Best of the Region 2013 by The Times of NWI

1 | PRODUCT

Thank You for naming Franciscan Alliance hospitals, medical and fitness facilities among the Best in the Region in several categories!

The Best Cosmetic Surgery Center Franciscan Medical Specialists One of the Best Hospitals Franciscan St. Anthony HealthCrown Point One of the Best in Cardiology Care The Heart Center of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point

One of the Best in Orthopedic Care Franciscan Medical Specialists One of the Best in Pediatric Care Franciscan Medical Specialists One of the Best in Podiatry Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center One of the Best Places to Work Franciscan Alliance Hospitals

One of the Best Health & Fitness Facilities Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness Among the Best Urgent Care Centers Franciscan ExpressCare Franciscan Hammond Clinic Urgent Care Among the Best in Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Franciscan St. Anthony HealthCrown Point Franciscan St. Margaret Health

The northern Indiana hospitals of Franciscan Alliance continue to receive accolades from health care ratings organizations and readers of local newspapers and business magazines. The honors reflect Franciscan Allianceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing commitment to bring together the best services for patients and customers using the most modern technology, and exceptional people who minister with joy, care and compassion.

FranciscanAlliance.org

For Voting Us

Best Downtown

2009, 2010, 2011 2012, 2013

Mayor David Uran

Best PLACE TO LIVE an award winning city all around!

“Building A Stronger Community From Within.” www.crownpoint.in.gov

2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

MODELING ING STORE EPLACEMENT KITCHEN & BATH RE CARPET / FLOOR DOOR/WINDOW R

Showroom Hours: 8900 Wicker Ave. (US 41) St. John, IN 46373 Toll Free: 888.365.6005 Phone: 219.365.8585

9900 191st Street Mokena, IL 60448 Toll Free: 888.365.6005 Phone: 708.479.7007

www.schillings.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

Mon - Wed: 7am - 5pm Thursday: 7am - 7pm Friday: 7am - 5pm Saturday: 7am - 4pm Sunday: CLOSED

355

294

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 1

Beauty & Wellness

Table of Contents

BEST COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER 1 Medical Specialists 2 Dr. Platis 3 Vein Center of NW Indiana

BEST HAIR SALON 1 Vanis Salon & Day Spa 2 Riah Salon 3 Color Room Salon and Day Spa

BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE 1 Baums 2 Au Natural 3 Nature’s Remedies

BEST HEARING AID CENTER 1 Clear Ear 2 Community Hospital Audiology 3 Accuquest

BEST SPA 1 Vanis Salon & Day Spa 2 State of Mind 3 Serenity Salon & Spa

BEST VISION CARE 1 VisionPoint 2 Visionworks 3 LTF Eye Care Center

Education & Instruction

BEST ADULT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION 1 Purdue University Calumet 2 Valparaiso University 3 Indiana University Northwest

BEST COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY 1 Purdue University Calumet 2 Valparaiso University 3 Indiana University (Bloomington)

BEST DANCE SCHOOL 1 Arthur Murray 2 Donna Brum Dance Studio 3 Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance

BEST GYMNASTICS FACILITY 1 Patti’s All American Gymnastics 2 Midwest Training and Ice Center 3 Horizon Gymnastics & Cheer Academy

Entertainment

BEST BOWLING ALLEY 1 Stardust 2 Plaza Lanes 3 Set ‘Em Up

BEST CASINO 1 Four Winds 2 Horseshoe 3 Blue Chip

BEST LIVE THEATER GROUP 1 Star Plaza Theatre 2 Theatre at the Center 3 Memorial Opera House

BEST DRIVE-IN 1 The 49’er 2 Blue Top Drive-In 3 The Port Drive-In

BEST CASINO DINING 1 Jack Binion’s - Horseshoe 2 The Buffet - Four Winds 3 Copper Rock Steakhouse Four Winds

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT 1 Round the Clock 2 Texas Corral 3 Kelsey’s Steakhouse

BEST CASINO POKER 1 Horseshoe 2 Four Winds 3 Blue Chip

BEST CASINO SLOTS 1 Four Winds 2 Horseshoe 3 Blue Chip

BEST CASINO TABLE GAMES 1 Horseshoe 2 Four Winds 3 Blue Chip

BEST COUNTRY CLUB 1 Briar Ridge Country Club 2 White Hawk Country Club 3 Innsbrook Country Club

BEST FESTIVAL (NWI) 1 Pierogi Fest 2 Popcorn Festival 3 Lake County Fair

BEST MARINA 1 Hammond Marina 2 Michigan City Marina 3 Burnham Harbor Chicago BEST MOVIE THEATER 1 AMC Theatres 2 Portage 16 IMAX 3 49’er Drive-In BEST MUSEUM 1 Museum of Science and Industry 2 Field Museum 3 Chicago Children’s Museum

BEST PLACE FOR A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY 1 Jak’s Warehouse 2 Tyler’s Tenders 3 Gary South Shore Railcats

BEST PUBLIC GARDEN, OUTDOOR EXHIBITION 1 Taltree Arboretum 2 Shrine of Christ’s Passion 3 Morton Arboretum

Food & Drink

BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT 1 Cooper’s Hawk 2 Gino’s Steakhouse 3 Ciao Bella BEST HAMBURGERS 1 Schoops 2 Culver’s 3 Miner Dunn BEST HOT DOG 1 Corky’s Dogg House 2 George’s Gyro Spot 3 Top Dog Restaurant BEST ICE CREAM SHOP 1 Coldstone Creamery 2 Culver’s 3 Sweet Frog

BEST ITALIAN FOOD 1 Lucrezia 2 Ciao Bella 3 Giovannis

BEST FESTIVAL (NON-LOCAL) 1 Taste of Chicago 2 National Blueberry Festival (South Haven) 3 Frankfort Fall Festival BEST FUN CENTER 1 Jak’s Warehouse 2 Zao Island 3 Zig E’s Funland BEST GOLF COURSE 1 White Hawk Country Club 2 Briar Ridge Country Club 3 Aberdeen BEST HOTEL (NWI) 1 Radisson Merrillville 2 Blue Chip 3 Hilton Garden Inn BEST HOTEL (MI) 1 Four Winds Hotel 2 Marina Grand Resort, New Buffalo 3 CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids/Holland

BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1 Star Plaza Theatre 2 The Venue at Horseshoe Casino 3 Center for Visual & Performing Arts

BEST ASIAN FOOD 1 China Buffet 2 The China House 3 Siam Marina

BEST BAKERY 1 Butterfingers Bakery 2 Strack & Van Til 3 Almira’s Bakery BEST BANQUET FACILITY 1 Avalon Manor 2 Strongbow Inn 3 Halls of St. George BEST BAR/ LOUNGE 1 Houlihan’s 2 Bridges’ Scoreboard 3 Texas Corral BEST CATERER 1 Strack & Van Til 2 Comforts Catering 3 Butterfingers

BEST MEXICAN FOOD 1 El Taco Real 2 El Salto 3 Tequila Restaurante BEST MICROBREWERY 1 Three Floyds 2 Figure Eight Brewing 3 Founder’s BEST PIZZA 1 Aurelio’s 2 Beggar’s Pizza 3 Gelsosomo’s - CP BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST 1 Round the Clock 2 Jelly’s Pancake House 3 Scrambled Diner

BEST PLACE FOR BRUNCH 1 Center for Visual & Performing Arts 2 Strongbow Inn 3 Ciao Bella

BEST CHEF 1 Chris Pohl - Giovanni’s 2 Joseph Gaal - Sage 3 Eddie Luick - Bon Femme

BEST COFFEE 1 Dunkin Donuts 2 McDonald’s 3 The Blue Room Cafe

BEST PLACE FOR CHICKEN WINGS 1 Hooters 2 Wings Etc. 3 Smashmouth BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH 1 Round the Clock 2 Popolano’s 3 The Patio

BEST PLACE FOR A SANDWICH 1 Subway 2 Butterfingers 3 Quizno’s BEST POLISH FOOD 1 Warsaw Inn 2 Cavalier Inn 3 MJ’s Deli

1 2 3 3

BEST SEAFOOD The Patio Blue Chip Tiebel’s Town Club Restaurant

BEST SPORTS BAR & GRILL 1 Bridges’ Scoreboard 2 White Rhino Bar & Grill 3 Hooters BEST STEAKHOUSE 1 The Lighthouse 2 Kelsey’s Steak & Seafood 3 Gino’s Steakhouse

BEST WINERY 1 Round Barn Winery 2 Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant 3 St. Julian Winery

Health Care

32 1 1

2 3

BEST CARDIOLOGY CARE Cardiology Associates Community Cardiology Center The Heart Institute at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point Northwest Indiana Cardiovascular Physicians

BEST CHIROPRACTOR 1 HealthSource 2 Trimboli Chiropractic 3 Dr. John Kostidis

BEST DENTIST 1 Advanced Dental 2 Schererville Family Dentistry 3 Northwest Oral Surgeons

BEST HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB 1 Fitness Pointe 2 Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness 3 Valparaiso YMCA

BEST HOSPITAL 1 Community Hospital 2 Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point 3 Porter Hospital

BEST ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE 1 Lakeshore Bone & Joint 2 Franciscan Medical Specialists 3 Orthopedic Specialists

BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT 1 Community Spine & Neurosurgery Institute 2 Midwest Interventional Spine Specialist 3 Methodist Hospital

BEST PEDIATRIC CARE 1 Community Hospital 2 Franciscan Medical Specialists 3 Kids First Pediatrics

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY 1 HealthSource 2 ATI Physical Therapy 3 Fitness Pointe

BEST PODIATRIST 1 Friendly Foot Care 2 Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center 3 Dr. Michael Dichoso Orthopaedic Institute

BEST SPINE CARE 1 LakeShore Bone and Joint 2 Community Spine & Neurosurgery Institute 3 Spine Care Specialists

BEST URGENT CARE 1 Community Hospital 2 Franciscan ExpressCare 3 Hammond Clinic

BEST PLACE TO LIVE (MI) 1 New Buffalo 2 Saugatuck 3 Grand Rapids

BEST HEATING AND COOLING 1 Illiana Heating & Cooling 2 Meyers Heating & Cooling 3 Cliff’s Heating and A/C

BEST APPLIANCE STORE 1 Maruszczak 2 Nason’s Appliance 3 Hometown Appliance

BEST BRIDAL/ FORMAL WEAR SHOP 1 David’s Bridal 2 Dunhill Tuxedos 3 Elegance

BEST CARPET/FLOORING STORE 1 Schilling 2 Von Tobel 3 Cover Rite

BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE 1 Once Upon a Child 2 It’s Just Serendipity 3 Hidden Treasures

BEST ELECTRONICS STORE 1 Best Buy 2 HH Gregg 3 Hometown Appliance

BEST FLORIST 1 Bryan’s Florist 2 Cedar Lake Florist 3 Brumm’s Bloomin Barn

BEST FURNITURE STORE 1 Ashley Furniture 2 Indiana Furniture 3 Darvin Furniture

BEST GARDEN/ NURSERY STORE (IL) 1 Alsip Nursery 2 Sunrise (Woldhuis Farms) 3 Smits Farms

BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER 1 Boys & Girls Clubs 2 Humane Society Calumet Area 3 Humane Society NWI BEST PLACE TO WORK 1 Centier Bank 2 Franciscan Alliance Hospitals 3 Citizens Financial

BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP 1 St. Mary Church 2 Family Christian Center 3 St. Michael’s Church

BEST RETIREMENT/ ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY 1 Hartsfield Village 2 St. Anthony Home 3 Wittenberg

Services

BEST BANK 1 Centier 2 Chase 3 Citizens Financial

BEST CAR REPAIR SHOP 1 Levin Tire 2 Crown Point Auto Repair 3 Mr. Tire

BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH 1 Community Hospital’s Women’s Diagnostic Center 2 Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point 3 Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Dyer, Hammond

Living

BEST DOWNTOWN (NWI) 1 Crown Point 2 Valparaiso 3 Highland

BEST DOWNTOWN (IL) 1 Chicago 2 Lansing 3 Beecher

BEST DOWNTOWN (MI) 1 New Buffalo 2 Saugatuck 3 Grand Rapids

BEST PLACE TO LIVE (NWI) 1 Crown Point 2 Valparaiso 3 Munster

BEST PLACE TO LIVE (IL) 1 Chicago 2 Beecher 3 Crete

BEST CAR WASH 1 Soft Touch 2 Drive & Shine 3 Easy Clean BEST CHILDCARE CENTER 1 Wonder Years 2 Happy Days Childcare 3 Child Enrichment Center

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE 1 Centier 2 Strack & Van Til 3 Citizens Financial

BEST DOOR & WINDOW REPLACEMENT 1 Schilling 2 The Door Store 3 M&M Home Remodeling Services

BEST ELECTRICIAN 1 Meyer’s Heating & Cooling 2 All Services Electric 3 Cedar Electric

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR 1 Centier 2 Oak Partners 3 Wells Fargo Financial

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

1 2 3 3

1 1 2 3

BEST HOME BUILDER Olthof Homes McFarland Homes 1st Metropolitan Builders Phillippe Builders

BEST INSURANCE AGENT Anton Insurance Jim Miskovich Connie Bernard Barb Gulden

BEST KITCHEN/ BATH REMODELING 1 Schilling 2 Von Tobel Lumber & Hardware 3 Maruszczak Appliance

BEST LANDSCAPER 1 Allen’s Landscape Centre 2 Dean’s Landscaping 3 RAL Landscaping

BEST PLACE FOR AN OIL CHANGE 1 Duke of Oil 2 Drive & Shine 3 Oil Express

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO 1 jc penney Portrait Studios 2 Edda Taylor Photographie 3 Pat and Cassie Portrait Design

BEST PLUMBER 1 St. John Plumbing Service 2 Meyer’s Heating & Cooling 3 TLC Plumbing

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT (IN) 1 Brian Rossi 2 Bill McCabe 3 Jana Caudill

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT (MI) 1 Louis Price 2 Jay DeBruyn 3 Sharon Halliburton

BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY 1 Rossi & Taylor 2 McColly 3 Century 21 Alliance Group

59 1 2 3 3

BEST ROOFER M&M Roofing R.L. Roofing Champion Windows, Sunrooms, Roofs, Home Exteriors Rogers Roofing

Shopping

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP 1 It’s Just Serendipity 2 Comfy Couch 3 Key To Estate Treasures

BEST HUNTING/FISHING/ OUTDOOR STORE 1 Bass Pro Shop 2 Cabela’s 3 Blythe’s BEST JEWELRY STORE 1 Albert’s Diamond Jewelers 2 Highland Jewelers 3 Martin Binder Jeweler

BEST MATTRESS STORE 1 American Mattress 2 Bedding Experts 3 Lynn’s Bedroom City BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1 Kohl’s 2 jc penney 3 Carson Pirie Scott

BEST NEW CAR DEALER 1 Schepel Auto Group 2 Bosak Chrysler/Honda 3 Team Auto Group BEST PET SHOP 1 PETCO 2 Pet Supplies Plus 3 Alsip Nursery BEST PLACE TO BUY MEAT & POULTRY 1 Welch’s Stop and Shop 2 Strack & Van Til 3 Rob’s Meat Chop & Deli

BEST GARDEN/ NURSERY STORE (IN) 1 Alsip Nursery 2 Allen Landscape Center 3 Chesterton Feed & Garden BEST GARDEN/ NURSERY STORE (MI) 1 Dickerson’s Garden Center 2 New Life Nursery 3 Sawyer Home & Garden Center BEST GIFT BOUTIQUE 1 Maria’s Hallmark 2 Louise’s Hallmark 3 Cedar Lake Florist BEST GROCERY STORE 1 Strack & Van Til 2 Meijer 3 Aldi BEST HOME DECOR STORE 1 jc penney Home Store 2 Schilling 3 De Young Interiors BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE 1 Menards 2 Lowe’s 3 Home Depot

BEST LIQUOR STORE 1 Nick’s Liquors 2 Wise Guys Liquors 3 St. John Wine & Spirits

BEST PLACE TO BUY PRODUCE 1 Meijer 2 Strack & Van Til 3 Scheeringa Farms & Greenhouses BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE 1 Wise Guys Liquors 2 St John Wine and Spirits 3 Nick’s Liquors BEST SHOE STORE 1 Shoe Carnival 2 Barney’s Hub Bootery 3 Famous Footwear BEST TIRE STORE 1 Levin Tire 2 Mr. Tire 3 Brown Tire BEST USED CAR DEALER 1 Arnell Auto Chevrolet-Kia 2 Schepel Auto Group 3 Christenson Chevrolet BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1 Kohl’s 2 Carson Pirie Scott 3 jc penney

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 3

Letter from the Publisher

The Times Shore Best of the Region contest is about 20 years old—we always have to give or take a few years with that number, we have occasionally taken a year off, back in the day before digital balloting— and takes on added importance each year as competition grows and our voters and marketers become even more savvy. The idea that hundreds of thousands of customers will take the time to thoughtfully weigh the brand importance of our top businesses is pretty remarkable. Think about the many demands our reader/voter audience deals with every day and setting aside the time it takes to vote. My theory is we vote because it matters who wins. Every single individual gets up each morning and goes to work wanting to do his or her best. The very last thing we are thinking about is acknowledgement and reward. But, when I am on the consumer end, does it matter what my friends and neighbors think about the products and services they use? Of course it does. I’m one of those people who will look at the ratings and reviews before making a selection on anything, though I’m just as liable to mistrust the information I get by doing that as I am to act on it. That’s the second most important reason our contest matters: It’s reliable. I can tell you that because I see the same vote-getters each year and know the consistent quality of their work. I also hear about what’s exciting and new and those folks show up in the results too. More than 720 people voted for Jak’s Warehouse this year and that is not just because they have good signage. Something else I noticed—this balloting takes place in the dog days of winter—we routinely get a drive-in in the top 20. This year it’s Julie’s and my personal favorite: The 49’er in Valparaiso. I know they have my vote. Congratulations to all of our top 20 vote getters: 1. Dunkin’ Donuts, 2. Schoops, 3. Three Floyds Brewery, 4. Stardust, 5. Strack & Van Til, 6. City of Chicago, 7. Coldstone Creamery, 8. Centier, 9. Butterfinger’s Bakery, 10. Hooters, 11. Museum of Science and Industry, 12. Best Buy, 13. City of Crown Point, 14. The 49’er Valparaiso, 15. AMC, 16. El Taco Real, 17. Purdue Calumet, 18. China Buffet, 19. Warsaw Inn and 20. Community Hospital. Every single business that placed in the top three of their category is truly a winner, this contest is always intense. And thanks to all of our readers for taking the time to vote and support your favorites. You are the best!

Bill Masterson, Jr. Publisher

Delicious

Flickr

Delicious

Flickr

Twitter

Retweet

Facebook Twitter

MySpace Retweet

StumbleUpon

Digg

Thank You for Voting Us #1 Hearing Aid Center!

We’re #1 Thank you! We love you!

FREE TESTING! FREE Ear Wax Test FREE Ear Pressure Check Walk RIGhT IN! BRING THIS CoUPoN AT TIME oF PURCHASE

OFF

Manufacturer suggested retail price on Siemens Hearing Instruments

Not good with any other offers/specials. Offer expires 6-30-13. The price reflects all discount/rebates and PD Deductibles/Upgrade Package/Technology packages available at extra cost. Ask Clear Ear for details.

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall... All you have to do is call and Clear Ear will be there for you. 219-934-9747

Try our Siemens Most Advanced Hearing Aids Best Feedback Cancellation • So Small! Barely Noticeable! Auto Phone for Easier Phone Conversations!

Be Sure To Use Your Insurance. We File Electronically. Mittal/Inland • Medicaid Recipients • Highmark/USX • IN Carpenters Sheetmetal • Lever Brothers Budd Company Boilermakers 524 Pipefitters Locals & Unions • Blue Cross & Blue Shield MANY OTHER PLANS (COVERAGE MAY VARY)

Call For Details 219-934-9747

LIVE LIFE THRU A CLEAR EAR! CALL TODAY 219 934 9747

Clear Ear

FREE HEARING TEST! CALL FoR AN APPoINTMENT

827 W. 45th Ave • Griffith The Spry Family (across from CVS Drugs)

6 Months same as cash with care credit.

The Spry Family Locally Owned & Operated

Locally Owned & Operated

Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:30 to 4 • Friday 9 to Noon • Saturdays/Sundays, Evening, Nursing Home & In-Home Appointments Available. *Hearing evaluation & consultation is used to determine if you are a candidate for a Hearing Aid.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

219-934-9747 H.A.D.

Audioprosthologist

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 5

Baums Natural Foods

From left: Nicole Love (licensed esthetician), Jordan Stemer (PA-C), Laura Hoffman (MD), Erin Bartels (PA) all of Franciscan Medical Specialists

[ best ]

COSMETIC SURGERY Franciscan Medical Specialists 761 45th St Munster, Ind. 219.961.5917

919 Main St, Suite 201 Dyer, Ind 219.934.2495

300 W 80th Pl Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.1400 medspecindiana.com

SECOND PLACE

Dr. James Platis 210 East 86th Pl Merrillville, Ind. 219.795.1255

58 East Walton Chicago, Ill. 312.377.3333 cosmedicclinic.com

ighly skilled experts at Franciscan Medical Specialists Department of Dermatology focus on general dermatology, cosmetic dermatology and dermatological surgery. Medical Specialists is a full-service dermatology practice with board certified dermatologists and physician assistants. The full range of skin care concerns are covered all at one practice, giving patients added convenience and more comprehensive care, and patients appreciate that. They receive effective, less invasive procedures in a medically supervised, state-of-the-art environment. Services include management of skin disorders, chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion, Botox, laser hair removal, skin cancer surgery, collagen injections and more.

THIRD PLACE

Vein Center of Northwest Indiana

1000 East 80th Pl Suite 308 Merrillville, Ind. 312.643.5193 veinandcosmetics.com

221 US 41, Suite J Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5600

407 W 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.3140 1864 45th Ave Munster, Ind. 219.922.1050

1620 Country Club Rd, Suite A Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.6414 vanis.net

9486 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.558.8780 baumsnaturalfoods.com

Since first opening their doors in 1985, the talented staff at Vanis Salon & Day Spa has strived to stay ahead of the curve. Now with three locations in Northwest Indiana, the much-loved salon continues to be a favorite with our readers, who voted them in as the Best Hair Salon in this year’s Best of the Region poll. “Many of the clients of mine back when we first opened now bring their children in to the salon,” laughs Vanis Salon & Day Spa owner Chris Valavanis. “That’s the joy of doing what we do. There is nothing better.”

Everyone wants to live a healthy lifestyle. Yet often the modern busy, scheduled and stressed out life can keep people from reaching that goal. The talented staff at Baums Natural Foods has long been consulted as the experts when it comes to living well. Baums Natural Foods is the health and wellness destination of choice. Among a variety of health foods and supplements are a long list of services available in their Wellness Center, including: massage, reflexology, Reiki, infrared sauna, ion cleanse, body wraps and a juice bar. .

SECOND PLACE

Riah Hair Salon

8025 Wicker Ave (US 41) Saint John, Ind. 219.365.6123 riahsalon.com

THIRD PLACE

Color Room Salon & Day Spa 14785 W 101st Ave Dyer, Ind. 219.365.0173 colorroomsalon.com

SECOND PLACE

Au Naturel 1708 Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.1984

THIRD PLACE

Nature’s Remedies

2812 Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.477.5566 naturesremedies health.com

photography [this page, left] courtesy of FRANCISCAN MEDICAL SPECIALISTS; [opposite page] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

Beauty & Wellness

Vanis Salon & Day Spa

107 N Main St, Suite A Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.5200

1101 Glendale Rd, Suite 110 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.477.6828

[ best ] HAIR SALON

[ best ] HEALTH FOOD STORE

Exceptional Doctors Extraordinary Care Tammy Spry conducts a hearing test on a patient.

