Drake V. Harper

Professional Chef, Entrepreneur, Skateboarder & World Traveler.

[drakeharper]

Travel & Lifestyle

🌊✨ West Michigan isn’t just one place — it’s a whole vibe. From the energy of Grand Rapids to the lakeshore charm of Holland and Grand Haven, the grit of Muskegon, the creativity of Kalamazoo, and the cozy small‑town feels of Zeeland, Rockford, and Ludington — every city adds its own flavor to the region.

Think:

🍻 Grand Rapids → Beer City USA

🌷 Holland → Tulip Time magic

⚓ Grand Haven → Lighthouse sunsets

🎶 Kalamazoo → Music & makers

🌊 Muskegon → Lake Michigan waves

🏡 Zeeland & Rockford → Small‑town heart

🌅 Ludington → Endless summer shoreline

Together, they make West Michigan a patchwork of culture, food, and adventure — a place where every city tells a different story.

[drakeharper]

✨🎩 Step right up to the Carnival of Forcemeats! 🎪 From the bold straight to the silky emulsified, the rustic country‑style to the indulgent gratin, and the airy mousseline — each one has its own personality, flavor, and flair.

Think of it as a culinary masquerade:

Straight → the classic tuxedo 🎩

Emulsified → the smooth jazz player 🎷

Country‑style → the cozy flannel 🪵

Gratin → the decadent velvet cloak 🍷

Mousseline → the ballerina’s tutu 🩰

[drakeharper]

555 Monroe is a recreation space and skatepark located at 555 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. It’s open 24 hours and has become a popular spot for skating, biking, and community gatherings. The area is part of downtown revitalization efforts, offering both locals and visitors a place to enjoy outdoor activities along the Grand River.

[drakeharper]

Chef Drake Harper is a personal chef based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is passionate about all things food, especially culinary history and lost treasures. He has been a chef instructor at the Downtown Rapids Market and Sur la Table, and he offers private chef services through Take a Chef. He also has a Facebook page where he shares his dishes and menus. He specializes in culinary arts and business management, and he has studied at Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Some of his role models in the kitchen are Joachim Splichal and Michael Voltaggio. He has received positive reviews from his clients, who praised his exceptional quality food, service, and hospitality. He is a culinary artisan who loves to explore and create new flavors. 

[drakeharper]

British doodle artist Hattie Stewart brought her kaleidoscopic world to Pacific Place in Hong Kong! 🍒🍄 Known for her tongue-in-cheek characters like winking cherries, two-eyed mushrooms, and drooling cartoon devils. 

[drakeharper]

Bonjour from Grand Rapids! I’m feeling très chic with this metal masterpiece by Ty Rentenbach. He handcrafted every piece of this Eiffel Tower replica with love and skill. C’est magnifique! @artprize 2023.

[drakeharper]

I paid my respects to the legend today, visiting the Bruce Lee Statue in Hong Kong. This iconic statue is located in the waterfront area of Tsim Sha Tsui, and it's a must-see for any fan of Bruce Lee.

[drakeharper]

I had a blast shopping for designer brands in Hong Kong. I found some amazing deals on clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories from some of my favorite labels like Burberry, Armani, YSL, Versace, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. I also got to explore the PMQ, a creative hub that showcases local art, design, and culture. I was blown away by the talent and creativity of the artists and designers there.

Also, British doodle artist Hattie Stewart brought her kaleidoscopic world to Pacific Place in Hong Kong! 🍒🍄 Known for her tongue-in-cheek characters like winking cherries, two-eyed mushrooms, and drooling cartoon devils. 

[drakeharper]

Bruce Lee once said, "Be like water, my friend." What does that mean?

It means to be adaptable, to flow around obstacles, and to be constantly changing. It means to be strong but also gentle, to be powerful but also compassionate.

It means to be like water, my friend.

Today, I am feeling inspired by Bruce Lee's words. I am ready to face any challenges that come my way with an open mind and a heart full of love.

I am ready to be like water, my friend.

[drakeharper]

Vanilla Crème Brûlée and Fresh Fruit Topping.  Crème brûlée, also known as burnt cream, crema catalana, or Trinity cream is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hard caramel.

[drakeharper]

ArtPrize 2022 is an open, independently organized international art competition which takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It celebrates artists working in all mediums from anywhere in the world and is open to any creative with an artwork to enter and a venue willing to host it.

[drakeharper]

Toro is the fattiest part of the Tuna’s belly. Served with a yuzu sauce and vegetables with avocado. 

[drakeharper]

@ArtPrize 2022 • A lion and a whale drawn exclusively with @Sharpie 

[drakeharper]

Unique piece's featured during @artprize 2022: at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place. #ArtPrize #Design

[drakeharper]

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third-largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron. #Michigan #water

[drakeharper]

Peach and Blackberry Crostata.

[drakeharper]

The Accidentals - Studio Park, Grand Rapids, MI.