case for our delicious varieties of scratch-made deli favorites, including wraps and salads.
Fountain Coke Products
Bottled Beverages
2% Milk
Coffee (Regular & Decaf) or Tea
Hot Chocolate
Beer & Wine are also available.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With One of Our Delicious Desserts