[ best ]

HEARING AID CENTER Spry-Clear Ear, Inc.

827 W 45th Ave // Griffith, Ind. // 219.934.9747

Clear Ear, communication is vital for both customer and business. A highly trained audioprosthologist assesses the needs of Clear Ear customers, about 75 percent of whom “already know each other, and they look out for each other,” says Laura Kotso, general manager. With high visibility in the area, Clear Ear remains part of the close-knit community that is Griffith, says Kotso. And the positive response of the municipal government is another plus factor for the business owned by Tammy Spry. “Whenever we need something as a business, the municipality is prompt returning phone calls, and they make us feel important,” says Kotso. “Griffith is perfect—it’s safe and friendly, and we’re going to remain here.”

SECOND PLACE

Community Hospital Audiology

901 MacArthur Blvd Munster, Ind. 219.836.1600 cohms.org

THIRD PLACE

AccuQuest Hearing Centers 2148 45th St Highland, Ind. 219.922.4633

9120 Connecticut Dr Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.1222 accuquest.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

w w w.MedSp ecIndiana.com may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 7

Beauty & Wellness [ best ]

Director of Spa and Salon Operations, Olga Pellegrino [far right] supervises a client’s manicure.

SPA Vanis Salon & Day Spa

107 N Main St, Suite A Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.5200 221 US 41, Suite J Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5600 1620 Country Club Rd Suite A Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.6414 vanis.net This PDF is an FPO composite for viewing/proofing. Production file that meets size specifications was uploaded to http://www.viewoutdoor.com/resources/

here once was a time when people considered a trip to a day spa as purely a time of pampering. Yet, in recent years, the evolution of the traditional day spa has become anything but traditional. “It’s much more about SECOND PLACE maintenance State of Mind these days,” explains Chris Salon & Day Spa Valavanis, owner of Vanis 111 W 94th Pl Salon & Day Spa, recognized Crown Point, Ind. as the Best Spa in this 219.663.7317 stateofmindspa.com year’s Best of the Region poll. “From their skin to THIRD PLACE their muscles to their hair, Serenity Salon our clients come in to not & Spa only feel good, but to truly 880 Sidewalk Rd take care of themselves. It’s Chesterton, Ind. important to us to take care 219.921.0300 serenityofchesterton.com of one’s whole being.”

in partnership with

Builds A Strong Local Economy • Creates More Good Jobs

Puts Your Taxes To Good Use • Maintains Community Character

Where will you shop today? 8 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

www.ColorRoomSalon.com Dyer, IN 219-365-0173 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

[ best ] VISION CARE VisionPoint

Five convenient locations in Northwest Indiana; visit visonpoint.com for more information

SECOND PLACE

Visionworks visionworks.com

THIRD PLACE

LTF Eye Clinics

photography by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

Franciscan Physicians Hospital 701 Superior Ave, Suite A Munster, Ind. 219.934.0150 lfteyeclinics.com

isionPoint’s dedication to providing comprehensive eye exams and fashionforward eyewear has been a family tradition for four decades. The emphasis is on expertise and fun as the personal family brand continues: a promise to the communities they serve to provide a unique retail experience. Doctors provide the expertise by completing comprehensive eye exams and the staff contributes with offering an enjoyable shopping experience. Choose from 50 different brands and 1,200-plus optical frames, from prescription sunglasses to sports-specific eyewear. VisionPoint offers a fresh look for the most fashion-conscious consumer. “We are honored to be voted as the Region’s Best Vision Center; we thank all our customers who continually support VisionPoint,” say Jennifer Ebersberger and Amanda Bardoczi.

[Left to right] Paulette Krstevski, Amanda Bardoczi, Atse Krstevski and Jennifer Ebersberger from the locally owned and operated, VisionPoint, this year’s winner for best vision care.

Thank YOUFIVE YEARS STRAIGHT!! For Voting Us Best Eye Care Center

Glasses Next Day

Eyeglasses & Contacts

CrowN poiNt Valparaiso Jewel-osco plaza

2106 N. Calumet

Eye Exams

portage Us Hwy 6

Walk-ins & Outside Rx Welcome

sCHererVille Us 30 & Hwy 41

laporte

pine lake Center

219.226.9571 219.464.8200 219.763.1538 219.322.5205 219.325.0404 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 9

Education & Instruction 10

[ best ] ADULT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION Purdue University Calumet

2200 169th St // Hammond, Ind. 219.989.240 // purduecal.edu

urdue University Calumet has a long history of having served as a catalyst for hardworking adults who have persevered to earn a Purdue degree while raising a family, holding a job—frequently, more than one—and managing other responsibilities. Though “adult education institution” is a somewhat antiquated term within the current landscape of regional higher education, there is no question that regardless of age, the education available at Purdue Calumet is appropriate for any qualified, ambitious student who is intent on persisting to graduation in a timely manner. The school remains committed to serving the needs of all students and helping enable them to earn a Purdue degree that they can put to beneficial, prosperous and fulfilling use.

[ best ]

COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY Purdue University Calumet 2200 169th St // Hammond, Ind. 219.989.2400 // purduecal.edu

Academic excellence is the foundation of Purdue University Calumet. The degree that graduates earn, is not only world-respected, but distinguished by an innovative experiential learning component in which all undergraduate students apply traditional lessons within a real world environment. While an education at Purdue Calumet SECOND may not be for everyone, it is PLACE appealing to those ambitious, Valparaiso persistent students who are University eager to succeed on campus 1700 Chapel Dr and beyond. Valparaiso, Ind. Concerned faculty, cutting 219.464.5000 edge resources, support valpo.edu services, an engaging campus THIRD community, and plenty of PLACE experiences and opportunities Indiana push Purdue Calumet’s button of excellence. Additionally, University Purdue Calumet continues Bloomington to assess, study and strive to 107 S Indiana Ave Bloomington, Ind. connect the educational needs 812.855.4848 of today with the anticipated iun.edu challenges of tomorrow. While “best” is a subjective term, meeting the needs of students, faculty, staff, region and state is the university Purdue Calumet aspires and commits to be.

[ best ] DANCE SCHOOL Arthur Murray

1205 W Lincoln Hwy (US 30), Suite 3 Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.9041 arthurmurrays.com

SECOND PLACE

Donna Brum Dance Studio

2334 South Cline Ave Schererville, Ind. 219.865.9850 donnabrumdancers.com

THIRD PLACE

Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance fredastairechicago.com

SECOND PLACE

Valparaiso University 1700 Chapel Dr Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.5000 valpo.edu

THIRD PLACE

Indiana University Northwest 3400 Broadway Gary, Ind 219.980.6500 iun.edu

Franchisee Anthony Coberg says, “A lot of places come and go but we have been here since 1980 at the same location, on US 30 right by Meijer’s. Arthur Murray has been around over 100 years, so I think people like the consistency and our curriculum. Arthur Murray’s focus is on social, ballroom and competitive dance for adults. Many couples enjoy taking Arthur Murray’s finetuned lessons during a date night, while singles enjoy working with an instructor for fitness and stress relief. The Merrillville studio has been able to lend their expertise to a number of projects, including the local Dancing with the Stars event and charities including the Barden Gary Foundation. Arthur Murray’s expert dance instructors and family atmosphere can turn even the most left-footed aspiring dancer into a more graceful dancer and happy human being.

For 44 years we have been providing technical training through dance education.

Home of DANZELITE & Hip Hop K’Nektionz Competition Teams

Ballet • Pointe • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Modern/Lyrical Turns & Leaps • Tumbling • Funk Tap • Jazz Pom Directors: Donna Brum & Tracie Borowy

Registration Dates: August 8th & 9th, 4pm - 7pm Schererville, Indiana

2334 S. Cline Ave. • Schererville (South of VonTobel Lumber) www.donnabrumdancers.com • (219) 865-9850

[ best ]

Let’s Dance!

GYMNASTICS FACILITY Patti’s All American Gymnastics 1530 Joliet St (US 30) // Dyer, Ind. 219.865.2274 // pattisallamerican.com

In 1969, Patti Komara founded her business and since then has become internationally known for her gymnastics training products. Over 3,900 gymnastics school owners worldwide count on Patti’s expertise to train their staff by using Patti’s training DVDs, books, award systems, progression sheets, and gymnastics, dance, cheer, swim, and educational preschool lesson Patti Komara, helps plans. It is no wonder that Patti’s a student at her All American Gymnastics has training facility. become the region’s best multifaceted facility with programs such as gymnastics, dance, cheer, karate, swim, and even camps. Rachel Tripp, general manager, says, “We have competent, loving teachers, a super clean colorful facility, and they learn a skill a safe and progressive method. Everyone leaves having fun, and that’s what sets us apart. A lot of our teachers are homegrown and have started as students with us so it’s a family atmosphere.” The facility sports an Aussie hotbed trampoline, a tumble track, uneven bars and balance beams, and all of the gymnastics equipment. Patti’s takes preschool, walking age, all the way up. Patti’s averages about 1,600 students but every individual gets attention.” We just want kids to have fun no matter what their goals,” says Tripp.

SECOND PLACE

Midwest Training and Ice Center

10600 White Oak Ave Dyer, Ind. 219.558.8811 midwesttrainingandice.com

THIRD PLACE

Horizon Gymnastics & Cheer Academy 1254 Horse Prairie Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.477.6542 horizongymnasticscenter.com

photo courtesy of PATTI’S GYMNASTICS

Come See Why We’ve Been Best of the Region for Over 15 Years!

The Le

• Gymnastics • Dance •

• • • • • • •

Romantic Night Out (no kids!) Prepare for Events - Weddings, Cruises, etc. Social Confidence Reduce Stress Dancing is Exercise! Make new Friends Meet new People

35 Special $

Call Now!

EBRATING L E C ®

Lake Co. - 219.738.9041 Porter Co. - 800.657.3322 www.arthurmurrays.com

Experience

PURDUE CALUMET! OPEN UP A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

Purdue Calumet offers a world respected Purdue education in dozens of baccalaureate and graduate level fields of study. Through distinctive experiential learning, students apply what they have learned in real world environments—and build impressive resumes!

APPLY NOW for the summer and fall terms!

For more information, call 219/989-2217 or visit purduecal.edu

nd Swim

ance a

stics, D

ymna er in G

Arthur Murray offers many classes to make dancing a part of your life!

Tumbling and Trampoline

Mentio n this a un d

for 2 til 7/ Excludes 1/13 Intro of weeks free fer Swim an d Gym-N only. -Learn

• Gym-N-Learn Educational Preschool • •

Swim lessons • Karate • Birthday parties Gymnastics or Dance Camps

1530 Joliet St. Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 865-2274 www.pattisallamerican.com A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

LIKE us on facebook! An equal access, equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that is committed to a diverse workplace

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 11

[ best ]

Stardust Bowl

3925 E Lincoln Hwy (US 30) Merrillville, Ind. // 219.942.0432 1330 Sheffield Ave Dyer, Ind. // 219. 322.3666 bowlstardust.com

Whether you are 5 or 95, bowling is great entertainment, says Dan Barton, general manager of the Merrillville Stardust Bowl location. Stardust opened in 1973 and all ages still flock to its two locations for bowling and entertainment. Barton says, “It’s a recognizable brand here in Northwest Indiana … I still get people coming in here all the time who say they’ve been coming here for 30 odd years. We’ve got league bowlers who have been here that long, too.” Some staff members have worked at Stardust for 10 or 20 years, Barton says, noting that they’ve been blessed with a great group of employees. “They bring that level of experience. It’s a friendly face at the front counter and the bar, wherever you are.” Both locations offer open bowling, leagues and tournaments. The Merrillville Stardust also features 20 billiards tables, while the Dyer Stardust features a giant game room with ticket prizes and birthday party rooms geared toward kids. Both locations serve food and beverages.

SECOND PLACE

Plaza Lanes

8101 Kennedy Ave Highland, Ind. // 219.923.3800 plazafunbowl.com

THIRD PLACE

Set ’Em Up Lanes and Lounge

135 N. Broad St // Griffith, Ind. 219.924.3181

[ best ]

CASINO Four Winds Casino

11111 Wilson Rd // New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371 // fourwindscasino.com

osh Taustein, Public Relations for Four Winds in New Buffalo, says the casino is home to 3,000 slot machines and a smoke-free slot room. Unlike other casinos in the area, Four Winds New Buffalo features wide-area progressive jackpots, which link to other Native American casinos SECOND PLACE around the country Horseshoe and produce some Casino of the highest 777 Casino Center Dr jackpots in the Hammond, Ind. region, Taustein 219.473.7000 says. Recent horseshoehammond.com life-changing jackpots include THIRD PLACE a $744,966.02 Blue Chip jackpot hit on Casino January 1, 2013; 777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. a $334,298.78 219.879.7711 jackpot hit in 888.879.7711 December 2012; bluechipcasino.com and a $409,722 jackpot hit in October 2012. New players who sign up for the W Club can win up to $5,000 in free slot play.

[ best ] CASINO SLOTS Four Winds Casino

11111 Wilson Rd. New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371 fourwindscasino.com See Best Casino

SECOND PLACE

Horseshoe Casino

777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.7000 horseshoehammond.com

THIRD PLACE

Blue Chip Casino

777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 888.879.7711 bluechipcasino.com

photo [this page] TIMES FILE PHOTO; [opposite page] courtesy of HORSESHOE CASINO

Entertainment

BOWLING ALLEY

[ best ] CASINO DINING

[ best ]

Jack Binion’s Steak House Horseshoe Casino

777 Casino Center Dr // 219.473.7000 horseshoehammond.com

777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.6028 opentable.com horseshoehammond.com

orseshoe Casino’s Director of Food Operations, Chris Baulo is excited to serve up his new menu at Jack Binion’s. “Jack Binion’s strives to reshape the perception of what people think of a traditional steakhouse,” Baulo says, “This season we launched a menu that incorporates a twist of mixing the old with the new, a fresh take on different variations of classic steakhouse favorites.” “At Jack Binion’s we support our local purveyors,” Baulo says. “Our meats come from pastures within 250 miles of Chicago and, like our family farmers, we have both a passion and personal commitment to providing our customers with the best ingredients.” Binion’s is open Wednesday through Sunday and located directly on Lake Michigan with extraordinary views of both the Chicago skyline and Hammond Marina.

CASINO POKER Horseshoe Casino

“Horseshoe Casino is home to the ultimate poker action in the Midwest, offering a one-of-a-kind poker experience that rivals some of the greatest casinos in the country,” Jennifer Galle, Vice President of Marketing, says. “We have more than 350,000 square feet of casino floor and feature the single largest poker room in the Midwest, named for the founder of the original Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas—Benny Binion.” Located just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, the casino’s spacious gambling floor also consists of more than 100 table games and the most slot machines in the Chicagoland area. SECOND PLACE Poker enthusiasts have Four Winds shown a great attraction and Casino appreciation to Horseshoe 11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. because of the extensive 866.494.6371 poker offerings and our fourwindscasino.com association with the World Series of Porker and the THIRD PLACE Chicago Poker Classic, Galle Blue Chip says. Whether a serious or Casino 777 Blue Chip Dr casual gambler, Horseshoe Michigan City, Ind. has something for everyone— 219.879.7711 offering nonstop thrills and 888.879.7711 unparalleled service. bluechipcasino.com

[ best ] CASINO TABLE GAMES

SECOND PLACE

The Buffet at Four Winds Casino 11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371 fourwindscasino.com

THIRD PLACE

William B’s Steakhouse Blue Chip Casino 777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 888.879.7711 bluechipcasino.com

Horseshoe Casino

777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.7000 horseshoehammond.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

“Horseshoe offers table action like no other—with more than 100 tables available for play every day,” Mitzie Slavicek, Director of Table Games, says. “We continually offer the best odds and the highest limits around—the kind of action unmatched in some Vegas casinos.” Horseshoe’s diverse table offerings include everything from craps to blackjack to roulette to baccarat to le cheung, a unique Asian gambling experience. “As we look to come up with new and exciting concepts never before seen on the floor, we just announced our unprecedented Three Card Poker 6 Card Bonus side bet where players can win $1 million in just one hand, the first-ever table game at Horseshoe offering an instant jackpot of this size,” Slavicek says.

SECOND PLACE

Four Winds Casino

11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371 fourwindscasino.com

THIRD PLACE

Blue Chip Casino

777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 888.879.7711 bluechipcasino.com

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 13

Entertainment [ best ] GOLF COURSE

[ best ] FESTIVAL

Pierogi Fest

White Hawk Country Club

SECOND PLACE

Briar Ridge Country Club 123 Country Club Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.3660 briarridgecc.com

THIRD PLACE

Aberdeen

245 Town Rd Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.5050 golfataberdeen.com

pierogifest.net

he Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of SECOND Commerce in partnership with the PLACE City of Whiting presents Pierogi Fest Popcorn each year, and this year, from July Festival 26-28, families will flock back to the valparaisoevents.com region for their favorite festival. Laurie Brown, executive secretary THIRD PLACE for the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber Lake of of Commerce, says the festival is always a great time. “It’s our parade that makes us so popular. It’s a County Fair lot of fun and everyone in it tries to do something lake-county-fair.com funny. It changes every year and you have no idea what is going to happen.” The festival features all types of entertainment, from religious presentations to country music, rock and roll, Polish bands and international dancers. It also boasts Mr. Pierogi’s song festival and the Pieroguettes. The beer garden is spacious, with live rock and roll from the ‘60s and current bands. Not-for-profit organizations host several types of games for children and families, as well as live entertainment by clowns and other characters. Some kid-friendly rides are also available, such as bumpy barrels, a bounce house and a carousel. Well-known mascots such as South Paw, the White Sox mascot and Rusty the RailCat are also present for the parade. “There is a lot of fun for ages 0 to over 100,” Brown says.

1001 White Hawk Dr Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.1300 whitehawkcountryclub.com White Hawk Country Club features a 7300 yard par-72 golf course and is ranked as one of Indiana’s ten most difficult courses. It is nestled amongst seven large lakes and features 250 acres of woods, prairies, creeks and wetlands and is home to a beautifully remodeled clubhouse. The clubhouse offer the newly introduced River Rock Restaurant featuring menu choices designed by Chef Santana. White Hawk opens this golf season with 120 GPSequipped carts. The new owners are dedicated to preserving White Hawk as the premiere golf course in Northwest Indiana, Food and Beverage Director Anthony Lopez says. The Pro Shop carries a large array of golf clubs, trendy fashions and the latest golf equipment and gift items.

NW INDIANA

[ best ] FESTIVAL

NON-LOCAL

Taste of Chicago

tasteofchicago.us

ttracting more than one million visitors last year, the Taste of Chicago remains a hit. The free food festival underwent a makeover in 2012; it was shortened to five days and no longer coincides with the Fourth of July. Pop-ups, booths that feature new restaurants each day, were added and were so popular that the feature will expand this year. These changes improved the event and made it more user friendly, Mary Slowik, Taste of Chicago manager, says. The Taste is the only place where you can enjoy food from all the areas of Chicago in one location, Slowik says. Attendees can try different types of ethnic cuisine, cutting edge restaurants and the tried and true icons. In addition to great eats, the festival offers distinguished musical entertainment like the band fun., which headlines this year. “We are still in the planning stages of the event but we will have plenty of new restaurants and performers and attractions for people to enjoy,” Slowik says.

SECOND PLACE

Marshall County National Blueberry Festival blueberryfestival.org

THIRD PLACE

Frankfort Fall Festival

frankfortfallfestival.info

[ best ] HOTEL

MICHIGAN

Four Winds Casino Resort

photography [this page] JOHN J. WATKINS, THE TIMES; [opposite page, top] JOHN LUKE, THE TIMES

11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 1.866.4WINDS1 fourwindscasino.com/hotel

The hotel at the Four Winds Casino Resort is an impeccable way to escape the everyday with all the hotel amenities found at a luxury resort. Expect the very best in elegant décor and accommodations, exciting cuisine, lively entertainment and nightlife from the finest hotel in New Buffalo. Many of the rooms boast sublime views of nature and the forest, and all rooms offer the thrill and excitement of the beautiful Four Winds Casino. “After an expansion in 2012 that added a nine-story, 250 room hotel tower, Four Winds News Buffalo now has a total of 415 luxurious hotel rooms. This includes a mix of rooms ranging from the 1,000 square foot Celebrity Suite; an 800 square foot Deluxe Suite; a 475 square foot Studio Suite; a 500 square foot Junior Suite; and a 400 square foot Standard Room. Each room includes granite countertops, Serta Beds, 14 ½ inch pillow-top mattresses, flat screen HD televisions, coffee makers and complimentary Starbucks coffee,” says Joshua Taustein, public relations for Four Winds Casino Resort.

SECOND PLACE

Marina Grand Resort 600 W Water St New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.9900 marinagrandresort.com

THIRD PLACE

CityFlatsHotel 61 E 7th St Holland, Mich. 616.796.2100 cityflatshotel.com

[ best ]

FUN CENTER Jak’s Warehouse

221 US 41, Suite F // Schererville, Ind. // 219.322.5257 jakswarehouse.com

SECOND PLACE

Zao Island

1050 Horse Prairie Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.1194 zaoisland.net

THIRD PLACE

Zig E’s Funland 8176 Wicker Ave (US 41) St John, Ind. 219.558.0596 zigesfunland.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

lthough it just opened Dec. 7, Jak’s Warehouse is already the life of the party in Northwest Indiana. The indoor family fun center features six themed party rooms and offers customized packages. Party goers enjoy pizza and birthday cake, then it’s off to experiences like bumper cars, mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, the arcade and Ballocity. “We are really seeing outstanding numbers with our birthday parties,” says Lisa Carpenter, manager of events and marketing. With its climate control and unique design, Jak’s is unlike anything in the Region, she says. “It appeals to all ages.” Jak’s offers 20 percent off birthday parties held Monday through Thursday and has texting and e-mail clubs that offer coupons.

[ best ] PLACE FOR A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Jak’s Warehouse 221 US Route 41, Suite F Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5257 jakswarehouse.com

SECOND PLACE

Tyler’s Tender 350 E US 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5590 tylerstender.com

THIRD PLACE

Gary South Shore RailCats US Steel Yard One Stadium Plaza Gary, Ind. 219.882.2255 railcatsbaseball.com

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 15

[ best ] COUNTRY CLUB Briar Ridge Country Club

123 Country Club Dr // Schererville, Ind. 219.322.3660 // briarridgecc.com “Briar Ridge Country Club is family oriented,” club manager Ronald Falaschetti said. “We do whatever we can to provide a facility that families will enjoy. We are proud of our loyal and engaged members. Our golf course is recognized as the finest in Northwest Indiana.” The foundation for Briar Ridge Country Club is based on a commitment to service SECOND PLACE and gracious White Hawk hospitality. Country Club Along with 1001 White Hawk Dr enjoying golf Crown Point, Ind. and tennis, 219.661.1300 fellow club whitehawkcountryclub.com members meet friends THIRD PLACE for formal and Innsbrook casual meals, relax at the Country Club 6701 Taft St Olympic-size Merrillville, Ind. pool and join 219.980.9060 the fun with innsbrookcc.com regularly scheduled events and tournaments. Briar Ridge is a private memberowned club focused on delivering the ultimate member experience. It features an impeccably manicured and challenging 27-hole golf course.

