Occidental Eats

06/11/2026

Good morning. How’s everyone?! Might you have a minute or two this morning?

May I admit something to all our Occidental friends, and all of those we’ve met along the way…

You are missed greatly, and I truly treasure every memory we share.

Some we’ve seen, others we may never see again… regardless, you left a mark, in the best of ways and hopefully we did as well?!

I needed and wanted to say that, because as you probably discovered, it was always so much more than food to us and you were never a transaction. 🥰 THANK YOU . You are missed!

Next… we recently had a wonderful experience at a semi-local deli and wanted to tell others about it.

Why? Well, as an entrepreneur, business owner and community member there are many benefits when we choose to invest locally. Perhaps far more than you may realize, unless of course you’ve been there. If so, than you’ll really know the importance of this. If not, then I’m afraid we won’t grow in the way our stars intended.

Trust us, for the love of food and community please support local, invest local, get involved locally, bloom locally and while you’re out strolling around we encourage you to check out Melli's Deli in Grand Haven.

While there we hope you meet the manger Sam. Sam is not only freshly slicing and building some delicious sandwiches it was his hospitality and personality we noticed first. As if he knew the value of having you there, and you feeling good for being there!

By the way, special thanks to Debbie and Paul for the recommendation 🙌

Everyone wins, there is a fair exchange, and before ever leaving there are thoughts on coming back. Besides, I have a really good feeling Dad will thoroughly enjoy the stacked Pastrami, only to then introduce ma’am to it next. Oh, the places food takes us….

By the way, they offer a unique potato chip line, and make some DELICIOUS cannolis so be sure to check out both and enjoy supporting this relatively new local business ❤️

06/10/2026

It was nearly 10 years ago we met… and what brought us together was an open interview because Teddy Spaghettis was looking for some help.

So much has happened since then, yet the faith filled and hopeful words we exchanged back then remain today.

Ted, thank you for your words then, and this Tuesdays Facebook Live. They have drawn my wife Corrine Cockream and I in twice now, last time with two friends we met over food! And, this Rocky Balboa pie is top notch!

Your beautiful family and team as well! You continue to pour your hearts and lives into this beautiful space and it shows in so many ways, including the children’s kitchen up front.

Lord knows you’ve done so much for this community, serving us in innumerable ways, so today we say thank you! Again and again…

I’d like to thank you personally as well. After all, the journey has been a bit heavy for me lately. But, God. Definitely more tears than smiles. However, I saw your Live post, which brought the wife and I in, only to then find you there greeting guests.

Ted, you looked great and we certainly treasure the minutes shared. What I also treasure is that heartfelt hug brother.

I needed that, and God set it up. But, just like our Lord often does, He first hides the treasure in the field.

It took you running out of the restaurant, certain to get us our side of parm I left behind.

Well, you sure did, but the hug that followed did something to me. Like your words, it was genuine and heartfelt, exactly what was needed.

You see, it may have been the live post that brought us in, but it’s delicious food and hospitality like yours that will bring us back and cause us to tell more friends, again and again…

You’re an inspiration to so many… in life, and in the industry!

Cheers❤️

05/18/2026

Huge shout out to Reel’d In Outdoors…

They had a cancellation, and we had a spontaneous request.

The bite was okay, several smaller fish, but my mom and I had a wonderful time, and we are grateful for the memories created❤️

Thank you for being you, Issac, God certainly has more in store!

04/16/2026

How awesome is this people…

Newaygo, Muskegon, and beyond… Consider the efforts of this man, Captain Issac Reel’d In Outdoors… he truly cares about our community
❤️🙏🙌

02/08/2026

While serving you, our community, we have met so many…. some from a far, and many more from right here in beautiful Muskegon that we still see….

Regardless, it still rings true, some of those people are still here investing in, and supporting local, and thats so encouraging.

Matt, from Fresh Coast Counseling is definitely one of those individuals who frequented us at Occidental, and now we get to support him, and his entire team “The Showstoppers,” brought to us by Dancing With The Local Stars!

Corrine and I really enjoyed our time tonight with many other locals, coming together for one great cause; feeding the hungry!

It really came full circle, simply because another one of those dancing stars is especially near to our hearts, because we’re serving together in the same space today, now Love Café, and we’ve grown quite close.

Josh Alviar and team, you’re doing a great work, and it’s awesome to see you shine…

Keep reaching for the stars…. yet know, you’re already amongst them!

01/27/2026

Muskegon and beyond….. are you ready for some more yummy goodness…. made from scratch, always fresh, and only until it’s gone soup?! It’s a classic…

After all, what if we said it’s, “Grandmas Chicken & Dumpling”, made with love, right here at Love Café?!

You won’t want to miss it, and you may even want to tell a friend!

👀 Something comforting is happening in the Love Café kitchen tonight…

Our team is stirring up a hearty, from-scratch Chicken & Dumplings — cozy, classic, and perfect for a snowy winter day. This one is all about comfort and care, made slow and with love.

We can’t wait to serve it to you tomorrow 🧡— get here early before it’s gone!

01/15/2026

Arriving early to make even more of our creamy and delicious Potato Bacon Cheddar soup…..

Look forward to seeing you, serving you….. and if it’s been a while, please say hello, and let us know you’re here….

01/14/2026

Did you know, have you heard?! Always from scratch, only available until it’s gone❤️

🔥 Chef Eric is in early today… and you’re going to LOVE what he’s cooking!

One of Muskegon’s all-time favorites is back in the kitchen at Love Café!

If you loved it at Taste of Muskegon, you’re going to love it even more today. 👀🍲

01/09/2026

Muskegon, because of you, just over 3 years ago today our Five Cheese, Candied Bacon, Fire Roasted Jalapeños Macaroni & Cheese won an award The Brewer's Lounge At Pigeon Hill….

What a day, what an event, what hosts… all for a great cause!

Well, guess what, that same Macaroni & Cheese is back, and it’s being served today Love Café!

So please, share… tell a friend, come on out, say hello, and see what everyone is talking about!

Only found at Love Cafe

🩵💙🧡= 🙌❤️

01/06/2026