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

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!

Sips, Suds and Songs at Barker Mansion, May 18th

Tickets Available here

A North End Vibe Featuring Jazz Pianist David Lahm and Steve & Mary E.

David Lahm joins Steve Champagne and Mary E. Rapier to bring you "A North End Vibe," hosted by the Main Street/Canterbury Theatre. Together they bring you jazz standards, a whole new spin on the Beatles and other songs that will leave you tapping your foot and singing along. With over 100 years of combined musical talent, the three are embarking on musical stylings from the Beatles to Bacharach - and everything before, during, and after.

Tickets are $20 with half going to the Canterbury Theatre so they can continue to provide quality live theater and music to the community at an affordable price.

Tickets are available by going to Eventbrite  or direct through paypal 

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 

Steve and Mary Sing It Live at The Pickle & Turnip 10/24

Steve and Mary, will be kicking off Play It Again SaM Friday October 24th at The Pickle and Turnip, located in Downtown Michigan City Indiana. The Pickle and Turnip is quickly become one of "the" places to go in Northwest Indiana. The P&T is one of SaM's favorites.

Steve and Mary are currently ranked #1 on the Reverbnation charts. What music can you expect out of this acoustic duo? Well everything from the Beatles, Carole King, Ronstandt, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, kd lange to Todd Rundgren with a few standards thrown in for good measure.

The music starts at 6p and goes until 9p. The Pickle and Turnip restaurant is located at 827 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN.

ArtSees Diner_The Mother Ship Continues to Grow!

There is nothing more thrilling to a blogger, or social networking glutton than to see the numbers climb! That is exactly what I am proud to announce to you all! While there are bloggers out there who are attaining their market share and then some in readers, I can boast that our numbers continue to rise! The past 2 months ArtSeesDiner.com has seen substantial growth. Over 19,000 visitors for July and August. We are continuing to see that growth. Along with our ¨Mother Ship¨ increase we are also seeing substantial growth through ¨The Voice¨ of ArtSees Diner with over 340,000 listens in 17th months. Our blogging presence regionally as well as nationally. Growth is a beautiful thing and we are seeing continued growth. All areas of ArtSees Productions continue to grow! SLOW AND STEADY wins the RACE! Join us, become involved with ArtSees Productions! A very special thank you goes out to Steve Champagne, Paul Smith, Susan Block, Douglas C. Rapier, Diane Blanchette and over 200 amazing guests! You are what makes this so amazing!

Moe Did It Again, The Pickle and Turnip

The Pickle and Turnip, located in downtown Michigan City, Indiana is the newest endeavor of Moe Mroueh. After outgrowing his prior establishment, Sahara, located south of the downtown area, it was time to move up and northward! Champagne and LaLuna stopped in last night to enjoy the new place. We were not disappointed! Moe has chosen to decorate his newest endeavor in a very bright, minimalist approach. Simple, classic, clean lines. Much like you would find in an upscale loft in the heart of Manhattan. While the decor is simple, the cuisine is not. The food is better than ever. We shared the best avocado salad we have ever had. The hummus is without a doubt the best anywhere around, and the dolma (stuffed grape leaves) are to die for! We enjoyed our favorite wine, served up right by Moe, Ksara Reserve du Couvent.

Make sure you like The Pickle and Turnip on Facebook so that you can be made privy to the wine events that are a big hit. Get your reservations now for the "First Friday" of June.

The place was quickly filling with diners, and everyone of them was having a wonderful time. With this in mind, it really is a good idea to make reservations. After all, it was a Monday Night!

The Pickle and Turnip is located at 827 Franklin, Michigan City, IN 219-871-1223

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.

Johnny V at Ryan's Irish Pub Every Tuesday Night

Wonderful opportunity to enjoy great music, fine food, drinks, neighborhood fun and community every Tuesday Night! Ryan's Irish Pub is a quaint, yet grand neighborhood hang out on the corner of Franklin St. and and restaurant in an old world structure that boasts the large neighborhood pubs of days gone by. Located on the corner of Franklin St. and 4th Ave., in the heart of Michigan City Indiana only a "stone's throw" from beautiful Washington Park and Lake Michigan. The large 3 story building is reportedly haunted as it has seen many a decade of travelers and the locals who will be the first to admit that there is something very special about Michigan City Indiana. Like Ryan's Irish Pub, another regular featured icon is Johnny V., also known as John Vermilye. Local musician, acoustic guitarist, singer/songwriter. Johnny's finger picking style guitar playing and broad vocal range will capture his listeners attention and hold on to it like he holds effortlessly on to his guitar. It doesn't matter whether he is covering Dylan, Beatles, or his originals, he is a passionate, professional! Every Tuesday night beginning at 7pm, cst, you can catch Johnny play you a song, while you enjoy quality pub food, and libations served by Scott the bartender and served up by the kind spirited Christine. Click here for directions.