Dec. 19, 2013 GO!

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12.19.2013-12.25.2013

THE TIMES MEDIA CO.

AULD LANG

SYNE KINSEY REPORT HITS THE STAGE N W I .CO M /G O

THE SKINNY ON CHAMPAGNE

DINING OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS 1 2 . 1 9. 2 0 1 3 / T H E T I M E S M E D I A C O . / G O !

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HERE’S WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT WEEK

OUR TEAM

ELOISE VALADEZ / go! editor

“Celtic Woman at the Venue at Horseshoe Casino.”

219.933.3365 / eloise.valadez@nwi.com

MATT SHARP / music-clubs events-calendar

“Cookie decorating party.”

219.852.4308 / matt.sharp@nwi.com

TARA MCELMURRY/ social media-content producer 219.933.4333 / tara.mcelmurry@nwi.com

PHIL POTEMPA / critic-at-large 219.852.4308 / phillip.potempa@nwi.com

KATHLEEN DORSEY / niche managing editor

“Getting our new dog settled in our apartment.”

219.933.3264 / kathleen.dorsey@nwi.com

PAT COLANDER / niche editor 219.933.3225 / pat.colander@nwi.com

BILL NANGLE /executive editor

“Putting up my live Christmas tree.”

219.933.3329 / william.nangle@nwi.com

CHRIS WHITE/publisher go@nwi.com WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS Eloise Valadez / food and restaurants Tom Lounges / music and theater Clay Myers / local music Tim Shellberg / picks and tickets John Brokopp / casinos Phil Potempa / events and entertainment Matt Sharp / listings and clubs

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CARE TO COMMENT? What left an impression on you this week? On plans for New Year’s: KYM GOSSETT VIA FACEBOOK: “(Going to a) murder mystery dinner party!” DYLAN CERTA VIA FACEBOOK: “Working the midnight shift that night.” BETH LACNY VIA FACEBOOK: “Staying home with my family having a nice dinner and watching movies!” DAVID BARRET VIA FACEBOOK: “Stay at home and wear my cowboy boots and watch “Gunsmoke.” Follow us on social media or email us at go@nwi.com to join the conversation. For next week, in your humble opinion, what were the best and worst moments of 2013? The biggest surprises? The biggest disappoints? Let us know what you think! facebook.com/gonwitimes

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LOCAL SCENE

Gary’s Kinsey brothers once again report for musical duty TOM LOUNGES / BEATBOSS@AOL.COM

T

hey’re baaaaack! The Kinsey Report, Indiana’s first family of the blues, is back in a big way with “Still Standing,” a foursong EP on the group’s own label, RDK Records. The songs featured on this much too short collection show the Kinsey brothers — Donald (guitar), Ralph (drums) and Kenneth (bass) — to be in fine musical form after a 14-year hiatus from recording together. The Gary, Ind.-born and bred group evolved from being back-up band to their famous blues-belting father, Big Daddy Kinsey, to become one of the most acclaimed and promising blues-rock firebrands of the late 1980s and 1990s through a series of powerful albums via such top labels as Alligator and Point Blank/Capitol Records. After a much too long absence during which they each pursued various projects, the musical siblings have proved with “Still Standing,” that the sum is greater

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than the parts. Not only have the Kinseys found their way back to each other and back to the recording studio, but they have returned to their musical roots – from the gospel roots of granddaddy Lester Kinsey, Sr. (once pastor of Gary’s Chase Street Church of God in Christ) on the song “Nobody’s Fault,” to the electric blues roots of their years with Big Daddy with the instrumental “Boogie Diddlin’,” to the funky

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HOUSE OF BLUES Hob.com

St. Vincent, 7 pm April 5. $29 (18 and older)

Him, 7pm March 12. $50.10

Bob Mould, 8pm March 2. $30-$38 (21 and older)

MUSIC NOTES: • A recording of “Master Plan,” an original song by Northwest Indiana’s Darren Enloe Band was checked out by “The Local Scene” this week. With its mournful vocals and tasty picking, this sparse acoustic tune about loneliness, longing and heartache has a strong Eddie Vedder/Pearl Jam influence and suggests Enloe and company are off to a strong start on their first recording project.

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rock-blues sound The Kinsey Report created during their recording heyday of the early 1990s on “That’s It.” Although each of those three songs impress, the best of the bunch is the newly written title track – “Still Standing (I’ll Be)” – with inspiring lyrics like “defeat is not an option/I’m standing on solid ground” addressing triumph over troubled times. While production quality could have been a little better as the sound is a little thin throughout, “Still Standing” is a welcome return for Gary’s prodigal sons of the blues, because it’s a promise of more to come from this band of brothers.

Dyer, IN 46311 219.865.8452 meyerscastlelounge.com

All concerts listed are all ages unless otherwise noted. Some of the ticket prices below do not include taxes and fees.

Jeff Daniels, 8pm Jan 30. $25-$45 (21 and older) Ben Sollee, 8pm Jan 17. $16-$20 (21 and older) Eric Bibb and Ruthie Foster, 8pm Feb 20. $32-$38 (21 and older) Charlie Mars, Toby Lightman, 8pm Jan 22. $22-$28 (21 and older)

Christina Perri, 7pm April 9. $47.60 Carcass, The Black Delilah Murder, 7pm April 5. $41.55 PARK WEST Jamusa.com Mike Gordon, 8pm March 8. $25 (18 and older) LINCOLN HALL Lincolnhallchicago. com Cloud Cult, 9pm Feb 28. $20 (21 and older) Nick Waterhouse, 10pm Feb 21. $15 (21 and older)

VIC THEATRE Jamusa.com

Lake Street Dive, 9pm March 7. $20 (21 and older)

Jeff Tweedy, 8pm Feb 14-15. $75-$150 (18 and older)

The Augustines, 9pm March 15. $20 (21 and older)

DOUBLE DOOR Doubledoor.com

OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC Oldtownschool.org

Sonics, 8:30pm Feb 27. $25 (21 and older) Swizzle Tree, 8pm Feb 7. $10-$12 (21 and older) Latryx, 9pm Jan 25. $12-$15 (21 and older) Hood Smoke, 8pm Jan 30. $10 (21 and older)

Bob Mould, 8pm March 1. $34 Iron & Wine, 8pm Feb 1. $100 METRO Metrochicago.com Warpaint, 9pm March 28. $20 (18 and older)

Send information on upcoming concerts to nwitickets@gmail.com.

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Strategy to avoid beguiling ways of penny slots

Go! PLAY CASINOS

Ameristar Casino 777 Ameristar Blvd.; East Chicago, IN 46312; 219.378.3000; Ameristar.com/ east_chicago.aspx Blue Chip Casino 777 Blue Chip Dr.; Michigan City, IN 46360; 219.879.7711; bluechipcasino.com

Four Winds Casino New Buffalo 11111 Wilson Rd.; New Buffalo, MI 49117; 866.494.6371; Fourwindscasino.com

Hollywood Casino 777 Hollywood Blvd.; Joliet, IL 60436; 888.436.7737; hollywoodcasinojoliet. com

Harrah’s Casino Joliet 151 N. Joliet St.; Joliet, IL 60432; 815.740.7800; Harrahsjoliet.com

Horseshoe Casino Hammond 777 Casino Center Dr.; Hammond, IN 46320; 866.711.7463; horseshoehammond. com

Majestic Star Casino 1 Buffington Harbor Dr.; Gary, IN 46401; 219.977.7777; majesticstarcasino.com Rivers Casino 3000 S River Rd.; Des Plaines, IL 60018; 888.307.0777; Riverscasino.com

‌John G. Brokopp / jbrokopp@comcast.net‌

‌P

enny video slot machines may in fact reign as the biggest money makers in casinos around the country, but does that necessarily mean players must surrender to their beguiling ways? I think not. Given that there is no way to beat them, there has to be a way to join them without allowing the machines to manipulate gaming bankrolls into oblivion. The answer is to be armed with a thorough knowledge of the games combined with elementary money management techniques. Playing penny slots comes with a very high price. They pack the highest “hold” percentages among all slot machine denominations. The speed with which the devices can be

played significantly magnifies their economic impact. To further complicate the situation, even though the games are marketed as penny slots they are in reality dollar slot machines that are played in increments of one cent. Depending upon the number of credits you wish to wager on each line, betting the maximum number of lines can result in as much as $5.00 (500 credits) per spin. Subjecting your money to hold percentages of between 10 and 15 percent, especially at a rapid play game like slots, can become a very expensive proposition for average casino goers. One easy way to not allow the house advantage to devour your

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bankroll so quickly is to refrain from plunging head first into video slot games by betting an inordinate number of coins on each spin. You can increase your potential to win by playing the maximum number of lines every time. By activating the profit potential of the entire screen grid, you are going to avoid hitting winning combinations of symbols only to discover the lines on which they appear don’t count. One good money management tool is to avoid too big an expenditure on the number of coins played per line. Once you have activated all of the lines on the screen, you’re going to get a return if the right combinations pop up. The number of coins played per line merely multiplies that payoff. Try this the next time you play a multi-line penny slot: Alternate playing three coins per line, four coins per line, and five coins per line if your bankroll permits. This way, on a 40-line game, you’ll be playing $1.20 on the first spin, $1.60 on the second spin, and $2.00 on the third spin for an investment of $4.80 for the cycle. Compare that with three straight five coins per line play amounting to $6. You’re giving yourself every chance to win and at the same time you’re making your bankroll stretch.

