Catalpa - Northwest Indiana All Inclusive Small Event Venue and Short-Term Rental

If you are looking for a small intimate garden wedding, anniversary, or birthday party and have immediate housing for yourself and your closest family or friends, then Catalpa A Champagne Experience, Near the Lake is your perfect place! When Steve and Mary E., chose to marry at their first home together, it was Kismet! Now, a popular short-term rental with nothing less than 5 stars and perfect reviews, it is available for the romantic dreamer looking for the perfect private backyard wedding. Let the event planners and hosts of Catalpa let you make your celebration come to life! Feel free to contact us for availability, pricing, and possibilities! 

Catalpa 

Wedding Venue

Hosts: Steve and Mary E 

ArtSees Diner Favorites

Hello all, it has been a while since we wrote a blog about our dining experiences. Mostly we have been enjoying some of our favorite places here in the Northwest Indiana area. So as to not lose touch with all of you I thought I would do a "Favorites" segment.

Copper Rock Steakhouse  - Four Winds Casino
Copper Rock is tucked inside of Four Winds Casino, located in New Buffalo, Michigan. Not only will you find attentive, professional staff but outstanding Chef prepared cuisine. One of the highlights of CRS - is the incredible gourmet bread basket that is served to every guest. Don't forget to indulge in the chocolate truffle beignet following your entree. This highly ranked steakhouse is known for its extreme wine selection and hand-crafted cocktails. The portions are very generous. So go easy.
My recommendation: Himalayan Beef 

The Pickle and Turnip - Transitioning to Catering Only
What can I say - I will miss this place. See my reviews and weep with me. But stay tuned for Moe's newest ventures - Fire and Water at the Beach and Reserved at North Pointe - An experience in private dining. 

Hokkaido - Sushi
Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant is one of the newest additions to the Uptown Art's District in Michigan City Indiana. This quaint, Manhattan-style boutique restaurant prides itself on the artistry behind preparing Sushi. If you are looking for fresh, hip cuisine, then Hokkaido is the place to go.
My recommendations: Tuna-Avocado Roll and Vegetable Tempura

Song - Asian, Sushi - Traditional Chinese
A fairly typical Asian restaurant in general, but Song has a different tune. It offers hand-rolled, freshly made Sushi and Rolls. Song is extremely affordable and the service is wonderful.
My recommendation: Hunan tofu and the White Tuna and Avocado Roll. 


Maxine's - American French 
Maxine's located in the heart of the Uptown Arts District is the perfect place to steal away with friends, family or a loved one. It is definitely a great date night place. One can expect wonderful steaks, unusual dishes such as Cioppino, a combination of seafood, white fish in a tomato base. A must try when dining at Maxine's is their French Onion soup. Perfection! Also be sure to ask what the featured cocktail, ravioli, flat bread pizza and yes, their featured burger. You will not be disappointed!
My recommendation: All of the above and especially the French Onion soup.

Barker Inn - AYCE Walleye (Friday Night Only) 
Barker Inn AYCE Walleye is worth the trip. It is worth the hour and a half of second hand smoke. I know that sounds bad, but Barker Inn allows smoking in keeping with the majority of their long-standing clientele. If sitting in doesn't grab you, then place an order and carry it out. It is well worth the $10.99! Truly amazing!
My recommendation: It is obvious. 

Shady Creek Winery 
This delightful winery in the eastern countryside of Michigan City is the perfect way to escape and unwind. The wine makers blend grapes from California wine country and Southwest Michigan. In addition to a wonderful location it also offers small plates and frequent events with expanded fare.

My recommendation: Petite Sirah and cheese plate for two. 

Stop by and enjoy what all the locals have to say about food and more.
Michigan City Restaurant Reviews.

Image compliments of John Avila

Other places worth visiting for a variety of reasons:
Bartlett's 
Overboard 12 On the Lake
Galveston's
Blue Plate Cafe
Jackie's Cafe
Swingbelly's
Acorn Theatre 
Journeyman's Distillery
Hammerś
More to come! Our neck of the wood is alive with all kinds of great fun! Where is your favorite? Add it to the comments.

AYCE Walleye Barker Inn and Chef Kari; Heaven on Earth!

