GRAND RAPIDS – Nick Fink’s, sitting at the corner of West River Drive and Lameraux Drive in Comstock Park, has an over 100 year tradition of playing a role in West Michigan history. For this reason among others, NotSoVanillaIce – who is well versed in local history – chose the bar and restaurant as the location for this historic evening … Welcoming home the very first ever Michigan Leather Alliance’s Master/slave Couple!
When we arrived, there were already several people gathered in the side dining area awaiting the guests of honor. All were obviously regulars of the event and well aquatinted with each other. We were warmly welcomed and, after introductions, took our seats to enjoy the friendly conversation and order diner. One attendee had been greeted at the entrance by an uncommonly well informed Manager-On-Duty, who politely engaged in a short discussion of her Service Dog. Throughout the evening over two dozen people attended, with an encouraging mixture of first-time attendees as well as regulars. A credit to NotSoVanillaIce’s welcoming atmosphere.
Sir Travis and Niki, the guests of honor, arrived at approximately 7 pm to applause and hugs all around. Once settled in, they were encouraged to make an impromptu speech. Niki thanked everyone for coming and spoke of the honor of now serving the community in an official post as they had for so long behind the scenes in the past. After cheers and applause, we all turned back to diner and conversation.
The sole downside of the evening was, ironically, the food. Even though it was “$1 Taco Night,” the restaurant ran out of tacos by 6:45. Most of those gathered waited at least 45 minutes for their orders to be brought to the table, and one guest even canceled an order after waiting over an hour. Not only was the kitchen a blackhole, the service was lacking as well.
Over all for the night of community fun was a “10.” Well done NotSoVanillaIce. While the location and facility were excellent, the staff was obviously over taxed by the surge of guests.