BONUS ROUND-UP Blue Chip: The property’s new “Penny Lane” promotion is a hit. It’s a chance for penny slot players to win something extra. Select penny slot machines are equipped with an additional bonus game that pops up randomly on the screen. The bonus awards free slot play, B Connected credits and other prizes. The promotion is available on select gaming days only. Get in on the last Penny Lane promotion for the month of December tomorrow. Hollywood Joliet: The casino has a $45,000 cash giveaway planned for New Year’s Eve. Drawings for multiple winners will be held every half hour from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. for a total of 45 winners. Club Hollywood player’s card members can earn double points for the drawings the next two Mondays. As an added bonus, guests will be selected at random throughout the evening to win prizes for their “Gatsby outfits”. Majestic Star: Congratulations to poker pro Eddie Ochana who took down top dollar of $152,477 in the Heartland Poker Tour’s Main Event on Dec. 9. The tournament, which was the final stop on the HTP’s 2013 schedule, drew 448 entries and a prize pool of $648,840. Ochana, 39, hails from Elgin, Illinois. He surpassed $1 million in career tournament earnings with the championship.


THEATER NOW PLAYING ‌DEC 19 A Good Old Fashioned Christmas 8-9pm, Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana St, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. mohlive. com. The Memorial Opera House kicks off this holiday celebration with Christmas stories, caroling and homemade cookies.

DEC 20-22 A Christmas Carol Revisited 8pm Fri-Sat, 3pm Sun, Crown Point Community Theatre, 1125 Merrillville Rd, Crown Point. 219.805.4255. cpct.biz. This family-friendly continuation of the classic story “A Christmas Carol” follows a grownup Tiny Tim as he goes through his own journey into the Christmas spirit.

DEC 20-22 Cirque du Jazz—A Nutcracker Tale 7pm Fri-Sat, 3pm Sun, Wirt Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy Auditorium, 210 N Grand Blvd, Gary. 219.513.9368. southshoredance.org. Presented by the Gary Community School Corporation and South Shore Dance Alliance, this performance offers an avant garde twist on a holiday classic with circus staging, aerial performance surprises and a musical mix of classical Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington

jazz versions of the traditional Nutcracker score.

DEC 21 Merry Christmas George Bailey 7:30-9:30pm, Center Stage Studio Theatre, 227 Center St, Hobart. 219.947.4922. m-mproductions.com. This recreation of the 1940s radio show of It’s a Wonderful Life is complete with sound FX table and musical numbers in between acts. Free punch and cookies follow the show.

DEC 20, 21, 22 Tiny Tim On Stage 8-10pm, Crown Point Community Theatre, 1125 Merrillville Road, Crown Point. cpct.biz. General admission $15 for adults/ $12 for seniors, students (with school ID), and veterans (with military ID). An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol Revisited” by Steven Rowell at the Crown Point Community Theatre offers a familyfriendly continuation of Charles Dickens’ classic story, “A Christmas Carol.” It follows a grown-up Tiny Tim as he goes through his own journey into the Christmas spirit. Call box office at (219) 805-4255 or go online for tickets.

THROUGH DEC 21 The Santaland Diaries Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W Chicago Street, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636.

theatreatthecenter. com. This theater, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, has the distinction of being the only professional equity theater in Northwest Indiana, and showcases the artistry of professional actors, musicians and designers from throughout the Midwest. Nov 14-Dec 22: A Christmas Carol The Musical.

Which of Santa’s lists will you be on this year? This comedic production of a Macy’s Department Store elf and what happens before, during, and after the children visit Santa. Join the cast on Nov. 29 for an Opening Night Party at Martini’s.

THROUGH DEC 21 Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells Batman Smells Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636. What would you do if you got the worst Secret Santa EVER? In this production adapted from the book series by Barbara Park, Junie B. Jones pulls her arch enemies name, May, for the secret Santa gift exchange. Watch what Junie B. Jones will do as Santa is watching. Join the company after the show on Nov. 30 for cookies and cocoa at the theater.

THROUGH DEC 22 A Christmas Carol The Musical Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter. com. In this musical twist on a classic Christmas story, Charles Dickens’ immortal tale of gets the full Broadway treatment. Audiences will revel in the story’s emotional power and the joy that comes from with memorable music as they watch Ebenezer Scrooge get a chance for redemption.

MUSIC BY ALAN MENKEN

Merry Christmas George Bailey

VENUES Indiana Chicago Street Theater 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636. chicagostreet.org. Now in its 58th season of bringing live theatrical entertainment to the greater Northwest Indiana region, the CST presents a variety of plays and musicals each season, in addition to regularly scheduled theater classes for both adults and children. Nov 29-Dec 21: Naughty or Nice Holiday Double Feature. Footlight Players 1705 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.874.4035. footlightplayers.org. This community theater group has been entertaining audiences in Michigan City for more than 50 years with its

productions of dramas, comedies and musicals. The Memorial Opera House 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. mohlive. com. This renovated, 364-seat building—with red, white and blue stained-glass windows—was built as a living memorial to the Civil War veterans of Porter County. Built in 1893, the theater has a rich history as a venue for musical and dramatic performances. Ross Music Theater 227 Center St, Hobart. m-mproductions.com. Ross Music Theatre is a community theater group whose goal is to involve everyone who wants to in the magic known as theater. Ross Music Theatre in association with M & M Productions puts on a two musical show season

every year with an occasional third musical. Dec 20: Merry Christmas George Bailey Star Plaza Theatre I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. starplazatheatre.com. With 3,400 seats arranged in two intimate seating levels, the theater consistently hosts premier performers year-round. With its convenient location in the heart of Northwest Indiana’s shopping and dining district and its proximity to the adjoining Radisson Hotel, the Star Plaza offers a total entertainment package to area theatergoers. The Theatre at the Center Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255.

Towle Community Theater 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.8780. towletheater.org. To honor its mission of nurturing and celebrating local talent in the arts, the Towle Community Theater presents exhibitions, theatrical productions and musical performances in the heart of downtown Hammond. Dec. 20-22: A Fabulous 50’s Christmas.

Illinois Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University 50 E Parkway, Chicago. 312.902.1500. auditoriumtheatre.org. A National Historic Landmark and a mainstay of Chicago architecture and theatre since 1889, the Auditorium continues to provide unparalleled ballet performances and a variety of artistic productions.

Broadway in Chicago various venues, Chicago. 800.775.2000. broadwayinchicago. com. A joint venture between the two largest commercial theater producers and owner/operators in the U.S., Broadway in Chicago offers the finest of professional stage productions in multiple theaters, all residing in Chicago’s lively Loop. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W Monroe St. Broadway Playhouse, 175 E Chestnut. Nov 14-Dec 29: Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer—The Musical. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St. Nov 26-Dec 15: Elf the Musical. Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph St. Oct 30-Dec 21: Wicked. Chicago Shakespeare Theater Navy Pier, 800 E Grand Ave, Chicago. 312.595.5600. chicagoshakes.com. Prominently located on Navy Pier in Chicago, this venue mounts renowned productions of the plays of William Shakespeare, as well as works from distinguished American and international playwrights and directors. The theater’s mission to reach out to younger audiences is well accomplished with its offerings of children’s productions and student matinees. The architecturally dynamic structure houses both an engaging, 500-seat courtyard theater and a 200-seat black box theater.

CLOSING THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22!

LYRICS BY LYNN AHRENS BOOK BY MIKE OCKRENT & LYNN AHRENS BASED ON THE STORY BY CHARLES DICKENS DIRECTED BY WILLIAM PULLINSI

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STARTING 2014 RIGHT: WHEN TO WATCH NEW YEARS’ CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE GLOBE: Sidney, Australia: 7am CST Tokyo, Japan: 9am CST Beijing, China: 10am CST Mumbai, India: 12:30pm CST

Moscow, Russia: 2pm CST Cairo, Egypt: 4pm CST Paris, France: 5pm CST London, England: 6pm CST

Rio de Janiero, Brazil: 8pm CST New York, New York: 11pm CST

Fireworks explode over the Big Ben clock to celebrate the New Year in London, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. AP PHOTO, KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH

Guide to

New Year’s 2014 JANE AMMESON

A

nother year is about to hit the dust, so let’s get ready for 2014 with our list of 30 ideas to make this the best ever New Year’s Eve.

