Michigan City's North End on the South Shore is Alive and Ready To Serve!

Restaurants New To Michigan City, #mymichigancity:
Hum Hum Mediterranean Cuisine 
Dough Boys Sandwich Shop 
Today's post focuses on a recent visit to two of Michigan City's newest restaurants. Included are the best places to grab a bite to eat on the North End of Michigan City. The North End on the South Shore - we love it!

Steve and I just finished up an amazing lunch compliments of the Michigan City North End! Both new restaurants are located next to the South Shore Train Line's 11th St., depot.
We love this place! We enjoyed sandwiches from Dough Boys and I stopped in at HUM HUM Restaurant as well. ‪ #‎DoughBoys‬ you were firing on all cylinders! The place is quaint, friendly and I loved watching the "boys" preparing sandwich masterpieces! Steve ordered the Struben with German potato salad. I had the beef brisket sandwiches (forgot the name) with German potato salad. We also ordered the hummus. All three items were absolutely outstanding! The bread was superb. Next door to ‪#‎HumHum‬ and tried out their grape leaves. PHENOMENAL! What a special treat to have so many options all in one place! I look forward to going back for the falafel as well as gyro, chicken shwarma. Riders of the ‪#‎SouthShoreTrain‬ to ‪#‎Chicago‬ need to be aware of this hotspot! Chicago Food Bloggers this is a must stop! It really was so cool - while I was waiting for our order the train pulled up to the 11th St. Station. Immediately ‪#‎mymichigancity‬ became a whole new world and I wasn't missing the bustle of Manhattan quite as much! AMAZING!

Chicago - it is important to know that the tax rate is extremely low, the cost of libations equally so and there is NO cost to park your car! All is within walking district (aside from Shady Creek Winery and Burn'em Brewing) of the 11th St. South Shore Train Depot.

Other Favorite Places To Dine Out, Hang Out and Enjoy the North End : Overboard at the Marina - 12 On the Lake American cuisine, great views of the lake and live music.
Trattoria Tonelli's World class Italian cuisine with a superb ambiance.
Galvestons Steak and wonderful libations.
Shore Line Brewery Chef inspired bar food - in house brewery, live music.
Fire and Water Washington Park On the Lake - opening soon for the season The same owner/chef of Pickle and Turnip brings a breathtaking view of the lake, beach side service, fast food with a Moe-esque twist.
Maxine's French - American cuisine, high-quality libations with a mixologist flair, live music
Mucho Mas Tex/Mex food, huge portions, high quality - great location.
Cool Runnings Jamaican Catering and Restaurant Jamaican cuisine, phenomenal jerk chicken and more.
Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant Exquisite sushi, fine Japanese cuisine.
Ryan's Irish Pub Most beautiful outdoor patio in entire Northwest Indiana corridor. Great drinks, live music, outstanding pub food.
Shady Creek Winery Although this is no located in the North End district, it is on the North End of the South Shore. Great wine made in house - fun environment with live music, food and special events.
Burn'em Brewing Great place to hang out for that special brew - although it is not located in the North End district it is also on the North End of the South Shore. Blue Chip Casino - Nelson's Deli (BEST Reuben!) William B's (BEST bartender and service - phenomenal Steakhouse!) Its Vegas Baby (Nightlife) Options Buffet (traditional buffet) The Game (great bar food, drinks and sports!)

Michigan City's Uptown/Downtown Area is Bustling!

Michigan City's Uptown/Downtown area is bustling and if you are in the Michiana or Chicagoland areas and haven't enjoyed the City by the Lake in a while or ever, then it is time to come on over and see what the Mainstreet Association is doing to improve this gem on the South Shore. 
This brief blog is an overview of the past few days. A more in-depth analysis of the places highlighted here will come later on. You do realize that Michigan City it is only a short, affordable train ride in from either South Bend or Chicago?  So what are you waiting for? For all our Chicago readers, why pay $50 for parking and 15% or more on taxes to enjoy great music and awesome cuisine? Come on over and tell them ArtSees sent you. See you soon! 