16 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

[ best ]

HOTEL

NW INDIANA

Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza

800 E Lincoln Hwy (US 30) Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.6311 starplaza.com

SECOND PLACE

Blue Chip Casino 777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 bluechipcasino.com

THIRD PLACE

Hilton Garden Inn 501 Gateway Blvd Chesterton, Ind. 219.983.9500 hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

7775 Mississippi St Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.7100 hiltonhotelmerrillville.com

he Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville is a captivating retreat for both business and leisure guests. Their facility offers a variety of restaurants, lounges, and entertainment options; unparalleled business meeting and conference facilities; thoughtful services and amenities and attentive staff. Amenities include two pools, including a signature indoor Atrium pool; the luxurious House of Bianco Day Spa, located adjacent to the hotel and featuring a full menu of treatments and services; and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Director of Sales & Marketing Deann Patena says, “We’re a staycation destination. From dining, special events and weddings, to live entertainment and the most impressive function space in the region, we believe a lot of our appeal stems from how multidimensional we are. It’s all here. ”

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page, left] by JONATHAN MIANO, THE TIMES, [RIGHT] courtesy of RADISSON HOTEL; [opposite page] JOHN J. WATKINS, THE TIMES

Entertainment

Thanks for Voting us “THE BEST”

The Jacksons were just one of the popular performances last year at the Star Plaza Theatre.

[ best ] LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

It’s a Family Experience and You Don’t have to Live Here to be a Member 123 Country Club Drive Scherervile, IN Visit us online and learn more

briarridgecc.com

219.322.3660 • info@briarridgecc.com

Star Plaza Theatre

8001 Delaware Pl // Merrillville, Ind. // 219.769.6311 starplazatheatre.com With 343 hotel guestrooms and hotel suites, four restaurants and lounges including the distinctive T.J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub, and a full-service Starbucks®, Star Plaza Theatre and the Radisson Merrillville is an entertaining get away. There are a number of special entertainment events offered throughout the year, as well as regularly scheduled entertainment throughout the hotel. Director of Sales & Marketing Deann Patena says, “Our live entertainment is free. Quality at SECOND PLACE cost is pretty hard to come by The Venue at no and we take great pride in carrying Horseshoe Casino on our legacy as the epicenter of 777 Casino Center Dr entertainment in Northwest Indiana, Hammond, Ind. as well as putting our patrons’ 219.473.7000 interests first. We listen closely horseshoehammond.com to what our guests like and want to hear and experience, and enjoy THIRD PLACE Center for Visual offering various musical genres for & Performing every preference. We are also known Arts for our popular themed parties and highly anticipated annual events, 1040 Ridge Rd such as our unprecedented New Munster, Ind. Year’s Eve Bash and St. Patrick’s Day 219.836.1930 cvpa.org Celebrations.”

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

JULY 11

JULY 19

SEPT. 7

NOV. 3

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 17

Entertainment [ best ] MOVIE THEATER

[ best ] MARINA Hammond Marina

AMC Theatres

701 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.659.7678 hammondmarina.com

AMC Showplace Schererville 16 875 Deer Creek Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.9762

SECOND PLACE

Michigan City Marina Washington Park 200 Heisman Harbor Rd Michigan City, Ind. 219.872.1712 mcmarina.org

THIRD PLACE

Burnham Harbor Chicago

1559 S Lake Shore Dr Chicago, Ill. 312.747.7009 chicagoharbors.info/harbors/ burnham.php

AMC Showplace Schererville 12 1400 Eagle Ridge Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.9264

ocated just 12 nautical miles from downtown Chicago, the Hammond Marina provides access to Lake Michigan for boaters and a host of amenities for those who sail and those who enjoy the sights from land. For the boater, the Hammond Marina offers competitively-priced slip rates and a Ship Store. Events at the Marina include special parties, fishing contests and boating festivities. One of the beautiful amenities is the Clipper Room, which offers a breathtaking view of the lake and a 100-seat facility for special events or meetings. The Hammond Marina has also been named a Clean Marina by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

[ best ]

LIVE THEATER GROUP Star Plaza Theatre

8001 Delaware Pl // Merrillville, Ind. // 219.769.6311 // starplazatheatre.com

At Star Plaza in Merrillville, entertainment offerings run the gamut, from comedy to oldies musical groups. For more than 30 years the famous 3,400-seat Star Plaza Theatre has put Merrillville and Chicagoland on the entertainment map with its outstanding acts and shows. Their legacy has grown to include other exciting entertainment venues within this multidimensional destination. What is perhaps most appealing about the Star Plaza Theatre is that there is not a bad seat in the house. This intimate theatre boasts two seating levels in a semi-circle around the stage. The main floor level seats 2,000 people. The mezzanine level, which overhangs the main level about midway, seats 1,400. The furthest seat in the auditorium is only 120 feet from the stage. What makes this experience stress-free and a benefit over other theaters in Chicago, is that there is ample parking, at no additional charge, available in well-lighted parking lots surrounding the theatre building. From Alice Cooper to Sesame Street Live, the Star Plaza Theatre has it all.

18 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

SECOND PLACE

Theatre at the Center 1040 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.3255 theatreatthecenter.com

THIRD PLACE

Memorial Opera House

104 E Indiana Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.548.9137 memorialoperahouse.com

AMC Showplace Hobart 12 2590 Southlake Mall Dr Hobart, Ind. 219.755.0377 amctheatres.com “This is a great honor and we’re excited that people feel we’re providing an amazing experience at AMC,” AMC Theatre Representative Ryan Noonan says. With a combined total of 40 screens in Schererville and Hobart, AMC Showplace Theatres offer a wide variety of movie choices for its patrons, including an IMAX screen at AMC Schererville 16. The AMC stubs program costs $12 annually. Stubs clients receive $10 credits for each $100 they spend. Concession stand purchases using the stubs card are automatically upgraded for free. Stubs card holders can order movie tickets online with no convenience fees and receive additional special offers throughout the year.

SECOND PLACE

Portage 16 IMAX 6550 American Way Portage, Ind. 219.764.7469 imax.com

THIRD PLACE

49’er Drive In 675 N Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.6122 49erdrivein.com

photography [this page, left] by J B SPECTOR, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY; [right] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES; [opposite page] by JONATHAN MIANO, THE TIMES

[ best ]

MUSEUM Museum of Science and Industry

5700 S Lake Shore Dr // Chicago, Ill. // 773.684.1414 // msichicago.org The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere, is home to more than 35,000 artifacts and nearly 14 acres of handson experiences designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. Since opening their doors in 1933, they have welcomed a mind-boggling 175 million guests SECOND PLACE from around the world. Their mission, to inspire the Field Museum inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating 1400 S Lake Shore Dr and compelling experiences that are real and Chicago, Ill. educational, is realized through world-class exhibits 312.922.9410 fieldmuseum.org such as Science Storms, the newest permanent exhibit revealing the science behind some of nature’s most THIRD PLACE powerful phenomena, and the U-505 Submarine, the only German U-boat in the United States. “We have Chicago Children’s a world-class museum that offers things no one else Museum has,” says Lisa Miner, director of public relations for 700 E Grand Ave Chicago, Ill. the MSI. “It is amazing the sheer volume and content 312.527.1000 we have, and everything is hands-on, interactive. It’s chicagochildrensmuseum.org all under one roof,” she says.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

[ best ] PUBLIC GARDEN, OUTDOOR EXHIBITION

altree Arboretum & Gardens is a remarkable asset to the Northwest Indiana region. Sitting on top of the Valparaiso moraine, Taltree boasts 360 acres of woody plant collections, formal gardens, Taltree Arboretum wetlands, woodlands, & Gardens and prairies. Numerous 450 West 100 North species of mammals, birds, Valparaiso, Ind. insects, invertebrates, and 219.462.0025 amphibians have come to taltree.org call Taltree home. Alexis Faust, president and CEO says, “Our Railway Garden is one of the largest, most complex, and beautiful in the country. This year we have a dozen new engines that are made here in Indiana that the kids can’t wait to see beginning this spring. We have one of the most beautiful and historically accurate restored tall grass prairies and we have bluebirds nesting. Our trumpeter swans are nesting here and they are endangered in Indiana. We have great exhibits coming this spring including a fairy garden, our children’s garden, a new music garden, and there is a wonderful concert series, so there is always something going on.”

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

10630 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.6010 shrineofchristspassion.org

4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, Ill. 630.968.0074 mortonarb.org

Shrine of Christ’s Passion

Morton Arboretum

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 19

[ best ]

Food & Drink

BAKERY Butterfingers 2552 45th Ave Highland, Ind. 219.924.6464

[ best ] ASIAN FOOD

Strack & Van Til

China Buffet

Almira’s Bakery & Pastry Shop

1640 US Route 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.2888

In a world of picky eaters, it can be tough to find a place that everyone in the family loves. Yet, readers agree that China Buffet is one of those places. Voted as the first place winner in the Best Asian Food category in the “2013 Best of the Region,” Schererville’s very own China Buffet is known for their scrumptious dishes and wide variety of entrees and desserts. Consider trying something new and expand your palate a bit. Whether a quick dinner on a weekday or a family gathering on the weekend, China Buffet is sure to delight everyone.

SECOND PLACE

The China House 120 Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.5788

THIRD PLACE

Siam Marina Thai Cuisine

16846 S Oak Park Ave Tinley Park, Ill. 708.862.3438 siammarina.com

921D Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.4202 butterfingersbakery.com

SECOND PLACE strackandvantil.com

THIRD PLACE 2635 169th St Hammond, Ind. 219.844.4334 almirasbakery.com

[ best ] BANQUET FACILITY Avalon Manor Banquet Center 3550 E US 30 Merrillville, Ind. 219.945.0888 avalonmanor.com

here is nothing like the smell of homemade goodies, and walking into Butterfingers Bakery is a smell our readers love. Voted once again as the Best Bakery, Butterfingers continues to thrive thanks to a loyal fan base and amazing culinary creations. Opened in 1985, the family owned bakery is known for everything yummy. From cupcakes to croissants and a growing list of deli goodies, Butterfingers is the place to go when you are in the mood for something special. Having a party? Consider ordering from Butterfingers and making a real impressive impression on your guests. You will be glad you did.

he Kaiafas family name has meant excellence in the Northwest Indiana restaurant and banquet scene since the 1960s Peter Kaiafas, owner and manager of the 16,500-squarefoot Avalon Manor Banquet Center, said they offer consistently exceptional service and food while also evolving over time to stay fresh. A great location, right off major highways, and a quiet natural setting, complete with pond and gazebos, offers the best of both worlds. A hands-on approach to management and customer service also appeals to guests. “Our employees make our business successful,” Kaiafas said, highlighting the wait staff, bartenders, office sales staff and

kitchen staff behind the scenes including Chef Adam Brown, who was recently promoted to executive chef.

SECOND PLACE

Strongbow Inn 2405 E US 30 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.5121 strongbowinn.com

THIRD PLACE

Halls of St. George

905 E Joliet St Schererville, Ind. 219.865.9411 hallsofstgeorge.com

[ best ] CATERER Strack & Van Til

Thanks for Voting Us #1 Sports Bar & Grill and Best Bar/Lounge

Nd our wE waNT To ExTE svtcatering.com

Strack & Van Til has been the region’s fresh neighborhood catering store for more than 25 years, offering award-winning catering services and superb food unlike anywhere else. From graduation parties to family picnics, Kitchen Fresh Catering makes entertaining effortless, and delicious. Offerings include everything from box lunches, to upscale appetizers. Platters include varieties of meats and SECOND PLACE cheeses, sandwiches, chicken wings, Comfort’s seafood, and fruits and vegetables. Entire Catering buffets are offered as well, including 9585 N Industrial Dr chicken, breakfast, or Italian, to name a St. John, Ind. few. “It’s the personalized service that sets 219.365.6506 comforts-catering.com us apart,” says Brenda Wright, catering manager. “We have a great staff that THIRD PLACE goes out of their way for our customers. Butterfingers We can send staff to set up and serve at 2552 45th Ave the functions, or you can just order from Highland, Ind. staff in store, but either way, you will 219.924.6464 have the best service. Our food quality is exceptional, and our prices are reasonable. 921D Ridge Rd We have been catering more formal events Munster, Ind. lately, especially with our line of high-end 219.836.4202 appetizers, including mayor’s luncheons.” butterfingersbakery.com

[ best ] BAR/LOUNGE Houlihan’s

1550 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.864.0077 houlihans.com

SECOND PLACE

Bridges’ Scoreboard 121 N Griffith Blvd Griffith, Ind. 219.924.2206 bridgesscoreboard.com

THIRD PLACE

Texas Corral texascorral.net

oulihan’s bartenders have their own recipes for every drink, said Craig Carnagey, general manager of the Schererville location. “The drinks you get here, you’re not going to get anywhere else.” Martinis, mini martinis and long islands are all popular choices. Customers also love to order “flights.” These mini tastes allow them to sample martinis flavors, wine offerings or Three Floyds beers before they commit. “The bartenders are friendly and attentive,” Carnagey said. “They will guarantee that you will like any drink or they’ll get you one that you like.”

ich Buy One Sandw Ond

Get the Sec

a GraTITudE wITH

FREE

3. Limit one er expires 6/30/1 . Dine in only. lesser value. off time of ordering be of equal orsen at st n mu po h cou wic t nd Sa must pre coupon per table. ting

d. Watch any spor for sports and foo d. Premier place to go big screen hDTVs in surround soun r 28 Innings tra Ex B event on one of ou ML & t ke nday Tic Home of the NFL Su

121 N. Griffith Blvd • Griffith, IN • 219-924-2206 We are noW Smoke Free! FamouS For our Lake Perch!

don’t miss an issue Only $20 to have Shore delivered for one year.

subscribe today! VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 800-589-3331

Halls of St. George

Northwest Indiana’s Finest Banquet Facility with thREE SEpaRatE ROOmS: “the mediterranean,” “the adriatic,” and “the Lounge” we can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. w Exquisite cuisine prepared on-site by our Executive Chef & staff.

An Event That Will Be Unforgettable

thankS fOR vOting uS

one of the best

219-865-9411

905 East Joliet Street • Schererville (Old Rte. 30 & Broad St.) www.hallsofstgeorge.com A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 21

Food & Drink [ best ] COFFEE

[ best ] DRIVE-IN

Dunkin’ Donuts

The 49’er

For more than SECOND PLACE 60 years, Dunkin’ Donuts has lived by the mcdonalds.com mantra, “Freshly ground, freshly THIRD PLACE brewed, freshly served,” so it should come as no surprise that 5246 Hohman Ave readers voted Hammond, Ind. the popular 219.933.8124 chain as having thebrcafe.com the best coffee in the region. There are more than 30 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in Northwest Indiana, and several more in the south suburbs of Chicago, said Kathy Nowicki, senior marketing manager-Midwest for Dunkin’ Brands. Although the coffee shop offers a wide variety of drinks, the best selling coffee product is regular coffee — which is based on the same recipe used when the chain was founded in 1950. “We always grind our coffee just before brewing, and our beans are ground to a precise level to match our coffee brewers,” Nowicki said. “Also, we grind our coffee fresh every 18 minutes. It’s quite simple — at Dunkin’ Donuts, we are all about serving the best cup of coffee any way our customers enjoy it.”

he 49’er Drive-in Theatre will once again open soon for the season, and is approaching celebrating 60 years of movie magic. The theater was founded in 1956 and served as a hot spot for families to gather on warm summer evenings. New this year is a digital projector, a move that will allow the drive-in theater to continue to show the latest flicks out of Hollywood. Named one of USA Today’s “Top 10 Drive-Ins,” The 49’er is a favorite among region residents who enjoy the nostalgia of drive-in movie theaters. The drive-in has nearly 20,000 likes on its Facebook page and updates movie-goers with the latest events and flicks scheduled to appear.

675 N Calumet Ave // Valparaiso, Ind. // 219.462.6122 // 49erdrivein.com

McDonald’s The Blue Room Cafe

[ best ]

CHEF

Chris Pohl

Giovanni’s 603 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.6220 giosmunster.com

22 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

SECOND PLACE

Blue Top Drive-In 8801 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.838.1233 bluetopdrivein.com

photography by TONY V. MARTIN

dunkindonuts.com

THIRD PLACE

The Port Drive-In 419 N Calumet Rd Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.3500 theportdrivein.net

s the executive chef of Giovanni’s since 1992, Chris Pohl knows what it takes to create a memorable culinary experience. Focusing in on the traditional cleaner tastes that enable customers to “truly remember what they have eaten”, Pohl says his cooking philosophies began when he was just nine years old. “I was the kid growing up watching Julia Child on TV,” chuckles Pohl, who was voted as Best Chef in this year’s Best of the Region poll. “From her, I learned about making things from scratch, which I continue to do here at Giovanni’s.”

SECOND PLACE

Joseph Gaal

Sage 425 Sand Creek Dr N Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.6500 sagerestaurant.net

THIRD PLACE

Eddie Luick Bon Femme 66 Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.531.0612 bonfemme.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

Tradition Of Great Taste

Voted #1 16 Years In A Row!

[ best ] FAMILY RESTAURANT Round the Clock

roundtheclock.com

For fifty years, Round the Clock has been providing families in Northwest Indiana with quality food, service, and value. The original Round the Clock opened on the south side of 5th Avenue, one block west of Broadway in the early 1960s and today there are six locations that are family owned and operated. Each restaurant stays true to the concept of a family-run restaurant providing local residents quality food. SECOND PLACE Litos, owner, says, “We give our Texas Corral Minas customers great value. We also give them Locations in Highland, great food and great customer service. Portage, Merrillville and Michigan City, Ind. But it really comes down to our great staff. texascorral.net We have a wonderful management and wonderful people who work here, and just THIRD PLACE Kelsey’s like any organization, it’s the people who Steakhouse really make the difference. They make you feel welcome here, just like you’re part 2300 US 30 of our family.” In addition to their ample Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.4022 selections of home-made cooking served in a cozy environment, Round the Clock 5630 US 6 also offers catering for every occasion, Portage, Ind. including sandwiches, pastas, seafood 219.762.2242 kelseyssteakhouse.com specialties, kabobs, ribs, steaks, and more.

Thank you for voting us...

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT BEST PLACE FoR BREAkFAST BEST PLACE FoR LUNCh

As a special thank you....mention this ad!

5 oFF

$ Schererville

(909 West Lincoln Highway)

219-322-4940

Highland

(9010 Indianapolis Blvd.)

219-923-4546

YOur TOTal PurcHaSe Of $20 Or MOre (before tax)

Orland Park

(16310 South LaGrange Rd.)

708-226-8099

Merrillville

(1800 W. 81st Ave., U.S.30)

219-769-1591

RoundTheClock.com

Thank You for Voting Us the Best in the Region!

PHONE AHEAD & WE’LL HAVE YOUR ORDER READY! Summer HourS Are BAck - open 11Am - 7pm DAily

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 23

Food & Drink [ best ] FINE DINING RESTAURANT

Schoop’s

schoophamburgers.com

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 2120 Southlake Mall, Suite 500 Merrillville, Ind. 219.795.9463 coopershawkwinery.com

Modern, casual dining in an inviting atmosphere becomes an unforgettable experience when the best in fresh and creative cuisine is offered. “Our goal is to make it fun and easy for people to learn more about wine and food, try new flavors and expand their palates,” says Tim McEnery, Cooper’s Hawk founder and CEO. “We’ve brought together some of the best talents in winemaking and the culinary arts to create inventive, flavorful food and wine pairings.” The menu reflects an upscale offering in delightfully surprising and pleasing pairings. At the same time, says McEnery, Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant wants to be approachable and affordable.

SECOND PLACE

Gino’s Steakhouse 1259 Joliet St (US 30) Dyer, Ind. 219.865.3854

600 E 81st Ave (US 30) Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.4466 ginossteakhouse.com

THIRD PLACE

Ciao Bella Ristorante

1514 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.6800 ciaobellaonline.com

[ best ] ICE CREAM SHOP

[ best ] HAMBURGER

ince 1948 when Allen Schoop created his recipe for transforming fresh, made-to-order ground beef into what has been called the “finest hamburger this side of the moon,” Schoop’s has grown from a modest site in Hammond to reach into communities throughout the region. Schoop’s offers fantastic salads like the grilled chicken or tossed garden salads, juicy burgers, and spectacular sandwiches like the tuna melt or fish sandwich. Plus, their homemade milk shakes, sodas, and floats bring back memories of the good old days. Rachael Surowiec, manager of Schoop’s in Highland says, “Nobody even comes close to our burgers. We’re one of a kind. Our hamburgers are freshly made to order and they’re large so you get your money’s worth. People love the crispy edges and they’re juicy. All of the toppings are fresh, everything is fresh, including our delicious soups which are homemade every day. We have all ages who come to enjoy our burgers and our entire menu, especially families. We have a comfortable and fun restaurant so we have a lot of loyal customers who come back again and again for our fantastic food and superb customer service.”

Cathy Bulak, center, along with her son Chris Bulak and his wife Silvia Bulak.

coldstonecreamery.com

[ best ] HOT DOG Corky’s Dogg House 12421 Wicker Ave (US 41) Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.9332

“From the great taste to a friendly face, it’s the whole package,” says Chris Bulak about his restaurant, Corky’s Dogg House. Though Chicago style hot dogs are the staple here, other items including Italian beef and chicken wings also receive rave reviews. “People pretty much order Italian beef and get a Chicago style dog as an appetizer,” Bulak says. With seating indoors and out and an area of picnic groves, Corky’s offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with friendly service. “My employees are my greatest assets,” Bulak says. “People work with us not for us. That’s always been our philosophy.”

SECOND PLACE

George’s Gyro Spot

culvers.com

325 N Calumet Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.5435 georgesgyrospot.com

THIRD PLACE

8940 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.923.3311

701 Washington St Michigan City, Ind. 219.874.3647

SECOND PLACE

Culver’s

Miner Dunn

Cold Stone Creamery

Top Dog Restaurant

For almost 20 years, Cold Stone Creamery has been serving up the finest ice cream, cakes, smoothies, and shakes. Their Creations allow customers to choose what they want it in your ice cream, such as nuts, fruits, and candy which are mixed into a smooth and creamy ice cream on a frozen granite stone. For those who can’t decide, they offer Cold Stone Signature Creations with cute names like Birthday Cake Remix, Cookie Monster, Cookie Doughn’t You Want Some, and The Pie Who Loved Me. Selections are available in waffle bowls or cones dipped in chocolate too. There are also cakes which make a great office pick-me-up or birthday treat, or novelties to pick up on your way home. It is no wonder that many call Cold Stone Creamery the “Ultimate ice cream experience.” Rebecca Johnson, manager of Cold Stone Creamery in Valparaiso, a store which also sells chocolates from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, says, “Our store looks awesome, we have great customer service, we have fun because we can throw your ice cream in the air, and we have awesome ice cream.”

SECOND PLACE

Culver’s culvers.com

THIRD PLACE

Sweet Frog

1505 US Route 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.440.7093 sweetfrogyogurt.com

[ best ]

ITALIAN FOOD Lucrezia

428 S Calumet // Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.LUCY 302 S Main St // Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.LUCY lucreziacafe.com

SECOND PLACE

Ciao Bella

photography [opposite page] by JOHN J. WATKINS, THE TIMES; [opposite page] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

1514 US 41 219.322.6800 Schererville, Ind. ciaobellaonline.com

THIRD PLACE

Giovanni’s

603 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.6220 giosmunster.com

hen it comes to the best Italian food in the region, Nada and Michael Karas, owners of Lucrezia have set the table on the topic. Michael Karas says, “We’re an independently owned restaurant. There is no corporate headquarters where things are prepared and shipped out in bulk. Things are truly made from scratch, from fresh ingredients. We don’t have a deep fryer or microwave. It’s cooked to order using olive oil and garlic. Our food is very consistent, so no matter who cooks the chicken vesuvio, it will taste the same.” Nada Karas adds, “We try to shop local from farmers markets. Our menu has been the same core menu for almost 15 years with some tweaks. We change things up with the season, and we offer many specials. There aren’t one or two specials—there are many to choose from. Also, service is critical to any restaurant. Even if the food is exceptional, if the service is bad, you won’t come back, so we really focus on our service and our employees have longevity with us. Chef Alfredo has been the chef in Chesterton since day one, and Chef Patrick in Crown Point has been with us for eight years.”

