The Power of Yes

Despite my disappointment a week ago with the Blue Chip Casino representative who found a sure-fire way to forfeit hundreds of dollars in revenue in order to save two, I found myself visiting William B's Steakhouse again on Friday.

You see, William B's is a tough place to feel compelled to boycott in order to get through to the occasionally short-sighted accounting types of a business. From the fabulous food, brilliant bartenders, and super servers all the way up to Patrick Cullars, the general manager, there's plenty to miss.

Although the dining area is high class and rather "chill", we really love eating at the bar, which is located just off the casino lobby in such a way that one feels they're at a busy crossroads of "it takes all kinds" incarnate. It's a great place to people watch, and those drawn into the bar and dining area itself tend to be interesting and receptive to striking up a conversation.

We each had the perch specials. Mine was pan-seared, while my partner's was sautéed. Both were spectacular, with delicious accompaniments of fingerling potatoes and green beans. Looks like I'll have to start my diet all over again, because it was a feast, especially on top of the great bread basket that begins one's dining experience.

Patrick's philosophy is "the answer is *yes*", and it's from that seed of enablement that all the rest of what makes William B's so special flows. If you've yet to experience the complete dining and drink experience of William B's, make it a priority. But be aware that you'll likely wind up with an addiction for which there is no 1-800 number: an addiction for the finest dining and drink experience smart money can buy. While you might enjoy the thrill of risky behavior on the casino floor, William B's isn't a gamble - it's a certain, satisfying jackpot every pull.

Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant Comes to Michigan City

The rich ethnic flavor of Michigan City, Indiana continues to grow with the newest addition to the community. This ethnic explosion, just might be the thing that sets us apart from some of our surrounding areas. The heart of the community is becoming quite International. Please read on...

It all began when a sweet voice with a heavy Jamaican accent said, "Ms. LaLuna, my family is opening a restaurant Saturday, and I work there." With a cute shyness she handed me the brochure from the restaurant with as much care as a someone would pass a baby. I asked her more about it and she was beaming with pride over her family's accomplishment. I promised her that I would visit the restaurant on the "birth" of this new endeavor.

As promised, I arrived about 12:30 and walked in to find 2 smiling faces welcoming me into the restaurant. The lovely lady at the counter said, "you are Kayla's teacher? She said to expect you." Never before have I been so happy to have fulfilled what I said I would do. We began conversing about Jamaican cuisine as I have never really indulged in it before. Immediately she shares with the chef, a man filled with pride over his fair and ability to deliver top-notch cuisine that I am Kayla's teacher and that I need to sample "jerk chicken." Together they scrambled to get me a tasty portion of a wing. Immediately as the meat touched my palette the herbs and spices took me to a whole new place. I was no longer in a quaint little shop on 11th and Franklin, but, rather I taken to balmy breezes, rich accents, beautiful color and alive with a feeling that I had become a part of their world. To my joy and satisfaction another patron walked in and shared that he had never delighted in Jamaican food before and said, "I want to eat, but, do not know what to order." Again the dance began with the owners reaching deep into their Jamaican hospitality to educate him as well as to the flavor of "Jamaica Man!"

I settled on a quarter chicken all white meat with red beans and rice, smothered with gravy and steamed cabbage. Along with the meal came a plantain slice and a little extra jerk sauce. The reviews from Steven were, "this cabbage is spectacular!" "OMG, another favorite!" "another reason to say, Michigan City has the best food!" As for me, the delightful herbs and spices danced on my tongue and sent me into a succession of "mmmm!', "Ohhh, yeah!" "this is exceptional!"

I could see the care taken to chop up vegetables, and fresh herbs and spices. I tasted the careful melding of those ingredients with main ingredients so that it was a flavorful explosion. The care, quality, price and quantity of food is nothing short of Exceptional! We will be traveling to Jamaica by way of a culinary vehicle many times this summer and beyond.

Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant is tucked in a small strip-like mall right next to the South Shore train line, 11th St. Stop. Parking is available on the street and in a parking lot on the corner of 11th and Franklin. There is some room for dining in. Just imagine sitting in the window eating jerk chicken and plantains as the South Shore train pulls up in front of you. Rarely will you ever find a location anywhere else in the heartland of America that has window seating, quality ethnic food and a train going down the middle of the street.

Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant, 112 11th St. Michigan City, IN 46360 Telephone 219-210-3885. Offerings include, chicken, ox-tail, curried goat, fish, along with traditional sides: red beans and rice, macaroni and cheese, steamed cabbage, plantains, festivals, candy yams, sweet corn.

Some of our other favorites located in the heart of "City" include:

• The Pearl Chinese Restaurant
• Pickle and Turnip, Mediterranean, formerly Sahara's
• El Bracero, Mexican
• William B's Steakhouse
• It's Vegas Baby, Viva Italia (Thursday nights only)

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.

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

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.