GET UP AND GO

1. Kids and their families can start to party at 10 a.m. at Bellaboo’s New Year’s Eve Party. The event, with live music, dancing, a cooking class, art, stories and treats goes until to 5 p.m. Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center. 2. Kenny Loggins in Concert, 10:30 p.m., Four Winds Casino Silver Creek Event Center, New Buffalo. 3. Meet the Naturalist at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center for the annual end of End of the Year Waterfowl Tour on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. The tour most likely will car pool (bring driver’s licenses and/ or ID) to the Port of Indiana for some great looks at species such as mergansers, buffleheads and more. 4. Deep River Waterpark in Merrillville is hosting a Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration 5-10 p.m. The $5 per person cost includes kids crafts, kid’s countdown at 8pm and a DJ from 5-10. 5. The Halls of St. George in Schererville are hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring the band Together. Tickets cost $65. Doors open at 7 p.m., a gourmet dinner will be served at 8 p.m. and followed

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by dancing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The ticket includes complimentary party favors and a midnight champagne toast. 6. New Year’s Party at White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point. 7 p.m. start for dinner, dancing and midnight buffet. 7. Sage Restaurant in Chesterton is offering a $50 Prix Fixe menu with seatings every hour from 5-9 p.m. From 9pmuntil midnight Chef Joe will entertain guests followed by a midnight champagne toast. 8. Join the Valparaiso Eagles Lodge 2517 for a Western New Year’s Eve party. Tickets are $25 per couple, $15 per person with entertainment by live band Short Notice. Open to those 21 and over. 9. Enjoy Champagne toast and drink specials at the Miller Bakery Café in Miller Beach. 10. New Year’s Eve Children’s Celebration with DJ, magician, Cat in the Hat, $5 per person, refreshments from 2 to 5 p.m. at St. Matthias Church n Crown Point. 11. New Years Eve Celebration with music by Together Band as well as cash bar, dinner, dancing, breakfast, champagne at midnight at Halls of St. George in Schererville. 12. New Year’s Eve comes to Hobart with St. Mary Church’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Tickets are $25. Live band Mr. Funnyman will be performing while guests enjoy all-you-can-eat cheeseburgers until 11:30 p.m. Ring in the new year with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.

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13. HamVegas performs at It’s Vegas Baby, Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa’s Las Vegas themed all night lounge. 14. Avain Hightower and Full Circle will be performing in the Lakeshore Lounge and Julia Huff & The Company Band at the Key Rewards Main Stage at the Majestic Star Casino and Hotel in Buffington Harbor. 15. Get away from it all with your own cozy cabin nestled in 85 acres of woods at Serenity Springs in Michigan City. Fireplaces, lake or channel views. Champagne for a midnight toast, choice of appetizer platter, cheesecake, gourmet chocolates scented bubble bath, carriage/sleigh ride and breakfast basket party favors are all on the list of goodies for New Year’s Eve package for two. 16. The Main Event ticket at the Star Plaza New Years Eve Bash grants access to the property-wide offerings of dance parties at T.J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub, comedy shows, live entertainment and performances. Overnight packages available as well. 17. There’s live music with Bravo Johnny, all-night drink specials and a full-service cash bar at Star Plaza’s Atrium Party. Or choose the VIP Atrium party version--private cabana, one bottle of premium liquor, case of beer or six bottles of wine, and special NYE Appetizer Menu. Also included all-access wristbands to all main events. $75 per guest – minimum of six guests and maximum of 10 guests. 18. Dinner and dancing at the Lansing Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, Lansing, Illinois. 19. Besides their regular menu, Pikk’s Tavern in Valparaiso is offering food and drink specials and is open until 12:30 a.m. 20. Washington Park in Michigan City has the largest free drive through Festival of Lights in the Midwest. 21. Midnight fireworks and hot chocolate at Highland’s Main Square Park.

22. Party like it’s 1923 at the Porter County Expo Center’s annual New Year’s Eve Party which this year has a 1920’s Speakeasy theme. Zoot suits and flapper clothes recommended for the get together which features a prime rib dinner and music by The City Lights Big Band, a Charleston Dance Contest and then from 10:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. dancing with DJ Steve Zana. 23. Channel Frank Sinatra. His Way Staring Ron Hawkins at Theatre at the Center in Munster. 24. Can’t make it to Spain for the holidays? Then how about paella and tapas for New Year’s Eve at Don Quijote restaurant in Valparaiso?

GET SET FOR A PARTY

25. Old World Market on the Courthouse Square in Valparaiso can guide you through the selection of cheeses, cured meats, wines, craft beers and specialty foods for your NYE party. 26. Put the flour and sugar back in the cabinet and call Dessert Menu, that wonderful French bakery café in Dyer. They’ll create a dessert table for your party loaded with goodies such as cream puffs, mini-tarts, small caramel, chocolate covered apples, specialty themed cakes, decorated cake pops and more than anyone who’s ever heard the word diet should want. 27. A favorite in Northwest Indiana since the 1920s, the third generation DeRosa Imports in Griffith not only offers Italian specialties but also foods from Hungary, Turkey, Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria. Choose from such hors d’oervres selections as Bende Csabai Hungarian Style Salami with Paprika, Serbia Hazelnut Spread, Agostino Recca Fillets of Anchovies and Biljana Homemade Ajvar, a red pepper spread from an area of Macedonia known for their great sweet and hot peppers. For desserts consider their Amaretto Baba Cakes and Bajadera Nougat Dessert. 28. How can you drink fine French Champagne without equally wonderful and colorful French macarons. Macarons can be ordered at both Tonya’s Patisserie in Chesterton and the Dessert Menu Bakery & Café in Dyer.


Break out the Bubbly A quick look at authentic Champagne

‌Tara McElmurry / tara.mcelmurry@nwi.com‌

‌P

arty hats on and sparkles everywhere as the group New Year’s countdown comes to an end... three, two, one! Pop! Fizz! Clink! But do you know where the celebratory staple beverage of New Year’s comes from? And how to know if it’s authentic Champagne? The largest Champagne tasting in the US was held in downtown Chicago back in October. There were over 100 different wines and 36 different Champagne producers at the Ivy Room. The event was hosted by the Champagne Bureau, which is the U.S. representative of the Comité Champagne — a trade association which represents the grape growers and house of Champagne, France. The event brought not only the taste of Champagne close to home, but it also brought the history and understanding of the process of what it takes for Champagne to be called Champagne. Rule No. 1: Champagne only comes from Champagne, France. “Champagne is a location, 90 miles northeast of Paris, clearly defined and delimited since 1927; this wine region is integral to our unique product,” Thibaut Le Mailloux, communications director of the Comite Champagne, said in a press release. “That is why we say that ‘Champagne only comes from Champagne’ and virtually every country in the world reserves the Champagne name exclusively for these wines.” While the tasting was quite overwhelming to any Champagne novice, it was very educational and gave the opportunity to sample the Champagne wines. Some favorites from the event included Pascal Brut Blanc De Blancs NV — a clean tasting wine that was easy to sip, Henriot Brut Millésime 2005 — a bubbly that wasn’t too sweet, but had a pleasing fruity aftertaste, Lamiable Rosé Grand Cru NV — a soft rose colored wine with a smooth and refreshing taste, and Nicolas Feullatte Cuvée

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C o u r t e s y o f t h e C h a m p a g n e B u r e a u , USA

The No. 1 rule to remember when purchasing or drinking Champagne. It is only true Champagne if it says on the label it came from Champagne, France.

