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 

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! 

Bowler Man Confections 

717 Franklin St

Michigan City IN 46360

Catalpa Review by guest John B. Boss (06/22/2021)

Catalpa Review by John B. Boss

Less than two short hours from Chicago via the skyway is a charming getaway called the Catalpa Vacay Rental in Michigan City Indiana. Less than 10 minutes from Dunes Beach this charming and exquisite 3 bedroom and two bath home is the perfect destination for up to 6 guests. With a private drive and plenty of on-street parking, it is the perfect getaway. The lovely hosts Steve and Mary Champagne of Artsees Diner fame have tastefully decorated their home with warmth and fine attention to detail. Every wall and corner is covered in stunning blue, teal and seafoam decor which left a relaxing lakeside feeling during our visit. Each of the three themed rooms was adorned with one-of-a-kind furniture from local artist Marissa Rapier of Risscycled. We enjoyed a tropical, a Puerto Rico, and a Beatles-themed bedroom. All three rooms and surrounding decor reflected the host’s love of travel, music, and nature. The rooms provided a cozy and restful respite after visiting the many nearby attractions which include Canada Park, which was just down the street; and Blue Chip Casino, Friendship Botanic Gardens, St Julian Winery in nearby Union Pier, and of course the fine and friendly dining at Leed Public House.This one-of-a-kind vacation home has its own washer and dryer, superb WiFi, large television, and a fully stocked kitchen with everything need to entertain right down to the cake pans and platter. Each guest is treated to a bottle of Champagne from St Julian Winery and fresh breakfast muffins from Al’s Grocery. If the home isn't enough Le Garden de Champagne is a sight to behold. This on-site garden and venue is the perfect outdoor location for your personal stay or gathering under 25. The garden which is highlighted by a thriving Catalpa tree and over 30 varieties of plants is absolute perfection. The garden has plenty of tables, chairs, and of course umbrellas to comfortably host a small birthday, shower, wedding, or meeting. It also has a grill and performance spaces. Catering, wedding services, and entertainment are available for an additional charge. Evenings are the best at Catalpa. We took advantage of the fire pit and enjoyed a stunning array of lights which provided the perfect backdrop for the final evening of our stay. Steve and Mary are the perfect hosts making themselves available and assured our stay was a veritable treat. One of my guests broke a heel and Mary quickly came to the rescue with her glue gun. Everyone is welcome and loved at Catalpa. Everyone is family at Catalpa. It was a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Thank you, Steve and Mary. We’ll be back.

Link to Catalpa 

The Brewery Lodge - The Perfect Get-Away

Chicago-land, you are missing out on the absolutely amazing corridor between 80/94 and the end of route 421 and Union Pier Michigan. There are so many amazing breweries, wineries, restaurants and yes, boutique hotels. Hotelier John Van Prooyen pooled his extraordinary talent to bring the people of LaPorte County a taste of the East Coast when he ventured a path into the uncharted territory of independently owned and operated hotel development.

The Brewery Lodge is built upon Zorn Brew Works phenomena and the Champagne Lodge history. When you drive up the quiet, secluded pathway towards the current 12 room lodge, you immediately question "where in the hell am I?" Well, you are in LaPorte County on the outskirts of Michigan City proper, just a stone's throw away from the beautiful Lake Michigan.

Each room is sweetly adorned with the special touches from a man who knows aesthetics and Feng shui, and Van Prooyen has a special touch and understands the understated benefits of connecting with nature. Let the Brewery Lodge be your next Walden moment.

When you are not up for an overnight, then drift away to a North Eastern Atlantic/Hudson Valley get-away and enjoy a night at the Brewery Lodge bar and enjoy the "Ichabod Crane-esque" vibe. Sit back and enjoy a pint or two in the rustic outback of Michigan City proper. Cheers!

Dune Billies Beach Cafe: Open and already transforming the Canada Park Area of Michigan City!

