ISSUE | 1
2014 FIRST PLACE for Best NEW CAR Dealer and Best USED CAR DEALER
2015 SIerrA 2500
2015 CadillaC EsCaladE
BUICK • GMC
Dealer of the Year 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013
WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE
2015 Yukon
2015 CadillaC aTs
w OPEN ww .schepelbuickgmc.com 24 HOURS A DAY • 7 DAYS A WEEK • NEW & CERTIFIED USED
2015 ACADIA
2015 CadillaC CTs
CadillaC
32 0 9 W. L I N C O L N HIg H WAY • ME RRILLvILLE , IN • (219) 769-6381
Shop beSt beS
Voted
1st Place
Best Grocery ocery Stor Store
1st Place Catering
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an award winning city all around!
Mayor David Uran
“Building A Stronger Community From Within.�
www.crownpoint.in.gov
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 1
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Table of Contents
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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 Nature’s Remedies 3 Produce Depot BEST HEARING AID CENTER 1 Community Hospital Audiology 2 Clear Ear 3 The Hearing Place BEST SPA 1 State of Mind 2 Vanis Salon & Day Spa 3 Skin Day Spa BEST COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER 1 Franciscan Medical Specialists 2 Dr. Galante 3 Dr. Platis
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BEST CASINO SLOTS 1 Four Winds Casino 2 Horseshoe Casino 3 Blue Chip Casino BEST HOTEL (MI) 1 Four Winds Casino Hotel 2 Marina Grand Resort New Buffalo 3 The Boulevard Inn, St. Joseph BEST CASINO DINING 1 Jack Binion’s Steakhouse – Horseshoe Casino 2 The Buffet – Four Winds Casino 3 Copper Rock – Four Winds Casino BEST CASINO POKER 1 Horseshoe Casino 2 Four Winds Casino 3 Blue Chip Casin BEST CASINO TABLE GAMES 1 Horseshoe Casino 2 Four Winds Casino 3 Blue Chip Casino BEST COUNTRY CLUB 1 White Hawk Country Club 2 Briar Ridge Country Club 3 Innsbrook Country Club BEST GOLF COURSE 1 White Hawk Country Club 2 Briar Ridge Country Club 3 Lost Marsh Golf Course BEST FESTIVAL (NWI) 1 Pierogi Fest 2 Lake County Fair 3 Popcorn Festival BEST FESTIVAL (NON-LOCAL) 1 Taste of Chicago 2 Covered Bridge Fest 3 National Blueberry Fest BEST FUN CENTER 1 Jak’s Warehouse 2 Zao Island 3 Zig E’s Funland BEST PLACE FOR A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY 1 Jak’s Warehouse 2 Bellaboo’s 3 Tyler’s Tenders BEST DOWNTOWN (IL) 1 Chicago 2 Lansing 3 Homewood BEST DOWNTOWN (MI) 1 New Buffalo 2 Saugatuck 3 St. Joseph BEST DOWNTOWN (NWI) 1 Crown Point 2 Valparaiso 3 Griffith
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BEST LIVE THEATER GROUP 1 Theatre at the Center 2 Star Plaza Theatre 3 Towle Community Theatre BEST HOTEL (NWI) 1 Radisson Star Plaza 2 Blue Chip Casino Hotel 3 Hilton Garden Inn BEST PUBLIC GARDEN/OUTDOOR EXHIBITION 1 Taltree Arboretum & Gardens 2 Shrine of Christ’s Passion 3 Morton Arboretum BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE 1 Star Plaza Theatre 2 The Venue at Horseshoe Casino 3 Center for Visual and Performing Arts BEST MOVIE THEATER 1 AMC Theatres 2 49’er Drive-In 3 Portage 16 IMAX BEST MUSEUM 1 Museum of Science and Industry 2 Field Museum 3 Children’s Museum of Indianapolis BEST BAR/LOUNGE 1 White Rhino Bar & Grill 2 Bridges Scoreboard 3 Three Floyds Brewpub BEST MICROBREWERY 1 Three Floyds 2 Crown Brewing 3 Figure 8 Brewing
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EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION
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BEST ADULT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION 1 Purdue University Calumet 2 Indiana University Northwest 3 Valparaiso University BEST COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY 1 Purdue University Calumet 2 Valparaiso University 3 Purdue University West Lafayette BEST DANCE SCHOOL 1 Patti’s All-American Gymnastics 2 Donna Brum Dance Studio 3 Arthur Murray BEST GYMNASTICS FACILITY 1 Patti’s All-American Gymnastics 2 Midwest Training and Ice Center 3 Indiana Elite Gymnastics and Cheer
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ENTERTAINMENT
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FOOD & DRINK
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BEST ASIAN FOOD 1 Asparagus 2 House of Kobe 3 BC Osaka BEST BAKERY 1 Butterfingers 2 Designer Desserts 3 Calumet Bakery BEST BANQUET FACILITY 1 Avalon Manor Banquet Center 2 Villa Cesare 3 Center for Visual and Performing Arts BEST CATERER 1 Strack & Van Til 2 Comforts Catering 3 Butterfingers
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BEST BOWLING ALLEY Stardust Plaza Lanes The Super Bowl BEST CASINO Four Winds Casino Horseshoe Casino Blue Chip Casino
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BEST FINE DINING 1 The Lighthouse 2 Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 3 Lucrezia BEST COFFEE 1 Dunkin Donuts 2 Starbucks 3 Grindhouse Café BEST DRIVE-IN 1 The 49’er 2 Blue Top Drive In 3 The Port Drive-In BEST SEAFOOD 1 Lighthouse Restaurant 2 Teibel’s Family Restaurant 3 Red Lobster BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT 1 Round the Clock 2 El Taco Real 3 Teibel’s BEST HAMBURGERS 1 Schoop’s 2 Five Guys 3 Miner Dunn BEST HOT DOG 1 Portillo’s 2 Arnie’s Dog House 3 Corky’s Dogg House BEST ICE CREAM SHOP 1 Coldstone Creamery 2 Valpo Velvet 3 Sweet Frog BEST WINGS 1 Buffalo Wild Wings 2 Hooters 3 Bridges Scoreboard BEST ITALIAN FOOD 1 Lucrezia 2 Ciao Bella 3 Café Borgia BEST CHEF 1 Pat Neibling – Three Floyds 2 Aaron Evett – Fahrenheit 212 3 Patrick Sholz – Lucrezia BEST PIZZA 1 Aurelio’s 2 Gelsosomo’s 3 Beggar’s Pizza BEST PLACE FOR BRUNCH 1 Center for Visual and Performing Arts 2 Strongbow Inn 3 Round the Clock BEST MEXICAN FOOD 1 El Taco Real 2 La Carreta 3 El Salto
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BEST PLACE FOR A SANDWICH 1 Lincoln Carry Outs 2 Panera Bread 3 Grindhouse Café BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST 1 Jelly Pancake House 2 The Scrambled Diner 3 Round the Clock BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH 1 Grindhouse Café 2 Three Floyds Brewpub 3 Panera Bread BEST POLISH FOOD 1 Warsaw Inn 2 Cavalier Inn 3 MJ’s Deli BEST WINERY 1 Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 2 Round Barn Winery 3 Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant BEST STEAKHOUSE 1 The Lighthouse 2 Gino’s Steakhouse 3 Kelsey’s Steakhouse BEST SPORTS BAR & GRILL 1 White Rhino Bar & Grill 2 Bridges Scoreboard 3 Bullpen Luxury Bar & Grill
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HEALTHCARE
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BEST CHIROPRACTOR 1 Trimboli Chiropractic 2 Kostidis Chiropractic 3 Kauffman Chiropractic BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY 1 TriCore Physical Therapy 2 Fitness Pointe 3 ATI Physical Therapy BEST VISION CARE 1 Gailmard Eye Center 2 LTF Eye Clinics 3 Williams-Deschamps BEST ORTHOPEDIC 1 Lakeshore Bone & Joint 2 Orthopedic Specialists 3 Great Lakes Orthopedic and Sports Medicine PC BEST DENTIST 1 Compton Dental Center 2 Schererville Family Dentistry 3 Advanced Dental BEST PEDIATRIC CARE 1 Community Hospital 2 Kids First Pediatrics 3 Franciscan Medical Specialists BEST HOSPITAL 1 Community Hospital 2 Franciscan St. Anthony Health 3 Franciscan St. Margaret Health
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BEST HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB 1 Fitness Pointe 2 Franciscan Omni 3 Anytime Fitness BEST SPINE CARE 1 Community Spine & Neurosurgery Institute 2 Lakeshore Bone and Joint 3 Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT 1 Community Spine & Neurosurgery Institute 2 Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists 3 Methodist Hospitals BEST CARDIOLOGY CARE 1 Cardiology Associates 2 Community Cardiology Center 3 Cardio Specialist Group BEST URGENT CARE 1 Community Hospital 2 Community Hospital Outpatient Centre 3 Franciscan ExpressCare BEST PODIATRIST 1 Friendly Foot Care 2 Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center 3 Munster Orthopedic BEST RETIREMENT/ ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY 1 Hartsfield Village 2 Residences at Deer Creek 3 Rittenhouse Senior Living BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH 1 Community Hospital Women’s Diagnostic Center 2 Franciscan St. Anthony Health Crown Point 3 Franciscan Medical Specialists
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SERVICES
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LIVING
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BEST PLUMBER 1 TLC Plumbing 2 Meyer’s Heating & Cooling 3 St. John Plumbing and Service BEST HEATING & COOLING 1 Illiana Heating & Cooling 2 Four Seasons 3 Lansing Heating and Air Conditioning BEST ELECTRICIAN 1 TIE: All Services Electric/Meyer’s Heating & Cooling 2 Cliff’s Heating and Air Conditioning BEST DOOR AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT 1 Schilling 2 The Door Store 3 M&M Remodeling Services BEST KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING 1 Schilling 2 Von Tobel Lumber & Hardware 3 M&M Home Remodeling Services BEST ROOFER 1 M&M Roofing 2 Korellis Roofing 3 Rogers Roofing BEST MARINA 1 Hammond Marina 2 Michigan City Marina 3 Pine Crest Marina BEST GARDEN/ NURSERY STORE (MI) 1 Sawyer Home and Garden Center 2 Dickerson’s Floral and Garden Center 3 God’s Green Earch 3 New Life Nursery BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT (NWI) 1 Brian Rossi – Rossi & Taylor 2 Magdalena Lybolt – Prime Real Estate 3 Linda Thompson – Coldwell Banker BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY 1 Rossi & Taylor 2 Prime Real Estate 3 McColly BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT (MI) 1 Sharon Halliburton – American Homes Real Estate 2 Louis Price – Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 3 Jay DeBruyn
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BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP 1 Faith Church 2 St. Mary Church 3 Bethel Church BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE 1 Centier Bank 2 Strack & Van Til 3 Welch’s Stop and Shop BEST PLACE TO WORK 1 Centier Bank 2 Community Healthcare Hospitals 3 People’s Bank BEST BANK 1 Centier Bank 2 Chase Bank 3 BMO Harris Bank
SHOPPING
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BEST PLACE TO LIVE (IL) 1 Chicago 2 Beecher 3 Lansing BEST PLACE TO LIVE (MI) 1 New Buffalo 2 Grand Rapids 3 St. Joseph BEST PLACE TO LIVE (NWI) 1 Crown Point 2 Valparaiso 3 St. John BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER 1 Humane Society Calumet Area 2 Humane Society of Northwest Indiana 3 Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
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BEST CHILDCARE CENTER 1 Wonder Years Learning Center 2 Premier Childcare & Learning Center 3 Holy Family Child Care Center BEST INSURANCE AGENT 1 Barbara Gulden, American Family Insurance 2 Rizo Insurance Agency 3 Jim Miskovich, State Farm BEST VETERINARIAN 1 St. John Animal Clinic 2 McAfee Animal Hospital 3 Hobart Animal Clinic BEST PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO 1 Kristen Garza Photography 2 Stephen Martin Photography 3 Matt Bigelow Photography BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR 1 Oak Partners 2 Centier Bank 3 Wells Fargo BEST PLACE FOR AN OIL CHANGE 1 Drive & Shine 2 Duke of Oil 3 Oil n Go BEST CAR WASH 1 Drive & Shine 2 Easy Clean 3 Soft Touch BEST CAR REPAIR SHOP 1 Levin Tire & Service Center 2 Grimmer’s Service 3 Crown Point Auto Repair BEST CREDIT UNION 1 Tech Credit Union 2 Regional Federal Credit Union 3 Advance Federal Credit Union BEST HOME BUILDER 1 Olthof Homes 2 Dabrowski Construction 3 Steiner Homes
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A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
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BEST FURNITURE STORE 1 DeYoung Interiors 2 Ashley Furniture 3 Darvin Furniture BEST CARPET/ FLOORING STORE 1 Banter Floors & More 2 Schilling 3 Cover Rite
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BEST PLACE TO BUY PRODUCE 1 Meijer 2 Produce Depot 3 Strack & Van Til BEST MATTRESS STORE 1 Lynn’s Bedroom City 2 American Mattress 3 Bedding Experts BEST APPLIANCE STORE 1 Maruszczak Appliance 2 Nason’s Appliance Co. 3 Grant’s Appliances BEST LIGHTING STORE 1 Dekker Lighting 2 Schilling 3 Von Tobel Lumber BEST ANTIQUE SHOP 1 It’s Just Serendipity 2 Old Green Shutters Antiques 3 The Comfy Couch BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE 1 Once Upon a Child 2 Eco Chic Boutique 3 The Comfy Couch BEST GARDEN/ NURSERY STORE (NWI) 1 Alsip Nursery 2 Allen Landscape Center 3 Scheeringa Farms & Produce, LLC BEST GARDEN/ NURSERY STORE (IL) 1 Alsip Nursery 2 Sunrise (Woldhuis Farms) 3 Bultema’s Farmstand & Greenhouse BEST JEWELER 1 Albert’s Diamond Jewelers 2 Martin Binder Jeweler 3 Moriarty’s Gem Art BEST PLACE TO BUY MEAT AND POULTRY 1 Welch’s Stop and Shop 2 Bob’s Meat Chop and Deli 3 Beef Mart BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE 1 Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant 2 St John Wine and Spirits 3 Wise Guys Liquors BEST ELECTRONICS STORE 1 Best Buy 2 H.H. Gregg 3 Hometown Appliance and Electronics BEST HUNTING/ FISHING/OUTDOOR STORE 1 Cabela’s 2 Bass Pro Shop 3 Blythe’s BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE 1 Menard’s 2 Home Depot 3 Lowe’s
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BEST LIQUOR STORE 1 Wise Guys Discount Liquors 2 St John Wine and Spirits 3 Nick’s Liquors BEST PET SHOP 1 Pet Supplies Plus 2 PetSmart 3 Alsip Home & Nursery BEST TIRE STORE 1 Discount Tire 2 Levin Tire & Service Center 3 Mr. Tire Auto Service Center BEST NEW CAR DEALER 1 TIE: Bosak Chrysler/Honda and Schepel Auto Group 2 Team Auto Group BEST USED CAR DEALER 1 Schepel Auto Group 2 Christenson Chevrolet 3 Team Auto Group BEST BRIDAL/ FORMAL WEAR 1 Elegance Wedding & Evening Wear 2 David’s Bridal 3 Dunhill Tuxedos BEST FLORIST 1 Cedar Lake Florist 2 Dixon’s Florist 3 Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn BEST GIFT BOUTIQUE 1 Maria’s Hallmark 2 Louise’s Hallmark 3 Ambiance: Your Home, Your Story BEST HOME DÉCOR STORE 1 Mary and Martha Home Accents 2 TIE: Ambiance: Your Home, Your Story/Hobby Lobby BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1 Kohl’s 2 Carson Pirie Scott 3 Macy’s BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1 Kohl’s 2 JC Penney 3 John Cicco’s Menswear BEST GROCERY STORE 1 Strack & Van Til 2 Meijer 3 Aldi BEST PHARMACY 1 Walgreen’s 2 CVS Pharmacy 3 Fagen Pharmacy BEST SHOE STORE 1 DSW 2 Shoe Carnival 3 Barney’s Hub Bootery
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may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 3
Letter from the Publisher 4
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What struck me about this year’s Best of the Region contest compared to previous years was the obvious pervasiveness of digital marketing that the winners used to reach out to their customers and fans. I was not the only member of the Times Media Co. audience receiving reminder messages to get online and vote from our most socially-connected clients. As Jeff Strack reiterates in this issue of Best of the Region, his contact information is on every shopping bag that leaves the store, so I guess it’s not surprising that out of the top 20 vote-getters Strack and Van Til is number one in total votes and came in second for number of votes in a single category for Best Grocery Store. (Centier was the leader in single category votes with just slightly more votes cast for Best Bank.) Congratulations go out to all the winners and the more than 8,000 readers who registered and voted. Our Best of contest tallied 93,309 ballot votes and 11,379 write-ins—an unprecedented number likely due to a new software program with more flexibility to accommodate our readers demand to shine a light on businesses not on the ballot—for a total of 104,688 votes. After Strack’s the other 19 who received the most votes this year: 2. Fransciscan Alliance; 3. Center Bank; 4. Drive & Shine; 5. The City of Crown Point; 6. Lighthouse Restaurant; 7. Three Floyds; 8. Cooper’s Hawk; 9. Four Winds Casino; 10. Ciao Bella; 11. Lucrezia; 12. Community Hospital; 13. Grindhouse Café; 14. Purdue University Calumet; 15. Butterfingers; 16. Meijer; 17. Horseshoe Casino; 18. Round the Clock; 19. Buffalo Wild Wings and 20. City of Chicago. In single category totals there were some surprises and more than a few experiences I have to add to my to-do list this summer. Drive & Shine for Best Car Wash came in right behind Strack’s and then Crown Point came in twice winning the Best Downtown (NWI) as well as Best Place to Live (NWI). Best Hamburger was the next top vote category won by Schoops followed by Best Coffee won by Dunkin Donuts. Next the Warsaw Inn appeared for Best Polish Food; Three Floyds for Best Microbrewery (In a side note Three Floyds won Best Chef this year, congratulations!) ; and Asparagus was the winner for Best Asian Food. Buffalo Wild Wings, according to my sources, always wins Best Place for Chicken Wings and next we had Drive & Shine winning again for Best Oil Change and Chase scoring a lot of votes in the Best Bank category. The 49er in Valparaiso was unsurprisingly a top vote-getter for Best Drive-In and next on the list was House of Kobe for Asian Food. Community Hospital for Best Hospital; Starbucks for Best Coffee and AMC for Best Movie Theater placed in the top 20 vote categories. The last three? Butterfingers for Best Bakery, Chicago for Best Downtown (IL) and The Lighthouse for Best Fine Dining Restaurant. As I said earlier, we had so many write-in votes this year. So many write-in winners proves that small businesses can prevail if they give it a try. We added more than 462 businesses to the ballot because they had more thanFlickr five Delicious
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votes in their category. Those that went on to win/show/place are posted in the online version of this letter, so please access that list at nwi. com/bestof Among the write-ins and new businesses that stood out in the voting this year were Grindhouse Café and Bridges Scoreboard. Grindhouse posted on their Facebook page that it would be a shame if a national brand would win best of the region, and voters heeded the call and flooded the ballot. In the end, there were too many Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks drinkers, but for a while they were in the lead of one of our most popular categories. The biggest change in voting was how write-ins were handled. In previous years, write-in votes had to be tallied separately. This year write-ins were on the ballot’s drop down menu in each category and that change accounted for a 1300% increase. You have to hand it to the businesses who continue to rise to the top each year including Purdue Calumet, It’s Just Serendipity, Maruszczak Appliance, Butterfinger’s Bakery, Centier, Avalon Manor, Strack & Van Til, Albert’s and Stardust Bowl. So congratulations and keep up the good (net)work(ing). This year we added two new categories: lighting and credit union. We noticed that we had numerous businesses that belonged in those worlds more than any other. So my advice is to act like a winner and get into the game early and often by working with your clients and friends in 2015. Congratulations to all the winners and our terrific readers and voters!
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Thank you I appreciate that you placed your trust and confidence in my practice.
Gustavo E. Galante, M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for casting your vote for my practice. My team and I will continue to provide the quality care you expect from us...compassionate, informative, and courteous. Mention the code Best101 and receive a complimentary gift bag when you come in for your appointment.
322 Indianapolis Blvd. #103 Schererville, IN 46375 (219) 322- 3131
3800 St. Mary Dr #101 Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219) 299-9300
the confidence no body can resist. www.galantemd.com
a special publication of the times media co.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 5
Beauty & Wellness
Chris Valvanis works on longtime client Debby Niesen from TInley Park. Valvanis has been cutting hair with style for 30 years and has three salons in the region. TONY V. MARTIN, FILE, THE TIMES
BEST HAIR SALON Vanis Salon & Day Spa
6
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 Road, Suite A Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.6414 Vanis.net
For nearly 29 years, staff at Vanis Salon & Day Spa have strived to make visiting the salon a memorable experience for their clientele. So it comes as no surprise that our readers remembered Vanis when voting for Best Hair Salon. “We’re grateful,” says Chris Valavanis, owner of Vanis Salon & Day Spa. “We try to do an incredible job, and I have a staff that works very hard at our three
locations. They try to make the experience for the client incredible.”
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
14785 W 101st Ave Dyer, Ind. 219.365.0173 colorroomsalon.com
Riah Hair Salon
8025 Wicker Ave (US 41) Saint John, Ind. 219.365.6123 riahsalon.com
Color Room Salon & Day Spa
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE Baums Natural Foods 407 W 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.3140 1864 45th St Munster, Ind. 219.922.1050 9486 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.558.8780 baumsnaturalfoods.com
strive to do the best for our customers every time they come to our stores.” In addition to a variety of health foods and supplements are a long list of services available in their Wellness Center, including reflexology, blood analysis and acupuncture.
The talented staff at Baums Natural Foods has for decades been consulted as the experts when it comes to living well, which is why it’s no surprise that readers have voted Baums as Best Health Food Store once again. “For over 30 years, our customers have supported Baums and it means a lot to us that a local business could do so well in the community,” says Leslie Gillham, promotions director for Baums. “We
2812 Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.477.5566 naturesremedieshealth.com
SECOND PLACE
Nature’s Remedies
THIRD PLACE
Produce Depot 8126 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.8280 Visit us on Facebook
To redeem your Free Gift Certficate please visit us at stateofmindspa.com
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 7
Beauty & Wellness BEST HEARING AID CENTER Community Hospital Audiology
901 MacArthur Blvd Munster, Ind. 219.836.1600 9660 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.226.2326 cohms.org/community/audiology/asp More than 28 million Americans have some type of hearing impairment — and don’t even realize they’re not hearing everyday conversations and important information. The licensed, clinical audiologists at Community Healthcare
System Audiology Services conduct complete diagnostic hearing evaluations in the Munster office to determine the type and degree of hearing loss a patient may be experiencing, in patients ranging from newborn to older adult. “We strive to provide the highest quality of care with compassion for our patients, using the newest technology, and with our many years of experience, so that each family feels confident in their decision to choose Community Hospital’s Audiology Department for their hearing healthcare needs,” says clinical audiologist Tricia O’Halloran.