Palmes d’Or Brut 2002—a wonderfully unique bottle presents a crisp, delicious wine. The event made it clear that there are many different types of Champagne, and that the there are different styles of producing it. While every vineyard has its own style, there are major parts of the process that each has in common. The process has about 17 steps: 1. Planting. The main three types of grapes that are planted in the Champagne region are Pinot noir—a grape that adds backbone and body to a wine blend, Merunier—adds fruitiness to wine blends, and Chardonnay—adds a fragrant and flowery taste to wine blends and is ideal for aging. 2. Pruning. This step takes place in the fall and again in mid-January. Pruning helps give shape to the grape vines and gives the grape clusters space to grow with plenty of air and sunlight. 3. Harvesting. After a crop is

Kent Morien/Kent Drake Photography

The largest Champagne tasting in the US was held in downtown Chicago back in October. There were over 100 different wines and 36 different Champagne producers at the Ivy Room downtown.

inspected for color, weight, and sugar and acidity content, the grapes are harvested completely by hand. 4.Pressing. This step is just as it sounds, though the pressing centers are strictly regulated for particulars like pressing capacity, daily loads and hygiene standards. 5. Clarification (or debourbage). This step is when the grape juice settles, which allows wines to have the purest flavors of the grape. 6. Alcohol fermentation. This chemical process happens when yeasts convert the sugars of the fruit to ethyl alcohol, carbon dioxide and other elements. Most producers use temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats to complete this step. 7. Malolactic fermentation. Some producers skip this step, but this is used after primary fermentation to modify the wine’s flavor profile and lower its acidity. 8. Blending. Wines can come

together by blending different grapes and even different vineyards to produce a unique taste that shows the style and vision of the producer. 9. Bottling and second fermentation. The bottle fermentation is what transforms the still wine into a sparkling wine. 10. Maturation on lees. This step is when the bottles are kept at a constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius and aged for a minimum of 15 months (some varieties have a minimum of three years). 11. Riddling. After the bottles have rested for a while, they must be moved and rotated to loosen deposit left by the second fermentation. 12. Disgorgement. The purpose of this step is to release any sediment that has collected in the neck of the bottle. 13. Dosage. This step adds a small amount of “liqueur de dosage,” which is a mixture of cane sugar and wine to add an extra dimension to the wine. 14. Final corking. The bottles are corked immediately after dosage. The corks must have the name of the Champagne and state of the vintage. 15. Shaking. The bottle is shaken vigorously to ensure the dosage liqueur mixes perfectly with the wine. 16. Final inspection. This step is the final check to make sure the wine is clear and free of any impurities. 17. Labeling. This final step before shipment must include the word “Champagne” written in bold, the brand, the type of wine based on sugar content, alcohol content, bottle capacity, name of producer, name of where the producer is registered, and finally the country of origin, which for Champagne, is always France. After learning about quite an extensive and particular process, it’s hard not to have more respect for the bubbly that closes out New Year’s parties all around—plus it also serves as some great trivia to wow friends at the next end-of-the-year party. Cheers to knowing the story behind that pop, fizz and clink!

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preview

Spirited away Cast of new national tour of ‘Ghost The Musical’ happy Chicago is next haunt ‌Philip Potempa / philip.potempa@nwi.com

‌A

ctor Steven Grant Douglas said he gets two common questions when others discover he plays the lead in the new Broadway touring production “Ghost The Musical,” inspired by the popular film of 1990. “Everyone asks me if I play the Patrick Swayze character, which the answer is yes, but they still never remember the character’s name is Sam Wheat,” said Douglas, during a telephone interview last week in East Lansing, Mich., prior to the tour breaking for holiday hiatus. “And they also want to know if the big ‘pottery scene’ is featured in the stage musical, which it definitely is included.” Broadway In Chicago, Troika Entertainment and Michael Coppel in association with Hilary Williams, Margot Astrachan Production/ Dennis Grimaldi Productions/Paul Lucas Productions/Robert Sher and Paramount Pictures, are driving force that launched the first U.S. national tour of “Ghost The Musical,” based on the film by Bruce Joel Rubin and Paramount Pictures as a supernatural love story. The tour plays Chicago’s Oriental Theatre, 24 West Randolph, for a limited two-week engagement Jan. 7 to 19. Douglas, who originally hails from Minneapolis, where he is now spending the holidays with his family, was in New York last April auditioning for a role in the Broadway production “Soul Doctor,” when he discovered producers were also casting for this new tour. “I actually missed the ‘Ghost’ auditions, but they let me still audition a little later, since they were still searching for some key roles,” Douglas said. “I remember it was over Fourth of July weekend in New York when they finally narrowed down their selections and I got this role.” In addition to Douglas as Sam Wheat, it also stars Katie Postotnik as Molly Jensen, Carla R. Stewart as Oda

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Mae Brown and Robby Haltiwanger as Carl Bruner. Featured ensemble are Fernando Contreras, Brandon Curry, Evette Marie White, Nichole Turner, Hana Freeman and Shannan E. Johnson. Rounding out the ensemble are Omar Garibay, Susan Leilani Gearou, Tony Johnson, Beth Stafford Laird, Ben Laxton, Jake Vander Linden, Michael McClure, Jack O’Brien, Andrea Rouch and Maria Cristina Slye. Directed by Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus and choreographed by Ashley Wallen, the musical features book and lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin who has adapted his Academy Awardwinning original screenplay for the stage, and original music and lyrics by a team of Grammy Award-winners, including Dave Stewart (half of the multi-Grammy Award-winning Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (of Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror” and Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill”). The score also includes the iconic song “Unchained Melody,” written by Hy Zaret and Alex North and famously performed in the film by The Righteous Brothers. Set in modern day New York City, the stage story is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Walking back to their apartment one night after a romantic dinner, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam dead on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly, who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a storefront psychic, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hopes of saving and protecting her. Southside Chicago actress Carla R. Stewart stars as the psychic Oda Mae Brown, played in the 1990 film by Whoopi Goldberg, who helped unite the love-crossed characters played by Swayze and Demi Moore. Goldberg won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of psychic. “I’ve always been a fan of Whoopi,

P HO T O C R EDI T I N T HIS S P A C E

Photo caption in this space here and here and here and here. Photo caption in this space here.

P h o t o b y J o a n M a rc u s

Steven Grant Douglas plays Sam Wheat and Katie Postotnik is Molly Jensen, shown in the famed “pottery scene” in the new national tour of “Ghost The Musical” play a 2014 run Jan. 7 to 19 at Oriental Theatre in Chicago.

so playing her role in this tour is a thrill that feels like I got my Christmas gift earlier this year,” Stewart said. “Even though I had first seen the original film version years ago, I knew that I wanted to make my performance something new and fresh for this character.” While Stewart said her character has her own big song number called “Alive,” it’s the ensemble song

“Suspend My Disbelief” that still ranks as her favorite. “I’m backstage singing along during the musical numbers, and just like the audience, I feel a part of what’s happening onstage even when I’m not onstage.” WHAT: “Ghost The Musical” • WHERE: Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago • WHEN: Jan. 7-19 • HOW MUCH: $19 to $82 • FYI: (800) 775-2000 or BroadwayInChicago.com or ghostthemusical.com.


Elaina Aquino to compliment your holiday party attire and trim your tree with one of a kind, handmade ornaments. All items in the Gallery Shop Holiday Artisan Market are handmade in the USA. DEC 19 ‌

THROUGH JAN 5 ‌

The Gallery Shop Holiday Artisan Market‌ 10am-5pm, weekends 11am-4pm, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W 2nd St, Ste 100, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. The 4th annual Gallery Shop Holiday Artisan Market is in full swing in Lubeznik’s main lobby. Esther, the Gallery Shop manager, has beautiful things in stock for every aesthetic and budget. Pick up a new piece of jewelry by

Gift Wrapping and Bow Making‌ 6-7pm, Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library, 19901 Stony Island Ave, Lynwood, Ill. 708.758.0090. glpld.org. Participants will learn how to wrap presents nicely and make beautiful bows at this holiday seminar. Participants can bring in a present they have purchased for a loved one and wrap it during the seminar. All materials provided. DEC 19 ‌

Highland Community Band Holiday Concert‌ 7-8:30pm, Highland High School Monbeck Auditorium, 9125 Erie St, Highland. 219.838.0114. highlandparks.org. The Highland Community Band performs their annual holiday concert.

Happenings THROUGH DEC 22 ‌ St. John Festival of Lights‌ 4-7pm, Prairie West Park, 9359 West Oakridge Dr, St. John. 219.365.6236.‌ Stroll along the paths viewing the beautifully decorated trees sponsored by local merchants, clubs, churches, and neighbors. Santa will visit each Saturday through Dec. 21.

THROUGH DEC 29‌ Gift of Art,‌ 5-8pm, Southern Shore Association Gallery, 724 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.369.9028. southernshoreartassociation.‌ A variety of works— from traditional to contemporary—by Southern Shore Art Association artist members will be on display and on sale for 50 percent off or more.

John Luke, The Times

St. John Festival of Lights.

THROUGH JAN 3 ‌ Winter Light Show, 5:05-9:05pm, Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond.

219.989.7770. southshorecva.com.‌ Throughout the holiday season, the Indiana Welcome Center dazzles visitors with a light show every five minutes

after the hour. Each show lasts 15 minutes and coordinates with music broadcast on 89.9 FM.

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of a kind, handmade ornaments. All items in the Gallery Shop Holiday Artisan Market are handmade in the USA.

