NWI Feb 2015

Feb 15 • NW I Entertai n e r.com 1

Kountry Bar

2 NWI E nte rtai ner.com • F eb 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS NWI Music p 8 Grabbing the Golden Ring StreetSmarts p 12 NWI Events p 14 I Heart Beer & Wine

Advertising & Submissions: NWI Entertainer LLC 3311 Willow Creek Rd. Ste. 170 Portage, IN 46368 Sales Roly Martinez 773-416-0665 rolym05@comcast.net Northwest Indiana Entertainer is a monthly publication by Northwest Indiana Entertainer LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs and articles submitted become the sole property of Northwest Indiana Entertainer.

Our Team Rolando Martinez - Publisher

Bar Directory p 16 NWI Bar p 20 THe Red Carpet Lounge

Daniel Anthony- Contributing Writer Sam Mechling - Contributing Writer William Mathews - Contributing Writer Sean Michaels - Photographer Denise Roznowski - Photographer Jerome Hindman - Photographer

Feb 15 • NW I Entertai ne r.com 3

First Cho

ic e B a r b e r s

“Ex” Valentine’s A man went to the mall this last week to buy Valentines’ cards for his daughter and mother.

The 50 feet of displays for hundreds of cards astounded him. He muttered out loud, “I wonder if they have anything for ex-wives.” The clerk behind the counter said, “Oh, yes sir, they do have an ‘ex’ category, but they’re in Sporting Goods.”

“Really?”

“Yes sir. They’re called darts.”

Gentleman’s Shop, Shave Parlor 5973 McCasland Ave Portage, IN 46368

219.762.0204 Mon-Fri: 9am to 6pm Sat: 9am to 3pm Sun: Closed

4 NWI E nte rtai ner.co m • F eb 15

Fishing Two men are fishing on a riverbank when they see a funeral procession passing by. One of the men stands up, takes off his hat, and bows.

“That was a very nice thing to do,” says the second man.

“Well,” sniffles the first, “we were married for 25 years.”

ON TH ROXX - PORTAGE

Feb 15 • NW I Entertai ne r.com 5

KOUNTRY WILD - CHESTERTON

LITTLE OLD COUPLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

It was Valentines Day and a little old couple in their eighties were sitting on the couch watching TV. For a lark, the old man switched over to the Playboy Channel.

They watched for a few minutes, then he looked at her and asked, “Do you think we can still do that?”

“Well, we can sure try!” she answered.

So they shuffled off to the bedroom. He went into the bathroom to get ready and she took off all her clothes in the bedroom. When he came out of the bathroom, he saw her standing on her head in the middle of the bedroom floor.

“What are you doing, sweetheart?” he asked.

“Well,” she replied, “I thought if you couldn’t get it up, maybe you could just drop it in!

KNOW YOUR

RIGHTS? 219.769.0087 Call 24/7 for a FREE Consultation

6 NWI E nte rtai ner.com • F eb 15

Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n e r.com 7

NWI MUSIC

By William Mathews

Grabbing The Brass Ring Schlitz Beer had a commercial back in the ‘60’s that stated you only go around once in life so you have to grab for all the gusto you can. What that commercial was essentially saying is that if you have a dream go for it because opportunity only knocks once.

But going after your dream is not an easy thing to do. The possibility of failure keeps many people in their comfort zone because it takes courage to take a risk; by daring to succeed you are also daring to fail.

But some people are so driven by their dream that to them it’s worth the risk. They would rather fail than look back when they are old and say what if. To them goes the satisfaction of having dared. And if they succeed, well…the rest goes without saying.

One young man who is daring to grab at that proverbial brass ring is 24 year old Mike Choucalas of Chesterton.

Choucalas graduated from Chesterton High School in 2009 and after high school, he went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Purdue University North Central.

But after his graduation in May of 2014, Choucalas didn’t pursue a career using his degree. Instead, he decided to chase his dream and pursue his true love: Music. So he packed up his bags and moved to Nashville, Tennessee.

Choucalas’ love of music began when he was twelve years old when his dad would drive him to drum lessons. A year and a half later, he got his own set of drums and began playing with his buddies in basements and garage bands.

About the time he was nineteen, Choucalas met Lou

8 NWI E nte rtai ner.co m • F eb 15

Samaniego of Chris (Sulcer) and Lou who taught him to play guitar. And after Choucalas had learned to play, his parents would occasionally take him to the Old Style Inn in Valparaiso where he would sit in when Chris & Lou played there.

After turning 21 Choucalas joined the Jimmy Sarr Band, a country band from Munster. Choucalas spent two years with the band and it was here that he developed his love of country music; a love that ultimately led him to Nashville.

Nashville, the home of the Grand Ole Opry, is the heart and soul of the country music scene. And despite the high quality of the thriving music scene here in Northwest Indiana, Choucalas felt that there was no better place to pursue his dream than Nashville.

