Best of the Region 2010 by The Times of NWI

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NEW BUFFALO, MI

THANKS FOR VOTING ING US BEST

Best Casino

Best Slots

Best Table Games

Best Dining

11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, MI 49117 1.866.4WINDS1 (494.6371) | fourwindscasino.com Must be 21 years of age or older. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians invites you to play responsibly. If you think you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-522-4700. ÂŠ2010 Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

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16TH

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16TH

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nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

Table of Contents

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best bANQUet FACILItY 1. Avalon Manor 2. Halls of St. George 3. White Hawk Country Club best pLACe For bACheLor/ bACheLorette pArtY 1. Four Winds Casino Resort 2. Howl at the Moon 3. Horseshoe Casino best beACh 1. West Beach 2. New Buffalo Beach 3. Silver Beach best bed & breAkFAst 1. The Inn at Aberdeen 2. Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast 3. Duneland Beach Inn best bowLINg ALLeY 1. Stardust Bowl 2. Lakeview Lanes 3. Westchester Lanes & Lounge best CAmpINg sIte 1. Indiana Dunes State Park 2. Warren Dunes 3. Campit best pLACe For A ChILd’s bIrthdAY pArtY p rtY pA 1. Deep River Waterpark 2. Funflatables editor’s choice: best mAIN street IN shoreLANd Center Street, Douglas, Mich. best FestIVAL 1. Pierogi Fest 2. Popcorn Festival 3. Taste of Chicago best CoUNtrY tr CLUb trY 1. White Hawk 2. Briar Ridge 3. Sand Creek

best goLF CoUrse 1. White Hawk Country Club 2. Harbor Shores 3. Aberdeen

best CAsINo 1. Four Winds Casino Resort 2. Blue Chip 3. Horseshoe Casino best CAsINo dININg 1. Four Winds Casino Resort 2. Horseshoe Casino 3. Blue Chip

best NIghtCLUb 1. Buddy & Pals 2. Hooligans 3. TJ Maloney’s

best pLACe For A pICNIC/reUNIoN 1. Wicker Memorial Park 2. Lake County Fairgrounds 3. Oval Beach

best CAsINo poker 1. Four Winds Casino Resort 2. Blue Chip 3. Horseshoe Casino

best CAsINo sLots 1. Four Winds Casino Resort 2. Blue Chip 3. Horseshoe Casino

best CAsINo ttAbLe tA bLe gAmes 1. Four Winds Casino Resort 2. Blue Chip 3. Horseshoe Casino

best pUbLIC Art dIspLAY 1. St. Joseph Public Art Display 2. 4th Friday Arts 3. South Shore Arts best wI-FI hANgoUt 1. Panera Bread 2. The South Bend Chocolate Café 3. A Conservative Café best pUbLIC gArdeN 1. Chicago Botanic Garden 2. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 3. Shrine of Christ’s Passion

BEAuTy & WELLNESS

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best LotterY otter otterY 1. Hoosier Lottery 2. Illinois Lottery 3. Michigan Lottery

best mArINA 1. New Buffalo Marina 2. Hammond Marina 3. West Basin Marina

best CosmetIC sUrgeoN/ sUrgerY rgerY CeNter rger CeNter 1. Vein Center of NWI, Laser & Cosmetic Institute 2. Laser Cosmetic & Aesthetic Centers of America

best moVIe theAtre A Atre 1. Kerasotes Theatres 2. Portage 16 IMAX 3. Vickers Theatre

best hAIr sALoN 1. Texture Pointe Salon 2. Vanis - Schererville 3. Riah Hair Salon

best LIVe eNtertAINmeNt eNtertAIN tert tertAIN meNt VeNUe 1. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino 2. Center for Visual & Performing Arts 3. Lake County Fairgrounds

best mUseUm 1. Museum of Science & Industry 2. Chicago Children’s Museum 3. Krasel Art Center editor’s choice: best LIterArY r rY LANdmArk Marquette Park Pavillion

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best heArINg AId CeNter 1. Accuquest Hearing Center 2. Professional Hearing Management 3. Clear Ear Hearing Aid Center

best pLACe to hIke/jog/bIke 1. Indiana Dunes State Park 2. Warren Dunes State Park 3. West Beach

best tAttoo ArtIst 1. Bugaboo Tattoo 2. China Doll 3. The Tattoo Lady

best tANNIN ttANNINg g sALoN 1. Planet Beach 2. Beach Tan Express 3. Green Planet

editor’s choice choice: best UpsIde-dowN Foot therApY Spa Reverie

HEALTH CARE 24

best ALterNAtIVe AL ALter NA IVe NAt medICINe 1. Centre yourself y Medical Spa 2. East Wind Acupuncture

best CArdIoLogY CAre 1. The Heart Institute at Saint Anthony Medical Center 2. Community Cardiology Center 3. Porter Cardiac & Vascular Institute

best dAY spA sp 1. Vanis 2. State of Mind 3. Spa Blu

editor’s choice: best persoN to FoLLow oNLINe Tommy Allen

best dj 1. The Party People 2. A Sound Decision 3. Dynamic Music best dowNtowN 1. Crown Point, Ind. 2. Valparaiso, Ind. 3. Chicago, Ill.

best hoteL 1. Four Winds Casino Resort 2. Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza 3. Boulevard Inn & Bistro

best heALth AL & ALth FItNess CLUb 1. Omni 41 Health & Fitness Connection 2. Fitness Pointe 3. Cardinal Fitness best spA sp retreAt A At 1. Vanis 2. Spa Reverie 3. (tie) Spa Blu/ Blue Chip Casino State of Mind best heALth AL ALth Food store 1. Baum’s Natural Foods 2. At Nature’s Door 3. Au Naturel Market

best ChIroprACtor 1. Dr. John N. Kostidis 2. Dr. Corlin Stein 3. Dr. Steven Kouimanis

best deNtIst/ st st/ CeNter deNtAL ttAL C eNter 1. Schererville Family Dentistry 2. Smiles by Arnold & Associates 3. Compton Dental Center

best hospItAL t tAL 1. Community Hospital 2. St. Anthony Memorial 3. Saint Margaret Mercy

best hospItAL t tAL IN mIChIgAN 1. Spectrum Health GR 2. St. Mary’s GR

best eYe doCtor 1. Dr. Steven Levin 2. Dr. Gary Scearce

best orthopedIC prACtICe 1. St. Anthony Sports Medicine Institute 2. Methodist Hospital 3. Jeffrey M. Tioco, M.D. Orthopaedic Institute, LLC

best pedIAtrIC CAre 1. Kids First Pediatrics on 30 2. St. Anthony Memorial 3. Medical Specialists

best LAser eYe sUrgerY CeNter 1. Northwest Indiana Eye and Laser Center, P.C. 2. Deschamps Eye Care 3. Williams Eye Institute

best phYsICAL therApY 1. APT Plus Physical Therapy 2. LakeShore Bone and Joint Institute 3. Great Lakes Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

best podIAtrY podIAtr IAtr IAtr trY Y CAre CAre 1. Friendly Foot Care 2. Dr. Ray DPM 3. Dr. Wood & Associates Foot Health Institute

best teAChINg hospItAL t tAL 1. university of Chicago Medical Center 2. Northwestern university, Feinberg School of Medicine 3. Children’s Memorial Hospital

best UrgeNt CAre 1. Franciscan ExpressCare 2. Community Hospital Outpatient Centre 3. Med-Clinic at St. Catherine Hospital

best VIsIoN CeNter 1. Vision Point 2. Gailimard Eye Center 3. Levin Eye Care Center

EDuCATION & INSTRuCTION 30

best CoLLege/ ege ege/ UNIVersItY 1. Purdue university Calumet 2. Valparaiso university 3. Purdue university West Lafayette

BEST ADULT EDUCATION INSTITUTION 1. Purdue University Calumet 2. Indiana University Northwest 3. Ivy Tech BEST CHILDREN’S GYMNASTIC PROGRAM 1. Patti’s All-American Gymnastics 2. Gymboree of Dyer 3. YMCA Portage BEST DANCE SCHOOL 1. Arthur Murray Dance Center—NW Indiana 2. Donna Brum School of Dance 3. Elite Dance Center BEST PLACE FOR MUSIC LESSONS 1. Broadway Music 2. Andy’s Music 3. Front Porch Music

food & Drink 32

best ASIAN FOOD 1. China Buffet 2. Panda Express 3. Siam Marina

best BAKERY 1. Butterfingers Bakery 2. Strack & Van Til 3. Strongbow Inn

BEST bar/lounge for meeting people 1. Buddy & Pal’s 2. Northwoods 3. Houlihan’s

BEST BARBEQUE 1. Smokey Jo’s Real Pit BBQ & Old Town Tap 2. Smokey’s Southern Barbeque 3. Time to Eat BBQ BEST CHEF 1. Gary Sanders Miller Bakery Café 2. Nicole Bissonnette Bistro 157 3. Ryan Thornburg Bistro on the Blvd. BEST place for BREAKFAST 1. Round the Clock 2. Suzie’s Café & Catering 3. Ida Red’s BEST PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH 1. Schu’s Grill & Bar 2. Teibel’s Family Restaurant 3. Giovanni’s BEST CHICKEN WINGS 1. Buffalo Wild Wings 2. Hooter’s 3. BuffaLouies

BEST COFFEE HOUSE 1. Starbucks 2. Uncommon Grounds 3. South Bend Chocolate Café

BEST CATERER 1. Strack and Van Til 2. Butterfingers 3. Strongbow Inn

BEST ETHNIC FOOD 1. El Taco Real 2. Don Quijote 3. Warsaw Inn

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT 1. Round the Clock 2. Kelsey’s Steakhouse 3. Northwoods

BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT 1. Gamba Ristorante 2. Teibel’s 3. Lighthouse Restaurant

BEST COUNTRY WESTERN BAR 1. DC’s Country Junction 2. Bronko’s Restaurant and Lounge 3. The Ranch

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BEST GREEK FOOD 1. Andorra Banquets 2. Pegasus 3. Rosewood BEST HOT DOG 1. BOZ Hot Dogs 2. Wrigley Field 3. U.S. Cellular Field

BEST HAMBURGERS 1. Schoop’s 2. Redamak’s 3. Culver’s

BEST ICE CREAM SHOP 1. Cold Stone Creamery 2. Dairy Queen 3. Oberweis Dairy

BEST ITALIAN FOOD 1. Olive Garden 2. Lucrezia Café 3. Giovanni’s

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BEST MARTINI BAR 1. Vino Tini 2. Bar Louie 3. Twisted Martini Lounge, Gauchos Brazilian Steakhouse

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT 1. Aladdin Pita 2. Tandoor 3. Five Star Thai Cuisine BEST NEW RESTAURANT (1 YEAR OR LESS) 1. Ciao Bella Ristorante 2. Amoré 3. Abstract Café BEST PLACE FOR A SANDWICH 1. Jimmy John’s 2. Subway 3. Butterfingers Bakery

BEST POLISH RESTAURANT 1. Warsaw Inn 2. Cavalier Inn 3. Nina’s Pierogies

BEST SEAFOOD 1. Teibel’s 2. Lighthouse Restaurant 3. Bonefish Grill

BEST SPORTS BAR & GRILL 1. Buffalo Wild Wings 2. Buddy & Pal’s 3. Northwoods

BEST VODKA 1. DiVine/Round Barn Winery 2. Opulent 3. Grey Goose

BEST MEXICAN FOOD 1. El Taco Real 2. El Salto 3. La Carreta BEST PIZZA 1. Aurelio’s 2. Gelsosomo’s 3. Arrenello’s

BEST MICROBREWERY 1. Three Floyds 2. Crown Brewing 3. The Livery

BEST PLACE FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH 1. Center for Visual & Performing Arts 2. Strongbow Inn 3. Northwoods BEST STEAKHOUSE 1. Kelsey’s Steak & Seafood 2. Gino’s 3. Texas Corral BEST WINERY & PLACE TO BUY WINE 1. Tabor Hill 2. Round Barn Winery 3. St. Julian Winery

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BEST BANK 1. Centier 2. Chase 3. Peoples Bank

BEST CAR WASH 1. Drive & Shine 2. Soft Touch 3. Easy Clean

BEST CAR REPAIR SHOP 1. Levin Tire Center 2. M&M Car Center 3. Crown Point Auto Repair BEST CHILDCARE CENTER 1. Wonder Years Learning Center 2. Wee Care Child Development Center 3. Premier Childcare and Learning Center

BEST CONTRACTOR 1. Powell Construction Greg Powell 2. J Kremke Construction 3. Floors & Kitchens LTD

EDITOR’S CHOICE: BEST OLD-FASHIONED BARBER SHOP Bob’s Place

BEST DOOR AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT 1. Schererville Glass & Mirror 2. Pella Windows 3. Schilling

BEST ELECTRICIAN 1. Mr. Electric 2. Jay Lieser 3. Cedar Electric

BEST PET GROOMING/ BOARDING 1. Munster Animal Hospital 2. Crown Point Animal Hospital 3. Four Paws

services 42

BEST HOME BUILDER 1. Olthoff Homes 2. Cook Builders 3. McFarland Homes

BEST HEATING & COOLING 1. Meyer’s Heating & Cooling 2. Popa Heating & Cooling 3. Cliff’s Heating & Cooling BEST INSURANCE AGENT 1. Jim Miskovich State Farm 2. Brett Huber State Farm 3. Connie Bernardi State Farm BEST KITCHEN/ BATH REMODELING 1. Schilling 2. Maruszczak Appliance Sales Inc. 3. American Home Kitchen & Bath

BEST PLACE FOR AN OIL CHANGE 1. Duke of Oil 2. Oil Express 3. Oil ‘N’ Go

BEST LANDSCAPER 1. Allen Landscape in Highland LLC 2. R.A.L. Landscaping & Garden Center 3. Nature’s Way Landscaping

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

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT 1. Sharon Halliburton, American Homes Real Estate 2. Nick Arnold, Prudential Executive Group 3. Melissa Hickey, RE/MAX Results

BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY 1. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 2. Century 21 Executive Realty 3. RE/MAX Affiliates

BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY 1. Pangere Corporation 2. Precision Construction 3. K&D Development Company

BEST RETIREMENT ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY 1. Hartsfield Village 2. Franciscan Home 3. Wittenburg Village

BEST VETERINARIAN 1. Munster Animal Hospital 2. Community Pet Hospital 2. Glenwood Village Pet Hospital

BEST ROOFER 1. M&M Roofing 2. Rogers Roofing 3. J&J Remodeling

living

BEST APARTMENT COMMUNITY 1. Sherwood Lake Apartments 2. Lakeshore Dunes 3. Lakeview Apartments

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Table of Contents

best pLACe to LIVe 1. Crown Point, Ind. 2. Valparaiso, Ind. 3. St. Joseph, Mich.

best bookstore 1. Borders 2. Barnes & Noble 3. Forever Books

best pLACe to VoLUNteer 1. Humane Society of Northwest Indiana 2. Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana 3. Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana

best pLACe to work 1. Centier Bank 2. Sisters of St. Francis Health Services 3. Community Hospital Network best pLACe to worshIp 1. First united Methodist Church Hammond, Ind. 2. St. John the Baptist Gary, Ind. 3. Family Christian Center, Munster, Ind. best resIdeNtIAL deVeLopmeNt 1. Lake Hills St. John, Ind. 2. Harbor Shores St. Joseph, Mich. 3. Ellendale Farm Crown Point, Ind. best weekeNd getAwAY 1. Saugatuck, Mich. 2. Mackinac Island, Mich. 3. St. Joseph, Mich.

SHOPPING 54

best AppLIANCe store 1. Maruszczak Appliance Sales Inc. 2. Grant’s Appliance 3. Nason’s Appliance best ANtIQUe shop 1. Crown Point Antique Mall 2. Blue Star Antique Pavilion 3. Tish’s Antiques

best Arts & CrAFts store 1. Hobby Lobby 2. Michael’s 3. Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft

best bICYCLe store 1. Trek Bicycle Store 2. Jano Bicycles 3. Harbor Country Bike Shop

best bAbY store 1. Once upon a Child 2. La Dee Da 3. Piper Children’s Boutiques

best mAttress store 1. Bedding Experts 2. Mattress World 3. Lynn’s Bedroom City

best FUrNItUre store 1. Ashley Furniture Homestore 2. Indiana Furniture Showcase 3. Deyoung Interiors

best pet shop 1. PetSmart 2. PETCO 3. Pet Supplies Plus

best motorCYCLe/ oFF-roAd store 1. Harley Davidson 2. Cycle Sport yamaha 3. Maxim Power Sports

best LIghtINg/LAmp/ FAN store 1. Dekker Lighting 2. Lamp Shade House 3. Fashion Lighting

best mUsICAL INstrUmeNt/ pIANo store 1. Woodwind & Brasswind 2. Gratz Piano 3. Roxy Music

best CAr deALer (New) 1. Schepel Auto Group 2. Harbor Auto Group 3. (tie) Christenson Chevrolet Team Auto Group best CAr deALer (Used) 1. Christenson Chevrolet 2. Team Auto Group 3. (tie) Harbor Auto Group Smith Auto Group

best gArdeN/ NUrserY store 1. Alsip Nursery 2. Allen’s Landscape Center 3. Sawyer Garden Center best gAme room eQUIpmeNt/sUppLIes 1. American Sale 2. Great Escape

best CArpet/ FLoorINg store 1. Cover-Rite Carpets and Design Center 2. Carpetland uSA 3. Von Tobel

best gIFt boUtIQUe 1. Cedar Lake Florist & The Added Touch Gifts 2. Maria’s Hallmark 3. Louise’s Hallmark

best CLothINg store – ChILdreN’s 1. Kohl’s 2. JC Penney 3. Highland Kiddie Shop

best CLothINg store – meN’s 1. Kohl’s 2. JC Penney 3. Zandstra’s Store for Men

best Art gALLerY 1. Water Street Gallery 2. Lake Street Gallery 3. Steeple Gallery

best brIdAL/ FormAL weAr shop 1. David’s Bridal 2. Dunhill Tuxedos 3. Char’s

best FLorIst 1. Cedar Lake Florist & The Added Touch Gifts 2. Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn 3. Flowers by Darlene

best pLACe to bUY wINe 1. Tabor Hill 2. WiseGuys Discount Liquors 3. Santori’s Wines & Liquors

best CLothINg store – womeN’s 1. Moxie’s Boutique 2. Beyond Pink 3. DK Boutique best CUstomer serVICe 1. Centier Bank 2. Strack & Van Til 3. Schererville Family Dentistry

best CoNsIgNmeNt store 1. Once upon a Child 2. Hidden Treasures 3. urban Exchange GR

best eLeCtroNICs store 1. Best Buy 2. Hometown Appliance & Electronics 3. Mobile Specialties

best home deCor store 1. Bed, Bath and Beyond 2. Dwellings Home Furniture 3. Old Time Pottery

editor’s choice: best pLACe to pArtY Customs Imports

best home eNtertAINmeNt store 1. Hometown Appliance & Electronics 2. All Around Sound 3. Nason’s Appliance

best home ImproVemeNt store 1. Menards 2. Lowes 3. Home Depot

best hUNtINg/ FIshINg/ oUtdoor store 1. Bass Pro Shop 2. Cabela’s 3. Blythe’s

best jeweLrY store 1. Albert’s Diamond Jewelers 2. Highland Jeweler 3. Sickinger’s Jewelers

best LIQUor store 1. Nick’s Liquors 2. Wise Guy’s Liquors 3. Lambrecht’s Liquors

best pooL store 1. Great Escape 2. American Sale 3. St. John Pool Center

best groCerY store 1. Strack & Van Til 2. Meijer 3. Aldi

best pLACe to bUY meAt ANd poULtrY 1. Welch’s Meats 2. Beef Mart 3. Strack & Van Til

best pLACe to bUY prodUCe 1. Meijer 2. Strack & Van Til 3. Village Farm Stand

best tIre store 1. Levin Tire Center 2. Lake Tire & Marine 3. Mr. Tire Auto Service Centers

best shoe store 1. Shoe Carnival 2. Famous Footwear 3. Barneys Hub Bootery

Thank You For Voting Us

BEST

DEALER

USED CAR

' INDIANAPOLIS

USED CAR

BLVD. HIGHLAND, IN

WWW.CHRISTENSONCHEVY.COM A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Letters from the Publisher & Editor

I have strong opinions about what I believe is best. We are all pretty clear on that. During this year’s contest I was slightly more openminded than usual, due to the fact that even I was having trouble making my own mind up about restaurants in certain categories myself. But once again, I had the benefit of 9,400 voters, who through their 110,000 ballots were more than willing to make their choices for the best known. The big change last year was that we had gone to entirely online voting. This year, the innovation was that we added categories, and in most cases increased the number of nominations on the ballot. This gave greater opportunity to many businesses to come to the attention of our readers. The requirement of voting for a minimum of 20 Bests per email ballot stayed. We continue to believe that not everyone knows everything about everything. You may not have any thoughts about the best assisted living complex in the area, but be thoroughly knowledgeable about tattoo artists. And we continued the tradition established in 2009, that this is the largest circulation publication we do all year—including multiple audiences and distributing across state lines in two directions. The logic is simple and the strong reader participation confirms: Our audience will go out of their way—whether to downtown Chicago or Southwest Michigan—to experience the very best our world has to offer. Out of more than 130 categories on the ballot, 40 are either located in Illinois or Michigan, or they reach out across the country. Once again, Menards topped the home improvement category and Kohl’s is another reader favorite, especially when it comes to men’s and children’s clothing. The wineries in Southwest Michigan—including Round Barn and Tabor Hill—are a hit with everyone, and the top vote-getters in “Weekend Getaway” are in Michigan. But despite explosive growth in the microbrewery competition, Three Floyds in Munster is at the top of the list. We had some new top vote-getters this year, along with the stalwarts. Four Winds Casino, which was the best in seven categories, was our biggest winner with more than 2,700 votes; Vanis, which came in first in both day spa and spa retreat in addition to placing in the hair salon category, was the best choice of more than 1,160 voters. Also, Vanis Salon & Spa in the retreat category got more than 3 times the number of votes as its next closest competitor. Congratulations to Chris and Liz Valvanis and their high-quality operation. And there were impressive wins for Purdue, Strack and Van Til, El Taco Real, Best Buy, Bedding Experts, Centier Bank and Buffalo Wild Wings, which scored more than 1,300 votes in several categories. We hope that you will visit us online throughout the year at nwi.com/bestof, nominate your favorites and suggest how we can make this a stronger test in 2011. For now, our sincere congratulations to all of this year’s winners. And thanks to our readers for voting for your favorites and letting us know what you think. All the best!

Bill Masterson Jr. Publisher

There can be no more fun job in the world than editing an entire issue of Bests. The hardest part is setting up the ballot, because even as you try to be as thorough and thoughtful as possible, as you solicit everybody in the organization, as you try not to misspell words or identify a candidate by two different names, invariably there are errors and discrepancies. Or worse, somebody worthy is just overlooked. Or a business you never dreamed would not survive, didn’t. Fortunately, this year was better for business and readers. The ballots for restaurants had more nominees than ever, and there are a whole bunch of newbies and innovators, and of course, very talented chefs. Getting a revised and renewed ballot posted took days and weeks this year, and tabulating was a more complex process because of our efforts to get it just right. Posting the ballot took hours but tabulating the results took a matter of seconds; the dedication and persistence of the skilled and talented Seth Kramer were once again on display in spite of the tightest, toughest deadline schedules known to online managers anywhere. Also thanks to interactive director Chris Loretto, who has an uncanny ability to juggle multiple projects at once, in spite of frequent new uploads of important implementations. Capturing what’s unique about a Best Of winner in 100 words and turning it around in a few days is a tough job, and we could not have had a better, more flexible writing team than Heather Augustyn [HA], Chaya Babu [CB], Danielle Braff [DB], Lu Ann Franklin [LAF], Mallory Jindra [MJ], Julie Dean Kessler [JDK] and Sharon Biggs Waller [SBW], who turned around more than 130 articles within a very short time period. With the help of our formidable sales teams headed up by advertising director Lisa Daugherty, Valparaiso general manager and retail sales manager Deb Anselm and Crown Point general manager Frank Perea, we delivered the materials to our design and production staff and we owe everything to creative services manager Ami Reese, Niche production manager Tom Kacius, art director Joe Durk and the amazing and incredibly gifted April Burford, who, with excellent support from Niche content managers Kathy MacNeil and Julia Perla, put the entire special issue together in record time. Think of this as a wrap-up of all of the best suggestions, ours and yours. This publication is also a hotspot in cyberspace, a place for us to go and tell each other what we know about where we live. Like any environment, it’s in constant metamorphosis. Look for updates at nwi.com/bestof. Hope you have an outstanding summer full of great holiday weekends!