Griffith, Ind. 219.934.9747 Visit us on Facebook
SECOND PLACE
111 W 94th Place Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.7317 stateofmindspa.com Priding itself on staying on the cutting
Clear Ear
Spry-Clear Ear, Inc 827 W 45th St
THIRD PLACE
The Hearing Place Eastwood Mall, 45th St Munster, Ind. 219.922.8710 hearingplacemunster.com
BEST SPA State of Mind Salon & Day Spa
GAILMARD EYE CENTER We would like to extend a
complimentary Optomap® Scan
the most thorough that they have ever received. Optomap is fast, painless and comfortable. Nothing touches your eye and suitable for the whole family. Optomap shows eye conditions and signs of other diseases (for example, stroke, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes).
Katharine Moles, O.D. Michelle Millard, O.D. Amanda Sprehe, O.D. Optomap® Scan is fast, easy, and creates a permanent record for your medical file to compare year after year.
Please mention this ad at your eye exam to redeem your COMPLIMENTARY OPTOMAP SCAN ($40 value.) The Optomap scan must be redeemed with a complete eye exam. Expires 7/30/14.
630 Ridge Rd., Munster • (219) 836-1738 GailmardEyeCenter.com 8 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
SECOND PLACE
Vanis Salon & Day Spa 107 N Main St, Suite A Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.5200 221 US 41, Suite J
hanks
for voting us ONE OF THE BEST Specializing in Organic Spa Services & Anti Aging Treatments
As a Thank You for Voting Us #1 Vision Care in the Region-
Our patients say that our eye exams are
T
edge of fashion and hair trends, State of Mind Salon & Day Spa is the hot spot to go in Northwest Indiana, according to readers. Voted Best Spa, readers enjoy the relaxing massages, pedicures and personalized treatment they receive when they visit this Crown Pont spa. The region is noticing – State of Mind has been named to one of the 200 fastest-growing salons in North America by Salon Today magazine, a top business publication for salon and spa owners. Don’t miss your chance to get the attention you deserve!
Bring in this ad Bring in this to toreceive ad receive a FREE add on a FREE to your next add on orto massage facial. your next massage or facial. One coupon per guest.
• Oxygen Facials • Eminence Facials • Airbrush Tanning • Airbrush Makeup • Microdermabrasion • Chemical Peels
• Bamboo Massage • Therapeutic Massage • Slimming Wraps • Organic Body Scrubs • Organic Hair Removal • LED Light Therapy
All body scrubs include a private steam session
Enjoy our complimentary Infrared Sauna before or after any one hour spa experience.
219•663•9900
www.cpskinspa.com
1652 E Summit St Crown Point IN 46307
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
New ChestertoN LoCatioN 528 Indian Boundary Road Now oPeN! Chesterton, IN • 219.250.2470
STOCK PHOTO
Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5600 1620 Country Club Road, Suite A Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.6414 Vanis.net
THIRD PLACE
SKIN Day Spa 1652 E Summit St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.9900 Cpskinspa.com
BEST COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER Franciscan Medical Specialists 919 Main St, Suite 201 Dyer, Ind. 219.934.2495 2001 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.365.0970 medspecindiana.com
Board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants at Franciscan Medical Specialists focus on general dermatology, cosmetic dermatology
and dermatologic surgery. The fullservice dermatology practice provides comprehensive skin care for patients of all ages in Dyer, Ind., and Schererville, Ind. In Dyer, for patients’ convenience the office is alongside a state-of-the-art surgical center featuring a MOHS skin cancer surgeon. In addition to high-quality care, the physicians and staff make it a special point to see patients quickly. If patients have an urgent concern, patients can expect an appointment within a matter of days. “We are very proud of the exceptional and comprehensive care our patients receive and our ability to see patients quickly and address their concerns,” said Donna Ward, M.D.
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Gustavo Galante 2421 Laporte Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.286.3734 galantemd.com
THIRD PLACE
Dr. James Platis 210 East 86th Place Merrillville, Ind. 219.795.1255 58 East Walton Chicago, Ill. 312.377.3333 cosmedicclinic.com
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Glasses Next Day eye exams walk-ins & outside rx welcome Glasses & Contacts Distinct eyewear
Voted Best eye Care Center - 6 years running! Schererville
US 30 & hwy 41 (Strack’s Plaza)
crown Point
cheSterton
Jewel-osco Plaza
528 indian Boundary rd
laPorte
Portage
219.322.5205 219.226.9571 219.250.2470 valParaiSo 2106 n. calumet
Pine lake center
US hwy 6
219.464.8200 219.325.0404 219.763.1538
Request an Appointment Online at
VisionPointNWI.com
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 9
Education BEST COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY Purdue University Calumet 2200 169th St Hammond, Ind. 219.989.2400 purduecal.edu
As part of Indiana’s land grant Purdue University system, Purdue University Calumet prepares students for jobs, careers and other opportunities in fields of study important to our Lake Shore region, says Wes Lukoshus, assistant vice chancellor of marketing and communication. Purdue Calumet graduates earn a
world-respected Purdue degree in such disciplines of traditional Purdue academic strengths as engineering, technologies, and the sciences as well as professional programs of nursing, business, education and hospitality and tourism management. “Purdue Calumet students benefit from a commitment to academic excellence, distinguished by our nationally respected experiential learning initiative — the integration of traditional and applied learning in real world environments,” he says. Purdue Calumet continues to adapt in response to the needs and desires of students and employers alike. Cutting edge resources, caring faculty, plenty of support services, life-enriching opportunities and a satisfying, engaging campus community contribute to student success and
satisfaction, he says. “Though an education at Purdue University Calumet might not be for everyone, students who enroll and persist to graduation learn and benefit first hand from the university’s commitment to student success,” he says.
BEST ADULT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
SECOND PLACE
2200 169th St // Hammond, Ind. 219.989.2400 // purduecal.edu
Valparaiso University 1700 Chapel Dr Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.5000 valpo.edu
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Indiana University Northwest
Purdue University West Lafayette West Lafayette, Ind. 765.494.4600 purdue.edu
Purdue University Calumet
3400 Broadway // Gary, Ind. 888.968.7486 // iun.edu
THIRD PLACE
Valparaiso University 1700 Chapel Dr // Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.5000 // valpo.edu
Come See Why We’ve Been Best of the Region for Over 20 Years!
Home of DANZELITE & Hip Hop K’Nektionz Competition Teams
• Gymnastics
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1 ED # T O V FOR S EARW Y 0 2 A RO IN
and Dance Camps • Tumbling and Trampoline • Gym-N-Learn Educational Preschool • Swim lessons • Karate • Birthday parties • Gymnastics or Dance Camps
Celebrating 45 Years of Dance Excellence Technical Training & Confidence Building Through Dance Education
Ballet • Pointe • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Modern/Lyrical Turns & Leaps • Tumbling • Funk Tap • Jazz Pom Directors: Donna Brum & Tracie Keene
Registration Dates: July 16th & 17th, 5pm - 7pm Schererville, Indiana
Donna Brum Dancers
1530 Joliet St. Dyer, IN 46311 • (219) 865-2274 • www.pattisallamerican.com 10 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
2334 S. Cline Ave. • Schererville (South of VonTobel Lumber) www.donnabrumdancers.com • (219) 865-9850 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Best Dance School
FOR VOTING US
Patti’s AllAmerican Gymnastics
1530 Joliet Street Dyer, Ind. 219.865.2274 pattisallamerican.com
Best Gymnastics Facility Patti’s All American Gymnastics 1530 Joliet Street Dyer, Ind. 219.865.2274 pattisallamerican.com
P
atti Komara founded her business in 1969 and since then it has become internationally known for her gymnastics training products. 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 plans. It is no wonder that Patti’s All American Gymnastics has become the region’s best gymnastics facility with programs such as gymnastics, dance, cheer, karate, swim, and even camps. Komara says, “We have a very structured, non-competitive progression program, meaning they all have their progression cards and we have group parent-teacher conferences every eight weeks, and it’s a big award program as they move from one level to the next. They get trophies and medals and as the kids come up they can really see their accomplishment and all they’ve learned. It’s why we have 750 kids in gymnastics, and that’s just
SECOND PLACE
Donna Brum Dance Studio 2334 South Cline Avenue Schererville, Ind. 219.865.9850 donnabrumdancers.com
THIRD PLACE
Arthur Murray
1205 W Lincoln Highway Suite 3 Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.9041 arthurmurrays.com
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SIX YEARS IN A ROW! Best College/University & Best Adult Educational Institution – the Times readers
school-age, not including the 300 we have in preschool which is known all over the world. I’ve lectured nationally since 1981 and they are all downloadable on our website so you can see what we do. We have over 5,000 gyms in over 20 countries use my lesson plans. I started doing this when I was 16 years old.”
SECOND PLACE
Midwest Training and Ice Center 10600 White Oak Ave Dyer, Ind. 219.558.8811 midwesttrainingandice.com
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Indiana Elite Gymnastics & Cheer 679 West State Road 130 Wheeler, Ind. 219.764.1019 indianaelitegymnastics.com
a special publication of the times media co.
• Purdue degree
• Academic excellence • Real-world experience • Vibrant campus
800/HI-PURDUE • Hammond, IN
purduecal.edu
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 11
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
Entertainment
Stardust Bowl 3925 E Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, Ind. 219.942.0432 1330 Sheffield Ave Dyer, Ind. 219. 322.3666 Bowlstardust.com
This is the 20th year in a row that Stardust Bowl has won this Best of the Region category. “We’re very proud of our staff and our facilities and the great job that everyone does and continues to do to make us the best bowling alley in the region,” says Stardust vice president Todd Bredar. “It’s a humbling honor. We work
BEST CASINO Four Winds New Buffalo
11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371 fourwindscasino.com Four Winds New Buffalo features a breathtaking interior with vaulted ceilings in the beautiful rotunda and stone fireplaces on each side, but the real breathtaking experience comes with the thrill of gaming. Four Winds New Buffalo offers 3,000 of the most sought-after slots— everything from penny slots to $100. This gorgeous casino also offers wide area of progressive games like Wheel of Fortune with a starting jackpot of $500,000. For those who like to play it to the max, Four Winds New Buffalo offers a specially-designed
BEST HOTEL (MI) Four Winds Casino Resort 11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 1.866.4WINDS1 fourwindscasino.com/hotel
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Guests can expect the very best in elegant décor and accommodations
very, very hard to provide a great bowling experience for our customers and it’s nice to be recognized for that.” A staple in Northwest Indiana for 50 years, Stardust opened its first location in Hammond in 1964. Today its two locations in Dyer and Merrillville 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 have lounges. “We always work very hard to make certain that our customers have a great experience with us whether it’s a regular league bowler with us 34 weeks out of the year or the birthday party mom,” Barton says. Bowling is great exercise for all ages from children to seniors, he says, and in addition to
high limit slot area for optimum exhilaration. Gamers who prefer to take on the tables and find the action they crave with more than 60 of their favorite table games, and a few surprises as well,. These tables include Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Roulette, Pai Gow Poker and Three Card Poker. In between play, or to celebrate the big win, Four Winds New Buffalo also offers four different destination restaurants including Southwest Michigan’s only Hard Rock Cafe, Copper Rock Steakhouse with a world-class menu featuring more than 450 wines and 42-day dryaged steaks, The Buffet with awardwinning cuisine from around the world including fresh seafood on select nights, and Timbers Fast Food & Deli. Four Winds New Buffalo also brings some of the biggest names from the world of entertainment. at Four Winds News Buffalo, which offers 415 hotel rooms, including a mix of suites and standard rooms. “At our hotel, guests can expect the same attention to detail and outstanding service that Four Winds Casinos are known for,” says Matt Harkness, Chief Operating Office of Four Winds Casinos. “With 415 luxury rooms and suites, the hotel at Four Winds New Buffalo offers rooms with the amenities and comforts you would expect from a word-class facility.”
its health benefits, there has been in an increase in its social aspects ranging from fundraisers to leagues. “Bowlers as a whole, they’re all just great people. They come out to have fun and enjoy their time here,” Barton says.
SECOND PLACE
Plaza Lanes 8101 Kennedy Ave Highland, Ind. 219.923.3800 plazafunbowl.com
THIRD PLACE
The Super Bowl 218 S East St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.9015 thesuperbowlinc.com
Silver Creek Event Center, a multipurpose event center, is home to headliner entertainment like Rod Stewart, B.B. King and Sheryl Crow and it is also available for group events. Entertainment is rocking at Hard Rock Cafe Four Winds as well as Four Winds’ four bars including Martini Bar, Sports Bar, Hard Rock Cafe Bar, and the bar in Copper Rock Steakhouse.
SECOND PLACE
Horseshoe Hammond 1100 Calumet Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.473.7000 horseshoehammond.com
THIRD PLACE
Blue Chip Casino 777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 bluechipcasino.com
SECOND PLACE
Marina Grand Resort 600 W Water St New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.9900 marinagrandresort.com
THIRD PLACE
The Boulevard Inn and Bistro 521 Lake Boulevard Saint Joseph, Mich. 269.983.6600
BEST CASINO SLOTS Four Winds Casino
11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371 Fourwindscasino.com Visit us on Facebook
SECOND PLACE
Horseshoe Casino
777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.7000 Horseshoehammond.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Blue Chip Casino
777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 888.879.7711 Bluechipcasino.com Visit us on Facebook
Best Casino Dining
Opentable.com Horseshoehammond.com Visit us on Facebook
Jack Binion’s Steak House — Horseshoe Casino
For nearly a decade, the legendary Jack Binion’s Steak House at Horseshoe Casino has been a Chicago fine dining favorite, a restaurant with exquisite service and attention to detail. Horseshoe Casino’s Director of Food Operations, Chris Baulo is excited to
Best Casino Poker
SECOND PLACE
777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.6028
serve up his new menu at Jack Binion’s. “Jack Binion’s strives to re-shape the perception of what people think of a traditional steakhouse.”
SECOND PLACE
The Buffet at Four Winds Casino 11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371
11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371 Fourwindscasino.com Visit us on Facebook
777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.7000 Horseshoehammond.com Visit us on Facebook
Horseshoe Casino 777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.7000 Horseshoehammond.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
“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.
THIRD PLACE
Copper Rock at Four Winds Casino 11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 866.494.6371 Fourwindscasino.com Visit us on Facebook
Best Casino Table Games
Four Winds Casino
Horseshoe Casino
Fourwindscasino.com Visit us on Facebook
Blue Chip Casino
SECOND PLACE
777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 888.879.7711 Bluechipcasino.com Visit us on Facebook
Four Winds Casino 11111 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich.
866.494.6371 Fourwindscasino.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Blue Chip Casino
777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711 // 888.879.7711 Bluechipcasino.com Visit us on Facebook
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may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 13
Entertainment BEST COUNTRY CLUB White Hawk Country Club 1001 White Hawk Dr Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.1300 Whitehawkcountryclub.com Visit us on Facebook
White Hawk Country Club is committed to quality and making their customers feel welcome and appreciated, Anthony Lopez, Director of Food and Beverages says. Since January 2012, White Hawk has undergone numerous renovations to the club house, banquet facilities and golf course. “Our course will undergo some fine tuning this summer that will ultimately enhance the golfers’ experiences,” White Hawk PGA Golf Professional Duane Borcherding says. “We anticipate an exciting golf season and look forward to seeing our members and many new faces on the course.” Less than an hour south of downtown Chicago, the 36-Hole championship facility has four beautiful nines and is carved out of
A Big Thank You for voting
White Hawk Country Club the Best Country Club and
Best Golf Course in the Region!
600 acres that include bent grass, wooden bridges, forests, prairies and streams. White Hawk features a beautiful tranquil setting hosting many special events and corporate meetings.
SECOND PLACE
Briar Ridge Country Club 123 Country Club Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.3660 Briarridgecc.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Innsbrook Country Club 6701 Taft St Merrillville, Ind. 219.980.9060 Innsbrookcc.com Visit us on Facebook
BEST GOLF COURSE White Hawk Country Club 1001 White Hawk Dr Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.1300 Whitehawkcountryclub.com Visit us on Facebook
SECOND PLACE
Briar Ridge Country Club 123 Country Club Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.3660 Briarridgecc.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Lost Marsh Golf Course White Hawk Country Club 1001 White Hawk Drive Crown Point, IN 46307
219.661.1300
www.whitehawkcountryclub.com 14 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Golf 18-holes for $ only
45 Monday
through
Thursday!
901 E 129th Hammond, Ind. 219.932.4046 Lostmarshgolf.com Visit us on Facebook
BEST FESTIVAL (NWI) Pierogi Fest pierogifest.net
The Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Whiting presents Pierogi Fest each year, and this year, from July 25-27, families will flock back to the region for their favorite festival. Drawing almost 200,000 visitors each year, the Festival is the pride of Whiting. It allows people to celebrate their heritage while poking a little fun themselves at the same time. The International Polka Parade takes place on 119th Street on Friday night at 7 p.m. and is one of the highlights of each Pierogi Fest. Entertainment on multiple stages includes plenty of polka as well as a variety of types of music and even a kids area with inflatables and rides. There are polka contests, cookoffs, cooking demonstrations, and vendor booths. Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Gajewski says, “This year is our 20 year anniversary. The parade will be bigger and we are moving things around a little, and there are a couple of surprises in store. It is also the 125th anniversary of the City of Whiting so it’s a big one. It’s quirky and wacky and different than other festivals. It’s fun. We have fun doing it and people have fun coming. People relate to that. The parade is the biggest highlight of the festival and people seem to really enjoy the contests we bring back every year—the pierogi toss and the polka contest. It’s fun to watch. Nothing like watching someone toss a greasy pierogi around!”
SECOND PLACE
Lake County Fair lake-county-fair.com
THIRD PLACE
Popcorn Festival valparaisoevents.com
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BEST FESTIVAL (NON-LOCAL) Taste of Chicago
July 9 to 13, 2014 Grant Park Chicago, Ill. Tasteofchicago.us “I think everyone loves Taste of Chicago so much because you can really get a sampling of everything that’s great about Chicago food in one location,” says Mary Slowik, program director for the 34th annual Chicago festival that includes food and music on Chicago’s lakefront. “You might not always have an opportunity to go to a restaurant you’ve been dying to go or one that’s far away from your house but when you come to Taste, you can sample everything there.” This year’s Taste will feature iconic favorites like pizza, hot dogs and ribs and also new restaurants that attendees are looking forward to, she says. Three years ago, organizers introduced the popular pop-up program, which enables more restaurants to participate by rotating shared spaces each day. This year organizers also plan to increase the number of food trucks participants. Also expanding is the cooking demonstration area, which runs throughout the Taste and features one big name chef each day. The fest also will feature an outstanding lineup of performers at the Petrillo Music Shell, Slowik says. “We’re excited about it all.”
SECOND PLACE
Covered Bridge Fest
BEST FUN CENTER Jak’s Warehouse
221 Indianapolis Blvd Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5257 jakswarehouse.com Jak’s Warehouse is a kids, and grownups, indoor play zone. Attractions include Marshal’s Squad Laser Tag, a gigantic laser tag arena where players are immersed in an environment where strategy is key to winning the game. Laser Maze is a high-tech interactive game that uses a series of lasers, mirrors and different effects to deceive players as they attempt to make their way through the maze. Ballocity is the ultimate climbing environment for guests of all ages and features a series of climbing
BEST PLACE FOR A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Jak’s Warehouse 221 Route 41 Suite F Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5257 jakswarehouse.com
SECOND PLACE
Bellaboo’s
Oct. 10-19, 2014 Parke County Indiana Coveredbridges.com
2800 Colorado St Lake Station, Ind. 219.963.2070 mybellaboos.com
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Aug. 7-10, 2014 South Haven, Mich. blueberryfestival.com
350 E US 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5590 tylerstender.com
National Blueberry Fest
Tyler’s Tenders
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
tubes, slides, foam ball launchers and more on four-stories and multi-level platforms. The Sky Trail is a four-story climbing and ropes course that allows guests to swing through the air and have a bird’s eye view of the facility and multilevel platforms that allow guest to try different ropes skills. An indoor bumper car arena allows guests to experience the excitement of the power and mobility of these cars. Indoor GoKarts provide the ultimate thrill ride for guests and features a large track that is filled with several turns that test the skills of the drivers. Urban Mini Golf is a 9-hole indoor adventure, and one of the largest arcades in Northwest Indiana and the South Chicagoland area with more than 40 exciting games that
test gaming skills, and no worries about keeping track of tickets or coins since Jak’s has a high tech system in place to keep track of points and tons of prizes. They also feature party rooms as well as party packages.
SECOND PLACE
Zao Island
1050 Horse Prairie Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.1194 zaoisland.net
THIRD PLACE
Zig E’s Funland 8176 Wicker Ave St John, Ind. 219.558.0596 zigesfunland.com
K YOU FOR VO T IN N A H T G
B E ST L O CA L F E ST I VA L
Don’t miss this year’s
P i e r og i F e s t iv a l JuLy 25-27
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 15
Entertainment BEST DOWNTOWN (IL) Chicago
cityofchicago.org It’s no wonder that Chicago has been voted the Best Downtown by Times’ readers, with world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium; dining that is renown the world over; architecture so influential it started a movement; public art, music and theatre; the boats and opening bridges that cross the Chicago River; the parades and festivals all year round; observation decks on the top of skyscrapers to inspire awe; and the shops that line the Magnificent Mile from Chanel to Old Navy. 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 a hotbed of activity. Chicago’s downtown is perfectly located and structured for a walk, a trolley ride, or even zooming from one end to the other in a cab or bus. Don Welsh, President and CEO of Choose Chicago says, “From our hotels and restaurants to festivals and conventions, Chicago is home to some of the best attractions that the country has to offer. Expanding tourism in Chicago is a key part of creating local jobs and growing the Chicago economy, which is why we have significantly increased our investments in tourism and set a goal of 55 million visitors to the city annually by 2020. Chicago continues to reinvent and elevate itself as a leading destination for domestic and international travelers. Our market is responding to the heightened demand in leisure tourism with highly anticipated hotel openings this year, including the world’s first Virgin Hotel.”
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Lansing
villageoflansing.com 16 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
THIRD PLACE
Homewood
village.homewood.il.us
BEST DOWNTOWN (MI) New Buffalo
Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce 530 S Whittaker St, Suite F New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.5409 harborcountry.org New Buffalo, Mich., one of eight towns in Harbor Country, offers a fun variety of shopping and dining experiences as well as its famously beautiful beach. “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. Traditional favorites like Stray Dog restaurant, Casey’s, and Redamak’s are joined by David’s Delicatessen, where folks stop in for coffee, bagels, sandwiches and more while connecting with folks on-site and on WiFi. Whittaker Street is replete with intriguing little shops and boutiques— everything from candles to candies to exotic imports and whimsical reminders of fun times. A marina and Lake Michigan beach are just a short walk over the bridge.
