Troppo (120 N Washington Square) is the hermit crab of Lansing. It likes to wander from place to place all over the city sporting a shiny new shell, but at its heart, it's the same animal. Don't mistake that for something negative. Troppo always has a classic subtle décor, dark rich colors, and comfortable dining with just a touch of an elegant edge.

No matter where I go, when I plan to drink alone I prefer to sit at the bar, and this day is no exception. The service is always a bit faster, I can see how the bottles are stored, and I can watch what everyone else is ordering and silently judge their wine selection (kidding ... for the most part.)

My by-the-glass choice to start my evening is a Babich, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. Perfect for a balmy summer evening in Michigan, this wine has flavors of tart grapefruit, white peaches, soft gooseberry with a very mild floral and Jalapeño finish. The acidity — the part that makes your mouth water — is refreshing and makes this wine perfect for fresh greens and other seasonal fare.

Have a picky friend at the table and you're left holding the wine list? Grab a bottle of Caymus, "Conundrum." It's a mystery blend (see where it gets its name) from a well-known California producer with a flavor profile that isn't too varietal specific.

Next, I get a nice glass of Cotes-du-Rhone from Louis Bernard. Cotes-du-Rhone wine usually contains the gapes Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. What really matters is the flavor: Soft, velvety mulberries and black cherries with a bitter chocolate and earthy finish. Just know that this wine isn't some "punch-you-in-the-face" with fruit or tannins wine, it's elegant and balanced. If you prefer the aforementioned monster wine style but still want to look like you know what you're talking about, may I suggest Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon. This Napa Valley Cabernet is big on flavor but complex and well-made so it won't make your mouth numb.

To end your evening like a true wine snob, try Grahams 10 year Tawny Port from Troppo's sweet wine list. Port, a fortified wine from Portugal, has alcohol added early in fermentation so that more sugar remains. This sweet wine tastes like candied fruits, toffee, and nuts and pairs well with a decadent chocolate dessert. However, as with all my recommendations, don't listen to me, I'm just the expert. Go explore the Troppo list yourself. Cheers!

Written by John Toigo, Certified Level 2 Sommelier with Court of Master Sommeliers, 2010 Wine Spectator "Best of" award.

I had checked out the website and saw a couple of really cool videos about Joe's signature beer, Cock-A-Doodle-Brew, and was intrigued. When I ordered the beer, I saw it was brewed by a well-respected brewery in Bay City called Tri-City Brewers. I poured the beer into my glass and it appeared to be a light, blonde ale. However, when I took the first sip, I was greeted with an abundance of delicious hops and a malty finish, not what I expected from the appearance. It almost seemed to me like a very light-bodied pale ale. I was very impressed with drinkability of the beer, as it maintained the integrity of a solid microbrew. As a matter of fact, I liked it so much, I took a six-pack to go.

The expedition then took me to the sprawling suburb of Corunna, Owosso. The Wrought Iron Grill has 10 handles, nine of which were Michigan Brews. Its tap list was impressive as was its bottle list. I stayed away from the beers I have sampled before such as Bell's Oberon and the Founders' Devil Dancer, but found my happy place with a pint of the Arcadia Sky High Rye as well as a shorty of Short's Brewery Nicie Spicie. I wanted to give Jolly Pumpkin's Luciernaga a try, but simply ran out of time. With nine micro brews regularly on tap and a variety of great bottles, the Wrought Iron Grill won me over. If you are from the area, the Mug Club is the way to go to be able to sample of the tantalizing goodness Owner John Lowman brings. Also, visit its website to see a list of upcoming beer dinners, a great way to sample many micro brews and pair them with great cuisine. If there is a better watering hole to find craft beer in the county, I have not come across it.

So there you have it. Two great excuses to hit the road and drink a few cold craft brews. Plan on spending a little time at both Joe's and Wrought Iron Grill, as both small town experiences add up to big time flavor.

After five years owning and running European cuisine Mediteran, the Jurkovic family expands its Lansing area restaurant to make more room for its constantly busy lunch crowd.

Owner Mirko Jurkovic worked to make his family’s restaurant a comfortable place with a touch of elegance and destination. Artwork by Jurkovic himself adorns the walls, adding more to the family feel.

For the past five years, Mediteran hasn’t had enough seating for its busy lunch crowd, so the restaurant expanded. The Jurkovics decided to add another dining room onto the restaurant, which was finished last month. The restaurant now has capacity for about 25 more people in the newly furbished area.

On top of the additional seating, the Jurkovic family also opened a deli next door, for people who love the wide cultured variety of Mediteran’s menu, but just don’t have the time to sit down for a meal. They make their own fresh bread every day, and have other freshly made food packaged and ready for their “on the go” customers.

The menu at Mediteran has a variety of salads, sandwiches, burgers and entrees. Inspiration for the menu was drawn from European countries such as Germany, Italy, Hungary, France and Yugoslavia – the Jurkovic’s native country. Every day the restaurant has food on special from one of those countries, so come prepared, because it’s authentic European dining. —Kayla Clahassey

Mediteran, 333 South Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48933. (517) 372-1072. restaurantmediteran.com

Since Geno’s Pizzeria opened this spring, the East Coast style pizzeria has received many sizzling reviews.

St. Patty’s Day was more than just an Irish holiday this year for owner Geno Abbey (originally from Sparta, New Jersey) and his pizza crew; it was the grand opening of their newly renovated restaurant. After taking over 208 S Washington Sq. in Feb., there was much work to do to turn the restaurant – which was previously Menna’s Joint – into the pizzeria it is today.

Geno’s isn’t just doing well because of its recent remodeling job, though. Its flat screen TVs, waterfall and à la mode ambiance are just an addition to its authentic East Coast recipes.

Geno’s is all about the East Coast experience. The pizzas are all hand-tossed just like in New York, and are served by the pie or by the slice. There are also other New York favorites like hoagies and garlic knots.

Manager Mario Martinez says customers compliment Geno’s authentic style all the time, which makes him wish he had found the restaurant sooner. –Kayla Clahassey

Geno's Pizzeria, 208 S Washington Sq. Lansing, MI 48933, (517) 485-5383.