Bunmi Akinyemiju

Bumni Akinyemiju is VP of IT consulting firm, Artemis Solutions Group and CEO of Enliven Software. He's also behind many community based projects including the MSU Children's Health Initiative and the Braveheart Mentoring group, among others.

This self-proclaimed geek is into music, fine dining, gadgets and technology, and most importantly, making a difference in the community.

During his down time, you might hear him playing his saxophone. Or you could find him walking through Old Town, one of his favorite places for art and culture. He's excited about how Lansing has been evolving, attracting younger people, and developing their arts and culture scene.

Hangouts

Akinyemiju recommends Golden Harvest, a well-known Lansing staple that serves an amazing breakfast. He says that despite being "weird . . .there is something about it that makes you come back."

For socializing, Akinyemiju spends time at the coffee shop embedded within downtown East Lansing's Barnes and Noble bookstore. He's not a big fan of the coffee there, but likes the ambiance and how he always meets great people.

Dining

When hosting special guests from out of town, Akinyemiju takes them to the Knight Cap, an upscale restaurant on Michigan Avenue, where printed menus don't exist and the wine list is impressive. It's "hands down the best date spot," he says. "Most importantly, the staff is knowledgeable about the wine and the origin of the food."

For a more exotic flavor, Akinyemiju recommends the Thai Kitchen on Michigan Avenue on the East side of East Lansing. He says it's inexpensive and "awesome." And "everyone I've introduced to the place gets addicted."

For a nice Sunday brunch he opts for Christie's Bistro, located inside the Lexington hotel in East Lansing. Akinyemiju recommends that you 'go hungry'. "It's slightly expensive, but worth it. And the ambience is great."

Night Life

Akinyemiju cites the The Exchange in Downtown Lansing as one of his favorite places. The music isn't too loud, making it easier to talk and socialize, and it attracts a crowd of mature professionals. 

For live music he visits 621, on Michigan Avenue. Thursdays at 621 are "the best place for contemporary jazz." Akinyemiju also suggests that Harem Urban Lounge is probably the swankiest nightclub in Lansing. And he likes it that, time and time again, it has exceeded the expectations of his friends from out of town. "Saturday night is the best."

Shopping

Akinyemiju admits that he doesn't do too much shopping in Lansing. On occasion he'll stop by the Banana Republic at the East Wood Town Center, the outdoor mall north of Lansing on Lake Lansing Road where one can shop and breathe some fresh air.