SECOND PLACE
Saugatuck (and Douglas) Visitors & Conventions Bureau 2902 Blue Star Hwy Douglas, Mich. 269.857.1701 saugatuck.com
THIRD PLACE
St. Joseph 700 Broad St St. Joseph, Mich 269.983.5541 sjcity.com
BEST DOWNTOWN (NWI) Crown Point crownpoint.in.gov
The “Grand Old Lady,” the Lake County Court House, is the center of Crown Point. It is a square that 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. Many of
these structures house businesses today, adding to the character of Crown Point’s charming downtown. Mayor David Uran says, “It’s our beautiful court house, the amenities that invite everyone to gather for our community events, and our unique style of businesses that differ from other cities or town. Our residents and visitors come here and it makes us stand out. It’s the hub of Lake County and the history that has stood the test of time. Our downtown is well maintained and admired by a lot of people. We are growing as a city and our corporate boundaries are growing, but we always try to bring our events to our downtown to showcase it, so everyone gets to experience what it really is. As a government entity we try to bring people to the downtown and put foot traffic in front of the stores and we will be rolling out a trolley system with up to four trolley stops located in areas of the city so that people can get out and be brought downtown or go to a sporting event, and we will focus on the heart and soul which is our great downtown.”
SECOND PLACE
Valparaiso
ci.valparaiso.in.us
THIRD PLACE
Griffith
griffith.in.gov
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
BEST LIVE THEATER GROUP
are revealed. Next, the world premiere of “The Beverly Hillbillies the Musical” kicks off as Granny, Jed, Jethro, Elly May, Mr. Drysdale and Jane Hathaway—all your favorites from the beloved 60’s TV comedy—are back, and this time they’re singin’. The Chicagoland premiere “Women Theatre at the Center on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” is 1040 Ridge Road set in a madcap Madrid. Both touching and Munster, Ind. hilarious, it’s a story about women and the 219.836.3255 men who pursue them with songs that will theatreatthecenter.com make you laugh aloud while igniting your Theatre at the Center is the resident sense of romance. And the Chicagoland theater at the Center for the Performing premiere of “A Christmas Memory” is Arts. Its five main stage productions based on Truman Capote’s touching attract an audience of over 50,000 memoir of his childhood. This new musical annually. They employ the finest performers in the greater Chicago area for is set in a small southern town in the 1930’s its year-round seasons of classic American and chronicles a young boy’s friendship musicals, new plays, and comedies. Other with his eccentric relatives. programming includes four Theatre for SECOND PLACE Young Audiences productions annually, theater classes for young people, and Star Plaza Theatre 8001 Delaware Place special events including music, comedy, Merrillville, Ind. and limited-run theatrical works. 219.769.6311 This year’s performances include the starplazatheatre.com Chicagoland premiere of “Miracle on South Division Street.” This warm and funny comedy introduces the Nowaks of Buffalo, NY. Clara and her three grown children have kept a shrine since the day in 1942 when the Blessed Mother appeared to Grandpa in his barbershop. Expect the unexpected as long buried family secrets
THIRD PLACE
Towle Community Theatre 5205 Hohman Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.937.8780
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may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 17
Entertainment BEST HOTEL (NWI)
BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Radisson Star Plaza 800 East 81st Avenue Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.6311 starplaza.com
O
ffering a variety of restaurants, lounges, and entertainment options; unparalleled business meeting and conference facilities; thoughtful services and amenities; and attentive staff, The Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville is a captivating retreat for both business and leisure guests. Guests enjoy two pools; the luxurious House of Bianco Day Spa, featuring a full menu of treatments and services; and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Patrick Brown, assistant general manager of the Radisson Star Plaza says, “Whether it’s meeting and spending time with traveling family, having a local staycation, facilitating family or business parties, using our great amenities and restaurants, or attending one of our special events or shows, the hotel has it all. We pride ourselves on our ability to serve and accommodate every guest and situation. TJ Maloney’s is a great place to host private events and offers three private rooms to meet any business or social need. Thoughtfully customized menus, an onsite audio visual team and hands-on planning professionals ensure overall ease in coordinating your successful event.”
SECOND PLACE
Blue Chip
777 Blue Chip Drive 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
18 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Star Plaza Theatre 8001 Delaware Place Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.6311 starplazatheatre.com
Located off U.S. 30 between Merrillville and Valparaiso, it has almost four miles of trails for walking. COURTESY OF TALTREE ARBORETUM
BEST PUBLIC GARDEN/ OUTDOOR EXHIBITION Taltree Arboretum & Gardens
450 West 100 North Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.0025 taltree.org Taltree 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, wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. The Railway Garden is an outdoor G (Garden)-scale model train garden that tells the amazing story of America’s steam engine history and its impact on the United States civil war, expansion west and the industrial revolution. The garden landscape is a varying topography of mountains, canyons and prairies. The garden is home to a large collection of miniature conifers. The Adventure Garden features raised bed gardening and ‘go green’ lifestyle initiatives like green roofs, rain barrels and insect composting. The garden is home to Bantam chickens, Nigerian
dwarf goats and American guinea hogs. The Adventure Garden allows kids to explore the five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste and smell—in activity areas like the gourd arbor, the edible flower garden, prairie ABC trail and hidden music garden. Alexis Faust, president and CEO says, “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. Our Railway Garden is one of the largest, most complex, and beautiful in the country and we have 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
Shrine of Christ’s Passion 10630 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.5129 shrineofchristspassion.org
THIRD PLACE
Morton Arboretum 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, Ill. 630.968.0074 mortonarb.org
From the Monkees to Ted Nugent, from Sesame Street Live to Vince Gill, The Star Plaza Theatre brings national entertainment to Northwest Indiana. The entertainment offerings run the gamut, from comedy to oldies musical groups. For over 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. Director of Sales & Marketing Deann Patena says, “We take great pride in carrying on our legacy as the epicenter of entertainment in Northwest Indiana, as well as putting our patrons’ interests first. We listen closely to what our guests like and want to hear and experience, and enjoy offering various musical genres for every preference. We are also known for our popular themed parties and highly anticipated annual events, such as our unprecedented NYE Bash and St. Patrick Day Celebrations.”
SECOND PLACE
The Venue at Horseshoe Casino 777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.7000 horseshoehammond.com
THIRD PLACE
Center for Visual & Performing Arts 1040 Ridge Road Munster, Ind. 219.836.1930 cvpa.org
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BEST MOVIE THEATER AMC Theatres
AMC Showplace Schererville 16 875 Deer Creek Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.9762 AMC Showplace Schererville 12 1400 Eagle Ridge Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.9264 AMC Showplace Hobart 12 2590 Southlake Mall Dr Hobart, Ind. 219.755.0377 Amctheatres.com Visit us on Facebook ith 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 Showplace Schererville 16. Manager Stephen Modrowski says he is excited about renovations at Showplace Schererville 12 which include added Coca Cola freestyle machines which offer over 170 choices and an updated food and beverage area with new countertop and “a whole new look.”
W
SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE
49’er Drive In Portage 16 675 N Calumet Ave IMAX Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.6122 49erdrivein.com Visit us on Facebook
6550 American Way Portage, Ind. 219.764.7469 Imax.com Visit us on Facebook
BEST MICROBREWERY Three Floyds
9750 Indiana Parkway Munster, Ind. 219.922.4425 3floyds.com Three Floyds Brewing Company was founded in 1996 by brothers Nick and Simon with their father Mike Floyd in a rundown warehouse in Hammond, Indiana.
BEST MUSEUM
BEST BAR/LOUNGE
Museum of Science and Industry
White Rhino Bar & Grill
5700 S Lake Shore Dr Chicago, Ill. 773.684.1414 msichicago.org
T
he 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 hands-on experiences designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. Since opening their doors in 1933, they have welcomed a mind-boggling 175 million guests from around the world. Their mission, to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational, is realized through world-class exhibits. “MSI has touched the lives of more than 180 million guests since it opened in 1933,” says David Mosena, president and CEO of MSI. “We can only imagine how many children, after visiting this Museum, decided to become biologists or doctors, geneticists or chemists. We strive to develop compelling and captivating exhibits and experiences that not only engage our guests, but inspire them as well.”
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Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr Chicago, Ill. 312.922.9410 fieldmuseum.org
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, Ind. 317.334.4000 childrensmuseum.org
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. Chefs Pat Niebling and Scout Hughes roll out a new menu each season at the brew pub featuring ingredients from local farms and Three Floyds beers. The pub also
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101 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.864.9200 Whiterhinoonline.com hite Rhino is an open concept restaurant that provides a great atmosphere for lunch, dinner and cocktails as well as great nighttime entertainment, says owners Diane and Ryan Glowacki. “People who come to White Rhino for the first time are often surprised by our menus,” Ryan Glowacki says. That includes a beer menu with around 130 beers and a food menu of gourmet pastas and lake perch, as well as sandwiches and simpler favorites. They offer casual dining with a downtown feel. “There is always something going on at White Rhino from painting and Pinterest classes to Zumba and wine tastings,” Ryan Glowacki says. “We also have entertainment seven nights a week that includes full bands, acoustic acts, trivia, karaoke and DJs.
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Bridges Scoreboard 121 N Griffith Blvd Griffith, Ind. 219.924.2206 bridgesscoreboard.com
THIRD PLACE
Three Floyds Brewpub 9750 Indiana Parkway Munster, Ind. 219.922.4425 3floyds.com
serves up Three Floyds flagship beers along with seasonal and pub-only 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 is Gumballhead, an American wheat brew which was initially a seasonal summer beer, now brewed year round due to demand.
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Crown Brewing 211 S East St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.4545 crownbrewing.com
THIRD PLACE
Figure 8 Brewing
150 Washington St Valparaiso, Ind. 219.477.2000 figure8brewing.com
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Food & Drink BEST ASIAN FOOD
THIRD PLACE
1951 Wicker Blvd Schererville, Ind. 219.322.1919 8101 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.791.9500 Houseofkobe.com
1446 119th St Whiting, Ind. 219.473.9560 calumetbakery.com 18349 Torrence Ave. Lansing, Ill. 708.895.3700
House of Kobe
Asparagus
7876 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.794.0000 asparagusrestaurant.com A unique restaurant and lounge, Asparagus is a masterpiece rooted by the authenticity of its cuisine. Voted as Best Asian Food in Northwest Indiana, Asparagus offers a rare opportunity to experience fine dining in a Zenlike environment. Patrons enjoy cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam and the Americas, all informed with classic French culinary artistry. Tammy Pham, executive chef and co-owner of Asparagus with Sam
SECOND PLACE
TIMES ARCHIVE
Chef Tammy Pham is the executive chef/ owner of Asparagus in Merrillville.
Chung, CEO, says they are honored to know that the community considers their restaurant the best in this category. “We think that our growing base of loyal customers are the best in the region, too,” Pham says. “We love to see them keep coming back and trying new things.”
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BC Osaka
2999 E Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, Ind. 219.947.9888 bcosaka.com
BEST BAKERY Butterfingers
2552 45th St Highland, Ind. 219.924.6464 921 Ridge Road # D Munster, Ind. 219.836.4202 butterfingersbakery.wordpress.com
T hank you for voting us the Region’s Best Asian Restaurant inn 2014!
Elegant Fine Dining & Martini Bar Nouvelle Cuisine specializing in the Delectable Dishes and Flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, and France
EVENTS Calendar: Reservations recommended call 219-794-0000 Thursday, June 5 Martini Tasting featuring Purity Vodka $30 - 4 martini tasters and 1 appetizer Saturday, June 7 Tim Green Jazz Trio 6:30 – 10:30 pm Thursday, June 19 Wine Pairing Dinner – 6:30 pm RSVP by June 16 featuring Bordeaux Wines from fine French Estates Four courses, Five Wines $60 per person Saturday, June 21 Brent Kimbrough Jazz Trio 6:30 – 10:30 pm
7876 Broadway, Merrillville, IN • 219-794-0000 Monday–Thursday 11am-9:30 pm; Friday & Saturday 11am-10:30 pm; Sunday Noon – 9pm Lunch/Dinner Parties • Carryout • Catering www.asparagusrestaurant.com Visit Asparagus Restaurant on Facebook and “Like” us.
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Open for business beginning May 21st in our new home in Tinley Park!
16846 Oak Park Avenue,Tinley Park IL 708-407-8825 Sunday - Thursday 11am-10pm; Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm; Lunch/Dinner Parties • Carryout • Catering www.siammarina.com Visit Siam Marina on Facebook and “Like” us.
Calumet Bakery
There is nothing like the smell of homemade goodies, and walking into Butterfingers Bakery is a smell readers love. Voted once again this year as Best Bakery in the region, Butterfingers continues to thrive, welcoming readers with its homemade cupcakes, croissants, cakes and other creations. Opened in 1985, the family owned bakery is known for everything yummy, and readers say it’s the place to go when you are in the mood for something special. Having a party? Impress guests with red velvet or caramel cupcakes, or try Butterfingers’ exceptional chocolatedipped strawberries in semi-sweet or white chocolate. And don’t forget Butterfingers Cakes, delicious and fresh for any special occasion.
SECOND PLACE
Designer Desserts 56 Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.0008 designerdessertsbakery.com
Avalon Manor
BEST BANQUET FACILITY Avalon Manor Banquet Center
3550 E US 30 Merrillville, Ind. 219.945.0888 avalonmanor.com The 16,500-square-foot Avalon Manor Banquet Center offers consistently exceptional service and food while also evolving over time to stay fresh. “After 15 successful years in the banquet industry, we’ve hosted literally thousands of weddings and corporate events. We thank our customers and our employees for our success,” says Peter Kaiafas, owner and manager. 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.
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Villa Cesare
900 Eagle Ridge Drive Schererville, Ind.
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219.322.3011 villacesare.com
THIRD PLACE
Center for Visual and Performing Arts 1040 Ridge Road Munster, Ind. 219.836.1930 cvpa.org
Best Caterer Strack & Van Til 2244 W 45th St Highland, IN 46322 219.924.7588 svtcatering.com
Strack & Van Til has been the region’s fresh neighborhood catering store for over 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 cheeses, sandwiches, chicken wings, seafood, and fruits and vegetables. Entire buffets are offered as well, including chicken, breakfast, or Italian, to name a few. Strack & Van Til Catering Manager Brenda Wright says they have made entertaining their specialty. She says they have a number of different options depending on your needs. “We offer seven catering packages along with a breakfast menu and we have a nice a la carte menu of sides. We also have different service options—you can pick up in store, we will deliver to you, we will come to your function and set it up, or we offer attended service. It’s the personalized service that sets us apart. We have a great staff that goes out of their way for our customers. We can send staff to set up and serve at the functions, or you can just order from staff in store, but either way, you will have the best service. Our food
quality is exceptional, and our prices are reasonable. We have been catering more formal events lately, especially with our line of high-end appetizers, including mayor’s luncheons. We have hot appetizers such as crab Rangoon, vegetable spring rolls, assorted petite quiche, Maryland style crab cakes, and a spanakopita. We offer petite beef wellington and it’s really good for more intimate smaller parties because they are more special and a little upscale.”
For special occasions like baby showers, rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions, “We make it memorable.”
SECOND PLACE
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants 2120 Southlake Mall, Suite 500 Merrillville, Ind. 219.795.9463 coopershawkwinery.com
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THIRD PLACE
9585 N Industrial Drive St. John, Ind. 219.365.6506 comforts-catering.com
428 S Calumet Ave Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.5829 302 S Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.5829 lucreziacafe.com
Comforts Catering
THIRD PLACE
Butterfingers
2552 45th Street Highland, Ind. 219.924.6464 butterfingersbakery.com
Best Fine Dining Restaurant The Lighthouse
7501 Constitution Ave Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.9283 cedarlakelighthouse.com The Lighthouse at Cedar Lake is on the shore of Cedar Lake, so the dining room and banquet room are surrounded by windows to let the beauty of the lake shine through. “At sunset in summer you can’t get this unique view anywhere else in the region,” says General Manager Michael Curatolo. From croutons to cocktail sauce, the dishes are all fresh and homemade, served by a trained and attentive waitstaff. The same dishes and service in the banquet room that seats 25 to 250 guests are the same as in the dining room.
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Lucrezia
T
Photo by Tony V. Martin
Lighthouse Restaurant
hank yyou for voting Villa Cesare One of the Best Banquet Facilities. Allow us the opportunity to host your upcoming celebration:
Weekday Business Meetings, Continuing Education Meetings, Fundraising Events, Memorial Luncheons/ Dinners, Bridal Showers, Wedding Receptions, Baby Showers, Special Birthdays, Retirement Parties
900 Eagle Ridge Schererville, IN
219.322.3011 www.villacesare.com
Thank you for voting us... #1 BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
ABOUT ROUND THE CLOCK RESTAURANTS
For over fifty years, Round the Clock has provided the people of northwest Indiana with quality food, service and value.
VALPARAISO 219-462-6339 CHESTERTON • 219-983-9900 217 East Lincolnway 1607 South Calumet Road w w w. r o u n d t h e c l o c k r e s t a u r a n t s . c o m Voted #1 Breakfast, Lunch and Family Restaurant.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 21
BEST COFFEE
Food & Drink
Dunkin Donuts Dunkindonuts.com
For decades, Dunkin’ Donuts has been a hot spot for coffee across the United States, and this year, Times readers has once again voted it Best Coffee. “Dunkin’ Donuts coffee heritage goes back more than 60 years, something no other restaurant chain can match,” says Kathy Nowicki, senior marketing manager. “Our coffee experts travel around the world to ensure consistent quality every step of the way, and our restaurants maintain the highest quality by brewing a fresh pot of coffee every 18 minutes.” With more than 30 locations in the region, Dunkin’ Donuts’ coffee is based on the same recipe used with the chain was founded in 1950. “We work very hard to maintain our leadership position and are very grateful for readers naming our coffee the best in the region,” Nowicki says.
SECOND PLACE
Starbucks Starbucks.com
THIRD PLACE
Grindhouse Café 146 N Broad St Griffith, Ind. 219.595.5678
BEST DRIVE-IN The 49’er
675 N Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.6122 49erdrivein.com
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The 49’er Drive-in Theatre is once again open for the season, and is celebrating more than half a century of movie magic. The theater was founded in 1956 and served as a hot spot for families to gather on warm summer evenings.
Last year, a digital projector was added—allowing the theater to continue to show the latest flicks from 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 more than 28,000 likes on its Facebook page and updates movie-goers with the latest events and flicks scheduled to appear.
SECOND PLACE
Blue Top Drive In 8801 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.838.1233 bluetopdrivein.com
THIRD PLACE
The Port Drive-In 419 N Calumet Road Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.3500 theportdrivein.net
BEST SEAFOOD Lighthouse Restaurant
7501 Constitution Avenue Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.WAVE (9283) Cedarlakelighthouse.com Visit us on Facebook What makes the Lighthouse the Lighthouse is the ambiance of being on the lake, General Manager Michael Curatolo says. The popular summer patio seating is expected to open Memorial Day weekend, Curatolo says. Boaters can also pull up to the dock and come in for dinner. “Our seafood comes in fresh every day,” Curatolo says. “Our guests’ favorite items are the lake perch, macadamia nut encrusted walleye and the Chilean sea bass and on the appetizer menu the calamari and shrimp cocktail – two staples of the Lighthouse for the last nine years.” This is a popular season for private upstairs dining events. “We would love for people who
are planning an event, whether it is a wedding, a baby shower or a bridal shower, to think about us,” Curatolo says. “We can host events ranging from 25 to 250 people.”
SECOND PLACE
Teibel’s Family Restaurant US 30 and US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.2000 teibels.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Red Lobster
1450 E 82nd Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.0500 4353 S Franklin St Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.1328 9311 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.836.1394 Redlobster.com Visit us on Facebook
BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT Round the Clock roundtheclock.com
Round the Clock Family Restaurants are family-owned establishments that focus on people, including both their customers and their employees, and they deliver a quality dining experience. They believe that delicious food, an inviting atmosphere, and excellent customer service are what
every customer deserves, and that’s exactly what they bring to Northwest Indiana. Their madefrom-scratch meals, paired with their hot-out-of-the-oven rolls, homemade soups and freshly baked desserts all come together to create an unforgettable dining experience that’s Just Like Home. Rinoula Alexiades says that they first opened the Round the Clock location in Schererville in 1977 and all of her family works at their restaurants, in Hammond, Lansing, Schererville and Highland to bring quality food that is made from scratch daily. “At all of our locations you will get the same quality of family food. For the past 30 years we have focused on our food and on our atmosphere. Families come and you feel like it’s a home away from home. Our kitchen is your kitchen. In every restaurant we have a chef and a baker. The chef makes our daily soups and our daily specials from scratch. Our cheesecakes, pies, and rolls are baked fresh by our baker every single day. We want our food to be fresh and we value our customers who have been coming to our restaurants for almost 40 years,” says Alexiades.
SECOND PLACE
El Taco Real
935 E Hoffman St Hammond, Ind. 219.932.8333 eltacorealrestaurant.com
THIRD PLACE
Teibel’s
1775 US 41 Schererville, Ind. teibels.com 219.865.2000
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may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 23
Food & Drink BEST HAMBURGERS Schoop’s
schoophamburgers.com 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,” in 1948 and since then Schoop’s has grown from a modest site in Hammond, Ind. to reach into communities throughout the region. Their burgers are fresh and never frozen and cooked to crispy perfection. A Schoop’s burger spills out of the bun. Folks in Northwest Indiana have been coming to Schoop’s for generations and Schoop’s has locations from Orland Park, Ill., to Warsaw, Ind., with most locations centered around the original stores near Munster, Ind. Schoop’s also 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. “Nobody even comes close to our burgers. We’re one of a kind,” says Rachael Surowiec, manager of Schoop’s in Highland. “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,” she says.