Pat Colander Associate Publisher and Editor

GINOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Voted a Best Steakhouse

From fresh seafood to juicy prime steaks, we make the home-style cuisine you love daily. All of our main courses are served with our house special marinated peppers, served as you sit down! Our locally owned and operated restaurant offers the best home-style cuisine at the best prices.

Specializing in USDA prime steaks, fresh seafood & pasta Full bar Exceptional wine list Live Entertainment Friday & Saturday 1259 US 30 | Dyer, IN | 219.865.3854 600 East 81st | Merrillville, IN | 219.769.4466 | ginossteakhouse.com A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

best ��

Entertainment

BANQUET FACILITY Avalon Manor Banquet Center 3550 US Hwy 30 Merrillville, Ind. 219.945.0888 theavalonmanor.com

From the elegant foyer to the more than 16,500 square feet of meeting space, Avalon Manor Banquet Center creates the perfect atmosphere for any event, whether it’s a gathering of 20 or 1,200. In addition to the area’s largest freestanding facility, Avalon’s picturesque gazebo overlooking a peaceful pond and fountain also provides a park-like setting for outdoor events. “Thanks to all our dedicated customers and the community of Northwest Indiana for choosing us as their favorite banquet facility,” says general manager Peter Kaiafas. Let Avalon Manor make your special event a wonderful memory. –LAF

White Hawk Country Club

1001 White Hawk Dr Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.2323 whitehawkcountryclub.com

best ��

pLACE FOr BAChELOr/ BAChELOrETTE pArTY Four Winds Casino Resort fourwindscasino.com (see story on page 12)

sECONd pLACE

Howl at the Moon 26 W Hubbard St Chicago, Ill. 312.863.7427 howlatthemoon.com

best ��

N County Line Rd, Portage, Ind. nps.gov

art of America’s National Park system, West Beach hugs Lake Michigan in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter County and connects with Marquette Park’s beaches in the Miller section of Gary. Swim in the cool waters of Lake Michigan during warm weather or walk along the sandy shores of West Beach any time of year. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. While you’re at this “Best Beach” winner, you can hike through the dunes along the many marked trails or fish at nearby Long Lake. Bird watching is another popular activity along the shoreline and marked trails. –LAF

sECONd pLACE

905 E Joliet St Schererville, Ind. 219.865.9411

777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 866.711.7463 horseshoehammond.com

100 Marquette Dr New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.1522 cityofnewbuffalo.com

best ��

BOWLING ALLEY Stardust Bowl 2 locations Stardust Bowl II 3925 US Hwy 30 Merrillville, Ind. 219.942.0432

Stardust Bowl III 1330 Sheffield Ave Dyer, Ind. 219.322.3666 bowlstardust.com

Silver Beach

West Beach Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

ThIrd pLACE

Horseshoe Casino

ThIrd pLACE

BEACh

sECONd pLACE

Halls of St. George

ThIrd pLACE

New Buffalo Beach

sECONd pLACE or more than Lakeview Lanes 45 years, 229 Center St Stardust Bowl Douglas, Mich. has been a 269.857.1107 recreational destination for generations of bowlers. Started by Ray Barton in 1964, the Stardust Bowl facilities in Dyer and Merrillville are owned today by Ray’s grandchildren, siblings Bruce and Barbara Barton. “We work very hard to do what’s right for the customer,” says Todd Bredar, vice president of Stardust Bowl. “We have many repeat customers and they tell other people about their positive experiences here.” In addition to serving families and bowling leagues, Stardust Bowl also offers facilities for corporate events, birthday parties, fundraisers and school outings. –LAF

333 Broad St St. Joseph, Mich. 269.982.8500 berriencounty.org

best ��

BEd & BrEAKFAsT The Inn at Aberdeen

3158 S State Rd 2 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.3753 innataberdeen.com The Inn at Aberdeen offers the finest accommodations and services to pamper you. As the “Best Bed & Breakfast,” this Valparaiso retreat features 11 suites with private bath and Jacuzzi for two, fireplace and balcony as well as either one king bed or two queen-sized beds. Awaken to fresh roasted and ground coffee with your full gourmet breakfast. Enjoy the gazebo in the gardens, solarium or library. Scheduled throughout the year, Bill’s Supper Clubs offer themed

ThIrd pLACE

Westchester Lanes & Lounge 124 N 8th St Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.2523 westchesterlanes.com

editor’s choice

wine-tasting dinners. Groups can also plan their own mystery dinners or luncheons. The Inn is also the perfect place to hold meetings and conferences. –LAF

best ��

MAIN sTrEET IN shOrELANd

sECONd pLACE

Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast 938 Center St P.O. Box 315 Saugatuck, Mich. 800.838.1246 sherwoodforestbandb.com

Center Street

Downtown Douglas, Mich.

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Duneland Beach Inn 3311 Pottawattomie Tr Michigan City, Ind. 219.874.7729 dunelandbeachinn.com

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CAMpING sITE Indiana Dunes State Park 1600 N 25 E Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.1952 in.gov duneland.com

photo by JOHN LUKE

he Indiana Dunes State Park boasts 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic, and amazingly unique Hoosier landscape. It llies ies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. Named “Best Camping Site,” the Dunes State Park provides 140 electric sites and the Nissaki Youth Tent Area. Among the activities this state park offers are a Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Service, picnic areas and shelters, access to the Calumet Trail with nine miles of hiking, cross-coun-

try skiing, smelt fishing and swimming in Lake Michigan. –LAF

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Warren Dunes

12032 Red Arrow Hwy Sawyer, Mich. 269.426.4013 dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails

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Campit

6635 118th Ave Fennville, Mich. 877.226.7481 campitresort.com

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pLACE FOr A ChILd’s BIrThdAY pArTY Deep River Waterpark

9001 E Lincoln Hwy Crown Point, Ind. (4-1/2 miles east of I-65 on US Hwy 30) 219.947.7850 deepriverwaterpark.com

A SpeciAl Speci publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

ow in its 15th season, Deep River Waterpark has become Indiana’s premier water park and a Midwest

favorite. Chosen “Best Place for a Child’s Birthday Party,” this Lake County Parks facility offers the most “SPLASHtastic” birthday specials that include admission, a reserved party table, a meal package, ice cream coupons and special prizes and surprises for the birthday boy or girl. There’s lots to do at Deep River Waterpark, from the Dragon Speed Slides to the Mid-America’s Great River Ride when the park opens on Friday, May 28. Book your child’s special celebration at least 10 days in advance. –LAF

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Funflatables 2 locations 101 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.322.5333

At Southlake Mall 1923 Southlake Mall Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.7777 funflatables.org

Two of the best galleries anywhere anchor the three blocks that run through the heart of the twin city to the more famous saugatuck on the other side of the inlet harbor. rubinkam studio/ Gallery (rubinkam.com) and durenda Walker’s Joys of Life Artful Gifts emporium envelop the corner at the far east end (20 East) of Center. The place is stocked with one-of-a-kind clever bits of everyday objects, photographic prints, and the work of talented friends of steve and durenda and rubinkam’s own irrepressibly happy—in spite of the artist’s occasional bouts of dourness—impressionist work. Ten steps down the road, where lunch and dinner are served in a courtyard garden, Wild dog Grille’s (thewilddoggrille. com) menu bursts with food and beverages made from locally grown produce including grapes and meats and poultry born and raised at nearby farms and grilled to order. seafood is excellent as well. directly across the street is phillip & son Jewelry (25 West), a favorite for handbags, jewelry and other indispensible accessories. don’t forget to stop in respite (48 West) for a cappuccino and maybe an omelet and Thistle Gallery (10 West) with traditional art coming into a new life. You may already know that Water street Gallery (98 West) at the Welcome Center point was a selection for “Best Gallery,” and one of the reasons is the variety of media used by a very eclectic and versatile group of artists featured at Water street (waterstreetgallery.com), including Catherine Maize, Mary hatch, Melissa Chandon and stephen hansen.

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Entertainment ThIrd pLACE

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FEsTIVAL Pierogi Fest

119th St and Indianapolis Blvd Whiting, Ind. pierogifest.net The Whiting Pierogi Fest, with almost 200,000 attendees every year, is a way for the city to celebrate its heritage and have a little fun! Because of the large Eastern European population in Whiting, the community remembers its ethnic roots, via the pierogi as a symbol, and spends three days singing, dancing, telling stories, and of course eating, all while being surrounded by people dressed in babushkas and as life-size versions of these delicious dumplings. Mr. Pierogi, a cultural icon, is always present with the tale of how the Pierogi Fest originated, but the highlight of the festival is the Friday night Polka Parade. The old and the young alike will enjoy the merriment. This year’s 16th Annual Pierogi Fest will take place from July 23 to 25. –CB

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Popcorn Festival

Downtown Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.8332 valparaisoevents.com

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Taste of Chicago

Grant Park/Loop Chicago, Ill. 312.744.3315 tasteofchicago.us

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

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

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COUNTrY CLUB White Hawk Country Club

1001 White Hawk Dr Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.2323 whitehawkcountryclub.com Surrounded by beautiful homes and a 36-hole semiprivate championship golf course, White Hawk Country Club offers elegant banquet facilities, delicious dining at its restaurants and a golf pro shop head by Steve Smead, director of golf. This year, White Hawk took top honors in two categories in “The Best of 2010” contest: “Best Country Club” and “Best Golf Course.” These honors reflect the quality people have come to expect from White Hawk, Smead says. “We strive to provide products and services that put us above the rest,” he says. “We like to think of ourselves as a leader in the field and it’s nice to see that we are recognized for that.” Designed by Tim and Dick Nugent, the White Hawk Golf Course features bent grass and is one of the highestrated

in the state. The Country Club boasts a banquet room that seats 50 to 230 and is perfect for weddings, meetings and other special events. The dining room and the bar & grill are open to the public and offer a variety of cuisine and drinks. On Wednesday evenings there’s a pasta buffet, while on Friday, guests can enjoy all-you-caneat seafood with crab legs. For golfers’ convenience, the dining room opens early. –LAF

they want at their special gatherings. Headed by Chris Pahl of Valparaiso, this “Best of 2010” DJ service offers six main shows with high-end sound and LED lighting equipment. “Our business has doubled each of the three years we’ve been around,” Pahl says of his company. In addition, the Party People website features videos of shows and testimonials. Look for the Party People on the Web and at area bridal shows. –LAF

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430 N Dwiggins Ave Griffith, Ind. 219.924.7138

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

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Sand Creek Country Club 1001 Sand Creek Dr Chesterton, Ind. 219.395.5200 sandcreek.com

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The Party People Valparaiso, Ind. 219.309.1242 bestpartypeople.com

From a small, elegant dinner to the look and sounds of a hip, hit nightclub, the Party People DJ Service offers clients just exactly what

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A Sound Decision

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Dynamic Music 656 Franklin St Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.9237

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dOWNTOWN Crown Point, Ind. Crown Point Chamber of Commerce

Old Courthouse Square, Room 206 219.663.1800 crownpointguide.com

rown Point’s downtown is a quaint throwback to yesteryear, with pleasant shops surrounding the historic courthouse. Jennifer Young, director of special events for Crown Point, says, “The downtown in Crown Point is a perfect setting for all of our special events, because

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it brings visitors back to a time in the past, and gives them a chance to make new memories. We have our car cruise on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., our Farmers’ Market starts in June on Saturdays, and we have parades, festivals, and people just enjoy the downtown. Plus, we have the best scenic view of the courthouse, and it’s really awe-inspiring.” Crown Point Mayor David Uran says, “We do a lot of family-oriented activities downtown. We’ve added a St. Patrick’s Day parade in the evening so people have something to do downtown in the winter season, we do a National Day of Prayer, we have our Fourth of July parade, and last year the National Softball Association Girls World Series held their opening ceremonies downtown and 8,000 people came out for that from five or six area states. So these are events we constantly do to promote our family atmosphere here in Crown Point. We couldn’t do it without the help of the different businesses that participate, which puts people in front of their stores, so we cross-promote what they’re doing and what we’re doing for the city. We keep our downtown very clean and updated and it’s a great destination point.” –HA

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Valparaiso, Ind. Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce 162 W Lincolnway 219.462.1105 valparaisochamber.org

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Chicago, Ill. Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

200 E Randolph St, Ste 2200 312.494.6700 chicagolandchamber.org

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GOLF COUrsE White Hawk Country Club

1001 White Hawk Dr Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.2323 whitehawkcountryclub.com

(see story page 10)

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Harbor Shores

301 State St St Joseph, Mich. 269.932.1600 harborshoresresort.com

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Aberdeen

245 Tower Rd Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.5050 golfataberdeen.com

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hOTEL

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Four Winds Casino Resort

COUNTRY CLUB

fourwindscasino.com (see story on page 12)

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Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza

800 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.6311 radisson.com/merrillvillein

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Boulevard Inn & Bistro 521 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, Mich. 269 .983.6600 theboulevardinn.com

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CAsINO Four Winds Casino Resort

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

uilt on 700 fabulous acres in Southwest Michigan, Four Winds Casino Resort has become a Midwest destination. Subtle touches throughout the property reflect the Native American heritage of the owners, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, which is a federally recognized Indian tribe with more than 3,000 enrolled citizens. This 250,000-square foot luxurious land-based property features a renowned casino, a variety of restaurants with cuisines for every palate, tasteful gift shops and a magnificent hotel. Open just three years, Four Winds garnered first place in an astounding seven categories in the 2010 “Best Of ” contest. These honors included Best Place for a Bachelor/ Bachelorette Party, Best Casino, Best Casino Slots, Best Casino Table Games, Best Casino Dining, Best Casino Poker and Best Hotel.

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

In fact, Four Winds received 2,758 votes in those seven categories—the most ever cast for one business in the contest’s history. “We at Four Winds are very humbled by the recognition Times readers have given us,” says general manager Matt Harkness. “These awards show us that we are achieving our mission The World Poker Tour Poker Room at Four of great customer Winds Casino Resort. service.” Harkness credits the casino/resort’s staff for the accomplishments of Four want to celebrate special moments in Winds. “Our property is absolutely life, such as a bachelor or bachelorette beautiful with modern décor and the party, he says. “We are known for our finest amenities, but it is the quality gaming, but we have a cachet as being of our staff that makes the difference,” the hip place, not just for one generaHarkness says.“We have an outstandtion, but for multiple generations,” ing team of professionals who provide Harkness says. “Four Winds is the outstanding service.” perfect place to have that special party.” When Four Winds management The Four Winds Casino Resort was hiring staff, they “looked for heart, features “a wide spectrum of gaming for people with great service skills,” opportunities,” Harkness says, such Harkness says. “Most of our staff hadn’t as 3,000 slot machines and 100 table had experience in the gaming industry, games including Blackjack, Hi-Tie but their skills in customer service are Blackjack, Craps, No Way Craps, extremely important to us. We get Bonus Craps, Three Card Poker, Pai compliments about our staff all the Gow Poker, Crazy Four, Let It Ride, time.” Four Winds has 1,700 full- and Mini and Midi Baccarat, Roulette and part-time employees. Vegas Star Electronic Roulette. Four Each one of the “Best Of ” awards Winds Casino Resort also features the provides recognition of the amenities new World Poker Tour All-In Hold that are an integral part of Four Winds ’Em, a new live action poker-based Casino Resort, Harkness says. As the table game that gives players an op“Best Casino,” Four Winds competed portunity to play heads up against the against the riverboat casinos in Indiana dealer rather than against other players as the Midwest’s premier land-based seated around the table. casino. “We’ve designed every aspect of The Four Winds Casino Resort, this casino to please our customers. We along with over 300 other tribal casinos believe it is a step up to a memorable across the nation, belongs to a 16-state gaming experience.” Native American progressive gaming Four Winds caters to those who network. Any time a coin is played in

a linked machine, anywhere in the network, the cumulative jackpot continues to grow until it is won. Four Winds is the only casino in the region to feature the wide-area progressives. “We offer the best selection of slots from $100 to one penny and everything in between,” Harkness says. “We have the best variety of penny machines in the marketplace. These penny slots are becoming so popular with everyone.” Players at Four Winds can also experience the excitement of three entirely new categories of slot game play from Chicago-based WMS Gaming. Slots such as Monopoly Big Event, Wizard of Oz and Super Money Grab provide unique player experiences and represent the next generation in casino entertainment. In addition, WMS is supplying dozens of other favorites at Four Winds, including Life of Luxury, Hot Hot Super Jackpot and Hot Hot Penny. “We bring in the newest products offered by manufacturers,” Harkness says. The W Club is the ultimate player loyalty card, offering more flexibility and more control of earned points and complimentary perks. Enrollment is

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

photo courtesy of FOUR WINDS CASINO

Entertainment

free and player cards are available at any club booth in the casino. There are two tiers to the W Club—Red and Copper. W Club members elevate from the base Red tier level to elite Copper membership status with 150,000 points earned in a calendar year. Copper tier members receive exclusive access into the Players Lounge, featuring a complimentary buffet and well-stocked cash bar. Copper tier members also receive priority first floor parking on weekends and holidays, front-of-line privileges at the Buffet and Cashiers Cage, a 20 percent discount at Four Winds Outfitters and Kids Quest and access to a personal executive host.

here’s a restaurant for every taste at Four Winds, which is why Four Winds won the “Best Casino Dining” award this year, Harkness says. The Copper Rock Steakhouse defines elegant dining in the Midwest, he says. This traditional whitetablecloth steakhouse with leather overstuffed seating features 28-day aged prime steaks, succulent coldwater lobsters and gourmet desserts created daily by pastry chefs. The new “Copper Classic” three-course dinner menu is available Sunday through Friday. This gourmet restaurant also boasts a private wine cellar with 450 wines available by the bottle or glass as well as a private “Chef ’s Table.” “Stop by the bar in Copper Rock Steakhouse for pre-dinner martinis, or an after-dinner cognac,” Harkness says. The Buffet is a high-energy buffet with a variety of cooking stations and dishes from around the world. Among the tasty selec-

tions are prime rib and shrimp along with an enhanced seafood selection, including crab legs on Friday and Saturday evenings. “Experience a different feast each day,” Harkness says. The weekend brunch menu features a madeto-order omelet station, while an enhanced seafood buffet is offered on select days. Silver Creek Bistro is a cozy spot nestled between the gaming floor and hotel check-in. The bistro offers Starbucks coffee, and an all-day eclectic menu starts with European-style pastries in the morning and evolves to light lunches and sandwiches in the afternoon. In the evening, guests can cap off the night with petite specialty desserts and wine by the glass. Willowbrook Café serves up comfort food in a relaxed, casual environment. Breakfast is served all day and specials include stuffed pork chops, New York strip, pot roast, BBQ ribs, soups, salads and an extensive Asian and sushi menu. Timbers Fast Food & Deli allows guests to choose from an array of menu items, including hotdogs, fries, pastrami and rye and mile-high deli sandwiches. The raised gazebo-shaped outlet has exposed wooden beams and an expansive view of the casino floor. And Grab ’N’ Go at Four Winds Casino Resort is fast food done right. Eating out at Grab ’N’ Go is the way to enjoy a quick, delicious bite between games. Satisfy your hunger for delicious food, then head back to the casino floor for more winning excitement. Finally, Four Winds Casino Resort won the “Best Hotel” category in this year’s competition. “We have a spectacular hotel with suites, high-end amenities and it’s all near the casino, shopping and

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

dining,” Harkness says. Four Winds Casino Resort’s suite-hotel features 165 rooms with 98 suites. Each room includes granite counter tops, leather wrapped headboards, 14-inch deep pillow-top mattresses, flat screen high-definition TV, coffee makers and complimentary Starbucks coffee. All suites have a curved walkin shower, whirlpool jets and a wet bar with a refrigerator and microwave. In addition, all rooms include all of the amenities guests expect, including complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access and in-room safes. Handicapaccessible suites are available upon request. Among the room/suite choices are the standard room, the junior suite, the deluxe suite and the celebrity suite. Four Winds Casino Resort is easily accessible by taking I-94 to Exit 1 as you cross from Indiana into Michigan. There is also bus and shuttle service to Four Winds. “Enter Four Winds by traveling down the tree-lined drive. Relax and prepare to enjoy our many fine amenities,” Harkness says. “You’ll come back again and again.” –LAF

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Four Winds Casino Resort

CAsINO dINING fourwindscasino.com (see story on page 12)

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Horseshoe Casino

horseshoehammond.com

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Blue Chip

CAsINO sLOTs fourwindscasino.com

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Blue Chip

bluechipcasino.com

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Horseshoe Casino

horseshoehammond.com

bluechipcasino.com

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CAsINO pOKEr

CAsINO TABLE GAMEs

Four Winds Casino Resort

fourwindscasino.com

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Blue Chip

bluechipcasino.com

fourwindscasino.com (see story, page xx)

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Blue Chip

bluechipcasino.com

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Blue Chip

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

Horseshoe Casino

horseshoehammond.com

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Horseshoe Casino

horseshoehammond.com

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Horseshoe Casino

777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 866.711.7463 horseshoehammond.com

beStof.WebSite | may 30, 2010

Entertainment pErsON TO FOLLOW ONLINE Tommy Allen

Levitation Grand Rapids levitationstaging.com

If it seems like Tommy Allen is everywhere— and I see him on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, you name it—it is because he truly is. Even if he has not provided the lights, stage, camera and action for the truly important place to be seen—he will be seen there, nevertheless. His profile on mlive.com says that his job is really hard to define. But his official company is Levitation, which is very good at strategically engineering creative new events, or mastering and enhancing events and parties that are already classics. -PC

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LOTTErY Hoosier Lottery hoosierlottery.com

he Hoosier Lottery provides fun and entertaining games for the people of Indiana. Starting in October of 1989, the lottery has been working with 4,000 retailers throughout the state and awards lucky players with prizes. On top of bringing a little excitement to the state, tickets have also lowered excise taxes, bolstered pension and disability funds for Hoosier police and firefighters, and helped fund other projects in Indiana. –CB

place on Memorial Day Weekend, without paying for lodging. The Bentwood Tavern at the Marina Grand Resort is right down the street and is a great option for your boating day lunch. Come into the marina and take advantage of a day in New Buffalo! –CB

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

Thrd pLACE

West Basin Marina 272 Marina Dr St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.5432

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Illinois Lottery illinoislottery.com

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Michigan Lottery michigan.gov/lottery

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MArINA New Buffalo Marina

100 W Water St New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.6887 newbuffalo.com/public-dock. shtml The marina in New Buffalo is a beautiful site on Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast. Located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, parks and beaches, the marina provides great access to all of New Buffalo’s attractions and activities. With day-use dockage, anyone can enjoy refreshing outdoor recreation such as the Turtle Pond Nature Trail or the St. Mary’s Festival, which takes

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

best ��

MOVIE ThEATEr

Aretha Franklin entertains at The Venue.

best ��

LIVE ENTErTAINMENT VENUE The Venue at the Horseshoe 777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, Ind. 219.473.6060 horseshoehammond.com