Best Italian Restaurant The Number One

Let our Catering Manager help you plan your graduation party or any other special event. Let our PRIVATE DINING ROOM be the stage for your next event! Tasteful and relaxing, Lucrezia® Ristorante is the perfect place to host a private event. We’ll ensure that your guests will be wowed by delectable cuisine and drinks. Our private dining space can be configured to give your guests an intimate feel and fun atmosphere no matter what your group.

www.LucreziaCafe.com Chesterton, IN

428 South Calumet Road | 219.926.5829 (LUCY) A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

Crown Point, IN

302 South Main Street | 219.661.5829 (LUCY) may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 25

Food & Drink [ best ] MICROBREWERY Three Floyds

9750 Indiana Pkwy // Munster, Ind. 219.922.4425 // 3floyds.com In 1996, Three Floyds Brewing Company LLC was founded by brothers Nick and Simon with their father Mike Floyd in a rundown warehouse on in a rundown warehouse in Hammond, Indiana. The first beers brewed by the brothers were designed to be a departure from the fairly bleak craft brewing scene in the region. Nick and Simon brewed intense balanced beers that were and still remain “not normal” by conventional standards and today they have grown to be known the world over for their famous “Dark Lord” as well as many other brews. Three Floyds’ flagship beer, Alpha King is a big American pale ale that pours a deep amber with a creamy head. This ale is brewed with Centennial, Cascade, and Warrior hops giving it an intense citrus aroma and a crisp hoppy finish. Another exceptional brew Gumballhead, an American wheat brew which was initially a seasonal summer beer, now brewed year round due to demand. This beer is brewed with Amarillo Hops and a generous portion of American red wheat to give it a complex hop aroma with notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, marmalade and peach.

SECOND PLACE

Figure Eight Brewing 150 Washington St Valparaiso, Ind. // 219.477.2000 figure8brewing.com

THIRD PLACE

Founders Brewing

235 Grandville Ave SW Grand Rapids, Mich. // 616.776.2182 foundersbrewing.com

26 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

[ best ]

PIZZA Aurelio’s

aureliospizza.com

SECOND PLACE

Beggar’s Pizza beggarspizza.com

THIRD PLACE

Gelsosomo’s Crown Point

11319 Broadway Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.2828 gelpizzacrownpoint.com

n business since 1959, Aurelio’s has become a staple of the region—so much so readers have voted it as having the best pizza. At age 26, Joe Aurelio Jr. opened a small, fourtable restaurant on Ridge Road in Homewood, Ill. Regular patrons may be surprised to know his restaurant originally focused on the sale of his home-cooked beef sandwiches. Though popular, it was his pizza that captured the taste buds of locals. There are now more than 40 locations in six states, with menu items ranging from sandwiches to pasta, salads and, of course, pizza.

[ best ] MEXICAN FOOD El Taco Real

935 Hoffman St // Hammond, Ind. 219.932.8333 // eltacorealrestaurant.com

ince April 1974, El Taco Real in Hammond has been bringing fresh food to the region with family recipes from the Garcia family. Raymundo Alcorta Garcia so loved his wife’s cooking that he told her, Esther Anguiano Garcia, that she should open a restaurant, which they did. Since then, the family serves the region their delectable authentic Mexican cuisine, tantalizing new diners to return, and satisfying thousands of regulars. “We are very proud of what we do here. That’s really the critical issue. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years. We think of our restaurant as our family home. The pride in our product, from the guys watching the dishes, to the ladies cooking the meals, serving the meals, bussing the tables, we won’t send any food out without looking at the presentation three times and making sure every plate is polished,” says Raymundo Garcia, owner.

SECOND PLACE

El Salto

3530 Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.0100 757 Indian Boundary Rd Chesterton, Ind. 219.395.9890 805 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.0600 elsaltorestaurant.com

THIRD PLACE

Tequila Restaurante 110 S Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.8226

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

T h a n k yo u F o r voT i n g u S o n e o F

for Italian Food • Fine Dining • Place for Brunch Extensive Wine List • Express Lunch Specials Weekly Dining & Drink Specials Let our Event Specialist help plan the perfect menu for your Graduation Party. On-site catering available or book your party in our new private party room. Accommodates up to 100. Call for more details.

1514 U.S. 41 | Schererville, IN | 219.322.6800

[ best ] PLACE FOR BRUNCH

Monday-Thursday: 11am - 10pm Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm | Sunday: 11am-10pm www.ciaobellaonline.com

Scan for our Complete Menu

Thank you for voTing us #1 Mexican resTuaranT

Center for Visual & Performing Arts

photography [this page] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

1040 Ridge Rd // Munster, Ind. // 219.836.1930 // cvpa.org Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Center for Visual & Performing Arts’ brunch is a feast for the family. There are plenty of breakfast items, including bacon and eggs, sausage, blintzes, Belgian waffles with warm maple syrup, and cinnamon toast. Luncheon items include carved roast and ham, chicken and dressing, pasta, vegetables, potatoes, and other scrumptious entrees. The dessert table boasts a variety of items. Christine Carbonare, event coordinator, says, “We have a brunch every Sunday and we do not want to cancel it on SECOND occasion because it disrupts people’s schedules PLACE so we make sure it is offered with consistency. Strongbow Joe Trama is our executive chef and he trained Inn the kitchen staff. He took over about four years 2405 E US 30 ago and he has created a unique feel with creative Valparaiso, Ind. items. He teaches at Ivy Tech and he likes to 219.531.0162 keep up with the trends. We have Hugo Perea as strongbowinn.com our sous chef and he does the bakery items and everything is homemade. I think that makes a big THIRD PLACE difference. It’s a great family setting here with Ciao Bella floor to ceiling windows so it is nice and bright 1514 US 41 on a sunny day. It’s just a nice environment here 219.322.6800 and a perfect occasion for everything from a Schererville, Ind. ciaobellaonline.com confirmation to an 85th birthday party.”

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

219.932.8333

eltacorealrestaurant.com 935 Hoffman Street • Hammond may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 27

Food & Drink It’s no wonder that Round the Clock is the region’s best place for breakfast. They have a huge menu of selections that are delicious for everyone in the family. Selections are served with hashbrowns or skillet potatoes, toast, and they are Round the Clock filling, so it’s a satisfying way roundtheclock.com to get started. All food is made fresh and for those who can’t decide, the combos allow diners to enjoy a little variety so they can give their taste buds just what they’re asking for. Minos Litos, owner, says that the key is their ingredients. “Our executive chefs are very involved in picking favorite dishes for our customers to include on the menu. All of our ingredients are fresh and you can taste that. We make everything fresh every day. We make our omelets fresh to order, our pancake batter is made from scratch, and it may be more labor intensive, but we know when it comes to our customers, it’s worth it,” says Litos.

[ best ] PLACE FOR BREAKFAST

SECOND PLACE

Jelly Pancake House 399 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.0100

936 US Route 30 Dyer, Ind. 219.865.3200 jellypancakehouse.com

THIRD PLACE

The Scrambled Diner 250 81st Ave Dyer, Ind. 219.865.3950 scrambleddiner.com

[ best ] PLACE FOR CHICKEN WINGS Hooters

hooters.com Locations in Merrillville and Schererville, Ind. and Lansing, Ill. Nothing beats a slew of saucy chicken wings, and Hooters is known for their take on the tasty dish. Kelly Hubbard Propst, public relations for Hooters, says, “Hooters is consistently recognized as the best wing joint and is known around the world for its famous wings. Whether you prefer boneless or SECOND PLACE traditional wings, Hooters delivers Wings Etc. a variety of crave-able sauces to wingsetc.com complement them—from buffalo THIRD PLACE sauce favorites, ranging in heat from mild to 911, to new signature Smashmouth sauces on select Hooters menus, Burgers & Pizza such as teriyaki-style samurai, 764 E US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. lemon pepper and chipotle honey. 219.322.3838 Unique to Hooters are our Daytona eatatsmashmouth.com style wings. They’re covered in a sweet and spicy sauce and finished on the grill. They were once a cult favorite but are now officially on the menu. Even after 30 years, Hooters remains the ultimate destination to satisfy your chicken wing craving.”

28 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

Schererville Round the Clock employee, Jan Watson, gladly serves another customer.

[ best ] PLACE FOR LUNCH Round the Clock roundtheclock.com

SECOND PLACE

Popolano’s

17940 Torrence Ave Lansing, Ill. 708.474.0425 225 S Calumet Rd Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.5552 popolanosrestaurant.com

THIRD PLACE

The Patio Restaurant 7706 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.7990 the-patio.com

anny Tirado, who manages the Schererville Round the Clock Family Restaurant, says customers love the service they receive at the restaurant. He says it is efficient and quick. Tirado says the quality of food at Round the Clock is excellent. “We have specials from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. every day,” Tirado said. “Breakfast and lunch are served 24/7.” The lunch crowd at Round the Clock is largely made up of workers from nearby businesses, he says, with the turkey club being the most popular menu choice at lunch. Round the Clock Family Restaurants first opened in 1963. The family-owned restaurants focus on people both customers and workers. Meals are made from scratch, fresh rolls are served, soups are homemade and desserts freshly baked.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

[ best ]

r Voting o F u o Y k n a h T as SmashMouthst in One of The Ben! the Regio

POLISH FOOD Warsaw Inn

photography [opposite page, right] BY TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES; [this page] courtesy of WARSAW INN

2180 Glenwood Dyer Rd // Lynwood, Ill. 708.474.1000 // angieswarsawinn.com

enerations of SECOND PLACE families have Cavalier Inn 735 Gostlin St been coming Hammond, Ind. to Warsaw 219.933.9314 Inn in cavalierinn.net Lynwood, Ill., to experience THIRD PLACE the best MJ’s Deli Polish food in the region, said Angie 7112 Calumet Ave Hammond, Ind. Golom, the restaurant’s owner. 219.937.6007 The buffet, which opened its mjpolishdeli.com Lynwood location in 1980, offers more than 60 items daily, focusing on ethnic and American food. The restaurant makes everything from scratch, with many recipes coming directly from Golom’s family in Poland. There are carving stations for roast beef and ham, as well as salad and dessert tables. Polish favorites include stuffed cabbage, polish sausage, sauerkraut, potato pancakes and five kinds of pierogi. “When people that move out of the area come back, we are the restaurant they want to come back to,” she says. “We make things the old-fashioned way, from scratch.”

MENtIoN tHIS Ad ANd rECEIvE

$ 00 OFF

ANy PUrCHASE of $25 Or MOre

www.eatatsmash.com • In Cline Commons 764 East US Highway 30 • Schererville, IN (219) 322-3838

BUrgErS - WINgS - SAlAd - BEEr - WINE - dESSErtS A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 29

Food & Drink Over the years, no sandwich restaurant has had as much lasting and prolific popularity as the Subway brand of sandwiches. Their fully customizable sub format allows customers to create a sandwich that fits their unique tastes, with fresh ingredients and healthy menu options. “Subway Sandwiches is proud subway.com to be awarded by the Times readers as the Best Place for a Sandwich,” Dan Leigler says. Leigler is a Subway franchise owner who is opening a new branch of the restaurant in St. John in May. “Quality, value and customer service is something that is reinforces throughout the organization,” Leigler says. “Our goal is to provide fresh products that promote a healthy lifestyle at a competitive price prepared by enthusiastic employees.”

[ best ] PLACE FOR A SANDWICH Subway

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

2552 45th Ave Highland, Ind. 219.924.6464

9270 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.3170

921D Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.4202 butterfingersbakery.com

2620 LaPorte Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.548.2900 quiznos.com

Butterfingers

Quizno’s

[ best ] SEAFOOD The Patio Restaurant

7706 Broadway // Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.7990 // the-patio.com

he two most popular seafood selections at the Patio Restaurant are the perch and Dutch shrimp. The Patio, which has been in business for about 30 years, features a Friday night seafood/prime rib buffet from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Debra Batistatos, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband Nick, said the Patio also serves grouper, Chilean bass, salmon served over spinach, mahi mahi, stuffed orange roughy and jumbo shrimp with a panko bread crust. “Our Dutch shrimp is out of this world,” Batistatos says. “We also get a lot of compliments on our perch.”

SECOND PLACE

Blue Chip Casino 777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 888.879.7711 bluechipcasino.com

THIRD PLACE (TIE)

Teibel’s Family Restaurant 1775 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.2000 teibels.com

THIRD PLACE (TIE)

Town Club

2904 45th Ave Highland, Ind. 219.924.5527 townclubon45th.com

[ best ]

SPORTS BAR & GRILL Bridges’ Scoreboard

121 N Griffith Blvd // Griffith, Ind. // 219.924.2206 // bridgesscoreboard.com

Zachary Krenkel, of Momence, gets a puck signed by former Chicago Blackhawk Ed Olczyk at Bridges’ Scoreboard.

30 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

ridges’ Scoreboard serves great food and a hearty portion of sports action. Owners Jeff and Scott Bridges work hard to stay in touch with customers at the family-owned restaurant and sports bar. “You come in here. You’re not just a number,” Jeff Bridges says. “We treat people like you want to be treated.” The game of the moment can always be heard on surround sound and watched on big screen HDTVs. Celebrities from the sporting world also stop by Bridges for meet and greets. “We like to do things like that to keep people interested and coming by,” Bridges says.

SECOND PLACE

White Rhino Bar & Grill

101 Joliet St (US 30) Dyer, Ind. 219.864.9200 whiterhinoonline.com

THIRD PLACE

Hooters hooters.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page, left] by TONY V. MARTIN; [right] courtesy of ROUND BARN WINERY; [opposite page] by JOHN BURBRIDGE

WINERY

[ best ] STEAKHOUSE The Lighthouse

7501 Constitution Ave // Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.WAVE // cedarlakelighthouse.com The Lighthouse Restaurant features two floors for a combined total of 11,600 square feet. The first floor is a full-service restaurant with seating for up to 250 and bar; the second floor is a private dining facility for weddings, showers, birthdays, and corporate events, equipped with a wood dance floor surrounded by windows. The design of the two floors gives guests on each floor the ultimate in privacy with exceptionally sound-proofed construction. But the appeal of The Lighthouse is more than just the beautiful environment and facility; it is also all about the steaks. “We cook our steaks differently than other steakhouses. We sear our steaks at a high temperature so the steaks keep their juices inside and we serve them on 500 degree plates so they stay warm. We use quality filets, sirloins, a prime beef of some sort like a porterhouse,” says Megan Riordan, general manager.

SECOND PLACE

Kelsey’s Steak & Seafood 2300 US 30 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.4022

5630 US 6 Portage, Ind. 219.762.2242 kelseyssteakhouse.com

THIRD PLACE

Gino’s Steakhouse 1259 Joliet St (US 30) Dyer, Ind. 219.865.3854

600 E 81st Ave (US 30) Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.4466 ginossteakhouse.com

pirits run high at Round Barn Winery as it turns 21 this year, Round Barn having grown from a Winery winery to a distillery Union Pier Tasting Room and brewery—“a triple 9185 Union Pier Rd threat” in an expanding Union Pier, Mich. market, says General 269.469.6885 roundbarnwinery.com Manager Nicole Birmingham-Moersch. “We use produce from area orchards, vineyards and farms in the production of more than fifty wines in whites, reds, sparkling and dessert.” Round Barn is also turning out brandies, vodka, rum, bourbon and hand-crafted micro-brews. This season promises to be fun-packed, with one of the biggest free concert series in the area—23 weeks of live entertainment 3 to 6 p.m. every Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Sunday. World-class wines, spirits and micro-brews and food will be available while musicians rock the open-air stage.

[ best ]

SECOND PLACE

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

185 Mount Tabor Rd Buchanan, Mich. 1.800.283.3363 taborhill.com

THIRD PLACE

St. Julian Winery

716 S Kalamazoo St Paw Paw, Mich. 269.657.5568 stjulian.com

Health Care

[ best ] CHIROPRACTOR HealthSource

11065 Broadway Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.3003 healthsourcechiro.com

[ best ]

CARDIOLOGY CARE TIED FOR FIRST

Cardiology Associates of Northwest Indiana

5500 Hohman Ave // Hammond, Ind. 219.931.8708

10010 Don Powers Dr // Munster, Ind. 219.934.4200 cardiologyassociatesofnw. intuitwebsites.com Since 1987 Cardiology Associates of Northwest Indiana has been proving its reputation as a premier cardiology diagnosis and treatment group in northwest Indiana for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac diseases. Seven cardiologists practice at different locations, with a corporate office in Munster. Patients receive care across a wide spectrum of cardiology diagnostic and treatment services, such as echocardiograms, stress tests, Holter monitoring, and more. Cardiology Associates specializes in treatment of coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease, with procedures that include angioplasty and atherectomy, explains Dr. Ravi Bhagwat. A state-ofthe-art vein clinic treats such conditions as varicose veins. “We treat our patients as if they were someone in our own family,” says Bhagwat.

SECOND PLACE

Heart Institute at Franciscan St. Anthony Health — Crown Point

1201 S Main St // Crown Point, Ind. 219.757.6142 stanthonymedicalcenter.com

TIED FOR FIRST

Community Cardiology Center

801 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 201 Munster, Ind. 219.513.0422 comhs.org

he Community Cardiology Center in Munster offers patients access to the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies available for the treatment and management of heart and vascular disease. Compassionate, expert staff provides personalized care and explains every aspect of patients’ procedures and answers any questions patients may have. “We are passionate about providing our patients the latest advances in cardiac care, technology and service,” says Mary Miller, RN, Manager of Community Cardiology Center at Community Hospital. “Our staff and physicians take pride in the work we do and making a difference in the lives of patients.”

THIRD PLACE

Northwest Indiana Cardiovascular Physicians 2000 Roosevelt Rd Valparaiso, Ind. 219.531.9419 // nwicp.com

ith one visit to HealthSource, customers will see what sets the facility apart. HealthSource’s goal is to educate each patient towards optimal health through Chiropractic and wellness. They accomplish this by using leadingedge manual medicine techniques to quickly identify and treat the true cause of the patient’s issues. Patients receive efficient service without chasing down symptoms and temporarily “Band-aiding.” Nutritional and exercise programs, lifestyle coaching and regular wellness classes are just a few of the unique services that make HealthSource the place of choice for many in the community.

SECOND PLACE

Kostidis Chiropractic

4004 N Campbell St Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.1140 kostidischiropractic.com

THIRD PLACE

Trimboli Chiropractic 706 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.8890

12732 US 41 Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.4144 trimbolichiro.com

Chiropractic uses the power of your body’s healing potential. Chiropractic improves sleep patterns, strengthens the immune system, and levels moods. You will be more flexible and agile in your daily life. Children perform better at school and in sports with better focus and better coordination. When you suffer from pain it robs you of your quality of life. At Trimboli Chiropractic our goal is to follow a treatment plan that will return you to a pain-free life as gently, effectively, and as quickly as possible.

“Trimboli Chiropractic is awesome!! You receive the best care. From the doctors to the staff, it is an amazing place to go to get relief from back and neck pain.” – I.R.B., patient

Mention this ad for your first visit FREE! See our website for complete information

www.trimbolichiro.net

find us on facebook

PPO with Anthem, BCBS IL, United, Cigna And affordable cash options - we love our cash patients! A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

706 Ridge Road, Munster (219) 836-8890

12732 Route 41, Cedar Lake, IN (219) 374-4144 may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 33

Health Care [ best ] DENTIST

SECOND PLACE

Advanced Dental

15285 W 101st Ave // Dyer, Ind. // 219.365.5420 // drgambetta.com

ranted, no one particularly loves going to the dentist. Yet, it’s a known fact that good dental care is vital to an overall healthy being. Voted number one in the Best Dentist category, Advanced Dental in Dyer is known throughout the community for their unsurpassed service and care. “It’s really about making people as comfortable as we can via every single interaction,” explains Dr. Miguel Gambetta from Advanced Dental. “From the moment they call for an appointment to when they are sitting in our waiting room to when they are in the chair, we are always striving to make sure their visit is a positive experience.”

t H A n k s to o u r wo n D e r f u l pAt I e n ts f o r vot I n g u s

BEST

DENTIST Come see for yourself! now accepting new patients.

THIRD PLACE

Northwest Oral Surgeons 601A US 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.0501

548 Ridge Rd, Suite G Munster, Ind. 219.836.0004 northwestoralsurgeons.com

sional team is s fe ro p , ly d n mily Our frie u and your fa o y e rv e s to y read

Dr. Alavanja, Dr. Pieters and the entire Schererville Family Dentistry staff wish to Thank You for voting us

Best Dentist/Dental Center & Best Customer Service 4 Years in a Row!

Robert Pieters, D.D.S. & Ray Alavanja, D.D.S.

Call 219-322-3232 or E-mail for your next appointment today! sfamdent@gmail.com • nwidentist.com 1050 Caroline Ave., Schererville, IN

1 5 2 8 5 1 0 1 s t Av e , s t e H • Dy e r , I n

866-992-2973 34 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

1050 Caroline Ave Schererville, Ind. 219.322.3232 nwidentist.com

We are honored by this award and welcome new patients to come experience the trust others have placed in our team.

ADVANCED DENTAL ~ In-network for most area PPO’s ~

Schererville Family Dentistry

Miguel Gambetta, DDS

Open early & late for Your Convenience Mon. - Thurs. 7am-9pm • Friday 8am-5pm

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

[ best ] HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB Community Hospital Fitness Pointe® 9950 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.924.5348 comhs.org

Taking care of one’s whole being is important to readers, so it’s not surprising that they voted Community Hospital Fitness Pointe® as the Best Health & Fitness Club in this year’s poll. A medically based, 73,000 square-foot fitness center, Fitness Pointe® helps individuals achieve life-long health and fitness through innovative, quality programs, stateof-the-art equipment and highly credentialed staff. “Fitness Pointe® expands on the efforts of Community Hospital to improve the quality of life through disease prevention and health promotion,” explains Debi Pillarella, MEd, CPT, education/fitness program manager of Community Hospital Fitness Pointe®. “Degreed and/or certified fitness professionals help clients begin, maintain, and progress with their health and fitness programs.”

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

221 US 41, Suite A Schererville, Ind. 219.865.6969

1201 Cumberland Crossing Dr Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.4185 valpoymca.org

Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness

Valparaiso Family YMCA

810 Michael Dr Chesterton, Ind. 219.983.9832 franciscanalliance.org/omni

Where

Technology and Care are

State-Of-The-Heart

Thank you for making Fitness Pointe Best in the Region Featuring a Free Fitness Program with every Membership, Community Hospital Fitness Pointe® supports your needs from illness to wellness. We have what you're looking for, including Full Service Memberships, Personal Training, Land and Water Classes, Wellness, Physical Therapy, Cardiac Rehabilitation and a full service Hair Studio and Spa. With customer service second to none, stop in and see why we are the “Best in the Region”.