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Arnie’s Dog House 1503 Indianapolis Blvd Whiting, Ind. 219.659.3004 Visit Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Corky’s Dogg House 12421 Wicker Ave Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.9332 Visit Facebook
BEST HOT DOG
8125 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.836.2867 Find us on Facebook
555 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.769. 8300 portillos.com “Portillo’s hot dogs are unique because they are made for us according
for Voting Us One of the BEST Italian Food Restaurants Now Serving Beer, Wine & Spirits
Join us for one of our fabulous signature cocktails or craft beers ExPrESS LUNch
ALL yoU cAN EAT BUffET
Monday, Wednesday and friday
crEATE yoUr oWN PASTA Tuesday and Thursday
Become a VIP & Save Text ciaobella to 71441 1514 U.S. 41, Schererville, IN 219.322.6800 M-Th 11am-10pm | F-Sat 11am-11pm | Sun 11am-10pm
visit www.opentable.com to make your reservations
24 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
SECOND PLACE
Arnie’s Dog House
Portillo’s
Thank You
11am-2:30pm $9.95
to our own specifications by Vienna Beef,” says Patty Sullivan, Dick Portillo’s assistant. “We have a very diverse menu. Hot dogs are about 10 percent of our business.” The restaurants serve hot dogs, chili cheese dogs and Maxwell Street-style Polish sausage. Dick Portillo launched his first hot dog stand in 1963 on North Avenue in Villa Park, Ill. He started with a $1,100 investment and built a 6’ by 12’ trailer with no running water. The original menu consisted of hot dogs, fries, tamales and soda, Sullivan says. By 1967, “The Dog House” was a success and was remodeled and renamed “Portillo’s.” Over the years, it has grown into a successful multi-state operation including locations in California and Arizona and the first Indiana location, which opened in October 2006. The Portillo Restaurant Group is the largest privately-owned restaurant company in the Midwest.
www.ciaobellaonline.com
mixture, or you can choose from the Cold Stone Signature Creations with cute names like Birthday Cake Remix, Cookie Mintster, 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.” Denise Benninghoff, manager of the Dyer location says, “The flavor of our ice cream can’t be beat, period. That goes without saying. But what also makes us great is you can also do what you want and mix in what you want. We have a lot of varieties as opposed to four or five selections. And we have a great staff—it’s just a lot of fun here. It’s a great place to bring kids because we always have a fun and friendly environment. We also have pies and cakes and cupcakes and a nice variety of things. If you like one of our cakes but want a different flavor, we can do that. If you like our cake but want a different icing, we can do that. We are here to do what makes the customer happy.”
SECOND PLACE
Valpo Velvet
THIRD PLACE
Corky’s Dogg House 12421 Wicker Ave Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.9332 Find us on Facebook
55-57 W Monroe Street Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.4141 valpovelvet.com
THIRD PLACE
BEST ICE CREAM SHOP Cold Stone Creamery
coldstonecreamery.com Who wouldn’t love ice cream when nuts, fruits, and candy are mixed into a smooth concoction on a frozen granite stone? For almost 20 years, Cold Stone Creamery has been serving up the finest ice cream, cakes, smoothies, and shakes. You can make your own
Sweet Frog
1505 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.440.7093 sweetfrogyogurt.com
BEST WINGS Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalowildwings.com Sure they have a wide selection of tall draught beers, fun trivia contests, sports on every big screen in the joint, but it’s the wings that makes Buffalo Wild
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and the ways you can get them make us a favorite. It’s a great place here too. You can come in, have some wings, watch some sports, and it’s just a great place to hang out. It all comes down to the variety, quality, and consistency.”
Wings a favorite in the region. With both traditional and boneless options, and 16 signature sauces to choose from like teriyaki, Asian zing, desert heat seasoning, Thai curry, parmesan garlic, mango habanero, and of course, hot BBQ, Buffalo Wild Wings is always tasty and fun for adults and kids alike. They also feature local craft beers, cocktails, and change the menu to offer specials and limited time selections such as burgers and sandwiches, appetizers, wraps, salads, and buffalitos, or burritos made with chicken and a signature sauce. There are also chicken tenders and popcorn shrimp which are a favorite with kids and they offer a number of different promotions like Wing Tuesday and Boneless Thursday. At the Buffalo Wild Wings location in Valparaiso, Manager Devin Horner says, “I think the amount of different sauces we offer
SECOND PLACE
Hooters
771 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.794.9464 17060 Torrence Ave Lansing, Ill. 708.889.0446 1650 US 41, Ste A Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2024 hooters.com 1115 E Lincolnway La Porte, Ind. 219.325.9464 wingsetc.com
THIRD PLACE
Bridges Scoreboard 1221 N Griffith Blvd Griffith, Ind. 219.924.2206
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
“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.”
SECOND PLACE
Lucrezia
428 S Calumet // Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.LUCY 302 S Main St // Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.LUCY lucreziacafe.com Lucrezia, with locations in Chesterton and Crown Point, has set the bar high for Italian food in the region. Owner Michael Karas says,
Ciao Bella
1514 US 41 Schererville, Ind. ciaobellaonline.com
THIRD PLACE
Café Borgia
10018 Calumet Ave // Munster, Ind. 219.922.8889 cafeborgia.com
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 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 25
Food & Drink BEST CHEF Pat Niebling
Three Floyds Brewpub 9750 Indiana Parkway Munster, Ind. 219.922.3565 3floyds.com Visit us on Facebook Pat Niebling has worked his way through some of the area’s best restaurants. Niebling says he found his home at Three Floyds brewpub, where he has worked his way up from line cook to executive chef. He and Scout Hughes (chef de cuisine), along with the rest of the kitchen team, are constantly trying to create an experience that is unique and exciting. By using the best local ingredients, they have pushed the boundaries of what’s considered pub fare. Niebling shares this award with the whole kitchen team at Three Floyds brewpub.
SECOND PLACE
Aaron Evett
Fahrenheit 212 10805 Broadway Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.8160 Fht212.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Patrick Sholz
Lucrezia’s Italian Ristorante 302 S Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.5829 Lucreziacafe.com Visit us on Facebook 26 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
BEST PIZZA Aurelio’s
I
aureliospizza.com n business since 1959, Aurelio’s has become a staple of the region—so much so readers have voted it once again as Best Pizza. At age 26, Joe Aurelio Jr. opened a small, four-table restaurant on Ridge Road in Homewood, Ill. Although cooked beef sandwiches was originally the main draw on the restaurant’s menu, Aurelio’s has evolved to being known as the top spot to grab a slice of pizza in the region. With 40 locations, readers have a variety of locations to choose from but may be surprised to know Aurelio’s isn’t only a regional hot spot. The restaurant now is located throughout the United States—from Las Vegas to Naples, Fla.
SECOND PLACE
Gelsosomo’s
Joe Aurelio, president of Aurelio’s family pizzeria.
gelpizza.com
THIRD PLACE
Beggar’s Pizza beggarspizza.com
BEST PLACE FOR BRUNCH Center for Visual & Performing Arts 1040 Ridge Road Munster, Ind. 219.836.1930 cvpa.org
The Center for Visual & Performing Arts’ brunch is a feast for the family every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Served up by Chef Joe Trama, guests can enjoy 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. “We always put quality first, in everything that we do here at the Center For Visual and Performing Arts,” says Chef Joe Trama. “As chef/ owner of Trama Catering I have assembled a very caring, professional group of people that has only one goal in mind, and that is customer satisfaction. I have been here since the very beginning and walk that fine line between consistency and boredom. People come in expecting certain things the same every time, but you need to keep things new and fresh to keep their interest, so they keep coming back. I deal with all my rising costs by trying to manage them in house rather than just passing
them on the customers. I owe it all to my crew, and all the people at The Center that always bring their A-game when we open the doors. I provide a positive atmosphere in which to work for my people, in turn comes creative, loyal, friendly employees , customers can feel that when they dine with us.”
SECOND PLACE
Strongbow Inn 2405 East US 30 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.531.0162 strongbowinn.com
THIRD PLACE
Round the Clock roundtheclock.com
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BEST MEXICAN FOOD El Taco Real
935 Hoffman Street Hammond, Ind. 219.932.8333 eltacorealrestaurant.com Founded upon a generous and friendly attitude in 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. They have a smokeless environment for the comfort of all diners and specialties include carne asada, polle con mole, and traditional menudo, a tripe soup in a chile ancho, beef stock, and all the trimmings with a serving of tortillas. Owner Raymundo Garcia says that the dedication of the staff is what sets their restaurant apart, along with the family recipes. “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,” Garcia says.
SECOND PLACE
La Carreta 717 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.0900
THIRD 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
935 Hoffman Street, Hammond, IN 40th Anniversary 1974-2014
Thank you to our loyal customers for 40 Wonderful Years
219.932.8333 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
tacoray@ameritech.net may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 27
Food & Drink BEST PLACE FOR A SANDWICH
BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST
Lincoln Carry Outs
Jelly Pancake House
1002 Lincoln St Hobart, Ind. 219.942.2113 1203 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.226.9977 lincolncarryouts.com Visit us on Facebook
“What sets Lincoln’s apart is the unique sandwiches that have been around for many decades and the fresh quality of ingredients we use daily,” Lincoln Carry Outs co-owner Buzz Underwood says. “We take great pride in preparing every sandwich for our customers.” Lincoln Carry Outs has been family owned since 1977 starting in Gary. The Hobart store is still going strong since 1983. Underwood took over from his father in 1989 and continues to be a proud owner. His brother opened the Crown Point location. Some of our customer‘s favorite sandwiches include the Steelworker Special, Bunny Girl, Lincoln Burger and Lincoln‘s Club. We also make delicious homemade salads and have a huge variety of sides, Underwood says.
399 East 81st Avenue Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.0100 936 US 30 Dyer, Ind. 219.865.3200 jellypancakehouse.com Jelly Pancake House is much more than mere pancakes. The ample breakfast menu includes eggs that can be accompanied by steaks or pork chops, large omelets, freshlysqueezed orange juice, crêpes, skillets, French toast, waffles and yes, pancakes too ... like healthy oatmeal cookie pancakes, cookies and cream pancakes, sweet potato pancakes, or for those who just can’t choose, try the pancake sampler which includes two mini pancakes topped with strawberries, two mini pancakes topped with blueberries, and two mini pancakes topped with cinnamon apples. Stick around for lunch and Jelly Pancake House serves
up homemade soups, burgers, salads, wraps, and a myriad of entrees like a blackened chicken wrap, a Guinness burger, or a tasty reuben sandwich. Don’t forget to try the savory sweet potato puffs. The Dyer location has a liquor license and serves limited drinks including Bloody Marys, mimosas, and wine during brunch and lunch. Outside seating is available during warm weather and there is a semi-private area for groups. Jelly Pancake House is known for — as the name also suggests — jelly, because homemade jellies are served including unusual flavors like pina colada and jalapeno pepper. The jellies can also be purchased from the restaurants. Private parties are welcome in the evenings with a special dinner menu and they also provide off-site catering with free delivery.
SECOND PLACE
The Scrambled Diner 250 81st Ave Dyer, Ind. 219.865.3950 scrambleddiner.com
SECOND PLACE
Panera Bread
THIRD PLACE
Round the Clock roundtheclock.com
BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH Grindhouse Café 146 N Broad St Griffith, Ind. 219.595.5678 Visit us on Facebook
“We put a lot of care into all the food and drink that we serve,” Gabe Mauch, who co-owns Grindhouse Café with his sister Kate Mauch, says. “They are not just thrown together. We use the ingredients that we want to eat. We wanted fresh real food, so we opened a place to serve people fresh real food.” Grindhouse’s resident pastry wizard Traci Cavanuagh creates the shop’s much-loved desserts. Gabe Mauch says Cavanaugh works magic. Grindhouse also offers many choices for their vegan and vegetarian customers. Beyond that food, the chemistry of coffee has become a second language for the Griffith natives, who opened Grindhouse in 2012. Grindhouse works with the best Chicago-based coffee suppliers, like Metropolis and Intelligentsia, to bring those flavors to the region.
144 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.8049 2710 Laporte Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.476.0080 303 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.756.3550 Panerabread.com Visit us on Facebook
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
303 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.756.3550 Panerabread.com Visit us on Facebook
Three Floyds Brewpub
9750 Indiana Parkway Munster, Ind. 219.922.3565 3Floyds.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Panera Bread
Grindhouse Café 146 N Broad St Griffith, Ind. 219.595.5678 Visit us on Facebook
28 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
The pancake sampler is displayed in Jelly Pancake House.
KYLE TELECHAN
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BEST WINERY
intentional, perfect pairings with the Cooper’s Hawk restaurant’s signature dishes. Any occasion is memorable with the sophisticated menu and wines in a warm and elegant atmosphere.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants 2120 Southlake Mall, Suite 500 Merrillville, Ind. 219.795.9463 coopershawkwinery.com It’s a wonderful experience at Cooper’s Hawk Winery, where the Napa-style Tasting Room offers seven to eight samplings of Cooper’s Hawk’s latest wine selections. Get friends together—no reservation necessary— to taste, purchase wine by the bottle, and choose one of the delectable, freshly made gourmet desserts. Have fun browsing the gift shop for unique wine-related gifts for any occasion. The private winery produces exceptional wines, providing
SECOND PLACE
Round Barn Winery
10983 Hills Rd // Baroda, Mich. 800.716.9463 9185 Union Pier Rd Union Pier, Mich. 269.469.6885 roundbarnwinery.com
THIRD PLACE
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant 185 Mount Tabor Rd Buchanan, Mich. 1.800.283.3363 taborhill.com
PHOTO BY ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ, THE TIMES
Diners can fill up their plates with assorted goodies and Polish favorites at Warsaw Inn in Lynwood.
BEST POLISH FOOD Warsaw Inn
2180 Glenwood Dyer Road Lynwood, Ill. 708.474-1000 angieswarsawinn.com The Warsaw Inn has again topped the Best of the Region in the Polish Food category, and owner Angie Golom says customers respond not only to the good food but to the amazing customer service. “We still make all our food from scratch. We make our own pierogis by hand, and make our own polish sausage and sauerkraut,” she says. “Everything is still home made the way that grandma used to make.” The buffet offers more than 60 items daily, and many of the recipes are family favorites from Poland. In addition to five kinds of pierogi, Polish sausage and sauerkraut, other
favorites include stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes. She says the restaurant, which has been located in Lynwood, Ill., since 1980, has had the same head cook for 28 years. Many of the staff have also been there for decades, as well. “Customers walk in and they feel like they’re coming home for dinner,” she says. “We have a nice, homey atmosphere. Servers recognize some of our customers when they walk in.”
SECOND PLACE
Cavalier Inn 735 Gostlin St Hammond, Ind. 219.933.9314 Cavalierinn.net
THIRD PLACE
MJ’s Deli
7112 Calumet Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.937.6007 Mjpolishdeli.com
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Thank You for Voting us Best Polish food!
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Sign up to Receive Additional Discount and Offers
www.angieswarsawinn.com ils cockta • Polish Delicacies • Bountiful Homemade • all american Favorites • Freshly Prepared salad Bar
Dessert Bar • soft serve ice cream Bar
Tues.-Thurs. Fri.-Sun. Adults $12.95 Adults $13.95
2180 Glenwood-Dyer Rd., • Lynwood, IL • 708-474-1000 1 Block W. of Torrence Ave. • www.angieswarsawinn.com Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4pm-8:30pm • Fri.-Sat. 4pm-9pm • Sun. Noon-8pm We Offer All Occasion and Funeral Luncheons
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 29
Food & Drink BEST STEAKHOUSE The Lighthouse
7501 Constitution Avenue Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.WAVE cedarlakelighthouse.com
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ith two floors of fantastic dining overlooking a harbor landscape on the beautiful shores of Cedar Lake, The Lighthouse Restaurant is the best steakhouse in the region. 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 level the ultimate in privacy with exceptionally sound-proofed construction. But the appeal of The Lighthouse is more than just the first-class environment and facility; it is also all about the steaks. Suzanne Shanks, office manager for The Lighthouse Restaurants says the difference is in how the steaks are cooked. “It’s the way we prepare them, as well as the quality of the meat we use. We prepare our steaks, which come from David’s Creek in Middlebury, Indiana, using just a basic seasoning in a very high-temperature broiler. It sears the steak to perfection. Then we serve it on a sizzling 500-degree
platter which really makes for a great presentation and adds to the juicy flavor,” says Shanks. Chef Ken McRae comes to the Lighthouse Restaurant with more than 25 years of culinary experience. He says his menu consists of only the freshest ingredients and bold flavors. “We offer steaks, fresh seafood, and pastas. We have sea bass, salmon, along with yellow lake perch and feature weekly market specials. All of our soups are homemade,” says McRae. But the steaks are the restaurant’s signature dish—something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in Northwest Indiana. The menu includes fresh salads, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and Philly steak sandwiches (especially for boaters).
Thank You for voting us one of the
top three steakhouses in northwest indiana!
VALPARAISO ARAISO 2300 Morthland Drive • 465-4022 Tues-Thurs 4-9 PM, Fri-Sat 4-9:30 PM Sun 12-8 PM PORTAGE 5630 US Hwy 6 • 762-2242 Tues-Thurs 4-9 PM, Fri-Sat 4-9:30 PM Sun 4-8 PM
www.KelseysSteakhouse.com 30 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
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SECOND PLACE
Gino’s Steakhouse 1259 Joliet St. Dyer, Ind. 219.865.3854 600 East Lincoln Highway Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.4466 ginossteakhouse.com
THIRD PLACE Kelsey’s 2300 US 30 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.4022 5630 US 6 Portage, Ind. 219.762.2242 kelseyssteakhouse. com
BEST SPORTS BAR & GRILL White Rhino Bar & Grill 101 Joliet St Schererville, Ind. 219.864.9200 whiterhinoonline.com
The true Chicago sports fans are what make White Rhino a great sports bar, says Ryan Glowacki, one of White Rhino’s owners. “We have over 20 TVs, but it’s really the Chicago fans that make White Rhino a great place to watch a game. Blackhawks hockey is always exciting at White Rhino, especially now with the playoffs getting ready to start.” The open concept restaurant and bar features an 8-foot and 10-foot big screen TV as well as great food and drink specials. During football season, it features the NFL Sunday ticket.
“We also do more unique things like an annual Bears trip that in the past has gone to New Orleans, Miami and Jacksonville, Fla.,” he says. “We also have baseball trips every season with the next one coming up on May 7 to see the Cubs at the White Sox.” White Rhino is nonsmoking and welcomes families for lunch, dinner and private events.
SECOND PLACE
Bridges Scoreboard 121 N Griffith Blvd Griffith, Ind. 219.924.2206
bridges scoreboard.com
THIRD PLACE
Bullpen Luxury Bar & Grill 10685 Randolph St Winfield, Ind. 219.661.0088 1013 W US 30 219.322.7788
9318 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.924.9300 bullpenbar.net
Thank You for Voting us Best of the Region Sports Bar & Grill and Bar/Lounge for 2014
GS PENIN P A H FUN RHINO E T I H @W astings • Wine Tof the month 1st Wed
& ainting P ly h t n s • Mo t Classe Pinteres gs ly Tastin h t n o M • ft in the lo a b m u Z • s ow Serie h S r a C • ent ertainm om t n E ly t • Nigh www.whiterhinoonline.c it
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www.whiteRhinoonline.com
Over 125 Different Beers Wine & Beer Flights
101 Joliet Rd. • Dyer, IN (219) 864-9200
Located at the corner of Rt. 30 & Hart St., Dyer IN JoIN ouR E-CLuB @ www.wHItERHINooNLINE.Com orvisit:FACEBooK.Com/wHItERHINoBARANDGRILL
Call today about on & off site catering! Visit whiterhinoonline.com for more details
Family Friendly • Smoke Free Free wiFi • outdoor Dining BAR oPEN 10:00 Am - 3:00 Am DAILY KItCHEN oPEN moNDAY - tHuRSDAY 11 Am - 1 Am FRIDAY AND SAtuRDAY uNtIL 2 Am & SuNDAY uNtIL mIDNIGHt
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may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 31
Healthcare BEST CHIROPRACTOR Trimboli Chiropractic 706 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.8890
D
12732 US 41 Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.4144 trimbolichiro.com
r. Nancy Trimboli has helped patients benefit from the power of Chiropractic since 1993, alleviating pain and symptoms, then focusing stabilizing the underlying cause. Ninety percent of new patients are referred by grateful current patients. Trimboli Chiropractic helps patients avoid medications or surgeries and offers services including adjustments with gentle, effective force technique; 10-minute spot massage; cold laser therapy; stress management and more.
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“Families now embrace chiropractic because they find the kids stay healthier, moms and dads can focus better and feel better—even the athlete in the family performs better. We are proud to be part of that evolution in the healthcare paradigm,” says Trimboli.
SECOND PLACE
Kostidis Chiropractic 4004 N Campbell St Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.1140 kostidischiropractic.com
THIRD PLACE
Kauffman Chiropractic 100 W 84th Dr Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.7363 kauffmanchiros.com
7620 E 109th Ave Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.9855
Thank you for voting us the best of the region for five consecutive years in a row!
AL
Best Chiropractor in Northwest Indiana
(219)
465-1140
In Pain call Kostidis Let us help you get on Chiropractic today at the road to recovery. 4004 North Campbell Street • Valparaiso, IN • www.kostidischiropractic.com 32 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
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How Can I FInd a QualIFIed CHIroPraCtor?
The best way to find a qualified chiropractor is through another provider's referral or through a personal referral from a friend.The advice of someone with first hand experience is always valuable when choosing a healthcare provider.
The Region has Voted Trimboli Chiropractic #1 Chiropractor. Best of the Region, A Referral You Can Trust! Physical, Mental Renewal Achieved at Trimboli Chiropractic.
100 HealtH Pass
$
Towards New Patient Services! Mention “Health Pass” for your discount.
*Offer Valid for New Patients Only *Federal Restrictions Apply to Medicare Patients
PaIn relIeF sPeCIalIsts
PPO with Anthem, BCBS IL, United Health Care We have affordable cash plans. We love our cash patients! 706 Ridge Road, Munster • (219) 836-8890 12732 Route 41, Cedar Lake, IN • (219) 374-4144 www.trimbolichiro.net a special publication of the times media co.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 33
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY
Healthcare
TriCore Physical Therapy 8233 Wicker Ave St John, Ind. 219.627.3342 tricorept.com
At TriCore Physical Therapy, rehabilitation is anything but oneprogram-for-all. “Today in health care, people search for information and they want excellence,” says Ryah Flipse, clinic owner and physical therapist. “The key is compassionate care with proven results.” TriCore Physical Therapy is a neighborhood treatment center, close and convenient, providing personalized
BEST VISION CARE Gailmard Eye Center 630 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219-836-1738 gailmardeyecenter.com
Patients need the very best when it comes to eye care. In northern Indiana they know Gailmard Eye Center’s expertise and patient satisfaction have made this practice of optometry one of the largest
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service that can’t be matched by a franchise clinic. Patients used to being referred to as “a knee patient” appreciate that their stories are heard at TriCore: “It’s not just a part of the body to heal; we are aware of the whole person.” Putting off treatment may actually increase rehabilitation time, so it makes sense as soon as recommended to experience TriCore’s exceptional clinic care.
and most successful independent optometric practices in the country. Word-of-mouth referral is important to prospective patients, who want excellence in service and eye care technology. With a very large facility and multiple doctors, Gailmard Eye Center offers a wide range of optometric services, including specialties like low vision and vision therapy, advanced diagnostic procedures, a pediatric vision clinic, and contact lens services as well as a great selection of designer frames. Gailmard Eye Center is the lifelong eye care practice for families.