T K Kerasotes Theatres kerasotes.com

erasotes Theatres is an independent theater chain in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. They have been bringing entertainment on the big screen to people for over 100 years, and they currently have 957 screens and 95 on the way. The company is also in the process of incorporating art, alternative, foreign and other “specialized” films into the programming at selected theaters across the Midwest. Theaters are equipped with dynamic digital stereo sound systems for maximum sound quality. –CB

he Venue at horseshoe casino in hammond is Northwest indiana’s premier live entertainment theater, seating more than 3,300. the lobby, which is three levels, has Led-pixeled walls, and a 3,500-square-foot ViP area hosts six suites, three rows of seats, and a salon with plush couches and plasma televisions. Guests can enjoy the show in a luxurious yet comfortable setting. some summer highlights at the Venue include Patti LaBelle, the comedians of chelsea Lately, studio 54 disco Night featuring the Afrodisiacs, Blondie and many others. tickets are available through ticketmaster, and the Venue box office is open on sunday and Monday. –cB

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Center for Visual & Performing Arts 1040 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.1930 cvpa.org

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Lake County Fairgrounds 889 S Court St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.3071 crownpoint.net/ fairgrounds.htm

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

photo [this page bottom] courtesy of TOMMY ALLEN, [top] NATALIE BATTAGLIA; [opposite page] by JOE ZIOLKOWSKI, THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

editor’s choice best ��

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Portage 16 IMAX 6550 US Hwy 6 Portage, Ind. 219.764.7469 gqti.com

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Vickers Theatre 6 N Elm St Three Oaks, Mich. 269.756.3522 vickerstheatre.com

BEST

MUsEUM Museum of Science & Industry 5700 S Lake Shore Dr Chicago, Ill. 773.684.1414 msichicago.org

Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry is one of the world’s largest science museums, with more than 35,000 artifacts in the nearly 14 acres of creativity and innovation. The museum’s vision is to inspire children whose dreams lie in the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine to pursue their

goals by providing a place to explore and nurture their intellectual curiosity. Permanent exhibits at the museum, such as U-505 Submarine, the only German U-boat in the United States, are accompanied by many changing temporary exhibits, like the current Science Storms, which encompasses more than 50 experiments and takes up 26,000 square feet on two floors. Also happening now are the Smart Home: Green & Wired and YOU! The Experience exhibits. In addition, visitors can also enjoy a range of other events, live science experiences, and performances in the Omnimax Theater. The Museum of Science & Industry is open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas. —CB

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Chicago Children’s Museum 700 E Grand Ave Chicago, Ill. 312.527.1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

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Krasl Art Center 707 Lake Blvd St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.0271 krasl.org

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Entertainment editor’s choice best ��

LITErArY LANdMArK

Marquette Park Lagoon and Pavilion

Miller Beach, Ind. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller_Beach Miller Beach in Indiana was a serious beach retreat community long before the blossoming of upper southwestern Michigan. That’s how close it is to Chicago and the city literati discovered it with the rest of the artists that like to flock to affordable seaside communities in the summer along with everyone else. Nelson Algren, who had become a somewhat famous poet/novelist writing about gritty Chicago (The Man with the Golden Arm, A Walk on the Wild Side, City on the Make), moved into a little house with an outdoor brick barbecue that backed up onto the Marquette park Lagoon—about a two-block walk from the Lake street beach. In the summer of 1950 Algren brought simone de Beauvoir (The Second Sex) to the cottage and, according to folklore on the subject, asked her to marry him (and give up her other boyfriend, existentialist guru Jean-paul sartre and their life together in paris). she declined, and in subsequent books in which she included details of the affair (The Mandarins), she gave some reasons why. Algren was aggrieved and never forgave her for using their time together in a prize-winning book. The house is still standing and the lagoon is more beautiful than ever, now that debra Carrington, the new executive director of the Marquette park pavilion, is bringing in gondolas, movie nights and other events. This is part of U.s. representative peter J. Visclosky’s Marquette plan, which includes a million-dollar facelift for the park venue building, destined to make everything even more romantic. -pC

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

best ��

NIGhTCLUB

pUBLIC ArT dIspLAY

Buddy & Pals 3 locations buddyandpals.com 1206 E Summit St Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.0088 340 US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.8377 10685 Randolph St Winfield, Ind. 219.661.0088

uddy & Pal’s, a Northwest Indiana bar with three locations, is a reliable source of no-hassle fun for any beer- or liquor-lover, or even those who just want to enjoy a live band, dance to what the DJ’s spinning, or watch a big NASCAR race. There are specials nightly, with draft beers starting at $1 and mixed drinks starting at $2 depending on the day, and the bars also serve food. On some nights, patrons can sip on “Retropolitans” and “Mudsharks” or even come in for “Margarita & Manicure Night.” And ladies, if manicures aren’t your thing, there’s also a Daisy Duke contest! –CB

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Hooligans

1506 E 83rd Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.9133

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TJ Maloney’s 800 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.755.0569 tjmaloneys.com

best ��

pLACE FOr A pICNIC/ rEUNION Wicker Memorial Park

8554 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.838.3420 wickermemorialpark.com Owned and operated by the North Township trustee’s office, Wicker Memorial Park is the “Best Place for a Picnic or Family Reunion.” Each picnic area contains five picnic tables and a grill, and can be rented from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can also rent a pavilion that holds up to 400 people, two shelters that accommodate 100 people, or a breezeway that has room for 80 people. Other park amenities include an 18-hole golf course, three miles of trails, volleyball and tennis courts, a dog run, playground, picnic areas, banquet facilities and a one-of-a-kind Splash Pad. –LAF

sECONd pLACE

Lake County Fairgrounds 889 S Court St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.3071 lake-county-fair.com

ThIrd pLACE

Oval Beach 698 Water St Saugatuck, Mich.

St. Joseph Public Art Display Downtown St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.5541 sjcity.com

t. Joseph, Michigan, is going to the dogs during the 6th annual public art display, Hot Diggity Dogs. The display won the “Best Public Art Display” for 2010. “Public art has been successful in bringing visitors to our downtown. It is important to continue projects such as public art in order to sustain a viable downtown,” says Bob Gerbel, president of the St. Joseph Improvement Association that provided financial assistance. Six different breeds are part of the public art display, with 30 total dogs to be painted. They include basset hounds, Great Danes, bulldogs, huskies, Newfoundlands, and even a mutt. –LAF

sECONd pLACE

4th Friday Arts Downtown Square Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.3290 4thfridayarts.com

ThIrd pLACE

South Shore Arts

1040 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.1839 southshoreartsonline.org

A special

best ��

WI-FI hANGOUT Panera Bread panerabread.com

Panera Bread Bakerycafes offer an everyday oasis, a place to gather with friends or enjoy a quiet moment alone. And this year, Panera Bread topped the list as the “Best Wi-Fi hangout.” customers enjoy the private areas and the upholstered arm chairs that flank occasional tables to create a nook for reading or computer work. From morning to night-time, the cafes play host to those who bring in their laptops and connect to the free Wi-Fi system to work, do research for school projects or just surf the Web. Based in Missouri, Panera Bread operates 1,388 company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. –LAF

sECONd pLACE

The South Bend Chocolate Café 122 S Michigan St South Bend, Ind. 574.287.0725 sbchocolate.com

ThIrd pLACE

A Conservative Café 201 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.1700 conservativecafe.com

“Thanks” to everyone for voting

best ��

pUBLIC GArdEN

16TH

ANNU

Chicago Botanic Garden

their favorite Bowling Center 16 years in a row

1000 Lake Cook Rd Glencoe, Ill. 847.835.5440 chicagobotanic.org

he Chicago Botanic Garden, which takes up 385 acres on Illinois’ North Shore and is situated on nine islands surrounded by lakes, celebrates the science, joy and conservation of nature’s plants. This unique setting magnifies the beauty of the 24 garden displays and three native habitats. Started by the Chicago Horticultural Society, which had the groundbreaking in 1965, the gardens are a haven for worldrenowned plant and flower collections. For animal lovers, this large floral kingdom is also home to 225 species of birds and myriad other wildlife, from coyotes and eastern cottontails to tiger swallowtail butterflies. The gardens are open daily in the summer, and the numerous pathways covering the grounds make them ideal for a relaxing stroll or organized walking tour, but biking and riding the tram are options as well. —CB

sECONd pLACE

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

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Go beyond our monthly magazine with Shorelines, our free weekly e-newsletter! Plan your weekend events, read exclusive articles, receive party invitations and more. Sign up at visitshoremagazine.com

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1000 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, Mich. 616.957.1580 meijergardens.org

ThIrd pLACE

Shrine of Christ’s Passion 10630 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.6010 shrineofchristspassion.org

visitshoremagazine.com nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

best ��

Beauty & Wellness

daY Spa Vanis

3 locations vanis.net 107 N Main St, Ste A Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.5200 221 US Hwy 41, Ste J Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5600 1620 Country Club Rd Ste A Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.6414

SECONd plaCE

State of Mind

Crownhurst Centre 111 W 94th Ave Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.7317 stateofmindsalonspa.com

ThIRd plaCE

Spa Blu

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

nder the direction of owner Chris Valavanis, Vanis Services has grown from a small salon with a staff of three in 1985 to three convenient locations in Schererville, Valparaiso and historic downtown Crown Point. And in the 2010 “Best of the Region” contest, Vanis won the top spot in the Best Spa and Best Spa Retreat categories. Each salon features an interior design with natural forms, wood and stainless steel—all set in the gentle palette of natural colors to enhance a calming effect on the mind and body. An array of spa packages are designed to provide the perfect experience for any occasion, and include a Full-Day Retreat, a Half-Day Retreat, Mini-Day Retreat, Men’s Day Retreat and Bridal Packages. Spa treatments at Vanis feature full-body wraps and body masks. A new service at Vanis Salons is the Rewards Card. Clients earn points for services and retail purchases, and for each referral. There’s no need to enroll or even keep track of points— Vanis keeps track of everything for clients. Custom Gift Sets and gift cards for business clients or employees are also available through a Vanis Corporate Concierge at each location. –LAF

Vein Center of NWI, Laser & Cosmetic Institute

1000 E 80th Pl, Ste 308 Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.8118 veinandcosmetics.com

n the past 3 years, under the direction of Vimal Pathak, M.D., and Amjad Alkadri, M.D., the Vein Center of Northwest Indiana has grown to unprecedented levels. As a direct result of patient satisfaction, the Center is now the number one leading vein center to offer laser ablation of varicose veins in Northwest Indiana. The advanced laser treatments focus on the aging process and include laser hair removal, laser treatment for spider veins, facial laser Genesis, skin rejuvenation, laser skin tightening, 3-D laser treatment, and Pearl Procedure for treatment of deep wrinkles and aging spots—all in an outpatient setting. –LAF

SECONd plaCE

Laser Cosmetic & Aesthetic Centers of America 13 US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.4777 laserskinclinic.net

photo [left] by ROBERT WRAY; [right] courtesy of VEIN CENTER Of NWI, LASER & COSMETIC INSTITUTE

best ��

COSMETIC SURGEON/ SURGERY CENTER

best ďż˝ďż˝

haIR SalON Texture Pointe Salon 2062 45th St Highland, Ind. 219.924.4656

ow in its 12th year, Texture Pointe Salon has been named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Hair Salonâ&#x20AC;? by readers of the Times. Owners Julie Compton and Joanne Lane are committed to providing outstanding service and the latest techniques in hair styling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Number one is about customer service,â&#x20AC;? Compton says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joanne and I have been partners for 20 years and we have lots of clients who have been with us that long, their families, friends and coworkers, too.â&#x20AC;? The seven-station salon specializes in haircuts and coloring and offers a variety of packages, waxing and makeup. The salon also sponsors charitable events. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;LAF

SECONd plaCE

Vanis - Schererville

best ďż˝ďż˝

Spa RETREaT Vanis

vanis.net (see story on page 18)

SECONd plaCE

Spa Reverie

spareverie.com

(see story on page 22)

ThIRd plaCE (TIE)

Spa Blu/ Blue Chip Casino bluechipcasino.com

ThIRd plaCE

Riah Hair Salon 8025 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.6123 riahsalon.com

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hEalTh & FITNESS ClUB Omni 41 Health & Fitness Connection 221 US 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.6969 omni41.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We at Omni 41 are pleased to receive the Best of the Region Award from Times readers for the 16th year in a row,â&#x20AC;? says Marci Crozier, general manager. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is our honor to serve the community and our members. To be recognized for being the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is considered a privilege by Saint Margaret Mercyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive staff and Omni 41â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employee team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This award proves that it is not about the bricks and mortar that make our facility. It is truly our customer service, diligence in staying in tune with industry trends, energy and spirit that keep members coming back.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;LAF

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HEARING SCREENING

Hearing Screenings are for hearing aid selection and not for medical diagnosis of hearing loss

VIDEO OTOSCOPY

See inside your ear canal on screen. Your hearing loss may be caused by simple wax build-up.

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SECONd plaCE

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

ThIRd plaCE

Cardinal Fitness 5 locations cardinalfitness.com

State of Mind

stateofmindsalonspa.com

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Beauty & Wellness best ��

hEalTh FOOd STORE

best ��

hEaRING aId CENTER Accuquest Hearing Center

2 Locations 2148 45th St, Highland, Ind. 219.922.4633

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 Baum’s Natural Foods specializes in wellness and education. All three locations offer vitamins, supplements and natural packaged foods. Among the products found on the store’s shelves are baby care items, braces, books, candles, cleaners, drink mixes and energy products. Baum’s also features a juice bar, Ion Cleanse Detox Foot Bath that removes harmful stored toxins, massage, reflexology, acupuncture, body wraps, a Far Infrared Sauna, ear candling, hair analysis, live blood cell testing and certified nutritionist consultations. Other services include consulting and special orders as well as commercial accounts, free catalogs, free parking and volume pricing. –LAF

SECONd plaCE

At Nature’s Door

5830 US Hwy 6, Portage, Ind. 219.762.7025

ThIRd plaCE

Au Naturel Market

1708 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.1984 aunaturelmarket.com

ith two locations in Northwest Indiana, Accuquest Hearing Center is part of a national corporation that offers hope to those with hearing losses, and Times readers voted Accuquest the “Best Hearing Aid Center” in the 2010 contest. Both the facilities and the patient coordinators are top-notch, because Accuquest hopes to meet every need that comes through the doors. Accuquest’s staff pairs the latest technology with each patient’s lifestyle to improve the quality of clients’ lives, but “If we can’t give you new ears, we want you to have the next best thing” is a corporate motto. – LAF

SECONd plaCE

Professional Hearing Management 2601 Beech St Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.9580

ThIRd plaCE

Clear Ear Hearing Aid Center 827 W Glen Park Ave Griffith, Ind. 219.934.9747

best ��

plaCE TO hIKE/JOG/BIKE Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, Ind., 219.926.1952, duneland.com

ndiana Dunes State Park features 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape. This “Best Of” winner for 2010 includes more than three SECONd plaCE miles of beautiful beach Warren Dunes along Lake Michigan’s State Park southern shore. The Dunes Nature 12032 Red Arrow Hwy Preserve encompasses 1,530 acres Sawyer, Mich. 269.426.4013 that allow visitors to explore dnr.state.mi.us/ the wilderness. There are seven parksandtrails trails through the park, offering everything from an easy 3-mile ThIRd plaCE hike to a rugged 1.5-mile climb West Beach over the tops of the three highest Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore dunes in the park. As you hike, jog N County Line Rd or bike through the park, notice Portage, Ind. the wildlife, but please don’t feed 219.926.7561 the natural inhabitants. –LAF nps.gov A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

photo by ROBERT WRAY; [top left] courtesy of BAUM’S

Baum’s Natural Foods

3 locations, baumsnaturalfoods.com

9120 Connecticut St, Ste C Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.1222

! s k n a

Nancy Dickey, Au.D. Director

Hearing care from our Experienced Audigy CertiďŹ edâ&#x201E;˘ professional will bring a smile to your face with expert advice, extraordinary technology and excellent customer service that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ďŹ nd anywhere else.

Thank you for voting us best in the region! 16TH

ANNU

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Dr. Corlin A.Stein

With this coupon only. Offer expires 7/31/10.

Thank you for voting us Best of the Region! 7Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;/Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160;*>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;

Â&#x2122;ÂŁĂ&#x2C6;ÂŁĂ&#x160;7Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x17D;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x203A;iÂ°Ă&#x160;Â1Â°-Â°Ă&#x160;{ÂŁÂŽĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;-Ă&#x152;Â°Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2DC;]Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160;U 219-365-4777

Thank you. We are honored. We are proud to be chosen by you and to be a part of your community.

We would like to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanksâ&#x20AC;? to all of our loyal customers new & old for voting us their favorite jewelry store for the 12th year in a row. Open 7 days a week www.stateofmindspa.com Crownhurst Centre

-AIN 3T s 3CHERERVILLE ). 219-322-2700 (/523 -ONDAY &RIDAY AM PM 3ATURDAY AM PM 3UNDAY AM PM

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A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

111 West 94th Place Crown Point, Indiana 219-663-7317

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Beauty & Wellness best ��

Bugaboo Tattoo

7014 Kennedy Ave, Hammond, Ind. 219.844.4343, bugabootattoo.com n 1997, Bugaboo Tattoo became Hammond’s first tattoo studio. After four years, the business moved from its original location on Calumet Avenue to its present spot along Kennedy Avenue. Over the years, the artwork created at the studio has garnered awards including “Best of Show” at Chicago’s Inkin’ Lincoln Convention. This year, Bugaboo took top honors in

the “Best Tattoo Artist” category. Three private tattoo rooms inside Bugaboo’s studio provide patrons with a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to tattoos, the staff offers body piercings with a large selection of jewelry available. –LAF

SECONd plaCE

China Doll

7346 Calumet Ave, Hammond, Ind. 219.853.0956, chinadolltattoo.com

ThIRd plaCE

The Tattoo Lady 6817 Kennedy Ave, Hammond, Ind. 219.844.9976, thetattoolady.com

best ��

TaNNING SalON Planet Beach

3 locations, planetbeach.com 714 N Main St, Crown Point, Ind., 219.662.5885 8247 Wicker Ave, St. John, Ind., 219.365.5885 503 Silhavy Rd, Valparaiso, Ind., 219.462.0770

With three Northwest Indiana locations, nationally franchised Planet Beach provides a rejuvenating UV experience. This winner of the “Best Tanning Salon” award for 2010 offers the Contempo Spa experience. This automated day spa features UV therapy, skin care, mental renewal and superior customer service—all within a private setting. The concept is revolutionary: provide a private spa experience and tanning service at the touch of a button and a fraction of the cost. Therapies can be SECONd plaCE performed in Beach Tan Express 20-minute ses901 Joliet St sions. This is Dyer, Ind. 219.322.3228 truly the perfect beachtanexpress.com hybrid of spa services and ThIRd plaCE UV therapy. Try Green Planet it today with a 1938 45th Ave free guest pass. Munster, Ind. 219.934.9090 –LAF 22

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

eDItOr’S ChOICe best ��

UpSIdE-dOwN FOOT ThERapY Spa Reverie

3634 N 700 W, LaPorte, Ind. 219.861.0814, spareverie.com Spa reverie goes deep; that’s part of the vision that Beth Warren had when she opened her wellness retreat. the spa is in a spacious converted mansion set back in the woods of LaPorte County. Besides the comfortable living room and lounge areas, there are rooms for overnight guests and the most contemporary equipment for healing therapies, including the tilting pedicure station that positions your feet for maximum effect. Spa reverie specializes in working natural wonders in a calming, soothing setting. Whether you’re suffering from headaches or back tension—or just in the mood for a massage—you will be in for a treat here. Services include reflexology, massage, body wraps, ancient Indian ayurvedic treatments and a comprehensive facial that includes head massage. A popular favorite treatment is a long-form Detoxifying Seaweed Body Wrap, in which the skin is exfoliated and wrapped in a mineral-rich seaweed body mask before the massage begins. A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

photo courtesy of SPA REVERIE

TaTTOO aRTIST

1 We want to thank all of our parents and patients for such recognition, always doing our best to provide the best caring service for your child.

Where Kids Really Come First! s Get your school physical here! s Welcoming new patients from infants to adolescents. s OfďŹ ce complete with well and sick waiting rooms and state-of-the-art technology s Dr. Pathak offers older adolescent gynecological exams.

Parul G. Pathak MD, FAAP

1160 Joliet Street, Suite 103 Dyer, IN s WWW DTMD4Kids.com

Taeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ni Chang-Stroman MD, FAAP

ou Thavnoktinyg us

Doctors Who Want the Best for their Patients

Choose APT Plus Physical Therapy

for

16TH

WHY APT PLUS?

ANNU

Located in the heart of Northwest Indiana with clinics in Dyer, Hammond, and GrifďŹ th; APT Plus Physical Therapy is NWIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice for physical therapy. We treat the full range of musculoskeletal, soft tissue, and sports injuries; and you will receive one-on-one attention with a hands-on approach throughout your recovery process.

Dedicated to helping the Region for the last 13 years. Our staff consists of only licensed Physical Therapists and PT Assistants with years of experience. Our mission is to provide individualized, hands on care for the most efďŹ cient results of your therapy experience. We individualize your treatments by creating a plan of care that incorporates the speciďŹ c needs of your condition. Call Today to schedule a Complimentary Assessment!

We want to thank our patients for voting APT Plus the Best Physical Therapy in the region. We are always working hard to provide you with the best care and service possible.