After a long time searching for fish fries of days gone by, we finally found what is nothing short of perfection! A couple months or so ago we stumbled upon the AYCE, (all you can eat) $10 Friday night walleye fish special at the small, friendly neighborhood tap known as Barker Inn. We dream of of the tender scrumptious piece of perfection. After enjoying yet another plate of delightful pleasure.
Tonight was no different, but, wait, it was, it was the BEST EVER! Seriously, the BEST EVER! You have not lived until you have enjoyed an "all you can eat" walleye dinner prepared by "Chef Kari!" She is without a doubt the master of walleye. Let me take you on a magical journey into our gastronomic pleasure...
So, Steve and I journeyed out to our long awaited Friday night fish fest. At 4:21 I remembered that if we didn't get there by 4:35 and grab our favorite seat for two, that there was a good likelihood that the locals would have filled every seat in anticipation of the unbelievable delicacy that awaited them. Quickly Steve quite what he was doing and ran to grab his keys. With a rapid departure we were on our way. Pulling on to Barker St., you can imagine how delighted we were to discover that there was parking by the back entrance. As we entered we realized that our favorite seat was available! Quickly the bartender, a lovely younger woman approached us and remembered what I have ordered in the past. That is what every patron desires, to be remembered. Immediately it became apparent that we were exactly where we belonged.
Drinks ordered, walleye dinner ordered and anticipation grew. The comfortable surroundings are without a doubt the perfect appetizer to the long await fried delicacy. The first helping came out; a generous helping of coleslaw, french fries and yes, walleye! Delicate, tasty, perfect, every single bite, perfect!
Not long after our first helping we prayed that we would have room for the AYCE aspect of this remarkably, afford-ably, weekly treat!
There is a gentleman who works there, who has the attitude and appearance of the owner. His command of the Barker Inn and friendly approach misled me to believe that he must be the owner. As he approached our table, I could not wait to ask him about the secrets behind the magical walleye. I inquired about his role at the Barker Inn to which he replied that he was "just the bartender." First of all, there is no such thing as "just the bartender." Anyone knows that when it comes to an office, or school, the secretary is the boss and a tavern, it is the bartender. I asked about the genius behind the walleye and he shared with pride mind you, "Kari, she is the genius behind the walleye!"
As we left, fully satisfied and looking forward to the next time, I could not wait to speak with the master! I was so pleased be able to let ask the mistress of the kitchen if she was the "Kari," and if she shared that yes, she was Kari. Like getting the autograph of the leading soprano at an opera, she gently responded a thank you as she gently slid another of her delicacies into the hot oil. I asked her for the proper spelling of her name and she kindly obliged.
For anyone who loves a fish fry, Barker Inn is a must. Never in my life have Steve and I, ever enjoyed a more delicious fish fry. (by the way, we both grew up on church fish fries, and Steve he is from the heart of AYCE fish fries in the out-skirts of Milwaukee, Barker Inn 607 E. Barker St., Michigan City, IN.,
(219) 879-9011

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Little Italy, Dyer, Serves it Up Big!

A few weeks back one of my ArtSees Diner Radio guests shared that she and her husband love going to an Italian restaurant in Dyer Indiana that is to die for. So, today on our way back from Chicago Hts, where we saw The Drama Group's production of Reefer Madness, all that smoking "the weed" got us hungry! :D No seriously, there was no smoking of weed in the making of this hunger, merely a play on words and an opportunity to plug an amazing show. Did I mention my daughter was in it and was outstanding? Okay, so I digress! Back to the food...and the restaurant, Little Italy

We arrived at the start of their dinner hour, so the place was relatively empty. This gave Steve and I an opportunity to just take in the place without the bustle and noise of a happy dinner hour. The ambiance truly captures a the feel of restaurants in New York's Little Italy. There were moments when Steve and I felt like we were on vacation! "Did it remind us of places we visited in Florida, or was it NYC?" Our conversation settled on it being unique to Northwest Indiana and yes, something experienced in our travels.