“Nashville is Music City USA. If you want oranges you go to Florida, and if you want music, you go to Nashville,” said Choucalas. “To me music isn’t just a hobby and I feel like I can do this. When you walk down the street here there are musicians everywhere, and everybody can be somebody here.”

When Choucalas arrived in June, he hit the ground running. “I moved here on a Wednesday and I was playing in a honky-tonk on Thursday,” said Choucalas. “So all summer I hit the Broadway scene and played in honky-tonks four or five nights a week.”

The Nashville music scene slows down after Labor Day and to keep food on the table Choucalas took a job at a bar on Broadway called “The Wheel”. But the job has had more benefits than just a paycheck and could lead to some bigger things down the road.

“In the summer the money was good but in the winter

things get slow,” said Choucalas. “So until things pick up again I’m working at the bar and I’ve made more contacts working there than I did when I played there.”

“It’s amazing who you can meet when you’re not playing because you see everyone who comes in and you can interact with everyone at the bar,” continued Choucalas. “I’ve made some good contacts here and I’ve got some things in the works for some big shows.”

Choucalas knows that despite the good fortune he has enjoyed so far the road ahead will not be easy. But still, he remains determined.

“I’m hopeful,” said Choucalas. “I’m going to keep writing songs and try and play everywhere I can as long as I can afford it. I hope to have an album out by next fall and I’m also trying to get a permanent band together.”

“But I’m young and I have no family so I’ve got plenty of time. And besides, I’m having lots of fun.”

if you have a dream go for it because

opportunity only knocks once Feb 15 • NW I Entertai ne r.com 9

HMO Two doctors and an HMO manager are killed in a train wreck and line up at the pearly gates for admission to heaven. Saint Peter asks them to identify themselves.

One doctor steps forward and says, “I was a pediatric spinal surgeon. I helped hundreds of kids overcome their deformities.”

Saint Peter says, “Enter.”

The other doctor says, “I was a psychiatrist. I helped rehabilitate thousands of people.”

Saint Peter nods and invites him into heaven, too.

The third applicant steps forward and says, “I was an HMO manager. I helped countless people get cost-effective health care.”

Saint Peter tells him, “You can come in, too.”

As the HMO manager walks by, Saint Peter adds, “But you can only stay for three days. After that, you can go to hell.”

10 NWI E nte rta iner.com • F eb 15

Club&Bed - Mishawaka CHUCK IRENES - HAMMOND

Upcoming Entertainment!

Saturdays The evening starts here . . .

Then parties into the night!

February 7 February 14 February 21 February 28

Spazmatics Lt. Dan’s New Legs Killer Flamingos PS Dump Your Boyfriend

Open for Dinner Friday & Saturday.

5:00pm – 10:00pm Make reservations for dinner online at www.bluechipcasino.com/dine/its-vegas-baby. ©2015 Blue Chip Casino. Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid state or government issued photo ID. Don’t let the game get out of hand. For assistance call 800-994-8448.

MICHIGAN CITY, IN | BlueChipCasino.com

15694Fjd_BC_IVB_FebNWIent_AD 7” x 4.25” 1.16.15Feb

15 • NW I Entertai ne r.com 11

STREETWALKER: Brandi Ferguson TASTES LIKE: a chum bucket filled with crazy bread NICKNAME: “Winter’s Bone”

STREETSMARTS

STREETWALKER: “Shit! I reenacted that same scene with “Scoliosis Suzanne” one time, but it wasn’t with spaghetti and we didn’t use our damn mouths either!

Created by: Sam Mechling

Avoiding an embarrassing St. Valentine’s Day

WINO: Joel, a financial planner from Portage from asks: I want to surprise my fiancé with an intimate dinner on the street, like in the film “Lady and The Tramp.” Do you think she’ll be confused?

STREETWALKER:

Bill, a small-business owner from Dyer asks: My girlfriend wants to eat vegetarian this year for Valentine’s dinner, but I’m worried I’ll get gas. Can I talk her out of this?

“Stop being such a pussy! You gotta rip the nastiest fart you can and then say, “TELL ‘EM LARGE MARGE SENT YA!”

STREETWALKER: “Baby, when I get a case of “cramps gravy” I always tell my customers the same thing: ‘When the freeway is busy, just take the damn dirt road that runs right next to it!’”

WINO: Ralph Berger SMELLS LIKE: a space heater stuffed with urinal cigarette butts PERSONAL QUOTE: “I’ll bite off your nose and swallow it!”

“Confusion at dinner ain’t no fun.

One time, my mom got arrested at a Spanish restaurant for swinging her titties all over the place. Ain’t HER fault she can’t read. Besides, “TAPAS” sounds a shit load like “TOPLESS” to me too!”

