Catalpa Review by guest John B. Boss (06/22/2021)

Catalpa Review by John B. Boss

Less than two short hours from Chicago via the skyway is a charming getaway called the Catalpa Vacay Rental in Michigan City Indiana. Less than 10 minutes from Dunes Beach this charming and exquisite 3 bedroom and two bath home is the perfect destination for up to 6 guests. With a private drive and plenty of on-street parking, it is the perfect getaway. The lovely hosts Steve and Mary Champagne of Artsees Diner fame have tastefully decorated their home with warmth and fine attention to detail. Every wall and corner is covered in stunning blue, teal and seafoam decor which left a relaxing lakeside feeling during our visit. Each of the three themed rooms was adorned with one-of-a-kind furniture from local artist Marissa Rapier of Risscycled. We enjoyed a tropical, a Puerto Rico, and a Beatles-themed bedroom. All three rooms and surrounding decor reflected the host’s love of travel, music, and nature. The rooms provided a cozy and restful respite after visiting the many nearby attractions which include Canada Park, which was just down the street; and Blue Chip Casino, Friendship Botanic Gardens, St Julian Winery in nearby Union Pier, and of course the fine and friendly dining at Leed Public House.This one-of-a-kind vacation home has its own washer and dryer, superb WiFi, large television, and a fully stocked kitchen with everything need to entertain right down to the cake pans and platter. Each guest is treated to a bottle of Champagne from St Julian Winery and fresh breakfast muffins from Al’s Grocery. If the home isn't enough Le Garden de Champagne is a sight to behold. This on-site garden and venue is the perfect outdoor location for your personal stay or gathering under 25. The garden which is highlighted by a thriving Catalpa tree and over 30 varieties of plants is absolute perfection. The garden has plenty of tables, chairs, and of course umbrellas to comfortably host a small birthday, shower, wedding, or meeting. It also has a grill and performance spaces. Catering, wedding services, and entertainment are available for an additional charge. Evenings are the best at Catalpa. We took advantage of the fire pit and enjoyed a stunning array of lights which provided the perfect backdrop for the final evening of our stay. Steve and Mary are the perfect hosts making themselves available and assured our stay was a veritable treat. One of my guests broke a heel and Mary quickly came to the rescue with her glue gun. Everyone is welcome and loved at Catalpa. Everyone is family at Catalpa. It was a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Thank you, Steve and Mary. We’ll be back.

Link to Catalpa 

And...Introducing Catalpa!

Catalpa, a beautiful tree with heart-shaped leaves and orchid-like blooms in the spring, right? Well, yes you are right, however, it is also the name of the newest addition to the ArtSees Diner, Champagne Experience Family! It is our short-term vacation rental in the heart of the coolest beach community southwest of Saugatuck. Actually, the Hungry Hollow/Canada Park neighborhood is going to be the next Saugatuck, mark my words! 

Our beautiful little bungalow is a blend of chill and boho meets "artsee." You see there is currently only one tree in the private backyard oasis and that is a glorious catalpa. While neighboring properties lend ample shade, it is the catalpa that we believe defines this property. She is many things and produces many changes throughout the spring-summer season. 

Catalpa boasts the perfect backyard surrounded by a 6ft tall privacy fence that can be locked to increase privacy. There are numerous deck spaces as well as a cabana-like patio complete with a fire pit, gas grill, and wait until you see the flowers and plants! It is the perfect event space. We imagine small weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties, and even intimate live concerts.

The property is not conducive to our fur friends and children, but it is perfect for young couples, seasoned travelers, and individuals looking to go from simple to sublime at a moment's notice. We look forward to welcoming you and those you love to your home away from home experience. 

https://airbnb.com/h/catalpa-bungalow-garden-paradise-michigan-city

We Are "Zorn Again" and It Is Spring In the City! by the Chef - SRC

You know, there can be many reasons to be in the hunt for exceptional food, libation, and entertainment venue.

