ArtSees Diner Favorites

Hello all, it has been a while since we wrote a blog about our dining experiences. Mostly we have been enjoying some of our favorite places here in the Northwest Indiana area. So as to not lose touch with all of you I thought I would do a "Favorites" segment.

Copper Rock Steakhouse  - Four Winds Casino
Copper Rock is tucked inside of Four Winds Casino, located in New Buffalo, Michigan. Not only will you find attentive, professional staff but outstanding Chef prepared cuisine. One of the highlights of CRS - is the incredible gourmet bread basket that is served to every guest. Don't forget to indulge in the chocolate truffle beignet following your entree. This highly ranked steakhouse is known for its extreme wine selection and hand-crafted cocktails. The portions are very generous. So go easy.
My recommendation: Himalayan Beef 

The Pickle and Turnip - Transitioning to Catering Only
What can I say - I will miss this place. See my reviews and weep with me. But stay tuned for Moe's newest ventures - Fire and Water at the Beach and Reserved at North Pointe - An experience in private dining. 

Hokkaido - Sushi
Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant is one of the newest additions to the Uptown Art's District in Michigan City Indiana. This quaint, Manhattan-style boutique restaurant prides itself on the artistry behind preparing Sushi. If you are looking for fresh, hip cuisine, then Hokkaido is the place to go.
My recommendations: Tuna-Avocado Roll and Vegetable Tempura

Song - Asian, Sushi - Traditional Chinese
A fairly typical Asian restaurant in general, but Song has a different tune. It offers hand-rolled, freshly made Sushi and Rolls. Song is extremely affordable and the service is wonderful.
My recommendation: Hunan tofu and the White Tuna and Avocado Roll. 


Maxine's - American French 
Maxine's located in the heart of the Uptown Arts District is the perfect place to steal away with friends, family or a loved one. It is definitely a great date night place. One can expect wonderful steaks, unusual dishes such as Cioppino, a combination of seafood, white fish in a tomato base. A must try when dining at Maxine's is their French Onion soup. Perfection! Also be sure to ask what the featured cocktail, ravioli, flat bread pizza and yes, their featured burger. You will not be disappointed!
My recommendation: All of the above and especially the French Onion soup.

Barker Inn - AYCE Walleye (Friday Night Only) 
Barker Inn AYCE Walleye is worth the trip. It is worth the hour and a half of second hand smoke. I know that sounds bad, but Barker Inn allows smoking in keeping with the majority of their long-standing clientele. If sitting in doesn't grab you, then place an order and carry it out. It is well worth the $10.99! Truly amazing!
My recommendation: It is obvious. 

Shady Creek Winery 
This delightful winery in the eastern countryside of Michigan City is the perfect way to escape and unwind. The wine makers blend grapes from California wine country and Southwest Michigan. In addition to a wonderful location it also offers small plates and frequent events with expanded fare.

My recommendation: Petite Sirah and cheese plate for two. 

Stop by and enjoy what all the locals have to say about food and more.
Michigan City Restaurant Reviews.

Image compliments of John Avila

Other places worth visiting for a variety of reasons:
Bartlett's 
Overboard 12 On the Lake
Galveston's
Blue Plate Cafe
Jackie's Cafe
Swingbelly's
Acorn Theatre 
Journeyman's Distillery
Hammerś
More to come! Our neck of the wood is alive with all kinds of great fun! Where is your favorite? Add it to the comments.

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

Jackie's Cafe, Saturday Morning Splendor!

For me Saturday mornings are the "treat ME right," kinda morning. Traditionally Saturday mornings have been the one morning where laziness rules the roost. When there are little to no plans and therefore making plans on a spontaneous whim is aprapo. It all began when I was a child. Getting up and going to school was never my thing. Saturday meant, you don't have to go anywhere! Then as a young mother and Saturday was the first day after a 5 day work week. It was when my sisters would come over or someone else was there to help me get the babies ready. It was the one morning when a "true breakfast" was made and enjoyed. When coffee was slowly sipped. The tradition has continued. There is nothing like a Saturday morning.

This particular Saturday I woke up with a mission in mind. I was not going to cook, make coffee or putz around the house in my robe. Rather, I was setting out to find the perfect place to make me feel like royalty for the morning. It had been a long, exhausting week. I requested Steve's presence, but, he had some writing on his mind. So, well then, I will go it alone! I had my sights set on a nice little cafe we had stopped at during the summer months. The place; Jackie's Cafe, The mission; Experience the best!

I do not mind going it alone. I have done it many times in my life and I have found that I gain clarity, I am expressive, comfortable, at home with myself. I don't make it a habit, but, it isn't bad either. So, why was Jackie's a good place for going it alone? Because it feels like you are in a breakfast room of a cozy house, that's why. My server was very attentive, friendly and took the time to talk to me about her favorite breakfast dish. I took her advice. She was right! I enjoyed Egg's Benito. Poached eggs served on top of jalapeno corn bread with a slice of ham and topped with jalapeno cheese sauce. Delicious! It is a bit spicy, but, no complaints here. I ate half and brought the other half home for Steve. He also enjoyed it. The corn bread in particular was the best I have ever eaten out. Brava!