Labor day weekend started out Thursday evening for us as we kicked it off with sushi at Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant. The service was perfect. The young woman who assisted us took the time to explain the menu. We began with the tempura chicken appetizer and hot and sour soup. Both were perfect. Our rolls were tuna with avocado, tuna with tempura vegetables and the Philly roll, which is a smoke salmon with avocado and cream cheese. All fantastic! We will be back. Friday night was spent enjoying Michigan City's First Friday event. Anyone who has ever been to Manhattan will be delighted when strolling down Franklin St., because Steve and I both felt like we were back there. So, our choice for dinner Friday night was the patio at Ryan's Irish Pub. The place was hopping! Johnny the owner was manning the grill and cooking up some great specials. Steve and I shared the pork chop dinner and the walleye dinner. We created our own surf and squeal. smile emoticon It was perfect. No complaints whatsoever. The service, atmosphere, food was like being at a family cookout, except no one had to cook or clean. Again, sitting on Ryan's patio with all the people. lights, nighttime sky overhead was like sitting outside on the streets of Little Italy. We traveled down Franklin St., stopping in at a few places along the way and treated ourselves to a nice Ksara served up by Giorgios Michael Karayannis at The Pickle & Turnipand enjoyed a little musical entertainment by Peter Nye Music with Dan Moser at bass. Next stop - Maxine's Restaurant to enjoy the music of a very nice jazz combo and pleasantries served up by Ali and company. Great night! Keep it up Michigan City Mainstreet Association you are doing an amazing job! I suggest mixing it up - how about First Friday, Second Saturdays - Third Thursdays and Fourth Friday? smile emoticon 

The Melting Pot _River North; Not what it use to be...

The eve of Mother's Day, 2015,  my daughter's and I went for our traditional "Daughter's Day" dinner. Many years ago when all three of my daughters were in college, I decided to mutually honor them as they are the reason I am a mother. While I realize there are many sides to that story, the fact remains, we celebrate our existence together. It is how we do things. So, this year it was decided that they would bring "us" to one of my favorite leisure dining experiences. The Melting Pot in River North, Chicago Illinois. So, now for my review...

What can I say, pots of melted cheese and chocolate, right? Well I have to admit the food was decadent, delicious and exactly what we came for. The "circuses;" well, it felt far too much like a circus. It has been some time since I was at (what was one time my fav, place) I spent a lot of time near Dearborn and Ontario.  Aside from the overall deterioration of the area, (very different from a couple years ago) the decline of the establishment is apparent too. From a dirty bathroom, (when your feet stick to the floor and the locks and hooks on the doors have been jury rigged) to the children freely wandering around I was beginning to question my high ticket decision to bring my daughter's to "my place." Our waiter was a very entertaining chap and good at what he did. There was no one busing the tables, no one ensuring we had water. Seriously 4 hours later and 2 glasses of water? The M-P needs to get with it, update, clean up. Oh, the food and the waiter 5 stars...the rest 1.5. Time to go to Geja's. 

Saturday Morning Skillet; A morning Whim

There is something about a Saturday that is like no other day of the week. Life changes pace with as much fervor as a Northeasterly wind coming out over the lake. So, with a Saturday always comes the desire to slow life down, enjoy the finer things and begin the day with a special breakfast. Monday through Friday I am lucky if I grab a yogurt, or a quick bread of some type. Coffee, always a coffee, but what else goes with it is the fast grab. But, Saturday, I escape into breakfast paradise! Today warranted a special treat. What is captured below is exactly that!
 I began with telling Steve that I would be making some eggs and maybe a little bacon and would he like some. His response was, "YES!" So, after my morning radio show, a walk on the treadmill I dug into the refrigerator. You see, I wake up dreaming about what I am going to cook. I create recipes as I awaken. I knew today would be eggs, but, what to go with, that is always a whim.

Today's creation? Saturday Morning Skillet!
 Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• handful of fingerling potatoes
• 1/4 yellow pepper
• 1/2 medium red onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cooked strips of bacon
• 5 or 6 yellow cherry tomatoes sliced in half
• 2 oz of New York sharp cheddar cheese grated

Begin by slicing the fingerling potatoes into nice little slices. Not too thin as they will overcook. Too thick and the onions will. Dice the onion. Crumble the bacon. Dice the pepper. (in the future I would use either red or green as it is a nice color addition, but considering I cook on a whim, that would require pre-planning and that isn't the way I work typically!) Add the olive oil to a frying pan and begin to heat. Then add all of vegetables  to the oil. Stir lightly. Saute until you begin to see evidence of change in the color and texture of the vegetables.

Next, add the bacon! 