DEC 19 ‌ THROUGH JAN 5 ‌ The Gallery Shop Holiday Artisan Market‌ 10am-5pm, weekends 11am-4pm, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W 2nd St, Ste 100, Michigan City. 219.874.4900.‌ The 4th annual Gallery Shop Holiday Artisan Market is in full swing in Lubeznik’s main lobby. Esther, the Gallery Shop manager, has beautiful things in stock for every aesthetic and budget. Pick up a new piece of jewelry by Elaina Aquino to compliment your holiday party attire and trim your tree with one

events are ✔ These Editor’s Picks

Gift Wrapping and Bow Making‌ 6-7pm, Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library, 19901 Stony Island Ave, Lynwood, Ill. 708.758.0090.‌ glpld.org.‌ Participants will learn how to wrap presents nicely and make beautiful bows at this holiday seminar. Participants can bring in a present they have purchased for a loved one and wrap it during the seminar. All materials provided.

DEC 19 ‌ Community Christmas Gift Give-Away‌ 7-8:30am, Laurel Church Ministries, 7525 Taft St,

Merrillville.‌ Laurel Church has partnered with people and businesses of Northwest Indiana to give out free toys and other gift items for families in need this Christmas Season. Gifts will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. In addition there will be drawings for special gifts items. Cocoa and treats will be served to families and children ages 2-12 will also be welcomed to play in our giant indoor playland.

DEC 19 ‌ Highland Community Band Holiday Concert,‌ 7-8:30pm, Highland High School Monbeck Auditorium, 9125 Erie St, Highland. 219.838.0114. highlandparks.org.‌ The Highland Community Band performs their annual holiday concert.

DEC 19 ‌

HAmmond

Holiday Bazaar and Carriage Rides‌ 5-9pm Fri, all day Sat, Marquette Park Pavilion, Gary. 219.455.9725.‌ The Broadway Area Community Development Corporation hosts an adults only yuletide carriage ride and stepper set on Friday, followed by a family fun day complete with vendors, holiday music,

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Humane Society Calumet Area, 421 45th St, Munster. hscalumet.org. The homeless pets

✔ at Humane Society Calumet Area want a home for the holidays, so now through Dec. 24, every Monday through Thursday, all animals have a $25 adoption fee. On Free Fridays (Dec. 6, 13, 20), there is no adoption fee. Special only applies to altered animals over 6 months old. Rabies vaccine fee of $25 and/or FeLV/FIV combo test fee may apply. All adoptions are pending application approval and successful dog meet (if dog already in home).

photos with Santa, food and carriage rides on Saturday.

DEC 20-21 ‌

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Pet Adoption Special

DEC 20-21 ‌

Christmas Special

Gift CertifiCates Open 7-Days

‌THROUGH DEC 24

Gingerbread House Building‌ The View Restaurant, Centennial Park, 900 N Centennial Dr, Munster. 219.836.6900. munster.org.‌ All materials will be supplied to create a gingerbread house to take home. The winner of the 2013 Gingerbread House Decorating Competition will be announced.

HobARt

219 940 9128

Holiday Humor‌ 8pm and 10pm, Majestic Star Casino Comedy Room, 1 Buffington Harbor Drive, Gary. 219.201.0684. Tickets $27, must be 21 and over.‌ Comedian J Anthony Brown presents the J Spot Club showcasing his comedian friends at Majestic Star Casino & Hotel. Comedians Marvin Dixon, Kellye Howard, Vince Acevedo and Sheree Luckett will perform on the same stage at Majestic Star.

DEC 21 ‌ Annual Walk in the Woods‌ 7-8pm, Hammond Environmental Education Center, 2405 Calumet Ave,

Hammond.‌ The WhitingRobertsdale Frosties will host their annual walk on the “darkest evening of the year.” This is an opportunity to find some solitude during the busy holiday season. Centered around the poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, this annual event has gained national attention. Participants meet at the Hammond Environmental Education Center. Participants should bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. There is no charge and children who can walk at least 2 miles outdoors are welcome to attend.

DEC 21 ‌ Pet Adoption Event and Christmas Bazaar‌ 10am-3pm, Xtreme Motorsports, 6647 Kennedy Ave, Hammond. 219.771.6768. sc4pets. org.‌ Second Chance 4 Pets Network and Xtreme Motorsports co-host this adoption event and bazaar, with baked goods, Second

Chance apparel and pet calendars, jewelry and gifts for pets. Pets will be available for adoption and fostering and pets can get photos with Santa Claws for a nominal fee.

DEC 22 ‌ Michael McDonald‌ 7pm, Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville. 800.745.3000.‌ Come out for an evening of holiday and hits from Michael McDonald to get into the Christmas spirit.DEC 22 ‌ MANDELA‌ 3pm, AMC Showplace Hobart 12, 2590 Southlake Mall, Merrillville. 219.755.0377. amctheatres.com.‌ The ECIER Foundation presents a private holiday premier of MANDELA, based on South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography chronicling his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming president. Ticket proceeds benefit the youth enrolled in

the ECIER Foundation. Tickets can be purchased by phone.

DEC 23 ‌ Mary Wilson Holiday Spectacular Featuring Special Guests The Four Tops‌ 8-11pm, The Harris Theater, 805 E Randolph St, Chicago. Tickets $59.99-$119.99. marywilsonandthefourtops.com.‌ The holiday season gets a taste of the Motown Sound as Mary Wilson’s Holiday Spectacular blows into the Windy City. Audiences will be taken on a journey through some of the greatest Motown hits as well as holiday classics by Mary Wilson, one of the original Supremes, and the legendary Four Tops, celebrating 60 years of performing in 2013. Favorite songs include “Stop In The Name of Love,” “I Hear a Symphony,” “Come See About Me,” “Can’t Hurry Love,” “Back In Your Arms Again,” Someday We’ll Be Together” and many more.

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DEC 24 ‌ CHRISTMAS EVE SHOPPING STROLL‌ 10-11am, Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton. 219.926.1952. in.gov.‌ This one-hour walk lead by naturalists explores the winter life and beauty of the dunes and culminates in a warm fire and hot cocoa in the Wilson Shelter.

DEC 25 ‌ T.J. CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH‌ 10am-3pm, T.J. Maloneys Authentic Irish Pub, Interstate 65 and US 30, Merrillville. 219.755.0569.‌ After the magical excitement of Christmas morning, save the cleanup of your wrapping paper- and gift-strewn living room for later and turn to T.J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub for a festive, relaxing, and decadent Christmas Day Brunch.

DEC 27 ‌ CHEAP TRICK‌ 8pm, Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville. 800.745.3000.‌ Cheap Trick may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the 70s they have been blending elements of pop, punk & even metal in a way that is instantly catchy & recognizable. With timeless classics such as I Want You to Want Me, Surrender, & The Flame, Cheap Trick are a musical institution.

DEC 28 ‌ STYX‌ 8pm, Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place,

These events are Editor’s Picks

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Merrillville. 800.745.3000.‌ Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, Styx transformed themselves into the virtual arena rock prototype, due to their classic rock hits, soaring power ballads and energetic live shows.

THROUGH DEC 29 WINTER LIGHTS DISPLAY 5-9pm, Sunset Hill Farm, 775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso. 219.465.3586. Drive through and

✔ see all the

ILLINOIS‌

wonderful lights on display. Christmas Week December 20-29 the display will be on daily from 5-9pm. Drive through is free, donations greatly appreciated.

DEC 19-20 ‌ DO-IT-YOURSELF MESSIAH‌ 7-9:30pm, Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph, Chicago. Cost: $15. imgchicago. org.‌ Celebrating its 38th year, this beloved holiday tradition offers audience members a unique opportunity to participate in the performance as the choir in George Frederic Handel’s masterpiece, “Messiah.” Joined by an orchestra and worldclass soloists, attendees will welcome the holiday season with an unrivaled performance of “Messiah.” The audience, seated according to voice range, will sing the choral part of “Messiah” and will be accompanied by a full orchestra of volunteer musicians, four professional soloists — Soprano Michelle Areyzaga, Alto Jill Grove, Tenor Marc Molomot and Bassbaritone Mark Steven Doss — and acclaimed Maestro Stanley Sperber.

DEC 21 ‌ SANTA WALK & RUN‌ 9am, St. Mary’s Catholic Community School, 405 E Joliet St, Crown Point. yourhometownevents. com.‌ Both athletes and non-athletes alike are encouraged to wear full Santa outfits, a Santa hat, or other festive gear at this festive non-timed 5K run/1-mile walk. Participants can collect sponsor pledges and raise money for the charity of their choice. Refreshments, live entertainment, a

costume contest and visits with Santa follow the walk/run. A head lamp or flashlight is required for the night run.