Our server was Anthony. Anthony was a true professional, he knew the restaurant, the food, and most importantly, he was not afraid to converse with the patrons. Whether it was making us feel comfortable, laughing at our silly jokes, or just making recommendations on everything from the new Malbec on hand, or patron's favorites, he was on! We took his recommendation for the wine, La Copa Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina his recommendation for food, Entree;Crispy Pork Shoulder,Pasta;Rigatoni with fennel sausage, tomato cream sauce. Because this is a family style restaurant, the food is serve in two sizes, either the Little Italy, or the Big Italy. We went with Anthony's recommendations and we were not disappointed. Choosing the two dishes in Little Italy sizes proved to be more than enough. In addition to the dishes chosen, we requested the red pepper bisque soup topped with goat cheese. I truly believe you can tell so much about a restaurant by the bread, the soup and the dessert. We did not have room for dessert, so I cannot vouch for a triple header on the basics, but, I can guarantee that the hearty bread served with herb infused olive oil is a hit! I can also attest to the fabulous homemade soup.

All of the ingredients are prepared on site. This is the chef-owner's guarantee that we are getting his best. Along with the entree came a dark leafy green salad, with grape tomatoes, arugula and the lemon vinaigrette dressing is a must. A house specialty! Also, with every entree patrons are served a generous portion of bakes ziti, with the house tomato sauce.

"Okay, so LaLuna, how was the food?" I am so glad you asked! It was exceptionally good. The pork was perfect. Prepared over two days to ensure the best quality possible. The pork shoulder is slow cooked in chicken stock, (all prepared on the premises) celery, onions and carrots and cooked to a reduction. Then refrigerated over night, the fat is removed from the pork reduction. Prior to serving the pork shoulder is rubbed with a blend of spices, roasted to a crispy edge and served with portobello mushrooms, carrots and reduction. The ziti was better than most tomato sauce based dishes. I am very particular and rarely find a sauce that sings. This sauce came pretty close, but, the rigatoni, oh mama mia! First of all, the pasta was cooked perfectly. The sauce for the rigatoni was half Alfredo and half tomato. That happens to be one of my favorites. Often times Alfredo sauces let me down. Chef Andrew's Alfredo did not let me down. There was a zing, a garlic edge, pure cream, and butter. The fennel sausage added the right level of sweet herb (not to be confused with the herb mentioned in the beginning of this blog) and fresh peas. The peas lent the perfect balance to the many exciting tastes. Just enough green to keep it light. Both Steve and I felt that the rigatoni sauce was the perfect adornment to the pork dish.

Little Italy, Dyer, Serves it up Big, and receives 2 forks up! We will be going back and encourage you to make this one of your favorites! 1155 JOLIET ST. DYER, IN 46311 219-865-3040 DYERSLITTLEITALY@YAHOO.COM

Now That's a Perfect Pizza Pie via Roma in Michigan City!

Steve and I just gotta give a mega shout out to Roma's pizzaria in Michigan City Indiana. Tonight we had one of the best pies we have had in a long, long time. The crust was perfect, sauce perfect, cheese perfect and it had the perfect amount of onions to make Steve very happy! As for me, I love, absolutely love that we asked for extra thin crust and got exactly what we wanted. The edge was rolled and crispy and the rest was soft and flexible, but, fully cooked. I kinda felt like I was at a corner pizza place in Manhattan and just grabbing a soft, juicy, delectable slice before the theater!

Kuddos to tonight's chef, because you absolutely nailed it!

Roma's Pizza is located on 2400 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN 46360, (219)872-9123

LaPorte County Poet Laureate Susan Block Visits ArtSees Diner Radio

Online Entertainment Radio at Blog Talk Radio with ArtSees Diner Radio on BlogTalkRadio

Tonight co-hosts, Mary E, and Diane Blanchette and Michael Urbano interview special guest Susan Block, Poet Laureate for LaPorte County Indiana. Discover LaPorte County through the eyes of a woman who knows. Susan Block is a patroness of the arts in LaPorte and has dedicated her life to bringing the finest in literature, art and community alive!
Michael Urbano will be sharing SMASH a new adventure!
Diane, Michael and Mary will also spend some time talking over all the wonderful things coming up from Chicago to Indianapolis to Kankakee County to Northwest Indiana.
Music compliments of William Rottman, Running My Mind.