Your recognition is greatly appreciated!

s -ANUAL 4HERAPY s 3PORTS 2EHABILITATION s 7ORK 2ELATED )NJURY 3PECIALISTS 7II (AB s 0RE AND 0OST 3URGICAL 2EHABILITATION s )NDIVIDUAL %XERCISE 0ROGRAM

3 L O C AT I O N S F O R Y O U R C O N V E N I E N C E HAMMOND

www.physicaltherapynow.com

7435 Indianapolis Blvd. Hammond, Indiana 46324 219.844.8100

GRIFFITH

217 North Broad Street GrifďŹ th, Indiana 46319 219.924.1500

DYER

*OLIET 3TREET s 3UITE Dyer, Indiana 46311 219.864.3300

N O R T H W E S T I N D I A N Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S C H O I C E F O R P H YS I C A L T H E R A P Y A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Health Care

best ��

Centre Yourself Medical Spa

The Heart Institute at Saint Anthony Medical Center

Dr. John N. Kostidis

A familyrun business for more than 25 years, Kostidis Chiropractic treats all types of spine and joint pain. Dr. John Kostidis, Dr. Braun and Dr. Kazonis and the rest of the staff treat conditions from mild to severe pain and try to help patients with conditions that have not responded under other types of care. Dr. Kostidis offers complete chiropractic care along with physical therapy services and non-surgical treatments for herniated discs. “Our staff and doctors are caring and treat our patients with compassion and sincerely welcome each person in our office,” says Dr. Kostidis. “We are proud that our growth continues from numerous referrals from our patients and that we are now treating the children and grandchildren of our patients.” –SBW

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 1830 S 11th St Chesterton, Ind. 219.395.9200

500 Arcade Ave, Ste 300 Elkhart, Ind. 574.296.9100 thecentrepc.com With locations throughout Indiana, Chicago and Michigan, Centre Yourself—a part of The Centre, P.C.—has become a leader in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Services range from make-up applications to rhinoplasty to spa services. If you really want to unwind naturally, try the Bamboo Massage ($75). A massage therapist rolls and kneads bamboo sticks along your body for 60 minutes to give you a deep, rehabilitating massage which stimulates circulation. You can also receive reconstructive surgery to correct abnormalities caused by trauma, infection or tumors. –DB

SECOND PLACE East Wind Acupuncture 210 N Calumet Rd Chesterton, Ind. 219.395.9928 ewacupuncture.com

CARDIOLOGY CARE

1201 S Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.757.6142 stanthonymedicalcenter.com atients have been receiving cardiac services at The Heart Institute at Saint Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point for more than 40 years to receive state-of-the-art cardiology care. Services include open heart surgery, cardiovascular diagnosis, cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation, fitness programs, pacemaker clinics and microsurgery. Doctors also perform preventative measures here, and patients can visit the cholesterol center, fitness center and the outpatient nutritional service center for more information about how to prevent cardiac disease. –DB

SECOND PLACE Community Cardiology Center 901 MacArthur Blvd, Ste 201 Munster, Ind. 219.513.0422 comhs.org

THIRD PLACE Porter Cardiac & Vascular Institute

814 LaPorte Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.263.4600 porterhealth.com

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

SECOND PLACE Dr. Corlin Stein 9161 Wicker Ave St John, Ind. 219.365.4777

THIRD PLACE Dr. Steven Kouimanis

11039 Broadway, Ste C Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.9090 kouimanischiropractic.com

best ��

DENTIST / DENTAL CENTER Schererville Family Dentistry

1050 Caroline Ave, Schererville, Ind. 219.322.3232 scherervillefamilydentistry.com

comfortable, modern and friendly environment is what Schererville Family Dentistry is all about. The dental center is staffed with people who are dedicated to staying early and late— from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The center prides itself on innovative techniques and products, such as OraVerse, which quickly reverses numbness after routine dental procedures so that patients can smile, speak and drink normally. “There are many great practitioners in our area,” says Dr. Pieters. “At our office, we simply treat people with the Golden Rule. We strive to treat others in the manner SECOND in which we PLACE would want Smiles our family by Arnold treated. We & Associates are proud that 1830 S 11th St the public has Chesterton, Ind. the trust in 219.926.5445 our staff to vote us a top 951 Southpoint Dr dental center Valparaiso, Ind. two consecu219.531.8914 tive years.” Dr. smilesbyarnold.com Pieters adds, “Through daily THIRD email surveys, PLACE we constantly Compton take our Dental Center patients’ 901 Fran Lin Pkwy opinions on Munster, Ind. how to better 888.486.6514 serve their nwindianadentist.com needs.” –SBW

best ��

HOSPITAL IN MICHIGAN Spectrum Health GR 100 Michigan St NE Grand Rapids, Mich. 866.989.7999 spectrum-health.org

best ��

HOSPITAL Community Hospital

photo courtesy of [top] COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, [bottom] SPECTRUM HEALTH GR; [opposite page, top left ] DR. KOSTIDIS, [top right] by ROBERT WRAY

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

SECOND PLACE St. Anthony Memorial

301 W Homer St Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.8511 saintanthonymemorial.org

THIRD PLACE ommunity Hospital knows that St. Margaret attention to the quality of care Mercy is what it’s all about. Patients 5454 Hohman Ave Hammond, Ind. come first at Community, and 219.932.2300 the staff all works toward that Dyer Campus common goal. The hospital prides 24 Joliet St itself on leading technology, but Dyer, Ind. they also couple that with quick results. “What 219.865.2141 smmhc.com sets us apart is our mammography program,” says Marie Forszt, director of marketing. “We have digital mammogram, but waiting for results can be difficult. We have a dedicated breast radiologist who reads the view in real time. So she can have the technologist re-do if needed. Breast biopsy results are turned around the same day and given to the patient. We’ve taken out that anxiety and we’re really proud of that.” –SBW A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

The not-for-profit Spectrum Health Medical Center in West Michigan is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, which puts patients and visitors within walking distance of specialized treatment facilities. The center includes Butterworth Hospital, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion and Meijer Heart Center. The doctors and nurses at Spectrum Health are dedicated to giving the best care to their patients and caring for the health of the community, regardless of ability to pay. At the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, staff understands that children are not just little adults; instead they have special physical, developmental and emotion needs. Nearly 150 specialists practice in more than 40 pediatric specialties. Parents are part of the healing process and are encouraged to be with their children, holding them during examinations and going with them into the operating room for anesthesia before a procedure. -SBW SECOND PLACE St. Mary’s GR

200 Jefferson St SE Grand Rapids, Mich. 616.685.5000 smmmc.org

Health Care best ��

Dr. Steven Levin Levin Eye Care Center 1334 119th St, Whiting, Ind. 219.659.3050, levineyecare.com

The only board-certified eye doctor in the Northwest Indiana area specializing in vision therapy, Dr. Steven Levin treats patients with visual learning disabilities, academic difficulties, turned in or turned out eyes and patients with head trauma. He practices full scope optometric care including treating eye disease, fitting contact lenses and glasses and co-managing of Lasik and cataract patients. SECOND PLACE “All of our patients are treated with dignity and respect Dr. Gary Scearce by an exceptionally trained professional staff providing 449 E Summit St superior care,” says Levin. “We take pride in knowing we Crown Point, Ind. give patients the best care possible and change the lives of 219.662.1600 patients and their families through vision therapy.” –SBW eagleeyeoptique.com

best ��

ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE St. Anthony Sports Medicine Institute 12800 Mississippi Pkwy Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.5266 stanthonymedicalcenter.com

aint Anthony Sports Medicine Institute (SMI) treats both athletes and sports enthusiasts to help them increase their performance, treat injuries and prevent further injuries. Physicians, working along with medical director Keith Pitchford, D.O., work with athletes to develop speed and agility, core stabilization, functional strength and flexibility and mobility. Sport-specific requirements and a performance-based training program is available at SMI’s Athletic Development Center in Crown Point. Frank Eksten, coach of professional and Olympic athletes, guides people toward their personal best. –SBW

SECOND PLACE

best ��

PEDIATRIC CARE Kids First Pediatrics on 30 1160 Joliet St, Ste 103, Dyer, Ind. 219.322.8534, dtmd4kids.com

riendly and dedicated describes the staff and doctors at Kids First. Dr. Pathak and Dr. Stroman address the child’s concerns and illnesses, but they address parental issues, too. The entire staff works well as a team and is dedicated to providing the best allaround patient care they can, making use of the latest technology. “We function well as a team, and have a very conservative approach,” says Dr. Pathak. “Dr StroSECOND PLACE man and I both focus on St. Anthony teaching for our patients. Memorial For me in particular, I’m 301 W Homer St a working mother with Michigan City, Ind. young children myself, 219.879.8511 so I’m able to relate with saintanthonymemorial.org many parents that do as THIRD PLACE well.” Medical Specialists “Together we help each 1946 45th St, Ste 201 other raise healthy, happy Munster, Ind. children [and parents!],” 219.924.2500 adds Dr. Stroman. –SBW medspecindiana.com

SECOND PLACE . Methodist Hospital

Northlake Campus: 600 Grant St, Gary, Ind. 219.886.4000 Midlake Campus: 2269 W 25th Ave, Gary, Ind. 219.944.4160 Southlake Campus: 8701 Broadway, Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.5500 methodisthospitals.org

THIRD PLACE

Jeffrey M. Tioco, M.D. Orthopaedic Institute, LLC

9660 Wicker Ave, St. John, Ind. 219.677.4940, munsterorthopaedicinstitute.com 26

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

photo courtesy of [top left] LEVIN EYE CARE, [bottom left and top right] by ROBERT WRAY

EYE DOCTOR

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Get Acquainted

$59

Dr. Alavanja, Dr. Pieters and the entire Schererville Family Dentistry

includes exam, cleaning & x-rays. Offer good in absence of gum disease. New Patients Only. Not valid with any other offer. With this ad. Expires 6/30/10

staff wish to Thank You for voting us Best Dentist/Dental Center ANNU

16TH & Best Customer Service.

-or-

FREE

We are honored by this award. Welcome new patients! 16TH

ANNU

Schererville Family Dentistry P.C.

16TH

ANNU

Offer Expires in 30 days (Reg. $267)

Professional Offer Expires in 30 days Whitening Take Home Kit

Robert Pieters, DDS & Ray Alavanja, DDS 1050 Caroline Ave. | Schererville, IN 46375

www.scherervillefamilydentistry.com s 219.322.3232

valid with exam, cleaning & x-rays. Offer good in absence of gum disease. Not valid with any other offer. With this ad. Expires 6/30/10

37 Years OF SERVICE National Optometrist of the Year Award Distinguished Practitioner National Academy of Practice Board Certified in Vision Development & Vision Therapy

1334 119th Street Whiting IN 46394

(219)659-3050 www.levineyecare.com

s 0EDIATRIC &AMILY 6ISION #ARE s 6ISION THERAPY FOR LEARNING Ă&#x201D; Pediatric & Family Vision Care Ă&#x201D; Vision therapy for learning RELATED VISION PROBLEMS s 3TROKE "RAIN INJURY s 6ISION 0ERCEPTUAL related vision problems Ă&#x201D; Stroke/Brain injury Ă&#x201D; Vision Perceptual TESTING s 4ESTING 4REATMENT FOR CROSSED LAZY EYES s #ONTACT testing Ă&#x201D; Testing & Treatment for crossed, lazy eyes Ă&#x201D; Contact ,ENSES s ,ARGE %YEWEAR &ASHION 3ELECTION s -ANAGEMENT OF %YE Lenses Ă&#x201D; Large Eyewear Fashion Selection Ă&#x201D; Management of Eye $ISEASES s ,ASIK 2EFERRAL Diseases Ă&#x201D; Lasik Referral

Steven A. Levin, O.D., F.C.O.V.D.

Thank you for voting us the

BEST EYE DOCTOR in the region for 2010. A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Health Care best ��

LASER EYE SURGERY CENTER Northwest Indiana Eye and Laser Center, P.C. 502 Marquette St, Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.8223, drsbuck.com

Dr. Stephen Buck and his son, Dr. Scott Buck, work together at the Northwest Indiana Eye and Laser Center. In addition to routine eye exams, the father-and-son team also do laser vision correction, no-stitch cataract surgery, glaucoma care, emergency eye care, Botox and contact lens services. Dr. Scott Buck is an eye surgeon, and he performs Lasik, PRK and Lasek on site. The full-service eye center also has more than 1,000 eyeglass frames for sale—and they even have a children’s glasses section. –DB

SECOND PLACE Deschamps Eye Care

8510 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.2200 deschampseyecare.com

best ��

PHYSICAL THERAPY APT Plus Physical Therapy physicaltherapynow.com 1100 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.864.3300 217 N Broad St Griffith, Ind. 219.924.1500 7345 Indianapolis Blvd Hammond, Ind. 219.844.8100

THIRD PLACE Williams Eye Institute 6850 Hohman Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.931.7509 williamseye.com

ith more than 20 therapists and therapist assistants in three locations, the family-owned APT Plus goes above and beyond customer service and patient care, treating orthopedic outpatients for back, neck, shoulders and feet. “We have a specialized work conditioning program,” says owner Michael Vander Woude. “Workers injured on the job come here and we duplicate their work movements in a program custom-made for their job, so they are able to get back to work quicker and safer. Also we strive to get patients back to

their 100 percent—whatever that is for that person, regardless of whether he is an athlete or a UPS worker or a retiree. We teach them ways to get back to daily living with confidence.” –SBW

SECOND PLACE LakeShore Bone and Joint Institute 601 Gateway Blvd Chesterton, Ind. 219.921.1444 lbji.com

THIRD PLACE Great Lakes Orthopedics & Sports Medicine glorthopedics.com 9615 Keilman St St. John, Ind. 219.365.0220 1129 Merrillville Rd Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.8661

best ��

PODIATRY CARE Friendly Foot Care

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

At Friendly Foot Care, Dr. Michael Nirenberg and Dr. Michael Lacey specialize in treating heel pain as well as ankle pain and weakness. They utilize the latest technology including laser surgery and have a proven record of solving tough foot and ankle problems. Nirenberg and Lacey have been featured on Fox News, The History Channel and in numerous newspapers and magazines, and have published research papers in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and many other medical journals. The office has a large, airy lobby with a TV, comfortable chairs with sturdy wide arm rests, and foot rests to elevate sore feet. Treatment rooms have calming tranquil colors with seascape photos on the walls, and specialized podiatry chairs are each equipped with heated massaging mats that patients can adjust to their individual needs. –SBW

SECOND PLACE Dr. Ray DPM

966 US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.8894 centersforfootandanklecare.com 28

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

THIRD PLACE Dr. Wood & Associates Foot Health Institute 3224 Ridge Rd Lansing, Ill. 708.418.5551

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

best ��

VISION CENTER VisionPoint 219.464.8200

Locally owned and operated, VisionPoint is an optical retail chain of independent optometrists in five locations: Valparaiso, Portage, Schererville, LaPorte and Crown Point. VisionPoint eyewear and sunwear collections are changed frequently, allowing the customer to have more choices. Brands exclusive to VisionPoint are Lindbergs, Flairs, and Lamattas. Experienced opticians lead the customers through the entire process, from purchasing the eyewear to teaching the customer how to wear and care for their new eyeglasses or contacts. VisionPoint offers two full-service labs, which can provide glasses the same or next day for all five locations. –SBW

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

630 Ridge Rd, Munster, Ind. 219.836.1738 gailmardeyecenter.com

1334 119th St, Whiting, Ind. 219.659.3050 levineyecare.com

photo courtesy of [opposite page, left] FRIENDLY FOOT CARE; [this page, above] by ROBERT WRAY, [right] UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICAL CENTER

Gailmard Eye Center

best ��

URGENT CARE Franciscan ExpressCare

Locations in Crown Point, Griffith, Michigan City, Munster and Valparaiso smmhc.com

Levin Eye Care Center

any times, people are unable to get immediate appointments. Franciscan ExpressCare understands that need. Their urgent care clinics offer services for those without a family doctor or for those unable to get an immediate appointment with their current doctor. Staff includes family nurse practitioners and doctors who treat a variety of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses including sore throat, colds/flu, urinary tract infections, minor lacerations, rashes, sports physicals and simple fractures. The clinics have X-ray equipment and can run blood tests; however, they don’t have on-site

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

labs for immediate results. The clinics take insurance but will offer a discount for those paying out-of-pocket. -SBW

SECOND PLACE Community Hospital Outpatient Centre 9660 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.1177

Med-Clinic at St. Catherine Hospital 4321 Fir St, East Chicago, Ind. 219.392.7945 comhs.org

best ��

TEACHING HOSPITAL University of Chicago Medical Center 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, Ill. 773.702.1000, uchospitals.edu

The not-for-profit University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) is an academic medical center based in Hyde Park. Since 1927, UCMC has been providing expert healthcare in a compassionate way. The hospital is a leader in transplantation of the liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, heart, bone marrow and other tissues, multiple-organ transplantation, and in research in transplant immunology. Top medical experts work together to advance medical innovation and further the knowledge of those dedicated to caring. All physicans at UCMC are faculty members of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, one of the nation’s premier medical schools. –SBW

SECOND PLACE Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Arthur J. Rubloff Bldg 420 E Superior St, Chicago, Ill. 312.503.8194, feinberg.northwestern.edu

THIRD PLACE Children’s Memorial Hospital 2300 Children’s Plaza, Chicago, Ill. 773.880.4000, childrensmemorial.org

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY Purdue University Calumet

2200 169th St, Hammond, Ind., 219.989.2400, calumet.purdue.edu A full-service university designed for a diverse student population, Purdue University Calumet provides educational opportunities for those who seek certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. And this year, the Hammond-based PUC garnered two top awards in the “Best Of” contest: “Best College/University” and “Best Adult Educational Institution.” “Many of our adult students are here taking classes part-time and juggling family and full-time jobs. Without compromising the academic integrity of classes, our professors help students who make these sacrifices to earn degrees,” says Wes Lukoshus, assistant vice chancellor for advancement. “Our faculty’s doors are always open.” That spirit of “we’re in this together” provides an atmosphere where students of all ages can succeed, he says. In addition, the new requirements that all bachelor’s-degree students complete two courses in experiential learning have resulted in 100 new courses or revised courses, Lukoshus says. “Experiential learning integrates traditional learning and applied learning in a real job setting,” he says. “Each of these experiential learning courses must follow principles set by the National Society for Experiential Learning.” Businesses and industries in the area have embraced this new type of learning and partner with PUC to provide the experience students need, he says. –LAF PUrdUe UniVersity CaLUmet SECONd PLACE 2200 169th St Hammond, Ind. Valparaiso University 219.989.2400 1700 Chapel Dr calumet.purdue.edu

best ��

ADULT EDUCATION INSTITUTION

Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.5000 valpo.edu

THIRd PLACE

Purdue University West Lafayette

191 University St West Lafayette, Ind. 765.494.4600 purdue.edu

SECOND pLACE indiana UniVersity northWest 3400 Broadway Gary, Ind. 219.980.6500 iun.edu ThIrD pLACE iVy teCh 4 Northwest Indiana Campuses ivytech.edu

best ��

CHILdREN’S GYMNASTIC PROGRAM Patti’s all-american Gymnastics

1530 Joliet St, Dyer, Ind., 219.865.2274, pattisallamerican.com enerations of children have discovered fun and exercise at Patti’s All-American, the leader in gymnastics, dance and swim lessons and the “Best Children’s Gymnastics Program” for 2010. Since 1969 Patti’s All-American has evolved into a nationally recognized children’s program for those ages 12 months and up, and owner Patti Komara has also become a nationally respected speaker and expert in children’s gymnastics. “The three keys to success are staff, a clean and bright facility and a curriculum that teaches what parents expect. Our goal is to meet and exceed the parents’ expectations,” Patti says. “We are teaching life lessons for children.” –LAF

SECONd PLACE

THIRd PLACE

1501 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.864.0266 gymboreeclasses.com

3100 Willowcreek Rd Portage, Ind. 219.762.9622 ymcaofportage.org

Gymboree of dyer

ymCa Portage

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

photos [top left] courtesy of PURDUE CALUMET; [top right] courtesy of PATTI’S GyMNASTICS; [opposite page] courtesy of ARTHUR MURRAy DANCE CENTER

Education & Instruction

best ��

dANCE SCHOOL arthur murray dance Center—nW indiana 1205 W Lincoln Hwy, Ste 3 Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.9041 or 800.657.3322

Dancing is a great way to exercise and relieve stress while having fun! This year’s “Best Dance School”—Arthur Murray Dance Center in Merrillville—attracts clients from Lake and Porter counties as well as Chicago. Whether you want to learn to dance as a single or couple or hone your existing skills on the dance floor, Arthur Murray’s professional dance instructors cater to you. The studio offers private dance lessons and dance classes for all ages—from the Introductory Program that teaches you several social dances to the Gold Program for experienced dancers who want to participate in competitions. Arthur Murray International recently awarded the Merrillville franchise with a Studio of the Year Award—one they share with only 23 studios worldwide. –LAF

SECONd PLACE

donna Brum school of dance 2334 S Cline Ave Schererville, Ind. 219.865.9850 donnabrumdancers.com

THIRd PLACE

elite dance Center 425 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.864.8700

best ��

PLACE FOR MUSIC LESSONS

Thanks for voting us #1 ALSO VOTED ARTHUR MURRAY INTERNATIONAL “STUDIO OF THE YEAR”

Broadway music 8121 Taft St Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.7706

aron Hedges’ Merrillville-based store offers an array of music lessons—a service that earned Broadway Music first place in the “Best Music Lessons” category. “We’re a full-service music store that offers guitar, bass guitar and drum lessons,” Hedges says. “We also offer instructional lessons and pro audio.” But the store offers even more. “We also do PA and lighting rentals and we specialize in sound system installation and service,” he says. “We sell guitars, drums, bass guitars, PA gear, projectors, TVs, etc. Even more importantly, we do amp and guitar repair.” Broadway Music installs and services what is sold. –LAF

www.ArthurMurrays.net

1205 W. Lincoln Hwy., Merrillville, IN Porter Co. & IL Residents 800.657.3322

Call Today and Start Dancing Tonight!

219.738.9041

We Appreciate Our Moms Baby Store AND Consignment Store!!

29 US HIGHWAY 41 SCHERERVILLE (219) 864-1976 www.ouac.com

SECONd PLACE

andy’s music

2113 Northwinds Dr Dyer, Ind. 219.865.8505 andysmusicschool.com

THIRd PLACE

Front Porch music 505 E Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.4700 frontporchmusic.com

s World-respected Purdue education s 80+ degree programs s Experiential learning...students applying their learning by doing via internships, research and more! (one of the nation’s few universities to offer experiential learning as a graduation requirement) s Student housing in furnished, apartment-style units

Inquire about Summer & Fall term classes. Don’t delay! Heavy enrollment expected.