WINO: “I shit my pants at a drive-in theatre one time, and had to convince my date they were “reartears”. Can you believe that bitch thought my ass cried brown!?!?”

Brenda, crosswalk WINO: Sunday, aFebruary 5th @ Hobart Art Theater, Hobart guard from Hobart, Saturday, February 11th @ El Salto Mexican Restaurant, Chesterton Saturday, February 18th @ Bulldog Brewing Company, Whiting asks: This year, it looks “You ever soaked a Tampax in Saturday, February 25th @ like my period is going to Uncle Joes, Chesterton grain alcohol and then stuffed Saturday, March 3rd @ Markos, Portage fall on Valentine’s AGAIN. it in your turd-cutter?!? Better Any advice? question: You ever been kicked out of a Pep Boys for being “buttdrunk”?!?!”

12 NWI E nte rtainer.co m • F eb 15

Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n e r.com 13

NWI Events

By Rick Jensen

Fresh off an action packed slate of events in 2014 including

the New Year’s Eve Party of the century, Northwest

Indiana’s premier entertainment venue, the Radisson

booths where devotees of the two beverages can learn what foods to pair with their favorite beverages.

“Our thinking for this event was that over the last

Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville is back at it again in 2015.

few years there have been lots of beer only festivals,”

Saturday February 14th with the I Heart Beer & Wine

Radisson. “So we wanted to create something that

This year’s slate kicks off on Valentine’s Day,

Fest for beer and wine lovers. Beginning at 1:30 pm and continuing until 4:30 pm, beer and wine lovers

can learn all about local craft breweries and wineries

said Brian Narug, Assistant General Manager at the

combined both beer and wine so people can enjoy the fest no matter which beverage they prefer.”

“And we thought that we could market the

as well as enjoy sampling some of their wares.

whole

Company, New Belgium and Chateau Ste. Michelle, as well

failing that, just great friends,” continued Narug.

Some of the featured vendors will be Veteran Beer

as Tabor Hill, St. Julian Winery and Oliver Wine & Vineyards.

can

thing

share

around

the

event

Valentine’s with

Day

ones

so

they

people

love

or

“We just wanted to create a fun environment where people

Attendees will be able to sample hundreds of varieties

can taste beer and wine and listen to great live music too.”

while they do so. There will also be “Funky Chef”

of the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, located at 800

of libations as well as listen to live entertainment

14 NWI E nte rtainer.co m • F eb 15

The event will be held in the Celebrity Ballroom

East 81st Street in Merrillville. General admission for the event is $35 in advance and $45 at the door.

Admission includes unlimited tasting and a

commemorative Valentine’s Day glass. There is also a VIP entry for $55 that includes early entry to the event

(at 12:00 noon) and free complementary food stations as

well as the unlimited tasting and commemorative glass.

Guests will also be eligible to win a number of brewer

and vineyard branded prizes simply by attending.

In addition for those who don’t wish to drive after the

event, the Radisson is offering a special guest room rate

of $129 for deluxe accommodations. To book a room at the special rate, visit www.starplaza.com/specialevents/

, or call 219-769-6311 and use group code “HEART”.

Tickets for the event are available now at www.

http://www.radisson,com/merrillville

on

the

special

events page or they can be obtained through E-Tix at

https://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performancesearch. jsp?performance_id=5540835&cobrand-radisson.

Given the great track record of stellar events put on

in professional fashion by the staff at the Radisson Hotel

at Star Plaza this event should kick of f the 2015 slate in grand style and is a can’t miss for fun, so include the I Heart Beer & Wine Fest in your Valentine’s Day plans!

Sorry but this is a 21 and over event only.

Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n e r.com 15

Burns Harbor The Mill Bar & Grill

295 Melton Rd.

219-841-9475

Cedar Lake Big Butt BBQ & Sports Bar Goodfella's Bar & Grill Hunley's Bar

13231 Wicker Ave. 11200 West 129th Ave 13115 West Lake Shore Dr.

Shane's Bar & Grill Town Club Taven

8120 Lake Shore Dr 13111 Lake Shore Dr

219-374-5500 219-374-6700 219-374-9520 219-374-9835 219-374-9898

Chesterton Arron's Mortgage Inn El Cantarito Mexican Cuisine Flannery’s Tavern The Craft House Hunter's Brewing