EXHIBITIONS INDIANA‌ THROUGH DEC 21 ‌ HOLIDAY LIGHTS—A WINTER CELEBRATION OF SOLAR‌ 4-7pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso.

219.462.0025. taltree. org.‌ The prairie comes to life each night with LED and fiber optics create grass and prairie flowers blowing sweetly in the breeze. The display begins with luminaries on the mounds and concludes with the magnificent tree all aglow.

THROUGH DEC 23 CHRISTMAS TREE DISPLAY 2-4pm, 7-8pm Mon-Thu, 2-4pm Fri-Sat, Lake

County Public Library Merrillville Branch Acheff Art Gallery, 1919 W US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.3541 ext. 317. lcplin.org. The Acheff Art Gallery features nine trees decorated by employees of various branches of the library system, with themes such as fish and boats, historical trains, gingerbread men and more. The original South Shore poster artworks also are on display.

ACTIVITIES INDIANA‌ THROUGH FEB 23 ‌ ICE PLAZA AT DEEP RIVER WATERPARK‌ Thursdays 2-9pm, Fridays 2-10pm, Saturdays 12-10pm and Sundays 12-9pm, Deep River Waterpark, 9001 E US 30, Crown Point. 219.947.7850.‌ Deep River Waterpark will be open for Ice Skating on the Friday after Thanksgiving day through the last Sunday in February.

THROUGH JAN 3 ‌ “A CHRISTMAS STORY” COMES HOME‌ Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond. 800.255.5253. The “A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit centers around 6 animatronic window displays from Macy’s Department Store in New York featuring different scenes from “A Christmas Story”. There are also a variety of events and activities going on — visit the website for more information. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, stop in Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm to get your photo taken with Santa for only $5.

THROUGH FEB 2

J O H N J . WAT K I N S , T H E T I M E S

Santa Walk & Run.

MID-CENTURY MODERN—STYLE IN THE AGE OF MAD MEN South Shore Arts Gallery, Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.1839. southshoreartsonline.org. This swanky exhibit travels back in time to a more glamorous age, the time of the 1950s ad

men made popular in recent years by AMC’s Mad Men. A tribute to the Mid-Century Modern movement in architecture and design, the exhibit features furniture, objects, art and advertising as seen on the popular TV series from this memorable era.

THROUGH FEB 8 ‌ WE ARE PORTER COUNTY,‌ Porter County Museum of History, 153 Franklin St, Valparaiso. 219.465.3595‌ . This interactive and engaging exhibit highlights the formation of the county from its founding in 1836 to present day and visitors can learn about the transformation of the county from frontier to modern landscape.

THROUGH FEB 9 ‌ CITIZEN SOLDIER CITIZEN,‌ Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W Second St, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org.‌ Contemporary works by military combat veterans will be on display at this exhibition honors those who have fought for freedom and those fighting to reintegrate into society after their war experiences. AlsoThrough Feb 24: Theater of Conflict‌.

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Fandango’s top ten ticket best sellers 1. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 3D 2. Frozen 3D 3. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 4. Tyler Perry’s a Madea Christmas 5. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues 6. Out of the Furnace 7. Thor: The Dark World 3D 8. Justin Bieber’s Believe 9. SuperTicket Premiere: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues 10. Walking With Dinosaurs 3D

IN THEATERS THIS WEEKEND

AMERICAN HUSTLE

2 hr 9 min | R | Released Dec. 20

Director: David O. Russell American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that’s as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving’s unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down. Like David O. Russell’s previous films, American Hustle defies genre, hinging on raw emotion, and life and death stakes.

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INSIDE LLEWELLYN DAVIS

47 RONIN

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Director: Carl Rinsch

Director: John Wells

INSIDE LLEWELLYN DAVIS follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles—some of them of his own making.

Keanu Reeves makes an explosive return to actionadventure in 47 Ronin. After a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and restore honor to their people. Driven from their homes and dispersed across the land, this band of Ronin must seek the help of Kai (Reeves)—a half-breed they once rejected—as they fight their way across a savage world of mythic beasts.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name made its Broadway debut in December 2007 after premiering at Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre earlier that year.

1 hr 44 min | R | Released Dec. 20

2 hr 7 min | PG-13 | Opens Dec. 25

1 hr 59 min | R | Released Dec. 25


Go! TO THE MOVIES AMC Showplace 16 875 Deer Creek Drive; Schererville, IN; 219.322.9762; amctheatres.com

Grudge Match

Labor Day

The Wolf of Wall Street

Director: Peter Segal

Director: Jason Reitman

Director: Martin Scorsese

Pittsburgh boxers Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (Robert De Niro) and Henry “Razor” Sharp (Sylvester Stallone) shared a fierce rivalry back in the 1980s. Each had scored a victory in two matches, but on the eve of their decisive third bout, Henry suddenly announced his retirement, effectively ending both boxers’ careers. Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr.

13-year-old Henry Wheeler, who struggles to be the man of his house and care for his reclusive mother Adele while confronting all the pangs of adolescence. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will shape them for the rest of their lives.

New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), who founded brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont while still in his early 20s, develops habits of wretched excess and corruption.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Hobbit

Saving Mr. Banks

Director: Peter Jackson

Director: John Lee Hancock

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), an employee at Life magazine, spends day after monotonous day developing photos for the publication. To escape the tedium, Walter inhabits a world of exciting daydreams in which he is the undeniable hero.

Having survived the first part of their unsettling journey, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions (Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage) continue east. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood Elves, Bilbo and the dwarves journey to Lake-town and, finally, to the Lonely Mountain.

When Walt Disney’s daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite book, P.L. Travers’ “Mary Poppins,” he made them a promise—one that he didn’t realize would take 20 years to keep. In his quest to obtain the rights, Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author doesn’t budge.

Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

‌Out of the Furnace

1 hr 45 min | PG-13 | Released Dec. 13

1 hr 29 min | PG-13 | Released Dec. 18

Director: Scott Cooper

Director: Tyler Perry

Director: Adam McKay

Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas, but the biggest surprise is what they’ll find when they arrive. As the small, rural town prepares for its annual Christmas Jubilee, Madea dishes her own brand of Christmas Spirit to all.

With the 70’s behind him, San Diego’s top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” Also back for more are Ron’s wife and news team, all of whom won’t make it easy to stay classy…while taking the nation’s first 24-hour news channel by storm.

Russell Baze (Christian Bale) has a rough life: he works a dead-end blue collar job at the local steel mill by day, and cares for his terminally ill father by night. Russell takes matters into his own hands, putting his life on the line to seek justice for his missing brother.

1 hr 54 min | PG-13 | Released Dec. 25

1 hr 54 min | PG | Released Dec. 25

Director: Ben Stiller

1 hr 51 min | PG-13 | Released Dec. 25

2 hr 45 min | R | Released Dec. 25

AMC Showplace 12 1400 Eagleridge, Schererville, IN; 219.322.9264; amctheatres.com

Art Theater 230 Main St.; Hobart, IN; 219.942.1670; hobartarttheater.com Kennedy Theatre 6735 Kennedy Ave.; Hammond, IN; 219.845.5336 Crown Theatre 19 N Court St.; Crown Point, IN; 219.663.1616 Hoosier Theatre 1335 119th St; Whiting, IN; 219.659.0567

AMC Showplace Hobart 12 2590 Southlake Mall; Merrillville, IN; 219.755.0377; amctheatres.com Portage 16 & IMAX 6550 U.S. Highway 6; Portage, IN 46368; 219.764.7469; imax. com/theatres/t/ portage-16-imax/

2 hr 40 min | PG-13 | Released Dec. 13

2 hr 15 min | PG-13 | Released Dec. 13

1 hr 56 min | R | Released Dec. 6

AnchormAn 2: the legend continues [PG-13] [DIGITAL] 1205 130 255 420 545 710 835 1000 the hobbit: the desolAtion of smAug [PG-13] [REALD3D] 1115AM 250 405 625 740 1000 [DIGITAL] 135 510 845 AmericAn hustle [R] 700 1010 1215AM (LATE THURS NITE) sAVing mr. bAnKs [PG-13] 700 955 1205AM (LATE THURS NITE) WAlKing With dinosAurs [PG] REALD3D] 1000 1220AM (LATE THURS NITE) [DIGITAL] 1000 1220AM (LATE THURS NITE)

tYler PerrY’s A mAdeA christmAs [PG-13] 1240 310 out of the furnAce [R] 1250 froZen [PG] [REALD3D] 1125AM 210 455 740 1025 [DIGITAL] 1245 330 615 855 deliVerY mAn [PG-13] 1245 345 700 the hunger gAmes: cAtching fire [PG-13] 1145AM 125 305 445 805 thor: the dArK World [PG-13] 120 410 700