In 2008 I moved into this neighborhood and have loved living here since. One of the fascinations was the building at the corner of Fogarty St., and Center St., in Michigan City Indiana. It is the perfect location and the point at which the lakeside community and the rest of Michigan City meets. I have adored this building and believed that some day it would be the perfect spot for whatever enterprise would snag the "great find!" Well, that moment has happened and after a few months of primping, perfecting and developing, Lisa Murray and crew has brought to this sweet, up and coming neighborhood, the quintessential corner deli. It is the Dunes meets Greenwich Village. Maybe in place of Dune Billies it should have been called Dunewhich. No,Dune Billies suits it just fine, as it is at the base of Bismark Hill, really a collection of three dunes that protects the neighborhood from the fervor and frenzy of Lake Michigan located just on the other side of "them, thar" dunes.

Guests can enjoy tasty sandwiches and wraps inside the quaint cafe, on the umbrella adorned deck, or they can carry out to their homestead or better yet, the beach which is less than 2,000 feet away. Ultimately patrons will be able to get basic staple items,as the menu and offerings expands. Until then the mix of breakfast and lunch sandwiches and wraps are more than to feed the locals and hungry beach-lovers. Current hours are 7a to 3p, 7 days a week. Dune Billies Beach Cafe 201 Center Street Michigan City, Indiana (219) 809-6592

100 Washington Earns a 100%

For those of you coming into the area for a summer get-away or maybe you have your boat down at the Michigan City Marina, you are in for an amazing treat! Northwest Indiana and the entire Michiana area are quickly becoming known for their gastronomic excellence and one of the newest members of the elite club is 100 Washington located at 100 Washington Street, Michigan City. It is located along Trail Creek and the Amtrak Station with glorious views of the lake. Even more spectacular is the outdoor cedar bar and comfortable seating that enhances the sensory experience that this ultra-modern establishment provides.

Jason Gatzka has taken his time in creating a well-crafted establishment. From the upscale patio to acquiring to a phenomenal, albeit simple menu, to a spot on bar he earns an A+. But, more than that is the "chill-esque" vibe of the dining room and New York state of mind events that keep the locals coming back for more. Kyle has committed to staying open year round and has embraced the locals as his cake with summer tourism as the frosting on said cake.

Make sure you stop in and allow time to relax with one of their specialty cocktails, fine wine, or the best Manhattan this side of the Big Apple.

Steve and Mary E's recommendation for visitors from the West - Board the Amtrak train to the Michigan City station right at the doorstep of 100 Washington and settle in for a night of food and folly. Or come in for lunch and then enjoy all that there is by foot throughout Michigan City. Hail an Uber and get a tour of #mymichigancity and see all that this wonderful hub has to offer. The $$ spent on a train to and from Chicagoland is way less than the taxes and parking that you will spend staying in Chicago. (Southshore line is a good way to travel too.)

One Hundred Washington

100 Washington, Michigan City, IN 46360, us

(219) 229-5829

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm

Saturday:11am - 10pm

Sunday: 11 am - 9pm

Ooo-La-La, Maxine's Restaurant & GastroBar a Little Francois on the North Shore

Maxine's Restaurant and Bar, located at 521 Franklin St., in uptown Michigan City, successfully captures the ambiance and flair of a cafe on a tucked away street in Paris. Recently, I took members of my family to the restaurant for a late Saturday evening supper. Now, this was not my first visit,being a local and all, but, it was the first full-meal experience. We were delightfully  met by the restaurant Dining Room manager, who cheerfully remembered me from the time before. (Even remembered that I am a radio show host and intend on having Maxine's as a featured guest!) It was close to a year ago that I visited Maxine's with a friend. We enjoyed a simple salad, soup and a small plate. It was delightful, but, the full-on dining experience would have to wait to a later date and believe me it was spectacular!

