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.”
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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”?!?!”
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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
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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?”
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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.
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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!
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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.”
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Margirtia’s
Expires 2/28/15 Expires 2/28/15
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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.
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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!
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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
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