A Rosé By Any Other Name...and What the "Pubster - Gals" Think!

Spring has sprung, the grass is rizz'd, I wonder where my Rosé is? Spring in the Northern Hemisphere is the perfect time to be sipping on a nice, cool, crisp Rosé. But, then again, Summer is the perfect time to be sipping on a nice, cool, crisp Rosé. To that end, there is never a time when sipping on a Rosé isn't the right time.

When I was first entering the market as a legal wine drinker, Rosé was merely a White Zinfandel, blush, or pink wine. There were approximately two that were offered and typically came from a jug, they were Sutter Home and Gallo. Rosé, the American version, of White Zin, was first produced in the 1860s in Lodi and as a result, became a nice alternative to classic red or white wine. White Zinfandel is still one of the most sold, by volume in the US and has a lovely nickname "Cougar Juice." Over the years and with the growth of wine-drinking sophistication, so it goes more Rosé is being offered here in the US and it is no surprise as women are becoming one of the biggest purchasers of wine and the palette is forever becoming more sophisticated towards the wide variety of wine and beautiful food pairing options.

Rosé is one of the most consumed wines in France and in 2018 there was a huge concern that because of the growth in popularity and market for fine Rosé wine throughout the world and the United States that they might not have enough to get them through their summer. Fortunately, the wine-making industry in the United States is beginning to catch up with its much older French sister and as vines mature and the field of viticulture booms, the US winemaker is beginning to hold their own against the legacy of France, Italy, and Spain. How Do Local/Regional Winemakers Hold Up Against France and Italy?

Recently, I asked a group of my "Pubster - Gals" to join me in a Rosé wine tasting. Five willingly stepped up to the plate to humor me, but ultimately took their job very seriously. Two of the tasters had just returned from a Rosé wine event in Nashville, so their palettes were primed and ready for more!

Rosé for the tasting were:

Prophecy Rosé 2017 - Vin de France

Tasting Notes for Prophecy: Minerally, citrus, very dry, tangy, aligns well with a Sauvignon Blanc

St.Julian Winery Chambourcin Rosé 2018 - Michigan

Tasting Notes for Chambourcin: Fruity, berry (raspberry, strawberry, fruit forward, buttery after-tones.

St.Julian Winery Tempranillo Rosé 2018 - Michigan

Tasting Notes for Tempranillo Rosé: Light, fruity, herbal, earthy, smooth

Shady Creek Winery Rosé 2018 - Michigan City Indiana

Tasting Notes for American Rosé:Medium body, intense bouquet, oaky, cherry tones, vanilla after-tones

Villa Alena Rosé 2018 - Piedmonte Italy (Trader Joe's)
 

Tasting Notes for Villa Alena: Light, semi-dry, fruit-forward, raspberry

So the moment of truth; which Rosé came in first place with the Pubster Gals? St.Julian Winery Tempranillo Rosé 2018 - Michigan was the overall winner with Shady Creek Winery Rosé 2018 at a close second. 

ArtSees Diner highly recommends both St. Julian's Winery, (we prefer the Union Pier tasting room) and Shady Creek Winery in Michigan City. 

Follow the links above to discover more about each winery and make sure you visit very soon! 

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

Tickets Available here

Michigan City's North End on the South Shore is Alive and Ready To Serve!

Restaurants New To Michigan City, #mymichigancity:
Hum Hum Mediterranean Cuisine 
Dough Boys Sandwich Shop 
Today's post focuses on a recent visit to two of Michigan City's newest restaurants. Included are the best places to grab a bite to eat on the North End of Michigan City. The North End on the South Shore - we love it!

Steve and I just finished up an amazing lunch compliments of the Michigan City North End! Both new restaurants are located next to the South Shore Train Line's 11th St., depot.
We love this place! We enjoyed sandwiches from Dough Boys and I stopped in at HUM HUM Restaurant as well. ‪ #‎DoughBoys‬ you were firing on all cylinders! The place is quaint, friendly and I loved watching the "boys" preparing sandwich masterpieces! Steve ordered the Struben with German potato salad. I had the beef brisket sandwiches (forgot the name) with German potato salad. We also ordered the hummus. All three items were absolutely outstanding! The bread was superb. Next door to ‪#‎HumHum‬ and tried out their grape leaves. PHENOMENAL! What a special treat to have so many options all in one place! I look forward to going back for the falafel as well as gyro, chicken shwarma. Riders of the ‪#‎SouthShoreTrain‬ to ‪#‎Chicago‬ need to be aware of this hotspot! Chicago Food Bloggers this is a must stop! It really was so cool - while I was waiting for our order the train pulled up to the 11th St. Station. Immediately ‪#‎mymichigancity‬ became a whole new world and I wasn't missing the bustle of Manhattan quite as much! AMAZING!

Chicago - it is important to know that the tax rate is extremely low, the cost of libations equally so and there is NO cost to park your car! All is within walking district (aside from Shady Creek Winery and Burn'em Brewing) of the 11th St. South Shore Train Depot.

Other Favorite Places To Dine Out, Hang Out and Enjoy the North End : Overboard at the Marina - 12 On the Lake American cuisine, great views of the lake and live music.
Trattoria Tonelli's World class Italian cuisine with a superb ambiance.
Galvestons Steak and wonderful libations.
Shore Line Brewery Chef inspired bar food - in house brewery, live music.
Fire and Water Washington Park On the Lake - opening soon for the season The same owner/chef of Pickle and Turnip brings a breathtaking view of the lake, beach side service, fast food with a Moe-esque twist.
Maxine's French - American cuisine, high-quality libations with a mixologist flair, live music
Mucho Mas Tex/Mex food, huge portions, high quality - great location.
Cool Runnings Jamaican Catering and Restaurant Jamaican cuisine, phenomenal jerk chicken and more.
Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant Exquisite sushi, fine Japanese cuisine.
Ryan's Irish Pub Most beautiful outdoor patio in entire Northwest Indiana corridor. Great drinks, live music, outstanding pub food.
Shady Creek Winery Although this is no located in the North End district, it is on the North End of the South Shore. Great wine made in house - fun environment with live music, food and special events.
Burn'em Brewing Great place to hang out for that special brew - although it is not located in the North End district it is also on the North End of the South Shore. Blue Chip Casino - Nelson's Deli (BEST Reuben!) William B's (BEST bartender and service - phenomenal Steakhouse!) Its Vegas Baby (Nightlife) Options Buffet (traditional buffet) The Game (great bar food, drinks and sports!)

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.