My wife and I, for example, spent the day eyebrow deep in the painting aspect of rehab-ing a property, and we're over 60, so after a day of honest physical labor, we were primed for some high-quality nutrition and pain relief front and center. And since we happen to be a big fan of a particular local brewery's liquid blessings, I went to bat for Zorn - which wife was on board with so quickly I knew we were en route to something special.

What did we have?

Well, what *didn't* we have?

Our server was upon us what seemed like just a smidge under half a moment before I was enjoying a shot of tequila and my first "Captain Campion" (brown ale), my wife some tequila and whatever (I think I heard the word 'Champagne' at some point..).. not long thereafter a phenomenal "Zeus Burger" (half price on Wednesdays!), gourmet fries, and the best jalapeno poppers anywhere.

Yes, a few more liquid treats followed. (You did read the part about our being 60+, right?)

Between that, our fantastic server, a four-piece live band doing some real jazz, and the unparalleled ambiance of the great Zorn outdoors, I can hardly remember the bodily aches I *might* have whimpered once or twice about.

Fun crowd, too.

Do make haste!

"Redheaded Mule" & She is BACK!

Yes, She is back! Who, well, ArtSees Diner of course! After a long period of time, energy, and focus being on things unrelated to my love, AD, it is time to return. What better reason to return to blogging other than something that tantalizes, tickles, and trips the light fantastic? A new libation! What better way to usher March than with a Redhead? 

I introduce "Redheaded Mule" by Mary E. Champagne, aka ArtSees Diner.

It is very simple - 

• Fever-Tree Ginger Beer 
• Mary E's housemade Cinnamon Liquor (recipe at the end) 
• Pour over ice and sip! 

Mary E's Housemade Cinnamon Liquor 

• Bourbon (cheap kind is best!)
• Fresh Cinnamon Sticks 
• Bottle and sit for at least 4 months
• A little sugar (or not) 

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! 

The Brewery Lodge - The Perfect Get-Away

Chicago-land, you are missing out on the absolutely amazing corridor between 80/94 and the end of route 421 and Union Pier Michigan. There are so many amazing breweries, wineries, restaurants and yes, boutique hotels. Hotelier John Van Prooyen pooled his extraordinary talent to bring the people of LaPorte County a taste of the East Coast when he ventured a path into the uncharted territory of independently owned and operated hotel development.

The Brewery Lodge is built upon Zorn Brew Works phenomena and the Champagne Lodge history. When you drive up the quiet, secluded pathway towards the current 12 room lodge, you immediately question "where in the hell am I?" Well, you are in LaPorte County on the outskirts of Michigan City proper, just a stone's throw away from the beautiful Lake Michigan.

Each room is sweetly adorned with the special touches from a man who knows aesthetics and Feng shui, and Van Prooyen has a special touch and understands the understated benefits of connecting with nature. Let the Brewery Lodge be your next Walden moment.

When you are not up for an overnight, then drift away to a North Eastern Atlantic/Hudson Valley get-away and enjoy a night at the Brewery Lodge bar and enjoy the "Ichabod Crane-esque" vibe. Sit back and enjoy a pint or two in the rustic outback of Michigan City proper. Cheers!

Just a Sip Away - St. Julian Union Pier Michigan

Sometimes, you just gotta slip away to get away. Sometimes, you just gotta sip away to paradise. Whatever your need and inclination, we gotta suggestion; ArtSees Diner suggests you slip and sip away to the St. Julian Winery, Union Pier Tasting room. Whether you are being greeted by John, served by Tony or addressed by Candace, you quickly remember that you are arriving to a place where everybody knows you by face and even sometimes by name.

St. Julian's is one of the oldest wineries in the divinely glorious Michigan Winery industry. Angela and Jean warmly greet you through every single bottle of wine, spirit and brew.

We finally found our way to St. Julian Winery a couple months ago and we are delighted that we have become members of their fine wine family.

Be certain to add St. Julian Winery to your winery tour. Ask for any single member of the staff, they represent the brand very well! By the way, tell them Steve and Mary E, aka ArtSees Diner sent you!

Cheers, with love, ArtSees Diner