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!
ArtSees Diner
ArtSees Diner is a virtual Diner, living vicariously through the culinary experience thru some amazing fooderies. Join us as we encounter gastronomic pleasures on this journey known as life. Welcome to the “Diner!” The “Chefs” are Mary E., Steve Champagne.
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Catalpa - Northwest Indiana All Inclusive Small Event Venue and Short-Term Rental
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Bowler Man Confections: A Michigan City Gem
It was only a couple weeks ago that I first learned of Bowler Man Confections and low and behold the other day I was gifted with a gift card to this fine establishment. Although I live and work in Michigan City I had no idea that this gem of a place existed! Because I am like a kid in a candy store with a nickel in my pocket ready to spend, I had to use my gift card before too much time passed. I literally planned my entire day around my sojourn to the Uptown Arts' District located on Franklin St., in Michigan City. Just down the alleyway of the ArtSpace building sits this humble establishment. It is a lively, friendly place with evidence of "Santa's Culinary" elves working around the clock to fill the orders. As their website claims, it is "...Hidden In The Ally Of The Artspace Building 717 Franklin St. Michigan City, In 46360"
I had the pleasure of speaking with the pastry chef and owner of the Bowler Man aka Michael who shared that he has been a pastry chef for many years including many of those years as the head pastry chef at Four Winds. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of eating at Four Winds knows this is no easy feat and the quality is well known. Today he proudly makes culinary delights such as house made croissants, chocolates, highly regarded carrot cakes, cookies and other amazing bakery treats including savory items such as galettes and quiches. Michael shared that Saturday mornings are a very special time and it is important to remember that if you don't get there quickly you will not get! They cannot keep their cases filled with savory and sweet treats.
What is a truly amazing sign of quality? Word of mouth! There has been very little advertising. Small crew Mike, (Michael) Amanda, and Arthur keep patrons happy and that happiness is spread by word of mouth and by the gastronomical joy that they deliver on a regular basis.
Although it is too late to get in on the Christmas ordering, orders are being taken for the New Year's weekend. Bowler Man Confections is not just a holiday experience, it is a year round celebration where only the finest delicacies will do!
717 Franklin St
Michigan City IN 46360
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Catalpa Review by guest John B. Boss (06/22/2021)
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
And...Introducing Catalpa!
Catalpa, a beautiful tree with heart-shaped leaves and orchid-like blooms in the spring, right? Well, yes you are right, however, it is also the name of the newest addition to the ArtSees Diner, Champagne Experience Family! It is our short-term vacation rental in the heart of the coolest beach community southwest of Saugatuck. Actually, the Hungry Hollow/Canada Park neighborhood is going to be the next Saugatuck, mark my words!
Our beautiful little bungalow is a blend of chill and boho meets "artsee." You see there is currently only one tree in the private backyard oasis and that is a glorious catalpa. While neighboring properties lend ample shade, it is the catalpa that we believe defines this property. She is many things and produces many changes throughout the spring-summer season.
Catalpa boasts the perfect backyard surrounded by a 6ft tall privacy fence that can be locked to increase privacy. There are numerous deck spaces as well as a cabana-like patio complete with a fire pit, gas grill, and wait until you see the flowers and plants! It is the perfect event space. We imagine small weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties, and even intimate live concerts.
The property is not conducive to our fur friends and children, but it is perfect for young couples, seasoned travelers, and individuals looking to go from simple to sublime at a moment's notice. We look forward to welcoming you and those you love to your home away from home experience.
https://airbnb.com/h/catalpa-bungalow-garden-paradise-michigan-city
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
We Are "Zorn Again" and It Is Spring In the City! by the Chef - SRC
You know, there can be many reasons to be in the hunt for exceptional food, libation, and entertainment venue.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
"Redheaded Mule" & She is BACK!
Yes, She is back! Who, well, ArtSees Diner of course! After a long period of time, energy, and focus being on things unrelated to my love, AD, it is time to return. What better reason to return to blogging other than something that tantalizes, tickles, and trips the light fantastic? A new libation! What better way to usher March than with a Redhead?
I introduce "Redheaded Mule" by Mary E. Champagne, aka ArtSees Diner.
It is very simple -
- Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
- Mary E's housemade Cinnamon Liquor (recipe at the end)
- Pour over ice and sip!
Mary E's Housemade Cinnamon Liquor
- Bourbon (cheap kind is best!)
- Fresh Cinnamon Sticks
- Bottle and sit for at least 4 months
- A little sugar (or not)
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
A Rosé By Any Other Name...and What the "Pubster - Gals" Think!
When I was first entering the market as a legal wine drinker, Rosé was merely a White Zinfandel, blush, or pink wine. There were approximately two that were offered and typically came from a jug, they were Sutter Home and Gallo. Rosé, the American version, of White Zin, was first produced in the 1860s in Lodi and as a result, became a nice alternative to classic red or white wine. White Zinfandel is still one of the most sold, by volume in the US and has a lovely nickname "Cougar Juice." Over the years and with the growth of wine-drinking sophistication, so it goes more Rosé is being offered here in the US and it is no surprise as women are becoming one of the biggest purchasers of wine and the palette is forever becoming more sophisticated towards the wide variety of wine and beautiful food pairing options.
Rosé is one of the most consumed wines in France and in 2018 there was a huge concern that because of the growth in popularity and market for fine Rosé wine throughout the world and the United States that they might not have enough to get them through their summer. Fortunately, the wine-making industry in the United States is beginning to catch up with its much older French sister and as vines mature and the field of viticulture booms, the US winemaker is beginning to hold their own against the legacy of France, Italy, and Spain. How Do Local/Regional Winemakers Hold Up Against France and Italy?
Recently, I asked a group of my "Pubster - Gals" to join me in a Rosé wine tasting. Five willingly stepped up to the plate to humor me, but ultimately took their job very seriously. Two of the tasters had just returned from a Rosé wine event in Nashville, so their palettes were primed and ready for more!
Rosé for the tasting were:
Prophecy Rosé 2017 - Vin de France
Tasting Notes for Prophecy: Minerally, citrus, very dry, tangy, aligns well with a Sauvignon Blanc
St.Julian Winery Chambourcin Rosé 2018 - Michigan
Tasting Notes for Chambourcin: Fruity, berry (raspberry, strawberry, fruit forward, buttery after-tones.
St.Julian Winery Tempranillo Rosé 2018 - Michigan
Tasting Notes for Tempranillo Rosé: Light, fruity, herbal, earthy, smooth
Shady Creek Winery Rosé 2018 - Michigan City Indiana
Tasting Notes for American Rosé:Medium body, intense bouquet, oaky, cherry tones, vanilla after-tones
Villa Alena Rosé 2018 - Piedmonte Italy (Trader Joe's)