Visit our Web site at: www.calumet.purdue.edu or phone: 219/989-2213 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2213 nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

bar/ lounge for meeting people Buddy & Pal’s

best ��

asian food China Buffet

1640 Indianapolis Blvd US Hwy 41 & US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.2888

an international dining experience awaits you at china buffet in schererville. in addition to chinese and Japanese cuisine, this popular restaurant offers up american, italian and mexican favorites . . . everything from chicken nuggets to crab rangoon. china buffet, named the number one restaurant to find the “best asian food,” also features a sushi bar, a salad bar and a barbeque bar. daily soup choices and desserts including soft serve ice cream, cake and cookies round out the menu. –laf

second place Panda Express multiple locations pandaexpress.com

third place Siam Marina

80 River Oaks Center Dr Calumet City, Ill. 708.862.3438 siammarina.com

3 locations 1206 E Summit St Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.0088 340 US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.8377

10685 Randolph St Crown Point/Winfield, Ind. 219.661.0088 buddyandpals.com

ll three Buddy & Pal’s locations offer the perfect place to meet people. “We’re known for our friendly staff, great entertainment and never a cover charge,” says Chad Kulavick, general manager of the Crown Point Buddy & Pal’s. “We’re a neighborhood bar and a sports bar with nightly and weekend entertainment.” In Crown Point and Winfield, Maggie’s & Us provides full catering. In Schererville, Bronko’s pizza and chicken are served. Rent Buddy & Pal’s for your next special event. This unique social gathering spot offers comfortable seating in a casual setting, private lavatory facilities and a clean, airy, climatecontrolled atmosphere. –LAF

second place Northwoods 8101 Indianapolis Blvd St John, Ind. 219.558.8130 northwoodsdining.com

third place Houlihan’s 1550 US Hwy 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.864.0077 houlihans.com

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baKerY Butterfingers Bakery 2552 45th St Highland, Ind. 219.924.6464 921 Ridge Rd, Ste D Munster, Ind. 219.836.4202

rained at the Culinary Instititute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Robert Haynes decided the restaurant business wasn’t for him. “Carry-out food seemed a better way to go,” Haynes says. The result—Butterfingers—speaks for itself. This winner in the “Best Bakery” category for the second straight year scores with loyal patrons who love the delicious baked goods, salads and sandwiches produced by Haynes and his staff in Highland and Munster. “Customers come in for our specialty cakes, brownies and cookies. Our doublechocolate mousse cake is our most popular. On a regular day, we’ll sell thirty of these,” he says. –LAF

best ��

barbeQue Smokey Jo’s Real Pit BBQ & Old Town Tap 475 W Burville Rd Crete, Ill. 708.672.3383

ld family recipes make eating at Smokey Jo’s Real Pit BBQ & Old Town Tap a gastronomic experience. This Crete restaurant that’s been serving up tasty ribs for 20 years topped the list of “Best Barbecue” spots in the 2010 contest. Owner Betty Schrementi says the pork ribs slow-cook for 2-1/2 hours in a pit and are slathered with secret barbecue

second place Strack & Van Til

multiple locations strackandvantil.com

third place Strongbow Inn 2405 E US Hwy 30 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.8643 strongbowinn.com

sauce. Other menu favorites include rib tips, pork tenderloin and fish. The cheesecake is homemade and another secret recipe. It’s served topped with a choice of cherry or blueberry sauce. “We’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” she says. –LAF

second place Smokey’s Southern Barbeque 375 E US Hwy 20 Furnessville, Ind. (near Chesterton) 219.878.1418

third place Time to Eat BBQ 6690 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.738.2328 timetoeatbbq.com

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

photos by ROBERT WRAY

Food & Drink

best ��

place for BREAKFAST Round the Clock 14 locations roundtheclock.com (see story, page 36)

best ��

CHEF

Gary Sanders/ Miller Bakery Café 555 S Lake St Gary/Miller Beach, Ind. 219.938.2229 millerbakerycafe.net

anders was first hired at Miller Bakery Café as head chef in 1986, and eventually purchased the restaurant four years later. Since then, he’s successfully expanded both our taste buds and the restaurant space. In 2003, he added a wine bar and cellar in the building next door, and in 2007, he opened Lounge Five55, a full bar with live jazz music. Sanders’ creations are contemporary and smart, and he tries to use unique ingredients to make traditional dishes into something special. Oh—and he keeps talented company, too: he’s married to your 2nd place winner, Nicole Bissonnette, owner and chef of Bistro 157. —MJ

SECOND PLACE Nicole Bissonnette/ Bistro 157 157 W Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.0992 bistro157.net

Third Place Ryan Thornburg/ Bistro on the Boulevard 521 Lake Blvd St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.3882. theboulevardinn.com

SECOND Place Suzie’s Café & Catering 1050 Southpoint Dr. Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.5500

THIRD Place Ida Red’s 631 Water St Saugatuck, Mich. 269.857.5803

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

best ��

THIRD PLACE Giovanni’s

Strack and Van Til

603 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.6220 giosmunster.com

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CHICKEN WINGS Buffalo Wild Wings multiple locations buffalowildwings.com (see story on page 39)

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PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH Schu’s Grill & Bar 501 Pleasant St St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.7248 schus.com

“Great food, great view—just add friends”—the motto of Schu’s Grill & Bar says it all. A fixture in the heart of downtown St. Joseph, Michigan, since 1990, Shu’s took top honors as the “Best Place for a Business Lunch” in the 2010 contest. With nearly 100 years of restaurant experience, the Schuler family continues the tradition of great food at Schu’s under the two generations —Larry and Molly Schuler and their three children, Jenna, Kaitlin and Rob. From the jalapeño ravioli to the fried lake perch, Schu’s Grill & Bar offers a wide variety of dishes. –LAF

SECOND PLACE Hooter’s multiple locations hooters.com

THIRD PLACE BuffaLouies 2126 W 45th St Highland, Ind. 219.924.4200

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COFFEE HOUSE Starbucks

multiple locations starbucks.com

CATERER strackandvantil.com

Strack and Van Til Supermarkets is a company worthy of its “Best Caterer” title. The business is capable of handling any size function and even the smallest special requests from its customers. With 12 locations spread around Northwest Indiana and two in Illinois, Strack and Van Til stores boast fresh goods in each of their meat, produce, delicatessen, bakery and seafood departments. Catering manager Brenda Wright says, “I do feel it’s really well deserved. We’ve worked hard to expand our catering department, and we’ve branched out with the kinds of foods we can offer—it’s SECOND not just the usual PLACE stuff.” Butterfingers Check out their Bakery website for weekly (see story on page 32) ads, coupons and THIRD a great recipe PLACE page that lets you Strongbow Inn 2405 E US Hwy 30 plan meals, make Valparaiso, Ind. your grocery list, 219.462.5121 or 800.462.5121 find new recipes strongbowinn.com and even watch cooking videos. —MJ

Starbucks really does have the strongest, most delicious coffee. And if coffee just isn’t your cup of tea, they’ve got tea, too, right next to milk, juices, smoothies and usually a couple of special concoctions for whatever season you’re in. Starbucks isn’t just a coffee shop anymore—it’s a mindset. Environmental and ethical nwi.com/bestof | may 17, 2009

Food & Drink

ethnic food El Taco Real (Mexican) 935 E Hoffman St Hammond, Ind. 219.932.8333 eltacorealrestaurant.com (see story page 37)

second place Don Quijote (Spanish)

199 E Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.7976 donquijoterestaurantandimports.com

third place Warsaw Inn (Polish)

2180 GlenwoodDyer Rd Lynwood, Ill. 707.474.1000 angieswarsawinn.com

second place Uncommon Grounds 127 Hoffman St Saugatuck, Mich. 269.857.3333 uncommongroundscafe.com

third place South Bend Chocolate Café multiple locations sbchocolate.com

best ��

familY restaurant Round the Clock (14 locations), roundtheclock.com

best ��

hope to continually surprise and delight our customers by offering new beverages, food items, merchandise and services. —MJ

ith dishes like lake perch, old-fashioned meat loaf, chicken breast Dijon and teriyaki beef stir-fry, it’s no surprise that eating at Round the Clock feels a bit like eating in your own mother’s kitchen. Open since 1963, Round the Clock has now won this title 14 years in a row. Every family needs something different, and Round the Clock welcomes the challenge. In two locations, the restaurant has daily specials and takes carryout orders, catering event orders and birthdays. “We have great food, great prices and great customer service. We pride ourselves on taking care of our guests second place when they’re here,” says Lou CarKelsey’s ravetta, manager of the Schererville Steakhouse location. (see story on page 40) In addition to the familiar Highland and Schererville Round the Clock restaurants, the Christos family also third place serves customers at Round the Clock Northwoods and Christos Family Restaurants in 8101 S Indianapolis Blvd Merrillville, Valparaiso, Chesterton, St. John, Ind. LaPorte, Knox, Plymouth, 219.558.8130 West Lafayette and northwoodsdining.com Lafayette. —MJ

countrY Western bar best ��

FINE DINING RESTAURANT Gamba Ristorante 455 E 84th Dr Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.5000 gambaristorante.com

Family-owned by Benito and Hilda Gamba, Gamba Ristorante pushes fine dining to its limits. Their classic Italian cuisine is served up in an atmosphere that’s easy to get used to: the Gambas modeled their circular, copper-roofed building to resemble the upscale restaurants in exotic European locations. With a wine room that can store 1,000 bottles and a banquet hall that holds 200 and looks out onto an open courtyard, it’s also the perfect place for a celebration with bigger numbers. Owner Benito Gamba recommends the risotto or the veal tenderloin (it’s his favorite), and says that their pasta dishes are their forte—the foundation of their restaurant. “We do offer a kind of cuisine that focuses more on original cooking,” he says. “We always try to find recipes that fit the palate of a little more upscale diner.” —MJ SECOND PLACE

Teibel’s

1775 US Hwy 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.2000 teibels.com

THIRD PLACE

Lighthouse Restaurant 7501 Constitution Ave Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.9283 cedarlakelighthouse.com

DC’s Country Junction

3599 W 161st Ave Lowell, Ind. 219.696.4955 dcscountryjunction.com

C’s may only be open on Saturday nights, but trust us when we say you’ll get enough country to last the whole week. Line dancing is the thing to do here, and it could just be the best workout you’ve gotten in all week. But the live music, line dancing and bar are just the more obvious country touches in this place. Dan Ward, managing director and partner of DC’s, says, “We are the only true country bar in Northwest Indiana—we play true country music. The atmosphere is really laid back and family oriented.” When you do take a break, you’ll plop down on picnic tables or bales of hay (did we mention the building is a barn?). And when you get hungry? Go cook yourself a burger on the open access grill right near the bar. There’s no right age to go—anyone with an urge to dance is welcome. —MJ

second place Bronko’s Restaurant and Lounge 1244 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.0145

third place The Ranch

769 Madison St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.3800 theranchdancehall.com

photo [bottom] by ROBERT WRAY; [top] courtesy of Gamba Ristorante

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sourcing concerns are on their radar, so you can drink their stuff minus the guilt. And that’s a very easy thing to do in their shops, which feature Wi-Fi Internet connections, music mixes that you can pick up in the store or online, and coffee beans and other goods for sale. Denise Bergunder, regional director for Indiana Starbucks, says, “We love helping Northwest Indiana wake up every morning and are thrilled to be part of people’s daily routines. We look forward to helping make for better mornings in Northwest Indiana throughout the rest of 2010 and we

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greeK food Andorra Banquets 1112 US Hwy 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.1230 andorrabanquets.com

Andorra Banquets offers a unique spin on any function usually held in a traditional banquet hall with its Greekrooted influences in the delicious food. While classic Italian and Polish food is available, Andorra is family-owned by Tom Kouros and his siblings— all of Greek descent—and hints of Greek food are strong in many of their dishes. “It was owned by our parents first, but they are now deceased,” Kouros says. “Then we took over in 2001. When people attend something here, they taste the Greek in our

best ��

food and identify with it.” Andorra’s side dishes are prepared in the Greek tradition, and they also serve a Greek lasagna. Try the stuffed chicken breast Athenian or the veal scaloppine as well. Andorra’s banquet facility can accomodate just about any sort of function and also offers a special catering menu for functions that need breakfast or lunch served on site. —MJ

hotdog BOZ Hot Dogs

3 locations in indiana, bozhotdogs.com 6214 indianapolis blvd hammond, ind., 219.932.3647 1205 sheffield ave dyer, ind., 219.322.6564 303 broad st griffith, ind., 219.924.4452

second place Pegasus

ith choices like the BOZ Kraut Dog, the BOZ Nacho Dog, and the BOZ Chili Cheese, BOZ Hot Dogs has officially entered royal hotdog status—it beat out the ballparks. Their menu is concise: the dogs, some sides, a few desserts, a few sandwiches and drinks. But don’t let this fool you; the size and sheer power of their dogs is more than enough to satisfy. The most popular pick? Manager Nancy Kennedy recommends trying the classic BOZ Hot Dog with any combination of their extra condiments: “It’s a quality dog plus all of the condiments we put on it. The quality is certainly not the same that you’d get in a grocery store.” Load the dog up with your choice of catsup, mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. —MJ

130 S Halsted St Chicago, Ill. 312.226.3377 pegasuschicago.com

third place Rosewood 2606 Portage Mall Portage, Ind. 219.763.3297

second place Wrigley Field

1060 W Addison St, Chicago, Ill. cubs.com

third place U.S. Cellular Field

333 W 35th St, Chicago, Ill. whitesox.com

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Food & Drink ice cream shop

Cold Stone Creamery

coldstonecreamery.com

best ��

hamburgers Schoop’s

19 locations, schoophamburgers.com their omelets? great. their chili? Very tasty. their burgers? Just plain unstoppable. Whether you order the classic schoop’s mickey, the bacon double cheeseburger or the triple hamburger (yes, three schoop’s patties), schoop’s hamburgers have long been the finest thing on their menu. and with this year’s award, we hope nothing in that department changes anytime second soon. asking for the schoop’s “everything” on your place Redamak’s burger means you’ll get mustard, catsup, relish 616 E Buffalo St and onion. pickles, lettuce, tomato, mayo and extra New Buffalo, Mich. cheese are available, too. all 19 schoop’s locations 269.469.4522 are family-owned by the sharp family, headed by redamaks.com dave sharp, who says, “it’s very simple. ours is fresh, never frozen. We don’t ever use frozen prodthird place ucts, and nothing is prepared in advance—it’s not Culver’s sitting in a warming drawer.” —MJ multiple locations culvers.com 36

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

ce cream cones, shakes, cakes and smoothies— standard fare for any ice cream place. But Cold Stone Creamery’s special method of preparing each order is what makes this ice cream shop superior to the rest. Each customer’s choice of ice cream is blended by hand on a frozen granite stone to give it a unique—and quite delicious—texture. To top it off, pick from dozens of great mix-ins to personalize whatever flavor you chose. Denise Benninghoff, manager of the Dyer store, says, “We have so many different options for mix-ins; you’re not just ordering a flavor. The kids who work in our store are very upbeat and positive— it’s just a fun place to be.” Cold Stone Creamery ice cream is made fresh every day in each of their stores, and the company offers healthier dessert options, too—check out the Healthy Indulgences part of the menu. And of course we love the part when the workers have to sing songs when we tip them! —MJ

second place Dairy Queen dairyqueen.com

third place Oberweis Dairy 17080 Torrence Ave Lansing, Ill. 708.418. 3945 oberweis.com

best ��

italian food Olive Garden olivegarden.com

avioli di portobello, chicken parmigiana, chicken and gnocchi soup, and the list goes on with the classic favorites that make Olive Garden the best choice for Italian food. That is, of course, only after you fill up on their famous breadsticks and neverending piles of salad. And the big Italian family that the restaurant has always claimed to be certainly rings true with the service, atmosphere and pricing, as well as the food. Robert Overman, general manager of the Merrillville restaurant, says, “We’re very focused on customer service, and we’re very reasonably priced for families.” Never-ending pasta bowls or soup and salad combos are the best deals at the restaurant, and the Sampler Italiano lets you choose a couple of different appetizers—try it as your main meal. —MJ

second place Lucrezia Café

2 locations 302 S Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.5829 428 S Calumet Rd Chesterton, Ind. 219.926.5829 lucreziacafe.com

third place Giovanni’s

603 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.6220 giosmunster.com

photos by ROBERT WRAY

best ��

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meXican food El Taco Real

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

l Taco Real owner Raymundo Garcia is true to his word when he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming into my restaurant, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming into my home.â&#x20AC;? The idea to open their own restaurant started after Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father told his mother that her food was good enough to be served in one. Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents opened El Taco Real in 1974 and have been serving up delicious food ever since. The menu is overflowing with tasty appetizers, huge dinner entrĂŠes, daily specials, a la carte items and unique dessertsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all at very modest prices. Order anything with the pork in itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re known for, and they have their own butcher on staff that does all of the cutting to get the leanest pieces of meat. Garcia attributes part of El Taco Realâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success to its concerns for offering healthier food compared to many other Mexican restaurants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Especially in this economy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just so easy to take something out of a can, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that. Mexican food is very easy to make cheaplyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it ends up greasy and you end up getting heartburn,â&#x20AC;? Garcia says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of thought goes into how we make our food here.â&#x20AC;? Garcia explains a big misconception about Mexican food is that the spicier it is, the more authentic it is. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about being hot,â&#x20AC;? Garcia says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to make food thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more exciting and flavorful than just hot.â&#x20AC;? El Taco Realâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patrons certainly seem to agree. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;MJ

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second place

El Salto

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

third place La Carreta

2 locations 269-275 W Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, Ind. 219.791.0119 630 Kimmel Rd Vincennes, Ind. 812. 895.9422

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Escape the ordinary and indulge like a localâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;discover the serene beauty of our secluded private garden and dine on award-winning Italian fare in our quaint historic houses.

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Food & Drink best ��

piZZa Aurelio’s

aureliospizza.com A handful of the 43 Aurelio’s outposts are right here in Northwest Indiana: head to Griffith, Hammond, LaPorte, Lowell, Munster, Portage and Schererville for its consistently award-winning pizza. The first Aurelio’s opened its doors in 1959—and generations of customers continue to return for its thin-crust, decadent pizza. Out of town for a business trip? This crave-worthy pizza can even be baked, frozen and shipped to you on dry ice in less than 72 hours so you can get a taste of home wherever you may be. —DB

martini bar Vino Tini

1143 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.322.9185

Vino Tini feels a little bit like it was plucked out of downtown Chicago; but alas, owners Jacqueline and Paul Gilvydis have brought the swanky city vibes to Northwest Indiana for good. Vino Tini boasts around 40 different martinis with names like Dragon Bite and Cinnamon Apple Crisp, as well as extensive wine, beer and appetizer lists. With each change second place of season, the staff Gelsosomo’s brings out a special list gelpizza.com of martinis to comple complethird place ment the time of year Arrenello’s (try the Martini de Hor Hor2556 45th St chata or the Strawberry Highland, Ind. Banana Martini this 219.924.2525 Hamsummer). Nancy Ham mer, bar manager, says, “Our customer service is stellar—everyone is reso polite and re ally quick. And our customers are great right Whatback to us. What ever your palate is, we have something for you.” Stop by on Wednesday and Thursday nights for local live music.

second place Bar Louie

8209 Wicker Ave, St. John, Ind., 219.365.7737

third place Twisted Martini Lounge, Gauchos Brazilian Steakhouse 597 W US Hwy 30, Valparaiso, Ind. 219.759.1100, gauchosvalpo.com

best ��

microbreWerY Three Floyds

9750 Indiana Pkwy, Munster, Ind. 219.922.3565, 3floyds.com

hat started as two young brothers brewing beer in their garage has officially turned out-of-control successful. Brothers Nick and Simon Floyd, with their father Mike Floyd, founded Three Floyds Brewing Company in 1996 with one small barrel. Now they can produce 4,800 barrels annusecond ally, and boy, is place it worth it. Three Crown Brewing Floyds’ most ac211 S East St claimed beer is Crown Point, Ind. called Dark Lord, 219.663.4545 rated by many as crownbrewing.com one of the best in the world. Brewed with Intelligentsia Black Cat espresso, Mexican third vanilla and Indian dessert sugar, it’s not for the faint of heart: 2010’s place batch clocks in at 15 percent alcohol content and 700 calories per The Livery bottle. But you can only grab a swig of this stuff on Dark Lord Day, a 190 5th St daylong festival in early April for which you need a coveted Golden Benton Harbor, Mich. Ticket. Brewery tours are $1 every Saturday at 3 p.m., and it’d be wise 269.925.8760 to hit up their Three Floyds brewpub right next door. —MJ liverybrew.com

best ��

middle eastern restaurant Aladdin Pita 3750 W 80th Ln Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.5204 aladdinpita.com

laddin Pita’s website claims it will “expand your knowledge of culture through the taste

buds.” And the restaurant, familyowned by brothers Wesam and Ghessan Mohammed, certainly is a cultural experience worthy of a visit—or many visits. Authentic Middle Eastern entrées such as the lamb kabab platter and the chicken shawerma plate are seasoned and marinated perfectly. Owner Wesam Mohammed says, “Middle Eastern food has a lot of flavor that comes out. We’re very consistent with that in our food.” The restaurant has a dinner buffet on Sundays and Thursdays, a full hookah menu (a Middle Eastern tradition in tobacco), a banquet hall and catering services. Several vegetarian options are available, too—Mohammed recommends the lentil soup. For

those wanting to try their hand at Middle Eastern cuisine, Aladdin Pita also provides a complete food mart with all of the ingredients you need for a meal, as well as other special foods that your taste buds will thank you for. —MJ

second place Tandoor 1535 US Hwy 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.9511

third place Five Star Thai Cuisine 5124 Pine Island Ct Crown Point, Ind. 219.769.6322

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best ��

Jimmy John’s

Ciao Bella Ristorante

PLACE FOR A SANDWICH jimmyjohns.com

When you want a fresh sandwich now—as in right this moment—head to Jimmy John’s, where the subs are made in front of you in less than five minutes. Get everything from a tuna sub to a turkey sandwich, or go all out for an Italian Night Club, which packs salami, Italian capicola, smoked ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo and homemade Italian vinaigrette all onto one sandwich. Jimmy John’s also caters, and is the perfect lunch treat for the office or for a party. —DB

SECOND PLACE Subway

NEW RESTAURANT (1 YEAR OR LESS)

1514 US Hwy 41, Schererville, Ind., 219.322.6800, ciaobellaonline.com f you want good Tuscan food in Northwest Indiana, head to the new Italian restaurant, Ciao Bella, in Schererville. The cozy, romantic atmosphere and quaint Italian charm add to the rich Italian specialties, such as the pesce bianco—a white fish soaked in a white wine and lemon caper sauce. Or, dig into Ciao Bella’s thin crust pizzas made with fresh mozzarella and homemade sauce. Ciao Bella was brought to the region by Giuseppe “Joe” Scalzo, who was born in Italy and moved to the United States 15 years ago in order to bring Tuscan cuisine here. This is his third restaurant—he previously owned Piazza Bella and Via Carducci. —DB

SECOND PLACE Amoré 109 W Joliet St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.7377

THIRD PLACE Abstract Café

3365 Willowcreek Rd Portage, Ind. 219.762.8466, abstractcafe.net

subway.com

THIRD PLACE Butterfingers Bakery 2 locations

best ��

POLISH RESTAURANT Warsaw Inn

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

hether you want to dine on pierogi, stuffed cabbage, polish sausage or blintzes, the 40-year-old Warsaw Inn is the place to go. There are more than 60 items in its buffet, which will please even the pickiest of eaters. Warsaw Inn also carries American standouts, such as the old-fashioned hand-carved ham and roast beef—in addition to its fresh salads and fruit. If you can’t get to Warsaw Inn,

they’ll bring the Polish experience to your home or office. They offer full catering menus starting at $8.95 per person, in addition to a carry-out menu. —DB

SECOND PLACE Cavalier Inn 735 Gostlin St Hammond, Ind. 219.933.9314 cavalierinn.net

THIRD PLACE Nina’s Pierogies 7600 Broadway Merrillville, Ind. 219.736.2885

best ��

SEAFOOD Teibel’s

1775 US Hwy 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.865.2000 teibels.com

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

Teibel’s is a family-owned restaurant in Schererville that’s been serving up home-cooked seafood, steak, chicken and salads since 1920. The owners attribute the popularity of their seafood to the freshness, saying that they get a few deliveries every week which allows them to serve fresh-off-the-boat seafood specialties to their customers. In addition to their fresh catch of the day, Teibel’s also offers lake perch, which is buttered and boned—and the Indonesian frog legs, which are about as exotic as you can get. If you can’t get to Teibel’s, the restaurant will come to you via catering or takeout. —DB

SECOND PLACE Lighthouse Restaurant

7501 Constitution Ave Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.9283 cedarlakelighthouse.com

THIRD PLACE Bonefish Grill

1100 E Paris Ave SE

Grand Rapids, Mich. 616.949.7861 bonefishgrill.com

best ��

SPORTS BAR & GRILL Buffalo Wild Wings multiple locations buffalowildwings.com

uffalo Wild Wings captured two “Best Of ” titles this year: “Best Chicken Wings” and “Best Sports Bar & Grill.” And it’s easy to see why. This national chain started in 1982 when two transplanted Buffalo, New York, men were craving authentic chicken wings in Kent, Ohio. They couldn’t find any, so they decided to nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Food & Drink VodKa DiVine Round Barn Winery

3 locations divinevodka.com

10983 Hills Rd Baroda, Mich. 800.716.9463 439 Butler St Saugatuck, Mich. 269.857.7000 9185 Union Pier Rd, Union Pier, Mich., 269.469.6885

At this familyrun distillery, the vodka is produced and bottled in-house. And this isn’t the first time the DiVine vodka was described as, well, divine. It won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and it won a silver medal at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits competition. The distinct, smooth flavor comes from wine grapes, which are turned into about 1,000 cases of DiVine annually at the Round Barn Winery in Michigan. —DB

second place Opulent

opulentvodka.com

third place Grey Goose

greygoose.com

open their own restaurant to serve up these tasty chicken wings. Today, BWW specializes in chicken wings. The traditional Buffalo, New York-style joint wings are award-winning. The boneless wings are lightly breaded white meat cooked golden crisp for “first-place taste with less mess.” Both varieties are spun in your favorite BWW sauce and served with celery and bleu cheese or ranch dressing. Those 14 sauces are legendary, ranging in heat from smilin’ (Salt & Vinegar) to screamin’ (Desert Heat). The extensive menu includes starters and snacks, ribs, shrimp, burgers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads and desserts. There’s also a “Wild Child” menu for the kids. The relaxed, comfortable atmosphere of BWW’s sports bar appeals to those who like to hang out with friends, play trivia on the Buzztime system and watch their favorite games on one of the many big-screen TVs. –LAF

second place Buddy & Pal’s 3 locations

third place Northwoods

northwoodsdining.com

best ��

place for sundaY brunch Center for Visual and Performing Arts 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, Ind. 219.836.1930, cvpa.org