SECOND PLACE
Fitness Pointe
9950 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.924.5348 comhs.org/community/fitness_pointe
THIRD PLACE
ATI Physical Therapy Several locations; visit us at atiptAtipt/locations
SECOND PLACE: TIE
LTF Eye Clinics
Franciscan Physicians Hospital 701 Superior Ave, Suite A Munster, Ind. 219.934.0150 lfteyeclinics.com
SECOND PLACE: TIE
Williams-Deschamps 8510 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.2200 williamseye.com
BEST ORTHOPEDIC Lakeshore Bone & Joint
601 Gateway Blvd Chesterton, Ind. 219.921.1444 lbji.com Founded by doctors from the Gary region over 50 years ago, the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute today employs more than 100 healthcare and support staff who has expertise in everything from carpal tunnel syndrome to hip replacement. It is their mission to provide excellence in musculoskeletal care to all of their patients, using state-of-theart technology, with integrity and a spirit of compassion that encompasses all that they do. They specialize in general orthopedic, joint replacement, A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
sports medicine, spine, pain management, upper extremity, rheumatology, foot and ankle, and hand. Their team of specialists is the reason so many people with orthopedic injuries think of Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. They are all highly trained and respected professionals who deliver specialized, comprehensive care for a wide array of musculoskeletal injuries. Exceeding our patients’ expectations is Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute’s main goal. They offer in-house diagnostic imaging consisting of X-ray, MRI, and bone density studies, along with occupational and physical therapy departments that allow their surgeons the ability to deliver stellar care. “We use state-of-the-art technology. Our physicians work with integrity and have compassion for the patients and truly care about helping people and making a difference in people’s lives. We have
a very broad base of areas that people travel from and people might think they have to go to Chicago to get the best care when the reality is we have the best care right here,” says Karen Johnson, director of marketing and workers’ compensation.
SECOND PLACE
Orthopedic Specialists 730 45th Ave // Munster, Ind. 219.924.3300 osni.org
THIRD PLACE
Great Lakes Orthopedic and Sports Medicine PC 9615 Keilman St // St John, Ind. 219.365.0220 glorthopedics.com
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 35
Healthcare BEST DENTIST Compton Dental Center
901 Fran Lin Pkwy Munster, Ind. 219.961.5972 nwindianadentist.com Quality care for informed patients in a comfortable, convenient setting—that’s the top priority at Compton Dental Center. An experienced, friendly dentist listens to the patient and responds, diagnoses and treats effectively, and counsels on ways to maintain good health. And the entire staff is a dedicated, trained team giving you individualized attention. “The doctors and staff at Compton
Dental Center strive to create an experience that is not always found in a dental office. We put our patients at ease with a caring staff and comfortable setting. We bring the latest solutions to our patient’s dental problems and work together solve them in a way that works for them,” says Dr. Eric Compton.
SECOND PLACE
Schererville Family Dentistry 1050 Caroline Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.3232 nwidentist.com
THIRD PLACE
Advanced Dental
15285 W 101st Ave, Suite H Dyer, Ind. 219.365.5420 drgambetta.com
We would like to thank all of the people who voted us
Best of the Region Dental Office for 2014!
"I would like to thank my hardworking, dedicated professional team." Dr. Eric Compton
COMPTON DENTAL CENTER 901 Fran Lin Parkway Munster IN 46321 (219) 836-0460 www.munsterdentist.com 36 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Dental Hygenist Barbara Punak takes a gentle and friendly approach to patient care. TONY V. MARTIN A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Community Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team offers specialized care for critically-ill newborns. Shown, from left, are Masayoshi Uemura, M.D.; Hope Robinson, RN-NIC; Michelle Cherry, R.N., MSN, Neonatal Nurse Manager; Mayola Villarruel, R.N., MSN; Mary VanCuren, RN-NIC; Jill Matthews, R.N.; MaryLou Perrone, R.N.; Mary Puntillo RN-NIC, Nurse Educator and Ameth Aguirre, M.D.
BEST PEDIATRIC CARE Community Hospital 901 MacArthur Blvd Munster, Ind. 219.836.1600 comhs.org
New moms can expect the best from Community Hospital’s Family Birthing Center, one of the leading facilities in the state for newborn care. They deliver the most babies per year in the region. With the top three floors of a new tower dedicated to the Family Birthing Center, Community Hospital this summer will unveil an all-new 32-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) plus 25 private mother/baby suites, 12 private labor and delivery rooms, two Caesarean section suites and a newborn nursery complete with baby spa. “Our No. 1 goal throughout the entire planning process is true family-centered care,” says Michelle Cherry, nurse manager at Community Hospital NICU/Nursery. “It’s what our patients expect and what we want to do for them.”
The new Family Birthing Center will feature enhanced monitoring as well as greater comfort for moms and their families, according to Cherry. Following labor and delivery, they will move to a comfortable mother/baby room,” she says. Community Hospital’s team of highly experienced OB/GYN physicians, anesthesiologists and neonatologists who are in-house 24/7, dedicated nurses and support staff— and lactation support—provides new moms and infants with the utmost in clinical care.
SECOND PLACE
Kids First Pediatrics 1160 Joliet St, Suite 103 Dyer, Ind. 219.322.8534 dtmd4kids.com
THIRD PLACE
Franciscan Medical Specialists
Locations in Dyer, Merrillville, Munster and Schererville 219.934.2492 medspecindiana.com/healthcarespecialty/indiana-pediatrics
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
am is rofessional te Our friendly, p u and your family yo ready to serve
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 6 Years in a Row! Robert Pieters, D.D.S.
We are honored by this award and welcome new patients to come experience the trust others have placed in our team.
Ray Alavanja, D.D.S.
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 Open early & late for Your Convenience Mon. - Thurs. 7am-9pm • Friday 8am-5pm
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 37
Healthcare BEST HOSPITAL Community Hospital 901 MacArthur Blvd Munster, Ind. 219.836.1600 comhs.org
Community Hospital in Munster, Ind., has consistently achieved national distinction for its high-quality care. It has been the only hospital in Indiana to be named among America’s 50 Best by Healthgrades®, for several years in a row. The reason? It’s Community Hospital’s consistently superior performance in clinical outcomes across 27 common medical conditions, from diagnoses such
tHAnks to our wo o n D er f u l pAt t I en nts for v vo t I n g u s
BEST
DENTIST
as heart attack and pneumonia, to procedures such as hip fracture and knee replacement. “Our doctors, nurses and support staff consistently incorporate their best efforts into everything we do,” said Chief Executive Officer Donald Fesko, “We remain focused on the things that matter most to our patients including clinical excellence in a total caring environment.”
SECOND PLACE
Franciscan St. Anthony Health
1201 South Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.757.6227 stanthonymedicalcenter.com
Come see for yourself ! now n accepting ccepting new patients.
THIRD PLACE
ADVANCED DENT DENTAL
24 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.865.2141 5454 Hohman Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.932.2300 franciscanalliance.org
Franciscan St. Margaret Health
1 5 2 8 5 1 0 1 s t Av e , s t e H • D y er , I n
219-365-5420 ~ In-networ In-network for or most area PPOs PPO’s ~
38 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
TIMES FILE PHOTO
Community Hospital
Miguel Gambetta, DDS
BEST HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB Fitness Pointe
9950 Calumet Avenue Munster, Ind. 219.924.5348 comhs.org/community/fitness_ pointe.asp Community Hospital’s Fitness Pointe is a medically-based, 73,000-square-foot fitness center that has caught the attention of readers in this region. The facility is designed to help individuals achieve life-long health and fitness through quality programs and state-of-theart equipment. It also has dedicated facilities for outpatient cardiac care and outpatient physical therapy. “We truly appreciate all our members who put their trust in us to deliver the highest quality medical fitness services in the region,” says Roger Vogie, director of Fitness Pointe. Opening in May, Fitness Pointe will feature Northwest Indiana’s first
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
virtual cycle studio, where nonmembers and members are welcome to join expert cycle trainers as guide cyclists them through the Grand Canyon, Wine Country, Blue Ridge Mountains and many more virtual experiences.
SECOND PLACE
Franciscan Omni
In Total Resistance Exercise, the user’s body angle related to gravity is what provides the exercise level. TRX is an integral part of workouts at Fitness Pointe in Munster.
221 US 41, Suite A Schererville, Ind. 219.865.6969 810 Michael Drive Chesterton, Ind. 219.983.9832 franciscanalliance.org/omni
THIRD PLACE
Anytime Fitness Anytimefitness.com
a special publication of the times media co.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 39
Healthcare BEST SPINE CARE
SECOND PLACE
Community Spine & Neurosurgery Institute
601 Gateway Blvd Chesterton, Ind. 219.921.1444 // lbji.com
801 MacArthur Blvd Suite 405 Munster, Ind. 219.836.5167 communityspineandbrain.com
Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute
BEST PAIN MANAGEMENT
THIRD PLACE
Community Spine & Neurosugery Institute
Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists
Patients at Community Spine and Neurosurgery Institute meet physicians who are highly qualified and with experience, so that every interaction is about caring for the patient, providing answers, alternatives, and if necessary, a discussion about surgery. The focus is on the individual, diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system affecting the whole body, the spine, brain, hands, legs, arms and face. They specialize in all aspects of complex spine surgery,
minimally invasive surgeries of the spine, and spinal deformities. All physicians are on staff at Community Hospital in Munster, Ind., one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals as ranked by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent quality ratings company.
801 MacArthur Blvd Suite 405 Munster, Ind. 219.836.5167 communityspineandbrain.com
8840 Calumet Ave # 103 Munster, Ind. 219.836.7246 333 W 89th Suite W-1 Merrillville, Ind 219.791.1016 1700 Pointe Dr # 101 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.836.5230 spinecaremw.com
SECOND PLACE
Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists 8840 Calumet Ave # 103 Munster, Ind.
Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists
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 ca r e Training
M.I.S.S. physicians are the leading spine pain specialists in Northwest Indiana. Our patients appreciate the Fellowship Training, Board Certification and years of Complication-Free care we provide. 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-of-network 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 Shaun Kondamuri MD
Satish Dasari MD
Vijay Gupta MD
4 Years in a Row
rita Franzen NP
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
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A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
BEST CARDIOLOGY CARE
219.836.7246 333 W 89th Suite W-1 Merrillville, Ind 219.791.1016 1700 Pointe Dr # 101 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.836.5230 spinecaremw.com
Cardiology Associates of Northwest Indiana
THIRD PLACE
Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus 600 Grant Street Gary, Ind. 219.886.4000 Midlake Campus 2269 West 25th Ave Gary, Ind. 219.944.4160 Southlake Campus 8701 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.5500 methodisthospitals.org
5500 Hohman Ave // Hammond, Ind. 219.931.8708 10010 Don Powers Dr // Munster, Ind. 219.934.4200 cardiologyassociatesofnw.homestead.com For other Cardiology Associates Association locations, visit cardiologyassociatesofnw.intuitwebsites.com For 27 years Cardiology Associates of Northwest Indiana has been proving its reputation as a premier cardiology diagnosis and treatment group. Eight cardiologists with a wealth expertise care for patients at different locations, with a corporate office in Munster, Ind. Patients can be assured Cardiology Associates is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and accredited labs. 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 minimally invasive procedures including angioplasty and atherectomy. “We treat our patients as if they were someone in our own family,” says Dr. Ravi Bhagwat.
SECOND PLACE
Community Cardiology Center 801 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 201 // Munster, Ind. 219.513.0422 comhs.org/community/community_cardiology
THIRD PLACE
Cardio Specialists Group
24 Joliet St, #401 // Dyer, Ind. 219.865.0893 801 Macarthur Blvd, #203 // Munster, Ind. 219.836.9390 cardiospecialists.org
Thank you for voting us Best of the Region for 2014!! Two years in a row!
Arvind Gandhi, MD
Prakash Makam, MD
Ravi Bhagwat, MD
Wail Asfour, MD
Mohan Kesani, MD
Miguel Gambetta, MD
Committed to providing quality care for our patients
Jay Pandhi, MD
Parthiv Shah, MD
Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, accredited labs and certified staff providing the most innovative and comprehensive care
PROVIDING SERVICE AT:
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL • ST. CATHERINE HOSPITAL • FRANCISCAN ST. MARGARET HEALTHCARE CENTERS
Munster
Hammond
219-934-4200
219-931-8708
10010 Donald S Powers Dr 5500 Hohman Ave, Ste 2G
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
www.canwi.com
St John
9660 Wicker Ave
219-934-4200 may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 41
Healthcare BEST URGENT CARE
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Community Hospital
hen an acute medical condition arises, Community Hospital Emergency Department is ready, with a new concept in Emergency Department design. The goal is patient and staff comfort and care, even the entryway and family lounge are intended to put everyone at ease. Check-in is designed differently; there are no “cubicles.� Larger trauma rooms mean families can stay together. Even whole families in need of treatment can be next to each other in one room, lessening the distress of being separated. Larger rooms make visiting easier and treatment rooms are divided by walls that can be closed for privacy by a glass door and curtains, for a quieter environment.
SECOND PLACE
Community Hospital Outpatient Centre 9660 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.1177 comhs.org
THIRD PLACE
Franciscan ExpressCare
12800 Mississippi Pkwy Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.5700
42 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
BEST PODIATRIST Friendly Foot Care
trained and experienced in foot and ankle care and surgery, all done in a relaxed atmosphere. Friendly Foot care has created a comfortable and welcoming lobby and treatment rooms with specially designed chairs that have soothing, heated-massage foot rests. A podiatrist personally calls patients within 24 hours of the patient’s return home. “We give people the warmest, friendliest, most thorough care – quite simply, the best foot care possible,” says Dr. Michael Nirenberg.
50 West 94th Place Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.2273 friendlyfootcare.com
F
oot problems can affect daily life greatly, as they can be painful and limit the ability to be mobile. Friendly Food Care gets patients back in step as quickly as possible. Dr. Michael Nirenberg and Dr. Michael Lacey are
tcare.com o o f ly d n www.frie Voting
Drs. Nirenberg and Lacey (right) use high technology to treat heel pain.
SECOND PLACE
Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center 7905 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.836.5800 hammondclinic.com
PROVIDED
THIRD PLACE
Munster Orthopedic 9132 Columbia Ave Munster, Ind. 219.836.2225 comhs.org/physician/database
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
NEED GOOD ADVICE?
For u o CARE Y T k n O a O F Th Y FRIENDL
BEST IST DIATR
PO
rS in FiVe yea
a rOW!
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!
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 43
Healthcare BEST RETIREMENT/ ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY Hartsfield Village
10000 Columbia Ave Munster, Ind. 219.934.0750 hartsfieldvillage.com Hartsfield Village Continuing Care Retirement Community offers the experience of an actual community and the peace of mind for residents who are assured of being able to celebrate the full continuum of life with seamless transitions.
In Hartsfield Village’s caring community, there are individuals who wish to maintain their independence; couples planning for worry-free years to come; and seniors who would appreciate a little assistance. Having all these options in place is why planning ahead is so important. Residents at Hartsfield Village know they’ll always interact with thoughtful, professional support in every level of care, living out Hartsfield’s motto: “Living Well, Living Wise.”
SECOND PLACE
Residences at Deer Creek 401 E US 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.864.0700 residencesatdeercreek.com
THIRD PLACE
Rittenhouse Senior Living 4300 Cleveland Ave Michigan City, Ind. 219,872,6800 1300 Vale Park Rd Valparaiso, Ind. 219.531.2484. 6235 Sterling Creek Rd Portage, Ind. 219.764.2900 rittenhousesl.com
BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH Community Hospital Women’s Diagnostic Center 10020 Donald S Powers Dr Munster, Ind. 219.934.8869 comhs.org
T
he Women’s Diagnostic Center provides best practices in preventive and diagnostic care in home-like surroundings. The breast care program is NAPBC accredited, with a full spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, support and complementary
therapy options. “Our team cares deeply about the patients who entrust themselves to us for care. A diagnosis of breast cancer remains one of women’s greatest fears,” says Mary Nicholson, M.D., fellowship-trained, dedicated breast radiologist and regional director of breast imaging services for Community Healthcare System. “Each patient matters greatly to us, and we try to show that sentiment through education, support and guidance throughout their journey.” With the highest quality and safest treatment experience in cancer care, the Women’s Diagnostic Center has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.
SECOND PLACE
Franciscan St. Anthony Health Crown Point 1201 S Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.738.2100 franciscanalliance.org
THIRD PLACE
Franciscan Medical Specialists
919 Main St, Suite 201 Dyer, Ind // 219.934.2495 2001 US 41 Schererville, Ind.// 219.365.0970 medspecindiana.com
Thank you for voting us one of the Best Retirement/Assisted Living Communities in NW Indiana. The people at Rittenhouse Senior Living believe that residents come first – in everything. We’ve created Independent, Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care that places individual progress and personal fulfillment as our highest objective. This focus on each resident and his or her enjoyment of life gives Rittenhouse its refreshing charm. It’s the reason we can attract better, more passionate caregivers, and it’s embedded in our hearts to keep this tradition of care moving forward. Rittenhouse Senior Living of Valparaiso 1300 Vale Park Road Valparaiso, IN 46383 T 219-531-2484
44 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
S E N I O R
L I V I N G
Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage 6235 Sterling Creek Road Portage, IN 46368 T 219-764-2900
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
a special publication of the times media co.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 45
BEST PLACE TO LIVE (IL)
Living
Chicago
cityofchicago.org The City of Chicago is a world-class city which is why so many people, both young and old, choose to call Chicago home. With beautiful parks, events and activities throughout the years like festivals and classes, architecture, affordable living opportunities, ample job opportunities, nightlife, entertainment, shopping, and museums and culture galore, Chicago is a spectacular city in which to live. From bungalow neighborhoods with a rich history, to modern high-rises on the lakeshore, there are homes that meet every desire, and every price range. The median home cost in Chicago is $156,100 and Chicago’s cost of living is lower
than leading cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia. Chicago’s fantastic transportation system is another big draw for residents since it is easy to get from home to work. Neighborhoods and shopping areas are conveniently linked by a 3,700-square mile public transit system serving over 660 million passengers annually. And it is easy to welcome visitors with regional and national Amtrak train connections via Union Station and the national and international hubs at O’Hare. Chicago’s parks are the second most visited in the country, second only to New York’s Central Park. Chicago’s Lincoln Park, which boasts the world-class Lincoln Park Zoo, welcomes 20 million visitors annually. Millennium Park welcomes 4 million visitors annually. Chicago is also home to 10 professional
BEST PLACE TO LIVE (MI) New Buffalo Business Association 104 N Whittaker St // New Buffalo, Mich. 888.660.6222 // newbuffalo.org The location of New Buffalo, Mich,, is ideal for visitors and residents, situated just off I-94, its access to Chicago convenient, yet retaining its peaceful haven along 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. The strong sense of community is important to residents, who support an excellent school system, fine arts, and festivals. And the New Buffalo Business Association maintains a supportive relationship with all the various venues in the area.
SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE
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slips in the city alone. Chicago is rated one of the top five most walkable cities.
SECOND PLACE
Beecher
villageofbeecher.org
THIRD PLACE
Lansing
lansingmunicipal.com
BEST PLACE TO LIVE (NWI) Crown Point crownpoint.in.gov
New Buffalo
Grand Rapids, St. Joseph, Mich. Mich. grandrapids.org
sports teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Fire. There are 80 miles of public shoreline and over 200 miles of bikeways including the 18.5-mile public lakefront path, with an additional 500 miles planned in the next seven years, and 5,200 public marina boat
stjoetoday.com
Mayor David Uran says that each year, Crown Point experiences 200 new home starts. 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 access to transportation including highways and rail. Crown Point is also host each summer to the oldest county fair 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, “It’s a combination of everything we have going on here. The location is great to open the doors for people to come here to live. The amenities including the SportsPlex
are a big draw. The schools are state and nationally recognized for excellence, the business community is great and all of these experiences combine with one another to showcase the net worth of our community. Every year we have 200 new home starts and the government makes sure we reinvest those tax dollars into services, amenities, and infrastructure. Our public service is constantly recognized by the state for what they do and it all comes together and it shows.”
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
ci.valparaiso.in.us
stjohnin.com
Valparaiso
St. John
BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP
BEST BANK
Faith Church
Centier
“We feel that Faith Church is so special because Jesus is alive and his spirit is with us and because of that we are welcoming to everyone,” Pastor Bob Bouwer says. With locations in Dyer, Cedar Lake, Hammond, Highland, Schererville, Valparaiso and Beecher, Illinois, Faith Church has embraced the concept of “one church—many locations.” Bouwer says Faith Church has been called to meet people closer to where they live and to branch out with many campus locations all sharing the same message and style. Faith Church remains committed to its original vision, to be a safe place for people to come and develop a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and to be a healthy place for Christians to grow in their spiritual journey.
SECOND PLACE
Faithchurchonline.org Visit us on Facebook
SECOND PLACE
St. Mary Catholic Church
525 N Broad Street Griffith, Ind. 219.924.4163 // Smgriffith.org
THIRD PLACE
Bethel Church
10202 Broadway Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.9200 // Bethelweb.org Visit us on Facebook
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE Centier centier.com
Family-owned Centier Bank 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
centier.com
JP Morgan Chase chase.com
THIRD PLACE
BMO Harris Bank bmoharris.com
BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER Humane Society Calumet Area
421 45th Ave // Munster, Ind. 219.922.3811 / Hscalumet.org ith 640 active volunteers, Humane Society Calumet Area relies heavily on its volunteer base. “We care for up to 350 animals per day,” says Jennifer Bacino, volunteer coordinator at the non-profit shelter. “We rely on our volunteers to help us clean, feed, bathe, groom and socialize the animals, as well as do all the dishes and laundry.” They also assist with special events, are involved in humane education with youth
W
groups and are mentors. Shelter volunteers are showing their love for the shelter, naming it as the Best Place to Volunteer in the region. “They truly are our heroes,” Bacino says. “We could not serve Northwest Indiana without them. I consider myself very lucky to be able to work with so many who recognize the joy of giving back to their community.”
SECOND PLACE
BEST PLACE TO WORK Centier Bank centier.com
Humane Society Northwest Indiana
6100 Melton Road // Gary, Ind. 219.938.3339 // Millercritters.net
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Community Healthcare Hospitals
2248 W 35th Ave // Gary, Ind. 219.981.5115 // Foodbanknwi.org
THIRD PLACE
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
comhs.org
People’s Bank
ibankpeoples.com
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 experienced record earnings of $27.8 million in 2013, and increased Total Assets to over $2.3 billion. In 2014, they look forward to new expansions with the opening of offices in Carmel, Mishawaka, Lafayette, and West Lafayette. There will be new service enhancements including mobile check deposit, person-to-person payments,
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
online account opening, Sunday Call Center hours, and increased social media applications to enhance their alreadyspectacular customer service. “Centier is the largest, privatelyowned, independent bank in Indiana. Our ‘Not for Sale’ promise is my personal commitment to preserving community banking and remaining independently owned and operated for generations to come. As we prepare for our 120th anniversary, we reflect on our business legacy, a reminder of how far we have come while supporting families and growing business in our communities.