1400 Broadway 709 Plaza Drive 125 Calumet Rd. 711 Plaza Dr. 1535 S. Calumet Rd.

Kountry Wild Saloon

1050 Broadway

The Upper Deck Lounge

139 S. Calumet (2nd Floor)

Uncle Joe's

361 N. Calumet Rd.

Val's Pizza

112 S. 11th St.

219-926-3113‎ 219-728-6962 219-926-2614 219-929-5570 219-728-6729

219-929-1040 219-926-1814 219-921-0056

513 Ale House

513 N. Main St.

219-662-0513

Back Court Bar

932 South Court St.

219-310-8416

Boz'z Place

8281 E. 109th Ave.

219-661-1770

Buddy and Pal’s

1206 E. East Summit

219-662-0088

Bullpen Luxury Bar

10685 Randolph St.

219-661-0088

Diamond Jim’s Fricke’s

211 S. East St. 210 S. Main St. 519 Grant St.

Jolly Rogers Lounge Martony's

11217 Whitcomb St. 104 South Main St.

219-463-6551 219-663-7665 219-663-0529 219-662-0639 219-310-8436

Matey's Irish Pub & Grill

419 N. Grant St.

219-663-8155

Mighty Mick's

10727 Randolph

219-662-2244

Safe House Bar & Grill The Point

101 S. Court St. 1910 N Main st.

The Silver Bullet The Super Bowl (Final Frame) The Zombie Club Three Monkey's Bar Track Lounge

100 N. Main St. 218 S. East St. 118 W Clark St 21 W. 112th Ave. 318 N. Jackson St.

219-779-9307 219-779-9711 219-663-7700 219-661-9015 219-662-8272 219-662-7000 219-663-9838

Dyer Finnegans Pub

1074 Joliet St.

219-865-9896

Meyer's Castle

1370 Joliet St.

219-865-8452

Sheffield's

1027 Sheffield Ave.

219-322-5808

Spanky’s Bar and Grill

15213 101St.

219-365-6635

Stadium Bar

1468 Joliet St.

219-322-6500

The Engine Room

202 Joliet St.

219-865-2424

Vino Tini

1143 Joliet St.

219-322-9185

White Rino

101 Joiliet St.

219-864-9200

East Chicago Beto’s Bar

1301 E. Chicago Ave.

219-397-8247

Good Times Bar & Grill

503 W. 151st St.

219-397-8810

2nd String Quarterback

719 W. 151st St.

219-354-0586

Mario's Lounge

4720 Indianapolis Blvd.

219-398-6405

Gary / Miller 18th Street Brewery

5725 Miller Ave.

219-939-8802

Arvin Cedar Bar

4477 Cleveland St.

219-980-9552

Bamboo Tavern

603 East 39th Ave.

219-887-5317

16 NWI E nte rtainer.co m • F eb 15

4450 Cleveland

219-981-8400

Black Cherri Lounge

6900 Melton Rd.

219-939-0461

Brother’s Lounge

5072 Broadway

219-980-3333

Bugsy's Tavern

4489 Broadway

219-887-2847

Green Top Tap

4510 W. Ridge Rd.

219-980-9546

Hunter Inn

3861 Broadway

219-980-9866

Majestic Star Casinos & Hotel

1 Buffington Harbor Drive

888-225-8259

Milan’s Tavern

5115 Broadway

219-980-9667

Murphy's House of Pain

5245 E. Dunes Hwy

219-427-1006

Paradise Lounge

5004 Broadway

219-887-6524

Polekatz NWI

9148 Melton Rd.

219-938-1556‎

Roxxy's

5705 East Dunes Highway

219-427-1023

The Beach Café

903 N. Shelby

219-938-1100

Thumbs Up

620 S. Lake St.

219-938-0154

Griffith

Crown Point

Crown Brewing

Beer Belly's

Depot Bar & Grill

520 Main St.

219-934-9767

Final Round Sports Bar

105 N. Broad St.

219-924-9539

Griffith Town Tap

602 E. Main St.

219-924-6451

John’s Place

1613 N. Cline

219-838-4490

Set'Em Up

135 N. Broad St.

219-924-3181

Shades of Time

1813 W. 45th

219-924-5009

Soprano’s

840 S. Broad.St.

219-924-0304

Hammond 5th Amendment Pub

6729 Kennedy Ave.

219-844-8267

Archor Inn Sports & Ent.

6712 Calumet Ave.

219-933-4677

Billy Bears Bar & Grill

1225 169th St.

219-844-1441

Chuck & Irene’s

6110 Kennedy Ave.

219-844-9812

Coach's Corner

6208 Kennedy Ave.

219-844-1111

Cozy Tavern

1304 East Summer St.

219-931-3338

Dick’s Are you Crazy

1221 E. 150th St.

219-853-8709

Dodo’s Firehouse Tap

521 Conkey St.

219-933-6646

Don’s Pub

250 East Gostlin St.

219-933-9418

Flick’s Tavern

6205 Kennedy Ave.

219-844-9761

Good Time Charlie’s

6023 S Calumet Ave.

219-933-9267

Home Plate Pub

3105 165th St.

219-844-9724

Hoosier Buddy Saloon

839 169th St.

