Arts
The guys sit down with Essence Restaurant Group's very own James Berg and Executive Chef Jeremy Paquin to discuss the group's early days, their core values, humble beginnings, and leadership lessons learned along the way. Chef Jeremy reveals what he eats at home and the guys discuss James' dietary choices. The word "brestaurant" is coined and James and Jeremy list some of their favorite places to eat in the state of Michigan. Visit Essence Restaurant Group at their three locations: Grove Greenwell Bistro Bella Vita James Berg is the Managing Partner at Essence Restaurant Group. He helped open Bistro Bella Vita back in 1996 and formed Essence Restaurant Group with his partners in 2006 to become owners and operators of Bistro Bella Vita, The Green Well and Grove. His goal is to continue to build a collection of restaurants that foster a socially conscious environment and healthy lifestyle for all those who contribute to them. Executive Chef Jeremy Paquin began working for Essence Restaurant Group in 2015 at Bistro Bella Vita before transitioning into the role of Head Chef at Grove. Prior to joining ERG, Jeremy brought the farm-to-table concept to Muskegon with his venture Mia and Grace. Jeremy’s roots of crafting dishes prepared from fresh, local products align with Grove’s fundamental value of thoughtfully prepared cuisine. Jeremy graduated from Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management at San Jacinto College in Houston, TX in 2000.