The menu boasts traditional French cuisine, with a blending of North American favorites. Let's call it French fusion. We kicked it off with a couple cocktails as it was close to impossible to settle on an entree for the evening. The selection was outstanding. So wonderful that it made the choice close to impossible. The custom made cocktails were very tasty and had a wonderful boutique flair to it. I chose the spiced pear martini, which was chosen off of their specialty martini menu. It was indeed special. The featured appetizer for the evening was a Yellowtail Tuna-cake with Sirachi aioli, pictured below and borrowed off of Maxine's Facebook page.

It was the perfect beginner. My dining companions enjoyed a crock of the signature French onion soup. Unlike many French onion soup creations, this was cooked perfectly with the perfect consistency and quantity of onions present. The broth was rich, dark and not overly cheesy. Perfection!
For our entrees we selected: Cioppino: a tomato base, mussels, crab, cod, scallops, shrimp, garlic, dish, served with French bread to dip the delectable gravy. One of my party chose the Maxine salad with salmon (cooked to order) while,  I chose the house ribeye steak topped with blue cheese. Each dish was delicious and served with your choice of sides as well as fresh, warm bread.

It is important to note that the $$ was very reasonable, almost shockingly low. Truly a value for the quality and overall atmosphere. A couple of items to note: Live music would have been a wonderful addition on a Saturday night. Maybe a cocktail pianist, acoustic musicians, anything more than that would totally steal from the sequestered feel of this quaint Saturday night getaway. Additionally, and this is not a reflection on the restaurant management, was the clamor of children at a table nearby. Now, I love children and have 3 of my own grand-babies, but, somehow on a late Saturday night, an all adult vibe is greatly appreciated. Again, this is a plus to the owners as they welcome any and all, it is merely an observation. Which brings me to this very important aspect of Maxine's and the restaurants of Michigan City, Indiana. All are welcome and encouraged to come on in! 

 It is important to note that there was seating near the bar and tucked away in lovely alcove seating. (this is where I sat with my friend the first time we visited Maxine's) We did not request private seating. A great deal of our recent conversation was about the incredible mural that covers the wall from ceiling to floor and along the entire length of the restaurant. (Make sure you look for the rabbit in the fine silk hat!) Another item to note, and again, it doesn't take away from the fabulous food was that either Maxine's really love Christmas and left Christmas decor up among the frogs, or it was a seasonal oversight. Because my family was so taken by the overall decor and feel of the place, they were in sensory overload. (They recently spent a very romantic vacation in France, so you can imagine)

Maxine's is truly one of the high points of Michigan City, Indiana. As the North-end, Uptown area of Michigan City continues to expand and develop, we are sure to see Maxine's continue to be one of the best places to dine in the City By the Lake. The independently owned and operated restaurants throughout the "route 12 corridor" are among the best, from Chicago to South Bend. Make a point of stopping in soon. It is truly worth the train ticket in from downtown Chicago, or a leisurely drive along the Lake Shore. Locals should give it a try as well, especially during the week when they have fabulous mid-week $12 Special.

Menu
Maxine's Restaurant and Gastropub, located at 521 Franklin St., Michigan City Indiana. 219.872.4500

Galveston Michigan City; What a Pleasant Surprise!

Steve and I moved to Michigan City in May of 2008. After living in Indianapolis/Carmel area for a year we became very accustomed to some really good food and even better food choices. Moving to a new place and a much smaller place than the biggest city in  Indiana would mean fewer choices. Thus far we have not been disappointed. Michigan City knows its food and hospitality. Actually the entire route 12 corridor knows its food and hospitality!

We happened upon Galveston a couple times in the past. Once because we heard there was an open mic, and with Steve and I being musicians, this seemed like a nice way to get our foot in the musical door of the community. Another time it was a host to a back to school kick off. One other time we were there to actually dine. We haven't been back, because, well, we just haven't...until last night. In all honesty we were lulled by the 2 for $22 special that happens to be  their Tuesday night mainstay. 

Stepping back for a moment; Galveston's claim is that "Our community is the heart and soul of Galveston," and I couldn't agree more! 