219-931-0716

Industrial Strip

3626 S. Calumet Ave.

219-937-9750

Jason's Sports Bar

3949 Hohman Ave.

219-933-1976

Just One More

5245 S. Sohl Ave.

219-931-8984

Just Toni

5602 Calumet Ave.

219-937-5778

Kenwood Lanes

6311 Kennedy Ave.

219-937-7872

Kenwood Tap

6247 Kennedy Ave.

219-844-9766

Mickey’s

4648 S. Sheffield

219-852-0148

Miso's Overflow Tavern

6309 Kennedy Ave.

219-937-7871

Moochies

7022 Kennedy Ave.

219-845-7478

Old Glory Tavern

6755 Indianapolis Blvd.

219-844-1128

Olympia Lanes (Pocket Shots)

4150 S. Calumet

219-933-6677

Our Place

1403 East Michigan St.

219-933-9247

Pines Tap

7349 Calumet Ave.

219-931-1583

Porter’s Tap

6405 Kennedy Ave.

219-845-0597

Pudlos Tap

3803 Hohman Ave.

219-933-9561

Spirro’s Country Lounge

4760 S. Calumet Ave.

219-932-3255

Sportsman’s Tap

6320 Kennedy Ave.

219-844-8489

Sports Corner

155 Goslin

219-803-7148

Old Hertiage Inn

215 N. Main St

Hebron 219-996-2211

219-996-9040

Mark O's Bar & Grill 2

435 Ridge Rd.

3030 45th st.

219-513-9795

Curly Joe’s Bar & Grill

2528 Portage Mall

219-763-0195

Bone Dry

3805 Ridge Road

219-838-2442

El Cantarito Mexican Cuisine

6291 Central Ave.

219-762-1900

FrankO’s

2712 Condit St.

219-838-3330

Mark O’s Bar and Grill

2385 Willowcreek Rd.

219-763-3779

Getway Bar

1827 W. 45th

219-924-1717

Mood’s Pub & Eatery

2548 Portage Mall

219-762-7305

Growler’s

2816 Highway Ave.

219-924-0245

On The Roxx

2522 Portage Mall

219-763-7300

V.I.P Lounge

2045 45th St.

219-922-6845

Quaker Steak & Lube

6245 Ameriplex Dr.

219-764-9464

Red Carpet Lounge

6481 Melton Rd.

219-762-7485

Lighthouse

US 231 & Madison

Beek Geeks

Portage

Highland

Hobart Agave Mexican Restaurant

327 Main St.

219-947-3355

Rusty Nail

2420 Dombey Rd.

219-850-4675

Cressmoor Lanes

620 N. Wisconsin St.

219-942-6169

Ryan’s Tavern

6340 Melton Rd.

219-763-7771

Cressmoor Lounge

601 N. Wisconsin St.

219-942-7711

Shenanigan's

6121 Melton Rd.

219-762-0509

End Zone Bar & Grill

314 Main St.

219-942-0647

Stonequarry Lounge

2596 Portage Mall

219-762-5812

Hobart Lanes/10 Pin Lounge

99 S. Hobart Rd.

219-942-0906

Sunset Lounge

5844 US Hwy. 6

219-762-6065

Indian Ridge Golf Course

6363 Grand Blvd

219-942-6850

Lisa’s Lounge

3617 Michigan

219-962-4550

Brando's

212 Lincoln St.

219-926-3050

Main St.Station

235 Main St.

219-942-1000

Leroy's Hot Stuff

333 US 20

219-926-6211

Mickey D’s Bar

518 East 3rd St.

219-942-0730

Santiago’s

124 Lincoln St.

219-762-2113

The Depot

1429 W. 37th Ave.

219-947-5194

Wagner's Ribs

361 Wagner Road

219 926-7614

Whistle Stop Bar & Grill

206 Lincoln St.

219-921-0100

Lake Station

Porter

Schererville

219 Bar & Grill

2415 Rush St.

219-963-6053

Bens Twin Oak

2935 Central Ave.

219-963-0598

Buddy & Pal's

340 East US Hwy. 30

219-865-8377

Déjà Vu

2491 Ripley St.

219-962-4398

Bullpen Luxury Bar & Grill

1013 W. Lincoln Highway

219-322-7788

Draft House

4825 Central Ave.

219-962-1575

El Amigo Mexican Restaurant

312 W US HWY 30

219-865-3022

Dreamgirls

2491 Ripley St.

219-963-0555

Jalapenos / Woodhollow

200 US Hwy. 41

219-864-8862

El Ranchero Restaurant

3559 Michigan Ave.

219-962-1396

Longshots Sports Bar

2251 US HWY 41

219-322-0080

He Ain’t Here Lounge

2661 Decatur St.

219-962-2074

Quest

1204 W. Lincoln Hwy.

219-322-4812

Kimmies

2808 Dekalb St.

219-962-1232

Sal Y Limon

2330 S. Cline Ave.

219-322-6723

L F Norton

Central Ave.