Following my meal I had a bit of a conversation with my server about the catering end of the business as well as the "back door bakery." Her exuberance about the place and passion for Jackie came very natural. There is something about being served by someone who really believes in the chef and the nature of the restaurant. How could I possibly resist such enthusiasm?

Around to the back door I went. It reminded me of an old time movie where the children would go out back and sneak a cookie before dinner. The bakery is small, quaint, but filled with sunshine and glorious aroma's of fresh baked, sweet treats. It was only a few seconds before Jackie made her way from the kitchen to welcome me. She moved from behind the bakery case to speak to me face to face on the "patron" side of the case. That immediately struck me as true hospitality. No wonder why the service was so wonderful, Jackie is wonderful! She took the time to tell me a little about her history, background and how she came to New Buffalo Michigan. Within a few moments of explaining why I was out on a Saturday morning brought about a very friendly exchange over sweet treats. She made a "goodie" box up for Steve so that he would know exactly what he missed. She even called him by name after I had only mentioned it once.

Jackie Shen and Jackie's Cafe receives 5 gold Saturday morning smiles for food quality, atmosphere, good service, going the extra mile and for representing what true hospitality is all about! Mission accomplished! I experienced the best!

Planet Olive Garden of Eatin'

Michigan City, Indiana is blessed with an impressive array of fine local dining options. I often wonder how restaurant chains make it here at all, really, given how incredible the local restaurants are. But tonight we went to Olive Garden on a whim, and wound up going to infinity and beyond satisfied.

Basically, it's like this: we experienced perfect alignment of planets that consisted of our server, Sara S., the never ending pasta bowl, and the wine.

Was it the best pasta or wine we've ever had? Probably not. But we weren't expecting the very best. We were admittedly expecting chain restaurant food. But the cuisine rocketed beyond the escape velocity of our expectations.

The never ending pasta bowl comes with soup or salad, and we both opted for salad, knowing that the Olive Garden salad is a classic in its own right.

The irresistible bread sticks haunted me from the get go, though I won the battle this time, knowing I'd have my digestive work cut out for me due to the words "never ending". But we most definitely brought them home for less challenging eating settings - one small step for man from the freezer to the microwave, one giant leap for mankind snacking.

For our never ending selection, my partner went with the linguini with a creamy sauce that included sun-dried tomatoes and bits of bacon. I realize that bacon is often considered "cheating" because there's no way to lose with bacon. But it was tastefully present, well-balanced against the tomatoes and sauce spices.

I went with the five cheese marinara over angel hair. And, yes, I did leave this world and end up in a better one for the duration of my gesticulation. Very, very good. And that's coming from a Wisconsin boy who knows a thing or ten about cheese.

We both made it to our second bowl, but I must say it was barely, partially so we'd have something to bring home for leftovers, but mostly because the serving sizes were such that breathing would clearly be an issue on the way home. I guess I'll just have to wait a couple days to say hello to that belt notch again.

But the gravity holding all these heavenly concoctions together was our incomparable server, Sara S. I know I've had high praise for servers before. But Sara S. raised the bar to high heaven, and we'd want to return if for no other reason other than to feel the way she made us feel - like travelers who deserved the extra mile of service and value. Sara S., we hope your commanding officers are listening, because you deserve a shot at no less than the final frontier in the Olive Garden hierarchy. You really get it.

Where the Culinary Rubber Meets the Comedic Road

Remember how I was raving about Italian Night each Thursday at "It's Vegas, Baby!" at Blue Chip Casino and Spa in Michigan City, Indiana?

Well, just when we thought it couldn't get any better, it got way better - orders of magnitude better as a matter of fact (assuming you're engineer enough to appreciate that phrase).

First of all, Sunday evening was their regular menu, which we'd accidentally seen once, but never ordered from. It contains a large array of selections, from appetizers, to hand made pizzas, to sandwiches, to home style cooking, to significant seafood and steak offerings. There were also specials. We started with the best jalapeño poppers we've ever had.

I have cat-like curiosity about meatloaf, so I just had to know. It came with mashed potatoes, those curly, fried onion thingies that are a bit like loose Christmas tree garland, and sliced, cooked carrots. Just the right amount of a fine mushroom gravy coated the top of the meat. And I'm sorry, mom, but this was far and away the best meatloaf I've ever had. It was a solid inch and a half thick, and more on the meaty side than the bready side, which is how I prefer my meatloaf.

My partner ordered the seven ounce filet special, which included green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. She said it was to die for and, indeed, my taste buds crossed through this veil of saliva to awaken in a more heavenly place after sampling it.

Courtesy of the casino's generosity in the form of food comps, we were there to sample. To that end, we also ordered the margherita pizza, which wound up being best of class as well. We had just enough funds to order the chocolate silk pie, which was essentially a fireworks climax to our gluttonous foreplay. We should have eaten only half of it (isn't it great when you have to look either over or around your dessert to see the rest of the room?), but (sing the rest of this to Don McLean's "American Pie") Satan was laughing with delight, the day, the waistline, died.