9950 Calumet Avenue | Munster, IN 46321 219-924-5348 | www.FitnessPointe.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

We offer quality Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Interventions right in your community. Our equipment and methods are state-of-the-art, as are your physicians, nurses, and technologists. To find a cardiologist, contact our physician referral at 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477.

www.comhs.org may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 35

Health Care [ best ] ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE Lakeshore Bone & Joint 601 Gateway Blvd // Chesterton, Ind. 219.921.1444 // lbji.com

[ best ]

HOSPITAL Community Hospital

901 MacArthur Blvd // Munster, Ind. // 219.836.1600 // comhs.org

Community Hospital is distinguished nationally for its high-quality care, named among America’s 50 Best by Healthgrades®, the nation’s leading, independent ratings organization. The Munster hospital is the only hospital in Indiana to achieve this distinction six years in a row. Community Hospital has demonstrated consistently superior performance in clinical outcomes across 27 common SECOND PLACE medical conditions from diagnoses Franciscan such as heart attack and St. Anthony Health pneumonia to procedures such as - Crown Point hip fracture and knee replacement. 1201 South Main St “This extraordinary achievement Crown Point, Ind. demonstrates that we are focused 219.738.2100 on the things that matter most stanthonymedicalcenter.com to our patients, including clinical THIRD PLACE excellence and a total caring Porter Regional environment,” says Don Fesko, Hospital chief executive officer. “This 85 E US 6 commitment is renewed with every Valparaiso, Ind. patient, to deliver the right care to 219.983.8300 the right patient at the right time.” porterhealth.com

he Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute was founded by doctors from the Gary region more than 50 years ago. Today, most of the current partners are from Northwest Indiana and Chicago and Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute employs more than 100 healthcare and support staff who has expertise in everything from carpal tunnel syndrome to hip replacement. Karen Johnson, director of marketing and workers’ compensation says, “We have a solid reputation because of our experience, and our service. When someone calls in they can expect to reach a live person. It’s frustrating when you call to always get voicemail and here you can get a live person. But our reputation also has been founded upon our superior specialists who have been trained very well. You can get the same treatment here as you would in Chicago or Indianapolis. We have more of a personal approach and you have access to our doctors.”

SECOND PLACE

Franciscan Medical Specialists

757 45th Ave Munster, Ind. 219.934.2450 medspecindiana.com

THIRD PLACE

Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana 730 W 45th St Munster, Ind. 219.924.3300 osni.org

THANKS.

FOR vOTiNg uS ONe OF THe beST.

We’ve always known that Porter Regional Hospital was a special place. But we are truly honored to be recognized as one of the Best Hospitals in the Times’ 2013 Best of the Region. Thanks for voting for us!

photography [opposite page, left] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

To find a physician who practices at Porter Regional Hospital, call 1-800-541-1861.

Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO. 69081_PORTE_Times_9_89x10c.indd 1

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 37 4/19/13 10:20 AM

Health Care [ best ]

SECOND PLACE

Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists

PAIN MANAGEMENT Community Spine & Neurosurgery Institute 801 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 405 Munster, Ind. 219.836.5167

1600 S Lake Park Ave, Suite 1102 Hobart, Ind. 219.942.6510 communityspineandbrain.com

Locations in Munster, Chesterton, Schererville and Merrillville, Ind. 219.836.7246 // 877.934.7246 spinecaremw.com

hysicians at Community Spine and Neurosurgery Institute use their vast experience in neurosurgery to diagnose disorders of the nervous system affecting the whole body—the spine, brain, hands, legs, arms and face. Boardcertified neurosurgeons Marc Levin, MD, Wayel Kaakaji, MD and Mohammad S. Shukairy, MD offer the most advanced surgical treatments along with a variety of non-surgical approaches to restore patients’ health and relieve their pain. These physicians have many years of experience performing complex surgeries of the brain and spine. They also perform minimally invasive surgeries of the spine, offering their patients shorter recovery times and better pain control.

THIRD PLACE

Methodist Hospital Northlake Campus 600 Grant St // Gary, Ind. 219.886.4000

Midlake Campus 2269 W 25th Ave // Gary, Ind. 219.944.4160

Neurosurgeons with Community Spine & Neurosurgery Institute [from left] Mohammad Shukairy, MD, Wayel Kaakaji, MD and Marc Levin, MD.

Southlake Campus 8701 Broadway // Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.5500 methodisthospitals.org

Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists Training M.i.s.s. physicians are the leading spine pain specialists in northwest indiana. They have completed fellowships and/or are board-certified in pain management. our doctors continually attend workshops and conferences to remain at the forefront of pain medicine and spine care. ExpEriEncE More doctors, nurses and hospital workers choose us for treatment of their own back pain! at M.i.s.s., patients have access to a wealth of experience in spine care and minimally invasive procedures. we are at the forefront of the latest technology in medical and surgical pain management services. pEacE of Mind M.i.s.s. understands pain and its harmful physical and emotional effects. The caring and experienced staff have an excellent bedside manner and will patiently answer all of your questions. all forms of insurance are accepted and we work with out-ofnetwork patients to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Thank You for VoTing us

SpEciaLiZing in not only spine pain but all types of chronic pain, e.g., arthritis pain, sciatica, whiplash and work injuries.

Best Of tHe ReGION 3 Years in a row

shaun kondamuri MD

satish Dasari MD

Vijay gupta MD

saveen kondamuri MD

Munster • 8840 Calumet Ave Suite 103 Merrillville • 333 W. 89th Suite W5 CheSterton • 1100 S. Calumet road Unit 1 SChererville • 505 US hwy 30 (219) 836-7246 or (877) 934-7246

38 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page] courtesy of COMMUNITY SPINE & NEUROSURGERY INSTITUTE

F i r s t i n p r ov e n pA i n S o l U t i o n S • F i r s t i n pAt i e n t C A r e

Best in Spine Care

three years in a row!

State of the Art

in Spine Care

Offering the full spectrum of Spine Care. Dr. Nitin Khanna and Dr. Dwight Tyndall, Board Certified and Fellowship trained physicians, are leaders in performing Minimally Invasive Surgery. Working as a team, they continue to provide excellent patient outcomes. • Comprehensive Diagnostic Services • Conservative Treatment Approaches • Latest Minimally Invasive Options • Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Coordinator

730 45th St., Munster, IN 46321 · (219) 924-3300 www.spinecarespecialists.com A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 39

Health Care [ best ] PHYSICAL THERAPY HealthSource

11065 Broadway Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.3003 healthsourcechiro.com

[ best ] PEDIATRIC CARE Community Hospital

901 MacArthur Blvd // Munster, Ind. 219.836.1600 // comhs.org Community Hospital delivers about 2,400 babies per year and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is the only Northwest Indiana hospital with neonatologists in-house 24 hours a day. A team of nurses and respiratory, occupational, physical and speech therapists provides intervention for infants with special medical needs. Through a new partnership, critically-ill babies in the NICU receive care from University of Chicago Medicine neonatologists, which also makes it faster to transport babies in need of additional specialty care. Michelle Cherry, nurse manager for Community’s NICU, says, “The nursing staff is very experienced and many have been here since the unit opened 30 years ago. This experience can make all the difference in noticing a baby’s condition change and acting quickly.”

SECOND PLACE

Franciscan Medical Specialists

Main office—Munster. Locations throughout Northwest Indiana 219.934.2492 medspecindiana.com/ healthcare-specialty/ indiana-pediatrics

Dr. Nick Goins and Dr. Mitch Monday know physical therapy patients need both caring and expertise. “Physical therapy patients love coming to HealthSource because of the caring and friendly environment, but it is the depth of expertise and one-on-one attention received that truly resonates with them,” says Goins. At HealthSource, an extensive evaluation identifies the root cause of pain and assesses biomechanics. The assessment drives the tailored rehabilitation plan designed for each individual patient, not the same “cookie-cutter” exercises for everyone, explains Monday. “You know you will receive the best, most innovative and comprehensive care as a patient at HealthSource.”

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

1160 Joliet St (US 30), Suite 103 Dyer, Ind. 219.322.8534 dtmd4kids.com

atipt.com

Kids First Pediatrics

40 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

ATI Physical Therapy

THIRD PLACE

Fitness Pointe 9950 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.924.5348 comhs.org

[ best ] PODIATRIST Friendly Foot Care

50 West 94th Pl // Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.2273 // friendlyfootcare.com

hen foot and ankle problems develop, Friendly Food Care gets you back in step as quickly as possible. Dr. Michael Nirenberg and Dr. Michael Lacey are trained in all aspects of foot and ankle care and surgery, including “no-needle” diagnostic tests, laser surgery, and a revolutionary, platelet-rich treatment. SECOND PLACE It’s all done in a relaxed Franciscan atmosphere; the lobby Hammond is comfortable and Clinic Specialty welcoming, and treatment Center rooms have specially 7905 Calumet Ave designed chairs with Munster, Ind. soothing, heated-massage 219.836.5800 foot rests. And anyone hammondclinic.com having an out-patient THIRD PLACE procedure is personally called by their podiatrist Community within 24 hours of Health Care returning home. System “We give people the Dr. Michael Dichoso warmest, friendliest, most Orthopaedic Institute 9132 Columbia Ave thorough care—quite Munster, Ind. simply, the best foot care 219.836.2225 possible,” says Dr. Michael comhs.org Nirenberg.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

Dr. Nick Nenadovich and Dr. Anton Thompkins of Lakeshore Bone and Joint.

[ best ]

SPINE CARE

photography [this page] courtesy of LAKESHORE BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE

akeshore Bone & Joint Institute (LBJI), devoted to providing the most comprehensive care possible, has been a leading provider of sub-specialty spinal care Lakeshore Bone in the region for more than a & Joint Institute 601 Gateway Blvd decade. “We are currently in Chesterton, Ind. the development of outpatient 219.921.1444 lumbar and cervical fusion lbji.com procedures,” says Dr. Nick Nenadovish. “When it comes to spine care, we believe less is more. With two fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeons on staff we provide the most cutting-edge procedures available including minimally invasive surgery and artificial disc replacements.” LBJI provides university-level medical care for neck and back which is less invasive, requires a shorter stay at the hospital, and requires less travel and less expense.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

801 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 405 Munster, Ind. 219.836.5167 communityspineandbrain.com

Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana 730 W 45th St Munster, Ind. 219.924.3300 spinecarespecialists.com

Community Spine & Neurosurgery Institute

Spine Care Specialists

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

N E E D G O O D A DV I C E ?

footcare.c ly d n ie r .f www

Voting CARE r o F u o Thank Y IENDLY FOOT FR

BEST IST DIATRroW!

rS in a

a Four ye

NW INDIANA’S HEEL, FOOT & ANkLE PAIN ExPErTS dr. michael nirenberg & dr. michael lacey

Drs. NireNberg aND Lacey of Friendly Foot Care are among the nation’s top foot and ankle doctors. They strive for excellence when treating foot and ankle problems, specializing in state-of-the-art laser surgery, and use tiny-incision arthroscopic surgery for ankle and heel pain. Drs. NireNberg aND Lacey use the latest techniques to solve the toughest foot and ankle problems.

Visit FrieNDLy Foot care 50 W. 94th Place Crown Point, IN

call (219) 663-2273

WaLk Happy!

World-class, Comprehensive

Neurosurgical and Spine Services

right here in the

Heart of Northwest Indiana.

MarC LevIN, M.D., NeuroSurgeoN WayeL KaaKajI, M.D., NeuroSurgeoN MoHaMMaD S. SHuKaIry, M.D., NeuroSurgeoN

801 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 405, Munster

219-836-5167 1600 S. Lake Park Ave., Suite 1102, Hobart

219-942-6510 may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 41

Health Care SECOND PLACE

Franciscan ExpressCare

12800 Mississippi Pkwy Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.5700 1225 E Coolspring Ave Michigan City, Ind. 219.873.2919 2307 LaPorte Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.476.8855 smmhc.com

THIRD PLACE

Franciscan Hammond Clinic

7905 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.836.5800 hammondclinic.com

[ best ]

URGENT CARE

[ best ] WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER Community Hospital’s Women’s Diagnostic Center

10020 Donald S Powers Dr // Munster, Ind. 219.934.8869 // comhs.org

42 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

etting sick is never convenient, but thankfully there is a simple solution when the doctor’s 9660 Wicker Ave (US 41) office has closed for the evening St. John, Ind. or weekend. The solution? 219.365.1177 Medical attention for illnesses comhs.org that are not life-threatening is available through Immediate Care at the Community Hospital Outpatient Centre in St. John. The Outpatient Centre’s Immediate Care Service sees patients on a walk-in basis—no appointments are necessary. And providing evening and weekend hours means busy people can get care quickly: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about services provided through the Community Hospital Outpatient Centre in St. John, call 219.365.1177.

Community Hospital Outpatient Centre

ated as the Best Women’s Health Center in this year’s poll, Community Hospital’s Women’s Diagnostic Center has long been known as a leader when it comes to women’s health care. In fact, they are the first hospital in the state of Indiana to offer advanced Positron Emission Mammography (PEM). “We are excited to introduce this revolutionary technology to better care for our patients,” says Mary Nicholson, M.D., fellowship-trained, dedicated breast radiologist at Community Hospital and regional director of breast imaging services for Community Healthcare System. “Identifying new or recurrent breast cancer at the earliest stage possible gives each patient the best chance of a superior outcome.”

SECOND PLACE

Franciscan St. Anthony Health – Crown Point 1201 S Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.738.2100 stanthonymedicalcenter.com

THIRD PLACE

Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Hammond 5454 Hohman Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.932.2300

Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Dyer 24 Joliet St (US 30) Dyer, Ind. 219.865.2141 franciscanstmargaret.org

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

URGENT CARE Quality care, when you need it. 365 Days a Year Located in Munster 219-836-5800

DEPARTMENT OF PODIATRY Providing comprehensive ❏ Diabetic Foot Care ❏ Foot, Ankle and Lower Leg Disorders/Care ❏ General Podiatry Specialty Center 7905 Calumet Avenue Munster, IN

219.836.5800

FranciscanHammondClinic.org A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 43

[ best ] DOWNTOWN

Living

MICHIGAN New Buffalo harborcountry.org

New Buffalo, Michigan, one of eight towns that comprise the Harbor Country® region, offers a tantalizing foretaste of the other seven communities. “People come to New Buffalo for the beach and all the great restaurants and shops,” says Kim Pruitt, membership and marketing coordinator the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce. Restaurants’ cuisine ranges from hot dogs to fine dining, and the iconic Redamaks’ burgers and sides. All along Whittaker Street are intriguing little shops and boutiques, with everything from candles to candies to exotic imports and whimsical tchotchkes. A short walk from Whittaker Street is Lake Michigan, with a marina and clean beach.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

saugatuck.com

grandrapids.org

Saugatuck/Douglas

[ best ] DOWNTOWN

T Crown Point

Grand Rapids

NW INDIANA

crownpoint.in.gov

he heart of Crown Point is situated around the old Lake County Court House. This “Grand Old Lady” is the center of the city, and the square is both an historic downtown as well as a thriving commercial center. Crown Point’s downtown offers a wealth of restaurants, specialized gift shops, and services that can be found nowhere else. There are also a number of historical buildings near the court house, including the Allman Block Building built in 1891, the Masonic Temple built in 1919, the People’s Bank building built in 1910, and Cheshire Hall built in 1873, to name a few. Mayor David Uran says it is this downtown that brings visitors from far and wide. “Being voted the best downtown for the past five years in a row starts with our beautiful court SECOND PLACE house. This attracts people to see and enjoy its long Valparaiso history. The city complements that resource with ci.valparaiso.in.us year-round family-oriented festivals and parades. Our ‘Shop Local’ campaign has helped maintain and provide THIRD PLACE new energy to our merchants who provide a unique shopping experience. I truly believe ‘Building a Stronger Highland highland.in.gov Community from Within’ supports our progress.”

[ best ] DOWNTOWN ILLINOIS Chicago

cityofchicago.org With public art like Cloud Gate (the Bean) and the Crown Fountain’s faces in Millennium Park, the boats and opening bridges that cross the Chicago River, the shops and restaurants that line the Magnificent Mile from Chanel to Old Navy, it’s no wonder that Chicago has been voted the Best Downtown by Times’ readers. Taking a stroll to Oak Street Beach or catching the symphony at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in the summer time or ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Plaza in Millennium Park in the winter time, Chicago’s downtown is always SECOND PLACE a hotbed of activity. Chicago’s villageoflansing.com downtown is perfectly located and THIRD PLACE structured for a walk, a villageofbeecher.org trolley ride, or even zooming from one end to the other in a cab or bus. Meghan Risch, vice president of communications for Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism arm, says, “Chicago’s downtown is flanked by awe-inspiring architecture dating back as far as the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition to the more recent Aqua building designed by one of the world’s most celebrated female architects, Jeanne Gang. The very best in dining, theater, culture, shopping, retail and hotels is primarily located within this central business district, and all accessible by foot.”

Lansing

Beecher

[ best ] PLACE TO LIVE ILLINOIS Chicago

photography [this page, right] by APRIL BURFORD, [far right] by TIM HUNT, THE TIMES; [opposite page, left] by APRIL BURFORD; [right] PATRICK L. PYSZKA

cityofchicago.org The lists of the nation’s most expensive places to live don’t include Chicago, because Chicago is able to offer everything world-class cities from all over the world offer, but at an affordable price. Living in Chicago is not only affordable, but it is a quality of life unlike any other, with cultural offerings in abundance, ease of transportation, parks and recreation, excellent job opportunities, and some of the best shopping and dining on the globe. Meghan Risch, vice president of Choose Chicago, says that there are a number of reasons why Chicago is an ideal place to call home. “We have the best downtown, the best meeting space in America, the tallest building in America, the best restaurants in America, the best theatre and sporting events in America—the list goes on. People come from all over the world to visit the city, why not live here? Not only is Chicago racking up world-class accolades, but you just won’t find a friendlier, more liveable big city. It’s this truly unique mix of global attractions and local charm that make Chicago second to none.”

SECOND PLACE

Beecher

villageofbeecher.org

THIRD PLACE

Crete

Bill and Barbara Johnson kiss before renewing their vows on the steps of the Old Lake County Courthouse as part of the Marriage Mill celebration in 2012.

[ best ] PLACE TO LIVE MICHIGAN New Buffalo newbuffalo.org

Residents of New Buffalo, Mich, love its location. Just off I-94, its access to Chicago is convenient, yet it’s still a peaceful haven in the beautiful environment of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Individuals seeking a serene setting for cultural pursuits find this a nurturing place for artists. Families play in the parks and enjoy all sorts of water sports at the clean, well-tended beach. The downtown area is made for browsing, with a delightful diversity of shops and restaurants. Residents treasure the strong sense of community here, supporting an excellent school system, fine arts, and festivals. Rose Strother, executive director of the New Buffalo Business Association, responds to compliments about the town with a big smile and says, “We couldn’t agree more!”

SECOND PLACE

Saugatuck/ Douglas saugatuck.com

THIRD PLACE

Grand Rapids

grandrapids.org

[ best ]

PLACE TO LIVE NW INDIANA Crown Point

crownpoint.in.gov

Crown Point, the seat of Lake County, is home to some 27,317 according to the 2010 census. Incorporated in 1868, Crown Point has been attracting more and more people to call the city home, with stellar schools, a charming downtown, affordable living options, low crime, cultural opportunities, and family events all year long. Plus, Crown Point is near to many amenities that make for a superb quality of life, such as the proximity to Chicago, Lake Michigan and the beaches, and SECOND PLACE access to transportation Valparaiso including highways and ci.valparaiso.in.us rail. Crown Point is also THIRD PLACE host each summer to the oldest county fair Munster ci.munster.in.us in the state of Indiana, the Lake County Fair, and it is also the second biggest county fair in the state. Mayor David Uran says, “Crown Point is the best place to live because our community works together to protect and complement its values. We are a bedroom community that prides itself on quality education, a professional workforce, top-notch amenities and recreational parks, and improving public infrastructure. This is all being accomplished while boosting the lowest city municipal tax rate in Northwest Indiana.”

villageofcrete.org

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 45

Living [ best ] PLACE TO VOLUNTEER Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana bgcnwi.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana is an after-school and summer youth development organization providing positive, educational, leadership and character-building programs for youth ages 6 to 18. Club membership is only $10 per child per year. Currently, the Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 11,000 youth in Lake County. Partnerships and collaborations with area school systems have grown with the implementation of Project Learn, a comprehensive education program incorporated into every activity at the clubs. A snack program is also available to all club members. Club facilities have been updated to provide more of a learning and fun environment for the children.

[ best ] PLACE TO WORSHIP St. Mary Catholic Church 525 N Broad St Griffith, Ind. 219.924.4163 smgriffith.org

SECOND PLACE

Family Christian Center 340 45th Ave Munster, Ind. 219.922.6500 familychristiancenter.org

THIRD PLACE

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 1 W. Wilhelm St Schererville, Ind. 219.322.4505 stmichaels-parish.org

46 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

“I am honored and pleased to provide a prayer service, a liturgy that is appealing to people and makes them feel closer to the Lord and closer to each other and provides them with meaning for their lives to give them strength in their problems and to give them God’s consolation and to provide hope for the future for their families and for themselves,” St. Mary’s Pastor Theodore J. Mens says. A community prayer service requires the wonderful cooperation of all the people involved in the liturgy, the cantors, musicians, lectors, Eucharistic ministers and ushers, he says. Thousands attend St. Mary’s annual festival which is Aug. 15 through Aug. 18. “It is not just a church community experience but a celebration of one of the last weekends of the summer for the entire extended Griffith and Lake County communities,” Pastor Mens says.

SECOND PLACE

Humane Society Calumet Area 421 45th Ave Munster, Ind. 219.922.3811 hscalumet.org

THIRD PLACE

[ best ] RETIREMENT/ ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY Hartsfield Village

Humane Society Northwest Indiana

10000 Columbia Ave Munster, Ind. 219.934.0750 hartsfieldvillage.com

6100 Melton Rd (US 20) Gary, Ind. 219.938.3339 petfinder.com/shelters/ IN191.html

orthwest Indiana’s very own Hartsfield Village is our reader’s top pick for Best Retirement/Assisted Living Community in this

[ best ]

PLACE TO WORK Centier Bank

centier.com

entier Bank strives to promote and support healthy lifestyles and overall wellness, as well as provide popular amenities for its nearly 700 associates. “It is our deep desire to enrich the lives of our associates and their families by offering worldclass benefits and by promoting work-life balance A Centier through educational resources and convenient employee takes on-site amenities advantage of a in a fun-driven, free fitness class. supportive work SECOND PLACE Franciscan environment,” Alliance says Tami Janda, wellness coordinator. Some of the programs Hospitals corporate Centier offers its employees include massage therapy, franciscanalliance.org fitness classes, a workout facility and an onsite free clinic. Centier also offers free annual wellness THIRD PLACE screenings, support networks and a CARE program Citizens that provides a variety of support to bank associates Financial in need, such as in financial or medical crisis or other unfortunate circumstances, Janda says. mybankcitizens.com A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

year’s poll. The mission SECOND PLACE of Hartsfield Village is St. Anthony Hospice to provide seniors the – Franciscan opportunity to enjoy Community Services life to the fullest with 203 Franciscan Dr maintenance free, stress Crown Point, Ind. free living with a focus on 219.661.5100 staying actively involved stanthonyhome.com mentally, physically and THIRD PLACE most importantly, socially with new friends and Wittenberg Village 1200 East Luther Dr neighbors. “The best part Crown Point, Ind. of any day at Hartsfield 219.663.3860 Village is when a resident lutheranlifecommunities.org/ comments regarding wittenberg-village how they have enjoyed participating in an event, sharing a laugh or taking advantage of our wellness programs to maintain their positive lifestyle,” explains Kevin Orze, Director of Marketing at Hartsfield Village Senior Living Community.

We Have “Moved” People To Vote Us

Best of the Region 6 YeaRs in a Row Now Let Us Make YoUr Next Move YoUr Best Move Hartsfield Village offers residents a full continuum of lifestyle options. Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Services are all available. We provide the opportunity for each resident to live life to the fullest potential. See why so many seniors have traded the responsibility and uncertainties of home ownership for the maintenance and worry-free living experienced by our community's residents.

Your Best Move Is Still Ahead... BrINg IN tHIs Ad ANd reCeIVe

photography [opposite page, right] courtesy of CENTIER BANK

$1000 cRedit Applied towards senior Move Management services* *Senior Move Management Services provided by Moving Places LLC. Offer requires application for and acceptance of residence and actual move into Hartsfield Village as new Independent Living or Assisted Living residents.