At this point of the cooking process, Steve typically enters the room to find out what is happening. Why? because this is the point in the cooking process when the wonderful aromas begin to be released throughout the house! 

My favorite point of the cooking process! Next, add prepare and add the tomatoes. (I only used a few. The remaining will be used in pasta later)

This is the point when you just let all the flavors meld together. Top the sauteed mixture together and top with the cheese. Break the 4 eggs over the top of the skillet, add a little pepper and top it with a lid. Leave it on high for 1 minute, then turn it down to medium heat until the eggs reach a nice poached consistency. 

Perfection! 

South Bend Chocolate Cafe in downtown Mishawaka, Indiana

Mary and I had a wonderful time performing at South Bend Chocolate Cafe in downtown Mishawaka, Indiana last night. The steady stream of customers indicated quality cuisine. The employees where cheerful, responsive, and easy on the optic nerve.

The real icing on the cake of our experience was the carryout food that was part of our compensation, greedily devoured in the car on the way home. I can say without reservation that my ham and cheese sandwich was easily the best I've ever had out. The ham was obviously real ham as opposed to lunch meat ham. It was perfectly balanced by a fine, expertly melted cheese. Though it was too dark in the car to see what I was inhaling, my tongue relished the slightly toasted and buttered bread, which was no ordinary bread at that.

Google maps tells me we're 43.1 miles from 117 S Main St. in Mishawaka, Indiana. My taste buds tell me there ain't no 43.1 miles high enough to keep me from enjoying another fabulous sandwich there.

And to think that we didn't even get to the chocolate itself! Do make haste!

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!

New Zealand Conquers Chicago's Wine Scene With "Complexity"

"Up on the roof" was the song that was swimming through my head as my sister Marissa Rapier and I joined the Complexity crew. It was a glorious Sunday (June 9) at Wrigleyville, Chicago. The NZ sips Chicago wine event was held atop the Brixen Ivy considered one of Wrigley's Rooftop establishments. Imagine walking in to a naturally lit room overlooking Wrigley Field surrounded by winemakers from New Zealand, Kiwi accents filling the room, beautiful wine bottles carefully displayed for our impending pleasure. Imagine the excitement of the first pitch. The streets below quickly filling with Chicago Cub fans. Their excitement rose up to blend with the joy that was filling the room and was only equal to the first pour by Rudi Bauer as he carefully poured Quartz Reef Methode Traditionelle non Vintage, Central Otago into our glasses like a papa handing off his first born!

I invite you to listen to my audio blog, a celebration of New Zealand and the Complexity crew. Then go to your local wine shops, vendors, and restaurants and ask that they begin to offer New Zealand wines. Truly a sensory experience you won't soon forget!

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

Our Compliments to the Chef! Blue Chip Hits the Jackpot!

Steve and I have had the privilege of enjoying a nice little neighborhood establishment for some time now. Lately due to my injury, we have been laying low, but, in honor of the season, we have treated ourselves to a couple of nice trips to the "Big Blue" as we fondly call it. "Big Blue" is also known to most as Blue Chip Casino. Our experience involves a late night snack at William B's over the weekend, and again tonight for a little post-Christmas shopping soiree. First of all, as you all know I have raved on and on about Copper Rock Steak House at Four Winds, and while I have to admit, I love David and Tamara and the crew, (especially their breads and spread served with every dinner) I really am impressed with what is going on at Blue Chip. Elegance, gourmet dining without losing your shirt and shoes. Saturday night we were treated like royalty by the Host Patrick and our server Patti. Both were outstanding and just good people! The food was exquisite and I w agreed William B's French Onion soup is actually superior to Four Winds. Also, the wedge salad is superior as well. The way it was presented lent to the overall improvement over Copper Rock. Again tonight it was superior. But, the soup Steve ordered was out of this world-Cream of Garlic soup. Now before you turn up your nose to it, it was maybe one of the outstanding soups that I have ever had. What was even more enjoyable was the delight our server Sean took in serving it to us. We were able to discuss the ingredients and he relayed my inquiries to the Chef. Our main meal was Brandied Chicken over fingerling potatoes and Steve had Braised Short Ribs served with Red Pepper Mashed Potatoes. It was absolutely unbelievable. Culinary excellence! To rejoice over food, experience fine dining in our backyard, and be treated like it mattered whether we were there or not, what more could a girl want? Oh did I mention the whole experience did not break the bank.