We were greeted by a familiar face, a student from the local high school. Our local school community was present and welcoming by way of the host staff.  I saw yet another student busing tables. Across the room I saw one of my students enjoying dinner with a friend. The other side of the room one of my student's parents. It was community and it was bustling! We discovered that Tuesday night special is a big hit and the place was packed. We were told it would be 20 minutes until we would be seated. We found that there was ample room in the bar area to wait out the 20 minutes or so and they had a $3 Margarita special! The crowd was such that we didn't get served while we waited at the bar, but somehow observing the locals and taking in the specials, etc., filled the time and overshadowed what appeared to be an understaffed bar area. In actuality, the wait time proved to be less than 20 minutes. 

Galveston's hospitality is truly one of their strong points. The wait staff was pleasant, helpful and service was with a smile. We waffled between ordering off of the special's menu or the regular menu. Having not eaten there in a very long time we weren't certain. Many places cut back on special's night and we didn't wanted to have a good impression of the place. So, we ordered two different things of the special menu so as to get a good look at the gastronomical side of Galveston. Steve ordered the chicken shish-ka-bob with rice and vegetables. The waiter said with a smile, "good choice." I was in the mood for beef, hence the other reason Galveston Steakhouse came to mind. I ordered the filet medallions with mushroom sauce and a sweet potato. We both chose the house salad with blue cheese dressing. The other option would have been a cup of cream of mushroom soup. I am now wishing one of us would have ordered soup. Soup and dessert are 2 items that, in my opinion guarantee a restaurant knows how to cook from scratch. 

Every order comes with a dark sweet bread. The bread was fresh, warm and far too tempting for someone on a low-carb diet! How we resisted eating the whole thing, I have no idea! The salad, well, it was just a simple dinner salad, which is fine, because the food that followed was very good and more than enough. 

I suffered from food envy immediately upon seeing Steve's plate arrive. It was a generous assortment of fresh, grilled vegetables, including my favorite; brussel sprouts, GRILLED! The seasoning used to bring together the myriad of flavors was perfect. The rice was maybe the best seasoned rice dish we have both had in a very long time. Perfection. 

The medallions was equally good and very tender. The sauce, clearly house made with fresh mushrooms, not canned, (thank goodness) and the sweet potato was not your typical sweet potato loaded with butter, sugar and cinnamon, but it was served with a dark brown sugar sauce (almost caramel) on the side. Again, house made and delectable. Steve and I shared plates and were still able to bring home leftovers, which is Saturday Night Stever's absolute favorite thing to do. But Wait, we are not done yet...

On Tuesday nights you not only get a fabulous meal 2 for $22, you also get a dessert to share. The waiter asked if we would like one and at first we were reluctant, low-carbs, you know. He smiled and said, it is a homemade brownie with vanilla ice cream in a very luring tone. How could we resist his desire to please our palettes? The dessert was the perfect size for a sweet treat. The brownie was warm, fudge-y and delicious. Again, perfection. 

We will be back without a doubt time and time again. Galveston's claim to be the heart and soul of the community is spoken truth. High quality food, great service and a friendly atmosphere, along with affordable prices makes Galveston a shining gem near the water's edge. 

Romantic Sunset Cruises and Fishing Tours - Discover Lake Michigan

Discover Sports Internet Radio with ArtSees Diner Radio on BlogTalkRadio

When making your plans for this summer, make sure you include Captain Craig Koepke and ITO Charters into the equation. Whether it is a Saturday night "Sunset Cruise" or Fishing during the day, everyday of the week, and Evening fishing on the weekends, your Lake experience by way of someone who grew up in the "Pond" will create memories that will carry you for years to come! Imagine watching the sun set in a way that you will never see on land. Or, imagine hauling in the big catch and standing proudly with your catch in hand!

Our very own Saturday Night Stever, experienced this first hand with his father and brother. The look on their faces when they brought in the cooler filled with their catch in hand! Listen to the interview for more details then contact the Captain! Experience beautiful Lake Michigan and Michigan City, Indiana!

Contact the Captain for your special time on beautiful Lake Michigan!