219-962-3415

Schererville Lounge

48 East Joliet St.

219-322-5660

Muncie’s Lounge

4106 Central Ave.

219-962-6012

Social 219

2350 Cline Ave

219-322-3060

Ray’s Lanes

3201 Central Ave.

219-962-1297

Spike’s Lakeside Inn

21 East Joliet St.

219-322-4444

Ruthie’s Lounge

3425 Central Ave.

219-963-7987

Tap House 1233

1233 Central Ave.

219-962-6546

Lowell

St. John Blue 82 Sports, Food & Spirits

8209 Wicker Ave.

219-365-1525

Rascal's Pizza Pub & Grub

9623 Wicker Ave.

219-365-7880

Town Pub

214 E. Commercial Ave.

219-690-1947

The Clubhouse

9165 Wicker Ave.

219-365-5509

Sidetrack Saloon

106 Washington St.

219-696-9231

The Copper Still

9121 Wicker Ave.

219-627-3649

Cliffhanger's

151 Deanna Dr.

219-690-1002

The Cove Bar & Grill

4665 W. Main St.

219-696-0700

Lake Dale Ale

5512 W. Main St.

219-696-1256

Merrillville Beavers

7505 Talf St.

219-769-2351

Beer Barrel

4717 E. Lincoln Hwy

219-947-2995

Catch 22

500 E. 81st Ave.

219-793-9625

Dawg House Pub

3790 W. 80th Lane

219-756-4220

Hydad’s

31 80th Pl. S. W.

219-736-9110

Maxim’s Lounge

7205 Broadway

219-795-9520

Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant

8011 Broadway

219-769-7191

R-Place

65 W. 68 Pl.

219-769-0037

Sheffield's

1515 East 82nd Ave.

219-795-1005

T.J. Maloneys / Wisecrackers

800 East 81st Ave.

219-755-0569

Villa Del Sol

2225 Lincoln Hwy

219-201-4457

Munster 3 Floyds Brewing Co.

9750 Indiana Parkway

219-922-3565

Cheers Foods & Drinks

1942 45th Ave.

219-922-1325‎

Danny Z's

1860 45th St.

219-712-0912

Johnny’s Tap

8050 Calumet Ave.

219-836-9218

Valparaiso Big Shots

391 W. US HWY 6

219-850-4935

Duffy’s Place

1154 Axe Ave.

219-462-1057

Franklin House

58 S. Campbell St.

219-462-2533

Margarita's Bar & Grill

21 Lincolnway

219-242-8160

Martinis

1004 Calumet Ave.

219-464-0801

NorthSide Tap Room & Grill

712 Calumet Ave.

219-465-0885

Old Style Inn

5 Lincolnway

219-916-2086

Parkside Urban Bistro

1305 Calumet Ave.

219-286-7664

Pepe’s Mexican Rest. (Valpo)

1058 S. State RT. 2

219-465-0205

Rosewood Restaurant

367 W US Highway 6

219-763-2282‎

Sportman’s

381 US Hwy. 6

219-762-4099

Tony's Place

218 East Lincolnway

219-464-1018

Whiting Bulldog Brewing Co.

1409 119th St.

219-655-5284

Center Lounge

1312 119th St.

219-659-4080

Clipper’s Lounge

1225 119th St.

219-659-5006

Game Time 2 Bar & Grill

2062 Indianapolis Blvd.

219-473-0239

Midtown Station

1928 New York Ave.

219-659-7530

Sportsmen's Corner

1200 120th St

219-659-9695

Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n e r.com 17

TRACK LOUNGE - CROWN POINT

A widow goes on her first date since her husband’s death, and afterward the two end up back at her place. Once in the bedroom, she takes off everything but her black panties.

“You can touch me anywhere else,” she says, “but down there I’m still mourning.”

“I figured as much,” says the man. He then proceeds to pull down his pants and put on a black condom.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to offer my deepest condolences.”

Q: What’s the most successful pickup line ever?

A: “Does this smell like chloroform?”

A blonde is standing in an elevator with a few other people when a man wearing a black suit steps on. It’s evident that the man has dandruff problems, because it can be seen on the shoulders of his suit.

Two floors later the man gets off, and after door closes someone says, “Someone should really give that guy some Head & Shoulders.”

The blonde then responds, “Yeah… Hey, how do you give shoulders?”

18 NWI E nte rta iner.com • F eb 15

BEAVERs

Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n e r.com 19

NWI Bar

By Daniel Anthony

Rockin’ The Red Carpet One thing that is sure in life is that things change. Over time everything ultimately does change; towns and cities change, the landscape changes, people change and technology has and continues to change the world we live in.

Just think of the changes in the world that a senior citizen has seen, like the advent of television or space exploration. In the eighteenth century automobiles and electricity were unheard of.