Centier’s Culture of Values and our common cause to ‘Preserve Indiana’s Largest, Family-Owned, Private Bank’ will leave a Legacy for many generations to come,” says Michael E. Schrage, President & Chairman of the Board.
SECOND PLACE
Strack & Van Til strackandvantil.com
THIRD PLACE
Welch’s Stop and Shop may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 47
Services BEST CHILDCARE CENTER
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
Wonder Years Learning Center
1838 45th Ave Munster, Ind. 219.750.1900 14795 W 101st St Dyer, Ind. 219.627.3269 wonderyearslearning.com t Wonder Years Learning Center in Munster and Dyer, children ages 6 weeks to 12 years learn, create and explore. The two locations offer full-time day care programs for children 5 and younger, part-time preschool for ages 3 to 5, and before and after school care for school age children. “Our staff is very friendly,” says Erika Gutierrez, who owns the center with her husband, Jorge. “They always answer all your questions. Our teachers are always welcoming and when they’re with the children, they work so hard. They go above and beyond.” Many parents also appreciate how clean the centers are and the security system in place. Cameras provide a live
Barbara Gulden, American Family Insurance 8025 Wicker Ave Suite C St. John, Ind. 219.365.9909 barbgulden.com bgulden@amfam.com
A
PROVIDED
Wonder Years Child Learning Center provides the best in childcare services to NWI families. feed of their child’s classroom, which parents can access online. “We also have a creative curriculum we just started this fall,” Erika
Thank you for voting us as one of the
Best of the Region!
McAfee Animal Hospital – “Where caring and community matter” Since 1943 we have provided veterinary care for your small animal and exotic pets. We offer complete care for your pet’s needs from wellness exams (vaccines, heartworm testing/preventative), internal medicine (lab work, x-ray, ultrasound), surgery (soft tissue and orthopedic, including TTA for cruciate disease), cancer treatment, laser therapy and dentistry as well as boarding & grooming. Please call for an appointment or visit us today. Like us on FACEBOOK.
McAfee Animal Hospital
651 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone: (219) 462-5901 • www.mcafeeah.com
48 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Gutierrez says. It includes ABC Mouse, a computer program for students, and Zoo Phonics, an interactive program between teachers and students. The students like the hands-on computer work and parents see an improvement in how quickly children learn.
SECOND PLACE
Premier Childcare & Learning Center 1100 Eagle Ridge Drive Schererville, Ind. 219.865.5437 Premierchildcare.org
THIRD PLACE
Holy Family Child Care Center 203 W Franciscan Drive Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.5250
The Gulden Agency is in its 17th year as one of the region’s consistently recognized insurance agencies, offering products providing coverage for a broad variety of personal and business insurance needs. Barb Gulden says respecting the time of the client by having much of the paperwork done before their arrival is a big plus for the agency, as well as efficient and accurate work for a fair price. The agency meets with clients, by appointment, when it’s best for them. “We work outside of normal business hours to assist customers,” says Gulden. Gulden’s new agency profile asks, “Do you know what the difference is between and insurance agent and an insurance professional?” The answer to the question? “ME!”
SECOND PLACE
Rizo Insurance Agency 8308 Kennedy Ave Highland, Ind. 219.838.3400 rizoinsurance.com
THIRD PLACE
Jim Miskovich, State Farm 6629 US 30, Ste 8 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2727 statefarm.com
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
BEST VETERINARIAN St. John Animal Clinic
8661 Wicker Ave // St. John, Ind. 219.365.8531 stjohnanimalclinic.com St. John Animal Clinic is devoted to the pets of this region. Recognizing the bond between humans and animals is what makes veterinarians and staff at the clinic a favorite among readers. “We would like to thank all of our loyal and fantastic clients who voted for us,”says Shirley Niebling, office manager at the clinic. “We are very honored by the trust you give us to keep your furry family members happy and healthy.”
Since moving into a new building in 2000, four new veterinarians have come on board, with a total of seven veterinarians and devoted staff now serving the pets of Northwest Indiana. Services include working with pet parents to make sure their pets are on a routine vaccination schedule to nutritional counseling and health screening tests.
SECOND PLACE
McAfee Animal Hospital
651 Eastport Centre Drive Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.5901 // mcafeeah.com
THIRD PLACE
Hobart Animal Clinic
2650 E State Road 130 // Hobart, Ind. 219.942.4442 // hobartanimalclinic.org
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO Kristen Garza Photography
3600 W 80th Place, Garden Plaza Unit 3616 // Merrillville, Ind. Facebook page: Kristen Garza Photographer Kristen Garza has been a professional photographer for 10 years. She frequently travels to client’s homes and off-site locations with her lighting and equipment and in December 2013, she opened her own Merrillville studio. Garza says she finds her inspiration in many different ways, finding joy in creating lasting memories for her
clients. “The feeling I have when I know that I can create that lasting memory that my clients are looking for, and can cherish for many years to come, is indescribable,” she says. “My photography is not textbook. Everyone is different, every situation is different.”
SECOND PLACE
Stephen Martin Photography
5790 E 129th Ave Crown Point, Ind. 219.313.5573 stephenmartinphotography.com
THIRD PLACE
Matt Bigelow Photography
219.730.5417 Mbigelowphotographer.com
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 • Award winning Creative Curriculum with online assessments PRE-SCHOOl FUll CHIlDCARE
• ABCmouse.com accounts for preschoolers
BEFORE/AFtER SCHOOl
• Computers/iPads in the classrooms
SUMMER CAMP
• Secured parent-accessible classroom cameras • State-of-the-art facility with Indoor/Outdoor Play areas 16TH
ANNU
Best of the Region for 5 years in a row!
AL
219.750.1900
tWO lOCAtIONS
1838 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321
219.672.3269
14795 W. 101st Ave., Dyer, IN 46311
www.wonderyearslearning.com
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may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 49
Services
Celebrating
2O
years
Thank you for voting us 1st place for Best Financial Advisor.
• Retirement Strategies • Investment Planning • Portfolio Management
BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR Oak Partners 55 W 94th Place Crown Point, Ind. 800.804.0854 oakpartners.com
Relationship Focused Wealth Management At Oak Partners, Inc. we are committed to keeping our clients informed and educated. We also like to have a little fun along the way.
Join us for an upcoming event: |What’s Up on Capitol Hill |Financial Outlook Seminar Call Crystal for more details at 219-795-1000.
Crown Point, IN (219) 795-1000 | Valparaiso, IN (219) 850-1040 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.
50 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Founded in 1993, Oak Partners, Inc., is an investment firm providing clients with an advisory relationship based upon personal communication, ongoing financial education and retirement planning, says Crystal DeHaven, director of Client Experience for Oak Partners Inc. “Our team approach and client experience is what sets us aside from all the rest,” she says. Oak Partners is one of the largest independent investment management companies in Northwest Indiana and currently has offices in Crown Point and Valparaiso. “Oak Partners winning team is made up of a staff of 25 and manages over $500 million,” she says. Oak Partners is a proven innovator
when it comes to understanding the financial issues of greatest importance to their clients and believes in strong client relationships and individuallytailored investment strategies, she says. Securities and advisory services offered through SII Investments, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Oak Partners, Inc., and SII are separate and unrelated companies.
SECOND PLACE
Centier
Centier.com
THIRD PLACE
Wells Fargo Financial wellsfargo.com
BEST OIL CHANGE Drive & Shine 1350 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.7788 driveandshine.com
At Drive & Shine, customers can
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
choose the level of oil change they want, based on the type of cars they drive and the mileage their vehicle has. They also offer the choice of conventional oil, semi-synthetic and synthetic oil. In addition to the oil change, you can also have a transmission and coolant flush, an engine flush, fuel system cleaning & fuel filter replacement. Customers also can have their air filter and cabin filter replaced, as well as wiper blades and lights replaced. They also offer tire rotation. You can also have your car washed, waxed and detailed at Drive & Shine. There is no appointment necessary. A free car wash is given with every oil change purchased. In addition to the Schererville location, there are also Drive & Shine locations in South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart.
SECOND PLACE
Duke of Oil thedukeofoil.com
THIRD PLACE
Oil n Go
2806 Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.1087 1492 Main Street Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.4364
BEST CAR REPAIR SHOP Levin Tire
levintirecenter.com For the fifth year in a row, Levin Tire has been rated Best Car Repair Shop. The chain, which has seven locations, prides itself in going above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. The company was founded in 1918 by the grandfather of current president and owner Barry Levin.
BEST CAR WASH
R
Drive & Shine
1350 US 41 // Schererville, Ind. 219.865.7788 driveandshine.com
SECOND PLACE
Easy Clean Car Wash myeasyclean.com
THIRD PLACE
Soft Touch Car Wash 6262 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.980.2493 1303 Vale Park Rd Valparaiso, Ind. 219.477.4566 1492 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.1648
The company offers every type of tire and also offers used tires. Technicians are ASE certified, and can provide a wide array of services, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, batteries and transmission service. “We pride ourselves in providing the best service in the area,” Levin says. “We give the customers a quality assurance, and take the needs of every customer seriously.”
SECOND PLACE
Grimmer’s Service, Inc.
1000 US 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.2161 Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Crown Point Auto Repair & Restoration LLC 1510 North Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.1847 crownpointautorepair.com
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Thank you for voting us again as your #1 carwash, detailing oil change operation.
If you are an existing customer we promise you that we will work hard to exceed your deserving expectations. If you are considering to try us, we promise not to disappoint you.
The Drive & Shine Difference VOTED “BEST” CAR WASH
• Your car will shine better than newdue to our use of very expensive and advanced chemistry & lots of wash equipment. • Unlimited Car Wash starting at $25/ mo. Wash your car Every Day – no contract cancel any time.
VOTED “BEST” PLACE FOR AN OIL CHANGE • Full Service Drive–thru Express Oil Change. • No appointment necessary – 10 minutes.
Voted #1
2013
for 16 Years in a Row!
SCHERERVILLE 1350 U.S. 41 219-865-7788
1/4 Mile North of U.S. 30 Just North of BMW of Schererville may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 51
Services BEST CREDIT UNION Tech Credit Union
techcu.org Voted Best Credit Union by its members and readers of The Times, Tech Credit Union has been serving this region since 1936 after initially serving the employees of the Gary Works, Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation. The credit union steeped in history was originally called the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Employees Gary Works Federal Credit Union. Over the years, the credit union has evolved, including converting from a federal to a state-charted credit union to take advantage of growth opportunities that operating under a state charter would provide and allowing the credit
union to serve anyone who lives or works throughout the region. Michael Hussey, President & CEO says, “It’s gratifying when members go out of their way to vote their credit union Best of the Region. This vote of confidence is humbling and charges us to strive to provide the best products and services in a way that shows our true appreciation to our member-owners.”
SECOND PLACE
Regional Federal Credit Union regionalfcu.org
THIRD PLACE
Advance Federal Credit Union advancefcu.org
Thanks for Voting Us Best Credit Union!
BEST HOME BUILDER Olthof Homes
8051 Wicker Ave Suite A St. John, Ind. 219.558.8080 olthofhomes.com Fritz Olthof began constructing his first set of new homes in Lansing,
Our members enjoy access to the latest banking services, but without the cost of a big-bank relationship. See us for lower rates on loans, higher rates on deposits and a host of free and low-cost banking services. It’s what we’ve done since 1936.
W ’re Open to the Community! We’re
Crown Point 219-663-5120
Calumet City 708-891-3380
Crest Hill 815-744-7650
East Chicago 219-398-1613
Gary 219-884-4045
Lowell 219-690-1370
Merrillville 219-791-0629
Valparaiso 219-477-6805
www.techcu.org Federally Insured by NCUA
52 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Equal opportunity lender
Providing the community’s best financial services for over 75 years. Now Available to the Public in Porter County, IN
31 W. Lincoln Highway, Schererville, IN 46375 Tel:219.392.3940 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Thank you
to all of our loyal customers for voting us the
BEST HOME BUILDER!
Illinois in 1961 and since then, Olthof Homes has grown to be the region’s best home builder. They have expanded to build communities throughout Northwest Indiana including St. John, Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Chesterton, and Valparaiso. Olthof builds single family homes, townhomes, condos, and duplexes. They bring beautifully designed homes that are built with skill and experience, resulting in sound, quality homes. Todd Olthof of Olthof Homes says, “We build a variety of home products, from entry level town homes to move-up single family homes. We have a great staff and they really work hard for each and every buyer and I give them all the credit. We’ve been able to expand into quite a few communities so we build in a number of locations. When it comes to quality, we have a lot of systems in place so we produce consistent results each
time with a 200-point checklist our construction managers use. Our new Signature Series gives the customer the best value and they feature columns detailed with a variety of trims and archways that will set that product apart. We have over 30 different floor plans and we spend months on each plan we design, going through each customer’s needs, how they will live in the home, so we work hard to find the right fit for our clients.”
SECOND PLACE
Dabrowski Construction
219.922.9574 dabrowskiconstruction.com
Olthof Homes has maintained a strong commitment to the community throughout the most challenging and rewarding of economic times. We are proud to say that our roots go deep into Northwest Indiana soil, and we are thankful to be voted ‘Best of the Region 2014’ by the families that we serve. In 1961, our hard working family’s goal was to build quality homes, with appealing floor plans, at a price which made home ownership a reality for other hard working families. 53 years later, our goal remains, and our vision has expanded to include the latest in energy efficiencies and design options. Today, we build homes for entry level buyers, families on their second or third home, and homeowners who are ready for the ‘empty nester’ stage of life. Our floor plans are designed to meet the needs of today’s buyer by watching market trends, but most importantly, by simply listening to our customers. Our newest line of homes,The Signature Series, is the mark of those efforts, and provides for the return of upmarket living, highlighting comfort and style. Our team of home building professionals is the best in the industry, and remains committed to serving our customers today and in the years to come.
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Many thanks for your support, and we invite you to Enjoy Life!
Steiner Homes 40 Warren Dr Valparaiso, Ind. 219.916.3744 steinerhomesltd.com
8051 Wicker Ave., Suite A St. John, IN 46373 | tel.: 219.558.8080 Todd Olthof
Scot Olthof
Dennis Olthof
Fritz Olthof
Visit www.OlthofHomes.com for more information A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 53
Services BEST PLUMBER TLC Plumbing
235 N Lindberg St Griffith, Ind. 219.922.6214 tlcplumbingonline.com
Thanks for Voting Me One of the Best in the Region, once again...
Terry Cheek, the owner of TLC Plumbing, said honesty and integrity are the basis of excellent customer service. “There’s no one who is perfect, but it’s what you do in the follow through
after little mistakes to correct them and make things right,” he said. “A lot of contractors won’t answer their phone. But if you address issues right away, then people say, ‘Oh, I matter to them.’ Then you have a customer for life.” If you make them feel like their problem is unimportant, you lose a customer. “You have to stand behind what you do,” he said. TLC Plumbing provides a wide range of plumbing services, from simple home repairs to installing plumbing in new motels, grocery stores and other commercial properties.
219-617-5884 LisaThompsonRealtor.com
Thank you for Voting Us one of the Best Home Builders
219.922.9574
TLC Plumbing at 235 Lindberg in Griffith.
TONY V. MARTIN/TIMES
Exceptional Craftmanship • Personal Attention Dabrowski Construction is an experienced custom builder specializing in new home construction in northwest Indiana. At Dabrowski Construction, we are committed to building high quality homes. From design, through construction, to final closing, we believe that no detail is ever too small or unimportant. 54 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
100 North Griffith Blvd Griffith, Ind. 219.924.1999 Meyersgriffith.com
9601 N Industrial Dr St. John, Ind. 219.365.2080 stjohnplumbingservice.com
Meyer’s Heating & Cooling
St. John Plumbing and Service
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
oting Us Thank You for Voting
#1 Plumber in the Region! FIX IT. REPAIR IT. CHANGE IT. BUILD IT.
If you Love what we do with your plumbing,
you should see what we can do with Home Remodeling!
Wondering about the possibilities of home renovation and remodeling? Please contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home consultation. We’ll e’ll personally meet with you at your convenience to discuss your home project, how we can transform the space and timeline of your project, and present you with options based on your vision and budget.
Our Services Include:
Please call us for a
• Kitchen Remodeling • Bathroom Remodeling • Additions • Outdoor Living Spaces • Siding Windows/Doors
FREE consultation.
219.922.6214 • Griffith, IN IN License #CO 19700117 IL License #055-015754
Visit us online at
219.922.8978 • Griffith, IN
www.tlcplumbingonline.com
To Thank You For Voting Us #1, We Are Offering 3 Great Specials!
• Complete Interior T Transformations • Complete Exterior Renovations • Mailboxes • Doors • Kitchen Cabinets
Any Delta Faucet - State Hot Water Tank - Little Giant Sump Pump
a special publication of the times media co.
$
50 off 00
A complete installation.
Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Must present coupon at time of installation. Expires 8/1/14
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 55
Services BEST HEATING AND COOLING Illiana Heating & Cooling 11407 Wicker Ave Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.365.0006 // 708.895.0006 Illianaheating.net
Illiana Heating & Cooling has been family owned and operated since 1987, and strives to provide excellent customer service, which is why it has been chosen Best Heating and Cooling company for the third year in a row, says Kevin Frump, general manager. “We have excellent employees who are highly trained and believe in what we are trying to do here,” he says. “Integrity and honesty is our top priority in everything we do. We work hard to deliver high quality and value to our customers. Frump says the company treats its customers as
SECOND PLACE
if they are part of the family, and work hard to meet their needs. “We want to make those customers want to come back to us, and to tell their family and friends that we provide great service,” he says. The company primarily does residential and commercial heating and cooling, but also does indoor air quality duct cleaning, blown-in attic insulation as well as ductless mini-splits.
Four Seasons
Fourseasonsheatingcooling.com
THIRD PLACE
Lansing Heating and Air Conditioning
17823 Torrence Ave // Lansing, Ill. 708.474.4650
good people to do BUSINeSS WItH! Thank You once again for voting us
Best of the Region! We are humbled & gratified W that you consider us the Best.
We are proud to be “the Best of the Region” 3 years in a row!
We W will continue to work hard to earn your business by being the most professional and honest company in the Region!
Pictured left to right, illiana Heating & Air Conditiong team members Dan Krygsheld, Kevin Frump and owner Tom Krygsheld have expanded their Cedar Lake Facility due to their tremendous growth and philosophy of taking care of their customers.
illianaheating.net Your Neighborhood Comfort Specialist A Christian Owned & Operated Company Since 1987
N.W. IN (219) 365-0006 • Demotte (219) 987-2107 • Illinois (708) 895-0006 Proud recipients of American Standards Distinguished Dealer Award & Customer Care Award for 8 years running 56 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Best of the Region Appreciation Coupon
20
$
00 OFF
any Tune-up or Service Call Expires 9/15/14
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Best Electrician TIE: All Services Electric and Meyer’s Heating & Cooling All Services Electric 219.488.1599 Several locations; visit allserviceselectric.net One big reason for All Services Electric’s success is providing superior service and workmanship that sets market standards for technician training. “We provide prompt service for the safety of your family or your company. Our experienced team—linemen, electricians, technicians and project managers—work with the core values of the company:
SECOND Starcevich of Meyer’s integrity, safety, teamwork, PLACE Cooling & Heating, has a and honesty,” said the Cliff’s Heating motto: “One call does it company’s Ryan Ferry. and Air all.” It’s all about customer The Northwest Indiana convenience, because and south suburbs of Chicago Conditioning 344 Kennedy Ave Meyer’s delivers electric, electricians are qualified to Schererville, Ind. plumbing, and HVAC. work with many different 219.246.5229 Yothment’s proud of generations of electrical cliffsheating.com Meyer’s top-notch staff: systems—and the price “We provide customer quoted is the price the satisfaction that wins customer pays. top honors because of our top-trained All Services Electric’s on-time, stateemployees. They understand that for a certified, clean and courteous technicians remodel the customer wants to make the handle situations 24/7, with fast least number of phone calls.” emergency service when needed. Quick response times are important. Meyer’s Heating & Cooling “We’re known for our 24-hour service,” 100 N Griffith Blvd working in the Region and with the Griffith, Ind. professional building trade since 1951. 219.924.1999 Meyer’s Cooling & Heating offers an meyersheatingandcooling.com all-season service plan for worry-free maintenance. Joe Yothment, co-owner with Paul
WE ARE VOTED BEST FOR A REASON..... WE SIMPLY ARE! ThANk yOu FOR yOuR vOTE • 24/7 Protection • 7KW-300KW • Factory Trained • Concrete Pads available
• Fully Automatic • Up to 5 year Warranty • Service Agreements Available
We Will beat any Written estimate.
GENERATORS FROM $2999
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
a special publication of the times media co.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 57
Services BEST DOOR AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT Schilling
8900 Wicker Ave // St. John, Ind. 219.365.8585 9900 191st St // Mokena, Ill. 708.479.7007 schillings.com The Schilling mission is to give their customers what they want, on time and error free, and the company has been serving homes around Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area for more than 65 years. Marketing Director John White says the company is consistently is ranked at the top in home improvement categories because they reach out to customers to show them they care about what they are working on, and they care about the quality they
are receiving. Schilling offers a wide variety of products in windows and doors, including single-hung, doublehung, casement and awnings. They also have a good selection of exterior styles for doors including steel, smooth or textured fiberglass, wood and patio doors. They carry a wide selection in stock and can custom order doors.
BEST KITCHEN/ BATH REMODELING Schilling
8900 Wicker Ave // St. John, Ind. 219.365.6005 // schillings.com
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SECOND PLACE
235 Ridge Road // Munster, Ind. 219.836-8202 // thedoorstoremunster.com
vontobels.com
The Door Store
Von Tobel Lumber & Hardware
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
1877 E Summit St // Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.1600 2577 Ogden Ave // Downers Grove, Ill. 630.769.1700 9432 W 191st St // Mokena, Ill. 708.478.1076 m-mcorp.com
1877 E Summit St, Crown Point, Ind. 219.488.2861 m-mcorp.com
M&M Remodeling Services
M & M Home Remodeling Services
One Call Does It All! HEATING
COOLING
PLUMBING
ELECTRIC
219-924-1999
100 North Griffith Boulevard Griffith, IN 46319 www.meyerscompaniesinc.com
24 Hour Emergency Service Always Available! Meyer’s Companies offers the finest in residential heating and cooling products and service, as well as commercial heating, commercial cooling, home plumbing design and plumbing repair. We also offer dependable residential electric generators. To say, “Thank You” for voting us Best of the Region, please accept our THANKS with this offer:
25off
$
Any Service Does not apply to previous orders. Call Meyer’s for complete details.
