Bistro On the Greens - Michiana's Newest Hot Spot

There is nothing better than celebrating your friend’s birthday! Well, maybe there is something better and that is celebrating your friend’s birthday with great food at a very special place. One that offers all the ambiance and class to make better - spectacular! Such was the case with my friend’s birthday celebration at Bistro On the Greens.

Bistro On the Greens is the brainchild of restaurant entrepreneur John Moultrie. John brings to his newest endeavor not only his love of fine NOLA, Southern cuisine but an extensive background in jazz to the restaurant nestled in the historical Legacy Golf Course, LaPorte Indiana. Moultrie’s clever double-entendre with the use of “Greens” provides a window into his creative flair. In short he has nailed a “whole in one.”

Let me recreate the evening for you; Upon arriving we encountered a few diners leaving the restaurant and asked them how their evening was. Aside from their very happy content faces we knew they were well pleased after asking them about their experience. Their response was, “fabulous!” My friend asked for recommendations and they quickly listed what they dined on and summarized by saying, “all of it is fantastic!” That was a great way to kick off the evening.

We were greeted by a lovely lady who was ready and willing to make our night a special one. John Moultrie’s attention to detail was everywhere from the warm welcome of the hostess to the subtle lighting and overall glow. But, that was only the beginning. Not only were we embraced by a cordial hostess and seductive lighting, but also by the music floating from a baby grand piano and “larger than life” jazz greats. Moultrie’s experience in hospitality is highlighted by the way he strategically placed the music front and center. It is very reminiscent of my favorite places to visit in Chicago and Manhattan. If you want music to be the entrancing spirit of the joint then, don’t put the music in the back as an afterthought let music be your muse. Bistro On the Greens’ has live music five days a week. Mike is the Bistro’s house musician and not only does he play a mean piano, but he is a spot on crooner with a vast repertoire.

Whether you are coming for a romantic dinner for two, or out with friends, just because, or with a large party ready to celebrate birthdays the “Bistro” is a perfect dining experience. The overall layout and seating has been designed to provide a wide variety of options from cozy intimate seating, a private dining room vibe, or a more open dining feel. Additionally, there is a gorgeous, well stocked bar manned by a local favorite Kyle. The bar is located in the back of the restaurant and has a great view of the greens for those who are out for drinks and live music. John Moultrie’s brings his down home sophistication and his love of Louisiana cuisine to Northwest Indiana in a way that very few entrepreneurs could. Do not be surprised when John comes to your table to make sure that you are content and are well cared for. It is his down home charm that really sets Bistro On the Greens apart from other restaurants.

What do I look for when I am out for a special evening and what makes a venue go from a place to eat to a place to remember? It is: 1) lighting, 2) music, 3) personable service 4) timing of food delivery 5) well crafted cocktails and fine wine 6) willingness to make the event special 7) food quality, variety and most importantly 8) an owner that lets me and my party know that our being there is all that matters. Bistro On the Greens earns 8 stars! Now onto the food!

Moultrie’s desire to share his Grandmother’s authentic recipes is at the heart of his menu. You will find all the traditional NOLA favorites like fried green tomatoes, alligator nuggets, jambalaya, gumbo, to ribeye steaks, hand packed hamburgers, salads, flatbread pizzas and more. Everyone in our party was well-pleased with their entrees. I enjoyed fried chicken breasts with greens (superbly done) smashed sweet potatoes and a cheese biscuit along with an appetizer of fried green tomatoes. Sadly there was no room for dessert, that will have to wait until next time.

Bistro On the Greens easy to get to and whether you live in the immediate area, including, Michiana, NWI, or are looking for a get away from Chicagoland, Bistro On the Greens is a must and well worth the drive!

Stop in and tell John that ArtSees Diner, aka, Mary E., sent you.

ADDRESS 299 West Johnson Road La Porte, IN 46350 CONTACT (219) 575-7272 BUSINESS HOURS (central) S-F 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Sa 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Fire & Water: A Diamond On the Dune

Welcome to Michigan City Indiana! Only a select few seem to know of the wonders that this magical place holds for travelers looking for a place to unwind, "create, play and repeat." Let me paint a picture for you...

After a long work week you want nothing more than to escape the intense "City" heat and get out of the intense traffic that is often the case with Chicago and its surrounding burbs. Where do you go where you can still treat your family to a day in the sun without paying a fortune for fees, parking and food? You head east on the 80/94 corridor and come on into Michigan City Indiana by way of 12, 20 or 421. Michigan City is on the move and no matter which way you careen into the "City by the Lake" you will find at your journey's end the North End of this quaint home away from home Washington Park and sitting on the crown of this natural  resource is North Pointe Pavilion, the home of Fire & Water. 

Fire & Water is the brain child of entrepreneur and Michigan City's social guru, Mohamed Mroueh. Moe as he is lovingly called has brought a taste of his homeland Lebanon and has enriched us all as a result. From the first time you meet him, you just know that this guy knows customer service. It is not unusual to see Moe walking around meeting and talking with his customers. 

Fire & Water is located at 6 on the Lake and offers an upscale sandwiches, Moe's traditional hummus (the best you will ever taste), grape leaves, Baba ghanoush along with hamburgers, gyro's, fish tacos, pulled pork, jerk chicken and more. For those looking for an specialty cocktail or craft beer, you will find a full bar with professional bartenders ready to serve you up in style. 

Beautiful views of Lake Michigan and breathtaking sunsets.  

Perfect views from the rooftop invokes the photographer in you. Look for a perfect view of the Chicago skyline and see a sunset like you have never seen it before. Many who come here from tropical places say they never saw a prettier sunset. 

Keep your eyes on Fire & Water's facebook page for weekly events and specials. It is not unusual to have something extraordinary on Thursday nights so as to usher in the weekend in grand style. Additionally, every Sunday night there is *live music "Up on the Roof" ready to put to sleep a long weekend and kick off yet another amazing week here at the "City By the Lake." 

*Sunset Sundays features local musicians Steve Champagne and Mary E. Rapier, known as Steve and Mary E., every Sunday night from 6:30 to sunset singing songs from the 60's, 70's and assorted light rock, guaranteed to make you smile. 

A few things to keep in mind: Food is ordered on the lower level which also offers comfortable seating. Food runners are on hand to bring food up to your table after ordering. There are also rooftop servers who can take your food order, you will pay upon ordering and availability varies. 

A couple things to keep in mind: Local residents have access to free parking by obtaining a parking pass. LaPorte residents who are outside the Michigan City city limits can obtain an annual parking pass for $25. (More information here)  There is a $7 fee to enter the park and utilize the secure parking and all amenities that Washington Park provides the recreational enthusiast. This charge is not imposed by Fire & Water. The North Pointe Pavilion is a part of the Michigan City Parks Department and as a result the fee is necessary to maintain the overall upkeep of one of the finest parks in Northwest Indiana and surrounding areas. For those coming from the Chicago-land area the $7 parking fee is a very affordable one when compared to the cost of parking in the city.  The Fire & Water staff has done a phenomenal job at keeping the cost of food and drink way below the normal fees found found at outdoor venues which truly does help offset the inconvenient parking fee that some tourists are charged to park. 

For more information go to Fire & Water and keep up-to-date about all the amazing things this venue and the North Pointe Pavilion at Washington Park provides you and your family.  

Fire & Water : A Diamond on the Dune! 
6 On the Lake 
Washington Park, Michigan City Indiana 
$-$$ 
#MyMichiganCity can be #YourMichiganCity.

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