Foods for Living

Foods for Living
www.foodsforliving.com
2655 Grand River, East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-324-9010

Hours: M-F 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm

Foods for Living has successfully bridged the gap between “freaky hippie store” and the mainstream, like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. You won’t find any bargains here, but you will find exactly what you’re looking for. It is a cornucopia of those hard-to-find natural foods and dietary supplements. While there is a great variety of non-perishable items, the produce selection was a bit limited. The store is bright and clean.

Bonus points: this isn’t a chain!

Espresso Royale

Espresso Royale
espressoroyale.com
527 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-332-5224

Hours: M-F 6:30am-12am, S-S 7:30am-12am

Espresso Royale is a chain, but it does several things that put it over the top of the likes of Starbucks and Biggby.  

First, the quality of their brew is very good.  The fair trade Peru has a strong, but not overbearing acidity and a pleasant aftertaste.  

Second, if flavored coffee is your thing, they offer a few interesting drinks, like the Spanish Latte, which is made with condensed milk.  

Third, they don’t just offer food loaded with preservatives that came off a truck a week ago.  They make sandwiches and breakfast items in the cafe.  

Fourth, they use real dishes and silverware.  Not only is having real dishes a better experience, but it’s also less wasteful as you’re not throwing away paper cups and plastic plates.  

Fifth, it’s just a great place to hang out.  You’ll find a healthy mix of college students and working adults here sitting on plush furniture or sitting outside next to the fireplace on a heated (in the winter) patio.