Wake up hungry and bring the whole family to the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Valparaiso every Sunday for an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. You will dine on eggs, sausages, blintzes, waffles, bagels and lox, carved ham, pasta and champagne. Leave room for desserts—it would be a shame to miss the fudge brownies, carrot cake and pecan pie. No brunch is complete without sparkling champagne—and they have that, too. —DB

second place Strongbow Inn strongbowinn.com

third place Northwoods

northwoodsdining.com

best ��

steaKhouse Kelsey’s Steak & Seafood

3 locations, kelseyssteakhouse.com 2300 US Hwy 30, Valparaiso, Ind., 219.465.4022 5630 US Hwy 6, Portage, Ind., 219.762.2242 7311 Mallard Ln, Schererville, Ind., 219.769.0000

he steaks at Kelsey’s are aged 21 days and then cooked on a charcoal grill before they’re served. that attention to detail—plus Kelsey’s extensive menu filled with steaks ranging from filet mignon to monterey filet tips to a delmonico ribeye—is what second place sets Kelsey’s apart from the Gino’s rest. You can get much more 1259 Joliet St than steak here, though. they Dyer, Ind. also serve seafood, chicken 219.865.3854 and salad. “We want to keep ginossteakhouse.com high quality service and food at reasonable prices,” says third place sara mitchell, manager at Texas Corral Kelsey’s. —db texascorral.net

best ��

WinerY & place to buY Wine

Tabor Hill

taborhill.com

ome for the wine, stay for the food and bring a bottle home with you at one of Tabor Hill’s four locations. There’s absolutely no need to go to Napa when you’ve got a vineyard practically in your backyard. Tabor Hill’s wines are produced on the shore of Lake Michigan, where the cool, temperate breezes—combined with clay soil and expert winemakers—make it the perfect combo to produce fine wines. Need more details? Go on a tour of the winery along the vineyard, visit the winemaking facility and do a wine tasting. —DB

second place Round Barn Winery

3 locations roundbarnwinery.com

third place St. Julian Winery

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

photo [top] by ROBERT WRAY

best ��

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BANK

secoNd plAce

Chase

chase.com

Centier

centier.com Centier Bank, established by the Schrage Family in 1895, took top honors in three categories this year: “Best Bank,” “Best Place to Work” and “Best Customer Service.” From its roots in Whiting, Centier has expanded to 45 locations across Northwest Indiana, including three Business Banking Centers in Fort Wayne, Lafayette and Mishawaka. President/CEO Michael Schrage says the entire Centier staff is “extremely proud to be honored in three categories as a best bank this year. As a hometown, community bank, it is important for us to keep close ties to the communities we serve. Being honored by our clients and members of the community is the highest compliment we can receive as an organization.” In addition, Centier is committed to being the Bank of Choice in Northern and Northwest Indiana “through a shared culture of values,” Schrage says. These values are ones “that the residents of each community we serve can hold close as our promise to remain dedicated to independent community banking for many years to come.”

third plAce

Peoples Bank ibankpeoples.com

best ��

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

rive & Shine offers clients an array of car washing and detailing services. Their massive facility uses only mild chemicals that are harmless for your car—and for you—in addition to doing a spotless rinse. Sixteen dryers are used to dry your car quickly and effectively. Drive & Shine also offers a la carte detailing, such as a seat shampoo ($30). They have many different packages for clients who want to get washes inside and out on a regular basis. –DB

best ��

hoMe BUilder Olthof Homes

8051 Wicker Ave, Ste A, St. John, Ind. 219.558.8080, olthofhomes.com

his family business of 40 years has created a variety of residence styles in 12 amenity-filled communities throughout Northwest Indiana, from townhomes to condominiums to singlefamily homes. A state-of-the-art Design Center allows customers to choose from a wide range of styles from elegant to exciting, in unique settings and with options constantly updated by an experienced, educated design team. The staff draws its warm, personal style from the family-owned environment. “We’re not just a service,” says vice president Todd Olthof. “We’re grateful for our business and our hard-working staff.” Home models are available to tour, and the website offers special promotions. Some homes are “ready to move in.” –JDK

secoNd plAce

third plAce

6919 W Lincoln Hwy Crown Point, Ind. 219.322.3303 cookbuilders.com

2300-A Ramblewood Dr Highland, Ind. 219.934.9885 mcfarlandhomes.net

Cook Builders

McFarland Homes

secoNd plAce

Soft Touch

6262 Broadway, Merrillville, Ind., 219.980.2493 1492 N Main St, Crown Point, Ind., 219.662.1648 1303 Vale Park Rd, Valparaiso, Ind., 219.477.4566

third plAce

Easy Clean

9425 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, Ind., 219.922.7900 1779 Indianapolis Blvd, Schererville, Ind., 219.865.5411 easycleancarwash.net

photo [left] by JOHN LUKE; [right] by ROBERT WRAY

Services

Centier has been named among the Best Places to Work in Indiana for the past four years and “having this honor given to us truly underscores the efforts we put forth to make Centier a great place to work and bank for the community,” Schrage says. The bank also takes great pride in “offering world-class service to clients in each of our communities,” Schrage says. “Our associates work hard to develop personal relationships with each client we serve—from extending the hand of friendship to becoming a trusted financial partner, we are committed to providing customer service based on experience and a long history of core family values,” he says. –LAF

“It takes good partnerships and an attitude of excellence to build a successful, service driven company. Our goal is for each customer to have personalized attention to the details in their homes and businesses. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have consistently displayed these values and have been instrumental in J Kremke ConsructionEnterprises LLC earning this recognition.” Our Partners

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Services childcAre ceNter Wonder Years Learning Center 1838 45th Ave Munster, Ind. 219.750.1900 wonderyearslearning.com

best ��

cAr repAir shop Levin Tire Center levintirecenter.com With locations in Valparaiso, Merrillville, Crown Point, Hammond, Highland, Hobart and Southlake, it’s easy to find a Levin Tire Center. They’ve been servicing Northwest Indiana residents for nearly a century, and are known for their low prices, experienced technicians and array of services. Get everything from tire rotation to disk brake service to heating and air conditioning repair. Clients appreciate the promotions and specials always available on their website, offering hundreds of dollars off car repair. –DB

secoNd plAce

M&M Car Center

3903 W 83 Pl, Merrillville, Ind. 219.864.1496, mmcarcarecenter.com

third plAce

Crown Point Auto Repair

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

editor’s choice best ��

old-FAshioNed BArBershop Bob’s Place

2433 45th St, Highland, Ind. 219.924.0545

orge Gutierrez credits the success of Wonder Years Learning Center to running a familyowned business that encourages positive early childhood experiences. “We have children of our own, so families connect with us,” says Gutierrez. “They know they’re not just another number.” With co-director Erika Gutierrez, Jorge manages a partnership among children, parents and 26 teachers to provide enrichment activities in a nurturing and secure environment. A rigorous selection process ensures a dedicated staff. Video cameras allow parents peace of mind as they access activities from their workplace, and parents can get a discount if they work for participating area corporations. –JDK

secoNd plAce

Wee Care Child Development Center 1750 Thornapple Cir Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.1214 421 Sand Creek Dr Chesterton, Ind. 219.929.4694

third plAce

Premier Childcare and Learning Center 1100 Eagle Ridge Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.865.5437 premierchildcare.org

with “fabulous employees” who keep projects on track using some of the area’s best trade contractors. While new home construction is the company’s area of expertise, equal attention is also given to remodeling projects including kitchens, baths, decks, and porches. As a 100 percent green contractor, Powell collaborates with clients on designs incorporating green concepts. For aging in place projects, practical and imaginative designs and construction create environments that make the home a lasting, safe haven. Says Powell, “We have really great customers—they appreciate the work we do.” –JDK

secoNd plAce

J Kremke Construction

best ��

coNtrActor

314 Springview Dr Porter, Ind. 219.309.0360 mygreenbuildingsolutions.com

Powell ConstructionGreg Powell

third plAce

3531 Niles Rd St. Joseph, Mich. 269.556.1111 powell-construction.com At Powell Construction, “It’s a real team effort,” says owner Greg Powell,

here are few places left in the country where you can get a hot towel and straight razor shave—complete with an icecold refreshment. But Bob’s Place is one of them. The traditional barbershop has been around for four decades, and it still offers the same services that made it popular in the 1970s. A pre-wedding razor shave costs only $17; pair that with a men’s haircut for an additional $16. Bob’s Place also offers cuts and color for women and children. In fact, the only thing new is a fresh coat of paint, says Michael Niemiec, who’s been the

Floors & Kitchens LTD

10047 Raven Wood Dr St. John, Ind. 219.365.5883 floorsandkitchens.net

owner for the past four years. “It has a very home-based feel, and it’s very traditional,” Niemiec says. “It’s where fathers bring their sons, and where their sons bring their sons. It gets passed on from generation to generation.” Most barbershops closed when the big-box salons entered the region, offering low-priced cuts and a big advertising budget. But Bob’s has chugged along, luring customers back with their precise hair cuts, traditional feel and competitive pricing. In fact, Niemiec says, Bob’s is the place where people go after their hair has been botched at other places. “We do a lot of fixing,” he says. –DB

photo [top] by ROBERT WRAY

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door ANd WiNdoW replAceMeNt Schererville Glass & Mirror 302 E US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.5050 scherervilleglass.com

secoNd plAce

Pella Windows pella.com

third plAce

Schilling

8900 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.8585 schillings.com

N FOR VOTI

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rom custom-designed projects to home window repairs, every customer gets quality service at Schererville Glass & Mirror. For 23 years, Tom Gallas has applied â&#x20AC;&#x153;a very strong ethic in construction,â&#x20AC;? says coowner Karyn Gallas. Residential and commercial customers can see and touch products at the showroom design center for in-house custom design work. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wide selection of patterned glass for custom shower doors, with steam showers and frameless enclosures. From custom-beveled mirrors to hot tub designs, whether the material is Plexiglas, acrylic, or glass, the company assures no runs, no chips, no errors. Gallas also does storefront fabrication, repair and upgrades. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;JDK

U O Y K N A H T

electriciAN Mr. Electric

EDIT. SEE OVED CR R P P A H IT

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omeowners and business owners can get fast, reliable electrical service and repair from Mr. Electric anytime, any day. The business isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all about repair: Mr. Electric provides comprehensive electrical services from experts with in-depth, ongoing training. Residential services include energysaving solutions, code updates and corrections, and installation of custom lighting. Mr. Electric also has safety products to upgrade home electrical systems. Commercial services include energy audits, high-tech trouble shooting, holiday and security lighting, and more. Mr. Electric also has special offers and an Advantage Plan that save time and money. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;JDK

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secoNd plAce

Jay Lieser 1st Metropolitan Builders 400 Fisher St, Ste J Munster, Ind. 219.836.8282

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1918

29356 State Line Rd Beecher, Ill. 219.313.2588 A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

HAMMOND

CROWN POINT

6901 Indianapolis Blvd. Mon-Fri 7:30-6 Sat 7:30-4

501 N. Main Mon-Fri 7:30-6 Sat 7:30-4

219-924-1710 219-845-9220 219-663-1876

third plAce

Cedar Electric

HIGHLAND

9500 Indianapolis Blvd. Mon-Fri 7:30-6:30 Sat 7-4:30; Sun 10-4

HOBART

219-947-2574

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OPEN SUNDAY IN HIGHLAND nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Services

best ��

PET GROOMING /BOARDING

Munster Animal Hospital

10421 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.924.0101 munsteranimal.com (see story, page 50)

secoNd plAce

Crown Point Animal Hospital

1138 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.0239 cpah.vetsuite.com

third plAce

Four Paws

2832 169th St Hammond, Ind. 219.844.7297

best ��

heAtiNG & cooliNG

iNsUrANce AGeNt

Meyer’s Heating & Cooling

Jim Miskovich, State Farm

100 N Griffith Blvd Griffith, Ind. 219.924.1999 meyersheatingandcooling.com When it comes to quality service and customer satisfaction, “It’s all about our top-trained employees,” says Joe Yothment, co-owner of Meyer’s with Paul Starcevich. “We’re known for our 24-hour service.” One call does it all: “For a remodel, the customer wants to make the least number of phone calls,” says Yothment. Meyer’s handles heating, cooling, and electric, and plumbing design and repair. In addition to specials, rebates, discounts and coupons, the 55-year business also offers an all-season service plan for worry-free maintenance. –JDK

secoNd plAce

Popa Heating & Cooling 2643 Highway Ave Highland, Ind. 219.838.7700 popahvac.com

third plAce

Cliff’s Heating & Cooling 344 Kennedy Ave Schererville, Ind. 219.864.1551 cliffsheating.com

6629 US Hwy 30, Ste 8 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2727 jimmiskovich.net

The security of great coverage goes beyond home, auto, and life insurance, through Jim Miskovich at State Farm Insurance. “People are more than just a number on our computer,” says Miskovich, who has 27 years experience as an agent with the largest insurer of homes and automobiles in the country.

“We provide our clients with caring, respectful, and dependable service each and every time, for a ‘wow’ experience.” That includes assisting clients with financial needs, too, through State Farm Bank, including CDs with competitive rates, the Coverdell College Savings Plan, Roth IRAs, money market accounts, 401(k) rollovers and more. –JDK

secoNd plAce

Brett Huber, State Farm 5474 US 6, Ste A Portage, Ind. 219.763.4236 bretthuber.com

third plAce

Connie Bernardi, State Farm 1072 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.322.9959 conniebernardi.com

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

best ��

KitcheN/BAth reModeliNG Schilling

8900 Wicker Ave, St. John, Ind., 219.365.8585, schillings.com Schilling has so many choices of design, décor, materials, and styles in one store at unbeatable prices. Their newly renovated, 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art showroom features 40 complete room scenes so that customers can visualize their dream kitchen including cabinets, countertops, hardware, backsplash and flooring. Schilling is a one-stop shop where everything on display is available for purchase, the majority in stock. “We are a hybrid between a home center and design center, giving us the lowest prices and the latest trends,” says general manager Bob Blandford. The full room scenes range from traditional to contemporary to old-world, and are completely outfitted—for laundry, wine cellar, media room, office, bath, closet, bedroom, kitchen, wet bar. The home-like atmosphere lets customers see the true colors in the right application, and owner Greg Schilling notes “customers appreciate our friendly design staff and the great prices.” An award-winning design staff helps create the new-home or remodel design within the secoNd plAce customer’s budget and offers Maruszczak designer tips on greenAppliance Sales friendly solutions—all at no charge. and Service, Inc. 7809 W Lincoln Hwy For door and window Schererville, Ind. replacement, Schilling is 219.865.0555, maruszczak.com the largest Andersen dealer in the Chicagoland area, third plAce with the complete line of American Home Andersen products. Kitchen & Bath “People like getting 3205 Cascade Ave, Ste G everything they need right Valparaiso, Ind. here,” says Blandford. –JDK 219.477.2800, ahkb.com

photos by ROBERT WRAY

best ��

WELCH’S STOP & SHOP

The BEST SELECTION and Freshest Meats and Produce

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Services

secoNd plAce

R.A.L. Landscaping & Garden Center 6616 Lincoln Hwy Crown Point, Ind. 219.865.6349 rallandscapingandgardencenter.com

third plAce

Nature’s Way Landscaping

best ��

plAce For AN oil chANGe

1113 John Beers Rd Stevensville, Mich. 269.429.1694 natureswayinc.com

Duke of Oil

13 locations, thedukeofoil.com

Keeping vehicles road-worthy is the goal at each Duke of Oil and Auto Fix location in Indiana and Illinois. Fast, expert oil changes make life a little easier, and repairs and vehicle secoNd maintenance by experienced mechanics make driving plAce a whole lot safer—all at a one-stop facility. Since 1988 Oil Express the Duke of Oil has been committed to providing quality oilexpress.com customer service at its convenient one-stop facilities for individual vehicle owners and for companies in third the Auto Fix fleet plan. Specials and coupons are plAce available for oil changes, A/C recharges, transmission Oil ’N’ Go costascompanies.com and radiator repairs, and much more. –JDK

best ��

lANdscAper Allen Landscape

2539 45th St, Highland, Ind. 219.924.3938, alchighland.com

1502 US Hwy 30, Schererville, Ind. 219.865.6181, allenlandscapecenter.com

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

ervice, quality, and innovation exemplify Tom and Paula Allen’s 35-year commitment to their landscaping business. “Our designers take great care in creating solutions that are not only practical, but tailored to the client’s taste and the opportunities of the site,” says Paula Allen. A skilled staff of accredited horticulturists and master gardeners transforms sketches into residential, com-

best ��

plUMBer St. John Plumbing Service 10800 Joliet St St John, Ind. 219.365.2080 stjohnplumbingservice.com

“I feel like a rock star,” says Wayne Spiekhout of St. John Plumbing Service after winning the “Best Plumber” category two consecutive years. “Servicing plumbing in existing installbuildings is very different than install ing fixtures in new construction,” says Spiekhout, a journeyman plumber with more than 25 years experience, who co-owns the company with his wife, Darcy. “That’s our forte.”

St. John Plumbing Service’s experienced, licensed plumbers are available 24/7 for emergency repairs to malfunctioning plumbing in homes and businesses throughout Lake and Porter counties. Spiekhout keeps three trucks fully stocked with the supplies and equipment needed for any job. –LAF

secoNd plAce

Meyer’s Heating & Cooling (see story, page 46)

third plAce

Hessville Plumbing, Inc. 3935 165th St Hammond, Ind.

best ��

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

“It’s such a compliment when people come back to you a second or third time,” says realtor/broker associate Sharon Halliburton, winner of multiple diamond and platinum sales awards and lifetime gold winner for American Homes. “It’s the service that makes you stand out,” she says, and her bubbly personality is a standout, too, for commercial and residential clients along the lakeshore from the Indiana state line to the South Haven area. The fullservice realtor says it’s “an easy area to

photo [top] by ROBERT WRAY

mercial, and industrial projects that enhance the community, says Allen. Landscaping services include design, construction, and maintenance. A showcase offers ideas using stone and paving, while the expanded retail garden center inspires with colorful possibilities and garden accents. –JDK

DRIVE & SHINE THANKS INDIANA

sell, because it’s so pretty,” adding, “People realize it when you put forth a special effort for them.” –JDK

secoNd plAce

Nick Arnold, Prudential Executive Group Real Estate 2612 N Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.548.7803 nickarnold.pruexec.com

third plAce

Melissa Hickey, RE/MAX Results 954 US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.670.6562 melissahickey.com

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC offers comprehensive services. Sellers will find guidance, including a checklist from attic to basement, to ensure the home is attractive. Buyers can take a quick quiz to see a house that fits their style, receive emails as new properties are listed that meet their criteria, and learn how to make a great deal. And everyone is on solid ground with a glossary of terms. A financial Q & A addresses issues from first-home buys to refinancing. —JDK

secoNd plAce

Century 21 Executive Realty 21exec.com

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third plAce

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coMMerciAl reAl estAte coMpANY Pangere Corporation 4050 W 4th Ave Gary, Ind. 219.949.1368 pangere.com

best ��

resideNtiAl reAl estAte coMpANY Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage coldwellbanker.com

Whether buying or selling a home, gathering and tracking resources is essential. From online tips to a local sales associate,

angere is an integrated construction service center for building construction, repairs and maintenance that was founded in 1905. Today they are a third-generation, family-owned and managed company that has earned a reputation for uncompromised integrity and customer satisfaction that continues to foster long-standing relationships. Pangere has built commercial projects such the Conseco Fieldhouse, the Gary/ Chicago Airport, the Trump & Majestic Star Casino, the Kocsis Brothers Machine Company, and the Gary Railcats Baseball Stadium. Industrial projects include chemical, air and steel processing facilities, and

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Services retireMeNt/ Assisted liViNG coMMUNitY

Hartsfield Village

10000 Columbia Ave Munster, Ind. 219.934.0750 hartsfieldvillage.com

Located in Northwest Indiana near Chicago’s bustling Southland makes Hartsfield Village convenient for family, friends, professional services, places of worship, and familiar business and entertainment sites. Hartsfield Village Retirement Community offers a full continuum of lifestyle options and health care services. Independent apartments with services, assisted living apartments, a memory support residence, and skilled nursing care with rehabilitation. “All our services provide support in a 38-acre setting as pleasing to the spirit as it is to the eye,” says Elaine Braddock, marketing director for Hartsfield Village. “Hartsfield Village really is a special kind of place, where value and a true feeling of home come together in an exceptional community.” —SBW

secoNd plAce

Franciscan Home

800.524.6126 franciscanservices.com

third plAce

Wittenburg Village

1200 E Luther Dr Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.3860 wittenbergvillage.org

manufacturing plants such as US Steel, LTV Steel, Robbins Resource and Recovery Facility, Signode, and Feralloy Processing Corporation. John T. Pangere founded the company which continued under the management of his son, Nicholas J. Pangere, and today his son, Steve N. Pangere, heads up the company. “We’ve been in business for over 100 years and we have an excellent safety record and have received awards and recognition,” Steve Pangere says. “We are family and the corporation is heavily involved in this community. We give back a lot and have benefitted from the community. Our purpose is to build relationships by treating people right.” –HA

secoNd plAce

Precision Construction

best ��

rooFer M&M Roofing

1877 E Summit St, Crown Point, Ind. 1.800.930.2905, mmroof.com

ith over 30 years experience, M&M Roofing has the ability to evaluate each project from a “systems” approach, giving the homeowner the best solution possible. “We have perfected our processes to become extremely neat and efficient at providing each homeowner with a quality project that doesn’t drag on,” says owner Nick Yadron. “We also have the manpower to handle some of the most difficult and challenging projects in the industry. Our crews run like well-oiled machines, working together to efficiently complete each project. Our roofing crews do the removal, the new installation, and all flashing details the day of the job.”