Man has always dreamed about flying but would anyone living in the nineteenth century really believe that air travel as we know it today was actually possible? And in the first half of the twentieth century who would have thought that such things as cell phones and the internet were possible?

The list of things that are different today from years gone past are endless but the examples that are listed here graphically illustrate that the world is a much different place today than it once was and it will definitely be a much different place in the future.

20 NWI E nte rta iner.co m • F eb 15

Everyone reading this article only has to think back to the changes they have seen in their own lives; like how the neighborhood they grew up in is different, or the friends they used to hang around with have changed or how the places they used to work no longer exist.

That’s why when something has longevity it is recognized; because it is notable when something endures for an extended period of time like twenty-five years at the same job or fifty years of marriage or fifty years in business.

Businesses advertise how many years they have provided their service or products because the fact they are still around after a number of years says something about that business.

And one local business that just proudly celebrated fifty years in business in December is the Red Carpet Lounge in Portage. And while it may not be the oldest bar in Portage, it does hold the distinction in town as the bar that has operated for the longest time with the same name, the same location and the same family ownership.

The Red Carpet Lounge first opened its doors for business in 1964 in a building that once housed both a funeral home and a church. And although the name, location and ownership are still the same, the Red Carpet Lounge has changed some too.

The bar was originally opened by Ed Boucher and Sheila Raye as a piano bar; a fancy place with entertainment and white tablecloths. But after ten years in business, the economic climate had changed enough that the bar had to adapt to survive.

Entertainment was becoming too expensive and a Holiday Inn with deep corporate pockets (complete with a competitive piano bar) opened in Portage. The Red Carpet Lounge simply couldn’t compete against the Holiday Inn anymore.

So with the handwriting on the wall, in 1974 the Red Carpet Lounge changed from a piano bar to a blue collar shot and a beer joint, and forty years later the bar is still going strong. Ed Boucher passed away in 1984 but Sheila Raye still owns the bar (and works there) to this day.

“We’re like a Cheers bar, where everyone truly knows everybody,” said Joyce Zaragoza, the Bar Manager and the daughter of Raye. “Because we’re close to the mills all of the trades come in here so it’s a workers bar.”

“I’ve worked here the longest but everybody in my

family has worked here,” continued Zaragoza. “And the other people that work here are like family too so they stay here. And we have regulars that come in here day and night so it’s really like one big happy family.”

The Red Carpet Lounge officially celebrated the bar’s 50th Anniversary on December 21st with a combined Anniversary and Christmas party that Zaragoza described as awesome.

“Everybody brought food and we have a tradition where everybody puts together baskets,” said Zaragoza. “And we have a silent auction for the baskets and donate all the proceeds to a charity. This year we donated $2,000.00 to VNA Hospice of Porter County.”

“My mom is a big picture person and we have our walls plastered with pictures of people who have been here over the years,” said Zaragoza. “And when people look at the pictures they are stunned when they see their parents or their grandparents in the photos and find out that they came here too.”

“We don’t have any problems here. We’re still here because we really are just one big family and we’re still rockin’ the Red Carpet after all these years!”

The Red Carpet Lounge is located at 6481 Melton Road (US Route 20) in Portage. If you’re in the area, stop in and join the family!

Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n e r.com 21

Sneezing A man and a woman are riding next to each other in first class on a plane. The woman sneezes, then takes a tissue and gently wipes it between her legs. The man isn’t sure he saw what she did, and decides he is probably hallucinating.

A few minutes pass. The woman sneezes again.

She takes a tissue and gently wipes it between her legs. The man is about to go nuts. He can’t believe that he’s seeing what he’s seeing.

A few more minutes pass. The woman sneezes yet again. She takes a tissue and gently wipes it between her legs yet again.

The man has finally had all he can handle. He turns to the woman and says, “Three times you’ve sneezed, and three times you’ve taken a tissue and wiped it between your legs! Are you trying to drive me crazy?”

“I’m sorry to have disturbed you, sir,” she replies.

“I have a rare condition such that when I sneeze, I have an orgasm.”

The man, now feeling badly, says, “Oh, I’m sorry.

What are you taking for it?”

The woman looks at him with a coy smile and whispers, “Pepper.”

Back Road Rondevu A boy and his date were parked on a back road some distance from town, doing what boys and girls do on back roads some distance from town, when the girl stopped the boy.

“I really should have mentioned this earlier, but I’m actually a hooker and I charge $20 for sex.” The boy reluctantly paid her, and they did their thing.

After a cigarette, the boy just sat in the driver’s seat looking out the window. “Why aren’t we going anywhere?” asked the girl.

“Well, I should have mentioned this earlier, but I’m actually a cab driver, and the fare back to town is $25.”