Call today to schedule a Complimentary tour (219) 934-0750 or (800) 297-6188 Hartsfield Village • 10000 Columbia Ave • Munster, IN 46321 • www.HartsfieldVillage.com Hartsfield Village - Maintenance Free - Worry Free

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 47

Services

[ best ]

CAR REPAIR SHOP

Levin Tire & Auto Repair

Seven locations throughout Northwest Indiana levintirecenter.com

SECOND PLACE

Crown Point Auto Repair & Restoration

1510 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.1847 crownpointautorepair.com

THIRD PLACE

Mr. Tire mrtire.com

or the fourth straight year, Levin Tire & Service Center has been named Best Car Repair store in the Best of the Region competition. The reason is great customer service and quality auto service. Levin Tire makes quality and safety a top priority, evident through investments in state-of-the-art equipment and tools. All service mechanics are ASE certified and continually train with new technology and safety standards. This combined with delivering the most personal, professional and affordable service, is what gives Levin an edge over competitors. All locations offer oil changes, brake, alignments, fluid exchanges, shocks/struts, heating and air conditioning, batteries, belts/hoses and transmission service.

“Our people make the difference,” says Jay Costas, owner of Soft Touch Car Wash, named Best Car Wash for the second year in a row in the Best of the Soft Touch Region 2013 contest. The 1303 Vale Park Rd staff preps your vehicle Valparaiso, Ind. and the wash system uses 219.477.4586 premium detergents, fresh 1492 Main St softened water and soft Crown Point, Ind. cloths followed by a very 219.662.1648 powerful rinse system. Dryers use 4 million 6262 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. BTUs of heat, the only 219.980.2493 hot air dryers in the area. costascompanies.com/ Every wash also includes costascarwash a vacuum token and a magic towel. The “Works Carwash” includes an underbody wash, rust inhibitor, wheel brightener and brake dust removal, and clearcoat protectant.

[ best ] CAR WASH

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

1350 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.7788 driveandshine.com

myeasyclean.com

Drive & Shine

Easy Clean

[ best ] DOOR & WINDOW REPLACEMENT Schilling

8900 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. // 219.365.8585 9900 191st St // Mokena, Ill. 708.479.7007 schillings.com

SECOND PLACE

The Door Store

235 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.8202 thedoorstoremunster.com

THIRD PLACE

M&M Home Remodeling Services 1877 E Summit St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.1600 m-mcorp.com

he Schilling motto is “give the customers what they want, when they want it, on time and error free,” and the familyrun company does everything it can to meet its customers needs. Founded in 1945 by Frank Schilling, Sr., and his brother, the company has locations in St. John and in Mokena, Illinois as well as a distribution center in Cedar Lake. Schilling carries three main lines of windows, and is the largest Anderson windows dealer in the Chicagoland area. They also can mold and customize windows to meet a customer’s specific requests. The company has in-house designers that can help you plan any home improvement project, says Kyle Patterson, a Schilling sales manager. “Our new slogan is ‘Best Price, Any Budget,’” he says. “Whatever your budget, we have designers who can help you stay in your price range.”

[ best ] CHILDCARE CENTER Wonder Years Learning Center 1838 45th Ave // Munster, Ind. 219.750.1900 // wonderyearslearning.com

photography [this page, right] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES; [opposite page] TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

Putting one’s child in another’s care can often be a stressful experience. Yet, readers agree that if necessary, there is no one better for the responsibility than Wonder Years Learning Center. Located in Munster, the SECOND PLACE state-of-the-art Happy Days facility continues Childcare & to raise the Learning Center bar in terms 2645 Main St of providing Highland, Ind. a quality 219.923.1333 childcare and 6111 Harrison St, Suite 145 learning center, Merrillville, Ind. including flexible 219.980.5437 tuition options, healthier and 86 East 70th Pl nutritious meals Merrillville, Ind. and expanding 219.769.6005 hours of happydaysinc.com operation. “The best part of my THIRD PLACE day is when I Child Enrichment stop by each Center classroom to say 5221 Fountain Dr good morning,” Crown Point, Ind. 219.736.5437 remarks owner childrenrichmentcenters.com Jorge Gutierrez. “I love seeing our students actively learning through play, singing songs, creating art & crafts and teachers smiling and having a lot of fun.”

[ best ] BANK centier.com Centier

Founded more than 100 years ago, Centier Bank is the largest privatelyowned independent bank in Indiana and remains committed to being owned and operated by the Schrage family in the future. “Since 1994, Centier has regularly topped The Times’ Best of the Region. In 2013, Centier continued its high level of excellence by not only being voted Best Bank of the Region, but also voted Best Place to Work, Best in Customer Service, and Best Financial Advisor,” says Mike Schrage, president and CEO. “We appreciate the faith and loyalty of our clients as Centier’s brand and reputation for excellence increases.”

SECOND PLACE

Chase

chase.com

[ best ] CUSTOMER SERVICE Centier

centier.com

Centier Bank is a family owned bank that stands firmly behind their “Not For Sale” commitment, pledging to their associates, clients, and the communities throughout Indiana that they will continue to preserve independent hometown banking. Centier has 45 locations in Lake, Porter, La Porte, Marshall, and Tippecanoe counties. Centier is currently serving in more than 22 communities with 650 associates and more than $2.1 billion in assets. It is their mission to provide exceptional service experiences and build strong relationships with the families, businesses, and communities of Indiana. They stand behind the values of integrity, respect, friendship, caring, and loyalty. “Centier Bank stands testament that no matter how large a business has grown it is still possible to provide warm, personalized service. This comes easy to our associates because every effort is taken to provide a friendly environment based on values. We give our clients a feeling of family, membership, and belongingness,” says President & CEO Mike Schrage.

SECOND PLACE

Strack & Van Til strackandvantil.com

THIRD PLACE

mybankcitizens.com

Citizens Financial

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 49

Services [ best ] FINANCIAL ADVISOR Centier centier.com

ELECTRICIAN Meyer’s Heating & Cooling

100 N Griffith Blvd // Griffith, Ind. 219.924.1999 // meyerscompaniesinc.com

“One call does it all,” says Joe Youment, co-owner with Paul Starcevich of Meyer’s Heating & Cooling, with pride. That’s because Meyer’s is known for all three: electric, plumbing, and HVAC. For the quality service and customer satisfaction that won top honors, SECOND PLACE Yothment credits All Services their staff. “It’s Electric 670 Madison St, Suite E all about our Crown Point, Ind. top-trained 877.899.1824 employees,” allserviceselectric.net he says who understand that THIRD PLACE “for a remodel, Cedar Electric the customer 29356 State Line Rd wants to make Beecher, Ill. 219.313.2588 the least number of phone calls.” In business since 1951, “We’re known for our 24-hour service,” working in the Region and with the professional building trade. In addition to specials, rebates, discounts and coupons, Meyer’s offers an all-season service plan for worry-free maintenance.

50 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

SECOND PLACE

Oak Partners oakpartners.com

THIRD PLACE

Wells Fargo Financial wellsfargo.com

[ best ] HOME BUILDER Olthof Homes

8051 Wicker Ave (US 41), Suite A St. John, Ind. // 219.558.8080 olthofhomes.com Since 1961 when Fritz Olthof began constructing his first set of new homes in Lansing, Illinois, Olthof Homes has grown to be the region’s best home builder today. They have expanded to build communities throughout Northwest Indiana including St. John, Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Chesterton, and Valparaiso. They offer single family homes, townhomes, condos, and duplexes. They bring beautifully designed homes that are built with skill and experience, resulting in SECOND PLACE sound, quality homes. Todd McFarland Homes Olthof of Olthof Homes says, 2300—A Ramblewood Dr Highland, Ind. “We’ve been actively building 219.934.9885 homes in the region since 1961 mcfarlandhomes.net and we offer a variety of home types for the customers. We THIRD PLACE (TIE) work to offer what the market 1st Metropolitan needs in different economic Builders cycles and we work very hard 400 Fisher St, Suite J to create innovative products Munster, Ind. and keep our customer happy. 219.836.8282 I’ve got a great staff. They are 1stmetropolitanbuilders.com some great people. They work hard, they love the science of THIRD PLACE (TIE) homebuilding, improving Phillippe Builders the product, and focusing 3500 Union Ave on what we can deliver Steger, Ill. to customers at different 708.756.0860 phillippebuilders.com price points.” A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page] by TONY V. MARTIN

[ best ]

ith 45 branches around Northwest Indiana and more opening each year, it is easy to see why Centier was chosen as the Best Financial Advisor in the region. The bank has six financial brokers and advisors, all of whom have more than a decade of experience and are available to meet with clients in any branch office, says Kathy Bradshaw, vice president program manager for Centier. “We want to meet the client where it’s convenient for them,” she says. She says Centier has a culture of values that helps customers figure out what their needs and priorities are and then tailor an investment strategy that’s specific to them. “We spend time getting to know our clients so we can help them fulfill their goals,” she says.

Thank you for voting us One of the Best Car Repair Shops

FouR yeaRs in a Row!

[ best ] PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO jc penney Portrait Studios

- All of us at Crown Point Auto Repair Repair & Restoration 1510 N. Main St. • 219-663-1847

jcpportraits.com

jc penney Portrait studios has more than a dozen locations around northern Indiana, including studios in Merrillville and Valparaiso. Over the years, they have helped tens of thousands of families create everlasting memories.“For some 40 years, jc Portraits has been recording infants, toddlers and families, celebrating special events, holidays or simply the growth or maturing of children,” says Kelvin Miller, a spokesperson for Lifetouch. “We are passionate about our photography and intent on helping our guests create their own personal story,” says Jennifer Urbanczyk of jc penney Portrait Studios.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Courthouse Sq, Suite 304 Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.9500 eddataylor.com

219.779.7774 patandcassie.com

Edda Taylor Photographie

www.crownpointautorepair.com

Your Smartphone ... just got smarter.

Pat and Cassie Portrait Design

Scan to download

Wealth & Retirement Planning 55 W. 94th Place | Crown Point, IN | (219) 795-1000 100 E. Lincolnway, Ste 202 | Valparaiso, IN | (219) 850-1040

Visit nwi.com from your mobile or download our news app today. nwi.com/apps

www.oakpartners.com

Securities and Advisory Services offered through SII Investments Inc. Member FINRA - SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. Oak Partners and SII Investments are separate and unrelated companies.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 51

Services [ best ]

HEATING AND COOLING

Illiana Heating & Air Conditioning 11407 Wicker Ave (US 41) Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.365.0006 illianaheating.net

lliana Heating & Air Conditioning provides quality workmanship and superior service with professional, dependable and knowledgeable technicians for your complete heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality products and systems. Family owned and operated, Illiana Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has been serving Northwest Indiana and the South Chicago suburbs for more than 25 years. The Cedar Lake-based business was named the Best Heating & Cooling in The Times 2013 Best of the Region contest. Whatever ones heating, ventilation and air conditioning needs, the finely trained staff is fully equipped to handle all of your HVAC equipment and indoor air comfort questions and needs.

SECOND PLACE

Meyers’ Heating & Cooling

100 N Griffith Blvd Griffith, Ind. 219.924.1999 meyerscompaniesinc.com

THIRD PLACE

Cliff’s Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 344 Kennedy Ave Schererville, Ind. 219.864.1551 cliffsheating.com

Here’s a special offer in appreciation of your vote

generators from $2,799 • 24/7 Protection • 7KW-300KW • Factory Trained • Concrete Pads available

• Fully Automatic • Up to 5 year Warranty • Service Agreements Available

thanks for voting us

We Will beat any Written estimate.

best!

Cliff’s Heating, RefRigeRation & a/C inC 344 Kennedy Ave, Schererville, IN 46375 | 219-864-1551 | www.cliffsheating.com Largest Dealer in NW Indiana • Reliably serving Indiana & Illinois homes since 1979 • Financing Available 52 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

Thank you for Voting Us Among the Best in the Region...We look forward to another 25 years of service to our Customers!

FINALLY, AN INVESTMENT YOU CAN BE COMFORTABLE WITH Armstrong Air® high-efficiency Comfort Systems can show a return on investment in energy saving that’s better than a savings account, a CD or even a 401K. And that’s not counting your enhanced property value–or enhanced comfort.

The Installation of any 95% High Efficient Variable Speed Furnace

The Installation of Any 14 Seer of Greater High Efficient Central Air Conditioner TT

2500 Off

Some restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer. Previous Sales exlcuded. Expires 6/30/13

2500 Off

Aprilaire High-Efficient Air Cleaners

Maintenance Contracts

2500 Off

Some restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer. Previous Sales excluded. Expires 6/30/13

2500 Off

Any Duct Cleaning or Blown-In Attic Insulation Job Some restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer. Previous Sales excluded. Expires 6/30/13

ELECTRIC - PLuMBING - HEATING & COOLING.

12500 Off

Some restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer. Previous Sales excluded. Expires 6/30/13

Thank you for voting us Best of the Region

One Call Does It All!

Call an Expert Today for a Free Estimate

Some restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer. Previous Sales excluded. Expires 6/30/13

Meyer’s Companies Inc.

MEYER’S

Furnace/Central Air Conditioner Combination Tune-Up TT

Some restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer. Previous Sales excluded. Expires 6/30/13

A Christian Owned & Operated Company Since 1987

N.W. Indiana (219) 365-0006 Demotte (219) 987-2107 Illinois (708) 895-0006 illianaheating.net A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

COuPON

$20 OFF

ANY SERVICE

Does Not Apply To Previous Orders

CALL US TODAY!

www.meyersgriffith.com

N.W. INDIANA: 219/924-1999 • HOBART: 219/756-1999 • ILLINOIS: 708/891-9099 may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 53

Services [ best ] INSURANCE AGENT TIED FOR FIRST

TIED FOR FIRST

155 S Calumet Rd Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.8681 antoninsurance.com

State Farm Insurance 6629 W US 30, Suite 8 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2727 statefarm.com

Anton Insurance Agency, Inc., has been serving both the personal and commercial needs of Northwest Indiana for more than 50 years. Anton Insurance Agency is a family owned and operated business led by Michael Anton, Jr, President. Mike’s wife, Mike Anton Nancy, is the CFO and they are joined by son Jim, and most recently, daughter Megan. The company’s Chesterton and Valparaiso agents have more than 250 years of insurance experience. Anton Insurance represents multiple insurance carriers, allowing them to find the most comprehensive coverages at a competitive price. The agency’s top priority is on servicing the needs of clients, for home, auto, life, business or health insurance needs.

Having security can ease worries. With Jim Miskovich at State Farm Insurance, the security of great coverage is having a great agent for home, auto, and life insurance. “People are more than just a number on our computer,” says Miskovich, who has 29 years’ Jim experience Miskovich as an agent with the largest insurer of homes and automobiles in the country,” he says. “We provide our clients with caring, respectful, and dependable service each and every time, for a ‘wow’ experience.” That includes assisting clients with financial needs, too, through State Farm Bank, including CDs with competitive rates, the Coverdell College Savings Plan, Roth IRAs, money market accounts, 401(k) rollovers and more.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Connie Bernardi State Farm Insurance 1072 Joliet St (US 30) Dyer, Ind. 219.322.9959 conniebernardi.com

Jim Miskovich

Barbara Gulden Insurance Agency American Family Insurance 8025 Wicker Ave (US 41), Suite C St. John, Ind. 219.365.9909 barbgulden.com

54 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

[ best ] KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING Schilling

8900 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.8585 9900 191st St Mokena, Ill. 708.479.7007 schillings.com

SECOND PLACE

Von Tobel Lumber & Hardware vontobels.com

THIRD PLACE

Maruszczak Appliance 7809 W US 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.0555 maruszczak.com

chilling’s has many choices in and design, décor, and materials in one store at unbeatable prices. A 7,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art showroom features 40 complete room scenes; customers can visualize their dream kitchen—cabinets, countertops, flooring, everything. “We are a hybrid between a home center and design center, giving us the lowest prices and the latest trends,” says general manager Bob Blandford. The full room scenes range from traditional to contemporary to old-world, completely outfitted for every room. Customers can see true colors in the right application, and “they appreciate our friendly design staff and the great prices,” says owner Greg Schilling. An award-winning design staff means customers can have their dream look within their budget.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page, right] by TONY V. MARTIN; ALL OTHER ART: PROVIDED

Anton Insurance Agency Inc.

[ best ] REAL ESTATE AGENT NW INDIANA

Brian Rossi

Rossi & Taylor 8025 Wicker Ave (US 41), Suite D St. John, Ind. 219.365.8000 rossiandtaylor.com

rian Rossi began his first company more than 20 years ago, and has grown to become one of the top real estate agents in the region. The St. John-based Rossi & Taylor has sold countless homes, ranging from $30,000 homes to million dollar newconstruction mansions, he says. His fullservice company is on the cutting edge of technology. “With us, you SECOND PLACE get old school Bill McCabe and the latest Century 21 technology Executive Realty available,” 421 W Lincoln Hwy he says. He Schererville, Ind. credits his 219.864.5000 success to bmccabe.com the family feeling of his THIRD PLACE company and Jana Caudill his desire to Redkey Realty Leaders give his clients 503 E Summit St, the personal Suite 1 Crown Point, Ind. touches they 219.661.1256 want. “(Buying janacaudillteam.com a home) is one of the most emotional tasks of your life,” he says. “We relate to a family selling a home because we are a family at our office.”

Brian Rossi

Thanks for vo

ONE OF THEtinBg me EST! For your Insurance & Financial Needs, Connie L. Bernardi Ins Agency Inc 1072 Joliet U.S. 30 Dyer, IN 219.322.9959

Like A Good NeiGhbor

StAte FArm iS there. ®

Providing Insurance & Financial Services statefarm.com® State Farm Insurance Company • Bloomington, IL • statefarm.com®

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 55

Services [ best ] REAL ESTATE AGENT

[ best ]

LANDSCAPER Allen Landscape Centre 2539 45th Ave // Highland, Ind. 219.924.6076 // allenlandscape.com

Louis Price

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 10 N Whitaker New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.3950 coldwellbankeronline.com

Customers looking for real estate possibilities want to have as much information as possible, says Realtor Louis Price of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, where agents stay informed and translate that Louis Price information for customers. The 18 agents are also highly trained in customer service. Price finds that resort country close to Lake Michigan holds a special appeal for second-home buyers. “This area is a great second-home location for Chicago area people to relax, rest, and enjoy themselves,” Price says. So for Price, it makes sense to make it easy for customers to explore the possibilities: “I believe in helping people find what they want, without a lot of high pressure.”

SECOND PLACE

Jay DeBruyn

300 Kalamazoo St South Haven, Mich. 269.637.8555 shoresofsouthhaven.com

THIRD PLACE

Sharon Halliburton American Homes Real Estate 4532 Red Arrow Hwy Stevensville, Mich. 269.208.3862 sharonhalliburton.com

56 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

In their 40th year in business, the knowledgeable staff at Allen Landscape Centre is known throughout Northwest Indiana as experts when it comes to outdoor beauty. Landing in the top spot once again as Best Landscaper, the family owned business is eager to help new and existing customers with all of their landscaping needs. “Whether they stop in to our Garden Center with a question or set up a meeting with one of our landscape designers, customers can always benefit from the personalized attention we offer,” explains Paula Allen, who owns the business alongside her husband Tom. “It’s all about enhancing what they already have with new landscape ideas!”

[ best ] PLUMBER St. John Plumbing Service

10800 Joliet St St John, Ind. 219.365.2080 stjohnplumbingservice.com

SECOND PLACE

Dean’s Lawn and Landscaping 238 Kennedy Ave Schererville, Ind. 219.864.9078 deanslandscaping.com

THIRD PLACE

R.A.L. Landscaping & Garden Center

6616 W US 30 Crown Point, Ind. 219.865.6439 rallandscapingandgardencenter.com

or the fifth consecutive year, St. John Plumbing Service has been named Best Plumber in the Best of the Region contest, thanks to the outstanding service the company provides. Wayne Spiekhout, a journeyman plumber, has more than a quarter century of experience servicing and installing plumbing in existing buildings. He and his wife, Darcy, coown St. John Plumbing Service. This is the original St. John Plumbing Service, with experienced, licensed plumbers available 24/7 for emergency repairs to malfunctioning plumbing in homes and businesses throughout Lake and Porter counties. Spiekhout keeps three large orange trucks fully-stocked with the supplies and equipment needed for any job.

SECOND PLACE

Meyer’s Heating & Cooling 100 N Griffith Blvd Griffith, Ind. 219.924.1999 meyersgriffith.com

THIRD PLACE

TLC Plumbing

235 North Lindberg Griffith, Ind. 219.922.6214 tlcplumbingonline.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page, top] by TONY V. MARTIN; [left] courtesy of LOUIS PRICE

MICHIGAN

Free Design Consultation

Includes Needs Assessment and Rendering. Value $100. Must book your appointment by June 30, 2013

VoTING us... ThANks for

Drippy or Leaky faucets? Toilet not working correctly? Clogged drain?

20 OFF aNy service call over 110

No job is too small or too big!

rIce Let us grow them into P T s e B ’s A e r The A $ 11.99 EA. the garden of your dreams. S T A ALL FL seLecTIoN GreAT

• LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

219.922.6214 • Griffith, IN Visit our full-service garden center featuring a wide variety of large trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. Not sure exactly what plant, tree or flower should go where? Ask one of our expert staff members, they will get you exactly what you need to give your yard curb appeal. If you need more than a little direction we also specialize in design and implementation of landscaping materials. We can give your yard a makeover. Hire a professional that will get the job done right the first time.

Visit us online at www.tlcplumbingonline.com IN License #CO19700117 • IL License #055-015754

THANK YOU fOr vOTiNg Us...THe Times besT Of regiON 2013

#1 LANDsCAPer Landscape design/Build Since 1973

besT Of THe regiON gArDeN CeNTer your neighborhood Garden Center for 27 years!

10% OFF

ALL SHRUBS & FLOWERING PLANTS one coupon per customer. expires July 1, 2013.

$250 OFF ANY LANDSCAPE

earn reward Dollars when you shop at Allen’s!

PROJECT OF $2500 OR MORE With this coupon. expires July 1, 2013.

in Highland

2539 45th Street 219-924-6076

Voted Best of the region 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013

Monday - Saturday 8 aM - 8 pM Sunday 8 aM - 5 pM A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 57

Services [ best ] PLACE FOR AN OIL CHANGE Duke of Oil thedukeofoil.com

SECOND PLACE

Drive & Shine 1350 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.7788 driveandshine.com

THIRD PLACE

Oil Express

9615 Indianapolis Blvd (US 41) Highland, Ind. 219.924.7840 6747 Indianapolis Blvd (US 41) Hammond, Ind. 219.844.9919 1700 Sibley Blvd Calumet City, Ill. 708.891.2470 oilexpress.com

58 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

[ best ]

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY Rossi & Taylor Realty Group 8025 Wicker Ave (US 41) // St. John, Ind. 219.365.8000 // rossiandtaylor.com

rian Rossi and Bill Taylor set the gold standard in real estate in northwest Indiana, bringing a combined 50plus years of experience to matching people with the right properties. In his first year in real estate, Rossi received the Outstanding Salesmanship Award from the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors. Two years later he opened his own business, and 15 successful years later has expanded to his present company with three-time Purple Heart recipient Bill Taylor. “With us you get old school plus the latest technology, so Rossi and Taylor Realty Group covers everything,” says Rossi, who looks to be the number-one company in Listings and Sales in relation to its number of agents.

SECOND PLACE

McColly Real Estate mccolly.com

THIRD PLACE

Century 21 Alliance Group

450 Lincolnway, Suite 200 219.210.9148 Valparaiso, Ind. 21alliance.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page, right] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES; [opposite page] TONY V. MARTIN

The Duke of Oil has been serving Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland for more than 20 years. With 13 Chicagoland locations—8 of them in Northwest Indiana—drivers are never far away from the company named Best Place for an Oil Change in The Times Best of the Region 2013 contest. The Duke of Oil takes pride in making certain each customer leaves satisfied and without worry. Technicians go through a rigorous training program. And at neighborhood Duke of Oil locations, you will get a quick lube and oil change at a reasonable price every 3,000 miles.