58 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Take a look at what we have to offer… H Residential heating and cooling systems
H Residential plumbing design and repairs
H Residential electrical work
H Commercial heating and cooling systems
H Professional dependable service
H Northwest Indiana’s most trusted provider since 1951
H Easy financing for home heating and cooling systems H We design, install and service what we sell – from new system design and install, to existing system repair and maintenance H The members of our Parts Department are cooling and heating parts specialists – and we stock plumbing parts supplies too H Maintenance plans to ensure the continued health of your residential HVAC system or your commercial heating or
commercial cooling systems
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Free Design Consultation
Includes Needs Assessment and Rendering. Value $450. Must present ad at your appointment. Must book your appointment by June 30, 2014
BEST LANDSCAPER Allen Landscape in Highland
2539 45th St // Highland, Ind. 219.961.5633 // Allenlandscape.com Allen Landscape in Highland prides itself in providing individualized landscaping services to its customers, says landscape designer Melissa Mravec. “We can come out and completely renovate your landscape and change it into something different and new, or we can work with what you have if you have things that are important to you that you want to keep,“ she says. “We can do patios, kitchens and
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oTING us... ThANks for V
Dean’s Landscaping THIRD PLACE
R.A.L. Landscaping and Garden Center
6616 W Lincoln Highway Crown Point, Ind. // 219.865.6439 rallandscapingandgardencenter. com secret gardens,“ she says. “If you want a patio, grill and play space for we children, we can do that.” She says customers have been coming back for decades because of their high quality of work, their skilled level of craftsmanship and their willingness to work with clients to create their ideal landscape.
Let our design team help sT PrIce The AreA’s B$e 9 EA. you achieve the garden ALL FLATTSseL1ec2T.9 of your dreams. IoN GreA
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.
Thank You for GROWING
with us for over 40 years!
Thank You! We are honored to be voted BEST OF THE REGION GARDEN CENTER AND FIRST PLACE LANDSCAPER Landscape Design/Build Since 1973
Voted Best of the region 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014
10% OFF
Earn Reward Dollars!
ALL SHRUBS & FLOWERING TREES 16TH
ANNU
AL
one coupon per customer. expires July 1, 2014.
$250 OFF ANY LANDSCAPE
PROJECT OF $2500 OR MORE With this coupon. expires July 1, 2014.
in Highland
2539 45th Street 219-924-6076
Monday - Saturday 8 aM - 8 pM Sunday 8 aM - 5 pM A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 59
Services BEST ROOFER M&M Roofing
1877 E Summit St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.1600 m-mcorp.com M&M Roofing strives to provide the best product, the best warranty and the best customer service at the best possible price. President Nick Yadron, whose father, Mike Yadron founded the company in 1976, says they use technology to make the roofing process as simple as possible, taking iPads to their customer’s homes to show them everything possible about the job. “Each day is a new customer and a new scorecard for customer service,” he says. “We want to help people
understand why the investment they’re making is worth it.” They also work with their manufacturing partners to provide the best warranties possible, Yadron says. In addition to roofing, the company can do windows, doors, siding and other home remodeling services.
SECOND PLACE
Korellis Roofing 1333 169th St Hammond, Ind. 219.844.1400 Korellisroofing.com
THIRD PLACE
Rogers Roofing 4540 Wabash Hammond, Ind. 219.933.9145 Rogersroofing.com
PROVIDED BY DAWN BRANCHEAU FOUNDATION
An M & M employee installs the new roof on the gazebo at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point.
BEST MARINA
Thank you for voting us Best of the Region for the third year in a row! owned een family We have b d since 1968. & operate
As a thank you to our customers we would like to extend this special offer:
Get a
FREE I-Pad with any contract over $5,000
Contract must be accepted between 5/1/14 and 5/31/14. New contracts only. Not valid with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply.
Hammond Marina
701 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.659.7678 Hammondmarina.com With nearly 1,000 boat slips and its easy access to downtown Chicago, Hammond Marina has again been voted Best of the Region. The marina, which has been in Hammond for about 20 years, features 918 slips ranging in size from 30 feet to more than 100 feet, said Bill Hill, the marina director. The marina is 12 nautical miles from Chicago, and features a half-mile long beach with lifeguards and a 2-lane boat launch ramp. It also is home to the Hammond Yacht Club and has the Clipper Room, which can host banquets, weddings and parties. It also has access to Horseshoe Casino and provides the venue for an annual Venetian Night each August.
SECOND PLACE ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS
(773) 768-3022 | (219) 933-9145 www.rogersroofing.com
Family owned and operated since 1968
60 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Michigan City Marina Washington Park 200 Heisman Harbor Rd Michigan City, Ind.
219.872.1712 Mcmarina.org
THIRD PLACE
Pine Crest Marina 14415 Lauerman St Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.5771
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT (NWI) Brian Rossi — Rossi & Taylor
Rossi & Taylor Real Estate Group, LLC 8025 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.8000 Rossiandtaylor. com Brian Rossi ROSSI is an awardwinning realtor with more than two decades of experience in Indiana and Illinois who prides himself in treating each client with the “gold standard” in service.
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
SECOND PLACE
Prime Real Estate wesellchicagoland.com
THIRD PLACE
McColly Mccolly.com
He knows buying a home can be an emotional, complicated experience for people. “We set high standards and do our best to live up to them,” he says. Rossi, part of the St. John-based Rossi & Taylor, has sold countless homes in a variety of price ranges. He specializes in residential and new construction. He also prides himself in using cutting-edge technology to help customers find their perfect home. He was ranked in the Top 10 Professionals to Watch in 2011 by Times Media BusINess magazine and has been the top-ranked realtor for two years in a row.
SECOND PLACE
Magdalena Lybolt — Prime Real Estate
318 E US 30 // Schererville, IN 46375 219.308.4419
THIRD PLACE
Linda Thompson — Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage 2166 45th St // Highland, Ind. 219.617.5884
BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY Rossi & Taylor
Rossi & Taylor Real Estate Group, LLC 8025 Wicker Ave // St. John, Ind. 219.365.8000 Rossiandtaylor.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT (MI) Sharon Halliburton
American Homes Real Estate 4532 Red Arrow Hwy Stevensville, Mich. 269.208.3862 // sharonhalliburton.com Realtor/broker associate Sharon Halliburton is winner of multiple diamond and platinum sales awards and lifetime gold winner for American Homes. “It’s such a compliment when people come back to you a second or third time.” Halliburton says it’s the service people appreciate as they select sites for residential and HALLIBURTON business along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from the Indiana state line to the South Haven, Mich., area. Halliburton adds there’s no doubt that the beauty of the lakeside sites makes them easier to sell. Her bright personality helps too, and “People realize it when you put forth a special effort for them.”
BEST GARDEN/NURSERY STORE (MI) Sawyer Home and Garden Center
5865 Sawyer Rd // Sawyer, Mich. 269.426.8810 // sawyergardencenter.com There’s more than plants at Sawyer Garden Center, with lots to make your home beautiful inside and out. Browse the home accents room, then make kitchen duty a pleasure with fresh produce, kitchen gadgets, gourmet foods and snacking goodies. Sawyer’s fresh, new experience includes craft beers and 140 wines from around the world. And women and girls love the new boutique with fun, bright fashions for summer. Sawyer’s greenhouses are bursting with garden art and wellcared-for perennials and annuals. A new building for the expanded nursery and landscaping division continues to make Sawyer’s selections among the largest in the region. “We love to make people happy!” says Linda Patejdl, co-owner with husband Barry.
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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 10 N Whitaker // New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.3950 coldwellbankeronline.com
34026 M-43 // Paw Paw, Mich. // 269.521.3838 dickersons.com
Louis Price
THIRD PLACE
Jay DeBruyn
300 Kalamazoo St // South Haven, Mich. 269.637.8555 shoresofsouthhaven.com
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Dickerson’s Floral and Garden Center (Paw Paw) THIRD PLACE — TIE
God’s Green Earth New Life Nursery 2824 S 11th St (Holland) Niles, Mich. gardenguides.com
3720 64th St // Holland, Mich. 269.857.1209 gardencenterguide.com
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 61
Shopping for Voting
Deyoung InterIors Best Furniture store!
BEST FURNITURE STORE
Please take advantage of our Serta Perfect Sleeper & La-Z-Boy Hot Buys for a limited time only!
3 30 +
great
recliner styles
DeYoung Interiors Jasper
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8365 WICKER AVE (US 41) ST. JOHN, IN
219 365 8362 •
•
WWW.DEYOUNGINTERIORS.COM
Monday - Friday 10am-8pm Saturday 10am-5pm DEAlER IN FINE FURNITURE, MATTRESSES, WINDOW TREATMENTS & FlOORINg 62 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
8365 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.8362 deyoungandsons.com
B
uilding relationships is the philosophy behind DeYoung Interiors’ success for over 80 years — something customers have responded to as well, voting the St. John store as Best Furniture Store in this year’s Best of the Region. Nick and Cora DeYoung began their joint furniture store and funeral home in South Holland in 1928, the DeYoungs forged a relationship with the region that continues today. They eventually retired, turning the business over to their sons, and then their sons did the same — keeping the business in the family for more than 85 years. In 2005, the DeYoungs opened DeYoung Interiors in St. John, offering customers a new, spacious location that provides even more of a variety of furnishings to the next generation of loyal customers.
SECOND PLACE
Ashley Furniture ashleyfurniture.com
THIRD PLACE
Darvin Furniture 15400 La Grange Road Orland Park, Ill. 708.460.4100 darvin.com
Carolyn DeYoung at the new furniture showroom in St. John.
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
u o Y k n Tha BEST CARPET/ FLOORING STORE Banter Floors & More 13019 South Wicker Ave Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374-7360 banterfloors.com
Customers come to Banter Floors & More from all over Northwest Indiana and Illinois to see one of the largest flooring showrooms in the area. The Cedar Lake-based company, which has been in business for about 20 years, offers thousands of flooring samples. In addition to flooring, the business also offers kitchen and bath remodels, and can be a one-stopshop for any interior remodel, says Julie Mulhern, the operations manager. About 75 percent of the company’s retail business comes from repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals, she says. “People keep coming back. Customer service is very important to us, and our customers work with the same person from start to finish,” she says. “The sales people don’t push you off to an installer. We offer specialized, personal attention to every customer.” Because of the large selection, customers can come to Banter and find flooring to meet any budget. “We have enough selection that we can work with virtually any budget that comes in our door,” she says. “We have everything from the lower-end to the super high end. We can offer help and come up with a variety of options.”
t for votinG US GBeSStore! Carpet & floorin Great SavinGS on
Carpet, Ceramic, Porcelain, Stone, Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl, Cabinets, Countertops • Low price guarantee! • In stock materials starting at: Carpet - 69¢ sf • Ceramic Tile - 99¢ sf Laminate - $1.19 sf • Hardwood - $2.99 sf • Huge 32,000 sq. ft. showroom! • 72 hr. install on all in-stock carpet! • Financing Available
SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE
Schilling
8900 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.8585 9900 191st St Mokena, IL 708.479.7007 Schillings.com
Cover Rite
9400 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.922.6800 111 E Joliet St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.7500 Cover-rite.com
FLOORS | CABINETS | DESIGN | REMODELING Call us to shop at home or stop in 13019 US 41 (Wicker Ave.), Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7360 • 888-Banter9 • www.banterfloors.com Mon, Wed 9-6 • Tues & Thurs 9-7 • Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-4 • Closed Sundays Some restrictions may apply.
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 63
Shopping BEST PLACE TO BUY PRODUCE
BEST APPLIANCE STORE
Meijer
Maruszczak Appliance
meijer.com
Lynn’s Bedroom City bedroom-city.com
Spending nearly a third of your day in your bedroom should be relaxing experience, and Lynn’s Bedroom City works to make sure customers have all options available to them so their sleep is sound. That’s why readers have voted Lynn’s Bedroom City Best Mattress Store. 64 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
What sets Maruszczak Appliance apart from the rest is their staff. They pride themselves on a personalized business approach where customers are able to make purchases at their own pace. The attention to customers’ needs continues after the purchase with in-house delivery and installation, along with a factoryauthorized service department. Maruszczak’s is one of the few
Voted a Best Health Food Store Voted a Best Place To Buy Produce The finesT fruiTs, vegeTables, and more ...
TH
In addition to bedroom furniture, Lynn’s carries a complete line of Serta and Tempurpedic mattresses. Customers love Lynn’s unique styles, competitive prices and family-owned and operated atmosphere, offering great service and a friendly shopping experience when searching for the perfect mattress.
is why Meijer works with more than 100 local growers and businesses – up 25 percent over the past five years – within its five-state footprint, representing an economic impact of more than $80 million annually.
IN
BEST MATTRESS STORE
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 has a longstanding commitment to buying locally-grown 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. A recent survey of Meijer shoppers found that 51 percent says that supporting local farmers is the biggest benefit of buying local produce at the grocery store which
BRING
With ample selections of traditional produce favorites like green bell peppers and iceberg lettuce, and overflowing sections of organic produce and obscure fruits and vegetables like SECOND starfruit, papaya, PLACE and tomatillos, Produce Meijer is the Depot region’s favorite 8126 Wicker place to buy Avenue produce. The St. John, Ind. store’s fruits and 219.365.8280 vegetables are of superb quality, THIRD stay fresh for PLACE many days, and Strack & depending on the season selections Van Til strackandvantil. are procured com from local growers. This is not a new practice for Meijer and they have been bringing local produce to consumers since the company’s inception, but the retailer’s effort to
7809 W Lincoln Hwy Schererville, Ind. 219.865.0555 // maruszczak.com
IS
AD
AND RECEIV E
a FREE
BANANA BONKERS Smoothie With ad only. Expires 5-25-14
large selecTion of organic and gluTen-free iTems juice and smooThie bar, 100% naTural fruiT smooThies spacious café seaTing area, coffee bar, frappes, espressos soup - salad - sandwiches
er
Fresh homemade almond, and peanut butt Fresh breads pies and muffins
SECOND PLACE
American Mattress americanmattress.com
THIRD PLACE
Bedding Experts beddingexperts.com
8126 Wicker Ave. (US 41) St. John, IN • 365-8280 Open Monday - Friday 9 - 7, Saturday 8 - 5, Sunday 11 - 3 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
These appliances are remaining “full-service” SECOND brand new and come appliance retailers in the PLACE with a full factory region. Nason’s Owner Pam Appliance Co. warranty, but have minor cosmetic flaws Maruszczak says, 1158 E Summit St allowing substantial “What is it that has Crown Point, Ind. 219.769.4161 markdowns.” people coming back nasonsappliances.com Doug Maruszcak to Maruszczak’s says, “Our business consistently? One thing THIRD PLACE is founded upon a is the service after the Grant’s tradition of being an sale—it is something Appliances honest, hard-working, that Maruszczak’s has 1107 W 81st Ave and trustworthy always prided itself Gary, Ind. operation for many on, along with a soft 219.650.3680 years. Our prices are and personable sales grantsappliance.com right in line and in approach. Maruszczak’s some cases less than features Northwest the competition, Indiana’s largest but the service and attention to independent showroom and has detail that a Maruszczak Appliance something for everyone’s budget. We customer receives gives the whole also have a popular money-saving transaction more value.” option, the scratch-n-dent section.
ONE GREAT REBATE FOR ONE POWERFUL BRAND
750
$
RECEIVE UPTO A
MASTERCARD® PREPAID CARD BY MAIL WITH PURCHASE OF SELECT MAY TAG® APPLIANCES*
MAY 1–31, 2014 **
Thanks for VOTING US THE BEST APPLIANCE STORE *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. **Excludes Microwave Hood Combination model MMV6180. 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. ®/™ ©2014 Maytag. All rights reserved. To learn more about the entire Maytag brand line, please visit maytag.com. NCP-15827
7809 W. Lincoln Highway (Rt. 30 & Cline)
219-865-0555
M & Th 8:30am-8pm • Tues.Wed. Fri. 8:30am-6pm Sat. 8:30am-5pm • Closed Sunday
www.maruszczak.com
Thank You northwest Indiana for making us #1 because of your support Lynn's Bedroom City will be celebrating the grand opening of the portage location for Memorial Day VALPARAISO
SCHERERVILLE
Next to Centier Bank
Next to Petsmart
2705 LaPorte Ave
219.548.7337
709 US 41
219.322.8599
a special publication of the times media co.
MERRILLVILLE
1649 E. 80th Ave. Behind Pier 1
219.472.0676
PORTAGE
6245 US Hwy 6
Opening Soon!
e ranC CleanTer e C
p to Save u %
50
MERRILLVILLE
1862 West US 30 2 Miles West of 1-65
219.795.1862
CLOSES AT 6PM - MONDAY THRU FRIDAY
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 65
Shopping BEST LIGHTING STORE Dekker Lighting
2142 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.227.8520 Owner Rhonda Dekker DekkerLighting.com Visit us on Facebook Dekker Lighting is Northwest Indiana’s premier lighting showroom and is the favorite of homeowners, builders, designers and remodelers. “Our family owned and operated company has been providing beautiful lighting since 1971,” Rhonda Dekker says. “We have expanded by opening room number three so there is now
5,000 square feet of the newest designs in fixtures in all styles from all the top manufacturers. We’re excited to be adding more LED fixtures in May! We have trained Lighting Specialists to guide you in customized selection, layout and design along with a wonderful website at DekkerLighting.com for your viewing pleasure 24/7. No need to wait for a sale pricing. We have the Lowest Price Guaranteed! Thanks for your support Northwest Indiana residents!”
SECOND PLACE
Schilling
8900 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.6005 Schillings.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
751 E US 30 // Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2222 256 S Washington St Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.6184 321 E US 20 // Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.8484 Vontobels.com Visit us on Facebook
2631 Highway Ave Highland, Ind. 219.513.9948 Mycomfycouch.com and on Facebook
Von Tobel Lumber
BEST ANTIQUE SHOP It’s Just Serendipity 5630 Hohman Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.932.6328 itsjustserendipity.com and on Facebook
It’s Just Serendipity owners Karen Maravilla and Raymundo Garcia look forward to celebrating the store’s fifth birthday in September. Customers here shop among an eclectic mix of merchandise ranging from antiques to creations by local artists and a “treasure trove of accidental discoveries.” Maravilla says one of her greatest joys is receiving comments about her creative themed vignettes and settings. “Customers really appreciate the unique displays. This helps them visualize how to decorate their home or office with the pieces that they are purchasing or how to incorporate what they have with what they want to buy.” The store offers services such as prop rental, wedding consultations and custom gift baskets. If It’s Just Serendipity doesn’t have what you are looking for between the store and three warehouses of inventory, the staff will help you find it.
SECOND PLACE
Old Green Shutters Antiques
118 S Main St // Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.4425 Visit us on Facebook 66 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
The Comfy Couch
BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE Once Upon a Child
29 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.864.1976 Find us on Facebook by searching “Once Upon a Child Schererville” Keeping up with customer needs, Once Upon a Child recently completed its second expansion in five years. The store’s sales floor now boasts more than 5,000 square feet, allowing staff to buy and sell more gently used children’s clothes, toys, shoes and equipment than ever before. They have had a great response to the expansion, says owner Kim Crnarich. “You can’t have a business without customers bringing their stuff in,” she says. “It’s great that they want to bring their items here and sell them and give someone else the opportunity to get some gently used clothes for a good price.” Customers love the ease and efficiency of the selling process, Crnarich says. “All of our staff goes through buyer certification training, which trains them to be consistent with the buying process.” They know what to look for as far as style, condition and brand.
SECOND PLACE
Eco Chic Boutique 425 US 30 Suite 211 Dyer, Ind. 219.227.0646 ecochicboutique.us
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Thank You for Showing Showing Your Lov Love and Support Suppor t
Best Garden/ Nursery Store (NWI)
VOTED A BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP TONS OF DANCE DRESSES
Galleria Building - 425 U.S. Route 30, Suite 211, Dyer, IN 219.227.0646 • www.ecochicboutique.us Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sun 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Alsip Nursery
10255 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.0882 20601 S LaGrange Road Frankfort, Ill. 815.469.1044 alsipnursery.com
THIRD PLACE
The Comfy Couch 2631 Highway Ave Highland, Ind. 219.513.9948 Mycomfycouch.com and on Facebook
Best Garden/ Nursery Store (IL) Alsip Nursery
20601 S LaGrange Road Frankfort, Ill.
Any $25.00 purchase. Not valid with other offers
We Appreciate Our Moms
also offers home and garden décor and offers a full-service pet section, which includes a vet clinic and grooming The secret to Alsip Nursery’s success services. is not feeling comfortable at the top, SECOND PLACE says Richard Cristakes, co-owner of the landscape center. Allen Landscape “We always try to do better,” he says. Center In fact, the company, which also has 2539 45th Ave Highland, Ind. a location in Frankfort, Ill., recently 219.924.6076 enhanced its training program for allenlandscape.com employees to provide them with an advanced course in customer service. “We want everyone to be able to answer detailed customer questions intelligently,” he says. The business, which occupies 17 acres, has been in St. John since 1994. In addition to the nursery, the business
$500 off
5 yeArS iN A rOW!
Baby Store AND Consignment Store!
Come See For Yourself Newly EXpanded and Remodeled
29 US HigHway 41 ScHererville (219) 864-1976 www.ouac.com
THIRD PLACE
Scheeringa Farms & Produce, LLC 9436 Cline Ave Highland, Ind. 219.838.6369 Scheeringafarms.net
815.469.1044 10255 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.0882 alsipnursery.com
SECOND PLACE
Sunrise (Woldhuis Farms) 10300 E 9000 N Road Grant Park, Ill. Woldhuisfarms.com
THIRD PLACE
Bultema’s Farmstand & Greenhouse 2785 E Lincoln Highway Lynwood, Ill. 708.758.1565
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 $30+ PURCHASE! Excludes Gift Cards. Cannot be combined with other offers.
Expires: 5/31/2014
*CP1172*
CP1172
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 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 67
Shopping BEST JEWELER Albert’s Diamond Jewelers
A
711 Main St // Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2700 2298 Southlake Mall // Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.1976 albertsjewelers.com
Albert’s Diamond Jewelers’ mission statement says they offer more in value than they accept in payment. A staple in the Northwest Indiana community since 1905, they have adhered to that idea over the years by focusing on customer’s satisfaction and community involvement. At Albert’s two locations, shoppers can browse the aisles, drop off items for in-house repairs, check out the custom jewelry shop and receive jewelry appraisals. The shops specialize in diamond and engagement rings. “We sell high quality prices at affordable prices and back it up with the most exceptional service
imaginable,” Joshua Halpern, president of Albert’s, says. The client comes first and there’s always an owner on site to ensure everyone will get a great experience. Halpern encourages people to visit the newly remodeled showrooms at both locations and to see the new and exciting jewelry and watch brands that have been added, he says. The stores carry jewelry and watches from more than 50 brands Josh Halpern at Albert's Diamond Jewelers Schererville store. including David Yurman, Verragio, Levian, Alex and Ani, Cartier, Tacori, Michael Kors, Tag Heuer and Pandora. SECOND THIRD PLACE “People like us because we are genuine. We live in PLACE Moriarty’s this community. We give back to this community. Martin Binder Gem Art We’re heavily invested here.” Jeweler 126 S Main St Albert’s co-owner Fred Halpern was recently Crown Point, Ind. 650 W Morthland inducted into the Northwest Indiana Business and 219.662.1390 Drive Industry Hall of Fame where he was lauded for his moriartysgemart.com Valparaiso, Ind. generosity and especially his efforts on behalf of the 219.462.5931 martinbinders.com Multiple Sclerosis Society.