Mon-Thur doors open 11am Fri-Sun doors open at 9:30am Assistive Listening and Captioning System Avail

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From nwi.com/go ➼ New restaurant: Timbrook Kitchens, 17 Ridge Road, recently opened in Munster. Featured menu items are handheld egg pies, quiche, pastries and more. Visit timbrookkitchensjimdo.com. ➼ Murder Mystery Dinner: The Bennett-Curtis House, 302 Taylor St., Grant Park, Ill., will have its “Murder Mystery Dinner” on Dec. 21, 28, 29 and 31. Call (815) 465-2288 or visit bennettcurtis.com. ➼ Chef Award: The Northwest Indiana Culinary Federation of Chefs recently awarded its Chef of the Year honor to Joseph Trama, executive chef at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. ➼ Holiday pies: Round the Clock Restaurants, at various locations throughout Northwest Indiana, features a variety of holiday pies consumers may order. Visit roundtheclock.com

festive fare

Area restaurants feature holiday menus ‌Eloise Marie Valadez / Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com

‌T

he holiday season is the perfect time to gather for special meals with family and friends. Local restaurants, banquet halls and other venues often feature holiday menus, hearty fixings for the season and specialty meals at this festive time. The following restaurants and venues will feature highlighted meals for the holidays. This list is just a sample of what you’ll find in the area. Asparagus 7876 Broadway, Merrillville. Call (219) 794-0000. On Dec. 31, Asparagus will feature a special New Year’s menu beginning at 4 p.m. Guests will receive a choice of soup du jour or dinner salad with all entrees. The restaurant stars a variety of Thai, Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes created by chef Tammy Pham. The Bennett-Curtis House 302 W. Taylor St., Grant Park, Ill. Call (815) 465-2288. The restaurant, located in an 18-room mansion, will be open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The house abounds with holiday decor through Jan. 31. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of dishes from steaks, chops and seafood to pasta, chicken and more. Among special dishes are stuffed shrimp, BBQ ribs, vegetable lasagna and other items. A full dinner menu will be served from 2 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. On New Year’s Eve, a six-course menu will be available beginning at 5 p.m. Cost for NYE dinner is $60. A “Murder in the BC Mansion” mystery dinner will also be available on NYE. Cost is $65. In addition, a “Cocktails, Food Stations and Jazz” event will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 20. Call for more information. The Center for Performing Arts 1040 Ridge Road, Munster; (219) 836-3255 or call (219) 836-1930 to make meal reservations. The Center regularly features Sunday brunch which is served between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost is $22.50 for adults; $11.50 for ages 4 to 11 and $3 for kids under 4 years old. In conjunction with Ron Hawking’s “His Way: A Tribute to the Man and His Music” show running Dec. 31 through Jan. 5 there will be special meals featured. A New Year’s Eve buffet costs $28 with an additional $55 for show ticket. A combined show ticket and buffet on New Year’s Eve is $79.50. The New Year’s Eve buffet is offered at 4 and 7 p.m. Cost for brunch and a Sunday matinee ticket for Ron Hawking’s show is $72.50. Call for more details. Gino’s Steakhouse 600 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville and 1259 Joliet St., Dyer. Call (219) 769-4466 or (219) 865-3854. The restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Gino’s full menu will be available both days. Among specialties at Gino’s are various cuts of steak,

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T o ny V . M a rt i n , T h e T i m e s

K yl e T e l e c h a n , T h e T i m e s

The Passion Martini at Asparagus.

Pictured is spicy baked king salmon at Asparagus restaurant in Merrillville.

French-cut pork chops, chicken picatta, angel hair pasta, rigatoni, surf and turf and more.

see a winter wonderland of holiday decorations. The decor at the restaurant, which is celebrating its 84th anniversary, stars everything from toy soldiers and sparkling holiday trees to trains and snowmen. The special holiday menu features items such as the staple perch and chicken but also meals such as roast turkey dinner; center cut pork chops, frog leg dinner, gulf shrimp and broiled filet mignon.

Glenwood Oaks Rib & Chop House 106 N. Main St., Glenwood, Ill. Call (708) 758-4400. Glenwood Oaks, which is celebrating its 39th anniversary, will be open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The restaurant features a full menu of favorites for lunch and dinner. Among specialties are oysters Rockefeller, shrimp DeJonghe, ribs, prime rib of beef, various steaks and more. Special hours for Christmas Eve are 4 to 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve hours are 4 p.m. to whenever festivities are over. Live music will be featured as well during the holiday meals. Teibel’s restaurant 1775 U.S. 41, Schererville. Call (219) 865-2000. Visiting Teibel’s during the holidays will surely put a guest in the spirit of the season. The eatery is a favorite choice for many diners who not only crave the restaurant’s popular favorites such as perch and fried chicken but also for those who want to

T.J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub Interstate 65 and U.S. 30, in Radisson Star Plaza complex, Merrillville. Call (219) 755-0569. The restaurant will have a Christmas Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 25. The holiday buffet features a variety of dishes including carved prime rib with garlic mashed red potatoes; roasted chicken with Jameson whiskey gravy; Dublin coddle; carved dijon-honey baked ham; eggs and omelets made to order; make-your-own Belgian waffles; assorted holiday cupcakes and much more. Cost is $29.95 for adults; $25.95 for senior citizens; $16.95 for children 3 to 12 and free for children younger than 3 years old. Reservations are recommended.

P h o t o by El o i s e M a r i e V a l a d e z

Santa welcomes guests to the dining room at Teibel’s.


The

Bennett-Curtis House

NYECelebration

Join us for the Holidays! Fully Decorated thru Jan 31st.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

The Bennett-Curtis House

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 • Reservations 5:00PM-2014! Featuring 6-Course Dinner w/ wine selection Reservations starting at 5:00PM. $60 per guest.

Join our NYE “Murder Mystery”Dinner

New Year’s Day BrunCh 10 am - 2 pm Featuring

Show starts at 8:00PM. $65 per guest. After dinner join us in the lounge for Music starting at 9:00PM & a complimentary champagne toast at Midnight!

• Champagne Bar • Omelettes Made to Order • Breakfast & Lunch Stations • Fresh Fruit & Pastries

Reservations Required

815.465.2288

302 W. Taylor St.—Grant Park, IL 60940 • www.bennettcurtis.com

LIVE 9pm

Saturday, Dec. 21 $3 Bud 16 oz Alum. Btls.

809 McCool Rd., Portage, IN 219-762-7666

New Year’s Eve

GREAT SPECIALS AT

MONDAYS: Buckets: Domestics 5 for $8/ Imports 5 for $13 “75¢ Wings” TUESDAYS: $2.50 Corona, Modelo, Dos XX Bottles/ $4 Patron “$1.00 Tacos” WEDNESDAYS: 16 oz. Drafts: $2 Domestic /$3 Import/ $3 U Call Its “$5 All American Burger” THURSDAYS: $2 Domestic /$3 Import Bottles/ $5 Don Julio “50¢ Wings” Dine in Only FRIDAYS: $3 Heineken- Heineken Light Bottles/$6 Margaritas/ $6 Long Islands

$

9 A.Y.C.E. Fish Fry (Dine in Only) $ 75 1 OLDSTYLE EVERYDAY PapiChulo’s Bar & Grill 13601 S. Calhoun Ave. Chicago, IL 60633

N W I .CO M /G O

773.646.9000

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Gift certificates available

full service Bar & restaurant no One under 21 admitted

smoking allowed

6110 KENNEDY AVE. • HAMMOND, IN • 219-844-9812 • OpEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • WWW.CHUCKANDIRENES.COM

fridays only - All you can eat

Bring in This Coupon on Fridays

no coupons or any discounts will apply. dine in only. All food consumed on premise only!

a ticket of $800 or more

BBoneLess oCeAn PerCh - $10.00 $3.00off • We have a wide variety of Seafood on Fridays •

Tax & Tip Not Included. Limited to one coupon per table, per visit. No carry outs. Dine-in only.

monDay special saturDay & sunDay specials

$

1.75

Domestic Bottles

2.00

$

23 oz. Footballs

Daily lunch specials

Mon thru thurs. 10 AM to 6 PM for $5.75 Fish specials every fridAy, 10AM to 9 PM

AppETIzERS ARE HALF pRICE, MON - THURS. FROM 3 pM TO 6 pM Come watch all your favorite BIG 10 NETWORK teams on our 9 TVs & two 55" HDTV Widescreens! DJ David zane every Fri. and Sat. night, from 9 pM to 2 AM

FISH FRY EVERY FRIDAY • ADULT DINING • FULL MENU CARRY OUT

• Homemade Soups • Tacos • Daily Specials • Great Variety of Seafood

FULL MENU OF

Sandwiches, Steaks & Fried Chicken

Blackhawks Game Day special When the Blackhawks are playing, we will have Labatt Blue import draft on special Pints for $1.50 on Game day

Limited time, get a FREE $10 Bonus Certificate* when you buy $50 in gift certificates. *Offer ends 12/31/13

RESTAURANT GUIDE BENNETT CURTIS HOUSE. 302 W Taylor St, Grant Park, Ill. 815.465.2288. The 18 room mansion’s menu features luxury cuts of steaks, gourmet seafood and other specials prepared to perfection. BLACKSTONE WOODFIRE GRILL. 7311 Mallard Lane, Schererville. 219.769.0000. blackstonewoodfiregrill.com.