9616 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.924.0044 precisionconstruction.com

K&D Development Company 2107 Northwinds Dr Dyer, Ind. 219.365.9500

best ��

VeteriNAriAN 10421 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.924.0101 munsteranimal.com

et owners entrust their furry friends to Munster Animal Hospital because, says veterinarian Dr. Won

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

third plAce

J&J Remodeling

219.663.6418 jandjremodeling.com

for the dogs, and instead of cages there are decorated compartments with suites for dogs and condos for cats, plus an outdoor facility. Care is taken to provide the best grooming possible. Prices are moderate to make service available to more people. Han says, “I tell my staff, ‘We’re not here just to collect a paycheck. We’re here because we love what we’re doing.’” –JDK

third plAce

Munster Animal Hospital

secoNd plAce

secoNd plAce Han, he and his team “have the same mind, the same heart. We see our clients suffering along with their pets; we want to relieve the suffering.” Han and his staff of 50 offer services including digital X-ray, dental, endoscopy, ultrasound and surgery, with the most advanced technology available. From doctor to receptionist, everyone goes to continuing

education and training. “As a team we work together to reach the same goal: deliver the best service possible and see the dogs go home in better condition than they came in,” Han says. The boarding facility is stateof-the-art. There is a complete air exchange every 10 to 15 minutes and there are noise-absorbing panels. Music and movies are played

Community Pet Hospital 8138 Calumet Ave Munster, Ind. 219.836.0108

third plAce

Glenwood Village Pet Hospital 555 E Glenwood-Lansing Rd Glenwood, Ill. 708.758.2400 gvph.com

photos by ROBERT WRAY

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PlACE TO lIVE

Living

APARTMENT COMMUNITY Sherwood Lake Apartments 801 Sherwood Lake Dr Schererville, Ind. 219.322.4142

Sherwood Lake Apartments is nestled in a wooded location. Family and pet friendly, the community is centrally located to just about everything a resident could want: shopping, schools, restaurants, movie theaters. The place is filled with many amenities, including two large fishing ponds, three pools, a practice putting green, playground, community center and a fitness center. With 576 one- and two-bedroom units over three levels, apartments have recently upgraded kitchens; two-bedroom units have washers and dryers. –SBW

sECONd PlACE

Lakeshore Dunes 440 N Lake St Gary, Ind. 219.938.0500

ThIRd PlACE

Lakeview Apartments

Crown Point

Office of the Mayor, 101 N East St, Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.3240, crownpoint.in.gov

he City of Crown Point was established in 1834 and has grown to a population of just under 25,000. They boast a top-ranked school system, plenty of parks, greenways and greens, and a historic downtown anchored by the former courthouse, which now houses a restaurant, museum, and shops. The city gained national notoriety in 1934 when John Dillinger escaped from the county jail, and again in 2008 when a big-screen version of the story brought movie star Johnny Depp to town. Patti Olson, clerk-treasurer, who has lived in Crown Point for 40 years, says, “People love our downtown area. We have a beautiful courthouse, people are friendly, and we have a lot of activities all year long. We just keep doing things all of the time and we’re hopping. People like to visit us and hopefully they will make Crown Point their home. We have a director of special events in the mayor’s office and she does an outstanding job and it’s never dull here, there’s always something going on. Plus we have a lot of really great people who live here and when you come visit it’s a warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s a good place to live and raise a family.” –hA

sECONd PlACE

ThIRd PlACE

Office of the Mayor 166 Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.1161 ci.valparaiso.in.us

City Hall 700 Broad St St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.5541 sjcity.com

Valparaiso

St. Joseph

best ��

PlACE TO VOlUNTEER Humane Society of Northwest Indiana 6100 Melton Rd Gary, Ind. 219.938.3339 millercritters.net

The mission of the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana program is to balance the health, safety, and

welfare needs of the people and animals within the Northwest Indiana area; to provide shelter and care for the unwanted pets of the Northwest Indiana area; to promote, motivate, and enforce responsible pet ownership; to ensure the legal protection of animals from mistreatment; to provide animal-related services to the citizens of the Northwest Indiana area; to educate the public through presentations and public relations; to respond to the

questions citizens may have regarding animals and refer them as necessary to the correct party; and to provide a lost and found service for lost pets to owners. “We care a lot about our animals,” says Betty Clayton, executive director. “Our animals are well taken care of and all of them are fun and well adjusted and we have a large play area where volunteers can throw Frisbees to them and consistently bathe them. We really appreciate our volunteers because we are a humane society in a depressed area and we rely on our volunteers to survive. We have some volunteers who come from far away just to walk

the dogs because they like our shelter. We’ve been told we’re one of the cleanest in the area. You walk in and it doesn’t smell like there is even an animal in here.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana 8446 Virginia St Merrillville, Ind. 219.756.3663 mealsonwheelsnwindiana.org

ThIRd PlACE

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana 839 Broadway, 3rd Fl Gary, Ind. 219.881.1060 nwipositiveplace.org

photos [top] by ROBERT WRAY; [opposite page, right] Felicia Fairchild

3405 Lincoln St East Chicago, Ind. 219.397.9421

best ��

PLACE TO WORK Centier Bank multiple locations centier.com

(see story on page 42)

second place

Sisters of St. Francis Health Services multiple locations ssfhs.org

third place

Community Hospital Network 901 Macarthur Blvd Munster, Ind. comhs.org

Douglas Simpson, pastor, says, “We believe in worship and gathering together as a household in the joy of simplicity, generosity, and contentment so that we place ourselves at God’s disposal. We come to worship expecting to be in the presence of God and in the embodiment of the people who gather. It’s being able to see your brother and sister in the family of faith together.” Every fifth Sunday, First United has a service of healing in addition to their worship services. “We believe there is something unique about a service of healing,” says Simpson, who studied emotional healing, “for those with physical ailments, emotional problems, mental anguish, and spiritual problems.” –HA

second place

St. John the Baptist

best ��

PLACE TO WORSHIP First United Methodist Church 6635 Hohman Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.932.5915 hammondfumc.org

First United Methodist Church in Hammond is a group of Christian parishioners who gather to worship as well as enjoy a host of other spiritual activities and missions. They offer a number of study and spiritual programs—activities such as yoga, quilting, and breakfasts—and they perform outreach into the community to help those in need, both locally and globally. They also offer a children’s theater camp each summer and a variety of children’s programming for all ages.

2457 Massachusetts St Gary, Ind. 219.886.7769

third place

Family Christian Center

340 W 45th St Munster, Ind. 219.922.6500 familychristiancenter.org

best ��

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Lake Hills St. John 8051 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.3674 olthofhomes.com

Lake Hills in St. John is a neighborhood located east of Route 41 on West 85th Avenue, featuring elegant, maintenance-free townhomes and paired villas in addition to single-family homes. The terrain features rolling hills, lakes, scenic open areas, and dense forest that create a diversity of environment for comfortable living. Lake Hills offers residents amenities such as a community clubhouse, an amphitheater, walking trails, and a number of parks. Lake Hills is located near St. John and Schererville retail and dining and is in the Lake Central School District. Todd Olthof, whose company Olthof Homes builds the townhomes and paired villas, says, “It’s a beautiful community and a beautiful setting with a variety of residential types. It has a real natural beauty and it’s a luxury product, and residents like the luxury maintenance-free lifestyle.” Lake Hills is developed by V3 in Woodridge, Illinois. -HA

second place

Harbor Shores

301 State St St. Joseph, Mich. 269.932.1600 harborshoresdevelopment.org

third place

Ellendale Farm 915 Lake St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.0167 ellendalefarm.com

best ��

WEEKEND GETAWAY Saugatuck

saugatuck.com Saugatuck is the perfect quick getaway, with fantastic art galleries and boutique downtown shopping, delicious restaurants, a beach with a boat harbor, live entertainment, and opportunities for a great stroll down the sidewalk eating ice cream. Saugatuck has multiple golf courses, bike paths and hiking trails, cross country ski trails, and charter fishing. Quiet inns and bed & breakfasts dot the shoreline for a cozy weekend away. According to Felicia Fairchild, executive director of the Saugatuck-Douglas Visitors Bureau, “I believe that some little towns just get it right and Saugatuck is one of them. Of course we have all the eclectic amenities but we stand out from the crowd because of our vibrant art scene, all located on one of the most breathtaking shorelines in North America.” She adds, “There is an avant-garde feel to Saugatuck that makes it a favorite spot among Midwest visitors who enjoy the paradoxes of this progressive little ‘place out of time,’ where the nation’s only remaining Victorian chain ferry coexists with Segway tours of the quaint downtown.” -HA

second place

third place

mackinac.com

sjcity.com

Mackinac Island

A Special Publication of The Times Media Company

St. Joseph

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

best ��

ANTIQUE shOP Crown Point Antique Mall

Shopping

103 W Joliet St, Crown Point, Ind. 219.662.1219, crownpointantiquemall.com

best ��

APPlIANCE sTORE APP Maruszczak Appliance Sales & Service, Inc. 7809 W Lincoln Hwy, Schererville, Ind. 219.865.0555, maruszczak.com

M 54 54

aruszczak Appliance is a family-owned and operated business that began as a repair shop in the early 1950s in Hammond. Today the original owner, Nick Maruszczak, still works in the store, working alongside his sons and grandchildren. Maruszczak still offers service for all types o off appliances, as well as a variety of product lines that were introduced in 1987, including all major brands of home laundry, kitchen cooking and refrigeration, cooking ventilation, wine and beverage refrigeration, waste disposals and compactors, beer kegera kegerators, vacuums by Miele, and beds by the sECONd PlACE Green Home line from HGTV/Serta. Current Grant’s owner Doug Maruszczak, Jr., says, “We’re a known name in the area. Second- and thirdAppliance generation customers come to us. But that 1107 W 81st Ave only goes so far. We go above and beyond Merrillville, Ind. 219.650.3680 to remedy problems. Problems happen, like grantsappliance.com it or not, with any kind of machinery and we remedy whatever comes up instead of push pushing problems aside. We will go to a home ThIRd PlACE three or four times to make sure a client Nason’s is happy with their purchase. We still have Appliance a personalized sales approach and we’re 1158 E Summit St there every day talking to customers. Here Crown Point, Ind. you can actually interact with the owners, so 219.663.6140 there’s a face to put with the name.” –HA nasonsappliances.com

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

best ��

ART GAllERY Water Street Gallery

98 Center St, Douglas, Mich. 269.857.8485 waterstreetgallery.com

ater Street Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery located in the heart of Douglas’s art community. Gallery art includes drawing, printmaking, photography, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, oil painting, encaustics, sculpture, ceramics, and glass. Special events and exhibitions are featured throughout the year. Water Street Gallery also offers services for private residences to help residents discover art in their own space with delivery and installation, plus corporate services including on-site evaluation, presentation of artwork, and installation. Water Street also works with interior designers, including custom commissions.

“The gallery has been established for over twenty years, so we’re a foundation in the Southwest Michigan community,” says gallery director Maryjo Lemanski. “I exhibited here and then purchased it six years ago. My assistant director is also a practicing artist and that really sets us apart, because the work we choose is what we feel is really strong in terms of the aesthetic use of it. We bring in ten new artists every year, so there is new energy that keeps turning over. We also reach outside of the Midwest community of artists, although the majority of our artists are from the Midwest.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Lake Street Gallery 613 S Lake St Gary, Ind. 219.938.4566 lakestreetgallery.com

ThIRd PlACE

Steeple Gallery 11107 Thiel St. St. John, Ind. 219.365.1014 thesteeplegallery.com

photo by [this page] ROBERT WRAY; [opposite page] ONCE UPON A CHILD

Crown Point Antique Mall is sECONd PlACE appropriately located in historic Blue Star downtown Crown Point on the Antique Pavilion Courthouse square. They offer more 2948 Blue Star Hwy than 80 dealers throughout their Douglas, Mich. three floors of antiques, collectibles, 269.857.6041 and gifts. Crown Point Antique bluestarantiquepavilion.com Mall is open every day of the week for browsers and shoppers. “We’ve ThIRd PlACE been there since 1987,” says Randy sekerez, co-owner. “I think the Tish’s Antiques appeal is probably the size and 201 E Commercial Ave diversity of the merchandise, and Lowell, Ind. also our location. We’re right here 219.690.1666 on the town square and people tishsantiques.com enjoy browsing.” Aria Manalan, an employee and booth owner at Crown Point Antique Mall, says they carry a little bit of everything. “It runs the gamut from antiques to collectibles, depression glass, Roseville pottery, Fiestaware, old granite ware, old photographs and postcards, pictures, kitchenware, jewelry, a lot of statuary and clocks, lamps, furniture—there’s everything here.” –hA

best ��

ARTS & CRAFTS STORE Hobby Lobby 2782 E 79th St Merrillville, Ind. 219.947.5096 hobbylobby.com

obby Lobby carries more than 60,000 items for art and craft projects, as well as decorations for the home. Hobby Lobby stocks all sorts of items, including invitations, accessories, and rental decorations for weddings; beads and findings for creating jewelry; supplies for needle art, knitting, and crocheting; tons of scrapbooking items; frames, florals, fabric, and more. Decorations for every season and supplies for fine art projects are all under one very big roof. “Hobby Lobby is doing so well and is so popular with our customers because of our great everyday selection,” says Vincent Parker, corporate customer service manager. “Hobby Lobby has many different departments and our customers enjoy our weekly advertisement. Every week Hobby Lobby runs an advertisement full of discounts for various departments and products. That advertisement can be found on our website or in the Sunday paper.” Hobby Lobby is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., except Sunday, when they are closed for employees to spend time with their families, says Parker. –HA

second place

Michael’s

2384 E 79th Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.947.4589 michaels.com

THIRD place

Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft 715 US Highway 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.1643 joann.com

best ��

BICYCLE STORE Trek Bicycle Store 651 E US Hwy 30 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2453 trekbikestore.com

one of the 700 stores in the country, where the Borders Rewards program gives back to loyal customers. Perks include getting in on exclusive deals, earning Borders Bucks for shopping, and no membership fee, no card to carry. Online shopping offers weekly deals. – JDK

second place

Barnes & Noble

Trek Bicycle Store has everything you need for a great ride. Choose your adventure among mountain bikes, cruisers, hybrids, and more, with top brands like Trek, Shimano, Bontrager, Pearl Izumi, and many more. Women and kids will find a perfect fit—plus, check out the money-saving trade-up Kids Bike Program. A knowledgeable staff will assist you with all kinds of gear to get you going, including rear trigger shifter, chain cleaner, aero rims with sealedcartridge bearings, and much more. Check the website for specials, cycling events, and bicycle pathways. –JDK

barnesandnoble.com

second place

David’s Bridal

Jano Bicycles 19 E Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.477.4498

THIRD place

Harbor Country Bike Shop 211 S Whittaker St New Buffalo, Mich. 877.410.6150 harborcountrybike.com

best ��

BOOKSTORE Borders borders.com

Browsing is an experience at Borders bookstore, where a relaxed atmosphere encourages customers to explore everything from the classics to the hottest best-sellers in books, movies, and music. Borders offers a large selection of merchandise ranging from picture books to Twilight T-shirts to gift cards. Cooking, how-to, self-help and more topical books are available at any

THIRD place

Forever Books 312 State St St. Joseph, Mich. 269.982.1110 foreverbooks.net

best ��

BRIDAL/ FORMAL WEAR SHOP davidsbridal.com

Brides love David’s Bridal for more than the perfect dress. Begin with David’s exclusive virtual planner, and view real weddings online for inspiration on colors, styles, and venues. Bridal gowns in sizes 2-16W are available in the latest colors and styles, with a choice of accents to create a one-of-a-kind dress. From a palette of 40 colors, brides can choose their color and let bridesmaids and mothers choose styles to look their best, from dresses to separates. It’s definitely David’s for so many details of the day: invitations, planning photos, finding the ideal destination, honeymoon plans, gift registry, and more. –JDK

second place

Dunhill Tuxedos dunhilltuxedos.com

THIRD place

Char’s

7974 US Hwy 41 St. John, Ind. 219.365.1735

best ��

BABY STORE Once Upon a Child

29 US Hwy 41, Schererville, Ind. 219.864.1976, onceuponachild.com Anyone with kids, or anyone around kids, knows that they outgrow what they wear faster than they can use them. Such is the mission for Once Upon a Child, which offers gently used children’s clothing, newborn through size 16 youth, shoes, toys, books, puzzles, DVDs, equipment such as high chairs and walkers, and more. Owner Kim Crnarich says, “We love our customers and their families. It’s been a second place pleasure over the past La Dee Da ten years to provide 314 State St a convenient and St. Joseph, Mich. economic opportunity 269.983.7230 to buy and sell gently shopladeeda.com used children’s items. People appreciate beTHIRD place ing able to have things Piper that are unwanted, Children’s and others appreciate Boutiques finding things at an af115 E Lincolnway fordable price for their Valparaiso, Ind. growing families. Last 219.464.7473 month we expanded our store so we can 322 Main St provide a bigger selecHobart, Ind. tion to our customers as 219.942.2681 well.” –HA piperboutiques.com

Shopping best ��

CAR dEAlER (NEW) Schepel Auto Group (Buick-GMCCadillac-Hummer) 2929 Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, Ind. 866.724.3735

3209 W Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.6381 schepel.com

chepel Auto Group has been a staple in the Northwest Indiana community for more than 42 years and has been the largest Buick and GMC dealer in Chicagoland for 17 years in a row. They offer new and used cars and trucks and their service, parts, and body department offers six GM World Class Technicians on staff— more than any other dealer in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Schepel also has the largest GM parts inventory in the state of Indiana and has its very own on-site dealer-owned and managed body shop. “This is the best place to buy,” says Jim Katona, sales manager at Schepel Buick. “We give the best service and we use the words ‘The Schepel Difference,’ which means we treat people like they’re supposed to be treated. We’re not high pressure. We don’t bug people. It’s just a nice experience. We don’t hassle people and they like that. It’s just like being at home.” –HA 56

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

sECONd PlACE

Harbor Auto Group (Honda-GMC Chevrolet-CadillacBuick-Pontiac-GMC) 4613 E Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, Ind. 219.947.3900 6100 US Hwy 6 Portage, Ind. 219.763.2500 9911 W 300 N Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.6789 harborcars.com

ThIRd PlACE

Christenson Chevrolet

christensonchevy.com

ThIRd PlACE

Team Auto Group (Toyota-ChevroletHyundai-AudiVolkswagen) 3990 E Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, Ind. 219.947.1581

best ��

CAR dEAlER (UsEd) Christenson Chevrolet

9700 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, Ind. 219.961.4144 christensonchevy.com

hristenson Chevrolet of Highland is a family owned and operated facility that has been located in the region for more than 57 years. They offer new and certified used vehicles, financing, service, parts, and a body shop for vehicle maintenance. Certified used

best ��

CARPET/ FlOORING sTORE Cover-Rite Carpets and Design Center 9400 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, Ind. 219.922.6800, cover-rite.com

over-Rite does much more than sell floorings in wood, laminate, vinyl, carpet, and tile. “From day one,” says president and owner larry Kolodziej, “our own employees do all the sales, design work, floor removal, installation— everything. We’re there from start to finish.” The family-owned business has the largest selection of flooring in Northwest Indiana, including the newest colors and styles and 250 carpet choices. The employees, with a combined 500 years of experience, offer “personal, caring service” throughout each project, says Kolodziej. In business for 40 years, Cover-Rite has installed flooring in 60,000-plus residential and commercial locations. –JdK

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carpetlandusa.com

vontobels.com

Carpetland USA

vehicles must pass strict eligibility requirements combined with a comprehensive inspection and reconditioning process to ensure that clients are getting a worry-free vehicle. “We try to make sure the customer comes first and we do whatever it takes to make the customer happy,” says co-owner Dean Christenson. “The whole dealership works toward that goal and it takes more than just our department. We all work together. About half of our cars are sold under the GM Certified program where they go through a complete inspection process and come with a warranty from the factory.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Team Auto Group (Toyota-ChevroletHyundai-AudiVolkswagen)

Von Tobel

ThIRd PlACE (TIE)

Harbor Auto Group (Honda-GMC Chevrolet-CadillacBuick-Pontiac-GMC) Smith Auto Group (ChevroletFord-Pontiac) 1777 E Commercial Ave Lowell, Ind. 866.440.4714 6405 Indianapolis Blvd Hammond, Ind. 866.424.0219 700 W Commercial Ave Lowell, Ind. 866.729.3983

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

best ��

ClOThING sTORE — ChIldREN’s Kohl’s

kohls.com

sECONd PlACE

JCPenney jcpenney.com

ThIRd PlACE

Highland Kiddie Shop 2706 Highway Ave Highland, Ind. 219.838.1260

from comfortable pajamas and lounge pants. Accessories include sunglasses, belts, wallets, ties—everything to finish the look. Kohl’s has favorite brand names for children, including Oshkosh, Reebok, TapouT, Abbey Dawn, Candies, Dollie & Me, Carter’s and more. There are fun collections of graphic tees and other clothing with kids’ favorite characters, from action superheroes to beloved puppet characters. Parents can make it an all-in-one shopping trip, with Kohl’s collection of school uniforms. Extra values include discounts for Kohl’s cardholders, online exclusives, gift registries and gift cards. -JDK

sECONd PlACE

best ��

ClOThING sTORE — MEN’s Kohl’s

kohls.com

photo courtesy of MOXIE’S BOUTIQUE

xpect a great selection when you shop for men’s clothing at Kohl’s, where there are 41 brands for men, plus 14 brands for big and tall. Activewear includes Adidas, Nike, and more, while casual ranges from the go-anywhere Levi’s to go-with-everything Dockers. Crofts & Barrow has polo shirts to dressy shirtand-tie combos. The wide selection of men’s clothing takes him from boardroom suit separates to casual Fridays in jeans and sport coats. Outerwear ranges from lightweight jackets to smartly tailored topcoats. Weekend outings are easy shopping at Kohl’s, with sport shops for five major sports, offering jackets to hats to jerseys and more. When he’s set to settle in at home, he can choose

JCPenney jcpenney.com

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Zandstra’s Store for Men 2627 Highway Ave Highland, Ind. 219.923.3545 zsfmonline.com

best ��

CUsTOMER sERVICE Centier Bank

Multiple locations centier.com (see story on page 42)

best ��

CONsIGNMENT sTORE Once Upon a Child

best ��

ClOThING sTORE — WOMEN’s

sECONd PlACE

Moxie’s Boutique

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926 E Fulton Grand Rapids, Mich. 616.889.0947 myurbanexchange.com

321 State St St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.4273 moxiesboutique.com

hopping for clothes at Moxie’s Boutique can be as fun as wearing them. “The girlfriend party is big,” says owner Monica Bolin. Friends have the store to themselves and Moxie’s provides refreshments and clothing-related games that often inspire a new look for a friend. Customers appreciate the spacious fitting rooms, inviting displays, and the knowledgeable staff that lets patrons browse or helps coordinate pieces. Styles are fashion-forward, for office, everyday, and dressy. One-of-akind accessories—jewelry, handbags— are created by local artisans. Many customers choose Moxie’s for the clothing lines they can’t get anywhere else in the region. -JDK

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Beyond Pink

Multiple locations strackandvantil.com

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Strack & Van Til

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Schererville Family Dentistry

(see story on page 24)

(see story on page 55)

901 Calumet Ave Valparaiso, Ind. 219.531.7465

DK Boutique 213 State St St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.7313

Hidden Treasures 2211 US Hwy 41 Schererville, Ind. 219.322.6340 hiddentreasuresconsign.com

Urban Exchange GR

best ��

ElECTRONICs sTORE

best ��

FlORIsT Cedar Lake Florist & The Added Touch Gifts

(see story on page 59)

Best Buy

91 Silhavy Rd Valparaiso, Ind. 219.548.8537 bestbuy.com

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Best Buy is the mega superstore of all things electronic. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and Mexico, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $45 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1966, this giant retailer offers TV and video, audio, car and GPS electronics, cameras and camcorders, mobile phones, office electronics, computers, music, books, movies, video games and video game systems, and home electronics and appliances. –HA

Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn

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

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Flowers by Darlene

1076 Joliet St Dyer, Ind. 219.865.1755 flowersbydarlenellc.com

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Shopping Hometown Appliance & Electronics (see story on page 60)

ThIRd PlACE

Mobile Specialties 7241 Calumet Ave Hammond, Ind. 219.852.6125

best ��

MATTREss sTORE Bedding Experts beddingexperts.com

Bedding Experts founder Tommy Saylors opened the first Bedding Experts store on Chicago’s South Side in 1987 to provide patrons with value, service, and affordable mattresses. He soon quickly expanded the company to all areas of Chicago and Northwest Indiana, and today the brand boasts nearly 100 retail mattress showrooms. Saylors says his stores offer convenience, tenured employees, and brands for less. “Our brands are popular with our customers, like Sealy. We’re convenient for them because we have multiple locations. And I think our customers know we sell the brands they like for less. Employees in our Indiana stores are some of the more tenured in the company. We have managers who have been in those stores for ten or fifteen years, which is unique in the marketplace. That means that when customers make a purchase there is someone they can talk to that they feel comfortable with. Our whole Indiana region has the least amount of turnover in it and it’s really unique for retail. And our Indiana stores are manned by Indiana residents, so they’re all local.” –HA

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Mattress World sleepset.com

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Lynn’s Bedroom City

bedroom-city.com

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

best ��

FURNITURE sTORE Ashley Furniture Homestore

1516 US Hwy 41 Schererville, Ind., 219.864.1200 ashleyfurniturehomestore.com

shley Furniture Homestore, with a location in Schererville, is locally owned and operated and offers furniture for the living room, bedroom, dining room, home office, home entertainment furniture, kids furniture, home accessories, and mattresses. “We’re different than anyone else,” says Al Renkowiecki, store manager. “We’re a manufacturer so we design, build, and manufacture all of our own furniture. We provide great service to all of our customers. Our staff is very professional and courteous to everyone. Our pricing is low to middle and I’d like to say we’re a great value for the money and we have something for everyone. Because we make our own furniture we can keep our cost low and we are the world’s largest furniture manufacturer and the largest furniture retailer in North America.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Indiana Furniture Showcase 1807 E Lincolnway Valparaiso, Ind. 219.465.0545 athomeatlast.com