20 Years In a row!!!
We would like to say “Thanks” to all of our loyal customers, new & old, for voting us their favorite jewelry store in the region for the 20th year in a row!
7 1 1 M a i n S t. • S c h e r e r v i l l e , i n | 2 1 9 - 3 2 2 - 2 7 0 0 Southlake Mall • Merrillville, in | 219-769-1976
68 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
1
# Best Place to Buy Meat and Poultry Welch’s Stop and Shop
11333 W 95th St. John, Ind. 219.365.8190 Welchsmeats.com Visit us on Facebook
‘I
am extremely proud of my staff and how they handle their customer service,” third generation Welch Stop and Shop owner Ed Welch says. “Being recognized for this is just amazing.” Welch says customers keep returning 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.
Best Place to Buy Wine Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
2020 Southlake Mall, Unit 500 Merrillville, Ind. // 219.795.WINE (9463) coopershawkwinery.com Originally opened in 2005 in Orland Park, the Cooper’s Hawk concept was unique — create a signature menu with a selection of dishes designed to pair perfectly with its own Cooper’s Hawk wines, made in the company’s own private winery. With sophisticated food and wine, customers noticed and have named Cooper’s Hawk as the Best Place to Buy Wine in the region. If you’re looking for more than a dinner experience, try Cooper’s Hawk, which offers a full-service bar, private barrel-aging room, Napa-style tasting
Welch’s also carries seafood, a wide array of deli meats, fresh produce and home-made breads baked daily. 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.
SECOND PLACE
Bob’s Meat Chop & Deli
2123 N Winds Dr Dyer, Ind. 219.322.8760 Robsmeatchop.com Visit us on Facebook
for 20 years
Thanks for Voting Welch’s Stop & Shop
#1 the Best Place for Meat & Poultry
AND ALSo VotED thE
BEst CustOMER sERviCE!
OPEN GRILL CATERING
You can’t beat WELCh’S
for your next outdoor gathering
THIRD PLACE
Beef Mart
614 Roosevelt Road Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.2970 Visit us on Facebook
room and retail gift shop — all under one roof. Each Cooper’s Hawk location is distinctive, with the Merrillville winery providing an atmosphere all its own.
SECOND PLACE
St. John Wine and Spirits
9480 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.8305 540 Poplar Lane St. John, Ind. 219.558.8911 stjohnwineandspirits.com
THIRD PLACE
Wise Guys Liquors 9133 Taft St Merrillville, Ind. 219.791.9419 1413 South Lake Park Ave Hobart, Ind. // 219.947.1997 wiseguysliquors.com
a special publication of the times media co.
Join Us For
Every Saturday Ever and Sunday We have delicious
hoMeMade sOUPs and hOmemade breads
s e r v i n g f o r o v e r 6 1 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 ( n ex t
t o
t h e
f o r m e r
K - M a r t
b u i l d i n g )
visit us at: www.welchsmeats.com may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 69
BEST ELECTRONICS STORE
Shopping
Best Buy
Multiple Locations Bestbuy.com Visit us on Facebook “We have a customer promise which we try to adhere to every single time,” Lansing Illinois’ Best Buy Manager Sal says. “We promise to each customer that we have the latest and greatest devices, that our employees are knowledgeable and impartial. We have competitive pricing. We try to make sure you have the ability to shop when and where you want to. We make sure we try to support customers for the life of their products with any questions they have or any issues.”
SECOND PLACE
HH Gregg
2757 East 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.940.6003 Hhgregg.com Visit us on Facebook
Hometown Appliance and Electronics 10033 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.4758 Hometown ApplianceStore.com Visit us on Facebook
Cabela’s
F
7700 Cabela Dr // Hammond, Ind. // 219.845.9040 // cabelas.com ounded in 1961, Cabela’s continues to embrace their original philosophy that the customer is number one. This is a philosophy instilled by company founders Jim and Dick Cabela and is just one of many reasons Cabela’s is the best in the region. Another reason is the overwhelming selection of outdoor gear, from big game hunting to bass fishing. Cabela’s Hammond, Indiana Retail Store is located at the site of the former Woodmar Country Club at the intersection of I-80 and I-94 and Indianapolis Boulevard. The 185,000-square-foot retail showroom is an educational and entertainment attraction, featuring a décor of museum-quality animal displays, huge aquariums and trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats. Jillian Stasiak, marketing manager says that their employees and sheer amount of product sets them apart from others. “We have everything for campers, hunters, boaters, and fishers from beginners to the most should be experienced. Our staff is trained by Cabela’s University so everyone has a background. Our employees all come to us with a passion for what they do and then the training increases their knowledge of our products. We really have everything and anything we don’t have, we can get it delivered directly to one of our stores and there’s no charge. We also offer a deli and grill that is open seven days a week with wild game like ostrich, elk, venison, and bison, and that complements our favorites like Philly steak sandwiches and soups and salads.”
70
Wise Guys Discount Liquors
THIRD PLACE
BEST HUNTING/FISHING/ OUTDOOR STORE
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
6425 Daniel Burnham Dr Portage, Ind. 219.787.6800 basspro.com
2810 Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. ihuntishoot.com 219.476.0026
Bass Pro Shop
BEST LIQUOR STORE
Blythe’s
BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE Menards
Multiple locations // Menards.com Visit us on Facebook “Thank you to all the loyal Menards shoppers in the region who named us the best home improvement store in Northwest Indiana,” Menards spokesperson SECOND Jeff Abbott says. “We PLACE have worked hard to Home Depot build our reputation Multiple locations throughout this Homedepot.com region by recognizing that people expect THIRD high-quality guest PLACE service, competitive Lowe’s pricing and shopping 1520 E 79th convenience. Our goal Avenue is to earn everyone’s Merrillville, Ind. respect and be their 219.756.8316 choice for home 637 US 41 improvement, Schererville, Ind. whether a casual 219.864.1296 shopper, beginning 6221 US 6 ‘do-it-yourselfer’ Portage, Ind. or more experienced 219.364.4200 Lowes.com contractor. We appreciate the recognition and will continue to work hard to provide the best in home improvement tools, materials and supplies in these communities.”
9133 Taft St Merrillville, Ind. 219.791.9419 1413 Lake Park Ave Hobart, Ind. 219.947.1997 Wiseguysliquors.com Visit us on Facebook Wise Guys Discount Liquors offers the biggest selection and the best prices in all of Northwest Indiana. Our low prices on wine, beer and spirits make Wise Guys the place to go for all your shopping needs. We’re finding that more and more people are looking at Wise Guys as more than just a liquor store... it’s become a destination. Last fall Wise Guys expanded by 30 percent allowing the store to stock more than 300 wines from around the world. And be sure to stop in and shop at the Hobart location.
SECOND PLACE
St. John Wine and Spirits
9540 Poplar Lane St. John, Ind. 219.558.8911 Stjohnwine andspirits.com Visit us on Facebook
THIRD PLACE
Nick’s Liquors
8103 Taft St Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.7750
Best Pet Shop Pet Supplies Plus
Multiple locations in Northwest Indiana Petsuppliesplus.com Four-legged and two-legged customers love shopping at Pet Supplies Plus, which offers dog and cat supplies as well as items for birds, fish and small animals. Some locations have special features like a do-ityourself dog wash station found at the Dyer store. “You’re not going to find our knowledge and customer service at a lot of the other places,” says Scott Stowers, general manager of the Dyer location. The staff is knowledgeable about the products and pets, he says. The stores offer a large selection of natural and holistic products from brands like Natural Choice, Natural Balance, Blue Buffalo, Innova and California Natural. They also have a growing commitment to featuring products made in the United States ranging from select food choices to their own PS+ brand rawhide. Throughout the year, some of the stores do special events such as pet pictures and hosting rescue groups and shelters for adoption days.
SECOND PLACE
PetSmart
711 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.864.0411 2885 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.942.5598 Petsmart.com
CELEBRATING OUR
62ND ANNIVERSARY
THIRD PLACE
Alsip Home & Nursery 10255 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.0882 alsipnursery.com
Bly the ’s Wa nts To
Ou r Cu sto me rs. 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. FAMILY OWNED - OPERATED - VALUES Makes us unique
GRIFFITH
SINCE 1952
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
We, the owners and employees of Nicks 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.
6 GREAT LOCATIONS Hammond
6914 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN • 844-3239 4718 Calumet Ave., Hammond, IN • 933-4702 5705 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN • 931-4569 6838 Calumet Ave., Hammond, IN • 931-9978
Hobart 4891 US 30, Hobart, IN • 945-5300
Merrillville 8103 Taft St., Merrillville, IN • 769-7750 a special publication of the times media co.
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 71
Shopping BEST TIRE STORE
Discount Tire
wheel retailer, currently operating more than 875 stores across the country. Most stores include six state-ofthe-art service bays with an inviting showroom and customer waiting area.
Multiple locations in Northwest Indiana and Illinois Discounttire.com Discount Tire, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the world’s largest tire and
SECOND PLACE
Levin Tire & Service Center Seven locations in Northwest Indiana Levintirecenter.com
Thank you for voting us One of the Best Car Repair Shops
FIVE yEaRs In a Row!
THIRD PLACE 16TH
ANNU
Mr. Tire Auto Service Center
AL
- All of us at Crown Point Auto Repair
Multiple locations in Northwest Indiana Mrtire.com
Repair & Restoration 1510 N. Main St. • 219-663-1847 www.crownpointautorepair.com
SPECIAL
ThankYou! Voting Us Best Auto Repair for
Shop & Best Tire Center!!
$10 off ANY SERVICE OVER $30
Including Oil Change, Alignment, Brakes & Much More!
No other discounts apply. With coupon. Most vehicles. Expires 6/30/14.
TBOR
7 FULL-SERVICE LOCATIONS
72 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
219.738.1900 schepel.com
TONY V. MARTIN
Bosak Honda wins president’s Award. Michigan City (L to R) Rene Richmond, Michael Walsh, Tobin Tirrel, Ralph Fine, Patrick Sullivan, Denise Hartsburg, Michael Gallagher, Greg Bosak.
BEST NEW CAR DEALER Bosak Chrysler/ Honda 9800 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 1.800.959.4660 710 US 20 Michigan City, Ind. 1.800.728.9825 bosakhondamc.com
B
osak Honda is an automotive leader in the Northwest Indiana area, and since opening its doors in Highland and Michigan City, has kept a firm commitment to its customers. Offering a wide selection of vehicles to make the car buying process as quick as possible, Bosak has an experienced service and parts department that’s open extra hours to help fit customers’ hectic schedules.
Schepel Auto Group 3209 W Lincoln Highway Merrillville, Ind. 219.472.1449 2929 W Lincoln Highway Merrillville, Ind.
Schepel Auto Group knows its customers’ time is valuable, which is why the car dealership offers a fast and convenient website to research and find a vehicle that’s right for each individual customer. And readers have noticed. Voting Schepel Best New Car Dealer, customers take advantage of special vehicle offers and friendly and knowledgeable staff. Others have noticed as well, with Schepel named as 2011 Buick and GMC Dealer of the Year.
GOOD BETTER BEST is the enemy of great. And it’s
at Bosak. Because every employee does their
and it truly pays off.
SECOND PLACE
Team Auto Group Various locations
BEST USED CAR DEALER Schepel Auto Group
k you n a h t for making us...
3209 W Lincoln Highway Merrillville, Ind. 219. 472.1449 2929 W Lincoln Highway Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.1900 schepel.com
Schepel has been a staple in the Northwest Indiana Community for over 42 years and is a premier auto dealer. Voted Best Used Car Dealer by readers in the community, Schepel has a large selection of used vehicles and has been the go-to place for service in the region.
SECOND PLACE
Christenson Chevrolet
9700 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.961.4144 christensonchevy.com
THIRD PLACE
Team Auto Group Various locations
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
3111 W Lincoln Hwy, Rt 30 • Merrillville
9800 Indianapolis Blvd Highland
710 U.S. 20 Michigan City
BosakAuto.com may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 73
Shopping BEST FLORIST Cedar Lake Florist 8600 Lake Shore Dr Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.7532 Cedarlakeflorist.com Visit us on Facebook
As Charlie and Marilyn Caper start their 26th year as owners of Cedar Lake Florist, their pride and dedication to the quality of their floral product speaks for itself. Specializing in wedding and sympathy arrangements, their creativity carries into all-occasion florals from anniversaries to just because, Charlie Caper says. Daily flower selections may include Dutch bulbs, orchids from far east Asia, Australian wild flowers, South American garden roses and California-grown snapdragons, thistle, artichoke, stock, protea and peonies to name a few of their ever-changing inventory, Caper says. Cedar Lake Florist also carries home décor for many tastes and styles. Stop in and see for yourself, Caper says.
SECOND PLACE
Dixon’s Florist
919 Ridge Road Unit B-C Munster, Ind. // 219.836.1668 Dixonsfloristandweddings.com Visit us on Facebook
BEST BRIDAL/ FORMAL WEAR SHOP Elegance Wedding & Evening Wear
2820 Highway Ave Highland, Ind. 219.923.0977 elegancewedding.net, on Facebook and Twitter Elegance Wedding & Evening Wear offers a full service experience to make any special occasion even more memorable. The store, which opened in 2000, carries bridal gowns, mother dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses and special occasion dresses for proms, quinceañeras and other once-in-a-lifetime events. Designers include Maggie Sottero, Casablanca, Mori 74 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Lee, and Enzoani, Jordan and Dessy just to name a few. The store also carries ring bearer outfits, tuxedo rentals, invitations, shoes and party gift items. “We are a one stop shop,” says manager Stefanie Fliter. “We have incredible service and we have a great attention to detail. We appreciate that everybody has recognized us as being the top in the region for bridal and formal wear. We’ve been really working hard over the past 14 years to deliver impeccable guest service and selection to the area and we appreciate everyone for choosing us and shopping local.”
THIRD PLACE
Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn 2540 45th Street Highland, Ind. 219.924.1000 Brumms flowers.com Visit us on Facebook
SECOND PLACE
David’s Bridal
1700 E 80th St // Merrillville, Ind. 219.648.2000 // davidsbridal.com
THIRD PLACE
Dunhill Tuxedos
Six locations in Northwest Indiana and Michigan 888.892.6970 // dunhilltuxedos.com A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Best Gift Boutique Maria’s Hallmark
923 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.5025 1525 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5503 10827 Broadway Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.0420 hallmark.com It’s a great time when you can find so many wonderful gifts in one place. Maria Hobby’s three Hallmark stores in Northwest Indiana have fun, unusual gifts and party accessories— nothing generic here. “Our success comes from great teamwork—and we love our customers,” said owner Maria Hobby. Maria’s talent for choosing just the right home accents and gifts is evident everywhere customers browse. They love finding Baggallini handbags, perfect for pairing with a jeweled scarf and sandals to swing into the spring with bling. Lots of special-occasion choices for parties, too, like personalized plates in popular themes, cards for all occasions, gift wrap and invitations. “And at all three stores, we aim to give great customer service,” says Hobby.
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
9533 Wicker Ave // St John, Ind. 219.365.3837 // louiseshallmark.com
9490 Wicker Ave // St John, Ind. 219.558.0748 // ambiancehomestory.com
Louise’s Hallmark
Best Home Décor Store Mary and Martha Home Accents
2044 45th St // Highland, Ind. 219.924.3820 // maryandmarthaonline.com The staff at Mary and Martha Home Accents works hard to make each customer feel special by providing them with great service and extra touches like cookies and beverages. “We have the best team of women who work here,” a special publication of the times media co.
Ambiance: Your Home, Your Story
says Dawn Johnson, owner. “They are talented ladies who love to help and can give lots of decorating advice.” “We carry beautiful and unique home decor and accessories and have an exquisite floral department,” she says. Customers also have a growing interest in the store’s custom drapery and bedding. Other hot items include Nora Fleming customizable decorative dishes, which can be modified for each holiday or season, and Waxing Poetic, a jewelry line that offers a way to tell your story. “We have a lot of ladies buying that for mothers and daughters,” Johnson says.
In April 2014, the store celebrated its 15th anniversary.
SECOND PLACE (TIE)
Ambiance – Your Home, Your Story
9490 Wicker Ave // St. John, Ind. 219.558.0748 // ambiancehomestory.com
SECOND PLACE (TIE)
Hobby Lobby
2782 E 79th St // Merrillville, Ind. 219.947.5096 // Hobbylobby.com
may 18, 2014 | nwi.com/bestof | 75
Shopping BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Kohl’s
Multiple locations Kohls.com
The styles and designers in the Kohl’s women’s clothing department are endless, from career to dress, to contemporary to sports. The department features sections divided into size, like women’s plus-size, petites, maternity, and juniors, as well as by their exclusive designers. Special fashion stylists make Kohl’s unique to any other store with designers like Vera 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. But at the same time, Kohl’s is a solid choice for the staples in our closet, like khakis from Dockers, a crisp white shirt from Chaps, or jeans from Levi’s. The women’s department at Kohl’s also offers the other essentials women need for their wardrobe, including one of the newest and most essential items, shape wear. They also have intimates which are offered in all styles, all sizes, in abundance. There are plenty of accessories such as handbags and laptop cases, jewelry, watches, beauty items, and of course, shoes. Whether getting a few fun items for a vacation, or stocking up on a new career wardrobe after securing that coveted job, Kohl’s has all styles, from swinging dresses to suits, from capris to coats.
SECOND PLACE
kohls.com
SECOND PLACE
Carson Pirie Scott carsons.com
THIRD PLACE
Macy’s
macys.com
76 | nwi.com/bestof | may 18, 2014
Kohl’s
JCPenney
Multiple locations Jcpenney.com
THIRD PLACE
John Cicco’s Menswear
8250 Mississippi St Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.1744 johnciccosmenswear.com
BEST SHOE STORE
BEST GROCERY STORE Strack & Van Til strackandvantil.com
The Strack & Van Til family of stores throughout Indiana and Illinois and their nearly 6,000 associates arrive at work every day ready to provide their customers with thousands of products at affordable prices and a great shopping experience every time they visit Strack & Van Til’s stores. And customers in the region notice that exceptional level of service and quality. “We know that our loyal, dedicated and hard-working associates have been and always will be the key to our success over the past five decades,” says Joe Kolavo, vice president of perishable operations for Strack & Van Til Supermarkets. Jeff Strack, Strack & Van Til’s vice president of operations agrees, “Our people are a big part of what makes us different. We have people who understand our goals and our culture and work hard every day to make our customers happy that they chose to shop with us. We have many people who have worked here for a decade or more and we’ve had people reach 50 years with us. That says a lot about our associates. We have had staff retire with 40 and 45 years of service. There has been a lot of change and growth through the years and we provide opportunity for our staff. They stay with us because we’re a family. And we care about what the customer has to say about their experience. That’s why I put my email address and phone number on every customer’s shopping bag, so if someone takes the time to call or write me, I get back to them.”
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
meijer.com
aldi.com
Meijer
Aldi
DSW
dsw.com Fabulous brands at a great value — that’s what shoppers look for in good shoes, and according to our Best of the Region poll, they’ve found just that in DSW. Named Best Shoe Store in the region, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse offers thousands of shoes for women and men in more than 350 stores nationwide. Shoe lovers also can find several more brands and fashions of shoes on the store’s website, along with more information about the DSW’s rewards offer. In fact, members earn points toward $10 rewards certificates every time they shop — making this a hit with readers.
SECOND PLACE
BEST PHARMACY Walgreens
Multiple locations in Northwest Indiana and Illinois Walgreens.com With 6.1 million visitors daily, Walgreens has come a long way since Charles R. Walgreen Sr. purchased his first Chicago drugstore in 1901. Walgreens’ goal is to be consumers’ first choice for health and daily living across the nation, and a central part of people’s lives and the communities. As of Jan. 31, 2014, the company has 203 stores in Indiana and 608 in Illinois. Walgreens provides convenient access to goods and services as well as pharmacy, health and wellness services. Many health care services, at one time only available at a doctor’s office, are now available at the chain of stores. This includes Centers for Disease and Prevention-recommended immunizations and health tests available on a walk-in basis.
Shoe Carnival shoecarnival.com
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Multiple locations in Northwest Indiana and Illinois cvs.com
Barney’s Hub Bootery 108 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.0463 barneyshubbootery.com
CVS Pharmacy
THIRD PLACE
Fagen Pharmacy
Multiple locations in Northwest Indiana and Illinois fagenpharmacy.com
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES MEDIA CO.
Thank you for voting
★
★
★
★
as Region’s Best “LIQUOR STORE”!
★
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★
JUST BECAUSE WE’RE THE BEST, DOESN’T MEAN WE REST...
WE ARE ABOUT TO BECOME SUPER! ➞
WISE GUYS stocks
over 2700 varieties of wine So yes, we have the wine that goes with that.
16,000 SQ, FT The only rival to the WISE GUYS Bourbon selection is the state of Kentucky
➞
The Great Wall of China and the WISE GUYS Craft Beer selection can be seen from outer space
Cruvinet: Just a fancy word for having wine samples on tap.
New SUPERSTORE Location Opens May 2014 On Rt. 30, across from Southlake Mall
Thank You for or nam naming Franciscan Alliance hospitals, medical and itness facilities among fitness amon the Best in the Region in several categories!
The Best Cosmetic Surgery Center Franciscan Medical Specialists Among the Best Hospitals Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer, Hammond Among the Best Urgent Care Centers Franciscan ExpressCare — Crown Point, Michigan City, Portage, Valparaiso
Among the Best in Women’s Health Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point Franciscan Medical Specialists Among the Best Fitness Centers Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness — Chesterton, Schererville One of the Best in Pediatric Care Franciscan Medical Specialists One of the Best in Podiatry Franciscan Hammond Clinic Specialty Center
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 Alliance’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
Best Best
PLACE TO WORK
Best Best Member FDIC
BANK
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-888-CENTIER | CENTIER.COM
Our team of specialists treats every mother like one of their own – offering unparalleled care available 24/7 with your comfort and safety in mind. We used our experience gained from thousands of births to build an all-new state-of-the-art family birthing center – one of the most advanced in NW Indiana.
Experience the newly-built Family Birthing Center • Proudly part of Community Hospital – the only Indiana hospital awarded Healthgrades® America’s 50 Best Hospitals 7 years in a row • One of the most experienced hospitals in the region, delivering the most babies per year • The only NW Indiana hospital with board-certified neonatologists in-house around the clock • Ultramodern medical facilities and equipment, including Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
www.comhs.org/community 901 MacArthur Blvd. Munster, IN 46321 219 • 836 • 3477 or 866 • 836 • 3477