[ best ] ROOFER M&M Home Remodeling Services 1877 E Summit St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.1600 m-mcorp.com

As the roofing industry continues to evolve, so has M&M Home Remodeling Services. With over 100 employees and 37 years in the business, M&M takes the top spot as Best Roofer in this year’s poll, with company President Nick Yadron says the key their success has been the relationships they have established with both partners and customers. “Through our strong relationships with our manufacturing partners we are able to offer services such as Lifetime Roofing, Siding, and Windows,” says Yadron. “Through it all, we have been able to attract some of the best people in the entire industry and it shows on a daily basis from the feedback we receive from our customers.”

save

50% and more on local favorites

SECOND PLACE

R.L. Roofing

rlroofingservice.com

THIRD PLACE (TIE)

Rogers Roofing 4540 Wabash Hammond, Ind. 219.933.9145 rogersroofing.com

THIRD PLACE (TIE)

Champion Windows, Sunrooms, Roofs & Home Exteriors 8219 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.227.4438 championwindow.com

s i m p ly v i s i t

nwi.com/buylocaldeals

for more information and to subscribe to receive the latest local offers delivered right to your inbox.

Small buSineSSeS are the heartbeat of northweSt indiana think local first A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 59

It’s Just Serendipity

5630 Hohman Ave // Hammond, Ind. 219. 932.6328 // itsjustserendipity.biz

lending the past with the beauty of the present, It’s Just Serendipity has been a Hammond favorite since opening in 2009. From antiques to home décor and custom gift baskets to vintage clothing & accessories, the much loved store is a treasure trove of accidental discoveries. “We love our downtown and we are doing what we love!” say store owners SECOND PLACE Raymundo Comfy Couch Garcia 2631 Highway Ave and Karen Highland, Ind. Maravilla. Voted 219.513.9948 once again as Best Antique THIRD PLACE Shop, It’s Just The Key to Serendipity and Estate Treasures 8385 Wicker Ave (US 41), their talented Suite 1 and 3 staff are always St. John, Ind. on hand to help 219.365.2700 decorate a home thekeytoestatetreasures.com or office with a mixture of new, vintage, and handmade creations for an eclectic marriage of style, originality, and flair.

[ best ] BRIDAL/FORMAL WEAR SHOP David’s Bridal

1700 E 80th St Merrillville, Ind. 219.648.2000 davidsbridal.com

[ best ] APPLIANCE STORE

Maruszczak’s customers are their number one priority, plain and simple. Their service trucks are on the road six days a week to remedy any issue that may come up as soon as possible. Their customers appreciate that service and the security that comes with knowing that they won’t be left to fend for themselves Maruszczak Appliance should a problem arise. Since the early Sales & Service 1950’s, Maruszczak has been offering 7809 W Lincoln Hwy (US 30) customers in the region the very best Schererville, Ind. in service and quality. Today they have 219.865.0555 the area’s largest appliance showroom maruszczak.com which displays a full line of major home appliances. Owner Pam Maruszczak says, “We not only offer almost every brand available, but we also service everything and sell parts. We do installs when many places don’t, and we focus on giving good customer service. Our sales staff never pushes people into buying. We try to maintain their education on the various brands and models so they will know what the product will do for the customer. We have no turnover on our sales people because they love their work and love taking care of the customer.”

SECOND PLACE

Nason’s Appliance Co.

1158 E Summit St Crown Point, Ind. 219.769.4161 nasonsappliances.com

avid’s Bridal wants to make dreams come true, says Julie McBrayer, store manager of the Merrillville location. With countless gowns from designers like White by Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, Oleg Cassini or Galina Signature in a variety of styles, “You are sure to find your perfect gown at a price that won’t break the bank.” Bridesmaid dresses come in up to 42 different colors with sizes ranging from 0 to 16 for petite and missy and 14W to 26W for plus-size with select styles in 28 and 30. “Brides love working with a knowledgeable bridal consultant and enjoy trying on a wide selection of gowns and dresses in their size with the added convenience that most styles are available to take home the same day,” McBrayer says.

THIRD PLACE

Hometown Appliances 10033 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.595.8028 hometownappliancestore.com

SECOND PLACE

Dunhill Tuxedos dunhilltuxedos.com

THIRD PLACE

Elegance Wedding and Evening Wear 2820 Highway Ave Highland, Ind. 219.923.0977 elegancewedding.net

photography [top] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

Shopping

[ best ] ANTIQUE SHOP

ON THE PAIR!*

[ best ] ELECTRONICS STORE **

ONLY

MHW6000AW

EACH AFTER REBATE $

MED6000AW

974

SAVE 250

ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE Regular Pair Price $2198

ONLY

Maytag® Maxima XL™ 4.3 cu. ft. Washer PowerWash® cycle

Maytag® Maxima XL™ 7.4 cu. ft. Dryer Advanced Moisture Sensing Optional pedestals sold separately

[ best ] CARPET/ 15% FLOORING STORE REBATE BY MAIL ON THIS SUITE!*

Schilling

8900 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.8585

WASHER ONLY

MVWB850YW

874

Best Buy

MVWC360AW

599

Maytag® Bravos XL® 4.6 cu. ft. Washer PowerWash® system

Maytag® Centennial® 3.6 cu. ft. Washer Deep Clean option

$ 300 ith more than $ MEDC200XW SAVEin 150 stock, Maytag Bravos XLdifferent styles Maytag Centennial SAVE 250 ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE 7.3 cu. ft. Dryer 7.0 cu. ft. Dryer ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE Pair Price After Rebate $948 Schilling was picked GentleBreeze Regular Pair Price $1998 Steam cycles Regular Pair Price $1098 drying system Best Carpet/Flooring Store in the Region. SECOND Schilling keeps its prices competitive PLACE ** with big box stores by passing the savings Von Tobel ** directly on to their customers. “We take Vontobels.com ON THE SUITE! a truckload or semi load either directly to REBATE BY MAIL SAVE OVER PAIR! THIRD our store or to our distribution center, and ON THE $ PLACE cut out the costs of paying the middleON THE SUITE WITH REBATE OVER Rite Cover man,”LESS saysTHAN Kyle$3185 Patterson, sales manager SAVE $ 9400 Indianapolis Blvd FOR THE SUITE AFTER REBATE for Schilling. Schilling offers dozens Regular Suite Price $3747 ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE (US 41) MER8674AS of varieties of laminates, hardwoods, Maytag 6.2 cu. ft. Electric Range LESS THAN $1801 Highland, FOR THE PAIR AFTER REBATEInd. self-clean technology AquaLift engineered flooring, tile in stock as well as Regular Pair Price $2118 219.922.6800 MMV5208WS beingMFT2672AEM to place Maytag 26 cu. ft. special orders for customers. Maytag 2.0 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator Over-the-Range Microwave “We’ve created a showroom to show off produce preserver FreshFlow 111 E. Joliet St WideGlide turntable tray ** all of MDB7759SAS our different things, ” he says. “When MET8885XS Crown Point, Ind. Maytag Jetclean Maytag 6.7 cu. ft. Plusbuy, Dishwasher people they want to be able to touch it Electric Range 219.663.7500 100% Stainless Steel tub interior EvenAir true convection and make sure it’s what they want.” cover-rite.com EACH AFTER REBATE $

MEDB850YW ®

™

15%

562

317

™

REBATE BY MAIL!*

15 Receive up to a

SAVE OVER

229

% $765

LESS THAN 2070 Rebate WITH REBATE with purchase of select

Maytag Kitchen applicances MFI2670XEM

Maytag® Ice2O® 26 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator Wide-N-Fresh™ deli drawer

LESS THAN

AFTER REBATE

Rebate with$849 purchase of select Regular Price * M9BXXGMYB Maytag Laundry applicances*

May 1-31,

10%

Maytag® 19 cu. ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator 2013 Factory-installed icemaker

REBATE BY MAIL!*

SAVE OVER 84

Regular Price $2299 *

250

Receive up to a

and or

THE MONTH YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR IS HERE

Offer Valid May 1–31, 2013. *See Store for Rebate Form with complete details and qualiﬁed models. Only valid at participating Maytag Brand retailers. Rebate in the form of a Maytag Brand MasterCard® Prepaid Card by mail. Total rebate based on retail purchase price excluding taxes, delivery and installation. **Visit maytag.com for warranty details. Parts vary by model. Cards are issued by Citibank, N.A. pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. Cards will not have cash access and can be used everywhere MasterCard debit cards are accepted. ®/™ ©2013 Maytag. All rights reserved. To learn more about the entire Maytag Brand line, please visit maytag.com. ROP-14795

250

REBATE BY MAIL * ON THIS SUITE!

REBATE BY MAIL * ON THE PAIR!

SAVE OVER

317

ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE

LESS THAN $1801

Regular Price $549

MDB7749SBW

Maytag® Jetclean® Plus Dishwasher 100% Stainless Steel tub interior **

ONLY

MHW6000AW

EACH AFTER REBATE $

MED6000AW

974

ONLY

Maytag® Maxima XL™ 4.3 cu. ft. Washer PowerWash® cycle

Maytag® Maxima XL™ 7.4 cu. ft. Dryer Advanced Moisture Sensing Optional pedestals sold separately

MVWB850YW

874

Maytag® Bravos XL® 4.6 cu. ft. Washer PowerWash® system

EACH AFTER REBATE $

MEDB850YW

SAVE 250

ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE Regular Pair Price $1998

Maytag® Bravos XL® 7.3 cu. ft. Dryer Steam cycles

ON THE SUITE! 15% REBATE BY MAIL SAVE OVER ON THIS SUITE!

MVWC360AW

Maytag® Centennial® 3.6 cu. ft. Washer Deep Clean option

SAVE $150

MEDC200XW

599

ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE Pair Price After Rebate $948 Regular Pair Price $1098

562

Thanks for voting us #1 ON THE SUITE!in a row! for the 5th year

Maytag® Centennial® 7.0 cu. ft. Dryer GentleBreeze™ drying system

SAVE OVER

ON THE SUITE WITH REBATE $

LESS THAN 3185

FOR THE SUITE AFTER REBATE Regular Suite Price $3747

MER8674AS

562

Maytag 2.0 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave WideGlide ™ turntable tray

Maytag 26 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator FreshFlow™ produce preserver

MET8885XS

MDB7759SAS

Maytag® Jetclean® Plus Dishwasher 100% Stainless Steel tub interior

MDB7759SAS

10%

ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE $

MER8674AS

Maytag® 26 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator FreshFlow™ produce preserver

REBATE BY MAIL!*

FOR THE SUITE AFTER REBATE Regular Suite Price $3747

MFT2672AEM

Maytag® Jetclean® Plus Dishwasher 100% Stainless Steel tub interior

317

LESS THAN 3185

MFT2672AEM ®

SAVE OVER

ON THE SUITE WITH REBATE $

MMV5208WS

may 19, 2013 10%

REBATE BY MAIL!*

15%

REBATE BY MAIL ON THE PAIR!*

Maytag® 6.2 cu. ft. Electric Range AquaLift® self-clean technology

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

WASHER ONLY

FOR THE PAIR AFTER REBATE Regular Pair Price $1998

Maytag® 6.7 cu. ft. Electric Range EvenAir™ true convection

150

SAVE OVER $ 54

Maytag® 6.2 cu. ft. Electric Range AquaLift® self-clean technology

REBATE BY MAIL ON THE PAIR!*

495

ON THE PAIR WITH REBATE Regular Pair Price $2198

15%

Rebate with purchase of select Maytag® Laundry appliances*

REBATE BY MAIL ON THE PAIR!*

SAVE 250

15%

with purchase of select Maytag® Kitchen appliances*

250

May 1–31, 2013

10%

REBATE BY MAIL!*

WITH REBATE

10%

With modern lives constantly ruled by electronics these days, more and more Northwest Indiana residents are flocking to their local Best Buy store for all of their high tech needs . . . and they like what they find. Once again voted as the Best Electronics Store, Best Buy remains a one stop shop for all sorts of gadgets and gizmos. And as always, customer service ranks high among the reason SECOND PLACE why it remains hhgregg a favorite with hhgregg.com our readers. The store’s well-known THIRD PLACE group of talented Hometown technicians, the Appliance & Geek Squad, is also Receive up to a ReceiveElectronics up to a ready to pull into 10033 Wicker Ave (US 41) driveways right St. John, Ind. and when they are or 219.365.4758 Rebate needed most. hometownappliancestore.com

9900 191st St Mokena, Ill. 708.479.7007 schillings.com

bestbuy.com

LESS THAN 1801

FOR THE PAIR AFTER REBATE Regular Pair Price $2118

MMV5208WS

Maytag® 2.0 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave WideGlide ™ turntable tray

MET8885XS

Maytag® 6.7 cu. ft. Electric Range EvenAir™ true convection

| nwi.com/bestof | 61

10%

REBATE BY MAIL!*

Shopping [ best ]

CONSIGNMENT STORE Once Upon a Child

29 US 41 // Schererville, Ind. 219.864.1976 // onceuponachild.com When their daughter simply doesn’t use her old bike anymore or their son will never wear that expensive three piece suit again, parents turn to Once upon a Child. Once again voted as the Best Consignment Store, readers love to browse the store’s wide range of brand new and gently used clothes, toys and baby equipment. “We have many more customers coming in for larger items such as high end strollers and swings since they can get it at half the price than if they bought it new,” explains Kim Crnarich, owner of the Schererville Once Upon a Child. “Children grow up so fast, so our store serves as a wonderful option for parents looking to save some money.”

multi-year winner in The Times Best of the Region competition, Bryan’s Florist was founded Bryan’s Florist by Ray Bryan in 1949. bryansflorists.com With seven shops located throughout Northwest Indiana, Bryan’s Florist is a full service provider of fresh cut flowers, floral arrangements, plants, home decorations and gifts. Throughout the years, Bryan’s has become a trusted member of the retail community as well as a supporter of various charitable events. With more than 60 years of experience, Bryan’s Florist offers the highest level of service, reasonable pricing and the quality, variety and beautiful selection of flowers that customers have come to expect.

[ best ] FLORIST

SECOND PLACE

It’s Just Serendipity

5630 Hohman Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.932.NEAT

THIRD PLACE

Hidden Treasures Consignment Boutique

2211 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.6340 hiddentreasuresconsign.com

[ best ] FURNITURE STORE Ashley Furniture

ashleyfurniture.com

Although Ashley Furniture has locations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, readers voted it the best furniture store locally. That could be because Ashley’s Furniture’s business plan is simple—cut out the middleman costs. Using an in-house design team, the furniture store creates the look but without the expensive design fees. All orders also are filled from regional warehouses and served by the company’s own fleet of trucks—saving the business costs that don’t get passed down to the customer.

SECOND PLACE

Indiana Furniture indianafurniture.com

SECOND PLACE

Cedar Lake Florist

8600 Lake Shore Dr Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.7532 cedarlakeflorist.com

62 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

THIRD PLACE

2540 45th Ave Highland, Ind. 219.924.1000 brummsflowers.com

15400 La Grange Rd Orland Park, Ill. 708.460.4100 darvin.com

Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn

Darvin Furniture

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

We Appreciate Our Moms 4 yeArS iN A rOW!

Abbey Ketelaar of at Alsip Home & Nursery arranges flowers on a fountain installation.

Baby Store AND Consignment Store! 29 US HigHway 41 ScHererville (219) 864-1976 www.ouac.com

To all our customers who voted us Best Gift Boutique in Northwest Indiana. VIsIT our New locaTIoN IN scherereVIlle

[ best ] GARDEN/NURSERY STORE

MARIA’S

3 doors south between Dress Barn & Vision Point hallmark's Newest Design!

Munster 836-5025

Schererville 322-5503

Crown Point 661-0420

NW INDIANA

Alsip Home & Nursery

10255 Wicker Ave (US 41) // St. John, Ind. // 219.365.0882

photography [this page] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

20601 S LaGrange Rd // Frankfort, Ill. // 815.469.1044 alsipnursery.com

he St. John location of Alsip Nursery is first in the Best Garden/Nursery Store for good reason. Since 1994, Northwest Indiana residents have flocked to the 17-acre site, where you can purchase everything from flowers to SECOND PLACE home and garden décor. There is also a Allen Landscape full-service pet section, which includes Centre a vet clinic and grooming services. Co2539 45th Ave owner Richard Christakes credits his Highland, Ind. knowledgeable staff, many whom have 219.924.6076 been with the company for more than a allenlandscape.com decade, for providing excellent service THIRD PLACE to those who visit the nursery. Another Chesterton bonus for the location is the spacious Feed & Garden greenhouse, which is open year-round. 400 Locust St “Even if it’s five degrees outside, you can Chesterton, Ind. still come in and walk around and see 219.926.2790 flowers,” Christakes says. chestertonfeed.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

THANK YOU! YOU VOTED US #1! AND WE THINK THAT’S PRETTY AWESOME! So in honor of your support:

SAVE $5OFF

YOUR NEXT $20+ PURCHASE! Cannot be combined with other offers.

Expires: 5/27/2013

*CP989*

CP989

ST. JOHN, IN: Route 41• 4 mi. South of RT. 30 | PH: 219.365.0882 FRANKFORT, IL: Route 45 • 2 mi. South of I-80 | PH: 815.469.1044

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 63

Shopping [ best ] GARDEN/ NURSERY STORE

[ best ] GARDEN/ NURSERY STORE

ILLINOIS

Alsip Home & Nursery

20601 S LaGrange Rd Frankfort, Ill. // 815.469.1044

10255 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. // 219.365.0882 alsipnursery.com Since 1969, Alsip Nursery in Frankfort has been providing customers a large selection of grills, flowers and trees, and gardening necessities. The store is located on about 10 acres, and employs more than 150 people during the peak summer season, says co-owner Richard Christakes. The company has a 140,000 square foot greenhouse in LaPorte, Ind., where it grows 90 percent of the flowering annuals the company sells. With a second location in St. John, Ind., Alsip Nursery employs full-time landscape designers and have 3-dimensional landscaping planning capabilities, so the designers can work with customers to provide the garden of their dreams. “We’re a unique store, and do a lot of things other stores don’t,” he says.

SECOND PLACE

Sunrise Greenhouse (Woldhuis Farms) 10300 E 9000 N Rd Grant Park, Ill. woldhuisfarms.com

THIRD PLACE

Smits Farms 3437 E Sauk Trail Chicago, Ill. smitsfarms.com

64 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

MICHIGAN Maria’s Hallmark Munster store staff: Karen Rentfro, Wendy Bonarigo and Mary Jo Peters.

Dickerson’s Floral & Garden Center 34026 M-43 Paw Paw, Mich. 269.521.3838 dickersons.com

[ best ]

GIFT BOUTIQUE Maria’s Hallmark

or fun, unusual gifts and party accessories, Maria 923 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. Hobby’s three 219.836.5025 Hallmark stores in Northwest 1525 US 41 Indiana have just Schererville, Ind. the right accent 219.322.5503 or gift. “I am elated as always 10827 Broadway to receive this honor,” says Crown Point, Ind. Hobby, and her enthusiasm is 219.661.0420 evident in the merchandise she hallmark.com selects. Baggallini handbags are hot right now; pair one with a jeweled scarf and sandals and swing into the spring with bling. There are lots of special-occasion choices for parties—think personalized plates in popular themes, cards for all occasions, gift wrap and invitations. “We aim to give great customer service,” says Hobby, “at all three stores.” Don’t miss the Schererville location—in mid-April it’s moving just three doors south of its present location.

Fresh and lovely, Dickerson’s incredible array of potted plants are the result of years of dedication. In fact, “We love the challenge and competition as we continue to raise the bar of what a quality plant should be,” says Don Dickerson. Recently acquired by Augustus Growers LLC, Dickerson’s Floral & Garden Center continues its 80-year tradition of selecting only the best for its business as wholesale grower of quality potted plants. An optimistic attitude and strong family ties ensured success in a business that depends on attention to every detail. “We beautify the country with quality plants and a serviceoriented culture with a large variety of flowering/foliage alternatives.”

SECOND PLACE

New Life Nursery 3720 64th St Holland, Mich. 269.857.1209 newlifenursery.com

THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE

Louise’s Hallmark 9533 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.3837 hallmark.com

THIRD PLACE

Cedar Lake Florist

8600 Lake Shore Dr Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.7532 cedarlakeflorist.com

Sawyer Home & Garden Center 5865 Sawyer Rd Sawyer, Mich. 269.426.8810 sawyergardencenter.com

[ best ] JEWELRY STORE Albert’s Diamond Jewelers

711 Main St Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2700 Southlake Mall Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.1976 albertsjewelers.com

photography [this page] courtesy of ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS; [opposite page] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

Albert’s Diamond Jewelers is one of the largest family-owned jewelers. Shown [from left] are Ashley Halpern, Joshua Halpern, Charles Halpern, Donna Halpern, and Fred Halpern.

lbert’s Diamond Jewelers has served Northwest Indiana since 1905 and become a mainstay in the community with its superior customer service and high quality products. Shoppers can browse the aisles, drop off items for in-house repairs, check out the custom jewelry shop and receive jewelry appraisals. “Customer service is first and foremost in our mind,” says Joshua Halpern, president of Albert’s. “We want to make sure our guests have a wow experience. We think about building a relationship before we ever think about selling to somebody. We’re more than happy to help assist everyone in picking out one of those one-of-a-kind pieces for SECOND PLACE a loved one. People can buy jewelry at a lot of places. Highland They buy from us because our service is second to none.” Jewelers Albert’s has two locations that specialize in diamonds and 2839 Highway Ave diamond engagement rings, Halpern says. They also carry Highland, Ind. jewelry and watches from brands like Cartier, Chopard, 219.838.2530 Tag Heuer and Pandora. The flagship Schererville location highlandjeweler.com added 9,000 square feet this year and now has 21,000 square feet to house its huge jewelry selection. The THIRD PLACE Merrillville location also underwent a renovation and Martin Binder added 2,200 square feet. Community involvement is also 23 Lincolnway important at Albert’s. “When you’re a local business, part Valparaiso, Ind. of being in business is giving back to community,” Halpern 219.462.5931 martinbinders.com says, noting he and his family live in the community.

BEST IN PRICE 1 Year FREE FINANCING

Thank You for Voting for Us 2839 Highway Avenue • (219) 838-2530 www.highlandjeweler.com Downtown Highland A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

Hours: Mon. and Thurs. 9:30 am-8 pm Tues., Wed. and Fri. 9:30 am - 6 pm and Sat. 9:30 am to 5 pm

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 65

Shopping [ best ] HOME DÉCOR STORE

[ best ] HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

jc penney Home Store

Menards

Editor’s note: Readers voted for jc penney Home Store in this category but the store has been consolidated in Hobart with jc penney’s main store.

[ best ] GROCERY STORE Strack & Van Til strackandvantil.com

Strack and Van Til has a rich and long history in the region as the leading full service food store, exceeding customer expectations today, and into the new millennium. They bring customers the finest quality products at the best value and provide their customers with a friendly shopping experience in a clean, safe, environment. Strack & Van Til is successful because of the dedicated efforts of their associates and they are committed to their training and development. They remain dedicated to the communities they serve by supporting SECOND organizations and events that PLACE enhance the quality of life. Strack’s to the community and Meijer commitment success has allowed the local chain to meijer.com expand into additional markets this THIRD year, with new locations in Valparaiso PLACE and Chesterton, among others Aldi recently. Jeff Strack, vice president of operations for Strack & Van Til says aldi.com that their dedication to quality foods and exceptional service has allowed them to prosper to become Northwest Indiana’s largest independent grocery operator. “We’re very humbled about what we have been able to do but more importantly we are very excited for future opportunities to grow our company,” says Strack. 66 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

jc penney is undergoing a makeover that will include a reimagined home department featuring past favorites from the jc penney Home Store as well as fresh and new designs. “Our customers told us they like the convenience of being able to shop all our designs under one roof,” says Lawrence Eleftheri, jc penney’s store leader in Merrillville. “Our home department is being brought back into our main store with new product lines that we’re going to be launching.” Many favorite brands from the home stores will be available in addition to new designer brands and a new furniture assortment with smart pricing, Eleftheri says.

