The Consummate Professionals at William B's

What is the "Consummate Professional?" The "CP" is a person who without wavering conviction fulfills their role as a professional to the letter. Who without question exudes, joy, pride and service, putting your their patron, (not customer, but patron there is a big difference) above all else. Rarely do you encounter a "CP" anymore, as it is not in keeping with a millenial approach to service. Sadly, the art of "CP" is slipping away as more and more "CP's" and that approach to service is being put out to pasture.
I am here to celebrate "Consummate Professionals" and what they add to a dining experience. How wonderful it is for Steve and I that all we have to do is travel a short distance to find, not one, but many a "CP!" You will find them smiling and awaiting your arrival at Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City. Walk through the revolving doors, look to your left and "right this way your table's waiting" smiles will greet you. William B's Steakhouse is Blue Chip's high end restaurant.
Our favorite place to experience a spa dining experience is William B's. Why? Well, the food is wonderful, fresh, inviting, and you can expect pride in what is served. But, because of the service. Let's begin with Patrick. Patrick oversees William B's. Patrick has an magnetic personality. He knows the business and he knows the business! Rarely do you find someone who not only says hello, but, extends his hand to you. A gentleman's gentleman. He knows his wine, still enjoys a fine cigar, and he "get's it!" Rarely does a lady ever get the back of her hand kissed anymore. Rarely does a lady get the linen napkin placed upon her lap. In moments like that you are elevated to a position of esteem, royalty and yes, in those rare moments you experience how the "1%" live on a continuum. Patrick, you know your business and you know how to treat people. It is one of the reasons we keep coming back for more! Thank you for inviting us into your dining room.
In addition to Patrick, our waiter last night was the closest I will ever get to a man in waiting, or a butler. Wayne was careful, meticulous, was relaxed, but, was about the business of serving his patrons with style. I found myself wondering how many top shelf wines he has served in his time. How many thick cut steaks. The stories he could tell, but, NEVER would, as he is not only a consummate professional, but a gentleman! Wayne, you served us in style and kept well with the tradition of fine dining. (You didn't even flinch when the woman with the over-sized purse sitting on the floor nearly broke your neck! Without batting an eye, you said, "here, let me help you put it on the chair next to you! Style my friend, STYLE and CLASS!) Thank you for recommending Newton Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. We enjoyed slowly savoring, each sip of what turned out to be perfect pairing with our meal. In addition, the way in which you prepared the wine so as to fully experience the bouquet, color and complexity was deeply appreciated.
Thirdly I would like to include Pete in with the "CP" club located at William B's. Pete is a tall distinguished looking gentleman that can be found behind William B's front end bar. He is one of the first points of contact when walking in Blue Chip Casino. You will see Pete standing at attention, ready to serve, awaiting his next patron. Be prepared for a very professional encounter. His demeanor is straight forward, but, after he professionally serves you, you can expect an enlightened, articulate conversationalist. He is a renaissance man with deep integrity, and pride. He towers above the Pines!
In closing, if you want to experience what Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, the "Mad Men" of the past experienced. If you have never been on a cruse, or to a 4 star resort, then you must visit Blue Chip's "Consummate Professionals" and find out how what you have been missing.

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