22 NWI E nte rta iner.co m • F eb 15

Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n er.com 23

Margirtia’s

Expires 2/28/15 Expires 2/28/15

24 NWI E nte rta iner.co m • F eb 15

Expires 2/28/15

THREE MONKEYS - CROWN POINT

The Mill Bar and Grill Sunday thru Thursday $2 Domestics

Sunday

Free Poker 3pm

Monday Metal Monday Tuesday $5 The Mill Burger & Fries $2 tall PBR and free poker at 6

Import Wednesdays $3 imports • $3.50 Guiness Can

Thursday

$3 Vegas bombs • $5 Bud & Miller Lite Pitchers

Friday

$8.95 all you can eat Fish Fry Friday free team trivia at 7

Saturday

Free Poker at 3pm • DJ 9pm to 2am $3 Vegas Bombs • $1.50 Drafts • $3.50 Fire Teas $2 well vodka everyday

Dine-In or ut Carry O

295 Melton Rd Burns harbor in 219. 841.9475 25 Feb 15 • NW I Entertai ner.com

MOODS - PORTAGE

A guy walks into a post office one day to see a middle-aged, balding man standing at the counter methodically placing "Love" stamps on bright pink envelopes with hearts all over them. He then takes out a perfume bottle and starts spraying scent all over them.

His curiosity getting the better of him, he goes up to the balding man and asks him what he is doing.

The man says "I`m sending out 1,000 Valentine cards signed, `Guess who?`" "But why?" asks the man.

"I`m a divorce lawyer," the man replies.

26 NWI E nte rta iner.com • F eb 15

Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n er.com 27

COCKTAILS OF THE MONTH 28 NWI E nte rtainer.co m • F eb 15

Boomer’s (On the Roxx) Bartender: Cora & Sarah Drink: “Hyper Love” Ingredients: Blue curaçao, Smirnoff raspberry, orange juice, red bull Quote: “So good it makes you freaky”

Kountry Wild Saloon

Bartender: Jewels & Jennifer Drink: Tumble Weed Ingredients: Peach tree, Malibu, Absolut raspberry cranberry, pineapple juice Quote: “Stings like a bumble bee”

Chuck & Irene’s

Bartender: Samantha Drink: Sexy red panties Ingredients:Bacardi pineapple Loopie, Cranberry, Sprite Quote: “tastes so good it will make you fall in love”

The Track Lounge

Bartender: Mike & Megan Drink: Dick Bourbon Bomb Ingredients: Dickel whiskey Red bull Quote: “Enjoy the Ride”

Three Monkeys

Bartender: Keith & July Drink: Scooby Snack Ingredients: Malibu, Midori Pineapple, Cream Quote: “ru’uh oh shaggy”

The Safe House

Bartender: Corrina Drink: Strawberry kiss Ingredients: Stoli strawberry Lemonade, Grenadine Quote: “Come on in and get some strawberry kisses”

10 Rejected Valentines Cards 10. I admire your strength, I admire your spunk / But the thing I like best, is getting you drunk.

9. Our love will never become cold and hollow / Unless, one day, you refuse to swallow 8. I bought this Valentine`s card at the store / In hopes that, later, you`d be my whore.

7. This feels so good, it feels so right / I just wish it wasn`t $250 a night.

6. You`re a woman of style, you`re a woman of class / Especially when I`m spanking, your biground-fat ass.

5. Before I met you, my heart was so famished / But now I`m fulfilled.. . SO MAKE ME A SANDWICH!!

4. Through all the things that came to pass / Our love has grown.. . but so`s your ass.

3. You`re a honey.. . and you`re a cutie / I just wished you had J-Lo`s “booty”.

2. I don`t wanna be sappy or silly or corny / So, right to the point, let`s do it, I`m horny!

1. If you think that hickey looks like a blister / You should check out the one that I gave to your sister!

Feb 15 • NW I Entertai ner.com 29

30 NWI E nte rta iner.com • F eb 15

Club Bed -- Mishawaka SAFE HOUSE CROWN POINT

YOUR UNION PRIDE! - 10% OFF WITH UNION CARD

FREE BREADSTICKS with Purchase of Any Pizza

HOURS:

Sunday-Thursday: 11am to 10pm Friday & Saturday: 11am to 11pm

736.2444

27 W. 80TH PLACE • MERRILLVILLE DELIVERY STARTS AT 11AM ‘TIL HALF HOUR TO CLOSING Feb 15 • N W I En tertai n e r.com 31

Boots, Bottles n’ Booze Jalapenos

friday night

new year

country night

new night

playing your favorite country jams with a mix of top 40 jason aldean luke Bryan florida georgia line Blake shelton jake owen dierks Bentley lady anteBellum

love & theft

$4 jack daniel’s $3 captain morgan $2 fireBalls $2 coors light & Bud light Bottles 200 indianapolis Blvd • schererville, in • 219.864.8862

32 NWI E nte rta iner.co m • F eb 15