Big Blue, William B's Steakhouse = a BIG win!

Having lived in Michigan City Indiana since 2008, one of the prime features of this unique place to live is Blue Chip Casino. Blue Chip towers over this mid-sized town. Approaching Michigan City you see two things as you turn on to Highway 421 (Franklin St) The glorious curved tower of the casino and a tower reminiscent of "The Simpsons." (contrary to popular belief it is not a nuclear plant) Knowing that beyond the scope of hilarity of tower 2 and the glamour of tower one is a breathtaking view of the lake brings environmental balance to this unique place we call home. We often comment on the fact that neither of us have ever lived in such a place before were you can find so much diversity within a few short miles, not to mention a bike ride away. In short we love our home and each day we grow more and more attached to this eclectic blend of the have's and the have not's. The Dunes, the customs, the glorious sunsets including the billows from the "Simpson-esque" tower, and the reflective curves of Miss Blue. Which brings me to our "Big-win!" It all began with a "free night" stay at Blue Chip Casino hotels. After many years of visiting the casino and enjoying it as one of our places to go, we finally scored a free night stay. Even though we live in Michigan City, we decided to take advantage of the accommodations as I REALLY wanted to see what it looked like in the Spa Blue Tower. Upon arrival we were treated like royalty. The front desk people were kind, welcoming and the crystals twinkling over head while we waited made for a sense of Vegas glamour. Arrival at our room on the 11th floor was spectacular as we walked onto the curved hallway leading to our room. The feel of the place was similar to upscale boutique hotels that we stayed in when visiting Manhattan. Designed with aesthetic attention much like the Morgan Group Hotels, it urged the guest to "chill-out" and relax! The room was spacious, bathroom glorious, and the view was spectacular! Geese flying by at eye level, the light house in clear view, ice forming on the lake, streets intersecting in the distance and as the sun set was dazzling. The view was second to the generosity of the Boyd Gaming desire to treat their customers right. We were graciously comped not only for the room, but a generous dining credit for both Steve and I. (hang on the generosity of Hoosiers gets better!) We were looking forward to a fine dining experience at William B's but failed to make reservations. Because of the holiday and it being one of the finest restaurants in Northwest Indiana, it is difficult to get reservations. Along with it being a favorite, it is a dining experience. If you are looking for a quick meal, then you better to go the highly regarded buffet because William B's prides itself on being a food-spa experience. Regardless, we went into the bar anyway and found the last 2 seats at the bar. Imagine the relief to discover that we could experience the fine cuisine while sitting at the bar. Michael, our bartender for the night was a great conversationalist and took his time making sure all of his guests were treated right. Knowing how generous William B's is with their portions, we decided to each get a wedge salad, (the best ever!) share a cup of their French onion soup, and share the Thai style Chilean Sea Bass with jasmine rice and cucumber adornment. More on that gastronomical celebration soon. While awaiting our first course, we struck up a conversation with a gentlemen eating alone at the bar. One thing led to another and I discovered that he lives in Noblesville Indiana, which is the first place I moved to when moving to Indiana. The conversation continued on to discover that he is originally from Michigan City and has a vacation place here. We shared stories about the people and places that are familiar to us. The friendly spirit of Indiana came to rest and reflected the generous attitude of Blue Chip and Michigan City. He bid us farewell and Happy Holidays. Our food began to arrive... The wedge salad was as it always is, perfect. a generous wedge of ice-burg lettuce surrounded by knolls of diced tomatoes, red onion, bacon and a wedge of blue cheese. It is the best not only because of the generous portions of adornments but because it allows for perfect lettuce to adornment ratios. Along with the wedge of blue cheese is the house blue cheese dressing to add as desired. Second course, French Onion Soup gratineed with crouton. Again, one of the best. (In a prior post I shared that the chef at Wllliam B's is highly regarded and like all top quality chefs, takes his masterpieces seriously) Main course, Thai style Chilean Sea Bass with jasmine rice and cucumbers. Michael our server/bartender made certain that the meal was divided appropriately so that we could share it. It is the little things that keep people coming back for more and Michael is one who "get's it!" Immediately the fragrance of jasmine rice prepared us for the culinary delight. The cucumber salad worked well to cleanse the pallet and prepare our taste buds for each delectable soup-con of sea bass. The generosity continued as we went to pay our tab, "oh, you do not owe for the dinner, the gentleman next to you picked up your tab!" We were shocked, you mean this still happens? He was eating alone and had been comped dinner for two, so he graciously shared his complimentary dinner with us. This left us with our complimentary dinner which we would enjoy a day or two later. On to Blue Chip "Big-Win" day 2. Day 2. Sunday 12/29/2013. William B's is again booked and no open reservations which leads us to the bar. We found 2 open seats right in front of the televisions. This is a good thing as we had desired to watch the Green Bay Packers vs, the Bears. Our bartender-Ryan. Let me just add, "Ryan the Great" as he understands like Michael what good customer service is about. Ryan delighted in making Steve a Beefeater's Martini. He carefully chilled the glass, mixed, poured and in short, he made a man's drink! Me a simple Malbec is all I desired. We enjoyed the banter about football, good gin, living in Northwest Indiana, and the quality of food that is William B's. Friendly people were all around us, willing to talk and share their experiences and love of life. We learned more about our home through the conversation and Steve thoroughly enjoyed the Green Bay WIN! (Sorry Bear's fans, while we are now Hoosiers, Steve was born and raised a "cheese-head") Our selection last night was the Wedge salad, French Onion soup and we shared a Stuffed Niman Ranch Pork Chop, served on a bed of broccoli confetti mashed potatoes. Each bite of the tender pork when blended with pine nuts,dried cranberries, proscuito and fontanella cheese topped with seasoned butter will send your taste buds really with delight. What was most special about our Blue Chip visit was the feeling that Ryan, Michael, Patrick the Restaurant Manager and Chef Rudy really enjoy serving up a "Blue" ribbon experience. In the end it is the people that keep people coming back for more! Photos compliments of Steve "Saturday Night Stever" Champagne. A Champagne and LaLuna Production