ThIRd PlACE

DeYoung Interiors 8365 Wicker Ave St. John, Ind. 219.365.8362 deyoungandsons.com

best ��

GAME ROOM EQUIPMENT/ sUPPlIEs American Sale

1484 E 81st Ave, Merrillville Ind. 219.736.8070, americansale.com

16955 Torrence, Lansing, Ill. 708.895.3600

merican sale was founded in 1960 by Robert Jones sr., and still today it is a family owned and operated business. It was originally founded as a toy store, but today the inventory boasts such items as patio furniture, hot tubs, above-ground swimming pools, grills, billiard tables, wooden play sets and a large selection of artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor. “It starts with our employees and their customer service and knowledge,” says Rick septoski, corporate marketing manager. “Many have been here over ten years, twenty years. We have a great selection of products. Our sECONd PlACE pool, patio, anything home leisure Great Escape we do very well. Anything you 2409 W Lincoln Hwy want to buy we have the ability to Merrillville, Ind. customize for you, which is a great 219.769.1720 shopthegreatescape.com feature of our store.” –hA

best ��

GARdEN/ NURsERY sTORE Alsip Nursery

10255 Wicker Ave, St John, Ind. 219.365.0882, alsipnursery.com Alsip Nursery was founded in 1969 in Frankfort, Illinois, where they still have a location, as well as in St. John. The St. John location opened in 1994

on a 17-acre site. Alsip offers a wide selection of patio furniture, fountains and statuary, ponds, grills, pets and supplies, wild bird feed/feeders, specialty toys, garden décor, and silk florals, plus seasonal holiday items. Rich Christakes, plant buyer for Alsip Nursery, says, “We have, by far, the best quality plant material and selection in the Midwest when it comes to an independent garden center. We also give excellent customer service because we have a lot of long-term employees who have received formal and informal training. Plus we grow 95 percent

photo by ROBERT WRAY

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of our annuals at our offsite greenhouse and so we carry our own vegetables, herbs, hanging baskets, flowers. We have 140,000 square feet of growing greenhouse.” Alsip Nursery just opened a satellite garden center in Southlake Mall Parking Lot by JC Penney—the first of many to come. “We do this to serve our customers so they don’t have to travel so far with all of the same quality plants,” says Christakes. –HA

sECONd PlACE

Allen’s Landscape Center (see story on page 48)

ThIRd PlACE

Sawyer Garden Center

5865 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer, Mich. 269.426.8810 sawyergardencenter.com

glassware, accessories, lamps, artwork, and customized silk arrangements. “We have all of this available so that when a customer calls and wants a beautiful arrangement we can provide a container that they will keep and find something to suit their personality. You have to be able to design for the customer and their family, no matter what the occasion. We have a lot of emotions that cross the county from customer to employee everyday and we have an exceptional floral shop and get letters and notes all of the time and we all cry and get emotional,” she says. “It’s exciting to be in this industry.” Their staff has a combined experience of 75 years that they bring to each project. –HA

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Maria’s Hallmark

923 Ridge Rd, #A, Munster, Ind. 219.836.5025, hallmark.com

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best ��

GIFT BOUTIQUE Cedar Lake Florist & The Added Touch Gifts 8600 Lake Shore Dr Cedar Lake, Ind. 219.374.7532 cedarlakeflorist.com

Cedar Lake Florist & The Added Touch Gifts has been serving the region for 55 years. Owned since 1988 by Marilyn and Charlie Kaper, who worked for the previous owners for 16 years, the business is run on a policy of fantastic customer service. “We are Northwest Indiana’s finest,” says Marilyn. “We give great customer service and pride ourselves on being able to fine tune what the customer desires. Everybody has a different idea of fresh flower arranging or gifts, so we are able to hone our skills to determine what the customer desires.” The Added Touch Gifts portion of the business carries home decorations, silk flowers, loose silk flowers, crystal,

Louise’s Hallmark

9533 Wicker Ave, St John, Ind. 219.365.3837, hallmark.com

best ��

hOME dECOR sTORE Bed, Bath and Beyond 2520 E 79th Ave, Merrillville, Ind. 219.947.5280

124 US Hwy 41, Schererville, Ind. 219.322.6809 bedbathandbeyond.com

ike the name says, Bed, Bath and Beyond carries everything for the, well, bed, bath, and beyond. And it’s that beyond that fills the store’s massive interior with everything under the sun, from replica pay phones to luggage, from shoe racks to vacuums, from juice jars to wedding cake toppers. Those getting married, going to college, buying a first home, redecorating an old home, organizing an over-stuffed closet, hosting a dinner party, going to a baby shower, deco-

A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

Thanks for Voting

Maruszczak Appliance

Sales & Service BEST OF THE REGION BEST APPLIANCE STORE

and a Best of the Region for Kitchen Remodeling

nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Shopping

sECONd PlACE

Dwellings Home Furniture

116 S Main St, Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.9660, dwellingshf.com

ThIRd PlACE

Old Time Pottery

8225 Broadway, Merrillville, Ind.

best �� EdITOr’S CHOICE

PlACE TO PARTY Customs Imports

430 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.9180, customsimports.com

ee Dee Duhn throws great parties, and their greatness stems from the confluence of the concentric salons that comprise Customs Imports’ sprawling otherworldly interior, decorated in high-detail with home and personal luxury, accessory items. The exotica is heavy with handmade textiles, gorgeous pottery, teak root benches from Morocco, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Christa runs the jewelry side of the gallery, which features Claudia Lobao’s Global Dreams jewelry—popular with the stars of Desperate Housewives. Customs parties offer an opportunity to shop with the accompaniment of fabulous wine and tidbits from local chefs who love to get invited to Dee Dee’s parties. If you happen to stop in to Customs before or after a party, you can still have a tremendous shopping experience and be entertained by the ever-popular and friendly proprietress. You are likely to have a wonderful time and feel like you’ve been to a party anyway.

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

219.793.9725 oldtimepottery.com

1158 E Summit St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.6140 nasonsappliances.com

best ��

hOME ENTERTAINMENT sTORE Hometown Appliance & Electronics

10033 Wicker Ave, St John, Ind. 219.365.4758 hometownappliancestore.com Just opened this past March, Hometown Appliance & Electronics is a family-owned business that bills itself on having “big box savings with hometown values.” Their 3,100-square-foot showroom is open seven days a week to serve customers. Electronics brands include Samsung, LG, Toshiba, Sharp, Mitsubishi, and Panasonic as well as a number of appliance lines. Hometown Appliance & Electronics frequently offers specials and sales as well as in-store product demonstrations. “When it comes to TVs and stuff,” says Erik Schneider, president, “we’re trying to make an impact and we give better pricing than big box stores, things that people don’t normally associate with a family-owned business. My staff is very knowledgeable; people come in with thoughts on what they need from other retailers and we make sure what they are asking for is something they truly need and we position them into something that is a great fit for them and their situation.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

All Around Sound 130 E US Hwy 30, Schererville, Ind. 219.322.9933 allaroundsound.tv

ThIRd PlACE

Nason’s Appliance

best ��

hOME IMPROVEMENT sTORE

H Menards menards.com

eadquartered in Wisconsin, Menards is a megastore with more than 250 locations in 12 different states, and with departments such as building materials, hardware, electrical, millwork, wall coverings, plumbing and housewares, floor coverings, cabinets, and appliances. Menards carries a number of reputable brands, including Pittsburgh Paints, Dutch Boy paint, Mastercraft doors, Stanley Works tools, Jeld-Wen windows, Tru-Bolt, and Ultradeck, among many others. Contractors and the average Joe alike come to Menards to find all of their home improvement needs. Menards even offers house design plans, garage building designs, and post frame building designs. They also offer Energy Star Home Advisors to help homeowners and businesses save money on energy bills. –HA

sECONd PlACE

Lowes

lowes.com

ThIRd PlACE

Home Depot homedepot.com

best ��

hUNTING/ FIshING/ OUTdOOR sTORE Bass Pro Shop

6425 Daniel Burnham Dr Portage, Ind., 219.787.6800 basspro.com Step into Bass Pro and it’s like you’re stepping into another world. With taxidermy looming overhead, to the side, behind you; huge aquariums filled with fish of the Great Lakes; waterfalls sounding like river rapids ready for a raft; shooting ranges with targets on duck decoys and unsuspecting cardboard opossums; Bass Pro is an outdoor person’s dream. Inventory includes guns, tents, barbeques, clothing, flashlights, fishing rods, hiking shoes, bows and arrows, ATVs, electronic fish finders, sunglasses, golf clubs, and more. And then there are the boats. In 1978, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris introduced the Bass Tracker aluminum boat package to the world. It was the first time anglers could purchase a boat as a complete ready-to-fish package. It came with a custom trailer, sECONd PlACE fish finder, Cabela’s trolling motor 7700 Cabela Dr, and powerHammond, Ind. matched out219.845.9040, board motor. cabelas.com Bass Pro Shops still specialThIRd izes in fishing PlACE boats today Blythe’s 2810 Calumet Ave, with their Valparaiso, Ind. enormous boat 219.462.4412 showroom, allowing clients 138 N Broad St to customize Griffith, Ind. their own 219.924.4403 boat. –HA ihuntishoot.com

photo by [this page] ROBERT WRAY; [opposite page] ROBERT WRAY

rating for Halloween, planning a picnic, slicing a turkey, turning the guest bedroom into a home office, cleaning out the garage, or just giving the kids’ bathroom a cute yellow duck theme, will find everything they need at this chain that has been in operation since 1971. Plenty of parking is always available, and the store is open every day of the week, including weekends. –HA

best ��

JEWElRY sTORE Albert’s Diamond Jewelers

711 Main St, Schererville, Ind. 219.322.2700, albertsjewelers.com

n business for more than 100 years, Albert’s Diamond Jewelers is today owned by Fred and Josh Halpern, a father-and-son team. Fred’s father bought the company in the 1960s and it’s always been a jewelry store, although they at first sold pots and pans, cashed checks, pawned items, and did a little bit of everything, says Carol Jarrett, one of the five managers at the store. Albert’s was originally located in East Chicago near the

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steel mills, but it is now located in Schererville and serves customers from all over. “I believe our customer service is what makes us different,” Jarrett says. “We go above and beyond, meet our guests at the door, give them beverages and cookies, and we have many employees here, so service is fast and excellent. We try to treat everyone the same, whether they are getting a battery or a $50,000 piece.” Mary Colville, chief marketing officer, says, “We are a destination store. We have ten times the inventory of a traditional jewelry store. It’s very relaxed here and makes jewelry buying fun and accessible.” –HA

PlACE TO BUY WINE

sECONd PlACE

Highland Jeweler

2839 Highway Ave, Highland, Ind. 219.838.2530, highlandjeweler.com

ThIRd PlACE

Sickinger’s Jewelers

Tabor Hill

314 E Commercial Ave, Lowell, Ind. 219.696.7616, sickingersjewelry.com

taborhill.com

(See story page 40)

sECONd PlACE

Wise Guys Discount Liquors

9133 Taft St Merrillville, Ind. 219.791.9419 wiseguysliquors.com

ThIRd PlACE

Santori’s Wines & Liquors 3529 Ridge Rd Lansing, Ill. 708.474.0334

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nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Shopping lIQUOR sTORE Nick’s Liquors 6914 Indianapolis Blvd Hammond, Ind. 219.844.3239

he Kikalos family opened Nick’s Liquors in Hammond in 1971, and it has since grown into a chain of five stores in Northwest Indiana: four in Hammond, one in Hobart, and a new store to open in the fall at US 30 and Taft in Merrillville. The family also owns two cigarette stores, one in Dyer and one in Hammond. “We have always stressed customer

service,” says owner Nick Kikalos. “My mother and father started the business and my sister, Liz Kikalos, and I took over and we continue that tradition. We have always tried to be the lowestpriced store out there and hire the right employees to make the customer happy and they keep coming back. I’ve been doing this personally for thirty years and still see the same customers as day one and that’s a nice thing.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Wise Guy’s Liquors 9133 Taft St Merrillville, Ind. 219.791.9419 wiseguysliquors.com

ThIRd PlACE

Lambrecht’s Liquors 2926 Niles Ave St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.5353 lambrechtsliquors.com

best ��

PET shOP PetSmart sECONd PlACE

petsmart.com

PetSmart is the largest pet retailer in the country, with more than 1,149 pet stores petco.com in the United States and Canada. Their locations contain more than 10,500 ThIRd products, and many of those products are PlACE exclusive to PetSmart. Every item needed Pet to raise and care for dogs, cats, birds, fish, Supplies reptiles, and small pets (such as hamsters Plus and guinea pigs) can be found throughout the petsuppliesplus.com store, as can a variety of pets themselves. The staff teaches customers how to properly care for each pet and can help each family determine whether or not they will be a good fit for that particular pet. In addition to the overwhelming number of pet supplies, the Merrillville location offers Banfield Veterinary Services, which is a full-service veterinary care provider. They also offer training for pets and their owners through PetSmart Accredited Pet Instructors, who teach how to achieve consistent behaviors from one’s pet, despite distractions. Grooming services are also available seven days a week. –HA

PETCO

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

best ��

MOTORCYClE / OFF-ROAd sTORE Harley Davidson

1151 W US Hwy 30 Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.2223, hdvalpo.com Founded by Mark and Mike Forszt in February of 1996, Harley Davidson in Valparaiso has expanded their facility to a 20,000-square-foot designer showroom. They are now the largest, multi-location HarleyDavidson dealership group in the state of Indiana, with locations also in Kokomo, Indianapolis and Michigan City. In addition to sales they provide service, parts, clothing, and rentals. Jef Kors, parts manager, says their store is popular with customers for a number of reasons. “We have a huge inventory here, almost a million dollars worth. Our inventory consists of a lot of clothing, parts, and accessories. We have stylish clothes and it’s not just T-shirts. We had a record month for bike sales in April and a lot of it is the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. We get a lot of new riders and convert them over. We have a good sales staff here.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Cycle Sport Yamaha

8544 E US Hwy 6 Hobart, Ind., 866.692.6242 cyclesportyamaha.com

ThIRd PlACE

Maxim Power Sports

5901 E 81st Ave Merrillville, Ind. 219.942.0548 maximpowersports.com

best ��

lIGhTING/lAMP/ FAN sTORE Dekker Lighting

18230 Torrence Ave, Lansing, Ill. 708.474.9800, dekkerlighting.com Dekker Lighting offers a wide variety of chandeliers, floor lamps, ceiling fans, recessed and track lighting, outdoor lighting, and lighting accessories that make any home complete. Dekker specializes in guiding the customer through what could be a very confusing task of installing lighting fixtures in one’s home. They carry such known brands in lighting as Ambience, Hanover, Juno, Kichler, LBL, Metropolitan, Minka, Murray Feiss, Quoizel, and Tech Lighting; fans such as Monte Carlo, Minka Aire, and Fanimation; and accessories such as home accents, silk plants, floral arrangements, Colonial Candles, and more. Jeff Dekker, owner and president of Dekker Lighting, says his store is popular with customers for a number of reasons. “It’s the large selection and our professional help as far as the service we offer. Our personnel have been in the industry for a long time and know the product well and we probably average about ten to fifteen years of experience. We have a nice selection and showroom.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Lamp Shade House 1810 45th St, Munster, Ind. 219.924.5413 lampshadehouse.com

ThIRd PlACE

Fashion Lighting

2512B Beech St, Valparaiso, Ind. 219.464.4008 fashionlightingonline.com

photo courtesy of DEKKER LIGHTING

best ��

MUsICAl INsTRUMENT/ PIANO sTORE Woodwind & Brasswind

4004 Technology Dr South Bend, Ind. 800.348.5003, wwbw.com Woodwind & Brasswind first opened their doors in 1978 and now offers everything from piccolos to pianos, trombones to triangles, bugles to batons. Teachers find plenty for their music classrooms, such as recorders and autoharps, in addition to educational materials. Marching band materials including uniforms and color guard equipment, DJ equipment like turntables and mixers, and garage band equipment like cables, guitars, and microphones are standard stock at Woodwind & Brasswind. “Our selection and services makes us popular with customers,” says store manager Bud Wagner. “We have close to 7,000 different items here in store. All of our staff members are musicians themselves. To work here you have to be able to play the instrument but be able to educate about it as well, so they really know about their instrument.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Gratz Piano 704 N Silhavy Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.4573 gratzpiano.com

ThIRd PlACE

Roxy Music 1012 Lincolnway LaPorte, Ind. 800.535.7699 roxymusic.com

best ��

POOl sTORE Great Escape

2409 W Lincoln Hwy Merrillville, Ind. 219.769.1720 shopthegreatescape.com

he Great Escape was founded in 1971 as a oneman company, selling pool supplies door-to-door south of Chicago. Today this retailer boasts 23 locations in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Iowa in addition to its online store, and it is the largest home leisure retailer in the Midwest. The Great Escape offers all types of above-ground and in-ground pools and all associated accessories and supplies. Inventory also includes exercise equipment, hot tubs, pool tables, patio furniture, backyard equipment, grills, bars, and sauna units. “It’s our experience that sets us apart. Every member of the full-time crew is more than ten years in the business,” says Rick Seifert, store manager. “That and selection. We take this seriously. This is our career and it’s what we do for a living. We pride ourselves on building relationships so customers come back for the other items we have too. People put their trust in us.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

American Sale (see story on page 58)

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ThIRd PlACE

St. John Pool Center 9571 Wicker Ave St John, Ind. 219.365.8308

VALPARAISO • LAPORTE AVE • (219) 531-0622 (Valparaiso Marketplace next to Target) A SpeciAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA compAny

DYER • 946 JOLIET • (219) 864-8118 (US 30 just east of Calumet Ave.) nwi.com/bestof | may 30, 2010

Shopping best ��

GROCERY sTORE Strack & Van Til strackandvantil.com

Strack and Van Til is a full-service grocery and fresh food store with more than 30 locations in their chain, including Ultra Food, Town & Country and Key Market. Their stores are located throughout Northwest Indiana and Illinois. They offer superb selections in their meat, produce, delicatessen, bakery, and seafood departments, and have been serving the region since founder Bernie Strack first opened his doors over 80 years ago. Tim McInnis, advertising director for Strack and Van Til, says customers are loyal to their store for a variety of reasons. “We’ve been dedicated to the community for over 80 years. We support organizations that enhance the quality of life in our region. We also put a lot of effort into our employees with their training and development and I think our customers appreciate that. We also have fantastic service and selection and I think customers recognize the value in that and they keep coming back.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

ThIRd PlACE

meijer.com

aldifoods.com

Meijer

Aldi

best ��

PlACE TO BUY MEAT ANd POUlTRY Welch’s Meats

11333 W 95th St, St. John, Ind. 219.365.8190, welchsmeats.com Welch’s Meats was established in 1953 by Edward Welch and is still owned and operated today by Edward’s son David and grandson Edward. Welch’s offers a wide variety of meats, such as steaks, chicken, hams, chops, roasts, beef, freshly made sausage, and even homemade jerky. A variety of takehome meals are available, including BBQ ribs and chicken made on site, sloppy joes, BBQ beef and pork, stuffed cabbage, stuffed peppers, Swedish meatballs, sauerkraut and many other selections. The bakery makes 64

may 30, 2010 | best of the region

fresh breads and pies, and the deli of offers homemade deli salads like campfire beans, lunchmeats, and cheese. For special events, such as graduations or picnics, Welch’s sells trays and packages at a savings. “It’s our customer service and the quality of the meat we handle that makes us popular,” says J.J. Calarie, store manager. “We have a personal service and know people by name. It’s always familiar faces that come here.” –HA

sECONd PlACE

Beef Mart

614 N Roosevelt Rd Valparaiso, Ind. 219.462.2970 6349 Central Ave Portage, Ind. 219.762.5722

ThIRd PlACE

Strack & Van Til strackandvantil.com

best ��

PlACE TO BUY PROdUCE Meijer

F meijer.com

ounded in 1934 in Greenville, Michigan, by Hendrik Meijer and his 14-year-old son Fred, Meijer was first called North Side Grocery. Today, Meijer has hundreds of stores located in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. Meijer produce is fresh and abundant and there is more of a variety than is found at most other stores. Standard items such as apples, oranges, bananas, onions, potatoes, and watermelon are always the best quality, as are

best ��

TIRE sTORE Levin Tire Center

more unusual selections such as fennel, ginger, fresh herbs, star fruit, papaya, and shitake mushrooms. The produce department is large and bountiful and also offers an ample organics selection. –HA

levintirecenter.com

sECONd PlACE

Founded in 1918, Levin Tire has grown from a small tire and repair shop into seven full-service tire and auto repair centers in Northwest Indiana. Levin Tire provides such services as tire rotation, wheel balance, shocks and struts, computerized engine analysis, heating and air conditioning, batteries, belts and hose inspection, cooling system maintenance, emissions testing oil, lube, and filter transmission maintenance, tire repair, and disk brake service. Levin also offers a wide selection of tire brands. Mike Powell, store manager says, “Our customer service is the best. We pride ourselves on doing what’s right and if we blow it, we’ll make it right. If anyone leaves here unhappy, that makes me unhappy. We make sure everyone that walks through here walks out happy. We carry Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, and are an authorized Michelin and BF Goodrich dealer.” –HA

strackandvantil.com

sECONd PlACE

Lake Tire & Marine

1901 Central Ave Lake Station, Ind. 219.962.3300

ThIRd PlACE

Mr. Tire Auto Service Centers mrtire.com

Strack & Van Til ThIRd PlACE

Village Farm Stand

147 River Oaks Dr Calumet City, Ill., 708.891.6060

best ��

shOE sTORE Shoe Carnival shoecarnival.com

Shoe Carnival doesn’t clown around when it comes to brand-name shoes. These aren’t the cheapy plastic versions of hot trends. Shoe Carnival carries all of the same brands found in more expensive stores for affordable prices, such as Adidas, Converse, Dr. Marten’s, Clarks, K-Swiss, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Skechers, Timberland, and Vans. They frequently offer specials and promotions, such as half-off sales, and in store the environment is much like a carnival, with in-store contests, games, neon signs, flashing lights and uptempo music to produce an energized shopping atmosphere. Shoe Carnival offers shoes for adults as well as kids, including athletic shoes, work shoes, and accessories. –HA

sECONd PlACE

Famous Footwear famousfootwear.com

ThIRd PlACE

Barneys Hub Bootery 108 N Main St Crown Point, Ind. 219.663.0463

Shop with the 1st Place

1 6 T H A N N UA L

BEST GROCERY STORE 1st Place Best Catering 2nd Place Best Bakery 2nd Place Best Customer Service 2nd Place Best Place to Buy Produce 3rd Place Best Place to Buy Meat Visit our web site at www.strackandvantil.com "!.+).' s #!4%2).' s ()'( 15!,)49 &,/2!, #2%!4)/.3 s 15)#+ #(%#+ /54 ,!.%3 s &2%% #!229 /54 s &//$ 34!-03 7)# 6/5#(%23

When it comes to accessing exclusive discounts and special offers from the best of Northwest Indiana ...

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For Voting Us “Best

Downtown”

2 YEARS IN A ROW!!! 2009 & 2010 16TH

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“Best Place To Live” - 2010 “Best Public Art Display” - 2010 16TH

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4th Friday Arts

Mayor David Uran

“Building A Stronger Community From Within.”

For more information on other winners or special events in the city of Crown Point go to www.crownpoint.in.gov

Thank You FOR VOTING COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

BEST HOSPITAL For more information about physicians and services at Community Hospital, call 219-836-3477 or 1-866-836-3477. Visit us on the web at comhs.org.

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