It's Vegas, Baby!

While not literally the deal of the century, one can't help but feel a trip to "It's Vegas, Baby!" (at Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City, Indiana) for their Thursday night "Vegas Italiano" to be a reasonable facsimile. $12.99 fetches you soup, salad, bread, a choice of pasta/sauce, and dessert. Great wine is available for as little as $14.99 a bottle. You can add protein to the pasta for a little more, but there's really no need given the side of the pasta portions. The bolognese sauce I ordered came with plenty of meat to satisfy my Paleolithic urges.

The ambience is pleasantly subdued: lights down, a sense that library level conversation is appropriate. The dining area is surrounded by TV screens displaying a fascinating, long-playing tribute to Las Vegas, which educates even as it entertains.

Last night's staff seemed just a bit beneath the challenge of the above average crowd in attendance. Indeed, we'd grown accustomed to practically having the place to ourselves. But word has apparently gotten out, and those days are over, so you best make a reservation. Given the Boyd Corporation's dedication to excellence, I have every reason to believe last night's service struggles were merely an aberration in the face of unanticipated turn out. Still, the food was easily worth the wait.

We didn't have time to stay for the regular Thursday night "dueling pianos" show, but we've heard it's fantastic.

All in all, this is must try experience. And don't forget the dessert is coming, or like me your lust for the fantastic pasta and sauce will have you filled beyond capacity!

Patrick Cullars Takes Wine and Fine Dining To a Whole New Level of FINE! 04/29 by ArtSees Diner Radio | Entertainment Podcasts

Patrick Cullars Takes Wine and Fine Dining To a Whole New Level of FINE! 04/29 by ArtSees Diner Radio | Entertainment Podcasts
Join Mary E. as she welcomes Patrick Cullars to ArtSees Diner Radio. Patrick is the General Manager of William B's Steakhouse William B's is located in Blue Chip Casino and Spa, Michigan City, Indiana. Patrick is a member of Society of Wine Educators as a Wine Steward/Sommelier. He obtained certification through the University of Nevada Las Vegas in Food and Beverage, as well as Hotel and Casino Management.

Patrick is the consummate professional, and is known for sharing "I have the best job in the world!"

Blue Chip Casino and Spa is a member of the Boyd Gaming Family! Special thanks to the Boyd Gaming Family for sharing Patrick Cullars for this exclusive interview.

It's Vegas Baby, Viva Italia!

Champagne and LaLuna took a walk on the Italian side of this acoustic duet. Tonight in place of our traditional wedge salad at William B's which is outstanding BTW, we tried out the Italian night at "It's Vegas Baby" lounge. Typically this restaurant caters to what appears to be the younger set, or those looking for some single-like action. The promotional genius of Boyd Gaming and Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City, knew what they were doing in transforming the casino's hot spot in to a warm and cozy Italian Village flair. From the quaint red checked table clothes, to the "Rat Pack" stylings of Dean, Frank, Rosemary and the gang. To add to the charm, the video display treated us to images of Vegas and the days of glitz and glam that can only be found east of Hollywood in the heart of the desert.

Before getting into the food, I have to applaud our waitress, Andrea. She was not only glamorous,but, exactly what I would expect from a high end Vegas establishment. Lei e molto bella! She was graceful, attentive, and did I mention Showgirl Glamorous? She was lovely. Now on to the food.

For a modest price of $12.95 you receive your choice of zuppa, minestrone or pasta fagioli. Insalata of your choice, either house tossed or Cesaer. I recommend the tossed, with field greens, cucumber, tomatoes and onion, a pani basket with herb/olive oil and balsamic drizzle, your choice of pasta tossed with sauce of choice and for a modest additional price you can add a carne (protein). All of this is followed up with either spumoni ice cream or a cannoli.

Do not forget to treat yourself to a wonderful glass or for the price go for the bottle of vino! We enjoyed a wonderful red, pictured at the beginning of this article. We will be back again, and next time, we will arrive a little later, so that we can hang around and enjoy the Dueling Pianos right out of Howl At the Moon in Chicago. Whether it is Vegas Baby in the dessert realm, or Vegas baby of the Chicagoland variety, Boyd Gaming knows how to do it right!

BELLA LUNA

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Saturday Night Stever at Blue Chip Casino's 4th Annual Brewfest

Blue Chip Casino and Spa's BrewFest has become one of the top events of the Michigan City Boyd Casino. What better way than to spend a Saturday afternoon then to enjoy fine "Brews" with over 2,000 people? This was the 4th Annual boasting of brews from around the state of Indiana and region, as well as some old time favorites. It was reported that there were well over 100 vendors, each one boasting more than 3 brews each. This was a Homer Simpson paradise! Steve's remarked that his most memorable brew was "Dracula's Bite" coming to us from the Evil Czech from Culver Indiana. An IPA with a bold peppery zing stood out above the rest.

The 4th annual event was a huge success. The large white tent and spill over Stardust Room, could not contain the excitement, and roaring cheers that could be heard all the way to the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan.

Photos compliments of Steve Champagne and Patrick Cullars. Blue Chip Casino and Spa is a member of the Boyd Gaming Corporation.