Showing posts with label Saturday Night Stever. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saturday Night Stever. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Alambre Is Served Up Right at El Salto, Chesterton


El Salto in Chesterton has done it with style. Thanks to Lupita's food suggestion, Steve and I enjoyed a wonderful dish tonight called, ¨Alambre.¨ Alambre is a traditional dish originating from Mexico and is especially popular in Mexico City and Oaxaca. It is a blend of tender strips of steak, pablano peppers, onions, tomatoes, queso enchilado and melted cheese. Delish!

Along with their delicious dishes are their specialty drinks, which are frequently on special. As you can see in the picture, the 27oz, Margarita made with Petron is a special treat. Like many Mexican restaurants, guests are greeted with fresh tortilla chips, served with homemade salsa, muy delicioso is the best way to describe El Salto's fresh salsa served up in a decanter guaranteeing that you pour out as needed. It is wonderful served this way as it allows you the freedom to pour the salsa on the chips and on your freshly served entree.

If you are driving East on 80/94 from Chicago-land make sure you get off at the Valparaiso/Chesterton exit, and stop in for a very special treat.

757 Indian Boundary Rd. Chesterton, IN 46304 Phone: 219-395-9890

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Mikey's Drive In, Bridgman Michigan




One of the favorite things of The Steve and Mary Show, aka, Champagne and LaLuna is to take long drives on the weekends up the Red Arrow Highway. We wind our way through New Buffalo, through Bridgman, sometimes stopping off at St. Joe MI, or travel up to South Holland. (on more adventurous days we go even farther, oooh ah!) We have our favorite places to stop in. For Steve it is ice cream and books. For me, well, I just enjoy being out and about with Steve.

All winter long Steve has waited patiently to make it over to one of his favorite places to get soft serve. Mikey's Drive In, along Red Arrow Highway in Bridgman Michigan. A quaint little ¨Mom and Pop¨ place where they still have car hops, AND homemade pie along with a very fine soft-serve ice cream.

Steve's long awaited treat was delivered in good form. Imagine our added pleasure to pay only $5.32 for a VERY large chocolate ice cream cone and a large hot caramel sundae with whipped cream and nuts! The sweet taste of success was not only well received by our palettes, but also by our wallets.

It is nice to know that you can still go out on a Saturday drive and not work over time for the next week, just to pay for a special treat. We will be back many times this summer and we will grow sad when they close down for the long cold Southwestern Michigan winters.






Saturday, April 12, 2014

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.








Saturday, March 22, 2014

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.