But that wasn't all. The $23 bottle of wine we selected was fantastic *and* we stayed on for the free comedy show (a Sunday night feature, I believe), ordering a couple more bottles of the same along the way. I suppose three bottles of wine for two people sounds excessive but, hey, we're talking about a five hour period on an extremely solid base of memorable food, and a couple comedians whose material would have leveled us even without Bacchus' ecstatic blood coursing through our own veins. As a matter of fact, the final comedian Vince Carone was so spot on regarding what's wrong with America that George Carlin had to have been hovering somewhere in the room, flashing two thumbs up while grinning from ear to ear.

Our server Heather was a real delight. She was warm and attentive, her timing impeccable. If the kitchen was the orchestra, she was the conductor shaping the phrasing, the balance, the overall experience. Bravo, maestro Heather! Bravo!

Make haste to this incredibly versatile eatery. The menu has you covered across a broad spectrum of prices. Did I mention that they even have a "make your own mac and cheese" offering? I mean, need I say any more?

It's Vegas Baby, revisited

Well, the difference a week or two makes.

I know it's probably not fair to be comparing William B's to It's Vegas Baby. After all, William B's is essentially as good as it gets. The staff is beyond expectation from top to bottom, the top being Patrick Cullars, the bottom... well, there truly is no bottom. The staff reflects and clearly respects Patrick's vision. There's no discontinuity between portrayal and enactment. Our latest experience was guided by the 17 year veteran Katherine, a consummate professional, whose admission of 17 years of devotion to impeccable service suggested she began her tenure as roughly a 13-year-old, which of course couldn't possibly be. I'm just trying to do the math backwards from her youthful appearance and demeanor.

Anyway, back to It's Vegas Baby.

I'm not sure exactly what happened at the front desk, but despite having made a reservation, others who hadn't made reservations were admitted before us, despite our standing right out front in clear view. Not sure if that sounds like a typical snafu to you, but it felt that way to us. And despite having made that reservation merely 15 minutes in advance, the hostess still needed to ask my name, which is a rather easy name to remember for most people ("Champagne").

After that, we had excellent service from Andrea, who has impressed us before. But it seemed a bit odd to hear that the wine we ordered - a staple on the menu - wasn't available because "it still hasn't been loaded off the truck". Um... really? So we said we'd wait for that unloading to take place. But it wasn't available in the 15 minutes wait time projected, and there was no attempt to coax us into an alternative for the same price, so we bailed on that portion of our order.

As usual, the food was great, and the portions generous. But you know how it is when you feel like the theme from "Twilight Zone" should be playing? That's how the experience played out. Perhaps Rod Serling would have felt at home, but we felt as though we were extras in a B movie.

South Bend Chocolate Cafe in downtown Mishawaka, Indiana

Mary and I had a wonderful time performing at South Bend Chocolate Cafe in downtown Mishawaka, Indiana last night. The steady stream of customers indicated quality cuisine. The employees where cheerful, responsive, and easy on the optic nerve.

The real icing on the cake of our experience was the carryout food that was part of our compensation, greedily devoured in the car on the way home. I can say without reservation that my ham and cheese sandwich was easily the best I've ever had out. The ham was obviously real ham as opposed to lunch meat ham. It was perfectly balanced by a fine, expertly melted cheese. Though it was too dark in the car to see what I was inhaling, my tongue relished the slightly toasted and buttered bread, which was no ordinary bread at that.

Google maps tells me we're 43.1 miles from 117 S Main St. in Mishawaka, Indiana. My taste buds tell me there ain't no 43.1 miles high enough to keep me from enjoying another fabulous sandwich there.

And to think that we didn't even get to the chocolate itself! Do make haste!

It's Vegas, Baby!

While not literally the deal of the century, one can't help but feel a trip to "It's Vegas, Baby!" (at Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City, Indiana) for their Thursday night "Vegas Italiano" to be a reasonable facsimile. $12.99 fetches you soup, salad, bread, a choice of pasta/sauce, and dessert. Great wine is available for as little as $14.99 a bottle. You can add protein to the pasta for a little more, but there's really no need given the side of the pasta portions. The bolognese sauce I ordered came with plenty of meat to satisfy my Paleolithic urges.

The ambience is pleasantly subdued: lights down, a sense that library level conversation is appropriate. The dining area is surrounded by TV screens displaying a fascinating, long-playing tribute to Las Vegas, which educates even as it entertains.

Last night's staff seemed just a bit beneath the challenge of the above average crowd in attendance. Indeed, we'd grown accustomed to practically having the place to ourselves. But word has apparently gotten out, and those days are over, so you best make a reservation. Given the Boyd Corporation's dedication to excellence, I have every reason to believe last night's service struggles were merely an aberration in the face of unanticipated turn out. Still, the food was easily worth the wait.

We didn't have time to stay for the regular Thursday night "dueling pianos" show, but we've heard it's fantastic.

All in all, this is must try experience. And don't forget the dessert is coming, or like me your lust for the fantastic pasta and sauce will have you filled beyond capacity!