Copper Rock Steak House, Why It Is Worth the Extra $$

Let me begin by saying that David and Tamara are 2 of Four Winds Casino's greatest treasures. When you go to a casino, you are pretty much sure that you will leave with less than what you came with. That is the nature of the beast. The point of a good experience when you go out for the evening is whether you leave feeling like you got your money's worth. Well at Four Winds Casino and Resort, you must put aside a little extra cha-ching and treat yourself to top shelf food, drink, and people! David and Tamara are top shelf. Why are they good at their job? Because while you are watching their orchestrated delivery of adult libation, you do not sense at any point that they are laboring at a job! On the contrary, you are lulled into a fine dining experience as you feel like you are friends with the hosts. They are their to serve you all the while welcoming you into their living room. Copper Rock is one of the finest establishments in the Northwest Indiana corridor and the ambiance is equal to a fine living room. Because of the welcoming environment, the ambiance, the superior gastronomical experience, it is superior and it can be considered high quality and it is worth every penny! What can you expect when dining there? You are greeted by friendly accommodating hosts. If you are lucky and get to dine there frequently then they will quickly identify you upon arrival. (try to make reservations as you may never know the wait time) After being seated you will quickly be served purified water, graciously served by attendants and also served a basket of fine breads and spreads to make you wish you had a bottomless pit for a stomach. This is no time for a diet, it is time to enjoy the finest! Be certain to save room for the famed beignets that will leave you rejoicing in chocolate heaven. If I were to have any complaints it is that they do not indulge the diner in any pasta dishes, and they updated their menu removing our absolute favorite; Chicken Saltambocca. Also, I believe it would be wonderful if they were to add light acoustic entertainment. The one thing that I miss the most at Four Winds is that there is no live music unless you go to the Hard Rock, and that is not my cup of tea. Copper Rock Steak House would be perfect. Champagne and LaLuna would be a nice addition. If you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, you can eat at the bar in a more intimate, "laid back" atmosphere at the Copper Rock Lounge. Plus it will be personally delivered by either David or Tamara! Tell em' the Steve and Mary Show sent you! (We wanted to post pictures of David and Tamara, but, they were so busy welcoming concert goer's that they was no time to stop and say "cheese!")