Embrace the flavors of southwest Michigan at GROW

By Kelsey Smith

Lindsay and Alec Payleitner, owners of GROW
Lindsay and Alec Payleitner, owners of GROW

At GROW in Saugatuck, it’s all about creativity.

“I love the process of taking a dish from my mind to the table,” said Lindsay Payleitner, chef and owner at GROW. “It’s incredibly satisfying.”

GROW, opened by husband-and-wife team Alec and Lindsay Payleitner in 2016, focuses on fresh flavors while utilizing the lakeshore region’s rich agriculture. 

“I love learning different types of cuisines from all around the world,” Lindsay Payleitner said. “Anytime I can incorporate new and unusual flavors in an approachable way, that’s a success. 

“One universal thing that’s important to me is to be vegetable-forward. We are not a vegetarian restaurant by any means — though we do have a vegan menu — but, I enjoy showcasing and encouraging guests to embrace all the wonderful fare southwest Michigan has to offer.”

GROW is especially well known for its brunch. 

GROW

“We offer an elevated brunch that’s different from your typical greasy spoon, with a focus on vegetables, local product and worldly flavors, all the while still being approachable,” Lindsay Payleitner said. “We love when people — who may be hesitant to try something new — leave surprised and satisfied.”

During brunch, the must-try menu item is the Slam: sunny-side up eggs, potatoes bravas, craft sausage from Detroit’s Corridor Sausage Co., toast with house-made jam, greens and carrot cake pancakes. And as for chef Lindsay’s favorite dish? The carnitas skillet, a GROW staple.

“It starts with crispy, hand-cut potatoes, house-braised pork carnitas, black bean ragout, two eggs, salsa verde, pickled red onion and ‘farmer’s feta’ — a goat’s milk, feta-style fresh cheese from our friends at Evergreen Creamery in Fennville. With layers and layers of flavor, it’s quite popular,” Lindsay Payleitner said.

Aside from serving up unique, flavor-packed dishes, Lindsay Payleitner ultimately wants guests to feel like they’re right at home.

“Hospitality is in our veins,” she said. “We want every guest that sits down to feel like they are the most important person in that moment —locals and visitors alike.”

GROW
302 Culver St., Saugatuck
269-857-1242
grow-food.com

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