BlackStone Woodfire Grill is Northwest Indiana’s destination for mouthwatering steaks, tender ribs and bone-in chops and perfectly-grilled seafood. CHUCK & IRENE’S BAR, RESTAURANT AND HOTEL. 6110 Kennedy Ave, Hammond. 219.844.9812. chuckandirenes.com.

Chuck and Irene’s offers traditional family cuisine in a comfortable and homey atmosphere. Chuck and Irene’s offers a fullservice bar, restaurant and hotel.. JERK 2 GO. 3825 Main Street, East Chicago. 219.391.1000.

Jerk 2 Go serves Jerk, African and Soul food in their convenient East Chicago location. Along with affordable and flavorful food, Jerk 2 Go hosts special event nights, such as comedy nights. NORTHWOODS HEARTY HOME COOKING AND SALOON. 968 E Steger Road, Crete. 708.672.1167. northwoodssaloon.com.

Friday Special

Hearty meals like those on Grandma’s table make up the Northwoods menu, while the warm setting draws diners in.

All You Care To Eat - Yellow Lake Perch or Snow Crab Legs

Kids Eat Free Wed Nights

Wine Down Wednesday

Up to 2 kids age 12 or younger can order from our kids 1/2 price any bottle of wine menu for every regularly priced adult entree purchased*

(*Not applicable to sandwiches. Not valid with any other discounts, coupons or specials. Dine-in only.) *Bonus certificate valid from 01/28/14.

10 OFF

$

$50.00 food purchase Mon-Thu 4-9pm Fri-Sat 4-10pm Sunday 12-9pm Pub Open Daily

Dine-in only. Limit one per table on food only. Not applicable to Friday AYCE or Surf & Turf for two. Expires 01/31/14.

BlackStoneWoodfireGrill.com

Reserve Now for Holiday Parties! 219.769.0000 7311 Mallard Lane • Schererville, IN • (former Kelsey’s location) 18

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PAPI CHULO’S. 13601 South Calhoun, Chicago. 773.646.9000. papi-chulos.net.

Villa Cesare SPIKE’S LAKESIDE INN. 21 E Joliet St, Schererville. 219.322.4444.

For dinner, Spike’s seafood is the star, with everything from lake perch to crab cakes made fresh. TAPAS CAFÉ.

2486 W Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville. 219.769.7008. tapascafe.net.

Tapas Café offers a fusion of always-fresh traditional artisan Spanish-Iberic meals. Tapas include a wide variety of appetizers of Spanish cuisine. They may be cold such as Salpicon de Mariscos or warm like the Calamari a la Plancha. Appetizers from the southwest such as the nachos or quesadillas are also available. Salads are guilt-less but flavorful. T-BONES PIER 11. 1111 Lakeside, LaPorte. 219.362.5077. pleastshore.com.

This Italian steakhouse is carefully tucked into a cove of scenic Pine Lake. As expected, the seafood hits a high standard; a range of salads, pizzas and pasta selections round out the lighter supper fare. This is the place to indulge in a T-bone, New York strip, filet mignon or flat iron steak grilled over a wood fire.

Papi Chulo’s offers a varied menu from cheese sticks to burgers and other specials.

TEIBEL’S. 1775 US Highway 41, Schererville. 219.865.2000. teibels.com.

PEPE’S MEXICAN. Various locations, pepes.com.

Teibel’s tradition continues with beloved house specialties including fried chicken and yellow lake perch.

Pepe’s menu offers a broad selection of authentic Mexican style food made with great care and attention to detail. THE QUEST. 1204 W Lincoln Highway, Schererville. 219.322.4812. thequesteatery.com.

Enjoy hearty entrees and crowd-pleasing favorites in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Drink specials, music nights and more are sure to draw in the crowds. ROUND THE CLOCK. Various Locations, roundtheclock.com. Open 24 hours,

Round the Clock restaurants have been a Region staple and a popular favorite for family dining.

T.J. MALONEY’S AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB. 800 East 81st Avenue, Merrillville. 219.755.0569. starplaza.com/dining/ diningtj-maloneys.

T.J. Maloney’s is one of the area’s top social destinations for meeting with friends, family and business clients. In addition to the genuine atmosphere, the pub features signature, authentic Irish menu items, blended and balanced with American favorites. VILLA CESARE. 900 Eagle Ridge Dr, Schererville. 219.322.3011. villacesare.com.

Villa Cesare offers quality food in abundance and first-class service at its banquet facility.


TASTE+SIP+DINE Experience Whole Jerk Turkey for the Holidays Friday & Saturday - Family Entertainment Good Food Meets Fun 5pm-12am “Eat with the Jerks” & “Funny & Rude, Jerks Waiters” Free Meal Coupon when you order 2 dinners

now serving sunday breakfast starting at 7am - 2pm 10% off sunday breakfast with this ad. Offer valid Sundays only until 12/29/13.

(Meals on $5 Menu (valid thru 12.31.13))

Dine-In, Delivery, Carry Out or Catering 3825 Main Street | East Chicago, IN 219.391.1000 www.jerk2go.com Sunday-Thursday 10am-10pm

1204 W. Lincoln Hwy. | Schererville, IN 219.322.4812 thequesteatery.com

BUY 1 Entrée GET 1 Half Off with this ad , Mon. thru Fri. Not valid weekends. One coupon per table.

You don’t have to go downtown to experience the worldwide favorites that have originated in Spain, Mexico and other Spanish countries. Enjoy a fusion of always fresh traditional choices from tapas to paella.

• SENIOR DISCOUNT 10% OFF Includes FREE desert

Tapas Cafe Gift Cards make the perfect gift!

1103 Joliet St. | Dyer, IN 219-440-7948 www.benedictindyer.com PRIVATE PARTIES / Book Yours Now ! n w i .co m /g o

$6.99 Express Lunch Available Mon-Fri. Mention this ad for a FREE Papas Bravas (Appetizer)

2486 Lincoln Hwy | Merrillville, IN 219.769.7008 www.tapascafe.net

Purchase by December 24th! holiDay Gift carDs Buy $100 in Teibel’s Gift Cards and Receive $20 Holiday Dollars to use for yourself!!! Come Out and See the Christmas Lights!

the best in year-round ear ound dining and lodging on beautiful Pine Lake at the Blue Heron Inn. T-bones Pier 11 features the best Steaks, Chops and Seafood prepared on our cherry wood-burning grill!

Next to the Blue

1775 US Highway 41 | Schererville, IN 219.865.2000 | www.teibels.com

Thursdays and Sundays Only 30% off your entire bill on lunch or dinner. Not valid with AYCE or any other offer or coupons. Expires 1/19/14. • Full Salad Bar • Smoke Free Dining Room • Smoking in Bar Only

SPIkeS lakeSIde 2 21 E Joliet St | Schererville, IN 219.322.4444

Heron Inn

1110 Lakeside St., LaPorte, IN 800-575-3880

www.pleastshore.com

Ring in the new YeaR at Villa CesaRe December 31, 2013 from 7pm – 1:30am Includes Open Bar, Family Style Dinner, Champagne & Favors at Midnight & Continental Breakfast. $100 per couple. Featuring DJ Rick Klein Sophisticated Sounds

900 Eagle Ridge Drive • Schererville, IN 219.322.3011 www.villacesare.com 1 2 . 1 9. 2 0 1 3 / T h e T i m e s M e d i a C o . / G o !

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shop the

HOLIDAY HOURS

O p e n e v e r y D ay U n t i l C h r i s t m a s !

Newly21,000 Remodeled Sq. Ft. Showroom

100 people here to serve you! • Over 250 additonal parking spaces! Over 30,000 pieces of jewelry and watches in our store!

More than

For exclusive deals and more, text ALBERTS to 57711 or scan to join our text club!

711 Main St. Schererville, IN | 219-322-2700 HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9am-9pm, Sun.: 11am-5pm

Southlake Mall Merrillville, IN | 219-769-1976 HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 10am-6pm

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