Linear Restaurant – What’s For Dinner?

Confession time. 

Sometimes I stumble upon a new restaurant in Grand Rapids and then immediately Facebook stalk them for sexy food pics. That’s normal, right?

…… Right?  

Anyway, that’s how we ended up getting takeout from Linear Restaurant tonight. Several weeks ago, I discovered them and followed them on Facebook. I’ve been drooling daily at their posts since then.

Until today when I saw them post about the first 10 carryout customers getting a complimentary Focaccia Bread Bowl appetizer. I thought to myself, “ok, shit’s getting real” and then immediately got online to place my order for tonight. 

I can’t help it guys, I love free stuff. It’s a weakness. Back to online ordering, it was quick and easy with spots for customizing (YES!).

Our meal from Linear Restaurant

The FREE focaccia bread bowl

This was amazing…but really how can you go wrong with this combo? Bread, cheese, FREE…

Artichoke and Parmesan Fritters

We ended up with these fritters by happy accident.

We originally ordered some Almond Beignets that were on there online ordering system but are no longer on their regular menu. I got a call from the Sous chef shortly after ordering apologizing for the mix up and willing to sub the fritters straight up, even though they cost more.

Bonus points for good customer service! AND they were delicious.

Spicy Pork Bolognese

This was Italian comfort food at it’s best.

Long and luscious pappardelle noodles smothered in flavorful bolognese sauce with a beautiful peppery finish. 

Fried Chicken Bowl

This dish comes from their “Ghost Kitchen” concept, which they created in order to “adapt to the new normal.” Ghost Kitchen is “a take out only kitchen serving good food to go”.

Back to the bowl.

You know those chicken bowls from KFC…This bowl owns those bowls. Like those bowls wish they could be half the man this bowl is. The chicken was crispy, flavorful, and moist. The mashed potatoes were fluffy, the corn was sweet, and the veloute (fancy word for gravy) was perfect.

This bowl was American comfort food at it’s best.

Fried Airline Chicken Breast

This chicken dish is served over their mashed potatoes, with caramelized brussel sprouts, toasted almonds, and a fig demi glace. It was just as absolutely succulent as it sounds. A perfect marriage of flavors!

The mac n’ cheese kids meal

I talked my little guy into getting this just because it’s the same mac as the adult dish and I wanted to judge…errr…I mean…taste it.

I’m very particular about my mac n’ cheese.

Honestly, it was probably the best mac n’ cheese we’ve gotten from a restaurant as of late. It had a very sharp, thick, and creamy sauce over some VERY interested shaped noods. I think they called them radiator noodles. 

Salted Caramel Brownie

As you may know, I ran a cupcake bakery for 5 years. I know my sweets.

For me, this dessert good-not-great. The caramel sauce was good, the pecans added nice texture, but the brownie itself I found a little too sweet. When I think brownie, I think fudgy and rich and chocolatey. The chocolate flavor was not pronounced enough and it was just too sweet. When you’re slathering something in caramel sauce, you don’t need it to be extra sweet.

That said, if you have a sweet tooth and are looking for a way to satisfy it, this will do it. 

Value

Overall, we will definitely be back to Linear. And soon. 

My family spent the whole time eating exclaiming how delicious everything was. There were also several comments about how everything was like comfort food warming their bellies. At the end of the day, that’s all we really need, right? Family sitting together around the table laughing and warming their bellies on some heavenly food. 

These are the moments during 2020 that I’m choosing to remember and focus on.

Score

We gave Linear Restaurant a perfect 10/10!!