SECOND PLACE

Schilling

8900 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.6005 schillings.com

THIRD PLACE

DeYoung Interiors 8365 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.8362 deyoungandsons.com

eldom can our readers get through the weekend without a trip to Menards. Voted as the “Best Home Improvement Store” in our annual poll, Menards carries everything from the tools for your upcoming deck project to some much needed groceries from their convenience section. Known throughout the Midwest for their wide selection of high-quality, name brand merchandise, Menards continues to add to their successful run as one of the best know home improvement stores in the area. A family-owned company started in 1960, Menards® currently operates more than 260 home improvement stores with locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

lowes.com

homedepot.com

Lowe’s

Home Depot

[ best ] MATTRESS STORE American Mattress

americanmattress.com

American Mattress prides itself on taking caring of the sleeping needs of local families. With nearly a hundred stores in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, the store provides a variety of mattress choices and other bedding needs based on individual preferences. “Because we’re family owned and operated, our customers receive a level of personal service that creates a customer for life,” says Frank DeMaio, one of American Mattress’ owners. More than half of the chain’s business consists of repeat and referred customers—contributing to the success of American Mattress over the past two decades. “We are now celebrating our 25th year with the opening of our 100th store,” DeMaio says.

SECOND PLACE

Bedding Experts

beddingexperts.com

THIRD PLACE

Lynn’s Bedroom City

Locations in Merrillville, Schererville and Valparaiso, Ind. bedroom-city.com

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page, left] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

jcpenney.com

menards.com

Thanks for Voting Welch’s Stop & Shop [ best ] PLACE TO BUY MEAT AND POULTRY Welch’s Stop and Shop 11333 W 95th St St. John, Ind. 219.365.8190 welchsmeats.com

SECOND PLACE

Strack & Van Til strackandvantil.com

THIRD PLACE

Third generation Welch’s Stop and Shop owner Ed Welch says customers keep coming back because of the high quality meat, great customer service and strict attention to detail. Welch’s specializes in steaks, sausage, stuffed burgers and a popular private label ham. Open daily at 8 a.m., Welch’s also carries seafood, a wide array of deli meats, fresh produce and home-made breads baked daily. Welch’s closes Monday through Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday 6 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m. For busy families, Welch’s offers about 30 varieties of frozen pre-made heat and eat items including Italian beef, turkey and stuffing, barbeque beef and pork, lasagna and Italian meatballs. “Saturdays are fun around Stop and Shop with our outdoor cookouts,” Welch says. Weather permitting the cookouts feature steak sandwiches, hot dogs, Polish sausage and bratwurst.

#1 the Best Place for Meat & Poultry

Special thanks to our Longtime Employee

Paul Gebauer

Your outstanding Service Made this Award possible!

Rob’s Meat Chop & Deli

2123 N Winds Dr Dyer, Ind. 219.322.8760 robsmeatchop.com

Join Us For

Every Saturday and Sunday

[ best ] MEN’S CLOTHING STORE Kohl’s

We have delicious

hoMeMade SOUPS and hOmemade breadS

kohls.com

Getting a man into a store to look for clothes is no easy feat. Yet, from the looks of it, many find Kohl’s as the place to go. Coming from third place last year to taking over the first place spot this year, Kohl’s distinction as Best Men’s Clothing Store is a worthy one. The retailer is known for an unsurpassed selection of men’s clothing, shoes and accessories at SECOND THIRD unbelievable prices. As of PLACE PLACE this year, Kohl’s operates jc penney Carson 1,146 stores in 49 states, jcpenney.com Pirie Scott including a number in carsons.com Northwest Indiana.

s e r v i n g f o r o v e r 5 4 ye a r s We invite You to Experience the Welch’s Difference

Welch’s Stop & Shop The besT selecTion and freshest meats and produce

219-365-8190 11333 W. 95th Street • St. John (next

K-Mar t)

visit us at: www.welchsmeats.com A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 67

Shopping

[ best ] HUNTING/FISHING/ OUTDOOR STORE Bass Pro Shop

6425 Daniel Burnham Dr // Portage, Ind. 219.787.6800 // basspro.com

[ best ] NEW CAR DEALER Schepel Auto Group Schepel Buick-GMC 3209 W Lincoln Hwy (US 30) Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.3681 schepel.com Schepel Cadillac 2929 W US 30 Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.1900 schepelcadillac.com

Specializing in General Motors vehicles since 1968, Schepel Auto Group features a fully renovated Buick-GMC store and a state-of-the-art Cadillac facility. But it’s Schepel’s business practices that keep people coming back. “We have not, and do not intend to add any extra doc or prep charges to any transactions,” says vice president Tom VanProoyen. “We’re different in what we do. We’ve always prided ourselves on a lowpressure, enjoyable car buying experience. In the past there’s been a lot of negative feelings about the car buying experience and we work hard to overcome that.”

68 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

[ best ] LIQUOR STORE Nick’s Liquors nicksliquors.com

Nick’s Liquors continues to be a favorite with our readers, earning them yet again the distinction of Best Liquor Store. With eight locations throughout Northwest Indiana and featuring a wide selection of beer, wine, liquors and cigarettes, Nick’s Liquors has long been a one stop shop for both Indiana and Illinois shoppers, especially those who live close to the bustling state line. It’s hard to beat their prices and their monthly specials—and their multiple locations make them easy to find when you need them! Don’t forget to ask their knowledgeable staff for recommendations—they are sure to have the perfect spirit for every occasion.

SECOND PLACE

(Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Honda) bosakauto.com

9127 Taft St Merrillville, Ind. 219.791.9419

Bosak Auto Group THIRD PLACE

Team Auto Stores

(Toyota, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Volkswagen, and Honda) teamautostores.com

WiseGuys Liquors

1413 South Lake Park Ave Hobart, Ind. 219.947.1997 wiseguysliquors.com

THIRD PLACE

St. John Wine & Spirits 9540 Poplar Lane St John, Ind. 219.558.8911

9840 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.8305 stjohnwineandspirits.com

photography [this page] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

t is no wonder that SECOND PLACE Bass Pro Shops Cabela’s has become one of 7700 Cabela Dr America’s premier Hammond, Ind. 219.845.9040 outdoor retailers. cabelas.com Not only are they an outdoor retail store THIRD PLACE with locations across America Blythe’s Sports and Canada, but they serve over and Gun Shop 75 million sportsmen a year. Bass 138 N Broad St Pro Shops in Portage is open Griffith, Ind. every day of the week with daily 219.924.4403 activities and workshops, from fly tying to turkey calling. Dine at 2810 Calumet Ave the Islamorada Fish Company for Valparaiso, Ind. delicious sandwiches, seafood, 219.476.0026 and pasta while viewing an ihuntishoot.com immense salt water aquarium that kids and adults will love. The Tracker Boat Center offers a full-service dealership with three bays for service and retail representing five different boat lines. Jim Osborne, general manager of Bass Pro in Portage says, “We try to create an environment where we bring the outdoors inside. We provide excellent customer service and we have an excellent selection and our boat department, and our restaurant is spectacular. Plus, we have a fun environment. We get multiple generations here, customers from all over the region, surrounding states, even all over the world with Chicago being so close.”

CELEBRATING OUR

61st ANNIVERsARY

Our Customers.

Blythe’s Wants To

Blythe’s has been serving NWI & Chicagoland at the same location in Griffith since 1952 and in Valparaiso since 1980. SERVICE, SELECTION, AND PRICE Continues to help us grow to meet your needs.

Merrillville - 93rd & Taft, Next to PayLow Phone: 219•791•9419 Hobart - 1413 Lake Park Ave. Phone: 219•947•1997 check us out at: wiseguysliquors.com

FAMILY OWNED - OPERATED - VALUES Makes us unique

SINCE 1952

GRIFFITH

138 N. BROAD • (219) 924-4403 Mon.- Fri. 9am- 6pm • Sat. 9am - 5pm

VALPARAISO

SPORT SHOPS

2810 N. CALUMET • (219) 476-0026

Mon.- Fri. 9am- 6pm • Sat. 9am - 5pm • Sun. Noon - 5pm

6 GREAT LOCATIONS 6914 Indianapolis Blvd. Hammond Hammond, IN • 844-3239 4718 Calumet Ave. Hammond, IN • 933-4702 We, the owners and employees of Nick’s Liquors would like to thank you for once again voting us the best liquor store in the region. For over forty years and now in its second generation, Nick’s Liquors continues to provide their customers with service and value.With everyday low prices, monthly sales and special buys, there is always a reason to stop in one of our six locations. Whether it’s finding your favorite craft beer, ordering that special bottle or carrying out your purchase our friendly staff is always willing to help. See us on the web at Nicksliquors.com for tasting dates and a look at the newest products.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

4891 US 30 Hobart, IN • 945-5300 6838 Calumet Ave. Hammond, IN • 931-9978

Hammon Hobart

Hammon

5705 Hohman Ave. Hammond Hammond, IN • 931-4569 8103 Taft St. le Merrillvil Merrillville, IN • 769-7750 may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 69

Shopping [ best ] PLACE TO BUY PRODUCE

[ best ] PET SHOP

Meijer

SECOND PLACE

meijer.com Meijer is the region’s favorite place to buy produce, perhaps because of the quality, freshness, and vast selection of offerings. Meijer has purchased from local growers since the company’s inception, and the retailer’s effort to buy local has expanded over the past five years as the focus on local became more important to customers. Meijer is currently the largest purchaser of local produce in the markets it serves and locally-grown produce accounts for 30 percent of all produce sold at Meijer stores during the peak season. Meijer works with more than 100 local growers and businesses within its five-state footprint, representing an economic impact of more than $80 million annually. “Meijer has a longstanding commitment to buying locallygrown produce when available as long as the quality meets our high standards,” says Jerry Suter, vice president of fresh for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.

PETCO petco.com

Pet Supplies Plus

946 Joliet St (US 30) Dyer, Ind. 219. 864.8118 2410 LaPorte Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.531.0622 petsuppliesplus.com

THIRD PLACE

Alsip Home & Nursery

10255 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.0882

ed Ruff the dog and Blue Mews the cat symbolize PETCO, which offers an array of pet supplies and services as well as live animals to adopt. Nearby stores include two in Northwest Indiana and one in Calumet City with more than a dozen other stores located throughout nearby Illinois communities. Beds, treats, calming aids, bowls, chews, collars, crates, food, medical care supplies and vitamins and supplements are just a few of the products for family members from the animal kingdom. Among the pet services are grooming and dog washing, training and behavior classes and even veterinary care.

strackandvantil.com

THIRD PLACE

Scheeringa Farms & Produce, LLC 9436 Cline Ave Highland, Ind. 219.838.6369 scheeringafarms.net

Kohl’s

[ best ]

aving an educated staff that assists consumers with choosing the best wine WiseGuys Liquors for any occasion is one of 9133 Taft St // Merrillville, Ind. // 219.791.9419 the reasons Rick Green says WiseGuys Liquors has 1413 South Lake Park Ave // Hobart, Ind. // 219.947.1997 found success. As buyer and wiseguysliquors.com operator, Green says it’s a great honor for WiseGuys to be known among readers as the best place to buy wine in the region. Green tributes WiseGuys’ popularity to the wide selection of wine, liquor and craft beers offered at the Merrillville and Hobart locations. “We have a lot of customers come in and they know they’re going to get their questions answered,” he says. “We’re known for helping our customers.”

PLACE TO BUY WINE

kohls.com

Kohl’s women’s clothing department is substantial, with sections divided into size, like women’s plus-size, petites, SECOND maternity, and PLACE juniors, as well as Carson by their exclusive Pirie Scott designers. These carsons.com special fashion stylists make Kohl’s THIRD unique to any PLACE other store with jc penney designers like Vera jcpenney.com Wang, Derek Lam, Jennifer Lopez, Dana Buchman, Lauren Conrad, and more. Because these designers bring their special lines to Kohl’s, the fashion trends are always current and they change frequently. Kohl’s also offers the other essentials needed for wardrobes, including intimates, accessories, and shoes.

20601 S LaGrange Rd Frankfort, Ill. 815.469.1044 alsipnursery

SECOND PLACE

Strack & Van Til

[ best ] WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

SECOND PLACE

St. John Wine and Spirits 9540 Poplar Lane St. John, Ind. 219.558.8911

9480 Wicker Ave (US 41) St. John, Ind. 219.365.8305 stjohnwineandspirits.com

THIRD PLACE

Nick’s Liquors nicksliquors.com

MASTERCARD® REWARD CARD AFTER SUBMISSION.2 Buy any set of four new MICHELIN® brand passenger or light truck tires, and get a $70 MasterCard® Reward Card after submission.2

THE MICHELIN PROMISE PLAN ™ INCLUDES: 30-DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE 1 3-YEAR FLAT TIRE CHANGING ASSISTANCE 1 LIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY 1

[ best ] TIRE STORE

Certain conditions and limitations apply. See associate in store or visit michelinman.com for complete description and details.

[ best ] SHOE STORE

Levin Tire & Auto Repair

Seven locations throughout Northwest Indiana. levintirecenter.com

Shoe Carnival shoecarnival.com

Defender™

Save fuel without sacrificing Anyone looking for asafety or longevity.

See redemption form at participating dealers for complete offer details. Offer expires 4/15/13. Void where prohibited. The Reward Card cannot be reloaded with additional funds, nor can it be used at an ATM. Card expires 6 months after issuance. For complete terms, conditions and fees, see the Cardholder Agreement in your card package. Reward Cards are issued by U.S. Bank, pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

Family Owned & Operated Since 1918

THANKFORYOU VOTING

Levin Tire & Service Center has been named Best Tire Store for the fifth consecutive year in The Times Best of the Region contest. FoundedTMin 1918, Levin Tire is a ® TM ® ® Primacy MXM4business thatPrimacy MXV4 Latitude Tour HP local, family-owned Legendary Ride. Exceptional Warranty. Legendary Ride. Exceptional Warranty. Stop shorter. Stop safer. has grown from a small tire repair • For the right combination of performance • Dual tread compounding increases traction • Meeting the demanding standards of the shop seven full-service tire andand luxury to a variety of vehicle types in both wet and dry conditions world’sinto leading luxury car makers auto L Urepair X U R Y P Ecenters R F O R M A Nacross C E T I R E Lake and L U X U R Y P E R F O R M A N C E T I R E SUV / CROSSOVER Porter counties. Each location carries a wide selection of all major tire brands at guaranteed everyday low prices, LEVIN TIRE COUPON including Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone and Kelly. Levin’s service advisors are very knowledgeable WITH 4 and friendly, which makes buying new tires an easy and enjoyable experience.

• Get exceptional grip provided by unique shoe buying IntelliSipe won’t Technology experience want P A S S ECarnival. N G E R / M I N I VA N to miss Shoe With nearly half a dozen locations in Northwest Indiana and the south Chicago suburbs, Shoe Carnival makes visiting each of its stores a fun experience. Catchy music and contests draw families, while a rewards club called Shoe Perks and a wide selection of shoes for every member of the family attract thrifty parents. Shoe Carnival SECOND PLACE also reaches out to the BRING US ANY COMPETITOR COUPON & WE’LL community by being an mrtire.com active partner in the GIVE YOU AN EXTRA $5 OFF THEIR DISCOUNT! No other discounts apply. United Way.discounts Its charitable No other apply. With coupon. Most Vehicles. Expires 4/15/13. With coupon. Most Vehicles. T5 involvement is widespread THIRD PLACE from corporate campaigns to involvement on the local 2404 N Calumet Ave level in the communities Valparaiso, Ind. where its stores are STAY CONNECTED! 219.462.3109 located.

LEVIN TIRE #1 LTX M/S2 ®

A popular favorite is even better.

• The most proven Light Truck tires for durability and toughness.

BEST AUTO REPAIR ALL TIRE PURCHASES INCLUDE FREE ALIGNMENT CHECK & LIFETIME ROTATIONS & BEST TIRE STORE LEVIN TIRE COUPON

(MOST VEHICLES)

LEVIN TIRE LEVINCOUPON TIRE COUPON

10 OFF 10 OFF 5 OFF 95 5 OFF 24

TAKE AN ADDITIONAL

LEVIN TIRE COUPON

LIGHT TRUCK

OIL & FILTER CHANGE

TIRE ROTATION

ANY PURCHASE ANY PURCHASE

OIL & FILTER OVER $100 with any Premium Valvoline oil change. CHANGE OVER $50Good No other discounts apply. With coupon. Most vehicles. Plus env. Fees. .

Mr. Tire

AFTER $10 MAIL-IN REWARD CARD

Expires 4/15/13. TQ

See store for details. Expires 4/15/13.

No other discounts apply. With coupon. Most vehicles. Expires 6/15/13. TA-B

TA No other discounts apply. With coupon. Most vehicles. Plus any fees. Expires 6/15/13. TQ-B

Brown FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE! WE’LLTire TAKE YOU BACK TO WORK OR HOME WHILE WE WORK ON YOUR VEHICLE! Alignments • Belts/Hoses • Brakes

browntire.com www.LevinTireCenter.com

SECOND PLACE

Barney’s Hub Bootery

108 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.0463 barneyshubbootery.com

Family Owned & Operated

Shocks/Struts • Batteries All Locations Open Saturday Radiators • Fluid Exchanges Open Sunday in Highland Tire Repair WALK-INS • Heating • WELCOME A/C Since 1918

HAMMOND

VALPARAISO

MERRILLVILLE

CALL OR VISIT ANY ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS TODAY! 219-845-9220 219-462-1500 219-887-0531

THIRD PLACE HIGHLAND

6901 Indianapolis Blvd

HOBART

CROWN POINT

HAMMOND

VALPARAISO

203 Silhavy Rd

5713 Broadway

MERRILLVILLE

WINFIELD

HIGHLAND 203 Silhavy HOBART CROWN POINT WINFIELD Famous 1997 East 37th Ave 501 N Main St 6901 Indianapolis Rd 37th Ave 5713 Broadway 10765 Randolph 9500Blvd Indianapolis Blvd. 1997 East 501 N Main St 10765 Randolph St St Footwear 219-924-1710 219-947-2574 219-663-1876 219-845-9220 219-462-1500 219-887-0531 219-924-1710 219-947-2574 219-663-1876 219-662-0270 219-662-0270 famousfootwear.com 9500 Indianapolis Blvd.

All Locations Open Saturday • Open Sunday in Highland A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

SINCE 1918 EARNING YOUR TRUST...ONE DAY AT A TIME! may 19, 2013 | nwi.com/bestof | 71

Shopping [ best ] USED CAR DEALER Arnell Chevy Kia 239 Melton Rd Burns Harbor, Ind. 877.284.4445 arnellchevy.com

nown for the Trunk Monkey and Extreme Car Makeover promotions, Arnell Chevy-Kia stocks one of the largest used vehicle selections in Northwest Indiana. “Not only are we a Certified Pre-Owned dealer with both Chevrolet and Kia, but we also guarantee the engine for life,” says internet sales manager Jessica Richa. Upfront pricing is what buyers like best about Arnell. “We don’t play games with our customers,” says Jessica, “leaving you to guess what you qualify for and what you don’t. We price all our new and pre-owned vehicles online as well as a break out of how we can give you such a great price.”

SECOND PLACE

Schepel Certified 2815 W US 30 Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.1900 schepel.com

THIRD PLACE

Christenson Chevrolet 9700 Indianapolis Blvd (US 41) Highland, Ind. 219.961.4144 christensonchevy.com

855.472.6718

Only 5 minutes from Portage!

voted #1 for Best used car dealer!

the largest selection of used inventory in Porter county. 72 | nwi.com/bestof | may 19, 2013

www.arnellchevykia.com A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

photography [this page] by TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

Mon-Thur 9am-8pm Fri 9am-6pm • Sat 9am-5pm 239 Melton Rd. (I-94 & Rt. 20) Burns Harbor, IN www.arnellchevykia.com

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons We find great reward in bringing patients individualized care while utilizing cutting edge technology. We are dedicated to diagnosing and treating virtually any problem of the bones, joints, cartilage and ligaments to promote wellness and restore function.

• Minimally Invasive Surgery • Hip, Knee, and Ankle Specialty Care • Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Specialty Care • Spine Care Specialists • Sports & Athletic Injuries Joseph Hecht, MD

• General Orthopaedic Care Including Foot and Ankle • Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery • Advanced Technical Training in Mini-Incision Hip and Knee Replacement

Nicole Einhorn, MD

• Fellowship Trained Shoulder, Elbow and Hand Surgery • Specializing in Shoulder Reconstruction • Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery

• State-of-the-Art Open MRI • Physical and Occupational Therapy • Workers Compensation Injuries Program • EMG

Sunil Dedhia, MD

• Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery • Specializing in Advanced Reconstruction of the Shoulder and Knee • Workman’s Compensation/Occupational Injuries

Louis Gluek, III, MD

• General Orthopaedic Care Including Foot, Ankle, Sports and Arthroscopic Surgery • Advanced Technical Training in Mini-Incision Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery

Nitin Khanna, MD

• Fellowship Trained Spine Care Specialist • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery • Complex Spinal Revision Surgery

Dwight Tyndall, MD

• Fellowship Trained Spine Care Specialist • Advanced Spine Techniques • Cervical and Lumbar Revision Surgery

Carla Watson, MD

• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation • Board Certified Spine Specialist

730 45th Street • Munster , IN 46321 • 219-924-3300 • www.osni.org

LuxuRy AS It ShOuLD BE.

2013 BuICk

verAno

2013 BuICk 2013 BuICk

2013 BuICk

reGAl

lACrosse

Dealer ar f o The Ye 1

2010, 201 & 2012

enCore

e n C l Av e

Dealer Year of the

2013 GMC ACADIA

PLUS...OVER 120 IMMACULATE PRE-OWNED SCHEPEL CERTIFIED VEHICLES TO CHOOSE FROM!

2013 GMC Yukon

2013 GMC terrAIn

2013 GMC CAnYon

2013 GMC sIerrA

3rd Year In A Row!!

2 0 1 3 G M C s AvA n A

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE

w w w. s c h e p e l b u i c kg m c .c o m

BUICK • GMC

t Just 2 miles utwees30 Ro on 5 of I-6 in Merrillville!

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY • 7 DAYS A WEEK NEW & CERTIFIED USED

320 9 W. L I N CO L N H I g H WAY

M E R R I L Lv I L L E , I N • 2 1 9 . 76 9 . 6 3 8 1

Shop the

BeSt! Best

Grocery store & Best caterer

Twitter

Visit our web site at

www.strackandvantil.com Facebook

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Only at

Top Rated

Quality Care It is important to know who to trust with your family's health because you want the very best. ® TM Community Hospital has been named by Healthgrades as one of America's 50 Best Hospitals – not once, twice, three, four or five times, but SIX times in a row! America's 50 Best Hospitals are recognized as the top 1% in the nation, having passed the test of time by showing superior performance and clinical excellence year after year. Community Hospital is the only hospital in Indiana to achieve this designation for six consecutive years, 2008-2013. Patients can count on the healthcare professionals of Community Hospital to provide top quality care visit after visit.

Find a physician within the Community Hospital, call 219-836-3477 or toll-free, 1-866-836-3477. Community Healthcare System ®

COMMUNITY Hospital

901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster, Indiana 46321 www.comhs.org

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to watch a video of what it means to be one of America's 50 Best Hospitals. Follow us on Twitter @CHShospitals for information on classes and updates.